January 18th, 2016

C M Y K

www.morungexpress.com

monDAY • JAnuArY 18 • 2016

DIMAPUR • Vol. XI • Issue 16 • 12 PAGes • 5

T H e

ESTD. 2005

P o W e R

Life is like playing a violin in public and learning the instrument as one goes on Rouhani hails ‘golden page’ in Iran’s history

Polio immunization drive held across Nagaland

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o F

T R u T H

— Samuel Butler

Late Rooney goal gives Man Utd victory over Liverpool

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PAGE 12

little ‘revolutions’ in Kigwema Morung Express news Kohima | January 17

A rag picker rides around looking for garbage and junk on the streets of Dimapur on sunday, January 17. (Morung Photo)

reflections

By Sandemo Ngullie

Etu minister bhi na! He gave us his pigs and goats and pocketed the entire fund.

Wonderful self employment scheme for Ministers.

The Morung Express Poll QuEsTion

Vote on www.morungexpress.com sMs your answer to 9862574165 Are Naga leaders and organizations more concerned with the budget and buildings than the people? Why?

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 17 (MExN): The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) today stated that the government had “deliberately failed” to protect Late Ritika Mehta, who was killed by a gunman on December 14.

“Late Ritika Mehta was a lawful abiding subject of Nagaland State and a citizen of India. She was a humble and peaceful entrepreneur. She had registered complains of intimidation and threat with the State Government as well as with the Ceasefire Monitoring Chairman. Thus, both the Centre and State Governments were in the know of the danger,” said a press note from the NPCC President, K Therie.

Stating that failure to prevent murder is gross negligence, the NPCC said that failure to arrest the culprit(s) “despite of CCTV evidences even after one month is not only incompetence but also suspicious.”

Expressing sadness at the “laxity” of the State Government and the Central Government’s “apathy toward the people of Nagaland,” the NPCC demanded that the government pay compensation and swing into action to arrest the culprit(s) immediately and deliver justice within a

framework of time.

“Nagaland State Government is not lesser than any other State Government, but today, we have a lesser State Government unlike other State Governments,” the NPCC said.

It added that there is “a feeling of fear and insecurity, especially amongst the minority communities living in Nagaland.

Freedom is under duress in Nagaland.”

In 2015 alone, the NPCC said that five non-Nagas “who are most peaceful subjects of Nagaland and from business communities, were murdered.” “We have seen in some cases that the Government has condemned but justice has been denied.

We have not come across any life sentence, death sentence nor any compensation, despite the nearly daily murders, assassinations and killings.”

Reminding that public order (law and order) lies in the State list (List II of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India) and is within the sovereign authority of the State Government, the NPCC said it is the duty of the State Government to provide safety and security to life and property of its subject.

Yes

38%

no

46%

2015: A hyperactive government censored and policed free speech

16%

Morung Express news

Yes

no

others

Will 2016 be the year of the great Change in Nagaland? Why?

others

Details on page 7

Israel licks wounds as Iran sanctions end

C M Y K

NPCC alleges govt ‘deliberately failed to protect’ Ritika Mehta

At Kigwema, one of the oldest villages in Kohima, womenfolk are the guiding force towards environment conservation.

This village, tucked away some 15 kilometers away from the State capital and surrounded by pristine and idyllic terrace fields, is not new to various environmental degradation such as stone quarries, deforestation, rampant hunting in recent years.

The Kigwema Women Society (KWS), an unsung yet commanding organization from the village, is managed by the womenfolk.

The unassuming members, most of them uneducated, are engaged in farming as their source of livelihood. A beacon of hope- KWS is literally bringing the village environment and it’s men-folk to a healthy transformation.

When alcoholism became a major concern among the men folks from the village, the KWS took stock of the situation and put ban on the sale of alcohol.

In 2015, the KWS banned fishing/trapping of aquatic wildlife such as snails, frogs, and fishes during nighttime in the village jurisdiction. These aquatic species are a delicacy in the village and the practice had gone to extreme when locals as well as outsiders started fishing even at nighttime.

Generally, the breeding phenomenon of aquatic wildlife occurs at night and rampant fishing/trapping had led to a drastic decrease of its population,” KWS chairperson Nebano Bio informed.

JERUSALEM, JANUARY 17 (REUtERS): Israel bristled on Sunday at the lifting of international sanctions on Iran and vowed to flag up any violations of its arch-foe’s nuclear restrictions while drawing on U.S. defence aid to prepare for a possible military face-off in the future. The International Atomic Energy Agency on Saturday ruled Iran had abided by last July’s deal with world powers curbing its nuclear programme, spelling a windfall in sanctions relief.

The developments put paid to years of intensive Israeli lobbying for more comprehensive curbs on Tehran - a campaign that strained relations between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Barack Obama. Netanyahu sounded unrepentant on Sunday.

“Were it not for our efforts to spearhead the sanctions and foil Iran’s nuclear programme, Iran would have already had nuclear weapons long ago,” Netanyahu told his cabinet. He called on world powers to impose “harsh, aggressive sanctions” for any nuclear violations by Iran - actions which, his office said in an earlier statement, Israel would “continue monitoring and flagging up”.

Dimapur | January 17

In 2015, government agencies in India played a “hyperactive” role in censoring the expression of opinion and information.

Summing up the role played by state agencies in censoring information, a recent report from the media watchdog website, The Hoot stated: “between the Central Board of Film Certification, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Ministry of Home Affairs, a hyperactive government did more than its share of censorship and policing.”

It further informed that the there were 21 films censored, 4 instances of censorship of broadcast media, 3 instances of censorship of print media, 2 instances of censorship of music, and 13 instances of censorship of cyber media.

The report slammed the Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry and censured it for becoming an “image manager for the government’s leaders and a censor rather than a provider of information.”

It cited how the I&B Ministry resorted to bans on certain media on various grounds. It particularly referred to the ministry banning a documentary on beef and issuing notice to a Gujarat channel for sul-

lying the PM’s image.

The report further mentioned that Tamil Nadu based channel Sthiyam TV received a show cause notice alleging that 2 of their broadcasts had portrayed Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi in poor light.

3 channels were issued show cause notice on why they should not face action for Yakub Memon execution coverage. The govern-

which came in for 218 cuts.

The CBFC made most news for shortening the duration of a James Bond kiss. Consequently on the first day of 2016, the government announced a 6 member panel to review the functioning of the CBFC. The report noted that Leela Samson had resigned on January 16 as Chairperson of the CBFC reportedly over interference, coercion

Legal, political & technological developments set up year long debate on free speech in India ment had also issued advisory to news channels not to telecast the documentary ‘India’s Daughter’ and served legal notice to the BBC for airing the film.

Regarding the resistance of students of the Film and Television Institute of India to the appointment of a director at the international film festival of india, the ministry decided to drop the student section at the festival.

The Hindu had reported that the I&B Ministry will also monitor footage showing the IB Minister and Minister for IB State, which is an unprecedented move, the Hoot report said.

Meanwhile, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) censored some 21 films over the year, one of

and corruption of panel members and offices who are appointed by the Ministry. 9 members resigned the day after in show of support.

Two cases from the North East region highlighted by the report included how on November 23, newspapers in Nagaland carried blank editorials to register misgivings at a directive of the Assam Rifles that they should not cover banned groups. It further cited that on May 29, the Meghalaya High Court imposed ban on media coverage of bandh calls issued by insurgent groups.

Meanwhile, 2015 also saw India witness several developments that involved censorship of information on the internet.

On May 9, the Nagaland government blocked internet and mobile data services and banned circulation of videos and photographs regarding the lynching of a person by a mob in Dimapur on March 5.

On September 24, internet services were suspended in Jammu and Kashmir to “stop miscreants from posting objectionable pictures” of beef slaughter during the Eid festival.

The ban on internet was re-imposed in November for the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. On September 2, the internet was blocked in Manipur after outbreak of violence in Churanchandpur Further on December 21, the Rajasthan government blocked internet services in some districts after communal clashes in the districts of Nagaur, Dungarpur, Udaipur, Bhilwara and other parts of the state.

The report further stated that Ravi Shankar Prasad, Minister of Communications had informed Parliament that the government has blocked 844 social media pages till November under the IT Act. With these developments, the report observed that India in 2015 saw several legal, political and technological developments that set the tone for issues on free speech to be debated all year round.

Women in Kigwema leading the way for environment conservation

Notice board at Kigwema village put up by KWS discouraging fishing with lights at nighttime.

Besides being a delicacy, consumption of wildlife are also believed to have medicinal components for numerous illnesses. “Villagers started complaining about the shortage. Many would go to the water bodies to fish for sick people only to find it empty,” said Votsono Zütso, secretary to KWS. Following the ban, notice boards discouraging fishing of aquatic species at night time were also put up in and around the village.

Today, KWS takes pride in receiving little words of gratitude from the villagers that aquatic wildlife species are spawning after their intervention.

This women society was also the only voice from the village to protest against the Dzükou bulk water supply project- which was a ven-

ture by State Investment Program Management and Implementation Unit (SIPMIU) and funded by Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The project intended to channel water for Kohima town from Dzükou valley.

The project, had it materialized, would have drilled a tunnel at Mt. Japfü and cause major environmental disaster. In February 2015, KWS issued a notice to the Village Council and the Students’ Union informing that they will not allow the project.

Fortunately, the project was scraped. “To destroy the natural beauty that God has given us, it angers us,” Nebano commented.

At present, the women are worried about the water shortage farmers from Kigwema village face in

their agricultural lands which has affected crop production.

Growth of vegetables such as garlic, potatoes has also been affected, said members of KWS. They maintained that water shortage is mostly because of the increase in stone quarries in the village. “We are concerned but these businesses are practiced on private lands,” Votsono pointed out while voicing their inability to stop such practices.

“We hope to put in more efforts to stop such practices that affect nature and humans. We are also open to suggestions and guidance,” she said.

And like most women in the patriarchal Naga society, the KWS initiates their little revolutions without any credit or appreciation.

2

monDAY 18•01•2016

NAGALAND

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Polio immunization drive held across Nagaland

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 17 (MExN): The various districts in Nagaland state along with the rest of India conducted the first round of the Intensive Pulse Polio Immunization on January 7.

DIMAPUR Launching the programme in Dimapur, Deputy Commissioner, Kesonyu Yhome administered the first dose of Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV). In a brief programme held at the District Hospital Complex, Kesonyu said that election and Polio were the two biggest national projects in India and felt that IPPI was not only a project concerning only the Department of H&FW but felt that every right thinking citizen of India has a responsibility to contribute towards the programme.

"As a District Collector I am honored to be a part of this noble programme", he expressed and administered the first drop of Oral Polio Vaccine(OPV) to a child at Dimapur District hospital and thereby launched the first round of IPPI programme at Dimapur.

Dimapur District has a population of 3,79,769 with 14% of the population(53,167) falling under the category of 0-5 years. A total of 512 booths across the district have been set up and manned by 102 supervisors and 2048 health workers during the conduct of the first round of IPPI at Dimapur District.

The second round of IPPI

would be conducted on February 21. Further, the Lions and Leo Club of Dimapur also covered 140 children for the first phase of IPPI.

KOHIMA At the State capital Kohima, Principal Director, Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Nandira Changkija administered the first Polio drops. Rovilatuo Mor, Deputy Commissioner, Kohima and State Officials from the Health & Family Welfare department graced the inaugural function at the premise of the Naga Hospital Authority Kohima, (NHAK).

At the inaugural speech Dr. Visase-u Kire, State Programme officer (UIP) welcomed the officials and parents gathered at the function. She stated that IPPI has been a regular activity with a goal to eradicate polio in the country.

The country would be free from Polio with collective support from the citizens Kire added.

In the District, 240 Polio booths were set up to give coverage to a target of 37,808 children of five years and below. Mobile Polio teams on IPPI would be visiting Transit points especially bus stations and taxi stands in the district for the next two days.

TUENSANG In Tuensang, the 1st round Pulse Polio was launched by the Deputy Commissioner in the pres-

ence of the Chief Medical Officer, Dr.T.Pangjung Sangtam and Dr. Temsu Longchar DPO (UIP & RCH) Tuensang . The programme was held at Tower Clock junction Tuensang Town. The Department has opened 230 Booths, with 46 Supervisors and 1,280 vaccinators in all the blocks, to cover over 27,552 estimated children aged from 0-5 years. The Chief Medical Officer appreciated and thanked the Deputy Commissioner and public of Tuensang for their cooperation.

MON Meanwhile, in Mon, the drive was inaugurated

by Deputy Commissioner, Honjee Konyak at the District Hospital. Speaking at the inaugural programme, the DC said that any kind of diseases that the world or the concerned department is worried about, are more prone to happen in the “backward areas.”

He stated that as such, Mon has a high probability for polio occurrence.

In this connection, the DC emphasized on the intensification of the awareness campaign in order to have a full immunization coverage and not to miss out any children under five. He also congratulated the parents for bringing their children to the IPPI booth and requested them to avail the free service.

The polio drops were administered through 300 booths identified at all the

6 blocks i.e Aboi, Wakching, Phomching, Tizit, Tobu and Mon. Besides, transit booths have been set up near important bus stations, market areas and all the wards. 1200 volunteers were mobilized to administer Polio drops, with the Konyak Baptist Church and Mon youths also a part of the team. Further, a total of 60 supervisors were assigned.

KIPHIRE In Kiphire, the first polio drop was administered

by Dr. Tinojongshi Chang (ADC Kiphire) in Kiphire Village. The first phase will be carried out till January 19, 2016 with the first day focussed on booth activity and the following two days on house to house visitations.

At the launch, Dr. Rebecca Y Sema, DPO (RCH&UIP) gave a health talk and told those present of how important these two drops are. She appealed to all parents to make sure that the children receive the polio drops and requested the concerned citizens to mobilize all children 0-5 years to avail the polio drops.

Along with the IPPI launch, Baby Show was organized at Kiphire Village and Longthonger Village. The participants were judged based on their weight, cleanliness and immunization. Altogether, 19 babies (under 1 year) participated out of which Atsavi Sangtam (Kiphire Village) and Ketali

(Longthonger Village) were declared the winners.

PEREN In Peren, the drive was held at District Hospital, Peren with Additional Deputy Commissioner, Smti Tianu as the Chief Guest administering the first polio drop. Dr. Tiala, Dy. CMO chaired the program and the key note address was delivered by Dr. Khrielasanuo, DPO RCH/UIP. Officials from Directorate of Health & Family Welfare, Kohima, Dr. Khriesatuo Deputy Director NHM came as observer for Peren District.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Khrielasanuo mentioned that though the population is less, the area to be covered is more and thus making it difficult for health workers for coverage. She expressed her sincere appreciation and thanked everyone for their dedication and support in carrying out the task.

Altogether, there are 420 volunteers, 106 villages, 6 towns, 3 transit, and 10 migratory population sites with a total of 155 booths.

With the motive to reach out to every household, teams were divided involving health workers, Police department, 18 Assam rifles, Anganwadi worker, ASHA’s of every village were sent out to every part of the District ensuring that no child is missed out. The house to house visits will continue thereafter till January 19.

The target population 0-5 years for Peren District is

Longsa youth motivated to look towards new horizon

Longsa Baptist Church adopts 3 point centenary resolution

13,293. The booth coverage drops were administered so far i.e. on January 17, 2016 by DC Murohu Chotso at for Peren District is 7171.

District Hospital Phek. 45 Polio booths were set up PHEK in all the colonies. In order In Phek, the first polio to give complete immuni-

The change of generation: A young girl sits with an elderly man in front of a house while basking in the warm January sun at Longsa village, some thirty kilometers away from Mokokchung town, on January 17, 2015.

Longsa Baptist Church is celebrating its hundredth anniversary at Longsa village which is being attended by thousands of Longsa citizens from all over the state, invitees from different churches and others. The centenary celebration culminated on January 17, 2015.

(Morung Photo)

Longsa Baptist Church centenary celebration culminates, adopts 3 point resolution LONgsA, JANUARY 17 (MExN): More than a thousand Longsa youths were inspired at the special youth service on Sunday when two speakers – Temjensangla NCS & Dr Awala Temshi – challenged the youths to be humble, know the Lord Jesus Christ and glorify God through their thoughts, speech and actions.

The special youth service was held at the Longsa Baptist Church as part of the Centenary celebration of LBC which was held from January 15-17.

Temjensangla, who is a Nagaland government administrator, who spoke on the topic – towards a new horizon – motivated and challenged the youths through the Biblical characters of Joseph and Samson. She said that Joseph was a simple ordinary man who believed in God while Samson was a gifted person but boastful person.

Joseph rose from being a slave to a master, while Samson fell from being a hero to die at the hands of his enemies.

While urging the youths to be like the character of Joseph, Temjensangla asked the youths to live humble, fear the Lord and lead a life of integrity. She added that just like Joseph, if one has humility and faith in God, then however unfairly life treats him, the God will surely reward them and lead them towards a new horizon.

She also urged the youths to have a sense of humanity and ‘be truthful to God, truthful to oneself and truthful to one’s colleagues’. She further challenged the youths to first achieve something in life; otherwise, one cannot help others without having achieved anything.

Dr Awala Temshi - Administrator of Straightway Christian Mission Centre - who spoke on the topic, Witnessing Christ in one’s own field, said that to witness God, one should first know Him, love Him and own Him. She pointed out that the world today with all its technological advancements has become a very fast paced world where we don’t even find space to witness God. In this regard, Dr Awala said that one can witness God through our ‘speech, our lifestyles, love, faith and purity of our life’.

Therefore, Dr Awala urged the youths to be always polite in speech, lead a clean lifestyle, have deep love for oneself, others and God, have faith in God and lead a pure and spiritual life.

Meanwhile, Missionary Tiyong Longkumer offered a special dedicatory prayer for the youths of Longsa and invoked God’s blessings on the Longsa village youths.

Earlier in the Sunday devotional service, the main speaker was Tsuknung, founder of Servanthood Bible College, Dimapur, who spoke on the theme of the centenary celebration, ‘Whetting the Kingdom of Light’.

A child in Dimapur being administered Polio vaccine on Sunday, January 17. The first phase of the Intensive Pulse Polio Immunization drive was held across the state on Sunday. (Morung Photo)

Students challenged to be transformers of society

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 17 (MExN): The 56th annual conference of Suruhoto Tokukujo Kiphimi Kuqhakulu (STKK) that got underway on January 12 last at Kholeboto under theme “akukuxu tiqheli” (competitive era) concluded on Saturday with H. Khehovi Yepthomi, Assistant Director, Rural Development gracing the occasion as guest of honor, who challenged the students to be transformers of the society.

Addressing the students at the valedictory session, guest of honor told the students that time, which cannot be brought even with money, is one important aspect in ones’ life and as students one should realize the value of time and make good use of it with proper management.

Referring to the theme of the conference, Khehovi said “we cannot compete with others unless we change

and equip ourselves with what would qualify us to compete with others in this era of competition”. He reminded the students that certificates and degrees alone would not help us to compete and attain success, if it don’t come along with knowledge and education.

So also he was of the view that application of education and knowledge without God given common sense and wisdom is meaningless.

Stating that love of easy money, which is the root of all evil and corruption, has corrupted the Naga society to a great extend that it was high time for students to join hands and work together eradicate corruption from within us and to bring transformation to our crisis stricken society, which is the need of the hour. He challenged the students to contribute their ideas and wisdom to build a strong and progressive society for

Naga people.

Quoting “Where there is faith, there is love; where there is love, there is peace; where there is peace, there is God; and where there is God; there is no need”, guest of honor said as Christians, we must put God before us in everything we do and as well absorb ourselves in the spirit of honesty and righteousness.

Khehovi Yepthomi also spelled out to give academic excellence award of Rs. 50,000 to any student from Suruhoto Range of passes HSLC or HSSLC on top ten lists in the next three years.

The Guest of honour was accorded a warm reception by the students and the host village. The concluding day of the conference witnessed various cultural activities and bonfire.

Over 700 students attended the fiveday conference.

zation to all the children, house to house visitation will be done for two days, to track those children who missed out on the Polio drops on January 17.

DAPO general assembly on Jan 23 DIMAPUR, JANUARY 17 (MExN): The Downstream Affected People’s Organization (DAPO) has convened its 2nd General Assembly on January 23 from Menshangpen Village at 9:00am. The Advisors and all the members/representatives from the respective 10 villages are requested to attend the assembly positively, informed press note from the DAPO Secretary, Wobemo Tsopoe.

KPC 15th foundation day on Jan 20 KOHIMA, JANUARY 17 (MExN): The Kohima Press Club (KPC) will hold its 15th Foundation Day on January 20 at 2:00pm in the conference hall, KPC new office. The Kohima Press club has invited all its members, former executives and members, patrons and well wishers to attend the programme.

Nagaland has 29, 631 People with Disabilities Our Correspondent Kohima | January 17

Nagaland has 29, 631 People with Disabilities in the state as per the 2011 census. The Nagaland State Disability Forum (NSDF) was officially formed in January 2014 following a series of meetings, trainings and workshops facilitated and sponsored by CBR Forum Bangalore in partnership with NGOs from Nagaland namely, Development Association of Nagaland, People in Need Foundation, Prodigals’ Home in Dimapur, Youth Action for Rural Development in Kohima and Care & Support Society in Mokokchung. NSDF is an umbrella, currently for 70 Village Level Disabled People Organizations comprised of more than 2000 people with disabilities who are registered with the aforementioned NGOs. NSDF aims at mobilizing all the disabled people of the state to be a member of the Forum thereby providing a platform for collective effort towards assuring rights and duties of people with disabilities in the state and beyond.

Since its inception NSDF has been tirelessly advocating the state government for the revival of District Disability Rehabilitation Centre in Dimapur. “The NSDF is committed to fight for the rights of People with Disabilities,” a leaflet received here stated.

Mystic Hutsii…

As the centenary celebration of Longsa Baptist Church (1916-2016) culminated at Longsa village which was held on the theme ‘whetting the kingdom of light’, the Church adopted a three point resolution which was unanimously endorsed by Longsa citizens who attended the concluding programme on Sunday, January 17.

The Church resolved that the entire Longsa citizens would join hands together and continue to undertake more vigorous church missions. In the second resolution, the Longsa Baptist Church resolved to construct a commercial complex as a memorial of the first two converts from Longsa village – Repjenyuba and Sakusangba. The construction of this memorial building will be completed within five years; and all the income from this commercial building would be used towards furthering mission works.

The third resolution resolved to donate Rs 2 Lakhs to the ABAM International Mission; Rs 5 Lakhs to Longsa Baptist Church and the remaining amount for the construction of ‘Repjenyuba & Sakusangba memorial commercial complex’ – from the remaining balance of LBC Centenary Fund.

The Morung Express presents glimpses of Hutsii village under Meluri Sub Division of Phek district. It lies around 245 kms away from Nagalands’ capital, Kohima. Morung Photos/Chizokho Vero

MonDAY 18 •01•2016

NORTH-EAST

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

3

strike called in Imphal against Tripura CPM, Cong seek withdrawal of guv women vendors' behaviour imphal, January 17 (ianS): Civil society groups in the Manipur capital have called for a 12hour strike on Monday protesting the "objectionable language" used by women vendors against a BJP legislator and the damage they caused to his house after he stopped reconstruction on Saturday of the market complexes destroyed in the earthquake.

Meanwhile, construction work of the temporary market, that was suspended on Saturday, resumed on Sunday as a minister said the government decided to go ahead with the construction under intense pressure from women vendors whose markets were damaged in the January 4 quake.

Works Minister Kh. Ratankumar Singh said: "The government and not

the chief minister alone decided to go ahead with the construction of the temporary market under intense pressure from the women vendors whose two market complexes were damaged in the January 4 earthquake.

"There is a plan to construct another market nearby.

This is an emergency work since the complexes were damaged by the earthquake and the vendors have been rendered out of work."

He said that when an accident takes place, people "cannot wait for formalities".

The construction of a temporary women's market was suspended on Saturday at the behest of BJP legislator Khumukcham Joykishan who said no tender was floated for the construction and no work order was issued.

Following the halting of

the construction work in the legislator's constituency, hundreds of angry women vendors stormed his house to demand an alternative market for them since they have been without a place to carry on business.

The BJP's state unit has been demanding demolition of the two market complexes saying they pose a threat to the women vendors.

"We are seeking suggestion and cooperation from the MLA and all others," Works Minister Kh. Ratankumar Singh said on Sunday.

A 12-hour general strike has been called from 5 a.m. on Monday in Thangmeiband constituency in which the market falls, in protest against the objectionable language some women vendors used against the BJP legislator

and their damaging decorative pieces in his house.

The civil society organisations have demanded an apology from the women vendors for their objectionable language and damage caused to the BJP leader's house.

Until this is done, the women vendors shall not be allowed to meet the legislator, the groups said.

The BJP legislator dismissed the statement by the works minister, saying suggestions should have been sought before beginning construction work.

"What is the point of seeking suggestion and cooperation after the work is half done," he asked.

He said that though he was the local legislator, he was not even informed about the work, and maintained that no

aGarTala, January 17 (Tnn): CPM and Congress have demanded withdrawal of Tripura governor Tathagata Roy for his controversial tweet on the performance of Pakistani tender was floated nor ghazal maestro Ghulam Ali any work order issued.

Eight people were in Kolkata.

CPM state secretary Bikilled and over 100 others wounded in the January 4 quake that also razed to the ground hundreds of houses. The displaced women vendors are now selling their items by the roadside, GuwahaTi, Janumuch to the resentment of ary 17 (Tnn): The IITGuwahati is gearing up to the street vendors.

Sensing violent con- welcome Prime Minister frontation between the two Narendra Modi who will groups, the government visit the premier institute hurried with the temporary of higher education on construction of the dam- January 19.

Modi will address facaged markets.

The Women’s Market ulty members and stuis one of the largest mar- dents of IIT-Guwahati, kets run by women in the Gauhati University and country. The main items Cotton College.

"Right now, we are found here include handloom and handicraft busy in executing infraproducts like earthen structure development pots, knives, shawls, pup- plans to welcome the pets and all kinds of dried Prime Minister who is gofish and vegetables. ing to address students

jan Dhar demanded that he be called back from Tripura where communal harmony has been established after a long battle. "If Roy continues as governor and continues to tweet on such issues, it will affect peace.

The post of governor is not meant for creating trouble

what Roy has been doing since his arrival in Tripura as governor," said Dhar.

Leader of opposition Sudip Roy Barman said, "The state government must seek judicial action against him and request the President and Centre to withdraw him from Tripura."

IIT Guwahati gears up to welcome Modi from higher educational institutes of the northeast. Our target is to bring around 6,000 people to the event," said IIT-Guwahati public relations officer Labanu Konwar.

Officials in IIT-Guwahati said Modi will connect with students of other higher educational institutes of the northeast through live webcast. They said Modi may also reply to queries of students from other parts of the northeast through live webcast.

While officials and teachers of IIT-Guwaha-

ti are busy preparing for smooth conduct of the event, students are eagerly waiting to make it an opportunity to boost Modi's initiatives for a clean and developed India.

IIT-Guwahati student Shweta Gupta, who hails from Prime Minister Modi's constituency, Varanasi, said Modi's presence at IIT-Guwahati will inspire youths of northeast to implement the PM's ambitious projects like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Digital India Campaign and Unnat Bharat Abhiyan.

Cong wins 108 local body seats in Manipur Assam's Ambassador of Amity: Lone woman buries the divide

imphal, January 17 (ianS): The Congress put up a good show in the municipal council and nagar panchayat elections in Manipur, winning 108 out of the 278 seats for which polling was held on January 11.

The local body elections were held in 18 municipal councils and eight nagar panchayats to elect 278 councillors and 586 nagar panchayat members in Manipur's four districts of Imphal West, Thoubal, Imphal East, and Bishnupur.

The results were declared late Saturday for 278 municipal council seats, of which the Congress won 108 seats, Bharatiya Janata Party 62, Communist Party of India 2, Lok Janashakti Party four and the Independents 102.

Though elections were to be held for 279 seats, one seat remained vacant as no nomination was filed for it.

As the results were being declared, Manipur's Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam and BJP state unit president Thounaojam Chaoba were making claims and counter-claims on their parties' electoral gains in the mu-

nicipal council and nagar panchayat polls.

Gaikhangam said: "Most of the Independents were fielded by the Congress. The elected Independents have started joining the Congress."

BJP's Chaoba contended that the Congress is on the wane since it could field just 199 candidates. Considering the fact that the BJP had no elected member in these local bodies in the past, winning such a large number of seats is a gigantic stride, he added.

He said: "This shows the unmistakable (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi wave in Manipur. We are certain of wresting the political power from the Congress in the 2017 assembly elections."

The way the party's position was whittled away shows the growing resentment of the people against the Congress ministry, he added.

Countering Chaoba's attacks before the January 11 polls, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi had said the outcome will establish whether the BJP has made any inroads.

Upbeat by the poll re-

North east Briefs

AR organises veterinary camp

Dimapur, January 17 (mExn): 41 Assam Rifles organised a veterinary camp at Talui Village in Ukhrul, Manipur with the help of 14 Mobile Field Veterinary Hospital, Leimakhong on January 14. The veterinary team from 14 Mobile Field Hospital assisted by vet assistants of the 41 AR examined around 527 domestic animals comprising mainly of cattles, dogs and poultry and also distributed medicines to the owners of the animals, a press release received here stated. Apart from medication, the cattles and dogs were also administered Anti Rabies vaccine as a precautionary measure to curtail the spread of rabies.

According to the AR release, the domestic animals, especially cattle and poultry, are brought to the village from remote villages of Ukhrul district.

Huge cache of ammo seized in Manipur imphal, January 17 (pTi): A combined team of police and Assam Rifles today recovered a huge cache of ammunition from a forest at Sagolmang Pukhao area in Manipur's Imphal East district. Police said 300 rounds of M-16 rifles, 44 rounds of AK-47 rifles, two detonators and two local-made magazines were found wrapped in a big polythene bag. It was yet to be known which individual, group or militant outfit kept the ammunition there and for what purpose. Security forces were keeping a strict vigil in the state ahead of Republic Day.

Guwahati holds art exhibition GuwahaTi, January 17 (Tnn): Olympia Fine Arts International Exhibition and Symposium (OAFIES) was inaugurated at Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra (SSK) in the city on Saturday, in an attempt to vie for greater art patronage and connoisseurship in Assam. The event will see 33 contemporary artists from 23 countries engaging in different sorts of art work in the city from January 16. The foreign artists will get an opportunity to be acquainted with Assamese and North east culture. "It is an unique event taking place in the northeast. The artists' fraternity here will get an opportunity to come in contact with international art. It will also serve as a widow to NE's cultural heritage. The venue is ideal to showcase Assam and the northeast as a great destination both for art and tourism," said Narayan Konwar, secretary SSK. OFAIES is being organized by Finland-based Olympia Fine Arts Association (OFAA), in association with Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra (SSK), state cultural affairs, in collaboration with IIT-G for logistical support. OFAA was formed during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

sults, Chaoba said: "Now it is clearly proven that the Modi wave has made a landfall in Manipur and that the Congress is on the way out."

Deputy chief minister Gaikhangam brushed aside the BJP contention that the Congress wave is on the wane, saying the Congress is consolidating its strength and will certainly retain power for the fourth assembly term in 2017.

The BJP, which had no legislator, parliament member or other elected members in Manipur, first opened account by winning two bypolls tom the assembly in last November.

The winning of substantial number of seats in the local bodies is a major achievement for the BJP. However, the party is hamstrung by internal bickerings.

The BJP has been embroiled in some blame game for its not-so-impressive poll performances. In fact, Chaoba who was to retire late last year, got a new lease till the local body polls. Now there already is a hectic lobbying for the next BJP state unit president.

Prasanta Mazumdar The Sunday Standard

For the last 30 years, Sahanur Begum rarely had a sound sleep, for she was often woken up at night by people who came carrying a body for cremation.

The 45-year-old is the caretaker of Shantiban, a crematorium which she has been tending since 1986 without asking for anything. It is located near her house in eastern Assam’s Golaghat town.

It all began three decades ago when Sahanur, a native of central Assam’s Nagaon district, was married to fish seller Tobiul Hussain, at the age of 15.

“I came here after my marriage. There were not many houses around and ours was the closest to the crematorium. So, people coming to cremate a body would approach us asking for water, bucket, mug. I assisted them and thus, got involved in the process of cremation,” Sahanur, who has never been to school, tells The Sunday Standard.

“Bodies are often

Sahanur Begum (centre) with her family members.

brought at night and I am woken up. If they come without firewood, I help them get it by talking to people who sell it. Once they are gone, I ensure that the cremation ground is clean. Every day, I spend

hours together to keep it neat and tidy,” she says.

Despite being poor, Sahanur refuses to accept anything from people. Once, the Shantiban Smashan (crematorium) Committee decided to pay

her on monthly basis but she spurned the offer.

“I visit the crematorium even when I am not called.

I go there to ensure that people, who have come to consign a body to flames, don’t lack anything. I have

invariably refused to accept money offered by people.

And why should I accept it?

I reckon that I am giving my service to humanity,” Sahanur says.

Lakhi Singha Gogoi, the crematorium committee general secretary, says: “She is certainly the bridge for Hindu-Muslim amity and brotherhood.”

Sahanur’s husband Tobiul says he has encouraged her all along.

“It is difficult to give time to people for the rituals leaving aside household chores, but she has no complaints,” he says.

The couple has a son and two daughters—both are married with one staying in the parental house.

The son, Feroze, helps his father in his business. They all live in a hut.

Not just from her family, Sahanur has got support even from Muslims in the neighbourhood. They are in a majority. The local civic authorities have decided to send her name to the district administration to felicitate her on the Republic Day.

Congress-AIUDF spat puts Mob actions in Manipur cause for worry grand alliance in back burner GuwahaTi, January 17 (Tnn): The dream of giving shape to Bihar-like grand alliance in Assam looks remote at the moment with both All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) and Congress engaging in a fresh verbal duel.

In the last few months, the need of forming a Bihar-like alliance in the state ahead of the assembly polls was a much debated political issue. Even Congress and AIUDF (the main opposition party led by perfume baron Badruddin Ajmal) shed their initial opposition and talked in public about the need for a grand understanding with non-BJP parties to checkmate the saffron party's prospects in the state.

Chief minister Tarun Gogoi also highlighted the necessity of having an understanding with non-BJP political outfits. But this spirit seemed to have died down with barely less than four months to go for the assembly polls.

Recently, AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal accused the ruling Congress of having a 'secret understanding' with BJP. Ajmal further demanded that Congress should also come clean on what transpired during the recent meeting between BJP leaders Himanta Biswa Sarma, BJP MP Rajen Gohain and Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi in Nagaon recently.

"We have all along been telling that some leaders in Congress are having links

with BJP. The recent meeting between BJP and Congress leaders have raised our suspicion," said Ajmal alleged.

Ajmal, who expressed his desire to have an understanding with Congress after meeting Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar in New Delhi in December last year, on Saturday charged Congress with spreading lies on the issue of understanding.

"Congress, on different occasions, had raised the issue of having an understanding.

Now, it is alleging that it was we who were more eager to have this understanding.

In fact, it was because of Congress's insistence that we shed our opposition to it and have an understanding to check BJP's growth," Ajmal said.

imphal, January 17 (ianS): Several instances of mobs assaulting men accused of rape, murder and other heinous crimes within the court complexes in Manipur have left many worried over this extra-constitutional phenomenon.

Even the judiciary and legal fraternity, apart from a section of society, have expressed unhappiness over the government silence or inaction on the disturbing happenings.

Whenever a murder or rape incident is reported, a joint action committee of members of the public is formed and houses and properties of the accused torched even though the accusations are still to withstand judicial scrutiny.

Besides, the families

of the accused - who have nothing to do with the crime - are banished from the locality.

Police and jail staff responsible for presenting an accused in a court of law are left to tackle violent mobs in the absence of adequate security.

The beating of the accused routinely inside court complexes is highly objectionable, Manipur's Director of Prosecution Ngangom Tejkumar told IANS. Former Indian Police Service officer Ahanthem Romenkumar, a practising high court lawyer, pointed out that mob actions border on the contempt of court.

Sources said that Manipur Home Minister Gaikhangam had instructed

Director General of Police L.M. Khoute to look into the issue.

Another matter of concern is the demand made by a section of society that lawyers should not plead the case of those accused of rape or rape-murder and other heinous crimes.

There have been instances of physical obstructions to some lawyers in such cases in the past.

"Interference in professional work of lawyers is not acceptable," Tejkumar said.

Romenkumar said: "It is a violative of the Advocates Act. It is unethical. It is the constitutional right of even an accused to be represented in a court of law and defend himself. This unconstitutional action should be stopped forthwith."

North East may have huge power surplus aGarTala, January 17 (aGEnCiES): Thirteen years after work on it commenced, a state-owned 101 MW combined cycle plant in Tripura has started generating power at peak capacity, beating many an odd along the way, according to a report by Indian Express.

Northeast India's third biggest gas-based power project at Monarchak, 70 km south of Tripura capital Agartala and just eight km from the Bangladesh border, is run by the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO), under the union power ministry. "The plant's 36 MW steam turbine successfully synchronised late on Thursday night. The 65 MW gas turbine has started generating its full load a

few weeks back," NEEPCO general manager (Electrical) Samar Ranjan Biswas told IANS. "The entire 101 MW electricity is being supplied to Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL). The commercial production of electricity from this power project would start by February end," he added.

As the plant is located close to the India-Bangladesh border, it would be technically feasible to supply electricity to powerstarved Bangladesh if the Indian government so wished.

Credited with installation of several power projects in the northeast, NEEPCO, headquartered in Meghalaya capital Shillong, also plans to generate at least 1,500 MW from solar and

wind energy in the next five years.

According to union power ministry documents, the hydropower potential of the northeastern region is estimated at 58,971 MW, which is almost 40 percent of the country's potential. However, only about 2.1 percent (1,242 MW) has been harnessed till last May. The northeast is going to be power surplus and it is an enormous problem to transmit the excess power to the country's power-starved regions. The eight northeastern states' off-peak and peak demand on an average is 1,500 MW to 2,500 MW against the current installed capacity of 4,730 MW. This means that most of the plants are working under-capacity.

Meanwhile, Tripura will soon begin supplying 100 MW of power

to Bangladesh. The transmission lines have been commissioned on both sides of the border. "The NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Ltd. (an Indian government company) and the Bangladesh Power Development Board would soon sign an agreement to supply 100 MW of electricity to Bangladesh," Power Minister Manik Dey said.

"Transmission lines are ready to supply the power at any moment. However, the supply would start after a tariff agreement between the two companies," Dey told IANS after returning from Bangladesh capital Dhaka. "In Dhaka, several meetings were held to finalise the power tariff.

It was decided that the electricity would be supplied to Bangladesh at Rs.5.50 per unit," he added.

Dey, accompanied by officials of the external affairs ministry, power ministry, Central Electricity Authority, and NVVN, went to Dhaka last week and held a series of meetings with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Minister of State for Power Nasrul Hamid and officials. "During the meeting, the Bangladesh prime minister was very keen to get more power from India as the country needs 8,000 MW of electricity to meet its energy needs. "The Tripura government is also ready to provide more power to Bangladesh if the central government has no objection," Dey added.

Bangladesh currently receives 500 MW of power from West Bengal and this will soon be doubled.

4

MonDAY 18•01•2016

Business

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

India Markets Weekahead: Survival of the fittest Ambareesh Baliga Reuters

The bloodbath on Dalal Street extended with key indexes ending down 2 percent after plunging 4.5 percent the previous week. The Nifty ended the week at a 19-month closing low as broader markets depicted weakness, with mid- and small-cap indexes shedding 6 percent and 7.5 percent respectively.

Concerns over slowing global growth, particularly in China, took centrestage amid a slew of weak economic data. Oil continued to fall with a closing of $30 for the first time since 2003 on fears that Iranian oil will add to global supply glut.

Foreign portfolio investors pressed the panic button as they turned net sellers to the tune of $450 million while there was marginal buying by domestic institutions. The

A man looks at a screen across the road displaying the Sensex on the facade of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) building in Mumbai. (REUTERS File Photo)

rupee fell to 67.81 against the dollar, its lowest since September 2013 when the country was suffering from its worst market turmoil since the 1991 balance of

payment crisis. Murmurs on the street indicate the rupee could hit the 70-72 mark against the dollar this year. However, I am of the view that it will recover

to hover in the lower end of the 64-68 band in the second half of 2016.

The earnings season has begun with India Inc. delivering weak results

along with muted guidance barring Infosys, which announced betterthan-expected numbers.

Infosys reported quarterly growth of 2 percent in constant currency terms adjusting for one-time revenue in the preceding quarter. The volume growth was strong at 3 percent. The company has raised full-year dollar growth guidance to ~13 pct year-on-year in constant currency terms from an earlier 10-12 percent.

Weak seasonality coupled with the floods in Chennai has led to TCS reporting muted quarterly revenue growth of 0.5 percent. HUL disappointed with profits shrinking more than expected despite lower raw material costs. Growth continued to be impacted by phasing out of excise duty incentives and price degrowth, as the benefit of lower commodity costs had to be passed on to consum-

ers. Major players in the FMCG space have acknowledged the impending threat from Patanjali, the brand promoted by yoga guru Baba Ramdev.

Among other companies posting below-expected results were Pipavav Defence, Indian Hotels, Zee Entertainment, Indusind Bank and Federal Bank.

Macro data was particularly disappointing. IIP for November 2015 declined by 3.2 percent vs expectation of +2 percent growth, suggesting a moderation in industrial activity. The key letdown was manufacturing, which contracted by 4.4 percent. Retail inflation for December 2015 was 5.61 percent, mainly due to a rise in food prices.

The coming week has a number of larger companies announcing their results. These include RIL, HCL Tech, Axis Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Wipro, Ultratech Cement, Cairn India, Idea Cellular,

ITC and Asian Paints.

The union budget will be presented on February 29. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has already hinted that the budget will be “social-sector centric”. This budget is very critical for the government given the industry’s expectations on several fronts and the current macro-economic scenario. This could be the “make-or-break” budget for the Modi government.

China will continue to send shocks to global markets as it is set to announce its Q4 December 2015 GDP and full-year 2015 GDP data on Tuesday along with December 2015 industrial production data. ECB’s monetary policy statement, Eurozone Markit PMI Composite data for December 2015 and U.S. existing home sales data for the month of December 2015 are also due during the week.

Indian markets are falling due to global slow-

down concerns and a lack of visible recovery in earnings of Indian companies. Sentiments have turned extremely weak.

With frontline companies scheduled to announce their results along with China macro data, markets could settle in the 7,400-7,600 range. However, for a long-term investor, this is an opportunity to start accumulating fundamentally sound stocks.

Since we may not see a V-shaped recovery immediately, the current situation may give us the luxury of picking stocks at our own pace and level. Although the broader indexes may not fall much further from here, the pain in the mid- and small-caps would continue, especially the ones which had appreciated sharply in the last few months based on speculation. Markets will test your patience and it will be the survival of the fittest.

Asus ZenFone Max Road Ministry seeks end of life MP inks pact with IFC to set policy for old vehicles in Budget up world’s largest solar plant now available in India new DelhI, JanuaRy 17 (PTI): An end of life policy may be announced in the Budget that may include a rebate of at least 50 per cent in excise duty on new vehicles for buyers who surrender their polluting old ones.

Besides, the Budget may see some major announcements for automobile manufacturers which bring investments on green vehicles, a source told PTI. “Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has urged Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to provide at least 50 per cent rebate in excise duty on purchase of new vehicles by buyers who surrender their old polluting vehicles for scrapping,” the source said.

Gadkari is said to have told Jaitley that this would not only boost the economy and create massive employment, but also lead to a major reduction in pollution, the source said.

On scrapping of old polluting vehicles, Gadkari has already said that the govern-

ment is considering giving financial incentives of up to Rs 1.5 lakh on surrender of over-ten-year-old vehicles to check pollution and address road safety concerns.

“Ministry has also requested that accelerated depreciation of up to 50 per cent may be given to auto industry on additional investment for bringing environment-friendly vehicles,” the source said.

Jaitley had pre-Budget consultations with Gadkari and Road Transport Ministry officials on January 15.

The demands come close on heels of government announcing a decision to implement stricter emission norms for vehicles from April 2020 despite the auto industry calling it an “extremely challenging” task to move up to BS-VI fuel specifications, skipping BS-V norms altogether. Last week in a meeting with Gadkari, 26 heads of automobile companies in India had suggested that compliance with BS-VI norms will be ex-

tremely challenging, but the industry will work out a way so that all new models are BS-VI compliant from 2020.

The automobile manufacturers have also sought assurance from the government on fuel availability across India when the country moves to the stricter emission norms by 2020. Regarding the end of life policy for polluting vehicles, a proposal to formulate the new incentive policy for surrendering old vehicles is being worked out and would be soon sent for the Finance Ministrys approval, Gadkari has said.

Under the proposed policy, people would get an incentive of up to Rs 30,000 for discarding small vehicles like cars, while total benefits after taking into account tax exemptions could be up to Rs 1.5 lakh for big vehicles like trucks, the minister has said.

The new policy is likely to be valid for over-tenyear-old vehicles across the country.

Rewa (MP), JanuaRy 17(PTI): The Madhya Pradesh government has inked a pact with IFC, member of the World Bank Group, to set up the world’s largest solar energy plant with a capacity of 750 MW. The Rewa Ultra-Mega Solar Power Project will be set up in Gurh tehsil of Rewa district over an area of 1,500 hectares at an estimated cost of Rs 4,500 crore.

The project will be the largest single-site solar power project in the world, a release said.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Madhya Pradesh Renewable Energy

Facebook testing new browser new yoRk, JanuaRy 17 (Ians): Social networking website Facebook is testing an improved in-app browser that would allow users input their own URL should they want to check another page without leaving the Facebook app, a media report said. Besides the aesthetic shift, a new bar on the bottom tells you how popular a post is, includes back and forward buttons, lets you bookmark pages, and has a menu button which likely includes a few more features too, thenextweb.com reported on Sunday.

The only big feature that appears to be missing is tab support, but the new browser is quite close to approximating a full-fledged app. With a good enough browser, the Facebook app could essentially become a self-contained ecosystem of its own, it added. The browser is only available to a small subset of users (iOS only), but most public test features end up receiving a wider rollout a few months later.

_

LEISURE

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

SUDOKU Game Number # 3464

Development Corporation and IFC. IFC, which is working with the Union government to assist in meeting its large-scale solar energy generation goals, is also supporting the state government for the project.

Moreover, IFC will extend its global expertise to structure and implement the transaction to help attract private investments of about USD 750 million.

Madhya Pradesh Urja Vika Nigam Limited (MPUVN) and the Solar Energy Corporation of India have created a joint venture company - Rewa Ultra-Mega Solar Power Limited - to implement the project.

DAILY CROSS WORD

CROSSWORD # 3476

Answer Number # 3463

new DelhI, JanuaRy 17 (agencIes): Asus has announced the availability of ZenFone Max, both online and offline stores. Asus ZenFone Max’s key attraction is its 5,000 mAh battery and which the company claims to offer 37.6 hours of 3G talk time, 32.5 hours of Wi-Fi web browsing. The Asus Zenfone Max offers a 5.5inch HD IPS display and is powered by 1GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 processor. It runs Android 5.0 Lollipop-based ZenUI 2.0 The smartphone comes with 2GB RAM and 16GB internal memory with support for microSD cards of up to 64GB. On the camera front, it comes with a 13MP camera with dual LED Flash and a 5MP front camera.

Asus Zenfone Max is 4G LTE ready smartphone.

DIMAPUR Civil Hospital:

STD CODE: 03862 232224; Emergency229529, 229474

Metro Hospital: Faith Hospital:

227930, 231081 228846

Shamrock Hospital

228254

Zion Hospital:

231864, 224117, 227337

Police Control Room

228400

Police Traffic Control

232106

East Police Station West Police Station

227607 232181

CIHSR (Referral Hospital)

242555/ 242533

Dimapur hospital

224041, 248011

Apollo Hospital Info Centre:

230695/ 9402435652

Railway:

131/228404

Indian Airlines

229366

Nagaland Multispe- 248302, cialty Health & 09856006026 Research Centre

W

O

MeDievAl JApAN YAYOI JOMON SHOTOKU HOKKAIDO HONSHU SHIKOKU KYUSHU JAPAN SHINTO BUDDHISM YAMATO SHOGUN SAMURAI ANIMISM SHRINE KAMI EMPEROR KAMAKURA FUJIWARA KAMIKAZEDAIMYO FEUDALISMZEN CALLIGRAPHYSHIKIBU KYOTO GUILDS

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Y O G F P P O T A M A Y I Y J P N B X M

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C G U V N P F Q Y R S A A J I N G Z Q Y

V V I P C N A D D H A S H O T O K U A Y

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I G L Z A L R V A O N J U Y J Z A I Y U

C J D G L J H U N K E A X M J O M O N Y

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E E H F I H G X M A M I Z A Q K I A Q N

D A R C G G V F I I S G D D Q O H Y I N

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I A I A R U M A S D I O A E N J D U S F

G W N N A P A J M O L L R Z B N D A X T

L U E M P E R O R N A U U A K W U P J Y

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Y V R Y Y K T L E N U G A I M A K A F R

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Z N O S H O G U N P F D A A D F I S B X

I D S H I N T O X O A B K K J I L O W P

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

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U K O K I H S Y V F Y V A O L O Q G R O

T I M K B U P G P F F P D T E Q O K X Y

K H F F U J I W A R A E I O Z K Q R I L

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

1. Nothing (British) 5. Nursemaid 9. Being 13. Away from the wind 14. Continuation of the coat collar 16. A ball of yarn 17. Existed 18. An analytic literary composition 19. Puncture 20. Soft drinks 22. Scarves 24. Was cognizant 26. Place 27. Besotted 30. Rupture in smooth muscle tissue 33. Throbs 35. Fate 37. American Sign Language 38. Pigpens 41. Thorax protector 42. Bobbins 45. Obstruction 48. Lethargic 51. Next to the forehead 52. Jimmies 54. Decorative case 55. Sets free from restraint

59. Reprimand 62. Roman emperor 63. Slash 65. Leg joint 66. Speaker’s platform 67. Relating to tone 68. Lean 69. Unrestrained revelry 70. Make (one’s way) 71. If not

DOWN

1. Apprehends 2. Margarine 3. Herbicide 4. Renters 5. Beer 6. Disguise 7. Church recesses 8. Fireplace 9. Spiny anteater 10. Blackthorn 11. Consciousness 12. Female sheep (plural) 15. French school 21. Bristle 23. “Listen!”

25. Dampens 27. Box 28. Pondered 29. Mesh 31. Illogical

32. Girlfriend (Spanish) 34. Bro or sis 36. Cain’s brother 39. Santa’s helper 40. Achy 43. Hansen’s disease 44. Indian dress 46. Camp beds 47. Joint of a finger 49. Center 50. Lemon or canary 53. A river through Paris 55. Annul 56. Close 57. Naval jail 58. Glance over 60. Focusing glass 61. Apollo astronaut Slayton 64. A late time of life Ans to CrossWord 3475

WE4WOMEN HELPLINE 08822911011

Police Station 1:

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

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

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

Toll free No. 1098 childline

MOKOKCHUNG:

KOHIMA NORTH: 7085924114 (O)

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

CHILD WELFARE COMMITTEE

ACROSS

KOHIMA SOUTH: 0370-2222952/ 101 (O) 9402003086 (OC)

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

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

KOHIMA

FIRE STATIONS

STD CODE: 0369

2226241

Police Station 2 :

2226214

Civil Hospital: Woodland Nursing Home:

2226216 2226263

Hotel Metsüpen (Tourist Lodge):

2226373/2229343

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

CURRENCY NOTES

222246 222491

BUY(Rs)

SELL(Rs)

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

65.67 94.27 8.18 45.40 45.51 45.59 55.42

68.67 98.90 9.12 47.65 47.77 47.84 58.57

Euro

71.63

75.13

Thai Baht Korean Won New Zealand Dollar Chinese Yuan

1.75

1.95

0.0524

0.0584

42.54

44.65

9.63

10.73

MondAY 18•01•2016

NAGALAND

6 ccWa convention held at chizami th

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 17 (MExN): The 6th Convention of the Chakhesang Catholic Women Association (CCWA) was held at Sacred Heart Parish, Chizami from January 15 to 17 with the Theme “In quietness and confidence shall be your strength” Isaiah 30:15. The Celebration culminated with the Holy Mass Celebrated by Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima.

Rev. Fr. Siby, Parish Priest of the Sacred Heart Parish, Chizami accorded the words of welcome to the Bishop, all priests who had come from all the five parishes in the Chakhesang area, delegates and invited guests from far and near who had come for the convention.

The Bishop in the introduction congratulated the Chakhesang Catholic Women Association for living up to their faith and helping to build exemplary Christian families and the church.

Bishop in his homily elucidated the theme of the convention, “In quiet-

Glimpses of the 6th Chakhesang Catholic Women Association convention held at Chizami from January 15 to 17 ness and confidence shall gospel of the day, that is the Mary, Jesus would do the our faith and prayer give us tions. This was followed by sole, Duzokholu Veronibe your strength”(Isaiah wedding feast at Cana, the impossible. Like Mary, ev- the necessary strength to a short felicitation program ca, Pubicity and informa30:15) explaining the con- bishop said that “in Mary ery disciple of Jesus should live our lives as God wants.” during which the names tion Secretary and Vinyilu text in which Isaiah, the we find a true disciple, who be constantly alert about The Eucharistic cele- of the new office bearers Mary, Advisor. The bishop prophet, assured the peo- in full confidence and trust what is happening in and bration was followed by a were announced. They blessed them and wished ple of their wellbeing and approached Jesus, her son, around them and be ready solemn Eucharistic proces- include: Caroline Krome, them the very best in their safety provided they gave to do the impossible. Jesus to respond positively to bet- sion from the parish com- President; Rone Shupao, new responsibilities. The up human alliance with worked the first miracle ter the situation.” He con- pound to the town. During Vice President; Vina Anita Choir of Chizami parish worldly powers, represent- of turning water into wine cluded by saying that when the procession the faithful Domeh, General Secretary; sang a beautiful hymn and ed by the Assyrians and to save the bridegroom of one is tossed about on the sang songs and interced- Mote Gabrilla Zholia, Asst. the winners of Duet and Egyptians, and ally with shame exemplifies the fact stormy waters of life, “let ed for the peace, love, and General Secretary; Apele Quartets competition preYahweh, the God of their that if we approach Jesus in our quietness and confi- unity, among individuals, Wezah, Finance Secretary; sented their songs during ancestors. Explaining the trust and confidence like dence manifested through families, states and na- Anele Lea, Treasurer; At- the short felicitation. They

NSCN (R) cautions members DIMAPUR, JANUARY 17 (MExN): NSCN (Reformation) has informed its members under Tuensang District not to involve in Tribal /Village issues to avoid mistrust among one another and create problems for the “People's Government” to work for peace and reformation for Nagas. A press release from Imlongnukshi Chang, Dy. Kilonser(Tuensang DisHALLELUYAH: A trio by Imlisangla, Lipoktula and Imlibenla entertaining the young trict In charge), NSCN (R) audience during the ongoing Centenary celebration of the Longsa Baptist Church at warned that anybody found Longsa village, under Mokokchung district on January 17, where talented singers pre- involved will be dealt with sented songs as praises to God at the programme. (Photo: Sashi Jamir) seriously.

DIC condoles Huge consignment of IMFL, SP seized kohIMA, JANUARY 17 (MExN): The officers and staff of the Directorate of Industries & Commerce Nagaland mourned the sudden demise of Late Jurasie Katiry, Inspector of Industries & Commerce, District Industries Centre, Kohima who passed away today at Kohima. Stating this in a condolence message, Nagaland’s Industries & Commerce Director I. Bendangliba prayed that the Almighty shower grace and solace upon the bereaved family.

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 17 (MExN): Dimapur Police on January 8 seized 1144 cases of assorted illegal IMFL worth several lakhs. A press release from the PRO, Dimapur Police, informed that the consignment was intercepted in a Truck bearing registration NL-07-A -6164 proceeding towards Kohima with fake consignment papers. The driver of the truck identified as Rijayuddin has been arrested and a case has been registered at Diphupar Police

Station for further investigation. According to the PRO, the seizure is amongst one of the highest detections made in recent times.

In a separate incident, Dimapur Police, after receiving specific reports of a huge drug consignment entering Dimapur from Kolkota, seized 5000 capsules of Spasmo Proxivon in the illegal possession of one Jamaluddin on January 9. A case has been registered in SBN Police Station for further investigation.

CTC gets new multipurpose court AolIJEN (MokokchUNg) JANUARY 17 (MExN): The Clark Theological College (CTC) at Mokokchung gets its new multipurpose court when it was inaugurated by Mokokchung Deputy Commissioner Sushil Kumar Patel and dedicated by Rev Dr Takatemjen on Saturday.

According to a press note, the project was started in 2010 with a scoped to facilitate both for the CTC and general public for various reception. It comprised of four major components-a basketball & a badminton courts, a Children Park and a stage.

Speaking at the inaugural programme-cumconcert as the Chief Guest, Sushil Kumar Patel lauded the CTC for providing sound biblical, theological and holistic training to Christian leaders with a view to disciple all nations to Christ, since its establishment in 1972.

The Mokokchung DC also said that the human body is very beautifully designed by God but it has a disease of emotions adding that hate, war, murder, cor-

Assam Rilfes organises Medical Camp DIMAPUR, JANUARY 17 (MExN): A total of 231 patients were treated and were distributed free medicines during a medical camp conducted by 31 Assam Rifles conducted at Asangma Village, under Mokokchung District on January 5.

The common ailments prevalent and treated in the area were backache, abdominal & gastro cases, upper respiratory in-

fections, common cold and fever.

In a delayed press note received here, the AR informed that programme was conducted under “Op Sadbhavna,” a part of Military Civic Action.

The local populace and civil adminisur land is groaning and tration expressed gratitude for this medimoaning for renewal in the cal camp at their doorstep, the AR further field of political, religious, maintained. social, moral and educational disciplines. The dream of seeing Nagaland as a free and independent nation in terms of economic and social equality and justice has been the supreme goal of the people. The awakening of societal reforms leading to complete refinement and transparency of the government system is the vision of the younger generation. The old mind-set of complacency needs to be replaced with innovative and altruistic ideas. The age-old root of bitterness, bigotry, nepotism, tribalism, greed, lies and hatred needs to be uprooted. Can it be done? I optimistically pronounce, “YES.” To the best of their capabilities, the past pioneers gave the Nagas the hope to face challenges with the robustness of heart. No money or power could force them to concede the integrity and honesty of their souls. Nevertheless, some Judas betrayed the people of our land and sold us for a mere sum of rupees and recognition. The sad state of affair can only be regretPark Welfare Commit- tion department to help in ted but cannot be bought back. Now is not the time to fight over those distee, the drains have been cleaning the drains. clogged for several years Achumi also expressed loyalties and open up the wounds and during rainy season gratitude to the business afresh. It’s time to move on.

With the gradual passing of the entire area is filled with community within Hazi drain water as the outlets Park and other welfare asso- years, the older generation will are all jammed. He said the ciation for taking part in the pass on the responsibilities to the CEO, Dimapur Municipal social work. He also thanked younger generation. The time will Council, Atokhe Aye pro- the CEO, DMC for his sup- come for the new generation to lead our people. The power, posivided men from his sanita- port and cooperation.

Social Work at Dimapur Hazi Park

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 17 (MExN): The Hazi Park Welfare Committee today conducted mass social work within Hazi Park area and cleaned all the clogged drains, which has been left unattended for years.

According to Hukato Achumi, president of Hazi

O

also presented gifts to various dignitaries which was followed by a grand common meal.

On the previous days, Teisovi Gerard, former NCYM President; Wetshete Joseph Thopi, Asst. Professor, Patkai Christian College-Autonomous; Rev. Fr. Vemedo Kezo, Asst. Parish Priest, Chiephobozou; and Ngupunyi Albert, President, CCYA spoke on various topics.

The devotional rosary was conducted by the sisters of Sacred Convent, Chizami on Friday January 15. The Choirs of Holy Family Parish, Pfutsero, St. Mary Parish, Lozaphuhu, St. Ignatius parish, Razeba and Sacred Heart Church, Chizami added life with their melodious tunes. Many dignitaries like Bunyi Zholia, President Chakhesang Catholic Union; Sanyi Dukru, president NPF farmers wing, Phek; Florete, Vice President of NCWA and many others were present for the occasion. Abino Rose Zholia proposed the vote thanks.

Mokokchung DC Sushil Kumar Patel (L-Fifth) along with Mokokchung administration officials, CTC staffs and faculty posed for a photo after the inauguration of Multipurpose Court at CTC, Aolijen under Mokokchung Districts on January 16.

ruption are the symptoms of this disease.

“Over ambition, greediness, selfishness is the catalysts to the disease,” Patel stated.

In this regard, he opined that Pastors in the Church, Mualvis in the Mosque, Pundits in the temple must played more proactive role for the society to eradicate this disease.

“It is time to tell the people that out heart is full of love and mercy and our body is strong enough to fight against any kind of disease in the society,” Patel

challenge the CTC students.

He also lamented that global warming, change in the weather pattern, scarcity of water, pollution and uncontrolled population growth across the world has given sadness to the mankind.

In this connection, he cautioned that if the trends continued then our future generation will only blame and curses us. “We have proven many times and we will prove in times to come for the betterment of the mankind,” Patel assured.

The programme was

organized by Music Committee, Clark Theological College Students Union in collaboration with Clark Theological College. It was followed a mesmerizing Gospel concert where Tali Angh and the Band were staged as the main spot light of the evening.

Other artists includes Sweet Spirits (BD II), Believed, Tree pillar (Revival Church), Pointer (BD I), Moa Jamir (CTC Alumni), Ungma Church, Kingdom Bound (BD IV), Sungkomen, Spark!! (BD V) and Girls Band.

Public SPace

A Message to the Naga Youths tion and possession will be transferred into our hands. The changes and the developmental activities which we longed for will be given into our hands soon. The leadership roles will be placed upon our shoulders. The accountability for our works will be tested with time.

But are we ready and prepared to face these insurmountable tasks?

The answer might not be very optimistic here. The future of this beloved land is in direct juxtaposition to the younger generation. This generation fails and the spiralling of ramifications will go on to the next. Hence, the youth of this land has a serious and sobering task in sight. Leaders of tomorrow, it’s not time to sit around and play games.

When we look at the present scenario of our new generation, the numbers, by God’s grace have escalated but the numbers genuinely concerned about our people is so few. The milieu of our land is one such that many youths are unemployed, unsatisfied and unloved.

Honest people suffer and deserving candidates are deprived of their rightful privileges. The survival of the fittest could only best explain a place such as ours. The proliferation of unrestraint sexual immorality, drug-abusers, alcoholics, materialism, sceptics, rebellious gangs, etc., adds to the pollution. The news of suicidal tendencies, demonic possession and extra-marital relations among the youthsare of regular manifestations. The numbers of

school drop-outs are on the rise while the educated ones struggle to find a decent job for one’s own survival. Many are even compelled to join the underground groups and in turn this disturbs the peaceful atmosphere of our land.

With this picture in view, the future looks bleak. Nevertheless, if the youngster can roll up their sleeve to set things right and open their eyes to see things the way they really arethen there is a sure hope for the Naga people!Nagas need ambitious and radical activists who are not afraid to challenge the present stalemate system. Youths who are matured enough to point out the faults and well-equipped to rebuild the broken walls of our society. Youths free from the clutches of avarice, worldliness,applause, earthly comforts and who are willing to be unpopular in the pursuit for common good and welfare.

Youths free from the love of money and pleasures. Youths educated not simply toearn theirbread alone butbring enlightenmentto our people. Youths that mix knowledge with wisdom in the making of decisions. Youths that sets an exemplary model for the upcoming populaces.

Youths that call spade a spade and be ruthless in the execution of justice. Youths that goes beyond mere rhetoric’s and fanciful speeches.

Youths that cares not about position but the accountability in his/ her doings. Youths that places the God of Christianity above all other

else. If there but one that possesses these virtues, then the new generation will be able to bring about the desired transformation.

Of course the task is so gigantic but not impossible. This vision calls forth for the new generation to be pro-active in all areas of learning and knowledge. The shapers and moulders for our brighter tomorrow cannot sleep and remain indifferent to these situations.

The attitude of complaining and grumbling about road connectivity, water supply and electricity is not changing the stagnant and unconcerned authorities anymore.

Raising our concerns to the present leaders is of little success. Yet out of frustration, let’s not repeat the same to our next generation.

Let’s follow the way of love and show that we are a different breed of people. Why follow the same old rules and principles? Why not opt for a change? Yes, we got to rise up and stand together! Why not put an end to the entire embittered rift created by the former generation?

Why should we hold on to the old baggage when it has nothing in store for us? With the new page on our hands, let’s write something different! A story that is unlike the previous pages filled with all kinds of corrupt practices and secret agendas. We will do it and by God’s grace, we will succeed, Amen.

Vebu Khamo, Kohima Bible College

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

MonDAY 18•01•2016

IN FOCUS

6

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

The Power of Truth

The Morung Express Xi volume issue 16 X issue 185 Thursday 9volume July 2015 By moa Jamir

Of promises & failures

M

any readers may have been pleasantly surprised when they were informed by a news item on Sunday that all existing un-metered water connections will eventually be replaced by metering system in the urban sector and administrative headquarters of the State.

The astonishment was nothing to do with the fact that the water connection is transiting to a metering system, but to be educated that the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) is actually involved in water supply to the general public in both urban and rural sectors of the state.

Ignorance on the part of the consumers might generate such reaction but the failure to fulfill public’s expectations over the years has diminished their confidence on the department. It is a misconception that the PHED is supposed to provide drinking water to every household, however, growing consumers’ dependence on other sources for water consumption only magnifies its failure.

For instance, only a small fraction of the population of the State is using water supplied by the department. According to 2011 Census, out of 76732 household in Dimapur, only 4,378 (or 5.71%) receives tap water from treated sources. In Kohima, only 5.43% receives treated tap water while 22,215 (42.61%) receives it untreated. The data for other districts are no better.

Bifurcated in 1974 from the Public Works Department (PWD) with a vision and responsibility to provide “safe and potable drinking water supply, safe disposal of solid and liquid waste and environmental hygiene” in the State, the PHED has always been an agency making bold statement often ‘high on promises but tepid in execution.’

A huge drinking water project envisioning supplying of potable water to Dimapur and Chumukedima in 2002 apparently leaked out along the way. In 2011, PHED Minister announced that the department has drawn a road map with a vision to reach safe drinking water to all villages in the state in keeping with the department’s declaration during the formation of DAN ministry.

Apparently, the ruling government outlived the declaration.

However, such failure does not deter it from making another bold announcement that the state will achieve total sanitation by 2012 as part of the Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC) launched by the Government of India (GoI) in 1999. It was jolted out of its slumber when data put out by the Union Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation in early 2015 informed that the state, along with Goa achieved the dubious distinction of building ‘zero toilets’ out of more than 4.3 million toilets constructed in India under sanitation campaign in financial year 2014-15.

“Due to financial crunch faced by the State Government, no fund was released to the department till February 2015. Hence, no toilets could be constructed” PHED Director clarified to the media when the embarrassing news emerged on the face of its bold promises though the GoI had sanctioned Rs. 2087.22 Lakh for implementing Swachh Bharat Mission Programme in the State for the year 2014-15. Most recently, the department announced that it is targeting ‘Open defecation free’ (ODF) in Nagaland by 2018. Nonetheless, one cannot help but remain skeptical as such targets are habitually unrealistic.

The annual Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) Report of the State often belie such tall claims. For starters, the 2014 CAG Report noted that process of planning was devoid of comprehensive assessment and often implemented without proper study resulting in huge wastage as well as low quality execution. Fund misuse and misappropriations were not anomalies but norms.

The department is not always at fault though. The State government’s failure to come up with matching contribution and the neglect of various components as envisaged in the scheme guidelines by those at the helms of affairs are equally to blame.

Thus, the department needs to put its act together for once and match its bold promises with equal outcome to rescue its depleting credentials with the public.

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

lEfT WING |

Ben Hirschler Reuters

Danger ahead: migration, climate top risks

W

e live in an increasingly dangerous world, with political, economic and environmental threats piling up, according to experts polled by the World Economic Forum.

Ahead of its annual meeting in Davos next week, the group's 2016 Global Risks report on January 14 ranked the migrant crisis as the biggest single risk in terms of likelihood, while climate change was seen as having the greatest potential impact.

Around 60 million people have been displaced by conflicts from Syria to South Sudan, pushing refugee flows to record levels that are some 50 percent higher than during World War II. Coupled with attacks such as those on Paris last year and geopolitical fault lines stretching from the Middle East to the South China Sea, the world is today arguably less politically stable than at any time since the end of the Cold War. Economic fears, particularly for Chinese growth, and increasingly frequent extreme weather events are further red flags, resulting in a greater breadth of risks than at any time in the survey's 11-year history. "Almost every risk is now up over the last couple of years and it paints an overall environment of unrest," said John Drzik, head of global risk at insurance broker Marsh, who helped compile the report. "Economic risks have come back reasonably strongly, with China, energy prices and asset bubbles all seen as significant problems in many countries."

Last year, the threat of conflict between states topped the list of risks for the first time, after previous editions mostly highlighted economic threats. British finance minister George Osborne, one of those heading to the Alpine ski resort set the mood last week, warning that 2016 opened "with a dangerous cocktail of new threats". The Jan. 20-23 Davos meeting will bring together players from geopolitical hot spots such as the foreign ministers of arch-rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia, as well as the biggest ever U.S. delegation, including Vice President Joe Biden.

North Korea's invitation, however, has been revoked, after it conducted a nuclear test, defying a United Nations ban.

CYBER RISK A WILD CARD The immediate problems of Middle East tensions, China's turbulent markets and a tumbling oil price are likely to dominate corridor conversations at Davos. But long-term concerns identified in the report centre more on physical and societal trends, especially the impact of climate change and the danger of attendant water and food shortages.

While last month's climate deal in Paris may act as a signal to investors to spend trillions of dollars to replace coal-fired power with solar panels and windmills, it is only a first step.

For businesses, the transition from fossil fuels remains uncertain, especially as political instability increases the risk of disrupted and cancelled projects. One wild card is cyber attack, which business leaders in several developed countries, including the United States, Japan and Germany, rank as a major risk to operations, although it does not make the top threat list overall. The report analysed 29 global risks for both likelihood and impact over a 10-year horizon by surveying nearly 750 experts and decision makers.

C O M M E N T A R Y

Susan De Muth

The reckless power behind the throne King Salman's son Mohammad seems to be piloting Saudi Arabia into a series of ever more risky adventures

I

n the past year, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has abandoned the cautious fence-sitting that long characterised its diplomatic style in favour of an unprecedented, hawkish antagonism. That this transformation coincides with the meteoric rise of a previously little known prince – 30 year-old Mohammad bin Salman – is no accident; it seems that the prince is now the power behind the throne.

Since the death of the first king of modern Saudi Arabia, Abdulaziz, in 1953, the kingdom has been ruled by an increasingly elderly succession of six of his 45 sons; the last incumbent, Abdullah, died last January aged 90 and was replaced by the present king, Salman, who is 81 and rumoured to be suffering from dementia. The youthful, sabre-rattling Prince Mohammad, insiders say, is Salman’s favourite son by his third and favourite wife, Fahda.

Salman has one remaining brother – 75 yearold Muqrin – who would normally have been next in line for the throne. Whether alone, or at the instigation of others, Salman removed Muqrin from the succession three months after he became king.

Prince Mohammad now moved up the line of succession to become ‘deputy Crown Prince’, with only his 56 year-old cousin, Mohammad bin Nayef between him and the throne.

King Salman then bestowed an astonishing array of portfolios and titles on his inexperienced son, making him Defence Minister and Deputy Prime Minister – the very same posts Salman himself occupied prior to inheriting the throne – as well as head of the Economic Guidance Council and Chief of the Royal Court. Within weeks, bin Nayef’s court was merged with the Royal Court, now supervised by Prince Mohammad, and one of his closest advisers was removed from the ruling cabinet.

No wonder Prince Mohammad feels mandated to pilot the kingdom into a series of ever more risky adventures, earning himself the unofficial nickname ‘Reckless’ and unfavourable comparisons with his highly intelligent half-brother, 56 year-old Prince Sultan bin Salman, who became the first Arab astronaut in 1986 and is currently languishing in obscurity as head of the Saudi Tourist Board.

At the heart of all Sunni Saudi Arabia’s current woes is its longstanding sectarian and political rivalry with the Shi’a republic of Iran. The toppling of the Shah by the 1979 Islamic revolution struck fear into the Saudi royals’ hearts and consolidated Riyadh’s political and military dependence on the west.

Until very recently, Iran was isolated and under heavy sanctions, the bête noire of the west, harbouring nuclear ambitions and an aggressive attitude towards ‘the great Satan’, America, and its client state, Israel. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia could do no wrong – despite its appalling human rights record, oppression of women and rampant corruption. Pliable and passive in its regional politics, Washington’s willing ally eagerly swapped billions of petrodollars for sophisticated military hardware, aircraft and weapons. Margaret Thatcher had a special department for pushing through the al-Yamamah arms deal which involved record amounts of dollars and corruption. This ‘special relationship’ endured: the flag over Buckingham Palace flew at half-mast when King Abdullah passed on in January last year and David Cameron, Barack Obama and François Hollande were among many world leaders who travelled to Riyadh for the late monarch’s memorial.

But just as King Salman got comfortable on the throne, everything started to go wrong for the desert kingdom.

First, the west suddenly woke up to how deeply entrenched the Islamic State (IS) had become on both sides of the Iraq/Syria border as it set about building its ‘Caliphate’; this problem now replaced the removal of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad as regional priority number one. Before this complication, alignment in Syria had been relatively simple and along sectarian fault lines: the Alawite (a branch of Shi’ism) Assad regime was backed by Iran, Iraq, Russia and China, while the mainly Sunni opposition was championed by Saudi Arabia, most Gulf states, Turkey, the US, UK and several European countries.

G

Recognising the growing predominance of Islamic extremists within the opposition (a situation actively fostered by Saudi Arabia) the west now preferred a political solution to the Syrian civil war and reluctantly conceded – largely under Russian pressure – that this could not be achieved without Iran.

Furthermore, it looked increasingly likely that IS could not be defeated without the co-operation of the Syrian army, transforming Assad – temporarily at least – from the problem to part of the solution.

To the dismay of the Saudis, Washington began to court Tehran, creating a vehicle for rapprochement by bump-starting the nuclear limitation agreement which had been stalled for thirteen years but now accelerated to the finishing line in a matter of months. Concluded in July, it was finally signed by President Obama in October last year and Tehran was invited to the Vienna conference on Syria the same month. In addition, Iranian assets were unfrozen and sanctions lifted.

Not only did the Saudis feel betrayed, but they now faced another problem as a result. Since November 2014, they had been exerting their considerable influence on OPEC to keep pumping oil at levels above the agreed ceiling, despite falling prices. Ostensibly aimed at pricing the American fracking industry out of the market, it was also political, intended to harm the economies of oil-rich Iran and Russia – both under international sanctions at the time. Tehran now called Saudi Arabia’s bluff, announcing that as soon as sanctions were lifted it would pump a million extra barrels a day. Suddenly the tables were turned and it was the Saudi economy that was at risk, with the IMF warning in October 2015 that the nation would bankrupt itself within five years – despite its gargantuan sovereign funds – if it did not reverse its policy.

Nor is this the only drain on Saudi finances.

Since March it has been bombarding the Iranianbacked Houthi rebels in Yemen, presumably at the instigation of Prince Mohammad (with his defence minister hat on). Saudi Arabia has no history or experience of unilateral armed intervention – it sent 3,000 soldiers to each of the major Arab-Israeli wars and a few more to the first Gulf War – yet the prince believed that the Houthis would be defeated in a matter of days. Ten months on, with no plan B and no exit strategy, nothing has been achieved but the devastation of the poorest country in the Middle East and the deaths of thousands of innocent civilians. Analysts estimate that the financial cost of this adventure has already topped $60 billion. With oil revenues at rock bottom, the Saudi treasury has sold billions of dollars’ worth of European stocks to meet the ongoing costs of this unwinnable war.

Things took an even more hawkish turn last week when the Saudi regime took the decision to behead a well-known dissident Shi’a cleric, Sheikh Nimr alNimr. There were riots in Tehran where the Saudi Embassy was set on fire; Riyadh immediately cut

all diplomatic ties with Iran and shortly afterwards a Saudi airstrike damaged the Iranian embassy in Sanaa, Yemen. The resulting tension has sent shockwaves through the region, with many fearing a war between the two powers as the Saudis seek to enlist the support of fellow Sunni nations.

With the headstrong Prince Mohammad at the helm, backing down does not appear to be an option… and if the war-chest runs out, contingencies are in place. In an interview last week with The Economist, Prince Mohammad revealed a plan to float Aramco – the trillion dollar nationalised oil company and the country’s most valuable asset – on the international markets and sell billions worth of nationally-owned prime land for private development. In addition, subsidies for the needy will be slashed and the education and healthcare systems privatised, putting them out of reach for the poorest members of society.

In Gulf countries, autocratic systems are generally tolerated due to an unspoken contract between government and the people that everyone benefits from the nation’s wealth (albeit extremely unequally); Prince Mohammad’s Thatcherite vision, if implemented, risks widespread civil unrest. In addition, the restive Shi’a population in the east is sitting on top of the country’s largest oil fields and distribution centres.

Saudi influence abroad has always been predicated on its wealth and can be expected to diminish along with its coffers. Nevertheless, Prince Mohammad adopted the diplomatic style of George W. Bush in his search for allies: ‘Who’s not with us is against us’. The right wing press has apparently already made its decision: the Daily Telegraph declared that “Britain Must Side With Saudi Arabia”, while Roger Boyes in The Times opined “execution by sword is brutal but Riyadh remains our best hope for peace in the Middle East”… well that’s not what they say about the Islamic State. In fact, the past year saw a record number of beheadings in Saudi Arabia and 157 executions in all.

None of this is to say that Iran is any better – both theocracies are intolerant, oppressive and cruel.

The question is why, when the world stands at the brink of a catastrophic conflict, take any side at all?

Shouldn’t Britain and America, supposedly ‘developed’ countries claiming to be beacons of progress and democracy, be brokering the rapprochement between these two extremist regimes that is key to regional peace, and a political solution to the Syrian crisis? Shouldn’t the west be exercising the undoubted influence it still possesses in the Royal Palace to urge more caution, more debate?

If the west persists, instead, in following a deluded prince into an unwinnable battle against a fabricated monster, it might as well champion Don Quixote tilting at windmills and declaring “a righteous war and the removal of so foul a brood from off the face of the earth is a service God will bless”.

Guatemala: first trial for systematic violations of indigenous women

uatemala's recent history bears the mark of a 36 year long, painful internal armed conflict, during which the State systematically violated the rights of the Mayan population.

Pamela leiva Jacquelín According to the Report of the Commission for the Historical ClariThe case of the indigenous women of Sepur Zarco, who fication of Human Rights Violations in Guatemala, 83.3 percent of the hu- have suffered from sexual violence, finally comes to court man rights violations were committed in February. They will be testifying against impunity against them.

Indigenous women have particularly suffered from the conflict. They maltecas (National Union of Guatema- northern Guatemala. Six military dehave been victims of rape, abuse and lan Women -UNAMG) has been active tachments settled in this region during since 2009 providing support to wom- the internal armed conflict for the pursexual slavery. en and following up on the cases. pose of extermination and torture.

The three organizations play differIn 1982, the army captured the men Women’s alliance against impunity Women's organizations have ent roles in promoting public debate of the Mayan community and their widplayed an important role in spreading on the cases: MTM is in charge of the ows underwent domestic slavery, sexual violence and information on the legal actions and in judicial stratsexual slavery. collecting and documenting the testi- egy, ECAP offers The abuses monies of several of them, who are now p s y c h o s o c i a l support to the were commitover 50 and suffer from severe PTSD. ted by the army The Alianza Rompiendo el Silen- victims and UNof Guatemala cio y la Impunidad (Alliance Breaking AMG works on for six consecuthe Silence and Impunity), including the public stance tive months, during which women did organizations such as Mujeres Trans- of the plaintiffs. shifts every 3 days to cook and clean formando el Mundo (Women Changand wash military uniforms, and were ing the World - MTM), the Equipo de Sepur Zarco: a case individually and collectively raped Estudios Comunitarios y de Acción that may set a precedent Sepur Zarco is a community locat- over and over again.

Psicosocial (Community Studies and Some of them described how they Psychosocial Action Team - ECAP) and ed on the border between the departthe Unión Nacional de Mujeres Guate- ments of Alta Verapaz and Izabal, in were injected and forced to take birth con-

WRITE-WING

trol medicines to prevent pregnancies.

After setting up a Tribunal of Conscience Against Sexual Violence in 2010, indigenous women decided to take the case to the formal justice system and filed a lawsuit in 2011.

The case is the first to reach the Guatemalan national courts for crimes of international significance against women.

As for its typification and in accordance with the Historical Clarification Commission, rape during the internal armed conflict was used in a widespread, massive and systematic way as part of the counterinsurgency policy of the State.

Therefore, sexual violence is a crime against humanity, a war crime and a constituent element of genocide.

In the post-conflict phase, though, sexual violence as a crime against humanity is still invisible.

That is why it is expected that the evidence and the proceedings will arouse national and international interest and allow for a new phase of discussion and historical reparation for fierce racism in the country. The public trial will be held in Guatemala City on February 1, 2016.

There are two defendants.

Guatemalan women's organizations call on all stakeholders to make a positive contribution to the trial, to attend public hearings and duly oversee the proceedings.

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MonDAY 18•01•2016

PERSPECTIVE

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

policy

papers

By Vyasan R

Public Sector Investment-Some Issues

E

conomists and policy-makers alike look at the public sector with distrustful eyes. Government departments, public sector undertakings including utilities are included in the definition of the public sector. Public sector has been thought of as a synonym for corruption, red-tape and poor service quality.

This near fanatic identification of the public sector with inefficiency has been attributed either to the Washington Consensus propagated by the World Bank and the IMFor the 1970s Reaganomics/Thatcherism that bestrode the Atlantic.The confluence of various factors culminating with the fall of the Soviet Union discredited the model of economic development propounded by them.

This attitude towards the public sector in practice and policy advice is not supported by economic theory or pragmatic policy.

Public Sector Investment and Economic Theory Economic theory identifies at least 2 clear instances of public sector involvement in economic activities. This includes instances of externalities and infant industry. An example of the former is pollution caused by an industry located upstream, which adversely impacts the livelihood of fishermen located downstream. Similarly if the scientific and technological development of an economy is quite low that certain industries cannot be set up in those environments then economic theory sees a role for government. Protection of those industries by imposing high tariff lines would encourage domestic productionvisa vis foreign production. In the mid-half of the previous century it was thought that certain sectors especially infrastructure especially roads, power, ports etc require huge investments that require the governments to step in as private sector was not in a position to raise the necessary capital for the said purpose. Apart from the above instances, where public sector investment is required for optimal economic development an entire branch of economics, namely macroeconomics was born out of the need for maintaining economic growth and employment by public investment, especially during times of a downturn in the economic cycle. Now, if the above are the reasons provided for the need for public sector investment, then what are the reasons against it?

One of the main arguments is that in an economy the supply of investible funds

is limited and if the public sector were to expropriate them then very little would be left for the private sector. This in turn leads to a high demand for the limited investible capital leading in turn to an increase in the cost of capital which is interest rates.

The high levels of interest rates in turn discourage investment and reduces the economic growth in the economy. Another argument given is the agency reason which says that there are very few incentives for the government to take optimal decisions.

Since governments are animated by politics and interests, economic and business logic take a backseat. In addition there is a tendency for governments to resort to pork barreling. The latter occurs especially in democracies with parliamentary systems of government which uses the first past the post system. This refers to the tendency of certain governments to increase public spending in certain local areas that are dear to the representative or minister in charge as they are politically closer to these constituencies. This is a phenomenon that we can identify with in our state and country.

In such instances the first steps themselves are taken in the wrong direction. Industries that require certain raw materials are located far from areas that produce these raw materials based on nothing other than political expediency.

Public Sector Investment in Practice These strong theoretical arguments however did not prevent the decline in preference and a reduction in support of the public sector from the late 1980s onwards.Evidence, however existed to demonstrate the importance of public investment. We look at some examples of public sector led growth across continents.The foremost example of a success story of state-led economic development is that of South Korea. South Korea focused on both industrial production and the building of infrastructure since 1961 to increase their economic growth rates in the Korean economy. The less known but more recent example is that of Ethiopia. Ethiopiahas seen the 3rd highest GDP growth in the world clocking rates upward of 5% since the early 1990s and with per-capita income growth averaging upwards of 8% in the 2004-14 period. This period also saw sectoral shifts in the economy from agricultural sector to services sector. The main strategy followed by Ethiopia during this period has been termed Agricultural Development

Led Industrialisation. Similarly,Bolivia with its deft public management of the commodity sector combined with public investment has helped keep the economic growth buoyant in that country where others in the region has faltered. Moreover in the period between 2005 and 2014 public investment increased from 6% to 13%.

The importance of public investment to buoy up economic growth in times of a downturn is clearly seen from the experience of China during the 2008 Global Financial Crisis. By increasing public investment by more than RMB 4 trillion helped keep the economic growth in China to more than 10% per annum. Belatedly even advanced economies like the US resorted to public investment like the TARP to shore up the fortunes of the economy. Hence, there is a need to evaluate the positives and negatives of public investment on a case-by-case basis. A downright rejection of public investment or extolling the virtues of public investment without being cautious about the political angles of public sector investment may not be right.

Public Sector Investment in India In an economy like ours, with widespread regional inequalities in development the role of the public sector in economic development cannot be wished away. The private sector is incentivized by profit and areas like the North east the ability of the private sector to garner profits in general is often limited. There may be isolated sectors like telecom sector where the private sector can still play a decisive role.

The Total Government Expenditure which is a proxy for the size of the public sector in the country is at about 15% of GDP. There has also been a recognition in India’s policy making circles about the importance of pubic investments as the Government of India has realized the problems of a trough in the private investment in the economy and had planned a concerted investment especially in the Indian Railways in the previous budget and the Economic Survey.

It would be interesting to observe how the channelizing of the investments fared and how the upcoming Budget and Economic Survey which will be tabled in February 2016 recalibrates the need for public investment in the economy. This assumes significance in the context of an anticipated trough in India’s economy with a downward revision of the future growth rates.

(The author is an IAS officer of Nagaland cadre.

The views expressed in his column, featured every Monday, are personal. Feedback can be emailed to vyasan_r@yahoo.com)

The Morung Express

7

South Africa's worst drought in memory adds to economic gloom Ed Stoddard

D

reuters

riving his pick-up truck down a dirt road, farmer Petrus Roux points to scorched fields that should be a sea of green maize, part of South Africa's western grain belt.

The worst drought in over a hundred years has devastated crops and could tip the economy into recession, adding to a loss of investor faith in President Jacob Zuma, pushing up food prices and possibly stoking social and racial tensions ahead of local elections.

"As far as the eye can see, empty fields," Roux said, pointing to pastures seared a rusty red.

Alongside record temperatures there has been a stampede from South African assets beyond the wider flight from emerging markets. The rand has fallen sharply and analysts say a credit ratings downgrade to "junk" status is possible.

Agriculture only contributes 2.2 percent to economic output, but a major farming contraction could turn slow growth into recession. This could push up the jobless rate from around 25 percent and widen the gap between rich and poor, factors already contributing to political tensions and exposing the racial rifts that Nelson Mandela tried to heal after years of apartheid.

Online racial abuse spiked in the last month and police had to deploy razor wire this week to separate crowds of whites and blacks protesting outside the court appearance of four white farmers accused of beating two black men to death.

Sim Tshabalala, the head of Standard Bank, one of South Africa's largest banks, said on Wednesday that racism and inequality were weighing on the economy.

"There is pressure in the society over economic decline and that pressure is playing out on social platforms," said Gary van Staden, political analyst with NKC African Economics.

ELECTION CHALLENGE Africa's most industrialized economy grew 0.7 percent in the third quarter but that was after shrinking 1.7 percent in the previous three months. Some analysts are expecting a recession, usually considered to be two consecutive quarters of contraction, in 2016.

This would make it harder for the ruling African National Congress, in power since the end of white-minority rule in 1994, to overcome a serious challenge from the liberal Democratic Alliance Party and the ultra-left Economic Freedom Fighters in mid-year local elections.

Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan said on Thursday the economy was not heading for recession. The government is forecasting growth of 1.5 percent in 2016 but recent indicators are downbeat.

The rand, also hit by the slump in global commodity prices, slid 25

percent in 2015 and last week briefly plunged 10 percent to a record low of 17.995 to the dollar. This could push up inflation, currently 4.8 percent year-on-year, particularly if food is imported to compensate for the loss of domestic supply.

Manufacturing output, which accounts for more than 12 percent of the economy, fell in both October and November. Finance, real estate and business services, the single largest contributor to output at around 20 percent, expanded 2.8 percent in the third quarter but is expected to slow.

Agriculture, a particularly volatile sector, could make the difference. A 20 percent contraction in farming output, for example, could shave 0.4 percent off overall growth, analysts say. It shrank 12.6 percent in Q3 after declining 19.7 and 18 percent in the previous two periods.

"We are anticipating a recession this year and agriculture and the drought will be big parts of that," said George Glynos, an analyst at Johannesburgbased financial consultancy ETM. EXPENSIVE MAIZE A rise in food prices, a significant portion of spending for lower-income South Africans who are overwhelmingly black and many of whom have seen little economic improvement since the end of apartheid, could also contribute to tensions.

South Africa may need to import as much as 5 million tonnes of maize this year, roughly half its requirements, producer group Grain SA said last week.

The maize crop last year, when South Africa recorded its lowest average rainfall since records began in 1904, was down a third to under 10 million tonnes and the harvest is expected to be much lower this year. Africa's biggest maize producer is usually a net exporter of the grain.

Futures prices for white maize, the main food staple for lower-income households, more than doubled last year because of the drought.

"We expect general food prices to increase by 15 to 20 percent this year because the drought is hitting everything," said Christo Joubert, head of the food price monitoring arm of the National Agricultural Marketing Council.

That would increase political pressure on Zuma, already under fire for triggering financial turmoil by changing finance ministers twice last month.

The central bank has repeatedly warned about drought and food prices and is expected to raise interest rates at the end of the month to curb inflation pressures.

Analysts say Zuma has few tools to deal with the brewing problems and expect the ANC to spend money to win over voters.

"The problem that underpins the annus horribilis of 2016 is no policy interventions to stop the backward slide. And with the local elections coming up you will see fiscal indiscipline," Van Staden said.

POll rESulTS

Will 2016 Be the yeaR of the gReat Change in nagaland? Why? Some of those who voted YES had this to say: • Yes. This is provided the public are willing and ready to oppose the wrong policies and practices of the government, politicians, bureaucrats, contractors, NPGs, civil society and even the Church. We are tired of only lip service. It is time for the public to speak out their minds without being afraid anymore. Our silence is only adding to our suffering. For change to come to Nagaland, we must protest and shout out the truth.

• Yes, Because Christ can change. we must have faith in god • Yes, because our Naga youth are becoming more and more aware of our rights. We are not going to remain silent anymore. The level of corruption is stinking like crazy and we can no longer bear it anymore. We will protest and agitate because our future is at stake and we cannot leave our future at the hands of greedy and selfish leaders who do not care about the people anymore.

• Yes, Nagas ultimately have to come together for peace and honourable settlement. Some who have been in the limelight want status quo at the expense of a yeoman Naga who is suffering.

• Yes, it certainly can be if we all put our minds together. We have to accept the fact that there is no 100% unity anywhere in the world. But what we need is for Nagas to come together and decide together what is best for us. If we can come and work out a common minimum program, than that is unity and we can bring about great changes in Nagaland.

Some of those who voted NO had this to say: leaders I dont expect changes in our state.

• No, every year, its always a change for • Nothing changes in Nagaland except the us. Naga people with ‘pep talk’. When the pockets and chamchas of our public leaders mass wants to see something fresh in the every year. air, where are the pol• No way as the same 46% iticians, church leadvermits in power rule ers, public leaders, will produce the same etc? With so many so result. called freedom fight• Nagaland will never ers and so many facchange "very shame38% tions eating up the ful state in the country" Change that could be • No, we Nagas are brought, its still a long driven by fear and away dream. Empty suspicion. We are vessels make much so suspicious of one more noise. It’s a big another and our fear NO. Another year of has paralyzed us to the previous year. such an extent that • No, too much corwe are not willing to ruption. explore and work for • As usual the growth change. We are very and development will much comfortable in be as slow as snail our misery and even as our Babus are corwhen change is for the rupted and selfish. betterment. We have 16% There is no hope. become prisoners of • NO, As long as the fear and so clanism, present mindset of the villagism, tribalism, Nagas don't change, factionalism has come there'll be no change to rule over us.

- great or small.

• No, there is no seSome of those who riousness to bring voted OTHERS had change. Most of our this to say: YES NO OTHER leaders are only think• For change to take ing about themselves. We are in a deep criplace there is a need to change the sis for new visionary leaders. Without good present system. I am sure that once

• • •

• • •

•

we realize that the system needs to be replaced, there will be great changes in Nagaland.

Change? I hope so. Great change? I don't know.

Cant predict anything...judging by the present scenario. But at least hoping to see even a slight good outcome.

Nagaland is in the right place for all kinds of changes to happen. It is like a ripe fruit just waiting to be plucked from the trees. But no one is ready or prepared to pluck them. This is why we it is difficult to expect changes in Nagaland. We need to create a lot of awareness.

Will change in political parties not state development.

It depends on attitude of public and will of public The Naga public wants change but no one is willing to take the first step.

We are all suffering silently. The common man was hoping that the Churches would speak out for them, but the Church is too afraid and is keeping silent. The NGOs instead of being a watch dog over the government, is now busy chewing the bones that are being thrown to them by their political masters. The NPGs instead of fighting for the Naga political rights is busy establishing their own kingdoms. How will change come in such a pathetic situation?

Need people should change then nagaland will change

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 18•01•2016

INDIA

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Anna Hazare assails Centre on Lokpal issue

ralegan SIDDhI, January 17 (PTI): Activist Anna Hazare on Sunday accused the Modi government of "soft-pedalling" the Lokpal issue, saying the delay in constitution of the anti-corruption ombudsman has put a question mark on its "intention and credibility" to tackle graft.

He also underscored the need for launching an agitation on the issue and lent "moral support" to the planned demonstration at Jantar Mantar on January 30.

"There is a need to launch an agitation on the Lokpal bill issue. I recently met activists from seven states who had participated in the earlier stir and a demonstration will be organized at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on January 30 to press the issue being softpedalled by the Centre.

"The government's delaying tactics has put a question mark on its intent and credibility. The activists who are neutral to party politics will participate in the peaceful demonstration to which I have extended my moral support," Hazare told PTI. A Parliamentary pan-

Anna gets another threat letter Pune, January 17 (Tnn): Social crusader Anna Hazare has once again received a threat to his life. A letter dated January 12, has warned Hazare that January 26 could be the last day of his life and he should keep himself ready for it. The letter was received in an envelope via post at the address of Hazare's trust, Bhrashtrachar Virodhi Jan Andolan, at Hazare's native place Ralegan Siddhi.

The copy of letter was submitted by the trust to the Parner police following which security as Ralegan Siddhi has been beefed up. "Adequate security has been provided to the social crusader by the Parner el examining the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill had on December 7 submitted its recommendations. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice, which examined Lokpal and Lokayuktas and Other Related Law (Amendment) Bill, 2014, has cited overlapping of functions of anti-graft bod-

ies and suggested integrating Central Vigilance Commission and anticorruption wing of the CBI to work directly under the command and control of Lokpal to deal with corruption cases.

It also suggested inclusion of leader of the single largest opposition party in Lok Sabha, in case there is no recognised Leader of

police. Six police guards and an escort team have been provided to him. Additional security is in place since Saturday morning and it will continue until the threat subsides", police officials said.

Hazare has received threat letters before. The last letter was received in August 2015 warning the social crusader that he would meet the same fate as rationalist Narendra Dabholkar and Left leader Govind Pansare.

The latest two-page letter has been written in Marathi language says, "Hazare has earned lot of money in his life now should keep himself ready for the last day. Hazare should ap-

Opposition, as member of selection panel to choose chairperson and members of Lokpal.

If this recommendation is accepted by Parliament, it will pave the way for Congress leader Mallikarjuna Kharge to be part of Lokpal selection committee headed

by Prime Minister. Hazare said the Lokpal bill initially proposed by the AAP gov-

point his nominee at earliest to declare the estate and bank balance after him. Parner police is not capable to provide security to Hazare," the letter read.

The letter further says that "People from Nevasa (a village in Ahmednagar district) will take you to the task. After this, Nevasa will become famous". The second page of the letter mentions names of five persons and contact numbers of couple of them.

Shyam Pathade, a close aide of Hazare said, "The letter was received on January 12 has been handed over to Parner police immediately. We have urged police for strict action against culprits," he said.

ernment in Delhi assembly was weak but the legislation was made stronger following his intervention.

"Initially the bill was weak. I had then proposed 3-4 clauses that were incorporated subsequently.

We should welcome that a beginning has been made.

The bill will need necessary modifications with the passage of time," Hazare said.

The Delhi Assembly had in December passed the Janlokpal Bill, incorporating Hazare's suggestions.

The law provides for an ombudsman with powers to act against any government functionary including those of the Centre. The changes made included a provision for a larger selection committee.

'Kejriwal an "idealist", has taken no wrong step after becoming CM'

ralegan SIDDhI (Maha), January 17 (PTI): Social activist Anna Hazare is full of praise for his onetime protege Arvind Kejriwal, who he says has not taken "a wrong step" after becoming the Delhi Chief Minister. Hazare says Kejriwal is a man of "clean character and an idealist", who changed the "common man's appraoch" to politics.

"Arvind Kejariwal is a man of clean character who is committed to moral values in politics. I have not seen him take a wrong step during the last one year of his tenure as the Chief Minster," Hazare said. He said Kejriwal, his comrade-in-arms in India against corruption movement, faces the challenge to take along good people in politics.

"He is an idealist. His performance as the Chief Minster so far is a positive achievement. To start a political party was earlier regarded as privilege of the rich. Arvind has changed the common man's approach to politics.

"He is honest and transparent. Manish Sisodia (Deputy CM) is also a committed idealist. I want to see politics in the country getting freed from influence of money power," Hazare told PTI in an interview.

Hazare and Kejriwal had fallen out following the latter's decision to join active politics after floating a political party. However, subsequently there was a thaw and Hazare even gave some suggestions to Kejriwal which the latter included in the Jan Lokpal Bill brought by the Delhi government in December last year.

Hazare also rejected Kejriwal's criticism by his detractors that the Delhi Chief Minister had little respect for the Constitution or the law.

"I do not agree that Arvind has no respect for the Constitution or law of the country. He has come from the movement and asserts his rights. To undertake Satyagraha is not anti-Constitution. He has not advocated violence as by Naxals to change the system," he said.

Omar Abdullah rules out alliance with BJP, Key posts in internal security, paramilitary to fall vacant will be filled up by rejigDelhI, January the additional charge of the DG-rank IPS officer A R K retire on February 29. says National Conference is not 'power hungry' new "There will be about ging or elevating officers 17 (PTI): Over half-a-doz- chief of the Narcotics Con- Kini since December last

SrInagar, January 17 (PTI): A day after National Conference president Farooq Abdullah said he was open to discuss a tie-up with BJP for government formation in Jammu and Kashmir, his son and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today ruled out an alliance with the saffron outfit, saying the party "is not power hungry" and would not make an "ideological compromise".

"NC is not power hungry and is not interested in political power that comes through an ideological compromise.

We shunned prospects of an alliance with the BJP a year ago and the reasons for having done that remain unchanged," Omar wrote on his official Facebook page.

Omar, the NC working president, said the senior Abdullah was responding to a hypothetical question based on a hypothetical situation and he never said that the party would support the BJP. He only said that if any such request or proposal is received from the BJP, it will be taken up by the party's working committee.

No such proposal has been received, which makes his remarks a pure reiteration of the organisational procedure to deal with such issues and nothing more, Omar said.

The former chief minister said PDP is an ally of BJP, and NC is not obliged to rescue either PDP or BJP from the ensuing stalemate

PDP authorises its chief on J&K govt-formation SrInagar, January 17 (IanS): The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Sunday unanimously authorised its president Mehbooba Mufti to take the call on government-formation in Jammu and Kashmir and continuation of its alliance with the BJP. "The party deliberated on our score-card during the last 10 months of the PDP-BJP coalition rule and unanimously authorised PDP president Mehbooba Mufti to take a final call on the future of our alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party," senior PDP leader Naeem Akhtar told reporters after a marathon party meeting here.

The party reposed complete trust in Mehbooba Mufti during the four-hour meeting, the former education minister said. Senior party leaders and functionaries, including former ministers and legislators, met at 'Fair View', the chief minister's official residence on the high-security Gupkar Road.

"Mehbooba Mufti told the party leaders that she would not rush into taking the crucial decision and would take the final call after thorough consideration," Akhtar said. He said the PDP also appreciated India and Pakistan for continuation of the peace process despite the January 2 attack on the Indian Air Force base in Pathankot in Punjab. "Continuing the peace process between the two countries is in line with (late chief minister) Mufti Sahib's vision," the former minister said. in their standing political alliance.

It must also be remembered that the working committee of the party, in its recent meeting in Srinagar, had endorsed the decision taken by NC a year ago to stay away from BJP and "we expect no change in that decision", Omar said.

Farooq had yesterday said his party was ready to consider a tie-up with the saffron party for government formation if such an offer was received.

"If such a proposal comes, then NC will call

Excess chromium in supplements causes cancer, says Doctors new DelhI, January 17 (IanS): The extra presence of chromium in nutrition supplements can cause various types of cancer as well as liver and lung damage, doctors have said. The overuse of supplements causes severe damage to chromosomes in cells, which then mutate the DNA and cause cancer, according to experts.

The US National Academy of Sciences has estimated that up to 200 micrograms of chromium was safe for adequate daily dietary intake for adults. However, the supplements available in the market to gain weight contain 500 micrograms of chromium.

"The health hazards associated with exposure to chromium depends on its oxidation state. Oxidation of chromium occurs inside the cell, which means, it loses electrons and transforms into a carcinogenic form," said Veronica Sharma, consultant at city-based SRV Hospital. According to Sharma, health complications caused by excess chromium include damage to kidney, lung, and several forms of skin problems including eczema and other inflammation.

Behram Pardiwala, medicine expert at the city-based Wockhardt Hospital, said presence of excess chromium in any product "has always been harmful". "Brands selling supplements state that it is safe but that's not true. The first problem that high chromium containing supplements cause is stomach problems and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and later kidney and nerves damage," he said.

A study by business chamber Assocham stated that 70 percent of dietary supplements being sold across India were fake, unregistered and unapproved, besides being extremely difficult to identify.

a Working Committee (meeting) and debate over it. If such a situation arises, NC can think over it as we have not closed the doors.

Our doors are open," he told reporters in Jammu when asked to spell out his party's stand if it gets a proposal from BJP for forming a coalition government in the state which is under Governor's Rule.

In the 87-member Assembly, BJP has 25 MLAs while its ally Peoples Conference headed by Sajad Gani Lone has two members. The NC has 15 legislators.

en posts occupied by IPS officers in important internal security and central police establishments are falling vacant by the next month.

Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) Director General B D Sharma and Secretary (Internal Security) in the Union Home Ministry Ashok Prasad are retiring on January 31.

Since Prasad also holds

trol Bureau (NCB), this post will also fall vacant upon his retirement.

The 1979-batch Andhra Pradesh cadre Indian Police Service (IPS) officer is also holding the charge of the NATGRID in an additional capacity.

Similarly, the post of DG of the Bureau of Police Research and Development is also being held in an additional capacity by Special

year and the government is yet to announce the name of a regular incumbent for the organisation tasked with developing better facilities and protocols for policemen in the country.

CRPF Director General Prakash Mishra, Border Security Force chief D K Pathak, Delhi Police Commissioner B S Bassi and Railway Protection Force (RPF) DG R R Verma will

eight vacancies by the next month in some of the lead agencies working in the internal security and central policing and paramilitary domain under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The government is already working to create a panel of eligible officers for making fresh appointments," official sources said.

They said while it is expected that a few posts

from among those who are already serving in central police organisations, some appointments could be made by bringing in officers from elsewhere.

"A meeting in this regard is scheduled to be held later this month in the MHA and immediate announcements for the SSB, NCB, NATGRID and Secretary (IS) could be made," they said.

YSR Congress MP held for Lalu Prasad elected RJD slapping Air India official chief for 9th time in row hyDeraBaD, January 17 (IanS): A YSR Congress Party MP was arrested on Sunday on charges of slapping an Air India official at the Tirupati airport in November.

P. Mithun Reddy and another accused, Madhusudhan Reddy, were detained at Chennai airport early Sunday and handed over to Andhra Pradesh.

The MP and his aide were brought to Tirupati where they were produced before a magistrate who sent them to judicial custody for 14 days.

Mithun Reddy is a member of the Lok Sabha from Rajampet in Kadapa district.

A case for assaulting a public servant on duty was filed against Mithun Reddy and 15 others at Yerpedu police station at Renigunta near Tirupati on November 27 last year.

The case was registered on a complaint by Rajasekhar, Air India's station manager at the airport.

Mithun Reddy allegedly entered into an argument with Rajasekhar after the latter declined to issue boarding passes to him and his relatives as

the boarding was already closed for the Air India flight to Delhi.

The MP had since evaded police interrogation. His anticipatory bail petition was also rejected by a court.

Earlier, YSRCP state legislator Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy was arrested in the same case and was later released on bail.

Meanwhile, police in Pileru in Chittoor district arrested over 100 supporters of the MP when they were heading towards Tirupati to express solidarity with him.

The opposition party also staged a sit-in on the Tirupati-Chennai highway to protest against the MP's arrest.

Mithun Reddy's father and YSRCP legislator Peddireddy Ramchandra Reddy said his son did nothing wrong. He was confident they will get justice in the court.

Party MP Y.V. Subba Reddy alleged that Mithun Reddy's arrest was a conspiracy against the YSRCP. He dared the government to make public the CCTV footage recorded at the airport when the incident occurred.

PaTna, January 17 (IanS) Lalu Prasad was on Sunday formally elected the Rashtriya Janata Dal national president for the ninth consecutive term.

The re-election of the former railway minister for another 3-year term was a foregone conclusion since he was the only candidate in the fray for the top party post.

"Lalu Prasad has been formally elected the RJD national president for the ninth consecutive time," party's national election officer Jagdanand Singh said.

The formal voting to elect Lalu Prasad, 67, was held at the party's national council meeting here, with more than 700 delegates from 24 states attending.

Lalu Prasad, who filed his nomination papers at the RJD state headquarters here on January 8, has been the RJD chief since the party's formation on July 5, 1997, after a split in the Janata Dal. Soon after his reelection, hundreds of party leaders and workers garlanded the former chief minister and presented flowers to him amid slogan-shouting.

After his re-election, Lalu Prasad said the RJD will play an important role in uniting like-minded parties on one platform to end the "misrule" of the Narendra Modi government at the Centre. Earlier, the RJD chief reached the meeting venue at S.K. Memorial Hall here along with his wife Rabri Devi and sons Tejaswi Yadav and Tej Pratap and RJD state president Ram Chandra Purbey besides scores of other senior leaders. The RJD won 80 of the 243 seats in the Bihar assembly to emerge as the single-largest party after the November 2015 polls.

India making super capacitors for strategic use Bengaluru, January 17 (IanS): India has developed super capacitors using indigenous materials for strategic use in defence and space sectors as an import substitute and to overcome energy deficiencies in critical equipment, a senior official said.

"We have developed super capacitors of different voltage for specific use in defence and space equipment as they store more energy than ordinary capacitors and discharge faster than batteries," Centre for Materials for Electronics Technology (C-MET) director Arun Sachdeva told IANS here.

The state-run C-MET, under the department of electronics and information technology, (DeitY) has developed the super capacitors under a pilot project at its Thrissur laboratory in Kerala and given them for trials to state-run

defence and space agencies in the country as a power source for diverse applications.

"Once we complete testing in trials and standardise them for strategic use, we will transfer the technology to the private sector for volume production under our supervision, as they can also be used for industrial and consumer needs," Sachdeva said at an electronics' summit here recently.

As super capacitors use electrostatic double-layer capacitance instead of the conventional solid dielectric of ordinary capacitors, they are used in applications that require rapid charge or discharge rather than long-term compact energy storage. " B e si d e s d e f e n c e equipment like battle tanks, radar-mounted vehicles and artillery guns, super capacitors can be

used in space applications like satellites and launchers, as energy supply is critical for their operations," Sachdeva asserted.

Super capacitors or ultra capacitors are also used in high-end cars, luxury buses, high-speed trains, heavylifting cranes and speedy elevators in tall skyscrapers as regenerative braking, shortterm energy storage.

As an autonomous scientific society, C-MET is mandated to attain selfsufficiency in electronic materials, components and devices for catering to the country's strategic and industrial applications with indigenous resources.

"There is a huge market potential for super capacitors in the country as they can store 10-100 times more energy per unit than electrolytic capacitors and bridge the gap between electrolytic capacitors and

rechargeable batteries, Sachdeva noted.

The centre, which has two more labs at Hyderabad in Telangana and Pune in Maharashtra, had invested around Rs.2 crore-Rs.5 crore ($295,000$738,000) to set up the facility for developing super capacitors of different voltage per unit volume or mass.

"In the absence of a fab (fabrication plant) to make silicon wafers, we have to import them in the form of chips for making super capacitors, using graphenebased electrodes with raw materials like carbon aerogel," Sachdeva admitted.

As storage device with fast charging ability, superior low temperature performance, long service, cycle life and reliability, super capacitors have the potential to replace traditional batteries and capacitors in a wide range of electronic

applications for defence, space, automotive and renewable energy.

According to a joint market study by the New Delhi-based Electronics Industries Association of India (Elcina) in partnership with the Mumbaibased multi-country market research firm IMRB, the super capacitor market worldwide is estimated to reach $8.3 billion by 2025, growing at 30 percent over the next 10 years.

"Super capacitor technology has not yet been commercialised in India and is not yet common in use due to high costs initially and low-energy density.

Only C-MET is working on indigenous production of carbon aerogel-based super capacitors," Elcina president Vikram Desai told IANS on the margins of 'Electronics India Week', a three-day summit held

here last week.

When super capacitors are developed for use across industrial and consumer verticals and produced in volumes, they will become affordable by its makers and end-users spanning transportation, wind energy, solar energy, consumer electronics and strategic sectors like defence and space. The total addressable market for super capacitors in India is 1.3 billion units by 2020. In defence applications, the market size is projected to be Rs.20 crore-Rs.50 crore over the next 4 years.

Tata Motors has been testing super capacitors for hybrid electrical vehicles, while three private firms - Spel and Chheda Electrical at Pune and Aartech Solonics at Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh are involved in developing them in the private sector.

MondaY 18•01•2016

WORLD

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

9

Rouhani hails ‘golden page’ in Iran’s history DUBAI, JANUARY 17 (REUTERS): President Hassan Rouhani hailed on Sunday a nuclear deal with world powers as a “golden page” in Iran’s history, and looked forward to an economic future less dependent on oil as the country emerges from years of sanctions and isolation.

But in an address to parliament he noted bitter opposition to Saturday’s lifting of economic curbs from arch foe Israel, some members of the U.S. Congress and what he called “warmongers” in the region - an apparent reference to some of Iran’s Gulf Arab adversaries.

Iran ended years of economic isolation when world powers lifted the crippling sanctions against the Islamic Republic on Saturday in return for Tehran complying with a deal to curb its nuclear ambitions.

Presenting the draft budget for the next Iranian fiscal year, which begins in March, Rouhani told parliament the deal was a “turning point” for the economy of Iran, a major oil producer which has been virtually shut out of international markets for the past five years.

“The nuclear negotiations which succeeded by the guidance of the Su-

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif after the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) verified that Iran has met all conditions under the nuclear deal, in Vienna on January 16.

(REUTERS Photo)

preme Leader and support of our nation, were truly a golden page in Iran’s history,” he said.

“The nuclear deal is an opportunity that we should use to develop the country, improve the welfare of the nation, and create stability and security in the region,” Rouhani said.

In a dramatic move

which coincided with the scrapping of the sanctions, Tehran also announced the release of five Americans including Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian as part of a prisoner swap with the United States.

Together, the lifting of sanctions and the prisoner deal help to ease the hostility between Tehran

and Washington that has shaped the Middle East since Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Tens of billions of dollars’ worth of Iranian assets will now be unfrozen and global companies that have been barred from doing business there will be able to exploit a market hungry for everything

from automobiles to airplane parts.

CROWNING ACHIEVEMENT FOR ROUHANI However, America’s thaw with Iran is viewed with deep suspicion by U.S. Republicans as well as allies of Washington in the Middle East, including Israel and Saudi Arabia. U.S.-

Iranian suspicion still remains deeply entrenched.

Israel’s opposition was evident in a statement from the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday night.

“Even after the signing of the nuclear agreement, Iran has not abandoned its aspirations to acquire nuclear weapons, and continues to act to destabilise the Middle East and spread terrorism throughout the world while violating its international commitments,” the statement said.

Rouhani took a swipe at its critics. “Everybody is happy except the Zionists, the warmongers who are fuelling sectarian war among the Islamic nation, and the hardliners in the U.S. congress,” he said.

The International Atomic Energy Agency ruled on Saturday that Iran had abided by an agreement last year with six world powers to curtail its nuclear programme, triggering the end of sanctions.

IAEA chief Yukiya Amano will travel to Tehran on Sunday to meet Rouhani and the head of the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran, the IAEA said on Saturday. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif was also back in Tehran by Sunday.

Minutes after the IAEA’s ruling, the United

States formally lifted banking, steel, shipping and other sanctions on Iran.

The European Union likewise ended all nuclear-related economic and financial sanctions against the country.

The IAEA’s confirmation that Iran had fulfilled its commitments under the nuclear deal also automatically ended most United Nations sanctions on the country.

MORE MONEY, PRESTIGE FOR IRAN The end of sanctions means more money and prestige for Shi’ite Muslim Iran as it becomes deeply embroiled in the sectarian conflicts of the Middle East, notably in the Syrian civil war where its allies are facing Sunni Muslim rebels.

It is also a crowning achievement for Rouhani, a pragmatic cleric elected in 2013 in a landslide on a promise to reduce Iran’s international isolation.

Iran denies its nuclear programme was aimed at obtaining an atomic bomb.

Washington maintains separate, less comprehensive sanctions on Iran over its missile programme.

Britain welcomed the deal’s implementation, as did France which said it would keep a close eye out to ensure that Iran’s nuclear deal with diplomatic

powers is strictly respected.

Japan plans to lift most of its sanctions against Iran, including a halt to fresh investments in Iranian oil and gas projects, “within a few days”, a Foreign Ministry official said.

Besides the ban on new investments in the Iranian energy sector, part of Tokyo’s asset freeze measures against Iranian individuals and groups that are involved in nuclear activities will also be lifted, he said.

In Washington, President Barack Obama pardoned three IranianAmericans charged with violating sanctions against Iran, a lawyer for one of the men said, while prosecutors moved to drop charges against four Iranians outside the United States.

Iran agreed to free five Americans including Rezaian and Saeed Abedini, an Iranian-American Christian pastor sentenced to eight years in prison in 2013 on charges of undermining Iran’s national security.

The prisoner deal was the culmination of months of diplomatic contacts, secret talks and legal manoeuvring which came close to falling apart because of a threat by Washington in December to impose fresh sanctions on Iran for recent ballistic missile tests.

Islamic State kidnaps After vote, China tells Taiwan to abandon Pakistan arrests imam 400 civilians in Syrian city independence “hallucination” after boy cuts hand BEIRUT, JANUARY 17 (RE- demned the killings which it TAIPEI/BEIJING, JANUARY 17 authority will find the sufferings of in the parliamentary polls to gain an off in blasphemy error UTERS): Islamic State mili- described as a “horrific mas- (REUTERS): Taiwan should aban- the people it wishes to resolve on the absolute majority with 68 seats in the tants kidnapped at least 400 civilians when they attacked government-held areas in the eastern Syrian city of Deir alZor on Saturday, a monitoring group said.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Sunday families of pro-government fighters were among those abducted.

“There is genuine fear for their lives, there is a fear that the group might execute them as it has done before in other areas,” said the Observatory’s head Rami Abdulrahamn.

Deir al-Zor is the main town in a province of the same name. The province links Islamic State’s de facto capital in the Syrian city of Raqqa with territory controlled by the militant group in neighbouring Iraq.

Syria’s state news agency SANA said earlier that at least 300 people, including women and children, had been killed during the attacks in Deir alZor, but it made no mention of people getting kidnapped.

Syria’s government con-

sacre against the residents of Begayliya in Deir al-Zor”.

A source close to the Syrian government side said on Saturday that some of those killed had been beheaded.

Reuters was unable to independently verify the reports.

Islamic State has previously carried out mass killings following military assaults in Iraq and Syria, including the slaughter of 200 soldiers captured from the Tabqa airbase in Raqqa province, and hundreds of members of the al-Sheitat tribe in Deir al-Zor in 2014.

The group, in control of most of Deir al-Zor province, has laid siege since March on remaining government-held areas in the city of Deir al-Zor. Residents are facing severe food shortages and sharply deteriorating conditions. Of those under siege in the city, 70 percent are women and children, and many have been displaced from their homes elsewhere and are living in temporary shelters.

don its “hallucinations” about pushing for independence, as any moves towards it would be a “poison”, Chinese state-run media said after a landslide victory for the island’s independence-leaning opposition.

Tsai Ing-wen and her Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) won a convincing victory in both presidential and parliamentary elections on Saturday, in what could usher in a new round of instability with China, which claims self-ruled Taiwan as its own.

Tsai pledged to maintain peace with its giant neighbour China, while China’s Taiwan Affairs Office warned it would oppose any move towards independence and that Beijing was determined to defend the country’s sovereignty.

Reacting to Tsai’s victory, China’s government-controlled media used noticeably less shrill language than that levelled at Chen Shui-bian, the DPP’s last president, and noted her pledges for peace and to maintain the “status quo” with China.

But the official Xinhua news agency also warned any moves towards independence were like a “poison” that would cause Taiwan to perish.

“If there is no peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, Taiwan’s new

economy, livelihood and its youth will be as useless as looking for fish in a tree,” it said.

China called Chen, who led Taiwan from 2000-2008, a troublemaker and a saboteur of cross-strait ties, even as he tried to maintain stable relations with Beijing.

The Global Times, an influential tabloid published by the ruling Communist Party’s official People’s Daily newspaper, said in an editorial that if Tsai’s administration sought to “cross the red line” like Chen, Taiwan would “meet a dead end”.

“We hope Tsai can lead the DPP out of the hallucinations of Taiwan independence, and contribute to the peaceful and common development between Taiwan and the mainland,” it added.

In Taiwan, the China-friendly China Times called on Tsai to be a “dove for cross strait peace”.

“Peace across the Taiwan Strait is the most important external factor for Taiwan’s stable development,” it said in an editorial.

Tsai won 56 percent of the vote to sweep aside rival Eric Chu of the China-friendly Nationalist Party that had ruled Taiwan under incumbent president Ma Ying-jeou since 2008.

Tsai’s DPP also made huge gains

113-seat legislature, giving her administration a far stronger policy-making lever over the next four years, and potentially more leverage over Beijing on cross-strait deals and affairs.

China’s Foreign Ministry, in its reaction to her victory, said Taiwan was an internal matter for China, there is only one China in the world and the island’s election neither changes this reality nor international acceptance of it.

“There is only one China in the world, the mainland and Taiwan both belong to one China and China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity will not brook being broken up,” the ministry added.

“The results of the Taiwan region election does not change this basic fact and the consensus of the international community.”

Tsai has been thrust into one of Asia’s toughest and most dangerous jobs, with China pointing hundreds of missiles at the island it claims, decades after the losing Nationalists fled from Mao Zedong’s Communists to Taiwan in the Chinese civil war in 1949. The White House said on Saturday it congratulated Tsai and said the United States maintained a “profound interest” in peace between Taiwan and China.

ISLAMABAD, JANUARY 17 (REUTERS): Pakistani police have arrested the imam of a mosque for inciting violence after a 15-year old boy who was told by the cleric that he was a blasphemer went home and cut off his own hand.

Shabbir Ahmed was delivering a sermon at a village in the east of Punjab province when he asked the gathering if anyone did not love the Prophet Mohammad.

Mishearing the question, the 15-year old boy raised his hand. Ahmed quickly singled him out and called him a “blasphemer” in front of the congregation, Nosher Ali, the head of the local police station, told Reuters on Sunday.

After returning home, the boy cut his hand off, an act welcomed by the boy’s father who told police he was proud of his son and did not want the cleric arrested. Police filed anti-terrorism charges against Ahmed and arrested him on Saturday, police chief Ali said.

“Such illiterate imams of mosques should not be allowed to deliver speeches. His arrest is under the National Action Plan that hate speeches inciting violence are no longer allowed in this country,” Ali said.

Blasphemy is a highly controversial issue in Pakistan, and angry mobs have killed many people accused of insulting Islam in the majority Muslim country.

The law does not define blasphemy but stipulates that the penalty is death, although a death sentence has never been carried out. Human rights activists say accusations of blasphemy are sky rocketing because the law is often abused to settle personal grudges.

Jakarta attack highlights jostle to lead Islamic State in SE Asia JAKARTA, JANUARY 17 (REUTERS): Last week’s attack on Jakarta showed for the first time that Islamic State violence has arrived in Indonesia, but security experts believe the radical group’s footprint is still light here because militants are jostling to be its regional leader.

Police have identified Bahrun Naim, an Indonesian based in Syria, as the mastermind of the blitz of bombings and gunfire that left all five attackers and two civilians dead on Thursday.

But perhaps the region’s most influential jihadi is a jailed cleric, Aman Abdurrahman, who with just a few couriers and cell phones is able to command around 200 followers from behind bars.

He sits at the head of Jamaah Ansharut Daulah, an umbrella organisation formed last year through an alliance of splinter groups that security experts believe could become the unifying force for Islamic State supporters.

“They want to internalise the conflicts in Indonesia so they can bring more people from the outside,” said Rakyan Adibrata, a Jakarta-based terrorism expert who advises parliament, referring to the militants who have joined forces under one banner.

“Just like Syria, you need to create a conflict zone very big that can be a magnet for all jihadi to come across the world to Indonesia to wage war. That’s their main objective.”

Police believe that Naim, himself an Abdurrahman supporter, was trying to prove his leadership skills to Islamic State’s leaders in Syria by plotting the Jakarta attack.

“In order to get the credit from ISIS, he needs to prove his leadership capabilities,” Jakarta police chief Tito Karnavian said, using a common acronym for the Syria-based group.

He said Naim’s vision was to unite the now-splintered groups across Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines, that support Islamic State.

REGIONAL UNITY IN DOUBT Islamic State, which controls tracts of Syria and Iraq, has accepted allegiances from jihadists in Nigeria, Egypt, Libya, Algeria, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen and Saudi Arabia, but has yet to formally recognise any radical groups in Southeast Asia.

Indonesia-based Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) was the last transnational group to successfully launch major attacks in the re-

gion, including the 2002 bombings on the resort island of Bali that killed 202 people.

JI, founded by Indonesian and Malaysian militants who returned from battling the Soviet Union in the Afghan jihad of the 1980s and early 1990s, has largely become defunct due to internal rivalries and a sustained crackdown by security forces.

Governments in the region fear that Malay-speaking militants returning from fighting for Islamic State in Syria and Iraq could form a JI-like regional organisation.

But security experts doubt there is much chance of a panregional group emerging that would bring militants from Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines under one banner because there is too much that divides them.

“At this point, it’s hard to imagine any Southeast Asia affiliate would be formed,” said a senior Philippines army counter-terrorism official, noting that militants in his country are mostly interested in raising money from kidnappings.

“And one big obstacle to clear now is finding an amir that all of them can agree on,” added the official, who declined to be named because he is not autho-

Death toll in Indonesia attack rises to eight

A man holds a placard during a peace gathering at the site of this week’s militant attack in central Jakarta, Indonesia January 16, 2016. REUTERS

rised to speak to the media.

In Malaysia, former university lecturer Mahmud Ahmad is believed to be behind recent attempts to unite militant groups from three Southeast Asian countries, including the Abu Sayyaf group based in southern islands of the Philippines.

Abdurrahman remains perhaps the weightiest contender for leadership of Islamic State in the region.

While serving a 9-year prison term for aiding a militant training camp in Indonesia, he has managed to encourage hundreds of Indonesians to

join the fight in Syria and Iraq.

“They can run the organisation from the inside,” said terrorism expert Adibrata. “Couriers bring cell phones and they record every word Abdurrahman says.”

Prison authorities have tried repeatedly to silence Ab-

JAKARTA, JANUARY 17 (REUTERS): Another person has died from injuries sustained in last week’s militant attack in Indonesia’s capital, police officials said on Sunday, bringing the death toll to eight. “The victim was an employee of a branch of Bangkok Bank nearby,” Jakarta police spokeswoman Yulia Hutasuhut told Reuters.

The person was Indonesian.

The gun and bomb attack on Thursday, for which Islamic State has claimed responsibility, injured around 30 in Jakarta’s commercial district.

Four attackers were among the dead, revised down from an earlier five. durrahman.

According to the Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict, 10 phones were confiscated from his cell in September 2014, but just a month later he got hold of a new phone and his sermons to followers inside and outside the prison resumed.

10

monDAY 18•01•2016

sports

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

John Terry's late equaliser earn Chelsea a point against Everton

Everton's Romelu Lukaku in action with Chelsea's John Terry. (Reuters)

LoNdoN, JANUARy 17 (AFP): Aston Villa's Rudy Gestede prevented Leicester City pulling three points clear in the Premier League on Saturday, while John Terry's contentious 98th-minute equaliser earned Chelsea a 3-3 draw with Everton.

Gestede's 75th-minute strike cancelled out Shinji Okazaki's first-half opener to give bottom club Villa a 1-1 draw and leave Leicester cursing another squandered penalty by winger Riyad Mahrez.

Leicester claimed the summit from Manchester City, who had briefly gone top after beating Crystal Palace 4-0, but former leaders Arsenal can go two points clear if they prevail at Stoke City on Sunday.

"I think we had the match in our hands and we lost the points," Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri told Sky Sports. "But that's football. One point is OK. At the end I think the draw is right." Leicester went ahead in the 28th minute at Villa Park when Okazaki followed in to score after Villa goalkeeper Mark Bunn had clawed away a lob by Jamie Vardy. Mahrez should have doubled Leicester's lead six minutes later after Aly Cissokho was penalised for blocking his shot with his hand, but his casual spot-kick was deflected away by Bunn.

It was a second unsuccessful penalty in three league games for Mahrez, who was denied by Artur Boruc in the recent 0-0 draw with Bournemouth.

The Algerian's miscue was punished 15 minutes from time when Beninese substitute Gestede bundled his way past Robert Huth and beat Kasper Schmeichel with the aid of a deflection off Wes Morgan.

Sergio Aguero starred for

City against Palace at a snowsprinkled Etihad Stadium, scoring twice and unselfishly creating an 84th minute tap-in for David Silva.

Fabian Delph had opened the scoring with a skidding 30-yard shot for the hosts, who had leftback Aleksandar Kolarov stretchered off with a calf injury. "Was it comfortable? No, because you never know in this game," said City manager Manuel Pellegrini. "To make five changes and to win the way we did today, I think will be very useful for the future."

Champions Chelsea remain six points above the bottom three after interim manager Guus Hiddink avoided the first defeat of his second stint at the club by the narrowest of margins against Everton.

Everton went 2-0 up early in the second half as Terry scored an inelegant 50th-minute own goal and Kevin Mirallas followed up with a slick turn and shot, both goals created by Leighton Baines.

Cesc Fabregas brought Chelsea back into the game, freeing Diego Costa to round Tim Howard and reduce the arrears in the 64th minute before equalising with a deflected shot less than two minutes later.

After Costa had limped off with a shin injury, defender Ramiro Funes Mori put Everton ahead in the 91st minute from Gerard Deulofeu's cross, only for Terry to flick home a lastgasp equaliser despite an apparent offside.

Everton manager Roberto Martinez described the call to allow Terry's goal to stand as a "horrific decision". "John Terry is clearly offside," said the Spaniard.

"It's a clear-cut decision."

Hiddink conceded: "I can say now he is quite

right. Oscar touched the ball and, half a yard, John was offside, even though he made a beautiful goal."

Tottenham Hotspur tasted victory in 2016 at the fourth attempt with a onesided 4-1 home success over Sunderland in which Christian Eriksen scored twice. Patrick van Aanholt put Sunderland ahead in the 40th minute, but Eriksen equalised within 91 seconds and further goals from Mousa Dembele, Eriksen and Harry Kane, with a penalty, gave Spurs victory.

Spurs, who occupy the fourth Champions League berth, opened up a fivepoint advantage over Manchester United, who visit Liverpool on Sunday, and a four-point lead over West Ham United, who lost 2-1 at Newcastle United.

Jonjo Shelvey shone on his Newcastle debut following his £12 million (16 million euros, $17.3 million) move from Swansea City, sparking the moves that led to early goals for Ayoze Perez and Georginio Wijnaldum.

Substitute Nikica Jelavic hit back for West Ham in the 49th minute after intercepting a back-pass from Chancel Mbemba, but Newcastle held on to escape the relegation zone at the expense of Shelvey's old club Swansea.

Bournemouth pulled five points clear of danger by beating fellow strugglers Norwich City 3-0, with Dan Gosling, Charlie Daniels and £10 million record signing Benik Afobe on target. Meanwhile, James Ward-Prowse scored a fine free-kick and a penalty as Southampton, watched by new striker Charlie Austin, won 3-0 at home to West Bromwich Albion, with Serbian winger Dusan Tadic also scoring.

Broad moves top of ICC bowling rankings

dUBAI, JANUARy 17 (ReUteRS): Pace bowler Stuart Broad has gone top of the International Cricket Council (ICC) rankings after his brilliant display in England's series-clinching victory against South Africa in Johannesburg on Saturday. Broad took six wickets for 17 runs in a devastating burst as England bowled the hosts out for 83 in their second innings.

England then knocked off the victory target of 74 easily.

Broad, 29, moved above Ravichandran Ashwin of India and South Africa's Dale Steyn into top spot -- the first time an English bowler has topped the ICC rankings since Steve Harmison in 2004.

Australia's Steve Smith leads the batting rankings although Joe Root moves up to second after his century for England.

South Africa will lose their top-ranked status to England's Stuart Broad gestures as he celebrates the dis- India following the fourth missal of South Africa's captain AB de Villiers during the third cricket test match in Johannesburg, South Africa, Janu- test against England. They trail 2-0. ary 16. (REUTERS)

NBA: Warriors dealt fourth defeat of season by Pistons AUBURN HILLS, JANUARy 17 (AP): Kentavious Caldwell-Pope held his own against Stephen Curry for most of the night, scoring 20 points as the Detroit Pistons handed the Golden State Warriors their second loss in three games, 113-95 on Saturday.

Much of the pregame talk centered around how well Caldwell-Pope might be able to defend Curry. The Golden State star scored 38 points, but Caldwell-Pope gave the Pistons a boost offensively. The Warriors (37-4) reached the midway point of the regular season a win short of the best 41game start in NBA history.

The 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers and 1995-96 Chicago Bulls started 38-3.

Detroit retired Ben Wallace’s No. 3 jersey at halftime, and by that time the Pistons led 65-49 on a raucous night at the Palace.

Andre Drummond had 14 points and 21 rebounds, and Reggie Jackson scored 20 points for Detroit. The Pistons had six players in double figures, while Golden State had only three.

Klay Thompson scored 24 points for the Warriors.

JAZZ 109, LAKERS 82 Rudy Gobert had 18 points, 18 rebounds and five blocked shots, leading Utah to the easy win.

The Jazz used a 26-5 spurt in the first quarter, including three baskets by Trey Burke, to run away with the game. The Lakers’ last lead came at 7-4.

Gobert recorded his first double-double since re-

(LEFT) Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond hangs from the rim after a dunk during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Auburn Hills, Mich. The Pistons defeated the Warriors 113-95. (AP Photo) (RIGHT) Pistons great Ben Wallace waves to the crowd sitting next to his wife, Chanda, son, Bryce, and daughter, Bailey, during a halftime ceremony to retire his jersey at the Palace on Saturday.

turning from an MCL injury. Gordon Hayward added 14 points for Utah, and Trey Lyles finished with 17 points and nine rebounds.

Lou Williams led the Lakers with 20 points and D’Angelo Russell added 13.

Kobe Bryant played 15 minutes and scored five points.

The Lakers have lost six of seven since a season-high three-game win streak.

Kings 110 Clippers 103 Without DeAndre Jordan and Blake Griffin inside, the Clippers were forced to shoot jumpers.

The Sacramento Kings were on the perimeter contesting shots and disrupting their looks. DeMarcus

Cousins had 19 points and 13 rebounds, Omri Casspi added 17 points and the Kings stopped Los Angeles' 10-game winning streak with a 110-103 victory on Saturday night. Rudy Gay added 18 points and Collison had 17.

J.J. Redick scored 22 points, hitting five 3-pointers, and reserve Jamal Crawford added 20 points for the Clippers, who were tied with the idle Spurs for longest active win streak in the NBA. Chris Paul finished with 15 points. 76ers 114 Trail Blazers 89 Jahlil Okafor had 25 points and 10 rebounds to help Philadelphia snap a

four-game losing streak.

Richaun Holmes added 17 points and Ish Smith and Robert Covington scored 16 apiece for the Sixers, who enjoyed a rare blowout victory. They improved to 5-37 with their most lopsided win of the season.

Damian Lillard scored 14 points for the Blazers, who dropped to 18-25 as their three-game winning streak ended. C.J. McCollum finished with 13 points, and Mason Plumlee and Miles Leonard had 12 apiece. Grizzlies 103 Knicks 95 Memphis beat New York 103-95 in the first game between the teams

since the NBA suspended Grizzlies forward Matt Barnes for two games for his fight with Knicks coach Derek Fisher in October.

Barnes finished with two points and nine rebounds in 26 minutes. Despite the buildup to the first game between the sides, there were no incidents between Barnes and Fisher.

Marc Gasol had 37 points and eight rebounds to help the Grizzlies to their fourth win in five games.

He was 15 for 29 from the field.

Kristaps Porzingis led the Knicks with 17 points, while Kyle O’Quinn added 15 points.

Participants starting their Marathon at 31st LKM General Conference-cum-Sports Meet 2016 in Tuli. The Marathon Race was flagged-off by Director of the Global Open University Nagaland, Dr. Imotemsu.

Nehwal: Serena has Graf record in sights at Australian Open Saina Want my training

MeLBoURNe, JANUARy 17 (AFP): Serena Williams begins her quest Monday to equal Steffi Graf's Open-era record of 22 Grand Slam titles battling fitness concerns and with a host of players desperate to dethrone the defending champion.

Following a dominant 2015, the world number one is gunning for a seventh Australian crown adamant that she is over the knee problems that hindered her during the latter half of the year and during her Melbourne Park buildup. She insisted on Saturday she was "120, 130 percent right" as she prepares for a tricky first-round encounter with Italian Camila Giorgi, the highest ranked non-seeded player in the women's draw.

"I've had a really good preparation. I mean, I didn't have the match play that I've wanted to have," said the 34-year-old American. "But after playing for so many years on tour, I should be able to, you know, focus on that and the fact that I have played a lot of matches. So that's what I'm trying to focus on now."

Her three Grand Slam titles last year in Australia and at Roland Garros and Wimbledon took her within one of Graf's long-time record of 22 and put her three clear of both Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova.

Melbourne Park has been a happy hunting ground. She claimed her first Australian Open title way back in 2003, beating elder sister Venus in the final, and reached her sixth last year when she toppled arch-rival Maria Sharapova. Williams is in a tough

schedule to be a secret till Olympics

Current Australian Open Men's singles champion Serbia's Novak Djokovic (L) passes to Serena Williams of the U.S. the Australian Open Women's singles trophy as they arrive for the official draw ceremony at Melbourne Park, Australia, January 15. (REUTERS)

half of the draw with Russia's Sharapova, seeded five, potentially awaiting her in the quarters.

Sharapova, 28, is also lacking match practice after a left forearm problem forced her out of the Brisbane International, but she too said all is now well.

"Yes, I might be rusty, make a few more unforced errors than I would like, but I'm ready to go," said the 28-year-old, who is attempting to win her first title at Melbourne Park since 2008.

She opens her tournament against Japan's Nao Hibino, with temperatures forecast to hit a sizzling 37 Celsius (98.6 Fahrenheit).

Snapping at the heels of the two veterans are world number two Simona Halep and third ranked Garbine Muguruza, who have also had less than ideal preparations with illness or injury affecting their build-up.

Aggressive baseliner Halep, who won titles

in Shenzhen, Dubai and Indian Wells last year, is looking for her first Grand Slam crown. "I think to win a Grand Slam," she said, when asked her what her focus was. "I don't know if it's going to happen this year, but this is my biggest goal."

Spain's Muguruza, who had a watershed 2015 and made the Wimbledon final, is also targeting her major breakthrough.

The 22-year-old is now under the guidance of coach Sam Sumyk, who helped Victoria Azarenka to the top of the women's game and successive Australian Open titles in 2012 and 2013. She said the Frenchman had so far not imparted any specific tips on what it would take to land a maiden Grand Slam on the Melbourne Park hardcourts.

"There is no recipe. I mean, I come here as prepared as possible," she said.

Azarenka, now fully fit

after two troubled seasons, is one of the form players, having beaten Germany's Angelique Kerber to claim the Brisbane crown.

It was the resurgent Belarusian's first piece of WTA silverware in twoand-a-half years and sent her soaring up the world rankings to 16, a timely confidence boost.

She said she was excited to be injury-free and in with a chance of recapturing her former glories in Melbourne.

"I feel good, I'm feeling excited. I had a pretty good week of practice here," she said ahead of her firstround encounter with Belgian Alison Van Uytvanck.

Among other players, the world numbers four, six and seven -- Agnieszka Radwanska, Petra Kvitova and Angelique Kerber -have also been struggling with either injury or illness in the lead-up to the opening Grand Slam of the year.

New deLHI, JANUARy 17 (AgeNcIeS): India's badminton superstar Saina Nehwal on Saturday said she wanted to keep her training schedule a complete secret ahead of the 2016 Rio Olympics. “I want my training schedule to be a secret till the Olympics but I’m working one-onone,” she told the Hindustan Times in an interview.

Having won the bronze medal at the London Olympics in 2012, Saina is expected to improve upon that performance this year.

Despite beginning 2015 strongly, injury problems prevented Saina from playing her best game towards the end of the year.

According to Hyderabad girl, working one-onone with coach Vimal Kumar has helped improve her game.

“Gopi Sir and Vimal Sir are both hardworking. The only thing that is good for me now is Vimal Sir takes care of only me. He’s able to give me the extra time, the extra thing which I require. To be on top of the world, you need to have something good for your game to be better than others. You can’t train with 10-20 of them and get the same quality. That’s what I’m doing with him,” she said. Saina is currently playing in the Premier Badminton League where she represents the Awadhe Warriors.

Monday 18•01•2016

EntErtainmEnt

Celine Dion’s brother dies from Cancer

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n Friday (15Jan16) the singer's sister Claudette revealed to the Journal of Montreal that their sibling had just a "matter of days

or hours" left to live as he suffered from throat, brain and tongue cancer. He was treated at a hospital in the Quebec city, and passed away on Saturday morning

(16Jan16), Celine's publicist Francine Chaloult confirmed.

Claudette told the publication her brother's condition was very similar to that of Celine's late husband, Rene, who lost his battle with cancer on Thursday (14Jan16). "It's very painful. It's a matter of days or hours," she said. "It looks a lot like Rene, he had cancer of the throat, tongue and brain. Our family is very experienced."

Meanwhile, a source noted how hard it was for Celine, as she and her many siblings are "extremely close". The family released a statement after the sad news broke, noting that Daniel will be remembered as "a gentle and reserved man of many talents". A tribute for him will be held on 23 January (16), with a funeral service to be Nise Meruno with Zowe Madrigal performed on Sunday evening at 'Cadenza' in Guwahati, a concert to promote western held several days later. classical music specially the Pianoforte. Seen here in the pic is Promiti Phukan the main organiser of the event.

Ajay Devgn joins Dhoble for website to find the missing

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ormer ACP Vasant Dhoble, who was known for leading a crackdown on bars and restaurants, has joined hands with actor Ajay Devgn to start a website that will help people find their missing loved ones.

Dhoble, 58, hopes to use his vast network of informants and volunteers in Mumbai and Thane, and Devgn's celebrity for the initiative missingpeopleinfo.com. The website will serve as a public registry for the missing and a platform for the public to share information with volunteers who will chase every clue. The retired officer and the famous screen cop will launch the portal on January 27.

"We will also tie up with several NGOs, which will alert us whenever they find a lost child anywhere in the country. Our volunteers will take the child to the nearest police station," said Dhoble, who retired

from the police force last year after surviving severe public criticism that accused him of carrying out moral policing. He said that Devgn would be the face and the brand ambassador of his new project. "Devgn is known for his non-controversial career and life, and as an actor who has performed many inspiring roles. He is very happy to be a part of the initiative and wants to follow it seriously," Dhoble said. "St An-

gelo's Professional Education is also supporting the project."

The Bollywood star's spokesperson, Parag Desai, confirmed his involvement. "Ajay is very excited about the project and has provided a team for the same. He met Vasant Dhoble during the shooting of 'Singham', and they wanted to do start a social initiative," Desai said. "After retirement, Dhoble met Ajay and discussed the website

project. Ajay was happy to join it." How the website will work People whose loved ones are missing can post their information and pictures on the website. A site monitor will forward the details to registered volunteers and also share it with the police.

The public will also be urged to join the effort. If they spot a person listed on missingpeopleinfo.com begging on a street or wandering around, they can click a picture and post it on the website. Volunteers will then work to locate the person. "More than 10,000 volunteers are supporting the initiative. Most of them are youngsters. They will look for the people reported missing across the city. We will also seek the help of the Mumbai police," Dhoble said. His own experience will also come handy. He traced about 7,000 people during his two-year stint in the Mumbai police's missing persons bureau.

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aylor Swift is a proud godmother. The "Out of the Woods" singer took to Instagram on Saturday evening, January 16 to share photos of her celebrating Jaime King's son Leo Thames 6-month birthday.

In the first photo, Taylor was seen holding LT while Jaime hugging them. Taylor

donned a khaki loose tee, LT wore a white print tee while Jaime sported a flowery white dress. "LT is 6 months old today!! @jaime_king," the "Wildest Dreams" songstress wrote alongside the sweet pic. In the second shot, Taylor was smiling while LT holding her fingers.

The "Blank Space" hitmaker

captioned it, "Pretty wild that 6 months ago, LT wasn't even born yet and now he chews on my fingers." Jaime posted two other pictures of Taylor and her son. "This one goes in the baby book. Godmother love #LeoThames and @ taylorswift," she wrote alongside the pictures. "What love looks like... LT and TS."

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Kabir Bedi marries Parveen on 70th birthday

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eteran actor Kabir Bedi, who celebrated his 70th birthday on Saturday, with his close friends also tied the knot with his long-time partner Parveen Dusanj, 42, on Friday. Actor Gulshan Grover who attended Kabir Bedi's birthday celebration on Saturday night said he wished him 10 more marriages.

"I admire him and he has done some tremendous work, he is someone I look up to and he is the nicest person in the show business. Wishes come from heart I wish him all the very best and I wish him 10 more marriages," Gulshan Grover told reporters on Kabir Bedi's birthday celebration on Saturday.

Bedi, who walked the red carper with Parveen Dusanj said, "Welcome to my annual

70th birthday I have always said anybody in this business who survives 25 years or more deserves an Oscar for survival so I am an Oscocanadian in that sense," Bedi told reporters during the birthday celebration.

"I wish to thank every single person who has loved me, wished me, supported me and wanted the best for me. I hope I live up to their expectation and believe me the best is yet to come," he added.

Parveen further revealed Sufi band from Delhi has been called on his birthday and many more surprise were waiting for him. The couple had visited the gurudwara on Thursday to seek blessings, and the wedding was held on Friday, attended by close family and friends.

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om Hardy has dedicated his Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination to everyone who worked on The Revenant. Hardy picked up the first Oscar nomination of his career for his performance as adventurer John Fitzgerald who betrays Leonardo DiCaprio's frontiersman Hugh Glass. Despite his performance being overlooked at the Golden Globes and the Baftas, Hardy one was of a string of British performers that we in the Oscar mix when the nominations were announced on Thursday afternoon. Speaking about the nomination at the European premiere for The Revenant, he said: "The nomination is for everybody that

Taylor Swift Celebrates New Milestone With Jaime King’s Son

Kendall Jenner and Mango face backlash over ‘Tribal Spirit’ Ad Campaign

odel Kendall Jenner has followed in the footsteps of Kate Moss and Cara Delevingne, by becoming the face of Spanish high-street brand Mango. But while landing the gig may have been one of the biggest coups of Kendall’s career, the model and the brand are facing backlash over the campaign’s ‘Tribal Spirit’ theme.

After images of the campaign were released earlier this week some took to twitter to voice their objection and ask why Kendall, a white model, was chosen to represent a collection inspired by the African Savanna.

Explaining their decision to use Kendall to Women’s Wear Daily, Mango's Vice President Daniel Lopez said, "We thought that she was the best model to embody this trend. And obviously the upside with that is that, as a model,

Tom Hardy Dedicates Oscar Nod To The Revenant Team

was in the cold, everyone who was in the wet. The film has been picked for them ultimately." The Revenant went on to scoop twelve Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actor for DiCaprio and Best Director for Alejandro G. Iñárritu.

And the actor says it was great to work as part of such a great ensemble where there was a "smorgasbord" of ideas from everyone about the film and the performances. He continued: "To be part of his team, I would facilitate whatever it is that he needs and it's a pleasure to do that for somebody who has got a smorgasbord of options that they've already come up with, that they're feeding you and you them.

"It's wonderful to watch him (Leonardo) create and orchestrate himself on screen and also that carries through the entire ensemble. It's just lovely to be a team with somebody like that." The movie saw Hardy reunite with DiCaprio for their second project together - they teamed up on Christopher Nolan's Inception - while the British star worked with director Iñárritu for the first time. There was more success of Hardy at the Oscars as Mad Max: Fury Road picked up ten nominations, including one for Best Picture. (The Oscar winners will be revealed on 28th February.

The Revenant is out now.)

Hillstar NOW SHOWING

she's very professional, she works fantastically. As a celebrity she has huge repercussions in the market and among her followers.”

The’ Tribal Spirit’ images are reportedly the first

of four trends Kendall will model in the full SS16 campaign. Speaking about the campaign earlier this week Kendall said: “I am delighted to have been chosen to present the Tribal Spirit

part of the collection. I love wearing the designs, fabrics and shapes.”

“They really speak of the allure of nature which I know this collection was inspired by. The shots we created on

set reflect the natural undertones of the collection while showing really beautiful, striking pieces. It was a great shoot and working with the entire Mango team was an amazing experience!"

Christian Bale Exits ‘Ferrari’ Biopic over health concerns

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hristian Bale has dropped out of Michael Mann's "Enzo Ferrari" biopic, Deadline reports. According to the site, the star of "The Dark Night Rises" is stepping aside the project after health concerns over the weight gain necessary to play the iconic carmaker.

The start date of spring this year was simply too soon for Christian to gain the necessary weight in the short time. The site claims that the star of "The Big Short" is currently moving fast to re-cast the iconic role and is currently speaking to some heavyweight actors.

"Ferrari" biopic is planning to shoot this summer in Italy. Italian Job scribe Troy Kennedy-Martin wrote the script based on Brock Yates' book "Enzo Ferrari, The Man, The Cars, The Races".

The biopic takes place in 1957, a year where passion, failure, success and death and life all collided. Enzo, who died in 1988 at the age of 90, would be in his 50s at that time.

Vendian Entertainment and YooZoo Bliss Film Fund are financing the project with Paramount distributing in most territories and YooZoo Pictures distributing in China.

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MonDAY 18•01•2016

SPORTS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Late Rooney goal gives Man Utd victory over Liverpool

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LIvERPOOL, JaNUaRy 17 (aFP): Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney pounced to score a 78th-minute winner as his side stunned eternal rivals Liverpool with a smashand-grab 1-0 victory at a freezing Anfield on Sunday.

Presiding over his first game against United, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp watched his team dominate, but Rooney punished their profligacy with his fifth goal in four games, a close range snapshot after Marouane Fellaini had hit the bar.

It was United's first shot on target, but it was enough to give visiting manager Louis van Gaal his fourth win over Liverpool in four games and a first away victory since the 2-1 success at Watford on November 21.

Victory took United to within two points of the Champions League places and allowed them to reclaim fifth place from West Ham United, leaving Liverpool six points back in ninth place, their top-four hopes fading.

They may be England's two most decorated clubs, but Liverpool and United are not this season's leading contenders and a scrappy, shapeless first half reflected both clubs' recent difficulties.

Both teams had drawn 3-3 on their previous outings -- Liverpool at home to Arsenal, United at Newcastle United -- but there was

to be no frenzied attacking to warm the 43,865 shivering souls at Anfield.

What quality football there was came chiefly from Liverpool and, in particular, Roberto Firmino, preferred once again to Christian Benteke as the nominal frontman.

He was involved in two early chances, first drilling narrowly wide after Jordan Henderson, freed by Lucas Leiva, had seen a header palmed away by the outrushing David de Gea and then releasing James Milner to slice wide with a fine, half-volleyed pass.

It was from a Firmino flick, meanwhile, that Henderson flashed a shot across goal and wide after a neat move also involving Adam Lallana.

The Brazilian looked poised to put Liverpool ahead six minutes before half-time, but as he cocked his right foot to shoot, Anthony Martial nipped in to intervene.

A ragged half for the visitors ended with Ashley Young hobbling off after appearing to injure his groin, with youngster Cameron Borthwick-Jackson coming on.

Stationed out on the left, Martial had to wait until first-half stoppage time for a sight of goal, but after driving into the box, his shot was blocked by Mamadou Sakho.

Injured United trio Michael Carrick, Phil Jones

5th DPL T-20 tourney underway

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DIMaPUR, JaNUaRy 17 (MExN): The 5th edition of the Dimapur League T 20 (DPL) got underway at the Nagaland Cricket Stadium, Sovima, Dimapur with Blue Star CC, Flamingoz SC and Victoria Star CC winning their respective matches.

In the first match, Blue Star CC beat Wiskers CC by a comfortable 9 wickets. Blue Star winning the toss, decided to field and bundled out Wiskers for 46 in 16 overs. Arjun Kumar with 13 runs was the highest run getter. Imtiwati scalped 4 wickets while Micheal Longkumer and Wapang each took 2 wickets.

In the run chase, Blue Star scored 50 runs in just 8.4 overs for the loss of one wicket. Trinath got 18 runs while Tojosel scored an unbeaten 15 runs. Imliwati (Bue Star) was adjudged man of the match.

In the second match, Flamingoz defeated Evergreen CC by 89 runs. Winning the toss, Flamingoz elected to bat and scored 158 runs in the stipulated 20 overs for the loss of 7 wickets. Hokaito with 35 runs was the highest scorer while Deepak (23), Jalal (22 not out), and Vicky (23) were the other notable contributors.

Sudama picked 3 wickets.

In the run chase, Evergreen was bundled out for 69 runs in 13 overs. Anwas Hussain scored 25 runs while Sirdharth picked 3 wickets. Hokaito was awarded the man of the match.

In the third match, Victoria Stars beat New Market Warriors by 27 runs. Stars put into bat scored 117 in the stipulated 20 overs for the loss of 9 wickets. In reply, Warriors were bundled out for 90 runs in 17.3 overs. Stars’ Enam Uddin was awarded man of the match for his contribution of 25 runs with the bat.

Today’s matches: Super Caps Vs Zenith CC – 8:30 a.m.

Sparks CC Vs Wiskers CC - 11.45 a.m.

Kohima Hornbills Vs Evergreen CC – 3 p.m.

and Marcos Rojo were among the fans in the away end and they could only look on with concern as Liverpool's dominance continued in the second half, De Gea saving with his feet after Emre Can had flummoxed Chris Smalling with a step-over.

Martial threatened in the 56th minute, fizzing a shot wide after BorthwickJackson's cross was deflected into his path, but Liverpool were soon back on top.

De Gea fielded a sidefoot effort from Henderson and then plunged to his right to parry an effort from Can before springing up to claw away Firmino's cross from the rebound.

Van Gaal sent on Juan Mata, match-winner in United's 2-1 victory at Anfield last March, and Memphis Depay, but still Liverpool came, Mamadou Sakho heading Milner's cross over.

They could not make their pressure count, however, and with 12 minutes remaining Rooney made them pay by slamming the ball past Simon Mignolet after Fellaini's header came back off the bar.

Liverpool's best chance of an equaliser fell to Firmino, but he could not control Milner's mishit shot right in front of goal and as his disbelieving glance at the linesman testified, there was no offside flag to spare his blushes.

Maxwell dazzles in Melbourne, Australia clinch series 3-0

MELBOURNE, JaNUaRy 17 (REUtERs): Glenn Maxwell struck a scintillating 96 in a tricky chase to help Australia beat India by three wickets in the third one-dayer on Sunday and take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the fivematch series.

Maxwell revived Australia's chase for a 296-run victory target with a spectacular knock and by the time he was dismissed after an 83-ball blitz, scores were tied at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

"It was nice to get a few out of the middle," the 27-year-old said at the presentation ceremony.

"I broke my number one bat which was a bit annoying. I have to call Kookaburra and try and get another one from them."

Virat Kohli had earlier struck a run-a-ball 117 to power India to a competitive 295 for six but the total was not enough in the end.

Put into bat, India suffered an early setback as the law of average caught up with opener Rohit Sharma who, after centuries in the last two matches, fell for six in the fifth over.

However, Shikhar Dhawan (68), now a Melbourne resident, batted himself back into form, raising 119 runs with Kohli before exposing his leg-stump which was pegged back by a John Hastings delivery.

At the other end, Kohli became the fastest to score 7,000-runs in one-dayers,

Glenn Maxwell bats during the Third ODI match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, January 17. (REUTERS)

taking five less than the 166 innings South African AB de Villiers needed to reach the mark.

The Indian test skipper found an able ally in Ajinkya Rahane (50), who notched up his second successive fifty, as the duo added 109 runs.

Hastings, who finished with a career-best 4-58, ended Kohli's sparkling knock of 117 that included two sixes and seven

boundaries. Dropped on 20, Aaron Finch (21) could not make the most of the reprieve but Shaun Marsh (62) and skipper Steven Smith (41) added 64 runs to steady the Australia reply.

At 215-6, the hosts looked in trouble before Maxwell bailed them out with some uninhibited strokemaking.

Needing 65 runs off the last 10 overs, Maxwell hit Umesh Yadav for a six

and a four in the 43rd over that produced 15 runs and proved the turning point in the thrilling contest.

Maxwell missed his second ODI ton but belted three sixes and eight boundaries in his stellar knock to claim the manof-the-match award as the hosts romped home with seven balls to spare.

"I thought 295 was a very good score," India captain Mahendra Singh

Dhoni said, not hiding his disappointment with his team's fielding.

"We did not field well, we conceded three boundaries that we should have easily stopped and those were the best fielders in the side.

"In tight games like this, that's one thing we have to avoid," Dhoni rued.

The teams now move to Canberra for the fourth one-dayer on Wednesday.

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Kohli becomes fastest to 24 ODI centuries

MELBOURNE, JaNUaRy 17 (PtI): Star Indian batsman Virat Kohli on Sunday became the fastest to register 24 hundreds and pile up 7,000 runs in one-day cricket, surpassing the twin milestones in just his 161st innings.

The top-order batsman got the better of the Australian bowling attack at the hallowed turf of the Melbourne Cricket Ground with a run-aball knock that was laced with seven fours and two sixes.

During his well-paced effort, Kohli left his idol and cricket icon Tendulkar far behind in terms of the quickness in the number of centuries and runs scored so far. Tendulkar got to his 24th ton in his 219th innings while scoring 7000 plus runs in 189 innings.

The quickest to 24 centuries list has some big names in former Australian captain Ricky Ponting (278) and Sri Lankan greats Sanath Jayasuriya

(370) and Kumar Sangakkara (378), but none comes close to Kohli.

Coming to the crease after the fall of Rohit Sharma (6), Kohli got the 7000-run mark early in the innings after scoring a boundary off James Faulkner in the 10th over.

The 27-year-old left behind South African run-machine AB de Villers (166) in terms of getting to the landmark early.

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly (174), West Indian legend Brian Lara (183), former Caribbean batsman Desmond Haynes (187), South African great Jacques Kallis (188) and Tendulkar (189) also got the 7000-run mark early in their respective careers, but stand way behind Kohli. India's Test captain also stitched a 119-run second wicket partnership with Shikhar Dhawan, which was also an Indian record at MCG beating the previous best of 101 between Sunil Gavaskar India's Virat Kohli celebrates his century against Australia during their One and Dilip Vengsarkar in January 1981. Day cricket match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, January 17. (REUTERS)

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Record stand by Guptill, Williamson sinks Pakistan

HaMILtON, JaNUaRy 17 (aFP): A world-record T20 partnership by Martin Guptill and Kane Williamson gave New Zealand a comprehensive 10-wicket win in the second Twenty20 against Pakistan in Hamilton on Sunday.

Set a target of 169, Guptill finished the match with a boundary to take the New Zealand total to 171 with 14 balls remaining and all wickets intact.

His stand with Williamson eclipsed the previous best Twenty20 partnership of 170 set by South Africans Graeme Smith and Loots Bosman against England in 2009.

New Zealand's dominance in Hamilton, after Pakistan won the first game in Auckland on Friday, means the threematch series will be decided in Wellington next Friday.

Guptill, who uncharacteristically trailed Williamson for much of the match, finished with a flourish to be 87 not out from 58 balls with nine fours and four sixes.

Williamson faced 48 balls for his 72, which included 11 fours.

Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first but there was no urgency about their run-gathering.

Halfway through their innings Pakistan were 60-2, while New Zealand passed the same

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60 mark in the seventh over and were 82-0 after 10 overs.

Williamson and Guptill both brought up their half-centuries in the 13th over when they took 15 off Mohammad Amir, whose three overs cost 34 runs.

While Pakistan tried desperately for a wicket, the one chance they were offered went to ground when Shoaib Malik dropped a straightforward caught-and-bowled chance from Williamson on 61.

After the slow start to the Pakistan innings, Umar Akmal and Malik added backbone with a 63-run partnership off 34 balls to get the tourists up to 168-7.

Akmal was unbeaten on 56 off 27 deliveries at the close while Malik made 39 off 30.

While Pakistan only scored 60 runs in the first 10 overs, they added 108 in the second half of the innings.

Mitchell McClenaghan had the best figures for New Zealand with two for 23.

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