January 24th, 2017

C M Y K

www.morungexpress.com

TuesDAY • JAnuArY 24 • 2017

DIMAPUR • Vol. XII • Issue 22 • 12 PAGes • 5

T H e

ESTD. 2005

The worst form of inequality is to try to make unequal things equal

P o W e R

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T R u T H

— Aristotle

Planning dept launches ‘RFID based File Management System’

Tamil Nadu legalizes Jallikattu, police action sparks violence

o F

Australian Open: Nadal fends off Monfils

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PAGE 12

Nagaland Govt given till Jan 26 to defer polls Defer ULB polls or face indefinite total bandh, JCC cautions ‘Naga women’s right to participate in

Morung Express News Dimapur | January 23

The Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) today issued a 3-day ultimatum to the state government to defer the ULB elections or face “indefinite state-wide total bandh.” The Nagaland state government was given till January 26 to fulfil what the JCC articulated as the “will and aspiration of the people.”

The ultimatum was contained in a memorandum to the Chief Minister submitted on January 23 through the Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur following the public rally organised at the State Stadium, Dimapur.

Stating that the opposition to the ULB elections has no intention to suppress women’s rights, rather the memorandum maintained that the Naga tribe organisations are against the state government not heeding the appeal of the tribe organisations to postpone the ULB polls till the Nagaland Municipal Act is amended.

“The Nagas in general stand committed to safeguard our vital inalienable rights of natural resources, customary and traditional rights. Having said that the decision of the Government forcefully trying to conduct the ULB election, 2017 despite strong protest from the people… is in direct confrontation with the will and aspirations of Naga people.”

The rally, lasting over an hour long, was organised amidst hushed election cam-

the electoral process has been violated’

JACWR says women empowerment is real grudge for those opposing polls

Tiala Sapuh (seen here), one of the many woman candidates who filed her nomination for election to one of the Urban Local Bodies in Nagaland State, withdrew her nomination papers to stand by the “will of the people.” She became the only woman to speak at the rally organized by the Joint Coordination Committee in Dimapur on January 23, at State Stadium, Dimapur (Morung Photo)

paigns and as people flocked ward-wise booths arranged for issuing voter slips. The number of people at the gathering, with a sizeable presence of women, varied with conflicting estimates that ranged from 10,000 to as high as 55,000.

Police presence at the rally venue was negligible and the water cannon from the government’s arsenal was conspicuously absent. Queried on this, a police official responded that security was detailed at the minimum so as not to incite emotions.

Article 371 (A), keeping intact Naga customary laws and traditions, the state government reconsidering the February 1 ULB elections and appeals to candidates “volun-

tarily retire” from the election race were the common refrain in the speeches delivered by the heads of the ENPO, Lotha Hoho Dimapur, Angami Public Organisation, Chakhesang Public Organisation, Ao Senden, Western Sumi Hoho, CNTC and the NCD. Candidates, formerly in the race, became unlikely mascots with one reminding that the “strong words” uttered at the rally be fulfilled.

The views expressed at the rally were carried over to the press conference held at the Lotha Hoho Ki subsequently.

APO president, Dr. Velhousa Seleyi addressing the media termed the imbroglio as a “litmus test” for Nagas while stating that provok-

ing the people for the sake of monetary gain is not development. He urged candidates in the fray to consider whether affiliation to a political party is more genuine than to one’s community.

The CPO president maintained that it is a misconception to assume it is a “men vs. women” agitation.

CNTC representative, Khondao Ngully equated the agitation with the 1951 Naga Plebiscite terming it as a mass movement which the state government should value.

“We are there for the election but subject to modification,” said JCC convenor Supu Jamir, while adding that Article 371 (A) should not be equated with “mere town

MVC extends Bandh in Wokha & Bhandari towns on Jan 31 and Feb 1 denting candidate(s) to “monitor and take blessing and support Bandh to be imposed from control of their own respective ward/coloto candidates 6:00am Jan 31 to 6:00pm Feb 1 nies not to allow any person to enter the pollDIMAPUR, JANUARY 23 (MExN): The Merangkong Medemsanger Putu Menden (Village Council) has informed all its citizens who have filed nominations for the forthcoming ULB elections from any corner of Nagaland state that they have the “blessings and protection” of the Medemsanger Putu Menden. Therefore no individuals or organizations are to intimidate or coerce these citizens of the Merangkong village to act against their will, a press release issued by Kumsangchiba of the, secretary, Merangkong Medemsanger Putu Merangkong stated.

NSSATA demand release of pending salaries by Feb 1

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DIMAPUR, JANUARY 23 (MExN): The Nagaland SSA Teachers’ Association (NSSATA) has reminded the Nagaland State Government to strictly adhere and implement the assurance given by the Commissioner & Secretary on November 2, 2016 and release the installments and payment of pending salaries from November 2016 till date along with the arrears by February 1, 2017. Failing to fulfill the written assurance, the NSSATA has cautioned that it will be compelled to show its resentment without any further notice for which the government shall be held accountable.

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 23 (MExN): An emergency consultative meeting of the Lotha Hoho, Lotha frontal organisations, the Joint Action Committee, colony/ward councils and intending candidates today resolved to impose a bandh in Wokha and Bhandari towns from 6:00am of January 31 to 6:00pm of February 1.

A press release from the Lotha Hoho stated that the meeting resolved not to participate in the upcoming ULB polls scheduled on February 1. It added that “in case of any proxy and voting done through Postal ballot/EDC, the Lotha Public shall not recognize his or her candidature and will be declared null and void.”

It asked colony leaders and respective in-

ing station.”

The Lotha Hoho further directed all colony youth leaders to send a minimum of 20 volunteers each to the Lotha Hoho Joint Action Committee (LHJAC), with the list of the volunteers to be submitted latest by January 27.

Villages in and around Wokha Town have also been requested to send youth volunteers on February 1. This includes 50 each from Wokha Village and Longsa Village; 20 each from Humtso Village, Elumyo Village, Longsachung Village, Niroyo Village and Pongitong Village It informed that there would also be a “car rally against the ULB election” on January 28, right after the public rally scheduled to be held at Local Ground, Wokha Town.

council elections.” The recognition of the Naga customs and traditions was the result of the blood and toil of our forefather and parents, he said.

Queried on the legitimacy of asking candidates to retire, Jamir replied there is provision for “voluntary retirement.”

Asked whether the principles of justice and equality were considered while making the move to protecting the rights guaranteed in Article 371 (A), Jamir maintained that the Constitutional provision is special. He downplayed the counter narrative that of one constitutional provision coming in the way of another as “Many confused Naga people are twisting this special status given to Nagas.”

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 23 (MExN): The Joint Action Committee on Women Reservation (JACWR) today lamented “it is now obvious” that the “real grudge” of those opposing the upcoming ULB polls “is the question of empowering their women through reserved seats in these municipals and town councils.”

A press note from the JACWR reached this conclusion as it pointed out that the NLA has omitted sections regarding house and land taxes and reservation for scheduled castes from the Municipal Act. “The series of objections from respected tribe organisations over the past days, ranging from taxation of land and house, customary laws, customary practices, Article 371A, has finally culminated in clear statements opposing reservation for women and seeking further review and amendment of the Municipal Act,” the JACWR said It meanwhile stated that the ULB polls “is not a hasty decision of the Government” but the directive of an interim relief order given by the Supreme Court on the April 5, 2016 to the petitioners. It also urged “lawyers who have been misinterpreting that this case has not been heard, to check the Supreme Court Cause List of 5th April 2016, which was listed for ‘Final Hearing’ and hence the Interim order to hold elections and implement women reservation.”

The JACWR termed it “shocking”

that provisions of the Nagaland Municipal Act have been “misinterpreted by vested interests, to the innocent villagers in many communities, whereby they have been made to believe their very existence is being threatened by an Act which is meant to develop towns, with no jurisdiction whatsoever over villages.”

It pointed out that elected councillors will be the decision makers and utilise the development funds and not the government, as per the Act. “It is an empowerment of Urban Local Bodies of which women councillors are a mandatory part of the system,” the JACWR said.

It expressed concern that Naga women’s right to participate in the electoral process has been “violated by the bandhs, threats and use of force in the towns where candidates, including women were unable to file their nominations or forced to withdraw their nominations.”

“Our voices are being muffled by unprecedented unchristian methods of destruction of private property of candidates, banishment and excommunications of candidates, including women candidates and leaders by Tribe Organisations,” the JACWR said.

It called upon the state government to protect the rights of its citizens and all intending candidates and ensure that the democratic process for electing the various town councils and municipalities are strictly held on schedule.

It also urged tribe organisations to “allow the democratic right of each citizen to elect good, capable leaders who will bring proper development of their towns in various parts of the state.”

Rengma Hoho to boycott ULB election

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 23 (MExN): In the backdrop of the chaotic situation emerging out of the 33% reservation for women, the Rengma Hoho held a consultative meeting with different political parties and intending candidates on Monday.

Stating that this decision of the Nagaland State Government has created division amongst the Naga society and distorted the social relationship amongst the brethren, Rengma Hoho president Kenyuseng Tep in a press note said the Hoho has resolved to boycott the forthcoming ULB election 2017.

The Hoho has also directed all the intending candidates within its jurisdiction to refrain from contesting in the election. It also appealed the State Government to reconsider its decision to save from the embarrassing situation, which it feared may damage the image of the Naga society at large. The Rengma Hoho has therefore appealed that the State Government should invite all stakeholders, intellectuals and scholars for wider consultations.

Thanghilmang Lunkim, from Nagaland was among 25 children from different parts India who were presented the Indian Council for Child Welfare’s (ICCW) National Bravery Awards by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on January 23. Lunkim, a class 6 student, had saved the life of another student after the latter had fallen into a river while crossing the Mezoma Bridge on September 15, 2015. (Picture Courtesy: @narendramodi/Twitter).

NSCN (K) boycotts Amazon partners with Nagaland Govt & NSDC Indian Republic Day Aims to empower growth of women entrepreneurs in Nagaland

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 23 (MExN): The NSCN (K) today said that it would boycott India’s Republic day celebration on January 26 all over Naga inhabited areas “as part of the people’s struggle against India’s illegal and forceful colonization of Naga country for three quarter of a century.”

A press note from the MIP of the NSCN (K) stated that the “brutal crackdown on the voice of the Naga people for the last seven decades with sheer military might and violent repressions at the cost of more than half a million precious lives of the Nagas merely cannot be silenced or sentenced to oblivion.”

“Our silence and passivity only emboldens India to relegate the legitimate people’s liberation struggle to a mere secessionist movement before the international community,” it added.

It therefore urged that “every patriotic Naga must have the courage to assert for the just rights and identi-

ty that has been inhumanly suppressed for too long.”

“Let the whole world know of the suffering of the Nagas in the hands of one of the world’s largest democracy and expose the sham and hypocrisy of India’s democracy tainted and concealed with one of the most excessive human rights violation since her Independence from Britain till today. Deploying lakhs of her troops in Naga country and armed with the most potent and draconian Armed Force’s Special Power Act (providing immunity to Indian soldiers from legal prosecution) solely to violently crush the aspiration of the Naga people is the biggest blot on India’s democracy and the world must be made known of her crimes against humanity being perpetrated in silence and isolation,” the NSCN (K) said.

It further cautioned “curious Naga onlookers, civilians, students etc” to “refrain from participating in the upcoming event so as to avoid collateral damage.”

Morung Express News Kohima | January 23

In line with its vision to transform the way India sells, Amazon India today announced its partnership with the Government of Nagaland and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) to empower and enable women entrepreneurs in the state by providing them with a global platform to sell their products at zero initial cost.

Under the partnership, Amazon.in will conduct extensive training & skill development workshops to help women entrepreneurs in Nagaland understand nuances related to online selling and develop skills and capabilities necessary to nurture successful online enterprises. The programme also aims to encourage cottage industries in Nagaland by helping them grow through online commerce. As part of the initiative, a onestop center equipped with

state-of-the-art infrastructure will be created to train and equip women entrepreneurs to open their own ‘E-shop’ on Amazon.in.

Towards this objective, the Government of Nagaland in association with National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Amazon India is conducting a two day workshop.

The workshop was held at Mhachaki, near ISBT, Kohima on January 23.

Richard Belho from Zynorique said that the lack of production is the biggest challenge for the State. Citing that the workshop is a step to create the dream of production economy, Belho mentioned that more than 200 products are expected to go live after the completion of the workshop.

The main objective of the workshop is to make sure it is practical and that by the end of the workshop, the products of the entrepreneurs go online for sale.

The speech of chief

Certified trainee, Ayush Aggarwal from Amazon speaking at the workshop conducted by the Government of Nagaland in association with National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Amazon India. (Morung Photo)

guest, Temjen Toy who could not attend the workshop, was read by Jesmina Zeliang, Member of HCSSC. “Digital commerce has dissolved geographical boundaries and enabled millions of Indians to be consumers of products and services from all corners not only of the country but also of the world. A massive economic transformation

has taken place of which consumers from Nagaland have also been a part,” stated Toy. While Nagaland has unique products to sell, Toy pointed out the lack of proper marketing platform which has always been a limitation for the entrepreneurs. He hoped that a global player like Amazon will empower women entrepreneurs in Nagaland to actively take part in the global digital market.

Krishan Kumar from the Handicraft and Carpet Sector Skill Council (HCSSC) spoke about the objectives and initiatives of the HCSSC, where 6810 trainees have been certified under the Council provided by the schemes of NSDC. Nidhi Trehan from Apparel Made-Ups and Home Furnishing Sector Skill Council (AMHFSSC) informed that it is the second largest employment generator after the Agricultural sector with an export

value of 16.84 billion USD in 2015-2016. Out of the 39 training centers in the NE, the Council has only one centre in Nagaland with Assam having the highest number of centers at 26.

Ayush Aggarwal from Amazon gave a brief introduction of Amazon in the global as well as the country level. Stating that the workshop is “a little different from the others,” Aggarwal assured that the company will make sure the products are sold as much as possible. A basic introduction to E-commerce was also presented.

Providing tips on how to sell on Amazon, Lavanya from Amazon mentioned that the workshop is unique because it only exists in India despite the company being lately launched in the country.

She advised the entrepreneurs to understand the geography they are working from, while also stating the dangers of selling fake products online.

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tuesDAY 24•01•2017

NAGALAND

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Planning dept launches ‘RFID JCBKK conference focuses on making difference as Christian based File Management System’ Morung Express News Kohima | January 23

Kohima, January 23 from table to table meeting Project Director on RFID (DiPr): A short launch- officials of the Department. based Technology. Host of Addl. CS & Develop- officials from the Departing programme of ‘RFID based File Management ment Commissioner, R.B. ment attended the proSystem’ was held on Janu- Thong, who also chaired gramme. The programme ary 23 in the Conference the function, explained ended with a vote of thanks Hall of Additional Chief that the project is imple- by Addl. Development Secretary & Development mented on pilot basis and Commissioner, Aolemla Commissioner, Civil Sec- the use of the RFID based Jamir.

RFID (Radio Frequenretariat, Kohima. Parlia- system will not only save mentary Secretary, Plan- time and effort, but also cy Identification) Techning & Co-ordination, bring about improved nology is growing in popEvaluation & Monitoring, workflow processes and ularity amongst different Taxes, Neiba Kruno graced increased output efficien- organization across the the launching programme cy of the Department. So world because of its ability to accurately and as the chief guest. automatic manageAs an initiative of No unauthorized person E-Governance, Par- will be allowed or can carry ment of inventory and efficient tracking liamentary Secretary, files personally and move of files/documents in Neiba Kruno had inifrom table to table meeting the workplace. RFID tiated the development of this project officials of the Department technology is ideal for environments for State Planning where the volume of Department to accurately and efficiently track far the Department has transactions is high, files and monitor files automat- attached RFID chips in move through many steps ically. He also explained about 1000 files to assist or between many people that, although we are well in easy tracking of docu- outside the file room, and into the 21st century and ments and files and their where security restrictions relying more and more respective status. From are vital.

For records manageupon electronic databases, now onwards, the entire old-fashioned paperwork file in the Department ment purposes, RFID techstill has a place in the work- as well as files coming nology allows file folders to place. A wide range of orga- from other Departments be checked in or out very nizations across the world will be RFID tag and will quickly by using RFID readstill rely on files and fold- be monitored using the er. This eliminates the need ers, and records that must present RFID based File for a records manager to be accurately tracked and Tracking-Management scan each individual record. located etc. And even our System. Database of the With RFID file tracking sysstate Departments do have entire file will be created, tems, many folders stacked large number of files and every file movement will together can be read all at documents of immense be tracked and history of once. The same process apimportance which some- each file maintained since plies to reading folders and times tends to get mis- the creation of the file. Us- then boxing them for file placed, and locating of the ing this system will help in relocations. By integrating same sometimes become a tracking of any file of its lo- RFID technology with file cation in the Department tracking-management syscumbersome process.

By implementing RFID at any given time, further tem, the proposed system based File Management this will also do away with will allow users to Locate System, one can effective- unauthorized person car- files quickly, Increased proly manage files or docu- rying files in the Depart- ductivity & efficiency of the ments. Another important ment as all the files has to organization , Improved part is that, with the imple- be digitally accepted by workflow processes, Rementation of the system, concerned officials in the duce Time Spent Searching for Files , Keep an inventory no unauthorized person Departments.

A short presentation of file, Risk of misplace of will be allowed or can carry files personally and move was made by Er. M. Kithan, files is controlled.

The 6th Conference of the Japfüphiki Chokri Baptist Khriesarüü Krotho (JCBKK) was held from January 20 to 22 at Phesama village.

Under the theme, ‘Be an example for Christ’ (1 Timothy 4: 12), the conference witnessed almost 3000 delegates from the Chokri region of Phek district and the Southern Angami region of Kohima district.

The speakers and resource persons for the conference were Rev. Dr. Chekroveyi Cho-o (Associate Professor, OTS, Bade, Dimapur), Khrievino Sahu (Youth Co-ordinator, NBCC), Rev. Dr. Meciehol Savi (School Co-ordinator, NBCC), Rev. Dr. Razouselie Lasetso (Professor, ETC, Jorhat), Rev. Puthavil Neikha, (Pastor, Viswema Baptist Church), and Dr. Sao Tunyi (Epidemiologist, Department of Health and Family Welfare).

On the concluding session on January 22, Rev. Dr Razouselie Lasetso spoke on the theme of the conference focusing on making a difference as a Christian through one’s word, conduct, love, belief and body.

Expressing anger and disappointment over the dying morality in Nagaland where Nagaland continue

Choir presenting song during the 6th Conference of the Japfüphiki Chokri Baptist Khriesarüü Krotho (JCBKK) held from January 20 to 22 at Phesama village. (Morung Photo)

to hit the headlines in the country for negative news such as corruption, scandals, and high prevalence of alcoholism, drugs and HIV & AIDs, Rev. Dr. Lasetso called for a renewed life and a renewed society among the Nagas. Stressing on the absence of love in Naga society and the emergence of individualism which filters out in administration, governance, politics and religion, Rev. Dr. Lasetso questioned, “Is there no love left among our leaders? Why are our Churches built so magnificently, yet the rest of the people live in poverty? Have our Churches become muddled in corruption that it has failed to speak against corruption?”

Because of the absence of love -which is one of the core principles of Chris-

tianity, Rev. Dr. Lasetso maintained that the Naga society is not progressing, but instead giving way to selfishness, tribalism and corruption. The invasion of evil in the form of infidelity, anti-social elements in Naga society remains uncontrolled. Therefore, Lasetso called upon the youth for re-commitment of their lives, their professions and relationships in order to make a positive difference in Naga society.

In his message, Chotisüh Sazo, Speaker, Nagaland Legislative Assembly, who was also the first President of the JCBKK, reminisced on the formation of the JCBKK which was initiated to uphold the unity between the two communities and to glorify God together. The Association emphasized on the use of

one’s own language during events and meetings in order to preserve, promote, and share one’s language.

With Christianity as its core base, the association aimed to bring positive changes in the society as well as the world.

Lamenting that Christianity in today’s generation has become just another religion, Sazo urged the gathering to become true Christians in spirit and said, “Relationships, friendships are decreasing today but with Christ as our base, let us continue to build relationships. And to change, you start from yourself and your family. Let us all be people of change and make a difference in our State.”

The Southern Angamis (known as Japfüphima) and the Chokris of

Chakhesang community are known for sharing similar traditions, language and culture. Through this bond, over the years activities and events such as football matches, and conferences have been held in order to strengthen relationships. Affirming the strengthening of relationships between the two communities, Tavehii Thingo, a Chokri elder and President of Japfüphiki Chokri Dzevi Krotho stated, “We are not friends.

We are brothers and sisters. Wherever you are, you must support each other and defend each other.”

Reflecting back on the two leaders of the community namely Thevoni and Sahu (both interpreters during the Colonial era), Thingo urged the young to continue to work together.

NSCA demand separate counter for male and female pensioners

Kohima, January 23 (mExn): The Nagaland senior citizens have complained that owning to the increasing number of pensioners, they are facing problems to draw payments from the bank and therefore, demand for separate payment counter for male and female pensioners.

The Nagaland Senior Citizens Association (NSCA) in a press statement addressed to the Chief Manager, SBI, Kohima made the demand for modernizing and up-

gradation of SBI services by opening a separate counter for male and female- 2013 and also request for providing action taken status on modernization and upgrading the services of SBI, Kohima on opening a separate payment counter for pensioner – November 2016.

Stating that pensioners who are drawing their pensions at SBI Kohima Main Branch and other branch at Kohima are facing great hardships and sufferings, the Association being empowered as per the

NCSA Constitution Art 2 and 4, Section (iv) has been trying to provide a separate payment counter for male and female pensioners and even met authorities concerned in person several times in the past.

The Association also highlighted that the number of pensioner have been increased to more than 4000 for the North Treasury Kohima alone who are receiving the payment in a single cash counter with the imposition of demonetization w.e.f. 08.11.16 to date.

“Pensioners are all above 60 years irrespective of gender, physically infirm, mentally weak and persons of incomplete faculties. In short the pensioners are as such that they deserve preferential treatment and care,” Kohima NSCA President Dr. SI Tushi Ao and General Secretary S. Ghunakha Swu added while making the request to set up separate cash counter urgently to enabled the aged and infirm pensioners to receive their pension with honour and dignity and without misery.

Celebrating Excellence- Totsiens Scholastic Day Preparation for full immunization coverage underway

(Left) The College choir presents a song during the Tetso College Scholastic Day 2017 celebration and (right) PB Acharya, Governor of Nagaland launching Tetso Interdisciplinary Journal during the event held on January 23. (Photo Courtesy/ Myingthungo Shitio) Morung Express News Dimapur | January 23

The annual celebration of Tetso College Scholastic Day 2017 was held here at the Tetso Arena, Amphitheatre on January 23 with PB Acharya, Governor of Nagaland as the chief guest.

PB Acharya reiterated on the importance and need for skilled education which can equip the young generation with the readiness and quality of being employable, imparting consciousness of duty among youths, mobilizing the hands for work. While lamenting that we are knowledgeable, our

knowledge is not employable. Competitiveness, professionalism and entrepreneurship can bring the society to progress. “Make the state a golden Nagaland, work for yourself and give job to others,” he said urging achievers and the haves the essence of sharing intellect and assets.

The occasion witnessed the launch of the e-book ‘Exousia’, a collective creation of poems, short stories, art and photography of the students and faculty and the launch of the 5th volume of the Tetso Interdisciplinary Journal, a collective research copy of var-

ious scholars from reputed institutions in the country by the governor. Prestigious awards to the student of the year, employee of the year, the student council body and the college student reporters were handed out.

Kvulo Lorin, Director- Administration, Tetso College pronounced the welcome address and valedictory speech was delivered by Ms PS Reishangnim, student of the year.

The programme was hosted by Mughato Aye. Other highlights of the programme included special presentation by Tetso choir, musical piece by

Mountain Music Academy and Nagaland Chamber Choir presented ‘My Song’.

The event is annually celebrated to honour excellence and achievements of the staff and students and honour final year students.

Totsiens is a South African term, ‘Till we meet again.’

Meanwhile, Tetso College Director-Administration Kvulo Lorin informed that the Acharya announced a scholarship, Governors award in the name of Dr. T. Ao of Rs. 50000 for Tetso students, the details of which would be worked out.

The writer is currently an intern in The Morung Express.

Kohima, January 23 (mExn): The District Task Force meeting in connection with IPPI, Mission Indradhanush Phase-IV and De-Worming was held in the DC’s office chamber Kohima under the Chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner, Rajesh Soundararajan IAS on January 23.

The meeting began with brief introduction of the activities being carried out under IPPI, NDD and Mission Indradhanush by the Chief Medical Officer, Kohima, Dr. Avinuo Metha.

In the meeting, DPO (RCH-UIP), Dr. Avile informed that IPPI to be held on January 29 and gave report on the background and concept of Mission Indradhanush Phase–IV. She said that the mission focuses on interventions to improve full immunization coverage in India from 65% in 2014 to at least 90% children in the next five years.

Under Kohima District, Mission Indradhanush Phase-IV 2017 will be conducted in Tseminyu block where session sites planned are Tseminyu CHC- 15 sessions site, Chunlikha PHC- 3 sessions site and Tesophenyu PHC- 2 sessions site, she informed.

Dr. Avile also highlighted the coverage report of Missions Indradhanush phase III - 2016 where total of 248 coverage for pregnant women and total of 164 of fully immunized children were covered.

Dr. Avile also informed about

NDD first round to be held on February 19 for all children in age group of 1-19 years of age and on Mop-up-Day i.e. February 15 for those missed out children. She urged the convergence department of Social Welfare, Education department and Women and Child Development to coordinate and sensitize for better implementation of programmes.

In this regard, the Deputy Commissioner informed all concerned personnel to mobilize the parents, ASHAs and AWW to cooperate with the health workers in their respective areas. He also expressed on the need to create awareness and sensitize the public on immunization, where active participation and support from the concerned departments, NGOs, community leaders, ward councils, religious institutions was required for the successful implementation of the programme.

The Project Officer- UNDP, Rajesh Khartu Monsang also highlighted on Cold Chain which consists of a series of storage and transport links, designed to keep vaccine at recommended temperature from the point of manufacture until it reaches the target beneficiary. He informed that there are 18 Cold Chain Points, 36 CCH trained on eVIN, 7 additional CCH trained on eVIN and 18 mobile phones distributed to CCPs under Kohima District.

In Mokokchung, the District Task force Meeting for Mission Indradhanush (MI), Intensified Pulse Polio Immunization (IPPI), and National De-worming day (NDD) was held on January 23 at Deputy Commissioner’s office. The meeting was chaired

by Sushil Kumar Patel IAS, Deputy Commissioner.

Dr. Temsuyanger, DPO (RCH &UIP) discussed about MI and its nationwide intensified RI drive which aims to cover all the children who are either unvaccinated or are partially vaccinated against 7 vaccine preventable diseases.

He also highlighted about IPPI booth day which is to be held on January 29 at Imlong Place for children in the age group of 0 to 5 years of age and house to house shall be on January 30 and 31.

He also discussed about NDD on February 10 and the mop up team shall be on February 15 and 17 all the children aged between 1 to 19 years through the platform of schools and anganwadi centers in order to improve their overall health, nutritional status, access to educational and quality of life. The distribution of the medicines should be through the concerned Medical Officers and health units.

The DC further appealed to all the departments to co-operate for the success of the programme.

Women Contingent in Nagaland Republic Day Parade

Kohima, January 23 (mExn): The Assam Rifles is all geared up to field its contingent in the Republic Day Parade, yet again at the New Secretariat Parade ground, Kohima on the Republic Day 2017.

The Assam Rifles is all set to create history by marching in its first ever Mahila (Women) Contingent in Nagaland State Republic Day Parade. “This epic leap taken by the Sentinels of the North East will be registered in golden words for times, down the line for the display of Women power in National Security,” AR PRO (Defence) Col C Konwer said in a press release.

The contingent comprises 38 women troopers from various Assam Rifles’ units led by a JCO Parade Cdr from 3 Naga Hills Bn, Assam Rifles, the oldest Bn of Assam Rifles. The splendid Assam Rifles, Mahila Contingent will march on the pipeband tunes of 3 Naga Hills Bn on January 26.

“The contingent is religiously undergoing marching practice at Kohima garrison and all charged up to put up an unparallel display of the grit and fortitude of the Indian Women in The Mahila (Women) Contingent rehearsing to participate in the Nagaland State Republic Day Parade scheduled at the New Secretariat Parade ground, Kohima. forces,” Konwer stated.

Tuesday 24•01•2017

NORTH-EAST 3

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

BJP releases list of 31 for Manipur polls nEw DElhI, January 23 (IanS): The BJP on Monday released its first list of 31 candidates for the Manipur assembly elections on March 4 and March 8. The candidates were finalised by the Central Election Committee at a meeting presided over by party President Amit Shah.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior cabinet ministers also attended the meeting. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fielded N. Biren Singh from Heingang assembly seat, L. Susindro Meitei from Khurai, Thakur Biswajit Singh from Thongju, L. Rameshwar Meitei from Keirao, Nimaichand Luwang from Andro and Ibomcha Singh from Lamlai. Candidates have also been announced for Sagolband, Keisamthong, Yaiskul, Wangkhei, Knothoujam, Patsoi, Langthabal, Wangoi, Mayang Imphal, Nambol, Oinam, Moirang, Thanga, Kumbi, Lilong, Thoubal, Wangkhem, Heirok, Wanging Tentha, Khangabok, Wabgai, Hiyanglam, SugnooTadubi (ST) and Tamei (ST) assembly seats. The Manipur polls for the 60-member house will be held in two phases. Counting of votes will take place on March 11. In the first phase of the 11th state assembly election, a total of 38 assembly segments will go to the polls.

1-year-old gang-raped by 7 minors in Meghalaya ShIllOnG, January 23 (pTI): An 11-year-old girl was allegedly gang-raped at least twice by seven minor boys in Mawten village in South West Khasi Hills district, police said on Sunday. The girl was reported to have been gang-raped first in a paddy field in the village in December last year and again on January 13 at her residence.

"We have detained six of the accused. They all hail from the girl's village and are aged between 14 and 16 years," a senior district police officer told PTI. He said the detention was made based on an FIR filed by the girl's family.

Police have registered a case against all the accused under section 376(g) (gang rape) of IPC and provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act. Police said the accused have confessed to the crime and have been sent to a juvenile home. Last year, 101 cases were filed under Pocso and 22 rape cases against children in Meghalaya, according to the crime records bureau of the home department.

Assam CM condemns Tinsukia attacks TEzpur (aSSam), January 23 (pTI): Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today condemned the killing two security personnel and asserted that no tolerance would be shown to militants. Touring Sonitpur and Biswanath districts, Sonowal said, "Extremism will not be tolerated and extremists will be controlled any how." The security forces had prepared a strategy to arrest the culprits, he said. In the run-up to Republic Day, four persons, including two Assam Rifles personnel and two militants, were killed and three injured in an ambush and subsequent encounter in Assam's Tinsukia district bordering Arunachal Pardesh yesterday. The banned ULFA(I), in a statement, claimed that they had carried out the attack along with four other organisations and had killed three security personnel.

Tripura judge punished for drunken driving aGarTala, January 23 (IanS): The Tripura High Court has punished a local court judge for drunken driving, a court notification said here on Monday. “After a thorough investigation, the full court of the Tripura High Court led by Chief Justice T. Vaiphei has decided to withhold two increments of salaries of Motom Debbarma for driving his private vehicle recklessly and dangerously in a drunken condition on the midnight of June 6, 2014,” the notification said. The notification, issued by the High Court’s Registrar General Satya Gopal Chattopadhyay said that Debbarma, the then civil judge-cum-judicial magistrate (first class) in Bishalgarh in Sepahijala district and now sub-divisional judicial magistrate-cum-civil judge in Kanchanpur in north Tripura district, has confessed to his guilt. “The judge also in writing sought apology for his lapses and mistakes. After the incident he was arrested by the police and was in police custody for about ten hours,” a high court official said. He said that Debbarma did not inform about the incident and his subsequent arrest by the police to the higher authorities and that he also violated rules.

Security beefed up in NE states ahead of R-Day

Imphal, January 23 (IanS): Security has been tightened in all the eight northeastern states for the upcoming Republic Day celebrations on Thursday.

In Imphal, 62 contingents representing state and central forces, government offices, educational, cultural and sports institutions, took part in a practice march past on Monday.

Police and paramilitary personnel have stepped up security in and around Manipur's capital city.

The police has also launched combing operations.

Those who are found without proper identification papers will be taken to police stations for further verification.

Some members of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland- Isak-Muivah (NSCNIM) rebel groups were arrested on Sunday including four who were caught with explosives.

The long border with Myanmar was virtually sealed

UNC clarifies on Republic Day news Newmai News Network

The United Naga Council (UNC) today clarified that it had asked Nagas only in the new districts of Tengnoupal, Kamjong, Kangpokpi, Noney and Jiribam not to participate in the Republic Day celebrations. "We do not boycott the Republic Day celebrations as such outside of these new districts," the Naga body further clarified, "adding, "Our move is only to show that we Nagas do not recognise these new districts."

This clarification of the UNC was prompted by a news

filed by a news agency (not by this agency) on Monday under the heading "UNC to boycott Republic Day celebrations".

On January 21, the UNC had directed the Nagas that if anyone of them "going against this directive" in the five new districts will be on his/her own risk. "The communal Manipur Government has created the new districts ignoring the four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). Nagas can never accept this act of the Ibobi Singh led government of Manipur. We can no longer tolerate such acts of suppression and oppression," expressed the UNC.

to ensure that insurgents do not infiltrate into some of the states.

Meanwhile, the Chief Ministers of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, Sarbananda Sonawal and Pema Khandu respec-

tively, have slammed the killings of two Assam Rifles personnel on Sunday. The personnel hailing from Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh were killed along the AssamArunachal Pradesh border.

Senapati | January 23

DImapur , January 23 (mExn): With the objective of “creating an environment of transparency, constructive interaction and most importantly honest feedback,” the Assam Rifles today launched its official Facebook page.

It was formally inaugurated by Lieutenant General Shokin Chauhan, YSM, SM, VSM, Director General Assam Rifles at its Headquarters at Laitkor, Shillong, an AR press note informed. The page called – ‘Sentinels of the North East’ is also linked to the Assam Rifles official website http:// www.assamrifles.gov.in/, it said.

The Director General Assam Ri-

fles while launching the same said that the new Facebook page was “a bridge to integrate the Force with the people of North East.”

It is also aimed at achieving security and stability by the Assam Rifles in the North Eastern region, it added.

He also informed about the AR intent to expand its social media presence by launching its Twitter account in the future. A veterans section will be shortly added on its website http:// www.assamrifles.gov.in/wherein the Ex Servicemen of the Force can register and share the memories of their service days as well as their present day grievances, the press note added.

Mizoram to go ahead with Brus repatriation

aIzawl, January 23 (pTI): The Mizoram government today decided to go ahead with the physical repatriation of Brus from six relief camps in neighbouring North Tripura district scheduled to commence from the second week of February, a senior state Home Department official said.

In a meeting of the Home Department and police officials, it was

decided to meet the deadline of repatriation set in a meeting of top officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Mizoram government during the first week of January in Delhi, Additional Secretary for Home, Lalbiakzama told PTI. The state government officials who conducted the identification in the Tripura relief camps during November two to No-

vember 23, 2016, had identified 32,857 people belonging to 5,413 families for physical repatriation.

The proposed physical repatriation scheduled to commence from November 30 could, however, not take off due to different reasons including increase in the number of bona fide residents of Mizoram from 21,000 to 32,857, necessitating revision of the expenditure es-

timate. Meanwhile, a memorandum submitted to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on January 9 by the Mizoram Bru Displaced People's Forum (MBDPF) made a series of demands including new ones, a state Home Department official said.

The new demand included provision of Rs 15 lakh to each repatriated Bru family, as against

Enjoy your glass of chhang at Mechukha mEchukha, (arunachal praDESh) January 23 (IanS): If you are planning a trip to this remote valley in the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, rest assured you will be welcomed with a glass of chhang, a pungent home-brewed local beer made from millet or rice.

Welcoming a guest with chhang is a traditional common trait among the locals in the valley -- a mere 30 km from the Sino-Indian border in West Siang district -- which otherwise is inhabited by a large number of tribes whose distinctive cultures are as diverse as chalk and cheese. Be it dress or dialect, there is little in common among the major tribes -- Memba, Tagins, Bokar and Pailibo -- as also the smaller ones.

"Try our own welcome drink. It is better than tea or coffee. We consider our guests as god, don't refuse," said Yape Yorung serving a glass of the brew after District Tourism Officer Rita Yorung took this IANS reporter to her sister-in-law's home.

Chhang is a must during festivals and celebrations among the locals, besides the staple food of rice and millet. Many also consume it on a daily basis.

At the same time, chhang is considered an effective remedy to ward off the cold and chill in the moun-

Cashless transactions in Assam hamlet for over five centuries

GuwahaTI, January 23 (pTI): Cashless transactions may be the latest buzzword in the country’s economic arena, but in a small hamlet about 32 km from Guwahati, members of Assam’s Tiwa tribe meet every year to carry out an unique trade fair where the dealings are totally cashless. The system of barter trade has been kept alive for more than five centuries by the Tiwas, a tribe of Central Assam and neighbouring Meghalaya, who hold the three-day annual fair in the third week of January in Assam’s Morigaon district.

Popularly known as the ‘Junbeel’ Mela, meaning moon (Jun) and wetland (beel), as the fair is held beside a large natural water body shaped like a crescent moon.

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, who attended the just concluded fair, said people have a lot to learn from these practices of the Tiwas which exemplify the cashless tenets of the modern day society.

He also announced that a permanent plot of land for the fair would be allotted so that the historic event can continue to thrive in the future and tourism receives a boost to benefit the local people.

“On the occasion of the mela, a big market is held here where these tribes exchange their products in barter system which is perhaps the only such instance in the country,” secretary of Junbeel Mela Development Samiti, Jur Sing Bordoloi said. A few days before the fair, members of Tiwa, Karbi, Khasi and Jaintia tribes come down from the neighbouring hills with various products.

The products usually traded during the fair include ginger, bamboo shoots, turmeric, pumpkin, medicinal herbs, dried fish and ‘pithas’ (rice cakes). The fair is declared open by the ceremonial ‘Tiwa’ king Deep Sing Deoraja, (also called Gova Raja as the ancient kingdom of the Tiwas was known as

AR launches official Facebook page

Gova) who along with his ‘courtiers’ participates in a community feast and then collect a customary tax from his subjects. Bordoloi pointed out that the significant part of the fair was its theme of harmony and brotherhood among various tribes and communities and they also perform their traditional dance and music to celebrate it.

As per tradition, community fishing is held on the second day of the fair and people from all walks of life participate in it with great enthusiasm. “I have been coming here and taking part in the barter trade since my childhood. This is a very old custom of ours and is the most important event of the mela though we also enjoy the fishing, singing and dancing,” said 60-yearold Raja Bordoloi, who emptied his stock of dried fish in exchange for ginger and medicinal herbs. The fair, which has been dated to 15th century by historians, begins with an ‘Agni Puja’ (an obeisance to the fire god) for the well-being of humanity.

The erstwhile Congress government in the state, in its bid to promote this unique fair, had announced an ‘Annual Royal Allowance’ for the 19 customary kings from different communities under the Gova kingdom, which include parts of three districts of Assam — Morigaon, Nagaon and Kamrup. “The step taken by the Assam government is indeed welcome and we had been demanding it for long as the economic conditions of all these customary kings is going down. We also urge the government for more assistance to hold the traditional fair which is unique in today’s world,” Deoraja said.

Sonowal handed out cheques of royal subsistence grant to Gova King Deep Sing Deoraja and other 17 ceremonial kings of Tiwa Kingdom and announced that the payment of these grants would be regularised from now onwards.

tains. It has its varieties like "ricebeer" and "ara" -- a distilled beer, Yorung explained.

"We make millet and rice beer on a regular basis. Since it lasts for a year, we usually prefer making the beer in bulk. The distilled variety lasts even longer," she explained.

"While other variants of chhang leave a bitter aftertaste, the distilled chhang is flavoured and has little aftertaste," she added.

In Mechuka, almost every family has a chest in their home exclusively for fermenting millet or rice for making chhang. Usually, the complete fermentation process takes about 15-20 days.

The room where the fermentation is done is always kept neat and clean.

"For making the beer, the millet is boiled and then spread on to the very clean floor to cool. Dry yeast (locally called "oppop") is mixed with this millet," Yabung Samyor, busy making the brew, told IANS. About three-four kilos of millet is required for making a litre of beer, she said.

The yeast, too, is made by mixing millet powder and chhang. "Oppop is the yeast used in the beer-making process. Making oppop is similar to making curd by using the curd residue in milk. Here we use the chhang residue and mix it with millet pow-

Regd. No: 21/2017

der," Yorung explained.

Getting the right temperature is crucial while mixing the oppop with the boiled millet. "If the millet is too hot and the yeast is added, it will sour the brew. If the millet is too cold, it will take longer to ferment," Samyor said.

The mixture is kept in a thoroughly-washed and dried container with a lid for fermentation.

"Leave it for 15-20 days in a warm place. Don't open the lid in the meantime. When we started to smell the fermentation strongly, it would be ready," Samyor said.

Water should be added depending on whether one wants to make the chhang strong or weak.

"The alcohol content is low, but it produces an intense feeling of warmth," said Kumar Noasing, a young Tagin tribal.

"The locals, who can't afford to buy branded alcohol, prepare the chhang very meticulously to satisfy their own tastebuds," he said.

Generally, a bottle of chhang is sold for Rs 40.

Consuming chhang to endure temperatures which go well below freezing in winter is in line with the food habit of taking dry, roasted and boiled pork, chicken, squirrel, birds from local forests, Noasing added.

aFFidaViT

Date: 23/01/17

I, Smti. Inashi Yeptho D/o Late Khetovi Yeptho permanent and presently residing at Old Town Colony, Zunheboto, Nagaland do hereby solemnly affirm and declare an oath as under:1. That I am a bonafide citizen of India belonging to Sumi (Naga) Community.

2. That I am Govt Employee serving as UDA under Arts & Culture Zunheboto.

3. That my name is inadvertently recorded as Inashi Sumi in my SBI passbook, K. Inashi Sema in my Service Book, Inashi Swu in my Service ID Card and Inashi in my Aadhaar Card, but my actual name is Inashi Yeptho which is recorded in my appointment order and all other documents.

4. That the shove mentioned names Inashi Sumi, K. Inashi Sema, Inashi Swu and Inashi Yeptho are one and same person which is referred to me.

5. That from the date of this declaration, my name shall be used by the name as Inashi Yeptho for all official purpose and legal proceedings and at all times and occasions.

Deponent

Solemnly affirm and declared before me by the deponent on this 23 day of Feb, 2017 Zunheboto, Nagaland.

Magistrate/Notary Public, Zunheboto: Nagaland

Don Bosco College, Kohima adVerTiSeMeNT

Applications are invited for the following positions: Assistant Professor: ●English ●Political Science ●History ●Education Candidates those who have cleared NET/ completed M.Phil., /Ph.D., and those who have teaching experience will be given preference.

Note: An application letter along with photocopies of supporting documents must reach the college office on or before 04/02/2017.

Principal, Don Bosco College PB 430, Kohima 797001, Nagaland Mobile: 9436283285

Email: donboscocollegekohima@gmail.com Website: dbckohima.ac.in

the earlier demand of Rs 10 lakh and payment of Rs 5,000 per family for two years after being repatriated and resettled.

The MBPDF also demanded that all the repatriated able-bodied youths should be given government jobs. The Brus, lodged in the six relief camps since the later part of 1997 following exodus from Mizoram due to communal tension.

LOST NOTICE I, Achumthung am applying for duplicate copy of Class 10 Admit Card as I have lost it.

Name : Achumthung F/Name : Robin Lotha Roll No: 4697 Year: 1995 School : Sharon High School, Dimapur

LOST NOTICE I, Ashuli Asiisa have lost my UBI ATM Card on 21 st Jan, 2017 at Mao Bazaar.

Kindly contact at 8259074011.

Teacher required

1. M.A (Eng), B.Ed/M.A (Eng) Submission : 25/01/17 Interview : 27/01/17

Sd/ Principal, Christ King Hr. Sec. School, Kohima 09436010738

GOVerNMeNT OF NaGaLaNd direcTOraTe OF hiGher educaTiON NaGaLaNd: KOhiMa NO.HED/R&P/AISHE

Dt. Kohima the 13th Jan, 2017

REQUEST TO UPLOAD AISHE DATA 2016-17 In compliance to the directives of MHRD, Department of Higher Education, GOI on All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE), Universities, Secular Colleges (Govt and Private) DIETS, Polytechnics and Nursing Institutes are requested to upload AISHE data 2016-17 on priority.

Director, HE Issued by: DIPR

aFFidaViT Regd. No. 896/11

I, Smt. Ningusino Meyo John, W/o. Vikluto John of E-Khel, Sovima Village, Dimapur hereby declare that the name Smt. Meyo John and Smt. Ningusino Meyo John is of the same person.

I hereby declare that my correct name is Smt. Ningusino Meyo John and shall be used for all official purposes in the future.

Deponent.

cOurT NOTice By the Order of Mr. H.K. Goel, Principal Judge, Family Court Dehradun (Uttarakhand) O.S. No. 766 of 2016 Ratan Bahadur Limbu V/s Smt. Neelam Subba To, Smt. Neelam Subba D/O Shri Nar Bahadur Thapa R/O Faltu Basti, E-Sector P.O. Mokokchung District Mokokchung Nagaland Whereas Shri Ratan Bahadur Limbu son of Late Shri Makar Jang Limbu resident of Limbu Niwas, Village Choila P.O. Mohebewala District Dehradun has instituted the above Suit against you for Divorce (Under Section 13 Hindu Marriage Act).

You are hereby summoned to appear in the Court in person or by of Pleader on 9th day of March 2017 at 10 O” Clock to answer the same, failing which the Suit will be disposed of Ex-Party against you.

Given under my hand and the seal of the Court this 20 day of 1 of 2017.

Central Munsrim Family Court Dehradun-Uttarakhand

4

tuesDAY 24•01•2017

business

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Top 10 recruitment exams for 2017 with tentative exam dates source: India today In education

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akhs of students prepare for various entrance exams every year to bag the much coveted government or banking sector job. However, the rigorous examinations ensure that only a deserving handful gets recruited.

One needs to start preparing almost a year or more in advance to succeed in these lucrative sectors.

Listed below are the 10 major recruitment examinations in 2017 that you must keep an eye on: 1. IBPS PO Exam The job of a bank probationary officer (PO) would pave the way for a great future in the banking sector.

A bank PO post is an entry level position. Typically a 2-year probation period or training will be needed before one is accepted as an Assistant Manager or joins a branch.

The job profile requires general banking and banking administration skills, good communication skills to calmly resolve conflicts, supervision of clerical work, and increasing bank business with better services.

Online registration starts: July to August 2017 IBPS PO (CWE VI) Prelim Exam: October 2017 IBPS PO (CWE VI) Main Exam: November 2017 2. SBI PO Exam The State Bank of India is a huge bank with branches in remote corners of the country and caters to every banking requirement. Bigger roles and responsibilities also give rise to bigger learning opportunities here.

The 2-year probation period in the beginning might involve frequent trainings and transfers.

The job profile will involve general banking tasks, administrative responsibilities, along with a marketing focus, which is prominent in SBI. Online registration starts: April 2017 SBI PO Prelim Exam: June 2017 SBI PO Main Exam: July 2017 3. IBPS Specialist Officer The Specialist Officer recruitment is yet another prime job opportunity from IBPS. Specialist Officers, as the name suggests, are appointed to specific departments for specialised roles, according to their educational background.

Job profile for different posts: IT Officer: Taking care of the software systems in the banks

Law Officer: Handling the bank’s legal and judicial matters Agriculture Officer: Promoting loans in rural areas for agricultural purposes Marketing Officer: Taking care of the bank’s marketing and branding HR Officer: Handling the functions of the Human Resource Department Rajbhasha Adhikari: Translating related works.

Online registration starts: 16 November, 2016 IBPS SO (CWE VI) Exam: 28, 29 January, 2017 4. SSC CGL The Staff Selection Commission conducts Combined Graduate Level Examination (SSC CGL) to fill vacancies at different Central Civil posts, and different ministries as well.

The CGL exam is conducted for group B and C cadre posts.

The vacancies likely to come up this year along with their job profiles are given below: Examiner- Access and examine goods, take samples, examine import and export cargo and levy charges for the same. This is an inspector post and is an all-time coastal job Assistant CSS- Dealing with various governmental work files.

Posting would be in various ministries in Delhi Preventive Officer- Office postings would involve dealing with files and paperwork, while field postings would involve keeping a lookout for possible smugglers, similar to the working of a customs preventive officer.

This is an inspector post Income Tax Inspector- Work related to assessment and nonassessment of tax, TDS, along with accompanying of a raid team Central Excise Inspector- Executive work such as central excise and service tax augmentation, detecting tax evasion etc.

Assistant in MEA & AssistantPossible foreign postings, along with lucrative facilities such as accommodation, children’s education etc.

Assistant Enforcement Officer- Field postings will involve executive work such as money laundering prevention, conducting searches on suspected persons and premises, seizing incriminating materials etc. This is an inspector post with round the clock duty Sub-Inspector in CBI- Regular tasks of an inspector position will be involved. Weapons won’t be issued unless carrying out

tasks in dangerous places Inspector of Posts- Selling Postal Life Insurance with a fixed target Auditor- This is a non-interview post, with recruitment under CAG and CGDA departments Application forms release: 11 March, 2017 SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam: 19 June to 2 July, 2017 SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam: 5 to 8 September, 2017 5. RBI Grade B This job will give you a lot of learning opportunities regarding the economy, such as, about inflation and corruption, and also about IMF, World Bank etc. in detail.

You need to pass an exam and an interview conducted by RBI officers, in order to qualify. The highest posts which can be filled through the exam are that of the RBI Grade B officers-an entry level officer position post for management cadre. Governor posts are booked for IAS officers only.

Application forms release: 2nd week of July, 2017 RBI Grade B Phase 1 and Phase 2: September 2017 6. LIC AAO The job of an Assistant Administrative Officer (AAO) is considered a very respectable one. Administration, Development and Accounts areas can be selected from, for the AAO post.

The job profile involves purchasing and maintaining various financial, administrative and personal services, carrying out work and purchase inquiries, and preparing and scrutinizing the bills for payment.

The AAO post is of the Class I officer group. A probation-cumtraining period of 6 months will be applicable in the beginning.

Dynamic officers at posts such as Administrative Officers, Senior Administrative Officers, Chief Administrative Officer and Director, Administration etc. will get good career advancement opportunities.

Job profiles for different areas: Administration AAO- Handling policy making and policy claims, filing official returns and statements to higher regional offices, checking clauses and details etc.

Development AAO- Marketing and business procurement, policy promotion, getting contracts etc.

Accounts AAO- Managing the corporation’s income and expenditure

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7. UPSC Civil Services Civil Servants are the main personnel behind major government decisions. Union and the State Secretariats as well as the district administrations throughout the country are headed by Civil Service Officers Civil Service officers are general managers who cater to a wide range of duties such as maintaining law and order, collecting taxes, developmental work within State and Central jurisdiction, implementing social welfare activities, etc.

The various posts at which recruitment takes place are: Indian Administrative Services (IAS) Indian Police Service (IPS) Indian Foreign Service (IFS) Indian Postal Service (IPS) Indian Audit and Accounts Services (IA & AS) Indian Railway Service (IRS) Indian Civil Accounts Services (ICAS) Indian Customs and General Excise Services (IC & GES) Indian Revenue Service Officers (IRSO) Indian Ordinance Factories Services Indian Information Service (IIS) Official notification to release: 22 February, 2017 UPSC Civil Services Prelim Exam: 18 June, 2017 UPSC Civil Services Main Exam: 28 October, 2017 8. IBPS clerk and SBI clerk Clerks serve as the first point of contact for any new visitor or customer. There are no interviews for clerical posts from 2016.

Basic 6 months training would precede the main working.

The job profile involves working at withdrawal and deposit counters, verifying cheques and issuing demand drafts, receipts collection, ledger maintenance, balance tally and other transactions that must be keyed in the computer systems. Clerks may also need to take up marketing responsibilities such as those of financial products like loans, deposits and schemes.

IBPS Clerk application forms release: 3rd week of August, 2017 IBPS Clerk Prelim Exam: December 2017 IBPS Clerk Main Exam: January 2018

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SBI Clerk application forms release: 1st week of April, 2017 SBI Clerk Prelim Exam: End of May, 2017 SBI Clerk Main Exam: 1st SEOUL, JanUary 23 week of July, 2017 (rEUtErS): Samsung Electronics Co Ltd indicat9. RRB NTPC (Indian Railway) ed on Monday that its latest This is the largest department flagship Galaxy S smartof the central government in the phone could be delayed country. Every year, recruitment as it pledged to enhance is carried out at a vast number of product safety following an posts. The best opportunity for investigation into the cause graduates would be the Railway of fires in its premium Note Recruitment Board (RRB) NTPC 7 devices. Wrapping up its (Non-Technical Popular Cate- months-long probe into the gories) exam. cause of the Note 7 debacle, The Indian Railways has re- the world’s top smartphone leased SSE, JE and Special re- maker said faulty batteries cruitment drive for non- techni- from two suppliers were to cal under graduate posts for the blame for a product failure year 2016-2017. The Ministry of that wiped $5.3 billion off its Railways and Railway Recruit- operating profit.

Samsung mobile chief ment Cells are also open to applications from eligible Persons Koh Dong-jin said procewith Disabilities (PWDs) for the dures had been put in place to avoid a repeat of the fires, 1844 Group ‘D’ vacancies.

Various posts are applicable as investors look to the launch of the South Korean under the RRB NTPC: tech giant’s first premium Commercial Apprentice (CA) handset since the Note 7, the Traffic Apprentice (TA) Galaxy S8, some time this Goods Guard Junior Accountant cum Amanu- year. “The lessons of this incident are deeply reflected ensis (Typist) (JAA) in our culture and process,” Assistant Station Master (ASM) Koh told reporters at a press Senior Clerk cum Typist briefing. “Samsung ElecTraffic Assistant Enquiry cum Reservation Clerk tronics will be working hard to regain consumer trust.”

Senior Time Keeper However Koh said the Official notification to release: Galaxy S8 would not be unJanuary 2017 veiled at the Mobile World RRB NTPC Exam: Between Congress (MWC) trade March and April, 2017 show in Barcelona, which begins on Feb. 27, the tradi10. TET tional forum for Samsung The Teacher Eligibility Test repremium product launches. cruitment is conducted by both, Samsung’s reputaCentral and State governments, tion took a hammering afdone for all levels of education in ter it announced a recall government schools that is, up- of fire-prone Note 7s, only per, middle as well as lower levels for reports to emerge that of education. replacement devices also Candidates should have the caught fire. Images of meltminimum of a graduate degree ed Samsung devices spread in any discipline from a recog- on social media and airlines nised university. Post graduation degrees and doctorates will be an added advantage to your profile.

Different Tests: Uttar Pradesh TET Haryana TET Central TET Arunachal TET Rajasthan TET Central TET Application forms release: Last week of December, 2016 TET exam: 2nd week of February, 2017 (Note: The dates of the exams given are susceptible to change.

Please keep a watch on the official websites to prevent missing any important date.)

Application forms yet to release between December 2016 and January 2017 LIC AAO Exam: Within first two weeks of March 2017

9. Ailments ACROSS 10. Severe 1. Seraglio 11. Willow 6. Wise men 12. Move furtively 10. A flexible pipe 13. Alleviated 14. Nimble 18. Long-haired wild ox 15. Egg-shaped 24. Buffoon 16. Largest continent 25. Jargon 17. A sport involving a ball and a net 26. Wanes 19. Purges 27. Current 20. Excrements 28. Not aft 21. “___ the season to be jolly” 29. Pullover 22. Expunge 31. Baking appliance 23. “Cheers!”

33. Promises 25. Rip up 34. Run away 26. F F F F 36. Babylonian goddess of healing 30. Ring around the nipple 37. Twin sister of Ares 32. Detach 38. Pervert 35. Gospels 42. Stiffly 39. Located in the north 43. French for “Friend” 40. Withstand 45. Braze 41. Cardigan 47. Shame 43. Cherubic 48. Country estate 44. Religious belief 49. Convulsion 46. Short run 51. Excluding 47. Astray 52. Smiles 50. Coming and _____ 54. Back of the neck 53. Baroque composer 56. Midday 54. Zero 57. Dwarf buffalo 55. Showy 58. Armored vehicle 60. Against 59. If not 61. Extra 62. Actress Lupino 63. Not sweet 64. Implored Answer to Crossword 3836 65. Middays 66. At one time (archaic) 67. Tropical American wildcat 68. Serpent DOWN 1. Possess 2. All excited 3. Anger 4. L L L L 5. Encounters 6. Unruly crowd 7. Personification 8. An area of northern Israel

PAPers PeoPLe reGULAtIon rIGHt rULes sAId sCIenCe sCreen stILL strICt UrBAn wArM wArrAntY wAtCH weAtHer wIde wonder

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Tuesday 24•01•2017

NAGALAND

‘NPCC endeavours to ‘Church should guide youths to be solve problem through responsible, respectable citizens’ Dimapur, January 23 (mExn): fully while marching towards the encouraged the YBCD to reach out to peaceful means’ the needy and underprivileged.

R. Tohanba Yimchunger, Parliamen- Golden Jubilee.

Dimapur, January 23 (mExn): Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) today alleged that NPF cannot understand the issues and values concerning the people of Nagaland, stating in the present crisis, the issues are sensitive enough since it concerns with the feelings and sentiment of women folks and tribes organizations along with their culture and social practices.

“It also concerns with the future of urban habitats. We cannot allow the Government to override them just because of money and power,” stated a press release from Media Cell, NPCC. The Congress asserted that it stands by one third reservation for women but also holds high regard for different tribe organizations and their feelings equally, “for they are the strength of democracy and not enemies.”

Its consistent policy, it said, is to endeavour to solve problem through peaceful means. “We believe in consensus in issues that has been raised by various tribe hohos and not through confrontation. Obedience to law is duty of every citizen and enforcing the law of the land should be the last resort.”

It added, “Forcing nomi-

nation, evacuating nominees to unknown place, changing nomination place and extension of nomination filing date have already marred the charm of ULB election. The continued agitation by Tribe Organizations will be a long drawn war. We do not believe any ULB will be able to function peacefully without people’s support and co-operation.”

The NPCC further asked why not postpone the ULB elections if people have waited for decade to develop consensus. “Opposition less government has made amendment to Nagaland Municipal Act 2016 and therefore, it was presumed that stakeholders were taken into confidence. The agitation proves that 60 MLAs did not know the content of amendment, neither they are in control,” it maintained.

Accusing that the agitation is out of NPF infighting, NPCC further said, “It only proves everything is not well in the NPF.” “DAN earlier said in 2009 that because of Nagaland political problem, urban election was not conducive and has used ULB bodies as platform to reward its party workers for long. What has changed in the political problem?” NPCC asked.

tary Secretary, Municipal Affairs, Economics & Statistics has stated that church should play a pivotal role in grooming the youngsters, motivate them to opt for different professional fields and impart soft skills training.

It should also guide youths to be responsible and respectable citizens of the community, he stated during the silver jubilee celebration of Yimchungru Baptist Church Dimapur (YBCD) held from January 21-22.

The Parliamentary Secretary also encouraged the church community to grow importantly in spiritual field as that is what the church is for.

Meanwhile, he urged to reevaluate how much the YBCD has achieved in the last 25 years and seek to reexamine whether it has reached its expectations. Tohanba also encouraged to work diligently and prayer-

A press release informed that Rev. Z. Thsankiu, Executive Secretary, Yimchungrü Baptist Boru Amukhungto (YBBA) shared that the coming of the Christ is for the poor, prisoners, underprivileged and sinners in order to bring them closer to God through salvation. He urged the congregation to understand the greatness of God and walk in the shadow of Christ.

Meanwhile, M. Khalenmew, Mission Secretary, YBBA highlighted that in 1936 the first gospel to Yimchunger land was brought by the missionaries of Sumi tribe and from there the word of God was rapidly spread.

He told the congregation that it was God's blessing and vision to raise so many achievers in different fields from YBCD so that the members of the church will proclaim the goodness of the Lord. Khalenmew further

T. Torechu, MLA and Chairman NKVIB in his greeting message motivated the congregation to learn from other tribes, be in church activities, education and socio-economic field as Yimchunger tribe is a young community. He also encouraged the congregation to be a community of honesty, humbleness & extend cooperation to neighbours wherever they reside.

P.K.F Tochu, President, WYH shared to the congregation to put God first in all “our” decisions and activities as born again Christians. He also urged to examine one's spiritual life and rededicate their faith for the greater glory of God's kingdom.

In the celebration, there were special songs by Yimchungrü Baptist Church Kohima, YBC Mokokchung and Showuba Baptist Church.

Beekeepers’ meeting cum FLC held at Chozuba Town

phEK, January 23 (mExn): Chakhesang Women Welfare Society, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Nagaland Bee-keeping and Honey Mission (NBHM), and Nagaland State Cooperative Bank (NSCB) Chozuba Branch co-organized Bee-Keepers’ meeting cum Financial Literacy Camp at Sekrezu Block, Chozuba Town in Phek district on January 21. It was managed

and supported by NABARD under FIF. The resource persons Rajen Baruah, Assistant General Manager, Regional Office, NABARD, Dimapur, Imsunaro, District Development Manager, NABARD, Phek, Khuvoyi Vese, Team Leader, NBHM emphasized on the importance of collectivization of farmers as producers’ organization so that the group can become a means to overcome marketing con-

straints faced by individual small farmers.

Limathung, Assistant Branch Manager, NSCB Chozuba elucidated on the different banking services available for small farmers to help advance their economy and also encouraged farmers to utilize the banking services they are entitled to by way of opening bank account, developing saving habits, depositing and withdrawal.

In total, 52 farmers

from across 13 villages, namely Chozubasa, Dzulhami, Khusomi, Khutsami, Phuhgi, Ruzazho, Runguzu Nagwu, Runguzu Nasa, Suthozu Nagwu, Suthozu Nasa, Thuvopisu, Thurutsuswu, and Yoruba attended the programme.

T h e C ha k h e s a n g Women Welfare Society is implementing different sustainable livelihood promotion projects reaching out to over 4000 farmers and women in the district.

AR apprehend NSCN (K) cadre AR medical camp treats 172 in Matikhru

tuEnsang, January 23 (mExn): One NSCN (K) cadre was apprehended from Longkhim Town on January 23 in a joint operation conducted by 5 & 40 Assam Rifles along with Nagaland Police, according to a press release from Assam Rifles. The operation was carried out based on regular inputs about the presence of the cadre to target Security Force convoys on TuensangMokokchung road during Republic Day celebrations, the release alleged. The NSCN (K) cadre identified as Lieutenant Yantril Sangtam was in possession of an IED with a detonator, a reserve detonator and one .22 pistol with four live rounds, the AR said. He was later handed over to the Tuensang Police Station.

The apprehended NSCN (K) cadre with AR personnel.

phEK, January 23 (mExn): 46 Assam Rifles under the aegis of HQ IGAR (N) organized a free medical camp at Matikhru village in Phek district on January 22, 2017. A medical team comprising Captain Jaiprakash Yadav (RMO, 46 Assam Rifles) and the medical staff conducted the camp, where 172 patients (37 male, 82

female and 53 children) from the village were examined and given free medicines, according to a press release from PRO, Assam Rifles.

Meanwhile, a lecture on ‘Say No to drugs’ was also conducted by the medical officer to educate the youth on the social menace of drug abuse and its harmful effects on the

society.

The President Masi Katirey, Village Council Chairman, Eyiwete, Secretary Village Council, Hopson, VDB, Kuorho, Head GB, Akhrolna, Women Society Chairperson and Anemu, Youth President also attended the camp and appreciated the efforts of 46 Assam Rifles, the release added.

DC Kohima holds meeting in Tseminyu

Kohima, January 23 (mExn): Deputy Commissioner & District ERO Kohima, Rajesh Soudararajan (IAS) conducted a meeting with Tseminyu Town/Ward GBs and the candidates of the ensuing town council election at Tseminyu Town on Janu-

ary 21. The DC briefed the norms and procedures of election to the candidates and also urged upon them to carefully follow the model code of conduct. He also reminded them to cooperate with officials on election duty.

Town/Ward GBs also as-

sured peaceful election for Tseminyu Town Council. ADC & ERO Tseminyu, Vikhweno M. Meratsu; EAC Tseminyu, Shelley; APRO & IA (IPR); Town/ Ward GBs; all candidates for the ensuing ULB/ Town Council Election attended the meeting.

AGEI Wokha Women CCPRA CTC Conference held organises workshop

WoKha, January 23 (mExn): The 23rd Women Conference of the Assemblies of God of East India (AGEI), Wokha District (Section) was held from January 20 to 22 at Niroyo AG Church under the theme ‘Being God’s Women and its Mission.’

The speakers were Rev. Moses Murry, General Superintendent, AGEI, Rev.

T. Nzio Ezung, District Superintendent, Nagaland and Esther Murry, Women Ministry, Coordinator, AGEI. “There was a powerful move of the Holy Spirit during the Conference and the women ministry pledged to support the mission in evangelism and church planting in East India,” stated a press release received here.

Meetings & AppointMents Voters' Day in Dimapur Dimapur district will observe the 7th National Voters' Day on January 25 under the theme, ‘Empowering Young and Future Voters’ at Lotha Hoho Ki. Commissioner of Taxes, Nagaland, Asangba Chuba Ao will grace the occasion as the chief guest, while Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur, Kesonyu Yhome will deliver the keynote address.

Star Multipurpose Co-operative Society meeting All the shareholders of the Star Multipurpose Co-operative Society, Kohima have been informed that the general meeting will be held on January 28, 11:00 am at the society’s office. All members have been requested to bring their share cards; those not having cards have been requested to submit an application to get duplicate cards. A press note issued by K. Angunuo Pienyü, general secretary of the Society has requested all the members to attend the meeting.

moKoKchung, January 23 (mExn): The Clark Centre for Peace Research and Action (CCPRA), Clark Theological College organized a workshop for the graduating students of Clark Theological College on January 20 at Jungshinokdang Hall. The resource persons for the workshop were Lanu Imchen, IBS, Impur and Sashinungla Nathan, Proprietor, Blossoms Pre-school and a life skill trainer. The workshop emphasized on goal setting, building confidence, servant leadership, team work and communication skills.

Pursenla Ozukum, Program Coordinator, CCPRA chaired the workshop and Rev. Dr. Marnungsang, Principal, CTC delivered the welcome address. Altogether 80 students attended the workshop.

Attendance mandatory for govt employees on R-Day; shops to be closed till 12:00 noon Dimapur, January 23 (mExn): Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur, Kesonyu Yhome has informed all the heads of departments/ offices that attendance will be mandatory at Republic Day celebration on January 26. Attendance of all the departmental officers and staff of Dimapur district will be taken at DDSC Stadium at 4:00 pm on January 26 and the attendance sheet will be handed over to the ADC, Dimapur, a press release from the DC stated. Therefore, all the heads of departments have been directed to informed their officers and staff to attend the function accordingly. Further, all the markets and shops are to remain closed till 12:00 noon on Republic Day.

558 bottles of liquor seized Dimapur, January 23 (mExn): The Excise Mobile Squad unit seized 558 bottles of assorted liquor (IMFL/Beer) and apprehended/arrested nine persons while conducting prohibition duty in and around Dimapur. A press release from Superintendent of Excise (Mobile Squad), Katoho Sumi informed that the accused have been booked under relevant section of the NLTP Act ’89 and the seized liquor kept in the Mobile Squad Malkhana. Katoho stated that the enforcement team will continue to raid places where liquor are sold/stocked. “The unit shall continue to carry out Excise and Prohibition duties and future to check and stop the flow of liquor in the state,” he asserted.

Medetsomi Union of Phüsachodü Village condemns pfutsEro, January 23 (mExn): The Medetsomi Union of Phüsachodü Village has condemned the “gruesome act of rape” on a minor allegedly by Rüvütou Medeo on January 14 at Rükizu, Pfütsero. “The union is greatly shamed and distressed and also regrets the heinous act committed by one of its members,” the union stated in a press release. It appealed to the authority concerned to award befitting punishment to the accused.

New AKM officials elected Dimapur, January 23 (mExn): New officials of Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) were elected during the triennial conference of AKM held from January 18 to 20 in Changtongya. They are: President – Imkongwati, Vice President – Sunglem Walling, Assistant Secretary – Lolentoshi, Education Secretary – Impoksula, Information Secretary – Nikmi, and Finance Secretary– Rongsennukshi. The posts of General Secretary, Sports Secretary, and Culture Secretary are still vacant.

Passes for Republic Day 2017 Kohima, January 23 (Dipr): Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kohima, Lithrongla Tongpi in a press release has informed all HODs and Awardees to collect their invitation cards/car passes for the Republic Day from Deputy Commissioner’s office, Kohima on January 24 and 25 from 10:30 am-3:30 pm. Meanwhile, all AHODs and officers posted at the Secretariat may collect their invitation cards/car passes from Khonsungo Ngullie, Under Secretary, GAB-II, Home Department.

MARCOFED LPG Service to issue new LPG connection on discount Dimapur, January 23 (mExn): MARCOFED LPG Service, a unit of MARCOFED, H.O. Dimapur is participating in the Republic Day celebration cum exhibition and sale at New Secretariat Plaza, Kohima on January 26. On the occasion, it will issue new LPG connection on discount. LPG accessories for sale and information on various schemes under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, GOI will also be available, informed a press release from Assistant Manager, MARCOFED LPG Service, Kohima. To avail new LPG connection on discount, the following documents are to be produced at the venue: ID, Residential Proof, Passport sized photo (two), First page of bank pass book (photocopy), and Declaration in affidavit. For further queries, contact: 9436001232.

Polling officials’ training held in Tening Parliamentary Secretary for Land Revenue, Village Guard and Women Resources Development, L. Khumo inaugurated the Meyo Kam Niu Morung with log drum at Wui village on January 2. (DIPR Photo)

pErEn, January 23 (mExn): Additional Deputy Commissioner cum Returning Officer of Tening Town Council election, Thsuvisie Phoji (NCS) exhorted the polling officials at a training on January 23 at Customary Court, Tening. Phoji asked the officials to take their duties seriously with dedication and sincerity. The town council will use ballot papers for the polling which is scheduled on February 1, the Returning Officer added.

He further stated that the Election Commission will take stern disciplinary action against those who fail to perform their duty. Assistant Returning Officer cum Extra Assistant Commissioner, Kelevituo Nisa speaking as Master Trainer asked the polling officials to hold their responsibilities till the end of the election process.

Mangkolemba SDPDB meeting held Parliamentary Secretary for Youth Resources & Sports, State Lotteries and Music Task Force, Khriehu Liezietsu and others during the dedication of renovated Kohima Local Ground on January 23. The renovation was done by Kohima Village Youth Organization. (Morung Photo)

mangKolEmba, January 23 (Dipr): The monthly Mangkolemba Sub-Division Planning and Development Board meeting for the month of January was held on January 23 in ADC’s conference hall under the chairpersonship of ADC, Mangkolemba. The board welcomed new member Abijit Kumar Das, Manager, SBI while K. Athili, Manager, SBI delivered a short farewell speech. The meeting discussed work distribution for Republic Day 2017, Cultural exchange programme between Assam-Nagaland in March 2017 and recognition of new villages in Mangkolemba sub-division. The meeting decided that the PHED and NAP will present their departmental activities in the next meeting.

AR conduct weapon display

NSSATA joint executives meeting Nagaland SSA Teachers’ Association (NSSATA) has convened a joint emergency meeting with all the district executives on February 3, 10:00 am at D’ Block Panchayat Hall, Kohima. Therefore, Aliba Sangtam, President, NSSATA has informed all the district presidents along with two executives to attend the meeting without fail. Districts have also been requested to come along with the fines of the absentees deducted for the two days agitation held in Kohima in the month of November, 2016.

MEx FILE

The 33rd annual meeting of Liangmai Baptist Association (LBA) was held at Azailuang Baptist Church from January 20 to 22, 2017. The LBA year of mission culmination programme was also held, where all the Liangmai pastors and LBA staffs lighted candles to proclaim the glory of God.

tsEminyu, January 23 (mExn): 28 Assam Rifles conducted a weapon display for school children and youth of Tseminyu Town on January 23. The aim of the programme, according to a press release from Assam Rifles, was to motivate the students and youth to join Army/Assam Rifles. A total of 105 students, 5 teachers, and 2 GBs/ Chairman of nearby villages attended the programme.

The release stated that voluntary participation of the local youths in the event was enthralling and reflected the motivation of youth towards joining the defence services.

6

IN FOCUS The Power of Truth

The Morung Express volume Xii issue 22

Limitations & Dilemmas

I

n today’s 21st century context, affirmative action, equitable representation and inclusive governance are a universal mandate. Nonetheless, how they are established, applied and implemented contextually in indigenous and politically oppressed societies remain to be seen.

Here in Nagaland State, the government’s attempt to implement them through a top-down Indian electoral process is currently facing fierce opposition from many fronts. This has led to conditions where the situation is vulnerable to threats, violence, politicking, rumors, accusations, and competing laws resulting in clashes of understanding and interpretation. While opposition is expected, it also generates confusion and further divides the people.

Within this situation, the ensuing turmoil and polarization currently enveloping Nagaland State around issues of 33% reservation for women, and Naga customary law and procedures in Article 371A of the Indian Constitution requires immediate intervention. The situation demands a timely, open, balanced and honest dialogue that carefully examines the inherent complexities and dilemmas. In order to give a voice to the people’s concerns any dialogue process needs to include women and men of all generations.

Eventually, a definitive equitable representation with inclusive governance and a liberated customary law needs to co-exist alongside in order to ensure that issues of a contextually defined model of affirmative action can be explored. This means the distinctiveness of the context needs to be addressed while analyzing the limitations and contradictions emerging from the present turmoil.

Inevitably, Article 371A finds itself in the eye of the storm.

Part XXI of the Indian Constitution contains “Temporary, Transitional and Special Provisions,” which, by its very name, suggests the fluid and temporal character of its contents. It is under this Part XXI that Article 371A is listed in reference to the “Special provision with respect to the State of Nagaland.”

Article 371A is a special provision granted based on the 16 Point Agreement arrived between the Government of India and the Naga People’s Convention in 1960. This means that the Article cannot be read in isolation. It requires a political interpretation and not a legal one due to its historical backdrop and political nature. Confining it to legal interpretations and arguments may only limit the political underpinnings of the Article.

There is, however, a serious drawback. Other than the Sections which grant and define the Governor’s “special responsibility with respect to law and order” and State mechanisms, Article 371A does not define nor determine the nature and scope of the special provisions pertaining to “religious or social practices of the Nagas, Naga customary law and procedure.” This limits the special provisions of the Nagas to one of legal expediency and selective interpretation, rather than an encompassing political understanding and application within the Naga context.

Ironically, while 371A is being perceived as the holder and protector of Naga rights, the real limitation lies with the fact that the lack of substance in Article 371A suggests the absence of a genuine political dialogue and negotiation process in the 16 Point Agreement. This limitation is also the probable cause as to why today’s questions concerning natural resources, oil, reservation and customary law are being subjected to a legal discourse. The fault line lies within the limited negotiating process of the 16 Point Agreement and the undefined provisions of Article 371A. The fact that the 16 Point Agreement did not represent and embrace the creative political aspirations and rights of the Nagas were grounds on which the people rejected it. And the political struggle continued despite the creation of Nagaland State.

Herein lies the present dilemma. Even as one generation rejected it in the past, today a new generation of Nagas is seeking to protect it on the assumption that it protects Naga rights.

And, in the process this generation is learning the hard way that ‘special provisions’ are not the same as ‘rights.’ Ironically, this contradiction has clearly revealed the inherent limitation of Article 371A. The current turmoil presents the urgency for Nagas across generations to face these limitations and dilemmas together through engaging in critical dialogue so that a clear forward looking political path can emerge!

lEfT WING |

Melissa Fares and Dustin Volz Reuters

'It's made in Vietnam!'

O

tuesday 24•01•2017

ne of the biggest cheers President Donald Trump received from supporters watching his inaugural address on January 20 was his call to "buy American and hire American."

It was a moment rich in irony. Many of those supporters were sporting Trump's trademark red "Make America Great Again" baseball caps that were made in China, Vietnam and Bangladesh. Some were horrified when they discovered their Trump hats were foreign made.

Rob Walker, 44, who had driven to Washington from Georgia with his wife Abby, 36, had stopped at a truck stop on the way to buy a "Make America Great Again" cap. "Oh God, I hope it's not made in China," Abby said, flipping the cap over to check. She looked at its label. "China! Don't tell anyone!"

The Trump hats available for purchase on Trump's official campaign website are made in the United States and cost between $25 and $30, according to the label inside those caps. But they are also more expensive than the $20 versions sold by street vendors in Washington on January 20.

Joshua Rojas, 25 and Alyssa Young, 28, had traveled from Texas to watch the inauguration. Young was wearing a pink "Make America Great Again" hat. "I loved it as soon as I saw it. I bought it right over there from one of the vendors for $20," she said.

So was it made in America? "I don't know where it was made actually," Young said. "Let me check." She took off the hat to check the label. "Oh no," she cried. "It's made in Vietnam!"

Austin Araco, 22, from Arkansas, was attending his first inauguration and wearing a Trump hat. "I bought this hat the day he won the election," said Araco. "From his website, of course. I wanted to make sure I supported his fund. I don't want to buy a knock-off. I bought the hat for $30, shipping included."

Victoria Scott, 13 and her brother Andrew Scott, 12, each bought a "Make America Great Again" hat before the inauguration. Victoria's hat cost $25 - and was made in China. She did not seem to mind.

Andrew then checked his hat. "Banglakesh?" he said after checking the tag. His father corrected him. "You mean Bangladesh."

Robert Morrison from Queens, New York, was carrying his "Make America Great Again" hat - bought from a street vendor for $20 - and wearing a New York Yankees cap. Both were made in China.

In his speech, Trump struck a fiery, protectionist tone.

"From this moment on, it's going to be America First," he said. "We will follow two simple rules: Buy American and hire American."

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

C O M M E N T A R Y

Mana Farooghi

The internet can spread hate, but it can also help to tackle it

Hate picks no sides—it merely fills the gaps left by broken communication

I

n the weeks surrounding the referendum on Britain’s membership of the European Union, anti-immigrant hate crime in the UK rose to worrying levels, culminating in the dramatic murders of the Polish national Arkadiusz Józwik and British MP Jo Cox. For some, it seems that the victory of the ‘leave’ campaign legitimised hostility towards immigrants and minorities. Brexit was fought on a narrative of division, tapping into deeply-felt tensions that were caused by poverty, growing levels of inequality and a crisis of faith in political representation and democracy. These tensions were then wrapped up in a simplistic package of blame against immigrants. The binary politics of the referendum—‘yes’ or ‘no’—reinforced the narratives of ‘right’ versus ‘wrong’, pushing people to pick sides crudely.

What was happening on the streets was even more present online. The anonymity of the internet offered vitriol a safe haven, with reports revealing a peak in online abuse against those from mainland Europe, British Muslims and other minorities who were openly insulted and told to ‘go back to their country.’

What we’ve seen online in the UK this year is part of a growing global phenomenon. Over the past decade social media has been linked to intensifying religious tensions in Myanmar, where Facebook has been used to feed anti-Muslim sentiment. It has been a catalyst in fuelling post-election conflict in Kenya, where politicians have been calling for violence online. And it has fuelled divisions in the US by reinforcing extreme narratives on both sides during the presidential elections.

Social media has changed the way we communicate. It offers valuable opportunities for connection but at the same time segregates people into social ‘bubbles’ that echo and legitimise one’s own opinions. As Eli Pariser, CEO of Upworthy explains, the growing personalisation of online content, especially news outlets tailored to our interests and opinions, “creates the impression that our narrow self-interest is all that exists.” Rather than offering wider exposure to social and political realities, these bubbles simplify issues and make societies more vulnerable to a ‘mob mentality’ as patterns of hate find fertile ground in a cycle where opinions and assertions go unchallenged.

As a peacebuilding organisation, International Alert’s work in conflictaffected areas around the world has demonstrated time and again that hate speech is never benign. History shows that it has fanned the flames of violence, created a language and culture of enmity, and normalised hostile environments conducive to mass violence. In Rwanda for example, the International Criminal Court has connected hate speech to war and genocide, with newspaper articles and ra-

dio broadcasts resulting in widespread acts of violence in 1994. If we are not aware of the tipping points between hate speech and conflict, violence can become a genuine risk.

Online hate speech is all the more harmful because it’s difficult to capture, qualify and regulate, yet it reaches a huge potential audience. Unfortunately, societies are ill-equipped to deal with this phenomenon because legal responses are inadequate, and however well-intentioned technology firms may try to be, they have yet to come up with any effective responses.

The criminalisation of hate speech also raises ethical dilemmas: whilst it aims to protect people from harm, it also risks restricting freedom of speech.

The solutions to online vitriol have to be more holistic than simply policing, banning or repressing hateful views. They must involve the development of more responsible political and media practices that re-introduce nuance into public conversation, reflect societies’ complex social identities, and encourage respectful interaction.

In the words of political satirist Jonathan Pie, “when will we understand that discussion is key?”

As political and media narratives are increasingly turning legitimate grievances and anger about political failures into irrational fears of the ’other,’ the pathologic phobia and anxiety they generate must be addressed with new tools. In behavioural therapy, one of the most efficient responses to phobia is systematic desensitisation through gradual exposure. Maybe this is what we need, being more exposed to each other, acknowledging each other’s existence and right to be different, accepting each other’s needs and grievances and getting rid of the boogieman.

leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi have allowed Muslims to voice alternatives to the narratives of blame that follow every terror attack, whilst also highlighting the power of humour as a great way to lighten negativity.

Initiatives like YouGov in the UK, Akshaya in India and the Digital Cabinet in Brazil show the potential of digital technology to improve accountability and increase feelings of empowerment by bringing decisionmaking closer to people. More generally, in our increasingly lonely societies, social media can help us to create social bonds offline, whether cooking and dining with unknown neighbours in supper clubs, meeting with strangers around common interests, or finding a life partner.

However, even in the aggregate these constructive initiatives struggle to resist the tide of anger and hate.

That’s why International Alert organised a #peacehack in October 2016 designed to find better ways of tackling online hate speech through the use of technology. Developers and designers drew on real-life experiences of online abuse and islamophobia described by schoolchildren from the north of England to understand how digital tools can counter hateful narratives.

Ideas that emerged included Hate Speech Stopper, a plug-in that makes you pause and think before using hate speech online, and Noby—an interactive educational tool that offers guidance on how to react when faced with real-life hate crime.

Just as important were the relationships built during #peacehack. Technology professionals found out more about how they can use their skills for peace and social justice. Children had their voices heard and were empowered to craft new solutions. Initiatives like these offer an interesting channel to scale up peacebuilding approaches online. Hate picks no sides—it merely fills the gap left by broken communication. We need to stop blaming each other for society’s ills and start focussing on our basic human need and common interest to live in peaceful and prosperous environments.

Peacebuilders often say that ‘peace is a process’ of building new relationships and repairing broken ones. In an era of digital communication these relationships will increasingly be mediated through the internet, so that is where we need to focus our efforts, starting with younger generations who are both more exposed and less resilient to online hate speech. Peace education and digital literacy can be combined to transform the internet into a more positive and hopeful space.

But unfortunately it isn’t that easy.

One experiment that was designed to burst social media bubbles around the US election showed that exposure to opposing viewpoints merely reinforced people’s adversarial attitudes.

When divisions are so deep, unmediated exposure only reaffirms pre-existing beliefs. Exposure is not enough: in order to change behaviours, people need to engage safely and willingly in a process of transformation.

Peacebuilding offers a number of tried and tested tools that can help in this process. The first is active listening.

In times of uncertainty, we all need to feel that our concerns are being heard, that we can worry about migration, terrorism, the economy or the failure of elite politics without being judged. Expressing one’s needs and fears opens the way to confronting the underlying problems. In addition, conflict analysis, dialogue, mediation and collaborative problem-solving are all tools that can help map grievances and improve relationships among citizens and between citizens and their institutions.

But we also need to find ways to bring these approaches to the online world, adapting the tools of peacebuilding to the particular scale and modalities of the internet, re-imagining citizen-led solutions and creative social responses that can open up the space for alternative narratives and ‘peace speech.’ This is where technology can play an important role.

Existing platforms like YouTube, Twitter and Facebook can be used in innovative ways to encourage dialogue across differences. Recent initiatives Mana Farooghi is a Peacebuilding such as #refugeeswelcome or TechfuAdvisor for International Alert. She gees are good examples of digital tools works on peacebuilding approaches to that facilitate positive responses to violent extremism in the Middle East migration. Campaigns like #notinmyand Africa as well as on issues of hate name or the comical trolling of ISIS speech and islamophobia in Europe

A nuclear world: eight-and-a half rogue states

When disarmament looks remote, straight talking on possession of nuclear weapons is all the more timely

W

Paul Rogers

hen Theresa May presented to parliament the case for renewing the state's nuclear forces in July 2016, she was asked directly by a Scottish MP whether she would be prepared to order a nuclear attack.

The usual response to this question over the years has been to prevaricate.

The United Kingdom's new prime minister, just a few days into the job, gave an unequivocal "yes." This was one of the very rare occasions in British politics when a direct query on nuclear use solicited a direct answer. In a sense, Theresa May did everyone a favour by being so clear.

The British nuclear force is not one of the larger ones, certainly in comparison with the United States and Russia. However, it still has 100-200 thermonuclear warheads, with just one of its Trident submarines capable of launching sixteen missiles, each with three warheads. The actual numbers may be lower than this in routine deployments, but a submarine ordered to fire could certainly ripple-fire over thirty warheads to different targets within half an hour. Typical missile flight times of less than half an hour mean that the destruction could all be achieved in just double that period (see: "Britain's nuclear-weapons future: no done deal," 21 July 2016).

Each warhead is rated at about 100 kilotons of destructive power. This exceeds the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombs by over four-fifths in each case.

At a very conservative estimate, if each Trident warhead killed 100,000 people (an event of Hiroshima's magnitude), the British prime minister could deliver an order that would kill 3 million people within an hour.

But consider a more cautious scenario, where the ballpark figure for nuclear use is "only" a million killed in an hour. How many countries have that capability? The United States and Russia each still have several thousand nuclear weapons, though their total arsenals are drastically down from the 1980s peak of over 60,000. Five other countries – France, China, Israel, Pakistan, and India – operate broadly at the UK's level of capability. North Korea is doing its best to get to that point, but has some way to go.

Leaving aside all the theology of deterrence, the reality is that eight countries underpin their approach to national security in the ability to commit appalling crimes against humanity – and one other is trying to emulate them.

To be clear, the above estimates are extremely modest. For example, in the 1980s the UK government's se-

cret estimate of casualty rates from an all-out Soviet nuclear attack on the west was around 40 million people killed out of a population of 56 million. The government of the day preferred to give ridiculous advice on how to “protect and survive” rather than publish this figure.

A different way of thinking This all presents us with an alternative way of looking at the possession of nuclear weapons: namely, that any state willing to kill at least a million people in less than an hour as a core part of its fundamental defence posture should be considered a rogue state. This makes for eight-and-a-half rogue states worldwide.

One counter-argument is that nuclear weapons keep the peace without carrying any risk of untoward accident or escalation. The history of the past sixty years suggests otherwise. Moreover, far more information is now available about the accidents, dangerous crises, and near-misses in this period, which shows how close the world has come to catastrophe on several occasions.

The UK too has had its share of mishaps. The Nuclear Information Service chronicles many of the coun-

WRITE-WING

try’s problems and is publishing a further report on the subject in February 2017. Today, all seven “open” nuclear states are upgrading their forces, with Israel no doubt doing the same. As, at the same time, Putin and Trump talk up their nuclear prowess, addressing the issue looks difficult. Yet that is the very reason why the rogue-state approach is so useful.

In 2017, there are 193 memberstates of the United Nations with seats in the general assembly, of which 185 do not feel the need to possess their own nuclear weapons. Some gave up any efforts, Switzerland and Sweden among them. Others, certainly including Argentina and Brazil, have looked seriously at the possibility; South Africa actually had a small arsenal in the early 1990s but got rid of it. Several countries no longer have the nuclear weapons of other states on their territory, such as Canada, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan.

These instances all flow from a particular context, but it's nonetheless true that very few nuclear rogue states remain (see: "Two steps to zero," 27 July 2008).

How else can the willingness to acquire the capacity to commit an appalling war crime, and treat this as central to your military stance, be described? In an era when prospects for nuclear disarmament are poor, calling rogue states by their true name is a way of thinking that should catch on.

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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.

TUESDAY 24•01•2017

PERSPECTIVE

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

7

The Rise of Taliban Diplomacy

How are the Taliban and Kabul faring in their diplomatic tug-of-war over Afghanistan’s neighbors?

Ahmad Bilal Khalil

S

The Diplomat

ince the formation of the Afghan National Unity Government (NUG), the Taliban and the NUG have been locked in a regional competition. The Taliban has widened its diplomatic relations with Russia, China, Iran, and some Central Asian and Middle Eastern countries as well as international organizations to counter the influence of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani’s regional anti-terror proposals.

There are several apparent motives behind the Taliban’s outreach: to decrease misperceptions and concerns about the Taliban in an attempt to change international opinion, which is currently stacked against them; to get support for the Taliban’s war against U.S. “occupation”; to negotiate prisoner swaps; and to discuss the Afghan peace process.

The Taliban was apparently successful in winning the hearts and minds of China and Russia. In the trilateral Russia-China-Pakistan meeting held in Moscow in late December, all three countries agreed on a “flexible approach to remove certain figures from sanctions lists as part of efforts to foster a peaceful dialogue between Kabul and the Taliban movement.” Two months earlier, Ghani had urged the UN to add Taliban leader Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada to the sanctions list. Recently, the Russian ambassador to Afghanistan also publicly confirmed rumors that Moscow has contacts with the Taliban.

To understand the diplomatic competition between the Taliban and the government in Kabul, this piece looks at Afghan President Ashraf Ghani’s three-tiered diplomatic policy, the Taliban’s response, and the current state of the Taliban’s relations with important regional countries.

Ashraf Ghani’s Three-Tiered Strategy Since assuming the presidency, Ghani has tried a three-tiered diplomatic strategy aimed at ensuring the survival of his government and either cracking down on the insurgency (i.e., the Taliban) or bringing them to the negotiating table.

The First Tier: Mending Ties with the West Unlike Hamid Karzai’s second term, Ghani’s foreign policy became more pro-West and specifically proAmerica. The National Unity Government signed strategic agreements with the United States and NATO within 24 hours of its formation.

Moreover, foreign security forces were given permission to re-start night raids, which Karzai (both during his second term and now) disapproves of and harshly criticizes.

In addition, the NUG has also remained noticeably silent on U.S. military attacks on civilians and Afghan security forces. For instance, it has not criticized the U.S. military for the strike on the Doctors Without Borders (MSF) Hospital in Kunduz in October 2015 or for targeting civilians in Kunduz in November 2016. Although the Afghan government issued a few public statements regarding the MSF bombing (for which U.S. President Obama issued an apology) and civilian killings in Kunduz, these remarks were not specifically pointed toward the United States. If these incidents had occurred during Karzai’s second term, he wouldn’t have wasted a single moment criticizing Washington.

The NUG in return influenced Obama’s decisions about withdrawal planning and the number of troops to remain in Afghanistan. Washington and the European Union continued to financially, militarily, and diplomatically support the NUG. For instance, before Ghani’s first visit to the United States in March 2015, a senior adviser on Afghanistan and Pakistan for the National Security Council said that U.S.-NUG relationship is a “different relationship than we [the U.S and Afghanistan] had under President Karzai.” Obama, standing beside Ghani in a joint press conference, said that his Afghan counterpart’s “life reflects, in many ways, the friendship and mutual respect between Americans and Afghans.” He also expressed hope that Ghani’s visit would be “an opportunity to begin a new chapter between our two nations.” Later, in July 2016, the White House press secretary also hailed Ghani as a “much better partner” than Karzai.

The NUG was successful in not only influencing the American decision to withdraw but also winning additional pledges of assistance for Afghan security forces in the Brussels and Warsaw conferences, held in 2015 and 2016 respectively.

Second Tier: Forging a Regional Consensus Against “Terrorism” After strengthening ties and paving the way for future strategic relations with the United States and NATO, Ghani tried to get support from regional countries for Kabul’s war against the Taliban (and other insurgent groups).

With this motive, Ghani paid an unofficial visit to Saudi Arabia and then on his first official trip abroad visited China. He later called on Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Iran, and even Russia.

Ghani’s visits and regional outreach had four key goals.

First, to persuade Pakistan and then the Taliban to come to the negotiating table. Ghani sought to use China, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey to persuade Pakistan to bring the Taliban to peace talks. Even if the Taliban would not join talks, Ghani hoped that Pakistan would make sure that the group would not use Pakistani soil against Afghanistan.

Second, Ghani wanted to show regional partners that the continued war in Afghanistan is not an Afghan war, but rather a conflict imposed upon the country. There are many non-Afghan groups present in Afghanistan, who hail from Russia, China, Pakistan, Central Asian republics, and Middle Eastern countries. Therefore, all regional countries must assist Afghanistan in its war against insurgents; it is their war too. Ghani also sought to convince regional countries that terrorism and insecurity are a hindrance to regional development and integration, including the protection and initiation of multinational projects.

The emergence of the Islamic State (ISIS) in Afghanistan also attracted regional countries’ concern. The Islamic State’s ambitions reach beyond Afghan borders — the name of the regional branch, Islamic State of Khorasan Province, refers to the historical region consisting of territory in modern-day Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Central Asian republics, and China.

Finally, Ghani sought to get support from all those countries for Afghan security forces. Russia and India were asked for attack helicopters; as of this writing, India has provided four Mi-17s. Recently, the Afghan side

also asked New Delhi to help and assist Afghan security forces, and according to Afghan media reports the Indians again replied positively. Moreover, Ghani brought security relations with China to a new level when China pledged $70 million in security assistance and provided Kabul with security scanners (unfortunately these scanners are still not being used, due to the Afghan side’s negligence).

During the first year of the NUG, the Afghan government seemed to have been successful in this step of getting support from regional countries. However, recent events indicate setbacks, perhaps due to conspiracy theories that allege the Afghan government and Washington are behind the emergence of Islamic State in Afghanistan, with the goal of destabilizing Central Asian republics, China, and Russia. Recently, Russia, China, and Pakistan held a trilateral conference on Afghanistan; notably, this conference occurred without the Afghan government’s input or agreement. Given this, it’s an open question whether Ghani will once again be able to get support from these countries.

Third Tier: Taking Away the Taliban’s “Religious Decree” This is an important tier of Ashraf Ghani’s strategy, because religion motivates the Taliban’s continuous war.

It is religion and the call of jihad that help recruit new foot soldiers for the Taliban and raise new funds. The Afghan government rejects the Taliban’s religious call to fight against “foreign occupation,” but knows the importance and power of such religious fatwas or decrees in continuing the war.

Therefore, since Karzai’s presidency, Kabul has tried to organize an international conference of Islamic scholars focused on the current war in Afghanistan. The hope is to have famous Islamic scholars reject and condemn the war, especially religious objections to the presence of American soldiers in Afghanistan.

However, these efforts have not succeeded. A few months ago, there were plans for the Organization of Islamic Countries to call a peace conference in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, but after the Taliban’s strong objection this conference was postponed.

Moreover, the Afghan government is hopeful that its peace deal with Hezb-e-Islami can affect the Taliban’s religious justification for a continued fight. Nevertheless, to date the peace deal has not influenced the Taliban very much.

The Taliban Respond to Ashraf Ghani’s Challenge The Taliban did not sit quietly in the face of Ghani’s outreach. On the contrary, the group sped up its own diplomatic and military efforts.

Taliban’s response to the signing of the Bilateral Security Agreement with the United States and NATO was deadly and bloody. Within 12 days of the signing ceremony, more than nine suicide bombings and bomb blasts rocked Kabul (although the Taliban didn’t take responsibility for all of the attacks). In the aftermath, the Taliban stopped differentiating between their spring and winter offensive. This change in tactics led to historically high casualty rates for both Afghan security forces and civilians, the Taliban capture of new districts, and a general rise in security incidents.

On the diplomatic front, in order to diminish the influence of Ghani’s initiatives, Taliban representatives

visited China, Iran, and some Central Asian countries, where they also met Russian officials. The Taliban also tried to escape from Pakistan and hence avoid arrests and pressure from the Pakistani establishment. For instance, the visit by Tayyeb Agha (the former head of the Taliban’s political office in Qatar) to Iran was mainly to avoid overreliance on Pakistan.

Meanwhile, after the emergence of ISIS and its competition with the Taliban, the Taliban began to issue repeated statements that their ideology only concerns Afghanistan. Seeking to reassure nervous neighbors, the Taliban emphasized that they fully respect geographical boundaries and sovereignty and pledged that Afghanistan will not become as a launching pad for attacks on regional countries. Importantly, according to some sources, whenever the Taliban meet with some regional countries such as Russia, Iran, and China, its leaders point out that the American military presence is is also against their interests as well; therefore, regional governments should help the Taliban.

These arguments have been magnetic in attracting support from the Russians, Iranians, and even Chinese. When it comes to the presence of American troops in the region and some militant extremist groups whose agenda reaches beyond Afghan borders (and which challenges the Taliban in Afghanistan too), these nations share common interests with the Taliban.

However, to date these nations have limited themselves to contacts with the Taliban; they have not had yet supported the Taliban militarily, financially, or diplomatically.

When it comes to Ghani’s goal of holding a peace conference and issuing a religious decree on the continuous war in Afghanistan, the Taliban has given a strong counter-response.

The Taliban issued a statement and addressed their concerns to the Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC) over convening such a peace conference. Moreover, the Taliban has also issued statements before the Warsaw and Brussels Conferences arguing that Western countries should not assist the Afghan government militarily and economically.

The Taliban’s More Active Diplomatic Posture The Taliban, through its political commission and later through its political office in Qatar, has established vast contacts and relations with regional and extra-regional countries alike: Germany (which paved the way for the opening of the Qatar office, as indicated in this report), France, Norway (through UN special representative to Afghanistan Kai Eide), the United States, China, Russia, Iran (former leader Muallah Akhtar Muhammad Mansour visited Iran several times and the head of Qatar office, Tayyeb Agha, was also invited by Iran to a conference), Russia, Turkmenistan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia. Several of these countries stand out for their strong connections to both Kabul and the Taliban.

Saudi Arabia Interestingly, the Afghan government’s relations with Saudi Arabia are far better than Saudi Arabia-Taliban ties. First, according to a Taliban source, in 2009, Tayyeb Agha, at the time the head of Taliban’s political commission, visited Saudi Arabia and requested that Riyadh host the Taliban’s politi-

Kenya: Why Polio Campaigns must reach Every Last Child

Rudi Eggers and Werner Schultink

F

Inter Press Service

or a long time, no person in Kenya suffered the devastating disability that is caused by polio. In fact, the only reminder in the early 2000s was the victims in the streets of Nairobi, many of whom had been paralyzed as children and adults. Their lives were ravaged by this terrible, vaccine-preventable disease.

Sadly, in 2013 a large outbreak of polio in Nigeria spread across the continent, affecting several countries on its way east.

Kenya was not spared. Fourteen new polio cases were confirmed.

The polio virus struck those that were unvaccinated – the most vulnerable and the most excluded — children in areas with poor access to health services, refugees, and nomadic communities. Fortunately, a rapid response by the Kenyan Government brought the polio outbreak under control, and the last case was reported in July 2013.

At that time, it seemed that the country was well on the road to being declared polio-free.

However, recently, concerned scientists have pointed to the increasing risk of polio, particularly the large numbers

of children who remain unvaccinated, especially those in vulnerable populations in the northern part of the country and in the informal settlements of Nairobi and Mombasa. Furthermore, the notion that the African continent was free from the polio virus was shattered when four new polio cases were reported in northern Nigeria. Given the previous experience, health experts and Ministries of Health recommended that the areas with low vaccination rates should be targeted with vaccination campaigns, specifically designed to reach those that missed out on the routine vaccinations.

Since the establishment of the Expanded Programme of Immunization (EPI) in 1980, Kenya deserves credit for reaching majority of the children with lifesaving vaccines. But there is still a lot more work that needs to be done; progress in the country is very uneven and many children remain unvaccinated. It is estimated that 400,000 (3 out of 10) children still do not receive all the required scheduled doses of vaccines by their first birthday.

This build-up of under-immunized children has previously contributed to outbreaks of polio. Most of these children come from poor families, the urban informal settlements and the

hard-to-reach parts of the country, particularly arid and semiarid (ASAL) regions where access to health services is limited.

As long as there is a child out there who has contracted this disease, no matter where they live or who they are – all children everywhere are not safe. The four cases confirmed in October 2016 in the current polio outbreak in Nigeria place other African countries, including Kenya, at risk of importing the wild polio virus, due to the unaccounted number of unvaccinated children across the continent as well as the high population movement.

In the final push towards eradicating polio by 2018, Kenya with its strict monitoring system for the safety and quality assurance of vaccines, has already proved that it has the capacity to make the whole country polio-free. A five-day polio campaign that started on 18 January, 2017 targets more than 2.9 million children below the age of 5 years in the fifteen counties of Bungoma, Busia, Garissa, Isiolo, Lamu, Mandera, Marsabit, Nairobi, Samburu, Tana River, Trans Nzoia, Turkana, Wajir, West Pokot and Uasin Gishu. Children in high-risk areas — some of whom have never had access to immunization services before — will

have an opportunity to be vaccinated against polio.

To ensure that all vulnerable children are reached, the exercise will be relying on the steadfast commitment of vaccination teams and the communities they serve. These heroic women and men in most cases walk long distances from house-to-house, often in the most dangerous of circumstances to reach all children. Communities where the polio campaign is backed and encouraged by religious and community leaders have much higher rates of protection than those that lack this support.

As part of the worldwide campaign to eradicate polio, there is need for everyone to rally behind this polio vaccination campaign, to reach each and every child regardless of their geographical location of their status in society. We have a responsibility to protect hundreds of thousands of children in Kenya from being paralyzed for life; from being excluded from their communities; and from being denied their right to a full and productive life.

In 2017 and beyond, no child in Kenya should suffer the consequences of a vaccine-preventable disease, for every child deserves to live in a polio-free world.

A

cal office. However, Riyadh laid down two conditions: that the Taliban cut ties with al-Qaeda and condemn their acts, as well as accept the Afghan constitution and take part in Afghan elections.

The Taliban rejected both conditions and since then the Saudi-Taliban ties have cooled. The Taliban’s warming ties with Iran, Saudi Arabia’s major rival, also impact relations.

On the other hand, Ghani has visited Saudi Arabia three times, released a statement to support Saudi Arabia in its Yemen war, and is a part of Saudi Arabia’s anti-terror alliance. Therefore, when it comes to Saudi Arabia, the Afghan government has an edge over the Taliban. However, the ISIS threat and growing Iranian influence in Afghanistan could once again improve Taliban-Saudi relations, depending on the upcoming geopolitics.

Russia Geopolitics can do wonders; the curious case of Russian relations with the Taliban is a prime example. The founder of the Taliban, Mullah Omar, lost his eye fighting against the Russians, one of many Taliban so wounded. The Taliban also faced an armed opponent in the Northern Alliance that was largely supported by Moscow, which in turn forced the Taliban to recognize Chechnya and give them permission to open their sole embassy in Afghanistan.

However, now, after 14 years of the American presence in Afghanistan, the Russians and the Taliban are becoming closer to each other than ever. One factor that might have decreased Russian trust in Kabul is the rise of ISIS in the country. A member of the Afghan parliament accused Afghan national security adviser Hanif Atmar (and in some other cases even the Americans) of allowing the ISIS threat to grow in Afghanistan, which poses a potential threat to Russia.

Meanwhile, the American cold war with Moscow in Syria and Ukraine has also shadowed Moscow’s relations with the U.S.-backed Afghan government, leading to rising Taliban-Russia relations.

Iran After a tilt toward Saudi Arabia, Ghani visited Tehran in order to rebalance between Tehran-Riyadh in April 2015. Later Afghan Chief Executive Officer Abdullah Abdullah also visited Iran. In the aftermath of the P5+1 agreement on Iran’s nuclear program, Afghanistan welcomed Iran’s openness to the world and increased efforts to sign the trilateral Chabahar agreement with Iran and India. However, despite all these advances, Tehran is also reaching out to the Taliban because of the rising anti-Shia ISIS threat, which has already threatened Iran’s interests in Syria and Iraq.

Turkmenistan Since the Afghan civil war, Turkmenistan has had a neutral policy when it comes to Afghanistan, something the Taliban appreciates. However, the NUG has pursued closer bilateral ties with Turkmenistan; both sides are seeking to become economically more integrated and in this regard have signed the TAPI pipeline deal, a draft agreement on the Lapis Lazuli corridor, and initiated a railway line.

According to multiple Taliban sources, the current head of Taliban’s political office, Sher Muhammad Abbas Stanikzai, was present in Turkmenistan when Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India signed TAPI in late 2015. The Taliban was

taken into confidence by the Turkmen side because the Turkmens will fund the bulk of the pipeline and the Taliban’s agreement was very much needed to protect the multi-billion dollar project. In return, the Taliban later issued a statement pledging protection for large national and transnational projects. With Turkmenistan, both the Taliban and the Afghan government have reasons to be happy.

China Beijing, like Turkmenistan, has also a neutral policy toward Afghanistan but with more of a tilt toward the Afghan government. The Sino-Afghan bilateral relationship under the NUG is becoming smoother, more stable, and broader. Under Ghani, China agreed for the first time to provide military assistance to Afghanistan, although the aid was mostly non-lethal. On the other hand, Afghan Taliban representatives have paid several visits to China and were received there with diplomatic protocol. China is hedging its bets in Afghanistan, as if often does in other countries’ internal conflicts.

Turkey Turkey has relations with both the Taliban and the Afghan government.

Turkish President Recep Tayyeb Erdogan visited Kabul just after the formation of the National Unity Government, the first foreign leader to do so. Ghani and Vice President Abdul Rashid Dostum have also frequently visited Turkey. Turkey is a partner in Afghanistan’s Lapis Lazuli transit corridor and has signed a draft of this agreement as well. Meanwhile, Turky is also a home for some Taliban leaders; although Turkey does have a military presence in Afghanistan, it generally does not fight against the Taliban.

Conclusion It was not solely the NUG’s policies that influenced the Taliban to expand its relationships with regional countries. The Taliban has had this goal since the formation of its political office in Qatar. However, under Ghani’s presidency, the Taliban’s relations with regional countries are growing and they have stepped up their diplomatic efforts. The goal is mainly to counter Ghani’s regional outreach; however, there are other factors too. The Taliban is after regional countries’ support when it comes to weapons, financing, and diplomatic support (for example, seeking partners on the UN security council to veto resolutions against the Taliban).

The Taliban has exploited the geopolitical situation and now has relatively good relations with Iran, Russia, China, and other countries. The Afghan government has far more bilateral relationships than the Taliban, but the group has has some success in sabotaging Ghani’s attempts to win military or security assistance for Afghan security forces from neighbors. India, which has stepped up its assistance, is the major exception in this regard.

The author would like to thank Borhan Osman and Halimullah Kousary for comments on the first draft of this piece.

Ahmad Bilal Khalil is a researcher at Center for Strategic and Regional Studies, Kabul (csrskabul). He follows Afghan foreign policy, Islamists, regional geopolitical and geoeconomic matters, and Kabul’s relations with its neighbors (especially China, Pakistan, and India). He is working on a book on Sino-Afghan relations 1955-2015 in Pashto

AN ETHICAL LEADER

ll leadership is responsible for influencing followers to perform an action, complete a task, or behave in a specific manner. Effective leaders influence process, stimulate change in subordinate's attitudes and values, and foster the internalisation of the leaders' vision by utilising strategies of empowerment. It is believed that the nurturing aspect of leaders can raise organisational cultures and employ values to high levels of ethical concern. Ethical leadership requires ethical leaders. If leaders are ethical, they can ensure that ethical practices are carried out throughout the organisation.

Ethical leadership is leadership that is involved in leading in a manner that respects the rights and dignity of others. As leaders are by nature in a position of social power, ethical leadership focuses on how leaders use their social power in the decisions they make, actions they engage in and ways they motivate others. Leaders who are ethical demonstrate a level of integrity that is important for stimulating a sense of leader trustworthiness, which is essential for followers to accept the vision of the leader. These are critical and direct components to leading ethically. The character and integrity of the leader provide the basis for personal characteristics that direct a leader's ethical beliefs, values, and decisions. Individual values and beliefs impact the ethical decisions of leaders.

Leaders who are ethical are people- oriented, and also aware of how their decisions impact others, and use their social power to serve the grater (greater) good instead of selfserving interests. In ethical leadership it is important for the leader to consider how his or her decisions impact others. Motivating followers to put the needs or interests of the group ahead of their own is another quality of ethical leaders. Motivating involves engaging others in an intellectual and emotional commitment between leaders and followers that makes both parties equally responsible in the pursuit of a common goal. These characteristics of ethical leaders inspire others to work towards the leader's vision for the group and to be committed to the group. Ethical leaders assist followers in gaining a sense of personal competence that allows them to be self sufficient by encouraging and empowering them.

In this confused and corrupted modern society, there is a want for such ethical leaders. In this midst of chaos, misconceptions, doubts, and disagreements, we need ethical leaders whose vision and decision making are for positive outcomes, a leader who can uphold the moral and ethical principles of the society.

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.

Zulusenla Jamir Assistant Professor Department of English St. Joseph's College, Jakhama.

8

TuesDAY 24•01•2017

INDIA

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Tamil Nadu legalizes Jallikattu, police action sparks violence

ChEnnaI, January 23 (IanS): Tamil Nadu on Monday passed a law legalizing Jallikattu, the bull taming sport, hours after a police crackdown on young protesters at the Marina beach here triggered widespread violence.

The law replaces the Prevention of cruelty to Animals (Tamil Nadu Amendment) Ordinance, 2017 that was promulgated to amend the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act on Saturday.

The ordinance had the sanction of President Pranab Mukherjee.

Chief Minister O. Panneerselavam introduced the bill in the assembly. It was passed quickly and unanimously. The law seeks to protect Jallikattu from legal challenges.

This happened on a day when the dragging protest at the Marina, the country's longest beach, turned violent after police began their crackdown following the people's refusal to disperse.

Thousands of police personnel were deployed across Chennai, a majority invading the beach and dragging away young men who had been camping there demanding legalization of Jallikattu.

There was bedlam as others tried to pull back those being taken away. Hundreds of youths, both male and female, formed a chain. Many ran towards the sea to dig in. There was a lot of slogan shouting too.

Many of the protesters, after

Police remove a demonstrator from Marina beach during a protest demanding a permanent solution to ensure the unhindered conduct of Jallikattu, a traditional bull-taming contest, in Chennai on January 23. (REUTERS Photo)

being ousted from the beach, took over neighbouring streets and hurled bricks and stones at the police.

A large group torched several vehicles parked at the Ice House police station, sending thick clouds of black smoke rising in the sky.

As fire tenders battled the flames, police used tear gas and batons to battle the mobs. This only triggered more violence.

The trouble was intense in Triplicane area near the beach.

All routes leading to the Ma-

rina were quickly cordoned off, leading to massive traffic jams in parts of Chennai.

Amid vocal criticism from opposition parties and film personalities, including noted actor Kamal Haasan, that police should not have forcibly broken a peaceful protest, many protesters crawled back to the beach.

Spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, himself a Tamil, appealed for calm and urged Tamils not to be swayed by anti-social elements.

Amid the violence, many

schools closed down earlier than scheduled, giving anxious moments to parents.

While many are upset with the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) for opposing Jallikattu, in most protest venues across Tamil Nadu, slogans were raised against both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Panneerselvam.

Some placards were vulgar and there were random calls too demanding an independent Tamil state.

The crowds finally started to

disperse in the event after a retired Madras High Court judge, Hari Parandhaman, explained the finer points of the new law including safety measures to be taken during Jallikattu.

In Jallikattu, a bull vaulter is expected to latch on to the animal's hump and stay put for a brief period. The bull often attack the vaulters, leading to their death -- as it happened with two youths on Sunday.

On Monday, the government cancelled intra-city bus services.

The Southern Railway axed 16 trains. "Around 40,000 passengers are affected daily due to disruption in train services," a railway official told IANS. In Madurai too, youths who have been staging protests demanding the lifting of the 2014 Supreme Court ban on Jallikattu fought with police on the streets.

In Coimbatore, the police pounced on a protester who threatened to self-immolate.

They snatched the inflammable liquid he had.

The pro-Jallikattu camp wants the central government to take out bulls from the list of performing animals.

P. Rajasekhar, President of the Jallikattu Pathukaapu Peravai, earlier urged people to call off their agitation.

Meanwhile, DMK leader M.K. Stalin and PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss condemned the police action. The police should have dealt with women in a decent manner, Ramadoss said.

Supreme Court junks plea for deferring Union budget nEw dELhI, January 23 (IanS): The Supreme Court on Monday rejected a plea for deferring the Union budget 2017-18, in view of assembly polls in five states, holding that the presentation has to be done before the start of the financial year (FY) -- from April 1 -- and not during the FY. Rejecting the plea, a bench of Chief Justice Jagdish Singh Khehar, Justice N.V. Ramana and Justice D.Y. Chandrachud said: "If there is something that the Centre does that affects elections in the states then the Election Commission would come into the picture ... but does it extend to the central budget?"

Advocate M.L. Sharma, however, persisted with his plea for deferment of the presentations of the budget as, he contended, it would influence the voters and thus affect free and fair elections. The bench then asked him to give one concrete example to show that one step in the budget that would affect the minds of the voters and the outcome of the elections in the states.

Unaided private schools on DDA land denied fee hike liberty nEw dELhI, January 23 (IanS): The Supreme Court on Monday rejected a plea by unaided recognised private schools, challenging a Delhi High Court order making it a must for them to take the Delhi government's prior sanction before hiking tuition fee. On January 19, 2016, the Delhi High Court had made it clear that private unaided schools, which were allotted land by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), shall not hike fees without prior sanction of the Delhi government's Education Department even if was during the mid-session.

The bench of Chief Justice Jagdish Singh Khehar, Justice N.V. Ramana and Justice D.Y. Chandrachud dismissed the plea by the Action Committee of Unaided Recognised Private Schools and the Association of Public Schools.

The school bodies had contended that the Delhi government's permission is necessary if the proposed hike is before the start of an academic session and not if it was during mid-session.

The two petitioners' associations had relied on top court's constitution bench judgment that had said that private unaided and minority institutions have full autonomy in the matters of their administration and the admissions. Finding no merit, the bench dismissed their plea, thereby upholding the January 19, 2016, Delhi High Court order.

PM's degree: HC stays CIC order Oxford faces trial over Indian-origin student's lawsuit allowing inspection of DU records London, January 23 mercial lawyer had he not rial history during his final year. down the country, with many university admitted that it had The university then applied of them charging large amount "difficulties" teaching Asian (IanS): In a landmark rul- been held back for obtaining a

nEw dELhI, January 23 (IanS): The Delhi High Court on Monday stayed the Central Information Commission order directing Delhi University to allow inspection of records of all students who had passed the BA degree exam in 1978, the year in which, according to the University, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also cleared the examination.

Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva also issued notice to Neeraj, the petitioner before the CIC, on whose plea the CIC passed the order to allow inspection of records under the RTI Act. During the hearing, Delhi University represented through Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Tushar Mehta, said that details of third parties cannot be given out since the university has a fiduciary relationship with the third persons.

Delhi University approached the HC seeking setting aside of CIC order, saying the "impugned order,which is per se contrary to the Act, has far reaching adverse consequences for DU and all universities in the country who holds degrees of crores of students in a fiduciary capacity.

If the illegal direction issued by the CIC is not set aside, DU and all other universities in the country would be flooded with similar applications. "On December 21, 2016, the CIC ordered to make degrees public and rejected the con-

tention of the Central Public Information Officer of the University that it was a third party personal information."

The CIC had directed the university "to facilitate inspection of relevant register where complete information about result of all students who passed in Bachelor of Arts, in year 1978 along with roll number, names of the students, father's name and marks obtained as available with the University and provide certified copy of the extract of relevant pages from the register, free of cost".

"RTI applicant Neeraj had sought to know from the University the total number of students who appeared in Bachelor of Arts, Year 1978, besides result of all students who appeared in the examination along with their roll number, name of the students with father's name, marks and result pass or failed. Denying the information, the Central Public Information Officer of the University had earlier responded that the information requested is treated as "personal information of the students concerned, the disclosure of which has no relationship to any public activity or interest".

The issue of the 1978 DU degree records cropped up after Aam Aadmi Party raised questions about the degree of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, triggering a controversy.

ing, the UK Supreme Court has ordered Oxford University to stand trial after an Indianorigin student filed a 1 million pound ($1,245,100) compensation claim saying "appalling bad and boring tuition" in the varsity resulted in him getting a second class degree, a newspaper here reported.

Faiz Siddiqui, a modern history graduate, says he would have enjoyed a career as a top international com-

"Selective private business interests being promoted through government policies under the pretext of fostering economic growth, tackling corruption and ensuring transparency through digitalisation are a disturbing development," it adds.

After Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Digital India push, the BJP state leadership had repeatedly expressed its ambition of making Goa India's first cashless state.

Headed by a Roman Catholic priest, the CSJP works under the aegis of Goa Church and has in the past been vocal about misgovernance, social inequities and the like. Catholics account for nearly 26 per cent of the state's 1.5 million population.

"The undue intrusion and interference of governments in the judiciary or educational and financial institutions cannot be a sign of good governance. The terror unleashed by state and non-state actors to silence dissent or diverse opinions about governance by labelling them as anti-national or unpatriotic cannot be ignored

to the high court to strike out the claim branding it "hopelessly bad" and "time barred'.

But in a newly-released 18page judgement, Justice Brian Francis Kerr ruled that the university has a case to answer and that a trial should take "as soon as possible."

And if Siddiqui's case is successful, it could pave the way for thousands of other students to launch similar claims about universities up and

of money in tuition fees.

Professor Alan Smithers, education expert at Buckingham University said: "In the past, universities have been quite cavalier about the quality of their teaching. If Siddiqui wins, it will open the door to other students who do not think they got the degree they deserved because of issues about the teaching they received."

At a previous hearing, the

history in the year Siddiqui graduated, because more than half of the faculty teaching staff were on sabbatical leave at the same time.

Siddiqui said the standard of tuition he received suffered as a result of the "intolerable" pressure the "eminent historian" was under.

As a result of which, Siddiqui said he "underachieved significantly", causing his overall course grade to bomb.

BNHS launches Climate Change prog for central Himalayas Probe against former CBI dIMaPur, January 23 (MExn): The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) has launched a Climate Change programme under which the first study funded by Oracle and facilitated by CAF-India aims to assess the status, distribution and conservation of pheasants and finches in the central Himalayas. This study focuses on their conservation in the context of climate change with the help of community participation.

A press release from the BNHS informed that the Indian subcontinent is home to nearly 50 species of Pheasants and 62 species of Finches, with several species listed in Globally Threatened category by IUCN. Both these groups are distrib-

Church slams BJP digitalisation agenda in Goa PanaJI, January 23 (IanS): Days after a spokesperson for Goa's archbishop denied allegations that the influential Roman Catholic Church was indulging in politics ahead of the February 4 assembly polls, its social arm has taken direct pot shots at the ruling BJP, accusing it of misgovernance and corruption and calling the nationwide digitalisation initiative a "disturbing development".

Quoting Pope Francis liberally, the Council for Social Justice and Peace (CSJP) has officially released fliers that slam several policies of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government and accuses the media of being a "mouthpiece of the government and corporates".

"The shift from the social policy of roti, kapda aur makaan for uplifting the poor sections of society to an emphasis on digital and cashless policy involving smart phones, ATM cards and Paytm apps as the basic requirement for every citizen to avail of government benefits and purchase their basic needs is a worrisome phenomenon," the flier says.

2:1 grade when graduating in June 2000, reported the Daily Mail on Sunday.

He later trained as a solicitor, but says his life and career have been blighted by his failure to obtain a first class degree while at the university's Brasenose College.

The 38-year-old is suing Oxford University saying the tuition he received was "negligent", especially on a specialist subject course on Indian impe-

by responsible citizens," the CSJP says, adding that efforts were being made nationally to "undo the sovereign, socialist, secular and democratic fabric of our nation as enshrined in our constitution".

Alleging "wanton destruction of Goa's environment and culture" and that voters often elect "insensitive and unscrupulous political representatives" due to "material and formal" cooperation, the flier quotes Pope Francis' 2013 homily that the people are responsible for the quality of governance.

Asking citizens to "access other sources of alternative and reliable political information", the Council also accused the media of being seen as the mouthpiece of the government and corporates.

"The print and electronic media, which is considered the fourth pillar of a democracy and is ethically required to maintain autonomy and report factual and unbiased news to the public, is now increasingly seen to be the mouthpiece of the government and corporates, and driven by competition," the flier says.

uted across the Himalayas. Shrinking habitats combined with several biotic factors, along with trapping and poaching pressures in many areas has pushed several of them to near extinction.

The major aim of this project is to assess the status of Phasinidaes and Fringillidaes, particularly globally threatened species found in Himalayan region and evaluate their distribution. This long term monitoring project also aims to assess the socio-economic activities of local communities and involve them in conservation efforts and sensitize the local forest department staff.

“This project is part of a long term programme of BNHS which intends to understand impact of

climate change on biodiversity of the Himalayan region. In order to conserve biodiversity the local communities play a crucial role hence their involvement is important for the success of this project,” noted Dr Girish Jathar, Senior Scientist – Ornithology, BNHS. The project will contribute in making an inventory of pheasants and finches, documentation of locale specific conservation issues, and designing locale as well as species specific conservation action plan with community participation.

The conservation action plan of these sites is a first step towards the protection of the ecosystem which benefits both biodiversity as well as the people embedded in the system.

Director for abuse of authority

nEw dELhI, January 23 (IanS): The Supreme Court on Monday directed CBI Director Alok Verma to probe the allegations of "prima facie abuse of authority" by the agency's former Director Ranjit Sinha with a view to scuttle enquires, investigations and prosecutions being carried out by the probe agency in coal scam cases. Sinha had met the accused and others in the coal scam cases which were being investigated by the probe agency when he was heading it. Reposing faith in the "impartiality" of the CBI with its new Director Alok Verma, a bench of Justice Madan B. Lokur, Justice Kurian Joseph and Justice A.K. Sikri, declined a plea by NGO Common Cause seeking probe by an outside agency. The order came after the report of former Special Director, CBI, M.L. Sharma who had enquired into the allegations of abuse of authority by Ranjit Sinha. Sharma was asked by the top court to hold inquiry into the meetings that former Director had with accused and others in coal scam cases.

PM felicitates 25 children with bravery awards nEw dELhI, January 23 (IanS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on Monday presented the National Bravery Awards to 25 children from different parts of the country who have been selected for the honour by the Indian Council for Child Welfare (ICCW).

The National Bravery Award Scheme was initiated by the ICCW in 1957 to give recognition to children who distinguish themselves by performing outstanding deeds of bravery and meritorious service.

"Their deeds of bravery show these children's decisiveness and courage," the Prime Minister said during the felicitation ceremony.

Interacting with the awardees, he said: "You must ensure that this award does not become the end of your life's purpose, but rather should only mark the beginning."

He said that bravery is a state of mind; a healthy body helps, but the prime moving force is the mind.

He further added, "we need

Prime Minister Narendra Modi posed for lens with 25 children from different parts of the country who were awarded the National Bravery Award by the Indian Council for Child Welfare (ICCW) in New Delhi on January 23. The National Bravery Award Scheme was initiated by the ICCW in 1957 to give recognition to children who distinguish themselves by performing outstanding deeds of bravery and meritorious service.

to make the mind strong. The adulation and fame that you are getting, should not become an obstacle to the future progress."

Modi reminded the children about the significance of the day -- January 23 which is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's birth anniversary -- and urged them

to read as much as possible.

Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi was also present on the occasion.

TuesdAY 24•01•2017

WORLD

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

9

Exiled strongman Jammeh ‘plundered’ Gambia coffers Banjul, january 23 (aFP): Gambia’s exiled strongman Yahya Jammeh plundered millions of dollars in his final weeks in power leaving state coffers “empty”, an aide to new President Adama Barrow said as West African troops prepared to secure his arrival.

Jammeh flew out of The Gambia on Saturday, ending 22 years at the helm of the small west African nation, and headed for Equatorial Guinea where he is expected to settle with his family.

A West African military force entered The Gambia Sunday -- greeted by cheers from relieved residents -- to provide security and allow Barrow, who has been in neighbouring Senegal for more than a week, to return and take power.

But amid growing controversy over the assurances offered to Jammeh to guarantee his departure, Barrow aide Mai Fatty said the new administration had discovered that some $11 million had recently been stolen.

“The coffers are largely empty,” he told reporters in the Sengalese capital Dakar.

“Over two weeks, over 500 million dalasi ($11 million) were withdrawn” by Jammeh, he said. “As we take over, the government of The Gambia is in financial distress.”

Following Barrow’s win in the December 1 election, Jammeh refused to step down, triggering weeks of uncertainty that almost

West African troops enter capital after Jammeh flees

Members of the regional ECOWAS force are welcomed by people as they arrived in Banjul, Gambia on January 22. (REUTERS Photo)

ended in a full military intervention.

Jammeh slunk off in the early hours of Sunday on an unmarked plane. Barrow is eager to return “as soon as possible”, Mai Fatty said, warning however, that “the state of security in The Gambia is still fragile.”

On Sunday, “additional forces crossed into The Gambia to beef up the numbers already on the ground,” Barrow said, according to a statement read out by Mai Fatty.

The new administra-

Cancer risk warning on overdone chips & toast lOnDOn, january 23 (reuters): Potatoes and bread cooked at high temperatures for a long time could increase the risk of cancer in people who eat them regularly, British government scientists said on Monday.

The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) said a substance called acrylamide, produced when starchy foods are roasted, fried or grilled for too long at high temperatures, has been found in animal studies to increase the risk of cancer.

In a statement that drew criticism from some independent experts, the FSA said that, to reduce the danger, consumers should cook these foods at lower temperatures and eat them when they are cooked to a golden colour rather than browned.

“The scientific consensus is that acrylamide has the potential to cause cancer in humans,” it said. “As a general rule of thumb, aim for a golden yellow colour or lighter when frying, baking, toasting or roasting starchy foods like potatoes, root vegetables and bread.”

But some experts said there were far more well-established and significant foods and habits linked to cancer risk - such as smoking, drinking and being overweight - and consumers should focus on changing those above all else.

“Evidence from animal studies shows that acrylamide has the potential to interact with the DNA in our cells, so could be linked to cancer,” the charity Cancer Research UK said in a response to the FSA’s announcement.

“However, evidence from human studies has shown that, for most cancer types, there is no link between acrylamide and cancer risk.”

The World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer, classifies acrylamide as a “probable human carcinogen”, putting it in the same risk category as using anabolic steroids, eating red meat, drinking very hot drinks or working as a hairdresser.

E-cigarettes may be luring low-risk youth to tobacco new yOrK, january 23 (Ians): E-cigarettes -- seen as responsible for a decline in cigarette smoking among the youth -- are actually attracting a new population of adolescents who might not otherwise have smoked tobacco products, researchers warned. The findings showed that the e-cigarettes attract low-risk adolescents who may not have used nicotine at all if e-cigarettes did not exist.

“E-cigarettes are encouraging -- not discouraging -youth to smoke and to consume nicotine and are expanding the tobacco market,” said Stanton A. Glantz, Professor at University of California - San Francisco. Several previous studies have reported that adolescents who start with e-cigarettes are more likely to subsequently smoke traditional cigarettes.

According to researchers, they did not find any evidence that e-cigarettes have caused youth smoking to decline. In fact, combined e-cigarette and cigarette use among adolescents in 2014 was higher than total cigarette use in 2009, they stated. “The study didn’t find any evidence that e-cigarettes are causing youth smoking to decline,” added Lauren Dutra, social scientist at RTI International -- a not-for-profit research organisation based in North Carolina, US. The “recent declines in youth smoking are likely due to tobacco control efforts, not to e-cigarettes,” Dutra noted. For the new study, the team examined survey data from more than 140,000 middle and high school students who completed the CDC’s National Youth Tobacco Survey between 2004 and 2014.

The results showed that cigarette smoking among US adolescents declined during that decade, but did not decline faster after the advent of e-cigarettes in the US between 2007 and 2009. The study was published online in the journal Pediatrics.

tion wants the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) forces to stay on. “We want their mandate to be extended,” Mai Fatty said, adding that Barrow was waiting for assurances of loyalty from the security forces, including the police and the army.

Jammeh personally controlled certain sections of the security forces, and his long tenure was marked by systematic rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings, torture, and arbitrary detention.

The Senegalese general leading a joint force of troops from five African nations said soldiers would “control strategic points to ensure the safety of the population and facilitate... Barrow’s assumption of his role”.

Marcel Alain de Souza, a top ECOWAS official, said the country “could not be left open” for long, and that Barrow must be in place “as soon as possible”.

A senior Senegalese military source told AFP that his forces had met lit-

Banjul/DaKar, january 23 (reuters): Gambians celebrated in the streets on Sunday after a West African regional military force entered the capital city of Banjul and took control of the presidential palace, the symbolic seat of ex-ruler Yahya Jammeh’s 22-year authoritarian regime.

Jammeh flew out of Banjul late on Saturday en route to Equatorial Guinea as the regional force was poised to remove him.

Hundreds of Banjul residents assembled outside State House as darkness fell after soldiers moved in to secure the compound. Senegalese army officials said the force, which also includes troops from Nigeria, Ghana and Mali, met no resistance as they advanced on Sunday. But even amid the celebrations, troubling details of Jammeh’s departure began to emerge. Speaking to radio station RFM in Senegal, where he is waiting to return to Gambia, Barrow said that, upon initial inspection, it appeared Jammeh had looted state resources.

His departure followed two days of negotiations led by Guinea President Alpha Conde and Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz of Mauritania, prompting speculation over what, if any, terms were agreed upon to convince him to step down. “He wanted to stay in Gambia,” Barrow said. “We said we couldn’t guarantee his security and said that he should leave.”

tle resistance on Sunday, as said, noting that property army chief Ousman Badjie “lawfully” belonging to him has already declared his would not be seized. loyalty to Barrow.

However, experts told AFP the document was not COmFORtablE tERmS legally binding.

Critics have raised conEquatorial Guinea cerns over the wording of is not a signatory to the a statement issued by the Rome Statute that estabUN, ECOWAS and the Af- lished the International rican Union that seemed to Criminal Court, meanoffer Jammeh comfortable ing Jammeh would not be guarantees for his future. extradited in the event he “No legislative mea- was charged with crimes sures” would be taken that against humanity or other would infringe the “dignity, serious offences. security, safety and rights” His expected arrival in of Jammeh or his family, it the country was met with ire

“EVERYONE IS FREE” Earlier in the day, the African Union and United Nations published a document on behalf of these two organisations and regional bloc ECOWAS. In it, they pledged, among other things, to protect Jammeh’s rights “as a citizen, a party leader and a former Head of State,” to prevent the seizure of property belonging to him and his allies, and to ensure he can eventually return to Gambia.

Barrow said the document had not been signed and did not constitute a binding agreement. He also said he planned to return to Gambia soon but did not say when.

Jammeh’s loss in the Dec. 1 poll and his initial acceptance of the result were celebrated across the tiny nation by Gambians grown weary of his increasingly authoritarian rule. He reversed his position a week later.

In a video clip posted on social media that a United Nations official confirmed was filmed shortly before his departure from Gambia, Jammeh thanked Conde, seen standing beside him, as a “true friend.”

Rights groups accuse Jammeh of jailing, torturing and killing his political opponents while acquiring a vast fortune, including luxury cars and an estate in the United States, as most of his people remained impoverished.

as the opposition Convergence for Social Democracy (CPDS) blasted President Teodoro Obiang Nguema for showing “contempt” towards Equatorial Guinea and “thinking only of his personal gain” by granting Jammeh “political exile”.

Obiang is a similar strongman to Jammeh and has been in power since ousting his uncle in 1979.

Jammeh took power in a 1994 coup from the country’s only other president since independence from Britain, Dawda Jawara,

making this The Gambia’s first democratic transition of power.

The new administration’s first priority will be to ensure the safe return of tens of thousands of people who have fled in recent weeks fearing a bloody end to the crisis.

The crisis had also sparked the exodus of thousands of foreign visitors, dealing a potentially devastating blow to a country which earns up to 20 percent of its income from tourism.

Trump ‘declares’ war on media, to fight back ‘tooth and nail’ 9 Indonesians dead, wasHInGtOn, janu- of support, and that Trump fice and vowed to “fight back” around and let it happen,” 29 missing after boat Priebus said. “We are going ary 23 (Ians): The White drew the largest audience ever against slanted coverage.

“I’m saying there is an to fight back tooth and nail House has launched an all- to witness an inauguration.

Spicer’s assertion that obsession by the media to every day and twice on Sun- capsizes off Malaysia out war on the media, vowing to fight it “tooth and nail” after a row in which Donald Trump’s press secretary made allegedly false claims about the crowds at his inauguration, which were later defended as “alternative facts”.

Press Secretary Sean Spicer on Monday is to hold his first daily press briefing at which he could face questions about his Saturday statement that included demonstrably false assertions about the crowd size at the inauguration and a promise by the new administration that “we’re going to hold the press accountable”.

Spicer made two unprovable statements in his briefing: that photographs of the audience at Trump’s inaugural were intentionally framed to minimize the appearance

“this was the largest audience to ever witness an inauguration - period” was widely challenged in media reports citing crowd count experts and was lampooned on social media as well.

His briefing followed Trump’s visit to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) headquarters, where he condemned the media over underestimating the number of people who attended his inauguration ceremony and said that he had a “running war” with the media, reported New York Times.

Trump had called journalists as “the most dishonest human beings on Earth”.

President Trump’s chief of staff has accused the media of attempting to “delegitimize” Trump on his first days in of-

delegitimize this president, and we are not going to sit around and let it happen,” Reince Priebus said on Fox News Sunday. “We are going to fight back tooth and nail every day and twice on Sunday.”

He said there was biased media coverage about the crowd size at the inauguration and the content of Trump’s address. “He’s ready to get to work; however, the media from Day One has been talking about delegitimising the election, talking about the Russians, talking about everything you can imagine except for the fact that we need to move this country forward.”

“I’m saying there is an obsession by the media to delegitimise this President, and we are not going to sit

day.” Tensions flared anew on Sunday when Kellyanne Conway, one of Trump’s top advisers, told CBC’s Chuck Todd on “Meet the Press” that Spicer had merely presented “alternative facts” about the inauguration. She also accused Todd of laughing at her and said he symbolizes how Trump has been treated by the media.

Former CBS anchor Rather, who famously tangled with the Nixon White House during the Watergate era, said the situation saddened him. “I don’t think the American people as a whole, whether they supported Donald Trump or not, want a situation where the press secretary to the President comes out and knowingly tells a lie,” he said.

Kuala lumPur, january 23 (reuters): A boat ferrying 40 people from Indonesia capsized off Malaysia’s coast on Monday and at least 9 people were killed and nearly 30 were missing, the latest accident involving migrant workers in overloaded boats. The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) said it had recovered the bodies of 6 women and 3 men and rescued 2 people from the early morning accident. Twentynine people were unaccounted for.

The agency said a combination of overloading and bad weather and heavy seas were believed to have caused the accident. There has been a string of accidents in the waterways between Indonesia and Malaysia involving overloaded boats ferrying labourers seeking work in Malaysian factories and plantations.

In November, more than half of the 101 passengers aboard a boat died after it hit a reef and sank off the Indonesian island of Batam, south of Singapore. Four months earlier, a boat sank while enroute to Batam. Malaysian authorities recovered 8 bodies and rescued 34 people. Malaysian police recovered 17 bodies in January last year after a boat carrying illegal migrants capsized in high seas.

Diplomat says China could be forced to assume world leadership if needed BeIjInG, january 23 (reuters): China does not want world leadership but could be forced to assume that role if others step back from that position, a senior Chinese diplomat said on Monday, after U.S. President Donald Trump pledged to put “America first” in his first speech.

Zhang Jun, director general of the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s international economics department, made the comments during a briefing with foreign journalists to discuss President Xi Jinping’s visit to Switzerland last week.

Topping the bill at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Xi portrayed China as the leader of a globalised world where only international cooperation could solve the big problems.

Speaking days before Trump assumed the presidency, Xi also urged countries to resist isolationism, signalling Beijing’s desire to play a bigger role on the global stage.

Elaborating on that theme, Zhang said China had no intention of seeking global leadership.

“If anyone were to say China is playing a leadership role in the world I would say it’s not China rushing to the front but rather the front

China claims success from ‘two-child’ policy

Chinese President Xi Jinping watches during a gift handover ceremony at the United Nations European headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland on January 18. (REUTERS Photo)

runners have stepped back leaving the place to China,” Zhang said.

“If China is required to play that leadership role then China will assume its responsibilities,” he added.

At his inauguration on Friday, Trump struck a nationalist and populist tone, pledging to end what he called an “American carnage” of rusted factories and crime.

China is the world’s second-largest economy and others also rely on it for their economic growth, Zhang said.

“We still hope that the United States and other Western economies can continue to make an even bigger contribution to the world economic recovery. We’ve heard Trump announce that the United States will achieve four percent growth and we’re very happy about that,” he added.

While Trump said American workers have been devastated by the outsourcing of jobs abroad, he did not mention China by name in his inaugural speech. However, he has threatened to put puni-

tive tariffs on imports of Chinese goods.

Zhang said he thought Trump would not be able to achieve his economic growth goals if he was also fighting trade wars.

“A trade war or an exchange rate war won’t be advantageous to any country,” Zhang added.

Separately, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said Xi had sent a congratulatory message to Trump upon his assumption of office, but gave no other details.

sHanGHaI, january 23 (reuters): China’s decision to allow all couples to have two children instead of one has resulted in birth rates rising to the highest level since 2000, a government official said.

New births in the world’s most populous nation reached 17.86 million in 2016, up around 1.4 million compared to the 2011-2015 average, said Yang Wenzhuang of the National Health and Family Planning Commission.

“While the total number of women of childbearing age fell by 5 million, the number of births increased significantly, showing that the family planning policy adjustments were extremely timely and extremely effective,” he told reporters on Sunday.

Worried about the costs of supporting an increasingly ageing population, China issued new guidelines in late 2015 allowing all parents to have two children. China began implementing its controversial “one-child policy” in the 1970s in order to limit population growth, but authorities are now concerned that the country’s dwindling workforce will not be able to support an increasingly ageing population.

Yang said the number of women of childbearing age was expected to decline by about 5 million a year over the 2016-2020 period, but China was hoping to keep birth rates at around 17-20 million a year.

China has already made provisions to increase medical staff and the number of hospital beds in order to handle the rising number of births. It expects its total population to rise to around 1.42 billion by the end of the decade, up from 1.37 billion at the end of 2015.

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TUESDAY 24•01•2017

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THE MORUNG EXPRESS

india must back openers, not Relegation fears are real look for new ones, says Kohli for struggling Leicester

MUMBAI, JANUARY 23 (REUTERS): India's opening batsmen have come under fire for poor starts in their last two home series against New Zealand and England but captain Virat Kohli says now is the time to give them support not show them the door.

The hosts defeated New Zealand 3-2 and won the three-match ODI series against England 2-1 but there was not a single 50run partnership at the top of innings.

While 49 was the highest opening partnership between Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane in the five ODIs against New Zealand, India's first-wicket stands against England were 13, 14 and 13.

Lokesh Rahul played all three games against England, scoring eight, five and 11, while partner Shikhar Dhawan managed one and 11 before making way for Rahane, who was out for one in Sunday's third ODI in Kolkata.

India's captain Virat Kohli celebrates the dismissal of England's Jonny Bairstow. (Reuters Photo)

India have no more 50over matches scheduled before they defend their Champions Trophy title in England in June but Kohli is confident the problems will be sorted out by then.

"Whatever areas or concerns we have, we'll address them," Kohli told reporters. "First we didn't have an opening problem, it was an issue with the middle order.

Now the middle order has been sorted.

"We have very good openers with us. It's not a

case where we have to find openers. You have to give chances for people to come back into form.

"I think if we back our openers and give them confidence, it's all about one or two innings in international cricket. Once you get the flow, everything clicks."

Injuries have compounded India's opening issues as the team have been unable to give an extended run to a batting pair.

Sharma has not played

any cricket since hurting his thigh in the final ODI against New Zealand at the end of October while Rahul and Dhawan missed the series against the Black Caps with injuries.

Sharma, who holds the record individual ODI score of 264, is expected to return to face the new ball during the June 1-18 tournament but India would have to take a decision on who would partner the right-hander.

Despite the lack of solid starts, India were still able to score over 300 runs in all three ODIs against England and Kohli would rather focus on the positives.

"The Champions Trophy (in 2013) is where we saw Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan as an opening-pair revelation," Kohli said.

"We have played only at 70-75 percent potential as a batting unit. If we play at 100 percent I don't know how many runs we can score."

LONDON, JANUARY 23 (AP): The momentum that carried Leicester to the Premier League title last season has been replaced by genuine worries of relegation.

Leicester has only 21 points from 22 games this season, the worst record for a defending champion since Ipswich had the same in the 1962-63 season.

"Our goal is to reach 40 points," Leicester coach Claudio Ranieri said after his team lost to Southampton 3-0 on Sunday, referring to that number as the target for safety. "I maintain the focus on 40 points and we must do that as soon as possible. Of course it (relegation) is realistic and that is why I want the 40 points."

Leicester is only five points clear of the relegation zone, but is also still involved in the Champions League. The team will play Sevilla next month in the last 16.

In came Napalys Mendy, Ahmed Musa and lslam Slimani, signed for a club record fee of about $33.5 million, but the trio have yet to make much of an impact.

MISSING MAGIC Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez were the key players in Leicester's success last season, but both have been far less effective this time around.

Vardy scored 24 league goals, including a Premier League record for goals in consecutive games with 11, last season but has only five so far as a defending champion.

Mahrez, currently on

DEFENSE UNLOCKED Leicester's aging center backs, Wes Morgan and Robert Huth, may just be starting to creak.

On Sunday, Morgan was beaten by Shane Long late in the match and conceded a penalty by trying to stop him.

Leicester has already conceded more goals this season than they did in the previous season.

international duty at the African Cup of Nations, has been unable to influence games like he did last season when danced through defenses and contributed THE OCTOPUS many assists.

Ranieri liked to call Kante an octopus because TRANSFER IMPACT "he gets to every ball, everyAfter receiving about 30 where." million pounds (then $40 But with the Frenchman million) from Chelsea for now at Chelsea, Leicester midfielder N'Golo Kante, have badly missed his ballRanieri has not hesitated to winning abilities in front of splash the cash. the back four.

Blind football orientation camp Serve-and-volley tennis rises from the dust in Melbourne in Dimapur from January 30 Simon Cambers Reuters

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 23 (MExN): The Indian Blind Football Federation (IBFF), an independent body promoted by Society for Rehabilitation of the Visually challenged (SRVC), has been working with the Paralympic Committee of India to promote B1 Blind Football in India.

The IBFF has been training and helping promote the game to encourage the visually challenged talents across the country and ultimately get recognized at the national and international level. The Indian Blind Football team is ranked 23rd in the world.

IBFF is conducting the first ever Blind Football Tournament at Shillong on 27th to 29th Jan'17 with 5 teams from Shillong, Tura, Aizawl, Guwahati and Kolkata.

Similarly a blind football orientation camp will

be conducted at Dimapur on January 30 at Don Bosco Hr Secondary School, Dimapur. Persons with visual impairment (blind) along with escorts and social workers have been invited to participate in the event, A press release informed that outstation participants must reach Dimapur on January 29 evening or latest by 7:00am on January 30, where they will be accommodated at

the AIDA Don Bosco and travel allowances will be reimbursed on produce of original ticket of Bus/ Shared Sumo.

There will also be music audition / selection of talented blind musicians by 11:30 AM at the same venue. For participation and any further clarifications, one may contact Special Olympics Nagaland (SON) 9863277878 / 8131923697.

It was John McEnroe who summed it up best. "You did it old school," he told Mischa Zverev after the German had beaten Andy Murray on Sunday.

Zverev's stunning upset of the top seed in the fourth round of the Australian Open was indeed a throwback to the days of the 1980s, when sticking to the baseline was something reserved only for clay courts.

"It was really impressive to watch," Pat Cash, who won Wimbledon in 1987, told reporters on Monday.

"To see a guy serve-volley on second serve and beat the world number one, who is allegedly one of the best returners and best passers of all time, and just get knotted up and not even able to hit a passing shot."

Pete Sampras at the 2002 U.S. Open was the last man to win a grand slam title coming in behind first and second serves.

Since then, changes to

Germany's Mischa Zverev celebrates after winning his Men's singles fourth round match against Britain's Andy Murray.

(Reuters Photo)

racket and ball technology, homogenisation and a general slowing of surfaces have allowed baseliners to get the better of serve-andvolleyers.

But with the Melbourne Park courts this year generally considered to be faster than for a while, world number 50 Zverev took the attack to Murray throughout their match and it paid off handsomely.

While the likes of Roger Federer, Feliciano Lopez and Gilles Muller all come in behind their serves occasionally, Zverev and Ivo Karlovic are the only men

in the top 50 who could be considered out-and-out exponents of the serveand-volley game.

The 17-times grand slam champion Federer began to serve-and-volley more when he had former Wimbledon champion Stefan Edberg in his coaching set-up in 2014 and 2015.

Until then, the Swiss had occasionally tried it, but was often discouraged when he was passed at the net, immediately reverting to the baseline.

"As a serve-and-volleyer you sort of have to invest in it," former world number

four Jonas Bjorkman told Reuters. "Be ready to get passed, but you're investing mentally in putting pressure on your opponents.

"That obviously is tough because in the beginning anyone who learns to come forward will be feeling that they are doing something wrong when they get passed.

"You have to find that way of changing your mentality a little, because in the long run it's tough to play someone who comes in all the time and puts you under pressure. You have to accept that you're doing it to try to win the match."

PASSED FOR TWO SETS The 29-year-old Zverev said it often takes time for serve-and-volleyers to reach their peak.

"You need to go to the net, get passed for two sets," he said. "Like what happened with (John) Isner (in the first round), I lost two sets.

"I was still trying to stick to the same game plan. It kind of changes in the end. If it doesn't, then you just walk off

the court, you say, 'Well done, you passed me too well'."

Goran Ivanisevic, who won Wimbledon in 2001, the year before the tournament changed the grass to slow down the conditions, said the surface in Melbourne was the key to Zverev's triumph.

"This grand slam rewards big hitters, if you hit big, it doesn't come back," he said.

Cash believes there will never be a return to the golden era of serve-andvolley tennis, however, not while the court speeds were so much slower than when he was winning at the All England Club.

"What serve-volleyers typically do, and what our plan was, was to get into your head," he said.

"And once you can get into a player’s head it makes it really tough. Even the simplest passing shot is really tough.

"But I don't think (it will come back in a big way).

There are only about two people who can do it."

Kandinu Sports Association lifts 44th RSA trophy

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 23 (MExN): The finals of the 44th RSA football match was won by the Kandinu Sports Association (KSA) edging out the defending champions Sendenyu Chipwen team by 2-1.

This also makes KSA’s second time lifting the trophy.

Both teams played a The Southern Angami Sports Association (SASA) 55h meet got underway on January 23 at goalless first half despite Jakhama Local Ground which was formally inaugurated by MLA Er. Vikho-o Yhoshii as the creating many opportunities to score and the machief host. (Morung Photo)

jor chance came for the Sendenyu Chipwen team through a set piece only to be denied by the woodwork. The second half witnessed a more spirited comeback from KSA and their efforts paid well as they managed to find the back of the net on two occasions through Hailo Kath and Senpenlo Kath. The defending champions SCT never gave up and made

a remarkable comeback when they managed to pull one back as Yhunshalo Kemp volleyed in a goal for his team in the dying minutes. However, till the final whistle they failed to level the score.

In the Women Volleyball Finals, Tseminyu Village Youth Organisation Team dethroned defending champions Sendenyu Chipwen team to be

crowned as Champions.

The closing ceremony was held at the RSA ground, Tseminyu on January 20 with Pollem Tep (Additional Director; School Education Nagaland; Kohima) as the Guest of Honour.

List of Individual Prizes Men’s FootballBest Goal KeeperZenilo Ras (Tseminyu Town FC)

Best DefenderSiwamo Wanth (KSA) Golden BootPaul Magh (Tesophenyu SC) Most Promising playerPhilip Kath (E&Y FC) Women’s Volleyball Best SetterGrace Kent (TVYO) Best SpikerHisenle Kent (TVYO) Best PlayerBinile Kemp (SCT)

public discourse

Mapu Jamir

A

I.A.S. (Retd)

utumn, winter and spring are generally taken as the marriage season in Nagaland. Month of December in particular is an exciting period of festivities. This adds more colour to the wedding season. This is the season of happiness, satisfaction and fulfillment in life. People say it is a onetime affair and so doesn’t mind the cost.

The market too gears up to extract the maximum by selling the infra structure and wedding accessories.

Marriage is a happy occasion for everyone. And even though the entire focus is on the bride and the groom, their friends and their family members too look forward to sporting their most beautiful and expensive wedding attires along with the gifts and presents to the young union of two souls. Weddings in Nagaland are grand, no-holds-barred affairs.

Across communities the wedding is an excuse to throw a big and lavish sumptuous party and also to pamper

the young couple in all possible ways.

Naga wedding is the ultimate freedom of expression-free for all with every aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. chipping in with possible bits of advice.

The situation in the family parliament changes with pesky aunts and the know-it-all grandmas if they are still around. They have the advantages.

And the net result is that lots of work, money and efforts go into pleasing people whom you have never met and likely not to meet again. In case of inter-cultural marriage some rituals on both sides are usually followed. Brides retain rituals that have special meaning to them. Both want the flavours of their own tradition to reflect in the ceremony. This unnecessarily stretches the wedding feast. Sometimes it is difficult to differentiate between the ‘feast of merit’ of the past culture and the present day wedding feast.

In the past so important was the ‘feast of merit’ in the life of a Naga that it was always valued. The feast were a series of ceremonies each more important than the last and culminated only after the sacrifice of a Mithun.

Wedding Bells

It was the ambition of a Naga to proceed as far as he could to gain for himself and the family honour and prestige and thereby to achieve the right to wear certain decorated clothes and ornaments. Successful ones can decorate their house in a particular way to show off the entitlements and achievements. The expenses and the labour involved were enormous. The marriage celebrations in the past culture were more subdued. The function from the formal proposal, engagement and to the final settlement of marriage was not complicated.

The couple were expected to remain faithful, helping the parents and to build their own future assets.

These customary practices were carefully taken out and adopted by the Christians of today while giving away their sons and daughters in marriage. Today the marriage practices are a curious mixture of the past and the one that we copy from the western culture. Presently, there is improvement upon it by adding Hindustani masala for extra flavor. The role of western values and contem-

porary Naga society needs scrutiny.

We have to develop a value system where people accept modest sacrifice for the common good. By balancing the good in both we can arrive at a desirable solution.

The role of the church and its procedure has clinical precision and purely based on the command of the Holy Book. There is no exaggeration in it.

But the excitement before and after the church solemnization are often beyond imagination. The cost involved is often beyond the capacity of many parents who silently bear the cross for the sake of honour and social standing before society. A modest wedding celebration is what every family should aim for. Ultimately the church certificate is what matters most.

As a Naga, I am proud to be a part of a culture which has deep rooted family values. Parents make enormous sacrifices for their children.

They support them until they stand on their own feet. At the same time children consider it their duty to take care of aged parents. Brothers and sisters are encouraged to make sac-

rifices for each other and the eldest brother or sister is respected by other siblings. Husband and wife are expected to live together for life. There is so much love and affection in our family lives. This is the most valuable and priceless asset we have. This cannot be bought by money. Marriage is always held as a sacred union.

A wedding reception is a great way to meet all the members of the family and also to re-connect with old friends. But Naga wedding is hardly a wedding unless the reception area is bursting with invitees. Accordingly the budget split will mount disproportionately. Any trimming or cut in the demands is touchy and may attract embarrassment. The minimum budget split as practiced today from the event starting off with the engagement to the wedding and the couple reception are as follows: (1) engagement feast, (2) church decorations, (3) construction of wedding reception hall or hiring, (4) food and beverages, (5) entertainment, music and public address system, (6) photography / video, (7) flowers, (8) wedding

trousseau and accessories, (9) transportation and accommodation for distant invitees, (10) customary distribution of meat. Apart from these there are miscellaneous expenses to bear. Fortunately Nagas do not practice dowry system, precious jewellery and astrological consultation before marriage. The only jewellery used is the wedding ring that stands witness to the union of the couple and their commitment to each other.

Marriage is all about two persons spending their lives together and forever.

The trend should sway towards smaller weddings which will be affordable, enjoyable and memorable. Minimizing pomp and show will make the marriage more solemn and honourable. Parents should aim towards financial independence for the newly wedded couple.

There is no point in conducting expensive weddings rather the couple should be supported for future financial security. What is important is the kind of life they will lead in future. Therefore, this memorable occasion should be kept simple and meaningful. A marriage is life’s most divine event.

Tuesday 24•01•2017

EntErtainmEnt

Hill Theater, Nagaland will be performing the play ‘Jina & Etiben’ on January 25 at the North East Theatre Festival 2017 organised by NEZCC, GOI in collaboration with Bhabikal, Silchar.

Directed by Bendang Walling, the play will be performed at Banga Bhawan from 6:45 pm.

Jackie Chan to appear on 'The Kapil Sharma Show'

A

Kristen Stewart to direct short film on gun control

ctress Kristen Stewart, who is currently at the Sundance Film Festival with her directorial debut, a short film called "Come Swim", has disclosed an idea about what she is going to helm next. The 26-year-old star has wanted to direct since long before she started acting and it is a timely topic, which she really wanted to direct next, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

"My next thing is going to kick a**. It's about gun control, she said adding that she is in negotiations with Refinery29 to make the film. Her debut directorial "Come Swim" was also produced via Refinery29's Shatterbox Anthology. Talking about the film, Stewart said, "My movie is about some guy who goes through heartbreak and is super sad about it, and that was my friend thing I was thinking about for three years.

"And it feels really first-world white-people problems, and I came here a little bit nervous about it, considering the timing, because people are going to be like, 'That doesn't matter.' But I feel like things are going to shift in this really beautiful way.

Source: PTI

L

egendary actionstar Jackie Chan will be seen seen promoting his forthcoming multilingual action-adventure comedy film "Kung Fu Yoga" in the upcoming episode of popular comedy show "The Kapil Sharma Show". Funnyman-actor Kapil Sharma, who hosts the Sony Entertainment Television show, took to Twitter on Monday to announce the news. "Oh my god. Jackie Chan on 'The Kapil Sharma Show'," Kapil tweeted.

H

ollywood star To m Ha rd y lost £2 million making his new BBC1 drama 'Taboo', accounts show. The 39-yearold hunk created Taboo Productions Ltd to handle the finances for the eightpart series, which he wrote, produced and starred in - but his first solo venture has transpired to be a financial flop.

A source said: ''These new figures will make stark reading for Tom. ''No matter who you are or how much money you're worth, £2 million is a lot of money to simply throw away. ''This is the first major TV drama Tom has overseen himself.

He has written it, produced it and starred in it, so he was always going to come up against some difficulties.''

Accounts show that Tom spent as much as £10.4 million on 'Taboo', while its income reached £8.4 million, meaning Tom took a sizeable financial hit on making the show. However, the Hollywood star still hopes to recoup more money through DVD and digital sales, while he can also sell the rights abroad.

The source told The Sun newspaper: ''Tom will hope to eventually make

TwinKle Khanna lends support to educate slum kids

"Kung Fu Yoga" is part of the three-film agreement signed between India and China during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to India. The film also stars actress Amyra Dastur and Sonu Sood. It is reported that the Hindi film stars have performed some adrenalin-pumping action sequences in the movie.

Directed by Stanley Tong, "Kung Fu Yoga", which has been shot in Dubai, Iceland, Beijing and India, is slated to release on February 3.

A

ctress-turned-author and interior designer Twinkle Khanna has come forward to support education for slum children here. "Today when I came here I saw the children performing and the film. I just wanted to say that there is so much goodness in the world. We keep looking at the terrible and diabolical things when we open newspapers. But there is goodness in the world too and I saw a glimpse of that here today," Twinkle said.

The 43-year-old author, who is the wife of Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar, says she

is grateful to be part of the campaign. Talking about the association, Twinkle said: "I'm planning to do a little bit of English reading. To me, a life that doesn't change things and touch people's lives is pretty meaningless. Rather I would like to spend a little bit of my time doing something to make their life better."

On the professional front, after the success of her first literary attempt, Twinkle has launched her second book, titled "The Legend of Lakshmi Prasad", a series of short stories.

the money back through DVD sales, downloads, streaming and syndication rights. ''As well as being aired in the UK and in the US, 'Taboo' has already been sold around the world in the likes of Spain, Portugal and Russia.''

Tom came up with the idea for 'Taboo' along with his dad Edward 'Chips' Hardy, and Sir Ridley Scott agreed to direct the project after the BBC purchased the rights. Although the show has proven to be a financial flop thus far, plans are already in place to make a second series. The drama has attracted relatively modest viewing figures, but is actually among the mostwatched shows on the BBC iPlayer, the broadcaster's catch-up service.

Source: Contactmusic

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Source: IANS

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Emma Stone reveals her Theatre ambition

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Tom Hardy lost £2m on BBC drama Taboo

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he 'La La Land' actress appeared in 'Cabaret' on Broadway in 2014 and has revealed she is eager to now tread the boards in London's theatreland, too. She said: ''I would love that. I'm looking. I definitely would love to do theatre again, I don't know if I'd be able to do a musical any time soon just because maintaining the voice is pretty tricky but, my god, I'd love to do theatre again very soon.''

Emma, 28, said that while her voice is unlikely to be able to take the strain

of a musical, there are numerous plays she would be eager to appear in. The acclaimed actress told the Evening Standard newspaper: ''I've already done my dream musical, 'Cabaret'.

That was my dream. ''I really don't have any others that I'm dying to do. Really, honestly my voice can't take it but straight plays, there's like a million of those I'd love to do.''

Meanwhile, Emma recently revealed she feels like she is attending a prom every time she goes to a movie premiere, admitting it is a ''surreal'' ex-

perience. She said: ''Now I feel like I've met a good amount of people that I see at events like that, whereas a couple of years ago I would always feel like I was in a weird fever dream ... I don't know, I guess it still feels like a weird fever dream, but sometimes I see people I know and I'm like, 'hey', so that makes it really fun. ''But it's very surreal, it feels like prom!

Except all the clothes are borrowed, so you have to give them back at the end of the night - like a Cinderella prom!''

Source: Contactmusic

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TUESDAY 24•01•2017

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THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Australian Open: Nadal fends off Monfils

MELBOURNE, JANUARY 23 (REUTERS): Rafa Nadal returned to the grand slam big-time by fending off Gael Monfils 6-3 6-3 4-6 6-4 in a tense clash on Monday to reach the Australian Open quarter-finals.

Former champion Nadal had not reached the last eight in a major since the 2015 French Open, so he celebrated wildly after closing out the twohour 56-minute clash at a packed Rod Laver Arena.

It was not the most convincing of wins for the 30-year-old Spaniard, who was rattled when Monfils rallied in the fourth set, but the 14-times grand slam champion was clinical when it counted to keep his pursuit of a 15th major title alive.

Nadal will meet third seed Milos Raonic for a place in the semi-finals.

Third seed Milos Raonic came safely through a potentially tricky match against Roberto Bautista Agut 7-6(6) 3-6 6-4 6-1 to

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reach the Australian Open quarter-finals for the third straight year.

The Canadian, the highest surviving seed after the early departures of Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic, rarely hit his usual heights in the two hour, 52 minute contest on Hisense Arena.

The 26-year-old produced his best tennis when it mattered, though, coming back from 5-1 down in the tiebreaker to win the first set and finally got some breathing space by saving break points and breaking the world number 13 to win the third set.

Raonic, who fired down 33 aces and 75 winners, will next meet 2009 champion Rafael Nadal or Gael Monfils as he continues his quest for a maiden grand slam title.

Even with Murray and Djokovic gone, though, he was looking no further ahead than his next match. was supposed to play and staying in that moment."

"I just know who I play this kind of stuff," he said.

Karolina Pliskova next, I don't know who I "I'm pretty intent on reached the Australian

Open quarter-finals for the first time on Monday and is keen to prove right those tipping her for grand slam success.

The 24-year-old Czech was a surprise package when she stormed to the U.S. Open final in September but arrived at Melbourne Park ranked fifth in the world after winning a warm-up tournament in Brisbane.

Only one of the players seeded above her, sixtimes champion Serena Williams, survived into the second week after the early exits of world number one Angelique Kerber, Agnieszka Radwanska and Simona Halep.

Meanwhiley, Pliskova ended Australian interest in the singles draws with a 6-3 6-3 victory over Daria Gavrilova on Rod Laver Arena to set up a lasteight meeting with world number 79 Mirjana LucicBaroni.

"It was not my best but it's a win, so it counts," she said. "But for sure we

all know I can play better.

But it was enough. It was strange match, I would say, even from Dasha. I think she didn't also play really well today.

"Even I didn't feel my MELBOURNE, JANUARY 23 (IANS): Indian game that well, I still think tennis veteran Leander Paes and his Swiss mixed it was sort of solid somedoubles partner Martina Hingis entered the quarterhow." finals of the Australian Open here on Monday.

The 2010 Australian Paes and Martina beat Australians Casey DellacOpen girls champion qua and Matt Reid 6-2, 6-3 in a second round match could face Serena Wilat Melbourne Park in 54 minutes. liams in the semi-finals The Indo-Swiss pair got an early break in the but said she was aware fourth game of the first set. They led 5-2 shortly after people were talking about and then broke their opponents' serve again to claim her as a potential grand the first set in 24 minutes. slam winner.

Paes-Martina hit six aces, two more than their op"I'm feeling confident, ponents. They also hit two more winners, managing much better than I did in 21 in the match. the grand slams before the Hingis played from the baseline while Paes domU.S. Open. Everything is goinated the net proceedings. The experienced pair ing my way now," she said. maintained momentum in the second set, breaking in the eighth game to pull ahead 5-3.

"Also with my form They then held their serve to finish off the match, coming into this year, with pocketing 55 of the 96 total points played. winning the Brisbane, I was The unseeded Indo-Swiss combination will next really playing well there." face the winner of another second round match bePliskova said the extra tween Samantha Stosur-Samuel Groth and Darija expectation did put more Jurak-Jean-Julien Rojer on Tuesday. pressure on her.

"I just don't want to think about it that much," matches." are talking about me, they she said.

"But I would like to are not wrong," she added "These things and this talking doesn't win me the prove that the people who with a smile.

Paes-Martina enter Australian Open quarters

Bengaluru Tigers win against Goa pirates in Super Fight League Injuries the price for Real Madrid Shührazhüo A .Mao Dimapur | January 23

The ongoing season of Super Fight League saw another exciting event at Siri Fort, New Delhi, where the Bengaluru Tigers won against Goa Pirates winning four of six bouts.

The fight, which took place on January 22, saw Naga fighter Kario Isaac Maheo, captain of Goa Pirates, make a comeback following a long break.

In the first bout, Dhruv Choudhary of the Bengaluru Tigers won following a controversial decision after three rounds against fellow captain of the opposite team, Kario Isaac Maheo. In the next bout, Sylwester Hasny won the fight

with his takedowns against Krishan Rawat. The third bout, Hannah Kampf defeated Thulasi Helen via submission in round 1.

Vikas Singh Ruhil defeated another Fighter from the North East, Tekashi Zoramm Awia via rear naked choke (submission) in round 1 in the fourth bout of the night.

In the co-main event, Goa Pirates were able to secure 5 points when Clint Czeczok won via submission (triangle choke) against Shyam Prassad in the first round. In the main event of the evening, Sandeep Kumar Dahiya won through a knock out against Michael Pereira with a big left hand in round 1 of the

bout, securing 6 points for are played and a match the Goa Pirates. for the third and fourth place. The SFL observes six New format weight categories, ranging Super Fight League has from 115 pounds to 205 introduced a new format pounds. for this season. There are Male bantamweight two groups ‘A’ and ‘B’ con- (125-135pounds), Feathsisting of four teams each. e r w e i g h t ( 1 3 5 - 1 4 5 Every team has six main pounds), Light weight fighters (Five male fight- (145-155 pounds), Welter ers and one female fighter) weight (155-170 pounds), and six back up fighters. All Light Heavy Weight (185the six different fighters be- 205 pounds) and Female long to six different weight Women’s Flyweight (115categories.

125 pounds).

The four teams comThe SFL recently signed pete to play League Level a deal with Sony Pictures matches. All the matches Network India, which will are played between the rebe the League’s official spective teams of the allotbroadcast partner. ted groups only, i.e., Group The reporter is currentA teams do not compete against teams of group B. ly an intern at The Morung Two Semi Final Matches Express

and Barcelona weekend wins

MAdRId, JANUARY 23 (IANS): Wins in their weekend matches for Real Madrid and FC Barcelona came at a heavy cost to both sides following the loss of key footballers through injury.

Barcelona's 4-0 triumph away on Sunday over Eibar was marred by an ankle ligament injury suffered by midfielder Sergio Busquets. The Spain international was caught by a high tackle from Eibar midfielder Gonzalo Escalante and forced out of the game.

Early indications are that he has a twisted external

ankle ligament which will sideline him for between a month and six weeks, reports Xinhua.

That would not only see Busquets miss between four and six league matches and the King's Cup semi-finals should Barcelona qualify, but also the last 16 Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain.

Real Madrid's narrow win at home to Malaga came at an even higher price as both left-back Marcelo and central midfielder Luka Modric had to leave the pitch with injuries.

Modric suffered a groin injury and will be sidelined for around three weeks, while Marcelo tore a hamstring and will be out for around a month.

These injuries come just four days after right back Dani Carvajal suffered a hamstring injury which will see him out for a month, leaving Zinedine Zidane with a defensive crisis given that central defender Nacho Fernandez is the only cover for Marcelo and Danilio is the only other right back available. Fabio Coentrao also appears to be constantly unfit.

Watson bags Australia's SC seeks Centre's response on Lodha T20I Player of the Year suggestions for other sports bodies SYdNEY, JANUARY 23 (IANS): Retired all-rounder Shane Watson has pipped his former team-mate Glenn Maxwell to be adjudged Cricket Australia's (CA) T20 International Player of the Year at the Allan Border medal ceremony.

The 35-year-old Watson, who retired from international cricket just after the World T20 in India last year, was the second highest rungetter behind Maxwell during the voting period from January 8, 2016 to January 7, 2017 but bagged the award on the back of his equally potent bowling.

Watson's nine wickets from as many appearances at a tidy economy rate of just above seven runs an over, helped him bag the award, according to a CA statement.

"That seems like a long time ago now actually," Watson said, referring to his time on the international scene.

"I'm certainly enjoying a different life now playing T20 cricket around the world.

"There's a lot less pressure than playing for Australia, so I'm enjoying that. I've got a lot more time to spend with my family and more downtime between tournaments," he added after receiving the award.

NEW dELhI, JANUARY 23 (IANS): The Supreme Court on Monday sought the central government's response to a plea that the recommendations of the Justice Lodha Committee for organisational reforms in the Indian cricket board should be extended to all other national sports bodies.

The bench of Chief Justice Jagdish Singh Khehar, Justice N.V. Ramana and Justice D.Y. Chandrachud sought the government's response to a petition by some Arjuna awardee sportsmen, including hockey player Ashok Kumar, and eminent sportspersons representing other sports who have represented the country at international fora.

Issuing notice on the plea, the bench tagged it with the matter concerning the Board of Control for Cricket in India

Chelsea's lead swells to 8 points at top of EPL LONdON, JANUARY 23 (IANS): Returning striker Diego Costa scored as Chelsea thumped Hull City 2-0 to extend their lead at the top of the English Premier League (EPL) to eight points at the Stamford Bridge here.

The Spanish international, who was dropped from Chelsea's squad last week against Leicester City owing to a back injury, on Sunday fired home a cross from Victor Moses in the seventh minute of added time of the first half.

Gary Cahill's header off a free-kick from substitute Cesc Fabregas in the 81st minute gave a 2-0 victory for Antonio Conte's side which now has 55 points from 55 -eight points more than second-placed Arsenal, who won over Burnley.

In a weekend where five of the title contenders, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United lost, it was a crucial win for Chelsea.

"A lot of our opponents

dropped points. It's not easy to play the last game of the weekend and know the results of the other teams.

In different aspects there was pressure on us. We had to exploit this weekend and it's not easy," Conte told his club's website.

He also praised goalscorer Costa, who reportedly had an disagreement with him during training before Leicester game.

"You must tell me if I

did well to put Diego in the starting 11. I told you in the press conference (on Friday) I have to make the best decision for the team, and if he wasn't ready to play, or my choice was bad, it's my fault, not the player's fault," Conte said.

"He played a very good game with a good attitude. Now it's important to rest because he used a lot of physical and mental energy."

(BCCI). Notices have also been issued to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the Sports Authority of India (SAI).

The petition by the eminent sports persons representing athletics, hockey, cricket and other sports has sought the incorporation of some of the recommendations of the Justice Lodha panel for transparency and institutional integrity to the different national sports bodies.

Besides Ashok Kumar, son of legendary hockey player Dhyan Chand, other sportspersons who filed the petition include M.K. Kaushik, Ashwini Nachappa, Gurbax Singh Grewal, Balbir Singh Grewal, Bishan Singh Bedi, Kirti Azad, Joaquim Carvalho, Vandana Rao, Edward Sequerra, S.S. Narayan, Fortunate Franco, Nisha Millet, Pravin Thipsay, Bhagyashree Thipsay and Rekha Bidhe, among others.

As a part of the community development objectives to give back to the community in their small ways, the Trail Hounds Cycling Club, Mokokchung, donated a Refrigerator to the Orphanage under Care & Support Society today at Mokokchung. Seen in the picture are the members of THCC along with the inmates of the orphanage and members of the Care and support society, Mokokchung. (Morung Photo)

Saina Nehwal eyes German Open next

LUCKNOW, JANUARY 23 (PTI): A morale-boosting title win in Malaysia Masterssecured, fit-again Indian badminton ace Saina Nehwalwill now take a small break to continue her rehab and is likely to be seen in action at the German Open in FebruaryMarch.

Saina won the Grand Prix Gold event in Malaysia on Sunday, her first title after a career-threatening knee injury, that had derailed her Olympic campaign in Rio. The 26-year-old has decided to skip the Syed Modi Grand Prix Gold in Lucknow this week.

Asked if she would play any tournament ahead of the all-important All England Championship, Saina said: "Most probably German Grand Prix Gold, it depends on my fitness and how good I feel. I need a few good weeks to be at my best which I didn't get after I recovered from rehab."

Saina, who won the silver at All England and World Championship in 2015, said she doesn't want to exert herself as that might result in another injury.

"I just came out of such a major injury and I can't push my knee with backto-back tournaments and get injured again," said the London Olympics Games bronze-medallist.

"I need to go into re-

hab and strengthen it because after a surgery you lose your muscle mass and strength which I need to keep improving. And of course rest is required for the knee," she said.

Saina endured a difficult season last year when an Achilles tendonitis affected her performance in the beginning of the year but she recovered to win the Australian Open.

The 2010 Commonwealth Games champion, however, developed pain in her knee and suffered a heartbreak at the Olympics, exiting early from the prestigious event.

Saina then had to go under the knife but she recovered well within three months to make a comeback into the international circuit at the China Open.

She eventually reached

the quarterfinals at the Macau Open and Hong Kong Open, before beginning the new season with a moraleboosting win at Malaysia.

The girl from Hyderabad is satisfied with her progress but said she needs to gain in stamina and add more power to her game before taking on the best in the world at the Super Series circuit.

"But I'm happy I played some great badminton in last three weeks but to beat top level players, I need to be at my best and I still need some more time be at my best fitness," she said.

"It's not easy to perform unless you have the best fitness at the Super Series level or any international event. You have to be at your best so after the Malaysian Open, I feel very exhausted physically and mentally because after a long time I played finals and played very tough matches," added the former World No.1.

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