January 16th, 2017

C M Y K

DIMAPUR • Vol. XII • Issue 14 • 12 PAGes • 5

www.morungexpress.com

MonDAY • JAnuArY 16 • 2017

T H e

ESTD. 2005

P o W e R

If you reveal your secrets to the wind you should not blame the wind for revealing them to the trees

Leadership change looms for armed group key to Myanmar’s peace process

‘The reward for doing good is life’

PAGE 09

o F

T R u T H

— Kahlil Gibran

India beat England by 3 wickets

PAGE 02

PAGE 12

nagaland UlB Polls: the standoff drags on

Candidates continue to face threat of ‘excommunication’

• Even if elected you will not receive cooperation, says LHJAC • CPO warns those acting against wishes of Chakhesang people • JCC, NCD, CNTC ask NPF candidates to withdraw, to organize protest rally Morung Express news Dimapur | January 15

With the Urban Local Body (ULB) polls for Nagaland State a fortnight away, the standoff between organizations opposing the polls and those supporting it drags on.

53 candidates have already withdrawn their nomination from the polls, following calls for the same by various organizations. Meanwhile the demand for the remaining candidates to do the same continued today as various tribe and village bodies issued statements, threatening defaulting candidates with excommunication.

The Lotha Hoho Joint Action Committee (LHJAC) for instance resolved that candidates who fail to withdraw their candidature would not be recognized even if elected and not receive cooperation.

“The Lotha Public will bar him/ her from having affiliation with any Lotha organizations including presently held posts or status,” the committee said in a press note. It cautioned that the Lotha public “will with immediate effect de-recognize his/her membership as Lotha along with his/her entire family members from Lotha Community.”

The committee also questioned the NPF central leadership as to “why warning is being given to the candidates of other districts for stern action if their candidature is withdrawn,

reflections

By Sandemo Ngullie

BJP issues whip, candidates receive support

DImapur, January 15 (mExn): Despite opposition to the polls, political parties have continued supporting candidates to contest in the elections.

The President of the Nagaland State BJP unit for one issued a whip that no BJP candidate should withdraw their candidature. In a press note, the party cautioned that BJP candidates who withdraw would be liable to be penalized under the party’s constitutional provisions of anti-party activities.

It also informed that central observers have noted the strong positive response of women candidates, which it stated is being taken “as the urge to create an equitable society in line with national as well as interna-

tional human rights efforts.”

The BJP 58 A/C Shamator-Chessore, in a separate press note stated that in view of the ENPO resolution dated January 14, all the candidates who filed the nomination papers with BJP ticket at the constituency would “withdraw the nomination papers only after the nomination papers are being completely withdrawn by the candidates affiliated to other political parties.”

Meanwhile, the NPF Zunheboto division, in its statement, lamented that the Sumi Hoho is “still insisting that our party candidates withdraw their nomination papers.” It affirmed that the party and legislators “still uphold the undertaking stand between

the Sumi legislators, party and Sumi Hoho of January 11.”

It further stated that the Sumi Hoho has targeted its Working President, Huskha Yepthomi and Parliamentary Secretary, Hukavi Zhimo for candidates filing their nomination paper on January 6.

The NPF Zunheboto division however clarified that “as resolved and supported by Sumi legislators, the party office bearers paraded all the party candidates to the RO’s office at 2:40pm on the said day, as per schedule and filed nomination which is the prerogative of the party’s duty, in the presence of Sumi legislators and Sumi Hoho officials.”

when they could not file even a single candidate in Kohima and Mokokchung districts?”

The Chakhesang Public Organization (CPO) meanwhile informed it “has been marking all those” who have been “playing bigger roles behind the screen” in going against the wishes of the Chakhesang people. The CPO will not remain silent over your activities, it cautioned.

It meanwhile urged the Chozuba Range Public Organization and the Phek Area Public Organization to immediately submit the antecedent of every candidate who has not abided by the CPO resolution by January 16.

It further asked all the area presidents, VCCs, GBs, Phek town youth society and ward chairman to assist the Chakhesang Youth Front in detailing youth during the course of taking action against the defaulters. It also directed all the area/range presidents and executive council members to reach the CPO office on January 16.

Further, the Chumukedima Village Council in a meeting today served the last notice/warning to candidates for the ULB polls in its jurisdiction to

withdraw their nomination by January 16. Failing this, the council warned would lead to the expulsion/excommunication of the candidates from Chumukedima area. It also appealed to the state government to postpone the ULB election until the issue is thoroughly deliberated and a desirable settlement is reached.

In Dimapur, a conglomeration of three organisations issued a diktat today asking intending NPF candidates for the Dimapur Municipal Council polls to withdraw candidature. The diktat came with the warning that the candidates will face expulsion if they fail to comply.

This decision was taken at a joint meeting of the Naga Council Dimapur, Central Nagaland Tribes Council and the freshly floated Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) on Sunday.

At a media briefing, convenor of the freshly floated Joint Coordination Committee (JCC), Supu Jamir maintained that the decision is in line with the NCD directive. “If they (candidates) fail to withdraw, the three organisations resolved to expel them from the jurisdiction of Dimapur,”

Jamir said. JCC co-convenor Vekhosayi Nyekha and Secretary Renpo Lotha were also present at the briefing.

As per Jamir, “other candidates” not of the NPF have expressed willingness to withdraw. Some non-NPF candidates are reportedly willing to withdraw candidature provided the NPF candidates do so. At least two BJP candidates are said to have already expressed this willingness.

The NPF candidates are reportedly unreachable as according to the JCC, efforts to meet the candidates personally have been unsuccessful.

The 3 organisations also questioned a woman candidate from Ward 18, Aphien Pame’s eligibility to contest on grounds of origin. “The house resolved to direct the NPF candidate from Ward 18 to immediately withdraw as she is not even eligible to contest, failing which the three organisations will take stern action,” Jamir said.

A protest rally under the NCD banner is also in the offing. Co-convenor, Nyekha said that it will be organised in Dimapur at an “appropriate time sometime after January 17.”

Gov lauds Indigo for ‘Akhiri Ahuti’

loyal party workers ? Emm... yea, for now, but when pork curry on their plates runs out each of them will become leader of a splinter group!

Public Reminder We would like to remind you that Rejoinders to those statements/news pieces that have not been originally published by the newspaper will not be carried either. This is in order to maintain impartiality on an issue. We seek your understanding and cooperation!

The Morung Express

The Morung Express Poll QuEsTion

Vote on www.morungexpress.com sMs your answer to 9862574165 Do you think that 33% reservation for women infringes on Naga customary law and procedure of Article 371 (A)?

Yes

C M Y K

no

others

Is fencing of the IndoMyanmar border in Tuensang an opportunity for Nagas to set aside their differences and with one united voice work for the common goal? Why? Yes

72%

no

07%

others

21%

Details on page 7

SEC clarifies on move to extend nomination date

DImapur, January 15 (mEXn): The Eastern Nagaland Legislators Union (ENLU), Eastern Nagaland gazetted Officers Association (ENGOA) and Eastern Nagaland Women Organisation (ENWO) have come out in strong opposition against Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation’s (ENPO) January 14 resolutions saying it was done without consultation and knowledge of the frontal organisations under ENPO. In a joint statement, the organisations informed they have resolved “to strongly abide by the ENPO’s January 4 resolution

wherein it was resolved to leave the decision of holding of ULBs elections to concerned tribal bodies of eastern Nagaland.”

The organisations have therefore appealed to people of eastern Nagaland to go ahead with the ULBs elections as per the decision taken by respective tribal bodies.

Further, they also cautioned that should any untoward incident happens to any individual under ENPO area, particularly in the ULBs elections, the signatories of ENPO’s January 14 resolutions shall be held solely responsible.

Quit Notice to Minister unacceptable: UVC

DImapur, January 15 (mExn): The Unger Village Council (UVC): today stated that the “unwarranted actions and orders circulated by Ao Senden through local media in utter disregard of the time tested and much honoured customary laws being practiced in all Ao villages is highly deplorable.” It termed the action of the Ao Senden in issuing quit notice to Minister for Highways, Nuklutoshi, as “unacceptable.”

“The deliberate usurping of the powers vested with the Ao village authorities, more particularly the Tatar Menden by Ao Senden is totally condemnable. Aos ourselves should not dismantle the very fabric of the Ao customary laws which every Ao citizen is proud of,” the UVC stated.

It further expressed concern at the “contradictory statements made by Ao Senden.” “On 9th January 2017, Ao Senden issued a strongly worded quit notice to the leader using derogatory languag-

es, which was widely circulated through mass media. Immediately thereafter, on 12th January 2017, they stated that the decision to remove him was taken in order to save his life and situation. Such actions only go on to suggest that Ao Senden is today taken for ransom by few individuals with vested interest,” it stated.

The UVC appealed to all “right thinking citizens of Ao community to work towards regaining the honour and dignity of the Aos which were earned through hard work and sacrifices of our forefathers.”

In order to achieve this, it advised that “the entire set up and hierarchy of Ao Senden needs to be overhauled through proper democratic and participative processes.” It appealed to the entire Ao citizenry that a serious debate towards this end be initiated at the right platform “before the entire Ao community become victims of the hegemony of oligarchic dominion.”

Central team visits ITC Dan to survey border fence; temporarily halts construction

DImapur, January 15 (mExn): Nagaland State Governor, PB Acharya today lauded Indigo Airlines for launching ‘Akhiri Ahuti’ a social service, in association with Delhi Police, under which Indigo Airlines would ferry free of cost the bodies of North East residents who die in Delhi to their homes in North East. “I value your care for North East Morung Express news people. We all are one. The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is in Dimapur | January 15 action a great relief from both financial and emotional point of view for North East people,” the Governor said in a press statement today. A ‘survey team’ from the Government of India has visited the Naga areas today through which an international India-MyanDImapur, January 15 (mExn): Amidst the circulation of mar border fence is taking shape.

Advisor to the Eastern Nahoax news in social media regarding the postponement of HSLC and HSSLC examinations 2017, the Nagaland Board of School Education galand Peoples’ Organisation (NBSE) today clarified that there is no postponement of examination (ENPO), Toshi Wungtung inschedule for HSLC and HSSLC examinations 2017. According to formed that a ‘survey team’ has a press release by Chairman, NBSE, Asano Sekhose, there is no in- been sent by the Government of India (GoI) to the border arstance of leakage of question paper. The routine of the examinations eas in Eastern Nagaland’s Turemains as notified earlier. ensang district after the ENPO had detailed discussions on the matter with GoI’s Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs as well as the Ministry of Defense.

Wungtung is coordinating DImapur, January 15 holiday, there is a clear violation efforts on the border fencing is(mExn): The State Election of the election process by the sue with New Delhi on behalf of Commission (SEC) today issued concerned authority. the ENPO. The SEC informed that the a statement responding to the Meanwhile, P Shingya, contention that it did not have State Government had request- Chairperson of the New Pangprovision for extension of dates ed for extension of the date of sha Village Council, confirmed of nomination because of not re- nominations due to bandh that four officials from the Cencalled by various organisations tral Government visited ITC ceiving nominations.

A press note from the State to prevent filing of nominations. Dan today, and managed to Election Commissioner, Senti- The SEC, taking inputs from the temporarily halt the ongoing yanger Imchen clarified that un- ROs and the District Administra- fencing being done by the Govder Rule 20 Section 7, the Com- tion found that this was so. ernment of Myanmar (GoM) as Rule 30 of the Nagaland Mu- part of sealing the international mission can vary, modify and alter the election progamme. nicipal Election Rules, it informed boundary.

This, it stated includes extending vests the SEC with the superintenIt was also reported that the the date of nominations, which is dence, direction and control of the four officials, who are visiting part of the election programme. conduct of elections to the Munici- from Shillong, will return to the The SEC further clarified that the pals and Town Councils and when spot from their base in Noklak extension of the date of nomina- such instances come to its notice, on January 16; while two of tions was due to the circumstanc- the Commission has to take such them will return after the sures prevailing on the ground and steps as may be necessary to afford vey, two will stay back to moniirrespective of January 7, 2017 be- the opportunity to the candidates tor the situation at the border. to file the nominations. Hence, afing a public holiday or not.

It had been contended that ter having considered all relevant Trilateral decision making the extension given by the SEC aspects of the matter, the SEC de“The fencing is being done was under Rule 20 (7) of the Na- cided to extend the date of nomi- on the Myanmar side but Panggaland Municipal Election Rules, nations to afford the candidates sha’s traditional lands extend 2003 which is applicable only another opportunity to file their up to, and beyond, the areas subject to sub rule 6 which states nominations, it added. through which the fence is slatThe SEC hoped that the issue ed to pass,” said Toshi Wungtung that the last date for nomination, scrutiny and withdrawal shall is put to rest and appealed to all the while speaking to The Morung not be public holidays. It had also politicalparties,candidatesandthe Express today. been alleged that the last date for public to cooperate with the SEC in According to him, the Minisnominations not being a public conducting free and fair elections. try of External Affairs of the GoI

NBSE clarifies on hoax news on social media

Frontal bodies oppose ENPO resolution

Border fencing ‘totally illegal’ DImapur, January 15 (mExn): The Konyak Union of Eastern (Myanmar) and Wolam Nyukyan (New Pangsha) Students’ Union have voiced their opposition to the border fencing works at the Indo Myanmar border.

The former in a press note expressed support to the Khiamniungan Tribal Council’s memorandum to the Indian and Myanmar governments. It asserted that the Naga people would not accept the plan for the border fencing. It stated that the governments of India and Myanmar had neglected all sphere of human necessities in the border area, “as if we are from other world.” The border fencing work, it stated is “totally illegal” and added that the Naga people would not be fooled by the Myanmar Government’s claim that the fencing is being done in order to protect the border area people as well as bring development.

The Wolam Nyukyan (New Pangsha) Students’ Union lamented meanwhile demanded developmental progress in International Trade Centers rather that creating division of people through fences. was unaware of the attempts to fence the border by the GoM as the former had asked it to “go slow” on the issue as it may disturb peace in the region.

Myanmar’s foreign ministry said in a statement on January 10 that it planned to build the fence in the Naga Self-Administered Zone, 10 metres from the demarcated border with India, China’s state-run Xinhua news agency had reported.

While appreciating the response and efforts being taken by the GoI, the ENPO leader asserted that “Any decision to build a fence through the Naga areas should be the product of trilateral decision making.

“Any issue related to land and territory falls under the gamut of the political issue; border fencing itself is a political act. It is politically wrong to erect any fences without the involvement of the landowners. The countries (India and Myanmar) need to understand that these decisions need to be made with them, not for them.”

The proposed fence, for which clearing and construc-

tion has already begun, is set to usurp 3500 acres of Khaimniungan Naga lands. Traditional life and livelihood of the people living in the areas will hit a major setback due to the fencing.

“It will be like ripping a stomach open!” Wungtung remarked, noting that this is a social, economic and political issue.

He reiterated that “People to whom the land belongs need to be a major part of this decision.

They will understand issues the two nation states may have but erecting a border fence without their knowledge amounts to land grab.”

It is still not known why the specific section of the international border is being fenced.

Historical precedent The Advisor to the ENPO further informed that the delimitation of the border was done sometime in the 1960s by the Ministry of External Affairs of the GoI without any consultation or knowledge of the people who inhabit the area. At the 10 March 1967 Rangoon Convention, explained Wungtung,

the governments of India and Myanmar had even met at the behest of the US to discuss the international border.

However, no sooner had border pillars been instated, there was an uproar from the local people who had smashed some of the pillars at the time, said the leader.

Further, the Regional Council that looked after Tuensang Affairs at the time had also registered its protest alongside the people.

Again, in 1972, when Naga affairs were shifted from the purview of the Ministry of External Affairs to the Ministry of Home Affairs by the Government of India, a similar effort was made to demarcate the border without any success.

This time, “we are sure that the GoI will get the GoM to understand that land and ownership lies with the people,” hoped Wungtung.

Mysteriously, the Government of Nagaland has maintained a stoic silence on the raging issue at its border. In September 2016, Chief Minister of Nagaland State, TR Zeliang, had said in an interview to IANS that the Indian Government should “abandon” its plan to erect a fence at the India-Myanmar border and, instead, undertake developmental projects, particularly roads.

It may also be noted that the heads of the Survey Department of India and Myanmar met in Dehradun, India, in September 2016, to “discuss issues of boundary between both the countries,” stated the Survey of India on its website. For the past three years, the Survey of India, the principal mapping agency of the country, has been giving out tender notices from Shillong (regional Geo-Spatial Data Centre) to hire vehicles for ‘field duty’ along the Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram circuit of the international border with Myanmar.

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THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Diphupar ‘B’ village honours founder

DiMapur, January 15 (Mexn): A monolith erected in memory of Late Vesayi Rosetso, who founded Diphupar ‘B’ village, was unveiled by Thenucho, former Speaker of Nagaland Legislative Assembly at a programme organised by the village council to honour the founder on January 14.

With a vision to give to the poor downtrodden section of the society a place to call home, a united Naga village – Diphupar ‘B’ village, was established by the villagers of Diphupar under the leadership of Late Vesayi Rosetso along with LP Therie, the present Head GB and various Naga tribal leaders.

Speaking on the occasion, Thenucho appreciated the Diphupar ‘B’ Village Council, leaders and people of Diphupar ‘B’ for naming Late Vesayi as the founder of the village stating that the wise and exemplary decision will inspire

many generations to come.

Having known Vesayi during school days, Thenucho described him as a man of courage, determination and self dedicated for public causes.

Thenucho recalled how Diphupar ‘B’ was necessitated to be a government recognised village in 1992 when he was the Speaker of NLA and Late Khekiho Zhimomi was MLArepresentingGhaspaniI assembly constituency under the leadership of Late Vamuzo, the then Chief Minister of Nagaland.

Stating that there are excellent virtues and customs in Naga society, which the villagers should explore and make them our ideals for development and peaceful co-existence of the people, he encouraged the villagers to practise the good cultural values of our ancestors for building a strong community and also to share them with others.

“Let us inculcate the spirit

of sharing and unity to become role models to encounter the forces of division and groupism which are destroying our society today,” he added.

After the unveiling of monolith, one minute silence in honour of Late Vesayi Rosetso was observed.

Kahuto N. Chishi, chairman, village council of Diphupar ‘B’, K. Chuba Jamir, former chairman, village council of Diphupar village, Vekhosayi Nyekha, president, Western Chakhesang Hoho, Rev. V.K. Nuh and a family member of Late Vesayi Rosetso presented short speeches on the occasion.

Keve Nuh, vice chairman, CCD ‘B’ chaired the function, Rev. L. Lanu Jamir, Pastor, Ao BCD ‘B’ said the invocation prayer, Vesazo Khusoh, chairman, CCD ‘B’ proposed the vote of thanks, and Rev Dr. P. Dozo pronounced the benediction.

AR organize veterinary camp

phek, January 15 (Mexn): 9 Assam Rifles under the aegis of Headquarters Inspector General Assam Rifles (North) organised a free veterinary camp at Zuketsa village under ‘Op Sadbhavana’ on January 13. The aim of the camp was to provide free treatment to various domestic animals in Pfutsero sub-division where no veterinary facilities exist, informed

a press release from Assam Rifles. The camp started at 10:30 am under the supervision of Veterinary Officer from 14 Mobile Field Veterinary Hospital and medical staff of 9 Assam Rifles. A total of 1059 animals, including dogs, cattle, goats, sheep, swine etc received the veterinary treatment. Free medicines were also provided for the animals.

‘The reward for doing good is life’ Pochury Catholic Women Association celebrates silver jubilee

Meluri, January 15 (Mexn): Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima today presided over the Eucharistic celebration at the silver jubilee celebration of Pochury Catholic Women Association (PCWA) at St. Xavier Parish Church, Meluri Village. The silver jubilee is being celebrated from January 13 to 16 under the theme ‘The reward for doing good is life’ (Pr. 10:16).

The Bishop applauded the office bearers of PCWA for organizing the “beautiful and grand” celebration. Referring to the first reading of the day from the book of Leviticus, he spoke of the right disposition to celebrate jubilees, informed a press release from Fr. Thomas Toretkiu, Bishop’s Secretary. He said that at every jubilee celebration, the people of Israel were invited to give up their sinful past by restoring the lost property, releasing the slaves, renewing themselves and resolving to live a new life.

“Thus repentance, release, renewal, restoration and re-dedication are the key elements of the jubilee.

Therefore this jubilee celebration should be a chance to renew and re-start the

Members of Pochury Catholic Women Association with the Bishop and others on January 15 at Meluri Village.

Christian life,” the Bishop stated.

Referring to the Pope Francis’ idea of jubilee, the Bishop said that the celebration today should be an occasion to remember the past with gratitude, live the present with passion and look to the future with hope. He reiterated that the jubilee must be an occasion to resolve to rebuild “our” lives on the strong foundation – Jesus Christ. The Bishop further urged that the jubilee celebration be an occasion to change and

mend “our” old sinful ways and start anew a new life, a gospel filled life. He asked the audience to commit oneself “newly and totally to the faith of the Church, for which our forefathers suffered and bore witness, so that we will be filled with the fullness of God.” The other speakers who dealt with various topics during the threeday celebrations were Rev. Frs. Jaison Thomas, Director Pastoral Centre, Dimapur, Solomon Kevishi, Asst. Priest, Meluri, John

Latsütho Poji, Administrator, MSW College Dimapur, and Vilanuo Angela, President, NCWA. Earlier, the jubilee monolith was blessed by the Bishop and inaugurated by Rev. Fr Mathew Keemattam, a former Parish Priest of Meluri. Rev. Fr. Solomon Vizo, Parish Priest, St. John the Evangelist Church, Khonoma, released the jubilee souvenir.

The Bishop also blessed the newly elected office bearers of PCWA, namely Thovirho- President,

More condolences for Tokheho Sema

DiMapur, January 15 (Mexn): The Nagaland GB Federation (NGBF) has expressed sorrow and pain at the demise of Tokheho H. Sema, former Minister and Padma Shri award winner. “He was a true veteran political torch bearer among the Nagas. He was sincere, dedicated and a man of principle, who has contributed so much in shaping the Nagas’ political future,” stated a condolence message from Shaleem Konyak, President and Shikuto Zalipu, General Secretary of NGBF. “In Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) Speaker Chotisuh Sazo, Parliamentary Secretary for Planning & Co-ordination, Evalu- his demise, Nagas have lost ation & Monitoring Cell and Taxes Neiba Kronu, MLA Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu, former minister N. Theyo and others during a great leader and the vacuthe Chakhesang Sükrünye festival 2017 at Kohima Local Ground on January 14. (Morung Photo) um created shall be missed

by one and all.” The NGBF further conveyed condolences to the family members of the deceased.

In a separate message, the Sumi Kukuputsa also expressed condolences over the demise of Tokheho H. Sema. “In losing someone like Tokheho, not only the Sumis but the Nagas in general have lost a great leader and it will be very hard to replace someone like him,” it stated.

Sumi Kukuputsa acknowledged late Tokheho’s contributions for the society’s welfare as extraordinary.

Praying for the soul of the departed, it also conveyed solidarity and prayers to

the bereaved family.

The Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) described Tokheho as an outstanding personality and an eminent social worker whose contributions to the society in various capacities were immense and remarkable. His extraordinary social services were recognized by all alike which led the government to award him the Padma Shri in 2016, stated a condolence note from Media Cell, CNTC. The CNTC further conveyed its condolences to the family members and prayed that the Almighty grant solace in this hour of grief.

Students from Seoul in Dimapur for food & cultural exchange prog

DiMapur, January 15 (Mexn): The Korean Culinary Arts & Science High School, Seoul, South Korea led by Dr. Lee, Senior Lecturer and Jhang, ethnic Korean cuisine chef along with 10 students had a food and cultural exchange programme with the students and faculty of Mount Mary Higher Secondary School & College, Chumukedima on January 13.

Rev. C.S. Moon, founder Director of CONA (Corea Naga Mission) facilitated as a liaison person, informed a press release.

The visit, according to the release, was to establish further bonding beGovernor of Nagaland, PB Achraya felicitating the outgoing Principal Secretary to the Governor, Sanjay Kumar (IAS) at tween the two entities and his farewell programme held at Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan, Ko- also adhere to the Memorandum of Understanding hima on January 14. (Photo: PRO, Raj Bhavan)

Students and faculty of Korean Culinary Arts & Science High School, Seoul with students of Mount Mary Higher Secondary School & College, Chumukedima on January 13.

(MOU) signed between the Korean Culinary Arts & Science High School and Mount Mary Higher Secondary School & College, Chumukedima, Nagaland

earlier in the year 2016.

The resident students represented the 16 tribes of Nagaland by displaying full traditional attire to the awe of the Korean delega-

tion, the press release said.

Meanwhile, students of Korean Culinary Arts and Science High School prepared traditional Korean dishes such as Bulgogi, Japchae,

Ramen, Bibimbap, Kimchi and an array of other cuisines, which were tasted and loved by the students, faculty members and special invitees, it added.

Peren district's health Seminar on financial management workers sensitized on IPPI and family upbringing held

peren, January 15 (Mexn): The Chief Medical Officer’s (CMO) office, Peren held a district review meeting on January 10 at its conference hall here. The meeting was attended by District Programme Officers, Medical Officers, nurses, pharmacist, District and Block Program Management Unit Staff, NHM. The District Media Officer in a press release said that Dr. Khrielasanuo, DPO RCH/UIP highlighted about the Intensive Pulse Polio Immunization (IPPI), which is to be held on January 29. She gave instructions on how and what to be done during the IPPI. Highlighting the importance of hand marking, she said the left small fingers of the child should be marked.

She also explained about the importance of Vaccine Vial Monitor and the Open Vial Policy. Further, Dr. Khrielasanuo spoke on how to fill up the reporting formats and

informed on the basic immunization schedule. She requested all the health workers to bring back the unused vaccines to the nearby ILR centers. She also requested the Medical Officers to monitor and supervise during the IPPI in their respective health units sincerely.

Meanwhile, the CMO, Dr. Ngangshimeren informed all staff that no leave will be granted starting from January 3 as per the directives from the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Peren for the coming town council election except for those on medical grounds.

He highlighted the information from the Directorate that names of those residing medical officers or any other category of staff in the Government quarters along with their allotment numbers are to be submitted to the directorate. He further stated that no proxy or adjustments should be entertained

and explained the main purpose of providing two ANMs in the sub centers. He requested all staffs to be sincere and coordinate for the success of the upcoming IPPI. Dr. Tiala, Deputy CMO highlighted about iodine salt testing report which is done by the ASHAs in the villages. She requested the ASHA coordinators to collect the reports from the ASHAs and submit to the Directorate. The reports have to be submitted every month, she stated.

Pointing out that there are some health units where staffs are not attending the monthly review meeting on a repeated basis, she asserted that the monthly review meeting should be taken seriously as during the meeting not only information is given but so also trainings and other important discussions are held.

The next review meeting is scheduled on February 7.

Morung Express News Dimapur | January 15

Philimi Youth Front (PYF) organized a seminar on Financial Management and Family Upbringing on January 11 and 12 at Philimi village.

Accountant DDK Kohima, Lhovili Swu, who was one of the resource persons, spoke on the topic Financial Management, while Accountant DRDA Zunheboto, Ghukhuli spoke about Family Upbringing.

A host of invitees and dignitaries from different parts of the state attended the seminar. The PYF has thanked the two resource persons as well as Joint Director (Dental), H&FW, Kohima, Dr. Hotokhu Chishi for enlightening the gathering on varied topics.

Lhovili Swu, one of the resource persons of the PYF seminar held at Philimi village.

Luozhiesü- Vice president, Virhenyu- General Secretary, Riechuthsü JointSecretary, and ThovirhüTreasurer.

According to the release, the community had one year of spiritual preparation for the jubilee through special prayers, confession and other corporal and spiritual deeds.

The jubilee celebration will end with a thanksgiving mass celebrated by Rev. Fr. Dominic Selosie, Asst.

Priest, St. Thomas Church, Tuensang on January 16.

Women empowerment seminar held DiMapur, January 15 (Mexn): The Western Yimchungru Women Organisation (WYWO) organized a seminar on women empowerment at Tokishe Village on January 12 with Alila, Associate Pastor, Yimchunger Baptist Church, Chumukedma as the resource person.

The speaker asserted that women empowerment can be achieved when a woman is given the freedom to exercise her interest or talent, a congenial social environment, respected as a capable woman and given equal opportunities. She also urged each individual to possess certain capacities through which one can exercise and build thorough continuous learning, said a press release from Media Cell, YWO. An exhortation was also delivered by Throngkila Tohanba, who emphasized on five qualities such as God fearing, truthfulness, being sociable & extending cooperation to one's community whenever required, proper time management between family and social commitments, and being women of strong will. All these are essential qualities for the women to go forward, she added and encouraged the gathering to maintain peace & harmony in the family which will eventually lead to a better society. A short speech was also delivered

by PKF Tochu, President, Western Yimchunger Hoho (WYH) and Kaisa, Vice President, YWO. The programme saw display of cultural dance by Tokishe Village Women Organisation.

Lotha Colony Council calls general meeting DiMapur, January 15 (Mexn): Lotha Colony Council (LCC), Dimapur has convened a general meeting on January 18, 9:00 am at its Council Hall. Therefore, all the bonafide citizens of the colony have been informed to attend the meeting positively as various issues pertaining to the welfare of the colony will be deliberated and resolved.

This was informed in a press release issued by K Mhachio Odyuo, Secretary, LCC.

Monday 16•01•2017

NORTH-EAST 3

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Mizoram SSA employees without salary since August 2016 aIzawl, January 15 (nnn): Out of Rs. 19,625.21 lakhs approved by the Central Government for Mizoram Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), only Rs. 4318.83 lakhs has been released so far. Because of this, SSA employees in the State have not been paid their salary since August 2016. This was highlighted during the meeting between Parliamentary Secretary Joseph Lalhimpuia and SSA Employees’ Association of Mizoram (SEAM) leaders on Friday afternoon. The meeting learnt of the progress made so far in the initiatives taken by Mizoram government regarding SSA employees not getting their salary and mention was made that payment of salary to SSA employees is expected soon.

Meanwhile, Mizo National Front (MNF), the main opposition, on Saturday slammed the ruling Congress government and accused it of holding salaries meant for the SSA teachers. MNF legislator Lalruatkima told reporters during a press conference here on Saturday that teachers working under Mizoram SSA were not paid for a long time under Congress government. He said that teachers were paid thrice in a year for 3-4 months and they were not being paid on time.

Manipur CM should resign for US will continue support to combat drug menace, failure to end blockade: Javadekar spread of AIDS in Mizoram: Ambassador Verma

Imphal, January 15 (IanS): Union Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javadekar on Sunday demanded resignation of Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh for his failure to end the ongoing economic blockade which has affected availability of essential commodities in the region.

Javadekar was interacting with the media at the local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office during his visit here to hold discussions for short-listing candidates for the ensuing assembly elections.

Manipur will elect a new 60-member state assembly in two-phased polls on March 4 and 8. The BJP leader said: "The Constitution clearly says that the central government can't do anything about law and order, since it is a state subject. Still we are extending help to him by dispatching 40 companies of paramilitary forces.

"Instead of using them in maintaining law and order along the highways, the security personnel have been kept in the barracks. Since he has failed to defuse the crisis, he should resign. In any case, he will be ousted this time, but people see no reason to wait until the elections." Javadekar further said: "In the larger interest of the suffering people, the central government had arranged tripartite talks between the Centre, the state government and the United Naga Council, which has imposed the blockade since November 1."

"But the meeting could not be held as no representative from the state government was sent for the talks," he charged.

Ibobi had told IANS that there was no formal invitation. Also, "since Manipur is at the extreme border, officials cannot be

No Naga should take part in Jan 20 meeting in New Delhi: UNC Imphal, January 15 (nnn): The United Naga Council (UNC) has said that no Naga should take part in the January 20 meeting between the “valley based” civil society organisations and Centre's interlocutor for Naga peace talk, RN Ravi in New Delhi. RN Ravi had reportedly sent invitations to “valley based” civil society organisations on January 3 requesting the organisations to participate in the consultation meeting on the prevailing situation of Manipur to be held on January 20. “In case of any Naga taking part in that meeting, and in the event of any opinion expressed or signature appended it will be the participant's sole opinion, and that, he or she does not represent the Naga people,” UNC stated.

rushed to Delhi at a moment's notice," he added.

People continue to suffer due to shortage of essential items. Fuel is rationed, though there is no dearth in the black market. Cooking gas cylinders are being sold for Rs 2,000 each in the black market. The Manipur High Court had directed the government to provide adequate security to the vehicles plying on the highways. The state government has complained that while it sought 60 companies of central paramilitary forces, so far only 29 companies have been sent.

More than 500 loaded trucks and oil tankers bring various items to Manipur every second day from Assam. But owing to the lack of mechanism to check hoarding, a large proportion of the items do not reach the open market.

During the blockade, there have been instances of drivers and police personnel having been ambushed to disrupt supplies to the strife-torn state.

Javadekar held closed-door consultations with the state BJP and other national leaders in charge of the Northeast.

The short-listed names of BJP nominees will be submitted to the central committee and the final list of candidates is expected to be announced next week.

The party will be fielding candidates in all the 60 constituencies of the Manipur assembly. There are more than six BJP aspirants in each constituency and all of them have started their respective election campaign. This is causing confusion among the voters. At the directive of the party, however, the aspirants in some constituencies recently publicly pledged to support the ones who get the ticket.

Newmai News Network Aizawl | January 15

US government will continue to extend assistance to Mizoram to combat drug menace and check the spread of AIDS in Mizoram state, US ambassador to India Richard Verma said during a press conference on Friday here.

Verma, who arrived Friday on a two-day visit to Mizoram, said that US government’s Drugs Enforcement Agency (DEA) will continue assisting the Mizoram government in combating drug menace in the state. “DEA has been involved from the begin-

In Assam’s forests, human-elephant conflict has no winners GuwahatI, January 15 (ht): Shalini Chhetri had ventured into Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary close to her home at Batahghuli in Panjabari area of Guwahati, a day prior to Christmas, to fetch grass for her goats. She didn’t return home that night. The next day after a three-hour search, forest personnel found her body trampled by a herd of elephants, which had strayed out of the wildlife sanctuary on the eastern outskirts of Assam’s capital.

On Wednesday, Robin Murmu, was trampled to death by a herd of wild elephants at Gohpur, nearly 310 km north-east of Guwahati.

Assam, which has the highest number of wild elephants in India—up from 5,246 in 2002 to 5,620 in 2011—and over one third of area under forests, has witnessed hundreds of human-elephant conflicts. Between 2006 and 2016, wild elephants have killed 785 people in the state, while 225 pachyderms fell victim to poaching, speeding trains, poisoning, electrocution, etc. between 2001 and 2014. It’s a conflict with no winners on both sides. On Wednesday night, an adult tusker was killed after being hit by the LidoDibrugarh passenger train at Tingrai in Digboi. In December, eight elephants, including two pregnant ones and a calf, were killed after being hit by trains. A month earlier, a female elephant fell into a pit at Patanjali’s mega food park in Tezpur district and died.

“The man-elephant conflict is on the rise in Assam.

Factors like rapid loss of dense forests, infrastructure projects falling in elephant habitats and rising frustration of villagers due to loss of property and lives have contributed to it,” says Bibhab Talukdar, a wildlife expert.

Unable to find enough resources to sustain in their old habitats, the pachyderms venture out close to human settlements and damage farms and property, and attack people. To save themselves, people try to chase away the wild animals with drums, sticks, spears and fire-torches.

Some even resort to poisoning and electrocuting them.

Talukdar observed that people did not have enough awareness on how to deal with the situations. “Excessive delays in getting compensation for damage to crop and property is also a cause of their frustration,” he said.

Deforestation and encroachment of reserve forests by humans is also shrinking the habitats of pachyderms.

In a bid to reduce killings of elephants, the forest department has launched measures such as awareness drives, increased patrolling along the 29 elephant corridors near railway tracks and set up anti-depredation squads.

“Our initiatives will not bear fruit unless there is public participation. We appeal to all to help the forest department in protecting Assam’s wildlife and forests,” forest minister Pramila Rani Brahma said last month. Besides short-term measures, experts feel afforestation drives and capturing of wild elephants and training them for various tourism and anti-poaching related activities would help reduce the conflict in the years ahead.

of AIDS in the state. He said the US government will cooperate with the Mizoram State AIDS Control Society (MSACS) through ‘Project Sunrise’ in combating spread of HIV & AIDS. According to him, HIV & AIDS treatment and prevention has been one of the top priorities of US in India as well as Mizoram and the US government launched Project Sunrise in Mizoram to fight spread of AIDS. Verma also said that US is looking for opportunities to increase investment in Mizoram. He said both US and India are equally interested in the two way nature of investment and people

must know that US is open for business. “Increasingly we see large amount of Indian investment and business connection in US,” he stated, adding that economic connection at the end help people.

On the issue of IndoUS relation, Verma said it will continue to be strong.

“We had gains over the past twenty years in democratic and republican administration and we are proud of the leadership of former president Barak Obama,” he said. The new team in Washington, he added, will continue to give public support to augment IndoUS ties.

LOST

KOHIMA BIBLE COLLEGE

I, Renpenthung W. Patton applying for a duplicate copy of my B. Sc. Pass Certificate, as I have lost it.

Name: Renpenthung W. Patton.

Father's Name: Wosamo Patton.

Lost Pass Certificate: B. Sc. 2004.

Roll No: GO314079.

Regd. No:13062 of 99-00.

Division: 1st Class College: Kohima Science College.

Born Again, certain of your call to the ministry, and have the commitment to serve the Lord; you are welcome to Kohima Bible College -The first established Bible College in Nagaland and God’s own ordained place in training men and women for the Global mission.

The College: • Is Bible-centered, Christ-centered and gives special emphasis on the deliverance ministry and to walk in the Anointing work of the Holy Spirit.

• Is committed for Spiritual quality with Academic excellence.

Associate Member of ATA, Affiliated to NATA & Approved by The Govt. of Nagaland P.O. Box – 482 Kohima: Nagaland

PAST CERTIFICATE

The 25 Triennial General Conference of the Assemblies of God of East India th

ADMISSION OPEN FOR THE FOLLOWING COURSES: Courses offered Eligibility Master of Divinity (Regular & Extension) B.Th / B.A. / B. Sc

Bachelor of Theology Certificate in Theology Graduate in Theology

HS (+2) / PUC HSLC HSLC Under Matriculate

• New Admission (Limited Seats) for the Spring Session 2017 is available.

• Last Date for New Admission: 20th January, 2017.

Duration

2 years 3 years 4 years 3 years 4 years

For more information contact: (M)- 9436011961/8575733192

SAINIK SCHOOL PUNGLWA (NAGALAND) UNDER THE AEGIS OF MINISTRY OF DEFENCE, GOVT OF INDIA DIST – PEREN

Zeliangrong Baudi (AMN) condemns firing incident Imphal, January 15 (mExn): Zeliangrong Baudi (Assam, Manipur & Nagaland) has condemned the killing of Dikhuanang and serious injury of three other persons caused by “indiscriminate firing” at Khumji village (Lukhambi) on January 12. A press release from Dr. Gairiangmei Maringmei, General Secretary, ZB (AMN) lamented that such firing incident is not the first time in the Zeliangrong inhabited areas and that many innocent persons have been killed similarly. Therefore, it appealed to all the persons involved in the act of killing of innocent civilians not to repeat the same in the Zeliangrong inhabited areas. “We also urge the State Government and concerned department to provide life security to protect its citizens,” it added.

ning and so we are very proud of the work that DEA does across the globe, DEA is present in Delhi and we are going to follow up with them,” he said.

US government has helped Mizoram Excise and Narcotics Department by imparting special training and providing equipment for fighting drug menace, considering the state’s strategic location close to Myanmar through which drugs from the Golden Triangle are smuggled to western countries, he said.

Verma also said that US government is ready to send researchers to study the cause of speedy spread

TENDER - NOTICE: SL NO. SSPN/QM/311/TDR-01/2017-18 DATED 16 Jan 17

The 25th Triennial General Conference of the Assemblies of God of East India (AGEI) was held from January 13-15, 2017 at Bethesda Hr. Sec. School, Walford. The theme was “Forward for Excellence”. The speakers were Rev. Robert Jeyaraj, Gen. Supdt. the Assemblies of God of North India and Rev. V.T. Abraham, Gen. Supdt. the Assemblies of God of South India. Special guest were Rev. Dr. Huldah Buntain, Pastor Gary Gibson and Mrs. Nancy Gibson fron the States. There 301 delegates - Reverend, Pastor and key leaders – from the 7 North-eastern state of India.

During the conference, mornings and evenings were devoted to God’s word. The speakers spoke on Relevant Leadeship, Church and its mission, Christian family and Healthy Pastor, Healthy Church. The member present were greatly edified as the Lord ministered. During the day, under the supervision of the Holy Spirit, business sessions were solemnly conducted, resolution could be arrived at unanimously.

The Triennial Conference marks the election of the executive committee of the AGEI. For the next three years, 2017 - 2019, the following were elected unanimously: Rev. Moses Murry – General Superintendent, Rev. Dr. M.S. Nongrem – Asst. General Superintendent, Rev. R. Sanga Keivom – General Secretary, Rev. Dr. L.H. Jacky Simte – General Treasurer, Rev. Ng. K. Haokip – Member, Rev. Maina Debbarma – Member and Rev. Mangthuama – Member.

OPPORTUNITY FOR SC/ST CANDIDATES FOR FREE COMPUTER EDUCATION

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.

Other courses for interested candidates are also available as given below.

Hostel is available for outstation candidates.

Course Name

Eligibility

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O Level (Diploma)

10+2 passed

1 Year

A Level (Adv. Diploma)

Graduate or O Level Passed

1 1/2 years

Diploma in Computer Application & Networking

10 passed

Course on Computer Concepts

Knowledge of English 2 Months

Certificate Course in Desktop Publishing

Knowledge of Basic Computer Concept

2 Months

Certificate Course in Web Designing

Knowledge of Basic Computer Concept

2 Months

Advance Web Development using PHP

Basic Programming Knowledge

2 Months

Certificate course in Graphic Designing

10 + 2

2 Months

Audio and Video Editing

10 + 2

2 Months

Certificate course in 2D Animation using Flash

10 + 2

2 Months

Diploma in Interactive Multimedia Development

10 + 2

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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.

LAST DATE OF ADMISSION IS 20th January 2017.

For more information contact:

National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology Extension Centre Chuchuyimlang, Nagaland Gandhi Ashram, Mokokchung – 798614, Tel: 0369-2261355/ +919856071050/ +919612808377.

1. Principal Sainik School Punglwa invites Tenders in Sealed Envelopes from manufacturers/ distributors/authorized dealers/ adequately experienced Vendors/ contractors/ Suppliers with proven record for providing the following Supplies/services to the School at its campus subject to applicable conditions.

Ser a b d e f g h I

PARTICULARS Supply of Dry Ration Supply of Fresh Ration Supply of Non Veg Items (Chicken Pork & Fish etc) Supply of Clothing items & running of Tailoring Shop Running of Utility Shop Running of Wet Canteen Supply of Horse Feed Supply of Students Stationery

EMD ` 1,50,000.00 ` 60,000.00 ` 65,000.00 ` 50,000.00 ` 10,000.00 ` 10,000.00 ` 10,000.00 ` 10,000.00

2. Tender forms with instructions may be obtained from the School Office from 9AM - 2PM on any working day between 16 Jan 17 & 15 Feb 17 on cash payment of Rs 1000/-.

3. Tender Form and documents containing terms and conditions can be downloaded from the School web-site http://www.sainikschoolpunglwa.nic.in.

Tenderer have to attach an SBI Demand Draft of amount of Rs 1000/- towards applicable Form Fee in favour of the 'Principal, Sainik School, Punglwa' payable at SBI, Medziphema (Bank CodeNo.6759).

4. Sealed Tenders forms duly filled in all respect and signed by the authorised signatory with the stamp must be sent by post or dropped in the Tender Box in the School. Last date of receipt of Tenders is at 11 AM on 21 Feb 17. All Tenders will be opened in Public at 12 Noon on 21 Feb 17. For further details pls contact Phone number – 03839-262004/262002.

SAINIK SCHOOL PUNGLWA(NAGALAND)

UNDER THE AEGIS OF MINISTRY OF DEFENCE, GOVT OF INDIA DIST – PEREN TENDER NOTICE FOR REGISTRATION OF VENDORS / SUPPLIERS NOTICE: SL NO. SSPN/QM/311/TDR-02 /2017-18 DATED 16 Jan 17 1. Principal, Sainik School Punglwa invites applications from the interested firms/companies, which are in the business of manufacturing, stocking or marketing of goods and services of specified categories as mentioned in the registration documents.

Ser PARTICULARS

CODE

a

C001

b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p

Petty repairs/ Flooring, Plastering, Brick works, Addition/ Alteration works/ painting works etc.

Furniture makers & repairers, including fabrication works Supply & Refilling of Fire extinguishers, Oxygen Supply of General Hardware, Electrical items, Paints, Cement, Sand etc.

Supply of Medicine.

Supply of Lab instruments & consumables Supply of Clothing items (Track Suit, Black Shoes, White shoes, Blazers, Pull overs, Bed Sheet etc) Supply of Crockery items Supply and repair of Kitchen equipments, Laundry equipments.

Scrap dealer Transportation (Hiring of light Vehicle, Trucks & Buses) Tent House & Flower decorators Supply/Hiring & repair of PA equipments & Musical Instruments Printing works Office Stationery Sports items

C002 C003 C004 C005 C006 C007 C008 C009 C010 C011 C012 C013 C014 C015 C016

2. Registration Form and documents containing terms and conditions can be downloaded from the School web-site http://www.sainikschoolpunglwa.nic.in. Registration forms can be also obtained from the School Office on any working day between 0900hrs – 1400hrs from 16 Jan 17 2016 till 14 Feb 2017.

3. Hard copy of the Registration Form along with non-refundable fee of Rs 1000/- (Rupees One Thousand only) in SBI Demand Draft towards applicable Form Fee and Registration in favour of the 'Principal, Sainik School, Punglwa' payable at SBI, Medziphema (Bank CodeNo.6759) must reach the office of Sainik School Punglwa by registered post / speed post/ by hand.

4. Separate form and fee must be submitted for each category of item. The last date for submission of application is 28 Feb 17. Application (s) received after last date of submission will not be considered.

5. For further details, please contact at Phone Number: 03839262004/262002

4

MonDAY 16•01•2017

business

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

AssochAm calls for a Budget that revives eonomy post note-ban New Delhi, JaNuary 15 (iaNS):Industry chamber Assocham on Sunday appealed to political parties to ensure that the Union Budget for fiscal 2017-18 to be presented to Parliament on February 1 aids the revival of economic sentiment at a time of depressed demand and investment.

“The advancement to February 1 (of the Union Budget) would help the government to begin its capital and other expenditure right from April and revive the much needed economic growth,” the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) said here in a statement.

“The decision of the central government for

advancing the date of the Budget is well thought out from the point of view of revival of the economic sentiment. As is evident, the consumer demands as also corporate investments have been rather subdued owing to a host of factors,” Assocham Secretary General D.S. Rawat said.

Rawat was referring to the central government’s November 8 decision to demonetise high-value currency notes that has caused cash crunch and impacted economic activity in the country.

As a consequence, making its first projection on the country post-demonetisation, the World Bank earlier this week lowered India’s GDP growth

estimate for this fiscal to 7 per cent from its earlier estimate of 7.6 per cent made in June last year.

“Unexpected demonetisation weighed on growth in the third quarter of FY 2017,” the World Bank said in its latest Global Economic Prospects report.

“Weak industrial production and manufacturing and services purchasing managers’ indexes further suggest a setback to activity in the fourth quarter of FY 2017,” it added.

Last week, India’s official statistician in New Delhi also lowererd the country’s gross domestic product growth estimates for 2016-17 to 7.1 per cent, compared with the 7.6 per cent growth in 2015-16.

While announcing its

monetary policy review last month, the Reserve Bank of India acknowledged the demonetisation factor and lowered its gross value added (GVA) growth estimates for the current fiscal to 7.1 per cent from the 7.6 per cent forecast earlier.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 8 announced demonetisation of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 bank notes, saying the move was aimed to eliminate black money, counterfeit currency and terror financing.

Assocham said under the earlier arrangement when the Budget was presented on the last working day of February, its full and final passage would only happen by the middle of May, “with the result

that half the financial year would be over by the time the money become available with the ministries and departments”.

“This typically leads to back-loading, rather than front-loading of government expenditure of the order of Rs 20 lakh crore, which itself is a strong trigger for boosting the economic activity. The bundling of expenditure in the last few months also affects the quality of government spending as the pressure to exhaust the allocated outlays in the set period leads to rush jobs”, the chamber said.

In this connection, it also noted that from this year on, the Railway Budget would be a part of the main Budget.

‘4 airports have potential for operations under UDAN’ amaravati, JaNuary 15 (Pti): About 44 airports across the country have “high potential” for operations under the ambitious Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) for civil aviation, UDAN, according to a report brought out by apex industry body FICCI has said.

“Based on the geographical, operational and commercial parameters, 44 out of the 414 underserved and unserved airports have high potential under RCS. “We have also identified around 370 potential destinations for the shortlisted airports, including metros, state capitals and important commercial, industrial and tourism centres,” said the FICCI report, brought out in concert with global professional service company KPMG. Uttar Pradesh has four high potential RCS destinations, three each in Maharashtra, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Assam, two each in Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Bihar, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh and one each in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, J&K, Puducherry, Lakshadweep, Daman and Diu, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh Jharkhand and Uttarakhand.

“So far 22 states have joined the RCS and we have identified 30 airports where operations could be started immediately,” Union Civil Aviation Secretary Rajiv Nay-

an Choubey told PTI. RCS, or UDAN ((Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik), was introduced as part of the National Civil Aviation Policy 2016 and was formally launched in October last. It provides an opportunity to take flying to the masses by way of fiscal incentives, infrastructure support and monetary subsidies (viability gap funding).

Noting that RCS was a good scheme, Regional Director of International Civil Aviation Organisation Arun Mishra, however, said India did not have the wherewithal right now for RCS to become successful.

“They are trying to build the wherewithal but it will take some time,” he said.

“We have to be careful about creating the enabling conditions for this scheme to become successful. One of the most important things is the right size of aircraft that you need.”

He said a plan was required to induct smaller aircraft for RCS operations.

“Many of the airports (identified for RCS) do not have big runways, so they can’t take regular aircraft. We need to induct smaller aircraft for short runways for short takeoffs and landings.

“Those aircraft are not available in our country,” Mishra, who earlier served as Director General of Civil Aviation, pointed out.

FM looks to break GST deadlock on Monday meeting The most common password of 2016 may surprise you New Delhi, JaNuary 15 (Pti): Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will tomorrow look to break the deadlock over distribution of powers between centre and states to administer GST, an issue that is holding up launch of the new national sales tax from April.

The all-powerful GST Council, headed by Jaitley, will meet for the ninth time tomorrow with the issue of who gets to administer the Goods and Services Tax (GST) being the single biggest issue on agenda.

The council has been deadlocked in the last four meetings, the last one being on January 4, with states seeking sole powers to control assessee with annual turnover of up to Rs 1.5 crore.

Centre, however, is not in favour of a horizontal split as it feels states do not have the expertise to administer levies like service tax. Jaitley is also not favour of dual agencies auditing and scrutinising each taxpayer as he reckons multiple authorities could end up acting at cross-purposes.

Jaitley had last week hoped to resolve the pending issues to get the new indirect tax regime rolling from April 1.

“Most of the issues have been sorted out, some critical issues remain and these critical issues over the next few weeks we will try and solve FiRe StatiOnS

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waShiNGtON, JaNuary 15 (Pti): Numeric combination of ‘123456’ was the most common password of 2016, followed by ‘123456789’ and ‘qwerty’, according to researchers who reviewed over 10 million security codes that became public following data breaches.

The study also found that four of the top 10 passwords on the list are six characters or shorter.

Passwords ‘12345678’, ‘111111’, ‘1234567890’, ‘1234567’, ‘password’, ‘123123’, ‘987654321’ out,” he said last week. “We would want it to be implemented from April if all issues are resolved.”

The GST Council is also to discuss the taxation of trade in territorial waters. Also the corpus to be created for compensating states for loss of revenue from GST rollout may figure in tomorrow’s meeting, sources said.

The council had in previous meeting agreed on most of the clauses of the draft IGST law, which along with Central-GST (CGST) and State-GST (SGST) have to be passed by the Parliament and state legislatives respectively before the new tax regime can be rolled out.

Interated-GST or IGST deals with levy on inter-state supply (including stock transfers) of goods or services.

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GST will subsume a host of indirect taxes levied by the centre and the states, including excise duty, value-added tax, service tax, entry tax, luxury tax and entertainment tax.

The Parliament passed the landmark constitutional amendment in August last year and more than half of state legislatures ratified it by midSeptember. According to Jaitley, GST needs to be rolled out latest by September 16, 2017.

Under the Constitutional Amendment passed by Parliament for the GST implementation, some of the existing levies would expire after September 16.

GST would transform India into a single market, boost revenues through better compliance and simpler procedure.

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New Delhi, JaNuary 15 (Pti): India’s automobile exports across categories fell 5 per cent in 2016 dragged down by lower sales of two and threewheelers in various markets, including Latin America and Africa. According to latest data by Society of Indian Automobile Manufactures (SIAM), overall exports during the last year stood at 34,34,322 units as compared to 36,14,851 units in 2015, down 4.99%.

Two-wheeler and threewheeler exports pulled down the overall exports during the last year even as overseas shipments in segments like passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles grew in double digits.

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KOHiMa Fire Brigade naga Hospital oking Hospital Bethel nursing Home northeast shuttles

KoHIMA Ps/oCs

plexed us is that so many website operators are not enforcing password security best practices,” it said.

The study found that the list of most-frequently used passwords has changed little over the past few years, which means that user education has limits.

While it is important for users to be aware of risks, a sizable minority are never going to take the time or effort to protect themselves. IT administrators and website operators must do the job for them, the

company said.

The presence of passwords like ‘1q2w3e4r’ and ‘123qwe’ indicates that some users attempt to use unpredictable patterns to secure passwords, but their efforts are weak.

Dictionary-based password crackers know how to look for sequential key variations. At best, it sets them back only a few seconds.

Email providers do not appear to be working all that hard to prevent the use of their services for spam, they added.

Automobile exports from India decline by 5% in 2016

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north Ps Officer-in-Charge south Ps Officer-in-Charge Zubza Ps Officer-in-Charge Chiephobozou Ps Officer-in-Charge tseminyu Ps Officer-in-Charge Khuzama Ps Officer-in-Charge Kezocha Ps Officer-in-Charge women Cell Officer-in-Charge Control room

were among the top ten list.

“This is stunning in light of the fact that, as we have reported, today’s brute-force cracking software and hardware can unscramble those passwords in seconds,” according to the USbased password management company Keeper Security .

“Website operators that permit such flimsy protection are either reckless or lazy,” the company said.

“Nearly 17 per cent of users are safeguarding their accounts with ‘123456’. What really per-

std code: 0370 2222952 2222916 2243339 2224202 08974997923

Major markets in Latin America and Africa continued to reel under high inflation and currency devaluation thereby impacting demand for vehicles exported from India.

Three-wheelers exports stood at 2,88,732 units in 2016 as compared to 4,24,881 units in January-December period of 2015, down 32.04%. Two-wheeler exports last year stood at 22,94,123 units as compared with 24,60,471 units in 2015, down 6.76%. Motorcycle shipments during the year stood at 19,81,927 units, down 10.96%, as compared to 22,25,837 units in 2015.

Scooter exports were up 33.95% during the year at 2,94,318 units as against 2,19,724 units in MOKOKCHUnG

std code: 0369

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

9485232688 9485232689 9485232690 9485232693 9485232694 9485232695 2226216

woodland nursing Home

2226263

Hotel Metsüpen (tourist Lodge) 2226373/ 2229343

2,524 units. Similarly, total exports of commercial vehicles stood at 1,11,319 units in 2016, up 12.55% from 98,909 units in 2015. In the domestic market, sales across categories rose by 9.17% at 2,19,01,572 units in the January-December period of 2016 as compared with 2,00,61,389 units in 2015.

Two wheeler sales rose by 9.7 per cent to 1,76,86,563 units during the year, despite taking a hit of over 22% in December sales owing to high value currency pullback initiative by the government. Total three-wheeler sales rose 6.12%, commercial vehicles by 7.67%, while passenger vehicles increased by 7.01% in the domestic market during 2016.

CURRenCY nOteS

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

BUY (rs) 66.62 80.87 8.31 49.77 46.56 50.53 57.57 70.59 1.82 0.0547 17.55 9.39

seLL (rs) 69.64 84.81 9.26 52.21 48.86 53.01 60.83 74.03 2.03 0.061 19.55 10.46

leisure

Contact numbers

8575045501 8575045510 8575045502 8575045520 8575045508 8575045518 8575045506 8575045516 8575045507 8575045517 8575045505 8575045515 8575045549 8575045538 8575045509 8575045519 8575045500 (Emergency No. – 100)

2015. Commenting on the situation, Price Waterhouse Partner and auto expert Abdul Majeed told PTI: “Most of the exports markets are not doing well, especially countries depending on commodity and oil exports. The whole of South American and African economies are struggling.”

Exports of passenger vehicle, however, increased by 17.13% to 7,38,454 units in 2016 as compared to 6,30,474 units in 2015.

Utility vehicles saw the biggest jump in exports at 1,56,295 units, up 52.62%, from 1,02,411 units in 2015. Overseas shipments of passenger cars stood at 5,79,635 units, up 10.12% from 5,26,385 units in 2015.

Van exports rose 50.42% to

CROSSWORD # 3830

H

SUDOKU

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

Game Number # 3825

Answer Number # 3824

ACROSS 1. Narrow-waisted stingers 6. Double-reed woodwind 10. Anagram of “Seek” 14. It pumps blood 15. Sprockets 16. Mother 17. Mistake 18. Legal wrong 19. Fiber source 20. Horn 22. Among 23. Hourly pay 24. Chronicles 26. Does something 30. Bamboozle 31. Long-haired wild ox 32. Train track 33. Terminates 35. Insect stage 39. Books on unusual subjects 41. Control surface on a plane 43. Napped 44. Permits 46. 3 times 3 47. Female sib 49. Zero 50. Labels 51. Draw 54. Algonquian Indian 56. Don 57. Destroy completely 63. Kitty (poker) 64. Romances 65. Debauchees 66. Notion 67. At one time (archaic) 68. Scintillas 69. Standard 70. D D D D 71. Overact DOWN 1. At what time 2. Relating to aircraft

3. Indian dress 4. Not amateurs 5. Scatter 6. 8-sided 7. Decorative book support 8. Monster 9. Waif 10. A long artificial mound 11. Fate 12. Electronic letters 13. Smooths 21. Ceremonial staffs 25. Found on a finger 26. Circle fragments 27. Inner membrane of embryos 28. Rubber wheel 29. Backwash 34. Humorists 36. Diva’s solo 37. Chime 38. 1 1 1 1 40. Ear-related 42. A small island 45. Insert 48. Exhibited 51. Boyfriend (archaic) 52. Japanese stick fighting 53. Consumer of food 55. Creepy 58. Drill 59. Space 60. Car 61. Nipple 62. Being Answer to Crossword 3829

monday 16•01•2017

NAGALAND

Kohima diocese recieves its first priest from imphal archdiocese Kohima, January 15 (mExn): Diocese of Kohima got its first priest from the archdiocese of Imphal with the priestly ordination of Rev. Fr. Salas Ngade by Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima at Holy Rosary Parish Church, Purul Atongba village, Manipur on January 13.

Dressed in traditional attire, Fr. Salas was led from his house to the altar by his parents, relatives, and village elders. Fr. Carolus Neisalhou, the Vicar General, presented the candidate for ordination, which was followed by the homily of the Bishop.

The Bishop in his homily, referring to the book of Numbers, said that the primary duty of every priest is to lift up Jesus crucified through the exercise of the triple office of Christ: priest, prophet and leader, so that Christ may draw all people to him and give them eternal life. “Though by baptism every Christian shares in the triple functions of Christ by the common priesthood, a priest by ordination shares in ministerial priesthood of Christ...

He is commissioned also, and given power and authority, to declare and pro-

Rev. Fr. Salas Ngade with his parents and others on his ordination day on January 13.

nounce to Christ's people, being penitent, the absolution and remission of their sins. He is empowered and authorized to dispense the sacraments of the Church.

In so doing he exercises his priestly functions and thereby lifts up Christ that He may draw men unto Him,” the Bishop said, according to a press release from his Secretary, Fr. Thomas Toretkiu.

He further said that the priest shares in the prophetic function of Christ when he preaches the word of God, which means to preach Jesus Christ. The function of the priest as a

prophet, the Bishop said, is to give people the teaching of Christ as revealed and taught by the Church, and thus to lift up Christ before men. “The priest also shares in the pastoral or leadership function of Christ by serving like Christ who came not to be served but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many,” he added. The Bishop also thanked the parents and relatives of Fr. Salas for offering him to the service of God in the Church.

After the homily, the ordination ceremony began with questioning the candidate, invocation for the power of the Holy Spirit by pray-

ing the litany of the saints, laying on of hands, prayer of consecration, investiture in the priestly attire, anointing on of hands, presentation of the gifts of bread and wine for the Eucharistic celebration and the kiss of peace.

Deacon Salas Ngade, son of Th. Low James and S. Hiishoru Philomena, was born on December 15, 1988 at Purul Atongba village. He is the sixth child among ten children. He joined the Minor Seminary for the Diocese of Kohima at Jalukie after his matriculation in 2005, then went to Chabua (Assam) for the Orientation Course in 2007, did the philosophy

and graduation at Salesian College Dimapur, regency at St. Francis, Shamator and St. John, Khonoma, and theology at St. Joseph’s Seminary, Mangalore.

Earlier, Fr. Simon Thaikho, the Parish Priest, gave a warm welcome to the participants. He also gave a brief profile of Holy Rosary Parish, Purul, established in 1988 with Fr. Kurian Ovelil MSFS as its first parish priest. There are 13 villages in Purul Block, out of which, 9 villages have Catholic community with a total number of 3917 Catholics. Fr. Salas will be the 10th priest from the parish and it already has 51 nuns. Presently, there are 24 priests and 101 nuns from the Poumai community, Fr. Simon informed. He also acknowledged the contribution by Salesian Fathers, MSFS Fathers, FCC Sisters and Holy Cross Sisters, many catechists and leaders in making the parish a vibrant and a dynamic temple of God, the release said.

Fr. Salas Ngade, the newly ordained priest, expressed words of gratitude to all who were instrumental in leading him to the altar of the Lord.

BJYM Dimapur Unit condemns Dimapur, January 15 (mExn): The Bharartiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), Dimapur District Unit has strongly condemned the “senseless and dastardly act of cowardice” of unidentified miscreants who hurled a crude bomb at the residence of a BJP candidate Hokuto Zhimomi in Veterinary Colony, Burma Camp on January 12.

Zhimomi has filed nomination from Ward No.22, Dimapur in the upcoming Municipal Council polls.

At a time when peace and unity is much sought after amidst political and social chaos, a small act of senselessness can create havoc for the entire people in general, stated the BJYM in a press note from

its President, Vicky Achumi and General Secretary Bendangliba Lkr It also opens doors for outside elements to create confusion and disharmony, it added.

BJYM further cautioned against anyone trying to misalign the “current state of already crumbled affairs” and appealed all to refrain from doing so.

Patkai EU visits Orphanage Homes

Dimapur, January 15 (mExn): The Evangelical Union, Patkai Christian College visited two Orphanage Homes and One Short Stay Home on January 14.

Altogether 74 students were divided into three group led by EU advisors Athong, facaulty member Zulu and EU President, Lungriading Ndang respectively, a press note from the union informed.

The team undertook the visitations with an objective to share God’s blessing

and love with the people less privileged and to demonstrate that "Giving is better than Receiving," it said.

The proprietress of Rev. Longsa Orphanage Memorial and Proprietor of Galilee Home expressed their gratitude and inspired the students to continue their good deeds, it added.

The Union also extended its appreciation to all contributors for enabling such visitations.

Faith Camp for Children held in Kiphire AR apprehendsalleged arms dealers ATMA Ghathashi conducts Activity oriented ap- Dimapur, January 15 (mExn): (27 years) a resident of Walford, Rengactivities across villages proaches such as fill in the The troops of 32 Assam Rifles along ma Colony, Dimapur and Cleanson R

The participants and the resource persons during the threeday Faith Camp held in Kiphire.

Dimapur, January 15 (mExn): A three-day long Faith Camp for Catholic Children of St. Peter’s Church, Kiphire was held from January 13-15 under twin themes, - “Know God, Know Life” and “Deepen Your Faith.” More than 85 children attended the camp.

The Camp was conducted by Rev. Fr. Loyola Antony, Bro. Stephen, Sr. Cicilia and

Sr. Angelle and the camp began with an exhortation by Rev. Fr. Ntonse John Lotha, the Parish Priest.

The participants were divided between Classes 3-7 and Classes 8-12 and the sessions included explanation on the topics; appropriate video shows on the lessons; and the subsequent activity on the subject matter, a press note informed.

blanks, word search, jumble of words, coloring the graphics, and question-answer pattern were held to make the programme more interesting and enriching, it added.

Classes 3-7 dealt on ‘We Share God’s Love for Creation,’ ‘Ways to Say Thank You,’ ‘Jesus and Mary,’ ‘Our Loving God,’ ‘Jesus Forgives,’ ‘We Pray as Jesus Did,’ and ‘The Works of Mercy.’ Whereas the topics for Classes 8-12 included ‘The Sacraments of Baptism, Holy Eucharist and Confirmation,’ ‘The Sacraments of Reconciliation, Holy Matrimony, Holy Orders and Anointing of the Sick,’ ‘The Liturgy of the Word,’ ‘The Liturgy of the Eucharist,’ and ‘The Creed.’

Songs, Party Games, Skits and role plays were other highlights of the camp.

with police, on January 13, arrested two alleged arm dealers along with arms from general area Burma Camp, an AR press note informed today. The arrest was made after an operation based on specific information was launched in general area Burma Camp, it said.

The AR identified them as Paming

Marak (36 years) of Walford, Dimapur.

One Pt 22 mm Pistol and one 7.65 mm Pistol was also recovered from their procession, it added.

The individuals along with the recovered arms and items were handed over to East Police Station, Dimapur for further investigation, it added.

28 AR organises free veterinary camp Dimapur, January 15 (mExn): A veterinary camp was organized by 28 Assam Rifles under aegis of HQ IGAR (N) at Lakhuti village in Sanis Sub-Division of Wokha district on January 15.

The camp was organized under Operation Sadbhavana, informed an AR press note.

A large number of livestock were examined by a team of Assam Rifles veterinary doctor and nursing staff, it said adding that treatments as well as free medicines were provided during the camp.

The civil administration, village

council members and elders of the village urged the Assam Rifles for similar assistance in future and assured their full support for such good initiative, it added.

Dimapur, January 15 (mExn): Ghathashi Block under Zunheboto district conducted Field day on Chemical-free land preparation for high quality yield at Ghokimi village on January 13, an ATMA press note informed.

During the same, resource person Tiarenla ATM Ghathashi explained the different techniques of land preparation and stressed on using of Farm Yard Manure (FYM) in preparing of the same, it said.

She also briefed the farmers on vermicomposting technique and stressed on how SHG’s could generate income from the same, it added besides conducting a demonstration on raising nursery bed for peas as well as cabbage. Altogether 21 farmers attended the programme and seeds of peas and cabbage were distributed to members of different SHG’s.

In another function, Field day on citrus orchard management was held at Kitami village on January 14 where Hutoka BTM Ghathashi stressed on the different management activities in raising of orange plantations.

Management activities such as spacing, timely thinning of plants as well as tackling of different diseases and pests were imparted during the same.

On field demonstration on the preparation of Bordeaux paste and mixture were carried out by him along with Yatetla ATM Ghatashi.

A total of 14 orange cultivators from the village and neighbouring village attended the programme wherein Copper sulphate and agri-lime were distributed, ATMA press note further informed.

Public SPace

AFSPA: In Comparative Perspective Introduction he Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) is one of the many special laws passed by the parliament which provides policing responsibility to deal with the special situation. The reason of which the special laws go beyond the normal laws is that the state considered the existing legal framework is not enough to deal adequately with threats to the national security. At the same time, the legal security regime and defence mechanism of the state has been violating citizenship rights conferred by the constitution by misusing the special powers. Initially, the Armed Forces (Assam and Manipur) Special Powers Act, 1958 enforced as a temporary measures to deal with the Naga insurgency in the Naga Hills District of Assam including the three sub-divisions of the tribal hill areas in the then Union Territory of Manipur.

T

Comparative Analyses of AFSPA The comparative analyses of AFSPA are to find out the laws to better serve for the interest and welfare of the society. It is to drawn a conclusion by emulating

some of the best practices for effective implementation of special laws in the country. The provision of the AFSPA which designated any specific areas as disturb or dangerous place is a unique legislation. The critiques of some of the rights bodies and civil society organizations describe it as discriminatory. These kinds of legislations could be rarely found in any other anti-terror laws in the world.

Under AFSPA, any army officer equivalent to the rank of Havaldar, Commissioned or noncommissioned officer has a right to shoot upon and kill a suspected terrorist by exercising a maximum use of force. Any person acting in contravenes of law is not necessarily an act of terrorism. In this regard, Section 3 of Schedule 14 of Terrorism Act, 2000 (UK) is one of the best provisions which stated that the armed forces shall use “reasonable force” in exercise of power.

Reasonable forces shall be use even a suspected person falls under the section 40(1) (b) i.e. ‘terrorist’.

Reasonable and minimum force should be used for maintains of law and order in public sphere.

Destruction of proper-

ty, arms dump, fortified or any structure: The armed forces are allow destroying any property, structures, building, and armed dump or fortified according to their own discretion under Section 4(b) of AFSPA. For instance, under the policy of regrouping of villages, entire villages uprooted and displaced, houses, schools buildings and churches in the disturb areas were dismantle during army operation. Under this Act, there is no provision for compensation, as a result people were denied of natural justice. On the other hand, section 43(4) of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, 2012 (Kenya) pointed out that destruction of property or any structure shall not be carried out without obtaining an order from the High Court. The anti-terror law in Kenya is much more at ease and humanize in nature.

Enter and search without warrant: The entered and search operation in United Kingdom and Australia has conducted in a more systematic and lenient manner compare to other laws. It is worthy to emulate the best ones from these countries. According to Terrorism Act, 2000 (UK), it allows only an “au-

thorized officer” can enter the premises. The officer has to be accompanied by other person for purpose of carrying out a search and the search of any person shall be carried out by the same-sex.

In Australia, the Proceeds of Crime Act, 2002 have restricted the search of a person’s body cavities.

If practicable the search has to be conducted by the same-sex. Only an authorize officer is allow to search a person. The magistrate issue search warrant if he satisfied that there is a reasonable ground suspecting that ‘tainted property or evidential materials’ were existed in the premises. The search warrant expires on the seventh day from the day on which the warrant was issue. It obliges an executing officer to give everything details about the warrant to the occupier of premise. Unlike AFSPA, procedures for enter and search operation are elaborate in a comprehensive manner under the above provisions.

Under AFSPA, all the members of security forces are authorize to enter the premises and search without any restriction. Searches without warrant can carried out anytime according

to the discretion of armed forces. The innocent civilian and local populations in the ‘disturb areas’ are totally at the mercy of security forces. They can confiscate the property and freedom to do like anything inside the premise without consent of the occupier. Section 241 of Proceeds of Crime Act, 2002 stated that the occupier has a right to be present during search unless sub-section 2(a) if he impedes the search and (b) disturb or interfere with the objective of the search There is no provision in AFSPA that the search shall be necessarily carried out by the same-sex. If this provision has inserted, incident of misused of the act would be greatly reduce.

A search warrant issued by the High Court or magistrate and monitor or accompanied by the certain individuals as an eye witness like village headmen and elders does not arise.

Detention of person without warrant: Under the Terrorism Act, 2000 (UK), the armed forces are allow arresting a suspected person and can detaining for not exceeding four hours. The review of detention has conducted once in every 12 hours by the review officer. The extent

of detention should not exceed fourteen days after the expiry of relevant time. In Indonesia, under the Government Regulation in Lieu of Legislation on Combating Criminal Acts of Terrorism, 2002, detention of suspected person with strong evidence against him can be extended for seven days. Whereas in India, under Section 5 of AFSPA, an arrested person shall be produced “to the officer-incharge of the nearest police station with the least possible delay, together with a report of the circumstances occasioning the arrest”. But arrested persons are not handed over to the Magisterial Court or nearest police station within 24 hours as requires by the Act and Cr Pc Section 57. Sometimes it takes longer time even to make it to the nearest police station. In India, the reviews on detention of person are to be done after every 3 months period.

Immunity of Law Enforcement: Under the Government Regulation in Lieu of Legislation on Combating Criminal Acts of Terrorism 2002, Military police Investigation against the soldier shall be conducted by their authorized command. The cases can be close only by receiving

the reports of implementation by military prosecutors. Besides, Terrorism Act, 2000 (UK) provided the Independent Assessor of Military Complaints Procedures to receive the complaints, investigate, review the cases and redress the grievances of the people in Northern Ireland.

In contrast, under AFSPA, the military superiors and subordinates are equally unaccountable or irresponsible for any offences and crime against humanity as they are effectively protected from legal prosecution. Perhaps the chances of getting earlier sanction from the Central Government are not reliable because most of the accused of human rights violation are scot-free and they were not prosecuted in the history of more than 50 years of its existence. This provision is clearly violates Article 2(3) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which stated that anyone whose rights are violate shall make ensure to have an “effective remedy, notwithstanding that the violation has committed by persons acting in an official capacity”. Under AFSPA, the provisions related to the grievances mechanism and institu-

tions are not effective.

In the nutshell, by winning the hearts and minds (WHAM) of the people is the most effective doctrine for fighting insurgency around the world. It should not at the cost of unarmed civilian population by unleashing the reign of terror in the name of fighting against insurgency which threatens the integrity of the State. In this context, the reform of section 6 of the Act is needed with a political will into a more humanize legislation to prevent further alienation of people. Those responsible for any atrocities or crime should accountable to the rule of law. It is worth mentioning here that the Criminal Code Act, 1995 (Australia) which make military commanders effectively held responsible for any offences committed by forces under his authority and control. It is also pointed out that the forces committed a crime as the superior failed to take all necessary measures to prevent from omission or commission of offences. Whether civilian or military commander shall not be escape from responsibility for a crime against humanity.

KS Luckyson James

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

6

Monday 16•01•2017

IN FOCUS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

The Power of Truth

The Morung Express volume XII Issue 14 By moa Jamir

Corruption as a virtue

L

ooking at the state of affairs prevailing in our society in the recent past, a measured conclusion can be drawn that corruption and self-interest have become a virtue in the Naga society. Corruption is a global phenomenon. Humankind since ‘time immemorial’ has failed to hit upon a perfect antidote to free itself from its menacing grip. Only the prevalence varies.

Conceptions of virtue and corruption have been central in the study of politics and history since at least the time of Plato and Aristotle, Richard K Matthews wrote in his introduction to book, “Virtue, Corruption, and Self-interest: Political Values in the Eighteenth Century.” Adam Smith, regarded as the father of modern economics argued that, “unrestricted pursuit of individual self-interest would create a harmonious public order where the benefits of economic growth would trickle down to all members of civil society.” To be self-interested, in other words, simply means seeking maximum personal benefits, which Smith considered as the ‘invisible hand’ along with competition – a virtue while explaining his rationale for market economy.

Corruption as an open secret in Naga society has been discussed ad absurdum and may prolong ad infinitum – as it is intricately embedded in every layer of the society. Anchored safely and complementing each other by the ample bosom of tribalism, political partisanship, patrimonialism and public complacency et cetera; any attempt to free ourselves from its encompassing shackles produces more predicaments like the mythical Pandora Box. In early 1960s, a Harvard University Scholar Nathaniel H. Leff argued that while corruption (bureaucratic) in many underdeveloped countries were widely condemned by observers on moral as well as having important prejudicial effects on the economic growth, it can have beneficial effects. “Bureaucracy plays an extensive interventionist role in the economy, and its consent or support is a sine qua non for the conduct of most economic enterprise,” he opined adding that it is all more important because of the necessity for bureaucratic help in so many areas like licenses, credit, or simply “to get anything done.” It can act as a direct incentive necessary to mobilize the bureaucracy for more energetic action and since payment of the highest bribes is one of the principal criteria for allocation, corruption also brings an element of competition through bidding among entrepreneurs, reduces uncertainty and increases investment, he added. Other theorists too explain that corrupt practices can actually result in economic growth, though a general consensus is that, it has overwhelmingly detrimental implications.

In our context, a goodwill visit to legislators or bureaucrats is mandatory pre/post election or new posting. Often, processes and actions which can be construed as nepotism and favoritism otherwise become a normal practice in the administration and polity. A minister getting you a job, a departmental head enabling a ‘backdoor’ appointment or any ‘added services’ are neither derided nor viewed as an offence but goodwill gestures.

Last week, in a popular Naga social media platform, one member posed a hypothetical question. “… An officer drawing a monthly salary of Rs. 1,50,000/- will earn Rs. 18,00,000/- annually… if he also has some other side income, say Rs. 10,000/monthly, his annual side income will be Rs. 1,20,000/-…

Therefore, his annual gross income will be Rs. 19,20,000/-. If that officer wants to buy a spacious land in some prime area and build a palatial building, he will need at least Rs. 2 crores.”

The officer would need 16 years of savings to buy and build houses worth Rs. 2 crores, he concluded posing an open-ended question – “Can we just roughly measure ourselves whether our Govt Officers are accumulating wealth according to their earnings?”. An invisible hand of the different kind.

Thus, instead of looking at corruption and self interest as a vice in Naga society, is it time to consider it as a virtue? “Temptation succeeds temptation, and one compliance prepares us for another; we, in time, lose the happiness of innocence, and solace our disquiet with sensual gratifications," goes a quote attributed 18th century English scholar Samuel Johnson.

Let’s get lost in its sensuality.

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

lEfT wiNg |

Ellen Wulfhorst Thomson Reuters Foundation

Ralph Lauren joins fight to ensure fabrics not damaging forests & lives

F

ashion giant Ralph Lauren Corp, whose designs are sashayed on Hollywood's red carpets, has unveiled plans to trace wood pulp used in its clothes to avoid buying from regions destroying forests or violating human rights.

Rising cotton prices have boosted demand for wood-based fabrics such as viscose, rayon and modal, which increasingly involves clearing forests and taking land used by indigenous people, according to Rainforest Action Network (RAN).

Ralph Lauren is the latest in a growing number of fashion companies to pledge to investigate its supply chain to determine if it is using products from the most destructive regions and stop using those sources by the end of 2017, said RAN. RAN's "Out of Fashion" campaign to publicize the impacts of forest-based fabrics has called on major U.S. brands to adopt stringent, sustainable sourcing systems.

Ralph Lauren said it will publish its new sourcing guidelines as part of a broader initiative to ensure its raw materials are free of human and land rights abuses and are environmentally sustainable.

"This initiative demonstrates Ralph Lauren's commitment to the environment with responsible and traceable sourcing, which we believe will create a positive impact on ecosystems and global communities," Halide Alagoz, Ralph Lauren's head of global sourcing, said in a statement on Friday.

It also makes the more casual Polo brand and has been designing the colorful opening ceremony uniforms worn by the U.S. Olympic teams.

H&M, Zara, ASOS, Levi Strauss & Co and British fashion designer Stella McCartney have adopted similar sourcing policies, RAN said.

Last year Stella McCartney partnered with environmental non-profit Canopy to encourage clothing companies to stop sourcing fabric from ancient and endangered forests.

RAN has targeted Abercrombie & Fitch, Michael Kors, Guess, Forever 21, Under Armour and Foot Locker to adopt similar policies. Abercrombie declined to comment, and the other companies did not respond to requests for comment.

"Ralph Lauren's new policy sends a signal to producers in countries like Indonesia, where the production of pulp for fabrics has been devastating to indigenous and forest-dependent communities," RAN said in a statement.

Production of wood pulp can involve clearing forests to build eucalyptus plantations, taking land traditionally used by indigenous communities, campaigners say.

Indonesia is a major producer of wood pulp and the world's largest producer of palm oil, both of w0hich campaigners say endanger the Southeast Asian nation's rainforests.

Global Forest Watch estimates Indonesia lost 18.5 million hectares (70,000 sq. miles) of tree cover from 2001 to 2014. Ralph Lauren did not give details on how much pulp it uses from Indonesia.

C O M M E N T A R Y

Satya Sagar CounterCurrents

Cashless Is Not Casteless

A

Cashless, Corruption-free, Cow-friendly India that also Cares for the Poor. As the Narendra Modi regime shoots forth silken promises like buttered popcorn from a hot oven – it is time to remember India’s long history of using colourful fiction to rip-off the public and carry out caste oppression.

Let me explain. For over a millennium one of the recurring debates among Indian philosophers was whether this world was real or a mere dream. To be more precise, the claim was, we are all part of Maha Vishnu’s dream as He sleeps peacefully on a giant serpent, with a lotus blooming from His navel.

Paradoxically though, those who preached most passionately that our senses mislead us and everything around was Maya or an illusion, went on to corner the largest chunk of material reality. Behind the smokescreen of clever mythology, it was they, who grabbed the lion’s share of everything tangible over the centuries – from land, water, natural resources to hard political and social power.

Worse still, using a mix of brute force and religious mumbo-jumbo, they consolidated the exploitation of those who shed sweat, blood and tears and work with physical reality by those who merely cook up tall stories, through the nightmare of the caste system.

The more sophisticated proponents of the ‘dream’ theory explained that it is under the spell of Maya, that the Atman or individual soul, fails to recognise we are all part of the unchanging divine principle, called the Brahman, that underlies the entire Universe. Maya they said could be dispelled only through jnana or knowledge to attain Moksha i.e. liberation- all this of course at a price to be paid to the ‘experts’, who ran the system (read fintech consultants).

Today, as the lotus sprouts once more across the land and the ruling regime promises Moksha to the masses, provided they get ‘jnana’ and go digital, Maya is back at work. And once again, it is again the castes and communities at the bottom of the Indian social ladder who are being hit the hardest.

From all evidence so far it is clear, that the Scheduled Castes and Tribes, who make up a bulk of those surviving off India’s vast informal economy, are the worst affected by the sudden disappearance of cash from the economy.

Agricultural labour, construction workers, employees of micro-enterprises, the urban and rural poor – mostly from these marginalized castes- have been pushed to the brink of starvation or worse due to loss of jobs and income.

The other sections, whose lives have been severely disrupted are small and medium sized farmers, who are overwhelmingly from Other Backward Castes and artisans, mostly from poorer Muslim communities. While it is true that demonetisation has also hit the economically and caste-wise better off trading communities, it seems they are pawns to be sacrificed in the quest for complete domination by disembodied global and national corporations – our new feudal masters.

At its core the theoretical basis of the caste system, is that the mind and

its creations are noble and permanent while the body is impure and ephemeral. Mental work is superior and those with the ‘right knowledge’ deserve a much greater share of all resources and a regular ‘dakshina’ or ‘transaction fee’ (think Paytm) from those who perform ‘inferior’ physical work.

(As not just India, but the entire world, sinks inexorably into the seductive web of dreams spun by digital finance and virtual technologies, it is worth examining if there is a caste system emerging globally. With software of all kinds on top and hardware, especially agriculture right at the bottom) Just to make sure nobody misunderstood this point, the Purusha Sukta, a hymn from the ancient Rig Veda, used the analogy of the human body to describe the hierarchy clearly. The Brahmin priest/philosopher is the mouth, the Kshatriya or warrior the arms, the Vaishya or businessman the thighs and the Shudra or worker is right below as the feet. Those who have to deal with human or animal wastes are much worse off, relegated outside the pale of the caste system itself and rendered ‘untouchable’.

For centuries, and even now, this rigid division of ‘duties’, enforced often through raw violence, has been used to ensure the free transfer of energy and resources from those below to the ones at the top in various ways. The Indian caste system defies not just all laws of humanity but also of modern physics – the Second Law of Thermodynamics in particular- making it the only working model of a ‘perpetual motion’ machine on our planet!

In more recent times and through the colonial period, traditional caste privileges and inherited wealth were combined with access to modern education, to create the Indian ruling elite – family-run industrial empires, big landholders and a bureaucrat/politician nexus that today have a complete stranglehold on state power. There is also a sizeable Indian middle class serving the system, that claims its prosperity is due to a mix of merit (ability to pass exams), hard work (long hours in the office) and honesty (taxes deducted at source).

Together, all these sections of Indian society, have made best use of new

opportunities thrown up by globalization in recent decades, to establish a society which is easily among the most unequal ones in the entire world. Just 1% of the richest Indians control over 58.4% of the country’s wealth while the top 10% account for 80.7%. The bottom 50% of the population fights for its share of a mere 2.1%.

The Modi regime’s current campaign against corruption does not even begin to address the structural bias of the social and economic system in favour of those who have been long-term beneficiaries of illegality and immorality in different forms. Instead, it uses racist tropes to describe ill-gotten money, positing white with ‘good’ and black with ‘evil’.

One Modi cabinet minister even calling the anti-corruption campaign a war on ‘asuras’ – the dark skinned indigenous people who were conquered by upper caste migrant populations in ancient India and commonly figure in Hindu mythology as ‘demons’.

Of course, caste discrimination was acknowledged at the time of Indian independence from British colonial rule, thanks to numerous struggles by the oppressed castes. This was reflected in affirmative action policies of reserving a certain percentage of government jobs and admission to educational institutions, as also financial support through loans and special schemes, for these castes.

However, all these measures have been so half-heartedly implemented and woefully inadequate that seven decades later there is not a single positive indicator of social development where the Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes figure anywhere near the top. Whether it is land holdings, income, literacy, nutrition or health status it is these sections- who constitute one-third of India’s population –that are right at the bottom of the pile.

For example, according to the Socio-Economic and Caste Census of 2011, 54% of those from the Schedule Castes were landless, while Scheduled Tribes –despite somewhat better land ownership were even more deprived due to lack of cash income. Together these two communities form the most vulnerable section of India’s population.Fewer than five per cent of their households have a main earner who

makes more than Rs 10,000 per month – while from other Hindu communities there are twice as many households.

Economic vulnerability is reflected in the dire health status of these populations too. In 2015 India recorded the largest number of under-5 deaths in the world, at 1•3 million – most of them children from Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe families. Infant mortality rates are 66.4per 1000 among Scheduled Castes, 62.1 among Scheduled Tribes, compared to 36 per 1000 for the rest of the population. Again among these populations, more than 50% of the people have a body mass index below 18.5, which is regarded as chronic sub-nutrition[8] – placing them

by World Health Organization standards – in a permanent state of famine.

Today, on top of all this, without functional literacy, technological skills or access to basic infrastructure, these communities are being subjected to a test in digital dexterity impossible for them to get through any time soon.

Think about it like this. If someone denied Albert Einstein his daily meal because he could not prove his mettle by playing cricket or made Sachin Tendulkar homeless for failing a quiz on quantum physics they would immediately be denounced as being either mad or extremely evil.

And yet that is exactly what the Narendra Modi dispensation is doing through its devious insistence on a digitalised economy – imposing on the already disadvantaged a test designed to not just make them fail but also put the blame for their misery on their own ‘ignorance’. If in the past they were actively denied knowledge of the ‘Vedas’ by the upper castes now,as they are trying to catch up, the rules of the game are either being changed abruptly or they are being priced out of the market.

The most apt way to describe what is happening in India today is perhaps through a completely new term –dwijitalisation. It captures well the longterm implications of Narendra Modi’s push for a digital economy in a country that has long been ruled by the dwij – or twice born castes as the Hindu elite call themselves. Under the new rules of the dwijital economy only the dwij– at the top of the social, economic and political ladder – will climb still higher, while kicking the ladder down to ensure no one can follow.

If there is to be a fightback against such injustice there are three cardinal lessons to be learnt from the history of the Indian caste system and religious myth making. One is that the most blatant of lies backed by force is always mightier than the weightiest fact – in other words, when the rulers claim to have a ‘democratic dialogue’ with the people, they are in fact deploying an iron fist in a velvet glove.

Second – what really matters at any point of time is who controls things that can be touched and felt – everything else is poppycock. Meaning – ignore their mantras and follow the moolah – are you getting any of it or not?

The third and most critical lesson to pay attention to is – STOP ARGUING, START ORGANIZING! Satya Sagar is a journalist and public health worker

Look East Policy in the Northeast: Locating the Fault Lines Ranabir samaddar & snehashish mitra

F

ollowing up on India’s Look East policy introduced in the early 1990s by the Indian government, the new Indian government after being elected in the general elections of 2014 announced Act East policy almost simultaneously with the US declaration of its policy of pivot of Asia. The Look East policy evolved into a tool for greater economic engagement with its eastern neighbours, and forging strategic partnerships and security cooperation with countries of Southeast Asia and Far East, such as Vietnam and Japan. In short the Look East and Act East policies have had military, political, and economic components.

Given its location Northeast India therefore assumes the role of bridging the space between mainland India and other Southeast Asian nations. In recent years there has been an emphasis on developing the infrastructure of the region through widening roads, expanding air connectivity, extending railway networks, opening new trade routes, and facilitating border trade and transit points. Such activities have serious implications on the use and extraction of resources of the region, along with occasioning changes in the composition of the labour market and mobility.

Improved bilateral ties and connectivity are definitely the high octaves of melody for the policy practitioners sitting in New Delhi, but unless the terms of the policies are reconciled by the communities in Northeast India,

the agendas stare at a cul-de-sac; that has been the exact case with Look East policy which has till now been tentative rather than rooted in long term strategy. While better access to market is linearly equated to peace, prosperity and development, sections of the society are apprehensive over further connectivity and labour mobility, which has been expressed by agitations against railway expansions in Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh.

As the resources of the region are being increasingly chased by capital, the resistances to the same are also scripted accordingly. Changpang in Nagaland has shown the futility of oil extraction by ONGC, while Dominsiat in Meghalaya has resisted uranium extraction in order to avoid the unfortunate fate of Jadugoda in Jharkhand wherein the latter has been subjected to ecological and health hazard in the post-uranium mining period. The recent allocation of oil fields in Assam brings up the important question of ownership which has the element of contested sovereignty within itself. However there are also voices which are in support of the same, comprising of the government officials, elected representatives, tribal elites and at times sections of the insurgent groups. This dichotomy is unsurprising in the post-neoliberal economy where resources are increasingly looked at as commodity and thereby

widening the class differences within the communities.

The participation of the northeastern state governments or institutions in the Look East Policy is nearly absent.

Surprisingly there is barely any mention of the tourism sector which has a huge potential in picturesque Northeast India. The psychological disconnect of the policy makers with the region also comes up when the village of Mawlynglong in Meghalaya, Asia’s cleanest village is conspicuously absent from the much promoted ‘Swach Bharat Abhijaan’.

The biggest impediment for any policy to bear fruit in the region is the non reconciliation of issues involving identities and citizenships. Communities like the Bengali Muslims, Hindu Bengali ‘Doubtful’ voters, Chakmas, Adivasis, Brus etc have been facing antagonistic reactions from the local hierarchical power systems with the prime argument ‘who came first’ and varied notions of indigenousness. The terms of existence for these communities collectively points towards the issues of rights and justice, which has been repeatedly abused in Northeast India, not only by the Indian state but also by one ethnic group against another. Can it be claimed that if these questions are not addressed, infusion of more capital will only enhance the inequality in the region?

Inequality not only in wealth, but also

wRiTE-wiNg

in the opportunities that one gets to avail. While sex markets involving local women have emerged in recent times near infrastructural sites , the inability to participate in ‘developmental’ activities , has created groups of male youths affiliated to political organizations, student bodies and undergrounds, who indulge in active rent collection from different stages of the projects, especially from the tertiary sector. This inability to participate also adds to the factors of outmigration from the region The Delhi centric peripheral approach towards Northeast India has so far failed to ensure a sustainable regime in the region for the last 7 decades, pinning hopes on Look East policy only seems to elongate that failure.

Rather than bridging the gaps between the ‘mainland’ and the Northeast in the post-colonial period, it’s more likely that ‘Look East’ would enhance the schisms in the neo-liberal period.

Ranabir Samaddar is a Distinguished Chair in Migration and Forced Migration Studies, Mahanirban Calcutta Research Group (MCRG). Snehashish Mitra is a Researcher and Associate of the Distinguished Chair, Mahanirban Calcutta Research Group (MCRG).

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.

MonDAY 16•01•2017

PERSPECTIVE

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

7

Seeking justice for rape by the state in Bastar Raksha Kumar

For tribal women living in the Bastar region of central India, sexual abuse at the hands of security forces has become routine. The state government has now been challenged to take responsibility

I

work as a reporter in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh. Chhattisgarh is now home to the most militarized zone in India, Bastar, and has been mired in conflict for around three decades. The reason?

The government wants to start work on one of the largest iron ore mines in India, among other industrial activity. The Maoists, a left-wing guerrilla movement that has operated in the country for more than fifty decades, are opposing mineral extraction in the region, as well as other forms of corporate industrialisation.

The troops have been positioned in the state to contain the Maoist violence. However, as is the wont of militarised societies, the security forces are running havoc in the region. They are accused of extra judicial killings, fake arrests, pillage and sexual violence.

On the 7th of January, the National Human Rights Commission, a national statutory body tasked with upholding human rights, said that sixteen women were subjected to rape, sexual and physical assault by security forces in Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh in October 2015.

The onus is on the state government to prove the security forces did not overstep their duties. This is a step in the right direction, as rape in Bastar occurs so frequently that it is often ignored by the authorities, as well as the national media.

For example, between February and May 2016, from the district of Kanker, the stories of five rapes in four villages in the Antagarh region of Bastar reached me through word of mouth. Local journalists and non-profit organisations claimed to be ignorant of the situation. I decided to do a tour of the four villages - Bade Pinjodi, Pusagaon, Hurra Pinjodi and Marma - on a motorbike and by foot.

various reasons: police do not generally file FIRs, victims rarely report such crimes owing to taboos, and many villages are not easily accessible. Most women are routinely disrobed, molested, beaten and subjected to verbal abuse. They don't see the value in trying to lodge such complaints. Civil society takes notice and tries to protest only if rape is heinous. “Sadly, for people outside to take rape in Bastar seriously, it needs to be inhuman. Brutal,” said tribal leader Soni Sori.

A report by, Women Against Sexual Violence and State Repression (WSS), which conducted an independent fact finding mission in the region, said: “Sexual Violence in Chhattisgarh is reaching alarming levels. The combing operations of the security forces inevitably involve large scale sexual violence against adivasi (tribal) women. The police on the other hand refuse to file even an FIR, thus all the energy of women is directed into getting their complaints heard. The purpose of sexual violence then is not just People gather in a village in Bastar to discuss atrocities by security forces. to humiliate, but also display physical There are no roads that lead to selves into the houses of the villagers. an independent collective, Women control over the body of the subjugatthese forest villages. Some of the They began looting chicken, rice and Against Sexual Violence and State ed by male security forces.” houses are so scattered that each other grains. However, they didn't Repression, on the Bellamnendra Seeking justice hill in the village has only one house. stop at that. They demanded that rapes reads: “All rapes were gang rapes with The majority of those living in BaWhile most of the villagers knew of the women of the village sleep with the stories, no one was willing to give them, mockingly asking if the women many of the rapes happening simul- star are tribal peoples. Seventy years any details. The fear of the paramili- wanted to conceive. They squeezed taneously. At least four to five groups ago, on the 15th of August, India tary camps near their village was too the breasts of several women to see if of men at different homes commit- ceased to be a British colony. Howted rapes. One would keep watch, ever, many have questioned if all the strong. With polite offers of water they were lactating or not.

Such physical torture and sex- some would pin down the woman citizens of this vast and diverse deand tea, they would change the subject. “This is a recent phenomenon. ual violence is common in Bastar. and another would rape her. Some mocracy have enjoyed the fruits of Villagers would never go mum ear- Justice for these women is a dis- rapes took place when the women independence. Indigenous people of lier,” said Sushil Sharma, editor of Ba- tant dream as state structures break pleaded with the forces not to take India certainly cannot claim to have star Bandhu, a newspaper published down in this conflict-ridden region. their poultry and rations. Older benefited a lot from the freedom. from Kanker. “People don't speak The difficult terrain, scattered with women tried to help women who Minerals, forests and land that they anymore as they know that they will remote villages, make it almost had been raped, sometimes even inhabit are being taken away for inhave to face the brunt of the situation impossible for news of such ex- confronting the security forces, but dustrial purposes without their conlater.” Finally, in a weak moment, one ploitation to be made known soon even these women were targeted. In sent. In turn, they are subjected to man from Bade Pinjodi said woeful- enough. After three decades of one case a mother and her daughter physical abuse and torture.

Following the rape and murder ly, “no woman is raped in this village. conflict, it was only a year ago that were raped in the same room.” the first police complaint was filed Given the brutality of this crime of 23-year-old Madam Hidme by Not even my wife.” against some of the men in the para- and the pressure by civil society security forces in July last year, the A culture of silence and impunity military forces. Women from Bija- groups, FIRs (First Information people of Bastar decided to draw atA long history has led to the pres- pur district of the state, including a Reports) were filed in these cases tention to this point. About a hunteenage girl, had filed the complaint against ‘unknown armed person- dred tribals and non-tribal people ent culture of silence. nel’. However, the investigations walked 180 kilometres to Gompad, One of the worst recent instanc- against security forces.

In January 2015, thirteen in- have not progressed much since. es was in October, 2015. While on Hidme’s village, and hoisted India’s It is very difficult to ascertain the national flag six days later on Indian patrol, paramilitary forces reached stances of gang rape were reported Kunna, a sparsely-populated village by the women of Bellamnendra vil- total number of women who have Independence day. in South Bastar, and forced them- lage in Bijapur district. A report by been sexually violated in Bastar for In May last year, about three

dozen women made the treacherous journey on foot, in tractors and by bus from their village in Korcholi to the district headquarters of Bijapur to file complaints. But the police refused.

One of these women – we will call her ‘Mangli’ – said she was raped by three security men [when?

Where?]. She was initially reluctant to file a complaint. “I am scared for my husband’s life. If I file a complaint, they might come and attack us,” she said. Later however, egged on by activists and other villagers, she decided to approach the Superintendent of Police of Bijapur to narrate the traumatic incident. The officer asked her if she had any proof that supports her claim. He made her wait for three hours in the police station before he returned to say that he could not file the complaint.

Section 154 of the Indian criminal law makes it mandatory for a police officer to file a First Information Report upon receipt of any information of a cognizable offence such as rape.

However the police told many villagers that they would need to conduct preliminary investigation before filing a report. “This is also in violation of the law as no preliminary inquiry is permissible in such cases,” said Shalini Gera, a human rights lawyer practising in the region. “By refusing to file an FIR, the police can be held culpable,” she added.

However, those that raise pertinent questions about the police usually also find themselves under threat. For example, journalist Malini Subramanium, activist Bela Bhatia and lawyers Shalini Gera and Isha Khandelwal have all been forced to leave the region.

Despite the damage it has done, the militarization of Bastar is only intensifying. In the past three years, paramilitary forces have almost doubled their presence in southern part of Bastar. There is now one armed personnel for every 16 civilians. As Somi Hidme, a 34-year-old resident of Sukhma district (no relation to Madam Hidme) asked: “They rape our women and walk away to receive medals from the government for bravery. Why is this irony lost on everybody?”

US BORDER PATROL RECRUITS: Wild horses, tamed by prisoners

Heather Somerville and Mike Blake

L

Reuters

ong before the desert sun has had a chance to heat the dusty prison yard, some 20 inmates at an Arizona state prison begin quietly tending horses.

The men - many with violent histories - gently maneuver bits into the mouths of mustangs still unaccustomed to human touch; they remove caked mud from hooves and tighten girths against bulging bellies. And the horses, which just weeks ago roamed free, mostly comply with what is asked of them.

Both the men and the horses are still learning how to live behind fences.

Prisoners participating in the Wild Horse Inmate Program train mustangs that will eventually be adopted by the U.S. Border Patrol, providing the agency with inexpensive but agile horses, and inmates with skills and insights they hope to one day carry with them from prison.

For Brian Tierce, 49, who has served about five years of his sevenyear sentence for domestic violence and assault, the horses have taught him "a lot of things I didn't know I had in me - patience, perseverance, kindness, understanding."

"I've got to be a compromising

person, otherwise I'll never get this job done."

At least 80 percent of the U.S. Border Patrol's current stable of 400 horses come from inmate training programs in Arizona, Colorado, Kansas and Nevada. The horses are critical for patrolling the rugged and remote stretches of the Mexican border to detect illegal crossings by migrants and drug trafficking.

And, at $500 to $800 for a saddleready horse, the price is right.

Some 55,000 mustangs roam the Western U.S., more than double the number public land can support, said Bureau of Land Management spokesman Jason Lutterman. Those that do not end up in adoption programs face an uncertain future.

'GENTLE' THE HORSES At the prison in Florence, a cactus-dotted town about 140 miles north (225 km) of the Mexican border, participating prisoners round up their horses before dawn and work all day under the watchful eyes of Randy Helm, the third-generation rancher, former narcotics officer and self-proclaimed "cowboy preacher" who supervises the program.

Over the course of four to six months, the men train their horses - with names like Billy, Rocky and Patches - to tolerate bridles and sad-

the program.

"A lot of them haven't really bonded with a person, let alone an animal," he said. "It's been really interesting to observe these guys' lives change."

U.S. Border Patrol agents from Boulevard Station inspect three men near Jacumba, California, U.S., November 14, 2016. REUTERS

dles, respond to commands to trot and canter and perform footwork that will come in handy on the uneven desert terrain along the border.

Helm, 62, teaches the men not to "break" the horses, but to "gentle" them. The method relies on incremental steps and rewarding the horses for good behavior. Any inmate that raises a hand to a horse gets booted from the program.

"It's more working on us than on them," said Rick Kline, 32, who has served five years of a seven and a half year sentence for stealing cars. "It's a new understanding of calming down."

He hopes to apply that skill of staying calm to parenting his two kids when he gets out of prison.

Bret Karakey, 35, who is in prison

for identity theft, recently broke his hip when he was thrown from a horse.

But he came back without hesitation.

"I kind of need this," he said.

Most prisoners who apply for the program don't have experience with horses, and Helm prefers it that way. They tend to be gentler with the animals.

Florence began its horse training program in 2012, and while it is too early to assess the long-term effects on participating inmates, of the 50 or so who have gone through it and been released, none has returned to prison, Helm said. The national recidivism rate is about 68 percent within three years of release.

Helm says he sees real transformations in inmates who stay with

SURE-FOOTED, SPRY ON PATROL U.S. Border Patrol adoptions are key to the government's effort to stem the nation's growing population of mustangs. A federal law passed in 1971 tasked the Bureau of Land Management with managing wild horse and burro populations in the American West, both to protect the animals and to ensure that vegetation was not overgrazed and water sources depleted.

But with the soaring cost of hay and dwindling public interest in horse ownership, the BLM can place only about 2,000 into adoption each year, severely limiting the number it can capture from the open desert and plains, Lutterman said.

Fifteen years ago, the BLM was rounding up more than 10,000 mustangs and putting about 6,000 into new homes each year.

Border Patrol is the biggest single purchaser of mustangs from the inmate programs.

On horseback, the agents can navigate desolate stretches land that vehicles cannot. The mustangs are sure-footed on steep terrain, crossing creekbeds without hesitation and

stepping spryly over rattlesnakes.

"It really feels like the Wild West out where we patrol for sure," said Bobby Stine, supervisory agent of the San Diego Sector Horse Patrol Unit. "There's just not a lot of law enforcement presence, except for us."

The border is an unforgiving place; just 654 miles of fence exist between the United States and Mexico, accounting for about a third of the border. The rest is defined by mountains, rivers, private ranches and wild country - terrain more suited for horses, which all agents had back when Border Patrol was founded in 1924.

The San Diego border patrol unit has 28 horses, and the Tucson unit more than 130. Fifteen horses from the Florence prison were adopted in 2014 and 2015.

The task of the Florence inmates who train the horses is, at times, thick with irony: Some are Mexican nationals, apprehended on the border for drug-related offenses.

The inmates, though, say they don't mind that the horses help law enforcement. They are simply happy the animals no longer face thirst and starvation in the drought-stricken West.

"All the 'inmates against cops' stuff - that's not true," said Kline. "They're just doing their job. And we're doing our job. These horses depend on us."

The Morung Express POLL RESULTS

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? Some of those who voted YES had opinion) to demand commutable barrier this to say: (I mean not by putting iron fencing, con• Yes, it is said, common enemy unites crete wall). people more than common goal. This is • Yes, it definitely is if only our so called an opportunity for Nagas to stand unitcivil society leaders were not distracted ed and fight against the common enby non issues like 33%. Even the NPG's emies of the Nagas who are mooting to are talking in one voice. While those who fence Indo-Burma border, so that our shout the loudest about unity are dividstand against our common enemies will ing our society. If only powerful bodies strengthen our common vision and goal like the AYO and Ao Senden had total shutdowns like they did for non-issues too.

• Yes. If we couldn't safeguard our history and showed solidarity imagine the mesand culture then it's time we change our sage it would send. nomenclature "Naga". It's sickening to • Yes, why not! It’s already time to wake up each and every Naga citizen from our see of our infighting that costing us adslumber to voice out and stand firm tovantage by others. Kuknalim gether to bring a change. So let all Nagas • Yes, we should work as one not by keepunite and marching onward to fight for ing aside eastern Naga people only. But our rights. Surely, we shall overcome, again we should be very cautious of it beand we can witness a new and brighter cause for Indian govt it is matter of intruNagaland starting from 2017. God Bless sion & extrusion and for us unity and integrity so in case if both side denied our Nagaland. Kuknalim. seek (non-demarcation) the only option • Unless Nagas unite, the government will we remain is (not commenting but mere keep on dividing us further and further

72%

07%

21%

apart. Before we never used to talk about tribes, we used to talk about being Nagas.

But, alas, today we only talk about tribes and not about being Nagas. We are going more and more backward.

• Yes. Nagas should rise up above tribal zation worth its salt to take the Nagas out lines and will have all the rights to lives of this terrible mess. together as a family and India and Burma • No way. Naga leaders are only thinking should respect it. about their own personal selfish interest.

• No. with the municipal elections, no Some of those who voted NO had one seems to be actually interested. This this to say: is one good example which shows how • No. It’s very surprising that the state govmuch our naga people are swayed and ernment and none of the ministers have taken in by anything related to election. uttered a word on the fencing issue.

This is no fair to our eastern Nagas.

• No way. Nagas are a divided lot. They are too selfish and self-centered and don’t Some of those who voted OTHERS have the b*** to unite. had this to say: • The government of India has created • It is a good opportunity for Nagas to come trouble in all the corners and the Naga together. But I feel the Nagas should not people are going round and round in circome together only when there are probcle. The Naga leaders don’t know where lems, we need to come together more ofthe entry and exit point is anymore. It’s ten to discuss our future together. More sad that our overground and underand more we see our lands being deseground leaders have all become pawns of crated and our rights trampled. the government. In this situation I don’t • A wasted chance. How many buses will see how the Nagas will unite under such the Nagas keep missing? We can’t keep kind of leaders. blaming others when we ourselves are • No, there is no credible leader or organinot stepping up.

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

MonDAY 16•01•2017

INDIA

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Six die in mad rush to board ship at Gangasagar KolKaTa, JaNuary 15 (iaNS): Six pilgrims, all women, died due to suffocation during a mad rush of the crowds to board a vessel at Kachuberia on their way home from Gangasagar fair after taking the holy dip, a minister said. "Six aged women died at Kachuberia temporary hospital due to heart attack. They had fallen senseless due to suffocation," Manturam Pakhira, state Sundarbans development minister, told IANS over phone. "The mishap occurred as the pilgrims got imapatient due to the long queue at jetty number five in Kachuberi and tried to outdo others in boarding the vessel," he said.

Children hit streets against police officer's transfer BhoPal, JaNuary 15 (iaNS): Hundreds of children hit the streets in Katni town in Madhya Pradesh to protest the transfer of a police officer who unearthed a Hawala scam. The protests on Sunday, which continued for the sixth day, were staged to demand Superintendent of Police (SP) Gaurav Tiwari's posting back in Katni. Tiwari was transferred on Monday after the Rs 500-crore Hawala scam came to light. He has been transferred to Chhindwara and replaced by Sashikant Shukla. On Saturday, 15 protesters were arrested. The children, who gathered on the streets on Sunday, held placards like: "We want Gaurav Sir back". Interestingly, the rally was not being led by any youths. The police later counselled the children and sent them home. Additional Superintendent of Police Pramod Sonkar said he had no information on the children's rally.

Death toll in Bihar boat tragedy is 25 PaTNa, JaNuary 15 (iaNS): The death toll in the boat tragedy here rose to 25 on Sunday as rescuers recovered four more bodies, officials said. "With four more bodies found, including that of a 12-year-old girl, the number of dead has gone up to 25," Patna District Magistrate Sanjay Agrawal told the media. Pritay Amrit, the Principal Secretary in the Disaster Management wing, said the rescue and search operation would continue on Sunday. According to witnesses, the overcrowded boat was returning from a kite flying festival, organised as part of Makar Sankranti by the Bihar Tourism Department, when the incident took place around 6 p.m. on Saturday. According to officials, 25 victims have been identified, including five children and women each and 15 men. The capsized and broken boat was taken out of the Ganga river by a team of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) on Sunday. .

Indian Army chief warns Pakistan New Delhi, JaNuary 15 (iaNS): Warning Pakistan but without naming it, Army chief General Bipin Rawat said on Sunday that India desired peace but will give a befitting reply if peace was disrupted.

Speaking at the Army Day function here, he also warned soldiers against using social media for airing their grievances, adding it could result in punishment.

The celebration, marked with customary parade and military display, also saw a "surgical strike" -- like the one the Indian Army carried out on terrorist bases in Pakistani territory in September last year.

The Army Chief gave away 15 gallantry awards, including five posthumous ones.

Lance Naik Hanumanthappa Koppad, who died in an avalanche at Siachen, the world's highest battlefield, was among the award winners.

Speaking at Delhi Cantonment, the Army chief said without naming Pakistan that India wanted peace despite the support given to the proxy war being waged against New Delhi.

"Despite the support given to the proxy war, we want peace on the Line of Control (LoC). However, any ceasefire violation will get a befitting reply."

The LoC divides Jammu and Kashmir between India and Pakistan.

The General said Indian military power would be on

'Don't air grievances on social media'

New Delhi, JaNuary 15 (iaNS): Army chief General Bipin Rawat on Sunday told soldiers not to air their grievances through social media.

Addressing the Army Day function, he said: "A few colleagues are using social media to share their problems.

It affects the morale of the jawans and thereby the army.

"A few of our friends have taken to social media to speak about their complaints. This affects the soldiers deployed at the borders...

"You can be held guilty of doing a crime for what you have done and invite punishment," he warned.

The General went on: "We have the capacity to tackle cyber attacks, yet, we have to be careful against the enemy elements on social media, and also ask our families to be alert about it."

On Friday, the Army chief announced a new grievance redressal system under which complaints would reach him directly while the identity of the complainant would be kept a secret.

The comments come after a Lance Naik alleged in a video that "jawans are being exploited in the Army by ofArmy Chief Gen Bipin Rawat gestures during the Army's annual press conference in New Delhi on Friday. (PTI Photo) ficers".

A trooper each from the Border Security Force and display if peace on the bor- from the Army." cial media, and also ask our der was disrupted.

The Army chief also families to be alert about it." a Central Reserve Police Force had also taken to social "We want peace on the warned soldiers against usThe Army chief in- media to air grievances related to their service conditions. border. But any attempt to ing social media to air their spected a parade, which disrupt the peace will not grievances and asked them showcased marching conbe tolerated. Our attempts to approach him directly if tingents and mechanised to establish peace at the their problems were not re- columns. On display were border should not be seen solved.

Brahmos missiles. as a weakness.

"A few colleagues are This was followed by a "We want to extend a using social media to share display by an army motor- New Delhi, JaNuary 15 (aNi): Taking cognizance hand of friendship, but are their problems. It affects cycle team and a combat of soldiers’ grievances who have complained though soalso warning those who the morale of the jawans drill that brought alive the cial media of poor treatment and bad quality food being served to them, the Centre on Sunday decided to set-up disrupt peace that we will and thereby the army." "surgical strike". display our power as well," He asked soldiers to use The operation showed a new mechanism to solve their problems. According to he said. the established channels, soldiers slithering down a Ministry of Defence sources, the government has opined Gen Rawat asked the and said: "If you are not helicopter and destroying that since there are thousands of military units in place, Army, Air Force and Navy happy with the action, you an enemy brigade head- it would be difficult to resolve the matter at each and evto work together to face the can contact me directly." quarters while Pinaka rock- ery level and hence they have decided to install a new upcoming challenges.

But he warned those us- ets and Bofors guns provid- mechanism.

This development has come at a time when Army "It is important that all ing the social media: "You ed cover support. The Army three forces work together. can be held guilty for this Day is celebrated on Janu- Chief General Rawat on Sunday urged the jawans to disThis will be the key to suc- and invite punishment." ary 15 to commemorate cuss their grievances directly with him instead of posting cess.

The General went on: the day when Lt Gen K.M. them on social media.

Earlier on Friday, General Rawat announced a new "I want to assure the "We have the capacity to Cariappa took over as the Navy, Air Force, Coast tackle cyber attacks, yet, we Commander-in-Chief of grievance redressal system under which complaints Guard and other forces that have to be careful against India in 1949 from General would reach him directly while the identity of the comthey will always get support the enemy elements on so- Sir Francis Butcher. plainant would be kept a secret.

Centre to install new grievance redressal mechanism for army personnel

Navjot Sidhu joins Congress, calls it 'new inning' New Delhi, JaNuary 15 (iaNS): Calling it "a new inning" in politics, cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu on Sunday finally joined the Congress after a meeting with its Vice President Rahul Gandhi here. Gandhi warmly welcomed Sidhu, a former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP, into the party fold at his residence.

Sidhu's wife, Navjot Kaur Sidhu, had earlier joined the Congress.

A smiling Gandhi and Sidhu later posed for photographs. "Beginning of a new inning. On the front foot... Punjab, Punjabiat and every Punjabi must win!!!" the former India opener said in a tweet later.

Sidhu is expected to contest the February 4 Punjab assembly election from Amritsar East, part of the Amritsar Lok Sabha constituency which he represented for the BJP from 2004 to 2014.

Congress spokesman Randeep Surjewala said the party "welcomes Sidhu and thanks Gandhi for bringing like-minded leaders under the Congress umbrella".

Former Punjab Chief

Congress VP Rahul Gandhi welcoming Navjot Singh Sidhu on Sunday. (IANS Photo)

Minister and state party chief Captain Amarinder Singh congratulated Sidhu over the phone from Bathinda, saying his induction would strengthen the Congress in Punjab.

"Besides being the party's choice for Amritsar East, Sidhu, who is known for his wit and humour besides being strongly nationalist, is the star campaigner in the Punjab polls," said a statement from Amarinder

Singh's office.

Sidhu boarding a sinking ship: BJP The BJP said Sidhu was boarding "a sinking ship".

"Sidhu is a great colleague. I hope he doesn't get drowned in a sinking ship," said BJP leader and Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) immediately began poking fun at Sidhu, replaying videos of earlier times

when he used to viciously attack the Congress party.

AAP leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who is now campaigning in Punjab, has said that Sidhu has been roped into the assembly battle because Rahul Gandhi doesn't like Amarinder Singh.

The Akali Dal dismissed the development as of no significance, saying it would make no difference

to the electoral outcome.

Sidhu, who had earlier toyed with the idea of joining the AAP along with his wife, met Gandhi on Friday too to discuss his role in the party.

Sidhu, who never enjoyed warm relations with the Akali Dal, quit the BJP saying he was feeling stifled.

He also told friends that the BJP did not field him from Amritsar in the 2014 Lok Sabha election under pressure from the Akali Dal. The BJP instead fielded now Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, who lost the election to Congress leader Amarinder Singh.

After quitting the BJP and failing to join the AAP apparently over his role in the party, Sidhu formed the Awaaz-e-Punjab along with the popular Bains brothers. The brothers, however, allied with the AAP. The Punjab election is expected will be a three-way affair involving the ruling Akali Dal-BJP coalition, the main opposition Congress party and the AAP, a new entrant.

Election Commission may give order on SP symbol dispute today New Delhi, JaNuary 15 (PTi): The Election Commission is likely to give tomorrow an interim order on the dispute in the ruling Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh, with the option of freezing the symbol 'cycle' most likely to be exercised.

The three-member EC, headed by Nasim Zaidi, heard both the sides on Friday and reserved its order.

The order is most likely to be delivered tomorrow, a day ahead of the start of filing of nominations for the first phase of election in UP which will have seven phases in all.

The dispute arose following election of Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav as the National President of Samajwadi party at a national convention convened by party MP Ram Gopal Yadav on January 1.

At the same convention, incumbent President Mulayam Singh Yadav was made the patron of the party.

This was contested by Mulayam, who approached the EC and conveyed to it that he continues to be the party president and the election symbol should remain with his faction.

This was contested by the other side, which filed affidavits by various party office bearers, MPs, MLAs and district presidents to claim that the majority was with the Chief Minister's faction and that it was the group which was entitled to the symbol.

Under the Symbols' Order, the Commission heard the two sides on Friday.

Noted lawyers Kapil Sibal and Rajeev Dhawan appeared for the Akhilesh faction and strongly argued for being allotted the cycle symbol because it had the majority in the party.

Former solicitor egeneral Mohan Parasaran, appearing for Mulayam's side, disputed the contention that there was any split in the party and insisted that the symbol should remain with him.

Sibal argued that if Parasaran's argument was to be accepted, then there was no dispute and there was no need for a hearing. He said the party had split vertically and the majority was with Akhilesh Yadav's faction.

Parasaran also claimed that a number of affidavits filed by Akhilesh's side were not genuine and some of the signatories were not even alive.

Sources said with hardly any time left for the Commission to go into the authenticity of the documents filed by both the sides, and to go into claims and counter claims, it may come out with an interim order freezing the symbol The two sides may be allowed to pick up symbols from among the free symbols available in the state.

As a back-up option, both factions are believed to have zeroed in on alternate symbols in case 'cycle' symbol is frozen.

While Akhilesh faction is understood to have zeroed in on 'motorcycle', the Mulayam side is believed to be considering Lok Dal's symbol of 'farmer with a plough'.

'Education not commodity, New child adoption norms to Barkha Dutt quits NDTV after 21 years Delhi, JaNuary student not consumer' be operational from Monday New 15 (ageNcieS): Journalist

New Delhi, JaNuary 15 (PTi): A youth's plea against an institute for allegedly not providing him with an internship or job as promised at the time of admission, has been rejected by a consumer forum here which observed that "education is not a commodity".

A Delhi District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum (West) rejected the plea of the youth who sought refund of the Rs 3.52 lakh fee paid by him to pursue PG Diploma in Event Management and Public Relations at a private institute here.

The complainant, a Noida resident, had also sought compensation of Rs 40,000 on account of mental pain and agony and deficiency in service from the institute and its Executive Director.

"The complainant took admission with the opposite party, an education institution for pursuing PG Diploma in event management and Public Relations on payment of requisite fee.

"The opposite parties (institute and Executive Director) are imparting education. Therefore as held by Supreme Court, National Commission and State Commission of Chandigarh consistently, education is not a commodity and they are not service providers and the complainant is not a consumer under the Consumer Protection Act," a forum bench headed by Presiding Officer R S Bagri said.

The forum accepted the assertion of the institute and its executive director that the complaint was not maintainable as the complainant "does not fall within the definition of consumer as provided under the Consumer Protection Act." It observed that "education is not a commodity".

New Delhi, JaNuary 15 (iaNS): To strengthen the child adoption mechanism in the country, recently notified Adoption Regulation, 2017, will become operational from Monday, the government said on Sunday.

"Adoption Regulations, 2017, framed by the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), as mandated under Section 68(c) of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, has been notified on January 4, 2017, by the Government Press and the Regulations shall be effective from January 16, 2017," said the Ministry of Women and Child Development in a statement.

The Adoption Regulations, 2017, will replace the Adoption Guidelines, 2015, which was notified by the government on July 17, 2015, replacing the Adoption guidelines of 2011.

"This will further strengthen adoption programme in the country by streamlining the adoption process," the release added.

The new regulations have been

framed to overcome the issues and challenges faced by adoption authorities and Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAPs).

The regulation defines the procedures related to adoption by relatives, both within the country and abroad. The time period for the domestic PAPs, after reserving the child, for matching and acceptance has been increased to 20 days from the existing 15 days.

The new regulation provisions for the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) to maintain a panel of professionally qualified social workers and increases the validity of Home Study Report from two to three years.

The Home Study Report, prepared by the CARA, contains details of the adoptive parents, including their social and economic status, background, standard of living and other family details.

The new regulation entrusts the CARA to keep records of all adoptions, including adoptions by relatives, and ensure post-adoption follow-up.

Barkha Dutt has stepped down from her position of a consulting editor at NDTV after over two decades of joining the news channel. Dutt, a Padma Shri award winner, is likely to "explore some new opportunities, and work on her own ventures," ending her long innings at the TV news channel, where she has worked since the start of her career in 1995. She was the host of NDTV's popular prime time show, The Buck Stops Here and their weekend talk show We the People. Recently, Dutt joined The Washington Post's Global Opinion section as a contributing columnist, according to a tweet she had put out on 9 January.

NDTV has put out a formal communication on their website, briefly revisiting Dutt's long and eventful career, while wishing her the best for her future endeavours.

She also confirmed her move in a series of tweets on the social media platform, tweeting soon after hosting her last episode of We the People, which

she said was the longest running TV show that she had built from scratch. In her tweets, the popular news anchor also looked back at her long stint at the TV channel, which saw her win many accolades in her career, but said that it was "time for new beginnings" in the new year. Dutt did not divulge much details on her next move but said that she will most likely come up with her own "projects, and promised more details on her future plans.

The award winning TV anchor had become a household name after her frontline coverage

of the Kargil War from the border posts in 1999. She is the recipient of the prestigious Padma Shri award, India's fourth highest civilian honour. Moreover, her weekly talk show, We the People won the Indian Television Academy award for Best Talk Show five years in a row. Her career was also marred with a few controversies, as she drew flak for her coverage of the Gujarat riots in 2002 and the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. Her name also cropped up in the infamous Niira Radia tapes controversy but she had refuted all allegations of being a conduit, according to The Hindu.

mondAY 16•01•2017

WORLD

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Leadership change looms for armed group key to Myanmar’s peace process yaNGON, JaNuary 15 (reuTers): Myanmar’s strongest ethnic armed group is set for its biggest leadership shake-up in a quarter century, senior sources told Reuters, raising the prospect of a period of instability in a group that is key to Aung San Suu Kyi’s signature peace process.

The United Wa State Army (UWSA) boasts some 30,000 soldiers who control a secretive, China-dominated statelet the size of Belgium in the remote hills on Myanmar’s eastern border.

This year the group’s political wing, the United Wa State Party (UWSP), is holding elections for the first time since 1992, with at least some of the old guard who have led the statelet since its 1989 formation set to stand down, three senior Wa officials said.

“The election will also include the chairman, but whether he will be replaced is unknown,” said one of the sources. “Those who are sick or old would retire.

The party is going to cultivate a new group of young talents,” the person added, referring to the party’s top decision-making Politburo.

A second Wa official with direct knowledge of the matter described the vote as an “earthshattering” event within the reclusive Wa State hierarchy.

Reuters visited the self-proclaimed Wa State in October - a rare trip by a major international news organisation - where officials described for the first time its inner workings.

United Wa State Army (UWSA) soldiers march during a display for the media in Pansang, Wa territory in north east Myanmar. (REUTERS File Photo)

The reshuffle could pose a new headache for Suu Kyi’s nine-month-old civilian administration, already grappling with escalating clashes between government forces and other ethnic armed groups along the mountainous border with China and a military crackdown in the Muslim-majority northwest that has sent 65,000 people fleeing to neighbouring Bangladesh.

After sweeping to power following a November 2015 election, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Suu Kyi has made ending the ethnic conflicts that kept Myanmar in a state of perpetual civil war

through decades of military rule a priority.

As the biggest ethnic army, the UWSA will be crucial to the success of that goal, but the group has so far declined to actively participate in the peace process launched by Suu Kyi last year.

“Suu Kyi’s peace process is almost impossible without Wa’s participation,” said Yangonbased political analyst Soe Naing, a former member of the Central Committee of the UWSP. “Wa is a mediator between government and several ethnic armed groups who are still fighting against the Myanmar army.”

ROTATING LEADER The Wa State, which has not fought the Myanmar army in years but has declined to disarm, is currently led by UWSP Chairman Pao Yu Hsiang, a veteran of the Communist Party of Burma, which disintegrated and split into various ethnic factions in the late 1980s.

Pao is in poor health that prevents him from travelling, but remains the ultimate decisionmaker, three sources close to the leadership said.

The UWSP operates on a rotating duty leader system. This means the four most senior leaders in the Politburo, Deputy

Chairman Hsiao Ming Liang, Defence Minister Chao Chung Tan and two other top leaders, rotate on a monthly basis. Pao no longer participates due to his sickness, but makes key decisions.

The party has about 15,000 members and closely resembles China’s Communist Party leadership structure.

There are nine standing members of the Politburo. Wei Hsueh Kang, who is wanted by the United States on drug trafficking charges, and his brother Wei Hseuh Yun run the southern part of the state and are counted as its eighth and ninth members, at the bottom of the hierarchy, according to the two sources close to the leadership.

The second rung of decisionmaking is the Central Committee with up to 30 additional members, followed by a larger body of some 700 party representatives, who would take part in the rare leadership change vote in mid-2017.

Anthony Davis, a Bangkokbased analyst for security consulting firm IHS-Jane’s, said it was important to watch for potential rifts between different clans within the UWSP. One constant is likely to remain China’s heavy influence in the Chinese-speaking Wa territory. “We should send the new generation of leaders to China for its comprehensive training of political economy,” said one of the senior officials, who will stand down after the elections.

“That would help them master their important job in the future.”

9

Philippines’ Duterte threatens martial law against drugs menace

maNiLa, JaNuary 15 (iaNs): Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has said that no one could stop him from declaring martial law if the drugs problem worsens in the country, the media reported. “If I wanted to, and it will deteriorate into something really very virulent, I will declare martial law if I wanted to. No one will be able to stop me,” Duterte said in a speech to business people in the southern city of Davao on Saturday.

But the President said he would declare martial law not on the basis of invasion or insurrection but to preserve the country, Inquirer daily reported. “The aim would be to preserve the Filipino people and the youths of this land,” he said, adding that he is acting to prevent the country from becoming a narco-state.

“My country transcends everything else, even the limitations,” he added. About 6,000 people have been killed in six months under Duterte’s anti-drugs crackdown. Martial rule would allow Duterte to use the military to enforce civilian law and detain people at length without charge.

The Philippines Constitution says a President can only declare martial law for 60 days and then only to stop an invasion or a rebellion. But Duterte said the 60-day limit “would be gone”. However, his comments contradict remarks made in December when he appeared to rule out the use of martial law, saying it was “nonsense” and had not improved people’s lives in the past.

The President did not end his speech without slamming his critics, who claimed that he wanted to declare martial law to extend his term. “Those in Manila thinking about martial law, lengthening your stay ...b*lsh*t,” he said. “I do not need the presidency at this point in my life,” he added.

Duterte has vowed to rid the country of illegal drugs and his campaign has seen thousands die in police operations and unexplained killings by suspected vigilantes. About a million drug dealers and users have handed themselves in to police. The crackdown has led to international condemnation, with outgoing US President Barack Obama urging Duterte to prosecute his war “the right way”.

At Paris meeting, major powers to warn Trump over Middle East peace Bahrain executes three Shi’ites for bombing, sparks outcry “One cannot have such a clearcut, unilateral position. You have to create the conditions for peace,” he told France 3 television. Paris has said the meeting will not impose anything on Israel or the Palestinians and that only direct negotiations can resolve the conflict.

A draft communique seen by Reuters reaffirms existing international resolutions, urges both sides to restate their commitment to the two-state solution and disavow officials who reject it. The communique asks the protagonists to “refrain from unilateral steps that prejudge the outcome of final status negotiations”.

Paris, JaNuary 15 (reuTers): Major powers will signal to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Sunday that a two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians is the only solution, with France warning him that plans to move the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem could derail peace efforts.

Some 70 countries, including key European and Arab states as well as the permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, are in Paris for a meeting that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected as “futile”. Neither the Israelis nor the Palestin-

ians will be represented.

But, just five days before Trump is sworn in, the conference provides a platform for countries to send a strong signal to the incoming American president.

Trump has pledged to pursue more pro-Israeli policies and move the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv, where it has been for 68 years, to Jerusalem, all but enshrining the city as Israel’s capital despite international objections. Calling it a provocation, France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said the move would have serious consequences on the ground.

How being playful can help you live better LONDON, JaNuary 15 (iaNs): If you think playfulness is associated only with childhood, you may be wrong. A new study suggests that playfulness in adults is a positive trait which may help them to see things from new perspectives, turn monotonous tasks into something interesting as well as help them when choosing partners and in romantic relationships.

The study showed that playful people are able to reinterpret situations in their lives so that they experience them as entertaining or are able to reduce stress levels. People who describe themselves as playful are also viewed by others as such. Playfulness should not be equated with humour. Instead we need a new vocabulary to describe it, said Rene Proyer from Martin Luther University (MLU) in Halle-Wittenberg, Germany.

“Playfulness is an independent personality trait that shares certain aspects with five global dimensions -- including extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, openness to experience and emotional stability that are frequently used to describe personality -- but which cannot be interchanged,” Proyer explained. In the study, the researchers identified four basic types of playful adults.

“There are people who like to fool around with friends and acquaintances. We describe this as other-directed playfulness. By contrast, light-heartedly playful people regard their whole life as a type of game,” Proyer said.

Another category includes people who like to play with thoughts and ideas -- this describes intellectual playfulness. These people are able to turn monotonous tasks into something interesting.

The psychologist describes the final group as being whimsically playful. “These people tend to be interested in strange and unusual things and are amused by small dayto-day observations.” Conversely, playfulness in adults has also been associated with negative connotations. Playful people are sometimes not taken seriously or are seen as unreliable, as they may easily change perspectives to find unusual and novel solutions, to complex problems.

LOW POINT Diplomats said the communique could be toughened up with an allusion to Trump’s plans for Jerusalem and whether to have a follow-up to the French initiative intensely debated.

Relations between the United States and Israel have soured during President Barack Obama’s administration, reaching a low point late last month when Washington declined to veto a U.N. resolution demanding an end to Israeli settlements in occupied territory.

Obama’s secretary of state, John Kerry, said the settlement

programme threatened Middle East peace and the two-state solution.

Palestinian President Authority Mahmoud Abbas said on Saturday that he had told Trump that a move to Jerusalem would kill off the peace process and strip the U.S. of its role as honest broker and could lead to the Palestinians going back on their recognition of Israel.

Home to Europe’s largest Muslim and Jewish communities, France has tried to breathe new life into the peace process over the past year. It believes that, with the uncertainty surrounding how the next U.S. administration will handle the issue, it is important to push the sides back to talks rather than allowing a fragile status quo to fester.

But with elections coming up this year in France and Germany, and Britain appearing to align itself more closely with the Trump administration on the issue, the prospects of the European Union, the largest economic partner for both Israel and the Palestinians, taking a lead on the matter appear unlikely. Arab states also have concerns about how Trump’s relationship with them will turn out, and have taken a cautious line.

DuBai, JaNuary 15 (reuTers): Bahrain on Sunday executed three Shi’ite Muslim men convicted of killing three policemen in a 2014 bomb attack, the first such executions in over two decades, drawing condemnation from foreign officials in the region and beyond.

Activists in Bahrain reacted with rage to the move, calling it a “black day” for the Gulf Arab kingdom’ and posting images of protestors clashing with police on social media. Reuters was unable to verify the protests.

The executions came less than a week after the country’s highest court confirmed the punishment against Abbas al-Samea, 27, Sami Mushaima, 42, and Ali al-Singace, 21, found guilty of killing one Emirati and two Bahraini police officers.

Iran, a sharp critic of Bahrain’s Sunni-led government, called the punishments “reckless”. “Bahrain’s government has demonstrated that it does not seek a peaceful resolution and a way out out of the crisis,” said Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi, quoted by the official news agency IRNA. Such executions are extremely rare in the small Gulf Arab island. The last similar case involving a Shi’ite Bahraini occurred in 1996. British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said in a statement that Britain opposes the death penalty and he “raised

the issue with the Bahraini Government.”

Bahrain’s majority Shi’ite population have for decades accused their Sunni rulers of discrimination in matters of jobs, housing and political say. Bahrain says Shi’ite neighbour Iran is supporting violence in the kingdom in a bid to widen its influence, a charge Tehran denies.

State news agency BNA said the men were shot and killed in the presence of a judge, doctor and a Muslim cleric. Mass “Arab Spring” demonstrations in 2011 that were led by Shi’ites were crushed by the authorities with help from its Gulf Arab neighbours, deepening sectarian rivalry in the region. Authorities last year escalated a crackdown on its Shi’ite critics by imprisoning a top rights campaigner, shuttering the main opposition block and revoking the community’s spiritual leader of his citizenship.

It has drawn criticism throughout from the international community, including from governments and rights groups who accuse it of being too heavy handed. Activists warned the move would undermine security. “This is a black day in Bahrain’s history. It is the most heinous crime committed by the government of Bahrain and a shame upon its rulers ...

This act is a security threat to Bahrain and the entire region,” said Sayed Ahmed Alwadaei of the Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy.

20 yrs after Diana campaign, new landmine crisis plagues Iraq & Syria LONDON, JaNuary 15 (ThOmsON reuTers FOuNDaTiON): Twenty years after Princess Diana’s iconic visit to a minefield in Angola, the world faces a new landmine crisis in Syria and Iraq on a scale not seen for decades, campaigners said on Sunday.

The Mines Advisory Group said it had cleared and destroyed more than 9,000 newly laid landmines in both countries in the past six months in areas formerly occupied by the Islamic State militant group.

Jane Cocking, the group’s chief executive, said at least $100 million of additional funding will be needed per year to tackle both newly laid land mines and those still in the soil from previous conflicts in more than 60 countries.

“The problem is that we’re seeing the emergence of a new crisis of a scale that we haven’t seen since the 1990s, and to deal with that as well requires substantially more money,” Cocking told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

It is hard to gauge the scale of the problem, she

said, but judging by the number of mines already cleared, Islamic State has produced improvised landmines on an “industrial scale”.

Production and use of landmines has declined after the Mine Ban Treaty, which prohibits their use,

stockpiling and transfer, was adopted nearly two decades ago.

Hard to detect, difficult to clear and often designed to maim rather than kill, landmines can linger in the soil for decades and kill or injure thousands of people every year.

Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Angola and Afghanistan are among the most mined countries in the world, according to the Landmine Monitor, the most authoritative source on the issue.

MORE WORK TO DO Images of Princess

Diana walking through a minefield in Angola 20 years ago this weekend helped raise global awareness of landmines and the plight of their victims.

About seven months later Princess Diana, who had divorced heir-to-thethrone Prince Charles in 1996, died from injuries sustained in a car crash in Paris.

More than 160 countries have signed the Mine Ban Treaty and 27 countries and one territory have declared themselves free of landmines, including Mozambique after a 20-year mine-clearing programme, and Rwanda and Nicaragua.

The number of people reported killed or injured by landmines has risen sharply though, with 75 percent more casualties in 2015 compared to the previous year, according to the Landmine Monitor. Many of them were civilians.

This was largely due to more victims in Libya, Syria, Ukraine and Yemen, but also due to improved availability in casualty data, the Monitor said in its most re-

cent report in November 2016.

“There has been a lot of progress but a lot of work still needs to be done, in particular because we now face a new toxic mix in countries like Iraq, Syria and Libya,” said James Cowan, chief executive of British charity The Halo Trust.

Donors and affected states contributed some $471 million for landmine clearing in 2015, a 23 percent decrease from the previous year and the lowest level since 2005, according to the Landmine Monitor.

“There isn’t enough money available for landmine clearance in general, so it makes it very difficult to deal with new landmine emergencies like the ones in Iraq and Syria,” Cowan told the Thomson Reuters Foundation by phone from Angola.

Campaigners say a lack of funding puts the Mine Ban Treaty’s proposed 2025 deadline for a mine-free world at risk.

“It requires political will and more money to finish the job,” said Cocking.

10

MonDAY 16•01•2017

SPORTS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Chelsea, Arsenal enjoy big wins Staying number one harder LONDON, JANUARY 15 (REUTERS): Chelsea made light of striker Diego Costa's absence to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to seven points on Saturday with a 3-0 win at champions Leicester City.

After a Harry Kane-inspired Tottenham Hotspur and a ruthless Arsenal side kept up the pressure at the top with 4-0 victories, Chelsea found an unlikely hero in wing back Marcos Alonso, who scored their first two goals at the King Power Stadium.

All the pre-match ballyhoo had been about Costa, the league's leading marksman, having been dropped from Antonio Conte's squad amid reports of a fall-out over his fitness.

Before the game, though, Chelsea released quotes from Conte on their official Twitter site saying that Costa had not trained since Tuesday because of "a pain in his back".

"We played without Diego against Bournemouth and we have had time to prepare for this. We've prepared very well," Conte said.

That preparation was shown swiftly as Spaniard Alonso struck early in both halves and Pedro completed a rout of the feeble champions as Chelsea moved to 52 points, seven clear of Spurs.

Liverpool, on 44 with

Chelsea's Gary Cahill attempts an overhead kick. (Reuters Photo)

third-placed Arsenal, could regain second spot and cut the gap at the top back to five points if they win at Manchester United, who are fifth, on Sunday.

Tottenham striker Kane had a special day with a brilliant hat-trick in the 4-0 demolition of West Bromwich Albion that saw Mauricio Pochettino's ever-improving contenders move into second with a seventh straight win in all competitions.

It was Kane's first match since he became a father last Sunday. "It's amazing. The week has been a whirlwind

having a little daughter - to finish it off like this is the best way possible," he said, after taking his season's tally to 13 league goals.

OWN GOALS Arsenal went up to third on goal difference after Olivier Giroud struck his fifth goal in as many games to set them on the way to a 4-0 trouncing of Swansea City, who are now bottom.

Between Giroud's opener and Alexis Sanchez's 73rd minute effort, Paul Clement, in his first league game in charge of the Swans, also

had to watch miserably as Jack Cork and Kyle Naughton deflected Alex Iwobi shots past their own keeper.

Hull City recovered to beat Bournemouth 3-1 with a double from Abel Hernandez giving new manager Marco Silva the ideal league debut as they leapt from last place above Swansea and Sunderland, who were beaten 3-1 at home by Stoke City.

Peter Crouch scored his 99th league goal for the Potters - a header, naturally - while Marko Arnautovic netted twice, but the goal of the day came from West

Ham's Andy Carroll who struck an astonishing midair volley in a 3-0 win over Crystal Palace.

"It's been a while in the making. I've been trying for a couple of years. It's got to be the best goal I've scored," the striker, who has suffered from a string of injuries, said.

Joey Barton made a remarkable return for his old club Burnley, coming on as a substitute and scoring with a free-kick in the 1-0 win over Southampton.

"It was an incredible thing for him to bring me back with the circus that goes on around me," said Barton, paying tribute to Burnley boss Sean Dyche, who signed the midfielder after his stormy spell with Scottish club Rangers.

It was an emotional afternoon at Vicarage Road as Watford fans paid a lovely tribute to Graham Taylor, the former England manager who died on Thursday, before facing Middlesbrough.

At the club he took from the old fourth division into the top flight, the chant of "One Graham Taylor" rang around the ground, fans in the stand named after him held up cards that spelt out "Love G.T" and others were reduced to tears.

However, after a long round of applause for their old manager, the Hornets could not deliver the result the supporters craved as they missed chances and were held to a 0-0 draw.

than getting there, says Kerber

MELbOURNE, JANUARY 15 (REUTERS): Melbourne Park was ground zero for the stunning breakthrough of Angelique Kerber's tennis career so the German has naturally savoured some golden memories before the defence of her Australian Open title.

The emotions bubbled to the surface as the late-blooming left-hander was driven through the Melbourne Park gates for the first time since coming back this year.

And she was overcome again when walking side-by-side with men's winner Novak Djokovic, the defending champions cradling their trophies on the way to the draw on Friday.

Kerber has had several months to deal with the pomp and ceremony that goes with being world number one, having swiped the ranking from Serena Williams during her run to the U.S. Open title.

But a return to the Melbourne Park locker room where she celebrated her maiden grand slam success last year brought home the challenge lying ahead.

"I was walking from the transportation to the locker room where I re-

member I was sitting like 12 months ago after the final. Nobody was there," the hard-hitting German told reporters on Sunday.

"Now it's a new tournament again and we are starting from zero and everybody is here again to play their best tennis.

"Staying (number one), of course, it's harder than maybe to reach it because you have to deal with a lot of more things than you expect.

"Yeah, it's a completely new challenge.

"It's really different and difficult, as well. But I think this is also privilege a little bit. I'm really happy to be there and to taking now the new challenges."

With 22-times grand slam champion Williams the obvious exception, the top ranking has proved a heavy burden for a number of the women in recent years.

Dane Caroline Wozniacki held the ranking twice during 2010-11 but was unable to cement it with grand slam success.

Serbian Jelena Jankovic (2008-09) and Russian Dinara Safina (2009) also reached the top without a major trophy, while recently retired Ana Ivanovic (200809) was unable to add to

her sole grand slam title after becoming world number one.

Kerber has not won a title since reaching the summit and finished her stunning year with the disappointment of losing in the decider of the season-ending WTA Finals in Singapore to Dominika Cibulkova.

Her form in the leadup to the year's first grand slam has been patchy, losing her second match at the Brisbane International before being upset

by Russian Daria Kasatkina in her Sydney International opener, the last warmup before Melbourne.

Kerber said her scant match preparation would matter little when her tournament starts with a first round match against Ukraine's Lesia Tsurenko at Rod Laver Arena on Monday.

"I think it was good to be a little bit earlier here, to get used to everything, to do my stuff, all the things I have to do off and on the court," said Kerber.

"I'm not thinking now that I was not playing so well in the last two tournaments. I'm here to being ready again from the first round. This is all I'm looking for now."

Late Bangladesh collapse gives NZ sniff of win Australia look towards spin, ChRiSTChURCh, JANUARY 15 (REUTERS): New Zealand captured three late wickets on Sunday to give themselves a sniff of an unlikely victory against Bangladesh in the first test at the Basin Reserve.

The visitors were 66 for three in their second innings at the end of the fourth day's play, with an overall lead of 122 runs.

Mominul Haque was on 10 while night watchman Mehedi Hasan was run out for one with three balls left of the day's play.

Mitchell Santner had started the collapse of three wickets for 16 when he bowled Tamim Iqbal

for 25, before Neil Wagner had Mahmudullah caught by wicketkeeper BJ Watling for five.

Santner then ran Mehedi out with a direct hit to give his side confidence for the final day's play, with two of Bangladesh's top-order batsmen under injury clouds.

Opening batsman Imrul Kayes retired hurt on 24 after he appeared to suffer a pulled muscle while taking a quick single.

Captain Mushfiqur Rahim did not field in New Zealand's innings of 539 due to suspected broken fingers, though he was seen padded up to bat if required on Sunday.

Imrul took the gloves in Mushfiqur's absence and snared five catches, a record for a stand-in wicketkeeper, in New Zealand's innings that was anchored

by Tom Latham's careerbest 177.

Latham, whose previous best was 137 against Pakistan in 2014, had resumed on 119 with Henry Nicholls, who was on 35 and the hosts on 292 for three.

Both were untroubled as they took New Zealand to 347 for three before Nicholls was caught at leg slip by Mehedi off Shakib Al Hasan for 53.

Watling and Latham then took New Zealand past the follow-on target of 395

but the opener was trapped in front by Shakib shortly after, just when a double century was on offer.

Part-time off-spinner Mahmudullah then took two wickets in one over, the first from a wide long hop that Watling shaped to smash to bring up his 13th test half century but succeeded only in nicking to Imrul.

Watling trudged off for 49 and was quickly followed by Tim Southee, who was trapped in front for one just four balls later.

Santner then made a career-best 73 before he was the last man out, bowled by Subashis Roy. It was his second test half century.

Indian hockey is back to Bayern Munich clinch Telekom Cup JANUARY 15 a hammer from the edge of top: British star Jackson bERLiN, (iANS): Germany's foot- the box into the top left corball club Bayern Munich ner to restore parity.

NEw DELhi, JANUARY 15 (iANS): Britain's hockey star Ashley Jackson reckons that the new crop of Indian players can be lethal in the international stage and the recent success has only added to their confidence.

"I think it's safe to say with the senior team's performances over the past four years and the junior team now becoming World Champions under the leadership of coach Harendra Singh, Indian hockey is back to the top of the table once again," the drag-flicker said in a release on Sunday.

"I have spent four-five years playing (in the Hockey India League) alongside Manpreet (Singh), Biru (Birendra Lakra) and Kothajit (Singh) who have all grown as players each year," the Ranchi Rays captain added.

"It's also fun to see how some of the younger guys like Mandeep (Singh) and Simranjeet (Singh) are getting on with their game."

The 29-year-old has been one of the most successful players in the HIL, winning the coveted title twice -- first with nowdefunct Ranchi Rhinos in 2013 and later with Ranchi Rays in 2015. This year too he is optimistic his team will set its sights high.

"I think our expectations are always high because of what we achieved in the past, even last season we had

a very successful league (phase) campaign, finishing first by (a difference of ) eight points but came up short in the semi-finals on shootouts," Jackson said.

"We will set our sights high for this season as I'm sure everyone else will, if we are playing with smiles on our faces then that doesn't look good for all the other teams. We have a great group in Ranchi Rays, so it's always fun," he added.

Jackson, who will join his team Ranchi Rays for the week-long camp in Mumbai, is also an ardent fan of cricket and former Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who co-owns the eastern citybased hockey franchise.

"M.S. Dhoni is a pioneer of the modern game as we know it today, the first of the modern era of cricket, really taking a shot, making it to the next level where it is less about text book technique that they once taught us for hours and hours back home," the Young Player of the Year 2009 said.

"Dhoni is someone who gets the job done, no matter how it looks and entertaining along the way. Having said that, I'm a conventional cricketer from back home so I'd settle down to watch Joe Root bat the first three days of a Test match any day," Jackson, who has played nearly 200 international games admitted.

defeated Mainz 2-1 to clinch the Telekom Cup at Dusseldorf's Espirt Arena here.

The German record champions have won the mini tournament, which is usually held in the summer, for the third time as they beat Mainz 2-1 in the summit clash on Saturday, reports Xinhua news agency.

Carlo Ancelotti's men caught a perfect start into the final as Franck Ribery capitalized on a one-two with Thomas Mueller to place the ball into the bottom left to mark the opener with four minutes played.

Mainz remained unimpressed and responded only four minutes later as Andre Ramalho unleashed

The Bavarians grabbed the lead again in the 11th minute after Javi Martinez headed home a corner at the near post to make it 2-1 on the scoreboards.

Mainz pressed for the equalizer but Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer denied Jhon Cordoba twice to secure the victory.

Bayern should have added another goal to their lead but neither Martinez nor Joshua Kimmich were able to utilise their promising opportunities.

"It is always great to win. But, it is also important to make a good game," Bayern midfielder Franck Ribery said after the tournament.

versatility, to turn India tide

MELbOURNE, JANUARY 15 (REUTERS): Australia have included uncapped Mitchell Swepson and recalled Ashton Agar in a four-man spin-bowling unit for the test tour of India, part of a versatile squad they hope can turn the tide of their recent results in the country.

The Australians, who have lost their last nine series in India, also recalled all-rounders Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell to allow flexibility to deal whatever conditions they face in the four tests starting next month.

Top order batsman Shaun Marsh, Mitchell's brother, was also recalled after losing his place in the side for the series against South Africa and Pakistan through injury.

Jackson Bird was included in the 16-man squad as a third pace option along with Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc, despite being dropped for the final test against Pakistan to allow two spinners to play in Sydney.

The Australians will review their fast-bowling resources after the second test in Bangalore.

"We don't know what pitch conditions we will come up against in each of the venues but wanted to make sure we have plenty of options available to

Australia's Josh Hazlewood celebrates with team mates after taking the final wicket of Pakistan's Imran Khan to win the match. (Reuters File Photo)

us," head selector Trevor Hohns said.

"We know India is an incredibly tough place to tour and to succeed in, but we have a squad here which we believe can perform well enough in those conditions to give a good account of itself.

"No country has performed all that well over there in the last 10 years or more, but somehow, some way, someone has to turn the tide."

Leg spinner Swepson and left-arm orthodox spinner Agar, who played two tests in England in 2013, will act as back-up to off spinner Nathan Lyon and left-armer Steve O'Keefe.

Swepson, who has played 14 first class matches, won out over Adam

Zampa because he is the more attacking of the two spinners, Hohns said.

"He is an exciting young leg spinner, he gives the ball a very good rip, he's a wicket-taking legspinner," he added.

"Given the opportunity, we think he could play a part over there. If he doesn't, he'll gain a lot from being there."

Hohns described Agar, who scored 98 with the bat on debut in the 2013 Ashes, as a "good all round package" who offered yet more versatility to the squad.

Mitchell Marsh edged out all-rounder Hilton Cartwright, who made his debut in the Pakistan series, because of his superior bowling, Hohns said.

Maxwell, a fast-scoring

batsman who has been largely restricted to the shorter forms for his country, played the last of his three tests two years ago.

"Glenn is very experienced in Indian conditions, he's generally regarded as a good player of spin bowling, he's a good fielder and his off-spin is handy," said Hohns.

Opener Matt Renshaw and Peter Handscomb, who both impressed after making their debuts in the home summer, were also included, the latter offering back-up to the single specialist wicket-keeper, Matt Wade.

The first test starts in Pune on February 23 and is followed by matches in Bangalore, Ranchi and Dharamsala.

Glam, glitter and glory mark 14th Mumbai Marathon MUMbAi, JANUARY 15 (iANS): Tanzanian athlete Alphonce Felix Simbu (24) and Kenyan runner Bornes Kitur Chepkirui (31), flew past all competition to bag the top spots in the men's and women's category respectively in the full marathon at the 14th Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon (SCMM) here on Sunday.

Indian athletes, army soldier Kheta Ram (31) and Jyoti Shanker Gawte topped the men and women's category in the full marathon which saw participation of over 6,000 runners.

While Simbu clocked 2:09:32 hours, the first runner-up Joshua Kipkorir (23) of Kenya came a close second at 2:09:50, and fellow Kenyan Eliud Barngetuny

(43) claimed the third spot at 2:10:39.

The international women's topper Chepkirui clocked 2:29:02 to bag the women's title, Ethiopian Chaltu Tafa (28) came second clocking 2:33:03 and her fellow countrywoman Tigist Getachu Girma (23) -- who won the Beirut Marathon last November -- stood third with 2:33:19.

Among the male Indians, Kheta Ram stood first clocking 2:19:51, followed

by Bhadur Singh Dhoni at 2:19:57 and T.H.S. Luwang third at 2:21:19.

In the female Indians section, Gawte bagged the gold by clocking 2:50:53, followed by Shyamali Singh at 3:08:41 and Jigmet Dolma at 3:14:38.

In the Half Marathon (21.097 km), the winner in the men's category was G. Lakshmanan and in the women's category it was Monika Athare.

Incidentally, five rehabilitated cardiac patients from the Asian Heart Institute (AHI), aged between 52-67 year, also joined and completed the Half Marathon.

The winners were welcomed by Bollywood star John Abraham who felicitated and posed with them for selfies. Other film stars present included Sonali Bendre and Juhi Chawla.

The annual glittering 14th SCMM was concluded with the participation of a large dose of glamour personalities, top sportspersons, corporate bigwigs

and commoners enthusiastically running, braving the Mumbai chill.

Maharashtra Governor C.V. Rao flagged off the SCMM near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus while Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his wife Amruta, several state ministers, Union Sports Minister Vijay Goel, Western Naval Command chief Vice-Admiral Girish Luthra, Mumbai Mayor Snehal Ambekar and Police Commissioner Datta Padsalgikar, film stars and other dignitaries cheered the participants along with over 300,000 onlookers en route.

A large number of government employees led by Chief Secretary Swadhin

Kshatriya also enthusiastically participated.

Later, the top dignitaries felicitated and congratulated the winners in different categories of the event.

Other top Indian athletes who participated included Elam Singh, Mohammed Yunus, and Ladakh's selftrained runners, Jigmet Dolma and Tsetan Dolkar.

This year, the SCMM notched the highest turnout with 6,342 men and women running for the full marathon (42.195 km), 14,663 for Half Marathon and 19,980 for the Dream Run, including many foreigners, representatives from the defence forces and Olympians.

Several film personalities, top corporates, the

Asian Heart Institute (AHI), several NGOs, public organisations, physicallychallenged persons and others took part in different capacities for what is billed as Asia's biggest marathon event with highest prize money and gold, silver and bronze medals.

Around 2,500 exhausted runners required medical attention which was provided by a team of AHI medicos led by its medical director Vijay Da Silva at two base camps set up on the marathon course.

A vast majority suffered from dehydrationrelated symptoms, many were sent off after first aid and others would be under observation till late in the evening.

MONday 16•01•2017

EntErtainmEnt

'Dangal' girl Zaira Wasim Khan speaks on women empowerment and educating the girl child

L Priyanka Chopra and Michelle Obama to join hands for girls’ education campaign

P

riyanka Chopra might be taking over the glamorous world of film and television, and while doing so, she is also lending her star power to back social issues. According to latest reports, the 'Quantico' star is now allegedly joining hands with outgoing First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama for a campaign on girl's education.

The actress had made news last year for being the first Indian star to attend the White House Correspondents' Dinner. It has now been revealed that Michelle discussed the work Priyanka did with UNI-

CEF and how the two could work together towards educating the girl child. PeeCee also seemed amazed and impressed at how the head of State knew all about her and kept in mind details of the guests attending the event.

Priyanka had shared this news a while back when she shared a picture with the US president Barack Obama and Michelle Obama saying, "Lovely to meet the very funny and charming @barackobama and the beautiful @michelleobama. Thank you for a lovely evening. Cannot wait to start working on your girls education program."

Source: TNN

I believe in democracy: Nicole Kidman

A

ctress Nicole Kidman, who faced criticism after her comment on the 2016 US presidential election results, says she believes in democracy. The Hawaiian-born actress raised in Australia and who has dual citizenship said earlier: "I just say, Trump's now elected, and we as a country need to support whoever's the President because that's what the country's based on."

This invited the ire of several social media users then and she clarified her stance now, reports people.com. "I was trying to stress that I believe in democracy and the American constitution. It's that simple. I'm just, I'm out of it now.

That's what I said. It's that simple," she said.

She told the BBC 2 channel that she tends to stay away from speaking about politics. Having said that, Kidman maintained there were certain causes. "I'm issue based. I'm very, very committed to women's issues."

C M Y K

istening to a 15-year-old, speaking about women empowerment while maintaining a poised demeanor, is bound to grab people's attention. That is exactly what happened, when 'Dangal' starlet Zaira Wasim spoke her mind out, on what was troubling her these days.

"I recently heard in an interview that girls should learn wrestling for their own safety. This is very sad.

This means we are living in such an environment and amongst such people where we need to learn how to wrestle for our own safety!" she said in an exclusive interview.

The young girl, who hails from Jammu, seemingly finds the notion absurd and even questions the current situation of the society, which is not that safe for women, as she asks,

"Why can't we just educate them?"

A student of tenth standard, she dreams of building a society 'which is safe for girls to live and where they are happy.' In spite of a huge fan following after her stint in the sports biopic, Zaira feels she cannot be someone's role model.

"I feel really honored but I cannot be someone's inspiration. I strongly believe that the people in J&K should realise their talent, as they have a lot of potential and ability. I strongly believe that every person is different and has some or the other ability. The only thing is to recognize and realize one's potential." On the work front, Zaira will next be seen in Advait Chandan's debut directorial 'Secret Superstar,' in the titular character.

Source: ANI

Selena Gomez Doesn’t Feel Guilty About New Romance elena Gomez doesn't feel guilty about her new romance with The Weeknd. The 24-yearold singer recently started dating the 'Can't Feel My Face' hitmaker and while his ex-girlfriend, Bella Hadid, 20, is upset about their relationship, Selena insists she has no reason to feel bad because she and Bella are merely acquaintances.

Insiders told TMZ that although they are both part of Taylor Swift's squad, Selena and Bella have never been close and she didn't feel the need to inform her about the new romance. Bella is said to be ''really hurt'' by the romance because she is still in love with The Weeknd - whose real

name is Abel Tesfaye - who she split from two months ago.

A source told E! News: ''She is actually not over The Weeknd. She still loves him. ''They are on fine terms, but she is

bitter about the romance with Selena. She was not happy when all of that gossip went everywhere between The Weeknd and Selena. ''It really hurt her seeing Selena be all up on her

man. She still feels like they have a connection.''

Bella unfollowed Selena on Instagram following the publication of pictures of the former Disney star locking lips with her ex outside Italian restaurant Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica. And The Weeknd, 26, has reportedly had a crush on Selena for some time.

Thesourceadded:''Abelthough always had a thing for Selena. He thinks she is extremely talented and sexy. ''They recently started talking before the holidays but she has been on his radar before. They are on the same level with expectations and think the other is really fun. They are taking things slow and getting to know each other.''

Source: Contactmusic

Robin Thicke cleared of child abuse allegations

S

inger Robin Thicke has reportedly been cleared of child abuse allegations amid his custody battle with actress Paula Patton.

According to a source close to Thicke, the Child Protective Service cleared him of the claims just a day after his former wife accused him of "excessively spanking" their six-year-old son Julian, reports etonline.com The source said it would take 20 days to process the paperwork. "Robin has had his head down and has been working on new music. He was a rock for his entire family when his father Alan Thicke died. Anyone who knows Robin knows that Julian is the light of his life," the source said. "Robin would never hurt Julian. He's not a bad guy. At his father's memorial, Robin and Julian were inseparable," the source added.

According to earlier reports, Patton had asked a judge to limit Thicke's joint custody. However, the judge declined her request during a hearing on Thursday, citing, "there is insufficient showing of great or irreparable harm, immediate danger, or any other statutory basis" to Julian from Robin.

Source: IANS

Source: IANS

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TV movie on Michael Jackson in making Victoria Beckham 'takes legal Hillstar action to block Spice Girls reunion' NOW SHOWING

C

V

ictoria Beckham has reportedly taken steps to prevent her ex-bandmates from performing classic Spice Girls tracks under the name GEM. The 42-year-old fashion designer is said to have called on lawyers in a bid to stop Geri Horner, Emma Bunton and Mel B performing the band's classic hits.

According to The Sun, Victoria has left the three members of the new group 'devastated' after resorting to using her legal team.

Speaking to the paper a source

close to the group said: 'The girls are devastated. It is an extremely sad way for things to end ... Victoria was a huge part of their lives and now she is using lawyers to block their comeback.

'Victoria is proud of her Spice Girls history but this suggests she wants to cut all links with the group which transformed her life.

'She is resorting to aggressive legal letters and it is an extremely sad way for things to end after all they have been through together.'

MailOnline has contacted repre-

sentatives of Victoria and GEM for comment on the matter.

It was announced in 2016 that Geri, Emma and Mel would be reuniting under the name GEM for a Spice Girls reunion, with the trio heading into the studio to record new music as well. However, the news that Victoria has resorted to legal action to block the reunion group performing the tracks comes shortly after Geri Horner allegedly put the group on hold.

Source: Mail Online

able channel Lifetime is reportedly planning a biopic on the late king of pop Michael Jackson, tentatively titled "Michael Jackson: Searching for Neverland". Currently in pre-production, the TV movie will begin filming in February here, reports aceshowbiz.com.

The project is based on 2014's book "Remember the Time: Protecting Michael Jackson in His Final Days", which was coauthored by two of Jackson's bodyguards, Bill Whitfield and Javon Beard.

The book chronicles the singer's final years through Whitfield and Beard's lens while protecting the superstar and his family. It also details their time of solace and the singer's death. The King of Pop died at the age of 50 in 2009, when he was rehearsing for the comeback shows.

Navi, who is considered as the world's most prominent Jackson's impersonator, will star in the film. He is joined by "The Walking Dead" alum Chad L. Coleman, who will star as Jackson's bodyguard Whitfield.

Suzanne de Passe, who has a long-standing relationship with Jackson's family, will produce "Michael Jackson: Searching for Neverland" alongside Madison Jones and Robert Teitel. The TV movie will be directed by Diane Houston while Elizabeth Hunter will pen its script.

Final weeks of Jackson's life is also set to be the subject of a television series which is in development at Warner Bros.

Based on Tavis Smiley's 2016 book titled "Before You Judge Me: The Triumph and Tragedy of Michael Jackson's Last Days", the project will recount the final 16 weeks of the singer's life.

Source: IANS

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MOnDAY 16•01•2017

SPORTS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

India beat England by 3 wickets Barcelona thrash Las Palmas

Virat Kohli acknowledges the applause after bringing up his hundred, India v England, 1st ODI, Pune. (AFP Photo)

C M Y K

pUNE, JANUARY 15 (AGENCIES): Blazing centuries from captain Virat Kohli (122 off 105 balls) and Kedar Jadhav (120 off 76 deliveries) helped India defeat England by three wickets in their first One-Day International (ODI) cricket match here on Sunday.

England were chased down in crushing, exhilarating fashion in Pune as Virat Kohli produced an innings of regal brilliance to help India pass England’s high-

est ever total against them with 11 balls to spare.

There was also a stunning hundred from the 31-year-old local boy Kedar Jadhav, who played a full part in a fifth-wicket partnership of 200 in 25 overs as England were reduced to haring about in the dusty night air watching the ball sail into the stands.

Pursuing England's highly challenging total of 350-7, India were in deep trouble at 69-4 but

Kohli and Jadhav forged a 200run stand to put the hosts in contention.

Later, Hardik Pandya (40 not out) contributed significantly to ensure that India crossed the line with three wickets and 1.5 overs to spare.

Earlier, Joe Root (78), Jason Roy (73), Ben strokes (61) helped England post a challenging total at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium here.

This was a wonderful mixed-up, muddled-up game of fifty-over cricket, a one-day international for the T20 era.

But, as with the first Test before Christmas, England might just have missed their best chance in the series here.

With 288 runs still required, it came down to Kohli and Jadhav versus England.

Kohli played dreamily, Jadhav with real belligerence, swiping England’s spinners around to stunning effect en route to a wonderful 65-ball hundred.

Kohli eventually departed for an exhilarating 122 off 105 balls, skying a Stokes off-break slower ball that probably qualified as the best piece of English spin bowling all day. Jadhav swung Ball high into the stands over long-off and midwicket, and England’s bowlers had no answer as the pressure mounted, Ashwin winning the game with a final six.

5-0, Atletico Madrid edge Betis BARCELONA, JANUARY 15 (REUTERS): Barcelona's Luis Suarez scored twice and Lionel Messi was also on target as they thrashed Las Palmas 5-0 with a ruthless second-half display at the Nou Camp on Saturday to provisionally go second and cut the gap with Real Madrid to two points. Uruguay international Suarez scored his 101st Barca goal by stroking in Andre Gomes' cutback in the 15th minute as the Portuguese midfielder got his first assist since his 35 million euro ($37.24 million) move from Valencia last summer.

Messi scored for the seventh straight competitive game by pouncing on a loose ball in the 52nd after Rafinha's shot was parried by goalkeeper Javi Varas, while Suarez curled in a pass by Rafinha for his second and Barca's third in the 57th. Suarez spurned the chance to seal a hat-trick a minute later but Arda Turan pounced after Varas saved again to score the fourth, while out-of-favour right back Aleix Vidal netted his first goal for the club in the 80th minute. Barca are second in the standings, two points behind Real Madrid, who have played two games fewer and face third-placed Sevilla on Sunday.

Atletico Madrid are fourth on 34 points, two behind Sevilla, after beating Real Betis 1-0 in a poor game.

Barcelona coach Luis Enrique had rotated his side after Wednesday's 3-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao in the King's Cup, resting Neymar, Gerard Pique, captain Andres Iniesta and Sergi Roberto, but still watched his side dominate Las Palmas. "I'm most happy with how we played without the ball.

It was our best display of the season in that

Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Las Palmas' Helder Lopes in action. (Reuters Photo)

aspect and one of the best since I've been here. That was how we prevented Las Palmas creating problems for us," said Luis Enrique. "Somehow we didn't kill off the game in the first half but we were much better in the second. The entire team's defensive work was enormous."

WINNING RUN Barca defender Javier Mascherano hoped the resounding win, as well as the hard-fought victory over Athletic in the cup, would be the start of a long winning

streak for his team. "I hope we can feel emboldened by these wins and go on a run that lasts a long time," said the Argentine.

"We have to work hard to win every game, we can't leave anything to chance or relax.

We need to make a strong start in every game, make the fewest errors possible and become stronger."

Atletico earned a third consecutive league win by beating Real Betis 1-0 at Vicente Calderon with a goal by Nicolas Gaitan, who stuck out a foot to divert a deflected cross into the net at the near post in the ninth minute.

Everton hammer Manchester City 4-0 De Villiers' future in Test cricket in doubt

LONDON, JANUARY 15 (Ap): Manchester City endured more misery on Merseyside by losing 4-0 at Everton in the Premier League on Sunday, leaving Pep Guardiola's team out of the Champions League positions after the heaviest league defeat of the Spaniard's coaching career.

Two weeks after a 1-0 loss at Liverpool, City was beaten across Stanley Park following goals by Romelu Lukaku, Kevin Mirallas, 18-year-old midfielder Tom Davies and 19-yearold debutant Ademola Lookman.

City has now lost three of its last four matches away, with the latest setback for Guardiola coming at the hands of a team managed by his former Barcelona teammate, Ronald Koeman. The team had dropped out of the top four — into fifth place — following wins for Tottenham and Arsenal on Saturday, and is now 10 points behind first-placed Chelsea.

Lukaku sidefooted home a square ball from Mirallas to put

Everton ahead in the 34th, with the move sparked by Davies intercepting Gael Clichy's ball forward from left back.

Starting for a second straight game, Davies was everywhere — even clearing Bacary Sagna's

header off the line just before halftime at Goodison Park.

Ross Barkley slipped in Mirallas to score with an angled shot in the 47th before the best goal of the match, Davies dinking the ball over goalkeeper Claudio Bravo and in-

CApE TOwN, JANUARY 15 (IANS): South African batsman AB de Villiers is close to retiring from Test cricket in order to extend his time in limited-overs formats, a media report said on Sunday.

"I'm not sure how AB will feel in terms of Test cricket so we will have to see," South African Test skipper Faf du Plessis was quoted as saying by Cricket Australia's website on Sunday.

South Africa whitewashed Sri Lanka 3-0 in a three-match series, winning by an innings and 118 runs in Johannesburg on Saturday.

"We are excited to have after they completed an im- with him and plan his fuhim back in the one-day pressive 2-1 series win over ture," Domingo told cricket.com.au on Sunday. team. I am hoping he de- Australia in December.

"AB has got to make The 32-year-old has cides to play (Tests) for us.

He is obviously a world- recovered from his elbow that decision, I can't declass batter and I, as a cap- problem to make his return cide on whether he plays tain, would love to have in South Africa's domestic or not. When I say that, him as a leader in our team, 50-over competition, and I mean AB has got to and obviously as a batter. is scheduled to play his first make the decision about match next Sunday. whether he is available He is a fantastic player."

South Africa coach and the selectors have Struggling with an elbow injury that has seen Russell Domingo said got to make the decision him out of action since May team officials would dis- whether he plays." with an opening stand of 68 with 2016, de Villiers, the dash- cuss the playing future "He has obviously got to Sharjeel Khan (29) before a sec- ing right-hander also stood with de Villiers. make some decision about ond-wicket partnership of 72 with down from Test captaincy "We need to sit down his future in cricket."

Babar Azam (34).

Experienced Shoaib Malik, who was given out caught behind off Pat Cummins on 10 but successfully overturned the decision on review, took over the respon- KOhIMA, JANUARY 15 (MExN): The volleyball, football, marathon race, bamboo sibility of getting Pakistan home Southern Angami Sports Association walk, and track & field event events.

The inaugural function will take place after they lost Hafeez and Azam in (SASA) is all set to hold its 55th meet from January 23 to 26 at Jakhama Local Ground. from 9:00 AM onwards. The function will successive overs.

MLA Er. Vikho-o Yhoshii will be the be chaired by Mezhiivo-o Thorie.

Malik remained unbeaten on Presidential address will be delivered 42 after adding a crucial 53 for the chief guest while MLA Er. Kropol Vitsu will

by SASA president Ketoupuzo Lhoushe. fourth wicket with Asad Shafiq (13). be the guest of honour.

Administration of oath will be done by The four day long meet will be marked by The third ODI of the series will Naga wrestling, Sepak Takraw, badminton, SASA wrestling secretary Zaprani Mekro. be played in Perth on Thursday. side the near post to crown an impressive individual display.

Lookman, signed from Charlton this month and on as a substitute for his Everton debut, completed City's misery four minutes into injury time by shooting through Bravo's legs.

City had contributed to their own downfall, with Yaya Toure – a passenger throughout – failing on three occasions to stop the ball getting through to Mirallas. Too many of Guardiola's players went missing and Everton sensed an opportunity to inflict mayhem.

This is uncharted water for this decorated coach. This was his most damaging day since being in England. The blows inflicted, for this season at least, might just be irreparable.

So here was the test. In an unforgiving venue, with the pressure ratcheted up, what could City produce? What plan did Guardiola have to turn a complicated position into the victory that he required? Quite simply, he didn't.

Stand-in captain Hafeez leads Pakistan to Melbourne win MELBOURNE, JANUARY 15 (REUTERS): Pakistan's stand-in captain Mohammad Hafeez hit a fighting fifty to set up a comprehensive six-wicket victory against Australia in the second one-day international on Sunday that levelled the five-match series.

Pakistan, who were whitewashed in the preceding test series and lost the first ODI in Brisbane, reached their target with 14 balls to spare after their bowlers had bundled out the hosts for 220 in the penultimate over of their innings.

It was the first win for Pakistan against Australia in Australia across

all formats since their victory in an ODI at the WACA in January, 2005.

Mohammad Amir was the most successful Pakistan bowler with three wickets for 47 after leftarm fast bowling colleague Junaid Khan, playing his first ODI in over 19 months, put Australia on the backfoot by sending back the openers cheaply.

Pakistan's spinners, led by leftarmer Imad Wasim (2-37), then bowled tightly on a sluggish Melbourne Cricket Ground pitch to keep Australia shackled.

Australia captain Steve Smith top-scored for his side with 60 but

a number of other batsmen got out after promising starts.

Hafeez, who was not part of the original ODI squad and arrived in Australia as a late addition, was handed the captaincy after regular skipper Azhar Ali was ruled out with a hamstring injury.

The right-handed opener struggled against Australia's pacemen initially and Smith dropped him on nought in the slips off Mitchell Starc.

Hafeez, who survived again on 55, batted fluently after his initial troubles and set up the chase

55th SASA meet from January 23

West Indies Cricket Board renamed, rebrands itself Sunderland, Peterhansel win Dakar Rally pORT Of SpAIN, JANUARY 15 (IANS): West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) President Dave Cameron has renewed his commitment to making the embattled governing body profitable, as he announced a namechange of the organisation to Cricket West Indies.

While no formal announcement of the name-change has been made, Cameron told the Guardian newspaper on Saturday the WICB would now be known as Cricket West Indies and that an entity named Windies had also been created to deal with the commercial aspect of the operation, reports CMC. The controversial Jamaica administrator, who has come under fire over the last two years for his leadership of the WICB, said rebranding was a necessary move if the institution was to remain commercially viable.

"At this point in time we are no longer called the West In-

dies Cricket Board (WICB) but Cricket West Indies and we have also formed a company to deal with the commercial matters of West Indies cricket and this is called Windies," Cameron said.

"We continue to explore ways to take West Indies cricket forward and this rebranding is necessary as we move along."

He said: "I am a businessman, so I understand what it takes to make it successful. One thing you need to understand is that sport is a business and we at Cricket West Indies are like a government."

"We need to manage the affairs of the sport not only in terms of improving the performances of our various teams, but also the financial aspect in order to gather what we all want, which is success."

Cameron has faced pressure over the last year to scrap the body known as the WICB and replace it with an entity.

The board has been blasted as having an "obsolete governance framework" which did not "prioritise accountability and transparency".

In response, the board argued no facts can be produced by anyone that the WICB is not transparent or profitable.

Cameron, who has remained unmoved in the face of the heavy criticism, said the governing body would continue to make necessary changes to remain relevant.

"We want to do things right and do it in a way that would keep us up to date with the changing face of sport management," he said.

"Every day the world of sports management and administration is changing, and you need to keep up with this or face serious problems. We at the Cricket West Indies is ready for the challenge and we will be successful."

BUENOS AIRES, JANUARY 15 (IANS): British motorcyclist Sam Sunderland (KTM) clinched his first Dakar Rally title, while Frenchman Stephane Peterhansel (Peugeot) narrowly held off countryman and Peugeot teammate Sebastian Loeb in the car race to win his 13th championship.

Sunderland came out on top with an overall time of 32:06:22, exactly 32 minutes ahead of Austria's Matthias Walkner and 35:40 in front of Spain's Gerard Farres Guell on Saturday, reports Efe. "Unbelievable. When I crossed the line I felt all the emotion hit me. The weight on my shoulders of the race over the last week, leading the rally has been really heavy. It's the first Dakar I've ever finished and to finish first is an incredible feeling. I'm really lost for words," Sunderland said.

Spain's Joan Barreda (Honda) won four stages and finished third in the final 786km stretch from Rio Cuarto to Buenos Aires, but he still finished more than 43 minutes behind Sunderland in the overall timings.

The 27-year-old Sunderland won just one stage -- the fifth -- but he took the lead at that juncture and held through the end of the race.

The 51-year-old Peterhansel, meanwhile, won his 13th Dakar but had to hold off Loeb

and another teammate, Cyril Despres, to claim victory.

Loeb won the final stage with a time of 28:55, but Peterhansel finished just 19 seconds behind to conclude the race with a time of 28:49:30, just over five minutes ahead of his teammate.

Russian Eduard Nikolaev (Kamaz) won his second Dakar title in the trucks category with a time of 27:58:24, besting compatriot and teammate Dmitry Sotnikov by nearly 19 minutes.

In the quad segment, Russian Sergei Karyakin (Yamaha) won his first Dakar with a time of 39:18:52, far ahead of his nearest competitor.

In the new UTV (Utility Task Vehicle) category, Brazil's Leandro Torres won the title with a time of 54:01:50, while his nearest competitor, China's Wang Fujiang, was 4:42:34 behind.

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