February 3rd, 2015

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The Morung Express

Dimapur VOL. X ISSUE 31

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Tuesday, February 3, 2015 12 pages Rs. 4

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Trust the past to God’s Mercy; the present, to God’s Love; the future, to God’s Providence Good US-India ties no threat to China, says President Barack Obama [ PAGE 8]

reflections

By Sandemo Ngullie

Morung Express News Dimapur | February 2

The World Health Organization (WHO) terms air pollution the world’s largest single environmental health He promised to give us fi- risk. In a data released in nancial assistance? Ha ha 2014, WHO estimates that ha ha oh ho ho!!!!! “around 7 million people died - one in eight of global deaths - as a result of air polAll press statements, lution exposure” in 2012. memorandums, arti- The data links 4.3 million cles, reports and news deaths to indoor air pollurelated documents tion caused by households cooking over coal, wood should be sent to the and biomass stoves, while official email address: 3.7 million deaths to outmorung@gmail.com door air pollution.

In Nagaland, there is Press releases will be accepted only till 8:00 pm no data in place to ascertain the intensity of air polEditor, lution impact on health.

The Morung Express “The effect (of air pollution on health) is there, but it’s very difficult to measure,” admits Dr. Sao Tunyi, Epidemiologist at Directorate KOHIMA, FEBRUARY of Health & Family Wel2 (DIPR): The Special Secretary of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA), today informed that L Khumo and BS Nganlang Phom have been appointed as the Chief Whips of the Nationalist Congress Party NEw DElHI, FEBRU(NCP), Nagaland and the ARY 2 (IANS): A few saJanata Dal (United), Naga- cred items and a DVD land respectively. The ap- player were stolen from a pointments were made by church in south Delhi’s VaTL Semdok, Vice President sant Kunj area, police said and In Charge, NCP, Naga- Monday. But the church’s land and Mhonjan Lotha, administration claimed it President, JDU, Nagaland did not seem to be just an incident of theft as this was respectively. the fifth case within nine weeks when a church was targeted.

The ransacking took place at St. Alphonsa’s church in the early hours NEw YORK, FEBRU- Monday. A few sacred ARY 2 (IANS): Depending items, including a ciboon their smoking history, rium (receptacle) and a a drug may have contrary monstrance kept inside a effects on people suffer- tabernacle, a cabinet made ing from diabetes - reduc- of wood and glass, were ing lung cancer risk among taken away. nonsmokers and increasThe items were stoing the risk among smok- len from the cabinet and a ers. Among nonsmokers few of them were also dewho had diabetes, those stroyed, police said. who took the diabetes drug “A few people barged metformin had a decrease into the church premises. in lung cancer risk, the find- They took away the sacred ings showed. “Our results suggest that risk might dif- items and a DVD player. fer by smoking history, with But they did not touch our metformin decreasing risk collection box,” Father Vinamong nonsmokers and cent Salvatore told IANS. Police were informed increasing risk among current smokers,” said Lori Monday morning when Sakoda, research scientist the church’s guard found at Kaiser Permanente Division of Research in Oakland, California. The study involved 47,351 diabetic patients (54 percent men), 40 years or older, who com- DIMAPUR, FEBRUpleted a health-related sur- ARY 2 (MExN): The Navey between 1994 and 1996. galand state department During 15 years of follow- of power has been urged up, 747 patients were di- to work towards the imagnosed with lung cancer. mediate restoration and Metformin use was not as- upgradation of the 33 KVA sociated with lower lung feeder line to Tseminyu, cancer risk overall; however, Pughoboto sub divisions the risk was 43 percent low- and Wozhero range.

This was demanded in a er among diabetic patients who had never smoked, letter to the Chief Engineer, and the risk appeared to de- power department by the crease with longer use. Met- president of the Consumformin use for five or more ers’ Forum, Tseminyu sub years was associated with a division, Achanbi Kez and 31 percent decrease in the Chairman, Pughoboto risk for adenocarcinoma, town, Viyikhu G Wotsa. The the most common type of letter cautioned that the lung cancer diagnosed in public “can no longer bear nonsmokers, and an 82 per- the lackadaisical attitude of cent increase in the risk for the power department parsmall-cell carcinoma, a type ticularly Wokha division.”

It stated that the conof lung cancer often diagnosed in smokers. The study cerned consumers have appeared in the journal Can- been “deprived of even allocated power supply apart cer Prevention Research.

NCP, JDU appoint Chief Whips

[ PAGE 11]

Transforming lives through MGNREGA

– St. Augustine (adapted by Ken Sehested)

Barca fights back to beat [ PAGE 2] Villarreal Working with global community [ PAGE 12] only way to fight terrorism [ PAGE 9]

clearing the air: What we breath in

Air pollution on the rise in Dimapur

Public Information

Angelina Jolie is most admired woman in the world!

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fare. “With our technology that we have, the data we have...We can only contemplate what we get from the national and international data.”

Nonetheless, it is indisputable that air pollution level in the state is increasing, particularly in Dimapur and Kohima. For Dimapur, according to the Nagaland Pollution Control Board (NPCB), concentration of Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM) and Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) at both Dhobinullah and Bank Colony exceed the permissible limit.

According to National Ambient Air Quality Standards 2009, the annual average concentrations of RSPM should not exceed 60 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m3); however, Dhobinullah recorded 158 and Bank Colony 111 in 2014, surpassing the 2013 record of 116 and 89 respectively. Meanwhile, in 2014, the annual average of SPM concentrations at Bank colony was 186 and 295 at Dhobinullah, cross-

Air pollution in Dimapur is increasing each year, surpassing the national permissible limit. The WHO says that around 7 million deaths in 2012 were caused by both indoor and outdoor pollutions. Photo by Caisii Mao

ing the national limit of 140 µg/m3. The SPM concentrations in the two locations were 156 and 254 respectively in 2013.

Exposure to RSPM causes cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and cancers, according to the WHO. It adds that 40% of

the deaths from outdoor air pollution in 2012 were caused by ischaemic heart disease, 40% by stroke, 11% by chronic obstructive pul-

monary disease (COPD), 6% by lung cancer; and 3% – acute lower respiratory infections in children.

In the indoor air pollution related deaths, 34% resulted from stroke, 26% from ischaemic heart disease, 22% from COPD, 12% from acute lower respiratory infections in children, and 6% from lung cancer.

“Strokes are very common” among Nagas, says Dr. Sedevi Angami from Christian Institute of Health Sciences & Research, “but most of them are related to high blood pressure.” While acknowledging the need to be cautious of long term effect, he opines Nagaland is far better off compared to other cities in terms of pollution.

“As of now nobody can say there is no danger, but we objectively have not seen a huge amount of surge of patients coming with respiratory problems and things like that,” he adds.

Cardiovascular problem, he further attributes is mostly because of “Nagas becoming very lazy,” while pointing out their seden-

tary lifestyle.

However, going by the WHO report, Naga families are exposed to serious health threats since most homes still use firewood and coal for multiple purposes. “Since many of the kitchens are without proper chimneys, we inhale lots of smoke,” points out Dr. Tunyi.

He underlines that proper chimney is very important in the villages “since our Naga society stay in the kitchen more than any other rooms.”

Apart from the emissions from motor vehicles – the major pollutant, Dr. Tunyi maintains that non black topped roads itself is a pollutant. “When we drive on dusty roads, there are pedestrians inhaling the dusts.

These small particles when it gets to the lung, it raises various health conditions, especially of the lung,” he expresses.

Further, Dr. Tunyi acknowledges that the medical department also has a lot of work to do. “We need to assess the health impacts more scientifically.

We don’t have much data to back up the effects, locally.”

Delhi church broken Hindi teachers displeased Gov summons emergent into, ransacked by non release of salary NLA session on February 5

Anti-cancer drug may up risk for diabetic smokers

the main gate open. Police have questioned a few people in the church’s neighbourhood and collected the footage of the CCTV installed near the church.

But the Christian community members have sought that police investigate the incident from all possible angles, besides theft. Savari Muthu Sankar, spokesman for the Delhi archdiocese, told IANS: “The intention of the burglars was not only to steal, but there was some foul play. We demanded from the police that the case should be investigated from other angles also.”

John Dayal, former president of the All India Catholic Union, told IANS: “Somebody is trying to target our (Christian) community. Since this is the election time, it has another dimension.”

Sankar said that attacks on churches occurring at regular intervals had unnerved Christians in Delhi.

“We see a clear pattern in these attacks,” he said, adding that this is the fifth such attack within three months.

DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 2 (MExN): The All Nagaland Hindi Teachers Union (ANHTU) has expressed displeasure at the failure of the Nagaland state government to release pending salaries for 1379 Hindi teachers appointed under Centrally Sponsored Scheme (2012-2013). A press note from the ANHTU informed that the teachers have “facing many difficulties” with salaries pending for the last six months.

On July 23, 2014, ANHTU recalled that the Parliamentary Secretary had given assurance that “as soon as the fund is released from the Government of India, all pending salaries and past arrears will be paid to 1379 Hindi Teachers (2012-13 Batch).” In addition, two more agreements were made between the aggrieved teachers and the Department of School Education, including the Parliament Secretary and ANHTU for the quick release of the pending salaries and the past arrears on November 23, 2014.

This was followed by another agreement on November 25, 2014, involving

the Commissioner and Secretary of School Education, the Director, department authorities of School Education, Finance Secretary, All Nagaland Hindi Teachers Union(ANHTU) and the Aggrieved Hindi Teachers.

This latest agreement stated that the pending salaries would be released on or before January 31, 2015.

Despite this, the ANHTU lamented that “no solution has been brought” till now. It informed that the government of India had already sanctioned the fund for the salaries of 1379 Hindi Teachers appointed Under CSS up to March 2015. “It has also come to light that, even if the central government sanctions the fund timely to the state, the government of Nagaland and the department always delays in releasing the salaries to the teachers and therefore resulting in delay of the next sanction from the GOI, due to the late submission of Utilization Certificate from the State Government,” alleged the ANHTU. It questioned the Nagaland state government and the Department of School Education “if the central

government has already released the fund and yet the salaries are kept pending.”

“Then why is the department making the employees suffer and what is the Department doing with the fund?” The ANHTU urged the department to immediately fulfill the demands as per the previousagreementsandbringa solution to address the grievances of the teachers.

Meanwhile, the All Nagaland Aggrieved Hindi teachers have also issued a statement urging for the release of the pending salaries.

“The government failing to appreciate their own assurances even after the release of fund from the MHRD, GOI is causing untold hardship to the teachers and families.

The Government may be reminded that when fund was not released, the blame was put on the MHRD, Government of India, but now when the fund is released, technical reasons are the excuse for the non-release of salary.

Further prolonging the release of salaries and benefits will compel the Association to take steps democratically to redress the grievances,” cautioned a press note from the association.

KOHIMA, FEBRUARY 2 (MExN): Nagaland state Governor, PB Acharya has summoned the seventh (emergent) of the Nagaland State Assembly (NLA) at 9:30am on Thursday, February 5 in the Assembly Hall, Kohima. This was informed through a press release from the NLA Secretary, AE Lotha.

Meanwhile, the NPF led by Noke Wangnao has welcomed the decision of the Governor to summon a special session of the NLA. “We are confident that the democratic pro-

cess will be upheld and true democracy will be allowed to prevail where the voice and mandate of the people will be allowed to be expressed without any favoritism in a free and fair manner,” stated a press note from the party.

It urged upon all members of the assembly to “understand the voice and mandate of the people of Nagaland and a conscience decision with political morality as responsible leaders who represent the people in the true spirit of democracy.”

Resolve political crisis: Naga Hoho DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 2 (MExN): The Naga Hoho today sought the intervention of the Governor of Nagaland to resolve the present political crisis in the state at the earliest. This was stated at a consultative meeting held in Kohima on Monday under the aegis of the Naga Hoho.

The meeting was attended by the Naga Students’ Federation, Naga Mothers’ Association and the Nagaland GB Federation. The meeting further made an appeal to both groups of the NPF to resume their works for which the electorate had elected them. “The Naga people witnessing such a political scenario at this juncture is uncalled for, and any unwanted eventuality arising out of this crisis, the Naga people will make both the parties held responsible,” it cautioned.

Power dept urged to restore electricity chopper crashes at rangapahar helipad

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from the scheduled load shedding.” Over a period of years, it stated that the concerned areas are “at the receiving end of discrimination and insincerity from the concerned departments.”

While hampering the running of businesses and institutions, the letter lamented that the power scenario is directly affecting students preparing for the HSLC and HSSLC exams.

It further alleged that the concerned feeder line has been “continuously affected” by the “rampant felling of trees.” It informed that on January 1, a chopped tree fell upon the feeder line thereby causing a power blackout.

The letter demanded for arrangement of an alternate power supply within 48 hours before the feeder

line is restored. It further urged for “booking the errant culprit” responsible for felling the tree “and appropriate action.” The letter also called for upgradation of the substation at Tseminyu sub division to enable direct tapping from tower line for better transmission of power to the affected areas.

The Rengma Students Union (RSU) meanwhile, in a separate press note, urged for the immediate restoration of the 33KVA feeder line, Tseminyu. A press note from the RSU informed that the transmission line was damaged when a chopped tree fell upon it. “At the moment thousands of students who are preparing for HSLC and HSSLC are the most affected groups followed by entrepreneurs…” stated the RSU.

Morung Express News Dimapur | February 2

Three people had a narrow escape after an Indian Army helicopter nosedived to the ground while taking off. The mishap occurred at the Rangapahar Military Station Helipad, Dimapur on February 2 between 9:00 to 10:00 am.

The three people onboard the Cheetah chopper, including the two pilots and an army officer, survived the crash unharmed. Mechanical snag was attributed as the reason behind the crash.

According to the Defence PRO, Kohima, the helicopter developed a “mechanical problem” as it was taking off. It nosedived from a

C M Y K The helicopter which crashed at the Rangapahar millitary station helipad on Monday. (Indian Express Photo)

height of around 15-20 feet rung Express. age and the Army has crash landing on the tarThe helicopter sus- reportedly ordered an inmac, the PRO told The Mo- tained considerable dam- quiry into the incident.

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2

Dimapur

Tuesday

LocaL

3 February 2015

The Morung Express

Transforming lives through MGNREGA

Project Director DRDA Dimapur along with other officials and BDOs and Dimapur VDB Association officials during the celebration of MGNREGA Day on Monday.

DIMaPur, February 2 (Mexn): The District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) Dimapur combined with staff and officers of all six RD Blocks under Dimapur and village development board (VDB) secretaries of more than hundred villages of the district observed MGNREGA Day this afternoon in the con-

ference hall of Lotha Hoho at DC Court Junction, here.

The day was observed under the theme “transforming lives through MGNREGA”. Asangla T. Aier, Project Director, DRDA Dimapur presented a broad outline on Information Education and Communication (IEC)/MGNREGA. Stating that the lives

of rural people have been transformed with the introduction of MGNREGA in the country, she said many development schemes have been implemented in the villages and for which people should be thankful to the government for bringing development to the doorstep.

Project Director also

urged the VBD secretaries to have a sense of responsibility and announced to give away an award of best performing VDB in next year’s celebration of MGNGRGA Day. Tohoshe Awomi, President, Dimapur VDB Association was of the view that the VDB secretaries must develop better understanding and communication with the Block level and DRDA level officials by sort out any differences that may arise.

Block Development Officers of all RD Block of the district presented a report on IEC/MGNREGA activities.

Project Officer, DRDA Dimapur made an introduction on IEC/MGNREGA, DPO-II DRDA Dimapur said the welcome address while DPO-I DRDA Dimapur proposed vote of thanks. Function was chaired by APC, DRDA Dimapur.

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MGNREGS scheme headed to poverty alleviation

Tuensang, February 2 (DIPr): MGNREGS Day was celebrated at CKS Hall Tuensang with Deputy Commissioner Tuensang Alem Jongshi as the chief guest of the celebration on February 2. Joint Director RD Government of Nagaland, BDOs, VDB Chairmen and VDB Secretaries attended the celebration. DRDA Tuensang organized the celebration.

Keynote address was given by Joint Director RD Thungchamo, in which he highlighted upon the establishment of the MGNREGA previously called NGRS schemes. The deliberated on how the launching of the schemes has benefitted the rural people.

BDO Noksen Block

Tuensang, Ebou Chang shared the concept and goal of the MGNREGA Scheme. The scheme is purely focused on the poverty alleviation, he said. He also shared the functioning and working statistics of the scheme with reference to the rest of the nation. MGNREGA is such scheme, which empowers the villagers in planning and implementations in the development sectors of the village he added and described the scheme as the backbone of the nation.

The chief guest, Alem Jongshi in his speech said that the MGNREGA is a scheme empowered by the act of the constitution of the country which is equivalent to that of a law which

has a jurisdiction extending to penalty to wrong done of the scheme. He also challenged the members present in the programme to invest the fund flows in sustainable works not just only in infrastructures. In addition, he said that the funds certain percentage of the fund should be utilized in income generating works and should focus in the human developmental activities. He also supplemented on the nature of the schemes that the scheme should be utilized to maximum advantage when is in use before the change of the scheme, since the schemes may change with the change in the times and of the government. Since it is a guar-

anteed scheme the beneficiaries should be vigil if there is a change in the funding of the funds and it is a responsibility of the beneficiaries check and keep updated with logistic approaches, he added.

Yamto Khiam and Sonla Chang from Thonoknyu and Sangsangnyu block respectively shared speech on benefits of the scheme. Anti Chang BDO Longkhim Block gave vote of thanks. Limba Chang presented a special number while Muno Pastor KBC Tuensang said the invocation. The programme was chaired by Setsathong PO DRDA and concluded with benediction by Rev Dr Yanger Pastor SBC Tuensang.

MGNREGA day reminds to maintain MGNREGA: Enhancing income-generating asset of people transparency and accountability Our Correspondent

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Mon, February 2 (DIPr): Mon district observed the MGNREGA day at the resource centre DRDA Mon, with Angau I Thou IAS, Deputy Commissioner and CEO DRDA Mon as the chief guest.

Stating that the ‘MGNREGA’ was purely a ‘grass root level project’, the Deputy Commissioner Mon, urged upon the gathering to unite and maintain transparency and accountability and follow the laid down guidelines while implementing the MGNREGA projects.

Urging upon the village representatives to introspect, retrospect and compare with the rest of the district, as seen in the

film show ‘Redefining Rural Life’ and see how far each village have progress under this project she appealed them to fully and judiciously utilize the project to develop the villages.

Further, reminding that the VDB Secretaries should work under the directives of their respective village councils, the DC warned the VDBs to be cautious in utilizing the funds allotted to their respective villages.

She also urged upon the gathering, representing their villages to disseminate the norms and procedure learnt during seminars and workshops to the villagers.

While delivering the keynote address, M. Tem-

jen Longchar, PO DRDA Mon deliberated on the norms and guidelines of the MGNREGA and informed the gathering of the new proposals for Mon District Annual development plan uploaded.

VDB Secretaries, Village Council Chairmen and women representatives of all the villages attended the programme. The programme was chaired by Among APC, MGNREGA DRDA Mon, Invocation by Manhom, BDO RD Block Mon, Impact of MGNREGA on Rural Life by N. Kumet Treasurer, MDVDBA and L. Apheang, VDB Member Tanhai Village and vote of thanks by Manching Konyak DPO, DRDA Mon.

Kiphire | February 2

Along with the rest of the country, Kiphire district today celebrated Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) Day with the entire VDB of Kiphire district at Hopongkyu Memorial hall.

Dr Tinojungshi Chang SDO (C) was the chief guest today. Speaking at the occasion, Dr Tino asked the BDOs to go to the grass root level, give advice suggestion and work with the grass root people to create incomegenerating asset so that even after the scheme is over, people can depend on those asset for their livelihood.

Expressing appreciation and gratitude to the department for implementing the

Dr Tinojungshi Chang SDO (C) addressing the MGNREGA Day observation at Hopongkyu Memorial hall, Kiphire on February 2. (Morung Photo)

scheme and activities as per the guidelines, Dr Tino asked the villagers make good use of the schemes

so that more assets can be created in the villages. The chief guest also asked the villagers not to be ashamed

to ask the officers if there is any doubt about the programme and schemes being implemented.

Azenuo Pienyu, Project Director DRDA who gave keynote address stressed on the history, aims and objective of the scheme. He said that the first MGNREGA programme, celebrated all over the country, gives us the time to reflect and thank the government for creating asset for all of us.

She also said government giving us money, encouraging us to implement the scheme is for anyone and asked the villagers to know how to judiciously utilise the opportunity given by the government.

BYE, SBC presented special song. Tsipithong and Zithrongla also spoke on the occasion. Razukhru D Vasa PO DRDA Kiphire chaired the programme.

The programme was followed with a lunch.

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Combating desertification, land degradation and drought ‘Bamboo Amenity Inn’ at Chiechama inaugurated

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DIMaPur, February 2 (Mexn): Nagaland Pollution Control Board conducted an orientation workshop on the theme ‘Combating Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought’ under National Environment Awareness Campaign (NEAC) for the 171 selected NGOs of Nagaland on February 2 at its conference hall.

Er Aghali Swu, AEE, gave the welcome address while the keynote address was delivered by Rusovil John, Member Secretary, NPCB. Speaking on the theme for 2014-15, ‘Combating Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought, the Member Secretary, NPCB said, “keeping in view of Rio+20 Conference in 2012, wherein world leaders recognized DLDD as a serious global challenge impeding sustainable development globally and agreed towards an aspirational goal for achieving a landdegradation neutral world.

The awareness and actions taken up under NEAC will

Participants during the orientation workshop conducted by Nagaland Pollution Control Board workshop under National Environment Awareness Campaign held on February 2.

contribute towards building the aspirational goal of making India Land degradation neutral by 2030.”

He also informed that further, this theme “Combating Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought” is divided into two subthemes i.e Adopting sustainable land management practices and Restoration of degraded land, which in a way will initiate a focused action plan in stakeholders to combat Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought.

Speaking of ‘Action

Component’, he said that in tune with Theme and subthemes, a suggestive list of action components will further facilitate the stakeholders to put their efforts in combating Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought.

A suggestive list of action components includes: Documentation of local traditional knowledge/ practices related to farming, water conservation, weather forecasting etc.

Establishment of green belt of traditional plants, Practicing water harvesting

First Death Anniversary In memory of our beloved

Dr. Neilavinuo Annuncita Suokhrie

(2nd Oct. 1963 to 3rd Feb. 2014) C M Y K

Not a day has gone by without thinking of your smile, laughter and guidance which is forever missed. We thank God for making you to be a part of our lives as we hold yesterday's memories in our hearts forever. Your unending love and undivided care, a beautiful example to cherish and strive to emulate in our lives. The pathways we choose, and the detours in our lives, you were the best physician, lawyer, counsellor and friend that any of us could ever ask for.

And, "we know you would be here with us today, only if heaven weren't so far away".

Your loving family

techniques, development of soak pits, conservation of local water bodies etc., Preparation and promotion of bio-pesticides, biofertilzers, vermi-compost etc., Establishments of trenches, bunds, soak pits etc., Inculcating the water budgeting habits through community discussion, workshops etc.

Khriehunuo Rutsa, JRF and Lhaihoichong Singson, JRF respectively delivered short presentations on the sub-themes ‘Adopting Sustainable Land Management Practices’ and ‘Resto-

ration of Degraded land’. A short documentary film on desertification was shown.

The programme ended with presentation on guidelines for implementation of NEAC 2015 by Akangmeren Imchen, Scientist B. The National Environment Awareness Campaign launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Government of India in 1986, aims to create awareness on environmental issues among a wide group of stakeholders. Several non-governmental organizations, educational and training institutions, professional associations, scientific bodies, community organizations, and a whole range of other agencies participate in the campaign.

These bodies singularly or in partnership with other organizations, organize programmes for creating environmental awareness followed by field action at the local, regional and national level.

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Khrienuo C. Metha, Secretary to Government of Nagaland and Team Leader, NBDA with others during the inauguration of ‘Bamboo Amenity Inn’ at Chiechama Village on January 31.

ChIeChaMa, February 2 (Mexn): As part of its continued initiatives in promoting bamboo in the State, Khrienuo C. Metha, Secretary to Government of Nagaland and Team Leader, Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency, inaugurated a ‘Bamboo Amenity Inn’ at Chiechama Village on January 31.

NBDA Team Member, Dr. Tolto Metha in a press release stated that Er Neikerhe Thakro, Team Member, NBDA chaired the brief

inauguration programme.

Yaselie Rüpreo, Assistant on January 31 and Pastor of Christian Revival Church, Chiechama pronounced the opening prayer and a short speech was delivered by Mhalezolie Metha, Chairman, Chiechama Village Council.

Other village representatives and officials of the NBDA also attended the programme. During the programme, the Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency also officially

handed over the ‘Bamboo Amenity Inn’ to the Chiechama village community for its upkeep and maintenance, in the presence of the above officials and representatives.

The facility includes a bamboo Cafe and a children’s park with good parking space. This wayside inn will be fully operated by the village community and will serve as an ideal location for picnics and other events, besides catering to travellers and tourists.

LPBN elects new team Mourn demise of ZMO President JalukIe, February 2 (Mexn): The Liangmai Pui Baudi, Nagaland during its general meeting held on January 29 at Jalukie 'B' has unanimously elected its new team for the tenure 2015 to 2017.

Where in Dalakliu Nchang was elected to the post of president, Kewimedunliu as vice president, Asuang to the post of general secretary, Mrs. Rambonliu as joint secretary and Adin was adjusted to the post of treasurer.

The LPBN has further mourned the demise of Late Adai Reunim, president ZMO, who passed away on 28th January 2015 last. The LPBN conveyed condolence to the bereaved family members and prayed for the eternal rest of the departed soul.

The Chakhesang Christian Revival Church Children’s Association has successfully completed seven days Sunday School Teachers Training at CCRC Upper PWD Kohima, from January 26 to February 1. Forty-one trainees representing seventeen CCRC churches participated in the training. The resource persons for the training were: Tusoveyi Swuro, Secretary, CCRCCA; Edechoi Rose, Director, Children Ministry Department, CBCC; Roseline Richa Dzuvichu, Research Associate SCERT; Dr. Ngopelo Kevechu, Jr. Specialist Civil Hospital, Dimapur; Kezhokhoto Savi, Asst. Professor, Kohima Law College; Kekhelo Letro, Choreographer; Joshua Koza, President, CCRCCA.

CCSU warns erring HODs and employees

Tuensang, February 2 (Mexn): The Confederation of Chang Students’ Union (CCSU) on January 28, in a joint venture with the Eastern Nagaland Educated UnEmployed Union, Chang Students’ Union Tuensang Town and Tuensang Village Students’ Union took a surprise visit to various government offices under Tuensang Headquarter.

The Confederation, in a press release issued by Federal Assembly Secretary H Lachu and Speaker CN Som-

ba stated that the initiative was taken based on the CCSU notification already published in various local media.

However, in its initiatives with a target for a good governance and welfare to its people, the Confederation along with its associations expressed regret to find many HODs out of station with a huge number of government employees absents for an entire month, where some government offices were found locked and some offices were found even without at-

tendance register.

The Confederation in its strongest of term directs all HODs and its employees to be present in their respective stations and to attain in their respective duties. Furthermore, the Confederation will be paying a frequent visit to all the government offices under Tuensang Headquarter, to maintain strict official duties as per the government norms in executing their bounding duties in the interest of the general mass.

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REgional

The Morung Express

Tuesday

3 February 2015

MHA agrees to final repatriation process for displaced Bru tribals

AIzAwL, FEBRUARY 2 (THE INdIAN ExpRESS): The Ministry of Home Affairs has agreed to organize a six-month repatriation process for displaced Bru tribals after which all those who do not return home from Tripura will be removed from Mizoram’s electoral rolls and no further relief will be provided to them, Mizoram Home Minister R Lalzirliana said on Monday.

The minister said that steps will be taken to improve the living conditions of the Bru tribals and financial aid allotted to them will also be doubled.

The decisions were taken at a January 30 meeting of MHA Joint Secretary Shambhu Singh, MHA Director (North East) JPN Singh, Tripura’s Additional Secretary for Revenue KM Das and Officer on Special Duty to Mizoram’s Home Department David

H Lalthangliana.

The decisions will be drafted in an affidavit to be filed before the Social Justice bench of the Supreme Court, which is currently deciding on a couple of petitions about the welfare of displaced Brus who fled Mizoram en-masse in 1997

Northeast Briefs Three injured in Hailakandi blast SILCHAR, FEBRUARY 2 (TNN): A powerful bomb went off in Hailakandi town in southern Assam on Sunday afternoon injuring at least three persons and damaging a shop. A senior police officer said the bomb exploded in the corridor of a shop at Shivbari Road at 4.10 pm. The bomb, a crude one, was kept inside a bag, the official said. The blast, which occurred near a Shiva temple, caused extensive damage to the shop. Sources said three persons — a rickshaw puller and two pedestrians — were injured in the incident. They were rushed to the local SK Roy Civil Hospital for treatment. While Sheikh Mahabuz Ali (45), the rickshaw puller, was referred to Silchar Medical College Hospital in a critical condition, Krishna Chanda (40) and Saidur Rahman (40) are undergoing treatment in the Hailakandi hospital. Sources said Mahabuz Ali, a resident of Kuchila in Hailakandi district, was waiting for passengers in front of the shop opposite the temple when the bomb went off. The lower part of his body was severely wounded in the incident, the sources added. The other two injured persons, who are residents of College Road locality of the town and Rangauti in the district respectively, are out of danger. A police team led by SP (Hailakandi) S Rajen Singh rushed to the spot and launched an operation to nab the criminals who set off the bomb. Cops have collected wires and other remnants of the bomb from the spot. Police are yet to identify the persons or group behind the blast.

However, a police officer said that although the bomb was a crude one, it was powerful.

Garo militant killed, camp busted in Meghalaya SHILLoNg, FEBRUARY 2 (IANS): A Garo militant was Monday killed in a fierce gunfight with security forces in Meghalaya as security forces busted a militant transit camp, police said. The gunfight broke out when A'chik Matgrik Elite Force (AMEF) militants opened fire at a team of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) backed by Combat Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) commandos raiding their transit camp at a hilltop at Boldra Abri area near Soba Jambal village in North Garo Hills district. "An AMEF militant identified as Sengrak S. Sangma alias Andalao Matgrik was killed on the spot while the others, including its chairman Jack Marak escaped," district police Chief J.F.K. Marak told IANS. A pistol, PEK explosives, detonators, two high-frequency wireless sets and some documents were recovered from the camp site, police said. The AMEF is a splinter group of the Garo National Liberation Army, a terrorist organisation fighting for a separate Garoland to be carved out of Meghalaya.

following ethnic violence.

“The MHA has decided that all those who currently remain in the relief camps should be repatriated to Mizoram within six months and whoever does not come back in that time will be removed from Mizoram’s electoral rolls,” R

Lalzirliana said, adding the MHA will no longer consider them as “refugees” and stop any further aid.

Official records show almost 4,000 Bru families who have voting rights in Mizoram continue to live in the relief camps in Tripura.

The state Home Minis-

tres of gas per day."

"If the supply of gas from ONGC remains satisfactory, the power project would start generation of electricity from March and the full commercial generation (101 MW) of power would start from August," the Monarchak power plant chief, S.R. Biswas, told reporters.

Biswas said that nonsupply of gas by ONGC resulted in loss of Rs.5 crore a month.

Tripura Power Minister Manik Dey, who visited the NEEPCO power plant Sunday, also expressed his deep anguish over the delay in generation of power from this project.

"The foundation stone of the power project was laid in March 2002 and the state government allotted land to NEEPCO in 2003.

Though more than 12 years passed, the project is yet to start generation," Dey told reporters. The plan was to be commissioned in 2005.

Designed by the USbased General Electric Company, the turbines for

3

TYCM lauds Ringui village’s decision to include women in governance ImpHAL, FEBRUARY 2 (mExN): The Tribal Youth Council Manipur (TYCM) has welcomed the decision of Ringui Village Authorities to include women in local governance. In a press statement, TYCM secretary, Lh. Decemhring acknowledged that for the first time in Tangkhul history, Ringui village of Manipur’s Ukhrul district has taken a positive step in promoting a democratic and participatory system by including women in its Village Authority, which is an elected grassroots level local governing body of the village. “It is praiseworthy and milestone achievement for all the people who believe in democratic system of governance and gender equality,” it added.

The statement informed that the village authorities in the Hill Districts of Manipur are self-governing institutions that stand for a decentralized and participatory governance like Panchayats & Municipalities making women’s representation in local level decision-making a reality

under the 73rd Constitutional Amendment.

“Tangkhul society is known for a democratic and participatory to bring about a just and equitable society regardless of sex from time immemorial. Our social and political system incorporated the interests of and be accessible to all sections of society including women of which constitutes half of the population,” the statement read. “However, by reasons of our custom, our women are prevented from participating in local governance such as Apex Organizations and Village Authorities. It is high time to seek & work towards transformation of our custom that would establish a decisive role for women at all levels of governance.”

Further, stating that the resolution of Ringui Village Authorities to include women as its members has set in motion inclusiveness, democratic, and participatory system of governance, TYCM expressed belief that the decision will pave way for all the Hill Villages to follow suit.

Assam journalist molestation: Tarun Gogoi orders probe, scribes want arrest of cops gUwAHATI, FEBRUARY 2 (THE INdIAN ExpRESS): Even as Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi on Monday ordered a high-level inquiry headed by an additional chief secretary into the alleged molestation and assault of two television journalists including a woman in a police station in the heart of Guwahati on Saturday, the journalists continued to press for arrest and suspension of the two police officers allegedly involved in the case.

Police on Monday morning arrested about 30 journalists including DY365 Managing Editor Pranay Bordoloi while they tried to stage a protest outside the state secretariat to press for arrest and suspension of two officers – an Inspector and a

Sub-Inspector – who had allegedly assaulted and attempted to murder the two TV journalists. The police officers also allegedly molested the woman journalist in Latasil police station here on Saturday.

The journalists were later released in the afternoon.

“We definitely welcome the inquiry announced by the chief minister. But we will continue to press for suspension and arrest of the two police officers who had assaulted our two reporters, one of whom was a woman,” Bordoloi, editor of DY365, the TV news channel whose reporters were allegedly assaulted by the police, said.

The woman reporter and her camera person had gone to the Latasil police station close to the

Gauhati High Court on Saturday for a story on the dilapidated condition of the police station as also on the alleged renting out of a police quarter to a private person.

It was there that the two journalists were allegedly detained, assaulted and threatened by some policemen. The FIR lodged by the journalist specifically named Latasil PS officer in-charge Chidananda Bora and SI Samsuddin Ahmed for the assault.

While Guwahati Po l i c e C o m m i ss i o n er Jyotirmoy Chakravarty had on Saturday himself removed the two officers from duty and announced institution of an inquiry by an ACP, Chief Minister Gogoi on Monday ordered a probe into

the incident. A press release from the CM’s office said additional chief secretary Rajiv Bora will inquire into the matter and submit his report within a month. Action would be taken following the finding of the probe, it said.

Meanwhile, opposition parties have hit out at the Congress government in the state and demanded immediate action against the erring police officers. Senior BJP leader and union minister of state for sports, Sarbananda Sonowal said the incident reflected how unsafe women were in Assam. “If a woman journalist is assaulted and allegedly molested by police, then what happens to other women?” he asked.

The Assam Human

Arunachal Guv advises security core group to have more co-od ITANAgAR, FEBRUARY 2 (pTI): Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Nirbhay Sharma today advised the 'Core Group' on security to have better coordination and synergy among various agencies keeping in view the state's strategic importance.

Underscoring the need to do more introspection, while inaugurating the state-level Core Group meeting here, the Governor asked the members to suggest means to improve the security scenario. "The writ of the state must be felt and there should be no hurdle in enforcing the law or implementing the programmes of the state.

If we want to develop Arunachal to its potential, we have to ensure the rule of law prevails and societal indifference must be expunged," he stressed.

The Governor called for upgra-

dation of intelligence gathering and enhancing professionalism in the personnel, including proper management of constabulary and training.

Sharma emphasised that security officers and personnel must involve in the positive engagement of community and youth where they serve.

Addressing the participants Chief Minister Nabam Tuki said the activities of the militants were impediments to the economic development of the state.

"All government development works like installation of hydro-electric projects, construction of highways, tourism, establishment of educational institution and hospitals are slowed down. Private investment in various enterprises is discouraged.

Hence, they are potential threats to the state and national security," he said.

ONGC starts supplying gas to Tripura power project AgARTALA, FEBRUARY 2 (IANS): The stateowned ONGC has started supplying gas to a 101 MW capacity power plant, commissioned by state-run NEEPCO, an official said here Monday.

NEEPCO (North Eastern Electric Power Corporation), a mini-ratna company under the union power ministry, has set up a Rs.9.50 billion (nearly $150 million) 101 MW power plant in western Tripura's Monarchak, 70 km south of capital Agartala and just eight km from the India-Bangladesh border.

"We have started supplying gas experimentally to the NEEPCO power plant from late Sunday night. After testing some technical matters, the normal supply would start soon," a senior official of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) said.

He said:"The ONGC recently laid a 10-km pipeline from its gas gathering station at Khedabari (in western Tripura) to the NEEPCO power project to supply five lakh cubic me-

ter also said that Mizoram and Tripura have been asked to draw up a detailed action plan and submit them to the MHA. He said that officials from the MHA, Tripura and Mizoram would also meet with Bru relief camp leaders on February 20 at Tri-

pura’s Kanchanpur town to inform them about the repatriation plan.

Bru relief camps leaders have often complained that the Tripura government makes life very difficult in the camps so that they have no inclination to remain there. They allege that the government is wary of an increase in the state’s tribal population, and it has already allotted the lands occupied by the relief camps to local tribals under the FRA. At the same time, these Bru leaders have been opposing the repatriation process saying those who return should be given better rehabilitation packages and enough land for them to live together for the community’s overall security.

Bru leaders in Mizoram have, meanwhile, steadfastly supported the government’s repatriation process.

Dimapur

the plant were supplied by Bharat Heavy Electric Limited, producing 62 MW power through gas turbine and 39 MW through steam turbine.

ONGC, the Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services (IL&FS) and the Tripura government jointly floated the ONGC Tripura Power Co. Ltd. (OTPC) for setting up the Rs.10,000crore 726 MW capacity Palatana power plant in southern Tripura.

While Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated to the nation the second unit (363 MW) of the 726 MW power project Dec 1 last year, the first unit (363 MW) was inaugurated by President Pranab Mukherjee June 21, 2013.

The 726 MW capacity Palatana combined cycle power project is the first commercial power project of the ONGC that would utilise the huge gas reserves in Tripura.

"The gas-based Palatana power project would resolve the power crisis of Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram and Tripura

states," OTPC's managing director Satyajit Ganguly said.

He said that Assam will get the maximum share of 240 MW of electricity, followed by Tripura (196 MW), Meghalaya (79 MW), Manipur (42 MW), Nagaland (27 MW), Mizoram (22 MW) and Arunachal Pradesh (22 MW). IL&FS and OTPC will keep 98 MW.

The Chief Minister said the state government has been following a multi-pronged approach to deal with the challenges, including development, dedicated recruitment drive, enhancing security infrastructure and presence of forces, rather than to regulate the situation by use of force only.

State home minister Tanga Byaling, Parliamentary Secretary (Home) Likha Saaya and DGP S Nithianandam also spoke on the inaugural session.

In the plenary session, Principal Secretary (Home) Dharmendra Sharma, General Officer Commanding of 4 Corps and 3 Corps Lt General Sarath Chand and Lt General Bipin Rawat deliberated on security related issues.

Representatives from ITBP, SSB, CRPF and the Assam Police also attended the meeting.

LOST NOTICE A red bag containing files with all Educational Documents and few clothes of Ms. DINSUWILIU had been lost between High School Junction to Taxi Stand, Near NST Station, Kohima on 12th Dec 2014. Finder may please contact 9436075202/9402216607/08794239860. Finder will be handsomely rewarded.

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Rights Commission on its part registered a suo moto case on the matter and issued a notice to the state chief secretary asking him to institute an inquiry into the mat-

ter. Commission chairman Justice (Retd) AH Saikia and member Tarun Phookan also asked the chief secretary to ensure submission of a report within 30 days.

ST. JOSEPH’S COLLEGE, JAKHAMA VACANCY Applications are invited for the following temporary positions: 1. Asst. Professor, Political Science 2. Science Lab Assistant Applications may be sent by email to stjosephc@gmail.com

 For further info, please contact 9436437544

HEALING SERVICE

The Dimapur Ao Baptist Church is organizing a healing service for the whole of Nagaland on 4th February 2015 from 07:00 a.m. onwards at Main Church, Duncan. Therefore, anyone who needs prayer and healing is warmly invited to participate and receive blessings of healing as promised by God who is our healer. Come searching your soul, have faith in Him and expect God’s miracle.

Sd/PASTOR, DABA

SUMMON TO WITNESS BEFORE DISTRICT CONSUMER DISPUTES REDRESSAL FORUM, KAMRUP (M), AT GUWAHATI

C.P Case No.: 131 /2009 Next Date Fixed: 31.03.2015 M/S Ansari and Company……. COMPLAINANT -VsThe Oriental Insurance Company Ltd. And Others……OPP. PARTIES. To, Sri Dharmendra Bordolai.

S/O Terusu Bordolai.

Resident of Golaghat Road, Dimapur, Nagaland. PIN: 797112. --- COURT WITNESS. Whereas, the Complainant above-named has instituted the above mentioned Complaint case under Section 12 of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 for deficiency of service towards consumer in respect of non-payment of Insurance Claim of his accidental vehicle (Excavator) against the Opposite parties i.e. The Oriental Insurance Co. Ltd. In this connection, your appearance is urgently required to substantiate the claim of the complainant and therefore vide order dated 09.01.2015 you are hereby summoned to appear in person as a Court Witness on the next date fixed i.e. on 31.03.2015 at 10 A.M. positively before this Forum, failing which you will be punishable as per law.

Given my seal and signature on this 30th day of January, 2015 at Guwahati.

PRESIDENT MEMBER

DISTRICT CONSUMER DISPUTES REDRESSAL FORUM KAMRUP (M)

4

Dimapur

businEss

Tuesday 3 February 2015

The Morung Express

IndusViva CEO comes to Nagaland Morung Express News Dimapur | February 2

Chief Executive Officer of Bangalore based IndusViva Healthsciences, Dr. Vladimir Badmaev, today said the area of focus of the company in India is “Heart Attack and Diabetes,” the world’s biggest killer and silent killer respectively.

“We are the only company manufacturing an Acai berry based product in India, which is known as the super fruit of the world.

This product is also a natural fighter against ageing and cancer,” Vladimir said.

Addressing a select group of people including distributors of IndusViva health food products here at Niathu Resort, the reputed doctor highlighted the ben-

eficial aspects of the company’s health food product ‘i-Pulse’ containing ‘Acai’, the “miracle fruit from mazon.”

The second food product ‘i-Coffee’, Vladimir said, is coffee enriched with Salacia reticulata extract named Salcital. Salacia reticulata is the remedy mentioned in Ayurveda for Diabetes. This research is recognised by World Health Organisation, United States Food & Drug Administration and Indian Clinical Trial Registry. This is recommended for nondiabetic, pre-diabetic and diabetic people. “Without compromising the authentic taste of coffee you can control your blood sugar,” the renowned doctor said.

Stating that healthy citizens create a healthy nation, Vladimir was of the view that

if the current health trend continues in India, then the country would become an unhealthy nation shortly.

Quoting Hippocrates, the doctor said “Let food be the medicine and medicine be the food,” meaning prevention is better than cure.

Dr. Vladimir Badmaev, who is based in New York, is an MD & PhD and also holds PhD in Immuno Pharmacology. The grandson of the physician of Tsar of Russia, Badmaev bagged the prestigious Thomas Alva Edison award four times and introduced the Tibetan natural medicine to the western world. He is also the President of American Medical Holdings and R & D head of Nattopharma CEO, IndusViva, Dr. Vladimir Badmaev, highlighting the company’s health -Norway. He also holds 13 food products including i-Pulse, i-Coffee and i-Care to Nagaland distribupatents in the US. tors of the company at Niathu Resort, Dimapur,on Monday.

Star Cement Wins 5th North-East Consumer Awards

guwahati, February 2 (ageNcies): Star Cement, the Premier Cement Brand of North-East & East India, has won the 5th North-East Consumer Awards as the Most Preferred Cement Brand of the Year 2014.

This is the 5th consecutive year Star Cement has won this coveted award.

Union Cabinet Minister for MSME Kalraj Mishra presented this award in presence of Rajya Sabha MP Bhubaneswar Kalita, Lok Sabha MP Gaurav Gogoi, Chief Secretary of Assam Jitesh Khosla, Chief Information Commissioner HS Das, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister MGVK Bhanu, Chair-

man of the Board of Governors of IIM Shillong Shri Falguni Rajkumar, senior member of North-Eastern Council Shri MP Bebaruah, Commissioner of Police for Guwahati J. Chakravarty and Ex-Chief Secretary of Assam HN Das on glittering award ceremony held on last Friday at 5star hotel Radisson Blu in Guwahati.

The 5th North-East Consumer Awards was hosted by Hindi Daily Dainik Purvoday along with Asomiya Pratidin, Indian Chamber of Commerce, News Time, Royal Group of Institutions and Red FM. North-East Consumer Awards 2014 are based on exhaustive study conducted by independent agency among 2000 consumers across the region.

“Star Cement has set benchmarks in the cement industry of Eastern India.

It is an honour to receive these awards especially because it comes directly from the consumers. It has been our endeavour to create an exceptional brand which showcases the principles of the

company, and I am confident that we will continue to grow and scale up our quality and delivery, to preempt present and future needs of our customers,” said Shri Jyoti Swaroop Agarwal, President (Sales & Marketing), Star Cement.

“We take this opportunity to thank all our customers, dealers, distributors and associates for their continuous support, without which we will not see our present success.”

North-East Consumer Awards, an initiative pioneered by leading Hindi Daily of NE “Dainik Purvoday”, is a unique way of saluting those brands that have caught the imagination of aspiring North-East Indian consumers. This is the biggest consumer programme in Eastern India India which every year selects the most preferred products, services and brands in different categories. Over the years it has emerged as one of the most coveted business events in NR and has been recognized by both civic and business fraternity.

Government may levy cess on domestic airfares for North East push New Delhi, February 2 (ageNcies): Air fares for passengers travelling on domestic routes may increase with the government considering a proposal of the North Eastern Council (NEC) to levy a cess to subsidise air transport services in the region.

A senior official in the ministry of civil aviation said, “The north eastern council has demanded that a cess be levied on passengers travelling on domestic routes to mobilise resources for a regional con-

nectivity fund. The resources can be utilised to subsidise air transport services in the northeastern region. We are considering the proposal.”

The proposal was made during a two-day visit of civil aviation minister Ashok Gajapati Raju Pusapati to meet chief ministers of Northeastern states. The visit was aimed at speeding up airport development and improving air connectivity in a region considered extremely sensitive because of its international bor-

ders with China, Bangladesh and Myanmar and internal security issues.

“Almost all states in the NEC have raised concerns about high airfares. Road connectivity is poor in the region.

They want fares to be regulated and some kind of assistance provided to operators so that air connectivity improves in the region”, added the official.

The eight sister states in NEC arguably have one of the worst road network in the country. Air connectivity too is poor

in the region prompting the NEC to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Alliance Air in September 2014 to increase services in the region.

Under the arrangement, NEC currently provides viability gap funding (VGF) to Alliance Air for air services to Shillong, Tezpur, Lilabari, Silchar and Guwahati with ATR 42 type of aircraft till March 31, 2016. However, other airlines operating in the region have also been demanding similar concessions to make services viable.

_

LEISURE

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

SUDOKU Game Number # 3127

NEC assists Alliance Air in obtaining concessions on ATF, landing, RNFC rates. The actual cost of operations is reviewed every three months based on the proposed cost and VGF amount fixed accordingly. Alliance Air has been operating flights to the Northeast since January 2003, under VGF to cover losses on the operations in the Northeast. Alliance Air continued services in the Northeast upto December 31, 2012 when it was operating 65 flights per week.

PubLiC DisCOuRsE Wake Up, Nagas: Face The Goliaths

S

canning the horizon and in continuation of what I wrote earlier under the title, ‘Calling the Attention of the Angamis; In Urgent Need of Servant Leadership’, I once again humbly offer some suggestions, which may just appear as “wild ideas” to some, and share my deepest concerns and fears about the possible consequences if the present political “dog-eat-dog” game and quagmire is not addressed before things go out of control and become unmanageable. I am aware that many better minds must be doing some similar stretching exercises already. Let us recollect what the great thinker Albert Einstein once said - “The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them.”

In other words, our present level of thinking must become wider, go deeper, rise higher and offer richer, wiser and finer options or alternatives if we are to sincerely make attempts to resolve the crisis. It is an extraordinary crisis; it calls for an extraordinary response tapping the best suggestions or advices from the best minds amongst our people for the larger good of our society.

The further damage to relationships at all levels within and between Naga tribes that will result from a head-on collision is going to be too costly. Our wounded society cannot cope with more wounding. With prevention of the worst in mind, the following possibilities are suggested for consideration: 1. For NPF: In view of the leadership tussle, why not share power with one as Chief Minister and the other as Deputy Chief Minister; one as Party President and the other as Senior Party Advisor. This arrangement can provide collective and stronger leadership in the government and synergistic teamwork in the party.

2. For Angami MLAs: To show magnanimity, can I once again ask all Angami MLAs to remain mere MLAs and offer ministerial berths to other tribes in favour of a stable government and good governance? While I make this appeal to my fellow Angami

MLAs as a deeply concerned Angami, it is also applicable to other tribes with more sensible attitudes.

3. For Government Formation: To entrust equal participation and collective responsibilities, why not allow other non-NPF members (BJP, NCP, JD(U), Congress and Independents) to form government with NPF support (Nagas breaking records and making history once again).

4. For all Sixty MLAs and 2 MPs: To resign in favour of a political settlement, which should be an Interim or Transitional Agreement, keeping in mind the unity and integration of all Naga areas and towards a final and permanent settlement of our political issue (remembering that there are Nagas in Burma/Myanmar also, who are equally involved from the very beginning of our Naga movement before partition).

5. Naga Political Groups: All groups/factions should come together under some kind of Common Political Jurisdiction (rising above their present nomenclatures), which is inclusive in nature, to provide a better, stronger Naga voice towards solution at this point and juncture of our political history and journey.

6. For Each Citizen: All Naga organizations, starting from Naga Hoho to the village level students, youth and women organizations, should maintain moral authority and integrity by keeping friendly or safe distance from (or closeness to) all political parties and politicians and so also to/ from all factions.

Every Goliath can be overcome. Let a fresh wind blow once again. This is our moment to wake up from the slumber of complacency and bankruptcy. This is the opportunity to tap, garner and harness the resources of our souls. Our journey started with one voice and our ancestors and pioneers made it a ground-swell movement. Today we can seize the day and pitch our Naga tent higher. God grant us His mercy.

Dr. Dietho-o South Corner A.G. Road, Kohima

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

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ACROSS 1. Prod 5. Chilled 9. Canvas 13. Forearm bone 14. Wealthy man 16. Hodgepodge 17. Residence hall 18. Danish monetary unit 19. Start over 20. Used a broom 22. Propagandist 24. Praise 26. Sporting venue 27. Profitable 30. Artist’s workroom 33. Slaughterhouse 35. Figure out 37. Mouth (British slang) 38. Strainer 41. Cover 42. Thresholds 45. Tittering 48. Wiggle room 51. Sea cow 52. Measuring instruments 54. A ridge of sand 55. Trebuchets 59. Twilled fabric 62. Way out

63. Gladden 65. Bulwark 66. Cut into cubes 67. Soft drinks 68. “Smallest” particle 69. Large North American deer (plural) 70. Used to be 71. Evergreens

DOWN 1. Lather 2. Farm equipment 3. Undependable 4. Unrestrained 5. Writing liquid 6. Automobiles 7. African virus 8. Givers 9. Twister 10. Away from the wind 11. Go on horseback 12. Impoverished 15. Give birth to 21. Tussock 23. Rectum 25. Twosomes 27. Jokes 28. Agitated 29. 52 in Roman numerals 31. Unable to read

32. Sheeplike 34. Regulation (abbrev.)

36. Border 39. Vigor 40. Quaint outburst 43. Emissaries 44. Exchange 46. Wildebeests 47. Alley 49. Chills and fever 50. Lemon or canary 53. Ancient Greek unit of length 55. Formally surrender 56. Angle of a leafstalk 57. Clock sound 58. Sun 60. Radiate 61. Shade trees 64. East southeast Ans to CrossWord 3135

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local/Public SPace

The Morung Express

Tuesday 3 February 2015

Dimapur

5

Lotha Hoho officials holds Nagaland university Signs Mou consultative meeting in Ralan with university of Hyderabad Demands a neutral SOP chairman and morung express news Hyderabad | February 2

Prof. B.K. Konwar, Vice Chancellor, Nagaland University (NU) and Prof. E. Haribabu, Vice-Chancellor, University of Hyderabad (UoH) signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) here today, opening up new areas of research cooperation and possibilities of increasing academic and faculty exchange between the two Central Universities.

At the event, Prof. Konwar expressed his gratitude to the UoH for extending the relationship to NU and reiterated his confidence that the MoU will prove beneficial to NU. Earlier during the day, Prof. Konwar had delivered a special Lecture on the topic “Metagenomics” at the School of Life Sciences, UoH. The UoH has recently bagged the Visitor’s Award

Prof. B.K. Konwar (R) and Prof.e. Haribabu (l) after signing the moU at the University of Hyderabad on monday.

(Morung Photo).

for the Best Central University from the President of India.

Meanwhile, at the request of Naga Students studying at the UoH, the Vice Chancellor had an interactive session with them. He called upon the students to inculcate the value of hard work, and

reminded them of the opportunities they have been given compared to their counterparts back home in Nagaland. “You are the future stakeholders of the State of Nagaland,” he added.

He also encouraged them to discard the mentality of inferiority that one

is from a distant land and said “Through you good things should come forth, you must not feel inferior that you are from Nagaland, rather one must have a sense of belongingness to this nation.”

Underlining the need for moral and ethical practices, he reminded the students to recognize the efforts and hard work of parents at home and urged them practice thriftiness. Emphasizing on the note of moral obligation he said “public funds meant for the children must be put to the optimum use for the overall development of the students.”

Focusing on the present condition of Nagaland University, he said that policies for the administration were being taken without any biasedness and expressed optimism that “NU will be a leading University in the country in the future.”

Upon queries from the

students, he added that despite low infrastructure and low level of technology NU is performing at a high level. With inflow of congratulatory messages from the students he refused to take claim for the smooth functioning of NU. He credited the result of “Smooth functioning” to the Faculty of the University for their Sacrifice towards the allround development of the Students.

Highlighting some tangling impasses of the higher education in Nagaland, he underlined that “Nagaland has a big problem as scientific curriculum is absent. Our school level curriculum is not scientifically oriented.” He, however, expressed his optimism that NU is working in the right direction and added “I am proud of my University.”

Prof. MK Sinha, Finance Officer, NU accompanied the Vice Chancellor.

NSCW to conduct Baseline Survey IGNOU students informed Dimapur, February 2 (mexN): As per direction of the National Commission for Women, New Delhi, the Nagaland State Commission for

Women will be conducting a Baseline Survey on Social, Economic & Political Empowerment of Women in Nagaland.

In this connection, the

Commission requests all public to co-operate and extend assistance to the Field Assistants during the Survey from February.

MGNREGA Day observed in Kohima kohima, February 2 (Dipr): DRDA Kohima along with the rest of the country observed February 2 as the MGNREGA Day at DPDB conference hall, Kohima with DRD Blocks Additional Director, Hilo Semp as the chief guest.

The programme was well attended by representatives from all the VDBs including women repre-

sentatives under Kohima district. In his speech, the chief guest emphasized the importance of good cooperation/accountability and transparency among the VDBs and department. He also emphasized the importance of MIS and IEC. Tseminyu and Phesama were awarded the best Block and VDB respec-

tively. DRDA Kohima PD, Kevipodi Sophie delivered the keynote address.

The programme was chaired by DRDA APO, Bendangwatila Jamir, VDB representatives from Kohima and Jakhama and BDO Tseminyu Block gave short speeches. BDO Jakhama Block Khovi Thaprü delivered the vote of thanks.

SETAN reiterates demand for service extension Dimapur, February 2 (mexN): The Special Education Teachers Association of Nagaland (SETAN) has once again requested the government the Directorate of School Education of Nagaland to extend their services, which had expired on June 2014.

Expressing anguish over the “step motherly” treatment meted out to them, the president of SETAN,

Xusheto Zhimomi in a press note alleged that though its members are continuously meeting the concerned officers and had submitted a representation, no positive outcome has occurred so far except some optimistic assurances.

Despite the expiry of the extension, the special teachers are dutifully undertaking the responsibility as entrusted on them

keeping in mind the welfare of the students and the department officers working tirelessly for their cause in their own capacity, the press note added.

The members of SETAN from 11 districts, thus, requested the concern authority to expedite the issue at the earliest and relieve the special teachers from their “mental and emotional torture”.

Public SPace AN APPEAL TO THE AGITATING MLAS OF NPF

I

, being a pioneer of the Democratic Party, I appeal the agitating Legislators to ponder over my humble opinion concerning the current crisis. It is a matter of fact that the sitting Chief Minister T.R. Zeliang is reaping the fruit of his Kaziranga

Camp. Similarly, what you sow you too will reap the fruit.

The tussle dragged too long which causes untold loss to the people in various aspects. It is now time to introspect to find out a solution. The means to settle it via Delhi seems impossible.

No one is being asked to bow down but the political arena is the Assembly where matters of State Politics are settled. So after nearly one month, there is no option other than settlement through the common floor.

Rev. L. Suohie Mhasi.

Today Is The Time To Teach

S

olomon the wisest man on earth who had enjoyed many things and faced different problems in life and who spent his life on pleasures and power has stated somewhere around 935 BC in the book of ECCLESIASTES that there is a time for everything. A season for every activity under heaven, a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot.

The wise man had taught many things which are valuable and how to fear our creator. Having many experiences and wisdom that God has given him made him teach the world to glorify the name of our living God. Today every individual has been given different talents to teach each other but many are blind to their gifts because of self

centeredness, ego and for selfish benefit many of our Nagas are failing to teach each other which is leading towards the darker side of our future.

The ‘We’ feeling which was once very strong is dying and the respect among brothers, despite his tribe and status, has died down. Many of the families and individuals today are working for their own benefit and the gift those individuals posses are hidden within them. There are only few people who dream and want to see a better and developed Nagaland.

It’s time for our Nagas to learn from each other and to teach our younger generation how Nagas should fight for our promised land and to pave a way for the upcoming young leaders.

There was a time when we Nagas were heat hunt-

ers, and people during those period were uneducated but with the coming of English people we were taught how to dress, how to live an easy life, how to read and write, and to accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and saviour.

Today in our land we have churches, schools, colleges, university. And the Naga parents want their children to be educated because they want their children to be a leader, not unsuccessful men and women.

In our state today many things from top to bottom are not in a proper order.

Therefore let’s not teach how to divide. In fact let every individual contribute to our society by teaching about unity and ethics.

And let`s have a dream to see a better NAGALAND. Lumtsase C Sangtam Japfu Christian College

Dimapur, February 2 (mexN): All IGNOU students who have taken admission for July 2014 session (post graduate, under graduate, diploma, certificate, and BPP courses) at Study Cente-2002, Dimapur

Government College, have been informed to collect their pending study materials from the study centre.

The centre is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 1:30 to 4:30 pm, informed Khrieo Rutsa, co-ordinator.

expediting Foothill road construction

lotha Hoho at Foot Hill Road doyang Bridge construction site at Ralan.

Wokha, February 2 (mexN): The Lotha Hoho convened a Consultative Meeting with the public of Ralan area, at Governor Camp, Liphanyan and deliberated on Assam-Nagaland border and for speedy implementation of the NFHR construction, on its visit to Ralan on January 30.

The team consist of officials from Lotha Hoho Wokha led by its chairman Mhao Humtsoe; officials from Kohima Lotha Hoho; elders from Dimapur; and NFHRCC General Secretary. The visiting team inspected the site, for construction of NFHR Bridge

over Doyang River, at Ralan.

According to press note from, Lotha Hoho Wokha chairman, Mhao Humtsoe and general secretary, Mhondamo Ovung during the visit, the Hoho, in particular, urged the concerned authorities of the state to “protect the sanctity” of the Nagaland state boundary line at all points throughout the entire Assam-Nagaland boundary.

Observing that that chairman of the Standard Operation Procedures (SOP), for protecting the status of the Assam- Nagaland Boundary, was the

ADGP of Assam, the Lotha Hoho maintained that such SOP was “prejudicial and discriminatory” to Nagaland and urged the state government take up the matter with the Home Ministry, GOI, for changing the chairman of SOP to a neutral force directly under MHA. “The SOP must have equal representation from both states,” it added.

The Hoho further asked the government of Nagaland to “give aid” to the displaced Naga families “immediately” and expedite the construction and early commissioning of the Foothill road.

NCD lauds DMC and District administration Dimapur, February 2 (mexN): The Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) today lauded the DMC for undertaking the renovation of approach roads at Murgipati, Dimapur through DMC Toll tax collection. “The said diversion road which greatly helps to ease the chronic traffic problem in Dimapur had been unattended for so many years and therefore the develop-

mental initiative is much welcome,” the NCD stated in a press not issued through its president, T Bangerloba and Treasurer, Dietho Rhakho.

A joint meeting of NCD, DCCI, DUCCCF, ACAUT, YAN, G.B Union, BAN, NWHD and DMC Employees Welfare Union on November 21 last year had voiced out and resolved to abolish the Lessee system practised by Urban Devel-

opment Department. It also resolved to streamline the tax collection so that fund generated can utilised judiciously for meeting requirements of DMC salaries and the surplus could be used for developmental works on priority basis and ward-wise rotation system with transparency, the NCD press note informed.

Appreciating the DMC for undertaking the same,

the NCD extended its fullest support and co-operation to DMC in public welfare activities.

Meanwhile, the council also expressed its appreciation to Dimapur District Administration and the Police for arresting the perpetrators of January 5 “bomb explosion” at Eros Colony, Dimapur, intended to disturb Republic Day celebration at Dimapur.

Maintaining that the

citizen of Dimapur are being constantly being intimidated by such activities in recent past by outsiders, it stated that it give assurance that Law enforcing agency is “well prepared” to keep check on such activities.

The NCD appealed the competent Authority to impose rigorous penalty upon the perpetrators of such activities to act as a deterrence for future.

condolence messages CM condoles Late Dr. Inakhe Sumi: The Chief Minister of Nagaland, TR Zeliang has expressed his deep shock at the sad demise of Dr. Inakhe Sumi, Honorary President of Nagaland Institute of Health, Environment and Social Welfare, on January 31 at Dimapur.

The Chief Minister in a press note stated that, Late Dr. Inakhe was first graduate doctor from among the Sumi community and even after his retirement as Director of Health & Family Welfare, he served the people through various NGOs. His demise is indeed a colossal loss to the Nagas as a

whole, he added.

The CM and his wife further conveyed their deepest condolences his bereaved family members and prayers that the Almighty will grant them strength and comfort at their hours of immense grief. He also offered prayers of eternal peace to the departed soul.

IDSP: The Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP), Health & Family Welfare, Nagaland Staff deeply mourned the demise of Dr. Inakhe Assumi, Epidemiologist, District Surveillance Unit, Zunheboto. The staffs in a condo-

lence message said, “Our thoughts and prayer goes out to all the near and dear ones in these hour of grief.

May his soul rest in eternal peace.”

CM mourns Late Kyothungo demise : The Chief Minister of Nagaland, TR Zeliang expressed his profound shock to hear the sad demise of Kyothungo Ovung, Retired Deputy General Manager, NST and former CEC Member of NPF at Kohima on February 2.

“After his retirement he dedicated his life for the welfare of the people and was an active member of the NPF Party...His demise

has not only created a vacuum in his community but also the NPF Party,” the CM stated in a press note.

The CM and his wife further conveyed their deepest condolences to the members of the bereaved family and prayers that the Almighty will grant strength and comfort at this time of great grief. They also wish eternal peace for the departed soul.

YTC: The Yimchungru Tribal Council (YTC) has expressed its profound sorrow over the the sudden demise of S Wongtsukiu Yimchungru from Leangkonger Village under Sha-

mator Sub-Division, on February 1.

Deeply mourning his death, the YTC President, M Thsesong and Press & Info.Secy, Akiu in a press note informed that Late Wongtsukiu was the father of the present General Secretary of YTC, Athong Abraham and his death was a great loss for them.

The YTC further conveyed their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and prayers that the Almighty God will give solace and strength in their hours of grief and also wishes eternal peace for the departed soul.

WSBAK new Executive Secretary takes charge Dimapur, February 2 (mexN): The official handing and taking over of the Executive Secretary of Western Sumi Baptist Churches Association (WSBAK) was held this morning at its mission centre, Akuvuto at Thahekhu village.

Rev. S Vitoshe Swu who completed his tenure handed over the charge to his successor Rev. Dr. Hevukhu Achumi in presence of WSBAK staff and outgoing and incoming members of WSBAK Council.

On completion of the tenure, Rev. Helkat, Mission Director, WSBAK has also handed over the charge to Rev. Shikuho Zhimomi who has been appointed as the Mission Director.

Speaking at the programme, Khehovi Yeptho, Chairman, WSBAK Council stressed on WSBAK Vision 2020, which can be achieved only with efficient and good teamwork.

Acknowledging those who are leaving the office for

newly appointed executive secretary of WsBaK Rev. dr. Hevukhu achumi, WsBaK staff and council members pose for lens with outgoing es Rev. Vitoshe and council members at WsBaK mission centre, akuvuto on monday.

their untiring service towards of the association, he was also confident that the new team led by Rev. Dr. Hevukhu would continue the good works of the mission.

Rev. Vitoshe Swu was grateful to all those who supported and assisted him in shouldering the responsibility of the WSBAK in the capacity of Executive

Secretary. He said it was a blessing for him and his family to serve God in such a capacity. He assured his fullest cooperation towards the association even in the days to come.

Also speaking on the occasion, Rev. Dr. Hevukhu Achumi reflected upon the early days of the formation of WSBAK and hoped it is the will of the almighty

for him to once again to be the executive secretary of the association. He appreciated Rev. Phughoto Aye and Rev. S. Vitoshe Swu – the two former ES of the association for development of the mission centre.

Hevukhu assured to serve with faithfulness.

Rev. Henije Jimo led a prayer for blessing for both outgoing and new members.

Earlier Rev. Vitoshe dedicated a tube well and water tank at the Mission Centre that was constructed and donated by the family members of Late. Mangilal Jain, Dimapur.

Khehovi Yeptho also inaugurated a newly completed floor (3rd floor) of the Pioneers’ Building. The same was also dedicated by Rev. Vitoshe.

The Morung Express is introducing “Public Space” as part of our intention to provide deliberate space for the opinions of the people to be expressed and heard through this newspaper. Nonetheless, The Morung Express points out that the opinions expressed in the contents published in the “Public Space” do not reflect the views and position of the newspaper or the editor.

6

IN-FOCUS

The Power of Truth

The Morung Express TuEsDAy 3 fEbruAry 2015 volumE X IssuE 31 by moa Jamir

A pitiless mother, a faultless father and an abandoned child

A

n impending tragedy was averted and transformed into a sea of humanity, when an abandoned infant child was recovered by Kohima Police at Naga Bazaar, on January 13. Subsequently, the mother was traced and arrested by the police after a week. Prima facie, a nonbailable offence was registered against her. ‘A crime beyond human imagination’ goes an editorial in a leading local daily, though tempered with a postulation that she might have done the ‘act’ as a last resort. However, not a single word was uttered regarding the possible culpability of the ‘father’ in the ‘act’.

Others were less forgiving in their denouncement. In social media, the mother was mostly indicted with the choicest of adjectives. A benefit of doubt was not forthcoming—she was tried and found guilty. The onus of sinning is, always, with the woman and such attitude is as old as the story of creation itself. The reaction is symptomatic of the doggedly patriarchal social constructions of the Naga society. Despite progress and advancement in many spheres, we still insist on clinging to such archaic practices. It is reflected in our attitude, action towards, and categorisation of women in society.

What is the status of Naga women then? Or, to what extent are they empowered by our patriarchy? Comparatively high, her male counterpart would argue. A superficial misconception engendering a perpetual state of ‘disempowerment,’ she will retort. A clear pronouncement is intricately meshed-up as our society, but the latter wins hands down.

Beside the classic case of decision- making processes and inheritance as an exclusive male's domain; subtle exertions and implicit assumptions often operate and control the women either on its own or through social underpinnings. For instance, commenting on a piece regarding the role of women in decision making in Nagaland, a reader of The Morung Express (see ‘Moving Beyond Tradition,’ January 20) noted on its Facebook page that, “It (is) easy to say come out and take part, but when you cannot stand shoulder to shoulder and told to behave like a ‘maiki manu’ or when remark such as ‘maiki manu nishina nahoi’ are used.. There comes discrimination right away.”

An egalitarian society cannot simply spring out from such unfair circumstances.

Yes, we as a society are perceived 'permissive' as far as social interactions are concerned, but beneath that superficiality lays intricate stumbling blocks. As she gets older and becomes more educated, the woman gets more ‘de-liberated’ as she is constantly reminded of her ‘statuses’ in the social hierarchy.

In this juxtaposition of aspirations and societal expectations, the latter has an upper hand over the former.

In this social milieu, a lucrative career or high professional achievement, especially in academics, is often considered as forsaking a stable family life. Even her identities get diluted to some extent. “If a girl marries someone outside, her husband village is her new identity,” goes a common refrain. The degree of equality and freedom enjoyed by women in shaping and sharing of power are diluted by the use of customary laws and practices, thereby violating their rights, commented another reader.

Paradoxically, women should be at the forefront of fighting for their rights; however, they too remain mostly ‘passive’ and some even go to the extent of criticising those who demand such freedom.

Years of social conditioning and perpetual circumscription by traditional norms and practice might have exerted such attitude. Nagaland State Commission for Women, Chairperson, Dr. Temsula Ao speaking on ‘Statutory Rights of Women’ at a function challenged women to discard their passive attitude and refuse to remain as victims of their own fears and uncertainties, but fight for due justice.

We need to seriously introspect on the status of women.

It involves modifying the existing structures into a new paradigm encompassing the concerns of everyone without diluting the essence of our traditional ethos. Traditional practices can be relaxed or modified to accommodate changing times and must allow women to move beyond existing barriers without demanding that the sacrosanct boundaries of home and hearth are left untouched. It also entails awareness by men with regard to appropriate behaviour and attitude towards women.

Stressing the role of women in progress of a nation, US President Barack Obama on his recent visit to India hit bulls eye when he urged, “As husbands and fathers and brothers we have to step up because every girl's life matters and every daughter deserves the same chances as our sons and every woman should ... (be) treated with respect and dignity she deserves."

Reverting back to incident cited at the beginning, the culpability of both the parents should be established instead of simply faulting the mother for the act. Incidentally, the infant too was a girl. Let us strive and aspire for a society where she is nurtured and equally empowered as her male counterpart and enjoys such “freedom” in the true sense of the word.

For any comment, drop a line to moajamir@live.com

lEfT WING |

IANS

Tales of a drum-playing, safe-cracking Nobel laureate

R

ichard P. Feynmann (1918-88) was one of the most wellknown scientists in his time, described by a contemporary as "both genius and buffoon" as well as figuring in the "holy trinity" of 20th century physics along with Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking.

In " 'Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!': Adventures of a Curious Character" (1985) and " 'What Do You Care What Other People Think?': Further Adventures of a Curious Character" (1988), he shares with us his life and illustrious career which included participation in the Manhattan project and in the panel probing the Challenger space shuttle crash. The books also seek to explain his work in quantum physics (for which he won the nobel prize), for a better education system fostering understanding over rote learning, the importance of curiousity and experimentation and the scientist's responsibility to society. And, yes, Feynman did a lot to break the stereotypical scientist in thick glasses. From getting into a fight in the men's room of a bar, painting nudes of Marie Curie and playing an instrument in a samba band in Brazil.

Feynman was however not the first famous scientist to write about his life, being preceded by Einstein's (posthumous) "Autobiographical Notes" (1979). But Einstein's is a "near-autobiography" - focussing more about the development of his ideas. Feynman's books talk about his personal life, his aspirations. Their accessible nature owes something to their genesis - they arose out of free-ranging conversations Feynman, an enthusiastic drummer, had with his friend and drumming partner, Ralph Leighton.

The first book's question arises out of an incident involving the newly-arrived, socially-inept Feynman at a tea party at Princeton. It was the response by the dean's wife, who asking Feynman if he wanted cream or lemon in his tea, was told "both". Feynman says he learnt this was an indication he had made a social gaffe! But it didn't stop him ever in his life.

The second book's question owes from the line his first wife Arline Greenbaum (whom he married despite knowing she was dying of TB) used to convince him to do her bidding.

It is these touches which reveal scientists are no less human!

THE EDIT PAGE

C O M M E N T A R Y

Melkulangara Bhadrakumar Asia Times Online

Obama's India visit a big blank

T

he three-day state visit by the United States President Barack Obama to India has been extraordinarily rich in political symbolism. It followed an initiative by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to invite Obama to be the chief guest at India’s national day celebrations on January 26.

Modi himself had visited Washington only four months ago and Obama’s acceptance of the invitation also signified an unprecedented second visit by an incumbent American president to India.

With the dust settling down on the colorful visit, stocktaking begins. There are three templates to consider – one, how to decipher the political symbolism as such; two, what has been the substantive outcome of the visit and what lies ahead for the India-US relations; and, three, how the upgrade of the relationship impacts the power dynamic in Asia-Pacific.

Without doubt, New Delhi and Washington have signaled a political resolve to re-energize the relationship, which has been under the weather in the past 2 to 3 years. Looking back, the high expectations raised by the former prime minister Manmohan Singh to Washington in 2009 and Obama’s return visit in 2010 could not be fulfilled, which took the shine off the India-US relationship.

Essentially, the Obama administration was waiting till the political uncertainties in India cleared up after the April-May 2014 election. Modi himself went the extra league during his September visit to underscore that he not only carried no ill will, but was eager to energize the ties with the US. And Washington has estimated that it can do business with Modi whom it not only sees as ‘pro-reform’ like his predecessor but also as someone who would make a more meaningful, effective and resolute interlocutor than Manmohan Singh.

For Modi, a lavish display of friendship with ‘Barack’ holds advantages in domestic politics. Obama, who has a reputation for being aloof, is willing to play along.

Meanwhile, for Obama, whose presidency is under relentless attack at home, resuscitation of the US-Indian relationship is a foreign-policy legacy. The ModiObama bonding is a match made in heaven.

Having said that, Obama’s visit failed to produce a substantive outcome. He made no commitments regarding US investments. No accord could be reached on climate change (which was apparently a priority).

The India-US defence agreement has been renewed for another ten-year period but no flagship project was announced on co-production or joint development of military technology. Nor did India sign any new contracts for American weaponry.

A significant outcome devolves upon the «breakthrough» in finding a formula that could remove the discord between the two governments over India’s nuclear liability law. But there is no clarity whether the understanding reached at the governmental level (details of which haven’t been divulged) would stand scrutiny in a court of law or even prompt the American companies to shed their inhibitions over the Indian law (which, they say, does not conform to the international covenants on liability in nuclear commerce.)

In short, the balance sheet is poor, but the media hype is that this has been a ‘transformative’ visit. The truly transformative visits in the relationship have been two – visit by Bill Clinton in March 2000, auguring a historic course correction in the US’ unfriendly cold-war era policies, and by George W. Bush in March 2006 against the backdrop of the US-India civil nuclear cooperation agreement, which promised a paradigm shift in the strategic ties. In comparison, Obama’s visit falls in a category by itself – an earnest joint effort to salvage the relationship and put it on a forward-looking trajectory.

How far Modi and Obama succeeded, time only will tell. The Indians are notorious for praising their leaders’ ‘personal chemistry’ with western statesmen, blithely overlooking that convergence of interests is the bedrock of inter-state relationships. The sustainability of the excellent climate in the India-US relations will depend on the follow-up. What can be said for the present is that there is enormous interest on both sides to do this, but, equally, there is a sense of déjà vu among dispassionate onlookers.

The heart of the matter is that the sort of market access that the US is demanding and the high In-

W

hen President Barack Obama visited New Delhi as a guest of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, mentions of the global fight against the Islamic State were notably absent.

The only hat tip to cooperation is buried deep into a U.S.-India joint statement released on Sunday, where the two leaders “reaffirmed their deep concern over the continued threat posed by transnational terrorism,” including groups such as al Qaeda and the Islamic State. The White House says India could play a role battling the Islamic State, according to a Reuters report. And yet at least publicly, top Indian leaders have said almost nothing about fighting the rampant terrorist group in Syria and Iraq. So why has India been so quiet?

For one, India has huge stakes in the Middle East — but in very different ways from the United States. India’s concerns in the region are less about national security implications, and more about the safety of its citizens. India is the world’s number one remittance country; it received roughly $71 billion in 2013, according to a World Bank report — and much of that comes from the Gulf.

An estimated seven million Indians reside in the Middle East, overwhelmingly concentrated in the Gulf, where they tend to be guest workers. And India still has an unknown number of workers in Syria. If New Delhi joined a coalition, or started speaking out against the Islamic State, it would “put a mas-

U.S. President Barack Obama, right and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attend the India-U.S business summit in New Delhi on Monday, January 26. Obama urged business leaders to find ways to seize the "untapped potential" that could unleash greater trade between the U.S. and India. (AP Photo/Saurabh Das)

dian expectations regarding American investments are unrealistic in a near term. The testimonies by the IMF and World Bank that India is on a high growth path exceeding China’s within a year or two must add up – and there is no empirical evidence. Systemic issues are many, and the international economic environment is not encouraging. The recovery of the US economy has not stabilized.

Delhi claims that «investor perception about India has reversed dramatically after years of stagnation» – to quote the Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

But Jaitley also candidly admitted that such optimism is «tempered with caution» as regards the government’s ability to deliver.

Regional tensions and fatcats The only foreign-policy statement to come out of Obama’s visit has been a ‘joint strategic vision statement’ regarding Asia-Pacific and the Indian Ocean.

Interestingly, the statement had nothing to say regarding Pakistan, which is an obsessive foreign-policy issue for the Hindu nationalists who mentor the Modi government. Obama said not a word regarding Pakistan or its alleged support for terrorism, which is a big departure from his 2010 visit to India. Profound differences remain between the two countries regarding Pakistan, the most vexatious regional issue in Modi’s foreign-policy calculus at the moment.

The ‘joint strategic statement’ turned out to be a rehash of the positions articulated in the joint statement issued after Modi’s visit to Washington and it, once again, contains a tendentious reference to the South China Sea. The American side has given the spin that the Obama-Modi talks on regional issues heavily focused on China’s ‘assertive’ policies.

The pro-American analysts in the Indian media have rushed to the conclusion that under Modi, India is veering round to «an eventual amalgamation of India’s Act East (policies in south east Asia) and the US’ Asia pivot». Their preposterous thesis is that Modi is jettisoning India’s inhibition about the US’ containment strategy against China.

Indeed, the US objective has always been to recruit India in its containment strategy against China. The idea of a ‘quadripartite alliance’ between the US, Japan, Australia and India is at least a decade old, dating from the high noon of the neocon ideology in the George W Bush presidency.

Obama’s former defence secretary Leon Panetta once famously named India as a ‘lynchpin’ in the US’ rebalance strategy in Asia.

However, the moment Obama and the spin doctors in his entourage took off for home, Indian officials

scrambled to do fire-fighting, distancing themselves from their «strategic misinterpretation» of the joint strategic vision statement. According to them, Modi made it clear to Obama that India’s independent foreign policies would not allow any «third power» (read US) to forge a common front against China.

Delhi is anxious that the Americans and their lobbyists in India do not choreograph Modi’s forthcoming visit to China. A senior Indian diplomat briefed the media that Indian External Affairs Minister is leaving for China on Friday and on her return, the National Security Advisor will also travel to Beijing to prepare for Modi’s visit. The diplomat has been quoted as saying, «President Xi is keen to host him [Modi] in his hometown Xian».

Why are the Americans spreading such «strategic misinterpretation» of Modi’s thinking on China?

Washington seems acutely conscious that the US cannot match China as an investor in Modi’s ‘Make in India’ project. The US’ big worry is that if the proposed railway project by China in India involving $32 billion goes through (on top of the offer made by China during Xi’s visit to India in September on a $20 billion investment plan to set up industrial parks), the SinoIndian relationship would profoundly transform.

The heart of the matter is that Modi’s development agenda (on which his mandate in the 2014 election rests) focuses on the infrastructure and manufacturing sectors, since they only hold big potential to generate jobs for India’s millions of unemployed youth – and it is China that makes an ideal partner, given its vast experience in these sectors.

On the other hand, the bottom line has always been that the verve and swagger of the India-US ‘strategic partnership’ needs as fodder an incessant supply of Sino-Indian tensions. Such tensions vitiate the regional security environment and create acute anxieties in the Indian mind and in turn would provide the ideal business climate for the fatcats in the US military-industrial complex. It is a vicious cycle.

The great American fear today is that Modi might break this cycle and put India-China relations on a predictable footing. From the Chinese commentaries on Obama’s visit, Beijing is aware of the American attempt to hustle Modi towards the US’ rebalance strategy in Asia. And Delhi is hastening to clarify that proximity to the US will not translate as alliance against China. An element of strategic ambiguity has appeared. Much will now depend on the outcome of Modi’s forthcoming visit to China.

Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar was a career diplomat in the Indian Foreign Service. His assignments included the Soviet Union, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Germany, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Kuwait and Turkey.

How come India is not speaking out against the Islamic State?

Isaac stone fish Foreign Policy sive target on their backs,” says Tanvi Madan, an India expert at the Brookings Institution think tank in Washington.

In June, the Islamic State reportedly kidnapped dozens of Indian construction workers and nurses in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul. The nurses were freed within a few weeks; the fate of the construction workers, of which there are believed to be 39, remains unknown. In late November, Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj said that although her government hasn’t had contact with kidnapped workers since June, New Delhi believes them to still be alive.

“The fear and concern is that, what if you start making noises, and they start publicly doing what they’ve done to others,” said a senior Indian official — referring to the Islamic State’s gruesome videotaped beheading of hostages. Instead of publicly denouncing the extremist group, India’s government has focused its political capital on trying to free the hostages, said the official, who asked to

speak anonymously because of the sensitivity of the issue. “This has come out in virtually all of [Swaraj’s] meetings with countries that have some stake in the Middle East,” the official said.

If the hostages remain a major priority, then attacking the Islamic State “even rhetorically doesn’t help our posture,” says Pramit Pal Chaudhuri, foreign editor of the Hindustan Times newspaper.

Additionally, India is prepared to push the Mideast only so far due to its dependence on the region’s energy supply.

India is hugely dependent on foreign oil, roughly 59 percent of which it gets from the Middle East.

Domestic radicalization is a second-order concern. It appears the vast majority of India’s 176 million Muslims — who make up the world’s secondlargest Muslim population, behind Indonesia — want nothing to do with the Islamic State. In November, India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval said that no more than 10 Indians actually

WRITE-WING

wanted to join the Islamic State; only four Indians are known to have actually joined. One of them, the 23-year-old Areeb Majeed, reportedly spent much of his time forced to fetch water and clean toilets, instead of fighting.

That said, New Delhi has taken some steps to curtail the influence of the extremist group. In late December, the government’s Indian Computer Emergency Response Team blocked dozens of websites, including the popular video sites Vimeo and Dailymotion, for hosting pro-Islamic State content. And New Delhi is likely quietly sharing intelligence with the United States. They’ll contribute, Madan says, “but they’re not going to join a coalition or come out and make an announcement.”

It’s also possible that New Delhi just hasn’t decided to spend the bureaucratic energy necessary to form a plan. A highranking official with India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party acknowledged in December that India has yet to pull together a strategy on dealing with the Islamic State in the Middle East. “It’s a work in progress,” he said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The combination of these issues shows that Indian policymakers are trying not to rock the boat. “Our view is that we can’t afford to alienate anyone out there,” says Chaudhuri. Syria and Iraq, the two countries where the Islamic State is the biggest threat, are on the “periphery” of core Indian interests, the senior Indian official says: It’s not worth “conducting a commentary” when it’s not.

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

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

PERSPECTIVE

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TuEsday

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

3 February 2015

NEWS ANALYSIS, FEATURE AND DISCOURSE

Colombia: the year of peace?

Leonardo Goi and Jorge a. Restrepo

The unilateral ceasefire signed by the FARC last December is a historic and positive step towards a permanent peace, but questions remain

Terrorism is not the monopoly of any religion!

Visiehuno Rosa Department of botany St. Joseph’s College, Jakhama.

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or the first time in a half-century-long conflict, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) agreed on 20 December 2014 to a unilateral and indefinite ceasefire.

The decision marks a turning point in the on-going peace talks in Havana between the government of Juan Manuel Santos and the guerrilla leaders since August 2012. Not only is the step unprecedented but it also came just three weeks after the end of a crisis which had endangered the whole peace process.

On 16 November, the FARC kidnapped a senior military figure in the armed forces, Rubén Darío Alzate, in a small municipality in the Chocó department. The event forced President Santos to halt the negotiations, only to resume them following the release of the general two weeks later.

To some extent, the ceasefire highlights a transformation in the guerrillas’ tactics, paving the way for a significant reduction of violence between the two sides. According to analysis conducted by CERAC, the FARC have not committed a single violation of the ceasefire despite continued operations by Colombia’s armed forces . A month on, violence associated with the conflict has plummeted to levels not seen since the mid-1980s.

But optimism should be carefully qualified. The ceasefire is conditional, dependent on measures that the FARC has sought from the government, including oversight of the deal by national and international bodies. It has also warned that, should government armed forces attack, the ceasefire will be dropped.

The government welcomed the announcement, claiming that it could indeed lead to a permanent peace.

But Santos reinforced the state’s duty to ‘protect’ the Colombian people and deferred discussions on a bilateral ceasefire until further rounds of negotiations in Cuba.

This leaves the ceasefire vulnerable and begs further questions. First, why isn’t the government willing to accept a bilateral arrangement right away?

At one level, this stems from past failures. The only bilateral ceasefire signed by the FARC and the government dates back to 1983, under the presidency of Belisario Betancur (1982-86). Neither side ceased hostilities and it only exacerbated the deterioration of the peace process, which collapsed shortly thereafter. Under Andrés Pastrana (19982002), the FARC was granted a demilitarised area in which the peace process took place. But this allowed for the visible training and strengthening of the guerrillas, proving fatal to the negotiations in the end.

The current negotiations could not produce either of these concessions Far from it: they were facilitated by the strength of the armed forces, which forced the guerrillas to come to an agreement with Santos in August 2012. And the government has no incentive to remove this military pressure, for fear of upsetting the balance upon which the peace process has rested.

Moreover, the multiplicity of violent groups acting inside Colombia—including the ELN, the second largest guerrilla organisation, as well as a panoply of paramilitary, self-defence and vigilante groups and organised criminal bands—would make it very difficult for the government to implement a bilateral ceasefire. Finally, should the government reduce the steady military pressure on the guerrillas, political support for the negotiations—now approved only by a slim majority of the population and the governing coalition–would be severely shaken.

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hat good would it do for three kayaks, three canoes, and a rubber dinghy to paddle into the path of a Pakistani steamship? For a tiny fishing boat with unarmed, praying Americans aboard to sail toward an American battleship threatening Nicaragua? For an 80-year-old lady in a wheelchair to stop in front of advancing Filipino tanks? Or for nonviolent protesters to defy the communist rulers of the Soviet Empire?

Soviet communism collapsed. The tanks stopped and a nonviolent revolution succeeded. The American battleship left and the threat of invasion faded. And the U.S. shipment of arms to Pakistan stopped.

Those are just a few of the many dramatic successes of nonviolent confrontation in the last several decades. Everyone, of course, knows how Mahatma Gandhi’s nonviolent revolution eventually defeated the British Empire and – as the powerful film Selma now reminds us – Martin Luther King Jr.’s peaceful civil rights crusade changed American history. There have been scores upon scores of instances of nonviolent victories over dictatorship and oppression in the last 50-plus years. In fact, Dr. Gene Sharp, the foremost scholar of nonviolence today, has said that the later 20th century saw a remarkable expansion of the substitution of nonviolent struggle for violence.

More recent scholarship has not only confirmed Sharp’s comment; it has also shown that nonviolent revolutions against injustice and dictatorship are actually more successful than violent campaigns.

In my new book, Nonviolent Action: What Christian Ethics Demands But Most Christians Have Never Really Tried (Brazos Press, 2015), I analyze many of the most successful nonviolent campaigns in the last few decades to better understand their stunning victories. Frequently, nonviolent efforts work better both in the sense that fewer people die and also that they more often succeed. Of India’s 300 million people at the time, only 1 in 400,000 died in their successful nonviolent independence campaign against the British Empire. On the other hand, of Algeria’s 10 million people, 1 in 10 died in their violent revolution against

“arena of Mind” portrays a space for idea germination, a field where ideas from multi-disciplinary viewpoints fertilize the world of intelligence. The writers aspire to envision a new future by exploring the mind, discovering new seeds of insights and unleashing them to enlightenment.

(In collaboration with Owais Naqash, Oracle USA)

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Secondly, is the ceasefire likely to stand? There is scope for optimism, owing by and large to the positive record of past truces undertaken by the FARC and the Santos administration, during the Christmas and new year’s festivities of 2012 and 2013, as well as around the presidential elections in May and June last year.

But a third and rather different question follows: what will happen if either party attacks the other? The straightforward answer is the ceasefire would collapse. But very different consequences would follow, depending on the perpetrator. A FARC breach would damage the credibility of its control over its armed apparatus and represent a political defeat for the guerrillas. Should the government take the first step, however, by virtue of the FARC’s conditions the deal would be no more, and Santos would have to confront the political consequences of an attack waged by the armed forces.

In line with the president’s own promises, the armed forces has not ceased to operate against the guerrillas. On 31 December, they attacked FARC troops in Algeciras, a municipality in the Huila department, and captured Carlos Andrés Bustos (alias Ricardo), second in command of the Teófilo Forero columna. Interestingly, while the FARC condemned the operation, as with other alleged attacks by the armed forces, the ceasefire did not come to an abrupt halt.

But then the Teófilo Forero unit has proved problematic for the FARC’s highest cadres for quite some time, so the kidnapping of one of its leaders could turn out to be beneficial in at least two ways. First, it would appear to be a contained blow against one of the guerrillas’ most troublesome divisions. Secondly, it leaves the FARC in a position to point the finger against the government’s military provocations as a major threat to its own ceasefire.

Should the armed forces disrupt the truce the FARC could effectively shift the blame on to the government, making it bear responsibility for the missed opportunity for peace and the crisis that would ensue. This would strengthen the FARC’s position within the negotiations, boosting its image as the purported defender of peace,

and bring more pressure on the Santos administration from the international community—and, perhaps to a lesser extent, the Colombian public.

But a failed ceasefire might not lead the entire peace process to collapse. Even if the truce between the FARC and the government were suddenly to break down, the peace talks in Havana would still likely progress, even if impaired, towards a final agreement between the two sides.

In his last speech of 2014, Santos wished for the Colombian people that 2015 would be the year of peace. The ceasefire still holds but the path towards a definitive peace is still laden with risks.

On 15 January Santos announced that he would be ordering the government’s delegation in Havana to begin discussing the possibility of a bilateral ceasefire with the FARC. The initial aversion towards a bilateral agreement that would entangle both the armed forces and the guerrillas appears already to have waned. But in some fundamental ways Colombia is already living under a virtual bilateral deal.

The drastic reduction in clashes between the army and the FARC has brought an easing of hostilities unlike anything in the past 30 years. The relationship between the two sides has shifted from attempted mutual annihilation to mutual avoidance. For both actors, the benefits of a decrease in violent confrontations outweigh the costs of a breakdown of the current equilibrium.

The FARC’s decision voluntarily to renounce operations against the armed forces poses a crucial test for Santos’ government as well as the guerrillas. It has shown the latter that violence may not be as useful as it may have been in the past. The FARC cannot hope to wage a successful war against the armed forces; indeed, nor can it hope to resort to violence again without suffering a catastrophic blow to the credibility and political capital accrued through the past two years of negotiations. Yet the ceasefire will leave the onus on Santos to make the next steps—and show the true extent of his willingness to negotiate a political way out of Colombia’s conflict.

What Christian ethics demand, but most Christians have yet to seriously try Ron sider Sojourners the French. After analyzing all the known cases (323!) of major armed and unarmed insurrection from 1900-2006, scholars Erica Chenoweth and Maria J. Stephan concluded, “nonviolent resistance campaigns were nearly twice as likely to achieve full or partial success as their violent counterparts” (Why Civil Resistance Works, p. 7).

Surely these facts suggest a crucial area of urgent exploration in the 21st century.

The 20th century was the most bloody in human history. One scholar estimates that 86 million people died in wars fought between 1900 and 1989. That means 2,500 people every day, 100 people every hour, for 90 years. From the ordinary layperson to the most highly placed general, it is obvious that the search for peaceful alternatives is a practical necessity.

It is also a moral demand. Christians in the Just War tradition (a majority since the fourth century) have always argued that killing must be a last resort. All realistic alternatives must be tried before one resorts to war. After a century where Gandhi, King, and a host of others demonstrated that nonviolent action works, how can Christians in the Just War tradition claim that the violence they justify is truly a last resort until they have invested billions and trained tens of thousands of people in a powerful, sustained testing of the possibilities of nonviolent alternatives?

Pacifists have long claimed that there is an alternative to violence. How can their words have integrity unless they are ready to risk death in a massive nonviolent confrontation with the bullies and tyrants that swagger through human history?

In short, the concrete victories of modern nonviolent campaigns, the devastating destruction of ongoing violent campaigns,

and the moral demands of Christian faith all focus a clear imperative. It is time for the Christian church – indeed all people of faith – to explore, in a more sustained and sophisticated way than ever before in human history, what can be done nonviolently.

That does not mean that one must be a pacifist to engage in serious exploration of the possibilities of nonviolence.

One can conclude reluctantly that we still must possess lethal weapons and at the same time fervently desire to substitute nonviolent for violent strategies wherever possible. The old debate between pacifists and Just War theorists need not be settled for both to join together in a massive, sustained testing of the possibilities of nonviolence. That has never happened before in history.

More and more top Christian leaders, denominations and councils are calling for a vast new exploration of what can be accomplished through nonviolent action. The National Association of Evangelicals in the USA, Pope John Paul II, the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA), the World Council of Churches, and the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity have all urged this expanded investigation.

Groups like Christian Peacemaker Teams and Peace Brigades International have demonstrated that even small groups of nonviolent international accompaniers can provide important protection to threatened local justice advocates. When right-wing death squads started killing the leaders of a parents group (GAM) that emerged in Guatemala to protest the disappearance of their children working for justice for the poor, Peace Brigades decided to send round the clock international escorts. After they arrived, no more GAM board members were killed.

We could vastly expand the number of such international escort teams. A very few Christian Peacemaker Teams have helped protect Palestinians in the West Bank. But prominent Christian Palestinian lawyer Jonathan Kuttab actually called — in vain — for a thousand such teams.

I believe the time is ripe for a broad group of Christian leaders to summon all parts of the Christian church to undertake a two-year exploration of how Christians could invest billions of dollars and train thousands of nonviolent activists to intervene peacefully in scores of violent situations around the world. Perhaps the Sojourners circle of leaders could be the catalyst to make that happen.

Unless we do something of that sort, Christians — both Just War and pacifist — blatantly defy their own explicit teaching.

Just War Christians have always claimed that war must be a last resort. Before Christians dare go to war, they must have tried all reasonable nonviolent alternatives. But how can contemporary Just War Christians claim that they have tried all reasonable nonviolent alternatives in the face of two hard facts: 1) even without much preparation, nonviolent approaches have worked again and again in the last 50 years; 2) we have never systematically trained thousands of our people to explore the full possibilities of nonviolence in a serious, sustained way. In order to engage in a large-scale test of nonviolence, Just War Christians do not have to believe that nonviolence will always prevent war. All they must do is implement their own rule that war must be a last resort.

Pacifists have long claimed that they have an alternative to war. But that claim remains empty unless they are willing to risk death, as soldiers do, to stop injustice and bring peace.

The theological/ethical commitments of both Just War and pacifist Christians demand that they invest serious time and resources in sustained nonviolent peacemaking. Unless they do, they should admit to the world that they never meant what they said.

Ron Sider is an Evangelical Theologian at Palmer Theological Seminary, and the author of the forthcoming Nonviolence Action: What Christian Ethics Demands But Christians Have Never Really Tried.

et’s accept it – Islam, Muslim, and Jihad are the first few words that pop up in our mind when we talk about terrorism. Acts of terrorism and Islamic fanatics are often uttered in the same breath.

Our brains have been psyched in a way that automatically Islamic radicalism rings a bell in our temple whenever the word terrorism is used! International media have played an important and vital role in fashioning this mindset and we, the people – the best of the creation - have accepted it without even applying an iota of our minds.

Terrorism and religion are two mutually exclusive terms, but, unfortunately, are often used as synonyms. No religion preaches to kill; it’s the followers who construe things as they deem fit and act consequently. I haven’t read a single religious scripture which authorizes the massacre of innocents, have you? If not, then why the chauvinism against any religion especially Islam. Adolf Hitler, who incinerated 6 million Jews, was a Christian, but do we blame Christianity for that? Food for thought!

If a person thinks that he will get paradise by bombing innocent people, why do we blame the religion for it? Let me provide you an analogy which will give you a better perspective: If a person who doesn’t know how to drive or very little to drive is put behind the wheels of a Porsche car and he crashes the car into a wall; whom do we blame? The driver or the car? But natural, we will blame the driver. Same goes with the religion and its followers. If a follower does a mistake, he/ she is to blame and NOT the religion.

If we look at history, followers of all the religions have committed acts of terror. Crusaders have butchered millions in the name of religion, but we don’t blame Christianity and we shouldn’t. The Jewish Defense league has executed so many attacks in the United States, but we don’t blame Judaism and we shouldn’t. Bodu Bala Sena has masterminded dozens of attacks on places of worship in Sri Lanka, but we don’t blame Buddhism and we shouldn’t. Sikh terrorists have been involved with a minimum of 35 acts of terror in the recent past, but we don’t blame Sikhism for it and we shouldn’t. We all have heard about the Saffron terror, but we don’t blame Hinduism and we shouldn’t.

There are countless non-Muslim terrorist organizations like LTTE, IRA, ETA, CSA, ATTF, NLFT, etc; if we reckon the number of attacks conducted by these groups, it will put the Islamic number to shame. ULFA alone has carried out 749 terrorist attacks in India from 1990 through 2006, but have we ever heard of these attacks? The answer is no, and the reason is because these attacks get printed on the 4th page of the newspaper in a small column whereas any terror attack involving Muslims gets the headline.

Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin(Uncle Joe), Mao Tse Tsung, and Benito Mussolini are alone responsible for the deaths of at least 45 million people. These weren’t Muslims and the number of people they killed is a gazillion time humongous than the number of people killed in Muslim terror attacks.

I can write for days together about the terrorist groups from other religions, but I think you get the point! Black sheep are there in every community, but our eyes have been veiled to see only the black sheep of Islam. Statistically, non-Muslim terrorist groups have more terrorist attacks on their resume but we still are afraid of people who keep beards, wear skull caps, and keep trousers above their ankles.

The following example will articulate the twofold nature of the biased media in an apt manner. We all are aware of the gruesome shooting in the Sandy hook school in the fall of 2012 where Adam Lanza fatally shot 20 children and 6 adult staff members.

When media reported the news, Adam was being referred as a criminal and NOT a terrorist. Wasn’t the melancholic act of killing children an act of terror? Or has the word terrorist been reserved for Muslims? There is no greater act of terror than to kill innocent children but yet our media chose not to label him as one.

Islam comes from the Arabic root word ‘salaam’ which means peace. Terrorism is not a forte of Islam, it is not even encouraged in Islam; it is condemned in Islam like all the other religions condemn it. The holy Quran states in chapter 5 verse 32 that if a person kills an innocent – irrespective of being a Muslim or a non-Muslim – it is as though he has killed the whole humanity.

Islam doesn’t only condemn the killing of innocents but it goes one step ahead - the verse continues to state that if a person saves another person’s life, it is as though he/she has saved the whole humanity.

No religion advocates killing of innocents, it is humans who kill humans and they don’t belong to a particular genre.

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.

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Dimapur

NATIONAL

Tuesday 3 February 2015

NHRC faults draft national health policy New Delhi, February 2 (TNN): The National Human Rights Commission’s core group on health has observed that rights perspective is missing from the draft National Health Policy, 2015. The group, which met on Friday, also said the public health system needs to be made accountable and participatory and that the 2015 draft does not talk about community action.

The views were expressed while reviewing the draft National Health Policy, 2015 of the ministry of health and family welfare at a meeting of the commission’s re-constituted core group on health. The meeting was chaired by NHRC member S C Sinha. He said health was one of the most basic and essential asset of a human being and therefore, it was a fundamental human right that enabled one to live a life with dignity.

The group also said that public-centered universal health care found no mention in the 2015 draft policy, and added that it should look into national action plan on health prepared by the NHRC in collaboration with Jan Swasthya Abhiyaan and the ministry and that it should also reflect the budget that the government will invest in the health sector.

Naxal ambush: Two cops dead, six injured KaNKer, February 2 (ageNcieS): In a tragic incident, two policemen were killed and six others, including three BSF personnel, were injured in a Naxal ambush in Chhattisgarh`s Kanker district on Monday.

“Two cops, including a SHO were killed and six other security personnel, including an assistant commandant of BSF was injured when Naxals ambushed a joint patrolling team in Chhattisgarh’s insurgency-hit Kanker district,” police said.

The incident took place when a group of armed Naxal opened indiscriminate fire on a joint team of security personnel while they were conducting patrolling at Paralkot village (PV) number 101 under Bande police station limits, IG (intelligence wing) Deepanshu Kabra told PTI. The squad of district force and Border Security Force (BSF) was conducting patrolling in Bande region, located around 250 kms away from the state capital. When they reached at PV 101, rebels opened fire on them, leaving an SHO and an assistant constable dead on the spot, he said.

The IG further said, “Those killed were identified as Bande police station SHO, Avinash Sharma and assistant constable Sonu.” An assistant commandant of the BSF is among the injured, the IG said, adding they have been admitted in a local hospital.

Meanwhile, additional forces have rushed to the spot and bodies of martyred police personnel are being retrieved, the IG added. In 2010, the Leftwing guerrillas ambushed and massacred 76 security personnel in the dense forests of Chhattisgarh in the worst such attack since the Maoist rebellion erupted 43 years ago.

Youth assaulted for protesting women harassment dies KolKaTa, February 2 (iaNS): A 20-year-old college student, who slipped into coma after being assaulted for protesting the harassment of women during an idol immersion procession in West Bengal’s Howrah district, succumbed to his injuries Monday.

Arup Bhandari, who was comatose since being hospitalised Jan 29, died Monday morning, said an official of the nursing home where he was admitted. The assault took place Jan 28 when residents of Hrishikesh Ghosh Lane were taking out a Saraswati idol for immersion.

Bhandari was assaulted by many drunken youth when he protested against their lewd gestures at girls who were part of the procession. Bhandari’s family members and civil society activists have alleged inaction on the part of police.

“We filed a complaint against five people but police have so far not made even a single arrest. While my loss will never be fulfilled, at least the administration should ensure that his efforts don’t go waste and the perpetrators are arrested,” said Arup’s brother.

Jadavpur University professor Ambikesh Mahapatra, who was earlier arrested for circulating emails concerning Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, slammed the Trinamool Congress government for patronising criminals.

“When it comes to arresting innocents, police are active. In this case, almost a week has passed, but police have done nothing. The attitude of this government is steadily emboldening criminals,” said Mahapatra. Painter Samir Aich and woman activist Bolan Ganguly also criticised police inaction.

The Morung Express

India, China affirm to strengthen ties

beiJiNg, February 2 (PTi): Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday met external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj here and said China and India have taken “solid steps” to step up cooperation and implement the agreements reached between him and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“I have full confidence on the future of China and India relations and I believe that good progress will be achieved in the growth of bilateral relations this year,” Xi told Swaraj who called on him at the Great Hall of the People here.

Xi said that since his visit to India in September last year, relations between the two countries have entered into a new stage.

The positive side of China-India relationship has been gowning, he said, adding that momentum of cooperation between the two countries picked up with solid steps being taken to implement the agreements between him and Modi.

Among one of the solid steps taken by the two sides, they exchanged notes on Sunday on modalities for opening the second route for the Kailash-Manasarovar Yatra in Tibet via Sikkim

by June, that will allow more Indians to undertake the pilgrimage.

Xi had promised opening the new route to Modi during the former’s maiden visit to New Delhi last year.

Recalling his fond memories of India visit, Xi told Swaraj “I still cherish the fresh memories in my mind about the gracious hospitality extended to me by the government and people and particularly I cherish the fond memories of my trip to Prime Minister Modi’s hometown in Gujarat state.”

“The Prime Minister himself

Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj, left, and Chinese President Xi Jinping hold a meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing Monday, February 2. (AP Photo)

accompanied me on the trip.

Please convey my best regards and cordial greetings to President (Pranab) Mukherjee and Prime Minister Modi,” said Xi, also the general secretary of the ruling Communist Party.

Reciprocating Xi’s warm words, Swaraj said Prime Minister Modi has sent his greetings and best wishes for the Chinese lunar Year of Sheep, which commences later this month.

“I have been told that the Lunar Year of Sheep is known as the year of creativity and innovation ... I feel that your India visit was about creativity and innovations,” she said, adding that new ways were being devised to improve the relations between the two countries.

While it is indeed rare that Chinese President receives for-

eign ministers, officials say it demonstrates the Chinese leader’s warmth and friendship towards India.

Swaraj, who arrived here on January 31, held in-depth talks with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi following which she said Prime Minister Modi would make an “outcome driven visit” to China before the BJP-led government completes one year in office in May. Officials say that Xi was expected to take Modi to his native province of Shaanxi and its historic city Xian — which has ancient Buddhist links with India — to repay the hospitality he received in the Indian premier’s home state.

Swaraj on Sunday said that her visit was aimed at making preparations for Modi’s visit

and prepare the ground for 18th round of India-China border talks to resolve the vexed border dispute.

Chinese position is that the border dispute is confined to 2,000km mostly on Arunachal Pradesh whereas India asserts that the dispute covered the western side of the border spanning to about 4,000 km.

The two countries have held 17 rounds of Special Representative talks so far to resolve the boundary dispute.

The issue also figured during talks between Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi during his historic visit to India in September last year.

The two leaders had agreed to make efforts to resolve the border dispute at the earliest.

Swaraj said her visit was

aimed at reviewing the implementation process for various commitments made by China including $20 billion investment in two industrial parks and cooperation for modernisation of Indian railways.

India is also seeking opening for IT, Pharmaceuticals and Agricultural goods into Chinese markets as a measure to address the $38 billion trade deficit in over $70 trade last year.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that India and China are bound by an “unbreakable bond”, while advocating that the two countries should know and understand each other better. Citing the legacy of ancient civilization, he said India and China have had “some bond of relationship” for thousands of years.

“In this century, once again we have to give something to the world, say something. For this, it is important that we look at each other, know and understand (each other),” he said in a video message to the “Visit India Year 2015” event being held in Beijing.

“Currently, we are bound by the unbreakable bond,” he said, adding when the two countries come together, people will travel to and fro in large numbers.

Modi said he has personal connection with China as he hails from village in Gujarat’s Vadnagar which the famous Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang had visited. “These things are not just history but reflect a special bond,” he added. Modi said he had been to China earlier and his experience had been very good.

“I had read a lot of books about China but my experience was unique”. The Prime Minister said while President Xi Jinping visited India last year, he will be visiting China this year.

No need to change Preamble: Amit Shah SC seeks Centre’s response on New Delhi, February 2 (Th): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) respects the Constitution as it stands today, with the words ‘secular’ and ‘socialist’ in its Preamble, party president Amit Shah has said.

Terming the recent controversy over government advertisements showing the original version of the Constitution, that did not have these words, as “meaningless”, Shah said: “the BJP believes that the Preamble, as it stands today, should remain.

There is no need to change it.” He added that the government advertisements were in the specific context of the Republic Day.

In an exclusive interview on Sunday to The Hindu, on the BJP and its policies, Shah said people who were opposing the “ghar vapsi” or re-conversion campaign by organisations affiliated to the Sangh Parivar, were twisting the debate. “We are saying that let there be law against forced conversions. Not a single so-called secular party has come forward on this. We do not want debate on this.

We want support. There have been enough debates since 1950. We want a law.”

Responding to a question on whether the BJP government has deviated from its proclaimed de-

velopment agenda by focussing on a divisive social agenda, Mr. Shah said these were unrelated issues.

“If somebody does ghar vapsi and someone does conversion, will this have a bearing on reaching water and power to every home? Will industry stop functioning,” he asked.

The BJP president did not think that U.S. President Barack Obama’s farewell speech in Delhi, where he quoted Article 25 of the Constitution guaranteeing religious freedom to all citizens, was a reference to any incident in India and added that the party was in complete agreement with the idea.

making Moral Science compulsory

New Delhi, February 2 (PTi): The Supreme Court today sought responses from the Centre and the CBSE on a plea to make ‘Moral Science’ subject compulsory in class I to XII in schools across the country. A bench comprising Chief Justice H L Dattu and Justice A K Siki issued notices to Human Resources Development Ministry and the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on the PIL filed by woman lawyer Santosh Singh on the issue.

“Issue a writ…and direct both respondents (Centre and CBSE) to include moral science in syllabus of School Education i.e. Class I to Class XII in order to include moral values and nurture national character in the national interest,” the plea said. The petition said that there is a rapid degradation of moral values in the society where ‘making money anyhow’ is the sole motto of life.

MHA seeks report from police on Delhi church attack New Delhi, February 2 (iaNS): The home ministry has sought a report from Delhi Police on the status of security at religious places following the ransacking-cum-theft incident in a Delhi church Monday. The ministry has also asked the police to send a report about the action taken in earlier cases of attacks on four other Delhi churches.

The Delhi Police have also been directed to ensure the security of religious places, especially of minority communities. It is learnt that a senior Delhi Police official briefed about the incident to home ministry officials and assured them that a detailed report would be submitted as soon as possible.

The ministry sought the report from Delhi Police after the ransacking and theft of a few sacred items and a DVD player from St. Alphonsa’s church in south Delhi’s Vasant Kunj area in the early hours Monday.

The church’s administration claimed it did not seem to be just an incident of theft as this was the fifth case within nine weeks when a church was targeted. A few sacred items, including a ciborium (receptacle) and a monstrance kept inside a tabernacle, a cabinet made of wood and glass, were taken away.

Police were informed Monday morning when the church guard found the main gate open.

Police have questioned a few

people in the church’s neighbourhood and collected the footage of the CCTV installed near the church.

But the Christian community members have requested that the police investigate the incident from all possible angles, besides theft. Savari Muthu Sankar, spokesman for the Delhi archdiocese, told IANS: “The intention of the burglars was not only to steal, but there was some foul play. We demanded from the police that the case should be investigated from other angles also.”

John Dayal, former president of the All India Catholic Union, told IANS: “Somebody is trying to target our (Christian) community. Since this is election time, it

has another dimension.” Sankar said attacks on churches occurring at regular intervals had unnerved Christians in Delhi.

“We see a clear pattern in these attacks,” he said, adding that this is the fifth such attack within three months. “It is difficult to say if these attacks have any connection with the (coming Delhi) elections or this is the handiwork of some fundamentalists. But it is a matter of concern and the police should take proper action,” Sankar added.

Four churches were attacked over the past few months in separate incidents. Three people were arrested Jan 15, a day after a church in west Delhi was vandalised, based on footage on a

CCTV camera installed inside the church premises. Earlier in January, a minor fire was reported from a church in Rohini in west Delhi. The Christmas crib outside was charred.

Some unidentified people threw stones at Our Lady of Fatima Forane Church at Jasola in south Delhi in December and broke window panes during the evening Mass. St. Sebastian’s Church, a Catholic church at Dilshad Garden in east Delhi, was burnt down in December.

Police confirmed it was a case of arson. According to the 2011 Census report, Christians number around 130,000 in Delhi, which is home to about 17 million.

AAP accused of getting funds from bogus companies New Delhi, February 2 (iaNS): A breakaway group of the AAP Monday accused the party of receiving donations worth Rs.2 crore from bogus companies. The BJP questioned the funding but the AAP rejected the allegation as “malicious and false propaganda” unleashed by “mysterious fronts” created by the BJP. Aam Aadmi Party leader Yogendra Yadav, at a press conference late Monday evening, said the Bharatiya Janata Party’s raking up an eight-month-old issue just before the Delhi assembly polls showed that the BJP was “nervous”.

“They had these files for a long time. Why are they raking up this issue now,” he asked.

With assembly polls in Delhi less than a week away, the AAP also challenged the BJP-led central government to probe A leopard walks in its snow covered enclosure at the Dachigam National Park on the outskirts of Sri- the source of funding which, it nagar, Indian controlled Kashmir on Monday, February 2. The Kashmir valley Monday received snow said, has already been investifall for the second consecutive day and the weather office has forecast more snow over the next 24 gated twice earlier. hours. (AP Photo)

Gopal Goyal, a member of the AAP Volunteer Action Manch (AVAM) breakaway group, Monday said there were four donations each of Rs.50 lakh by four bogus companies to the AAP. He claimed that the funds were received April 5 at midnight and the companies that made the donations were bogus.

The AVAM was formed by then AAP members in 2014 over the demand of decentralisation of power in the party.

Addressing a press conference here, Goyal said none of the donor companies had earned even a single rupee, but donated such a huge amount.

“Where do they get their money from,” asked Goyal, saying he was ready to face punishment if his charges were found to be false. The AAP said in a statement that it was the only political party in India whose entire donations were in public domain and fully transparent. It said every rupee donated to the

party was declared on its website for public scrutiny.

“It has been wrongly alleged that the AAP has accepted funds from dubious sources on 5 April 2014,” the statement said. Describing the BJP as “frustrated and desperate”, the AAP said it was spreading lies.

“The BJP and some mysterious fronts created by it close to the Delhi assembly elections have unleashed a malicious and false propaganda on the funding of the AAP,” the statement said.

“Since Monday morning, a defamatory smear campaign is being run against the AAP to confuse the people and divert attention from important issues concerning the people of Delhi,” the AAP statement added.

It also said the party funding has already been probed twice by successive central governments -- the Congressled UPA and now the BJP-led NDA government.

“The party also challenges the government to probe its funding from any of the agencies at its command as many times as it wants,” the statement added. The BJP, meanwhile, said the AAP had no right to question the funding of other parties until it revealed its own.

“Four fake companies, with same directors, and made within a period of 10-11 days, donated Rs.50 lakh each to the AAP on the same day,” BJP leader and union Power Minister Piyush Goyal said.

Citing the donation rules, Goyal said a company can donate only 7.5 percent of its average annual profit plus tax for three years as political donation.

Another BJP leader, Nirmala Sitharaman, who is also the union commerce and industry minister, said: “AAP ... till you give specific answers, stop telling other political parties what high ground you are seated on.”

InternatIonal

the Morung express

Tuesday 3 February 2015

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9

‘Working with global community only way to Social media embraces slain hostage’s 4-year-old tweet fight terrorism’ Tokyo, February 2 (reuTers): Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Monday he wanted to debate the possibility of Japan’s military rescuing Japanese citizens abroad, a day after Islamic State militants said they had beheaded a Japanese journalist.

The militants said on Sunday they had beheaded Kenji Goto, a veteran war reporter, after international efforts to secure his release through a prisoner swap failed.

They killed another Japanese hostage, Haruna Yukawa, a week before.

Abe reiterated his denunciation of the militants and said Japan was firmly committed to fulfilling its responsibility as a member of the global community in fighting terrorism and that it needed to be able to protect its citizens.

“Preserving the safety of Japanese nationals is the responsibility of the government, and I am the person who holds the most responsibility,” Abe told a parliamentary committee, adding that he wanted to discuss a framework for rescuing Japanese in danger. In a show of defiance on Sunday, Abe vowed to boost Japan’s humanitarian aid to the Middle East.

The hardline Islamist group, which controls large parts of Syria and Iraq, released a video purporting to show the beheading of Goto, 47, who was captured in late October.

The video was released a week after footage was issued appearing to show the beheaded body of Yukawa, who the militants seized in August after he went to Syria to launch a security company.

The killings are fanning calls for Japan’s long-constrained military to be allowed to conduct overseas rescue missions as part of Abe’s push for a more muscular security posture.

Abe told a parliamentary panel that Japan, whose military has long been constrained by the post-World War Two pacifist constitution, could not take part in U.S.-led air strikes on Islamic State, nor

would it provide logistical support.

Family Devastated Scope for the military to mount rescue missions is limited by law but the government already plans to submit revisions to parliament to ease restrictions.

Even some advocates of changes to make rescues possible, however, say Japan’s military faces difficulty in acquiring the capacity to conduct such missions.

Critics say sending troops overseas would just increase the risk.

An internal briefing paper for top government officials, seen by Reuters last week, said cases like Islamic State crisis did not meet proposed conditions for Japan to send troops to join allies in combat.

It dodged the question of whether planned legal changes would allow rescue missions in such cases, but a Japanese defence official said it would not.

Abe’s government had put high priority on saving Goto, who was captured when he went to Syria to try to seek Yukawa’s release. An Islamic State video was released on Jan. 20 appearing to show both Japanese men and threatening to kill them unless the group received $200 million in ransom.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, speaking to reporters on Monday, shrugged off speculation that Japan was ready to pay a ransom, adding that the government had no intention of negotiating with the militants.

Goto’s wife, Rinko, who had appealed for his release, said she and the rest of the family were devastated.

“I remain extremely proud of my husband, who reported the plight of people in conflict areas like Iraq, Somalia and Syria,” she said in a statement posted on the Rory Peck Trust, a London-based organisation supporting freelance journalists.

“It was his passion to highlight the effects on ordinary people, especially through the eyes of children, and to inform the rest of us of the tragedies of war.”

A woman sympathizer for Japanese hostage Kenji Goto cries as she holds a sign stating: “Do not make an enemy” and bearing his photo in front of the prime minister’s official residence in Tokyo Sunday, February 1, after an online video purporting to show an Islamic State group militant beheading Goto was circulated via social media. (Reuters Photo)

Tokyo, February 2 (aP): Social media users have embraced a 4-year-old tweet by Kenji Goto as a poignant memorial to the slain freelance journalist. On his Twitter account, 47-year-old Goto mused about French wine, complained about his tired eyes, and talked to camera, reporting live from Syria. But one tweet has captured imaginations, seeming to sum up the character of the journalist who was beheaded by Islamic State extremists after a months-long hostage ordeal.

Al-Jazeera journalist freed from Egypt jail wants two colleagues also released syDNey, February 2 (aP): For more than a year, the parents of jailed Al-Jazeera English journalist Peter Greste kept up a relentless, resolute campaign to free their Australian son from an Egyptian prison. Over and over, they slid behind a microphone-laden table to face hordes of journalists at regular news conferences, pleading for Greste’s freedom even as their hearts were repeatedly broken by false rumors of his release.

On Monday, the misery that had been etched on their faces had been transformed into beaming grins as they bounded over to the microphones once more — this time, to proclaim their son a free man.

“There is still a sense of unreality about it all, much like the day 403 days back when we received a call one night that Peter’s in an Egyptian prison,” said Greste’s father Juris, who donned a festive red shirt and matching hat — a stark departure from his typically subdued attire.

What happened was a surprise to many. Greste was released from prison and deported Sunday after a presidential “approval,” according to an Egyptian prison official and the nation’s official news agency. The official and an Interior Ministry statement said he was re-

leased under a new deportation law passed last year.

But the joy over Greste’s release was tempered by the news that two of his colleagues, Egyptian-Canadian Mohammed Fahmy and Egyptian Baher Mohammed, remained jailed. The trio was arrested in 2013 over their coverage of the violent crackdown on Islamist protests following the military overthrow of President Mohammed Morsi. Egyptian authorities accused them of providing a platform for Morsi’s Muslim Brotherhood, now declared a terrorist organization, but officials never provided any concrete evidence.

Greste, who was whisked out of Egypt on a flight to Cyprus, was in a state of disbelief about his freedom and deeply relieved — but still worried about his imprisoned friends, said his brother, Andrew Greste. “His excitement is tempered and restrained and will be until those guys are free,” Andrew Greste said at the news conference in Brisbane.

Greste and his brother Mike were still in Cyprus on Monday, and the family was not yet sure when they would return to Australia. Soon after arriving on the Mediterranean island, the brothers indulged in beer and pork — “Two of the rare commodities in an Egyp-

tian prison,” Andrew Greste said with a laugh.

The family first began hearing on Sunday morning that Greste might be released, but approached the rumors with caution. It was only once the journalist was on a plane to Cyprus that they allowed themselves to rejoice.

The Grestes were not sure exactly what triggered the release, but credited efforts by everyone from the Australian government to U.S. President Barack Obama to the media who kept the case alive, putting pressure on the Egyptian government to act.

Greste’s mother Lois said her son would need some time to readjust and come to terms with the enormity of what had happened. But she believed he would bounce back, noting that he had spent much of his time in prison meditating in order to preserve his mental health.

“Thank goodness this is all over,” she said. “Even though I sort of dreamed about it quietly, not daring to think about it too much, it’s arrived now.” The family planned to finally celebrate in earnest later Monday by cracking open a bottle of champagne they bought more than a year ago when they wrongly assumed Greste would be found innocent of the charges.

The tweet gone viral is from Sept. 7, 2010: “Closing my eyes and holding still. It’s the end if I get mad or scream. It’s close to a prayer.

Hate is not for humans. Judgment lies with God. That’s what I learned from my Arabic brothers and sisters.” It had 20,000 retweets on Goto’s Twitter account by Monday, and was being repeated by others by the minute.

The account was verified as Goto’s by his friend Toshi Maeda, who heads Tokyo-based venture Pacific Bridge, which created the mo-

bile-video application Goto used for some of his reports from Syria. Yuki Watabe, a 15-yearold high school student in Sapporo, northern Japan, and among those retweeting, said the tweet gave him heartache.

“He was such a wonderful person,” he said.

“He had a strong sense of doing the right thing.”

The message of tolerance seemed to resonate with the thousands of Japanese Twitter users, expressing admiration for Goto’s reporting about the suffering of children worldwide.

Suu Kyi’s iron gate up for auction yaNGoN, February 2 (aP): The iron gate that stood in front of the home of Myanmar’s formerly imprisoned democracy icon, separating her from throngs of cheering supporters as she made speeches challenging the country’s then-military rulers, is going on the auction block.

Soe Nyunt, the current owner, said Monday the starting bid would be $200,000.

He said the proceeds would go toward helping Aung San

Suu Kyi build a new National League for Democracy party headquarters.

The 69-year old Nobel laureate became an international symbol of peaceful resistance in the face of oppression during her 15 years under house arrest.

She permanently moved from London to the lakeside house of her mother almost 27 years ago, where while under incarceration she often mounted a table behind its front gate and held on the

pointed iron spikes as she spoke to crowds through a loudspeaker about everything from corruption to the abysmal state of education.

Soe Nyunt said he was landscaping Suu Kyi’s garden soon after her release in 2010 when he saw the gate — and the house number, 54, painted on a separate lacquered plate — under a mango tree waiting to be picked up by a junk collector.

Elections, seen by many as neither free nor fair, were

held the next year, beginning a bumpy transition from dictatorship to democracy and Suu Kyi is now leader of the opposition in the country’s military-dominated young parliament.

“This gate tells the history of the country’s democratic struggle,” Soe Nyunt told The Associated Press, adding that he paid Suu Kyi a few hundred dollars for the gate and number with the idea that he would one day place in a museum.

Thailand PM tightens security after mall bombs in Bangkok baNGkok, February 2 (reuTers): Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha ordered security to be tightened in Bangkok on Monday after two small bombs rattled a luxury shopping mall and stoked tension in a city under martial law since a coup in May. Two people were slightly hurt but the blasts caused little damage on Sunday evening. They were the first to shake the capital since the military seized power to end months of sometimes deadly street protests. “I have ordered security to be tightened because this case involves the well-being of the people,” Prayuth told reporters.

“This case shows that we still need martial law ... there are still bad people

disrupting the peace. We must find ways to severely punish them.” There was no claim of responsibility. CCTV footage showed two possible suspects near where the pipe bombs exploded in the heart of one of Bangkok’s busiest shopping districts but the images were unclear and they had not been identified, police said. Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan said such violence “inflicts loss of confidence” in the country. Tourism accounts for about 10 percent of Thailand’s economy. Political tension has been high since last month when a national assembly hand-picked by the junta banned former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra from politics for five years.

The decision angered supporters of Yingluck and her self-exiled brother, Thaksin Shinawatra, although there has been little sign of a return to the protests that have dogged Thailand for years. The military has been tough on dissent since the coup.

Thailand has weathered turbulent politics for a decade as former telecommunications tycoon Thaksin and his allies have vied for power with the Bangkok-based royalist-military establishment that sees the Shinawatras as a threat and reviles their populist policies. The bombs were just a few hundred metres away from the site of a military crackdown on “red shirt” supporters of the Shinawatras in 2010.

For Clinton, deciding how to prepare for a low-key primary WasHINGToN, February 2 (aP): The challenge ahead for Hillary Rodham Clinton is one faced by few White House hopefuls: running a primary campaign in which she faces little competition, if any at all.

Still not officially a candidate, the former New York senator, secretary of state and first lady sits far atop early polls against a small field of potential rivals for the Democratic nomina-

tion.

None of them seems to be in any hurry to move into the race.

Few Democrats see an insurgent can-

didate on the horizon in the mold of Barack Obama who defeated Clinton for the 2008 nomination. That raises the potential of a pedestrian Democratic primary season with few televised debates and little of the drama expected from a crowded and likely combative race on the Republican side.

“No one wants a complete coronation, but it’s hard to see who a credible challenger will be,” said Steve Westly, a California-based fundraiser for Obama’s campaigns who is supporting Clinton.

Clinton has been meeting in New York with a group of advisers that includes longtime loyalists and veterans of Obama’s races. But the work of campaign planning involves trying to figure out when to get into the race, how to avoid giving off a sense of inevitability and how to generate enthusiasm among the party’s base for the general election without the benefit of a spirited fight for the nomination.

“All indications are that she’s casting a wide net, talking to smart people, and being methodical about thinking through her next steps,” said Donna Brazile, a Democratic strategist and Clinton ally who was Al Gore’s cam-

paign manager in 2000. “And having run a presidential campaign, this is how you go about making this decision and next steps.”

Clinton’s timeline for announcing her candidacy remains a subject of debate inside her team, according to Democrats familiar with the discussions.

Some advisers are pushing the possibility of a springtime announcement.

Others suggest she could wait until the summer, giving her team more time to get ready.

Some insiders note that her husband, Bill Clinton, did not launch his first presidential campaign until October 1991, a few months before the first primaries of the 1992 race.

In the already competitive Republican field, the aggressive moves of former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush appear to have chased Mitt Romney into and out of the race.

But the potential Democratic competition is not putting any pressure on Clinton to move quickly.

Vice President Joe Biden has said he will not make a decision until the spring or the summer. Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a liberal favorite, insists she’s not running.

Others, such as ex-Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, former Virginia Sen. Jim Webb and independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders are relatively unknown nationally and are not expected to decide until later in the spring.

Clinton appears in no rush. She has a limited number of public appearances in the coming months, leaving outside groups to fill the void.

Ready for Hillary, a pro-Clinton super political action committee, has a number of low-dollar fundraisers on the calendar.

In 2008, Clinton was hurt by skyhigh expectations and finished a disappointing third in Iowa’s caucuses leading off the state-by-state nominating contests, sparking Obama’s ascent.

“If I were to decide to pursue it, I would be working as hard as any underdog or any newcomer because I don’t want to take anything for granted if I decide to do it,” Clinton said in a June interview.

Clinton’s main obstacles during a quiet primary campaign could come from Republicans and outside conservative groups, which already are trying to discredit her record at the State Department and tie her to Obama’s policies.

“Hillary Clinton clearly feels she’s

entitled to the presidency and is taking the race for granted like she did in 2008,” said Republican National Committee chairman Reince Priebus, reflecting the party’s intense focus on Clinton.

Such Republican criticism could rile Clinton’s supporters. But a low-key primary could limit her campaign’s ability to test its organizational strength and its opportunities to seize on important moments — a primary night, debate, major address — that often fuel online fundraising and list-building.

Still, there are benefits to the lack of a challenge.

Even with Republicans as the main foil, a relatively uncontested primary would give Clinton a clear path to raise millions of dollars and build a campaign organization, a benefit normally bestowed to an incumbent president, and perhaps keep her above the political fray.

“I’m really excited for these next two years,” said Neera Tanden, a former Clinton policy adviser who spoke at a Ready for Hillary event in Washington last week. “You know with any Clinton adventure, it’s a roller coaster. It will be very exciting. And she’s really going to need all of us to step up.”

10

Dimapur

SPORTS

Tuesday 3 February 2015

Djokovic relishing Australian Open win after 'physical crisis' Murray questions Djokovic's injury crisis in final MELbOuRNE, FEbRuaRy 2 (IaNS): Scottish tennis ace Andy Murray has questioned World No.1 Novak Djokovic’s dramatic body language after the 27-year-old came back from a ‘physical crisis’ to win the Australian Open men's singles title for a record fifth time.

Reacting to a fourth successive final loss at the Rod Laver Arena, the Scot said he was "distracted" by Djokovic as the Serb struggled after the second set. "The third set was frustrating because I got a bit distracted when he, like, fell on the ground after a couple of shots," Murray was quoted as saying by news. com.au, Monday.

“It appeared that he was cramping, and then I let that distract me a little bit. That’s what I’m most disappointed about.” Asked if it is a legitimate tactic for an opponent to fake injury and then recover as spectacularly as Djokovic did, Murray said: “No, it’s not legitimate.” “I have no idea what the issue was, he obviously looked like he was in quite a bad way at the beginning of the third set and came back unbelievable at the end of that set,” added Murray. “I would hope that wouldn’t be the case (faking the injury).”

Novak Djokovic of Serbia poses with his Australian Open trophy, the day after defeating Andy Murray of Britain in the men's singles final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, February 2. (AP Photo)

MELbOuRNE, FEbRuaRy 2 (aFP): Novak Djokovic feels in the prime of his career with more Grand Slams beckoning after winning a gripping Australian Open final in which he overcame "a physical crisis".

The Serb ironman showed why he remains the world number one with an energy-sapping 7-6 (7/5), 6-7 (4/7), 6-3, 6-0 win over sixth seed Andy Murray on Sunday evening. He has now won all five of his Melbourne Park finals and said it was perhaps the most satisfying of his eight Grand Slam titles.

"I think it has deeper meaning, more intrinsic value now to my life because I'm a father and a husband," he said. "It's the first Grand Slam title I won as a father and a husband and I just feel very, very proud of it." Djokovic added

that as his life was changing off court, he was learning to appreciate the big wins more than ever.

"I try to stay on the right path and committed to this sport in every possible way... and try to use this prime time of my career really where I'm playing and feeling the best at 27," he said.

"This is why I play the sport, to win big titles and to put myself in a position to play also for the people around me. "As my life progresses, there are circumstances, situations, events that define these beautiful moments.

"Getting married and becoming a father in the last six months was definitely something that gave me a new energy, something that I never felt before. "And right now everything has been going in such a positive direction in my life. So I try to live these moments

with all my heart."

Only Australian Roy Emerson, who presented Djokovic with the trophy, has won more Australian Opens with six in the 1960s.

Djokovic has now beaten Murray in three of his four Australian final appearances following earlier wins in 2011 and 2013, but the Serb admitted it was a huge struggle to down the Scot.

He hurt the thumb on his racquet hand when he fell in the first set then appeared to cramp in the second set and again in the third.

But after trailing by a break and looking wobbly on his feet and gasping for breath early in the pivotal third set, he roared back to win 12 of the last 13 games to claim the title. "It was very physical, very exhausting. We both of course went through some tough moments physically," he said.

"You could see that I had a crisis end of the second, beginning of the third. "I just felt very exhausted and I needed some time to regroup and recharge and get back on track. That's what I've done."

There were suggestions by the media that it was theatrics to throw Murray off his game, but the Serb denied this.

"I went through a physical crisis in the matter of 20 minutes.

And, honestly, I didn't feel that too many times in my career," he said.

"Even though I went through this moment, I believed that I'm going to get that necessary strength. I'm going to have to earn it, and that's what I did." He now trails only Roger Federer (17), Rafael Nadal (14), Pete Sampras (14), Emerson (12), Rod Laver (11), Bjorn Borg (11) and Bill Tilden (10) on the all-time Grand Slam leaderboard.

The Morung Express

Artists benefit more from National Games: P T Usha

ThIRuvaNaNThaPuRaM, FEbRuaRy 2 (PTI): As yet another National Games progresses amid organisational lapses and controversies, legendary sprint queen P. T. Usha feels that the event has transformed into a carnival in which artists benefit more than sportspersons.

Though the Games has helped improve the sports infrastructure at the grassroot level, Usha felt the event would not be of much help to the athletes preparing for international events including the upcoming Rio de Janeiro Olympics in 2016.

“After all, the National Games is an Olympic-format event. But, organisers seem to concentrate more on the pomp and show of the opening and closing ceremonies of the event than giving due importance to sports and sportstars,” Usha told PTI in an interview. “The ongoing Games are no different. They try to ensure the participation of maximum number of artists in the inaugural and closing ceremonies and make it a big celebration,” the legendary athlete, who once reigned the Indian track and field, said.

However, Usha felt it was also hard to ignore the sports infrastructure that has come up solely because of the Games.

“It helps upcoming sportstars to get better facilities including good stadiums, tracks and other essential infrastructure. It is not a small thing. I think, that is the only benefit of conducting the Games,” said the Los Angeles Olympics finalist who lost the bronze in a thrilling photo finish in 1984.

Usha, who amassed over 100 medals in different international events including a handful of gold and silver in Asian Games, said the organisers could learns from big multi-sports events to conduct the National Games smoothly.

“It is really stupid to compare between Olympics and the National Games. Olympics is a well-prepared event and the National Games is completely the opposite.

We will easily get the complete schedule and the other details of athletics or any other event of the 2016 Rio Olympics months before. But, is it possible to get the schedule and other such details of the National Games similarly?” she asked.

Australia need Clarke to win World Cup: Warne MELbOuRNE, FEbRuaRy 2 (IaNS): Australia need skipper Michael Clarke to be fully fit if they are going to win the ICC Cricket World Cup on home soil, legendary spinner Shane Warne has said.

Clarke remains in doubt for Australia's tournament opener against England Feb 14 but the skipper's bid to return from a hamstring injury in time for the second match was given a major boost Saturday when he scored 51 for club side Western Suburbs.

"I don't think Australia can win the World Cup without Clarke," Warne told Sky Sports. "Australia were in disarray just over 12 months ago but under his captaincy, they won the Ashes 5-0 and then beat South Africa in South Africa."

When the World Cup

squad was announced last month, national selector Rod Marsh said Clarke would be given until Australia's second match of the tournament against Bangladesh Feb 21 to prove his fitness. But Warne said Clarke should play the first game if possible, adding that once Clarke returned, he expected fill-in skipper George Bailey to drop out of the starting eleven.

"We all admire Clarke's imagination and flair as a captain so I would get him in for that first game if he proves his fitness," he said.

"Good bowlers can bowl at (stand-in skipper) George Bailey and make him unable to hurt you, so I would say if Clarke is fit he drops out, as the rest of the top five - David Warner, Aaron Finch, Shane Watson and Steve Smith - picks itself."

Warne said he believed ODI tri-Series man of the series, pacer Mitchell Starc had now cemented his spot in Australia's World Cup line-up. A development which meant Australia could potentially field three left-armers. "Starc will be key. He has really played well in the one-dayers, making the white ball talk, and his death bowling is pretty good," added Warne.

"I don't think Australia would like to play three leftarmers in (James) Faulkner, Starc and (Mitchell) Johnson but with their form at the moment they may have to." Like many, Warne has tipped Australia to win the World Cup. "I can't really think of too many weaknesses in Australia side," said Warne, who was part of the victorious 1999 Australian team.

Air gun shooting competition

DIMaPuR, FEbRuaRy 2 (MExN): The first Air Gun shooting competition for Nagaland, Assam and Manipur will be held at Mungleu River Jalukie ‘B’ Village, Peren District (N) from February 11.

A press note informed that this competition is exclusively meant for Zeliangrong people only. The organizers will arrange Air Gun pillets, however, it is expected that the participants bring own Air Gun. If any participant fails to bring Air Gun, the organizer will provide the necessary Air Gun. Prizes will be provided to the Winner and Runner-up, i.e only 1st and 2nd prizes in the form of Air Guns alone with certifi-

cate of Merit. All the participants will be given participation Certificate.

Entry fee of Rs.300 (Rupees Three hundred) will be realized from each and every competitor. Last date for entry alone with entry fee will be on February 10.

Fooding and Lodging will be managed by the competitors. However, organizers will arrange refreshment during competition. For further clarification, interested parties can contact Namraina, Organizer at 8731880770 or Namduarai Pame, Organizing Secy at 9402712259 / 8414074494.

This competition is meant for men only this time.

Hamilton wants more competition Amitabh 'excited' about his debut commentary during India-Pakistan World Cup 2015 match

NEw DELhI, FEbRuaRy 2 (PTI): Megastar Amitabh Bachchan is busy cramming to get into the intricacies of cricket terminologies ahead of his debut commentary stint during the upcoming India- Pakistan match of the 2015 World Cup. Bachchan, 72, who will be joining seasoned commentators Harsha Bhogle and Kapil Dev for the highly-awaited February 15 match, said he is taking tips from them.

"I am excited about the live commentary and I will be joined by Harsha Bhogle and Kapil Dev. I am taking Mercedes Formula One racing driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain, right, and teammate Nico Ros- tips from them and getting berg of Germany, left, take a photograph of each other during the unveiling of the new Mercedes all the 'mid-off and midF1 M06 car at the Circuito de Jerez in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain on February 1. (AP Photo) on' right," he told reporters JEREZ, FEbRuaRy I live for," Hamilton said. after leaving Ferrari, have 2 (aP): Lewis Hamilton "The more people I get to two titles each. Sebastian hopes to have several chal- race (against) the merrier. Vettel, who quit Red Bull to lengers, rather than just his Bring it on." He certainly take Alonso's seat, won four Mercedes teammate Nico got a fight last year, when in a row before Hamilton Rosberg, when he defends his tussle with Rosberg was upstaged him.

Hamilton gives himself his Formula One title this hardly fun. It grew so bitseason. Last year's fight was ter at times that it tested a "five or six" more years at NEw DELhI, FEbRuintense, with Hamilton and friendship dating back to the top, but is evasive as to aRy 2 (agENcIES): Rosberg feuding as their ti- their teenage years racing what he hopes to achieve President of Mumbai in that time. "I don't set Cricket Association (MCA) tle scrap went down to the karts against each other.

"I'm ready. That's all I myself a goal of world titles. and Nationalist Congress final race in Abu Dhabi.

But everyone else was need to be," Hamilton re- I'm not sitting here saying Party (NCP), Sharad Pawar lagging way behind and plied curtly when asked I want seven world cham- is willing to contest the Mercedes was mostly un- Sunday if he would relish pionships," he said. "I'm Board of Control for Crickchallenged, winning 16 out a repeat of his contest with grateful for the two I have. et (BCCI) elections, accordComing from where I grew ing to the sources. of 19 races and finishing Rosberg.

Hamilton beat Ros- up, I never thought I'd have nearly 300 points clear in The BCCI elections the constructors' champi- berg by 67 points last year, two world titles, have as had already been postonship. Matching that, let although the margin was many wins as Nigel Man- poned twice due to the along surpassing it, is a very made bigger by the fact sell, have the most wins IPL betting and spot-fixing tall order and Hamilton ex- double points were on of- from any British driver." scandal hearing in the SuHamilton is in his final preme Court. pects the competition to be fer in Abu Dhabi. One area sterner when the new sea- where the German held year with Mercedes and However, on January son starts on March 15 in the edge on Hamilton was talks are ongoing about a 22, the Supreme Court had in qualifying, taking 11 new contract. "It would be ordered that BCCI elections Melbourne.

"I always want to make pole positions to Hamil- good if we get the sticky should be held within the sure there's a fight. The bat- ton's seven. Hamilton and parts out of the way early next six weeks. The SC had tle we had last year was re- Fernando Alonso, who will on," Hamilton said. "I'm also stated that sidelined ally good fun. That's what drive for McLaren this year sure it will be sorted."

BCCI president N Srini-

during the promotion of his upcoming film 'Shamitabh' in the capital. The actor said the whole stint is a part of advertising the R Balki-directed film, which releases on February 6, a week ahead of the World Cup. "This is all Balki's de-

cision as there is an integration between the sports broadcasters and the makers of 'Shamitabh'. As the film is releasing just a week ahead of the World Cup, we are just cashing in on the timing," he said.

In the film too, Bach-

chan lends his voice to Dhanush, who plays a mute young actor with impressive acting skills but makes his mark in the world of films with the help of the old and washed out superstar. "'Shamitabh' is a statement about our film industry and life. The film will see many directors and actors who are playing themselves in the film. The film revolves around voice," he said. Bachchan is teaming up with Balki for the third time after 'Cheeni Kum' and 'Paa', which made the actor win his third national award for playing a progeric child.

He feels Balki is always refreshing to work with. "It's my third film with Balki and

in all his films I played different characters. It's always refreshing to work with him.

In 'Shamitabh' too he tried to do something different.

Abhishek saw 'Shamitabh' the other day and felt that it's his best work till date," he said. The 'Yudh' star recalled the tough times of shooting the movie as it had a unique way of filming. "I had to record the entire script in my voice before going to the sets. Balki and I used to sit in the studio and do the recording.

Then Dhanush and I used to match the facial expressions listening to that recording. The whole process was very tedious," Bachchan said.

Sharad Pawar set to contest BCCI elections, claim sources vasan could not contest elections as long as he was involved in a "conflict of interest" situation as an owner of IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

Earlier, Pawar held the BCCI president's post from 2005 to 2008. In fact, he took the reins of International Cricket Council (ICC) from 2010 to 2012 as well. As Srini has landed on a sticky wicket, Pawar could emerge as a strong candidate. This time around it's East Zone's turn to nominate the BCCI president.

But to seal the deal Pawar should secure majority of votes from East Zone units.

Earlier Pawar had declined Members of the team of the Nagaland Athletic team who will be participating in the 35th National Games Kerala under the aegis of the Nagaland Olympics Association. to contest the elections.

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3 February 2015

Dimapur

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Angelina Jolie

is most admired woman in the world!

Director, humanitarian and motherof-six beat Malala Yousafzai, Hillary Clinton and the QUEEN in global poll

A

ngelina Jolie has beaten the likes of Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, Hillary Clinton and even the Queen to be named the most admired woman in the world. According to a new poll of 25,000 people, the actress, director, mother-of-six and UN special envoy was most worthy of respect internationally. However, the YouGov study found that Brits still voted Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II into the top spot nationally - just pushing Judi Dench into second place.

Angelina, 39, has just directed Unbroken, a critically-acclaimed film about the Second World War and has been travelling around the world visiting war zones since 2001. In second place was 17-year-old Pakistani schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai, who survived being shot by the Talban and won this year's Nobel Peace Prize.

The youngest Nobel laureate, Yousafzai is an advocate for education and women's human rights in her native Swat Valley in Pakistan, after blogging for the BBC beginning at age 11.

Hillary Clinton, the former US Secretary of State, rounded out the top three. The poll was conducted across 23 countries, with each nation producing different results. The Queen was widely admired along with Michelle Obama, who came in fifth and surprisingly Celine Dion who took the sixth spot, ahead of Oprah Winfrey at seven and Julia Roberts who was eighth most admired woman.

Burmese leader Aung San Suu Kyi came in at nine, while German Chancellor Angela Merkel was tenth most admired globally. The list shows how many people regard celebrities more highly than politicians. And close behind Merkel are Taylor Swift and Beyonce Knowles at 11th and 12th place. India's Sonia Gandhi is 13th, just in front of Jennifer Lawrence.

Kate Middleton comes in 15th in the worldwide results but in the UK she was voted sixth, just after Helen Mirren (fourth) and before Aung San Suu Kyi. For UK voters, the SNP leader and Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon made it as the ninth most admired woman, behind Ellen DeGeneres at eight and Julia Roberts who was voted into tenth place.

And when it comes to the men, Bill Gates took top honours as the most-respected man internationally, while Stephen Hawking was voted first by Britons. Prince William was more admired than his brother, coming in fifth place (after Richard Branson), while Harry was eighth most admired. David Beckham was tenth while Nigel Farage was 11th.

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Tuesday

Entertainment

The Morung Express

actor arrested for 'murdering roommate with a sword'

A

former Power Ranger has been arrested for allegedly murdering his roommate with a sword. Ricardo Medina Jr, the Red Ranger, has been charged with killing Joshua Sutter by stabbing him in the abdomen with the sharp weapon on Saturday afternoon. The 37-year-old, who reportedly called 911 himself, was taken into custody in Palmdale, California, shortly after, reports claim. Sutter was taken to hospital and pronounced dead.

According to TMZ, the roommates started fighting at around 3.30pm. Medina went into his room with his girlfriend but Sutter tried to follow them, the report states. It was then that Medina allegedly dealt the fatal blow. He has been charged and detained, with his bail set at $1 million.

Medina starred in the 2002 TV series Power Rangers Wild Force before playing Deker in the 2011 series Power Rangers Samurai. He also voiced Deker in the video game Power Rangers Samurai, and in the movie Power Rangers Samurai: A New Enemy, which hit theaters in 2012. Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Medina was also pursuing a singing career and had stints in ER and CSI, according to his IMDb profile.

SiMon Cowell 'collapses after being

hypnotised by a DOG on Britain's Got Talent'

T

he 55-year-old music mogul - who stars as a judge on ITV variety show Britain's Got Talent- is reported to have passed out during the auditions stages of the competition after staring into a pup's eyes. Simon got up on stage at Manchester's Lowry Theatre on Friday to meet the German Spitz named Princess after her

owner claimed she could hypnotise people with just a glance.

On returning to his seat, the star told fellow judges Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and David Walliams he felt unwell and, shortly after the cameras stopped rolling, fell slumped over the table. The owner was called back and brought Princess onto the stage to

wake Simon up.

A show source told The Sun newspaper: "It was the freakiest moment we've ever had." The TV producer wasn't the only celebrity to fall victim to Princess' hypnotic gaze. Hosts Ant and Dec also found themselves forgetting the number seven as they counted to ten together shortly after looking into the dog's eyes.

Simon got up on stage to meet the German Spitz named Princess after her owner claimed she could hypnotise people with just a glance.

VAl KilmeR Family Believes Religion Was Killing Him

anupam Kher's acting

school completes 10 years

A

nupam Kher's acting school has completed 10 years and the veteran Bollywood actor thanked the teachers and past and present students for their support.

The 59-year-old actor established his dream project Actor Prepares in 2005, which is an acting school in the heart of Mumbai, where he takes time off his schedule to personally impart some of his acting secrets to young and aspiring actors.

"Our acting school @actorprepares completes 10 years today. Happy Birthday to all teachers, staff & students. Thank you," Kher posted on twitter. Several Bollywood actors including Deepika Padukone, Preity Zinta, Varun Dhawan, Esha Gupta, Preeti Desai, Gauhar Khan are alumuni of Actor Prepares.

V

Kangana Ranaut and Aditya Pancholi’s controversial relationship to be exposed!

al Kilmer's family believes the actor is killing himself by not dealing with a serious tumor because of his religious beliefs. TMZ broke the story ... Val was rushed to the hospital Monday night after he started bleeding from the throat. Doctors at UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica operated

immediately and found a tumor. We're told the surgery was invasive ... they needed to enlarge a path to facilitate breathing.

Family members tell TMZ ... Val has known about the tumor since Summer. He had trouble speaking and his neck swelled to the point he covered it up with scarves

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and other clothing items.

The family members say they urged Val to seek treatment but he would have none of it because of his Christian Science beliefs. They say he shunned medical treatment and anyone who persisted got cut out of his life.

Christian Science followers generally believe

prayer heals, not medical treatment. The family says Val would never confess to pain because it was an admission that prayer didn't work, but when he started coughing up blood Monday his options ran out. The family is hopeful because Val seems somewhat more receptive to treatment.

Melanie Brown

Returning As Judge On

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ditya Pancholi turns author with a tell-all book based on his very volatile and extremely controversial relationship with an actress. Says a source, “It’s going to be a sensational account of a relationship that nearly tore his family life apart.

The story won’t see him in a confessional mode. Instead, it will be written in third person and readers can consider it to be fact or

fiction. But those familiar with the actor’s history will easily figure out who the ‘significant other’ in his account is.”

The actor has completed the groundwork for the book and has recorded all his thoughts on several tapes. It now has to be transferred to print. Aditya simply said, “I can’t speak about the book. I’ve signed an NDA (non-disclosure agreement).”

B

ritish pop star Melanie Brown is reportedly set to sign a sevenfigure deal to return as a judge on Simon Cowell's America's Got Talent. The former Spice Girls singer first appeared as a judge on the reality Tv

show in 2013 and has just completed her first stint on Britain's The X Factor. It is suggested Cowell wants to sign Brown after being pleased with her work on The X Factor.

A source tells Britain's Sunday

Mail newspaper, "She is over the moon. Things have been rubbish for her lately so she is happy to get stuck into work. Simon was impressed by her on The X Factor and told her she is very much part of the family."

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Barca fights back to beat Villarreal

BARCELONA, FEBRuARy 2 (AP): Lionel Messi and Neymar both scored to help Barcelona come from behind twice to beat Villarreal 3-2 and stay in the hunt for the Spanish league title on Sunday.

Messi and Neymar netted their 22nd and 15th league goals of the season respectively as Luis Enrique's Barcelona never lost its nerve, and answered sixth-place Villarreal goal for goal to end the visitor's club record run of 18 games without a loss.

"With those guys up front, it can't get any better," said midfielder Rafina, who took full advantage of a rare start to score Barcelona's other goal. Villarreal's Denis Cheryshev struck on the half-hour mark to start the free-scoring match at Camp Nou. Neymar made it 1-1 just before halftime, only for Luciano Vietto to finish off another Villarreal counterattack in the 51st.

But Barcelona hit back, and this time delivered a quick and decisive double blow. Rafina pulled the hosts level for a second time in the 53rd, and two minutes later Messi fired home a long-range shot — his 32nd goal in 30 games in all competitions this season. Villarreal, however, didn't fade and both sides provided a thrilling second half of back-and-forth action that bodes well for

FC Barcelona's Luis Suarez, from Uruguay, left, in action against Villarreal's Mario Gaspar, second left, during a Spanish La Liga soccer match at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, February 1. (AP Photo)

their Copa del Rey semifinal starting in two weeks.

Barcelona has won eight in a row and stayed one point behind leader Real Madrid, which has a game in hand against Sevilla on Wednesday. "This shows this team is prepared for any adverse situation, as it did the other day (at Atletico Madrid) in

the Calderon and now today against a great Villarreal side," said Luis Enrique, whose team is back to its best — less than a month after his job was rumored to be at risk.

Elsewhere, Sevilla striker Iago Aspas scored with one minute left to snatch a 3-2 win over 10-man Espa-

nyol, taking some measure of vengeance for its elimination from the Copa del Rey as it rose into a provisional fourth place. Aritz Aduriz scored twice in the second half to give Athletic Bilbao a 2-0 victory at bottom side Levante and end its seven-round winless streak. Almeria also edged

Getafe 1-0 for its first win in 10 home games this season to move out of the relegation zone in a match both ended with 10 men.

Barcelona dominated possession and the scoring chances early, with Messi's incisive passing leading the way. But it was another frustrating night for Luis

Suarez, who saw goalkeeper Sergio Asenjo save his volley before he fired wide when the ball fell to him near the penalty spot.

"He isn't having luck, but he is close to scoring. He will score important goals this season," Luis Enrique said. Villarreal had yet to threaten until it launched a counterattack that ended with Cheryshev deftly redirecting Mario Gaspar's offtarget strike toward the net where it slipped past Claudio Bravo. Vietto forced Bravo to save his header as Villarreal again pressed on the break, but the match swung Barcelona's way just before halftime when Neymar stabbed in the rebound following an effort

by Rafina after Messi had set him up inside the box.

Former Barcelona player Giovani Dos Santos briefly put Villarreal in front again when he pounced on Gerard Pique's poor control and sprinted to the goal line, where he drew Bravo to him before laying off for Vietto to score. But Rafina quickly blasted Barcelona's second equalizer into the top of the net after Andres Iniesta unlocked the defense and the ball eventually reached him in the area.

Villarreal then made the crucial mistake of giving Messi enough time to size up Asenjo and curl a Singer Katy Perry performs during halftime of NFL Super Bowl strike into the top corner of XLIX football game between the Seattle Seahawks and the New the net for the winner.

England Patriots on February 1, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo)

CRICket WoRld Cup 2015 CountdoWn: 11 days to go

Holders India to enter World Cup 2015 as no. 2 in odIs

DuBAi, FEBRuARy 2 (PTi): Defending champions India will enter the 11th edition of the ICC Cricket World Cup in second spot behind leaders Australia.

After failing to win a single game in the recently concluded tri-series, the Mahendra Singh Dhoniled side trails Australia by six points in the ODI rankings, according to an ICC media release.

Australia, who won the tri-series after humbling England in the final, are comfortably placed at the top with 120 ranking points followed by India (114) and South Africa (113). With just a few more interna-

tional matches left to go before the 50-over showpiece event kickstarts on February 14 in Australia and New Zealand, the 14 competing teams are gearing up for the warm-up matches slated between 8-13 of this month.

Meanwhile in the player rankings, India's Virat Kohli is at the number three spot in the batsman's chart with South Africa's AB de Villers and Hashim Amla at the No.1 and 2 position respectively. Other Indians in the top-10 of the batting table include Shikhar Dhawan (7), whose lack of form in the tri-series came under intense criticism by

one and all, and Dhoni at number eight.

The bowling, which is a major cause of worry for the Men in Blue before the World Cup, also disappoints with no Indian in the top-10 of the bowling chart.

Medium-pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar (13) and Ravindra Jadeja (14) are the only Indian bowlers in the top-20 list headed by Pakistan's Saeed Ajmal.

In what promises to be an exciting World Cup, a total of 42 matches will be played throughout the group stage of the tournament. The top four teams from each pool will qualify for the quarter-finals.

Five players who can win it for India

T

he team, currently ranked second in the ODIs, will be led by none other than the experienced MS Dhoni - who had guided the team to World Cup glory in the last edition. Ravindra Jadeja and Stuart Binny have been included as allrounders, whilst Axar Patel and Ravinchandran Ashwin offer spin options.

Here's a look at the key players from India in the World Cup: Mahendra Singh Dhoni Playing role: Wicket-keeper batsman After his Test retirement in December, MS Dhoni has shifted his focus towards the shorter formats. The World Cup would be one of the major assignment for Dhoni as captain.

He will be leading for the second time in India's campaign to defend the World Cup title. When it comes to one-dayers, Dhoni is an astute captain and will also play an important role as a batsman lower down the order. He has an impressive record of 8245 runs from 252 matches at an average of 52.51, which includes nine centuries and 56 half-centuries.

Virat Kohli Playing role: Middle-order batsman All eyes would be on Virat Kohli in the World Cup considering the form he was in during the Test series against Australia. Kohli as a batsman and cricketer has matured and definitely a key player in India's middle-order. In the 2011 World Cup final against Sri Lanka, his 35 played a crucial role in India's victory and this time the expectations are much higher. In ODIs from 148 matches, Kohli has got more than 6,000 runs with 21 centuries at an average of 51.84.

Ajinkya Rahane Playing role: Top-order batsman Ajinkya Rahane's progress at the international level has been phenomenal and the Mumbai batsman made a grudual process from Tests to ODIs. The right-handed batsman will have a major role in India's campaign at the World Cup and could be a floater in the line-up. The reason because Rahane too has adjusted well as an opener and if needed can bat at the middle order. Rahane like Kohli would also be high on confidence after a successful Test series against Australia and needs to carry the same momentum into the mega event. His temperament, technique and approach towards his batting are his strenghts.

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Ravindra Jadeja Playing role: All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is one such cricketer who won't impress you immediately, but his limited skills be it with the ball and bat is an asset for India. His left-arm spin doesn't get much spin but he maintains a tight line and length. Moreover, Jadeja as a batsman lower down the order can bring the long handle to effective use - added to that he is a livewire on the field. In limited-over cricket, Jadeja is Dhoni's go-to man, especially as a bowler who can get through the overs quickly and keeping things tight. Jadeja also faces the challenge of recovering from a shoulder injury before the start of India's matches.

Suresh Raina Playing role: Middle-order batsman Suresh Raina may have not have found his footing at the Test level, but for India in the shorter formats he is indispensable. His struggle against the short balls in Tests is well known, however, in one-dayers he judges the length quite early and manages to find gaps easily. His slow offspinners is a plus for Dhoni when he wants to slip through few quick overs. Raina's form would be crucial in India's journey to defend the World Cup. SquAD: MS Dhoni(c/wk), Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Stuart Binny, Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja, Ambati Rayudu, Axar Patel, R Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Md. Shami, Umesh Yadav, Mohit Sharma, Ishant Sharma, Dhawal Kulkarni

Ishant in doubt for World Cup: Reports

• Ishant Sharma is in doubt for the World Cup due

to injury, according to sources in the BCCI. • Mohit Sharma has been told not to leave Australia.

• Bhuvneshwar Kumar is also under the scanner.

• The team management has been given the deadline of February 05 to finalise the squad.

MuMBAi, FEBRuARy 2 (AgENCiEs): Mohit Sharma is likely to replace Ishant Sharma in the Indian squad for the 2015 World Cup. According to a report in the Mumbai Mirror, the BCCI has given the team management the deadline of February 05 to finalise the squad and weed out the injured players. The report stated that Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Shami are all having fitness issues but Ishant's case is more serious.

Mohit bowled with good pace and accuracy during India's match against England in Perth and he finished with figures of 10-1-36-2. Ishant has been suffering from a knee injury since the end of the Melbourne Test in December. He missed the Sydney Test and was not picked for the first two ODIs in the tri-series. He resumed training and was picked in the Australia Day clash in Sydney but the match was rained out and Ishant was unable to bowl.

He was dropped for the Perth match against England and the doubts over his fitness has only grown. The report also stated that Mohit has been told not to leave Australia.

The BCCI have refused to talk about the fitness issues of the team. However, sources within the BCCI told Mumbai Mirror that there will be some changes to the squad. A source said, "We can't sit back and watch silently. There is a need to address the issue before it is too late. We'll take a final call by February 05. At this stage, Ishant looks doubtful for World Cup." There are concerns regarding Bhuvneshwar Kumar's injury and form as well. Bhuvneshwar, who missed the first three Tests due to an ankle injury, featured in the Sydney Test but he looked rusty and his pace was down. The BCCI is reportedly keeping Bhuvneshwar under the scanner but there is no further clarity on his status.

The Indian players have opted to take a break and the BCCI have booked them in a resort near Adelaide to help the team recover. They will come back to Adelaide on February 05 and resume training ahead of their first warm-up game against Australia on February 08. India will open their World Cup campaign against Pakistan in Adelaide on February 15.

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