February 3rd, 2016

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wednesdAY • februArY 03 • 2016

DIMAPUR • Vol. XI • Issue 31 • 12 PAGes • 5

T H e

ESTD. 2005

P o W e R

If you would persuade, you must appeal to interest rather than intellect Cruz bests Trump in Iowa, Clinton edges out Sanders PAGe 09

Rape of minor with disability condemned

o F

T R u T H

— Benjamin Franklin

Deadline Day: EPL’s mid table clubs spend big

PAGe 05

PAGE 12

Supreme Court to review ne – its lack of infrastructural growth law criminalising gay sex Prachi salve & sanjana Pandit

Pakyong, stopped since December 2013, after local villagers protested, demanding rehabilitation and compensation.

The Sikkim government said these issues would be sorted out by August 2015 and the airport would start working by September 2017, according to a report in Business Standard.

IANS/IndiaSpend

The eight northeastern states collectively contain 12 percent of India’s national highway length, although they are home to about 3.8 percent of the country’s population.

Only the capitals of Assam (Dispur) and Tripura (Agartala) are connected via rail. Tripura - along with Uttar Pradesh - has India’s highest power deficit of 15.6 percent, followed by Meghalaya with 15.3 percent.

The first part of this threepart series on the northeast analysed growth rates, unemployment and poverty. In the second part, we look at physical infrastructure, such as highways, railways, aviation and electricity.

The northeast has 12 percent of India’s national highways but lags in other roads National highways in the northeast stretch over 9,525 km. Assam, with a population of over 31 million, accounts for about 30.9 percent of the national highways within the eight states. As much as 42 percent of surfaced state highways are in Assam.

Sikkim accounts for 0.1 percent of the national highways and is home to 610,577 people.

Despite the road density per capita being high in these states, the road infrastructure is inadequate, according to a report by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) India and the Indian Chamber of Commerce.

reflections

By Sandemo Ngullie

A young boy climbs on train carriages at Dimapur Railway station. Barring Assam, the remaining states in the nE have a railway track lenght that equals only 59% of Mumbai’s railway track lenght. (Morung File Photo)

The length of state highways increased 2.2 percent between 2008 and 2013, from 6,936 km to 7,089 km, while surfaced state highways expanded 8.4 percent over the same period.

The northeast accounts for only 4.1 perccent of India’s state highways.

Village and district roads are pre-dominant in the northeast states, according to the PWC India report.

When most of the states have seen an increase or no change in the length of state highways, Meghalaya has actually seen a decline from 1,134 km in 2008 to 858 km in 2013.

This is because 361 km of state highways were converted to

national highways in 2012, ac- work in the region will help in cording to a report in The Shil- bolstering trade routes with long Times. some neighbouring countries such as Bangladesh and MyanNorth East - minus Assam – mar. It is difficult to build railhas only 59% Of Mumbai’s ways in the northeast, since rail length most of the states (Arunachal The northeastern states to- Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya gether have 2,646 km of railway. and Mizoram) are ridden with That’s only more than Odisha hills and mountains. with 2,516 kms. Almost all the northeast’s railways are in As- Air connections are also sam - all but 179 km, according poor; Arunachal, Sikkim to Indian Railway data. That’s 59 have no airports percent of the length of MumThe eight northeast states bai’s commuter rail lines. have nine airports. Three airThe railway ministry has ports are under construction allocated Rs 5,338 crore ($785 at Holongi, Tezu and Tawang million) in the 2015-16 bud- in Arunachal Pradesh, which get for infrastructure develop- has no airports. ment in the northeast.

Sikkim, which also has no Boosting the railway net- airport, had seen work start at

Power deficit in Tripura India’s worst; Sikkim country’s only power-surplus state All eight northeastern states face power deficits, except Sikkim, which has built a series of dams and exports electricity, as IndiaSpend has reported. It is quite another matter that the dam-building programme is embroiled in debt and scandal, which, too, we reported.

The wide variations between northeastern states that we referred to in the first part of this series are evident again. Tripura and Meghalaya are among India’s most powerdeficit states; Sikkim is India’s only power-surplus state.

The Centre allocated Rs.680 crore in 2015-16 to the northeast areas to develop electricity infrastructure.

Assam has the highest installed capacity of hydro power in the region with 429.7 MW and Meghalaya the second highest with 356.6 MW. Major issues in the development of hydro-power are delays in environment and forest clearances, land acquisition, development of infrastructure and long-term financing, according to the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region’s Action Plan for Power.

Morung Express news

KIPhIre, February 2 (mexN): The International Border Area People’s Welfare Organisation (IBAPWO) has written to the chairperson of the National League for Democracy (NLD) of Myanmar, Aung San Suu Kyi to deliver “justice” to the Naga people, particularly living on the Myanmar side of the international border.

The IBAPWO, in an He’s been talking all day open letter to the NLD about two souls becom- Chairperson, said that afing one. i think he forgot all ter the British left both the about the wedding? countries, the Naga people’s land and families were The Morung Express divided by an “imaginary Poll QuEsTion border line demarcating Vote on www.morungexpress.com the two countries, which SMS your anSwer to 9862574165 runs through Naga villages without the consent of the Should the Nagaland Naga people, particularly state government those living in the border introduce biometric attendance in areas.” People in these argovernment offices? eas, it lamented have been affected by the ongoing no

others

Civilian shot dead Morung Express news Dimapur | February 2

C M Y K

One man was shot dead in Dimapur on February 2.

The deceased victim, a civilian identified by the police as Charlie Hansing (in his late 30’s), was shot by unidentified gunmen at Burma Camp. The shooting occurred around 8:30 pm. The police quoting initial report stated that the victim was at a shop along with some friends when three people came and shot him. He sustained two bullet wounds on the head and stomach, and later succumbed to the injury in hospital. While motive could not be ascertained, the police added that the shooters disappeared from the scene after the shooting.

sexual, Trans and Intersex Association.

Although the law banning homosexuality is rarely enforced in India, it is used to intimidate, harass, blackmail and extort money from lesbian, gay, bisexual people, activists say.

There are no official figures on the number of cases. Most go unreported, say activists, as victims are too scared to report crimes to the police, fearing they will be punished too.

Gay rights activist Yogesh S. welcomed the Supreme Court review and said there was hope the court would eventually throw out the 156-year-old law.

While the previous Congressled government had pledged to repeal the law if it came to power again, it was crushed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party in general elections in May 2014.

In December, members of Modi’s party, which has an overwhelming majority in the lower house of parliament, scuppered a private members bill to scrap the law.

“This is not just about sex, or even about gays, it is about principals of freedom enshrined in our constitution,” said Shashi Tharoor, the opposition Congress lawmaker, who introduced the bill.

“My argument has always been that what people do behind their own closed doors should be their business and we should keep the government out of the bedroom.”

IBAPWO ask Suu Kyi to deliver ‘Final agreement on Indo-Naga issue within months’ NSCN (IM)-GoI meeting justice to Nagas in Myanmar Dimapur | February 2

Yes

NeW DeLhI, February 2 (reuTerS): The Supreme Court on Tuesday said it will review a decision over whether to uphold a colonial-era law that criminalises gay sex in a victory for homosexual rights campaigners at a time when the nation is navigating a path between tradition and modernity.

The court asked a five-judge bench to examine whether the 1860 law, which imposes a 10year sentence for gay sex is constitutional, a lawyer for a gay rights group said.

“It is definitely a move forward,” lawyer Anand Grover said as activists gathered outside the court cheered.

This was the last legal avenue for campaigners seeking to use the courts to strike down the law. Otherwise, any future decisions to lift the ban will rest with the country’s socially conservative politicians who oppose any changes.

The Supreme Court made a surprise ruling in 2013 that reinstated a ban on gay sex. That decision ended a four-year period of decriminalization that helped bring homosexuality into the open in the conservative country.National surveys show about three-quarters of Indians disapprove of homosexuality and are deeply traditional about other issues of sexuality such as sex outside of marriage.

India is one of 75 countries around the world that outlaws homosexuality, according to the International Lesbian, Gay, Bi-

conflict and violence over many decades.

The IBAPWO further stated that the Naga people inhabiting the Indian side of the border have opposed the proposal to fence the Indo-Myanmar border by the Government of India.

It termed the move as “insensitive and detrimental” to the welfare of the border villages.

During the last fifty years, it recalled the people in these areas have suffered from evacuation of villages, abductions, disappearances, deaths, and other human rights violations committed by the Myanmar military and the Indian security forces. “Women and children have suffered untold miseries. The people of the Indo-Myanmar border villages were not only left homeless but deprived of access to land, resulting

in loss of livelihood, livestock,” it stated.

People of the border areas, it stated do not have basic amenities, particularly on the Myanmar side. It further highlighted that Naga people in the border areas have no road connection, health service or infrastructure.

With the NLD forming a democratic government in Myanmar, the IBAPWO hoped that her government would work for the safety and protection of people in the border areas, and asked for sustained humanitarian assistance.

“As you used the Noble Peace Prize’s 1.3 million dollars to establish health and education trust for the Burmese people; I strongly believe that you and your government will deliver justice to the Naga people living in the border,” it hoped.

MGNREGA funds misused in Nagaland: Cong

KohIma, February 2 (PTI): Alleging that MGNREGA funds were being misused in Nagaland, state Congress president K Therie today asked the party workers to educate villagers on the number of days they should be getting to work under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

“It is our duty to defend the job card holders and check that the villagers are getting the 100 days wages,” said Therie while addressing a commemorative function on 10 years of launching of MGNREGA organised by the party.

The UPA-led Congress government had launched the scheme as NREGA but after BJP came to power in 2014 it was changed to MGNREGA, he said.

Therie asked the party workers to educate villagers on the number of days they should be getting to work under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

Quoting the Republic Day speech of the Governor that 4.15 lakh job cards have been issued under MGNREGA in Nagaland, Therie said the state has reportedly

received only Rs 70 crore, which would be barely for 3-4 man days.

Therie also alleged misuse of MGNREGA funds at the district level, stating that 50 per cent of the funds were kept as ‘convergence fund’ to be utilised by the MLAs as discretionary fund for developmental activities, which was wrong as per the laid down guidelines. “We should not allow this to happen,” he said while calling upon the 11 district Congress committees to submit representation to the Deputy Commissioners concerned asking them to take corrective measures.

The Congress president also charged the state government of syphoning money by forcing the Village Council Chairman (VCC) and Village Development Board (VDB) Secretaries to sign blank cheques.

Congress leaders should see that this system does not continue, he said.

Further, Therie also expressed that if the present government is unable to deliver, we should request the people to bring a change.

NPCC commemorates ten years of MGNREGA on page 2

A meeting between the collective leadership of the NSCN (IM) and the Government of India was held in New Delhi on Tuesday, one among many since the August 3, 2015 Framework Agreement signed between the two parties to settle the protracted Naga political issue.

An NSCN (IM) source said the meeting was attended by Ato Kilonser, Th Muivah and members of the collective leadership namely Gen. VS Atem and Tongmeth Wangnao

discuss timeframe

among others and discussed on the timeframe for the ongoing negotiation. Interlocutor to the Indo-Naga peace talks RN Ravi represented the Government of India.

On Tuesday, both parties unanimously resolved to bring about the comprehensive solution to the Nagas political issue as early as possible - within a matter of months, the source informed.

“Almost all competen-

cies or points of negotiation have been decided upon, there was not much of a problem…only thing left now is to finalize the agreement reached by taking it to the parliament and the Naga people here,” he said.

Interlocutor RN Ravi is expected to put up the final characters of the Framework Agreement in the parliament for sanction.

The NSCN (IM) Collective leadership will bring it to the Naga people for the fi-

nal word, the source added.

One key issue for negotiation of the NSCN (IM) which was the physical integration of all Naga inhabited areas under Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur has been put on hold.

In its place, it has been finalized that a statuary body under the nomenclature of Pan-Naga Hoho will look after the welfare and development of the Naga areas with separate budget provisions, the source said.

This does not mean that the door to physical integration is closed; this is a continuous process, the source added.

NNC was formed to preserve Naga identity: Adinno Phizo 70th anniversary of Naga National Council formation day observed our Correspondent Chedema | February 2

Naga National Council (NNC) president, Adinno Phizo today said that NNC was formed at the right time for the Nagas and it preserved Naga identity.

“During the British rule, our country was called the Naga Hills, but at the time they (British) were leaving in 1947, they thought Naga Hills should join Assam as a Tribal District but the Nagas did not accept it. And NNC became prominent in the affairs of Nagaland after the British withdrew from our country,” Adinno said in her address at the 70th anniversary of NNC formation day (2nd February 19462nd February 2016) here at Peace Hall.

Thanking Almighty God for guiding the Naga people throughout those years, she said “And we must always be grateful to Him that we became a nation through NNC on this historic day.”

Adinno said history begins from a battlefield and for the Nagas the last battle with the British was on November 22, 1879. Peace was agreed with-

nnC president Adinno Phizo addresses 70th anniversary of nnC formation day at Chedema on February 2. (Morung Photo)

out a binding written agreement on March 27, 1880.

“Naga villages are stationary and each village has its own tradition that kept the people together. No village can imagine that outsiders/foreigners can come and occupy their villages because it is so attached to them.

Therefore, when we love our country that much, the enemy cannot call us “stubborn”; for upholding the right of the Nagas,” the NNC president said.

She said, “In the 19th century when Whiteman first came to our country, according to their records,

they came across two types of the Naga people and referred to them as “kilted Nagas” and “non-kilted Nagas” (not naked).

Also their experience of the people were civilized and peaceful living. But later in the 20th century they changed their attitude and wrote about the Nagas as “savages”, “head hunters” and so on, and produced books about the people in the wild images. In the true sense, the Nagas were not “headhunters,” but when fighting took place they took their enemy’s head like any other country in the world as victors ignorantly in the past,” Adinno asserted.

Coming to the present, Adinno alleged that India was trying to weaken Naga’s right of freedom in all possible ways. “But with good guidance and by the grace of God, our spirit is strong,” she said.

She also quoted A.Z. Phizo, “Our Naga National Council is evolved from our democratic tradition or people’s consensus. It is the ultimate political institute of the Nagas and it is not a political party. Every Naga has a responsibility to uphold the Naga National Council.”

Yiesonii Veyie, former president Naga Hoho, Dziesevilie and Thepfulhouvi Solo also spoke on the occasion. The programme was chaired by NNC joint secretary Aciiyi Vadeo and it concluded with mass prayer.

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THE MORUNG EXPRESS

NPCC commemorates 10 years of MGNREGA Our Correspondent Kohima | February 2

In commemoration of 10 years of launching of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA) in the country, the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) in collaboration with Kohima District Congress Committee (KDCC) today organized convention here at Congress Bhavan.

The objective of MGNREGA is to enhance livelihood security in rural areas by providing 100 days guaranteed wage employment in one financial year to every household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work.

Speaking on the occasion, NPCC president Kewekhape Therie alleged

NPCC president Kewekhape Therie addressing a convention to commemorate 10 years of launching MGNREGA at Congress Bhavan, Kohima on February 2. (Morung Photo)

that the MGNREGA fund has been misused in Nagaland. He called upon the party workers to educate the villagers and that the VDB and VCC should not sign any blank cheque. “It is our duty to defend the job card holders,” he said adding that the 100 days wage should be paid.

He also stated that the

old age pension and other welfare schemes for pregnant women and weaker section of the people have not been paid for almost two years in the state. Urging upon the party workers to work hard, he also strongly felt that the youth must join the political system and be competent to take the right step and lead

the people. Therie also announced that 2016 will be a training year for Congress workers in Nagaland to prepare themselves to face 2018 elections.

Former chief minister K.L. Chishi said that MGNREGA was launched by Congress party when it was in power, with an objective to alleviate poor section of

the people in the country.

Stating that there are 18 flagship programmes in the country, he expressed dismay that the flagship programmes don’t reach the people of the state, alleging that money sanctioned are misused.

He also said the present DAN government is running into huge deficit, touching nearly Rs. 1400 crores.

“The present government does not have money for development, no programme for youth and no plan for solving unemployment problem,” he said.

Stating that Congress will get back to power, he said “Politics is a game of possibility,” and further challenged the party workers to stay firm and work hard.

Earlier, the function was chaired by KDCC president Kevi Vizo.

Nagaland Water Policy document formally handed over to state govt

Chief Secretary, Nagaland, Pankaj Kumar IAS, APC Nagaland, Imkonglemba IAS along with GIZ officials at the handing over ceremony of Nagaland Water Policy (NWP) 2016 document held at de Oriental Grand, Kohima on February 2. (DIPR Photo)

Kohima, February 2 (DiPr): Handing over ceremony of Nagaland Water Policy (NWP) 2016 document was held at de Oriental Grand, Kohima on February 2 with the Chief Secretary, Nagaland, Pankaj Kumar IAS as the chief guest.

The chief guest said that the need for water conser-

vation was felt since his first posting at Tuensang. He highlighted various problems faced in Nagaland like pollution of local water bodies, climate change and rapid urbanization and further recommended the participation of Rural Development Department in water policy making.

Pankaj also said that the concerned departments which are involved with water resources will first observe the policy and then the policy would be put up for cabinet approval. He expressed hope that there will be some achievements for the policy in the upcoming budget session.

GIZ formally handed over the NWP document to the Chief Secretary. The function also witnessed power-point presentation of the process followed in drafting the NWP and the activities of GIZ, a German Government owned company which is the main supporter for NWP. Vote of thanks was given by Commissioner & Secretary, Soil & Water Conservation Department, T. Nungsang and APC, Imkonglemba IAS chaired the programme.

Eco-Green School at Tzurang Valley Induction training for Grade B & C govt employee underway Morung Express News Kiphire | February 2

People attend the inauguration of the Eco-Green School, Tzurang Valley held on January 30.

moKoKchung, February 2 (mexn): Eco-Green School, Tzurang Valley, Changki Village at Mokokchung was inaugurated on January 30 by Lendimenba Amri, Chairman, Changki Village Council.

Located at the 20 acre community site allotted by the village authorities, the objective of the school is to provide formal education to children in this rural agricultural region where the nearest existing school is about 25 kms away.

A press release issued by Arep

Changkija, Secretary, Changki Eco-Green Project stated that this is an initiative of the Changki EcoGreen Project whose members are promoting various plantations, mainly tea and rubber. The school will start with one class and progress each year.

In his inaugural speech Lendimenba Amri highlighted the immense potential of this much needed venture and expressed confidence that this school could one day develop into a full-fledged educational centre with facilities

for higher education at the university level. He assured all cooperation and support from the village council in this regard.

Dedication speech and prayer was offered by Sentimeren Longchari and Pastor Nokon respectively. The other dignitaries who also spoke on the occasion were Mokongningsang Longkumer, Retd Director, Treasuries & Accounts and Imdangtiba Jamir, Retd Addl Director, Social Welfare.

The programme was chaired

by Imkongtemsu Ao, NCS (Retd).

th

25

The District Administration Kiphire in collaboration with the Department of Administrative Training Institute Kohima is organizing a ten days induction programme for Grade B & C State Government employee at the DPDB hall. A. Chumremo Odyou DC Kiphire was the chief guest at the inaugural programme.

Speaking at the program, the DC said that training is a must from time to time as unskilled employee has no place in this fast changing time and also asked the trainee to learn new things to fit oneself in the system. The DC appealed to the trainee to attend the training with sincerity and dedication so that they learn from the training and discharge the assigned responsibility in the respective place with.

Hitting hard on the irreg-

Participants during the induction programme for Grade B & C State Government employee at the DPDB hall, Kiphire. (Morung Photo)

ularities of the government employee in the district, the Deputy Commissioner said, the introduction of paying salary through ATM and bank account has added more irregularities of the Government employee towards ones job as they can draw salaries anywhere without attending the office.

Er Moa Longkumer, Nodal officer ATI while giving the

highlight of the ten days programme expressed gratitude to the District Administration for organizing the programme. He also said that Kiphire is lucky to be in the first phase of the programme and appeal to the trainee to make the best use of the opportunity to learn and clarify doubts if any from the various resource persons.

The concluding pro-

Death Anniversary

In Loving Memory of

The Late Nyamo Lotha

y

Deep in our hearts you will always stay Loved and remembered everyday For each of us you have done your best Love doesn’t end with dying Or leave with the last breath For someone you’ve loved deeply Love doesn’t end with death.

Eternal Rest grant unto him O’ Lord Let Perpetual light shine upon him.

April 5, 1924 – February 3, 1991

A loving tribute from, Children, Grand children and Great Grand children

gramme of the training will be at Shilloi Lake where trainers from Phek and Kiphire district will come together and exchange of ideas and sharing of opinion will be there, where Director ATI will also attend the programme.

Dr Purna Chandra Mishra vice Principal ZPC chaired the programme while Longdiba EAC HQ proposed vote of thanks.

WednesdAY 03•02•2016

NORTH-EAST

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

3

Unknown illness spreading HC notice to union, state secy over M'laya health services Meghalaya forest dept seeks rapidly in Manipur village views on traditional mining A least 27 people admitted in hospital in last three days Our Correspondent Imphal | February 2

Four more persons, including children, suffering from an unknown disease were admitted to RIMS and JNIMS hospitals here on Tuesday.

Twenty-seven patients from Lilong area of Thoubal district, who were suffering from vomiting and loose motion, were brought to Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in the last three days.

Three more such patients, including children, were admitted to RIMS while one was brought to Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences

(JNIMS) today for treatment.

Now, the total number of patients suffering from the major outbreak believed to be a water-borne disease has climbed to 32. Doctors at RIMS said the disease has spread to other parts of Thoubal, which has created a panic.

Residents of Lilong use tube-well as main source of potable water supply and hence investigation is needed to determine if the outbreak is due to arsenic poisoning, RIMS medical superintendent Prof M Amuba said. “We need quick detection of the unknown disease and now we’re preparing for it. Stool samples of the patients will be collected for test. We’re trying our best to detect it,” the Professor said.

Prof Amuba appealed to people not to panic over the outbreak which he said would not become an epidemic disease. “The illness cannot be cholera either.”

Officials said a team from JNIMS are preparing to visit Lilong to conduct an investigation into the disease outbreak. Sources said there is fear that the disease could claim life in the affected area owing to lack of proper facilities at Lilong PHC. Sources reported that more than 200 residents of Lilong area have been suffering from illness showing symptoms similar to cholera since January 30.

Meanwhile, IANS reported that the authorities are making preparations to accommodate patients who might be rushed to Imphal for treatment and state government has instructed health officials to supply free medicines to the affected people.

A health department official said that since the disease was yet to be identified, the Manipur government had not issued any advisory to the public, it added.

Shillong, FebruAry (PTi): The Meghalaya High Court today issued notices to the health authorities of the Centre and the state over the 'pathetic' health-care scenario provided by the hospitals here including the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS).

Acting Chief Justice S R Sen issued notices to the Union Health Secretary, the state Chief Secretary, Health Secretary, NEIGRIHMS Director and Director of state Health Services asking them why proper order would not be passed against them.

The court has also appointed senior counsel T T Diengdoh and A Sinha as amicus curiae to assist the

Shillong, FebruAry 2 (PTi): Meghalaya forest department has sought the views of law department on the High Court ruling which allowed only traditional mining of limestone and sand in the state.

"We have sought the views of the Law department on the recent High Court ruling which allowed mining of limestone but with a rider that such mining should be undertaken only with traditional methods," Forest and Environment Minister Prestone Tynsong said today. "I have also requested the Law department to submit a report on this as soon as possible. I have spoken to Law secretary," Tynsong told PTI. Meghalaya High Court in its January 27 order directed the state forest authorities to allow traditional excavation and transportation of limestone and sand. court while fixing the next hearing on the matter on February 9.

The High Court had taken up sou-motu cognizance on the deficiency

in health services in the state after a joint petition was submitted by four advocates to the acting Chief Justice yesterday.

There are prima facie

issues involved, which need to be addressed at the earliest for the need of the poor and common people of Meghalaya, the judge said.

It appears that various equipment have become junks in NEIGRIHMS, Shillong, as there are no manpower to utilize them, though it is a superspeciality hospital, the order said.

The condition is quite similar in the Civil Hospital and other hospitals as well as health centres where if doctors are available, medicines are not, and vice-versa, it said.

"That has been a pathetic scenario which infringed on the rights of the citizen of the country and the state of Meghalaya," the order stated.

Eight Manipur policemen accused 'Territorial integrity used to perpetuate oppression & marginalization' to organise of staged killings produced in court ANSAM rally at Imphal

imPhAl, FebruAry 2 (iAnS): Eight policemen accused of involvement in the killing of an unarmed former insurgent and a young housewife allegedly in a staged gunfight were presented in a court here on Tuesday. The court was hearing a case following the confession of head constable Thounaojam Heroijit on January 25 that he shot dead unarmed Chungkham Sanjit on the orders of then additional police superintendent Akoijam Jhalajit on July 23, 2009.

The Imphal West District and Sessions Court Judge M. Binoy, however, postponed

the hearing till February 20.

All 8 policemen accused of involvement in the killings were produced in the jampacked court room. However, the main accused, Heroijit, failed to appear in court.

The incident - which police claimed was a shootout - also caused the death of young housewife Thokchom Rabina.

The police version is that Sanjit killed her and that in the followup police action, he got killed.

Meanwhile, the CBI argued that the court should not take into cognizance the confessional statement of Heroijit implicating the chief minister, the then director

North east Briefs

Heroin, gold bar seized in Mizoram AizAwl, FebruAry 2 (PTi): Two persons were arrested for allegedly possessing 56 grams of heroin and 35 gold bars at Mizoram-Myanmar border Champhai district, officials said today. Mizoram Excise and Narcotics department officials seized heroin worth around Rs 2.24 lakh in the local market at Mualkawi village from the possession of two persons, including a woman, last night, department spokesperson Peter Zohmingthanga said. The officials, in a joint operation with the personnel of the Customs and Central Excise, also seized 35 bars of gold (5.817 kg) in Champhai last night and arrested one person, Zohmingthanga said. The gold bars is reportedly worth around Rs 143 lakh in the local market and the seized gold bars were handed over to the Customs and Central Excise, he said.

MPF demands spl session of Assembly on headmen law Shillong, FebruAry 2 (PTi): Opposition coalition Meghalaya People's Front (MPF) today demanded that the Congress led state government convene a Special Session of the Assembly to discuss the recent High Court order for framing uniform laws on headmen. "We request you to convene a Special Session to discuss this important issue," MPF secretary James K Sangma said in a letter to Assembly Speaker AT Mondal. Meghalaya High Court recently directed the state government to frame uniform laws on the functioning of the traditional chiefs (headmen). The decision to demand a special session of the Assembly was taken at a recent meeting of MPF consisting of United Democratic Party, National People's Party, Garo National Council and Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement.

Two light intensity quakes hit northeast in early hours new Delhi, FebruAry 2 (PTi): Two low intensity earthquakes, measuring 3.7 and 3.8, hit northeast region of the country in the wee hours of February 2. According to the National Seismology Centre, a unit of the Ministry of Earth Science, one earthquake measuring 3.8 on Richter Scale hit the region along Indo-Myanmar border at 1:18 AM at the depth of 111 km. Four hours later at 5:19 AM, a second quake of magnitude 3.7, hit Karbi in Assam at the depth of 33 km. However, no casualty was reported in both the cases. The northeast is an active seismic zone. Last month, Manipur witnessed a major earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter Scale.

Gogoi accuses BJP of trying to incite communal tension guwAhATi, FebruAry 2 (Tnn): Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Monday alleged the opposition BJP and some other parties are trying to incite communal tension in the state ahead of the Assembly polls.

"We have reports that BJP and other parties are trying to create communal tension in the state before the polls...

The state government is fully prepared and we will not allow any communal disturbance to occur," Gogoi told reporters at the sidelines of the February Session of the Assembly here. "BJP has again raised the Ram Janambhumi issue. Creating communal tension is their main poll plank," he said, claiming that even state Governors are talking on every issue as if they are agents of one party. In recent times, Governors of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh have not forgot their "RSS ideology and behaved like RSS pracharaks". Talking about the forthcoming Assembly polls, he said, "BJP is saying they will get 85 seats out of 126. Then why are they running after BPF, AGP and other smaller parties to form an alliance? They are not confident at all of winning this election." He said the Congress is confident of coming to power for the fourth consecutive term and will form the government on its own.

general of police Yumnam Joykumar and the police superintendent.

It contended that Heroijit was merely talking to some reporters, and he should either depose before the court or file an affidavit if the court has to act on his confessional statement. The judge heard the counsel for the defendants and adjourned the hearing till February 20. Heroijit had earlier told reporters that he does not need armed protection, as offered by Home Minister Gaikhangam, since he was prepared to accept any punishment from the people and the court of law.

Valley on February 6

DimAPur, FebruAry 3 (mexn): The notion of "territorial integrity” is a majoritarian creation and a slogan used widely to perpetuate the oppression and marginalization of the Nagas and Tribals in Manipur, the ANSAM stated today adding that it will be organizing a rally at Imphal Valley on February 6 “to protest” August 3, 2015 Framework Agreement grounded on such notion.

In a press received issued through its President Seth Shatsang, the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) informed that organization

like AMUCO, UCM and CCSK does not include the 41% Tribals population of Manipur and therefore, “They cannot dictate the boundaries of an indigenous peoples with a distinct culture and history, different from theirs.

The Naga villages have its clear and distinct boundary which is recognized and marked in maps and administrative records, and indisputably chronicled,” ANSAM noted implying that “Nagas cannot claim and will not claim anything beyond what is rightly theirs and the settlement of the Indo-Naga issue seeks to address this very position.”

In this context, it questioned the majoritarian tactics of op-

posing all forms peace and settlement in the guise of "territorial integrity."

Accordingly, ANSAM stated that the rally among other things seek to answer - In what manner will peace for the Nagas encroach upon the intrinsic historical rights of the dominant communities; and what would be the responses to the issues of identity, ownership over land & resources and traditional customs & practices, opportunities and developments and representations of the Nagas and Tribals in Manipur.

The 3 anti-tribal bills that caused the death of 9 Tribals who are yet to receive dignified burials mean to them will also be a crux issue in the rally, it added.

Noting that every oppressed people have political aspirations to be able to live with dignity their identity, tradition and culture, ownership over land and resources respected, ANSAM said that, the settlement of the Naga issue will usher in peace not only for Nagas but also for all with whose futures are inseparably bound.

“The traditional boundaries will continue to exist and we will be live as neighbors, in mutual respect and harmonious cooperation,” it asserted.

As “struggling people,” ANSAM appealed the ‘majoritarian’ for promotion and support of each other’s genuine political aspirations and “make PEACE together for a better world.”

Governor should allow continuation TRANSFORMATION CRUSADE of state govt policies: Nabam Tuki Theme : “Arise and Shine”

iTAnAgAr, FebruAry 2 (PTi): Deposed Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Nabam Tuki today said development process initiated by the state government should not be stopped at any cost.

"Governor J P Rajkhowa should allow continuation of all the policies and programmes of the state government without any discrimination. If any development work will stop, people will revolt," Tuki told PTI over telephone from New Delhi.

Stating that he has "high regard for the constitutional post of the Governor", Tuki said he (governor) should work for the overall interest of the people without any discrimination and ensure that lives and properties of people are protected.

Taking a dig at the Governor, the former chief minister said that the present political turmoil in the state was "created by the Governor himself" and now he should be more careful that such situation does not occur again.

"He (Governor) wants

power to rule the state and the Centre has provided him with it by imposing President's Rule. He should now rule the state smoothly without affecting the developmental process. Public peace and security should be maintained with priority," Tuki said.

Reacting to the demands of the rebel Congress MLAs for his removal from the leadership of the CLP, Tuki said that no Tom, Dick and Harry could do that when the matter is sub judice and the cases are taken up on day to day basis in the Supreme Court. "The constitution bench of the apex court is hearing the cases and till a

final verdict is pronounced, nothing is possible," he confidently said.

Spokesperson of the rebel Congress group Passang Dorjee Sona told PTI in New Delhi yesterday that the 21 dissident MLAs have demanded removal of Tuki as the CLP leader so that the party could continue to have a government.

"We are Congress MLAs. We want a Congress government not a BJP government.

We have nothing against our high command. If Tuki is removed from the leadership, everything will be resolved and a Congress government will be installed in the state," Sona had said.

PHEK

Date : 4th – 7th Feb 2016 Venue : Phek Town Local Ground Organised by : Phek Town Churches Pastor Fellowship : Gospel Service 5 Pm : Gospel Service 10 Am & 4 Pm (1 Pm session) : Gospel Service 10 Am & 4 Pm (1 Pm session) : Gospel Service 10 Am & 4 Pm : (1) Rev. Zotuo Kiewhuo (2) Lect. Mezhiisevi Zutso (3) Pastor Rokopra Mekro (4) Pastor Velavoyi Keyho

Time

: Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Anointed Speakers

“Come with faith and receive the Blessings of Deliverance, Healing & Confirmation Message” KOHIMA

Date Time Venue Organised by

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND

DIRECTORATE OF INDUSTRIES & COMMERCE ADVERTISEMENT

IN ThE COURT OF 1ST CLASS MAGISTRATE JALUkIE: NAGALAND

AFFIDAVIT Regd. No. 549 I, Opanglemla w/o Arenjenba a resident of Jalukie town PO & PS Jalukie, Peren Dist. Nagaland hereby declared that: 1. I am the deponent of this affidavit.

2. That the name Opanglemla and Opangla is of same person.

3. I hereby declared that my correct name is Opanglemla and shall be used for all official purposes in the future.

LAND FOR URGENT SALE BETWEEN NEW- SHOWBA AND VIHOKHU VILLAGE: Land measuring about 14 Puras (56 Bighas) consisting of developed fishery pond, Terrance field and fertile Jhum Land connected with very good road for all seasons.

Excellent location for setting up of School /College, Farming, Park or any Institutions etc. For Urgent sale @ Rs. 65/sq.ft. (Negotiable).

Open to any Naga individual /NGOs/Government(s) -/ Firms.

Price Negotiable- First Come First Interested person may contact at: 9436072326/9862255687

MISSING

Dated Kohima the th Feb.2016

NO.IND/DEV/DONER-CBTA/64/2016: Applications in plain paper are hereby invited from Indigenous candidates of Nagaland (female only) for undergoing 6(six) months Residential (with Hostel facilities) Training Programme on “Hair, Skin & Beauty Care at Dimapur specifically as per terms & condition of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DONER). The Training Programme is fully sponsored by Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DONER), Govt. of India, New Delhi and implemented by the Directorate of Industries & Commerce, Nagaland. Kohima.

Interested Candidates those who have not undergone any skill development course/programme funded by Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DONER) or any Ministry/Department of Government of India and by State Government may apply in their respective District Industries Centres. The training will commence from 1st March 2016 to 31st August 2016.

Duration of the Course Place of Training Intake Capacity Minimum Qualification Date of Interview Place of Interview

Deponent

1st Class Magistrate

ADMISSION OPEN BOyS HOSTEL (Kohima Town) (A hostel not just for academic but also for the spiritual growth of the students) For Class 8-12 Seat Limited .

Contact: 8014691345 9856768044

: 24th Feb. – 6th March 2016 : Every Evening 4 : 30 Pm : Kohima Local Ground : Transformation team.

Dimapur Kohima Mokokchung Mon Tuensang Wokha Total

: 6 (six) months : Dimapur : 40 Nos. : Class-X (appeared) : 11th February 2016 at the respective District Industries Centre : At all the respective District Industries Centre

DISTRICT-WISE TARGET 6 nos 5 nos 5 nos 3 nos 3 nos 3 nos 40 Nos

Zunheboto Phek Kiphire Peren Longleng

3 nos 3 nos 3 nos 3 nos 3 nos

Application to be submitted to the office of the General Manager, District Industries Centre in all the respective districts on or before 9th February 2016, after which no application will be entertained. No separate calling letters will be issued.

Sd/(I. Bendangliba), Director of Industries & Commerce

A LECTURE BY REV. CHINGMAK CHANG ON ‘A PEOPLE’S APPROACH TO DEVELOPMENT’

ASI Esao Sangtam of Pungro P.S under Kiphire District has been missing from Pungro w.e.f 19th Sept. 2015 and remains untraceable till date. The general public is requested to kindly report on receipt or getting hold of any information of his whereabouts whether dead or alive through the Contact Nos provided belowOC PS Pungro : 8730934749 SDPO Kiphire : 9676376923 Addl SP Kiphire : 9436072127 SP Kiphire : 9612713771

Date Time Venue

: Wednesday, February 3, 2016 : 3:00pm : Elim Conference Hall, DABA, Duncan Bosti, Dimapur An initiative of

The Morung for Indigenous Affairs & JustPeace, and The Morung Express

WednesdAY 03•02•2016

Business

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Food imports rise as Modi struggles to revive rural India

A farmer removes weeds from his wheat field in Upleta town in Gujarat on January 29.

(REUTERS Photo)

Modi sat through presentations and asked the ministers to ensure steady supplies and stable prices, urging them to find solutions, the source said. Modi did not suggest any immediate interventions of his own. The long term impact on commodity markets could be significant.

Last month, India made its first purchases of corn in 16 years. It has also

been increasing purchases of other products, such as lentils and oilmeals, as production falls short.

Wheat and sugar stocks, while sufficient in warehouses now, are depleting fast, leading some traders to predict the need for imports next year.

“There’s a complete collapse of Indian agriculture, and that’s because of the callous neglect by the gov-

ernment,” said Devinder Sharma, an independent food and trade policy analyst. “Given the state of agriculture, I’m not surprised to see India emerging as an importer of a number of food items. Maize is just the beginning.”

GROWING DISTRESS Agriculture contributes nearly 13 percent to India’s $2 trillion economy and

employs about two-thirds of its 1.25 billion people.

Government sources said that boosting irrigation, raising crop yields and encouraging farmers to avail of a new crop insurance scheme unveiled in January will help address growing distress in the countryside caused by poor harvests. Modi has already loosened controls on some imports.

But one of his biggest dilemmas is that although imports can help cool prices - a key concern for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s core middle-class voter base - farmers see them as benefiting foreign producers at the cost of locals.

In a recent interview with television channel ET Now, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the government was aware of the impact two bad monsoons have had. “That now tells me, please spend more on irrigation,” he said.

The farm sector needs to grow at about 3 percent to help Jaitley achieve his target of 7 to 7.5 percent economic growth in the 2015/16 fiscal year.

In the first half of this fiscal year, agricultural growth

Maruti Vitara Brezza to be unveiled today made-to-order.

The Vitara’s all-black cabin also gets several neat bits inclusive of a multi-function steering wheel, auto climate control, SmartPlay infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and inbuilt navigation; rain sensing wipers, electrically foldable ORVMs with integrated turn indicators, push button start, cruise control, reverse parking c a m era, 60:40 split

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LEISURE

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DRIVER & WAITER Add: - 4th Mile (CBZZ Building), Diphupar, Dimapur Contact No. : 8730852766

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rear seats, among other bits. The dashboard with gloss applique inserts and piano black centre console add a premium touch to the cabin.

Under the hood, the Maruti Vitara Brezza will pack only a diesel engine at the time of launch with the 1.3-litre DDiS motor serving the purpose. Interestingly, the motor is tuned to the higher state of tuned and generates 90PS and 200 Nm. A petrol engine is readily available for export markets, whereas an India launch can be expected later in the timeline.

The Maruti Vitara Brezza will be offered in 6 variants including LDi, LDi (O), VDi, VDi (O), ZDi and ZDi+. The optional variants add safety features including dual front airbags, ABS and EBD making it standard across all trims.

The Indian automaker plans to commence sales in the following weeks and prices are expected to be revealed closer to the launch.

EMERALD HOSTEL

O

NEW DELHI, FEbruary 2 (agENcIEs): Maruti Suzuki will be blowing in a fresh breeze as the new Vitara Brezza subcompact SUV is scheduled to be unveiled on February 3 morning at the 13th Auto Expo. Developed comprehensively by the Indian team with little help from partner Suzuki, the Brezza will be the latest addition to the automaker’s regular dealerships and is based on a new platform.

The Maruti Vitara Brezza has been revealed in leaked images and gets a boxy profile. The front fascia gets a wide H-shaped chrome grille, silver finished faux skid plates while the bumpers, wheel arches and belt line get black cladding for a rugged appeal. The topvariants are equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 216 section tyres, while the lower trims run on 15inch steel rims. The SUV will also get dual tone paint job as optional, which will be initially

fell to 2 percent from 2.4 percent a year earlier.

NEW york, FEbruary 2 (IaNs): Facebook-owned mobile messaging service WhatsApp has reached the WHO ARE milestone of one-billion users, with 42 billion messages THE WINNERS? being exchanged daily, its CEO Mark Zuckerberg anIndia’s entry into the nounced on Tuesday. market as a net importer “One billion people now use WhatsApp. There are is good news for suppliers only a few services that connect more than a billion like Brazil, Argentina, the people. This milestone is an important step towards United States and Canada, connecting the entire world,” he posted on Facebook. which are suffering from a At WhatsApp, 1.6 billion photos and 250 million vidglobal commodity glut. eos are being shared daily in 53 languages. “WhatsApp’s India’s move to im- community has more than doubled since joining Faceport corn, for example, book. We’ve added the ability for you to call loved ones has supported global pric- far away. We’ve dropped the subscription fee and made es. Corn values rose 2.6 WhatsApp completely free,” the 31-year-old Facebook percent after India said founder added. on Jan. 13 that it would “Next, we’re going to work to connect more people launch a second tender for around the world and make it easier to communicate 200,000 tonnes, its second with businesses.” Founded by Ukrainian immigrants to since announcing plans to America Jan Koum and Brian Acton in 2009, WhatsApp buy half a million tonnes. was acquired by social media giant Facebook for $19 Traders say India may billion in 2014.

WhatsApp waived its annual subscription fee beneed to import another 1.5-2.0 million tonnes. The cause it has not worked well. “For many years, we have next big import item on asked some people to pay a fee for using WhatsApp after the list could be oilmeals, their first year. As we have grown, we have found that this an animal feed, which In- approach hasn’t worked well,” WhatsApp had said in a dia used to export in large blog post recently. Despite not being able to charge its hundreds of millions of users the annual fee, WhatsApp quantities until last year.

“Very soon we’ll be said it would not subject its users to advertisements. left with no choice but to import oilmeals, largely because our oilseed production has failed to keep pace with our demand for both vegetable oils and oilmeals,” said B.V. Mehta, ADMISSION OPEN head of trade body Solvent Near Mission Higher Secondary School, Dimapur Extractors’ Association.

E

NEW DELHI, FEbruary 2 (rEutErs): Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a late night meeting with food and farm officials last week to address falling agricultural output and rising prices, and traders warn the country will soon be a net buyer of some key commodities for the first time in years.

Back-to-back droughts, the lack of longterm investment in agriculture and increasing demands from a growing population are undermining the country’s bid to be self-sufficient in food.

That is creating opportunities for foreign suppliers in generally weak commodity markets, but is a headache for Modi, who needs the farm sector to pick up in order to spur economic growth and keep his political ambitions on track.

“The top brass is dead serious about the farm sector that is so crucial to our overall economic growth and well-being,” said a source who was present at the recent gathering of Modi, his agriculture and food ministers and other officials.

Now, 1 billion people use FB-owned WhatsApp

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4

Health ‘N’ Refreshment in all seasons!!!

“The beginningof of learning” “The Beginning Learning”

5 Mile, Model Village, Dimapur For order or information th

Admission Going On for Play Group and Nursery (2016)

Contact: 9612836651

DAILY CROSS WORD

CROSSWORD # 3491

Answer Number # 3478

Contact: 9862062846

DIMAPUR Civil Hospital:

STD CODE: 03862

Metro Hospital: Faith Hospital:

227930, 231081 228846

Shamrock Hospital

228254

Zion Hospital:

231864, 224117, 227337

Police Control Room

228400

Police Traffic Control

232106

East Police Station West Police Station

227607 232181

CIHSR (Referral Hospital)

242555/ 242533

Dimapur hospital

224041, 248011

Apollo Hospital Info Centre:

230695/ 9402435652

Railway:

131/228404

Indian Airlines

229366

Nagaland Multispe- 248302, cialty Health & 09856006026 Research Centre

KOHIMA

O

TAROT ChARACTeRS FOOL MAGICIAN HIGHPRIESTESS HIEROPHANT JUSTICE STRENGTH STAR MOON SUN WORLD HERMIT CHARIOT HANGEDMAN TOWER EMPEROR EMPRESS THEDEVIL THELOVERS WHEELOFFORTUNE DEATH TEMPERANCE JUDGMENT WANDS SWORDS CUPS PENTACLES RODS BOWLS COINS STAVES

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Y O N O V N D Y K F Y L I I E R A Z X N

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R G D G P L P D V F F U A J Z F B S J N

Z V Z M L I V E D E H T U Z S E V A T S

S

S D O R Z J C U P S A S X Q P I I O T W

S G T F G E Q E P T N F P Q N C L I F O

E

E J N W D H D C R R G O Z N Z H H G U R

T L A H F G V N N E E O D B R A T S B D

S E H E C R U A W N D L R O W R Q K W S

A

E A P E K K J R A G M A G I C I A N I R

I A O L P F P E N T A C L E S O O R R E

R W R O N A X P D H N G H K J T Q X X V

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P U E F P R F M S L W O B G K A B Q I O

H R I F E H H E R M I T O W E R Z A M L

G V H O M R Z T W O A S A J U S T I C E

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I C I R P G L N N O J D D I O O U Y Y H

H O H T E V U S U N A B J U D G M E N T

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

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I I C U R X O E L S P I I D J Q A E Y A

K N R N O T Y V P A I V Y J N K P Q U E

T S S E R P M E O A G P J K W N H I Y D

K W O F P B G X O B O E J L J G A S X F

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

ACROSS

1. Hairdo 5. Intoxicating 10. Possess 14. Decree 15. Put out 16. Region 17. Aquatic plant 18. Starters 20. Anagram of “Irately” 22. Bloodline 23. African antelope 24. Donkeys 25. Frank 32. Vibes 33. Akin 34. Historic period 37. Nile bird 38. Come together 39. Beer 40. Directed 41. Go by car 42. More prudent 43. Unceasingly 45. Tiny 49. Central 50. Ointment ingredient 53. A native member of a state 57. Enteric

DOWN

1. A long way off 2. Dossier 3. Indian music 4. Earaches 5. Gap 6. Catch a glimpse of 7. Venomous snake 8. Affaire d’honneur 9. Abominable Snowman 10. Fogs 11. Territories 12. Margin 13. Relieves 19. Absurd 21. Hotels 25. Bucket 26. Lubricate 27. Desiccated 28. Terror 29. Drink garnish 30. Toys with tails 31. Barely manage

34. At one time (archaic) 35. Bobbin 36. Askew 38. A large vase 39. Fasteners 41. Certain aromatic herbs 42. Pause 44. Grinned 45. Morally reprehensible 46. Craze 47. Jittery 48. Loamy deposit 51. Bit of gossip 52. 3 times 3 53. Concern 54. Area 55. French for “State” 56. Catches 58. Cashew or almond Ans to CrossWord 3490

WE4WOMEN HELPLINE 08822911011

Police Station 1:

DIMAPUR: 03862-232201/ 101 (O) 9856156876 (OC) CHUMUKEDIMA: 7085982102 (O) 8732810051 (OC)

MOKOKCHUNG: 0369-2226225/ 101 (O) 8415830232 (OC) PHEK: 8414853765 (O) 8413822476(OC) ZUNHEBOTO: 03867-280304/ 101 (O) 9436422730 (OC) TUENSANG: 8414853766 (O) 9856163601 (OC)

KIPHIRE: 8414853767 (O) 9436261577 (OC) PEREN: 7085189932 (O) 9856311205 (OC) LONGLENG: 7085924113 (O) 9862414264 (OC)

Toll free No. 1098 childline

MOKOKCHUNG:

KOHIMA NORTH: 7085924114 (O)

MON: 03869-251222/ 101 (O) 9862130954 (OC)

CHILD WELFARE COMMITTEE 59. Memo 60. A young lady 61. Habituate 62. Annoying insect 63. Cheers 64. Doled out 65. Collections

0370-2222952/ 101 (O) 9402003086 (OC)

WOKHA: 03860242215/101 (O) 8974322879 (OC)

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

W

FIRE STATIONS

232224; EmergencySCHOOL PROSPECTUS KOHIMA SOUTH: 229529, 229474

STD CODE: 0369

2226241

Police Station 2 :

2226214

Civil Hospital: Woodland Nursing Home:

2226216 2226263

Hotel Metsüpen (Tourist Lodge):

2226373/2229343

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

CURRENCY NOTES

222246 222491

BUY(Rs)

SELL(Rs)

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

66.23 94.33 8.24 46.72 46.41 47.2 54.32

69.21 98.90 9.17 49.00 48.68 49.52 57.38

Euro

71.75

75.22

Thai Baht Korean Won New Zealand Dollar Chinese Yuan

1.80

2.00

0.0532

0.0593

42.81

44.92

9.71

10.81

WednesdAY 03•02•2016

NAGALAND

Metu: Rural solar lighting and Rape of minor with disability condemned conservation project succeeds Our Correspondent Kohima | February 2

A novel project “Metu,” rural lighting and environment conservation through energy efficient solutions, introduced in 2014 in Nagaland, has been received well by many. Metu means “light” in Chakhesang.

Marking the success of the project, Entrepreneurs Associates (EA) organized a grand function here today at Hotel Vivor with Parliamentary Secretary for Labour & Employment and Border Affairs Mmhonlumo Kikon as the chief guest.

EA launched the Metu (Jyoti) programme in December 2014 supported

by Axis Bank Foundation (ABF), Mumbai. The project is being conducted on a pilot basis in six villages for 500 households in Phek district, where EA has its livelihood interventions, with a bigger vision of covering the entire state and neighboring sister states to switch to energy efficient fuel and solar lighting.

Conservation of the exotic forests in Nagaland being a key takeaway of the

Kohima, February 2 (mexN): Various organizations today severely condemned the rape of a minor girl with disability in Kohima on January 30.

The State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Dr. Atha Vizol in a press release stated that in the midst of the government working on policies for the protection and promotion of the rights of persons with disability and trying to implement the various schemes for the welfare of persons with disParliamentary Secretary Mmhonlumo Kikon with others during the programme held to abilities, a police personnel has terribly failed to carry mark success of Metu project in Kohima on February 2. (Morung Photo) out his responsibility, which programme, the project is ing Stove’ to reduce felling region. is to give special protection Also attending the funcproviding better economic of trees for firewood. opportunities to marginalMmhonlumo Kikon tion as the guest of honour, ized rural tribal farmers by appreciated the initiative Sentiyanger Imchen, Comreducing daily household of the project to create envi- missioner for Justice, Law & expenditure spent on can- ronment awareness to the Parliamentary Affairs lauddles while increasing pro- rural people and conduct- ed EA for playing important ductive time of farmers to fo- ing awareness campaigns role in promoting entreprecus on profitable livelihood in schools to reduce cutting neurship among the youth Kohima, February of trees for firewood and and rural people leading to 2 (mexN): The Directorand income generation.

This venture is the encouraged them to plant self-employment and in- ate of School Education has come generation. first model in the country more trees. informed that tentative seK. Anil Kumar, Execu- niority list of regular graduaimed at conserving the He also said the govexotic forests of Nagaland. ernment will look into the tive Trustee & Chief Ex- ate Hindi teachers who EA coordinator (CEO) matter in all possible ways ecutive Officer, Axis Bank have submitted the relevant Neichute Doulo said the and jointly work together Foundation, Mumbai and documents till 30.11.2015 is project is an innovative for the common cause of C. Babu Joseph, former Ex- prepared and dispatched to venture to provide afford- humanity by planting trees ecutive Trustee & Chief Ex- all DEOs/SDEOs for claims able rural lighting through and conduct more aware- ecutive Officer, Axis Bank and objection. All the conthe usage of solar lamps ness campaigns. He also Foundation, Mumbai also cerned regular graduate rather than candle lighting suggested replicating the attended the function as Hindi teachers must submit and usage of ‘Smart Cook- idea to other parts of the special guests. their claims and objection, if

to special persons. Dr. Vizol urged for strongest punishment to the accused and said “it is the duty of every citizen to protect the rights of the differently abled persons to have a good normal life with society.”

The Nagaland State Disability Forum (NDSF) meanwhile stated: “Even as we struggle to be heard as we fight for our rights, we are truly appalled to hear that such a heinous crime has been committed by someone who is charged with the responsibility of protecting the vulnerable sections of society.” The forum called for speedy in-

Tentative seniority list of graduate Hindi teachers

eas. The success of project can only be summed up by the improved, sustainability and maintenance of the standard of living of the people, she added.

She urged the gathering to join hands together and endeavor to ensure that Dimapur district will be a success story for the MGNREGA. Tokheli Kikon, Chairperson, Naharbari Village Council, who is the first and only woman heading a village council in Nagaland, hoped that MGNREGA would be continued even in the years to come.

She thanked the officers in the district for rendering their utmost service in guiding the villagers for proper implementation of the schemes in villages.

Meanwhile, Tohoshe Awomi, President, Nagaland VDB Association lauded the central government’s decision to continue the MGNREGA that has transformed the lives of the villagers. He also highlighted the activities of the association that has given maximum exposure to the VDB functionaries in the State.

The function was chaired by Moakaba, Programme Officer, MGNREGA, while Imkong, APC, MGNREGA proposed the vote of thanks.

Book Review Manjeet Baruah

Literary Cultures of India’s Northeast: Naga Writings in English by K.B. Veio Pou Publisher: Heritage Publishing House Pages: 213, Price: Rs. 300/-

K

.B. Veio Pou’s book Literary Cultures of India’s Northeast: Naga Writings in English is an important contribution to the study of literature and culture of Northeast India. It is important because it is an extensive study of Naga literatures, especially since the twentieth century. It is also important because it provides a nuanced view of literatures in English that have emerged from the region during the period. Divided into five chapters, the book covers themes which are as historical and political as they are literary and cultural. Therefore, it makes the study not only one on literature, but also a socio-cultural history of the Nagas, possibly one of the few in this field.

Issues such as modernisation, religion and orality; political experiences and shaping of ideological apparatuses; genres of texts; memory and social experience; and notions or practices of political geography, these issues have figured in different ways in some

of Veterinary & Animal Husbandry has informed all the livestock and poultry farmers in the State to approach nearest district hospitals, dispensaries, health centres and veterinary farms to get their

mals diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Block Quarter (BQ), Haemorrhegic Sepliceamic (HS), Entrotexaemia (Etx), Classical Swine Fever (CSF), Canine Rabies and poultry diseases like

formed that vaccines are available, procured under the centrally sponsored schemes- Assistance to State for Control of Animal Diseases (ASCAD).

Veterinary & Animal

ther directed all the concerned officer in-charge of the veterinary health centres and farms to keep vaccines ready for convenience of the livestock and poultry farmers in the State.

CL John inagurates GHS building in Chen Town moN, February 2 (Dipr): Minister for Rural Development & REPA, CL John inaugurated the newly constructed Government High School building in Chen Town on February 1.

In his speech, the minister stated education is not found in the cities and

towns alone; one can gain wisdom and knowledge from own areas. He called upon the people to be educated till atleast class X from their own villages as there are many government schools in the villages, while pointing out the poor enrollment of the students in

the schools. He also urged the teachers to be sincere in their duties and sacrifice for the future generation.

He maintained that our future depends on the teachers and quality teachers will lead to a civilized society with quality people.

John further exhorted

the people to take proper care of the government properties.

The programme was chaired by AHM GHS Chen, Alemnungsang, special song was presented by CTB Youth and vote of thanks was given by SDO Civil Chen, Khuvenyie Vadeo.

Training on library management underway in Kohima Kohima, February 2 (mexN): Administrative Training Institute (ATI), Kohima, is conducting three-day training on library management for librarians and library assistants from February 2 to 4.

According to a press release received here, the objective of the training is to impart knowledge on the latest trends in Library and Information Services with special reference to collection development in Digital Era. During the three days

in Library, Collection Development, IPR, The Invisible Web, Online Journals & Open Access Journals etc.

The participants in the training are librarians and library assistants from government and private colleges, departments, and High Court within the State.

The resource person for the training, which is being coordinated by Dr. Alem W. Participants of the training on library management with Longchar from ATI, is Dr. resource person.

Manoj Rana, Assistant Litraining, various follow- – Management of One brarian, North Eastern Hill ing topics will be covered Man Library, Innovation University, Shillong.

People and Articulations in Naga Literatures

of the other works on the Nagas too. Then what makes the present book distinct? A reading of Literary Cultures of India’s Northeast highlights a difference which entering such issues through the vantage point of literature can make. For example, the book shows how literary works construct characters.

The characters are drawn from the social world, and their experiences and perspectives, as provided with, are important in the making of the narratives. The characters may be of the urban world, or they may be rural. They may be male or female, and could be of different ages. They could speak or imagine in different forms, whether in oral genres or in the written ones. They could be part of events which occur in different locations such as market places, domestic confines, roads, camps, churches, graveyards and many more.

In other words, what is shown in the book is how literature allow us to see the people, the common people, and acquire a sense of how they view their own locations in history and politics. Therefore, what we see is how people being historical and political beings is also closely connected to they being human beings. And it is this relation which the characters and the narratives illustrate.

Perhaps, it is this visibility of the

common people and their lived worlds which often remain in the shadows of discourses. Therefore, Veio Pou’s book is importantly positioned, wherein the common people become humanly tangible, and it is the tangibility of human life which gives concreteness to discourses or their understanding in research work.

However, one may argue that literatures being fictional narratives, are the characters too only imagined realities? Perhaps not.

One can support Veio Pou’s contention through other illustrations as well. For example, when one goes through the tour diaries, reports and brief life narratives of the 1950s from the erstwhile Tuensang Frontier Division, one gets to see how agrarian and guerrilla existences, landscape, objects, building roads, rituals and customs, and firearms were inextricably connected in the lives of the people. There were instances when land was exchanged for rifles and problems that could arise thereof. There were instances when disputes over ownership of agrarian resources were connected to the vicissitudes between agrarian and guerrilla existences. From growing rice to finding wireless sets in the rice fields were part of people’s experiences. There were

instances when the focus was not Zapu Phizo per se, but his Tommy gun, and how it changed hands through several people until one day it was found in a field in the village outskirts.

To borrow an insight from Veio Pou’s book, perhaps one can say that what these archival narratives highlighted was the world of those Nagas who were common but tangible people. They were concrete in the materiality and thoughts of their lives. And as his book shows, people in this sense of reality abound as different characters in Naga literatures too. The people who figured in the archival texts were engaged in living their socio-economic lives and also had their political convictions for the Naga movement. After all, they entered the archival narratives because the state encountered them, at times accidentally, while looking for camps and leaders, and did not appreciate their political convictions. Similarly, many important Naga literary works bring out the inextricable totality of the human and political existence, or the historicity of life that comprises both the everyday and the political of the landscape.

Thus, characters from the archives and literatures appear to express a common point. Veio

by the government.

The Rengma Public Organisation (RPO), Kohima condemned the crime and urged the law enforcement agency/ authority concerned not to show any leniency, but take befitting and exemplary punishment against the accused.

The staff and students of Tabitha Enabling Academy said that the authority should not compromise on the issue but award befitting and exemplary punishment to the accused. “This will help give the confidence to those who cannot stand up to speak for themselves and defend their rights.”

Ao apex organizations appeal moKoKchuNg, February 2 (mexN): The joint forum of Ao Senden, Watsü Mungdang, and Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) has appealed to the Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung that the case of adulteration and black-marketing of rice brands in Mokokchung Town be processed and solved at the earliest without any prejudice and the people involved in the case be brought to justice as per the laws. A letter addressed to the DC appended by Imolemba Jamir, President, Ao Senden, Moachila, President, Watsü Mungdang, and Jemtimenba Longchar, President, AKM further lauded the breakthrough in the case on January 31, 2016.

any, with relevant supporting documents on or before February 29, failing which, the seniority list shall be treated as final. Thereafter, no claims or objections will be entertained, a release received here stated. The director has the discretion to alter the seniority list of regular graduate Hindi teachers DRFCB meeting today as per the document proofs Dimapur, February 2 (mexN): The Dhansiri in case of any mistake or typ- River Flood Control Board (DRFCB) has convened an ing error, the release added. emergency meeting on February 3, 11:00 am at its office at Marketing Complex, Purana Bazaar, East Dimapur. Therefore, DRFCB chairman Hokheto Kiba has requested all the office bearers and executive members to attend the meeting without fail.

Ten years of MGNREGA Livestock farmers asked to get animals vaccinated February animals vaccinated for pre- Remikhet and Fowl Pox etc. Husbandry director Dr. R. celebrated in Dimapur Kohima, The department in- Thungchamo Ezung fur2 (mexN): The Directorate vention of poultry and aniDimapur, February 2 (mexN): District Rural Development Agency (DRDA), Dimapur observed the 10th MGNREGA Day (MGNREGA Divas) in its conference hall on February 2.

The function was attended by departmental officials, VDB association representatives, VBD secretaries, and village council functionaries of the villages of six rural development blocks under DRDA Dimapur.

In her keynote address, Alemla Chishi, Project Director cum DPC (MGNREGA), DRDA Dimapur said MGNREGA was passed with a vision and a need to provide and promote a secure, safe and improved standard of living to the vulnerable people living in rural India. “We all are part of this program and we have a duty to carry out the instructions of this mandate for the development and betterment of our society,” she told the attendees.

Stressing on the transparency and accountability of the schemes, Alemla said transparency and accountability are not limited to just financial status, but cover one’s individual performance in implementing works in respective ar-

vestigation and demanded that the accused be not given bail. It further asked the concerned authorities that the victim is given necessary and proper counselling and that she and her family are given due protection from harassment and pressure. All necessary assistance as per the law must be extended by the concerned government agencies, the forum said.

The Nagaland Parents’ Association for Disabled (NAPAD) meanwhile appealed that the accused be not given bail and that the victim be compensated and rehabilitated properly

Pou’s book has numerous discussions on how culture, politics and history are contained in the very materiality of people’s existence and thoughts. We get to hear them, see them, and find how the vividness of their past and present can come alive if only we make that little effort.

Naga literature abounds representing and manifesting such reality. Genres, languages, or styles in literature are also part of such conditions of reality. The nature or choice of genres and styles cannot be isolated from how they articulate such reality, and also seek to shape the making of reality. As the book shows, folk and written, human and political, state and organisations, body and gender, peoples and nation, these dimensions converge in Naga literary narratives, transforming literature into rich and complex narratives of a national life.

Veio Pou’s book, through exploration of these dimensions, is not only a work of literary studies but also one of socio-cultural history. And it stands as an important contribution towards a nuanced understanding of people, landscape and articulations from this part of the world.

Manjeet Baruah teaches in North East India Studies Programme, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi

ENSUK informs Kohima, February 2 (mexN): The Eastern Naga Students’ Union Kohima (ENSUK) has informed all the parents/ guardians of students studying in DBGI, Dehradun under the initiative of ENSUK that there will be a conference on February 6, 11:00 am at DUDA Guest House, IG Stadium Road, Kohima. All the parents/ guardians of the students have been requested to attend the meeting without fail. For further detail, contact: 9436001694/ 9856872213.

Mangkolemba SDPDB meeting maNgKolemba, February 2 (Dipr): Mangkolemba Sub Divisional Planning and Developmental Board (SDPDB) meeting has been scheduled for February 5, 11:00 am at ADC’s office. In an official notification, ADC, Mangkolemba, Imtiwapang Aier has reminded all the Board members regarding visit of villages by the SDPDB members to get first hand information on the activities of all the departments under Mangkolemba sub-division. The Board members will be visiting Alongkima circle this month. The Additional Deputy Commissioner further informed all the members to compulsorily attend the meeting without fail.

NWA to conduct clinic camp Kohima, February 2 (mexN): In view of the forthcoming Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) 25th tournament anniversary scheduled to be held at Kohima local ground from March 10 to 11, a “Clinic Camp” for the tournament referees and panel of judges will be held on February 5 at Indira Gandhi Stadium 10:00 am onwards.

According to the NWA Technical Secretary, Hukhoneyi Soho, the camp will impart the latest NWA framed rules.

Therefore, one referee and two judges from each NWA constituent unit (Angami, Chakhesang, and Zeliang) have been asked to attend the same positively. For further details, one may call: 8730084341.

Union Minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy to visit Nagaland on Feb 4 Dimapur, February 2 (Dipr): Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship & Parliamentary Affairs, Government of India, Rajiv Pratap Rudy will visit the State on February 4 to lay the foundation stone at the Government ITI (Women) Apparel Sector Campus, Khushiabil, Dimapur at 11:20 am. Chief Minister TR Zeliang will be the guest of honour. The formal programme will be held at Patkai Christian College at 12:00 noon, which will be chaired by Commissioner & Secretary, Labour and Employment, Mhonbemo Patton. A video presentation on ‘Skilling the Youths of Nagaland’ will be made by the Department of Employment & Craftsmen Training, Nagaland.

Haiku for Amotsu Nyamo Loving Grandchildren

A tweed golf cap, With a walking cane in hand, Nehru jacket, warm smile.

Blue Ambassador, Parked in the sunswept compound, Before he set out.

Oft singing folk Pem Phiya Vana, telling stories of British days.

His old record player, Playing western songs, Rafi,Hemant Kumar.

As years fleetingly pass, Greatly loved then & now, Rich earth as he lies.

Leaving essentials of unconditional love, courage, life lessons.

In memory of our beloved grandfather, the Late Nyamo Lotha on his 25th Death Anniversary

6

WednesdAY 03•02•2016

IN FOCUS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

The Power of Truth

The Morung Express volume Xi issue 31

By Dr. Asangba Tzüdir

Vulnerability & Uncertainty in a Risk Society

L

ife has always been at risk. In contemporary times it is getting more risky often not even knowing the coming risks until one is confronted by it. Take the case of global warming.

It has been the prime suspect over the years. Any impending war between nations gives rise to fear and risks of a possible World War III. A catastrophe associated with nuclear fission is always a clear and present risk for humans. Terrorism has also taken varied forms. Often one wonders the end objective of cowardly acts of terrorism. The emergence of IS militants has created fear and a risk psychosis among the human communities worldwide.

Thereby one’s life is further subjected to the vulnerability of a life that can be simply killed. Global Health concerns is another. The recent World Health Organization (WHO) report on Zika that it could reach four million cases whereby twenty three countries have already reported of this virus is indeed alarming. It is not only a cause of concern but a great risk for the global community. We have been witness to change in climatic conditions that has greatly affected the seasonal cycle leaving large sections of communities badly affected. Greater risk associated is that such changes can always trigger a natural calamity putting the lives of both humans and animals at great risk. Times are uncertain and the only thing certain is its uncertainty making our lives more vulnerable to the impending dangers.

Thus, looking at the kind of risks today, it has considerably altered and has expanded in terms of its scale and scope notwithstanding the mystifying element of uncertainties associated with it thereby making it more alarming and a cause of concern. More so, it has the potential to produce far-reaching effects. On another level, the interconnectedness of the world today can get one affected even by smaller local events. This interconnectedness further connected by the World Wide Web has also not helped the cause thereby replicating worldwide events at a local level, which were never heard or had hardly happened before. We enacted our very own lynching event in our backyard that made headlines across the world and thereby mapped ourselves in the global radar of violence and causal risk when the world everywhere is a witness to continuing violence.

One can most assuredly say that in the modern condition, humans have become the agents and perpetrators of risk - as agents that manufacture risks, fear and uncertainties. Looking at the technological advancements, it has brought about untold comforts but on the other hand, it seems like such advancements do no longer create an impact on human progress, rather creates fear, and makes its associated risks paramount.

Added to the risks at hand, closer home, Nagas are currently threatened and antagonized by another form of risk - the ‘political risk’ and it’s never ending production of ‘knowledge’ through the ‘powers that be’ and thereby forced to become the ‘truth’. ‘Truth’ ultimately becomes manufactured. The present ‘oppositionless’ government is one. While there is rejoicing in the arena, its continuity has made the citizens vulnerable and politically risky, more so a tragedy where politics itself curtails the ‘politically qualified life’ of its citizens. Greater risk is the silence through our humble submission. ‘Framework agreement’ is another and in the guise of ‘Peace accord’, it has created much mistrust, risk and uncertainties among the people even as we anticipate the end political arrangement in a meek and timid manner. The contours seem to be slowly emerging; yet, silence once again becomes the necessary evil even when one’s life is at stake in its associated politics. Thus, a greater risk we face today comes from knowledge production whereby something becomes being labeled as a ‘fact’ which thereby becomes ‘knowledge’ irrespective of its ‘truth’ or ‘falsity’. Such process of knowledge production can only create further risks, fear, and uncertainties and even trigger violence.

Today, to a large extent we have manufactured our own vulnerability, uncertainty and thereby risk and in the ongoing production of risk and uncertainty, progress and development becomes sacrificed and human pursuits becomes reduced to goals that are no longer concerned about productive engagements or something that is directed to create positive results and sadly, human resources are forced to come together in trying to avoid bad things happening rather than progress. The focus seems to have shifted from the attainment of the ‘good’ and the ‘right’ to the prevention of the worst things happening.

In times as such, when humans itself becomes the agents of risks making our society a risk society; one should really ponder on the predicament that makes each one of us a human – a moral being.

(Dr. Asangba Tzüdir is an Editor with Heritage Publishing House. He contributes a weekly guest editorial to the Morung Express. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the position of the paper.

Comments can be mailed to asangtz@gmail.com)

lEfT wiNg |

IANS

Healthy lifestyle may trim heart risks in diabetics

J

ust two months of healthy living classes can significantly reduce the risk of common diabetes complications, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, limb amputation and microvascular complications, says a study.

At present, nearly 30 million people in the US suffer from diabetes and one in three from pre-diabetes. Community-based interventions provide social support and give specific instructions that help move patients into healthy habits, revealed the study. In some cases, it also enables patients to reduce medication. Sixteen two-hour classes were conducted, which were focussed on the basics of a healthy lifestyle to substantially reduce cardiovascular risks associated with Type 2 diabetes and soaring blood glucose levels during fasting, the researchers said. The participants were enrolled on a Complete Health Improvement Program (CHIP) - an affordable, lifestyle enrichment program designed to reduce disease risk factors through the adoption of better health habits and appropriate lifestyle modifications.

The primary focus of CHIP was consumption of whole foods, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and eight 10-ounce glasses of water daily. "This study supports the osteopathic philosophy of medicine, including that diet and exercise are the most effective prescriptions physicians can give patients struggling with lifestyle diseases like Type 2 diabetes," said Jay Shubrook, diabetologist at Touro University in California. "But lifestyle changes require more commitment than taking a pill, which is why programs like CHIP are so beneficial," he added.

Participants, after the CHIP classes, experienced significant reductions in total cholesterol levels (9.6 percent), fasting glucose (9 percent), body mass index (3.7 percent) and systolic blood pressure (5.7 percent), revealed the study published in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association.

CHIP also gives participants concrete instruction that takes a mind, body and spirit approach to healthy living. Programs like CHIP engage people to strive for and reach better health, while preparing participants with the structure they need to continue a healthy lifestyle in the future, explained Shubrook.

The retrospective study evaluated 2011-2014 data collected from 110 patients in six Ohio University CHIP groups from 11 Appalachian counties where the prevalence of diabetes is over seven percent higher than the national average.

C O M M E N T A R Y

Michaela Whitton New Internationalist

Swimming against the tide A Palestinian organization is working to prevent gender-based violence in the Occupied Territories

T

he Occupied Palestinian Territories have been in a state of permanent instability as a result of the protracted Israeli occupation for more than 60 years. One-dimensional media portrayals of Palestinians as either hero, victim or villain, insult and deny the reality for millions just trying to get on with life. That said, lives in the West Bank and Gaza have been characterised by violence for decades. While discussion of political violence flows freely throughout the public and media, entrenched social stigma around domestic and sexual violence means issues often remain behind closed doors.

Causes of the phenomenon of violence against Palestinian women are varied and complex. Poverty and occupation, combined with the customs and traditions of a patriarchal culture that controls society and marginalises females can be a toxic combination.

The view that women are of a lesser status and ability than men permeates society and deprives them of basic human rights. Laws and regulations linked to male-dominated culture facilitate the violation of women’s rights in the home, workplace and public space. With their access to decision making positions restricted, overthrowing existing structures and legislation is set to be a long and complex process.

Poverty and unemployment in the West Bank and Gaza contribute to the high rate of violence in general, but against women in particular. Add to this a desperate political situation, and you have a lethal cocktail of violence, generally perpetrated by men existing under the daily humiliation and oppression of military occupation.

A 2011 survey by the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics revealed that 37 per cent of Palestinian women were exposed to violence by their husbands. Saeda N. Al-Atrash, Director of the Mehwar Centre, one of three women’s shelters in the West Bank was adamant that numbers of abused women are impossible to measure.

‘Frankly speaking, you cannot have precise numbers of abused women,’ she said. ‘On average, we accept 40 women a year but, of course numbers of victims are much higher. We only shelter highlythreatened cases, but women don’t have to be beaten to be victims of violence. Many cases are psychological, their health is destroyed or women are neglected. Many things aren’t talked about because of stigma, particularly sexual violence and incest.’

Lifting the veil Lawyer Jalal Khader recently returned from Paris after receiving an award for his NGO’s work in lifting the veil on taboos within Palestinian society.

Established in 1998 to support victims of domestic and sexual violence, SAWA, meaning ‘together’ in Arabic, is now a leading Palestinian organization working to combat abuse against women and children. Swimming against the tide of conservative culture, Development Manager Khader enjoys finding solutions for problems that are taboo. He boasts of using technologies that private companies utilise to make money, to reach the poor, marginalized and victims of violence.

SAWA’s psycho-social mobile clinic targets isolated areas of the West Bank to tackle topics like sex education, sexual violence, drugs and child labour. Community lectures lift the lid on un-

O

n a treeless plain in eastern Ethiopia, thousands of destitute pastoralists have set up camp outside the tiny village of Fedeto.

Over the past six months the camp has swelled as one of the worst droughts in decades has decimated herds, dried up pasture and made even drinking water scarce. "We wandered for three months, losing every single animal apart from two donkeys," said Saido Ahmed Keyat, a 29-year-old mother of five, whose family had boasted 200 sheep and goats, 15 cattle, eight camels and seven donkeys. "All my children are malnourished. They need milk, they need many things." Ethiopia's failed rains, which meteorologists blame on the El Nino weather phenomenon, have created a drought in some areas of the country worse than the 1984 crisis. Back then, water shortages and conflict combined to cause a famine that killed an estimated one million people.

In the years since, Ethiopia has transformed under a government that promotes rapid economic development, although it is criticised for limiting many political freedoms. One of its signature schemes is a rural support programme designed to keep Ethiopians from starvation. The new drought is putting that model to the test.

More than 10 million people are now critically short of food, according to figures compiled by the government with its humanitarian partners.

That is putting a strain on the government as well as the budgets of international aid groups and donors. "The scale of the need is really huge and has outstripped the Ethiopian government's ability to do this on their own," Carolyn Wilson, chief executive of charity Save the Children told Reuters after touring some of the afflicted regions in the country's north and east.

In all, an estimated $1.4 billion is needed for food and other resources

mentionable subjects such as like paedophilia, incest, and prostitution. Face-to-face counselling for abuse victims is free-of-charge and SAWA pioneered Palestine’s first men-only programme to discuss gender-based violence.

The organization has created a common language with the Palestinian police after training them to work sensitively with family violence. Plainclothed officers are now provided by the Family Protection Unit (FPU) to listen and advise. Khader said they need more training but it’s a good start.

‘In Palestinian society, when you mention the police it means violence and law,’ he said. ‘So seeing officers working closely with women and children and trying to understand social context is very important.’

Often accused of adapting to Western culture, Khader is adamant this is not true.

‘I disagree – we are not Eastern or Western, but professional and scientific,’ he said. When hosting conferences on taboos like paedophilia, incest or prostitution, he is always apprehensive about public reaction but said people want more.

‘They say that we are the only ones teaching this stuff,’ he smiled.

Blaming the victim The jewel in SAWA’s crown is a free, three-digit national helpline for women and children. Accessible from Gaza, the West Bank and Israel; 60 per cent of callers are women and 72 per cent under 21.

Helpline adverts on the back of bus tickets carry the important messages: ‘You are not alone’ or ‘If someone hurts you – call 121.’

‘Last year, we answered the phone 1,200,000 times,’ Khader said.

Approximately 60 per cent of calls come from Gaza, a number that spiked to 75 per cent during Israel’s 2014 ‘Operation Protective Edge’ assault on the densely populated territory. Palestinians in Gaza have lived through three wars in six years, leaving Khader unsurprised by the amount of calls.

‘Where does it exist in the world that two million people cannot leave and if they do they can’t come back? It’s inhuman!’ he exclaimed.

Reasons for the helpline’s demand vary. Some have no one else to talk to, for others the pull factor is the promise of confidentiality. Despite a rise in violence against women in Palestine, women and girls often choose silence. Afraid of reactions by the community or family, they may blame themselves or in communities that often support the aggressor, they may be blamed.

‘It’s very common to blame the victim here,’

Khader sighed.

Barriers preventing people expressing themselves seem endless. Some pay a heavy price for speaking up, including those arrested by the Israeli authorities for Facebook posts. According to Khader, the helpline gives people space to express and think for themselves outside authoritarian structures.

‘Everything here is don’t do this, don’t do that,’ he said.

After completing a rigorous 110-hour training program, SAWA volunteers often undergo a deep personal transformation.

‘Some even change their way of dressing. Family and friends don’t recognise them,’ Khader laughed.

However, not everyone is comfortable with the new narratives and some don’t continue.

‘We work on challenging false perceptions and for some it is not easy. You have to teach them to accept others the way they are, it’s how you make changes. If we avoid problems, how can we change?’ he added.

‘The most important thing is that we don’t give solutions to people. We must empower them to take responsibility for themselves. When they solve things themselves, they won’t need to call us next time.’

Thanks to the liberating technology of smartphones, SAWA’s Facebook page gained 146,000 followers in two years. A crucial tool in reaching those under siege and across the Arab world, rarely discussed or forbidden topics like suicide are highlighted. Some posts exceed 2 million views.

Prevention not protection An escalation in violence since October has resulted in 30 Israelis dead and over 150 Palestinians killed by Israeli forces. In the resulting security crackdown in the West Bank, tensions are unmistakable.

Aware they can be shot at any time by hyper-vigilant Israeli soldiers, Palestinians are afraid to travel, and parents are terrified to let children leave the house.

Incidents of domestic violence generally peak during times of increased conflict and Saeda Al-Atrash is concerned that less women are asking for help.

Never has the political outlook been so bleak for Palestinians, yet many like Al-Atrash and Khader will persist in pushing for women’s rights and gender equality. Clear that the solution to gender-based violence must start from within, Al-Atrash was frank: ‘If we want change we must work with students,’ she said. ‘The core issue is not to protect but to prevent from the beginning. We must protect as well, but when you change mentalities you prevent violence.

We need to teach the rights of human beings from childhood, from the start. At the moment we don’t.’

Drought tests a changed Ethiopia Aaron maasho and edmund Blair Reuters in 2016, according to the government and aid partners. The government said about 30 percent of that had been raised from donors so far. The WFP said last week about $500 million was needed by the end of February to extend the aid effort beyond April. In a world facing the demands of the migrant crisis and conflicts in Syria, Iraq and Yemen, that won't be easy. "It's not that donors have not responded," said WFP Country Director John Aylieff. "But they have not managed to keep pace."

$109 million this year, Mikitu Kassa, head of the National Disaster Risk Management Commission, told Reuters. To put that extra spending in perspective, it is roughly equivalent to Ethiopia's entire state budget two decades ago, he said.

The government says no one has so far died from starvation. Some of those in the worst affected area contradict this. One woman in Fedeto said 20 had died in the past two months, though it was not possible to verify this.

Mikitu said the government would spend what it takes if aid did not flow, although he said it could mean cutbacks on other projects. But he said the government's "mega projects" - new national railways, roads and dams - would go ahead.

Those projects are part of plans to industrialise Ethiopia. Eighty percent of the nation still relies on agriculture, mostly rain-fed pastures or subsistence smallholdings. The better transport links have already proved vital, allowing easier access for relief workers.

"The nature of the government that we had in 1984 is quite different from the current government," Mikitu said in Addis Ababa, where Sub-Saharan Africa's first metro system opened last year and now snakes its way above traffic-clogged streets.

NEW VISION Today's needs would be far greater were it not for the massive changes in Ethiopia over the past three decades. In 1984, the thencommunist government known as the Derg tried to hide the famine, while conflict and social engineering projects like farm collectivisation exacerbated the scale of hunger.

Rebels toppled the Derg in 1991 and the government that followed has delivered stellar economic growth rates, hitting double digits in some years, visible from endless construction in the capital and new highways crossing the nation. In 2005, Ethiopia started the Productive Safety Net Programme, which was helping 7.9 million people facing chronic food insecurity even before the latest drought. Those people receive food or cash transfers in return for community work.

SAFETY NETS To deal with the drought, the govThe architect of modern Ethiopia, ernment allocated $272 million ex- rebel leader-turned-prime minister tra spending in 2015 and a further Meles Zenawi, told a 1991 news con-

wRiTE-wiNg

ference in Addis Ababa that his gauge of success would be "if Ethiopians were able to eat three meals a day."

Ethiopia has not yet achieved that goal. Critics of the government - Meles died in 2012 but many of his policies continue under successor Hailemariam Desalegn - say it is authoritarian and stifles opponents. No opposition party won a seat in last year's parliamentary election. The U.S. State Department said then that it remained "deeply concerned by continued restrictions on civil society, media, opposition parties, and independent voices and views." Ethiopian officials deny restricting freedoms.

But in their determination not to let fresh images of hunger overshadow the government's development credentials, some ministers sent conflicting signals early in the crisis about how bad it was and how much help was needed, aid workers say. "We have to walk on egg shells in terms of what we can say," said one international aid worker, who has followed Ethiopia's progress since the 1980s.

Disaster management chief Mikitu blamed any confusion on the speed at which numbers of those facing critical food shortages grew. In January 2015 it was 2.9 million but swiftly rose - often in increments of several million - to 10.2 million by December.

But even the government's ability to gather such figures is testament to the way Ethiopia has changed. Fedeto, in a remote area of the hard-hit Sitti region, has benefited from that change. A tiny clinic, one of thousands built around the country over the past two decades, doles out rations and treats the malnourished.

The village also has a water tower and a school. That helps, though only up to a point. The administrator of the village of 600 people said he was struggling to meet the needs of 7,500 exhausted arrivals who are now camped nearby. "There is a lot of pressure on us," Dahir Omar Hosh said. "People are still coming."

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

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

WednesdAY 03•02•2016

PERSPECTIVE

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

A city aflame: India’s coal rush While intensified coal production has helped India’s economy to grow and its great metropolises to thrive, it has left one of the most mineralrich regions in the country up in flames – literally

J

Melanie Cura Daball

haria, at the heart of India’s largest coal belt, within the northeast state of Jharkand, sits on one of the world’s largest coal reserves. What would seem to be an economic blessing, however, has become a curse for the local workers and villagers of the Dhanbad district. While coal-burning power plants play a vital role in India’s endeavour to become a regional superpower, local villagers and workers are paying the price: forced to endure poisonous air, scorching heat and hazardous fires.

Living on fire Jharia’s vast opencast mines lie on top of underground fires that have been burning for over a century now. A shift from underground to opencast mining and dramatic lateral expansion have caused these flames to erupt into more than 70 open coal seam fires on the surface of the 110 square mile coalfields. Noxious gases have been fuming from fissures around houses which frequently collapse as the fires blaze their trails under the villages. Over the past three decades, Jharia’s once abundant woodlands have become a blighted landscape of contaminated soil, water and air.

In the name of economic development, the prevailing greed for profit, vested interests and the hunger for power have also left the region — one of the most mineral-rich in the country— economically backward. While India’s metropolises like Delhi, Bangalore, and Mumbai reap benefits from the opencast mining in the Dhanbad district, “development” has further marginalised the local poor and deepened social inequality across the state.

India’s coal rush India, set to be one of the fastest developing and most populous countries in the world (likely to overtake China by 2022), heavily relies on prime coking coal —one of the world’s dirtiest fossils fuels — to stoke up its economy and lift its population out of poverty. At the moment coal burning power plants supply between 60 to 65 percent of India's energy.

With about 300 million Indians living without electricity, and faced with a desperate shortage of power to fuel its factories and produce electricity for its growing metropolises, the Indian government plans to double its state-run coal production by 2020. In order to reach this target, Narendra Modi’s right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had announced earlier in 2015 that they intended to open one new mine per month.

While Prime Minister Modi widely advocates his energy policy, a closer look at the micro-level environmental and human repercussions reveals the dark underbelly of a lucrative, corrupt and dirty business at the expense of the local population.

(making between $2-$5 per day), many locals work on a $2-a-day basis for one of the big companies, like BCCL, the TATA Group or the Dhansar Engineering Company (DECO). A corrupt system allows statesmen, local power brokers and businessmen — referred to as the “Coal Mafia” — to take the lion’s share of profit from the coal industries and to exploit Dhanbad’s poorer, uneducated and un-unionised workers and residents without punishment.

Local activists, like Ashok Agarwal from ‘Jharia Coalfield Bachao Samiti’ (Save Jharia Coalfield Committee), have gone even further, accusing BCCL of deliberately encouraging coal seam fires to spread for the purpose of lateral expansion. Instead of meeting their legal responsibilities and fulfilling earlier promises to fill previously mined vertical shafts with water and sand, the company is allegedly doing little to mitigate the fires. According to Agarwal, BCCL hopes for larger parts of Jharia’s lands to be qualified as ‘too dangerous for living’, justifying forced evictions of inhabitants and facilitating expanded opencast mining operations.

A new home?

In order to boost its aggressive coal-driven development initiative, the Indian government has put a costly, large-scale resettlement project in place – the Jharia Action Plan (JAP) – to move residents of fire-affected areas to the purpose-built city of Belgharia, 8 miles away. Estimates by Reuters suggest the Indian government will spend $1 billion on its resettlement initiative to relocate roads, rail lines, and, above all, people.

The execution of this planned relocation to Belgharia and compensation for those being moved however, has been appalling. Due to delayed construction, as of today, only 3,200 of a proposed 70,000 families have been moved away from the edges of Jharia’s blazing coalfields. Buildings constructed only three years ago are already standing caked in coal dust, lack sewage management and have poor electricity infrastructure. Tiny rooms (sometimes shared by as many as 10 family members), insufficient or pending compensation, and few employment opportunities have left many residents like Ganesh Mal resentful. To survive, numerous villagers find themselves forced to make their way back to Jharia everyday to attempt working in the coal mines, either officially, or, more likely, as illegal scavengers.

The political economy of opencast mining First opened in 1896, Jharia’s underground coal mines were nationalised in 1973 and are now primarily operated by the state-run coal company Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL). In recent years, BCCL have opted for more profitable opencast mining, with cheaper extraction costs and higher output than deep mining. Most of the opencast mining by BCCL is largely deemed illegal, since in 97% of cases no licences have been granted.

The great majority of villagers of Jharkhand’s coal belt rely on mining as a primary source of revenue Staying behind For those who are waiting their turn to be reloand livelihood. While hundreds of scavengers collect coal illegally to sell it in the nearby town of Dhanbad cated, or refuse to leave their homes, like Sakhina

Khetu from Bokapahari on the outskirts of Jharia, the environmental pollution caused by Jharia’s open coal seam fires has had serious health impacts. Exposure to the poisonous gases (sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide and mercury), steaming from fissures in the ground and swirling around the villages, has caused catastrophic damage to health.

According to two of Dhanbad’s local doctors, Dr S. K. Bhagania and Dr O. P. Agarwal, lung and skin diseases, cancer and stomach disorders are only some of the illnesses that the people in Jharia have to fight. Workers and villagers are predominantly affected by severe respiratory ailments such as tuberculosis, pneumoconiosis (coal worker’s ‘black lung’) and severe asthma. According to Dr O. P. Agarwal, life expectancy of Jharia’s inhabitants is cut short by at least 10 years.

Another major risk posed by Jharia’s open fires is that of the flames themselves. Maska is just one of several children who have suffered grievous injuries after coming into contact with coal seam fires while playing. The 12-year-old girl fell into one of the burning fissures on BCCL land, on September 17, 2015.

Her right leg and left arm were severely burnt and amputated upon arrival to Dhanbad’s local hospital.

Allegedly, BCCL — in theory liable for accidents on its minefields— disputes its responsibility and has refused to compensate the family or to provide any ‘goodwill’ financial gesture.

In fact, according to fellow villagers from Bokapahari, BCCL employees trespassed the family’s house and physically threatened Maskan’s father in response to his attempts to claim financial support for his daughter’s operation and recovery.

Maskan’s life prospects — dismal as they were already— have been further crushed as her disability drastically reduces her chances of being able to study in government schools, and later, get married.

The true cost of coal The story of the local population at the heartland of India’s coal reserves casts a dark shadow on Modi’s aggressive development strategy. While intensified energy production may have helped India’s economy to grow and its great metropolis to thrive, it has also largely left those behind who should be at very core of these strategies.

Displaced, disempowered and struggling to find employment beyond the corrupt coal industry, Jharia’s residents have dreary prospects. The lives and struggles of the local villagers embody of the true human cost of India's vast, lucrative and expanding coal operations.

Though rich in resources, malnutrition stalks Myanmar Thin Lei Win Thomson Reuters Foundation

T

he United Nations' its needs until the end of 2016. The organisation provided food and cash assistance to 1.2 million people in 2015, including victims.

Dom Scalpelli, WFP country director in Myanmar, spoke to Myanmar Now, an independent news agency supported by the Thomson Reuters Foundation, about what the shortfall means and why Myanmar is still food insecure.

Q: How concerned are you about the funding shortfall? Or is this part of a long-standing problem?

A: The funding shortfalls are a common part of our business, unfortunately. It's like running a fire department without having the money for the trucks or the petrol in the trucks. Imagine, each time there's a fire, you need to quickly run around the city and ask for money.

This is a bit like what happens when a flood happens in Myanmar or conflicts displaced people in Shan State. If it's a new emergency we typically have to run after new money. It's a constant challenge.

Q: What would the shortfall mean in terms of humanitarian assistance?

A: We have enough food for the internally displaced people (IDPs) to support them fully until April. (After that) we start to run into some problems.

When there is a funding shortfall, we have to prioritise life-saving activities. This means nutritional support to malnourished babies and children under 5 years old, and pregnant and nursing mothers, assistance to the internal-

ly displaced people, especially those that are confined to camps in Kachin, Rakhine and Shan states, and the flood- and landslide-affected people.

Things like the daily school meals programme - nutritious snacks to about 230,000 children in primary and pre-schools in very food insecure areas to encourage parents to keep sending their children to school - have to be put as a second priority. Same for other development programmes like rehabilitating community infrastructure like dams, fish ponds, roads and bridges, although it helps to prevent or mitigate future shocks and builds resilience.

in Myanmar. In Chin, it is remoteness and isolation, and lack of job opportunities and arable land. In Rakhine it is movement restriction and lack of access to job opportunities and land, for all communities in Rakhine. For the central dry zone, it's poor soil and agriculture techniques.

Q: How bad is malnutrition in Myanmar?

A: Myanmar is still the third-most malnourished country in Southeast Asia after Timor-Leste and Cambodia.

There's no reason for it. It’s a country that's rich in resources. It's just access to these resources, education and behavioural issues, and sometimes cultural practices that need to change to promote better nutrition.

The worst malnutrition in Myanmar is in the border with Bangladesh in the northern part of Rakhine State. The average stunting rate for under-5 children in Myanmar is about 34 percent, meaning one in every three children under five years is too short for his age.

On the border with Bangladesh that is over 50 percent. (Editor's note: Northern Rakhine State's Maungdaw and Buthidaung townships are home to the roughly 1 million-strong stateless Rohingya Muslim minority.)

There were many short people in Japan after the war but now if you go to Tokyo there are lots of tall people. It really only takes a generation to break this cycle.

Q: Myanmar is a food surplus country, and yet a lot of communities, especially in ethnic areas, are food insecure, leading to malnourished people and children. Why is that?

A: It's true that Myanmar is a rice surplus country and rice is often equated with food. But rice is not in and of itself nutritious in the way it is eaten here.

Not many people eat brown rice. It has to be as white as white, and that means all the nourishment is Food insecurity is common among disadvantaged populations, like the landless, smallholders and minority ethnic groups, due to limited or inequitable access to land and resources, poor agriculture conditions and low resilience. Most farmers only have access to very small areas of land. This limits their ability to cultivate sufficient amount of staple food or vegetables for their Q: Malnutrition can have household needs during the whole year. permanent impacts too, right?

Q: What are some of the most food-in- A: Yes. If a malnourished girl - somesecure places in Myanmar and why? one in a food-insecure area here in A: Border areas and the central dry Myanmar - typically gives birth at too zone are the most food insecure areas early an age, chances are the child will

be malnourished with some sort of deficiency, physical or mental.

If the baby doesn't have enough nutrition for the first 1,000 days then the brain will not develop properly.

Think about multiplying that across the whole population. There are studies in countries where the economic loss can be, on average, 11 percent of the GDP just because its babies are malnourished. That cycle can be broken. If, while she's pregnant, she starts to consume adequate, nutritious food and good, clean water etc, and continues to breastfeed exclusively after birth and gives nutritious food afterwards, the child can grow up healthily.

And the longer a girl stays in school the more likely she'll give birth at a later age, meaning healthier babies, and the more likely she'll space her babies.

Q: What can be done to address the problem? What should the new government do?

A: We've just started with the government of Myanmar and a few other organisations to produce fortified foods.

We want to try and put (that) on to the market and for us to be able to purchase it for our nutrition programmes.

I understand Myanmar is the largest per capita rice consumer in the world, with more than 200 kilograms per person per year. If people are consuming that much of a certain food and it's fortified, that would go a long way to helping.

Myanmar government launched the Zero Hunger Challenge in late 2014.

It’s a first step. It's a global initiative and there’s a draft action plan on nutrition and food security, with clear responsibilities so that by 2025 there won’t be any stunted children in Myanmar.

7

The Newspaper with an Opinion The Morung Express

The highest number of tourist flow in Nagaland is during the Hornbill festival in the month of December. But what about the other months? Nagaland is a beautiful and exotic state with a colourful and vibrant history of cultures and culinary treasures.

This culinary strength however has not significantly translated into any tourism centric benefit and it has largely remained an untapped area. Amar Ranjan Dey, Assistant Professor from the Commerce Department writes “The need of the hour is to identify the tourist circuits without tribal and political considerations, and develop them as much as possible. The local community must be trained to capitalise on this.

Without proper training, sensitization, and a community sense of ownership, even gold and silver won’t mean a thing to us.”

Amar Ranjan Dey, Asst. Professor, Dept. of Commerce

Tourism in Nagaland: An Untapped Market

T

his winter the Commerce Department of Tetso College went for an exposure trip to Lonavla (a hill station near Pune) and Goa. All of us enjoyed the trip, and most of my students are proposing for another excursion to a new place in the coming year. So, as a Commerce teacher I began to ponder deeper. We are ready to bear the expensesof travelling to view and admire the natural beauty ofanother state.

Similarly, do other tourists feel the same about viewing and enjoyingthe beauty of our State? Ours is a mountainous region with an interesting topography. One of the major assets of our State is its natural beauty, which manifests itself in the lush green vegetation, having a diverse flora and fauna, and deep valleys with clean rivers, amidst natural lakes, terrace cultivation, and relatively pleasant climate. In addition, we have a vibrant tribal culture reflected in folk dances, music, festivals, and handicrafts. These are major tourist attractions.

Given these array of choices, we are no less in natural beauty compared to cities like Lonavla.

The only difference I notice is the mindset of the people in Nagaland, and the lack of proper strategies for promoting tourism systematically and effectively. The only time tourists visit the State is during the first week of December.This is because our Government is desirous of promoting tourism once a year and has embarked upon an ambitious project to exploit the cultural assets of the state. Hornbill Festival has been aptly tag-lined as “Festival of Festivals” to encompass the collective celebration of the colours and vibrant elements of all the tribal festivities, and give a glimpse of the Naga life. I believe tourism is the only industry in Nagaland that has the potential to grow if given the right thrust and political commitment.

The need of the hour is to identify the tourist circuits without tribal and political considerations, and develop them as much as possible. The local community must be trainedto capitalise on this. Without proper training, sensitization, and a community sense of ownership, even gold and silver won’t mean a thing to us. We need to do the publicity and market it effectively. If the hotels are full than we can always pitch tents and camps, but let the tourists know they can visit Nagaland. Let us train our young people and help them learn to face challenges.

Tourism in Nagaland may not be able to boast of heritage buildings, educational tourism, and wellness tourism currently, but we do have what many others do not, and that is the scope for rural tourism. Rural tourism is a variant of ecotourism, in which the tourists come to visit and experience the rural setup. Opportunities exist in eco-tourism, anthropological tourism, and ethnic culture tourism. Setting up of more tourist resorts, private air taxi services, tour and travel packages are ideas that must be considered. This would lead to the augmentation of present tourist influx.

Our state does have some wonderful sites which are always of interest to tourists. Heritage sites like the ruins of the Kachari Kingdom in Dimapur are alibi to the monolithic culture of the region. The famous Kohima War Cemetery commemorates the soldiers who sacrificed their life in one of the fiercest battles of World War II- The Battle of Kohima. Other places of interest include the scenic DzükouValley, Japfü Peak atKohima, Saramati Peak atTuensang; all of which expose us to the extremely beautiful natural environment that exists in serenity. The tourist village at Khonoma, ShilloiLake atPhek, Intanki Wildlife Sanctuary at Peren, and the Zoological Park in Dimapur also have great potential for the tourism industry.

In the special supplement page of Nagaland Post dated 17th January 2016, the Shilloi Management Committee (SMC) stressed on the historic and scenic beauty of ShilloiLake. The article also pointed out to thefacilities made available for visitors- guest houses, meeting halls, playground, helipad, etc.

These amenities can truly attract tourists.

“India’s North East – Paradise Unexplored”, is the punch line used by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, in promoting tourism in North East region. I wish our state Nagaland too could be separately promoted in the media.

In addition, development of other facilities like a rope way, rock climbing facilities like that in Darjeeling and other parts of the country, and horse riding facilities as is found inKufri Shimla can help boost tourism.

Therefore, in order to develop tourism in the state, there is a need of co-ordination between the factors determining the growth of tourism industry viz the government, the local people, the media and the department of tourism, Nagaland.

Finally, the most important of them is to popularize the tourism attractions of Nagaland and to create a tourism friendly environment throughout the state.

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

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

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

WednesdAY 03•02•2016

INDIA

8

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

India, Brunei sign accords on defence, health, sports

baNDar Seri begawaN (bruNei), February 2 (iaNS): India and Brunei signed three agreements for cooperation in the areas of health, defence, and youth and sports affairs on Tuesday, the second day of Vice President Hamid Ansari's visit to this southeast Asian nation.

“The three MoUs (memoranda of understanding) signed today (Tuesday) which the honourable vice president was witness to are the MoUs on health cooperation, defence cooperation and cooperation in youth and sports affairs,” Anil Wadhwa, secretary (east) in the external affairs ministry, said at a media briefing here.

“As far as these MoUs are concerned, they have been in the pipeline for sometime, especially the MoU on defence cooperation,” Wadhwa said.

The MoU on health seeks to establish cooperation in the field of health by pooling technical, scientific, financial and human resources and to upgrade the health care, medical education, research between the two countries.

“Specific areas that have been identified for bilateral cooperation are: exchange of doctors, other professionals and experts; exchange of information on health; medical and health research development; regulations of pharmaceuticals, medical devices and

cosmetics and to promote business development in these areas; and health promotion and disease prevention,” Wadhwa explained.

The MoU on defence is aimed at enhancing defence cooperation between India and Brunei in various fields.

“Cooperation in defence already exists in the form of naval ship visits, training of senior military officers in staff colleges and exchange of experience,” Wadhwa said.

Tuesday's framework agreement seeks to institutionalise this cooperation.

According to Wadhwa, the following major areas have been identified for bilateral cooperation: exchange of visits at different levels; exchange of experience, information, training, trainers, etc.; conduct of joint military exercises, seminars and discussions; cooperation between the defence industries of the two countries.

The MoU on youth and sports affairs is aimed at providing a framework for exchanges of sports persons and sports teams, to facilitate the exchange of expertise in coaching, sports talent identification, sports management and administration, and exchange of information in the field of youth Affairs.

“As far as follow-up is concerned, and that is important, a

team from Brunei will visit India to follow up on the MoU on defence cooperation, to identify areas which are required immediately in the medium term and long term after which work can begin in those specific areas,” Wadhwa said.

On the MoU on health cooperation, Wadhwa said that India would be sending a delegation to identify how to set up facilities in Brunei “which can be linked up, for example, through satellites, also diagnostics and how to set up exchange and training of doctors in India”.

“But I think there will be much more in this field in the future as this is an area of interest for both of us,” he added.

It was also decided that an investment delegation will come from India to get phosphates for production of fertilisers in Brunei based on gas as the feedstock, which was available in this southeast Asian country.

“And for this purpose, a specific team will have to come from India to get sites with possibilities based on availability of gas,” Wadhwa said.

Vice President Ansari, who arrived here on Monday on the first leg of his visit to southeast Asia, on Tuesday met Sultan of Brunei Hassanlal Bolkiah, Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah and Speaker of Brunei's state legislative council

Haji Abdul Rahman.

A number of issues, both regional and international, were discussed during the course of Ansari's meetings with these leaders.

“The first issue that was touched upon was the problem of terrorism, how technology has been used or misused as far as spread of terrorism is concerned, and the importance which should be attached to cooperation in this sector which is exchange of information, use of information technology, and cooperating with Asean as a larger group,” Wadhwa said.

He also said that the issue of South China Sea was discussed “and both sides were on one page on this and that this issue should be solved peacefully”.

Ansari, according to Wadhwa, briefed the crown prince about India's Act East policy and the special push being given to upgrade ties with the southeast Asian nations.

Ansari also extended an invitation to the crown prince to visit India. On Monday, after his arrival, the vice president attended meetings of the Brunei-India Friendship Association and the Indian Chamber of Commerce.

On Wednesday, he will leave for Thailand on the second and final leg of his southeast Asia visit.

This is the first visit by an Indian vice president to Brunei and will be the first in 50 years to Thailand.

No scrapping of reservation, lies being spread: PM Narendra Modi

PM Narendra Modi addressing a public meeting in Coimbatore on Tuesday. (PTI Photo)

Coimbatore, February 2 (Pti): Ruling out scrapping of reservation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched a veiled but strident attack on Congress, saying a “campaign of lies” has been let loose on the issue of Dalits under a “deliberate conspiracy” to disintegrate the country.

“In the name of Dalits, lies are being spread. Wherever they go, whenever they go, repeatedly, at the top of their voice, they utter lies. A campaign of lies has been let loose to mislead and fool the Dalits.

“It is a deliberate conspiracy to disintegrate the country, to make people fight against each other. They are feeling frustrated because power has been taken away from them. They always believed that they (Dalits) are their voters and now Modi is working for them. They fear what to do with Modi. They want to prevent Dalits from backing Modi,” he said.

Though he did not take any names,

the Prime Minister’s target appeared to be Congress and its Vice President Rahul Gandhi who has recently made two trips to Hyderabad Central University to join protests over the suicide of a Dalit scholar Rohit Vemula.

On Saturday, Gandhi had accused Modi and RSS of trying to crush the spirit of students by imposing “one idea from the top”.

Modi was addressing a public meeting which was expected to launch BJP’s campaign for the coming Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu but he completely skipped local politics.

Utilising the occasion, the Prime Minister said “lies are also being spread that Modi is going to take away reservation from Dalits, OBCs, oppressed and the depressed. Please listen to me carefully. I assure the nation that nobody can do away with reservation till the name of Dr B R Ambedkar remains alive.”

'Persons with disability to get 'Refrain from non-essential travel to Zika-hit areas' unique identity card soon' JaiPur, February 2 (iaNS): All persons with disabilities will get a unique identity card within one-and-half years that will be valid throughout the country, union Minister Thaawar Chand Gehlot said on Tuesday .

"This identity card will be valid throughout the country and will help the disabled get benefit of welfare schemes," Gehlot, minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, said here while addressing an editors conference on social sector issues.

"It is the vision of the government to have an inclusive society in which equal opportunities and access is provided for the growth and development of Persons With Disabilities (PwDs) to lead productive, safe and dignified lives," he added.

Gehlot also said that the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill has been drafted and all stakeholders are being consulted before it reaches parliament.

The minister said that to frame laws for transgenders, a bill was likely to be introduced during the budget session of parliament.

He said the government has also enacted a new bill LGBT rights activist hug each other after Supreme Court referred the section 377 curative petition to a five judge Constitution Bench for further examination on February 2. (Express Photo) to check atrocities against Scheduled Castes (SCs).

Proscribe countries sponsoring terrorism, says Mukherjee JaiPur, February 2 (iaNS): Describing terrorism as a global threat which poses an unprecedented challenge to all nations, President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday asked the world to proscribe the countries that support or sponsor terrorism as an instrument of state policy.

"It is imperative that the world in one voice rejects all manifestations of terrorism, without distinction, and proscribes states that support or sponsor terrorism as an in-

strument of state policy," he said while inaugurating the Counter-Terrorism Conference here.

"Terrorism is a global threat which poses an unprecedented challenge to all nations. No cause can justify terrorist acts.

It is imperative that the world acts in unison against terrorism, without political considerations. Therefore, there is a need to take a resolve to not justify terrorist means whatever be the reason or the source," he said.

The president said that important aspects of counter-terrorism strategy are capacity building to prevent attacks through intelligence collection and collation, development of technological capabilities, raising of special forces and enactment of special laws.

"Though we have evolved certain mechanisms in this direction, there is scope for further intensifying these efforts.

"Counter-terrorism is generally considered to be about

tactics, weapons, force levels and intelligence gathering.

While these things are important the predominant focus has to be on the political management of terrorism. This includes addressing issues of ideology and dealing with countries that sponsor or support terrorism," he said.

Mukherjee said that the country's counter-terrorism effort has to be more pointed, more focused, more objective and more professional.

"While doing so there will

always be a dilemma of whether we are threatening individual liberties or human rights.

We have, therefore, to be judicious in protecting larger freedoms and democratic values," he said.

"We need to fight this scourge at all levels- through shaping of public opinion, society building and evolving a concerted and integrated counter- terrorism policy premised on international cooperation in intelligence sharing," he added.

New Delhi, February 2 (iaNS): The union health ministry has urged deferment or cancellation of non-essential travel to Zika-affected countries as part of its new guidelines to prevent the spread of the viral disease in India.

"Non-essential travel to the affected countries needs to be deferred or cancelled. Pregnant women or ones trying to become pregnant should defer or cancel their travel to the affected areas," the ministry said in a guideline released here on Tuesday.

However, the guidelines also said people whose trips to Zikaaffected countries were very important and they were with co-morbid conditions (diabetes, hypertension, chronic respiratory illness, Immune disorders etc.) should seek advice from the nearest health facility, prior to their travel.

"Pregnant women who have travelled to areas with Zika virus transmission should mention about their travel during ante-natal visits in order to be assessed and monitored appropriately," it said.

Zika virus disease is an emerging viral disease transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, also known to transmit infections like dengue and chikungunya.

Zika virus was first identified in Uganda in 1947. There is no vaccine or drug available to prevent or treat Zika virus disease at present.

Among the other guidelines,

prepared by the health ministry, all International Airports/Ports have been asked to display billboards/ signage providing information to travellers on Zika virus disease and to report to Custom authorities if they were returning from affected countries and suffering from febrile illness.

As per the latest plan of the Airport/Port Health Organisation would have quarantine / isolation facility in identified airports.

World Health Organisation has declared Zika virus disease to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on February 1.

"Directorate General of Civil Aviation will be asked to instruct all international airlines to follow the recommended aircraft disinsection guidelines," said the list of guidelines.

National Centre for Disease Control, Delhi, would be the nodal agency for investigation of outbreak in any part of the country.

Zika virus has spread to more than 20 countries in the Americas. The virus is expected to spread throughout North, Central and South America, except Canada and Chile, and people should check for the latest advice before travelling, a BBC report said.

Though most infections do not result in symptoms, they may include fever, joint pain, itching, rash, conjunctivitis or red eyes, headache, muscle pain and eye pain, it added.

Is job guarantee programme against poor states?

Deepak Razdan

A

(IANS)

s the Indian government's mega rural jobs scheme under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) completes 10 years, is it discriminatory against poorer states? Or, is it, that richer states of the country are putting across their claims for funds so aggressively as to get allocations disproportionate to their populations, and the extent of poverty?

A data analysis of this year's central releases and expenditure under the scheme (as per the web site www.nrega.nic.in) in select four southern states (Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu) and four northern states (Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh) shows the former have been receiving and

spending more under the prime rural scheme, that is fully funded by the Central Government, except for small amounts contributed by the state governments.

The four southern states, despite their smaller populations, have also provided employment to a much larger number of households, generated more person-days of work and took up a greater number of works.

During the first 10 months of 2015-16, till 29 January, 2016, the four southern states received MGNREGA central releases totaling Rs.10,397.10 crore, which is 31.01 percent of the total all-India central releases of Rs.33,528.09 crore, and their total expenditure was Rs.9,723.94 crore, which was 27.77 percent of the all-India expenditure of Rs.35,011.06 crore.

Similarly, the four southern states provided employment to 11,017,358

households (29.10 per cent of the all India total of 37,849,382 households); generated 48.61 crore person-days; and took up works totaling 2,967,803.

The four northern states, during the same period of 2015-16, received central releases totaling Rs.7,918.34 crore (23.61 of the all-India central releases) and their total expenditure was Rs.8,683.09 crore (24.80 percent of the all-India total). These four states provided employment to 10134581 households (26.77 percent of the all-India total); generated 37.99 crore person-days; and took up works totaling 2,750,923.

Funding under MGNREGA is important not only because it brings relief to regions affected by natural calamities but also due to its role in reducing rural poverty. MGNREGA is however not restricted to those below poverty line (BPL) rural popula-

tion, and is accessible to all who want work in rural areas. There is a mandatory quota of 33 per cent MGNREGA jobs for women. Launched in 200 districts in 2006, MGNREGA was extended to all 644 districts of the country in 2008, guaranteeing 100 days' unskilled manual work to every household in rural areas on demand.

Sixty percent of the works undertaken under the scheme have to relate to agriculture and enhancing agricultural productivity. The works relate to rural connectivity, flood control, water conservation and harvesting, minor irrigation, drought-proofing, renovation of traditional water bodies, fisheries and rural sanitation, among others. The budget 201516 has provided an allocation Rs.34,699 crores for MGNREGA with a promise of an additional Rs.5,000 crore if there is tax buoyancy. Since the inception

of the scheme, the central government has released Rs.314,552.61 crores to the states.

India's total population, as per Census 2011, was 121.08 crore. Of this, population of Andhra Pradesh was 8.45 crore (6.98 per cent of India's total); of Karnataka 6.10 crore (5.04 percent); of Kerala 3.34 crore (2.75 percent); and of Tamil Nadu 7.21 crore (5.95 percent). The total population of the four States was 25.12 (20.74 percent of India's total).

Compared to this, the population figures for the northern states were: Bihar 10.40 crore (8.95 percent); Madhya Pradesh 7.26 crore (5.99 percent); Rajasthan 6.85 crore (5.66 percent) and of Uttar Pradesh 19.98 crore (16.50 percent). The total population for the four States comes to 44.50 crore (36.75 percent of India's total).

The rural poverty percentages for the four

southern states for 2011-12 (as per erstwhile Planning Commission data in Economic Survey 2014-15 Vol II) are: Andhra Pradesh 11; Karnataka 24.5; Kerala 9.1; and Tamil Nadu 15.8. The same percentages for the four northern States are: Bihar 34.1; Madhya Pradesh 35.7; Rajasthan 16.1 and Uttar Pradesh 30.4.

The data shows that the four southern States, which are economically better off than the four northern states, with a share of 20.74 percent in India's total population received 31.01 percent of the total MGNREGA money from April 1, 2015 to January 29, 2016. During the same period, the northern states, with a share of 36.75 percent in the total population received 23.61 percent of the total MGNREGA money released during the period.

The conclusion is obvious. The four poorer states have received more than 13 percent lesser allocation

compared to their population share, which is an important criterion followed by the government in disbursing funds among the states. The richer southern states have received more than 10 percent higher allocation compared to their population share.

The northern states also had higher rural poverty ratios than the southern states. As per the Economic Survey 2014-2015 (Vol II), three of the northern States - Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh had in 2011-12 poverty ratios above 30 percent and the fourth state of Rajasthan had 16.1 percent.

The southern states, on the other hand, had much lower rural poverty ratios - and Karnataka with 24.5 percent, was the only state with a rural poverty ratio of above 20.

The data analysis is worrisome as the population of the northern States continues to rise at a high

rate. The significance of schemes like MGNREGA in rural India is understood if one looks at the data released by the recent SocioEconomic and Caste Census (SECC) for rural India.

Of the country's total 24.39 crore households, 17.91 crore are rural households. Of these, just 5.39 crore (30.10 percent) depend on cultivation for income and as many as 9.16 crore (51.14 percent) depend on manual casual labour, similar to the jobs offered by the MGNREGA. Surveys have shown that many small and marginal farmers are preferring to do MGNREGA labour for a living than cultivating their unviable land holdings.

(Deepak Razdan is a senior journalist and former research associate for rural development, NITI Aayog. The views expressed are personal. He can be contacted at deepakrazdan50@gmail.com)

WednesdaY 03•02 •2016

WORLD

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

9

Zika virus is international emergency: WHO G E N E VA / L O N D O N, FEbruAry 2 (rEutErs): The World Health Organization on Monday declared the mosquito-borne Zika virus an international public health emergency due to its link to thousands of birth defects in Brazil, as the U.N. agency sought to build a global response to the threat.

WHO Director-General Margaret Chan told reporters that coordinated international action was needed to improve detection and expedite work on a vaccine and better diagnostics for the disease, but said curbs on travel or trade were not necessary.

Chan, whose agency was assailed as too slow in reacting to West Africa’s Ebola epidemic that killed more than 10,000 people in the past two years, cited “first and foremost the big concern about microcephaly,” the birth defect that causes babies to be born with abnormally small heads and improperly developed brains.

She noted that it was “strongly suspected but not yet scientifically proven” that Zika causes microcephaly.

“Can you imagine if we do not do all this work now, and wait until the scientific evidence comes out?”

Chan told reporters at the WHO headquarters in Geneva. “Then people will say that, ‘Why don’t you take action because the mosquito is ubiquitous?’”

The emergency designation, recommended by a

‘Africa, Asia vulnerable to spread of Zika virus’

A health worker fumigates a house as residents wait outside during a campaign against the Zika virus and other mosquito-borne diseases at Carabayllo district on the outskirts of Lima, Peru on February 1. (REUTERS Photo)

committee of independent experts following criticism of a hesitant response to Zika so far, should help fasttrack international action and research priorities.

The move lends official urgency to research funding and other steps to stem the spread of the virus.

The WHO said last week the Zika virus, transmitted by the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, was “spreading explosively” and could infect as many as 4 million people in the Americas. The Pan American Health Organization says Zika has spread in 24 nations and territories in the Americas.

This marks the fourth time the WHO has declared a global health emergency since such procedures were put in place in 2007, with the others arising from influenza, Ebola and polio.

OLYMPIC WORRIES Brazil is due to host the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro in August, and President Dilma Rousseff’s chief of staff said on Monday there is no risk of cancelling the games due to Zika.

“We have to explain to those coming to Brazil, the athletes, that there is zero risk if you are not a pregnant women,” Jaques Wagner told reporters in Brasilia.

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) head Thomas Frieden said the WHO emergency declaration “calls the world to action” on Zika.

The CDC added four more countries and territories to its list of locales that pose a risk for Zika infection, advising pregnant women to consider avoiding travel to those areas.

Jeremy Farrar, director of the Wellcome Trust medical charity, said the WHO “should be congratulated for being far more proactive” this time.

Lawrence Gostin, a public health and law expert at Washington’s

GENEVA, FEbruAry 2 (rEutErs): The Zika virus linked to a microcephaly outbreak in Latin America could spread to Africa and Asia, with the world’s highest birth rates, the World Health Organization warned as it launched a global response unit against the new emergency.

The WHO on Monday declared an international public health emergency due to Zika’s link to thousands of recent birth defects in Brazil.

“We’ve now set up a global response unit which brings together all people across WHO, in headquarters, in the regions, to deal with a formal response using all the lessons we’ve learned from the Ebola crisis,” said Anthony Costello, WHO director for maternal, child and adolescent health.

“The reason it’s a global concern is that we are worried that this could also spread back to other areas of the world where the population may not be immune,” he told a news conference in Geneva on Tuesday.

“And we know that the mosquitos that

Georgetown University who last week called on the WHO to act urgently against Zika, welcomed Chan’s declaration but called for a clear strategy and ample resources.

“Actions speak louder than words,” Gostin said.

The Zika virus has raised questions worldwide about whether pregnant women should avoid infected countries. Chan said delaying travel was something pregnant women “can consider” but added that if they needed to travel they should take protective measures by covering up and using mosquito repellent.

Brazil has reported some 3,700 suspected cases of microcephaly. Brazilian Health Minister Marcelo Castro told Reuters the epidemic was worse than believed because in 80 percent of cases the infected people had no symptoms.

As the virus spreads from Brazil, other countries in the Americas are also likely to see cases of babies with Zika-linked birth defects, experts believe.

The clinical symptoms of Zika are usually mild and often similar to dengue, which is transmitted by the same mosquito, leading to fears that Zika will spread into all parts of the world where

carry Zika virus - if that association is confirmed - are present ... through Africa, parts of southern Europe and many parts of Asia, particularly South Asia...”

Costello added the WHO was drafting “good guidelines” for pregnant women and mustering experts to work on a definition of microcephaly including a standardised measurement of baby heads.

“We believe the association is guilty until proven innocent,” he said, referring to the connection drawn in Brazil between the Zika virus and microcephaly, a condition where babies are born with abnormally small heads.

“Mass community engagement” in areas with the mosquitos and their breeding grounds, and rapid development of diagnostic tools are essential to curbing the virus, as a vaccine may be years away, said Costello, a paediatrician.

Sanofi has launched a project to develop a vaccine against Zika, the most decisive commitment yet by a major vaccine producer to fight the disease.

dengue is commonplace.

More than a third of the world’s population lives in areas at risk of dengue infection, in a band stretching through Africa, India, Southeast Asia and Latin America.

Zika’s rapid spread in Latin America is attributed to the prevalence of Aedes aegypti and a lack of immunity among the population.

White House spokesman Josh Earnest said one way for the United States to reduce the risk of Zika there would be to try to control the mosquitoes that carry it.

“At some point here ... we’re going to see the temperatures rise (and) that

will make for a more hospitable environment for mosquitoes,” he said. “We want to make sure that we have got a strategy to try to limit the spread of this disease when that happens.”

A senior Obama administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “This is not an Ebolatype situation where you have to stop people at the border.”

New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo said the state’s health department would offer free tests for individuals with symptoms of infection who have traveled to countries impacted by Zika.

‘Global warming not What do loved ones do when a 2 war criminals get death in Bangladesh driven by natural forces’ family member battles cancer? DhAkA, FEbruAry 2 (PtI): Two framed The tribunal on March 2 last year six charges against the two. members of the notorious Razakar Ba-

NEw yOrk, FEbruAry 2 (IANs): By examining how Earth cools itself down after a period of natural warming, a new study has found that global temperature does not rise or fall chaotically in the long run and unless pushed by outside forces, temperatures should remain stable.

The new evidence may finally help put the chill on skeptics’ belief that long-term global warming occurs in an unpredictable manner, independently of external drivers such as human impacts.

“This underscores that large, sustained changes in global temperature like those observed over the last century require drivers such as increased greenhouse gas concentrations,” said lead study author Patrick Brown from Duke University in North Carolina, US. Natural climate cycles alone are insufficient to explain such changes, he said.

The findings appeared in the Journal of Climate. Using global climate models and NASA satellite observations of Earth’s energy budget from the last 15 years, the researchers found that a warming Earth is able to restore its temperature equilibrium through complex changes in the atmosphere and the way radiative heat is transported.

Scientists have long attributed this stabilisation to a phenomenon known as the Planck Response, a large increase in infrared energy that Earth emits as it warms.

“While global temperature tends to be stable due to the Planck Response, there are other important, previously less appreciated, mechanisms at work too,” Wenhong Li, assistant professor of climate at Duke University, noted.

These other mechanisms include a net release of energy over regions that are cooler during a natural, unforced warming event. And there can be a transport of energy from the tropical Pacific to continental and polar regions where the Planck Response overwhelms positive, heat-trapping local effects.

Selfie monkey can sue again for copyright infringement wAshINGtON, FEbruAry 2 (IANs): The black macaque in the world-famous “monkey selfie” which it took after pressing a button on a camera owned by a wildlife photographer four years ago in Indonesia has another chance to fight for the copyright ownership, media reported.

“The organisation [People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals] has means to amend -- meaning that if it wants, PETA can try yet again to get damages from nature photographer David Slater and the self-publishing company Blurb, Inc,” a report on motherboard.vice.com said.

The situation has been uneasy for Slater as he is claiming the photo to be his but entities like Wikimedia contested this claim, “concluding that the selfie is in public domain because it was taken by a non-human”.

Animal rights organisation PETA has taken Slater to court, claiming that the monkey selfies are neither in public domain nor the property of the photographer -- in fact, they belong to the black macaque named Naruto.

After a recent hearing, although the judge ultimately dismissed the lawsuit, PETA was given leave to file an amended complaint -- meaning that Naruto the macaque will have a second shot at claiming his copyright.

In September last year, PETA filed a lawsuit against Slater and his company, Wildlife Personalities Ltd., which both claim copyright ownership of the photos that Naruto indisputably took.

The macaque is known to field researchers in Sulawesi who have observed and studied him for years as they work in the region. In 2011 in Indonesia, Slater left an unattended camera on a tripod.That was tempting for a curious male crested black macaque who took the camera and began taking photographs -- some of the forest floor, some of other macaques and several of himself, one of which resulted in the now-famous “monkey selfie”.

PETA has not yet decided whether it will file an amended complaint, the report said.

NEw yOrk, FEbruAry 2 (IANs): Loved ones of cancer patients search the internet to know more about the disease but are less inclined to seek emotional support from social media fora, researchers report.

“It is fairly common for loved ones of cancer patients to develop depression or anxiety disorders as a result of the diagnosis but there aren’t many studies focusing specifically on cancer patients’ caregivers and family members, said Carolyn Lauckner from the University of Georgia.

“I think sometimes the loved ones and caregivers get forgotten about. And that’s why I wanted to research this population to see if there are ways that we can better support these individuals,” said Lauckner in a paper pub-

lished in the journal Computers, Informatics, Nursing.

Lauckner surveyed 191 people whose loved ones were diagnosed with cancer in the past year or who were currently acting as caregivers to someone with cancer.

More than three-quarters of participants searched online for information on a loved one’s disease.

Most looked for treatment options, prevention strategies and risk factors and prognosis information.

Respondents were less inclined to view blogs or go online to hear about others’ cancer experiences as these websites were linked to negative emotions for participants such as fear, sadness and anger.

“A lot of people, especially in the cancer realm, they will use blogs or discussion posts

to vent and to talk about the harsh realities of living with an illness,” the author said.

“While I think that that is beneficial for both the person who is writing it and potentially for some people who want an idea of what to expect, when someone is dealing with the prospect of their loved one having to go through that experience, it can be extremely distressing,” she noted.

The most commonly visited websites were those of charitable organisations like the American Cancer Society, which were associated with positive emotions.

According to Lauckner, this information encouraging because it shows that the participants were consulting reliable sources of information and not being swayed by personal accounts as much.

hini, an auxiliary force of the Pakistani Army, were on Tuesday sentenced to death by a Bangladeshi war crimes tribunal for crimes committed, mainly against Hindus, during the 1971 liberation war against Pakistan.

Obaidul Haq Taher (66) and Ataur Rahman Noni (62) are members of the Razakar force, an auxiliary force of the Pakistan Army. They face six charges, including murder and genocide. They had pleaded not guilty, Dhaka Tribune reported.

They were given death penalties on two charges and imprisonment till death in two other charges by the country’s International Crimes Tribunal. The court acquitted them in two other charges.

Twenty-three prosecution witnesses testified against them.

NOTORIOuS fOR THEIR ATROCITIES Taher and Noni joined the local Razakar Bahini and were notorious for the atrocities committed in various parts of Netrokona including the Sadar upazila and Barhatta, mainly against the local Hindus. Taher was the commander of the local Razakar unit, the report said.

With Tuesday’s verdict, 18 of the 26 accused in 22 war crimes cases so far have been handed down the capital punishment.

Bangladesh so far executed four war crimes convicts since the belated trial process of the top Bengali perEITHER HANG THEM petrators of 1971 atrocities started in OR SHOOT THEM The court said the government can line with the electoral commitment of execute them either by handing them Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2008. by the neck or by shooting them.

Taher and Noni were involved in ’71 WAR WIPED OuT 3 MILLION Bangladesh says three million peothe abductions and killings of at least 30 people and looting of 400-450 shops ple were killed during the nine-month and setting fire to those on fire in 1971. liberation war against Pakistan in 1971.

Cruz bests Trump in Iowa, Clinton edges out Sanders DEs MOINEs, FEbruAry 2 (rEutErs): U.S. Senator Ted Cruz soundly defeated billionaire Donald Trump in Iowa’s Republican nominating contest on Monday, upending the party’s presidential race and creating a three-way competition with establishment candidate Senator Marco Rubio.

On the Democratic side, officials said former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had won by a razor-thin margin against U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, the closest in Iowa Democratic caucus history.

Cruz, a conservative lawmaker from Texas, won the first state Republican contest in the 2016 race with 28 percent of the vote compared with 24 percent for businessman Trump.

Rubio, a U.S. senator from Florida, came in third with 23 percent, making a stronger-than-expected finish.

With Democrat Clinton prevailing by only four delegates, according to party figures, Sanders, a self-described democratic socialist, declared the result a “virtual tie.” “Hillary Clinton has won the Iowa Caucus,” Matt Paul, the Iowa state director for Clinton said in a statement re-

leased in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Cruz’s win and Rubio’s strong showing could dent the momentum for Trump, whose candidacy has alarmed the Republican establishment and been marked by controversies ranging from his calls to ban Muslims temporarily from entering the United States to promising to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexican border.

“Tonight is a victory for courageous conservatives across Iowa and all across this great nation,” Cruz, 45, said during a victory speech lasting more than 30 minutes. An uncharacteristically humbled Trump, 69, congratulated Cruz and said he still expected to win the Republican nomination. Opinion polls show Trump leading nationally and in New Hampshire, which holds the next nominating contest.

“I’m just honored,” Trump said. Cruz’s well established get-out-the-vote effort helped overcome the enthusiasm from large crowds that have shown up for Trump’s rallies. Trump skipped the last Republican debate before the caucus because of a dispute with host FOX News. A Trump adviser said his second-

U.S. Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz speaks, with his wife Heidi Cruz by his side, after winning at his Iowa caucus night rally in Des Moines, Iowa on February 1. (REUTERS Photo)

place finish was expected.

Iowa has held the first contest in the country since the early 1970s, giving it extra weight in the electoral process that can translate into momentum for winning candidates.

Rubio, 44, may benefit from that momentum as much as Cruz. The Florida lawmaker established himself as the mainstream alternative to the two frontrunning rivals.

“Rubio has staying power. He weathered $30 million in negative ads and

late deciders broke his way due to his upbeat and optimistic close,” said Republican strategist Scott Reed.

Cruz was buoyed by evangelical support and thanked God for his win.

CLINTON SIGHS, SANDERS SMILES The results of the Democratic race put pressure on Clinton to siphon support away from Sanders, who has won over politically left-leaning voters with his promises to take on Wall Street and start fresh with

healthcare reform.

Clinton, 68, said she was breathing a “big sigh of relief” after the results. She lost Iowa to then-Senator Barack Obama in the 2008 Democratic race and never recovered. “It is rare that we have the opportunity we do now to have a real contest of ideas,” Clinton said with her husband, former President Bill Clinton, and daughter Chelsea joining her on stage.

Sanders, 74, declared himself overwhelmed.

The lawmaker, who smiled

broadly as he addressed supporters, is leading in New Hampshire, home to next week’s second contest, but trails Clinton in other states such as South Carolina, which holds the third contest.

“Nine months ago, we came to this beautiful state, we had no political organization, we had no money, we had no name recognition, and we were taking on the most powerful political organization in the United States of America,” Sanders said.

Former Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, who had trouble gaining any traction in the Democratic race, suspended his campaign after coming in third in Iowa with 0.6 percent.

The 2016 election is shaping up to be the year of angry voters as disgruntled Americans worry about issues such as immigration, terrorism, income inequality and healthcare, fueling the campaigns of Trump, Sanders and Cruz.

Republican candidate former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee said he was suspending his campaign for the party’s nomination.

Huckabee won the Iowa caucus in 2008.

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wednesdAY 03•02•2016

public discourse

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

“NE India - Act east policy and the Asian highway 1” Dr Neel (Neelanjan) Konwar

The Lumding junction railway line is also being prepared for the now operational HaConcept note based on former field research flong-Silchar/Jiribam-Imphal corridor (34 studies, unpublished and published articles tunnels, 84 kms,1263 hectare completed of of the author-Dr Neel (Neelanjan) Konwar, the 1310 hectare) for the largest ambitious Strategy, policy and training/development. train network in the world Trans-Asian Railway road Bangkok to Budapest.

Overview In perspective of Act East Policy in NE Poser India and the future ahead, both print and We see villages, tiny hamlets and comelectronic/visual media reaches corners of munities who exist in harmony with nature the world due to satellite communications as farmers/hunter gatherers. The questions availability and awareness as well as misin- arises is how aware are our indigenous folks formation has at times created skewed views. of these massive planning and how much will Policy needs to mitigate geo-political chang- they benefit out of the development round taes for better information dissemination. bles in high powered meetings and developSo that Governance and mobilization of ment agendas. Will the simple farmer, gram Government Policy does not trickle down in panchayat member, village council head or contaminated ways and cultures are respect- gaon buras be consulted and age old tribal ed, bringing a fine balance with the globaliza- wisdom be taken into account. tion process.

Are we really taking their voice and conIntroduction of action agencies to get first cerns into account? Who decides their future, hand information on field for long term – are we disseminating knowledge, skilling, PARADIGM- PEOPLE-PROJECTS-PROSPERITY. making awareness or are we creating a modThe NE Caravan( as cited from Dr Aküm ern slavery and human trafficking opportuLongchari conclave deliberations) nity for modern corporate houses and huAs we travel from the borders of Bangla- man rights exploiters. So as another South desh and Meghalaya via the Assam road to America or Africa is not created in the name the (yet to be decided Asian Highway in Na- of globalization and Asean identity. galand measuring 80 Kms approximately , to The alarming question here arises, are the Nagaland - Manipur border town of Mao we land-locking states like Nagaland and and capital Imphal and there on to Moreh Arunachal Pradesh within NE India, due to and Tamuh in Myanmar. articles and land laws.

Mizoram and Manipur is all set to come close to the mainland India South east as the “The future ahead and the new world NE India” Kaladin Multi-Modal Transit Transport ProjAgendas and Advocacyect is a bilateral project between Government 1) SECURITY( POLITICAL AND SOCIAL) . of India and Myanmar by sea at Kolkotta with 2) RURAL DEVELOPMENT/ ECO TOURISM Sittwe seaport at Myanmar via by inland water .ORGANIC FARMING GREEN PROJETCS transport and then from Paletwa-Kaletwa on to ,LAND,WATER AND RENEWABLE ENERGY Mizoram in India by road transport total of 807 3) TRIBAL AFFAIRS( ADVOCACY AND EMKm long land and sea route to Thailand> (the POWERMENT) Mizoram town of Lawngtai will be the interna- 4) EDUCATION(SKILL DEVELOPMENT) tional border 100 km from National Highway 5) INFRASTUCTURE AND INVESTMENT/ 54 to be completed by mid of 2016 and 2019 BUSINESS ENVIRONMENTS (MARKET in phases( port to port 539Km, Kaladan to the LINKAGES AND STANDARDS/QUALITY) Western Myanmarese town of Patewa 158Km, Paletwa to Indo-Myanmar border is 110Km) Reflections and further to Daboka Karbi Anglong in Assam.

As the Asean summit was relived in In-

donesia. NE or the Seven sister rechristened as Eight sisters with Sikkim (though much of the central Government regional policies are with the eastern Zone headquarter for this new sister).

The Asian highway which will run from Dhaka to Tokyo, via Megahalaya, Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Singapore and Japan.

Bhutan’s southern and eastern borer roads will also be connected via the Assam Highway.

We need to prepare with great convictions of being a skilled human resource and technologically sound community and yet being able to protect the vital indigenous culture ,practices and land which is both agrarian rich and mineral rich.

With a new PM Honorable Modi who has renamed the “Look east policy ,as Act east policy” The Bandung (Asia/Africa) conference in 1955 in Indonesia called the conference of the colored people by President Sukarno.

Former prime minister and reformer of Indian economy Late P.V. Narashimha Rao took the look east policy forward. The Neo-Kantian vision is that economic interdependency, international institutions and liberal democracy will dominate the Asian paradigm.

Supported by the Neo-Confucian view is that political stability, strong authoritarian state, directed, economic growth and balance of power dynamics.

The architect of modern Singapore Late PM Lee Kuan Yew (minister mentor) said that only using the word east Asia is a misnomer.

The former persecuted minister of Malayasia Anwar Ibrahim quotes that east Asian communities have become Indianized states of S.E. Asia. We need to have a corporate model for modern India.

To overcome global warming, clean air, rising oil prices , energy security and to have better carbon credit -Solar and nuclear energy is the next big challenge with the signing of agreement with USA and clearance by NSG as we cannot depend solely on biofuel as was seen by the food crisis, inflation and

crashing stock markets. We need Venture capitalist for social changes in the process of globalization, resource redesign basically to remove the fat and non valuation in our governing and implementation system. Young tech savvy business elites to be encouraged for a fast, flat , and a new entrepreneurial economy. The ITES sector can be a forte in programming, consulting and design. Innovations are required to save and sustain our ecosystems. The national knowledge commission can help in digitalizing (interactive white board, wikepedia and blogjecs) our learning and classrooms e.g. the 100% laptop which has been introduced in Africa for easy knowledge sharing and management Better transport system (rapid transit system) and non polluting revolutionary transport system.

In education we need to achieve the target of 90% literacy, better government schools and teachers.

The NE communities have to become a doer from a dreamer. Our ecotourism has to be capitalized, which will lead to rural development, with traditional medicine, treatments amalgamated with spas and health care centre (health tourism).

This will target the international market in products and service. With equal sharing by women in village councils our heritage, culture and rich bio diverse system can be panache in the international market.

We need modern hospitals and private hospitals accessible to the common masses with medical/para medical graduates each year like Portugal and Cuba.

In NE, We also need to educate and empower our rural and common masses on financial literacy campaigns with PPP or corporate social responsibility to avoid fiascos like Singur and Nandigram in West Bengal for rehabilitating and sustaining the rural rush.

Self help groups, rural banks, microfinance, insurance , low-cost housing , commercial agriculture, biotech intervention and skill impartment for employment and entrepreneurship as seen in Grameen bank model of Nobel laureate Dr Mohammad Yunis of Ban-

gladesh, E-Choupal of ITC(vegetable market linkage of farmers products), Project Shakti and health in your hands projects of Unilever (India) HLL. But all this models will only work if the local culture, religion, gender issues and values are taken into account as India though one is a world by its own, and globalization works as popularly said think “global act local”. As North east India is the face of New India, marking significant moments of change and growth.

Action and Implementation Policy mobilization in common development goals in Government planning and bureaucracy.

PPP participation---1) Participation observation research and implementation of projects with the help of private and public partnership-government machinery to function as support.

2) Documentation (both paper and visual media ), feedback, gap analysis and return on investment to be done with proper performance management and competency mapping.

3) Projects to be standardized and sustained for replicating and continuous improvement to meet economic and political shifts.

This will help in removing the mirage, and provide the fortune to the bottom of the pyramids and marginalized communities.

Self sustaining, equal opportunity economy which will upgrade the human development factor and standard of living in rural or urban NE India. Enhancing peace and security of the nation as seen in prosperous and high development index nations. Which comes when Governance, culture, environment, education and economy are simultaneously developed where skewed and lopsided anti -social manifestations are avoided.

Civil society, intellects and media can monitor, disseminate, create dialogues with public, present white papers so that Pan India/South Asian public policy is customized based on geography and tribal-customary paradigms.

A REFLECTION ON THE NNC’S GREATEST The history of Languages- ACHIEVEMENT ON ITS 7Oth ANNIVERSARY A comparative study S

F

irst of all, I will like to state that I am not from a linguistic background. But being an historian I had done a brief research on the history of English language for this article. I would like to bring a comparison that has been talked much in our present societythrough verbal, print media and social networking. The citizen of Nagaland has been divided into two groups- for and against in making ‘Nagamese’ as the official language.

I have listened or read most of their comments and I say both has their own valid points. But talking alone cannot lead us anywhere unless we bring out concrete solution. The earlier the better for the coming generation whether we accept it or not.

The state of Nagaland has been blessed with rich nature and culture.

It often brings wonder to the ‘outsider’ whenever they do research on Nagaland or be on the Naga tribes.

Geographically, Nagaland is one of the smallest states in India yet it is one of the most diverse region. With diversity there is always a problem though it has its own merit. One of the major problem in this ‘globalization of Nagaland’ is her language barrier.

Everyone on this part of the world knows we have our own proud dialects but the sad reality is we cannot understand other’s dialects. In order to communicate, Nagamese has become a lingo-franca and hardly use English though it’s our official state language. It is true Nagamese was created to communicate the Ahom rulers especially for trade. With the coming of the British, the usage of Nagamese continued as they could understand much easier than the respective dialects of Naga. As a result, the British founded Dobashis which will assist them in interpreting. With the independence of India and statehood of Nagaland, the use of Nagamese has steadily increased.

In this 21st century, modern stratification such as urbanization has only increased the usage of Nagamese.

Whether we like it or not, now it will be hard to substitute Nagamese with other language for our day-to-day communication.

Some of the commentators are skeptic about the usages or making Nagamese as the official language.

They point out that Nagamese has no origin, no vocabulary, no grammar, no script and they tend to stick to the point that Nagamese is just a ‘bazaar’ language. Some even say it’s a mixture of many Indian languages blended into one and less of Naga dialects. I cannot deny any of those points and turn my back. However, I take heart whenever I read the history of English language and its origin. English language was originated only in the 5th Century A.D when the German invaded Britain. The invaders spoke similar language (West Germanic) of

the native people and developed into what we call the Old English (4501110 A.D). The Norman conquered England in 1066 and brought French language in their court. There was a division among the people however the old English dominated but with a cause where they added many of French words. With addition of many French words in Old English, this period we came to know as Middle English (110-1500). Early Modern English (1500-1800) started with the Renaissance period. Classical learning was sought during this period as a result many new words and phrases were added. Spelling and Grammar became more refined and it was during this period English dictionary (1604) was first published. This period saw a rapid growth of English language.

The Late Modern English (1800-Present) developed superior vocabulary than the latter. It was basically because of the Industrial Revolution and the expansion of British Empire.

These added many foreign languagesfrom all over the world in the Late Modern English. In fact, new words are added even today in English dictionary. Thus we can say English as a ‘language in progress’.

The development of English language is significant as it was done stage by stage. English language has been blended from many languages around the world. It took centuries to develop the modern English language which we are using today. In the same way, we need to remember that Nagamese cannot be develop over-night. It will take time to get mature but it’s high time we develop our own scripts, grammar, phrases, vocabulary and dictionary. Once we developed those, we can always re-edit and add more words as time goes by. It might take centuries to be fully developed but for now, is to seriously think and make Nagamese, a proper language to grow. Nagamese as of now, we can called it as a ‘raw language’. It can never get refined and developed unless we do something today. I bet, many of us cannot read and understand the old English today here in Nagaland (same with English people) - sentences and even scripts.

It is completely different from the modern English. Maybe the scripts of Nagamese that we develop today, after centuries it might completely change. With limitation today, words may be few but with time, the generation to come can always add which may be suitable to their age. More Naga dialects can be added like the English how they had added all foreign languages to strengthen their language over the centuries.

I have always believed that language plays an important role in developing society. When we look around the world, one of the most developed countries are those who has common languages. Even in In-

dia the most developed states are those places which have a common state languages. When I try to reason their progress I often conclude myself that they can easily communicate with themselves.Our students are struggling especially in the science subjects because we are studying other language. If only we impart Nagamese for their education, I believe they can easily understand the subject matter. Understanding subject matters and memorizing to pass in exam are completely different. For the development in society understanding subjects plays a vital role.It will be no harm to introduce Nagamese medium school along with English medium school.

Keeping in mind, our tribal institution, it will be difficult to implement Nagamese all over Nagaland in the first phase. However, at least in urban places, it will be worth a try where young children grows speaking Nagamese and are used to it. Yes it will be funny for a moment when we start using in educational institution and other institutions where English language still dominates. But when we use it regularly, after some few years everything will look normal and it will give a space to develop better.

Always remember, we never had our own scripts for our mother tongue dialects. It was the British and the missionaries who developed our dialects, first in the late 19th century and then in the 20th century. If they have not taken the initiative I doubt whether, even today we will still have any written scripts for our dialects.

With so many dialects in our society, it is not possible to adopt one Naga tribe for everyone. It will create more harm than doing good. Thus we have only one option left, i.e., to develop Nagamese where everyone uses as a second language. It can be understood by every section of our society irrespective of tribes, educated or uneducated people. I am sure many of the educated Naga are more comfortable with Nagamese then English.

We should take this as a proud moment when the Government of India recommended Nagamese as the language for North East. It is us how we react to this situation. If we look at the geography of Britain, it comprises of small islands. With few population they had been a great ambassador tomake English language so popular today. It’s our mentality and our eager to let it happen. We are here to make history, but history once done can never be altered (think wisely and act wisely). If we agree to develop Nagamese, we need to be the ambassador of the language which again has a great benefit for us only. How I wish I had written this particular article in Nagamese instead of English!

Thungdemo N Yanthan, Research Scholar Senjum village Dimapur Nagaland

eventy years ago, on February 2, 1946, NNC-The Naga National Council was bornin Wokha, Nagaland. The NNC, unlike the NSCN IM or the NSCN K etc was not formed as a political organization influenced by any political ideology. On the contrary, the NNC was evolved from the democratic traditions of the Naga people and was formed to become the political institution of the Nagas.

From its very inception, every Naga born of Naga blood was counted as a member of the NNC and a member of the Naga nation.

After the end of the Second World War in 1945, over five hundred years of the Whiteman’s Colonial rule over Asia and most of the world was rapidly drawing to an end. And in the late 1940’s, after this 500 years of colonial rule, the whole South East Asian countries were in an agitated state trying to claim their rightful

national identity in the future new world. And in this tumultuous paradigm shift in world history, the NNC became the first political institution to declare Naga Independence on 14th August 1947.

In the context of South Asia which also includes the Indian sub-continent, there were over 500 Princely States within the then British India.

They were former kingdoms like the Marathas, the Punjabis and the Tamils etc. But even before these big Indian nations, Nagas became the first nation to declare their independence from colonial rule. And this declaration of Naga Independence was done under the auspices and leadership of the Naga National Council. This farsighted feat of the NNC is one of the greatest achievements of the NNC and the Naga people in South East Asian and South Asian history.

This NNC and Naga signature signed in the pages of human his-

tory can never be erased by any political authority under heaven- be it, the UNO or the Indian Government, not to talk of the NSCN IM who are trying to experiment a “Shared Sovereignty” with India. After all, Naga sovereignty precedes any other political national sovereignties of any country in modern South Asian history after the Colonial period. How then can India “grant us” or “deny us, “OUR INDEPENDENCE when we were the fist in South East Asia to declare our independence?

In conclusion, I and Nagaland are but small entities in the global world.

But as far as political facts of modern South East Asian countries (Including India) are concerned, I and Nagaland can laugh at any other giant neighbor nations if they dare to challenge us.

Long live NNC and Naga Independence!

Kaka D. Iralu

The Idea of a Naga Language

I

ssue of Language is explosive in nature. One thing is because language is the core of one’s identity. I, for one will not speak or write Nagamese if it is promoted as an official language in its present form. It is not that I do not want to have a Naga language.

There are both for and against on according Nagamese as official language. Both arguments have valid points.

No doubt Nagamese is a pidgin language, adopted from neighbouring languages. I have seen many nonNagas speaking better Nagamese than the Nagas. In fact a shop keeper from Bihar will mock and correct you in Nagamese conversation if you do not understand many of his vocabularies. While he is at ease in conversing the so called Nagamese because he can mix fifty per cent Hindi, Assamese, Bhojpuri, you are at unease because you can’t even understand your ‘mese’.

Worse case is the one from Bihar will qualify UPSC writing in Nagamese language if it is officialised in the present format.

Moreover there are certain things we should not waste time, energy and resources in this globalized world where western culture is being homogenised, and English is one among them. There is also this economy of language, whereby you earn your living, including government job, knowing English language. So the apprehension that English may take a back seat if Nagamese is promoted may have some rationale.

We may also suspect ulterior motive behind Modi’s interest in promoting Nagamese. Therefore I don’t think Modiji will be very happy if we refuse to officialise Nagamese be-

cause that would mean a failed mission for his grandeur Hindustan.

Inspite of all these, the idea of developing a Naga language has its own advantages. Speaking English does not give you a Naga identity. In a tribal-ridden society like the Nagas, it is very difficult to shed off parochial mindset. It has only brought misery to the Naga society. Therefore it would be a good idea if the state takes step to develop a Naga language. This language will certainly include major chunk of Naga-mese, Naga-ish, Naga-di, but most importantly languages from the Naga tribes.

The official language of Indian Union is Hindi with English as a subsidiary official language. Centre has no role for a state to recognise any language as official language. In Nagaland except for English no other language is used as official language, not even Hindi. It is also not possible to promote any dominant tribal language, not even Tenyidie which is taught up to postgraduate level, as an official language of the state at this juncture given the complexity of the socio-cultural and political realities. English or Hindi is indispensable because all official communications with the Indian Union are done by these two languages. So promote Nagamese but let the contents be mostly indigenous languages and try avoiding Hindi as far as possible so that Naga distinctness is not assimilated to oblivion in the Indian culture. And for this the state should be the initiator.

This will give a distinct cultural attribute to the very idea of Naga, which in itself is a construct. Not that Nagas are not recognised as nation or ethnic group but there is no tangible attribute distinct to the Nagas. Racially there are many other mongoliod groups in In-

dia, Christianity which is widely practice is not an indigenous religion, customs and traditions are all very similar like many other tribal societies. By developing and promoting Naga language it can forge a tangible collective identity distinct to the Nagas.

The distinction between dialect and language is very frail. I would say it is only academic distinction. There is no strict rule that a language should have its own script. The purpose of dialect or language is to communicate, both verbal and non-verbal. Given the abundance of scripts today it is not necessary to invent a new alphabet. English alphabet which we comfortable use in our tribal language will serve the purpose. To be clear English alphabet itself is borrowed from Latin alphabet. Therefore dialect as language has no problem.

However while promoting Nagamese or whatever name is given for a Naga language care should be taken so that words are not randomly imported from other non-Naga languages, rather it should be compiled by giving equal weightage to the languages from all the different tribes.

For this a good Language laboratory should be instituted. In case of confusion and conflict state should have prerogative authority to give final decision. This of course will not be a new initiative. Under the Naga National Council (NNC) few vocabularies were compiled and used as common language which are familiarised to us now. It is therefore interesting to know the stand of the present Naga Nationalist Groups (NNGs) in this respect as they have been claiming to be the guardian of Naga Identity.

Dr. Phyoben Odyuo Mokokchung

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

Wednesday 3•02•2016

EntErtainmEnt

“Pick up the trend of P Social Empowerment”

Adele objects as Trump plays song WWE icon

T

ime and again, the music fraternity, young entrepreneurs and some likeminded individuals have been displaying acts of love to the less unfortunate section of the society.

In a very commendable act, The Kids Garden is organizing “The Joy Of Giving Season 2” in collaboration with a team of artists, entrepreneurs and visionaries.

This time, it will be an evening of Coffee & Music under the stars to be held at Life Spring Corner, Dimapur on February 6th, 2016. The endeavor is to raise funds to put 23 underprivileged children (ages 10 girls and 13 boys) through a year of school.

The first season of Joy of Giving was held on December 24, 2014, raised funds for fifteen kids. The children now study in the Assembly of God School, Bank Colony, Dimapur.

Following this, The Kids Garden has been meeting weekly and mentoring these children for few years now. The people behind The Kids Garden after studying their socioeconomic conditions, realized that the only way for the kids to break away from their vicious cycle and be responsible independent

citizens was by giving them quality education. Many of them were not in school.

They believe in the saying, “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.” What these kids need is a chance to grow up into responsible adults. With education, we give them that chance.

The initiative began when Katrin Rüdel, who is co-partner of the café “The Garden” located in Supermaket area, Dimapur noticed many young children roaming around the streets during the daytime and even at night. “The Kids Garden” is a result of Katrin’s desire to help these children whose parents work in the booze joints and second hand shops in the area. Today, she acts as a guardian for many young children and takes responsibility to buy their books, uniforms, admissions. Not only the children, but Katrin also regularly meet the parents of these children and discuss the importance of educating their children. She also acts as a bridge to people who volunteer to sponsor the education of the children from The Kids Garden.

One of the talented artists behind the initiative,

WHO: The Kids Garden, Katrin Rüdel WHAT: An evening of Coffee & Music under the stars. Featuring- Voices of Hope led by Nise Meruno, Alobo Naga And The Band, Asin Shürhozelie, Virie and Ronnie Odyuo.

WHERE: Life Spring Corner, Dimapur WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 6th, 2016 WHY: A team of young artists, entrepreneurs and visionaries are collaborating with The Kids Garden to raise funds for put 23 underprivileged children through school.

Atsen Murry who is a professional photographer had this to say: “There are a lot of young entrepreneurs who wants to make a difference.

They also have the skills to do so. I hope that on a broader scale, this initiative can be a movement of bringing a difference. I, personally look at it as setting the trend for other young people to give back to the society. I hope this gets to be a trend.”

Tickets are priced at Rs. 500 and one can buy tickets at the Garden, Super Market, Dimapur. Interested people can also volunteer to sponsor a child’s education. If you are interested in giving/donating towards the kids please call 8014936756.

Morung Ent. News

Duchess of Cambridge to give first solo Tv Interview

T

C M Y K

he 34-year-old gave her last televised chat in November 2010, on the day her engagement to Prince William was announced, but on Monday, E! News reported Catherine would be filmed for a documentary to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's 90th birthday.

The mother-of-two will join a host of elite members of the Royal Family, including her husband, his father, the Prince of Wales, and his wife the Duchess of Cornwall in paying tribute to the British monarch ahead of her latest age milestone.

Sources tell the outlet the programme will air in May (16), weeks after the Queen's big day on 21 April. "It's a remarkable story of an extraordinary life which in so many ways reflects the changing face of the nation," said Jo Clinton-Davis, ITV's controller of factual television, who co-commissioned the film. "As she reaches her 90th birthday, this film aims to offer a fresh insight into our monarch's life and work."

While Catherine's speeches at public events have been broadcast since her marriage to William in April 2011, she has yet to conduct a one-to-one inter-

op superstar Adele on Monday lodged objections as Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump played her music on the campaign trail. Trump, an apparent fan of Adele who was spotted at her concert in November in New York, has regularly played her hit “Rolling in the Deep” at his rallies.

“Adele has not given permission for her music to be used for any political campaigning,” a statement from the singer’s spokesman said. Adele, whose blockbuster success has been attributed to her ability to attract audiences across wide demographic lines, did not mention Trump by name.

Adele in the past has declared herself as a staunch supporter of the Labour Party in her native Britain although in a potential area of common ground with Trump she has complained about the heavy tax bill since becoming rich.

US candidates, especially on the right, have repeatedly faced a backlash when playing well-known songs.

Trump earlier in his cam-

Bret 'The Hitman' Hart is battling cancer

paign played Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free World” and R.E.M.’s “It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine),” triggering furious protests from the artists known for their left-leaning views.

But Trump on Monday picked up an endorsement of sorts from one prominent musician. Azealia Banks, the New York rapper who like Trump is fond of heated exchanges on Twitter, offered a backhanded compliment as she said she planned to vote for Trump.

“I think Donald Trump is evil like America is evil and in order for America to keep up with itself it needs him,” Banks wrote in a series of late-night tweets.

Yet Banks an African

American woman who in the past has accused the music industry of double standards and declared her hatred for “fat white Americans” also offered more straightforward praise for Trump.

She said that the real estate tycoon “is the only one who truly has the balls to bust up big business.” Referring to the Democratic candidates, she said: “Just because Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders say nice things about minorities doesn’t mean they actually mean them.”

Trump during his campaign has accused Mexican immigrants of being rapists and called for a temporary ban on all foreign Muslims entering the United States.

‘Gangnam Style’ made Psy dislike music

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hile “Gangnam Style” brought him worldwide recognition, Psy considers the song a curse in as much as it made him unable to create music for two years. “Gangnam Style” became a burden. And as an artist, I could not overcome that weight and I couldn’t make any new songs for two whole years, revealed Psy at the live online broadcast of “Psy Little Television” on Naver’s V app.

He added, “During that time I disliked music. It was a first time for me. I really like listening to music with the volume raised high but during those past two years, I didn’t listen to music in the car. I hated

music itself. And I was frustrated with myself being unable to write music. I even thought that I might have to give up music.”

“Gangnam Style” was released in July 2012 and quickly became a hit worldwide. Soon after, Psy was being invited to various American TV shows to perform the song including the “Ellen DeGeneres Show” and NBC’s “Today.”

To date, “Gangnam Style” has racked up 2.46 billion views on YouTube. It is now considered the site’s most viewed video of all time.

Psy is promoting his seventh album “Chiljip Psy-da,” which was released on Dec. 1. He has released two music videos for the tracks “Daddy”

and “Napal Baji.”

The video for “Daddy” has been viewed 10 million times in just 34 hours since its release while the one for “Napal Baji” has garnered 3 million views. Psy’s new album features singers CL of 2NE1, JYJ’s Junsu, Zion.T, will.i.am, Jun In Kwon, Gaeko of Dynamic Duo and Ed Sheeran.

Psy revealed during a press conference that “Daddy” was a difficult song to write.

“It took the longest to write the song, to make its choreography, and even to make its music video,” he said, according to YG Life. “Napal Baji” is currently No. 1 on the Instiz iChart while “Daddy” is No. 3.

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restling legend Bret ”The Hitman” Hart announced on his social media pages Monday that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. “I've had a great lifelong dance and I'm a survivor of many hard battles. I now face my toughest battle. With hesitation and fear, I openly declare myself in my fight against prostate cancer,” Hart, 58, shared with his followers. “In the next few days, I will undergo surgery with the hope of defeating this nemesis once and for all.”

Hart is one of the most recognizable wrestlers in history. CM Punk, during an interview with Bill Simmons in 2011, called Hart “the greatest of all-time.”

“I will march toward this destiny with his spirit chanting in my ear.

I make a solemn vow to all of those that once believed in me, the dead and the living, that I will wage my fearsome fight against cancer with one shield and one sword carrying my determination and my fury for life, emboldened by all the love that's kept me going this long already,” the wrestler wrote.

Hart noted in the post that he suffered a stroke in 2002, which left him in a wheelchair for a short amount of time. "My fans have always looked upon me as a hero and I've always done my best to live up to that in and out of the ring," he wrote. Hart has made multiple WWE appearances since.

He said that his family will be his inspiration throughout the battle with cancer. "My children, grandchildren, and my loving wife Steph have been and will constantly be at my side," Hart wrote. "I refuse to lose, I will never give in or give up, and I will win this battle or die trying." Fellow wrestlers and WWE figures have shared their best wishes for Hart on social media."

Hillstar NOW SHOWING

view. In 2010, she was interviewed by British journalist Tom Bradby alongside her then-fiance, and the segment was well received by the public. Since tying the

knot at London's Westminster Abbey, Catherine and William have gone on to welcome two children, Prince George, two, and Princess Charlotte, eight months.

Mao - Poumai Baptist Fellowship 2016

02:00 pm | 08:00 Pm

Theme : Revive us, O Lord Date: 4th - 5th Feb, 2016 Place: Senapati

Speakers: Rev. Dr. Woba James Lecturer ETC, Jorhat

Host: Senapati Karong Baptist Churches (PNBA & MBCA)

Rev. Dr. L. Kholi Former Principal, MTC, Kangpokpi

Poumai Naga Baptist Association (PNBA) and Mao Baptist Churches Association (MBCA) is organizing a fellowship on the theme, “Revive us O Lord” to be hosted by Senapati Karong Baptist Churches at District Headquarters Senapati, Manipur from 4th – 5th February 2016. Therefore, all the unit churches under PNBA and MBCA are requested to send its delegates to this auspicious fellowship.

11:00 AM | 05:00 PM

12

wednesdAY 03•02•2016

SPORTS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Deadline Day: EPL’s mid table clubs spend big

LONDON, FEBRUARY 2 (REUTERS): English clubs took their spending on players for the season soaring past 1 billion pounds on Monday, but the biggest signing on transfer deadline day was that of a manager as Manchester City confirmed Pep Guardiola will take over this summer.

A relatively quiet final day for Europe's mid-season transfer window saw the biggest deals done by mid-table Premier League clubs.

Everton shelled out 13.5 million pounds to bring Senegal striker Oumar Niasse from Russian Premier League club Lokomotiv Moscow while Stoke City shattered their club record by signing French midfielder Giannelli Imbula from Porto for 18.3 million pounds shortly before the window closed.

Deloitte said the 175 million pounds ($252.42 million) spent by English clubs was the highest for a January transfer window since the 225 million spent in the 2010/11 window.

Manchester City, who spent 100 million pounds in the summer to bring in Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling, did not add

to their squad in the window but Guardiola is unlikely to be the only big-name arrival at the Abu Dhabi United Group-owned club in July.

City's current manager, Manuel Pellegrini, stunned a pre-match news conference on Monday by saying he would leave the club on June 30. Shortly afterwards, City announced that Bayern Munich manager Guardiola, one of the world's most respected coaches who won 14 titles in four years at Barcelona, including the Champions League twice, had agreed a three-year contract.

His arrival will more give weight to the Premier League's claim to being most attractive league in the world. City's rivals sat up and took notice, with Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp saying Guardiola was on a mission to conquer Europe.

"Pep won everything in Spain, nearly everything in Germany, so I think he wants to win everything in England, that is clear."

prised by the spending power of the Premier League's smaller clubs.

Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid enjoy a huge financial advantage over their La Liga rivals while Bayern Munich have a similar advantage in the Bundesliga.

However, in the Premier League, where a new three-year 5.1 billion pounds television deal kicks in next season, the world's top talent is within reach of all 20 clubs, levelling the playing field to a certain extent.

That spending power also ensures an element of unpredictability and sees champions Chelsea flirting with the relegation zone this season and outsiders Leicester City challenging for the league title.

Unfashionable Stoke, who sit ninth in the Premier League, broke their transfer record when signing Swiss forward Xherdan Shaqiri from Inter Milan in August for 12 million pounds but blew past that figure with the capture of Imbula on Monday.

SPENDING POWER Relegation-threatened NewWhile Guardiola will have a castle United spent a reported 25 huge war chest to add to the squad million pounds on England interin the summer, he might be sur- nationals Andros Townsend from

DDIBCSF sports meet from Feb 10 C M Y K

DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 2 (MExN): The Dimapur District Inter Bible Colleges Sports Fellowship (DDIBCSF) annual sports meet will be held at DDSC stadium, Golaghat Road from February 10 to 13. Kaino H Sumi, Assistant Commissioner of police, Dimapur will grace the opening ceremony as chief guest. DDIBCSF Chairman, Aito Swu has informed all the interested Bible colleges to contact:-09615115435/ 8732829914 /7085912196

12th South Asian Games (SAG) Torch Relay

Tottenham Hotspur and Jonjo Shelvey from Swansea City.

Fellow strugglers Sunderland also made a clutch of signings while Watford, Bournemouth and Norwich City have all been busy.

Ominously for fans of bottom club Aston Villa though, not a penny was spent to boost their seemingly hopeless task of avoiding relegation, leading to speculation about the future of manager Remi Garde.

"We've seen Premier League clubs again use the January window to invest significantly in playing talent," Dan Jones, partner in the Sports Business Group at Deloitte, said. "Total gross spending this season has reached £1bn for the first time."

The big-spenders were not limited to the Premier League.

Such is the lure of the riches in the top flight that Championship promotion hopefuls Middlesbrough pulled off one of the biggest deadline day deals by signing Scotland striker Jordan Rhodes from Blackburn Rovers for an undisclosed fee reported to be around nine million pounds.

Kohima town inter ward football and volleyball tournament

The 12th South Asian Games (SAG) Torch Relay was held in Kohima on February 2. The torch relay is a pre-programme of the 12th SAG which will be held from February 5 –16 at Guwahati and Shillong. (Morung Photo)

NRA informs DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 2 (MExN): Shooter Hito Swu and official, T Temjen Jamir of the Nagaland Rifle Association have been selected to represent the state in the XVI Kumar Surendra Singh Memorial Shooting Championship, in small bore rifle & pistol events to be held at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala from February 20 to 26. A press note from the NRA has informed that the shooter has been to carry an air rifle 40805 with 500 pellets from Pune to Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala and back by road/flight/train.

AFC Champions League: Shandong Luneng smother Mohun Bagan 6-0

A football match in progress during 4th Kohima town inter ward tournament in Kohima on February 2. (Morung Photo)

JINAN, FEBRUARY 2 (IANS): Shandong Luneng smothered current I-League champions Mohun Bagan 6-0 in an Asian Football Confederation's (AFC) Champions league qualifying second round encounter at the Luneng Big stadium here on Tuesday. Yang Xu scored a brace (55th minute, 68) while the others were netted by Walter Montillo (23), Diego Tardelli (40), Zheng Zheng (76) and Wang Yongpo (88). From the very beginning the hosts had a strong hold over the game in temperatures which were around -10 degrees Celsius. Mohun Bagan found it difficult to move, let alone create opportunities.

After being tied down for the first 20 minutes Shandong finally broke the deadlock as Montillo let one fly of his left foot. The strong shot went in after hitting the crossbar, evading the outstretched hands of Mohun Bagan custodian Debjit Mazumder.

There were more attacks, thereafter on the Mohun Bagan citadel but somehow the defenders were able to keep the likes of Tardelli and Montillo at bay. But at the 40th minute mark it was Tardelli’s turn to smash the ball in. After latching onto a ball from the right the Brazilian skipped past a defender to put bury his strong shot into the net. At the break, the hosts were leading 2-0. Sanjoy Sen's men started on the right note in the second half passing the ball around and trying to feed Sony Norde upfront but after some time the hosts regained control. Xu scored his first of the afternoon, picking up a pass from Tardelli and curling it with his right-foot beyond the reach of Mazumder. This attempt too went in after hitting the underside of the bar. Around 13 minutes later Xu struck again to make it 4-0 for his side. By then Mohun Bagan knew their fate had been sealed, their shoulders drooped and nothing seemed to transpire for them on the attacking front.

Zheng scored a few minutes later to add to the visitors woes and if 5-0 wasn’t enough humiliation Wang scored two minutes from full-time to hammer the final nail in the Bagan coffin.

The 4th edition of Kohima town Inter Ward Men’s Football and Women’s Volleyball Tournament 2016 under the aegis NPF 9th Kohima Town A/C entered the second day here today at Kohima Local Ground.

In the first football match of the day, Ward No. 15 beat Ward No. 19 with 3 goals to nil. Aloto Aye contributed one goal to Ward No. 15 while Rokoneizo Yietsu netted two goals. In the second match, Ward no. 6 defeated Ward No 7.

Kangkang and Kezevituo

Our Correspondent Kohima | February 2

Men’s Football (3rd Feb Fixtures) 10:00 AM: Ward No. 18 vs Ward No. 11 11:40 AM: Ward no. 16 vs Ward no. 12 1:30 PM : Ward no. 14 vs Ward no. 15 Women's volleyball fixture (4th Feb.) 1st semi final Ward no.14 Vs Ward no. 12 (1:00 pm) 2nd semi final Ward no. 13 Vs Ward no. 15 Inter Ward Women singing competition 3rd Feb. at 5:00 pm at State Academy Hall Kohima Vizo fetched a goal each for Ward No 6.

Ward No. 10 downed Ward No 13 with a margin of 3-1 in the 3rd match. Ward No. 10 scorers Nyanthung, Achang Ozukum and Sede.

A lone goal for Ward No. 13 came through the booth of Hitovo Shohe. In the 4th match, Ward No.1 overpowered Ward No. 4 with 2 goals to nil. Yhumshelo Kemp netted both goals for Ward No.1.

U-19 WC: West Indies bowler 'Mankads' Zimbabwe batsman ChITTAgONg, FEBRUARY 2 (IANS): West Indies Under-19 bowler Keemo Paul 'Mankaded' last Zimbabwe batsman Richard Ngarava in the final over to help his side progress to the quarter-finals of the ongoing World Cup here on Tuesday. The word 'Mankad' came from an incident that happened during India's tour of Australia on December 13, 1947, in the second Test at Sydney. India's Vinoo Mankad ran out Bill Brown when, in the act of delivering the ball, he held on to it and removed the bails with Brown well out of his crease. Since this incident, a batsman dismissed in this fashion is said to have been Mankaded. On Tuesday, Zimbabwe needed three runs to win with just one wicket remaining when fast bowler Paul began the final over of what was a thrilling match. As Paul approached, non-striker Ngarava began to slowly walk out of his crease. But instead of starting his delivery stride, Paul quickly removed the bails with the ball.

The TV official reviewed the footage and correctly ruled that Ngarava was just out of his ground when the bails were removed.

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