January 13th, 2017

C M Y K

DIMAPUR • Vol. XII • Issue 11 • 12 PAGes • 5

www.morungexpress.com

FriDAY • JAnuArY 13 • 2017

T H e

ESTD. 2005

P o W e R

The most perfidious way of harming a cause consists of defending it deliberately with faulty arguments

Supreme Court queries land use in SEZ

‘Enveloping peace in oneness’

PAGE 08

o F

— Friedrich Nietzsch

McGregor was offered $15 million for crossover fight - Mayweather

PAGE 02

reflections

By Sandemo Ngullie

Total of No.MTPs of MTPs reported in Nagaland Total No. reported in Nagaland

Vibi Yhokha

The Morung Express Poll QuEsTion

Vote on www.morungexpress.com sMs your answer to 9862574165 Is fencing of the Indo-Myanmar border in Tuensang an opportunity for Nagas to set aside their differences and with one united voice work for the common goal? Why? Yes

no

others

Shut down SBI branches till cash flow improves, says trade union CheNNai, JaNuary 12 (iaNS): State Bank of India (SBI) can shut down its branches till supply of cash gets normalised and staff are not put to risk to face the ire of banking public, a top union leader said.

“We have suggested to the SBI management to down the branch shutters till the supply of cash gets normalised,” D. Thomas Franco Rajendra Dev, Senior Vice President of the All India Bank Officers Confederation (AIBOC), told IANS. According to Dev, in many SBI branches cash is being rationed amongst the account holders. The RBI has been issuing empty statements about currency supplies being comfortable and currency being sent to rural areas whereas in reality it is not so, Dev charged.

Union demands justice for alleged murder victim

C M Y K

wokha/Dimapur , JaNuary 12 (mexN): The Jamitsü Ekhung Wokha has demanded justice for the alleged murder of a woman, whose lifeless body was found within the premises of the 7th NAP Battalion headquarters at Bhandari on January 8. The union demanded arrest of the perpetrator(s) and befitting punishment. It was further alleged that the murder was committed by one Samuel Jongkor. According to the police, the victim was a woman NCE (Non Combatant Employee) of the Nagaland Police attached to the 7th NAP. She was found dead on January 8 in a staff quarter, in a highly decomposed state. SDPO, Bhandari on Thursday informed that police are on the lookout for an absconding “prime suspect” identified as Samuel. Reported to be an unemployed civilian, the suspect was said to have been living with the victim. The SDPO though added that this aspect of the investigation is still to be established. He added that post-mortem report could not be conducted as the victim’s family refused the legal formality.

PAGE 12

Abortion cases increasing in nagaland Kohima | January 12

Why field people who are already rich, has backing, has reputation. But, hey don’t worry, I will help you win the election.

T R u T H

Nagaland is seeing a sharp increase in the number of abortions or Medical Termination of Pregnancies (MTP) according to HMIS data from the National Health Systems Resource Centre (nhsrcindia.org) and information collected from the Family Planning Association of India (FPAI) clinic in Kohima.

According to the HMIS data, from 2015 to 2016, 3152 abortions were conducted in Nagaland. Most women seeking abortions here fall within the age group of 15 to 40 years.

However, the number seems higher as the data provided by the Family Planning Association of India (FPAI), Nagaland shows that in 2015 alone, 3928 abortions were conducted in the FPAI Reproductive Health and Family Planning Clinic, Kohima.

The data also indicates an increase in the rate as 2,253 abortions were conducted in 2013, followed by 2834 abortions in 2014, 3928 in 2015 and 1818 from January to June 2016. It may be noted that the FPAI data is separate from the State Government’s HMIS data.

According to a leading Gynaecologist in Kohima, the number of abortions in the state capital is 20 to 30 on a daily basis. He estimates that almost 10,950 abortions are conducted in Kohima every year. Dimapur will almost amount to hundred per

to maternal deaths, but these day, he speculates.

No. of abortions reported in Nagaland 3152 were never revealed because of According to Dr. Kezha in the family and comTsürho, 95 percent of abortions 3152 shame 2096 munity. Women had gone to loin Nagaland are a product of sexcal quacks, and many had died ual promiscuity, which is com1607 in their hands but the families pounded by the stigma of having did not want to reveal,” he states. a baby before marriage. He adds 2096 He further notes that rape cases that 4 per cent of the abortion 1607 are not uncommon. In his 30 cases are mostly because par2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 years of practice, the Gynaecolents have too many children and ogist has received more than 200 they cannot afford. Only one per rape cases. cent of abortions in Nagaland He revealed that from the emerge out of detecting genetic 1980s till early 2000s, there abnormality or rape cases, he were 5 to 6 abortions conductestimates.

District wise cases of abortions in Nagaland, 2015-16 ed daily. This number could go “Sexual promiscuity is ex- Govt Hospital 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 up to 18 and 19 cases on some tremely high in Nagaland,” says Private Hospital days. “Right after celebrations the Gynaecologist in Kohima, who has been practicing for over District wise cases of abortions in Nagaland, 2015-16 and festive seasons such as the Hornbill Festival or other com30 years. However there are also Govt Hospital Govt Pvt memorations, there are plenty many cases of abortions due to Private Hospital 1132 of abortions,” he added. unplanned pregnancy among 1008 Under the Medical Terminafamilies. “Some particular retion Pregnancy (MTP) Act of ligious denominations and reDistrict wise cases of abortions in Nagaland, 2015-16 1971,ofabortions can only be conligions do not allow the use of ducted by registered medical contraceptives, thereforeGovt many Hospital practitioners in ‘a hospital esmothers are compelled to go for Private Hospital tablished or maintained by the abortion,” the doctor states.

Government’ or ‘a place for the In India, 58 percent of mater198 174 127 152 114 time being approved by this Act nal deaths occur out of unsafe 73 67 23 52 0 10 0 9 0 0 0 0 0 13 0 by the Government’. abortions. While there are no reThe Act only permits aborcords on maternal deaths due to Govt Pvt tion up to 12 weeks to 20 weeks unsafe abortions in Nagaland, of pregnancy (requiring two many abortions in the past de- 1132 medical practitioners) which cades were conducted by local 1008 can only be performed on opinquacks which also led to maternal deaths.

Source: nhsrcindia.org ion formed in good faith where the pregnancy might involve Many MTPs are done by Unsafe abortions were very Kohima, adding that abortions risk to the life of the mother or non-gynaecologists, using rudimentary and unsterilized common a few decades ago but in Naga society are done in order cause ‘grave injury to physical or mental health’ such as rape casequipments thereby putting these have declined because to avoid shame.

HMIS data analysis,confrom the“Twenty website of National Resource Centre of the years back Health there Systems we have Gynaecologists es or if there is detection at risk the life of the mother, in- Source: (nhsrcindia.org) were many cases of unsafe serious abnormalities physicalforms Dr. Kezha who himself ducting MTPs across the State, viewed the Gynaecologist from abortions in Kohima which led ly or mentally to the child. has come across such cases.

174

127 152 0

Only government hospitals and certain clinics which have applied for license can practice MTP but 99 percent of all abortions here are done in private hospitals. Vincent Belho, Branch Manager, FPAI Nagaland said that many of the private hospitals are not compiling their reports. He meanwhile stated: “what worries me is not the number of abortions but the failure to make people aware about contraceptives and safe sex.”

According to Dr. Kezha, Nagaland today does not witness many serious abortion complications as seen in the past because of sophisticated contraceptives as well as available medical care. However, this has not plugged the decline of abortions in the State.

He meanwhile points out that abortions do not decrease the trauma of the person. “When society does not give a damn about human life, why do we care about corruption? And this is happening sadly in a Christian State,” he laments.

The MTP Act is in the process of being amended, as recently announced by the Union Health Ministry. The amendments are expected to provide the right of abortion to all women irrespective of their marital status.

It will further permit abortions upto the 24th week, and legalize abortion on reasons of failed contraception and unplanned pregnancy.

198

73 114 67 52 nagaland UlB polls: thirty seven india 23 to0 identify fencing 13 0 10 0 9 0 0 0 0border candidates withdraw nomination construction done by Myanmar

Dimapur, JaNuary 12 (mexN): Just a day after the Nagaland State Election Commission announced 535 validly nominated candidates for the February 1 Urban Local Body (ULB) elections in the state, 37 candidates have reportedly withdrawn their candidature till January 12.

This comes as various tribe organisations have continued their call to boycott the polls, with some warning intending candidates of excommunication from their community.

The Directorate of Information and Public Relations informed that “as per report received till January 12,” the number of candidates who withdrew their nominations included 27 from Pfutsero, 4 from Kiphire, 2 from Meluri, 1 from Tobu and 1 from Dimapur.

Gov asks stakeholders to cooperate Nagaland Governor, PB Acharya has appealed to all stakeholders to cooperate with the authorities for the smooth conduct of Urban Local Body (ULB) elections, with 33% women’s reservation in the state, scheduled to be held on February 1.

A press note from the Governor stated that “although equality of the sexes is enshrined in the Indian Constitution, it is not the social reality. Therefore, vigorous affirmative action was needed to improve the condition of women.”

Giving 33% reservation to women, he said would empower not only women but change the social structure of India in many ways.

“Despite long years of democratic politics, women remain largely outside the national public space. Their presence here is largely token and ‘happens’ despite the natural barriers that facilitate men while debarring women. This is because consciously and subconsciously women’s roles continue to be assigned to the private sphere, as men

Tribe orgs float Coordination Committee

New Delhi, JaNuary 12 company the officials,” Sashee Naga, vide or distort the history and relationship of Khiamniungan” who are (iaNS): Indian authorities on Thurs- Vice President of ENPO, told IANS. However, dates for the visit by the related by “blood and flesh ancestor day asked a Naga delegation to accompany officials in identifying the government officials have not been and shall live under KTC umbrella.”

Morung Express news areas of ongoing fencing construc- decided yet. Earlier, speaking to IANS, He said that “forceful occupation in Dimapur | January 12 tion along the India-Myanmar bor- Pradeep Gupta, Joint Secretary (Bor- the guise of border development” in 5 tribe organisations convened today in Dimapur to form der -- which may cut off 3,500 acres der Management) in the Union Home the Khiamniungan region by “erecta Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) to oppose the of arable land in local Naga villages. Ministry, said India was not involved ing fencing wall by Indian and BurThe proposal came after a delega- in the construction of the fence. “Min- ma” is “totally against the will” of the ULB elections scheduled on February 1. The JCC comprises of the Lotha Hoho Dimapur, Western Sumi Hoho, tion of the Eastern Nagaland People’s istry of Home Affairs has not proposed Khiamniungan tribe in particular Western Chakhesang Hoho, Chakroma Public Organisa- Organisation (ENPO) and village any fence on the Indo-Myanmar bor- and Nagas in general.

More than 50 years ago, the Kiloncouncil members met officials of the der. On this issue, the MEA has been tion (Kuda unit) and the Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur.

At a media briefing, it was informed that the Com- Union Home and Defence Ministries apprised as it is their subject. We have ser Caretaker stated, the “so called internationalResource border” that divided the that there will be noSystems connection with the construction of told our Source: HMIS from the website of people National Health Centre mittee will be led by the ASTD president Supu Jamirdata as inanalysis, convenor and the presidents of the other 4 tribe organ- fencing by the Myanmar government. construction in our zone and Assam Naga family by an aerial survey by The Khiamniungan Naga tribe Rifles will ensure that,” Gupta added. two foreign Prime Ministers (Jawahaisations as co-convenors. Also(nhsrcindia.org) present during the briefrlal Nehru and U Nu) proved no hining were Vekhosayi Nyekha from the Western Chakhe- expected to be most affected if the drance to the Khiamniungan people sang Hoho; Lichio Kithan, Vice President, Lotha Hoho fencing construction does not stop, No force can distort because they lived as one since “time has said that cultivable land is their Dimapur; and Mozen, Joint Secretary of the JCC. JCC Convenor Jamir said that at its maiden meeting prime source of livelihood. The fenc- Khiamniungan history immemorial.”

“There is no mountain, river or held today the five respective organisations resolved to ing is being constructed from border Dimapur, JaNuary 12 “insist upon (intending) candidates to withdraw their pillar No.139 to 146 in Pangsa village (mexN): Meanwhile, the NSCN (IM) stone of border between India and Khiamniungan Region stated that it Myanmar in the mindset of Khiamnicandidatures with immediate effect.” It further resolved of Nagaland’s Tuensang district.

“During the meeting, the govern- stands by the Khiamniungan Tribal ungan,” the press note stated, adding to constitute a ‘Joint Action Committee’ involving the respective organisations’ youth fronts and other like- ment has proposed to visit the Naga Council (KTC) challenging the bor- that the people are administered by one apex body, namely the Khiamniminded organisations to “accomplish the demand of villages located at the Indo-Myanmar der fencing and opposes the move.

A press note from Maj. Retd. NS ungan Tribal Council, and “there is no borders and identify the spots where the Naga public.”

Terming the opposition to the ULB elections as the fencing construction is going on. Thangpong, Kilonser Caretaker of the question of extra body” to govern the “not a mere protest but a people’s movement,” the JCC The land owners and some of the NSCN (IM) Khiamniungan Region Khiamniungan people who share “one appealed the Naga public to cooperate with the call members from village councils will ac- stated that “no force on earth can di- tradition, culture, custom and dialect.” of the JCC and be prepared to face any eventuality.

The JCC meanwhile maintained that the question of a constitutional provision thwarting another equally justified provision or an Act of law from being implemented does not arise, as the Nagaland Municipal Act Morung Express news as member of the Governand its provision reserving seats for women, though ing Body, Zunheboto Colapproved by the State Assembly, was done so without Dimapur | January 12 lege; Executive Member, the consent of the people.

SBAK Association; and Ex-Interim Body Member, Chairman GBs Associaare given public roles,” the issues, the Governor asked former Nagaland Minister tion, Zunheboto. and Padma Shri Tokheho Governor said. all NGOs to follow the law Nagaland Chief MinisSema passed away today He added that wom- and to allow the elections to ter TR Zeliang, Nagaland in Guwahati.

He was 84 en in far flung rural areas take place as announced.

MP Neiphiu Rio, the Nagaand one of the few survivhave advocated collective land Legislative Assembly ing members of the Interim and grassroots solutions Postpone polls: NPCC and Governor of Odisha SC to local problems. “They The Nagaland Pradesh Body during 1962-63, which Jamir today lead the State have been sensitive to the Congress Committee oversaw the formation of in expressing deep shock Nagaland State in 1963. excluded, having been ex- (NPCC), in an emergency and grief over the death of Tokheho was conferred cluded themselves for so general session held today Tokheho Sema, describing the coveted Padma Award long. The choices they have resolved to urge the Govmade help the community ernment of Nagaland to Padma Shri, the fourth high- President Pranab Mukherjee presenting the Padma Shri to it as an “immense loss to the state.” as a whole rather than just postpone the ULB Election, est civilian honour in India, Tokheho H Sema in New Delhi. (PTI File Photo) The funeral service of the dominant male elite.” till consensus is arrived for his contributions to pub- ing 1962-63. Tokheho later Nagaland People’s Council Tokheho will be held in The Governor main- with the Tribe Hohos and lic affairs on the occasion of joined active politics and (NPC) candidate. the 67th Republic Day, 2016. was first elected as a MemThe former Minister Toluvi Village (Samaguri), tained that “it is high time the Village Councils. that we have to elect MuA press note from the Born in Sukhalu Village on ber of Nagaland Legislative last contested the State As- Dimapur at at 8:00am on nicipal/Town Councils, so NPCC said that the house November 19, 1932, Tokhe- Assembly in the 1969 Gen- sembly Elections in 1993 January 13, from where his that sanitation, pure drink- also resolved to endorse the ho got his education from eral Election from Zunhe- as an Indian National Con- mortal remain will be taken ing water, health facilities January 9, 2017 Executive Government High School, boto Constituency. He got gress candidate, and later to his native village Sukhaetc. which are the basic Committee resolutions on Kohima and St. Edmunds’ re-elected from the same become the leader of the lu. A farewell program will need for civilised life are demonetization and con- School Shillong.

Constituency in 1974 as an Congress Legislature Party also be held during a brief stopover in Kohima at Mt. taken care properly.” demned the “senseless act Elected as a Sumi repre- erstwhile United Demo- in the assembly.

“Our women can play of denonetization by Prime sentative to the Naga Peo- cratic Front Candidate and Apart from active poli- Olive College, Kohima, 11:30 a positive role,” he stated. Minister Narendra Modi, ples’ Convention in 1959, was appointed Minister of tics, he was a prominent so- AM. The last funeral rites will While stating that dialogue which has crippled econom- he later became an Interim Supply and PWD. In 1989, cial worker till his last days be held in Sukhalu village at is the only way to solve all ic activity across the nation.” Body Member (IBM) dur- he was again elected as a and among others served 10:00AM on January 14.

Padma Shri Tokheho Sema passes away

2

FriDAY 13•01•2017

NAGALAND

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

‘Polling officials are under ‘Enveloping peace in oneness’ direct supervision of SEC’ Thousands attend Poang Lum (winter festival) at Tuensang

DC Dimapur Kesonyu Yhome addressing the first phase of training for Dimapur district polling officials for the ensuing Municipal and Town Council elections on January 12 at Dimapur Government College. (DIPR Photo)

DiMaPur, January 12 (DiPr): The first phase of training for Dimapur district polling officials for the ensuing Municipal and Town Council elections commenced on January 12 at Dimapur Government College.

Delivering a short speech before the start of training DC, Dimapur Kesonyu Yhome, urged upon all the polling officials, to take the training seriously to avoid complications during the course of conduct of elections.

“By virtue of the appoint-

ment order that was issued, appointing you as polling official for the ensuing civic polls you are now under the direct supervision, control and discretion of the State Election Commission, so long as the election process is not completed”, Yhome reminded. He further reminded that disciplinary proceedings of any erring official would also rest with the State Election Commission and not with the department where he/she serves.

Citing the role of particularly Presiding and 1st poll-

ing officers as very critical during the conduct of elections, he asked them not to take things casually, further reminding them of the past experiences where some polling officials were taken to task and suspended not because of very gross negligence but simple mistakes.

Around 800 polling officials including Presiding officers, 1st, 2nd and 3rd polling officers attended the 1st phase of training. The 2nd and 3rd phase of training for polling officials is slated for January 20 and 27.

Tuensang, January 12 (Mexn): The biggest festival of the Chang community - Poang Lum (winter festival) commenced at Loyem Memorial Ground Tuensang on January 12 and will conclude on January 13. The festival celebration is organized by Chang Khulei Setshang (Chang Tribal Council).

The chief guest of the celebration, P Longon, Minister to Health and Family welfare Government of Nagaland was received to the celebration by beating of Log drums by the Chongpo cultural Society.

The celebration was also attended by the many dignitaries headed by DC, SP, and Commandant 3rd NAP. Leaders of different tribal, head of the Offices also took part in the celebration along with thousands of public of Tuensang.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister congratulated CKS for successfully

Minister P Longon addresses the gathering at the Poang Lum (winter festival) at Loyem Memorial Ground Tuensang on January 12.

organizing such events which conserve the rich and well kneaded custom and tradition bestowed to us from our forefathers. He began his speech by narrating the history of Nagaland and how it came into existence with the amalgama-

tion of Tuensang Division and the Naga Hills.

“Festival is a tool to bring life to a state of exuberance and enthusiasm; today’s celebration will give a legacy to the future generation the importance of festival and its signifi-

cance,” he quoted. “With this spirit of Poang lum it helps us to keep connected to our roots culture, values, origin, and to preserve he, said. It is a festival of happiness and joy over the harvest,” he added. Poang Lum celebration is a mirror of

Chang community where it represents the quality of the community and its essence.

He applauded the culture of the Nagas where each have different origins yet united as Nagas. He also exhorted the CKS and the councils to shoulder the responsibilities to bring community towards the betterment of the society.

The Poang Lum significance was recited by Chingmak DB Tuensang while the short speech was addressed by Sangkhum Hd. GB C/ Khel Tuensang village and the gathering was also enchanted by a folk dance special by Yangpi Women’s Organisation Tuensang Town.

A press note stated that the Minister also released Ku Si Khang Le (A book on scientific study of Flora and Fauna in Chang Dialect) and Mutei Mangsangh Dolen Thangjam Kumhaang (a book on vision statement 2020).

Pranab Vidyapith HSS annual Alempang Baptist Church celebrates silver jubilee prize giving ceremony held Morung Express News

Mokokchung | January 12

Students of Pranab Vidyapith Hr Sec School, Dimapur presents song during the annual prize giving ceremony 2016-2017 at Pranab Jubilee Auditorium on January 11.

DiMaPur, January 12 (Mexn): Pranab Vidyapith Hr Sec School, Dimapur celebrated annual prize giving ceremony 2016-2017 on January 11 at Pranab Jubilee Auditorium, which was graced with the presence of Shrimat Swami Biswapremanandaji Maharaj, Assistant Secretary, BSS Kolkata as the chief guest and Shrimat

Swami Dyaneshanandaji Maharaj, Member of the Executive Body of Central Committee of BSS as the guest of honour.

In his speech, Swami Biswapremanandaji Maharaj applauded the Management, teachers and the students of the Vidyapith for their untiring effort to make the School a premier altar of education in the

whole state.

In the beginning, Monoj Bhattacharjee, Principal of PVHSS presented the school Annual Report. L.C. Das, Founder Headmaster in his speech urged upon the students, teachers and parents to extend their selfless co-operation to shape the school a glorious centre of learning. The chief guest unveiled the School Maga-

zine ‘PRANABAM’. Prizes were awarded to the winners of inter school/college essay competition followed by a cultural programme staged by the students of the school.

Meanwhile, Swami Chinmayananda, Incharge, Bharat Sevashram Sangha, Dimapur in a press release stated that to mark the Centenary Celebration of BSS, the devotees and well-wishers of the Sangha organised a colourful procession with Centenary ‘Ratha Jatra’ on January 12 started from BSS. Mandir Premises moved around the city. A religious congregation held at Mandir premises. On January 13, a Universal Peace Yajna will be held at Dimapur Railway High School Campus at 6:00 pm. BSS invites all and sundry in this Yajna.

Alempang Baptist Church, Mokokchung Town celebrated its Silver Jubilee on January 11-12, 2017 under the theme ‘Rangben Nüji’ (Holistic Being) at the church premises. After existing as a ‘Fellowship’ since its inception under Mokokchung Town Baptist Church in1969, Alempang Baptist Church was declared an ‘independent’ church under ABAM on January 12, 1992.

The main service of the Jubilee celebrations was held today with the Pastor of Alempang Baptist Church as the main speaker who spoke on the Jubilee theme.

The Jubilee souvenir and the Jubilee commemorative album were also released as part of the service by Rev. Dr. Mar Pongen, Principal, Clark Theological College.

Alempang Baptist Church Silver Jubilee Choir presenting the jubilee theme song. (Morung Photo)

Other highlights of the programme included a short message by Rev. Luen, a special number by Women Ministry of Alempang Baptist Church, reminiscence speech by the church’s first pastor Rev.Sübong Aier, a special prayer by Rev. I.Lanu Jamir, Nagaland Missionary Movement, felicitation of former and present staff of

Nagaland govt re-constitutes Training on Mushroom DPC for non-gazetted posts cultivation and Soap making

KohiMa, January 12 (DiPr): The Government has re-constituted the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) for all non-gazetted posts under various Departments, consisting of the following officers: Director Head of the Department- Chairman; Representative of the concerned Administrative Department not below the rank of an Under SecretaryMember; Representative of the P&AR Department not below the rank of an

Under Secretary-Member; and One Senior Officer of the concerned Directorate not below the rank of Dy Director in charge of Administration-Member Secretary.

The DPC shall follow all normal rules and procedures for consideration of promotion cases. The Heads of Departments should ensure that promotion cases are always routed through the DPC expeditiously so that adhoc approach to officiating pro-

motion is avoided.

The DPC, while considering cases for promotion, should invariably be guided by the following criteria: APARs for the previous 5 (five) years; Vigilance clearance from the State Vigilance Commission; Availability of clear vacancy; Completion of qualifying length of service as provided in the Service Rules; Confirmation/ regularization of promotion in the lower grade by the DPC; Adherence to final seniority position.

bhanDari, January 12 (DiPr): A one day seminar and training on Mushroom cultivation and Soap making was held for women Self Help Groups (SHG) at LBES Mission Centre Vankhosung, on January 11.

The trainer and the resource person Mhalo Tungoe, Subject Matter Specialist (SMS) said that the purpose of the self help groups is to generate income for the women folk in order to help them be-

come financially independent which in the long run will give them opportunity for economic self reliance.

Mushroom, which has nutritional security, is grown in many parts of the state of Nagaland, and the most favourable period is the months of April to May and September to October she said. Climate, temperature, environment, various kits, materials, steps and harvesting of mushroom were demonstrated.

Characteristics of poisonous and non poisonous mushrooms, mushroom reaction with other items of food etc were also explained to the participants.

Organic Soap making technique by using different locally available fruits and vegetables and their economic advantages were also explained by the resource person. Mushroom Spawns and kits were distributed free of cost to the participants for group cultivation.

Free map of Nagaland FUNERAL SERVICE Philimi in Tobacco lage would now be includOF LATE PADMASHREE TOKHEHO SEMA EX-MINISTER

Morung Express News

at 8:00 AM on 13th January 2017.

Departure for Sukhalu Village. & Farewell Program at Mt. Olive College, Kohima at 11:30 AM Last funeral rites will be held at Sukhalu village at 10:00 AM on 14th January 2017

witnessed a Holy Communion followed by a closing ceremony by Youth Ministry, ABC. Earlier last evening, the Silver Jubilee opening service was held with Rev. Ponen Longchar, Pastor MTBA as the speaker followed by a ‘Jubilee Pageant’ presented by Alempang Youth Association.

MEx File

Capacity building prog held at Zbto ZunheboTo, January 12 (Mexn): A one day capacity building programme under Integrated Catchment Area Treatment for grass root level participants was held at SKK Conference Hall, Project Colony, Zunheboto Town on January 10. The resource persons for technical sessions from the directorate were K. Khekiho Shohe, SCO (Forest), Schematic Officer, ICAT and Roukuosetuo, SDO (Pughoboto) The programme was attended by 36 participants from 16 villages under Nanga Mela Ghoki Zunheboto District. The programme was chaired by Er Yekatoli Awomi, SO, invocation prayer by Khutovi, SDO (Aghunato), key note address by Zhekheto Awomi, Joint Director - DSCO Zunheboto and vote of thanks by Ghosuto Sema, SDO (DSCO Zunheboto).

Compilation of notifications and office memorandun etc KohiMa, January 12 (DiPr): The P&AR Department has brought out a compendium of all important notification, orders, office memorandum issued by various Departments as on 1st April, 2016 and hosted in the official website of the State Government. It has further been decided to bring an updated compendium incorporating all important notifications, office memorandum etc issued till date. In this connection, all Departments have been requested to furnish copies of important notifications, office memorandum, circulars issued from 1st April, 2016 onwards by the Departments to the P&AR Department on or before 31st January, 2017.

ed in the tobacco free map of the state. He said Philimi Joint Director (Dental), village was the first in ZunHealth & Family Welfare, heboto district to take such Kohima, Dr. Hotokhu Chi- initiative and encouraged shi has declared Philimi vil- the citizens to live up to their lage as Tobacco Free Zone declaration and stay away becoming the second vil- from the ill effects of tobaclage next to Gariphema. co and its related products.

Speaking as the chief Earlier, on Tuesday guest during a seminar on evening, Dr Hotokhu also Tobacco Awareness cum spoke about the imporGovt Schools under Phek Dist informed Cultural Resuscitation at tance of Sutsah (Sumi diaPhilimi on Wednesday, Dr lect) and encouraged the Joint Director (Dental), Health & Family Welfare, Kohima, Dr. PheK, January 12 (Mexn): All Government Middle Hotokhu said that the vil- gathering to preserve it.

Hotokhu Chishi addressing gathering at Philimi on Wednesday. and Primary Schools under Phek District are informed to submit the School Management Committee formation report with list of SMC Members along with photo copy of Saving Bank Account to respective EBRC office on or before January 20. Deputy District Education Officer, DiMaPur, January 12 (Mexn): The Phek Nuchisalu Nienu in a press release said that necesBiography (Xü Ghili) of Vihokhe Chishi of Ki- sary action will be initiated against the defaulting schools. yekhü Village, “who was the first pastor during 1942-1957 served the Lord Jesus Christ for 15 years” was released with prayer by Rev. Info on State Civil Lists Vihuto Jimo and message by Rev. Küghato, KohiMa, January 12 (DiPr): The P&AR DepartPastor Satakha Town Baptist Church.

The book is authored by Rev. Dr. Vikheshe ment has brought out the State Civil Lists as on 1st JanuChishi, Founder and Principal, Withee Bible ary, 2016 and hosted in the official website of the State Government. It has further been decided to bring an College, Dimapur (fourth son).

A press release said that Vihokhe’s chil- updated Civil List of all Departments as on 01-01-2017. dren and in-laws released his Biography (Xü In this connection, all the Departments have been reGhili) with “much prayers and conviction”. quested to submit the list of all officers in the enclosed It also added that the seed that he has sown proforma in Excel Format alongwith CD to the P&AR Deduring the late 1940s and 1950s was fruitfully partment (AR Branch) on or before January 31. The proRev Dr Vikheshe Chishi (center) with others after the release of the Biogra- harvested and Kiyekhü Baptist Church cel- forma has already been notified to all the Departments. phy (Xü Ghili) of Vihokhe Chishi. ebrated Platinum Jubilee on January 7 and 8. The Civil List will be as on January 2.

Dimapur | January 12

Biography (Xü Ghili) of Vihokhe Chishi released

TOLUVI VILLAGE (SAMAGURI) Dimapur

Alempang Baptist Church, presentation of Jubilee theme song by the Jubilee choir, followed by a mass jubilee feast.

The valedictory service of the Jubilee was held in the evening with Toshi Aier, Lecturer, Clark Theological College as the speaker.

Among other activities, the valedictory service also

Friday 13•01•2017

NORTH-EAST 3

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Railway to invest Rs 1,000 cr One killed as miscreants on new tracks beyond Agartala attack Imphal-bound trucks early next year. By March 2019, southern Tripura's last border town Sabroom would be connected by railway network."

Singh said that two major tunnels would be constructed for the Belonia and Sabroom lines.

The Indian government has been extending railway line up to Tripura's border town Sabroom to get access to Bangladesh's international Chittagong sea port, which is just 75 km from Sabroom.

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar said: "After the Indian Railways extends its rail line up to Sabroom, it would be very easy to connect with the Chittagong international sea port in southeast Bangladesh."

"After extending the railway line to Sabroom, Tripura and the entire northeast India would be linked with southeast Asia very easily," Sarkar told IANS. The extension of the erstwhile metre-gauge track up to Agartala brought Tripura capital city on India's rail map in October 2008. Subsequently the metre-gauge track was converted into broad-

gauge track.

The long-awaited passenger train services between Agartala, New Delhi and Kolkata began on July 31 and October 8 last year respectively.

NFR Chief Engineer Singh said that the single track 227-km metre-gauge link -- Badarpur (south Assam) to Agartala -- was converted into broadgauge track earlier last year at a cost of Rs 2,016 crore.

The NFR is now laying a broad-gauge track for the 112-km Agartala-Sabroom line -- to be completed by March 2019 -- at a cost of Rs 3,351 crore.

Sabroom, 135-km (by traditional road) south of Agartala, is southern Tripura's border town adjoining Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, the NFR has already undertaken work to lay a 15-km rail track to connect Agartala with Bangladesh's railway station Akhaura, an important rail junction there.

R a i l w ay Mi n i s t e r Suresh Prabhu and Bangladeshi Rail Minister Majibul Haque jointly laid the foundation stone here on July 31 last year for Agartala (India) - Akhaura (Bangladesh) railway project.

Rs 9 lakh cr already back in system post demonetisation: SBI chief

guwAhAtI, JAnuAry 12 (IAnS): State Bank of India (SBI) chairman Arundhati Bhattacharya on Thursday said that about Rs 9 lakh crore of close to Rs. 13 lakh crore, which was out of the economic system, has already come back post demonetisation.

"Much of the money that was in system has come back. About Rs 15.44 lakh crore was in the system out of which some is in the banks. However, around Rs. 13 lakh crore was out the system, out of which Rs 9 lakh crore has already come back," she said while inaugurating an ATM in a tea estate at a remote location in Assam's Morigaon district.

"Full liquidity will be established in the market by the end of February this

year," she added.

The SBI chairman also denied reports that the demonetisation has affected the tea gardens of the country and said that the tea garden workers had been receiving their wages in cash in the past.

"Post demonetisation, we have sent cash vans to tea estates to meet the cash requirement of tea workers. The banks have also started opening accounts of tea workers and the things are all right now," she said.

"Business correspondent have been involved and new ATMS are being set up.

By and large there is not much impact of demonetisation on the tea gardens as utmost care was taken to meet their requirement," she said.

KPC chief arrested, sent to 7-day remand

new DelhI, JAnuAry 12 (PtI): A Delhi court today sent chief of Manipur's proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party, Khoirom Ranjit to seven-day custody of Delhi Police after it said that his custodial interrogation was required as the group was allegedly planning to carry out terror attack here and also for apprehending his other associates.

The KCP chief was arrested today from east Delhi's Mayur Vihar area.

Additional Sessions Judge Reetesh Singh also sent Inugbam Sanatombi Devi, arrested along with Ranjit, to two-day police

custody while allowing the agency's plea, which claimed that the accused had shifted the terror outfit's base to Delhi and were planning to carry out terror strike here.

The Special Cell of Delhi police told the court that one laptop, eight mobile phones, four pen drives and 49 sim cards were recovered from their possession.

While producing both the accused before the court, the probe agency moved separate applications seeking ten days police custody for Ranjit and two days police remand for Devi.

The police told the court

that both were members of the banned terror outfit and Ranjit, who was outfit's commander- in-chief, was to be taken to Manipur to unearth the larger conspiracy.

Devi was a cadre and her custodial interrogation was required in the case, the police said, adding that both were required in several cases in Manipur and were apprehended in the capital following a tip-off.

They also submitted some of their associates were recently arrested in Manipur and handgranade and other arms and ammunitions were recovered from them.

Newmai News Network

laden trucks was on their way towards Imphal when they were attacked by the unidentified people with sophisticated weapons, killing one civilian and injuring three others at the spot.

A separate source said that the victims (all civilians) were travelling in a car when the incident happened.

The police report said the injured were rushed to Assam Rifles Unit Hos-

Imphal | January 12

A civilian was killed and three others were injured on Thursday when unidentified armed men attacked an Imphal-bound convoy of loaded trucks escorted by heavy security personnel at Lukhambi of Noney district, some 62 km west of Imphal, along Imphal-Jiribam road around 4:30 pm.

According to Police, a convoy of over 500 goods-

pital, Noney where they were treated but later sent to Imphal for better treatment. However, police did not divulge any information on whether they retaliated to the alleged ambush.

The deceased has been identified as one Dikhonang (25), s/o Tajinnang Panmei of Tamenglong while the injured were identified as Thuannilung (31) – a school teacher from Taobam village, Jacky Kahmei (30) of Tamenglong,

and Nipen Kalita (24).

All the trucks were stuck in the area following the fatal attack but later moved towards the state capital around 6:30 pm. The vehicles include 14 petrol tankers, 43 diesel tankers, 31 LPG bullet tankers, 54 FCI rice-loaded trucks and 104 cement-loaded trucks.

Meanwhile, over 800 loaded trucks at Jiribam are waiting for security personnel to move towards Imphal.

Manipur registers significant rise in number of voters

NRL dispatches 2,281 tonnes HSD to Bangladesh

Newmai News Network

guwAhAtI, JAnuAry 12 (IAnS): A Railway rake containing 2,281 tonnes of High Speed Diesel (HSD) has been to dispatched from NRL's Marketing Terminal in Siliguri to Parbitipur Depot of Bangladesh Petroleum on Thursday.

The consignment containing 42 wagons will travel over 516 km including 253 km in India and 263 km in Bangladesh on the existing railway line through Rangapani, Singabad and Rohanpur to reach Parbatipur in Bangladesh.

Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) and Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) have signed a Sale-Purchase Agreement which includes joint initiative for construction of a 131-km pipeline, with a capacity of 1 million metric ton per annum (MMTPA) from Siliguri to Parbatipur.

Prior to the construction of the pipeline, the rail rake mode of transportation of product from Siliguri to Parbatipur is also an effective mode of transport with minimum loss and pollution.

tioning in the state, that is, seven national parties and two state parties,” he said.

The national parties are All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), BJP, CPI, CPI (M), INC and NCP while the two state parties are Naga People’s Front (NPF) and People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA).

Keishamthong and Singjamei are the two constituencies with smallest areas while Phungyar is the constituency with biggest area, the CEO said. He said 20 expenditure election observers have been appointed for the upcoming polls and that one observer will look after three constituencies each. The state is having 2,794 polling stations spread across 2218 locations in the 16 districts and also having a total of 11,915 service voters this assembly polls.

“For the first time electronically transmitted postal ballot will be introduced in Manipur in selected 10 constituencies,” CEO Dewagan further informed. He also said issue of EPIC card will be recommended for the increased 86,93,783 voters on January 25, the National Voters’ Day.

Imphal | January 12

Manipur has registered significant rise in the number of voters, an increase of 86,674 as the state goes to poll on March 4 and 8 in two phases.

A total of 18,93,783 people— 9,25,431 male and 9,68,312 female—are eligible to cast their votes in the scheduled polls.

Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) VK Dewagan today released the final photo electoral rolls of the 60 assembly constituencies at the Secretariat Conference Hall.

“The Election Commission has assured to make optimal effort to ensure a peaceful Manipur election,” The CEO said at a press meet held after officially releasing the final photo electoral rolls.

Additional special arrangement for all physically-challenged is being taken up for the ensuing polls, VK Dewagan said. He informed that election observers will come to the poll-bound state in the first week of February. “The EC has given recognition in this election to nine political parties func-

A.K. Azad Road, Gopinath Nagar, Guwahati -781016 Advt. No. CGHS/Recruitment/01/2017

recrUiTMenT noTice

Regd. No: 32/2017 Dtd: 12/01/2017 I, Watiyanger S/o.

Lensasaba a resident of H/ No. 6(B) 5, Supply Colony, Dimapur do hereby states and declare that in some of my documents my father’s name was written as Hussain and that from today onwards my official father’s name will be use as Lensasaba.

ADMISSION OPEN (For Boys & Girls) AMADEUS HOSTEL Naga United Village, Dimapur Near Great Commission Hr. Sec. School Contact: 9856521843/ 9856612120

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AFFIDAVIT

Regd. No. 08/17 I, Shri Maisaing S/o of Hangsangbe of New Jalukie village, PO & PS Jalukie, Peren Dist. Nagaland hereby declare that the name Maisaing and Maisaing Zeliang is of same person.

I hereby declare that my correct name is MAISAING and shall be used for all official purposes in the future.

Deponent 1st Class Magistrate

LIZ WOODLAND SCHOOL

Government of India

Office of the Additional Director Central Government Health Scheme

Davp: 17315/11/0031/1617

AgArtAlA, JAnuAry 12 (IAnS): The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has invested around Rs 1,000 crore to extend the railway line beyond Tripura capital Agartala and up tothe state's southern temple city Udaipur, a top official said here on Thursday.

The NFR would start two pairs of passenger train services on the newly constructed Agartala-Udaipur route from January 20, fulfilling the long-pending demands of the people of southern Tripura.

According to NFR's Chief Public Relations Officer Pranav Jyoti Sharma, the passenger trains would run six days a week, except on Sundays.

"The NFR has invested over Rs 1,000 crore to extend the 44.76-km railway lines up to Udaipur (district headquarters of Gomati district). We have completed laying of railway tracks up to Udaipur before schedule of March 2017," NFR Chief Engineer Harpal Singh told IANS over phone from Guwahati.

He said: "The railway line would be extended up to south Tripura district headquarters Belonia by this year end or

AFFIDAVIT

Central Govt. Health Scheme, Guwahati invites applications from the eligible Indian citizens for the following positions to be filled up by Direct Recruitment. For detailed advertisement pertaining to posts, qualifications and other terms and condition please refer to CGHS website www.cghs.gov.in or Employment News dated 14-20 January 2017.

1. Staff Nurse Grade-I 2. Pharmacist (Allopathic) The closing date of submission of Application is 20-02-2017.

Additional director, CGHS, Guwahati.

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adMiSSion noTice Admission is going on for Classes – Nursery to 9(Nine) Hostel facilities are available for Both Boys & Girls Office hour: - 9:00am to 1:00pm Contact No:- 9862251085

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National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT) Centre, Chuchuyimlang is a national level technical institute providing various IT courses & other services. We are offering FREE computer education to all SC & ST candidates.

Applications are invited from candidates especially those who have completed Class XII or Graduation or those who couldn’t get through their Graduation to undergo the AICTE recognised O and A Level for better career opportunities.

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Dated: 10/01/2017

1st Class Magistrate

Regd. No: 12/2017

All courses are sponsored by the Goverment of India, however a candidate will have to pay a minimal security amount for the cost of Application Form at the time of Admission.

affidaViT

I, Shri. Khukiye Sema S/o. Late. Kikheyi, permanent resident at Zuheshe Village under Niuland, Dimapur Dist. and presently residing at South Point West Colony, under Zunheboto Dist. Nagaland do hereby affirm and declare as follow: 1. I am a bonafide citizen of Indian belonging to Sumi Naga tribe resident of the above mentioned address. 2. That due to mistake and clerical error my name has been entered as Khukiye Chophy in my SBI Passbook bearing A/C No. 11736668391. 3. That the name Khukiye Chophy and Khukiye Sema are one and the same person. 4.

That this affidavit is made for the purpose of correcting my name where Khukiye Chophy, is written, it should be read, correct and understand as Khukiye Sema for all official purpose.

That the statement made in paragraph 1 & 4 of the affidavit are true to the best of my knowledge.

Deponent Solemnly declare before me by the deponent on this day 10th Jan. 2017

1 Year

A Level (Adv. Diploma)

For more information contact:

Regd. No: 13/2017

affidaViT

Dated: 10/01/2017

I, Shri. Ahoto S/o. Lt. Zuheto, permanent resident at Zuheshe Village under Niuland, Dimapur Dist. and presently residing at DC Hill (W) Colony, under Zunheboto Dist. Nagaland do hereby affirm and declare as follow: 1. I am a bonafide citizen of Indian belonging to Sumi Naga tribe resident of the above mentioned address. 2. That due to mistake and clerical error my name has been entered as Ahoto Sumi in my SBI Passbook bearing A/C No. 30470857817. 3. That the name Ahoto and Ahoto Sumi are one and the same person. 4.

That this affidavit is made for the purpose of correcting my name where Ahoto Sumi, is written, it should be read, correct and understand as Ahoto for all official purpose.

That the statement made in paragraph 1 & 4 of the affidavit are true to the best of my knowledge.

Deponent

Solemnly declare before me by the deponent on this day 10th Jan. 2017

1st Class Magistrate

affidaViT

Regd. No: 14/2017 Dated: 10/01/2017 I, Smti. MUGHAKALI D/o. Shri. SHIVITO, permanent resident at Zuheshe Village under Niuland, Dimapur Dist. and presently residing at DC Hill (W) Colony, under Zunheboto District, Nagaland do hereby affirm and declare as follows:- 1. I am a bonafide citizen of Indian belonging to Sumi Naga tribe resident of the above mentioned address 2. That due to mistake and clerical error my name & my father's name has been entered as, MUGHAKALI AYE SUMI and my father's name as SHIVUTO AYE in my SBI Passbook bearing A/C No.11736670332. 3. That my name MUGHAKALI AYE SUMI and MUGHAKALI are one and the same person. 4. That my father's name SHIVUTO AYE and SHIVITO are one and same person. 5. That this affidavit is made for the purpose of correcting my name & father's name where MUGHAKALI AYE SUMI and father's name SHIVUTO AYE, is Written, it should be read, correct and understand my name as MUGHAKALI and my father's name as SHIVITO for all official purpose.

That the statement made in paragraph 1 & 5 of the affidavit are true to the best of my knowledge.

Deponent Solemnly declare before me by the deponent on this day 10th Jan. 2017 st 1 Class Magistrate

4

friDAY 13•01•2017

business

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

N Chandrasekaran named Amazon halts sales of Indian new chairman of Tata Sons flag doormat after visa threat New Delhi, JNAuAry 12 (reuters): Amazon. com removed doormats resembling the Indian tri-colour flag from its Canadian website on Wednesday, after an Indian government threat to rescind visas of the U.S. company’s employees if they did not stop selling the product.

“Amazon must tender unconditional apology,” external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj said on Twitter. “They must withdraw all products insulting our national flag immediately.”

“If this is not done forthwith, we will not grant Indian Visa to any Amazon official,” she added. “We will also rescind the Visas issued earlier.”

The doormat, sold by a third-party on Amazon’s Canadian portal, was taken down late on Wednesday.

Indian Flag doormat sold on Amazon! sushma swaraj demands apology from Amazon & orders to remove products insulting the national Flag.

“The item is no longer available for sale on the site,” a spokeswoman for Amazon said in an email.

Amazon’s portal in Canada sells doormats

fashioned around other national flags, but under Indian law any desecration of its flag is punishable with fines and imprisonment.

Amazon’s official sup-

port account on Twitter had earlier responded to angry user comments on Twitter by saying the mats were not being sold on their Indian portal and the con-

cerns had been escalated.

Swaraj tweeted that she had asked the Indian High Commission in Canada to take up the issue with Amazon, after it was brought to her attention by a Twitter user from India’s financial capital of Mumbai.

Swaraj is a prolific user of the social media website and often responds to tweets directed at her.

Amazon is making a huge bet on India and has vowed to invest more than $5 billion as it takes on home-grown Flipkart and Snapdeal for a bigger share of the world’s fastest growing internet services market.

In an event attended by premier Narendra Modi in Washington last year, Amazon Chief Executive Jeff Bezos said India was the company’s fastest growing region.

MuMbAi, JANuAry 12 (iANs): Natarajan Chandrasekaran, 53, who has spent some 30 years in the Tata group, will be the new Executive Chairman of Tata Sons -- the first nonParsi to head the $103-billion global empire with a 148-year history, it was announced on Thursday.

“Chandrasekaran has demonstrated exemplary leadership as the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Tata Consultancy Services,” said a statement from Tata Sons, adding that he will take over the holding company’s reins on February 21.

“We believe he will now inspire the entire Tata group to realise its potential acting as leaders in their respective businesses, always in keeping with our value system and ethics and adhering with the practices of the Tata

natarajan Chandrasekaran. (File Photo)

group which have stood it in good stead,” the statement added.

A five-member panel comprising Ratan Tata, TVS Group head Venu Srinivasan, Amit Chandra of Bain Capital, former diplomat Ronen Sen and Lord Kumar Bhattacharya, was constituted in October to shortlist candidates for the position, the report said.

N Chandrasekaran has

been the CEO and Managing Director of Tata Consultancy Services since 2009.

Since October 2016, he has also served on the board of Tata Sons.

His appointment as Tata Sons Chairman comes at a time when the company is fighting a legal battle at the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) against Cyrus Mistry, who has challenged his ouster.

With input from agencies

Pre-Budget discussion held at NFR Maligaon Air India to reserve six front seats for women New Delhi, JANuAry 12 (AgeNcies): National carrier Air India will soon reserve six seats in the front rows of its aeroplane fleet for women passengers for their safety — without any extra charges.

“We will soon reserve two rows (or six seats) for women passengers only,” Air India chairman and managing director Ashwani Lohani told The Hindu. The airline will not be charging any additional fee Pre-budget discussion underway in the Conference Hall of nF railway, Maligaon with for blocking such seats for

women passengers.

This is perhaps the first time in the world that seats will be reserved only for women passengers on planes in such a manner.

However, other modes of transport in India, including local and long-distance trains, metros and buses have reserved berths, seats or coaches for women. Pink auto rickshaws reserved for women have also been introduced in Gurugram and Noida.

“We will be reserving the

third row — six seats — in the economy class of the aircraft for female passengers travelling alone,” said Air India general manager-revenue management Meenakshi Malik. “We feel, as national carriers, it is our responsibility to enhance comfort level to female passengers. There are a lot of female passengers who travel alone with us and we will be blocking a few seats for them.”

The move assumes significance, as it comes soon after an on-board in-

cident in Air India’s Mumbai-Newark flight late last month where a flyer reportedly groped a woman co-passenger. During the flight, a business class passenger changed his seat to sit next to a female passenger in the economy class and allegedly groped her when she fell asleep.

Describing the move as a “misplaced priority,” former Air India executive director Jitendra Bhargava said: “To my knowledge, this happens nowhere in the world.

Planes are not unsafe for women passengers. In case of unruly behaviour, the airline crew are authorised to take action as per the law.”

Passenger representatives also expressed reservations about the seat reservation for women.

“It is an impractical move and will lead to gender discrimination. The airline should not go ahead with the plan,” said D. Sudhakara Reddy, national president of Air Passengers Association of India.

Members of Parliament of nFr jurisdiction held on January 12.

guwAhAti, JANuAry 12 (AgeNcies): A pre-budget discussion was held in the Conference Hall of NF Railway, Maligaon on January 12 with Members of Parliament of NFR jurisdiction.

Muhmmad Salim, MP, LokSabha, Raiganj, West Bengal, Santosh Kumar, MP, Lok Sabha, Purnia, Bihar, Naba Sarania, MP, Lok Sabha, Kokrajhar, Assam, Satiuse Khjur, MP, Rajya sabha, Assam, PP Roy, MP, Lok Sabha, Coochbehar, West Bengal, Pradan Baruah, MP, Loka Sabha, Lakhimpur, Assam Vincent H Pala, MP, Lok Sabha, Shillong, Meghalaya and Kamakhya Prasad Tasha, MP, Lok Sabha, Jorhat, Assam were present during the discussion. Chahatey Ram, General Manager, N F Railway and other Senior Officers were present from railway side.

Welcoming the MPs, General Manger, Chahatey Ram requested them to offer their valuable suggestions on various cruFiRe StatiOnS

KoHIMA soUtH: 0370-2222952/ 101 (O) 9402003086 (OC) KoHIMA nortH: 7085924114 (O) dIMAPUr: 03862-232201/ 101 (O) 9856156876 (OC) CHUMUKedIMA: 7085982102 (O) 8732810051 (OC) woKHA: 03860-242215/101 (O) 8974322879 (OC) MoKoKCHUnG: 0369-2226225/ 101 (O) 8415830232 (OC) PHeK: 8414853765 (O) 8413822476(OC) ZUnHeBoto: 03867-280304/ 101 (O) 9436422730 (OC) tUensAnG: 8414853766 (O) 9856163601 (OC) Mon: 03869-251222/ 101 (O) 9862130954 (OC) Kiphire: 8414853767 (O) 9436261577 (OC) Peren: 7085189932 (O) 9856311205 (OC) LonGLenG: 7085924113 (O) 9862414264 (OC)

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cial issues related to the effective functioning of railways as the most popular mode of transport in Northeast India.

Accordingly the MPs elaborated on their demands for their respective jurisdiction as well as state for over-all socio-economic development of the region and requested General Manager to include those and to submit to the appropriate authority.

The General Manager assured the MPs that their views and suggestions would be considered with utmost sincerity by the railway and that NF Railway would leave no stone unturned to continue to be a vehicle for the wholesome development of the region. The discussion was meaningful and facts railway a step closure for formulation of inclusive policies which is the cornerstone of good governance.

This was stated in a press release issued

by NFR Maligaon Chief Public Relations Officer Pranav Jyoti Sharma.

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Man gets Rs 500 notes with one-side blank in MP KhArgoNe (MP), JANuAry 12 (Pti): Days after a farmer in Madhya Pradesh received Rs 2,000 notes from a bank without the image of Mahatma Gandhi, an ATM at a village in Khargone district dispensed two ‘one-side blank’ currency of the new Rs 500 denomination.

Hemant Soni on Tuesday night used his card to withdraw Rs 1,500 from a public sector bank’s ATM at Segaon village, about 40 kms from Khargone district headquarters.

“Of the three Rs 500 notes, two were printed on one side while the other side was completely blank,” Soni said. taHaMZaM (formerly senapati) Police station Fire Brigade

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He registered a complaint of the misprinted currency yesterday with the concerned bank officials, who subsequently replaced his notes with new ones.

The bank officials, however, said the misprinted notes were received as such from the Reserve Bank of India.

“We have changed these ‘misprinted’ currency notes after the consumer’s complaint. We are now checking the currency notes before loading them into the ATMs,” the deputy manager of the bank’s Sabji Mandi main branch told PTI. “This is a printing mistake,” he added.

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Game Number # 3822

Answer Number # 3821

ACROSS 1. Strong fiber 5. Divided 10. Resorts 14. Stake 15. A quantity of paper 16. Cab 17. Agitate 18. Hades 20. Venture to say 22. Breathing tube for swimmers 23. Church bench 24. An edict of the Russian tsar 25. Going ashore 32. Give a speech 33. A combination of 3 notes 34. Clairvoyant’s gift 37. “Gee!” 38. Mountain crest 39. Dad 40. S 41. Swelling under the skin 42. German iris 43. Appraisals 45. Hoisting device 49. A sizeable hole 50. Inorganic 53. Obtaining 57. Beyond belief 59. False god 60. A feudal vassal 61. Great fear 62. If not 63. Makes a mistake 64. Light-haired 65. Observed DOWN 1. A lyric poet 2. Dwarf buffalo 3. Blend 4. He communicates via thoughts 5. Bellyache 6. Small and weak

7. Cover 8. Angers 9. Small slender gull 10. It delivers babies?

11. Ski jacket 12. Wheel shafts 13. Move furtively 19. Injure 21. Arid 25. Venician magistrate 26. God of love 27. Low in pitch 28. Units of land 29. Motif 30. Smidgens 31. Mineral rock 34. Acquire deservedly 35. Expectoration 36. Overtake 38. Commercials 39. Makes attractive 41. Tidal bore 42. Leave out 44. Fast 45. Grin 46. A protective covering 47. Bring upon oneself 48. Geeks 51. Contributes 52. Former Italian currency 53. Happy 54. Doing nothing 55. Schnozzola 56. Secluded valley 58. Tall hill Answer to Crossword 3826

Friday 13•01•2017

NAGALAND

to withdraw nomination CM lead the state in paying Candidates papers in Chumukedima, claims CVC tributes to Late Tokheho Dimapur | January 12 Morung Express News

Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang, Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Governor of Odisha SC Jamir and MP Neiphiu Rio today lead the State in expressing deep shock and grief over the death of Tokheho Sema, describing it as an “immense loss to the state.”

“I am grieved to learn about the sudden demise of one of the last few surviving Members of the Nagaland Interim Body. Nagas have lost one of those few who laid the foundation stone of the State of Nagaland, and it is an opportune time for the living to bemoan the death of Tokheho Sema,” Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang said in a condolence message.

On hindsight, the founders of the State made supreme sacrifice, the benefits of which are being reaped by the succeeding Naga generations, Zeliang added.

“Thiers was a decision which was far-sighted and uncanny for their age and time; theirs is acclaim and appreciation that the present generation of Nagas must extend.”

Describing Late Tokheho as a veteran politician who took up politics as a career very early in life, Zeliang said he was an altruistic person through and through and the welfare of

Chief Minister TR Zeliang and his colleauges paying tributes to Late. Tokheho.(CMO Photo)

the general public and the State in particular was his “prior-most concern.”

“I have worked with him closely ever since my entry into politics, and found him to be a humble and straightforward person who never hesitated to speak out his mind,” Zeliang said adding that their last meeting was in August 15, 2015 when Late Tokheho along with five other surviving Members of the IBM called on the CM. “On behalf of the people of Nagaland and my family members, I extend my profound condolences to you and your family members.

We pray that the Almighty grant you solace, strength and comfort at this time of grief,” the CM said in the condolence addressed Late Tokheho’s wife Kitoli

NSCN (IM) recovers two bikes Dimapur, January 12 (mExn): The Operation Acceleration Dimapur Town (OADT) of the NSCN (IM) has recovered two bikes – both without registration numbers.

One of the bikes – a red and black Bajaj Pulsar 150cc, bears Engine No. DHGBUJ33484 and Chasis No. HD1DHDHZZUCJ632, while the other – a Bajaj Discover, bears Engine No. JBUB17794 and Chasis No. DSPAZZUPB38300. Informing this in a press release, the OADT has asked the owners to claim the said vehicles by producing authentic documents within 7 days. Contact – 9402437539/7085833728.

Yeptho.

Meanwhile, Former Chief Minister of Nagaland and Governor of Odisha Dr. S C Jamir in his condolence said that Late Tokheho’s demise was “indeed a great personal loss to me as we fought and worked together for the identity and dignity of Nagaland and Naga tribe.”

His contribution to restore peace in the troubletorn Nagaland in the late Fifties and thereafter in the development of the state as its Minister is remarkable, Jamir said.

He never shied away from challenges and never compromised with the Naga identity and their aspirations and remained steadfast in his approach, he added.

Jamir further regretted

that when Nagaland today “desperately seeks to rewrite its destiny and form a dynamic and progressive Naga society rooted in the spirit of peace, harmony and feeling of oneness his loss is an irreparable one.”

May his example of leadership inspire Nagas to rededicate them for peace and progress of Nagaland, Jamir said further conveying his heartfelt condolences the bereaved family and prayer of eternal peace to the departed soul.

Nagaland Legislative Assembly also conveyed its deep sadness over the loss of one of its former member and said that Late Tokheho death was a great loss to the Naga people in general and Sumi community in particular, the void, which will be difficult to fill.

“In this hour of gloom and grief, I on my own behalf and on behalf of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly convey our heartfelt condolences. May God grant solace and comfort to the bereaved family members to overcome this moment” NLA Speaker Chotisuh Sazo said in a condolence note.

The Member of Lok Sabha form Nagaland and former CM Neiphiu Rio also condoled the death of Late Tokheho remembering the departed leader as a “person who was always committed to serving the public in the best manner possible.”

He served with distinction in every responsibility that was entrusted to him in the service of the people, Rio conveyed in a message adding that Late Tokheho made significant contributions and sacrifices for the cause of the people and welfare of the people, especially the weaker and marginalised sections.

“His contributions in the building and growth of Nagaland State during the most difficult and crucial period will always be recorded in the annals of our history for all future generations,” he added.

“I extend my deepest condolences to the members of the bereaved family and pray to Almighty God to let the departed soul rest in peace.”

GOC 3 Corps visits Kohima

Katimi Kuposhukulu office bearers elected Dimapur, January 12 (mExn): The Katimi (Sumi) Kuposhukulu General Session was held on January 12 at Horeb Guest House, Purana Bazar, East Dimapur and elect office bearers for the tenure of 2017-19. The Katimi Kuposhukulu office bearers for the tenure 2017-19 were elected with Shiwoto Katy-Chairman; Manaho Katy-Vice Chairman; Mulato Katy-Secretary; Toka Katy- Joint Secretary; Hezhekhu Katy-Finance Secretary; Khekuto KatyFinance Secretary; Hepito Katy-Treasurer and the Advi- GOC 3 Corps Anil Chauhan visiting the family of Captain (Late) Neikezhakuo Kenguruse. sory Board with five members.

Beside, the GOC 3 Corps Dimapur, January 12 press note, the GOC re(mExn): Lieutenant Gen- viewed the security situa- discussed a wide ranging isCHHS Alumni meeting sues with Governor of Naeral Anil Chauhan, AVSM, tion in Chiswema.

He further called on galand PB Acharya during Dimapur, January 12 (mExn): The CHSS (Chris- SM, VSM, General Officer tian Higher Secondary School) Dimapur Alumni As- Commanding 3 Corps vis- the family of Captain (Late) their interaction.

The Governor complisociation has cordially invited all the Alumni to its 2nd ited Kohima on January 12, Neikezhakuo Kenguruse, general meeting to be held at the School’s Covenant Hall, where among other places, the Mahavir Chakra award- mented the outstanding 11:00 am on January 14. The Association President in a he visited Headquarters ee from Nagaland known contribution of the Assam press note said that important matters pertaining to the IGAR (North) at Kohima for his bravery during Kargil Rifles towards maintainschool’s 50th Anniversary will be discussed at the meet- and the Assam Rifles garri- War, it added. He was be- ing peace and tranquillity stowed the highest gallantry in Nagaland, the press note ing and members are requested to attend positively and son in Chiswema. added. share ideas to make the jubilee a grand success.

According to an AR award posthumously.

ABPDK golden jubilee from January 13-15 Morung Express News Kohima | January 12

The golden jubilee celebration of the Angami Baptist Pastor Dikon Krotho (ABPDK – Pastors & Deacons Organisation) will commence on January 13 at Shalom Bible Seminary, Sechü Zubza.

The speakers for the celebration will be Rev Dr. Atsi Dolie, Executive Director, Angami Baptist Church Council (ABCC); Rev Keviyiekelie Linyü, Pastor, Ebenezer Baptist Church Kohima; Rev Ketsozeho Sale,

President, Japfüphiki Pastor Dikon Krotho; and Rev Miazielie Sakhrie, Pastor, Kuda Village Baptist Church.

Over one thousand pastors and deacons from all the churches under ABCC are expected to attend the three-day celebration from January 13-15, which is being hosted by Sechü Zubza Baptist Church.

Apart from pastors and deacons, youth members from various churches will also be making their participation, particularly during the special youth programme arranged on

Saturday afternoon.

The inauguration of the APBDK 50 year’s monolith Friday at 1 pm will mark the commencement of the jubilee celebration, with the dedicatory prayer to be offered by Rev Tsolie Chase, Pastor of Khonoma Baptist Church.

The lighting of the jubilee torch will be formally done by Sakralie Rio, the Pastor of Tsiemekhuma Baptist Church.

Meanwhile, all churches and range councils are asked to bring their respective flags, while it has also been in-

formed that a registration fee of Rs 100 will be charged from all pastors and deacons.

Pastors and deacons who have served in the past years are also invited to attend the celebration.

All the churches have been requested to come along with the names of those deceased pastors and deacons who served from December 2, 2015 till January 13, 2017.

The churches have also been reminded to bring along with them the offering collected on November 27 on the occasion of ABCC pastors and deacons day.

Have courage to venture out on road of change: MLA Thomas Wokha, January 12 (Dipr): Have courage to set out as pathfinders, barrier breakers and be contenders in the vast open fields of opportunities guided by the road map in the changing times, said MLA Thomas Lotha. He was addressing the 50th Lotha Ekhae Ekhung General Conference with the theme ‘Be an agent of change’ after unfurling the Union Flag in the introductory Session at JNV Campus Chukitong, on January 11.

Our predecessors gave life to this union with farsight-

ed vision that today we may stand stronger and resolved in our relentless pursuit for excellence, he said as recalling how as a young student leader he also worked hard for the students community and encouraged them that as agents of change, collecting mementos and certificates during occasions should not be the ultimate achievement for them but success and responsibilities should go beyond that.

Attending a maturity of 50 years is a milestone in itself and so the student com-

munity which is considered as the hope and strength of the society should make it a platform of a stepping stone and a turning point for emergence of leadership and a force of guidance for the younger generations too, he added.

DC Wokha, Wezope Kenye, in his greetings urged the students to be inquisitive, open to new ideas and learning and be committed in their work to achieve their goals.

Chairman Chukidong Range Public Organisation called upon the students to

promote a healthy world through their initiative, so that there will peace, love and respect for one another.

Pastor, AG Church Niroyo, Rev. Tsobemo Ngullie invoked God’s blessing.

General Secretary, LSU T. Phyobemo Kikon presented the general report and the highlights of the evening included choreography presentations, special songs and item presentations etc. The general conference is attended by around 80 students units assocaition.

Dimapur, January 12 (mExn): All the candidates who have filed nomination for the Chumukedima Town Council (CTC) elections have promised to withdraw their nomination papers by signing an undertaking with Chumoukedima Village Council (CVC) and 16 tribal unit leaders as witness, according to a press release from Razouvotuo Chatsu, Chairman, CVC. “All candidates irrespective of party affiliation or tribe at their own under-

standing and knowledge have apologized for filing nomination for the ensuing election against public interest that violates the combined meeting resolution of CVC and 16 tribal unit leaders on January 2, 2017 at Chumoukedima Village Council Hall,” the release stated.

“The candidates have clearly stated and promised to withdraw their nomination papers and that in the failure to do so he/she shall be held solely responsible for any action taken against

those defaulters,” it added.

Meanwhile, CVC and all the 16 tribal units, GBs under Chumoukedima Town expressed gratefulness to all the candidates for promising to withdraw their nomination papers.

The CVC further expressed appreciation to all tribal unit leaders and volunteers of Chumoukedima, APO, AYO, CPO, CYO, CSU, CGBU, CTYO, CVYS, NCYS and all neighboring villages for extending all possible support in the effort to boycott the civic poll.

Changtongya, Akhoya VC on ULB election

Dimapur, January 12 (mExn): The Changtongya and Akhoya Village Council today said that the election to Urban Local Bodies in Nagaland was called by the government “against the wishes of the stakeholders” and the people had responded accordingly In this regard, a joint statement issued by Chairman of Akhoya Kosasanger Putu Menden S Kilang Lkr and Chairman Changtongya Kosasanger Putu Menden, I Kumzuk Lkr said that since the election was against the sentiment of the people, the traditional landowner of Changtongya and Akhoya Village combined with the All Ward Chair-

man Forum (Changtongya Town) resisted and boycott the “so called election. “ The two village authorities expressed appreciation to the public for “whole heartedly” supporting the boycott call and also the intending candidates for their cooperation and abstaining from filing nomination.

If the State Government does not positively respond to the demand of the public we shall continue to boycott the ULB election in future too, the two councils further reiterated.

Meanwhile, the two councils vehemently condemned the “modus-operandi of the concern authority” by extending date

for filing of nomination and questioned arbitrary shifting of location for filing nomination.

How did the authority arbitrarily shifted three locations within four hours for filing nomination paper( from Changtongya to Tuli then to Chuchuyimlang) though there was no law and order problems in and around Changtongya Town?, it added.

The Changtongya and Akhoya Village Council, in this connection, demanded to know from the concerned authority as to why such an “extra judicial power were exercised against the wishes of the peace loving citizen.”

NPF Mon reaffirms to ‘courteously’ take part in upcoming ULBs election Dimapur, January 12 (mExn): The Naga People's Front (NPF) Mon Division reaffirmed to “courteously face” in principle to the notification of the Election Commission for the forthcoming election to Urban Local Bodies in the state slated on February 1.

The reaffirmation motion was adopted in a meeting held in its office on January 12, informed a press note from NPF Mon Secretary (Press) Hongnaw HA Konyak.

“The Divisional officials in unison guaranteed to actively execute the task until the victorious conclusion of the party candidates contesting to Tobu, Aboi, Naginimora and Tizit town councils where the electioneering process is deepening and serious in combating the elections,” it said.

The division further congratulated nine NPF candidates from Mon district who are contesting without their opponents and will probably be “de-

clared elected as and when the process of voting is officially over.”

It further extended its best wishes to the remaining party candidates from the district as well as from entire state in the fray.

The NPF Mon Division also fervently beseeched the governmental officials, the NGOs and Civil societies, law enforcing agencies to actively cooperate with the competent authority administering the election process.

Teachers seeks clarification on NPS in Wokha

Dimapur , January 12 (mExn): Primary teacher appointees in Wokha district have sought clarification from the SubDivisional Education Officer, Wokha regarding the National Pension System (NPS).

A press statement issued on behalf of “all primary teachers’ appointed in 2102 claimed that while their Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN) were generated way back in 2012 and their contribution (employee

contribution) for NPS have been deducted from their salary for the past five years, neither employees’ contribution nor the employer’s contribution have been uploaded in the Central Recordkeeping Agency (CRA) transaction statement till date.

As of transaction statement received on January 7, 2017, the total contribution the pension account till December 31, 2016 was Rs. 0.00, it said.

“The total value of our contributions as on De-

cember 31, 2016 was Rs. 0.00. Thus, our contributions have earned a return of Rs. 0.00 till December 31, 2016, it added.

Why there is still no clarification or action initiated by the concerned DDO–Sub Divisional Education Officer, Wokha, regarding the issue even after a lapse of 5 years, the teachers further questioned.

The press statement on behalf of “All the primary teachers appointed in the year 2012” by T Lotha and C Lotha.

State prepares for Republic Day kohima, January 12 (Dipr): A coordination meeting in connection with work distribution and ground arrangement etc for the ensuing Republic Day Celebration was held in the DC’s Conference Hall, Kohima on January 12.

The meeting was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Kohima, Rajesh Soudararajan, IAS. The meeting reviewed the minutes of coordination meeting held on December 14, 2016 for the celebration of Republic Day 2017 and confirmed the participation of various departments, 9th Assam Rifles and NGOs/Civil Societies for visitation of Institutions on the occasion .

The DC also requested the department concerned to keep in mind and suggest something new on the exhibition stalls and other things, which can be of current things showcasing variety of new things to the people in the next Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations. He also urged all the participating departments and NGOs/ Civil Societies to extend their best services for the success of the celebration.

DC Kohima, Rajesh Soudararajan, IAS addresses the coordination meeting in connection with the ensuing Republic Day Celebration held in the DC’s Conference Hall, Kohima on January 12. (DIPR Photo)

Mkg DPDB discusses R-Day assignments mokokchung, January 12 (Dipr): Mokokchung District Planning & Development Board Meeting for the month of January 2017 was held on January 12 in the ADC (Planning) conference hall. The first DPDB meeting for the year 2017 was presided over by Deputy Commissioner & Vice Chairman of the DPDB, Sushil Kumar Patel. He extended New Year greetings to all the members.

The meeting chalked out detailed programme for the Independence Day celebration. The Vice Chairman also

distributed works for the successful celebration of the Day to various departments. The meeting also decided that Agri & Allied departments will organize exhibition where interested SHGs, NGOs will be invited.

Chief Medical Officer Mokokchung, Dr Akaba informed the members that the first phase of Intensive Pulse Polio immunization in Mokokchung district will commence from 29th January 2017 and sought cooperation from all the members. H said detail programme will be announced later.

6

friday 13•01•2017

IN FOCUS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

The Power of Truth

The Morung Express volume XII Issue 11

By Witoubou Newmai

Belief in an ethical society

I

t is either due to the lack of nuanced understanding of today’s Naga situation or the absence of a right conscience and genuine dissenting voices that today’s Naga case can be compared fittingly with the parable of 'The blind men and an elephant.' Each section or group in Naga society has been interpreting and campaigning for the Naga cause according to their convenience causing a desolate situation. This vividly denotes where the moral landscape of the society stands. The trend not only creates a great deal of anxiety among the people but has also caused disorientation and confusion.

An endeavour to throw positive light on today’s Naga affairs by any commentator is often a struggle to garner the required tone and material.

The vested interest approach will continue to explain our situation as long as we are unable to garner enough courage and willingness to ask, why? In other words, we are allowing our sorry state of affairs to be controlled by endlessly indulging in a blame-game amongst us, thereby creating a ‘scene of crisis.’

If a story on progressive measures by the Naga people arises, there is also ever ready elements intent on upending them. This distressing development of the everyday business of vested interest, hypocrisy and tribalism is fast draining out the energies and resources of the Naga society.

In fact, this farce had prompted Isak Chishi Swu to say, “The psychology of the Nagas needs to be rebuilt.” He also stressed that it is “meaningless to accumulate wealth and learning knowledge without correct orientation. We should be future-oriented or else we will perish”.

Haunted and hobbled by our own creations the Nagas are going through myriad socio-political changes. Our perception of our struggle for dignity is also gradually being altered because of this trend.

Lack of a culture of retrospection, investigation and debate is further aggravating the situation. The Naga society is struggling to inculcate these habits since there is a growing lack of common concern for truth, which, again, sprouts from the lack of genuineness.

However troubling the reality of the situation is, the Naga society cannot afford to continue this trend. The deviation from our primary responsibility, which is to speak the truth, has to be urgently recognized and addressed. A society which does not value certain universal ideals cannot see a clear notion about what a people’s movement requires, for, it is said, “character-building and nation-building go together”. To achieve this level, we need to believe in an ethical society as for a society where the moral landscape is too artificial and devastated, ethics become insignificant.

Of late, it has become quite vivid that a discussion such as this brings ‘collective monotony’. Even to think of investing efforts to understand it is ridiculed. However, one cannot help but to go on with this simple and tediously repetitive comment.

lEfT wiNg |

Kate Kelland Reuters

Study finds how stress raises heart disease and stroke risk

P

eople with heightened activity in the amygdala, an area of the brain linked to stress, may be at greater risk of heart disease and stroke, scientists said on January 12 in research that could lead to new ways to treat stress-related heart problems.

Publishing their work in The Lancet medical journal, the researchers said the stress signaled in the amygdala is also linked to increased bone marrow activity and to inflammation in the arteries, which can cause heart attack and stroke.

Exploring the links, the scientists said a plausible biological mechanism could be that the amygdala triggers the bone marrow to produce extra white blood cells, which then cause the arteries to develop plaques and become inflamed.

"Our results provide a unique insight into how stress may lead to cardiovascular disease," said Ahmed Tawakol of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School in the United States, who led the study.

"This raises the possibility that reducing stress could produce benefits that extend beyond an improved sense of psychological wellbeing."

Smoking, high blood pressure and diabetes are well- established risk factors for heart disease, and anecdotal evidence has pointed to chronic stress as another possible risk.

Studies in animals have previously found a link between stress and higher activity in bone marrow and arteries, but until now scientists were unsure if this was the case in people.

Other research has found the amygdala is more active in people with post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression. But before this study, none had found the region of the brain that links stress to heart attack and stroke risk.

In this research, scientists gave 293 patients brain and body scans to record their brain, bone marrow and spleen activity and inflammation of their arteries.

The patients were then tracked for an average of 3.7 years to see if they developed heart disease. In this time 22 patients had cardiovascular events - including heart attack, angina, heart failure, stroke and peripheral arterial disease.

The researchers found that those with higher amygdala activity were more likely to have subsequent cardiovascular disease, and more likely to develop problems sooner than those with lower activity.

Emily Reeve, a cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation charity, said the study's findings should lead to better understanding of how to prevent heart disease.

"The link between stress and increased risk of developing heart disease has previously focused on the lifestyle habits people take up when they feel stressed such as smoking, drinking...and overeating," she said.

"Exploring the brain's management of stress and discovering why it increases the risk of heart disease will allow us to develop new ways of managing chronic psychological stress."

C O M M E N T A R Y

Phil Wilmot

Ugandan railway workers continue resistance against the ‘iron snake’

T

he Uganda Railway Workers’ Union led a two-day strike last week, forcing managers from a multinational railway construction company back to the negotiating table, where they must confront grievances over compensation and worker treatment.

The dispute began in November, when Rift Valley Railways, or RVR, alleged that fuel was stolen by two Ugandan workers — locomotive driver Francis Bakutayo and police constable Peter Mutenyo. They were promptly barred from work, but after the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, or MGLSD, failed to find sufficient evidence against the employees, RVR agreed to reinstate them

by January 1.

When New Year’s Day passed and the employees still had not been welcomed back to work, the union decided to take action, albeit briefly.

“We ended the strike after the MGLSD began carrying out negotiations for us,” said Victor Byemaro, general secretary of the Uganda Railway Workers’ Union. “However, a collective bargaining agreement must be signed

by January 17. If [RVR] does not settle by then, labor will intervene.”

Like many unions, the Uganda Railway Workers’ Union often uses strikes to push for their demands. In comparison to other unions in East Africa, it has demonstrated firm solidarity even when a small number of its fellow workers are laid off unfairly.

In 2014, over 700 railway workers went on strike to protest the firing of three employees who did not receive proper compensation. Contracts were also violated in a similar fashion in 2012. In short, RVR has a reputation for disregarding written agreements with its employees.

“They dismiss union workers with contracts and then hire daily workers whose work ends the same day it begins,” said Byemaro. This is common practice among large foreign companies in East Africa. Since unemployment looms around 90 percent, they are able to exploit the labor of a desperate population on a day-to-day basis.

Worker grievances on the railroads were not born out of thin air. Long before the industry peaked, peoples of East Africa suffered its wrath, responding with resistance.

The iron snake and its remains The Kikuyu and Maasai tribes of Kenya are said to have once prophesied the coming of an “iron snake,” a vicious thing that would make haste across Kenya, wreaking havoc along the way.

Most agree this iron snake was the Uganda Railroad, built by the colonial administration from the late 19th cen-

trains coming from Kenya divert to the northern and western regions of Uganda.

In April, Tororo’s residents near the railway were being relocated due to the redevelopment of the old British colonial-era infrastructure. Worried of being displaced with no compensation — as is often the case when multinational companies grab land in Uganda — they voiced their concerns to the national media.

Recently, those relocated in Tororo received compensation and have built better homes than their previous residences. This was a rare victory of its kind in Uganda, where the facade of development is often used for land grabbing and natural resource theft.

tury onward. But as snakes often do, this one shed its skin and left it to rot.

“No trains have passed here in a long time,” said Jennifer Awor, a resident of the now ironically-named Railways Division neighborhood in Lira, in northern Uganda. “When it was still operational in the early 1990s, people would board it free of charge.”

Back then, Railways Division was a worker hub, with a spinning mill that employed thousands. But, in 2008, President Yoweri Museveni’s government sold it to a private investor who did not keep it running. The abandoned train station and industrial facilities now make Railways Division something akin to a ghost town.

Despite nearly half of the country’s railroad being defunct for decades, the past five years have witnessed a surge in interest to revitalize the industry.

One reason is the traffic congestion in Kampala, Uganda’s capital. As the population skyrockets and more vehicles clog the streets, hundreds are now using short-distance trains for their daily commute.

At the center of this railroad revival, however, is the question of whether the industry exists for the poor of East Africa or its foreign investors and otherwise wealthy and well-connected individuals.

Who really owns RVR? As is common with multinational corporations, little clarity on the organizational structure of RVR exists.

A nonfunctioning website, Chinese managers, investors from various continents and a slew of involved companies and financiers makes it nearly impossible to discern business relationships.

RVR is registered in both Uganda and Kenya, but has no headquarters in Uganda. In addition to the reinstate-

ment of its workers, the union is demanding RVR install a management team in Uganda with a clear structure and budget. The workers want the company to be autonomous, not under the hazy leadership of a distant head office.

“Their headquarters is in Nairobi, Kenya,” Byemaro said. “Managers in Uganda have no power to make decisions.”

Sexual harassment by managers, militarization of trains As news of the strike broke, focus shifted from the worker firings to charges of sexual harassment by managers toward female workers. Employee Agnes Namusisi claimed her pay was withheld for three months because she had refused to grant sexual favors to her boss.

Should such employee concerns go unaddressed, threatened Kampala Mayor Erias Lukwago, the Chinese company China Railway Seventh Group would face the possibility of being blacklisted by the city.

Byemaro, however, was less concerned with the sexual harassment charges, indicating that railroad industry companies have made some improvements.

“What we are concerned about is the militarization of the trains,” he said. “Armed private security personnel are sent on trains to prevent the theft of fuel. It is only by luck that no one has been injured, but shots have been fired.”

One such shot took place at a train facility this December in Kawolo.

“They may have been told in their training that our workers are their enemies,” said Byemaro. “They are not disciplined with their weapons.”

Another shot was fired in Tororo in October, an important junction where

The ‘Lunatic Express’ The history of Uganda’s railroad project, forced upon indigenous people without their consent, was fraught with hardship and devastation from the start.

Lions would pull workers out of trains and maul them to death — most notoriously in Tsavo, where at least 28 people were killed by just two lions in 1898. Diseases and anger from tribes residing on the land complicated matters all the more.

Following a 1895 abduction and probable rape of two Maasai girls, the nomadic Maasai, equipped with proud and skilled warriors, staged an attack on a caravan of railroad workers in Kedong Valley — then in the Uganda protectorate, but now considered a part of Kenya. Five hundred were killed (most of them Kikuyu), prompting Englishman Andrew Dick to fight back with his rifle before being killed by Maasai spears.

These kinds of stories inclined American author Charles Miller to dub the Uganda Railway the “Lunatic Express” in a 1971 book on the subject.

Although the iron snake has been largely dormant in recent years, its resurgence seems all the more likely. The bigger question is whether the railway will prove to be a benefit for all — as in the case of Tororo, home to a number of happily relocated residents and an improved transportation infrastructure — or just the privileged, wealthy few.

The railway workers, fresh off their recent victory, will no doubt be pushing for the former, and keeping strikes and similar sanctions close at hand.

Phil Wilmot is husband to Suzan Abong Wilmot. Together, they cofounded Solidarity Uganda with a group of Ugandan activists. The organization aims to train social change and environmental advocacy groups throughout Uganda in the skills, methods, and concepts of nonviolence.

Phil and Suzan reside in Lira, Uganda with their daughter Aceng Nadia.

From Look East to Act East: India’s Recognition of Asia as an Infrastructural Project

T

Iman mitra

wenty years after the launch of the Look East Policy in 1994, Narendra Modi, the newly elected prime minister of India, announces at the 2014 IndiaASEAN summit that there has been a shift in the approach of the policy, at least externally. The new phase in its life is being called ‘Act East’ which is supposed to usher in a new age of development, industrialization and trade in the country.

One may argue that this act of renaming – a shift from the calmness of envisioning to the virtuosity of enacting – is only a rhetorical ploy to divert people’s attention from the policy’s ineffectiveness in the last twenty years.

Others will say that it is in continuation with the neoliberal orientation of the first phase where the ‘ideological’ standings of India’s foreign policy were compromised to cater to demands of ‘national self-interest’, ultimately leading to protection of private interests and promotion of big capital and militarisation under the banner of pragmatic politics.

There is, however, another way to look at this shift, that is, in terms of India’s changing relationship with Asian power blocs and regional conglomerates like the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multisectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).

The picture becomes clear when we see how India has changed its assessment of ASEAN in the last two decades.

Since its inception in the 1960s, ASEAN was viewed as the USA’s stratagem to control Southeast Asia. With the dismantling of the Soviet Russia and end of Cold War, this negative assessment turned into a desperate attempt to gain confidence of the ASEAN countries in the early nineteen-nineties when the then Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao announced the Look East Policy and sent economic missions to Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and South Korea with the message that India was having its own perestroika of sorts.

Though the missions got warm reception, the trade relations did not improve to a satisfactory level. India in 2014 has been the ninth largest trading partner with ASEAN (67 billion US dollars of total trade) where as China is still its largest trading partner (366 billion US dollars of total trade in 2015).

One reason of this lacklustre growth is the poor physical infrastructure of connectivity between India and ASEAN countries.

The announcement of the Act East Policy at the ASEAN-India Summit of 2014 is therefore quite significant as both parties agree on the need for infrastructure development and increase of mobility and connectivity in this region.

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multisectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) was formed in 1997 with this sentiment in mind. In 2007, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) conducted a study titled the ‘BIMSTEC Transport Infrastruc-

ture and Logistics Study’ which was endorsed in a BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting in 2009.

A ‘Technical Assistance Consultant’s Report’ included in the study recommends upgrading all international roads on the BIMSTEC corridors to Asian Highway Class I by 2020, developing a coordinated regional road development programme, upgrading border link roads, connecting landlocked countries like Bhutan and Nepal with railways and solving the problem of restricted draught and limited navigation of large vessels in ports in the northern part of the Bay (Chittagong, Kolkata and Haldia) by constructing deep water ports.

Consequently, many projects are underway to overcome the bottlenecks in transport infrastructure with financial and technical support from ADB and the World Bank. Such projects include building of cross-border infrastructure between India and Thailand, construction of port-based SEZs in Myanmar, and planning of an India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway linking Moreh (India) with MaeSot (Thailand).

ADB appears as a selfless, benevolent funder to all regional blocs. However, the revamping of logistical infrastructure in South and Southeast Asia is crucial to its conceptualisation of a ‘seamless’ Asia as an integrated infrastructural project, which is effecting a curious politics of ‘regional’ development and logistical manoeuvring.

wRiTE-wiNg

During the Cold War, the regions like South Asia, Southeast Asia, or Central Asia played their respective roles as lackeys of the American or the Soviet camp, or, tried to remain unattached like India, but finally leaned on either of the two. In early nineteen-nineties, the same regional blocs transformed themselves into cogs of a huge infrastructural machine whose formation and sustenance is coterminous with increasing physical and virtual connectivity between the same regions.

This conception of the continent – breakable into regional conglomerates but also presentable as a seamless unity when needed – is impossible today without taking the question of infrastructure as its organising principle.

Similarly, infrastructure in this context is defined as a political entity whose blueprint is drawn in the interplay of global capital and local aspirations as reflected in the shift in national policies like the one from the Look East to the Act East. It is to be seen how this recognition will lead to changes in international relations in coming days, especially with formation of the Asian Infrastructural Bank (AIB) with China’s active support.

Iman Mitra is Postdoctoral Researcher, Centre for Studies in Social Sciences, Calcutta The article is an outcome of the research project titled ‘Social Mapping of Logistics, Infrastructure and India’s Look East Policy’ conducted by Mahanirban Calcutta Research Group (MCRG) in collaboration with Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung (RLS)

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

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

friday 13•01•2017

PERSPECTIVE

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

7

GUATEMALA: 20 years after peace accords people resist remilitarization of everyday life Jeff Abbott Waging Nonviolence

N

early every corner of Guatemala City tells the story of tragedy from 36 years of internal armed conflict that gripped the country from 19601996. The entrance to the Portalito Bar in the historic center, where Enersto “Ché” Guavera used to drink during his time in Guatemala, contains a plaque denoting the spot where student leader Oliverio Castañeda de Leon was assassinated by the Guatemalan military. Another plaque further up the street demarks where Myrna Mack, a Guatemalan anthropologist, was assassinated near San Sebastian Park. Eight years later, Archbishop Juan Gerardi was bludgeoned to death in the church that sits in front of the park.

These spots are reminders of the violence that fell upon Guatemala during the long dark days of the war. But these markers of historical memory have not stopped the oligarchy and military elite from trying to rewrite the history of the war.

December 29, 2016 marks the 20th anniversary of the signing of the peace accords that brought an end to the fighting. These 20 years are marked by historic revision, and the remilitarization of Guatemalan society. But a small group of activists organized under the umbrella group Sons and Daughters for Identity and Justice Against Oblivion and Silence, or HIJOS in the Spanish acronym, has sought to retain the historic memory, push back against the post-war militarization, and challenge the neoliberal project that has accelerated since the war.

“There was never a full recognition of what was done by the military [during the war] in the last 20 years,” said Francisco Sanchez, one of the founding members of HIJOS. “We began to question the discourse of reconciliation that [foreigners and non-governmental organizations] were trying to impose. We began to generate a space for people to rediscover their history, and to create our own agenda.”

He added, “At that time it cost us a lot to talk about what happened during the war. Many responded that we couldn’t talk about what was done during the war, and that ‘we have to continue constructing the peace.’ But today, 20 years after the end of the war, the topic is a much more active debate.”

Guatemala HIJOS is loosely connected with other HIJOS groups in Latin America. But despite carrying the same name, the groups are all autonomous.

The group emerged at an important time in Guatemalan history. The collective was founded two years after the signing of the peace accords.

At that time, reforms were suggested by the peace accords, and Archbishop Gerardi was assassinated after the

church published the report on historic clarification on the crimes committed during the war. The group also carried out its first actions following the publishing of the secret military diary that documented the campaign of forced disappearances, which still continues to inspire their quest for historic memory.

The group has taken various direct actions over the years, including blocking military parades, infiltrating military zones, as well as organizing forums to discuss the history. They especially have worked to share the recent history with the youth of the country, who rarely receive the whole story in school.

Linking the struggle against neoliberalism and militarism Their work has also included challenging of the neoliberal model that was imposed upon the country through the peace accords.

“Many look at us as an organization or a space that is only antimilitary,” Sanchez said. “But we also identify ourselves to be anti-imperialist as well. We have identified that behind the national security programs that have been implemented across Latin America is the United States, as well as the old oligarchies.

For us, the only time when Guatemala can advance as a society is when the military disappears.”

This has led them to connect with indigenous communities that are struggling against the dispossession of land by transnational companies.

According to Sanchez, the conflict became one of the greatest indigenous rebellions in the country’s history, and the response of the dictators and the state was the genocide against the indigenous peoples.

“The genocide was not the end, but rather the middle of the imposing of a model of capitalist accumulation based on exportation and the exploitation of natural resources,” he explained. “It is not coincidence

that after the peace accords, the state generated all the legislation that permitted the entrance of transnational companies that today generate great conflict.”

The group has also worked to bring awareness of the struggles of the rural indigenous communities to the urban centers.

“We are also trying join the struggles of indigenous communities,” Sanchez said. “The counterinsurgent plan has returned at a time when the indigenous communities are questioning the model of accumulation. Today there are more indigenous leaders imprisoned for defending their territory than members of the military imprisoned for the crimes they committed.”

The group has received numerous threats and attacks for their activism. In 2004, the group suffered from a series of attacks on their collective housing that stole musical and sound equipment, and computers. There have also been threats made against the lives of members.

These threats increased during the trial against former dictator Efrain Ríos Montt, who stood trial for the genocide against the indigenous Ixil people. HIJOS stood with the Ixiles in demanding that the former dictator be found guilty for the violence of the counterinsurgency.

In 2013, Ríos Montt was found guilty of genocide. But a week later the charge was overturned, and the Guatemalan congress declared, “there was no genocide.” HIJOS in response began painting “Si Hubo Genicido,” or “There was Genocide,” across Guatemala City.

HIJOS’ work today is especially important, as the Guatemala military has slowly creeped back into everyday life, and as former military officials have found their way back into government, and work for the transnational companies that are evicting the communities from their land.

The militarization of post-war Guatemala The 20 years since the signing of the peace accords have been marked by the steady increase in the presence of the Guatemalan military in the day-to-day life of citizens.

The accords were initially meant to limit the presence of the military in internal security, and strengthen the newly formed Guatemalan National Civilian Police. But due to the steady rise in violent crime, including homicides, gang violence and drug trafficking, it became all too common to see the military in the streets of Guatemala supporting the operations of the police.

“One of the incomplete processes of the peace accords is the reduction of the military, and its reformation into a democratic society,” Sanchez said. “On the contrary, military members continue to amass more and more power.”

In 2000, during the administration of Alonso Portillo, the Guatemalan congress signed Accord 40-2000, which permitted the Guatemalan military to support the police in operations against organized crime.

The military presence has since slowly expanded into other operations. Today the military is deployed in order to provide “security” in the city centers, markets, tourist centers, and on buses and in the bio-reserves, as part of the “Green Battalion.”

The largest expansion of military presence occurred during the administration of Otto Pérez Molina, a former colonel and member of Guatemala’s elite special forces, the Kabiles. As a candidate, Pérez Molina had campaigned on the return of full military aid from the United States to the Central American country. In fact, he was able to increase military aid by 40 percent, prior to the collapse of his administration in a massive corruption scandal in 2015.

The administration also oversaw the largest increase in attacks on hu-

man rights defenders since the signing of the peace accords. According to data from United for the Defense of Human Rights Defenders, there were 409 cases of attacks on human rights defenders in 2011. By 2014, that number hit a high of 813, and then dropped to 493 in 2015.

This period also saw one of the most significant increases of militarization in regions that are normally peaceful, such as the indigenous highlands, which had suffered at the hand of the Guatemalan military during the internal armed conflict.

These regions are the center of the social conflicts created by transnational companies interested in the exploitation of natural resources.

The election of Guatemala’s right-wing nationalist version of Donald Trump, Jimmy Morales, has done little to stem the expansion of the military’s presence across the country. In March 2016, Morales appeared on national television standing next to military leaders to announce the expansion of the “citizen security” program, which was implemented by the administration of Pérez Molina. The expansion will lead to a larger presence of the military across the country in order to respond to the rise in crime.

Morales utilized a campaign against corruption as a springboard to gain the presidential office. But the media turned to Morales’ relationship with the old guard of the Guatemalan military, specifically his connection to Edgar Justino Ovalle Maldonado — a former colonel who had served in special operations in Coban, where the remains of 568 indigenous victims were found in unmarked graves.

The then-frontrunner downplayed these relationships, assuring the media that all parties had some relationship with the armed forces.

Former soldiers have also found their way into private security firms.

This military presence has led to severely increased levels of violence in areas of social conflict.

On September 27, 2009, Adolfo Ich Chamán, a respected community leader from a small town near El Estor, Izabal, was shot and hacked to death by members of the security forces of the Guatemalan Nickel Company.

In 2012, Guatemalan police arrested Mynor Padilla, the company’s head of security, who was a former colonel in the Guatemalan military. His trial has slowly advanced, but has run into numerous delays and accusations of outside influence.

Direct action and reclaiming the day of the military HIJOS has taken direct actions to challenge the celebration of the military in the streets of Guatemala City. One such action is the yearly march to challenge the Day of the Military on June 30.

In the 11th march organized by

HIJOS Guatemala, hundreds of activists turned out in the historic center to march against the militarization of their country this year.

“We are commemorating our heroes and martyrs that fell during the war fighting for a better world,” said Roberto Landaverry, a historian and popular educator. “We are trying to counter the domination of memory and that today is the day of the military.

The Guatemalan military carried out the genocide, it is connected to narcotrafficking and organized crime, and it continues to violate human rights. We have nothing to celebrate today.”

In 2007, around 30 people associated with HIJOS invaded and blocked the yearly parade. According to Sanchez, this led to a national debate over the parade, and its eventual removal from the streets by the administration of Alvero Colom out of respect for the victims of the internal armed conflict. This decision was continued during the administration of Pérez Molina, in spite of the administration’s close relationship with the armed forces.

The decision to remove the military parade from the streets followed years of organizing by HIJOS. During its campaign, the group collected thousands of signatures from citizens.

In 2016, Guatemalan social media erupted in outrage towards the end of June, following President Jimmy Morales’ announcement that after the seven-year hiatus, the controversial military parade would be held in Guatemala City on July 3.

A poll by the national newspaper, Prensa Libre, found that 64 percent of the population opposed the return of the military parade.

Following the massive outcry from citizens on social media and in the streets, the administration was forced to announce that it would hold the military celebration within military facilities in the capital, and not on the city streets.

In spite of this victory, Sanchez admits it is difficult to gauge the impact of the collective.

“We do not know our direct impact, to be honest,” Sanchez said.

“But when we pass out fliers or have festivals, many people come to us and share their stories or say that they too had family members who were disappeared. Our actions in the streets show those who do not speak that they are not alone.”

He added, “15 years ago people were afraid to speak, but today people are beginning to speak more. We are trying to reclaim public spaces. We are trying to say that we will not forget.”

Jeff Abbott is an independent journalist currently based out of Guatemala. He has covered human rights, social moments and issues related to education, immigration and land in the United States, Mexico and Guatemala.

His work has appeared at Truthout, Upside Down World, and North American Congress on Latin America.

Is Desalination the Answer to a Thirsty Planet?

Even Kuross

G

Fair Observer

lobally, over 300 million people rely on desalinated water for some or all of their water needs.

There is perhaps no place more fitting for innovation in desalination and water treatment technology than Israel. From the modern state’s founding until today, its culture has in many ways been defined by its constant struggle for survival.

Beyond hostile neighbors, Israel has also had to contend with another form of hostility: its climate. A recent seven-year drought brought water scarcity into sharp focus and saw the heavy employment of various forms of water treatment as a source of relief.

In total, desalination supplies 35% of Israel’s drinking water, a figure that is projected to reach 70% by 2050, according to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz. One plant alone, the Sorek Desalination Plant, supplies around 20% of Israel’s municipal water demands by treating saltwater from the nearby Mediterranean.

In general, desalination refers to the process of removing saline, or salt, and minerals from seawater or brackish water in order to turn it into fresh water safe for human consumption. It should not come as a surprise to learn that the waterscarce Middle East as a whole accounts for 60% of the world’s desalinated water. Average rainfall in the region is paltry compared with local water needs, and regional governments have long been forced to look for alternative sources of water, desalination chief among them.

Saudi Arabia, the Middle East’s largest economy, is also the biggest producer of desalinated water in the

world, and its neighbors, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait and Qatar, are not far behind. As in the Middle East, the prominence of desalination as a source of freshwater is steadily gaining traction around the world, especially as continued climate change leads to irregular shifts in weather patterns and, in turn, drought.

California’s recent drought has brought Israeli methods into the spotlight as IDE Technologies, an Israeli firm, and its local partners recently completed the Carlsbad desalination plant in San Diego. The plant is now the largest desalination plant in the Western hemisphere and is expected to provide freshwater to 300,000 people in Southern California. This comes at a time when California, among other hardpressed regions, is facing major water shortages. With the inauguration of the Carlsbad Plant, hopes have been raised that the future of fresh water may not only come from above but also from the sea.

LIQUID RENAISSANCE As the human population continues to grow, the volume of accessible potable water continues to decline. The simple fact is that the global supply of freshwater is being depleted at a higher rate than it is replenished, something which is especially true in certain regions.

This is caused by a number of factors: climate change, shifts in precipitation, an overall increase in population and attendant demands for foodstuffs, mismanagement of water systems, a growth in waterintensive industrial production, and contamination via pollution. Today, roughly 70% of all freshwater is used for agricultural purposes. That figure is expected to continue to ex-

pand along with concurrent growth in the global population, which is expected to hit 9 billion by 2050, putting acute pressure on existing potable water supplies.

Today, the desalination industry is undergoing somewhat of a renaissance as demand for its technologies balloons across the globe. According to the International Desalination Association (IDA), over 300 million people globally are reliant upon desalinated water for some or all of their water needs and that figure is expected to rise in coming years. To meet such growth in demand, capacity is being expanded rapidly.

The World Economic Forum, in its annual Global Risks report, lists water crises as the number one global risk in terms of overall impact on the world. One of the reasons for such liquid doom is that roughly 700 million people around the world currently lack adequate access to clean water, while by 2025 approximately 1.8 billion people will be living in areas with water scarcity.

This is troubling news as the United Nations (UN) predicts global water demand to increase by 55% by 2050 placing added pressure on existing reserves.

Given the parallel growth in water-related threats with an overall increase in demand, what role is there for desalination? From first glance, desalination seems like a natural solution to the world’s water woes given seawater accounts for 97,5% of all water on planet earth. Of that remaining 2,5% of freshwater, slightly over two-thirds is trapped in glaciers and polar ice caps, leaving a paltry 30.1% of the world’s freshwater left for human consumption.

So why not borrow from the ocean?

There is certainly enough seawater to go around.

This line of thought has certainly struck a chord with industrialists and state leaders around the world as desalination has grown steadily in the second half of the 20th century. Furthermore, desalinated water is used for more than simply human consumption— something which accounts for roughly 60% of global desalinated water usage—but also nearly one-third is used for industrial purposes, while the remainder is used in agriculture and other miscellaneous purposes.

PAYING THE PRICE One of the great ironies around

desalination is that due to the fact that it is a highly power-intensive industry, a large volume of fresh water is required as coolant. This in turn creates a pernicious cycle whereby water, often the desalinated water itself, is used for cooling purposes. Of the two most common methods of desalination, thermal distillation and reverse osmosis (RO), the latter is by far the more consumptive of the two.

Another issue is that desalination technology is expensive. In poorer regions, more often than not those most at risk, the price may make it prohibitive while in other areas of the world the simple fact that standard sources of water are far cheaper makes desalination either unnecessary or superfluous.

However, as water becomes more scarce, prices will be driven upward, making desalination an attractive alternative to governments while at the same time potentially making desalinated freshwater prohibitively expensive for the world’s poorest.

There is also the environment to think of. When seawater is desalinated, the removed salt is often returned to the ocean which in turn affects salinity levels in and around the run-off location. In addition, there are obvious concerns related to how desalination affects sea life in areas where seawater is sourced or salt returned. As desalination grows in popularity, the health of local marine life populations may come under duress if preventative actions are not taken into account.

In the end, the lure of desalination as an immediate source of freshwater is too great to ignore, especially in areas where droughts remain a constant threat. Furthermore, as desalination grows in popularity, relative implementation

costs should fall as new technological improvements drives efficiency.

However, broader concerns related to climate change and other drivers of freshwater depletion remain unaccounted for.

The fact that the world’s supply of freshwater is diminishing should be cause for alarm. However, as the planet continues to warm, the volume of groundwater shrinks and the threat of regional desertification increases, more attention needs to be given to preventing such events from happening and less should be focused on adapting to uncomfortable realities.

Desalination, water treatment and other technologically-driven solutions are important tools when it comes to taming increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, especially in arid regions, but they should not be relied upon as panaceas to what really ails the planet, namely climate change twinned with rapid population growth.

To suggest that these measures are enough to turn back centuries of industrialization is naïve.

It would be akin to suggesting immediate surgery to alleviate pain as opposed to making lifestyle choices that are sustainable in the long term. And that is what is needed—comprehensive policy-backed measures, such as simple water management or price disincentives when thresholds of water usage are surpassed, to combat climate change, not short-term quick fixes which will only delay further degradation of the planet.

This article is reproduced with the permission of Fair Observer. The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Fair Observer’s editorial policy.

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

8

friDAY 13•01•2017

INDIA

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Days turn cold, nights colder across north India

New Delhi, JaNuary 12 (iaNS): Just as most of us were tempted to believe that the winter won't be that cold this time round, a sudden change in weather conditions across north India has sent a chill down the spine.

Of all the cities experiencing the cold bite, Leh in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir remained frozen at minus 17.7ºC overnight, while the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir shivered at minus 5ºC on Thursday.

Manali, Lahaul-Spiti district in Himachal Predesh, Narnaul in Haryana, Churu and Mount Abu in Rajasthan, Nainital Mussoorie and Haridwar in Uttarakhand were some of the other cities across the country that saw sub-zero temperatures.

"Leh town recorded the coldest night of the season at minus 17.7ºC and Kargil town with minus 15.6ºC today (Thursday)," said the weatherman, adding that night temperatures could drop further due to clear night sky.

"It's so cold here … I type out 'water' and it becomes 'ice'," wrote a man jocularly in Whatsapp from Leh. Although it was supposed to be a joke, it did give an idea about the kind of cold people are braving out in the region.

Cold weather: Delhi schools extends winter break New Delhi, JaNuary 12 (PTi): With the mercury dipping to a low of 2ºC, Delhi government has directed the schools run by it to extend their winter break till January 19 in wake of the chilly weather in the national capital and private schools to take action as per their assessment.

The schools run by NDMC, MCD and Delhi Cantonnment Board have been asked to take their own call. While some private schools like Alcohon International are extending their winter break, some of them like DPS RK Puram which have already reopened are suspending primary classes.

Sardar Patel Vidyalaya and Springdales Pusa Road are not making any alterations.

"In view of the prevailing cold conditions and weather forecast by meteorological department that the temperature in the capital will dip further in the coming days, it has been decided to extend the winter break for primary classes (Classes KG to V) from January 16All the water bodies in the Valley have frozen over and fisherman and boatmen are finding it difficult to negotiate their passage through the frozen lakes.

In Himachal Pradesh, Keylong in Lahaul-Spiti district was the coldest place in the state, with the night temperature at minus 14.9ºC. While Manali recorded a low of minus 7.2ºC, Kalpa had it at minus 8ºC. What came as a pleasant surprise, though, was formation of Icicles in parts of the capital city of Shimla, which has been experienc-

ing below sub-zero minimum temperature for the last 6 days.

Old-timers said icicles, a common feature until 1980s, have brought alive memories for them. Those are conjuring up a delightful spectacle for tourists, too.

"It's a wonderful to see the icicles everywhere after a long time," octogenarian Balbir Jaswal, who lives in Jakhu hills, the highest point of the town, told IANS. A n o t h e r re s i d e nt Neelam Sharma said that in some areas, the icicles were as long as five feet.

"This time the size of icicles is quite big, indicating a return of harsh winters."

The minimum temperature in Shimla, which received more than 83 cm of snowfall over the weekend, was minus 0.6ºC, up from Wednesday's minus 3.2º.

"More rain and snow is expected this weekend," Manmohan Singh, Director of the Meteorological Office in Shimla, told IANS The temperatures at Munsiari, Nainital, Mussourie and Haridwar in Uttarakhand also dipped below zero degree Celsius following heavy snowfall

in many regions including Badrinath, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Yamunotri, Rudraprayag, Tihri, Pauri and Chamoli.

Temperature in Mussoorie was recorded at 0.5ºC, Nainital minus 1.5, Haridwar minus 0.1, Pithoragarh 1.2, Roorkie 3.2 and Rishikesh 4.0.

In Haryana, Narnaul was the coldest place in the region, with the minimum temperature slipping below the freezing point on Thursday.

"Most of the places in Punjab and Haryana experienced a piercing cold, re-

cording sub-zero temperatures, affecting normal life," a weather official said here.

Amritsar was the coldest city in Punjab with a low of 0.8ºC, and dense fog prevailed in Punjab, with visibility reduced to less than 50 metres at various places in the morning.

In Ludhiana and Patiala, the minimum temperatures were recorded at 1.7 and 3.2ºC, respectively.

Chilly winds continued to blow across Rajasthan, with the minimum temperature dropping to minus 1.9ºC in Churu.

Mount Abu, the only

19 in all government and government aided schools," a circular issued by the Directorate of Education (DoE) said.

"Private schools and education departments of NDMC, MCD and Delhi Cantonment Board can take requisite action in this regard, as per their own assessment," the circular added. DOE has also directed the schools to allow full sleeves or full legged clothing even other than school uniform.

"The schools are directed to ensure that all the students come to school in full sleeves woollen clothes (long socks, stockings, shoes, gloves, caps and scarf) to protect them from the adverse cold conditions. Students may also be allowed full sleeves/full legged clothing even other than school uniform," the circular said.

Delhi today recorded season's coldest day so far as it reeled under a severe cold wave with icy winds sweeping across the city and the mercury dipping to a low of 2ºC.

hill station in the desert state, was shivering at minus 2 degrees celsius, Sri Ganganagar at minus 1.1 and Dabok at 2.5ºC were quite chilly.

The cold wave conditions have, however, come as a boon for the sellers of tea, eggs and groundnut, who are witnessing a huge increase in their earnings, thanks to the cold weather.

The national capital continued to be in the grip of a cold wave on Thursday as the mercury dipped to two degrees Celsius at various places. Keeping up with its falling trend for the

fifth consecutive day, Delhi experienced the coldest morning this season. The weather office also said that the cold wave like situation would continue in Delhi at least until Sunday and the minimum and maximum temperatures may increase after January 15.

So, one shouldn't wonder if cold-bitten people decide to tweak the Shakespeare's poem a little to read "Don't blow thou winter wind, thou are so unkind..." from "Blow, blow thou winter wind; Thou art not so unkind, as man's ingratitude".

PMO seeks report from EC censures Sakshi Maharaj for'40 kids' remarks 413,457 'accidental' New Delhi, JaNuary 12 of religion made during election- preme Court decision...and exMHA on BSF jawan's (PTi): deaths in India in 2015 The Election Commission eering or otherwise is violative of pects that you, being a reputed today "censured" BJP MP Sakshi MCC". The Model Code of Con- political leader/MP, shall be more New Delhi, JaNuary 12 between 18 and 45 years. This group complaint on food Maharaj for his controversial re- duct (MCC) came into force on circumspect in your public utter- (iaNS): A total of 413,457 people accounted for 59.7 per cent of all un-

New Delhi, JaNuary 12 (PTi): The Prime Minister's Office Thursday sought a report from the Home Ministry on the complaint by a BSF jawan that poor quality food was being served to security personnel posted along the border, which has triggered a row.

Following the PMO's intervention, the Home Ministry will soon submit a detailed factual report on the incident and the action taken on it.

"We have to give reports to all concerned," a senior Home Ministry official said when asked about the PMO's request.

The Home Ministry's report to the PMO is expected to be on the allegations made by BSF jawan Tej Bahadur Yadav in a video that was uploaded on social networking sites.

The jawan, wearing camouflage uniform and carrying a rifle, claimed that while government procures essentials for them, the higher-ups and officers "sell it off" in an "illegal" manner in the market and the personnel have to suffer.

He also posted other videos in which he claimed that the quality of food served was not good.

The BSF has maintained that there was no shortage of ration and security personnel deployed along the border never complained about food.

The border guarding force also came out with fresh guidelines for maintaining high quality of food for its personnel.

Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said the government is taking all such incidents seriously and corrective steps are being taken to improve the working conditions of the personnel and their food.

"The report to PMO will incorporate all such details," the official said.

marks indirectly blaming Muslims for the population growth and warned that it would take stern action against him using all powers available to it if he violates the model code again.

The poll watchdog said it did not find the MP's reply satisfactory, "because in the Commission's considered view, supported by observations of the Supreme Court, any statement to the effect of promoting enmity between different classes of society in connection with election on the grounds

January 4 when the Commission announced schedule for Assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Manipur and Goa. Standing by his remarks, Sakshi Maharaj had told the Commission that the statement was not made in a public or an election meeting but at a saints' conclave and hence could not be considered violative of the model code.

"Now, therefore, the Election Commission hereby, censures you for violating...MCC and Su-

Stomach ulcer detection made easy with puff of air KolKaTa, JaNuary 12 (iaNS): A puff of air can now help in the early diagnosis of stomach ulcers, a researcher said here on Thursday, highlighting that the non-invasive technique could be a boon to run tests on infants and the elderly. Manik Pradhan of S.N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences said peptic ulcer disease and non-ulcerous dyspepsia can be detected through an analysis of the breath of the suspected patient.

"We have designed a method to diagnose peptic ulcer disease and non ulcerous dyspepsia without going for painful endoscopy or biopsy. The patient has to just breath on the detector. It is based on laser spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The technique is targeted towards early detection and also follow-ups after treatment," Pradhan told IANS. The work was highlighted at the recently-concluded 104th Indian Science Congress. Explaining the basis of the test, Pradhan said the human breath

270 days after Bihar liquor ban, major crimes up 13 per cent Devanik Saha IndiaSpend and IANS

During a recent visit to Bihar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for his alcohol ban policy. He said: "I greet Nitish Kumar from the core of my heart for launching a campaign against liquor. But, this work (prohibition) would not be a grand success only by efforts of Nitish Kumar or one party. All the political parties, social organisations and citizens have to participate in it to make it a ‘jan-jan ka andolan‘ (peoples movement)."

In April 2016, Nitish Kumar announced a ban on the sale and consumption of liquor in the state. The ban was one of his key poll promises made to women voters-who rallied behind him strongly, as a Mint report indicated during the 2015 assembly elections.

Thirty days after the ban, Nitish Kumar claimed that the crime was down 27 per cent, according to his analysis of crime data from April 2016 and April 2015.

Nine months -- or 270 days -- into the ban, an IndiaSpend analysis of Bihar Police crime data, reveals that cognizable crime -- which the police can investigate without a magistrate's order -- rose 13 per cent between April and October 2016, from 14,279 in April to 16,153 in October (the latest available data).

ances during election time.

"You may also take a note that in case of any violation of MCC in future, the Commission shall take stern actions against you, using all powers available to it," the order said.

At a 'sant sammelan' in Meerut last week, Sakshi Maharaj had said there are problems in the country because of the growth of population. "Hindus are not responsible for that. Those responsible are the ones who talk of four wives and 40 children."

In other words, the liquor ban does not correlate with a drop in crime, a primary reason for the new law, which came into being despite the Patna High Court holding it violative of the constitution because it denied citizens their right to privacy under Article 21.

Conviction of criminals in Bihar had declined 68 per cent, from 14,311 in 2010 to 4,513 in 2015, and cognizable crimes rose 42 per cent over the same period, IndiaSpend reported in May 2016.

Every major crime -- murder, rape, kidnapping, rioting -- increased in the months following the liquor ban.

Bihar has a lower crime rate than more prosperous states with fewer people, such as Gujarat, Kerala, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, mainly due to under-reporting, IndiaSpend reported in May 2016.

The Patna High Court had quashed the alcohol ban in September 2016, terming the Bihar Excise (Amendment) Act 2016, "illegal". Within two days of the high court order, the Bihar government notified a new law, the Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act, 2016, ensuring that the ban on sale and consumption of alcohol, including Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and "spiced" and domestic liquor, continued in the state, even though the high court said a ban was "ultra vires of the constitution".

(the puff of air exhaled) contains around 3,000 to 4,000 molecules and some of them act as indicators (biomarkers) for certain diseases.

"Some of these molecules and their isotopic species are closely associated with a particular disease or metabolic disorders in humans. Under disease conditions, these molecules undergo transformation and their concentrations also undergo change.

We were able to analyse these changes for peptic ulcer," Pradhan said. He said molecular hydrogen in human breath opens up a new frontier for selectively diagnosing peptic ulcer disease, non-ulcerous dyspepsia and helicobacter pylori infection.

"It has an accuracy of 95% and is particularly useful for children and the elderly. The test can be repeated as many times as required without the fear of cross infection," he said. A patent in India has been filed for the device and the researchers are now working towards integrating it with mobile phones.

were victims of natural and unnatural "accidental deaths" in the country in 2015, according to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).

Deaths due to forces of nature have been termed as "natural accidental deaths" while deaths blamed on deliberate or negligent conduct of humans is termed in official records as "unnatural accidental deaths".

According to the NCRB compilation of "Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India 2015", the 413,457 deaths in this category in 2015 amounted to 47 deaths every hour.

This was a decline of 8.5% from the 2014 figure of 451,757 accidental deaths.

The number of accidental deaths due to causes attributable to forces of nature -- lightning, heat/sun stroke, exposure to cold, flood, landslides, avalanche, epidemic, torrential rains and forest fire -- have crashed by 48%.

And deaths by unnatural causes including traffic accidents, drowning, accidental fire, electrocution, air crash, stampede, mines disaster, deaths during pregnancy, killed by animals, illicit liquor, snake bites and food poisoning decreased by 6.6% in 2015 over 2014.

Of the 413,457 accidental deaths, 10,510 (2.5%) were due to natural causes, 336,051 (81.3%) due to unnatural causes and 66,896 (16.2%) due to other causes, it said.

The age group of most victims was

natural deaths in 2015.

Females and males constituted 20.6% and 79.4% respectively of the victims. Every one of nine victims who suffered accidental deaths were children -- below 18 years of age.

A total of 37,081 senior citizens (60 years and above) also got killed in various accidents in 2015.

Maharashtra reported the highest number of 64,566 accidental deaths or nearly 15.6% of the total followed

by Madhya Pradesh (40,629), Uttar Pradesh (36,982), Tamil Nadu (33,665) and Gujarat (28,468).

The highest rate of accidental deaths took place in Chhattisgarh (75.1%) followed by Puducherry (73.4), Maharashtra (54.2), Madhya Pradesh (52.7), Haryana (48.8) and Tamil Nadu (48.7).

A total of 1,624 incidents of consumption of illicit spurious liquor caused 1,522 deaths in 2015. Most of these deaths were reported in Maharashtra (278) followed by Puducherry (149), Madhya Pradesh (246), Chhattisgarh (140), Uttar Pradesh (125) and Haryana (115).

At least 58 cases of accidental fire in trains were reported during 2015 which caused 59 deaths in the country.

A total of 69,372 accidental deaths were reported in 53 mega cities. Mumbai reported the maximum number (8,286 or 11.9%) followed by Delhi (5,930), Pune (4,665), Chennai (3,952) and Bengaluru (3,733).

SC rejects plea for judgement on Jallikattu New Delhi, JaNuary 12 (PTi): The Supreme Court today rejected a plea urging it to pass judgement on bull taming sport Jallikattu before the harvest festival of Pongal on Saturday.

A bench comprising justices Dipak Misra and R Banumathi told a group of lawyers, who requested for the verdict, that it is unfair to ask the bench to pass an order.

The apex court, however, said that the draft of judgement has been prepared but it was not possible to deliver it before Saturday when Jallikattu is to be organised.

The court had reserved its verdict on a batch of petitions challenging Centre's notification allowing the sport.

The court had earlier questioned the Centre for its January 2016 notification allowing use of bulls in events like Jallikattu, saying that its 2014 verdict banning the use of the animals cannot be "negated".

REUTERS Image

Supporting the tradition, the Centre has said that it could ensure that bulls are not tortured or subjected to alcohol before the sport.

Earlier, the apex court had observed that the country cannot "import Roman gladiator-type sport" as it is against the

culture of compassion towards animals.

The court in its 2014 judgement had said that bulls could not be used as performing animals, either for Jallikattu events or bullock-cart races in the states of Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra or elsewhere in the country, and had banned their use

across the country.

The apex court had also dismissed the review petition against its 2014 verdict.

The apex court had also earlier declared Tamil Nadu Regulation of Jallikattu Act, 2009 as constitutionally void, being violative or Article 254(1) of the Constitution.

On January 8, last year the Centre had issued a notification lifting ban on Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu with certain restrictions, which was challenged in the apex court by Animal Welfare Board of India, People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, a Bangalore-based NGO and others.

On July 26, last year the apex court had said that just because the bull-taming sport of Jallikattu was a centuries-old tradition, it could not be justified.

It had said if the parties were able to convince the court that its earlier judgement was wrong, it might refer the matter to a larger bench.

The Supreme Court had on January 21, last year refused to re-examine its 2014 judgement banning use of bulls for Jallikattu events or bullock-cart races across the country.

The apex court had also stayed the January 8 notification of Centre.

fridAY 13•01•2017

WORLD

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

9

Trump accuses US spy agencies of Nazi Chinese aircraft carrier leaves Taiwan Strait practices over the ‘phony’ Russia dossier NEW YORK, JaNuaRY 12 (REutERs): President-elect Donald Trump escalated a fight with U.S. spy agencies on Wednesday, just nine days before he takes over their command as president, and accused them of practices reminiscent of Nazi Germany.

The Republican said leaks from the intelligence community led to some U.S. media outlets reporting unsubstantiated claims that he was caught in a compromising position in Russia.

“I think it was disgraceful, disgraceful that the intelligence agencies allowed any information that turned out to be so false and fake out. I think it’s a disgrace, and I say that ... that’s something that Nazi Germany would have done and did do,” Trump told a news conference in New York.

Trump acknowledged for the first time that Russia likely hacked the Democratic National Committee and the emails of top Democrats during the 2016 presidential election. “I think it was Russia,” he said, pointing out that other countries were also hacking the United States.

Trump’s comments about spy agencies such as the CIA are likely to intensify tensions between the intelligence community and the president-elect, who initially disparaged its conclusion that a Russian hacking campaign was aimed at boosting his candidacy against Democrat Hillary Clinton.

Trump, who takes office on Jan. 20, called a dossier that makes salacious claims about him in Russia “fake news” and “phony stuff.”

U.S. Director of National Intelligence James Clapper said he spoke with Trump on Wednesday eve-

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump speaks during a news conference in the lobby of Trump Tower in Manhattan, New York City, U.S., January 11, 2017. REUTERS

ning and told the presidentelect he did not believe the media leaks came from the intelligence community.

“I expressed my profound dismay at the leaks that have been appearing in the press, and we both agreed that they are extremely corrosive and damaging to our national security,” Clapper said in a statement.

He defended including the dossier in the intelligence report Trump received on Friday, saying “part of our obligation is to ensure that policymakers are provided with the fullest possible picture of any matters that might affect national security.”

Clapper said he emphasized to Trump that the dossier was not produced by the U.S. intelligence community and intelligence officials have not judged whether the information is reliable.

MEMO AND REPORTS Two U.S. officials said the allegations about Trump, which one called “unsubstantiated,” were contained in a two-page

memo appended to a report on Russian interference in the 2016 election that was presented last week to Trump and to President Barack Obama.

Trump said, without offering evidence, that the news he had been briefed on the memo “was released by maybe the (U.S.) intelligence agencies. Who knows? But maybe the intelligence agencies which would be a tremendous blot on their record if they in fact did that.”

CNN reported on Tuesday about the existence of the memo. BuzzFeed published a fuller 35-page document produced by Christopher Steele, a former British foreign intelligence official, that outlined the allegations of compromising behavior by Trump and alleged links between him and people in Russia.

The claims were included in opposition research reports that were made available to Democrats and U.S. officials last year.

One U.S. official said investigators had so far been unable to confirm material about Trump’s financial

and personal entanglements with Russian businessmen and others whom U.S. intelligence analysts have concluded are Russian intelligence officers or working on behalf of Russian intelligence.

Some material in Steele’s reports has proved to be erroneous, the U.S. official said.

In the news conference, Trump declined to answer whether anyone connected to him or the campaign had contact with Moscow during the presidential campaign, and said he had no loans or business deals with Russia.

He defended his goal of better ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin. “If Putin likes Donald Trump, I consider that an asset, not a liability,” he said.

The New York real estate developer complained about leaks from meetings he has with intelligence agencies and suggested they were to blame.

“I have many meetings with intelligence. And every time I meet, people are reading about it. Somebody’s leaking it out,” he said.

PROTESTS, CHEERS The long-awaited news conference was a freewheeling affair, with Trump aides cheering from the sidelines at one point and the presidentelect angrily refusing to take questions from a CNN reporter.

Outside, about a dozen protesters gathered behind a police barricade across the street from Trump Tower, holding signs with the slogans “Dump Trump” and “Allegiance To America Not Russia” as Fifth Avenue traffic streamed by.

It was Trump’s first news conference in about six months and about 250 reporters jammed into the lobby at his Manhattan offices.

Questions extended to many issues that will face him when he takes office.

He vowed to soon begin negotiations with Mexico on building a border wall and said he will nominate a Supreme Court justice to fill the seat left by the death of conservative Antonin Scalia within two weeks of taking office.

He also said he would offer a plan to repeal and replace Obama’s signature health care law once his choice for health and human services, Tom Price, is confirmed by the Senate.

Trump gestured to large stacks of manila folders as he described how he will separate himself from his global business operations, which includes hotels and golf courses as well as assets like a winery and modeling agency, to avoid conflicts of interest once he takes office.

He also talked about how he plans to bring manufacturing jobs back from overseas plants, slamming drug companies for “getting away with murder” on pricing.

BEIJING, JaNuaRY 12 (REutERs): China’s sole aircraft carrier sailed out of the Taiwan Strait on Thursday morning, a day after Taiwan scrambled fighter jets and navy ships to shadow the carrier group through the narrow waterway separating China from the self-ruled island.

China’s Soviet-built Liaoning aircraft carrier, returning from exercises in the disputed South China Sea, had “meticulously operated” during the navigation of the Strait, China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy spokesman Liang Yang said.

Taiwan said the carrier group did not pose a threat.

The Taiwan Straits passage and naval drills comes at a time of heightened tension between the two sides, due to Beijing’s

suspicion that Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen wants formal independence from China.

Taiwan had said the Chinese ships did not enter its territorial waters but did sail into its air defence identification zone.

China has claimed sovereignty over Taiwan since 1949 when Mao Zedong’s Communists drove Chiang Kai-shek’s defeated Nationalists to the island.

Tensions between the two sides have played out in the strait several times since then, including when China conducted military exercises there in 1995 and 1996, prompting the United States to send warships to the waterway.

The Liaoning carrier group, “visiting the South China Sea to conduct crossmaritime region drills and

tests, has passed through the Taiwan Strait and continues with its further duties,” Liang said in a short statement on the Defense Ministry’s website.

China has said the Liaoning was on an exercise to test weapons and equipment in the South China Sea and that its movements complied with international law.

The latest Chinese exercises have unnerved Beijing’s neighbours given the long-running territorial disputes in the South China Sea. China claims most of the energy-rich waters of the South China Sea, through which about $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year. Neighbours Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims.

Former UN chief Ban “perplexed and embarrassed” over relatives’ bribery sEOuL, JaNuaRY 12 (REutERs): Former United Nations chief Ban Kimoon, who is expected to run for president of South Korea, said he was “perplexed and embarrassed” over bribery accusations brought by U.S. prosecutors this week against his brother and nephew.

Ban’s younger brother Ban Ki-sang and his nephew Joo Hyun Bahn were accused in a Manhattan federal court on Tuesday of a scheme to bribe a Middle Eastern official for an attempted $800 million sale of a building complex in Vietnam.

“I am perplexed and embarrassed that close members of my family have become involved in something like this. I feel it is regrettable the situation has troubled many,” Ban told Korean reporters at John F. Kennedy International Airport on Wednesday ahead of his departure for South Korea. “I had absolutely no knowledge. My nephew is grown and I barely had any involvement in his life or how he does business,” he said in remarks broadcast on South Korean TV. Ban, who was accompanied by his wife Yoo Soon-taek as well as an aide and security staff, according to Yonhap News Agency, said his heart “felt like bursting” with excitement at the thought of returning to South Korea. His Asiana Airlines flight will land at around 0800 GMT on Thursday.

A former foreign minister, Ban has not

declared his intention to enter the race to succeed President Park Geun-hye, who was impeached by parliament in December over an influence-peddling scandal.

Park could become South Korea’s first democratically elected leader to leave office in disgrace if the Constitutional Court upholds that vote. Controversy around the building deal linked to Ban’s relatives had been reported previously in South Korean media and Ban made similar remarks regarding the case in 2015.

In September, a Seoul district court ordered Ban’s nephew to pay civil damages of about $590,000 to builder Keangnam Enterprises. The court said the nephew had fraudulently led Keangnam to believe that the Qatar Investment Authority was close to buying the Vietnam skyscraper.

In emails cited in the U.S. indictment, Ban’s nephew is shown to be using the family name in an attempt to secure the deal, and expressed concern that negative media coverage if it fell through would be bad for the family given its prominence.

Ban Ki-moon was not mentioned in the indictment. His nephew Bahn, a 38-year-old South Korean national living in New Jersey, pleaded not guilty during a Tuesday court hearing. His father was not arrested and could not be reached immediately for comment.

10

friDAY 13•01•2017

SPORTS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

West Ham won't sell Payet Timberwolves halt red-hot rockets' NbA win streak despite his desire to leave London, JAnuAry 12 (reuters): Manager Slaven Bilic has said that West Ham United will not sell Dimitri Payet despite the influential midfielder informing the Premier League club he does not wish to play for them anymore.

Payet, who is reportedly refusing to train with the squad, was made the club's best-paid player when he signed a five-year contract in February, earning 125,000 pounds ($153,000) a week, according to British media reports.

"Let's get serious. I have a situation with a player. It is Dimitri Payet.

He wants to leave. We are not going to sell him," Bilic told reporters on Thursday.

Payet made a strong start to his West Ham career last season as he scored nine Premier League goals and claimed 13 assists to propel the club to seventh place, their highest top-flight finish since 2002.

The France international, however, has struggled to rediscover his best league form this season, having scored just twice in 20 league games so far. West Ham sit 13th in the table, seven points above the relegation zone.

"It started 10 days ago when the window started. I spoke to the club. I spoke to the chairmen. It's not a money issue. We gave him a new contract.

I don't think he will go this window but it will be hard to keep him happy," Bilic added.

"This team, the staff, we gave him everything, we were always there for him. I feel let down. I feel angry.

I expect from him to come back and to show commitment and determination to the team like the team has shown to him."

West Ham host 17th-placed Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Los AngeLes, JAnuAry 12 (AFP): Andrew Wiggins scored a team high 28 points as the Minnesota Timberwolves snapped the Houston Rockets nine-game winning streak with a 119-105 NBA victory at the Target Center arena.

Karl-Anthony Towns on Wednesday tallied 23 points and 18 rebounds to post his ninth consecutive double-double and Ricky Rubio had 10 points and tied his career high with 17 assists in the Timberwolves' second straight win.

"I'm not going to joke with you," said Canadian Wiggins. "When we got to the fourth quarter with that kind of lead, you can't let it slide.

"We did a great job of just making sure we kept the lead and stayed disciplined, and did what we needed to do."

Brandon Rush had 12 points on four three-pointers in his first start for Minnesota and Shabazz Muhammad came off the bench to score 20 points.

"Tonight we learned a lesson and we kept attacking, especially running back on defense," said Rubio.

The Timberwolves were without third-leading scorer Zach LaVine.

James Harden had 33 points, six rebounds and 12 assists for Houston, which had its league-best winning streak halted. Ryan Anderson added 18 points, but the Rockets shot 41 percent from the floor and 15 of 42 on three-pointers.

"We missed a lot of uncharac-

Andrew Wiggins of the Minnesota Timberwolves, seen in action during a NBA game at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas (AFP Photo)

teristic shots," Anderson said. "We normally get stops and it fuels our offense on the other side.

"But they did a great job of being aggressive on us. We didn't play our game."

Elsewhere, Russell Westbrook earned his 18th triple-double to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 103-

95 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies at the Chesapeake Energy Arena.

"I just read the game," Westbrook said. "You have to read it. Makes plays and take what the defense gives you."

Westbrook tallied 24 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists. The 18 triple-doubles is the most by any player since Magic Johnson during the

1981-82 season.

Enes Kanter finished with 19 points and 13 rebounds. Victor Oladipo added 16 points as the Thunder improved to 24-16.

- 'Main focus' "That was our main focus coming," Thunder centre Steven Adams said. "Memphis is known to be physical so we just tried to match that and take it to another level."

Mike Conley led the Grizzlies with 22 points and six assists while Chandler Parsons and Zach Randolph each scored 14 points.

In Portland, Oregon, CJ McCollum scored 21 of his 27 points in the second half, and Allen Crabbe scored 24 points off the bench as the Portland Trail Blazers crushed the Cleveland Cavaliers 102-86 at Moda Center.

McCollum hit the 25-point barrier for the seventh consecutive game, and Crabbe was nine of 11 from the field as the Trail Blazers won a second straight game for the first time since early December.

LeBron James collected 20 points and 11 rebounds, and Kevin Love had 17 points and eight boards for the Cavaliers, who lost for the second straight time and are 2-2 on their sixgame road trip.

In Los Angeles, J.J. Redick scored 22 points and the Los Angeles Clippers won their fifth in a row with a 105-96 victory over the Orlando Magic.

Djokovic. Novak Djokovic. Licensed to thrill Russia's participation in 2018 Olympics hinges on two IOC commissions Moscow, JAnuAry 12 (IAns): The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will take a decision regarding Russias participation in the 2018 Winter Games in South Korea's PyeongChang following relevant findings of its two commissions, the governing body has said.

"For the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018, two IOC commissions have been set up to coordinate our response," IOC's press service said on Wednesday, reports Tass.

"They will respect the due process and give all sides a fair chance to be heard. Following this, the IOC will

Serbia's Novak Djokovic hits a shot during a training session ahead of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia. (Reuters Photo)

MeLBourne, JAnuAry 12 (reuters): Novak Djokovic has no pretensions to being a super spy but the number 007 has got the Australian Open champion "pumped" ahead of the year's first grand slam.

The 29-year-old Serbian joined Roy Emerson as the most successful men's champion at the Australian Open last year when he beat Andy Murray for his sixth title at Melbourne Park.

Seven, however, has a nice sound to it, the former world number one said on Thursday.

"007, Why not? Maybe this is the year. Seven in 17. I'm not a numerologist but it sounds good," a laughing Djokovic said in an interview on the Australian Open website on Thursday.

"In terms of my feelings of coming to Melbourne, the last five or six years it has been pretty much the same. I am very pumped to do well."

Doing well and Djokovic go handin-hand in Melbourne.

In recent years he has made the blue hardcourts near the centre of the city his own, winning the men's title five times in the last six years since 2011.

Such has been his dominance since he won his maiden grand slam title in Australia in 2008, he has lost just three times at Melbourne Park.

All were in the quarter-finals, with the 2014 loss coming at the hands of eventual champion Stan Wawrinka.

Every time he has made the final, he has won the tournament.

In four of those finals he has beaten current world number one Murray, who he also bettered in a scintillating final in Doha at the weekend.

Murray, who was knighted in the New Year, had a phenomenal second half of 2016 that included clinching his second Wimbledon title and Olympic gold at Rio as Djokovic's season dramatically fell off after he beat his rival at Roland Garros.

The Briton's strong form vaulted him to the top of the world rankings meaning Djokovic is not the top seed at the season-opening grand slam for the first time since 2014.

"Andy deserves to be number one," Djokovic said. "He had a tremendous last six months of 2016.

"This year we have already played a thrilling match and I am looking forward to our rivalry.

"Considering the memories I have and the results in the past I am really looking forward to being back again. I'm not the only one who is excited but it does give me goose bumps to come back (and) ...

I'm feeling phenomenal."

take all appropriate measures and sanctions."

"As regards the competitions currently taking place or planned in Russia - this is a matter for the respective International Federations," the statement added.

"Many of them have already taken action and continue to work closely with WADA." Last year IOC announced its decision to set up two separate commissions to probe doping abuse allegations in Russian sports as well as alleged involvement of state officials in manipulations with perfor-

mance enhancing drugs, particularly at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Russia's Sochi.

The first of the two panels is an inquiry commission chaired by former Switzerland President Samuel Schmid.

The commission is addressing the "institutional conspiracy across summer and winter sports athletes who participated with Russian officials within the Ministry of Sport and its infrastructure, in particular with regard to the Olympic Winter Games Sochi 2014," according to the IOC. The second investigative body is

a disciplinary commission, chaired

by IOC member Denis Oswald. It addresses the question of the alleged doping and manipulation of samples concerning the Russian athletes, who participated in the Olympic Winter Games Sochi 2014.

"In the context of this disciplinary commission, all the samples of all Russian athletes who participated in Sochi will be re-analysed," the IOC stated last month.

"The re-analysis will be to establish whether there was doping or whether the samples themselves were manipulated."

Chelsea get green light over Bridge stadium rebuild London, JAnuAry 12 (AFP): Chelsea have been given the green light for a multi-million pound redevelopment of their Stamford Bridge stadium, the Premier League leaders revealed on Wednesday.

Hammersmith and Fulham Council's planning committee voted unanimously to approve the proposal for a 60,000-seat stadium, which would reportedly cost around £500 million ($610 million).

"More than a year ago, a planning application for a new stadium at Stamford Bridge with an expanded seating capacity was submitted to our local council, Hammersmith & Fulham," a statement on Chelsea's website confirmed.

"Over the past 12 months, we have consulted widely with neighbouring residents, local businesses, statutory authorities and continued to work closely with the council.

"Tonight the council's planning committee considered the application and we are grateful that planning permission was granted for the redevelopment of our historic home.

"The committee decision does not mean that work can begin on site. This is just the latest step, although a significant one, that we

Chelsea's proposal for a edevelopment of their Stamford Bridge stadium was unanimously approved (AFP Photo)

have to take before we can commence work, including obtaining various other permissions."

Chelsea have long struggled to find a way to expand their west London stadium, which holds 41,000 fans, to ensure they can compete with the larger match-day revenues of their rivals Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool, who all have bigger grounds.

Blues owner Roman Abramovich looked at moving Chelsea to several other sites around the capital, but eventually settled on improving their historic home, which opened in 1877.

Chelsea currently have the seventh biggest ground in the Premier League and the third biggest in London, behind Arsenal and West Ham. Tottenham will also move ahead of Chelsea when the new White Hart

Lane is completed in 2018.

It is estimated however, that with the new Stamford Bridge, Chelsea could match Arsenal's current matchday turnover of £100 million a year.

The news was welcomed by Chelsea Pitch Owners, the group which owns the freehold to the land on which the stadium sits.

A statement said: "The board of Chelsea Pitch Owners welcomes the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham's approval of the planning application for the redevelopment of Stamford Bridge.

"We believe the plans will provide a world-class stadium and the bold architectural design will enhance the local area.

"As a supporter-based organisation and owner of the freehold of the land on which the current stadium lies - a role that is unique among the leading clubs in England - CPO was set up to ensure the club remains at the Bridge, its home since 1905.

"That goal looks more secure than it has for many years following the planning approval. We look forward to continued co-operation with the club on this exciting project."

public discourse

Thepfulhouvi Solo, IFS (RR-68) Retd Principal Secretary, Nagaland

O

n 2017, 9th January morning, the AYO (Angami Youth Organization) Volunteers and the Nagaland Police faced each other eyeball to eyeball in a tense situation in Kohima City Main Street. The Nagaland Police, Armed with Automatic Rifles, loaded and ready to use any moment on Order from the Authority, and many of the AYO Kohima-Bandh Volunteers with Wooden and Bamboo Sticks, faced each other, the narrow Street only separating each other. It was a poignant moment of confrontation and any unintended action from either side could cause serious difficulties.

In confrontation mood, it is a test, on both sides, of the principle, discipline and nerve.

Some two thousand and sev-

Lessons on confrontations

enteen years ago, according to the famous contemporary Jewish Historian –Josephus, a confrontation occurred in the middle of the Jerusalem City during the reckless Roman Governorship of Pilat.

Roman Soldiers Armed in full battle readiness were on duty in the Streets of Jerusalem to prevent any sudden Jewish insurrection against the hated colonial Power: Thousands of Jewish Worshipers from all over the then known World were in the city for the Annual Religious Festival of the Jews.

Suddenly a great riot broke out against the Roman Soldiers; the Jewish worshipers threw stones and any available missiles at the Soldiers. The soldiers killed many of the rioters and when things finally settled down, thousands of worshipers lay strewn dead in the street. The Emperor removed Pilat untimely from the Governorship of Judea.

The incident started from an irate Roman Soldier lifting his Skirt and contemptuously showing his Genitals at the worshipers who started throwing stones at him in anger!

The Kohima City Centre at 7:30 AM on 9 January looked completely strange: the Main Street eerily empty, uncommonly quiet, all shops closed except a few Eateries; there was a Woman trying to open the Lock on the front door of her Pharmacy and few Deshuali laborers in the Street.

Soon Northern Angami Youth Volunteers poured out of this, that houses of Northern Angami Constituency I, and phalanges of them moved to the local football Ground Khuochiezhie.

Two lone-armed Police distinctively walked through the Ground from the Southern Gate, in full of view of the collecting youth Volunteers in the ground: some half a dozen Kohima Village GBs sat on plastic

chairs on the side.

A thoughtless jest or funny remark from any one of the considerable Volunteers in the Ground at the bristly walking two lone Police could cause ugly unpleasant scenes but none of the youth uttered any thing and the two crossed out of the northern Gate without any incident.

Most of the Volunteers carried Sticks and Staff, the atmosphere was slowly getting charged with the rising Sun and the youth leaders reminded one the Volunteers not to be the first to use the Sticks.

From the very beginning of the Rally, it was decided at every respective Village Councils that the Bandh would be observed but it was pointedly reminded to be a Peaceful and non-Violent Rally.

In the days of yore, Angamis accepted violent bare hand fights in the people sometimes but the Person who uses ‘Sei-Ketsie’ (implements

of Sticks-Stone) first was considered ‘Wrong’ and declared so. It is odd the AYO Volunteers carried Stick and Staff in the Rally. Fortunately, nothing more serious happened: A Peaceful, Non-Violent democratic Rally with fashioned Staff and Sticks with Nails is Unconscionable.

The Nagaland Police showed exemplary forbearance and Restrains.

They and their Officers from the Top to the Bottom deserve praise and applause. Civilians and the Police together must constitute the quality of the Society we all desire to uplift.

One of the greatest examples of Peaceful Resistance, seared in the Psyche of the People of the whole World, is perhaps of the Jewish Settlers in Gaza, refusing to vacate their Houses in the Territory the Israeli Government has voluntarily decided to vacate the nation captured in the War long ago.

The Israeli Police descended on

the Settlers and tried to remove them bodily from their Homes. The Settlers community in Groups held each other personally and tightly together to prevent the Soldiers pull them apart and removing them bodily. There was not a single angry voice from any one, there was not a incident of violence and one by one, with considerable pulling and jostling, the Army pulled the Settlers away with care and vacated the Territory of Gaza. What an example of Peaceful Resistance!

At this rate today in Nagaland, the Public may come to have to reject Government unwise decision sometimes and may have to resort to Peaceful Resistance. The Rallies may not be described as ‘Protest Rally’, but rather as ‘Rally To Preserve Citizen Rights’ and the Volunteers may sing Naga Rally Songs ‘Ho-uh......ho-oh; Ho-uh......hooh; Ho-uh......ho-oh’ and carry FLOWERS rather than make War Cries AND carry Sticks and Staff.

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.

Friday 13•01•2017

EntErtainmEnt

Jolie ‘doesn’t feel she has Hollywood’s support’

Miss India Organisation conducts orientation in Nagaland

O

scar-winning star Angelina Jolie thinks there is no support for her in Hollywood amid her ongoing divorce from Brad Pitt. The Oscar-winning actress reportedly agreed to call a public truce in her bitter divorce battle with her estranged husband Brad after seeing the support he recently received at the Golden Globes.

A source shared: ''There's so much love for Brad in Hollywood and she feels like there's none for her. ''They sorted out their statement within hours of his Golden Globes appearance.

She realised the impact their separation has had on her image and is desperate to try to ensure no further damage is done. ''They will be keeping things to themselves from now on.''

The Hollywood duo - who share Maddox, 15, Pax, 13, Zahara, 12, Shiloh, 10, and eight-yearold twins Vivienne and Knox - recently came to an agreement to handle their divorce out of the spotlight by using a private judge.

A joint statement from the couple's legal teams read: ''The parties and their counsel have signed agreements to preserve the privacy rights of their children and family by keeping all court documents confidential and engaging a private judge to make any necessary legal decisions and to facilitate the expeditious resolution of any remaining issues. The parents are committed to act as a united front to effectuate recovery and reunification.''

Brad, meanwhile, is said to have felt like a ''broken man'' after he was not able to spend Christmas with his family. A source said at the time: ''He desperately misses having his kids with him for Christmas and New Year. He's broken down in tears so many times - he's not ashamed to cry anymore. Brad is like a broken man.''

The couple announced they were to split in September last year, but have since been arguing through their court documents and their legal teams.

Source: Contactmusic

Ariana Grande and John Legend record

Beauty and the Beast theme song

A

C M Y K

riana Grande and John Legend are recording a new theme song for the upcoming 'Beauty and the Beast' live-action film. The 23-year-old singer and John, 38, have joined forces to create a revamped version of the classic Disney tune, which was originally written by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken and performed by actress Angela Lansbury in her role as the voice of the character Mrs. Potts. Later, the song was recorded by Celine Dion and Peabo Bryson for the film's soundtrack and won an Academy Award, Golden Globe and Grammy Award.

However, Ariana and John are busily trying to put their own stamp on the song, which will feature on the new 'Beauty and the Beast' soundtrack, according to Oh My Disney. The much-anticipated new movie sees Emma Watson star in the role of Belle and the actress previously admitted to being nervous about singing in 'Beauty and the Beast'.

Emma explained that whilst she was ''excited'' to

T

he Miss India Organization for the first time initiated an orientation for the Naga beauty pageant winners and contestants in collaboration with the Beauty and Aesthetics Society of Nagaland.

The orientation class was conducted to brief the girls and BASN on the new system of Miss India as well as prepare the future prospects on the Challenges of the National Level Pageant.

Bennett Nathan, Head

of Talent Scout India under the Miss India Organization which is headed by Times of India conducted the Orientation. Reigning Miss Nagaland Vilokali Zhimomi and other winners falling under the criteria attended the class.

The topics presented were orientation on Miss India Pageant; Golden rules to prepare for the Pageant; and brief on the Miss India North East.

Starting 2017 Miss India

Organization will follow the new system which will have Auto Entry for each State directly to the Miss India Finals in Mumbai. The MIO will audition the girls where one winner from each State will be selected and the final Crowning for each State will be held at Kolkata for the East Region. The winners from every State will thereafter Contest at the Finale where all the Indian States will be perfectly represented.

While communicating with the contestants, former Miss Mokokchung Ayusangla stated that it was a good learning experience for them.

Nagaland is the first and only State in the North East where the MIO has conducted such session, added a press release from BASN. After the orientation, BASN and MIO Talent Scout India had a brief discussion on the future prospects and system for beauty pageants.

India's First Madame Tussauds Museum to open in Delhi

W

orld famous wax museum Madame Tussauds is set to debut in India in June, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan and American pop star Lady Gaga's statues as some of the star attractions. This will be the museum's first branch in India.

Mr Bachchan is likely to attend the launch of the museum, which will be spread across the first and second floors of the Regal Cinema complex in Connaught Place. "Madame Tussauds will open doors in

June this year," Anshul Jain, General Manager and Director of Merlin Entertainment Pvt Ltd, said here on Wednesday at a press conference.

The museum, renowned for the creation of detailed and lifelike wax figures, will house statues of prominent figures from the world of sports, Bollywood, politics etc. This is the 23rd branch of Madame Tussauds across the world, and Merlin Entertainment is looking forward to a red carpet welcome.

"Many said that why Delhi when Mumbai is the Bollywood hub, but

for us, Madame Tussauds is not just about entertainment, but representing wax statues or people from different walks of life," Marcel Kloos, Director, New Openings - Europe and emerging markets, said here.

Indian celebrities like Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan and Salman Khan, apart from PM Modi, are some of the names who already have their statues in international branches of Madame Tussauds.

Source: IANS

The organisers cited law and order issues following the molestation incident during New Year eve as the reason for scrapping the show.

T

Now ShowiNg

he organisers of the big-ticket show of David Guetta, one of the top disc jockeys in the world, cancelled his concert which was scheduled for thursday. The organisers cited law and order issues following the molestation incident during the New Year eve as the reason for scrapping the show, which was touted as one of the biggest events in the city's annual cultural calendar.

The organisers said they hope to reschedule the concert if they get permission from the authorities and the artist but there is no clarity at the moment.

Ben-

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

Ok Jaanu

s l e c n t a c u r oncer u l a g n e B Guetta c David

be given the iconic part, she was nervous about lending her voice to the role because she's been out of practice for so long. She said: ''It's so crazy. I was so excited. It was nerve-wracking for me because I've sung as a child in plays and I loved it, but I just hadn't done it in such a long time, it was like learning to ride a bike again.''

A clip of Emma singing emerged earlier this week and has prompted criticism from soprano Catherine Bott. She recently said: ''Within two notes it

was fairly obvious to me that auto-tune had been deployed. ''I think Emma Watson's voice sounds fragile - she's not a singer - but actually I think it has an innocence to it. And Belle is supposed to be an innocent girl embarking on a great, exciting story. ''I'm really sorry that the studio hasn't had the courage of their convictions, and has tinkered with Emma Watson's fragile but pleasant voice. She no longer sounds like Emma Watson.''

Source: Contactmusic

g a luru Rural Superintendent of Police said the concert has not been cancelled, but the organisers have been asked to fix a different date due to the APMC polls.

A Grammy award winner, Guetta is a French DJ, record producer, remixer and songwriter. Guetta enjoys immense popularity in India and first performed in the country in 2012. The profits from the special charity performance at the gig, put together by the organisers of Sunburn, one of the India's biggest electronic dance music festivals was supposed to go towards educating underprivileged children.

"India is a magical place. The energy that I get from the country and the fans creatively inspires me. Music can change lives," Guetta had said in a statement last month.

Best known as the big daddy of EDM, Guetta is on a fourcity tour which was expected to begin from Bengaluru and then move to Mumbai, Hyderabad and New Delhi.

Guetta first toured India in 2012, and has subsequently performed to massive crowds all across the country.

Other than his charity gig, Guetta will performing in Mumbai on January 13, in Hyderabad on January 14, and in Noida on January 15.

11:00AM | 01:45pm 04:45pm | 07:40pm 03862-237226 Ticket Counter (09:00 AM - 09:00 PM)

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Ward 5 (6) Burma Camp, Landmark - Near J.K Hospital Dimapur.

Power House.

Hillstar NOW SHOWING Ok Jaanu

Source: Indiatoday

Peter Dinklage ‘holds talks to Honoured to be in India for first time: Vin Diesel star in Avengers: Infinity War’

P

eter Dinklage is reportedly in talks to star in Marvel's 'Avengers: Infinity War'. The 47-year-old actor who has portrayed Tyrion Lannister in the HBO series 'Game of Thrones' since 2011 is wanted to play a key role in the eagerly-awaited new comic book movie, which is expected to begin filming around the midpoint of 2017. The role being discussed with Peter remains unclear, but he could feature in both of the

next two 'Avengers' movies, which are being shot back-to-back, according to Variety.

Previous cast members, such as Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans, are already on board to return to the money-spinning franchise, while Anthony and Joe Russo have replaced Joss Whedon as the director. Meanwhile, it was confirmed earlier this week that Zoe Saldana is to reprise her role as Gamora for 'Avengers: Infinity War'.

The 38-year-old actress is set to don green body paint once again to play the 'Guardians of the Galaxy' character, and while Zoe is thrilled to be returning to the franchise, she is not looking forward to spending hours getting ready. She shared: ''I don't know when they're going to let me read it. ''I'm not looking forward to the five hours of green make-up, but every film I finally arrive on set, I feel so happy and lucky to be there.''

'Avengers: Infinity War' is also expected to star Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange, Mark Ruffalo as The Hulk, Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow, Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye and Karen Gillan as Nebula - another character from Marvel's 'Guardians of the Galaxy' comics and movies.

Source: Contactmusic

H

ollywood actor Vin Diesel, who got a 'desi' welcome in India on Thursday morning, says he dreamt of exploring the country and is glad that his dream has finally come true.

Diesel, along with his "xXx: Return of Xander Cage" co-star Deepika Padukone and director D.J. Caruso, was welcomed with dhol, 'tutari' and 'tilak'. They arrived to a typical desi fanfare of women dressed in traditional Marathi nauvari (nine-yard) saris and yellow turbans.

Taking time out from his packed schedule, Diesel took to Instagram to express his views.

He posted: "So honoured to be here in India for the first time. The xXx Global tour has been great and now I and Deepika Padukone are going to share this film with her country today. As a child, I always dreamed of visiting India... Thank you Paramount for making this dream come true.

Xander."

Diesel's two-day India trip has a lot of things planned. He is promoting "xXx: Return of Xander Cage", which is releasing in India on Friday -- before anywhere else in the world.

The actors, along with other members of the film's cast and crew, have been on an extensive worldwide promotional spree to promote the film. They visited London and Mexico before coming to India.

The movie is a new instalment in the "xXX" series after the 2002 film "xXx" and the 2005 entertainer "xXx: State of the Union". It also stars Ruby Rose, Samuel L Jackson, Donnie Yen and Tony Jaa. Source: IANS

10:30 AM | 3:00 PM 8:00 PM

XXX: RetuRn Of XandeR Cage, 3d

1:00 PM (Hindi) 5:30 PM (English)

12

friDAY 13•01•2017

SPORTS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Barca must use common sense over Messi contract, says CEO

BARCELONA, JANuARy 12 (REutERs): Barcelona's hopes of offering talisman and all-time top scorer Lionel Messi an improved contract face a stumbling block because of the expenditure caps imposed by La Liga, the Spanish champions' CEO Oscar Grau said on Wednesday.

While Messi's feted strike partners Luis Suarez and Neymar have each signed new deals until 2021, the Argentine maestro's contract runs out on June 30 2018, giving Barca a window of 18 months to prevent him leaving the club for free.

Messi earns a reported 22 million euros ($23.1 million) per year after tax from Barca, while Neymar and Suarez's salaries are believed about 25 million

Football Soccer - Barcelona v Athletic Bilbao - Spanish King's Cup - Nou Camp stadium, Barcelona, Spain (Reuters Photo)

euros after their latest con- siderable pressure on the tract renewals, and Grau club's finances. said any new deal for the "Barcelona has to Argentine would put con- analyse this situation with

a cold head and common sense. Barca can't exceed 70 percent of its budget on wages and there-

fore we have to make the numbers add up," Grau said on Wednesday at the Forum Europa.

La Liga agrees budgetary limits with each club at the start of every season and its regulations, known as economic controls, prevent club's from spending over 70 percent of their budget on wages.

Barca's budget for this season is a record 695 million euros ($730.7 million). The Catalans pay the highest wages in Spain and the second highest in world soccer behind Manchester United, according to the latest publication of the Global Sports Salary Survey (GSSS), which said Barcelona players earned an average annual wage of $7,456,800.

Grau said one way for

Barca to renew Mess's contract was to increase revenues. Their latest sponsorship deal with Japanese retailer Rakuten, the biggest in world soccer, will earn the club 55 million euros per year.

The club could also sell other players to in order to create a new contract for Messi, who is the top scorer in La Liga this season with 13 goals.

"One option is to increase our revenues, as our economic strategy forecasts. We want to have the best players around, but perhaps we have to prioritise," added Grau.

"The club wants the best player in the world to stay at Barca. I would like to ease the concerns of club members and supporters but we have to use common sense."

Free kick specialist Messi fires Barca into cup last 8

BARCELONA, JANuARy 12 (REutERs): Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar were all on target as holders Barcelona beat Athletic Bilbao 3-1 on Wednesday to overturn a deficit from the first leg and advance to the quarter-finals of the King's Cup. A Luis Suarez volley put Barca ahead in the 35th minute while Brazil international Neymar earned and converted a penalty three minutes into the second half to score his first goal since October and put Barca in front in the tie after losing

the first leg 2-1.

Athletic responded immediately though, substitute defender Gorka Elustondo crossing for Barcelona-born Enric Saborit to head home in the 51st minute. The goal emboldened the visitors for a 10-minute spell but Barca withstood the pressure.

Messi had squandered two free kicks in the first half but avoided the possibility of extra time and penalties by curling a dead ball in off the post in the 79th, his second converted set piece in four days.

MDCA Tourney: Brotherhood, Titans register easy wins McGregor was offered $15 million C M Y K

MOkOkChuNg, JANuARy 12 (MExN): On Match Day 8 of the MDCA Inter Club T20 Cricket Tournament played at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, 9-time champions Brotherhood CC crushed Sovran Kings while defending champions Titans CC also had an easy outing against DC XI. In the first match of the day, Brotherhood CC having won the toss and electing to bat and managed to put up on a formidable 161 runs losing 4 wickets in the 20 overs. Chubaodang top scored with 50 runs and Daniel Rai contributing 45 runs. For Sovran Kings, Lisosungkumi picked 2/20 in 4 overs.

In the run chase, Sovran Kings were bundled out in 17.5 overs for just 74 runs – losing by 68 runs. Maset top scored for Sovran Kings

Two of the senior most teams under MDCA - Brotherhood CC(Green) and Sovran Kings (Black) - had a short service before the match and made a resolution on account of 25th year celebrations and reaffirmed to support MDCA fully to help find opportunites for youngsters in cricketing affairs and keeping it as a vision for the coming 50 years celebration.

with 34 runs and Yutsung scored 16 runs. Aosashi was the pick of the bowlers as he ended with figures of 3/13 runs in 4 overs. Temsutoshi also took 3 wickets but was slightly more expensive giving away 24 runs from the 4 overs.

With this win, Brotherhood CC – who have the distinction of playing in

the most number of finals as well as the club to win it the most numbers of time (9 times) – becomes the first team to make it to the knockout stage.

In the second match of the day, defending champions Titans CC overwhelmed DC XI by 91 runs.

Batting first, Titans scored a daunting 174 runs

get, DC XI never got off to a good start as the Titans’ opening bowlers sent back the top order batsmen early on. For DC XI, only Throngdi (29 runs) and Meren (13 runs) could reach double digit scores before being eventually bowled out for 84 runs in just 17.2 overs – giving the champions a 91 run win.

The win also ensured Titans qualification for the Quarterfinals which will begin from January 17 onward.

Titans’ Longsasunep was the pick of the bowlers claiming 3 wickets while conceding a meager 6 runs in 4 overs. Chubamaong and Toshimeren both claimed 2 wickets each.

– the highest of the tournament so far – losing 5 wickets in their allotted 20 overs.

Akumdong scored 73 runs – the highest individual score so far, while Resemdong chipped in with 31 runs. For DC XI, Daniel Tomorrow's matches: Zero Boys vs Zungamtook 2/26 in 4 overs while Meren, Noksen and Sachin edem (8:00 am) Sovran CC vs ADC Tuli picked a wicket each.

Chasing the huge tar- XI (11:00 am)

I've conquered England in three months: Ibrahimovic

LONdON, JANuARy 12 (AFP): Zlatan Ibrahimovic has set his sights on leading Manchester United to the Premier League title after boasting he took just three months to establish himself as one of the best players in England.

Despite critics claiming Ibrahimovic would struggle to adapt to the Premier League, the Swedish forward has already scored 18 goals since joining United on a free transfer from Paris Saint Germain last year.

Ibrahimovic has netted 13 times in the Premier League and the 35-year-old has only one goal less than Chelsea striker Diego Costa, who is currently the division's leading marksman.

But the former Barcelo-

na, Juventus and Inter Milan star insists he doesn't care about winning the race to finish as top scorer because his impressive first half of the season has been the perfect response to his doubters.

"I'm chasing the head trophy, the Premier League. That is my aim," Ibrahimovic told United's website on Thursday.

"The individual things come as part of the main objective because that is like a bonus for every individual player. If the collective does well, then the individuals will do well.

"I have no individual targets because that I did already, after three months in England. I con- The girls Sepaktakraw team from State Sports Academy, Dimapur representing Govt. Higher quered England - it took Secondary School Dimapur, participated in the 62nd National School Games at Delhi from three months."

January 2 to 9, 2017 and won the gold medal in the Regu event.

for crossover fight - Mayweather

Reuters

Floyd Mayweather said he has offered UFC champion Conor McGregor$15 million and a percentage of pay-per-view sales for a crossover boxing bout.

Mayweather, who retired in September of 2015 after accumulating a perfect 49-0 record, told ESPN he would require a guaranteed $100 million to make the fight happen.

"I'm a businessman and it makes business sense,"

the 39-year-old American said. "Bring him over to the boxing world, and I'll show him what it's like."

Irishman McGregor, the reigning lightweight and former featherweight UFC champion, has been challenging Mayweather to a fight for months.

The biggest pay-perview draw in mixed martial arts, McGregor is contracted to UFC and the organisation would have to approve any fight.

Mayweather, who won

world titles in five weight divisions and took home earnings in excess of $800 million over his 19-year boxing career, said initial talks had taken place.

"We tried to make the Conor McGregor fight," he added. "They know what my number is. My number is a guaranteed 100 million.

That was my number.

"We are willing to give him 15 million and then we can talk about splitting the percentage, the back end, on the pay-per-view."

India rise to best FIFA rankings in a decade ZuRiCh, JANuARy 12 (iANs): India jumped six places to the 129th spot, their best football ranking in over a decade, according to world governing body FIFA on Thursday.

It is India's best ever ranking since December, 2005, when they were at the 127th spot. They have now improved 42 places in less than two years up from 173rd in March, 2015, according to a release.

India won nine of their last 11 international match-

es. A 4-1 win against Puerto Rico, ranked 114, in September last year, has been the highlight of the surge.

The top 34 positions remain unchanged with Argentina, Brazil and Germany still holding first, second and third place respectively.

AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das said, "The national team gaining its best ranking since December 2005 shows that we are on the upsurge. The ranking enables us to be placed in pot 2 when the draw for the

Asian Cup Qualifiers 2019 is to be conducted later this month. We had last qualified for the Asian Cup in 2011 and hope to be there again in UAE in 2019."

National Coach Stephen Constantine said: "I think we have had a really good couple of years during my time and while results have been mixed, we have achieved what we said we would. Our ranking is at its highest since 2005 which is obviously great for Indian football."

India A win big over England Murray, Kerber top seeds at Australian Open MuMBAi, JANuARy 12 (AFP): Skipper Ajinkya Rahane struck a dominant 91 to help India A trounce England XI by six wickets in the second 50-over warm-up match in Mumbai on Thursday.

Chasing 283 for victory, India A rode on the 119-run opening stand with Rahane and Sheldon Jackson (59) to race to their target in 39.4 overs.

India A, who lost their opening game to the Eoin Morganled side on Tuesday, made the English bowlers toil at Mumbai's Brabourne Stadium.

Rahane, coming off a long injury lay-off, smashed 10 fours and a six during his 83-ball knock as the India A top-order came good.

Earlier opting to bat first, England were bowled out for 282 in 48.5 overs with Jonny Bairstow top-scoring with 64 runs. India off-spinner Pervez Rasool claimed three wickets.

After a good start the visitors dramatically collapsed from 161-1 to 211-9 before

Adil Rashid (39) and number 11 David Willey (38 not out) put together a 71-run 10thwicket partnership to stage a fightback.

Opener Jason Roy (25) was out hit wicket after pacer Pradeep Sangwan's delivery struck the back of his helmet flap and the extra protective gear fell on the stumps as the bails were dislodged.

Alex Hales scored a wellmade 51 but Morgan, who made three in the first warmup, once again failed with the bat after registering a firstball zero.

The two sides now head to Pune for the first of the three one-day internationals starting Sunday before the sides play three Twenty20 matches.

Brief Scores: England – 282 all out in 48.5 overs (J. Bairstow 64, D. Willey 38 not out; P. Rasool 3-38) India A – 283/4 in 39.4 overs (A. Rahane 91, R. Pant 59; M. Ali 1-46)

MELBOuRNE, JANuARy 12 (AFP): World number ones Andy Murray and Angelique Kerber were named the top seeds on Thursday for next week's Australian Open with organisers aligning with the current rankings.

Scotland's Murray is chasing his first title at Melbourne Park after losing in the final five times, including in 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2016 to Serb rival Novak Djokovic, who is seeded two.

Kerber will be defending her first Grand Slam having upset Serena Williams, seeded two this year, in the decider last year.

Big-serving Canadian Milos Raonic, who lost to Murray in the 2016 semi-finals, is the third men's seed with 2014 champion Stan Wawrinka fourth and Japanese hope Kei Nishikori fifth.

Swiss legend Roger Federer starts at 17 as he makes a comeback after six months out with a knee injury. His old foe Rafael Nadal, also returning from injury, is ninth.

Serena Williams, gunning for a 23rd Grand Slam title to beat Steffi Graf's Open-era record, is scheduled to again meet Kerber in the women's final.

But there are a host of dangerous players looking to stop her, with Po-

Vinolas (ESP), 27. Bernard Tomic (AUS), 28. Feliciano Lopez (ESP), 29. Viktor Troicki (SRB), 30. Pablo Carreno Busta (ESP), 31. Sam Querrey (USA), 32. Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER)

Andy Murray of Britain and Angelique Kerber of Germany have been named men’s and women's top seed for next week's Australian Open. (AFP Photo)

land's Agnieszka Radwanska seeded three and Romania's Simona Halep four. US Open finalist Karolina Pliskova rounds out the top five.

Men's singles 1. Andy Murray (GBR), 2. Novak Djokovic (SRB), 3. Milos Raonic (CAN), 4. Stan Wawrinka (SUI), 5. Kei Nishikori (JPN), 6. Gael Monfils (FRA), 7. Marin Cilic (CRO), 8. Dominic Thiem (AUT), 9.

Rafael Nadal (ESP), 10. Tomas Berdych (CZE), 11. David Goffin (BEL), 12. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA), 13. Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP), 14. Nick Kyrgios (AUS), 15.

Grigor Dimitrov (BUL), 16. Lucas Pouille (FRA), 17. Roger Federer (SUI), 18. Richard Gasquet (FRA), 19. John Isner (USA), 20. Ivo Karlovic (CRO), 21. David Ferrer (ESP), 22. Pablo Cuevas (URU), 23. Jack Sock (USA), 24. Alexander Zverev (GER), 25. Gilles Simon (FRA), 26. Albert Ramos-

Women's singles 1. Angelique Kerber (GER), 2. Serena Williams (USA), 3. Agnieszka Radwanska (POL), 4. Simona Halep (ROM), 5. Karolina Pliskova (CZE), 6. Dominika Cibulkova (SVK), 7. Garbine Muguruza (ESP), 8. Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS), 9. Johanna Konta (GBR), 10. Carla Suarez Navarro (ESP), 11. Elina Svitolina (UKR), 12. Timea Bacsinszky (SUI), 13.

Venus Williams (USA), 14. Elena Vesnina (RUS), 15. Roberta Vinci (ITA), 16.

Barbora Strycova (CZE), 17. Caroline Wozniacki (DEN), 18. Samantha Stosur (AUS), 19. Kiki Bertens (NED), 20.

Zhang Shuai (CHN), 21 Caroline Garcia (FRA), 22. Daria Gavrilova (AUS), 23. Daria Kasatkina (RUS), 24. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS), 25. Timea Babos (HUN), 26. Laura Siegemund (GER), 27. Irina-Camelia Begu (ROM), 28. Alize Cornet (FRA), 29. Monica Puig (PUR), 30. Ekaterina Makarova (RUS), 31. Yulia Putintseva (KAZ), 32. Anastasija Sevastova (LAT)

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