February 28th, 2016

C M Y K

www.morungexpress.com

SunDAY • februArY 28 • 2016

DIMAPUR • Vol. XI • Issue 56 • 12 PAGes • 5

T H e

ESTD. 2005

P o W e R

o F

The reason why so few good books are written is that so few people who can write know anything Opp to bring privilege motion against Irani in Parliament PAGE 08

reflections

By Sandemo Ngullie

Rethinking a new Angami identity

Chizokho Vero

DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 27 (MExN): As a precautionary measure and in view of the recent tension at Mariani-Nakachari area, ADC Mokokchung on Saturday advised vehicles from Nagaland to avoid the Amguri-Mariani-Titabar route till further notice. Vehicles may instead ply through the AmguriJorhat-Golaghat route or via Kohima, the advisory from Mokokchung district administration added.

2 killed, 4 injured in road mishap DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 27 (MExN): Two women were killed and four others were injured in a road accident at 3rd Mile, Dimapur on February 27. According to traffic police (Zone II), the accident reportedly occurred when a passenger autorickshaw lost control while trying to avoid hitting a pedestrian crossing the road.

It happened around 1:00 pm as the three-wheeler with five passengers was proceeding towards Chumukedima. It further hit an oncoming vehicle and turned turtle, the traffic police informed. The deceased, identified as Nouneü Metha (13 years) and Epibeni Odyuo (32 years) succumbed to injury in hospital. They were residents of 4th Mile. Four others, including the driver survived with injuries but their condition could not be ascertained. Among the survivors was a woman identified as Moarenla Longkumer, who was admitted to ZHRC. The two other male passengers, identified as S Keni Sangtam and Kiheto were admitted to CIHSR. The traffic police said that the pedestrian, whom the autorickshaw reportedly tried to avoid hitting, could not be located, while adding that the police were on the job to locate the person.

MSME union minister pledge Rs 10 crore for NTTC

C M Y K

DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 27 (MExN): Apparently impressed with the functioning of the Nagaland Tools and Training Centre (NTTC) in Dimapur, Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Kalraj Mishra on Saturday announced Rs 10 crore for extension of NTTC. “I appreciate the functioning of the training centre. I am so impressed to see the Nagaland Empowerment of People through Energy Development (NEPeD) unit and the innovative ideas, especially the invention of Hydrogers here,” the union minister said during his visit to the centre located at New Industrial Estate, Dimapur, according to a DIPR report.

During his visit, Mishra interacted with the officials and trainees of the centre.

Asia Cup: India beat Pakistan in low scoring thriller PAGE 12

Bridge the vital gap in our human capital: tr Kohima | February 27

Travel advisory on Amguri-MarianiTitabar route

— Walter Bagehot

PAGE 02

A worrying reality: State has sufficient number of architects, engineers and technical diploma holders, but no construction workers

Yes, honey! The conference is on and going well..

T R u T H

With attendance of more than 2000 delegates and 54 Naga youth achievers, a two day long Nagaland Youth Summit culminated here today on a constructive note by coming out with significant recommendations on governance, entrepreneurship and skills building, which will be submitted to the State Government.

The Summit, organized

by YouthNet in association with Nagaland State Government, among the others resolved to declare the year 2016 as the “Year of Construction Workers” which was endorsed by Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang.

Deliberating on the often overlooked but pertinent issue of the profession of construction works in Nagaland, which is squarely dominated by ‘outsiders,’ Zeliang in his address viewed that even though the state has sufficient number of architects, engineers and technical diploma holders, there are no construction

workers.

Terming it as a “vital gap in our human resource, or human capital,” Zeliang said this has brought the Nagaland state to a very odd situation.

“Even if the Centre or the state sanctions any important project, we, the Nagas cannot implement any project by ourselves without the assistance of outsiders as construction workers,” Zeliang pointed out.

He maintained that since construction of buildings and roads are taking place all over the state, construction workers coming from outside have now spread themselves in all the nooks and corners of the state.

“This itself will pose a danger of changing the demographic profile of the state in the long run, example of which can be seen in some north eastern states,” he cautioned.

The chief minister further put his point across with a little explanation.

“If we also consider that most of the construction

recoMMenDAtions of nAGAlAnD YoUtH sUMMit On Good Governance • Enable public participation at all levels especially youths at pre-policy stage of consultation and implementation process • Make use of all forms of media for engaging citizens’ participation On Entrepreneurship • To set up an entrepreneurship cell to provide entrepreneurship skills and work with banks in order to provide 100 units financing under Credit Guaranteed Small & Medium Enterprises up to an amount of Rs 1 crore and 1000 units financing under MudraTarun up to 10 lakhs annually Chief minister TR Zeliang, Lok Sabha MP Neiphiu Rio and delegates at the culminating programme of Nagaland Youth Summit 2016 in Kohima on February 27. (Morung Photo)

materials, such as cement, iron & steel, roofing materials, bitumen etc are coming from outside the state, we will realize that out of Rs 3000 to 4000 crores of developmental expenditure being spent every year in the state, only a small fraction remains in the state as contractors margin of profit, taxes etc.”

He said this dependence on outside workers for construction needs to be pondered over seriously at the same time questioning if the Nagas are on the right track to prosperity.

With the construction industry being touted as one of the fastest growing sectors in the economy of this country, including the

North East Region, Zeliang also revealed that the largest chunk of the government’s annual development expenditure are accounted for by construction works.

“It provides one of the biggest avenues for employment. The wages are also good, when we consider the relatively low level of skill required of the average construction workers,” he said.

Espousing confidence that Naga workers can do equally good and even better with better educational qualifications, the chief minister wanted Naga youths to discuss on how to bridge this vital gap in the human resource development.

Zeliang also said the government would be willing to come out with special schemes or missions to be implemented in collaboration with NGOs, provided a good model can be worked out and submitted to the government.

Also touching on the contentious issue of Nagaland Special Development Zone (NSDZ), Zeliang said the State Government wants to constitute an Investment Board. He said if Naga youth are prepare to support this, the government will take up the matter to the Cabinet, bring it to the assembly and constitute an Investment Board so that any company who

DNP+ withdraws affiliation from NNP+

DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 27 (MExN): The Dimapur Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS (DNP+) on Saturday withdrew its affiliation to the Network of Naga People Living with HIV/AIDS (NNP+) while crying foul over the imposition of election before completion of tenure of its present governing board.

A press statement from DNP+ general secretary, Visietsino informed that the DNP+ is a community based organization and therefore, NNP+ Kohima or any other NGO cannot be directly involved in selection and election of its

board members.

Asserting that such action is totally against the constitution of the organization, the press statement pointed out that the decision of the DNP+ general body, pertaining to all decisions of the organizations, is final and binding.

“If needed, they (NNP+) can be invited for technical support, however they do not have any say or voting rights in the election process,” it said.

Another reason, DNP+

highlighted was the termination its board members from membership without any valid reasons by NNP+

istration order notified them on the authorization of a new governing board member formed under the aegis of NNP+ to hold the remaining period of the present tenure which ends on October 2016.

This letter of termination of the present governing board by NNP+ is “highly mischievous and is intended to misguide the district administration” so that the judgment of the authorities will be in their favour, it alleged.

It also alleged that the

Cries foul over imposition of election by NNP+ before completion of its present governing board through their letter to the Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur dated February 2, 2016.

The DNP+ said its office came to know of the termination only on February 16 when the district admin-

funds meant for DNP+ for Targeted Interventions (TI) projects were held up by the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) under pressure from NNP+ and NNagaDAO causing extreme financial and mental hardship on the staff and families of DNP+.

In this connection, DNP+ said it has resolved to withdraw its affiliation until such time that the president of NNP+ president steps down. Further, it also resolved to observe a peaceful agitation at its office premises on March 1 to highlight their plight and grievances.

On Skills Building • To declare the year 2016 as the Year of Construction Workers • To give opportunity to skilled candidates from local training institutes • To set up BPOs in Nagaland • To start soft skills classes from the school level want to invest in Nagaland will be welcome to do so.

Lok Sabha MP Neiphiu Rio called upon the Naga youths to have the right attitude and commitment to be achievers.

“If we wait and sit for things to happen, it will never happen,” Rio said.

The Nagaland MP also appealed the State Government and leaders to support the young Nagas as they are “our hope and future.”

Former chief secretary Alemtemshi Jamir said the aspiration of Naga youth

is better future, career and job while they are also concerned for over the existence of corruption in government system and society.

Nevertheless, Jamir said the growing negativism among Naga youths has become a major concern. “If we continue to think that Nagaland is bad and continue to criticize the system, we are not heading anywhere,” he maintained while calling for positive thinking among the youth to usher in changes in the society.

Related news on page 5

ANGPTA disassociates itself from ANSTA

DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 27 (MExN): Central Executive Council of the All Nagaland Graduate Primary Teachers Association (ANGPTA) informed on Saturday that it has disassociated/de-affiliated itself from All Nagaland School Teachers’ Association (ANSTA).

A press statement from ANGPTA said the decision was taken while taking into account the “callous attitude of the ANSTA Central Executive” in taking up the issue of their ultimatum letter issued on February 15, 2016.

“Henceforth, as empowered by the Constitu-

tion of India (Article 191- c) and on the failure on the part of ANSTA to meet to our demand, the ANGPTA shall function as a separate service association for the cause and welfare of its members,” the press statement read.

The association has also informed its members serving the ANSTA in different capacities to tender their resignation from their respective posts with immediate effect, from the date of publication of this letter, and endorsed the same to the ANGPTA Central office for reference and necessary action.

Work out common landing ground NPSVMS adjudged Most Innovative Application acceptable to all stakeholders: NTC

DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 27 (MExN): Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) has heartily welcomed the ‘unification’ of five Naga Political Groups (NPGs) and at the same time appreciated the magnanimity of the leaders of each group.

“This is a very positive development towards the indispensable Naga unity,” said a press statement issued by media cell, NTC on Saturday. It espoused belief that with this understanding, a cornerstone has been laid for brining the rest in the periphery to one fold which is undeniably the prerequisite for a better future.

NTC reminded that ever since the Naga political movement was emasculated due to internal mishaps and ridden with factions, no major regrouping had taken place till the recent spontaneous coming together of 5 political groups with better understanding and closer

tie-up of late on their own without much noise of taxing mediators.

Heartily welcoming the unification, the NTC appealed to all the responsible participants to work out a “common landing ground” which is acceptable to the stakeholders as a whole for furtherance of common interest ac-

NTC said while emphasizing that the contemporary Naga leaders should be guided by the principle of truth and accept the ground realities rather than flown by falsehood and superficialities.

It may be recalled that on February 23 last, five NPGs namely 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) had come together to issue a joint press statement questioning the activities of the Parliamentary Working Committee (PWC) of the Nagaland Joint Legislators’ Forum on Naga political issue.

It had also asked the Government of India to show political maturity in handling the Indo-Naga issue and bring into the negotiating table all the stakeholders so as to find a timely solution that is honorable and acceptable.

Welcomes unification of 5 NPGs as positive development towards the indispensable Naga unity knowledging that the final decision lies with people.

It noted that for strengthening and broadening support base, “lobbying is indeed essential internally and externally, nevertheless, what cannot be ignored by all concerned is the internal strength which is the priority.”

“Overlooking unity factor at home front and at its expense going overboard may not fetch dividends except widening gaps,” the

DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 27 (MExN): Nagaland Police SMS based Vehicle Monitoring System (NPSVMS) was adjudged the ‘Most Innovative Application’ in the category of e-Governance and Service Delivery in the Digital North East Summit 2016 held in Shillong, Meghalaya on Friday.

NPSVMS emerged winner out of eleven fi-

nalists in the category.

Meghalaya State Agriculture Marketing Portal won Special Mention from the same category. The jury comprised of Rajesh Verma, former IT Secretary, Sikkim, Prof. Basav Roy Chaudhury, Associate Professor, IIM Shillong and Ebenezer Lyngwah, Head Consultant, e-Governance, Dept of IT, Meghalaya.

A press note from PHQ, Kohima explained that the SMS based Vehicle Monitoring System introduced in April 2015 has resulted in substantial reduction in the theft of four wheelers across the state.

Also, 91 vehicles have been recovered so far using the Application. It provides easy platform for policemen and citizens to report

vehicle theft and alert the various field formations of police across the state through sending one SMS. It also provides an easy andinstantaccesstopoliceto the various official repositories of vehicular data thereby empowering it to verify the genuineness of the documents presented by the owner of the vehicle in a few seconds, the press note stated.

‘Cyber security has more to it than passwords’ Morung Express News Dimapur | February 27

“Cyber security is a much larger virtual game than simply using passwords,” is how technocrat and international cyber analyst, Subhimal Bhattacharjee defined the complexities surrounding security in cyber space. For a lay person, whose knowledge of computers and cyber space is limited to ‘browsing’, online transactions and social media, awareness and knowing the basics would go a long way in keeping malicious cyber intrusions at bay, stated Bhattacharjee.

Bhattacharjee, who is the Country Head of Gen-

eral Dynamics International Corporation, was speaking at a seminar on cyber security – Cyber Defender Dimapur on Saturday. The seminar was organised by the Society for Cyber Security at Holy Cross Higher Secondary School, Dimapur on Saturday with students as its primary target audience. Students from several schools attended the seminar.

Hacking of social media accounts with malicious intent has become common occurrence. To thwart such intrusions, Bhattacharjee said the first thumb rule for users of social media is to use strong passwords while making

it a habit of changing it frequently. “The password however should not be related to any of your personal credential.” The same thumb rule applies to online banking accounts.

“However, if someone succeeds in hacking into your account, lodge a police complaint,” Bhattacharjee added.

In the context of Indian law, ‘hacking’ as it has come to be known is illegal.

“But there are good hackers and bad hackers,” he said referring to people who work to prevent and counter cyber attacks and those who plan and execute subversive attacks.

Stating that cyber secu-

rity is getting bigger and its dynamics more complex as attacks become more sophisticated, Bhattacharjee envisaged that it would be practically impossible to make predictions on the quantum of its growth.

On the flipside, this growth bodes well from an employment perspective.

According to Bhattacharjee, it is projected that around 5 lakh jobs would be required in this sector alone by 2019 in India.

“With growing knowledge and growing complexities, anything can happen today in cyber space. Everyone everywhere has to be tuned in,” he said.

2

sunDAY 28•02•2016

NAGALAND

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Rethinking a new Angami identity

7th phase of ‘Morung: Heart of listening and back to one’s roots’ Morung Express News Kohima | February 27

“When the philosophy and ideology of a nation is wrong, everything goes wrong. When the foundation and roots are born from a narrow ideology, a people cannot progress,” stated noted Historian Dr. Visier Sanyü Meyasetsu at the 7th phase of ‘Morung: Heart of listening and back to one’s roots’ which was held on February 27 at ASU office Kohima with Dr. Visier as the resource person.

Focusing on the Angami community, the theme for the 7th phase was “Rethinking of a new Angami Identity” where Dr. Visier delivered a critical narrative of the Angami community putting forward the weaknesses, threats as well as strength of the community and the need for the right ideology and philosophy for the community

to progress with a broader perspective.

‘How do a nation and a people progress?’ was a question put forward by Dr. Visier while pointing out the very narrow and parochial ideology of the Angamis which is often exclusive. The perpetration of Exclusivism needs to break and pave way for reinvention of the community.

Warning the dangers of Angami fundamentalism and fanaticism, Dr. Visier stated that one of the most dangerous elements in society is when the people start believing in a myth and which is slowly assumed as real. Dr. Visier further asked the participants on how to break out of the narrowness and suggested the need for a paradigm shift and re-invention of the philosophy of the community.

To bring about the idea of paradigm shift, Dr. Sanyü opened the space for the participants to discuss on the Strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the community. The participants were divided into four groups each focusing

Participants along with Dr. Visier Sanyü at the 7th phase of ‘Morung: Heart of listening and back to one’s roots’ held on February 27. (Morung Photo)

on one of the mentioned topics. The strength of the community as put forward by the participants were the topography, natural resources, and geographic significance of the community, the sense of belongingness, the advantage of being the Capital city which also brings commercial advantage, high sense of equality and respect for women and putting the interests

of the nation first from its own interest. On the other hand, the weaknesses of the community, according to a group of participants included complacency, hostility and judgmental attitude of the Angamis. Another major drawback of the community is the lack of frankness or the “Kethera” attitude where people fail to speak the truth due to fear of hurting the per-

son’s sentiment. “We speak equality in terms of theory but not in practice.” asserted a lady participant. Some of the threats pointed out were linguistic and cultural threats, the economic threat where lands are recklessly alienated, domination of business structure by outsiders, social threat due to lack of guidance, failure to mobilize the strength of the young, failure to build up

the second generation for political stability and the biggest threat is the parochial interest of putting the clan and community first before the interest of the whole nation. Another crucial threat of the community is the religious threat where denomination or a religious sect becomes the identity of a person.

During the course of interaction, Medo Yhokha,

President Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) stated that in order to re-invent the philosophy of the people, the community must go back to trace one’s roots and correct the mistakes created. The present generation both young and old must be the catalyst for change, and should not pass the responsibility to the next generation.

Living in the present by glorifying the past, was another drawback of the community as cited by Dr. David Sachü, Sazolie College.

Further criticizing a popular maxim of the Angamis that is “Keviu U ya!”

(The best is ours), Dr. Visier reminded the participants on the values and traditions of our ancestors who put others’ interest and needs first before their own interest. Some of the values cited by Dr. Visier were the feast of merit, which was performed by a wealthy person in the village in order to equally share the wealth in his community and to restrain him from becoming greedy. Another example is the significance

of hunting in the ancient Angami culture where the hunter hunted for wild animals which was cooked and distributed to neighbours, women and children in his community. The hunting was always performed with a prayer to the Creator where the wild animal is sacrificed to feed the weak in the community.

“We can reinvent our foundation by getting the right motto, the right philosophy and the right ideology. We are all meant to be big enough to have the wisdom to make others better and bigger than us,” concluded Dr. Visier Sanyü.

The year-long project is an initiative by PathFinders which started in September 2015 in collaboration with Angami Students’ Union (ASU). The core idea behind the project is to provide a space for dialogue and debate among young leaders and to provide a positive outlook and approach towards the culture of students’ welfare with constructive and knowledge bank through various creative medium.

WSBAK Akuvuto Music Centre inaugurated Seminar on gender sensitization among youth held Morung Express News Dimapur | February 27

With the objective of nurturing children musically from their early age in order to prepare them to become music professionals, Akuvuto Music Centre (AMC) was inaugurated at WSBAK Mission Centre, Akuvuto, Thahekhu by Ghukhato (Gugs) Chishi, Project Director, Music Task Force, Government of Nagaland on Saturday.

AMC is a flagship project of Music Department under WSBAK and its other objectives include creating opportunities for young people to develop their musical skills in order to allow them to get involved in church ministry. AMC, which is a non-profitable project, also envisages to provide music learning opportunity to the church leaders for effective ministry.

Delivering a short speech on the occasion, Ghukhato Chishi described music as one of the best outreach activities for the church. He said music has been identified as one of the main pool talents that

Project Director, MTF, Gugs Chishi (2nd from right) along with AMC and WSBAK staff at AMC Akuvuto on Saturday. (Morung Photo)

could be exploited in the northeast region and emphasised on the power of voice in connecting people irrespective of their origin.

Encouraging the music teachers, Ghukhato said that identifying musical talents in young people sometimes depends upon the teachers going a little extra mile by dedicating their time and effort. “While musical talents come natural-

ly for some, there are others who may not be aware of their musical skills. So it depends upon the teachers to identify such students hone their skills,” he added.

He expressed the hope that the AMC, through community support, would turn out to be a grooming ground for bringing music to connect with the Lord and be a place of blessing for the society.

With English as the medium of instruction and qualified team of teachers, AMC offers courses in piano, voice, classical guitar, violin, music theory, flute and conducting. Registration is open for students of seven years of age and above.

For more information, one can contact phone numbers: 03862-244010 and 9436603172.

Kohima, February 27 (mexN): The Nagaland State Commission for Women, Kohima in collaboration with SASRD, Nagaland University’s Cell for Elimination of Sexual Harassment & Task Force to deal with Gender based violence and Gender Sensitization and Students’ Union: SASRD organized a seminar on gender sensitization among the youth on February 26 in SASRD auditorium.

The programme was chaired by Kakheli Jakhalu, member NSCW, while the welcome address was given

by Prof. M. Aleminla Ao. In the introductory address Dr. Temsula Ao, Chairperson, NSCW, said that no matter what laws and ordinances and other such measures are enacted and put in place, if the attitude of respect for the other gender is not instilled and inculcated, then the essence of humanity will not be there. She reiterated the importance having a positive mindset that respects and upholds the uniqueness of all humans and to uphold human dignity in all walks

NSCW members, with faculty and students of SASRD during the seminar on gender sensitization among the youth held on February 26.

of life. Gender sensitization should start from the home and family and should be taught in the schools and colleges so that it becomes a way of life, she asserted.

Dr. Pauline Alila, Assoc Prof Department of Horticulture, highlighted the functions of the Cell for Elimination of Sexual Harassment as well as the Task Force to deal with gender based violence and gender sensitization which has been constituted in SASRD. Khrietsünuo Mere, Women Welfare Secretary, SU: SASRD gave an account of her role in the students

union and also expressed her views on discrimination and the need to change mindsets not only of boys but also girls. Watisenla Longkumer, B. Sc. (Ag) Hons 2nd Year gave a talk about gender sensitization and the need of her generation to become enlightened and truly educated torch bearers to make a difference and to bring about a change.

Otto Awomi, PhD Research Scholar, Department of Entomology, in his talk rued the fact that bias and even discrimination against men by giving pref-

erences to women especially in job postings etc are accepted as normal. While acknowledging that women do suffer he also pointed out that if the women are timid and do not voice out their opinions/grievances then nothing will change because change has to come from within oneself.

Asangla Cholong, member NSCW highlighted the work done by the Commission. This was followed by an informal discussion. The programme ended with a vote of thanks delivered by Viqheshe Futhena, General Secretary SU: SASRD.

MEx File

AAY food grains for Kohima centre

Kohima, February 27 (mexN): All the FPS /village councils of Kohima centre have been informed that the AAY food grains for two months will be released from February 29 to March 2 between 10:30 AM & 4:00 PM. All the concerned FPS/village councils have been directed to collect their respective quota within the stipulated period. This was stated in a release issued by Kapenlo Thong, assistant director, food & civil supplies, Kohima.

ANGPTA extends support Dimapur, February 27 (mexN): The Zunheboto unit of All Nagaland Graduate Primary Teachers Association (ANGPTA) has extended its fullest support to the ongoing association fight for justice for Graduate primary teachers of Nagaland. The Unit General Secretary Hekuto Yeptho in a press note stated that it will not remain a “mute spectator” when attempts are being made to silence genuine demand of the ANGPTA and will give its best support to “fight for our rights.”

“We urge upon the concerned department to take cognizance of the situation and proper steps are put in place so as to ensure that Justice is delivered to ANGPTA,” it added.

Online registration facility for Army recruitment Dimapur, February 27 (mexN): In order to facilitate online registration for Army Recruitment Rally for the aspiring candidates, the Army Recruiting Office Rangapahar, Dimapur has opened four counters. Informing this in a press note, the Secretary Rajya Sainik Board and Director Sainik Welfare & Resettlement Nagaland Brig KK Roy Choudhury, SM, VSM (Retd) said these counters will be available on all working days during office hours and are free of cost. Those candidates who are unable to register their names on line are requested to avail this facility, it added.

Online registration is mandatory for up-

coming Army Recruitment Rally to be held from April 5-7 in Kohima.

BMS Jotsoma observes National Science Day Dimapur, February 27 (mexN): Baptist Mission School Jotsoma observed National Science Day by organising quiz competition on inventors and their inventions. In the senior category all together 35 students and in junior category 34 students participated in the competition. The programme was organized by the science club under the leadership of Zapusino and Kenisazo Nagi the science teachers of the school. Kihoto and Amujao Singh were the Quiz masters of the day. VJ Thomas, Headmaster of the school highlighted the importance of observing the National Science Day while giving away the prizes to the winners.

NLA Committee meeting Kohima, February 27 (mexN): The meeting of Select Committee on ‘Nagaland Prohibition of Gambling and Promotion & Regualtion of Online Games and Skills Bill, 2015’ has been fixed on March 2, 11AM at Committee Room of Assembly Secretariat. A press note from Nagaland Legislative Assembly Secretariat Additional Secretary K Sekhose informed that the meeting will examine the Bill and requested the concerned Committee Members to attend the aforementioned meeting without failure.

IRCSW free medical camp WoKha, February 27 (mexN): Around 120 villagers were treated by a team of Doctors and Medical personnel led by Dr. Enrithug Kikon CMO Wokha during a free medical camp conducted

by IRCS Wokha at Hankvu on February 19. The DC and SP of Wokha Wokha were also present at the camp. A press note from A. Robin Lotha Deputy Commissioner & Chairman IRCSWDB thank the villager councils of Hankvu and N Longchum for the cooperation and hospitality extended towards the success of the programmme.

SunDAY 28•02•2016

NORTH-EAST

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

School torched, tribal house demolished in Mizoram

aIzawl, February 27 (IaNS): A primary school was burnt down and a house was demolished at the Chakma tribe inhabited Tuichawng Chhuah village in Mizoram's Lunglei district, an official statement said on Saturday.

Mizoram Chakma Alliance Against Discrimination in its statement said that they would discuss the issue with Congress President Sonia Gandhi who according to them has been raising the issue of the rights of minorities in India.

Confirming the incident, Deputy Commissioner of Lunglei District Abhijit Bijoy Chowdhury told IANS over the phone that he could not provide

any further details.

Chakma alliance President Paritosh Chakma in the statement said that on Friday a group of Mizo students burnt down the primary school and demolished a house in an attempt to force the 49 Chakma minority families to vacate the village.

"The minority Chakma families have been living at Tuichawng Chhuah village for over four decades and Mizoram government has extended all the facilities including school, assistance under new farming flagship policy, ration card, voter cards, electricity among others," the president said.

"Additional Deputy Commissioner of Lunglei district on December 17

last year had issued eviction notice to 49 Chakma families to vacate the Tuichawng Chhuah village.

Then a writ petition was filed before the Guwahati High Court against the notice and the court stayed the eviction order."

"The Mizoram government has totally failed to protect the Chakma tribal minorities despite the order of the Guwahati High Court. We shall be raising the issue with Congress President Sonia Gandhi who has been raising the rights of minorities in India as to what the Congress government has been doing for persecution of the minorities in Mizoram," he added.

Shutdown disrupts normal life in Imphal East Imphal, February 27 (IaNS): A 48-hour shutdown called on Saturday by an organisation demanding that a new district be carved out of Imphal East affected normal life in the area.

No vehicle has been plying along National Highway 37 (linking this city to Assam) and some other roads in the Imphal East area due to the shutdown called by Jiribam Districthood Demand Committee.

The shops and commercial centres remain closed. There was thin attendance in government offices and other establishments.

The Committee is demanding that Jiribam,

currently a sub-division of Imphal East district, be given the status of a fullyfledged district.

It has vowed to launch various forms of agitations until the new district is created. Imphal East is one of the nine districts of Manipur which has a territory of 22,327 sq km. Though the state government has said it agreed to the demand in principle, it has not yet taken any steps in that direction.

There have also been complaints that some tribal areas have been included in the projected territory of the proposed district, which the Committee denies.

Several Naga organ-

Left protest in Tripura against JNU student arrest aGarTala, February 27 (aNI): Left parties took out a protest demonstration here over police action against Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) students and demanded unconditional release of those arrested and the withdrawal of the sedition case against them.

According to the protester, BJP functionaries are openly threatening democracy and the right to debate and dissent thereby weakening the very foundations of Indian constitutional rights. Led by CPI(M) state secretary Bijon Dhar along with leader of the Left Front - CPI, RSP and Forward Block, cadres demonstrated protest against police action in the JNU case and saffronization of higher education by the BJP lead NDA government at the centre. "Against the fascistic attack of the central government and the JNU administrative body and it is for protecting the constitutional right of right to expression which is being attacked by the BJP led central government. This is a part of conspiracy of formation of Hindu nation," said Dhar.

When asked if his party supported the 'anti-national slogans' allegedly raised in the JNU Dhar categorically said that there is no question of supporting 'anti-India slogan' "I think you have heard already the student union leaders and the student union itself they condemned this type of anti-national slogan. So the problem you see when Hitler launched attack against Leftist, Communists and Socialist then there was a campaign that the Parliament Reichstag was burned by the Communist and then crackdown was there. This type of falsehood is going on so we must be careful as they can do anything. Even in our state we must be prepared to face all these odds," he added. The protesters raised slogans against the 'hate campaign' targeting students and Left parties.

They charged that NDA wants to capture universities and run them like RSS shakhas, which is the designs of the BJP party and its affiliates. The protesters demanded withdrawal of the cases of sedition and immediate unconditional release of all JNU students who have been arrested

following a protest on their campus against the hanging of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru where anti -national slogans were allegedly raised.

The protesters also raised slogans against 'saffronization of universities' and asked democratic forces to get united to resist the onslaught of 'communalism'.

The Left parties are campaigning throughout the country in defence of people's constitutional rights which according to them are under attack by the RSS-BJP.

isations have been saying that the proposed district should not encompass any Naga village which is an impossible task since the Naga and the Kuki villages are located in close proximity in the hill areas of the state.

Meanwhile, students' bodies and other groups have condemned an alleged act of arson on Thursday targeting the Jiribam college. Local residents managed to douse the raging fire before much damage.

There has also been a growing demand for the upgrade of Jiribam college, the only one in the subdivision, to a government college.

3

Ahead of Assam polls, Gadkari bats for robust infrastructure in North East Assam to get Rs. 25000 crores to improve road infrastructure

D h a kua k h a N a , February 27 (aNI): Centre will invest Rs. 25 thousand crores for developing road infrastructure in Assam, said Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, today, at a public meeting in Dhakuakhana.

The Union Minister, who laid foundation stone of road and bridge connecting the Union Minister for Road Transport, Highways & Shipping Nitin Gadkari and Union Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal during foundation stone laying of four laning of the four packages of NH-37 at Moran in Dibrugarh, Assam on Saturday. (Photo: PTI)

moraN, February 27 (pTI): Development of road and rail connectivity as well as robust power and communication network will bring development, attract industries and give employment to youth in Assam, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said today.

Acknowledging connectivity is the biggest problem of the north east region, Gadkari said, “After our government came to power last year, we decided to work for the development of the region and set the National Highway Road Development Corporation”.

Stating that prosperity follows development of roads, the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways said besides

surface connectivity, electricity and good mobile connection will attract industries to the N-E region, especially Assam.

Laying the foundation stone of four packages on NH-37 at Moran in Dibrugarh district of the state, Gadkari said the highest number of construction jobs would be given to local contractors and they would also be provided with machinery, mobilisation and transportation advance.

In the coming year, oneand-a-half lakh local workers would be employed in road construction work, he added.

The minister claimed that the four-lane work of the NH-37 would cost Rs 1,200 crore, adding that it would be concrete roads so that maintenance work gets minimal.

The projects for making them four-lane are 18.40 km road from end of Nagaon bypass to Rangagara costing Rs 225.02 crore, 18.315 km from Rangagara to Kaliabor Tinali worth Rs 289.99 crore, 26.90 km from Demow to end of Moran bypass at Rs 385.55 crore and 19 km road from end of Moran bypass to Bogibeel junction near Lepetkatta costing Rs 330.30 crore.

TRANSFORMATION CRUSADE Theme: “Arise and Shine…”

(Isaiah 60:1)

Date: 28 Feb. 2016 Time: 4:30 PM Venue: Khouchiezie (Local Ground), Kohima th

1. Leader

: Pastor Khrienieu Peniel Church

2. Pianist

: Er. Avolu Venyo

3. Conductor

: Mr. Razukhru Vasa

4. Invocation & Offertory Prayer : Mr. Saneilie Venyo 5. Speaker

: Rev. Zotuo Kiewhuo Pastor, Koinonia Baptist Church cum Principal, Kohima Bible College

Second Session @ 2PM Symptoms and Dangers of Devil Worship and Demon Possession: Lect. Mezhusevi Zutso This crusade is for all. Come with faith and receive the Blessings of Salvation, Deliverance, Healing and the Confirmation message.

NATIONAL SCHOOL OF DRAMA National School of Drama New Delhi (An autonomous Institution of the Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India)

Sikkim Theatre Training Centre, Gangtok

ONE YEAR RESIDENTIAL CERTIFICATE COURSE IN DRAMATIC ARTS (2016-2017)

ADMISSION NOTICE

The Sikkim Theatre Training Centre, Gangtok of the National School of Drama offers' One Year Residential Certificate Course in Dramatic Arts' at the NSD, Sikkim Theatre Training Centre, Development Area, Gangtok. It's a one year certificate course (full time - residential) in Dramatic Arts. The course starts from 20th July 2016 and aims at training students to become professionals in the area of acting, design and other theatre related disciplines.

Essential Qualifications: 1. 10+2 from any recognized board.

2. Working knowledge of Hindi & English.

Age Limit: As on 1 July 2016 Minimum 18 years Maximum 30 years.

Selection: An Expert Committee constituted by the centre will assess the aptitude and talent of the candidates & its decision will be final.

Medium of Instruction: Hindi & English.

Centre for TEST / AUDITION: Interview / Audition will be conducted at Sikkim Theatre Training Centre, Nepali Sahitya Parishad Bhawan, Development Area, Gangtok on 4th of May 2016 and 10th of May at Guwahati from 9:00am onwards. No TA/DA will be provided for the interview.

Financial Assistance: All selected students will be given scholarship of Rs.4500/-pm to meet their academic and other expenses.

Physical Fitness: The Students selected for admission will have to undergo a medical test for physical fitness at NSD (STTC), Gangtok. Their final selection is subject to clearance of the fitness test.

How to Apply: Applicants need to send a typed application for the mentioned course along with the 10+2 pass certificate along with complete bio-data & experience certificate of theatre (if only they have otherwise it is not compulsory).

Applicant will have to appear of interview at their cost. Only those who are from north - eastern states and Darjeeling district can apply. The applicant need to sent Rs.100/Demand Draft in favour of National School of Drama, Camp office, Sikkim. The applications can also be download from NSD website. The downloaded application form must be sent along with a Demand Draft of Rs.100/in favour of National School of Drama, Camp office, Sikkim. Forms sent in envelopes without DD/Pay order will not be entertained.

Application forms dully filled in and complete in all respects must reach to Camp Director, National School of Drama, Sikkim Theatre Training Centre, Nepali Sahitya Parishad Bhawan, Development Area, Gangtok, Sikkim, Pin code: 737101, Email: nsdsttc@gmail.com, Website: http://sikkim.nsd.gov.in on or before 31/03/2016.

No application form will be entertained after the last date.

river island Majuli, said that steps are being taken to develop the Brahmaputra as waterways.

He said that in the coming year, one-anda-half lakh local workers would be employed in road construction work. Gadkari earlier in day laid foundation stone of four laning of the four packages of NH-37 at Moran in Dibrugarh.

SOFT-TECH EDUCATION CENTRE

Opp. Holy Cross School, Dimapur *Basic 1 To 3 Month *Latest Window 2010 OS *DCA 3 To 6 Month *Latest Office 2013 *DTP 2 To 4 Month *12 Hours Current Facilities *ADCA 6 To 12 Month *Air condition Lab *Every Wednesday Internet Class *PGDCA 6 To 12 Month Modular *Regular Class Visual BASIC *Govt Recognised Call C++ 03862-225065 Java 9856303120 No Admission Fees only Oracle 9862908992 Nominal Monthly Fees TALLY

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS FOR CRAFT BAZAR AT URBAN HAAT, DIMAPUR. W.E.F: 29TH FEB TO 9TH MARCH, 2016.

Sl.No 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71100

Name of the Participants Address M/s Bothuki SHG Thilixu vill, Dimapur M/s Medo ( Tonikali ) Urra village, Dhansiripar M/s Hono Welfare Society Thilixu vill, Dimapur M/s Precilla Yimchunger Diphuphar A, Dimapur M/s Swutoli Philimi Philimi vill, Nagaland M/s Avi Chishi Litsami vill, Nagaland M/s Kilika Chishi LRC Colony, Dimapur M/s Alemla H East Dimapur, Nagaland M/s Repabenla Dimapur, Nagaland M/s Atula Jamir Changtongya, Nagaland M/s Akokla Dimapur, Nagaland M/s Soyim Unit Dimapur, Nagaland M/s Ajungla Full Nagarjan, Nagaland M/s Watila Full Nagarjan, Nagaland M/s Zhovinuo Bank Colony, Dimapur M/s Kaka & Brothers MPCS Wokha, Nagaland M/s Cherity Club MPCS Wokha, Nagaland M/s Likyaro Weaving & H/Loom Wokha, Nagaland M/s Phomla Phom Signal Angami, Dimapur M/s Bendilar H/Loom & H/Craft Purana Bazar, Dimapur M/s Tohoni Ayemi H/Loom Dimapur, Nagaland M/s Khekatoli K. Aye Dimapur, Nagaland M/s Mazibur Rahman Golaghat, Assam M/s Alok Das Golaghat, Assam M/s Gita Das Golaghat, Assam M/s Meyisenla Kevijau, Dimapur M/s Nartho Awomi United Colony, Dimapur M/s Levi Purana Bazar, Dimapur M/s Vili Ayemi Purana Bazar, Dimapur M/s Kashili Aye Nihoto vill, Nagaland M/s Nitoli H/Loom Unit Thilixu vill, Dimapur M/s Cilina H/Loom Unit Power House, Dimapur M/s Mughatoli H/Loom Unit Maromi vill, Nagaland M/s Ikali H/Loom Unit Pishikhu vill, Nagaland M/s Maoya Dimapur, Nagaland M/s Phongshenyulan Dimapur, Nagaland M/s Yumei Rupreo Walford, Dimapur M/s C. Yahoi Konyak Mon Town, Nagaland Chumukedima, Nagaland M/s Chaomai M/s Honili Jimo Tolivi, Dimapur M/s Rebecca Yeptho Thilixu vill, Dimapur M/s Shitoli Thilixu vill, Dimapur M/s Pamay H/Loom Peren, Nagaland M/s Ngampo Circuit House, Dimapur M/s Sesenli Kohima, Nagaland M/s Yanon Konyak Super Market, Dimapur M/s Mercy Women Society Super Market, Dimapur M/s Liangmai H/Loom Unit Jalukie, Peren M/s Toshini Thilixu vill, Dimapur M/s Toili (Treasure Cove) Dimapur, Nagaland M/s Kaholi Hakhizhe vill, Nagaland M/s Akali Sumi Mishikido vill, Nagaland M/s Raja Ali Golaghat, Assam M/s Laila Begum Golaghat, Assam M/s Yimjung H/Loom Unit Half Nagarjan, Dimapur M/s Pangernungla Phom Half Nagarjan, Dimapur M/s Nelechom H/Craft Unit Diphuphar A, Dimapur M/s Ruki Begum Golaghat, Assam M/s Benti Mech Duliajan, Assam M/s Lanutola Tuli Town, Nagaland Kuhuboto Town, Nagaland M/s Nikiqa SHG M/s Tonikali Chishi Burma Camp, Dimapur M/s Apele Ela Enhelumi vill, Nagaland M/s Kewekhro MPCS Enhelumi vill, Nagaland M/s Asane Diphuphar A, Dimapur M/s Imtiaz Ali Purbeta, Assam M/s Ayat Ali Purbeta, Assam M/s Khekrei H/Loom Unit Walford, Dimapur M/s V. Yeptho Thilixu vill, Dimapur M/s Manoj Golaghat, Assam Reserved for participants from outside states

1.The selected participants are hereby directed to report to the Exhibition Ground at Urban Haat, below Dhansari Bridge, Dimapur, Nagaland on 29th Feb'2016 at 6.00 A.M. 2.The participants are also hereby directed to keep their exhibits in their respective stall under lock & key. The office shall not be held responsible in case of any losses/theft.

3.Selected participants are informed to strictly follow the scheduled time. In case of failure appropriate action will be taken.

Sd/- Er. S. Temsulong Jamir Addl. Director, Industries & Commerce and Managing Director

4

SunDAY 28•02•2016

Business

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

G20 finance minister’s meet seeks NIIT Nagaland announce offers for exam toppers global growth, anti-terrorism deals ShaNghai, February 27 (iaNS): Finance ministers and governors of central banks gathered at the G20 summit in Shanghai are continuing meetings on Saturday seeking deals to boost global economic growth, and to halt terrorist funding.

On the second day of the summit, 20 major developed and emerging economies will discuss the international financial architecture and reforms in the financial sector in a series of closed doors meetings, according to sources from the participating delegations, EFE news reported.

Parallel to the formal meetings, the majority of those attending the Shanghai summit have planned an intense agenda of bilateral talks.

The first of the morning sessions today (Saturday) will focus on the search for measures to promote a “strong, sustainable and balanced” growth in the world, and will also include discussions on investment and infrastructure.

The G20 representatives will discuss the glob-

Dimapur, February 27 (mexN): The NIIT Dimapur & Kohima Centers today announced that the institute would be rewarding the 10 Toppers of the Finals of each of the NBSE’s HSLC, HSSLC and Nagaland University’s Graduation Exams in all the streams i.e. Science, Commerce & Arts for the Year 2016.

All the CBSE’s HSLC,

HSSLC candidates of Nagaland scoring 10 CGPA in the final exams 2016 shall also be rewarded similarly, stated a press note from NIIT Dimapur Centre Head Ajay Sethi .

All the 100 Toppers from 10 different exams, as shall be announced through newspapers & on the production of respective mark sheets would be reimbursed 50% of their

course fees for any modular courses for which they are eligible and enrolled, he added. The toppers have to enroll at NIIT Centers in Nagaland on or before April 10 to enjoy the offer.

Eligible candidates may enroll for various MS Office 2013 courses, Hardware, Networking, Data Structure, HTML5, C, C++, C#, Java, Infoedge, Tally etc. which can each be

easily finished in less than two months in fast track.

Sethi said the awards have been constituted to motivate the youths of Nagaland to perform well in their academics. Interested candidates may contact Daniel Changkiri, NIIT Dimapur @ 96121-71341 or Ram Narayan Bhagat @ 94020-50286 or visit NIIT Centre for further information.

Training on protection of plant varieties & farmers’ rights

China’s Finance minister Lou Jiwei (L) and China’s central bank governor Zhou Xiaochuan attend a group photo session during the G20 finance ministers and central bank governors meeting in Shanghai, China February 27, 2016. REUTERS

al financial architecture, with special focus on the implementation of the new quota system of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Another topic for discussion, during a working lunch, will be reforms in the financial sector and the international tax system.

Finally, the last session will be devoted to cutting off financing of interna-

tional terrorism and the launch of “green finance” to promote a more sustainable economy and fight against climate change.

Following this, the publication of the final declaration of the G20 financial meeting is expected to take place, which will be explained at a press conference.

On Friday, at the inaugural meeting of G20,

attendees discussed the global economic situation.

Before the formal start of the summit, Shanghai hosted several forums in which institutions such as the IMF and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development urged these major economies to make more reforms to consolidate the recovery of the global economy.

W o k h a , F e b r ua ry 2 7 (mexN): Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Wokha conducted an awareness cum training programme on “Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights” at Sanis village on February 23 in collaboration with the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority, Ministry of Agriculture, New Delhi.

Dr. Santosh Kr. Baishya, Programme Coordinator, KVK Wokha highlighted the importance of the programme for the farmers of Wokha district, a press release informed. The objective of the programme was to create awareness among the farmers about the need

for protection of plant varieties and the rights of farmers. Pointing out that many farmers of the area are involving in cultivation and conservation of many plant varieties, Baishya stated, “Now it is the high time to identify and protect the rights of the farmers in respect to their contributions made at any time in conserving, improving and making available plant genetic resources for the development of new plant varieties.”

He further mentioned that through the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Right (PPV & FR) Act, 2001, farmers could register and protect their plant varieties. KVK Wokha will facilitate the farmers for their

registration, Baishya added.

Meanwhile, Bendangla Imsong, Subject Matter Specialist (Plant Breeding) spoke at length about the 9 rights of farmers under the PPV & FR Act, the procedures and the seed requirement of different crops/ plants variety for registration. Application forms for registration were also issued to the farmers during the programme. Altogether, 82 farmers from 10 villages- Meshangben, Pyangsa, Tsopo, Chudi, Yonchucho, Sunglep, Longtsung, Morokju, Pyotchu, Sanis, and 7 officials from Sub-Divisional Agriculture Office, Baghty and KVK Wokha attended the programme.

SBI, Indian Bank employees among others to participate in February 29 strike NeW Delhi, February 27 (pTi): With public sector bank officers threatening to go on strike on Monday, the country’s largest lender SBI on Friday said a section of its employees may take part in the said agitation on February 29 -- a day when Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will present the Budget 2016.

In a filing to the BSE, the State Bank of India (SBI) said, “All India State Bank Officers’ Federation (AISBOF) being affiliated to AIBOC, will also participate in the strike.”

“Since the call is for nationwide all bank strike, our bank will not be separately impacted, if the strike materialises,” it added.

AISBOF claims to represent over 90,000 officers of SBI and its five as-

sociates namely State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur, State Bank of Hyderabad, State Bank of Mysore, State Bank of Patiala, and State Bank of Travancore.

All India Bank Officers Confederation (AIBOC) has threatened to go on strike to protest the termination of PV Mohanan, General Secretary of Dhanlaxmi Bank. Meanwhile, in a separate filing, state-run Indian Bank said, “All India Bank Officers’ Confederation (AIBOC) has given a call for observance of All India Bank Strike on February 29, 2016, in support of their demands.

“If the strike materialises, a section of the bank’s employees may take part in the proposed strike on the said date, in which case, the normal functioning of the branches/offices

of the bank may get affected.” AIBOC General Secretary Havinder Singh had recently said that members of the Confederation will go on one-day nationwide strike on February 29 as Mohanan, who is also AIBOC’s Kerala State President, was terminated from the services of Dhanlaxmi Bank invoking the draconian clause.

Dhanlaxmi Bank is an old generation private sector bank based out of Kerala. According to Singh, the association has about 2.75 lakh officers as its members.

Many banks including Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank and Andhra Bank have also issued advisory informing about strike call and inconvenience to customers if it materializes.

School OfPurana Music And Art Bazar Regd.DIC/DMR.LIC.MSME-1/2009-10-4219

MOON HARDWARE STORE & STEEL FABRICATION

*Short Term Course Offered:

Piano/Guitar/Violin/ Drums/Voice/Theory/ Church Music/Conducting 1. Pastors and Church workers will be given special concession.

2. Differently able people will be sponsored by the institution.

3. Special classes can be availed for the drop-outs and talented musician to undergo proper training.

SUDOKU

Answer Number # 3502

Yamaha Ray, FZ-S & Fazer discontinued from the market NeW Delhi, February 27 (NDTV auTo): Yamaha has silently trimmed its commuter profile in India, discontinuing the Ray 113cc scooter, carburetted FZ-S and the semi-faired Fazer 150cc motorcycles. All three products have also been removed from the manufacturer’s website.

With new and improved alternatives already on sale in the market, it isn’t surprising that Yamaha India chose to discontinue the slow-selling models. Starting with the Ray, the Japanese bike maker’s scooter was launched in 2012 and the company was quick to expand its gearless lineup in the coming years with the Ray Z, Alpha and more recently the Fascino. The discontinuation of the Ray scooter also hints towards Yamaha introducing the new Ray ZR that was unveiled at the 2016 Auto Expo earlier this month.

Yamaha FZ-S Coming to the motorcycles, it is believed that the new Yamaha FZ-S and Fazer FI V2.0 have taken the baton forward very well and are popular sellers in the segment. As a result, the company decided to retire the carburetted versions altogether. That said, the base FZ (FZ-16) is still on sale. In a similar exercise last year, Yamaha India had discontinued five models together in the country including the SS 125, SZ-RR, YBR 110, YBR 125 and the SZ-S.

NFL BILLS

W COWBOYS

dOLPhINS

gIANTS

PATRIOTS

EAgLES

JETS

REdSkINS

RAVENS

BEARS

BENgALS

LIONS

BROWNS

PACkERS

STEELERS

VIkINgS

TEXANS

FALCONS

COLTS

PANThERS

JAgUARS

SAINTS

TITANS

BUCCANEERS

BRONCOS

CARdINALS

ChEIFS

ERS

RAIdERS

SEAhAWkS

ChARgERS

RAmS

S T N A I g W d S N W O R B V

o

k g C h A R g E R S N E V A R

T V E d R B N S h T S V R O S

8. kitchen set 9. Wise one 10. Organized 11. dimwit 12. Swelling under the skin 13. Snouts 18. East southeast 24. A tree fruit 25. Arm of the sea 26. At one time (archaic) 27. destiny 28. Strong and sure 29. Backwash 31. Terminates 33. Notions 34. Egghead 36. Cast a ballot 37. Biblical garden 38. Where a bird lives 42. Control surface on a plane 43. An uncle 45. Indicate 47. Pungent Indian dish 48. Normal 49. Shelf 51. French for “Name” 52. Lance 54. game on horseback 56. Within 57. At the peak of 58. Story 59. L L L L 62. One or more

ACROSS 1. Ottoman title 6. Physiques 10. Bearing 14. hurt 15. diva’s solo 16. Cocoyam 17. Booming 19. Fastens 20. detects 21. g 22. “Where the heart is” 23. Fit out again 25. Scintillas 26. F F F F 30. have in mind 32. Banister 35. Invigorate 39. Big step 40. decipher 41. Poster color 43. demesnes 44. Extreme cruelty 46. gave temporarily 47. Religious splinter groups 50. Property claims 53. End ___ 54. dowel 55. Narcotic 60. Boorish 61. decorative 63. Indian music 64. give temporarily 65. Coral island 66. Anagram of “Lyme” 67. Unique 68. hemp cords DOWN 1. Taps 2. Pang 3. Cold-shoulder 4. Female chickens 5. Viper 6. Tavern 7. Beginning

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.”

Game Number # 3503

deals in: All hardware materials & Electricals items, Window gate, Stucture etc.

Ward No 6, Nh-29 Chumukedima Town 797103- Nagaland

Hostel seats available for both boys and girls Contact no: 9862509755

Daily Cross WorD Railway admits it washes l e i s u r e blankets once in 2 months CROSSWORD # 3516 NeW Delhi, February 27 (pTi): Ever wondered why the blankets provided by the Indian railways during train journey stink at times? It may be because these are washed only once every two months.

Minister of State for Railways Manoj Sinha told the Rajya Sabha during Question Hour today that while bedsheets, bed roll and pillow covers are washed every day, the blankets are washed every two months.

His reply came to questions raised by various members of the Upper House regarding the quality and hygiene of laundry and linen supplied by the Indian Railways on trains. Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari quipped that the earlier system of passengers bringing their own linen and pillows for train journeys seems to be better.

He was supported by a Congress MP who asked the Minister if this would be allowed. In response, Sinha said it was a “good advice” and the Railways will not have a problem if passengers want to adopt the earlier practice.

The Minister pointed out that while they have 41 mechanised laundries, plans are underway to increase their number by 25 more in the next two years so that these can serve about 85 percent of the passengers who use Railway linen and bed sheets. He pointed out that in places which are not covered by the mechanised laundries, the job has been outsourced.

9089248116 8575221176

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I I O P S N U N S L N I I R h

L k L h k C C T T E I N T A T

ANS TO CROSSWORd 3515

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 d S N A S A Z J S R S N d A

A

F E N S h R N T E X A N S E P

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E g I W E m E B E N g A L S P

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h J L U S S R E S R A E B F Z

H

C O W B O Y S N O C L A F F g

O L A J A g U A R S E L g A E

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)

WE4WOmEN hELPLINE

Police Station 1:

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

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

Toll free No. 1098 childline

mOkOkChUNg:

FIRE STATIONS

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

ChILd WELFARE COmmITTEE

E

L S T I W O C S E R d g A I N

dImAPUR Civil Hospital:

STd COdE: 0369

2226241

Police Station 2 :

2226214

Civil Hospital: Woodland Nursing Home:

2226216 2226263

Hotel Metsüpen (Tourist Lodge):

2226373/2229343

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

CURRENCY 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

Thai Baht Korean Won UAE Dirham (AED) Chinese Yuan

1.82

2.02

0.0526

0.0587

17.66

19.67

9.94

11.08

SundAY 28•02•2016

NAGALAND

NAGALAND YOUTH SUMMIT 2016

Role of young legislators in state building Our Correspondent Kohima | February 27

A plenary session on “Role of young legislators in state building” as part of Nagaland Youth Summit 2016 was held here today under the aegis of YouthNet in association with the State government.

The session had three legislators and The Morung Express Editor, Dr. Aküm Longchari as panelists and Amba Jamir, Policy Analyst and Executive Director of Sustainable Development Forum Nagaland as the chairperson.

Merentoshi Jamir, Advisor to Chief Minister, stressed on the need of young leaders to be part of the governance, stating young minds and ideas are required.

He said out of the 60 members in the NLA, young legislators below the age of 40 years constitute 10%. Further, pointing out that at present, Nagaland has 40% youth population, Merentoshi felt that 40% young leaders need to represent NLA to bring a change. He also called upon the youth to adopt positive thinking and erase negativity.

Parliamentary Secretary for Planning & Coordination, Evaluation & Monitoring Cell and Taxes Neiba Kronu stressed on the need to revamp and change the present system of governance. Admitting that many systems have gone

wrong, he said there are many unresolved issues pending with the government. He encouraged the youth to be part of Nagaland Investment Board to attract other investors to Nagaland, which will in turn give job opportunities to many.

Parliamentary Secretary for Labour & Employment, Skills Development & Entrepreneurship and Border Affairs Mmhonlumo Kikon emphasized on the need to collectively address the issues confronting the State, and then the issues before the State will be addressed.

He also challenged the youth to change their mindset from government service to private sector, assuring that the government is trying its best to facilitate them. He wanted to see that YouthNet takes forward this Summit to every district and sub-division.

The Morung Express Editor, Dr. Aküm Longchari wanted to see young legislators to “be honest and truthful and serve with humility, dignity and respect.” He also stressed on the need to conduct free, fair and clean election campaigns that are issue based, and end the culture of taking commissions. “This is at the heart of transparent governance and accountable leadership,” he said. “The growing culture of elitism and the destructive gap between the haves and haves-not must be confronted

Wokha Town blast victims remembered Dimapur, February 27 (mexN): A candlelight function was organized in remembrance of the February 24, 2015 Wokha Town blast by Team Metamorphosis in the town. Nine people, including two minors, were killed and many others were injured in an explosion inside a gun shop and its ensuing inferno at Tsumang Colony, Wokha Town. The function was held in the verandah of the building where the explosion had taken place.

Chairing the function, Team Metamorphosis Chief Thungdemo Kyong urged the gathering to be contributors towards the progress of the society, to be alert and be positively responsive, a press release received here informed.

Meanwhile, Khyolamo Humtsoe, Convener, ACAUT Wokha unit said that the function was held not to bring back painful memories of the past, but to remember that God’s mercy was upon each of those who were present. Amos, President of Lotha Students’ Union also spoke at the function.

After a short mass silent prayer, Khonbemo Kikon, Associate Pastor of Wokha Town Baptist Church, prayed for God’s mercy upon the citizens of the town.

The press release issued by Team Metamorphosis informed that among others, Ajano, Assistant Women Leader, Wokha Town Baptist Church; R. Nchumbemo Ezung, President of Lotha Youth Hoho, Advisors and members; Lotha Students’ Union members; Wokha District Entrepreneurs’ Association President and colleagues; ACAUT Wokha district members; family members of the victims of the blast; youth representatives from various colonies; and Team Metamorphosis members as well as well wishers attended the event.

and resolved. This is both a political and a moral responsibility.”

He pointed out that governance in Nagaland often implies to manage and contain the situation.

This, Dr. Longchari said, is not governance. “What we need is Good Governance, Self-Governance and Inclusive Governance that starts from the bottom up and is politically representative and inclusive of the most marginalized sections of society.” He also stressed on the need to focus on quality valuebased education – both formal and informal – and take the lead in transforming the education model from the “banking concept to a liberating concept.” “The dialogue of the deaf needs to be replaced by a dialogue of active listening and respect,” he felt.

He also opined that young legislators should change the norm.

Rather than post-policy participation, include people in the pre-policy phase of policy making so that the common good is represented and people take ownership of it, he exhorted. Ownership also implies that the structures for policy implementation need to be contextual, pragmatic, value based and culturally relevant, he added.

Dr. Longchari also felt the need to exercise shared responsibility by repealing the Disturbed Areas Act – which in effect means the AFSPA – and other anti-democratic

legislation. Focus on democratization of Naga society, which means democracy goes hand in hand with liberty and freedom, and yes, peaceful dissent, he urged.

“Today we need leaders that do not confine themselves to the experiences and feelings of the people. This may lead to temporary popularity but it comes at the price of condemnation by posterity, whose claims you are neglecting. Neither do we need leaders who get too far ahead of society and run the risk of being irrelevant.

Today, we need leaders with vision who identify with the people and are able to bridge the gap between vision and the existential reality,” he said.

He also stated that Naga society needs legislators that are involved not because they have commitments, but have commitments because they are involved. “…So we need legislators that are willing to think and act out of the system, and are persuaded to change, in order to change the status quo,” he added.

He also stressed on the need to cultivate a culture of a Just Peace, explore and create alternative models of governance in which the people are no longer objects of history, but makers of their own destiny. It begins by confronting the culture of impunity and dismantling the structures of violence, according to Dr. Longchari.

Theja Meru gets Trailblazer Award

Theja Meru receives YouthNet’s Trailblazer Award from Chief Minister TR Zeliang.

(Morung Photo) Our Correspondent Kohima | February 27

Theja Meru has been conferred with the YouthNet’s Trailblazer Award during Nagaland Youth Summit. The award, which carries citation and cash award of Rs. 1 lakh, was given away by Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang here today.

Theja Meru is a musician and an entrepreneur by profession. He was part of a band called Blood and Fire, a Chennai

Cong assures pro-poor govt if voted to power Dimapur, February 27 (mexN): NPCC President K Therie today assured that given the opportunity, the Congress will provide “safety and security to the people, deliver welfare schemes, MGNREGA, PDS and ICDS benefits, old-age pensions, cashless health cards to all, roads, uninterrupted power supply, drinking water, one classroom across the State, job oriented departmental projects, peaceful business, etc.” He said this during the last leg of the Mass Contact for Change tour at Congress Bhavan in Dimapur on February 27.

A press release from NPCC Media Cell said that Therie further urged the party workers to tell the people about the party’s commitments and programmes spelt out in the Roadmaps.

Affirming that the wish of the people will be the wish of the Congress party, Therie urged the Dimapur ACCs to plan and prepare the district to face the challenges of future growth and to assure the Roadmap commitments in 100% to the people, if voted to power.

Meanwhile, the NPCC President maintained that India is today divided between communalism and secularism and the nation’s econo-

my is crumbling while its credibility is diminishing. “After Modi toured 37 countries in 22 months, foreign investment has dropped down by 75% during 2015 comparing to the previous year. BJP is in descending trend in both politics and economy,” he stated.

Therie further said that like the BJP party being divided in the nation, the failures of the NPF are compounded with bitter divisions in the State, according to the press release.

Alleging that NPF has no policy for the people, he criticized the NPF Government for its failure to provide safety and security to life and property of the public, failure to deliver welfare schemes, check corruption, provide roads, power, economic sustenance, etc.

Referring to the defection of 8 Congress MLAs, he called for the people to elect god-fearing leaders who will uphold the party principles and the peoples’ mandate through thick and thin and provide clean governance. He also urged party workers to always keep open the doors and minds of the party for the people, to earn their support and maintain contact with the masses.

Meanwhile, Working President,

NPCC, Ayang Aonok took the party workers through the history of the party and said that 2017 will be the year of polarization. Saying that the inner turmoil and division within the NPF will bring an upheaval within the party, he exuded confidence and urged the party workers to be strong and look forward to strengthen the party. He also informed that reorganizational exercises will be carried out soon.

General Secretary, NPCC, Dokiu Kecham, encouraged the party workers saying that the seeds sown in Dimapur will always continue to produce results and that the party will always have open gates for the public. He also assured that given opportunity, the Congress will form a propoor Government and the authority of various levels of governance will be restored right till the village level.

During the meeting, the house also passed a resolution to stand together and cooperate with the police and administration to protect life and property of the people and also to urge the Administration, Police and Judiciary to deliver justice without delay to stop recurrences, the release said.

based band in 90’s. Today, he is the president of Rattle & Hum Music Society, which aims to network musicians at national and international level and organizes the famed Handshake Concert annually.

Meru is the chairman of Dream Core, a conglomeration of several enterprises. He heads business establishments such as Dream Café, a popular and famous hang out place for the youth of Kohima and also director of The Heritage, a bungalow built by the British around 1947.

MEx FILE Holy Cross school alumni meeting Dimapur, February 27 (mexN): A meeting of the Holy Cross Alumni, Dimapur has been scheduled on February 28, 3:00 pm at Hotel De Tulip, Tourist Lodge, Dimapur to discuss about the Alumni Get Together. All alumni of Holy Cross School, Dimapur have been invited to attend the meeting.

Old Showuba VC informs Dimapur, February 27 (mexN): All the landowners of Patkai to Khushiabil affected by the 4-lane by-pass highway have been requested to attend a meeting at Old Showuba Village Council Hall on February 28, 2:00 pm. A press note from the Village Council Chairman Keron Janger informed that the meeting will discuss matters related to land compensation and requested the owners to attend without failure.

ZTYO co-ordination meeting

Dimapur, February 27 (mexN): The Zunheboto Town Youth Organization (ZTYO) will hold a coordination meeting with the NGOs of Zunheboto Town on February 29, 11:00 am onwards at ZTYO Office opposite HKY. A press note from ZTYO President Awoto Yeptho informed that Zunheboto Town GB's Association (ZTGBA), Sumi Totimi Hoho Zunheboto (STH-Z), Sector Sumi Totimi Hoho, Zunheboto Range Students Union (ZRSU), Zunheboto Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ZCCI), All Nagaland Taxi Association, Zunheboto (ANTA-Z) would be attending the coordination meeting. The meeting has been convened to discuss important issues for the betterment of Zunheboto Town, it On February 16, the CSD added, and further requested all concerned organizarecovered a bike (Pulsar 150 tions to attend the same without failure. cc), which was handed over to the rightful owner in the presence of I.O, Urban Police Station on February 24.

Further, on February Wokha, February 27 (mexN): Wokha district 17, the Crime Suspension Graduate Teachers whose seniority have been counted Department nabbed two from the date of appointment as per September 28 Sewomen with 340 kg of con- niority List has convened a meeting on March 2, 11:00 traband ganja at Singrijan am. A press note from Khoshako Humtsoe, G/T GPS area. The same was de- GHSS Ward, informed that the meeting will be held stroyed in the presence of at the residence of Yiponi Jungi, G/T Tsumang ColSTH Toluvi village on Feb- ony, Wokha Town. For further information, contactruary 26, the release said.

9402636915, 9612767149 and 9436428042.

Naga Hoho-ENPO peace mission CSD NSCN (IM) crackdown on illegal businesses February seized 45 bottles of cough report surprising: NLD, Naga Region Dimapur, 27 (mexN): As notified syrup without doctor’s preLahe ToWN, February 27 (mexN): While expressing happiness at the peace mission trip of the Naga Hoho and ENPO to Myanmar recently, the National League for Democracy (NLD), Naga Region, Naga Self-Administered Zone, Myanmar has expressed surprise over certain elements of the trip report.

The NLD, Naga Region was surprised that the report of the Naga Hoho and ENPO mentioned the former MPs as the incumbent ones though they are no more in the office since February 1, 2016.

A press release from NLD, Naga Region Chairman, Law Yone further termed it unfortunate that not a bit about the trip was informed to the NLD, Naga Region though it had been given the office since February 1.

The other surprising thing, the release mentioned, was that U Kyaw Min Swe, a Burmese, who has nothing to do with the Naga issue, was mentioned as emissary to NSCN-K. “Not only we but also NSCN-K itself has no knowledge about Kyaw Min Swe as confirmed by the NSCN authorities,” the NLD said. “Naga public in the eastern part is also confused with such development.”

Meanwhile, the NLD, Naga Region

said it understands that “Naga conflict is already complicated and the general public has been confused in the process while trying to solve the age old imbroglio.”

In light of this, NLD, Naga Region has already approached Aung San Suu Kyi and NLD Central Committee so that necessary steps will be taken accordingly with transparency and accountability, the release said.

NLD, Naga Region further said like Naga Hoho and ENPO, it is committed to ceasefire and peace in the region and has vowed to the public to work with Council of Naga Affairs (CNA) as CNA has been consented by the Naga public to facilitate the process. “However, we will not be part of the process that will further complicate and confuse the general public, which will further germinate undesired consequences in the future.”

NLD, Naga Region also cautioned the Naga Students' Organization (NSO), which “claims undeserving title as the apex body of the Naga students in Myanmar”, not to further complicate the issue but to work in unity and in collaboration with the genuine Naga student bodies operating in Myanmar and elsewhere.

Corrigendum

Assam Rifles donate CGI sheets

With regard to its statement published on February 27, the Mokokchung Town Lanur Telongjem (MTLT) has corrected that it had inadvertently mentioned Additional Director of Supplies instead of Assistant Director of Supplies.

Dimapur, February 27 (mexN): 37 Assam Rifles distributed CGI sheets and “hume pipes” at Maova village and Medziphema respectively on February 19. The items were distributed as part of civic action by the Battalion. According to a release from Assam Rifles, six bundles of CGI sheets were handed over to the RSON Heart Orphanage at Maova village for construction of a new building of the orphanage.

In another event on February 19, 37 Assam Rifles distributed four “hume pipes” to the residents and AR ex-servicemen of Ward No 9, Medziphema for construction of culverts. The release mentioned that the ward is connected by an unmetalled track which is highly prone to disruption during rains. Several AR ex-serviceman who are settled at the Ward had approached 37 AR for assistance, the release added.

earlier, the Crime Suspension Department (CSD) of NSCN (IM) has begun its crackdown on illegal businesses in Dimapur. Starting February 9, 2016, CSD has raided several businesses in different locations of Dimapur.

A press release from Secretary, CSD, Khekuto Jakhalu informed that the department on February 9

scription from a businessman. On February 13, CSD seized around 60 empty bottles with company seal cap meant for the purpose of bottling and mixing alcohol from another businessman, the release added.

Meanwhile, the department discovered mixing of stone chips, i.e., ¾ and 0 size stone chips, in six stone crushers on February 15.

Wokha GTs informed

Youth Worship & Mission Conference Condolences for late Saku Aier Dimapur, February 27 (mexN): The Nagaland

Dimapur, February 27 (mexN): Several individuals have mourned the demise of Er. T Saku Aier, former MLA and founder of Sakus Mission College on February 24.

CL John: In a condolence note, Minister of RD & REPA CL John expressed deep shock at the “untimely” demise of Er. Saku Aier. He described Late Saku as a public leader whose integrity and vast wisdom was beyond doubt and a hardworking and a competent technocrat. “It would therefore be very difficult to fill the vacuum caused by his premature death and his service to the Ao community in particular and to Nagas in general,” he added. The Minister further shared his deepest sorrow and sympathy with the bereaved family.

Tetso College: The Tetso College community conveyed its heartfelt condolences to SM College community and family members of Saku Aier. “We pray to God for solace and comfort at this moment of grief.

May his soul rest in peace,” Principal, Tetso College Dr. PS Lorin said in a condolence note received here. dr. Benjongliba: Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Dr. Benjongliba Aier remembered late Saku as a very down to earth person who was always concerned

about the downtrodden person and the weaker society. He was not only a politician but also a social worker, educationist with a motto "simple living and high thinking,” Benjongliba added. Lamenting the loss of an elder brother and a father, Dr. Aier said, “In his death the Ao community in particular and all the Naga people has lost an honest and an esteemed member who was sincerely determined to make the society a better place to live in and for the future generation.” Dr. Benjongliba and his family members also extended their heartfelt condolences and prayers of solace to the bereaved family. He further wished an eternal rest and peace to the departed soul.

K Therie: NPCC President K Therie has also expressed sadness over the death of the former Parliamentary Secretary. In his passing away, the State has lost an educationist, engineer, politician, leader and philanthropist, creating a vacuum which cannot be filled, NPCC President stated in a press condolence note. “My colleagues, rank and file of the party express heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

It is our prayer that the Almighty God will comfort them in this hour of grief,” Therie added.

Missions Movement and Baptist Youth Fellowship Dimapur is organizing ‘Youth Worship and Mission Conference’ under the theme: "Raise the Anthem" at Dimapur Rengma Baptist Church with Moses Largado and Rev. Kilang Jamir as speakers from March 4 to 6. It is open to all youth members in and around Dimapur.

Training for Urban ASHAs mokokchuNg, February 27 (mexN): Extensive training of Urban ASHAs under National Urban Health Mission, Mokokchung was held for five days from February 23 to 27 at IDSP Hall here. The resource persons of the programme were Chubala Pongen, State ASHA Programme Manager, Rajesh K Monsang, Consultant/ Community Process (RRE/NE) and Aotemsu, Consultant NUHM from the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare, Kohima.

The ASHAs were trained on home based newborn care like the roles and responsibilities, care of pregnant women and birth preparedness of ASHAs. They were also trained on home visits for the care of the newborn and post partum mothers, identification and management of childhood illness referral etc. Dr. SS Akaba Longchar, Chief Medical Officer, Mokokchung, also attended the programme, where he challenged the ASHAs and other workers to work jointly for more effective and success of the Urban Primary Health Center.

The Chalkboard

6

SunDAY 28•02•2016

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

_____________________________ Because Children Matters

Good News for Bad Kids David Murray

I

t’s that time of year I used to dread as a child (maybe even more as a parent), the time for endof-year school reports when teachers issue reports on the progress of their students in various subjects.

The last couple of days, we’ve been looking at Jesus’ report card in Luke 2, verses 40-52. There, we find the heavenly Father’s assessment of His Son in the most important subjects of life. No, not algebra, English, history, etc., but obedience, teachability and love.

Maybe, like some others, you felt convicted and condemned by such a profile. “I wasn’t a godly child. … I’m not even a godly adult. … I still fail in all these areas.”

Or perhaps your parents gave you the articles to read and you said, “Right, I’m going to try much harder today. I’m going to obey perfectly, learn perfectly and even love my brother.”

Hmm, how’s that working out for you?

Didn’t last long, did it?

You probably feel more ungodly than ever don’t you?

I have a bit of good news for you. Four bits, to be precise.

• Christ’s life for us: I used to dream that maybe one day the teachers would get mixed up and mistakenly send me home with the class genius’ report card. With Christ’s coming, that dream has come true and is even better than I could have imagined.

Jesus lived the perfect childhood, the perfect life, that we did not, are not and cannot. He then puts our name on the top and says, “Take it to Father.” And that’s not a mistake.

• Christ’s death for us: But what about all my tardies, demerits, suspensions, lines, expulsions, etc? You

can’t just kid on they never happened, can you. No, Jesus doesn’t whitewash our sins; He bloodwashes them. He died a death that covers our failed attempts to be godly children.

• Christ’s sympathy for us: “No one understands me. … No one listens to me. … Mom and Dad just don’t get it.” Well, whether or not Mom and Dad remember what it’s like to be a teenager in a world full of temptations, Jesus does. Yes, God knows what it is like to be a child—a baby, a toddler, an infant, a teenager, etc. He remembers perfectly, understands perfectly

Facts Corner

if we could rent a really big brain now and again? But we can have even better, because Christ promises to live permanently inside us if we build our whole lives on His life, His death and His sympathy.

Math Facts for Kids

Obedience, teachability and love don’t look so scary now, do they?

Dr. David Murray is Proand sympathizes per- fessor of Old Testament and fectly. He gets it.

Practical Theology at Puritan Reformed Seminary. He • Christ’s life in us: is also Pastor of Grand RapAnd what about going ids Free Reformed Church. forward? The exams, David is the author of Christrials, tests and temp- tians get depressed too, How tations never stop. Sermons Work, and Jesus on Wouldn’t it be amazing Every Page.

E

njoy a wide range of fun math facts for kids.

Check out some cool trivia related to the things that make mathematics such an interesting subject. Learn about amazing numbers that are so big it’s hard to even understand them. Find facts about the golden ratio, pi, geometry, prime numbers and much more. Read on and have fun learning about math!

• Mathematics is important in many different types of jobs, including engineering, business, science, medicine and more.

• It is believed that Ancient Egyptians used complex mathematics such as algebra, arithmetic and geometry as far back as 3000 BC. • It wasn’t until the 16th century that most mathematical symbols were invented. Before this time math equations were written in words, making it very time consuming.

• What comes after a million, billion and trillion?

Why a quadrillion, quintillion, sextillion, septillion, octillion and nonillion of course.

Jackson Kelley | Age 11, Tristan Kelley | Age 9 West Roxbury, MA

H

ow many boys get excited about school supplies on sale? These two. When Jackson and Tristan were researching local charities for their annual Christmas donations, they learned that many kids in the area needed backpacks. So when they noticed a huge sale on school supplies, they begged their parents to let them buy things for kids who couldn’t afford them.

“We thought that to get good jobs and have a good life, you need a good education,” says Tristan.

• Cutting a cake into 8 pieces is possible with just 3 slices, can you work out how?

• An icosagon is a shape with 20 sides.

• A three dimensional parallelogram is called a parallelepiped.

• Trigonometry is the study of the relationship between the angles of triangles and their sides.

• The smallest ten prime numbers are: 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19, 23, 29.

• The name of the popular search engine ‘Google’ came from a misspelling of the word ‘googol’, which is a very, very large number (the number one followed by one hundred zeros to be exact).

• A ‘googolplex’ is the number 1 followed by a googol zeros, this number is so big that it can’t be written because there isn’t enough room in the universe to fit it in! It would also take a length of time far greater than the age of the universe just to write the numbers.

They each used $50 of their own money, and their parents offered a match. That was the beginning of Backpacks for New Beginnings. Since 2009,

• The number Pi (the ratio of the circumference to the diameter of a circle) can’t be expressed as a fraction, this means it is an irrational number.

When written as a decimal it never repeats and never ends.

the nonprofit has donated more than 400 new backpacks stuffed with school supplies to local social-service agencies. Their goal this year: 300.

• Here is Pi written to 50 decimal places: 3.141592653 58979323846264338327950288419716939937510

Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of our children.

— Charles R. Swindoll, Evangelical Christian pastor

Once

hidden pictures duck school

Upon a time ...

TheHungry

A

mouse was having a very thought time. She had no food for many days and made strenuous efforts get her food. All her efforts went in vain. She looked everywhere to find her food. As the days pass by, she became very thin.

One day, the mouse found a basket with corns. She also noticed a tiny hole in the basket, which was sufficient enough to move her in. She easily moved inside the hole.

Since she had no foods for many days, she ate a large amount of corn. Without realizing her, she continuously ate more and more corns. She realized very later that she ate a lot more than she actually required. After eating a whole lot of corn, she became very fat!

Find the hidden object

Satisfied with corns, the fat mouse tried to come out of the basket through the small hole. Unfortunately, the tiny hole could not accommodate the big mouse!!!!

The mouse started screaming ‘Oh god! Let me come out, how can I come out?’

A rat after hearing mouse’s screaming voice from the basket, asked her what happened!

Mouse told the story and asked rat a solution.

Rat told, ‘if you want to come out the basket, wait for sometime or even days to lose your all your fat until you grow thin.’

Mouse started to starve now but with lots of food to come out of the trap!

Anything too much is good for nothing!

FAITH LEAF

SunDAY 28•02•2016

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

INSPIRATIONAL STORIES, MESSAGES, POEMS & SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCES

7

What is Intercessory Prayer?

A Source: CBN.com

family member faces a deadly disease. Your neighbor desperately needs Jesus, but turns away every time you try to share Christ. A nation begins to crumble because its people follow their own evil ways. But what can you do?

Often, the problems we face seem too big for us. No matter how much we try, we cannot solve them on our own. It's times like these when we need to turn to the Lord in intercessory prayer.

WHAT IS INTERCESSION? Intercession is prayer that pleads with God for your needs and the needs of others.

But it is also much more than that. Intercession involves taking hold of God's will and refusing to let go until His will comes to pass.

Intercession is warfare -- the key to God's battle plan for our lives. But the battleground is not of this earth. The Bible says, "We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and spiritual powers in the heavens above" (Eph. 6:12).

Intercessory prayer takes place in this spiritual world where the battles for our own lives, our families, our friends and our nation are won or lost.

A PLAN FOR BATTLE If you are born again, you are God's son or

U

nhappy with her job, Julie was considering becoming a real estate agent like her aunt.

Sorting through the mail one evening, she found a flyer advertising a training course for prospective realtors. “Hmmm,” she wondered aloud, “is God trying to tell me something?”

When Christians are faced with making a decision about which direction to go with their lives, many aren’t sure how to choose a path to pursue. People may become hypersensitive to circumstances as they seek to perceive divine guidance. Or, they may hope others can tell them what they should do.

We have found that people often resist taking responsibility to make big decisions. Why? Because decision-making can be difficult. There is often a lot at stake. Our decisions have the power to change our lives for the better—or for the worse. Making a decision inescapably means taking a risk. We may fear not succeeding, experiencing disapproval from family or friends, or being ultimately disappointed by our choice.

Also, many people have never been taught specifically how to make decisions, especially decisions about their vocational calling.

When we are unsure what criteria to use in choosing a career, for example, we may look primarily at objective factors like salary and benefits, or ultimately make decisions based on our intuition or feelings about the options. We may know that there are other things we should consider,

daughter (John 1:12). As His child, you have a direct "hotline" to God. At any time, you can boldly come into His presence (Heb. 4:16) This incredible access to God is the basis for intercession. Once you are in God's presence, you can now discover His battle plan for the situation you are facing. Because prayer alone is not enough -- you need a target for your prayers!

To discover God's plan, all you have to do is ask. The Bible says that "if any of you need wisdom, you should ask God, and it will be given to you" (James 1:5). When we ask God for wisdom, His desires will become the focus of our prayers. "Let God change the way you think. Then you will know how to do everything that is good and pleasing to Him" (Romans 12:2).

you will be ready to fight with God's weapons. These are the "weapons of our warfare" that can pull down strongholds in the spirit world (see 2 Cor. 10:3,4). They will also protect you from the attacks that are sure to come once you begin the spiritual battle.

Next, bind the work of Satan, knowing that Jesus has given you authority "to defeat the power of your enemy" (Luke 10:19). If God shows you the identity of specific spiritual strongholds that are at work, take authority over these strongholds in the name of Jesus. And always remember that "God's Spirit is in you and is more powerful that the one that is in the world" (1 John 4:4).

Finally, as you begin the spiritual battle, take comfort knowing that you are not alone: Jesus also is interceding on your behalf! The Bible says that Jesus "is able to ARMED FOR BATTLE save forever those who draw near to God Intercessory prayer is a serious matter. through Him, since He always lives to make And just like soldiers who are preparing for intercession for them" (Heb. 7:25, NASB; see battle, we cannot take on the enemy if we also Romans 8:26,27,34). leave our weapons behind. That's why we must go into "battle" armed for spiritual PERSISTING IN BATTLE conflict (see 2 Cor. 10:3,4).

Intercessory prayer is also prayer that First, recognize that Jesus is in control doesn't give up. It's the kind of prayer that of the situation. Jesus "rules over forces, endures all setbacks and overcomes every authorities, powers, and rulers ... over all obstacle. It's prayer that "presses on" until beings in this world and will rule in the fu- we "apprehend" God's will in whatever situture world as well" (Eph. 1:21). He is King of ation we are facing (see Phil. 3:12, KJV).

Kings and Lord of Lords. Then, put on "all This kind of prayer is the key to seeing the armor God gives" (see Eph. 6) so that breakthroughs in your life and in the lives of

God Guides, We Decide Kevin and Kay Marie Brennfleck but not be sure what they are.

To further complicate the situation, we want to do what God wants us to do with our lives. So how do we take His will into account when contemplating a career choice or change? Is it up to God to guide or up to us to decide? The key to resolving this dilemma is realizing that it is both: God promises to guide and you are called to decide.

Called to be a Decision-Maker God certainly can indicate supernaturally which job or career path you should pursue. At times, He may choose to do so. More typically, however, He calls us to take responsibility for making good decisions about how to use our gifts in the world. In the absence of direct supernatural guidance, we need to assume that God wants us to prayerfully and thoughtfully decide which work or ministry/ service option is the best choice. “It is possible to pray, read God's Word, seek counsel, and still not feel led by God,” says Dr. Bruce Waltke. “That's the time to rely on sound judgment.

God gave each of us a brain, and He expects us to put it to good use.”

Scripture illustrates that even biblical “superstars” like the Apostle Paul saw making decisions to be a natural, normal, and necessary part of life. While Paul did receive divine

guidance (see Acts 16:7 and 20:22), he and others also made decisions (Acts 19:21, 20:16, and Titus 3:12).

Developing the ability to make wise decisions is a critical skill for Christian life and ministry. A track record of making good, biblically-grounded decisions is evidence of spiritual growth and maturity.

Guidance for Your Career Decisions Can the Bible be helpful to you in making career decisions and other life calling choices today? After all, you won’t find a Bible verse that tells you specifically which college major to choose, whether you should change jobs in mid-life, or which career option will be best for you. In addition, the world of work in biblical times was very different from our own.

In Jesus’ time, for example, most men went into the family business, whether it was becoming a merchant, rabbi, carpenter, or shepherd. Most women married early, had children, and took care of their home and family. “What should I do with my life?” was not a burning question of the time. The biblical world was very different than our own, yet the principles revealed in Scripture for making career and life decisions are still relevant for our contemporary lives.

The Bible plays a critical role in our

those around you. Jesus gave a great model for intercession in the story of the persistent friend. Here we see a friend who knocks on his neighbor's door at midnight to ask for three loaves of bread. The neighbor does not want to get up, but Jesus said, "because of his friend's persistence he will get up and give him as much as he needs" (Luke 11:8, NASB).

Then Jesus said, "Everyone who asks will receive, everyone who searches will find, and the door will be opened for everyone who knocks" (Luke 11:10). Those words mean keep on asking, keep on seeking, keep on knocking. In God's time, your persistence in intercessory prayer will reap a spiritual harvest in your life and the lives of those around you!

BATTLING FOR YOUR NATION Throughout the Bible, God searched for those willing to fight the spiritual battle for their land. In Ezekiel, God says, "And I searched for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found no one" (Ezek. 22:30, NASB).

Through intercession, you can take the offensive in the spiritual battle, building up your community, your nation and your world. As you follow God's call to rise up and take your place in the spiritual battle, God promises to "heal their land" (2 Chron.

7:14, NASB).

decision-making by showing us what is important to God. For example, the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25) clearly illustrates that God calls us to proactive stewardship of our gifts.To apply this biblical principle to making decisions about work and ministry/ service activities, we need to ask ourselves a question such as this: At this time in my life, how can I best use my gifts, abilities, and other resources to further God’s purposes in this world?

God gave you your gifts to do His work on earth, not for your own career success and advancement.

God uses His Word to enlarge the frame in which we see our work and our lives, transforming our perspective from the temporal to the eternal. The Holy Spirit within makes it possible for us to understand God’s revealed will and apply it to the specific circumstances of our lives.

God can also guide us through the wise counsel of others who help us put biblical principles into practice within the decisions we face.

We partner with God in discerning our calling when we work through a reasoned process of evaluating options in light of Scripture and our design. With each step, we seek God’s guidance in His Word and through prayer. We remain receptive to the Lord’s instruction should He choose at any point to indicate specifically what He wants us to do. When we are willing to be obedient, regardless of what God calls us to do, we become people He can guide and use to fulfill His purposes here on earth.

The top 5 worst worship trends of 2015 Rich Kirkpatrick have identified five trends that have come to life this year that might be damaging to our expression of Christian worship. Some of these are connected to a tool’s application. The wonderful tools we have around us and the choices for leaders are greater than ever. Our ingenuity and cleverness has reached new heights. But, with all creativity there are two sides. Creativity as innovation solves a problem. Creativity as art tells a story. When we forget the story—basically who we are—in our desire to solve a presenting issue, we lose ourselves.

These trends are based on what I have read, observation and interaction with hundreds of leaders of worship over this past year. I have connected five trends that we need to discuss as we enter a new year of opportunity.

I

Marketing the church through music What brings in the crowds, or even the cash, is often what is measured these days. Being “attractional” is not an evil. But is the goal of our weekend worship services to simply fill the seats, or is it more than that? The drive of many leaders to market a ministry may come from an evangelistic heart. However, music and art is something that tells a story. Madison Avenue has known this for decades. Do we tell our story, the story of the Gospel, and connect to the people we are trying to reach? Or, do we pander to the lowest common denominator? What draws a crowd? What keeps a crowd? Maybe there are deeper questions we should ask. Is our music a tool for marketing or a tool for worship? If it is both, what comes first?

Pressing play or the band in a box Ever since MIDI in the 1990s was sold as a tool for budding churches, we have had a push to make things predictable and as excellent as possible. Today, you can have the best worship artists play along with your church through loops and tracks. Many of these are from the actual released recordings. Personally, I have nothing against the technology, using it myself when I see fit. What is frightening is that some have lost all faith in developing musicianship and rely solely on this technology for their band. Like any tool, how you use it is what is important. In some cases, musicians have little-to-no input in being creative.

what we do, not our congregation. Might we have deeper worship experiences if we taught our people that it is their expression and not their reaction that matters? Might we lead better if we looked at our roles as servants of a process rather than creators of a product? The less we put on the people to bring, the more we set up all for disappointment. Maybe our newer approaches are counterproductive.

Paying for popularity, not leadership There seemed to be a time when creative leaders were hired by churches to lead creative people to help their church members worship.

Today, it seems we choose a worship leader to be what that person should look like in public, not the leadership they might add behind the scenes. To lead artists, training, experience and maturity are necessary. Many churches will hire a talented younger person only to find implosion in a short time. I hear of and have witnessed this much in the recent past. One church I know of was brazen in their desire to pick a well-known recording artist for their image and growth. Do we desire platform talent over leadership? Can there be both? There are so many training opportunities these days, with the ability to get a Masters in worship ministry. However, does experience ever play You potentially silence the people most gifted as a factor in who we choose to help lead us in to create. Is control and predictability more im- worship? portant than developing people? Is investment in gear a better spent dollar? Perhaps we should Embracing ubiquity instead of locality A culmination of our use of tracks with our adthink about all the ramifications of how we use these loops. For some, these are a God-send! But diction to perfection and image have brought us for others they might be strangling creative po- the same worship set in the same keys and tempos across the United States. There are some songs tential for the expedient. that surely should be sung across the world. But, do we know the story of our own town and do we Creating or crafting an experience It used to be that as worship leaders, our role value helping that voice worship? Does our zip was to invite people to express their worship. We code come second to wanting to look and sound served them by making the service music acces- like famous worship teams or churches? Our sucsible. Today, it appears that instead of a few songs cess might be measured by sounding and looking that help warm people to sing their prayers, we like a successful church, after all. It is as if we have call for three up-tunes to get energy in the room. chosen beige when our local palate illuminates When we program a service for emotions and a with unique hues. There may be a place for the response rather than for expectation and faith, Walmarts. But is there a place for the local voice as we dumb down our worship. It becomes more well? Do we love our community enough to speak about us church leaders and less about the peo- and sing their language? Are we valuing control ple and what they have come to offer. It is about and ubiquity over being indigenous to our locality?

JOINING THE BATTLE God is calling Christians to join His battle plan for this world -- to join in intercessory prayer. He is not looking for perfect prayer warriors, just willing hearts who want to see His will come to pass on the earth. All you have to do is turn to the Lord in prayer: "Father, I come into Your presence and ask You to give me the heart of the intercessor. Help me to be persistent in prayer until the breakthrough comes. Thank You for this powerful weapon of spiritual warfare -- and for Your faithfulness in my life. In Jesus' name. Amen."

GOD'S WORD ON INTERCESSION "We live in this world, but we don't act like its people or fight our battles with the weapons of this world. Instead, we use God's power that can destroy fortresses. We destroy arguments and every bit of pride that keeps anyone from knowing God. We capture people's thoughts and make them obey Christ" (2 Cor. 10:3-5).

SCRIPTURES FOR STUDY • Isaiah 59:16; Galatians 6:2; 1 Timothy 2:1 -- Our responsibility to intercede • Genesis 18 -- The importance of righteous believers • Isaiah 58:6-7 -- The need for intercession • Romans 8:26-34 -- Help to intercede • Ephesians 6 -- The "armor" for spiritual battle

The preaching of Christ crucified Selie Visa

The foundation of every message: The foundation of all preaching, i.e. the foundation on which every message is based, must be the Cross of Christ. We must preach the Cross. Paul said, "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." (1 Corinthians 1:18).

Paul did not come preaching with human wisdom, he is speaking by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

In his avoidance of human ostentation, he realizes that the straightforward presentation of the message of the cross produces two effects. It is foolishness to those who are on the way to being lost, but the power of God to those who are being saved.

The wisdom of God: Next Paul said, "For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe." (1 Corinthians 1:21).

To Paul, in God's all-wise purpose human beings with all their philosophical and religious wisdom and searching did not come to know God. This is not to deny the truth that people have certain knowledge of God through the natural creation. But Paul says it was God's good purpose to save those who believe by the seemingly foolish process of preaching the cross.

The world’s ways of seeking God: And then Paul said, "Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles" (1 Corinthians 1:23).

In explaining the world's seeking God through wisdom, Paul states that the Jews seek for "miraculous signs" and the Greeks seek "wisdom" and that through these means they hope to find the answers to the questions about God and life. The Jews were seeking signs to identify the Messiah and the apocalyptic deliverance they hoped God would bring them.

Paul's task is to preach Christ crucified. He uses the form of the verb "crucified" that implies that Christ's death has a continuous vicarious effect. To the unsaved Jews, however, this message of a crucified Christ was a "stumbling block", an offense, for they expected a political deliverer. To the non-Jewish world the cross was "foolishness"-- criminals died on crosses, so how could the cross provide any moral philosophical standard to help them toward salvation? Furthermore, the Greeks and Romans looked on one crucified as the lowest of criminals, so how could such a one be considered a savior?

Paul’s proclamation of the Cross: And then finally, "For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified." (1 Corinthians 2:2).

Paul came with the sole purpose of centering his attention on the truth concerning Jesus Christ-- on the fact and meaning of his crucifixion. It was not sufficient for Paul to tell about Jesus and his life; he had also to tell about his death for sin-

ners. Christ died on a Roman cross at Jerusalem, and his death was effective then and is effective now to bring forgiveness to sinners.

If we understand Paul at all, we understand that his message was the Cross of Christ. That's what he preached, and that's what he preached continually. The Word of God cannot be properly understood without one first having a proper understanding of the Cross.

Bringing people to a decision: The Cross of Christ is not a new message. It is actually the story of the Bible. It is the foundation of all that we are in Christ Jesus. Whenever the Cross of Christ is preached, the Holy Spirit brings men to a decision. They either have to accept it and be saved, or reject it and be lost.

This pertains not only to unbelievers, but it pertains to the Church as well. The Cross must be preached to the Church, if they are going to walk in victory.

The finished work of Christ: The work of Christ at the Cross is called a "Finished Work," which is portrayed by Paul in Hebrews 1:3

by Jesus being "sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven." As well, Paul referred to this great work as "the blood of the eternal covenant" (Hebrews 13:20). Our Savior cried out from the Cross before His death, "It is finished."

Carpenters in Jesus' day, as well as in modern times, kept a handkerchief, napkin, or towel upon which they wiped their hands, brushed away sawdust, etc., as they worked.

However in Jesus' day, carpenters had a tradition. When they finished their work, they would take this handkerchief, fold it neatly, and then lay it upon the top of the piece as a symbol that their work was complete. On the Day of the Resurrection, Peter and John run to the tomb.

John peeks in first, then Peter. "Then Simon Peter, who was behind him, arrived and went into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus' head. The cloth was folded up by itself, separate from the linen." (John 20:6 & 7) This symbol, the burial cloth lying by itself, was a symbolic from the Jewish Carpenter that His work was complete. The Work is complete! Trust in the Cross of Christ completely.

In conclusion: The Church is entering into the last great apostasy, the rise of the Antichrist and the great Tribulation period. At that time, the Cross is going to be the dividing line between the True Church and the Apostate Church.

Let’s go back in time to Calvary, where Christ's blood flowed down that horrible hill. Jesus Christ paid sin's debt and broke sin's dominion.

Jesus invites you today to come to Him. Come to Him and find sweet rest for your souls, for His yoke and easy, and His burden is light.

Christ built a bridge with his body on the Cross which could span the extremes of man's sinfulness and God's righteousness and offers to us the hope of forgiveness and eternal life. The Cross of Christ is your answer. It has always been your answer, and it will always be your answer.

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

SundAY 28•02•2016

INDIA

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Opp to bring privilege motion against Irani in Parliament

New delhi, February 27 (Pti): Escalating the battle in Parliament, major opposition parties today said they will bring privilege motion against HRD Minister Smriti Irani over her remarks in Parliament on the suicide of dalit scholar Rohith Vemula in Hyderbad central university.

Congress along with CPI(M) and JD(U) accused Irani of "willfully misleading" Parliament, hitting back at the minister who had targeted Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi and the Left during a debate on JNU and Hyderabad University controversies.

"The HRD Minister has not only been economical with truth but has also willfully misled Parliament on the unfortunate suicide of a young Dalit student, Rohith Vemula", Congress general secretary Mukul Wasnik and senior spokesperson Selja alleged.

Wasnik told reporters that the Congress planned to bring privilege motion in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha soon, while CPI(M) leader Mohd Saleem said he would be doing so on Monday.

"I will be giving a notice for breach of privilege against Irani to Lok Sabha

Court attackers were 'highly politically motivated': Kanhaiya

Smriti Irani pulled out all the stops in a fiery speech in the Parliament on Wednesday.

Speaker Sumitra Mahajan for misleading the House on Rohith Vemula issue," Saleem said.

JD(U) leader and Rajya Sabha MP K C Tyagi said that he and nominated member KTS Tulsi will give privilege notice against Irani to Chairman Hamid Ansari on Monday.

"There are contradictions in many statements of Irani regarding Rohith Vemula case. This is a fit case of breach of privilege," Tyagi said.

They cited the outburst of Radhika, Rohith's mother, against the HRD Minister and accused the BJP of being anti-dalit.

Radhika had attacked the HRD Minister questioning as to on what basis did she declare Rohith to be anti-national? "Your Ministry had written that my Rohith and other Dalit students were anti-national extremists. You said that he is not a Dalit. You accused him of getting a false certificate."

They alleged that these strong words from a mother "who has lost her son to BJP and in particular the HRD Minister's campus politics is a stamp of how recklessly and ruthlessly their party is hell bent on clamping down the voices of dissent."

The HRD Minister had also insinuated that Rohith is "not a Dalit", they said adding that this claim has also been rubbished by Radhika.

Wasnik said that it was

believed that the HRD Minister would try to "heal" Rohith's family but instead Irani has rubbed salt on their wounds.

Congress spokesman Manish Tewari said Irani was "too clever by half and then you get caught in your own web and that's exactly what has happened to the HRD Minister".

"She has been extremely creative and economical with truth and that is why she will face a privilege motion," he said.

New delhi, February 27 (iaNs): "The mob that beat me at the Patiala House Court seemed to be highly politically motivated as they were well prepared for the attack," Jawaharlal Nehru Students Union president Kanhaiya Kumar said in a video.

Kanhaiya Kumar and a few journalists were assaulted at the Patiala House Courts complex on February 15 and 17.

Recounting the attack, Kumar said in a video broadcast by CNN-IBN news channel that one of the attackers also entered the corridor of the court room where the hearing was scheduled to be held.

Stating that Delhi Police did not take any action, he said the attackers escaped from there.

In the video, Kumar said the lawyers' mob was prepared for attack as when they saw him at the entrance gate of Patiala House court, he heard them calling other people saying that Kanhaiya had arrived.

The lawyers started attacking me while raising slogans, he added. "I think they (attackers) are highly political motivated."

The university came under attack after an event was held on the university campus on February 9 against the execution of parliament attack convict Afzal Guru. JNU Students' Union president Kanhaiya Kumar was arrested in a sedition case on February 12 for allegedly rasing anti-India slogans at the event.

Another JnU student joins police investigation Meanwhile, Ashutosh Kumar, a student facing sedition charges for allegedly raising "anti-India" slogans on the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) campus, joined the police investigation on Saturday.

The police on Friday night asked Ashutosh to join the investigation at R.K. Puram police station here.

"Ashutosh, Rama Naga and Anant Prakash Narayan communicated to the police a few days ago their intention to join the enquiry, gave their contact number and told the police to call them whenever needed," said Sucheta De, national president of All India Students' Association (AISA), an organisation active in JNU. She said the police called Ashutosh on Friday night to come to the police station on Saturday morning. "So he has gone today. We were never resisting."

The police has already been interrogating JNU Students' Union president Kanhaiya Kumar as well as two other students of the university Umar Khalid and Anirban Bhattacharya. Kanhaiya Kumar, who is currently in judicial custody, was arrested on February 12. Both Khalid and Bhattacharya surrendered before the police on Tuesday night.

All students, including Ashutosh, Rama Naga and Anant, are facing the charges of raising "anti-national" slogans in an event organised on the JNU campus on February 9 to commemorate the execution of parliament attack convict Afzal Guru.

Over 1,200 caught cheating Digvijaya Singh granted bail in MP 'India a ray of hope in world economy' in class 12 exam in Bihar assembly recruitment scam case PatNa, February 27 (iaNs): Over 1,200 students in Bihar have been disqualified from class 12 examinations for cheating and dozens of other people have been arrested for helping them, an official said on Saturday. "The students were disqualified on charge of adopting unfair means," said Hariharnath Jha, an official of Bihar School Examination Board.He said "dozens" of people who helped the students to cheat have been arrested. This year an examinee found to be cheating would be disqualified for three years; earlier, the period of disqualification was only a year, Jha said.

The action against cheating students took place over 3 days of the class 12 exams: 400 examinees disqualified on Wednesday, 350 on Thursday, and 490 on Friday.Reports reaching here from different parts of the state suggest that some invigilators and guardians have also been booked for helping the examinees in using unfair means.About 70,000 officials, including teachers and policemen, have been on duty to hold the examinations, Jha said. The examination centres are also being monitored by CCTV cameras. To deter mass cheating, the authorities also decided to impose a fine of up to Rs.10,000 on an examinee found using unfair means and to punish the guardians found helping their children in cheating.

New delhi, February 27 (tNN): Congress leader Digvijaya Singh was on Saturday granted bail in connection with Madhya Pradesh assembly recruitment scam case. Singh appeared before the special district and sessions judge Kashinath Singh.

A Bhopal court on Friday had issued arrest warrant against former chief minister and Congress general secretary in connection with an alleged recruitment scam at the assembly secretariat which took place when he was the chief minister of Madhya Pradesh.

The warrant was issued as Singh did not appear in the court where a 169-page supplementary chargesheet was also filed in the case. Singh was summoned by prosecuting agency — Madhya Pradesh police — to attend the court proceedings.

A total of 17 people were appointed using fraudulent means, but as per the

chargesheet submitted by the police in court, Digvijaya has been accused of involvement in 13 fraudulent appointments including Badri Prasad, Satya Narayan Sharma, Kamlakant Sharma, Arun Tiwari, Sharad Dwivedi, Sudhir Tiwari, Anil Mishra, Kuldeep Pandey, Sukramani Pandey, Yagya Narayan Mishra, Ramesh Tiwari, Yogesh Mishra and Sushma Dwivedi.

Of the eight accused who were chargesheeted by police, five were already on bail and two got bail after they were arrested. Earlier, an FIR was registered against Digvijaya and 19 others on February 27, 2015 on the basis of a complaint made by deputy speaker in state assembly Shyam Lal Maithil at Jehangirabad police station of the district.

The complaint stated that people belagavi, February 27 (Pti): were given jobs overlooking the age, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturqualification and other requisite norms. day said if there was a ray of hope in the world economy, it was India, as he asserted that his government was committed to transform the lives of the poor and villages.

Addressing a farmers’ rally here, he also said that the Opposition spoke of many isdropped an e-mail to the DCW tercepted by the accused again -- sues but there was not an allegation of corand informed the Commission then with a group of men sitting ruption against his government ever since about the incident. She later came inside the vehicle -- and molested. he has been serving as “pradhan sevak“. to Delhi on February 9 and the Fearing that locals in the area “Today it is agreed that if there is a ray next day the Commission coun- may get hold of them, the accused of hope in the world economy, it is India,” selled her and guided her in lodg- men fled the scene.

Mr. Modi said at the huge rally, organised ing a police complaint, a senior Later, a man returning home as part of BJP’s nationwide outreach to DCW official said. from office found the woman sit- farmers.

“On February 24, DCW chief ting on a pavement and escorted He cited ratings by various agencies Swati Maliwal issued a notice to her to the hotel. The victim was too and international institutions such as DCP (Central) and an FIR was reg- traumatised to report the matter World Bank and IMF to buttress his point istered,” the senior official said. to the police in a foreign place or on India offering a “ray of hope“.

According to DCW, however, anyone else, the DCW official said.

Modi said whether it was World Bank on December 14 night, after be“A case under Section 376 or IMF or world’s rating agency, all of them ing sexually assaulted once by the (rape) of IPC has been registered in were saying in one voice that if there is any auto-rickshaw driver, the woman connection with the matter against country “where there is a ray of hope, that managed to escape and run to one unidentified person,” DCP ray of hope is India“. another street where she was in- (Central) Parmaditya said.

“In the whole world, the economy is wa-

Delhi: German national alleged sexual assault by auto driver New delhi, February 27 (Pti): A 19-year-old German national was allegedly sexually assaulted by an unidentified autorickshaw driver in central Delhi, police said on Saturday.

The incident occurred in Prasad Nagar area more than two months ago, when the German girl, who works for an NGO in Maharashtra, had come to Delhi with a male friend, and both were staying at a hotel in Patel Nagar, police said.

While the Delhi Commission For Women (DCW, on whose direction an FIR was lodged, maintained that the “victim” was assaulted twice in the same night,

the police said she alleged being attacked only once.

According to police, on the night of December 14, the woman was walking in a lane near Patel Nagar when she lost her way and sought help for directions. An auto-rickshaw driver then offered her lift and later allegedly sexually assaulted her after pulling over the vehicle at a secluded spot.

The accused then fled the scene and the woman came back to the hotel on foot. She did not report the incident to anyone, not even to her friend, and in a day or two both left Delhi, police said.

On February 5, the woman

'Rich feed off subsidies worth over Rs. 1 lakh crore'

New delhi, February 27 (ageNcies): India’s rich feed off subsidies worth over Rs. 1 lakh crore a year that are meant for the poor, according to the Economic Survey. And this figure only considers the subsidies on six commodities, two public utilities — the Railways and electricity — and one small savings scheme, the Public Provident Fund.

“There are a fair amount of government interventions that help the relatively better-off in society. In many cases, this takes the form of explicit subsidisation, which is surprisingly substantial in magnitude,” the Survey said in a provocatively titled chapter ‘Bounties for the Well-off.’

The Survey classified the population on the basis of consumption data collected by National Sample Surveys. “Poor refer to the bottom 30 per cent of the population and the rich the top 70 per cent,” it said in a

footnote. This categorises a sizeable portion of the nonpoor as ‘rich’.

“These numbers are striking and have one policy implication: any tax incentives that are given, for example, for savings, benefit not the middle class, not the upper middle class but the super-rich who represent the top 1-2 per cent,” the Survey added.

Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian, the Survey’s lead author, argued that most commodities primarily consumed by the rich have a very low tax rate, in effect subsidising them at the cost of the poor. For example, the rich consume 98 per cent of the gold in the country, and yet gold is taxed at only 1-1.6 per cent (the Centre and the States combined).

The rich avail of an 88 per cent subsidy on kerosene, amounting to Rs. 5,501 crore and 86 per cent subsidy on LPG, amounting to Rs. 40,151 crore.

ATF TAx lower ThAn ThAT oF peTrol To arrive at the quantum of subsidies availed of by the rich, the Economic Survey assumed the average tax on normal commodities at 19 per cent, the Revenue Neutral Rate for the GST as recommended by the Subramanian panel, and a 50 per cent tax on energy-related commodities that serves as an “appropriate carbon tax.”

The effective subsidy availed by the rich, as calculated by the Survey, is the difference between this tax rate (19 per cent or 30 per cent) and the actual subsidy, measured as a negative number, or the (positive) tax rate on that commodity or service.

Some commodities are subsidised more for the poor than the rich, such as railway tickets (since there are different categories of tickets), but even here, the rich avail of a subsidy of 34

per cent, according to the Survey. Similarly, the tax structure has resulted in aviation fuel being cheaper per litre than petrol and diesel. “Aviation fuel is taxed at about 20 per cent (average of tax rates for all

states), while diesel and petrol are taxed at about 55 per cent and 61 per cent (as in January 2016). The real consumers of ATF are those who travel by air, who essentially are the well-off,” the Survey said.

vering. Even those countries who say they are experts are also going through economic problems,” he said. In spite of disturbing environment of slowdown, India is making rapid strides in growth, he said. 'prADhAn SeVAK' On corruption, Modi said that when his government assumed office, the nation was tired of corruption. “It’s been over 18 months since I’ve served you as Pradhan Sevak. Opposition speaks of many issues but not on allegation of corruption.”

He said when his government came to power, the entire country was disturbed by the issues of corruption. “Only one issue was being heard in the air, on earth and water and that was corruption, corruption and only corruption.”

On the one hand, the trust in the country had fallen in the eyes of the world which was not prepared to take India into account. India was also facing economic problems with corruption destroying the country like termites. There was an environment of despair, he said.

Villages ban single women from owning "distracting" mobile phones MuMbai, February 27 (thoMsoN reuters FouNdatioN): Several villages in Gujarat have banned girls and single women from owning mobile phones, saying the devices distract them from their studies.

A couple of villages in Mehsana and Banaskantha districts in Gujarat have imposed the ban in recent weeks, with more villages joining the campaign, said Ranjit Singh Thakor, president of the Mehsana district council. The ban applies to girls under the age of 18 and unmarried women, he said.

"The girls don't study properly if they have mobile phones, and they can get into all sorts of bad situations," he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation by telephone. "Let them study, get married, then they can get their own phones. Until then, they can use their fathers' phones at home, if necessary."

This is not the first time Indian villages have taken this step. Villages in Bihar had imposed a similar ban a few years ago, saying mobile phones were "debasing the social atmosphere" by leading young women to elope. Activists protested, calling it an assault on freedom that could potentially harm women by denying them access to protection.

India is the world's second-biggest market for mobile phones, with more than

1 billion users. The ban in villages in Gujarat comes as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who hails from the state, pushes the Digital India initiative that aims to connect rural areas with high-speed Internet networks.

In Mehsana district, offenders will be fined about 2,100 rupees ($31) and informants will be rewarded, Thakor said. Female students in university are exempt from the ban, as they may need the phones for their studies, he said. The ban is being adopted by people from the Thakor caste in the entire state, he said.

While more villages appear to be embracing the ban, villages in Banaskantha district have an informal rule, said Gaurav Dahiya, the district development officer.

"It was imposed by village elders in the villages, saying it's for the girls' safety," he said.

"But not many people are following it."

Mobile phone ownership has been found to improve the lives of people in rural areas, who often have poor connectivity. In Tanzania, for instance, mobile phones were found to have a significant impact on women's' businesses and lives, a study found.

Yet there and in India, men often control phones, especially in rural areas where members of a family may share a single device.

SundaY 28•02 •2016

WORLD

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

9

Truce halts most Syria fighting; Russia stops flights BEIRUT, FEBRUaRy 27 (REUTERs): Fighting mostly stopped across western and northern Syria on Saturday and Russia halted its air raids, under a cessation of hostilities which the United Nations called the best hope for peace since civil war began five years ago.

Under the U.S.-Russian accord accepted by President Bashar al-Assad’s government and many of his enemies, fighting should cease so aid can reach civilians and talks can open to end a war that has killed more than 250,000 people and made 11 million homeless.

Russia, which says it intends to continue strikes against areas held by Islamist fighters that are not covered by the truce, said it would suspend all flights over Syria for the day on Saturday to ensure no wrong targets were hit by mistake.

A Syrian rebel commander said government shelling had stopped in some parts of Syria but continued elsewhere in what he described as a violation that could wreck the agreement.

The truce is the culmination of new diplomatic efforts that reflect a battlefield dramatically changed since Russia joined the war in September with air strikes to prop up Assad.

Moscow’s intervention effectively destroyed the hope his enemies have maintained for five years -- encouraged by Arab and

The United Nations Security Council votes to approve a resolution endorsing the planned halt in fighting in Syria at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on February 26. (REUTERS Photo)

Western states -- to topple him by force.

The agreement is the first of its kind to be attempted in four years and, if it holds, would be the most successful truce of the war so far.

But there are weak spots in a fragile deal which has not been directly signed by the Syrian warring parties and is less binding than a formal ceasefire. Importantly, it does not cover powerful jihadist groups such as Islamic State and the Nusra Front, al Qaeda’s branch in Syria.

“Let’s pray that this works because frankly this is the best opportunity we can imagine the Syr-

ian people has had for the last five years in order to see something better and hopefully something related to peace,” U.N. Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura said at a midnight news conference in Geneva.

He said he expected occasional breaches of the agreement but called on the parties to show restraint and curb escalation.

Several insurgents in the western and northern part of the country said early on Saturday that it was mainly quiet so far.

Nevertheless, Fares Bayoush, head of the Fursan alHaqq rebel group which fights under the banner of the Free Syrian Army, told

Reuters that continuing violations could lead to the “collapse of the agreement”.

“There are areas where the bombardment has stopped but there are areas where there are violations by the regime such as Kafr Zeita in Hama, via targeting with artillery, and likewise in Morek in northern Hama countryside.”

REPORTS OF VIOLENCE In early reports of violence, a Syrian rebel group in the northwest said three of its fighters had been killed while repelling an attack from government ground forces a few hours after the plan came into effect. Its spokesman called it

a breach of the agreement; the Syrian military could not be reached immediately for comment.

Syria’s state media said at least two people were killed and several wounded when a car bomb exploded at the entrance of Salamiya, a town east of Hama city and a frontline between government forces and Islamic State group. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights which monitors the conflict said it was carried out by Islamic State.

The Syrian Kurdish YPG militia said Islamic State fighters had attacked Tal Abyad, a town near the Turkish border.

Damascus and Moscow

say they will respect the agreement but continue to fight the Nusra Front and Islamic State. Other rebels seen as moderates by the West say they fear this will be used to justify attacks on them.

Russia’s defence ministry said it would suspend air strikes in a “green zone” -- defined as those parts of Syria held by groups that have accepted the cessation -- and make no flights at all on Saturday.

“Given the entry into force of the U.N. Security Council resolution that supports the RussianAmerican agreements on a ceasefire, and to avoid any possible mistakes when carrying out strikes, Russian military planes, including long-range aviation, are not carrying out any flights over Syrian territory on Feb. 27,” the defence ministry said.

Sergei Rudskoi, a lieutenant-general in the Russian air force, told a news briefing that Moscow had sent the United States a list of 6,111 fighters who had agreed to the ceasefire deal and 74 populated areas which should not be bombed.

Nusra Front, one of Syria’s most powerful Islamist rebel groups, often operates close to other groups, making it potentially difficult to prove whether strikes have targeted it. On Friday, Nusra urged insurgents to intensify their attacks on Assad and his allies.

“THERE IS CALM” A rebel fighter said government forces briefly fired artillery at a village in Aleppo province, which he said was under the control of the Levant Front, another group under the umbrella of the Free Syrian Army which has backed the truce.

Nevertheless he said the frontline was quieter than before the agreement took effect.

“There is calm. Yesterday at this time there were fierce battles. It is certainly strange, but the people are almost certain that the regime will breach the truce on the grounds of hitting Nusra. There is the sound of helicopters from the early morning,” he told Reuters earlier on Saturday.

Fighting raged across much of western Syria right up until the cessation came into effect but there was calm in many parts of the country shortly after midnight, the Observatory said.

“In Damascus and its countryside ... for the first time in years, calm prevails,” Observatory director Rami Abdulrahman said.

“In Latakia, calm, and at the Hmeimim air base there is no plane activity,” he said, referring to the Latakia base where Russia’s warplanes operate.

Some gunfire had been heard shortly after midnight in the northern city of Aleppo, and there were some blasts heard in northern Homs province, but

it was not clear what had caused them, Abdulrahman said.

After years in which any action by the United Nations Security Council was blocked by Moscow, Russia’s intervention has opened a path for multilateral diplomacy while undermining the long-standing Western demand that Assad leave power.

The Security Council unanimously demanded late on Friday that all parties to the conflict comply with terms of the plan. De Mistura said he intends to restart peace talks on March 7, provided the halt in fighting largely holds.

U.N.-backed peace talks, the first in two years and the first to include delegations from Damascus and the rebels, collapsed earlier this month before they began, with the rebels saying they could not negotiate while they were being bombed.

The government, backed by Russian air strikes, has dramatically advanced in recent weeks, moving close to encircling Aleppo, Syria’s biggest city before the war, and threatening to seal the Turkish border that has served as the main lifeline for rebelheld areas.

Washington said it was time for Russia to show it was serious about halting fighting by honouring a commitment not to strike Syrian groups that are part of the moderate opposition.

Clinton eyes landslide victory in South Carolina primary ASEAN concerned about rising South China Sea tensions WashInGTOn, FEBRUaRy 27 (PTI): Hillary Clinton hopes to consolidate her position as the Democratic presidential frontrunner with a landslide victory over rival Bernie Sanders in the South Carolina primary elections ahead of the crucial “Super Tuesday” next week.

Eyeing to become the first woman president of the US, the 68-year-old former Secretary of State has an impressive 27 points lead over Sanders, 74, from Vermont.

At the national level, her lead over Sanders is now less than six per cent.

Clinton leads in the delegate count after winning two of the first three states to vote -- in Iowa, narrowly, and then in Nevada.

In South Carolina, where 55 per cent of voters in the 2008 Democratic primary were African-American, polls show Clinton is favoured to win - that could wipe away the memories of her 2008 primary loss in the state.

Democratic U.S. presidential candidate Hillary Clinton rallies with supporters at a local politician’s annual oyster roast and fish fry in Orangeburg, South Carolina February 26. (REUTERS Photo)

She is campaigning for a landslide victory in South Carolina’s Democratic primary, while Sanders is already looking ahead to Minnesota, Colorado, Illinois and beyond.

Clinton and her husband Bill Clinton, the former US President, along with their daughter Chelsie have spent the last few days in South Carolina, where she is highly popular.

“The South Carolina primary is personally im-

Insecticide-treated nets may still prevent malaria LOndOn, FEBRUaRy 27 (Ians): Insecticide-treated nets can prevent malaria despite mosquitoes developing resistance to the substances used on the nets, a study says. Researchers found that doses of the insecticide “deltamethrin” that are tolerated by resistant mosquitoes can interfere with development of the malaria parasite in the stomach of the mosquito.

Insecticide resistance remains a major threat to malaria control.

“Our findings could help to explain why, so far, insecticide-treated nets seem to remain partly effective despite increasing resistance”, said study author Jo Lines from the London school of hygiene and tropical medicine The study, published in the journal Parasites & Vectors, focused on malaria carrying mosquitoes in Africa -- Anopheles gambiae s.s.

The team fed the mosquitoes on malaria infected blood, exposed some of them to the insecticide and checked for parasite development a week later.

The findings showed that the proportion of infected mosquitoes was significantly lower in the group that had been exposed to the insecticide and those that were infected developed fewer parasites than the unexposed group.

The study indicates that although resistant mosquitoes are surviving contact with the insecticide, the malaria parasites inside those mosquitoes are affected by the chemicals.

“This is a significant result. It suggests that the use of insecticide-treated nets might continue to reduce malaria even in areas where the mosquitoes have become resistant. If so, that would give us more time to develop alternatives,” said Tarekegn Abeku, one of the researchers, from the London school of hygiene and tropical medicine.

portant to me because I want to send a strong signal that South Carolina is ready for change, ready for progress, ready to make a difference,” Clinton said yesterday during a rally in Columbia.

“Tomorrow, folks in South Carolina will head to the polls, and we’ll be well on our way to Super Tuesday,” the former top American diplomat said in an email to her supporters.

On the eve of the South

Carolina primary, a poll

by Gallup said that among Democrats, Clinton has an advantage of 11 points over Sanders.

“Hillary Clinton has reclaimed her position as the best- liked presidential candidate among Democrats and independents who lean Democratic, a sign that her candidacy is recovering a key advantage she recently surrendered to rival Bernie Sanders,” Gallup said.

Clinton’s supports hoped that South Carolina would seal her position as the Democratic frontrunner.

“If Sanders doesn’t do better with African-Americans in South Carolina than he did in Nevada, he’s going to have a terrible night,” Mo Elleithee, a Democratic strategist who worked on her 2008 campaign, was quoted as saying by USA Today.

This week, Clinton attended at least 10 events in the State having addressed rallies every day since Tuesday. During the same period, Sanders addressed just three rallies.

VIEnTIanE, FEBRUaRy 27 (REUTERs): Southeast Asian nations expressed serious concern on Saturday about growing international tension over disputed waters in the South China Sea. China claims most of the sea but Southeast Asian countries Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei and Vietnam have rival claims. Friction has increased over China’s recent deployment of missiles and fighter jets to the disputed Paracel island chain.

“Ministers remained seriously concerned over recent and ongoing developments,” the 10-members Association of Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN) said in a statement after a regular meeting of the group’s foreign ministers in Laos.

Land reclamation and escalating activity has increased tensions and could undermine peace, security and stability in the region, ASEAN said in the statement.

The United States has criticized China’s building of artificial islands and facilities in the sea and has sailed warships close to disputed territory to assert the right to freedom of navigation. On Friday, the United States urged China’s President Xi Jinping to prevent the militarisation of the region.

Vietnam, which accused China of violating its sovereignty with the mis-

The artificial island at the southern end of Mischief Reef showing a newlybuilt seawall on its north side and a completed dock are shown in this Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative January 8, 2016 satellite image released to Reuters on January 15, 2016. (REUTERS File Photo)

sile deployment, echoed the U.S. call on Saturday.

“We call for non-militarisation in the South China Sea,” Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh told reporters after meeting his ASEAN colleagues.

“We have serious concerns about that,” he said, when asked about China’s increasing military activity in the region. The group agreed to seek a meeting between China and ASEAN’s foreign ministers to discuss the South China Sea and other issues, Cambodian Minister Hor Namhong said.

China’s maritime claims are ASEAN’s most contentious issue, as its members struggle to balance mutual support with their growing economic relations with Beijing. China is the biggest trade partner for many ASEAN nations. Neighbours Vietnam and China compete for influence over landlocked Laos, which has no maritime claims but finds itself in the difficult position of dealing with neighbours at odds over the South China Sea. Laos is tasked with finding common ground on the issue as the ASEAN chair in 2016.

Costa Rica in push to give identity cards to indigenous people, prevent statelessness

In this 2004 file photo, an indigenous Panamain Guaymi, 13-year-old Celia Montero, harvests coffee at a plantation in Cirri de Naranjo, 40 miles the north of San Jose. (REUTERS File Photo)

BOGOTa, FEBRUaRy 26 (ThOmsOn REUTERs FOUndaTIOn): When Reynaldo Miranda was born in Costa Rica in the 1980s, no birth certificate was issued. He grew up without an identity card but did not consider his lack of official identity a problem until he applied for a school scholarship and got sick.

Like many among the Ngobe Bugle indigenous group, Miranda’s parents were born in neighouring Panama, and had crossed into Costa Rica looking

for seasonal work in coffee plantations.

Over the decades, many ended up settling in Costa Rica, and their children, known locally as Chiriticos, have been born and raised in the Central American nation.

“My parents never registered our births. They didn’t really know about this. It’s not something done in our culture. They didn’t have any identity documents either,” Miranda, now 28, told the Thomson Reuters Foun-

dation in a phone interview.

“This became a problem when I tried to apply for a scholarship to continue studying at school but without a birth certificate I couldn’t get one and I had to drop out of school.”

Without the certificate proving he was born in Costa Rica, Miranda found it difficult to get an identity card, and in turn could not register the birth of his own two children.

“Without an identity card, you don’t have any rights,” said Miranda, a coffee picker.

“You need a identity card for everything. Without it, I couldn’t get the medicine and medical care I needed and any social welfare benefits.”

The lack of an official document proving their country of birth puts people at risk of statelessness, the U.N. refugee agency (UNHCR) said.

Stateless people, sometimes referred to as legal ghosts, are not recognised as citizens by any country, which means they are denied basic rights.

Indigenous groups are particularly at risk of being stateless

because traditionally they do not register the births of their children and women often give birth in remote areas instead of in state hospitals, the UNHCR says.

Local authorities estimate up to 8,000 members of the Ngobe Bugle tribe, along with children born in Costa Rica to migrant workers from neighouring Nicaragua, lack any type of documents.

MOBILE TEAMS As part of a drive to eradicate the risk of statelessness in Costa Rica, mobile teams are travelling around the countryside, particularly during coffee harvest time, to identify indigenous families and their children who do not have birth certificates.

Often this involves officials going from door-to-door, from coffee farm to coffee farm.

“Ensuring people have birth certificates is a key prevention against statelessness. An undetermined nationality creates a risk of statelessness,” said Marcela Rodriguez-Farrelly, UNHCR’s protection officer in Costa Rica.

“This is an invisible situation.

If you don’t have a birth certificate, you can’t access your rights,” she said.

Since the programme spearheaded by the UNHCR and state authorities in Costa Rica and Panama started in late 2014, around 5,000 people, mostly from the Ngobe Bugle tribe, have received birth certificates.

Many have gone on to get identity cards, including Miranda and his family. “We now exist. We now have rights,” he said.

Elsewhere in Latin America, the biggest stateless population is found in the Dominican Republic.

Around 200,000 Dominicanborn people of Haitian descent are stateless in the Dominican Republic, following a 2013 ruling by the country’s constitutional court that threw into question their citizenship, the UNHCR says.

Worldwide there are around 10 million stateless people, the UNHCR estimates, with many found in Nepal, Myanmar and Thailand, and more than a third of the world’s stateless are children.

10

sunDAY 28•02•2016

SPORTS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

lowry’s lifts raptors New FiFA boss infantino past cavaliers

faces major challenges

Kyle Lowry of the Toronto Raptors drives for a basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during an NBA game at the Air Canada Centre on February 26 in Toronto, Ontario. (Getty Images)

tOrONtO, February 27 (aP): Kyle Lowry scored a career-high 43 points to help the Toronto Raptors beat the Eastern Conference-leading Cleveland Cavaliers 99-97 Friday night.

Terrence Ross added 15 points for Toronto, which won its 10th straight at home to tie a franchise record previously set between March 24 and Nov. 4, 2002. Raptors leading scorer DeMar DeRozan had a season-low six points while battling flu-like symptoms.

LeBron James had 25 points and Kevin Love added 20 for the Cavaliers, who had their lead over Atlantic Division-leading Toronto in the East cut to two games.

Lowry tied the score at 97 with a hook shot with 51.9 seconds remaining. After J.R. Smith’s miss gave the Raptors the ball with 28.9 seconds left, Lowry made a pullup jumper with 3.8 seconds left to put Toronto back in front.

Following a Cleveland timeout, James unleashed what would have been a gamewinning 3-pointer, but it missed the rim completely as time expired.

With the win, the Raptors clinched the season series 2-1.

MAVERICKS 122, NUGGETS 116, OT Raymond Felton hit a tying jumper with 10.2 seconds left in regulation and then scored eight of his 16 points in overtime as Dallas rallied from 23 down to beat Denver.

Chandler Parsons led the Mavericks with 27 points, including 15 in the third quarter when Dallas took a 67-66 lead with 5:15 to play after coming all the way back from a 5532 deficit late in the second quarter.

Dirk Nowitzki had 20 points and 13 rebounds for the Mavericks, who closed the fourth period on an 8-0 run over the final 1:50. David Lee, playing his second game with Dallas, had 14 points and 14 rebounds in 26 minutes.

Will Barton led the Nuggets with 22 points. Kenneth Faried had 20 points and 12 rebounds. Danilo Gallinari injured his right ankle in the closing minutes of the third quarter and didn’t return.

On Denver’s final possession of regulation, Barton’s jumper at the buzzer bounced off the front rim.

HORNETS 96, PACERS 95 Kemba Walker scored 22 points and hit the game-winning shot with 2.4 seconds

left to lift Charlotte over Indiana.

Monta Ellis gave Indiana the lead with a layup over Walker with 16.2 seconds to go. Walker then split two defenders above the 3-point line to get to the rim and sank a left-handed scoop shot over Paul George.

The Pacers had a chance at the buzzer, but George’s shot from the top of the key missed. George finished with 32 points.

Marvin Williams had 26 points and 13 rebounds for the Hornets, tied with Chicago for seventh place in the Eastern Conference, 1 1/2 games ahead of Detroit. Charlotte won for the second time this month at Indiana after dropping 12 straight on the Pacers’ home court.

Walker, who also had 10 assists, scored nine points in the final 5:08 to help fend off a late Pacers charge.

HAWKS 103, BULLS 88 Jeff Teague scored 19 points, Al Horford added 18 and Atlanta snapped a three-game losing streak with a victory over short-handed Chicago.

Paul Millsap had 12 points and 13 rebounds for the Hawks, who ended a fourgame home skid — their longest since April 2007. Atlanta moved into fifth place in the East.

Doug McDermott finished with 20 points and Paul Gasol had 16 points and 17 rebounds for the Bulls.

WIZARDS 103, 76ERS 94 John Wall had 23 points and 11 assists to lead Washington past Philadelphia.

Jared Dudley scored 14 points and Ramon Sessions added 12 for the Wizards.

Wall finished two rebounds short of a triple-double.

Jahlil Okafor scored 21 points for the 76ers (8-50), who lost their seventh straight and 11th in 12 games.

KNICKS 108, MAGIC 95 Carmelo Anthony had 19 points, 11 rebounds and six assists, and New York quickly jumped on an Orlando team that appeared to still be staggered by Stephen Curry.

A night after yielding 51 points and 10 3-pointers to Curry in a 130-114 loss to Golden State, the Magic were barely in the game after the first 10 minutes.

Kristaps Porzingis added 18 points for the Knicks, who won for only the third time in 16 games. Nikola Vucevic scored 18 for the Magic, and Aaron Gordon had 17 points and eight rebounds.

Zurich, February 27 (aFP): FIFA's new president Gianni Infantino on Saturday faced the mountainous task of reforming and uniting world football, with a pile of crises from the scandal-ridden Sepp Blatter era needing urgent action.

Infantino, an executive at European football confederation UEFA, promised an end to the dark days at FIFA following his convincing election win.

But the 45-year-old Swiss-Italian national was immediately met with multiple challenges, as football’s powerful players including key corporate partners must still be convinced that FIFA can mend its ways.

Infantino will also have to prioritise the interests of developing football nations in Asia and Africa, two continents that publicly backed election runner-up Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa on hopes that a non-European would lead FIFA after Swiss national Blatter's 18-year presidency.

"We will work tirelessly, starting with myself," the shaven-headed, multi-lingual new FIFA boss said.

"You will be proud of FIFA. You will be proud of what FIFA will do for football."

Questions on reform Infantino said governance reforms passed just hours before his election win were "groundbreaking" and that implementing them would be a priority. They include changes to FIFA's management, limiting Infantino's powers compared to the authority held by Blatter.

There will be a 12-year term limit for top officials and salaries will be disclosed. The all-powerful executive committee will be renamed a FIFA council and football's multi-billion dollar business activities will be run separately from football politics.

But there was no decision to create an outside watchdog that has been widely demanded as the only way to solve FIFA's corruption crisis.

Top World Cup sponsors like credit-card giant Visa said after the vote that "independent oversight of the reforms" was still the best strategy to ensure real change. Infantino has promised to bring in "independent and respected voices" to FIFA but has not given details.

Experts said that cor-

‘infantino pay less than his No 2 in new-look FiFA’

Newly elected FIFA president Gianni Infantino of Switzerland raises an arm during a press conference after the second election round during the extraordinary FIFA congress in Zurich, Switzerland, Friday, February 26.

Delegates of the soccer body FIFA met to elect a new president. (AP Photo)

Zurich, February 27 (aP): A sign of the FIFA president's newly-diminished powers and status will come when Gianni Infantino's salary is revealed. A person with knowledge of the situation says Infantino's No. 2 - a chief executive in an overhauled FIFA structure - will now receive a bigger pay packet than the president. With the presidency moving toward a non-executive figurehead position, Infantino's salary will be less than predecessor Sepp Blatter's pay. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because FIFA salaries are not currently allowed to be discussed publicly. FIFA is due to reveal salaries for the first time next month as part of reforms approved Friday before Infantino's victory. With the president's powers curbed, day-to-day executive control transfers to the administration headed by the CEO, which replaces the existing secretary general position.

Infantino election gives FIFA time to start tackling problems

Zurich, February 27 (reuters): Gianni Infantino's election as FIFA president should give soccer's governing body the time it needs to begin tackling the corruption and other problems that have dragged it into the worst crisis in its 112-year history, current and former officials said.

As well as electing a new president to replace Sepp Blatter on Friday, FIFA signed off on a slew of reforms that may help restore its credibility, even as dozens of its personnel past and present face criminal investigations in the United States and Switzerland.

"This will be a new era for FIFA despite the problems it faces. Let him have time to settle, to see what needs to be done and let everyone calm down a little," Per Ravn Omdal, a former president of the Norwegian FA and FIFA executive committee member during Blatter's early years porate partners -- who demanded an end to the sleaze that came to characterise the Blatter era -- will be watching to see if Infantino's desire to make changes goes beyond rhetoric.

Jeff Thinnes, a US consultant to global corporations on ethics and governance, told AFP that the FIFA vote is "only a start."

Unity push "Given the culture of FIFA, a very corrupt culture down through the national associations, it is going to be a long slog before what is on paper becomes what is in practice," he said.

Infantino downplayed divisions in world football, saying he had won "an election but not a war."

Sheikh Salman, a royal from Bahrain, had been the pre-poll favourite, and

in charge, told Reuters.

"He has a massive task of course, but he can start work in a totally different atmosphere than the one surrounding FIFA for the last few years."

One FIFA insider who asked not to be named said it may also help that the organization did not pick Sheikh Salman of Bahrain, who had repeatedly had to deny any role in his country's crackdown on pro-democracy protests five years ago.

"If Sheikh Salman had won this election, becoming president after allegations against him involving human rights abuses, the attention from the justice authorities would have been unrelenting," he said.

"The temperature would have gone past boiling point. We can all take a step back now." Greg Dyke, chairman of the English FA, also welcomed Infantino's win.

"The last thing FIFA needed was another president bringing a pile of

his defeat was a blow to the ambitions of Asia and especially the Arab world, where there had been anticipation of a powerful new voice in sport.

"The new FIFA needs to become more inclusive and reflect the diversity of world football," the sheikh said after the vote, pledging to work with Infantino.

India, a supporter of Sheikh Salman, said it hoped to receive "due importance" under FIFA's new boss. The executive committee of Africa's football confederation had also endorsed the sheikh, but some African nations were believed to have voted for Infantino, especially in the second round.

The new FIFA boss has insisted that he was not a European candidate, but

suspicious baggage into the job," he said. "Gianni comes in clean, his record as UEFA's general secretary is first class and will stand him in good stead for his new job."

South African Tokyo Sexwale, who withdrew his candidature for the presidency moments before the voting began, told Reuters: "I think it is a great privilege for us to see him leading this organization out of the current quagmire it finds itself.

"I have just been to Robben Island with him to show him the place where Nelson Mandela was. I hope he will be carrying the spirit of that reconciliation which Nelson Mandela was known for," he said.

"Gianni has got a very heavy responsibility on his shoulders ... and he needs many people to side with him. There will be all kinds of criticism, all kinds of negatives. But I think he is strong enough to go through that."

"a football candidate" and touted his relationships across the globe.

Blatter baggage A campaign pledge to more than double the amount of FIFA funds given back to national associations to over $1.2 billion in total every four years could help bolster support among cash-strapped federations.

Blatter, suspended from football for six years over ethics violations, congratulated Infantino on his win, but left his successor with an unprecedented mess to fix.

The US justice department has charged 39 people within world football and two companies over graft going back decades, with trials that could start this year. Switzerland is probing Blatter over criminal mismanagement and

is investigating possible corruption during the bidding for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, won by Russia and Qatar.

Openly cooperating with the criminal investigations will be a crucial sign of good will, experts said, but the controversial World Cups could pose tougher challenges. "I assume Russia will go ahead as planned," said Patrick Nally, a prominent sports marketing executive with long-standing FIFA expertise.

"In regards to Qatar he needs a quick and independent review and if, as I think it will, be too complicated (costly) for FIFA to withdraw," then Infantino needs "to get the membership to forgive and forget, make it a success and concentrate on better things for the future."

public discourse

THE MESSIAH HAS COME AND GONE WITH ‘KUKNALIM ONLY’ Elucidating the imbroglio Thepfulhouvi Solo

N

ow that the much anticipated economic and political Messiah for Nagaland, the Prime Minister of India Mr. Narendra Modi, has come and gone from Nagaland without any Christmas Package or Political Road Map; after witnessing a concocted and improvised cocktail naga Drill and foreign song, for a few minutes in the much advertised un-unique Horn Bill Festival this year; the question that remains now is: ‘Has the moment of Truth come to the Nagas?’

The Prime Minister did not say anything on the much hoped for Economic Pakage to Nagaland; he did not say anything on the much pressed Political dialogue with the IM. If my humble understanding of the political firmament is correct, the Prime Minister talked about Nagaland like it is a part of the North East than a separate whole State. He mentioned 2G electronic connectivity when other parts of the Country have 4G coverage; he promised a welcome program to take 10,000 Nagas on tour to different parts of India to widen their awareness while others are touring the western world and Israel to share the latest Technologies of warfare, Innovations, Commerce and Trade.

The much expected Ministerial Berth for Nagaland has evaporated in the thin Arunachal mountain air; Guwahati Airport has become International, Dibrugarh is now in active consideration in Assam; Imphal Airport is already International in Manipur; Agartala Airport in Tripura is being made into International and Meghalaya has been put in the Railway Map of India.

In Nagaland we have yet to select the site for a Jet Airport! Luckily, Thanks to the Japanese invasion of British India, we have a WW II old Air Strip at Dimapur with a lethargic neglected Air Service.

Nagaland must wake up now from its life of Prodigality and pledge ourselves to depend on us ourselves and on our own perspiration. Until our Leaders decide to learn to earn their lifestyle with their own perspiration, the Nagas will be at the tail end of others rather than of the head.

India has lost Faith and Respect on the Nagas. Nagas have lost their honor and the pride in their Race: we are interested only in buying Tamul, chew it and spit on the Street and on the marble floor house!

This loss of Naga Honor and Respect is not because of the people in the Villages; it is squarely on the behavior of our leaders in the State, and in a big way, in the terroristtactics in the the so-called Naga National Workers particularly in the NSCN (IM).

The public must not tolerate anything of low standards in our Leaders. We must revamp the pride in our race and earn the respect of others with Honesty, Hard Work, Reality and respect for anything Quality in life.

Like realist Khaplang making his decision first in the Interest of his people Nagas of Myanmar; the Nagas of Nagaland must now decide exclusively first thing first for Nagas of Nagaland, us ourselves, without the interference of any other Pan-Naga Riders.

Politically we have now come to glimpse the possible end of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim. It probably will end with a Special Arrangement without the disintegration of the North East States.

For too long Nagas have been enamored and mesmerized with Nagalim, be-

cause of the fear of saying anything different from what Muivah and Isaac Swu of Nagalim say. Anyone who said anything different was daubed ‘Traitors’ and given summery judgment not very different from the Talibans or the ISIS Jihadists in, Syria Irag or Kabul today.

So much so, that amazingly at one time even 60 members of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly followed their Leader lock stock and barrel and filed up to Delhi to say: ‘Namaste” to the President of India and to witness that the IM Group’s Talk with Government of India is the Talk between the NAGA and INDIYAH; even Drs, Reverends, Scholars and Economists followed!

Can a Part be a Whole anywhere in the World?

The influence of the IM Barrel was so amazing that all the wise cracks; the most educated Nagas and the so-called Scholars, tirelessly remained quiet, except for a very rare foolish few. The Wise everywhere know Silence is the best Policy when faced with a difficult Stake of Personal Interest in a difficult Situation. These educated Silence in the State, sided the wrong and brought us Nagas ourselves into this pass.

The IM thunder did not produce the much promised rain, the dark clouds in the Sky are blowing away without rain to quench the thirsty land.

However; We may not assume everything that Muivah and Isaac Swu did were all bad. They will reap whatever is due to them; yet they greatly popularized the name NAGA to many in the world, and perhaps the greatest thing they did was to hasten Christianity, if with AK 47 to the Myanmar Nagas.

It is hoped their works would bring benefits to the Nagas of Manipur. I hope other kith and kin tribes in Manipur are

also uplifted out of the peace Process from Violence. Nagas of Manipur will always be neighbors to the Majority Manipuris till the world comes to an end and would therefore be wise to live in peaceful relationships with all Communities.

Nagas of Nagaland must wake up and decide us ourselves what is best for Nagaland. The Naga’s desire to live together in one political jurisdiction will always live but for the present reality, Nagas of Nagaland must think very clearly and realistically and not let others interfere in their internal affairs of Article 371A. The politics of the Nagas is a long long story; for the present let us stop here.

Let us come to the economic part: On the important Issue of Economy, Nagaland needs first to take: i. very realistic Austerity Measures, ii. innovate on Renewable Energy Sources, iii. not exhaust our non-Renewable Resources prematurely now.

The greatest Revenue Resources lie in: A. taxing the surplus in the Rich.

The Legislative Assembly may immediately pass an Act to tap the privileged Rich and their Dynasty in the State.

Political Leaders are the Richest Class in the State and they would not like to legislate a Tax or Land Ceiling Act that would include them. The public must put pressure in them. Of course, every Citizen including Pensioners must contribute according to his/her share to the State Budget.

The possibilities of Revenue collection in the State are many and substantial; it all depends on the POLITICAL WILL of our Politicians.

LET THE STATE OF NAGALAND NOT BEG BUT INNOVATE AUSTERITY MEASURES TO PRODUCE AND GIVE.

of the present situation

T

he Five Naga Political Groups were compelled to meet by the activity of the PWC which can be considered as a blessing in disguise. It is good that their joint statement opens window for discussion to bring about understanding and solution.

Political Settlement is in the hand of the Naga National Workers and the support for bringing about an early settlement is the concern of all of the people including the Legislators. Once the whole team of the 60 MLAs led by the then CM N. Rio to Delhi in connection with the ongoing political talk was lauded by the Naga people. The present Legislators team led by the present CM T.R. Zeliang and the Speaker Sazo for the support of different Parties to expedite solution is also to be appreciated.

Are the Nagas fighting for several Sovereign entities? If all National Workers are meant for Naga Sovereignty, all have to come to one. Are the National Workers alone to be blamed for their divi-

sion? Whether the National Workers or the general public, the people in general are not seekers of truth and justice. So now we have so many groups and if political solution is delayed, more and more groups will come up in the name of sovereignty and in the name of sovereignty, the people will be more and more enslaved economically and Nagaland will be a land of endless troubles.

The delay in reaching a settlement will not be good for both sides and as the present interlocutor Ravi who has been dealing with the situation sagaciously has been asserting the need of inclusiveness of all sections of the Nagas, why not he himself arbitrarily invites other Political Groups to the table of the talk to join hand with the NSCN (I-M)? If not, clarify the reason why the Government of India is having political dialogue with the NSCN (I – M) alone despite there were three political groups in the inception of the talk. Truth alone is the solution.

Rev. L. Suohie Mhasi

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.

Sunday 28•02•2016

EntErtainmEnt

Cheryl FernandezVersini and ID’s Liam Payne dating

C

heryl FernandezVersini, 32, and One Direction's Liam Payne, 22, are secretly dating, according to sensational new claims. In a front-page report by The Sun's Dan Wootton, the unlikely duo are said to have indulged in a clandestine romance which goes back to December and will no doubt shock fans.

They claim that the pair got close after the X Factor judge decided to divorce her husband, Jean-Bernard, and they even appear to have matching 'his and hers' tattoos. While the claims are yet to be confirmed by either party it seems that they do share a rose tattoo in common Cheryl's on her behind and Liam's more recent inking

on his hand.

A friend of the pair allegedly told the newspaper: 'Cheryl and Liam are in a relationship. It was unexpected but they’ve both made each other incredibly happy. 'They’ve always got on well because they are both northern and share many of the same interests, but there was never anything romantic between them in the past.

'Their relationship developed very quickly in December after the X Factor final where One Direction gave their final performance before starting their hiatus. Liam is madly in love. This is the real deal.' Links have also been drawn by the fact Liam has a rose tattoo on his hand, first revealed in December - which looks strikingly

similar to Cheryl's body art on her lower back.

The pair famously met when Liam auditioned for 1D on The X Factor - which Cheryl, ten years his senior, was already a panelist on. At the time she was the mentor for Liverpudlian singer Rebecca Ferguson, while they were guided through to success by Simon Cowell. Naturally, since then, they have both enjoyed rather contrasting love lives.

Cheryl dated the likes of Derek Hough and Tre Holloway before her infamous marriage to footballer Ashley Cole in 2007, which dogged by allegations of infidelity - ended in divorce after three and a half years.

Then, in July 2014, she announced her surprise marriage to Jean-Bernard, whom she had been dating for just three months. It was recently claimed that Cheryl is planning to divorce him as their relationship continues to disintegrate.

Meanwhile, Liam enjoyed a long-term relationship with girlfriend Sophia Smith, but the couple grew apart and separated in December 2015. Prior to that he dated Danielle Peazer, but it was nothing serious. A representative for Liam was contacted by MailOnline, but declined to comment.

Cheryl Fernandez-Versini's spokesperson has also been contacted, but are yet to receive a response.

Source: MailOnline

Divine Connection performing live at the "Ecstasy 2016", a mega event organized by Central Institute of Technology, Kokrarjhar, Assam on February 25. The band performed in front of more than one thousand enthusiastic fans. The event was blended with cultural and rock music. Divine Connection, the winner of the MTV Desibeats RockOn, the Christian band, believes that "Winning the hearts of people" as their greatest achievement and hopes to continue touching lives through music.

W

ill Leonardo DiCaprio be lucky in his sixth outing scalping the coveted but elusive Oscar? This is question most people - both from the industry and his million fans- are grappling with as the Hollywood get ready for its biggest gala of the year – officially the Academy Awards but better known by its nickname Oscar. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences host it annually to recognise “excellence in cinematic achievements in the film industry as assessed by the Academy's voting membership.”

Since his first nomination as the Supporting Actor for his astonishing role as mentally disabled teenager in 1993’s 'What’s Eating Gilbert Grape,’ the coveted statuette remains elusive for him despite noteworthy performances over two decades. Nominated 6 times for acting categories, as well as producer for ‘The Wolf of Wall Street,’ his ‘performances’ at the Oscar are considered greatly ‘under appreciated,’ a heartbreaking moment for millions of his fans around the globe.

However, many industry watchers as well as audiences felt that, this could be the year and he could finally take home the statuette this year for his virtuoso per-

2016 DiCaprio sights glory in his sixth outing Actress iN A LeADiNG roLe Cate Blanchett, Carol Brie Larson, Room Jennifer Lawrence, Joy Charlotte Rampling, 45 Years Saoirse Ronan, Brooklyn

Best Picture Bridge of Spies Mad Max – Fury Road Revenant Spotlight The Big Short The Martian The Room Morung Vote: The Revenant Possible spoiler: The Big Short & Spotlight

Morung Vote: Brie Larson Possible spoiler: Jennifer Lawrence & Cate Blanchett Actor iN A suPPortiNG roLe Christian Bale, The Big Short Tom Hardy, The Revenant Mark Ruffalo, Spotlight Mark Rylance, Bridge of Spies Sylvester Stallone, Creed

Best Director Alejandro González Iñárritu – The Revenant Lenny Abrahamson, Room Tom McCarthy, Spotlight Adam McKay, The Big Short George Miller – Mad Max Morung Vote: Alejandro Iñárritu Possible spoiler: Lenny Abrahamson & George Miller

Morung Vote: Mark Rylance, Bridge of Spies Possible spoiler: Christian Bale, Sylvester Stallone & Tom Hardy

Actor iN A LeADiNG roLe Bryan Cranston, Trumbo Matt Damon, The Martian Leonardo DiCaprio, The Revenant Michael Fassbender, Steve Jobs Eddie Redmayne, The Danish Girl

Actress iN A suPPortiNG roLe Jennifer Jason Leigh, The Hateful Eight Rooney Mara, Carol Rachel McAdams, Spotlight Alicia Vikander, The Danish Girl Kate Winslet, Steve Jobs

Morung Vote: Alicia Vikander Morung Vote: Leonardo DiCaprio Possible Spoiler: Michael Fassbender & Eddie Possible spoiler: Rooney Mara, Jennifer JaRedmayne son Leigh & Kate Winslet

Watch oscar 2016 live broadcast on starmovies at 5:30 AM & repeat telecast at 8.30 PM, Monday, February 29 formance as frontiersman Hugh Glass in the survival and revenge film ‘The Revenant’, set in American wilderness in the early 1800s.

Brutal and methodical in execution, grand and incredible in cinematography, The Revenant has been the toast of award season this year, with DiCaprio scalping almost every awards that matter - including BAFTA, SAG Award and the Golden

Globe among others. “If he can fight a bear, surely he can win the fight for the Oscar,” noted a writer rooting for his win this year. However, stiff competition awaits from Eddie Redmayne in another solid performance as artist Danish Einar Wegener in ‘The Danish Girl,’ Matt Damon as an Astronaut Mark Watney stranded in Mars, in ‘The Martian’ and Michael Fassbender as ‘Steve Jobs’ in

the namesake movie.

For the Best Actress Category, punters are tabbing their vote on first timer, Brie Larson’s role as a woman gaining freedom after being held captive along with her son in an enclosed space for seven years but finding difficulty to cope with outside world reality in CanadianBritish-Irish drama film directed by Lenny Abrahamson ‘The Room’.

However, Oscar veterans like Cate Blanchet in ‘Carol’ and consistent performer Jennifer Lawrence in ‘Joy’ may topple the cart.

Nevertheless, the absence of any clear breakthrough performance keeps the race open for fellow nominees Charlotte Rampling in ‘45 Years’ and Saoirse Ronan in ‘Brooklyn.’

In the supporting actor/ actress categories, while Sylvester Stallone in ‘Creed’ is a clear favorite among experts, a strong contender is Mark Rylance as the Russian Spy Rudolf Ivanovich Abel in Cold-war drama ‘Bridge of Spies’. However, Academy Award-winning British actor Christian Bale role as an eccentric Michael Burry in ‘The Big Short’ might jeopardise their chances and Tom Hardy as vicious and scheming John Fitzgerald in the Revenant The Danish Girl’s Alicia Vikander as the supportive wife of Danish painter Einar Wegener might scalp the actress in a supporting role though there are strong contenders for this category from Jennifer Jason Leigh as the only lady badass bandit with a flair for humour in the all-male cast of The Hateful Eight and Rooney Mara as Therese Belivet in Carol and Kate Winslet in Steve Jobs.

(Morung Express News)

New TV show ‘Meri Awaaz Hi Pehchaan Hai’ to ‘revive’ Indian classical music Purple Fusion wins another National award

I

c M Y K

ndian music industry is often criticised by many for not promoting Indian classical art forms and rather getting “influenced”

by Western culture. In a bid to “revive” national own musical forms, &TV has come up with a new series “Meri Awaaz Hi Pehchaan Hai” that will take viewers on a soulful journey of two singing sisters by having music in as its backdrop.

The show, which will start from March 7, will focus on the lives of two singing sisters Kalyani and Ketki and span three generations.

Actresses Amrita Rao and Aditi Vasudev, who are making their TV debut with the show, will be seen playing the role of two sisters, while Amrita’s role will be taken forward by actress Deepti Naval and Aditi’s part will be played by actress Zarina Wahab. The show will also feature actress Pallavi Joshi.

“Today music has

changed totally. It has got highly influenced by technology and is not at all up to the mark. It has got a lot inspired from the West. It’s a good time to bring this type of show. It’s really going to revive our heritage and bring Indian classical into front,” Deepti said at

the launch of the show here on Friday.

“Hardly there are any films today, whose music stays with you for a long time. This show will somehow inspire other people to go back to our classical base,” added the actress who was joined by Amrita

and Aditi on the launch.

Zarina and Pallavi couldn’t make it the event due to personal problems.

Talking of her TV debut, Amrita said: “Since last two years, I had been approached by many TV channels to be a part of fiction. Obviously this is a

game changing phase for television, so they wanted to approach Bollywood and look at something different. But I was not happy with the content that was coming across.

“But the concept of this show is unique. I’ve never played such an illustrious role before. I had cold feet, but I thought I have to take up this as a challenge because of the capacity of the role and I have heard that TV is a tough journey.

While the story of the show looks quite similar to the story of real life sisters and Bollywood’s legendary singers Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle, the cast pointed the show is not inspired from anybody’s life.

“It’s obvious that people will think that this show is inspired from Lata ji and Asha ji. But it’s not. The writer should be credited that having this background, he has put up a different story,” Deepti said.

Source: IANS

Mhathung Odyuo bassist of PF receiving the trophy from world renown Folk and world music artist Nandini Srikar and Brijesh Arora AVP, strategy and NDP, mobile Financial Solutions, Mahindra Comviva and Founder ZERCH.

P

eople Fusion has achieved another milestone by becoming the first band from Nagaland to win the Best Folk Artist at the Radio City Freedom Awards held at the Hard Rock cafe

Priyanka Chopra to appear on Jimmy Fallon's chat show

C ‘Nagas’ Walking Tall’ fashion event soon

A

fashion event called ‘Nagas’ Walking Tall’ under the theme ‘Living your Dreams’ will be happening in Nagaland very soon.

The event is organised

by Kenei Rhakho, former beauty queen who has flaunt many prestigious stage, well groomed by professional mentors in India, choreographed as well - coordinated with various beauty pageants.

This show is aimed at promoting not just the estab-

lished models and designers but those who have the talent to earn a professional livelihood from their works. Kenei says that Nagas have impressive high fashion sense but “our exposure to the rest of the country is very limited because of narrow platforms and opportunities.”

The organiser has invited local entrepreneurs to promote their products through the event in ways of models display-

ing them.

Viliho Chisho, a model former Beauty Queen & Actress and Rhymez Disguised, a well known Artist from the Hip-Hop Band "Still Rhyming" will coordinate the event along with Kenei.

For further enquiries, participants can please contact, (+91) 8575687077, 8258985457 and Interested Models can collect Registration Forms from World of Titan, N.L. Road, Dimapur.

ontinuing her traverse in the avenues of Hollywood, Priyanka Chopra will now add a 'desi' twist to 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon'. The actress will appear in the popular international TV show on March 3.

She is said to be the first Hindi star to be hosted by Fallon, who has interviewed celebrities like Martin Scorcese, Ben Stiller, Penelope Cruz, Ryan Reynolds and Jennifer Lopez, among others. The show appears in India on Comedy Central.

Priyanka did not make the announcement of her appearance on the show directly, but confirmed the news by re-tweeting a post by a Twitter fan page. "Catch Priyanka Chopra...March 3rd - Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon...

March 4th - Live! with Kelly & Michael," read the post.

Another post read: "Priyanka Chopra to make her first appearance on @FallonTonight on March 3. @jimmyfallon". Priyanka has already appeared on another famous talk show 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!'.

As of now, she is excited about making her Hollywood film debut with "Baywatch" and is also looking forward to the new season of her American TV show "Quantico" as well as the release of her next Bollywood film "Jai Gangaajal".

Priyanka will also be seen presenting Oscar at the forthcoming 88th Academy Awards.

Source: IANS

Mumbai.

PF after winning the Akademia Awards Los Angeles for the best Folk Album 2014 and 2nd runner up at the Senheisser top emerging bands in India last year has now won the

popular choice award at the Radio City Awards in Mumbai. They were nominated with other giants in the Fusion category like Indian Ocean who also won the Jury award, Filter Coffee etc.

Hillstar NOW SHOWING 11:00 Am | 2:00 Pm

05:00 PM

02:00 Pm | 8:00 Pm

12

sunDAY 28•02•2016

SPORTS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

SLC terms Jayawardene’s England at World T20 job ‘sad and disappointing’ COLOMBO, FeB ruary 27 (PTI): Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has expressed disappointment over former captain Mahela Jayawardene taking up the role of consultant with the England team for the upcoming ICC World T20. SLC president Thilanga Sumathipala termed Jayawardene’s decision “sad and disappointing.”

Interestingly, both Sri Lanka and Eggland are clubbed in the same group. “I had a lot of respect and gratitude for Mahela’s knowledge, but now he’s advisor to a competing team of ours. I’m very disappointed that a national captain, within a few months of retirement, has been retained by another team at a World Cup,” Sumathipala was quoted as saying by ’ESPNcricinfo’. “You could go to a club, a province, an IPL kind of team, or a county.

But this is a World Cup. You can’t have a player who has just left your country’s team joining a competitive nation.

All the contracted players who are playing, once they retire from the game, should have at least 24 months before joining another team for giving advice or coaching,” he added. Jayawardene played his last ODI for Sri Lanka in March last year, but had quit T20s in April 2014.

REUTERS

AFP Photo

Afghan boy five-year-old Murtaza Ahmadi, a young Lionel Messi fan, plays football as he wears a shirt donated and signed by Messi on a field in Kabul on February 26. Argentine football star Lionel Messi has sent not one, but two jerseys to the five-year-old Afghan boy who became an Internet sensation last month when he was pictured wearing a plastic bag with "Messi" scrawled on it in marker pen (Seen in the middle picture). Murtaza Ahmadi travelled with his family from eastern Ghazni province to Kabul to receive the gifts sent by Messi through UNICEF, where he is a goodwill ambassador."Murtaza couldn't stop smiling. He kept repeating: I love Messi," UNICEF Afghanistan spokesman Denise Shepherd-Johnson told AFP.

Ulloa delivers Leicester, India beat Pakistan in low scoring thriller Chelsea down Southampton

Griezmann strike gives Atletico derby win over Real C M Y K

MaDrID, FeBruary 27 (aP): Antoine Griezmann scored a goal early in the second half to give Atletico Madrid a 1-0 win over Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Saturday, keeping Atletico's title hopes alive and virtually ending the rival's chances in the Spanish league. The French forward scored with a left-footer in the 53rd minute after a cross by Brazilian left back Filipe Luis, helping Atletico pull within five points of leader Barcelona, which hosts Sevilla on Sunday. Real Madrid could drop 12 points behind Barcelona if the Catalan club wins Sunday. It was Real Madrid's first defeat at home since a humiliating 4-0 loss to Barcelona. The team had won seven straight at Bernabeu. Fans loudly jeered Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, calling for his resignation.

Bayern wins in Wolfsburg, Stuttgart loses to Hannover FraNKFurT, FeBruary 27 (aP): Kingsley Coman and Robert Lewandowski scored in the second half to give Bundesliga front-runner Bayern Munich a 2-0 win in Wolfsburg on Saturday. The defending champion stayed on course for an unprecedented fourth straight title and provisionally increased its lead over Borussia Dortmund to 11 points. Dortmund hosts Hoffenheim on Sunday. In other matches, Claudio Pizarro scored a late goal to salvage a 2-2 draw for Werder Bremen against Darmstadt, bottom-place Hannover ended a five-match losing streak under new coach Thomas Schaaf with a 2-1 win in Stuttgart and Hamburger SV settled for a 1-1 draw at home against Ingolstadt. Lewandowski raised his league-high tally to 23 goals to secure Bayern's win in Wolfsburg. Pep Guardiola's team did just enough to win against last season's runner-up.

Mourinho talk ‘an absolute scandal’: LVG LONDON, FeBruary 27 (aGeNCIeS): Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal labelled the talk of Jose Mourinho replacing him "an absolute scandal". The pressure has eased marginally on the Dutchman this week after securing safe progress to the FA Cup quarter-finals and setting up a Europa League last-16 tie with Liverpool.

However, Van Gaal remains the bookmakers' favourite to be the next top-flight manager to leave their post and Mourinho is as short as 1/6 to succeed him in the Old Trafford hot-seat. The pair worked together when Van Gaal managed Barcelona, but he feels no need to speak to his former assistant about the speculation. "(Mourinho) has said things a number of times with a lot of words," Van Gaal told TV channel RTL7, according to the Daily Express. "But he does not have to tell me anything. I find the whole thing ridiculous. "No, I don't want United to do something either. I don't even want them to react to things which I read in the media or which are being created. "I think what is happening is an absolute scandal."

Leicester City’s Leonardo Ulloa celebrates after scoring against Norwich City. (REUTERS)

LONDON, FeBruary 27 (aFP): Substitute Leonardo Ulloa scored an 89thminute winner as Leicester City breathed fresh life into their improbable Premier League title challenge by edging Norwich City 1-0 on Saturday.

Two weeks on from a last-gasp 2-1 defeat at Arsenal, Leicester were on course to drop points again until Ulloa tapped in at the death to send Claudio Ranieri's side five points clear at the summit.

The Argentine's goal, only his third of the season, puts the pressure on Leicester's closest rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal, who host Swansea City and visit Manchester United respectively on Sunday.

Encouraged by Riyad Mahrez, Leicester took hold of the game in the second period, with visiting goalkeeper John Ruddy saving from Jamie Vardy and Albrighton.

Nathan Redmond went close to snatching victory for Norwich when he flashed a shot wide, but the hosts had the last word when Ulloa ghosted in at the back post to apply the finishing touch to Albrighton's right-wing cross.

Meanwhile, Guus Hiddink's Chelsea extended their unbeaten run to 11 league games in a 2-1 comeback victory at inform Southampton, who had won five and drawn one of their previous six league matches.

Southampton took a 42nd-minute lead when Shane Long intercepted Baba Rahman's header and ran into the box before coolly dinking a shot past Thibaut Courtois.

Home goalkeeper Fraser Forster established a new Southampton topflight record of 708 minutes without conceding a goal, but he was finally beaten in the 75th minute when

he allowed Cesc Fabregas's cross to beat him.

Branislav Ivanovic headed in an 89th-minute winner from Willian's corner, lifting Chelsea -- who lost Pedro Rodriguez to an early thigh injury -- one place to 11th.

The result prevented Southampton from keeping pace with West Ham United, who had moved into fifth place earlier in the day by beating secondbottom Sunderland 1-0.

Michail Antonio settled the game in the 30th by scuttling infield from the right and firing home left-footed, as Slaven Bilic's men supplanted Manchester United in the Europa League berth.

Marko Arnautovic scored twice as Stoke City won 2-1 at home to bottom club Aston Villa, who replied through Leandro Bacuna, while Watford and Bournemouth drew 0-0 at Vicarage Road.

MIrPur, FeBruary 27 (PTI): India rode on a strong bowling performance to defeat arch-rivals Pakistan by five wickets in their Twenty20 International clash of the Asia Cup at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium here on Saturday evening.

Both teams struggled to bat on a greenish wicket with uneven bounce. The Indian bowlers justified their captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni's decision to field first by bundling out Pakistan for a mere 83 runs in 17.3 overs. This was the third lowest total by Pakistan in T20 cricket.

The Indian batsmen then braved some excellent bowling by the Pakistan pacers to overhaul the target in 15.3 overs.

Virat Kohli top scored for India with 49. The Delhi lad put on a 68-run stand with Yuvraj Singh (14 not out) to take the match away from Pakistan.

Kohli, who was adjudged the man of the match, was unlucky to given leg before just one run short of his half-century off the bowling of Momammad Sami. Television replays later showed that the ball had taken the edge of the bat before hitting the pad.

Amir had figures of 3/18 while Mohammad Sami (2/16) got two wickets. Mohammad Irfan (0/16) also bowled well although he did not manage to get a wicket.

Defending a measly to-

Hardik Pandya picked up 3 for 8, India v Pakistan, Asia Cup, Mirpur, February 27. (AP Photo)

tal, the Pakistan fast bowlers showed their true pedigree with a brave effort.

Amir gave Pakistan a glimmer of hope, striking early blows for Pakistan. He removed Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane in the opening over before either batsman had opened their respective accounts. In his next over, Amir fooled Suresh Raina with some deceptive movement as Wahab Riaz grabbed an easy catch at mid on.

But if the sizeable Pakistan contingent among the spectators nurtured any hopes of a strong comeback, they were quickly dashed as Kohli and Yuvraj took charge.

The duo were regularly beaten by the movement and variable bounce, but survived some close calls to take India slowly but surely towards victory.

Kohli and Hardik Pan-

dya went back in quick succession towards the end.

But Dhoni joined Yuvraj in the middle to guide India to victory with more than four overs overs to spare.

Earlier, Pandya bagged a three-wicket haul as India bundled out Pakistan for a meagre total.

Pandya returned figures of 3/8 while fellow pacers Ashish Nehra (1/20) and Jasprit Bumrah (1/8) also made good use of the uneven bounce on a greenish wicket.

Ravindra Jadeja (2/11) also bowled well.

Sarfraz Ahmad was the top scorer for Pakistan with 25. Only two other batsmen managed to post double figures.

The Pakistani batsmen compounded their own misery by some poor shot selection and shoddy running between the wickets which led to a couple of run outs.

New F1 qualifying format delayed LONDON, FeBruary 27 (aGeNCIeS): Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone says the new proposed qualifying format will not be introduced until May's Spanish GP at the earliest to allow for new timing software to be developed. The F1 Commission agreed at a meeting in Geneva to revamp the current three-part running on Saturday by introducing a constant knockout format.

Under the proposals the session would remain in three parts. However, rather than drivers dropping out at the end of each segment, the slowest competitor would be eliminated at 90-second intervals. But according to Ecclestone, the plan has now had to be put back until midway through the new season. "The new qualifying won't happen because we can't get everything together in time," Ecclestone has told The Independent. "We are not going to be able to get all the software done in time.

So the qualifying changes will probably be in Spain. In Australia it will be the old qualifying." It wouldn't be the first time in F1's history that the qualifying format has been changed mid-season. In 2005 an aggregate time of a flying lap on a Saturday and a Sunday morning was used for the first six races before being dropped.

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