January 26th, 2017

C M Y K

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thursDAY • JAnuArY 26 • 2017

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

T H e

ESTD. 2005

P o W e R

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T R u T H

It is possible to fail in many ways...while to succeed is possible only in one way — Aristotle

Call for more consultations to ensure full participation of PwDs in election process

Trump dogged by insecurity over popular vote and media coverage PAGE 09

Bolt loses ‘treble treble’ as team-mate tests positive for doping

PAGE 05

PAGE 10

Nagaland electorate at 11, 38,000 JCC defers January 27

bandh on CM’s request

our Correspondent Kohima | January 25

After deleting 2 lakh proxy voters in Nagaland State’s electoral roll, the state now has an electorate strength of 11, 38,000. This was informed by N Moa Aier, Chief Electoral Officer (Officiating), Nagaland, while speaking at the 7th National Voters’ Day held in Kohima today with the theme ‘Empowering young and future voters.’

Aier said that after the Systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) was launched, the Election Department started better management of the electoral roll.

This, he said led to the decrease in the electorate of Nagaland, with the department deleting a large number of proxy voters. For instance, in 2011, the electorate strength was 13.38 lakh voters. He said this was made possible through combined efforts of all officials from the Chief Electoral Office, observers, EROs, AEROs, SOs, BLOs, NGOs, the public and especially former CEO, Sanjay

The Morung Express Poll QuEsTion

Vote on www.morungexpress.com sMs your answer to 9862574165 From the following options, which institution holds the most power in the present Nagaland state context? Why? • State Government • Tribe Organisation • Church • Others

Public Notice The Morung Express will be closed on January 26 and will reopen on January 27, 2017.

We thank you for your support and patience.

The Morung Express

BJP candidates from Dmp reiterate stand

C M Y K

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 25 (MExN): BJP candidates for the ULB polls in Dimapur have reiterated their stand that they “will listen to the call of Apex Tribal bodies and the voices Naga public and forfeit our candidature,” only if “other political party candidates including the NPF forfeit their candidature.” A joint statement from the BJP candidates including Hokivi Chishi (ward 19), Hokuto Zhimomi (ward 22), Vikheho Zhimo (ward 17), Simon Yeptho (ward 23), Moa Jamir (ward 16), G. Kits (ward 20), Meweu Lasuh (ward 1), Ikato V. Sumi (ward 7) and P. Avi Awomi (ward 6) said that “we respect the views and decisions of our respective tribal bodies including the Joint Coordination Committee to withdraw/forfeit our candidature.” It however added that “forfeiting our candidatures at our own cost and win of other candidates is not acceptable.” Meanwhile, the BJP candidate from Ward 11, Kavili Chishi today submitted a letter to the Returning Officer, DMC stating that she will not be contesting in the polls, as per the call of Naga civil society.

Chief secretary Pankaj Kumar administering the National Voters’ Day pledge in Kohima on January 25. (Morung Photo)

Kumar. Aier further maintained that the state e/roll is getting purer every year.

He meanwhile acknowledged that the clean election drive has also received support from political parties, NGOs like Naga Hoho, ENPO, NMA, ENMA, NSF, YN, TNB, BASN, ACAUT and especially the NBCC and other churches.

He called upon all to be more pro-active this year “because we have to face another election next year in Feb-March 2018.” The CEC (Officiating) informed that candidates would start canvassing this year and stressed on the need to educate people “before the

electors swallow the hook of inducements that may be offered by candidates.”

Administering the National Voters’ Day pledge, Chief Secretary Pankaj Kumar said that each person’s vote has equal value, and called for a collective effort to improve the electoral process in Nagaland.

He also lamented that money power, muscle power and feasting are the main problems in the state when it comes to elections.

Kumar cited the example of Mizoram, where according to him the peaceful election process has been enabled as expenditure is less and elections are more orderly.

He urged the new voters to strengthen and make election process better and go against malpractices.

Lithrongla G. Chishi, Secretary, Co-operation and Director, ATI encouraged every student who has completed 18 years to enrol in the Electoral roll. She asserted that every voter has to participate and educate the electors to fight for their own rights. Vilokali Zhimomi, Miss Nagaland 2016 and State Icon (SVEEP) also shared her vision for a clean election, where the tenets of democracy are protected through an educated electorate, which refuses to partake in bribery and violence.

SSC (NER) against bandh during exam

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 25 (MExN): The Staff Selection Commission (NER), Guwahati has appealed to all the public councils, organizations and committees in Nagaland not to call any bandhs/strikes/agitation activities during the period from January 27 to February 1 as about 720 candidates from the State are going to appear in the SSC’s Combined Higher Secondary Level, 2016 (Tier-1) computer based examination.

A press note from the SSC (NER) informed that the exams are to be held on January 27, 29 and February 1 at Soft-Tech Education Centre, opposite Holy Cross School, Lungalung Complex, Dimapur.

“Any inconvenience caused to the candidates by way of blocking of road or other disruptive activities at the venues will deprive the job aspiring youths of the State the opportunity to compete with the rest of the country for various posts of Central Govt. of India,” it stated.

It urged against any bandh/strike/agitation activity during the above period “so that all the candidates from the State can come and take the examination successfully without any hassles or disruption.” In case bandh is called during the above period, it appealed that candidates and exam officials be exempted from the purview of bandh.

Statewide bandh from January 28 if no positive response from Nagaland state government Morung Express news Dimapur | January 25

The Joint Co-ordination Committee (JCC) Dimapur has postponed the Nagaland statewide bandh proposed to begin from January 27 in protest against the conduct of the ULB election, after the Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang made a request to the JCC on Wednesday.

On invitation, a ninemember team from JCC had a sitting with the CM at his official residence in Kohima to deliberate on the ongoing tussle between the state government and the Naga civil societies and tribal hohos over the conduct of the municipal and town council election slated on February 1, 2017.

JCC convener Supo Jamir, in a press sitting late Wednesday evening informed that the CM had requested the JCC to postpone the proposed bandh on January 27, while seeking time to consult with his Cabinet colleagues in order to review the forthcoming ULB elections.

To this effect, a Cabinet meeting is scheduled to be held on January 27,

Reconsider stand and allow peaceful conduct of elections: NMA urges JCC

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 25 (MExN): The Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) has appealed to the Joint Co-ordination Committee (JCC) and various tribe organizations opposing the Urban Local Bodies (ULB) Elections to reconsider their stand and allow peaceful conduct of elections.

A press note from the NMA President, Abeiu Meru and Secretary, Lochumbeni Humtsoe termed it “unfortunate” that the issue of women reservation in Municipal Election has been “misinterpreted.” “We are aggrieved by the use of force, threats of banishment and ex-communication, including women candidates and forced withdrawal even after filling of nominations. Such use of force in a civilized society is condemnable,” the NMA said.

Friday, the JCC members were told. While there was a lot of deliberation on the issue during the meeting, the JCC convener declined to spell out details.

Following the meeting with the CM, a meeting of the JCC comprising of representatives from almost all the major Naga tribes and organizations was held at the Chakhesang Hoho building at 3:00PM. During the meeting, the house decided to honour the appeal made by the Chief Minister and postpone the statewide bandh on January 27 to January 28, 2017. However, if there is no positive response from the state government by January 27, the JCC will go ahead with the bandh with effect from January 28 till February 1, 2017, the polling day. The JCC has en-

It noted that the Joint Action Committee on Women Reservation, which was formed with leaders of NMA, ENWO, Watsu Mungdang, NWHD, and TWO “demands our constitutional rights as equal citizens as human beings under the constitution and are not confronting or challenging men.”

It therefore urged all tribe organizations to ensure that “we respect each other and promote a culture of respect for the rule of law and a sense of tolerance for diverse and opposing views.”

The NMA also appealed to various organizations to ensure the participation of citizens in casting their votes and to extend full co-operation with the State government for smooth conduct of the ULB polls with women reservation in the state.

dorsed the Dimapur Naga the Zunheboto Town Youth Youth Front to supervise Organization and Western the proposed bandh.

Sumi Youth Front to implement the bandh.

SH, WSH issue final In the event the Govdirective to Sumi ernment of Nagaland forcibly installs the Council candidates The Sumi Hoho (SH) at Zunheboto “against and the Western Sumi the wishes and rights of Hoho (WSH) held an emer- the people,” the meeting gency meeting today and resolved that “complete issued a final directive to non-cooperation will be all Sumi candidates for the imposed upon the counULB elections to retire/for- cil.” “No forms of taxations feit their candidature on or and contributions shall before January 27. Failing be levied from the Sumi which, they cautioned that public. For implementathe January 11, 2017 Sumi tion of which, Zunheboto Hoho Resolutions of Ex- Town Youth Organization communications shall be (ZTYO) shall be fully emimposed upon. powered,” it added.

A joint statement from The meeting further the two organisations in- agreed that “non cooperaformed that the meeting tion shall be applied to all resolved to endorse the Sumi ULB candidates/ JCC resolution for imposi- councillors in the form of detion of state wide bandh. barring from all Sumi social The meeting empowered activities and platforms.”

Let brotherhood and harmony prevail: Gov Students protest polling station in school

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 25 (MExN): Nagaland State Governor, PB Acaharya today issued a statement to commemorate the 68th Republic Day of India, by asking all people to rededicate themselves with a firm resolve for a peaceful and well developed Nagaland.

“Let brotherhood and harmony prevail, heralding a prosperous future to our State and Country,” the Governor said, and stated that Nagaland has the potential to be an economically developed strong State in the Union of India with the participation of

300 thousand empowered youths with university degrees and our natural wealth.

He also called upon the Naga Political Groups to come forward for a respectable solution. “Let us work in unison towards achieving Naga Peace Accord. We want peace and development. Differences in opinion should be resolved through dialogue. I am confident that we will continue our march with determination towards a glorious State and Nation,” the Governor stated.

The Governor empha-

sised on the need to empower the youth, and called upon Universities to supplement academic contents and design new curriculum as per instructions of UGC in order to cope up with changing demands.

“Universities have to be not only the centres of excellence and knowledge but also the centres of development and nodal agents for reaching the targeted group for welfare projects. Democracy demands it,” he said.

He further stated that women have an important role to pay in development

of the State and country. “A number of girl children in Nagaland are being sponsored in their studies with the help of well wishers under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme,” he informed.

Meanwhile, he asserted that the Government of India is “laying special emphasis on development and progress of the North East. Infrastructure development, connectivity, skill education, use of natural resources and other important areas where we need to act and focus on to encourage investment and progress.”

Students with placards protest against the setting up of a polling station in their school on Wednesday in Dimapur. (Morung Photo)

Change through the power of cartoons Ward Council Morung Express news Dimapur | January 25

“Slavery still exists. The difference between yesterday and today is… today we are the slaves” goes a line of Sandemo Ngullie penciled with an apt pictorial to describe the incursion of technology in modern life.

Associated with The Morung Express since 2008, Sandemo Ngullie, with his imaginative, bold, honest and thought provoking ‘Reflections’ have been documenting the ironies, contradictions, dilemmas and celebrations of the Naga people’s lived realities.

Meshed with humor, albeit sometimes sardonic, Sandemo reflects the changing state of affairs in Nagaland and captures the changing landscape with deep insight.

His insightful artworks have not gone unnoticed. Last August, Sandemo was announced as one of the recipients of the Governor’s Award in the field of Arts, Music and Literature for 2016 as a cartoonist. He will receive the award during India’s Re-

public Day Celebration in Kohima in January 26.

Other receiving conferred the in the field of Arts, Music and Literature Awards on the occasion of Republic Day 2017 include Neivotuo Keyho Art (Sculptor); Abiogenesis (Band), Music (Folk Fusion); Nikolo Tsuzu, Literature; Medo Vizo, Literature; and

sight at the same time. I believe future generations can relate to and understand a lot about today’s Naga society just by looking at his works,” she added.

According to Veroli Zhimomi from Dimapur, Sandemo’s brand of humour and satire is “a window into the painfully hypocritical state of the Naga society in general.” There has hardly been a time when I have not agreed with the sentiments portrayed in his work, albeit begrudgingly, she added.

I’ve met Sandemo couple of times besides his daily reflections for Morung. I found him to be quiet yet gentle; maintained Dr. Asangba Tzüdir of Heritage Publishing House Dimapur adding, “He is an apt observer who through his form of art has vocalised cartoon as a mode of revolution for our society.”

Counting Sandemo as someone whom he “really look up to,” fellow cartoonist Arien Jamir of the Eastern Mirror aptly sums it up. “The level of creativity, wit and humour in his work is above anybody else’s. He has single-handedly kept the cartoon section alive in our newspaper.”

Cartoonist for The Morung Express, Sandemo Ngullie to receive Governor’ award on Republic Day Senka Ao, Literature.

Listing his favorite cartoonists as Mario Marinda, and R.K Laxman, Sandemo has also cultivated a fair share of fans over the years.

“The first thing I set my eyes on when I get hold of your esteemed daily in the morning is ‘Reflections’

by Sandemo Ngullie. His talent is extraordinary – at par with the world’s best” wrote Allen Imsong, from Kohima to The Morung Express last year.

“To me he is a philosopher-artist; a rare gem among men, who is lucky to be endowed with both talent and in-

writes to DC

Morung Express news Dimapur | January 25

Students of St. Mary’s Montessori & Higher Secondary School on Wednesday held a placard campaign inside their school campus in protest against the shifting of polling station to their campus from M.C. Complex under ward no 19, DMC. One of the reasons the students cited requesting revoking of the polling station was that model exams were ongoing and that the disturbances would affect them.

A letter written to DC Dimapur by the school Principal, Neena Dutta which was made available to the press also requested the authorities to reconsider the polling station, stat-

ing that weak students had just arrived for coaching for Board exams and that CBSE inspection was also slated in the same week of election.

The principal said that the school has also been designated as a centre for NBSE exam. Further, it was stated in the letter that the campus was also a residential area.

Another letter jointly written by the Ward 19 Council Chairman, Atoi Shohe and GB, A. Kayum Talukdar and ward members to the DC Dimapur was also made available to the press. The signatories stated that they had recognized the difficulties of the school to entertain polling station during the election period and appealed the authority to revoke the polling station and retain at its original place, M.C. Complex which is primarily located at the centre of

the ward.

They also stated that successive elections have proven that M. C. Complex was more secure and convenient for the public, officers on election duty, administration and law enforcing agencies. In the light of the stated reasons, the ward 19 Council appealed the DC Dimapur to retain the polling station at its original location for a good turnout and fair polling.

Earlier, interacting with media persons, the administrator of the school said that the public thronging the school compound during the past few days had disturbed the clean and congenial atmosphere of the institution. The Administrator said that female staff of the school had also complained of objectionable stares and gazes from the public inside the campus.

2

THUrsDAY 26•01•2017

NAGALAND

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Nagaland observes 7th National Voters’ Day Dimapur, January 25 (mExn): The 7th National Voters’ Day was observed across Nagaland State on January 25.

ERO in his keynote address said as long as the electoral-roll is not clean and there are bogus voters the election process will not be clean. He asked the new voters present to Aboi: In Aboi of Mon district, the cultivate free and fair election in the day was observed with ADC Aboi, next election.

Wasu Katiry as the chief guest. He highlighted the message from Elec- Longleng: In Longleng district, tion Commissioner of India and the day was celebrated at DC’s handed over Best BLOs Awards conference hall, where K Limei to BLO 47/2, Nahto Konyak, BLO Phom, former Miss Longleng and the district icon for SVEEP spoke 48/3 E. Pulang Konyak. on the importance of SVEEP acDimapur: Commissioner of Taxes, tivities. She stated that youth is Dimapur, Asangba Chuba Ao was the most powerful group as they the chief guest at the 7th National are the future leaders. Meanwhile, Voters’ Day programme held at Lo- Chingan Phom, President, Phom tha Hoho Ki, Dimapur. The Com- Peoples' Council challenged the missioner said National Voters’ Day voters to elect the right leaders in was initially introduced to encour- the coming election so as to bring age and enhance the voting per- over all development. “Leaders centage, however, in Nagaland the are not the reason behind all the issue is about quality of voters. He misgiving, it is voters who create stressed on the value of every vote the mess,” he said. Therefore, he and further called upon the youth urged all the new voters and the to participate in the electoral pro- general to practice clean election. cess and to choose the right leader Renben Mozhui, AEO spoke on to bring positive changes in the so- the importance of EPIC Card as a ciety. “If you want a better tomor- major tool in shaping democracy. row and want to be proud of where Y. Denngan Avennoho Phom, DC you come from, value your vote and & DEO Longleng advised the new don't sell or waste your vote,” he voters not to sell one's own vote for added. He further urged to spread money calling it a practice of corthe message of quality and value of ruption. a vote. Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur, Kesonyu Yhome reminded Mokokchung: In Mokokchung, the gathering that the significance Rev. Dr. Mar Atsonchanger, Execuof National Voters’ Day is to encour- tive Secretary, ABAM called for age the young voters to take part in a clean and fair conduct of electhe electoral process, register the tion where every voter can exereligible voters, and to inform and cise their right with no restriction. educate the likely to be voters in few He also held the view that it is the years. He pointed out that over 65 moral obligation of very responpercent of the population is youth, sible citizen to vote with outmost but their participation in the elec- sincerity “as the authority to vote toral process is less than 30 percent. is a chance given by God to bring changes in our land.” In this conKiphire: The day was observed in text, he called upon the young Kiphire at the conference hall of voters to play an important role the DPDB. Sedevikho Khro, Dep- with their fresh mind and visions. uty Commissioner, Kiphire, who Meanwhile, DC & DEO, Mokokcwas the chief guest, said the soci- hung, Sushil Kumar Patel speaking ety today is controlled by nothing on the occasion observed at Town but politics. “The right and judi- Hall, Mokokchung maintained the cious exercise of franchisees will day is observed to create awareness do away corruption, nepotism and among the young people to know also bring fruitful development in one’s constitutional right and also the society,” he said. Touching the to empower them by enrolling the theme ‘Proud to be a voter, ready to young people with Electoral Photo vote’, the DC also asked the gather- Identity Card (EPIC). He also pointing to reflect if “we” are really proud ed out that the moment we sell our to be a voter and ready to vote. vote, we are selling our right.

Pointing out that all over the world there is crisis and turmoil because Mon: Mon too observed the day of leadership crisis, he added, “to at DC’s office complex. The DC have a just society and healthy de- & DEO of Mon, W. Honje Konyak velopment it is upto us to send right exhorted the young new electors, leader to represent us.” Meanwhile, stating they have the responsibilDr Tinojungshi Chang, ADC and ity of electing their future leaders

and to act as an agent of change for free, fair and peaceful elections. He urged the young voters to check the e-roll of their ward and village to ensure double entry of their name and also to make a commitment to act as the agent of change.

At the same time, the Deputy Commissioner urged the churches and the civil societies to play an actively role to educate and create awareness to the people on the importance of the day in their respective community. Honje Konyak also gave away the prizes to the winners of the district level essay competition; Campus Ambassador district level; district level best BLO; best BLO for 43 & 46 A/C. Peren: Peren district also celebrated the day at DC's conference hall. Nathan Konyak, AEO, Peren district gave a brief highlight of the various activities carried out by the election department which were aimed at creating awareness of the election process especially among young voters. Thonjiliu Pamei, Miss Peren, who is also the district icon for SVEEP campaign on clean election, encouraged the young voters to assert their right to vote for good moral cause which will have positive bearing for the future, rather than voting for wrong motives. S. Tainiu, ADC Peren challenged the youth to exercise the right to vote for right purpose, which ultimately will bring positive transformation in the society.

day. He informed that as of today 12,600 voters have been enrolled under Pughoboto sub-division and the new enrolled totals to 144 for the current year. Prizes were also given to winners of the essay writing competition: Kiheto Assumi of GHS Pughoboto secured the first position, while the second and third positions went to Janet (New Fountain, Pughoboto) and Shevini (GHS Ighonumi). The best BLO of the year 2016 was awarded to Hindi Teacher, GHS Pughoboto, Khubu and BLO Mishilimi Polling Station No. 29. They were given cash prizes with certificates.

EPIC distributed to new voters in Kohima

Tobu: The National Voters’ Day was observed at Tobu headquarters, chaired by CDPO Tobu, Oponthung Odyuo and the keynote address delivered by ADC Tobu, A. Zibanthung Kithan. Best BLO was awarded to H. Khoney Konyak of 55 A/C Polling Station 19 Tobu village.

Wokha: Wokha district also observed the National Voters’ Day at Deputy Commissioner’s conference hall. ADC Wokha, Thavaseelan (IAS) urged all adults, 18 years and above, to get enrolled and be a part of the democracy. District icon of SVEEP campaign, Dr. Abeny W Khuvung also highlighted the various programmes organised under SVEEP campaign for clean election. Emphasizing on clean election, she added that Nagaland being a Christian dominated State, churches should be used as platform to propagate the message of ethical voting. Best BLO awards were given to Zubenthung (37 A/C), Phyobemo (38 A/C), Tsenlamo (39 A/C) and T. Mhonchumo 40 (A/C) which included cash and commendation certificates. Prizes for essay writing competition for college and higher secondary level were also given to the winners.

Phek: The 7th National Voters’ Day was also observed at Phek district headquarters with Deputy Commissioner and District Election Officer, Phek Murohu Chotso as the chief guest. National Voters’ Day message was read out by ADC and ERO, Phek, folk song was presented by Niepralu Rhakho and group.

Prizes for the essay competition 2016 (higher Secondary level and college level) and best Booth Level Zunheboto: At the programme Officer (BLO) were also presented. conducted at DC’s conference hall, Zunheboto, SDO (C), Zunheboto, Pughoboto: Pughoboto sub-di- Holohon Yepthomi spoke on the vision celebrated the National need of initiating younger generaVoters’ Day at ADC office, where tion to develop sense of responsiADC and District Election Offi- bility to vote without being influcer, Pughoboto, Avelu Ruho chal- enced by any unfair inducement. lenged the voters to maintain free Kaheli Chophy, runner up, Miss and fair election and apprised the Nagaland, who is the district icon newly enrolled voters to shoulder of SVEEP campaign, reminded responsibilities with their valuable the gathering to vote in true spirit votes. She advocated one person for principled persons and creone vote and called to maintain ate awareness and be an agent of unity. SDO (C) and ERO Pugho- change. She also gave away prizes boto, Er Namang Sepong Chang to best Booth Level Officers and spoke on the significance of the winners of essay competition.

Chief Secretary of Nagaland, Pankaj Kumar and other officials with awardees during National Voters’ Day in Kohima on January 25. (Morung Photo) Our Correspondent Kohima | January 25

The Chief Electoral Officer’s Office, Nagaland today distributed EPIC to new voters of 18 & 19 years on the occasion of 7th National Voters’ Day here at Zonal Council Hall.

It was handed over by Nagaland’s Chief Secretary Pankaj Kumar. He appreciated them for joining the “legend of voters” and hoped that their participation will result in better election.

Maintaining that youth are a great force, he said if they go in the wrong way the society will go wrong and if they do well the society would register positive note. The Chief Secretary also called upon the new voters to exercise their vote well to have much more fruitful life.

Kumar also distributed prize to the winners of essay and drawing competitions, best BLOs and others.

Best BLOs of the Assembly Constituencies were: 8th Western Angami A/C14 New Market 1 polling station – Mhathung, 9th Kohima Town A/C- 38th Lerie Colony-1 polling station – Worthonthung Yanthan, 10 Northern Angami 1 A/C- 21 Keyake Polling station – Keneingu Rutsa, 11 Northern Angami 11 A/C- 16 Rusoma Polling station – Thepfusetuo Terhase, 12 Tseminyu- 37 Nsunyu polling station – Hinilo Tep, 14 Southern Angami I A/C- 1 Phesama upper polling station – Thepfuneiko and 15 Southern Angami 11 A/C- 7 Viswema polling station – Keletho Kin. In recognition of sponsoring the print of 11.4 lakh pledge cards on Clean Election 2016 which enabled election department

to collect 9 lakh signed pledge cards from across the state, CEO office Nagaland gave away token of appreciation to AGM and convenor of State Level Bankers Committee.

It also conferred Best Campus Ambassador of the State (2016) award in the field of Systematic Voter’s Education & Electoral Participation to Tshekuthi Thopi of Mount Hermon Higher Secondary School Kohima.

Winners of essay competition (college level) on ‘Solution to electoral malpractice begins with me’ were: First – Thejakietuo Liezietsu (Kohima College), Second – Kemezinu (Model Christian College), Third – Vimeyeno and Medokhrienuo Khezhie (both from Oriental College).

Winners of essay competition (higher secondary school level) on ‘Multiple registration as a voter and furnishing wrong particulars are illegal, unethical and immoral’ were: First – Merio N. Ngullie (Ministers’ Hill Baptist HSS), Second – Neiphrezonuo Tseikha (Mezhur HSS), and Third – Vekhruvolii (Don Bosco HSS).

Winners of state level essay competition for students of universities on ‘Ethical and informed voting for all round development’ were: First – Joel Thangeo (School of Information Technology- Nagaland University Dimapur), Second – Kedorovino Ursula (The Global Open University, Dimapur), and Third – Dzüvinguno Dorothy Chasie (Nagaland University, Meriema, Kohima).

Winners of state level drawing competition on the theme ‘Every vote counts’ were: First – Changnyei T. Phom (Model HSS Kohima) and Second – Y Ayem (Little Star HSS Dimapur).

‘Educational management of CHSS begins 50th anniversary celebrations children with intellectual disabilities’ Morung Express News Dimapur | January 25

The 2-day workshop on ‘Educational management of children with intellectual disabilities’ jointly organized by SSA Nagaland and National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEIPD), Secundarabad concluded Wednesday here at Don Bosco Higher Secondary School complex.

In the first session, resource persons from NIEPID, Dr. G Sri Krishna, faculty in rehabilitation psychology, spoke on the topic ‘Counselling parents having children with intellectual disabilities (IDs).’

In his introduction to the topic, Dr. Krishna said counselling is a process wherein the counselor helps the client in an interpersonal situation and that counselling involves helping others to understand

themselves better and to be more effective in solving their problems.

“In essence, counseling is helping others to help themselves,” he said.

According to Dr. Krishna, a counselor must be very careful on the ‘blocks to counselling’ including reassuring, logical argument, diverting, advising, questioning, moralizing, threatening, ordering, praising and criticizing.

The resource person said the basic aims of counseling included information giving (oneto-one teaching), giving emotional support (lending warmth to helpless), promoting insight (key to self discovery), conflict resolution (both interpersonal and intrapersonal conflicts), decision making (weigh pros and cons of the situation to arrive at critical decisions), and problem solving (systematically analyse difficulties, find solu-

FELICITATION NOTE

tions and act accordingly).

He also said the attributes of an effective counselor are genuineness (genuine concern for helping), personal warmth (warm interpersonal interactions), client respect (positive regard), sensitivity (to human relations), empathy (client’s frame of reference).

He further said the personal and professional qualities of counsellors are very important in facilitating relationship.

Krishna said the three stages of counseling are the Initial Stage (establishing rapport and developing harmonious relationship), Middle Stage (information gathering and allowing client to express freely) and Termination Stage, which consists of recapitulation, future plan of action and follow up.

Later, Dr. Shilpa Manogna, also from NIEPID, spoke on ‘Schemes and benefits for children with ID.’

People participate in the marathon race organized as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of Christian Higher Secondary School on January 25.

Dimapur, January 25 (mExn): Christian Higher Secondary School (CHSS), Dimapur welcomed its 50th anniversary celebrations with a marathon race and a dedication prayer on January 25 at the school ground.

NBCC General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Zelhou Keyho dedi-

cated the yearlong celebrations with a prayer and addressed the gathering with words of encouragement.

The welcome address was delivered by S. Moatemsu Walling, Principal, CHSS. Earlier in the morning, a marathon race was flagged off by Rev. Dr. N. Tzudir,

Chairperson, School Managing Board to commemorate the dawn of the 50th anniversary celebrations.

Students, alumni, teachers, parents and well wishers numbering around 1000 completed the 7 km course, launching the celebrations in a grand way.

Morung Expres News Kiphire | January 25

With immense pleasure, the Yimchungrü Union Chumukedima, Yimchungrü Students’ Union Chumukedima and Yimchungrü Liberü Arihako Chumukedima extend our heartiest congratulations to Miss Y. Tsurila Yimchunger for winning the 2nd Runners up in the Oriflame Face of Northeast 2017, who is also the first among the Yimchungrü to go up to this level.

The Union wishes her the best in the days to come.

Kohima, January 25 (Dipr): Chief Secretary of Nagaland, Pankaj Kumar (IAS) will inaugurate the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) centre in Kohima on January 27 at 12:00 noon in the Directorate of Information Technology & Communication. The programme will be chaired by Commissioner & Secretary, IT&C, KD Vizo, while a presentation on the BPO will be made by Infinity Informatics Pvt. Ltd.

Animal show in Kohima

7 AR conducts lecture at Zisaji Presidency College With an effort to spread awareness about hygiene and sanitation in Kiphire Town, the 7 Assam Rifles Kiphire under the aegis of Headquarters 5 sector Assam Rifles today conducted a lecture cum workshop at Zisaji Presidency College with Medical Officer of 7 AR, Dr. Subhara Jyoti as resource person.

Dr. Subhara Jyoti said health and hygiene are well connected.

“We have to focus from illness to wellness and which does not mean to cure the disease but to prevent it so that we have a healthy life,” he added.

The doctor also stated hygiene may be further classified into community, public and personal. Simple act as washing hand before and after cooking, he said, makes much difference and asked the students

Chief Secretary to inaugurate BPO

Kohima, January 25 (mExn): The Chief Veterinary & Animal Husbandry Officer, Kohima has informed that there will be an animal show at the Veterinary Hospital, Kohima on January 28 in view of the ongoing Animal Welfare Fortnight. The show will cover the category of dairy cows (Farm site), piglet (Crossbred below 6 months), dog, Desi birds and cross bred birds.

The registration fee will be entirely free.

Registration time will close at 10:00 am. Attractive prizes will be given to the winners on the same day.

IPPI in Kohima on Jan 29

Kohima, January 25 (mExn): The Chief Medical Officer of Kohima, Dr. Avino Metha has informed that the 1st round of Intensified Pulse Polio Immunization (IPPI) for 0-5 years of age will be conducted on January 29.

The next 2 days activity will be house to house visit. All concerned parents, community leaders, wards chairmen, youth leaders have been requested to create awareness and sensitize to avail polio drops at the nearest booths.

IVR council warns villagers not to participate in DMC polls

Students and faculty of Zisaji Presidency College with Dr. Subhara Jyoti.

to ‘stay healthy and eat healthy’.

Stating that if the society we live is healthy the economy of the nation also improves, he appealed to the students to

take care of one’s environment as disease and sickness are spread through unclean environment.

Dr. Purna, Vice Principal,

ZPC said such programme is very much needed to be organized from time to time as health is as important as the economy for any society.

Dimapur, January 25 (mExn): The council of Industrial Village Razhüphe (IVR) has notified that citizens of the village are not to participate in the upcoming Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) election as the village is not under the DMC. “Any villager doing so using the name of the Village will be dealt with according to the resolution of the village council,” stated a press release from TL Angami, Head GB cum Chairman and Kenei Angami, Secretary of Industrial Village Razhüphe Council.

It also requested the candidates not to entertain any such person.

Thursday 26•01•2017

NORTH-EAST 3

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

P.A. Sangma awarded Padma Vibhushan

Shillong, January 25 (ianS): Former Lok Sabha Speaker, the late Purno Agitok Sangma has been conferred the Padma Vibhushan, his family said on Wednesday. He has become the first recipient from Meghalaya to be awarded India's secondhighest civilian honour.

"It is an honour for the people of the northeast-

ern states and especially to our community (Garo tribals) that the government has conferred Padma Vibhushan to him," Sangma's widow Soradini K. Sangma told IANS over phone from Australia.

"We (family) are honoured. We feel that the award is in recognition to his selfless service and contribution to the people and

Writer-activist from Assam bags Padma Shri

Centre assures special package to Arunachal Pradesh for telecom

new Delhi, January 25 (ianS): Known for her significant contribution to children's and women's literature, noted writer-activist Eli Ahmed was on Wednesday named a Padma Shri awardee. The Padma awards were announced by the Centre on Wednesday. An all-rounder from the North-eastern state of Assam, Ahmed is a renowned writer, script writer, director, lyricist, costume designer, actress and a social activist, to mention just a few among what she has done in her life. Her books include "Romanthan" and "Asom Jyoti" and have rose to critical acclaim. She is also the Editor, Publisher and Proprietor of "OraniI", the only women magazine in Northeast since 1970. She is best known for her play "Ami abhinoy kora noi," a drama based on physically handicapped children, child labour and child education.

Army Chief reviews security situation in Manipur imphal, January 25 (pTi): Chief of Army Staff Gen Bipin Rawat today reviewed the security situation in Manipur during a visit here. Rawat was "briefed on the prevailing security situation in the state by local commanders", a release by Assam Rifles said. The Army Chief also reviewed operational preparedness of the formations during his visit to the state and appreciated the endeavours of security forces, it said. Lauding efforts of soldiers for ensuring peace and tranquility in the state, he appreciated the close coordination between the state government and the security forces, the release said. The General also called on Governor Dr Najma Heptulla and discussed the situation in the state. He was accompanied by GOCin-C Eastern Command Lt Gen Praveen Bakshi, and GOC-in-C 3 Corps Lt Gen Anil Chauhan. The state had witnessed unrest due to protests and economic blockade by United Naga Council (UNC) since November 1.

Tender Notice No.: C/2 of 2017 Open Tender in sealed covers are invited by the Sr. Divisional Commercial Manager/Lumding from the genuine registered Labour Cooperative Societies of actual workers with not more than one or two outsiders in the "field of operation" for the work of Handling parcel at Dimapur, Lumding, Hojai & Chapermukh stations. Cost of tender form: `3,000/-; Earnest money: `1,000/-; Period of Contract: 3 years; Validity of offer: 90 days from the date of opening tender.

Tender form can be obtained from the offices of the (i) Sr. Divisional Commercial Manager/ Lumding (ii) Assistant Commercial Manager/ Guwahati and (iii) Assistant Commercial Manager/ Badarpur from 10.00 hrs. of 02-022017 upto 12.00 hrs. of 01-03-2017 on all working days on cash payment.

Tender can be dropped from 10.00 hrs of 02-02-2017 to 01-032017 on all working days in the Tender Box kept in the Offices of the (i) Sr. Divisional Commercial Manager/Lumding (ii) Assistant Commercial Manager/ Guwahati and (iii) Assistant Commercial Manager/ Badarpur.

Tender Boxes will be opened at 15.30 hrs. on 03-03-2017 at office of the Sr. Divisional Commercial Manager/Lumding Detailed NIT and the tender form is available in www.nfr.indianrailways.gov.in and in the notice board of the office of the Sr. DCM/LMG. Divisional Commercial Manager (TC), Lumding "Serving Customers with a smile"

iTanagar, January 25 (pTi): The Centre has assured Arunachal Pradesh for a special package to develop the telecommunication system in the state. The assurance came from Union Department of Telecom (DoT) Secretary J S Deepak when the state Chief Secretary Shakuntala Doley Gamlin made the proposal, among others, during the two days meeting of DoT at Guwahati, which concluded yesterday, an official release informed said here today.

Deepak said that the Union Ministry of Telecommunication would set up around 6,000 towers across North East under the comprehensive telecom development plant for North East India. The project would connect more than 8,000

to the nation," she added, while thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the selection committee for bestowing the award.

Sangma rose to become the country's first tribal Lok Sabha Speaker, serving from 1996 to 1998, when the country witnessed three coalition governments - that of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, H.D. Deve Gow-

villages across the region in next two years. BSNL would do this work in Arunachal Pradesh, he said.

The Union secretary further assured to make more bandwidth available, wherever the VSATs are being installed, especially in district headquarters besides, improved connectivity through VSAT till optical fibres are laid on an interim basis and connectivity through OFC possible within a period of 2 years.

During the meeting the chief secretary apprised the department of the need to expand telecommunications in the strategically located state, mainly in view of GST implementation, demonetisation, educational purposes, promotion of tourism sector. Gamlin expressed concern over

da and I.K. Gujral.

But he ably controlled parliamentary proceedings, using his gifted sense of humour to defuse tensions. The tribal leader donned many caps - of a lecturer, a lawyer and a journalist - before he was catapulted to national politics. He was also Meghalaya Chief Minister from 1988 to 1990.

slow pace of works by the executing agencies in various projects and emphasized that Railtel and BSNL should carry out their work on war footing to complete their projects so that implementation of GST and other e-Governance projects could be rolled out on time.

AFFIDAVIT I, Shri. Deventhong Torechu s/o Shri. Torechu, hereby declare that the name Deventhong Torechu and Deventhong is of the same person. I hereby declare that my actual name DEVENTHONG shall be used for all official purpose through affidavit Regd. No. 161/2017 Dated: 24/01/2017

VACANCY

1. History – 1 Post – M.A (History) Experienced Hands Preferred

Interview: 1. Written 3. Viva

2. Demonstration

Apply before 31st Jan 2017 with full Bio-Data, mark-sheets & Phone No.

Director Lima Aier Hr. Sec. School, Lingrijan, Dimapur Mb. No : 9436609726/9402830655

WANTED TEACHERS

Two former Congress MLAs join BJP in Manipur imphal, January 25 (nnn): The poll-bound Manipur is witnessing the BJP’s rising graph, with two former Congress MLAs and one All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) leader today joining the saffron party after quitting their respective parties. Kangpokpi constituency (ST) MLA Nemcha Kipgen, Thanlon constituency (ST) MLA Vungzagin Valte had on January 23 tendered their resignation from the House as well as from primary membership of Congress. Former MP and AITC president Kim Gangte also joined the BJP. A simple function was held at the state BJP office, Imphal to welcome them. Kim Gangte, 55, was the first woman from Manipur to become an MP after she was elected from the Outer Manipur Lok Sabha constituency in 1998. The ticket allocations by BJP on January 23 after much delay for the ensuing two-phase state assembly polls to be held on March 4 and 8 came as a shocker for many aspiring candidates.

OFFICE OF THE

MEZOMA STUDENTS’ UNION

Dated Wokha the 16th Jan. 2017

NOTICE

No.JudI-47/2015-16: Whereas, Smti. C. Ruthunglo Lotha, wife of Late Shri. Chumdamo, a resident of Wokha Town has applied for issue of Succession Certificate to enable her to draw family pension from the Government pertaining to PPO No. 17356 and to operate AC No. 11766539336 in favour of her deceased husband Late Shri.

Chumdamo who expired on 19/11/2016.

Now, therefore, public and relatives are hereby asked to file claims/objections if any, within 30 (thirty) days from the date of issue of this notice.

No claims/objections will be entertained after the cut off date and succession certificate shall be issued.

Sd/- K. THAVASEELAN, IAS Addl. Deputy Commissioner Wokha, Nagaland

MEZOMA : NAGALAND

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the Western Angami Students’ Union (WASU) 42nd Biennial General Conference and the Mezoma Students’ Union would like to convey our heartfelt gratitude to the following for making the recently concluded WASU 42nd Biennial General Conference, 2017 a success.

May the Lord bless you abundantly in all your future endeavours.

1. Shri. Kiyaneilie Peseyie, Hon’ble Minister Social Security & Welfare, Parliamentary Affairs, GON. 2. Village Council Mezoma 3. Mezoma Women Organization 4. Mr. Kedocanyü Rhitso 5. Mr. Zhasavilie Kehie 6. Er. Phouthego Khawakhrie 7. Er. Miaziekho Kehie 8. Mr. Kedocato Chüsi 9. Mr. Mhiesito Krose 10. Mr. Vikuosieto Krose 11. Mr. Alhouko Chüsi 12. Miss. Viketouno Chüsi 13. Miss Tsino Viya 14. Miss. Neilhousano Kehie 15. Mr. Kesalhoukho Casavi 16. Mr. Vimelie Chüsi 17. Mr. Mhiesikolie (Mathew) Neiphi 18. Mr. Megoneito Kielienyü 19. Mr. Kekhrieselhou K. Kuotsu 20. Mr. Gonei-u Sirie 21. Mezoma Baptist Church (Pekrubeilie Kuotsu) President MSU

CHRISTIAN SCHOOL PUNGRO, NAGALAND

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER WOKHA NAGALAND

(Theja Chüsi) Convenor, LOC

SOUTHERN ANGAMI STUDENTS’ UNION 67th Biennial General Conference

Theme: “Be an Asset not a Liability” Date: 27-29 January 2017 Venue: St. Paul School, Phesama

Speakers

Shri. Khrupi Sothu Secretary Nagaland Public Service Commission Govt. of Nagaland Dr. Dietho-o Yhoshü Ex. MLA Shri. Dominic Meyieho Senior Asst. Professor Assam Don Bosco University Pr. Kehoulelie Zatsu President Angami Christian Revival Church Pastors & Deacons Association

1. Science Teacher (1 Post) : B.Sc. Graduate Salary – 10,500/- pm 2. Montessori trained teachers (2 Posts) – Min. Qualification – P.U. Salary 7000 to 8000/- pm (Free Accommodation will be provided)

Contact: 9436830259/9862992264

DIPHUPAR ‘B’ VILLAGE

Silver Jubile e Programme

Dated: 28th January 2017 Venue: - Local Ground Diphupar ‘B’ Village

Theme: - Unity And Harmony Chief Guest: - Shri Chotisuh Sazo Hon’ble Speaker, Nagaland State Legislative Assembly Dated : 28th January 2017 Time : 10:30 A.M.

Dedication of Jubilee Stone By Rev. Dr. Khehovi A. Shohe Director S.B.C. Unveiling of Jubilee Stone by Shri. Chotisuh Sazo, Hon’ble Speaker, Nagaland State Legislative Assembly

Time 11:00 A.M.

ORDER OF PROGRAMME

COMPARES 1. B. Pauloi Phom 2. Tonika Awomi 1. Invocation 2. Opening Hymnal 3. Welcome Note 4. Special Song 5. Short Speech

6. Unveiling of Jubilee Souvenir 7. Presentation 8. Brief History of The Village 9. Cultural Programme 10. Speech 11. Vote of thanks 12. Benediction

: Rev.Thepupa Swuro, Principal Deshian Academy School : How Great Thou Art : Kahuto N . Chishi, Chairman, Village Council : Jubilee Choir : Shri. Kesonyu Yhome, (IAS) Deputy Commissioner Dimapur : Chief Guest : : Shri. L.P. Therie Hd. GB. : : Chief Guest : Shri. O. Mangyang Jamir Convener, Planning Committee : Shri. Wojanthung Ngullie, Pastor Lotha Baptist Church, Diphupar ‘B’ Village.

Jubilee Feast

Sd/Programme Committee

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The Organising Committee of Tsüngkamnio celebration Cum Yimchunger–Sumi Cultural exchange would like to express our sincere gratitude to Shri. Toniho Yepthomi, President, Sumi Hoho and his esteem colleagues, Shri. K. Keozhi, President, Yimchunger Tribal Council and his esteem colleagues, Shri, Y. Vikheho Swu, Hon’ble Minister for Roads & Bridges Govt. of Nagaland, Shri. R. Tohanba, Hon’ble Parliamentary Secretary, MA., Eco & Stats., Govt. of Nagaland, Shri. T. Torechu, Hon’ble MLA & Chairman, NKVIB, all the participants from both Sumi and Yimchunger community, Administration, Police, Sub Organising committees, Yimchunger Gazetted Officers Association, Yimchunger Women Organisation, Yimchunger Akherü Arihako, Yimchunger GBs Federation, Chessore Area Public Forum,Chessore Area GBs Association, Shamator Town Public Forum, Chessore Village Council, Chessore Village Baptist Church, Chessore Village Students’ Union, YWO Chessore Unit, Chessore Town, Chessore Town Students’ Union, Moyit Village, Kenuwong Village, Kelongru Village and all the individuals and well wishers for rendering their service and contributions towards the grand success of Tsüngkamnio celebration Cum Yimchunger–Sumi cultural exchange programme held on 16 January 2017 under the theme “Reminiscence of Ancestral ties through Culture” We would like to acknowledge and mention the following organisations and individuals for their contributions.

1. Shri. R. Tohanba, Hon’ble Parliamentary Secretary, MA. Eco & Stats., Govt. of Nagaland.

Rs. 2,00,000 2. Shri. T. Torechu, Hon’ble MLA &Chairman, NKVIB Rs. 50,000 3. Shri. H. Mukam Ex. Candidate Rs. 30,000 4. Shamator & Chessore Block Rs. 5,60,000 5. Khongsa & Pungro Block Rs. 3,10,000 6. Mr. R. Throngji Director, BCH Rs. 20,000 7. Mr. Z. Throngshe PS Rs. 20,000 8. Yimchunger Union Kohima Rs. 5,000 9. Yimchunger Union Mon Rs. 3,000 10. Yimchunger Women Organisation Rs. 5,000 11. NSCN/GPRN Rs. 10,000 12. Mr. K. Showuba Deputy Director (Agri) Rs. 3,000 13. Mr. S. Lakiumong B.D.O Rs. 3,000 14. Mr. K. Soriso DY. SP Rs. 3,000 15. Mr. Lachimba J.E Rs. 3,000 16. Mr. S. Wongtsukiu F/Man Rs. 3,000 17. Mr. John Tochimong SOC, Bharat Scouts & Guides Rs. 3,000 18. Mr. Hoshito Elias A.H.M Rs. 3,000 19. Mr. K. Kiusangthong Ranger Rs. 3,000 20. Mr. Kingphu J.E Rs. 3,000 21. Mr. M.Daniel J.E Rs. 3,000 22. Mr. Shakiba ACF Rs. 3,000 23. Mr. Toshi Supdt. of Taxes Rs. 3,000 24. Dr. Rejingkhum Asst. Prof.

Rs. 3,000 25. Mr. Mure DWO Mon Rs. 3,000 26. Mr. Aron Ranger Rs. 3,000 27. Miss. Hejila B.D.O Rs. 3,000 28. Mr. Athrong EAC Rs. 3,000 29. Mr. Hankiumong Dy. Sp Rs. 3,000 30. Er. Thrimhokiu SDO Rs. 3,000 31. Er. Mukam SDO Rs. 3,000 32. Er. Muleki Addl. SP Rs. 3,000 33. Dr. Punsokiu Jt. Director Rs. 3,000 34. Mr. Tiakaba Silt Analyse Rs. 3,000 35. Mr. Thsanso DSO Rs. 3,000 36. Ms. Sotsula Jt. Secy.

Rs. 3,000 37. Dr. Lunso MO Rs. 3,000 38. Dr. Thingtimla MO Rs. 3,000 39. Mr. Kumtsu Dy. Sp Rs. 3,000 40. Mrs. Nitoli Tokiu Supdt. Taxes Rs. 3,000 41. Mr. Murelem Dy. Director Rs. 3,000 42. Er. Toshi SDO Rs. 3,000 43. L. Mukam HM Rs. 3,000 44. Mr. Sunny Mongba Kuthur Rs. 2,000 (Mr. Throngso Yimchunger) Convenor Organising Committee

(Mr. M. Yinkiu Yimchunger) Finance Secretary, YTC

4

ThursDAY 26•01•2017

business

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Apple ready with blueprint for manufacturing unit in India NEW DELHI, JaNuary 25 (PTI): Apple Inc today indicated to the government that it is ready with a blueprint to begin manufacturing iPhones in India, but wants fiscal concessions, including Customs duty waiver on import of components.

Apple executives made a detailed presentation on its road map for setting up a manufacturing unit in India to an inter-ministerial group headed by Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion Secretary Ramesh Abhishek, sources privy to the development said.

The presentation was made by senior executives of the company, including Global Vice-President (iPhone operations) Priya Balasubramanian. It cited the country’s business friendly ecosystem for keenness to start local manufacturing.

With sales tapering in the US and China, Apple is

An iphone is seen on display at a kiosk at an Apple reseller store in mumbai on January 12. (REUTERS Photo)

eyeing India -- the fastest growing smartphone market in the world -- and looking to set up a local manufacturing unit to cut costs.

It, however, does not manufacture devices on its own and rather does it through contract manu-

facturers.

Besides exemption from the Customs duty on imports of components and equipment for 15 years, Apple wants relaxation in the mandated 30 per cent local sourcing of components.

When contacted, Apple spokesperson told PTI: “We have been working hard to develop our operations in India and are proud to deliver the best products and services in the world to our customers here.”

The spokesperson

added: “We appreciate the constructive and open dialogue we have had with the government about further expanding our local operations.”

On the duty and taxrelated concessions being sought by the company, the sources said most of them are within the policy domain and decisions will be taken by the respective departments.

“They are seeking certain duty exemptions and other concessions. Respective departments will look at those demands,” they added.

The official also said the company has indicated that it would gradually make India a major manufacturing hub for its products.

“The company setting up its manufacturing unit in India is going to be a reality. They have fullfledged plans. There is no policy impediment. They would also bring their sup-

ply chains,” the sources divulged.

The company executives yesterday called on Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

In a communication to the government, the Cupertino-based technology major has asked for several tax and other incentives, including long-term duty exemptions, to enter the manufacturing sector in India.

Currently, the government provides support by way of benefits under the Modified Special Incentive Package Scheme (MSIPS) to boost electronic manufacturing.

The company sells its products through Apple-owned retail stores in countries like China, Germany, the US, the UK and France, among others. It has no wholly-owned store in India and sells its products through distributors such as Redington and Ingram Micro.

Bharti Airtel’s profits plunge to Amway ties-up with IIM Calcutta for special course JaNuary 25 onstrated strong performance through skill-learning is a key 4-yr low as Jio-led price war bites KoLKaTa, (IaNS): Amway India, the and business excellence over the priority for our government,” MuMbaI, JaNuary 25 (rEuTErS): Bharti Airtel, India’s largest telecom network operator, reported its lowest profit in four years as competition from a new rival hit revenues that were also affected by a cash crunch, after the central government scrapped high-value banknotes.

A brutal price war has ensued in India’s mobile phone market since the entry late last year of Reliance Jio Infocomm, owned by the billionaire Mukesh Ambani, which has offered huge discounts to win customers.

Rivals such as Bharti have been forced to respond with price cuts of their own, though at a steep cost. In November rival Vodafone booked in a $5 billion charge on the value of its Indian business due to the price war.

Bharti’s consolidated net profit fell to Rs 504 crore ($73.99 million) in its third quarter ended Dec. 31, down from Rs1108 crore in the same period of 2015.

This was the company’s lowest profit since the December quarter of 2012.

The result was 50 percent be-

low analysts’ profit forecasts.

“The quarter has seen turbulence due to the continued predatory pricing by a new operator,” Gopal Vittal, Bharti’s managing director and chief executive for India and South Asia, said in a statement on Tuesday.

“This has led to an unprecedented year-on-year revenue decline for the industry, pressure on margins and a serious impact on the financial health of the sector.”

Bharti’s revenue fell 3 percent to Rs 23364 crore over the past three months, due to cheaper voice and data tariffs. This was the company’s first ever year-on-year fall in revenue.

Average revenue per user for Bharti’s voice services in India fell nearly 7 percent from the JulySeptember period to 123 rupees, Bharti said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s move to ban 500 and 1000-rupee notes also eroded consumer spending power as most Indians still use cash at local touchpoints to recharge socalled pre-paid mobile phone connections.

country’s leading direct selling FMCG company, has made its maiden tie-up with IIM Calcutta for a special course focused on entrepreneurship and leadership for its identified high potential direct sellers.

The company has shortlisted 100 direct sellers who have dem-

NEW DELHI, JaNuary 25 (IaNS): There is a rise in the number of cyber attacks on critical infrastructure in India and it will not stop as most of the sectors are poorly protected, a top executive from the global internet security giant Kaspersky lab said here on Wednesday. After the demonetisaion move, the drive to digitisation has accelerated, bringing to the fore the concerns for cybersecurity and the level of risk remains the same everywhere and for every sector, said Vicente Diaz, Principal Security Analyst at Kaspersky lab.

“Poorly secured Industrial Cybersecurity Solutions (ICS) is nothing new but now attacking

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said company General Manager Anshu Budhraja.

The company approached us to arrange a series of workshops for their high potential direct sellers on subjects related to entrepreneurship, said Ramendra Singh, Programme Coordinator and faculty at IIM Calcutta.

‘Poorly secured infrastructure at cybersecurity risk in India’

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past few years for this programme.

“The tie-up with IIM Calcutta is focused on building skills and competencies of our high potential direct sellers to help them compete in an evolving entrepreneurship landscape.

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them provides direct benefit to the hackers. There will be more attacks in ICS sector,” Diaz told reporters here. He added that Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) had learnt from mistakes and now their deployment would be more silent in those poorly monitored systems. APT usually refers to a group, such as a government, with both the capability and the intent to target, persistently and effectively, a specific entity.

With the ultimate aim to cause an industrial accident, other incentives for hackers include money and control of infrastructure. Diaz added that some cyber attacks on Indian sectors or government are sponsored by other

governments. His comments came a few months after the US intelligence community accused Russians of being responsible for the hacking that led to the leaking of damaging material which dogged Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton till the Election Day. Recently, the Kaspersky Lab commented that hackers behind US cyber attacks were hard to trace. Meanwhile, Vikram Kalkat, Business Development Manager, APAC at Kaspersky lab said that soon Internet of Things (IoT) will become a reality in India and it will become very important to take effective measures to check hacking.

DiMaPUR ACROSS 8. Dung beetle 1. Boom 9. Aircraft carrier 5. Skirt lines 10. Place 9. A flat mass of ice 11. Smell 13. Hindu princess 12. Feudal worker 14. Construct 15. Clan 16. Jar tops 21. An upright in a wall 17. Colored part of an eye 23. Small salmon 18. Located near the poles 25. Historical periods 19. Many millennia 27. An enclosure 20. Segments of DNA 28. Feudal lord 22. Stenosis 29. L 24. Destiny 31. Leather shorts 26. Wooden shoe 32. Smelter waste 27. Resolution 34. Consume 30. See with attention 36. Backside 33. Popular terrier 39. Child 35. A drama set to music 40. Send forth 37. Precious stone 43. Earnest 38. Quench 44. Russian emperor 41. To make a fool of (archaic) 46. Nights before 42. Excrete 47. A teaching discourse 45. Unaffected by time 49. Leaves out 48. Invented the light bulb 50. Interstellar cloud 51. Various 53. Install (2 words) 52. What we are called 55. Devil tree 54. Engineering school 56. Biblical garden 55. Depicted 57. Thin strip 59. Leaf opening 58. Membership fees 62. Doing nothing 60. A fitting reward (archaic) 63. Ballet skirts 61. Boats 65. End ___ 64. South southeast 66. Rip Answer to Crossword 3838 67. Slips 68. Stink 69. Blind (poker) 70. Church alcove 71. Terminates DOWN 1. Trigonometry (abbrev.)

2. Rabbit 3. Ignorant 4. Illness 5. Cool, once 6. God of love 7. Thaws

SUDOKU

H mAtCh meet outfit quiet repent round sAturnine seAr sets shAbby shin short stiCk summit thought timber tubs urChin yonder

std code: 03862

Public transport goes green: Tata Motors launches electric bus PuNE, JaNuary 25 (PTI): With an aim to push green technology in mass public transportation vehicles in India, Tata Motors on Wednesday launched a fully electric bus and a hybrid one, with indicative prices ranging between Rs 1.6 crore and Rs 2 crore.

The company, which is a leader in the commercial vehicles space in the country with a market share of around 45 per cent, also showcased its LNG-powered bus.

Besides, it also unveiled a bus with fuel cell technology and electric versions of its light commercial vehicles SuperAce, Magic and Magic Iris.

“At Tata Motors our aim is to not only comply with emerging regulations of clean and green emissions but also be ahead of the requirements,” Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles Executive Director Ravindra Pisharody told reporters in Pune.

The biggest opportunity for such buses are in metros for public transportation, he added.

The company has already received order for 25 units of Starbus Hybrid buses from MMRDA Mumbai and deliveries would commence in first quarter of 2017-18.

It aims to start deliveries of fully electric buses in next quarter after getting clarity on subsidies for the segment, Pisharody said.

“We have been consistently developing and manufacturing products that can contribute to CO2 reductions across all road

TaHaMZaM

FOR SALE TUENSANG KHOLARU Rs. 1200 per tin Dimapur Ph.no : 8974595759

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Officer-in-Charge 8575045510 8575045502

Officer-in-Charge 8575045520 8575045508

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

8575045507

Officer-in-Charge 8575045517 khuzama ps

8575045505

Officer-in-Charge 8575045515 kezocha ps

8575045549

Officer-in-Charge 8575045538 women Cell

8575045509

Officer-in-Charge 8575045519 Control room

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

Game Number # 3834

transport segments and with early investments in new technologies, we are geared up to further strengthen our market leadership,” Pisharody said.

The company plans to play an active role in mass public transportation with the new range of future ready buses, he added.

The home grown auto major also displayed an articulated bus.

When asked about the export plans, Pisharody said the company is ready if orders come in from overseas markets.

Commenting on market share in bus segment in domestic market, he said: “Traditionally we had a market share of 30-35 per cent but due to large orders received it would jump to over 45 per cent at the end of this fiscal.”

Tata Motors currently designs, develops and manufactures buses in Pune, Dharwad, Pantnagar and Lucknow. It also has a joint venture with Marcopolo of Brazil for fully built bus solutions.

It also has a partnership with ACGL of Goa for bus bodies.

Answer Number # 3833

8575045500 (Emergency No. – 100)

FiRE STaTiONS

kohimA south: 0370-2222952/ 101 (O) 9402003086 (OC) kohimA north: 7085924114 (O) dimApur: 03862-232201/ 101 (O) 9856156876 (OC) ChumukedimA: 7085982102 (O) 8732810051 (OC) wokhA: 03860-242215/101 (O) 8974322879 (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) mon: 03869-251222/ 101 (O) 9862130954 (OC) kiphire: 8414853767 (O) 9436261577 (OC) peren: 7085189932 (O) 9856311205 (OC) longleng: 7085924113 (O) 9862414264 (OC) we4 women helpline 08822911011 WOMEN helpline 181 CHiLD welfAre Committee Toll free No. 1098 childline

MOKOKCHUNG

std code: 0369

police station 1 police station 2 police station kobulong police station tuli police station Changtongya police station mangkolemba Civil hospital

9485232688 9485232689 9485232690 9485232693 9485232694 9485232695 2226216

woodland nursing home

2226263

hotel metsüpen (tourist lodge) 2226373/ 2229343

CURRENCY NOTES buy (rs) sell (rs)

us dollars sterling pound hong kong dollar Australian dollar singapore dollar Canadian dollar Japanese yen euro thai baht korean won uAe dirham (Aed) Chinese yuan

66.51 82.65 8.3 50.27 46.81 49.99 58.26 71.4 1.82 0.0552 17.52 9.44

69.51 86.63 9.24 52.78 49.09 52.44 61.56 74.86 2.03 0.0615 19.52 10.51

Thursday 26•01•2017

NAGALAND

Call for more consultations to ensure full USLP, TTC, KDGBA against polls participation of PwDs in election process Our Correspondent Kohima | January 25

Diethono Nakhro, State Icon (PwD) today said that disability, people living with disability and disability issues are still very poorly understood in our society – not only with the general public but even with the government and the government machinery. This, she claimed, meant that disabled people are being denied their rights in all spheres of life.

Speaking at the 7th National Voters’ Day here, she said Disability Act has been in existence since 1995, which was repealed on December 16 last year after a more robust Rights of Persons with Disabilities bill was passed in the parliament, which will come into force soon.

“However, despite the old laws being in place for over 20 years - “to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity” – the truth, plain and simple, is that people with disabilities in

People with disabilities in Nagaland continue to live in isolation: Diethono

Diethono Nakhro addressing National Voters’ Day in Kohima on January 25. (Morung Photo)

Nagaland continue to live in isolation being denied even basic rights such as accessibility,” she insisted.

Though the law has said for over 20 years that all public buildings and public spaces must be made accessible so that people with various kinds of disabilities can participate in the life of the society as equal citizens, it has not made any impact here as it has not been implemented, Nakhro stated.

We are not equal citizens in Nagaland, in spite of the law saying that we are, she maintained and added that people with disabilities represent the

most excluded of all groups in Naga society. They are completely missing from the development landscape, she argued.

Majority of children with disabilities cannot attend school while most adults with disabilities are unable to participate in community activities such as meetings, community programmes and functions, festivals and religious services, she observed. They have no access to the labour market and encounter serious obstacles and discrimination in seeking employment or income-generating activities, she added.

This exclusion extends to the election process, Nakhro further observed.

The UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disability, of which India is a signatory, lays down that States Parties shall ensure that persons with disabilities can effectively and fully participate in political and public life on an equal basis with others, directly or through freely chosen representatives, including the right and opportunity for persons with disabilities to vote and be elected.

“I think it would be fair to say that over the years through various election

cycles in the State, little or no attempt has been made to ensure the right of people living with disabilities to exercise their franchise.

The EC has in recent years made facilities for Persons with Disabilities in the election process a priority and we are happy and truly encouraged to note that the Chief Electoral Officer and his team has also made participation of persons with disability an important part of the process in the State,” she said.

Pointing out that voters with disabilities have been an invisible minority to the Election Department, political parties and

the public in general for a very long time, Nakhro expressed the hope that it will change now. If we want to take voting rights seriously and ensure this right for every single person, we cannot ignore voters with disabilities, she maintained.

Nakhro noted that if the Election machinery takes inclusion of people with disabilities seriously, it will have the parallel effect of creating more awareness among the general public which in turn will go a long way in helping improve the quality of life of disabled people in the State.

“We look forward to more consultations that will ensure the full participation of people with disabilities in the entire election process in the state,” she said while also calling for developing an election monitoring method in order to collect data, surveys and studies to understand the involvement of persons with disabilities across the state.

“Disability Rights is Human Rights – and it is the right of every single person with disability to cast his or her vote for the candidate of his or her choice!” she asserted.

CMA condemns alleged rape of minor Land revenue office of Mouza no. 1 Dmp shifted PhEk, JANUARY 25 (MExN): The Chakhesang Mothers Association (CMA) has strongly condemned the alleged rape of a physically challenged 13 year old girl on January 14 at Pfutsero.

In a statement, the CMA termed the act “barbarous and horrific” while further labelling the crime as “domestic terrorism”.

Expressing deep concern for the life and dignity of women, the CMA asserted, “We will no longer sit back and take what seems to be a daily occurrence in our society.”

“This horrific rape on the young women is another shame on the safety of our women and also a blot on the way we treat our women,” the CMA state-

ment maintained.

The CMA further appealed the concerned authorities to immediately award befitting punishment to avert recurrence of such crime in the society.

In an effort to stem such actions, CMA also issued a call to action encouraging unity in vigilance and reporting crimes against women.

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 25 (MExN): Dimapur Deputy Commissioner Kesonyu Yhome has informed that the collection of the Government annual Land revenue of Block No. 3, 6 and 11 under Mouza No. 1 Dimapur Mouza is temporarily shifted to the office of the DC DImapur with immediate effect till

an alternative arrangement is made.

Informing this in a press release, the DC informed that the shifting was necessitated consequent upon the death of Late Orenbomo Lotha, Mouzadar No. 1 of Dimapur and considering the conveniences of the concerned pattadars under

the Mouza for the daily transactions and also for the uninterrupted collection of Government Land revenue.

In this regard, the DC designated LT Khongsai Registrar Kanungo incharge of Revenue branch to act as Mouzadar No. 1 to collect the annual land revenue till further orders.

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 25 (MExN): The United Sangtam Likhum (USLP), Tikhir Tribal Council (TTC) and the Kiphire District GBs Association (KDGBA), VCCs, village heads, GBs, union presidents, ward chairmen and public leaders today held a joint meeting and resolved to firmly support the ENPO resolution to oppose the ULB elections.

A press note from the USLP, TTC and the KDGBA directed all intending candidates, polling agents, chief agents to refrain from taking part in the election. It stated that the public is not against the conduct of the ULB polls, but against the “irregularity” in the present Municipal Act. It further lamented that the government failed to display maturity while dealing with the present imbroglio.

Hokivi assures development

Candidate, H. Hokivi Chishi addressing supporters in Dimapur on Wednesday. (Morung photo) Morung Express News Dimapur | January 25

BJP candidate for Ward no 19 DMC, H. Hokivi Chishi on Wednesday made a fervent appeal to the people to extend their support and cooperation to him for progress and development of the ward and welfare of the business community in particular and the people in general.

Speaking at a programme organized at Naga Bazaar, Murgipatty, Chishi claimed that he had taken the initiative to install CCTV cameras in New Market to control/prevent intimidation to business community and forcible

monetary collection by unwanted elements.

“With more support from you, I assure you of installing CCTV cameras at Naga Bazaar, Murgipatty for your safety,” he assured.

Former Dimapur Town Committee member, Joseph Sumi vouched for Chishi stating that the candidate knows the ins and outs of the issues of ward no 19 and has been with the people in good and bad times.

Former President, Dimapur Youth Congress, Hukugha and Former President Nagaland AAP Youth Wing, Vikato also spoke at the programme appealing support for Hokivi Chishi.

SEC informs on scrutiny of election related documents One held for Dimapur DC informs polling officials kohIMA, smuggling liquor JANUARY 25 (DIPR): resentative duly authorized by the soon as scrutiny is over.

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 25 (MExN): The Dimapur Deputy Commissioner has informed all polling officials appointed for the forthcoming Urban Local Bodies election that the third round of training will be held on January 28

at Dimapur Government College at the time as stipulated below: 11:00 am onwards: Presiding officer & 1st Polling Officials 1:00 pm onwards: 2nd, 3rd Polling Officials & Grade IV staffs

The DC informing this in a press release warned of strict disciplinary action against those polling officials who fail to turn up for the second phase of training as per the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1957.

ZBA 2nd women triennial conference held JAlUkIE, JANUARY 25 (MExN): The 2nd women triennial conference of Zeme Baptist Association (ZBA) was conducted from January 20 to 22 at ZBC, Samziuram ZBA. The main speakers were Rev. Dr. Rabi Pame, principal, UTCM

Dimapur, Rev. DH Zeme, Central Pastor, CNC and Mongzeung Mpom, Pastor, Local Baptist Church Jalukie Town and Samyile, Vice Principal, EMRS Tamenglong were the resource person. Armstrong Pame, IAS, Deputy Com-

missioner, Kamjong, Manipur and Rezulule, NPS, Additional SP Kiphire were the chief guest and guest of honour respectively.

Around 1058 women delegates from Manipur, Assam and Nagaland attended the conference.

In order to ensure that electoral abuses are effectively checked and not allowed to vitiate the poll process, the State Election Commission, in exercise of provision under Section 30 (1) of the Nagaland Municipal Act 2001, has directed that there will be scrutiny of election related documents, as listed below, by the Returning Officer and the Observer, in the presence of the Candidates/their Election Agents or their authorized representatives, at 10:00 am on the day after the Poll.

In this regard, all contesting candidates shall be given advance notice, in writing (under proper acknowledgement) about the scrutiny.

In such notice, it shall be mentioned that either the candidate him/herself or his/her election agent or one rep-

candidate may be present to watch the proceedings of scrutiny.

During the scrutiny, election related documents of the following polling stations will be scrutinized: 1. In all polling stations where any complaint of poll rigging, malpractices etc. was received by the RO or Observer during the poll process.

2. In all polling stations where any significant event (e.g. Change of ballot box etc.) was reported to the RO or Observer during the poll process.

3. In polling stations where poll took place in the absence of any polling agent or in the presence of the agent of only one candidate.

The RO and Observer shall do the scrutiny with utmost care and shall submit report to the Commission as

The following documents will be the subject of scrutiny: 1. The Presiding Officers Diary.

2. Copy of Form 17 (Ballot Paper Account).

3. Counterfoil of Ballot Paper.

4. Envelope containing Tendered Ballot, cancelled Ballot Papers and spoilt and returned Ballot Papers.

5. Marked Copy of Electoral Roll.

6. Sector Magistrate/Sector Officer Diary/Report.

It is further directed that during the collection of Poll materials from the polling parties on completion of Poll, the reception counter should ensure that the above mentioned documents are NOT put into the Strong Room along with the Ballot Box, but should be kept in an alternate safe location.

Governor pays tribute to Netaji Guidelines on identification of electors kohIMA, JANUARY 25 (DIPR): For the purpose of Identification of Voters during the coming Municipal and Town Council elections, 2017, the State Election Commission in pursuance of provisions under Sub Rule (4) of Rule 54 of the Nagaland Municipal Election Rules, 2003 has notified the guideline to be adopted for Identification of the electors by the Presiding Officers which are as follows: (a) Photo Voter ID will be distributed to the electorate prior to the Polling Day and will be used to identify the voter. (b) Minor discrepancies in the entries relating to elector's name, father's/mother's/ husband name, sex, age or address in the electoral roll shall be ignored and the elec-

tor allowed to cast his/ her vote so long as the identity of the elector can be established according to the particulars of electors appearing in the electoral roll and to the satisfaction of the Presiding Officer or Polling Officer.

For the purpose of identification of the electors who cannot produce the Photo Voter ID as mentioned above, the electors should bring anyone of the following documents for exercising their franchise: (i) Aadhar Card (ii) ST/ Indigenous Certificate with photo issued by the Government (iii) Driving License (iv) Electoral Photo ID Card (EPIC) issued by the Election Commission of In-

dia (v) Government issued Identity Cards (vi) Bank Passbook with photo (vii) Income Tax Identity (PAN) cards.

It is clarified that any documents, as enumerated above, which are available only for head of family, shall be allowed for the purpose of Identification of other members of the family. Similarly, any documents in the name of any other member of the family could also be used for identification of other member, provided the other members can be identified on the basis of such document.

No elector will be allowed to exercise his/her franchise unless he/she produces any of the above documents as prescribed by the State Election Commission.

YTC condoles DIMAPUR, JANUARY 25 (MExN): The Yimchungru Tribal Council (YTC) has expressed shock and sadness at the sudden demise of Z. Yansomong of Showuba Village on January 24.

Late Yansomong was among the senior most

Naga National workers from the Yimchungru community who joined the Naga struggle for sovereignty in the late 1970s, the YTC informed in a message.

Terming him as a patriotic man who strongly supported and upheld the integrity of YTC, the Coun-

cil stated that his demise is a loss for the Yimchunger community in particular and the Nagas in general.

Conveying deepest condolences to the bereaved family, the Council prayed that the Almighty grant solace in this hard time.

kohIMA, JANUARY 25 (MExN): The 120th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose was observed at Raj Bhavan Kohima with Governor PB Acharya leading the homage with floral tributes.

Piyush Goel, Commissioner & Secretary to Governor gave a brief account of Netaji’s life and activities and highlighted how Netaji stood for unqualified Swaraj and complete independence.

He became the President of Indian National Congress in 1938. Later British Government imprisoned him but he escaped and raised INA that fought British army in Manipur and Nagaland in 1944-45.

Meetings & AppointMents Meeting of Lokayukta Select Committee convened Parliamentary Secretary and Chairman of the Select Committee on the Nagaland Lokayukta Bill, 2015, Er. Levi Rengma has convened a meeting on February 8 at 11:00 am in the Assembly Committee Room. A press release informing this has requested all the Select Committee members, authorities and departmental heads to attend the meeting positively.

Mungya Village AGM Nagaland Governor P.B. Acharya pays floral tribute on the occasion of 120th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose at Raj Bhavan Kohima on January 25.

Speaking on the occasion, the Governor expressed desire to recognise the immense contribution of Netaji and have a memo-

rial in Kohima in honour of Netaji and the brave soldiers of INA who sacrificed their lives for independence in the battle at Kohima in 1945.

66th Annual General Council of CBCC held PhEk, JANUARY 25 (MExN): The Chakhesang Baptist Church Council held its 66th Annual General Council from January 20 to 22 at Kütsapo Baptist Church under the theme “Righteous Living.” Altogether, 572 delegates from the churches under CBCC attended the conference, a press release informed.

Speakers during the services were Rev. Khrütsoyi Lurüo, President CBCC, Rev. Dr. Neingupe Chiero, Pastor Pfütsero Town Baptist Church, Vesalü Swüro, Former Women Secretary CBCC, and Rev.

WokhA, JANUARY 25 (MExN): One person was apprehended along the Wokha-Merapani state highway on Tuesday by troops of 28 Assam Rifles after being caught smuggling Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL). A defence release identifying the man as one Yiadsapen Kikon claimed that a total of 408 bottles of liquor amounting to approximately Rs 65000 was seized from a Mahindra Bolero bearing Regd No. AS 06 AC 0612. The individual was later handed over to Bhandari Police Station along with the seized liquor.

Dr. Yiepetso Wezah, Principal Baptist Theological College, Pfütsero. Vemuriyi Vadeo, Assistant Professor Oriental Theological Seminary led the Bible Study.

All the speakers emphasized on the need for righteous and holy living as a demonstration of Christlike life and the need for preserving natural resources like forests, plants, rivers, animals.

Vikuo Rhi, Youth Secretary NBCC, and Kudecho Khamo, Director, Development of Entrepreneurs Agency, led the general discussion on “Christian

Participation in Election” and “Information on International Mission” respectively. The release further informed of the Council reaffirming its commitment to continue to support and work toward the Clean Election Campaign initiated by NBCC. A new batch of Office Bearers for the next tenure i.e., 2017 – 2019 was also elected during the General Council with Rev. Dr. Dingu Kenye as President, Rev. Kevengoi Sakha as Vice President, Ngotso Dasai as Secretary and Vesavo Shijoh as Joint Secretary.

The Annual General Meeting of Mungya Village is scheduled to be held on February 9, 9:00 am in the village. A press release in this regard requested all bona fide members to attend the same positively.

KDTODU general meeting cum picnic Kohima District Truck Owners’ & Drivers’ Union (KDTODU) will hold its 19th annual general meeting cum picnic on January 28 at Tata Parking, Rüleizou below Polytechnic in Kohima at 10:00 am. All the drivers have been directed to attend the programme along with the vehicles without fail. A press release from the union also requested all the members to arrive at the Tata Parking at 10:00 am. Meanwhile, trucks were directed not to ply on the day, failing which, a fine of Rs 4000/- will be imposed as a penalty for violation of KDTODU rules. It was further informed that using of alcohol will be strictly prohibited and new office bearers of the union will be elected on that day.

Training for Counting Supervisors, Counting Assistants Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur, Kesonyu Yhome has informed all the Counting Supervisors and Counting Assistants appointed for the forthcoming urban local bodies’ (ULB) election that the first round of training will be held on January 27, 11:00 am at Dimapur Government College. All the Counting Supervisor and Counting Assistants have been directed to attend the training without fail. Strict disciplinary action will be initiated against those officials who fail to turn up for the training as per the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1957, he added.

thursday 26•01•2017

IN FOCUS

6

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

The Power of Truth

The Morung Express

C O M M E N T A R Y

Thomas E. Kellogg The Diplomat

Is China the New Champion for A free nation the Liberal International Order? volume XII Issue 24

By Aheli moitra

“It is not enough to have just a politically independent India. What is also needed is to have an Indian nation where every citizen will have religious and political rights, so that every person will have equal opportunity to develop.”

I

- Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (1891-1956)

n the late 1840s, Savitribai Phule embarked upon a mission previously unheard of in the cultural and customary landscape of some peoples of the yet-to-become Indian Union.

Having been educated on an equal footing with her husband, Jyotirao Phule, the Dalit couple used education as a fulcrum for social change. Savitribai became the first headmistress of the first girls’ school in Pune. In 1849, she and her husband started a school for women from the most marginalized Dalit communities in the west central region of the Indian sub-continent.

This was a journey fraught with struggle. Every day, as she walked out of her home to go to school, men would line up the street passing lewd comments, pelting stones, mud or even animal waste on her. She was not to be deterred. Alongside shaping a well informed society, Phule went on to organize women as well as male workers to raise consciousness on human rights and their dignity of life.

Their work for the freedom and equality of all inspired leaders like Dr. BR Ambedkar, chief architect of the Constitution of India, which came into force on January 26, 1950. A central tenet of the Constitution is self determination, which is why, for Dr. Ambedkar, the Indian nation gained true independence only on January 26, 1950, leaving behind, at least legally, the Brahminical (and other) laws and practices that had internally colonized the people. A nation, he had said, is no nation when its peoples are divided along such lines as caste (or patriarchy) with no equal opportunity for all people to develop.

Mere transfer of power from one head to the other is not enough—social, economic, cultural, religious and political liberation of the people of a nation is what makes it a free nation. 67 years since the birthing of the Indian Constitution, we are yet to attain this freedom. The nations that form this Union of nations, or the people who constitute it, continue to fight for their right to determine their own future through emancipation—not just from the boundary of the nation state, but, more significantly, from the norms that bind social beings disproportionately.

At the heart, it is the struggles and wins of the likes of Savitribai Phule in the 1800s or Atri Kar in 2017 that make us ‘free Indians’.

On January 23, a leader at the rally held in Dimapur, protesting the elections to Urban Local Bodies in Nagaland State, said that “Nagas are not Indians.” While that may be so, it is not customary laws alone that make Nagas “not Indian”—it is when every Naga person is set free through indigenous socio-cultural struggles that Nagas become a self determining nation where every person has equal opportunity to develop (themselves and the Naga nation).

Considering the field full of plastic waste left behind at the Dimapur protest site, or restricting women from participating in an unfair election process instead of cleaning up the election process itself, one is compelled to conclude that ‘Nagas’ and ‘Indians’ are merely different terms for similarly unfree nations.

Discussion points may be sent to moitramail@yahoo.com

lEfT WING |

Rina Chandran Thomson Reuters Foundation

Report like a Dalit girl

C

overing elections in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, seen as the country's key battleground state, is generally a test for journalists for its intrigue and drama.

No one is more prepared for the upcoming poll than the all-woman, all-Dalit team of 'Khabar Lahariya' (News Wave), a regional-language weekly that reports from some of the state's most disadvantaged areas that do not generally make the news.

It was founded in 2002 by a non-profit group, Nirantar, that works in women's literacy and with low-caste Dalits, who are on the bottom rung of India's social hierarchy and find little representation in the media.

"The mainstream media only carried stories about the big cities, and the reporters were mostly educated, Englishspeaking men belonging to upper castes," said co-founder Shalini Joshi.

"Dalit women are the most marginalised, so we made a conscious decision to only hire them, so they could report news that is truly local," she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

Initially, six women with some basic education were hired in Chitrakoot in southern Uttar Pradesh, and trained to report and write stories, and take pictures.

The publication was printed every week in the nearest big city, Allahabad, five hours away by road. From a print circulation of about 10,000 copies, readership has grown with the digital shift, Joshi said.

Published in the local languages of Bundeli, Awadhi and Bhojpuri, the topics range from dowries and farmer compensation to politics and cricket.

"To people in these districts, English and Hindi are the languages of the elite, of those in power, whereas the local language is seen as second-class," Joshi said.

INTIMIDATED Uttar Pradesh, India's most populous state, also has among the highest crime rates, with violence rife against women and lower-caste people.

The month-long Uttar Pradesh polls starting Feb. 11 will see Mayawati, a former leader known as the Dalit Queen, pitted against the ruling party.

Khabar Lahariya's reporters struggled initially, as they would not be invited to press conferences, and their calls not be returned, Joshi said.

But they persisted, taking on politicians and local leaders.

There are now 30 women reporters in 10 districts in the state.

"It's very hard to be a journalist there, (especially for) a woman of a lower caste. They have been threatened and intimidated many times," Joshi said.

Dalits and other lower-caste people make up nearly a fourth of India's 1.3 billion population.

As far back as 1996, Kenneth J. Cooper, then a reporter for the Washington Post in India, wrote about being unable to find a single Dalit journalist in the country.

Ten years later, a survey found no Dalits among more than 300 senior figures in the media.

Meanwhile, Khabar Lahariya plans to expand to more districts in Uttar Pradesh, and other states including Bihar, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, Joshi said.

"After all these years, they are still the only Dalit women journalists in their districts," she said.

Don’t expect China to fill in the gap should the United States retreat from global leadership

I

n his speech at at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, last week, Chinese President Xi Jinping cast himself as a steadfast defender of free trade, globalization, and economic openness. “We must remain committed to developing global free trade and investment, (and) promote trade and investment liberalization,” Xi told the annual meeting of global political and economic leaders .

In essence, Xi argued that the international community needs to take steps to fix what’s wrong with free trade and economic globalization, rather than backing away from it entirely. Mend it, don’t end it, was Xi’s message.

In what was the first-ever speech by a Chinese head of state at Davos, Xi also touted China’s domestic economic picture, and plugged China’s many contributions to global economic growth.

The political motivations behind Xi’s speech are not hard to discern: at a time when global leadership is in worryingly short supply, Xi offered up China, and more specifically himself, to fill the gap. If the United States under President Trump is going to pull back from the world, Xi wanted to reassure his audience that China could step forward.

Key members of President Trump’s team certainly took notice of Xi’s speech, and they saw a contrast between the vision that Xi offered at Davos and their own perspective. Senior political adviser Steve Bannon, a lead author of Trump’s inaugural speech, was among those who cited the contrast. “I think it’d be good if people compare Xi’s speech at Davos and President Trump’s speech in his inaugural,” Bannon said in an interview with the Washington Post. “You’ll see two different world views.”

Xi’s speech set the chattering classes to chattering: was China going to take a more active role in global politics? Would Xi’s speech mark the beginning of a new era of deeper Chinese support, not just for free trade, but for the post-war liberal international system as a whole?

Any additional support that China could provide to the international system would be most welcome. Even before Donald Trump’s election, many observers were voicing concern that the liberal international order, now more than 70 years old, is showing its age. As voters in country after country elect right-wing populists who don’t bother to hide their disdain for global elites and the rules of the game that they have created, regional and global bodies like the EU and the UN have become even richer political targets.

Real damage to the credibility and the stability of these institutions has been done, and there are even greater threats on the horizon. If the Chinese leadership under Xi were to make the case for a reformed liberal order – World Order 2.0, as one prominent American foreign policy scholar has called it – then perhaps Beijing’s efforts could encourage other world leaders to step forward and speak out on behalf of a system that, for all its faults, has kept the world free from large-scale conflagration for

Chinese President Xi Jinping attends a meeting at the United Nations European headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. (Reuters Photo)

more than seven decades.

Time will tell whether Xi’s speech marks a true turning point in China’s engagement with the world. But it seems more likely that, Xi’s remarks aside, China will continue to take a cautious and reactive approach to international affairs. For decades, China has emphasized the need to respect state sovereignty, an approach which, in practice, has often shielded states from criticism for violations of international law and global norms.

Too often, Beijing views international crises through the prism of its own self-interest, and as a result gives short shrift to the needs of the international community and the international system.

A closer look at China’s responses to some of the most urgent international crises of the past few years highlights Beijing’s tendency to hedge its bets, even at the cost of a more coordinated and effective international response. When Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, for example, Chinese officials urged respect for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, while at the same time noting that the situation involved a “complex intertwinement of historical and contemporary factors,” a vague reference to Moscow’s claims to historical rights over the territory.

China then abstained from UN Security Council Resolutions condemning Russia’s incursion into Ukrainian territory, and refused to support U.S.-led efforts to impose economic sanctions against Russia.

The strategic logic behind Beijing’s seemingly contradictory moves was relatively straightforward: the Communist Party of China (CPC) leadership did not want to give its full imprimatur to Russia’s military incursion, which many Chinese international law experts viewed as a clear violation of international law, one with troubling implications for restive ethnic minority regions like Xinjiang and Tibet. At the same time, Beijing wanted to maintain or even grow valuable political and

economic ties with Moscow. China’s tacit support undercut Western efforts to pressure President Vladimir Putin to pull out of Ukrainian territory. Nearly three years later, Crimea remains firmly under Russian control, and Russian interference in Ukraine’s eastern regions continues.

Beijing took a similar approach to the crisis in Syria, privileging its own interests over international efforts to end a conflict that has taken more than 400,000 lives. Since the conflict began in 2011, China has vetoed five UN Security Council Resolutions on Syria, including a 2014 resolution that would have referred the Syrian conflict to the International Criminal Court. (Russia has vetoed six such resolutions, and is generally viewed as Syria’s lead protector at the UN.) China’s Syria policy has been shaped by a number of different factors, including a desire to support Russia, which has more direct interests in play in Syria, and also a general skepticism of military interventionism – which could have eventually emerged as part of a more fully articulated international response to the civil war – on the part of Western actors. China’s feeling that it had been betrayed by the West over international intervention in Libya in 2011, which led to the downfall of the Qaddafi regime – and which China initially, grudgingly supported – also played a role.

At the end of the day, it is the United States and Europe who are primarily to blame for the international community’s failures in both Ukraine and in Syria. Without doubt, the failure to stop the bloodshed in Syria will stand as the most significant black mark on President Barack Obama’s foreign policy record. But Beijing did little to support the ultimately fruitless efforts by both the Obama administration and other actors to end one of the deadliest conflicts of the post-Cold War era.

To be sure, Beijing has, at times, helped forge consensus on key global issues. It was a leading player in the push for the December 2015 Paris

Agreement on Climate Change, for example. And China was part of the socalled P5+1 group of nations – which included China, the United States, Russia, France, the U.K., and Germany – that prodded Iran to end its pursuit of nuclear weapons under the landmark nuclear deal (formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) that was reached in July 2015. At times, Beijing has shown a real willingness to pressure North Korea on its nuclear weapons program, although that willingness seems to have declined in recent years.

In general, however, Beijing does not play a truly leading role in responding to most global hot-button issues.

And it is unclear whether Beijing has the resolve, or, as a developing country facing an economic downturn, the resources, to be more active. It seems more likely that China will remain, in the apt words of one American scholar of Chinese foreign policy, a “partial power,” more active regionally than globally, and sparing in its use of political capital to address global problems that do not directly affect its own national interests.

That said, President Xi’s speech should indeed be read side-by-side with President Trump’s Inaugural Address. President Trump’s speech, with its “America First” protectionist and anti-internationalist rhetoric, was a deep disappointment. His remarks grossly mischaracterized America’s relationship with the world over the past several decades, and charted a radically different, much more self-interested and adversarial course for U.S. foreign policy in the years to come.

It may well be the case, as many fear, that America will retreat from global leadership under President Trump. For better or for worse, China will not step forward to fill the gap.

Thomas Kellogg is director of the East Asia Program at the Open Society Foundations. He is also a lecturer-inlaw at Columbia Law School

‘Small cities unprepared for population flood’ sophie Hares Thomson Reuters Foundation

A

s the world's giant cities fill up, the brunt of migration to urban areas will fall on smaller cities that are not ready to deal with big influxes of people, a specialist on Latin America's cities has warned.

"The cities that are set to grow are those that are not prepared to grow the medium and small-sized ones," said Eugene Zapata Garesche, Latin America and Caribbean director for the 100 Resilient Cities (100RC) initiative.

"The cities that got prepared to grow are not growing anymore as they are already big enough. That is where the whole challenge of urbanisation is sitting today," Zapata told the Thomson Reuters Foundation in an interview.

As megacities such as Brazil's Sao Paulo can no longer sustain more population growth, cities like Curitiba or Salvador, which still have room to expand, will be required to absorb rising numbers of people, said Zapata.

"You have cities like Mexico City that aren't even growing any more population-wise, because the city has

turned into a nightmare for commuting, and there's a lot of pollution," said Zapata, a native of the city which ranks among the world's most congested.

"It's good news for Mexico City, but bad news for the cities around," he said, adding that smaller cities such as Querétaro to the north are now experiencing growth.

The United Nations estimates the number of people living in mediumsized cities of up to 5 million inhabitants is expected to jump to 1.1 billion by 2030, up from 827 million in 2014.

And it predicts an estimated 27 percent of the world's population will be living in smaller cities of at least 1 million people by 2030.

velop a strategy to deal with challenges such as climate change.

Cities - including Santiago, Quito, Cali in Colombia and Ciudad Juarez in Mexico - are expected to release strategies this year detailing plans for longterm urban resilience. Panama City, Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Salvador and Mexico's Guadalajara are still in the earlier stages of the process.

"Resilience is not an easy thing to push forward. There has to be willingness and capacity... within the government," said Zapata, who will head up a regional office for 100RC opening in Mexico City later this year.

Making sure resilience is institutionalised by cities and supported by legislation is essential to guarantee the long-term continuation of the strategy, irrespective of political handovers or ongoing support from 100RC, he said.

The biggest resilience challenges for Latin America's cities are improving transport and waste management, and securing water supplies, along with social policy issues such as supporting migrants from different parts of the continent, he said.

WRITE-WING

CREATIVE THINKING In Latin America, where 80 percent of people are urban dwellers, 17 cities - including Mexico City and Rio de Janeiro - have signed up to the 100RC initiative, which is backed by a commitment of $164 million from the Rockefeller Foundation.

The funding pays for cities to appoint a chief resilience officer and de-

The 100RC initiative aims to give "mind space and oxygen" to the 17 cities signed up in the region so that they can prepare themselves for the future and "think differently" over a horizon of 20 to 30 years, he added.

Finding ways to craft a model of metropolitan governance is crucial in the region, where national governments have been reluctant to hand over power to local authorities, he said.

Tackling the violence and corruption that plague many cities in the region is another key building block for urban resilience, said Zapata, who referred to issues facing Rio de Janeiro in southeast Brazil and Santa Fe in northeast Argentina.

While Mexico's Ciudad Juarez, once ranked as the world's murder capital, has seen a dramatic fall in crime, Rio has experienced a spike in violence in its sprawling favela slums and Santa Fe is battling a rise in the drug trade as Argentina has become a major cocaine trafficking point.

"There are violence problems in all of our cities," said Zapata. "But this is part of our resilience strategy - we take into account these problems and integrate them into our thinking."

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.

thursday 26•01•2017

PERSPECTIVE

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

7

Inequality: “It Will Take 170 Years for Women to Be Paid as Men Are” Baher Kamal

cal ingredient in the fight against extreme poverty, hunger and malnutrition.”

The meeting was co-organised by FAO, the European Commission and the Slovak Presidency of the Council of the European Union in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the World Food Programme (WFP) and UN Women.

At it, Graziano da Silva affirmed that “Women are the backbone of our work in agriculture,” noting that they comprise 45 per cent of the agricultural labour force in developing countries, with that figure rising to 60 per cent in parts of Africa and Asia.

These numbers underscore the importance of ensuring that rural women enjoy a level playing field, according to the FAO Director-General

Inter Press Service

W

hile just eight individuals, all of them men, own the same wealth as 3.6 billion people — half of world’s total population — it will take 170 years for women to be paid the same as men, warns a new major report on inequality.

Oxfam International’s report, ‘An economy for the 99 per cent’, which was released on Jan.16, shows that the gap between rich and poor is “far greater than had been feared.”

In it, OXFAM warns that women, who are often employed in low pay sectors, face high levels of discrimination in the workplace, and who take on a disproportionate amount of unpaid care work, often find themselves at the bottom of the pile.

“On current trends it will take 170 years for women to be paid the same as men.”

‘An economy for the 99 per cent’ also reveals how big business and the superrich are fuelling the inequality crisis, adds OXFAM, an international confederation of 19 organisations working in more than 90 countries.

Oxfam interviewed women working in a garment factory in Vietnam who work 12 hours a day, 6 days a week and still struggle to get by on the 1 dollar an hour they earn producing clothes for some of the world’s biggest fashion brands.

“The CEOs of these companies are some of the highest paid people in the world.”

Why? IPS interviewed Anna Ratcliff, OXFAM’s International’s Media officer, Inequality and “Even It Up Campaign”.

“Around the world, women make up the majority of those in the worst-paid and least secure jobs, while shouldering the bulk of the responsibility for unpaid care work. This is not an accident; our current economic model depends on this supply of cheap or free labour.“ When public services are cut because big business and wealthy individuals don’t pay their fair share of taxes, Ratcliff told IPS, it is often women who are hit hardest – for example when education isn’t free, it is girls who tend to miss out.

“Women face discrimination at a household and institutional level, with political and economic elites dominated by men – all 8 of the richest people are men and 89 percent of all billionaires are men.”

According to Ratcliff, economies must be managed to ensure that women have

the same economic opportunities as men.

“For example, by ensuring equal access to education, by providing better and more affordable child care services, by investing in basic infrastructure and services, and by challenging social norms about the role of women in our societies.”

“As a result, there would be up to 150 million fewer hungry people in the world.

And we know that children have significantly better prospects for the future when their mothers are healthy, wealthy and educated. Especially during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life.”

If Women Had the Same Resources As Men… Being among the poorest of the poor, and in spite of their critical contributions and of making up half of agriculture workers, rural women and farmers are major victims of inequality.

“If women had the same access to resources as men, there would be up to 150 million fewer hungry people in the world, ” said Neven Mimica, European Union Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, at a recent high-level event co-organised by four UN specialised bodies, the European Commission and the Slovak Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

“It is often said that if you educate a woman, you educate a whole generation. The same is true when we empower women across the board — not only through access to knowledge, but also to resources, to equal opportunities, and by giving them a voice… Yet current statistics suggest that the world is falling short on this score.”

The European Commissioner went on to say that agricultural yields would rise by almost a third if women had the same access to resources as men.

Women, Half of Agriculture Workers, But… In developing countries, women make up 45 per cent of the agricultural labour force, ranging from 20 per cent in Latin America to up to 60 per cent in parts of Africa and Asia, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO).

“And they are harder workers — in Africa and Asia and the Pacific, women typically work 12-13 hours more than men per week.”

Across all regions, women are less likely than men to own or control land, and their plots often are of poorer quality.

Less than 20 per cent of the world’s landholders are women.

“Women farmers generate productivity gains. And women reinvest up to 90 per cent of their earnings back into their households — that’s money spent on nutrition, food, healthcare, school, and income-generating activities — helping to break the cycle of inter-generational poverty.”

With this data in hand, José Graziano da Silva, FAO Director General, assured at last month’s high-level meeting that achieving gender equality and empowering women “is not only the right thing to do but is a criti-

Close That Gender Gap! In her remarks, Gabriela Matecná, Slovak Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development and President of the Council of the European Union over last year‘s second semester, said, “the gender gap imposes significant costs on society, in terms of lost agricultural output, food security and economic growth.”

Although nearly half the world’s agricultural labour force is female, she noted, women own less than 20 per cent of agricultural land. At the same time, 60 per cent of chronically hungry people on the planet are women or girls.

“When you invest in a man, you invest in an individual. When you invest in a woman, you invest in a community,” noted for his part IFAD President Kanayo F. Nwanze.

“We see time and time again that gender equality opens doors for entire communities to strengthen their food and nutrition security and to improve their social and economic well-being,” he said, adding: “Empowering rural women is indeed empowering humanity.”

“It is only through empowering women farmers that we can unlock the power of global food systems. Supporting them is essential in creating resilience, building stronger businesses, and advancing food security in the long term,” Denise Brown, Director of Emergencies at World Food Programme (WFP), stated.

And Maria Noel Vaeza, Director of Programs at UN Women, said: “Closing the gender gaps in agriculture can provide multiple development dividends, including gender equality for rural women, food security and poverty reduction, improved climate management and peaceful societies.”

Right to Information Dead on Arrival at UN Thalif Deen

T

Inter Press Service

he 193-member UN General Assembly has been dragging its feet on a proposal that has been kicked around the corridors of the United Nations for over 10 years: a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) providing journalists the “right to information” in a sprawling bureaucracy protective of its turf.

Ironically, nearly 100 countries – all of them UN member states – have approved some form of national legislation recognizing the right to information (RTI) within their own borders but still seem unenthusiastic in extending it to the press corps at the United Nations.

The US Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which dates back to 1967, has provided the public and the press the right to request access to records from any federal agency—and has been described as “the law that keeps citizens in the know about their government”.

In the US, federal agencies are required to disclose any information requested under the FOIA unless it falls under one of nine exemptions which protect interests such as personal privacy, national security, and law enforcement.

In Australia, the legislation is known as Right2Know; in Bangladesh, the Right to Information (RTI) Resources Centre provides resources for those seeking to file a request with government agencies; in Japan, the Citizens’ Centre for Information Disclosure offers help to those interested in filing requests; in India, the Right to Information: a Citizen Gateway is the portal for RTI; Canada’s Access to Information Act came into force in 1983 and Kenya’s Access to Information Act was adopted in August 2016, according to the Centre for Law and Democracy (CLD).

The strongest law among the new countries on the RTI Rating is that of Sri Lanka, which scores 121 points, putting the country in 9th place globally, says CLD. The passage of this law means that every country in South Asia apart from Bhutan now has an RTI law. The region is generally a strong performer, with every country scoring over 100 points except Pakistan, which continues to languish near the bottom of the rating, according to CLD.

“oldest in the world.”

Samir Sanbar, a former UN Assistant Secretary-General who headed the Department of Public Information (DPI), which provides media accreditation and doles out free office space to UN-based journalists, told IPS the right to information is an integral part of U.N. principles.

But providing that right—even the basic information available in the public domain– has been stymied both by member states and the UN bureaucracy, he added.

He pointed out that the need to “inform the peoples” of the United Nations is implicitly indicated in the Charter.

But implementing it was “a basic issue I had experienced throughout my work, with both certain government officials– including those publicly claiming open channels– and many senior U.N. Secretariat colleagues”.

Those who believed “Information is Power” were very hesitant, to what they p e rc e i ve d wa s sharing their authority with a wider public, said Sanbar who served under five different UN Secretaries-General.

“It was most evident that when I launched the now uncontested website www.un.org, a number of powerful Under-Secretaries-General (USGs) and Permanent Representatives cautioned me against “telling everyone what was happening” (in the UN system) and refused to authorize any funds.”

“I had to raise a team of DPI volunteers in my office, operating from within the existing budget, to go ahead and eventually offer computers loaned from an outside source, to certain delegations to realize it was more convenient for them to access news releases than having to send one of their staffers daily to the building to collect material from the third floor.“ Eventually, everyone joined in, and the site is now recognized as one of the ten best official sites worldwide.

“We had a similar difficulty in prodding for International World Press Freedom Day through the General Assembly.

ficial governments that view free press with cautious monitoring– are usually weary of opening a potentially vulnerable issue,” said Sanbar, author of the recently-released “Inside the U.N. in a Leaderless World’.

Matthew Lee, an investigative UNbased journalist who has been pursuing the story for over 10 years, told IPS he has been virtually fighting a losing battle.

“When I first got to the UN in late 2005, I noticed there was no FOIA. After asking around about it, I got then Under-Secretary-General (USG) for Management, Christopher Burnham, to say he would work on it. But he left. So I asked his replacement at Under-Secretary-General, Alicia Barcena, who said she would work on it. She never did.”

The UN Secretariat, he said, has continued to blame the General Assembly.

But the Secretariat could easily adopt its own policy, for example, to disclose who pays for UN SecretaryGeneral’s travel.

Asked about the FOIA , UN deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq told IPS last year: “The secretary-general supports the idea of transparency. But this would be an issue for member states.”

Barbara Crossette, a former UN Bureau Chief for the New York Times and currently contributing editor and writer for PassBlue, an online publication covering the UN, told IPS: “I think you are right, to be sceptical about getting anything like this through the General Assembly. Or for that matter that the Security Council would be cooperative, if asked for information.”

As you would know, a lot of people who have worked in DPI see the General Assembly – and the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ) in particular — as loathe to promote the sharing of information, even in the current setup, and assume that not enough countries would back making access to it a right, she noted.

“A FOIA would be a godsend to would-

to know if places like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have these policies.”

The new Secretary–General Antonio Guterres’ team “is supposed to be writing a new communications policy for the UN — making it more open and effective in outreach generally. But I don’t know if that will include journalists.”

In one of her recent pieces in PassBlue, Crossette said the DPI is also completely hamstrung by its mandate, officials acknowledge, and the head of the office, who ranks as Under Secretary-General, is not chosen primarily for his or her media skills, but is often a political appointee with little or no journalism experience.

He or she must work under tight budgetary conditions deliberately framed to not give the department the tools it needs, she added.

Sinha Ratnatunga, editor-in- chief of the Sunday Times, a major weekly newspaper in Sri Lanka, told IPS the RTI law was passed by parliament last June; signed into law by the Speaker in August and becomes operational on February 4 (independence Day).

“However, there is a provision to ‘stagger’ its implementation if the government isn’t ready”, he pointed out.

“In any event the law must be operational whether the government is ready or not by August 4 (one year after the Speaker signed it into law). But the government is rather silent on how prepared they are for February 4 which is hardly a fortnight or so away”, said Ratnatunga , Deputy Chairman, of the Sri Lanka Press Institute and Board Member of the World Association of Newspapers (WAN-IFRA).

He said the law is pretty progressive but many people, including journalists “are pretty clueless about its power and reach and what difference it can make to empowering citizens and journalists in the quest of good governance.”

He said there’s a whole exercise of educating public servants, appointing Information Officers, educating the journalists and the citizenry ahead.

“Yes, the law took 12 plus years in the making, but the most difficult process of educating the country on the potential of the law lies ahead.”

“Hopefully, the media will play the role of whistleblower, but fewer journalists are now interested in investigative journalism; so we have to wait and see

The Missteps in Handling Women Reservation and Municipal Election

O

ur Naga men’s position in regard to the Women Reservation (WR) is based on tradition of the past, not on logic or rationality of modern time; whereas our women’s position is based on social justice, which in turned is based on logic and our society’s need to change in keeping with modern time. As such, both positions have some merits as well as some demerits.

Since our differences in perspective in regard to the make-up of our Urban Local Bodies (ULB) are basically a matter of structural form or numerical system (which falls under a category called “non-absolutes”), it would be, therefore, uncivilized and unchristian to turn it into a real “personal battle” between the two sexes. After all, our men understand that our women’s fight for the WR is not out of hate. Likewise, our women too know that our men are not misogynists, hating women for who they are or taking them as an inferior class. The fact that men do welcome their female counterparts to contest in the elections in the same manner as the men do is what they understand as fairness or equal opportunity. But in another sense, our men are, in all likelihood, still battling with their own self-identity (partly male ego and partly self-interest), which our Naga customary practices have helped to boost, whether originally intended or not.

On the other hand, we menfolk may not simply use our customary practices, or Article 371A, as a cover to hide our own self-interest. If we are to be truly consistent in using our customary law as a basis for choosing our leaders, doesn’t it make more sense to defend it in its entirety? In such a case, we have to be willing to demonstrate our consistency by insisting the following: (1) that only matured male elders will be considered eligible for leadership positions, (2) that nomination will be the only approved method, and (3) we will return to the Sovereign Village Republic system of our ancestors.

Election in municipalities and towns is a modern development. As a matter of fact, the whole system of our Municipal Election, including the Indian General Election, is part of the modern democratic system. So, if we are to be allout defenders of the Naga customary practices, we must reject the entire alien system of election, whether of men or women. Or, if at all any deviation deserves punishment, it is the purchase of leadership positions with money because such a thing has more serious negative consequences.

In other words, we men cannot just perpetually protect what serves our own self-interest but vehemently oppose what doesn’t. That’s not how a just and compassionate society operates.

Our elected representatives have missed two opportunities when it comes to handling the problem of the male-female disparity in our decisionmaking bodies. First, they could have resolved this issue from growing into a huge problem by exercising foresight a long time ago. Instead, they continued ignoring the women’s social concerns, which resulted in forcing the latter to appeal to the Supreme Court for resolution. Thus, the Court decision was brought from without to impose upon the people within. Second, our elected representatives had another opportunity to step into the recent situation by providing a détente, so as to create more space for dialogue and more time for tension to subside. Instead, the Naga People’s Front (NPF) reversed its position by supporting the women and going against the male-led civil societies. What the NPF did may be legally justifiable, but in doing so it has ignored the socio-traditional component of the Naga people. Simply put, the NPF has wrongly handled the process by hastily trying to push the WR/ULB Election when our social equilibrium was at its worst.

So, why is the NPF pushing the Municipal Election so hard now? I seriously doubt that it is because our politicians have suddenly come to care about the rights of our Naga women. My suspicion is this: They seem to see in the WR issue an opportunity to spread their Party’s tentacles further so as to take control of the municipalities and towns, in addition to gaining more Central funds.

Frankly, I dread of a day when the Indian national parties could use our State political parties to take away even the little semblance of self-government left in our small towns and villages--all because of our love of Indian money and political power. If that were to happen, who’s to be blamed? Certainly, not our civil society leaders!

And I doubt our women could be blamed either.

What, then, should be our responses at this juncture?

First, the Government would do well to postpone the Municipal Election in light of the uncompromising postures adopted by the various groups amongst us and the heated-environment we have found ourselves in. This, however, doesn’t mean that our Government still has the freedom to ignore the implementation of the 33% WR, as it is now under Court order to obey the Constitutional rule of law.

Second, it would seem wise for our women to take a step back, too, at this point of time. If winning the WR battle today is going to end up with losing the men, they better think twice. Perhaps, it’s worth even considering changing tactics. For example: What about putting the same efforts towards cleaning the election system and contesting even in the upcoming General Election in 2018? This is an upgrade to be envied, which is widely open to all.

Lastly, are we men aware that the entire world is watching how we are acting towards our women? For every word and action of ours, good or bad, we can be sure that our daughters and granddaughters will someday form their own opinion about each one of us. Are we preparing ourselves to be remembered well? Don’t we wish to leave no “dark stain” on our name in the records of history? Or, are we simply going along with the flow

8

ThursDAY 26•01•2017

INDIA

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Tolerance still being put to test by vested interests: President New Delhi, JaNuary 25 (iaNS): President Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday said that country's pluralistic culture and tolerance were still being put to test by vested interests, while also noting that the time was ripe for a debate on the need for simultaneous polls to the Lok Sabha and the state assemblies.

In his address on the eve of 68th Republic Day, he said that happiness and well being of people should be touch stones of public policy and "inclusive innovation" a way of life.

The President said more than the unison of ideas, a healthy democracy calls for conformity to the values of tolerance, patience and respect for others and these must reside in every Indian's hearts and minds to inculcate in them a temperament of understanding and responsibility.

He also said that demonetisation carried out by the government on November 8 last year may have led to temporary slowdown of economic activity but it will improve transparency of economy as more transactions become cashless.

The President, who assumed office in 2012 and delivered his last address of the present term, outlined nine points to "work harder than ever" in order to redeem

R'Day: Intel says terrorists may use security uniforms to attack

President Pranab Mukherjee addresses the nation on the eve of Republic Day. (Picture courtesy: Twitter/President of India)

promises made to people.

"We have to work harder because our pluralistic culture and tolerance are still being put to test by vested interests. Reason and moderation should be our guide in dealing with such situations," he said.

He said people have to work hard to keep at bay the "dark forces" of terrorism. "These forces have to be dealt with firmly and decisively. The forces inimical to our interests cannot be allowed to grow."

Mukherjee said India's pluralism and social, cul-

Kejriwal receives death threat

tural, linguistic and religious diversity are its greatest strength and "values of tolerance and respect for others must reside in minds of every Indian".

He said India's tradition has always celebrated the "argumentative" Indian, not the "intolerant" Indian and multiple views, thoughts and philosophies have competed with each other peacefully for centuries.

The President said a wise and discerning mind is necessary for democracy to flourish, and expressing concern over disruptions

New Delhi, JaNuary 25 (PTi): Thousands of Delhi Police and paramilitary personnel will be keeping a tight vigil on Republic Day in the national capital on Wednesday, with special emphasis on neutralising air-borne threats in view of intelligence inputs.

Securitymen are on alert after inputs that terror groups such as the Lashkar-e-Taiba might be planning to use helicopter charter services and charter flights to launch attack through air.

Special arrangements have been made at the Rajpath where President Pranab Mukherjee -- the supreme commander of the armed forces -- will be witnessing the military might.

The central and New Delhi region will have nearly 50,000 security personnel drawn from the Delhi

in legislatures, called for for a debate on the need of a collective effort to bring simultaneous polls to Lok focus back on debate and Sabha and state assemblies. decision-making.

Mukherjee said that India's journey since IndeTime ripe for a construc- pendence has been "eventtive debate on electoral ful, sometimes painful, but reforms at most times, exhilarating" He also said "time was but "we will have to learn also ripe for a construc- to adjust our sails, quickly tive debate on electoral and deftly, to the winds of reforms" and "a return to change". the practice of the early deNoting that three gencades after independence erations of citizens, born in when elections to Lok Sab- Independent India, do no ha and state assemblies carry baggage of colonial were held simultaneously". past, he said it sometimes Prime Minister Naren- makes it easy to for them to dra Modi has been pitching take freedom for granted.

"Democracy has conferred rights on each one of us. But along with these rights come responsibilities which have to be discharged."

Make happiness and wellbeing touchstones of public policy The President said that youth were brimming with hope and aspirations and they look for a job as well as a purpose in life, but lack of opportunities leads to frustration and unhappiness which manifests itself in anger, anxiety, stress and

asked to ensure that proper frisking and checking of police personnel and other personnel is carried out since there is a possibility that terrorists may disguise themselves as security personnel.

According to the advisory, “terrorists may use uniform of security forces for fidayeen attack” and there should be adequate arrangements made for identification and frisking of personnel who are part of the celebrations.

Security agencies have also been warned that extremists are planning a 9/11-style of attacks using aeroplanes carrying personnel and weapons on board.

No landing or take-off of any commercial flight will be allowed from the Delhi airport between 10.35am and 12.15pm on January 26.

aberrations in behaviour.

Emphasising on job generation, he said education system will have to join hands with innovation to prepare youth for life-long learning.

Noting happiness is fundamental to the human experience, he said: "We must make happiness and well-being of our people as the touchstones of public policy."

Dwelling on country's achievements, he, noting that per capita income has shown a ten-fold increase, poverty ratio has declined

by two-thirds, average life expectancy has more than doubled and literacy rate has shown a four-fold increase, said people have to work harder as one-fifth of the countrymen were still below poverty line.

He said more hard work was needed to provide safety and security to women.

"We have to work harder because we are all equal children before our mother," he said, adding that the motherland calls upon people to do their duty with integrity, commitment and unflinching loyalty.

Padma Awards honour unsung heroes Priyanka Gandhi scoffs at Katiyar's 'sexist' remarks

New Delhi, JaNuary 25 (iaNS): The Padma Awards that were announced by the Centre on Wednesday brought many unsung heroes to the limelight that they had not acquired earlier.

The awards are in four categories - Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri - but the highest honour is rarely awarded. The awards in the other three categories will be presented

by President Pranab Mukherjee at one or two ceremonial functions at Rashtrapati Bhawan around March or April every year.

This year the President of India has approved conferment of Padma Awards to 89 persons, which comprises of seven Padma Vibhushans, seven Padma Bhushans and 75 Padma Shris. Nineteen of the awardees are women and the list also includes

New Delhi, JaNuary 25 (iaNS): Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal received a death threat on his official email ID on Wednesday, officials said.

Sources added there were two threat e-mails and the government has forwarded them to the Delhi Police, urging them to take action.

Delhi Home Secretary S.N. Sahay said an anonymous e-mail bearing a threat was received on Kejriwal's official e-mail ID, and he had informed Police Commissioner Alok Verma, requesting him to urgently look into it.

five foreigners and NRIs and 6 posthumous awardees.

These awards have brought much-needed glory to the likes of Meenakshi Amma, affectionately called "Granny with the sword" or to the "Tree man of Telangana," Daripalli Ramaiah.

Meenakshi Amma, who has been awarded Padma Shri is the oldest woman exponent of Kalaripayattu (ancient martial art form), while 68-year-old Ramaiah (also awarded Padma Shri) has planted more than one crore trees in his lifetime.

Also joining them in the list is "Doctor Dadi" aka Dr Bhakti Yadav.

A 91-year-old gynaecologist, Yadav has been serving the poor for free for over 60 years in Madhya Pradesh. Dr Subrato Das of Gujarat, who provides emergency treatment on highways, has also been awarded Padma Shri.

Other unsung heroes in the list of awardees include 75-year-old Sukri Bommagowda, known as the nightingale of the Halakki Vokkaliga tribes, Birkha Bahadur Limboo Muringla from Sikkim, among others.

The list of Padma awardees also included names of NCP chief Sharad Pawar, BJP veteran Murli Manohar Joshi, singers Kailash Kher and Anuradha Paudwal and chef Sanjeev Kapoor. CricketerVirat Kohli, wrestler Sakshi Malik and gymnast Dipa Karmakar are also being felicitated with Padma awards this year.

Iconic Bollywood actress Wahida Rehman, journalist S Gurumurthy and 17 others, including Home and Cabinet secretaries, were part of the Padma Committee this year. The nominations for the awards were opened in last May and a total of around 5000 entries were received.

Amnesty paints 'Wall of Hope' for 1984 riots' survivors ChaNDigarh, JaNuary 25 (iaNS): Activists of Amnesty International on Wednesday painted a 'Wall of Hope' here to express solidarity with survivors of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in Delhi and elsewhere in the country to immortalise their struggle and 32-year wait for justice.

Some survivors of the riots joined Amnesty members and Bengaluru-based artist Ullas Hydoor to paint the 'Wall of Hope' in Sector 28 here in the presence of chief

Police and central security forces guarding every nook and corner.

The police are using anti-drone technology to thwart any attack or identify any suspicious flying object, a senior police officer said.

Security personnel will also be stationed atop tall buildings with anti-aircraft guns. Cameras have been installed and control rooms have been set up to monitor the feed from the cameras, the officer said.

The advisory that has been issued to security agencies states that “it is imperative for the security forces to be familiar with the range of threats for devising appropriate counter means” since the use of conventional weapons by the terrorist and criminal groups is a part of an ongoing process to develop new techniques and tactics.

Security forces have also been

guest and TV and theatre personality Savita Bhatti.

"The event was held as part of an Amnesty International India campaign to demand justice for the brutal killings of hundreds of Sikh men, women and children in 1984," Sanam Sutirath Wazir, campaigner at the Amnesty International India said.

"Less than three weeks from now, the deadline for the Special Investigation Team set up to reinvestigate closed cases related

to the massacre will end.

While the SIT has said it will reopen 58 cases, it has not filed charges in a single case so far; its functioning has not been transparent. It has already been given two extensions," Wazir said.

He said after the February 4 Punjab assembly elections, "it is imperative the new state government supports the efforts of the survivors to get justice".

Since November 2014, over 600,000 people, mainly from Punjab, have ex-

tended support to Amnesty International's campaign to demand justice for the 1984 victims.

"We hope this wall will stand as a reminder that the victims of the riots have not lost hope for justice," said Wazir.

Darshan Kaur, 54, whose husband and 12 other family members were killed in Delhi, said: 'It has been so many years; all we want is justice, nothing else."

Nearly 3,000 Sikh men, women and children were

killed, in 1984 following the assassination of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

"Only a tiny fraction of those responsible have been brought to justice till date. The Delhi Police closed investigations into hundreds of cases, citing lack of evidence. Only a handful of police personnel charged with neglecting duty and offering protection to the attackers have been punished," an Amnesty spokesperson said.

New Delhi, JaNuary 25 (iaNS): BJP MP Vinay Katiyar on Wednesday courted controversy for his alleged sexist remarks against Congress star campaigner Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, inviting flak from her and the Congress over the comments that she said exposed the "BJP's mindset".

Katiyar's comments, which came a day after Priyanka was named among the Congress' star campaigners for poll-bound Uttar Pradesh, attracted condemnation from his own party as well as the Delhi Commission for Women.

The BJP leader said his party had "prettier star campaigners" (than Priyanka).

"It doesn't make any difference. We have far prettier women, heroines as star campaigners," he said in a remark that was seen as underestimating Priyanka's ability to attract voters through her political acumen and rating her on the basis of looks.

Katiyar, however, did a volte face later and blamed the media for distorting his comments.

"I have not made any sexist remarks.

I have been misquoted by the media," he told various news channels.

Even as Priyanka laughed off the remarks, she said Katiyar has only exposed the BJP's mindset towards women.

"And if that is all he sees in my colleagues who are such strong, brave and beautiful women that have battled through all sorts of hardships to get where they are, then he makes me laugh even more. Because he exposes the BJP's mindset towards the better half of the population of India," she said.

Her husband Robert Vadra expressed shock at the "misogynist and atrocious remarks" and sought a public apology.

"This exposes the shameful mindset of some of our political leaders. We all need to

respect women and accept them as equals instead of commoditising and objectifying them. As a society, we need to bring in a change. Vinay Katiyar should publically apologise for his remarks," Vadra said on his Facebook account.

Reacting to Katiyar's remark, Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said: "Disparaging and atrocious remarks of Vinay Katiyar on Priyankaji reflect the petty and insulting culture of BJP that commodifies women."

The BJP MP's comments came a day after Janata Dal-United leader Sharad Yadav found himself in a similar controversy, saying "honour of being able to cast a vote is much bigger than your daughter's honour".

Yadav defend a daughter's honour remarks "If a daughter's honour is violated, then only her neighbourhood, her village will lose its honour. But if a vote is sold, it is the country's honour that goes," said Yadav. Both Yadav and Katiyar attracted severe criticism from parties across the spectrum.

Distancing the party from Katiyar's remarks, Union Minister and BJP leader M. Venkaiah Naidu said the comments against Priyanka were "totally unacceptable".

"Most of the male politicians don't even understand when you talk about objectifying women. There should be something to sensitize these people, to make them aware what are women rights, what these issues are," said DMK leader Kanimozhi.

"They don't understand what can be said and what cannot." Meanwhile, Yadav sought to defend his remarks, saying "the way one loves a daughter if he loves votes the same way, then only the society will progress, and the country will progress".

Education Budget: The School Education Crisis And Opportunity Shreya Shah IndiaSpend / IANS

The 2017-18 budget is an opportunity for the government to concentrate on improving school education for over 260.5 million children who enrolled in elementary and secondary school in 2015-16–children who will form the core of India’s working-age population, one billion by 2030, the largest in the world.

“Business as usual” will not solve the problem, submitted Pratham, an education nonprofit, in a pre-budget consultation with India’s finance ministry. “Unless major shifts are undertaken on an urgent basis to build children’s foundational skills, we are losing huge opportunities each year for improving the life chances of an entire generation of children and youth in this country,” the consultation note added.

IndiaSpend reached out to the education ministry for a comment on the 2017-18 budget, but we had not received a response at the time of publishing.

Higher education dominated last year’s education budget (with an increase of 13% over the 2015-16 budget) and the conversation about education– with policies for improving the quality and ranking of higher education, creation of a highereducation financing agency, and approval of new higher-education institutes–even though only 34.2 million enrolled in higher education institutions in 2014-15 or, a seventh or fewer than those enrolled in school.

In contrast, the school education and literacy budget increased 3.2% in 2016-17, compared to 2015-16 revised budget estimates, according to union budget data.

Over the financial year 2016-17, the central government allocated Rs 43,554 crore to school education and literacy, and Rs 28,840 crore to higher education.

Low school outcomes result in a less-productive workforce In 2014, though the government implemented a programme, ‘Padhe Bharat Badhe

Bharat (If India learns, India advances)’, to improve early grade reading, writing and math, data on learning outcomes do not show improvements in rural schools. For instance, elementary school education in public and private schools is plagued with low outcomes–46.1% of grade I rural children couldn’t read letters in 2016, while 39.9% couldn’t recognise numbers 1 to 9, according to the Annual Status of Education Report.

If children do not have basic education–reading, writing, comprehension and math skills–India will have a workforce that is unproductive, not fit to be hired, and unprepared for higher education or skill development.

“It is clear that for quality and outcomes to improve in higher education, much more focus and investment is needed in elementary education,” wrote Rukmini Banerji, chief executive officer of Pratham, in an email to IndiaSpend.

The low level of education is also reflected in a drop in secondary school enrolments.

In 2015-16, 88.94% of primary school-age students enrolled in primary school, compared to 51.26% of secondary-age students in secondary school, according to data from the Unified District Information System for Education.

2017-18 budget should focus on improving school outcomes Along with increasing the amount spent on education, the budget also needs to be restructured to focus on learning outcomes, and monitoring of quality.

“There is a significantly low proportion spent on learning enhancement,” while more attention is paid to inputs such as schools and books, said Avani Kapur, senior researcher at Accountability Initiative, a NewDelhi based nonprofit. She explained that the NITI Aayog, the government think-tank, plans to start ranking states, using the school education quality index, one indicator of which would be school learning outcomes.

Further, delays in deci-

sion-making and fund-flows have led to major delays in programme implementation, according to Pratham’s note to the finance ministry. Even though the school year begins in April in most schools, learning enhancement programmes often get implemented between September and November, wasting much of the school year.

The government does not monitor learning outcomes regularly. For instance, the annual report on schools includes information on enrolment, and number of teachers, but not on the quality of education.

The government started a school standards and evaluation programme, called ‘Shala Siddhi’, in 2013, which is primarily based on self-assessment by schools and school examinations. Until now, no report has been published as the government is collecting information from the states, according to a person who works with the programme.

One government measure of learning, the National

Achievement Survey will now be conducted every year, instead of every three years, according to press release from the Ministry of Human Resource Development.

But the education ministry should ensure states know how to conduct measurements well, and that available data are used to improve learning, according to Pratham’s pre-budget submission to the finance ministry.

The ministry of human resource development prepared an outcome budget for 2016-17, outlining activities and effects on enrolment, gender equality and more. But there was no clear outcome on learning levels. The budget outlined one outcome as “enhanced learning levels and retention” with no specific measures for the outcome.

One way of improving learning outcomes through the budget could be through outcome-linked financing, suggested Kapur, the researcher at Accountability Initiative. For instance, the central government could provide 10% of aid to the states only if they reach certain

pre-decided outcomes, such as learning goals.

India’s education spending lower than other BRICS countries Total state and central government school education spending based on budget estimates in 2015-16 was equivalent to 2.68% of India’s gross domestic product, according to calculations by the New Delhibased Centre for Budget and Governance Accountability (CBGA), a budget research and advocacy organisation.

In 2015-16, Indian central government spending on school and higher education was less than other BRICS countries–India spent 3% of its gross domestic product (GDP) on education, compared to 3.8% in Russia, 4.2% in China, 5.2% in Brazil, and 6.9% in South Africa, according to 2016 data from India’s Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.

This 2017-18 central education budget might be 10%-12% more than last year’s budget, according to a January 2017 report in Livemint.

ThursdAY 26•01•2017

WORLD

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

9

Trump dogged by insecurity over popular vote and media coverage

WASHINGTON, JANuAry 25 (AP): Donald Trump holds the most powerful office in the world. But he’s dogged by insecurity over his loss of the popular vote in the election and a persistent frustration that the legitimacy of his presidency is being challenged by Democrats and the media, aides and associates say.

Trump’s fixation has been a drag on the momentum of his opening days in office, with his exaggerations about inauguration crowds and false assertions about illegal balloting intruding on advisers’ plans to launch his presidency with a flurry of actions on the economy. His spokesman Sean Spicer has twice stepped into the fray himself, including on Tuesday, when he doubled down on Trump’s false claim that he lost the popular vote because 3 million to 5 million people living in the U.S. illegally cast ballots.

“He believes what he believes based on the information he was provided,” said Spicer, who provided no evidence to back up the president’s statements. All 50 states and the District of Columbia have finalized their election results with no reports of the kind of widespread fraud that Trump is alleging.

If the president’s claim were true it would mark the most

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks at the South Carolina Tea Party Coalition Convention in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, in this file photograph dated January 16. (REUTERS Photo)

significant election fraud in U.S. history — and ironically, would raise the same questions about Trump’s legitimacy that he’s trying to avoid. Yet Spicer repeatedly sidestepped questions about whether the Trump administration would investigate the allegations pushed by the president.

“Anything is possible,” he

said.

Some Trump allies say Trump is justified in using his platform to defend his standing. They point to Georgia Democratic Rep. John Lewis’ pre-inauguration statement that he did not see Trump as a legitimate president, as well as U.S. intelligence agencies’ assessment that Russia meddled

in the election in order to help Trump win.

“Segments of his own government keep driving this narrative,” said Roger Stone, a longtime confidant. “I don’t think it hurts to point it out.”

Key advisers in Trump’s inner circle concede the focus on crowd claims and alleged voter fraud have been a distraction.

HRW questions freedom of expression in Myanmar yANGON, JANuAry 25 (IANS): Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Wednesday questioned the repression on freedom of expression in Myanmar and urged the government to take steps to protect it, a media report said. The HRW report said there has been an escalation in the suppression of opposition critics by the state authorities, Efe news reported.

The research and rights advocacy group urged the government-led by Nobel peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, to reject legislation inherited from the previous government. The erstwhile government here was made up of ex-generals of the last military junta that criminalised opposition views,

even those expressed peacefully.

“Though Burma’s new government includes more than 100 former political prisoners, it has done little to eliminate the laws used to prosecute peaceful expression,” said HRW’s Asia director Brad Adams in a statement. “Instead, during the government’s first year there was an escalation in prosecutions of peaceful political speech,” he added.

The organisation cited, among others, the cases of two executives of the Eleven Media group, accused of defamation after reporting a corruption case involving a senior official of the National League for Democracy (NLD), Suu Kyi’s party.

According to HRW, the government has used “particularly aggressive” defamation laws, which can carry sentences of up to three years in prison, with at least 40 cases in the first eight months in power, compared to just seven in the previous two years.

“The Burmese people expected the NLD government to bring an end to this kind of repression, not add to the ranks of political prisoners,” Adams said.

Myanmar was governed by military regimes from General Ne Win’s coup in 1962 until 2011, when a transition period began that allowed the democratic movement led by Suu Kyi to win the elections and govern.

Nikki Haley confirmed as new US envoy to UN WASHINGTON, JANuAry 25 (PTI): The US Senate has confirmed Nikki Haley as the next Ambassador to the United Nations, making her the first Indian-American to serve on a Cabinet rank position in any presidential administration in the US. Senate Foreign Relations Committee had

yesterday overwhelmingly approved the nomination of The South Carolina Governor as the next US Ambassador to the United Nations.

With this, Haley, 45, becomes the first IndianAmerican to serve in a presidential administration at a Cabinet level position. Haley was approved by the Senate

Mushrooms may help delay or prevent dementia, Alzheimer’s KuAlA lumPur, JANuAry 25 (IANS): Regular consumption of mushrooms which act as functional food may enhance nerve growth in the brain to reduce or delay development of age-related neurodegenerative diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s, researchers, including one of Indian-origin, has suggested.

The prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease will continue to rise steadily and is expected to reach 42 million cases worldwide in 2020.

The findings showed certain edible and medicinal mushrooms contain bioactive compounds that offer neuroprotective and cognitive benefits to protect against neurotoxic stimuli such as inflammation that contribute to neurodegenerative diseases.

According to evidence, mushrooms exhibit antioxidant, anti-tumour, anti-virus, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulating, antimicrobial, and anti-diabetic activities, said Vikineswary Sabaratnam from the University of Malaya in Malaysia.

Mushrooms with anti-inflammatory properties can be used as functional foods to suppress inflammation, which contributes to many age-related chronic diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases.

Current drug therapy for neurodegenerative diseases is ineffective with many side effects, and it only provides a short-term delay in the progression of the disease.

It is, therefore, of utmost importance to find appropriate solutions to prevent or reduce the severity of neurodegenerative diseases associated with impaired neuritogenesis, Sabaratnam said.

The study might stimulate the identification of more food materials that are neuroprotective, the researchers noted in the Journal of Medicinal Food.

on a 96-4 vote. She is expected to be sworn in shortly.

Haley, who will replace Samantha Power at the UN, has already created history by becoming the first women Indian-American Governor of a US State. After Bobby Jindal of Louisiana, she is only the second ever IndianAmerican to be elected as the

Governor of a State.

Haley would now be replaced by Lt Gov Henry McMaster as governor and will complete her term that ends in 2018. Once a fierce critic of Trump, Haley in November was selected as the first woman and first minority to serve in the Trump Administration.

But who’s going to stop him from airing his complaints?

After relishing in Friday’s inaugural festivities, the new president grew increasingly upset the next day by what he felt was “biased” media coverage of women’s marches across the globe protesting his election, according to a person familiar with his thinking. Trump was particularly enraged with CNN, which he thought was “gloating” by continually running photos of the women’s march alongside the smaller crowds that attended his inauguration the day before, according to this person, one of several White House aides and associates who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about private conversations.

Tuesday night on Twitter, Trump slammed CNN again, referring to the network as “FAKE NEWS @CNN” while praising rival Fox News Channel.

Trump has had a tumultuous relationship with the press, frequently calling the media dishonest and insulting individual reporters by name at his rallies and on Twitter. Still, two people close to Trump said he expected his coverage to turn more favorable once he took office. Instead, he’s told people he believes it’s gotten worse.

The bad press over the weekend has not allowed Trump to “enjoy” the White House as he feels he deserves, according to one person who has spoken with him.

The result has been a full display of Trump’s propensity for exaggeration and more.

During an appearance at the CIA Saturday, he wrongly said the inaugural crowds gathered on the National Mall stretched to the Washington Monument, despite clear photo evidence to the contrary. And during a reception with lawmakers from both parties Monday night, he repeated his false assertion that millions of illegal immigrants provided Hillary Clinton’s margin in the popular vote.

It’s not the first time that Trump, who is known to be both thin-skinned and dedicated to polishing his public image, has become fixated on details that challenge his success. When journalist Timothy O’Brien wrote in a 2005 book that Trump was a multimillionaire, not a billionaire, the real estate mogul sued him for $5 billion. The case was dismissed.

Trump appealed, accusing the journalist of libel. He lost that, too.

Spicer hinted at Trump’s feelings during his maiden press briefing on Monday.

“There is this constant

theme to undercut the enormous support that he has,” Spicer said. “And I think that it’s just unbelievably frustrating when you’re continually told it’s not big enough, it’s not good enough, you can’t win.”

Less than one week into the administration, Spicer has twice been sent to the White House briefing room to reiterate his boss’ message. Trump is said to have approved of Spicer’s angry tirade against the media on Saturday, which included false statements about the size of inaugural crowds. But the president, who is intensely focused on optics, was said to be critical of Spicer’s on-camera image.

By Monday, Spicer was donning a darker suit and his lectern in the briefing room had been lowered somewhat.

Underscoring Trump’s habit of stoking rivalries among his staff, he has told people he wants his counselor, Kellyanne Conway, to be on television more. He cheered her use of the phrase “alternative facts” in a recent interview as a way to counteract what he believes is the media’s inherent bias.

Those around Trump are trying to get the cable news consumer-in-chief to be near a television less often, according to one person who has spoken with him.

PM Theresa May to publish ‘White Paper’ setting out Brexit plan SydNey, JANuAry 25 (reuTerS): Prime Minister Theresa May said on Wednesday she would publish her plan for Britain’s exit from the European Union in a formal ‘White Paper’ to allow parliament to scrutinise it.

Last week, May said Britain would quit the EU’s single market when it leaves the union, charting a course for a clean break with the world’s largest trading bloc. A court ruled on Tuesday that the government must seek parliamentary approval before triggering the legal process of exiting the bloc.

Following her speech and the court ruling, many lawmakers, including some from her own party, said they wanted to see the plans set out in a formal ‘White Paper’ to facilitate greater scrutiny before a parliamentary vote on triggering .

White papers are policy documents produced by

the government that set out their proposals for future legislation.

The government had responded to those calls by saying it believed the publication of a white paper was not necessary.

But, on Wednesday,

May changed her position.

“I set out that bold plan for a global Britain last week and I recognise there is an appetite in this house to see that plan set out in a white paper,” May told parliament. “I can confirm to the house that our plan will

be set out in a white paper.”

The Institute for Government, a think tank, said there were no rules about what must be included in a white paper, and that any such document could simply repeat the contents of May’s speech.

No. PD/NERLP/2016-17/695/

North East Livelihood Promotion Society Ministry of DoNER, Govt. of India

House No.102, Dilip Huzuri Path, GS Road, Guwahati -781006 Dated: 16/01/2017

Vacancy announcement

Applications are invited for one post of Accountant in District Project Management Unit (DPMU), Peren at Jalukie on contractual terms for North East Rural Livelihood Project (NERLP).

Application in prescribed format (available at www.nerlp.gov.in) along with self-attested copies of certificates, mark sheets and testimonials should reach the Office of the District Project Management Unit, Peren, North East Rural Livelihoods Project, Old Market, Opposite to NST Bus Station, Jalukie Town, Peren, Nagaland, Pincode-797110.

(Phone: 03839-220334).

The last date of receipt of application is 04-02-2017.

For further details, please logon to www.nerlp.gov.in Project Director, NERLP, Guwahati.

10

thursDAY 26•01•2017

SPORTS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

African Nations cup: Holders out as congo, Morocco progress

PORT GENTIL, JaNuaRy 25 (REuTERs): The Democratic Republic of Congo and Morocco both qualified on Tuesday for the quarter-finals of the African Nations Cup, leaving high-profile casualties in their wake.

The Congolese finished top of the standings after beating Togo 3-1 in Port Gentil while Morocco eliminated holders Ivory Coast with a 1-0 victory in Oyem.

The Ivorian exit adds to the earlier shock elimination of hosts Gabon and pretournament favourites Algeria while Togo finished last in Group C, bringing down the curtain on the participation of Emmanuel Adebayor and record-breaking coach Claude Le Roy. The Ivorians departed with just two points with veteran Salomon Kalou announcing his retirement from international football afterwards and coach Michel Dussuyer suggesting his future is far from secure.

“For now, I am extreme-

Democratic Republic of the Congo's forward Junior Kabananga kicks the ball to score past Togo's forward Serge Gakpe (L) during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations group C football match between Togo and DR Congo in Port-Gentil on January 24, (AFP Photo)

ly disappointed because we have not met our objectives. Our ambition was to get past this first round and go on and keep our title.

The night is going to be difficult. Wait till tomorrow,” he told reporters.

Rachid Alioui scored a spectacular winner from 35

metres to secure progress for Morocco, whose coach Herve Renard took the Ivorians to their title two years ago.

The 24-year-old, who plays for Nimes in the French second division, picked up the ball, spotted the goalkeeper off his line and masterfully curled his

shot into the top corner.

Morocco now play the winners of Group D which will be settled on Wednesday.

Junior Kabananga scored his third goal of the tournament to give DR Congo the halftime lead and they added two more through Ndombe Mubele

and Paul-Jose Mpoku while Kodjo Laba pulled one back for Togo.

Kabananga has now scored in all three Group C games, his latest goal coming as he ran on to a superb defence-splitting pass from Newcastle United’s Chancel Mbemba just before the half hour. Togo’s failure to qualify marked only the second time in eight tournaments that Le Roy, who has been to more Nations Cups than any other coach, had failed to place a team in the last eight.

It could also have been the last international for Adebayor, their talismanic captain, who was denied a consolation goal in stoppage time when Merveille Bope cleared off the line.

“I am going now to think about whether I continue but I feel like I’m the captain of the boat and I’m not sure whether I should climb out yet,” Adebayor said.

After the final whistle, the Congolese team formed a guard of honour to applaud him off the field.

Seketoukho is WASA wrestling champ

Winners with others at WASA 54th wrestling meet in Kohima on January 25. (Morung Photo) Our Correspondent Kohima | January 25

Seketoukho Nipu from Sechuma today emerged the champion of 54th Wrestling Meet of the Western Angami Sports Association (WASA) 2017 which took place here today at Kohima Local Ground.

He defeated Zasevikho Meyatsu from Mezoma in the final and walked away with cash prize of Rs. 60,000. Runner up Meyatsu was awarded Rs. 40,000. Kekhriekolie Khawakhrie from Mezoma and Megovizo Visienyii from Kiruphema stood third and fourth place and pocketed Rs. 30,000 and

Rs. 20,000 respectively.

Meanwhile, 14 wrestlers have been selected to represent WASA at the forthcoming Angami Sports Association (ASA) sports meet scheduled in February this year.

Earlier, Dr. Kedozeto Punyü, president, Angami Gazetted Officers Krotho (AGOK) graced the inaugural function as the chief guest. The function was chaired

by WASA president Kobou Mezhünyü while administration of oath to the wrestlers was done by WASA wrestling secretary Thinosetso Gwirie.

Altogether, 56 wrestlers from the four units under WASA vied for the coveted title.

loses 'treble treble' as teamCoutinho extends Liverpool contract, Nadal steps up to topple Bolt serving maestro Raonic mate tests positive for doping becomes club's highest paid player LIvERPOOL, JaNuaRy 25 (REuTERs): Brazil international midfielder Philippe Coutinho has extended his contract with Liverpool, the Premier League side said on its website (www.liverpoolfc.com) on Wednesday.

Although no official details of his new contract were revealed, media reports said the 24-year-old signed a five-anda-half year extension that will keep him at Liverpool until 2022 and make him the club's highest-paid player.

"I will work much harder to repay the belief shown in me. I signed this new contract to stay here for a few more years because it's a great honour for me," Coutinho said.

"It gives me great happiness because I was welcomed here with open arms by everyone at the club and the supporters right from my first day."

Coutinho has scored 34 goals in 163 appearances since he joined the Merseyside club from Inter Milan in January 2013 and has played a pivotal role in Liver-

Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho in action during the FA Cup Third Round Replay against Plymouth Argyle at Home Park on January 18. (Reuters Photo)

pool's solid first half of the season. games, 10 points behind leaders Liverpool are fourth in the Chelsea, who they face at Anfield Premier League standings after 21 next Tuesday.

MELBOuRNE, JaNuaRy 25 (REuTERs): Standing in close to face a Milos Raonic serve might seem a recipe for self-harm but Rafa Nadal's daring ploy helped him defuse the Canadian's biggest weapon and book an Australian Open semi-final place on Wednesday.

The Spaniard broke the 26-year-old twice but was impenetrable on his own serve to close out a brilliant 6-4 7-6(7) 6-4 win and reach the last four at a grand slam for the first time since his 2014 French Open title.

Nadal will play 15th seed Grigor Dimitrov for a place in the final and a shot at a 15th major title.

A dream decider against Roger Federer beckons if the Swiss master can defeat compatriot Stan Wawrinka in the first semi-final on Thursday.

"If I am not playing aggressive, then I am dead," warned Nadal prior to his match against Raonic, who defeated him in three sets at the Brisbane International.

A nervous Raonic, watching his serving rockets being fired back at him, appeared rattled by the tactic early in the match.

After saving a break point in the fifth game, he dropped serve in the seventh and lost the opening set.

The third seed still fired 14 aces in the match but his trump card went missing when it was needed most.

Serving to stay in the match at 5-4, Raonic was broken to love as Nadal tied him in knots with passing shots when the Canadian rushed forward in desperation.

Nadal's victory means three of the men's semifinalists are in their thirties, with 25-year-old Dimitrov the exception.

LausaNNE, JaNuaRy 25 (IaNs): Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt will be stripped of one of his nine Olympic gold medals after team-mate Nesta Carter tested positive for a banned substance on Wednesday.

Carter was part of the Jamaican quartet with Bolt that won the 4x100 metres relay in Beijing Games in 2008, reports the BBC. Bolt won three gold medals (100m, 200m, 4x100m) in the 2008, 2012, 2016 Olympics.

Carter was one of 454 doping samples retested by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) last year, and has been found to contain the prohibited substance methylhexaneamine.

The 31-year-old Carter was also part of the squad that won the event at London 2012 Games.

"Nesta Carter, 31, of Jamaica, competing in the men's 4x100m relay event (round 1 and final) in which he and his teammates ranked 1st and for which they were awarded the gold medal, has been disqualified from the Olympic Games Beijing 2008. Reanalysis of Carter's samples from Beijing 2008 resulted in a positive test for the prohibited substance

methylhexaneamine," an IOC statement said.

Carter "is found to have committed an anti-doping rule violation pursuant to the IOC AntiDoping Rules applicable to the Games of the XXIX Olympiad in Beijing in 2008".

"He is disqualified from the men's 4x100m relay event in which he participated upon the occasion of the Olympic Games Beijing 2008. He has the medal, the medallist pin and the diploma obtained in the men's 4x100m relay event withdrawn and is ordered to return same," the statement said.

"The Jamaican team is disqualified from the men's 4x100m relay event. The corresponding medals, medallist pins and diplomas are withdrawn and shall be returned."

Russian women's triple jumper Tatiana Lebedeva, 40, who won silver in the long jump event was disqualified from the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008.

Re-analysis of Lebedeva's samples from Beijing 2008 resulted in a positive test for the prohibited substance dehydrochlormethyltestosterone (turinabol).

public discourse

JCC appeals to the Govt to postpone ULB’s election Rejoinder to the Statement of Tali Ao,

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t is a matter of concern for all Naga people that every individual interprets the Special Provision incorporated in Article 371A of the Constitution of India in the guise of protection of the Provision inserted by 13 Amendment. At the very outset due to the wrong interpretation of the Article and proceeding for election of ULB’s it will confront with the Special Provision given to the people of Nagaland which was brought about by special agreement signed between the Government of India and Naga people’s convention and inserted in the Constitution Article 371A. In an Article given by the Minister of School Education and SCERT published on January 25, 2017 in Nagaland Post Daily and the Chief Minister and other authorities giving their opinions that holding of the ULB’s election is not against the customs, traditions, usages of Nagas, this clarification is given to make the records straight for public awareness. The Minister of School Education and SCERT Nagaland, Kohima has stated that, under the Constitution of India, the following Constitution established authority alone can implement the Provision of Article 371A. Firstly the Union that is the Central Government, the President, Council Minister, both the houses of Parliament and the Supreme Court with all its machinery under their control, details of which forms part V of the Constitution of India. Secondly the state i.e the State Government of Nagaland that is the Governor of Nagaland, Legislative Assembly, the Council of Ministers and High Court with all its machinery details of which

forms part VI of Constitution of India.

Thirdly the Panchayats which forms part IX of Constitution of India from Article 243 to 243-0 and by virtue of Article 243’M’ (2) (a), the State of Nagaland does not apply. However, the Government of Nagaland by enactment of the Nagaland Village Area and Regional Council Act 1972- the village level i.e, the Village Council is constitutionally established authority at the local self Government level to implement and enforce the power contain in Article 371A. The observation given by the Minister is in contravention of the Provision incorporated in 16 point agreement at Serial No.8 that is the local Self Government which state that each tribe shall have the following units of law making and Administrative Local Bodies to deal with matter concerning the respective tribes and areas. i) The Village Council ii) The Range Council iii) The Tribal Council The same has been incorporated in Article 371A by 13 Amendment of the Constitution where customary practice and usages were allowed to be followed and the Village Council were given the authority power to make laws and decide disputes when it arise. Therefore inviting Union Government Supreme Court, State Government High Court etc unilaterally by the Minister concern is not sustainable and the interpretation is with ulterior motive. The joint action committee stands for common interest of Nagas. Ample explanation has been expressed by various individuals as regard to part IXA of the Constitution which was incorporated by 74 Amendment of the Constitution as

regard to municipalities which contain in Article 243P to 243ZG and the reservation 33% for ST and SC comes under 243T. In this regard, Nagaland being 100% a tribal inhibited State where respective tribes follow their custom tradition and usages from time immemorial till date unlike in main land and non tribal societies, the tribal Nagas have no classification and discrimination on the ground of sex but the female are also considered equal in the society from time immoral which is unique in the society. That from time immemorial according to customs and traditions the male took part in the decision making and as such the system cannot be distorted for sake of fund which is kept pending for municipal development.

The joint action committee is not opposed to holding of municipal election, but since holding with 33% reservation is against the customary practice, the committee demands for postponing the election and hold the election after a consultative meeting with the leaders of various tribal Hohos agreeable to common terms as per the customary and traditional practice and usages and considering the women interest in general.

A Government in power which is elected by the people, should act for the people and for the interest of the people which is the feature of democracy. The dictatorial and high handedness will invite anarchy in the society. The present up rising by the citizen of the state of various tribe is due to the highhandedness of the Government in power which is bulldozing against the interest of the public. The public demands protection

and justice from encroachment in their customary, tradition and usages as guarantee by the Constitution.

Therefore by arbitrarily imposing women participation in the decision making body, the Government in the guise of protecting the privileges wants to destroy the customs, traditions and usages of the Nagas by vesting power in the women in the decision making body. This curbing public interest for the sake of money which has been kept unused for the Municipal development should not be the excuse to hold the Municipal Election suppressing the interest of the people’s rights.

The advisor Urban Development in his public speech while he kickstarts campaign for DMC polls stated that more than 200 crore is kept idle for Municipal development in Nagaland as reported in press in local daily on January 20, 2017. Therefore the public asked whether Governance is for the sake of money by curbing the public interest and protection or should be for preserving public interest? The present government has no ideology as regard to public interest the way it is administrating the people in the present context and the public in general should therefore understand the approach of the present legislators.

The joint action committee therefore once again make this fervent appeal to the Government to postponed the ULB’s election and have a consultation with the tribal leaders before election is been held and failure to which the Government will be solely responsible for any eventualities that may take place.

Media cell: Joint Coordination Committee

Advocate, Nagaland Bar Association

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he reports on the basis of the interpretation of the President, Nagaland Bar Association, Tali Ao, Advocate, that appeared in the "Eastern Mirror" dated 25.1.2017 under the caption "Municipal Act is null and void : Nagaland Bar" and in the "Morung Express" dated 25.1.2017 under the caption "NM Act founded on erroneous interpretation': Legal Expert" need a rejoinder from the Municipal Affairs Department of the Government of Nagaland, as the interpretation of the President, NBA is misleading and lacks support of Constitutional provisions.

The views of the President, NBA appear to be based upon his own delineation of meaning to the terms "Scheduled areas" and "Tribal Areas" appearing in Article 243ZC(1). Any citizen can read what is contained in article 243ZC(1) but for ease of understanding quoted hereunder: "Nothing in this Part shall apply to the Scheduled Areas referred to in clause (1), and the tribal areas referred to in clause (2) of article 244."

It may also be stated that it is the Constituent Assembly or the Parliament which defines which are "Scheduled Areas" and which are "Tribal Areas". Now for ease of understanding, article 244 is quoted herein: "244(1) the provisions of the Fifth Schedule shall apply to the administration and control of the Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes in any State other than the States of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram.

(2) The provisions of the Sixth Schedule shall apply to the administration of the tribal areas in the States

of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram."

Paragraph 6(1) of the Fifth Schedule which defines Scheduled areas as under:"6(1) Scheduled Areas: In this Constitution, the expression "Scheduled Areas" means such areas as the President may by order declare to be Scheduled Areas."

Nagaland has never been a "Scheduled Area" under the Presidential Notification under article 244(1) read with Paragraph 6(1) of the Fifth Schedule to the Constitution of India.

Article 244(2) of the Constitution of India as quoted above, defines Tribal areas which are confined only to Meghalaya, Tripura and Assam.

Art 243ZC does not exempt Nagaland from the application of Part IXA (Municipalities) along with 243T that compels women reservation in municipalities, while Article 243M dealing with Panchayats does.

Tali Ao referred to reservation of seats for STs in the Legislative Assembly under article 332 of the Constitution of India. However it may be clarified that Nagaland is not mentioned in Schedules 5 and 6 of the Constitution and as such Art.332 is not applicable.

The public are therefore advised to read this clarification and also study various provisions of the Constitution of India and the State Municipal Act before misconstruing the said Act. Menukhol John Principal Secretary, Municipal Affairs Department, Government of Nagaland.

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.

Thursday 26•01•2017

EntErtainmEnt

Create a language

Bicycle sold for Rs. 10 Lakh on 'The Kapil Sharma Show'

people can connect with

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bicycle, which action star Jackie Chan and actor Sonu Sood rode to make an entry on the "The Kapil Sharma Show", was reportedly sold for Rs. 10 lakh on the TV show's set. "Sonu and Jackie came on set on a humble bicycle.

Sonu was on the rider's seat and Jackie on pillion. In between the entertainment, Kapil Sharma took a moment to auction the cycle for a charity," said a source from the set.

"The cycle was auctioned to Sheikh Fazil from the audience for Rs. 10 lakh.

The sum is to be donated

In Conversation with Pulitzer Winner Henry Threadgill and Naga songwriter Senti Toy Threadgill

to charity which works for cancer patients," the source added. Jackie Chan and Sonu Sood appeared on the show to promote their forthcoming film "Kung Fu Yoga".

"Kung Fu Yoga" is part of the three-film agreement signed between China and India during Chinese President Xi Jinping's recent visit to India.

The film also stars actors Disha Patani and Amyra Dastur. Directed by Stanley Tong, the action-comedy film was shot in India, Dubai and Beijing. The film is scheduled for release in China on January 28, and in India on February 3.

Source: NDTV

Lady Gaga ‘to release a new album in 2017’ (Left) Henry Threadgill sharing his views as Sentienla Toy (Center) and Khyochano Ngully (Right) listen in during a live conversation in Kohima on January 25.

Morung express News

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live conversation with Sentienla Toy Threadgill, Naga songwriter and vocalist, and her husband Henry Threadgill, an American Composer, Saxophonist, and Flautist who was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Music 2016, was held on January 25 at Hotel Japfu, Kohima.

Hosted by Khyochano Ngully, Director, Music Academy Kohima the conversation brought young Naga musicians and artists together to learn and discuss about originality in music, creating art, on the music scene in Nagaland, promoting artists as well as music outside the State.

“It takes a really long time to find your own self or your own voice. You have to create a world, a language that have its own laws and behavior and when people hear it they can connect with it,” said Henry while talking about being an original composer, mentioning further that what a person learns is just an imitation of something and therefore it takes a long time to find one’s originality.

Pointing out that musical notes have behavioral patterns, behaving in certain ways, Threadgill viewed “When you create a literary character, you think you have them under control but you don’t. All of a sudden the character starts doing what it wants to do.

Notes behave the same way like literary figures behave.

You have to let it go and do what they want to do until it comes back to you.”

What makes a musician an artist?

“You are a musician or an artist. Being a musician does not make you an artist. It can make you a tactician. You serve to people’s musical whims but artists express themselves individually. They don’t necessarily do what someone else wants them to do. There painters that are not artists, writers that are not artists. Artist speaks through their journey of personal expressions and historically what they have done have a major effect on humanity or civilization or society. The work of artists always affects civilizations or societies,” said Threadgill on a question raised by a young musician.

Maintaining that artists have the power to communicate, Threadgill encouraged the gathering to learn the power that can be released through one’s art.

The artist, who taught himself the piano when he was three years old, stated that at a very young age, he was curious to know how music was made, and that that curiosity continues.

“You never get to the place where you say, ‘I know’. I want to know everything that I don’t know,” he said. Threadgill also viewed that music is temporary, which a person can only express what is going on in one’s own time and era. He further impressed upon the importance of live music and the need to have the living experience, mentioning that the power of an individual performing can change life.

Stressing on the essence of studying music outside one’s own culture or interest, and the need to travel to explore the music of other cultures, Threadgill viewed that there can be no advancement in a society unless somebody steps up and steps out. To become a part of the international music community was also highlighted.

How do you make Naga music in the world of music circle? Was another question raised to which Senti Toy replied that a lot of networking is required to bring the Naga music to rest of the world and further encouraged the young musicians to get involved in world music festivals.

The fact that not many know about Nagas also makes it more unique, according to Threadgill who urged musicians to find their audience, and produce it to the world.

Threadgill also pointed the need to get a support group which can provide scholarships for young musicians to study outside.

Senti Toy Threadgill has a doctoral degree in Ethnomusicology from New York University. In 1993, she was featured on MTV Asia sponsored by Pepsi as one of the top 20 singers of India.

Born in 1944, Henry Threadgill studied at the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago majoring in piano, flute and composition. He was awarded the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for music for his album ‘In for a Penny, In for a Pound.’

DJ Zedd to perform in India

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rammy Award winning DJ Zedd will be back in India to perform at the fourth edition of electronic dance music (EDM) festival Vh1 Supersonic 2017. The Russian-German music producer last performed in India in 2015 at Vh1 Supersonic. Zedd, whose real name is Anton Zaslavski, came into limelight a few years ago with his remix "Breakin' a sweat". He followed it up with his own tracks like "Spectrum" and "Clarity".

LIVE Viacom18's live property will be held in Pune this time instead of Goa. The three-day festival is set to be held from February 10. Legendary Swedish DJ Eric Prydz and Grammy Award winning hip-hop artiste Macklemore will also be making his first appearance in India by headlining Vh1 Supersonic 2017.

Saugato Bhowmik, Business Head - LIVE Viacom18 and Consumer Products, is excited about the line-up. "Zedd, with his own touch to dance music, is sure to turn Vh1 Supersonic 2017 into a rich experience. We are thrilled to welcome him home again as he is part of the Supersonic family," Bhowmik said in a statement.

Kartikeya Sharma, Marketing Director, AB InBev, India & South East Asia, India, said: "This year Vh1 Supersonic will see some power packed performances by two world renowned artists debuting in India along with Zedd."

Source: IANS

P

op superstar Lady GaGa is reportedly set to release a new album in October 2017.

The 30-year-old singer-songwriter released 'Joanne' in October 2016, but after she recently returned to the recording studio, Gaga is already making good progress on a new fulllength record.

The album is slated for release in October, according to Forbes magazine, which has also claimed that Gaga won't receive a fee for her much-anticipated appearance at the Super Bowl half-time show in Houston, Texas. Earlier this month, Gaga revealed she has built a tent in her garden to practice for her Super Bowl appearance.

The iconic musician announced the news of her personal training area on her Instagram account, posting a picture of her surrounded by a group of people whilst she kicks her leg in the air. Gaga captioned

the post: ''SuperBowl Rehearsal is so fun. We built a tent in my backyard with a dance floor to practice! We love you monsters, can't wait to perform for u! (sic).''

What's more, Gaga revealed she has been exercising ''everyday all day'' to ensure she is at the peak of her fitness when she belts out songs during the halftime show.

Alongside a photograph of the singer - whose real name is Stefani Germanotta - in the midst of doing her pelvic raises, she wrote: ''Training. Everyday all day #superbowl #halftime.''

Gaga has previously spoken about her specific ambitions for the show, revealing she wants to sing ''on the roof'' of the Super Bowl. She said: ''They're writing up multiple plans about how to safely get her on the roof, including potentially [cutting] a hole in the ceiling of the dome. ''Trying to figure out insurance for it is crazy.''

Miss Nagaland 2016 & State ICON (SVEEP) Vilokali Zhimomi shares her vision for a clean election during the observance of 7th National Voters’ Day in Kohima on January 25. (Morung Photo)

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

Source: Contactmusic

REPUBLIC DAY CELEBRATION 2017 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 Awards 4. March Past

PArADe CoNTINGeNTs: Parade Commander - Smti. Alongla Sangtam, Deputy Commandant, 4th NAP Parade 2 i.C. - Tiajungla Ao, Assistant Commandant, 4th NAP 1. 164 Territorial Army Naga Regiment 2. 93rd BSF, Chedema 3. Assam Rifles Mahila Contingent 4. 78th Bn CRPF, Zubza 5. DEF, Kohima 6. 4th NAP Bn, Thizama 7. 10th NAP (iR) Bn, Zhadima 8. 15th NAP (iR) Bn, Chumukedima 9. home guards 10. Ex-Servicemen 11. NP Central Brass Band, Chumukedima 12. 24 Nagaland independent Coy NCC, Kohima 13. 1st Nagaland girl Bn NCC, Junior wing, Kohima 14. 1st Nagaland girl Bn NCC, Senior wing, Kohima 15. 1st Nagaland Air Squadron NCC, Dimapur 16. Bharat Scouts&guides 17. Regimental School 4th NAP, Thizama 18. 3rd Assam Rifles Pipe Band

03862-237226 Ticket Counter (09:00 AM - 09:00 PM)

WWW.BooKMYsHoW.CoM (ID: PLAYBox DIMAPur)

Ward 5 (6) Burma Camp, Landmark - Near J.K Hospital Dimapur.

Power House.

Hillstar NOW SHOWING Kaabil

CuLTurAL PreseNTATIoN: 1. Bhangra Dance 93 Bn. BSF 2. Konyak Cultural Troupe, Kohima 3. Rengma Cultural Troupe, Kohima

11:00 AM | 05:00 PM

Raees

INAuGurATIoN oF exHIBITIoN sTALLs BY THe CHIeF GuesT NB: 1. Distribution of Sweets at the Parade ground by Nagaland Police Service Association.

2. Visit to institutions by various Charitable organizations (1200 hrs on ward)

PROGRaMMe (eVeNiNG)

1500 hrs: Inter ward Tug-of-War: Kohima Municipal Council 1600 hrs: Prize Distribution 1630 hrs: Band Display & Beating of retreat 1. Nagaland Police Brass Band 2. 9th Assam Rifles Pipe Band

- Issued By DIPR

02:00 PM | 08:00 PM

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