January 20th, 2017

C M Y K

www.morungexpress.com

FriDAY • JAnuArY 20 • 2017

DIMAPUR • Vol. XII • Issue 18 • 12 PAGes • 5

T H e

ESTD. 2005

Be still my heart; thou hast known worse than this

Protesters in TN urge Modi to allow ‘jallikattu’ PAGE 08

P o W e R

o F

T R u T H

— Homer

India pip England in Cuttack run-fest to clinch series

Special lecture on ‘Not writing Bollywood’ PAGE 02

PAGE 12

UlB Polls: 314 candidates to contest; 87 unopposed Morung Express News Dimapur | January 19

Altogether 87 candidates under 26 municipal and town councils will be elected unopposed if the Urban Local Bodies election to be held on February 1, 2017 takes place as per schedule.

Out of this, 57 are male and 30 female candidates.

Statistics prepared by the State Election Commission (SEC) on the list of candidates and wards for the ULBs election indicated that there are 87 wards with unopposed candidates while there are vacant four wards from Tuli and Phek town council after candidates withdrew nomination.

In three town councilsChumukedima, Mangkolemba and Chozuba, election remains annulled as all candidates withdrew their nominations on the deadline given by the Commission.

The total number of candidates to contest for the election stand at 314, while 141 wards out of the 232 wards from 26 municipal and town councils would be holding election in 235 polling stations.

Overall, there were 401 valid candidates remaining for the municipal and town council election after the ending of the deadline for withdrawal of nomination

reflections

By Sandemo Ngullie

lisT oF ulB’s FoR CoNDuCT oF ElECTioNs

Total Municipal /Town Total No No of Council of Wards Ps Dimapur MC 23 125 East Dimapur TC 11 11 Chumukedima TC Tseminyu TC 9 9 Tuli TC 9 9 Mangkolemba TC Peren TC 9 9 Jalukie TC 9 9 Tening TC 9 9 Kiphire TC 11 16 Pungro TC 9 9 Phek TC 11 11 Chozuba TC Meluri TC 9 9 Pfutsero TC Shamator TC 11 11 Noklak TC 9 9 Longkhim TC 9 9

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

Yes

No

others

Fencing Issue: NSF asks PM to intervene

C M Y K

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 19 (MExN): The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) today submitted a representation to the Prime Minister of India seeking an amicable solution to the Indo-Myanmar border fencing issue. The NSF, in its memorandum, resented the border fencing along the international boundary, and said that “despite the artificial geographical boundary created, the people in the region are peace loving and have been rendering much effort to maintain peace and tranquillity along the area.” The NSF appealed to the PM to stop the works on the border “before it results in creating panic and havoc, which will be gravely detrimental to human existence.”

all withdrawn 21

9

9

12 15 6 14 16

6 7 3 7 7

6 7 3 10 7

12 16 22

6 7 9

6 7 9

Zunheboto TC

13

20

11

5

7

Naginimora TC Tobu TC Tizit TC Aboi TC Longleng TC Wokha TC Bhandari TC

9 9 9 9 11 15 9 232

9 9 9 9 11 30 9 361

10 12 20 14 21 24 19 314

5 6 9 6 8 12 9 141

5 6 9 6 8 24 9 235

papers. This includes 87 unopposed and 314 contesting candidates. Out of these, 263 are men and 138 women.

The Naga Peoples’ Front (NPF) appears to be heading to a massive win judging by the number of candidates fielded by the party, which rose to three digits of 153 candidates, both unopposed, and contesting. Other political parties including the BJP and Congress and Independent had candidates only

in double digits.

From Tuli town council, NPF candidates emerged unopposed from 8 wards out of the total nine wards. Similarly, in Phek town council, out of the 11 wards, 8 wards have been unopposed with NPF candidates dominating the town council. The remaining three wards are vacant after candidates withdrew nominations.

From Dimapur, despite the opposition from the Naga Council Dima-

NIL 2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 1 all withdrawn 4,5,&8 3&4 1,2,4,5,8 &9 6,7,9,&10 8&9 1,2,3,5,7,8,9&10 4,6 & 11 all withdrawn 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 all withdrawn 3,4,7,9&11 3&8 NIL 2,4,5,6,8,9,12 &13 1,2,3&8 2,8 & 9 NIL 2,6 &9 2,9 &10 2,13&14 87 87 4

pur and tribal bodies, 43 candidates are in the fray to contest from 17 wards out of the total 23 wards. The remaining six wards have unopposed candidates.

With 5 (five) candidates each- Ward-11 from Dimapur municipal council and ward-4 from Longkhim town council has the highest number of candidates contesting from a single ward, the SEC statistics revealed. There are 4 Independent and 1 NPF from

unopposed candidate Male/Female breakup

Name of Munucipal/Town Male Female Total Council Dimapur Municipal Council 4 2 East Dimapur Town Council 5 3 Tuli Town Council 5 3 Peren Town Council 3 Jalukie Town Council 1 1 Tening Town Council 5 1 Kiphire Town Council 2 2 Pungro Town Council 1 1 Phek Town Council 5 3 Meluri Town Council 6 3 Shamtor Town Council 3 2 Noklak Town Council 1 1 Zunheboto Town Council 5 3 Naginimora Town Council 3 1 Tobu Town Council 2 1 Aboi Town Council 1 2 Longleng Town Council 2 1 Wokha Town Council 3 57 30 87

Phek Town still under curfew

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 19 (MExN): Section 144 of CrPc continues to be in force in Phek town, following the vandalism witnessed on January 17, wherein property and houses of the three intending candidates to the town council elections 2017 were wrecked.

A press note from the EAC, Phek informed that Mobile services data connection has also been suspended in the town in the wake of the prevailing situation. While the Deputy Commissioner of Phek had given relaxation of few hours in order to let the public of the town procure the essential commodities, all shops and business establishments in the town closed their shutters on January 18 and 19. District administration, police & para military forces have been deployed round the clock to ensure peace in the town. The Deputy Commissioner has said that sec 144 CrPC will be in force till further orders. He further appealed to the people of Phek town to comply and cooperate with the order in the larger interest of the town Source: State Election Commission and its people.

ward-5 Dimapur and 3 Independent, 1 BJP and 1 NPF which include two women from ward-4 in Longkhim.

Disciplinary action against govt servants going against ULB polls: DC Dimapur The Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur on Thursday brought to the notice of all government appointed individuals and organizations that the conduct of

ULB elections is a decision of the government and every government agent and government servant should abide by the government policy.

A press communiqué from the DC Dimapur has warned that any government servant or agent/GB/ DB found indulging against the policy of the government and participating in activities of opposition to the conduct of the ULB polls shall be dealt with as

per relevant rules and provisions of disciplinary proceedings prescribed for government servants.

ULB election should be held after wider consultation: NSCA The Nagaland Senior Citizens Association (NSCA) on Thursday observed that the forthcoming ULB election should be held only after wider consultation.

“Considering the grav-

ity of the matter and nature of the case, the NSCA feel it necessary that ULB election should be held after wider consultation,” a press statement from the Association read.

The Association also felt that the ongoing international boundary construction between Nagaland and Myanmar should be stopped immediately and be constructed after proper consultation of the area and consent of the inhabitants.

Create space to work out solution: APO advisory body Reading standard improving

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 19 (MExN): Members of the Angami Public Organisation (APO), advisory body while acknowledging that the issue of women’s reservation has created a crisis of highlycharged emotions, stressed that “space must be created at all cost at this critical juncture to enable our society to work out solutions to our pressing problems so that our difficulties will make us stronger rather than weaker.”

A joint statement by Convener Vipralhou Kesiezie, Secretary Zeneituo Yano, Dr Dietho-o Yhoshü, Dr Seyiekietuo Ziephrü, Ketholeho Kulnu, Krurovi Peseyie, RovigMock drill, or you can say, welhu Chüsi, Niketu Iralu and Abi preparing for the upcoming Yalie stated: “Our society emergmega event.

The Morung Express Poll QuEsTioN

Total No No of Contested unopposed Vacant of Ps for contesting wards Wards wards poll candidates 43 17 94 4,5,8,10,15 &18 6 3 3 1,2,3,4,6,7,8 &11

ing from our traditional past is responding to an issue it has never faced before. We should not be surprised our responses have produced differences and dangerous tension.”

Naga society, it maintained, “has to evolve the solution that will serve us best as we progress along.” This, it added would happen “if the sound growth of our society is more important to us than lesser agendas.”

Full text on page 10

cated candidates from any part of Nagaland related to town and municipal elections against taking refuge in Angami areas of Dimapur and Kohima.

A press note from the AYO added that “any family or house owner in the Angami areas detected harbouring these negative characters under their roof currently or gets reported to have being doing so even at a later date will be held accountable and viewed seriously.”

It hoped that the current imAYO reiterates warning to broglio would be resolved “collecexcommunicated candidates tively by our Naga elders, our legal The Angami Youth Organisa- luminaries, our intellectuals, legtion (AYO) has meanwhile reiter- islators and the government at the ated its warning to excommuni- earliest.”

CM takes up border fencing issue with MHA

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 19 (MExN): Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang has urged the Government of India to ask its Myanmar counterpart to stop the border fencing in Noklak area of Tuensang district, since this would adversely affect free movement of the people in the area and also the traditional land holding system.

A press note from the CMO informed that Zeliang had a meeting with the Union Home Minister, Rajnath Singh late Wednesday night, where the former pointed out that the people of Noklak area stand to lose some 3500 acres of land.

“Border fencing is also not in tune with the Free Movement Regime shared by both India and Myanmar,” Zeliang pointed out and added that “unlike the country’s borders with Pakistan, people of the area have been living peacefully together since time immemorial and there is no need for border fencing.”

“The communities living on both sides of the border in these areas have very close cultural and social affini-

ties and there are instances where people hold land on both sides of the border,” Zeliang said. “Moreover, the Act East policy of the Government of India intends to improve trade and communications across the IndoMyanmar border and fencing of the boundaries would defeat the very purpose of Act East Policy.”

The Union Home Minister meanwhile informed that the MHA has written to the Ministry of External Affairs to take up with the Government of Myanmar not to proceed with border fencing on their side. The Government of Nagaland had earlier, on December 22, 2016 written to the Home Ministry to take up the matter with the Government of Myanmar to avoid border fencing.

Construction of boundary fencing between BP 145 and 146 by the Government of Myanmar bordering Noklak sub division was taken up for discussion at the 22nd Sectoral Level Meeting between the Government of Myanmar and the Government of India on December 19, 2016, the CMO further informed.

in Nagaland: ASER 2016 says

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 19 (MExN): The Annual Status of Education Report, ASER 2016 was released in New Delhi today showing the status of children’s schooling and basic learning.

In the state of Nagaland the survey reached 314 villages, covering 6555 households and 11719 children in the age group 3-16. ASER volunteers visited 300 government schools in the state.

The report stated that the proportion of children in Std V who could read a Std II level text improved by more than 5 percentage points from 2014 to 2016 in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tripura, Nagaland and Rajasthan. This improvement, it said, is driven by gains in learning levels in government schools in these states.

Nagaland was also among the states where attendance levels are above 80%.

Nationally, the report found that enrollment increased for all age groups between 2014 and 2016, while there was no increase in private enrollment for the same period. Nationally, reading ability has improved especially in early grades in government schools.

Arithmetic showed improvement in government schools in primary grades, while the ability to read English remained unchanged for lower primary grades.

The report also found that children’s attendance showed no major change from 2014.

Meanwhile, the proportion of “small schools” in the government primary school sector continues to grow, and the percentage of multigrade classrooms has also increased.

For the most part, it concluded that improvement in school facilities continues.

‘Know your roots and identity’

Despite quit notice, Minister addresses 67th AKM General Conference at Changtongya Morung Express News Changtongya | January 19

Despite the Ao Senden issuing a strongly worded quit notice to Minister for Election, National Highway & Mechanical, Nuklutoshi Longkumer, the latter today addressed the students’ community at the ongoing 67th AKM General Conference in Changtongya and asked them to change their mindset about employability, know about their roots and identity, educate their parents about the need of unity and think about their fate in the future.

The Minister, who was the chief guest on the second day of the AKM General Conference, also attended by the Ao Senden President, challenged students to be more proactive, broad-minded and future oriented.

He said that the era of getting education just for a degree is over and urged students to focus on skill development and entrepreneurship so that they can generate their own income and be self-sufficient.

He also encouraged students to look beyond government employment and look at job opportunities at the national and interna-

Minister Nuklutoshi longkumer (right) releasing the AKM souvenir book on Thursday, January 19.

tional arena. He said that the high number of educated unemployed youths is the biggest economic problem in Nagaland today, and cautioned against lackadaisical and indifferent attitude.

The Minister further asked the youth to understand Naga social and political history in the right perspective, and not remain silent spectators. He even urged them to educate the elders.

He meanwhile rued that Naga society is too selfish; a society that has no respect for leaders, elders, parents, friends and even religion.

He went on to say that eighty percent of the congregation might not be aware of their future. Students, he stated were not aware of their future because they were too dependent on their elders, parents, and leaders. He, therefore, challenged the youths to demand from

the ‘parents’ to ‘forgive and forget’, to reconcile and be united for the sake of the future Naga generation.

Meanwhile, President of the Ao Senden, C Angang Jamir and NSF president, Subenthung Kithan also exhorted the congregation. A special number was presented by Ao Students’ Union, Delhi.

During the programme, the Educational Promotional Trust Award was also given away to meritorious scholars and Corpus Fund Committee members were also felicitated.

Believe you can do it: Dr Wati Aier Oriental Theological Seminary Principal, Rev Dr Wati Aier who was the main speaker in the second session of the day, said that there is a need for self-criticism and forward looking to ensure a better society.

While speaking on the theme of

the conference ‘Resolute affirmation’, he pointed out that the Nagas today look backwards, at the archaic social institutions, and try to lead forward, and questioned how this would work.

While talking from an Ao people’s perspective, Dr Aier asserted that the Aos should not be too proud to think that they were the first to receive education or Christianity. He asked the Ao people to think what the situation would be if Christianity or education came to some other communities first.

Therefore, he asked the Aos not to think that they are better than others, rather they should think that they are the fortunate ones.

In this connection, he reminded that it is a competitive world and everyone aspires to be the best and to reach the highest level. Therefore, he asked the Aos to have serious self-criticism, and not to look backwards too much. He said that backward looking and leading comes from the idea that we are right, a justification that we are right.

He also called for a renaissance among the people. Dr Aier added that first comes renaissance, then enlightenment and industrialization. However, he questioned where the renaissance among the Nagas is.

Expressing belief that students can bring great changes in society, he asked them to “believe you can do it,” while keeping in mind the power and blessings of God.

2

FriDAY 20•01•2017

NAGALAND

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Special lecture on ‘Not writing Bollywood’

Dimapur, January 19 (mExn): The first bimonthly talk of Naga Scholars’ Association (NSA) for the year 2017 was held at School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University. The session started with welcome address by NSA president Dr. Zuchamo Yanthan.

The invited speaker Easterine Kire, a national award winner ‘The Hindu Prize for 2015’ discussed about her latest book ‘Sound of the thundercloud’ and gave a special lecture on ‘Not writing Bollywood.’

She narrated the difficulty as creative writers from North East, who are expected to follow certain prescribed-format like Bollywood which constraints and limit the space for creative writing. As interesting as the title sounds, Kire

began by clarifying that the catchy title of the talk has nothing against Bollywood but it was used merely for deriving lucrative examples and reliable analogies.

According to Kire, Bollywood thrives on a peculiar “formula” of action and romance which is farfetched in real life. The formula has a “heroizing pattern” that categorize individual as black and white, or either as hero or as villain. This feeds people with the false assumption that applying such formula in real life can bring success. The audience always fails to realize that Bollywood formula is only for entertainment purpose. Thus, the talk revolves around such credulous “formula” in the sphere of writing (creative and academia both) with Kire questioning the supremacy and validity

DC Kohima informs on LED bulbs

Dimapur MCC Committee members meeting held

kohima, January 19 (Dipr): The Deputy Commissioner Kohima, Rajesh Soudararajan, IAS has informed the Chairmen of Village Councils, Wards, Colonies that in connection with the initiatives of Energy Efficient Nagaland under the centrally Sponsored UJALA Scheme; the District Administration Kohima in consultation with EESL JV has revised and lowered the rate of LED bulbs (9 watts) from Rs 70 to Rs 65/- per bulb of which Rs 2/- will be marked as transport incentives or cost for the respective village, Ward, Colony.

Animal Welfare Fortnight prog in Zunheboto ZunhEboto, January 19 (mExn): The office of the Chief Vety & AH Officer Zunheboto along with the districts of the state and of the country will be celebrating Animal Welfare Fortnight programme in the district. During this period, a series of activities would initiate and be conducted on issues related to prevention of cruelty to animals, care and management, health care, care during transportation, protection of wild animals & their habitats etc.

The department will be organizing free vaccination camps till January 30 for dogs and livestock, distribution of dewormer for pigs, vitamins and mineral mixtures for livestock, delivering talks on animal welfare in selected schools and colleges, help initiate formation of animal lovers, kindness groups, clubs, visiting slaughter houses for creating awareness on humane slaughter of animals.

CVO Zunheboto Dr. Toshi Aier in a press release has sought cooperation from public, institutions and all concerned for the success of the programme.

Dimapur, January 19 (Dipr): Deputy Commissioner Dimapur, Kesonyu Yhome presided a meeting of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) Committee members of Dimapur district on January 18 in the Conference Hall of DC Dimapur.

Yhome reminded that the main purpose of MCC Committee was to oversee whether Code of Conduct is being followed by the various political parties in order to ensure smooth, free and fair elections. He expressed gratefulness to the GBs, representatives of various political parties and MCC Committee members for extending their cooperation thus far and reminded, “The real challenge will start now and you have to stick to the MCC.” Referring to the dis-

National award winner Easterine Kire shares insight about literary world

of its existence.

Kire said during the nineties, writers were often made to believe that there is a certain way of writing, a formula and a pattern that needs to be followed. “Such is the case with North Eastern writers. They are often demarcated and expected to write and talk about conflict, violence and political scenario,” she added.

She talked about her early experience as a writer when her works were rejected a couple of times by publishers for not meeting the criteria prerequisite of a North Eastern writings and was often asked for more

cussions of the State Level MCC Committee, Yhome urged the representatives of political parties to convey the message to the intending candidates highlighting that No feasting should take place and no youth camps can be set up except for the party office; No government vehicles are allowed to be used for campaigning purposes; Not to indulge in corrupt practices including bribery; undue influence, systematic appeal by the candidate or agents to vote or not to cast votes; Information to be given to the district administration prior to processions streets, meetings in public places where such situation may affect normal movement and traffic congestion.

He further reminded that campaigns have to stop 48

political background and violence check etc. Even her recent novels were hardly reviewed, promoted or publicize because of the themes employed.

She brought into picture the dominating figure that governs the literary world by dictating specific themes for the writers (North Eastern in this case) and the perplexity and chasm that follows if one doesn’t subscribe to the formula. Kire voiced against such dictation saying that the existence of such rule and formula deprive the writers of their independence to think creatively. Writing,

to her, is more than pleasing people or satisfying her readers. Writing, to her, is a balance between creativity and constructive analysis. Hence, writing should come straight from the heart, rather than springing out from an expected or given themes.

It was in this regard that Kire relates the publishing industry with the film industry by making a similar comparison between the two. Kire petitioned to speak up for ourselves as she doesn’t believe in the superficial heroes who follows or leads the crowd.

She only believes that we are our own true heroes.

In the concluding remark Kire said, “We will write what we want to write, not what we are expected to write,” defies the long executed formula and encour-

ages us to think beyond the box and to write from our heart, beyond what is given and expected. Being a community/region with rich culture and heritage, we should explore means and ways to narrate our own folk tales and assert our roots and identity rather than simply confining to ideas that is subjugated to us within certain frames and contexts.

Dr. Shelmi Sankhil, who teaches at Ambedkar University, has chaired the session and Dr. Veio Pou, (Delhi University) was the discussant. Dr. Gideon, General Secretary of NSA, thanked the audience for the eventful discussion and the event ended with high note on further encouraging creative writing especially among youngsters.

The rapporteur was Kanshouwa Susie.

MCC committee members of Dimapur district during the meeting at DCs conference hall, Dimapur on January 18. (DIPR Photo)

hours before the schedule time for election.

In the meeting, ADC Dimapur Elizabeth Ngully also the RO Dimapur informed for submission of list of bogus/absentees/

death voters at the earliest so that the same could be marked in the electoral roll. She also informed that voters list would be distributed in January 23, 2017.

Further, she informed that

polling agents can come and attend the training on 20th January to be held at Dimapur Government College in order to familiarise themselves and avoid confusions on the polling day.

‘Homiletic Lab: Skill Development in Preaching’ workshop underway

mokokchung, January 19 (mExn): Realizing the importance and inescapability of preaching in Christian Ministry, the Clark Communication and Cultural Research Centre in collaboration with the Warner College of Preaching organized three days workshop on the theme ‘Homiletic Lab: Skill Development in Preaching’ from January 19 to 21 at Clark Theological College, Aolijen, Mokokchung.

This three days workshop is sponsored

by Ecumenical Centre for Homiletic Orientation, Forum for Ecological Spirituality & Sustainability Turnover (ECHO-FOREST). Warner College of Preaching (WCP) is the main wing of ECHO-FOREST which implements and materializes its vision.

The organisers informed in a press release that two expert-member team from Warner ColRev Dr Alfred Stephen, lege of Preaching, Rev professor of Homiletic.

Dr Alfred Stephen, professor of Homiletic and C Bendangonen Jamir, Homiletic Scholar are the resource persons in this workshop.

In the inaugural programme, while welcoming and introducing the resource persons, Principal of the College Rev. Dr. Marnungsang acknowledged that the coming of such a world renown Professors of Homiletic to Clark Theological College at the time when entire theological institutions in India are facing scarcity of Homiletic professors and teachers, is an amazing opportunity and blessing of God and for which he thanked the resource persons from Warner College of Preaching and ECHO-FOREST. While introducing the workshop, Prof. Alfred Stephen addressed the august gathering by saying that the Homiletic Lab aims to inculcate the importance of preaching and teach the method of developing sermon and challenge the participants with the contextual reality of society and train them to reflect of the scripture in the light of the life situations and explain the life situation in the light of the scripture. He further said that the ECHO-FOREST and Warner College of Preaching among other goals is committed to train the Theological Students, Pastors and Preachers in the Science and Arts of Preaching.

The inaugural programme was chaired by Toshi Aier, Assistant Professor, Department of History of Christianity, invocation was said by Renbi Rangthang, Asst. Professor, Department of Biblical Studies and dedicatory prayer for the success of the programme was offered by Reverend T. Yanger Jamir, Public Relation Officer of the College.

All together 73 young men and women are participating in this workshop.

State stakeholders discuss PBCA Christian Education Ministry convention concludes modification of MIDH guidelines

kohima, January 19 (mExn): The state level stakeholder’s consultation meet for modification of MIDH (Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture) guidelines was held in the Conference Hall of the Directorate of Horticulture, Kohima on January 18.

The meeting was held to discuss on policies related to the existing MIDH guidelines and further requirements for holistic development of the horticulture sector, to suggest views and comments to the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India for modifications in the MIDH Guidelines.

The event which was attended by officers of the Horticulture Department, representatives from ICAR, SASRD, CIH, SBI Lead Bank, NSAMB, FPOs, progressive farmers and entrepreneurs from the districts, was chaired by Pawan Kumar, Director of Horticul-

ture. The chair presented the welcome address and appraised the house that the meet was called at the behest of the Ministry so that the stakeholders can be given the opportunity to present their views and suggestions to modify the MIDH guidelines at the State Level. The outcome of which will be presented in the Zonal Level Stakeholders Consultation Meet to be held on February 1 which will ultimately culminate at the National Level Meet.

Alan Gomei, IAS & Secretary (Horticulture) in his address highlighted the fact that this was the first time that the States have been consulted in any National policy decision as till the 12th Five Year Plan, States were not taken into confidence during the framing of various Scheme guidelines due to which it became difficult to implement the Schemes especially in the North East Region, due to the geographical and so-

cial differences. He urged the Stakeholders especially the farmers, entrepreneurs, Researchers, Bankers and field officers to take full advantage of the privilege and come out with useful suggestions based on their field experiences so as to make the implementation of the Scheme successful.

Thereafter, the stakeholders had a brainstorming discussion during the technical session where all the different aspects and issues in the MIDH guidelines were analysed and the different stakeholders came out with various views and suggestions for modification in the MIDH guidelines with the consensus of the members present which will be compiled and presented at the Zonal Level Stakeholders Meet to be held in February.

The meet ended with a vote of thanks from Arun Mech, Joint Director of Horticulture.

A group participating in the competition as part of the first ever Christian Education Ministry zone-wise convention under Phom Baptist Christian Association.

Dimapur, January 19 (mExn): The Christian Education Ministry under Phom Baptist Christian Association (PBCA) held its first ever Christian Education Ministry zonewise convention under the theme ‘Kahvang Shah Homei Changpüshapü Yangnyu” (Abundant Life through the word of God) based on the Bible verse

John 10:10 from January 17 to 19 at Signal Phom Baptist Attoi, Dimapur.

The Convention was taken up under the leadership of O. Yannyang Anghlee, Christian Education Secretary, PBCA. Speaking on the occasion, he said that since the secular forces are very strong these days and impacts the young children easily, it is

Defence pension adalat on February 8 and 9 Dimapur, January 19 (mExn): PCDA (Pension), Allahabad will be conducting a defence pension adalat at 71 Engineer Regiment, Walford, Dimapur on February 8 and 9 for in situ settlement of pension related grievances of the defence pensioners including defence civilians residing in the State of Nagaland.

Brig KK Roy Choudhury, SM, VSM (Retd), Director Sainik Welfare & Resettlement, Nagaland that Defence pensioners including widows are requested to send their pension related complaints in English, in duplicate, by name to SK Sharma, Pension Adalat Officer, Principle CDA (Pension), Drupadighat, Allahabad-211014.

Pensioners should mention their Name, Rank, Regiment, Army Number, PPO Number, details of Bank with Account Number, Name and address of the Record Office(s), specific grievances, Date of Discharge and address with mobile/telephone Number.

Pensioners can also send their grievances at the e-mail address cda-allbd@ nic.in and Fax Number 03522421873.

Further, those interested in attending the event are requested to intimate to the nearest Zila Sainik Welfare Office/Cell by January 19. The event will commence at 9: 30 am onwards on February 8.

very important and necessary to imprint the word of God on these young minds.

Altogether Christian Education Ministry from six Churches under this zone with over 300 delegates participated in the convention. Different speakers shared the word of God to the children in each session. The children participated in

various competitions like Bible recitation with action (Primary and Junior), Solo (Male &Female) and Children Choral voice.

This Convention also saw a lot of enthusiastic parents actively attending the sessions and encouraging the children.

The stage design and event was managed by Fingerprint, Nagaland.

CAPF 2nd general session conducted

Chief Guest H. Mukam addresses the 2KIPÜ Chessore Area Public Forum general session held on the theme ‘quest for change’ at Chessore HQ.

chEssorE, January 19 (mExn): The 2KIPÜ Chessore Area Public Forum (CAPF) general session on the theme ‘quest for change’ was held at Chessore HQ with individual from various organizations and village council.

A press release on the event informed that H. Mukam, advocate, DAC member and Legal Cell Member Secretary BJP Nagaland was the chief guest. The chief guest emphasized on the role of NGOs and to fight for the right and privileges of common people without any “ism.”

Basing on the theme, he encouraged

all to search for “abandoned privileges which are forsaken because of improper information or knowledge in various departments.”

The session was presided by Keyoungkhum. K, CAPF secretary where Akhum CAPF president delivered welcome note and K. Lakiumong president Yimchunger GBs’ federation and Neoji president Chessore Area GBs union exhorted and acknowledged CAPF for their noteworthy works and urged to move forward with same spirit. The session concluded with a benediction from Doki Allen, pastor, KVBC.

Friday 20•01•2017

NORTH-EAST 3

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Manipur CM's son to push modern Rajnath assures all help to technology, digitisation if elected remove Manipur blockade imphal, JaNuary 19 (iaNS): Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh's son, Surajkumar, 29, who is fighting the state assembly elections from the Khangabok constituency, plans to stress on modern technology and digitisation in the northeastern state if elected. Surajkumar, the Chief Minister's only son, is set to be the youngest candidate in Manipur's history to fight the state assembly elections.

Surajkumar's mother Okram Landhoni, who has been the MLA from Khangabok for two consecutive terms, announced her retirement from electoral politics, to make way for her son.

The block Congress recently made an announcement on Surjakumar's candidature. Landhoni said she would continue serving the people as a social activist.

There will be a multi-cornered contest in this constituency that has about 31,000 voters. Surajkumar, who did his schooling in Manipur and some other states, went to London where he graduated in Economics in 2008. He worked there for a while before returning home to help his parents in their election campaign for the 2012 polls.

Surajkumar told IANS: "I had never dreamed of joining politics. I had planned to do business. However, I silently decided to do something for the people. My first direct contact with the suffering people was when villagers of the Khangabok constituency reeled under two devastating floods."

Earlier, he had planned to set up some residential schools so that the children are not denied classes. "Manipur is notorious for general strikes, blockades and other forms of obstructions and the students are denied classes for nearly five months each year." A prominent national

level polo player, Surajkumar said, "Global warming and rampant deforestation are serious problems. Over 100 like-minded persons have formed the Green Revolution Society, Manipur, which has planted about 200,000 saplings."

Surajkumar, who has widely travelled abroad, has observed how basic amenities are not lacking in most countries. "The Congress government has ensured glut power supply and there is no reason why there should be paucity of potable water in Manipur. We have the Loktak, the largest lake in eastern India, and as such the people should not face a drought-like situation," he said.

He also said that the Manipuris are hard-working and innovative and they could forge ahead with little guidance and assistance. He admits being a chip off the old block. Surajkumar plans to move the state forward through modern technology and digitisation. "Of course, the flagship programmes shall remain there," he added.

His mother, Landhoni, who has been the MLA for two consecutive terms, is happy that her son will take charge. She plans to take up social service for the poor.

"My doors are kept open and, most importantly, I will be able to spend time with my grandson and look after the home," Laldhoni told IANS. His father, who was first elected in 1985, has been Chief Minister for three consecutive terms. He appears only too happy to hand over the baton to his son.

Surajkumar said: "I have closely watched the style of working of my father.

If given a chance I shall keep his vision alive." Manipur goes to the polls in two phases -- March 4 and 8 -- for its 60 seats.

438 cr project undertaken for Agartala airport

agartala, JaNuary 19 (iaNS): The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has undertaken a Rs 438 crore project to upgrade the Agartala airport to international standards by providing world-class facilities, a top official announced on Thursday.

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar met union minister for Civil Aviation Ashok Gajapathi Raju on Wednesday in New Delhi and discussed about the upgradation of the Agartala airport.

According to the official of the Chief Minister's Office, the union minister responded positively when Sarkar requested him to expedite the works. AAI's Agartala airport Director S.D.Barman said that though the tender for the project was not yet floated, the works for building of a new terminal is likely to start by April-May. The Agartala airport is the second busiest in the northeast after Guwahati's Lok-

Delhi court extends Manipur militant's police custody New Delhi, JaNuary 19 (iaNS): A court here on Thursday extended till January 24 the police custody of suspected KCP (Poirei Meitei) militant Khoirom Ranjit.

Additional Sessions Judge Reetesh Singh allowed Delhi Police to quiz Ranjit for five more days after he was presented in court following the expiry of his seven-day police remand.

Delhi Police sought extended custody of Ranjit, allegedly a Commander-in-Chief of the militant outfit, and told the court that he was trying to set up a terror base here and planning terror strikes.

The police said his custodial interrogation will help unearth the entire conspiracy.

The court also sent Ranjit's accomplice Pukhrihongbamibomcha to five-day police custody after he was presented before it on a transit remand.

According to police, Inugbamsanatombi Devi and Ranjit were arrested last week from Mayur Vihar in east Delhi, while Pukhrihongbamibomcha was arrested from Manipur on the basis of information provided by Ranjit.

Devi is undergoing judicial custody till January 31.

The accused were allegedly involved in terror activities and running an extortion network.

priya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport. "Currently three airliners operates an average 14 flights in the AgartalaKolkata, Agartala-Guwahati and AgartalaDelhi routes," Barman told IANS. During World War II, the Agartala airport was used by the 4th Combat Cargo Group (4th CCG) of the US Army Air Forces Tenth Air Force, flying Curtiss C-46 Commando aircraft over Myanmar. The airport was used as a supply point from which the unit airdropped supplies and ammunition to the advancing Allied forces on the ground.

Tripura Transport and Power Minister Manik Dey said that after the completion of the proposed project, flights between (Bangladesh capital) Dhaka - as well as important cities like Chittagong and Sylhet - and Agartala could then be operated.Dey said that the Agartala airport handled on an average nine lakh passengers per year.

Newmai News Network Imphal | January 19

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh assured Joint Forum for Peace (JFP) to help resolved the Manipur impasse.

A 17-member team of the forum, a conglomerate of United Committee Manipur, All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation and Committee of Civil Societies Kangleipak—today met Rajnath in New Delhi over the economic blockade issue. During the meeting the Union Home Minister told the team led by the forum president Elangbam Johnson that the Centre has been making all-out effort to help end the economic blockade which has already caused enormous sufferings to the people of Manipur, the JFP claimed.

The Manipur’s social organization team also submitted a detailed report to Rajnath on how the blockade has "negatively influenced different communities of the state fostering communal feeling among them".

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Delhi over the blockade issue yesterday during which the later made it clear that if the Manipur government fails in its Constitutional duties, the Centre may have to explore other measures under the provisions of the Constitution to ensure that difficulties of people of Manipur are alleviated.

The state government has already invited the agitating UNC's leadership to a tripartite talk to be held on January 23 in Imphal. The Government of India will depute its representative in the proposed meeting.

The Manipur government hopes that some kind of settlement may be reached with the Naga body in the tripartite talk. UNC, however, has been demanding that their leaders now in police custody should be released first before any meeting takes place over the impasse and that the venue for such a talk should take place in Senapati district or a Naga-dominated district or in New Delhi.

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It further urged upon the Home Minister not to allow both the state and central governments to draw political mileage from the present Manipur crisis that has "caused immense hardships to the people".

UNC launched the indefinite blockade on both NH-2 (Imphal-Dimapur route) and NH-37 (ImphalJiribam route) over the district creation issue. The Naga body has resisted the move of the Manipur government on creating new districts saying Naga areas cannot be curbed out in the process.

Rajnath also reportedly told the team during the meeting the Centre has taken up steps to help removed the blockade soon and that adequate paramilitary personnel have been sent in to reopen the road blockade and ensure regular transportation of goods to Manipur from other states.

Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh also met Rajnath Singh in New

The Entrepreneurs Associates (EA) Group of Social Ventures is looking for smart and competent professionals to fill the positions of Accountant(s) at its head office in Kohima.

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Whereas Smti. Khenjila Yimchunger wife of Late.

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Description of the Property 1. PEN/COM-13328/NL/5/15504 2. Any Other dues etc.

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Public are hereby asked to file objection/claim if any within 30(thirty) days from the date of issue of this notice. If no objection /claim is received within the stipulated time, Succession Certificate will be issued in favour of the applicant.

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Schedule of Land and Boundary Name of Patta Holder : Rongsen Sangtam Village/Block No : Purana Bazar (AK) Patta No : 579 Dag No : 924

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NO.M-18/17/2152-53: Notice is hereby given that Shri.

Solum Lotha -vrs- Holuvi Zhimomi R/o Dimapur, Nagaland under Rule 50 & 51 of Assam Revenue Regulation 1886 have applied for Mutation of land described in the schedule below:The undersigned under Rule 52 of the said Rules do hereby invites claims/objections concerning to the said land, if any & should be submitted to this court in writing on or before 03-02-17.

Schedule of Land and Boundary Name of Patta Holder : Solum Lotha Village/Block No : 10 Patta No : 564 Dag No : 1/639 Area : 00B-01K-164 LS Sd/- Deputy Commissioner Dimapur : Nagaland

Dated: 18/01/2017

Whereas an application alongwith related documents received from Shri. Yikhyabemo Murry Adhoc Chairman and Thungchamo Yanthan Adhoc Secretary of Nitsuyan Village for recognition of a new village called ‘Nitsuyan’ having an area of 1136 acres/460 Hec, of village territory approximate in area with the following boundaries.

1. North : Makharong 2. East : Upper Baghty 3. South : Sunglup 4. West : Yonchucho Now, therefore the general public of neighboring villages under Wokha district area hereby invited to file objection if any within 30 days from the date of issue of this notice in absence of which the recognition of the village called ‘Nitsuyan’ Village will be initiated after the expiry of 30 (Thirty) days from the date of issue of this notice subject to be fulfillment of all other conditions laid down by the Govt. Office memorandum No. GAB-1/COM/108/2005, dated the 1st Oct.2005.

(WEZOPE KENYE) Deputy Commissioner, Wokha: Nagaland

IN THE COURT OF

PRINCIPAL DISTRICT AND SESSIONS JUDGE DIMAPUR: NAGALAND

NOTICE

NOTICE INVITING OTHER CLAIMENTS TO REPRESENTATION TO COME FORWARD (UNDER PART-1 OF SECTION 375 OF INDIA SUCCESSION ACT 1925) Whereas application under Succession Act 1925 for grant of Succession Certificate for the estate of Late. Sangyutemjen has filed by Smti. Atula (wife) R/o Unity village, 5th Mile, Dimapur: Nagaland to draw his:1. Family Pension Benefits, GIS, GPF, NPEIS, Gratuity, leave Encashment, Payment Allowance and other Service Benefits.

2. SBI savings account bearing A/C No. 30753502411 who expired on 13.01.2017.

Notice is hereby given that any person having interest in the administration of the estate of the said deceased may if she/he so desire appear in this court on or before the said day of 20th February, 2017.

Given under the hand and seal of the court on this 19th day of January, 2017.

Principal District & Sessions Judge, Dimapur: Nagaland

4

FriDAY 20•01•2017

Business

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

North Eastern RBI cautions banks on ponzi firms Ford launches new EcoSport Railway is hiring

N

orth Eastern Railway has released a notification inviting interested, eligible candidates to apply for the posts of Ticket Collector, Commercial Clerk posts. The candidates may apply to the posts in a prescribed format on or before February 10.

Vacancy details: Total posts: 426 Post wise vacancy detail Ticket Collector: 46 Commercial Clerk: 16 Technician: 33 Assistant Loco Pilot: 224 Assistant Station Master: 56 Junior Engineer: 7 Goods Guard: 44 ELiGibiLiTy CriTEriA: Educational qualification: The candidates should possess Class 10/ Class 12/ ITI/ Bachelor's degree from a recognised board or university.

Age limit: The upper age limit of the candidates must not exceed 42 years as on January 1, 2017. However, the reserved category candidates may apply in the prescribed format as per notification.

Pay scale: Junior Engineer: The candidates will be in the pay band of Rs 9,300 to Rs 34,800 with an additional grade pay of Rs 4,200 per month.

For the other posts, the selected candidates will get a pay band of Rs 5,200 to Rs 20,200 with an additional grade pay of Rs 1900 or Rs 2800 per month.

Selection process: The candidates will be selected on the basis of a written exam and medical exam.

How to apply: The candidates may apply in the prescribed format through the official website, www. ner.indianrailways.gov.in important date: The candidates have to submit the application online within February 10.

KolKata, January 19 (Hindustan times): RBI has cautioned banks about business correspondents they rely on to serve customers in remote areas, as they may be used by ponzi firms to raise funds.

The correspondents, appointed through NGOs mandated by banks, serve in areas where branches cannot be set up. Their job necessitates regular relations with poor and unsuspecting rural people -- ideal targets for ponzi firms that want to raise money with the lure of absurd returns.

At recent meetings of State Level Bankers’ Committees (SLBC) of Bengal, Odisha and Tripura, RBI representatives advised bank officials to “adopt extreme caution” when enrolling NGOs for appointments of business correspondents.

“They clearly said no NGO should be enrolled unless their credentials are cross checked with different agencies,” a senior RBI official from Kolkata region-

al office told HT. Banks have been directed to inform the state government about any NGO that appeared to be indulging in such activity and state government representatives have been urged to immediately act against such entities.

This new route employed by ponzi firms is similar to the initial nature of Rose Valley that pushed its schemes under the garb of marketing LIC plans.

Gautam Kundu’s company sold its schemes through persons

neW delHi, January 19 (reuters): Some Indian officials have baulked at Apple's demands for concessions before it assembles iPhones there, raising doubts about a spring deadline to launch a key project in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's campaign to lure foreign investors.

The country is still keen for the U.S. tech giant to produce its signature smartphones there, and Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said on Wednesday that India would keep an "open mind" in negotiations.

"We will very much like Apple to come and have a base in India," he said.

But Apple Inc's long list of demands, including tax concessions and several other policy exceptions, still faces resistance from officials who consider it excessive and unfair on foreign companies already operating in India.

Their caution underlines how Modi's ambition to make India a global manufacturing hub, in order to drive the economy and create jobs for millions of people entering the workforce each year, will not be easy.

"We have not done this for anyone," said a senior government official whose department is one of several involved in evaluating the Apple proposal. "If we do this, we must see a lot of value addition."

Another official involved in the review said the government should make policies for the industry, not in-

R

neW delHi, January 19 (Pti): Ford India today launched an upgraded edition of its popular compact SUV EcoSport priced at Rs 10.39 lakh and Rs 10.69 lakh (ex—showroom Delhi).

The new EcoSport ‘Platinum Edition’ will be sold with a two engine options 1.5 litre diesel engine delivering mileage of 22.27 km/litre and 1.0l EcoBoost petrol engine with a fuel efficiency of 18.88 km/litre, the company said in a statement.

While the petrol variant has been priced at Rs 10.39 lakh, the diesel engine powered variant is tagged at Rs 10.69 lakh (all prices ex-showroom Delhi).

Commenting on the launch, Ford India executive director Marketing,

dividual companies.

"Apple is coming here because it sees a lucrative market, this is not a favour being done to India."

Competitors such as South Korea's Samsung Electronics and China's Xiaomi have already set up manufacturing in the country.

Apple did not respond to a request for comment.

LETTEr SPELLS OUT DEMANDS Modi met Apple CEO Tim Cook last May and discussed iPhone production in India.

Where any plant would be located and how many people it might employ have yet to be finalised, although it would likely involve thousands of jobs.

Attracting such a household name would be a valuable advertisement for a country shaking off a reputation for stifling bureaucracy, but officials are wary of tailoring rules to individual investors.

"What Apple is trying to do, if it happens, I think it will be available to everybody in the industry. I don't see the government of India making discriminatory policies," said Arvind Vohra, chief executive at Gionee India, part of Chinese smartphone maker Gionee.

It is setting up a local manufacturing plant under India's existing rules.

From Apple's point of view, the ambitious timeline agreed by Modi and Cook reflected its need to capture more of the fast-growing Indian mar-

CROSSWORD # 3834

O

who did not posses any certificate issued by Insurance Regulatory Development Authority (IRDA), necessary under the Licensing of Corporate Agents Regulations Act, 2002.

In 2012, IRDA cancelled Rose Valley’s licence as corporate agent of LIC for unfair business practices.

Several probe agencies such CBI, ED and SFIO are conducting investigations against ponzi majors such as Rose Valley and Saradha.

edition priced up to Rs 10.69 lakh Sales and Service Anurag Mehrotra said: “The Platinum Edition is in keeping with our commitment to introduce products that Indian customers want and value. It introduces several upgrades that accentuate EcoSport’s design, enhance customer convenience and improve the driving dynamics of our compact SUV.” Among the new features are dual tone exterior design, featuring black roof, bigger 17—inch wheels, wider tyres with brand new alloys as well new rear and front bumper appliques.

It will also have an 8— inch touchscreen infotainment system with satellite navigation as well as a rear view camera to improve customer convenience, the company said.

Indian government wants Apple, but not all officials are biting

leisure

W

NbFCs & Listing business Correspondents The RBI official also said that besides NGOs, banks can also enrol non-deposit collecting non banking finance companies (NBFC) to appoint business correspondents. “But what has come to our notice is that often deposit-collecting NBFCs are getting enrolled as business correspondent agents of banks. This is quite alarming and hence the apex bank wants banks to adopt extreme caution while enrolling such NBFCs or NGOs,” the RBI official said.

Sources told HT that RBI, in association with Indian Banks Association, is considering setting up a central databank of business correspondents throughout India. “The proposal is good but sounds tough considering the huge pool of business correspondents in the country,” said an officer of United Bank of India (UBI), the lead bank for the SLBCs in both West Bengal and Tripura.

D

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CAndY Cede CoMMon CondItIon ContACt CorreCt deAL eVerY eXPerIenCe Fewer Fort Hers HIred HUMAn IMMUne Known LeArn Modern

ket, where it has only about 2 percent share as iPhone sales in the United State and China have slowed.

In a letter sent to the prime minister's office on Oct. 13 and seen by Reuters, it called on the government to "make the environment attractive" for it to make phones for the Indian market as well as for export.

On the matter of duties, it said high import taxes on smartphones could lead to retaliation from trading blocs.

"This would increase the cost of India manufactured smartphones and in turn limit India's ambition of becoming a smartphone hub for the rest of the world."

Despite the reluctance of some officials, Modi could intervene to get the Apple project back on schedule.

In June, the government relaxed

local sourcing rules for foreign retailers like Apple barely a month after the finance ministry turned down the company's request for a waiver.

The company and its partners have reportedly won significant concessions before in other markets.

MEETiNG NEXT WEEK On Jan. 25, the departments of industry, information technology and electronics, and finance will meet Apple executives to consider the conditions set out by the firm in India, government officials said.

In May, Modi and Cook agreed to work towards a "package" of four projects: assembling iPhones, opening Apple stores, importing certified pre-owned iPhones and refurbishing them in India, according to the letter.

Apple said its initial focus was

DiMaPUR ACROSS 9. Arid 10. Encore 1. Flat-bottomed boat 11. Cloaked 5. Fasteners 12. Give birth 10. Circle fragments 13. Drive 14. Body of water 19. A clumsy dolt 15. Delete 21. Toboggan 16. Satyr 25. Quarry 17. Emanation 26. Indian music 18. Noteworthy 27. Alright 20. Eyewear 28. A grasp of something 22. Remedy 29. Celebrate 23. Santa’s helper 30. Angry 24. Not over 31. Consumed food 25. Working class 34. Memo 32. Scraped gently 35. Creative work 33. Cycle per second 36. Untidyness 34. French for “Name” 38. Indian bread 37. Quaint outburst 39. Anagram of “Unsettle” 38. Exploded stars 41. Locale 39. Easy gait 42. Sounds of disapproval 40. Cheer 44. 7 member group 41. Hotel employee 45. Prohibit 42. Ballet skirts 46. Banish 43. Ceaselessness 47. Dishes out 45. An evil supernatural being 48. Group of 8 49. Barely manage 51. Tall woody plant 50. Kill 52. Pitcher 53. Nouveau-riche 53. Relating to urine 57. Yellow gentian 54. Eyebrow shape 59. Threesome 55. Type of cereal grass 60. Away from the wind 56. Pigeon-___ 61. Creepy 58. Mineral rock 62. Behold, in old Rome Answer to Crossword 3833 63. A musical pause 64. Construct 65. Outbuilding DOWN 1. Smelting waste 2. Inner membrane of embryos 3. Gumbo 4. Prevaricated 5. Forlorn 6. Mining finds 7. Flee 8. Russian emperor

SUDOKU

H needLe orGAn otHer PeoPLe Person PreVentIon redUCe sALIVA sAne sCreen sHAre sInCe sInGLe stAGe tAKen toILet trAnsMIts treAtMent

std code: 03862

TaHaMZaM

std code: 03871

(formerly senapati)

Police station Fire Brigade

222246 222491

Civil Hospital emergency-

232224

MH Hospital

227930 231081

Fire Brigade

2222952

Faith Hospital

228846

naga Hospital

2222916

shamrock Hospital

228254

oking Hospital

2243339

Zion Hospital

231864 224117 227337

Bethel nursing Home

2224202

northeast shuttles

08974997923

Police Control room

228400

KoHIMA Ps/oCs Contact numbers

Police Traffic Control

232106

north Ps

east Police station

227607

west Police station

232181

south Ps

CIHsr (referral Hospital)

242555 242533

Zubza Ps

dimapur Hospital

224041 248011

229529 229474

Apollo Hospital Info Centre 230695/ 9402435652 railway

131/228404

Airport Indian Airlines

229366 242441 225212

Chumukedima Fire Brigade 282777 nikos Hospital and research Centre

232032, 231031

nagaland Multispecialty Health & research Centre

248302, 09856006026

eden Medical Centre

248288

KOHiMa

std code: 0370

8575045501

Officer-in-Charge 8575045510 8575045502

Officer-in-Charge 8575045520 8575045508

Officer-in-Charge 8575045518 Chiephobozou Ps 8575045506 Officer-in-Charge 8575045516 tseminyu Ps

8575045507

Officer-in-Charge 8575045517 Khuzama Ps

8575045505

Officer-in-Charge 8575045515 Kezocha Ps

8575045549

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8575045509

Officer-in-Charge 8575045519 Control room

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

Game Number # 3829

to set up manufacturing of iPhones in India over two phases, the first of which was to be introduced by spring this year.

But after conducting due diligence on what it would take to get the project going, it determined its entry was "dependent on government support on a number of pre-requisites."

The Cupertino, Calif.-based company listed a set of seven demands.

Among them, it sought duty exemption on raw materials for manufacturing, components and capital equipment for 15 years for both domestic and export markets.

Apple also sought a change in rules that would govern how it could import defective iPhones to repair and export them again, a move it said was crucial for it to keep supporting and repairing older models of the iPhone.

Currently, Indian rules restrict such imports to phones that are no older than three years. Apple asked for the government's help in quickly processing a request for a ruling from Indian tax authorities on transfer pricing agreements between its affiliates.

It also identified India's customs procedures as a hurdle to manufacturing and asked the government to make them less onerous.

"For trusted traders inspections need to be less intrusive - this means less boxes opened," Apple wrote. "The complete process should not require more than thirty minutes."

Answer Number # 3828

8575045500 (Emergency No. – 100)

FiRE STaTiONS

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MOKOKCHUNG

std code: 0369

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

9485232688 9485232689 9485232690 9485232693 9485232694 9485232695 2226216

woodland nursing Home

2226263

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Friday 20•01•2017

NAGALAND

Pfutsero protests rape of minor Intanki issues warning

against hunting, fishing

Morung Express News Pfutsero | January 19

Thousands of women took out a rally in Pfutsero Town today protesting against the alleged rape of a 13year old physically challenged girl.

The alleged rape of the minor was reportedly committed by one Rüvütou Medeo on January 14 at the victim’s residence.

In protest, the Putsero Town Mothers’ Association (PTMA) organized the rally at Pfutsero Town following which a meeting was held at Town centre, Pfutsero.

Short speeches were delivered by Vechülo-ü Kanuo, Executive Director, Chakhesang Women Walfare Society; Yeihkhüshü Tureng, Former Chairman, Pfutsero Town; Punürü Rose, Head GB; and Hüsünü Kotso, President, Charity Society, Phusa-

Two held for fishing at Intanki National Park

chodumi, Pfutsero Town.

Coming out strongly against the crime, the PTMA termed the act a shameful crime pointing out that it takes away the modesty, honour and integrity of a woman. Besides

the physical aspects, the mental trauma will haunt her to her grave, the PTMA maintained.

The PTMA presented a memorandum condemning the gruesome crime in the strongest of terms and

demanded that the culprit be awarded befitting punishment according to the law of the land and under the most stringent of clauses.

A total number of 3092 women participated in the procession to the ADC Of-

fice to submit the memorandum which was signed

by PTMA President Kereü Pradia, Vice Presidents Viekope-ü Kenye and Shevohülü Tetseo, and Advisors Ngunyi-ü Medo and Zhonelü Tunyi.

Peren, January 19 (Mexn): The Intanki National Park has issued a warning against illegal entry, fishing and hunting inside the Park.

The Field Director in a press release informed of the arrest of two persons by the Forest Protection Force on January 16.

Identified as Monos and Azang, the offenders were found fishing with battery/inverter in different locations along the Mangleu River bordering the Intanki National Park, the release stated. They were

Imotemjen declares Dimapur dist admin promotes digital payment candidature for ULB polls Aims to make Thahekhu first cashless village in Nagaland

Morung Express News Dimapur | January 19

With a Naga dao (machete) as his election symbol, Imotemjen on Thursday declared his candidature to contest the DMC elections from ward no 13 as an independent candidate.

Speaking at the declaration programme at his residence in Dimapur, Imotemjen spelled out his objectives of working for the ward and its people if elected. Among his primary objectives, the candidate expressed his endeavour to provide potable water and good roads within the ward.

Imotemjen also talked about his concern for the young unemployed youth and offered to guide and show them ways for selfsustenance.

Another area of his concern was to build an old age home with assistance from the government.

Imotemjen also thanked two candidates from the same ward who

Independent candidate, Imotemjen addressing gathering in Dimapur on Thursday. (Morung Photo)

were also in the fray but withdrew their candidature to support him.

Stating that progress and development would not be possible without people’s support, Imotemjen appealed the people to extend their support and cooperation to him.

Ikato, who withdrew his candidature to support Imotemjen also spoke at the programme.

A host of leaders from Landmark Colony, Oriental Colony, Midland Duncan (B), Youth Wing and others also spoke at the programme.

DiMaPur, January 19 (Mexn): The Dimapur District Administration has decided to launch a campaign to be named ‘Digi Dimapur’ with an objective of popularis-

ing and promoting digital payment system. In the first phase, the district administration has adopted Thahekhu Village to make it the first cashless village in Nagaland.

Kesonyu Yhome, Deputy Commissioner Dimapur in a press release stated that the district administration would coordinate the activities of various agencies like banks and government offices

No of wards 23 UR15, R- 8

fice itself would be going cashless in a time bound manner. For the underbanked sections special account opening sessions would be held leveraging the Jan Dhan Yojana.

All bank account holders would be given ATM/ Rupay cards and mobile banking facilities. The district administration exhorts all the citizens to actively participate in the ‘Digi Dimapur’ campaign.

Kohima diocese to observe prayer day for safe release of Fr. Tom Uzhunnalil KohiMa, January 19 (Mexn): The Diocese of Kohima along with the rest of the Christian community in India will observe Sunday, January 22, as a day of prayer for the safe release of Fr. Tom Uzhunnalil.

Father Tom Uzhunnalil was kidnapped on March 4, 2016 after a militant group stormed into a home for the sick and elderly run by the Blessed Mother Teresa’s

Missionaries of the Charity in Aden, Yemen. Four Sisters and 12 lay people were killed in the attack on the facility.

A press release from Fr. Thomas Toretkiu, Bishop’s Secretary, Kohima stating that the Catholic Church and specially the Church in India is worried and concerned about the safety and whereabouts of Fr. Tom, informed of the appeal to the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and Gov-

LIST OF CONTESTING CANDIDATES UNDER DIMAPUR MUNICIPAL TOWN COUNCIL-2017

Name of SN Municipal/ Town Councils Dimapur Municipal Council 1 3 4

to launch awareness campaigns and digital drives to enable more transactions in digital mode. The schemes of union government like the Lucky Grahak Yojana, Digi Dhan Vyapari Yojana would be popularised so that people may take advantage of the same by making digital payments.

All the government offices and utilities beginning with the DC of-

Nominations at the end of scrutiny with Ward Nos name and party status (10.01.17)

Nominations Name of at the end of Political withdrawal Party on

W1 (R )

Mewe-U Lasuh Loyibeni V.Yeptho Temsulemla Ao

BJP NPF INDP

5 6

W2

Khekaho Awomi Haotinmang Hangsing

NPF INDP

7 8

W3 (R)

Orenponi Humtsoe K.Asangla Jamir

NPF INDP

9 10

W6 (R)

Tokheli P. Avi Aowami

NPF BJP

11 12

W7

Ikato V Sumi Y.Vikheho Awomi

BJP NPF

13 14 15

W9 (R)

Vikali A Zhimomi Hukheli Katoli Sema

NPF INDP INDP

16 17 18 19 20

W11

O. Watimeren Jamir Anthony Lotha Mhademo Kithan Vikishe Shohe A Yanger Jamir

NPF INDP INDP INDP INDP

21 22

W12 (R)

Akokla Pongen Lucy Temjenkala Jamir

NPF INDP

23 24 25

W13

Kazuba Choba Lotha Imotemjen

NPF INDP INDP

26 27 28

W14

Achum Jami S.N. Lotha R.Renpi Odyuo

NPF INDP INDP

29 30

W16

L. Moatemsu Jamir Benjamin Yepthomi

BJP NPF

31 32

W17

T.Vikheho Zhimomi Omega Yepthomi

BJP NPF

33 34

W19

H.Hokivi Chishi V.Phushika Aomi

BJP NPF

35 36 37

W20

Ghoikhu Kits Lanuchuba Hukavi Tokheho Yepthomi

BJP NPF INDP

38 39

W21 (R ) Kavili Kuholi Chishi

BJP NPF

40 41

W22

Hokuto Zhimomi Pukhavi Yepthomi

BJP NPF

42 43

W23

Simon Yepthomi Kereilhouviu Pfukha

BJP NPF

ernment of India to do everything possible to have the “generous and selfless priest” released.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference, the release informed, has been in constant touch with the Minister for External Affairs, Sushma Swaraj and the Foreign Ministry to request them to expedite the release of Fr. Tom. The Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) General Secretariat has also

been in touch with Bishop Paul Hinder, Vicar Apostolic of Southern Arabia, Yemen. It has been assured that he is alive and safe, the release added.

“While thanking all in anticipation for the prayers, let us also pray for the conversion of those who are holding him captive and pray that God may give them the grace to realize the injustice of their acts,” the CBCI’s appeal for prayer read.

Meetings & AppointMents Whether unopposed or contested

Source: State Election Commission

NCD emergency meeting today The Naga Council Dimapur will hold an emergency meeting on Friday, January 20 at 3:00 am at the Council office.

A press release from the NCD directed all councilors to treat the meeting as most urgent and serious and to attend the meeting without fail. Matters pertaining to the ULB election crises will be discussed, the release informed.

NUDA prayer service on Jan 21 Naghutomi Union Dimapur Area (NUDA) Prayer Service will be held on Saturday, January 21 at 7:00 AM in the Dimapur Sumi Baptist Church, Sunday School Building, Town Area (near NUDA Banker). All Naghutomi residing in and around Dimapur have been apprised to attend the service and receive God's favour and protection.

IPPI, NDD and MI Meeting on Jan 23 The Deputy Commissioner Kohima, Rajesh Soudararajan, IAS has informed that a meeting in connection with the IPPI, NDD and Mission Indradhanush will be held on January 23 at 11:00 am at the office Chamber of the Deputy Commissioner, Kohima. He has requested all the members to attend the meeting without fail.

Dimapur Sakshi Union general meeting The Dimapur Sakshi Union will hold its general meeting on January 21 at the residence of its Treasurer H. Molem Phom at 10:00 am. All the members are requested to bring their annual membership fee along.

later released after signing a bond agreeing not to commit the same offence again. However, all the articles were confiscated.

The release further informed that the protection force will enforce a total check on people entering inside the National Park without permission from the concerned higher authorities. In order to cover the entire area of the park while intensifying patrolling duties, the two Ranges ‘A’ and ‘B’ are bifurcated along with its protection force, the release added.

In spite of imposing restriction order which were published in local papers, information about secret entry for hunting, fishing are being noticed, the Di-

rector stated and added that more protection forces have been deployed to intensify daily patrolling routine to prevent trespassing.

Seriously viewing the violation of the restriction order, the Field Director cautioned the public in general and the fringe villagers in particular to comply with the restriction order. “Whosoever undermines this warning is doing so at their own risk for which offenders will be self responsible,” the director maintained cautioning that the protection force on patrolling duties have been given orders to the extent of shooting if anyone is found violating the restriction order inside the National Park.

MEx FILE PUP condemns alleged rape Pfutsero, January 19 (Mexn): The Phusachodumi Union Pfutsero (PUP) has strongly condemned the alleged rape by one Rüvütou Medeo on January 14.

In a press note, the Union termed it an “inhuman act” and urged upon the law enforcing authority to punish the culprit in the strongest possible way. The union further prayed for a speedy recovery of the victim and all the family.

One discharged from NPGN/NNC DiMaPur, January 19 (Mexn): The National People’s Government of Nagaland (NPGN)/NNC (Non Accord) has relieved one N. Ghunakivi, SO under the Ministry of Chaplee Affairs and a resident of Thahekhu Village, from active national service w.e.f. January 16, 2017. A press release from the MIP Kilonser N. Mar Ao informing this cited “domestic grounds” as the reason for discharge. “All rank and file of NPGN/NNC (NA) wish him good luck and grand success in his future endeavors,” the release read.

DC Kohima directs KohiMa, January 19 (DiPr): The Deputy Commissioner Kohima, Rajesh Soudararajan, IAS has notified for information that in view of restrictions on withdrawal and disbursal of cash, all citizens and workers have been directed to open Bank Accounts to facilitate digital or electronic transactions for salary and other purposes.

ADC Pughoboto informs electors Pughoboto, January 19 (DiPr): In pursuance to the direction of the Election Commission of India to improve the quality of images in the electoral roll a photography campaign being carried out at all the polling stations under 13-Pughoboto Assembly Constituency to replace ‘not to specification images’ and black and white images with good quality colour photograph of electors. Therefore all the electors registered in the electoral rolls of 13-Pughoboto Assembly Constituency have been requested to get in touch with the concerned Booth Level Officers (BLO) and submit good quality coloured passport sized photographs or to be available at the respective polling stations during the photography campaign on prefixed dates to be intimated through the BLOs.

SDEOs informed on free text book DiMaPur, January 19 (Mexn): All the Sub-Divisional Education Officers (SDEOs) are informed to collect the free text book from Dimapur godown near Dimapur Government College on January 30 and 31.

This was informed in a press release issued by Wonthungo Tsopeo, Additional Director (HoD).

Voters of DMC election informed DiMaPur, January 19 (Mexn): The Office of the Deputy Commissioner Dimapur has informed all the voters of the Dimapur Municipal Council election to collect their voter slips from their respective polling stations on January 23 and 24 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. In case any voter is unable to come personally, the same can be collected by any of the adult family members or the head of the household, the release informed. Any of the following documents may be used for authentication: Aadhaar card, ST/Indigenous certificate with photographs issued by the govt., Driving licence, EPIC, Govt. issued identity cards, Bank Pass book with photos, PAN cards.

Revival & healing convention underway in Kohima Our Correspondent Kohima | January 19

A four-day long Revival and Healing Convention got underway here today at Rüzhükhrie Government Higher Secondary School Ground.

The convention is being organized by Nagaland Christian Revival Church, Kohima in collaboration with the 35 Christian Revival Churches in Kohima, informed Rev Dr. Neivotso Neikha.

Rev. Dr. Paul K. Ariga, President, All Japan Revival Mission, Japan shared the Gospel this evening.

The Praise and worship

was led by Khriesakuo Keretsu and team.

Meanwhile, on January 20 the programme will start at 4: 00 pm with Dr. Joram Dol, Director, Mission OutReach, Arunachal Pradesh CRCC as the main speaker.

The organizers claim that

Dr. Dol possesses healing powers, and that he has healed the crippled and the deaf and dumb.

The organising committee informed that the convention is open to all denominations and religion with free entry.

Transportation will also be provided for villages and colonies. For transportation, interested persons are advised to contact the following numbers: 8732090790/7005179080.

The convention will conclude on January 22.

6

IN FOCUS The Power of Truth

The Morung Express volume XII Issue 18

By Witoubou Newmai

Social Media, Breaking News and the Traditional Media

T

here have been discussions for some time now that social media have come to rule the roost in disseminating and sharing news.

The Oxford University Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism observed that young people have been using ‘social media’ as their primary source of news for several years now. These young people want ‘breaking news’ and social media does just that – ‘break news’.

Social media have become very popular to share news the users approve of, as well as the news they do not like.

Furthermore, many also use social media to further their propaganda.

According to a new study from the Pew Research Center, 62% of Americans get their news from social media. However, to check the authenticity of the information on social media, many go back to traditional media such as newspapers and their websites and televisions.

According to the Pew Research Center, the very same people who are either "accidentally finding news on these platforms or purposefully turning to them each day for news, also pay attention to traditional media". 39% of Facebook users who go to the platform for news watch the local news while 15% of them read newspapers. In contrast, only 8% of Twitter news users still consume content from print media, the Pew Research Center finds.

Stung by bad experiences social media users are today more cautious and wait for newspapers, news portals or television news before they act on the information. The connotation of this trend is to say that traditional media and their new avatars are here to stay even though there is a clear indication that the “trend of people getting news from social media will continue and expand”.

This trend has also elevated the dignity and importance of the traditional media although their mode and style of disseminating information are fast evolving. This, in fact, is almost to say that it will always be the traditional media to give the ‘go ahead’ signal to the social media users on information they get.

It is pertinent to note that traditional media have come up with their competitive gears to checkmate the onslaught of social media – in effect, also addressing issues thrown up and about in social media.

With environmental issues overwhelming policies and plans of countries around the world, and also with emerging technologies making products even more convenient for consumers, the era of paperless newspapers is not too far away. In such event and time, confusions created by social media will be put to rest.

lEfT wiNg |

M.R. Narayan Swamy IANS

Lifting the veil over BJP's digital army

B

friday 20•01•2017

ook Review: I am a Troll: Inside the Secret World of BJP's Digital Army; Author: Swati Chaturvedi; Publisher: Juggernaut; Pages: 171; Price: Rs 250 "Why does the PM of India alone among world leaders follow some of his country's worst online abusers?" Journalist Swati Chaturvedi asks this damning question and goes to answer it in an explosive expose of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) secret digital world where everyone who disagrees becomes an enemy.

After being abused and hounded on social media for six months, a fed up Swati became the first Indian journalist to file a police complaint. Under intense pressure, Twitter suspended the handle and gave Delhi Police the IP and email addresses of the anonymous slanderer. But no arrest was ever made because the culprits had "powerful backers in the government".

This triggered Swati's two-year investigation into the BJP digital army. She spoke to BJP and RSS leaders, senior government officials, even BJP trolls who met her furtively. The best catch was Sadhavi Khosla, who admitted to being part of the BJP digital cell and sending hate messages until she got disgusted and her original admiration for Narendra Modi thinned out.

The book says that several journalists, especially women, who have liberal political opinions and question government policies are at the receiving end of "violent, often sexually loaded, abuse from rightwing trolls". One routine abuse is "sickular presstitute". Swati calls them "goons" of the online world.

According to the book, among the handles followed

by Modi are 26 accounts that sexually harass, make death threats and abuse politicians from other parties as well as journalists. Many make communal statements. Footage taken from Pakistan and Bangladesh is passed off as Indian, with the audio suppressed. Swati wonders why should any leader or party crave a support base making violent threats against women, issuing death threats and spreading communal poison?

The BJP's social media cell, the book says, is a superbly organised centre, highly effective in spreading messages. The BJP had with foresight created a bank of thousands of dormant Twitter accounts when the verification process was less stringent. These are used when the BJP goes for synchronised tweeting. "They also have bots controlled by the party's central IT cell which tweet out identical messages simultaneously. These are algorithms acting in social media networks which to the outside world look like a real user."

Swati is certain, after her extensive interview with former insider Khosla, that there is a clear link between online rightwing trolls and the BJP and that the BJP IT cell controls much of the online trolling.

At one time, the book says, an agency was being paid to tweet against Arvind Kejriwal at the rate of Rs 40 for seven tweets. But it wasn't clear who was making the payments.

"The BJP's social media cell has the potential to morph into a bigger monster as it attacks citizens for not conforming to the party's world view on issues like diet, religion, Kashmir and tribal rights. It is time we opened our eyes to the dangers ahead." This is an explosive book.

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

C O M M E N T A R Y

Douglas Busvine Reuters

Why money and muscle still rule in Indian politics: an interview with Milan Vaishnav’

E

ven after Narendra Modi promised on the campaign trail in 2014 to “do away with the criminalization of politics”, money and muscle still dominate the electoral scene in India, Milan Vaishnav writes in his forthcoming book “When Crime Pays”.

Vaishnav, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington, argues that India, in embracing democracy before it developed stable institutions, became a fertile ground for criminals to get involved in politics – and eventually to become politicians themselves. If anything, that trend has strengthened as a growing economy increased the spoils available to the victor: based on their election filings candidates facing serious criminal charges are three times more likely to win than those who aren’t.

Modi’s decision on Nov. 8 to ban most of the cash in circulation – ostensibly to cleanse the economy of “black cash” – will inflict temporary pain on political parties, says Vaishnav. But it won’t bring about fundamental change as they gear up to contest five regional elections, the biggest of them in the battleground state of Uttar Pradesh.

“No matter which party wins elections in the pivotal state of UP, rest assured that the crime-politics nexus is not going anywhere anytime soon,” Vaishnav said in an interview ahead of his book’s publication in India by HarperCollins.

Here’s a full Q&A of my interview with Vaishnav: Q: Your book is titled “When Crime Pays". What role do money and muscle play in Indian politics and how does it differ from other modern democracies?

A: There is a very clear nexus between crime and politics in India that is being fueled by two sets of factors. First, as elections have grown costlier, parties are desperate to identify candidates with deep pockets. This has led them to embrace wealthy individuals with often dubious reputations. Second, voters have their own reasons to support candidates with questionable pasts. Where government is unable to fulfill its basic responsibilities and social divisions are rife, voters seek refuge in strongmen who can deliver what the state cannot.

This nexus is not necessarily unique to India; it shows up in democracies across the globe, from the Philippines to Pakistan. What makes India stand out is: a) the scale of the issue and b) the complete blurring of the line between the “politician” and the “criminal.”

Q: How has this situation come about?

A: In short, governance has simply not been able to keep up with the pace of rapid economic, political, and social change. This has opened up a gap between what citizens demand of the state and what the state is able to deliver. Whereas the West built institutions before democratizing, India embarked on both journeys simultaneously. Layered on top of this, India

end of the day, voters are also realistic: they understand that until the government in Lucknow is able to project its power into the far reaches of the state, they will need a local “guardian” to look after their interests.

Q: Modi touted demonetization as a strike against black cash. How do you assess it?

A: In the short run, it has clearly induced a liquidity crunch, which has had at least three consequences. First, many parties have been forced to take a haircut in order to turn their black money into white. Second, many cashintensive industries that typically fund elections (real estate/construction being among the most significant) are enduring hardships right now. And third there is just a general lack of currency in circulation. For all of these reasons, I expect all parties in poll-bound states to feel the pinch. Having said that, the BJP, by virtue of its organization, access to high finance and possibly access to inside information, is better situated to weather the storm.

Q: Instead of demonetization, should India have embraced reforms to political party funding?

A: If you want to tackle the issue of black money, which was the primary justification for demonetization at the outset, I would have prioritized two sets of actions. The first is taking concrete steps to reform how elections are financed. This means insisting on full transparency for contributions, thirdparty audits of party finances, and greater enforcement power for India’s Election Commission. These steps require legislative changes.

Second, as long as the state continues to exert a heavy-handed influence on the economy, these vestiges of the “License Raj” will create huge scope for cronyism and corruption. That means, in concrete terms, India needs to improve its investment climate and get the government out of the business of being in business.

boasts tremendous ethnic and religious diversity, which politicians can Q: Modi promised in 2014 to clean up skillfully manipulate to slice and dice politics. Did he?

A: Not yet. Despite Modi’s heated the electorate. anti-corruption rhetoric in advance of Q: What makes criminals electable? the 2014 general election, 35 percent of A: As one senior official from a his Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) 282 national party I interviewed once Members of Parliament face ongoing quipped, “criminals have currency criminal cases, and 22 percent have sewith the masses.” That is, they have ac- rious cases pending before the courts. cess to financial resources — currency Eight BJP MPs with serious cases evenin a literal sense — that allow them to tually found their way into Modi’s first buy their way into the political system cabinet. Even Amit Shah, Modi’s longand instantly become competitive. time number two in Gujarat, was conFurthermore, they are able to use their nected to three cases of extortion and criminality and a sign of their credibil- conspiracy when the prime minister ity to do whatever it takes—saam daam tapped him to be the BJP party presidhand bhed [by hook or by crook], as it dent after coming to power in Delhi. is often referred to—to protect the sta- The BJP is by no means alone when it Q: What steps would most effectively tus of the communities they claim to comes to embracing candidates impli- help to decriminalize India’s electoral represent. So they have metaphorical cated in serious criminal cases, but it is politics and make it more accountable?

A: I think reformers need to oper“currency” with ordinary constituents. also far from a paragon of virtue. ate at two speeds. First, there is no getQ: How effective have steps to make Q: What’s the read-across from your ting around the fact that upgrading electoral politics more transparent research for the forthcoming round governance is the only long-term solubeen? of state elections – especially Uttar tion. This means ensuring that the govA: There have been recent changes Pradesh? ernment has the resources, personnel that have opened up the political sysA: No matter which party wins elec- and incentives to impartially execute tem to greater scrutiny. In 2003, the Su- tions in the pivotal state of UP, rest as- its core functions: to provide core pubpreme Court ruled that any politician sured that the crime-politics nexus is lic services, dispense justice, and procontesting state or national elections not going anywhere anytime soon. Our vide for basic security. This is not going must submit, at the time of their nomi- best estimates suggest that fewer than to happen overnight. In the short run, nation, a judicial affidavit detailing their 10 percent of UP state legislators elect- there are steps that can be taken that educational qualifications, financial ed in 1984 were the subject of ongoing will help decriminalize politics. In adassets and liabilities, and criminal re- criminal cases. That proportion has sky- dition to cleaning up political finance, cords. This new data has given us some rocketed to 45 percent in the last elec- Parliament could consider legislation purchase on the twin issues of money tion in 2012. The underlying drivers of that would debar candidates who are and muscle. Unfortunately, a lack of criminality — costly elections, weak facing serious criminal cases in which transparency does not seem to be the rule of law, and deep social cleavages — charges have been framed by a court of binding constraint when it comes to are available in spades in UP. The good law. Because there are legitimate convoters. That is, even informed voters news is that voters seem hungry for a cerns about due process, at the very have rational reasons for supporting chief minister at the top who is willing to least, such politicians should be subject candidates whom they know are “taint- invest in development and governance to some sort of speedy judicial process ed” but pledge to protect their interests. to improve the state’s image. But, at the that resolves their cases in short order.

8 Men Now Own the Same as the Poorest Half of the World The Davos killer fact just got more deadly Duncan Green

I

CommonDreams

t’s Davos this week, which means it’s time for Oxfam’s latest global ‘killer fact’ on extreme inequality. Since our first calculation in 2014, these have helped get inequality onto the agenda of the global leaders assembled in Switzerland. This year, the grabber of any headlines not devoted to the US presidential inauguration on Friday is that it’s worse than we thought. Last year it was 62 people who owned the same as the poorest half of the world. This year it is down to 8. Just 8 men. Have as much wealth as 3.6 billion poor men, women and children.

Think about that for a moment, before getting geeky and carrying on with the rest of this post.

Every year, there are also regular attempts at rubbishing the new stat.

An admirably nerdy box in Oxfam’s new paper for Davos both explains the origins of the new number (better data) and addresses the expected counterarguments.

‘In January 2014, Oxfam calculated that just 85 people had the same amount of wealth as the bottom half of humanity. This was based on data on the net wealth of the richest individuals from Forbes and data on the global wealth distribution from Credit Suisse.

For the past three years, we have been tracking these data sources to understand how the global wealth distribution is evolving. In the Credit Suisse report of October 2015, the richest 1% had the same amount of wealth as the other 99%.

This year we find that the wealth of the bottom 50% of the global population was lower than previously estimated, and it takes just eight individuals to equal their total wealth holdings.

Every year, Credit Suisse acquires new and better data sources with which to estimate the global wealth distribution: its latest report shows both that there is more debt in the very poorest group and fewer assets in the 30–50% percentiles of the global population.

Last year it was estimated that the cumulative share of wealth of the poorest 50% was 0.7%; this year it is 0.2%.

The inequality of wealth that these calculations illustrate has attracted a lot of attention, both to the obscene level of inequality they expose and to the underlying data and the calculations themselves. Two common challenges are heard. First, that the poorest people are in net debt, but these people may be income-rich thanks to wellfunctioning credit markets (think of the indebted Harvard graduate). However, in terms of population, this group is insignificant at the aggregate global level, where 70% of people in the bot-

tom 50% live in low-income countries.

The total net debt of the bottom 50% of the global population is also just 0.4% of overall global wealth, or $1.1 trillion.

If you ignore the net debt, the wealth of the bottom 50% is $1.5 trillion. It still takes just 56 of the wealthiest individuals to equal the wealth of this group.

The second challenge is that changes over time of net wealth can be due to exchange-rate fluctuations, which matter little to people who want to use their wealth domestically. As the Credit Suisse reports in US$, it is of course true that wealth held in other currencies must be converted to US$.

Indeed, wealth in the UK declined by $1.5 trillion over the past year due to the decline in the value of Sterling.

However, exchangerate fluctuations cannot explain the long-run persistent wealth inequality which Credit Suisse shows (using current exchange rates): the bottom 50% have never had more than 1.5% of total wealth since 2000, and the richest 1% have never had less than 46%. Given the importance of globally traded capital in total wealth stocks, exchange rates remain an appropriate way to convert between currencies.’

The paper has a larger aim, setting out some initial thinking on the constituent elements of a ‘human economy approach’ that can turn around both inequality and other public bads created by prevailing orthodoxies.

wRiTE-wiNg

Here are the headlines: • A human economy would see national governments accountable to the 99%, and playing a more interventionist role in their economies to make them fairer and more sustainable.

• A human economy would see national governments cooperate to effectively fix global problems such as tax dodging, climate change and other environmental harm.

• A human economy would see businesses designed in ways that increase prosperity for all, and contribute to a sustainable future.

• A human economy would not tolerate the extreme concentration of wealth or poverty, and the gap between rich and poor would be far smaller.

• A human economy would work equally as well for women as it does for men.

• A human economy would ensure that advances in technology are actively steered to be to the benefit of everyone, rather than meaning job losses for workers or more wealth for those who own the businesses.

• A human economy would ensure an environmentally sustainable future by breaking free of fossil fuels and embarking on a rapid and just transition to renewable energy.

• A human economy would see progress measured by what actually matters, not just by GDP. This would include women’s unpaid care, and the impact of our economies on the planet.

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

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

friday 20•01•2017

PERSPECTIVE

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

7

‘It’s a Decentralised Emergency… A Pyramidal Mafia State’: Arun Shourie Swati Chaturvedi

A

tion to the media these days. I get my news from friends I respect and rely upon. This is what India is unfortunately and that’s why it was so easy to rule India for a thousand years. There is a line that righteous is good but if somebody else dies for it, even better.

The Wire

s part of the research for my book, I Am a Troll, I interviewed the former Bharatiya Janata Party leader Arun Shourie – a man who has also been viciously trolled on social media by ‘bhakts’ when on the Karan Thapar show he first went public with his criticism of the Narendra Modi government. The interview with Shourie, who was a minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayeeled NDA government from 1999-2004, was conducted in the summer of 2016 and the edited transcript is being published in The Wire for the first time.

Swati Chaturvedi: Narendra Modi is the only one among world leaders who follows abusive handles.

You and your son, who has cerebral palsy, were attacked and abused by these handles followed by him when you criticised him in an interview to Karan Thapar. They even said that you deserved your son’s illness as your karma for criticising Modi.

Arun Shourie: Yes, by following them Modi is giving the message: I am following it. You are following, then you are encouraging it, saying ‘Bhaiyya main dekh raha hoon tum kitni galiyan dal rahe ho’ (Boys, I’m watching, to see how many abuses you come up with). Next I hear he had a reception for them. You are receiving the same fellows in the PM’s official residence. Then the encouraged fellows put up their photos with Modi.

Next I heard one of them had been made the chief of the BJP’s IT cell. So obviously it is now a governmental operation, a party operation. And, this is one of the many instruments being used to silence voices in the whole country. So abuse is one, denial of access – just see now in Rajasthan, the Rajasthan Patrika has been denied ministers are saying? Like that Sharma fellow [Mahesh advertisements by the state government because they Sharma, minister for culture], or what his party men are saying? These are important party figures. How is it that wrote something about the central government. he knows everything and yet knows nothing? Secondly, SC: You fought the Emergency. I was not even born if he is so powerful and yet cannot control these little then. Is this anything at all like that era? [fellows]? And third there is a clear pattern: A statement Shourie: It’s a decentralised emergency. What we is made, an incident is created. A campaign is launched. are going towards is a pyramidal decentralised mafia He remains silent. Everybody says, baba please speak, state, where local goons will belabour anyone whom begs him to speak. No. When the campaign has been they think is doing something wrong. The central peo- milked or that abuse has been milked for what it can ple will look the other way. The central people will pro- yield, then at last, three months later, he makes some vide a rationale for the goondas at the local level. Like ambiguous statement. Like motherhood is good. We “gau rakshaks’’, like “love jihad” – this becomes the ratio- should all respect our mothers. nale for me to beat up anybody. It’s not love for the cow SC: Motherhood and apple pie! but just an instrument for domination.

Shourie: (Laughing) Yes, well that fellow will say he’s The one big difference is at that time Mrs [Indira] Gandhi still used the law. Now it is not the law. These speaking about the “gau mata’’. You know something people are acting outside the law. This is true fascism like that. And you know, which fool will think that there because you say what is the law? I am the law. All this is not a pattern to all this which is happening. It’s hapaction is being done outside the government, worse, pening again and again. It can’t be that when the last things are being done inside the government to choke vote of the UP election was cast, then suddenly love jithe existing laws – for instance the Right to Informa- had was over? The Muslim boys left the Hindu girls? Its tion (RTI) is being choked, the Public Interest Litigation obvious that his only objective is to win elections and he (PIL) is being denigrated unless it’s in your favour. The will do anything to win elections. judiciary is being denigrated, therefore you keep the va- SC: Which is very frightening. cancies going the same way, probably about a hundred Shourie: Yes, as happened in the Muzaffarnagar vacancies. The judiciary keeps saying, and these people killings. Or as is happening now in Kashmir, so many keep denying on one ground or another. And, to hell people blinded, 61 dead and these people are so foolish with the people who suffer because of want of courts. that they will kill somebody – a truck driver over beef in SC: Ashis Nandy once wrote a piece after interview- the Jammu area, not realising that Kashmir is a tinder box, it will go up in flames. You know today, anything ing Modi where he said he felt he had met a textbook happening in Kerala, Bihar or UP registers in Kashmir. fascist. You know Modi well, you even campaigned for When a pattern emerges, then we are creating a situahim to become the PM, would you agree with him? tion when the Muslims are are being reminded of the Shourie: Yes I have said so but there is more, I would 1940s – ‘Yahan hamarey liye koi jagah nah hai’ (There is take it further and say that Modi falls in the category in no place for us here). psychology of something called the dark triad – that’s the characterisation I would give him but, he also seems SC: Members of the BJP’s IT cell and the ones folto be falling in to what many of these persons do – which lowed by Modi spread a lot of communal lies deis [to get] easily frightened. You see a bully is very eas- signed to inflame passions – for example, after [the] ily frightened. Just see what happened as a result of the Dadri [lynching of Akhlaq], one BJP IT cell member Delhi elections and the Bihar elections. Modi gave up tweeted photoshopped pictures of a policeman beall talk of “vikas, vikas” immediately. Populist schemes, ing run over by cattle smugglers. After this was pointall the populist schemes, he embraced. It showed how ed out, the BJP, via Arvind Gupta, said officially they frightened he became just after an electoral defeat. And had nothing to do with it. One hour later, even ministhe second the only purpose is to win elections – and ters were trending that they stand with the person affor that any means are OK, any means, and, this intimi- ter the UP govt filed an FIR against the person. What dation and abuse are one of the instruments. Anybody do you make of this double-speak?

Shourie: It’s to do precisely that – instigate off-line who opposes Modi is immediately embroiled in cases – like Pradeep Sharma, the [IAS] official in Gujarat, and riots with the clear purpose of dividing people. And, Teesta Setalvad. A third instrument towards the same the other person they have cast aside or are abusing is end is all Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to somebody who is anti-national. So it makes it exactly be put in the dock and then to be intimidated and trou- right for them to beat up the fellow. bled. It is always the case with the dark triad. That is how they justify what they are doing. “Sab mujh koh yeh kar SC: This anti national thing you’ve raised is very imrahe hain, isilye meh kar raha hoon” (Everyone did this portant. I don’t think till date we’ve described fellow to me, that is why I am doing this). That is justification. citizens as being anti national to the point where the word has been leached of all meaning.

SC: You know Modi well, helped his campaign.

Shourie: [Indira] Gandhi would talk of the foreign Shourie: Yes, I got to know [him] well, especially af- hand – this is not the foreign hand but I am the foreignter he came to our house in Lavasa and after that then er. I am not just the instrument of the foreigner, I am the I helped with the campaign. We were all working to- one who should be out. gether because we are all so fed up with the inaction in You create a situation of ‘them versus us’ – everyDr Manmohan Singh’s second term. But that is a great thing is ‘them versus us’. … [Actually] they are the anti lesson to me. I have been taught a lesson for the second nationals, they are the ones against our culture. Modi time in my life. Supporting Modi was the second biggest and Shah have ensured the Indirakaran (‘Indiraficamistake of my life. Of getting so fed up with an existing tion’) of the BJP. Because if you look at Modi versus the government that you support anybody. This happened cabinet, there is nobody, Modi and the party, there is no in Rajiv Gandhi’s time when we supported V.P. Singh. party – only Modi and Shah. Look at the choice of chief And supporting Modi happened now. I supported V.P. ministers – [Vijay] Rupani [of Gujarat], [Devendra] FadSingh despite the warnings of Chandrashekar, who navis [of Maharashtra], [Manohar Lal] Khattar [in Harytold Cho Ramaswamy that ‘you tell your friend that he ana] – persons who do not have any base at all. is supporting Singh but he’s a very dangerous man, he Then they are completely beholden to and combelieves in nothing’. But at that time, we had so many pletely available to the Centre and one or two leaders. cases against us in the Express so I told Cho there is a Also, now what was the parliamentary party resolution proverb that when your house is on fire you cannot wait that Amit Shah is authorised to select the CM? Now for Ganges water. Cho said to me, are you sure it’s not what about the MLAs? petrol. That’s what turned out to be the case.

Second time, the same thing has happened. But SC: When you see all this happening, is it anymore there is the other side of the story also. I remain the the BJP you were part of? Because now they say very same person, but when I was supporting Modi they proudly that you are not a member. adored me but when I spoke of his actions and what Shourie: Perfectly right, I could not be a member of they were creating, suddenly I became ‘frustrated’. So this BJP. I think that shows Modi’s great foresight. He the best thing to assume is that yes I am frustrated but, knew I could not be a part of this. what about the facts? Is the abuse being hurled or not?

Are the institutions being undermined or not? Are val- SC: The BJP says that you wanted to be the finance ues being undermined? Is intimidation becoming a minister and because that was thwarted, you attack norm or not? And can we say at all that Modi is un- Modi.

Shourie: Let us assume that to be true. But, what aware of all this?” about the facts? Have you or have you not made an ass SC: Do you really think Modi is unaware of it? of yourself over Pakistan? Have you or have you not Shourie: No, no, how can anybody believe it be- made an ass of the country in regard to China, whether cause firstly it does not go with the claim that ‘arre, its on NSG or anything else? What about those facts?

Modi knows everything. He has a super intelligence What about the problem of the banks ever-greening service working for him.’ And he does not know what is loans – was this not flagged to you in early 2013 with appearing in the newspapers? Does he not know what detailed steps which will need to be taken, and were

Arun Shourie they taken? They have not been taken till now. I never thought it would turn out like this. Modi would certainly listen to presentations lasting six seven hours on what needed to be done. But that was obviously just an act.

SC: Let’s take the case of RBI governor Raghuram Rajan. Why was he driven out by attacking him on social media, by Subramanium Swamy [describing him] as “mentally not fully Indian”?

Shourie: I personally feel, certainly because of corporate interests. Because of discipline that Rajan was imposing upon the banks. Rajan was forcing them one way or the other – that these fellows need to pay, their names were coming out in public. Therefore, he also became a terrible man. He also became not Indian.

Again the same pattern.

SC: The PM did break his silence but it was a very weak defence?

Shourie: Arre, woh to Ghalib ka sher hai, arre mere qatl ke baad (It’s like the Ghalib poem)– having beheaded me, she forsook cruelty, that I will not do this in the future. You are promptly repentant but my head has been cut off. You see, after the RBI governor has been thrown out, this gives very important signals. First, it’s a favour to those corporate houses. Second, it gives a very important [signal] that if you don’t do our bidding and are not seen to be doing our bidding, you are out. Third, it’s a signal that professionals are not welcome in this set up and then, the most important, that no institution will be autonomous.

The so called Gujarat model is exactly this. One man, nobody else. One man going to any extreme. The man not even realising that drama is not achievement.

As Advaniji said at that time, Modi is a good events manager. And that is what is recoiling. Modi is now seen as only an events manager. Not [even] a good events manager.

SC: Do you think the RSS in it zeal to be in power has compromised with both Modi and Shah?

Shourie: No, but why do you believe they are separate? Modi and Shah are every day espousing RSS values, these are their values. This is the RSS in power.

It is foolish to put it on a pedestal. Look at the chaps who have been put in institutions. That’s the long term consequence. Look at the ICHR [Indian Council for Historical Research] . All this talk over the country is only to justify this takeover. The takeover is also not of some great historic mission but to ensure government cars, to sit in government offices. This is the level of ambition of the deprived! The oppressed who has been cast out, his aspiration is to be like the oppressor.

These people were out of the institutions, prevented from coming in by, lets say, the Marxists, so their ambition is to be like the Marxists.

SC: Recently we had the unprecedented spectacle of Delhi’s elected CM Arvind Kejriwal putting out a video saying that he feared that Modi would go to extent of murdering him or his MLAs. He faced a lot of derision from the BJP and was attacked on social media.

Later, his supporters produced screen shots of handles actually followed by Modi saying they wanted to murder him. Your reaction?

Shourie: No, the important thing is not that Kejriwal has been led to conclude that. The important thing is that people are asking for his murder. And those are persons – followed is the wrong word – these persons are being encouraged by Modi, by telling them, ah, I am following you, very good, very good. That’s the implication of following them. You don’t go and bite your neighbour, you have a dog to do that. So thats being done.

SC: The BJP attacks Kejriwal, calls him names, what do you make of this? And, what do you make of a section of the media which calls itself “nationalist’’, and some even show doctored videos as was done in the JNU case?

Shourie: I can tell you one thing. AAP had just begun its campaign and even at that time Modi was mortified. We were in Ahmedabad. I remember, there was a whole presentation on what Kejriwal is doing. How AAP is managing its campaign. And somebody was saying that one achievement of AAP is that they have beaten him on social media.

[On] Twitter, [it’s] not individuals speaking but organised forces. These are now armies and that shows the debasement of discourse in India. And, it vitiates the atmosphere of the country. … It’s part of a well thought out strategy. And, the country better wake up. It’s not a crazy person in the street. I remember a comment on Mussolini’s black shirts – they were nothing without the state but with the state they were everything. With the state backing them, they are everything. This applies to a large section of the media today. I pay very little atten-

SC: When you see the government and it policies, for instance Rajnath Singh was sent off to Pakistan for a SAARC summit when even Bangladesh did not send its minister. He was humiliated, and returned saying ‘I did not go to have lunch there.’ What’s really going on?

Shourie: (Laughs) Nothing, but this is foreign policy. I call it foreign policy by revelations. One night you go to bed, have a revelation, so you wake up and you are tough on Pakistan. Another night, another vision and the policy reverses. One day ‘muh tod jawab deh denge’ (we will give a fitting response). Rajnath Singh’s statement that I did not go to have lunch was a comment on Modi who had indeed gone to have Christmas lunch with Sharif! So Singh was telling his friends.

See I have given a slap.

See, the NSG, there Modi thought two things. One, that we are becoming members, so take the credit. Second, if somebody is wavering, I am so charming that I will charm him. Hence the trips to Switzerland and Mexico under the glare of the arc lights. Its like a chicken just running around, running around and the wall just stands and suddenly the chicken just hits it head against it and thats what happened. Even these trips he makes, he wants to see himself shaking hands with “Barack” [Obama], dealing with [former British prime minister David] Cameron, and [German chancellor] Angela Merkel who does not even look at him.

One of the instruments is headline management, so something bad happens in Kashmir, something bad happens in Gujarat, such as the Dalits doing this Gandhian leaderless protest, withdrawing cooperation, what does the government do? You plant another story or stories. Everybody runs these because you have a tutored media. Next morning you are not concerned about Kashmir or Gujarat, you are congratulating yourself on your success in diverting the media’s attention. It compounds the problem. It means that you will not pay attention to the fire that you have set. You don’t think there is a disaster there, you are busy celebrating a success. Your obsession is the media, not the situation. I have pointed out to Modi personally – that you have come to Delhi with a simple majority. Rajiv Gandhi had won with a brutal majority and was still overtaken by events. You think you are controlling Parliament, you are controlling the media, so you are in command – but the situation can get out of hand.

SC: You were a minister in Atalji’s cabinet, what do you think he would make of Modi’s BJP and the bhakt phenomena on social media? You are extremely close to him. What was Atalji’s view on Modi, especially after the Gujarat riots?

Shourie: I personally witnessed Atalji weeping because of the Gujarat riots. What happened was that the Gujarat riots took place, then Atalji went to the refugee camps and came back and we immediately had to go to Singapore and Cambodia. Brajesh [Mishra] told me that ‘Zara Atalji ke pas jao, bahut upset hain’ (go to Atalji, he is very upset), so I went to Atalji and he was sitting with his head in his hands. (Shourie put his head in his hands and slumped over to demonstrate’). I asked if I could sit, he gestured yes, then I told him. ‘Aap itney upset hain’ (You are so upset).He turned to me and said in agony, ‘Upset hai mujhe, wahan kyon le jaya ja raha’ hai?’ He started weeping and said, ‘Mein kis muh sei’ seedhinyan uthrrunga? Aisa kalank laga diya hai.’ (I am upset. Why am I being taken there? With what face will I walk down the steps [of the aircraft]? Such a stain has been put on us). And so I said to him that “Jee, aap land kar kei Advani ji sei boliye, he should ask Modi to resign.

Itni kaun see badi baat hai.” (When you land, you can tell Advani, he should ask Modi to resign. What is the big deal?). He was silent. He just shrugged it off.

He did not ring up. Then [Vajpaye’s principal secretary] Brajesh Mishra rang up saying that ‘Goa mein meeting hai and you have to go in the PM’s plane’. I said, but I have already bought my ticket, he said, no, be there. ‘Us mein Advani ji bhi hongey aur Jaswant koh kaha hai woh bhi hoga’ (Advaniji will be there and Jaswant [Singh] too has been asked and will be there). So I said, if Advaniji is there, nobody should be there. ‘Un log koh baat karni hai. Occasion hai who log settle kar lenge.’ (They need to talk, they have the occasion and can settle things). Brajesh said to me, ‘Tum jantey hi nahi, dono baat hi nahi karengey.’ (You don’t know, the two of them won’t even talk). So we went. Atalji was sitting by the window, Advaniji opposite him. Both of them looking out of the window. After a while, Atalji picked up a newspaper and held it against his face like a shield blocking out Advani. So did Advani, after a while. So I took the paper physically out of Atalji’s hands and said “Atalji akhbar to kabhi bhi padha ja sakta, aap donon koh baat karni hai Modi kei barey mein, please kijeye.”

(Atalji, you can always read the newspaper later, the two of you need to talk, about Modi). Then the discussion started. The first decision did not take long– that Venkaiah Naidu would replace Jana Krishamurthy as BJP president. The second was that Advaniji would inform the [BJP] national executive that Modi has resigned.

The executive meeting started. Atal, Advani and Jana were sitting on the dais. I was right in the back with Yashwant Sinha. In between, Modi got up, raised his hand and said, ‘Main nahi chahata ke party koh mere kaaran koi haani hoh, toh mainay nirnaya kiya hai ki main is pad sei istifaa deh doon’. (I don’t want the party to get hurt because of me so I have decided to resign from my position). After a silence of two three seconds, 10-15 people started shouting ‘bilkul nahin, kyon denge, kya hua, kuch ghalti nahin hui’. (No, never, why should you resign, what happened, nothing wrong happened) The decision that had been taken was Advaniji would inform the executive, not that Modi would do this. I could see from his face that Atalji was completely astonished.

It was obviously a coup that had been staged against him. He then tried to defuse [things] by saying ‘kal baat karengey’ (we will talk about this tomorrow), let’s go for the public meeting. Again, the din started ‘Kyon baat karengene, kabhi nahin baat karengey.’ (Why should we talk about it, we will never talk about it) But, Atalji would have been horrified, he would never have allowed the situation that is there in the country today.

Swati Chaturvedi is a freelance journalist and author of I Am a Troll (Juggernaut, 2016)

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

8

friDAY 20•01•2017

INDIA

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Protesters in TN urge Modi to allow 'jallikattu'

CHENNAI, JANUARY 19 (REUTERS): Protests by thousands of people demanding the resumption of a traditional bull-taming festival have disrupted daily life across the state of Tamil Nadu, forcing its leader to urge intervention

by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Protesters want the central government to reverse a Supreme Court ban on "jallikattu", a hazardous rite in which youths and men wrestle rampaging bulls, and have made a request to Modi to permit it.

Thousands of small factories, shops and schools were closed across Tamil Nadu for a second day on Thursday by widespread protests against the ban, with the largest crowd gathering on the Marina beach of the state capital, Chennai.

Children carried placards blaming the judiciary and animal rights groups for the ban on what they view as a sport forming a key part of the Pongal harvest festival, which some Hindus celebrate after the winter solstice.

"It is a primitive sport and we love it. No one has the right to stop a sporting activity," said Kanimozhi Subramanian, 23, a university student spearheading youth protests.

The state's chief minis-

CM seeks ordinance, PM says matter is subjudice

A villager tries to control a bull during a bull-taming festival on the outskirts of Madurai town, about 500 km from Chennai January 16, 2014. (Reuters File Photo)

ter, O. Panneerselvam, flew to the capital New Delhi to ask Modi to issue an ordinance allowing the festival this year.

Talks between the state government and protest leaders on Tuesday failed to find a solution allowing the event to be held.

Political parties, college students and cultural groups refused to disperse, leaving police struggling to rein in the protests.

"We fear that the protests could get violent or a stampede could lead to loss of lives. It is hard to contain the outrage," said Deputy Police Commissioner G. Shasshank Sai. Animal rights activists have urged Modi to back the ban on a sport in which bullfighters must retain hold of the hump of a bucking animal for three jumps to win a prize. Modi declined to intervene, how-

ever.

"While appreciating the cultural significance of 'jallikattu', the Prime Minister observed that the matter is presently sub judice," his office said in a statement.

The reference was to a final ruling awaited from India's highest court on a 2016 federal measure that permitted the rite.

Hundreds of raging bulls are injured annually because participants twist

their tails, beat them and even stab them with knives to control the animals.

More than 1,200 spectators have been injured at such events between 2010 and 2014, says animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

"A cruel tradition cannot be part of Indian culture," said Manilal Valliyate, PETA's director of veterinary affairs.

NEw DElHI, JANUARY 19 (IANS): Amid massive protests in support of Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam on Thursday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and urged him to promulgate an ordinance enabling the holding of the popular bull-taming sport. Modi while assuring support, pointed out that the matter is sub-judice.

Panneerselvam was in the national capital to meet the Prime Minister.

"The ban imposed on Jallikattu by the Supreme Court came up for discussion. While appreciating the cultural significance of Jallikattu, the Prime Minister observed that the matter is presently sub-judice," the Prime Minister's Office said in a series of tweets.

"The Centre would be supportive of steps taken by the State Government," it added.

Panneerselvam said steps will be taken soon.

"I have asked Prime Minister to promulgate an emergency ordinance allowing Jallikattu," he told reporters after meeting the Prime Minister.

"The state government will take necessary action in coordination with the central government to hold Jallikattu.

The state government's action in relation with Jallikattu would soon be seen.

"The Prime Minister said the central government will support the state government's action on Jallikattu as there is a case pending in the court," he added.

Panneerselvam also said that he and AIADMK chief Sasikala have written to the Prime Minister on the issue.

The Supreme Court in May 2014 banned Jallikattu, saying that bulls cannot be used as performing animals including in bullock-cart races.

Since then, people have been urging the central government to take steps to allow the sport.

The common complaint among the protest leaders was that the Supreme Court had insulted the Tamil culture by disallowing the traditional sport observed during the harvest festival of Pongal.

In Tamil Nadu, the protests began on Tuesday morning following the arrest of protesters in Madurai district's Alanganallur town, well known for conducting the sport.

In Jallikattu, a bull vaulter is expected to hang on to the animal's hump for a stipulated distance or for a minimum of three jumps by the bull.

Huge protests continued in Chennai's Marina beach.

The Prime Minister also assured the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister that all possible assistance would be provided to the state to address the drought situation.

Panneerselvam said the state government has asked Rs 39,565 crore as drought relief.

"A central team would be deputed to Tamil Nadu shortly," Modi told the Chief Minister.

Internet can't be allowed to 'India and US may work UP bus tragedy deaths rise to be abused by a few: IT Minister closely during Trump era' 25, school's licence cancelled

NEw DElHI, JANUARY 19 (IANS): Internet is one of the finest creations of human mind which can't be allowed to be abused by a few, Union Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said on Thursday. Speaking at the second Raisina Dialogue, Prasad said the world must unite to fight cyber threats.

"Internet is one of the finest creations of human mind. It should not be allowed to be abused by a few, which is happening... from terrorism, extremism, violence and hatred. And there, the civilised world is required to speak in one voice," Prasad added.

He said cyber war is a bloodless war as a few people sitting in a remote part of the world can create mayhem and, thus, there was need to strengthen cyber security and cyber safety.

"We have to guard and work with unity and commitment to eliminate these threats," he said. Prasad added that for internet to become "truly global, it must have linkage with the local".

"It has to become a true representative of human race. The local culture, local language, local ideas must find adequate space on the internet. Then we can think of bridging the digital divide," he said.

The Minister pointed out that India is one of the first countries to have taken a firm position that right of access to internet is "not negotiable".

"We have consciously decided that India's would be a voice of moderation and sanity. But India's would be a voice of assertion for the digital divide, for those who are on the margins of the digital divide, those who are discriminated and digitally deprived," he said.

NEw DElHI, JANUARY 19 (IANS): India and the US are likely to work closely during Donald Trump's tenure as the President, as he is expected to shift focus of his administration to containing China and tackling Islamic terrorism, feels former Canada Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

"I think India will have lots of opportunities to work with the United States with the shifting of focus by the new administration," a release from the Observer Research Foundation quoted Harper as saying here when he addressed the second edition of the Raisina Dialogue on Thursday.

The programme was organised jointly by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Observer Research Foundation.

Harper, according to the release, said: "My friend and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump will work closely to ensure a better world."

Describing Trump as a realist politician, who wants to focus on real issues affecting the US, Harper said issues like immigration are really affecting people in many countries.

The former Canadian Prime Minister also said that as the US looks inward focusing on economic issues under the Trump presidency, it could be good for America and also for the world. Over 250 participants from 65 countries are taking part in this year's three-day dialogue, which was inaugurated by Modi on Tuesday.

The first edition was attended by 120 participants from 40 countries.

lUCkNow, JANUARY 19 (IANS): The deaths in the road accident in Etah of Uttar Pradesh, where a speeding truck collided with a school bus early on Thursday, rose to 25, the state police said.

More than 30 children are being treated for injuries at various hospitals, where the condition of seven is said to be critical.

The Etah District Magistrate has ordered a probe into the incident and has also cancelled the licence of the JS Public school for violating the government order to close schools from January 18 to January 21 owing to cold wave and poor weather conditions.

The bus was carrying 61 children to the school when a sand-laden truck rammed into it head-on on the

Patiali Road near Aliganj.

The children in the school bus were aged 4-11 years and were students of Lower KG to Class 7.

District Magistrate Shambhunath said a case has also been filed against the management of the school for violating the orders issued on Wednesday regarding closure of schools.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and sate BJP chief Keshav Prasad Maurya have mourned the loss of innocent lives in the tragedy.

The Chief Minister has asked the Divisional Commissioner and other district officials to ensure prompt and best treatment for those injured in the accident.

Indian surrogate mothers grab last chance Supreme Court rejects plea to recognise divorces to make babies ahead of impending ban granted by Canonical Courts MUMBAI, JANUARY 19 (REUTERS): Inside a bungalow in a plush residential area of Gurugram, on the outskirts of New Delhi, a group of women in different stages of pregnancy share the hope their babies will be delivered safely - or risk losing the chance of big money, forever.

Successful pregnancies have never been more important at this surrogacy centre where every bed is taken following a jump in demand as India inches towards banning commercial surrogacy.

These women could be among the last in the country to rent their wombs for money if the Indian parliament passes a bill to outlaw commercial surrogacy - a 15-year-old industry estimated to be worth as much as $2.3 billion annually - in its next session starting in February.

India's surrogacy industry has come under attack by women's rights groups who say fertility clinics are "baby factories" for the rich, and that a lack of regulation results in poor and uneducated women signing contracts they do not fully understand.

Yet some of the women the bill aims to protect are currently queuing up for a last chance to make around 400,000 rupees ($5,900) money they said they could only dream of otherwise.

Razia Sultana, 32, had an embryo transferred into her uterus in the final week

Surrogate mothers pose for a photograph inside a temporary home for surrogates provided

by Akanksha IVF centre in Anand town, about 70 km south of Ahmedabad August 27, 2013.

(Reuters File Photo)

of December.

Until six months ago, she arranged egg donors and surrogates for infertility clinics, making 5,000 rupees for each referral, but decided to become a surrogate herself on the day she first heard about the ban.

"My children supported my decision saying bearing a child was better than selling a kidney, which I was considering too," she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

She will stay at the centre for nine months, meet her children once a week and only go outside with an escort.

"These are small compromises. I have no other option to make this kind of money."

unethical practices.

"We are concerned about the health of the surrogate mother and that the legal and financial rights of the child are protected," said Manoj Pant from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

"India wants to be on par with developed and developing nations that do not legitimise commercial surrogacy."

Until the ban on surrogacy passes, India continues to be among a handful of countries where women can be paid to carry another's child through in-vitro fertilisation and embryo transfer.

Most women at the Gurugram centre are from migrant colonies close to the sweatshops where they once worked.

SLAVERY TO Ruby Kumari, 35, heard SURROGACY The Indian government about surrogacy three believes the ban will check years ago at the export fac-

tory where she worked 12hour shifts, stitching 50 garments an hour - a target her manager would stretch to 60 or even 70 - and earning 250 rupees a day.

The possibility of earning 400,000 rupees hooked her and she agreed to rent her womb.

"The day I delivered, the child's parents gifted me 50,000 rupees in addition to my fee," Kumari said. "I came back and enrolled my daughter into an Englishmedium school."

Kumari's husband also works in a garment factory and makes 2 rupees for each item he irons. Pregnant with her second surrogate child, Kumari said her family had no future if not for surrogacy.

Like Kumari, Jayalakshmi Verma is another surrogate who wonders why "gifting motherhood" is wrong and why work that

earns her respect and money would be made illegal.

The 28-year-old single mother of three said: "My in-laws threw me out of their house, my manager at the export factory was abusive and I was forced to quit. Here I have got respect for carrying a child."

Verma said she will have no choice but to return to the factory if surrogacy is banned. "What other skill do I have?"

Surrogacy law experts say that if the government wishes to protect poor women from being exploited, it should regulate the sector rather than banning it.

"The surrogacy bill does not make any provision for the protection of women, assuming that banning commercial surrogacy will protect them," said Hari Ramasubramanian of Indian Surrogacy Law Centre.

UNREGULATED BUSINESS At the Gurugram centre, owner Sarita Sharma read out the requirements for an egg donor to a staff member: "Fair complexion, B positive."

Within seconds, a picture of a fair young woman smiling into the camera flashes up on her phone and she quickly alerts the clinic. Women receive 35,000 rupees for each donation.

"Business is brisk," said Sharma, who has been arranging donors and sur-

rogates for the last decade using a wide network of agents in migrant colonies.

She said demand for her 1 million rupee pregnancy packages - covering the surrogate's fee, food, accommodation and hospital expenses - has shot up. "I have about 1,000 women registered with us," Sharma said.

Yet as demand soars, so do concerns.

As part of a study on infertility clinics in New Delhi, sociologist Tulsi Patel from the Delhi School of Economics found poor awareness among women about the health complications and risks that repeated egg donations and pregnancies can cause.

The study also found that in some cases, clinics would transfer more than the permissible number of three embryos into the uterus to better the chances of pregnancy.

"But we did not find a single case of a woman forced into surrogacy," Patel said.

Experts fear the ban may push the industry underground, making women offering surrogacy services only more vulnerable to health risks.

For now, the last surrogates still hope to realise their dreams. "I want to start my own beauty parlour," said Jyoti Pal, 24, a single mother who is now four months pregnant.

"And I will do it again if possible."

NEw DElHI, JANUARY 19 (IANS): The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed a plea that sought recognition to divorce decrees passed by ecclesiastical courts to Catholic couples.

The court dismissed the PIL filed by Bengalurubased Clarence Pais, who urged that divorces granted by canonical courts be recognised as valid as was the case with 'triple talaq' under the Shariah law.

The petitioner contended that if divorce decrees passed by ecclesiastical courts were not recognised by civil courts, a large number of Christian men will face prosecution for bigamy under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) if they remarried after getting favourable divorce decrees from the canonical courts.

Section 494 of the IPC prohibits and punishes remarriage if a surviving spouse and a valid marriage are surviving. Section 494 deals with marrying again during the lifetime of husband or wife. "Whoever, having a husband or wife living, marries in any case in which such marriage is void by reason of its taking place during the life of such husband or wife, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine."

Under the Christian canonical law, Catholics are required to marry in a

Catholic church and the same could be dissolved by the canonical court only.

The marriage and its dissolution by any authority other than the church is not recognised by it.

Pais had sought declaration that the canon law as the personal law of Catholic Christians in India and that the dissolution of marriage by these courts as binding and recognised. The petition cited Article 372 of the Constitution, which provides for continuance of several existing laws and their adaptation even after coming into force of the Constitution.

Article 372 says: "Notwithstanding the repeal by this Constitution of the enactments referred to in Article 395 but subject to the other provisions of this Constitution, all law in force in the territory of India immediately before the commencement of this Constitution shall continue in force therein until altered or repealed or amended by a competent legislature or other competent authority."

Referring to Article 372, the petitioner said, "All the laws in force include not only the enactment of the Indian legislature but also the Common Law of the land which was being administered by the courts in India. This includes not only the personal laws -- namely the Hindu and Mohammedan laws -but that of Indian Catholic viz. the Canon Law..."

fridAY 20•01•2017

WORLD

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

9

Haley echoes Trump’s criticism but breaks from him on political issues WASHINGTON, JANuAry 19 (reuTerS): Donald Trump's pick for U.N. ambassador echoed his condemnation of the world body and pledged to push for reforms at her confirmation hearing on Wednesday, but broke from the president-elect on some other policy issues, including Russia and NATO. South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley seconded criticism of the United Nations by Trump and many of their fellow Republicans before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, especially for what she termed its "bias" against Israel.

Some Republicans want to stop U.S. funding for the United Nations over a Security Council resolution last month demanding an end to settlement building that the United States declined to veto, instead of abstaining.

Haley pledged that she would not abstain on U.N. votes. But she did not back "slashing" U.N. funding. The United States provides 22 percent of the U.N. budget.

Trump took to Twitter in the wake of the Israel vote to criticize the 193-member world body

‘Better to review Iran deal than unilaterally withdraw from it’

Nikki Haley

as "just a club for people to get together, talk and have a good time." He warned "things will be different" after he takes office, without offering details.

Haley said Washington should always back Israel. "If we always stand with them, more countries will want to be our allies," she said.

Haley said she "absolutely" backs moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv. That shift, which would up-end decades of U.S. policy, is supported by Trump and congressional Republicans but seen by the

Donald Trump

Palestinians and many Arab states as an impediment to Middle East peace.

Although some Democrats questioned Haley's lack of diplomatic experience, she is expected to be approved. At the end of the mostly non-contentious hearing, Senator Bob Corker, the committee's Republican chairman, said he expected she would be confirmed "overwhelmingly."

Haley, a rising star in the Republican party who turns 45 on Friday when Trump takes office, has only held office in South

Carolina. She has been governor since 2011.

Haley praised U.N. food programs, efforts to alleviate AIDS, its weapons monitoring and some peacekeeping missions, a departure from Trump's criticisms.

Haley also broke from Trump's praise for Russian President Vladimir Putin. She agreed that Russian actions in Syria such as bombing hospitals are "war crimes," condemned Russia's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea region and said she would oppose easing sanctions until Moscow changes.

WASHINGTON, January 19 (Reuters): It would be better for the United States to carefully review the 2015 Iran nuclear deal rather than unilaterally withdraw from it, Nikki Haley, U.S. Presidentelect Donald Trump's nominee for ambassador to the United Nations, said on Wednesday.

"I think what would be more beneficial at this point is that we look at all the details of the Iran deal, we see if they (the Iranians) are actually in compliance. If we find that there are violations that we act on those violations," Haley told lawmakers at her Senate confirmation hearing.

"I think that Russia has to have positive actions before we lift any sanctions on Russia," she said. Haley said she had not had detailed conversations with Trump about Russia or China.

United States and its frequent rivals Russia and China all hold permanent seats on the U.N. Security Council, along with U.S. allies Britain and France.

Haley did not advocate backing out of the international nuclear agreement with Iran, which is supported by the United Nations, although she said

it should be closely reviewed. She also praised the NATO alliance.

INFLUENCING TRUMP? Some other Trump nominees, including his choice for secretary of state, Rex Tillerson, and his Pentagon nominee, retired Marine General James Mattis, have also veered from Trump's national security positions during their hearings.

Several senators, including Republicans, have said they hope some appointees will rein in his more controversial positions.

"I would far rather have a strong-willed, capable, elected leader with experience at the state level who says those things than someone who has been a diplomat for 30 years and says: 'Oh, I'll do whatever Donald Trump says'," Democratic Senator Chris Coons told reporters.

Some questioned whether the president-elect would change. Democratic Senator Chris Murphy said the Tillerson and Haley hearings were in "an alternate universe," given two years of Trump statements backing torture or suggesting NATO is obsolete.

"That's all going to change after Friday?" Murphy asked.

Haley said she expected Trump's Cabinet would try to influence him. "I do anticipate that he will listen to all of us, and that hopefully we will get him to see it the way we see it," she said.

Haley did not endorse Trump during last year's primaries and has warned that some of his most inflammatory statements promoted dangerous hate.

She initially backed the presidential bid of Sena-

tor Marco Rubio and later Senator Ted Cruz.

She acknowledged her lack of diplomatic experience but said her time as governor would stand her in good stead.

"I would suggest there is nothing more important to a governor's success than her ability to unite those with different backgrounds, viewpoints and objectives behind a common purpose," she said.

Senator Ben Cardin, the committee's top Democrat, praised Haley for being willing to disagree with Trump.

Haley, the daughter of immigrants from India, rose to national prominent last year after she led a push to remove a Confederate flag from South Carolina's capitol grounds after a white supremacist killed nine black churchgoers in Charleston.

She already has fans at U.N. headquarters.

"She's a very respected politician and a highly regarded and results-driven professional," France's ambassador, Francois Delattre, told reporters on Tuesday.

Delattre met Haley in his previous role as French ambassador to the United States.

Obama hopes for quiet after White Court denies clearance to arrest Samsung chief House but will defend 'core values'

U.S. President Barack Obama smiles as he holds his final press conference at the White House in Washington, U.S. (Reuters Photo)

WASHINGTON, JANuAry 19 (reuTerS): He is ready for some quiet time, plans to do some writing and intends to give his successor space to govern, at least on most issues.

President Barack Obama gave some insight into his vision for life after the White House during a final news conference on Wednesday in which he praised the role of a free press and shared person-

al reflections on how his daughters had dealt with the results of the 2016 election.

Obama and his family will leave for Palm Springs, California, on Friday after the inauguration of Republican Donald Trump as the 45th president of the United States.

"I want to be quiet a little bit and not hear myself talk so darn much," said Obama, 55, who wants to write a book during his first

year out of office and spend time with his family.

But Obama made clear there were some issues on which he would not hesitate to speak out - issues "where I think our core values may be at stake," like new obstacles to voting, "institutional efforts to silence dissent or the press" and any push to deport undocumented people who were brought to America as children.

In 2012, Obama said his administration would allow people brought to the United States illegally by their parents to remain in the country on temporary authorisations that allow them to attend college and work one of the executive actions on immigration that Trump has pledged to undo.

"The notion that we would just arbitrarily or because of politics punish those kids, when they didn't do anything wrong themselves, I think would be something that would merit me speaking out," Obama said.

Xi portrays China as global leader as Trump era looms GENEVA, January 19 (Reuters): China will build a "new model" of relations with the United States, President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday in a speech that portrayed China as the leader of a globalised world where only international cooperation could solve the big problems.

Two days before the inauguration of Donald Trump who has promised to be a U.S. president putting "America first", Xi urged countries to resist isolationism.

"Trade protectionism and self-isolation will benefit no one," Xi told an invited audience at the United Nations in Geneva.

"Big countries should treat smaller countries as equals instead of acting as a hegemony imposing their will on others."

Xi called for the world to unite on everything from environmental protection to terrorism and nuclear disarmament, in contrast to Trump who has said he has an "open mind" on climate change and that the United States would win any nuclear arms race.

"We will build a circle of friends across the whole world," Xi said. "We will strive to build new model of major country relations

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a speech during a high-level event in the Assembly Hall at the United Nations European headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

(Reuters Photo)

with the United States, a comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination with Russia, a partnership for peace, growth, reform and among different civilizations and a partnership of unity and cooperation with BRICS countries."

While U.N. SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres told Xi it was "very reassuring to see China assuming such a clear leadership in multilateralism in today's world", rights campaigners expressed concerns about China's record.

“It is unfortunate that Chinese President Xi was given an obsequious red carpet treatment at the U.N. today while NGOs with concerns about his dismal rights record were kept out," said Sophie Richardson, China di-

rector at Human Rights Watch.

Western governments have accused China of widespread rights abuses and its smaller neighbours say it has expansionist ambitions in the South China Sea, things Beijing denies.

"We always put people's rights and interests above everything else and we have worked hard to develop and uphold human rights," Xi said. "China will never seek expansion, hegemony or sphere of influence."

Xi's speech was the finale of a trip that included topping the bill at the World Economic Forum in Davos. The United Nations - at risk of budget cuts from Trump - ensured the grandest possible welcome for Xi, and many U.N. staff went home early to clear the way for the red carpet.

SeOuL, JANuAry 19 (reuTerS): A South Korean court on Thursday denied a special prosecutor clearance to arrest the head of Samsung Group, the country's largest conglomerate, amid a graft scandal that has led to the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye.

But Jay Y. Lee, who has led Samsung since his father, Lee Kun-hee, suffered a heart attack in 2014, was still likely to be face the same charges of bribery, embezzlement and perjury, legal analysts said.

The pre-dawn decision by the Seoul Central District Court to allow him to go home was welcomed by Samsung Group.

The 48-year-old left the Seoul Detention Centre carrying a white shopping bag and climbed into a car without talking to reporters, having been held overnight as the court deliberated whether to grant the arrest warrant.

After being refused, a spokesman for the prosecutor said there would be no let up in the investigation.

The prosecutor's office has accused Lee of paying

Samsung Group chief, Jay Y. Lee, leaves the Seoul Detention Centre in Uiwang, South Korea. (Reuters Photo)

multi-million dollar bribes to Park's confidant, Choi Soon-sil, the woman at the heart of the scandal, to win support from the National Pension Service for a controversial 2015 merger of two Samsung Group affiliates.

The merger helped cement Lee's control over the smartphones-to-biopharmaceuticals business empire. He has denied wrongdoing.

The judge said in a statement on his ruling that an arrest was not necessary - for now.

"After reviewing the contents and the process of the investigation so far ... it is difficult to acknowledge the necessity and substantiality of an arrest at the cur-

rent stage," he said.

The special prosecutor's office said it deeply regretted the ruling.

"We will consider necessar y measures and continue with the investigation without wavering," spokesman Lee Kyu-chul said. He did not comment on whether the prosecution will try again to get an arrest warrant and did not take questions.

Lee Jung-jae, a lawyer and former prosecutor, said he didn't think the special prosecutor would push for Lee's detention again.

"They probably already have as much evidence as they could gather," he told Reuters. "They will indict

him eventually, but without detention."

Samsung said in an emailed statement that it appreciated "the fact that the merits of this case can now be determined without the need for detention".

The group's flagship, Samsung Electronics is the world's biggest maker of smartphones, flatscreen televisions and memory chips.

STRIPPED OF POWERS The special prosecutor's office on Monday said it was seeking an arrest warrant for Lee for paying bribes totaling 43 billion won ($36.70 million) to organizations linked to Choi to secure the 2015 merger of Samsung C&T Corp and Cheil Industries Inc. Park, 64, was impeached last month by parliament over the influencepeddling scandal. If the decision is upheld by the Constitutional Court, she will become South Korea's first democratically elected leader to be forced from office early.

Park, who remains in office but stripped of her powers while the court decides her fate, and Choi

have denied wrongdoing.

The special prosecutor's office said on Tuesday it had evidence that Park and Choi shared profits gained through bribery payments, but did not elaborate.

This week, the special prosecutor indicted the chairman of the National Pension Service, the world's third-largest pension fund, on charges of abuse of power and giving false testimony in relation to the deal.

Thursday's court ruling angered many, including members of the left-wing opposition Democratic Party, which said the decision ran counter to public sentiment. Samsung and its leader have been dogged by protests in recent weeks as the graft probe advanced, with some calling for Lee's immediate arrest.

"The law is not equal for all," one South Korean remarked on web portal Naver.

"The only thing that has changed is that he won't be detained now," HDC Asset Management fund manager Park Jung-hoon said, adding that uncertainties were likely to linger on.

Global coalition aims to ‘outsmart’ future epidemics with new vaccines DAVOS, JANuAry 19 (reuTerS): A global coalition of governments, health specialists and philanthropists will launch a new plan on Thursday to "outsmart" future disease epidemics with a fund to prepare and create new vaccines.

Stung by the devastation of West Africa's 2014-2015 Ebola outbreak, which killed more than 11,300 people before an effective vaccine was developed, the coalition is aiming to ensure such deadly outbreaks can't happen again.

John-Arne Rottingen, interim chief executive officer of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), said it is designed as "a global insurance policy against epidemic and pandemic threats".

CEPI's founders used the World Economic Forum in Davos to announce its launch, with initial funding of $460 million from the governments of Germany, Japan and Norway, the Bill

Health workers carry the body of a suspected Ebola victim for burial at a cemetery in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

(Reuters File Photo)

& Melinda Gates Foundation and the Wellcome Trust global health charity.

Bill Gates, co-chair of the Gates Foundation and a leading global health philanthropist, said recent major viral disease epidemics - Ebola and Zika - showed how the world "is tragically unprepared to detect local outbreaks and respond quickly enough to prevent

them from becoming global pandemics".

"Without investments in research and development, we will remain unequipped when we face the next threat," he said. "The ability to rapidly develop and deliver vaccines when new unknown diseases emerge offers our best hope to outpace outbreaks, save lives and avert disastrous eco-

nomic consequences."

The initial commitments mean CEPI has raised nearly half the $1 billion it needs for its first five years. It is now calling for proposals from researchers and companies who want to work on developing shots against its first target diseases - the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), Lassa and Nipah viruses.

Rottingen said all these have shown the capacity to spread across borders and become fast-growing outbreaks causing death and illness. CEPI aims to drastically shorten the time it takes to make vaccines to protect against these and other viruses, which can emerge suddenly as global public health threats.

Jeremy Farrar, director of the Wellcome Trust, told Reuters CEPI aims to develop two vaccine candidates against each disease before any epidemic, so they are ready for rapid deployment in field trials if and when an outbreak starts.

He noted that with

Ebola, despite huge international efforts to work faster, a vaccine was developed and validated as 100 percent protective only in the final months of the West Africa epidemic, after thousands had been infected and killed in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia.

"This partnership is trying to make sure the horror of Ebola is not forgotten," he said. "There are moments in time that have to be seized."

CEPI is also backed by major pharmaceutical companies, the World Health Organization and the international health charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).

Joanne Liu, head of MSF, welcomed the launch of CEPI but said price, safety and speed were crucial. "For new vaccines to be game changers, they must be developed and tested before outbreaks hit and made accessible and affordable for all communities in times of health crisis," she said.

friDAY 20•01•2017

PUBLIC DISCOURSE

10

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

APPRECIATION FOR CREATING SPACE: AYO hopes current imbroglio from members of APO Advisory Body is resolved collectively

T

he issue of reservation for women in Urban Local Bodies has created a crisis of highly-charged emotions. The wider perspective can be missed. Our society emerging from our traditional past is responding to an issue it has never faced before. We should not be surprised our responses have produced differences and dangerous tension. The divergent stands taken by the State Government, women spearheading the legal battle to uphold the legitimacy of the democratic rights of women, and the Apex tribe organizations, almost caused a confrontation on January 7 and 9. But for the wise restraint and far-sighted responsibility shown by the conflicting parties, the situation might well have resulted in violence and unintended consequences, repeating past tragedies of public protest ending in loss of lives. It would have been too costly a setback for our society struggling to go forward.

As concerned individuals brought to-

gether to support and think with the public leaders of our tribe for our common welfare we want to thank all the parties involved in the crisis for preventing the worst from happening. We join all others across the State who believe space must be created at all cost at this critical juncture to enable our society to work out solutions to our pressing problems so that our difficulties will make us stronger rather than weaker. This must not be beyond the combined wisdom, genius and will of the Nagas.

Women are the better half of our society.

No one can dispute this. The different positions taken on the issue of reservation for women, given its history, are understood and the right to take them respected. Our society has to evolve the solution that will serve us best as we progress along. It will happen if the sound growth of our society is more important to us than lesser agendas. We acknowledge as fact that the vital role women can and must play for the proper growth of

the Naga nation has not really impinged on the consciousness of the other half of our society with sufficient sense of need or understanding. In the search for a solution on reservation for women that the future will demand from us with increasing urgency, this acknowledgement of failure must be taken on board. If the future imperatives and realities will start to guide us more than the known ways and attitudes of the past we will succeed together better. The most powerful idea is what is right and best for all. It requires all to change, not just a few leaders.

Vipralhou Kesiezie – Convener Zeneituo Yano – Secretary Dr Dietho-o Yhoshü Dr Seyiekietuo Ziephrü Ketholeho Kulnu Krurovi Peseyie Rovigwelhu Chüsi Niketu Iralu Abi Yalie

T

he Angami Youth Organisation reiterates its earlier press communiqué warning excommunicated candidates from any part of Nagaland related to town and municipal elections not to take refuge in Angami areas of Dimapur and Kohima.

AYO also gives an addition to its previous statement. Which is, any family or house owner in the Angami areas detected harbouring these negative characters under their roof currently or gets reported to have being doing so even at a later date will be held accountable and viewed seriously. At the same time AYO wishes to thank all concerned for paying heed of our directive and adhering to it.

AYO with all sincerity prays that the current imbroglio is resolved collectively by our Naga elders, our legal luminaries, our intellectuals, legislators and the government at the earliest keeping in mind the interest of our future generation and not just the present.

Till such time a consensus and honourable decision is arrived AYO will do all within its capability to uphold and protect the current or any future

APO resolution which was passed in the interest of Angamis in particular and Nagas in general.

However it may be noted that every Angami has finally heeded to the voice of its community and Nagas in general by not filing their nominations and if nominated withdrawn or pledging to relinquish office even if they had failed to withdraw on time as advised.

Therefore AYO gives its humble and deepest appreciation to all its community members once again to the old and the young and both genders for the exemplary courage and readiness to serve under APO/AYO. And for restrain and cooperation shown no matter which ground we stood upon due to our respective duties and obligations. Not to forget all those who prayed to God for peace to prevail and those who encouraged AYO to be steadfast.

God bless all and may good sense prevail.

Neinguvotuo Krose President Peter Rutsa Vice President

Naga People, The guardian of “Great Eastern corridor” Dr. Anthony Yanthan Deputy Kilonser Health, NSCN (IM)

T

he Naga people and its territorial area still in the yolk of civilization, subjected by forceful occupation by Indian intriguing British colonial legacy claim is currently the most close yet silently watched regions in the world, also known as “Great Eastern corridor”. Situated in trijunction border of the three giant countries India, China and Myanmar, it not only consolidates relationships and trade links with south East Asia and beyond but holds the key and gate way for socio-economic transformation. In fact this untapped and highly potential area is observed by many experts as the “future green economic reserves zone”. The shift of interest and policy by Government of India (GoI) towards “Act East” with ASEAN countries and northeast in particular is in fact India’s top agenda for “multi-prong Future oriented strategy” besides trade and commerce it shall determine India’s

future as power house in challenging competitive world. The traditional relationship with war torn Middle East can no longer sustain India growing demands or survival nor its counterpart, the rising red Dragon and the neighboring countries come to its aid. Thus, it has not only initiated major economic reforms and transformation policy within but has set up new approach for long term strategy internationally as well.

It is interesting to note that Naga people and its areas (Asia Golden Route) shall be the Game changer across Asia -pacific region in future, which most of us are still blind to.

Currently, the main focus and attention is now on the renewed efforts to solve the Naga political problem honorably and genuinely by Government of India (GoI) under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi, whom he acknowledges that Naga people’s rights is betrayed and trampled upon for very long due to wrong reasons, now looks for equal partnership and building the future together as two entities,

meanwhile calling the Naga people as“the guardian of eastern corridor’ in Historic speech on 3rd August, 2015 .

We have now entered into new millennia; times when the world has embraced space age technologies and civilization set across space frontiers, we are yet to see the light of the day unless harness the Era of Nagas by seizing the given golden opportunity. Let us all look beyond these realms of realties where time, space, energy and matters can articulate our future. Our forefather’s efforts and their sacrifices is today, we are all here with rich legacy of cultural diversity and history passed down to us in this 21st century proud to be known as “Nagas”. The Government of India (GoI) recognizing “unique History and Situation of Nagas” on June 11, 2002 is indeed a historical landmark achievement for all of us.

Our land has high potential and is still untapped, rich in mines and minerals besides vast Bio-diversity and human Resources too. We are standing on an unimaginable heap of treasures and in putting a little effort to our

today’s spade work would certainly transform our future prospective.

Our orientation based on sustainable regenerating concept and by refining our culture with modern civilization would guarantee the future.

Today’s leaders and elders of our times should sow the good seeds they possess to the younger generation “the builder of future” besides encouraging them; psychological revolution starting from each one of us is the need of an hour. The influence of other culture and imitating alien customs into our lifestyle needs to be corrected as it has affected our identity and unless we safeguards it, our history and culture is at the receiving end of vanishing in future.

Everything has season, and Time has come for all of us to step out from our conservative and possessive attitude seeded by Indian and Myanmar arbitrary and imaginary boundary lines and policies. Our land and people are indivisible as much as our body is to spirit without which we don’t exist at all, Naga people across the universe where ever they may be

are one. We are all one family and families don’t have walls, instead we should start taking care of our ancestral land and encroachment by vested policies, alien cultures invasion and illegal immigrants around us to name a few. The illegitimate pride and arrogance born from the lust of money and power has tempered of once who we are “honest and humble identity”, self destruction is inevitable unless we restore our nature and phenomena with moral and integrity. Humility and messengers of peace and harmony is a way of Christian life, after all at the end of the day down, it is 3 feet by 6 feet and it’s all about love and truth.

It is through the continuous unflinching spirit and unwavering support of our people’s love, care and support for the Naga people’s self determination that NSCN has come thus far to the historic signing of “Framework Agreement” on 3rd August 2015 after 19 years long political negotiation with Government of India (GoI) where now a final settlement is around the corner, which solution is based

outside the constitution and union of India while recognizing every aspects of our Nagas legitimate rights without compromising the principles.

Right decision at the right time serves the concept and purposes of everything. Squabbling amongst ourselves exhibits our nakedness only; germinating good qualities is an essence of every responsible leaders and individuals. Our past leaders have done their part and left us a rich legacy. Now it is our time to continue the journey and the Era of Nagas has set in, it is right time for all of us to set good examples and inspire. I believe there’s no as such things that cannot be sorted out in our Naga family nor the wounds and collateral damages borne by revolutionary times. The coming together of other NPGs in the right platform at these opportune times would commemorate the “final Naga Political solution” in a much cherished and meaningful way. Let us all come together in fulfilling the Naga people’s dreams and Aspiration.

Kuknalim

Connecting Naga Customary Law with 33% Reservation for Naga Women Charles Mhonthung Ezung

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any distinguished writers have already expressed their thoughts on the issue of the policy of reservation of elective posts for Naga women in the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across the state as prescribed by the provisions of the Indian constitution. I would like to specifically mention the article, titled “Customs, Traditions and Usages,” written by our learned legal luminary P. Pius Lotha, former Additional Advocate General which appeared in Nagaland Post, dated 18th January 2017. This article precisely defines the three terms viz. custom, tradition and usage from the legal perspective leaving no scope for ambiguity. The article also states that the provision of women reservation is covered under the ambit of Naga customary laws and practices and as such is relevant for Art. 371A, to which I personally also agree to his opinion. Allow me to take this opportunity to also express my views on the same issue however from a different angle which is subject to analysis for criticism or appreciation as the case maybe. This article is by no means an exhaustive article since many other scholars are working on the same topic today from different angles. The objective of writing this article is to make an attempt to connect the two contentious elements of our contemporary Naga society viz.

Customary Practices and Women Reservation on the basis of gender disparity. At the outset I humbly declare that I am a staunch supporter of the process which aims to take our society to the next higher level of human “civilization” but taking along with us our customs and practices as passed down by our ancestors to remind us and our succeeding generations about our roots and unique customs which God has blessed us with and which has made the Naga people distinct and special. I personally feel that I have an obligation to protect, preserve and transfer the customs and traditions of our ancestors to the succeeding generation as a token of my gratitude to our ancestors for laying the foundation of the modern Naga society with great vision and wisdom. This wisdom and vision are seen in the context of the “letter to the Simon Commission,” “the 9 Point Agreement,” and “the

16 Point Agreement.”

The interaction between Naga customary practices and the liberal democratic practices in our society has reached a critical stage today where the two practices may either reconcilewith each other resulting in a progressive society with a strong cultural root or clash against each other and polarise the Naga society into two extreme segments of the traditionalist and the modernist each pulling the Naga society in the opposite direction. The modern liberal democratic system is based on individual rights and liberties.

Whereas the Naga customary practices are based on community based rights and liberties. The present imbroglio concerning 33% reservation of elective post in the Urban Local Bodies for Naga women and the Naga customary laws exactly manifest the clash of the traditional and contemporary practices in our society today. It indicates that we are in a transition stage and we need to be very careful and sensitive to the pressure exerted upon our customs and practices to adapt to the present “universal” culture both from within and outside our society. Our response as a societyto the demands of this adaptation so as to qualify as a “civilized” modern society must be on the basis of broad-base discussion covering the cross-section of our society. This cautious mode of approach to the process of modernization is necessary so as to proceed ahead without missing a step in our march to progress. In our effort to build a progressive society we must not blindly adapt to the prevailing universal “culture” for the sake of replicating the type of society prevailing in the civilized modern society in the western part of our globe.

The ground reality in our society is not similar like the other civilized societies of this world. Remember the stage of progress of our society today has been already experienced by the civilized modern society ages ago.

Therefore, what seems to be good for the other civilized societies may not necessarily benefit our Naga society for the reason that we are superseding the intermediary levels of progress which is potentially dangerous since the societal base becomes weak. The remark of the first Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru sometime before the inauguration of the 16th state of India speaks volume

about the utility and relevance of the indigenous structure and system for governance then and even now from a great statesman like Nehru. Prime Minister Nehru had remarked that the Naga traditional machinery of self-governance at village, range and tribal levels should be strengthened.

He even suggested that tribal names be given to the Legislative Assembly and to the Council of Ministers.

Moreover, the then Governor of Assam Jairamdas Daulatram had also warned in 1951, "The Nagas should not be forced to practice the adult franchise system... The minute they are forced to go with the Indian system of election, their society will be divided into pieces and their cultural heritage, tradition and identity will disappear." The remark of the then Governor of Assam seems to be turning out as a “prophecy” about our Naga society considering the state of our society today. What may seem to suit others does not necessarily imply that it has universal applicability.

In this interface of the traditional structures and practices with the modern structures and practice the role of the state is crucial for avoiding conflict and polarization within the society. The state with its formal law-making and law-enforcement authority can soften incongruous or incompatible elements of both the traditional and modern systems so as to create a congenial transition of the Naga society to a modern progressive society with a strong cultural root, which sadly is missing in our case today. The state seem to be more interested in aggravating the prevailing situation instead of placating the conflicting parties for the simple reason that funds are more important than a stable society.

The advocates of the women reservation argues that Naga women are discriminated and subjugated by the Naga menfolk. The premise of their argument is built on the denial of ‘inheritance rights’ to women and non-inclusion of women in the apex decision-making bodies of a given tribe. Which are all true as far as the customs of our fore-fathers are concerned but for reasons which are meant to protect and preserve our ancestral land and which in turn shall protect and preserve our identity and our cultural roots. Apart from these two areas where our womenfolks face “discriminations” no one

can deny the fact that a Naga father or brother or for that matter a Naga man will never discriminate their daughters or sisters or women-folk just because they are women. We all know that if our ancestral properties were to be open for inheritance even by daughters, then their sons and daughters too shall inherit the same properties which may not be a problem if the husband were to be from the same village, tribe and khel. However, if the husband were to be from a different tribe or a non-Naga then the possession of a property in a Naga village is transferred to an outsider or a non-Naga. If a large number of the women of that hypothetical village were to own ancestral property and marries non-Naga men, then that Naga village will no longer have the natural feature of a Naga village. At this point we need to remember that we are who we are for the simple reason that we trace our root to our ancestral land. In other words our identity is tied to our ancestral land, that is, our native village and if our native village is socially extinct our roots also disappears thereby making us a nonentity.Another political situation often quoted to reinforce the claim that Naga society suffers from gender biasness is the absence of women legislators in the State Assembly. Naga customary law does not prohibit Naga women from contesting for any elective posts under the modern democratic system. Some women have contested in the past but they were unable to secure the support of the majority of the electorate. The reason for this failure could be unqualified candidature or inability to convince the voters or lack of financial capability and therefore could not develop “muscle” power, etc. In fact the existing political environment of our state is not conducive for any honest and capable leader to contest for the elective post – both man and woman. Come to think of it, I guess there should also be some percentage of reservation for man who is making an honest living and therefore do not possess hundreds of crores of rupees in his account but has the heart to serve the people through leadership and representation.

There's a big confusion concerning 33% reservation of elective seats in Urban Local Bodies for Naga women and Naga customary law. There's no explicit connection between the

two for the simple reason that reservation is a modern concept for amelioration of the under-developed and under-privileged societies based on the principle of equity or parity.The adoption of this reservation policy has more long term impact on our customs than what we can perceive today. In the first instance as mentioned by several other writers and above, Naga men do not discriminate Naga women in the manner that our women-folks are living a subjugated life with no opportunities for their self-development. In fact I am not critical of the amelioration of women per se, but the manner of its implementation is what I am critical about. The policy of reservationeither for a social group or for women will only promote mediocrity within the affected society. No doubt we have greatly benefited from this policy of reservation for ST, but let us look back and study the quality of achievements we have made. The present pathetic scenario of our state covering every realm of our lives speaks volumes about the depth of depravity we Nagas have fallen into. I believe there is no further need to say anything in this regard. Many of our intellectuals have said in the print media as well as in the social media that the reservation policy is only going to benefit those who are already in the position of power and influence. On the other hand the women from the lower strata will not benefit even one grain of ‘empowerment’. The policy of reservation is a modern concept originating from the bounds of the Indian society, a highly stratified societyand when we accept and adopt this policy we are acknowledging that Naga customary laws requires external forces to make it relevant to the contemporary changing conditions.

It ultimately implies that Naga customary law is never sacrosanct but open to change through forces from outside. Change per se is inevitable and necessary but it must originate from within so as to prevent undesirable changes detrimental to the existence of small ethnic social groups emanating from other societies. Under Art 243 T of the Indian constitution the State Assembly must provide reservation by law for women which if implemented open our customs to changes by non-Nagas without understanding the ground reality of the stage of evolution of our Naga society towards civilization.

Under Section 4(b) of the VDB Model Rules 1980 1/4th or 25% of the posts in the Management Committee are reserved for women.

Now this provision which was incorporated within the rural local self-government system in our state without any overt signs of opposition from any quarter of our Naga society has been used as “Precedence” to buttress the claim that the policy of reservation for Naga women has already been practiced and as such accepted. Now when this section of the VDB Model Rules can be quoted as precedence today for justification of adopting the reservation for women in the ULBs, the Reservation for elective posts for Naga women in the ULBs can be cited as precedence for future changes within the Naga society under the ambit of Naga customary laws and practices. In other words, we are setting the stage for the chain reaction to take place in the near future which might expose our Naga way of living to socio-cultural extinction through gradual erosion of the Naga customs and practices which distinguishes us as a Naga.

Regarding the non-inclusion of Naga women in the apex tribal bodies, the time and need has arisen for their inclusion but not on the basis of the method prescribed by external forces. Let the process for change concerning Naga women emerge from within the bounds of our Naga customary law and practices. Our fore-fathers have taught us to equally respect man and woman, and as we amend the Naga customs and practices for the amelioration of the lives of our women-folks there is a need to develop mutual trust and respect. When we make necessary changes by ourselves in this context we adapt to the new situation without jeopardizing our roots and identity. In brief, Naga women need the measure of equity but through a mutual consensus of discarding irrelevant ideas and adopting new measures. Art 371A of the Indian constitution prevents any outside interference to our culture and change can be brought in only with the consent of the Naga people through their elected representatives. Let us not act in such a foolish manner that in a hurry to eat meat we ended up killing the only boar which sows the seeds for more piglets (meat) in the days to come.

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

Friday 20•01•2017

EntErtainmEnt

Conference Choir

Samaro singing AKT anthem

An old lady coming to attend the morning service

Volunteers Pictures from the 67th general conference of the Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (AKM), the apex students’ body of Ao Nagas, which is underway at Changtongya village held from January 18-20. (Photo Courtesy: CKT Digital Team)

Rain and Kim Tae-hee exchange wedding vows

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ain and Kim Taehee married each other on Thursday at Gahoe-dong Cathedral in a small, private wedding.

Only family members and a few close friends including Psy and Park Jin-young, who is also known as JYP, attended the service. Rain and Kim will unveil their wedding pictures, along

with a public announcement after the wedding, Rain’s agency said Thursday.

The newlyweds will live in Rain’s residence. The couple’s agencies said that they will not begin their honeymoon anytime soon.

Rain and Kim married after dating for 5 years.

Source: JakarataPost

Aerosmith guitarist signs up for all-star experience Hendrix Tour

Ellen makes history at

A

ctress and comedienne Ellen Degeneres made People's Choice Awards history by becoming the most decorated celebrity in the TV ceremony's 43 years.

The "Finding Dory" star, who hosts her own toprated daytime talk show in America, picked up her 20th, 21st and 22nd awards at the Microsoft Theater.

Singer-actor Justin Timberlake presented her with the favourite daytime TV host and favourite animated movie voice trophies, while her sketch romp around a shopping mall with Britney Spears, which aired on her show last year, earned her the favourite comedic collaboration prize.

Handing her another three honours, Timberlake called Ellen "one of my very good friends" and "one of the best people on this planet".

"This is amazing. 20 is ...

17, I get it, 18, sure, 19, I can see it. But 20, this is outrageous. This is really something that means more to me because it comes from the people," DeGeneres said while accepting the honour.

"And everybody keeps thanking the people and it's redundant but you are the people who are responsible for me being up there so I say thank you people."

DeGeneres' "Finding Dory" film was also named favourite movie and favourite family movie at the ceremony.

Timberlake was also a big winner at the awards bash, picking up favourite male artist and favourite song for "Can't Stop The Feeling."

Blake Shelton was another double winner, making

Now ShowiNg

Priyanka wins 2nd People's Choice Awards for 'Quantico'

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

XXX: RetuRn of XandeR Cage (3d)

I

ndian actress Priyanka Chopra has won the "Favourite Dramatic TV Actress" at the People's Choice Award 2017 for her role in the American drama TV series "Quantico".

This is the second People's Choice Award for Priyanka. She bagged her first award in 2016 in the "Favourite Actress in a New TV series" category for her role in "Quantico".

Priyanka, who was seen donning a ravishing peach tube dress with minimal make-up for the gala, beat popular actresses like Ellen Pompeo, Kerry Washington, Taraji P. Henson and Viola Davis for the award.

Hollywood star Dwayne Bravo, who will be seen sharing screen space with Priyanka in the upcoming film "Baywatch", was seen cheering for her at the event.

The 34-year-old Bollywood actress, who seen playing the role of an FBI agent named Alex Parrish in "Quantico", thanked everyone, while accepting the trophy and said that it has been an "incredible journey" for her.

"Every single woman, that was nominated with me today...All of these incredible actresses were the reason that I joined television. They were the reason that I wanted to be the actor that I am here today, receiving this award and being in the same category as them is just so overwhelming," Priyanka said.

The actress also thanked the entire cast and crew of "Quantico", her first Hollywood project.

"I am really psyched. Can I do a little wiggle? I am sorry it's the concussion talking...this (award) means the world to me," she added.

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Source: IANS

history as the first country act ever to win a People's Choice favourite album award and landing the favourite male country artist prize.

It was also a huge night for girl group Fifth Harmony, who performed for the first time as a four-piece.

The quartet wowed the audience and viewers at home by wearing revealing black leather outfits for a raunchy rendition of their "Work From Home" hit.

The band, who also picked up the favourite

group prize for a second successive year, were stunned by the departure of Camila Cabello last month.

Johnny Depp put his tough year behind him to win the award for favourite movie icon while Robert Downey Jr took home the favourite action movie actor gong.

Tyler Perry picked up the award for favourite humanitarian at the event, which was hosted by Joel McHale.

NOW SHOWING oK Jaanu

Source: PTI

Not a slave to make-up: Alicia Keys Inglorious Entitans on Jan 21

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erosmith star Brad Whitford has joined members of Los Lobos for an upcoming Jimi Hendrix tribute tour. Whitford, David Hidalgo, and Cesar Rosas will be among the stars taking part in the Experience Hendrix Tour for select dates in March (17). Band of Gypsys bassist Billy Cox, blues legend Buddy Guy, guitarists Zakk Wylde and Jonny Lang, Dweezil Zappa and Keb' Mo' will also hit the road

with the ever-changing line-up. The Experience Hendrix Tour began in 1995 as a one-off celebration of Jimi. Whitford has played as part of the touring group before, explaining in a press release: "We can't quite nail it, but it sure is fun to try and emulate some of what he did." This year's (17) tour will feature a stop in Hendrix's native Seattle, Washington on 19 February (17).

inger Alicia Keys has been flaunting her au naturel face for nearly a year now, but the Grammy winner opted for make-up for a magazine photo shoot. She says she isn't a slave to make-up. Although she appears make-up free on the cover of Allure, Keys did choose to wear a touch of paint for the inside images. Keys enlisted make-up artist Dotti to apply a teal cat eye in one photo, black lines under her eyes in another and streaks of vivid purple paint shooting of the corners of her eyes in the final image, reports eonline.com. "I'm not a slave to make-up. I'm not a slave to not wearing make-up either," she told Allure. "I get to choose at (any) given moment.

That's my right."

Source: Contactmusic

Source: IANS

F

or the very first time in Sivasagar, Skillz Obscene is bringing “Inglorious Entitans”, an event where music, fashion and dance comes together under one roof, with young budding artists from all over North East.

Event is happening on 21st January 2017, at Sibsagar Yuvadal Auditorium, 4pm.

We are bringing together enthusiastic musicians from Manipur, Nagaland, Shillong and Assam to create this big bang explosion of North East music.

Skillz Obscene is an all North East rap crew with members belonging to different sister states. With a gap of over a year, Skillz Obscene brings “Inglorious Entitans” as their comeback event for a

more brighter future in their NE music scene.

Some of the performing artists are Big Dane (Dimapur), Megh Marshall M-Dox (Kohima), Lilkez Angom (Manipur), Thiyam James (Manipur), Ricky Ningthoujam (Manipur), Swaggtacular Yein (Shillong), Sangharsh (Assam), DJ Abotani (Assam) and more.

For Passes & queries Call/ Whatsapp @+918826887823 / +919957699717 / +918575586125 Twitter - Inglorious Entitans @englorians, Instagram - Inglorious Entitans @inglorious_entitans YouTube - Inglorious Entitans @https://www.youtube. com/channel/UCYuYRwswUwo_MWe6ocON5Fg

11:00 AM | 02:00 PM

XXX: RetuRn of XandeR Cage (3d)

05:00PM | 08:00 PM (English)

12

friDAY 20•01•2017

SPORTS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Djokovic suffers huge shock at Australian Open, Serena serene

[LEFT] Serbia's Novak Djokovic leaves Rod Laver Arena after his second round loss to Uzbekistan's Denis Istomin at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia. (AP Photo) [CENTRE] Uzbekistan's Denis Istomin celebrates after winning his Men's singles second round match against Serbia's Novak Djokovic. (Reuters Photo) [RIGHT] Serena Williams of the U.S. reacts during her Women's singles second round match against Czech Republic's Lucie Safarova. (Reuters Photo)

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MeLbOurNe, JaNuary 19 (aFP): Novak Djokovic suffered arguably the biggest defeat of his career when he crashed out of the Australian Open to 117th-ranked Uzbek Denis Istomin on Thursday, extending his mystifying slump in form.

With Istomin inspired, the defending champion sent down 72 unforced errors as he lost 7-6 (10/8), 5-7, 2-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 in the second round to end his bid for a record seventh title at Melbourne Park.

Later, Rafael Nadal beat Marcos Baghdatis and in the women's draw, Serena Williams ousted Lucie Safarova 6-3, 6-4. But

third seed Agnieszka Radwanska was a major casualty when she lost 6-3, 6-2 to Croatian veteran Mirjana Lucic-Baroni.

It is more than a decade since Djokovic made such an early exit from the Australian Open, and he hasn't lost in the second round of any Grand Slam since Wimbledon in 2008.

Djokovic had only been defeated by a player outside the top 100 once in the past seven years, when he went down to 145-ranked Juan Martin del Potro at the Rio Olympics.

The stunning result blows the men's competition wide open as the six-time champion

was widely expected to reach the January 29 final, where he was seeded to meet five-time runner-up Andy Murray.

It also raises fresh questions for the world number two, who has been in a funk since completing a career Grand Slam and winning his 12th major title at last year's French Open.

"It's one of these days when you don't feel that great on the court, don't have much rhythm, and the player you're playing against is feeling the ball very well," he shrugged.

"That's sport."

by the defeat, there was joy for Istomin, who is coached by his mother and has never got beyond the third round in 11 visits to Melbourne Park.

"I feel sorry for Novak, I was playing so good today," he said. "I surprised myself also."

One beneficiary of Istomin's win could be world number three Milos Raonic, who was seeded to meet Djokovic in the semi-finals.

Despite suffering from 'flu, the Canadian strode into the third round with 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) demolition of Gilles Muller and will next play - Mother's love France's Gilles Simon.

While Djokovic was rocked Croatia's Ivo Karlovic made

ManU oust Real from top of revenue league LONDON, JaNuary 19 (reuters): Manchester United have deposed Real Madrid as the world's richest soccer club after revenue grew to a record $735 million in 2015-16, according to Deloitte's annual Money League published on Thursday. The 20-times English champions knocked Madrid off the perch they had occupied for 11 years with a return to the Champions

League and increased commercial revenue key to their rise. Real dropped to third behind Barcelona with Bayern Munich fourth and Manchester City into the top five for the first time after a run to the Champions League semi-finals.

Eight of the top 20 (including five of the top 10) revenue generators are from the Premier League, reflecting the greater fi-

nancial clout England's top-flight clubs enjoy compared with their European counterparts. Surprise champions Leicester City made the list for the first time in 20th place and Tim Bridge, senior manager at Deloitte, said it is likely every Premier League club will be in the top 30 next year thanks to an eye-watering 5.1 billion pounds television rights deal that

kicked in this season. "The Money League continues to demonstrate the Premier League's financial strength in depth," Bridge, senior manager at Deloitte, said.

United, who have returned to the top for the first time since 2003-04, Barcelona and Real all broke the 600 million euros ($639.96 million) revenue barrier in 2015-16 - the first clubs to do so.

MDCA Tourney: Titans to face Sovran in final MOkOkchuNg, JaNuary 19 (MexN): The Titans juggernaut remain unstoppable at the MDCA as they make it to the final for the fourth time in a row even as homeboys Züngamedem failed to break their semifinal jinx once again.

Titans CC became the first team to qualify for the final of the ongoing MDFA tourney after they triumphed in a close encounter against Züngamedem CC in the first semi final match played here today at Imkongmeren Sports Complex.

Chasing 133 for victory, the Titans rode on a collective batting effort and scraped home with 4 balls to spare. Batting first after being sent in, Züngamedem got off to a solid start thanks to their opening pair Chuba and Rongsenyanger.

Züngamedem carried on the momentum but the homeboys fell short of a big score after a tight spell by Surendra Singh, who finished with 3 for 11 in his 4 overs.

Titans inning also got off to a smooth start but it was Surendra again who contributed with the bat scoring an unbeaten 45. He was ably aided by Akumdong (38 runs) as Titans brought home the match sealing a four-wicket win in 19.2 overs. Titans’ Guwahati import Surendra Singh was declared Man of the Match for his all-round performance.

The second semi final match played between Sovran and Trebuchet

a miraculous recovery from his record-breaking 84-game win over Horacio Zeballos two days earlier to beat Australian wildcard Andrew Whittington.

The 6ft 11ins (2.11m) Karlovic, who fired 75 aces as he beat Zeballos 22-20 in the fifth set on Tuesday, won 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 to set up an encounter with Belgium's David Goffin.

Grigor Dimitrov, a winner this month in Sydney, beat South Korea's Chung Hye-On in four sets to go into a testing clash with Frenchman Richard Gasquet.

Nadal, attempting to improve on an injury-riddled 2016, swamped former finalist Baghdatis 6-3, 6-1, 6-3 and next plays

top-rated German teen Alexander Zverev.

Radwanska was the strong favourite against Lucic-Baroni, 34, but the Pole's famous shotmaking deserted her as she succumbed to her earliest exit since 2009.

Britain's Johanna Konta kept up her hot run of form as she beat Japan's Naomi Osaka 6-4, 6-2 to set up a meeting with former world number one Caroline Wozniacki.

US Open finalist Karolina Pliskova ousted Russian qualifier Anna Blinkova to stay unbeaten this year, and WTA Finals winner Dominika Cibulkova saw off Taiwan's

Hsieh Su-Wei. Second-seeded Williams, seeking a record 23rd major title, will face fellow American Nicole Gibbs in the third round after her high-level victory over Safarova.

Meanwhile Australia's Nick Kyrgios, much-criticised for his lacklustre defeat to Italy's Andreas Seppi late on Wednesday, was fined $5,500 for an audible obscenity and racquet abuse.

The temperamental Aussie, accused by tennis legend John McEnroe of giving up during the match, also pulled out of the men's doubles competition citing an abdominal injury.

Imkongsangba Memorial TT tournament postponed DiMaPur, JaNuary 19 (MexN): The 5th Imkongsangba Memorial Open Table Tennis Tournament which was scheduled for January 20 and 21 has been postponed to January 28 and 29. A press release from the organising committee citing “some unforeseen circumstance” apologised to all the players and requested them to bear the inconvenience. Forms for the tournament remain available at Kiran Sports, Dimapur.

For further information, one may contact +91-9643779385/+919774511068/+918076768963.

Olympian Chekrovolu Swuro, now Dy. SP (Intelligence Branch PHQ) partakes in indigenous game during Chakhesang Sukrunye festival at New Police Reserve Ground, Phesama under the aegis of Chakhesang Union New Reserve/Dairy Farm on January 18. (Morung photo)

India win Cuttack run-fest to clinch series First semi final match played between Titans and Züngamedem

turned out to be a low scoring thriller with the match going to the last ball of the innings. Trebuchet batting first were bowled out for just 78 runs in 17.3 overs and looked like they were out of the match even before they bowled.

Imliakum top scored with 16 runs for Trebuchet.

Sovran’s marquee player from Dimapur, Jalal, was the most successful bowler for Sovran, picking 5/11 in four overs.

Chasing the small target, Sovran lost their top four batsmen with the scoreboard showing just ten runs as the match swung in favour of Trebuchet. However, Temjenrenba played a match winning knock of 27 not out for Sovran and build a good partnership with Merenchemba who contrib-

uted with 16 vital runs.

After Merenchemba's fall, there were some tense moments towards the end but Sovran’s No 11 Tiaakum demonstrated the right temperament to finish off the game. Getting in to bat in the last over with 5 runs to win from 3 balls, he hit a boundary by slicing the ball towards fine leg to level the score.

Another import from Assam, Kalyan Gogoi, was bowling the last over for Trebuchet. With the scores on level, Kalyan made a good comeback and delivered a dot ball. Needing one run to win from the last delivery, Tiaakum played a good looking square cut to collect the match winning single and take Sovran to the final.

Wapang gave Trebuchet a good opportunity

to win by taking 3 wickets while conceding just 2 runs in 4 overs and was supported by Kalyan who took 2 wickets. Temjenrenba was named the Man of the Match.

Sovran will now look to avenge last year’s narrow defeat to Titans in the final tomorrow (Titans defeated Sovran by 5 runs in last year’s final). Sovran would also be looking to lift the trophy for the first time since lifting it in 2004.

Titans, on the other hand, would be looking keeping their winning streak and lifting the trophy for the fourth time in a row, a feat never achieved before in the history of MDCA. Today’s Fixture (Final): Titans CC vs Sovran CC (9:00 am)

cuttack, JaNuary 19 (reuters): Limited overs stalwarts Yuvraj Singh and Mahendra Singh Dhoni rolled back the years to smash scintillating centuries to help India secure a series-clinching 15-run victory in the second one-day international against England on Thursday.

England captain Eoin Morgan blasted a blistering 102 but could not take his team over the line as India prevailed in the thrilling run-fest to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Put into bat, India were reeling at 25 for three at Cuttack's Barabati Stadium when Yuvraj and Dhoni, with the experience of 580 one-dayers between them, staged a spectacular recovery with an epic 256-run partnership spread over 38-odd overs.

The early dismissals of the openers or the rare failure of home captain Virat Kohli mattered little as Yuvraj and Dhoni exhibited the kind of shot-making which comes naturally to them.

Left-handed Yuvraj, one of the cleanest strikers of the ball, hammered a career-best 150 off 127 balls, a sizzling knock studded with 21 boundaries and three sixes.

Dhoni, who relinquished limitedovers captaincy earlier this month, made 134 off 122 balls, his 10th one-day century. His innings contained six sixes, including three in a Liam Plunkett over.

Cricket - India v England - Second One Day International - Barabati Stadium, Cuttack, India - 19/01/17. India's Yuvraj Singh plays a shot. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi

Paceman Chris Woakes emerged from the batting carnage with his reputation intact, having claimed four wickets as India posted a commanding 381-6.

In reply, England lost Alex Hales cheaply but Joe Root (54) and Jason Roy steadied the innings with a century stand.

India's spin spearhead Ravichandran Ashwin (3-65) struck in his first over, dismissing Root, and England lost three more wickets, including that of Roy who made a brisk 82, to

slump to 206-5.

Morgan raised 93 runs with Moeen Ali (55) to keep England in the chase and went on to complete his ninth ODI century, which contained five sixes, to inject fresh excitement into the contest.

Unfortunately for the tourists, Morgan was run out in the penultimate over and Bhuvneshwar Kumar sent down a tidy final over to restrict England to 366-8.

Kolkata hosts the third and final one-dayer on Sunday.

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