January 31th, 2017

C M Y K

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tuesDAY • JAnuArY 31 • 2017

DIMAPUR • Vol. XII • Issue 28 • 12 PAGes • 5

T H e

ESTD. 2005

P o W e R

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T R u T H

For what shall it profit a man, if he gain the whole world, and suffer the loss of his soul? — Jesus Christ

US tempers part of Trump travel ban amid big protests & criticism PAGE 09

RBI lifts ATM withdrawal limits from February 1

Nagaland state cabinet not willing to establish Lokayukta: NVCO President PAGE 05

PAGe 12

ULBs Polls: NBCC mediates a joint pact Indefinite bandh lifted, dialogue process to begin

Limits on daily cash withdrawal from Current accounts and CC accounts lifted New delhi, JaNuary 30 (aGeNCieS): The Reserve Bank of India or RBI today said it has lifted a limit on daily cash withdrawal from current accounts, cash credit accounts and overdraft accounts with immediate effect. It said restrictions on ATM withdrawals would be lifted from Wednesday, February 1. Curbs on withdrawing cash from savings bank accounts would however continue for now and are “under consideration for withdrawal in the near future,” the central bank said.

This means that from Wednesday, savings accounts holders will no longer be restricted to being allowed to withdraw only 10,000 rupees in a single transaction.

They will be able to withdraw Rs. 24,000 at one go at an ATM. However, because curbs on Savings accounts haven’t been lifted yet, they cannot withdraw any more money all that week thereafter.

There will be no curbs anymore for current accounts, cash credit accounts and overdraft accounts over the counter or from ATMs. Withdrawal of money from bank accounts was curbed amid a massive cash crunch that followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s sudden announcement on November 8 last year scrapping 500 and 1000 rupee notes.

The move, aimed at eliminating corruption and black money took out 86 per cent of the cash in circulation at the time or about 15.44 lakh crore. The RBI has said it is printing new currency at break neck speed to overcome the shortage of cash. The RBI chief Urjit Patel earlier this month told a parliamentary panel that the central bank has issued Rs. 9.2 lakh crore of new currency, thus replacing 60 per cent of demonetised currency. The RBI had initially set a cash withdrawal limit of Rs. 50,000 from current accounts which was later increased to Rs. 100,000 a day.

Public Reminder We would like to remind you that Rejoinders to those statements/news pieces that have not been originally published by the newspaper will not be carried either. This is in order to maintain impartiality on an issue. We seek your understanding and cooperation!

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Federer says his gamestyle made him believe he could win 18th slam

Morung Express news Dimapur | January 30

Representatives of the nagaland state Government (Y Patton) and Joint Coordination Committee (supu Jamir) sign a joint statement with the nagaland Baptist Church Council (Rev. Dr. Z Keyho) at the Police Guest House in Chumukedima on January 30, 2017, as Rev. Dr. Wati Aier looks on. Following intervention of church leaders, a temporary understanding has been reached to deliberate further on the issues surrounding ulB elections in nagaland state.

diMaPur, JaNuary 30 (MexN): The Nagaland State Government today decided to postpone the ULB polls for a period of two months; and in turn the Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) has agreed to call off its bandh.

This was agreed upon during a meeting between the state government, led by Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang and the JCC, led by its convener Supu Jamir.

The meeting was facilitated by the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC). The NBCC, in a press note from its General Secretary, Rev Dr Zelhou Keyho thanked “all believers who have prayed for God’s peace and wisdom.”

Meanwhile, a joint statement signed by JCC Convener, Supu Jamir; NBCC General Secretary, Rev Dr Zelhou Keyho and Nagaland Home Minister, Y Patton, informed that the JCC needs two months with effect from February 1 to “educate and dialogue with different tribal bodies.”

“At the consummation of the two month public process, JCC will ensure people’s participation in the conduct of a peaceful ULB election in the state as stated above (with 33% women reserva-

• • • •

common good of all the Nagas.

The JCC, it stated, will call off Nagaland Govt ‘agrees in principle’ the bandh “subject to the outcome of the final decision of the to postpone polls for two months Nagaland State Election Commission.” This was signed in the presNagaland State cabinet to meet ence of the NBCC as a third party.

The Nagaland State Chief on Jan 31 at 11:00 am Minister’s Office (CMO) meanwhile issued a statement inJCC calls off bandh, but says it forming that the Nagaland Government “agrees in principle to is ‘subject to decision of State defer ULB elections; Joint CoorCabinet & SEC’ dination Committee decides to call off bandh from tomorrow (subject to the decision of the JCC seeks two months to eduState Cabinet and State Eleccate and dialogue with different tion Commission), asks for two months’ time to have dialogue tribal bodies with stakeholders; after expiry of deferment time, JCC to ensure tion),” it stated.

It added that the JCC meanwhile un- people’s participation in the conduct of derstands and appreciates the funda- a peaceful ULB election in the State with mental right of every voter in Nagaland 33% reservation for women.”

It informed that the JCC had asked to participate in the ULB election (subject to Cabinet and State Election Com- for two months’ time deferment, to which it “was agreed trilaterally that the mission decision).

The JCC had asked the state govern- time duration would depend on the apment to postpone the ULB election in or- proval of the State Cabinet as well as the der to help the JCC to educate the public Election Commission.” The State Cabitoward conducting a well informed elec- net is scheduled to meet tomorrow (Jan tion which will promote development and 31) at 11:00am.

Even as the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) mediated between the State Government and the Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) at the NAPTC on January 30 at Chumukedima, uncertainty prevailed on the streets. Earlier, the situation appeared to be headed for a major showdown on February 1.

As on January 28, volunteers manned all major intersections within town including an almost deserted Deputy Commissioner’s office. On the NH-29 stretch, barricades were set up at Purana Bazar traffic point, Airport intersection, 3rd Mile-Chekiye, Green Park, Sovima and the entrance to the NAPTC, Chumukedima.

At Chumukedima, four police vehicles reportedly coming from Police HQs, Kohima, to the Dimapur Police Commissionerate, were forced to turn back.

Apart from para military, army, police, media and some emergency medical cases, no vehicles were allowed to ply. Some outbound passengers, including students, were seen walking all the way from town to the airport towing luggage.

At some intersections, volunteers were polite to media persons covering the bandh and offered drinking water, while there were isolated instances of verbal threats for limiting video/photographic coverage of the day’s happenings.

The CBI publishing a ‘Lookout Notice’ today in the newspapers for absconders linked to the March 5, 2015 incident, raised apprehension among volunteers.

The highly agitated volunteers were determined to thwart any ULB elections related activity. Work was paralysed at the DC’s office while information flew fast to disrupt any semblance of official government process.

This was exemplified around noon when volunteers, reportedly growing to a 200 strong, converged at the Circuit House after a report was circulated of officials preparing poll related paperwork. Police personnel, including high ranking officers, who rushed to contain the situation, were initially

prevented from entering the premises but were let in after much pacification.

A car driven by a Dobashi was halted at the entrance and checked.

Copies of E-Roll and stationery was discovered, which the volunteers confiscated and promptly put to flames on the road as police personnel looked on.

The over two hour long standoff ended with the crowd eventually dispersing after finding no incriminating evidence to substantiate the report which circulated.

A police official said district administration officials were at the Circuit House for lunch.

No major untoward incidents were reported apart from this.

We will start dialogue soon, JCC informs

With the situation clearly out of hand, a meeting mediated by the NBCC brought a surprise outcome – the State government and the JCC found middle ground to open room for dialogue.

The JCC announced in the evening that the indefinite bandh has been suspended. JCC Convenor Supu Jamir said that the primary demand of the JCC was to postpone the ULB elections scheduled on February 1.

The Government, in principle, relented to deferment of polls “having seen the volatile situation on the ground.” However, according to Jamir, the Government maintained that the onus is with the State Election Commission to decide on the duration of the deferment. “We’re happy the government has suspended the elections. We’ll start dialogue soon.”

Stating that the State Government was urged to open dialogue soon with regard to the Nagaland Municipal Act, Jamir added that the JCC on its part will also work for having consultations with the people.

Many questions though remain unanswered - one in particular, as was stated in the joint statement, about the holding of elections (with 33 percent women reservation) after the 2-month period ends. Asked on this, Jamir categorically stated that this aspect will be subject to the outcome of the proposed consultations.

ENPO: Border issue needs In the Eye of a Storm, Church to be addressed politically leaders play critical mediators

diMaPur, JaNuary 30 (MexN): The Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO), while acknowledging the Nagaland State Government for proposing a Naga Summit scheduled for February, has urge the latter to move for an emergency assembly session before the Summit, and evoke subsequent proceedings for further deliberations of safeguarding the integrity and sanctity of the national borders in both the houses of parliament to be endorsed through both the MPs from the State.

A press note from the ENPO stated that the subject of fencing by the Myanmarese authorities at Pangsha village dividing its ancestral land at ITC (Dan) junction between international border pillars nos. 145 to 146 under Noklak sub division, Tuensang district, is inherent to the Indo-Naga political issue, “which out rightly qualifies to be addressed politically at the highest levels in the most urgent and appropriate manner.”

The ENPO informed that it is also “officially engaged through due process for the same with the relevant ministries and authorities of the Governments of India, Myanmar and the State Government along with the immediate and the concerned landowners for ‘Trilateral’ approach on the matter.” It meanwhile added that Article 371-A of the Indian Constitution will also be a central reference point in the subject matter.

See what is happening beyond our door step: WNYSU urges Nagas

The Wolam Nyukyan (New Pangsha) Students’ Union (WNYSU) today grieved over the “negligence” of the Nagaland State Government regarding the border fencing issue, and lamented

that “it seems Nagas are lulled in slumber by the buzz of ULB election from seeing what is going on beyond our door step.”

“Justice of humanity should exist and inner thoughts of the common people should also be comprehended with no advantage of such that far flung area in silence, where actually the disease of small scratches which is already at the edge of spreading into the vein of the whole of the Nagas. By being witnessed and stepping on it, we see no sign of solution as the construction going on by the Govt. of Myanmar is still continuing and already in the mid of provoking war in the area,” the WNYSU said in a press note today.

It further questioned “why the Indian Army should also be posted there if India is not involved in the agreement in doing so and only meant to be a mere watch dog to the works doing by the Govt of Myanmar.”

“Today we cannot tolerate to see such act of evil design to break away the spirit of peaceful environment and to replicate the history of ancestral inherent land,” it stated, while appealing to all Naga NGOs from India and Myanmar to “anticipate to this matter before it is gone too late.”

“The value content of the simple description of ‘Land’ which the people of Pangsha are fighting is a bitter truth in the context of humanity: division of one-blood ancestral Naga and deprivation of the rights of ownership of land,” the WNYSU stated.

It meanwhile appreciated all the NGOs and individuals who have voiced support to the ENPO and KTC stand regarding the issue.

Morung Express news Dimapur | January 30

As the haze lifted on the Dimapur sun on Monday, it did little to melt the ice at the Police Guest House in Chumukedima. Top leaders from the Nagaland State Government and the Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) met here at 12:00 pm on January 30 to find a way out of the ULB election storm—only this time, the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) played the critical role of mediating the meet.

By 4:30 pm, the two parties, that had faced off on hard stands earlier, finally relented and drew a temporary compromise. It has saved the people of Nagaland from an impending disaster.

God’s Providence “Everybody felt that something ought to be done,” said Rev. Dr. Wati Aier, a key mediator at the meeting today.

Following the crucial prayer in churches all over Nagaland State on January 29, concerned citizens and the NBCC stood up to the “voice of God,” and called for a meeting. The Nagaland State Government and the JCC were contacted; both expressed willingness to partake in such a meeting and the ball was set rolling.

Several mediators quickly came together, in what one participant termed “God’s Providence.” The Chief Minister’s Office promptly arranged for a chopper drop to the Nagaland Armed Police Training Centre at Chumukedima (where the Guest House is located) on January 30, while the JCC leaders and participants from the mediating

side, both from Kohima and Dimapur, drove in.

“Issues needed to be discussed across the table, and both sides were kind enough to sit and talk,” highlighted Dr. Aier. The meeting started and ended with prayer. “Let us not raise our voices and talk of the past. Let us talk of how we can move forward,” were the ground rules.

As the dialogue unfolded Initially, the atmosphere at the meeting was tense.

“Both the State Government and the JCC are working for the welfare of the people, and are working from a position of love for the people. Here they got a chance to express their positions, and misunderstanding, and eventually came to a point where they realized that negotiation is possible,” explained Rev. Dr. Zelhou Keyho, General Secretary of the NBCC, another key figure in unlocking the present situation.

Both experienced in peace mediation, Dr. Aier and Dr. Keyho held the meeting together and made strong interventions at the right time till the ice cracked—when TR Zeliang made a suggestion—and the parties began to listen to each other.

“Dialogue was much needed to understand each position—both parties were polite and willing to listen,” said Dr. Keyho.

While both parties held ground, they also had to “save face” given the violent turn events were taking, explained a mediating participant. A Nagaland State Government official present at the meeting said that once ice was broken and light seen, the “meeting

became friendly” as each began to “appreciate” the other’s position.

With this as a start, a new window of opportunity has opened to reason out and find a creative approach towards public dialogue on the issue, the mediating participant noted.

Harder work ahead In the next few months, we have to work harder as many challenges remain ahead of us, acknowledged Dr. Keyho.

The first step will be a State Cabinet meeting at 11:00 am, Tuesday, January 31, even as the JCC speaks to the people. Then the State Election Commission’s decision will be sought on deferring the ULB polls.

“The Government understands the position of the JCC. We are both working for the welfare of the people,” said the State Government official present at the meeting. The Government and the JCC had last met on January 25. But today, “the presence of the church leaders was critical” noted the official. The official hoped that the Joint Action Committee on Women’s Reservation will also understand the situation.

“Nothing new was said today but a third party was essential to help them out,” said a mediating participant.

For Dr. Keyho, “believers praying all over Nagaland State came as a breakthrough,” and this marks the “beginning” of understanding the issue, “not the end.” The NBCC, he said, will not be “conditional” or “rhetorical” in its approach and continue to play a role in any possible way.

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tuesDAY 31•01•2017

NAGALAND

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Lotha women officers’ prayer and fellowship prog held

Team members of a Christian ministry who were scheduled to travel outside the State are seen walking towards the Dimapur Airport to catch the Kolkata flight on January 30. The team on reaching the Airport informed that the Airport Authority provided refreshment to the travelers. (Morung Photo)

Copies of Electoral Roll seized from a car headed to the Circuit House, Dimapur were burned on the road by bandh volunteers as security personnel helplessly looked on.

WoKha, January 30 (DiPr): The Lotha Baptist Churches Association (LBES) Women department held Lotha women officers’ prayer and fellowship programme on January 28 at the LBES Mission Centre, Vankhosung, where Rev Nyanchumo Ezung, Executive Secretary LBES prayed for blessings.

Dr. Abeni Lotha, Principal, Mount Tiyi College, Wokha in her exhortation said that working women in different profesBandh volunteers are seen displaying a black wrist band in protest against what they con- sions who work at par with the sider as anti-people' policy of the state government. Most of the volunteers were wearing rest of the society face more chalthe black band. (Morung Photo) lenges than others because she bears additional responsibility as a wife, a mother and a professional who has to balance between home and work and still excel in whatever she does in life.

She also observed that the task of motherhood is a lifelong process and her wise teachings and guidance will be the foundation of her legacy for her children and their children to emulate. The profession and the authority we have in our official capacity is time bound which needs dedication and handwork no matter how challenging they may seem she also said.

Do not cause harm to anyone by misusing the power of JCC volunteers are seen enforcing the bandh along a stretch of road in Dimapur on Monday. your good office, rather take (Morung Photo) it as a calling and a gift of op-

State Medical Board constituted

Kohima, January 30 (DiPr): The State Medical Board consisting of the following Officers have been constituted for the purpose of confirmation, invalidation, commutation of Pension etc in respect of the Gazetted Officers of the State Government as well as of the Central Government, staff posted in Nagaland.

The Board constitutes of Principal DirectorChairman; Managing Director NHAK- Member Secretary; and members

including Medical Specialist NHAK, Eye Specialist NHAK, Surgical Specialist NHAK, M&G specialist NHAK (In case of lady Officer being a candidate), and ENT Specialist NHAK. The Medical Board will be held on the following dates in the Office Chamber of the Managing Director, Naga Hospital Authority Kohima as shown below: February 7 (1st Board); May 2 (2nd Board); August 1 (3rd Board); November 7 (4th Board).

All the Heads of Depart-

ments have been requested to send the Name (s) and Particulars of the intending Candidates for the above purpose for which he/she desires to appear before the Board to the Managing Director Naga Hospital Authority Kohima before 7(seven) days of the scheduled dates as indicated above. Candidates coming to appear the Board directly without prior information to the Managing Director Naga Hospital Authority Kohima will be summarily rejected.

Scientist-Farmer interaction programme at Kiphire held Morung Express News Kiphire | January 30

The Argi and Allied Department on January 30 organised a Scientist-Farmer interaction programme at the Kiphire Agri Conference Hall.

Dr Toluvi Ayee, DVO, Kiphire; Hukai Zhimomi, DP ATMA; Tsope, HEA; and Kath HEA were the resource persons. Interacting with the farmers, Toluvi exhorted the farmers to avail vaccination from the department office and asked the farm-

ers to get input on livestock managements. He also said that Argi and allied is the wealthiest Department as it develop the land and bring rich resource and produce food stuff. Ayee also spoke on how to rear pigs and other livestock.

The other resource persons while interacting with the farmers informed that from now on famers need not come to office for any scheme because the department has opened up a hot net/website where applications can be filled

online. They also asked the farmers to share the knowledge and information they attain while working on the field and share the same with others to bring development.

Exhorting the farmers, DAO and DP ATMA Renbomo Ngully asked the farmers to take the programme as an opportunity to learn and clear doubts.

ATMA members, famer’s friend and progressive famers from five villages attended the day long programme.

Phek ATMA conducts district level exhibition

PhEK, January 30 (mExn): Phek district ATMA in collaboration with Department of Agriculture organised and sponsored a district level exhibition with the theme ‘Runguzu Farmers Produces’ on 68th Republic Day celebration 2017

at Phek Town, Local Ground to provide a platform for the progressive farmers to exhibit their farm produces, indigenous tools and crafts.

Farmers displayed varieties of cereals, pulses, millets, fruits, vegetables, poultry birds, and wood and

bamboo products. Farmers from other villages also exhibited their farm products.

Chief guest MLA Kuzholuzo Nienu, Government of Nagaland was briefed by Heweto Sema and Dr. Keviu Shuya (Deputy Project Director, ATMA-Phek).

portunity from god to serve the government and the people with humility, said Lily Humtsoe, Project Director DRDA, Mokokchung. Education, being the stepping stone of progress for an individual, a family and the nation as a whole, we must do our bit to contribute in educating the lesser fortunate ones in order to uplift them in the required areas, she added.

Meribeni Ngullie, Women Secretary LBES, in her welcome address stressed that the purpose of the fellowship is to thank god and celebrate his blessings in the lives of the women and also to encourage one another to foster unity amongst them to work towards achieving higher goals for the good of all.

Mhalo Yanthan, Women leader WTBC, who was the speaker of the programme, stated that God's purpose of making them the light for others is to live exemplary lives.

‘You are a flame lid by god by his will, therefore, live in him and he will lead you to lead the others’, she said.

During the programme, Lily J. Kikon APRO Bhandari presented a special number.

The programme was led by Mhonyani, Chairperson LBES Women Department.

New & Renewable Energy Nagaland win awards

DimaPur, January 30 (mExn): The department of New & Renewable Energy Nagaland has been awarded first position in the category of General State for Solar Street Light and another first position in the category of Solar Power Plant among NE States and the third award was for second position in Solar Power Pack (NE).

The award was given away by Rajiv Kapoor, IAS, Secretary Ministry of New & Renewable Energy New Delhi on behalf of Piyush Goyal, Minister of State's Power, Coal, Mines and NRE on January 24 during the National Review Meeting of MNRE program at India Habitat Centre in New Delhi. The awards to the Department were received by Er. TS Angami, Director Dept of NRE.

(Left) Er. TS Angami, Director of NRE Department Nagaland receiving first position in Renewable Energy Achievement Award 2015-16 on behalf of the Department of NRE along with (Right), Er Kavito Chishi Addl Director receiving award on behalf of District from MNRE, New Delhi on January 24.

Kohima District was also awarded first position in the category of Solar Power Plant among the

NE States and also second position in the Category of Solar Street Light among the NE States. The district

awards were received by Er This was stated in a press Kavito Chishi, Addl Direc- release issued by the Director NRE Department on be- torate of New & Renewable half of Kohima District.

Energy Nagaland Kohima.

Extension of timeline for institution verification of pre-matric scholarship Kohima, January 30 (DiPr): The Directorate of School Education has informed that the Ministry has observed that there are many pending applications which are yet to be verified at Institution Level. Keeping in view of non-completion of verification process, the Ministry has decided to extend the timeline for verification as under: Last date of scrutiny of online application by Institutions (Fresh & Renewal) February 8. Therefore, Institutions have been directed to get the applications verified within the above timelines so that the disbursement process may be started without any further delay.

It is informed that this is the last and final extension and no further extension shall be granted from the Ministry.

Institutions without USER ID & PASSWORD are directed to contact the following numbers during office hour only @8132858931 and 9436064560.

144 CrPC revoked at Phek PhEK, January 30 (DiPr): Deputy Commissioner Phek, Muruho Chotso has informed that the law & order situation relating to opposition of Phek Town Council Election by the Chakhesang Public Organisation and Chakhesang Youth Front is now subsided at Phek Town.

Accordingly, the promulgation of sec 144 CrPC vide order dt. January 17, 2017 has been revoked with immediate effect from January 28, 4:00 PM onwards.

15 boy students of Classes 4 and 5 of Rajeshwari Karuna School, Tuli went trekking on January 27 and 28 in the forest near Kangtsung Yimsen. The students during the over-night trek were taught how to cook in bamboo, make tea in bamboo and make cups out of bamboo, besides being taught to trek in the forest. Subonenba Longkumer, Director CECS and Mhondamo Lotha Head Master of Rajeshwari Karuna School, Tuli were also a part of the team.

ATMA Mon conduct demonstration prog

‘Animal show’ cancelled Kohima, January 30 (mExn): Kohima Chief Veterinary & AH Officer Dr. Vivotuo Miachio in a press release expressed regret that the ‘animal show’ scheduled to be held on January 28 at the Veterinary Hospital, Kohima could not be conducted due to certain situation.

Nagaland Legislative Assembly informs Kohima, January 30 (DiPr): The Commissioner & Secretary, NLA, N. Benjamin Newmai has informed that the following designations shall be used for all the correspondences to Nagaland Legislative Assembly Secretariat as under: Administrative Head of Department, Nagaland Legislative Assembly - Commissioner & Secretary and Speaker's Office, Nagaland Legislative Assembly - Officer on Special Duty. Henceforth, all concerned have been requested to use the correct address and designations for correspondences.

Veterinary Camp at Thekrezenoma held DimaPur, January 30 (mExn): 41 Assam Rifles and 14 Mobile Field Veterinary Hospital conducted a veterinary camp at Thekrezenoma Village, Dimapur District on January 25. Approximately 807 domestic animals comprising mainly of cattles, dogs and poultry were examined and free medicines were distributed to the owners. In addition, vaccination of live stock and pets was also carried out in the area. The camp was attended by locals World War II bombs recovered from the construction site of Chang Baptist Church, Kohima of Thekrezenoma village and surrounding areas devoid of veterinary support. on January 30.

Participants during the demonstration programme conducted by ATMA Mon, Wakching block at Tanhai.

mon, January 30 (mExn): ATMA Mon, Wakching block conducted a two day demonstration programme on January 28 and 30. Demonstration on application of biofertilizers for seed

treatment, soil treatment with special emphasis on maize was done by ATM, Lewang Konyak.

Later ATM, Mhajamo demonstrated on mulching of large cardamon and stressed on the importance

and benefits of mulching.

On January 30, demonstration on seed treatment, cultivation and maintenance of okra was done by BTM Roseline Pusa. Okra seeds were distributed to the attended 18 farmers.

Tuesday 31•01•2017

NORTH-EAST 3

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Cong, AIUDF disrupt Governor's speech Islam immediately rose on his feet and said the government failed to implement ideas of these great personalities and it should be rectified.

Without paying heed to the opposition member's objection, the Governor continued his speech.

"Tapping into this reservoir in the right perspective, my government has embarked upon balanced development of all the regions of the state--Barak valley, Brahmaputra valley, hills areas and plains," Purohit said.

On this, both Congress and AIUDF started shouting.

"There is no good governance. The government has totally failed to give impartial governance," the opposition

Assam reciprocates KPLT's unilateral ceasefire Guwahati, January 30 (ianS): Reciprocating the peace offer of militant outfit Karbi Peoples' Liberation Tiger (KPLT), the Assam government has decided to stop counter insurgency operations by the security forces against KPLT till April 20 this year.

A statement issued by the Assam government on Monday said that the decision was taken as a gesture of goodwill to the members of the outfit to enable them to join the mainstream.

The Assam government's decision came two months after the KPLT declared a unilateral ceasefire for a period of six months on October 20 last year, which they communicated through a letter signed by the organisation's General Secretary Vojaru Hanjang.

"The outfit also expressed its desire to come to the main stream in the interest of restoring peace and all round development in Karbi Anglong. The Assam government welcomes the above gesture of the organisation and sincerely hopes that all the group members along with the weapons retained by them, will come forward to the mainstream at the earliest," the statement added.

The KPLT is a breakaway faction of the Karbi Longri National Liberation Front (KLNLF). Formed in 2011, its main objective is to carve out an Autonomous Karbi State out of Assam.

CNPO denies allegation against president Chandel, January 30 (Mexn): The office of the Chandel Naga Peoples’ Organisation (CNPO) has denied the allegation of its president having links with Manipur’s Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, and Health Minister. A press release appended by Vice President, General Secretary, Joint Secretary, Finance Secretary, Assistant Culture Secretary, and Information Secretary of CNPO attested that the President of CNPO served his people with dedication. “He stood firm and never compromised on Naga issue… He has done tremendous work as far as Naga issue is concerned,” it added. Therefore, CNPO has appealed to individuals or any section of people not to tarnish his image without any evidence or proof “because diminishing him is maligning the image of CNPO. We express our resentment on such baseless charges.”

22,000 court cases resolved in a day in Tripura aGartala, January 30 (ianS): A record number of around 22,000 court cases were settled in a day in Tripura through a 'Maha Lok Adalat', an official said on Monday. The Maha Lok Adalat was organised here on Sunday at the instance of Tripura High Court Chief Justice T. Vaiphei. In the day-long process, 21,984 court cases were settled, Tripura State Legal Services Authority's member-secretary Bipradas Palit told IANS. "In the 40 temporary courts, 53,843 cases were presented and of these 21,984 were disposed-off. Around Rs 33.94 lakh were collected as penalties and fines." A large number of cases related to traffic rule violations. The official said "Lok Adalats" were being organised every month but such a 'Maha Lok Adalat' had been held for the first time in Tripura. Palit said that in the lower courts of Tripura 148,275 cases were pending for years.

Manipur observes Martyrs Day iMPhal, January 30 (Pti): A state-level function to commemorate Martyrs Day was held here today to pay respects to freedom fighters as well as to the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi. Governor Najma Heptulla led the dignitaries including Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh and his deputy Gaikhangam, along with other top ranking government and police officials in paying floral tributes to the bust of Gandhi. A two minute-long siren was sounded at 10:59 AM during which all vehicular movement came to a halt in the state capital. A band of Manipur Rifles also played the national anthem to mark the occasion.

Hitendra Nath Goswami elected Speaker of Assam Assembly Guwahati, January 30 (Pti): Assam Assembly today unanimously elected BJP MLA Hitendra Nath Goswami as the Speaker of the House. "I declare that Hitendra Nath Goswami is elected as Speaker of the House unanimously," Assam Assembly Deputy Speaker Dilip Kumar Paul said. The process was necessitated due to former Speaker Ranjeet Kumar Dass resigning from the post after becoming the president of BJP's Assam unit last month.

Goswami received seven nominations in support of him.

After election, he said from the Chair, "I will work independently for upholding democratic values. My aim will not be to adjourn the House during differences. I will use the elasticity and discretion power of the Chair in such moments." Goswami, a former AGP minister, represents the Jorhat constituency.

Full sealing of IndoBangla border challenging task

Assam Governor Banwarilal Purohit

members said.

The Governor tried to pacify the members and requested them to sit till completion of the speech but in vain.

Seeing no let up in opposition's resistance, he jumped to

the last paragraph of the 88-page speech and concluded his address to the House within seven minutes.

Purohit's speech was tabled in the House and considered to be read.

Assam Governor Banwarilal Purohit on Monday said that complete sealing of the IndoBangladesh border is a “challenging task”, although the government is working on to finish it within a definite time frame.

“Complete sealing of the Indo-Bangladesh border is a challenging task, given the vast expanses of riverine terrain in many sectors,” Purohit said in his address to Assam Assembly on the inaugural day of the Budget Session.

His speech, which was stopped after disruption by the opposition and was later consid-

ered to be read, talked about the government’s attempt in sealing the international border. “It would be our endeavour to accomplish this task with the help of suitable technology within a definite timeframe. The IndoBangladesh border roads and bridges construction work is almost completed,” Purohit said.

However, there are some existing gaps and damage caused by erosions at certain places, which are being attended on priority, he added. “Also, the remaining border fencing works are targeted to be completed soon. The flood-lighting works have been completed, their electricity service connection works are likely to be completed within the next few months,” he said.

A book for a book: Bus stop turns book exchange counter

Guwahati, January 30 (Pti): What was once a bus stand has been transformed into a book exchange counter, with the aim to create awareness about the benefits of reading at the Brahmaputra Literary Festival here, that comes to a close today.

The bus stop-turnedstall, that bears a banner reading The world belongs to those who read books, is not a conventional book shop but more of an exchange counter named, My Bookstore... Bring a book, Take a book.

"Since local buses re-

main the major mode of public transportation in the city, we thought this idea can have some impact on people and draw their attention towards reading books," Anoop Khanna, the store owner said.

The stall is adorned with messages by bibliophiles expressing their love for reading.

One such message read, "I love books because they never ditch me. They are always there for me whenever I need them."

In a reference to Valentines Day that is merely a fortnight away, another

message read, "I never get bored of dating books. And what can be a better way to end January by going on a blind date with a book!"

An initiative by Priya Communications, the idea re-introduces the tradition of barter system where people can buy new books in exchange of the ones they have already read.

"It is such a wonderful initiative at low cost. The government must think about it. Why not have similar things in all districts?"

Khanna said.

During the three-dayliterary festival, the stall

saw exchange of over 200 books in the first two days.

"Books deposited and borrowed include books written in English, Hindi as well as Assamese. A 70-year-old man visited the stall multiple times and exchanged nearly ten of his books," a representative at the stall said.

The stall is also hosting plays and activities with the theme "a professional by the day and a book lover by the night".

"We have invited a musician, a magician and a cobbler who love reading books. They will perform

and show what they do during the day time to earn money and in the evening they will showcase their love for reading," Khanna said.

The festival was inaugurated by Union Minister Prakash Javadekar on January 28, making Assam the first state in North East India to host a literary festival.

Organised by the National Book Trust (NBT) and the Assam government, the festival witnessed 60 panel discussions, book releases, readings and cultural events, including film screenings based on books.

On a high after Assam feat, BJP Once notorious for liquor, this salivates over opportunity in Manipur Mizo village now lives on farming Prasanta Mazumdar New Indian Express

On a high after winning Assam by way of a vote and Arunachal by way of political manoeuvring, the BJP has now set its sights on the Manipur election (March 4 and 8) in pursuit of achieving a Congressmukt Northeast.

Going into the polls, the party is in a good place.

It won the 2014 election in Assam and won power in Arunachal when chief minister Pema Khandu and most of his People’s Party of Arunachal (PPA) MLAs ‘merged’ with the BJP in December, effectively making it a saffron party government. The party has four MLAs in Nagaland and is a constituent of the ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland. In Manipur, it had two MLAs in the outgoing Assembly but one defected to the Congress last year.

It is only in Left-ruled Tripura and Congressruled Meghalaya and Mizoram that the party is yet to open its account.

In Manipur, the party is faced with an Assam-like

situation. The Congress has been in office there for 15 years, and anti-incumbency is evident. And lately, tribal divisions have come to the fore. But while there is an opportunity for the BJP, there is also a challenge.

In Assam, the BJP ousted Tarun Gogoi’s 15-year Congress government by playing the Assamese identity card. Cashing in on media speculation that the Congress was hand in glove with the All India United Democratic Front in protecting the interests of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants, the BJP went to the people with an appeal to save the Assamese culture, language and land.

It helped: the party’s tally in the Assembly rose from five seats in 2011 to 60 in 2016.

In Manipur now, the situation is tailor-made for the BJP. The ethnic divide between tribal Nagas, who are Christians, and the predominantly Hindu Meiteis (Manipuris) has widened after the Okram Ibobi Singh government created seven new districts and the Unit-

ed Naga Council launched a blockade of two national highways.

In carving out new district the Ibobi government of the Congress was giving the Kukis what they had been demanding for years, a Sadar Hills district. But it decision ruffled the feathers of the Nagas, who claim Sadar Hills is their “ancestral homeland”.

The BJP is happy fishing in these waters. Its spokesperson N Biren told New Indian Express, “The Congress is trying to divide it by making it an issue between Kukis-Meiteis and Nagas.

That is Ibobi’s plan. However, we won’t allow this to happen. We want a united Manipur.”

The BJP got a shot in its arms following the defection of five Congress MLAs -- Biren being one of them -- to its side in recent months. All of them have been given BJP tickets.

“We’ve opened the gateway to the Northeast by winning Assam. We will capture the rest of the states in the region one by one,” BJP leader Mahendra Singh asserted.

aizawl, January 30 (Pti): Once notorious for illegally producing local liquor ‘Rakzu’, a Mizoram village is now living on farming and allied activities following the intervention of a central governmentrun rural livelihood project for the northeastern region, funded by the World Bank.

Located about 60 km southwest of state capital Aizawl, Darlawng village in Thingsulthliah block has a population of over 680, majority of whom had earlier, despite a statewide prohibition, depended on producing ‘Rakzu’, a kind of rice beer, for their livelihood as agricultural output was low owing to a lack of proper irrigation facilities.

However, in 2012, the village community decided to stop illegal production of liquor. And when the village was looking for alternative livelihood avenues, the North East Rural Livelihood Project (NERLP), run by the Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Ministry and funded by the World Bank, made an intervention to ensure economic empowerment of the people.

A minor irrigation project was implemented in

Darjeeling bans public smoking KOlKata/ darJeelinG, January 30 (tnn): The hills have done what the plains have failed to achieve — a ban on smoking in public. While the prohibition has been in force since 2003, not a single district has been able to achieve the feat so far. Four districts, however, have taken an initiative to prevent smokers from lighting up indiscriminately.

On Thursday, the district administration declared Darjeeling district as the first smoke free district of West Bengal. The famous mall has been a smoking-free zone for a few years now. In Kolkata, not a single conviction has happened so far. Since smoking was banned in public places, the Darjeeling district administration has penalized 105 people found for violating the law that came into effect in the three hills sub-divisions from August 15, 2016.

Officials of the district administration expressed satisfaction with the progress and also cooperation of the hills citizens. "Since we started the ban, we have got positive response from the people. Of course there will be cases when someone will not heed the law. But, we are trying to deal with it in the best possible way. So far 105 people have been fined Rs.200 each for violating the ban on smoking in public places," said Anurag Srivastava, the Darjeeling DM. The declaration as made on the

Darlawng under the Community Development Plan of NERLP, leading to a substantial increase in farm yields and expansion of the area of settled cultivation.

Under the project, water was sourced from three nearby streams–Sahlam Lui, Darlawng tlang Lui and Cher Chawm Lui– and used for agriculture.

“This made a huge difference to the villagers.

Farm yield went up substantially and the area of settled cultivation too increased from 20 hectares to over 36 hectares. About 130 of the 160 households in the village are now involved in agriculture and allied activities, whereas earlier the figure stood at about 70,” says Reuben Ranglong, Aizawl District Project Manager of NERLP. “In addition, a road to aid the agricultural work was constructed by the community under MGNREGA, orange cultivation grew with assistance from the state horticulture department and several farmers received assistance for starting fisheries with help from the Integrated Watershed Management Programme,” he says.

Newmai News Network IMPHAL | January 30

Angry locals protested killing of two youths— an excavator driver and his assistant— allegedly by suspected Kuki National Front (KNF) at Moulsohoi village of Ukhrul district on the night of January 28.

According to reports, the deceased Laishram Tompok, 27, resident of Sekmaijin in Imphal West, Laishram Thoi, 22, resident of Yairipok Khoirom in Thoubal district and a labourer were kidnapped by suspected KNF(N) at Saichang village of Sadar Hills for ransom on January 26.

The duo were killed when the suspected KNF (N) cadres exchanged fire with cadres of Kuki National Army (KNA) who were trying to rescue abductees. One of the suspected KNF (N) members was also injured in the encounter. The suspected KNF (N) had reportedly demanded Rs 20 lakh as ransom.

KNA is the armed wing of Kuki National Organisation (KNO) currently under suspension of operation involving the centre and state government.

The locals blocked the traffic at Sekmaijin section of Mayai Lambi road demanding immediate arrest of all culprits involved in the killing of the two. Besides, a large number of people there staged a sit-in protest at a local community hall to demand punishment to the culprits.

The agitating locals later submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister demanding immediate arrest of the accused responsible for the killing, exemplary punishment to the accused, Rs 20 lakh exgratia and a government job to the next of kin.

AFFIDAVIT Regd. No. 21

I, Shri. Alambe S/o Late Gaidabe of New Jalukie Village, PO & PS Jalukie, Peren Dist. Nagaland hereby declare that the name Alambe and Ilamneung is of same person. I hereby declare that my correct name is Alambe and shall be used for all official purposes in the future.

Deponent 1st Class Magistrate

Government of India Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises Br. MSME-Development Institute - Old Industrial Estate, Dimapur, Nagaland In association with the KEVI Society, Kohima, Nagaland Organize International Trade Expo. - Cum-NLVDP of MSME Units-2017 at Dimapur, Nagaland Sponsored by NSIC Ltd, Guwahati & Br. MSME DI Dimapur Date Expo : 2nd Feb to 16th Feb NLVDP : 7th Feb to 8th Feb

basis of a third party assessment conducted by MANT - an NGO - from January 17 to 21, based on the guidelines developed by Johns Hopkins University, the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease and the Center for Tobacco Free Kids of the United States of America.

Given the enormity of implementing the law, the district administration has mooted the idea of adoption of areas by different social organizations, NGOs and schools.

"We (administration) cannot be everywhere. Therefore, we are in talks with various schools, and social organizations to convince them to adopt areas of their choice where they will create awareness and also convince people the dangers of smoking," said Srivastava.

While this was the right approach, the stress should be on smoking in

public, felt Nirmalya Mukherjee, director, MANT. "A blanket ban is neither possible nor has the desired effect. Make tobacco scarce and ban use in public.

Darjeeling has done that effectively and it's time to take a leaf out of its book," said Mukherjee. He added that four other districts were ready to enforce the ban. "West Bengal has one of the largest smoking population among the states. As much as 36.3% of the state population uses tobacco. The state government spends Rs 3,440 crore to tackle tobacco-related health issues. It's time t press the panic button," said Mukherjee.

Even though Darjeeling has banished smoking in public, the queen of hills is yet to prohibit sale of tobacco products near school, college and government office premises, he pointed out.

Time Venue 10.00AM to Super Market, 08.00PM Dimapur

Objectives:  To provide an opportunity for MSMEs to exhibit their capabilities, product & services.  To interact with buyers, to know their product requirement/vendor registration/purchase procedure through B2B and B2C interaction  To provide platform to MSMEs for modernization/ technical up gradation  International participant from Bhutan, Bangladesh & Thailand are participating the Expo.  During NLVDP seminar/workshop will be organized by Br. MSME DI Dimapur.  Awareness campaign on Cashless transactions by Banks/MSME during the programme.

Udyog Aadhaar registered MSME units are invited to participate in the Expo. & NLVDP For Stall Bookings Contact: 1. Sh. Tali Longchar. Deputy Director (I/C), Br. MSME-DI, Dimapur. Mob: 9402437522. (tali.msme@gov.in) 2. Sh.Sabarigiri.M, Asst. Director, Br. MSME-DI, Dimapur.

Mob.9487163288 (sabarigiri.msme@gmail.com) 3. Sh. Thomas Chawang, Chariman, KEVI Society, Kohima Mob: 9402081725 (thomaschawang55@ gmail.com)

Davp: 25113/11/0433/1617

Guwahati, January 30 (Pti): Creating noisy scenes, opposition Congress and AIUDF today disrupted the speech of Assam Governor Banwarilal Purohit in the state Assembly and forced him to end the address within seven minutes.

First, AIUDF member Aminul Islam objected to Purohit's statement on ideals of great people of the state in his address to Assam Assembly on the first day of the Budget Session.

"My government has dedicated itself to bringing about qualitative change in governance guided by the ideals of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev, Mahapurush Madhavdev and Ajan Pir," Purohit said.

Locals protest killing of 2 youths

4

TuesDAY 31•01•2017

Business

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Vodafone & Idea in merger talks for telco with 400 million users

Work at National Centre for Radio Astrophysics Engineering degree holders can apply The National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA-TIFR) has released an employment notification inviting candidates to apply for the positions of Engineer Trainee and Technical Trainee. The last date for the submission of an online application is February 15.

The National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRATIFR) has released an employment notification inviting interested, eligible candidates to apply for the positions of Engineer Trainee and Technical Trainee.

Vacancy details Total posts: 26 Name of the posts: Engineer Trainee (Electronics): 7 Engineer Trainee (Computer): 1 Engineer Trainee (Mechanical): 2 Engineer Trainee (Electrical): 1 Engineer Trainee (Civil): 2 Technical Trainee (Electronics): 5 Technical Trainee (Computers): 3 Technical Trainee (Mechanical): 2 Technical Trainee (Civil): 2 Eligibility criteria Educational qualification: Engineer Trainee (Electronics): Those interested in applying for this post should have pursued BE/BTech in electronics and telecommunication/electronics (with computer hardware)/electrical and electronics engineering/instrumentation from a recognised university.

Engineer Trainee (Computer): Those interested in applying for this post should have pursued BE/BTech in electronics/electronics and telecommunication/computer technology from a recognised university.

Engineer Trainee (Mechanical): Those interested in applying for this post should have pursued BE/Btech in mechanical engineering from a recognised university.

Engineer Trainee (Electrical): Those interested in applying for this post should have pursued BE/BTech in electrical engineering from a recognised university.

Engineer Trainee (Civil): Those interested in applying for this post should have pursued BE/BTech in civil engineering from a recognised university.

Technical Trainee (Electronics): Those interested in applying for this post should have pursued a diploma in electrical and electronics engineering/electronics/communication/computers/electrical/instrumentation.

Technical Trainee (Computers): Those interested in applying for this post should have pursued BSc in physics/electronics/computer science or diploma in electronics/electronics and communication/computer.

Technical Trainee (Mechanical): Those interested in applying for this post should have pursued a diploma in mechanical engineering.

Technical Trainee (Civil): Those interested in applying for this post should have pursued a diploma in civil engineering.

Age limit: The age of the candidates applying for this post must not exceed 28 years. Relaxation in age will be provided as per the government norms.

How to apply: Interested, eligible candidates are required to apply at the official website, www.ncra.tifr.res.in.

Important dates The last date for submission of online application is February 15.

New Delhi, JaNuary 30 (iaNS): Ending months of speculation, Vodafone on Monday confirmed it is in talks with the Aditya Vikram Birla group for the merger of its Indian entity and Idea Cellular in what will be the largest such deal in the country’s telecom space once it materialises.

The merger will create an entity with a subscriber base of more than 400 million to emerge as the largest player in India, replacing the current dominant player Bharti Airtel, which currently has over 260 million users on its network.

“Vodafone confirms that it is in discussions with the Aditya Birla Group about an all share merger of Vodafone India -- excluding Vodafone’s 42 per cent stake in Indus Towers -- and Idea,” the Indian entity’s parent company said in a statement.

“Any merger would be effected through the issue of new shares in Idea to Vodafone and would result in Vodafone deconsolidating Vodafone India.”

In a clarification later, Idea Cellular said it is in preliminary discussions

MelbourNe, JaNuary 30 (PTi): Identifying India as one of the fastest growing e-commerce nations, Mastercard has said it will expand its investment by over 30 per cent in tune with the Indian government’s “digital India” initiative.

“India is one of the top priorities in the region. We have increased our investments in India by over 30 per cent in the last two years and we are going to increase it even more,” Sam Ahmed, Mastercard’s senior vice-president of marketing for Asia Pacific, told PTI here. Ahmed indicated that Mastercard’s, one of the world’s largest financial transaction firms, investment plans were in line with the Indian government’s “digital India” initiative and would help Indian consumers in digital payments in their daily lives.

He said the company was looking at a number of digital payment innovations which were to be launched in India in future, including face recognition, Master-

CROSSWORD # 3843

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the telecom sector con“Going forward there solidation is imperative. It will be a reduction in numis good for both industr” ber of players to four and and consumers,” Rajan S. consequently a decrease in

Mathews, Director General, Cellular Operators’ Association of India told IANS. Mathews said the merged entity of Vodafone and Idea Cellular will have 43 per cent of the revenue market share.

“The merger confirms the trend towards consolidation. It shows that the companies recognise the nature and size of the challenge posed to their businesses by Jio. This will help both companies to improve their competitiveness,” Mahesh Uppal, Director, telecom consultancy firm Com First told IANS.

the competition in the sector. This is not necessarily good for consumers in the short term. In the medium term, these consolidations will make the sector a bit a more stable,” he added.

Both Vodafone India and Idea have to figure out their long term business strategy and merger could well be the path, given current industry competitiveness and dynamics, said Amresh Nandan, Research Direct”r, Gartner.

“As per our recent note, we believe that a potential Idea and Vodafone merger could make strategic sense. However, the merger would result in the

combined entity facing practical implementation issues, the most significant of them could be the cost associated with liberalizing the spectrum. The combined entity would also breach spectrum caps in 5 circles, the market value of which comes t” Rs 75 billion,” said Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

Industry speculation over a possible merger has been doing the rounds for nearly a year and intensified after Reliance Jio entered the market with its mega voice and data offer, with an announcement that voice will be free on its network for life.

But the Aditya Vikram Birla Group had scoffed at media reports suggesting merger talks in their regulatory filings with the stock exchanges, though analysts found a lot of synergies in such a move.

Earlier this month, JP Morgan spoke about the merits of such a merger.

“This could unlock

more than $9 billion in potential synergies and offer an elegant route to deconsolidating India, thereby helping focus (Vodafone’s) attention back onto a rebounding European equity story,” the top investment banker said.

As regards Idea, it said, in the migration towards free voice regime, the company stands to be the most vulnerable. Idea has a higher of rural and semi-urban subscribers, who are not as data-hungry as the creamy users in metros and cities, where it has a relatively limited presence.

Analysts also maintained that the initial public offering by Vodafone India did not make sense.

“We believe an elegant alternative would be for Vodafone to reverse merge into locally listed peer Idea (a deal that offers Idea a solution to their mounting balance sheet challenges),” JM Morgan said.

Idea Cellular’s stock prices spurt at the merger talks announcement. Its stocks closed at Rs 97.95 per share up by 25.90 per cent at the closing time of the BSE.

Mastercard to tap growing Volkswagen dislodges Toyota Indian e-commerce market as world’s largest automaker

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with Vodafone.

“In view of the fact that the discussion is at the preliminary stage, the company is not in a position to share any further details,” Idea Cellular said in a regulatory filing. “ H o w e v e r, it is important to mention that the fundamental premise of preliminary discussion is based on equal rights between Aditya Birla Group and Vodafone in the combined entity,” the company added.

Vodafone India has over 200 million subscribers, with a presence in all the 22 circles the country has been divided into. It intends to have 4G services in 17 circles, covering 2,400 towns, by the end of this fiscal.

Idea, on the other hand, says it has a similar subscriber base, also with a presence in all the 22 circles. It intends to have 4G services in 20 circles by”March 2017.

“Given the financial pressure and dynamics in

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Tokya, JaNuary 30 (iaNS): Toyota Motors lost its title as the highest selling automaker in 2016 to German carmaker Volkswagen, a position the Japanese company had enjoyed since 2011, the media reported.

According to figures published on Monday by the Toyota group, which includes its subsidiaries Daihatsu Motor and Hino Motors, the company sold a total of 10.175 million units in 2016, Efe news reported.

Although the figure is 0.2 per cent higher than 2015, it is lower than Volkswagen’s 10.3 million units

DiMaPUR ACROSS 1. Group of 8 6. Vipers 10. Grooming tool 14. Brusque 15. Certain 16. Egg-shaped 17. Homeric epic 18. Smudge 19. No 20. Downpour 22. Arizona river 23. Bygone era 24. Pantry 26. Wise men 30. Skirt’s edge 31. Australian flightless bird 32. Shortly 33. Biblical garden 35. Award 39. Jell 41. Stain black 43. Tidal bore 44. Cry of pain 46. Low islands 47. Alien Life Form 49. Holiday drink 50. Shade trees 51. A finger or toe 54. Counterfoil 56. Decorative case 57. Marine invertebrate 63. Python 64. Murmurs 65. Confederate States 66. Module 67. Damage 68. Iniquities 69. Heredity unit 70. X X X X 71. Satisfies DOWN 1. Ear-related 2. Mobile phone 3. Threesome 4. Brother of Jacob 5. Woman’s undergarment

6. Without a doubt 7. Ultimate 8. Not amateurs 9. Homestead 10. The quality of agreeing 11. Egg-shaped 12. Official tree of Canada 13. Tired to the point of exhaustion 21. An inferior black tea 25. Ammunition 26. A ceremonial staff 27. Dwarf buffalo 28. Chime 29. Gain favor 34. Favoritisms 36. Found on rotary phones 37. Unleavened bread 38. Not more 40. Evasive 42. Started 45. Coastal 48. Spire 51. Remove errors from 52. Redress 53. Aromatic seeds 55. Indicates 58. Cajole 59. Opera star 60. Way out 61. Anger 62. Untidyness Answer to Crossword 3842

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(growth of around 3.8 per cent) sold in 2016 despite the German manufacturer’s recent emissions scandal.

The last time Toyota was world’s No. 2 annual car seller was in 2011, when Japan’s northeastern part was struck by an earthTaHaMZaM

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(formerly senapati)

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KoHIMA Ps/oCs Contact numbers

Police Traffic Control

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north Ps

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west Police station

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dimapur Hospital

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

Game Number # 3838

quake and a tsunami, severely affecting the firm’s operations and cutting significantly its supply chains.

Toyota was also trailing Volkswagen in the first half 2015. However, Volkswagen’s emissions scandal in September severely affected its last quarter sales.

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Chumukedima Fire Brigade 282777

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pass and other online payment methods.

He said mobile penetration in India was the highest and termed it as the key to get the users’ access to such digital payment innovations.

Commenting on the flow of investments in India, Ahmed said the company was keen to support the digitisation move to help consumers understand about it.

“The investments will also be channelised towards the digital and e-commerce engine giving consumers what they need. We are planning to do this by partnering with small businesses and merchants and outbound travellers,” he said.

The company is eyeing to tap movie launches and sponsoring local sports as a part of its marketing campaigns. “Movies are such a passion in India. The area we are looking at is movie launches,” Ahmed said.

Currently, the company has veteran Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor and his daughter Sonam Kapoor as its Brand ambassadors.

Answer Number # 3837

8575045500 (Emergency No. – 100)

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Police station 1 Police station 2 Police station Kobulong Police station tuli Police station Changtongya Police station Mangkolemba Civil Hospital

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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

Tuesday 31•01•2017

NAGALAND

aPO & cPO convene meeting; appeal to defer ulb elections Kohima, January 30 (mExn): To take stock of the impending danger arising out of the face-off between the Nagaland State Government and tribal bodies over the ULB elections, an emergency meeting of the Kohima based tribal bodies was held at the APO Conference Hall here today.

The meeting convened by Angami Public Organization (APO) and Chakhesang Public Or-

ganization (CPO) maintained that “no tribe of Nagaland has said that ULB elections should not be held rather the earnest request and appeal all along has been to give us adequate time to deliberate the Nagaland Municipal Act before implementing it,” according to a press release from Dr. Vilhusa Seleye, President, APO and Kekhwengulo Lea, President, CPO. Observing that the pres-

Nagaland state cabinet not willing to establish Lokayukta: NVCO President

ent impasse has reached a “boiling point of a very serious situation”, the meeting appealed to the Chief Minister to use his wisdom and postpone the scheduled election to save the situation.

“Despite this earnest request, if the Government goes ahead with the elections, the consequences arriving out of this fallout shall be solely borne by the Chief Minister and his Cabinet,” it added.

Assam Rifles seize liquor worth Rs. 2.5 lakh

In a freak accident, a vehicle (Renault Kwid) went off a retaining wall (nearly 30 feet) on January 30 around 11:00 am, near the DC office in Mokokchung and crash landed on the road below. The driver, who was the sole occupant, was identified as Taliakum of Aliba village. Police and passersby immediately rushed him to the hospital in a critical condition. (DIPR Photo)

NSCN (R) renames Ponghong Designated Camp

Dimapur, January 30 (mExn): The NSCN (Reformation) has changed the name of its ‘Ponghong Designated Camp’ to ‘Tekang Designated Camp’ during a cabinet sitting on January 28, 2017. Henceforth, the said camp will be called as ‘Tekang Desig-

nated Camp’ as it is situated on hill top of Tekang River, informed a press from MIP, NSCN (Reformation). According to the release, there was controversy regarding the name Ponghong Designated Camp as ‘Ponghong’ is said differently in different languages of the

NPF Media & Press Bureau responds

Assam Rifles troops with the apprehended persons and seized liquor.

WoKha, January 30 (mExn): Troops of 28 Assam Rifles recovered illegal Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) being smuggled from Assam into Nagaland during a search operation along Bhandari– Merapani State Highway

on January 30. The 1050 bottles of liquor worth Rs. 2.5 lakh was found hidden in two Alto cars with registration numbers MZ 01 A 7454 and NL 01 C 8924 respectively, according to a press release from Assam Rifles. Marques and John

Lotha, the alleged owners of the illegal liquor were handed over to Bhandari Police Station on January 30 along with the seized liquor. FIR against the individuals has also been lodged by Assam Rifles in Bhandari Police Station.

Kohima, January 30 (mExn): The NPF Media & Press Bureau today stated the party’s Legal Cell maintains that professional ethics of a practicing lawyer and advocates requires that “they are only to read out the contents of the court judgment pronounced by the court of the country to which they have contested.” Responding to the Nagaland Bar Association (NBA) with regard to the Nagaland Municipal Act, the Bureau said that “the president and the Naga-

land Bar Association will be appreciated if they can file a case and bring out the correct interpretation of the law by the court and give the information to the people and in this context the Naga people.” It added, “File the case at the earliest and save the Naga people.

Till such time, adhere to your professional ethics.

The Nagaland Bar Association needs to survive its status for the legal professionals and more so, for the people of the state of Nagaland.”

173 Bn CRPF organize polio, medical camp Digital payment campaign at Kohima College Dimapur, January

Kohima, January 30 (mExn): The National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT) is currently conducting awareness programmes on promoting cashless transactions and digital payments for the staff and students at Kohima College, Kohima.

Media Cell, Kohima College in a press release informed that this is in pursuance to the objective of the Indian Government to transform India into a cashless economy by conducting campaign

A section of people attending the awareness programme on promoting cashless transactions and digital payments at Kohima College, Kohima.

on digital financial literacy, as a follow up of demonetization. “This campaign is aimed at enabling the in-

dividual, department and community to participate in the new digital economy,” added the Media Cell.

30 (mExn): The 173 Bn CRPF organised a Pulse Polio Immunization cum Free Medical Camp at Govt. High School Diphupar on January 29. 342 children below 5 years of age were administered polio drops, while more than 200 others received free medical checkup along with medication. The medical camp was led by SMO Dr. Api Bagra, a press release from Joseph Keishing, Commandant, 173 Bn informed. Commandant Keishing further expressed hope that the conduct of

A doctor administers polio drops to a child at the medical camp organized by 173 Bn CRPF on January 29.

such programme would help build the image of the security forces and also improve their relation with the local people.

villages. The NSCN (R) advised all the agencies, both Central and State, to make official correspondences in the name of ‘Tekang Designated Camp’ from now on. It also advised District Administration, Security Forces and Ceasefire Supervisory Board to do the same.

Kohima, January 30 (mExn): The President of Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organisation (NVCO), Kezhokhoto Savi on January 28 alleged that the Nagaland State cabinet was never willing to establish Lokayukta in the State despite people’s demand.

Savi, who is also the Convener of ACAUT Nagaland (Legal Cell), said that the ACAUT team had met the Chief Minister in person and also submitted the required rules and guidelines to him with a strong demand to establish Lokayukta in Nagaland at the earliest to curb corruption, according to a press release from Press & Media Cell, NVCO. “Despite of people’s demand the state cabinet is least bothered to constitute State Human Rights Commission in Nagaland,” he added.

Savi was speaking at the 19th Foundation Day of Lierie Baptist Youth Department in Kohima. He spoke on the topic ‘Responsibility of a Christian youth in a civil society’, where he said that a youth is anyone who

has an ability to grow and build capacity for growth.

“A Christian youth is a youth whose life is total example of Christ’s follower in speech, action, thoughts, relational, dressing and living for Christ Jesus irrespective for the challenges around,” he said.

Savi further referred to I Peter 2:11, in which apostle Peter stated “Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your sou.” The Christian youths, he said, are expected to be light bearers and God’s ambassadors.

Savi also highlighted the various citizen rights like National Food Security Act, 2013; Consumer Awareness; Food Safety & Standard Act 2006; Lokayukta; Human Rights; Right to Information Act, 2005; Environment Protection; Child Protection; Public Services Delivery; Nagaland State Consumer Helpline Toll Free No. 1800345-3701; and Naga Indigenous Peoples’ Rights with special reference to Article 371 (A) of the Constitution of India.

Assam Rifles administer polio drops to 1,958 children

A child receives polio drops during the first round of IPPI carried out by Assam Rifles across Nagaland on January 29.

Dimapur, January 30 (mExn): Assam Rifles units of HQ IGAR (North) carried out the first round of Intensive Pulse Polio Immunization (IPPI) in all districts across Nagaland on January 29. A total of 1,958 children were given the polio drops during the immunization drive.

A press release from Assam Rifles informed that Assam Rifles medical teams comprising the Medical Officers and Nursing Staff reached out to the masses in far flung areas “keeping with the spirit of friends of the hill

people to benefit the deprived sections of society under its Sector HQs at various locations, wherein people were educated about the importance of periodical administration of pulse polio drops to the children especially between 0-5 years to wipe out the anathema of polio from the State and the country.”

3 Assam Rifles, 9 Assam Rifles, 28 Assam Rifles and 7 Assam Rifles units conducted the medical camps at Kohima, Chieswema, Wokha and Kiphire respectively and administered

pulse polio immunization to 399 children.

At Kashiram Basti, Medziphema and Jalukie, 32 Assam Rifles, 36 Assam Rifles and 41 Assam Rifles units respectively conducted medical camps and administered polio drops to 1108 children.

Meanwhile, 5 Assam Rifles, 35 Assam Rifles, 40 Assam Rifles and 44 Assam Rifles units conducted the medical camps at Zunheboto, Mon, Naginimora, Tuensang and Mokokchung respectively, where a total of 451 children were given the polio drops.

Public SPace

33% Women Reservation is Not a Gender Issue

W

omen reservation in local bodies is a non issue in relation to Article 371 (A), but the reported statement of Naga Mothers Association (NMA) leaders at the Supreme Court of India that “Reservation for women in local and urban decision making bodies of the Panchayati Raj and Municipalities has been guaranteed through the 73rd and 74th Amendment of the Indian Constitution, which supersedes Article 371 (A)” is misleading and contentious, forming the crux of the present women reservation crisis.

The statement by NMA aforesaid suffers from two absolute fallacies. The first is that 33% reservation for women in Panchayats as mandated in Article 243 (D) of Part IX of the Constitution of India is inapplicable to Nagaland, in view of the exception granted in Article 243 (M) which says that Part IX of the Constitution will not apply to Nagaland, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Hill Areas of Manipur.

The second fallacy is the opinion of the NMA leaders that Article 371 (A) is subject to other provisions of the Constitution of India by claiming that Article 371 (A) cannot supersede other provisions of the Indian Constitution. The NMA leaders should understand that Article 371 (A) starts with the non obstante

phraseology “Notwithstanding in the Constitution” which means all other provisions of the Constitution, including the 73rd and 74th Amendment Acts, stands superseded is contrary to the claim of NMA, which is unfortunate. Article 371 (A) is the ‘Supreme Law’ that empowers Nagaland to be the Supreme Legislative Body in the state, superseding all other Parliamentary Laws, including the Constitutional Acts and Enactments.

Whenever, in a law, the words “notwithstanding anything” are used; it means it is a ‘Supreme Constitutional Law’ capable of superseding any other provisions. It is pertinent to mention here that Mr Asoke Sen, the then Law Minister, Government of India, when Article 371 (A) was being enacted declared in Lok Sabha, New Delhi, on 28th August, 1962 that “Nagaland Legislative Assembly has the unique legislative powers of superseding the Central Laws”. This Supreme Constitutional Law did not fall from the sky, but out of the great sacrifices, at the cost of countless precious lives, blood and tears, of the Naga patriots to safeguard our future. It is therefore my humble appeal to leaders of all political parties including NMA leaders and the state executives not to just wash away down the drain of history, the supreme sacrifices

laid as aforesaid but to adhere and abide by its principles. The law doesn’t protect the slumber. The Nagaland State Legislative Assembly members must fully understand their serious responsibility to protect the already established political and legal position guaranteed by the Article 371 (A) provision which is the unique fact of their political history.

Under the circumstances, my prayer and suggestion is that the NMA leaders should have wider and serious consultations before submitting its statement to the authorities or Supreme Court of India.

The NMA claiming that the Nagaland Legislative Assembly does not have the powers to supersede Constitutional Acts is an erroneous admission and comment, having serious implications on the privileges and exemptions enjoyed under Article 371 (A), putting us in serious jeopardy.

I , like many other Nagas are in favour of 33% women reservation in local and urban decision making bodies, which is the need of the day for holistic growth and development. In the year 2000, the United Nations (UN) resolved and declared the Eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The 3rd MDG aims ‘to promote gender equality and empower women.’ According to John Butler, the purest form of de-

mocracy existed in our country even in the ancient times.

It means the purest form of democracy is part and parcel of our tradition and customary practices. Equality is the most important element and the centre point of democracy and we know that the essence of equality is realized, only when the lesser and weaker section of society is protected. As such, the UN resolution is the need of the hour, for our upliftment and betterment in community living. Accordingly, India too, has adopted and incorporated it in its 74th Constitutional Amendment, providing seat reservation for ST/SC, including women in the Municipal elections.

It will be in the interest of Naga women in particular and the Naga brethren in general, if the NMA leaders do not cross the perimeter on the subject matter of reservation to political greed and arrogance without botheration to infringe the hard earned Constitutional Supremacy of the Nagas, which may invite more criticism and problems, as is in the present case. Therefore the reported erroneous statement in the Supreme Court should be rectified and admit the mistake, without conditions before it is too late for the healing of the big Naga family.

Kuolachalie Seyie, Chairman, Kohima Environment and Sanitation, NBCC, IG Stadium, Kohima

What allegiance do Nagas owe to the Constitution of India?

W

Kaka D. Iralu

as Naga opinion sought or consulted when our neighbor India drafted her Constitution in the late 1940’s? Did any Naga leaders in those days plead with Dr. Ambedkar to incorporate some Naga customary laws into the Constitution of India? The answer being an absolute “NO”, what obligations then has Nagas to uphold the Constitution of India with regards to the ULB 33% women reservation issue or for that matter, any other issues relating to the Constitution of India?

Do Nagas have no laws governing their village democratic republics that they must now be governed by the laws of a foreign Constitution? Will Naga society really fall into pieces and anarchy will reign if Nagas step out from the protective shadow of the Constitution of India? Go and try to befool some fools with your very legally pious Indian rhetoric about the eminent disaster of law and order breakdown if we fail to uphold the Constitution of India. I for one will not be fooled by your pathetic cries calling for taking recourse under the Constitution of India and having to defend it.

I will not be fooled because I know for a fact that Nagas have ruled themselves very justly under their own customary laws for

thousands of years long before a modern state called India was born in 1947 an Indian Constitution adopted on 26th November 1949. These customary laws of the Nagas were far more superior to many modern laws and constitutions of the world. Under our own customary laws, there were no special provisions for the protections of some low casts or scheduled castes and tribes- simply because Naga society never bred or brooked any caste systems or low and high tribes. Every citizen of Nagaland was an equal in every aspect and no clan or village or tribe ever ruled over any other clan, village or tribe. In fact, it was only the introduction of the Constitution of India into Nagaland by a few educated Nagas that brought in all these “scheduled tribes”, “backward forward tribe “ and “women empowerment , reservation “NONSENSE into Naga society and polity. All these terms and classifications were totally foreign and alien to our Naga culture and ways of life.

As for our own Naga Federal Yehzabo (Constitution), it is based on our customary laws and it gives equal opportunities to every Naga citizen irrespective of sex or birth. This is clearly spelled out in Part II clause 12 and 13 of our Yehzabo under the Rights of Citizenship.

Clause 12 states: “All citizens irrespective of birth, religion, sex or race shall be equal before the eye of the law.” Clause 13. “There shall be no discrimination against any citizen in political, economic and social matters on account of social status or family origin.”Clause 14, further states: “There shall be equality of opportunity for all citizens in matters of public employment, promotion and recruitment irrespective of clan, community and family origin.

In the light of all these facts, Nagas women do not need any “women reservations” because every Naga woman is equal to their male counterparts in every educational, political or social right in the eyes of Naga law.

Now, as the ULB elections issue heads for an open clash (which may even end in bloodshed) in the very near future, where does your Naga duty as a citizen of Nagaland lie? Does your political allegiance lie in your duty “To God and to your country”? Or does your allegiance lie with a foreign Government and its Constitution which harbors even heinous laws like “The Armed Forces Special powers Act”? In the final analysis, the ultimate question will be: “WILL YOU BE A NAGA OR AN INDIAN” on February 1, 2017?

The Morung Express “Public Space” is to provide space for diverse opinions to be expressed and heard. The opinions in the “Public Space” do not reflect the views and position of the newspaper nor the editor.

6

IN FOCUS The Power of Truth

The Morung Express volume Xii issue 28

inclusive mechanism to address problems An impartial space where face-saving solutions can be attained

T

he purpose of exercising Naga sovereign rights remains the singular means for Nagas to restore dignity and respect as a people. Along with this, the Naga way of life and well-being are constantly challenged by the ‘other’ everyday issues such as: basic infrastructure, primary health care, food security, systemic corruption, procedural democracy, self-sufficiency, employment, poverty, economic policy, entrepreneurship, customary practices, jurisprudence and criminal justice system, land ownership, oil and natural resources, and so on. This is mainly caused by the presence of competing systems which also exposes the less than adequate social, economic, political and customary and legal systems and infrastructures.

Understandably, these very conditions of life in Naga society usurp all individual and collective energy to have some semblance of normalcy resulting in a perpetual state of disrepair and disintegration. Invariably, the existing tensions take away from efforts that focus on the core issue.

Historical experiences indicate that the Naga discourse has been largely centered on the core issue of Naga sovereignty.

At the same time the ‘other’ issues are being relegated to the margins with the false assumption that resolving the core issue would address the ‘other’ issues as well as the core issue. This assumption is proving to be costly since addressing how to adequately meet the issues of everyday needs are not given priority. Naga people’s rights are compromised in this environment where militarization, corruption, parochialism and armed conflict are common place. These conditions have consistently limited the language of peaceful settlement over the ‘other’ issues.

The disconnect in addressing the relationship between the core issue of Naga sovereignty and the ‘other’ issues is reducing the possibilities of evolving a comprehensive framework that would enable simultaneously addressing both the core and ‘other’ issues in a planned and effective manner. The various Naga initiatives undertaken to address this diverse array of issues reveal the absence of a dynamic inclusive internal process that can contextually dialogue and explore possible solutions.

An inclusive mechanism which can facilitate a process that is internal, contextual and relevant to the Naga discourse is crucial for re-defining issues, identifying and prioritizing problems, democratize space to receive and exchange ideas, analyzing information and recommending solutions, evolving campaigns and coordinating its implementation. And most importantly, it needs to provide an impartial space where face-saving solutions can be attained.

For the Nagas, besides addressing questions of political rights and reconciliation, an inclusive mechanism is essential towards constructively addressing issues of territory, factionalism and tribal expediencies.

lEfT wiNg |

Ashish Singh Countercurrents.org

Time Pass: Youth, Class & Politics Of Waiting In India

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tuesday 31•01•2017

outh is considered an important juncture in human life.

This phase is a bridge between childhood and maturity.

After completing formal education, young people spend their time swinging between employment and unemployment. This phase gives them ample time to understand the society around them according to their own thinking, background and surroundings and thus, plan for their future. It is essential to understand how they make use of this time during which the direction of their life is determined.

U.P is teeming with young people. As per the census of 2011 the total population of UttarPradesh is 199,812,000 and out of this, 48910000 comes under the age group 10-19 years and the sex ratio is 882/1000. The total population for the age group 1524 years is 40,619,000 while the sex ratio is 871/1000. Total 65% of urban population and 55% of rural population is literate.

In the age group of 10-19 years, 83% are educated in urban areas, and 87% are literate in rural areas. Total 84% girls and 89% boys belonging to this age group are literate. In the age group 15-24 years, 82% in urban areas and 81% in rural areas are literate. 76% girls and 87% boys are literate in this age group. Here we need to understand that the difference between being literate and being educated is not clear in the consensus.

Let us try to understand youth, politics and process through which they try to find a regular job by studying examples of youths of some districts of Uttar Pradesh. In Varanasi, there is no culture of reaching on time in any function. The reason behind this is not that people there do not understand the importance of time but on the contrary, the actual reason is that people want to make full use of time. And so, they are running against time almost all the time. It is considered important for the youth to acquire two-three educational degrees, part time jobs and take out time to fill job applications.

The district of Rae Bareli is not well-known for any other reasons but it finds frequent mentions in the corridor of politics.

With the population of almost 35 lakhs, this district has been a home to many multi-talented and successful youths. Craig Jeffrey’s book “Time Pass: Youth, Class and Politics of waiting in India” explores various activities of youths of Meerut during the time they wait for something fruitful to happen. Young people from upper and middle classes spend a lot of time, money and gifts to build and maintain their political and government networks. It helps them in getting their work done. Youths of these social classes learn whom to connect, how to connect and what are the benefits of these connections from their familial and social conversations. Those who could not leave their hometown or state for education, gather and share the information related to different political and social networks on a daily basis. Jeffrey’s book brings out another important point that education in itself does not provide tools to move ahead in life and neither is a tool in itself. We can clearly understand the situation of the youngsters of Meerut and Rae Bareli who are unable to fetch a decent job even after fifteen years of formal education. Consequently, bribery and political connections becomes important instrument in providing a decent job. Secondly, unemployed youngsters also work as goons and henchmen for the local politicians. It helps them to get a few things done, which in turn makes them feel socially important in the absence of a proper job. Small tea and paan shops and small shops of some friends serve as meeting joints for such people.

All this is absolutely wrong and unacceptable. It is important to establish a beneficial network but if we look closely at this trend of last two-three decades, a very potent question starts haunting, what does a young person finally achieve from all this, the youngster who spends so much time and resources in getting hold of an employment? And do his achievements match his qualification, capabilities and expectations? During this ‘time pass’ not having a concrete employment definitely brings in desperation and also instability in their social footing. And there remains no possibility of compensating this.

Ashish Singh is associated with a youth-led initiative “Youth in Social Action”

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

C O M M E N T A R Y

Wael Eskandar

The revolutionary arena: a baTTle of minds S 6 years have passed since that fateful day on January 25. As Egypt plummets into a terrible state, people can't help but ask: "Was it worth it?" ix years have passed since that fateful day on January 25, a day that changed Egypt.

Two years ago, as Egypt started palpably plummeting into a terrible state, people started asking: “Was it worth it?” The question lingers with no definitive answer till this day.

How did we arrive at this state? After having witnessed the events leading up to this point in time, I can no longer offer a political analysis of the situation without factoring in psychological changes that affected the various sections of Egyptian society.

The most significant changes that took place over the past few years were within people’s minds, more so than in policy, both political and economic. People’s beliefs and emotions form their motivations which shape today’s political arena. People’s drives are a result of their mental and emotional changes.

Resistance to the status quo comes from within the mind, as does acceptance.

This is the battle we see before us today, a battle of minds and will.

The seed Six years ago, when people took to the streets to protest, they were not fully aware of how deep the rabbit hole went. They were not aware of the depths of corruption and the lengths those in power would go to in order to safeguard their interests. People viewed Egypt’s institutions as capable of change and underestimated the formidable bonds of corrupt interests that were more powerful than a revolution.

When people began protesting on January 25, they were motivated by a handful of incidents that proved to be the tip of the iceberg of endemic corruption.

A few examples of the major events that led to the January 25 and January 28 protests were: the cold blooded murder of Khaled Said by the police and attempts by forensics, prosecution and an array of other Egyptian institutions to cover it up; and the unabashed wide scale election fraud in 2010 by the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP).

Numerous other factors also contributed to people’s general sense of dissatisfaction, some of which were: government incompetence and corruption, the cut back on welfare, Mubarak’s succession plan to hand over power to his son Gamal Mubarak, extortion of the middle class by security agencies and mass income inequality.

These reasons for disgruntlement built up over time and became unbearable in 2010, and when Tunisia managed to remove Ben Ali, the people became motivated to join the planned protests to decry police brutality on January 25. This date was symbolically chosen because it was ‘Police Day’ – a national holiday.

What initially started out as calls to end corruption and police brutality rapidly turned into chants for the removal of Mubarak. It’s true that from day one people chanted, “The people want to bring down the regime”, but it was transformed into real resolve only after having been provoked by the police’s brutal response to protests.

Perhaps people’s ignorance of the measures the regime would take to maintain its interests is why the people continued to escalate and didn’t back down, hoping that change would take place once and for all. After all, it seemed ridiculous at the time that the regime’s response to calls of ending police violence and brutality was more violence and brutality.

est of all pictures.

Growing up I never imagined dictatorships and authoritarian regimes in color. I imagined them in morbid colors, sometimes in black and white but mostly in sepia, a desert shade where air was polluted distorting nature’s colors.

Yet here I am living through the darkest page in Egypt’s modern history and I can still see my world in color. It’s only when I remember everything that we have been through that the memories all turn really dark once again, with a heavy burden of sadness and helplessness taking over my senses.

The pests It is difficult to meaningfully list all the events that took place over the past six years that led us here, but there are a few key aspects of the struggle that have remained a constant thread.

There was never any democratic transition at any point, even with the relatively fraud free elections that brought Mohamed Morsi in as president. Morsi was negotiated into presidency and the results were announced later than scheduled on account of that.

There were no attempts for the creation of independent state institutions to instill checks and balances – neither by SCAF, Morsi, Adly Mansour, or Sisi. What did exist, at intermittent times, is true power for the people on the ground pushing for change, but this was never translated into power within national institutions.

Egypt has been kept on a tight leash with the army’s grip on power ensuring the protection of its military economic empire as its primary mandate.

The goal of the Egyptian security apparatus has been to quell the protests against rulers. With the failure of the democratic movement to create a sustainable framework, Egypt’s blueprint for moving forward became entirely security based.

That roadmap was accompanied by a revenge agenda, mainly targeting the people, for daring to question their leaders. Young people taking to the streets, revolutionaries continuing to push for change and the Muslim Brotherhood who dared envision themselves in power have been the prime targets.

A snapshot of today’s Egypt is unpleasant. The leadership is reckless with its resources, benefiting the corrupt at the expense of people.

An Italian researcher Giulio Regeni murdered by Egyptian security forces. Egypt’s legendary football star Mohamed Abutrika along with over 1500 others arbitrarily placed on a terror list. Political prisoners are in the thousands.

The police are killing with impunity and abusing their positions. The judiciary and public prosecution have no structural independence, often politicized or coerced. The military is expanding its economic empire, rigging the economy for its benefit.

Minorities such as Copts, Nubians, Shiite Muslims, north Sinai Bedouins are still discriminated against with no signs of a move towards equal rights.

Loan agreements are being made without any consideration of the effect they will have on future generations. Prices have doubled and the pound’s purchasing power has greatly diminished. The media is being strictly controlled and all critical voices are being silenced.

The opposition is being targeted by all means available: prison, military trials, asset freezing, forced disappearances, assault on privacy by leaking private phone conversations, physical assault, threats, etc… pretty much the full range of the arsenal available to despotic regimes.

In many discussions about the Egyptian revolution, the narrative revolves around existing structures of power that participated, such as the military, the NDP and the Muslim Brotherhood. These structures certainly had a role to play and their motivations affected the outcome, but it was not only these organized structures that created the present context.

and their individual, yet collective, actions and decisions. Take for example Mohamed Mostafa “Karkea”, the Ultras fan and tennis champion who left his home to join protesters when they were being shot at by the army in December 2011. He was in turn killed by the army.

Or Mina Danial who believed in a secular state yet joined the march to Maspero in October 2011, because he believed that all citizens must leave their closed communities and demand equality for all as citizens of this country. Mina was killed in what became infamously known as the Maspero massacre.

The activists who foresaw a military overtake and marched to Al Kobba Palace on July 2, 2013 denouncing both Morsi’s undemocratic trajectory and the foreseeable military rule. Many were detained and put on military trial.

Or the activists who decried military trials for civilians while the constitution was being written, and were in turn punished by being thrown in jail.

Maybe all these attempts failed to bring about the demands of their bearers, however, those and countless others helped shape what the revolution is: a battle of minds.

Similarly, those who fell prey to the regime’s counter narrative helped shape the counter revolution. You hear them say the same things, parroted over and over, to justify crimes. They recycle phrases such as, “at least we’re better than Syria and Iraq”, “Egypt is fighting a war on terror”, “Sisi saved Egypt” and countless other statements that cannot withstand the test of facts and logic.

The middle class, divided between calls for justice and their fear of losing what they already have, has certainly shaped this arena. The poor are caught between those promising religious piety and those promising protection under a banner of nationalism.

Of course, neither of these promises are fulfilled, but their faith in what could come next helped shape the context in which we’re now living.

When people rose up six years ago, they only saw dreams of a better country. Now fear and violence cloud their vision. The middle class that rose up against the murder of Khaled Said delivered a clear message, that they too could be killed at any point like Khaled Said. Their murderers would be protected by state institutions much like the murderers of Khaled Said. In short, the response to the middle class was: “Indeed, you are all Khaled Said”, and remains so.

Egypt is now a land of fear and oppression but a few brave souls remain behind bars as others fight for truth and justice. However, the battle now is also against people’s fear and denial.

Six years ago, there was no collective consciousness that there were others who saw the same reality of corruption, greed and oppression.

Six years on, there is an ambiguously shaped entity referred to as ‘the revolution’ whose members are possibly in hundreds of thousands, yet unable to bring about many of its dreams.

Six years on, ‘the revolution’ brought on an awareness and a will to fight oppressive structures that opened up the gates of hell.

The power of the revolution was not in the political changes it brought about but on the influence it exerted on each individual en masse. In a sense, it was a collective journey experienced personally by each individual.

The true cost of that journey of awakening and awareness was to antagonize the oppressive powers into resisting a vision of a country without their oppression.

The result is what we see today, an era of political, cultural and economic decadence and a body of resistance that remains scattered, crushed, targeted and defamed yet resilient and adamant.

Was it worth it? Perhaps that remains debatable, depending on each individual’s personal journey and perspective.

The roots The role of journalism slightly changes under oppressive regimes. These regimes are not merely built on brutality and repression, but on lies to justify the necessity of the crimes committed against the people.

Real journalism is about conveying the factual story within a context of some moral guidelines. In other words, at the risk of oversimplifying, real journalism is about spreading the truth. But truth that counters an oppressive regime’s lies becomes an instant enemy and so do its bearers.

In this manner, I consider myself part of the movement to overhaul Egypt’s corrupt political system by exposing crimes and lies spread by the regime. Anyone who has simply reported on facts and is not afraid to challenge the official narrative is part of that movement.

It is also in this vein that I consider any journalist who has truthfully reported events that took place within the context of Egypt’s revolution part of that movement. Because even if they claim neutrality, a truthful account would naturally be biased against the oppressor.

The movement that came to life as a product of January 25, in its purest form, became a fight for truth, rights and justice. Those referred to as ‘revolutionaries’ are just ordinary people who managed to believe in this fight in some way or another.

In a sense, the greatest triumph of January 25 was to lay bare the truth about Egypt’s rulers and institutions, and to galvanize blocks of citizens into resiliently exposing that truth. Yet the greatest disappointment remains that facts are not enough to set things right. This is possibly a global trend with the rise of racism and intolerance.

Now, it’s back to a battle that is shaped by people’s emotions and mental state rather than by the facts at hand. In Egypt, denial runs deep and people would sooner turn their backs on incontrovertible facts than change their minds.

It is this adamant rejection of the reality of the regime’s ugly crimes that is most conducive to despair.

Wael Eskandar is an independent journalist and To see a nation full of brainwashed individuals who blogger based in Cairo. He is a frequent commentacan no longer engage logically in an argument or ac- The fight I would argue that it was more the unorganized tor on Egyptian politics. knowledge facts presented to them paints the bleakLetters to the Editor should be sent to: The morung express, House No. 4, Duncan Bosti, Dimapur - 797112, Or –email: morung@gmail.com All letters (including those via email) should have the full name and Postal address of the sender.

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

TUESDAY 31•01•2017

PERSPECTIVE

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

7

Nonviolent Action Is Extremely Powerful N Robert J Burrowes

onviolent action is extremely powerful.

Unfortunately, however, activists do not always understand why nonviolence is so powerful and they design ‘direct actions’ that are virtually powerless.

I would like to start by posing two questions. Why is nonviolent action so powerful?

And why is using it strategically so transformative?

When an activist group is working on an issue – such as a national liberation struggle, war, the climate catastrophe, violence against women and/ or children, nuclear weapons, drone killings, rainforest destruction, encroachments on indigenous land – they will often plan an action that is intended to physically halt an activity, such as the activities of a military base, the loading of a coal ship, the work of a bulldozer, the building of an oil pipeline. Their plan might also include using one or more of a variety of techniques such as locking themselves to a piece of equipment (‘locking-on’) to prevent it from being used.

Separately or in addition, they might use secrecy both in their planning and execution so that they are able to carry out the action before police or military personnel prevent them from doing so.

Unfortunately, the focus on physical outcomes (including actions such as ‘locking-on’ and its many equivalents), and the secrecy necessary to carry out their plan, all functionally undermine the power of their

action. Why is this? Let me explain how and why nonviolent action works so that it is clear why any nonviolent activist who understands the dynamics of nonviolent action is unconcerned about the immediate physical outcome of their action (and what is necessary to achieve that).

If you think of your nonviolent action as a physical act, then you will tend to focus your attention on securing a physical outcome from your planned action: to prevent the military from occupying a location, to stop a bulldozer from knocking down trees, to halt the work at an oil terminal or nuclear power station, to prevent construction equipment being moved on site. Of course, it is simple enough to plan a nonviolent action that will do any of these things for a period of time and there are many possible actions that might achieve it.

But if you pause to consider how your nonviolent action might have psychological and political impact that leads to lasting or even permanent change on the issue in question but also society as a whole, then your conception of what you might do will be both expanded and deepened.

And you will be starting to think strategically about what it means to mobilise large numbers of people to think and behave differently.

After all, whatever the immediate focus of your action, it is only ever one step in the direction of more profound change. And this profound

change must include a lasting change in prevailing ideas and a lasting change in ‘normal’ behaviour by substantial (and perhaps even vast) numbers of people. Or you will be back tomorrow, the day after and so on until you get tired of doing something without result, as routinely happens in campaigns that ‘go nowhere’ (as so many do).

So why does nonviolent action work?

Fundamentally, nonviolent action works because of its capacity to create a favourable political atmosphere (because of, for example, the way in which activist honesty builds trust), its capacity to create a non-threatening physical environment (because of the nonviolent discipline of the activists), and its capacity to alter the human psychological conditions (both innate and learned) that make people resist new ideas in the first place.

This includes its capacity to reduce or eliminate fear and its capacity to ‘humanise’ activists in the eyes of more conservative sections of the community. In essence, nonviolent activists precipitate change because people are inspired by the honesty, discipline, integrity, courage and determination of the activists – despite arrests, beatings or imprisonment – and are thus inclined to identify with them. Moreover, as an extension of this, they are inclined to change their behaviour to act in solidarity.

It is for this reason too that a nonviolent action should al-

ways make explicit what behavioural change it is asking of people. Whether communicated in news conferences or via the various media, painted on banners or in other ways, a nonviolent action group should clearly communicate powerful actions that individuals can take. For example, a climate action group should consistently convey the messages to ‘Save the Climate: Become a Vegan/Vegetarian’, ‘Save the Climate: Boycott Cars’ and, like a rainforest action group, ‘Don’t Buy Rainforest Timber’. A peace group should consistently convey such messages as ‘Don’t Pay Taxes for War’ and ‘Divest from the Weapons Industry’ (among many other possibilities). Groups resisting the nuclear fuel cycle and fossil fuel industry in their many manifestations should consistently convey brief messages that encourage reduced consumption and a shift to more self-reliant renewable energies. See, for example, ‘The Flame Tree Project to Save Life on Earth’. http://tinyurl. com/flametree Groups struggling to defend or reinstate indigenous sovereignty should convey compelling messages that explain what people can do in their particular context.

It is important that these messages require powerful personal action, not token responses. And it is important that these actions should not be directed at elites or lobbying elites. Elites will fall into line when we have mobilized enough people so that they are

compelled to do as we wish.

And not before. At the end of the Salt March in 1930 Gandhi picked up a handful of salt on the beach at Dandi. This was the signal for Indians everywhere to start collecting their own salt in violation of British law. In subsequent campaigns Gandhi called for Indians to boycott British cloth and make their own khadi (handwoven cloth). These actions were strategically focused because they undermined the profitability of British colonialism in India and nurtured Indian self-reliance.

A key reason why Mohandas K. Gandhi was that rarest of combinations – a master nonviolent strategist and a master nonviolent tactician – was because he understood the psychology of nonviolence and how to make it have political impact. Let me illustrate this point by using the nonviolent raid on the Dharasana salt works, the nonviolent action he planned as a sequel to the more famous Salt March in 1930.

On 4 May 1930 Gandhi wrote to Lord Irwin, Viceroy of India, advising his intention to lead a party of nonviolent activists to raid the Dharasana Salt Works to collect salt and thus intervene against the law prohibiting Indians from collecting their own salt. Gandhi was immediately arrested, as were many other prominent nationalist leaders such as Jawaharlal Nehru and Vallabhbhai Patel.

Nevertheless, having planned for this contingency,

Borders of our mind

O

April Humble

ur leaders and media have proclaimed people on the move as swarms, coaches, criminals and rapists and succeeded in politicising and demonising the age-old human behaviour of migration Each dark period of global instability has always brought its own terrifying perils: nuclear destruction, mega wars, genocide. Along with climate change, today’s pending era is one bloodily scarred with growing militarisation and securitisation. Like all periods of instability, the foundations of this one is built on dividing people, though this one seems to be manifesting in a dystopian-ly literal sense.

As Donald Trump comes into office, the most openly xenophobic US President and influential world leader of modern times, the “us and them” narrative further crystallises in the global paradigm.

Following chest-beating cries of the Great Wall that will be built between the US and Mexico, last week Trump went on to castigate Germany for their role in protecting a million people’s basic universal Human Rights (according to the UN Declaration 1948) to both leave one’s countries and seek asylum, by allowing them to apply for refugee status. What failed to flicker on Trump’s thought processes was the US’s interventionist policies role in destabilising many of the refugeesending nations.

On Trump’s first day in the Presidency, the right-wing leaders of Europe, whose popularity rose through anti-migration sentiment, had a public meeting on how to push their collective agenda in Europe, which was hosted in Koblenz Germany by the anti-Islamic Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party. This follows a noted significant slump in interest to provide support to Syrian refugees, victims of the bloodiest war of this century, by both the UK and US. However, within the west-centric media frenzy, it is easy to believe that the dehumanisation of the migrant and the building of walls is a phenomenon mainly restricted to the west. Though this is far from accurate. Since 9/11, incidents of securitised borders have more almost quadrupled across the world, reaching every inhabited continent.

Walls, some as high as eight meters, electric fences, razor wires, satellite surveillance and radars are creeping up around our nations; dividing parents from children, dividing able youth from work opportunities, dividing war victims and terrorist targets from security and dividing the oppressed from freedom. In many areas bloody conflicts do rage at the border, and illegal smuggling and the violence that

The Wall

By Rosanna Marilia Seleme Wiseman

A wall we’ll build, Thirteen feet tall, With spikes and lies and tails and spells.

It’ll keep them out: The dirty ones, The cockroaches, The ones who smell.

A tale we’ll spin, A web of lies, Constructed with the blood and bodies of the brown, and black, and yellow ones.

Drowning, dying, choking, crying.

Trying and trying and trying and trying.

Never stopping till they reach the top of the virtual, physical, psychological Wall.

We’ve built on our shores, on other’s shores, in our minds, in our hearts, in our heads and most destructively of all; in our souls.

The wall we’ve built Hasn’t kept out our enemies outside our land It has trapped them in: Hate, Fear, Anger, Jealousy, Envy, Have become fused as one inside ourselves Till we no longer recognise, Our own lies, From the truth, The fact, From the fiction, The figures, From the Daily Mail violence We suffer, Not because they took our jobs, No. We became insular and like a parasite we have allowed our rage feed off our ‘pure blood’, Our white blood cells thought they were better than the rest, They said ‘We can fight off any foreign body’ without realising the infection was the white blood.

Cells, and jails and prison walls kept our friends, Kept the ones who would tell us the truth From reaching our shores, And shaking our hands And discovering that this land grew Great comes with it are very real. Though, more often than not, it is the innocents who have a need to cross the border who make up the 99% and the victims of these great barriers.

Our leaders and media have proclaimed people on the move as swarms, coaches, criminals and rapists and have succeed in politicising and demonising the age-old human behaviour of migration.

These walls and fences that grow around us are spun from misconceptions and lies: that barriers will stop terrorists or criminals; that terrorists are a greater threat than our

Because it had stolen from The brown and black lands.

They came not even to claim it back To say, Hey, This is mine, after all this time You forced us to mine For your die-monds, And gold, And silver, And coal.

No. The ones you hate came over to work Once again for under minimum wage To be abused And scarred, And raped.

Once again slaves Under a system of wage.

But you kept the love out, You kept your hate in, And you die, You die, You die A thousand times Until these walls come crashing down, Through the power, And love, And a rage, That does not obsess over hate, That fuels the fire in our hands, That we pass on through the gates, Through the borders, Through the wires, Throughout the times, And releases the screws, the fences, the legal Borders of our minds.

Solidarity, And care, And love, more love, more and more love, Took down these walls Now we live as we once did Walking through the lines the old, rich, white men drew on maps from their high class, classical, classy, classrooms of colonialism.

Now, We stand together, And Now, We give back people what they were due, and Now, the dues are repaid We feel the dew at sunrise underneath our feet, As our children, daughters and sons rise, Now, Their hands are joined together, And as we have said time, and time and time again Now, There is justice We can live in a world that is in one piece…

Peace…

Peace…

own corrupt politicians, smoking, or ourselves; and that the poor, the ambitious and vulnerable on the move actually are a threat. From these divisive barriers and policies born from paranoia and misinformation, spills pain, suffering, lives wasted and lives lost.

We have already entered a world where it has become normal to demonise the migrant. With the rise of the right sweeping the west, and the growing profit made by corporations from securitising borders, let’s not forgot what migration means for those on the move. Let’s

not forget what our opinions and policies formed from the comforts of our homes and castles mean for the people and families who have to face them. Let’s not forget to take time to think who these individuals are, and what drove them from what they call home in the first place.

April Humble works as a researcher on climate change, human security and adaptation and is part of the secretariat of the Earth League.

With a background in conflict resolution, she also writes on border security and human rights

under a succession of leaders (who were also progressively arrested) the raid went ahead as planned with hundreds of Indian satyagrahis (nonviolent activists) attempting to nonviolently invade the salt works.

However, despite repeated attempts by these activists to walk into the salt works during a three week period, not one activist got a pinch of salt!

Moreover, hundreds of satyagrahis were injured, many receiving fractured skulls or shoulders, and two were killed.

But an account of the activists’ nonviolent discipline, commitment and courage – under the steel-tipped lathi (baton) blows of the police – was reported in 1,350 newspapers around the world. As a result, this nonviolent action – which ‘failed’ to achieve the stated physical objective of seizing salt – functionally undermined support for British imperialism in India. For an account of the salt raids at Dharasana, see Thomas Weber. ‘”The Marchers Simply Walked Forward Until Struck Down”: Nonviolent Suffering and Conversion’ If the activists had been preoccupied with the physical seizure of salt and, perhaps, resorted to the use of secrecy to get it, there would have been no chance to demonstrate their honesty, integrity, courage and determination – and to thus inspire empathy for their cause – although they might have got some salt! (Of course, if salt had been removed secretly, the British government could, if they had chosen, ig-

nored it: after all, who would have known or cared? However, they could not afford to let the satyagrahis take salt openly because salt removal was illegal and failure to react would have shown the salt law – a law that represented the antithesis of Indian independence – to be ineffective.)

In summary, nonviolent activists who think strategically understand that strategic effectiveness is unrelated to whether or not the action is physically successful (provided it is strategically selected, well-designed so that it elicits one or other of the intended responses, and sincerely attempted). Psychological, and hence political, impact is gained by demonstrating qualities that inspire others and move them to act personally too. For this reason, among several others, secrecy (and the fear that drives it) is counterproductive if strategic impact is your intention.

Struggles for peace, justice, sustainability and liberation often fail. Almost invariably, this is due to the failure to understand the psychology, politics and strategy of nonviolence. It is not complicated but it requires a little time to learn.

Robert J. Burrowes has a lifetime commitment to understanding and ending human violence. He has done extensive research since 1966 in an effort to understand why human beings are violent and has been a nonviolent activist since 1981. He is the author of ‘Why Violence?’

People’s Empowerment: The Key To Development

“

V

igilance is the price of liberty”, said Laski, the famous political thinker. However, true liberty can be achieved only in conditions where people could effectively enjoy moral freedom. And once those conditions are created, vigilance is instrumental in preserving and protecting liberty. Ultimately, it is the liberty or moral freedom enjoyed by people that leads to development of a society.

However in a country where half of its population lives in poverty and subhuman conditions, such ideals seem hollow and sound utopian. With almost half of its population still illiterate, India’s tryst with ‘liberty’ seems to be a distant dream. India has a diversified population and each segment has its own unique set of problems.

D espite the government’s effort’s to tackle these problems, nothing substantial has been achieved, because of the lack of political will, rampant corruption and bureaucratic apathy.

But the most important reason is the non-participation of the masses at various stages of plan formulation and implementation.

So how do we ensure the people’s involvement? This can be done in different ways- through participation in representative and policy-making bodies, providing economic security, enacting laws which guarantee social security and above all by educating them about their rights, duties and responsibilities.

This would build the movement of the empowerment of people.

What do we mean by empowerment? It literally means giving lawful power or authority to act. If people are empowered, they would be able to participate in the planning, execution and implementation of developmental schemes. However, when we talk of empowerment, we generally tend to focus on the political empowerment of the people. But political empowerment alone is not enough. Economic and social empowerments are equally crucial.

There is a close link between empowerment and development. Empowerment leads to development which, in turn, leads to greater empowerment. There is a need to engage with the poorest of the poor and empowered the vulnerable sections of the society, especially women to become economically self-independent. Once they are able to break the shackles of abject poverty, they can start asserting themselves in other spheres too. Thus, the process of empowerment will give birth to a whole lot of vigilant citizens demanding better governance.

India is the largest democracy in the world. And a substantial amount of its population still lives below the poverty line. However, unfortunately the fruits of globalization and economic liberalization are being cornered by the already well-off sections of the society. Since the government

machinery has, by and large, failed to further the pace of development, civil society must step in. Here the role of NGOs is extremely important.

The process of decentralization along with the women’s reservation under the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments is a big step forward in bringing the fairer sex into the mainstream and involving them into the decision making process. These institutions of self-governance have resulted in empowerment through the devolution of powers and responsibilities at appropriate levels.

Though the changed pattern of representation has not radically affected the decision making process, some changes are visible, which indicate towards the weakening of the influence of traditional power wielders. This is very much true in the case of women, whose entry into the Panchayati Raj Institutions has shaken the centuries-old hold of power by the privileged sections in the rural society.

However, as mentioned above, political empowerment alone is not enough to ensure overall development of the society. In the social and economic fields much is left to be desired.

The weaker and marginalized sections, such as the minorities, women, old, and disabled are still lagging far behind.

In the economic sphere, women’s participation has been minimal. According to the 2011 census, female work participation rate is only a little above 25% as against around 53% in case of males. Further, only 20.5% of female workers are employed in the organized sector. Therefore, there is a need to focus on the economic aspect of empowerment of the weaker sections. As it is found that women are more organized, better savers, more efficient and are better equipped to manage resources than their male counterparts.

Similarly, minorities and other marginalized sections of the society must get support from the government so that they are able to rub shoulders with the ‘haves’. As it is the people’s empowerment-political, social and economic that could ensure a more egalitarian society.

Lastly, we must ensure the participation of the marginalized sections in the developmental process.

Unless we empower and train them, there is a danger that the entire developmental process would get derailed and jeopardized. While ensuring their participation in the planning process, we must keep the notion of good governance uppermost in our mind. In this way, empowerment and development together would lead to sustainable growth and good-governance.

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

Vekutu Vese, Assistant Professor Department of Political Science St. Joseph’s College, Jakhama

8

TuesDAY 31•01•2017

INDIA

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

PM Modi seeks debate on budget, Soviets paid Congress, CPI, CPI-M opposition questions budget dates members even in Rajiv Gandhi era: CIA The budget will be presented on February 1 New Delhi, JaNuary 30 (iaNS): The Soviets pumped huge amounts of cash to influence Indian politicians, including a large number of Congress MPs during Prime Minister Indira Gandhis government, to influence Indian policies, according to a now declassified December 1985 CIA report.

This continued into the Rajiv Gandhi rule, although he tried to reduce the influence of Moscow on India, says the report.

The confidential 24page memo, redacted heavily with lots of pages removed, also notes that the Soviets funded opposition parties including the Communist Party of India (CPI) and the CPI-Marxist "through a combination of kickback schemes, normal business transactions and direct cash payments".

"In addition to party funding, the Soviets channel money to individual Congress and opposition politicians (through) clandestine payments. This cash is reportedly obtained from the favourable Soviet trade balance," said the document titled "The Sovi-

ets in India", which is one of the millions of CIA memos declassified recently.

"As many as 40 per cent Congress MPs in (Indira) Gandhi's last government had received Soviet political contributions," the report reads.

"The Soviet embassy maintains a large reserve of rupees for various uses including clandestine payments to Congress politicians‌ Many Congress politicians are also businessmen who trade with the USSR." It says that the Soviets had also been orchestrating political activities of at least a dozen front groups in India -- including the Indo-Soviet Cultural Society, the local affiliate of the World Peace Council and a professional journalists' organisation.

The 1985 document notes that the Soviet Union over the last three decades had "developed a substantial capacity to plan and orchestrate large-scale propaganda and disinformation campaigns involving the placement of article with the major Indian wire services and a wide range

of Indian newspapers".

It said that the Soviet had "considerable success in putting the United States on the defensive in its diplomatic and commercial dealings in India" because American officials in New Delhi would devote "much time and effort" to rebut Soviet articles in the pres The report named several leading Indian newspapers, including the Times of India, the Hindustan Times, the Statesman and the Hindu as often carrying Soviet propaganda without questioning the source, although often in their editorial stance the mainline newspapers did not buy much of the propaganda.

The report quoting a defector (possibly Vasili Mitrokhin) said that the Soviets use 40 to 50 journalists annually to place material and over the last several years had used around 200 to 300 journalists for this purpose. It said that the focus of the Soviets was to place stories in the mainline press against the United States, but also in favour of the India government.

It said that pro-soviet

papers like the Patriot or the Blitz used the material but the Indian public by and large did not place much credibility in them.

It said many Indian papers were reluctant to use stories without sources, so the press section spent a lot of effort to "develop a bogus source" for a story.

Another technique was to place material with an Indian news agency which would run it with a Moscow dateline as its own story so that newspapers could run it. The CIA report said the Soviets had "immense success" using this technique with the Press Trust of India whose "key managers" were "on Soviet paroll." It also named United News of India and Samachar, as well as Communist party controlled small agencies as being used for placing Soviet stories.

The CIA report quoted two Soviet defectors as saying that they had so much success with the main agency for placement of stories that among Soviet officials the joke was that PTI stood for "Press Tass of India."

The press section of

the Soviet Embassy in New Delhi was the central point for press placements operations in India and its various arms employed hundreds of Indians to further its propaganda, the report said.

The press section regularly carried out campaigns and one such campaign, it said, even "jeopardized completion of a trade deal between the Indian government and a US firm". Also, often reports accusing the United States of aiming to "balkanize" India appeared.

Some placements by the Soviets even accused the US of orchestrating assassination of Indira Gandhi.

The revelations of the CIA report almost appear to corroborate a 2005 book by former KGB operative Vasili Mitrokhin.

Mitrokhin claimed to have smuggled thousands of secret documents out from the erstwhile USSR. The documents said that Gandhi was sent money in suitcases for the Congress and the KGB had funded election campaigns of former defence minister V.K. Krishna Menon in the 1970s.

New Delhi, JaNuary 30 (iaNS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday sought the opposition's support for smooth functioning of the Budget Session of Parliament in an all party meet, but opposition members made a vocal protest against the budget presentation on February 1, around a month earlier than usual.

Opposition members also said they will raise the issue of demonetisation, ceasefire violations and internal security in the brief session - ten days in total and eight working days.

Trinamool Congress had announced it will not attend the all party meeting, and the first two days of the Parliament session protesting demonetisation. Ruling National Democratic Alliance member Shiv Sena was also missing from the meeting.

Talking to reporters after the meeting, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said the Prime Minister appealed to the opposition members to ensure peaceful debate in parliament, even if there are political differences. Ananth Kumar said parties agreed that debate should take place.

"All parties, especially those in the opposition, said they wanted debate and both houses should function," he added.

Asked about the absence of Trinamool Congress, and Shiv Sena, the minister said: "There are elections going on, there are some civic elections as well."

Opposition leaders meanwhile said they aired their objections to the budget date, before the start of assembly elections in five states on February 4, in the all party meeting, adding that they wanted to debate demonetisation issue in the session.

Talking to reporters after an all-party meeting in the Parliament Library Building, Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia said the decision to advance the budget was against democratic practices. "The way the government has decided to present the budget on February 1 is undemocratic. Our government in 2012 postponed the budget till elections," he said.

Scindia said his party would raise issues like demonetisation, increase in ceasefire violations on the Line of Control and security scenario in the country.

Communist Party of India-Marxist leader Sitaram Yechury said the decision to have an early budget will have consequences. "They will only have data till the second quarter of the year, the figures of the third quarter will not be there.

"Demonetisation has had such adverse impact on the economy. Its effect will not be taken into account because the figures will not be available," Yechury said. "The government should postpone the budget." He said his party too wanted a discussion on demonetisation.

Asked about the opposition's demand to postpone the budget, Ananth Kumar said: "This is the nation's budget, for the benefit of the nation. The Supreme Court has given its verdict."

The session's first day - January 31 will see President Pranab Mukherjee address a joint sitting of both houses and the Economic Survey will also be presented. The budget will be presented on the second day -- February 1. The session will have a break from February 9, be reconvened on March 9 and end on April 12.

EC to ask candidates to Manmohan, Chidambaram accused of favouring Mallya; both reject charges "Mallya is helped".

Delhi, JaNuary 30 Modi government over 'loans the Income Tax Department Manmohan Singh. open current accounts only New "The letter(s) being talked Returning the fire, the Con(iaNS): The BJP on Monday waiver' to Mallya and his fleeing "went soft" on Mallya and his acNew Delhi, JaNuary 30 (iaNS): With the RBI on Monday lifting restrictions on cash withdrawal from current accounts, the Election Commission (EC) is set to ask candidates to open such accounts only, sources said. The poll panel had earlier asked candidates to open separate accounts for election-related expenses to be monitored by the poll panel, but had not specified if these should be current or saving accounts. Usually, most candidates would opt for savings accounts. However, with the Reserve Bank of India ending curbs on withdrawals from current accounts, cash credit accounts and overdraft accounts with immediate effect, the EC will ask candidates to open current accounts in order to be able to withdraw sufficient cash. The EC had earlier asked the central bank to increase cash withdrawal limit for candidates to Rs 2 lakh per week, but not got a positive response.

JNU asks students to call off hunger strike New Delhi, JaNuary 30 (iaNS): The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on Monday urged students to call off their hunger strike against the change in admission procedure for M. Phil and Ph.D aspirants. The administration told the students they will discuss "all their concerns, including marks for written test and viva-voce, deprivation points and intake of students within the UGC guidelines" of May last year. The administration said it was "in constant dialogue with all stake-holders and is always open to discussion on any outstanding issues to resolve them amicably". A Standing Committee on Admissions is to meet on Tuesday to discuss the students' concerns.

alleged former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and then Finance Minister P. Chidambaram favoured industrialist Vijay Mallya in getting huge loans for bailing out the now defunct Kingfisher Airlines. Both the Congress leaders rejected the allegations and asserted that the letters from the liquor baron were a routine affair.

If the Bharatiya Janata Party, citing letters by Mallya to both Singh and Chidambaram, pointed fingers at Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Vice President Rahul Gandhi, the Congress, in turn, attacked the Narendra

the country.

Reading out the contents of the letters to the media, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra claimed a bailout package was given to Kingfisher Airlines (KFA) on "Manmohan Singh's insistence".

He said that Mallya was allowed to procure loans worth Rs 9,000 crore without proper papers or proper accounts.

"We now have certain emails, letters and correspondence that reveal that those hands belong to Manmohan Singh and Chidambaram," said Patra adding that on Manmohan Singh's "insistence"

counts were also "unfrozen".

Both Manmohan Singh and Chidambaram denied favouring Mallya and asserted that the purported letters were only among the hundreds of letters routinely received by the then UPA government.

"All prime ministers and other ministers in any government, receive representations from various captains of industry which we in normal course, pass on to appropriate authority.

This is what I have done and done with full satisfaction that we were not doing anything which was against the law of the land," said

about, is nothing else but an ordinary piece of letter which any government in my position would have dealt with," he added.

Chidambaram too rebutted Patra's claim. "There is absolutely nothing in it if anybody says we want some forbearance, we want some policy changes.

"If a letter to PMO is marked down to the Principal Secretary which is then forwarded to the department concerned, it is normal," said Chidambaram referring to Patra's allegation that the letters to the PMO were forwarded to the bureaucrat to ensure

gress questioned the Modi government over Mallya's "escape from the country".

"Who permitted Mallya to escape, who waived loans to him?

We want to ask was it not the BJP which voted Mallya and brought him in the Rajya Sabha," said Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala. "why the Modi government has not sought his deportation from UK". "Why has Modi government waived Rs 1,200 crore owed by Mallya to SBI on November 16, 2016? Who is the helping hand for Mallya in the Modi government?" asked Surjewala.

Pune techie paid with life for resenting guard's 'stare' Court summons Kejriwal, Azad PuNe/MuMBai, JaNuary 30 the Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park, Hin- tempted to contact her but got no in DDCA defamation case response and the other team mem(iaNS): Infosys software engineer jewadi, since 2015.

Though it was her weekly off, bers, who were online, also reported New Delhi, JaNuary 30 (iaNS): A court here on K. Rasila Raju paid with her life for objecting to a security guard staring she had come to office to complete that she had been incommunicado Monday issued summons to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind at her while she worked in office on a project and had been engaged in for an hour both on landline phones Kejriwal and suspended BJP parliamentarian Kirti Azad Sunday evening, police said in Pune online communication with her col- and her mobile phone. in a defamation complaint filed by the Delhi and District Finally, at 7.30 p.m. Kothari called Cricket Association (DDCA) Vice President Chetan Chauon Monday. Deputy Commissioner leagues at the company's Bengaluru the building security and asked them han. Metropolitan Magistrate Abhilash Malhotra issued the of Police (DCP) Hinjewadi Ganesh office, police said.

Shinde said that the victim had to check on her.

Shinde told mediapersons that the summons to Kejriwal and Azad, asking them to appear beShortly afterwards, a security fore the court on February 18. Chetan Chauhan through his security guard was arrested in Mum- objected to Saikia staring at her when she came out of her office and threat- guard who went with an access card advocate Sangram Patnaik has accused them of defaming bai early Monday. informed him of the tragedy which the cricket association by passing "scandalous" remarks.

An Assamese working as a se- ened to complain to his bosses.

Around 5 p.m., Saikia entered her befell Rasila in the conference room curity guard, the 26-year Bhaben "It is prima-facie clear that Kejriwal has made a seSaikia was charged with Rasila's ninth floor office and allegedly stran- of the office. rious defamatory remark only on the basis of a hearsay The police immediately checked information received from his friend," the court said. murder and remanded to police gled her with a computer cord.

According to a complaint lodged the CCTV footage which showed that "Such a drastic statement, and that too from the Chief custody till February 4 by a Pune by her team manager, Abhijit Ko- Rasila entered the room around 3.05 Minister, may have negative impact and leave an adverse court on Monday evening.

According to Shinde, the victim, thari, Rasila had reported for work p.m., came out for a break around 5 impression in the mind of cricketers, officials and public K. Rasila Raju, 25, was a software around 2.30 p.m. and was alone af- p.m. and later Saikia followed her into at large, impacting reputation of the DDCA, its organisaengineer from Kerala and had been ter another colleague left at 3 p.m. the office, though he was not autho- tional functioning and the transparency of the selection BhiwaNDi (ThaNe), JaNuary 30 (PTi): Rahul working with Infosys at its building in Around 6.20 p.m., Kothari had at- rised to enter that area. process," the court observed.

Gandhi today appeared before a magistrate court here in connection with the hearing in the RSS defamation case over his alleged comments blaming people from the saffron fountainhead for the killing of Mahatma Gandhi. The court adjourned till March 3 the hearing for recording the plea of the Congress Vice President, who has preferred to face trial as an accused in the defamation case. "The New Delhi, JaNuary 30 wrote in a letter to Jaitley on Jan. in the preceding months. date granted for recording of his (Rahul's) plea is March (reuTerS):India's health 10, outlining his request for adIn November, the health 3," said Magistrate Tushar Vaze, adjourning the case. The ministry is likely to see a subditional funds. "There are sever- ministry's top bureaucrat, C. K. case against Rahul was filed by a local RSS functionary stantial increase in funding, after al other significant programmes Mishra, wrote to the finance secreRajesh Kunte over the former's speech in Bhiwandi on it warned that its programmes experiencing paucity of financial tary saying he had been informed March 6, 2014 in the run-up to Lok Sabha polls. resources." that his ministry would receive were short of cash and sought The government has been in- less funds than were promised more than $1.2 billion in adcreasing allocation to the health during mid-year reviews. ditional money, according to sector after criticism over its soThe lack of adequate funding, government officials and docucial sector cuts in 2015.

Mishra wrote, "will give a serious ments seen by Reuters.

But pressures on the budget setback" to new initiatives and The final numbers could are rising. It must also step up existing programmes. change when Finance Minister spending on roads, railways and Health ministry officials also Arun Jaitley presents the budget SriNagar, JaNuary 30 (iaNS): Five Indian solirrigation projects to stimulate cited delays in getting funds to for fiscal 2017/18 on Wednesday. diers, rescued from an avalanche near the Line of Congrowth while keeping the fiscal implement Modi's directive to But one official familiar with the trol (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district last numbers said the health ministry deficit in check. upgrade dozens of district hospiweek, succumbed to their injuries while being evacu- is expected to get a $1.5 billion, or tals into medical colleges, in orated, defence officials said on Monday. Their bodies are 27 percent, increase in funding to REPEATED REQUESTS der to add new doctors. expected to be brought to New Delhi on Tuesday, said around $7 billion.

In his letter, Nadda wrote that India has seven doctors for officials. The five soldiers got trapped under snow after The health and finance min- A health worker (R) weighs a child under a government program in New he needed an extra $589 million every 10,000 people, half the a track caved-in in Machil sector of Kupwara on Janu- istries did not respond to re- Delhi. (REUTERS File Photo) to implement a programme to global average, according to the ary 28. They were subsequently rescued after a gruelling quests for comment. than countries like Afghanistan sues but needed to get better at screen patients for cancer and World Health Organization. daylong mission, and were being brought to Srinagar on other illnesses, while the HIV/ It is not clear how the federal An increase in the budget al- and Sierra Leone. spending the money it had.

Monday, despite persistent poor weather conditions, location, if finalized, would sigAIDS treatment programme rebudget for 2017/18, or individual More than a million Indian Between 2005 and 2013, the for specialist medical care. "Unfortunately, all the brave- nal an acknowledgment from children die every year before ministry only once spent all of its quired an infusion of $74 million. state budgets that supplement it, hearts have succumbed to their injuries," a statement Prime Minister Narendra Modi's reaching the age of five. Hun- allocated funds.

Nadda also wrote that there will split health spending across said. Out of the five, Naik Ramchandra Shamrao Mane, administration that the country dreds of millions of poor people But letters sent by his ministry was an "urgent requirement" of various programmes.

33, Sepoy Ganesh Kisan Dhavale, 30, Sepoy Balaji Bhag- needs to ramp up spending on rely on India's public health pro- to the finance ministry between around $520 million for the curThe government official who wanrao Ambore, 26, hailed from Maharastra whereas the sector. grammes which provide basic June and January, not previously rent year's spending, the absence has knowledge of the budget Gunner Kannan M Thamothara, 27, was from Tamil NaSuccessive administrations services like vaccinations, dis- disclosed, show that Nadda has of which "will adversely impact numbers said the increase in the du's Madurai, and Signalman Deva Haza Bhai Parmar, have faced criticism from public ease prevention and free drugs. also come around to the view that key programmes like malaria, tu- health ministry budget would be 27, from Gujarat's Bhavnagar.A wreath-laying ceremony health advocates for spending Until May last year, Jagat his department needs a larger pot berculosis, polio and other vector sufficient for ongoing projects. will take place here on Tuesday morning before the bod- only around 1 percent of India's Prakash Nadda, the union health to meet its public health objectives. borne disease".

"But given escalation costs, ies reach Delhi later during the day from where they will gross domestic product on public minister, had publicly maintained Nadda's letter followed re- there is no space for new health "These are the bare minibe flown to their native places for last rites. health, less in percentage terms that the sector had no funding is- mum requirements," Nadda quests from other health officials innovations," the official said.

RSS defamation case: Rahul plea to be recorded on Mar 3

India's health budget may rise after minister warns of funding crunch

Five soldiers rescued from avalanche succumb to injuries

TuesdAY 31•01•2017

WORLD

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

9

US tempers part of Trump travel ban amid big protests & criticism WASHINGTON, JANuAry 30 (reuTerS): President Donald Trump’s administration on Sunday tempered a key element of his move to ban entry of refugees and people from seven Muslim-majority countries in the face of mounting criticism even from some prominent Republicans and protests that drew tens of thousands in major American cities.

Trump signed the directive on Friday, but the policy appeared to be evolving on the fly.

Democrats and a growing number of Republicans assailed the move and foreign leaders condemned it amid court challenges and tumult at U.S. airports.

The president’s critics have said his action unfairly singled out Muslims, violated U.S. law and the Constitution and defiled America’s historic reputation as hospitable to immigrants.

In a fresh defense of the action on Sunday, Trump said his directive was “not about religion” but keeping America safe. Trump has presented the policy as a way to protect the country from the threat of Islamist militants.

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly said in a statement that people from the seven countries who hold so-called green cards as lawful permanent U.S. residents would not be blocked from returning to the United States from overseas, as some had been after the directive.

All green card holders who were detained at U.S. airports had been admitted into the country by late Sunday, a U.S. official familiar with the process told Reuters. The source could not provide a figure of how many people whose re-entry had been delayed, in some cases for hours.

Outside the White House, where some viewing stands from Trump’s Jan. 20 inaugural parade still stood, sev-

no trouble clearing customs.

Mahdi Tajsarvi, an engineer who lives in Virginia, said he and his wife, Arezoo Hosseini, both Iranian citizens with U.S. green cards, were asked a few routine questions by authorities at Dulles International Airport outside Washington on Sunday evening and let through within a few minutes.

Activists gather at Portland International Airport to protest against President Donald Trump’s executive action travel ban in Portland, Oregon, US on January 29. (REUTERS Photo)

eral thousand protesters denounced him, carrying signs such as “Deport Trump” and “Fear is a terrible thing for a nation’s soul.”

Protests also were staged in cities and airports in New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Houston, Dallas and elsewhere.

The Republican president on Friday put a four-month hold on allowing refugees into the country, an indefinite ban on refugees from Syria and a three-month bar on citizens from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.

Border and customs officials struggled to put Trump’s directive into practice. Confusion persisted over details of implementation, in particular for the people who hold green cards.

Senator Bob Corker, the Republican chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a Trump supporter, said the president’s order had been poorly implemented, particularly for green card holders.

“The administration should immediately make appropriate revisions, and it is my hope that following a thorough review and implementation of security enhancements that many of these programs will be improved and reinstated,” Corker said.

Trump defended his acTion.

“To be clear, this is not a Muslim ban, as the media is falsely reporting,” Trump said in a statement on Sunday. “This is not about religion - this is about terror and keeping our country safe. There are over 40 different countries worldwide that are majority Muslim that are not affected by this order.”

He added: “We will again be issuing visas to all countries once we are sure we have reviewed and implemented the most secure policies over the next 90 days.”

The department said on Saturday Trump’s action did apply to people with green cards who were returning to the United

States from the seven nations, while a White House official said green card holders who had left the United States and wanted to return would have to visit a U.S. embassy or consulate to undergo additional screening.

White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus then went on the Sunday morning news programs to say those people would not be blocked.

“As far as green card holders moving forward, it doesn’t affect them,” Priebus said on the NBC program “Meet the Press.”

Priebus added that these green card holders would be subjected to “more questioning” by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents when they try to re-enter the United States “until a better program is put in place over the next several months.”

In an apparent indication that Kelly’s instructions were being implemented, some green card holders arriving in the United States said they had

more naTions maY Be added Priebus also said Customs and Border Patrol agents would have “discretionary authority” when they encountered someone arriving who they suspect “is up to no good” from certain nations.

Asked why Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Egypt were not included on Trump’s list, Priebus said that “perhaps other countries needed to be added to an executive order going forward.”

U.S. judges in at least five states blocked federal authorities from enforcing Trump’s directive, but lawyers representing people covered by the order said some authorities were unwilling on Sunday to follow the judges’ rulings.

U.S. Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham, prominent Republican foreign policy voices, said in a joint statement Trump’s order may do more to help recruit terrorists than improve U.S. security.

“Ultimately, we fear this executive order will become a self-inflicted wound in the fight against terrorism,” they said, adding the United States should not stop green card holders “from returning to the country they call home.”

“This executive order sends a signal, intended or not, that America does not want Muslims coming into our country,” the added.

Trump blasted the two senators in a Twitter statement, calling them “sadly weak on

immigration.”

In a another Twitter message earlier on Sunday, Trump said the United States needed “strong borders and extreme vetting, NOW.” “Christians in the MiddleEast have been executed in large numbers. We cannot allow this horror to continue!” added Trump, who successfully tapped into Americans’ fear of attacks during his election campaign.

Trump’s tweet did not mention that many more Muslims have been killed in the bloody Syrian civil war and other violence in the targeted countries.

Condemnation of Trump’s action poured in from abroad, including from traditional allies of the United States.

In Germany, which has taken in large numbers of people fleeing the Syrian civil war, Chancellor Angela Merkel said the global fight against terrorism was no excuse for the measures and “does not justify putting people of a specific background or faith under general suspicion,” her spokesman said on Sunday.

Canada will offer temporary residency to people stranded in the country as a result of Trump’s executive order on immigration, Canadian Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen said.

Briefing reporters at the White House on condition of anonymity, a U.S. administration official rejected criticism of the way Trump’s plan had been carried out, saying: “So it really is a massive success story in terms of implementation on every single level.”

Chuck Schumer, the top Democrat in the Republicanled U.S. Senate, had a different view, calling Trump’s administration incompetent.

“One hand doesn’t know what the other is doing,” Schumer said.

“I think banning refugees,

banning immigrants, banning religions like Islam or any other religion, is un-American,” said Will Turner, 42, draped in a U.S. flag among a crowd of several thousand people in front of the White House chanting: “No hate, no fear, refugees are welcome here.”

An official of the conservative billionaire industrialist Koch brothers’ political network of donors criticized Trump’s immigration order at the donors’ winter gathering in Indian Wells, California.

“Our country has benefited tremendously from a history of welcoming people from all cultures and backgrounds. This is a hallmark of free and open societies,” Brian Hooks said in a statement.

Civil rights and some religious groups, activists and Democratic politicians have promised to fight Trump’s order and Schumer said his party would introduce legislation to overturn it. Republicans control both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Priebus said that of 325,000 people who arrived from foreign countries on Saturday, 109 people were detained for further questioning, and most of them were moved out, with just a “couple dozen more that remain” detained.

“It wasn’t chaos,” he said.

Judges in California, Massachusetts, Virginia and Washington state, each home to international airports, issued their rulings after a similar order was issued on Saturday night by U.S. District Judge Ann Donnelly in New York’s Brooklyn borough in a case involving two Iraqis caught by the order as they flew into the country.

Attorneys general from California, New York, 13 other states and Washington, D.C., condemned and pledged to fight what they called Trump’s “dangerous” and “unconstitutional” order.

‘Diabetes may be an early warning sign for pancreatic cancer’ Quebec mosque shooting leaves 6 dead LONdON, JANuAry 30 (IANS): The onset of diabetes, or a rapid deterioration in existing diabetes that requires more aggressive treatment, could be a sign of early, hidden pancreatic cancer, warns a new study.

The findings are based on an analysis linking nearly a million patients with Type-2 diabetes in Italy and Belgium with recorded cases of pancreatic cancer.

Half of all pancreatic cancers cases in the two regions were diagnosed within one year of patients being diagnosed with Type-2 diabetes and being given their first prescription to control it, said Alice Koechlin from International Prevention Research Institute in Lyon, France.

“In Belgium 25 per cent of cases were diagnosed within 90 days and in Lom-

bardy (Italy) it was 18 per cent. After the first year, the proportion of diagnosed pancreatic cancers dropped dramatically,” she said.

Among patients who already had Type-2 diabetes and were managing it with oral anti-diabetic drugs, the switch to incretins (metabolic hormones that stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin to lower blood glucose levels) or insulin happened faster among diabetic patients who were subsequently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

In addition, a deterioration in their condition that necessitated them being switched to more aggressive anti-diabetic therapy with injections of insulin was associated with a seven-fold increased risk of being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, the study said.

“There is currently no good, non-invasive method for detecting pancreatic cancer that is not yet showing any visible signs or symptoms. We hope that our results will encourage the search for blood markers indicating the presence of pancreatic cancer, which could guide decisions to perform a confirmation examination like endoscopy,” Koechlin said.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal cancers, partly because it is difficult to detect at an early stage and because there are few effective treatments for it. Less than one per cent of people live for ten or more years after a diagnosis.

The research was presented at the ongoing European Cancer Congress 2017 held in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Trump’s visa ban is Philippine police suspend anti-drug illegal, mean: UN operations, declare war on rogue cops GeNevA, JANuAry 30 (IANS): The United Nations’ High Commissioner for Human Rights on Monday denounced as illegal and mean-spirited the United States’ visa ban on citizens of 7 Muslim-majority countries. The official Twitter account for the UN Human Rights agency quoted its Chairman Zeid bin Ra’ad Zeid al-Hussein as saying “discrimination on nationality alone is forbidden under human rights law”, efe news reported.

Donald Trump’s executive order bans US visas to citizens of Muslim-majority Iraq, Iran, Somalia, Sudan, Libya, Yemen and Syria for a period of at least 90 days. “The US ban is also mean-spirited, and wastes resources needed for proper counter-terrorism,” al-Hussein added. Trump’s immigration order on Friday also saw the US suspend its refugee programme for a period of 120 days with the aim of restructuring the process to prevent visas from being issued to potential terrorists.

Visas for Syrian asylum seekers would be indefinitely put on hold, according to the presidential order. The policy drew immediate protest from international institutions such as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the international organisation for migration (IMO), which on Saturday petitioned the US government to uphold its long tradition of offering asylum to those fleeing conflict.

In a joint statement, the two agencies said they “hope that the US will continue its strong leadership role and long tradition of protecting those who are fleeing conflict and persecution.” UN sources estimate that since October 2016, the US has admitted 25,600 refugees. According to the nation’s Refugee Processing Center, the US accepted 85,000 refugees in the 2015-16 fiscal year.

MANILA, JANuAry 30 (reuTerS): Philippine police are suspending their anti-narcotics operation until they have cleansed their ranks of “scalawags”, the chief of the force said on Monday, following the killing of a South Korean businessmen by rogue officers.

The police campaign, dubbed “Oplan Double Barrel”, which also includes “Tokhang”, in which police go house to house knocking on doors in search of drug suspects, has claimed the lives of more than 2,000 suspected drug users and pushers.

“To all the rogue cops, beware! We no longer have a war on drugs. We now have a war on scalawags,” Philippine National Police (PNP) DirectorGeneral Ronald dela Rosa told a news conference.

Dela Rosa’s pronouncement came a few hours after he said he would disband anti-drugs units following the kidnapping and killing of businessman Jee Ick-joo in the national police headquarters in October.

The president and his police chief “should categorically give the order to end the killings,” said Senator Leila De Lima, President Rodrigo Duterte’s most outspoken critic.

The dismantling of the anti-drug units meant “they are aware that the very men involved in anti-drug operations...are involved in illegal activities

under the guise of the so-called war on drugs,” she told ANC television.

But Duterte vowed on Sunday to forge ahead with his war on drugs until the last day of his term.

“We will cleanse our ranks...then maybe after that, we can resume our war on drugs. The president told us to clean the organisation first,” Dela Rosa said.

“I don’t know how long it will take to cleanse the PNP. But with each and every one of us cooperating, helping each other, maybe in a month, we can do it.”

The anti-drug campaign has caused alarm in the West and rights groups accuse Duterte of turning a blind eye to a wave of alleged extrajudicial killings by police, mostly of low-level peddlers. Police deny this, claiming self-defence.

Duterte said police officials who had been the subject of internal investigations should be reassigned to work in conflict zones.

Fighting drugs and crime was the key platform of Duterte’s election campaign, during which he promised to eradicate illicit drugs within six months. His term ends in 2022.

He said he underestimated the depth of problem, and on Sunday promised the crackdown would continue until the end of his six-year presidency, and criticism would not stop him.

Canadian PM says mosque shooting a “terrorist attack on Muslims” QueBeC CITy, JANuAry 30 (reuTerS): Six people were killed and eight wounded when gunmen opened fire at a Quebec mosque during Sunday night prayers, in what Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called a “terrorist attack on Muslims”.

Police said two suspects had been arrested, but gave details about them or what prompted the attack.

Initially, the mosque president said five people were killed and a witness said up to three gunmen had fired on about 40 people inside the Quebec City Islamic Cultural Centre. Police said only two people were involved in the attack.

“Six people are confirmed dead - they range in age from 35 to about 70,” Quebec provincial police spokeswoman Christine Coulombe told reporters, adding eight people were wounded and 39 were unharmed.

The mosque’s president, Mohamed Yangui, who was not inside when the shooting occurred, said he got frantic calls from people at evening prayers.

“Why is this happening here?

This is barbaric,” he said.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a statement: “We condemn this terrorist attack on Muslims in a centre of worship and refuge”.

“Muslim-Canadians are an important part of our national fabric, and these senseless acts have no place in our communities, cities and country.”

The shooting came on the weekend that Trudeau said Canada would welcome refugees, after U.S. President Donald Trump suspended the U.S. refugee program and temporarily barred citizens from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States on national security grounds.

A Canadian federal Liberal legislator, Greg Fergus, tweeted: “This is an act of terrorism -- the result of years of sermonizing Muslims. Words matter and hateful speeches have consequences!”

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said police were providing ad-

Swat team police officer walk aournd a mosque after a shooting in Quebec City on January 29. (REUTERS Photo)

ditional protection for mosques nity centre in a Montreal suburb. in that city following the Quebec “I hope it’s an isolated incishooting. “All New Yorkers should dent.” be vigilant. If you see something, Incidents of Islamophobia say something,” he tweeted. have increased in Quebec in recent years. The face-covering, or ‘noT safe here’ niqab, became a big issue in the Like France, Quebec has strug- 2015 Canadian federal election, gled at times to reconcile its secu- especially in Quebec, where the lar identity with a rising Muslim majority of the population suppopulation, many of them from ported a ban on it at citizenship North Africa. ceremonies.

In June last year, a pig’s head In 2013, police investigated was left on the doorstep of the cul- after a mosque in the Saguenay tural centre. region of the province was splat“We are not safe here,” said Mo- tered with what was believed to hammed Oudghiri, who normally be pig blood. In the neighbourattends prayers at the mosque in ing province of Ontario, a mosque the middle-class, residential area, was set on fire in 2015, a day after but did not on Sunday. an attack by gunmen and suicide Oudghiri said he had lived in bombers in Paris.

Quebec for 42 years but was now Zebida Bendjeddou, who left “very worried” and thinking of the Quebec City mosque earlier moving back to Morocco. on Sunday evening, said the cenMass shootings are rare in tre had received threats.

Canada, which has stricter gun “In June, they’d put a pig’s laws than the United States, and head in front of the mosque. But news of the shooting sent a shock- we thought: ‘Oh, they’re isolated wave through mosques and com- events.’ We didn’t take it seriously. munity centres throughout the But tonight, those isolated events, mostly French-language prov- they take on a different scope,” she ince. said.

“It’s a sad day for all Quebecers Bendjeddou said she had not and Canadians to see a terrorist at- confirmed the names of those tack happen in peaceful Quebec killed, but added: “They’re people City,” said Mohamed Yacoub, co- we know, for sure. People we knew chairman of an Islamic commu- since they were little kids.”

10

tuesdAY 31•01•2017

SPORTS/Public diScOuRSe

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Hockey India asks for apology from Wenger to take cautious DEFINING A PEOPLE Pakistan for 2014 CT incident approach with Welbeck

NEw DELhi, JANUARY 30 (iANS): Hockey India (HI) on Monday decided not to play any bilateral series against Pakistan unless the latter's federation submits an unconditional apology in writing for the lewd and unprofessional behaviour of its players during the FIH Champions Trophy 2014.

HI's stand comes in the wake of Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Secretary Shahbaz Ahmed recently blaming the Indian federation for taking revenge on it for the 2014 incident in Bhubaneswar's Kalinga Stadium by not giving them visas to take part in the 2016 Junior World Cup in Lucknow.

HI maintained that the PHF failed to submit the visa applications for its team 60 days prior to the start of the tournament as per the required deadlines as stipulated by the Gov-

ernment of India.

"It is a shame that the PHF has again raised the issue of the misbehaviour of the Pakistan hockey team during the FIH Champions Trophy in 2014 as an excuse and opportunity to blame Hockey India for their own incompetence that resulted in the Pakistan team not participating in the Hockey Junior World Cup 2016," HI Spokesman R.P. Singh said in a statement.

"In light of this and the perpetual lies told by PHF to blame others for their own inefficiencies, HI has again taken the decision to not play any bilateral series against Pakistan unless they submit an unconditional regret in writing for the lewd and unprofessional behaviour of the Pakistan team during the FIH Champions Trophy 2014 and their habit of telling perpetual lies to media regarding HI," he added.

"We once again reiterate that PHF should learn to take responsibility for their incompetence and incapabilities and stop blaming India to please their local audience. It is high time PHF learns to work as an Organisation and stops blaming others for their own internal problems."

HI said that PHF should register its complain with the world hockey governing body FIH, instead of blaming its Indian counterpart.

HI also clarified that it had put the matter of the 2014 incident -- in which some of the Pakistani players displayed their elation by taking their jerseys off and flashing their middle fingers at the crowd -- to an end after then HI President Narinder Dhruv Batra had a "meaningful dialogue with PHF representatives in the presence of Asian Hockey Federation officials in Dubai in November 2016.

Mourinho hits out at "crazy" fixture congestion

LONDON, JANUARY 30 (REUTERS): Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho complained about his team's ever-growing fixture list after their FA Cup victory over Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup on Sunday added to his problems.

United face Southampton in the League Cup final on Feb. 26, so their Premier League derby against Manchester City must rearranged and they also resume their Europa League campaign next month. "It's absolutely nonsense and I know that applies with many other clubs.

Liverpool are going to play 16 matches, Chelsea will play 16 matches... and we are in this crazy situation," Mourinho told British media.

"I think Southampton will

have 15 days without football before the final and we are going to have in these 15 days two matches... so the calendar in the best country of world football is nonsense.

"In a realistic way I think the ¬Premier League is almost an impossible mission but I just think about winning the next match and the next match is not an impossible mission." Mourinho said Ashley Young could leave before the transfer window closes on Tuesday. "The only player that I am aware of a possibility to leave, and I am waiting for Jan. 31 to know what really is going on, is Young, a player that I would love to keep," he added. United, who are sixth in the league table, host second-bottom Hull City on Wednesday.

LONDON, JANUARY 30 (REUTERS): Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is wary of over-working striker Danny Welbeck because of fears the England striker could suffer a set-back having recently returned from a long-term knee injury.

After three substitute appearances, Welbeck marked his first start of the season by scoring two goals in Arsenal's 5-0 win over Southampton in the FA Cup on Saturday.

"Welbeck is very sharp but he's not out of it completely. We have to be cautious," Wenger told reporters on Monday.

"Physically, he's ready but we have to manage the times we use him. To come out of what he's gone through you need to be mentally strong."

Wenger said Welbeck was unlikely to feature in Tuesday's Premier League clash against 14th-placed Watford.

"That's not a gift of God, you have to go through all kinds of suffering to get to that... I don't know how we will use him after three days, I think he's a bit short for that," he added.

Wenger made 10 changes for the FA Cup fourth-round victory at Southampton and the Frenchman is confident his squad has enough depth to compete on all fronts.

"I believe number-wise and qualitywise, we have what is required to do well,"

E

he said. "It's down to us to perform and to produce with the quality of our focus, the quality of our ambition and desire to produce the performance in every single game. "I believe we have what is required to do well, now it's down to us."

Despite having no bids on the table for Carl Jenkinson and Mathieu Debuchy, Wenger is still open to offers for the right backs and he denied reports suggesting the north London club are trying to lure striker Karim Benzema from Real Madrid.

Arsenal are second in the league table with 47 points, eight behind Chelsea after 22 games.

Disabled swimmer swims 25 km

ALAppUzhA (KERALA), JANUARY 30 (iANS): Differently abled swimmer E.D. Baburaj on Monday swam 25 km non-stop at the Punnamada lake here, the venue of the popular Nehru snake boat race. Soon after reaching the finishing line, the 52-year-old Baburaj said the challenge was very tough and dangerous.

"I decided to do it in October but

I felt I needed more practice to get my body and mind fine-tuned for this arduous swimming session," he told IANS. "It took me seven hours and 10 minutes and I am completely exhausted," he added.

In 2015, Baburaj swam 10 km at the widest part of the Vembanad lake. Baburaj began swimming when he was a school student. But at age 12, he met with an accident

that affected his left hand.

Even then he contested in several national and international events. As per medical records, he has contested in the "disabled" category with 40 percent disability.

Hundreds turned up to applauded Baburaj when he touched the finishing line. Baburaj sells Life Insurance Corp (LIC) policies for a living.

Shooters Jitu, Narang, Heena eye glory at World Cup

NEw DELhi, JANUARY 30 (iANS): Incheon Asian Games gold medallist Jitu Rai, London Olympics bronze medallist Gagan Narang and female shooter Heena Sidhu are among the top names in the India squad for the upcoming World Cup, starting here on February 22.

Jitu, the Glasgow Commonwealth Games gold medal winner will take part in both his pet 10 metre and 50m Pistol events while Narang will be gunning for the gold in the 50m Rifle Prone event.

Veteran marksman Chain Singh will be seen in action in the 50m Rifle 3 position as well as 50m Rifle Prone event.

Among others in 50m Rifle 3 position are Sanjeev Rajut and Satyendra Singh while Sushil Ghaley is the third shooter in the 50m Rifle Prone

team also comprising Narang and Chain. In the 10m Rifle event, Ravi Kumar, Deepak Kumar and Satyendra Singh will be seen in action while Jitu's team members in 10m Pistol include Omkar Singh and Amanpreet Singh.

In 25m Rapid Fire Pistol, Gurpreet Singh, Harpreet Singh and Neeraj Kumar will form the team.

In 50m Pistol, Jitu will have the company of Amanpreet Singh and Gurpal Singh while Heena will spearhead the women's team in 10m Pistol event, also comprising Priyanka Gajendra Susrivikar and Harveen Sarao.

In women's 10m Rifle, Vinita Bhardwaj will be accompanied by Meghna Sajjanar and Pooja Pandharinath Ghatkar while in 50m Rifle 3 position Anjum Moudgil, Tejaswini R. Sawant and Elizabeth Susan

Koshy will form a formidable combo. In women's 25m Pistol event, seasoned campaigner Rahi Sarnobat will lead the team also comprising Surabhi Pathak and Muskan.

Olympian Kynan Chenai will head the side in men's Trap competition along side Zoravar Sandhu and Biren Sodhi while the men's double trap team comprises Ankur Mittal, Shapath Bharadwaj and Sangram Dahiya.

In men's Skeet competition, there will be Mairaz Khan, Sheeraz Sheikh, Angadvir S. Bajwa and A.S. Cheem whereas in women's Trap competition Maneesha Keer, Seema Tomer and Rajeshwari Kumari will battle for the gold.

Sanya Sheikh, Rashmee Rathore and Arti S. Rao will be India's representatives in women's Skeet category.

Kahuto Chishi Sumi, Dimapur

very nation, race and culture goes through crucial moments, the aftermath of which defines them as a people or nation. The British went through The War of The Roses, The French went through The French Revolution, the U.S.A. with their War of Independence and The Civil War, the Chinese had their Long March and so on. India was defined by Mahatma Gandhi's Struggle for Independence from the British Crown.

We Nagas have been denied this opportunity. Before we became self-aware of ourselves as a people or a race, in the modern context, the British imposed their rule and their laws on us. When the British left, we were absorbed, willy-nilly, into the Indian Federation and made to adopt their laws and customs.

Our first opportunity to define ourselves as a people and nation came with The Plebiscite of 1951. Nagas then, with one voice, demanded to be free of outside rule. But it was not to be. Subsequently, the State of Nagaland was created with Article 371a incorporated into the Indian Constitution to safeguard our Tribal Laws and Customs.

Since then, the said article, and its interpretation has been the subject of numerous controversies.

In the context of the scheduled U.L.B. Elections, Article 371a, P.E.S.A.(Panchayat, Extension to Scheduled Areas), M.E.S.A.( Municipality, Extension to Scheduled Areas), and various articles of the said acts have been quoted, both in support of and against the U.L.B. Elections. Being doubly handicapped, by being a layman and not having copies of the last two laws, I, have come to the following conclusions, based on what I have read so far:1. P.E.S.A. was passed by both houses of Parliament, the Lok Shabha and Rajya Shabha, and has elements which protect local laws and customs.

2. M.E.S.A. has been passed by the Lok Shabha but is still awaiting approval by the Rajya Shabha. If the memories of my undergraduate years studying Political Science serves me right; doesn't an act or law of Parliament need approval of both houses of Parliament before it can be enacted? I may be wrong, but be that as it may, M.E.S.A. does not have the safeguards for local laws and customs as P.E.S.A. and the former seem to have been passed to favour Multinational Corporations in getting access to protected lands and resources; and also for the respective State Governments to get more Municipal Funds.

Leaving aside these questions of Women's Reservation, Articles, P.E.S.A., M.E.S.A. and whether Nagaland falls under the Fifth or Sixth Schedules and all the articles x,y and zs; something which not even our most eminent and prominent lawyers can agree to; the question before a common citizen is," Who do I believe and trust?" On the one hand I have the State government; an institution whose veniality and corruption has no equal on earth. An institution which will not hesitate to teargas and watercannon simple citizens who demand their salaries and rice; and to who, according to some stupid chamchas, I should be grateful because the peaceful protestors were not lathicharged or fired upon.

Or should I trust the Tribal Organisations? Organisations who, so far, have not lied to or cheated me, have never demanded anything which can be openly attributed to personal gain or interest; and most of all, who, for the first time since 1951, seem to stand for a common cause?

A cause spanning Tribal Boundaries?

During my time in a rehabilitation facility, I was taught that the definition of insanity was making the same mistake and expecting different results. Well, I have trusted our political leaders for the 50 odd years of my life, and they have consistently let me down with their lies and corruption. I have made that mistake over and over again, expecting different results. Well, I don't consider myself insane, and so, for once, I have decided to believe someone else. I choose the side of our Tribal Organisations in all matters now and in the future. For never have the Nagas been so united over one single cause since 1951. And maybe this is the beginning of the era when we Nagas begin to really see ourselves for who and what we are and define who we are and where we stand in the modern world. So, which side do you take?

GOD SAVE MY NAGALAND

Why and when Christians should observe civil disobedience!

T

Rev. Dr. L. Tsanso

he ordeal of the state of affairs these days in Nagaland pauses almost every Christian with the question ‘Shall we or shall we not?’ and what the Bible teaches in such situation such as this?

And many outside the Biblical belief raises ironical arrows with a questions like ‘you Christians do not live like you preach! You must submit in toto whatever your government decides!’

Admittedly, Naga Christians are no exception like the rest of the Christians in the world for their short comings. However, Christians are called to be like their Lord Jesus Christ and not to compare with anyone else. Having said, that the situation facing the Christians in Nagaland must be carefully handled and voiced in Biblical unison and not otherwise.

There are many references in the Bible and also in the Church history why and how the people of God responded to the Government.

The following few lines write ups may be of a help to determine our course of actions.

The emperor of Rome from A.D. 54 to 68 was Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, also known simply as Nero. The emperor was not known for being a godly person and engaged in a variety of illicit acts, homosexual marriage being among them. In 64 A.D., the great Roman fire occurred with Nero himself being suspected of the act of arson. In his writings, the Roman senator and historian Tacitus recorded: "To get rid of the report [that he had started the fire], Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians by the populace" (Annals XV).

It was during the reign of Nero that the Apostle Paul wrote his epistle to the Romans.

While one might expect him to encourage the Christians in Rome to rise up against their oppressive ruler, in the chapter 13, we find this instead: “Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God;

disobey the government whenever they like and whenever they feel they are personally justified in doing so. Such a stance has no biblical support whatsoever as evidenced in the writings of Paul in Romans 13.

The extremist patriot says that a person should always follow and obey their country no matter what the command. As will be shown in a moment, this view also does not have biblical support. Moreover, it is not supported in the history of nations either. For example, during the Nuremberg trials, the attorneys for the war criminals attempted to use the defense that their clients were only following the direct orders of the government and therefore could not be held responsible for their actions. However, one of the judges dismissed their argument with the simple question: “But gentlemen, is there not a law above our laws?”

The position the Scriptures uphold is one of biblical submission, with a Christian being allowed to act in civil disobedience to the government if it commands evil, such that it requires a Christian to act in a manner that is contrary to the clear teachings and requirePeter writes nearly the same thing in one of ments of God’s Word. this two New Testament letters: “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to Civil Disobedience - Examples in Scripture In Exodus 1, the Egyptian Pharaoh gave every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent the clear command to two Hebrew midwives by him for the punishment of evildoers and that they were to kill all male Jewish babies. the praise of those who do right. For such is An extreme patriot would have carried out the the will of God that by doing right you may government’s order, yet the Bible says the midsilence the ignorance of foolish men. Act as wives disobeyed Pharaoh and “feared God, free men, and do not use your freedom as a and did not do as the king of Egypt had comcovering for evil, but use it as bond slaves of manded them, but let the boys live” (Exodus God. Honor all people, love the brotherhood, 1:17). The Bible goes on to say the midwives fear God, honor the king” (1 Peter 2:13–17). lied to Pharaoh about why they were letting Both Paul’s and Peter’s teachings have the children live; yet even though they lied and led to quite a few questions from Christians disobeyed their government, “God was good where civil disobedience is concerned. Do to the midwives, and the people multiplied, Paul and Peter mean that Christians are al- and became very mighty. Because the midways to submit to whatever the government wives feared God, He established households commands, no matter what is asked of them? for them” (Exodus 1:20–21).

In Joshua 2, Rahab directly disobeyed a command from the king of Jericho to produce A Brief Look at the Various the Israelite spies who had entered the city Views of Civil Disobedience There are at least three general positions to gain intelligence for battle. Instead, she let on the matter of civil disobedience. The an- them down via a rope so they could escape. archist view says that a person can choose to Even though Rahab had received a clear orand they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behaviour, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake.

For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor” (Romans 13:1–7).

Even under the reign of a ruthless and godless emperor, Paul, writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, tells his readers to be in subjection to the government. Moreover, he states that no authority exists other than that established by God, and that rulers are serving God in their political office.

der from the top government official, she resisted the command and was redeemed from the city’s destruction when Joshua and the Israeli army destroyed it.

The book of 1 Samuel records a command given by King Saul during a military campaign that no one could eat until Saul had won his battle with the Philistines. However, Saul’s son Jonathan defied his father’s order and ate honey to refresh himself from the hard battle the army had waged. When Saul found out about it, he ordered his son to die. However, the people resisted Saul and his command and saved Jonathan from being put to death (1 Samuel 14:45).

Another example of civil disobedience in keeping with biblical submission is found in 1 Kings 18. That chapter briefly introduces a man named Obadiah who “feared the Lord greatly.” When the queen Jezebel was killing God’s prophets, Obadiah took a hundred of them and hid them from her so they could live. Such an act was in clear defiance of the ruling authority’s wishes.

In 2 Kings, the only apparent approved revolt against a reigning government official is recorded. Athaliah, the mother of Ahaziah, began to destroy the royal offspring of the house of Judah. However, Joash the son of Ahaziah was taken by the king’s daughter and hidden from Athaliah so that the bloodline would be preserved. Six years later, Jehoiada gathered men around him, declared Joash to be king, and put Athaliah to death.

Daniel records a number of civil disobedience examples. The first is found in chapter 3 where Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused to bow down to the golden idol in disobedience to King Nebuchadnezzar’s command. The second is in chapter 6 where Daniel defies King Darius’ decree to not pray to anyone other than the king. In both cases, God rescued His people from the death penalty that was imposed, signaling His approval of their actions.

In the New Testament, the book of Acts records the civil disobedience of Peter and John towards the authorities that were in power at the time. After Peter healed a man born lame, they were arrested for preaching about Jesus and put in jail. The religious authorities

were determined to stop them from teaching about Jesus; however, Peter said: “Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:19–20). Later, the rulers confronted the apostles again and reminded them of their command to not teach about Jesus, but Peter responded, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).

One last example of civil disobedience is found in the book of Revelation where the Antichrist commands all those who are alive during the end times to worship an image of himself. But the apostle John who wrote Revelation states that those who become Christians at the time will disobey the Antichrist and his government and refuse to worship the image (Revelation 13:15) just as Daniel’s companions violated Nebuchadnezzar’s decree to worship his idol.

Civil Disobedience - Conclusion What conclusions can be drawn from the above biblical examples? The guidelines for a Christian’s civil disobedience can be summed as follows: • Christians should resist a government that commands or compels evil, and should work nonviolently within the laws of the land to change a government that permits evil.

• Civil disobedience is permitted when the government’s laws or commands are in direct violation of God’s laws and commands.

• If a Christian disobeys an evil government, unless they can flee from the government, they should accept that government’s punishment for their actions.

• Christians are certainly permitted to work to install new government leaders within the laws that have been established.

Lastly, Christians are commanded to pray for their leaders and for God to intervene in His time to change any ungodly path that they are pursuing: “First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity” (1 Timothy).

What say you – Naga Christians!

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

Tuesday 31•01•2017

EntErtainmEnt

The Tribesmen set to win an Oscar

T

hey had never seen a film before, let alone been asked to act in one - but now a cast of tribesmen who have eschewed the conveniences of modern life are a step closer to winning Australia's firstever Oscar for a foreign language film. Tanna, set in the tiny South Pacific nation of Vanuatu, depicts the true story of a couple who decided to marry for love, rather than obey their parents' wishes.

For directors Bentley Dean and Martin Butler, their film's evolution from a tiny production on an archipelago 2,300 miles from the north-east coast of Australia, to an Oscar contender for best foreign film, is as thrilling as it is inconceivable. Their project was shot in the indigenous Nauvhal language, one of the 110 languages spoken on Vanuatu, with an amateur cast of villagers.

'It was just fabulous news and a little bit hard to believe,' Dean said in an interview earlier this week, shortly after receiving word of the film's Oscar nod.

'Given how it all started, I think it makes it a bit more improbable.'

The film's roots began 10 years ago, when Butler sent Dean to Tanna to work on a documentary. Dean

Vanuatu hunters who still use bows and arrows and who have never seen a film will be unlikely stars of Academy Awards

fell in love with Tanna's lush landscape and rich culture and vowed to find a way to return. A few years ago, he and Butler decided to approach the people living in the tiny village of Yakel to see if they would be interested in collaborating on a feature film.

The idea was certainly novel to the tribe, who had never even seen a film.

Though aware of the outside world, the community chooses to live like their ancestors, hunting with bows and arrows and eschewing modern conveniences like electricity. The direc-

tors showed the villagers a couple of movies on a laptop to give them an idea of what they wanted to create.

The tribe loved the idea and quickly agreed to the project.

Dean wanted the film to be a collaborative effort in which the Yakel people could tell their own story.

And so in 2014, he moved to the community with his wife and two young children and lived there for seven months, absorbing everything he could about their history and culture.

The villagers told Dean the true story of two lovers who, years before, found

themselves caught in a tribal war over a traditional arranged marriage that threatened to split them apart. That story became the plot for 'Tanna.'

Though none of the villagers had ever acted before, they managed to turn out performances so genuine they stunned the filmmakers. 'Trained actors have said to us that they're envious of the performances that they see,' Dean said.

'They're so truthful.'

The directors promised the tribe they would be the first in the world to see the completed film. But short-

ly before the planned first screening, a cyclone tore across Vanuatu, flattening all the houses in Yakel and ruining the crops. The filmmakers suggested they postpone the premiere, but the villagers insisted they come anyway. And so Dean and Butler traveled back to Yakel, where the tribe had constructed a viewing screen by stringing a couple of sheets up to a giant banyan tree that had survived the storm. Dean set up a projector and everyone gathered to watch the story unfold.

The villagers loved it so much, Dean said, the chiefs delivered a formal speech praising the film for reflecting the tribe's truth. The fact that 'Tanna' is the first Australian movie to be nominated for an Oscar in the foreign language category makes it even more special, Dean said.

And while the film's Oscar nomination and other accolades are thrilling, the best part of the experience for Dean was the connection he and his family made to a culture so different from their own. 'There's a saying there the chiefs that when you connect with an outsider, you build a road between one another,' Dean said. 'And there's a definite road between us now that will go on indefinitely.'

Miss France wins Miss Universe crown

A

24-year-old woman from Paris won the Miss Universe crown on Monday, in a three-hour show in the Philippine capital that focused on diversity and overcoming life struggles, besting 85 hopefuls from all over the world.

Iris Mittenaere, who is pursuing a degree in dental surgery, won the 65th edition of the annual competition hosted for the third time by the Philippines. "I was very surprised I won, I feel blessed," said MitSource: Mail Online tenaere, who had been

described on the Miss Universe website as hoping "to advocate for dental and oral hygiene" if she won.

"Miss Universe was a dream, every girl wants to be Miss Universe...the stage is amazing, everything is amazing." She added, "I want to help people, I want to understand people, I want to meet people, that's why this is a dream for me."

Raquel Pelissier of Haiti is the first runner-up, while Andrea Tovar of Colombia placed second runner-up.

Thirteen contestants were

PeeCee amongst 150 of the Bigg Boss 10: Manveer Gurjar donates half his winnings to Salman Khan's Charity anveer Gurjar won the 10th can't get. Inside the house we also got some Most Fashionable Women season of controversial real- gifts from 'Being Human' through Salman. So,

M

ity show Bigg Boss on Sunday and minutes after he received Rs 40 lakh prize money, the Noida-based non-celebrity winner donated half of it to host Salman Khan's Being Human foundation. Manveer's father, who came to the finale, had pledged half of the prize money to Salman Khan's organisation Being Human and Manveer told news agency PTI that it makes him feel good that he can contribute something towards charity from his first income. Last year's winner Prince Narula also donated a sum from the prize money to Salman Khan's Being Human Foundation.

"My father had come to meet me inside the house. There are a lot of things which people

we thought what better a stage to do this. It was my father's decision. Money can come and go but this feels good," Manveer told PTI. Manveer beat Bani J and Lopamudra Raut to become the winner of Bigg Boss 10, which for the first time pitted commoners against celebrities. Bani were the first runner-up while Lopamudra Raut became the second runner-up.

Manveer, from Team Indiawale won the show and told news agency PTI: "I have lived this journey, fought my way, and now sitting here as a winner I feel I've done everything from my heart. This is the result of being honest."

picked for the swimsuit round of the finals after a preliminary competition last week, before being pruned to nine for the evening gown segment, and then to six.

Rounding out the top six were Maxene Medina of the Philippines, Chalita Suansane of Thailand and Mary Esther Were of Kenya. Steve Harvey returned as show host after a gaffe in the 2015 competition, when he mistakenly announced the wrong winner.

Source: Reuters

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

Source: NDTV

Antonio Banderas was rushed to hospital after 'cardiac episode'

HOTel aRiel

A

ctor Antonio Banderas was taken to a hospital near his home in Surrey after he reportedly suffered a major heart scare while exercising.

Banderas was taken to hospital last week.

Banderas was working out when he suddenly experienced agonising pain in his chest, reports aceshowbiz.com.

An ambulance was called and he was rushed to St Peter's Hospital in Chertsey. Doctors kept the 56-year-old in for observation, but decided to release him after being satisfied that he was safe to go home.

Banderas, who is now recovering, confirmed that he had an "episode". He praised the doctors who helped him during his health crisis.

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T

he red carpet looks of our Desi Girl Priyanka Chopra have been setting a trend on a global level and without a doubt, the actress has now made it to the best-dressed list. Harper's Bazaar recently celebrated the 150th anniversary of the iconic publication with the 150 Most Fashionable Women featured in the February issue where Priyanka made it to the list under The New Guard.

The excited 34-yearold, who has made a mark

in the West with her impeccable fashion sense, took to Twitter to thank the magazine as she wrote, "Thx u @harpersbazaarus for including me as one of ur 150 Most Fashionable Women, among such an extraordinary group!"

Madonna is featured on the cover of the milestone issue with a list of icons including: PeeCee, Beyonce, Charlize Theron, Kim Kardashian, Lupita Nyong'o, Sarah Jessica Parker and Naomi Campbell.

Source: ANI

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SPORTS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Ronaldo turns boos to cheers for Real

BaRCELONa, JaNUaRy 30 (REUtERs): Cristiano Ronaldo shrugged off the boos of his own supporters to fire Real Madrid to a 3-0 win over Real Sociedad on Sunday as Zinedine Zidane's side took advantage of slip ups

by Barcelona and Sevilla to open up a four-point lead at the top of La Liga.

Ronaldo teed up Mateo Kovacic for the opener in the 38th minute to cool tensions at the Bernabeu after supporters had grown impatient with an uninspired display and then secured victory with a strike of his own in the 51st.

Substitute Alvaro Morata then put the finishing touch to the win by adding the third in the 82nd minute. With Barcelona only able to snatch a 1-1 draw at Real Betis with a late Luis Suarez equaliser after earlier having had a clear goal disallowed and 10-man Sevilla losing 3-1 at Espanyol, Real strengthened their po-

sition at the top of the table.

They have 46 points with Barca second on 42, ahead of third-placed Sevilla on goal difference.

Zidane's side also have a game in hand on both their title rivals.

Ronaldo had been one of the scapegoats for Real's recent stuttering run which saw them win one of their last four games and exit the King's Cup in midweek to Celta Vigo.

He was whistled after giving the ball away early in the game and responded by shouting back at the crowd although all was forgiven when he latched onto Kovacic's through ball and coolly chipped it into the net.

"After a few difficult days we were back doing our thing. It was a good night because our rivals drew and lost. You're alReal Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo (R) and Real Sociedad's Raul Navas in action. (REUTERS) ways more motivated when your rivals slip up," Zidane time we played well. It's not equaliser for Barcelona but the ball clearly crossing the ute after they had hit the told reporters. easy to score three goals their title hopes were dent- line. Betis's Alex Alegria woodwork twice in quick "We had some difficult against Real Sociedad." ed as the champions were gave the home side a de- succession although Sumoments but at the same Suarez snatched a late also denied a goal despite served lead in the 75th min- arez secured a point for the

visitors by arrowing home Lionel Messi's through ball in the 90th.

Before the equaliser, Barca were left incensed when Aleix Vidal's cross was deflected towards goal and the ball crossed the line by about a metre before Aissa Mandi scrambled it away.

Unlike the English Premier League, there is no goalline technology in La Liga to help the referee.

"I have nothing to say about the ghost goal, I've seen the pictures. Technology could help, and it's obvious that referees need help," Barca coach Luis Enrique told reporters.

GILT-EDGED CHANCE Betis striker Ruben Castro missed a gilt-edged chance to seal an unlikely win but failed to beat MarcAndre ter Stegen after racing through on goal unchallenged.

Suarez's goal came too late for Barca to score an-

other as their five-game winning streak in all competitions ended.

"We did not play well, we made lots of errors in the first half and in the second half they were completely superior to us, we were nowhere near our usual level," Luis Enrique said. "The final minutes changed our sensations but this feels like a point gained.

Fellow contenders Sevilla also faltered at Espanyol after playing almost the whole game with 10 men after Nico Pareja was sent off in the second minute.

Goals from their former player Jose Antonio Reyes, Marc Navarro and Gerard Moreno condemned Jorge Sampaoli's side to their first defeat after a run of five league wins.

Stevan Jovetic scored for the visitors, who battled back to level, but the strain of playing for so long with 10 men after Pareja's straight red card eventually showed.

Pakistan to host T20 league final on home soil SC appoints four-member panel to run BCCI

C M Y K

IsLaMaBaD, JaNUaRy 30 (REUtERs): Pakistan will host the final of its domestic Twenty20 tournament on home soil in March, the country's cricket board (PCB) said on Monday, a big lift for a nation which has largely been shunned by international teams since 2009 due to security risks.

Last year, the inaugural Pakistan Super League (PSL), based on the franchise model of the Indian Premier League and Australia's Big Bash League, became a success though all the matches were played in the United Arab Emirates.

The PCB said at the time that the real test would be to bring

the game back home.

In 2009, gunmen attacked a bus carrying the Sri Lankan team from their hotel to Lahore's Gaddafi stadium for a test match, injuring six players and killing six security personnel and two civilians.

The incident forced Pakistan to play their home matches in the UAE and the country has since remained starved of international cricket at home, apart from Zimbabwe's limited-overs tour in 2015.

"We will host the final in Lahore on March 7," the PCB's executive committee chairman Najam Sethi told Reuters. "We are going full steam ahead, and

have all the green signals."

Last week, Giles Clarke, the head of the International Cricket Council's (ICC) Pakistan Task Force, arrived in the country on a two-day fact-finding mission on security. "We've been able to see very significant work that has been invested in, and invested very wisely in how safety and security will be made possible for visiting international cricket teams," Clarke said.

"There's a considerable amount of perception that needs to be changed and information that needs to be shared.

But I am most impressed by the efforts of the authorities to make Lahore a safe city." A se-

nior PCB official said the PSL final would be hosted in Lahore "for sure, but only if there is no big security related incident from now to Feb. 9," when the league kicks off in the UAE. Last year, the PCB sold five franchises for $93 million and attracted players from 11 different countries, including big names like West Indies batsman Chris Gayle and former captains Kumar Sangakkara of Sri Lanka and England's Kevin Pietersen. National television viewing figures were higher than for the 2015 World Cup, with 55 percent of Pakistan's TV-watching public tuning into the tournament at peak times.

MDFA to conduct training and examination for football coaches

MOkOkChUNg, JaNUaRy 30 (MExN): For the first time in Mokokchung, an intensive training camp for local football coaches will be held in the month of February, 2016 which will be conducted by an All India Football Federation (AIFF) “D” Certificate instructor, N William Koso.

The training camp for the coaches is being organized by the Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA) with an aim to make the football coaches of local clubs to become more professional and dynamic while coaching their club players.

During the camp, the local coaches will be intensively trained and an examination conducted, after which a ‘D-License’ certificate will be awarded to the successful participants.

The MDFA, during the last decades of organizing the annual MDFA Trophy, has observed that the clubs also needs professional and trained football coaches, so that the local players can better perform while playing in the field. This training camp is also an outcome of years of deliberations among the footballers and local coaches by the MDFA. In this connection, the MDFA

has invited all the interested local football club coaches and those aspiring to become more professional football coaches to avail this great opportunity and gain the D-License certificate which will be certified by the AIFF DCertificate Instructor.

The MDFA has invited all the interested participants to submit their bio-data to Supongwati, the MDFA Tournament Secretary, on or before 6th of February, 2016. Furthermore, those interested football coaches can contact the MDFA Tournament Secretary at mobile number: 9856699423 for more details.

DC Phek restrains conduct of PDSA tournament

PhEk, JaNUaRy 30 (DIPR): The Phek District Games & Sports Association Tournament has been scheduled at Phek from February 7 to 14 despite a pending settlement of an issue between the two nomenclatures of Khezha Range and Kuzhatephe Range. Finding that the issue is found to be very serious and contentious to both the groups among the people, the matter was referred to the Jury Board under Chakhesang Public Organisation, but, the matter is still pending settlement.

The venue of PDSA tournament has been changed from Pfutsero to Phek without proper consultation with the concerned hosting range, and it is apprehensions are for a very serious law & order situation in the district Hq. as well as Pfutsero. In view of the prevailing situation, the district administration has restrained the conduct of PDSA Tournament at Phek or elsewhere in Phek District till such time the Jury Board of CPO has brought an amicable and permanent solution on the aforementioned issue.

Sachin warns Australia ahead of India series; goes gaga over Federer, Nadal

MUMBaI, JaNUaRy 30 (agENCIEs): ‘Master Blaster’ Sachin Tendulkar has said he’s confident of the Virat Kohliled Indian cricket team beating Australia in the upcoming Test series. Speaking at an event, Tendulkar also chipped in about the epic Australian Open final between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

Team India will square off against the team from Down Under in a four-match Test series in India, starting from February 23. The former Indian skipper was extremely confident about the Indian team’s abilities but warned the ‘Men in Blue’ to not underestimate Australia, who were whitewashed 3-0 by Sri Lanka in their last Test series in the subcontinent.

“The last thing you would want to do is to underestimate your opposition,” said Tendulkar. “Australia is a strong side. It will be different to play in Indian conditions and Australian players have also acknowledged that, which is a compliment to the Indian team and the way they have been playing.” The confident ‘Little Master’ also urged the national team to prepare to the best of their abilities.

“You cannot take things for granted and you need to prepare yourself. Australia are going to be tough to handle as they

have always been, but I am confident of the Indian team,” added Tendulkar at an event organised to launch the ‘Sachin by Spartan’ range of sporting equipment.

Speaking about the Australian Open final, Tendulkar said he never wanted the clash between Federer and Nadal to get over. “Tennis was exciting. I have always been a huge fan of Roger Federer. I was one of those guys who did not want the match to get over,” said an excited looking Tendulkar. “We enjoyed their tennis, they (Federer, Nadal) have given us remarkable moments and that’s always going to stay with us.”

Federer and Nadal rolled back the years with a classic five-set match in the finals of 2017’s first Grand Slam, where the former beat his nemesis 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 to lift his 18th major at the age of 35.

The duo made an extraordinary comeback after they both battled recent injuries and were written-off. Tendulkar, who played for more than two decades for India had his fair share of injuries, said that he could relate to both the tennis players.

“The quality of tennis was just incredible. More so, I enjoyed because I could relate myself with both those athletes (Federer, Nadal),” revealed Tendulkar.

NEw DELhI, JaNUaRy 30 (IaNs): The Supreme Court on Monday appointed a fourmember Committee of Administrators (CoA), headed by former Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) Vinod Rai, to run the affairs of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

The bench of Justice Dipak Misra, Justice A.M. Khanwilkar and Justice D.Y. Chandrachud said the other members of the committee are to be: historian Ramchandra Guha, managing director & CEO of Infrastructure Development Finance Company (IDFC) Vikram Limaye and former women's cricket captain Diana Edulji.

The court also appointed a three-member committee comprising BCCI Joint Secretary Amitabh Choudhary, Treasurer Anirudh Chaudhry and Limaye to represent the Indian cricket board at the three-day International Cricket Council (ICC) meet starting on February 2.

While appointing four administrators, the court for now "deferred" a suggestion by Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi to appoint the Secretary, Ministry of Sports, as one of the administrators. It cited July 18, 2016, apex court verdict that barred a minister or a govern-

ment official from becoming the office-bearer of the national cricketing body.

The Attorney General had appeared for the Railways, inter-Services sports board and the Association of Universities.

The court cold-shouldered the submission by senior counsel Kapil Sibal that Vinod Rai was disqualified from being a part of the CoA as he is a Chairman, Bank Board Bureau -- a position under the Central government. As the head of the Banks Board Bureau, he is involved in the appointment of the heads of the public sector banks and the banking reforms.

The court said BCCI CEO Johri will submit to the Rai committee the report on the implementation or otherwise of the Justice Lodha Committee recommendations for organisational reforms in the board.

Directing the next hearing of the matter on March 27, the bench said that the CoA will submit its report on the status of the implementation of the Justice Lodha Committee recommendation to the court in four weeks' time.

It noted that Justice Lodha Committee had made 19 recommendations and 16 timelines. It also noted that submission by Sibal that "most of the recommendations of Justice

Lodha Commitrtee have been compiled with", has been disputed by counsel for the Lodha panel and also panel secretary Gopal Shankarnarayanan.

The court brushed aside suggestion by senior counsel Arvind Datar that the CoA should work without any remuneration as the BCCI officerbearers have been doing.

Rejecting the suggestion by Datar -- who had appeared for the BCCI -- the court said that he (Datar) would submit a proposal for a "respectful" remuneration for the administrators.

"When I (office-bearers of the BCCI) work pro bono, then why they (CoA) should not work pro bono," Datar told the bench.

Saying that for now it was only interested in seeing that Justice Lodha panel's recommendations were carried out, the court declined to pass any order on hearing a batch of applications seeking to shield the state associations from Lodha panel recommendations.

It was contended on their behalf that they could not be subjected to the Lodha recommendations as they have not been heard. They referred to an earlier judgment which said that the reforms were limited only to BCCI and not applicable to its State affiliates.

Federer says his game-style made him believe he could win 18th slam

MELBOURNE, JaNUaRy 30 (REUtERs): In his darkest moments last year when he doubted if he would ever get back to full fitness following his knee injury, Roger Federer clung on to one thought -- he still had the game to maybe sneak another grand slam title.

He was right.

Federer, who missed the Rio Olympics and U.S. Open last year while he recovered, outlasted Rafa Nadal in five sets on Sunday to clinch his 18th grand slam title at Melbourne Park, four and half years after his last.

"There's never a guarantee but I was always positive," the 35-year-old told the Australian Open website about how he got through the doldrums last year.

"It was about staying calm and believing the work's paying off and that the variety I have in my game maybe allows me to maybe sneak in one or a couple."

Federer said his belief was also based on the fact that until his injury, he was still competing well, reaching two grand slam finals in 2015 and two semi-finals in 2016. "If you look back at my results, in 2016 and especially in 2015, I think I played some really good tennis and some good attacking tennis," he said.

Switzerland's Roger Federer hugs the trophy after winning the Men's singles final at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia in this handout image taken January 30. (REUTERS)

"Honestly I believed I could do it, the question was how's Novak (Djokovic) going to play, how's Andy (Murray) going to play, Rafa and everybody.

"I knew it was going to be hard because they're not getting any worse and I am getting older so I don't have much time." With Murray and Djokovic both go-

ing out before the quarterfinals at Melbourne Park, Federer took his chance, beating Kei Nishikori, Stan Wawrinka and then Nadal.

Federer, who had promised to "party like rock stars" after the victory was bleary eyed when he turned up to the champions' photo shoot in Melbourne on Monday.

"Waking up, I don't know if I slept, even if I did sleep," said Federer. "I had to look at the highlights again to remember how close the match was again."

Federer climbed to 10th in the rankings after his win and added it was his self belief when he had been trailling 3-1 in the final set that had helped him

to victory. "I said to myself, 'I'm all in'," he said. "I still had the mindset that I had nothing to lose.

"I think I was able to shuffle all those things around in my head and believe until the very end I could actually turn it around and the last four games were just epic, so I couldn't be happier."

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