January 21th, 2015

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The Morung Express

Dimapur Vol. X issuE 19

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Wednesday, January 21, 2015 12 pages Rs. 4

A single conversation across the table with a wise man is better than ten years mere study of books President speaks out against partisan politics

Pregnant Shakira to host World Baby Shower

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Journalists called to uphold ethical standard [ PAGE 2]

Study says a drink a day may reduce heart failure risk

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– Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Djokovic, Serena show no mercy as Azarenka romps

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NPF: StickiNG to thEir GuNS

nagaland Governor urged to DAn govt fate will be decided ‘dismiss minority government’ by the DAn alliance collectively

in this image released to the media, members of the Central Executive Council of the naga People’s Front are seen at the niathu Resort, Chumukedima on January 20.

Dimapur, January 20 (mExn): The Resolution Committee of the NPF Legislature Party led by G. Kaito Aye held a meeting at Niathu Resort, Chumukedima, on January 20. It resolved to urge the Governor of Nagaland to “dismiss the minority Government headed by TR Zeliang with immediate effect and allow the majority leader elect G. Kaito Aye to form the Government.”

They also resolved to “stand united and work wholeheartedly in strengthening the Party under the leadership of NPF President Noke Wangnao and Leader of the NPF Legislature Party G. Kaito Aye,” stated the meeting minutes signed by Convenor of the Resolution Committee Zaleo Rio, its member secretary Merentoshi R. Jamir and member EE Panteang. Other members of the Committee include Deo Nukhu, Dr. Benjongliba and Shetoyi.

The Committee also resolved to “extend and appeal to all the NPF Legislators and NPF Party Workers currently in TR Zeliang’s camp to come and join the legitimate majority led by the NPF Legislature Party leader G. Kaito Aye in the greater interest of the Party and the people of the State keeping in mind the principles of forgive and forget in the spirit of reconciliation.” Lastly, they resolved to “wholeheartedly support the ongoing peace process between the Naga Political Groups and the

reflections

By Sandemo Ngullie

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Kaito Aye assures ‘pro-people govt’ The leader of the Noke-led NPF Legislature Party, G Kaito Aye, today assured all sections of the people that, if given an opportunity, he will provide “a pro-people and people friendly government where no community would be undermined however big or small.”

Addressing the Central Executive Committee of his NPF group during the NPF Legislature Party meeting at Chumukedima, Aye stated that all sections of the people belonging to every nook and corner of the State will be taken on board and “transparency, fairness and justice” would be his mantra of good governance, a press statement from NPF Press & Media Cell said.

Affirming that his “topmost agenda” would be early resolution of the Indo-Naga political problem in an honorable and acceptable manner, Kaito stated, “Nagas should also live with honour and respect like other respectable communities under a spirit of unity and brotherhood with equitable growth and development under a progressive people’s government.” government of India.”

Meanwhile, in a meeting held of the Chief Executive Council of the KaitoNoke led NPF on the same day at the same place, another set of 6 resolutions were adopted. The meeting was attended by 22 MLAs, 57 CEC members, presidents of 10 divisions, presidents of 39 assembly constituency units and 37 Central office Bearers, informed a press release from its Press & Media Cell.

The house there congratulated and upheld the leadership of their NPF President Noke Wangnao and Leader of the NPF Legislature Party, G. Kaito Aye and resolved to stand firmly behind the leadership “in the greater interest of the people.”

The members present “assured” the Naga people that the NPF led DAN would provide a “stable and transparent” Government that will “rebuild and re-strengthen the friendship” between the Government of Nagaland and the NDA Government at the Centre “to usher in accelerated development and equitable growth for all sections of society.”

The House resolved to continue to put the IndoNaga political issue as the “topmost agenda” and that the party would strive for early resolution of the decades old political imbroglio in an “honorable manner that is acceptable to the people.”

The House unanimously condemned the

refusal of Chief Minister TR Zeliang, “who is unconstitutionally occupying the chair of the Chief Minister despite the fact that the majority of the MLAs in the ruling NPF and DAN coalition have withdrawn support to his leadership.”

The party appealed to the Members “who are under confinement in Kohima” to come and join hands with the “majority” of the Legislators and the party organization and assured them that each of the Members will be treated with “honour and dignity without any discrimination or prejudice.”

The House resolved to steadfastly uphold the principles and ideals of the NPF at all costs and to protect the rich traditions of the party in ensuring that inner democracy would continue to prevail and that the majority view would be respected above all else. It acknowledged the fact that the NPF carries the voice of the Naga people and it is the responsibility of the NPF to make the Naga voice heard and respected under the unshakable motto, coined by the founders of the party, of Fide Non Armies.

The NPF Press & Media Cell in a statement further informed that he meeting was attended by 22 NPF MLAs while the meeting called by the “minority” Chief Minister TR Zeliang was attended by only 16 NPF MLAs, including the Speaker, who had declared his neutrality.

Kohima, January 20 (mExn): The DAN Legislatures’ Party today “reaffirmed” trust and confidence in the leadership of Chief Minister TR Zeliang. The stewardship of NPF Party President and DAN Chairman, Dr. Shurohozielie Liezietsu was also reaffirmed with “immense faith” at the meeting. Regarding the current political impasse, it reiterated that the only option to settle the crisis is through strength test on the floor of the House.

The meeting at State Banquet Hall, Kohima had 16 NPF legislators, 7 Independent legislators, 1 NCP and 1 JD(U) legislators in attendance. The four BJP Legislators still in Delhi did not attend the meeting, though Paiwang Konyak assured that he would stand with the decision of today’s meeting, claimed a press note from Karaibo Chawang, Media Officer to Chief Minister, Nagaland.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister TR Zeliang asserted at the meeting that he has all the “constitutional and legal machineries” to deal with the current crisis and expressed confidence that the Central Government intervenes at the earliest to resolve the crisis, the press note added.

Claiming that the Noke led NPF is using “illegal means and psychological game” to confuse the people and give false hope to legislators at their camp, Zeliang informed that it is Neiphiu Rio’s plan to install a “puppet Chief Minister” to wholly control the State Government.

Even some veteran legislators could be easily misled by false agenda, Zeliang said, adding that he will never allow some “disgruntled members” to hijack the duly elected Government and let the people suffer.

On charges of corruption, the Chief Minister said that he has directed the Home Commissioner to write to Ministry of Home Affairs for thorough investigation to bring out the truth.

He asserted that he never had an intention to dismantle the NPF party nor destabilise the duly

in this image released to the media members of the DAn legislatures’ Party are seen here at the state Banquet Hall, Kohima on January 20.

‘Only place to resolve this issue is floor of the House’ our Correspondent Kohima | January 20

DAN spokesperson Yitachu said the NPF Legislature Party and the DAN Legislature Party meeting which was respectively held here today was attended by 25 members, out of total 42 DAN alliances members.

Sharing concern about the present political situation, majority of the DAN alliance repose its confidence and affirmed the leadership of TR Zeliang, he said. The DAN government, he added, formed by the DAN have pre-poll alliance of NPF, BJP, JD (U). The NCP and independents joined the DAN alliance after the poll.

Stating that DAN alliance is intact, he said DAN government under TR Zeliang enjoys a majority in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly. “Nothing will happen to the DAN government under the leadership of T.R. Zeliang,” he maintained, adding that it is with such confidence the chief minister has recommended a session of the assembly “which is the right and appropriate forum to prove majority.” elected Government, but if Government is dislodged, Noke Camp should “take the whole blame.”

He also informed though Prime Minister Narendra Modi had not announced any package during his last visit, the PMO is working out a formula to “rescue” the State from financial crisis after being apprised by the State government. “There is no chance that the Government will fall due to poor fiscal health,” he claimed.

Speaker of the Assembly, Chotisuh Sazo said that he will go by the law and rules when it comes to the floor of the House.

Dismissing the Noke

“Just writing in papers, just gathering in a place, just station in a particular location cannot change those facts and records,” Yitachu said.

The matter is under consideration of Governor of Nagaland, he said. “The Governor as the guardian of the constitution in state definitely will consider and apply his wisdom and do the things at an appropriate time,” he added.

He said that DAN government under the leadership of TR Zeliang will never fail the people of the state and BJP-led NDA government at the Centre under the leadership of Narendra Modi will never fail the people of Nagaland.

He further asserted that the “real” NPF is led by Dr. Shurhozelie and elected as per NPF constitution has been approved in the general convention on November 26, 2014. All records are available in the Election Commission of India, he added. “Nobody can dispute. Nobody can question,” DAN spokesperson said adding that only a letter forwarded by Dr. Shurhozelie, president of NPF can land up as an official letter with ECI.

side claims that it has taken over NPF party and with their own leaders and whip, he said that such exercise can be done only by duly recognized party and not any other party not recognized by the Election Commission of India and the Nagaland Legislative Assembly.

Dr. Shurhozielie maintained that the present Government is a DAN Government, not NPF alone; thus its fate should be decided by the DAN alliance collectively. He also justified the suspension of NPF members from the party as the decision was taken as per the party constitution.

He also said that he enjoys the support of majority

central NPF leaders, divisions, frontal heads and constituency levels.

“The appointment of Mr. Noke as President, Abu Metha as Secretary General and Mr. Kuzholuzo Nienu as a Whip is totally illegal and is just for news to fool the people,” he stated. “As far as the DAN alliance is concerned, they have complete understanding and all the alliance partners are with Chief Minister TR Zeliang,” he further stated.

Alliance members including Nganlang JD(U); Jacob Zhimomi, Independent; Khamo NCP; S Chuba, Independent; spoke on the occasion and affirmed their respective party position.

FGN launches ‘Operation Black Shadow’ BJP Nagaland not yet in anyone’s court

Dimapur, January 20 (mExn): In keeping with the ‘sole and firm’ belief of the Naga people in Christianity and God Almighty, the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) has launched ‘Operation Black Shadow’ to “stand and fight against all evils and free from all other social unwanted seeds that was sown be sieved from our society.”

In that, the FGN has imposed a “blanket ban” on sale of liquor, drugs, ‘immoral activities’ and other illegal Thank you for renting me businesses in UT-Dimapur and Nayour building, your land and galand, stated a press release from your name.

Toiho Tuccu, Midan Peyu, UT-Dimapur, FGN, today. It comes into effect The Morung Express on February 11, 2015 (Wednesday), Poll QuEsTion and will go to the extent of giving capiVote on www.morungexpress.com tal punishment to habitual offenders.

It will be supervised by the respective sMs your answer to 9862574165 Regional Midan Peyus in the case of Are Nagas committed and Regions, it was informed. prepared to overcome “By analysing and concerning family and tribal relations in very seriously about how our presthe fight against corruption? ent society and Naga generation is heading by flummoxing themselves Yes no others because of odd things and practices

that is all available in our own doorsteps. Therefore, the government, for brighter tomorrow, in the interest of the nation and to salvage our people from the point of no return, took up this stern decision to fight against the prevailing environment hovering

Declares ‘Blanket ban on sale of Liquor, Drugs, Immoral Activities and other Illegal Businesses to come into effect on February 11, 2015’ around us that is on the verge to destroy our society and hence, the government classed the existing Naga society as ‘On Extreme Ledge’,” stated the press release.

Thus, the FGN’s ‘Committee on Cabinet Affairs’ has issued this ‘Preinformation Notice’ to the Naga public for awareness to “jointly check and root-out all forms of illegal practices

in our land.”

“Any person(s) /group(s)/ organisation(s) ignoring this call of nation’s duty will be dealt with an Iron Hand. Habitual defaulter(s) will be made known to the general public as an example (to award capital punishment),” the Midan Peyu stated.

Blanket ban will be imposed on “1. Liquor (IMFL): both Suppliers/ Wholesalers and Retailers (booz joints); 2. Drugs: includes all illegal items amounting to addiction and harmful to health; 3. Prostitutions: includes all other immoral activities which are communicable and harmful to our society. Rapist(s) will be dealt on different platform; 4. Vehicle Theft: Vehicle thieve(s) will be treated with ‘Extraordinary Laws’ available for them.”

All the concerned Naga citizens and organisations (NGOs) have been requested by the Federal Government to co-operate with them and contact the “government authority” immediately through this No. 9856163363 when in need.

Dimapur, January 20 (mExn): The Nagaland State BJP has clarified today that both the BJP Members of DAN Coordination Committee did not attend the Democratic Alliance Nagaland (DAN) meeting held at Kohima on January 19 “since both were out of station, therefore, the question of BJP support does not arise.”

This was stated in a press release from BJP Nagaland’s spokespersons today.

The Party reiterated that all its four BJP MLAs are “intact in the party line and are stationed at Delhi for further consultations with the party higher ups.”

It found “unfortunate” that the NPF’s internal crisis is continuing unresolved for 2 weeks. “As far as the change of leadership is

• Appeals to Governor to recommend CBI investigation in alleged money transfer • Will not be part of any govt that takes the help of the Congress to form a govt

concern, the party is of the view that there is nothing wrong as long as it is resolved democratically,” it stated, maintaining that BJP Nagaland will not be part of any Government that takes the help of the Congress to form a Government.

As an alliance partner of DAN, the BJP Nagaland urged upon its major partner NPF to “straighten their house in order, since people are confused with two parallel bodies and two Presidents.”

On the alleged Money transfer, the Party ex-

pressed ‘serious concern’ but also appreciated Chief Minister TR Zeliang for welcoming “any National investigation agency to probe into this matter.” The BJP Nagaland appealed to the Governor to recommend the case for CBI investigation at the earliest.

Meanwhile, “as strictly directed by the party high command,” the Party cautioned its workers from siding with any group or “lobbying around in the Capital Delhi. Any party members defiling the party directive will be dealt with seriously,” it stated.

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The Morung Express 2 LocaL Tuensang Fire Tragedy: Journalists called to uphold ethical standard Dimapur

Wednesday

21 January 2015

Gov seeks relief for victims

Kohima, January 20 (mExn): The Governor of Nagaland, PB Acharya, has expressed concern over the fire calamity that occurred in Tuensang on January 19, which has rendered 23 families homeless. “The Governor desires that the State Government and District Administration extend emergency relief and all possible assistances, either in cash or kind, to the affected families urgently,” stated a press note issued by Dominic Yazokie, Joint Director, IPR and PRO to Raj Bhavan. Meanwhile, the Governor lauded the personnel of the Fire Service, District Police, Assam Rifles and the public, who helped in controlling the fire.

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Kohima Press Club observes 14th Foundation Day Morung Express News Kohima | January 20

The Kohima Press Club (KPC) today observed its 14th Foundation Day here at KPC conference hall.

More than 30 members of the club, including present and former executives, attended the programme.

Speaking on the occasion, former KPC president, H. Chishi saluted the pioneers for taking immense pain to form the Club at the initial stage. He also called upon the members to be committed, sincere and loyal to their profession, and at the same time, to uphold the ethical standard of the profession.

KPC members during the club’s 14th Foundation Day in Kohima on January 20. (Morung Photo)

Stating that journalists are moulding opinion of the people, he called upon them to continue to focus on welfare activities of the public.

Senior KPC members Oken Jeet Sandham, Kopelo Krome, Khetoho Nurumi, Vibou Seyie, Khriezovonuo

Dead body recovered A section of the 23 houses that were burned to ashes early morning on January 19 at Old Medical B, Tuensang. The fire reportedly broke out of a short circuit at around 2 am. No human injury is reported, however, estimated loss of properties amounts over Rs. 47 lakh.

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DimaPur, January 20 (mExn): A dead body of an unidentified male was recovered from Chatteswary Colony, Dimapur by Dimapur police along with GRPS personnel on January 19, around 10:00 pm. The victim, about 40 years, is suspected to be a local, stated Addl. Superintendent of Police/PRO, Dimapur in a press release.

“All necessary legal formalities were observed and found no foul play upon the dead body,” the release said, adding the body has been kept at Civil Hospital morgue for post mortem and identification. The victim wore black jacket, black T-shirt, and blue jeans, according to the release.

Lhoungu also spoke on the occasion. They shared their views and gave suggestions for the welfare of KPC and its members. Some of them also recalled how the press club came into being and how it has continued to serve as a source of support to the welfare of the press

fraternity in the state capital so far.

Earlier, the function was chaired by Solomon Sha, while welcome address was delivered by Ketusielie Viluo. Vote of thanks was proposed by KPC president, Xavier Rutsa.

The Kohima Press Club

came into being on January 20, 2001 steered by a group of likeminded senior journalists with the objective to promote the welfare of the press fraternity in both organizational and professional aspects, stated KPC general secretary, Alice Yhoshü in a press release.

BJP targets minimum 7000 primary membership in Kma

Chedema Kuda Krotho’s annual session C M Y K

DimaPur, January 20 (mExn): The annual session cum picnic of Chedema Kuda Krotho will be held BJP leaders during Kohima district BJP membership drive meeting on January 20 in Kohima. on January 24 at its president’s residence at Toulazouma, trict has minimum target of he said, adding that BJP is Dimapur. Vikehelie Pienyü, SO, Kohima will grace the oc- Intensive district 7000 enrolment of primary the only national political casion as chief guest. The president and his colleagues of party based in the grassmembership.

Chedema Kuda Krotho have requested all the members membership drive In this connection, Ko- roots level. to attend the programme “compulsorily.” campaign launched hima district BJP memMeanwhile, Er. Jami Our Correspondent bership drive meeting was informed that through held here. State convener social media anybody Kohima | January 20 Yanghose emphasized can share their views DimaPur, January 20 (mExn): All the students under District Education Officer (DEO), Peren, who have not sub- Nagaland BJP started its that BJP aims to rise above with constructive ideas mitted their bank account number to the office for pre-matric intensive district mem- the world’s largest China amongst the youth.

Kohima meeting was scholarship award, have been informed that the last date for bership drive campaign in Communist Party which submission of the same has been extended to February 18. Kohima today led by state has a membership of 6.48 attended by all seven asDEO Peren, Limainla Pongen has informed all who are yet BJP membership drive crore enrolment. “BJP will sembly constituencies’ to submit the account number to do it before the deadline for convenor, Yanghose Sang- supersede their record office bearers of BJP and onward submission to the higher authority. The office will not tam and co- convenor, Er. with a target of 10 Crore all the BJP district office Senkathung Jami. The dis- BJP members’ enrolment,” bearers. entertain any request after the set date, she stated.

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DEO Peren informs

President of Tuensang Town Baptist Pastors' Union (TTBPU), Yongkoi along with other members of the union at the site of the fire incident which happened in Tuensang on January 19. They visited the victims at New Khel and offered prayers and monetary support.

Zeme Deukwa Maa appeals for respect of landownership right

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Kohima, January 20 (mExn): Home Minister of Nagaland, Y Patton, has expressed grief over the demise of Bajrang Lal Damani, a renowned social worker and a businessman of Dimapur, who passed away on January 17. In a condolence message, Patton described Damani, who he knew personally, as an able, dedicated social worker and a man of integrity who worked tirelessly for the uplift of the society in various capacities. “The absence of Bajrang Lal Damani today has created a vacuum that will be hard to fit in the days to come,” the message read. Patton further extended condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed for their strength and comfort.

BJP Dimapur district to hold workshop

DimaPur, January 20 (mExn): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Dimapur District, has convened a workshop on Primary Membership drive with state officials on January 22 at its office premises in Super Market at 11:00 am. Therefore, all the officials of district, mandals, mahila morcha, yuva morcha have been requested to attend the workshop without fail.

A young boy in traditional finery during the just concluded platinum jubilee meet 2015 of Kigwema Youth Organization at Kigwema village in Kohima district. (Morung Photo)

PErEn, January 20 (mExn): The Zeme Deukwa Maa has appealed to the other Naga tribes inhabiting within Peren district to respect the landownership right for larger interest of Nagas as a whole. “Never ever have there been prohibition nor blame upon anyone who legally settled within our ancestral land,” the Deukwa Maa commander, Heidang Zeliang asserted in a press statement. “However, it has come to our knowledge that due to political and monetary influence some native Zeliang of Nagaland are collaborating with other Naga tribes to suppress and incapacitate our own people by selling vast areas of land which do not belong to them legally. Such practices, which enable other tribes to take advantage of the situation and ultimately encourage attempting a straight challenge over our rights is a serious offence beyond toleration.”

Maintaining that “no group of people or alien can distort historical facts of our traditional land and its jurisdiction,” the statement stated, “Unquestionable as

it may sound, it is for this legitimacy, the inalienable responsibility of every Naga safeguarding his territory – land and hart as a whole is a benchmark.”

It noted that the natural boundary of Zeliang territory in the north is shared with the Angami and the Kachari in the west, but more than 30% of land area within the adjacent border area of Dimapur and Peren that “historically and legally” belonged to the Zeliang of Nagaland has been “forcefully occupied by other tribes.” In this, the Deukwa Maa “expected” every Naga irrespective of tribe to respect the right of each other for the greater interest of general public and peaceful coexistence.

“However, occurrence of unwarranted activities in Peren district challenging and confronting the welfare and right of the native Zeliang is uncalled for and continuance of such deeds shall not be tolerated any further but the Deukwa Maa, after this final call for prevalence of better sense shall be compelled to resort to any form of action to safeguard the inherent rights of its people,” it cautioned.

NNO holds annual session PErEn, January 20 (mExn): The 5th annual session of Ngaulong Namsha Organisation (NNO) was held from January 6-8 at New Ngaulong under the theme “Aim progress and prosperity.” Haigam Kauring, President NPF, Peren Division was the chief guest and Er. Akheto Sema, Executive Engineer PWD(H) was guest of honour. Speaking at the opening session, the chief guest said unity is one factor that could bring progress and all round development to the community and encouraged the event organizers to continue and uphold the spirit of oneness even in the days to come. The three days event saw various cultural dances, games and sports competition among the villages, according to a press release from NNO president, Chiwang Pame and general secretary, Pauchi Pame. Mongzeung Mpom, Pastor, Jalukie Town Baptist Church shared the gospel during the session. The organisation, the release said, will also conduct mission seminar from February 6-8, led by Rev. Dr. Rabi Pame, Principal of UCTM, Dimapur.

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ZCAN meeting with youths PErEn, January 20 (mExn): There will be a meeting of Zeliangrong Catholic Association of Nagaland (ZCAN) along with the youths of Peren, Tening, Jalukie parish, and also youths from Dimapur and Kohima at Jalukie Parish centre on January 24, 10:00 am.

Exempting the host parish, ZCAN general secretary, DTH Anthony has requested all the other parishes to send minimum five youths each from a parish positively.

Govt to form disaster management authority in villages

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Kohima, January 20 (mExn): At the backdrop of the recent Dzükou tragedy and also the forest fire at Japfü in 2014, the government is realizing the need for disaster management at the grassroots level. Today, the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), Home Department in collaboration with the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA Kohima) held a meeting with leaders from the Southern and Western Angami villages.

The meeting was held to discuss formation of a Village Disaster Management Authority (VDMA) in each village along with a dedicated Village Disaster Management Core Committee

(VDMCC), informed a press release issued by Deputy Commissioner, Kohima, Honje Konyak.

The Secretary (NSDMA), T. Ao (IAS), while introducing the concept of the VDMA, stressed on the need to make disaster management a ‘People’s movement.’ He called upon the village leaders to implement the VDMA in letter and spirit. Meanwhile, DC Kohima, during the meeting, said that the administration will take an ‘awareness campaign’ for effective formation of the VDMA and VDMCC very soon.

The meeting discussed identifying able youth from each village to undergo training in disaster management keeping in view

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A meeting was today held in Kohima to discuss formation of a Village Disaster Management Authority (VDMA)

the approaching dry season. It also deliberated on fine tuning the VDMA so as to make it practical at the ground level.

Village Chairmen and Youth Presidents from the Southern and Western Angami villages attended the meeting and also highlight-

ed disaster management related problems faced at the grassroots level.

The NSDMA will be taking similar meetings to all

other areas in collaboration with all the District Disaster Management Authorities very soon, the release informed.

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REgional

The Morung Express

Northeast Briefs

Three North East states to celebrate statehood day

AgArTAlA/imPhAl, JAnuAry 20 (iAnS): Three north-eastern states - Tripura, Manipur and Meghalaya - will celebrate their statehood day Wednesday, officials said Tuesday. "On this day, the Manipur government organises various cultural programmes comprising music and dance as well as exhibitions. These events showcase the beauty and splendour of this state," an official said in Imphal. A Tripura government official said in Agartala: "Acting Tripura governor Padmanabha Balakrishna Acharya will inaugurate a five-day programme here to celebrate the statehood day." An exhibition highlighting the development and achievements of Tripura since 1972 will also be inaugurated in Agartala by the governor. The statehood day celebrations in Meghalaya would involve a series of events across the state, including a motorbike show at Polo Grounds in Shillong, organised by the department of sports and youth Affairs.

The erstwhile princely states of Tripura and Manipur were merged with India in October 1949 and became full-fledged states Jan 21, 1972. Meghalaya was a part of Assam before becoming a full-fledged state under the North Eastern Region (Re-Organisation) Act, 1971.

Wednesday

21 January 2015

Dimapur

3

Spl Cell arrests key member Assam-Mizoram border row of international drug cartel re-ignites after 9-month hiatus

nEw DElhi, JAnuAry 20 (PTi): A 32-yearold man, alleged to be a key member of an international drug cartel which smuggled heroin from Myanmar to Delhi via Manipur and Bareilly, has been arrested, police said today.

The Special Cell of Delhi Police arrested Ganpat (32) from Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday. Ganpat is already wanted in cases of NDPS Act by Guwahati and Delhi Police.

Police had earlier arrested two drug suppliers, Dharamraj and Chander Sekhar and recovered heroin weighing 1.5 kg from them. Their interrogation led to the arrest of Javed Khan and Pankaj, both resident of Bareilly, who supplied drugs to Delhi and NCR through their couriers. iTAnAgAr, JAnuAry 20 (PTi): Altogether 441 In"Further interrogation ner Line Permit (ILP) violators have been identified and led us to an international deported from seven police station areas in West Kameng district in Arunachal Pradesh in the past fortnight, an official release said here today. Bhalukpong police station recorded the highest with 253 violators followed

by Balemu with 150, it said. Incidentally, the two places are the entry points to the district from neighboring As- nEw DElhi, JAnusam. All the 441 ILP violators were deported from the Ary 20 (PTi): A special district, the release added.

NIA court today got seven-day custody of selfstyled commandant of morigAon, JAnuAry 20 (PTi): An adult male el- NDFB(S) Bikunas Narephant was killed after being hit by a goods train on a broad zary for interrogation regauge railway track near Khetri in Assam's Kamrup dis- lated to the operations of trict, a forest department official said today. The elephant the militant group.

NIA had arrested 18 which came out of a forest, died on the spot when a Guwahati-bound goods train hit the pachyderm at Bharagaon NDFB(S) terrorists, innear Khetri at around 9 PM yesterday, the forest official cluding a Narzary, from different places across said. The carcass has been sent for post-mortem.

Assam and a huge cache of arms and ammunition was recovered.

The agency today produced Narzary before the AizAwl, JAnuAry 20 (EnS): Residents of an Aizawl neighbourhood said they would not allow a man, who is accused of murdering five members of a family 10 days ago, enter their area and also demanded capital punishment for him. In a statement issued over the weekend by the Joint Action Committee of Republic Veng, also removed the residential privileges to 37-year-old Lalt- nEw DElhi, JAnuAry lanchhuaha, who is accused of hacking five members of 20 (Tnn): Lack of intera family to death on January 9. Currently in judicial cus- net connectivity not only tody, he has claimed before a court that he committed stands in the way of intethe murders in a fit of rage over a wage dispute, but his gration of the Northeast own family has rejected this saying he never worked at with the mainstream, but is his victims’ home and they did not owe him any money. also preventing implementation of Centre's scholarship schemes.

Union minority affairs minister Najma Heptullah has shot off a letter to communications and IT minister Ravi Shankar nEw DElhi, JAnu- nectivity with the civil avia- Prasad, informing him that Ary 20 (PTi): The Cen- tion ministry also. the ministry was unable Singh said road and rail to implement the scholartre will provide special incentives to airlines for network is also being given ships scheme for minority increasing air connectiv- the top priority for the re- students in the Northeast ity to the Northeast and gion and efforts are being because of lack of internet to Bollywood for films made in this regard at the connectivity. She said only fast pace. Prime Minister a strong internet coverage shooting in the region.

Minister for Develop- Narendra Modi has been ment of North Eastern Re- emphasising on ensuring gion (DoNER) Jitendra social and economic incluSingh said the government sion of Northeast with othis trying to woo industries er parts of the country.

It is only after the Prime to the eight Northeastern states so that enough jobs Minister's directive that ChEnnAi, JAnuAry 20 are created for the youths now the government has (Tnn): Southern Railway of the region. "The issue of decided to send at least one will operate special trains connectivity in the North- Union Minister to visit any between Thiruvananthaeastern states is a matter of of the eight Northeastern puram and Guwahati and major concern for us. The states -- Assam, Arunachal a train between Tiruchiraroad and rail network is not Pradesh, Sikkim, Mizoram, palli and Pune via Chennai there due to difficult terrain. Manipur, Nagalan d, to clear extra rush of pas"A lot of dependence Meghalaya and Tripura -- sengers.

Special trains between is on air travel. That is why every fortnight.

"There is a lot of scenic Guwahati - Thiruvananwe are requesting airlines to increase the number of beauty in the Northeastern thapuram (via Perambur): aircrafts and frequency to states. It is like going to any Train No.02516 Guwahati these states. We are ready to other foreign destination. Thiruvananthapuram speprovide more incentives to We will ask Bollywood to cial train will leave Guwathe airlines," Singh told PTI make films in these states. hati at 11.25pm on January in an interview. He said the They are bestowed with 26 and reach ThiruvananDoNER is discussing the picturesque locations," the thapuram at 10.30pm on January 29. issue of providing air con- DoNER minister said.

441 ILP violators deported from Arunachal Pradesh

drug supply chain emanating from Myanmar to Manipur and then its onward supply to Bareilly and finally to Delhi. Following the leads, Ashique Illahi was arrested from Manipur. Ganpat, the last arrested person, hails from Bareilly and is an associate of Javed Khan and Pankaj," DCP (Special Cell) Sanjeev Kumar Yadav.

During investigation, it was found that Javed Khan, Pankaj and Ganpat used to transfer money from their bank accounts to the bank accounts provided by three drug suppliers in Manipur. "In total 14 such bank accounts in Manipur and Bareilly have been identified. Eight bank accounts used by Manipur- based suppliers for this purpose have been identified. Accused Ganpat himself had transferred more than Rs 2 crore into these accounts.

All the 14 bank accounts have been freezed,"he said.

According to police, Illhai and Ganpat have made some startling disclosures about international narcotic cartel. Heroin is being smuggled in India from Myanmar. Ganpat further disclosed that Illahi and others used to get consignments of smuggled heroin at the border of India and Myanmar in Manipur.

"Trio used to send big consignments of heroin to Ganpat, Javed and Pankaj in Bareilly in UP. These three Bareilly-based drug suppliers used to send the said heroin to various parts of country including Delhi," said Yadav.

Ganpat has been supplying heroin for last 12 years. Both Ashique Ilahi and Ganpat are presently in police remand. Further investigation is on, police said.

NIA gets custody of NDFB(S) Commandant

Elephant dies after being hit by train

Residents of Aizawl seek death for murder accused

Special NIA court which gave the agency his sevenday custody for questioning.

A joint operation comprising army, Assam Police and NIA, had also led to the arresw of one terrorist each from Baksa district and Guwahati city.

Based on specific intelligence, a joint operation was launched along the forest area of AssamArunachal Pradesh border in Udalguri.

The team also recovered one AK-56 Rifle with magazine, one 9 mm pistol

(foreign made) with holster, 25 7.62 mm live rounds, 549 mm live rounds and one hand grenade.

In another major blow to the militant outfit, 11 of its cadres were apprehended in a joint operation from Panbari forest area of Chirang district.

At least 81 persons, including Adivasis, Bodos and Bengalis, were killed in serial attacks by NDFB(S) terrorists, retaliatory violence and police firing across many districts in Assam last month.

AizAwl, JAnuAry 20 (EnS): Mizoram’s border row with Assam has continued after a nine-month hiatus, with Mizoram’s Parliamentary Secretary K Lalrinthanga warning the state “may not refrain from entering [Assam] territory to harass [Assam] residents if Assam police and forest personnel continue to intimidate and threaten” farmers of paddy-fields at the interstate boundary.

Assam Police and Forest personnel posted in southern Hailakandi district had on Monday reportedly threatened farmers at Buhchang, a village in Mizoram’s Kolasib district, to dismantle their huts and remove themselves from their farms that Assam claims is part of its territory.

Mizoram has responded by posting

armed policemen in the area, just as it had done last April when two platoons were posted there in the wake of Assam police and forest officials dismantling the same huts in the same paddy fields.

Government sources said the SPs of Hailakandi and Kolasib districts have spoken to each over the phone with respect to the latest incident at the border.

K Lalrinthanga, who is also the local MLA, visited Buhchang and nearby areas on Tuesday.

Just after last year’s incident, Mizoram Home Minister R Lalzirliana had accused Assam’s police and forest personnel of “acting like a band of dacoits” and instructed Mizoram Police “not to hesitate to use guns if necessary nor show mercy to the thieves.”

19 sentenced under Mizoram’s week-old liquor law on Tuesday, tally touches 33 AizAwl, JAnuAry 20 (EnS): Although alcohol will not yet be legally sold in Mizoram till the first week of March, the state’s week-old liquor law ending almost two decades of total prohibition continues to be strictly enforced with at least 19 people being sentenced to community service, fined or jailed on Tuesday.

This brings to at least 33 those sentenced under the new law, which though allowing the sale and consumption of alcohol imparts heavy penalties on those caught drunk without permits, driving under the influence or creating nuisance in public.

The Aizawl district court on Tuesday sentenced five people to a month in jail,

punished five others to three days community service and fined two others Rs 1,000 each.

One man who had jumped his punishment of community service was also re-arrested and sentenced to a month in jail.

Meanwhile in the western districts of Mamit and Kolasib, seven people were sentenced to perform community service for being drunk.

On Monday, the Mamit district court had also convicted two men to six months in jail and fined Rs 500 each. That same day in Aizawl, five men were sentenced to three days of community service while a sixth was sentenced to a month in prison.

At least five people

had last Friday been sentenced to perform three days of community service each while one was fined Rs 1000 after being arrested for drunk driving by law enforcement agencies.

Friday’s sentencing followed the sentencing on Thursday, the day the new law came into force, of a man to spend a month in jail after creating “public nuisance” in the southern town of Lunglei.

A government statement said police, traffic department and excise and narcotics personnel continue to actively conduct breath-analyser tests on drivers, especially of public transport vehicles such as taxis, maxi-cabs and buses.

Centre's scholarships schemes for North East suffer

'More incentives to airlines, Bollywood for promoting NE'

can rescue the minority scheme.

Lest the connection between internet and scholarships surprises, sources said the scheme is totally dependent on web connectivity for success. With a dedicated portal to connect with target beneficiaries, the lack of internet in the Northeast is not allowing the students to apply for scholarships in time.

Also given the physical distance with the region, the ministry uses videoconferencing to join the state administrations to apprise itself of progress and grievances. The monitoring thus suffers owing to poor

internet.

The irony is that the region not just has a high concentration of minorities but also a level of backwardness that would automatically qualify the students for financial incentives.

After an in-house review, Heptullah decided to urge the communications minister to step in with a focus on the neglected region.

The performance in pre-matric, post-matric and merit-cum-means scholarships for 2014, posted on the ministry website, bears out Heptullah's concern, with Assam

being the only exception in the region. Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya have no demand; Manipur took 6.66 cr, 1.45 cr and 3.59 cr; Mizoram 28.03 cr; Nagaland 13.75 cr, 1.68 cr; Sikkim 1.11 cr; Tripura 2.27 cr, 0.02 cr, 0.21 cr.

If Heptullah's plea has an impact, it would be the push from the unlikeliest corner like the minority affairs ministry that would play a role in boosting internet connection in the Northeast, and its better integration with the national mainstream.

Reached for comment, Heptullah lashed out at the UPA regime for the plight

Southern Rly to run Guwahati–Thiruvananthapuram special trains Train No.02515 Thiruvananthapuram - Guwahati special train will leave Thiruvananthapuram at 12noon January 30 and reach Guwahati at 8.20am on February 2.

The composition of the trains will be 1 AC 2-tier/3tier, 1 AC 3-tier, 11 sleeper class, four general second class and two luggagecum-brake van coaches.

The trains will stop at Kamakhya, Goalpara Town, New Bongaigaon, Kokrajhar, New Alipurduar, New Coochbehar, Dhupguri, New Jalpaiguri,

Kishanganj, Barsoi, Malda Town, Rampur hat, Durgapur, Asansol, Adra, Bankura, Bishnupur, Midnapore, Hijli, Balasore Bhadrak, Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Khurda Road, Brahmapur, Palasa, Srikakulam Road, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, Samalkot, Rajamundry, Eluru, Vijayawada, Ongole, Nellore, Gudur, Perambur, Arakkonam, Katpadi, Jolarpettai, Salem, Erode, Tiruppur, Podanur, Palakkad, Thrissur, Aluva, Ernakulam Town, Kottayam, Tiruvalla, Chengannur,

Stolen from cops & seized by cops, only they didn’t know AizAwl, JAnuAry 20 (EnS): When customs officials posted near the Myanmar border in eastern Mizoram seized 257 logs of red sandalwood weighing almost six quintals last October, they had no idea the consignment had actually been stolen from their own building less than 30 km away.

Once they did find out — in the last week of November — it kick-started a multi-agency probe that has resulted in the suspension of four customs officials, four men being arrested for the theft, and several unanswered questions for investigators.

It was in the first week of December that customs officials registered an FIR with police, complaining 257 logs of red sandal-

wood had gone missing from a consignment of 272 logs, worth Rs 1.24 crore, which they had seized earlier and kept at the Zokhawthar Land Customs Station, just a few metres from the Myanmar border in Mizoram’s Champhai district.

A team was sent from the Customs Commissionerate in Shillong while Mizoram Police too began a probe. And what they have unearthed so far has only partly solved the whodunit.

The police probe has established that four men — two of them from Champhai town, two from Zokhawthar — hired 34 porters and a truck with a driver, and broke open the lock of the customs station

at half past midnight on October 4.

The men and the porters loaded the seized logs onto the truck, fixed the main lock back with transparent sellotape and drove off towards Tlangsam, a Mizoram village about 28 km north on the hilly border road.

As it turned out, they were caught there along with the stash by the customs officials, who had no clue what they had seized.

It was only on November 26 that customs officials began to suspect the consignment they had found three weeks earlier was actually part of what they had seized more than two months before that, and which they had kept in their building.

Yet it took another three days for customs to actually establish the consignment was not there anymore. An official directed to inspect the room where the seized stash had been kept was reportedly satisfied that the lock was intact.

Once it was eventually found that the lock had merely been resealed with sellotape, customs have been cleaning themselves up. At least three inspectors and a havildar have so far been suspended by the commissionerate in Shillong for alleged dereliction of duty. A vigilance inquiry has been instituted and, according to a senior official, at least one high-ranking official could be suspended in the coming few days by headquarters in New

Delhi.

Police have in the meantime arrested four men for stealing the logs, but have so far been unable to make them confess who exactly they had connived with among those posted that night at the station. One of them arrested men has reportedly told police investigators that one among them had simply told the others just before the theft that those on duty at the station had been “taken care of”, but police have been unable to find out who that meant.

And neither senior customs nor police officials are sure how no one heard all the noise that must have come about while 39 men were loading 5.8 quintals wood on a truck.

Kayankulam and Kollam.

Advance reservations for Tiruchirapalli- Pune special trains are already on while reservations will open on January 22 for Thiruvananthapuram - Guwahati special train.

of the region. "The previous government talked a lot about the N-E region but never thought about internet connectivity.

How do you reach those

states? There is no rail or air connection. There has to be wireless connection. Had the UPA done it, I would not have had to write to the IT minister," she told TOI.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The managing committee of the Touch of Hope Orphanage Shokhuvi would like to express our heartiest gratitude to ARTC&S, Shokhuvi for providing the furnitures worth approximately 30,000/-.

We also like to thank Brigade K. Narayanan for handing over the furnitures to the orphanage.

At present the orphanage has 25 children from different parts of Nagaland State.

ST. JOSEPH’S COLLLEGE, JAKHAMA VACANCY

Applications are invited for the following positions: 1. Asst. Professor, Chemistry (Physical) 2. Asst. Librarian Applications may be sent by email to stjosephc@gmail.com on or before 30/1/15 For more information contact 9436437544

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND

DIRECTORATE OF WOMEN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT ADVERTISEMENT Dated Kohima, the 20th January, 2015

NO.DWRD/TCPC/GEN-1/2015:: The Department of Women Resource Development invites interested female candidates to apply/appear for Interview to undergo training under the Training-cum-Production Centre, Kohima in any of the following trades: 1. Tailoring 2. Weaving 3. Knitting Eligibility Criteria: 1. Unemployed school drop-out girls/young unmarried women; 2. Educational Qualification: (a) Class 6 passed for Weaving and Knitting trades; (b) Class 8 passed for Tailoring; 3. Age of applicant should be between 18 and 35 as on 1st January, 2015; 4. Preference will be given to those from very poor family backgrounds/ belonging to family with large number of dependent children/ HIV&AIDS infected girls or women.

Duration of Training Course: 9½ months w.e.f 1st March 2015 to 15th December, 2015 Candidates are to write a formal application with 2 passport photos and one set of photocopies of relevant documents duly attested and addressed to the Additional Director, Department of Women Resource Development.

Last date for receipt of applications: 10th February, 2015 Date of Interview : 17th February, 2015 Time : 10:00 a.m. onwards Venue : Directorate of Women Resource Development, Meriema (Near Nagaland University) Note: Candidates are required to bring all relevant documents, including Mark Sheet and Age Proof, in original on the day of Interview. Applications of candidates who fail to do so will be summarily rejected.

Sd/Additional Director & HoD

4

Dimapur

businEss

Wednesday 21 January 2015

The Morung Express

Public DiscoursE The UN warns of ‘suffering and Comparison Of The Nagaland State With misery’ as unemployment grows AThe French Vichy Government Of 1940

geneva, January 20 (aFP): Unemployment will rise by 11 million in the next five years due to slower growth and turbulence, the UN warned on Tuesday.

More than 212 million people will be jobless by 2019 against the current level of 201 million, the International Labour Organization said. “The global economy is continuing to grow at tepid rates and that has clear consequences,” ILO head Guy Ryder told reporters in Geneva.

“The global jobs gap due to the crisis stands at 61 million jobs worldwide,” he said, referring to the number of jobs lost since the start of the financial crisis in 2008.

The ILO World Employment and Social Outlook -- Trends 2015 report said an extra 280 million jobs would have to be created by 2019 to close the gap created by the financial turmoil.

“This means the jobs crisis is far from over and there is no place

for complacency,” Ryder said.

The job scenario improved in the United States, Japan and Britain but remains worrisome in several developed economies of Europe, the report said.

“The austerity trajectory... in Europe in particular has contributed dramatically to increases in unemployment,” Ryder said.

The report said eurozone powerhouse Germany could see unemployment rise to five percent in 2017 against 4.7 percent at present, while it was expected to fall just under the double-digit in number two eurozone economy France.

The worst-hit segment globally were those aged between 15 and 24, with the youth unemployment rate touching 13 percent in 2014, almost three times the rate for adults.

ducing countries in Latin America, Africa and the Arab world.

But one of the rare bits of good news was that the middle class comprised more than 34 percent of total employment in developing countries from 20 percent in the 1990s, Ryder said.

However extreme poverty continues to affect one out of 10 workers globally who earn less than $1.50 a day, he added.

A widening chasm between the haves and have nots and an uncertain investment climate have made it difficult for countries to rebound from the crisis, the report said.

Cutting wages has been a key element in the international bailouts of eurozone members.

But there are concerns that exceptionally low price rises in the 18 countries sharing the euro could augur a long period of slow ‘Massive suffering, misery’ growth and falling prosperity.

The UN agency said the steep “If low wages lead people to fall in oil and gas prices would hit consume less, and investment the labour market hard in pro- remains subdued, this obvi-

India to grow at 6.5 percent in 2016: IMF

Faith of Holiness

Washington, January 20 (ians): Broadly keeping its growth forecast for India unchanged, International Monetary Fund (IMF) Tuesday projected that rising from 5.8 percent in 2014, the Asian economy will grow at 6.3 percent in 2015 and 6.5 percent in 2016.

Slower growth in China will impact growth in much of emerging Asia except India where weaker external demand is offset by the boost to the terms of trade from lower oil prices and a pickup in industrial and investment activity after policy reforms, it said.

Saying that global growth will receive a boost from lower oil prices, which reflect to an important extent higher supply, IMF projected global growth in 2015-16 at 3.5 and 3.7 percent, 0.3 percent less than projected in the October 2014 World Economic Outlook (WEO).

“But this boost is projected to be more than offset by negative factors, including investment weakness as adjustment to diminished expectations about mediumterm growth continues in many advanced and emerging market economies,” it said in the latest update on the health of the world economy.

The revisions reflect a reassessment of prospects in China, Russia, the euro area, and Japan as well as weaker activity in some major oil exporters because of the sharp drop in oil prices, it said.

The US is the only major economy for which growth projections have been

A faith of holiness Will establish me in Christ; All that I desire in my inner being Is the holiness of Christ; Just as a lover is dear to a lover All who loves holiness Is dear to Christ A life lived in the Truth Is a life lived in ChristAnd a life lived in holiness Is a life lived for God; All who loves God loves Christ All who loves Christ loves the Holy Spirit The Spirit desires to perfect us in holiness; As we live in holiness Let us keep in step with holiness The lines that were and are, are one Just as we are one inspirit With the Spirit of Christ This is a message of holiness And the faith of this holiness Is a faith of holiness, The holiness of Christ.

Ambrose J Chakre

raised as growth rebounded ahead of expectations after the contraction in the first quarter of 2014, it said.

IMF projected growth in US to exceed 3 percent in 2015-16, with domestic demand supported by lower oil prices, more moderate fiscal adjustment, and continued support from an accommodative monetary policy stance, despite the projected gradual rise in interest rates.

But the recent dollar appreciation is projected to reduce net exports.

In emerging market and developing economies, growth is projected to remain broadly stable at 4.3 percent in 2015 and to increase to 4.7 percent in 2016-a weaker pace than forecast in the October 2014 WEO. IMF cited three main factors explain the downshift: slower growth in China, a much weaker outlook in Russia and downward revisions to potential growth in commodity exporters.

“At the country level, the cross currents make for a complicated picture,” said Olivier Blanchard, IMF Economic Counsellor and Director of Research. “It means “good news for oil importers, bad news for oil exporters.

“Good news for commodity importers, bad news for exporters. Continuing struggles for the countries which show scars of the crisis, and not so for others.

“Good news for countries more linked to the euro and the yen, bad news for those more linked to the dollar.”

_

LEISURE

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

SUDOKU

ously has a negative impact on growth,” Ryder said.

“Income inequality in some advanced economies now approach levels observed among emerging economies,” he said.

The ILO said the income gap was set to widen, with the richest 10 percent earning 30 to 40 percent of total income, and the poorest 10 percent earning between two and seven percent of total income.

“These trends have undermined trust in government and kept the risk of social tensions high,” it said.

Social unrest worldwide declined in the 1990s and 2000s along with the global employment rate but shot up in 2009 during the global crisis and is now 10 percent higher.

“There is massive human waste, suffering and misery stemming out of unemployment,” Ryder said, urging governments to do more to address the problem.

Game Number # 3115

D

uring the 2nd World War, when France fell to the German invasion in June 1940, a puppet German France government called the Vichy Government was set up in the southern portion of France. The territory of this Vichy government comprised of two fifth of France territory and the puppet state was set up under Marshal Philippe Petaine, a 1st world war hero of France. This new puppet government was established following the Franco-German Armistice of June 22, 1940 with some supposed concessions of autonomy and sovereignty still in the hands of the French people. This government was allowed to maintain an army of about 100,000 armed troops but without tanks, artillery, air force or even proper vehicles. The troops were allowed for supposedly maintaining internal order. As for the two million captured France army, they were deported to Germany for forced labour in the German war efforts. The Vichy Government was also allowed a Police force of 35,000 personnel under a German appointed Director called Joseph Darnand with a Waffen SS rank of Sturmbannfuerer. This secret police force called the Millice actively collaborated with the German Gestapo in hunting down and eliminating the France patriotic Partisans. They also actively helped in deporting and killing more than 77,000 French Jews in the gas chambers of Auschwitz, Dachau, and Buchenwald etc.

Unfortunately, many of the French public who were caught in the invasion initially supported the Vichy government seeing it as necessity for maintaining some degree of France autonomy and territorial integrity. As for the rest of the France patriots like General de Gaulle, Leclerc and many others, they either fled to England to form the Free France government in England or disappeared into the mountains to carry on the fight for the re- liberation of France from the German invasion and occupation.

When the Allied troops landed in Normandy France on June 6, 1944 and France

was liberated, the Vichy government was disbanded.

Many of the officials were hanged by France citizens themselves and the others fled to Germany.

When we compare the Vichy government with the present Nagaland state of Inda, we find so many similarities. The puppet Nagaland state of India was also born at a time when over 100,000 Indian troops had invaded Nagaland and established an army camp at almost every Naga village. Behind the invasion of our beloved lands, the Indian troops left behind, over 100000 Nagas dead as they burned our villages and compelled almost the whole population to flee into the jungles.

Thousands died from starvation and disease from this forced dispersion. When the villagers returned on the offer of general amnesty, almost the entire population was again herded into concentration camps in the grouping of villages.

Our Naga army, never the less, fought back with heroic tenacity.

But in the midst of all these sufferings and sacrifices, some of our own leaders’ in collaboration with the invasion forces set up a Vichy type of government in our lands.

Like the Vichy government, this government too has its own Police forces under a Director General of Police. It also has many soldiers serving in the Paramilitary forces like the Indian Reserved Police, Assam Rifles, CRPF and even the regular Indian army. From 1963, after statehood was granted, many of these Naga Police forces and Paramilitary forces assisted the Indian army in what was branded as counter insurgency operations against the true Naga patriots. These operations resulted in many Naga patriots’ deaths from the hands of Naga bullets fired under Indian army uniforms. Over the years, many of its civil administrators have also issued arrest warrants as well as prison terms against patriotic Nagas from both the civil as well as army wings of the Federal Government of Nagaland.

In the civil branch of this

Vichy type government in Nagaland, it has many intelligence departments to keep a watchful eye on all Naga affairs and activities. All these activities are scrupulously carried on in secret so that like the German government of yesteryear, the Indian government of today can rule us without international condemnation or intervention.

Conclusion: The Vichy government of Philippe Petain was hated by all true citizens and patriots of France.

When liberation came, many Ministers of this government were hung in the streets of Paris through mob fury. Many of the prostitutes who had had a very comfortable life under the patronage of both the German government and the Vichy government were stripped almost naked and paraded through the streets of Paris- their hairs shaved off by angry French citizens.

In comparison, and to our shame, how we Nagas love our Indian Vichy government and it’s so called Ministers. How we stand in awe and respect when they visit our villages on special occasions and hand out their bosses money to us.

How we fete them and listen to them when they tour our villages during election times.

And now, when they are presently tearing this Vichy government to pieces in their lust for power and money, how concerned are we? One sincerely hopes that the Church in Nagaland at this juncture, will not call for a day of fasting so that this Vichy government can go on ruling us without internal problems. May the Churches’ call for free and fair elections to this Vichy government be the end of our sins and folly.

The hated France Vichy government lasted only for four years from 1940 to 1944.

On our part, is fifty one years of our own Vichy government in Nagaland still not enough for cowardly Nagas who have all been desperately seeking their fortunes under this foreign government? How much longer shall we be obedient citizens of this Indian Vichy government in our lands?

Kaka D Iralu

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.

DAILY CROSS WORD

CROSSWORD # 3124

Answer Number # 3114

DIMAPUR Civil Hospital:

STD CODE: 03862 232224; Emergency229529, 229474

Metro Hospital:

227930, 231081

Faith Hospital:

228846

Shamrock Hospital

228254

Zion Hospital:

231864, 224117, 227337

Police Control Room

228400

Police Traffic Control

232106

East Police Station West Police Station

227607 232181

CIHSR (Referral Hospital)

242555/ 242533

Dimapur hospital

224041, 248011

Apollo Hospital Info Centre:

230695/ 9402435652

Railway:

131/228404

Indian Airlines

229366

Nagaland Multispe- 248302, cialty Health & 09856006026 Research Centre

W

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Clothing Care FIBERS YARNS NATURALFIBERS MANUFACTUREDFIBERS BLEND FABRICFINISHES COLORFAST MILDEW BOBBIN NOTIONS GRAIN PATTERNGUIDESHEET ALTER STAYSTITCHING FACING IRREGULARS SECONDS MARKDOWNS VINTAGECLOTHES COSTPERWEARING CLASSICS FADS CARELABEL

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C K N Z A G D M N O E T E L D N D K O H

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C O L O R F A S T F N E I E E P Z J I Z

I C A R E L A B E L R R R G C T Q K L S

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G E O P D H J B R N E S B A O S Q O H O

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Y A R N S T A Y S T I T C H I N G R Z Q

ACROSS 1. A bodily fluid 6. As well 10. Bit of gossip 14. Expenditure 15. Den 16. Central area of a church 17. Disney mermaid 18. Decorate with gold leaf 19. Layer 20. Container 22. Monster 23. Color 24. Pass-the-baton race 26. A type of insect 30. All excited 32. The color of grass 33. Grain storehouses 37. Heredity unit 38. Accomplishing 39. A Freudian stage 40. A bag found on a horse 42. Foreword 43. Caps 44. Chant 45. Malicious 47. Comes after Mi and Fah 48. Essence 49. Designation 56. Throw

57. Weight loss plan 58. Donkey 59. Being 60. If not 61. Signed 62. Bucks and does 63. Twosome 64. Thigh armor

DOWN 1. Wild hog 2. Attraction 3. Ear-related 4. Curved molding 5. Similar to a porpoise 6. Seaweed 7. Nonclerical 8. Window ledge 9. Issuing commands 10. Narrow-minded 11. Subarctic coniferous forests 12. Each and all 13. No more than 21. Pull 25. Historic period 26. Hens make them 27. Region 28. Cleave 29. Herbicide 30. Operatic solos

31. Canine tooth 33. Mongolian desert 34. Within 35. Acquire deservedly 36. Blackthorn 38. Relied upon 41. Directed 42. Dwell 44. Charged particle 45. Alcoholic 46. Medical professional 47. Located 48. Outbuilding 50. Greasy 51. Plateau 52. Bluefin 53. Bothers 54. Mining finds 55. Connecting point Ans to CrossWord 3123

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LOCAL

The Morung Express

Wednesday 21 January 2015

Dimapur

5

‘Kiyanelie is chief Whip, not azo’: Shürhozelie ASSAM-NAGALAND BORDER ISSUE: DIMApUR, JANUARY 20 (MExN): The Shürhozelie-led Naga People’s Front re-asserted its stand on the issue of ‘Chief Whip’ of the party. Shürhozelie, in a media release, stated that Kuzholuzo Nienu is no longer the party’s chief whip since his removal from the position on November 14, 2014.

“Kuzholuzo was the Chief Whip of NPF Legislature Party earlier, but he was replaced by Kiyanilie Peseyie for reason known to everyone. Kiyanilie Peseyie was appointed as Chief Whip for Parliamentary Party of Naga People’s Front in Nagaland Legisla-

Calls for strength test in the Assembly

tive Assembly by the NPF President dated the 14th November, 2014 as per the provision of the 10th Schedule of the Constitution of India and also as per Art. V, clause 10 of the NPF Constitution,” stated Shürhozelie.

The Nagaland Legislative Assembly had subsequently notified the appointment, said the release, while stating that the notification was also circulated to the Government of India and all State Assemblies in the country.

“Therefore, Mr. Kiyanilie Peseyie is the NPF Chief Whip in Nagaland Legislative Assembly and there is no other. Any one claiming himself as Chief Whip without authority shall entail consequences under the 10th Schedule of the Constitution of India.”

Maintaining that Nienu’s use of the designation and convening meetings is devoid of any authority, the release disclaimed the meeting held at Niathu Resort on January 20. According to the re-

Noke-led legislators failing to attend the Kohima meeting, the release stated, “The only option left now is to go to the floor of the Assembly for strength test.”

“If their claim of having majority is true, they are supposed to move ‘No-Confidence Motion’ against T.R. Zeliang’s ministry. But since they are not in a position to do that but continue to create confusions, the Chief Minister himself has put “Confidence Motion’ which challenges the rebels to come to the House for strength test and decide the matter once and for all.”

UNTABA reiterates ‘principled stand’

DIMApUR, JANUARY 20 (MExN): The United Naga Tribes Association of Border Areas (UNTABA) reiterated today that the observation made by the Supreme Court of India on January 14, 2015 are in consonance with the ‘principled stand’ of the UNTABA that it shall “no longer recognize the unilateral decision of Assam Government in declaring all the border areas as ‘disputed area’, and shall no longer recognize the ‘Interim Agreements’ made since 1972 between the two States.”

The UNTABA has once again ‘strongly’ urged the Government of Nagaland to “initiate some appropriZUNHEBOTO, JANU- sponsored by the Ministry ate and practical step with ARY 20 (MExN): An Entre- of Micro Small Medium En- the Government of Assam preneurship Skill Develop- terprise (MSME’s), Govern- toward removing such arment Programme (ESDP) ment of India. Rudichulare on PC Maintenance con- MPCS Ltd, in collaboration cluded on January 17, at with the Indian Institute Zhuneboto. Thirty people of Entrepreneurship (IIE), successfully participated in Guwahati conducted the the programme. The ESDP programme and trained started on October 27, 2014 the participants to upgrade as a part of 300 hours Skill their skills and to explore Development Programme, opportunities.

DIMApUR, JANUARY 20 (MExN): A ‘Pre-Bishu Musical Nite’ will be organised at Bamunpukhuri-I Village on January 25 featuring folk songs, acoustics unplugged, karaoke etc.

Bishu is an indigenous post harvest Festival of the Dimasa Kacharis which is being observed on January 27 this year.

The Dima Event Management Group of Dimapur, the organiser of the event, in a press note has invited interested Dimasa Kacharis of Nagaland to participate in the 'musical nite'.

Moba Inggang and his band mates have released a new For further information, single track titled “In The Light” on indihut.com. The contact the organisers at track can be downloaded for free on http://indihut.com/ phone no. 9856345493. moba-inggang/

lease, the Niathu meeting held concurrently with the Shürhozelie-led NPF Legislature Party meeting in Kohima “was done without any authority.”

The release stated that the meeting in Kohima was convened by the Chief Minister with the intention of reconciliation but none of the legislators from the Noke-led NPF attended.

The legislators, who attended, reiterated their support to TR Zeliang’s leadership, it added.

In the backdrop of the

KPK celebrates silver jubilee ESDP on PC Maintenance

‘Pre-Bishu Musical Nite at Bamunpukhuri-I

LK Achumi unveiling the monolith. (inset) Jubilee monolith and magazine.

DIMApUR, JANUARY 20 (MExN): The Keltomi Phuthemi Kuposhukulu (KPK) celebrated Silver Jubilee (1990-2015) at Zukihe village from January 1718. The jubilee monolith was dedicated by Rev. Dr. Yehevi Zhimo, Sr. Pastor, Thahekhu Village Baptist Church and unveiled by LK Achumi, retired District and Session Judge, on January 17.

A press release from KPK president, Hukiye

Yeputhomi informed that speakers for the jubilee held with the theme, Kuttu-kitheni (Forbearance), were Rev. Nikheto Kiho, Mission Promoter (WSBAK) and Nitoshe Zhimo, Associate Pastor (Youth), SBC Kohima.

The jubilee magazine was released by Vihoto K. Achumi, General Manager, District Industries Centre, Peren, while S. Hoshito Yeputhomi, Chief of Keltomi village brought the

jubilee greetings. The jubilee concluded with the selection of a new team of office bearers for 20152017, which included Hukiye Yeputhomi as president, Piwoto Achumi - vice president, Sukhapup Kiho - general secretary, Hito Achumi - assistant general secretary, Khetovi Kiho finance secretary, Nikato Yeputho - assistant finance secretary, and Akheshe Zhimo - information & publicity secretary.

bitrary decision of declaring ‘disputed area’ that are completely against the Naga people living in and around border areas before it is too late.”

Citing that the border dispute vis-a-vis the lack of inter-State boundary demarcation between the States of Assam and Nagaland is a “political problem needing political decision,” the UNTABA stated in a press release from its chairman, Hukavi T Yeputhomi, that “it is pertinent to make crystal clear on the issue of which State - Assam or Nagaland- should have control over the so called ‘disputed area’ for maintaining law and order and other administrative purposes.”

The border issue has been pending in the Su-

preme Court since 1988, and also been placed before the Prime Minister of India, Chief Minister of Nagaland and Governor of Nagaland. The UNTABA informed that the Supreme Court has made a clear observation in this regard that “It is for the political executive to decide and it cannot be managed by the judiciary,” which according to UNTABA, ‘clearly implies’ that “these so called ‘disputed areas’ cannot and should not be controlled

by Assam alone as is being done so far by unilaterally declaring the border areas as ‘Disputed Area’. If at all, these border areas have to be declared as ‘Disputed Area’, it needs a decision of ‘political executive’ of both the States concerned.”

Abandoned infant rescued Mother in police custody

KOHIMA, JANUARY 20 (MExN): One woman was taken into custody of Kohima police for allegedly abandoning her newborn baby girl. The infant was found abandoned at Naga Bazaar Colony, Kohima on January 13. She was rescued and handed over to the Child Welfare Committee, Kohima after administering first aid at Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK).

According to a press note from the SDPO & PRO, Atu Zumvü, Women Cell personnel of Kohima led by SI Levinuo Nyuwi, after rescuing the infant, launched an investigation to trace the mother. The mother, identified as one Senenya Semy (19 years)

of Tesophenyu village under Tseminyu sub-division and presently residing at Naga Bazar Kohima, was today arrested from the same locality.

A non-bialable offence was registered against her at North PS and she was remanded into police custody for further investigation. The charge carries a jail term, extendable up to 10 years besides fine.

Public SPace

The days of "Aaya Ram, Gaya Ram" in Indian politics are over.

1. British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, while opposing the bill for India's Independence being moved in British Parliament in 1947 had said that the following famous and prophetic words: "Power will go to hands of rascals.........They will fight amongst themselves for power, and India will be lost in political squabbles".

Immediately following Independence, there was a period of stability in the Centre and the States, that were mostly ruled by Congress Party. However, no sooner than the euphoria of India's independence and the spirit of patriotism fuelled by the freedom struggle were over, the period of unprincipled defection and opportunism began to unfold in Indian politics, leading to repeated floor crossings and toppling of Governments, which served as stark reminders to the prophetic words of Winston Churchill about Indian politicians. Historians and writers often refer to this period of repeated and endless floor crossings as the "Aaya Ram, Gaya Ram" of Indian politics.

2. Therefore, to enforce discipline and stability in Indian political landscape, the Constitution (91st

Amendment) Act, 2003 was passed by the Indian Parliament, which restricted the size of Council of Ministers. The Constitution (91st Amendment) Act 2003, is also popularly known as the Anti Defection Act as it inserted the 10th Schedule to the Constitution, which prescribes a strict condition for splits and mergers of political parties to regulate floor crossings by legislators. Under this provision, splits and mergers can be recognized only if the splitter group enjoys the support of at least twothird of the legislators of that party. Otherwise, the splitter group would stand disqualified. Further, any legislator who voluntarily gives up the membership of the party on whose ticket he was elected, or any legislator who defies the party whip will also be disqualified.

3. In my view, the dissident Kaito's group of NPF MLAs knows inside their heart that they are not the original NPF party, that set them up as party candidates during the last Assembly election; and that in the event of their voting against the party whip in the Assembly, they will certainly be disqualified.

They also know that Shri Kuzholuzo is not the genu-

ine NPF Chief Whip. That is why they dare not move a vote of "no confidence" against T.R. Zeliang Government. They also tried very hard to influence the Governor not to summon the special session of the Assembly which was demanded by T.R. Zeliang's Cabinet, for moving a confidence. Thus, Kaito's group do not want to prove their claim of majority on the floor of the Assembly, nor they want to abide by the Supreme Court's ruling in S.R. Bommai case, that says the only place for trial of strength is in the floor of the House. So, their demand for removal of T.R. Zeliang Government is certainly not based on constitutional provisions, or any laws of the land. The only question is when will they realise that the days of "Aaya Ram, Gaya Ram" is long over after the 10th Schedule of the Constitution was inserted by the Constitution (91st Amendment) Act, 2003. The sooner they realise this, and break their camp, and bid each other tearful farewell, it will be better for them, for the people of their constituencies, and for the people of Nagaland.

I. Yanger Jamir General Secretary NPF Central Office HQ Kohima

Was the current political imbroglio unavoidable

M

uch has been written in all the local dailies in support of or against NPF groups by all the Nagas who are closely watching the developments unfold every day. As a simple Naga voter closely observing the unfortunate Impasse from day one, the turmoil from within the NPF camp could have been avoided from the beginning. Go-

ing by the newspaper reports it is crystal clear which side has the majority of NPF Legislators. In the said situation, president of NPF should have invited both the warring parties to a common table and sort out the differences amongst them. But, instead, he went on a suspension spree after siding with a minority group. As a result, the oldest regional

party in the North-East is on the verge of dis-integration. If Dr. Surhozelie has even a glimmer of love for the party, he can still embark on a reconciliation mission and bring all the NPF Legislators under a single umbrella or else, the house of NPF seems to be falling apart before our very eyes.

Shayem Phom, Nagarjan, Dimapur.

I

Unfortunate NPF party imbroglio

n every democratic country, there is specific structural functioning within the House and outside the House under the sovereignty of its constitution. Thereby the constitution of India clearly dignifies the role of the representatives inside the House and the role of the political parties outside the House in the system of governance.

Accordingly, the majority representative elects their leaders as the CM/PM both

D

within the party or amongst the different political parties in the House to run the government and serve the people. This is the truth and tenets of democratic constitution of India.

Recalling to the current political crisis in Nagaland, it was and is just a simple democratic formula to change the leadership within the NPF family who obtains the majority representative support.

Very unfortunately at the

hour of smooth transaction of leadership, the party high command mistakenly stepped into the water which does not belong and walk beyond its perimeter by hijacking the democratic norms. Otherwise least bother and good sense might prevail amongst the NPF legislatures. Perhaps it is too early for the party ranks and files and also prayerfully observed citizens to blame our leaders .From

laymen perspective at this present NPF legislatures family crisis the constitution may not permit its wings to exercise for the floor test as the NPF Led DAN Alliance has already 52 MLAs on the treasury bench in the Nagaland Vidhan Sabha. The constitution may endorse the Head of the State to apply his wisdom in a democratic manner proving his position and constitutional understanding.

Invoking the Heavenly wisdom to prevail amongst our leaders, it is the time and duty of every Naga Christian to pray patiently for reconciliation of our leaders and also the NPF party ranks and files from both the groups. It is my humble appeal to the NBCC, church organisations irrespective of denomination to come forward and pray before the gloomy days shatter our land and its people.

Janbemo Humtsoe Social Worker

KNOWING AND DOING GOD’S WILL

ear Naga Public leaders, it is God’s marvellous grace that we are enjoying his manifold blessings today because we make Jehovah the Living God as our Lord.

(Ps. 33:12). We profess Jesus Christ as our Saviour, Lord, King and Master. The world used to wonder as to how this small hill tribes called “Nagas” became 95% Christian in the midst Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists and Animistic groups. Yes, without doubt we Nagas are God’s blessed people by His grace. Someone wrote Nagas as “Israel in India”.

However, the sad fact about Nagaland a Christian dominated state is, she is supposed to be like the ‘Kingdom of God on earth’ fails to live up as God’s holy people. Many times we go against the very God who sets us free and live and do what is wrong and sinful.

We are so prone to astray from the God who loves us so dearly.

The present Nagaland Political turbulent is one example. Let us know and do what God’s will is for our people. Let us not go ahead of God by doing what we want to do, but seek God’s will. Not by our strategies, power and money. God holds final authority and he is in control. “Not by might

not by power but by my Spirit says the Lord of host” (Zechariah 4:6).

1. All Governments under the sun whether Christian or non Christian Government are appointed

by God. Any Govt. legally, constitutionally installed is ordained by God and therefore, who resists the authority resists or opposes God’s ordinances. (Romans 13: 1-5). It is God’s will that we respect and uphold God’s ordained Government.

2. “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour” (Deut.5:20).

False witness against one another is not God’s will.

We must speak the truth in love. (Eph. 4:15) The devil, Satan is the father of all lies.

“From the very beginning he was a murderer and has never been on the side of truth, because there is no truth in him. When he tells a lie, he is only doing what is natural to him, because he is a liar and the father of all lies.” (John 8:44 ) Therefore he who tells lie is the agent of Satan.

3. God is not the God of discrimination. (James 2:1-9). He loves all people equally. God is the God of the poor and the rich, the strong and the weak, the white and the black, the ugly and the beauti-

ful, small nation or big nation, small tribe or big tribe alike.(Prov.22:2). “Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.” (1 Peter 2:17) 4. Acknowledge that God is the source of everything. Promotion comes not from the north, east, west or south but from the Lord.

“But God is the judge: He putted down one, and lifted up another.” (Ps.75:6-7).

God holds the final authority to promote someone and to demote the other. He sits on the throne. Everything that happens in the universe is happening in his perfect knowledge. He is in control. Wait for God’s will to do and God’s time.

5. Practicing true wisdom is God’s desire for us.

Not the wisdom that comes from the world but wisdom from above. (James 3:13-18).

“Don't do anything from selfish ambition or from a cheap desire to boast, but be humble toward one another, always considering others better than yourselves.

And look out for one another's interests, not just for your own.” (Phil. 2: 3-4). All selfish motives and thinking ourselves better than others is pride and it is against God’s nature.

6. We need money.

Money is not bad in itself, but when we allow money

to come to take the place of God in our life, and when we do anything to get money, it leads to many complications in life. “The LOVE of money is the root of all evils.” (1 Tim. 6:10). It is not God’s will for us to live, serve and die for money.

7. Wine and Alcohol is not for the Kings and Rulers, but to the people who are in misery, who are dying to forget their suffering.

“Don't spend all your energy on sex and all your money on women; they have destroyed kings. Listen, Lemuel. Kings should not drink wine or have a craving for alcohol. When they drink, they forget the laws and ignore the rights of people in need. Alcohol is for people who are dying, for those who are in misery. Let them drink and forget their poverty and unhappiness.” (Prov.

31: 3-7). It is not right for public leaders to indulge in immorality and in drunkenness and forget the laws and neglect God’s given responsibilities.

8. Seek to do what is right. Obey God’s words.

Consult God for every undertaking. Avoid sin and injustice. Righteousness will exalt a nation but sin destroys a nation. (Proverb 14:34). “Righteousness makes a nation great; sin is

a disgrace to any nation.”

9. It is God’s perfect will that we his children of the living God help the poor and needy and less-fortunate people especially the fatherless and widow and widowers. Defend them, speak for their rights. (Prov.

22:22-23). He who helps the poor will be greatly blessed. (Prov.28:27). Do not withhold good things from people when it is in the power of your hand. Do not postpone for tomorrow what you can do today.

“Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thy hand to do it. Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, And to-morrow I will give; When thou hast it by thee.” (Prov. 3:27-28).

10. Think and meditate on positive things. “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Phil 4:8). It is God’s will that we don’t concentrate on negative things but on things that are lovely, true, good and praise worthy.

Rev. Dr. Rabi Pame Model Village, Dimapur.

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

6

IN-FOCUS

The Power of Truth

The Morung Express WEDnEsDAy 21 JAnuAry 2015 volumE X IssuE 23

Guest editorial

Dr. Asangba Tzudir

alas! Political ethics Bracketed

THE EDIT PAGE

C O M M E N T A R Y

Yvo Fitzherbert

If we lose our language, we lose everything: the politics of Kurdish language in Turkey

“If you are on the side of majority, think it’s time to reform”

P

olitical ethics is the practice of making moral judgments about a political action. Within such theoretical understanding, it is difficult to locate the underlying reality of the present Nagaland DAN Government led by NPF within an existing praxis. The ‘political pronouncements’ besides being politically unsound, is beyond the scope of moral understanding and judgment. In the present crisis, we are yet to witness a justifiable moral ground to any politically motivated action nor has it succeeded in injecting a sense of justified true belief which could have perhaps eased the current crisis. What has been found wanting is the application of foundational moral theories and not mere ‘justification’ and ‘falsification.’ The crisis only reflects the considerations that political agents take into account in their pursuit of power and status. It has even gone to the extent of questioning the ‘moral authority’ of the Chief Minister.

There seems to be no limit to the extent to which politicians or elected representatives are permitted to take actions that may otherwise be wrong. As such, so much injury has been inflicted on individuals and to the party through petty politics and it has only led to severe violation of a shared moral principle. This is the problem of having too many ‘Dirty Hands.’ On the flip side, the representational character of office creates another problem that has an ends/means structure. Should a representative follow the will and demands of the situation or the dictates of the conscience? One may even be morally obligated to act against his judgment about what is ‘right’ or even the general interest and rather go by what the laid procedure allows. Within the limits of political ethics, where is the scope for making a sound moral judgment about the present disaster or even call for an ethics of compromise?

The ongoing political fiasco in Nagaland has reached a stage where it is difficult to imagine a DAN government led by NPF functioning within a normal paradigm. What we are witnessing is a comical spectacle – a politico-moral crisis charged by feelings and emotions devoid of any political or moral foundation or judgment. With the amorphous and porous nature of political landscape, what is more depressing is the fact that we are mere witnesses to a silly game being played outside the ‘boundaries’ called ‘trying to dethrone’ the CM who has been wilfully targeted and made the scapegoat by the ‘rival’ group citing reasons; it has now taken a shift and narrowed down, by implicating him with charges of 'alleged' corruption irrespective of the truth or falsity of the matter at hand to continue his office.

The irony of the present game of ‘political business’ is the blind support in order to strengthen their pursuit of ‘majority.’ I am only reminded of Mark Twain’s quote, “If you are on the side of majority, think it’s time to reform.” What is the way forward? The only saving grace left for NPF led DAN is to reconcile and restore, at least partially, the trust place on them by the people. If that’s ‘too much an asking’ then a President’s Rule looms large considering the compelling circumstances.

I only hope for a rational sense of submission in the larger interest of the citizens and for the common good of Nagaland.

lEfT wiNg |

Mazie Nakhro, Ph.D

Day 12: The Divine Warrior and Human Soldiers Thought-Provoking Questions: Is it wrong for Christians to take up arms? Does God take sides with people based oil their religion or nationality?

What does God say? Read Joshua 5:13-15 400 years after Abraham, God was going to fulfil His promise to the children of Israel who were about to enter the land (Josh. 1:1; Gem 15:13-21). The Lord was giving the Israelites the land not because they were worthy, but because the sins of the Canaanites had reached its full measure (Deut. 9:1-6).

So, He miraculously brought them across the River Jordan and graciously gave them the land He had promised.

From this point on, God stopped the miraculous provision of manna because He wanted them to live off the land. Then, He also told all the male adults to cut off their foreskins, symbolizing the removal of the unwanted in their lives, so they could be acceptable before Him. To be under much pain in the open field at such a time was a dangerous proposition as enemies could attack them anytime and they would be helpless. But God wanted His people to trust Him completely, because He would fight on their behalf (Josh. 10:42; 23:3-5). And since they obeyed Him, He caused the walls of Jericho to come tumbling down; He made huge hailstones fall from the sky and crush the enemy soldiers in the battle at Gibeon; He made the sun stand still so the Israelites had longer daylight to catch and kill as many of the enemy soldiers as possible before night came.

On the other hand, God expected Israel to play her part for possession of the land too. He used Joshua, a brilliant military strategist. Joshua's plan of attack was simple: split Canaan right from the middle into two parts—first, the southern section and finally, the one in the north. Moreover, Joshua deployed spies for information gathering; he employed ambush, surprise manoevres, feigned flight and scare tactics. Later, Gideon also used noise and lights for scare tactics. Interestingly, these not-so-truthful military tricks were not condemned in the context of engagement in war. Whatever the nature of the conquest, deeply ingrained in Israel's memory was the conviction that their victories were not achieved by mere military might or numerical superiority (Josh. 24:5-12). Rather, it was their faith in God that unified them into a powerful force and inspired them with tremendous zeal to claim the land.

Okay, so now what?

To be sure, our Naga people are not the "new Israel."

And we cannot claim that God would somehow fight for us simply because we are Christians. But in regard to defending our homeland and protecting our families, we have a God-given right: to stand up and fight.

Prayer: Most High God, may Your hand of protection keep our people safe from ill acts of terror and aggression. Help us to unite with our leaders and fellow patriots in making our homeland a safe place to live, work, and play. Amen.

Taken from the book “Breakfast with the King: The 100-Day Devotional” by Mazie Nakhro

Banned for decades by the Turkish republic, the Kurdish language was on the verge of being lost.

But with recent breakthroughs in Kurdish education, is the language now opening up?

This language was drowning in its wounds, but resisted death. And we, the children of that wounded language, we hurried, even so late, to rescue it from extinction - Helim Yûsiv, A Kid’s History and Two Languages: A Memoir

H

elîm Yûsiv’s memoir is a history, a history of Kurdish, in Kurdish. For the Kurds, artificially separated by the borders of Turkey, Iran, Iraq and Syria; the battle for language has been at the forefront of their resistance.

Language has always been an essential instrument in preserving culture, a way of understanding a people. And in Turkey, where the pressure on Kurdish has been at its worse, the agonising truth is that for many, Kurdish is a forgotten language. A language of the past. This reality is something which many are ashamed of. And for those that do know Kurdish, there is despair about how many don’t: “If we lose our language, we lose everything. Turkish has a completely different way of thinking compared to Kurdish,” a Kurdish friend called Rıdvan told me.

“If we don’t know it, if we are assimilated, then this very assimilation is in fact not just changing what we think but how we think.”

In a café in Diyarbakir, I met a young Kurdish student called Fırat. He could not speak his mother tongue. “I am ashamed of this,” he said.

“When I was volunteering on the Kobani border, a child asked how I could be Kurdish and not know the Kurdish language. I felt foreign.” To the child, language and identity were intrinsically linked, an inseparable union. And the child has a point, Fırat told me: “to not know Kurdish shows I am that much more assimilated, which, unfortunately makes me less Kurdish.”

An underground language Kurdish was for many years a forbidden language. The publication and use of kurmanji, the main dialect of Kurdish, was strictly banned in 1924, and fines were imposed on anybody who dared to break this law. Because of this, Kurdish was confined to the household, a safe haven where they could freely speak their language. To many children, who left home in the morning and had to use Turkish at school, coming home and speaking Kurdish was a huge relief. The need for Turkish was obvious in order to get by in the public life, but Kurdish still retained prominence in the domestic sphere as this was the one area the State could not touch.

“In the past, we spoke Kurdish [at home] because our parents didn’t know Turkish,” Ziya told me, “but this is changing. A generation of Kurds has grown up whose entire education was Turkish; they will speak Turkish in the household.” Why will they not pass on the Kurdish tongue? The natural reproduction of language in the home is under threat as the level of Turkish is significantly higher than that of Kurdish. Even if kurmanji is spoken at home, very few know it as well as Turkish because they never had an education in it. “When I was a child, we only used 300-400 Kurdish words in our village because it was all we needed.” Ahmet, a Kurdish student, explained to me. “Now I’ve had had fifteen years of Turkish education. Which language do you think I am better at speaking?”

From 1924 onwards, Ankara refused to acknowledge a separate Kurdish language- or even a separate ethnicity. Their aim was to totally assimilate Kurds into the Turkish identity, and the Turkish state did this by refusing to recognise the existence of Kurds, instead referring to them as “mountain Turks” that had lost their language due to the inaccessibility of the mountains. “We were taught to think of our culture, Kurdish, as a sign of the uncivilised and unruly”, Mehmet, a Kurdish activist told me. “To get anywhere in this country, we have had to assume a Turkish identity. Even to speak Kurdish was seen as a sign of backwardness.” The repression of the Kurdish language by the Turkish state can be seen as a crucial component in the assimilation of Kurdish culture into Turkish society, creating a homogenised monolinguistic identity. “If we lose our language, what do we have?” Mehmet continued. “Can we continue calling ourselves Kurdish if we only know Turkish?”

Even in Diyarbakır- an ancient fortress whose population of two million, swollen by refugees, makes it the largest Kurdish population centre in the world- Turkish is the language of the streets. “The

sad reality of Diyarbakır is that assimilation policy aimed at crushing the Kurdish language has succeeded. I am confronted with Turkish from all sides,” a young Kurdish writer called Ömer Faruk Baran explained. “The first thing I think about when I wake up is whether I will think in Turkish or Kurdish today.”

Despite all this, there has been some improvement over the last decade. No longer are Kurds arrested for speaking kurmanji in public. There are Kurdish newspapers, Kurdish bookshops, even a Kurdish TV channel. Why has Ankara relaxed? Many Kurds point to the PKK and the armed resistance, whose refusal to bow down to state oppression has forced Turkish governments to look for other solutions. Others are more cynical. After two long decades of civil war, the Justice and Development Party (AKP) came to power with a fresh mandate in 2001.

Their leaders- Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Abdullah Gül - saw potential support within the Kurdish population and immediately began to campaign in the south-east. They emphasised Sunni Islam as a bond which united Kurds and Turks, whilst at the same time lifting restrictions on Kurdish civil rights and the use of kurmanji. A breakthrough in the 2007 elections, the AKP now regularly wins over a third of the Kurdish vote and is a serious threat to the dominant leftist-Kurdish party, DBP. Kurdish education at Mardin Artuklu University and the government In response to Ankara’s newly liberal pose, Kurdish in making something of a comeback. A number of institutions have begun to flourish which promote the language. One such institution is Mardin Artuklu University. The “Living Languages Department” teaches Kurdish literature and language as a master’s programme. Set up in 2010, the programme was specifically designed to train Kurdish teachers for secondary school education. The provision of such education has long been a key demand of the Kurdish movement in Turkey; this government, it seems, has accepted the reform as inevitable if the peace process is to be successful.

From the moment the department opened in 2010, it has been a roaring success. More than 1000 students have graduated from the programme, creating a ready pool of trained Kurdish teachers waiting to be assigned schools to teach in. The widelyrespected head of the department, Kadrı Yıldırım, is one of the first Kurdish professors in Turkey. As a man who comes from a religious background and who has no immediate connections to the Kurdish movement, Kadrı was ideal for the religious-minded AKP, who were wary of employing someone involved in Kurdish politics.

But the department’s relationship with the government turned sour when he was arrested at the end of November. Along with seventy-eight bureaucratic staff, Kadrı was detained on charges of corruption and spent five days in the police station. In an interview, Kadrı told me that during his arrest the only thing he was questioned about in terms of financial corruption charges was the 50TL charge for the students’ admission exam. “The government are basically trying to find a reason to arrest me. The reason I was taken by the police was political without a doubt,” Kadrı claimed. “They wanted to demean and discredit the name of this institute because our success is not pleasing to them.”

To Kadrı, this has been a long time coming. He believes he is being followed. “In the last few years, the police have demanded that my chauffeurs submit a report detailing who I have been meeting. They have been looking for an excuse to arrest me.”

After five days in jail, Kadrı was eventually released without charge. They failed to find a single charge against Kadrı which could warrant his dismissal from the university. Many of his students have been galvanised by the dramatic episode to press on with their research. “This department is vital for developing Kurdish language studies as a field,” Ahmet, a masters student at the department told me. “I see this as a direct form of resistance to the state’s suppression of Kurdish rights.”

Hunger strikers and the issue of Kurdish teachers Such acts of resistance took a more forceful approach in August, when eighteen graduates from the department went on hunger strike in Mardin.

“We were protesting because the government had failed to follow through on its promise of providing us schools to teach Kurdish at,” Ömer Öncel, one of the hunger strikers told me. After eight days, the government conceded, and finally assigned schools to eighteen teachers- the first Kurdish teachers ever to be employed in Turkey’s state schools.

Whilst the employment of these eighteen teachers was greeted by many as breakthrough for Kurdish education, critics claim it is no more than tokenistic. Mikail Bülbül, the deputy director of the Kurdish program, claims that “employing 18 teachers when there are more than a thousand waiting isn’t exactly a very good record; it raises serious questions about this government’s commitment to integrate Kurdish into the school system.” Mikail and Kadrı’s suggest that the only way to secure progress is to keep fighting. Mikail added, “The hunger strikes were a success. They refused to give up their protest until appointments were made. The very fact that appointments were then made shows that Kurds have to force the issue.”

Why did the government turn against the department? Mikail says the government is not yet ready to give the academy full independence. “They want the department and the studies to be close to them ideologically as a means to control universities.” And this is the point: Kadrı Yıldırım represented to the AKP ideologues someone who could fit into their ideological narrative of a religiously-conservative society.

Kadrı and his colleagues, however, refused to play this game when they challenged this government on their failure to appoint any Kurdish teachers. It is clear that the AKP are happy to make some new concessions to the Kurds- such as the establishment of this department- but only on their terms.

Ferzad Kemanger School Alongside Mardin Artuklu University, there are many other projects which are promoting Kurdish language education. Ferzad Kemanger School, a primary school in Diyarbakir, is one of three schools which were set up in September to teach all subjects in Kurdish. Around 130 children have enrolled here, including 50 refugee children from Kobani. As I sat down in the principal’s office, a young man strode into the room, beaming, with arms outstretched.

“How can I send my child to this school? I want my child to have a Kurdish education.”

Ferzad Kemanger School, along with two other schools in the towns of Cizre and Yüksekova, are a new departure for the Kurdish movement.

Many of the teachers have a background as Turkish teachers; as rules loosened, they applied to study at the Kurdish language institute, KurdîDer. One teacher, Şeymuş, described teaching in Kurdish as a “dream come true.” The Democratic Society Congress (DTK), which helped fund these schools, plans to introduce more. “These are just pilots: if successful, the programme will be rolled out across the Kurdish-speaking areas of Turkey”, a member of the language commission of DTK explained. “Eventually all Kurdish children will have the option of a Kurdish education.”

The police attempted to close the Ferzad Kemanger School in the first few weeks of its opening in September; however, they quickly backpedalled and allowed it to continue. Kurmanji, confined for so long, is now exploding into the public sphere. The language commission of the DTK plan to introduce Kurdish signs and instructions on 21st February, which is World Language day: “We will instruct all municipality workers to write and use Kurdish. Bills will be written in Kurdish as well as street signs. We will make our cities noticeably Kurdish cities.”

Such a project by DTK is an attempt to bring Kurdish into the public eye, and many believe the government will have no choice but to accept it. The increasingly vocal support for Kurdish education shows the growing importance that kurmanji retains in Kurdish minds. To them, it is a constant assertion of what separates them from the Turks.

And as this momentum for Kurdish education continues, there is mounting pressure on the government to show their commitment by taking the initiative. The appointment of Kurdish teachers, arrest of Kadrı Yıldırım, and the establishment of Ferzad Kemanger School embarrassed the government. They attempted to close the school and silence the hunger strikers, but failed. The reason they failed is because Kurdish language education is a natural concession the government has to make in the peace process. To crush such developments would be a sign of renegading on the peace process.

For the Kurds there is a new-found self-belief. As Selim Temo, a distinguished Kurdish writer based in Mardin, told me, “the government started to allow us to speak Kurdish because they knew they couldn’t oppress us forever. Nothing will stop the natural development of Kurdish now.”

Yvo Fitzherbert is a writer based in Istanbul where he writes on Turkish and Kurdish politics. He has previously written Kurdistan and self-determination: How the “other” Kurds are fighting for a democratic revolution for Contributoria.

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.

7 PERSPECTIVE Pope Francis, Salman Rushdie and Charlie Hebdo

WEdnEsday

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

21 January 2015

NEWS ANALYSIS, FEATURE AND DISCOURSE

A Yemeni man holds a poster, while chanting slogans during a protest against caricatures published in French magazine Charlie Hebdo in front of the French Embassy in Sanaa, Yemen on Saturday, January 17, 2015. (AP Photo)

There are many compromises that can be made to ensure maximum freedom of expression while acknowledging certain limits

T

Richard Falk

here is some common ground, but not much.

The killings in Paris were horrifying crimes that expose the vulnerability of democratic societies to lethal vigilante violence, whether facilitated from outside or as a spontaneous expression of homegrown psychopathic alienation. Beyond this morbid reality associated with the murder of the Charlie Hebdo cartoonists, police officers, and the supermarket hostages, there is nothing but darkness, and in that darkness some additional monsters lurk.

We can be thankful once more for the moral clarity of Pope Francis who in the impromptu setting of a plane taking him from Sri Lanka to Manila shined some light on the darkness. Unlike those who so ardently wielded the slogan "Je Suis Charlie", the pope understood that free speech without limits is an invitation to indulge the worst negative impulses that will then operate as viruses destroying the vital organs of the body politic.

What Pope Francis underscored was the impossibility of reconciling dignity with hurtful insults. He illustrated his view by saying that if his companion on the plane, Dr Alberto Gazparri, a Vatican official, were to insult Francis' mother, he could expect to be punched. He called such behaviour normal: "It's normal. It's normal. You cannot provoke. You cannot insult the faith of others."

Perhaps, this is too strong an expression of limits, but it does indirectly raise the Derrida urgent question of learning to "live together" in peace and with respect within globalising social space.

Response to provocation Francis goes on to say that to kill in response to provocation, however severe, is not compatible with religion properly understood. It is behaviour of "deviant forms of religion". He goes on to say "To kill in the name of God is an aberration". At the same time, how lines are drawn

O

UR galaxy, the Milky Way, is home to almost 300 billion stars, and over the last decade, astronomers have made a startling discovery — almost all those stars have planets. The fact that nearly every pinprick of light you see in the night sky hosts a family of worlds raises a powerful but simple question: “Where is everybody?” Hundreds of billions of planets translate into a lot of chances for evolving intelligent, technologically sophisticated species. So why don’t we see evidence for E.T.s everywhere?

The physicist Enrico Fermi first formulated this question, now called the Fermi paradox, in 1950. But in the intervening decades, humanity has recognized that our own climb up the ladder of technological sophistication comes with a heavy price. From climate change to resource depletion, our evolution into a globe-spanning industrial culture is forcing us through the narrow bottleneck of a sustainability crisis. In the wake of this realization, new and sobering answers to Fermi’s question now seem possible.

Maybe we’re not the only ones to hit a sustainability bottleneck. Maybe not everyone — maybe no one — makes it to the other side.

Since Fermi’s day, scientists have gained a new perspective on life in its planetary context. From the vantage point of this relatively new field, astrobiology, our current sustainability crisis may be neither politically contingent nor unique, but a natural consequence of laws governing how planets and life of any kind, anywhere, must interact.

The defining feature of a technological civilization is the capacity to intensively “harvest” energy. But the basic physics of energy, heat and work known as thermodynamics tell us that waste, or what we physicists call entropy, must be generated and dumped back into the environment in the process. Human

with respect to acceptable and unacceptable forms of provocation is highly political and culturally influenced.

In one respect, France and other governments understand both sides of this argument, but twist it for political purposes. The popular comedian Dieudonne is being currently prosecuted in France for "defending terrorism" because his humour deeply offends Jews, Zionists, and Israel.

There are no less than 54 cases in the country associated with "condoning terrorism". The Associated Press reports that just now "France ordered prosecutors around the country to crack down on hate speech, anti-Semitism, and glorifying terrorism".

But note no message by the French government is sent mentioning "hate cartooning" or addressing the surge of "Islamophobia" in the country in the days following the January 7 attack on the Charlie Hebdo editorial offices. A large number of mosques in France and elsewhere in Europe have been desecrated in the last week.

This kind of double standards performs a variety of insidious functions for the French state. It uses the language of "terrorism" to demonise its political enemies and "free speech" to immunise its political friends. It merges the criminalisation of antiSemitism with strong criticisms of Israel along with any advocacy of boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS). And it makes it even clearer to Muslims that they are fair game for Islamophobes and xenophobes. In effect, a French political community is being upheld that seeks to include Jews as valued and protected members while reinforcing the Muslim understanding that their residences and social standing can be fully understood by reference to the no-go banilieus of the country.

Salman Rushdie's ordeals In the wake of these events, there is a new sympathetic look back at the ordeals of Salman Rushdie endured after the publication of his satirical novel "The Satanic Verses" in 1988. Rushdie, appearing as a guest on Bill Maher's talk show and delivering a lecture at the University of Vermont, understandably defended freedom of expression as an absolute right.

His words, deeply felt, are worth heeding as the counterpoint to the views expressed by Pope Francis: "And so artists who ... push outwards often find very powerful forces pushing back. They find the forces of silence opposing the forces of speech. The forces of cen-

sorship against the forces of utterance ... At that boundary is that push-and-pull between more and less. And that push and pull can be very dangerous to the artist.

And many artists have suffered terribly for that" The context of Rushdie's recent remarks was the Charlie Hebdo incident, but his outlook was intended to be sweeping in its generality. And yet he did not, nor did Bill Maher, pause to take note of those powerful forces in the West that have tried to shut down critics of Israel by shouting "anti-Semite" at the top of their lungs. Without some degree of consistency it is difficult to consider clearly the societal choice at stake.

What makes this confrontation so difficult to resolve is that it engages two truths, not one. The beginning of ethical credibility is to insist upon consistency. Either Rushdie and France have to abide by the unsavoury views of Dieudonne as well as those of Charlie Hebdo or it should suppress them both.

If it allows both then it is opting for the Rushdie view that members of a modern society must learn to live with the extremes of cultural freedom even if hurtful. If it allows neither then it is choosing to protect the sensibilities of minorities and others whose dignity is under attack. Of course, there are many compromises that can be made to ensure maximum freedom of expression while acknowledging certain limits.

The US Supreme Court long ago decided that free speech does entitle someone to yell "fire" in a crowded theatre. This is what courts are for, to draw these lines in specific cases, balancing opposing truths in the light of practicality and the evolving values of the community.

What a judicial body had to say about race or homosexuality a century ago is different than what it says today.

And as we in the US know too well, the prevailing ideology among the justices is often of greater importance to determining how such lines are drawn than are the legislative or constitutional enactments being interpreted.

In some respects, then, such determinations are more part of the problem than of the solution.

Abstract sentiments I find myself siding with the abstract sentiments of Pope Francis, but with Rushdie's view of minimising the role of law and the state. In this respect, if we impose limits by way of government we are entering the domain of censorship. At the same time, we need to protect individuals and groups against malicious forms of defamation and hateful attacks on identities without confusing such protection with efforts to channel public awareness in certain prescribed directions.

My own experience suggests that "freedom" of this sort has been used by some pro-Zionist and pro-Israeli organisations to discredit and deter and criticism of Israel, and especially of Israeli state crimes victimising the Palestinian people. In Rushdie's case we need to protect his right to publish "The Satanic Verses", while condemning the fatwa imposing a death sentence for blasphemy and apostasy, yet upholding the right of non-western political communities to prohibit distribution of such a book because of its provocative nature in certain civilisational settings.

Obviously, there are no cookie cutter answers.

The proper limits are a matter of history, ethics, cultural priorities, and circumstances. I feel that the central question is raised by Derrida's inquiry into how we can learn to live together. For me, living together, given the originality of our historical moment, involves the construction of overlapping political communities of destiny - from family to world, with a major focus on the national political community combined with a greater effort to establish a global political community so that challenges posed by climate change, nuclear weaponry, infectious disease, and world poverty can be addressed more effectively and humanely.

Is a Climate Disaster Inevitable? adam Frank nyT civilization currently harvests around 100 billion megawatt hours of energy each year and dumps 36 billion tons of carbon dioxide into the planetary system, which is why the atmosphere is holding more heat and the oceans are acidifying. As hard as it is for some to believe, we humans are now steering the planet, however poorly.

Can we generalize this kind of planetary hijacking to other worlds?

The long history of Earth provides a clue. The oxygen you are breathing right now was not part of our original atmosphere. It was the so-called Great Oxidation Event, two billion years after the formation of the planet, that drove Earth’s atmospheric content of oxygen up by a factor of 10,000. What cosmic force could so drastically change an entire planet’s atmosphere? Nothing more than the respiratory excretions of anaerobic bacteria then dominating our world. The one gas we most need to survive originated as deadly pollution to our planet’s then-leading species: a simple bacterium.

The Great Oxidation Event alone shows that when life (intelligent or otherwise) becomes highly successful, it can dramatically change its host planet. And what is true here is likely to be true on other planets as well.

But can we predict how an alien industrial civilization might alter its world? From a half-century of exploring our own solar system we’ve learned a lot about planets and how they work. We know that Mars was once a habitable world with water rushing across its surface. And Venus, a planet that might have been much like Earth, was instead transformed by a runaway greenhouse effect into a

hellish world of 800-degree days.

By studying these nearby planets, we’ve discovered general rules for both climate and climate change. These rules, based in physics and chemistry, must apply to any species, anywhere, taking up energy-harvesting and civilization-building in a big way.

For example, any species climbing up the technological ladder by harvesting energy through combustion must alter the chemical makeup of its atmosphere to some degree. Combustion always produces chemical byproducts, and those byproducts can’t just disappear. As astronomers at Penn State recently discovered, if planetary conditions are right (like the size of a planet’s orbit), even relatively small changes in atmospheric chemistry can have significant climate effects. That means that for some civilization-building species, the sustainability crises can hit earlier rather than later.

Even if an intelligent species didn’t rely on combustion early in its development, sustainability issues could still arise. All forms of intensive energyharvesting will have feedbacks, even if some are more powerful than others.

A study by scientists at the Max Planck Institute in Jena, Germany, found that extracting energy from wind power on a huge scale can cause its own global climate consequences. When it comes to building world-girdling civilizations, there are no planetary free lunches.

This realization motivated me, along with Woodruff Sullivan of the University of Washington, to look at sustainability in its astrobiological context. As we describe in a recent paper, using what’s already known about planets and life, it is now pos-

sible to create a broad program for modeling co-evolving “trajectories” for technological species and their planets. Depending on initial conditions and choices made by the species (such as the mode of energy harvesting), some trajectories will lead to an unrecoverable sustainability crisis and eventual population collapse. Others, however, may lead to long-lived, sustainable civilizations.

Such research is, however, more than prospecting for scientific curiosities.

One answer to the Fermi paradox is that nobody makes it through — that climate change is fate, that nothing we do today matters because civilization inevitably leads to catastrophic planetary changes. But our models may show that isn’t the case.

By studying sustainability as a generic astrobiological problem, we can understand if the challenge we face will be like threading a needle or crossing a wide valley. Answering this question demands a far deeper understanding of how planets respond to the kind of stresses energy-intensive species (like ours) place on them. It’s an approach no different from that of doctors using different kinds of animals, and their molecular biology, to discover cures for human disease.

With this perspective, we also gain an essential truth. We are one form of life, on one planet, in a universe of countless planets. Through hard-won scientific gains, we’ve begun discovering the patterns and laws governing planets together with the life they host.

Ten thousand years from now the Democrats and the Republicans and their squabbles over climate change will be long gone. But the laws of planets and life we’re now revealing won’t have changed. Not on this world or any other.

Adam Frank is an astrophysics professor at the University of Rochester, a co-founder of NPR’s 13.7 Cosmos and Culture blog and the author of “About Time: Cosmology and Culture at the Twilight of the Big Bang.”

The Newspaper with an Opinion The Morung Express

“You don’t have to wait till your party’s in power to have an impact on life at home and around the world.”

Bill Clinton, speech at Campus Progress National Student Conference, July 13, 2005

Waiting for Superman Kvulo Lorin, director-administration

W

e have had an overdose of politics for the past two weeks. Everywhere you turn, whether it’s social media, the newspapers or a normal get together of friends and family,conversation invariably veers towardswhat is happening in the government. We seem to be in an interesting predicament. Friends have turned foe and a party governing Nagaland for more than a decade has proven to be its own worst enemy blatantly exposing its inability to govern itself. Along with the Naga People’s Front, legislators are the supporters of the two rival camps who are now happily shaming each other vigorously and loudly as they each claim to be the real NPF. The funny thing is, in the online world, the majority seem to prefer President’s rule more than anything else.

It’s probably because the public have been promised the moon too many times only to see the promises disappear.

Looking at the current situation though, it is not just the credibility of the NPF party that is at stake here but the credibility of our Naga politicians.

We could be at a tipping point. There are many people frustrated with the long drawn out Naga political situation, taxation, bad roads, prohibition, and now the blatant opportunistic pursuit of power by our politicians. Reading all the political news reminded me of a cousin of mine who has probably changed parties more often than some people change their bedsheets. Every election we would see him at his busiest, fluttering from one relatives home to the next and exhorting all to support his candidate. He would tell anyone who cared to listen, how well he understood the political environment and how his candidate would win.Unfortunately, in the last three state elections, not one of his candidates ever won.When he was with Party A, they lost twice and when he finally switched to the rival camp and joined party B… party B lost. I haven’t been in touch with him and am not sure which camp he is in now, but I sure hope he is in the right camp this time. So, whether we have President’s rule, NPF (Kaito) or NPF (TR),as one journalist aptly labelled it in the 18th January 2015 issue of The Morung Express, let’s see who wins this “Game of Thrones in Nagaland”.

Jokes aside, politics can be dirty.According to a YouthNet report, `937 crore was spent during the February 2013 Nagaland Assembly Elections which was almost double the amount spent during the 2008 elections. Though we think we have the right to vote and choose our leaders, the reality is very different. We profess to uphold and practice democracy,but booth capturing and villages or clans forcing all members to vote as a mass block reveal the lie.It’s ironic that in the national stage we see BJP commanding an overwhelming majority comprising of members from so many different tribes, religions, languages, castes and yet able to providewhat looks like a stable government and proved it knows how to improve the economy. The year 2014 actually ended on a buoyant note, with the benchmark indices, Sensex and BSE showing a marked appreciation of at least 30% over the year even though other emerging economies like Brazil and Russia are floundering. Sadly, even though Nagaland has only a few tribes where the majority of its citizens follow the same religion, the overwhelming majority of the NPF in our state legislature is actually creating more instability in governance.

While our politicians play musical chairs with their portfolios, actual work towards solving the numerous problems impeding Nagaland’s growth is not happening. Governance is not easy. And to develop a culture of good governance is going to be a tall order for whoever occupies ‘the throne’. But if our state has any hope of climbing out of the current deficit on its own without help from the central government then it is going to need to take some bold and tough decisions.

Decisions that make economic sense and not ‘ism’ sense. It’s going to have to enforce rules and punish crime and tackle the problems confronting society head on instead of maintaining a muted silence over controversial matters like prohibition, corruption, taxation and crime. Nagaland is just the right size and has just the right population to bring about quick and effective change if the WILL is there. But it needs our leaders to first swallow their egos and sit down together.

For too long when elections are fought, our politicians have adopted an "us" vs "them" argument. Each and every election we seeone grouptelling us that "they", the rival party are the problem, not "us." But the funny thing in this case is that it’s not an us versus them issue. In fact, all the politicians were actually from the same party and some of them are still referring to each other as their best friends. So as they bicker among themselves like children wanting a toy only for themselves, I guess, if things don’t change, the rest of us willcarry on with our lives and go on to blame our politicians for all our problems, while convenientlyforgetting Joseph de Maistre’s statement that every nation gets the nation it deserves. But with all the problems around us, I think we need Superman more than a CM to rescue us now. “degree of Thought is a weekly community column initiated by Tetso College in partnership with The Morung Express. degree of Thought will delve into the social, cultural, political and educational issues around us. The views expressed here do not reflect the opinion of the institution. Tetso College is a naaC accredited UGC recognised Commerce and arts College.

For feedback or comments please email: admin@tetsocollege.org”.

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

Dimapur

NATIONAL

Wednesday 21 January 2015

President speaks out against partisan politics NEW DELHI, JaNuary 20 (rEutErs): President Pranab Mukherjee has rapped political parties for obstructing parliament after the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi resorted to a flurry of executive decrees to push through economic reforms held up by the opposition.

In a rare rebuke from country’s largely ceremonial president, Mukherjee said the government and the opposition should put their heads together and find a workable solution to avoid frequent issuance of ordinances.

He was referring to the promulgation of 10 ordinances, including those for raising the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) limit in the insurance sector, auctioning of coal mines and easing land acquisitions by Modi’s government.

“There is a growing tendency to resort to disruption as a means of parliamentary intervention. Dissent is a recognised democratic expression, but disruption leads to loss of time and resources, and paralyses policy formulation,” Mukherjee said in a speech on Monday.

“Under no circumstances should there be disruption of the proceedings. A noisy minority cannot be allowed to gag a patient majority.”

Mukherjee’s speech and comments that decrees were an “extraordinary legislative power” were widely commented on in Indian media on Tuesday.

Modi’s right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party won the biggest mandate in 30 years in May last year, raising hopes it would have the numbers to control parliament and ensure the smooth passage of legislation.

But the BJP lacks a majority in the upper house, where Congress and regional lawmakers had combined to protest over forced religious conversions started by hardline Hindu organisations having ties with the BJP. The purpose of ordinances is to allow government to take immediate legislative action at a time when parliament is not in session. Ordinances have immediate effect but have to be approved by lawmakers six weeks after parliament convenes.

‘NIA short-staffed to meet challenges of terrorism’ NEW DELHI, JaNuary 20 (tNN): Months after the home ministry rejected NIA’s demand for increase in its sanctioned strength, minister of state for home Kiren Rijiju said the agency is extremely short-staffed to meet the challenges of terrorism in the country. He also pointed out that mere six NIA branches across the country are not enough to cover a vast nation like India.

Speaking at a function organized by NIA on its raising day, Rijiju said, “There are challenges and we need to raise our level of competence. I know, with 860 men the NIA strength is not enough. In the coming days, we are going to have many more challenges and NIA has a lot at stake.”

In August last year, NIA had asked for increase in its sanctioned strength from 850 to 2,000 over a period of five years. MHA, however, wrote back in reply that the agency had not been able to fill vacancies, standing at 200-odd men, and thus could not ask for increase in its strength. The home ministry was also of the view that since NIA had limited number of cases (so far 92), it did not need more men.

Security establishment officers have argued that counter-terrorism should be a work in progress with future in mind and not dealt with administrative routine. Moreover, NIA has argued that vacancies are to be filled by UPSC and the delay is not its doing. Rijiju also seemed to differ from his senior party colleagues, many of who had raised questions on the credibility of NIA when it made a string of arrests related to Hindutwa terror cases. Rijiju said, “NIA has come of age. In its short life, it has acquired the status of a competent and credible agency. The integrity of its officers and the agency is well established.”

Contrary to his colleagues, who found NIA’s investigations against some Hindutwa figures to be biased, Rijiju said, “All cases of NIA are moving in right direction and there is no criticism of its investigations.”

Talking about clash between the Centre and state over the power of central agencies, Rijiju said the debate on National Counter Terrorism Centre is not based on “sound theory”.

Kejriwal challenges Bedi to debate, BJP sidesteps, Ajay Maken ready

NEW DELHI, JaNuary 20 (IaNs): BJP’s chief ministerial candidate Kiran Bedi Tuesday sidestepped AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal’s challenge for a debate on issues facing the national capital but Congress general secretary Ajay Maken expressed his willingness for a structured discussion among the three politicians who are leading the campaign of their parties for the assembly polls.

Kejriwal threw the challenge for a debate a day after Bedi was named the Bharatiya Janata Party’s chief ministerial candidate.

The BJP retorted by terming Kejriwal “I run man” and Bedi “Iron Lady”.

The battle for Delhi intensified Tuesday, following clarity about the campaign leaders of the BJP, the Aam Aadmi Party and the Congress.

Kejriwal, a former Delhi chief minister, led a road show in central Delhi but could not file his nomination papers as he could not reach the district magistrate’s office on time.

Bedi held a rally in Krishna Nagar, the seat she is contesting from.

Kejriwal said an informed debate between the three contenders to the post of chief minister will help the people of Delhi make an informed choice.

“Ajay Maken, Kiran Bedi and I, all three should have a debate so that peo-

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) or Common Man’s Party chief Arvind Kerjiwal, center, with a muffler, sits on a truck during a road show ahead of filing his nomination papers for the Delhi state elections in New Delhi on Tuesday, January 20. Delhi elections begins on February 7. (AP Photo)

ple can make an informed choice about selecting their chief minister,” he told reporters.

He had earlier conveyed his challenge to Bedi for a debate through a tweet. “Congrats 4 being nominated as BJP’s CM candidate. I invite u 4 a public debate moderated by neutral person and telecast by all,” Kejriwal said.

Kejriwal, who is leading the AAP campaign, also said Bedi has blocked him on social networking site Twitter.

Bedi said she was will-

NEW DELHI, JaNuary 20 (IaNs): Delhi Police chief B.S. Bassi Tuesday said that if necessary, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor would be questioned again for the mysterious murder of his wife Sunanda Pushkar in January last year.

“We have examined several people related to this case. Some of them are still to be questioned and we are in the process of completing our questioning,” Bassi told the media. Asked about Tharoor’s questioning Monday night, he said: “Tharoor was questioned for around three-and-a-half hours...and if necessary he will be called for a second round of questioning.”

Police officials refused to share Tharoor’s answers during the questioning Monday evening, saying any revelation would hamper the imvestigations. Pushkar was found dead in a luxury hotel’s room here Jan 17, 2014. Police have said she was poisoned to death.

Bassi said, “Our SIT (Special Investigation Team) questioned Tharoor about the background of the incident and also

In this April 26, 2014, photo, a Royal Bengal tiger prowls in Sunderbans, at the Sunderban delta, about 130 kilometers south of Calcutta. (AP File Photo)

to stray into human habitats.

Javadekar said more than 9,700 cameras were used in the massive count and the results are the most accurate in the past few decades.

“Never before has such an exercise been taken. We have unique photographs of 80 percent of the tigers” in the wild, he said. Officials said nearly 380,000 square kilometers (146,000 square miles) of forest area in 18 states were surveyed.

A century ago an estimated 100,000 tigers roamed India’s forests. Their numbers declined steadily till the 1970s, when India banned tiger hunting and embarked on a program to create special reserves and

EC issues notice to Kejriwal

ing to take part in a debate but in the Delhi assembly as her focus was on “delivery” and not on just discussion.

“I accept the challenge but I will do it only in the Delhi assembly. Right now, I am focusing on delivery, while debate is all he (Kejriwal) has been doing,” Bedi told reporters.

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra called Kejriwal’s move a publicity gimmick.

“The battle in Delhi is between Iron Lady and Irun-man -- a man who has been on the run for (the

post of) CM to PM,” Patra said, referring to Kejriwal’s defeat in Varanasi to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He said Kejriwal stands for “drama, dharna and debate”, while the BJP stands for “development, democracy and delivery”.

Patra said the people of Delhi will decide if they want another dramatic debate or development and delivery.

“This debate is a gimmick to gain some cheap publicity. The AAP is all about publicity, they want to use Kiran ji for their pub-

NEW DELHI, JaNuary 20 (IaNs): The Election Commission Tuesday sent a notice to AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal to explain why he asked people to take bribes from other parties for voting in the Delhi assembly polls. The poll panel asked the Aam Aadmi Party leader to give an explanation by 4 p.m. Thursday.

“People from both parties (BJP and Congress) will come to offer money, do not refuse, take it... if no one comes forward to give you money, go to their offices and ask them to give it to you in their office... accept the money from both, but vote only for the broom,” the Election Commission quoted Kejriwal as saying at a public meeting.

In the notice to the former Delhi chief minister, the poll panel said it was “prima facie of the opinion that by making the aforesaid statements, you have violated the provision of the model code of conduct”.

“You are hereby called upon to explain by 4 p.m. on 22.01.2015 (Thursday) as to why action should not be taken against you for aforesaid violation of the model code of conduct, failing which the Election Commission of India shall take a decision without any further reference to you,” the notice said.

The notice was sent following a complaint to the poll panel by the Congress. The AAP chief had made the appeal to people Sunday. Balloting for the 70-member Delhi assembly will be held Feb 7. Votes will be counted February 10. licity,” Patra said.

Referring to Kejriwal speaking about Bedi blocking him on Twitter, Patra said: “Kiran ji blocked Kejriwal on Twitter one year back. He (Kejriwal) should have approached her then.”

Maken, who is the chief of the Congress campaign, said he was prepared for a structured debate between the three leaders.

“This is not Kejriwal’s idea, a TV channel had invited us for debate. I welcome the idea of such a debate,” Maken said.

Bedi, 65, joined the BJP

Jan 15 and was named its chief ministerial nominee Monday night.

Both Kejriwal and Bedi were part of the anti-corruption movement led by social activist Anna Hazare. Kejriwal is slated to contest from New Delhi and Maken from Sadar Bazar.

In the 2013 elections, the AAP won 28 seats and finished a close second to the BJP which bagged 31 seats. The Congress could win only eight seats. Elections to the 70-member Delhi assembly will be held February 7.

Tharoor may be questioned again: police Improve sex ratio, get Rs 1 cr reward: Minister

India counts more wild tigers NEW DELHI, JaNuary 20 (aP): India’s latest tiger census shows a sharp increase in the number of the endangered cats in the wild, raising hopes that conservation efforts are working, officials said Tuesday.

The census conducted in 2014 found at least 2,226 tigers in forests across the country, up from 1,706 counted in 2010. Environment minister Prakash Javadekar described the figure as a huge success story and said it was the result of sustained conservation efforts.

“While the tiger population is falling in the world, it is rising in India. This is great news,” Javadekar told journalists in New Delhi.

Tigers in India have been threatened by rampant poaching and shrinking habitats from deforestation caused by power projects, roads and human settlements as the country pushes ahead with rapid industrialization and economic development.

The disappearance of forests has affected the availability of prey and led tigers

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protected areas in national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Conservation efforts began to pay off around 2010 when tiger numbers began to rise. India faces intense international scrutiny over its tiger conservation efforts as it has nearly three-fourths of the world’s estimated 3,200 tigers.

Shrinking habitats have brought the wild cats into conflict with farmers who live near tiger reserves. Also, the illegal trade in tiger skin and body parts remains a stubborn and serious threat.

Tiger organs and bones fetch high prices on the black market because of demand driven by traditional Chinese medicine practitioners.

the incident”. He added that police were analysing Tharoor’s answers given to the interrogating team. Tharoor was questioned Monday evening - hours after he was issued a notice.

Tharoor was questioned at the Anti Auto Theft Squad office in south Delhi’s Vasant Vihar police station where he reached around 8 p.m. He was questioned till midnight. Police sources said that the former union minister was “relaxed” while answering the questions and spoke mostly in English.

A five-member team of SIT -- including a deputy commissioner of police, an additional deputy commissioner, an assistant commissioner and two inspectors -- questioned Tharoor for over four hours. He was asked about his strained relationship with Pushkar, and was also asked as to when he got to know about her death and why he did not take her to the hospital.

Sources said he was also asked why he informed the police so late. He was also questioned about his alleged fight

with Pushkar Jan 17 morning, the day she was found dead in the hotel’s room here. Tharoor was also asked about their fight on a flight when the couple was headed to Delhi Jan 15.

Sources added that Tharoor was asked about the 15 injury marks found on Pushkar’s body, and if he hurt her. He was asked about his relation with Pakistani journalist Mehr Tarar, whose friendship with Tharoor had reportedly led to a row between him and Pushkar.

“There were a series of questions which Tharoor had to face,” sources said. Tharoor was called for questioning for the first time in connection with his wife’s murder case.

He reached the national capital Monday from Bengaluru, where he had gone to attend a school function.

The SIT has questioned at least 12 people, including Tharoor’s security staff members and domestic help who were present in the hotel in south Delhi’s Leela Palace hotel when Pushkar was found dead. A murder case against unknown people was registered Jan 1.

CHaNDIgarH, JaNuary 20 (IaNs): Union Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi Tuesday announced that any innovative district which succeeds in attaining a balanced sex ratio would get a reward of Rs. 1 crore.

“The district commissioner and ambassadors of the campaign would also be suitably rewarded by the government,” Gandhi said at the inaugural session of the two-day National Thematic Workshop on ‘Woman and Child Development’ organised by the Haryana Women and Child Development Department in Panipat.

Gandhi urged state governments, district commissioners and other functionaries to work in tandem for the success of the ‘Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao’ programme, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi will formally launch from Panipat Thursday, and report the innovative programmes and initiatives.

‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ is the fourth initiative of the NDAled central government after the Jan Dhan Yojna (bank accounts), Swaach Bharat Abhiyan (cleanliness) and Make in India (encourage manufacturing), the minister said.

She said Modi had announced

the scheme in his Independence Day speech last year and chose Haryana to kick off the campaign as it was one of the states with a declining female sex ratio.

“One hundred districts with low female sex ratio have been selected from all over the country for the campaign. It would be extensively carried out to bring about positive psychological change in the mindset of the people towards the girl child,” Gandhi said.

Gandhi stressed the need for evolving innovative solutions to end violence and crime against women and end the dowry system which, she said, was the root cause of female foeticide.

“The notion of ‘Paraya Dhan’ must be discouraged in the society to ensure that parents do not hesitate in having a girl child. A society without women would be full of violence as women bring gentleness, love and happiness around them.”

Expressing concern at nearly 46% children being affected by malnutrition in the country, Gandhi said out of these, about 70% are girls. The campaign has been supported by the Indian Oil Corporation and NGO ActionAid India.

US treats India as pawn in its strategy: Chinese daily BEIJINg, JaNuary 20 (IaNs): The US is only treating India as a pawn in its rebalancing strategy to the Asia-Pacific region, a Chinese daily said Tuesday.

The daily, Global Times, said that developing a good relationship with India will help Washington seek more support in international affairs and reduce the influence of emerging powers such as China in Asia.

The two countries are undoubtedly getting closer, but, it might be not as wonderful as it appears, because they both build their ties by taking advantage of each other, the Global Times said Tuesday in an op-ed page article “Pakistan, trade, emissions issues could frustrate closer Indian-US ties”.

The daily said the US has never treated India as an equal friend and the global strategic background at present is the reason it values India so much.

It said that cultivating India as a partner will enhance the US influence in international affairs as well as the global economy.

For example, the US has nearly been dragged into a new Cold War with Russia due to the Ukraine crisis, while competition between the US and an emerging China also seems to be escalating.

Thus, India represents a singularly positive opportunity for Washington’s “rebalancing” strategy in the Asia-Pacific region.

The daily said: “Developing a good relationship with India will help Washington seek more support in international affairs and reduce the influence of emerging powers such as China in Asia. In this regard, the US is only treating India as a pawn in its rebalancing to the Asia-Pacific region.”

The article also said that India’s rapid economic growth could provide more robust commercial ties with the US, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s new “Make in India” campaign brings Washington substantial investment opportunities.

For India, piggybacking on the closer relationship with the US will benefit the people’s livelihood through increasing economic cooperation and improving the country’s infrastructure, it said.

The US could also assist India to emerge as a major global power by backing India for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council, the article added.

Furthermore, by fostering a revitalisation of the relations between the two democracies, India will gain diversified support in the

fields of military and technology.

However, as a country that has long maintained non-alignment policy, India has no intention to shift its diplomatic strategy, not now and not in the future. Consequently, any cooperation could be treated as nothing but seeking mutual benefit, the daily said.

Therefore, despite the fact that both sides are sending positive signals and working hard to ensure Obama’s upcoming visit will be fruitful, it will prove hard for the US and India to become new best friends through a single visit. Several challenges are still confronting the two nations, the article said.

It also noted that Washington has a significantly different agenda to work out with India on climate change. The US is trying to reach a global agreement on binding emissions targets in which developing countries would abide by specific requirements on emissions.

India, however, finds itself a “victim” of the effects of climate change that are caused largely by Western nations’ industrialisation long ago.

While the US is focused on extorting concessions from the developing countries over this issue, India has almost no choice but to boost its growth by using cheaper

energy, given the size of its population and the current situation of development, the article said.

More critically, the development of US-Pakistan relations has cast a shadow on India-US ties.

India and Pakistan have fought several wars and relations remain contentious.

Even though the India-US bond has grown stronger, the US will never stop considering Pakistan as its ally in the war on terror. So, it won’t be a surprise if India responds negatively when the US keeps sending military aid to Pakistan.

The US and India hold more divergence on issues such as global trade talks and the establishment of a new global economic order.

All these are reasons to be skeptical of Indian-US ties, not because their achievements and advances are insignificant, but because their relationship has no foundational moorings. So, these potential problems will be likely to frustrate relations periodically, the daily said.

Obama will be warmly welcomed during his visit, New Delhi and Washington will grow closer, the two countries will strengthen their strategic partnership, but no breakthroughs will occur if all those challenges remain, the article added.

InternatIonal

the Morung express

Wednesday 21 January 2015

Dimapur

9

Yemen: Rebels take over presidential palace

sANAA, JANuAry 20 (AP): Yemen’s powerful Shiite Houthi rebels shelled the residence of the country’s embattled president Tuesday and simultaneously swept into the presidential palace in the capital, Sanaa, as a top military commander warned that a full-fledged “coup” was underway.

President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi was inside the residence as it came under “heavy shelling” for half an hour but he was unharmed and protected by guards, officials said.

The dramatic development put the U.S.-backed Hadi into a precarious position and represented the starkest challenge to his authority since the Houthis swept into Sanaa from their northern stronghold and seized the capital in September.

Information Minister Nadia al-Sakkaf posted on her Twitter account that the shelling started at 3 p.m. local time “by armed forces positioned over rooftops facing” the president’s house.

At the same time, Houthi rebels also raided the president’s offices, sweeping into the presidential palace and looting the grounds’ arms depots, according to Col. Saleh al-Jamalani, the commander of the Presidential Protection Force

Houthi Shiite Yemeni gather while guarding a street leading to the presidential palace in Sanaa, Yemen, Tuesday, January 20. Yemen’s U.S.-backed leadership came under serious threat Monday as government troops clashed with Shiite rebels near the presidential palace and a key military base in what one official called “a step toward a coup.” (AP Photo)

that guards the palace.

“This is a coup. There is no other word to describe what is happening but a coup,” al-Jamalani told The Associated Press, adding that the rebels were likely aided by insiders.

The escalation shattered a tense ceasefire that had held overnight and throughout the morning, following Monday’s heavy

clashes that engulfed the city, leaving ordinary Yemenis stunned and fearing for their country.

The latest spasm of violence followed apparently unsuccessful negotiations earlier in the day between Hadi and a representative of the Houthis at his residence.

Also earlier Tuesday, Houthi rebels roamed the

streets on foot and in pickup trucks mounted with anti-aircraft guns, manned checkpoints across Sanaa and near the prime minister’s residence, and beefed up their presence around other key building, including the intelligence headquarters.

The show of force came after they seized control of state media in Sanaa and

clashed with Yemeni soldiers near the presidential palace on Monday. Heavy machine gun fire and artillery shells struck around the presidential palace and sent civilians fleeing as columns of black smoke rose and sirens wailed throughout the city.

Monday’s violence left at least nine people dead and 67 were wounded, Ye-

men’s deputy health minister, Nasser Baoum, said, while both Houthis and Hadi’s forces blamed each other for the outbreak.

Houthis’ power grab has been long anticipated and analysts say they are only “finishing the job” they began in September.

“What is happening now is just one more step toward (the Houthis’) consolidation of power,” said Abdel-Bari Taher, a veteran Yemeni journalist and writer.

Tuesday’s negotiations at Hadi’s residence focused on the shake-up of an 85-member commission tasked with coming up with the outline of Yemen’s future federation, as stated in the draft constitution, Cabinet spokesman Rageh Badi said.

Reforming the commission has long been overdue and was part of a U.N.-brokered peace deal following the Houthis’ capture of Sanaa.

The Houthis accuse Hadi of violating that deal by calling in the current members of the commission to a meeting days ago, prompting the rebels to retaliate and abduct his top aide, Ahmed bin Mubarak, and setting the wheels in motion for the latest violence.

The weakening of Hadi, a top U.S. ally, also undermines efforts by America

and its allies to battle alQaida’s Yemeni affiliate, which claimed responsibility for the attack on a Paris satirical magazine earlier this month. Washington has long viewed Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula, or AQAP as the Yemeni branch is known, as the global terror network’s most dangerous affiliate.

The Houthis’ blitz in Sanaa and expansionist aspirations in central Yemen, where Sunni tribesmen dominate, also threatens to transform the current conflict into a sharply sectarian one, pitting Sunnis against Shiites. Al-Qaida in Yemen, which has waged deadly attacks targeting both the Houthis and Hadi’s forces, stands to benefit.

The Houthis are also seen by their critics as a proxy of Shiite Iran and are believed to be allied with former President Ali Abdullah Saleh, who ruled Yemen for more than three decades before he was ousted in 2012 after Arab Spring protests. The rebels deny any Iran links.

Suspected al-Qaida militants on Tuesday tried to assassinate a top army commander in the southern Hadramawt province, killing five of his guards in the attack, military officials said.

The militants set off explosives, hurling them at the commander’s convoy,

then opened gunfire but the commander managed to escape unharmed, the officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to media.

UN Security Council holds emergency meeting

uNiTeD NATioNs, JANuAry 20 (AP): The U.N. Security Council is holding an emergency meeting on the chaotic situation in Yemen.

Violence has gripped Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, since Monday and has been described as a coup.

Yemeni authorities say Shiite Houthi rebels are shelling the presidential residence and have raided the presidential palace.

Britain’s U.N. Ambassador Mark Lyall Grant said he called Tuesday’s closeddoor meeting to hear a briefing on the situation from the U.N. envoy for Yemen, Jamal Benomar, who is in Qatar and heading to Sanaa later Tuesday.

“Clearly the situation has deteriorated very significantly over the last 48 hours and that’s why the Security Council needs to meet and decide its response,” Lyall Grant said.

He expressed hope that the council will issue a statement expressing “deep concern about the deteriorating security situation.”

Decoded: Where brain stores fear Study says a drink a day may reduce heart failure risk AirAsia plane climbed too NeW york, JANuAry 20 (iANs): A team of researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) here has discovered a new pathway that controls fear memories and behaviour, offering insight into how anxiety disorders may arise in humans. In experiments over mice, researchers found fear is stored within a distinct region of the brain. To untangle the mystery, associate professor Bo Li-led team looked at a cluster of neurons that form the PVT or paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus region of the brain.

This region of the brain is extremely sensitive to stress, acting as a sensor for both physical and psychological tension. The researchers looked to see if the PVT plays a role in fear learning and memory in mice.

“We found that the PVT is specifically activated as animals learn to fear or as they recall fear memories,” Li noted. The team was able to see that neurons from the PVT extend deep into the central amygdala. Disrupting the connection significantly impaired fear learning.

The results may help explain some of the underlying pathology in patients.

WAshiNgToN, JANuAry 20 (iANs): A large study of nearly 15,000 men and women has found that having up to seven drinks a week is associated with a 20 percent lower risk of men developing heart failure and 16 percent reduced risk for women.

“The findings suggest that drinking alcohol in moderation does not contribute to an increased risk of heart failure and may even be protective,” said Scott Solomon, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and senior physician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.

The team defined a drink equivalent to approximately one small (125ml) glass of wine, just over half a pint or a third of a litre

of beer and less than one shot of liquor such as whisky or vodka.

The participants were divided into six categories: abstainers, former drinkers, people who drank up to seven drinks a week or between 7-14 drinks, 14-21 drinks or 21 or more drinks a week.

During the follow-up period, 1,271 men and 1,237 women developed heart failure.

The lowest rate of heart failures occurred in those drinking up to seven drinks per week and the highest rate was seen among former drinkers.

Men who consumed up to seven drinks a week had a 20 percent reduced risk of developing heart failure compared to abstainers, while the risk was reduced by 16

percent in women consuming the same amount, the study found.

However, when the researchers looked at death from any cause, there was an increased risk of death of 47 percent for men and 89 percent of women who reported consuming 21 or more drinks a week at the start of the study.

The protective effect of moderate drinking were more marginal in women than in men and the authors think this may be due to the fact that women metabolise alcohol in a different way to men and it can affect them differently.

“We did adjust our results to take account, as far as possible, for a variety of other lifestyle factors that could affect a person’s risk,” Solomon pointed out.

Myanmar releases prominent Rohingya ‘political prisoner’ yANgoN, JANuAry 20 (AP): Rights groups welcomed the release of a prominent Rohingya Muslim doctor who was arrested while trying to calm rioters during sectarian violence in western Myanmar, but noted Tuesday scores of political prisoners remain behind bars.

The case against Tun Aung, sentenced to 17 years in prison following what was considered an unfair trial, received widespread international attention.

He was accused of inciting violence between Rohingya Muslims and Rakhine Buddhists in June 2012, though

rights groups and witnesses said the medical doctor and respected community leader was asked by authorities to try to intervene but was unable to stop the violence.

Bo Kyi, co-founder of the Assistance Association of Political Prisoners (AAPP), said Aung was released Monday.

Myanmar has freed more than 1,000 political prisoners since former military rulers handed over power four years ago, a move that has smoothed the former pariah state’s international rehabilitation. But jails continue to be filled up

with hundreds of peaceful protesters, journalists and farmers who stood up against land grabs by the rich and powerful.

“Everyone incarcerated for their beliefs should be freed unconditionally and immediately,” said Aung Myo Min, executive director of Equality Myanmar, adding the government “releases a few political prisoners, and then arrests a few more.”

It’s like a “hostage-swap,” he said. Though years were sliced from Aung’s sentence through regular amnesties and presidential pardons, international

pressure appeared to provide the the final push.

UN Special Rapporteur on Myanmar, Yanghee Lee, met Aung in Insein prison during her visit to the country last week.

Tom Malinowski, a senior U.S. human rights envoy, whose own trip coincided with Lee’s, told Myanmar that no country wants to have the reputation of locking people up solely for peacefully protesting or expressing their views.

He also noted that laws appear to be unevenly applied.

No efforts were made to

curtail extremist Buddhist monks who marched through the streets during Lee’s visit, spewing hatred and accusing her of being biased in favor of Rohingya.

Myanmar has been grappling with rising Buddhist nationalism since former military rulers handed over power to a nominally civilian government in 2011, largely flamed by radical monks. Violence has left more than 240 people dead and sent another 140,000 fleeing their homes — most of them members of the Rohingya minority.

fast & then disappeared

JAkArTA, JANuAry 20 (AP): An AirAsia plane that crashed last month with 162 people on board was climbing at an abnormally high rate, then plunged and suddenly disappeared from radar, Indonesia’s transport minister said Tuesday.

Ignasius Jonan told Parliament that radar data showed the Airbus A320 was climbing at about 6,000 feet a minute before it disappeared on Dec. 28.

“It is not normal to climb like that, it’s very rare for commercial planes, which normally climb just 1,000 to 2,000 feet per minute,” he said. “It can only be done by a fighter jet.”

He said the plane then plunged and disappeared from radar.

Jonan did not say what caused the plane to climb so rapidly.

In their last contact with air-traffic controllers, the pilots of AirAsia Flight 8501 asked to climb from 32,000 feet to 38,000 feet to avoid threatening clouds, but were denied permission because of heavy air traffic. Four minutes later, the plane disappeared. No distress signal was received.

An excessively rapid ascent is likely to cause an airplane to go into an aerodynamic stall. In 2009, an Air France Airbus A330 disappeared over the Atlantic Ocean in bad weather while flying from Rio de Janeiro to Paris. Investigators were able to determine from the jet’s “black boxes” that it began a steep climb and then went into a stall from which the pilots were unable to recover.

Airbus spokesman Justin Dubon said Tuesday that it was too early to comment on possible similarities between the two crashes.

Survey ships have located at least nine big objects, including the AirAsia jet’s fuselage and tail, in the Java Sea. The plane’s black boxes — the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder — have been recovered but are still being analyzed.

“So far, we’ve managed to download and transcribe half of the cockpit voice recorder,” said Nurcahyo Utomo, a commissioner with the National Transportation Safety Committee. “It is too early to draw any conclusion yet because we don’t know what is in the remaining half.”

He said there was no indication of terrorism, and there were no other voices in the cockpit other than the pilot and co-pilot.

The plane was en route from Surabaya, Indonesia’s secondlargest city, to Singapore.

Only 53 bodies have been recovered so far. Rough sea conditions have repeatedly prevented divers from reaching the wreckage.

US remembers King amid racial tensions

ATLANTA, JANuAry 20 (AP): Speakers honoring the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. at his spiritual home in Atlanta repeated the same message on his national holiday Monday: We’ve come a long way, but there’s still much to be done to fulfill the slain civil rights activist’s dream.

The holiday came against the backdrop of recent nationwide protests over the deaths of unarmed black men and boys at the hands of police around the country.

King’s daughter, the Rev. Bernice King, urged those gathered at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta for the 47th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Annual Commemorative Service to act out against injustice.

But she also said they should heed her father’s message of nonviolence.

“We cannot act unless we understand what Dr. King taught us. He taught us that we still have a choice to make: nonviolent coexistence or violent co-annihilation,” she said.

“I challenge you to work with

us as we help this nation choose nonviolence.”

She invoked the deaths of unarmed black men in Ferguson, Missouri, and in New York City and the fatal shooting of a 12-year-old boy in Cleveland, Ohio. All three were killed by white officers.

“I cannot help but remember many women and men who have been gunned down, not by a bad police force but by some bad actors in a police force,” she said.

Protesters in California, many of them students at Stanford University, blocked the San Mateo-Hayward Bridge forcing westbound lanes to close for more than an hour Monday night, authorities said. The California Highway Patrol said numerous protesters were in custody and dozens could be seen being loaded into vans and taken off the bridge.

The Northeast Ohio Media Group reported about 60 people gathered Monday at a recreation center where a Cleveland police officer fatally shot the 12-year-old. Their march

ended at the city’s public square and police told the group some arrests were made.

In Seattle, authorities reported a handful of arrests after dozens chanting “black lives matter” disrupted traffic in Seattle, blocking part of a state highway and interstate off-ramps. Seattle officials advised motorists to take alternate routes when one side of a key state route was temporarily blocked.

The shootings of unarmed blacks sparked protests and debate over police use of force.

The tensions grew after two New York City police officers were shot to death last month by a man who suggested in online posts that he was retaliating for the deaths of Michael Brown in Ferguson and Eric Garner in New York. The gunman, who was black, committed suicide.

Six months after Garner died in a white police officer’s chokehold, protests and speeches invoking Garner’s name provided a backdrop to King tributes in New York.

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio had supported the demonstrations that followed a grand jury’s decision not to indict the officer in Garner’s death, fracturing his relationship with the city’s police unions. Yet he vowed Monday that New York would emerge a more unified city.

“We will move forward as a city. We will move forward to deeper respect for all,” de Blasio said at the annual MLK Day event at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, his city’s largest tribute.

President Barack Obama, America’s first black president, sought to focus on the next generation. In Washington, Obama and his wife Michelle went with one of their daughters, Malia, to a site for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington to paint murals and assemble “literacy kits” of flashcards and books to help youngsters improve their reading and writing skills.

Earlier in Atlanta, actor David Oyelowo said playing King in the film “Selma” was deeply

Jonathan Smith carries a picture of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. during a parade to honor King, Monday, January 19, in Chattanooga, Tenn. (AP Photo)

emotional and a heavy burden to bear.

“I felt his pain. I felt his burden. I felt the love he had for his family. I felt the love he still has for you Dr. Bernice King,” he said, addressing King’s daughter.

Oyelowo cried as he talked about putting himself in King’s place. “I only stepped into his shoes for a moment, but I asked myself, ‘How did he do it?’” Oyelowo said. He explained that he, like King, has four children and said he cannot imagine walking through life knowing there are people who wanted to take their lives or that of his wife.

U.S. Rep. John Lewis told the Atlanta crowd he was just 17 when King sent him a bus ticket to head to Alabama to join the civil rights movement. Lewis, who marched alongside King, recalled the man he called his hero a man who is “still a guiding light in my life.”

“The memory of such a great man can never, ever fade,” Lewis said. “I still think about him almost every day.”

The Morung Express 10 SPORTS Hawks top Pistons for 13th straight win Vonn gets record with Dimapur

Wednesday

21 January 2015

Atlanta Hawks' Paul Millsap, left, and Mike Scott (32) block Detroit Pistons' D.J. Augustin (14) in the second half of an NBA basketball game Monday, January 19 in Atlanta. (AP Photo)

AT L A N TA , JA N u ARy 20 (AP): The Atlanta Hawks won their 13th straight game, one short of equaling the team record, as Mike Scott and Paul Millsap each scored 20 points Monday in a 93-82 victory over the Detroit Pistons.

The Hawks haven't lost since Dec. 26 against Milwaukee. The Pistons were trying for their club-record eighth straight road win.

Greg Monroe led Detroit with 16 points and 20 rebounds. Andre Drummond added 13 points and 18 rebounds, but made only 3 of 12 free throws.

LeBron James scored 26 points for Cleveland and J.R. Smith added 20 as the Cavaliers entered a favorable portion of its schedule with a 108-94 win over the Chicago Bulls.

Back home after winning two games in Los Angeles to salvage a trip out West, the Cavs had little trouble with the Central Division-leading Bulls. Cleveland opened a 25-point lead in the third quarter and handed Chicago its fourth loss in five games.

Smith made six 3-pointers, Kyrie Irving scored 18 with 12 assists and Kevin

Love added 16 points and 12 rebounds for the Cavs, who have won three straight.

Jimmy Butler scored 20 points and Derrick Rose had 18 for the Bulls.

The New York Knicks ended their 16-game losing streak, getting 24 points and nine rebounds from Carmelo Anthony to beat the short-handed New Orleans Pelicans 99-92.

Jose Calderon made his biggest basket of a difficult first season in New York, a 3-pointer with 32 seconds left that gave the Knicks a four-point lead. That was just enough to help them hold on for their

Everton held to goalless draw by West Brom

LIVERPOOL, JANuARy 20 (AP): Kevin Mirallas missed a penalty he wasn't supposed to take as Everton was held to a 0-0 draw by West Bromwich Albion on Monday in the Premier League. Everton was awarded a penalty just before halftime when defender Joleon Lescott handled the ball in the area. Mirallas grabbed the ball and marched to the penalty spot, refusing to give it to regular penalty taker Leighton Baines despite the protests of his teammates. The Belgian then sent his spot kick against the outside of the post, and was then substituted at halftime by manager Roberto Martinez.

It was the key moment of the match, but both Martinez and midfielder Steven Naismith — who gestured angrily to Mirallas to give the ball to Baines — played down the incident after the game. "Obviously for me, Leigthon Baines is the No. 1 penalty taker," Martinez said. "(But Mirallas) felt really confident and

he wanted to take it at that point. ...

Leighton Baines was quite happy to allow him to do that."

He added that "the big disappointment is that we missed the penalty, not who took it, or why we missed it." Martinez said he substituted Mirallas because "he wasn't 100 percent, he was feeling his hamstring." West Brom kept frustrating Everton after the break as the hosts failed to find a breakthrough despite controlling possession. West Brom remained a point behind 12thplace Everton, which is winless in six games. West Brom remained undefeated in three games in all competitions under new manager Tony Pulis.

One of the few reasons for the home fans to cheer came at halftime, when Sylvester Stallone delivered a video message before a film crew shot images of crowd reaction for his new movie "Creed," a spinoff of the "Rocky" franchise.

first victory since Dec. 12 and end the longest single-season skid in club history.

At Houston, James Harden scored a seasonhigh 45 points, including 18 in the third quarter as the Houston Rockets beat the Indiana Pacers 110-98.

It was the 18th 30-point game and fourth with 40 this season for Harden, the NBA's leading scorer.

The Washington Wizards downed the Philadelphia 76ers 111-76 after Marcin Gortat scored 20 points, and John Wall had 11 points and 10 assists.

Washington went on a 20-3 run for a 27-11 lead late in the first quarter and coasted to the win.

Damian Lillard scored 22 points, including the goahead basket with 1:20 remaining, as the Portland Trail Blazers ended a threegame losing streak with a 9894 win over the Sacramento Kings, while the Charlotte Hornets defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 105-80 for their seventh win in eight games. In other games, the Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Boston Celtics 102-93, the Golden State Warriors downed the Denver Nuggets 122-79, the Dallas Mavericks beat the Memphis Grizzlies 103-95, the Toronto Raptors edged the Milwaukee Bucks 92-89 and the Phoenix Suns were 115-100 winners over the Los Angeles Lakers.

Bailey banned for one game for slow over rate MELBOuRNE, JANuARy 20 (AP): Australia one-day captain George Bailey will miss Friday's triseries match against England in Hobart after receiving a one-game ban for his side's slow over-rate in Sunday's win over India.

The International Cricket Council late Monday confirmed Bailey was fined 20 percent of his match fee and handed the one-match ban for his second offense in 12 months, after another over-rate violation against South Africa in November.

Opener David Warner will also miss the match after being rested because of hamstring soreness Stand-in test skipper Steven Smith will make his limited-overs captaincy debut in Hobart, while Cameron White and Shaun Marsh have been added to the batting lineup. Australia coach Darren Lehman said: "We were slow and we've spoken about getting better at that. I spoke to them quite firmly. We don't want that happening."

63rd World Cup victory

CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, JANuARy 20 (AP): Lindsey Vonn won a super-G Monday for her record 63rd World Cup victory and celebrated with an embrace from a surprise visitor — boyfriend Tiger Woods.

The American broke Annemarie Moser-Proell's 35-year-old record of 62 World Cup wins with a flawless run down the Olympia delle Tofane course, finishing by a huge 0.85 ahead of Anna Fenninger of Austria.

Tina Weirather of Liechtenstein was third, 0.92 back. Wearing a mask, Woods weaved through the crowd unnoticed until he shared an emotional embrace with Vonn, who had no idea that the golfer was coming.

"No way!" Vonn exclaimed when she spotted him. Vonn tied the record of 62 victories when she won a downhill here Sunday, and celebrated with family members who rarely attend her races, including her once-estranged father.

"I didn't think this could get any better than yesterday with my entire family here but now with Tiger here this is unbelievable," said Vonn. "I said, 'I can't believe you came.' And he said, 'I told you.'

"I had no idea he was here," Vonn added. "He told everyone to keep it a secret and I'm surprised.

Normally no one can keep a secret in my family. ... He just showed up. ... He has a tournament soon. So he's got a lot of work and I'm surprised that he was able to come all the way over here for a few hours to watch me ski." Woods did not speak with reporters and did not take part in the victory celebration, when Vonn was joined on the podium by teammates, coaches and family members.

In an apparent gesture to leave the stage to Vonn, Woods watched by himself from a small white tent protected by police, then was quickly ushered away on a waiting snowmobile. Vonn and company went on celebrating, wearing T-shirts that said "63 victories" and "Make History LV63."

It was a big relief for Vonn after facing intense

Lindsey Vonn celebrates on the podium after winning an alpine ski, women's World Cup super-G, in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, Monday, January 19. (AP Photo)

media pressure to match Moser-Proell in recent weeks. "I know it's a big achievement," Vonn said.

"But I have to focus on the skiing. I can't let everyone else's expectations get into my head. So that was my goal this weekend, just trying to ski my best. And I thought I did a really good job." Moser-Proell, an Austrian great, established her record between 1970 and 1980. "MoserProell was skiing in the 70s and all the young people in Austria don't know what that record means," Fenninger said. "For the newer generation it's very important that Lindsey make history. ... It's time to have a new record. She's very important for us, because in America she's a real superstar."

Swedish standout Ingemar Stenmark holds the men's record of 86 wins.

Breathing heavily and gritting her teeth in the start house, Vonn attacked all the way down and increased her lead at every checkpoint to win by a large margin. Vonn was relatively subdued in her celebra-

tion, having said that win No. 62 was more important to her. She was the last of the favorites to come down and flashed a big smile upon reaching the finish before doing a slight fist pump.

"I was definitely pushing the limits the whole way down," Vonn said. "Sometimes I was a little bit out of control but I maintained the speed, especially on the bottom of the course. I'm so happy to have finished the weekend with win No. 63.

My family and Tiger is here.

It's a really, really special day." It was Vonn's first win in super-G this season and her fourth overall this campaign, showing a return to top form after two knee injuries kept her out of last year's Sochi Olympics.

Perhaps more importantly, the win showed Vonn is dominating again just weeks before her home world championships in Vail and Beaver Creek, Colorado. Vonn was on track to shatter Moser-Proell's record two years ago before a high-speed crash at the 2013 world championships in Schladming,

Austria, when she tore two ligaments in her right knee.

She attempted to return for Sochi but re-injured her knee in Val d'Isere, France, in December, 2013, requiring a second surgery.

The 30-year-old Vonn is planning to compete through the 2018 Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea. It was Vonn's ninth career win in Cortina, where she had her first career podium result in 2004, putting her within one of Austrian Renate Goetschl's record 10 wins in the resort known as the Queen of the Dolomites.

This race was originally scheduled for Sunday but was postponed due to heavy snowfall over the weekend, which pushed the program back.

Downhill world champion Marion Rolland injured both knees in a crash, the French ski federation said, adding that she was undergoing medical exams. Vonn was heading to Salzburg, Austria, to appear on a TV show and more celebrations. Woods was heading home immediately, according to Vonn.

Japan, Iraq advance to Li Na shares her view on tennis, Asian Cup quarterfinals retirement and her future baby

MELBOuRNE, JANuARy 20 (AP): Keisuke Honda scored in a third straight Asian Cup game as Japan weathered a determined Jordan 2-0 to advance to the quarterfinals as a group winner on Tuesday.

Iraq followed Japan from Group D after Younis Mahmoud and Ahmed Yaseen gave it a 2-0 victory over already-eliminated Palestine.

Defending champion Japan will next face the United Arab Emirates in Sydney on Friday, when Iraq plays Iran in Canberra.

The Japanese constantly stretched the Jordan defense, and inevitably broke through in the 24th minute when Honda coolly slotted home a rebound at the near post after a powerful shot

by Shinji Okazaki was parried by Amer Shafi.

Honda, saved from Shafi as early as the second minute, took six shots on goal for one reward at Rectangular Stadium.

"This was a game with intensity and fight from both teams. The opponent demanded our best play," Japan coach Javier Aguirre said. Masato Morishige was carried from the field in the 40th after a nasty head clash with Jordan's Ahmad Mohammad, who was, somewhat harshly, shown a yellow card. Morishige returned to the field minutes later. Jordan opened the second half vastly more organized, and managed to put the Japanese on the

Japan’s Keisuke Honda, right, and Jordan's Ahmad Elias Ahmad Alim, center, compete for a header while Japan’s Gotoku Sakai, left, watches, during the AFC Asia Cup soccer match between Japan and Jordan in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, January 20. (AP Photo)

back foot, but was unable to make the most of its chances as fatigue set in.

"I'm naturally very disappointed to be heading back to Jordan tomorrow," Jordan coach Ray Wilkins said. "It's going to take a very, very good team to beat (Japan)."

Player-of-the-match Shinji Kagawa put the win beyond doubt eight minutes from the end of regu-

lation time when he met a long centering pass from Yoshinori Muto in front of goal and fired in, in front of a sellout crowd of 25,000, including tennis star Kei Nishikori, in town for the Australian Open.

"The team victory is the most important thing," Kagawi said. "A very tough game is waiting for us, so we should prepare well for the victory."

MELBOuRNE, JANuARy 20 (AP): In what she describes as her "new life," Li Na is dealing with morning sickness, hoping for a baby girl and dreaming of becoming a housewife.

The two-time Grand Slam champion says she will try not to tell her future child that she was once one of the world's best tennis players.

Not that she regrets a moment of her tennis career. If she could go back, Li wouldn't change a thing.

Her life and career until now, she said, have been "perfect."

A day after making a center-court appearance to publicly announce her pregnancy, the recently retired 32-year-old Li reflected on how difficult it was to leave the sport but said that she had been thinking about retirement for a long time and now feels at peace with her decision.

"If I have a next life, I will still choose tennis," Li told reporters Tuesday on the sidelines of the Australian Open. "It was a very tough decision for me to make, to say good-bye to tennis. But I think now I just have to continue to do what I'm doing, to take care of our family."

Coming back to Melbourne marked a full circle in the life of Li. She returned to the Australian Open on Monday but not to defend her title, instead she came onto center court to announce she and her husband, Jiang Shan, were expecting their first

Nishikori hails Li Na's leadership

Retired defending champion of Australian Open tennis championship, Li Na of China, speaks at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, January 20. (AP Photo)

child this summer.

Later, she posted a message on Facebook saying she chose to deliver the baby news on Rod Laver Arena because of the special connection she felt with the Australian crowd. It was here she made her first breakthrough in 2011, becoming the first Asian to reach a Grand Slam final, and where she gained wide popularity with post-match interviews that doubled as stand-up comedy routines peppered with wisecracks about her husband and former coach.

In characteristic good humor, Li told reporters Tuesday that there were

upsides to retirement, which she announced in September in the wake of a fourth knee operation.

"At least now I don't have to answer what goals I have for this year," Li said, laughing. "I feel more relaxed. No stressing anymore. Right now, I think I'm much happier."

Li has kept busy since her retirement — she has been traveling with her husband and making plans to open her own tennis academy in China, where she is credited with single-handedly boosting interest in the sport of tennis. The WTA, which runs

MELBOuRNE, JANuARy 20 (AP): U.S. Open finalist Kei Nishikori of Japan paid tribute to Li Na, describing her as an inspiration for Asian tennis. Nishikori, who is touted as one of the men's stars of the future, said he was "very sad" about the two-time Grand Slam winner's retirement last year due to knee problems. Li was the first player from Asia to win a major.

"She was big, big leadership for especially Asian tennis," said Nishikori, who reached the U.S. Open final and a career-high No. 5 ranking last year, making him the highest-ranked Asian man in tour history. "I think I'm getting close to — not really — but getting close to her," Nishikori said after winning his first-round match Tuesday at the Australian Open. "Hopefully I can come back to a Grand Slam final again." Earlier in the day, Li had complimented the 25-year-old Nishikori. "I think he's an amazing player," said Li, who won the Australian Open last year before retiring in September. "It's not easy to be on the top," she said. "I know how hard working he (is).

So I believe he can win a Grand Slam. Seriously."

the women's tennis tour, has described Li as a trailblazer in the game and the continent. She became the first Chinese player to win a WTA title, the first to break into the top 20 and the first player from Asia to win a major. She reached a career-high ranking of No. 2 in 2014 before retiring.

For now, the focus will be on family. "Our new life just started a couple months ago," she said. "I still have morning sickness." She doesn't know if it's a boy or a girl but "I prefer (a) she," Li said. Asked if she plans to teach her child how to play tennis, she said

only if she was asked.

"I try to don't tell them I was the tennis player," she said in broken English and with a straight face. "It's pretty simple. I wish them happy and healthy, that's it." "Tennis was my job, it's not their job you know. I think everyone has (their own) personality," she said, adding that she highly doubted her husband would be changing diapers but she was OK with that.

"I think my dream is to be a housewife," she said, adding that they hadn't planned ahead to have a child. It happened, she snapped her fingers, "Just like this."

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Wednesday

Entertainment

The Morung Express

21 January 2015

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video of a bald police officer enthusiastically lipsyncing to Taylor Swift's "Shake it Off" is getting global attention. It has attracted millions of viewers after the singer praised the video herself. Officer Jeff Davis of the Dover Police Department in Delaware was filmed "getting down

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Video of police officer singing Taylor SwifT song goes viral

Pregnant Shakira inger Shakira and her footballer boyfriend Gerard Pique, who are expecting their second child, are hosting a World Baby Shower for the second time to benefit the UN Children's Fund (Unicef).

The couple is expanding on the idea they had when expecting their son Milan, who turns two Thursday, and creating a shareable event for expectant mothers in a bid to benefit Unicef and vulnerable children around the world, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

"Now that we are soon welcoming our second child we want to help other children around the world and also contribute to a long-lasting solution for getting children living in extreme poverty the supplies they need to survive," Shakira said in a statement.

"We also want other parents to feel compelled to do the same. With the explosion of social media, celebrities aren't the only ones who have platforms that can reach mass audiences, and we want this movement to keep going long after our baby shower has ended, so we want to invite them to host their own baby showers with Unicef as well," she added.

Fans can visit a site and donate directly via a link on Shakira's Facebook page, in which she appealed for fans to help "save the lives" of hundreds of thousands of youngsters.

She wrote: "Every woman who's expecting has the power to use the blessing of her child's imminent birth to save the lives of other, less fortunate children around the world. If every expectant mother having a baby shower decided to include among her gift registry some of these inspired gifts that Unicef offers, we could collectively save the lives of hundreds of thousands of children all over the globe."

Through the ‘Hips don't lie’ singer's Twitter page, fans can also buy a special 'Thank You' card from the couple and every one card sold will unlock more funds for measles vaccines for children.

The couple's first World Baby Shower, which was held from Jan 16, 2013 to Feb 15, 2013, helped vaccinate 80,000 children against polio, have four tonnes of food delivered to children suffering from malnutrition and 1,000 anti-malaria nets and 200,000 rehydration powders were distributed to those in need.

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to this sick beat" on his DashCam, reported ABC online. The Department said the staged video was made in 15 minutes as a bit of fun they are dubbing 'DashCam Confessionals'.

"We hope you enjoy this... And Taylor Swift, if you're watching...

We're sorry," they said. Little did

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they know, the 25-year-old was watching - and loved it. The officer can be seen playing with his fingers and rolling his head to the beats. It has more than 17 million YouTube views and counting Monday morning. "Lolololol the sass," she wrote, while sharing the video to her fans on Twitter.

Coronation Street Star Anne Kirkbride Dies at 60

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ctress Anne Kirkbride, a star of British soap opera Coronation Street for more than 40 years, has died at the age of 60. Network ITV says Ms Kirkbride, who played the long-suffering, much-married Deirdre Barlow, died Monday in a hospital in Manchester, northwest England, after a short illness.

Set in the fictional working-class community of Weatherfield, Coronation Street has been chronicling its characters' lives since 1960, with an enduringly popular mix of social realism, melodrama and humor. Ms Kirkbride's

character - renowned for her oversized spectacles and romantic travails - was at the heart of some of the soap's most dramatic story lines for decades.

The show is so popular that when Deirdre was wrongly imprisoned for fraud in 1998, newspapers

campaigned for her release and Prime Minister Tony Blair was among those who proclaimed her innocence.

Coronation Street executive producer Kieran Roberts said the program makers "know only too acutely how much Anne meant to the millions of people who watched

her create the legendary character of Deirdre Barlow."

William Roache, who played her onscreen husband Ken Barlow - the characters married, divorced then remarried years later - said the show had lost "one of its iconic characters."

He said Ms Kirkbride "was an impeccable performer with superb comedy timing and an immense gift for really heightened drama. We had some rows over the years as Ken and Deirdre and it was wonderful to play those scenes opposite her." Ms Kirkbride is survived by her husband, David Beckett.

AR Rahman reveals why he chose to adopt new faith C M Y K

AR Rahman, who was born as AS Dileep Kumar, recently shared the tale of why he chose to discard the faith he was born into and adopt a new one.

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he 48-year-old's father untimely death had put several financial pressures on the family, so his spiritualminded mother had met, and gained immense succor, from a Sufi saint, peer Karimullah Shah Qadri, the Dawn reported. And

the Indian composer had been grappling with minor and major identity issues; he didn't like the name he was born with, he was looking for direction and purpose, and he wanted to get a handle on his professional future.

Rahman said that Sufism

taught him that human beings should not differentiate between people just like the rain and the sun. The Grammy Award winner also mentioned that no one around him really cared when he decided to change his faith as they were musicians and that allowed

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them greater social freedom.

Rahman finally concluded that a Hindu astrologer gave him his Muslim name, as he didn't like his name and then his mother had this intuition that he should add Allahrakha and that was how he became AR Rahman.

amBer roSe says family missed wedding to Wiz Khalifa because of his 'race'

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mber Rose has recently revealed that some of her family members missed her wedding with Wiz Khalifa because he is an African American. In an interview for the Oprah Winfrey Network, the 31-yeaer-old said that her family thinks they are more superior or better than an African American because they are Creole and have culture, the Mirror reported.

She has to battle with the eldest members of her family regarding this for most of her life, she further added. Rose further mentioned that the younger generation has embraced it so much and maybe that's why her father was white.

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Vivienne Westwood pays tribute to Prince Charles Fashion designer Vivienne Westwood paid tribute to the Prince of Wales at Milan Fashion Week by displaying a collection of notes praising his environmental work. The fashion designer, 73, honoured the 66-yearold royal during her autumn-winter 2015 menswear show, according to the Daily Telegraph newspaper, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

"I want to pay tribute to Prince Charles and the great job he's doing. We have adopted Prince Charles as patron of our collection. "To sum up, if Prince Charles had ruled the world according to his priorities during the last 30 years, we would be alright and we would be tackling climate change," she said.

The fashion icon also paid homage to Prince Charles -- who has worked to raise awareness of organic farming and climate change over the years -- in her designs, combining Prince of Wales checks and houndstooth prints in her signature drop-crotch trousers, suits and belted coats.

Later, she also walked down the ramp by her husband Andreas Kronthaler, sporting an oversized t-shirt with an enlarged image of Prince Charles' face. Westwood also incorporated images of Queen Elizabeth II on bags and suits emblazoned with pound sterling bank notes.

In this photo taken on Sunday, January 18, fashion designer Vivienne Westwood, flanked by her husband Andreas Kronthaler, sports a shirt portraying Prince Charles as she acknowledges the applause of the audience after presenting her men's Fall-Winter 2015-2016 collection, part of the Milan Fashion Week, unveiled in Milan, Italy. (AP Photo)

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England thrash sorry Djokovic, Serena show no India in Brisbane ODI mercy as Azarenka romps

England's Steven Finn, right, celebrates with his teammates after he got the wicket of India's Axar Patel, second left, during the one day International cricket match between England and India in Brisbane, Australia, Tuesday, January 20. (AP Photo)

BRISBANE, JANuARy 20 (REutERS): England thrashed India by nine wickets with more than 22 overs to spare on Tuesday to record their first win in the tri-series tournament in Australia and boost their confidence ahead of next month's World Cup. Fast bowler Steven Finn claimed his first five-wicket haul in a one-day international as England destroyed India's batting lineup at the Gabba in Brisbane.

Finn took 5-33 from eight overs while Jimmy Anderson picked up four wickets as the pair skittled the reigning world champions for 153 in less than 40 overs. Ian Bell and James Taylor both posted unbeaten half-centuries as England cruised to victory in 27.3 overs, earning a bonus point for their lopsided win.

Bell finished 88 not out off 91 balls, inching closer to 5,000 ODI career runs, while the pint-sized Taylor remained unconquered

on 54 from 63 deliveries, chalking up his third fifty in eight ODI appearances.

The pair shared an unbroken partnership of 131 after England lost opener Moeen Ali for eight, the only hiccup in the romp.

"Outstanding. We really put a team performance, which I was delighted with," England captain Eion Morgan told reporters."And there were individual performances.

Steve Finn got that bounce and made most of it. Jimmy (Anderson) set the tone with an early breakthrough."

The towering Finn, who stands 2.01 metres (6ft-7in) tall, tore through India's fragile middle order with his pace and extra bounce, with three of his wickets coming through catches to wicketkeeper Jos Buttler.

Finn got the prized wickets of Virat Kohli and Mahendra Singh Dhoni and was on a hat-trick after he clean bowled Axar Patel

Titans retain MDCA Trophy Morung Express News Mokokchung | January 20

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Titans Cricket Club successfully retained their title after defeating Brotherhood CC by 7 wickets in the final match of the 24th MDCA Inter Club Cricket Tournament played here today at Imkongmeren Sports Complex.

Brotherhood CC won the toss and elected to bat first but were well restricted by the Titans bowlers with their tight line and length deliveries. Brotherhood could manage to score only 73 runs losing all their wickets in 18.1 overs. Imcharen top scored for Brotherhood with 13 runs with Toshiyapang contributing 10 runs. Ato Chang (3/13) and Longsasunep (3/14) were the pick of the bowlers for the Titans. Merenkaba, Akumdong and Toshimeren also picked 1 wicket each. Chasing a mere 74 runs, Titans’ opening batsmen Longsasunep (22 runs) and Nihal Rai (20 runs) went off doing their job with a sensible start and took away the pressure from their team.

Akumdong also contributed an unbeaten 19 runs.

The Titans Cricket Club chased down the target in the 14th over losing only three wickets. Kumbotsung took 2 wickets for Brotherhood. Longsasunep of Titans CC was named the Man of the Match of the final. The officials for the final match were Lanu Longkumer and Achet, both NCA trained Umpires and Talikaba was the Match Referee.

Both the champions and the runners-up were awarded with trophies, certificates and cash prize.

Man of the Series award went to Akumdong who scored 119 runs and took 7 wickets in the course of the tournament. Yongsamong of Sovran CC was declared the highest run scorer of the tournament whose tally stood at 143 runs while Temjenren, also of Sovran CC, was declared the Highest Wicket Taker for his haul of 14 wickets. Winners of the individual award categories were awarded cash prizes and certificates.

for a golden duck.

Anderson gave England the perfect start when he removed Shikhar Dhawan for one in the third over and returned to mop up the tail and finish with 4-18.

With India's world record holder Rohit Sharma skipping the match because of a minor hamstring complaint, the tourists needed someone else to make a big contribution but no-one did.

All-rounder Stuart Binny, who came in for Ravichandran Ashwin, top scored with 44, while Dhoni made a patient 34 and opener Ajinkya Rahane 33.

"We have to use whatever time is left before the World Cup in a useful manner. Staying four and a half months away from home is difficult, but we have to switch on and switch off," Dhoni said.

"We need to switch on and assess what needs to be done in the nets, or wait in the hotel if the need be."

MElBouRNE, JANuARy 20 (AFP): World number ones Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams showed no mercy in powering through to the Australian Open second round Tuesday as unseeded dark horse Victoria Azarenka won her grudge match.

Defending men's champion Stan Wawrinka, Japanese fifth seed Kei Nishikori and women's fourth seed Petra Kvitova also stayed on course.

Eighteen-time Grand Slam winner Williams opened her Melbourne Park account with a decisive 6-0, 6-4 display against Belgium's Alison Van Uytvanck, laying down the marker to her challengers.

A sixth Australian Open title would take her to clear second on the Grand Slam Open Era winners list behind Steffi Graf's 22, having joined Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova on 18 with her win at the US Open last year.

"If I could get to 19 in Australia that would be beyond amazing, so we'll see. I have a lot of work to do but I'm just going to enjoy myself," said the American.

Serbian top seed Djokovic, gunning for a fifth Australian title, also found his groove early against Slovenia's Aljaz Bedene to post a commanding 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 win. For a first round performance it was pretty good, obviously I still need to work on a few things, I'm still developing my game," said Djokovic, who lost to Wawrinka in the quarter-finals last year. The Swiss fourth seed went on to stun Rafael Nadal and win his maiden Grand Slam, and he is keen to repeat the heroics again this year.

He got his title defence off to to a solid start with a 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 mauling of Turkey's Marsel Ilhan, encountering few problems. "It was great to be back on Rod Laver Arena again, it brings back so many memories from last year," he said.

"It was such an amazing two weeks last year so it was great to come back here and I am pleased with my game in general and I'm excited to start again." Roger Federer, Nadal

and Maria Sharapova all played Monday and easily progressed.

Nishikori, who lost to Marin Cilic in last year's US Open final and is touted as a future major champion, showed his mettle to beat Nicolas Almagro 6-4, 7-6 (7/1), 6-2. The Spaniard is a former world number nine and the Japanese star said it was a good workout. "Obviously, it was a really tough, tough first match.

He could be seeded player, and I know he was injured, but still it was a tough match," he said.

Azarenka is a two-time Australian Open champion but came into the tournament ranked just 44 after an injury-marred 2014 and a battle with depression.

But she showed why she is regarded as the most dangerous unseeded player as she downed American Sloane Stephens 6-3, 6-2 to set up an enticing second round encounter with eighth seed Caroline Wozniacki.

Azarenka and Stephens have history, with the Belarussian former world number one controversially defeating her in the 2013 semi-final with the help of a lengthy medical timeout, which angered the fans.

She needed no such tactics on Tuesday, leaving little doubt that she wants a third Grand Slam title in Melbourne after triumphing in 2012 and 2013. "You've got to win seven matches to win a title and this was a great first round for me to really test my game," the 25-year-old said.

Denmark's Wozniacki, another former world number one and a close friend of Azarenka's, had a tougher assignment against American teenager Taylor Townsend, who made her work hard for a 7-6 (7-1), 6-2 win.

Kvitova, the two-time Wimbledon champion, ground out a straight sets win over Dutch qualifier Richel Hogenkamp, but admitted nerves affected her performance.

Other seeds progressing included Dominika Cibulkova, who lost in last year's final to the now-retired Victoria Azarenka of Belarus celebrates a point won against Sloane SteLi Na, Venus Williams and men's phens of the U.S. during their first round match at the Australian Open eighth seed Milos Raonic. tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia on January 20. (AP Photo)

53rd WASA Sports Meet underway

SEChÜ ZuBZA, JANuARy 20 (MExN): The 53rd sports meet of the Western Angami Sports Association (WASA) got underway today at WAPO Ground, Sechü Zubza. The inaugural function was graced by Huzo Meru, Pro Chancellor, North East Christian University as the patron for the day.

In his address, Meru encouraged sportspersons to strive to excel in their respective field. He also urged them to lead with examples as he felt it is in the hands of the youth to bring about change in the society.

“The power is in our hands, especially in the youth, to bring about change in the society. What is required is having the will to do so,” Meru said. While stating that the true character of a person is exposed in a playing field, he advised the sportspersons to set the right standard by taking part with the true spirit of sportsmanship.

Regretting the ongoing political mess within the State legislators, Meru further stressed the need of electing the right leaders so as to lead the Nagas in the right

way and towards integrity.

The inaugural function was chaired by WASA vice president Thekru Mor, while the invocation was pronounced by Pecüvilie Kruneilie, pastor, Peducha Baptist Church. The oath of administration was done by WASA Games & Sports Secretary Kezevilie Hojha. The torch bearers of the WASA 53rd meet were Keviselhou Sirie and Pepirieno Sirie, the two individual champions of the last WASA sports meet.

While in the game events played today, Jotsoma village defeated

Khonoma village in football through tie break, while WADSA overcame Mezoma in the second football match. In men’s volleyball, Jotsoma defeated Mezoma and WADSA beat Khonoma. In women’s volleyball, Khonoma defeated Mezoma and WADSA overcame Jotsoma. The athletic events were also held today and will continue even tomorrow. The second and third day of the WASA meet will be graced by Kelhouseto Nakhro, deputy secretary, NPSC and Acalie Viya, joint secretary, PHED as the patrons respectively.

1st ASA open Naga wrestling 2015

KohIMA, JANuARy 20 (MExN): Coinciding with the Angami Sports Association (ASA) sports meet 2015 scheduled from February 4 to 6, ASA will be organizing its first ever open Naga wrestling for Angami wrestlers on February 6 at Khuochiezie Ground.

The first prize of the championship has been fixed at Rs 1 lakh, while the second, third and fourth place winners will receive cash award of Rs 70,000, Rs 40,000 and Rs 20,000 respec-

tively. The first prize is being sponsored by Er Keneilhoulie Keditsu, Rtd Engineer and former president of ASA and former president of Nagaland Wrestling Association.

The sponsor of the second prize is yet to be announced, while the third and fourth prize sponsors are Er Toba Khatso, Executive Engineer Tourism and former president of Southern Angami Sports Association and Dr Keduozetuo Punyü, senior specialist Health & Family Welfare department. Apart

from the winners, the quarterfinalists will also receive Rs 5000 each.

The last date of form submission is January 30. Forms are available at Sports World, opposite Taxi Stand Kohima and Network counter, BOC Kohima. This was informed

by ASA president Neisievilie Lhousa.

The games including football and volleyball (both men & women) will be conducted at ‘D’ Khel Ground, Kohima village on February 4 and 5.

Blue Star lift DPL T-20

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Royals were awarded Rs DIMAPuR, JANu50000. The two semifiARy 20 (MExN): Blue Score: Star CC defeated Di- Dimapur royals: 87 all out in 20 overs nalist - Wiskers CC and mapur Royals CC in a Lucky Chauhan 42 (38); Imliwati 5/15, Flamingoz CC – were awarded Rs 10000 each. low scoring final at the Michael 2/13 Vicky Hansa of FlaminDDSC, Dimapur to win goz, who took 10 wickets the 4th Dimapur Pre- Blue Star cc: 88/6 in 18 overs mier League T20 Crick- Santosh 19(24), Sachin 17(27), Gaurav was awarded the bowler 14(11), Nagaho 2/18, Akavi 2/31 of the tournament while et Tournament.

Dimapur Royals Man of the final: Imliwati Lemtur Jonathan Longkumer of the Wiskers CC who winning the toss elected (Blue Star CC) scored 276 runs won to bat and were bundled other ideas. They stuck to the the best batsman award. out for 87 in 20 overs.

The Royals, however, were not crease and guided their team Both walked away with Rs 2500. Imliwati Lemtur of Blue giving up the trophy without to a 4 wicket win.

The tournament carried a Star CC who took 10 wickets a fight. Royal bowlers bowled some neat overs to reduce the total prize money of Rs 150000. and also scored 107 runs was men in blue to 50 for the loss of The champions, Blue Star CC awarded player of the tourna6 wickets. Santosh and Sachin were awarded Rs 70000 while ment and walked away with of the Blue Star though, had the runners-up Dimapur Rs 5000.

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