February 5th, 2017 by The Morung Express

C M Y K

www.morungexpress.com

SunDAY • FebruArY 05 • 2017

DIMAPUR • Vol. XII • Issue 33 • 12 PAGes • 5

T H e

ESTD. 2005

P o W e R

o F

T R u T H

Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal — Martin Luther King, Jr.

Battle for Punjab, Goa passes peacefully amid high voter turnout PAGe 08

Sumi Hoho asks STH to disassociate from NMA DimaPur, February 4 (mexN): The Sumi Hoho today asked the Sumi Totimi Hoho (STH) to disassociate from the Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) with immediate effect. Sumi Hoho, President, Toniho Yepthomi and Secretary Vihuto Asumi in a press note stated that Sumi Hoho issued this directive to the STH as it is “evident” that the NMA has “lost its direction” and Nagas have allegedly “lost confidence” on the NMA. “The good image and role of STH in the Sumi society should never be compromised whatsoever,” added Sumi Hoho.

ENPO follows NTAC & JCC restrictions DimaPur, February 4 (mexN): The Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) has decided to “restrict opening of government offices and movement of government vehicles” till the demands of the Nagaland Tribes Action Committee (NTAC) and the Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) are met. Six federating units of the ENPO were informed for “strict compliance and implementation” of the resolutions with effect from Monday, February 6, in all districts and sub-divisional administrative head quarters. All educational institutions both government & private, banks, medical, power, fire services, business & markets, army, central & paramilitary forces and private transportations are exempted from the purview of the restrictions. This was informed through a press release from the ENPO Media Cell after the ENPO had an emergency meeting on February 4. The house resolved to “to extend support in total solidarity to the resolutions as adopted and demanded” by the NTAC and JCC. It was also informed that the NTAC and JCC find representation from Eastern Nagaland through the presidents of the ENPUK and ENPUD respectively. The ENPO also regretted the “unceremonious act of back tracking by the state government from the laudable agreement between the state government and the JCC on 31st January 2017 which was initiated by the church (NBCC) that led to sparkling the present crisis.”

Ruthless Chelsea overpower Arsenal to stretch lead

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KENGJUNG VILLAGE: Isolated, No medical facility & struggling to survive Imti Longchar

Kengjung | February 4

In this sleepy little village at the farthest end of Tuensang district- Kengjung, its inhabitants have been anxiously waiting with excitement and hope for the arrival of a medical team. Quite understandably, because the villagers would be seeing a doctor(s) set foot in their village for the first time – courtesy of a medical camp organized by the Eden Medical Centre, Dimapur with logistics arranged by the Nagaland Empowerment of People Through Energy Development (NEPeD) on January 29-30, 2017. Located around 65-70 kilometers of hair-raising and cliff hugging narrow road from Noklak town, at Kengjung village, health is a matter of life and death, literally and figuratively. After a dusty 5-hour drive on a pick-up truck, the first thing one notices on the countenance of the villagers who had gathered to greet the medical team are heart-rending faces of sickness and malnutrition. Forget anesthetic, medicine or thread, there is not even a dispensary in the village. The nearest place to avail medical facilities is a sub-centre at Thonokyu, where one only gets the basic of medicines and another is the CHC at Noklak,

which is too far. Even getting there is easier said than done. Every year, from June to October, Kengjung becomes isolated with the roads leading to the village (Thonokyu on one side and Noklak on the other) cutoff due to landslide on several portions of the road. It is a formidable task for the villagers to clear those obstructions every year. The government department does not come to this part of the region to clear the roads. Every November, the villagers gather to clear the roads so that a lone pickup truck in the village can traverse for supplies and essential items from the town. Three rivers namely Choklou, Chongmatai and Sukhong run its course through the NoklakKengjung road. Just like the roads, every year the villagers construct wooden bridges during the dry season only to be swept away during the monsoon. The local MLA has not paid a visit to the village in the last four years (after the election) except for a recent programme of the Khiamniungan Students’ Union hosted by the village. The villagers had even sacrificed their daily wages under the MNREGA scheme to hire JCB for clearing the road so that the KSU programme could take place.

Nagaland State Cabinet to seek amendment of Part IX of the Constitution from Delhi DimaPur, February 4 (mexN): In the aftermath of the stiff opposition to holding of elections to the Urban Local Bodies with 33% reservation of seats for women by tribal hohos in Nagaland, the Nagaland State Cabinet has decided to take the matter to the New Delhi to demand that Nagaland be exempted from the purview of Part IX of the Constitution of India. According to a communiqué issued by the media cell, Chief Minister’s Office, the State Cabinet, while taking serious consideration of the widespread concern expressed by various tribal hohos and other organizations with regard to certain provisions of Part IX-A of the Constitution relating to municipalities, has decided to submit a memorandum to the Prime Minister to amend the Constitution through ordinance. This new turn of event was decided in an emergency Cabinet meeting Saturday tonight attended by special invitees comprising of legislators from all tribes of the State, the CMO informed. All the sixty legislators of the State, both the Members of Parliament, the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland are to submit the memorandum jointly and an early appointment with the Prime Minister has been sought, it stated.

Limasunep Jamir takes over as new Commissioner of Police, Dimapur

C M Y K

Tali Angh: A heart that sings, prays and loves!

DimaPur, February 4 (mexN): Limasunep Jamir, IPS has taken over as the new Commissioner of Police, Dimapur with effect from February 3, 2017. Vechipa Vise, IPS has also taken over as the new Deputy Commissioner of Police, Zone- I, Dimapur. The Commissioner of Police in press note issued through the Additional Dy. Commissioner of Police and PRO stated that the Police exist for the people and the people for the Police and, this symbiotic relation has always existed in one form or the other in every society. Appealing to the citizens not to take law into their own hands, the new Commissioner of Police added that all the laws are products of social requirements and exist to serve the people, to maintain peace and order in society. The Commissioner of Police has also sought the co-operation and support of the people to maintain peace and restore normalcy in the District. He assured that under his watch, Dimapur Police would tirelessly endeavor to provide a credible, transparent, accountable Police administration in the service of people to whom it is dedicated to serve.

Villagers throng to register for treatment at the free medical camp organized by the Eden Medical Centre at Kengjung village. (Morung Photo)

More than 80% have never taken a medicine

It is in the face of such dismal circumstances that Kengjung village struggles to survive every day. It would be fairly accurate to say that at least 80% of the village had never seen or taken a medicine before, as per their revelation. The mortality rate explains all. In 2015 alone, from a household of around 83 families in the village, more than 15 succumbed to various diseases. The villagers have lost exact count of how many-

15 or 18 or 20. Many of these fallen were children. Most of the deaths occurred during monsoon when the roads become inaccessible because of landslides. Family members of the deceased would only watch in hapless tears as their near and dear ones writhe their life away in agony. There were many occasion when the village saw even two deaths in a day. “If there was at least a dispensary in this village, many of the lives would have been saved, Kengjung village council chairman Yamto lamented. According to him, the villagers had

appealed numerous times to the government for a dispensary and at least a nurse but to no avail. “Food, even if meager, we can cultivate on our own to fill our stomach, but medicines? How and where can we get it? It is with such helplessness that here in our village, when there is an illness, the relatives gather around and watch their loved ones die,” the chairman rued. The mortality rate in the village can be lessened to a great extent if only the village had accessibility to medicines and health caregivers, Mongtsoa, the Pastor of Kengjung Baptist Church

Eden Medical Centre treats 536 patients at Kengjung health camp

The lack of access to medical infrastructure was more than conspicuous as people from neighboring villages thronged Kengjung village to avail

treatment for various ailments during the free medical camp organized by the Eden Medical Centre, Dimapur. As many as 536 patients turned up for availing treatment during the two-day medical camp. Indicating the acute lack of medical facilities in the area, many of the patients from neighboring villages Peshu, Chipur, Wui had walked all the way to Kengjung and camped for days before the arrival of the medical team. A 20-member-team from the Eden Medical Centre, Dimapur with 8 doctors lent their healing hands to provide much needed medical attention to the villagers. The doctors also operated twenty (20) minor surgeries. Realizing that a onetime medical camp would not be enough to alleviate the health issues of Kengjung village, Dr Lima Imchen, director, Eden Medical Centre asked the village authority to send two volunteers to train on basic medical health care, which would be fully sponsored by the Centre. Not only this, medicines would also be provided by EMC to the village, Imchen assured. Imti Longchar is a journalist with The Morung Express and had travelled with the team to Kengjung

Democratic struggle of people of the state will be taken to its logical conclusion: NTAC Kohima crawls back to normalcy

DimaPur, February 4 (mexN): The Nagaland Tribes Action Committee (NTAC), Kohima has reiterated that the democratic struggle of the people began by the people of the State will be taken to its logical conclusion. This was resolved at a meeting held on Saturday in Kohima. The NTAC also condemned that statement of Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang as most irrational to blame the democratic protest of the tribal bodies and the JCC for the killing of two youth and injuring several others during police firing at Dimapur and Longleng resulting to mob violence at Kohima and other parts of the state instead of owning responsibility. “If the Chief Minister has any sense of modesty and reason, he must understand that his accusation is a mockery to democratic principles and common sense and calls for befitting punishment,” the NTAC statement issued by KT Vilie, conve-

A semblance of normalcy today returned to the Nagaland capital with educational institutions, banks, business establishments and shops opening two days after violent mobs went on a rampage here vandalising and setting afire government offices and vehicles. With business activities kicking

the truth to hold on to his post with blood in his hand has no moral right to continue in office but to step off, long queues were seen at petrol down immediately. pumps, shops, and markets. Prohibitory orders are still in Bandh relaxed on Sunday, force in some areas of the capital to resume Monday with with state government offices reshutdown of govt offices maining closed today and governMeanwhile, the NTAC said that ment vehicles also staying off roads. all the State Government offices Also, the partial bandh imposed by will remain closed while governAngami Youth Organization (AYO) ment vehicles would be exempted witnessed restriction of opening of from the purview of the ongoing government offices and plying of bandh before 9AM and after 3PM. government registered vehicles. The Committee has however ex-

nor and CT Jamir, secretary read. The Committee stated, “TR Zeliang, instead of listening to the voice of the public, banking on 42 MLAs who are forcefully confined within his bungalow and showing their support as a basis not to step down as the Chief Minister simply tells his level of reasoning.” It reminded that the fall out is purely due to the Cabinet’s “devi-

ous decision” to sidetrack from the January 30, 2017 gentlemen’s agreement at Chumukedima witnessed by NBCC to postpone the scheduled ULB elections. The Committee therefore said the Chief Minister who is dubiously trying to hide behind the Constitution by deliberately ignoring the turmoil and hardships faced by the people and shying away from

Our Correspondent Kohima | February 4

Bandh further relaxed in Dimapur Morung Express News Dimapur | February 4

felt. With zero awareness and the lack of education on hygiene and knowledge on disease, the matter is further confounded. Most of the illnesses, accordingtothePastor,couldbe minor ones, which become serious after the patient(s) does not receive medical care for days or month’s end as road communication cuts off for months and not even the basic of medical infrastructure in place. During emergencies, villagers have to carry the patients on their back and walk on foot to get medical help, the Pastor explained. Except for Kengjung, the other villages in this part of the region at least have a dispensary or basic medical infrastructure at their disposal. “A lot of lives can be saved if the government can at least provide us with a dispensary. The government of the day should heed our cries, it’s distressing and vital,” chairman Yamto stressed.

cation with regard to the nullifying of sequence the Chief Minister is liable the ULB polls. In line with the demand to step down on moral grounds. “TR for the suspension of the former Com- Zeliang is not the Chief Minister of his MLAs. He is the Chief Minister of • Banks and NST public transport the people,” said Supu commenting on the CM announcing he has will be allowed to function the support of 42 MLAs. • Boycott of state govt offices, Meanwhile, the Dimapur Naga officials and vehicles will continue Youth Front informed that NST bus service will henceforth be al•Black flags to be put up as a lowed to ply.

The Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) further scaled down the restrictions enforced with regard to the ongoing bandh in Dimapur. The JCC on February 4 informed that all banking institutions will be allowed to open from February 6, while adding that sanitation workers of the Dimapur Municipal Council should complete garbage removal before 9:00 am daily. While asserting that the boycotting of Nagaland state government offices, officials and vehicles will continue, the JCC requested all business establishments in town to put up black flags beginning Sunday as a mark of protest against the state government and its actions. It further demanded that the government should issue official notifi-

mark of protest

missioner of Police, Dimapur, it also demanded that the Superintendent of Police, Longleng should also be suspended. While warning that JCC would strengthen the agitation if the state government does not step down, JCC convenor, Supu Jamir stated that the action of the “present day government” is not in consonance with the concept of democracy and as a con-

Diphupar

Diphupar continued with the bandh today with most shops inside the village jurisdiction remaining shut. While most of the barriers put up along NH 29 were cleared, a few including the remnants of a burnt vehicle continued to remain near the Diphupar village gate. Traffic, except for state government vehicles, along the highway was unaffected. There were no reports of any untoward incident.

empted government vehicles on duty for essential services. It also stated that bandh will be relaxed on Sunday. AYO has been given the responsibility to mobilize the youths in respective colonies for which all tribes have been requested to extend co-operation. It has decided to invite all the tribal hohos for a coordination meeting on February 7, 2017 at APO conference hall at 11AM.

SunDAY 05•02•2017

NAGALAND

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Tali Angh: A heart that sings, prays and loves! City of lights She wants to sleep But night seems long The day light breaks But she wakes up Everybody is staring but no one can see Everybody is watching but nobody cares She walks the streets with her broken dreams But there's a place we all can find

Morung Express News

Akangchila Longchar

In the city of lights Faces will light you up You never walk alone Hands will guide you home In the city of lights There are no fallen stars The rain will wash away Your fears your pain Light will find you He is moving fast Flying high Trying to dreams unfold. But never knew he could be shaken, The blisters in his soul still make him He fades before the end of time Never knowing there's a place Tali Angh with his wife Jungtina and son Nael

usician, visionary, and messenger of peace and love, as a young boy, he learned his first few guitar chords almost every night in the kitchen from his uncle when he would be cooking fodder for the pigs. This was the first introduction and in a sense the only formal training in music for Talitemjen Angh.

Known as Tali Angh to most people, he is a worship leader with a conviction about God’s love that is beautiful and inspiring. Shy, humble, and with an endearing personality, he is much loved by comrades both from the music and church fraternity, especially young people love to be around him. Born in Longleng, his father is from the Phom

tribe and mother from the Ao tribe. His family later moved to Dimapur and Tali lived in several places like Kohima, Delhi, and Bangalore. Growing up, he was more interested in sports like football and cricket. It was the moments shared with his uncle that fanned his talent for singing and in High School, he was part of a band. In fact, one rare factor most people are unaware of Tali is that he loved singing

Hindi pop songs and was highly influenced by Hindi pop artists like K.K and Silk Route. He even said he use to aspire to become a Hindi pop artist! It was much later when he was studying at Kohima Science College that Tali’s encounter with God became real and magnified. At the college Evangelistic Union (EU), he found the right channel to express and use his potential. During his college

My song “City of Lights” birthed out of real stories and situations in Nagaland. I believe this song carries the spirit of love, compassion, and hope. This song is a positive and prophetic declaration in the midst of brokenness, fear, frustration, unrest, hopelessness, negativity etc in individual lives, in our city and in our land. This is my sincere prayer and desire for every individual and our land which I believe will come to pass. education in Bangalore, he joined the worship team at Naga Christian Fellowship (NCF) Bangalore and later led the worship team for three years. Recollecting the beginning of his songwriting passion, he admits that it did not come naturally and he really had to work hard to develop the skill. He explained, “I was struck with the thought and question of why Naga musicians do not write their own songs.

For too long we had been covering other musicians’ tracks and trying to sound exactly like them. This thought eventually led me to scribble some songs. It was such a struggle for me. I remember, one night out of frustration I even threw the guitar. But later I continued writing and completed my first song by 3 or 4 AM and I remember feeling a sense of achievement. Eventually, the flow got better and I started to

enjoy writing songs.” However, Music for Tali is not only about performing and writing songs. “I don’t want to cling so tight to the tag as a singer-songwriter. We all have our own unique area of calling. For me, it’s about reaching out and music helps because it not only addresses the four corners of the church but appeals and connects to people anywhere and in every situation. I am a worshipper and follower of Jesus Christ. I became a worship leader as a result of following Christ and it’s an honor and I know this is just one of the few roles that I play in establishing God’s kingdom here on earth.” He also possesses a deep love and concern for the people and Nagaland! Whether it is the underprivileged, the youth, or for the betterment of the society, he is always an active and ready participant. “I know there are deep longings in each of us to see change in our land and there are many issues that I want to address and advices that I want to give to the young people but I have realized that the answer for life and peace is found only in Jesus Christ. So my one simple message to the young people is, if you want to see change and want to be the change then you must have Jesus Christ and follow him obediently and faithfully and love people at any cost. Love is every person’s longing and love never fails. So, may love be your motive always. Be patient, keep working on your talent / gift/passion, and most importantly work on your

relationship with God and people,” he stated. Sharing life lessons he has learned from the last 15-20 years, he said, “If you don’t use and work in what God has given you, you will feel useless or incomplete in life. I have ventured in other areas apart from music and there are stories of failures and wrong decisions but those things never made me stagnant because I have always been working on and using the God-given gift of music and that is why I know now that I never felt useless. And I feel this has led me to a place where I am today not only to do music but to have the opportunity to influence people with God’s love and grace. The key is to value the gift of life and to never give up on life.” “Today I’m more focused and determined. I’m blessed with a woman who is not only my wife but a great friend. I’m also blessed with a son and more on the way. Really grateful to God for the gift of singing/music/songwriting/which has been effective tool and medium to express and spread the love of God. I’m ever motivated to walk closer with God, to work on my skills, and to write more songs,” he shared. He also dreams that the younger generation will have greater capacity to love God and to love people. That with God’s love they will be bold enough to explore and conquer places/areas that we and older generation have dreaded. And I definitely want them to live a better life than us in all aspects.

Jan 31 incident condemnation; orgs offer condolence Metha Thinuo Krotho Nagaland expresses shock Kohima, February 4 (mexN): The Metha Thinuo Krotho Nagaland (MTKN) is deeply shocked and pained to hear the sudden demise of their member Khriesavizo Metha on January 31, 2017. MTKN President VN Metha in a condolence note said that it is in indeed a tremendous loss to all of us that such an energetic and well educated member had met with a very early death. “We had a very high hope on him to lift up our people. Yet when we retrospect, what life can be more meaningful than to have lived and sacrificed oneself for the cause of the Naga people,” MTKN stated and added, “We pray the Lord Christ Jesus to give grace to the departed soul and also grant the family sufficient strength at this hour of profound loss.”

AZSU (AMN) and ZB (AMN) condoles

in peace and harmony for the brighter future of the Nagas. The AZSU AMN and ZB AMN also Dimapur, February 4 (mexN): The All pray for the speedy recovery of those injured. Zeliangrong Students’ Union, Assam, Manipur & Nagaland (AZSU AMN) and Zeliangrong LYOD condemn ‘barbaric’ incident Baudi, Assam, Manipur & Nagaland (ZB AMN) expressed heartfelt sorrow and conveyed deep- Dimapur, February 4 (mexN): The Loest condolence over the unfortunate and un- tha Youth Organisation Dimapur (LYOD) has timely demised of two innocent youth on Janu- condemned the ‘barbaric’ incident of January ary 31 at Dimapur in police firing against the 31 which occurred in 3rd Mile, Dimapur where protestors on ULB election. two peaceful protestors were killed by police The Zeliangrong apex organisations con- personnel. The accident could have averted demned the unbecoming acts of the unruly had the Government of Nagaland upheld the mobs vandalising and burning the Government tripartite agreement signed on January 30 with buildings and private properties which are alien the JCC and NBCC. LYOD president Mhonchuto the Naga culture. The AZSU (AMN) and ZB mo Ovung in a condolence message conveyed (AMN) has appealed to all Naga brothers to deepest condolence to the bereaved family and strengthen and foster the bond of unity against pray that Almighty God will grant them strength all forces of division in this crucial juncture to live and solace at this time of grief.

YVC seek clarification from Phom People Council LoNgLeNg, February 4 (mexN): The Yachem Village Council (YVC) today in a press release stated that it is shocked to see the news item under the caption ‘PPC seeks suspension of Longleng DC, others’ Young boys return from the jungle with a wooden cart loaded with firewood at Kengjung vil- which was published in news dailies on February 3 issued by the PPC President Chingan Phom and the lage under Noklak sub-division, Tuensang district. (Photo by Imti Longchar) General Secretary Changlong Phom. The Yachem Village Council, Chairman, M. Imti Phom in the press release said that the Council “would like to seek the clarification from the office of the Phom People Council (PPC) within 3 days “ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Tim 4:7 (i.e.7.02.2017) from issuing of this press release, as in what intention and motive, the PPC had sought e, the the suspension of the Deputy Commissioner, bereaved Longleng.” Yachem Village Council asks the PPC to family members “point out his weaknesses and shortcomings while would like to performing his official duty on January 31, 2017 reexpress our garding the ULB Election. Failing to respond in a deepest and stipulate time, the Yachem Council will initiate its heartfelt gratitude own course of action.”

Acknowledgement

to all those who stood by us through prayers, physically and financially during the prolonged illness and sad demise of Lt. Mr. Zakielhoulie Xavier Vizo, who left for his heavenly abode on 29/01/17.

NLSF properties worth Rs. 3.5 lakhs damaged on February 2

We pray that Almighty God may bless each and everyone abundantly.

Loving family members.

Even as a semblance of normalcy returned to Dimapur on Saturday, Diphupar continued with the bandh with most shops inside the village jurisdiction remaining shut. While most of the barriers put up along the national highway were cleared, a few barriers including the remnants of a burnt vehicle continued to remain near the Diphupar village gate. However, traffic along the highway was unaffected and there were no reports of any untoward incident.

01/04/50 – 29/01/17

Kohima, February 4 (mexN): The Nagaland Law Students’ Federation (NLSF) has expressed pain and anguish over the events leading to the death of two Naga youth and loss of properties including the NLSF office situated at old secretariat complex on February 2 night. The Federation informed that on February 2 night, the NLSF Office was burned down along with the other offices adjacent to it. The Federation properties worth Rs. 3.5 lakhs including office documents and records were damaged during the unfortunate incident. The Federation President, Imliben Lemtur and Vice President, Yuwang conveyed condolence to the departed souls and pray to almighty God to grant peace and solace to the bereaved families. The Federation also strongly appeals to both Government of Nagaland and the tribal hohos to calm down and The image of a property located at Diphupar which was reportedly put on fire by miscresort out the differences through dialogue without in- ants on Thursday night. One of the houses was razed to the ground while the other condulging into violence means. tinued to stand albeit in a dilapidated state.

Sunday 05•02•2017

NORTH-EAST 3

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

BJP declares second list of candidates in Manipur Imphal, February 4 (IaNS): The BJP Central Election Committee on Saturday released a second list of 27 candidates for the March 4 and 8 elections to the 60-member Manipur assembly. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had already announced the names of 31 candidates some days ago, while two names are yet to be announced. The BJP and the ruling Congress are the only ones which have come out with the names of the candidates. Some high profile politicians were disappointed as their names were not included. The most prominent among them is Yumnam Joykumar, a retired Director General of Police. Nemcha Kipgen got the BJP ticket for the Kangpokpi constituency. She had resigned from the ruling Congress and joined the BJP. The second BJP woman candidate is S.S. Olish from the Chandel constituency. So far, there is just one Muslim candidate of the BJP. The last constituency where a Muslim may have got a ticket was Khetrigao but a non-Muslim was given it. In sharp contrast, there are three Muslim candidates, two women and one Nepali in the Congress list. A prominent candidate included in Saturday's list is Lallukham Fimate, former Director of Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, and presently the Head of Department of forensic science, J.N. Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal. He had contested unsuccessfully in the 2012 elections. Indications are that some disappointed BJP ticket aspirants may join some other parties. One retired IPS officer, P. Dhanakumar who was denied the BJP ticket, has already joined a local party to contest the elections.

Manipur hopes on UNC to lift blockade Newmai News Network Imphal | February 4

Additional Chief Secretary (Home) of Manipur government, Dr Suresh Babu hoped that the ongoing economic blockade imposed by the United Naga Council (UNC) would be lifted soon. Representatives of Manipur government headed by Dr Suresh Babu on Saturday returned to Imphal along with UNC president Gaidon Kamei after attending a 'tripartite talk' involving the Centre in New Delhi yesterday. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) initiated the talks. The Government of India is looking for ways to end the impasse. The first round of meeting between the Centre, Manipur government and UNC ended on a 'positive note', according to Dr Babu. “We hope that the blockade will end in the next few days' time,” he said while informing that there will be a 'meeting' on February 7. Responding to media queries, the Manipur Additional Chief Secretary said the issue on creation of districts was raised by the UNC side during the meeting but “we told them that the issue should be deferred for the time being.” “We told them that for the time being, the priority should be given to the blockade. The people have suffered a lot,” Dr Babu said. He also said that the UNC representatives were strongly urged to lift the economic blockade. When mediapersons sought comments from UNC leader Gaidon Kamei on the first round of meeting, he simply said," Let's wait for the new development." The Naga organization launched the blockade from November 1, 2016 after the Manipur government planned to grant full-fledged district status to Sadar Hills and Jiribam subdivisions. But later the state government created seven new districts leading the UNC to inten-

How to contest polls with Rs 3.1 lakh? Ask Irom Sharmila’s PRJA Rahul Karmakar

G. Rio School Kohima: Nagaland

(Affiliated to CBSE) www.grioschool.com: E-mail: grioschool@yahoo.in Phone No.: 0370-2806075

POST VACANCY

Hindustan Times

The Election Commission (EC) has capped the expenditure per candidate at Rs 20 lakh. This, going by the budget of Manipur’s newest party, is more than enough to fund the campaign of 33 candidates. The People’s Resurgence and Justice Alliance (PRJA), co-founded by former marathon faster Irom Sharmila, has about Rs 3.1 lakh in crowd-sourced money for campaigning. It works out to Rs 60,200 for each of its five candidates. One of these candidates is Sharmila, contesting the Thoubal assembly seat against chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh of the Congress. Elections to the 60-member Manipur assembly are scheduled in two phases on March 4 and 8. “We envisaged PRJA to be different from mainstream political parties, relying on the power of the people for attaining justice. So we launched the #Ten4Change campaign, letting people know they can donate as little as Rs 10 to strive for the change they seek ,” PRJA convener Erendro Leichombam, contesting the Thangmeiband assembly seat, told HT. PRJA received Rs 300,000 online, partly from Manipuri diaspora abroad and those who were sympathetic to Sharmila’s 15year fast against the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). Less than Rs 10,000 came offline from the local youth. “We are being realistic by fielding only five candidates. It is more like preparing for the next assembly election in 2022. But this

Sl.no.

Name of the post

No. of posts

Qualifications

PGT (History)

M.A in History with B.Ed

PGT (Economics)

M.A in Economics with B.Ed

Girls Hostel Warden

B.A with B.Th/Equivalent

Interested candidates may submit application with detailed bio-data and photocopies of certificates from H.S.L.C. onwards to the Principal’s office or through email on or before 10th Feb 2017. Date and time of interview shall be communicated after short listing of candidates.

time, we want to show an election can be fought with the minimum of resources,” Erendro, 33, said. All the PRJA candidates – Najima Phundreimayum (Wabgai seat), Md Illyas Khan (Lilong) and Bowang Kho (Karong), besides Erendro and Sharmila – have thus been frugal in their poll spending. Volunteers from Manipur and elsewhere pitching in to manage the campaign have also helped the party make do with the bare necessities. “For campaigning, we are organising small public meetings in leikai (locality) community halls for free or a fee of Rs 500 or the backyard or courtyard of a supporter’s house. We haven’t spent money on advertising through posters or hoardings, and our candidates are using bicycles for door-todoor campaigning,” Geetika Sehmay, a volunteer from New Delhi, said. PRJA has been organising interactions with youth in cafes, which do not involve any hiring charges, Geetika said. The candidates and volunteers use

PRJA’s office vehicle sparingly or bicycles. Sharmila, for instance, has occasionally been pedaling 35km from state capital Imphal to Thoubal town 35 km to the south. “She did think of renting a house temporarily in Thoubal but the idea was dropped,” Geetika said. Sharmila, 44, has avoided publicity during her campaigns. PRJA leader James Mayengbam, steering her campaign in Thoubal, said she has primarily been informing people about the new party’s objectives. “The people have been used to her as an activist with only one goal – that of getting the draconian AFSPA repealed. She un-

derstands it will take time for people to accept her in a political role, but there is no lack of support for her,” James said. Erendro said a better, corruption-free Manipur is possible only if elections are clean and voters not bribed. “Bid to recover huge money spent on elections is making the future slip away from our hands. This has made Manipur suffer from tattered roads, broken schools, unemployment, drug and alcohol abuse, poor healthcare, militarisation encouraged by AFSPA. Our plea to the people is to help make a difference, to rebuild the community and protect it from disintegration,” he said.

AFFIDAVIT

Regd. No: 284/2017 Date: 04/02/2017 By this deed I, the undersigned Tinuyanger Pongen (new name) previously called T. Tinuyanger (old name), resident of H/No. 136, Kuda ‘B’ Khel, Kuda Village, Dimapur, Nagaland solemnly declare: 1. That for and on behalf of myself and my wife, children and remitter issue, I wholly renounce/relinquish and abandon the use of my former name/surname of T. Tinuyanger and in place thereof, I do hereby assume from this date the name/surname Tinuyanger Pongen, so that I and my wife, children and remitter issue may hereafter be called, known and distinguished not by my former name/surname, but assumed name/surname of Tinuyanger Pongen. 2. That for the purpose of evidencing such my determination declare that I shall at, all times hereafter in all records, deeds and writings and in all proceedings, dealings and transactions, private as well as upon all occasions whatsoever, use and sign the name of Tinuyanger Pongen. Deponent Signed sealed and delivered by the deponent on 04/02/2017. Notary Public , Dimapur: Nagaland

SunDAY 05•02•2017

Business

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

After H-1B visa curbs, two more US Bills may stymie Indian tech

neW DeLHi, February 4 (econoMic TiMes): The Indian IT industry has more than just the H-1 B visa Bill to worry about. Two more legislations have been introduced in the United States Congress over the past two weeks that can hit the domestic tech sector’s prospects. While the H-1 B visa Bill seeks to more than double the minimum wage for an H-1 B visa holder to $130,000, the ‘End Outsourcing Act’ asks for a ban on outsourcing by states. Another is a 2007 Bill that has been reintroduced by Senators Chuck Grassley and Dick Durbin long time proponents of work visa reform. This Bill seeks to revamp of the H-1 B visa programme. This comes even as buzz about US President Donald Trump signing an executive order that reforms the 1-1-1S programme is still alive. This comes even as buzz about US President Donald Trump signing an executive order that reforms

the H-1 B programme is still alive. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Grassley and Assistant Democratic Leader Durbin announced on the former’s website that they will introduce the legislation to “prioritise American workers and restore fairness” in visa programmes. Congress created these programmes to complement America’s high-skilled workforce, not replace it,” Grassley said. He added that some companies are trying to exploit the programmes by cutting American workers for cheaper labour. The Bill, introduced on January 20, aims to give preference for talented foreign students educated in the US for H-1 B visas. Meanwhile, three Senate democrats -Joe Donnelly along with Senator Sherrod Brown and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand -on January 30 introduced the ‘End Outsourcing Act’. The legislation seeks that com-

panies that outsource jobs should not be subsidised by US taxpayers and also be disallowed to do business with the US government. “We should encourage businesses to invest here and make sure tax-payer funded contracts are awarded to companies that employ American workers,” Brown said in a statement. “We need programmes dedicated to putting American workers first. When skilled foreign workers are needed to meet the demands of our labour market, we must also ensure that visa applicants who honed their skills at American colleges and universities are a priority over the importation of more foreign workers.” While on Monday when Democrat Zoe Lofgren -who represents a Congressional district in California that includes Silicon Valley -introduced ‘The High-Skilled Integrity and Fairness Act of 2W 7’, which proposes a skill and wage-based system for allocation of H-1 B vi-

Mahatma Gandhi Series-2005, with the inset letter R in both the number panels, bearing the signature of Dr Urjit R Patel, Governor, Reserve Bank of India," RBI said in a notification. The year of printing '2017' will be on the reverse of the banknote. RBI said the design of these banknotes to be issued now are similar in all respects to the Rs 100 banknotes in

Mahatma Gandhi Series2005 issued earlier. Among the features of the banknotes, there would be ascending size of numerals in the number panels, bleed lines, and enlarged identification mark on the obverse. All the banknotes in the denomination of Rs 100 issued by the Bank in the past will continue to be legal tender, RBI added.

BSNL offers mobile internet data at Rs. 36 per GB neW DeLHi, February 4 (pTi): To counter threat from Reliance Jio, state-run telecom firm BSNL on Friday slashed 3G mobile Internet rates by about three-fourths, bringing down the cost of per GB data to as low as Rs 36 under a special pack. "Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has decided to offer up to four times extra data on existing data STVs (special tariff vouchers) available in the market," BSNL said in a statement. Under Rs. 291 plan, a customer will get four times more data at 8GB with a validity of 28 days against 2GB

earlier. The Rs. 78 plan will offer double data at 2GB. "With these offers BSNL is now offering data at the rate of Rs. 36 per GB which is one of the lowest in the Industry," BSNL said. Reliance Jio is offering free 4G service till March 31, 2017, under which its all mobile customers are getting 1 GB of 4G mobile broadband everyday and after consumption of 1GB, the speed gets reduced. Other private operators have brought down the cost of per GB data to as low as Rs. 50. "We are committed to providing affordable mo-

bile services for all segments of the prepaid mobile customers. These offers will be valid from February 6, 2017, on Pan India basis," BSNL Board Director for Consumer Mobility RK Mittal said. Jio has become largest broadband service provider in the country within three months of its commercial launch. It has 52.23 million broadband customers. BSNL continues to dominate broadband market in fixed line services segment with 9.95 million customers and ranks fifth in mobile broadband space with 20.39 million subscribers.

leisure

CROSSWORD # 3848

SUDOKU

Answer Number # 3842

in professional printing domain

neW DeLHi, February 4 (ians): Extending its offerings in the professional printing domain to offer vibrant image quality with increased versatility for print service providers, digital imaging company Canon India on Saturday launched 10 new printers. The imagePROGRAF PRO series includes 12-colour imagePROGRAF PRO-520 and imagePROGRAF PRO-540, eight-colour imagePROGRAF PRO-540S and imagePROGRAF PRO-560S. Also launched is the five-colour imagePROGRAF 671E, offering a right mix of affordability features to the small and medium business segment. "As we embark on the landmark journey of our third decade of existence in the country, we have further amplified our commitment, across both B2B and B2C segments," said Kazutada Kobayashi, President and CEO, Canon India, in a statement. Another large format printer announced is "Oce ColorWave 700", designed for wide range of graphic arts applications like wall papers, in shop brandings, signage etc. Consisting of the imagePRESS C850, imagePRESS C750, imagePRESS C650 digital colour production presses, the new series incorporates a variety of updated features and technology to help meet the requirements of its target markets, including commercial printers, in-plant operations, and other print service providers, the company said. Canon also launched "imagePRESS C8000VP" based on the successful legacy product C10000VP offering offset-like vibrant, stable output quality and supports specialty media including vellum, film and synthetics.

ACROSS 1. Scour 6. Dirty air 10. Not aft 14. Got up 15. Daughter of Zeus and Demeter 16. Murres 17. A small mallet 18. Dash 19. Break in friendly relations 20. In a dutifully compliant manner 22. Catches 23. Eastern newt 24. Posts 26. Reject outright 30. Sleighs 32. Deservedly receives 33. Near the center of a ship 37. Largest continent 38. French school 39. Bright thought 40. Querulously 42. To untwist 43. Something of value 44. Cherubim 45. Japanese cartoon art 47. Coniferous tree 48. A Freudian stage 49. A type of biologist 56. 53 in Roman numerals 57. Study hard 58. An small olive-grey bird 59. Eve’s opposite 60. Behold, in old Rome 61. Construct 62. Catch 63. Not barefoot 64. Persists DOWN 1. Palm starch 2. Fourth sign of the zodiac 3. Wander 4. Utilized 5. Convictions 6. Smell

7. Exuviate 8. By mouth 9. A moon of Jupiter 10. Supplying 11. Bay window 12. Fissures 13. Dines 21. F 25. Commercials 26. Harvest 27. Convenience 28. French cheese 29. Ineffectual 30. Young salmon 31. Easter flower 33. Throb 34. Doing nothing 35. Resound 36. Articulates 38. Colognes 41. Belief 42. Untangle 44. What we breathe 45. Negatively charged particle 46. Nigerian monetary unit 47. Was furious 48. Charity 50. Ogee 51. Meal in a shell 52. Former Italian currency 53. Angers 54. Religious offshoot 55. Infants Answer to Crossword 3847

neW DeLHi, February 4 (inDian express): The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and banks have detected Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) worth Rs 19.54 crore so far in exchange/ deposit of scrapped currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000, Minister of State for Finance Arjun Ram Meghwal said. In a reply to a question in Lok Sabha, Meghwal said a total of 2,46,374 currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 had been detected as fake currency after demonetisation. Out of the total 2,46,374 currency notes, 1,02,037 currency notes were of Rs 500 denomination, while the number of Rs 1,000 notes were 1,44,337 in number, Meghwal said. In a separate reply to a question in the lower house of Parliament, finance minister Arun Jaitley said that government agencies have conducted over 1,100 searches and std code: 03862

AHeAd AnGLe APPLe AssIGn BeLIeF BLInd CHeer CHoIrs eArLY eXPAnse FortUne FrIGId GLAde GUstY InForM InsIPId neAr PAroLes Pest PrIson

PrUde rAGe rAPId reACH redUndAnt reFIned rePetItIon rode sAFe sALoon stAIn stALe tAste tonG trAY tweLVe twItCH UreA VAPor YoUnG

issued 5,100 notices after the demonetisation decision. The searches and notices have led to seizure of valuables worth over Rs 610 crore, of which Rs 513 crore was detected in cash. He was responding to a query on the extent to which the government has achieved its objective of the cash ban announced on November 8. The seized amount includes new currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 worth Rs 110 crore. “The undisclosed income detected in these ongoing investigations till January 10, was more than Rs 5,400 crore,” he said. In a separate reply, Minister of State for Finance Santosh Gangwar said relevant information has been shared by the I-T Department with other law enforcement agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate and the Central Bureau of Investigation for appropriate action. TaHaMZaM

“As on November 8, 2016, there were 17,165 million pieces of Rs 500 and 6,858 million pieces of Rs 1,000 in circulation. The value of specified bank notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 returned to RBI and currency chests amounted to Rs 12.44 lakh crore as of December 10, 2016,” Gangwar said. The government is taking steps such as collection of requisite information from various sources, conducting investigations in appropriate cases, searches, surveys, assessment of income, levy of penalty and launching of criminal prosecution to curb black money, he said. In another reply, Jaitley said there has been a rise in deposits made in accounts opened under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana since November 9, 2016, adding that the 5,100 notices issued to verify suspicious deposits also included such accounts.

std code: 03871

(formerly senapati)

Police station Fire Brigade

222246 222491

Civil Hospital emer

232224

MH Hospital

227930 231081

Fire Brigade

2222952

Faith Hospital

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naga Hospital

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northeast shuttles

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KOHiMa

std code: 0370

228400

KoHIMA Ps/oCs Contact numbers

Police Traffic Control

232106

north Ps

east Police station

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south Ps

CIHsr (referral Hospital)

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dimapur Hospital

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Airport Indian Airlines

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Chumukedima Fire Brigade 282777

new iterations of the iPhone delivering diminishing returns, while the Chinese market is now crowded with local competitors. Apple has been living on borrowed time for several years by exploiting its accumulated brand equity. This underlines one of the many benefits of a strong brand, but Apple has finally taken it too far," said David Haigh, CEO of Brand Finance. Amazon has maintained its third position with a growth of 53 per cent in its brand value. The firm is growing strongly as it continues to both reshape the retail market and to capture an ever larger share of it, the report added. Social-networking giant Facebook, which has gained from India's 4G tariff war among telecom companies, moved higher to the 9th spot from 17th last year with its brand value rising by 82 per cent. Interestingly, China's tech brands Alibaba, WeChat and Tencent have witnessed a massive growth in their value by 94 per cent, 103 per cent and 124 per cent respectively.

Post note ban: Banks, RBI detect fake currency worth Rs 19.54 crore

DiMaPUR

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

Game Number # 3843

MuMbai, February 4 (agencies): Tata Group moved down to 103rd position from 82nd last year in the Brand Finance Global 500 2017 report. The $100 billion conglomerate has been badly shaken by a bruising months-long fight between former Chairman Cyrus Mistry, ousted in October last year, and patriarch Ratan Tata. Among other Indian brands, Airtel has improved its ranking to 190 from 242 last year, Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) stood at 222 from 283, and IT major Infosys ranked at 251 from 301 in 2016, the report said. The list was topped by the tech giant Google followed by Apple. Google is now the world's most valuable brand with a value of $109 billion from $88 billion last year. Apple's loss has been Google's gain. Apple has for the last five years held sway as the world's most valuable brand. Its brand value fell to $107 billion this year from $145.9 billion in 2016. "Apple has struggled to maintain its technological advantage, with

sas and doubling the H-1 B wage to $130,000, stocks of major. Indian software exporters such as Infosys, Wipro and Tata Consultancy Services nose-dived, with five IT stocks losing about Rs. 33,000 crore in market value. Meanwhile, the ministry of external affairs has downplayed the impact. Asserting that no executive order has been passed by the Trump Administration for overhauling of H-1B visas so far, a government spokesperson said the country will not “prejudice” the outcome of the three private Bills raised in this regard when they go through full Congressional process. “No executive order has been signed so far… Three private Bills have been introduced in the US house of Representative. Such Bills have been introduced in the past also and such Bills have to go through the full Congressional process,” MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup said.

RBI to soon put new Rs 100 banknotes in circulation Canon launches 10 new printers neW DeLHi, February 4 (pTi): The new notes will be similar to the design of the ones in Mahatma Gandhi Series-2005. The Reserve Bank will soon put into circulation new Rs 100 banknotes which will be similar to the design of the ones in Mahatma Gandhi Series-2005. "The Reserve Bank will shortly issue Rs 100 denomination banknotes in the

Google named world's most valuable brand, tata group out of top 100: Report

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women Cell

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FiRE STaTiONS

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std code: 0369

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

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woodland nursing Home

2226263

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CURRENCY NOTES BUY (rs) seLL (rs)

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

66.13 83.06 8.25 49.91 46.73 50.46 58.19 71.33 1.82 0.0554 17.42 9.37

69.11 87.06 9.19 52.35 49.01 52.93 61.47 74.77 2.03 0.0618 19.41 10.43

Sunday 05•02•2017

NAGALAND

Meetings & AppointMents

NRMSATA 2016 calls meeting The Nagaland Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan Teachers’ Association (NRMSATA 2016) has convened an emergency meeting on February 7, 11:00 am at Hut Restaurant, Kohima near Gravity showroom. A press release from the association’s general secretary, Kezhothito Keyho and president, Renbemo L. Patton has requested all the district convenors and representatives to attend the meeting positively.

CNTC meeting on Feb 7 The Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) will have a meeting on February 7, 2:00 pm at its central office, Dimapur to discuss “some very important matters.” CNTC Media Cell in a press release has informed all office bearers, executive members, ex-officio and Central Nagaland Students’ Association executives to attend the meeting without fail.

WSH meeting on Feb 8 The Western Sumi Hoho (WSH) has called for a joint meeting of all its frontal organizations, including Western Sumi Kukami Hoho, Sumi Officers’ Union Dimapur, Western Sumi Totimi Hoho, Western Sumi Students’ Union, Western Sumi Youth Front, Western Sumi Sports Association and Chairmen of all nine (9) areas under Western Sumi jurisdiction, on February 8, 2017 at 9 am at WSH Office, Chekiye to discuss some emergent issues. Therefore, all its frontal organizations have been requested to attend the meeting positively along with their office bearers. This was informed in a press release issued by WSH President Zheshito Swu and General Secretary Vikato K. Achumi.

Nokhu Mele Paopang Revival from Feb 10 The Nokhu Range Public Organization (NRPO) in collaboration with Nokhu Range Students’ Union (NRSU) will be organizing three-day Nokhu Mele Paopang Revival from February 10-12 at Nokhu Baptist Church. Speaker for the three-day event will be S. Muno, Pastor KBC, Tuensang. All the gazette officers, former executives, representatives from different organisations and well wishers of Nokhu Mele have been requested to attend the event.

centre approves atal Mission plans for 6 states Rs 120 cr investments approved for Nagaland under AMRUT for next five years new Delhi, February 4 (ianS): The Union government on Friday approved investments in six states, including Nagaland, for improving basic urban infrastructure under Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) over the next three financial years (2017-20), an official statement said. "A total investment of Rs 2,863 crore has been cleared in 42 mission cities in these six states with a central assistance of Rs 1,432 crore for providing water taps to all urban households besides increasing water supply to the normative 135 litres per head per day, improving sewerage and drainage networks, promoting non-motorised transport and development of parks and green spaces," said a Urban Development Ministry statement. The details of investments to be made over the next three fiscals are: Karnataka - Rs 2,070 crore with central assistance of Rs 955 crore, Jharkhand - Rs 555 crore (central assistance Rs 262 crore), Himachal Pradesh Rs 115 crore (central as-

sistance Rs 103 crore), Arunachal Pradesh Rs 53 crore (central assistance Rs 47 crore), Nagaland Rs 45 crore (central assistance Rs 41 crore) and Puducherry - Rs 24 crore (total Little girls bashfully smile in delight as they are shown a photo taken by a central funding). visitor on his smart phone at Kengjung village, around 80 kilometer away from While Karnataka has 27 mission Noklak Town, Tuensang district recently. (Morung Photo) cities for spending the approved investments, Jharkhand has seven Ranchi, Adityapur, Chas, Deogarh, DC Kma asks for report of properties vandalized Dhanbad, Giridih and Hazaribagh, KohiMa, February 4 (DiPr): many government offices and other Himachal Pradesh - Shimla and Kul- The Deputy Commissioner of Ko- establishments at Old Secretariat lu, Arunachal Pradesh - Itanagar, Na- hima, Rajesh Soundararajan has re- area on February 2 evening. The cirgaland - Kohima and Dimapur and in quested to submit detailed report of cular also stated that some items like Puducherry - Karaikal, Ozhukarai and properties, items, vehicles damaged, computer, printer, heater etc., which Puducherry, it added. missing etc. during an act of vandal- were stolen by some miscreants, have With these approvals, Atal Mission ism on February 2 here for further been recovered and handed over to investments in the 42 mission cities of submission to the Government. In a the office of Deputy Commissioner, these six states stand approved with the circular, the DC mentioned that some Kohima. The same can be checked Ministry having earlier approved invest- unidentified persons had vandalized, and collected by the offices/departments for 2015-16 and 2016-17, it said. stolen, damaged and burnt down ments concerned from the office. Accordingly, total investments approved for the five year mission pe- Peren DPDB meeting postponed riod ending 2019-20 are: Karnataka Rs 4,971 crore, Jharkhand Rs 1,246 Peren, February 4 (Mexn): The Zarenthung Ezung, Deputy Commiscrore, Himachal Pradesh Rs 375 crore, monthlymeetingofPerenDistrictPlan- sioner & Vice Chairman, Peren DPDB. Arunachal Pradesh Rs 141 crore, Na- ning & Development Board (DPDB) Therefore, all Peren DPDB members galand Rs 120 crore and Puducherry has been postponed till further notifi- have been asked to take note and atcation, informed a press release from tend the meeting accordingly. Rs 65 crore.

AYO calls NPF Youth Wing’s statement ‘unfounded’ KohiMa, February 4 (Mexn): Angami Youth Organization (AYO) today maintained that the implication of the NPF Youth Wing that the tribal bodies were instigated by Neiphiu Rio or Imkong L Imchen or anybody holds no substance. “Such baseless allegation is an insult to our ingenuity and a direct affront to the selfless efforts that are rendered in the interest and welfare of our society. We have got absolutely nothing to do and have no interest with them in this issue.” AYO said this in response to the statement of NPF

Youth Wing “justifying the decision of the State government”, which appeared in the local dailies on February 3, 2017. It termed the NPF Youth Wing’s statement “ridiculous, unfounded and baseless…devoid of any substance and value.” Advising the NPF Youth Wing “not to act over smart and speak beyond their capacity,” the AYO in a rejoinder issued by its Publicity Cell further questioned, “Is it the denial of rights or acceptance of right that have created the present impasse?” The youth organisation an-

swered, “It is the denial of the voice of the people which you claim as anarchy and mobocracy the responsible factor behind all the subversive terror that have unfolded in the recent times.” With regard to the claim that NPF led DAN Government will not enact laws or frame policies which are detrimental to the Nagas, AYO stated, “We find this statement uniquely preposterous. Unique because the laws and policies enacted and framed in this regard were detrimental to the Naga people for such realization your Gov-

Settle on the basis of majority opinion

n a democratic Christian state like ours (Nagaland state), it is always better to convene meeting between the disputed parties and settle on the basis of the majority ‘opinion’ instead of ‘confronting’ In continuation to my earlier article dated January 22, 2017 (See The Morung Express) ‘Suggest that the ensuing polls of both the ULB and Municipal should be reviewed’, of course, it was good enough on the part of the Nagaland government that extended two months for consultation with the peoples' representatives/ stakeholders (JCC and NBCC) for both the Municipal and urban Local Bodies polls. But, because of "little correction" that omitted the ULB polls in 5 places by the cabinet and conducted the ULB polls in other places that created much incidences. Though, regretted for the loss of two precious lives, the

hat is supposed to be a people's movement has turned out to be a display of Nagas’ savagery in full view of the world. It will take years to erase that image from us. What did we get from this protest? We lost on every count. Two precious lives lost, properties damaged, women participation in civic bodies which is much needed, will now be pushed to the back burner, the misogynistic outdated attitudes of our tribal hohos will take a deeper root, and the tag of being a Christian state is blown away in the air. This issue could have been solved amicably much earlier but it was kept alive due to adamant attitude of NMA which appeared to be pushing for the cause of feminism rather than for upliftment of women, over reaction of the insecure only male dominated hohos who still live in the past and believe that women should shun all politics and finally the inefficient and visionless state government which seems to

Nagaland state has corrected errors on its part and nullified the entire February 1, 2017 ULB polls. See the Nagaland Post February 4, 2017. On the issue of the CM resignation demand, if I am not mistaken, so long 42 DAN Legislators back Zeliang's leadership it will be another futile exercise issue for the public. In this connection, I as one of the peace initiators endorsed by the Ex-Naga Hoho President M. Vero and Peace Award Recipient for 2013, suggest that, state govt. of Nagaland must invite JCC and other Tribal Hoho Presidents and deliberate on the issue of the municipal and ULB polls and let the majority opinion decide, to avoid further incidences. It is only suggestion, but decision is yours. I Vitokhe Assumi Former Sumi Hoho President and Former JCC (Sumi Hoho & ENPO) Convenor

ernment nullified the municipal elections.” The youth organisation further accused the NPF Youth Wing of being “drunk with power intoxicant.” It also acknowledged the claim that ULB municipal election has created chaos and division in our society as grandly true. “Quiet true because rights of the people were absolutely denied and never heeded, free democratic voices were entirely suppressed with constitutional and legal justifications without acknowledging the social and political aspects,

blatant abrogation of packs which were made even with the Church represented by the Home Minister were scraped to the wastebin with no regard and worst of all heinous violations of perpetrating terror against her own people. Yes, it is true. This issue has created chaos by the Government.” Meanwhile, AYO stated “the present impasse is lacking sagacity and magnanimity on the part of the Government. We trust that sanity based on sensibility and reasons would be delivered by the NPF led DAN Government.”

Peren, February 4 (Mexn): The Zeliang Peoples’ Organization Nagaland (ZPO(N)) today claimed that the statement of Zeliang Elders’ Forum published under the headline ‘Zeliang elders demand immediate resignation of CM’ on February 4 “was politically motivated and an attempt to join the bandwagon of the group who are trying to dethrone TR Zeliang from his chair.” Condemning the statement, a press release from Kiezen Zeliang, President, ZPO (N) said that there is no such organization as Zeliang Elders’ Forum and that “Itingtiebe Siang who claims himself to be the Convener of the Forum is known by all his

community people as an illiterate and ignorant elder who do not possess any capacity of heading such kind of organization.” “It is clear from the writings that Itingtiebe Siang’s name has been used once again by people who are using every means to dethrone the present CM from his chair,” ZPO (N) added. Though acknowledging that every individual is entitled to their own opinion, ZPO (N) warned that “any individual taking the name of any such non-existent self styled Zeliang organization shall be responsible for his own action in case of any dire consequences.”

Public SPace

Let peace prevail among my fellow Nagas!

agaland, today, is in a state of fear, terror, bloodshed and violence. It breaks our hearts to witness our own people resorting to violence rather than finding a solution through peaceful means. Any hasty decision or action based on emotions bears dreadful consequences. Truth must prevail. A leader should be guided by wisdom from Above and have concern for the betterment of the society. We are fighting with our own fellow being. The tragic death of our two brothers found no mention in any Indian newspaper. Does any other person bear the consequences of our actions? The

tragedy is being borne by the Naga people within our beloved Nagaland. What is the root cause of the whole traumas? The tribal Hohos opposing the 33% reservations that it infringes upon the article 371(A)? But the truth is...are the majority of the people even aware what exactly is written in Article 371(A)? Reason and the search for truth must guide our step and not follow the crowd blindly. The whole situation projected a picture of personal ego and pride between the tribal bodies and the GON. If the Government of Nagaland is really the representatives of Nagaland, they would have kept aside their

The way forward is dialogue be in power by default. The decision of the cabinet to withdraw from tripartite agreement with JCC and NBCC reflects a very poor judgement and now their collective wisdom and the decision-making capacity is in serious doubt. The disgruntled politicians got a chance to play their cards and tried to tilt the tide to their favour. Liquor and cash flowed freely in some places even at this time of demonetisation. Within days the protest turned uglier including the midnight mob frenzy which is never seen in our land. Sadly, the inevitable happened. It is shocking to learn that even the iconic structure of civil secretariat which we all are proud of, would have gone without timely intervention by Kohima village youth. What I am trying to emphasise here is that the subsequent events which happened relating to women reservation in ULB reflects a sick society. This is not an issue to be fought in the street and nobody is the winner here. There are many women who are against wom-

There is no organization called Zeliang Elders’ Forum, says ZPO (N)

en reservation and at the same time there are also many men who are for it. The larger point here is that we cannot just wish away the participation of women in ULBs by protest and reservation in forms is needed as there is no level playing field for them to fight with men in the present situation. Everybody is trying to interpret whether elections to ULBs infringes upon Article 371 (A) or not but with due apology to the learned writers, the interpretation of law is limitless and only the Supreme Court will give the final say. So we should not harp on the illusion that he provisions of Article 371 (A) which was inserted in the constitution when Nagas were backward and in turmoil is insulated from judicial review. For that matter our customary practices are not infallible and if some of these are not consistent with the modern norms then judiciary or parliament will amend it. They may be in practice just because they were not subjected to judicial scrutiny. The best way to pro-

personal ego and with humility would have listened to the voice of majority of the population. What would they have gained by conducting the ULB elections after hurting the sentiments of the people, whom they represent? What would the mob have gained by ransacking or destroying the private residence at 4th Mile, Dimapur? It just took the life of our two innocent brothers and injuring the lives of many unarmed brothers! Their lives were precious, they had every right to live their life to the fullest according to God’s given potential. May their souls rest in peace! What about the IRB per-

sonnel who fired the unarmed public? Let's introspect what would we have done if we were one of the IRBs and was trapped in the particular situation? Were they on the line of duty? Yes! the burning of Historic Secretariat Complex, KMC office and State Information Commission Office! Do we even care to ponder who will lose by vandalising and burning those buildings? Is it public or private property? We are harming ourselves through our own actions. Please! let's stop playing the blame game! The damage is already done. It is time to rebuild our broken society rather than using the situa-

tion in gaining popularity for oneself by adding fuel to the fire. Real leaders have real concern for the betterment of the society. Let us all be reminded once again that we Nagas are known for honesty. “Nagaland for Christ” shouldn't be simply on paper. No matter how powerful we are today, we all are MORTAL HUMANS. We all have one life to live. We breathe, we feel the same! What is gone cannot be brought back but we have a chance to learn from our mistakes, rebuild ourselves, and emerge from the ashes more united and stronger. May God bless our Nagaland! Imkongnukla Ao B.A. 3rd year

My views as a 'Simple God fearing son of the Soil'

tect our identity and right is to adapt them to the need of the modern time so that it will not invite interference from any quarter. Let us be honest, our customary laws put women at disadvantage as they were in practice when men were protectors and providers. But today the situation is opposite. In most household women are providers and men are housekeepers. While not encouraging feminism and also not forgetting the larger role that women play in building homes and society, we should appreciate if some of them want to participate in the ULBs and contribute to it. I believe that the state government had good intention to conduct ULB election and the Hoho too had good reasons to oppose it. In spite of the bitterness which happened during the past few days I am convinced that there is still a meeting point. The only way forward is dialogue, understanding and let’s have women reservation in an amicable form. May God heal the Naga society. Bendangchuba K Khel, Diphupar

s a commoner, a layman and a true son of the soil, I do want to place my voice in front of every tribesmen, fathers and mothers, sons and daughters of the soil. We as a unique entity, known throughout the world as Nagas, each one is special in terms of ethnicity or culture of the varied sections of tribes, yet blended into one unique society, one voice and one soul. Given the current scenario of our soil and its state of affairs, I am really worried and concerned about the future of our people, culture and its ethnicity and the bonds of unity that was existent since time immemorial. Earlier as a child, it was seen to be affected by military occupations, insurgency and terrorism and currently, this fear of losses has been profoundly compounded by some non sense and absence of morality in governance. To sum up, our future seems bleak and dark with such a persistence of dirty and dangerous politics being played with the sentiments of the common public. As a common citizen of this soil, I learnt in our school about what a Govt. is, how it’s formed

and it functions Democracy says it's a Govt. of the people, for the people, by the people. We elect these so called public servants to serve us, for the betterment of all, but not to dictate their orders upon us. Constitution of course is there, yet we have our special provisions in all aspects. Again, a unified body of all the tribes has seen formed to bring forth the common issues of all and to address them to the Govt. such a body and those who head them should be bold and matured enough to guide the common public towards the path of success and development without a tiny hint of non violence, failing so, should make them re-think the purpose of their existence.  Also, we public should never get so very carried away that without thinking even once, we should put at stake, several innocent lives which may be someone's son or daughters or brother or a sister. We should never think about destroying our own assets which our children would inherit in the future. Last but not the least, the current ongoing crisis and the

probable repercussions have impacted me to raise few questions towards the common public, the apex body of organizations and the Govt. in particular:  Having witnessed such a polity, the governance and its insensitiveness, do we still re-elect such a government to power?  Lives were lost, bereaved are families, but are we still resorting to violence & escalate the tensions more?  Are we going to rectify our mistakes by compensating the lost souls with more morality of thorough consulting and executing actions or by being reckless? Is the apex body of organizations going to reboot its shoes and arms, so that people stop pointing fingers and stop questioning on its unity being compromised?  When is this Govt. going to realize that MLAs are the representatives of people & the common masses? When people have stopped believing the Govt., isn't it high time now to own up for this prevailing chaos and step down? Is it not going to ever realize a common saying "With great powers come great responsibilities'? V.N.T NAGA A concerned citizen

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

The Chalkboard

SunDAY 05•02•2017

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

_____________________________ Because Children Matters

Animals

Here is a very useful gift - a handy little purse in which to keep change for the car park! Perfect for every busy (and Make a key ring purse forgetful) adult...

Crossword

Lets Get

Busy

You will need: • Rectangle of craft foam 3 inches by 6 inches (8cm by 15cm) • Yarn (wool) • Self adhesive hook and eye fasteners • Foam stickers, fabric paint, other embellishments • Darning needle or single hole punch • Key ring fitting (from craft shops)

Lay the foam rectangle in front of you with the long sides running up. Fold up the bottom edge until it is about 1 ½ inches from the top, and then fold the top edge down over it. This is your purse shape. Sew up the sides, either directly with a darning needle, or first punching holes for for younger children so they can lace the sides up. Secure with a knot at either end.

Fasten the top flap with a hook and eye fastener. Make two small holes in the top of the purse and thread a piece of yarn through. Knot and twist the ends together and tie to the key ring fitting. Decorate your purse.

The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse

ow you must know that a Town Mouse once upon a time went on a visit to his cousin in the country. He was rough and ready, this cousin, but he loved his town friend and made him heartily welcome. Beans and bacon, cheese and bread, were all he had to offer, but he offered them freely. The Town Mouse rather turned up his long nose at this country fare, and said: “I cannot understand, Cousin, how

you can put up with such poor food as this, but of course you cannot expect anything better in the country; come you with me and I will show you how to live. When you have been in town a week you will wonder how you could ever have stood a country life.” No sooner said than done: the two mice set off for the town and arrived at the Town Mouse's residence late at night. “You will want some refreshment after our long journey,” said the polite Town Mouse, and took his friend into the

grand dining-room. There they found the remains of a fine feast, and soon the two mice were eating up jellies and cakes and all that was nice. Suddenly they heard growling and barking. “What is that?” said the Country Mouse. “It is only the dogs of the house,” answered the other. “Only!” said the Country Mouse. “I do not like that music at my dinner.” Just at that moment the door flew open, in came two huge mastiffs, and the two mice had to

Moral: Better Beans and Bacon in peace scamper down and run off. “Good-bye, Cousin,” said the Country Mouse, “What! going so soon?” said the other. “Yes,” he replied; “Better beans and bacon in peace than cakes and ale in fear.”

Word Puzzle

Dot to Dot Funny Fish Same or Different Circle the fish that is different

Do You

Know Draw a square around the fish that is different

Put an X on the fish that is different

Color the fish that is different

• Cleopatra married two of her brothers. • It is illegal to own a red car in shanghai china. • Tru to spin an egg, Its strange that a hardboiled egg will spin but an uncooked or softboiled egg will not. • Astronauts cannot burp in space. • People with blue eyes see better in dark. • The snowiest city in the USA is Blue Canyon, California. • Lake Nicaragua in Nicaragua is the only fresh water lake in the world that has sharks. • Kite flying is a professional sport in Thailand. • The gasoline cannot freeze no matter how cold the temperature falls.

FAITH LEAF

SunDAY 05•02•2017

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

INSPIRATIONAL STORIES, MESSAGES, POEMS & SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCES

The Wisdom of God in the Frustration of Man Jon Bloom

Staff writer, desiringGod.org

ometimes it takes a good 4,000 years or so to appreciate just how wise God is. When you read the story of the tower of Babel in Genesis 11, God’s response can sound like a bit of an overreaction. Humans developed the material and engineering technology to construct a tall Ziggurat on the plain of Shinar. And they had the totally mistaken notion that they could build it to reach the heavens (Genesis 11:4), perhaps building their own access to God’s dwelling. So God’s response was to “confuse their language” in order to frustrate their ambition and dilute the population concentration (Genesis 11:7– 8). Why? Did God feel threatened by their faulty tower? No, God was not threatened by human ingenuity. Rather, God was wisely and mercifully mitigating the threat of human ingenuity to humans and to the rest of creation. When God said, “this is only the beginning of what they will do. And nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them” (Genesis 11:6), he had in mind things far grander than a brick and bitumen tower. He foresaw things that have taken four millennia to dawn on the human mind.

The Towering Century I don’t know an English superlative that captures the 20th century. The quantum leaps in human technological advancements on almost every front boggle the mind. When the century began, a two horsepower engine meant two horses were powering your carriage. When it ended, horseless carriages like the Dodge Viper were powered by internal combustion engines containing the equivalent strength of 450 horses. On December 17, 1903, Orville Wright made the first recorded powered flight, a 12-second, 120-foot voyage that reached a top altitude of about 20 feet. On December 19, 1999, the Space Shuttle Discovery took off on an 8-day, 3.2 million mile voyage soaring 317 nautical miles above the earth. Advances in medicine, agriculture, and many other converging technologies increased average human life expectancies in the U.S. 30–40 years, more than doubling them in some demographics. Technological wonders exploded everywhere. And therefore, so did the horrors. In 1900, the most powerful armies had long-range artillery that could fairly accurately hit targets a few miles away. Barely five decades later and humanity was facing the existential risk of nuclear weapon proliferation. Many of the technological advancements that had power to greatly ben-

efit humanity also had power to destroy it. And as a result, never in the history of the world were so many people destroyed by so few in the course of a hundred years. Statistics vary, but credible calculations put the number of human deaths resulting from wars and armed conflicts in the 20th century to over 230 million. But as the 21st century dawned, a new disturbing possibility began to appear on the horizon.

The Dawn of Artificial Intelligence Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been talked about by foreseeing technological scientists and futurists since the dawn of computing in the late 1930’s. Robots have been part of the popular imagination since the mid-20th century. Scads of novels and films have explored the idea of human-AI compatibility and competition (think HAL in 2001: A Space Odyssey, C-3PO in Star Wars, Pixar’s WALL-E, or Ultron, the Avengers’s AI nemesis). Many of us still think of AI as science fiction. But as the decades have passed it has become increasingly less fictional. It’s now all around us and feels normal. You are reading this article on an artificially intelligent device. We currently live in an era of Artificial Narrow Intelligence (ANI), AI that in some cases can outperform humans, but only in a narrowly fo-

cused expertise (think Siri or IBM’s chess master Deep Blue). But some experts are predicting that sooner than we may expect, perhaps only 25–40 years from now, we may reach the era of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), where an AI attains the rough equivalent to human intelligence (think C3PO). And it’s this that has numerous prominent AI thinkers waving yellow and even red flags. For when AGI occurs, it may open the Pandora’s Box of Artificial Superintelligence (ASI). This is when an AI attains overall intelligence beyond, and perhaps way, way beyond, human intelligence (think Ultron).

Afraid of Creating God Some experts don’t believe ASI will materialize. But many do. And the sorts of possibilities that are being seriously discussed by credible and brilliant minds are amazing, even fantastical. The discussions have an increasingly urgent tone because technologies now exist and are emerging that make possibilities feasible that until recently just made for entertaining films. This has some experts euphorically predicting that ASI will help us eradicate human disease and food shortages and successfully colonize other planets. But others warn that we do not know what we might awaken. We may create an intelligence that has the exponential ability to increase and

protect its own intelligence and over time assumes qualities that we now only attribute to God. The concerned experts believe this should give us serious pause. Such ASI may have no need for the human race. It’s not my purpose (or qualification) to weigh in on that discussion. But it is my purpose, in light of the astounding 20th century and what might prove to be more astounding 21st century, to point to the wisdom of God displayed on the plains of Shinar: God knows what he’s doing when he frustrates man.

God Can Be Trusted with Our Frustrated Efforts When God threw the Ziggurat builders into confusion, they had no idea of the future possibilities. They did not know that the most complex thing in the material universe is the human brain. But God did. He knew the power of collective human ingenuity. He knew its potential power for good, but he also knew its post-Eden potential power for evil on a scale that for the Mesopotamians was yet unimaginable. And in his wisdom and mercy he confused and dispersed the Jon Bloom (@Bloom_Jon) serves people, much to their frustration. Now in God’s wisdom he is let- as author, board chair, and co-founder of Desiring God. He is author of ting human technological advancement move at a dizzying pace, in three books, Not by Sight, Things Not Seen, and Don’t Follow Your Heart. spite of the language, culture, geographical, political, and economic He and his wife live in the Twin Cities with their five children. obstacles. Why? Beyond what is re-

Nothing less than justice Rayshawn Graves Desiring God

odern-day conservatives and liberals alike agree that justice was an important part of the earthly ministry of Jesus. From the Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12) to the parable of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:30–37), Jesus was not afraid for his teachings to have clear implications for social justice. Such was even one of the major things that identified him as the long-awaited Messiah (Isaiah 61:1–2; Luke 4:18–19). Now, Jesus plainly did not preach a “social gospel.” Speaking to social issues was not the primary focus of his ministry, but many of us today need to be reminded that it was an aspect of his ministry. We speak well to the social issues that affect those in other nations of the world — and rightfully lament the staggering numbers of image-bearers murdered, impoverished, and trafficked in developed and developing nations. But far too often, local injustices — the ones down the street and around the corner, the ones that feel too close to home — are met with silence or apathy. Yet social justice — whether local or abroad — isn’t just something that Jesus or the Bible mentions in passing. After saving his oppressed people from Egypt, God identifies himself to them as a God

whose ways are just (Deuteronomy 32:4), a God who executes justice for the fatherless and the widow (Deuteronomy 10:18). His redeemed people are commissioned to image their God who cares about the needs of the poor, the oppressed, and the outcast. The Old Testament prophets display this same concern. Isaiah and Amos passionately speak against social injustices within the community of God’s own people. In the New Testament, Jesus identifies himself with his followers who are the poor, the imprisoned, the hungry, and the naked — and says that to neglect such people is to neglect him (Matthew 25:31–46).

to speak to issues of social injustice in our backyards, in our communities, and in our own cities? How do we address justice issues such as abortion and human trafficking, along with discriminatory lending practices, redlining in housing, gerrymandering in education, predatory lending, and discriminatory pay? What does it look like for God’s people, embedded in today’s society, to address systemic racism, sexism, and classism? Again, as biblically faithful Christians, we do so with distinctions from the social gospel. Our end goal is not the redistribution of wealth, nor is our ultimate hope placed in the ability of our government to change its legislaThe Whisper tion. Rather, we speak and of Perfect Justice act against injustice, not What does it look like, in an attempt to create a then, for the church today utopian society, but in a

Spirit-empowered effort to point to the true utopian society to come. This was the aim of our Savior during his ministry on earth. The point of his healing ministry wasn’t to free the world from sickness in this world. The goal of Jesus’s healing ministry was to point to something else: the kingdom of God. Jesus heals the sick to point to a day when sickness will be no more, a day when a new heaven and a new earth will replace this current order, and we will experience “no more death, or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4, NIV). More than this, Jesus’s ministry of healing pointed supremely to himself as God, who is the Author of Life, the all-powerful ruler over all things including sin and sickness.

Even More Than Justice What is our goal in fighting for justice? The same as Jesus’s when he healed the sick: to glorify God, bring joy to the hurting, and point to the glorious kingdom where sickness and suffering will be no more. Imperfect justice now whispers of the coming kingdom where perfect justice, eternal righteousness, and no marginalization or oppression will exist. We anticipate a day when discrimination will cease, racism will be destroyed, trafficking will stop, the innocent unborn will not be murdered, and individual and systemic abuse will be overcome. As Christ’s body, our mouths and our hands express this truth, and this forthcoming final reality fuels our zeal to fight for change now.

And as Christians, we are fueled by even more than justice. While we aim to magnify our just God and his just judgment, we also aim to show that this God is more than just. In speaking and responding to social injustice, we point to our God who has displayed his perfect justice and his goodness on our behalf, giving guilty sinners the opposite verdict than what we deserved for our crimes, while at the same time remaining perfectly righteous. While we were alienated from God, under the burdensome oppression of sin, deserving God’s wrath and eternal separation from him, God acted justly and mercifully, placing the punishment for our sin on his perfectly righteous Son. Because of Jesus’s death at the hands of wicked people — who murdered him unjustly — God justly crushed him in our place, graciously giving us full acceptance, eternal joy, and true life. We pursue justice for victims of injustice — and even more. We extend compassion because even greater justice has been achieved for us through Jesus. How can we settle for anything less than justice for our fellow man, when God himself has shown us mercy? Rayshawn Graves (@ rayshawngraves1) is a husband, father, and pastoral assistant at Redemption Hill Church in Richmond, Virginia.

The Uncertainties of War and the Hope of History John Piper Founder & Teacher, desiringGod.org

hether or not the timing and international approval of this war was right, some things are worse than war. For one, unimpeded and massive atrocities are worse than war. It's true that one can never know for sure whether war will bring an end to the worse thing. One only feels compelled: I must try. It is as though you come upon a gang molesting an elderly woman. You have no idea whether intervention will save her or just double the casualties. All you know is: this cannot be left unopposed. I must try. In Flags of Our Fathers, James Bradley's heart-wrenching account of the battle for Iwo Jima, he reminds us that in one month following the inva-

sion of February 19, 1944, 6,800 Marines were buried on that barren eightmile-square island six hundred miles south of Tokyo. The Americans had killed 21,000 Japanese, but suffered 26,000 casualties. The Second Battalion sent 1,400 boys (many still teenagers) onto the beach. 177 walked off, and 91 of those had been wounded at least once and returned to battle. All this for two air strips! - says the blind cynic. What could possibly be worse than such carnage? Let history answer. In 1942 America was fighting two very different enemies. In North Africa there were "rules." "Gentlemen's agreements suspended hostilities for the day at five o'clock each afternoon, and each side held it's fire for medics to care for the wounded." In the Pacific things were different. The Japanese had captured Nanking [now, Nanjing], the

capital of China, on December 13, 1937. As the troops entered the city, the unarmed Chinese civilians suffered an orgy of torture and death. In less than a month Japanese troops, with the encouragement of their officers, killed up to 350,000 Chinese civilians. Pregnant women were marched to one killing field where Japanese placed bets on the sex of the fetus about to tumble from its mother's womb, cut by a samurai sword. In another area of town drunken soldiers laughed and tossed babies in the air to be skewered on the ends of their buddies' bayonets. (Warning: photos and documentation.) Three hundred fifty thousand: That amounted to more civilians dying in one city in one month than died in entire countries during the entire war. In six years of combat France lost 108,000 civilians; Belgium 101,000 ci-

vilians; the Netherlands 242,000. The Japanese in Nanking killed even more than the atomic bombs later would. (Hiroshima had 140,000 dead, Nagasaki, 70,000). The Japanese "loot all, kill all, burn all" scorched-earth policy in North China would eventually reduce the population from forty-four million to twenty-five million. The U.S. Army had encountered the Japanese army's ways in the Philippines and Burma. Stories of buddies found trussed like pigs, disemboweled with their severed genitals in their mouths circulated, as did horrifying accounts of boys staked in the hot sun, forced to endure the voracious bugs who savored the honey rubbed into the prisoner's eyes and mouth. (Flags of Our Fathers, pp. 65-66) This was the deeper backdrop to Pearl Harbor. More immediately, there was the expansionist drive

of Japan into Indo-China between 1939 and 1940, and the perceived opportunity offered by the distraction of war in Europe. Japan was emboldened to attack America on December 7, 1941, and 2,403 Americans died in that attack with 1,178 wounded similar to the numbers of September 11, 2001. Was the defeat of Japanese aggression with its history of atrocities worth Iwo Jima? Were the containment of Hitler and Hirohito worth 405,399 lost American lives in World War II? What world would exist today if there had been no resistance? God alone knows the answer to that. But that is not how we make decisions. Leaders do not know what will be. They only know what is and should not be. How great must the danger be? How great the evil? At what point is the risk of war worth it? Our leaders have answered. God will decide if they were right.

vealed in Scripture, we, like our ancient ingenious ancestors, do not yet know. But what we who believe Scripture do know is that God can be trusted in these matters. With thousands of years of retrospect, we know more than ever that the wisest thing we can do is to trust God’s promises and purposes far more than our shortsighted perceptions. And what is true on the massive scale of human history is also true on the micro-scale of our own lives. There are more to the things that frustrate and hinder us, that present us obstacles and delays, that confuse and sometimes disperse us, than we yet see. So let us not be quick to get angry over our frustrations. The God who presided over the confusion in Shinar presides over our Babel moments, large and small. And for all of us who love him, he promises to turn them for our ultimate good (Romans 8:28). Someday, perhaps in the distant future, we will see in the things that confuse and frustrate us now God’s incredible wisdom and mercy.

History holds out to us a hope that few can imagine. Let us turn it into a prayer. Along with all our cries for spared life and short conflict and just outcomes, let us make the unspeakably hopeful request: O God, may the world of 2003 see the same friendship between Iraq and America that has now so long existed between Japan and America - once unthinkable in the 1940's. And may the gospel of Jesus Christ, whose love embraces all Arab peoples, be humbly offered as freely in Iraq as it is in Japan today. John Piper (@JohnPiper) is founder and teacher of desiringGod.org and chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary. For 33 years, he served as pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is author of more than 50 books, including A Peculiar Glory.

Supremacy - John Piper

Look how high the tree is reaching, Reaching Godward, tell me why. Look how high the clouds are flying, Flying, rising through the sky. Look, the sun is rising, rising, Look, it rises till the noon. Look, the stars are twinkling, twinkling, Far above the midnight moon. Are those stars the highest brightness? Is there any other flyer, Soaring out beyond the darkness? If there is, still God is higher. *** Look, the Redwoods, growing, growing, Years, and decades, centuries, Living, lasting since their Maker, Jesus, bore his agonies. Look, the mountains, lasting, standing, Undestroyed by ceaseless blasts. Look, the peaks are never-ending! Look, how long a mountain lasts! There, beyond the mountains blazing Burning, flaming, ageless, stronger, Permanent, as if forever, Endless sun. But God burns longer. *** Look! A wise man, thinking, thinking, With his elbow on his knee. Look how deep his eyes are peering. Oh, I wonder what they see! Look! A thousand scholars writing, Writing all that they have learned. Have they answered all the questions? Have they left a stone unturned? Millions with computers thinking, Spewing knowledge like a geyser, Surely now we’ve mastered data. That may be. But God is wiser. *** Look, his strength is growing, growing, Lifting more than he could dream, All to save his dying treasure, Pinned beneath a massive beam. Look at that tornado spinning. Look! Two hundred miles an hour, Slinging houses like a feather. Have you ever seen such power? I have heard that supernovas Burn with power, hotter, longer, Greater than a billion starbursts. That may be. But God is stronger. *** Taste how sweet the honey dripping, Dripping from the honeycomb. Do the bees know what they’re making, When they bring the nectar home? Look, the soldier home from warring, Wounded sees his wife and son. There is sweetness in these kisses, Better than the war he won. Look, the gates of heaven coming! Look, a smiling face, St. Peter! Could it be more sweet than finding You are in? Yes. God is sweeter. *** Look. A mother loving, loving, Look, she holds her dying child. Gladly would she die to save it. Oh, the yearning, deep and wild. Look, a bridegroom longing, longing: Come, sweet moment of embrace. Is there any better loving, Deeper union, face to face? Perfect knowing, perfect rapture. Is there any love that’s near it? Yes! Before the world existed: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

sunDAY 05•02•2017

INDIA

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Battle for Punjab, Goa passes peacefully, high voter turnout Pa N a j i / C h a N D i garh, February 4 (iaNS): Over a crore and a half voters turned up to chose new governments in the traditionally high-turnout states of Punjab and Goa on Saturday, in the first major test of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his allies after the government's move to ban highvalue notes last year. Eighty-three per cent of the over 11 lakh electorate exercised their franchise for Goa's 40 assembly constituencies while over 72 per cent of Punjab's nearly 1.99 crore voters cast their ballot for 117 assembly segments, election officials said. Poll officials said the final voting percentage in both the state could go up as many people were still in the queues outside polling stations and were allowed to cast their ballot even after the voting formally ended at 5 p.m. Brisk voting took place almost all over Punjab - a state which recorded 78.3 per cent turnout in the 2012 assembly polls - where the ruling BJP-SAD alliance, Congress and new entrant AAP are locked in a bitter triangular fight. The border state's Malwa belt, which accounts for 69 out of the 117 assembly seats, also saw a heavy voter turnout that could be decisive for any party's victory. The highest turnout was in Sangrur and Fazilka districts at 73 per cent, followed by Mansa and Fatehgarh

People showing their voter ID cards as they stand in a queue to cast their votes at a polling station in a village, about 25 km from Amritsar, on Saturday. (PTI Photo)

Sahib districts at 72 per cent. In some assembly seats, the voter turnout was even 75 to 78 per cent till 5 p.m. Amritsar and Ropar districts recorded the lowest turnout at less than 60 per cent, the poll officials said. Voting at different polling stations in Punjab was disrupted or delayed due to technical snags in electronic voting machines (EVMs). At stake was the political fate of 1,145 candidates, including 81 women and a lone transgender in Punjab where the Akali Dal-BJP alliance has ruled for two straight terms. Both Congress and AAP are hoping to cash in from an anti-incumbency factor as surveys point to a cliffhanger between the two parties. Voting for the by-election to the Amritsar Lok Sabha seat was also held

on Saturday. "Overall Punjab witnessed a peaceful polling without any major incidence of violence and intimidation. There was just one incident in a village in Tarn Taran where supporters of two political parties clashed and one person faced bullet injuries...an FIR has been registered," Sandeep Saxena, deputy election commissioner, said. Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, 89, his son and Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal and daughter-in-law and Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal cast their votes in Badal village, which is part of Badal senior's Lambi assembly constituency. "We will win easily. Punjab is looking forward to peace and development," the Chief Minister said.

Badal is being challenged for the Lambi seat by Punjab Congress President and former Chief Minister Amarinder Singh and AAP's Jarnail Singh. Amarinder Singh, accompanied by his wife and former Union Minister of State for External Affairs Preneet Kaur, and other family members, cast his vote in Patiala city. "I am sure that we (Congress) are winning this election comfortably," Amarinder told the media. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who is the convenor of the AAP, criticised the poll panel for having "completely surrendered" before Prime Minister Modi amid reports of people allegedly visiting polling booths with party symbols and also campaigning on social me-

dia and TV on polling day in violation of the model code of conduct. "This is a completely shameless and spineless Election Commission," he tweeted. Goasawahighvoterturnout of 83 per cent and polling remained peaceful for the 40 assembly seats, compared to 81 in the 2012 polls. The incumbent BJP is fighting the Congress and AAP in the coastal state where heavy polling was witnessed in the mining belt of Sankhalim, Bicholim and Curchorem. None of the political parties or groups, except for the AAP, had fielded candidates from all the 40 seats. The incumbent BJP had put up its nominees on 36 and is supporting two independents. The assembly elections to be held in five states - Goa, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Manipur - in phased manners through this month till March 8 are the first big electoral test for the Modi-led government since the November 28 note ban. The note ban move was heavily criticised by the opposition and labelled as a self-inflicted blow on the country's economy that triggered enormous hardship for the people all over. The BJP and its allies have hailed the move as a surgical strike at tax evasion, black money and corruption that would also herald India into a cashless economy. Votes for all five states will be counted on March 11.

'Make or break elections for PM Modi'

New Delhi, February 4 (ageNCieS): Millions of Indians began voting on Saturday in assembly election in Punjab and Goa seen as the first major test of Prime Minister Narendra Modi after his government's move to ban all high-value notes last year. India is just emerging from the fallout of a November decision that withdrew India's two largest currency notes from circulation and caused weeks of chaos as people waited to get their money back in new currency. Modi government and the BJP hailed the move as a way to curb tax fraud and corruption and push India toward more digital spending. But his opponents say it was a self-inflicted blow on the world's fastest-growing economy, causing enormous hardship for the vast majority of the countrymen. While the five state elections will not decide whether Modi remains in office, a loss would be seen as a serious blow to his political image. Modi's personal popularity has remained high well into his first term, but the elections are being seen as a test of its endurance. Modi's party is likely to lose out in Punjab, where it has been in power along with the Shiromani Akali Dal since 2007, but also where a turnaround for opposition Congress is possible. Rahul Gandhi, the 44-year-old NehruGandhi family scion who is seen as the party's next head, has pulled out all the stops to revive its fortunes, facing criticism after a series of state election defeats. "It is the most important election for the Congress party which needs a victory on its own," news agency AFP quoted Nistula Hebbar, political editor with The Hindu newspaper, as saying. But the biggest test for Modi will be in India's most populous state Uttar Pradesh, where the BJP won 71 of the 80 Lok Sabha seats in the 2014 general election. "In these elections, Uttar Pradesh is the

real biggie," Ajoy Bose, a political analyst in New Delhi, told news agency AP. "BJP swept Uttar Pradesh with the largest chunk of MPs in 2014. A defeat here would signal that there has been erosion of support for Modi," said Hebbar. Modi needs to win state elections to gain more seats in the Rajya Sabha or Upper House of Parliament, which has blocked reforms seen as crucial to fuelling the economic growth it has promised voters. Most members of the Rajya Sabha are indirectly elected by state legislatures. Elections in Uttar Pradesh begin on February 11, but because of the state's size, voting is divided into seven phases. Results from all the elections will be declared on March 11. In the next phase of the election, Uttarakhand votes on February 15 and Manipur votes on March 4 and 8. In Goa, the BJP is beset with divisions among its political allies, while the upstart Aam Aadmi Party and the Congress are also putting up a strong fight. Modi's performance in the assembly elections is also likely to determine his political strategy in the run-up to the next national elections due in 2019, when he is hoping to wrest a second term in office, analysts said. "This makes the outcome so important. It could be a make-or-break election for Modi," said Bose. The state elections are also significant for their power to help elect a new President. While the Indian presidency is largely ceremonial, it is a high-profile position, and the President can wield significant power in times of political crisis. The current President is Pranab Mukherjee, a Congress stalwart whose term ends in July. Presidents are elected by a combination of national and state lawmakers. For Modi to bring in his own president, he needs to win Uttar Pradesh and at least one other state.

SCAM: BJP, Cong, SP battle with acronyms Religious leaders play major role

New Delhi, February 4 (iaNS): After Prime Minister Narendra Modi coined the SCAM acronym to attack political opponents in Uttar Pradesh, the Congress on Saturday gave the word a Hindi twist to hit back - calling the BJP a "party of Sattabhogi (hungry for power), Kapti-dhongi (fraudster) and Amit Shah, Modi". The party also came out with six abbreviations for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Giving out the abbreviations for BJP, Congress said it was a party that represented - Bhagora Judao Party (party of turncoats), Bhai-bhatijawad Party (party of nepotism), Bhaichara Jalao Party (party that promotes enmity), Brashtrachar Jagao Party (party

that promotes corruption), Bhramjaal Party and Bhram Jagao Party (party that creates illusion). Targetting his political opponents in Uttar Pradesh, Prime Minister Modi on Saturday said that "SCAM" is an acronym for Samajwadi Party, Congress, Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati. Modi said: "Do you know what 'Scam' stands for? It is 'S' for Samajwadi Party, 'C' for Congress, 'A' for Akhilesh and 'M' for Mayawati." Soon after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav hit back, saying the 'A' and 'M' stand for Amit Shah and Modi. According to him SCAM stood for "Save the Country from Amit Shah, Modi."

The Congress too joined in. "The Prime Minister today told us the meaning of SCAM. Let us also tell them the meaning of scam in Hindi. SCAM means Sattabhogi (hungry for power), Kapti dhongi (fraudster) and Amit Shah Modi," Congress spokesperson Tom Vadakkan said briefing media persons. "He found abbreviations for the Congress party, the SP and everybody under the sun including all the opposition parties. Instead of delivering on what the road map ahead is, we hear him speak on abbreviations. He is extremely worried because he has realized the faults what demonetization has done across the country," Vadakkan added.

Vadakkaan then went on to give the six abbreviations for BJP. "He (Modi) is the Prime Minister of the country. Is this his work to play with abbreviations? Why didn't you take the names of scamsters. They are in your party (BJP) and demonetisation is the biggest scam," he said. The Congress wanted to know if the Prime Minister had fulfilled his promise to provide loan waiver to farmers. "He spoke about giving relief to the farmers in Meerut. It is a Bhram Jagao Party (party that creates illusion). Did they give relief to farmers in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. They only know how to create illusion," he added.

in promoting harmony: Dalai Lama New Delhi, February 4 (iaNS): Religious leaders in India, especially the Muslims, have a major role in promoting religious harmony, Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama said on Saturday. "The Indian religious leaders, especially the leaders of Muslim community, have a major role in promoting religious harmony," the elderly Buddhist monk said while addressing over four hundred Indian students and scholars at a teaching session organised by Vidyaloke here. Vidyaloke is an initiative focused on revitalising

ancient Indian traditions. He said in India, concepts such as 'ahimsa' have existed for more than 3,000 years. "It's time for Indians to activate these principles for the benefit of the entire human family." "Indians should take more active role in promotion of inner values, as it is a part of the ancient Indian tradition," he said. Concluding his discourse on Buddhist philosopher Nagarjuna's 'Letter to a Friend', the spiritual leader advocated the revival of ancient Indian knowledge through scholarships on the Nalanda tradition and the teachings of the 17

Nalanda masters. "You are the master of the ancient Indian knowledge, particularly the Nalanda tradition. As Tibetan Buddhists, we are the messenger. On the level of messenger, we are making every effort. Now the Indians as masters should take active role in promoting these human values; not through prayers but rigorous study," he said. Identifying himself as a messenger of the ancient Indian thought and as a son of India, the Dalai Lama, who is revered by the Tibetans as a living god, said: "Each cell of my brain is filled with Na-

landa thought and physically I am survived by Indian food. Therefore, in all sense, I describe myself as son of India." "If I boast a little bit, since I follow these great masters of Nalanda, I have also become a tiny master myself," he said with a hearty laugh. The 81-year-old spiritual leader, the global face of the Tibetan exile movement, lives in exile in the northern Indian hill town of Dharamsala along with some 140,000 Tibetans, over 100,000 of them in different parts of India. Over six million Tibetans live in Tibet.

Making early Cancer Lives of Delhi's homeless hang by a thread diagnosis a reality WHO South-Asia highlights key interventions on World Cancer Day New Delhi, February 4 (MexN): Cancer is diagnosed in more than 14 million people worldwide each year, killing approximately 8.8 million. Around two-thirds of these deaths are in low- and middle-income countries, where cancer detection is often inadequate and diagnosis and treatment late. On World Cancer Day (February 4), “we must focus on reducing cancer’s impact, both in terms of mortality and cost. We must focus on making early diagnosis a reality,” stated the World Health Organisation (WHO) South-East Asia Region office in a press release today. Cancer deaths In the South-East Asia Region, cancer kills around 1.3 million people every year. As per the Population Based Cancer Registry three years’ report (2009 to 2011), the highest incidence of many cancers are located in India’s North East Region. In Nagaland, the incidence rate is 98.15 per 1,00,000 population (males:126.1, females: 70.2). Across the South-East Asia Region, late diagnosis and treatment is resulting in 67% of cancer patients dying before they are 70, equating

to just under 900 000 pre- 1. Health authorities can mature deaths annually, reenhance public awareported the WHO. ness of different cancer “Late diagnosis and symptoms and encourtreatment is also inflating asage people to seek care if sociated costs and impactsymptoms arise. Greater ing workforce productivity. public knowledge will With cancer rates expected help achieve earlier diagto rise in coming years, the nosis, while information need to take action is clear,” campaigns can dissemistated a WHO press note. nate healthy lifestyle mesImportant steps tosages aimed at avoiding wards better cancer decancer in the first place. tection have already been An emphasis on curtailing taken through the ‘Cancer tobacco and alcohol use, Prevention and Control’ exercising regularly and resolution adopted in Dili, consuming a healthy diet Timor-Leste, in September should feature heavily. 2. Health services – espe2015, by member states. cially at the primary level Interventions – should be strengthened WHO’s new Guide to and equipped to diagnose cancer early diagnosis outcancer in an accurate and lines the Region’s Member timely manner. Health countries (Bangladesh, Bhucare workers should be tan, Democratic People’s Retrained to detect cancer’s public of Korea, India, Indokey signs and symptoms, nesia, Maldives, Myanmar, especially for oral and Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand breast cancer, which are and Timor-Leste) can make particularly burdensome a few key interventions that in the Region. will help diagnose cancer 3. Persons living with cancer earlier and make treatment should be guaranteed safe more efficient. and effective treatment “These interventions will without incurring prohibalso help realize the Sustainitive personal or financial able Development Goal of hardship. Achieving unireducing premature deaths versal health coverage is from cancers and other vital to decreasing cannoncommunicable diseascer-related premature mortality, alongside that es (NCDs) by one-third by of other NCDs. 2030,” the WHO hoped.

New Delhi, February 4 (iaNS): They’re here, there and everywhere and could well be dubbed a tribe even the gods have forgotten. They are the legions of Delhi's homeless, living in abject filth on roads and pavements, cooking in the open and sleeping under flyovers and overbridges. They live in constant fear of their lives from the ever-zooming traffic -- sometimes with tragic results, as happened late last month, when Lakshmi, a three-year-old, was killed when a school bus mowed her down as she ran on to the road chasing a ball. About a dozen such homeless children aged between two and eight years live under the busy Nehru Place flyover here, and can be seen spending their days playing with sand, garbage and plastic - just feet away from where Lakshmi was killed. Rani is piling up sand and stones at the corner of the pavement -- which is her home. "I am making a house for myself and my family," Rani said laughingly. She is the third child of her parents and has two brothers. Originally from Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh, her father, Prasad Kumar, says he had shifted to Delhi before he got married. "Obviously in search of a better livelihood. But I couldn't even provide my children a house." Rani, barely clad enough to protect herself from the bonechilling cold, does not go to school -- like her siblings. The family, which has been living under the flyover all these years, sells balloons at traffic signals for survival. "I do not want to sell those bal-

A home-less family living under Hauz Khas flyover in New Delhi. (IANS Photo)

loons. I love them but my father insists upon selling those after we fill the air in them," Rani tells this IANS correspondent, holding a heart-shaped red balloon close to her. Prasad Kumar speaks of his fears. "We have nowhere to go. We fear for our lives every time we sleep. Even when we are not sleeping, we fear vehicles driving over us like what happened with that little girl (Lakshmi)." Lakshmi, who was the poster child for a human rights organisation, lived under the Nehru Place flyover. She was crushed under the wheels of a school bus on January 22, a day before the National Girl Child Day. Rani's family lives along with half a dozen other families whom they call their "neighbours". "We hardly have anyone to rely upon for our shelter. It feels like god has chosen us to be like this, live like

this," said Prasad. The national capital is home to thousands of homeless people who spend their days and nights like Rani's family. In Sarai Kale Khan, a pregnant woman, clad in a worn-out saree, lives on the payment along with two other children, and voices other concerns. There is "no privacy for any women here", she said. "All the women here, like me, face shameful difficulties. But we cannot do anything about it." At the busy traffic signal near the Indian Institute of Technology, in south Delhi's Hauz Khas area, five-year-old Raju is selling red roses to commuters. But he has a target for the day. "I sell only 20 flowers a day which earns me Rs 100. I use that money to eat my favourite food like chowmein and aloo tikki (cutlet)," Raju told IANS. "I want to study, but my father does not earn much. And

I live on the road, how can I study?" he asks. The Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB), which functions under the Urban Development Ministry of the Delhi government, is the main body responsible for maintaining shelters for the homeless. So far, the DUSIB has constructed about 81 buildings for the homeless. Sunil Kumar Aledia, Executive Director of the Centre for Holistic Development, said the condition for women, children and elderly among all the homeless people is more vulnerable. "What the government is doing is not sufficient. Makeshift tents during winters is not stopping the deaths. More than 3,000 homeless died in 2016 alone," Aledia told IANS. However, Aledia said the DUSIB alone would not be able to provide shelter and that other government departments including food, sanitation and electricity "also have to be in convergence". He said that most of the deaths happen during the summer "when the government does not pay attention to these people". "There are over 16,000 people living like this in the capital as per 2014 government data. And the number of deaths is only increasing by the day. This means that what we are doing is not enough," Aledia told IANS. Asked why the homeless are not shifted to shelters, a Delhi Commission for Women official told IANS: "These people have become habituated to living on roads. Even when we try to shift them to the shelters, they refuse to do so."

sundAY 05•02•2017

WORLD

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Judge blocks US travel ban; White House to appeal Travel ban has revoked 60,000 visas for now

SEATTLE/BOSTON, FEBruAry 4 (rEuTErS): A Seattle federal judge on Friday put a nationwide block on U.S. President Donald Trump's week-old executive order that had temporarily barred refugees and nationals from seven countries from entering the United States. The judge's temporary restraining order represents a major setback for Trump's action, though the White House said late Friday that it believed the ban to be "lawful and appropriate" and that the U.S. Department of Justice would file an emergency appeal. Still, just hours after the ruling, U.S. Customs and Border Protection told airlines they could board travelers who had been affected by the ban. Trump's Jan. 27 order caused chaos at airports across the United States last week as some citizens from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen were denied entry. Virtually all refugees were also barred, upending the lives of thousands of people who had spent years seeking asylum in the U.S. The State Department said Friday that almost 60,000 visas were suspended in the wake of Trump's order; it was not clear Friday night whether that suspension was automatically revoked or what travelers with such visas might confront at U.S. airports. While a number of lawsuits have been filed over

U.S. President Donald Trump (L), seated at his desk with National Security Advisor Michael Flynn (2nd R) and senior advisor Steve Bannon (R), speaks by phone with Australia's Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, U.S. January 28, 2017. (Reuters Photo)

Trump's action, the Washington state lawsuit was the first to test the broad constitutionality of the executive order. Judge James Robart, a George W. Bush appointee, explicitly made his ruling apply across the country, while other judges facing similar cases have so far issued orders concerning only specific individuals. The challenge in Seattle was brought by the state of Washington and later joined by the state of Minnesota. The judge ruled that the states have legal standing to sue, which could help Democratic attorneys general take on Trump in court on issues beyond immigration. Washington's case was based on claims that the state had suffered harm from the travel ban, for example students and faculty at state-funded universities being stranded overseas. Amazon.com and Expedia,

both based in Washington state, had supported the lawsuit, asserting that the travel restrictions harmed their businesses. Tech companies, which rely on talent from around the world, have been increasingly outspoken in their opposition to the Trump administration's anti-immigrant policies. Judge Robart probed a Justice Department lawyer on what he called the "litany of harms” suffered by Washington state’s universities, and also questioned the administration's use of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States as a justification for the ban. Robart said no attacks had been carried out on U.S. soil by individuals from the seven countries affected by the travel ban since that assault. For Trump’s order to be constitutional, Robart said, it had to be “based in fact, as opposed to fiction.”

"OUTRAGEOUS ORDER" The White House said it would file an appeal as soon as possible. “At the earliest possible time, the Department of Justice intends to file an emergency stay of this outrageous order and defend the executive order of the president, which we believe is lawful and appropriate,” the White House said in a statement. "The president’s order is intended to protect the homeland and he has the constitutional authority and responsibility to protect the American people." Washington Governor Jay Inslee celebrated the decision as a victory for the state, adding: "No person not even the president - is above the law." The judge's decision was welcomed by groups protesting the ban. “This order demonstrates that federal judges

throughout the country are seeing the serious constitutional problems with this order,” said Nicholas Espiritu, a staff attorney at the National Immigration Law Center. Eric Ferrero, Amnesty International USA spokesman, lauded the shortterm relief provided by the order but added: "Congress must step in and block this unlawful ban for good." But the fluid legal situation was illustrated by the fact that Robart's ruling came just hours after a federal judge in Boston declined to extend a temporary restraining order allowing some immigrants into the United States from countries affected by Trump's threemonth ban. A Reuters poll earlier this week indicated that the immigration ban has popular support, with 49 percent of Americans agreeing with the order and 41 per-

cent disagreeing. Some 53 percent of Democrats said they "strongly disagree" with Trump's action while 51 percent of Republicans said they "strongly agree." At least one company, the ride-hailing giant Uber, was moving quickly Friday night to take advantage of the ruling. CEO Travis Kalanick, who quit Trump's business advisory council this week in the face of a fierce backlash from Uber customers and the company's many immigrant drivers, said on Twitter: "We have a team of in-house attorneys who’ve been working night & day to get U.S. resident drivers & stranded families back into country. "I just chatted with our head of litigation Angela, who’s buying a whole bunch of airline tickets ASAP!! #homecoming #fingerscrossed" FOUR STATES IN COURT The decision in Washington state came at the end of a day of furious legal activity around the country over the immigration ban. The Trump administration has justified its actions on national security grounds, but opponents have labeled it an unconstitutional order targeting people based on religious beliefs. In Boston, U.S. District Judge Nathan Gorton expressed skepticism during oral arguments about a civil rights group's claim that Trump's order represented religious discrimination, before declining to extend

White House investigates leaks of Trump calls to Australia & Mexico WASHINGTON, FEBruAry 4 (rEuTErS): The White House is looking into how embarrassing details of President Donald Trump's recent tense phone conversations with his counterparts in Australia and Mexico were leaked to news organizations, White House spokesman Sean Spicer said on Fox News Channel. "The president takes these leaks very seriously," Spicer said in an interview with Fox News Channel, which on Friday provided a transcript of a segment set to air on Saturday. Trump cut short a phone call with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull after an acrimonious discussion about a refugee swap deal, a conversation that threatened ties between the two allies after details appeared in The Washington Post. In an earlier call with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto about paying for a wall on the southern U.S. border, Trump said he might send the U.S. military to Mexico to stop drug cartels - details from a transcript obtained by a Mexican news organisation Aristegui Noticias and the Associated Press. The White House later said the comments were meant to be lighthearted. "That’s troubling and I think the president has asked the team to look into this because those are very serious implications," Spicer said. Spicer described the conversations as "candid" but respectful, and has noted that both the Australian and Mexican governments have disputed some of the details. White House officials did not respond to requests for comment on the investigation into the leaks. Trump told politicians and faith leaders at a prayer breakfast that he was having difficult conversations with world leaders as he worked to overhaul immigration rules. "Believe me, when you hear about the tough phone calls I'm having - don't worry about it. Just don't worry about it," Trump told the leaders. the restraining order. U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema in Alexandria, Virginia, ordered the federal government to give the state a list by Thursday of "all persons who have been denied entry to or

removed from the United States." The state of Hawaii on Friday also filed a lawsuit alleging that the order is unconstitutional and asking the court to block the order across the country.

UN lifts sanctions on notorious Afghan warlord Philippine Catholic Church to slam 'reign of terror' behind war on drugs KABuL, FEBruAry 4 (rEuTErS): The United Nations Security Council has dropped sanctions against Afghan strongman Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, potentially paving the way for the notorious warlord to return openly to Afghanistan. The Afghan government requested the move as part of a peace deal with Hekmatyar and his militant group, Hezb-i-Islami, in September. The deal was criticised by some Afghans and human rights groups for the pardon it granted to Hekmatyar and many of his fighters. While playing only a small role in the current insurgent conflict in Afghanistan, Hekmatyar was a major figure during the bloody civil war of the 1990s, when he was accused of indiscriminately firing rockets into Kabul, as well as other human rights abuses. The Afghan government welcomed the U.N.'s decision made on Friday as a "a major step toward peace and stability in Afghanistan," said Mohammad Akram

Khpalwak, a political advisor for President Ashraf Ghani. "This was a demand of the people and government of Afghanistan," he told Reuters on Saturday. "It is a major step for the peace process between Hezb-i-Islami and the government of Afghanistan." In removing Hekmatyar from the list of people sanctioned for their ties to alQaeda, Islamic State, and other militant groups, the U.N. unfroze his assets, and dropped a travel ban and arms embargo against him. Hekmatyar's whereabouts have been unknown since he signed the peace deal with Ghani in September via a prerecorded video from an undisclosed location. With the U.N. sanctions now removed, government officials expect Hekmatyar to eventually return to the Afghan capital, despite the continued controversy. Many foreign governments, including the United States, praised the accord at the time as a step toward wider peace in Afghanistan.

MANILA, FEBruAry 4 (rEuTErS): The Philippines' Catholic Church will assail President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs for creating a "reign of terror" among the poor, in sermons to be read at services across the country this weekend, three church sources told Reuters on Saturday. In its most strongly worded attack so far on the crackdown on drug pushers and users, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines will say that killing people is not the answer to trafficking of illegal drugs and will voice concern about the indifference of many to the bloodshed. "An additional cause of concern is the reign of terror in many places of the poor. Many are killed not because of drugs. Those who kill them are not brought to account," they said in a pastoral letter, a copy of which was obtained by Reuters.

More than 7,600 people have been killed since Duterte launched his anti-drugs campaign seven months ago, more than 2,500 in what police say were shootouts during raids and sting operations. Both the government and police have strenuously denied that extrajudicial killings have taken place during the campaigns. The president's office had no immediate comment on the bishops' letter. Beginning with Mass services on Saturday evening, priests will read out the letter signed by the bishops of Asia's biggest Catholic nation. Their address will not mention Duterte by name, but will urge "elected politicians to serve the common good of the people and not their own interests" and call for steps to tackle "rogue policemen and corrupt judges". Nearly 80 percent of the Philippines' 100 million people are

Catholic and, unlike in many other countries where the faith has waned, the majority still practice with enthusiasm. While that support has historically given the Church significant political and social clout, it has been hesitant to criticise the blunt-spoken president's current war on drugs. In interviews with Reuters last year, more than a dozen clergymen said they were uncertain how to take a stand against the killings given the popular support Duterte's campaign enjoyed. Some said challenging him could be fraught with danger. Duterte has routinely attacked the Church. He cursed the Pope for causing traffic snarl-ups during his 2015 visit, and as recently as this week called for a "showdown" with priests whom he has accused of having wives, engaging in homosexual acts, misusing state

funds and molesting children. "ROGUE POLICEMEN" In an apparent reference to accusations that many drug pushers and users have been victims of extra-judicial killings, the bishops said in their pastoral letter "every person has a right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty" and the law should be followed. "We must also give priority to reforming rogue policemen and corrupt judges," the letter said. "We also call upon elected politicians to serve the common good of the people and not their own interests." The bishops' letter comes less than a week after Duterte suspended all police operations in the drug crackdown due to what he said was deep-rooted corruption. He has put an anti-drugs agency in charge of the campaign and says he wants the armed forces to play a supportive role.

China official says US should stop Myanmar's probe of lawyer's killing beset by leaks, confusion using Dalai Lama to stir trouble BEIJING, FEBruAry 4 (rEuTErS): The United States should stop using the Dalai Lama to create trouble for China, a senior Chinese official in charge of Tibet affairs told an influential state-run newspaper. It would bring no benefit to the U.S. but damage Sino-U.S. ties instead, the Global Times reported late Friday, citing Zhu Weiqun, head of the ethnic and religious affairs committee of the top advisory body to China's parliament. The Global Times, a tabloid known for writing strongly-worded, hawkish and nationalist editorials, is published by the ruling Communist Party's flagship paper. China says the Dalai Lama, who fled into exile in India after a failed uprising against Chinese rule in 1959, is a violent separatist. The Dalai Lama denies espousing violence and says he only wants genuine autonomy for Tibet. In response to recent written questions from the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, the newly appointed Secretary of State Rex Tillerson gave an affirmative answer when asked if he would commit

Tibet's exiled spiritual leader the Dalai Lama arrives to greet people gathered at the Gandan Tegchinlen monastery in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, November 19, 2016. (Reuters Photo)

to receiving and meeting the Dalai Lama. Tillerson also said he would continue to encourage dialogue between Beijing and representatives of the Tibetan governmentin-exile and the Dalai Lama, India-based news service thetibetpost.com reported on Thursday. It is impossible for the Chinese government to "have a dialogue" with the illegal group that is aiming to split China, and Til-

lerson's remarks show he is a "complete amateur" on Tibet-related questions, Zhu told the Global Times. China will not change its policy to support the development of the Tibetan society, nor will it stop protecting its sovereignty over the region, he said. Beijing does not recognise the Tibetan government-in-exile, which is based in India's Himalayan town of Dharamsala.

yANGON, FEBruAry 4 (rEuTErS): Myanmar's national police chief has taken personal charge of an investigation into the killing of a prominent lawyer and adviser to Aung San Suu Kyi's ruling party, police sources said, after leaks and conflicting comments by officers about its progress. The killing of Muslim advocate Ko Ni, 63 - shot in the head on Sunday in front of onlookers while he held his grandson outside Yangon's international airport - has rocked the commercial capital, where acts of political violence are rare. It comes amid heightened religious and communal tensions in the Buddhist-majority country, with a report from the United Nations human rights office on Friday saying a military crackdown on Rohingya Muslims in the northwest in recent months "very likely" amounted to crimes against humanity. Tens of thousands turned out for Ko Ni's funeral, and the public is closely watching how authorities investigate a killing the civilian president's office has called an attempt to destabilise the state. Colleagues have told Reuters Ko Ni was working on amendments to Myanmar's military drafted constitution to help the National League for Democracyled government rule effectively in a system that keeps soldiers in control of key ministries. Major General Zaw Win, chief of the Myanmar Police Force, arrived in Yangon from the capital, Naypyidaw, on Thursday to over-

Ko Ni, a prominent member of Myanmar's Muslim minority and legal adviser for Myanmar's ruling National League for Democracy, is seen during an interview in Yangon January 13, 2016. (Reuters Photo)

see the probe, which is being led by the police's criminal investigation department, two police officials told Reuters. The official, who like other police spoke about the investigation on condition of anonymity, said the military's domestic intelligence agency was also involved in the probe. A military intelligence agent told Reuters he was instructed to monitor Ko Ni in the months before the lawyer's death. The intelligence agency was primarily concerned with finding out how the suspect obtained a firearm, ownership of which is tightly controlled in Myanmar, the official said.

CITIZEN INVESTIGATORS The suspected shooter - named by police as Kyi Linn, 53 - was arrested after a group of taxi drivers chased the him down. One of the drivers was himself shot and killed. Despite a ban on police talking publicly about the case, photographs showing parts of a report on Kyi Linn's interrogation have spread widely online. Officials believe the images were leaked after police used the messaging app Viber to share them with colleagues. The leak sparked a race on social media - use of which has rocketed in Myanmar since recent telecommunications reforms - to identify a man who, according to the document, Kyi Linn said en-

ticed him to shoot Ko Ni. Facebook users posted photos of purported suspects, and analysed CCTV footage from the airport to devise often far-fetched conspiracy theories. Many in Myanmar distrust the police, who are under the remit of the military. Police themselves have made contradictory statements on whether suspects are under arrest or not. The office of President Htin Kyaw said late on Friday that a 46-year-old named Aung Win Zaw had been detained in the early hours of Monday, just hours after Ko Ni's shooting, in the eastern state of Kayin, which borders Thailand. Aung Win Zaw is accused of conspiring with Kyi Linn to kill Ko Ni, the office said in a statement, adding that police were searching for more suspects. Police said Kyi Linn - who is charged with murder - has been jailed twice in the past for trafficking Buddhist artefacts, but was released in a 2014 amnesty granted by thenPresident Thein Sein. Another former cell mate told Reuters he thought Kyi Linn would do anything "for his business and money," adding: "I don't think he is related to any political and religious issues." In his home village of Sai Lyar, members of Kyi Linn's family were shocked by the news, carried by police and reporters who have visited their farming community in rural Sagaing Division since Sunday. "I am sure my brother would not kill someone on his own," Kyi Linn's younger sister, Win Kyi, told Reuters. "There must be someone behind him."

sunDAY 05•02•2017

SPORTS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

bolt sprinkles star-dust as athletics goes Hollywood

MeLbOurNe, February 4 (reuters): The Nitro Series promised to make athletics a show and the sport's ultimate showman Usain Bolt capped its first meeting in Melbourne on Saturday by propelling his team of international "All-Stars" to a crowdpleasing win in the 4x100 metres relay. Taking the baton from Olympic gold medal-winning team mate Asafa Powell, Jamaican Bolt powered down the second leg at Lakeside Stadium before Americans Jenna Prandini and Jeneba Tarmoh completed the win in the mixed team event ahead of Japan and Australia. Bolt's first run of the year and first in Australia brought the curtain down on opening night of the Series, which has pledged to "revolutionise" athletics with a team-based event that borrows heavily from the formula of sport and entertainment which has un-

derpinned Twenty20 cricket's considerable success. With athletics struggling to maintain a profile outside of the Olympics and rocked by major doping and corruption scandals in recent years, organisers hope the series can reinvigorate the sport by shaking up the traditional schedule of events - and sprinkling some star-dust from marquee man Bolt. Bolt, who completed a "treble treble" of 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay Olympic titles at the 2016 Rio Games, was paid a seven-figure appearance fee to commit to all three meetings in the inaugural series in Melbourne this month and given a stake in the company running the event. He fulfilled his role as athletics' great entertainer, galloping on to the field before the meeting as flame cannons shot fireballs into the air and dancing to thumping pop music. "Tonight is the first night,

With mixed team events, a 2x300m relay and an elimination mile in which runners were knocked out progressively, the meeting carried on with troupes of dancers gyrating to electronic music in front of an enthusiastic crowd of about 7,000.

Jamaica's Olympic champion Usain Bolt poses for photographs in front of supporters after signing autographs during the Nitro Athletics series at the Lakeside Stadium in Melbourne, Australia February 4, 2017. (Reuters Photo)

we just want to do something different," Bolt told reporters as a crowd of hundreds of spectators craned necks to capture a glimpse. "I've never handed (a baton) over to a girl. For me that was exciting.

"Everybody was having fun, everyone was trying to support their team mates." Bolt's appearance helped secure a clutch of big names for the event, with American former Olympic 400m hurdles

champion Kerron Clement running in his All-Stars team who won the overall event ahead of Australia. Christine Ohuruogu, the 2008 Olympic 400m champion, captained Team England.

SIMILAR SPECTACLE It was a spectacle similar to any of the 'Big Bash' Twenty20 matches played at the nearby Melbourne Cricket Ground. But whereas Twenty20 competitions are underpinned by the support of dozens of high-profile players, Bolt carries a lot of the burden on his own shoulders. "It’s not an understatement to say that we wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for Usain Bolt and his management," Athletics Australia president Mark Arbib told Reuters before the meeting. "Usain Bolt and (agent) Ricky Simms have not just put their name to it, and

are not just taking part, they have taken a stake in the business itself. "They’ve promoted it, selected the Bolt All-Star team, they’ve put their own IP (intellectual property) into the All-Stars, they’re building a significant commercial asset." Like a number of federations across the globe, Athletics Australia has battled to arrest declining crowds and interest in the sport, initially conceiving of the series as helping to boost the low profile of the nation's top athletes. But Bolt's signature had proven a "game-changer", Arbib, a former federal sports minister, said. It had secured a primetime broadcast for a local athletics meeting for the first time in nearly a decade while attracting key corporate backers. Among them, Kerry Stokes, owner of the series' host broadcaster Seven West Media, had invested

A$1 million ($768,000) of his own funds, the Australian Financial Review newspaper reported. The crowd was lower than the 8,500 stadium capacity but total tickets sold over the three nights of the series had comfortably outstripped those sold for the entire programme of national athletics events last year. If ambition was an Olympic sport, organisers could already crown themselves gold medal winners. They hope to take the series overseas and have targeted a slot in England after the world championships, where 30-year-old Bolt will make his farewell. "Everything that we started thinking of as a dream is a reality, the big thing now is to prove that the concept works," Arbib said. "We know that the athletes love it, they’ve told us that they think this is the future ... If this is successful, this will change the way people view athletics."

Westbrook triple-double fuels Thunder Tendulkar urges fans to support women's cricket

LOs aNgeLes, February 4 (aFP): Russell Westbrook, determined to bounce back from an embarrassing defeat, produced his 25th triple-double of the season to propel the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 114-102 NBA victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. Westbrook's 38 points included his team's final 15. He handed out 12 assists and pulled down 13 rebounds for the Thunder, who had been routed 128-100 by Chicago on Wednesday. After that debacle on their home floor, Westbrook said, it was imperative the Thunder seize the early initiative. "Especially after last game, when you lose and get out-played," he said. "Tonight we came out and were the more physical team, set the tone in that aspect. "We were physical, came out and hit first in a grind-it-out game." Center Steven Adams of New Zealand added 16 points for the Thunder. Joffrey Lauvergne came off the bench to contribute 16 as Oklahoma City snapped a three-game skid. Spanish big man Marc Gasol led the Grizzles with 31 points and eight assists. Mike Conley added 18 points but the Grizzlies saw their three-game winning streak end. "It's disappointing,"

Conley said. "This is a big game for us, not just because it's OKC, but the schedule, the standings. These games matter for us." Westbrook's 25 tripledoubles are the most in a season since Wilt Chamberlain had 31 in the 196768 campaign. But he wasn't the only player stuffing the stat sheet on Friday. Serbian center Nikola Jokic notched the first triple-double of his career to help the Denver Nuggets to

a 121-117 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. But Sacramento Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins's triple-double came in a losing cause. Jokic, back in the Nuggets lineup after missing three games with a left hip flexor strain, scored 20 points with 13 rebounds and 11 assists. Wilson Chandler added 21 points and eight rebounds for the Nuggets, who led by 22 early in the third quarter then withstood a

public discourse

A TRIBUTE

Kahuto Chishi Sumi

pen these simple words in honour of Khriesavizo Metha and Bendangnunsang Longkumer; who stood and fell on the night of the Thirty First Day, of the First Month, in the Two Thousand and Seventeenth Year of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I add my humble condolences to those of the rest of Nagaland and offer them in tribute to the Mothers, Fathers, Sisters and Brothers, of our Heroes who fell on that Famous Night. For just as a man's deed make him a hero, so is the time he performed those deeds remembered. But I do not mourn, I rejoice. And I ask you, the near and dear ones of The Fallen; and all of the people of Nagaland, to rejoice with me. For all men die; but it is given, only unto the Fortunate Few, to be Remembered; for as long as there is a Nagaland, and as long as a Naga draws breath; THEY WILL BE REMEMBERED; THEY WILL BE HONOURED; AND THEY WILL BE THANKED IN OUR DAILY PRAYERS. They will be remembered because they proved to us, and all the world, that though the Naga have given up our headhunting ways; the blood of the head-hunter still courses through our veins; and the spirit of the head-hunter still fires up our hearts and our minds. They will be honoured because of their unflinching Courage, in the face of insur-

mountable odds; when they stood with stick and stone against the water cannons, teargas and lathis, only falling to a volley of lead. The British had their Charge of the Light Brigade, the Polish had their suicidal charge against Hitler's Panzers. Now Nagaland has you. Their nations may have been larger, their stage may have been grander; but the courage you displayed was no less than theirs. But, most of all, they will be Thanked in Our Daily Prayers. They will be thanked because the blood they shed, stemmed and turned back, the wave of tyranny that threatened to enslave us all. The blood they spilled refreshes and strengthens us, in our war against the lies and corruption that still surrounds us. And every drop of their precious blood will surely cleanse us, of the filth and greed that drives us. So, you Mothers and Fathers of the dead, rejoice! For what greater glory can a parent have, than to have sired a MARTYR; A SON; WHO GAVE HIS ALL, FOR THE GOOD OF ALL!! Walk, not in mourning, but with your heads held high; while all of Nagaland looks upon you, with envious eyes, and wonders, why The Good Lord favoured you so? To become SIRES TO IMMORTALS. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. AND GOD BLESS OUR NAGALAND. I, along with all of Nagaland, remain, forever indebted to you, your humble servant

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.

Bucks comeback bid. Jabari Parker scored 27 points for the Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo added 23. Antetokounmpo's three-pointer pulled Milwaukee within 113-112 with 2:53 to play, and Parker again got the deficit to one point with a driving layup with 1:43 remaining, but they couldn't get in front. In Sacramento, Cousins scored 22 points with 12 rebounds and 12 assists for his second triple-double of the season. But it was Phoenix guard Devin Booker who stole the show, with a fadeaway basket as time expired that gave the Suns a 105-103 victory. Booker scored more than 30 points for the eighth time this season, and took his string of successive games with at least 20 to 15 straight as the Suns snapped a five-game skid. Rookie guard Yogi Ferrell, plucked from the developmental league by Dallas last week and signed to a 10-day contract, scored 32 points to lead the Mavericks to a 108-104 victory over the Trail Blazers in Portland. We s l e y Mat t h e w s added a season-high 27 points for the Mavericks, who are now two games behind the Nuggets for the eighth and final playoff spot in the West.

Dubai, February 4 (iaNs): Wishing all the participating countries in the upcoming women's World Cup qualifiers, starting February 7, cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar on Saturday urged fans to wholeheartedly root for their teams. "I wish all the teams the very best for the ICC Women's World Cup Qualifiers and would urge all of you to wholeheartedly support women's cricket, for the sake of cricket," the batting maestro wrote in a column for the International Cricket Council (ICC). The former India skipper said the growth of women's cricket has acted as a catalyst for gender equality and rights. "The women cricketers have caught the fancy of cricket aficionados around the world with stellar performances and have increased their audience."

"They have spawned interest in young girls to play the sport and also helping generate a larger following for the game at a time when the game is seeking to expand its footprint globally and become relevant in non-cricket playing countries," he said. "While gender bias has

been the bane of many aspects of the world, the sports narrative seems to be different. It is heartening to see that cricket is making strides in helping women occupy their pride of place in the annals of cricketing history," he added. The batting maestro also hoped that Indian

stars such as pacer Jhulan Goswami and captain Mithali Raj will be at their best in the tournament. "There is our very own Jhulan Goswami, who is quick and gets that extra bit from the wicket and Mithali Raj, our seasoned campaigner from India," he said.

FIFA rejects Bolivia appeal against point deduction

Zurich, February 4 (iaNs): Football's governing body FIFA has rejected Bolivia's appeal against a point deduction for fielding an ineligible player during World Cup qualifiers. FIFA had said in November that Bolivia breached FIFA rules when Nelson Cabrera was introduced as a late sub-

stitute in their 2-0 victory over Peru in La Paz on September 1 and again in a 0-0 draw with Chile in Santiago five days later, reports Xinhua. Cabrera, 33, had previously played for Paraguay, the country of his birth. FIFA awarded 3-0 wins for Peru and Chile and fined the Bolivian football asso-

ciation $12,000. "The FIFA appeal committee has decided to reject the appeals lodged by the Bolivian Football Association (FBF) and to confirm in its entirety the decisions rendered by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee," FIFA said in a statement on Friday. Bolivia are currently

ninth in the 10-team South American zone World Cup qualifying standings, with seven points from 12 matches. The top four teams at the end of the qualifying competition will secure a berth in the 2018 World Cup in Russia while the fifth-ranked side will book a playoff berth.

Rejuvenated Cameroon, Egypt set for Africa Cup of Nations final LibreviLLe, February 4 (aFP): Cameroon and Egypt are both aiming to cap remarkable revivals by winning the Africa Cup of Nations when they meet in a final that few thought possible in Libreville on Sunday evening. These are two of the most successful nations in the 60-year history of the competition, with Egypt unrivalled on seven titles and Cameroon, four-time winners, just behind alongside Ghana. But at the outset of the tournament in Gabon it was the likes of Algeria, Senegal and defending champions the Ivory Coast who were considered the favourites, with Egypt no more than dark horses in their first appearance since 2010. Cameroon, meanwhile, came with what looked like their weakest ever squad, handicapped by the refusal of several leading players to accept call-ups from Belgian coach Hugo Broos. Yet the Indomitable Lions qualified from their group at the expense of the hosts and have since knocked out both Senegal and Ghana to make their first final since 2008. Then, with a side containing the likes of Rigobert Song and Samuel

Cameroon's national football team attend a training session at Agondje Stadium in Libreville, on February 3, two days ahead of the final of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, against Egypt (AFP Photo

Eto'o, they lost 1-0 to the Egyptians in Ghana's capital Accra. This current Cameroon side has no such big name stars but Broos has transformed their fortunes over the last 12 months and is now looking for them to make history rather than be content with their unexpected run. "We want to go into this final and win it. For these young players -- 14 of the 23 are playing at their first Cup of Nations -- it is possibly a unique opportunity in their careers to win the trophy," he said. "There will be enough

motivation and inspiration there to make sure we are ready for Sunday." Cameroon, who last won the title in 2002, have had 24 hours less time to recover and ready themselves for the game at the Stade de l'Amitie in Gabon's capital after second-half goals by Michael Ngadeu and Christian Bassogog gave them a 2-0 win against Ghana in Franceville on Thursday. Egypt played their semi-final in Libreville on Wednesday, although they needed extra time and penalties to see off Burkina Faso after a 1-1 draw, veter-

an 44-year-old goalkeeper Essam El Hadary proving their hero in the shoot-out. - Formidable The Egyptians had won three consecutive Cups of Nations between 2006 and 2010 but missed the last three tournaments amid political upheaval in the country before Argentine Hector Cuper led them to back onto the scene here. Like Broos, Cuper has a young squad, although there are four survivors from the team that won the title in 2010 in El Hadary, Ahmed Fathy, Mohamed Abdel-Shafi and the Hull

City wing-back Ahmed Elmohamady. The Pharaohs have not exactly been a joy to watch -- they have built their success under Cuper around a rock-solid defence that has only conceded one goal so far in Gabon, while they have relied heavily on the star quality of Mohamed Salah at the other end. Cuper is eager to shake off his own reputation as a loser having suffered numerous agonising defeats in finals over the course of his career. But his side have already restored pride in the team among Egyptians but now they have the trophy in sight. They also have a quite formidable record in finals -- just one defeat in eight Cup of Nations finals and two wins out of two on such occasions against Cameroon, with the first coming on penalties in Cairo in 1986. "It's a great way to end the competition in the final but it will be even better if we win the cup," said Elmohamady on Friday. "We started the competition with one aim, to come back into the Cup of Nations and win it again. That's been our focus from the beginning."

Sunday 05â&#x20AC;˘02â&#x20AC;˘2017

EntErtainmEnt

Soundtrack Tops U.k. Albums Chart

he tunes featured in the Oscar-nominated film, starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, have helped to knock dance DJ Pete Tong's Classic House from one to two, making it the first movie soundtrack to land the honour since the Les Miserables release in 2013. In addition to Oscars Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor and Actress prizes, La La Land has two

chances at securing Best Song - City of Stars and Audition have both snagged nominations. The film is shortlisted in a total of 14 categories for Hollywood's big night. La La Land's music director and executive music producer Marius De Vries tells OfficialCharts. com: "This is fantastic. We always knew as we were working on it that we were working on something special, but you can never

anticipate whether that specialness will translate into universal - or even partial - public acceptance. On those rare occasions when it does, it's always a treat. It's a great testament to the enormous amount of hard work the entire team put in." Meanwhile, in the U.K. singles countdown, Ed Sheeran has made it four weeks in both first and second place with Shape Of You and Castle On The

Hill. The achievement matches the record set by Justin Bieber in late 2015, when he dominated the charts with Love Yourself and Sorry at one and two, respectively. Sheeran's continued song success keeps Jax Jones and Raye's You Don't Know Me at three, while Little Mix remains at four with Touch, and The Chainsmokers climb to five with Paris. Source: Contactmusic

'John Wick 2' to release in India on February 17

ction thriller 'John Wick 2' has been locked for release in India on February 17. PVR Pictures announced the release date via a statement. Starring Keanu Reeves in the title role, the movie is a sequel to 2014 box office hit 'John Wick'. Directed by Chad Stahelski and written by Derek Kolstad, the movie features Laurence Fishburne and Ruby Rose in key roles.

The story revolves around the legendary hitman John Wick (played by Reeves) who is forced back out of retirement by a former associate plotting to seize control of a shadowy international assassins' guild. Bound by a blood oath to help him, John travels to Rome, where he squares off against some of the world's deadliest killers. Source: IANS

Kesha fights back against Cyberbullying

Now ShowiNg revIseD TICKeT rATes (silver) : `.120 (Gold) : `. 200 (recliner) : `. 400

he 29-year-old singer appears in a new Public Service Announcement for Hack Harassment, to raise awareness of the issues faced by people using the internet. Explaining that the issue of online harassment is ''near and dear to my heart'', Kesha added: ''No one, regardless of their identity, background or beliefs, should be subjected to harassment online. I look forward to working with Hack Harassment and its partners to help raise awareness of this important issue in order to bring about more inclusive and safer online communities.'' Chris Loo, Director of Hack Harassment said: ''We are very proud to partner with Kesha to develop and support this important PSA. By sharing her perspective on the widespread consequences of online harassment, Kesha is helping Hack Harassment raise additional awareness around a critically important issue so that we can reduce the severity and impact of ha-

rassment and abuse online.'' Meanwhile, Kesha, who has been involved in a very public feud with music producer Dr Luke over her contract after she accused him of sexually, physically, verbally and emotionally abusing her for a number of years, previously opened up about her battle with anxiety and depression and how she intends to ''showcase her vulnerabilities'' on her new album. She said: ''I've battled a lot of things, including anxiety and depression. Finding the strength to come forward about those

things is not easy. But maybe, by telling my story, I can help someone else going through tough times ... I've grown into an adult woman who knows the power of my voice ... ''[My new songs] will showcase my vulnerabilities as a strength and not as a weakness. In the past, I always felt like I was trying to prove something. Now, I'm writing what I want to share with the world, rather than trying to give the world what it wants. For better or worse, I'm just me.'' Dr Luke denies all of the charges against him. Source: Contactmusic

Iulia Vantur makes Indian runway debut

support UNICEF in a voluntary capacity, receiving no fee for their time and commitment. They contribute greatly to UNICEF's work for children. ''We are extremely proud of the 7 Fund and all it has achieved for children. Since it launched in February 2015 it has raised millions of pounds for UNICEF programmes and reached millions of people around the world with crucial messages about our work for very vulnerable children.'' David - who has four children with wife Victoria Beckham - received an OBE in 2003 and previously called it ''one of my proudest moments''. He said: ''Collecting my OBE was one of the proudest moments. ''That day was special for me because I brought my grandparents with me, it made me proud that I could bring them to somewhere that they worshipped for their whole lives. ''Meeting the Queen, it doesn't get better than that.''

ulia Vantur may have been regular on the ramp in Romania, but the model made her India runaway debut last night when she turned showstopper for clothing brand Splash at the ongoing Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2017. Incidentally, superstar Salman Khan, who is rumored to be dating Iulia, is the brand ambassador of the Middle East's largest fashion retailer. "It was great. I was nervous. It was my first experience walking the ramp in India and it is special. It is a special brand. I like the clothes a lot. I am happy to be called on this show," Iulia said. The model-singer was wearing a short black dress and she says she hasn't worn one in almost a decade. "I love my outfit, I haven't worn a short dress in the longest time. The last time I wore a short dress I was very young." When asked if Salman should have been there to support her on her Indian runway debut, Iulia said, "No. Why should he?" Even though the 51-year-old star did not attend the show, many of his friends were present at the event. Sooraj Pancholi, Daisy Shah, Elli Avram, and ex 'Bigg Boss' contestants like Sambhavna Seth, Sonali Raut, Sushant, Karishma Tanna, VJ Andy were part of the show either on the ramp or made it to the guest list. Iulia said that she loves fashion and music but has no plans to act in films. "No, I don't want to do films. My passion is music."

Source: Contactmusic

Source: PTI

David Beckham slams email leak claims

D C M Y K

avid Beckham has hit back at claims he used his charity work to win a knighthood. The 41-year-old retired soccer star was embroiled in controversy after French investigative site Mediapart published emails, allegedly from David and accessed by Football Leaks, the sport equivalent to Wiki Leaks, in which he reportedly ranted about not being knighted by Queen Elizabeth. The site also claimed that David used his charitable work with UNICEF to promote his own business interests but a spokesperson for David insisted that the report is false and used ''hacked and doctored private emails''. The spokesperson told the Daily Mail newspaper: ''This story is based on outdated material taken out of context from hacked and doctored private emails from a third-party server and gives a deliberately inaccurate picture. ''David Beckham and UNICEF have had a pow-

erful partnership in support of children for over 15 years. The David Beckham 7 Fund specifically has raised millions of pounds and helped millions of vulnerable children around the world. David Beckham has given significant time and energy and has made personal financial donations to the 7 Fund and this commitment will continue long term. ''Before establishing the 7 Fund, David had supported UNICEF and a number of other charities over many years, including donating his entire earnings from PSG during his time playing there. ''David and UNICEF are rightly proud of what they have and will continue to achieve together and are happy to let the facts speak for themselves.'' And UNICEF said in a statement: ''UNICEF has become aware of media reports relating to 7: the David Beckham Fund for UNICEF. Some reports relate to alleged private correspondence between our am-

bassador and other parties, which we have not seen and cannot comment upon. ''David Beckham has been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2005, and as well as generously giving his time, energy and support to help raise awareness and funds for UNICEF's work for children, David has given significant funds personally. The 7 fund supports programmes for children, tackling issues such as malnutrition, violence, AIDS and emergencies. For example, in June 2016 David visited Swaziland to raise awareness of the devastating drought affecting Eastern and Southern Africa, helping UNICEF reach people around the world with important messages about the need for urgent action. ''UNICEF works closely with high profile personalities in good faith to fundraise, advocate and make long-term change for children in danger around the world. Our Ambassadors

Bipasha Basu open to reality TV shows

ctress Bipasha Basu, who was last seen on screen in the 2015 horror film "Alone", says she is open to a stint in television, but mostly for reality shows. "The fiction space is growing, but slowly. We are still catering to a very different kind of audi-

ence... The mindsets are changing. Yes, I am open to doing television, but mostly I would think of reality shows at this point of time," Bipasha said here on the sidelines of the Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2017. The actress, who was seen walking the ramp for designer duo Falguni and Shane Peacock on Friday at the fashion gala held at the Reliance Jio Garden here, says she might even try her hand at fiction shows, but not yet. The 38-year-old actress, who married beau and actor Karan Singh Grover in April 2016, says she will soon be seen in a movie. "My marriage and honeymoon is done... Maybe a comedy this year," Bipasha added. Source: IANS

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The Weeknd models for H&M

he Weeknd got himself a sweet new gig as a model for H&M. In new photos released on Thursday, the singer sported some of the fashion store's clothing for their upcoming Springs Icons campaign. The 26-year-old gave off a charming vibe in the pictures as he donned some fun clothes for the season. The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, kept it casual in some of the photos with a long black coat and a white shirt. He added on some black pants and a leather coat that exuded his handsome qualities. In a report from Just Jared, the Starboy singer revealed how much he enjoyed being a part of this campaign. 'I had a great time selecting my Spring Icons at H&M,' he said. 'I love the mix of urban pieces like bombers and hoodies with tailored shirts and blazers. Every piece is both effortless and fresh, which is just how menswear should be.' Andreas Lowenstam,

head of H&M's men design team, also spoke up on what it was like working with The Weeknd and what a great gift it turned out to be. The brand has a number of different items for men, including jackets in assorted colors. There are also long trenchcoats with sashes that are perfect for any gentleman looking to show off his fashion choices. This collection will be available in H&M stores and online on March 2. Meanwhile, The Weeknd has been dating pop star Selena Gomez and things seem to be blossoming between them. According to HollywoodLife, the Good For You singer is feeling much better following her lupus ever since she and her beau started seeing each other. 'Selena's health has been improving significantly since began dating Abel,' a source said. 'His affection has come at the right time in her life.' On Friday the star shared new music on Instagram. Source: Mail Online

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sunDAY 05•02•2017

SPORTS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Ruthless Chelsea overpower Arsenal to stretch lead London, February 4 (reuTerS): A firm header from Marcos Alonso, a dazzling individual effort from Eden Hazard and a lob from Cesc Fabregas earned Premier League leaders Chelsea an emphatic 3-1 victory over Arsenal on Saturday. Chelsea moved 12 points clear of their London rivals and the chasing pack with a dominant performance at Stamford Bridge that featured one of the solo goals of the season from Hazard. After Alonso had outmuscled Hector Bellerin to head home in the 13th minute, the Belgian struck early in second half, picking up the ball just past the halfway line and shrugging off Francis Coquelin before rounding Laurent Koscielny and dodging Shkodran Mustafi to score. Chelsea outplayed Arsenal, watched helplessly by their suspended manager Arsene Wenger from the stands, and goalkeeper Petr Cech gifted Fabregas the third when he failed to clear and the Spaniard loftC M Y K

ed the ball into an empty net. Arsenal substitute Olivier Giroud headed a consolation goal in stoppage time but his side were left a dozen points adrift in third place, their title challenge once again all but over with three months of the season left. Arsenal, who handed Antonio Conte's side their worst beating of the season in September, 3-0 at the Emirates, paid heavily for the temerity. "We played a good game with a good intensity and organisation. We deserved to win today and I'm pleased for my players," Conte said. "Fantastic. In football you get opportunities to put things right. I remember walking off after defeat at Arsenal, I felt like a bit of a mug after that game," Chelsea's Gary Cahill added. "That result added a bit of desire." Arsene Wenger's men were the only side that Chelsea had not scored against this season but after a bright start for both teams

Arsenal's Laurent Koscielny (right) cuts out a through ball intended for Chelsea's Eden Hazard during the English Premier League match at Stamford Bridge in London, on February 4. (AFP Photo)

with Alex Iwobi shooting to consign that statistic to just wide for the visitors history. and Cahill heading over, it A terrific header from did not take the Blues long Diego Costa beat Petr Cech

and looped up off the bar close range. only for Alonso to overBellerin took a heavy power Bellerin to head fall on his back and had to home the rebound from be replaced by Gabriel, re-

quiring a reshuffled Arse- score beautiful goals, nal defence, and Chelsea against a massive team. I began to take control. enjoyed the game and the goals," Hazard told Sky FINE SAVE Sports. Yet Arsenal came close Arsenal came close a couple of times, Gabriel with a header from Danforcing a fine save from ny Welbeck, well saved by Thibaut Courtois with an Courtois, but when Cech, unopposed header and an old hero at Stamford Mesut Ozil producing a Bridge, played a loose ball tame left-foot shot when out of a defence straight to well-positioned just before Fabregas, the former Arsethe break. nal midfielder was merciArsenal's resistance, less in his punishment, though, was broken in lobbing the ball expertly the most audacious way into an unguarded net. possible with Hazard proFabregas looked so emducing a solo goal of rare barrassed for his old club, splendour, featuring guts out of respect he barely and strength as well as bothered to celebrate his great skill. first goal against Arsenal. The Belgian picked the Giroud, too, could ball up just inside his own barely raise a smile when half, swerved away from he headed home Nacho Koscielny and outmuscled Monreal's cross as ArseCoquelin as he weaved to- nal pondered the death wards the Arsenal goal. of another title challenge By the time Koscielny following a fourth defeat got back into desperate de- in their last nine league fensive mode, the maraud- matches. There is, though, no ing Hazard again turned him inside out before di- stopping Chelsea as they recting the ball over Cech won their 14th of 15 home from close range for a won- matches in all competitions this season, including drous score. "It is always good to the last 11 in a row.

Johan Cruyff honoured New BCCI brass opposes ICC's changes in financial model with special 5 euro coin dubai, February 4 (ianS): Despite the change of guard at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the Indian board continued to oppose the International Cricket Council's (ICC) new changes to the financial model and governance structure here on Saturday. The changes that the BCCI, represented by Vikram Limaye, a member of the new Committee of Administrators, is currently opposing are amongst the same changes that were recommended in 2014 with respect to a larger share of ICC's revenue to be given to India. The new changes after Saturday's ICC Board meeting include: "A revised financial distribution ensuring a more equitable distribution of revenues. A revised

The hague, February 4 (ianS): In the year that Johan Cruyff would have turned 70, the late Dutch football legend will be honoured with a special 5 euro coin, the Royal Dutch Mint has announced. On September 20 this year, the first ceremonial coin will be produced in Utrecht, Royal Dutch Mint declared

on Friday, reports Xinhua. "The family is honoured with the commemorative and that the start will be on this special day for him," said Carole Thate, general manager of the organisation World of Johan Cruyff, which coordinates all activities under his name. Cruyff, or Cruijff as is his official Dutch name, died

at the age of 68 on March 24 last year in Barcelona, after he was diagnosed with cancer in October 2015. Cruyff continued his legacy after his playing career as a coach of Ajax and FC Barcelona. The Johan Cruyff coin is part of a new series in which historic Dutch sporting icons are remembered.

Test, ODI braced for radical shake-up - report

dubai, February 4 (aFP): Test match and one-day international cricket is braced for a radical shake-up which could also see Afghanistan and Ireland eventually grabbing Test status, a report claimed Friday. The International Cricket Council's Chief Executives Committee (CEC) meeting has proposed a two-year Test league, a 13-team ODI league, and regional qualification for the World Twenty20, cricinfo. com reported. If the ICC Board approves the plans, a rolling two-year Test league with a 9-3 format would start in 2019. Under the proposals, the top nine Test-playing countries will compete among themselves and against the three

lower-ranked teams. Those three would comprise Zimbabwe and most likely Ireland and Afghanistan depending on whether they earn Test status, said the report. "It is understood the CEC also approved a three-year, 13-team ODI league, the culmination of which will result in qualification for the 50-over World Cup, and a system of regional qualification tournaments through which teams attempt to qualify for the World T20," said cricinfo. "And as the strongest signal yet that the short-lived era of the Big Three (India, Australia and England) is well and truly over, the overseeing of this calendar will once again become the responsibility of the ICC."

South Africa floats T20 league to rival IPL, BBL

JohanneSbur g, February 4 (ianS): Following in the footsteps of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Australia's Big Bash League (BBL), Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Saturday announced a new eight-team franchise based league -- #T20 Global League -- tentatively scheduled to start in the last quarter of 2017. The tenders for applying for franchises in the league are already out, according to a statement from the board. CSA President Chris Nenzani and CEO Haroon Lorgat's presentation to the International Cricket Council (ICC) board in Dubai this week reportedly met with a favourable response. According to the rules of the new league, poten-

tial owners must submit "an Expression of Interest," and "a formal bid." The CSA will then evaluate the bids before announcing the team owners. The entire process will continue till March 3. "Our vision is to drive the creation of a new #T20 destination league in South Africa that would energise the sport of cricket in South Africa by creating a global platform for the best-inclass to perform and showcase their talent to a global audience," Nenzani said in a statement. "We have received a very favourable response to our plans from the ICC and Member Boards and look to their support in our endeavour. We now look forward to another exciting chapter in the evolution of

South African cricket and to the whole game benefiting from our new #T20 Global League," he added. Calling it a "landmark day" for the board, Lorgat said: "Early feedback from the marketplace suggests that there is tremendous interest in our Global Destination League from around the globe." "This new #T20 Global Destination League offers great opportunities for investment in South Africa and South African cricket, and we are excited by the number of local and international superstars that will feature in the league." "We are also confident that the window we have chosen will make it possible for franchises to attract top class players to South Africa," he added.

constitution to reflect good governance, expanding and clarifying of the roles and objectives of the ICC to provide leadership in international cricket." The new financial model, says ICC, is built on principles of "equity, good conscience, common sense and simplicity, enabling every member to grow, greater transparency, recognition of interdependency amongst members." The decisions taken will be up for final approval once again in April 2017. The ICC has given time for the members to recommend any changes in the given time. Reflecting on the changes, ICC Chairman Shashank Manohar said: "The proposals from the working group to reverse the resolutions of 2014 and deliver a re-

vised constitution and financial model were accepted by the ICC Board and now we will work collectively to refine the detail for final sign off in April. This also allows the new BCCI leadership appropriate time to appraise the detail and contribute". "I want the ICC to be reasonable and fair in our approach to all 105 Members and the revised constitution and financial model does that. There are still details to work through and concerns to be addressed, but the principle of change is agreed and not for debate," he added. However, the BCCI soon came up with its statement immediately after the ICC Board meeting which stated: "The BCCI representative, Vikram Limaye expressed his con-

cern over both the documents especially in light of the insufficient time available to the Supreme Court appointed Committee of administrators to take an informed view on the said proposal, and also there being no scientific basis behind the percentage distribution allocation that was being proposed other than "good faith and equity". "Vikram Limaye requested that both proposals be taken up at the next ICC board meeting in April 2017." "Vikram Limaye, reiterated that BCCI cannot consider these as the official base documents as the Committee of Administrators, appointed by the Supreme Court of India, was formed only four days ago and voted against the proposals," the statement added.

ICC threatens ban for substandard pitches La Liga fires warning to Premier League

dubai, February 4 (ianS): The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Saturday threatened to suspend a venue for two years if it accumulated 10 demerit points for substandard pitches and outfields during international matches. The ICC in its three-day meeting agreed to the changes made to the pitch and outfield monitoring process, which stated that venues and boards should be more accountable for the standard of pitches and outfields they present for international matches. It also stated that there should be consequences for a venue if it presents conditions that make it unsafe for an international match to proceed, without mitigating circumstances or regularly presents substandard conditions for international cricket. "It was agreed that a system of demerit points be introduced, similar to the new Code of Conduct System as per the table below. Demerit points will remain active for a rolling five year period," the global body said in a statement. "When a venue accumulates five demerit points its ICC accreditation will be suspended for a period of 12

months. Should a venue reach 10 points its accreditation will be suspended for 24 months," it added. The ICC also proposed that the top nine Test-playing countries will compete among themselves in a rolling two-year league and against the three lower-ranked teams. Those three would comprise Zimbabwe, with Ireland and Afghanistan also in line to become full Test members provided, the ICC said, they met "membership criteria". Meanwhile, a 13-team Oneday International league would be run over a three-year period leading into qualification for the 2023 World Cup. Plans are also in place for a regional Twenty20 competition structure to be developed as a pathway to qualification for the ICC World T20 The Chief Executives' Committee agreed to the principle of consistent use of DRS technology across all international cricket. A full implementation plan will be considered by the ICC Cricket Committee in May before approval in June 2017 for roll-out from October 2017.

Madrid (aFP) - Spanish clubs have cleaned up their finances and modernised their stadiums and can now go on to surpass even the huge earnings sloshing around the English Premier League, La Liga's president said on Friday. Javier Tebas told journalists he felt La Liga had the best clubs and the best players -- among them Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi -- and said that the Premier League needed to watch out. "We feel we can rival and even exceed the earnings of the Premier League," Tebas declared in Madrid, home of world player of the year Ronaldo and Champions League winners Real. "We have a strategic plan in place already and frankly if four years from now we are 15 percent

behind the Premier League I'd be happy with that," he said, stressing however that La Liga's ambitions ultimately went beyond that. Tebas said that club budgets were now under control throughout the Spanish league, teams had paid off tax debts and that four top-flight clubs were improving their stadiums to comply with new La Liga rules. He pointed to Atletico Madrid's new stadium and upgrades at Real and Barcelona. According to consulting firm Deloitte, English clubs generated 4.4 billion euros in the 2014-2015 season compared to 2.3 billion for the Bundesliga and 2.05 billion for La Liga. Tebas predicted Spain would overtake Germany this season.

I-League: Bagan edge Aizawl, Minerva record maiden win

KoLKaTa, February 4 (ianS): Mohun Bagan registered a thrilling 3-2 win over gritty Aizawl FC in an entertaining I-League football match on Saturday to keep pace with league leaders East Bengal while Minerva Punjab FC toppled Mumbai FC 2-1 to register their first win. At the floodlit Rabindra Sarovar Stadium, Darryl Duffy (2nd, 84th) scored a brace either side of Aizawl FC's two goals to hand his side the much-needed win. Jeje Lalpekhlua scored too in the 63rd minute. For the visitors, Jayesh Rane (41st) and Asutosh Mehta (70th) were the scorers. Bagan are now on 16 points from six games, same as East Bengal who are ahead only on goal difference. It took Bagan two minutes to

nose ahead. Duffy scored his fifth goal of the campaign to join C.K. Vineeth and Dipanda Dicka as the league's top scorers. The Scottish striker stooped low to nod in Yusa Katsumi's cross from the left flank and beat his marker Kingsley Eze. Prabir Das had another golden opportunity to double the tally soon after but the Atletico de Kolkata full-back skied his effort from in front of an empty net. Aizawl regrouped well and had their share of chances as well with Alfred Jaryan coming close. In the 41st minute, the visitors equalised. Kamo Bayi squared the ball for Rane to tap in as the first half ended 1-1. In the second half, Jeje gave Bagan the lead for the second time in the match, scoring off a Prabir Das pass. But all was not over for

Aizawl as Mehta headed in Rane's corner with ten minutes remaining. Mehta turned villain four minutes later, hacking down Katsumi to gift Bagan a penalty. Duffy stepped up to place the ball in the bottom right corner and become the league's highest scorer at six goals. In Ludhiana, Minerva's teenage stars Baoringdao Bodo (57th minute) and Anirudh Thapa (66th) struck in the second half to dash Santosh Kashyap's hopes to defeat the debutants. Even though Karan Sawhney (77th) minimised the gap with his third goal of the season, it couldn't deter the Punjab outfit from clinching their maiden win in the country's premier football league. After a goalless first-half, the match livened up in the second half, with both teams eager to break the deadlock.

Minerva managed to score their first goal after a deflected cross from Anirudh Thapa found Bodo at the right place at the right time. The next one came in quick succession for the home team after Thapa scored directly from a free-kick on the left flank, which landed on the goal beating goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani on the far post. Mumbai became more attacking and it was all down to Steven Dias' in-swinger which was headed on to goal by Sawhney, beating Arnab Das, the custodian. With the win, Minerva leapfrogged Chennai City FC to the ninth spot in the table with five points whereas Mumbai FC are still searching for the elusive point following five consecutive defeats in the league.

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