January 26th, 2016

C M Y K

www.morungexpress.com

tuesDAY • JAnuArY 26 • 2016

DIMAPUR • Vol. XI • Issue 24 • 12 PAGes • 5

T H e

ESTD. 2005

P o W e R

A person often meets his destiny on the road he took to avoid it India, France sign Rafale fighter plane accord but haggle over price

T R u T H

— Jean de La Fontaine

Kingdom Invasion Conference in Dimapur

PAGE 08

o F

Padma Bhushan for Sania & Saina; Archer Deepika to get Padma Shri

PAGE 02

PAGE 12

Guard against intolerance, Education, Electricity, Employment Nagaland Governor embrace consensus: Prez PB Acharya

NEw DElHI, JANUARY 25 (IANS): President Pranab Mukherjee on Monday urged Indians to shun “violence, intolerance and unreason” and said that decision making must be based on cooperation and consensus-building.

In his annual Republic Day eve address, the president also said that while rebellion was also a virtue of democracy, “let us also applaud what our democracy has achieved” since independence in 1947.

Saying reverence for the past was one of the essential ingredients of nationalism, he said that it was important to ensure that all citizens got justice, equality, and gender and economic equity. “When grim instances of violence hit at these established values which are at the core of our nationhood, it is time to take note,” he said.

“We must guard ourselves against the forces of violence, intolerance and unreason.”

The president said that to revitalize the forces of growth, the country needed reforms and progressive

Public Notice Dear Readers, This is to inform you that The Morung Express will be closed on January 26, 2016 and will reopen on January 27. The next issue of the newspaper will be available on January 28, 2016.

The Morung Express

Gen. VS Atem now Member of NSCN (IM) Collective Leadership

C M Y K

DIMApUR, JANUARY 25 (MExN): Gen. Rtd. VS Atem took an oath today as Member of the Collective Leadership, NSCN (IM). A Joint Council meeting held at CHQ, Hebron today in pursuance of the Joint Council meeting on November 26, 2015, and subsequent upon the Yaruiwo order of January 6, 2016, Gen. Rtd. V.S Atem took the oath as a Member, Collective Leadership, informed a press release from the MIP of the NSCN (IM) today. An Economics graduate from St. Anthony, Shillong, Gen. Rtd. VS Atem joined the Naga Army on September 6, 1973. From a humble beginning as a private in the Naga army he became the Chief of Army in 1989 till July 24, 1999. Gen. Atem served the Naga nation in various capacities as Kilo Kilonser, Kiya Kilonser, Chaplee Kilonser, Convenor Steering Committee and also an Emissary to the Collective Leadership. He is a prominent member to the ongoing Peace Talks between Government of India and NSCN (IM).

The MIP also informed that 35 new Tatars were inducted, and two Dy. Kilonsers and one Steering Committee Member also took an oath of allegiance. The MIP, on behalf of the NSCN/GPRN, extended happiness and success to them.

President of India Pranab Mukherjee making his address on the eve of 67th Republic Day Celebration in New Delhi on January 25.

legislation. “It is the bounden duty of the law makers to ensure that such legislation is enacted after due discussion and debate. “A spirit of accommodation, cooperation and consensus-building should be the preferred mode of decision-making.”

Saying no one nation could be an oasis of growth, he pointed out that India’s economy also faced the blowback. Nature was also unkind to India last year, he added, referring to drought

and floods, affecting rural income and employment.

India, he said, was building and implementing strategies to solve these problems.

Mukherjee said there “will be, amongst us, occasional doubters and baiters. Let us continue to complain; to demand; to rebel. This too is a virtue of democracy. “But let us also applaud what our democracy has achieved.” He said with investments in infrastructure, manufacturing,

health, education, science and technology, India was positioning itself to achieve a higher growth rate which in 10-15 years will help banish poverty.

The president said that as the 20th century ended with a remarkable revolution in science and technology, there were reasons for optimism that the 21st century would see the last of extreme poverty. “That optimism has faded in the first 15 years of this century,” he said, adding the scourge of terrorism had reshaped war into its most barbaric manifestation.

“This is war beyond any doctrine, a cancer which must be operated out with a firm scalpel. There is no good or bad terrorism; it is pure evil.”

Without taking any country’s name, the president said that there were bound to be disputes among nations. “As is wellknown, the closer we are to a neighbour the higher the propensity for disputes.

There is a civilized way to bridge disagreement; dialogue, ideally, should be a continual engagement.

highlights essentials on India’s 67th Republic Day

KOHIMA, JANUARY 25 (MExN): On the 67th Republic Day of the Indian Union, PB Acharya, Governor of Nagaland and Assam has defined the three ‘Es’ of progress to be ‘Education, Electricity and Employment’.

In his Republic Day message, the Governor stated that through these, “rapid progress can be achieved.”

“Nagaland has all the potentials for development of the same. The state is a storehouse of resources to achieve unparalleled all-round progress. All it requires is the development of human skills through vocational education to optimize the utility of the available resources. It is time for us all to act now and without delay in a peaceful atmosphere of peace and progress,” stated the Governor.

He further maintained that the development of India means the development of every nook and corner of the country.

“India cannot develop without the development of the North East and that is why the Govt. of India is according so much of urgent importance towards the immediate progress and development of this region.

Steps have been initiated towards the development and improvement of the

infrastructure and communication network of the region with immediate effect. Let us work in unison to make ‘Look East & Act East’ a reality.”

On January 26, 1950, India was declared a Republic through a Constitution that entails values of pluralism, secularism and democracy among other things.

Acharya reminded that on this day, it was resolved to secure to all Indian citizens, Justice, social economic and political, Liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship, Equality of status and of opportunity, and to promote among them all Fraternity assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity of the Nation.

Paying salutations and gratitude to those who brought about the Republic and the Constitution, he paid gratitude to “Freedom Fighters, Scientists, Social Reformers & Wealth Creators.” In this, he also paid salute to ‘Lt. Smt. Padmashree Ranima Gaidinliu,’ as January 26, 2016 is also the birth centenary of the freedom fighter.

“Our greatest strength lies in our adherence to the values of unity amidst diversity,” said the Governor.

21st century belongs to India In his Republic Day address, PB Acharya pointed out that the 21st century belongs to India.

“We have 65% youths in our population. They with skill education can be the biggest HRD for the world,” he remarked.

Noting that north-east of the subcontinent has “lots of God given Nat-

ural Resources,” the Governor called for universities and young students to be “prepared by the new curriculum and learn how to create wealth & prosperity by utilizing the Natural Resources.”

“Our capacity to increase the production of solar energy, organic food, flora & fauna, care for Ecology should be every one’s agenda,” he reiterated.

Programs under Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, like Jan Dhan Yojna, One Rupee - Atal Insurance Yojna, Make in India, Mudra Bank to help entrepreneur, Skill addition to all Universities conventional Degree Courses, keep our neighbouring countries friendly, Swachh BharatSunder Bharat, etc can be successful, observed Acharya, if “each one of us” becomes the “nodal agent to take these projects and programs to the beneficiaries.”

He also reflected on Prime Minister Modi’s ‘political will’ to “solve North East insurgency in general and Nagaland in particular has resulted in the frame work of peace agreement with NSCN (IM). Let us all unite & see that all the factions unite & join in the frame work of peace agreement.”

Charting out that 2016 will be a challenging year for Nagaland State and its people, the Governor called for everyone to work for peace & development through unity.

“We should build strong and clean characters, because only the clean and the strong have the courage and the selfless dedication to work for the progress of the state and the nation,” he said.

AKM dissatisfied over road improvement works Three NSCN (K) cadres Morung Express News Mokokchung | January 25

Officials of the Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (AKM) – the students’ body of the Ao community – today undertook an on the spot inspection of the different ongoing ‘improvement’ works of circular roads in different parts of Mokokchung town.

The officials were visibly dissatisfied over what they termed as ‘poor workmanship’ and ‘lipstick blacktopping’ on certain stretches of road, which compelled them to write a memorandum to the Mokokchung Deputy Commissioner for his immediate intervention.

The AKM officials led by its president L Jemti Longchar and his colleagues (and also accompanied by some media persons), were shocked at the damages on the re-

cently repaired roads along the Kichutip to Salangtem ward. They noted that only a thin layer of bitumen, sand and tar has been laid on the road and which was already peeling off, getting cracked or simply being sluiced away by moving vehicles.

“Once the monsoon arrives, this semblance of a blacktopped road will be washed away with the first rains,” said one of the officials.

They also expressed dismay that the stretch of road from Artang to Civil Hospital was dotted with potholes. The road from Police Point to IMDH (Civil Hospital) is still yet to be repaired.

After the on-spot inspection, the AKM submitted a representation to the Deputy Commissioner, Mokokchung requesting

his immediate intervention into the ‘poor workmanship’ of the ongoing works which is being executed under the Urban Development Department, Mokokchung.

The AKM said it has received a lot of complaints

cular road from Tongdentsuyong via Power House as “Lipstick blacktopping.”

It observed the road was in a deteriorating stage with the blacktopping peeling off, due to poor workmanship and demanded that the particular stretch of road be repaired immediately.

The AKM observed the other circular roadsfrom Sewak Junction via Civil Hospital to Police Point were equally pathetic. It also expressed dissatisfaction over the circular road from Police Point to Tongdentsuyong via Estate Office.

It also lamented that the stretch from Police Point to IMDH (civil hospital) which – the AKM asserted – is one of the most important roads in the town where patients seeking medical attention have to travel was in a pa-

Submits representation to DC Mokokchung demanding immediate intervention from different quarters over the ‘poor workmanship’ of the ongoing repairing works. It univocally stated that they were ‘appalled haphazard work done by the contractors and the negligence of the Urban Development Department’.

The representation appended by the AKM president L Jemti Longchar and general secretary Bendangkumba Aier, put on record the repairing work at Cir-

thetic condition.

The AKM expressed alarm that the road improvement projects may not be properly implemented since there are only a few months of the dry season left. It therefore urged the DC to impress upon the UDD to rectify their “haphazard works at the earliest.”

Further, the AKM urged the DC take an on-spot inspection, and direct the concerned contractor (s) or the UDD to carry out repair work again on roads which are not up to prescribed standards.

It also declared that the students’ body will be closely monitoring project. If works are not up to the specification stipulated in the work order, the AKM would be left with no option but to initiate own course of action for the interest of the general public, the representation cautioned.

Kiren Rijiju inaugurates 14 IR Headquarters at Kiphire Our Correspondent Kiphire | January 25

Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju today inaugurated the 14th NAP (IR) battalion Headquarters at Okhe Zong, some 10 km away from Kiphire district Headquarters. He unveiled a monolith to commemorate the occasion.

However, the Minister could not stay on for the reception programme due to time constraints.

Rijiju reached Kiphire by a helicopter and left for Delhi by the same mode expressing regret for not being able to stay longer.

A formal programme was held at the New Headquarters’ Conference hall at Okhe Zong. C Kipili Sangtam, Minister of Power, Nagaland State, speaking as chief guest on behalf of Rijiju, thanked the Kiphire Village Council for giving the land for setting up of 14th NAP (IR) Battalion headquarter at Okhe Zong Kiphire.

Sangtam said that setting up of the IR headquarters here is a memorable day for the people of Kiphire.

He said that Kiphire has multiple tribes and appealed for them to be united in development works. He also appealed the people of Kiphire to aim to construct Kiphire into

Union Home Minister Kiren Rijiju, C. Kipili Sangtam, Y. Patton, Yitachu along side police officials after inaugurating the 14 IR headquarters monolith at Okhezong Kiphire Town, Nagaland on Monday, January 25. (Morung Photo)

a developed district. C Kipili Sangtam said that the department will try to do something good for the landowners, but requested them to know the timing of when to approach the government.

The Nagaland State Minister also said that government’s property is people’s property and asked people to take care of the government’s property. He further appealed the land owner of the NAP headquarters to take care of the land.

It may be mentioned that the 14th NAP (IR) Battalion headquar-

ter has a total of 234.72 acres of land at Okhe Zong under Kiphire district. According to police Engineering project report, the project was for Rs. 219.39 crore which was duly approved by the State level Programme Implementation committee (SLPIC) headed by the Chief Minister of Nagaland as Chairman.

The Battalion headquarter has a total of 521 units residential building, 26 units Non residential buildings and Construction of Roads, water supply, site development and electrification.

The Construction works was done by M/s Singh Construction commenced in the first week of December 2009. It is also learnt that the amount for construction of the battalion headquarters is due by some crores which is yet to be paid to the contractor.

Kiren Rijiju was accompanied by Home Minister Nagaland Y. Patton, Education Minister Nagaland Yitachu, Power Minister Nagaland C. Kipili Sangtam, L. L. Doungel IPS DGP Nagaland, Akheto Sema IPS ADGP (ADM) Nagaland, Lakha Koza NPS Commandant 14th NAP (IR) BN, Deputy Commissioner Kiphire A. Chumremo Odyuo, Superintendent of Police Kiphire and other dignitaries of the State. The reception programme was attended by United Sangtam Students’ Conference, United Sangtam Likhum Bumji, Kiphire District Sumi Hoho, Yimchungrü Tribal Hoho and political party leaders from Kiphire district.

The formal programme was chaired by Akheto Sema, IPS ADGP (Adm) Nagaland and vote of thanks was presented by Lakha Koza, NPS Commandant, 14th NAP (IR) BN. Presentation of project reports was made by Er.O.N.Ngully, Chief Engineer, Police Project Nagaland Kohima.

surrender with weapons

(From Left) Peren DC Peter Lichamo, Peren SP Vikluto John and Col. Vivek Puri, Commandant 18 Assam Rifles along with the three surrendered cadres at the Peren DC’s complex on January 25. (Morung Photo)

Morung Express News Dimapur | January 25

Three cadres of the NSCN (K) today surrendered to State government authorities in the presence of the Assam Rifles. The cadres, whose identities were not disclosed for their safety, laid down weapons in a public function held at the Deputy Commissioner Office complex, Peren on January 25.

According to the Assam Rifles, it was an unconditional surrender facilitated after the cadres through their families expressed their wish to eschew violence and “join the mainstream.”

The cadres, two in their 20s and one in his late teens, laid down three pistols along with ammunition and a grenade in front of the Peren Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police and the Commandant of the 18 Assam Rifles. It was witnessed by a host of civil society representatives.

Two of the cadres had joined the NSCN (K) in 2009 and the third in 2011. The Assam Rifles stated that the surrendered cadres got disillusioned after realising the futility of violence.

“Life was hard in the jungle and at times we regretted for our acts against our own people,” the AR quoted the cadres as stating.

One of the cadres told,

with face covered, that he was inspired to join the NSCN (K) after hearing stories from friends. He said that the initial impression was of a free, fun and adventurous life only to realise later on that it was not so. “Life was hard. I couldn’t take it anymore,” he told the media following the formal surrender ceremony. The interaction with the media however was restricted to a couple of minutes citing security concerns.

The Commandant of the 18 AR, Col. Vivek Puri while describing the surrender as “historic” stated that the three had shown great courage and wisdom in their decision.

For the rehabilitation of the cadres, the AR stated that they will be imparted vocational training to enable them to earn a livelihood. For a start, the cadres were handed away vocational tool kits.

As for the Nagaland Government, it has no rehabilitation programme.

The Deputy Commissioner stated that the government had such a programme initially which, however, has been discontinued. Asked on the role of the State government for the rehabilitation of the three cadres, the DC said that for the interim, the AR will be taking care of their security and transition to normal life.

2

tuesDAY 26•01•2016

NAGALAND

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Kingdom Invasion Conference in Dimapur Morung Express News Dimapur | January 25

With the mission “to contend for and steward revival to impact communities and cities in India and beyond,” the “Kingdom Invasion India Conference- Awakening the Body of Christ” will be held from January 28 to 31 at State Stadium, Dimapur.

This is a mega-event that will feature workshop and teaching sessions, healing and impartation services, and anointed worship times. The speakers are Heidi Baker, Jonathan Seet, and Shan Kikon.

Praise and worship will be lead by Faith harvest church and Gloria Patri.

The organisers of Kingdom Invasion are a group of local ministries, churches, NGO's, professionals, and youth who have the vision to “Equip the body of Christ with Kingdom values and power through conferences and trainings; Impart wisdom, revelation and strength to one another through honour; and Release revivalists in all walks of life for transformation through sevanthood and God’s love.”

Addressing a press conference held at Lake Shiloh on Monday, the organiser states that “Kingdom Invasion is not an attempt to start something new; it's a response to what God is already doing. We are in a period of transition that God has initiated and it is going to take every single one of us as an inter-generation of young and old to steward this.”

The four day mega event will be cov-

ered by GODTV for live streaming while necornerstonetv.com will do the online streaming. All major channels in Nagaland have also been approached for the coverage, the organisers informed.

For lodging, places like Circuit House, Tourist Lodge and AIDA (Don Bosco) have been booked for the delegates. “Transportation will be provided only for registered delegates. However, transportation on special arrangement can be made colleges if they are interested to attend the workshop,” said Wabang Longchari, Convener of the Organising Committee.

Giving out information on the registration, it was stated that normal registration per person cost Rs. 1000 while for a group with more than eight people the registration cost is Rs. 800 per person.

The registration can be done at Sinai Ministry office, ADC Court Junction, Dimapur from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and at Faith Harvest Church, Kohima.

Workshop and teaching sessions are for registered delegates only and it will be held from January 29 to 31, 2016 at 10:00 am onwards at the same venue. Evening worship meetings is open for all and the service starts at 4:00 am.

It was informed that delegates have already registered from places like Delhi, Assam, Shillong, Burma, Nepal, Bhutan, Canada etc.

For more details log on to: http:// www.kingdominvasionindia.org/ or visit the facebook Page of Kingdom Invasion: Awakening the Body of Christ

Nagaland observes National Voter’s Day

Kohima, January 25 (mExn): Along with the rest of the country, Nagaland observed National Voters’ Day on January 25 where the ‘National Voters’ Day’ pledge was taken in the Nagaland Civil Secretariat Conference hall by the officers and staff.

The programme was chaired by the Secretary Home, Bendangkokba who also administered the pledge.

Earlier, in his introductory message the chairperson appreciated the direction given by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to uphold the democratic traditions of the country and the dignity of free, fair and peaceful elections without being influenced by religion, race, caste, community, language or any inducement.

About the speAKers

State Govt remits sentences

Kohima, January 25 (Dipr): In commemoration of the ensuing anniversary of Republic Day 2016, the state Government has decided to remit the sentences against certain categories of prisoners who have been convicted by the courts (other than Court Martial) having criminal jurisdiction in the state of Nagaland and sentenced to rigorous imprisonment.

In exercise of the power conferred by Subsection 1 of Section 432 of the Code Criminal Procedure, 1973 (Act No. 2 of 1974 here-in after referred as the said Code) the Government of Nagaland has granted remission of sentences to the different categories of prisoners as specified below, lodged in the jails of Nagaland and outside other than those in respect of whom the sentence is inflicted for an offence against the Order referred to in Sub-section 6 of Section 432 of the said Code passed under any law relating to which the Executive Powers of the Union extends.

The scale of remission of sentence for different categories is specified below:-

HEIDI BAKER: Heidi’s greatest passion is to live in the manifest presence of God and to carry His glory, presence and love to a lost and dying world. She longs to see others laying their lives down for the sake of the gospel and coming home to the Father’s love. Rolland and Heidi Baker founded Iris Ministry, now Iris Global in 1980. In 1995 they were called to the poorest country in the world at the time, Mozambique, and faced an extreme test of the Gospel. They began by pouring out their lives among abandoned street children, and as the Holy Spirit moved miraculously in many ways a revival movement spread to adults, pastors, churches and then throughout the bush all across Mozambique’s ten provinces. Heidi is now Mama Aidato thousands of children, and oversees a broad holistic ministry that includes Bible schools, medical clinics, church-based orphan care, well drilling, primary schools, evangelistic industries, cottage farms, widow’s programs, and healing outreaches in re-

SN CATEGORY SCALE OF REMISSION Prisoners sentenced to 10 years and above 30 (Thirty) days Prisoners sentenced to 5 years to 10 years 20 (Twenty) days 3. Prisoners sentenced to 1 year to 5 years 10 (Ten) days 4. Prisoners sentenced up to 1 year 5 (Five) days

mote villages that includes a network of 1. hundreds of churches.

2.

JONATHAN SEET: Rev Dr. Jonathan Seet is currently the Pastor-in-charge (PIC) of Paya Lebar Methodist Church - a church with more than 2500 members. He has also served as the PIC of Pentecost Methodist Church. He has studied in some of the best theological institutions in the world including Princeton Theological Seminary.

He has been leading teams to India where healing and the supernatural presence of God has manifested itself. He teaches in the Singapore Supernatural School of Ministry.

He is married to Joyce and they have one precious daughter, Jazlyn.

SHAN KIKON: Shan Kikon is the pastor at Faith Harvest Church Kohima. He is a Graduate of RHEMA Bible Training Centre USA. He is a preacher of revival and the love of God. Pastor Shan ministers widely in India, Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar in crusades and conferences.

Further, the aforesaid remission granted under the order shall not be admissible to the following categories of prisoners: 1. Prisoners convicted under Foreigners Act 2. Prisoners convicted under Passport Act 3. Prisoners convicted under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 4. Prisoners convicted under Section 3 to 10 of Official Secrets Act, 1923 5. Prisoners convicted under Section 2 to 3 of Criminal Amendment Act, 1961 6. Prisoners convicted under Section 121 to 130 of IPC 7. Prisoners convicted under Section 107/109 of CrPC 8. Prisoners convicted under Prevention of corruption Act 9. Prisoners convicted of rape, attempt to rape or assault of women 10. Convicted prisoners found violating jails rules and discipline such as threatening/intimidation/quarrelling/beating of fellow prisoners/staff and smuggling of contraband and prohibited articles 11. Foreign National convicted under any Acts.

The Remission Order will take effect from January 26, 2016.

NVD 2016: Inclusive and Qualitative Participation

constitution to make clean e-roll and delete the dead names and multiple enrollment.

T. Axhi Lohe P/S No 30 Laza Izoqawas was awarded the best BLO of the year 2016 under Pughoboto Sub Division which was given away by ADC & DEO. She also handed over the I/D card to the newly enrolled.

SDO (C) & ERO, Pughoboto, Er. Namang Sepong Chang gave the introduction and significance of NVD. President PPKK, Kitoho V. Zhimo delivered a short speech. The ADC administered of the NVD pledge and did the presentation & distribution of I/D cards to the newly enrolled electorates was also given away by her.

The programme was chaired by EAC, Pughoboto, Selemla and invocation was rendered by Police Unit church, PughoboDirectorate of Information & Public Re- to, Pastor, Pasang Sherpa. Vote of thanks PB Acharya, Governor of Nagaland with others and the awardees during the 6th National Voters’ Day 2016 held on January 25 at Durbar Hall, Raj lations: The officers and staff of the Direc- was pronounced by EAC, Ghathashi, Bhavan. (DIPR Photo) torate of Information & Public Relations T.Sulangthung.

Morung Express News he affirmed, can only be greater participation for a Nagas as Christians. Chris- ticipation, a representative took pledge for promotion of the demoeliminated if all segments of stronger democracy to help tian values and ethics were of the ENPO mentioned Kohima | January 25 cratic electoral participation on the occa- Tuensang: Along with the rest of the nathe society can work togeth- and ensure clean ethical, compromised for materi- how today the so called sion of the National Voters Day celebration tion the 6th National voters’ day held at The 6th National Voters’ informed and inducement alistic pleasure and gains. democratic government er and spread awareness. on January 25 at the IPR citadel conference CKS hall Tuensang on 25th January 2015 Consequently the church in Nagaland has become Chief Electoral Officer, free voting. hall, Kohima. The pledge was administered under the theme “Inclusive & Qualita- Day 2016 was held on JanLithrongla Tongpi, felt the need to intervene “government of the money

by Director IPR, Pausui Zeliang while Addi- tive Participation”. The programme was uary 25 at Durbar Hall, Raj Sanjay Kumar, IAS shared tional Director IPR chaired the programme. attended by Deputy Commissioner, Tu- Bhavan with PB Acharya, the perspective and back- ADC & ERO Kohima spoke in awakening the moral and for the money”. ensang, Alem Jongshi, officials of differ- Governor of Nagaland & ground of the National Vot- on her experience as an conscience of the people,” Awards were also given Mokokchung: The 6th National Voters ent departments, BLOs and many newly Assam as the chief guest. ers Day which is aimed to ERO. Short speeches were viewed Keyho further out for winners in the deDay was held at Mokokchung under the enrolled voters from wards. T.Y. Sangtam Stating that the con- reach out to people, learn delivered by Geoffrey mentioning that the fight bate competition on the theme “Inclusive and Qualitative Partici- President USLP and Secretary RCS, Tuen- duct of free and fair elec- the reasons for their disillu- Yaden, Editor, Nagaland for clean election is not an topic ‘Clean Election is pation” on January 25 at Town hall, Mo- sang was the chief guest of the programme. tions depends much upon sionment with the process Post, Naga Hoho, NBCC, overnight war but needs possible in Nagaland conAudio message from the Office of Chief the performance of three and help them in realizing The Naga Blog and ENPO. strategic planning and par- ducted on October 9 2015, kokchung.

DC Mokokchung Sushil Kumar IAS Election Commissioner was relayed to the stakeholder namely elec- the fact that democracy is Veineinem Singson, Miss ticipation with strong will finalists representing NaDC & DEO Mokokchung in his keynote gathering. DBs of Tuensang presented folk toral machinery, candidates not complete until every- Nagaland 2014 & State Icon mechanisms and sincerity galand in the All India Onaddress said that the National Voters Day song while Deputy Commissioner, Tuwas started in 2011 especially for the youth ensang gave the welcome address to the and the electorate, Governor one is part of it. Mentioning (SVEEP) also gave a short from the government, the line Essay competition and Best Block Level Officer of who has attained the age of 18 yrs. Special gathering. AEO Tuensang also initiated Acharya urged on the need the Election Department’s talk. The vote of thanks was NGOs and the church. for each individual to act re- initiatives to authenticate delivered by Rovilatuo Mor, “The government must the Assembly Constituenappearance, Imkongnungchet, a physi- the NVD pledge.

Song competition within the wards sponsibly. Civic Education and clean the electoral roll IAS, Deputy Commissioner put her executive power cy for the conduct of Eleccally disabled person highlighted his experiences in the past election, said that the was also held and the winner of the com- in school and universities of duplicate and multiple & District Election Officer. into action and not be- toral Roll for 2015. The Best polling stations should be in a proper place petition was bagged by Old Medical Sec- needs to be encouraged as entries and errors, Sanjay Zelhou Keyho, General come dogmatic at criti- Electoral Registration Ofwhere even the disabilities person can go tor Tuensang. The programme concluded a central element to foster Kumar also mentioned the Secretary of NBCC stat- cal times. Clean Election ficer 2015 was awarded to for exercising his franchise. He urged the with vote of thanks by EAC Tuensang HQ, the political participation decline of the electorate in ed that the history of the Campaign should not be- M.A Shihab A, IAS, ADC & Election Commission to look into the cir- Weko Zhiemi. of young people, asserted Nagaland where he cited church in Nagaland in the come a speech, a fashion, ERO, Mon, Best Assistant cumstances faced by people like him.

Acharya suggesting mea- that in 2011, to total elec- fight against the evil prac- a seminar but a sincere Electoral Registration OfDean of Post Graduate Studies CTC Zunheboto: Zunheboto observed the 6th sures for organizing politi- torate was 1338559 where- tices of election in Naga- movement leading to refor- ficer 2015 was awarded to Aolijen, Dr. Mar Pongener as a special National Voters Day on 25th January 2016 cal debates and activities in guest exhorted the voters to exercise their under the theme “Inclusive and Qualita- schools that go beyond for- as in 2016 the total number land dates back to the early mation. We must not enter Dr. Manazir Jeelani Samoof electorate was 1140037. seventies. “But the strate- into the blaming game but on, IAS, SDO (c) & AERO, franchise freely without any doubt. The tive Participation”. mal civic education such as However the CEO noted gic fight on Clean Election must come together with Tuensang. Viwheno MerSpeaking on the occasion, Assistant programme was chaired by AEO Mokokchung, Roland Merry which was followed Election Officer, Chisho K. Swu highlighted allowing spaces for dialogue that this is due to the bo- Campaign (CEC) is 14 a concerted effort because atsu, NCS, ADC & AERO, by the felicitation of the best BLOs under various programmes with special attention between young politicians gus and duplicate or mul- years old and is still long to we are all responsible for Tseminyu was also awardto disabled persons and minorities being and young voters. The Gov- tiple entries and there are go. NBCC entered into this the mess we have created,” ed for the Special Award Mokokchung District. initiated by the Election Commission of ernor also lamented over the still large number of bogus fight not by compulsion urged Keyho.

2015 for her commendable Pughoboto: BLOs, NGOs, Church lead- India (ECI) for inclusive participation and evil practices of the election entries which need to be but because it has become While urging for an in- achievements in the field of ers and students under Pughoboto Sub- asked every eligible individual to develop system in Nagaland which cleared. Kumar urged for an issue of integrity of the clusive and qualitative par- SVEEP. Division joined the 6th National Voters sense of responsibility to vote without beday celebration which was held with the ing influenced by any unfair inducement.

ADC, Zunheboto, Nungsangmenla theme “Inclusive and Qualitative Participation” at the ADC’s office compound on Imchen administered the Voters Pledge and gave away prizes to the best BLOs of January 25.

Additional Deputy Commissioner & 31-36 Assembly Constituencies, to the Dimapur, January 25 (mExn): “In any District Election Officer, Pughoboto, Ave- winners of Art & Painting Competition self-respecting democracy, the National Voters’ lu Ruho emphasized on the theme stating and Essay Writing Competition. Newly Day is a sacred day ~ well, it ought to be a sacred that Government officials are bound by the enrolled voters were also issued. day,” stated Monalisa Changkija, Editor, Nagaland Page while addressing the 6th National Voters’ Day celebrated in Dimapur at Lotha Hoho Ki as the chief guest.

She emphasised that there are two aspects Kohima, January 25 (mExn): The Kikriima Razu of the National Voters’ Day- the importance of Kiihu will be holding its 15th session cum cultural day the Voter and the imperatives of voting and the from January 30 to 31 at Govt. High School, Kikriima un- uniqueness of democracy as a system of goverder Phek district. Vivole Kezo, Ist Class Contractor will nance and a culture of a people, which hinges on JOYCE COMPLEX grace the occasion as the chief guest. Sachopra Vero, Retd the Voter and her right and duty to vote. Changsecretary, Nagaland will also speak on the occasion. The- kija also spoke on the theme “Inclusiveness: and 15% off on select nucho Tiinyi, ex-home minister will give away prizes to Qualitative Participation” brands & 10% on The programme was attended by representathe winners. others tives of NGOs, political parties, BLOs and GovernShop for Rs.3000/- & ment Officials. Kesonyu Yhome, IAS DC & DEO, Dimapur delivered the keynote address. get a priviledge card Nganshimakok, Liven, Xavier, Khuvishe and Shop for Rs.5000/Ehoto were awarded the best BLOs in the district. & get a priviledge Kohima, January 25 (mExn): The Impulse NGO Winners of Art and Painting competition, Kavibo Network Shillong is imparting training to Nagaland Po- of GHSS Niuland, Rakhi Baidya of GHS Lengrijan card along with a lice officers for anti human trafficking from January 28 and Alisosang of GHSS Medziphema and winners complementary * to 29 at Nagaland Police Complex (Rhododendron Hall), of Essay competition, Avino Chopi of St. Mary’s *OFFER VALID Chumukedima. Rupin Sharma, IPS, Additional DGP HSS, Keviyiezelie of GHSS Medziphema and TILL STOCK LAST (Law & Order), Nagaland will inaugurate the training at I.Sangmaichila of S.D Jain HSS were given cash Monalisa Changkija, Editor, Nagaland Page (second from left) with the Kesonyu Yhome, IAS DC & 10:00 AM on January 2016. awards along with certificates.

DEO, Dimapur and others during the 6th National Voters’ Day celebrated in Dimapur at Lotha Hoho Ki.

‘National Voters’ Day is a sacred day’

Kikriima Razu Kiihu day

Training for police officers for anti human trafficking

TuesDAY 26•01•2016

NORTH-EAST

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Cong seeks President's intervention New Delhi, JaNuary 25 (iaNS): The Congress on Monday submitted a memorandum to President Pranab Mukherjee, urging him to look into the union cabinet's recommendation to impose President's Rule in Arunachal Pradesh.

The opposition party also moved the Supreme Court during the day to challenge Sunday's cabinet recommendation regarding the north-eastern state.

"We've submitted a memorandum to the president and requested him to look into the matter. We briefed the president about it. Whatever questions he had, we replied to him as well," Congress leader Kapil Sibal said after a party delegation met the president and submitted a memorandum on the issue.

The Congress leader also accused Arunachal Governor Jyoti Prasad Rajkhowa of violating the constitution. "A governor who creates the crisis himself says there should be President's Rule in the state," he said.

"On one hand, you are responsible for creating such a situation in the state, and on the other you request the union government to impose President's Rule. Both cannot go hand in hand," Sibal added.

The Congress leader said the recent happenings in Arunachal Pradesh were "politically motivated", involving the Bharatiya Janata Party, its president Amit Shah and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.

"A taped conversation is a testimony to the fact. We have submitted the tape to the court.

They have created a conspiracy to destabilise the border state so that their government can be formed there," Sibal said. "They even tried to bypass the court on this issue," he said.

Leader of opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad, who was also part of the delegation, said: "We will fight this (Narendra Modi's) government in court, in public and in parliament. Their agenda is not only to destabilise the Congress government (in Arunachal Pradesh) but all opposition-ruled states. It is an onslaught against all opposition-ruled states in the country."

Assam CM Gogoi flays Centre for recommending Prez rule in Arunachal

Congress failed to protect Constitution in Arunachal: BJP

Guwahati, JaNuary 25 (Pti): Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today said the Centre had violated the "Constitutional propriety" and the "very spirit of cooperative federalism" by recommending President's Rule in Arunachal Pradesh. "The (Union) Cabinet nod on dissolution of Arunachal Assembly and recommendation of President's Rule is a gross violation of the Constitutional propriety and the very spirit of cooperative federalism," Gogoi said in a press conference.

He said the entire matter was sub-judice and currently pending at the Supreme Court, and the Centre could have waited for some more days. "In such a situation, I do not think it is appropriate to dissolve the Assembly. Moreover, there is no such breakdown of law and order in the state," Gogoi said.

He also said that Governors of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Tripura were "behaving like RSS pracharaks".

"It is most unfortunate that the President had to remind them of their Constitutional obligation and how to behave.

Such incidents have exposed the undemocratic and dictatorial attitude of the Modi government," he said.

New Delhi, JaNuary 25 (iaNS): The BJP on Monday accused the Congress of having failed to protect the constitution in Arunachal Pradesh and said the ruling party in the state has lost the constitutional authority to remain in power.

"Politically, this is an internal matter of the Congress and constitutionally, in either of the way in which the decision is pending in the Supreme Court, they have lost the constitutional authority to be in the government in Arunachal Pradesh," BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi told reporters.

"And morally... Why are you (Congress) running away from calling the house and proving majority or going for a floor test?" "In fact, you are not able to convene your own legislative party meeting itself," he added.

He also accused the Congress of misleading the nation over the issue saying constitutionally, there was a provision that any government cannot remain in power if it is not able to conduct the next session of the assembly within six months after the conclusion of the previous session."The previous session of the Arunachal Pradesh assembly ended on July 21, and a session must be convened before January 21," he said.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday said the union cabinet's recommendation for President's rule in Arunachal Pradesh, suspending an elected government, was "against the Constitution".

"Constitution doesn't allow you to suspend an elected government and enforce the President's rule in any state.

It is against the Constitution," the Aam Aadmi Party chief told media here.

Kejriwal earlier termed the union cabinet's recommendation of President's rule in Arunachal as "murder of Constitution on the eve of Republic Day".

lay had not been allocated after abolition of the Planning Commission forcing the state government to prepare budgets without knowing plan size.

He said that absence of clarity on fund sharing pattern of centrally sponsored

schemes (css) between the centre and the states created problems in budget preparations.

Lalsawta was compelled to seek vote-on-account for two times covering seven months last fiscal due to the same problems.

HRD Ministry to bring out books on North-East freedom fighters New Delhi, JaNuary 25 (iNDia toDay): The contributions and sacrifices by freedom fighters hailing from the North East region will be commemorated in books, soon, to be brought out by the Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry.

The statement was issued by HRD Minister, Smriti Irani, who was attending a birth centenary commemoration event of Rani Gaidinliu, a political leader from Manipur, who had led a revolt against the rule of the British in India.

"Whether it is Rani Gaidinliu or Kanaklataji, for all people from North East who sacrificed their lives in the freedom struggle, the HRD ministry will bring out books on them through the National Book Trust to ensure they do not get lost from the pages of his-

North East urged to maintain strict vigil aGartala/aizawl, JaNuary 25 (iaNS): The central government has alerted the northeastern states over possible terror attacks ahead of the Republic Day on Tuesday, a police official said on Monday.

"The home ministry has alerted the northeastern states to maintain strict vigil in the run up to the Republic Day," Tripura Police spokesman Uttam Bhowmik told IANS. The Border Security Force (BSF) has also been told to further strengthen vigilance along the India-Bangladesh border to prevent trans-border movement of militants," he said.

Security forces have been searching airports, hotels, bus and railway terminals as well as major markets across the region for possible hidden bombs.

Several separatist outfits have called for a 24-hour general strike from January 25 midnight and a boycott of the Republic Day celebrations.

The Northeast Frontier Railway has taken up security measures regarding rail traffic in southern Assam and elsewhere in the northeast.

An official of the Airports Authority of India said entry of people, except passengers, into airports across the northeast had been barred. The restrictions would continue till January 29.

PR in Arunachal against Constitution: AAP 130 trucks stranded along Imphal-bound highways Speaking at an event organised by raids and President's rule, the Centre New Delhi, JaNuary 25 (iaNS): the Delhi government to celebrate the Republic Day, he also sought the central government's cooperation in the functioning of the Delhi government.

"Central government is like an elder brother, whereas state governments are younger brothers. He (Central government) should not trouble its younger brother (state government)," Kejriwal said.

"We need central government's cooperation for proper development and functioning. With its cooperation, the development would be ten fold," he said.

"Instead of troubling us with CBI

should support us," he added.

Kejriwal said Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar gave India the world's best constitution which talks about justice, liberty and equality, but "it seems that there are several flaws in its proper implementation".

Talking about Dalit doctoral scholar Rohit Vemulla's suicide at the Hyderabad University, Kejriwal said: "A central minister called the authorities in the university and pressurised them to suspend Rohit and his friends".

"The poor Dalit boy should have been promoted and appreciated instead of creating an environment that forced him to suicide," Kejriwal said.

Mizoram to present regular budget Meghalaya CM bats for more even if annual plan size not known sea routes with Bangladesh aizawl, JaNuary 25 (Pti): Mizoram Finance Minister Lalsawta today said that he would present a regular budget for the next fiscal even if the annual plan size was not known.

Lalsawta told PTI that this year the state plan out-

3

tory," said Irani, according to a PTI report.

The books would be soon available in several tribal and Indian languages, other than Hindi, English, Gujarati, Tamil and Punjabi. The HRD Minister further spoke on how she felt "pained" when the major part of the country apart from the NorthEast region was referred to as the "mainland" by the people living there. Irani said her claim as a daughter of India was the same as anyone living in the North East.

Nagaland CM TR Zeliang, who was also present at the event, said that the move would ensure a better understanding of the work done by Rani Gaidinliu towards the Indian independence, and would consequently bring in a better integration of the North East region with the rest of the country.

Curfew lifted from Imphal, market plan scrapped imPhal, JaNuary 25 (iaNS): An indefinite curfew clamped in some parts of Manipur's capital city Imphal since Friday evening was lifted on Sunday night, and the government scrapped plans to set up a temporary market on a busy street. The step followed withdrawal of agitations by Bharatiya Janata Party legislator Khumukcham Joykishan and 30 civil organisations. They had planned a 24-hour public curfew in the town to protest construction of temporary market along the busy Thangal street.

Following the agitations and clashes that led to the curfew, the Manipur government backed out of its plan to construct the temporary market since the original women's market was damaged in a recent earthquake. Construction work instead was launched on Monday morning at two places on the eastern side of the Imphal town to provide sitting arrangements to 800 women vendors.

Making the announcement on Sunday night, government spokesperson Moirangthem Okendra said the construction work will be completed in 15 days. However, the displaced women vendors have announced they would forcibly occupy the damaged market complexes from the first week of February if the government failed to arrange alternative site for them by this month-end.

Welcoming the government decision to shift the venue of the temporary market complex elsewhere from the the busy Thangal street, BJP leader Joykishan said he and other civil organisations will extend cooperation. BJP's state unit president Thounaojam Chaoba said: "The government should call an all-political parties meeting to discuss the issue. The matter cannot be solved by arresting one MLA or thousands of people."

Okendra, however, said it is not desirable to have such a meeting. "The political parties could lend their support while demanding more funds for relief and rehabilitation," he added.

Meanwhile, hundreds of displaced women vendors continue to sell the consumer items by the roadside. This has caused resentment among the street vendors.

ShilloNG, JaNuary 25 (iaNS): Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma on Sunday favoured more sea routes via Bangladesh to promote trade and business in India's north-eastern states.

"With increased bilateral relations between both countries, there is need for utilising the proximity of sea route via Bangladesh to promote trade and business in north-eastern India," Sangma said while addressing the Bangladesh Investment & Policy Summit 2016 in Dhaka.

Quoting a CNN report that Bangladesh's economy has grown at over 6% in the last seven years and is projected to grow as the second-fastest growing economy among the 11 developing countries, Sangma said "the positive growth story happening in Bangladesh is inseparable and it would certainly generate hope and positive growth story in the north eastern part of India too".

As Meghalaya shares a

443-km border with Bangladesh, with the mighty Brahmaputra and other rivers connecting both the sides along with the presence of a number of Land Customs Stations to facilitate supply of raw materials to support industries in Bangladesh, Sangma mooted an idea to jointly invest in a "Comprehensive multi-mode transport" to promote trade and business between the two countries.

He also informed how the new National Highway 127B -- which would connect North Bengal with Garo Hills region in the western part of Meghalaya across Brahmaputra with the longest bridge (17 km) -- is expected to serve as "trade corridor between Bhutan, Nepal, North East India and Bangladesh".

Sangma also dwelled on the possibility of using the Sylhet International Airport for promotion of tourism in Meghalaya and also the possibility of using this facility to promote exports of the high-value

flowers and horticulture products from Meghalaya.

Highlighting about Meghalaya's strength of renewable natural resources that would provide immense opportunities to improve the economies on both sides, Sangma also mentioned on the unexplored renewable resources like Ramie (one of the strongest strong natural fibres indigenous to the region) can be harnessed by creating greater value for these natural resources.

The chief minister also offered all possible policy support to Bangladesh businessmen for the investments in the power sector too. Some known industrialists from India also attended the Summit, including Gautam Adani, who committed investments to the tune of a few billion dollars in Bangladesh as the country is offering an encouraging policy environment for them.

Our Correspondent Imphal | January 25

Over 130 Imphal-bound goods-laden trucks were reported stranded along Dimapur-Imphal road and ImphalJiribam road on Monday owing to dual bandh called by United Naga Council (UNC) and Jiribam District Demand Committee (JDDC).

UNC has enforced a 48-hour bandh in the hill areas since January 23 midnight in protest against the three ‘anti-tribal’ Bills passed by the Manipur assembly on August 31, 2015 and the killing of nine people in Churachandpur district in agitation launched subsequent to the passing of the bills.

Reports reaching here said over 40 goods-laden trucks are stranded near Mao gate along Imphal-Dimapur road due to the UNC strike and another 90 near Yangangpokpi in Imphal East because of an indefinite bandh along Imphal-Jiribam road called by JDDC. Jiribam is located on Manipur-Assam border.

The trucks on the two highways were unable to proceed owing to the strikes, it is learnt. Official sources informed that security forces were on their way to escort back the stranded vehicles.

UNC has alleged that the Centre is ignoring the tribal people and called the Okram Ibobi headed government a goonda raj. Expressing dismay over the non-fulfillment of their demands, the UNC has also announced a boycott of the Republic Day celebrations 2016.

On the other hand, JDDC’s indefinite bandh along Imphal-Jiribam road comes after the Manipur government failed to implement its assurances given to the committee four years back. It had served an ultimatum to the government to fulfill the demand for conversion of Jiribam subdivision into a full-fledged revenue district by October 30, 2015.

The committee had signed a memorandum of understanding with the Manipur government on the demand of the district status on November 9, 2011.

Jiribam is located 226 km away from the district headquarters and 214 km away from Imphal. The subdivision of Imphal East has a population of over 43,000 people.

NRBPS HINDI UCHCHATAR VIDHYALAYA Opp. Don Bosco School, Kohima.

ADMISSION GOING ON

Parichay/Prathama/Praveshika/Prabodh/ Visharad and Pravin (Cl.7-10+2 and BA level equivalent courses) with English & Scripture Guidance & Counselling to pursue higher studies MA/M.Phil/Ph.D. Seats are limited, Hostel available, Contact- 8256977814/9089548779

4

TuesDAY 26 •01•2016

Business

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Here’s how new LPG schemes may benefit you new Delhi, January 25 (agenCieS): With the target of moving more people to the use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) the Oil Ministry is coming up with new schemes. The government has targeted to add 10 crore new LPG connections by December 2018 with the new schemes.

Currently there are existing 16.5 crore LPG connections. In 2016, the ministry aims to appoint 10,000 new LPG distributors with all the members of Parliament asked to suggest potential locations in their constituencies where the distribution needs to be strengthened.

LPG connection on eMis Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan said oil marketing companies are mulling to sell new cooking gas on an EMI basis, just like for other consumer durables.

“We want to sell new LPG connections which cost up to Rs 3,400 on an EMI basis. The amount

ed to benefit those who LPG cylinders This facility was are not covered under the 50 per cent rebate for peo- launched on Sunday.

Through the facility people below poverty line. ple can book the cylinder order LPG refiLLs around the clock and it whiLe on the Move can be delivered in their Plans are underway to absence as well because install touch screen devic- the payment is already es at prominent locations done, Pradhan said. like airports, railway staEarlier, only online tions etc where consum- booking facility was availers can book for their LPG able for customers of oil refills. marketing companies Online payment of (OMCs) namely Indian

can be spread over 24 instalments and the OMCs are speaking to banks on this,” Pradhan said.

He said till now, consumer durable items have been sold using the EMI (earnest monthly instalment) facility and making such a facility available will incentivise more people to switch over to the cleaner liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

The scheme is intend-

Oil, Hindustan Petroleum and Bharat Petroleum and consumers were required to pay cash to vendor on delivery of cylinders.

“PSU OMCs have now introduced the online payment facility for consumers at the time of booking their LPG refill cylinder so that they need not worry about leaving cash with their family members or attendants while taking delivery of the cylinder,” an official statement said.

This facility would bring great relief to the working couple as well as to senior citizens as they can make the payment online without bothering to keep adequate cash at home, it added.

The payment facility can be availed at www. mylpg.in which can be accessed in 13 Indian languages.

The OMCs have already implemented the refill booking facilities on IVRS, Web and SMS, portability of Gas connection, direct benefit transfer of subsidy for LPG to the bank account of consumers.

India’s economic exposure to external risks gone up: Moody’s Chennai, January 25 (ianS): Global credit rating agency Moody’s Investors Service and its Indian affiliate ICRA Ltd on Monday said their poll said India’s economic exposure to external riks has gone up during the past seven months.

In a statement, Moody’s said the poll was conducted during Moody’s and ICRA’s India Outlook Conference in Mumbai on 13 January 2016.

The event brought together some of the country’s largest investors, intermediaries and issuers, with 110 market participants attending.

“The market participants we surveyed are increasingly concerned about the potential spillover on India’s growth story of external risks such as interest rate tightening in the US and China’s ongoing slowdown,” Rahul Ghosh, a Moody’s vice president and senior research analyst, was quoted as saying in the statement

Of the market participants who responded to Moody’s and ICRA’s question on the greatest risk to India’s macroeconomic growth over the next 12-18 months, 35 percent saw external shocks as the greatest challenge facing India’s economy, up from just 10 percent for the previous Moody’s and ICRA poll conducted in May 2015, the statement said.

“However, the result is more likely a reflection of the broad-based spike in global risk aversion, rather than India’s relative vulnerabilities,” said Ghosh.

According to him, investors term India as much better placed in terms of growth than most of its similarly rated emerging market peers, such as Indonesia, Turkey, Brazil, South Africa and Russia.

Moody’s has released its report titled “India Credit - Heard from the Market: India Not Immune to External Risks”.

The same poll of respondents found that 32

percent thought sluggish reform momentum will be the largest threat to India’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth, down from 47 percent in May 2015.

As for the market participants who responded to the polling question on India’s economic growth rate, more than three quarters of those surveyed said headline GDP growth will stay between 6.5- 7.5 percent over the next 12 to 18 months.

On the asset quality of Indian banks, the market participants polled were split on whether government initiatives will help improve the banks’ asset quality, with 40 percent expecting a reduction in weak assets in the coming 12-18 months compared with 45 percent who believe asset quality is unlikely to improve, the statement said.

However, 89 percent of the respondents expect single digit loan growth for the public sector banks owing to capital constraints.

Honda to showcase ‘Foreign firms’ anxiety in Maruti Suzuki Baleno high on demand Ten models at China understandable’ Waiting period increased up to 6 months January 25 (ianS): difficulties of some foreign compaDelhi Auto Expo BeiJing, The “sense of anxiety” among foreign nies do not mean that the investment new Delhi, January 25 (PTi): Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India will showcase 10 models, including four concepts, during the upcoming Delhi Auto Expo.

The company will unveil a new two-wheeler model, which the company terms as NAVI and a superbike during the Auto Expo, HMSI said in a statement.

The two wheeler major also plans to showcase four refreshed models during the event.

“The New Additional Value for India (NAVI) is set to excite the young trendsetter of India and create a new segment in Indian two wheeler landscape,” HMSI said.

Besides, the company plans to display four concept models including ‘EOWING’ -- a completely new sports hybrid 3-wheeler and EV-Cub during the Auto Expo.

The company, however, did not share details regarding the remaining two concept models.

climate in China is worsening”. It observed that the complaints about the business environment in China neither reflect the reality nor help these foreign companies adapt to the ongoing transformation of the Chinese economy from a global manufacturing powerhouse to a rising consuming society.

“On the one hand, China remains the most attractive destination among developing countries for foreign investors...Although the growth of foreign investment may be not as high as it used to be, it still represents a vote of confidence in the Chinese economy,” the daily said. “On the other hand,”, it said, “while some foreign companies may have been hit hard by the ongoing slowdown of the Chinese economy, especially in those industrial sectors plagued by overcapacity, there are also winners such as Starbucks which is eager to increase its stores in China from 2,000 at present to 3,400 by 2019.”

companies in China is fairly understandable given the slowdown of the Chinese economy, said a Chinese daily, but added that the current difficulties of some foreign companies do not mean that the investment climate in China is worsening. An editorial “Foreign investors must adapt” in the China Daily on Monday said that the “sense of anxiety” among foreign companies in China is fairly understandable given the slowdown of the Chinese economy.

“As headwinds from its slower growth have forced many domestic enterprises into an increasingly tight corner, it is natural that more and more multinational companies have also felt the pinch.” “According to the Business Climate Survey recently released by the American Chamber of Commerce in China, 45% of respondents reported flat or declining revenues last year, with only 64% saying their China businesses were profitable-the lowest proportion in 5 years,” it said.

The daily added: “...the current

_

LEISURE

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

SUDOKU Game Number # 3472

new Delhi, January 25 (nDTV auTor): When Maruti Suzuki launched the Nexa showroom in India, the carmaker wanted to create a niche for itself in the ever growing premium segment. While the initial product S-Cross didn’t really help Maruti much in achieving its goals, it was later with the launch of the all-new Baleno that the carmaker started to see increase demand and more footfall. In fact the Baleno founds its way to the top 10 list of best-selling cars in December 2015. According to the information we have received the Baleno, with its new found popularity, currently commands a waiting period up to 6 months.

Launched at a starting price of 4.95 lakh, the Bale-

no premium hatchback is bit more value for money product when compared to its closest rival the Hyundai Elite i20. With segment first feature like apple car play and standardisation of ABS and Airbags, it’s no wonder that the Maruti Baleno has become so popular among Indian car buyers. And this growing demand has resulted in a waiting period that currently scales between 3 to 6 months depending on the dealership.

We spoke to some of these Nexa dealerships and confirmed the waiting period for the Baleno. While some of them claimed a waiting period of 3-4 months, others were placed it at 5 months. A few of

DAILY CROSS WORD

CROSSWORD # 3484

Answer Number # 3471

these Nexa dealers even quoted a waiting period of 6 months. Moreover Maruti Suzuki India has recently increased the price of the Baleno across variants, which have gone up from 5,000 to 12,000.

Coming to the car itself, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno currently packs a 1.2-litre K-series petrol engine producing 83bhp and 115Nm of peak torque and the 1.3-litre DDiS diesel engine deve l o p i ng 74bhp

DIMAPUR Civil Hospital:

and 190Nm of peak torque.

Transmission duties are handled by both a 5 speed manual gearbox and a 5-speed CVT unit. What’s more is that that company will also introduce a more powerful turbocharged 1.0-litre BoosterJet engine at the 2016 Auto Expo, which will be capable of churning out 110bhp and develop 130Nm of peak torque.

STD CODE: 03862 232224; Emergency229529, 229474

Metro Hospital: Faith Hospital:

227930, 231081 228846

Shamrock Hospital

228254

Zion Hospital:

231864, 224117, 227337

Police Control Room

228400

Police Traffic Control

232106

East Police Station West Police Station

227607 232181

CIHSR (Referral Hospital)

242555/ 242533

Dimapur hospital

224041, 248011

Apollo Hospital Info Centre:

230695/ 9402435652

Railway:

131/228404

Indian Airlines

229366

Nagaland Multispe- 248302, cialty Health & 09856006026 Research Centre

W

O

R

PIRATES AHOYMATEY ANCHOR ARRR AVASTMEHEARTIES BANDANA BLIMEY BOOTY BUCCANEER CANNON CAPTAIN DOUBLOONS HORNSWAGGLE ISLAND JOLLYROGER LANDLUBBER PARROT PEGLEG PIECESOFEIGHT PILLAGE PISTOL RUM SCALLYWAG SEADOG SHARKBAIT SHIVERMETIMBERS SPYGLASS SWAB SWASHBUCKLER SWORD THREESHEETSTOTHEWIND TREASURECHEST WALKTHEPLANK YOHOHO THARSHEBLOWS

G V O P P I S T O L E V N F J S V E Z Y

D

I W G P G G P J L Y V P L S A G P A H J

S W A S H B U C K L E R P A P S V I O J

S

L N M N H V Q X U D N I A T P A C S R I

A D F S P I L L A G E R P A S D S C N J

E

N Z F H Y X V F O C N N O T I W S A S Z

D T V A R E D E E P X O M B O B N L W Q

T O P R G T T S R Y E E N L G A O L A Q

A

V R Z K K O O A E M H G B N D A O Y G R

G R E B B F D M M E E E L N A N L W G E

J A G A E A I A A Y H T A E O C B A L B

R

L P D I S L W R E S O B I Y G H U G E B

E I G T B U T S R S K H O M L O O A D U

A H F L F I R A Y R R R A F B R D U H L

C

T H R E E S H E E T S T O T H E W I N D

A H C S A T B U C C A N E E R D R X A N

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

H

Y T O O B Y O H O H O W F A U I R S D A

W C K J R B V M U R E G O R Y L L O J L

U R P E H D U Z G N S S A L G Y P S W N

R O N H R K N A L P E H T K L A W P I S

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

ACROSS

1. Plod along 5. Lawful 10. Coarse file 14. Vagabond 15. Got up 16. Dwarf buffalo 17. Frosts 18. Pilotage 20. The science of matter and energy 22. Helps 23. Citrus drink 24. Verse 25. Immersion 32. Tall woody plants 33. A low-mass chargeless particle 34. Legislation 37. End ___ 38. Accomplishing 39. Hindu princess 40. Indian bread 41. French for “Room” 42. Pertaining to the oceans 43. Compulsively 45. Strict 49. Consumer Price Index 50. Diadem 53. A punch of sweetened ale 57. Deductive

DOWN

1. Transport commercially 2. Lake (Scottish) 3. Comply with 4. Diaphanous 5. Cavalry member 6. Historical periods 7. Governor (abbrev.)

8. Largest continent 9. Lower limbs 10. Relative magnitudes 11. Licoricelike flavor 12. Lampblacks 13. Large-flowered garden plant 19. Type of poplar tree 21. Midmonth date 25. Render unconscious 26. Constellation bear 27. Existed 28. Prisons (British) 29. Banish 30. 9 9 9 9

31. Sprocket 34. Wash 35. A Freudian stage 36. Cunning 38. Apply gently 39. Enchants 41. Lad 42. Bites 44. Anagram of “Rascal” 45. Little rascal 46. Laser printer powder 47. Muse of love poetry 48. Parts portrayed 51. French for “State” 52. Novice 53. Merchandise 54. Relating to aircraft 55. Press 56. Not a win 58. Bird call Ans to CrossWord 3483

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

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

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

Toll free No. 1098 childline

WE4WOMEN HELPLINE 08822911011

MOKOKCHUNG:

KOHIMA NORTH: 7085924114 (O)

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

CHILD WELFARE COMMITTEE 59. Protagonist 60. Distribute 61. A kind of macaw 62. God of love 63. Not amateurs 64. Tall structure 65. Male offspring

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

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

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

KOHIMA

FIRE STATIONS

STD CODE: 0369

Police Station 1:

2226241

Police Station 2 :

2226214

Civil Hospital: Woodland Nursing Home:

2226216 2226263

Hotel Metsüpen (Tourist Lodge):

2226373/2229343

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

CURRENCY NOTES

222246 222491

BUY(Rs)

SELL(Rs)

66.54 94.12 8.24 45.55 46.16 45.34 56.89

69.55 98.67 9.17 47.79 48.42 47.56 60.11

Euro

72.9

76.42

Thai Baht

1.77

1.98

0.0531

0.0591

42.39

44.48

9.76

10.87

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

Korean Won New Zealand Dollar Chinese Yuan

TuesdAY 26•01•2016

NAGALAND

Three held for extortion, NE groups carrying out opium cultivation & trade: AR illegal firearms & drugs Dimapur, January 25 (mExn): The Dimapur Police during the last fortnight has arrested three persons on charges of extortion,possession of illegal firearms and drugs.

In a press note received here, the Addl. Dy Commissioner of Police/PRO, Dimapur informed that the arrests were made in two separate occasions.

The first arrest was made by patrol section of B/11 NAP(IR) from the Blue Hill Area, Dimapur when one person identified as Atoka Achumi, reportedly a ‘Sgt Major’ of the NSCN(R), was nabbed extorting money in the vicinity on January 15. One .32 pistol with 5 live rounds was seized from his possession, the police added.

In another case, the patrol section of the C/13 NAP (IR) arrested one per-

son from Rail Bazaar for illegal possession of a .22 pistol with one live round.

The PRO release identified the accused as Temsuliba Jamir, reportedly a ‘Major’ of GPRN/NSCN. Meanwhile, one person identified as Babul Ali from Morigaon District, Assam was arrested from the Dimapur Railway Station on January 23 for possession of 65 tablets of Ativan (sedative).

The sedatives were used to lace the drinks and eatables of the passengers in the trains and thereafter, loot them while sedated, the police said. Investigation on the matter is under progress, Police recover vehicles, four arrested The Dimapur police have also recovered two vehicles and arrested 4 persons for various vehicle related crimes in the past

fortnight around Dimapur.

According to the police, the first arrest was made when it seized a Toyota Etios car bearing Assam Registration number on the verge of disposing discreetly to claim false insurance on January 23.

In this connection, the owner of the vehicle identified as Monaranjan Kalita along with two others Karan Das and Netash Majumdar, all residents of Dibrugarh, Assam were arrested.

According to the police, they were in the process of discreetly disposing off the vehicle when arrested.

The vehicle which was brought under bank finance with first party insurance was meant to be sold off illegally by the owner in connivance with the others, the police maintianed adding that a false lost report was to be lodged with the police once

the transaction was done.

In a separate occasion, one person identified as Jalaluddin of Thoubal District Manipur, suspected to be a professional vehicle lifter, was arrested while he was caught trying to steal a motorcycle on January 24.

The police said 28 sets of different motorcycle keys were also recovered from his possession.

Meanwhile, a Toyota Innova Car, reportedly hijacked from Assam on January 16 was recovered by Dimapur Police on January 21. The vehicle was found plying within the city and fled on being chased by the police, the PRO release informed adding that it was later found abandoned in the nearby vicinity. The vehicle was handed over to Dibrugarh Police under whose jurisdiction a case has been registered, it added.

Kohima, January 25 (mExn): The PRO of the Assam Rifles, Kohima has alleged through “various intelligence inputs” that NSCN (K), ULFA (I) and KLO are “carrying out opium cultivation and trade in Kachin Province of Myanmar.”

A press release from PRO Assam Rifles, Kohima, today alleged that NSCN Khaplang cadres are “into cultivation and transportation of opium, but the same has been consistently denied by Khaplang.”

Based on a recent picture “uploaded” on social media by a senior leader of NSCN Khaplang group and Finance in-charge of Nagaland “with poppy cultivation in the background,” the PRO said that this “substantiates the claim made by various intelligence agencies that NSCN (K) is thriving on drug trafficking and opium trade.”

“On social media Self Styled Col Isak Sumi claims that it is poppy crop in the background close to Kachin–China border,” noted the PRO, thereby drawing the conclusion that NSCN (K) is “using the illicit money earned through narcotics to procure war like stores, training of their cadres and running camps for training other militant outfits on a purely mercenary basis.”

The PRO Assam Rifles went on to note in the press release that the “involvement of NSCN(K) in drug trafficking is posing serious problems for the Naga society in particular and North Eastern region as a whole.”

Concerned, the PRO stated, “Easy accessibility to drugs (Marijuana, Synthetic Drugs like ATS, Methaqualone or Mandrax, Methamphetamine, Ketamine, Opirates etc)

and other contraband in Nagaland are rapidly engulfing the youth thus weakening the traditions and rich culture of Nagaland.”

With a word of advice, the PRO cautioned, “Drug trafficking in the region will keep simmering the insurgency unless the people of Nagaland stand against it and tackle the menace of drug trafficking.”

GPRN/NSCN cadre arrested Meanwhile, acting on reliable input regarding the movement of armed cadres in 7th Mile, Chumukedima, 37 Assam Rifles under the aegis of 6 Sector Assam Rifles conducted a successful operation and arrested an armed GPRN/NSCN cadre on January 19.

According to an AR press note received here, the cadre, a “Second Lieu-

tenant” of GPRN/NSCN was intercepted around 8:30 AM from the vicinity after a surveillance was mounted and the suspected individual was spotted positively.

The AR identified the accused as Isak Khiamniungan, a resident of Old Pangsa under Tuensang district presently residing in a Designated Camp.

One .22 Rifle with magazine and one mobile phone (Nokia) were recovered in his possession, it added.

Claiming that the arrested cadre is likely to be involved in “arms peddling activities” in the area, the AR maintained that his action was in contravention to the Ceasefire Ground Rules.

The cadre and recovered weapon were handed over to Diphupar Police Station on January 20, AR further informed.

GBs in Dmp IMFL seized, one arrested Commuting informed to D i m a p u r , J a n u- identified as R Rai was dispruted in Naga woman honoured by Union Ministry attend ary 25 (mExn): One booked under NPLT Act R-Day person was arrested and 1989 and the seized arti- Longkhim Area Dimapur, January 25 (mExn): The G.B Union Dimapur are requested to positively attend the 67th Republic Day celebration at DDSC Stadium on January 26. A press note from Dimapur GB Union Chairman further informed all the GBS to reach the venue sharply by 8AM. President Pranab Mukherjee with the Women Achievers of India selected by the Ministry of Women & Child Development in collaboration with Facebook vide contest through Public Nominations, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on Friday. 51 years old Neibanuo Angami from Nagaland, the proprietor and caretaker of Kohima Orphanage & Destitute Home (KODH) is as one of India’s 100 Women Achievers.

Kohima, January 25 (Tnn): A woman from Nagaland, who runs Kohima Orphanage and Destitute Home (KODH), is one of India's 100 women achievers honoured by the Union ministry of women and child development (MWCD) in recognition to Indian women's contribution in different fields.

Neibanuo Angami (51) was selected under the category of disability and disadvantage and was felicitated with 99 other achievers selected from across the country at a reception lunch hosted by President Pranab Mukherjee at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday.

Neibanuo has 83 chil-

dren under her care at the KODH which was founded by her mother, the late Zaputuou Angami, on April 16, 1973. Zaputuou served as chairman, KODH, and run this home for 38 years till her demise. She died on March 24 , 2011.

An elated Neibanuo said, "It's like a dream that I have been accorded this

honour. I was not even aware that I was nominated,. I am only trying to follow in my mother's footsteps, taking care of the disadvantaged. It is the people of Nagaland who are actually taking care of our children at our home through their various contributions. It is a collective effort," she said.

Editor, Nagaland Page

I

n any self-respecting democracy, the National Voters’ Day is a sacred day ~ well, it ought to be a sacred day. This is the day when the Voter is supposed to get her ultimate say in the direction country ought to take, in the affairs of the nation and in who she feels is qualified to manage the country on her behalf. Unless this is facilitated and the Voter makes full use of this facilitation by exercising her right and duty, democracy is just another exercise in futility and vacuous theatrics.

There are two aspects of the National Voters’ Day, I would like to underscore today: (1) the importance of the Voter and the imperatives of voting, and (2) The uniqueness of democracy as a system of governance and a culture of a people, which hinges on the Voter and her right and duty to vote.

On the first score, let me do some plain speaking. If the Voter is considered simply as a means to garner majority votes, then we insult both the Voter and the very essence of democracy. In other words, the Voter is not meant to be herded like cattle on Election Day and persuaded to vote for this or that candidate through unethical means.

As a natural corollary, it is imperative that the environment is created for the Voter to be educated and engaged in what’s happening around her as well as allowed to use her realities and experiences to help her decide what she hopes to gain by voting. Side by side, it is also very imperative that the Voter exercises her right and duty so that her life and her future are not abdicated by elements that have little or no interest in serving her and the nation. Yes, the National Voters’ Day is sacred

because it reminds us of, and underscores, our rights and duties as citizens of a democracy that has emerged as a system, a way of life, to centrestage the individual, as well as to bind and raise the nation as a shelter for all citizens.

On the second score ~ a democracy that alienates, marginalizes, suppresses and oppresses its citizens, except on Election Day, is a reality in several countries and it can happen to any country, any time hence it is imperative that the Voter prevents such a catastrophe. It is the Voter, who must shoulder the main responsibility of preserving and promoting the unique characteristics of democracy as a system and culture of governance, as well as a culture of the people’s day-to-day interface in all spheres and aspects of human activities.

This is too grave a matter to leave solely in the hands of Governments and political parties, whose focus is more on power plays than on what matters to the governed. It is said that the Government’s power emanates from the will of the people. The National Voters’ Day is also a reminder that we need to exercise the will of the people without fear or favour to preserve the uniqueness of democracy as a system of governance and a culture of a people so that the human spirit is never stifled and human dignity upheld.

Today we are observing the National Voters’ Day on the theme Inclusiveness and Qualitative Participation. I feel the need to underscore another issue based on the theme. What are our perspectives and definitions of “Inclusiveness: and Qualitative Participation”? Let us look at how elections are conducted in Nagaland. It is a general practice here that village councils, as well as

family, clan, tribal and range unions, all men-only clubs, do the selection and endorsement of candidates ~ women are totally excluded from this decision-making process. Does this practice, this process, strike you as “Inclusive” and “Qualitative Participation”? In fact, this practice, this process, negates the very essence and ethos of modern democracy.

For one, by excluding a major segment of Voters - women by the virtue of their sex in the decision-making process, the electoral democracy here is incomplete hence fructuous, Secondly, this practice, this process, negates the very principle of one-personone-vote because once the village councils, and/or the family, clan, tribal and range unions select and endorse a candidate, all within that jurisdiction is expected, even compelled, to vote for that candidate alone. And to add insult to injury, in a number of areas in Nagaland, a few so-called leaders, or even selected youths, are entrusted to vote in the place of all voters of that area.

Unless this practice is stopped, I see no point in getting into a academic discussion on “Inclusiveness and Qualitative Participation” vis-à-vis Voters’ rights and duties in the democratic process. Yes, we can quote our cultural and traditional practices of democracy vis-à-vis Article 371(A) of the Indian Constitution but we must also note that election to the Parliament and the State Assemblies that are conducted by the Election Commission of India are not done under the purview of Article 371 (A). Having come thus far in all aspects and spheres of modern human activities, it is time for us to draw the lines between the cultural and the traditional and the modern and the constitutional. Per-

haps drawing this line would help us emerge from the development and other quagmires we are drowning in. It then is the responsibility and the constitutional obligation of the Election Commission of Nagaland to ensure that no Voter is excluded from the electoral process on the basis of sex or any other consideration, if inclusiveness is to be achieved and our democracy made more vibrant. It is equally the responsibility of the citizens and the Voters, to ensure that none of us are excluded from exercising our right and shouldering our duty on the basis of cultural and traditional biases and prejudices that differentiates and discriminates.

All this can happen only when we strive for qualitative participation, which connotes awareness of, and education and engagement in things that are happening to us and around us. But this qualitative participation again is dependent on inclusiveness. The two are inextricably linked to each other and must be worked at side-by-side. It is not too difficult a task if what I have said earlier is kept in mind: (1) the importance of the Voter and the imperatives of voting, and (2) the uniqueness of democracy, as a system of governance and a culture of a people, which is tied to the Voter and her right and duty to vote. Ultimately, it all depends on how we look at democracy and our place in it, as well as how we perceive ourselves and the place of democracy in our lives. This should help us realize and acknowledge how sacred the National Voters’ Day is and more so our rights and duties in exercising our votes in the larger scheme of respecting the essence, the ethos and the practice of democracy as crucial to uphold the human spirit and human dignity.

cle were kept in its Mobile Squad Malkana.

The Superintendent further requested feedback or information from the public pertaining to stock of illegal liquor or drugs so that the department would deal with it “sternly as per the provision of law.”

Kuhuboto Ghakhu Public Organization resolves to stop 'all illegal taxations'

Dimapur, January 25 (mExn): The Kuhuboto Ghakhu Public Organization (KGPO) has resolved to stop all sort of illegal taxations by all Naga political groups (NPGs) under Kuhuboto Area jurisdiction.

It was decided at its executive council meeting

on January 22 in which the house re-affirmed a previous Kuhuboto Baghi Resolution no. 3 dated August 4, 2015 to stop all illegal taxations by NPGs, a press note from KGPO President Ghosito Shohe and General Secretary, Z Ato informed.

The KGPO further directed all NPGs not to take any sort of taxation on Kuhuboto Area roads adding that they can approach the concern village council chairman or Head G.B for “any form of normal taxation under Kuhuboto jurisdiction."

Dimapur, January 25 (mExn): Vehicular movements in Longkhim Sub-division in Tuensang District will remain effected due to failure of a steel bridge between Mangakhi Village and New Sangsamong Village.

A press notification from Deputy Commissioner of Tuensang, Alem Jongshi citing report from Executuve Engineer, PWD NH-III said that while emergency restoration work started, it would take two days to complete the same.

In this connection, the general public as well as operators of Taxis, Night Buses, and trucks are informed not to ply on the road with effect from January 26-27. The DC further suggested the commuters to take alternative route- Longsa-ShuruhotoLongkhim Road- till the restoration is completed.

Public SPace

NVD: Inclusive and Qualitative Participation Monalisa Changkija

402 bottles of IMFL/Beer were seized by the excise officials during its regular checking at New Field Check Gate, Dimapur. The duty party was lead by AIE Rukriezetuo.

A press note from the Superintendent of Excise (MS), Katoho Sumi informed that the accused

N

aga language must be originated from its own roots or say, based on one of the tribes or local language. For me I prefer either Ao, Angami or Chang Language to be the basis of Naga language.

It may be too late for us but it's right time when we think about new generation of the Nagas, after all what we do today is all for the sake of the youngsters. A day is coming

ON NAGA LANGUAGE soon, if we continue to go by todays way of speaking, when a Bangali guy will say, " Naga aru Bangali tu eaki asetu na, kile koile khuri tu khuri, pani tu pani pule amakhan sophe koiase tuna". That time some Naga boys and girls will say, "yes", which is the vanishing point of Naga identity. But some wise Boys and Girls of the time will curse us saying, "our forefathers have ruined our foun-

dation, we don't have even our own language". I don't want to bear such condemnation from our sons and daughters, if you are with me then come on let us form Naga language committee.

My first idea would be to say,' counting of numbers from 1-10. Here some two or three numbers may differ but the rest resembling, like Nyi, Any, Ana, Khenie etc for 2. Nga, Punga, Ngou,

Pongou etc for 5. Coming to materials, let us first use the materials used and accustomed by our ancestors like fire and stone etc. Mi, Ami etc for fire, of course we the Konyak called mostly 'Vun'.

Why should we then call it joi? Likewise long, along, yong etc for stone, because it would be very strange for the Nagas to adopt and call ‘Pathur’ for stone.

D. Tongmeth Wangnao

The Farcical Nagamese: A Gaze into the Crystal Ball

I

ndividuals and organizations have cautioned over making Nagamese an official language upon conscious and sensible grounds. On the other hand, the fact remains that ‘Nagamese’ is the lingua franca to the wider spectrum of the Naga population. It emerged by natural evolution inside the scientific laboratory of chemistry embroiling Assamese, Bengali, English and Hindi etc. Apparently, with the status of being an automatic natural outgrowth, it is user-friendly, neighborfriendly and a uniting lingo, spoken from the market-place to the corridors of power.

In academic parlance, ‘A language is a system of conventional vocal signs by means of which human beings communicate’. To quote Lewis Thomas, the biologist and author; “The gift of language is the single human trait that marks us all genetically, setting us apart from the rest of life. Language is, like nestbuilding or hive-making, the universal and biologically specific activity of human beings. We engage in it

communally, compulsively, and automatically. We cannot be human without it; if we were to be separated from it our minds would die, as surely as bees lost from the hive”.

English belongs to the Germanic branch of the Indo-European languages viz., Indo-Iranian, Hellenic, Celtic, Italic, Balto-Slavic and Germanic. Most scholars agree that the original group of people that spoke Proto-Indo-European, the language which would later spilt into a number of branches, including the Germanic branch, lived somewhere between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea some 6000 years ago.

This population then expanded/migrated eastward, westward and northward and thereby came to inhabit most of Europe and parts of Western Asia. Assamese, Bengali and Hindi are also bequeathed from these same common origin.

The history of English is a story of cultures in contact during the past 1,500 years. The growth and popularity of English in one aspect is attributed to the fact that the vocabulary of Eng-

lish was borrowed freely from languages across the world. Political, Economic, and Social forces shape the language in every aspect, most obviously in the number and spread of its speakers. Moreover, English, like all other languages, is subject to the scientific principles involved in linguistic evolution, growth and decay that characterizes all forms of life.

The assorted Naga dialect belongs to the TibetoBurman language of SinoTibetan language family.

Tibeto-Burman languages are spoken throughout the highlands of Southeast Asia as well as parts of East Asia and South Asia. Despite the fact that the Naga dialect shares its common origin with the Sino-Tibetan language family, there is a vacuum in its socioeconomic-political reality.

Using Chinese, Japanese, Tibetan or any other Southeast Asian script to develop Naga script might be possible nevertheless it would be awkward. Coining or inventing Naga script and common language may also be achievable yet it will require centuries for its

common usage.

None of the Naga dialects from the 65 - 77 odd tribes or for instance; Ao, Angami, Chokri, Tangkhul or Sumi can be levelheadedly used as a common language to replace ‘Nagamese’. Nearest choice away from Nagamese as an official common language falls to either Hindi or English which are already notified by Government of India as official language. While, languages cannot be forced down one’s throat, the challenge remains whether it will be worthwhile developing an alternative official Naga common language. Apart from the de facto mother tongue - “Nagamese” for many of the contemporaneous Naga generations.

The extent and importance of “Nagamese” as a language today make it reasonable to ask whether we can speculate as to the probable position it will occupy in the future, growth in a language is primarily a matter of population of its speakers.

V.T. Chakhesang vt.chakhesang@gmail.com Nagaland, Kohima.

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

6

tuesDAY 26•01•2016

IN FOCUS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

The Power of Truth

The Morung Express volume Xi issue 24

Politics of Ethnic & Tribal Conflict There is an urgency to transcend present categorizations and labels created by the State and recover the organic and shared relations between peoples

I

n contemporary politics, the State has ensured that it monopolizes ‘war’ and thus enjoys the prerogative of defining what amounts to ‘war.’ The problems and challenges arising out of these wars have emphasized the ‘centralizing’ and ‘nationalizing’ character of the ‘modern state.’ The unwillingness of ‘states’ to confront and address legitimate aspirations of people have enhanced a spiral of political violence on the ground. Further, most governments have chosen to categorize indigenous peoples struggle as ‘ethnic conflicts’ or ‘tribal wars.’ It is tragic that history has reached a time where social movements and political struggles for basic rights are being referred as ‘ethnic conflict.’

For those closely following liberation struggles would have noted that it is the oppressor who determines the nature of conflict and not the oppressed. Often in order to maintain their security and cohesiveness, mobilization for safety and protection takes place along lines of ‘identity and ethnicity.’

However, it would not be fair to define these acts of mobilization as ‘ethnic.’ The notion that a political conflict is ‘ethic’ grows when there is failure to recognize the underlying political issues that have caused the acrimony.

It is common practice for States to draw boundaries arbitrarily, thus feeding and surviving upon divisive policies.

These state boundaries often ignore the historical and traditional relationships shared between different communities.

The objective is to enforce a state identity and to instill fear, insecurity and division over resources and territory between communities.

Further divisions are created when electoral policies are drawn on ethnic lines. These deliberate policies divert attention and focus of indigenous people away from challenging the legitimacy of the state. While in essence the claim of a people to exist with dignity is in direct confrontation with the State, the State with great sophistication and guile diverts the State-People conflict into a People-People conflict through the policy of divide and rule which is pursued and implemented with catastrophic affect.

The ploy in creating an image of the ‘other’ is a dehumanizing process that personalizes the identity and nature of the ‘other.’ In time, those who are not like you, or those who do not share the same values and lifestyles are perceived as being a potential threat to ones existence. This form of psychological warfare makes people insecure while increasing their need to constantly reaffirm and manifest their identity for their survival. As a result time collapses and identity is frozen in time.

The space for negotiating is reduced because it is in the nature of a state to ensure assimilation into the dominant mainstream, threatening the very core of people’s identity. Identity, when perceived as a source of conflict has frightening consequences. Furthermore, resources of resolution to such conflicts are reduced extensively because the real political issues have been sidelined by the State and there are no clear lines between armed combatants and non-armed civilians.

All this increases the need to transcend present categorizations and labels created by the State and recover the organic and shared relations between peoples.

lEfT wiNg |

IANS

India needs to urgently resolve healthcare issues: Experts say

I

ndia urgently needs to resolve issues pertaining to its healthcare sector in the light of the gross neglect the sector has witnessed over the years, experts have suggested.

Participating in a two-day conference here on universal health coverage, various experts on Sunday opined that the country's healthcare sector has suffered monumental neglect due to politics steering the policy making decisions even as the crumbling healthcare system failed to deliver quality services to people.

"The 12th Five Year Plan said it will be the health plan but soon after funds dried up," said T. Sundararaman, dean, School of Health Systems Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences at the international conference on 'Delivering On the Promise of Universal Health Coverage in India: Policy Options and Challenges'.

Speaking at a session to discuss the current bills and legislation aiming at fulfilling the promise of universal health coverage, Sundararaman said the fund crunch for the healthcare sector started much before the present government.

He highlighted some of the key issues adversely affecting the growth of healthcare sector including "re-positioning the role of states, contradictory assessment of the National Rural Health Mission, contradictions in human resource policy and a gap between expectations and reality in private sector engagement".

Anjali Chikersal, senior fellow, Centre for Policy Research, highlighted some of the key human resource problems faced by the healthcare sector.

"The first thing we need is availability of data," she said, adding India has critical shortage of manpower in the sector "but we also have imbalances".

She said the World Health Organisation recommends one doctor per 1,000 people but India has a doctor to population ratio of 1: 1,428. "74 percent doctors are in urban areas where they cater to only 31 percent of the population."

Chikersal said the National Commission for Human Resources for Health (NCHRH) Bill, which sought to regulate health education by bringing it under a single umbrella council had to be abandoned due to stiff opposition from different bodies.

Ravinder Singh Duggal, country coordinator, International Budget Partnership, discussed the prospects for the 'National Health Rights Bill' and said: "We are producing adequate number of doctors but we do not capitalise on that."

He said India needs to have a consolidated health bill as "our approach to health is very fragmented".

Speaking on the way forward, Richard Cash, senior lecturer on global health, Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, said India needs to "learn from others, especially from those who share like experiences".

"Don't wait for the perfect moment to arrive," he said.

Ajith M. Sharan, secretary, Ministry of AYUSH, said: "We need to look at different kind of paradigm" with more focus on paramedics, given the challenges faced by the healthcare sector in India.

"There are 700,000 trained AYUSH practitioners in India today and we need to integrate them officially into the system," he said, adding, "but there is a fear that many of the AYUSH doctors won't be able to impart quality services after a bridge course.

C O M M E N T A R Y

Phil Wilmot Waging Nonviolence

The Grandmothers, The Minister and Nonviolence

I

n virtually all subjects of study — mathematics, history, science, arts, religion — the African continent takes a back seat in the priorities of academia. Unfortunately, the majority-black nations of Africa have also been sidelined in news and research on nonviolence.

I’m regularly scoping out the social change terrain in hopes of finding something definitive and innovative that the people in my environment are contributing to the global development of nonviolent strategy or the understanding of peace and justice. What I think I’ve found is a new understanding of metaphysics – the understanding of what reality is and how it works.

In April, Uganda witnessed a very successful nonviolent demonstration led by elderly women in Amuru District, who stripped naked in protest of an attempted land grab by the Ministry of Lands and the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The ministers of both of these branches of government turned their convoys around upon witnessing this “abomination,” as some residents called it. The military occupation in the area was called off shortly thereafter, and leaders across various sectors convened to discuss how to move forward, with several pro-people resolutions passed. Within a few weeks, similar actions took place in other parts of the country.

Despite the action’s success, something irked me about the land grabbers’ response. Allies of the land grabbers accused the Amuru women of behaving violently rather than settling the dispute through dialogue. (Nevermind the fact that the land grabbers had regularly refused calls to dialogue directly with residents of the community.) Violence? None was apparent to me, certainly not in a physical sense.

Maybe they were just sore losers, I thought. Then, something interesting happened.

On September 11, the 56-year-old minister of internal affairs, General Aronda Nyakairima, died mysteriously on a flight from South Korea to Dubai.

There were rumors that he — like others who might not have carried out President Museveni’s biddings with complete perfection — was poisoned. (Museveni did himself no favors to delegitimize this notion by behaving dubiously at the funeral.) But that wasn’t the only theory. Another one soon arose and gained significant traction: He had been killed by the Amuru women — fragile old ladies who never laid a finger on him and hadn’t even seen him for half a year.

While I’m certainly someone who believes in psychological power — after all, it must be the reason why placebos sometimes work — the idea of a cultural omen or curse killing someone was hard to conceive. But then, something else happened to further add to this seemingly unbelievable theory: the minister of lands, Daudi Migereko, lost his parliamentary seat in the ruling party primaries.

At the time, I was attending a workshop at a hotel that he owns, and I watched him staring petrified at the evening news leading up to the vote. I also remembered that back when he was confronted with the sight of the naked women, Migereko burst into tears (one anonymous contact from the minis office even informed me that the incident had had a longterm impact on the minister).

After Migereko lost the primary, many voices spoke out to congratulate the Amuru women for their victory in blocking his political advancements with their disrobing.

Still, a primary election loss is nothing compared to death. I couldn’t help but wonder, “Did the women commit violence against General Aronda? Did they actually kill him?”

In November, I was participating in a training of activists in Kampala, Uganda’s capital. One young man was present who had organized these Amuru women and their community on that April day. Our group dialogue deviated from its intended path, and we found ourselves discussing the incident and its alleged relationship to Aronda’s death.

“How many of you believe that Aronda died because he was poisoned by the government?” I asked.

A few hands rose.

How many of you believe that Aronda died because the women of Amuru stripped naked?”

Minister of internal affairs, Gen. Aronda Nyakairima, at the 2012 African Land Forces Summit. (Flickr / US Army Africa)

“Phil, we are Africans. Of course we believe that’s why he died,” interjected activist Hamidah Nassimbwa, speaking on behalf of the mostly well-educated group. The majority of the room raised their hands to concur that Aronda’s fatality originated in Amuru in April.

“Actually, it was not the stripping itself that initialized the curse,” said Leonard Okello, a cooperative organizer more conversant with traditional practices in northern Uganda. “It was the deliberate pointing of the women’s breasts at the ministers.”

“Alright,” I said. “Then how many believe the women committed an act of violence?”

All of the hands in the room dropped.

“So, if he died because of the curse,” I asked, “why was the disrobing itself not an act of violence?”

The activists explained exactly what I thought their response would be: Aronda’s death was his own fault because he refused to return to Amuru for the cleansing ceremony that was demanded by Amuru residents upon cursing him. The disrobing merely initialized a curse. It was a poison, yes, but it was delivered alongside a ready antidote contingent upon an admission of wrongdoing by the offender.

According to this belief, if you are able to own up to your mistakes and repent, you deserve to live and be reconciled with the community you have so long oppressed. Realistically speaking, the deal sounds rather forgiving coming from a community that has suffered years of random attacks, arsons, arbitrary arrests, a public execution, killing and theft of livestock, and unremitting intimidation.

I logged the interesting topic away in my memory as a mere intellectual musing, but a month later, I was training another group of mostly poorer, semiliterate male activists, and the concept of metaphysics and the role of the scientifically incomprehensible again resurfaced. The group, consisting largely of workers in the transportation sector, was constructing a strategy to address the dilapidated state of the roads. After determining the objectives of their campaign, they began planning actions that could help them build a critical mass among their sympathizers.

“Let’s find a pothole that has been around for too long,” said one participant. “I’ll stall someone’s car in it to cause some outrage as a traffic jam accumulates.”

Another participant chimed in. “When the car fails to start again, we can deem it a sign from the gods about the evil nature of those who have neglected our roads.”

While the scene they were preparing was more of an act of overly-dramatic invisible theater than anything else, I was still intrigued enough to ask whether they believed enough people would buy into this claim to gain popular support.

“Definitely,” one man said. “People just say they are Christians or Muslims for business purposes.

Most people in the capital city still run to their tra-

ditional healers whenever they are having marital problems.”

Understandings of metaphysics can run deeper than even the beliefs generated from most violent systems of dogmatic religion, capitalism or colonialism. The metaphysical aspects of our worldviews usually take more than a generation or two to change significantly, even as science rapidly evolves. This is the reason, after all, that physicalism — the notion that reality consists merely in the physical world — arguably informs the day-to-day practice of western religion more than belief in the transcendent (the basic pillar upon which such religions usually claim to rest).

Perhaps the western understanding of nonviolence, with its strategic tools, planning worksheets and quantitative evaluations does not adequately encompass a worldview conducive to social movements achieving their goals in the global south. (The preference of various African societies for long-term reconciliation and restorative justice would support this assertion, as does the fact that the African words for “peace” tend to be more all-encompassing and nuanced in their native languages.)

It may also be possible that I am overemphasizing the value of metaphysics — whether real or perceived. Perhaps my observations should fall into the already obvious principle in effective nonviolent strategizing known as “understand your cultural assets.” While I don’t want to romanticize the African continent as some enchanted land where the western laws of physics never apply, I think it would be equally inappropriate to disregard the indigenous knowledge of metaphysics — which often explains what modern science cannot — as laughable. This article is much less a hypothesis and much more a call to further study by academics more qualified than me.

Whatever the true reality and nature of curses, omens, metaphysics and nonviolence may be, I wonder to what extent we activists should consider it violent to bait opponents into becoming agents of their own demise. I have sympathy for Aronda inasmuch as he was a human being — and on top of that, one who sometimes made the right decisions for the common good. In the instance of grabbing land on behalf of his superiors (especially in a country where attempted land grabs are not really prosecuted), I have trouble feeling bad for him if he did indeed succumb to the weight of refusing a cleansing ceremony — something he had the complete capacity to control.

As practitioners of celebrated organizer Saul Alinsky’s principles can attest, “the threat of the thing is usually more terrifying than the thing itself.” Everyone I consulted who believes in the power of the Amuru women’s omen said it was the women who dug Aronda’s grave, but Aronda – through his deliberate inaction – who put himself in it.

We cannot help you here Fadia Farah

Governments and international organisations need to pay special attention to the needs of refugees with disabilities – or they will be lost in the shuffle

T

he first sign of trouble was when her son Wael’s doctors left their village in Syria. Trying to reach medical help elsewhere was dangerous. Then the schools closed. Each day, the bombs drew closer and closer— life as Kawthar knew it was over. With her country at war, her stability and safety crumbled. For the mother of a child with a disability, the situation quickly turned into a nightmare. So she fled Syria for Lebanon, where her husband was already working, with her three children – Mona, 15, Wael, 13, and Fouad, seven.

That was three years ago.

When the family arrived in Lebanon, she had a hard time finding accessible housing and schools. Wael

has Hunter’s syndrome – a condition that results in intellectual and physical disabilities. He needed a ground-level room and open spaces that allow light to enter. He needed a school that could accommodate him and help him learn.

Everyone displaced by conflict faces harsh realities – a sense of disorientation; not knowing what tomorrow will bring or where to go for help.

“My story is only one of two million,” Kawthar told me.

But what is unique to her experience is that Kawthar is also struggling to make sure that Wael’s needs are being met. The family finally found a place to live, but the nearby schools said they could not accommodate Wael and refused to admit him. Her children were rejected by another school that demanded original copies of vaccinations – hard to get for families on the run.

The school that would take them was far and Kawthar cannot afford the bus. She walks them one hour each way. Even there, Wael does not obtain the support he needs in the classroom

and school officials act as if she is a troublemaker if she presses them for accommodations.

Kawthar worries about her other children too, and that she’s been too busy chasing the help Wael needs to give him and his siblings the attention they require. “They are exhausted and not learning anything,” she said. She feels guilty all the time.

Wael was shuffled from doctor to doctor to try to find the care he needs.

All of them expressed concern about the complexity of his medical issues. In the absence of adequate support, and with the stress caused by his environment, his health is deteriorating and his condition is worsening. The doctors reiterated the same message: we cannot help you here.

Through word of mouth, she learned of a doctor in Beirut who might be able to help. He told her the same thing: “You need to leave because we have no way to help you here.” But he sent Wael’s file to UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, and urged them to take action.

wRiTE-wiNg

Although UNHCR began to process her application for refugee status and approved it 18 months ago, the procedure has stalled after her interview in Germany for potential resettlement two months ago. She doesn’t know what is holding up the process, so they continue to wait.

Under international treaties on refugees, children, and people with disabilities, Kawthar and her children have a right to health care and education, even in situations of conflict.

Kawthar wonders if their journey to safety will worsen Wael’s condition.

And not surprisingly, she has grown impatient in her wait. “I have tried everything,” she said. “But still, I’m here.”

This is what it means to be a refugee.

You lose your home, your citizenship. You crave a stable environment. And if your child has a disability, you struggle to obtain the essential care they need. In fact, you feel that you’re invisible even to the rescuers and again and again, you hear the refrain, “We cannot help you here.”

Governments and international organisations need to pay special attention to the needs of people with disabilities and their families – or they will be lost in the shuffle.

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

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

tuesDAY 26•01•2016

PERSPECTIVE

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

7

How to fight impunity in Mexico

Pietro Ameglio

“Arena of Mind” portrays a space for idea germination, a field where ideas from multi-disciplinary viewpoints fertilize the world of intelligence. The writers aspire to envision a new future by exploring the mind, discovering new seeds of insights and unleashing them to enlightenment.

The assassination of social activists, human rights militants, journalists and politicians in Mexico is a continuing criminal affair.

It feeds on the total impunity that the government guarantees its partners

CAN YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE? YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

O

n January, 2, Gisela Mota, mayor of Temixco (state of Morelos), was executed at her home within hours of taking office; on December, 23, Alberto Guzmán, neighbourhood leader of Chilpancingo was killed near his home; on December, 19, Martín Negrete, leader of the Peasant Worker Independent Popular Union (UCOPI) in Guanajuato was killed near his office; on December, 25, the son of Heraclio Rodríguez, the leader of the El Barzón movement in Chihuahua, was gunned down in Ejido Juárez; on December, 21, Nahua co-op members in Ayotitlán (state of Jalisco), sought protection from death threats for fighting for their land.

At the same time, the Chiapas civil pacifist organization Acteal Bees reminds us how, 18 years on, the slaughter of 45 Indians remains unpunished and the paramilitaries who by all accounts were responsible for it have been released on the grounds that "due legal process" safeguards were allegedly lacking. In Morelos, for the very same reason, the actual murderers of the Popular Revolutionary Front (FPR) social activist Gustavo Salgado are about to be released and the masterminds of the assassination – among them, according to the FPR, José Tablas, then mayor of Ayala – remain unpunished.

Amid these constant armed attacks, covered by state impunity at every level, a very good piece of news at the start of the new year has been the release “for lack of evidence” of Cemehí Verdía, the leader of the Ostula community guards, wrongly imprisoned from 19 July to 25 December 2015. It should be noted that his release has come as a result of determined resistance by the Nahua people of Ostula, and not through the normal performance of an official justice system that deprived him of freedom for several months, and that still holds hostage Nestora Salgado, leader of the Olinalá community police force; Dr. José Manuel Mireles, leader of the Michoacán self-defense groups fighting the Knights Templar drug cartel; other prisoners from the state of Guerrero indigenous self-defense Regional Coordination of Communal Authorities – Community Police (CRAC-PC); Enedina Rosas, activist against the Huexca pipeline project; numerous Zapatista prisoners...

How to stop the “murderous hand” that nurtures plundering and slaughter?

Clearly, there is no single path, nor is there any single reflection, that can provide an answer to this question. The solution must come through learning from the many experiences at all levels - analytical and tactical/strategic -, for the shape of the struggle varies from place to place and depends on both the available resources and the actors involved. In this sense, it is worth evoking some social struggles which have been taking place in recent weeks in Mexican society and try to reflect on their characteristics in order to explore the possibilities of organizing some further collective steps.

January is an important month for nonviolent civil resistance, for this is when the world remembers and pays tribute to two great radical social activists against inhumanity: Dr. Martin Luther King was born on January, 15, 1929, and Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on January, 30, 1948.

First and foremost, we must celebrate the 22nd anniversary of the War Against Oblivion of the Zapatista National Liberation Army (EZLN) against "bad governance". A statement from the EZLN highlights a fundamental proposal for the struggle: "Let us organize... let us prepare ourselves to fight, to change this life, to create another way of living, another way of governing ourselves". How

M

do the Zapatistas call this "other way of governing" that Gandhi called Constructive Program or Swaraj (self-rule)? They call it Autonomy. Organization and Autonomy thus become the two key parameters to fight so much inhumanity and impunity in Mexico today.

“Organizing" is a way to coordinate horizontally, respecting pluralism and multiculturalism as a means of uniting over and above differences, as a form of due regard for the agreements reached through consensus... This may be more readily understood from the long and extensive Mexican popular experience, permanently attacked by power through division, authoritarianism, co-optation and repression.

Building "autonomy" seems a less common and more complex experience, opposed to the dominant social order, difficult to achieve in a real and radical way (in the Marxian sense, i.e. going to the root). Gandhi said in his Constructive Program for India: "By autonomy I mean a government based on the political will of the people, defined as the maximum number of people contributing their own manual labor to the service of their country...

Self-government must be achieved by educating the masses to a sense of their ability to regulate and control power. " How to stop the current level of violence in Mexico will have to do either with the ongoing proposals of militarization, the creation of the National Gendarmerie, the Unified Command, the raising of the spiral of violence, etc. coming from the government, or with the community models, especially the peasant-indigenous police and community guards, the neighborhood police, where the people assume, from the standpoint of their own organization and social fabric, the control and direction of their own security. With the former model, which reproduces the dominant heteronomy and criminal power, peace is subsumed to the need for security - built from above through the sowing of insecurity -; with the latter, which reproduces the individual, local and communal autonomy, peace is subsumed to the need for justice and consensual social control.

From this social and conceptual base (Autonomy and Organization) taken from the Zapatistas and Gandhism - two historical experiences, with many things in common, regarding the humanization of our species -, let us examine four current Mexican experiences in social struggle pointing in a similar direction.

The commander of the Olinalá (state of Guerrero) Community Police, Nestora Salgado, unjustly imprisoned for 28 months for defending the security of her people against criminal gangs and the government that protects them, has decided to go on hunger strike coinciding with the new year – her second hunger strike in recent months: "I have

been left with no other choice than to use my own body as my last weapon to achieve freedom, or death" [1].

In late December, a communal assembly of Chol people supporting the EZLN Sixth Declaration of the Lacandon Jungle and members of the Ejido Commissary of Tila (Chiapas) decided to expel the mayor and the city officials (accused of reviving the Peace and Justice paramilitary group) in order to force the restitution of the lands that were taken away from them and, from there, to continue building their autonomy.

At the same time, on December, 20, Nahua people in Ostula blocked all the entrances to the Ternium Las Encinas iron mine in Aquila, demanding the release of their leader Cemehí Verdía and the revocation of other arrest warrants against them.

On December, 18, major unions and US and Mexican peasant social organizations announced the start of a boycott on Driscoll’s transnational corporation and other partners’ agricultural products, because these companies refuse to pay a fair minimum wage ($ 200 a day ) to Mexican laborers in San Quintín in Baja California. This boycott in Mexico adds up to the one already in force in the US by groups closely related to Céasr Chávez’s historical experience.

What do these four nonviolent civil resistance actions have in common?

According to Gandhi's proposal, about which the Zapatistas have taught us so much, one of the foundations of Autonomy is "the education of the masses to a sense of their ability to regulate and control power”. Delving further into this idea, Gandhi launched his Constructive Program saying: "The truth is that power lies with the people and is momentarily entrusted to whom the people choose as its representatives. Parliaments do not have power, not even existence, independently. To convince the people of this simple truth has been my task over the last twenty-one years. Civil disobedience is the repository of power. Imagine if all the people did not want to adapt to the laws of the Legislative and were ready to bear the consequences of their non-adherence..."

What all these actions come to show is how people are organizing to say Ya basta! (Enough is enough) to official and criminal violence and impunity. They are exploring different forms of social struggle along individual and collective noncooperation lines, starting from awareness of the fact that if the situation of violence and injustice continues, it is partly because we allow it to be – due to complicity, fear , indifference or lack of organization. By becoming aware of our responsibility in this and by organizing autonomously before official power, we are fighting to change things - for justice, peace and truth.

The global divide: knowledge into action Paul Rogers

A failing economic model is inflicting terrible damage on the biosphere. The agenda for worldwide change is here

A

recurring theme in these columns for the past fourteen years has been the steadily widening wealth-poverty divide whose leading dimension is now less a rich-country-vs-poor country one than that of a transnational elite presiding over a relatively sidelined majority.

This analysis itself must keep pace with the speed of change. Even a decade and more ago, the notion of a 'double elite' was useful. A fifth of the world’s population was drawing away from the remaining four-fifths, whether in terms of income or wealth; in both cases the rich minority had at a minimum an 80%-plus share. Beyond that, the core elite of perhaps 1% of the world’s people seemed to be accreting huge wealth at a remarkable rate.

The data now reported by Oxfam in Wealth: Having It All and Wanting More (January 2016) confirms the salience of this distinction, yet also – and much more importantly – highlights the rapidity with which the divide is widening, especially among that super-elite. The richest 1% (about 72 million people) are as wealthy as the other 99%; just 62 billionaires control as much wealth as half of the world’s people. In both of these areas, the divide has expanded at an accelerating rate while the poorest people get poorer still.

The basic contours of this great inequality are familiar. Very good

work on the topic has been done by, among others, Kate Pickett and Richard Wilkinson (The Spirit Level) and David Hulme (Global Poverty: Global governance and poor people in the post-2015 era). Again, however, the Oxfam report shows the sheer speed of the increase in the worldwide wealth-poverty chasm.

Oxfam also focuses on how to turn the problem round, including attention to enormous tax avoidance (rich individuals have placed $7,600 billion in offshore accounts, avoiding $190 billion in tax every year). The agency also recommends greater investment in public services and higher pay for the poorest sectors of society.

Making the links If the wealth-poverty divide has been a theme of the columns, so has the issue of climate change. The key argument is that a divided world where there are fundamental environmental limits to growth faces security dangers of a new type. In such circumstances, elite communities will try to control 'revolts from the mar-

gins'. But these will increasingly fail, leading to an even more profoundly unstable and violent world. The only option is a thoroughgoing rethink of security that moves towards a model rooted in equity and sustainability.

At a time when neo-liberalism remains so deeply entrenched in elite mindsets, and climate change is seen as a peripheral issue, it seems utter wishful thinking to expect that option to take hold. But there is positive news: both greater awareness of the dangers of the economic divide, and more serious consideration (at long last) of climate disruption.

In the latter case, the climate summit in Paris in November-December 2015 was timely in raising awareness.

There are many views of its outcome, among those who see it as a breakthrough, a failure, or a mere talkingshop. What cannot be doubted, however, is that actual climatic trends make the issue unavoidable.

This is illustrated by news published in the wake of the Oxfam report. 2015 was confirmed as the warmest year worldwide since ac-

curate records were first available.

Two additional elements are significant: 2014 had itself exceeded previous highs, and 2015 was substantially warmer. Moreover, the continuing tendency is of "a burst of heat that has continued into the new year and is roiling weather patterns all over the world” (see Justin Gillis, “2015 was hottest year on record so far”, New York Times, 21 January 2016).

The main explanation is that the background pattern in warming is now in synchronicity with the shortterm southern-oscillation 'wave' that had been in a cooling phase, and for a few years somewhat slowed the overall rate of global warming . This so-called 'pause' was much-loved and quoted by the denial community; but now that the two elements are working together it is highly likely that sustained warming will continue through the decade.

Overall, then, the two most important global trends – a neo-liberal economic model that is not fit for purpose and a biosphere that cannot cope with that model – should be far more readily recognised as society’s greatest challenge. Many columns in this series and countless studies from around the world have indicated the range of work now going on to develop new economic forms and respond to the urgent need to move rapidly towards ultra-low carbon economies.

There are indeed many reasons to be optimistic.

The challenge remaining is to convert knowledge and possibility into real action in the coming months and (few) years. The reports just published reinforce that message, suggesting that January 2016 might yet acquire a historic significance all of its own.

any people believe that they don’t have what it takes to make a difference to the world. They believe only people like Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Theresa, Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, Bill Gates, and the likes, are capable of making a difference. The truth is every one of us is put in this world to contribute and make a difference to the world in our own unique ways. It need not be something out of the world. It just needs to be something you do with the intention of ‘doing good’.

A young man used to regularly argue with God. ‘’O God’’ he used to say, ‘’you call yourself the creator of this world?You better know what a mess you’ve made in creating it this way. There is povery, hunger, inequality, injustice of all kinds, ethnic conflict, riots... and what not.’ God didn’t answer him for quite some time but the young man did not stop complaining. One day he asked God impatiently, ‘God are you deaf? Don’t you hear my queries at all? Why don’t you do something about making this world a better place?’’

This time God answered, He said ‘’my son, I agree with all that you say about the world but remember, I created you with the power to make a difference! Stop complaining and start working! You can make a difference.’’ There are so many ways that we can make a difference to the world.

How to Make a Difference * It Need Not Be an Enormous Task You already have what it takes to make the world a better place. Making a difference to the world may seem like an enormous task but it is in fact a collective effort of everyone to makea small contributions with a big heart. The size of the contribution is not what matters most. The key here is to have the heart to do it. * Start Now There is no one best time to start to make a difference to the world. You don’t need to wait till you have the time to share some love; you don’t have to wait till you make more money to share a slice of bread. Little efforts counts and you can start making small contributions today. *Your Contribution is never too small If you think that everything has been taken care of by somebody and your contribution is not going to make much of a difference, then you’re wrong. Can you imagine if everyone else starts to think the same way? In fact, it is our responsibility to seek ways to contribute, large or small. You don’t have to be concerned you’re only capable of making small contributions. What counts is the effort. *The Greatest Gifts of All Happiness and love are the two greatest gifts you can give to the world. Too often, we’re too indulged in our own gratifications that we forget there are people in this world that we can make a little happier and feel more loved.

As the saying goes, “To receive, you must first give.” The more you give, the more you’ll receive. Let us remind ourselves that in order to receive more happiness and love, let’s spread more of them first * Empower Other People You can change the world by helping one person at a time.

One of the ways to help someone is to empower the person. But how do you empower a person? We can be generous in giving praise and encouragement instead of criticism.

By praising and encouraging the person, you’d have helped him/her to accomplish what he/she is meant to be, and that would lead to more value being added to the world. * Seek to Make a Long-Lasting Effect This is Mr Disraeli’s version of ‘give a man a fish; you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish; you feed him for a lifetime.’

The good that we seek to do will make more of a difference when there’s a long-lasting effect rather than a temporary effect.

For example, if we make contributions to build a school, it will benefit many people for years to come.

And when more people receive education, they will in turn provide more value to the world. *Stop Whining and Do Something All the whining and complaining in the world is not going to make a difference to the world. It will only drain you of your precious energy from doing things that do make a difference.

Instead of whining and complaining, seek to use the time more productively by engaging in activities that matter. When it comes to making a difference, nothing matters more than taking actions. *Lead the Way Other than doing things to make a difference, we should also seek to influence others to start doing things that make a difference. And the best way to convince other people is to lead by example.

Start doing whatever is within your ability today. Start showing more concern and love to the people around you. Start to make monthly donations to your favourite charity. Start putting more effort in your work to increase the value output You are unique.

You are important.

You are special.

One song can spark a moment One Flower can wake the dream One tree can start a forest One bird can herald spring One smile begins a friendship One handclap lifts a soul One star can guide a ship at sea One word can frame the goal One vote can change a nation.

One doesn’t need to be Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa, and Thomas Edison to make a difference. The simple truth is that all of us can make a little difference wherever we are and whatever we do. Poverty and hunger will always be there, natural calamities and ethnic conflicts will continue to happen and there will always be people who take undue advantage of others , While we cannot stop this, we can and we are called to make a difference. This is all the more present scenario of our country where superstitions still abound and social evils thrive. Ahimsa and secularism are slowly moving backstage. Let’s not merely curse the darkness ‘let’s do something to cast the darkness out!

Believe in yourself’, you can make a difference!..

Every effort counts, no matter how small and insignificant it may seem. Just do something, and do something good.

Sr.Tincy SABS, Assistant Professor Dept of History, St. Joseph’s College, Jakhama.

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

8

TuesdAY 26•01•2016

INDIA

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

India, France sign Rafale fighter plane accord New Delhi, JaNuary 25 (reuTerS): India signed an inter-governmental pact on Monday to buy 36 French-built Rafale fighter planes, but the leaders of both countries said there was still work to do to finalise financial terms after months of talks.

The deal, worth an estimated $9 billion, was to have been the centrepiece of a visit to India by French President Francois Hollande, invited as guest of honour for Tuesday's Republic Day parade.

But Hollande and his host, Narendra Modi, both said further talks were needed to finalise the terms of the deal, which the Indian prime minister had announced when he visited France last spring.

Hollande described the deal on Rafale as "a decisive step", adding: "There remain financial issues which will be sorted out in a couple of days." However, Dassault Aviation, the aircraft-maker, said in a statement it expected a complete agreement on the planes in four weeks' time.

Both leaders played up their interest in cooperating in the fight against international militant groups, with Hollande saying France and its allies would strike "again and again" against Islamic State.

"ISIS is provoking us in the worst possible way," Hollande said, using an acronym for Islamic State, which controls parts of Syria and Iraq, and was behind several attacks on Paris in

MoUs signed between India & France

French President Francois Hollande (L) shakes hands with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a photo opportunity ahead of their meeting at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on January 25. (REUTERS Photo)

November that killed 130 time foe Pakistan. people.

The fighter deal is part of a $150-billion miliARMS DEAL tary overhaul India has Hollande and Modi launched, drawing global stepped into the Rafale deal arms makers into one of the last year, ordering govern- world's biggest markets. ment-to-government talks "France is a special after commercial nego- friend. Eighteen years ago, tiations with Dassault had France was the first councollapsed. try we signed a strategic The leaders agreed to partnership with. We are scale back the original plan now here to take it higher," for 126 Rafale planes to just Modi told a joint news con36 in flyaway condition, to ference after his talks with meet the Indian Air Force's Hollande. urgent needs, as it faces an In other business, assertive China and long- France's Alstom signed a

pact with Indian Railways to make 800 locomotives in India, a boost for Modi's drive to build a domestic industrial base and provide jobs to a growing workforce.

Hollande said an agreement for France's Areva to build six nuclear reactors in India should be concluded within a year. The two sides have been wrangling over the price of power from these units for more than a year.

Hollande and Modi have agreed to hasten the

nuclear talks and aim for construction to begin in early 2017, they said in a joint statement.

"From nuclear cooperation to railway locomotives, we are sowing the seeds of an ever-tightening web of cooperation between our two countries, " Modi said.

French companies will invest $10 billion in India over the next five years, chiefly in the industrial sector, Finance Minister Michel Sapin said earlier in New Delhi.

The following are the Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed between India and France after French President Francois Hollande arrived on an official three-day India visit: 1. MoU between India and France on purchase of 36 Rafale medium-range multi-role combat aircraft 2. ISRO and CNES Implementation Arrangement on hosting Argos-4 payload onboard India’s Oceansat-3 satellite 3. ISRO and CNES Implementation Arrangement on a future joint Thermal Infrared earth observation mission 4. Letter of Intent on CNES, France participation in ISRO’s next Mars Mission 5. Shareholding agreement on JV between Alstom and Indian Railways for production of 800 electric locomotives in Madhepura Bihar 6. Agreement between Indian Railways and SNCF, French Railways for joint feasibility study for the renovation of Ludhiana and Ambala railway stations 7. MoU between Food Safety & Stan-

dards Authority of India and ANSES in food safety 8. Partnership Agreement between Ministry of Personnel and Public Grievances and French on Cooperation in Public Administration 9. Declaration of Intent for conducting next round of Namaste France (Indian festival) in 2016 and Bonjour India (French festival) 2017 10.Cultural Exchange Programme for 2016-2018 11.Arrangement for establishment of an Indo-French Ministerial level Joint Committee on Science and Technology 12.MoU for Industry sponsored Ph.D. Fellowship between IIT Mumbai and Thales Systemes Aeroportes 13.Cooperation Agreement between IISER, Pune and ENS de Lyon (France) for joint research, teaching, exchange of personnel etc.

14.Agreement of Cooperation between CNRS, TB, UBO, UBS, ENSTA Bretagne,ENIB (French Universities) and IIT Mumbai in the field of Higher Education and Research.

'In India to strengthen cooperation against terror' New Delhi, JaNuary 25 (iaNS): French President Francois Hollande on Monday said his visit to India was aimed at strengthening and reinforcing "the cooperation against terrorism between our two countries".

"Today, there are all kind of terrorist threats that are hovering around countries such as India and France and one of the main aims of my visit here is to reinforce and strengthen the cooperation against terrorism between our two countries," Hollande said here.

He also said India and France will "work to improve economic relations in the field of agriculture and space".

The French president was given a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhawan here on his second day of his three-day visit to India.

Hollande said he was honoured to be the chief guest at the Republic Day in India.

Hollande began his visit on Sunday and Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke protocol to welcome him at Chandigarh.

SC/ST Amendment Dhirubhai Ambani, Sri Sri Ravi Parliamentary system 'ill-suited' for India Act to come into Shankar, Rajinikanth in Padma list JaiPur, JaNuary 25 (PTi): Former they would be better off with a presidential Union Minister Shashi Tharoor today said system of government. He said they reacted Parliamentary system was "ill-suited" to In- with horror," Tharoor said. effect from Tuesday New Delhi, JaNuary 25 The Congress Lok Sabha MP said India dian national character but the country was (PTi): Superstar Rajinikanth,

New Delhi, JaNuary 25 (aNi): The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2015 will come into effect from tomorrow.

The Act has more stringent provisions for prevention of atrocities against SCs and STs. President Pranab Mukherjee had given his assent to the bill on December 31 last year which was notified on January 1.

The key features of the amended law include new offences like tonsuring of head, or similar acts which are derogatory to the dignity of SCs and STs, garlanding with chappals, using or permitting manual scavenging, abusing in caste name, imposing social or economic boycott.

Exclusive Special Courts will be established for the expeditious disposal of cases.

The law also defines willful negligence and dereliction of duty of public servants at all levels.

founder of the Reliance empire late Dhirubhai Ambani, Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and media baron Ramoji Rao have been chosen for Padma Vibhushan, country’s second highest civilian award, this year. Former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Jagmohan, former DRDO chief V K Aatre, cancer specialist and chairperson of Adyar Cancer Institute Dr V Shanta and eminent Bharatnatyam and Kuchipudi dancer Yamini Krishnamurthi and classical vocalist Girija Devi and Indian-American economist Avinash Dixit have also been named for Padma Vibhushan on the occasion of this year’s Republic Day celebrations.

Noted actor Anupam Kher, singer Udit Narayan, former CAG Vinod Rai, chairperson of media group Bennett, Coleman & Co Indu Jain, sports star Sania Mirza and Saina Nehwal, spiritual leaders late Swami Dayanand Saraswati, Swami Tejomayananda and former US

Ambassador to India Robert Blackwill are among the 19 eminent people chosen for Padma Bhushan.

Industrialist Pallonji Shapoorji Mistry, Maruti Suzuki chairman R C Bhargava and eminent architect Hafeez Contractor also figure in the list of Padma Bhushan awardees.

Renowned sculptor Ram V Sutar, Manipuri theatre personality Heisnam Kanhailal, Hindi and Telugu writer Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad, Sanskrit scholar N S Ramanuja Tatacharya, Punjabi journalist Barjinder Singh Hamdard, gastroenterologist D Nageshwar Reddy and scientist A

V Rama Rao have been chosen for Padma Bhushan.

Senior lawyer Ujjwal Nikam, who was the prosecution counsel in the Mumbai terror attack case, actors Ajay Devgn and Priyanka Chopra get Padma Shri.

Actor, the late Saeed Jaffrey, CEO of MasterCard Ajaypal Singh Banga, archer Deepika Kumari, Bharatanatyam dancer Prathibha Prahlad, Gujarati folk musician Bhikhudan Gadhvi, Goa’s musician Tulsidas Borkar and scientist Onkar Nath Srivastava were among those who were named for Padma Shri awards.

"stuck" with it as it was conditioned to look at the British as "embodiment of everything".

He said it was difficult for Parliamentary system to work in a country as populous and as diverse as India. "One of the reasons we are stuck with this parliamentary system that is so ill-suited to Indian national character is because it was the system that the British ran and we were very well conditioned to look at the British as an embodiment of everything," he said.

Speaking on the last day of the Jaipur Literature Festival at a session entitled "On Empire", Tharoor was in conversation with British Labour Party MP Tristam Hunt and journalist Swapan Dasgupta about British imperial rule in India.

The former minister recalled reading about how Indian nationalist leaders had reacted with horror when Clement Attlee, a member of the Simon Commission, had suggested that the country would be better off under a presidential system.

"The Simon Commission came in 1930, to explore very theoretically, the idea of a future constitution. Clement Attlee, member of that commission, reported in his diary he suggested to Indian nationalist leaders that

should not necessarily be grateful to the British for institutions the country inherited.

"We then latched this on to our country with such diversity and extraordinary ranges of caste, creed, colour, culture, cuisine, conviction, costume and custom and expected it to work despite challenges of coalition government and we have done this in such a way that each MP is representing 2 million people. It is physically impossible to be in touch with all those you are representing."

In the session which was virtually a sequel to Tharoor's now-viral Oxford Union debate speech, he also said it was impossible to put a monetary value on historical reparations owed by Britain to India because the damage inflicted over 200 years was "colossal".

"One cannot possibly put a value, especially not a monetary value, on the colossal damage inflicted by Britain on India over 200 years," he said.

Hunt said the entire aspect of Britain's imperial history had earlier not been taught in British schools, but was now being added to the syllabus.

Celebrating women's achievements at Rajpath this Republic Day

New Delhi, JaNuary 25 (iaNS): Amidst heads of state, a prime minister, cabinet minsters and foreign delegates, this year's Republic Day parade at Rajpath on Tuesday will feature a special enclosure for some of India's remarkable women achievers who have defeated all odds and made a change in the society.

Among these women are shooters, taekwondo and wrestling champions at the international level, Supreme Court advocates and those who have reached the heights of Mt. Everest despite being physically challenged.

Identified through a show titled 'Ab Ke Baras Mohe Bitiya Hi Dijo' which has been airing on News World India channel since the last Independence Day, these women's stories have been supported by Maneka Gandhi, the union minister for women and child development and her ministry.

"Post the Nirbhaya (2012 Delhi gang rape) issue, there has been a lot of negativity towards women.

A perception that women are weak and vulnerable exists in the society. These women's life stories were

R-Day: India gears up for celebrations amid security New Delhi, JaNuary 25 (PTi): Elaborate security arrangements were in place across the country for the Republic Day celebrations tomorrow with police in the national capital and neighbouring states keeping an eye out on "drones", which have been perceived as a major threat.

The national capital is already on high alert ahead of the official celebrations here -- where French President Francois Hollande is the Chief Guest -- after inputs were received about the presence of key members of several terror outfits in Delhi.

In the national capital, as many as 71 high-rise buildings in aimed at fighting that view, and to highlight that there are many women who have achieved remarkable heights fighting many odds," the show's host, Meena Sharma, told IANS. This year is perhaps the first time that women achievers have specifically been invited to Rajpath, she added.

The show has so far celebrated the stories of nearly 130 such women - airing one show everyday - and aims to overturn

the vicinity of Rajpath will be shut down either partially or completely tomorrow in view of the Republic Day parade.

Delhi Police Chief B S Bassi had asked his force and police departments of the neighbouring states to keep a vigilant eye on drones, as they have been perceived as a major threat to security, according to a senior police official.

The matter attained priority after a UAV was spotted near IGI Airport here around three months ago but its source or handler could not be tracked by the police, following which Delhi Police announced a reward of Rs 1 lakh last month for

the views people may have about women that they are "weak and vulnerable". In the recent past, President Pranab Mukherjee had hosted a lunch in admiration of these women's acts.

One such story is of Basanti Kumari, who was born without any arms, and always dreamt of being a teacher. Not losing out to her physical challenges, Basanti Kumari learnt to use her feet to her advantage and made her dream

any information about it.

State capitals and major cities across the country have seen security being beefed up at vulnerable places and key installations .

In Punjab, which was recently shaken by the strike at the Pathankot air force base, additional personnel have been posted at bus stands, railway stations and government buildings, officials said.

Similar arrangements are in place in Haryana and the Union Territory of Chandigarh. Both states and Chandigarh are on high alert following the terror attack at Pathankot.

In Jammu and Kashmir, secu-

come true.

Today, she teaches children at a school near a village named Sindhri, close to Dhanbad and can be seen drawing on a blackboard or writing with absolute ease.

"People said 'what a pity' when they saw me, but today they respect me for what I made myself. My students, too, say they love spending time with me and take me as an inspiration. India must realise that when a physically challenged woman

rity has been stepped up across the Valley to thwart any plan by militants to disrupt the celebrations.

Police and paramilitary CRPF personnel have been deployed in Srinagar and at entry points to the summer capital of the state, police said, adding that barricades have been erected for carrying out random searches of vehicles entering the city.

Police personnel have been carrying out area domination exercises in the areas around Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, where the Valley's main parade will be held on Tuesday, and around the venues at district headquarters, they said.

like me could study and support her family, why not allow the other girls too," Basanti Kumari asked while speaking to IANS. She hoped her story serves as an example for women to be allowed to study and make a living.

Richa Gaur is another such 22-yr-old, who believes that it also takes a woman to know self-defence techniques to empower herself.

She has so far teught her techniques to over 35,000

women in schools, universities and workplaces.

"People used to ridicule me for wanting to learn martial arts. They would say being a girl I wasn't capable enough physically to fight a man. But I won awards nationally and internationally, and teach other women how to defend themselves when needed. What can be a more promising answer to those questions," Gaur asked while speaking to Delhi Police Commando stand alert at Rajpath in New Delhi.

IANS here.

(Express Photo)

TuesdaY 26•01•2016

WORLD

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

9

Donald Trump gets a lesson in humility

Former Bangladesh PM accused of sedition

MUSCATINE, JANUAry 25 (AP): On the second-to-last Sunday before the Iowa caucuses, Donald Trump settled into a fifth row pew of an Iowa church for a lesson in humility.

“I don’t know if that was aimed at me ... perhaps,” Trump said after the hourlong service at the First Presbyterian Church.

Religious voters are a major factor in the opening contest on the presidential nominating calendar, and Trump has been working hard to build his appeal among them. His chief challenger in the Republican race is Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, a conservative preacher’s son who’s made deep inroads with evangelicals.

The service, which Trump’s campaign invited several reporters to observe, included hymns, readings and a performance by the children’s choir. Cream-colored stained glass in the window cast a golden glow.

At one point, Trump shared a prayer book with Debra Whitaker, an Iowa supporter seated to his right. She put her hand gently around Trump’s waist as the congregation sang Hymn 409, “God is Here!” Trump could be seen by some mouthing the words of the hymn.

At one point, as church-goers offered each other wishes of peace, Trump received warm greetings from those around him.

When it was time to offer tithes, Trump was seen digging into his pants’ pocket. Two folded $50 bills were later spotted in a collection plate that was passed down his pew.

One reading during the service, about the importance of hu-

DHAKA, JANUAry 25 (rEUTErS): Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, the head of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), was ordered on Monday to appear in court to answer the charge of sedition, a charge bound to infuriate her supporters.

The chief metropolitan magistrate court of Dhaka accepted the case against her and ordered her to appear on March 3. The case was filed by a lawyer with the Bangladesh Supreme Court, complaining that remarks Khaleda made last month about the 1971 war of independence were seditious. She had said there were “controversies” over the numbers who died.

Politics in poverty-stricken Bangladesh has for decades been marred by violent protests and bickering between supporters of Khaleda and current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. It was not immediately clear what chance the prosecution had of success.

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, acting secretary general of the BNP, dismissed the case as politically motivated.

“This is nothing but a mockery and its aim is to deter Khaleda from politics,” he told reporters. East Pakistan broke away to become independent Bangladesh in 1971 after a war between India and Pakistan. About three million people were killed, according to official accounts.

Hasina opened an inquiry into crimes committed during the war in 2010, paving the way for prosecutions by a war crimes tribunal that Islamists have denounced as part of a campaign aimed at weakening the Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami, a key ally of the BNP. Four opposition politicians, including three leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami, have been convicted and executed since late 2013. The executions have come amidst a rise in Islamist militant violence in Muslim-majority Bangladesh, with militant groups claiming the murder of two foreigners and four secular writers and a publisher last year.

U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks at the South Carolina Tea Party Coalition Convention in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, in this file photograph dated January 16, 2016. REUTERS

mility, included a reference that caught Trump’s ear.

“Can you imagine eye telling hand, ‘Get lost, I don’t need you’ or hearing the head telling the foot, ‘You’re fired, your job has been phased out?’” the reader said. “You’re fired!” was Trump’s signature catchphrase when he hosted “The Apprentice” television show.

“I heard that,” Trump later told reporters, when asked about the reference. “I wondered if that was for me. They didn’t even know I was coming, so I doubt it.

But it’s an appropriate phrase.”

Decoded: How key defence protein triggers cancer LONDON, JANUAry 25 (IANS): A team of Swiss and Russian scientists has decoded how a defence protein that fights viral infections in our body takes advantage of a weakness in our DNA replication process to induce mutations in our genome, leading to cancer.

The defence protein called “APOBEC” is a useful yet dangerous, intrinsic cellular protein. The researchers have observed that mutations induced by APOBEC can be found in many tumourous cells throughout the genome.

How can APOBEC - which can affect only singlestranded DNA - be the cause of so many cancers in human beings?

“We were very surprised to observe that in APOBEC cancers, the mutation rate is equally distributed in all regions. When APOBEC is involved, mutations occur early during replication, and affect important genes,” explained Vladimir Seplyarskiy from the Russian Academy of Sciences and fist author of this study.

These mutations tend to be more deleterious than other kind of mutations, Seplyarskiy added.

Since the scientists knew that APOBEC can only mutate single stranded DNA, they needed to identify in what direction the replication fork was going in order to identify the DNA regions that stay single-stranded for longer period of time.

“For the first time ever, we managed to do so in human cells. We were able to identify the direction of the replication fork for about 20 percent of the genome, and found twice as many mutations,” informed Sergey Nikolaev, geneticist at University of Geneva (UNIGE), Switzerland, in a paper appeared in the journal Genome Research.

The scientists will continue their research to better understand how tumorous cells replicate their DNA differently from healthy cells.

‘More teenagers being affected by chronic fatigue syndrome’ LONDON, JANUAry 25 (IANS): Teenagers as young as 16 are experiencing chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), say researchers, adding that it shows that the condition is much more common in them than previously thought.

The team from the University of Bristol in Britain found that almost two percent of 16-year-olds have CFS lasting more than six months and nearly three percent have CFS lasting more than three months.

Those suffering from CFS missed, on average, more than half a day of school every week.

CFS -- also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) -- is a very debilitating illness which has a huge impact on the lives of children and their families.

“As paediatricians, we need to get better at identifying CFS/ME, particularly in those children from disadvantaged backgrounds who may be less able to access specialist care,” said senior study author Dr Esther Crawley, consultant paediatrician specialising in CFS/ME. The researchers looked at the condition in 5,756 participants and found that girls were almost twice as likely as boys to have the condition.

Children from families experiencing greater adversity were more likely to have the condition, dispelling the commonly held view that CFS is a “middle class” illness.

According to Sonya Chowdhury, chief executive of the non-profit organisation Action for ME, the reality is that many young people miss considerably more than half a day of school a week, while for the most severely affected, their disabling symptoms are compounded by the isolation and loss that comes with being house and/or bed-bound.

“This important study, analysing data from parent and child-completed questionnaires, highlights the increased prevalence of ME among 16-year-olds, pointing with even greater urgency to the need for effective treatments,” she noted.

In her sermon, the pastor, the Rev. Dr. Pamela Saturnia, also made several references with resonance for the 2016 race.

“Jesus is teaching us today that he has come for those who are outside of the church,” she said, preaching a message of healing and acceptance for “those who are the most unloved, the most discriminated against, the most forgotten in our community and in our world.”

Among those she cited were “the Syrian refugees” and “the Mexican migrants.” Trump has advocated barring all Syrian ref-

ugees from entering the country because of potential security risks and deporting all of the estimated 11 million immigrants living in the United States illegally.

He’s said he wants to create a safe zone for refugees instead.

As a candidate, the thricemarried New Yorker has worked to foster relationships with Christian leaders. He received a glowing introduction last week from Jerry Falwell Jr., president of one of the country’s most prominent evangelical Christian universities, and on Saturday he campaigned with the Rev. Robert

Jeffress of First Baptist Dallas, a megachurch.

At times, Trump has appeared to struggle to affirm his Christian credentials. He often feels compelled to remind Christian audiences that he was raised as a Presbyterian. And he has waved a copy of his childhood Bible and a photo of his confirmation at some events as evidence of his upbringing.

“Well I’m proud of it. I mean I’m very proud of it,” Trump said when asked about the practice.

“And I do remind people, not often, but I do remind people when people ask.” Asked whether he thinks people are aware of his religion, he said. “I think they know now. I think they didn’t know at all at the beginning... it took a while.”

But Trump has also made what have been seen as several minor missteps on religion during the campaign, mistakenly referring to Second Corinthians as “two Corinthians” during a speech last week at Falwell’s school, Liberty University in Virginia, and saying in an interview that he had never sought forgiveness from God. Trump capped off the visit with a rally in Muscatine, where he was introduced by Iowa Republican Party Chairman Jeff Kaufmann — another sign that the Republican establishment is beginning to accept a potential Trump candidacy.

“I want to win Iowa, I want to really win it,” Trump said before that rally. “I have a tremendous bond with the people of Iowa.

We’ve struck a chord with evangelicals, the Tea Party. And I think we have a good chance.”

Leaders call for Australia Record hot years caused by human-made warming OSLO, JANUAry 25 (rEto become a republic UTErS): A record-breaking SyDNEy, JANUAry 25 (rEUTErS): The leaders of seven of Australia’s eight states and territories have called for the country to become a republic, reigniting a thorny debate ahead of a national holiday on Tuesday.

Australia is a constitutional monarchy, with Britain’s Queen Elizabeth as head of state. The role is largely ceremonial, but the monarch does have the power to dissolve parliament, as in 1975, when Queen Elizabeth sacked the government.

The question of Australia becoming a republic is a perennial debate that often crops up around Australia Day, the Jan. 26 holiday that commemorates the start of British settlement.

“It’s well past time for Australia to become a sovereign nation,” said South Australia Premier Jay Weatherill, who signed the declaration.

“Any self-respecting, independent country would aspire to select one of its own citizens as its head of state,” he said in a statement.

Hopes of a shift in senti-

ment rose when Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, a staunch republican, took the leadership last year from his monarchist predecessor Tony Abbott.

“My commitment to Australia having an Australian head of state is undiminished,” Turnbull, who headed the Australian Republican Movement in the 1990s, said in a statement, in response to Monday’s declaration.

However, Turnbull has previously said the issue was not a priority and that he believed a national vote would be unlikely during the reign of the current 89-year-old monarch.

Australia held a referendum on becoming a republic in 1999, which was defeated, with 55 percent of people voting against. Republicans attributed that defeat to the fact the poll divided voters on how best to select the head of state.

Polls in recent years have shown varying support for a republic, with most revealing a small majority of the public in favour.

string of hot years since 2000 is almost certainly a sign of man-made global warming, with vanishingly small chances that it was caused by random, natural swings, a study showed on Monday.

Last year was the hottest since records began in the 19th century in a trend that almost all scientists blame on greenhouse gases from burning of fossil fuels, stoking heat waves, droughts, downpours and rising sea levels. “Recent observed runs of record temperatures are extremely unlikely to have occurred in the absence of humancaused global warming,” a U.S.-led team of experts wrote in the journal Scientific Reports.

Written before 2015 temperature data were released, it estimated the chance of the record run with up to 13 of the 15 warmest years all from 2000 to 2014 - was between one in 770 and one in 10,000 if the series were random with no human influence.

Lead author Michael Mann, a professor of meteorology at Pennsylvania State University, told Reuters that the group’s computer simulations indicated those odds including 2015 had widened to between one in

A stream of water trickles on the bottom of the Almaden Reservoir near San Jose, California on January 21. (REUTERS Photo)

1,250 and one in 13,000.

“Climate change is real, human-caused and no longer subtle - we’re seeing it play out before our eyes,” he wrote in an e-mail. Natural variations include shifts in the sun’s output or volcanic eruptions, which dim sunlight. “Natural climate variations just can’t explain the observed recent global heat records, but man-made global warming can,” Stefan Rahmstorf, a co-author from the Potsdam Institute of Climate Impact, said in a statement.

The scientists tried to account for factors including that heat from one warm year spills over

into the next. And temperatures in many years are almost identical, making it hard to rank their heat with confidence.

Last month, almost 190 nations agreed at a summit in Paris to the strongest deal yet to shift from fossil fuels towards cleaner energies such as wind and solar power to limit warming. Separately on Monday, the U.N.’s World Meteorological Organization (WMO) confirmed U.S. and British data showing 2015 was by far the hottest year on record and noted that a powerful El Nino event, warming the surface of the Pacific Ocean, had stoked extra heat.

IS video purports to show Paris attackers and threatens Britain CAIrO, JANUAry 25 (rEUTErS): A video published on Sunday by the media centre of Islamic State purported to show images and last statements of nine of the people who took part in the Paris attacks that killed 130 people on Nov. 13.

Reuters could not independently verify the authenticity of the footage, which showed the men delivering anti-Western diatribes and concluded with an apparent threat to attack Britain.

The French Foreign Ministry declined to comment on the video. There was no immediate comment from the prime minister’s office, and Reuters was not immediately able to reach officials at the Interior Ministry.

A spokeswoman for the National Security Council at the White House had no comment.

Laith Alkhouri of Flashpoint Global Partners, which monitors militants’ social media, said the “video meets all the right criteria of an authentic and official ISIS release.”

The video was uploaded to Islamic State’s official Telegram channel and

Malaysia warns of Islamic State threat

A screenshot of a man referred to by his nom de guerre as ‘Abu Qital al-Faransi’ is seen in this image taken from an undated video. The video published on January 24, 2016 by the media centre of Islamic State purported to show images and last statements of 9 of the people who took part in the Paris attacks that killed 130 people on November 13. (REUTERS Photo)

showed some of the attackers wearing camouflage fatigues in a desert location, before the time of the Paris attacks.

Several of them were shown beheading hostages of the ultra-hardline militant group, a tactic it has frequently used.

“These are the last messages of the nine lions of the caliphate who were mobilised from their lairs to make a whole country, France, get down on its knees,” a narrator in the video said.

On the night of Nov. 13, nine men, split into three

groups, attacked a sports stadium, a string of cafes and a concert hall. An arrest warrant has been issued for another man, Salah Abdeslam, who fled to Belgium the following day.

The attackers are identified in the video by noms de guerre referring to their nationalities - three French, four Belgian and two Iraqis, referred to as Ali al-Iraqi and Ukashah al-Iraqi.

The two could be the suicide bombers who tried to attack the Stade de France stadium. They carried Syrian passports as-

sumed to be forged and could not be formally identified. Seven other dead attackers have already been identified.

The video showed footage of British Prime Minister David Cameron expressing solidarity with the French people after the attacks, and concluded by flashing a slogan on the screen saying: “Whoever stands in the ranks of kafir (infidels) will be a target for our swords.”

A spokesman for Cameron had no immediate comment.

KUALA LUMPUr, JANUAry 25 (rEUTErS): Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said Islamic State is a “very real” threat to the country, hours after a video claiming to be from the regional wing of IS warned of attacks in the Muslim-majority nation for arresting its supporters.

Police said the video, believed to feature operatives from the militant group Katibah Nusantara speaking under the IS logo, was significant because, if confirmed, it was the first from Islamic State in Malay.

“This threat is very real and my government takes it very seriously,” Najib told a conference on extremism.

“This is a challenge that faces us all around the world.

We are far from immune to this danger in Malaysia.”

Police said on Sunday they had arrested seven members of an IS cell who were planning attacks across the country. The suspected militants were carrying bullets, books on jihad, IS flags and propaganda videos.

Ten days ago, Malaysia arrested a suspected militant believed to have been planning a suicide attack in Kuala Lumpur. The video that surfaced online warned Malaysia against the crackdown on IS supporters.

Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, director of the police counter-terrorism unit, said the video suggested militants in the country were becoming more organised.

Reuters could not independently verify the video.

“If you catch us, we will only increase in number but if you let us be, we will be closer to our goal of bringing back the rule of the Khalifah (caliph),” said a message on the video, according to Malaysian newspaper the Star.

Security experts in the region believe Islamic State’s footprint is still light in Southeast Asia because militants are jostling to be its regional leader.

10

tuesDAY 26•01•2016

sports

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Chelsea deny Arsenal top spot Yuvraj returns, India begin

World T20 dry run in Australia

Arsenal's Gabriel Paulista in action with Chelsea's Kurt Zouma. (Reuters)

LONDON, JaNuarY 25 (rEutErS): Arsenal missed their chance to go back to the top of the Premier League after being forced to play with 10 men for much of the 1-0 home defeat by London rivals Chelsea on Sunday.

At the other end of the table Swansea City improved their prospects of avoiding relegation with a 2-1 win at Everton in new Italian head coach Francesco Guidolin's first match.

Arsenal's German defender Per Mertesacker was sent off after 18 minutes for denying a goalscoring opportunity to Diego Costa, who scored the only goal five minutes later from a cross by Branislav Ivanovic.

The result preserved the defending champions' unbeaten record under experienced Dutchman Guus Hiddink, who took

over as interim manager last month following Jose Mourinho's sacking.

They remain a bogey side to Arsenal, who have not beaten them in the last nine league games, failing to score in the last six.

Arsene Wenger's side were left in third place, level on points with Manchester City but three behind leaders Leicester City, who beat Stoke City 3-0 on Saturday.

Chelsea moved up to 13th, as high as they have been since beating Arsenal 2-0 at Stamford Bridge in September. On that occasion two Arsenal players were sent off -- although the red card to defender Gabriel was later rescinded.

Costa proved the key figure on Sunday before making way for substitute Loic Remy midway through the second half.

Arsenal, who took off

2nd Women Sports Meet wOkha, JaNuarY 25 (DiPr): The second edition of the Women Sports Meet organised by the Wokha District Lotha Women Sports Association (WDLWSA) will kick start on January 27 at the The Public Ground, Wokha. A. Robin Lotha, Deputy Commissioner, Wokha will be the chief guest on the inaugural function and he will declare the meet open. The Lotha Women Sports meet is organised with a view to create unity through sports and to give provision of opportunity in various aspects to women.

Altogether 7 teams has confirmed in the football category and 11teams in the volleyball category. More teams are yet to confirm in both the categories. The meet will culminate on the 1st of February 2016.

More than 220,000 Rio Olympic 2016 tickets sold riO DE JaNEirO, JaNuarY 25 (iaNS): More than 220,000 Olympic tickets were sold during the first two days of the last major sales phase for Brazilian residents.

The most sought after tickets were for athletics, swimming, football, handball, the opening and closing ceremonies, basketball, volleyball, beach volleyball, tennis, judo and gymnastics, reports Xinhua. "About 500,000 tickets became available and the demand was intense, with peaks of more than 3,000 transactions per minute," Rio 2016 organisers said on Sunday. Locals can buy tickets from the Rio 2016 tickets website while non-Brazilian residents can make purchases via authorised ticket resellers in their regions. More tickets are expected to become available to Brazilian residents through the ticket resale programme launched in October.

Real Madrid players listen more to Zidane than Benitez: Rodriguez MaDriD, JaNuarY 25 (iaNS): Real Madrid attacking midfielder James Rodriguez believes the record European football champions made the correct decision in appointing Zinedine Zidane as head coach, admitting the players pay more attention to the Frenchman than they did to former coach Rafael Benitez. Zidane won his opening two games after replacing Benitez as Madrid head coach, but saw that run come to an end on Sunday with a 1-1 draw with Real Betis, in which he named Rodriguez in his starting line-up for the first time following Welsh forward Gareth Bale’s calf injury.

"I think today I was good. Now we will train more and that helps me a lot. The change of coach was good. Everybody listen more to the new coach,” Rodriguez told reporters on Sunday. Zidane was reportedly unhappy with Rodriguez’s unwillingness to warm-up during his side's 5-1 thrashing of Sporting Gijon last weekend and has been forced to answer questions over his player’s personal life.

The Columbian international has hit back at his critics after his professionalism was called into question. He has not been at his best for the Spanish giants this season and it has led to speculation over his off-field antics, in particular an incident in which he reportedly failed to stop for police after being caught speeding. He also had to deal with claims he is overweight. “The talk really bothers me. Everyone who is close to me knows how I act and that I always look to take good care of myself,” he was quoted as saying

by Dailymail. “I'm a great professional. What's been said about me going out a lot at night is a lie. It p****s me off that people doubt me and say I am fat,” the 24-year-old said.

striker Olivier Giroud after the sending-off in order to bring on Gabriel in defence, improved in the later stages, when Alexis Sanchez came on as a substitute, but they managed only one shot on target.

As Chelsea's captain John Terry claimed, his team were on top even before the sending off.

Terry insisted that reaching the top four to qualify for next season's Champions League was still not out of the question despite a 14-point gap with fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur.

"Everyone's beating everyone and if we can put a run of games together, we are not writing anything off," he told Sky Sports.

Hiddink was more circumspect. "It's a big gap," he said. "But I want to see ambition always, whether

you can (do it) or not.

"When you come here, you have to take the initiative and I'm proud of the guys."

Wenger felt Arsenal should have had a draw despite making so few chances but said they are still very much in the title race.

"It will be very tight until the end," he told Sky Sports.

Earlier Swansea's victory at Everton lifted them four points above the bottom three places.

A poor back pass by young Everton defender John Stones led to the 17th minute penalty from which Gylfi Sigurdsson gave Swansea the lead.

The home side soon equalised when Jack Cork touched Gareth Barry's flick into his own net, but a deflection off Stones from Andre Ayew's shot restored the Welsh club's lead be-

fore half-time.

They held out amid strong pressure in the second half, when Everton's leading scorer Romelu Lukaku twice went close and substitute Seamus Coleman twice missed badly, including from two yards out with the last kick of the match.

Achieving a second successive win for the first time this season put Guidolin's team in 15th place, and boosted their chances of avoiding relegation back to the Championship after five years.

"This is our target," Guidolin told Sky Sports.

"These (two) results are very important for us."

The defeat left Everton 12th, with their former Swansea manager Roberto Martinez rueing a slow start and missed chances.

"The scoreline was very hard to take," he said.

NEw DELhi, JaNuarY 25 (agENciES): Outplayed in the ODIs, a faltering India will look to get the balance right as they eye redemption in a three-match Twenty20 series against Australia starting in Adelaide on Friday, which also kicks off their build-up for the ICC World Twenty20 in March-April.

The Indian team was comprehensively beaten in the ODIs, losing the series 1-4 and the T20Is would be an opportunity for the side to pick some positivity from the so far disappointing tour.

Both teams will also begin their run-in for the ICC tournament, particularly the Men in Blue, who only have T20Is lined up before the big tournament begins.

The Indian team doesn't really play too many T20I matches. Since the addition of the format to the international schedule in 2006, they have only played 57 games, with 28 of them across five World T20 events in 2007, 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2014.

As such, since December 2006, when the Men in Blue first played a T20I against South Africa, they have only featured in 29 bilateral matches. And their record outside the World T20 isn't particularly impressive, with 15 losses and 14 wins.

These records won't really play heavily on the Indian team management as they prepare for this T20I series, but the conditions here definitely will.

The just-concluded Big Bash League has been a high scoring encounter, much like the ODI series in the first leg of this trip, and the pitches are expected to be flat and have ample bounce for the batsmen to make merry.

The difference in conditions from the World T20 in India won't really allow either side to judge their spin options, but they will be busy evaluating different permutations and combinations.

For India, it will be about getting their team balance right, in particular their strength - batting. Ajinkya Rahane has been ruled out of this first T20I, as he hasn't sufficiently recovered from the split-webbing injury suffered in Canberra.

Even in his absence though, skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni will be keen to get the batting line-up optimised from the word go. The Indian skipper had lined up Rahane to open in the third T20I against South Africa that was washed out in Kolkata in October. But back then, Shikhar Dhawan's form was also under a cloud. The former's absence and the latter's runs in

the ODI series mean that he will continue to open with Rohit Sharma in this series.

Virat Kohli obviously picks himself at number three, and thereafter, Yuvraj Singh is primed to make his international return for the first time since the 2014 World T20 final in Bangladesh.

Sydney's centurion Manish Pandey isn't part of the T20I squad here, and as such Yuvraj, Suresh Raina and Dhoni are expected to take Nos. 4, 5 and 6, perhaps alternating as per the match situation.

The Indian skipper had hinted as much in the post-match press conference at the SCG, and the return of the two middle order batsmen is more than a certainty. Even so, picking the optimal bowling combination will be a challenge.

There are five slots available to Dhoni and he has to pick from R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Harbhajan Singh, Ashish Nehra, Umesh Yadav, Rishi Dhawan, Gurkeerat Mann, Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya. Fitting in a couple of allrounders into this mix will also be on the skipper's mind, and it will be interesting to see how he goes about doing so.

Trying out youngsters is the flavour of the month in the Indian dressing room currently, and there will be a temptation to throw the hard-hitting, in-form Pandya into the mix. But all indications are that he might have to wait for his chance.

Dhoni was mighty impressed with Bumrah's debut, in particular his death bowling in Sydney, and will look to give him another go, given that Umesh Yadav has been bleeding runs at every possible opportunity. Rishi Dhawan was held back as Bhuvneshwar Kumar's replacement and it speaks volumes about how the team management looks at his bowling performances in the ODI series.

Nehra had a fair go in the net session on Monday morning; and if he is the other certainty among the returning senior players, then this combination of medium pace leaves two spots open for the spinners. Jadeja's fielding is his major strength, even more than his batting and bowling in Australian conditions, and as such he will be assured of playing once again.

Ashwin will be really hoping he takes up the last spot ahead of Harbhajan, and Dhoni will be tempted to go in with him, given that he has Yuvraj and Raina to fall back upon.

Match : January 26 , 13.08 IST

Match-fixing concerns return as former player pleads guilty

SYDNEY, JaNuarY 25 (rEutErS): Allegations of corruption in world tennis were reignited on Monday when a former Australian professional tennis player pleaded guilty to match-fixing just hours after a top global bookmaker suspended betting on a suspicious match at the Australian Open.

The case against former 187-ranked player Nick Lindahl reached court after reports surfaced last week that tennis authorities had failed to deal with widespread match-fixing, marring the opening of the year's first Grand Slam tournament.

Lindahl pleaded guilty in a Sydney court to one charge related to matchfixing in a minor 2013 tournament but will contest a separate evidence-tampering charge on technical

grounds. Two other charges were dropped by prosecutors after the guilty plea.

Prosecutor Kate Young told the court that in September 2013, when playing at the Toowoomba Futures Tournament, Lindahl offered to intentionally lose a match to a lower-ranked player and informed an associate so that he could wager against him.

A transcript of telephone calls intercepted by police after the match and read in court appeared to show Lindahl coaching an associate on how to hide evidence from investigators and admitting to doing the same himself.

"Just get rid of it ... just get rid of everything," Lindahl said in the transcript, which was read by Young.

Lindahl, who was arrested a year ago, faces a maximum penalty of 10

Former professional tennis player and coach Nick Lindahl (R) leaves an Australian court after pleading guilty to one charge related to tennis match-fixing, in Sydney, Australia, January 25, 2016. REUTERS/Paul Miller/AAP

years imprisonment on the charge to which he pleaded guilty and will be sentenced on April 15.

His lawyer, Troy Edwards, said the timing of the case coming to court amid a blaze of publicity about suspected match fixing and the Australian

Open tournament was unfortunate.

"The matter was set to be heard before Christmas but there was a sick barrister and Nick asked me to agree to a delay," Edwards told Reuters. "And now it's all kind of blown up in his face."

BETTING SUSPENDED Betting agency Sportsbet noticed heavy gambling on the relatively minor match and suspended betting before alerting police. Similar suspicious betting promoted Pinnacle Sports, a Curaçao-based sports gambling company, to suspend bets on a mixed doubles match at the Australian Open on Sunday.

Unusually large amounts of money were placed on Andrea Hlavackova and Lukasz Kubot to beat Lara Arruabarrena and David Marrero, Pinnacle told the New York Times.

Heavy betting moved the odds on the match sharply over a 30 minute period more than 12 hours before the match began, data from sports odds comparison service Odds Portal shows. Tennis regulators accept betting fluctu-

ations can be an indicator of suspicious activity, but stress it is not sufficient to prove match fixing.

Nobody was immediately available to comment at Pinnacle or the Tennis Integrity Unit (TIU), the London-based body set up to counter corruption in the sport. Tennis Australia said in a statement it would continue to work with police and the TIU in regard to "integrity matters".

In an interview with the New York Times, Arruabarrena and Marrero denied any match fixing, with Marrero saying a knee injury affected their performance.

Kubot and Hlavackova told reporters they had spoken with TIU officials and were "surprised" by the allegations. They said they had no reason to believe that their opponents had intentionally thrown the match.

Atletico cede top spot to Barca, Real held

MaDriD, JaNuarY 25 (rEutErS): Atletico Madrid surrendered top spot in La Liga to Barcelona when they were held 0-0 at home by 10-man Sevilla on Sunday before Real Madrid lost ground after an entertaining 1-1 stalemate at Real Betis.

Alvaro Cejudo conjured a spectacular volley Real's new coach Zinedine Zidane would have been proud of to put Betis ahead in the seventh minute and the Seville-based side held the 10-times European champions at bay until Karim Benzema levelled 19 minutes from time.

Real, in Zidane's first game away from home since he took over from the sacked Rafa Benitez and missing the injured Gareth Bale, laid siege to the home goal in a frantic finale but could not find a winner.

Valencia's struggles continued with a tepid 1-1 draw at Deportivo La Coruna, leaving coach Gary Neville without a La Liga win in seven attempts since taking over last month.

Atletico and Barca each have 48 points with just over half the season played but the champions, who have a game in hand and host Atletico next weekend, are ahead on goal difference. Real are four points adrift of the leaders in third There was little to choose between Atletico and Sevilla for the first hour at the Calderon, with the best chance falling to home forward Antoine Griezmann when he headed against a post in the 53rd minute.

Sevilla, who are seventh, were rocked back when midfielder Vitolo was sent off with around half an hour remaining and coach Unai Emery was dismissed from the bench for protesting the decision.

Atletico poured forward in search of a winner but the Europa League holders' defence held firm, goalkeeper Sergio Rico pulling off a fine save to block a powerful Gabi strike eight minutes from time.

"That's football, the ball Atletico Madrid's Saul Niguez and Sevilla's Fernando Llordidn't want to go in and we ente in action. (REUTERS)

have to carry on working," of the crossbar with a curlAtletico midfielder Koke ing effort in the 80th mintold Spanish television. ute before levelling in the third minute of added time FINE VOICE with a well-taken header.

Betis fans were in typiValencia, who last won cally fine voice at the Beni- in La Liga at the start of Noto Villamarin stadium and vember, are mired down in Cejudo's stunning strike 11th, eight points adrift of from the edge of the area, the European qualification which flew into the top places. "The fans want viccorner past Real goalkeep- tories and I am desperate to er Keylor Navas, raised the give them to them," Neville volume even higher. Cris- told a news conference. tiano Ronaldo, Benzema "I am not happy about and Pepe all fluffed good today's result, a draw can chances before James Ro- never make a coach of Vadriguez burst clear into the lencia happy," added the area and squared for Ben- former Manchester Unitzema to make it 1-1. ed and England defender.

Betis keeper Antonio "What I am proud of is that Adan, a former Real player, we fought until the end." was on excellent form and Surprise package Eiproduced superb stops to bar surrendered an early deny Rodriguez and Ben- lead and were beaten 5-2 zema. Valencia needed a at Basque rivals Athletic last-gasp Alvaro Negredo Bilbao. goal at Deportivo's Riazor Eibar have one of the stadium in Galicia to res- cheapest squads in Spain's cue a point. Lucas Perez top division yet the tiny club put the home side ahead in have outshone wealthier rithe 27th minute when he vals, including Bilbao who rounded Valencia keeper they beat 2-0 in August.

Mathew Ryan and rolled Sunday's defeat snapped a the ball into the empty net. four-match winning streak Negredo shaved the top and left them in sixth.

Tuesday 26•01•2016

EntErtainmEnt

Zayn Malik announces first solo single 'Pillowtalk'

N

early a year after Zayn Malik revealed he would be leaving One Direction, the singer has announced that he'll release "Pillowtalk," his first official single as a solo artist, on January 29th. Additionally, Malik revealed that he would appear on that night's episode of The Graham Norton Show to discuss the track as well as his forthcoming solo stilluntitled album.

Malik left One Direction in March 2015; the now-quartet recorded their recent Made in the A.M. without the singer. "A big part of why I left the band is I made the realization that it wasn't actually about [being the biggest] anymore," Malik told The Fader in November in his first interview as a solo artist. "It wasn't about the amount of tickets sales that I get. It was more about the people that I reach. I want to reach them in the right way, and I want them to be-

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan invited to lunch with French Prez François Hollande

lieve what I'm saying. I've done enough in terms of financial backing for me to live comfortably. I just want to make music now."

Malik has reportedly spent the past few months in the studio recording with Frank Ocean producer Malay. In The Fader interview, Malik also shaded his former band mates' output. "That's not music I would listen to," he said. "Would you listen to One Direction at a party with your girl? I wouldn't. To me, that's not an insult, that's me as a 22-year-old man. As much as I was in that band, and I loved everything that we did, that's not music that I would listen to. I want to make music that I think is cool shit. I don't think that's too much to ask for."

The singer was also dismissive of Made in the A.M. in a recent Billboard article, admitting that he hadn't even listened to it outside the first single.

02:00 pm | 08:00 Pm

11:00 AM | 05:00 PM

T

he alluring beauty Aishwarya Rai Bachchan who is currently busy shooting for Omung Kumar’s upcoming biopic ‘Sarbjit’ is going to celebrate this year’s Republic Day in very unconventional style.

The actress has received a special invitation from Ambassador of France, Mr. François Richier to have lunch with honorable French President Mr. François Hollande on 26th of January in New Delhi.

Aishwarya is the only actor who is invited for this honorable event which will have only a handful of guests attending. The gorgeous actress, who has been religiously invited for the prominent Cannes Film Festival for the last 14 yrs and has millions of international fans all over the world, will be representing Indian Cinema at this respectable lunch.

The actress has removed special time from her busy shooting schedule of 'Sarbjit' for this event. The event is going to be held at the residence of a prominent Indian industrialist and would be attended by some of the top officials of India.

REPUBLIC DAY CELEBRATION 2016 THE 26th JANUARY

Venue: NAGALAND SECRETARIAT PLAZA

PROGRAMME(MORNING)

0600 hrs : Hoisting of National Flag in all Government Offices, Institutions/Public & Private Buildings 0850hrs : Review of Parade by DGP, Nagaland 0900 hrs : 1. Governor arrives, takes salute and inspects the Parade 2. Address by the Governor 3. Presentation of Award 4. March Past 5. Entertainment PARADE CONTINGENTS: Parade Commander - Kenesa Dawhuo, Deputy Commandant, 4th NAP Parade 2nd in-charge

C M Y K

Hillstar NOW SHOWING

- Tumchobemo Yanthan, Assistant Commandant, 4th NAP

1. 164 Naga Territorial Army 2. 19 Assam Rifles 3. 78th CRPF 4. DEF, Kohima 5. 4th NAP, Thizama 6. Manipur Police, 6th Battalion 7. 10th NAP (IR) 8. 15th NAP (IR) Mahila Battalion 9. Nagaland Home Guards 10. Ex-Servicemen 11. Nagaland Police Brass Band 12. NCC No. 1 Nagaland Air Squadron (Flying) 13. NCC 24 Nagaland Boys Senior Division’ 14. NCC 1st Naga Girl Battalion Girls Senior Division 15. NCC 1st Naga Girl Battalion Girls Junior Division 16. Bharat Scouts 17. Bharat Guide 18. Rüzhükhrie Govt. Higher Secondary School 19. 4th NAP Regimental School, Thizama 20. Govt. High School, PWD 21. 9th Assam Rifles, Pipe Band ENTERTAINMENT: 1. Launching of State Disaster Response - Home Department Force followed by Mock Drill (Disaster Management) 2. Bhangra Dance - 78th Bn CRPF 3. Showering of petals from Helicopter - Indian Air Force 4. Cultural items from Naga Tribes - District Cultural Officer, Kohima 5. Inauguration of Exhibition Stalls by the Chief Guest NB: 1. Distribution of Sweets at the Parade Ground by Hindu Kalyan Samiti.

2. Visit to Institutions by various Charitable Organizations (1200 hrs onward)

PROGRAMME (EVENING) 1500 hrs: a) Inter ward Tug-of-War - Kohima Municipal Council b) Exhibition Match of Sepak Takraw - Youth Resources & Sports Department 1600 hrs: Prize Distribution 1630 hrs: Band Display& Beating of Retreat 1. Brass Band of Nagaland Police 2. Pipe Band of Little Flower Higher Secondary School, Kohima - Issued By DIPR

12

tuesDAY 26•01•2016

SPORTS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Bhushan for Sania & Saina; Superman Monfils flies into Padma Archer Deepika to get Padma Shri first Australian quarter-final

MELBOurNE, JaNuary 25 (rEutErs): Gael Monfils was hailed as 'Superman' after another customary acrobatic dive filled photographers' lenses and set social media alight at the Australian Open on Monday. Monfils, C M Y K

C

however, was more satisfied with the fact that he had gone on to beat Andrey Kuznetsov 7-5 3-6 6-3 7-6(4) to advance to his first quarter-final at Melbourne Park, against Milos Raonic.

And while he had no regrets with the spectacu-

lar dive, he admitted that it did hurt. "It's very painful," he told reporters. "I cannot even grip anything right now. "I have a deep cut.

That's nothing. But I have a bruise. I'm lucky to not have a fracture. "I am not a rock."

Monfils was indeed lucky. Having been wrong footed by Kuznetsov at 2-2 in the second set with the Russian serving at 40-40 he changed direction and flung himself full length at the ball in an attempt to make a return. He failed.

The decision to dive, despite the potential risk of injury, however, was not calculated, he said as every time he flamboyantly slid or dived on court, he was acting purely on instinct.

"During the point, I feel that I can have it," he said. "I just go for it. I'm just a competitor, I want to win every point and I think I can get it and I just fly.

"People need to understand that if I dive, it's because I know I can dive.

There is no practice. It's instinct." Kuznetsov held serve to take a 3-2 lead in the second set before Monfils called a medical time out to have the bleeding stopped. The pain caused him some issues in the set, which he feared could have changed the momentum of the game.

"He had a good second set," Monfils said. "I lost a bit of the momentum because at this period I thought I had him. It was a bit tough for me to grip my racquet.

Sharapova faces nemesis Serena at Australian Open

MELBOurNE, JaNuary 25 (rEutErs): The business end of the Australian Open begins in earnest on Tuesday when top seed Serena Williams faces old rival Maria Sharapova for a place in the semi-finals in a repeat of last year’s title match. In the men’s draw defending champion Novak Djokovic, taken to five sets in the fourth round, will have to improve as he faces Japanese seventh seed Kei Nishikori while Roger Federer aims to continue his smooth progress against Tomas Berdych.

Sharapova will be desperate to avenge last year’s final loss to Williams, although the omens are not

good for the Russian.

She has lost her last 17 matches against the 34-year-old Williams and the American 21-times grand slam champion has been in dominant form so far in Melbourne after some pre-tournament injury concerns. Williams remains wary though, saying such a one-sided statistic can work both ways. “I think the person who’s winning could definitely feel the pressure because there is a lot of expectations,” she said.

“The person who is losing X amount in a row could think ‘I don’t have anything to lose.'”

Djokovic’s bid for a sixth Austra-

lian Open title was nearly sabotaged by Gilles Simon in round four and the in-form Nishikori will pose a serious threat as he attempts to prevent Djokovic reaching a 29th grand slam semi-final.

Nishikori beat Djokovic the last time they met in a grand slam, at the 2014 U.S. Open semi-final, and will need to reproduce that form on Tuesday. “I think the biggest thing is he doesn’t miss,” he said. “He doesn’t give you easy points, any free points.”

Federer takes on a familiar foe in Berdych, with the pair facing each other for the 22nd time.

The Swiss is on a four-match

winning streak against the powerful Czech, but has lost their last two grand slam meetings.

Berdych will look to pull off another major upset, as he did at the same stage last year when he ended a 17-match losing streak against Rafael Nadal.

Fourth seed Agnieszka Radwanska opens the action on Rod Laver Arena when she battles it out with 10th seeded Spaniard Carla Suarez Navarro.

The 26-year-old scrapped through to the quarter-finals after being pushed to her limits by Germany’s Anna-Lena Friedsam in the previous round.

NEW DELHI, JaNuary 25 (agENcIEs): Women dominated this year's Padma awards for sports with tennis star Sania Mirza and ace shuttler Saina Nehwal getting the nod for the Padma Bhushan, while archer Deepika Kumari was chosen for the Padma Shri on Monday.

All three were in sublime touch last year and brought the country laurels in their respective sports. Sania enjoyed the most sensational run, clinching nine titles -- including two Grand Slams last year with Swiss great Martina Hingis. The exceptional performance propelled her to the top of the WTA doubles rankings.

The 29-year-old is currently competing in the Australian Open in Melbourne, where she has reached the women's doubles quarterfinals with Hingis.

Saina has also been in spectacular touch, winning silver medals at the All England and World Badminton Championship last year besides clinching

the India Open Super Series and Syed Modi Grand Prix Gold.

Deepika, on the other hand, won a silver at the Archery World Cup Final besides bronze medals at the World Cup Stage II and the Asian Team Championships.

Saina, who is in the country to compete in this week's Syed Modi Grand Prix Gold Tournament, said the honour has left her surprised. Interestingly, the 25-year-old had expressed her displeasure at being ignored for the award last year.

"It is a great honour and I want to thank the Ministry for giving me the award.

I am very happy with the way the last year has gone, I have been performing well. I reached World No.1 last year and now I am World No.2. I am sure this award will give me more motivation to do well further this year," Saina said.

"It came as a complete surprise to me. I had no clue. I did not expect at all. There was no news of it at all. When I think that I am just 25 and I have re-

ceived this award, it makes me feel great. But it is still a long way to go."

Saina was left disappointed after the Sports Ministry decided to reject her application for the award in January last year, citing norms.

The ministry had picked two-time Olympicmedallist wrestler Sushil Kumar for the honour last year. Saina was bestowed the Khel Ratna and Padma Shri in 2010 and also received the Arjuna Award in 2009.

The 21-year-old Deepika, meanwhile, had also won the team silver along with Laxmirani Majhi and Rimil Buriuly in the World Championships. For Sania, the honour adds to the illustrious awards she has already picked up. The Hyderabadi has previously won the Padma Shri, besides being a Khel Ratna and Arjuna awardee.

"It's a truly humbling experience to be honoured with the Padma Bhushan award and will serve to inspire me to earn more laurels for my country," Sania said from Melbourne.

C M Y K

C M

M Y

Y

K

K

Qualitative EDUCATION • Swachh Vidyalaya - 4.2 lakh toilets • National Scholarship Portal - 95 lakh applications received • SWAYAM - national platform for free online courses developed by IITs, IIMs

Effective SKILLING • Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana • Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gramin Kaushalya Yojana - 1.75 lakh rural poor trained at zero cost • Academic equivalence to skills

Holistic HEALTHCARE • Jan Aushadi Scheme - 3,000 shops in 1 year for affordable, quality, generic medicines • Mission Indradhanush - 34 lakh children fully vaccinated against 7 diseases • Kayakalp (cleanliness in government hospitals) and Swachh Bharat

SABKA Vikas • Enhancing livelihood opportunities of rural poor - Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana • Holistic development of tribal communities – Van Bandhu Kalya Yojana • Financial access to dalit entrepreneurs through new dedicated credit & venture capital schemes • Skill development programs for minorities – Nai Manzil, USTTAD & MANAS • Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (holistic focus on the girl child) & Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (80 lakh high interest accounts worth Rs 2,900 Cr) • Ensuring dignity of labour through minimum pension of Rs 1,000 under EPS and Universal A/tc Number for portability -Shramev Jayate

Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Government of India

Vibrant ECONOMY

FINANCIAL Empowerment • 20 crore bank accounts opened having Rs 30,600 Cr in deposits – Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana • 12.5 Cr insurance and pension policies availed for securing ones future • Bank loans of over Rs 85,000 Cr to more than 2.2 Cr small entrepreneurs – MUDRA

FARMER well-being • Biggest ever crop insurance assistance at lowest ever premium providing full protection – Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna • Irrigation projects, watershed develoment and micro irrigation – Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojna • 79 lakh Soil Health Cards distributed • Support in times of distress - compensation increased, coverage expanded, loans re structured, seed & diesel subsidy • Numerous initiatives like, Kisan TV, Neemcoated Urea, National Agriculture Market, Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojna, Blue revolution, Rashtriya Gokul Mission

C M Y K

Robust INFRASTRUCTURE:

C M Y K

• Development of 300 village clusters by 2019 - Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission • 36,000 km rural roads built in 2014-15 - Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana • Dedicated schemes for 24x7 Power in rural and urban areas,totalling Rs 1.09 lakh crores • Programmes of Rs. 98,000 Cr for Smart Cities and Urban Transformation • Rs. 1.13 lakh Cr to provide digital infrastructure under Digital India

Maximum GOVERNANCE • Rs. 3.35 lakh Cr from Coal auctions and Rs. 1.09 lakh Cr from Telecom auctions • Self Attestation empowering citizens to verify their own documents & digital certification for pension for Senior Citizens (Jeevan Praman) • Redundant laws scrapped – 125 acts repealed and another 1,000 at final stage of repeal • World’s largest Direct Benefit Transfer scheme, delivering LPG subsidy into user’s account clamping all leakages PAHAL • 50 lakh new LPG connections to BPL families at zero cost, against 65 lakh consumers who voluntarily gave it up – Give Back and Give It Up

VIKAS KI NAYI UDAAN

C M Y K

davp 22201/13/0063/1516

• Fastest-growing large economy in the World, enjoying global attention • Moving towards Job for All through Make in India, Ease of Doing Business, Atal Innovation Mission etc • Enabling environment for Start Ups through hassle free regulation, self certification, easy exit, exemption from Income Tax & Capital Gains Tax, credit guarantee fund - Start Up India

Published, Printed and Edited by Aküm Longchari on behalf of Morung for Indigenous Affairs and JustPeace from House No. 4, Duncan Bosti, Dimapur at Themba Printers and Telecommunications, Padum Pukhuri Village, Dimapur, Nagaland.

RNI No : NAGENG /2005/15430. House No.4, Duncan Bosti, Dimapur 797112, Nagaland. Phone: Dimapur -(03862) 248854, Fax: (03862) 235194, Kohima - (0370) 2291952

For news email: morung@gmail.com and for advertisements and circulation contact: (03862) 248854, Fax-235194 or email : morungad@yahoo.com

PO Reg No. NE/RN-722

C M Y K