January 23th, 2016

C M Y K

www.morungexpress.com

SaturDaY • JanuarY 23 • 2016

DIMAPUR • Vol. XI • Issue 21 • 12 PAGes • 5

T H e

ESTD. 2005

P o W e R

Home is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness Myanmar govt releases political prisoners before power transfer PAGE 09

Campaign on mother & child health and MI held

o F

T R u T H

— Desmond Tutu

Super Serena, Djokovic soar into Australian Open fourth round

PAGE 02

PaGE 12

corruption down as nuts and bolts tightened: Modi

Female civil defence personnel march during the full-dress rehearsal for the Republic Day parade in Kolkata on January 22. (REUTERS)

reflections

By Sandemo Ngullie

60 MLAs came together only for 30 minutes on Naga Issue: Therie

DiMapur, January 22 (Mexn): Dismissing the contention that the 60 Legislatures in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly have came together to stand unitedly on the ‘Naga Issue,’ the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) President K Therie today ridiculed the same saying, “they come together only for 30 minutes.”

He said this while adits freezing , You will get cold, wear a jacket...and bath. dressing a public rally on the second day of the ongoThe Morung Express ing NPCC Mass Contact for Tour at Phek and Poll QuEsTion Change at a meeting with elders at Vote on www.morungexpress.com Meluri today.

SMS your anSwer to 9862574165 According to a press note from NPCC MeAre Naga leaders and organizations more dia Cell, Therie further concerned with the maintained that the presbudget and buildings than the people? Why?

Yes

no

others

Curbs on travel on Myanmar border

C M Y K

new DeLHi, January 22 (THe HinDu): To tackle the movement of extremists along the porous Myanmar border, the government is mulling over to change the “free border movement” arrangement in existence in the bordering States of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur since Independence. This will lead to a radical shift in India’s policy towards Myanmar, a friendly country, with which it shares unfenced borders and unhindered movement of people across the border. Based on a high-level committee report submitted by Joint Intelligence Committee chief R.N Ravi, the government is all set to change the “misnomer” related to “free border movement” and will try to replicate the model prevalent along the Bangladesh border. The report has suggested dedicated crossing points in border villages, where policemen would be in charge of regulating the movement of people. “The movement of people will not be curtailed, as they have strong social and cultural ties across the border, but instead it will be regulated. Every citizen would need to have an identity proof like a passport,” said a senior official.

ent ‘imbroglio’ involving the 8 Congress MLAs has emerged because they failed to uphold the Party’s Social, Secular and Democratic principles and ideologies.

Despite the Party making its stand clear time and again that it cannot be a partner with BJP because of their opposing ideologies and principles, they had ignored the directives of the AICC and joined the NPF led BJP-DAN Government, Therie reportedly told the gathering.

The NPCC President criticized the Nagaland State government saying that the people had given their mandate and voted the NPF to power but was rewarded with “no roads,

no power, no water, no infrastructure and successive deficit budgets.”

Further questioning the present Central government under Bharatiya Janata Party, he claimed that during 60 years of Congress rule, the nation has never been divided by religion, caste, tribe and food but under the present dispensation, “Churches were burnt down, Christians were persecuted and temples were built in place of Churches.”

Highlighting the NPCC Roadmap Therie urged the people to join hands and march forward if they want change. “The Party is willing to work with like-minded people for a common future,” Therie maintained.

Varanasi, January 22 (ians): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that corruption has considerably come down ever since his government came to power in May 2014 as “nuts and bolts” have been tightened.

Speaking at an event after distributing special aid equipment to 9,296 differently abled people at DLW grounds in his parliamentary constituency, Modi claimed this has been achieved largely by “tightening the nuts and bolts”.

By filling up the lacunae and ensuring that the role of middlemen was completely erased in government dealings, the prime minister said welfare schemes are being implemented faster and other projects are being fast-tracked.

The prime minister added that his government is committed to assimilating all sections, specially poor, weaker and marginalized sections of the society into the mainstream.

Modi said that attempts like the one in Varanasi distribution of aid equipment in large programmes - have ensured that the role of middlemen is completely done away with.

In the same breath, he mused how these middlemen were overworked now as they had the task of attacking him every now and then.

“But let me assure all of you that I am not deterred by such criticism as this would distract me and I will not be able to work on my mission for the people of India,” he said while assuring that he would, in times

Saddened by Rohith Vemula’s death

Lucknow/new DeLHi, January 22 (ians): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday broke his silence on the suicide of Dalit scholar from University of Hyderabad, Rohith Vemula, saying that he was deeply saddened by the tragedy.

In his speech at the 6th convocation of the Bhimrao Ambedkar University in Lucknow, he choked and paused while referring to the scholar’s death on last Sunday, triggering protests across the country.

“I am not going into the reasons, politics of the issue, but I empathise with the family who has lost so much,” he said as tears welled up in his eyes. He said that at a time when the entire nation looks up to the youth for inspiration and strength, a news like this brings sadness. to come, “continue to trouble such people”.

He said that the mindset towards the differentlyabled people must change and the word ‘viklang’ (disabled) should be replaced with ‘divyang’ (endowed with special faculties).

“What I want to do is change the mindset about differently-abled people.

When I say let’s use the word ‘divyang’, it is about that change,” he said.

In his December 27 ‘Mann ki Baat’ radio address, Modi based his concept of ‘Divyang’ on the premise that the people with physical diabilities tend to develop special

He told youngsters not to daru Dattatreya. take such drastic steps.

Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala Students disrupt told reporters here that PM’s speech concrete action needs to Earlier at the event, two be taken to do justice to the students raised slogans memory of Vemula. “We against the prime minister want to humbly tell the as union Home Minister prime minister that mere Rajnath Singh concluded crocodile tears will not rehis speech and Modi rose turn Vemula or do justice to address the gathering. to him. For doing justice, for As they shouted that the eroding anti-Dalit mindset killers of Rohith Vemula of ABVP, BJP, concrete acwere still alive and raised tion will have to be taken,” slogans like “go back Modi”, Surjewala said. police officials whisked Surjewala said the parthem away and the prime ty had hoped the prime minister began his speech. minister would announce “sacking” of Human ReCongress disappointed source Development The Congress on Friday Minister Smriti Irani and said Prime Minister Naren- Labour Minister Bandaru dra Modi’s remarks on the Dattatreya and also acsuicide of Dalit scholar Ro- tion against the univerhith Vemula have “deeply sity vice-chancellor. “But disappointed” the country Modi did not say anything. as he did not announce ac- The entire country stands tion against union minis- disappointed deeply,” he ters Smriti Irani and Ban- said. faculties that even the fully ‘able’ lack. “We see a person’s disability with our eyes. But our interaction tells us the person has an extra power,” Modi said in his radio address of last month.

The prime minister said his government has been working for the betterment of the poor ever since it was formed.

“We are constantly thinking about how development will reach the poor and how the lives of the poor will be transformed,” he said.

On day one of his government he had announced that “it will always

be there for the poor and for those who have faced struggles in life”, Modi said.

Modi set a record of sorts by distributing 15,746 special aid equipment to 9,296 differently abled people here.

On Friday, equipment worth Rs.7.07 crore was distributed. This included 3,458 tri-cycles, 1,800 crutches, 686 wheelchairs, 1,400 digital hearing kits, 446 kits for low IQ children, 589 artificial limbs and 300 walkers, Avnish Awasthi, joint secretary in the union ministry of social justice and empowerment, department of disability affairs, told IANS.

control ‘wanton’ checking by Nagaland government signs paramilitary forces: Ao orgs MoU for Veterinary College

MokokcHung, January 22 (Mexn): The three organizations of the Ao community today petitioned the Mokokchung Deputy Commissioner to control the ‘wanton’ checking of vehicles by paramilitary forces in the three permanent check-gates in Mokokchung district. There are three permanent Assam Rifles check gates in the district – Sewak (NH-2), Tuli Town (NH-2) and Longtho (recently declared a national highway).

“It is for the convenience of the innocent travelers travelling on the highways and to maintain the congenial relationship between the paramilitary forces and the general public,” the organizations stated in a joint memorandum addressed to Mokokchung Deputy Commissioner.

The Ao Senden (Ao Hoho), Watsu Mungdang (Ao Women Organization) and Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (Ao Students’ Conference) – in the joint memo said that their attention has been drawn by the untold inconveniences caused to traveler due to the wanton checking of vehicles by the security forces at the various check gates.

“We have no objection if the paramilitary forces conduct mobile checks as per the situation and time. However, to have

permanent gates by security forces along public highways … is quite questionable,” the three organizations argued.

The organizations quoted travelers, mostly responsible citizens, complaining that “It is very demeaning, irritating and tiring to be stopped every time at AR check gates by a jawan with a stick and to be asked in Hindi ‘kon hai, kahase’ etc and have the details of their vehicles entered in a register”. They also pointed out absence of fe-

that Human rights is one of the most important and burning topics in the world today, more so in a conflict area like Nagaland, the joint memo further argued.

Most international organizations including UN mandated bodies have pointed out that AFSPA and DAA as extraconstitutional having no place in a democracy and should be repealed, they highlighted in the memo.

Consequently, terming the wanton checking at different check gates as “an infringement on personal dignity of the citizens” and “…the excuse of AFSPA or DAA” cannot be given for “causing inconveniences, or in most cases, even humiliation to travelers,” the joint memo argued for controlling it immediately.

Reminding that the issue has been in discussion even in the past, the organizations urged the DC to take up the matter with the appropriate authority and take necessary action at the earliest so that it is not “blown out of proportion and break the congenial relationships between the paramilitary forces and the general public”.

The joint memo was appended by Ao Senden Vice president O Shilu, Watsu Mungdang President Moachila and AKM Vice President Akummeren Longchar.

Three Ao organizations implore redressal from Mokokchung Deputy Commissioner male security personnel at the check gates which has caused much unease among the women travelers.

Further questioning the placing of oil barrels at the highway, the organizations pointed out that ‘As per National Highway specifications, even speed breakers are not allowed to be constructed’.

In this connection, the apex Ao organizations termed the check gates as “illegal,” asserting that ‘Under a democratic setup, there are no provisions for construction and manning of check gates along highways by paramilitary or army.”

While legislations like AFSPA and DAA which are still enforced in Nagaland, “It cannot be an excuse keeping in view

our Correspondent Kohima | January 22

The Government of Nagaland and the Central Agriculture University (CAU), Imphal signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for establishment of the College of Veterinary Science, Nagaland at Jalukie under Peren district at the Chief Secretary’s Conference Hall, Kohima on January 22.

The MoU was signed on behalf of the Government of Nagaland by the Chief Secretary of Nagaland, Pankaj Kumar, IAS while the Registrar, Dr. P. Madhusoodanan Pillai signed on behalf of CAU. Er. Victor Kumrah, Executive Engineer, CAU and Santanu Mandal, Sr. Manager, NPCC Ltd were the witnesses for the University while MK Mero, Commissioner and Secretary, Vety & AH Nagaland and Dr. R Thungchamo Ezung, Director, Vety & AH attested for the Nagaland Government.

According to the MoU, Nagaland Government will provide 266 acres/107.6 hectares of land on 99 years lease “free of cost and all encumbrances” located at Jalukie. “The proposed area of land will be clearly demarcated with boundaries and the University will take possession of it so that academic and research activities are taken up,” it stated.

The MoU allows the University to construct necessary buildings in the land without restrictions for the functioning of the college and will also be allowed access to irrigation water from the existing sources for development and maintenance of its facilities.

nagaland Chief secretary Pankaj Kumar (left) is seen presenting the documents of the Mou to Dr. P Madhusoodanan Pillai, Registrar, Central Agricultural university, imphal, Manipur after the signing ceremony at the Chief secretary’s Conference Hall, Kohima on January 22.

Later addressing a press conference, officials from Veterinary department informed the media that it owns 1000 acres, out of which the 266 acres have been allotted for the College.

All the land has been has been acquired with the consent of the people, the official claimed, adding that it has been acquired through negotiated purchase. The Chief Secretary affirmed the same.

According to the DIPR, the lease deed was signed between DC Peren, Peter Lichamo on behalf of the Government of Nagaland and Registrar, CAU, Imphal on behalf of the Vice Chancellor CAU, Imphal on January 21 at Peren.

Talking about the modalities of the college, the CAU Registrar informed that that the selection of students will be done by the

Veterinary Council of India and it will start with 20 students by this year. “The first course the University will be offering is Bachelors in Veterinary Science and will further upgrade to Masters in 16 disciplines including PhD courses in the future,” he added.

The admission for students will follow State Government norms including reservations, stated Dr Pillai who added that Nagaland will receive maximum number of preferences. He further informed that Faculty selections will be published in advertisements in the daily papers and Recruitments will be mainly within Nagaland.

The Institution is expected to start in June or July after receiving clearance from Veterinary Council of India.

(With DIPR inputs)

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saturDaY 23•01•2016

NAGALAND

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Campaign on mother & child health and MI held

Peren, January 22 (DIPr): Special Awareness Campaign on mother and child Health and Mission Indradhanush organised by Directorate of Field Publicity Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Nagaland and Manipur Region was held at Beisumpuikam and Mhaikam village, Peren District on January 22.

District Programme Officer Dr. Khrielasanuo Koni spoke about the aims and objectives of Mission Indardhanush where she urged the gathering to get immunization vaccines on time, especially for children which can prevent many diseases like polio, TB, Hepatitis B etc. She further said that pregnant women should get health check-ups done which is free of cost at any Government Hospital.

Lithrila Sangtam, EAC Athibung exhorted the gathering to get better information on programmes and policies of the government especially in health sector through village

Baby show held as part of the special awareness campaign on Mother& Child and Mission Indradhanush at Mhaikam village, Peren District on January 22. (DIPR Photo)

health committee and to make full use of schemes.

Chief guest Dr. Engam Pamie Director Field Publicity, Nagaland and Meghalaya urged the gathering to take serious step in caring their children and mother by taking regu-

lar vaccination to prevent them from early childhood diseases stating that "A healthy citizen will make a healthy and strong nation".

The function was followed by rally and free child check up and Baby show.

Samziuram Village: Government of India, Directorate of Field Publicity Ministry of I&B Nagaland organised a special awareness campaign on Mother & Child Health and Mission Indradhanush at Samziuram village Peren district

on January 21 with SDO (c) Jalukie as chief guest. In his speech the chief guest appreciated the Director and the Department for giving privilege to their area and said that we are lacking behind due to ignorance. Dr Rokovile, MO Jalukie give a

(LEFT) A Village Guard on duty during an official function at Hutsii village in Meluri sub division of Phek district recently.

(RIGHT) A Village Guard sentry post is located at the entrance of Hutsii village. Raised with 300 Nagas on 1st March 1957, the Village Guards have increased its strength to 9571 and are posted along the border villages in the districts of Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire, Longleng and Meluri Subdivision of Phek district covering 318 VG Posts on completion of 50 years in 2007. The Village Guards have gallantly defended their villages and protected the areas bordering with Myanmar (Burma).

Morung Photo by Chizokho Vero

brief introduction on Mission Indradhanush while Director, Dr. Engam Pame IIS delivered a speech on RMNCH+A and Mission Indrahanush urging the villagers to adopt healthy living by preventing childhood diseases by taking vaccination to prevent themselves against seven dangerous diseases Diphtheria, Whooping cough, (pertussis) Tetanus, Polio, TB Measles and HepatitisB. The Mission will continue till 2020 for full Immunization in the country and the chief guest added that a healthy citizen will make a healthy nation.

Earlier the programme was chaired by Field Publicity Officer and vote of thanks was delivered by Village Council Chairman, Akambo. Healthy baby show was also held for zero to one category where the winners were as follows: 1st – Ikeilu, 2nd – Ilunglaube, 3rd: Esato and under one to two years category the winners were: 1st – Richard, 2nd - Machingaule and 3rd - Kimkim.

Chakan Gaan-Ngai festival celebrated in Dimapur

Chairman NIDC Ltd, Tovihoto Ayemi lighting the torch during Chakan Gaan-Ngai festival of the Rongmeis in Dimapur on Friday. (Morung Photo) Morung Express News Dimapur | January 22

Chairman NIDC Ltd, Tovihoto Ayemi on Friday graced Chakan Gaan-Ngai festival of the Rongmei community at Rongmei Tribal Court premises, Chungaizaeng, Burma Camp, Dimapur. The post harvest festival of the Rongmeis was organized by Rongmei Council Nagaland. In his speech, Tovihoto said festivals were part of the rich cultural and traditional heritage of the Nagas and that such events were a reminder of the proud identity of the Naga people. “This (festivals) is our identity and

so we should continue to preserve our cultural identity,” he said and urged upon youngsters not to overlook their culture and tradition without which they would have no identity.

Stating that festivals were a time to foster the spirit of brotherhood, Tovihoto appealed, “Let’s not confine brotherhood and reconciliation only within Chungaizaeng or Rongmei community but let it reach across entire Naga communities and the northeast.”

The festival programme was marked by a number of cultural performances and songs presented by various colonies in Dimapur.

"Naga Writings in English" released

Dr. Benjongliba attends conference of Agriculture Ministers

DImaPur, January 22 (mexn): A three day conference of Agriculture Ministers was held at Gangtok Sikkim from January 17 to 19, with the theme ‘Sustainable Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in India.’ The Nagaland State was represented by Dr. Benjongliba Aier, Parliamentary Secretary of Agriculture and Chairman of NSAMB and Thungjamo Lotha, Joint Director of Agriculture.

The conference was inaugurated by Radha Mohan Singh, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare on January 17 in the presence of the Chief Minister of Sikkim, two Union Minister of State for Agriculture and a host of

Dr. Benjongliba Aier, Parliamentary Secretary of Agriculture and Chairman of NSAMB chairs the Technical Session during the conference of Agriculture Ministers held at Gangtok from January 17 to 19.

agricultural scientists and corporate executives.

The Technical Session was held on January 17 in which Dr. Benjongliba Aier was given the privi-

lege to chair the Session which was attended by all the Agriculture Ministers from all the states of India, officials from Ministry of Agriculture, ICAR,

APEDA, NHB, various corporate and financial institutes and senior officials from various states.

On January 18, the Prime Minister inaugurat-

ed the Orchid Exhibitions at the Ridge park, Gangtok followed by the General Conference at Chintan Bhawan, where the thematic recommendations were presented that were evolved during the Technical Session for the future planning of organic agriculture and soil health management in the country and to transform Indian agriculture with new visions. The PM also declared Sikkim State as the First Organic State in the country on the same day.

On January 19, Narendar Modi also inaugurated the Organic Agriculture Festival at Sarama garden, 13th Kms away from Gangtok.

The team also visited some organic fields in the state.

Naga Scholars Association members with the author and others during the release of the Dr. Veio Pou’s book titled “Literary Culture of India’s North East: Naga Writings in English” on January 21 at New Delhi.

DImaPur, January 22 (mexn): Naga Scholars Association (NSA) felicitated the book launch of Dr. Veio Pou’s maiden academic writing “Literary Culture of India’s North East: Naga Writings in English”, on January 21 at School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi.

The programme started with a welcome address by Dr. Zuchamo Yanthan, President of Naga Scholars’ Association. The president con-

gratulated Dr. Veio for the book and Easterine Kire for winning The Hindu Prize Award 2015.

Dr. Manjeet Baruah, Assistant Professor of JNU elaborated on the book with critical insights and praises the contribution for keenly capturing the invisible terrain of indigenous perspective from multiple angles relative to the region. From the indepth penetration of the literary culture of India’s north east, the author ingeniously stimulates the audiences with the liter-

New Parish Church dedicated at Songlhuh

Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima dedicates the newly built St. Joseph Church at Songlhuh Village in Peren district.

DImaPur, January 22 (mexn): It was a special day for the catholic community in Songlhuh Village when its newly built St. Joseph Church was dedicated and opened for worshiping on January 21. Songlhuh is a village in the Peren district of Nagaland, under Athibung Circle.

It was blessed by Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima and inaugurated by Lithrila Sangtam, EAC Ahthibung in the presence of Village GBs, Chairman, and community representative from Jalukie, Kohima, and Dimapur. The Bishop also blessed and inaugurated the Grotto. Rev. Fr. Sunny Joseph, Vice Principal St. Joseph’s Jakhama College unveiled the Church Monolith.

The Bishop, in his introduction, congratulated Frs. Antho-

nysamy, John Vipral, Jose Sebastian, and George Punnolil who helped with planning and drawing and others like the contractor and the catholic community in constructing such a beautiful church.

In his sermon, the Bishop referring to the Bible on how the Jewish people took pride in the temple of Jerusalem but makes only empty ritual urged the congregation make the building a spiritual church- a living church. People should come to the church to worship the living God. To build self as a spiritual temple every day, Bishop said adding while building of material physical church is over; there is a task for building the spiritual church - the real Church.

The living church is still in the

process, opined Rev. Dr. Thoppil further urging the community “To build ourselves as true and genuine Church, where God dwells every moment.

Earlier, Rev. Fr. John Vipral, Asst. Priest welcomed all those gathered for the occasion on behalf of the Parish Priest and community. Other highlights of the day included a felicitation programme by L. William; short speeches by Bishop James, Fr. Anthonysamy, and the GB of Songlhuh; duet from Esther and Jenny; and special songs from St. Xavier’s, Seminary, Jalukie Town Youth Association. It concluded with vote of thanks by James Khupsieh followed by a community meal. This was stated in a press note from the .Bishop’s Secretary, Fr. Thomas Toretkiu.

ary nuances and its applicability addressed in his book which are picked up from different genre of writings from the region.

NSA President, Zuchamo Yanthan in a press release stated that the programme was chaired by Nzanmongi Jasmine Patton, Assistant Professor of English, in a College of Delhi University. Recent Hindu Prize Winner Dr. Easterine Kire released the book with much fanfare and appreciation from Naga scholar fraternity and colleagues.

Dramatizing Education: Workshop at Unity College explores its nuances DImaPur, January 22 (mexn): The second year B. Ed Trainees of Unity College Dimapur were treated to live sessions of interactive learning as well as immersing in the experience at a workshop recently.

The five-day workshop on the topic “Drama in Education” was held at the College from January 12-16 where the participants witnessed lively lecture sessions and application activities by recreating live to the life syllabus and learning by doing.

The resource person of the workshop was a Temjenzungba, a graduate from National school of Drama (NSD), New Delhi, who enthralled the trainees with various dramatic activities as well as embodying the curriculum and challenging the theories through the concept of Drama-in- Education.

According to a press note received here, application of drama as a medium of teaching, elucidating lesson through different expression and developing pedagogy of teaching through different techniques of theater were some objectives of the workshop.

It also aimed at engaging the trainees in various integrative activities for personal development and growth using drama in education, it added.

Sharing an imaginative world and drama as rehearsing for the reality and simplifying the conventional notion of education through simple moments and gestures were other areas dealt in the workshop.

The workshop proved to be a big boon to all the trainees and faculty as well, it informed maintaining that such interactive exchanges act as a catalyst “in bringing out innate qualities and polishing of skills requisite of a teacher.”

SaturDaY 23•01•2016

NORTH-EAST

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

147 days after Manipur violence, 9 victims' bodies yet to be buried Imphal, JaNUaRY 22 (hT): It’s been 147 days since nine people were killed in the violence that broke out during an agitation at Churachandpur in Manipur last year, but their bodies still seem no closer to undertaking their final journey. Local residents say they had died for a cause, something they cannot afford to bury three feet under the ground until it is realised.

The nine had died between August 31 and September 1 last year while protesting against the Manipur assembly passing three controversial bills allegedly aimed at depriving tribals of the right to their land, and benefitting only those living in the valley. But those supporting the legislations, which dealt with land reforms and commercial establishments, claimed they were meant to safeguard the rights of the Manipuri people from outsiders.

Within hours of the passage of the bills on August 31, protestors from Manipur’s hilly areas took to the streets – Churachandpur forming the epicenter of the agitation. As tensions escalated and protesters took to violence and arson, police opened fire – allegedly killing six of the protesters.

Today, memories of that day continue to haunt the town – home to several tribes such as the Kuki, Paite, Hmar and Zomi.

Men, women and children continue to gather near the Churachandpur district hospital morgue, where the bodies of the nine are kept.

Sitting in front of nine empty coffins, all bearing photographs of the deceased, they sing hymns and shout slogans against the bills.

The nine dead people have turned martyrs in their eyes, and the meetings outside the morgue have assumed a near-ritualistic quality.

According to the trib-

als, the local morgue was ill-equipped to keep bodies for more than a day – it had no cold storage facility. Fervent demands cut through the red tape, but very slowly, and the facility was installed over 100 days after the bodies were brought in. By then, they had decomposed beyond recognition.

The tribals complain that the state government has done little to address their concerns. “We went to register an FIR, but the police officer-in-charge refused to comply. They said they were conducting their own inquiry. Later, I get a letter from the police branding my young son as a criminal. He is only 11,” says 40-year-old Nemneiching, mother of Khaijamang Touthang, one of the victims.

She speaks the truth.

The suo moto case registered by the police officer-in-charge accuses the 11-year-old of arson and

attacking a police station.

Besides doing away with the bills, the hill tribes want the state government to launch an investigation into the killing of the nine people. They complain that while the authorities set up an inquiry commission to probe the death of one person during the ILP protests in the valley, they seem to be taking no such step for their counterparts from the hills.

Meanwhile, the region continues to reel under sporadic violence and bandhs. Just two days ago, women protestors from the two sides had clashed at Torbung – injuring 10.

Following this, the district magistrate of Churachandpur imposed a curfew in the area, prohibiting the assembly of more than 10 people.

Many politicians have come out in support of the protest. On December 9, a coffin rally was organised at Jantar Mantar in Delhi to mark 100 days of the Churachandpur killings.

Four MPs – Tarun Vijay of the BJP, former Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio, Jiten Chowdhury of the CPM and Biswajit Daimary of the Bodoland People’s Front – addressed protesters and demanded a review of the three bills.

“We’ve met a lot of politicians, but nothing has been done yet,” says T Romeo Hmar, convenor of the Manipur Tribals Forum Delhi (MTFD). “Home minister Rajnath Singh says he has been talking to the chief minister, but they are not doing anything. While Singh said we should put more pressure on the state government, he also asked us to bury the bodies.”

Since the incident, the MTFD and the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of various tribes formed in Churachandpur have met many politicians – including Rajnath Singh, Kiren Rijiju and state chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh – but nothing seems to have worked out.

JAC convenor H Mangchinkhup said the Manipur chief minister clearly told them that the bills were passed under pressure from CorCom (coordination committee), an umbrella organisation of militant groups.

Taking the agitation forward, the MTFD and JAC plans to take out a protest on January 25 – a day before Republic Day. Protesters say the movement intends to question the nature of the Indian republic, which – they allege – denies citizens their rights.

If there’s one thing all the tribals believe in, it’s a resolution to not give up unless their demands are met. Chiinneihching, a 62-year-old woman who lost her son in police firing, echoes the sentiment. “Let him be there for years,” she says. “Let him be there until only his skeleton remains.

I’ll be fine with that because he died for his people, his land.”

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Fire destroys oldest school in Meghalaya SohRa (meghalaYa), JaNUaRY 22 (pTI): Meghalaya's oldest school that withstood the 'Great earthquake' of 1897 has been reduced to ashes in a devastating fire, suspected to have been caused by a short circuit.

Six classrooms, a laboratory and the office room of the Cherra Presbyterian Secondary School, established here in 1847, were destroyed in the fire and innumerable antique photographs and documents were lost in the inferno, headmistress V M D Waanbah told PTI. The office chowkidar, a woman, reported the fire at around 2 AM on Thursday but the fire-brigade reached the school one and half hours later though it is located in less than a km away, Waanbah alleged.

By the time the fire tenders reached the school, most of the school's property was reduced to ashes, she said adding that a large number of furniture and three computers were also lost in the fire.

Most importantly, the school lost all its records kept right from 1847 when the institution was set up, as well as the other land and office documents.

Photographs of the school's founders were among the valuable possessions gutted in the fire, Waanbah said.

The pre-Board examination that has been going on in the school was also called off after the incident.

However, the headmistress said, education of over 200 students studying in the school will not be affected as classes can be held in the annexed buildings while effort is on to construct a new building to replace the old one.

Fire brigade officials said it might have been caused by short circuit in one of the rooms.

The Welsh Mission had established the school in 1847 in a stone walled tin roofed house, which is now gone. It was later handed over to the Cherra Presbyterian Church.

Many eminent personalities of the state took their early education in the school and Leader of Opposition Donkupar Roy is one such alumnus.

Tree frog thought extinct for 137 yrs rediscovered in M'laya Gogoi slams Modi for criticising predecessor Charlotte Beale Independent

A tree frog presumed extinct for more than a century has been discovered again in an Indian jungle.

Last recorded in the wild in 1870, the frog was found again in 2007 by a renowned Indian professor dubbed The Frog Man for discovering over a quarter of his country’s 350 frog species.

But now DNA tests have revealed the frog is part of a new genus, a category one degree wider than species.

The frogs, found in northeast Indian states, live in tree holes up to 6m above the jungle floor, which may be why they have escaped scientists’ notice for nearly 140 years.

The female frogs have an unusual way of tending their young, feeding their tadpoles on other unfertilised eggs. The tadpoles have suction-like mouths, instead of teeth, to pull in the eggs.

'We heard a full musical orchestra coming from the treetops. It was magical. Of course we had to investigate,' scientist says The frogs' singing alerted University of Delhi Professor Sathyabhama Das Biju to them in 2007 during a hunt in Meghalaya.

"We heard a full musical orchestra coming from the tree-

tops”, he said.

“It was magical. Of course we had to investigate.”

Despite the rediscovery, the frog’s survival is under threat from deforestation and pollution caused by India’s

industrial growth. Forests in which his team found the frogs in 2007 and 2008 have already been burned for development.

"This frog is facing extreme stress in these areas, and could be pushed to extinction simply from habitat loss," Professor Biju said.

"We're lucky in a way to have found it before that happens, but we're all worried."

In recognition of the frog’s new genus, Professor Biju has updated its name from Polypedates jerdonii (after Thomas Jerdon, the British naturalist who first found the frog in 1870) to Frankixalus jerdonii, in honour of zoologist and former supervisor Franky Bossuyt.

Jerdon’s specimens, collected in 1870, are housed at London’s Natural History Museum and were previously thought to be some of the last remaining evidence of the frog.

A study on the new frog genus was published in science journal PLOS ONE.

Mizoram PWD Commissioner removed after students' stir aIZawl, JaNUaRY 22 (pTI): Under pressure from agitation by students and associations of differently-abled people, Mizoram government today revoked the order for extension of service of Commissioner for People with Disabilities (PwD) B Sairengpuii.

Social Welfare Minister P C Lalthanliana said the government has revoked the order for extension of service of B Sairengpuii as PwD Commissioner.

Lalthanliana showed the government order in this regard to the leaders of the Mizo Students Union (MSU), spearhead-

ing the agitation demanding removal of Sairengpuii, younger sister of the Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla's wife Lal Riliani.

Thousands of students assembled near Vanapa Hall, a noted auditorium in the city, dispersed after hearing the news but not before adopting three resolutions seeking immediate appointment of a qualified person in the post of the PwD Commissioner, drafting of recruitment rules for the PwD Commissioner and compensation for students injured in clashes with the police yesterday.

At least eight people including six po-

Tripura man held for making hoax bomb threat escapes VelloRe, JaNUaRY 22 (The hINDU): A 37-yearold man arrested for making hoax bomb threats to Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore last October slipped away from police escorts while he was being taken in a train to Lucknow on Wednesday night. He reportedly got off the train at Itarsi railway station in Madhya Pradesh.

Syed Ahmed Ali, a resident of Tripura, was arrested

by Vellore police on October 16 after he made two bomb threat calls to CMC on October 14. Initially, it was suspected he had terror links as he possessed nearly 10 SIM cards.

However, investigation ruled out that he had any terror links, and that he was terminally ill with cancer, police said.

Ali has a history of issuing fake bomb threats to various places. He reportedly threatened to blow up Taj Mahal, and a dargah in Ajmer and was being searched by police. Following the call to CMC, Vellore North police traced and arrested him. He was lodged in the Vellore Central Prison for Men. On the night of January 19, a team of six police personnel led by a sub-inspector had escorted him in Raptisagar Express for a court hearing in Lucknow. They boarded the train at Katpadi. “This hearing was in connection with a bomb threat call to railway police. He was to be produced before the Additional Chief Magistrate Court, Lucknow for the hearing. The team left with him on January 19 and was supposed to reach Lucknow on 9.30 a.m. on Thursday. He escaped from the train around 11 p.m.,” a senior police official said.

It remains unclear as to how Ali escaped from the police personnel. There were many versions on his escape from the police escort team. Some said he had slipped away when three police men had alighted to have tea, while the other three were engaged in a conversation with railway police personnel, sources said.

licemen were injured when the police tried to disperse agitating students in front of the office of the PwD Commissioner yesterday.

The Mizo Students' Union (MSU), the Aizawl City College Joint Students Union (ACCJSU) and the Mizoram Blind Society have been protesting against the appointment and extension of the service of Sairengpuii.

They alleged that Sairengpuii, a retired state secretariat service officer, was appointed as PwD Commissioner though she did not have qualification to become one.

New DelhI, JaNUaRY 22 (IaNS): Virtually bringing the campaign for the upcoming Assam assembly elections to the heart of the national capital, state Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Friday lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for criticising his predecessor Manmohan Singh.

“I have never seen any prime minister criticising his predecessors,” Gogoi said while addressing the media here.

“Manmohan Singh did not and not even (Atal Bihari) Vajpayee,” he said.

Launching the Bharatiya Janata Party's election campaign at Kokrajhar in Assam on Tuesday, Modi said that Assam sent Manmohan Singh as prime minister for 10 years and the state has been having a Congress government for 15 years but still there were a number of problems.

If a state has sent a prime minister for 10 years, then it should have been free of all problems, he said.

Elections for the 126-member Assam assembly are expected to be held in April-May. On Friday, Gogoi said that Modi has become “shaky” ahead of the elections and that was why he was blaming Manmohan Singh.

“You have also been chief minister of Gujarat for 15 years.

Are all problems (in Gujarat) solved?” the Assam chief minister posed.

He said that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Gujarat were sick, farmers were unhappy and the BJP lost the local government polls there.

Gogoi said that before becoming the Prime Minister,

'I will be the general of the party' New DelhI, JaNUaRY 22 (pTI): Virtually anointing himself as the chief ministerial candidate for the fourth straight term, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today said the coming Assembly election would be a direct fight between him and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and ruled out any alliance. "Everyone’s face will be there. But I will be the captain. I am the General of the party and Modi is the General of BJP," he said at a press conference.

Gogoi was replying to a question on whether he would be the chief ministerial candidate of Congress or not in the state Assembly polls expected to be held in April-May. The 79-year-old Congress veteran also ruled out any alliance with any political party saying Congress is more interested for electoral "understanding" with "secular" parties to defeat BJP. "I am going alone. There will be no seat sharing. There will be no mahajoth. Only maha-understanding with some secular parties to ensure BJPs defeat. Understanding means vote for Congress but not BJP. Vote for AGP but not for BJP," he said.

He said Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi has left it to him and the party’s state unit to decide on the issue of alliance.

Modi raised high hopes and people too had high expectations from him.

“But instead of concentrating on internal problems, he started concentrating on foreign affairs,” Gogoi said.

“Modi enjoys the company of NRIs and CEOs more than his own people.”

Referring to Modi's charge that Manmohan Singh did nothing for Assam, Gogoi said the foundation of the Indian Institute of Information Techonlogy (IIIT) that the Prime Minister laid in Guwahati earlier this week was actually a gift of Manmohan Singh.

“Now he is going to the gas cracker project. It's the biggest PSU in the northeast and is a gift from Manmohan Singh. And he (Modi) is asking what has Manmohan Singh done,” the chief

Mawlynnong is Asia's Cleanest Village Anjali Bisaria

NAGALAND MULTISPECIALITY HEALTH & RESEARCH CENTRE MIDLAND DIMAPUR Ph: 03862-248302/248295/9856006026 VISITING DOCTOR AVAILABLE FOR CONSULTATION ON 31ST JAN’16

DR. M. SAHDULLAH MD (NEURO PSYCHIATRIST) (Trained at Nimhans, Bangalore)

indiatimes.com

Mawlynnong is the cleanest village not just in India but in Asia as well.

Flowerbed roads know no plastic.

Bamboo dustbins keep the hamlet clean. Littering attracts stern looks from volunteers working hard to keep the mess off of the paths. All this and more makes Mawlynnong a shining example of everything pure.

Home to the Khasi tribe, Mawlynnong is a matrilineal society - where property and wealth are passed from mothers to their youngest daughters, and children take their mothers' last names.

Nestled in Meghalaya's mountainous bosom, Mawlynnong is far removed from noise and dirt. It's so clean that it might as well sparkle in the falling rays of the morning sun.

No society is perfect and neither was Mawlynnong. 130 years ago when cholera plagued the village, there was no other option available other than to adopt hygiene as the perfect way of living. And so it did.

Open defacation was abolished and with the adoption of sanitation came toilets, and nearly 95 households had them built.

Until 2003, this home of 500 Khasi people kept itself removed from the rest of the world as motorable ac-

minister said.

He said that the central government has been asking from the state government a white paper on its work in the last 15 years but all major indicators showed the state was developing on all fronts. “Modi himself gave an award to my agriculture ministry,” he said.

Gogoi said that during Manmohan Singh's tenure as Prime Minister, bridges were built across the Brahmaputra river, new roads constructed and electricity supply increased.

“Even Rajiv Gandhi gave Assam the Numaligarh (oil refinery) and central universities,” he said.

“They have asked for white paper, we will give them. But they can see the figures for themselves as these are all government figures.”

Patients with Depression, Anxiety, Memory Problem, Epilepsy Headache, Drug & Alcohol Problem, Sexual Problems, Mental Disorders, Mania etc and Patients who needs EEG (Electroencephalogram) can do the registration.

SITUATION VACANT

JUBILEE MEMORIAL SCHOOL (Affiliated to CISCE, New Delhi) Salangtem Ward, Mokokchung, Nagaland.

Walk-in-Interview

Hand crafted waste bin at Mawlynnong village.

cessibility was almost like a foreign concept. But then came 2012 and the first road was carved. And along with it came a deluge of visitors that swelled the population by almost half of a cent percent.

And soon followed other vices - noise pollution, nosy visitors photographing washerwomen, and the gradual breaking of the social thread that binds Mawlynnong together.

In his radio message, Prime Miinister Narendra Modi had besought the nation to follow suit and do their

bit to keep the country clean and pretty under his Clean India campaign.

"I was amazed to know that there is such a village in remote north-east, Meghalaya which is so passionately carrying the mission of cleanliness for years," he had said.

While we all need to do our bit to keep our home (and by home I mean India) clean and pollutionfree, we must also remember to respect Mawlynnong's effort that can so beautifully lead by example.

1. Post: School Bus Driver Essential: i) At least 5 years experience of driving heavy vehicles with valid driving license ii) Non-alcoholic and non-smoker Desirable: i) Age between 35 – 50 years ii) Gentle Temperament Documents: i) Driving license Xerox copy ii) One photo 2. PGT for Elective English (10+2 ISC Level) Qualification: M.A. (English), B.Ed. Scale of Pay for Sl. No.2 : 9300 – 280 – 14,900/- PM plus D.A.70%, HRA, M.A., etc.

Perks: CPF, LTC, Gratuity, etc.

DATE OF INTERVIEW: 30th of January 2016 at J. M. School complex. Interested candidates may report at J. M. School office along with all original documents latest by 8:00 AM on the same day. Please note that NO CALLING LETTERS WILL BE ISSUED separately.

Sd/S. K. Maiti Principal, J. M. School Ph.No. 0369 - 2226319

Sd/Chairman BOG, J. M. School

4

SaturDaY 23 •01•2016

Business

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Poor labourers paying price for India’s cheap car boom FARIDABAD, JAnuARy 22 (ReuteRs): In a dingy factory in the sprawling industrial hub of Manesar in northern India, a plastic moulding machine malfunctioned, mangling Visheshwar Prasad Singh’s right hand as he made parts for a supplier to the country’s major automakers.

Singh was one of thousands of poor labourers, many temporary, who toil for 12 hours a day making auto parts for as little as $3-a-day to feed India’s cheap car boom.

“I had no training to use the machine and was asked to operate it one day,” said the 51-year-old, who made parts for Ranee Polymers, supplying to Honda Motor Co and Yamaha Motor Co. Doctors reattached his hand, but after 14 months and three operations it remains near-paralysed.

The plant manager at Ranee Polymers said the company did not allow workers to operate machines without proper training. There were only

Workers make auto parts on machines inside a manufacturing unit in Faridabad, December 24, 2015. REUTERS

one to two accidents a year at the plant, which employs 250 people, R.K. Rana said.

Honda Cars India, which sources from Ranee, was not aware of the accident as it did not occur when making parts for the company, a spokeswoman said, adding that audits of incidents impact-

ing safety or supplies were conducted.

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India said a spokesman was not available to comment. India Yamaha Motor did not respond.

Car makers such as Maruti Suzuki India and Hyundai Motor see huge growth in India, set to be-

come the world’s thirdlargest auto market by 2020 as millions buy their first new car. Price tags can be as low as $3,000 for a new Tata Motors Nano mini-car.

India is also becoming a low-cost export hub for global car makers such as General Motors and Ford Motor.

Consultant McKinsey estimates India’s auto parts sector will grow fivefold to about $200 billion by 2026, with exports rising to $80 billion from $11 billion.

As the sector expands, some of the work is subcontracted out to small factories operating on paper-thin margins, where poor contract workers often have little or no access to safety equipment or health benefits, industry experts say.

“Undoubtedly, the workforce of suppliers, especially at the bottom of the chain, are paying for the growth in the auto industry,” said Puneet Gupta, associate director at consultant IHS Automotive. But with more focus on quality and with India becoming an export hub working conditions would improve, he added.

Car makers say they conduct audits at their main suppliers, but it is not possible to check all the smaller companies that may be outsourced work.

A Maruti spokesman said the company conducts safety and quality audits at its 400 direct suppliers and shares best shopfloor practices, including those related to safety and working conditions.

Ford India and Hyundai, which manufacture cars in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, far from the Manesar hub, did not respond to an email seeking comment.

LACK OF TRAINING, INSPECTIONS A report by non-profit organisations Agrasar and Safe in India on safeguarding workers in the auto hub of Gurgaon and Manesar, outside Delhi, said most accidents occurred due to lack of training and safety inspections and poor machine maintenance. The region - some 50 km (31 miles) south of the capital and home to top car maker Maruti Suzuki along with hundreds of small factories - employs 80,000 workers, but there are only about 35 to 40 inspectors

in total to monitor all industries in the area.

A senior official in the state labour department said inspections happened once a year, or when a worker reported an accident - the leading cause of which was violations of safety rules such as having sensors or guards on machines, he said.

Every year, more than 1,000 workers in the auto hub, most below 23 years of age, are injured seriously and lose their livelihoods, the report said.

“Factory owners train people for a day or two and get them to operate machines. It is all about meeting targets,” said Prerit Rana, founder of Agrasar, that helps rehabilitate injured workers.

POOR WORKING CONDITIONS The village of Mujesar in Faridabad, south of Delhi, is a labyrinth of auto part workshops, many operating in residential areas where most manufacturing is banned. In one of the hole-in-the-wall work-

shops, made up of two small rooms with a window the size of a computer screen for ventilation, Reet Lal coats metal parts with anti-rust chemicals, earning him 8,500 rupees ($125) a month.

With a glove only in one hand and no mask, Lal endures nauseating smells for 12 hours a day to complete work outsourced by a firm whose website says it makes parts for Maruti, Tata Motors and GM. A Tata Motors spokeswoman said it no longer sources from the supplier due to poor quality of products. GM India said it did not source parts from that supplier.

Kamala, a 30-year-old worker at another small workshop inFaridabad, spends hours on a wooden stool labouring over a rusted drilling machine.

“My life is hell,” said Kamala, a mother-oftwo who spends part of about $2.50 she earns a day to treat chronic backache. “I hope my children don’t have to go through the same.”

Modified Bajaj discover becomes World’s Longest Bike Star Cement customers mint a fortune with Kismat ki Bori GuJARAt, JAnuARy 22 (AGencIes): How often have you wondered about a motorcycle’s turning radius just by looking at it? Well, I surely have. On one of the occasions while travelling to Delhi from my hometown as a kid, I happened to see a Honda Gold Wing. Apart from being

awestruck, I instantly wondered how anyone could take a U-turn on that bike.

Years passed and with the help of the internet, I kept tabs on big motorcycles, and now I have chanced upon this one.

One lad from Gujarat has registered himself in the Guinness Book of

World Records by making the world’s longest bike. Bharat Sinh Parmar took a usual Bajaj Pulsar 125, chopped it, and added some metal to make it 26.29 metres long which is 86 feet and three inches to be precise.

Now don’t hurt your brain trying to think about

how he plans to take a turn on this motorcycle, because this bike was made solely for one purpose - to be the longest motorcycle in the world. Parmar had to ride this bike for 100 metres continuously and without any assistance to qualify to enter the Guinness Book of World Records. The 86 feet long motorcycle Parmar has made is 13 feet longer than the previous record holder.

The engine of the world’s longest motorcycle is the stock 125cc engine that was used in the earlier version of the Bajaj Discover. The power generated is transferred to the rear wheel using a chain drive mechanism. The only thing I am curious to know is the net power delivered at the rear wheel as the power loss must be immense. Anyway, all I can say is that whatever that net power was, it was enough to make him ride into the history books.

_

LEISURE

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

SUDOKU Game Number # 3469

GuwAhAtI, JAnuARy 22 (AGencIes): As brand Star Cement shines bright with record sales and increasing market share, it has opened up the bags of fortune for all cement customers across the North East. Star Cement customers are minting a fortune with “Kismat Ki Bori”, the biggest consumer connect initiative by any cement company in recent years in this region.

Since the launch of “Kismat ki Bori” in the beginning of this year over 14 customers have already won fabulous prizes of Rs. 25000 to 50000. Besides this Thousands of others have won high value prizes.

This has brought smiles and prosperity in the lives of customers as they not only get money but also realise that their luck is shining.

Some of the customers who won top prizes, are Mridul Roy from Dhemaji, Ratan Baidya from Jagi Road, Parosottom Talukdar from Nalbari, Omser Ali from Dhubri, Jagjeevan Ram from Lekhabali, Pitamber Deka and Chintamoni Dorjee from Tezpur, Kromwell Lyngkhoi from Shillong, Aminul Hoque from Guwahati, Suman Dey from Agartala, Papu Borah from Golaghat, Aveto

Awomi from Nagaland, Aftarul Ali from Barpeta, Asraful Ali from Bongaigaon, Dhananjay Biswas from Morigaon, and Sandipan Saikia from Jorhat. Luck truly has come across the North East.

In the “Kismat Ki Bori” campaign a customer is sure to get a coupon in every bag of Star Cement that he

DAILY CROSS WORD

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buys. Coupons range in value from Rs. 2/- to Rs. 50,000/-. This makes each and every buyer of Star Cement lucky because no one goes away with nothing. With “Kismat Ki Bori” customers know that they will either get lucky or get very lucky. Star Cement customers have the opportunity to try their luck and win big.

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SaturdaY 23•01•2016

NAGALAND

‘The world is changing and we ASTD condemns ‘threat to life’ need to change with the world’ Morung Express News Kigwema | January 22

Under the theme ‘Wi khe’ (Strive Forward Together), the Khamima Youth Society of Kigwema village celebrated its Platinum Jubilee on January 22 with Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Dr. Neikiesalie Kire, as the Chief Guest. Earlier, the inaugural function was held on January 21 with Neitsalie Zhasa, IFS, Principal Secretary, and Chief Patron of the Jubilee as the main speaker.

Zapu-o Zhasa, former Chairman of the Village Council, stated that the village had developed in so many areas in the last 75 years and expressed hope that God will continue to bless the people.

“The world is changing and we need to change with the world,” Dr. Kire exhorting the youth and students in the Khel stated. He reminded how youngsters in the past, despite limited facilities and opportunities, worked hard in the absence of smart phones. However, according to him, the youth today are more privileged but at the same time have numerous distractions.

“There is no harm in copying the good things, but we Nagas tend to only copy the wrong things,” he opined.

Wi Khe: Khamima Youth of Kigwema Village celebrates Platinum Jubilee

Dimapur, January 22 (mExn): Stating that no authority can issue any license to any individual or group to attempt murder or threaten any person or family without any rhyme or reasons, the Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur (ASTD) today vehemently condemned the threat meted out to one if its member on January 18.

The incident occurred at the private residence of Er. Sungtiba Amer at Padumphukhuri, Dimapur, when some unidentified masked gunman allegedly jumped over the residen-

(LEFT) Chief Guest Dr. Neikiesalie Kire speaks during the Platinum Jubilee. (RIGHT) Khamima youth presenting a folk song called Ledephyo.

A crucial point put forwarded was the importance of Sports, which Dr. Kire asserted, should be encouraged. Mentioning that parents in the past discouraged children from indulging in sports because there was no scope for livelihood in sports back then, the minister stated that a good sportsperson, today, earns more than officers.

Further observing that today’s youngsters in Nagaland wear the best branded clothes but their performances do not improve, Dr. Kire lamented that very few

Nagas have made it to the national level in terms of sports.

Dedication, determination and devotion, according to Dr. Kire, are essential to becoming good sportspersons.

Stressing strongly on giving back to the village and society, the minister mentioned how very often people tend to forget who they originally are after becoming someone or something in the society and urged the gathering to contribute; not just with money but with knowledge, and help our society to change for the better. Putting it as

‘payback time’, Dr. Kire affirmed that these small contributions either in teaching villagers or helping them access opportunities will go a long way to see the required changes in the society.

“Today many elders do not speak the truth due to fear of angering the youth.

But the society will only improve when the truth is told.

What can you give back to your society?” he concluded with the question for people to ponder on.

Earlier, Er. Vikho-o Yhoshü, MLA, stated that jubilee is a time to celebrate,

recall and reflect on the efforts of people who have worked hard and led society, the journey of the society and to review its contribution to the common people.

Further, jubilee is also a time to remember that the world that the people shared is not just theirs, but a gift of God, to lighten the burdens of the weaker persons and make efforts towards restoration of human relations, viewed Er. Yhoshü.

The event was chaired

by Er. Diethosielie Zhasa, Convenor, Organising Committee.

Dimapur, January 22 (mExn): Power supply to Phek and Kiphire Districts were totally disrupted today with the snapping of 132kV Kohima-Kiphire Transmission line at Mesulumi Village, under Chizami Block in Phek district.

A public notification from Executive Engineer, Trans-

fice Memorandum Dated November 16, 2015 “is against the interests of the indigenous inhabitants of Mokokchung district”.

It stated that a thorough meeting was held at the AKM office on January 20, 2016 where it was unanimously resolved not to accept the reservation of 25 percent for the Grade IV vacancies.

“All the Grade-IV posts falling under the establishment of Deputy Commissioner should be filled up from among the indigenous Ao citizens of the district only,” the ultimatum stated.

It also demanded that ‘for the direct recruitment of Grade-III posts of Dobashi under the establishment of Deputy Commissioner in district administration,’ the posts should be filled up by indigenous Ao inhabitants of the district only.

It stated that this demand about the recruitment of Dobashis is in consonance with the demand of the Ao Senden which had

Ao Senden, AKM serve ultimatum to RMSA moKoKchung, January 22 (mExn): The Ao Senden and Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) have served an ultimatum to the Rashtriya Madhyamik Siksha Abhiyan (RMSA), Nagaland to respond by January 31.

The two apex Ao organizations are demanding answers from the Director RMSA, Nagaland over the selection of only five candidates for Ao subject after the viva-voce, despite 26 candidates qualifying in the written examination against 20 posts.

Ao Senden president, Imolemba Jamir and AKM vice-President, Akummeren Longchar, in a joint ultimatum served to the RMSA, Nagaland, stipulated till January 31, 2016 for a justifiable response.

“Your concerned department will be solely held responsible for any untoward situation created in this connection due in 2013 and 2014 written to the Mokokchung Deputy Commissioner ‘not to appoint Dobashis from other tribes to the Mokokchung Customary Court’.

The ultimatum also stated that the meeting of the apex organizations strongly resolved to reject

to your negligence,” stated the ultimatum.

It may be noted here that the written examination for the post of 20 Ao subject teachers under RMSA was held on May 24, 2014 in which twenty six candidates were declared successful. The viva-voce was held on August 8, 2015 and the result for the same was declared on November 30, 2015, with only five candidates selected for the Ao subject teacher posts.

However, right after the declaration of the results, there were many voices of discontentment from different organizations questioning why only five Ao subject teachers were selected against the post of 20, while twenty six cleared the written exams. Notable organizations which have raised questions about the RMSA results include Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur, Central Nagaland Students’ Association and Central Nagaland Tribes Council.

the “reservation policy for backward tribes in respect to Grade-III posts” in the district and instead called for open competition from eligible candidates from all indigenous inhabitants and selection on merit basis.

“We propose for open

competition without any reservation from among the eligible indigenous inhabitants of the state for the Grade – III posts. However, the recruitment process should be conducted in a transparent manner and the selection process should be based purely on

Morung Express News Kohima | January 22

Members of Harmonic Voices Nagaland after the press conference at Dream Café, Kohima on January 22.

ing in Nagaland to a professional level. “We want to reach out to more audience, go beyond the State and dream big,” added the Choir Director.

The choir was formed in 2014 during the Ultimate Hornbill Choir Competition and made its way to the top as the winners of the competition in 2014. Harmonic Voices comprise of 15 mem-

bers of five tribes at present namely Akhrou Koza (Choir Director), Mele Pucho (Managing Director), Topeni K Assumi (Soprano), Rükhetuolie Theünuo (Tenor), Surhuveyi Tetseo (Bass), Pezetgumbe Newme (Bass), Vezoto Swuro (Tenor), Vepota Nyekha (Bass), Nulatelu Keyho (Alto), Emilo Yanthan (Alto), Ruopfü Yhokha (Alto), Vikhriezono

Yore (Soprano), Welou Khalo (Soprano), Nourhevilie Khate (Violinist) and Ayide Koza (Pianist).

“So far we’ve been singing in our local churches but we want to go beyond.

We are trying to promote our own folk tunes and folk music, grow in knowledge and skills in music,” stated Surhuveyi Tetseo. Rükhetuolie Theünuo also observed

that Choral music has not been able to go beyond the church and opined that the concert is a positive step in taking it further.

The group remains positive on the prospect of making a career out of choral music. The group’s Managing Director Pucho admits that making a living out of music in Nagaland is “very challenging” but ex-

mission Division, Kohima informed that the snapping occurred due to cutting of trees by some persons along the transmission line. In this regard, the department informed that it is making all efforts to restore the said Transmission line at the earliest and requested the public to bear

with the inconvenience caused. Further cautioning that random cutting of trees may lead to loss of life by electrocution, it urged the public to ‘pre-inform’ in the event of unavoidable situations requiring cutting down of trees near the Transmission Lines to avoid unwanted incident.

National Voter’s Day on Jan 25 Kohima, January 22 (Dipr): The 6th National Voters Day 2016 will be observed on January 25 at Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan, Kohima under the theme ‘Inclusive and Qualitative participation’. Governor of Nagaland, PB Acharya will be the chief guest on

merit basis,” the organizations stated.

While saying that the resolutions at the January 20, 2015 meeting were taken ‘in order to safeguard the rights and interests of the indigenous inhabitants of the district’, the ultimatum demanded that the ‘P&AR Office Memorandum’ should not be implemented unless the above mentioned rectifications are made by the state government.

“Failure to comply with our demands, and implementing the November 16, 2015 P&AR Office Memorandum without rectifications will invite serious action from our part, and for any consequences that may arise, the State Government would be solely held responsible,” the organizations warned.

The ultimatum was appended by Ao Senden vice-president, O Shilu; Watsu Mungdang president Moachila; AKM vicepresident, Akummeren Longchar; and MTLT vice president Martoshi Jamir.

Harmonic Voices Nagaland to present annual concert Season 1 Harmonic Voices Nagaland, a newly formed choir, will be presenting its premiere choral concert at Regional Center of Excellence in Music and Performing Arts, Jotsoma on January 24 at 5pm. The premiere titled “Echoes of Music” will set off the first season of the annual concert.

Holding a press conference at Dream Café on January 22, members of the Choir shared their aims in organizing their debut concert and future plans to promote choral music in Nagaland and beyond.

“Echoes of music is simply and carefully titled to represent the songs we sing, it resounds the music that has inspired us in our journey of life, to inspire people and make our music echo in their hearts,” expressed Topeni K Assumi adding that the annual concert will incorporate their original composition in the future.

Choir Director Akhou Koza emphasized that one of the main objectives of Harmonic voices is to bring choral music sing-

“clear” that it will not allow “any individual/groups to destroy our Naga society at their own whims and fancies just to con their evil desire.”

“We will not permit any citizens to be threatened or blackmailed under the shadow of guns as enough destruction has been caused to our society,” it added.

The Apex body of Aos in Dimapur further appealed the concerned authority to investigate the matter at the earliest, nab the culprits and award befitting punishment.

Power supply disrupted in Phek, Kiphire

Ao orgs reject reservation in Grade III & IV vacancies

moKoKchung, January 22 (mExn): The apex organizations of the Ao community has rejected the reservation of 25 percent in Grade-IV vacancies, recruitment of non-Aos in the Mokokchung Customary Court and ‘reservation policy for backward tribes in respect to Grade-III posts’ under the district administration.

The apex Ao organizations - Ao Senden (Ao Hoho), Watsu Mungdang (Ao Women’s organization), Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (Ao Students’ Conference) and Mokokchung Town Lanur Telongjem (MTLT) – were reacting to certain points contained in an Office Memorandum of Personnel & Administrative Reforms Office which stipulated the recruitment to various vacant posts falling under the district administration.

The four apex organizations, in an ultimatum addressed to the Mokokchung Deputy Commissioner, stated that the P&AR Of-

tial fence and manhandled the helper with ‘malicious intent’ and on finding out that the owner and his family were not present, threatened that they would return again.

“Such shameful act of cowardice and criminal intent, we the ASTD vehemently condemn both in letter and in spirit,” the ASTD stated in a strongly worded statement issued through its President, Supu Jamir, and General Secretary C Onen Longkumer.

Referring to the gunmen’s threat to return again, the ASTD made it

presses hope that the choir will encourage the young in pursuing it as a career.

The choir hopes that it will help build the future for young musicians.

Topeni adds that the Harmonic Voices is open to the younger generation.

Harmonic Voices works closely with the Shillong Chamber Choir with the Meghalaya-based choir currently mentoring the one year old choir.

Meanwhile, Harmonic Voices Nagaland has been selected to represent India in the World Choir Games to be held in Russia in July.

The Competition is considered as one of the largest international choir competitions. The Choir has also been selected to represent India for another choir competition in Vienna as well. However, the group is doubtful on the participation due to financial constraints and expressed hope that the State Government will provide financial assistance.

The Choir will perform renditions on both gospel and secular music. Tickets for the event are priced at Rs. 300 and will be available at the venue.

the occasion while CEO, Nagaland & Commissioner and Secretary of Nagaland & Assam, Sanjay Kumar, IAS will chair the programme and will also administer the National Voters Day pledge. Miss Nagaland 2015 & State Icon (SVEEP), Nenghoilh-

ing Hangsing will present a song. Highlights of the programme will also include short speech by Editor, Nagaland Post Geoffrey Yaden, Naga Hoho, NBCC, The Naga Blog and ENPO. The vote of thanks will be proposed by DC & DEO, Kohima.

MEx FILE 62nd PKhel Day today Kohima, January 22 (mExn): The 62nd P.Khel, Kohima Village day will be held on Saturday at 11:00 am at Christ King Ground, Tholiebozou, P.Khel. All the members and well wishers are cordially invited to grace the Khel day.

ADC Medziphema informs on Republic Day Kohima, January 22 (mExn): The ADC Medziphema Sara Jamir has informed all the heads of department with their staffs under Medziphema subdivision to attend the Republic Day function at Medziphema without fail on January 26. S.I.Jamir Advisor Urban Development will be the chief guest, and will unfurl the national tri colour, take salute and address the gathering. She also informed that the hoisting of flag in offices, institutes and private buildings will take place at 6am on the day.

DC Kohima informs on carrying arms Kohima, January 22 (Dipr): The Deputy Commissioner Kohima, Rovilatuo Mor, IAS in a circular stated that the public are in the habit of carrying licensed arms at random even without the license which is against Law and liable to be prosecuted. Therefore, carrying of arms under unavoidable circumstance should be invariably done with the valid license to avoid security related hassles.

Kohima police informs on 5 km mini marathon race Kohima, January 22 (mExn): The 15 Border Roads Task Force C/O 99 APO is organizing a 5 km mini marathon race from High School junction to Nagaland Legislative Assembly on January 24 at 8:30 am with Governor of Nagaland as chief guest. In view of the same, the public are requested to avoid using the route from High School Junction to Nagaland Legislative Assembly from 8:00 am till completion of the mini marathon unless unavoidable. While informing this in a press release, Joseph Hesso, Sr. Superintendent of Police, Kohima has expressed regret for the inconvenience.

Phek DC notifies phEK, January 22 (Dipr): Deputy Commissioner & District Election Officer, Phek, Murohu Chotso has notified for the general information of all concerned that the 6th National Voters’ Day (NVD) shall be observed on January 25 under the theme “Inclusive and qualitative Electoral Participation” where it will be held at DPDB conference hall, Phek at 12 noon. All the newly enrolled electors, Head of Offices, Principal, Phek Government College/ GHSS, Phek, Political parties, NGOs, BLOs, Wards Chairman/GBs in Phek District have been requested to attend the function positively.

TPO meeting Dimapur, January 22 (mExn): The Tenyimi Peoples Organization (TPO) will hold its general meeting on January 26 at Hotel Millennium, Kohima from 11AM onwards. A press note from TPO Info. & Pub. Secretary, E. Krelo has requested all the TPO Units’ President and two (2) members board of arbitrators to attend the said meeting without fail.

Electrical Consumers asked to clear dues Kohima, January 22 (mExn): Electrical consumers under Electrical Sub-Division No-I Kohima have been asked to clear their electrical bills latest by March 15 so as to avoid disconnection and inconvenience. A press release from the Sub-Divisional Officer, Electrical Sub-Division No.-I, Kohima informing this urged consumers to cooperate with the Department and clear their arrears at the earliest.

saturDaY 23•01•2016

PeoPle, life, etc...

6

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Child Slaves Made Your Phone Battery How Does Pluto Feel About This?

The company that made your smartphone might be getting rich on the backs of African child laborers, according to a new report

Abby Haglage

“T

here is lots of dust, it is very easy to catch colds, and we hurt all over.”

The statement, delivered by a 15-year-old in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), marks the foundation of a new report from Amnesty International. Released this week, it reveals a working situation so terrible for those that mine minerals used in smartphones that it borders on slavery.

Titled This Is What We Die For, the report traces the cobalt from lithium batteries that Apple, Sony, and 14 other companies use in their devices to unregulated mines in the DRC. The 88-page account builds on earlier reportsthat miners in this region risk abuse and death to make just $2/ day mining cobalt.

But on top of hazardous, unethical work conditions, it exposes an overlooked fact about the miners themselves: at least 40,000 of them are children. If tech companies are making billions churning out better and faster smartphones, they may be doing it on the backs of African kids.

To conduct the report, Amnesty—in partnership with African Resources Watch(Afrewatch)—visited five separate mining sites in the southern portion of the DRC, from April-May 2015. The country, with a population of at least 67 million, is one of

Megan Garber

T

he first World Wa r t r a n s formed, along with so much else, the way people mourn. The British anthropologist Geoffrey Gorer argues that the death of so many people in such a small span of time overwhelmed those they left behind, and rendered them unable to undergo the rituals that had previously been in place for grieving. Combined with the rise of psychoanalysis and its emphasis on the interiority of the individual—Freud’s Mourning and Melancholia presented grief as a highly personal phenomenon—the social practice of mourning was transformed in the early 20th century, to the extent that, by the 1960s, Gorer was describing grief as something to be kept “under complete control by strength of will and character, so that it need be given no public expression.”

Today, that tradition continues. Grief, in the popular imagination, is a sadness to be experienced and carried and borne as silently and as stoically as possible. And yet mourning, too, has a public face: condolences, wakes, the sharing of memories and sympathies. That juxtaposition leaves many confused about how to celebrate the dead, how to comfort the living—how,

the poorest in the world.

In 2014, the World Bank ranked it second to last on the Human Development Index.

But if there is one thing that’s plentiful in the DRC, it’s cobalt. Experts estimate that more than half of the world’s supply comes from that one country alone, with 20 percent of it from what are called “artisanal mines.”

For Congolese who are able to tolerate the work, it is plentiful—however it seems rarely, if ever, a choice.

The vast majority of the 100 miners that the researchers interviewed said it was the only job available; one said they had to do in order to eat.

Those whose children were working said they couldn’t afford to send them to school. A handful that was able to send their kids to school had to ask their children to work on the weekends.

Artisanal mines, where most work, are smaller, independent mines where an industrial-sized operation is not an option. Without a large corporation behind it, artisanal mines are somewhat of a freefall. They are not a part of the country’s Mining Code and Regulations, meaning they are often unauthorized and extremely dangerous.

As a result, the workers are subjected to dangerous conditions that include poor ventilation, lack of protective gear, and frequent accidents—many

of which prove deadly. But it’s not just adults that are risking their lives. Of the almost 100 mine workers the organization interviewed, 17 of them were children.

Working in high temperatures, rain, and storms, Amnesty found kids as young as seven carrying sacks of mineral ore heavier than themselves. Many suffered from breathing problems, others from sickness and disease. At least half reported being beaten for not working fast enough. None, it seemed, had a way out.

One former worker, Loic, reported severe back pain from the grueling work he did, beginning at age 9. A 14-year-old told the researchers he hardly left the tunnel he worked in, hundreds of feet below the ground. “[I spent] 24 hours in the tunnels,” he told them. “I arrived in the morning and would leave the following day.”

One more, aged 15, said he worked for food. “All the money I earn in the mines I spend on food,” he said.

“Because at home we don’t eat.”

Among the potential long-term effects the children can suffer from include joint and bone deformities, respiratory issues, and musculoskeletal injuries. Most complained of excruciating back and hip pain, others of chronic illness. But beyond physical risks are less visible dangers. Chronic exposure to cobalt can be fatal, resulting in a condition

called “hard metal lung disease.”

Despite the prevalence of studies confirming this, Amnesty found no evidence of protective equipment at the mines— no gloves, masks, or even work clothes. The workers had never been provided safety equipment nor given directions on what to do in a crisis. Without any sort of armor against the hazardous conditions, death is common.

While Amnesty could not find an official death toll, an independent radio station in the DRC reports at least five to six accidents a month—some of which kill dozens at a time. According to their reports, 15 miners died in a fire near Kasulo on Dec. 26, 2014; on Sept. 13, 2015 14 more were killed after a tunnel collapsed in Mabaya.

Many miners told them that the numbers are much higher but that many of the bodies, due to the poor structure of the tunnels, are never recovered. “There are many accidents. Many tunnels collapse,” said 32-year-old artisanal miner Emmanuel. “The bodies are still there.”

After witnessing the conditions at the mines, Amnesty and Afrewatch followed the route of the cobalt, which brought them to a large corporation called Congo Dongfang Mining International (CDM). CDM is a subsidiary of the China-based company Huayou Cobalt, which supplies batteries to the most prestigious

tech companies—including Apple, Sony, Samsung, and Dell.

The researchers reached out to all 16 companies connected with Huayou Cobalt, and got a variety of replies. The report says just one of the 16 “admitted the connection,” while four others said they were “unable to say.” Five denied sourcing from Huayou (despite documents proving otherwise), and six said they were “launching investigations.”

Apple, who has been criticized for labor practices in the past, said it was “currently evaluating dozens of different materials, including cobalt, in order to identify labor and environmental risks as well as opportunities for Apple to bring about effective, scalable and sustainable change.” Microsoft said it was working with an organization that is addressing this issue.

The authors of the study aren’t satisfied with the responses. Mark Dummett, Business and Human Rights Researcher at Amnesty International points out the unsettling juxtaposition. “The glamorous shop displays and marketing of state of the art technologies are a stark contrast to the children carrying bags of rocks, and miners in narrow manmade tunnels risking permanent lung damage,” he says.

While he doesn’t accuse the companies of ignoring these facts outright, he does consider it their job to make sure the children are removed from the mines and the other working conditions for everyone else are improved. “Millions of people enjoy the benefits of new technologies but rarely ask how they are made,” he says. “It is high time the big brands took some responsibility for the mining of the raw materials that make their lucrative products.”

In a video about the working conditions, published on Monday, Dummett criticizes Sony, Samsung, Microsoft, and Volkswagen (who allegedly use the batteries for its smart cars) for implying (or, in Samsung’s case, outright stating) that it’s “impossible” to trace where the cobalt comes from.

Dummett responds, aptly: “If Amnesty International can do it, they can do it.”

ENTER THE GRIEF POLICE The Internet is allowing a return to age-old, communal forms of mourning. That makes some people uncomfortable

in short, to grieve together. “Rituals used to help the community by giving everyone a sense of what to do or say,” Meghan O’Rourke puts it in her magisterial memoir The Long Goodbye. “Now, we’re at sea.”

One recent consequence of that collective drifting, especially as the confusion expands to digital platforms, is the rise of grief policing. The notion that there is but one way to grieve, and that deviation from that way is wrong. The tendency to

tell mourners that, essentially, they’re mourning too much, or not enough.

The desire to restore order to a practice that has become, culturally, chaotic.

Grief policing was on display recently, during the aftermath of David Bowie’s death. Camilla Long, the film critic for The Sunday Times, witnessed the outpouring of emotion posted online as people learned, and tried to make sense, of Bowie’s passing. She did not like the way they mourned. Their grieving, she suggested—

or, well, “grieving”—was self-indulgent, and, like so much else on social media, purely performative.

“Bowie Blubberers,” she called the grievers.

The outcry against these sentiments—the backlash-against-thebacklash, as it were—has been, unsurprisingly, swift and fierce. “Journalist tells grieving Bowie fans to ‘man the f*** up’ and gets taken down big time,” Metro U.K. noted. The Pool’s Sali Hughes scoffed at “the usual grief ombudsman, waiting in the

wings with clipboards, ready to pass the feelings of others through rigorous quality control, before noisily finding it lacking.”

But usual is apt. Griefpolicing, though social media have made it more prominent and more public, has a long history.

Pundits of the time made similar criticisms, after all, about Princess Diana’s mourners, accusing them of crying “crocodile tears.”

Yet as online communications have given the public new outlets for grieving, they’ve also given crit-

Marina Koren

in the edge of the solar system, far beyond Pluto, that would qualify as its ninth planet. The authors describe the planet, which they’re calling “Planet Nine,” in a paper published in The Astronomical Journal.

Planet Nine is big—really big. It is 10 times the mass of Earth, and 5,000 times the mass of Pluto. It dominates a region larger than any of the other known planets, which Brown says makes it “the most planet-y of the planets in the whole solar system,” according to a press release from Caltech. That’s the test Pluto failed to pass a decade ago—hav¬ing enough mass to clear its or¬bit of oth¬er bod¬ies with sim¬il¬ar size.

gie Institution of Science in Washington and Chad Trujillo of the Gemini Observatory in Hawaii suggested the configuration resulted from the presence of a planet large enough to warp the orbits of the nearby objects, lassoing them together. Brown and Batygin sought to disprove that theory. But they realized that, actually, something must be there—“a massive perturber”—because they found that, among other things, the orbits of the objects, even though they traveled at different rates, all tilted in the same way. The probability of that happening on its own, without some external force, is about 0.007 percent.

So, Planet Nine. An icy,

rocky world. The researchers posit that the planet could have been flung out to deep space when it got too close to the gravitational forces of Jupiter or Saturn. It orbits 20 times farther from the sun than does Neptune, which on average is about 2.8 billion miles from our star. It takes Planet Nine between 10,000 and 20,000 years to make one full orbit around the sun. Had it stuck closer, the planet would have been the core of a gas giant, like the four in the solar system—Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.

Planet Nine’s potential existence actually makes the solar system less of an anomaly in the grand scheme of the universe.

It’s not unusual to find extremely far-flung planets orbiting stars, and the mass of most common planets circling other stars can be up to 10 times that of Earth.

The next challenge for astronomers will be spotting Planet Nine. It will be evaluated by the same standards that kicked Pluto out of science textbooks, 76 years after it was discovered, just over a third of the way into its 248-year-orbit around the sun, and nearly a decade before New Horizons revealed it to be a complex world with an atmosphere and icy mountains.

Brown, who tweets under the handle @plutokiller, said Wednesday that the new research should be welcome news for those still smarting over an eightplanet solar system.

“All those people who are mad that Pluto is no longer a planet can be thrilled to know that there is a real planet out there still to be found,” he said.

"Now we can go and find this planet and make the solar system have nine planets once again.”

ics more fodder for their criticism. “For a generation known for broadcasting internal monologue across the Internet,” The New York Times put it in 2014, “some of its members seem eager for spaces to express not just the good stuff that litters everyone’s Facebook newsfeed, but also the painful.”

Mourning has become, as it were, #content.

And that means that mourning has, in the process, become fodder for analysis—and argument.

For objection. The online outpouring of grief after Robin Williams’s death, Politico argued, “makes death feel cheap.” Even the great Zadie Smith, novelist and essayist and humanist, proved, a few years ago, to have little patience for the ad-hoc rituals of Internet-assisted mourning: “I’ve noticed—and been ashamed of noticing—that when a teenager is murdered, at least in Britain, her Facebook wall will often fill with messages that seem to not quite comprehend the gravity of what has occurred. You know the type of thing: Sorry babes! Missin’ you!!!

Hopin’ u iz with the Angles. I remember the jokes we used to have LOL! PEACE XXXXX When I read something like that, I have a little argument with myself: “It’s only poor education. They feel the same way as anyone

would, they just don’t have the language to express it.”

But another part of me has a darker, more frightening thought. Do they genuinely believe, because the girl’s wall is still up, that she is still, in some sense, alive?

What’s the difference, after all, if all your contact was virtual?”

What Smith’s “frightening thought” underestimates, though, is the extent to which mourning is, on top of everything else—apologies to Freud, and especially to Gorer— in fact a deeply communal concern. “I remember the jokes we used to have LOL! ,” posted on a Facebook wall, isn’t merely a declaration of a memory of the deceased; it’s a declaration of support to the deceased’s family and friends. It’s a condolence card. The author of this sentiment was, in essence, attending a virtual wake.

So, too, were the many, many people who expressed their grief about the passing of Bowie. Posting videos, sharing favorite songs, telling the world about first Bowie concerts and first Bowie albums, about what Bowie meant and will continue to mean—this was not, overall, “crocodile tears.” It was evidence of people doing what they always will: using the tools available to express themselves and share their feelings with other people. They were forming

a community of grief. #RIPDavidBowie was a hashtag, yes; it was also a funeral.

Which is also to say that the Internet is, in some sense, returning us to the days before war transformed grief into a largely solitary affair. Public mourning—via Twitter, via Facebook, via Tumblr—has become its own kind of ritual.

Grief policing is a corollary to all that: It is people recognizing that human impulses are hardening into social rituals, and then disliking what those rituals represent. It is people assuming the worst of others, rather than the best. Grief policing may be a fitting thing for a culture that has elevated “you’re doing it wrong” to a kind of Hegelian taunt, that treats every social-media-ed expression as a basis for an argument, and that is on top of it all generally extremely confused about how to mourn “properly.” Such policing, however, very much misses the point.

The outcry of love and sadness after the news of Bowie’s death—that heavy sense that the world had been permanently dented—was, on top of everything else, evidence of the new way of mourning. Taking to the Internet to share and cry and commiserate is now part of how we cope with a loss. It is what we do.

But it is also, just as importantly, what is done.

I

n 2006, Pluto stopped being a planet. “Pluto is dead,” said Mike Brown, a researcher from the California Institute of Technology, whose discovery a year earlier of a bigger world orbiting beyond Pluto led some astronomers to rethink what defines a planet—and ultimately decide that Pluto doesn’t count. “There are finally, officially, eight planets in the solar system.”

Fast forward a decade, and Brown is saying the opposite.

Brown, along with Caltech’s Konstantin Batygin, announced Wednesday that they have evidence that suggests a massive planet is orbiting

Brown and Batygin have not directly observed Planet Nine, but have inferred its existence through mathematical models and computer simulations based on the movements of small, distant objects.

From here, the planet is not even a speck of light in the vast darkness of space, and could only be seen—if it’s found—by powerful telescopes.

Brown and Batygin say Planet Nine helps explain a peculiar feature of the Kuiper Belt, a field of icy and rocky objects beyond Neptune: a mysterious clustering of six small objects that, by the laws of the Kuiper Belt, shouldn’t cluster. In 2014, Scott Sheppard of the Carne-

“There are finally, officially, eight planets in the solar system.”

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.

SaturDaY 23•01•2016

Morung Youth Express

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

7

Thanking the world, thanking people Mini Krishnan

As both a feeling and an awareness, gratitude is a virtue with ethical consequences

A

story by Bisham Sahni called “The Boss Came to Dinner,” unfolds with Shamnath, a corporate executive, arranging the house for his visiting MD — an Englishman. The one person who does not fit into that elegant evening is Shamnath’s mother whom he and his wife view as an embarrassment. “Stay out of sight… don’t come into the house…” they caution her. Their guest tours the house admiring all the artifacts collected over the years and finally notices the mother. Brushing aside her inability to communicate with him or even shake the hand he holds out, he lavishes praise on the phulkari she fetches for him to look at. After his boss leaves Shamnath rushes to his mother “Ma, can you make a phulkari for my boss? It will help my promotion.” The bitter truth is clear: a son’s ingratitude and the pathos of his mother’s position as she stands stiffly, half blind and wrapped in the memories of a lifetime during which she had sold her bangles to educate her only son.

WHOSE ACHIEVEMENT? Shamnath’s life turned out well but how much of it was the product of his individual development?

If you are doing well at the moment, how much of it is entirely your achievement? Surely some of the credit must go to the natural gifts, the genes you were born with. What about the physical vitality, health

and sharpness of mind your family and teachers encouraged? Did anyone stop your studies and put you to work instead? Certainly the many fortunate twists of fate in my life and the opportunities that came my way depended on circumstances I did nothing to create. Quite different from that experienced by an earlier generation: a hundred years ago, a young girl named Muthulakshmi took her examination seated behind a screen. She couldn’t face her examiners directly because at that time it was a disgrace for girls to be seen going to school after the age of 12. “The answers came like bullets” said her examiner about his examinee. Forty years later, in 1954, that small girl, Dr Muthulakshmi, founded the Cancer Institute, Guindy, in Madras. Modern-day girls who attend college and plan their higher studies could try to remember with gratitude, their grandmothers who struggled to ensure their right to even leave the house!

LOOKING INWARDS Just writing this article made me think of all the things I need to be grateful for. The list of things I usually complain about silently suddenly shrank and seemed so petty.

As both a feeling and an awareness, gratitude is a virtue with ethical consequences. It makes you mindful of what you can give of yourself and how much you can do for others.

The secret source of joy in life lies in maintaining the balance between receiving and giving. Recently, a neighbour — the last in the tradition of great gentlemen — passed away.

Talking about him I remembered how, many years ago, a serious theft had occurred in his house. Though he was certain that one of his domestics was the culprit, he refused to call in the police saying that he did not want the innocent members of his staff beaten or threatened.

Gratitude for their service caused him to set aside his loss.

INGRATITUDE The other side of the mirror is filled with people who refuse to acknowledge the help they have received. Though they benefited they neither wish to thank nor remember; they don’t seem to know at all that that “krithagnyatha” is an important virtue and a big marker of a person’s nature and personality.

They pursue and woo persons for just as long as it takes to get something from them and thereafter cast them behind and move on.

We live in a country where every night 7,000 people go to sleep hungry and never wake up because they are so enfeebled by malnutrition. We live in a country which is home to onethird of Asia’s illiterates — they are people who will never hold a book or understand that a plastic globe is a model of their planet. Can we in this first month of the new year, gratefully remember those who taught us and helped us to read and write? Could we look at these lines below? It isn’t great poetry but carries wisdom: I am thankful for my health I am thankful for each meal I am thankful for a roof over my head And at night for a bed When my doctor friend working at a missionary hospital was asked what gave her the most satisfaction, she said “The look of gratitude in the eyes of a patient — something money cannot buy.”

AN ACTIVITY FOR 2016 Make a mental list of things that might have gone wrong for you and did not. Whom would you thank for such grace?

10 overused words to banish from your CV

T

Claire Cohen

here’s nothing like a few weeks back at work to make you reassess your career. At this point in January, many of us are thinking about polishing our CVs and updating our LinkedIn pages – just in case any new opportunities come along.

Before you do, think carefully about the language you’re putting out there. When it comes to CVs, that one side of A4 has to say everything about you – and your online profile needs to be concise and eye-catching. Why fill it with empty jargon that could apply to pretty much anyone?

Especially as, according to researchers, you only have 8.8 seconds to impress.

To help, professional networking platform LinkedIn has just published its annual list of overused career buzzwords. It analysed the profile summaries of its UK members to compile the list of terms that we overuse and should be avoided.

And with the site having hit 20 million users this week – more than half the UK workforce – it’s more important than ever to make yourself stand out

and ditch these commonas-muck clichés.

The top 10 overused buzzwords for this year are: 1. Motivated 2. Creative 3. Enthusiastic 4. Track record 5. Passionate 6. Successful 7. Driven 8. Leadership 9. Strategic 10. Extensive experience In a few minutes, you’re probably going to check your CV and online profile to weed these words out.

But wait – before you grab the thesaurus and start flicking through its pages for alternatives – remember, there’s more to ‘branding yourself’ than mere adjectives.

A good starting point is to avoid those words that have a negative antonym.

That way, in your future employers mind, there’s no potential for your performance to slide downwards on a scale. Take this year’s top three buzzwords and flip them: unmotivated, uncreative and unenthusiastic. If you wouldn’t use them to describe yourself, then forgo their positive forms, too.

That's not to say you should be relentlessly upbeat and appear one-dimensional. It's OK to mention things you've overcome and learnt from along the way. Just don't set yourself up to fail from the off.

Another good tip from LinkedIn is to think beyond words when compiling an online professional profile (let's face it, these days, some companies don't even want to know your name).

It’s now perfectly possible to include photos and examples of your work. Instead of writing that you’re ‘passionate’ or ‘creative’ – why not actually demonstrate that by attaching a presentation you’re proud of? There’s no need for tired terms when your work speaks for itself.

When it comes to a traditional CV, why not think about your soft skills – those tangible attributes that are the modern workplace’s most sought-after qualities. Think punctuality, flexibility, good communication and cooperativeness.

And there’s no need to worry if you don’t have a degree.

This week, publisher Penguin announced it was

dropping this as a requirement from its job applications. Instead, think about your experience, extra-curricular activities and examples of your work.

When you present a wide-ranging picture of yourself – and an authentic one – the buzzwords just fall away.

mance’ or ‘reliable’. Alternatively, prove your ‘track record’ by adding statistics and tangible results to your job descriptions to demonstrate the outcomes. Have results improved as a result of your work? Say so!

‘Successful' Nothing beats praise from colleagues and emBanish the buzzwords ployers to demonstrate - How to sell yourself you're ’successful'. Ask others to endorse you; or give ‘Passionate’ and ‘Enthusi- former colleagues a recommendation to encourage astic’ Instead of saying that one back you’re ‘passionate’ and ‘enthusiastic’ why not dem- ‘Leadership' Use real life examples of onstrate that you are? List how you’ve led teams, how any voluntary experience or causes you care about to large they were, and the outhighlight your interests out- come. Also, encourage your side work and show yourself team to endorse you for your off as a person who cares as ‘leadership’ or ‘management’ skills on LinkedIn a matter of course.

'Extensive experience' Demonstrate your ‘experience' by offering your opinion and insight on relevant topics through LinkedIn groups. Being active makes your profile 15 times more likely to be viewed online. And if you avoid using too many buzzwords, you might even persuade people 'Track record' Instead, use ‘perfor- to read to the end.

‘Creative' Try, ‘I see the world differently’ – as long as you can qualify it by explaining how.

Or, actively showcase your ‘creativity’ by uploading examples of your work so that people can see this for themselves

In praise of wearing socks with heels

T

Alice Newbold

here was a common theme among the female attendees at yesterday’s Prada menswear AW16 show: they all showed their socks off.. Not delicate wisps of nylon, but chunky, ribbed ones in practical colours. And worn with heels! Nay, heeled sandals! Did we miss the footwear memo?

After deciphering each front row look, we have cracked the heel-andsock code. Execute with caution, and bask in the comfort of cosy toes for the rest of winter.

Let them peep out of wide-legged trousers Not just any trousers, but patterned pyjama pants, if you’re journalists and It girls Alexia Niedzielski and Alexandra Golovanoff.

The fashionable duo tuned into the current maximalist trend, piling on sequins and jewels, so that their sober-coloured socks were barely noticeable.

Take a tip from Niedzielski and Golovanoff and pair pychoice wasn’t a spare of the moment jamas with platforms, as opposed to mannish flat sandals. wardrobe call.

Height will elongate body frames that might otherwise look swamped Learn to blend Sofia Sanchez de Betak has canin so much pattern. nily matched her socks to her heels.

This avoids breaking up the leg area Pick a constant colour scheme It’s the little things that count - by and subsequently lengthens. Though matching her socks to her grey polo monochrome might be a tricky first neck, Miroslava Duma pulled her choice, greys, blacks and browns whole outfit together. Marry your would make for a preppy introduction. woolly footwear to another element in your own outfit - be it a pattern or Point your toes If, like us, you’re currently livaccessory - to show that your sock

ing in fear of snow and sleet, socksand-sandals might not be the most practical footwear choice. Take a tip from System magazine Elizabeth von Guttman and choose a pointy pump, another total no-brainer for elongating legs.

The Naga Blog is a forum on facebook where Nagas from Nagaland and around the world network, share ideas and discuss a wide range of topics from politics and philosophy to music and current events in Nagaland and beyond. The blog is not owned by any individual, nor is it affiliated to or associated with any political party or religion. The only movement it hopes to stir is the one raised by the voices of the Nagas every step of the way, amassing perhaps to mass consciousness one day. www.facebook.com/ groups/thenagablog

“Love Your Neighbour” Relief Fund Drive for Manipur Earthquake victims Jenpu Rhakho Rongmei: The Concerned Citizens of Dimapur along with CAN Youth organization, will be organizing a 3 days Fund Drive Event at Bata Char Ali and Holy Cross Junction for the Earthquake victims of Kabui Khullen Village from 22/01/15 till 25/01/15.

One of the oldest Rongmei Inhabited village in Tamenlong District, situated nearest to the Epicenter of the high intensity Earthquake of 04/01/15 has to be a thing of the past with experts warning of heavy landslide or sinking in the area in near future as cracks started appearing in the grounds which were enlarging day by day, besides detecting unnatural rise in water level followed by emission of water vapours from the cracks. Nearly 500 lives will be affected by the vacating of this village " Love Your Neighbour "will be a 3 days Fund drive event where we shall practically show our Neighbour that we care .For it will be hypocritical on our part if we say ' Thank You Lord for the Protection' but carry on our daily work with the most indifferent and uncaring hearts for our Neighbours in distress. Let us Pray and extend our help to the victims in true Humanitarian spirit.

Members can contact below numbers for further information:Neitho khusoh : 8131897678 Samuel Walling : 9612393941 Be There .....Let's show Dimapur Care!

Corruption in the land called “Nagaland for Christ” Whose responsibility is it?

Azo Vezokho Nyekha: There is a pressing issue which need to be discussed and analyse by every individual on online or offline (if possible) with regard to public servants and govt. servants. Strange as it may sound, but there are certain rules and regulations that bind the govt. servants and public servants according to administrative laws.

In short Public servants are the local politicians, MLAs, advisors, contractors, member of various NGO's, member of various state commissions, Boards, companies and corporates CEOs(if existed), member of associations(NGO), member of federations(NGO), lawyers, private medical practitioners and even pastors, diocese, bishops etc of various churches and denominations; on the other hand govt. servants are those that are permanently or semi-permanently(contract and Adhoc employees) inducted by the govt. and directly derived benefits from the state government. Lest we forget, in the state of NAGALAND there should be some watchmen which needs to feed constant reminder to our people, all because highly qualified personnel's were inducted in the state government offices and departments, being so qualified this elite groups don't even realise whether he or she is a govt. servant or a public servant. Comes the most significant part and very crucial information being that; some of this people were members of both categories called 'jack of all trades' oops how do i put it.

Another very important and uncanny behaviour of our state POLITICIANS being that they usually used this Mr. and Miss 'jack of all trades' as a sharpest tool in the shed to be their star campaigner during election and after election or we can call them assets of the politicians or elite politicians. WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES? I think before i even start many will anticipate what am I going to say 'CORRUPTION'. Now we shout at the top of our lungs 'state govt. should be corruption free' it all comes down to this Mr. and Miss 'jack of all trades' they manipulate everything whether their party win or lose. Can you see whenever you go to an office, you find rampant political biasness practice by govt. servant, is this how our society evolve into?. My principle being 'better late than never' any NGOs which are sincere and striving to bring corruption free state must focus on this area of Public servant and Govt. Servant too, that it is prohibited under govt. service jurisprudence for a govt. servant to be involved in politics and NGOs as there will be unemployment problems in a state and masses and poor people will be left doing nothing, and for a politician and NGOs cannot do the function of bureaucrats all because there will be corruption in a state. Let Nagaland be made total corruption free state where everybody deserves a place in his or her own right. When you become a govt. servant behave like a govt. servant and when you are involved in politics, NGOs etc. be a good public servant not narrow minded like bureaucrats.

Rokovizo Kuotsu Angami Naga : In Nagaland our bureaucrats are not known to be as venal as their political master. What they lack is the spine to stand up to the minister politicians and expose those who compel them to do wrong. Bureaucrats here are too selfishly motivated to protect their backsides and to avoid transfer. Hence they will not speak up even if doing so is necessary in their call of duty. When will the IAS fraternity here develop the backbone to complain against the middle some politicians and when will they stop saying "yes sir" to everything i don't know but this will exist even in the coming days.

And if you look at corruption from a birds point of view you'll noticed that it is more like a food chain. It all start from the bottom-we the public, the normal people and as it goes up it get bigger and ends up with people like our politicians, the corporates etc. Even if there is code of conduct for election rules nothing will work, it might be able to curb corruption at the top but will never dent our spirit to be corrupt as it imbedded in our DNA, unless we choose to stop it from the bottom first, which is us!

Corruption is rampant here and what you said is quite true which is why our educational standards are dipping instead of rising. Our school, colleges and universities produce thousands of half bake graduates who are not employable unless they get political oxygen.

Young people have such low self- esteem and their dependence on politicians is overwhelming. Even after written their examination and faced the interview boards, they still expect politicians to be their arbiters. Parents have no sense of guilt about asking the ministers to push their children above the meritorious ones, to the point where ministers have to used their ink to falsify the list of who should have been appointed or not. Where did corruption start? We all want our politicians to give us what we want for free, I feel to curb corruption at the top, we should first look at who we vote for and stop being corrupt ourselves by expecting the world from our incapable, self-absorbed, business minded leaders.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are the views of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of The Naga Blog.

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

SaturdaY 23•01•2016

INDIA

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Modi may bet on old faces & new to regain winning ways

nEW DELHi, January 22 (rEutErS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi may look to press the reset button on his leadership this spring to reinvigorate stalled economic reforms and appease critics, eyeing a mix of tried and tested allies and fresh blood, senior government sources said.

The government has overseen rapid economic growth but failed on tax and land reforms, and the euphoria that met Modi's 2014 election triumph has given way to investor disillusionment; stocks have erased all of their gains since he won power.

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) faces a crucial election test in the most populous state of Uttar Pradesh in 2017 that it probably needs to win if it wants to hold on to power nationally in 2019.

"Modi needs to identify new talent and bring changes in his government. It will be too late if he fails to do it now," said

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi gestures as he addresses a gathering during a conference in New Delhi in this January 16 file photo. (REUTERS Photo)

veteran newspaper editor and commentator Shekhar Gupta.

With an eye on Uttar Pradesh, Modi looks set to keep Amit Shah on as BJP president, the sources said, extending his closest aide and election campaign manager's tenure by three

years when it expires at the weekend.

But Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, responsible for delivering the Modi message to international investors, may move to defence after he delivers his annual budget in late February, sources said.

Jaitley, 63, has failed to push through a major tax reform and critics have faulted his stewardship over India's $2 trillion economy, which is growing fast but not creating enough jobs to employ an expanding workforce.

A spokesman for Modi

declined to comment on the move and an official in Jaitley's office said he had no knowledge of a possible reshuffle.

Moving Jaitley to defence, a post he also held in the early months of the Modi government, could better suit the veteran corporate lawyer and keep the strategically important portfolio in trusted hands.

It would also open the way for power and coal minister Piyush Goyal to take the finance portfolio, while underperformers in other minor posts may be weeded out.

A central minister and two BJP officials said Goyal, 51, was being groomed for his next big role, and a white paper on banking was recently shared with him to seek his inputs.

A Goyal aide denied all knowledge of an impending promotion.

Goyal is a good communicator and has often travelled abroad with Modi, but lacks political

and electoral experience.

The ex-investment banker has turned around state-run Coal India, tackled chronic power shortages and backed renewable sources of energy.

Those are key wins for Modi, whose provision of 24/7 electricity as chief minister of Gujarat state helped him become prime minister.

"Goyal is doing a fine job - he has brought a lot of energy to the coal and power sector," said Rajiv Kumar, senior fellow at the Centre for Policy Research in New Delhi.

"But I'm not sure he can do justice to the complex finance portfolio," he said. "Goyal, with his micro orientation, might struggle to get to grips with multidimensional and serious macroeconomic issues facing the country."

BALANCING ACT Modi, who has relentlessly centralised power in the prime minister's office, has held his cards close to his chest and would have

the last word on recruiting new talent from a pool of candidates that is short on experience.

Shah, Modi's righthand man in Gujarat and the architect of his general election triumph, lost his winning touch last year with a heavy defeat to an upstart party in Delhi and a crashing loss in the big eastern state of Bihar.

That has tested the patience of the Hindu nationalist Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). But, apart from a brief rebellion by party elders, Modi has managed to fend off challenges to his authority.

At a meeting between BJP and RSS leaders earlier this month in New Delhi, Modi made his support for Shah clear. No challenger has applied for the post, meaning that Shah's term that expires this weekend will be extended by three years.

While party workers praise Shah as a tough and effective administra-

tor, many want him to promote new faces instead of, as he has done, focusing his campaign strategy exclusively on Modi.

Even though Modi addressed more than 30 rallies on the campaign trail, the BJP fell in Bihar in November to an alliance of regional parties. Realising its fate was sealed, it did not even field a candidate for chief minister.

The party's fortunes will depend on five state polls in 2016 that will build up to next year's crunch vote in Uttar Pradesh. The outcome of that ballot will set the tone for the 2019 general election.

Shah helped Modi win the biggest general election mandate in three decades by sweeping 71 of 80 seats in the northern state, whose 200 million population is as big as Brazil's.

"If Shah wins Uttar Pradesh, then no one can stop Modi from becoming the prime minister again," said one senior BJP leader.

Rafale deal going through 'complex Judicial commission to probe Dalit scholar's suicide President gives National Bravery negotiation', says French envoy Awards to 25 kids

nEW DELHi, January 22 (ianS): French Ambassador Francois Richier on Friday said he could not comment on the outcome of the ongoing talks on the Rafale fighter plane deal with India, and added it was a "complex negotiation".

"Discussions are taking place at present. I cannot say what the outcome will be. It is a complex negotiation indeed. I don't know what is going to happen," Richier told the media here on the issue of the multi-billion dollar warplane deal that was finalised during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Paris in April last year.

"Of course, I am hopeful. But hopeful does not mean we have certitude. Work is being conducted with a lot of energy," the French ambassador to India said.

His comment comes two days ahead of French President Francois Hollande's official visit to India. Hollande will be the chief guest at the Republic Day parade in Delhi on January 26.

Asked if an inter-governmental agreement is expected to be signed during Hollande's visit on the deal, he said: "In any case, there will be an inter-governmental agreement because it is a government-to-government negotiation. Everything will be within this IGA and its annexure. I can confirm this because this is no surprise."

Air Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria is heading the price negotiations for the Indian side. The final contract for the 36 aircraft, including its missile system and others, for which an agreement was arrived at during Modi's visit, is expected to cost around Rs.60,000 crore.

The ambassador said: "There is no commercial contract in the Rafale deal. It is an issue between the French and the Indian government. There is no private contract involved in this deal."

Countering the contention that the French defence deal was expensive, Richier said: "I don't agree... otherwise, there will not be any business. If you look at it with a bit of precision, you'll discover it is not very expensive. In most cases, in India, there is a lot of competition. We may win, we may lose. If we win, it is (given) that we are not expensive."

Asked about the short-range surface-to-air missile (SR-SAM) project between India's Defence Research and Development Organisation and MBDA of France, he said, "We are working on it. Of course, we expect a decision on this by the Indian side. May be not now, but in the future," he said.

nEW DELHi/HyDErabaD, January 22 (ianS): The union human resource development ministry on Friday decided to set up a judicial commission to probe the circumstances which led to the suicide of Dalit research scholar of the Hyderabad University. The commission will submit its report in three months.

The ministry took this decision based on the findings and observations of a fact-finding committee constituted to conduct an inquiry. The two panels submitted their reports to the ministry.

"Based on its observations and findings, the ministry decided to constitute a judicial commission to review the entire sequence of events and the circumstances; and to establish the facts and correctives in the context of the university," an official statement said.

The ministry, according to the statement, also took a few other decisions to address the issues faced by

the students from disadvantaged social, economic and educational backgrounds in higher educational institutions comprehensively and to prevent such unfortunate incidents in future.

A programme will be launched for sensitising academic administrators about understanding and handling problems faced by socially, educationally and economically disadvantaged students. All wardens, administrative staff and registrars would be compulsorily put through this orientation programme and a special module will be prepared for this. A special mechanism would be set up at the ministry for receiving the grievances from these students and taking expeditious action on them.

hith Vemula, on Friday announced Rs.8 lakh as ex gratia assistance for the bereaved family.

A demand draft for the amount will be handed over to Rohith's mother Radhika, a university statement said here. The decision came a day after the university revoked the suspension of four Dalit students, who along with Rohith were suspended after an Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad leader alleged assault in August last year.

Vice Chancellor P. Appa Rao had also offered to reach out to Rohith's family and meet his mother. However, the students continued their protest to demand the resignation and arrest of the vice chancellor, blaming him for the suicide of Rohith on Sunday. As Rohith and four Hyderabad varsity announces Rs.8 lakh for Rohith's family other Dalit students were suspended The Hyderabad University, and thrown out of the university hosrocked by student protests after the tel, they were holding protest on the suicide of Dalit research scholar Ro- campus since early this month.

nEW DELHi, January 22 (ianS): President Pranab Mukherjee on Friday gave away the National Bravery Awards 2015 to 25 children from across the country for showing exemplary courage in saving the lives of others.

Two awardees - Gaurav Kawduji Sahastrabuddhe, 15, of Maharashtra and Shivansh Singh, 13, of Uttar Pradesh - were honoured posthumously. Their mothers received the award from the President.

The awardees said they were very happy to receive the honour and would continue to serve society and the country.

Rakeshbhai Shanabhai Patel told IANS that he dreams of joining the army after completing education as "serving the nation is my dream".

"I think we should continue to serve our country in whatever way we can," he said.

The bravehearts will participate in the Republic Day parade on Rajpath on January 26.

Alert issued after Pathankot taxi driver found dead

The officer said that the crowded nEW DELHi, January 22 (ianS): dent similar to the Pathankot Indian Air tion in search of suspected IS terrorists.

The NIA in coordination with dif- places, malls, railway stations and bus The Delhi Police on Friday issued an Force (IAF) base attack in which a taxi alert after a taxi driver alleged hijacked driver Ikagar Singh was hired and killed ferent state police teams have arrested depots are kept under tight security by three unidentified people from by Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist hours twelve suspected terrorists from differ- cover.

"Extra paramilitary forces have alent places including Karnataka, HyderPathankot in Punjab was found dead in before their terror strike. ready been deployed in the city with "People should not panic as secu- abad and Mumbai, sources said.

Himachal Pradesh.

The Delhi Police have already made sniffer dogs and Delhi Police Quick ReThrough its official twitter handle, rity agencies and Delhi Police are dothe Delhi Police released photographs ing their best... The message is to just India Gate and Rajpath out of bounds action Teams (QRTs) following the terof three suspects and the details of a alert people. Citizens should inform for vehicles and tourists. This year, po- ror threat."

The Delhi Police on Tuesday arrestMaruti Alto car, bearing registration the police control room if they ob- lice closed movement of vehicles on number HP 01D2440, which was hired serve any suspicious activity," Deputy Rajpath early in the wake of numerous ed four suspected IS terrorist from UtCommissioner of Police Rajan Bhagat intelligence reports about possible ter- tarakhand when they were planning to by them on January 20. attack in Delhi, National Capital Region ror attacks.

Taxi driver Vijay Kumar was later told IANS. “The security has already been in- (NCR) and the ongoing Ardh Kumbh in The Delhi Police issued the alert a found dead at the Kalta bridge in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, a police week before French President Francois creased all across the capital. We do not Haridwar.

Central intelligence agencies said officer said. Kumar was the resident of Hollande is set to arrive in India to be want to leave any loophole. We are not the chief guest at the Republic Day cel- allowing anyone to enter India Gate and the four had been under surveillance Gaggal in Kangra. park their cars near it. The tourists and for several months after their online acInvestigating agencies said that the ebrations in the national capital.

Jaipur, January 22 vehicle, which was registered with any The security agencies are into tizzy Delhi residents are not being allowing tivities drew suspicion, including con(ianS): Karan Johar has travel agency, is missing. following the raids by the National In- to stand on the road near India Gate for tacts with people in territory in Iraq and joined the bandwagon of Syria controlled by the IS group.

Security agencies relate the inci- vestigation Agency (NIA) across the na- long,” said a senior police officer. celebrities slamming the growing intolerance in the country. The filmmaker said India is a “tough country” to express one's views with a legal sword always hanging over the neck.

Tan Ti-Ti asserted he and LonDon, January 22 tificate in Bose's name to mainIn a freewheeling and tain secrecy about his demise. another person called Lin Sui (ianS): Netaji Subhas Chandra frank session at the ongoKo Keng Yuan, who was the Mu opened the coffin. He adding Jaipur Literature Festival Bose was cremated in Taihoku, Director of the Health Centre in ed the body had been "put into Japanese name for Taipei, as the here, Karan spoke about hoTaipei, stated the matter of Bose's a coffin for conveyance to Tocoffin was too long to be put in mosexuality in films and sodeath and whether the cremakyo but the coffin was too big plane bound for Tokyo, where ciety, as well as of the stigma tion permit was issued under an for aeroplanes available at the the body was originally schedattached to it. assumed name "were important timea. It was, therefore, creuled to be taken for performing Talking about it, he said: "What do I say... Revealing in today's secrets of the Japanese military". mated in Taipei. The next day his last rites, a British website time can land you in jail. We are in a tough country to speak about Eleven years after the alleged air (August 23, 1945), the Indian claimed quoting a Taiwanese ofyour personal life and I feel really sad about it because being a pubcrash, British Consul General in (Col. Rehman) and the same ficial present at the cremation. lic figure you are expected to helm a certain movement, talk about Taiwan Albert Franklin wrote to Japanese army officer came to The website, www.bosefreedom of expression, which is the biggest joke in the world. Decollect the ashes, Tan Ti-Ti furfiles.info has been coming out the Taiwanese government remocracy is the second biggest joke I think." questing an investigation into ther maintained. with serialised 'revelations'' The director also opened up about his personal life, saying that the death of Bose.

Tan Ti-Ti's testimony backing the theory that the Inhe felt "effeminate as a child". He made the revelation while talking In response, C.K. Yen, matches that of Colonel Habiabout his book "An Unsuitable Boy" at a session with Shobhaa De dian revolutionary leader died bur Rehman. "I requested the inA a plane cash on August 18, Chairman of the Taiwan Proand his biographer Poonam Saxena. vincial Government, sent a (Japanese) Army authorities to Netaji with Mahatma Gandhi. File Photo He added: “I really think how are we democratic, how is there 1945, in Taiwan. detailed police report dated arrange for the early transporIn its latest post on Thursfreedom of expression? I'm a filmmaker and I'm bound by everyJune 27, 1956.

This included an tation of the body either to Sintary personnel ABose was then Tan Ti-Ti confirmed that on day, the site created by Lonthing -- be it what I put out on celluloid or what I say in print.

"I feel I will always get some kind of legal notice awaiting me. don-based journalist and Ne- interview with Tan Ti-Ti, who Supreme Commander of the the day of the cremation, the gapore or Tokyo, preferably to Everywhere I go I'm scared. I'm scared that I'm saying something taji's grand nephew Ashish said the cremation took place Indian National Army - with- same Japanese army officer Singapore," Rehman testified in Jaipur and I don’t know who will file a case when I get home. So Roy referred to the evidence on August 22, 1945. A Japanese out family members in Taiwan, "came to the crematorium in on August 24, 1945.

He went on: "On 21-8-45 a provided by Tan Ti-Ti, who was army officer who accompanied "permission for cremation was a car in the company of an InI have become a FIR king with the things happening around me." the body told Tan Ti-Ti: "The senior Japanese Staff Officer granted on the strength of a cerdian", said to be Bose's aide-dein charge of issuing cremation The director, who has perfected the art of helming family entertainers with films like “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai”, “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie permits in Taipei, together with deceased was Bose, the Indian tificate from a military hospital". camp Colonel Habibur Rehm- informed me in the hospital that the length of box (coffin) This appears to have oc- an, who survived the crash.

Gham...”, “My Name Is Khan” and “Student of the Year”, was perhaps that of other local officials, to leader who, proceeding to Tokyo on important business, was curred in the case of Bose, the He went on to say "the In- did not allow the box being put referring to the infamous AIB Roast episode, for which an FIR was filed buttress its claim.

Tan Ti-Ti, in his testimony injured when his plane was in- website claimed. The police dian, it was said he was Bose's into the plane. He suggested against Karan along with other celebrities who were involved in it. findings based on a report pre- follower, some said he was an that the body be cremated in contained in the British Foreign volved in an accident."

Last year, the intolerance debate was joined by Shah Rukh Khan The previous day - August pared by Taiwan's Department aide-de-camp; he was dressed Taihoku. "Seeing no other alOffice's file number FC1852/6 and Aamir Khan and Anupam Kher among others. of 1956, said that he person- 21, 1945 - the same Japanese of Health said: "There is a register in the white garment of Japa- ternative, I agreed to the sugKaran shared that there is a way out - clever use of language.

He said: “We finally won the National Anthem case that was 14 ally attended to Bose's body at officer, according to Tan Ti-Ti, of cremations at the Municipal nese soldiers under medical gestion and the body was creyears old. I no longer have to apologize for putting National An- the concerned crematorium. It "submitted the death certificate Health Centre and the officers care, wore slippers, parts of his mated on 22-8-1945 at Taihoku them in my film in an emotional and proud manner. It's like that. also transpires from the file that of a certain Ichiro Okura". Yen of the Health Centre are of the face were bandaged; he was tall under the arrangement of the We eventually have to say what we have to say so in a clever way. Japanese army officers prob- clarified to Franklin that during opinion that the entry was made and swarthy, wept bitterly and Army authorities. The ashes seemed extremely sorrowful". were collected on 23-8-1945." ably did not issue a death cer- World War 2 in the case of mili- in the name of Ichiro Okura."

Language is a great thing."

'Freedom of expression, democracy biggest jokes in the world: KJo

Netaji cremated in Taikhou, claims British website

SaturdaY 23•01•2016

WORLD

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

9

Five years on, unrest tests ‘Arab Spring’ model Tunisia KASSERINE, JANuARy 22 (REutERS): On Dec. 17, 2010, a young, desperate Tunisian vendor named Mohamed Bouazizi set himself ablaze in a suicide protest over unemployment and police abuse that spread revolt across the Arab world.

Five years on, Ridha Yahyaoui, another young Tunisian, has killed himself in frustration after being refused a job, inflaming protests through the same impoverished towns that once brought down the regime of Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali. If Tunisia was hailed as the success story of the Arab Spring revolts for its democratic progress, it has also become an example of the dangers in failing to tackle economic malaise, alienation and frustrations of North African youth.

In Kasserine, the impoverished central city where this week’s protests began, more disaffected young men have threatened to kill themselves.

Two were injured after trying to throw themselves off the roof of the local government building in fits of anger over the lack of jobs.

The unrest has quickly spread to other towns in the north and south of the country and shows no signs of weakening -- protesters have stormed police stations and local government offices and killed one policeman. Tunis has been

Protesters shout slogans during a protest outside the local government office in Kasserine, Tunisia on January 21. (REUTERS Photo)

mostly calm, but sporadic rioting hit two poor districts on Thursday night.

Chanting “Work, Freedom, Dignity”, protesters have been quick to evoke the 2011 “Jasmine Revolution” and echo demands over its promises of political freedom and the economic opportunities they say have failed to materialise.

Many protesters are already blaming the nonchalance of former Ben Ali regime officials like President Beji Caid Essebsi, who have returned to power even after the revolution that forced the autocrat himself to flee the country into exile.

“I thought the revolution would give us hope to find work with dignity,” said Haamza Hizi, 28, an unemployed man in Kasserine. “I never thought I would repeat the same demands as five years ago.

The old regime has robbed our dreams.”

Tunisia managed mostly to escape the kind of violent after-shocks seen in other “Arab Spring” countries that toppled longstanding leaders in Egypt, Yemen and Libya, which are still struggling to find stability.

Its young democracy brought a new constitution, a political compromise be-

tween secular and Islamist parties and free elections praised as a model for transition in a region where the gun has often beats out the ballot box.

But political progress has not been matched by economic advances. Unemployment stood at 15.3 percent in 2015, up from 12 percent in 2010, due to weak growth and lower investment.

University graduates comprise one-third of jobless Tunisians after student numbers increased.

Mohamed Bouazizi was a graduate who had to sell fruit and vegetables to survive.

Those conditions are part of why even middleclass, educated Tunisians sometimes fall prey to Islamist militant recruiters seeking jihadist fighters for their ranks in Syria, Iraq and now Libya. More than 3,000 Tunisians are believed to be fighting in Islamist militant groups in Iraq and Syria.

Frustrations are most prevalent in poor urban districts of the capital and in the rural, marginalized communities where this week’s protests erupted.

“Ridha killed himself because he lost hope,” said Yahyaoui’s father Hathmane, clutching a photo-

graph of his son. “I have lost my son, but I warn the authorities, my son will be the new Bouazizi and his death with create more protests for work and dignity.”

PROMISES, BUT WHAT NEXT? Sidi Bouzaid and Kasserine were the first cities to rise up against Ben Ali in the 2011 revolt. Unemployment in the olive and fruit farming region bordering Algeria is almost double the national average.

It has always been a sensitive area. Two years ago, an attempt by the government to trim subsidies by rising vehicle taxes trig-

gered rioting in Kasserine and one man was killed.

Since the revolution, the region has also been affected by violence linked to Tunisia’s low-intensity conflict with Islamist militants, who use the border region with Algeria as a base for their operations, mostly against the army.

President Essebsi on Wednesday announced the government would seek to employ more than 6,000 youth in Kasserine and start construction and development projects. On Thursday, thousands came out to register at the governor’s office.

“We understand well the demands of protesters and they are legitimate,” government spokesman Khaled Chouket said. “But there may be attempts to infiltrate the protests to darken the name of Tunisia and undermine our democracy.”

The unrest comes at a delicate moment for the government.

Unlike its oil-wealthy neighbours Libya and Algeria, Tunisia has few natural resources and the years of instability have crimped investment.

Three major attacks last year by Islamist militants -against a museum in Tunis, tourists in a Sousse beach resort and a suicide bombing in the capital -- have especially hit the tourist industry, a key source of jobs and revenue.

Across the border, Libya is imploding as two rival factions battle for control after the fall of Muammar Gaddafi, creating a haven for Islamist militants and another source of instability.

Essebsi’s ruling Nidaa Tounes party is also caught in a crisis of its own making. Nidaa has split over a fight about the role of Essebsi’s son in the party and one faction is threatening to break away.

Opposition parties and social movements say the government has ignored regional development projects and let frustrations fester in rural areas.

“There is real anger and tension against the symbols of the state,” Essam Chebbi, of the opposition Republican Party, told Reuters. “That means people don’t have confidence in the government and it has lost credibility.”

Prime Minister Habib Essid has returned early from the World Economic Forum summit in Davos, convening an emergency cabinet meeting and saying he would address protests on Saturday. But there is little patience in the streets for just promises.

“The government says it has no magic wand,” said unemployed Arabic language graduate Mohamed Klhifi in Kasserine. “But our response is, we don’t want magic, we want our right to a job.”

Myanmar govt releases political prisoners before power transfer At least 42 migrants drown as

Released political prisoners shout for the release of other political prisoners in front of Insein prison in Yangon on January 22. The placard reads, “All political prisoners need to be released now for true national reconciliation.” (REUTERS Photo)

yANGON, JANuARy 22 (REutERS): Myanmar began releasing the first of about 100 prisoners on Friday, many of them political detainees, days before a parliament dominated by democracy champion Aung San Suu Kyi’s party sits for the first time after an election win in November.

The freeing of some political prisoners by the outgoing administration

of President Thein Sein comes after U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Myanmar to free all political prisoners during a visit on Monday.

The amnesty gives a last-minute boost to the legacy of Thein Sein, whose semi-civilian government in 2011 replaced a junta that had run Myanmar for 49 years, ushering in a series of political and eco-

North Korea says detains US student for “hostile act” SEOuL, JANuARy 22 (REutERS): North Korea said on Friday it had detained a U.S. university student for committing a “hostile act” and wanting to “destroy the country’s unity”, the third western citizen known to be held in the isolated state. The North’s state-run KCNA news agency said the student, Otto Frederick Warmbier, entered North Korea as a tourist and “was caught committing a hostile act against the state”, which it said was “tolerated and manipulated by the U.S. government”.

KCNA said Warmbier had entered the country with an “aim to destroy the country’s unity”. It did not elaborate.

Warmbier is an undergraduate at the University of Virginia, according to the university’s website. Gareth Johnson of China-based Young Pioneer Tours confirmed Warmbier was on one of its tours and said he had been detained in North Korea on Jan. 2.

An official at the U.S. embassy in the South Korean capital Seoul said it was aware of the reported arrest.

Johnson said Young Pioneer Tours was in touch with Warmbier’s family and U.S. officials. “We are in touch with Otto’s family, the U.S. State Department and the Embassy of Sweden in Pyongyang and doing all we can to secure his release,” Johnson told Reuters.

The Swedish Embassy represents U.S. interests in North Korea. A South Korean-born Canadian pastor was arrested in North Korea last year and given a life sentence for subversion. Earlier this month, a Korean-American man told CNN in Pyongyang that he was being held by the state for spying.

In 2014, Pyongyang released three detained Americans. Last October, it freed a South Korean national with a U.S. green card after holding him for six months.

South Korea warned that the United States and its allies were working on further sanctions to inflict “bonenumbing pain” on North Korea after its latest nuclear test this month, in contravention of U.N. Security Council resolutions, and urged China to do its part to rein in its neighbour.

nomic reforms.

“There were 52 political prisoners among those released today,” said Bo Kyi, joint secretary of political prisoner watchdog Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP).

According to Bo Kyi, this leaves 77 political prisoners behind bars and 408 awaiting trial.

Zaw Htay, a director at the president’s office, said on

his Facebook page that 102 prisoners would be freed.

It was unclear how many had already been freed and whether all of them were political prisoners. Zaw Htay also said that 77 death sentences would be reduced to life imprisonments.

Phillip Blackwood, a New Zealand citizen jailed in Yangon’s notorious Insein prison in March for two and a half years for insulting religion, was also due to be freed, according to his family.

He had used a psychedelic image of Buddha wearing headphones to promote a party at a Yangon bar in a case that threw a spotlight on the country’s hardline Buddhist nationalists who championed the harsh sentencing.

“We’ve been told he will be released within the next few days or it could be up to a week,” said Angela Blackwood, the prisoner’s mother, when contacted by phone. It was unclear whether two Myanmar citizens jailed along with Blackwood would be released.

Myanmar’s incarceration of more than 2,000 journalists, activists, politicians and even comedians during decades of military rule was a key factor behind Western sanctions.

“While we recognize this as an important step, we remain concerned that there are still many individuals who remain jailed or on trial for simply exercising their right to freely express themselves,” the U.S. Embassy in Yangon said in a statement, calling for their release.

As others were walking free on Friday, NGO worker Patrick Khum Jaa Lee, arrested in October for a Facebook post deemed insulting to the military, was sentenced to six months in jail at a court in Yangon.

With time served, he will be eligible for release in April.

“The military is sending a very clear message that whoever tries to touch or criticize them, they will seriously take action,” said May Sabe Phyu, his wife and a prominent women’s rights activist.

boats capsize off Greek islands

AtHENS, JANuARy 22 (REutERS): At least 42 people, including 17 children, drowned when their boats capsized off two Greek islands near the Turkish coast on Friday, coastguards said, marking one of the deadliest days for migrants risking the perilous route to Europe from Turkey.

According to survivors’ testimonies, dozens were on board a wooden sailboat which went down off Kalolimnos, a small island in the Aegean Sea close to Turkey’s coast, one coastguard official said.

The coastguard rescued 26 people and recovered the bodies of 34 migrants in one of the worst incidents in months, the official said.

It was not clear why the vessel capsized.

In the sinking at Farmakonisi, another small island also close to the Turkish

coast, six children and two this “the deadliest January women drowned when on record”. their wooden boat crashed The latest incidents bring the number of people killed on the eastern Mediterranean route in the past year to at least 900, said IOM spokesman Joel on rocks shortly after mid- Millman in Geneva. night.

The total number of ar“Another 40 migrants rivals in Europe by sea rose on the vessel managed to about 37,000 in January, to swim to the shore,” the more than six times the coastguard said in a state- combined figures for the ment. same month in 2014 and “Once again, last night 2015, usually a slow month ruthless human smug- due to the bad weather. glers at the Turkish coast Fleeing war, thousands crammed dozens of refu- of mainly Syrian refugees gees and migrants in risky have braved rough seas this and unseaworthy vessels year to make the short, but and led innocent people, precarious, journey from even young children to per- Turkey to Greece’s islands, ish,” the shipping ministry from which most continue said in a statement. to mainland Greece and The International Or- northward into wealthier ganisation for Migration western Europe. said the deaths of migrants Winter conditions and refugees in the Medi- make the journey even terranean already make more dangerous.

‘The latest incidents bring the number of people killed on the eastern Mediterranean route in the past year to at least 900’

Militant attacks in Asia inject a new urgency into bomb training CHA’AM, JANuARy 22 (REutERS): A major Asian city is rocked by a car bomb as VIPs arrive for a summit. Nearby, a man on a motorbike detonates his suicide vest. People gather, emergency crews arrive then a third explosion rips through the crowd.

That’s the all-too-familiar scenario recently presented to a select group of Southeast Asian police officers at a U.S.-funded training course on investigating blast scenes. The two-week course, taught by experts from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), is held at least once a year in Thailand. But recent events have added new urgency to an otherwise routine training.

On Jan. 14, just days after the course began, Indonesian militants launched an attack in central Jakarta with pistols and homemade bombs. Eight people died, including the four militants. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, raising fears of more violence by the group’s supporters across the region.

Five months before

that, another improvised explosive device (IED) tore through a popular shrine in Bangkok, killing 20 people, most of them foreign tourists. “The whole world knows there is a bomb threat in Southeast Asia now,” said Gunalan Muniandy, one of eight Malaysian police officers taking the course with counterparts from Thailand, Cambodia and Laos. “We better get prepared for the future.”

BIG BANG THEORIES Key to that preparation are four blast-shattered vehicles parked on a firing range near the Thai seaside town of Cha’am.

On Sunday, ATF personnel made three IEDs from everyday articles, including a frying pan, a toolbox, a doorbell switch and magnets from a loudspeaker.

They packed the devices with an explosive mixture called ammonium nitrate fuel oil, used in what are popularly known as “fertilizer bombs”, or with military-grade C4 plastic explosive. Or both.

Two of the IEDs were attached to cars on the range.

The third, a suicide vest made from an orthopaedic back brace, is strapped to a mannequin on a motorbike and placed next to a third car.

The IEDs were then detonated from a safe distance. When the suicide vest exploded, the nearby car was briefly engulfed in a fireball before reappearing as a smouldering wreck.

“Everyone in that car is dead,” said Michael A. Eldredge, a veteran ATF bomb technician based in Baltimore who worked the bloody aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013. The students arrive the next day for what Eldredge calls “scene processing”: combing the debris for evidence to show what kind of bomb caused each explosion.

“CATCHING THE BAD GUY” The design of IEDs is similar the world over, says Eldredge, with blueprints available on websites produced by al Qaeda, Islamic State and many other groups. But the materials change depending on the country. Those used by Eldredge’s team to build to-

A vehicle is blown up during a course on blast scene investigation near Hua Hin, Thailand January 17. (REUTERS Photo)

day’s IEDs were sourced in Thai stores “to make it more realistic for the participants”, he said.

An IED has five main components: switch, power source, initiator (fuse), container and the explosive itself. The first three alone can tell students whether high or low explosive was used, said Eldredge.

But first they’ve got to find them amid the debris of three separate bombs.

The roof of one car now sits up a tree, Swiss-cheesed by shrapnel.

Eldredge gives the students a tip. With his knife, he cuts a hole in the car’s tyre, shoves his hand in and pulls out a ragged pellet of aluminium: part of the frying pan that formed the IED’s container.

Every year, the ATF holds at least one post-blast training course in Thailand, Botswana, Hungary and El

Salvador, drawing trainers from its field offices across the United States.

Evidence gathered through post-blast analysis can help prosecute a bomber or build a pattern that links a suspect to multiple devices, says Eldredge.

“If we protect the public by catching the bad guy after his first device (but) before he does his second device, we’ve done our job,” he said.

10

saturDaY 23•01•2016

sports

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Manny Pacquiao hopes farewell State sub-junior boxing team bring laurels fight helps bolster Senate bid

NEW YORK, JaNuaRY 22 (REutERs): Filipino Manny Pacquiao insists his upcoming title bout against Timothy Bradley will be the last of his prodigious career and on Thursday said he is aiming for a convincing win to help bolster his campaign for a Senate seat.

Pacquiao, who has a 576-2 record and won world titles in eight different weight classes in a 20-year career, is set to battle Bradley in Las Vegas on April 9 for the American's WBO welterweight championship. "This is my last fight," Pacquiao, 37, told a Madison Square Garden news conference on Thursday.

"After this I'm going to retire and hang up my gloves and focus on my other big responsibility in my daily life, to help the people."

Pacquiao is a congressman in the Philippines but is hoping to secure a Senate seat in the May 9 election back home.

But first comes a boxing rubber match.

Bradley, 32, controversially beat Pacquiao when they first met in 2012 but the southpaw gained revenge in a 2014 re-match, scoring a unanimous decision win to regain the WBO welterweight title. The American, now working with trainer Teddy Atlas, knocked out Brandon Rios in the ninth

Jan 21, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley, Jr. pose for a photo during press conference at Madison Square Garden to announce the upcoming boxing fight on April 9, 2016 in Las Vegas. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

round of his last bout. "Teddy and I and the team are going go to the lab and I'll come out a smart, smart monster on April 9," said Bradley (331-1), who has credited Atlas with improving his ring skills. Pacquiao told reporters he has recovered from surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder that limited him in a loss to Floyd Mayweather last May and that on Wednesday he received an all-clear from his surgeon.

Looking slender in a business suit, Pacquiao snapped off a pair of sharp right jabs to illustrate that his daily basketball workouts and ocean swims had helped him heal.

Pacquiao, who insists he won two more rounds than Mayweather in their so-called "Fight of the Century," said TV coverage of his training would offset loss in campaign time back in the Philippines as he prepares for the Bradley bout.

"I'm campaigning to have a good fight," he said.

"If I win this fight convincingly that will excite the people." Pacquiao admits a rematch with Mayweather, who has already retired, was his first choice for a final fight. And if Mayweather were to reconsider and offer Pacquiao a rematch? "I'll ask the people of the Philippines," Pacquiao said.

DimaPuR, JaNuaRY 22 (mExN): Nagaland SubJunior Boxing Team won 2 Gold and 2 Silver at the National Rural Sports Group - V Competition held at Chennai from January 16 to 19.

The National level Competition saw boys and girls in the Under-16 categories competing in Boxing, Badminton and Table Tennis.

According to a press release received here, the state Under-16 pugilists showed power, technique and aggressiveness in their respective bouts to beat powerful opponents from other states to reach the finals.

The following are the names of the boxers who

(From L-R) Krishna Mote, Arenlong Imsong, Boxing Coach Tsungchetrenla Tzudir, Kevibu Kapfo and Megovituo Angami.

won medals: Krishna Mote (Gold in 46 kg), Kevibu Kapfo (Silver in 48 kg), Arenlong Imsong (Silver in

57 kg) and Megovituo (Gold in 66 kg). The girls’ team unfortunately lost their bouts in quarterfinal. The team

was lead by Tsungchetrenla Tzudir, Boxing coach, Department of Youth Resources and Sports.

Petekolie is WASA Wrestling Champ

Minister for Social Welfare & Parliamentary Affairs, Kiyanilie Peseyie, and others with winners of 53rd wrestling meet of Western Angami Sports Association in Kohima. (Morung Photo) Our Correspondent Kohima | January 22

Nineteen year old Petekolie Nipu today emerged as champion of the 53rd wrestling meet 2016 of Western Angami Sports Association (WASA) held here at Khuochiezie (Kohima Local Ground).

Standing 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing 78 kg, Petekolie, son of Rokomekho Nipu from Sechu Zubza, downed 28 year old Zasevikho Meyatsu of Mezoma in the final to emerge as champion of the coveted title.

Petekolie defeated Kekhriezo Nagi of Sechu Zubza in the quarter finals

and then overcame Neivolie Senotsu of Jotsoma in semi finals.

36 year old Rokuosielie Khawakhrie, from Mezoma, won third place while 24 year old Neivolie Senotsu, from Jotsoma, bagged the fourth place.

Earlier, the inaugural function was graced by

Minister for Social Welfare & Parliamentary Affairs Kiyanilie Peseyie as the chief guest. Meanwhile, national style wrestling will take place on January 23 from 10am onwards. Rovilato Mor, Deputy Commissioner, Kohima will be the guest of honour at the closing ceremony.

Smith keen to pile on the Vechita is Chozuba range wrestling champ misery for beaten Indians Our Correspondent

sYDNEY, JaNuaRY 22 (REutERs): Australia skipper Steven Smith has stressed there will be no let up when they play the fifth and final one-day international against an Indian side staring at a series whitewash on Saturday.

The Australians stretched their oneday win streak to 18 matches after a stunning India collapse in the fourth one-day on Wednesday allowed the hosts to claim a 25-run victory.

Smith said he was pleased with his side's displays and was keen to wrap up a 5-0 series sweep before the three-match Twenty20 series begins next week.

"We've played some very good cricket against them of late," Smith said on Friday.

"We dominated them when they were out here last summer, we beat them in the World Cup semi-final and we're up 4-0 so we're in a good spot.

"Hopefully we can top it off tomorrow with a 5-0 whitewash."

India have not beaten Australia in any format since 2013. The tourists looked like ending that barren run when they were on 277 for one, chasing 349 for victory, only to lose their last nine wickets for 46 runs

in Canberra.

India's chances of victory in Sydney on Saturday could be aided by the absence of Glenn Maxwell, who was struck on the knee during Wednesday's win.

The all-rounder went on to hit a crucial quick fire 41 at the end of the Australian innings to help post a winning target.

"He might have had something with his hamstring as well," Smith said of Maxwell's ailments.

The ODI series has seen the two sides score close to 2500 runs combined with little help for both the fast and spin bowlers.

The test matches against New Zealand and West Indies also saw the 500-run mark breached on several occasions and Smith said he was "disappointed" with the docile surfaces at home.

"It'd be nice if the wickets that traditionally have a little bit more pace and bounce in them, the WACA and Gabba, were able to bring back those characteristics," Smith said. "The wickets didn't have a great deal of pace and bounce to them which we naturally see. It'd be great if that was brought back. I think that'll make it a little bit more even between bat and ball."

Kohima | January 22

30-year old Vechita Khesoh today emerged as the champion of the 26th Wrestling Meet of Chozuba Range Wrestling Association (CRWA) held at Chozuba Town.

Son of Lt. Siiliiyi Khesoh from Yoruba village, Vechita pocketed a cash prize of Rs. 60,000.

Vetazo Veswuh, 24, son of Cekrolhii Veswuh from Suthozu Nagwu bagged the second position and pocketed a cash prize of Rs. 40,000.

Kuzoto Phesao, 24, and son of Kiivemo Phesao and Kiineshoyi Zu-o, 27, son of Zhonepa Zu-o, both from Suthozu Nagwu bagged third and fourth and were awarded Rs. 20,000 and Rs. 10,000 respectively.

MLA Kiizholiizo (Azo) Nienu and others with the wrestlers of the 26th wrestling meet of Chozuba Range Wrestling Association at Chozuba Town on January 22. (Morung Photo)

Earlier, chief guest at the inaugural function, MLA Kiizholiizo (Azo) Nienu, called upon the younger generation not to ignore wrestling. He opined that wrestling puts one’s skill to the ultimate test. “It is a test of your strength, a test of your skills, tactics, and a test of patience and stamina, and the person having

all these required skills will become the ultimate winner,” he said.

He said that Chakhesang community has become politically and economically weak because of their disunity. He added that no one is to blame but themselves. He then made a clarion call to the community to stand united in

the larger interest of the Chakhesang community.

Azo further exhorted that one should not encroach into others’ interest and hurt their feelings while trying to protect the interest of the Chakhesang community.

He donated Rs. 2.50 lakh towards the wrestling meet.

Chakhesang Public Organization (CPO) former president Sovenyi also graced the meet as the guest of honour.

The administration of oath was done by CRWA general secretary Vezholhii Khiisoh.

Meanwhile, National style wrestling will take place on January 23.

Kobe looks back 10 years after his "mystical" 81-point game Surreal to think of comparisons

LOs aNGELEs, JaNuaRY 22 (aP): Kobe Bryant remembers exactly what he had to eat in the 24 hours before he scored 81 points against the Toronto Raptors 10 years ago Friday.

The rest is a beautiful blur in the mind of a 20year NBA veteran as he looks back on the most prolific, ridiculous individual night of his career. ''I've had to play it over in my mind several times,'' Bryant said. ''There is really no explanation for it. I can always explain it from an X's and O's standpoint, from a training standpoint, but when nights like that happen, there is always something mystical about it. Scoring that many points, that really carries no explanation.''

Bryant turned an ordinary Sunday game for a couple of mediocre teams into the second highest-scoring performance in NBA history. He made 28 of his 46 shots, hit seven 3-pointers, went 18 for 20 on free throws, scored 55 points in the second half - and the Lakers won, 122-104.

Kobe still can't explain what got into him, but it wasn't health food: He had spent the previous hours celebrating the third birthday of his daughter, Natalia. ''I had pepperoni pizza and grape soda the night before,'' he said with a laugh. ''My knee was extremely sore. Think I had a burger before the game, burger and fries. No joke.

FILE - In this January 22, 2006 photo, Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant slips past Toronto Raptors' Matt Bonner for a reverse lay up in the first half. Bryant scored 81 points in the game as the Lakers beat the Raptors, 122-104. (AP Photo)

Went out there and played.

My knee was very sore, so I was kind of trying to work through that a little bit.''

Only Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point game in 1962 stands above Bryant's one-game effort - but for pure virtuosity, Bryant's 81-point game stands out.

Chamberlain's performance for the Philadelphia Warriors included 63 shot attempts and 28 free throws made while the Knicks intentionally fouled him. Bryant largely created his own

shots from the perimeter, showing off his explosive movement and that peerless ability to create a jump shot amid suffocating defense.

The Lakers weren't a good team that season, although they weren't nearly as bad as their current 9-35 squad with which Bryant must finish his career.

His fellow starters against Toronto were Kwame Brown, Lamar Odom, Chris Mihm and Smush Parker, the Lakers' second-leading scorer with

13 points. Bryant was the focal point of every defense faced by the Lakers that season, although he still was averaging 34.8 points per game heading in.

Bryant didn't face many double-teams from the Raptors, although he scoffs at the notion that it would have mattered. Veteran coach George Karl remembers watching the game on television and wondering why Toronto didn't try double-teams, triple-teams anything to take Bryant out

of the Lakers' offense. ''There is that strategy, and I have used it on Kobe, that you want him to take all the shots,'' Karl said. ''It's easier to try and control everybody else than it is to stop Kobe. Try to make him a less efficient player. But there's got to be a number 40, 45, 50 - where you have got to change your strategy.

But I don't know what that number is.''

With Odom constantly in his ear reminding him to keep pushing, Bryant surpassed Elgin Baylor's 71-point performance for the best in Lakers history.

The Staples Center crowd stood for much of the final minutes as Bryant continued to fill it up in a fairly close game, only leaving with a few seconds left. He hugged coach Phil Jackson on the way off the court.

Bryant has thought about his 81-point game extensively this month, part of the parade of nostalgia surrounding him weekly as fans and opponents celebrate him one last time before retirement in April.

The best individual night of his career doesn't compare to his five NBA championships, yet it still looms, large and shining, in the memory matrix of his life and career. ''It's amazing how time flies,'' Bryant said. ''It's absolutely crazy it was 10 years. My little baby girl is turning 13. Whoa. She was a little baby in my arms, and now she is a teenager.''

with Sir Viv Richards: Virat Kohli

(LEFT) FILE - Sir Vivian Richards batting without a helmet against Derek Pringle of England in 1984. (Photo: Adrian Murrell/Allsport) (RIGHT) India's Virat Kohli plays a shot during the 3rd ODI against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne on January 17. (Reuters)

sYDNEY, JaNuaRY 22 (Pti): Sir Viv Richards sees a bit of himself in Virat Kohli but the Indian batsman feels comparisons with the legend are surreal as he can't even think of emulating the West Indian's audacity of smacking the world's greatest fast bowlers without protective gear.

Kohli has become the fastest to notch up 7000 runs 25 hundreds in the ODI format. The feats have led to comparisons with Richards, one among the very few batsmen who dominated on the Australian soil.

"I don't go to the field thinking I want to fight with someone today. I am in a good headspace where I am contributing to the team. And it is not an argument on the field. It's been

different this time than last time, rather than swearing or bad words, it is just fun.

People watching should have some fun as well. My focus is to go out there and perform, as these things don't bother me," said Kohli ahead of the fifth and final one-dayer against India here tomorrow.

"And it is surreal to think of comparisons. I have always thought that it was tougher for the greats of the game because we have better protective gear today. I can't think of playing in a cap and Sir Viv always did. He smacked fast bowlers for sixes all over the world and even thinking about it sends chills down your spine," he added.

Richards had stated some time back that Kohli's batting reminds him of

himself for the sheer aggression and passion he puts into his effort.

The 27-year-old said he still considers himself a club cricketer.

"I still think of myself as a club cricketer who wants to do well in every game.

That's the mindset I had when I hadn't played state cricket for Delhi yet. I just wanted to go and win every match for my academy team and score as many runs as possible. That was what I was taught by my coach and something that I have been lucky to be able to remember.

"Statistics will take care of themselves on the sidelines. I just feel grateful that I am in that position and that I remember what got me into that position," said Kohli.

Saturday 23•01•2016

EntErtainmEnt

Promoting Indigenous Culture through Photography

In a span of a few years, photography has evolved and gained an important niche in Nagaland. For this, we have a group of talented, committed and creative pioneers to thank for it. Betoka Swu is one such photographer.

Akangchila Longchar

“I’m a lifestyle photographer. I like to capture and show the people around the world about the everyday life of the ordinary and extra-ordinary Nagas. A quick glance at a picture can tell a lot about one’s culture. Wedding photography is one field which I’m more known. I love to keep my pictures simple however right composition and detailing is where I give more effort”.

Thuwuni Pughoboto Series Shot by Betoka Swu.

H

e is wellknown as one of the managing team which kick-started the popular band “Alobo Naga and The Band (ANTB)”. During this time, he was also dabbling in his creative passion in the art of photography. Today, he is making a mark and is known as one of the best lifestyle photographers in Nagaland. He also owns and runs “The Republic of Hiyo”, a Cafe in Dimapur.

His aerial images of the WW II Kohima Cemetery went viral with more than

50 thousand viewers liking and sharing it online.

His wedding photographs have been featured in online sites- Wedding Sutra and Big Indian Wedding.

He has worked with the best artists in the country today. He has also covered an amazing 100 plus weddings in five years.

Betoka describes himself as a Sumi Naga brought up in small town Satakha district of Nagaland. The “Indigenous Culture of Nagaland” is what inspires him and it is also one of the central themes not only in his photography but also his own life. He explains,

“My culture defines me.

What I’m doing today is to create a difference in my society with the skill I have”.

Betoka is a self-taught photographer. He says that it was never a conscious career choice but that he came upon it by chance.

It all began with his first ever exhibition at the Indian Habitat Centre, Delhi in 2000 after he completed his studies, which gave him a boost and helped his selfdiscovery towards the art.

He also adds that his passion and sense of responsibility towards his people also inspired him towards becoming a photographer.

Initially it was a lovehate relationship with photography, Betoka shares, because the thought

of making a livelihood through this art medium was not a surety. But again, it is this uncertainty, which inspired him and drove him to work harder every single day towards success.

This photographer is not into expensive camera gears. He uses 5 D Mark II with few lenses as possible, since he prefers using natural light. He also chooses on location assignments to studio. “I try keeping my art in a very minimalist way and getting closer to nature inspires me a lot,” he says.

For his post processing, he is constantly keeping himself updated with applications. He chooses to work alone editing and creating originals, but also tries to imitate works of his men-

Aerial view of WW II War Cemetery, Kohima.

tors. Finally, he sends his work for print to the finest labs in the country. When he is free from assignments, this photographer spends time experimenting with his phone and creating backgrounds and settings.

Beyond excellent photography techniques, Betoka is a great story-teller. He has an eye for capturing off-beat moments through his lenses.

He also has a knack for giving really good narratives for each of his photographs. To this, he responds, “Story telling is one thing that makes an image more interesting.

I’m very poor in defining my pictures with words, so I use

minimal words. I’m trying to improve on it”.

As a newly discovered niche, there are many who feel that wedding photography in Nagaland is getting to be an expensive affair. Sharing his thoughts, Betoka says that he does not agree much on this, because there is a lot of branding and service involved which the photographer offers to his clients.

He explains that, just like any other business, the client always has the option to go for exactly the kind of service they need. And if wedding photography in Nagaland is expensive, it is

because it is a massive affair and not just about the bride and the groom but the photographers are expected to cover the entire arrangement, from food to dresses and flowers etc.

However, as an art form, photography should not just be limited to weddings.

Betoka reveals that the Nagaland Photographer’s Forum share the same feeling and often discuss that it is something we need to open or create a ways so that our lifestyle is showcased in many ways than being limited to a few genres.

To photography beginners, Betoka offers advice

to ‘keep it simple’. “Get basic gears but keep your eyes open. Remember it’s the right timing and moment you should be looking for,” he shares.

16 years since his first exhibition in Delhi, this young man has utilised the best years of his youth immersed in art, music and entrepreneurship. The passion still remains and is only getting stronger. Betoka looks forward to a future where he is working towards creating more images to showcase Naga culture in a very creative way. This is one talented photographer and a proud Naga!

Testify releases latest single Change Pressure mounts on Chris Rock to quit as Oscars host

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estify Band, a Christian rock band from Dimapur formed in August 2012, has released the band's latest single “Change.” Recorded at Crystal Sound Studio, Dimapur, the songs can be downloaded free from indihut.com.

“Change” is written and composed by Lanuzulu, front man of the band.

The song speaks of the evils prevalent in our society today; the degrading morality and the cold love, where people seem to have forgotten the value of harmoniously living together and constantly rage at one another.

In a place like Nagaland, almost every individual is a member of a church of certain denomination where he/she is taught to love.

However, the individual’s actions seem to contradict the teachings of Christ. “If only a person is willing,” the song says, “it is never too late to change.” “There are still people in our society who desire or are longing for freedom and rights and to live in unity. It is the change that should start from the individual’s heart and family. Only then our society will achieve the goal of setting love as our theme.”

Testify Band Testify Band is a Christian rock band from Dimapur, Nagaland, formed in August 2012. The band members consist of five different individuals who have come together with the goal to convey the message of love, hope and peace in this distorted society. Testify is a unique band that caters to music lovers of all kind. From rock, blues, funk, jazz to contemporary gospel music, the band loves to experiment with all genres.

Their songs are about the various issues confronting us in our daily lives. It could be about as simple as personal issues or as complex yet relevant as social issues, with special emphasis on Christian values. Although formed years back, the band has not contested or participated in any competitions but has played in various concerts organized by different churches and societies.

The band line up Lanu Lemtor Meyi Lanuzulu

: Drums : Guitar : Vocal/Guitar

mid the ongoing diversity row at this year’s Oscars, some artistes have called upon host Chris Rock to bow out of the ceremony.

R&B singer-songwriter Tyrese Gibson and rapper 50 Cent have urged Rock to step down.

“There is no joke that he can crack. There is no way for him to seize the moment and come into this thing and say, ‘I’m going to say this and say that I’m going to address the issue but then I’m still going to keep my gig as the host.’ The statement that you make is that you step down,” Gibson told People magazine.

50 Cent took to Instagram to write, “Chris please do not do the Oscars awards. You mean a lot man, don’t do it. Please.”

However, there are voices within the community which feel that Rock should stick to hosting the February 28 gig and use the stage to talk about the lack of inclusion in the awards nominations for a second

consecutive year.

Filmmaker Spike Lee, who was one of the earliest voices to criticise the Academy body, wrote on Instagram that he and his wife Tonya Lewis Lee “cannot support it (Oscars)” and will skip the event.

Lee further said, “The host is black (Chris Rock) and now black actors and others are shaming him for taking the job? He earned it.”

Jada Pinkett Smith, also boycotting the ceremony, sent her good wishes to Rock for the mega event.

“Hey, Chris. I will not be at the Academy Awards and I won’t be watching but I can’t think of a better man to do the job at hand this year than you, my friend,” the Gotham actress said.

“Good luck.”

Rock is yet to respond on the matter though he did comment on the diversity issue tweeting last week, “The #Oscars. The White BET Awards.”

The Academy president Cheryl Boone Isaacs has acknowledged the problem

in a rare and lengthy statement saying swift reforms were needed to change the status quo.

“While we celebrate t h e i r e x t r a o rd i n a r y achievements, I am both heartbroken and frustrated about the lack of inclusion.

This is a difficult but important conversation, and it’s time for big changes.”

The Academy has been accused of failing to nomination black talents in its four acting categories for the second year in a row. The case is similar in the directing category, prompting sharp criticism from Hollywood stars like George Clooney, Lupita Nyong’o, Smith, Lee and David Oyelowo.

Lima Longkumer : Bass Abel Assumi : Violin

Hillstar NOW SHOWING

02:00 pm | 08:00 Pm

An Alexander McQueen biopic is coming

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he late fashion designer Alexander McQueen's life story has already been turned into a West End play, and now he is set to be the subject of a Hollywood biopic.

Deadline reports that 45 Years director Andrew Haigh has signed on to direct the film, which will be produced by Damian

Jones and Pathé. The playwright Chris Urch is writing the screenplay and although Jones previously optioned the biography 'Alexander McQueen: Blood Beneath The Skin'

by Andrew Wilson, the screenplay will not be based on the book alone.

It is too early for any news on who might play

the part of Lee McQueen or his close friends Isabella Blow or Phillip Treacy.

Deadline add that the film's creators aim to get the film into production by the end of the year.

If the huge popularity of the V&A exhibition Savage Beauty is anything to go by, there will be a lot of public interest in seeing Mc-

Queen's story come to life on screen.

But hopefully it will show a truer insight into his life and work than the criticised James Philips play McQueen. The Telegraph critic piece feels like something of Ben Lawrence wrote of this a fashion faux pas.' production: 'Unfortunately McQueen took his this pretentious, unshapely own life in 2010, aged 40.

He founded his label in 1992 after cutting his teeth at various Savile Row tailors. His visionary catwalk

shows and avant-garde designs made him one of the most celebrated designers in the world.

11:00 AM | 05:00 PM

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saturDaY 23•01•2016

SPORTS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

NBA: LeBron, Love lead Super Serena, Djokovic soar into Cavaliers past Clippers Australian Open fourth round Bopanna advances, Bhupathi out

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(LEFT) Serbia's Novak Djokovic celebrates after victory against Italy's Andreas Seppi in the third round of the Australian Open on January 22. (AFP Photo) (RIGHT) Serena Williams of the USA in action during the women's single match on day five of the 2016 Australian Open Tennis Tournament in Melbourne, Australia, on January 22. Photo Mike Frey/DPPI

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(LEFT) Russia's Maria Sharapova celebrates victory against Lauren Davis of the United States at the Australian Open on January 22, 2016 (AFP Photo) (RIGHT) Switzerland's Roger Federer reacts after winning his third round match against Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov at the Australian Open tennis tournament at Melbourne Park, Australia, January 22. (REUTERS) C M Y K

Melbourne, January 22 (aFP): Novak Djokovic underlined his supremacy in men's tennis on Friday as he marched unstoppably into the Australian Open fourth round -- along with Serena Williams, who raced through in just 44 minutes.

As Roger Federer reached a landmark 300th Grand Slam win, Djokovic still looked like the man to beat as he weathered a strong challenge from Andreas Seppi to reach the first weekend without dropping a set.

The top seed and defending champion saved two third-set points against Seppi before reeling off the next four points to clinch it 6-1, 7-5, 7-6 (8/6), his 33rd straight victory over Italian opposition.

It was a moment that once again demonstrated the mental strength of the Serbian 10-time Grand

Federer seals 300th slam win Maria chalks up 600th career win Slam winner -- against an awkward opponent who beat Federer at the same stage last year.

Federer earlier went through 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 against Grigor "Baby Fed" Dimitrov, a man whose game is so similar to his own that he admitted it was like playing a mirror.

It wasn't all plain-sailing for Federer, but with the win he became the first man to reach 300 Grand Slam victories and lies six away from Martina Navratilova's record of 306.

"It's very exciting, I must tell you," said the Swiss, who also became the oldest man to reach the round of 16 since Andre Agassi in 2005. "Not something I ever aimed for or looked for, but

when it happens, it's very special."

- Sharapova win Maria Sharapova also weathered a fightback when she beat pint-sized American Lauren Davis 6-1, 6-7 (5/7), 6-0, helped by a strategic break and change of dress, for her 600th career win.

Sharapova left the court after she lost the second-set tiebreak but after she came back refreshed and revitalised, she raced to victory to set up a clash with Switzerland's Belinda Bencic.

Williams had no such problems as she crushed overawed Russian teenager Daria Kasatkina 6-1, 6-1 in 44 minutes, the shortest match of the tournament so far.

"I definitely think I

played better today. Everything I've been trying to work on was kind of clicking today," said the buoyant world number one, who is seeking a record-equalling 22nd Grand Slam title.

The busy day of action helped take the focus off corruption claims which have overshadowed the year's first Grand Slam after a report said players had been suspected of fixing matches but never faced action.

Belgium's David Goffin awaits Federer in round four, after he beat Dominic Thiem 6-1, 3-6, 7-6 (7/2), 7-5 in a match which included a generous act of sportsmanship from the Austrian.

Thiem, leading in the

ndia's Rohan Bopanna earned an easy win to enter the men's doubles third round on a rain-plagued Friday here at the Australian Open. But his compatriot and former partner Mahesh Bhupathi's comeback trail to the circuit was cut short by the Bryan brothers.

It was an easy outing for Indo-Romanian fourth seeds Bopanna and Florin Mergea who took only 58 minutes to get rid off the Czech pair of Lukas Dlouhy and Jiri Vesely 6-2, 6-3 in the second round encounter on Court No.8 at Melbourne Park. They will next play Filipino-Belarusian 14th seeds Treat Huey and Max Mirnyi.

Earlier, Bhupathi and Luxembourgish Gilles Muller lost their second round contest in straight sets to Bob and Mike Bryan. The third seeded Americans needed just 53 minutes to oust Bhupathi and Muller 6-3, 6-2 on Show Court No.3.

Defending champions in the mixed doubles category, Leander Paes and Martina Hingis' opening match against the British-Russian pair of Dominic Inglot and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova was cancelled due to heavy showers.

(IANS) second set, told the umpire to give a point to Goffin rather than replay it after a Hawk-Eye challenge found a shot from the Belgian had landed in.

Elsewhere, fourth seed Agnieszka Radwanska reeled off nine straight games to floor Monica Puig 6-4, 6-0, despite continuing pain from a left-leg injury which stopped her competing in Sydney last week.

And Roberta Vinci was knocked out by Germany's Anna-Lena Friedsam in three sets, meaning there will be no rematch of last year's US Open semi-final when she halted Williams' bid for a calendar-year Grand Slam.

In other matches, Japan's Kei Nishikori beat Guillermo Garcia-Lopez 7-5, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 and JoWilfried Tsonga ousted fellow Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert 6-4, 7-6 (9/7), 7-6 (7/4).

CleVelanD, January 22 (reuTerS): Kevin Love scored 18 points and grabbed 16 rebounds, LeBron James had 22 points and 12 assists in the Cleveland Cavaliers' 115-102 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Cavs won for the 13th time in the past 14 meetings against the Clippers and improved to 18-3 against them all time at Quicken Loans Arena.

Chris Paul had 30 points and nine assists, including 12 consecutive points in the first quarter to keep Los Angeles close.

However, Cleveland's defence stiffened after the first quarter, and the Cavaliers' hacking strategy on Los Angeles' DeAndre Jordan in the second half worked perfectly.

Jordan, a 42 per cent LeBron James of the Cleveshooter from the line this land Cavaliers goes for a layup season, shot 6-for-15 from against the Los Angeles Clippers on January 21 at Quickthe line and finished with en Loans Arena in Cleveland, 10 points and 13 rebounds.

Ohio. (Getty Images) Spurs 117, Suns 89 San Antonio forward Kawhi Leonard celebrated his election as an AllStar starter with 21 points, and reserve centre Boban Marjanovic had his first career double-double in the Spurs' 117-89 victory over the injury-depleted Phoenix Suns. Marjanovic had 17 points and a career-high 13 rebounds as the Spurs (37-6) won game while matching the 43-game start in franchise their 12th consecutive 2010-11 team for the best history.

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Tons for South Africa's Cook, Amla before England fight back

PreTorIa, January 22 (reuTerS): Stephen Cook became the 100th batsman to score a debut test century and his innings of 115 helped South Africa amass 329 for five on the first day of the final test against England on Friday in their bid to salvage pride in a lost series.

Hashim Amla scored his 25th test century as he and Cook shared a secondwicket stand of 202 but captain AB de Villiers departed second ball on a day of contrasting fortunes as England, 2-0 up in the four-test series, fought back to claim four wickets after tea.

Temba Bavuma (32) and Quinton de Kock (25) were not out at the close of play at Centurion Park.

Handed his debut at the age of 33, one of five South Africa changes from the team badly beaten in the third test in Johannesburg last week, Cook brought his domestic form to the test arena with a dream start to his international career.

He survived two dropped catches, two close run-out calls and an lbw appeal unsuccessfully reviewed by England before reaching three figures -- a nervous spell in

the 90s exacerbated by the departures of Amla and De Villiers.

But Cook, whose father Jimmy was dismissed first ball on his debut for South Africa in 1992 at the age of 39, looked organised from the start, hitting a four off the first ball of the match when James Anderson's delivery strayed down leg side.

He should have been out on 47 but was dropped by wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow off Stuart Broad's bowling. He was eventually bowled after an innings of 187 balls when he got an inside edge to a delivery from Chris Woakes.

Amla, who gave up the captaincy after the second test to concentrate on his batting, looked effortless as he raced to three figures, scoring 109 off 168 balls with 19 boundaries before he played on to Ben Stokes.

De Villiers, captain for his second test, was out for his second duck in successive innings, caught at second slip by Joe Root off Broad. Yet another freakish catch by James Taylor at short leg dismissed Dean Elgar for 20 for the first wicket of the day as the short leg fielder continued a run of spectacular dismissals in the series.

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Iraqi child donning jersey made of a Juventus ‘reject Barca's 80 plastic bag gets Messi’s attention million euro bid for Dybala’

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new york, January 22 (aGenCIeS): Lionel Messi wants to find a boy in Iraq who was pictured in a mock jersey of the international soccer star made from plastic bags. The image began floating around social media last week and is said to be from the wartorn region of Dohuk, Iraq. As the image spread, it caught Messi’s attention. The boy’s improvised jersey resembles Messi’s Argentina national shirt, which has thin blue-andwhite stripes.

According to reports, the Barcelona captain is trying to do something to help the child. According to a Messi fan account on Twitter, @Messi10stats, they received a message from the soccer player’s team and “they want to know who the kid is so that Leo can arrange something for him” There has been no official word from the star, but the man who is considered one of the best to ever play the game and has done charity work for children in the past, including partnering with UNICEF.

MIlan, January 22 (aFP): Juventus have rejected an offer from Barcelona for star striker Paulo Dybala that is reported to be more than 80 million euros ($86.7 million), a report said Friday.

Dybala, signed last summer from Palermo for 40m euros, has quickly become a fans' favourite in Turin as the champions continue their fightback following a disastrous start to the campaign.

In 19 league appearances, the Argentinian has struck 11 goals including some spectacular efforts that have attracted the attention of La Liga giants Barcelona and Real Madrid.

A report in Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport claims Juventus president Beppe Marotta rejected an offer of 80 million euros for the player when Barcelona sporting director Ariedo Braida knocked on the door

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Juventus Argentine forward Paulo Dybala scores on a penalty kick during a Serie A soccer match between Juventus and Bologna at the Juventus stadium, in Turin, Italy, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2015. (AP Photo/File)

in December.

It added that Barcelona returned with an improved offer in recent days, which the Italian champions also knocked back. Barcelona and Real Madrid are among the top European

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clubs reportedly eyeing the 22-year-old, who is known for his creative skills, dribbling and keen eye for goal.

Juventus sit second in Serie A, two points behind leaders Napoli before hosting Roma on Sunday.

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