January 3rd, 2017

C M Y K

C M Y K

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TuesDAY • JAnuArY 03 • 2017

DIMAPUR • Vol. XII • Issue 01 • 12 PAGes • 5

T H e

ESTD. 2005

P o W e R

o F

Trust in dreams, for in them is hidden the gate to eternity

By Sandemo Ngullie

PAGE 12

Policy to separate naga lands questioned Khiamniungan Nagas condemn Govt of India and Myanmar move to fence 3500 acres of Naga lands

What happy and prosperous year, hm? Aree, the year maybe new, but government toh same ase toh na!

AFSPA is yet again extended in ‘Disturbed’ Nagaland State NEw DElhi, JaNuary 2 (agENciEs): The Central Government has yet again declared Nagaland as a ‘disturbed area’ for six months. In a notification issued on 30th December, the government invoked the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), saying the area comprising the whole of state of Nagaland is in such a disturbed and dangerous condition that the use of Armed Forces in aid of the civil power is necessary. Section 3 of the AFSPA empowers the Central government to declare the whole or such part of a state to be a disturbed area If it is of the opinion that the whole or any part of such state or union territory, as the case may be, is in such a disturbed or dangerous condition that the use of armed forces in aid of the civil power is necessary.

In November last year, itself the Centre had made it clear that the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA), will not be repealed any time soon.

In July, the Supreme Court had observed that “normalcy not being restored cannot be a fig leaf for prolonged, permanent or indefinite deployment of the Armed Forces… as it would mock at our democratic process…”

Noklak, JaNuary 2 (MExN): The Government of India and the Government of Myanmar now seem to be collaborating to divide indigenous lands through physical fencing, leaving people without access to their ancestral lands and livelihood.

Despite opposition from the indigenous people here, the two governments have begun preparations to seal off 3500 acres of Khiamniungan Naga land, which will also result in a loss of livelihood for the people.

The Khiamniungan people have condemned this “policy of separation” and termed the move a “felonious act.”

“We the people of Wolam (Pangsha) vehemently condemn both the Govt. of India and Myanmar for such inhuman act, and we strongly oppose the policy of mending fence and separation in our land,” stated the Chairman of the New Pangsha Village Council in a press statement today.

Explaining the situation, Chairman of New Pangsha Village Council, P Shingnya, stated that “Decades of centuries since the origin, we lived as Khiamniungan in our inherent territory.

This land was not given by any foreigners but inherited by our ancestors.”

The Khiamniungan people of the Pangsha and Pounyiu villages, neighbouring each other, stand to be divided by the imaginary international border lines

vable land to the other side from where we have been sustained,” stated the press note.

In addition to generational damage, the construction of the border trench at International Trade Centre (ITC, Dan) has “spoiled the water pipe-line connections, and reckless cutting of forest belonging to the native people, showing your merciless act towards the people of Pangsha,” stated the New Pangsha Village Council.

Seen above is a road passing through the Khiamniungan Naga lands between India and Myanmar.

The Govt. of India and Myanmar are preparing to fence the border between their countries which will create a physical division among the indigenous Khiamniungan Naga people who inhabit the lands, leading to a loss of community and livelihood. (Morung File Photo)

between the Indian Union and Myanmar.

“Pangsha and Pounyiu lived as neighbours; we had never fought or had any disputes till today. Unfortunately, today we see Indo-Burma Khiamniungan separated from each other by drawing the imaginary lines from Border Pillar Nos. 139 to 146 between India and Myanmar keeping the indigenous people deprived of ownership of land,” stated the office of the New Pangsha Village Council in a press statement today.

It informed that border pillar no. 146, which runs through their land, was instated in 19701971 as an “undisclosed covert act” without the consent of the people.

Affirming that “we do not deny any one’s own country’s

border line,” the Chairman of the New Pangsha Village Council stated that despite the “imaginary line 146,” Pangsha and Pounyiu lived in peace and respected the “fundamental concept of International boundary line till today.”

It also noted that there is no such dispute between India and Myanmar which demands the erecting of a fence between the two countries.

“Today, we shed our tears for such felonious act of the Indian Govt. and Myanmar Govt. tearing off the inherent wealth and peaceful environment of our people. Imaginary line was enough for the Indo-Burmese Khiamniungan Naga, and now dismantling and drawing the geographical trench is a sign of trying to divide the native peo-

ple inviting the unforeseen circumstances of war and hatred between the two brothers living both in India and Myanmar,” maintained the Village Council Chairman.

Policy of separation and loss of livelihood The village registered a strong opposition to this “policy of separation.”

It explained that 160 Khiamniungan villages fall under Myanmar. As per the ongoing survey for border fencing, 3500 acres of Pangshas’ land goes into Myanmar “which was and is our livelihood.”

“We have been living as Indian for years. We are your sons and daughters, and now with this act of separation, all our hope is gone as with the allocation of our culti-

Ex-minister Mhonshan Murry passes away

clarified today that the ultimatum dated December 10, 2016, submitted by the Naga Hoho and the ENPO was received and the issue was discussed in the cabinet meeting held on December 13, 2016.

“The cabinet felt that it could be in the best interest of the State to go ahead with the elections to the ULBs, rather than wait for the court verdict on the issue,” the CMO noted.

However, keeping in mind the ultimatum by the two apex bodies, a meeting was convened with representatives of the Naga Hoho and the ENPO at the Chief Minister’s residence at Dimapur on December 17, 2016, where the Cabinet, Parliamentary Secretaries and other Legislators were present, informed the CMO.

As per the CMO statement, the position of the government and the need to hold elections was again explained and reiterated. “It was felt that all the issues raised were amply clarified on that day and the matter has been understood by all present. The announcement of dates for holding the municipal and town councils were hence issued only on 21st Dec 2016 after the meeting of 17th Dec 2016,” stated the CMO. The Office thus noted that the Government has “neither ignored nor did it have the intention to sideline the ultimatum submitted by the Naga Hoho and the ENPO. However, if any misunderstanding has been created on this count it is deeply regretted.”

Opposition to ULB election gathers storm

NEw DElhi, JaNuary 2 (iaNs): President Pranab Mukherjee on Monday appointed Professor David R. Syiemlieh as the Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Syiemlieh is from Meghalaya, and was a UPSC member. "The President has appointed Syiemlieh to perform the duties of the post of Chairman, Union Public Service Commission," a statement said here. The 63-year-old Syiemlieh will assume charge on January 4 and retire on January 21, 2018.

Ground reality Seeking the urgent attention of both the Indian and Myanmar governments, the Khiamniungan Tribal Council (KTC) had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Myanmar President U. Htin Kyaw, urging them to halt the fencing work, as they were not consulted on the issue.

“We have been using the land for Jhum cultivation for so long. Though the border pillars were set up in the middle of our lands all of a sudden, we did not object as it did not stop our people from passing through.

Now all of a sudden what is the meaning of constructing fencing between the border pillars?”

S. Puthein, Chairman of Village Council Dan, a village of Khiamniungan on the Indian side of the border, said.

When contacted, the Ministry of Home Affairs said that India was not involved in the construction of the fence.

“Ministry of Home has not proposed any fence on the IndoMyanmar border. On this issue the MEA has been apprised as it is their subject. We have told our people that there will be no construction in our zone and

also there will no construction in non-construction zone. Assam Rifles will ensure that,” Pradeep Gupta, Joint Secretary (Border Management) in the ministry, told IANS. “If the Myanmar government is doing this, then we will ensure that no construction is done in the 10 metres of no-construction zone. The government is trying to clear all the doubts of the locals living in the border areas on this,” said Gupta.

In 2013, the Indian government had to stop fencing work across Manipur’s border with Myanmar following allegations that it passed through Indian land in many parts.

Khriezo Yhome, an expert on Indo-Myanmar affairs at the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) said: “It is important for the two countries to understand the ground realities. The fencing will have an adverse impact on the lives of local people living there.”

He said the challenge was that, on the ground, the boundary lines are not crystallised.

“India and Myanmar have a free movement regime (FMR), which allows local tribals to travel 16 km on each side of the boundary. In such situation, if the fencing comes, then it will be contradicting the FMR,” Yhome told IANS. A lot of villagers from the Myanmar side come to the Indian side to buy basic essentials.

“The boundary lines cut across houses, lands and villages of the tribal people living there. This is not just confined to Nagaland but in several bordering areas of Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Manipur,” said Yhome.

With inputs from IANS

CMO appeals for cooperation to ULB elections Former minister KV Pusa passes away

kohiMa, JaNuary 2 (MExN): The Chief Minister of Nagaland has appealed to the Eastern Naga People’s Organisation (ENPO) to extend its cooperation in peaceful conduct of elections to the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) which has been set in motion.

The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) stated today that the Government of Nagaland is “clear” that neither the Nagaland municipal (3rd amendment) Act 2016 nor the reservation of seats for women does in any way infringe upon Article 371-A of the Constitution of India, and the State Government “stands by this.”

With reference to a letter subDiMapur, JaNuary mitted by the ENPO on the Naga2 (MExN): Former minland Municipal issue, the CMO ister Mhonshan Murry (Asha) from Okotso village passed away at Naga Hospital Authority Kohima on January 1. Mhonshan was DiMapur, JaNuary 2 elected as Member of Na- (MExN): A storm seems to be gathgaland Legislative Assem- ering around the elections to Nably (NLA) from 39th Sanis galand State’s Urban Local Bodies A/C in 1974 and re-elected (ULBs), which is slated to be held in 1977. He served as Min- in February this year. Several tribe ister in different capaci- based organizations have come toties, including Minister for gether to oppose the Nagaland State Information & Publicity, Government’s move to go ahead Tourism, Law & Parliamen- with the elections that will see 33% tary Affairs. reservation of seats for women.

Professor David Syiemlieh appointed UPSC chairman

SC sacks BCCI top brass for defying the Lodha panel recommendations

PAGE 02

PAGe 09

reflections

— Khalil Gibran

GVHL to operate Helicopter service in Nagaland

Islamic State car bomb hits Baghdad

T R u T H

CNTC The Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) has “firmly resolved to oppose” the ULB elections within the CNTC jurisdictions of Mokokchung, Wokha, Zunheboto and Dimapur “till appropriate amendments are made to Municipal Act which infringes upon the Article 371-A of the Constitution,” stated a press release from CNTC media cell today.

This decision, it stated, was “collectively taken” at a meeting of three apex bodies of Ao Senden, Lotha Hoho and the Sumi Hoho held at the Tourist Lodge Dimapur. Dimapur based units like Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur, Lotha Hoho Dimapur and Western Sumi Hoho were also present at the meeting. “The opening remark of the Article (371-A) 'Notwithstanding' clearly defines that the rights and interests of the

Nagas cannot be compromised requested all “likeminded” youth whatsoever in any manner,” the organisations to “join hands in opCNTC maintained. posing the elections to Urban Local Bodies in its present form which inAYO fringes on our customary law and The Angami Youth Organisation also tries to squash Article 371(A) of (AYO) has decided to boycott the the Constitution of India.” upcoming elections to ULBs within the Angami jurisdiction till further Ao Senden instruction is received from the AnThe Ao Senden Mokokchung gami Public Organisation (APO). and the All Ward Union of MokokcIn this direction, it has in- hung have reaffirmed their decision formed all its range units to mobil- to oppose the Nagaland Municiise volunteers and “be prepared pal and Town Council Act during a for any eventuality,” stated a press meeting held on December 29, and release from AYO President, Ne- January 2, in Mokokchung. inguvotuo Krose, and Vice PresiA note signed by Acting President, Peter Rutsa. It further stated dent Wb. C Angang Jamir and Actthat “In case of any untoward in- ing Secretary L Tally Lkr, informed cident, the AYO will hold the Gov- that the resolution the decision to ernment responsible.” ban the election was taken with a In support of the APO boycott view to protect the identity of not call against holding of elections to only the Ao community but of all ULBs with 33% reservation in its Naga people. The Senden, thus, present form, the AYO appealed forbade any Ao citizen from conto all political parties and intend- testing the ULB election from and ing candidates to refrain from fil- outside the district. ing of nomination to the municiIt also warned that whoever pal and town council elections, goes against the resolution will be till an amicable understanding is answerable, and will be punished, reached between the State Gov- as per the Ao customary law. ernment and the Angami Public The Ao Senden Mokokchung Organisation, various Tribal Ho- consequently empowered leaders hos and other Naga civil societies. from different wards and towns in The AYO has impressed upon Mokokchung district to prohibit filall its members not to file their ing of nomination for the upcomnomination. It has additionally ing ULB election.

Our Correspondent Kohima | January 2

Former Minister and veteran Congress leader KV Pusa breathed his last this morning at around 1:00 AM at Oking Hospital, Kohima. He was born on November 3, 1954 and is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter.

Pusa, a sitting member of All India Congress Committee (AICC), was a Minister for Veterinary & Animal Husbandry, Nagaland from 19981999 and Minister for Roads & Bridges and Mechanical Nagaland from 2000 to 2003 in the erstwhile SC Jamir led Congress Government.

Hailing from Viswema village under Kohima district, Pusa first got elected to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly as an independent candidate from 15th Southern Angami Assembly Constituency in 1993. He later joined the Indian National Congress from under which he won three elections – 1998, 2003 and 2008.

In the Congress, Pusa served as general secretary of Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (1990-92), member CPP, Parliamentary Secretary NPCC (1990-92) and president NPCC (2008-2009).

In government service, he served as PRO/PS of Chief Minister (1979-82), PRO Commissioner’s Office (1982-84) and Protocol Officer/Dy. Secretary Home (1984-88).

Besides being an active political career, Pusa also served as the chairman of Kohima English School; chairman Southern Angami Farmer’s Union; convener Drafting Committee (Founding member); NCSU, vice president Southern Angami Sports Association; joint secretary Southern Angami Union; and chairman Mezhur Higher Secondary School.

Veteran Nagaland leader KV Pusa passed away on January 2, 2017. A funeral service was held at his residence in Kohima. (Morung Photo)

Before joining politics, he was an active student leader, who among others, served as the general secretary of Kohima College Students’ Union and vice president Southern Angami Students’ Union.

Pusa’s funeral service was held here this afternoon at his private residence at Pusa’s Home, Old Minister’s Hill, Kohima where people from different walks of life came to pay respect and homage to the departed soul.

Speaking at the service, Member of Parliament Lok Sabha, Neiphiu Rio said that Pusa was his childhood friend. In working together in politics, Rio said Pusa served as general secretary of UDF youth wing Nagaland while he served as president.

He worked tirelessly for the Naga people and was a true leader, he added.

Following 28 years’ association with Pusa, former minister Nillo Rengma described Pusa as ‘humble and sociable’ and expressed regret that the Nagas have lost one of its greatest leaders.

Former Home Minister I Imkong, in his tribute, said Pusa was one of the patriots of Naga nationalism.

Z. Lohe, former minister, considered Pusa a wonderful gift from God for “his family, his village, friends and Nagas as a whole” while PHED Minister Tokheho Yepthomi

deemed him “one of the best human beings.”

Several others also spoke at the funeral service while Dr. Elivil Pusa spoke on behalf of family.

Condolence messages from Nagaland State Governor P.B. Acharya, Odhisa’s Governor Dr. S.C Jamir and Nagaland’s Chief Minister T.R. Zeliang were also read out at the funeral service.

Condolence messages were also received from Arunachal Pradesh former Chief Minister Nabam Tuki, NPCC, Ex-Parliamentarian Association of Nagaland, BJP state unit, Naga Hoho, APO, AMK, AYO, ASU, NPYC, KDCC, Phek DCC, Mao Union Kohima, Poumai Union, SAPO, former MP W Wangyuh Konyak and several others.

Nagaland’s Home Minister Y. Patton, Parliamentary Secretary for tourism C. Apok Jamir, MLA Er. Kropol Vitsu, Nagaland State Mineral Development Corporation (NSMDC) Chairman Neiphrezo Keditsu, Parliamentary Sectary for industries & commerce Amenba Yaden, Merentoshi R Jamir, Advisor to the Chief Minister and several others were also present at the funeral service.

Later, the mortal remains of Pusa was taken to his native village Viswema for his final journey.

2

TuesDAY 03•01•2017

NAGALAND

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

GVHL to operate Helicopter service in Nagaland Dimapur, January 2 (Dipr): Nagaland Minister for Transport, Civil Aviation, IT &C and Border Affairs, Paiwang Konyak flagged off the State Helicopter service on January 2, 2017 at Dimapur Airport.

The Helicopter service will be operated by Global VECTRA Helicorp Limited (GVHL) for a period of two years starting from January 2, 2017 till December 31, 2018 as per the Memorandum of Understanding.

While flagging off the service, Paiwang impressed upon the GVHL for adapting themselves to the local environment and to deliver quality services to the people with the paramount safety aspect.

Paiwang urging upon the people of Nagaland availing the services to cooperate with the personnel of GVHL, reminded them that unlike motor vehicle transportation, air service regulations, weather con-

ditions, technical and State Emergency requirement may restrict the service causing last minute cancellation. He asked the commuters to bear with such inconvenience caused out of such situations at times.

Paiwang also informed that the Government of India facilitates operation of State Helicopter service under subsidised Scheme from the Ministry of Home Affairs. In view of the reviewed subsidy categorization by the GOI for State Helicopter Operation, the State Government cannot exceed the maximum flying hours guaranteed per month due to financial implications, he cited. He also said that the terms and guidelines of the subsidy scheme being granted to normal sortie commuters and medical or patient evacuation have to be strictly adhered to reminding that deviation would attract forfeiture of the subsidy claims. “Other

Minister Paiwang Konyak flags off the State Helicopter Services at Dimapur Airport on January 2, which will be operated by Global VECTRA Helicorp Limited (GVHL) for a period of two years starting from January 2, 2017 till December 31, 2018. (DIPR Photo)

than that, all requisition/ chartering by VIPs and VVIPs and any Agency; individual or group will have to bear the full date to qualify for continuation of the State Helicopter Service under the Scheme,” Paiwang informed.

The minister also said

that the Chief Minister of Nagaland, TR Zeliang keenly monitors the service being rendered to the people of Nagaland by the State Helicopter Service for ensuring that the services are utilised in maximum for the benefit of the people of the State.

Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Chief of GVHL, Captain Rajbir Singh Brinda thanked the Nagaland Government for giving them opportunity to serve the people and assured that the Company would carry out the task with utmost responsibility

living up to their expectations. He remarked that their sole purpose in Nagaland would be to serve the people ensuring that besides routine services to the forward areas in the State, medical evacuation by helicopter gets due support and attention.

Highlighting briefly on the history of the Company, Rajbir described GVHL as the most respected and largest helicopter operator in the country's private sector with a fleet of 26 helicopters comprising of both single and twin engine helicopters with six more to be inducted this year.

“The fleet includes AW 139, Bell 412, EC 155, EC135, H 130 and AS350 B3 and very soon to be inducting a first of its kind helicopter AW169 in India to be deployed for the Government of Bihar,” he maintained.

He further informed that the Company has a total of 97 pilots mostly from defence background, each with more than 20 years of flying experience in all types of terrain. The company operates from 14 locations in India with Nagaland to be the 15th location, he said.

Principal Secretary to the CM Nagaland and Finance Commissioner Gov-

ernment of Nagaland, Temjen Toy (IAS) who chaired the programme said that helicopter services in Nagaland started way back in 1987 and the current MOU with GVHL would be the 5th chapter in helicopter Aviation of Nagaland. He urged upon the Company for providing the services with diligence and sincerity for the benefit of the people of Nagaland.

Associate Pastor Lotha Baptist Church Dimapur, Thenjamo Tsanglao invoked God's blessings while Pastor, Dimapur Christian Fellowship, Rev. Subong Jamir offered the dedicatory prayer.

DC Dimapur Commissioner Police Dimapur, officials from Nagaland State Transport and Airport Authority Dimapur, officials and pilots from GYM and hosts of other dignitaries attended the programme held at Dimapur Airport premises.

Kidima St Francis Xavier’s WW II veteran Dimapur gears up for End of Season Sale at Westside!

Thanks Giving 2016 observed passes away KiDima, January 2 (mExn): St Francis Xavier’s Catholic Church Kidima completion of 46 years of “salvation faith in the village cum thanks giving” with Reverend Father Raymond D’Souza SJ, Director of Eden Garden, Children Home, Khuzama on December 31, 2016 night at Church premises.

Reverend Father Raymond D’Souza SJ in the introductory note said Jesus himself built Church on rock Peter that was faith. Father asked the faithful people to celebrate sacred service with enthusiasm and joyful. Further, he appealed in the large gathering people to help one another with joy and peace.

In the thanks giving celebration offered gratitude to God for giving life, faith and good health in the year and con-

tinue till end of the life, Father D’Souza added. Father also asked pardon and mercy from God then could accept before Him. Father cited an example of Roman Empire who tries to destroy church but at last they were defeated itself. D’Souza who was a pioneer missionary of Catholic faith in Kidima village lamented that could not have priest (Father) in 46 years of time and hope could have in 75 years time.

P. Tepekrovi Kiso in a press release said that special prayer was offered for Golden Jubilee 50 years to be celebrated in 2020. Holy Eucharist, lighting of 46 candles for the sign of years and thanks giving for all the blessing of year 2016 were the highlighted of the sacred programme.

Lt Gen Anil Chauhan takes over as GOC Spear Corps

Dimapur, January 2 (mExn): Lt Gen Anil Chauhan, AVSM, SM, VSM took over the command of the prestigious Spear Corps from Lt Gen Abhay Krishna, AVSM, SM, VSM. The new GOC is an alumnus of National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla and Indian Military Academy, Dehradun. He was commissioned into the 11th Gorkha Rifles in 1981.

Lt Gen Chauhan has had a distinguished career spanning various command, staff and instructional appointments. Most of his command assignments have been in insurgency & terrorism affected areas of Jammu & Kashmir and the North East. On staff he has served in vari-

Lt Gen Anil Chauhan, AVSM, SM, VSM.

ous capacities at Army HQ and above as UN military observer in Angola.

A press release from the AR stated that Lt Gen Abhay Krishna and Lt Gen Anil Chauhan both have conveyed their best wishes to the people of the North East region on the occasion of the New Year.

World War II veteran Thikhu Ruho of Phusachodu village under Phek district passed away on Sunday. He was 93 years. He served as Assam Regiment and the Indian Army and fought in WW II in 1944.

Dimapur, January 2 (mExn): Shopping this New Year will be rewarding like never-before as Westside, synonymous with fashion introduces the end of season sale offering up to 60% off on Apparels, Home, Accessories, Footwear & more to the city of Dimapur.

Starting January 1 to 29, refurbish your wardrobe enjoy up to 60% off on womenswear, menswear, kidswear, accessories, footwear, home, furniture and more across some of the best Westside brands.

A press release has informed that customers can shop from a range of contemporary and exclusively designed clothes for men, women and children, providing not just value for money but also the finest merchandise. The store has merchandise that compliments every aspect of your

BSU 45th annual session held

Dimapur, January 2 (mExn): The 45th annual session of Baimho Students’ Union (BSU) was held at Baimho Village from December 28 to 30.

The three-day session was graced by Andrew Ahoto, Chairman cum Principal of Livingstone Foundation Hr. Sec. School, Dimapur, as the chief guest.

Speaking on the occasion, the chief guest highlighted the importance of a community or village to remain united to usher in development of the region instead of indulging in money based and cheap vote-bank politics. He urged upon the gathering to choose a candidate on the basis of his merit so that he would work for the benefit of the people and bring development. Speaking on the side-

lines of skill-management, Ahoto remarked that a Nation or society without skill will ultimately kill the nation or society itself. He was of the view that education should not only be knowledge based but should also be skill based so that every individual gets his fair opportunity of contributing in the development of one’s community.

A press release stated that the inaugural programme was led by Ato M. Chophy, Vice-President of BSU while the invocation prayer was said by Ikatoli, Women Co-Ordinator.

The welcome speech was presented by Pukaho N. Kiba, President of BSU. The ‘Leshe’ Recitation was done by Livino Chophy and vote of thanks was proposed by Inaka A. Achumi,

Games & Sports Secretary of BSU. After the inaugural programme, an exhibition volleyball match was played between Baimho Sports Association and Baimho Students’ Union. A special display of traditional games like Ami Kukla, Shalupa Kiche, Angu Kupusu and Kupxa Kuxu was also conducted during the programme.

It is worth mentioning here that Baimho Village has two separate village administrative units viz. the Lashosha or Upper Baimho whose Head G.B is Ato Yepthomi. The other is the Lower Baimho or Chilsa which is administered

by Vikato Yepthomi as the Head GB and Hotokhu Chophy and Ghutovi Achu as the GB’s.

PVSU to organise sessions annually

The Aliba Baptist Arogo (church) celebrated its centenary from December 27 to 29, 2016. The main speakers were Rev Yanglu, missionary, Aliba Baptist Arogo; Rev Mar Atsongchanger, Executive Secretary, ABAM; Dr. Atola Longkumer, Associate Professor, SAIACS, Bangalore; Nungshi Pongen, pastor, Aliba Baptist Arogo; and Dr Kilemsüngla, former UPSC members.

The 100 years centenary monolith was dedicated and released on December 28 by Rev Mar Atsongchanger while the souvenir was released by Er Longzochang, Deputy Chief Engineer NPWD, convener, Souvenir Committee. Centennial Fiesta, Celebration Night Programme and mass feast were some other highlights of the three days event. (Photo Courtesy: Toshi Kichu)

WoKha, January 2 (mExn): Pongidong Village Students Union (PVSU) held its session on December 29 and 30, 2016 under the theme, ‘Shouldering ones responsibility’ at community Hall, Pongidong.

It was decided during the programme that PVSU will organise their sessions annually.

During the session, Redt Additional Planning Commissioner, CN Ovung was the chief guest and Nchumbemo Humtsoe, Inspector Special Branch Wokha, Nagaland was the theme speaker.

The theme speaker reminded that from dawn to dark, everyone had various responsibilities therefore, one must be wary of one’s responsibility, which will transcend and wane all chaos and confusion in one’s life and in the society.

The chief guest said that student’s life is an investment of the parents and therefore, “one must question oneself, what will be the return to the parents. Student’s life is the best stage of life so it is always wise to choose the right path but students who botched it, lives a miserable life.” He also cautioned the students pursuing studies in the metro cities and towns not to be carried away by the glam-

our of the world but carry on with ones duties diligently, invest and explode ones full potential in the studies.

Welcome address was delivered by Nzanchumo Humtsoe, President PVSU, annual report from Benathung Tsopoe General Secretary and Liyani Emangrui Finance secretary, special song by the college students while Rev. Rapvuo Odyuo, Pastor Pongidong Baptist Church invoke God’s blessing, and Mosa said the benediction.

PVSU President Jonjibemo Tsopoe in a press release said that the Union elected a new team of office bearers for the tenure 2017-19, which will be headed by Jonjibemo Tsopoe as President, General Secretary Mhachamo Humtsoe, Lidemo (Alex) Lotha as finance along with others. The new office bearers were blessed by Rev. Elhio Pastor Christian Revival Church during the closing service which was held at Pongidong Baptist church, while Ben Lotha, Youth President Youth Director shared the words of God. On the first day after unfurling the union flag by the President, games and sports events was kick off and in the evening a brain storming literary session was organised by the literary secretary.

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Some of the departments include women’s wear, menswear, kids’ wear, footwear, cosmetics, perfumes and handbags, household furniture accessories, lingerie, and gifts.

25th Wedding anniVeRsaRY

You have always been a rock solid influence to us, Ipu and Iza. No one would ever quite see or know the sacrifice you make for us all.

And on this day, we are reminded again of how beautifully you embody.

Col. 3:14 – Your sacrificial love binds us all.

Loving, Sons & Daughters

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Late Bendangngangshi ao Born on 03-01-1977

died on 21-12-2016

Through this column we the family members would like to express our profound gratitude to each and every Individual and Society who stood and support us through Prayer, Materially, Financially and Physically during the prolong Illness and demise of our beloved father Late. Bendangngangshi Ao who expired on 21st December 2016 at Referral Hospital (CIHRC) Dimapur.

We specially would like to thank: 1.

2.

3.

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Naga Hospital Kohima Nikos Hospital Dimapur Zion Research Centre Dimapur International Hospital Guwahati Referral Hospital Diphupar Yimchunger Baptist Church Kohima Yimchunger Baptist Church Dimapur Chessore Town Baptist Church Huker Village Baptist Church DABA Lungmen Fellowship, Burma Camp.

Bethesda Faith Home Diphupar Longkhum Village Longkhum Union Dimapur Yimchunger Tribal Council All Ranks and Files of 3rd NAP, Tuensang NAPTC Chumukidema Shri. R. Tohanba Parl. Secretary. MA, Eco & Stat. GoN Mrs & Mr. Supongtemjen Pongen Mrs & Mr. Lanumar Longkhum Mrs & Mr. Kikameri Longkhum Dr. Bendangjungshi, Burma Camp, Dimapur Dr. Temjenmomgba, Burma Camp.

Mrs & Mr. Lakiumong BDO Chessore Mrs & Mr. M. Thrunso Advisor YAA Mrs & Mr. Yanba Showuba, Jt. Secy. ENPO Mrs & Mr. James Tokiu Retd. SIS Mrs & Mr. Shokum, Inspector Eco & Stat.

Sanjay, OSD Municipal

Though we are unable to thank each and every one of you personally, yet it’s our prayer that may the shower of thy blessings befall upon you abundantly.

From Loving Wife, Son & Family Me mbers.

Tuesday 03•01•2017

NORTH-EAST 3

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Special drive in Tripura for universal education of children agarTala, January 2 (IanS): The Tripura government has launched a special drive to provide education to every child, including those who are differently abled and do not attend school, an official said on Monday. "On Sunday we launched the week-long 'Vidyalaya Chalo Abhiyan' to bring every single child aged 6-14-years to schools," Tripura's elementary education department director Uttam Kumar Chakma told IANS. He said: "The differently-abled children unable to attend schools, our volunteers would go to their homes to provide teaching. This week-long programme was launched under the centrally-sponsored Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan." Chakma said that in a recent household survey, the education department officials found that only 586 children across Tripura were left out from receiving formal education before the beginning of this year's academic session from Monday.

Currently, Tripura has 3,700 schools for 569,512 students up to the 8th standard and the literacy rate stands at 96.82%.

Case registered against Sharmila to contest against Ibobi M'laya MLA in sex racket case

Imphal, January 2 (IanS): Irom Sharmila, who fasted for 16 years to demand the repeal of AFSPA, on Monday formally announced she will take on Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh in assembly polls.

Sharmila ended her fast against the Armed Forces (Special Powers)

Act or AFSPA on August 9 last year. Okram Ibobi Singh has been the Chief Minister for the last three terms after getting elected from Thoubal constituency.

Sharmila said: "During his 15 years of leadership he has not done anything to repeal AFSPA. Since I realise that no politician

shall repeal it, I am planning to contest the election, become the Chief Minister and repeal it."

The Chief Minister accused her of not speaking the truth. He said AFSPA was lifted from seven assembly segments in the Imphal Municipal Corporation with a promise to lift from other areas if

there was a positive response, he said. Referring to the general impression that she had given up her campaign against AFSPA, Sharmila said: "It is my unshakable objective to repeal it. I have merely changed tactics." Sharmila has formed the People's Resurgence and Justice Alliance.

ShIllong, January 2 (pTI): An independent legislator in Meghalaya was today booked by police for his alleged role in sexually exploiting a 14-year-old girl, a police official said.

"We have registered a case under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act against Julius Dorphang for his involvement in sexually exploiting the minor," SP City Vivek Syiem told PTI. Syiem said the case was registered at Laitumkhrah Police Station in the city and Dorphang was booked under section 366 (A) of the IPC read with section 3 (a)/4 of the POCSO Act and under section 5 of Immoral Trafficking Prevention Act (ITPA).

The matter first surfaced last month after a waiter at a guest house owned by Meghalaya Home Minister HDR Lyngdoh's son was arrested for trafficking the victim.

The minor victim, who was rescued near the guest house last month, later told the State Commis-

sion for Protection of Child Rights that she was taken to many guest houses and hotels.

The police were examining several angles on the role of all the accused in the sex racket case involving politicians.

Police were investigating Dorphang' role in the case after which they will move the court for an arrest warrant, Syiem said.

Dorphang, a legislator from Mawhati and also the founding chairman of the outlawed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) militant outfit, was not available for his comments.

Based on the victim's statement, four other women in the city were picked up and subsequently arrested last month for allegedly acting as a pimp for the girl.

Meanwhile, SCPCR chairperson Meena Kharkongor has directed the public prosecutor I C Jha to oppose any bail application of the arrested persons involved in the case.

Anoop Srivastava takes over UNC leaders further remanded to police custody Exclusive park for mountain a fresh FIR case taken against last. The Centre has deployed as secretary Tribal Affairs bikers opens in Darjeeling them. The key functionaries a large number of paramiliNewmai News Network

nEw dElhI, January 2 (pTI): Anoop Kumar Srivastava, an IAS officer of 1981 batch of Assam-Meghalaya Cadre has taken over the charge of Secretary in the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. Earlier to this, he was appointed Officer on Special Duty on November 29, 2016 in the same Ministry.

Srivastava has served in several capacities in Government of India as Secretary in the Departments of Official Language, Border Management, Ministry of Home Affairs, Additional Secretary and Special Secretary,

Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Joint Secretary in Ministries of Home Affairs and Finance.

In the States of Assam and Meghalaya, he served in various departments such as Agriculture, Health & Family Welfare, Public Health Engineering, Transport, Tourism, Power, Information Technology, Social Welfare, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary and Cooperation. He also served as Chief Electoral Officer of Meghalaya. Srivastava has also served in two State PSUs.

Imphal | January 2

United Naga Council (UNC) president Gaidon Kamei and its information and publicity secretary SK Stephen were produced before the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Imphal East on Monday, which remanded them to police custody till January 11.

The UNC leaders had been in police custody after they were formally arrested by Tadubi police station in connection with

of the Naga organization have been charged under various sections of the IPC in connection with torching of vehicles during the blockade.

Earlier, the UNC leaders were arrested by the police on November 25 after the ongoing indefinite economic blockade chocked highways. The state government accused the Centre of refusing to intervene in the over 60-day long blockade that began from November 1

tary personnel along NH-37 (Imphal-Jiribam route) to fetch essential goods.

UNC and other Naga organisations have been calling for immediate and unconditional release of Gaidon and Stephen. The UNC intensified the blockade after arrest of their two leaders. Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh has repeatedly assured that the UNC leaders will be released if the blockade is lifted.

Arunachal CM drops Laser walls, smart sensors at India-Bangladesh border soon 3 ministers, 2 advisors KolKaTa, Centre’s plan to keep a tight January 2 vigil at the Indo-Bangla bor(IndIan ExprESS): The

ITanagar, January 2 (pTI): Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has dropped three ministers from his council of ministers, a notification issued by the chief secretary said today.

On the recommendation of the chief minister, Governor V Shanmuganathan gave his assent to the removal of the ministers -- Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development, Fisheries, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Rajesh Tacho, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Tanga Byaling and PHE, Water Supply and Disaster Management Minister Takam Pario -- on December 31 last.

The portfolios attached to the three of them would now be held by the chief minister, the notification issued by Chief Secretary Shakuntala Doley Gamlin said.

As per another notification issued by the chief secretary, the Governor today discontinued the services of Kameng Do and Tapang Taloh, Principal Advisor and Advisor to the Chief Minister respectively.

The chief minister also dropped five parliamentary secretaries, including Mutchu Mithi (PWD), Markio Tado (Food and Civil supplies), Tirong Aboh (Geology and Mining), Dikto Yekar (Art and Culture) and Nikh Kamin (Disaster Management).

All the dropped ministers, advisors and parliamentary secretaries, who are MLAs of the Peoples' Party of Arunachal (PPA), had opposed the leadership of Khandu and projected Takam Pario as the next chief minister of the state.

But, in a dramatic move, Khandu along with 32 PPA MLAs joined the BJP on December 31 last to install the saffron party's government in the northeastern state.

Border Security Force (BSF) is set to install laser walls and smart sensors along the Indo-Bangla international border in West Bengal to plug the porous riverine and unmanned terrain in the area in order to keep to check infiltration and terrorism. “Very soon laser walls and smart sensors will be installed at the Indo-Bangla border, especially in the porous riverine area and in areas that do not have proper fencing.

It will be done on an urgent basis so that it becomes operational by the next year,” a BSF official said. The official added that the pilot project is likely to take off within a few months.

“The pilot project will start in a few months once we get the equipment and other things that are needed.

The areas, where lasers and sensors will be placed, have already been identified,” another official said.

A team of technical experts will handle a pilot project for deploying technological solutions in riverine areas and the areas that lack

Female personnel of Border Security Force (BSF) patrol along the fencing of the India-Bangladesh international border at Dhanpur village in Tripura. (REUTERS File Photo)

fences. “The smart sensors will be monitored through a satellite-based signal command system. They will have night and fog operability tools. The mechanism is — sensor blips and alerts border guards,” said the official.

The proposal submitted

by BSF’s South Bengal frontier to the West Bengal government for land needed for erecting fences in a highly sensitive 81.7 km area has also been approved. The state government has approved it and asked the dis-

trict magistrates to procure land and hand it over to us, an official said.

The paramilitary force is using the Farheen laser wall technology at the Indo-Pakistan border and has reaped benefits through better management of the borders.

BSF DG K K Sharma and other top officials had recently toured the Indo-Bangla border area in Bengal and Tripura.

Sources in BSF said installing laser walls and remote sensors is part of

der following inputs from intelligence agencies that terrorists and anti-national elements are exploiting the unfenced areas and riverine borders.

“The matter of laser walls and smart sensors in West Bengal was on the back burner. But it came up after the terror attack in Dhaka a few months ago as there were intelligence inputs that terrorists and anti-national elements were exploiting the unfenced areas and riverine borders,” an official said.

Of the 4,096 kilometerlong Indo-Bangladesh border, 2,216.7 is in West Bengal.

The decision to install laser walls in areas, where barbed wire fences could not be erected due to the treacherous terrain or marshy riverine topography was taken by the BSF two years ago. Union Home Ministry and BSF expedited the installation and activation of laser walls on the western front after the Pathankot terror attack. It was suspected that terrorists had breached the border in Bamiyal area in Punjab.

Rhino population up 35 times in 107 years Mukta Patil IANS/IndiaSpend

Here is one of India's most successful conservation stories: From a population of barely 75 in 1905, there were over 2,700 Indian rhinos (Rhinoceros unicornis) by 2012, according to the World Wide Fund for Nature-India (WWF-India), a global wildlife advocacy.

Rhinos are mega-herbivores, part of a small and disappearing group that weigh over 1,000 kilograms and include the elephant and the hippopotamus.

These large herbivores are shapers of their landscape and environment, and the rhino may well be a keystone species, according to 2014 research conducted in South Africa's Kruger National Park.

By eating only certain kinds of grass -- and trampling dense vegetation -- rhinos indirectly affect smaller herbivores in their area, creating a cascade of effects that, in turn, affects other species, from tigers to birds.

The Indian rhinoceros

is also known to help in seed dispersion, moving large tree seeds from forested areas to grasslands through excreta.

The Indian rhino was moved from its status of endangered (since 1986) to vulnerable in 2008 by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This was after a survey in 2007 by the IUCN Asian Rhino Specialist Group, which estimated that there were close to 2,575 one-horned rhinos in the wild, spread across parts of India and Nepal, with India being home to 2,200 rhinos, or over 85 per cent of the population.

The habitat of the Indian rhino once extended from Pakistan into northern India and modern-day Myanmar, reaching into Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan.

However, loss of large tracts of habitat and extensive poaching for its horn -- believed to have medicinal and aphrodisiacal properties -- led to its extinction in all these countries, except India and Nepal.

By the 1900s, only be-

tween 100 and 200 rhinos survived in the wild. From there to its current population of approximately 3,500 is a remarkable turnaround, according to the International Rhino Foundation.

In India, rhinos can now be found in parts of Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Assam. In 2012, more than 91 per cent of Indian rhinos lived in Assam, according to WWF-India data.

Within Assam, rhinos are concentrated within Kaziranga national park, with a few in Pobitara wildlife sanctuary. Kaziranga is home to more than 91 per cent of Assam's rhinos -and more than 80 per cent of India's count -- with a 2015 population census

by Kaziranga park authorities revealing 2,401 rhinos within the park.

A rhino horn could fetch as much as $60,000 per pound in the contraband market in 2015, largely in countries such as China and Vietnam, according to a report in The Washington Times.

Although rhino poaching peaked in India in 2013,

when 41 of the herbivores were killed, it has declined since, largely because of better policing and protection by the Assam government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), according to Tito Joseph, programme manager of the anti-poaching programme at the Wildlife Protection Society of India, an NGO. But outside the park, transport of poached horns is not adequately tracked, said Joseph, a key factor being regional insurgency. During the 1980s and 1990s, poachers exploited the destruction of park infrastructure during conflicts and killed almost the entire population of rhinos in many of Assam's protected areas, such as Manas, Laokhowa and Burachapori.

Rhinos are solitary creatures. Each consumes almost 40 kg of vegetation a day. However, within parks of Assam with a large rhino population, animals have been seen in groups which is an indication of lack of space. These observations

are coupled with increasing fights for dominance among rhinos, a competition for available space.

In 2015, Kaziranga, with an area of 884 sq km, had 2,401 rhinos. While data for Pabitora are not available for 2015, by 2012 the sanctuary, with an area of 38.8 sq km, had 100 rhinos, but most were concentrated within a small area of 15 sq km.

According to some estimates, based on observation, the threshold population of Kaziranga is estimated at 2,500, while Pabitora's threshold is 100.

Exceeding carrying capacity also means that the rhinos are more likely to venture out of protected areas, which increases chances of human-animal conflict.

So, rhinos need to move to ecologically similar but distant areas to ensure species survival, according to the Indian Rhino Vision 2020 programme (IRV2020), a collaborative effort between various organisations, including the International Rhino Foundation, Assam's Forest Department, Bodoland Terri-

torial Council, WWF-India, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

The first successful attempt to move rhinos out of Assam and re-introduce them into a similar habitat was made in 1984 in Uttar Pradesh's Dudhwa national park, which has 33 rhinos today.

IRV2020 hopes to raise the number of rhinos in Assam to 3,000 by 2020 and spread them over seven of the state's protected areas: Kaziranga, Pobitora, Orang national park, Manas national park, Laokhowa wildlife sanctuary, Burachapori wildlife sanctuary and Dibru Saikhowa wildlife sanctuary.

"We have already added one area as a rhino-protected area, and it is likely that we will add two more by 2020," said Amit Sharma, senior coordinator of the rhino conservation programme at WWF-India.

"The present population trend shows that population growth is healthy, and achieving the target of 3,000 rhinos in the wild is very much possible."

KolKaTa, January 2 (hT): Tourists have one more reason to visit their favourite hill station Darjeeling. Besides trekking and other adventure sports, they can now go on a cycle ride in the mountains.

This is the first dedicated cycle park in any hill station in the country.

On Sunday, the Hill authorities inaugurated India’s first mountain cycle park along a 20-km stretch inside a forest in the Senchel wildlife sanctuary.

Adventure adventure such as zorbing, paragliding and white-river rafting are already being popularised in the Darjeeling hills.

Cycling in the mountains has become popular with the locals and this park will come as a big boost for them as well as the tourists.

“Chatakpur has been declared the first mountain cycle park in India. There is a stretch of around 20 km inside the forest, which will be used only by mountain cyclists.”

He added, “Adventure tourism is an area whose potential is yet to be exploited completely in Darjeeling,” said Darjeeling district magistrate Anurag Srivastava.

Chatakpur is situated at 6,800 feet and is about 20 km from Darjeeling town.

On Sunday, the Darjeeling district administration along with Off Road Adventure, a company promoting adventure tourism, organised a cycle rally from Darjeeling to Chatakpur to mark the first-of-its-kind initiative in India.

Srivastava and Amit P Javalgi, Darjeeling superintendent of police, led the rally of 25 mountain cyclists from Chowrasta, Darjeeling.

The Darjeeling district administration is planning to promote adventure tourism and increase tourist flow to rural areas of the hills.

The forest division of the district has already set up two cottages in Chatakpur. The cottages have two rooms each. A senior forest official said that villagers from Chatkapur have also set up six home stays. Around three to six tourists can be accommodated in each of the home stays.

“Cyclists will be allowed in a stretch we have identified inside the wildlife sanctuary where no vehicle will be allowed,” said Srivastava.

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4

tuesDAY 03•01•2017

business

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Banks sharply cut lending rates BSNL launches unlimited local, STD calls at Rs. 144 after low-cost deposits, Modi nudge MuMbai, January 2 (MExn): Several banks, including top lender State Bank of India, announced sharp cuts in lending rates after a surge in deposits following a government ban on high-value bank notes.

SBI, the country’s biggest lender by assets, said on Sunday it had cut its so-called marginal cost of fundingbased lending rates (MCLR) by 90 basis points for maturities ranging from overnight to three-year tenures.

Still, lenders also took steps to protect their margins.

SBI, for example, raised the premium it charges on home loans to 65 basis points above the reduced one-year MCLR of 8 percent, according to details released on Monday. The lender did not specify why it raised the premium.

Banks have received an estimated 14.9 trillion rupees ($219.30 billion) in old 500,

and 1,000 rupees notes from depositors since the government on Nov. 8 unexpectedly banned the banknotes in a bid to fight counterfeiting and bring unaccounted cash to the economy.

That had raised expectations banks would have room to cut lending rates, which is seen as vital to increase credit growth and spark a revival in

private investments.

Although India’s gross domestic product grew 7.3 percent in the July-September quarter from a year earlier, the fastest pace of growth among large economies, much of that has been led by consumer demand.

Lower lending rates will be welcome by the Reserve Bank of India, which has cut the policy rate by 175 bps since the

start of 2015 but has felt banks were being too slow in cutting their lending rates.

SBI’s move comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday admonished banks to “keep the poor, the lower middle class, and the middle class at the focus of their activities,” and to act with the “public interest” in mind.

Modi’s comments were made in a special New Year’s eve speech in which he defended his ban on higher-value cash notes and announced a slew of incentives including channelling more credit to the poor and the middle class.

Among others, state-run Punjab National Bank cut its MCLR rates by 70 basis points, Union Bank of India cut its MCLR rates by 65 to 90 basis points, while Dena Bank cut its one-year MCLR rate by 75 basis points. Private sector lender Kotak Mahindra Bank cut rates by up to 45 basis points.

nEw DElhi, January 2 (PTi): Cashing in on the rollout by several telecom operators offering unlimited free call facility, government-run Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd or BSNL on Saturday joined the bandwagon with launch of a new Rs. 144 plan for its customers offering similar features. The plan, which is valid for 6 months, would offer unlimited local and STD calls to any network for a period of one month and it would come with 300MB data, BSNL

chairman and managing director Anupam Srivastava told reporters.

After handing over two new packs to customers, Srivastava said with the new pack, calls are absolutely free and would be available for both prepaid and postpaid customers. The telecom service provider was also taking up several initiatives including launch of 4,400 Wi-Fi hotspots across the country.

“We have 4,400 Wi-Fi hotspots

launched country wide. I think in Mahabalipuram near Chennai has a similar Wi-Fi hotspots.

Our immediate strategy is to expand this. In next one year, we will be having around 40,000 Wi-Fi hotspots across the country,” he said. Besides, the company had also obtained 2500MHz from Government of India for launching service in rural areas, he said, adding BSNL would unveil classic LTE (Long Term Evolution) spectrum in phased manner.

‘See normalcy in banking system by Feb-end’ MuMbai, January 2 (ianS): After a New Year gift of 0.9 percentage point cut in lending rates, State Bank of India (SBI) Chairperson Arundhati Bhattacharya on Monday said she saw normalcy return to the banking system by end-February or March, with uptake in credit growth.

Her reference was to the events following the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes, which put enormous pressure on commercial banks in servicing people for exchanging or depositing the old currency.

The chairperson said banks, indeed, have huge low-cost funds driven by deposits following the demonetisation drive. This, she felt, will flow

out. “But we expect 40 per cent of that to stay with the bank,” she added.

“At that time, we will have a relook at the deposit rates.”

Referring to the rate cut announced on Sunday, Bhattacharya said: “This is a liquidity-driven rate cut. The liquidity in the system in unprecedented, in terms of the fact that what we did in the first nine months of the year, we have done one-and-half times that in 30 days.”

At the same time, this excess liquidity was marked by a lower credit growth. “But we want to give a very clear signal that we are open for business. There is demand in the economy and there should not be any uncertainty on this.”

‘Hoarded black money to be S. Korea fines BMW, Porsche for false data on 10 models January 2 (ianS): South of submitting the report from Mercedes results, something that the German converted into cheaper loans’ SEoul, Korea on Monday said that it has im- Benz for its model Infiniti Q50 and that company voluntarily informed the aunEw DElhi, January 2 (ThE hinDu): The future agenda of the government, as stated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his speech on New Year’s eve, is to channel the wealth that was previously being hoarded as black money into cheaper capital for affordable housing, women’s health, the agriculture sector, and medium and small enterprises, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said on Sunday.

Jaitley added the remonetisation process is progressing “extremely well” and would be completed very soon. “I see 2017 as a year whose agenda has been set last night by the Prime Minister,” Mr. Jaitley said. “Cheaper loans for affordable housing, women’s health, for the agricultural sector, for the MSMEs, and therefore cheaper capital and the transfer of this wealth which was being hoarded as black money now as cheaper capital in these areas is the future agenda of the government.

The Finance Ministry will do its best to implement every word of what the PM has announced yesterday.”

“Last year we saw a large number of major economic steps taken by the government. We had the Monetary Policy Committee, we are now keeping inflation under control, there is a specified target and consequently we have also seen the interest rates coming down which hopefully should come down further,” he said.

“And for the implementation of GST this year, we are moving at a fairly good pace. And, I am sure 2017 will see this historic indirect tax reform in India, which will be the biggest ever tax reform since independence.”

On demonetisation, Mr. Jaitley said that it process has been completed in “a very successful and peaceful manner”, with the whole country supporting it overwhelmingly.

“The remonetisation process has progressed extremely well and I am sure in the days to come it will be very soon completed,” he said. “The benefits of this are already flowing into the system. What was the shadow economy and black money has now lost its anonymity and come into the banking system. This will lead to a changed spending habit of the people.”

“And obviously it will mean the more lending capacity of the banks and the cost of capital will come down,” Mr. Jaitley added. “There will be more taxation receipts of the government, so the government’s ability to spend and support the spending will also increase.”

Major reforms While saying that 2016 saw several major economic reforms like the passage of the insolvency law, the creation of the Monetary Policy Committee, and the passage of the constitutional amendment bill on the Goods and Services Tax, Mr. Jaitley added that he was confident that 2017 would see GST being implemented.

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nEw DElhi, January 2 (PTi): NRIs and Indian nationals abroad can deposit up to Rs 25,000 of the demonetised currency during the 3-6 month grace period, but only if they show the junked notes to Customs officials at the airport and get declaration form stamped.

The declaration will have to be submitted at specified branches of the Reserve Bank while depositing the junked currency, a finance ministry notification stated.

While the 50-day window for such deposits at banks or post offices ended on December 30, the

08822911011 WOMen HeLPLIne 181 CHiLD weLFAre CoMMIttee Toll free No. 1098 childline

taHaMZaM (formerly senapati) Police station Fire Brigade

KoHIMA Ps/oCs

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government has offered a grace period for those who were abroad.

The window for Indian nationals who were travelling abroad is till March 31 and for NRIs, it is June 30, 2017.

This facility, however, is “subject to the Foreign Exchange Management (Export and Import of Currency) Regulations, 2015. As per these regulations, bringing back such currency into the country is restricted to Rs 25,000 per person”.

Those returning from Nepal and Bhutan are not permitted to carry specified stdcode: 03871 222246 222491

KOHiMa Fire Brigade naga Hospital oking Hospital Bethel nursing Home northeast shuttles

north Ps Officer-in-Charge south Ps Officer-in-Charge Zubza Ps Officer-in-Charge Chiephobozou Ps Officer-in-Charge tseminyu Ps Officer-in-Charge Khuzama Ps Officer-in-Charge Kezocha Ps Officer-in-Charge women Cell Officer-in-Charge Control room

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from Renault for Qashqai.

In the case of BMW, Seoul suspects that test results submitted for its model X5M actually correspond to X6M. The local unit of the German company explained that some results of X6M were included in the reports as both models have the same engine and are under the same certification number, thus qualifying them to share the test results, according to the ministry.

Similarly, the local unit of Porsche is accused of fabricating emissions test

thorities during the course of the investigation, added the ministry.

The South Korean government has urged prosecutors to formally investigate Nissan and despite imposing fines, has decided not to conduct an official enquiry into the German companies considering BMW’s violation was minor and Porsche’s collaborative attitude.

The ministry also said that it would reinforce its certification system to prevent similar irregularities in the future.

Happy Birthday dearest Mother.!!!!

May God bless you more years, we love you mom.

You are such a wonderful gift for us, wishing you luck and happiness filled with enormous surprises in the days to come.

A one-page form has been From Atsula & Kiri Janq… worked out for the purpose.

Since the form to be filled in by the passenger bearing the Customs stamp will be crucial in subsequently facilitating the deposit of SBNs at the specified issue offices of RBI, the finance ministry asked the Customs formations to keep a copy of the same, preferably in a Happy B--Day Soso Lims….

May this Year be bless scanned format.

“The Customs officer with many more wonderful shall strictly count the num- and beautiful memories, ber of notes and tally the total be as good and wonderful amount mentioned before person you are to me. Nevstamping the form submitted er change!!!!! Rock the Day; by the passenger,” the notifi- treat awaits…lolll….. cation said.

From Atsu & Kiri Naga….

NRIs need to show old notes to Customs at airport

we4 woMen HeLPLIne

std code: 03862

DiMaPUR

posed a fine of 7.1 billion won (around $5.8 million) on BMW, Porsche and Nissan car manufacturers for falsifying data for the sale permits of ten models.

The South Korean Ministry of Environment announced that besides imposing economic sanctions on the local units of the companies, it has cancelled certificates of the vehicles after detecting irregularities in the documents, the Yonhap news agency reported.

Nissan Korea, the South Korean unit of the Japanese company, is suspected

BIRTHDAY GREETING

std code: 0370 2222952 2222916 2243339 2224202 08974997923

bank notes (SBNs) of old 500 and 1,000 rupee notes.

“For the period from up to March 31, 2017 or June 30, 2017, as applicable, a declaration form will need to be filled by resident Indians and non-resident Indians coming to India and carrying SBNs for depositing these SBNs in the specified offices of RBI in India,” the notification said.

“At the airport/land Customs stations etc on entry, Customs stamp on the said forms shall be affixed and the same shall be submitted along with other documents to RBI offices.”

MOKOKCHUnG

9485232688 9485232689 9485232690 9485232693 9485232694 9485232695 2226216

woodland nursing Home

2226263

Hotel Metsüpen (tourist Lodge) 2226373/ 2229343

CURRenCY nOteS

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

BUY (rs) 66.34 81.47 8.28 47.84 45.84 49.14 56.42 69.97 1.79 0.0534 17.48 9.21

seLL (rs) 69.50 85.62 9.24 50.36 48.20 51.66 59.75 73.53 2.00 0.0597 19.51 10.28

leisure

Contact numbers

8575045501 8575045510 8575045502 8575045520 8575045508 8575045518 8575045506 8575045516 8575045507 8575045517 8575045505 8575045515 8575045549 8575045538 8575045509 8575045519 8575045500 (Emergency No. – 100)

std code: 0369

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

CROSSWORD # 3817

H

SUDOKU

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

Game Number # 3812

Answer Number # 3811

ACROSS 1. Take as one’s own 6. Affirm 10. Knife 14. Columbus’s birthplace 15. Opera star 16. Gray wolf 17. Constrained 19. Press 20. Record player 21. Fury 22. Cover with asphalt 23. Birthing coach 25. Doorkeeper 26. Smelting waste 30. A monarch’s substitute 32. Progressive 35. Estrogenic hormone 39. Leopardlike cat 40. Reddish brown 41. Criticize 43. Tardy 44. Chief ingredient in ketchup 46. Nonvascular plant 47. Lifeboat crane 50. Steep rugged rocks 53. Biblical garden 54. Japanese apricot 55. Breakdown 60. Corporate image 61. Bruise 63. German for “Madam” 64. Construct 65. Set straight 66. 10 10 10 10 67. African antelope 68. Stop DOWN 1.How old we are 2. Fender blemish 3. A single time 4. Decant 5. Domesticated 6. Citrus drink 7. Manly

8. Extra 9. Walk in water 10. Backwash 11. Synagogue scroll 12. Upon 13. Silly mistake 18. Ghost’s cry 24. Website address 25. Up to 26. Untidy one 27. Bloodsucking insects 28. Cain’s brother 29. Jellylike 31. Being 33. Android 34. “Smallest” particle 36. Within 37. 1 1 1 1 38. Boys 42. A vehicle that races 43. Type of snake 45. Crafty 47. Dutch pottery city 48. Love intensely 49. A strict vegetarian 51. Gentile 52. Poison plant 54. Quick note 56. Lacquered metalware 57. Largest continent 58. Performance bookings 59. Feudal worker 62. Spell Answer to Crossword 3816

Tuesday 03•01•2017

NAGALAND

Naga leaders and organizations remember KV Pusa Dimapur, January 2 (mExn): Several individuals and organisations today expressed shock and pain over the death of KV Pusa, while singing praises of the deceased politician and offering condolences to his family. Pusa, ex-minister and former president of Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC), passed away on January 2 in Kohima.

CM: Chief Minister of Nagaland remembered Pusa as a thorough gentleman.

“His personality was the epitome of humility, always approachable and ready to extend a helping hand or a word of advice to all who sought an audience with him,” the CM said in a condolence message. Profoundly dedicated and committed to his principles and beliefs, Pusa maintained an unwavering stand to his political ideologies, he added. “He was a meek and humble person who endeared himself to one and all, and was forever concerned about the welfare of the downtrodden, the deprived and the general mass. One of the first among my good old friends to congratulate and wish me well when I took over the responsibility to steer the affairs of the State Government in 2014, he was emphatic that the necessity of the time was to provide good governance to the people and that the people desired peace and

Families and friends gathered to pay last respects to KV Pusa, former minister on January 2 in Kohima.

development,” the message read. The CM further noted that having been closely associated with Pusa almost all his political career, he had never seen him lose his cool no matter how serious the circumstances were.

Zeliang acknowledged that in his passing away, he has lost a very good and personal friend, and the Naga society has been deprived of a tall political leader.

Chotisuh Sazo: Speaker of Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA), Chotisuh Sazo informed that Pusa was elected as Member of

NLA for four consecutive terms since 1993 till 2008 and also served as Minister for Veterinary & Animal Husbandry, Roads & Bridges and Mechanical Engineering. “He was a man of vision and a dynamic leader who dedicated his life for the dignity and integrity amongst the Naga brothers and sisters. He was a man of multifaceted personality whose concern for social welfare and upliftment of the society led him to be associated with various social organizations. His concern for the decorum, freedom and dignity of the House

NSCN (IM) mourns Dimapur, January 2 (mExn): NSCN (IM) has expressed grief at the sudden demise of Kivi Zhimo, Under Secretary of Sumi Region, NSCN (IM) on December 31, 2016 at Council Headquarters. “He was a sincere National Worker who served the Nation wholeheartedly in various capacities.

Though the Nation has lost a faithful and a dedicated worker yet his spirit will live forever in the hearts of all he touched,” stated a condolence message from Cabinet Secretary, NSCN (IM).

In a separate condolence note issued by its Kilo Affairs Secretary, S Among Lim, NSCN (IM) mourned the sudden and

earned him the reputation spite of little and temporary of an outstanding parlia- disruption in the recent mentarian,” Sazo said. time, he had continued to be loyal to the Congress. It CL John: Minister for RD is regretted that AICC has & REPA, CL John said Pusa kept the case pending,” was one of the most sin- Therie said. Acknowledgcere, hardworking citizens ing that he was also an efas well as a competent pub- ficient and effective Minlic leader with kind heart, ister, the NPCC President integrity, ample bookish further said in his death, “I knowledge and vast wis- have lost a personal school dom. Further, his untiring friend and Nagaland has voluntary services to soci- lost a great leader.” ety and individual will be heartily remembered by SC Jamir: Governor of Odione and all, he said. sha, Dr. SC Jamir stated that Pusa began his political caDeo Nukhu: Parliamen- reer at a young age and had tary Secretary for Higher & the privilege of serving the Technical Education, Deo people in different capaciNukhu stated that KV Pusa ties with dignity. Jamir recwas good at heart, a good ollected that Pusa worked friend of both young and with him as a Minister and old, and also a prominent an office-bearer of the NPCC Naga leader regardless of for many years. “In every repolitical party colour. His sponsibility he (Pusa) was passing away will leave be- assigned, he did it with sinhind a vacuum not only to cerity and honesty. He was his constituency but to all one of the leading lights Naga people, he added. among his peers, who served the people of Nagaland with Nagaland Congress: The love, devotion and commitNagaland Congress also ment. He was an upcoming expressed shock at the sud- Naga leader, who could have den demise of KV Pusa. “In served the people many his death we have lost a vi- more years, but life is not in sionary leader and has cre- our hands. At a very crucial ated a vacuum which will and critical political and sobe difficult to fill,” it said. cial firmament in the state, the Nagas will be deprived NPCC: NPCC President, of his contributions and K Therie recollected that service,” Jamir stated. Pusa’s Pusa was his classmate passing away, he acknowlduring 1965 to 1968 at Bhu- edged, is a great loss for the baneshwar Sainik School. entire state and the vacuum “We joined again in the 80s created by his death will be in the Congress organiza- difficult to fill up. tion…He was a pleasant friend and colleague. De- PNUK: Poumai Naga

untimely demise of late Bokato Zhimomi after brief illness on January 2, 2017 at his residence in Diphupar, Dimapur. He was a cadre of 2016 batch. “For a revolutionary patriot, it is not the length of years or services we count but the decision and commitment to serve the nation is paramount and late Bokato Zhimomi is one among them. His passing away is a great loss not only to the family members but also to the nation as whole,” it added.

The NSCN (IM) extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of both and prayed that Almighty God grant solace at this hour of grief.

of wood-based products to the understanding of consumer behavior, informed a press release received here.

Discussing about the wider use of nanotechnology in the mountain States especially in forest dominating areas of Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram, Dr. Trivedi observed that the industry has goals to create new bio-based composites and nanomaterials, and to achieve improvement in the performance-to-weight ratio of paper and packaging products through nanotechnology and nanotechnology-enabled new paper features.

Stressing the need for studies, teaching, training

TSUD: Describing KV Pusa as one of the most sincere leaders not only in politics, but in every field, Tenyimi Student's Union Dimapur (TSUD) stated that losing a great leader like him has created a big vacuum for the Tenyimi people and Nagas in general.

Wangyuh Konyak: W Wangyuh Konyak, former Member of Parliament, pointed out that Pusa had served the people of Nagaland in many capacities.

“Though he is no more with us, his contributions will always be remembered. Personally, he was a friend, a man of principles, honest and simple,” Wangyuh added. In his death, he added, the people of Nagaland and particularly Angami community have lost a good leader.

Y Patton: Expressing shock at the death, Home Minister Y Patton said the sudden demise of the former minister and veteran Congress leader is a great loss to the Nagas in general and the Angamis in particular.

The void created by his untimely demise will be difficult to fill, he said.

Condolences for former minister Mhonshan Murry Kohima, January 2 (mExn): Condolences poured in for Mhonshan Murry (Asha), former minister, who passed away in Kohima on January 1.

NLA Speaker, Chotisuh Sazo has conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family on behalf of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly.

Home Minister Y Patton described Mhonshan Murry as one of the successful politicians from Wokha district and said he had contributed for the betterment of the people and the youths of the district. “In his death, the Naga people have lost a Naga leader and the void created by his death will be difficult to fill.”

Ex-Parliamentarian Asso-

World Encyclopaedia of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology released Dimapur, January 2 (mExn): The first ever published 24 Volume World Encyclopaedia of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology running into more than 10,000 pages was released by the renowned environmental scientist and institution builder Chancellor Dr. Priya Ranjan Trivedi, President and Plenipotentiary, Confederation of Indian Universities.

He said nanotechnology has the potential to benefit all aspects of forestry and forest products in the NorthIndian States in general and in the State of Nagaland in particular, from plants, forest management, harvesting, forest operations, woodbase products, application

Union Kohima (PNUK) also expressed shock and deep pain at the sudden demise of KV Pusa. Describing Pusa as a sincere, dedicated and humble leader, the union stated that in his demise, the Nagas have lost a great leader.

ciation of Nagaland in a separate condolence note stated that late Mhonshan Murry was a dedicated leader who tirelessly worked for the uplift of the people. “His desire to serve the people with humility made him live a life of principled public leader,” acknowledged the note from T. Khongo, President, Ex-PAN. “His passing away is an irreparable loss to the State in general and the Lothas in particular.

The valuable contributions he rendered to the people as a politician, social worker and statesman for the cause of the people will always be cherished.”

The Naga People’s Front (NPF) Central HQ Kohima said in Mhonshan’s death, “we have lost an efficient leader whose contribution

towards people’s welfare was immense, and was a person with legal acumen who retired from active politics since quite some years.”

NPF extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that the departed soul rest in peace.

NPCC President, K Therie termed the former Minister a tall statesman and a pioneer politician who held many important instrumental positions during his career.

“His passing away has caused a vacuum which will be difficult to fill and the loss is shared not only by the bereaved family members but also by the people of the community and state.” He conveyed deep condolences to the bereaved family members.

Students’ union gives 30 days to contractor to resume youth hall construction in Tobu

and applied researches in the specialized areas of nanoscience and nanotechnology, Dr. Trivedi said there will be a revolution in the area of agriculture, farm management, pomology, food processing very soon with the introduction of nanotech based technologies.

Dr. Trivedi said the techniques being developed in the areas of nanoscience will revolutionize the new and emerging area of rural and urban entrepreneurship. The problems relating to unemployment, hostility, pollution and population explosion will be reduced by creating alternative and sustainable jobs in India with the help of nanotechnology, he opined.

Tobu, January 2 (mExn): The Tobu Town Students' Union (TTSU) has expressed disappointment to the contractor responsible for the construction of youth hall in Tobu Town under Mon district for delay in the construction of the hall. The construction had started in the year 2011.

The TTSU in its 31st general session held on December 28, which was attended by Konyak Union (Branch Tobu), KNSK Tobu Town, TTCSA, other NGOs and student community, decided to give 30 days to the contractor for restarting the constructing from the date of publishing this press release, according to a press release from H. Khamba, President, and L. Pangting, Press and Information Secretary of TTSU. Failing to do so, the union will take it own course of action, it cautioned.

“With no union office and no council hall in Tobu Town, such youth building would have served a lot of purpose for

APO: Angami Public Organization (APO) has resolved not to allow the conduct of election to municipal and town councils in the Angami territories (Dimapur and Kohima districts) till “a space is provided for the amendment and necessary and clearcut safeguard is provided to Article 371 (A).”

The organization in its meeting on December 30,

2016 resolved to “uphold the coexistence of all gender with mutual respect and love without discrimination,” according to a press release from Dr. Vilhusa Seleyi, President and KT Vilie, Vice President of APO. Therefore, it has appealed to the Government of Nagaland to “provide a space for the people of Nagaland to come to an understanding in sharing with their views and suggestions.”

Meanwhile, the APO appealed to all political parties, intending candidates and individuals to refrain from filing or nominating any candidate for the aforementioned elec-

tions. “Any action in violation of this resolution shall be viewed as a direct challenge to the APO,” it cautioned. The organization also appealed to the representatives of the people to listen to the voice of the people.

CPO: The Chakhroma Public Organisation (CPO) in its meeting with concerned citizens of municipal and town councils under its region have resolved to stand in support of the Angami Public Organization’s decision in regard to the ULBs election. “The Chakhroma people also feel that, the democratically elected government

should listen to the voices of the people,” stated a release from CPO President, Vichütuolie Mere. CPO has directed its members to strictly adhere to the directives given by the apex body of the Angamis on this issue.

Children Festival last day of registration today Dimapur, January 2 (mExn): The last day of registration for Children Festival is January 3 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. The venue for registration on the last day will be shifted from KWC, Ana Ki building to the festival venue, The Maple Tree School. In order to save time and crowd commotions, the organising team has requested the Sunday schools and schools which wish to come in group to do their registration on January 3 at the venue itself. The registration for the festival will be on first come first serve basis since there are limited seats left, informed a press release from Tasang Imchen, Media Team, Children Festival.

Public Forum Pungro extends deadline for ultimatum KiphirE, January 2 (mExn): The Public Forum Pungro Sub-Division has extended the deadline of previous public ultimatum Ref. No. PFPSD/GEN-01/201617/516 for 14 (fourteen) days with effect from January 2, 2017. Public Forum Pungro Sub-Division President, S. Kiusumew Yimchunger and General Secretary, Khiutsithong in a press release said that this was decided in response to Secretariat, Government of Nagaland’s Letter No. PWR/ESTT-32/2010, Dated Kohima, the 19th December 2016 and respecting the appeal.

“However, the Forum will stand with its demands as served on 03/12/2016,” the Forum added, while stating that hereafter, if the Government fails to fulfill the demands of the Forum, it will not be held responsible for any eventualities that proceed.

AR apprehend two Dimapur, January 2 (mExn): 41 Assam Rifles along with police representatives apprehended S Sangtam along with .22 rifle and live ammunition and Daniel Jamir, Regional Secretary, Ao Region, FGN with “incriminating documents” on December 25 at Tsithorongse Village during a search operation, according to a press release from PRO, Assam Rifles. The apprehended individuals with recovered items were handed over to Diphupar & Sub Urban Police Station on December 26.

ADC Kohima notifies Kohima, January 2 (mExn): The Additional Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer of Kohima Municipal Council (KMC), Lithrongla Tongpi has notified that in pursuance of State Election Commission notification vide No. Sec/MTC-1/2004-05/164 dated 21/12/2016 for holding of general election to constitute the Kohima Municipal Council, the Model Code of Conduct for guidance of political parties and candidates, 2004 has come into effect from December 22, 2016 and shall remain in effect till the completion of all election process. The notification also added that this will be applicable to all the political parties, candidates and the state government machinery under Kohima Municipal Council area.

15 AR conduct medical camp TuEnsang, January 2 (mExn): 15 Assam Rifles conducted a free medical camp at Yakur village in Tuensang district on December 28. A total of 229 patients comprising 94 males, 62 females and 73 children were given necessary treatment and free medicines during the camp conducted by a specially constituted medical team from 15 Assam Rifles, according to a press release from PRO, Assam Rifles. 15 Assam Rifles also provided assistance to the Shamator village authorities in leveling the village football ground and extension of the approach road at Shamator village.

The battalion undertook the work with own resources and finished the project within two days, Assam Rifles informed in a separate press release. 15 Assam Rifles dedicated the ground and approach road as a Christmas and New Year gift for the people of Shamator village on December 29.

MEEtIngs & AppoIntMEnts

CPO to discuss municipal election The half constructed youth hall in Tobu Town.

the entire community but surprisingly the contractor has disappeared without any reason soon after the construction started,” the union lamented.

The TTSU also called upon all the contractors doing construction under Tobu Town to immediately finish the pending projects without much delay, “failing (which) the union will be compelled to question them in the office without serving further notice.”

Organisations reaffirm to boycott Urban Local Bodies election Kohima, January 2 (mExn): A number of organisations have reaffirmed their stand against conducting the election to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) with 33% reservation for women.

MEx FILE

not suit the Naga society, in fact it directly challenges the Nagas customs and traditions.” It has notified to all the people living in Chumoukedima jurisdiction to strictly adhere to the decision of CVC and fully support Naga Hoho, ENPO, Ao Senden CVC: The Chumoukedima and APO. Village Council (CVC) has extended its total support KVC: The Kohima Village to Naga Hoho, ENPO, Ao Council (KVC) in its genSenden and APO, which eral meeting on December have resolved to boycott 30 also re-affirmed its preupcoming municipal and vious stand on the 33% restown council election ervation for women in the with women reservation. ULBs election and unaniWhile welcoming election mously resolved to boycott in municipal and town the election and entrusted council, it opposed res- its youth (Kohima Village ervation “because it does Youth Organisation) to

take care of it in case any unwanted situation arises. This was informed in a press release issued by Zeneizo Rutsa, Secretary, Kohima Village Council.

MTMK: The Medziphema Town Mechü Krotho (MTMK) has also resolved to stand by its earlier resolution of opposing the municipal and town councils election with 33% reservation for women. A press release from Khrielie Iralu, Secretary, MTMK stated that the Krotho stands firmly with its parent body, Medziphema Village Councils’ decisions released to the press on December 28, 2016.

The Chakhesang Public Organization (CPO) has convened an emergency general meeting on January 3 at 11:00 am at Pfutsero Town Hall to deliberate on municipal election. In this regard, the CPO has requested all the executive council members, VCCs, head GBs, former CPO officials, frontal organisations and invitees to attend the meeting. In the meantime, the CPO has appealed to all concerned not to file for nominations within Chakhesang jurisdiction on January 3, before the outcome of the meeting.

Dimapur’s civil societies to talk on municipal election There will be an emergency joint meeting of mass based civil societies in Dimapur to discuss on current municipal, town councils election on January 4, 11:00 am at the office of Naga Council Dimapur (NCD).

A press release from NCD vice president (Admn), K. Ghokheto Chophy has requested all the councillors of NCD; President and General Secretary of all tribal hoho; DNSU; GB Union Dimapur; DUCCF to attend the meeting positively.

SRSU biennial general conference The biennial general conference of Satoi Range Students’ Union (SRSU) will be held from January 4 to 6 under the theme ‘Retrospectively marching forward’, hosted by Ikiye Village Students Union (IVSU). SRSU has requested all the former SRSU officials, invitees, unit of eleven villages, students and concerned citizens of Satoi to come and witness the event. For any queries one may contact Lika Awomi, President, SRSU at 8131882625.

Longleng DPDB meeting The monthly DPDB meeting for Longleng district for the month of January 2017 will be held on January 6 at DC's conference hall from 11:00 am onwards. Therefore, the Deputy Commissioner of Longleng has informed all the members to attend the meeting positively.

6

tUESday 03•01•2017

IN FOCUS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

The Power of Truth

The Morung Express

C O M M E N T A R Y

Wa Lone and Simon Lewis Reuters

Myanmar: profit clouds army Embracing 2017 pledge to return seized land T volume XII Issue 1

he politics of 2016 clearly show that 2017 needs to be the year of nonviolent resistance. The people need to be unified in order to build the critical solidarity that will be required.

What does embracing 2017 signify? The word Embrace represents more than just the symbolic act of holding on to a person, an idea or an object. Rather, Embracing, like Hope is not limited to feelings, it welcomes or accepts a choice based on beliefs and conscience. As such, it is an act of spiritual and political consciousness that stems from a praxis of love, understanding, respect and acceptance.

Embracing also implies being one with the vision, enveloped by it. Only when you are able to embrace fully, then the healing can begin, and the pathway to a shared belonging opens. This is consistent with the values of interdependence and interconnectedness that are essential to having a peaceful coexistence.

This process begins with ourselves as individuals. Each of us can enter the process by being mindful, conscious and intentional through reflection which nurtures self-awareness.

Through intentional right thinking, right speech, right action and right livelihood, we can become the change we envision.

As this internal transformation takes place it naturally extends outwardly into the broader community.

Being intentional and mindful informs the praxis of reflection and action that helps us to grow stronger and confident. The process of mindfulness along with the praxis of reflection and action becomes the foundation for developing critical thinking processes.

Embracing is like a spider’s web. It comprises many strands that weave our future, our past, our present into a social fiber and energy which has the flexibility to redefine and shape right relationships with the other. It grows in response to choices that are made with consciousness to create a shared belonging.

A prophetic imagination is essential for embracing a shared belonging because it is based on a process in which the people tell their own stories, write their own versions in their own ways, and to respond to their genuine needs. This story telling becomes the framework for a shared future; one in which all peoples are fully human, respected, accepted and can live with dignity.

The praxis of embracing naturally evolves as it is based on the idea that the freedom of one is absolutely connected to and dependent on the freedom of the other; because when one is not free, then no one can claim to be free.

In the Naga context Embracing 2017 requires putting into praxis - reflection and action - the inclusive truth, not the exclusive truth. Nagas are challenged to reflect whether we have the will to embrace grace and compassion, whether we are magnanimous in spirit to embracing the principles of inclusive justice – restorative in nature – in order to form right relationships.

We need to reflect whether Nagas are steadfast in our commitment to embrace the values of peace such as equality, freedom, fairness, mutual respect and accountability.

Embracing 2017 implies the relational act of social responsibility. It requires an imagination for creating and embracing a shared belongingness because only the people themselves can weave the future of their dreams.

lEfT wiNg |

Ruwa Shah IANS

No institutionalised setup for writers in Kashmir

C

onflicts are known to fuel creative art but Kashmir has been an exception where there is no institutionalised set-up for aspiring creative writers, says an award-winning Kashmiri journalist-turnedauthor and academician.

Shahnaz Bashir's second book, "Scattered Souls" (Harper Collins/pp 183/Rs 399) -- a collection of 13 short stories about the people of his land battling a predicament of unending violence in their daily lives -- has just been launched.

Bashir, who teaches creative journalism and literary reportage at the Central University of Kashmir, lamented how the Valley -- home to legendary creative writers of the yore like Amin Kamil, Hari Krishan Koul, Ratan Lal Shant, Somnath Zutshi, Dina Nath Nadim -- has been unable to groom new and aspiring writers.

"There undoubtedly isn't. But I think in the next five years or so we could have it. Apart from that, it is each aspiring writer's personal, individual responsibility to self-teach himself or herself; to read, to work hard and become institutions unto themselves in a culture that is hell-bent not to entertain institutionalisation of creative writing," Bashir told IANS in an interview.

Apart from this, he said, Kashmiri writers also don't find publishers very easily. He admitted he himself faced difficulties initially in getting his debut novel, "The Half Mother", published.

The book, published in June 2014 by Hachette India, won him the Muse India Young Writer Award in 2015.

"The subject is so sensitive. We don't get publishers so easily. I also faced a lot of difficulties in finding a publisher (for 'The Half Mother') like many other Kashmiris do. Kashmiri writers feel under-confident because of this reason."

Asked why it took so long for Kashmir literature to be part of the political struggle, Bashir said it was because the Valley has seen "a boom in writing in English" only after the 1990s -- incidentally when the armed insurgency began in the state.

"Most of the Kashmiri language literature is on other themes too," he said, adding the younger writers were now "writing on the situation they are exposed to".

Bashir's "Scattered Souls" weaves together the ordinary and not-so-ordinary lives of a conflict-ridden people of a scenic territory brutalised by the decades of unending violence.

It tells stories like that of an "ex-militant whose past continues to stalk his present"; "the wife who begins to dress like her husband after losing him to crossfire" and "the boy who obsessively follows US President (Barack) Obama's India visit, hoping to hear him mention the 'K' word".

The book's cover features a sepia-toned picture showing people climbing trees to take a look at a militant's funeral.

Bashir said the cover itself is a story.

He said he found the picture on the Facebook and "without knowing the context, I liked the sheer imagery in it".

"Book covers indirectly evince a certain meaning of the stories in the books," he said about the picture taken by a Kashmiri photojournalist that had become a rage on the social media.

And does it mean that all modern Kashmir literature is about suffering? What about love stories from the land that evinces romance?

"That is true. I wish there were an alternative to suffering. There isn't," he said, remembering Russian author Fyodor Dostoevsky's wife Anna Snitkina once asking him whether he would ever write happy stories.

"The wise writer's response was: 'What happy has happened in my life?' Even love stories in Kashmir would have a suffering in them from the situation they happen in."

M

aw Maw Oo discreetly pushed the "record" button on her smartphone as the state ministers from Aung San Suu Kyi's months-old civilian government started talking.

For the next hour they tried to convince her that farmers from her village in eastern Myanmar should sign away ownership claims to land the farmers say they were granted the right to cultivate in perpetuity but was later seized by the military.

Maw Maw Oo refused the deal, under which villagers would be allowed to work some plots on a portion of the land the army says it does not need.

Since her uncle set himself on fire in a dramatic protest last year, the 45-year-old widow and mother-of-three has become a leader among the residents of Ye Bu, a village in Shan State roiled by a lengthy dispute with the country's still-powerful armed forces.

When Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) stormed to power in an election last year, the victory was in part driven by rural anger over land seizures under military governments that ruled for decades.

Now campaigners such as Maw Maw Oo want to hold the party to its pledges to provide redress.

"The NLD gave us a lot of promises during the election campaign that they will find solutions for land conflicts with the military, but no solution has appeared until now," said Maw Maw Oo, who says she records all her meetings.

At stake in Ye Bu is valuable farmland, on much of which military officials have sought to develop agroindustrial projects with companies including Asia's largest agricultural conglomerate, Charoen Pokphand Group of Thailand.

Few of the villagers who say they lost land have any documents supporting their claim - not unusual in rural Myanmar.

Suu Kyi's administration has tried to establish cordial relations with the generals and has not challenged the army's outsized economic role, which hinges on control of resources and vast land holdings.

NLD wanted a solution to the land issue that did not "damage the image and dignity" of the military, said Soe Nyunt Lwin, previously a pro-democracy activist but now Shan state's planning and finance minister. On the other hand, "I don't want farmers in prison", he said.

"We won in the election with the manifesto which clearly said we would sort out the land problem, so we cannot stay in power without finding a solution."

COURT ACTION In Ye Bu, interviews with civilian officials, an army major and nearly two dozen farmers show that the local military command is putting up a fight to keep the land it now controls.

The army is suing 96 farmers, including Maw Maw Oo, who have continued to work on the disputed land on charges including trespassing and destruction of

zone in the country's centre.

Farmers cleared virgin jungle and expected to work the land thereafter themselves, said Maw Maw Oo's father, Lu Than.

But in 2004, about 4,000 acres near the village was divided among government ministries to develop into plantations, said Hlaing Min, deputy director of the district-level land records office in state capital Taunggyi.

"Many soldiers came down to my farm when I was growing corn and destroyed it by force," farmer Aung Din told Reuters. "It was the time of the military government. No one dared to go against what they were doing."

Authorities paid villagers no compensation, locals said.

At least 10 Ye Bu villagers have tax receipts showing that they tilled the land before its seizure, but others say their documents have been mislaid or damaged.

Hundreds say they previously farmed CARVED UP the land, but the military only recognises Despite reforms under the previous 47 people as having any claim. government, Myanmar's land laws are piecemeal and contain overlapping pro- "DIDN'T DARE" visions.

A military official told Reuters the The vast majority of land seizure cases land at Ye Bu was needed to feed soldiers date from the 1990s and early 2000s, amid and their families. a military-led transition from socialism Tim Millar, programme manager at to a market-driven economy. The state Namati, a legal advocacy working on technically owned all land, but farmers land disputes across Myanmar, said a key were granted rights to cultivate it. factor influencing whether the military who may have cultivated land for would keep contested land was its potengenerations rarely hold any formal title. tial for profit.

The army, which took control of all Tax receipts are often used as proof of ownership, but the damp climate makes 4,000 acres in Ye Bu in 2009, has granted private companies and individuals preservation of paper records difficult.

Although army chief Min Aung Hla- permission to set up a sugar cane planing said in 2013 the military would hand tation, an ethanol factory and corn back unused land, only a fraction of land fields, residents and a paralegal workearmarked by lawmakers has been re- ing for Namati said.

In 2012 it invited a local branch turned, according the NLD's Sein Win, who sat on the Farmland Investigation of CP Group - a conglomerate run Commission, a parliamentary body by Thailand's richest family - to rear tasked with scrutinising thousands of chickens for egg production on the land. CP Group entered Myanmar land grab claims before the election.

The village of Ye Bu - or "hot water" then largely closed to foreign inves- dates from the early 1970s, when Gen- tors - in 1996.

Two serving managers and a former eral Ne Win, the authoritarian ruler of the country then known as Burma, launched veterinarian at Myanmar CP Livestock, a plan to resettle people from the dry who spoke to Reuters on condition of anproperty, court documents show.

The first verdicts could come as soon as Thursday, and could deal a blow to hopes the NLD can resolve thousands of outstanding land disputes around the country.

"I sued them because we already told them: 'If you want to work here, you have to follow the discipline of the Eastern Command'," army officer Major Aung Htwe told Reuters in an interview. "But they have the mindset that this is their own land."

In August, at the meeting attended

by Reuters reporters, ministers in the NLD-led state government told Maw Maw Oo and another villager that the officials had negotiated a settlement with the military.

Some villagers would be allowed to continue farming and might see the charges dropped, if they acknowledged the military as the lawful owner of the land.

onymity, said until recently the company regularly contracted out farming work to military units.

"We don't dare to enter the CP area because they made a fence," said Myint Myint Khine, one of three farmers Reuters spoke to who said the chicken farm was constructed on their farmland.

There is no suggestion that CP Group had any involvement in or knowledge of farmers being turned off land. But events in Ye Bu highlight the risk to investors in Myanmar's rapidly opening economy of becoming sucked into land disputes.

A spokesman told Reuters CP was not currently involved in managing the farm it set up near Ye Bu, although it did not rule out returning to the site.

Myanmar CP Livestock spokesman Soe Lwin said the Ye Bu operation had been suspended at the army's request in May, leaving the chicken farm empty. The company had stopped working with the military elsewhere in Myanmar, he said.

"TRESPASSING" In May 2015, Maw Maw Oo camped out on the farmland she says is hers, an act that would earn her the first of several criminal charges for trespassing.

Maw Maw Oo's uncle, Myint Aung, hearing a rumour that his niece had been arrested, scrawled messages of protest on a wooden board, poured gasoline down his front and set himself alight. He later died of his burns.

This year Ye Bu farmers again sowed the fields in the planting season that began in May. In June, the army began filing lawsuits against them, court records show.

Major Aung Htwe said most of the farmers the army recognises as having some claim have signed its proposed deal, which requires farmers to pay the military for irrigation.

But Maw Maw Oo said she and around 20 others declined, citing a lack of long-term guarantees.

"I've already lost my uncle in this dispute, so I'm never going to sign," said Maw Maw Oo. "This land is for our future generations."

A “Selective” Concern for Universal Human Rights?

Rose Delaney

A

Inter Press Service

s Human Rights Day approached this Dec. 10, the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner (OHCHR) issued a statement urging all governments to join in the fight for universal equality and justice.

The OHCHR emphasised the fundamental importance of the adoption and construction of an international human rights system based upon the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 68 years ago. The statement described the progressive declaration as “the greatest achievement of the international community since World War II”.

Since its initial implementation, the universal human rights system has relentlessly provided aid and defense to vulnerable communities and individuals under threat the world over.

However, the OHCHR is aware that any significant progress made for universal human rights can be swiftly reversed.

Today, the rise of manipulative populist movements has legitimized xenophobic, homophobic, sexist, and other forms of divisive discrimination. Intrusive governments have destabilized and weakened the power of civil society.

Hate speech is on the rise, inciting violence and hostility. “A chill wind is blowing through much of the

world and the very notion of human rights is under increasing attack,” the OHCHR report warned.

However, three special procedures mandate holders critiqued the statement issued by the predominantly Western OHCHR “human rights experts,” stating that it was a “far cry from reality”. While mandate-holders acknowledge the importance of “experts” on the issues surrounding sexual minorities, hate speech and homophobia, they believe the statement excluded the views of many other minority groups.

Currently, there are 43 thematic mandates and 14 mandates related to countries and territories, with 80 mandate holders.

Special procedures experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and are independent from any government or organization and serve in their individual capacity.

In response to what they considered to be a “selective and imbalanced” text, the dissatisfied mandate holders issued a “complementary opinion” with the sole objective of “putting the issue of human rights in the proper perspective”. The three mandate-holders call for a “full overhaul of the UN Human rights mechanism”.

On Dec. 21, the three special procedures mandate holders released a media statement urging the interna-

tional community and universal human rights mechanisms to engage in a constructive debate. The mandate holders considered the most pressing concerns to be the right to development, food security, clean water and sanitation, education, and sovereign debt restructuring.

The media statement was signed by the Independent Expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order, Alfred de Zayas; the Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism, Ikponwosa Ero; and the Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of the unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights, Idriss Jazairy.

The authors of the complementary opinion consider it imperative to evaluate and assess the root causes of conflict and inequality, not merely skim the surface by placing the blame on the resultant outcomes of unrest and instability. The mandate-holders consider this essential in the prevention of further human rights violations.

“It is not helpful to condemn ‘populism’ if one is not willing to recognize that populists are merely filling the vacuum left by governments that for decades have been insensitive to the needs of the people, who have continued ‘business as usual’, and not listened,” the complimentary opinion said.

wRiTE-wiNg

The complimentary statement further condemned the “selective” empathy for victims of social phobias.

“There is need also to reflect on the reasons for those multiple phobias, offering guidance as to how to defuse them in a manner consistent with human rights and human dignity,” the statement continued.

The mandate holders also believe that it is precarious to condemn the rise of “hate speech” and “incitement to violence” without clearly defining what they mean. “Interpretation of ‘hate speech’ cannot be left to the discretion of governments and prosecutors, as this would open the door to arbitrariness contrary to the rule of law and tantamount to censorship,” the media statement explained.

The mandate holders asked the international community to recommit to the upholding all human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of Dec. 10, 1948 and in all related Covenants and Treatises.

On the occasion of New Year 2017, they urged the world to avoid “privileged selectivity” and consider all rights to be of equal importance.

“As proclaimed in the Vienna Declaration of 25 June 1993 on Human Rights: “The international community must treat human rights globally, in a fair and equal manner, on the same footing and with the same emphasis,” the statement concludes.

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

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

TUESDAY 03•01•2017

PERSPECTIVE

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

7

US Heads for Political Showdown with UN Thalif Deen

T

Inter Press Service

he United States has had a longstanding love-hate relationship with the United Nations ever since 1952 when the world body began operations in New York city on an 18-acre piece of land which housed an abattoir where cattle was being trucked daily for slaughter.

The late Republican Senator Jesse Helms, a fulltime chairman of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a part-time UN basher, once said “providing funds to the UN was like pouring money into a rat hole.”

Former New York city Mayor Ed Koch used a five-letter word to describe the UN: a “sewer”. And one of his successors, Rudolph Giuliani, said he will not miss the UN if it decides to pack up and leave New York.

When the 193-member UN General Assembly voted some of the world’s “repressive regimes” as members of the Human Rights Commission (now the Human Rights Council), Congressman Dana Rohrabacher (Republican of California) hollered: “The inmates have taken over the asylum. And I don’t plan to give the lunatics any more American tax dollars to play with.”

And now, US President-elect Donald Trump, peeved over a Security Council resolution last week chastising Israel over its continued settlements in the occupied territories, has signaled an implicit warning he will review his relationship with the United Nations.

Having been rebuffed by outgoing President Barack Obama who refused to accede to Trump’s appeal to veto the resolution, the incoming President, who will take office on January 20, challenged the effectiveness of the world body and dismissed it as “a club for people to get together, talk and have a good time.”

Immediately after the resolution was adopted by a vote of 14–nil, with the US abstaining, he held out a warning: “As to the UN, things will be different after January 20.”

Currently, the US is the biggest single contributor accounting for 22 percent of the UN’s regular biennium budget, followed by Japan (9.7 percent), China (7.9 percent), Germany (6.7 percent) and France (4.8 percent) – all based on a country’s “capacity to pay”.

The UN’s 2016-2017 regular biennium budget amounts to about $5.4 billion, excluding its peacekeeping budget and voluntary contributions to UN Funds and Programmes.

Following the Security Council vote on Friday, Senator Lindsey Graham (Republican-South Carolina) said he plans to form a bipartisan coalition to either suspend or reduce US funding for the UN. And Senator Tom Cotton (Republican-Arkansas) warned that the UN and “nations supporting the resolution (against Israel) have now imperiled all forms of US assistance.”

While the US withheld its veto and abstained on the vote, the other four

veto-wielding permanent members of the Security Council, namely, the UK, France, China and Russia, voted for the resolution, along with the 10 nonpermanent members, namely, Angola, Egypt, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Senegal, Spain, Ukraine, Uruguay and Venezuela.

A defiant Israel was livid, and in retaliation, threatened to build another 5,600 settlements in occupied Jerusalem thereby isolating itself further from the international community.

Jim Paul, former Executive Director of the New York-based Global Policy Forum, and who closely monitored the politics of the world body for over 19 years, told IPS the US threat of withholding its dues to the UN has been around for a long time – since the 1980s when it was first proposed by the Washingtonbased Heritage Foundation.

“This threat is effective only if it is believed and acted on by frightened UN officials or member states, who rush to adopt the latest requirements by the bully-state,” he noted.

“It actually might be healthy if the US dues were reduced and the UN were not so dependent on US financing, he added.

Paul pointed out that Swedish Prime Minister the late Olaf Palme once suggested that the UN’s dues structure should be changed so that no single country would pay more than 10 percent of the total budget(s).

“The cost to other states would not be very burdensome and the change might produce some real policy benefits,” said Paul, a well-known speaker and writer on the UN and global policy issues.

Over the years, successive US administrations have manipulated the UN to its own advantage as an extension of US foreign policy.

Paul pointed out that some delegates from governments who are out-of-favour in Washington are constrained to live within a specified distance from the city and some cannot travel beyond that distance in the US without special permission.

Every once in a while, he said, a head of state or other high official will be denied entry and thus an opportunity to speak at the UN. “How important is this harassment and what does it tell us?”, he asked. It is short of horrendous and well past acceptable.

“We can conclude that Washington likes to remind the other states – and the UN as an institution – that it can do what it pleases and impose its will whether others like it or not.”

In Washington, they like to call this behavior “leadership” but “bully” might be the most appropriate term, said Paul, who frequently served as Chair or Vice Chair of the NGO Working Group on the Security Council.

Despite the 1947 Headquarters Agreement between the US and the UN, which calls on Washington to facilitate the functioning of the UN, the US has denied visas to several heads of governments planning to visit the UN to address the General Assembly or accredited as diplomats.

Palitha Kohona, a former Chief of the UN Treaty Section, told IPS the US was a key player in the creation of the UN and the organisation has served US interests well over the years.

“One might even say that the US has manipulated the UN to serve its global interests,” he argued.

Against this background, to return to the confrontational attitudes of the early 90s, when the US withheld its dues, would be self-defeating, said Kohona, a former Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the UN. He said the US is no longer the only country with overwhelming financial clout.

“To threaten the UN with financial sanctions would only result in the further waning of US influence in the UN and globally. All countries, especially countries like the US, must continue to work together to make the world a better place,” he declared.

Although complaints against the UN have been never ending – including unpaid parking tickets, and tax–free and duty-free privileges for high-ranking UN-based diplomats – US politicians have rarely admitted the political and economic advantages of the presence of the UN on American soil.

And a new report released recently by the Office of the New York city Mayor points out that the UN generates $3.69 billion in total economic output to New York city’s economy.

The 15,890 individuals directly employed by the UN Community took home household earnings of approximately $1.64 billion. These household earnings and the operating expenses of the UN Community helped create and sustain 7,940 jobs for New Yorkers.

Titled “The United Nations Impact Report 2016”, it was released by the Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office for International Affairs Penny Abeywardena In 1946, New York City competed with cities from London to San Francisco to host the official headquarters of the UN. Unlike past Mayors, the current Mayor of New York city Bill de Blasio has been a strong supporter of the UN. “New York City is not only an economic and cultural capital, but a diplomatic one. We are proud to be the host city to the United Nations headquarters and the largest diplomatic community in the world,” he said following the release of the new report.

“The impact of the United Nations stretches far beyond New York City and this study reflects the city’s enduring commitment to supporting this critical institution,” he added Still the political benefits of the UN to the United States have not been as clearly highlighted.

Kohona told IPS the US, with its vast economic and political influence, has without reluctance, manipulated the UN to justify its actions, including military interventions.

One recalls (former US Secretary of State) Colin Powell’s efforts, with videos and photographs, to convince the Security Council of the existence of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) in Iraq or the intense phone calls to diplomats whose countries were members of the Human Rights Council when a US sponsored resolution on Sri Lanka was being taken up for vote at the Council.

He said evidence is also now emerging of the blatant US manipulation of the global media, including with manufactured news, with the objective of influencing diplomatic outcomes.

The current Secretary-General, whose interventions, have generally been on the side of the US, also tends to be influenced by the US and the New York media.

His home being in New York is a factor in this outcome. Perhaps the Secretary-General should rotate his residence around the capitals of the P-5, including in the UK, France, China and Russia.

Don't write democracy off just yet John Lloyd

T

Reuters

his past year has been one where the limits and failings of democracy became more visible than at any time since World War Two enshrined the view that representative government was best. After that vast and hideous conflict, democracies defeated the tyrannies of Germany, Italy and Japan - ironically, a victory made certain by the unrivalled human sacrifices of the largest tyranny of all, the Soviet Union.

The winners, led by a rich and selfconfident United States, shaped the postwar world. The institutions created by the allies - chief among them the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank - have their origins in debates among the Allies during the war; they were designed to bring stability, replace war with argument, ensure development aid for the impoverished.

In 1948, Washington put some $12-13bn (c. $120bn in 2016 values) into the reconstruction of a ruined Europe. Called the Marshall Plan after the then U.S. Secretary of State George Marshall, the aid was designed to underpin democratic government and keep at bay the then powerful forces of communism.

In these post-war years, the victors were confident in their political systems, seeing them as drawing strength from the active engagement of the citizens in elections, in political parties and in open debate. Now, the forward march of democracy has been halted; in some cases, reversed.

Those in the West have been used to seeing elections for representatives to parliaments, chosen by parties, as the natural concomitant to free societies. Yet that freedom is highly regulated, and inevitably creates a political elite. The voices of the people are mediated through many filters, often opaque to most. Those countries relying routinely on plebiscites for policy decisions are few - as in Switzerland, where the results of referenda do confirm an aversion to immigration, even where that is posed as economically advantageous.

In this past year, referenda in two large European states that have little tradition of holding them, the United Kingdom and It-

A pro-Europe demonstrator takes part in a London protest against the British vote to exit the European Union. (Reuters Photo)

aly, have spurned political choices recommended by the two governments. In the UK, the vote was about European Union membership; in Italy it was on constitutional change. Both outcomes prompted the resignations of prime ministers: Matteo Renzi in Rome, and David Cameron in London. Both had parliament as their supreme legislatures - in Italy since the last world war, in the UK for centuries.

Referenda are now the favored media of the populist parties everywhere, since they believe they can ride and guide the tigers of popular revolt. They are the voice of the people, are they not? There is a cogent defense of representative systems as providing continuity, experience and wisdom, but it’s a hard case to make without exciting mockery at a time of mainline political unpopularity.

Mainstream political parties have regularly made attempts to widen the participation of citizens in politics, usually after protests and controversies. But they rarely bring in large numbers over more than a few meetings, since, as Francis Fukuyama writes, “most citizens have neither the time, nor the background, nor the inclination to grapple with complex public policy issues; expanding participation has simply paved the way for well-organized groups of activists to gain more power.”

The largest experiment - in terms of numbers of states involved - in creating new democratic structures has been the European Union, developed steadily since the 1950s. In the past decade, it has stalled as the member governments, pushed by their electorates as well as euroskeptic parties, have demanded a return of decision-making, not so much to their own parliaments as to the national “people.” As Marine Le Pen of France’s increasingly powerful National Front has argued, “the nation state is back.”

The EU was presented by its creators and many of its politicians as a new step in democratic governance, a voluntary fusion of nation states into a federal entity so that it could rival China, Russia and the United States, and carry more clout with the global corporations and finance houses. But the EU pushed its political project too far, especially by attempting to use the financial mechanism of the euro for political ends. Countries like Greece and Italy had habitually devalued their currencies to retain a competitive edge; they now cannot without leaving the euro. But then they would be faced with huge debts denominated in euros while their own currencies - the drachma and the lire - were heavily devalued. They cannot succeed by

staying in, nor by getting out.

Meanwhile, authoritarianism is making a comeback. That Russian President Vladimir Putin was among Time’s people of the year was due to recognition of his successes, violent as they have been, in Ukraine, in Syria and in Russia itself, where polls show he still has overwhelming public support. His fellow poll-topping autocratic presidents include Xi Jinping of China, Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, Abdel-Fatah el-Sisi of Egypt and Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines with, in a lower key, Jaroslaw Kaczinski, head of the governing party in Poland and Viktor Orban, prime minister of Hungary.

There are three ways out of this democracy dilemma for those who wish to retain the strengths of mainstream politics. First, and least attractive, but most likely, is that the different populist surges will fail. U.S. President Donald Trump will be unable to govern coherently. Brexit will bring long drawn-out damage to the UK economy. Italy will fail to find a government capable of the painful reforms it needs. Some, at least among those attracted to quick fixes, will get the point.

Second, the populists will drift into the mainstream - as the True Finns have done in Finland - losing their edge and popularity while gaining respectability. And finally, mainstream politics will find a new impetus. New leaders will emerge who can both explain the need for reason-based politics and produce results.

That last is the hardest of all, requiring patience, tolerance of failure and an appetite for explanation and education. The referenda have shown the power of a popular rejection of “them.” To succeed, all three of the above scenarios will likely play a part in clawing away from a politics which insists on radical change right now.

But it will be a rocky road: we are already on it, and with one bound cannot be free.

John Lloyd co-founded the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at the University of Oxford, where he is senior research fellow.

Lloyd has written several books, including What the Media Are Doing to Our Politics. He is also a contributing editor at the Financial Times and the founder of FT Magazine.

Vocational Education The Need Of The Hour!!

A

dam Smith, the Father of Economics in his book, “The Wealth of Nations” states that an individual engaged in economic activity, striving for individual gain unintentionally ends up doing good for the society altogether. He calls this the working of The Invisible Hand. This idea is still relevant and very practical in today’s day and age.

To cut it short, entrepreneurial activity is crucial for not only development of self but also the greater whole. Often the term economic growth and economic development are used synonymously but there is an important distinction that needs to be understood • Economic growth means an increase in real national income / national output.

• Economic development means increase in real national income / national output but also an improvement in quality of life and living standards, e.g. measures of literacy, life-expectancy and health care.

So, economic development is a much more desired state to achieve than economic growth. One of the important roles that an entrepreneur plays is inducing economic development through his/her entrepreneurial activity. States that have attained high rate of growth and development can be attributed to the existence of high levels of entrepreneurial activity.

Nagaland is a state blessed with immense natural resources that can be harnessed for its growth and development. And with a literacy rate of 80.11% as per 2011 census, we certainly have the human resource to take advantage of the resources that is available. But still Nagaland is characterised by high level of unemployment and thereby contributing to the underdevelopment of the region. This inability to harness the potential may be due to the lack of know-how or skill of the human resource.

If we look at the government sector to absorb the educated-unemployed, it reflects an even dismal picture. Our government offices are over-staffed and there is the under the table and back door facilities which not everyone has access to. So what do we do then? What will be the possible way to over come the situation where we find ourselves in? Well, if you ask me I think its time for us to pick ourselves up and be the solution to the problem. It is time we rekindle and redirect our Naga warrior spirit, which we are so proud of.

A well known behavioral scientist, David McClelland of Harvard University made an interesting investigation into why certain societies displayed great creative powers at particular periods of their history?

What was the cause of these creative burst of energy?

He found out that “the need for achievement” (n’ach factor) was the answer to this question. It was the need to achieve that motivated people to work hard. According to him, money making was incidental. It was only a measure of achievement, not its motivation.

In order to answer the next question whether this need for achievement could be induced, he conducted a five-year experimental study in one of the prosperous districts of Andhra Pradesh in India with the help of Small Industries Extension and Training institute (SEIT), Hyderabad.

His experiment is popularly known as ‘Kakinada Experiment’ (1964). Under this experiment, young people were selected and put through a three-month training programme and were motivated to develop fresh goals.

The entrepreneurs posses certain traits or competences which form the underlying characteristic of the entrepreneur that results in superior performance.

The crucial question arises: whether these characteristics are in born in the entrepreneurs or can it be induced and developed?

One of the significant conclusions of the experiment was that traditional beliefs did not seem to inhibit an entrepreneur and that suitable training can provide the necessary motivation to the entrepreneurs.

The Kakinada experiment could be treated as a precursor to the present day Entrepreneurship Development Programmes (EDPs) inputs on behavioral aspect.

Offcourse every region has it respective set of problems and we have our own unique set of complications which we have often dragged as an excuse for our inactivity but at the same time we have also witnessed success for those who actually dared to face the problem and find a solution through it. We have for too long sat on the problem and made it too comfortable and over glorified it on a pedestal which has been very taxing to say the least.

The education system here has to be the backbone to make the difference in our society. The course curriculum also has to change from just theoretical aspect to more practical and skill oriented content.

Vocational education is the need of the hour. Vocational Education is also known as Career and Technical Education (CTE) or Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). It prepares people for specific trades, crafts and careers at various levels in all spheres of life. It is sometimes referred as technical education because the trainee directly develops expertise in a specific of area techniques. Vocational education is related to the age-old apprenticeship system of learning.

The Vocational Training in India is imparted by mainly two types of bodies: • Public Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) • Private owned Industrial Training Centres (ITCs) The Indian Government has invested a lot for the development of skills through ITIs. Entrepreneurship in this regard is not only an art but also a science. It can be induced as proven by the Kakinada experiment. And therefore effort has to be made in order to facilitate growth of entrepreneurs.

Through all these initiatives, changes are visible and its encouraging to see people taking the leap of faith and being the difference that can spark the light of change and not only that but be and agent to spread the light.

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.

Imtipong Longkumer, Asst. Professor, BBA Department, St. Joseph’s College, Jakhama.

tuesDAY 03•01•2017

INDIA

8

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

UP has to change for India to progress: Modi When they are all clamouring to remove Modi, I am saying remove corruption and black money: Modi

lucknow, Jan 2 (Ians): Hitting out at the Samajwadi Party and BSP for "banishing" development from Uttar Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday urged the people to rise above caste and vote for progress.

Addressing a rally here which he said was the biggest of his life, Modi, without taking names, ridiculed the Congress, the Samajwadi Party and the BSP and asserted that when the entire opposition was clamouring for his head, he was determined to end corruption.

"There is this party, which for the last 15 years has been struggling to establish their son as an accept-

Modi's supporters during a rally in Lucknow ahead of UP elections. (PTI Photo)

able leader," Modi said targeting Congress and its Vice President Rahul Gandhi.

"There is another, which is busy trying to settle its ill-gotten money in various banks and escape scrutiny," he said, in an apparent reference to

Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party. And he targeted the ruling Samajwadi Party by saying: "Then there is this third party which is busy trying to save their family from breaking up."

"In the past few weeks, we have seen bitter foes and

arch rivals like the Samajwadi Party and BSP come together to seek my removal.

"When they are all clamouring to remove Modi, I am saying remove corruption and black money," he said, pointing to his November 8

decision to demonetise Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes that caused an unprecedented cash crunch.

Claiming that development work was carried out by the BJP when it ruled Uttar Pradesh until it lost power 14 years ago, Modi accused successive governments of indulging in politics at the cost of progress.

"Parties should not play politics with the poor, voters and farmers but in UP politics comes in the way of development.

"It pains me when I see how governments in the state have functioned.

Even for building a road, they first measure political considerations. Development is not their preference. The Centre in the last two and a half years provided Rs 2.5 lakh crore to the state. Had this money been properly utilised, UP's condition wouldn't be like it is now," he said.

Calling on the people to

‘Election is a secular exercise’ Can't seek votes on religion, race, caste, language: SC

new DelhI, January 2 (Ians): The Supreme Court on Monday ruled that seeking votes on the basis of religion, race, caste or language of a candidate or his rival or even that of the voters is illegal and could jeopardise the electoral process.

A constitution bench headed

by Chief Justice T.S. Thakur, by a 4:3 majority judgment, said election was a secular exercise and the functioning of an elected representative too had got to be secular.

Pointing out that religion had no place in the electoral process, essentially a secular activity, the court said the government must be alive to the constitutional ethos and its obligations to uphold them.

The majority judgment came from Chief Justice Thakur, Justice Madan B. Lokur, Justice S.A. Bobde and Justice L. Nageswara Rao. Justice Lokur pronounced it.

Chief Justice Thakur also gave his additional reasons while concurring with the judgment. Justice Bobde too gave his separate reasoning.

While agreeing that seeking votes by invoking religion, race, caste, community and language was a corrupt practice, the dissenting judgment by Justice D.Y. Chan-

drachud, Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel and Justice Uday Umesh Lalit said prohibiting people in electoral fray from speaking about the legitimate concerns of the people reduced democracy to abstraction.

Pointing out that there should be no judicial drafting of the law, Justice Chandrachud, speaking for the dissenting judges, said that no government system was "perfect".

There was also no law that prohibited dialogue and discussion on the issues that concerned voters and the same should not be construed as an appeal to gain votes, he said.

It also noted the success with which elections have been held so far.

The mixing of State activities with religion was not permissible, the ma-

jority judgment said, pointing out that the relationship between man and God was an individual choice.

The court said this while interpreting Section 123(3) of the Representation of People's Act, 1951, that spells out corrupt practices.

Section 123(3) says: "The appeal by a candidate or his agent or by any other person with the consent of a candidate or his election agent to vote or refrain from voting for any person on the ground of his religion, race, caste, community or language or the use of, or appeal to religious symbols ..., for the furtherance of the prospects of the election of that candidate or for prejudicially affecting the election of any candidate will be a corrupt practice."

'PMs rally flop, people didnt accept Modi as UP-walla' lucknow, January 2 (PTI): Describing Prime Minister Narendra Modis mahaparivartan rally here as a "flop show", BSP chief Mayawati today claimed that despite all out efforts, the gathering did not accept Modi as a "UP-walla".

"The mahaparivartan rally of the prime minister was a total flop show as it was a mere congregation of ticketseekers and a hired crowd," she said in a press release.

"Despite BJP national president Amit Shah repeatedly asking the people at the rally, they remained silent and did not appear ready to accept that Modi (who vote for BJP in the coming assembly elections, Modi said development of Uttar Pradesh was imperative if the country had to progress.

"We want India to march ahead, want poverty to be eliminated, illiteracy to end, diseases to end. But all these dreams will be fulfilled only when the fortune of UP is changed. For India to prog-

ha MP Amar Singh and actressturned politician Jaya Prada, Mulayam Singh met Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi in the national capital.

The meeting lasted around 30 minutes where Mulayam Singh, as the party founder, is said to have asserted his right over the election symbol.

While Mulayam Singh and his aides were tight-lipped about the meeting, informed sources said he discussed party constitution with Zaidi, claiming he was still the party president.

Mulayam Singh is also said to have argued that the convention called in Lucknow by Akhilesh supporters violated the party rules

and hence anything that happened at the meeting was invalid.

He also cancelled a national convention called by him on January 5.

Meanwhile, the Akhilesh camp will be sending its General Secretary-turned-mentor Ram Gopal Yadav as its emissary to the poll panel on Tuesday.

Mulayam confidant Amar Singh appeared unfazed by his "expulsion" from the party by Akhilesh Yadav and insisted his allegiance to Mulayam Singh.

"I was with Mulayam and will remain with him. My association with him made me a hero and if needed I can become a villian also," he said.

Amid the tug of war between

ress, UP has to progress."

He pointed to the poor law and order in the state, lack of security for women and land grabbing.

"Rise above caste politics and vote for development," said Modi.

He lashed out at the BSP for finding "politics" in the recently launched BHIM mobile app dedicat-

ed to Bhim Rao Ambedkar.

Ondemonetisation,Modi said the money deposited in the banks would be used for the welfare of the people.

"The poor in the state have been looted for long, the middle class marginalised for long... Time has come to change all this and the change will begin in Uttar Pradesh."

India successfully test fires Agni-IV missile BhuBaneswar, January 2 (Ians): India on Monday successfully test fired the nuclear-capable Agni-IV ballistic missile off the Odisha coast. The test comes within a week of the successful test of Agni-V intercontinental ballistic missile. The Monday launch came at about 11.50 a.m., from a mobile launcher off the Balasore coast in the Abdul Kalam Island, defence sources said. The launch operations were carried out by the Strategic Forces Command, part of India's Nuclear Command Authority (NCA). This is sixth test of the missile and second user associate launch. The

missile was earlier test fired in 2011, 2012 and twice in 2014. The last test took place in November 2015. All tests have been successful, said the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), which has designed and developed the missile.

The two-stage solid-propelled, surfaceto-surface ballistic missile was designed to carry a 1-tonne payload to a distance of 4,000 km. The missile's length is 20 metres and weighs 17 tonnes. It is equipped with stateof-the-art technologies, which include indigenously developed ring laser gyro and composite rocket motor.

'Service charge by hotels/restaurants not mandatory'

new DelhI, January 2 (PTI): Service charge on a food bill is not compulsory and a customer can choose to have it waived if not satisfied with the experience, the government said today. The Centre has also asked states to ensure that hotels/ restaurants disseminate this information through displays in their premises.

"A number of complaints from consumers have been received that hotels and restaurants are following the practice of chargthe father and son, a group of party ing 'service charge' in the range of 5-20% in activists gathered outside Mulay- lieu of tips, which a consumer is forced to am Singh's residence here, raised pay irrespective of the kind of service proslogans in his support and sought unification of the party.

The supporters, however, did not raise slogans against Akh- MuMBaI, January 2 (Ians): ilesh Yadav or Ram Gopal Yadav. Cracking the whip, Maharashtra has deInstead, they urged Mulayam cided to sack 477 government doctors Singh to make Akhilesh Yadav who have remained absent from duty afthe face of the election campaign. ter joining the service, some for nearly 15 According to constitutional ex- years, a state minister said on Monday. perts, in all likelihood, the poll "We have decided to act against them," panel could freeze the party sym- said Health and Family Welfare Minisbol and allot new symbols to both ter Deepak Sawant. Many doctors, who the factions to contest the assem- were appointed by the government for its bly elections scheduled this year. hospitals or clinics across the state, went This might come as a blow to both missing after joining services and are sides as the symbol "cycle" is a usually referred to as "absconders".

Sawant said that a whopping 581 such well established brand.

War over 'cycle' as Mulayam knocks EC's door new DelhI/lucknow, Jan 2 (Ians): The ugly battle raged on Monday in Uttar Pradeshs ruling Samajwadi Party with party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav approaching the Election Commission to secure his right over its election symbol "cycle".

A day after being dethroned as the Samajwadi Party national president by his warring son and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, Mulayam Singh insisted the party belonged to him and declared the action against him unconstitutional.

"Samajwadi Party's election symbol is my signature," he said in Lucknow. Accompanied by his brother Shivpal Yadav, Rajya Sab-

represents the state in Lok Sabha) is from Uttar Pradesh," Mayawati claimed.

Reacting to the prime ministers remark at the rally that the recent BHIM mobile app launched by the government was in commemoration of Bhimrao Ambedkar, she alleged that it was aimed at "misguiding the Dalits".

"The Bharat Interface for Money app is being propagated as BHIM. Had his (Modis) intentions been really good, it could have clearly been named after Baba Saheb," the BSP chief added.

She also took a dig at the Modi government for the "new year gift" to the people of raising petrol and diesel prices.

vided to him," Union Consumer Affairs Ministry said in an official statement.

The Ministry had sought clarification from the Hotel Association of India, which replied that "service charge is completely discretionary and should a customer be dissatisfied with the dining experience, he/ she can have it waived off. Therefore, it is deemed to be accepted voluntarily." "The Department of Consumer Affairs has asked the state governments to sensitise the companies, hotels and restaurants in the states regarding aforementioned provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986..."

Maharashtra cracks whip on 477 'absconding' doctors 'absconders' have been identified by his ministry and out of them, the services of 104 have already been terminated. "They (such doctors) come, appear for the interviews, collect their appointment letters and join the department. After a few days, they just leave. We are not able to stop them, nor can the courts. Ideally, they should submit their resignation before going," he said. The government has informed the Maharashtra Medical Education Department and Maharashtra Medical Council who will decide the future course of action against these medicos.

Lama's abode turning into concrete jungle Demonetisation hits core industries output growth in November Vishal Gulati

T

IANS

his once-peaceful abode of Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama, with the Dhauladhar ranges in the backdrop, is rapidly turning into a concrete jungle with massive constructions underway to cash in on the tourism boom.

Experts fear a high-intensity quake can turn this quaint uphill town, known for attracting a steady stream of Tibet enthusiasts, Buddhist scholars, backpackers and even Hollywood stars, into a tomb of rubble as it falls in seismic zone V, suggesting severest seismic sensitivity.

"It was once a small village of shepherds. Now you can see a concrete jungle all over," local resident Joginder Singh told IANS. He said that much of the commercial activity around McLeodganj is a result of people cashing in on the tourism boom.

Joginder Singh is the caretaker of one of the oldest landmarks, Nowrojee and Sons General Store, that was set up in 1860 to take care of the daily requirements of the British officers and their families. It has maintained its original grand wooden structure.

"Most buildings are clinging to one another.

Even a moderate earth-

quake can be catastrophic for these buildings with no escape routes. They can collapse like a pack of cards," tourist James McClarence from Britain told IANS. He said colonial British India exists now only in Kipling's novels.

Old timers in McLeodganj, which remained almost uninhabited until the arrival of the Dalai Lama along with his followers in 1960, remember the town with much affection.

"McLeodganj has lost its British colonial charm of Gothic-style of architecture in buildings and letter boxes in cylindrical and pillar shapes," said octogenarian Naresh Chauhan, who has lived here since childhood.

Earlier, he said, most of the constructions were of mud, adobe and random stones.

"Such structures are liable to suffer partial damage in the wake of quakes. Now most of them are concrete and may have ignored the traditional practices of seismic proofing such as 'dhajji' and incorporation of wooden beams," he added.

This town -- the political, cultural and spiritual hub of the Tibetan diaspora -- in Kangra district supports around 16,000 exiled Tibetans and an equal number of Indians.

A devastating earthquake in 1905 severely damaged property in the

Kangra region, including St. John's Church here where many British officials were buried, and claimed over 20,000 lives.

Records of the field station of the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, an autonomous research institute of the Indian government's Department of Science and Technology, at Naddi near here, show that several earthquakes have struck this region since 1905.

Prominent among these were the one on June 15, 1978, and another on April 26, 1986 -- the first being of magnitude 5 and the other 5.7 on the Richter scale.

"McLeodganj and its nearby villages fall in the highly-sliding zone. The construction of multistoried buildings is not advisable in this area," an official of the Wadia Institute told IANS. A majority of the new structures infringe bylaws and building norms and haven't even adhered to seismic norms, admitted the official, who didn't wish to be identified.

"When the devastating quake occurred in 1905, there were hardly any multistoreyed structures in this region. If an earthquake with the similar magnitude reoccurs, there would be colossal loss to both life and property," said Umaid Singh, a resident of Naddi who witnessed the 1986 quake.

new DelhI, January 2 (Ians): Reflecting some impact of the government's recent demonetisation measure, the output of India's eight infrastructure industries in November 2016 increased by 4.9 per cent, but fell sequentially as compared to the 6.6 per cent growth logged in October, official data showed on Monday.

The Eight Core Industries (ECI) grew in November at 4.9 per cent as compared to the same month of 2015 on the back of higher production of coal, steel and electricity.

The cumulative growth during April to November increased by 4.9 per cent.

The data which represents the output of major industrial sectors was released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

The ECI comprises of nearly 38 per cent weightage of the items included in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP).

The index includes sectors like coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilisers, steel (alloy and non-alloy), cement and electricity.

Electricity generation, which has the highest weightage of 10.32 per cent in the IIP, edged up by 10.2 per cent in November, as compared with the corresponding month of 2015.

Demonetisation put India back by 30 years: Cong

A man works on a construction site of a residential building in Mumbai. (Reuters File Photo)

Steel production, the second most important component with weightage of 6.68 per cent, increased by 5.6 per cent in the month under review.

Distilling of refinery products, the third most important component as per weightage, was higher by 2 per cent in October, as compared with the corresponding month of last year.

However, extraction of crude oil, which has a 5.22 per cent weightage in IIP, decreased by 5.6 per cent during the month in consideration.

Coal mining, with a 4.38 per cent weightage, increased by 6.4 per cent in November.

Cement production, which has the weightage of 2.41 per cent, increased marginally by 0.5 per cent

in November 2016 over the same month of 2015.

On the other hand, the sub-index for natural gas output, with a weightage of 1.71 per cent edged lower by 1.7 per cent during the month under consideration.

Fertiliser manufacturing, which has the least weightage of only 1.25 per cent rose by 2.4 per cent in November.

The impact of demonetisation was reflected in a downturn in Indian manufacturing growth in December, which was the first such contraction in a year, a key macro-economic data showed on Monday.

According to the Nikkei Markit India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) -- a composite indicator

PanaJI, January 2 (Ians): Demonetisation has sent India 30 years back in time, the Goa unit of the Congress said and claimed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech on New Year's Eve was a damp squid.

"We were expecting some good news for the people. What I find (instead) are petty announcements keeping in mind assembly elections, in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Goa. The speech was empty and hollow," Goa Congress president Luizinho Faleiro told a press conference on Monday at the Congress state headquarters in Panaji.

Faleiro also said the central government's model of governance was as "bankrupt" as the Gujarat model of governance, which was used by Modi to project his prime ministerial credentials.

The Congress leader said the BJP-led coalition government in Goa was fraught with misrule and claimed the leaders of an alliance partner in Goa, the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party, had themselves criticised the functioning of the state government on repeated occasions.

"Goa has seen misrule for the last five years of the BJP. They have destroyed whatever was there in Goa," he said.

"According to one of the senior members of the BJP-led cabinet for the last five years, the BJP has taken Goa 10 years behind. Instead of going forward they are going behind," Faleiro said, quoting former Public Works Department Minister Sudin Dhavalikar who was sacked by Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar last month, following the criticism of his leadership.

of manufacturing performance -- the withdrawal of high-value banknotes has reportedly hit new business orders and factory output in December, with companies signalling fewer numbers of new orders, buying levels and output.

The index fell to 49.6 in December, from 52.3 in November, which marked the biggest month-on-month decline in the index since November 2008 when the global economy had slipped into a severe downturn following the financial market crash in the US.

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WORLD

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

9

Islamic State car bomb hits Baghdad BaGHDaD/TikriT, JaNuary 2 (rE uTErS): An Islamic State car bomb killed 24 people in a busy square in Baghdad's sprawling Sadr City district on Monday, and the militants cut a key road north from the capital to Mosul, their last major stronghold in the country.

An online statement distributed by Amaq news agency, which supports Islamic State, said the ultra-hardline Sunni group had targeted a gathering of Shi'ite Muslims, whom it considers apostates. Sixtyseven people were wounded in the blast.

U.S.-backed Iraqi forces are currently fighting to push Islamic State from the northern city of Mosul, but are facing fierce resistance.

The group has lost most of the territory it seized in a blitz across northern and western Iraq in 2014.

The recapture of Mosul would probably spell the end for its self-styled caliphate, but the militants would still be capable of fighting a guerrilla-style insurgency in Iraq, and plotting or inspiring attacks on the West.

Three bombs killed 29 people across the capital on Saturday, and an attack near the southern city of Najaf on Sunday left seven policemen dead.

Monday's blast in Sadr City hit a square where day labourers typically gather.

Nine of the victims were women in a passing minibus. Their charred bodies were visible inside the burnt-out remains of the vehicle. Blood stained the ground nearby.

IS claims responsibility for Istanbul attack

People look at a burned vehicle at the site of car bomb attack in a busy square at Baghdad's sprawling Sadr City district, in Iraq January 2, 2017. (REUTERS PHOTO)

"The terrorists will attempt to attack civilians in order to make up for their losses, but we assure the Iraqi people and the world that we are able to end terrorism and shorten its life," Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi told reporters after meeting with visiting French President Francois Hollande.

ROAD TO MOSUL Since the drive to recapture Mosul began on Oct. 17, elite forces have retaken a quarter of the city in the biggest ground operation

in Iraq since the 2003 U.S.led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein. Abadi has said the group will be driven out of the country

by April.

As clashes continued in and around Mosul on Monday, Islamic State also targeted military positions away from the main battlefield, killing at least 16 pro-government fighters and cutting a strategic road linking the city to Baghdad.

Militants attacked an army barracks near Baiji, 180 km (110 miles) north of the capital, killing four

soldiers and wounding 12 people, including Sunni tribal fighters, army and police sources said.

They seized weapons there and launched mortars at nearby Shirqat, forcing security forces to impose a curfew and close schools and offices in the town, according to local officials and security sources.

Shirqat mayor Ali Dodah said Islamic State seized three checkpoints on the main road linking Baiji to Shirqat following the attacks. Shelling in Shirqat had killed at least

two children, he told Reuters by phone.

In a separate incident, gunmen broke into a village near Udhaim, 90 km (56 miles) north of Baghdad, where they executed nine Sunni tribal fighters with shots to the head, police and medical sources said.

At least three pro-government Shi'ite militia fighters were also killed and seven wounded when militants attacked their position near Udhaim with mortar rounds and machine guns, police sources said.

Cairo, JaNuary 2 (rEuTErS): Islamic State claimed responsibility on Monday for a New Year's Day mass shooting in a packed Istanbul nightclub that killed 39 people, an attack carried out by a lone gunman who remains at large.

It described the Reina nightclub, where many foreigners as well as Turks were killed, as a gathering point for Christians celebrating their "apostate holiday".

The attack, it said, was revenge for Turkish military involvement in Syria.

"The apostate Turkish government should know that the blood of Muslims shed with airplanes and artillery fire will, with God's permission, ignite a fire in their own land," the Islamic State declaration said.

There was no immediate comment from Turkish officials.

The jihadist group has been blamed for at least half a dozen attacks on civilian targets in Turkey over the past 18 months but, other than targeted assassinations, this is the first time it has directly claimed any of them. It made the statement on one of its Telegram channels, a method used after attacks elsewhere.

NATO member Turkey is part of the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State and launched an incursion into neighbouring Syria in August to drive the radical Sunni militants from its borders, sending in tanks and special forces backed by fighter jets.

Nationals of Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Lebanon, Libya, Israel, India, a TurkishBelgian dual citizen and a Franco-Tunisian woman were among those killed at the exclusive nightclub on the shores of the Bosphorus waterway. Twenty-five of the dead were foreigners, according to the state-run Anadolu news agency.

Police distributed a hazy black-andwhite photo of the alleged gunman taken from security footage. State broadcaster TRT Haber said eight people had been detained in Istanbul.

The authorities believe the attacker may be from a Central Asian nation and suspect he had links to Islamic State, the Hurriyet newspaper said. It said he may

be from the same cell responsible for a gun-and-bomb attack on Istanbul's main airport in June, in which 45 people were killed and hundreds wounded.

The attack at Reina, popular with Turkish celebrities and wealthy visitors, shook Turkey as it tries to recover from a failed July coup and a series of deadly bombings in Istanbul and elsewhere, some blamed on Islamic State, others claimed by Kurdish militants.

Around 600 people were thought to be inside when the gunman shot dead a policeman and civilian at the door, forcing his way in then opening fire with an automatic assault rifle. Witnesses said he shouted "Allahu Akbar" (God is Greatest).

Some at the club jumped into the Bosphorus after the attacker began shooting at random just over an hour into the new year. Witnesses described diving under tables as he walked around spraying bullets.

KALASHNIKOV IN SUITCASE The attacker was believed to have taken a taxi from the southern Zeytinburnu district of Istanbul and, because of the busy traffic, got out and walked the last four minutes to the entrance of the nightclub, newspaper Haberturk said.

He pulled his Kalashnikov rifle from a suitcase at the side of the road, opened fire on those at the door, then threw two hand grenades after entering, Haberturk said, without citing its sources. It said six empty magazines were found at the scene and that he was estimated to have fired at least 180 bullets.

Security services had been on alert across Europe for new year celebrations following an attack on a Christmas market in Berlin that killed 12 people.

Only days ago, an online message from a pro-Islamic State group called for attacks by "lone wolves" on "celebrations, gatherings and clubs".

In a statement hours after the shooting, President Tayyip Erdogan said such attacks aimed to create chaos and destabilise the country.

Myanmar to probe Rohingya beating video WhatsApp block about to happen on older phones

Nay Pyi Taw, JaNuary 2 (iaNS): Myanmar authorities said they will investigate a video which appears to show police beating members of the Rohingya minority, a media report said on Monday.

The government said the footage was filmed in November 2016 as police conducted a "clearance operation" in Maungdaw after two police officers were shot, one fatally, the

BBC reported.

The video shows a large group of villagers sitting in lines in front of police officers. One officer can be seen beating one man, while another kicks him in the face. Other men are then also kicked or hit.

The State Counsellor's Office Information Committee on Monday said action would be taken against officers who violated police force rules.

Scores of people have been killed in military operations in Rakhine state, launched after armed militants attacked border posts in Maungdaw on October 9, 2016, killing nine policemen.

The state is closed to journalists and investigators, making it difficult to independently verify allegations of rape, massacres and the burning and looting of villages at the hands of the military, the BBC said.

The estimated one million Muslim Rohingya are seen by many in mainly Buddhist Myanmar as illegal migrants from Bangladesh.

They are denied citizenship by the government despite many having lived there for generations.

Hundreds of thousands of undocumented Rohingya are estimated to live in Bangladesh, having fled Myanmar.

NEw york, JaNuary 2 (iaNS): As an earlier statement said WhatsApp will stop working on certain phones by the end of 2016, many users of older versions of iPhones and Android handsets are about to find themselves cut off from using the chat app, media has reported.

WhatsApp, with more than one billion monthly users, had earlier announced that it was phasing out compatibility with older phones in a technology upgrade.

According to a report in the Independent on Monday, WhatsApp said that the move had been made to ensure that the app could continue to

introduce new features and stay secure, which relies on the app being used on newer operating systems.

In the developing markets where the chat app and older phones are popular, WhatsApp has faced a sharp criticism for its move.

WhatsApp had initially listed all BlackBerry models and some Nokia handsets among the handsets that would be blocked from the chat app.

However, the company retracted late last year, apparently in response to complaints.

"We are extending support for BlackBerry OS, BlackBerry 10, Nokia S40 and Nokia Symbian S60 until

June 30, 2017," WhatsApp wrote in an update to its blog.

The service will stop on any first, second, third or fourth generation iPad that has not been updated. Users need to update to iOS 9.3 to use the service.

With these changes, WhatsApp is expected to more deeply integrate encryption and other privacy services.

"Such technology stops messages from being read, and has led to WhatsApp facing criticism from governments who believe that WhatsApp conversations should be made public," the report added.

China not to allow Hong Kong to be used as a subversion base China to ban domestic ivory

BEiJiNG, JaNuary 2 (rEuTErS): China will not allow anyone to use Hong Kong as a base for subversion against mainland China or to damage its political stability, Beijing's top official in the territory told state television.

Chinese leaders are increasingly concerned about a fledgling independence movement in Hong Kong, which returned to mainland rule in 1997 with a promise of autonomy known as "one country, two systems", and recent protests in the city.

In an interview with state television broadcast late on Sunday, Zhang Xiaoming, the head of China's Liaison Office in Hong Kong, said Beijing will not interfere in matters that purely affect Hong Kong's autonomy.

"As far as Hong Kong is concerned, nobody is permitted do anything in any form that damage the country's sovereignty and security, they are not allowed to challenge the central government's authority or that of Hong Kong's Basic Law, they are

not allowed to use Hong Kong for infiltration subversion activities against the mainland to damage its social and political stability," Zhang said.

China's parliament last month staged a rare interpretation of the Basic Law, Hong Kong's mini-constitution, to effectively bar proindependence city lawmakers from taking office there.

Chinese President Xi Jinping told outgoing Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying last month that China's central government strongly sup-

ports efforts by the Hong Kong government to curb moves by some promoting independence for the global financial hub.

The former British colony returned to China under the "one country, two systems" agreement that ensured its freedoms and wide-ranging autonomy, including a separate legal system.

But Communist Party rulers in Beijing have ultimate control, and some Hong Kong people are concerned they are increasingly interfering to head off dissent.

‘Thai election won’t happen this year’ BaNGkok, JaNuary 2 (rEuTErS): Thailand will need to delay a planned general election until 2018 to allow time to pass the necessary laws, a member of the military government's national assembly said on Monday.

But a spokesman for the government said it remained on track for an election this year as set out in its roadmap to restore civilian rule.

The junta toppled an elected government in 2014 in a bid to enforce calm in a country divided by more than a decade of conflict between a military-backed royalist establishment and populist political forces.

Somjet Boonthanom,

An election commission official holds a ballot paper from a ballot box while counting votes during a constitutional referendum vote at a polling station in Bangkok, Thailand, August 7, 2016. (REUTERS PHOTO)

a member of the militaryappointed National Legislative Assembly (NLA), told Reuters that elections would likely be delayed until March or April 2018.

"This is not a post-

ponement but because of the intricacies involved in drafting election laws, elections will not happen this year," he said.

Until now, the junta has said it is sticking to plans for

an election in late 2017.

"As far as the government is concerned, we are on track with the roadmap. The NLA's opinions are their own," said Major General Sansern Kaewkamnerd, spokesman for the prime minister's office.

Thailand's army has carried out 12 successful coups since 1932.

The next step in the transition back to civilian rule is for new King Maha Vajiralongkorn to endorse a constitution which was approved in a referendum last year.

Critics argue that provisions in the constitution will entrench the hold of the military even after elections.

trade by the end of 2017 reuters

China will slap a total ban on the domestic ivory trade within a year, the government announced on Friday, shutting the door to the world's biggest end-market for poached ivory.

The State Council said in a notice a complete ban would be enforced by Dec. 31, 2017. A first batch of factories and shops will need to close and hand in their licences by March 31, 2017.

Conservation groups applauded the ban, with WildAid's wildlife campaigner Alex Hofford calling it "the biggest and best conservation news of 2016".

Environmentalists say poached ivory can be disguised as legal as long as trade is allowed in licensed outlets on the high street and online.

Poaching is a major factor contributing to the rapid decline in the numbers of African elephants, with about 20,000 slaughtered every year, according to the WWF. It says about 415,000 African elephants remain today, compared with the 3 to 5 million in the early 20th century. The animal is officially listed as a vulnerable species.

People with ivory products previously obtained through legal means can apply for certification and continue to display them in exhibitions and museums, the government announcement said.

The auction of legally obtained ivory antiques, under "strict supervision", will also be allowed after obtaining authorisation. The government will also crack down on law enforcement and boost education, it added.

WWF Hong Kong's Senior

Ivory products are displayed at an antique store in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou October 16, 2009. (REUTERS PHOTO)

Wildlife Crime Officer Cheryl Lo said the bold timeline "shows determination to help save Africa's elephants from extinction".

"A ban clearly requires strong enforcement and support from the government to be most effective. But together with China's announcement, now that three of the world’s largest domestic ivory markets, that is China, Hong Kong and the U.S., are being phased out," Lo said in a statement.

The United States enacted a neartotal ban on commercial trade in ivory from African elephants in June.

Campaigners are urging the Hong Kong government to speed up its plan of phasing out the local ivory trade by

the end of 2021.

The former British colony, now Chinese-ruled but governed by different laws under a "one country, two systems" arrangement, allows trade of "pre-convention ivory", or ivory products acquired before 1975.

The financial centre also remains an important transit and consumption hub for illegal ivory to China and the rest of Asia.

Chinese ivory traders have also tried to pre-empt the move, WildAid's Hofford said, with some carvers setting up shops in Laos and Myanmar and other traders moving their products "offshore" to places such as Hong Kong.

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tuesdAY 03•01•2017

PUBLIC dISCOURSE

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

A concise answer to Silverstein’s tirade on the Christian scripture

“The mind is its own place, and in itself can make a heaven of hell, a hell of heaven.”

- John Milton, Paradise Lost.

Dr. S.Temjen Imchen

I

Introduction would first like to relate the meaning of the above lines from John Milton’s poem to our present situation in order to understand the mindset of an extremely negative person even before we address the issues raised by Robert A.Silverstein in his latest article, titled “A Reply to Three Responses to My Article on the Book of Daniel and the Christian Scriptures,” (EMN, December 31, 2016). Later on, I will respond to Silverstein’s insinuations directed to me and my two other Naga friends. His reply is once again a continued vilification of Nagas and our history, reflective of his negative invectives on the Nagas as he did in the past through his writings in EMN & NPN and his online negative feedback in Nagalandpage for quite some time.

Silverstein’s Negative and Incessant Invectives on the Nagas Silverstein, by his own admission, is 73 years old [“not true; I’m 73”], past his prime and appears to be a pessimistic person. Not only is Silverstein past his prime but his continual tirades and tantrums on Naga way of life and history seem to be coming from a person who is eccentric, undisciplined, a bit confused and “chronically an unhappy person.” If we look for the core meaning of Milton’s lines cited above, an American professor, trainer and communication success speaker by name Preston Ni tells us of “8 Negative Attitudes of Chronically Unhappy People” (see Preston Ni, How to Let Go of Negative Thoughts and Emotions, 2015). For instance, Preston says there are such thoughts as “Negative Assumptions” in which a person begins to “presume the negative” from a certain situation or interaction. Another attitude is “Negative Rumination about the Past” where an individual gets “stuck” in the past. Going by this psychological reasoning, a chronically unhappy person will achieve nothing in life but one’s self-defeat only. Even a heaven will be turned into hell for such a per-

son. Silverstein’s “frequent incendiary tirades on Naga Society and Polity” – as my good friend N. Janbemo Humtsoe has rightly pointed out previously – every now then have raised some serious questions as to whether Silverstein is a “chronically negative person” (cf. his regular and harmful online comments on Naga issues in Nagalandpage.com) and presently his venomous attacks on some of the burning issues concerning the Naga people. How do we handle such an wobbly person? As Christians, let us not give a tit-for-tat, but we can only feel pity on him or be very careful of a certain “Rob” or “Bob Silverstein.”

The Holy Bible reminds us that: ‘Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals” (1 Corinthians 15:33). Another enduring lesson that we have from the Word of God is found in this verse: “Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man” (Proverbs 22:24). My only advice to my Naga people – who are going through a difficult phase now in the socio-political and economic fronts – is that let us be aware of some negative people like Silverstein who always talk and behave very badly and try to trick us into believing that ours is “a failed state” which any sensible Naga citizen finds it hard to grapple with. May be, Nagaland is under-developed anyway, but how long? One can see the winds of change blowing now. It is a good sign, a sign that is held by Naga intelligentsia and the Church.

To always keep beating the drum that Nagaland is “a failed state” is negativism to the core. We do not live in the past, we live in the present and we are a praxis-oriented people. Though our Govt fails us, but the Naga public do not believe that it will remain the same forever. We only can stand up to our feet and walk. Therefore, we are not finished. We will rise up!

Who will like a person who always loves to discourage others? Nobody likes a pessimist. Remember, one can make one’s own heaven a hell; and likewise, a person can also make a hell out of a heaven on this earth. The choice is there. Some chronic sceptics like Silverstein can never dampen the Naga spirit and our hunger for a change for good. As of now, Nagas are optimistic for a better future. But, it is not only talk and no action, as

the motor-mouth Silverstein would always say. We believe on a philosophy of talk and walking the talk! We will rise up from the present state of affairs, no matter what. We have the faith and we keep the hope alive, and that is why we raise our voices – even dissenting voices – and feel proud of taking the pragmatic steps as you witness in our midst today.

Psychologically speaking, if a person has had a bad upbringing and is unhappy with matters like his family, marriage, profession, his own immediate society, and those personal issues affect that man, remember that such a person will be “chronically unhappy” all the time everywhere. Consequently, such a person tends to be negative and will go on with his unhelpful outbursts till the end of his life!

Such an eccentric or old maggot will be shunned everywhere! So “Rob,” its time you introspect your life. It’s never too late, even if you are 73 now, to have an about-turn from your old ways of glumness. Simply put, stop torturing the Nagas morally and intellectually just because you are an old buffoon sitting somewhere there and indulge in your bashing of Naga people. The identity of Mr. “Rob” in question may be English, American, Jew, or anyone else out there. Perhaps, “Rob Silverstein” is a just fly on the wall and wanting to have his way in the twilight of his life because of an uncertain past, may be. So, my beloved Naga people beware of such an old, cynical guest and a chronically unhappy person carrying out his tirades on us! Let us take heart and move forward to realize our vision.

A Concise Answer to Silverstein’s Questions on “the Book of Daniel” and why the Old Testament is “Christian Scripture” It is not uncommon for an old folk like Silverstein to ask too many questions like a child does. Often times, the questions asked are simple things that we adults know. In the immediate context, Silverstein came out of nowhere and joined the discussion on board. The only agenda on the board for discussion was corruption, which every Naga wants to eradicate from the present Naga situation and forever. But the problem with “Rob” was he joined us without invitation and very oddly he jumped over-board! After jump-

New Year 2017

Time to decide for common good Rev. Fr Paul Lelen Haokip

INTRODUCTION: Behold the year 2016 is leaving us and the New Year 2017 is here. Are you mentally and spiritually prepared to welcome this new counting of days and months?

The celebration of 1st January as New Year’s Day has permeated across cultures and people around the world. The idea of different names (counted as months) after every 28-31 days also rejuvenate and prepare us anew. Twelve months put together form a year. This pack of 12 months is here. Now it’s up to us to use these precious years for dharnas, bandhs, blockades, counter-blockades, etc., or use them for pro-active, peace-oriented meetings, reconciliations sessions, etc.

IDEA OF PEACEFUL CO-EXISTENCE: The Holy Bible gives us sufficient indications where Christians should live peacefully with their neighbours. It will be counter witness and a shame to Christianity to act the opposite while claiming to be followers of Christ Jesus. People who are Old Testament minded may take recourse to wars and fights but I guess we are people of the New Testament where Jesus is the example par excellence. Jesus never taught us to hate others or begin wars in the name of Nationalism or so-called oneness on Ethnic lines. Let me lay some examples for us to follow and live. Colossians 3:13 –“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”Romans 15:7 “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring glory to God.” Ephesians 4:2 “With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.”

Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind and tender-hearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.”

CHURCH IS NOT A POLITICAL PULPIT: We may argue that the people involved in politics are also our church members.

Yes.But that does not make Church politically-oriented. Church is Ecclesia (Assembly of God – people who have more or less the same faith) while political party is a body framed by some secular or political principles and subsequently, members joining that party. In simple terms, the former is God & Salvation oriented while the latter is more earthly and wealth oriented.

So, Church leaders should not be politically minded. They should be like Prophet Nathan who condemned David and his

deeds with Bathsheba. Church leaders are not to please others but to be the mouthpiece of truth, love and peace.

BE AN EXAMPLE OF PEACE: Cutting trees, producing paper and writing on the paper “SAVE TREES” equals to fooling yourself at the highest limit. Giving example is easy but being an example is hard. Basically, a Christian is supposed to be peaceful and forgiving for Jesus taught us “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”. This is not mere surrender to situation but giving ultimate decision and power to God. A peaceful family produces peaceful members; these peaceful members come out and create peaceful society.

When fighting against violence and inhuman structures, we should not become evil doers ourselves. The warning of Friedrich Nietzsche should be taken seriously, “Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. Jesus himself was a revolutionary without taking recourse to violence. This is a call to be different and unconventional from the usual way of religious life and spirituality.

We should not elect or select leaders who are short-tempered and violent. We should rather choose leaders who are forgiving, far-sighted, broad-minded and peace-loving. No God - No Peace, Know God – Know Peace.

CONCLUSION: James 2:13 “Because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”2:14 – “What good is it, my brothers, if someone claims to have faith, but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?” People who are not peaceful within themselves can’t tolerate peace in the society. They create confusion everywhere. And if people are soundly educated with secular and religious wealth, they won’t just follow few selfappointed leaders. They will judge wisely.

To judge wisely, we need education that is proper to the heart and head.

Superiority complex is ‘anathema sit’ to co-existence in the family and society. The idea of annihilation and self-existencehas no room in this century when the world is described as ‘Global Village’ webbed and knitted together so close by technology& communication. Let’s opt for Peace for the common good. Let us make use of our ‘power of speech’ for dialogues and not for spurring venomous & unbecoming talks.

Wishing you all peaceful 2017.

ing the board, he started asking – like always – childish and irrational questions, even on matters of theology which is far from the topic at our disposal. That’s where and when one can counsel him by telling, “Oh, Rob, go back to school!” Perhaps, even in his old age, “Rob” may learn some lessons on discipline; social ethics, theology and culture, and the history of various peoples and nations of the world. But he still continues to ask some unrelated questions namely: the faith matter of Roman Catholic and Protestant Church; Holocaust (the horrifying historical event which I already explained to our cynic Rob through the mouth of a Jewish holocaust survivor living in America in my last article & we Naga Christians dare not forsake our co-religionists, the Jews); and constantly harping on some unproductive ideas like Nagaland as “a failed state,” a constant criticism of Silverstein. I will only discuss the pertinent points here. First, I am a Protestant Christian having his roots with the American Baptists and well-versed primarily on the faith aspects of the Protestant Church and its Order. Secondly, I am not a Catholic and so I will not give answers on faith matters relating to the Catholic Church. The Catholic and Protestant churches are two different church traditions since the Reformation period that began in Germany and Europe in the 16th century. Therefore, I will not waste my time discussing and answering Rob’s irrelevant questions, including a question on “The Pontifical Biblical Commission report.” If you are so keen to know more about this, I suggest that you enrol yourself in a theological seminary anywhere in the globe and acquaint yourself on this subject. It is your priority. I have other priorities. But, there is one opening for you. You are most welcome to attend our academic seminar held every month in our institution, provided your physical and psychological strength permits you to learn more in the near future.

Our sceptic “Rob” quipped unwittingly, “But I will do his job to prove him wrong.” Unfortunately, Mr. “Rob” lives in a small world, especially when it comes to biblical interpretation. So, there’s no way you can do someone’s job, and not even mine. What he does is all about join-

ing the group discussion uninvited and habitually jumping from one topic to an unrelated one, viz:- sociopolitical (corruption) to interpretive issue in the Bible to “a failed state” (Nagaland) and the like. Now, one of his problems so far has been: how can “the Book of Daniel be included in Christian Scripture?” A big wonder for a man of his age! As I pointed out earlier in no uncertain terms, the “Book of Daniel” as containing in “Christian Scripture” has to be examined and understood from the viewpoint of the Christian Canon. In addition to this, Mr. “Rob” must also be trained on the theological subjects like biblical interpretation or hermeneutics. Then only, he can properly understand his problem. However, I have some clear answers for a doubter on the Word of God today. Firstly, I have already answered his question and clarified his doubts in my article titled, “A Brief Literary & Theological Response to Silverstein’s Article” (in the Easternmirrornagaland, dated December 29, 2016 and also in NPN), specifically in point number two. But let me give a succinct answer to our “doubting Thomas” once and for all. To the Jews, the Old Testament is called, the “TANAKH” or Torah-Nebiim-Ketubim (as per BHS); and for us non-Jews/Christians, it is simply called “The Hebrew Bible” or the Old Testament (OT), which contains 39 books, including the Book of Daniel. Now this point is crystal clear to our cynic. He also remarked, “I await Imchen’s citations.” Hence, let me move forward to cite one scholarly opinion, suggest some books and refer a few Scriptural references that I believe are valid and true.

It brings us to the second major challenge as to whether the “Book of Daniel” within “Christian Scripture” is correct or not. In order to widen Rob’s limited worldview on the “Old and New Testament theologies,” especially why OT is called the “Christian Scripture,” consider some popular views of OT scholars as stated below. According to M.J.Evans, “For a Christian, the Old Testament is scripture, or to put it another way, the Old Testament is Christian Scripture. This is an axiom, a starting point.” (M. J. Evans, “The Old Testament as Christian Scripture” in Vox Evangelica 16 [1986]: 25-32).

So, within “the Christian Scripture,” we find “the Book of Daniel.” The above statement is amplified further

by Evans when he puts it this way “The Old Testament, rightly understood, speaks constantly of Christ and must be interpreted in the light of that.” For a Scriptural bonding, take for example, Luke 24:27, 44-47; Acts 8:35; 28:23; etc. This is a clear citation (from me to Silverstein) on the given biblical and theological issue as he demanded. Other than the scholarly article cited above, the questioner must read these three new and famous books. They are: Christopher R. Seitz and Kent Harold Richards (ed.).

The Bible as Christian Scripture: The Work of Brevard S. Childs (Atlanta: Society of Biblical Literature, 2013); R.W.L. Moberly. Old Testament Theology: Reading the Hebrew Bible as Christian Scripture (2013); Peter A. Lillback (ed.). Seeing Christ in All of Scripture: Hermeneutics at Westminster Theological Seminary (Philadelphia, PA: Westminster Seminary Press, 2016).

Conclusion To conclude, I encourage Mr. Robert A.Silverstein to be very clear in his mind about a subject and not be lopsided. If he is interested to join a discussion, then he must be doubly sure and knowledgeable of any issues at his disposal for a healthy debate and not indulging in vindictiveness and being eccentric. Otherwise, he will end up as a self-defeatist who creates confusion in the boardroom. Another advice to Mr. “Rob” is to restrain himself from being a “chronically a negative person” which makes him “an unhappy person,” because of his pessimistic views of life. To all these academic and intellectual exercises, I as a good Christian witness want to end our intellectual exercise with the words of Jesus Christ. Our Lord Jesus bids us, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). Some people in this world are burdened with their loads of sin. But there is good news in Jesus who spoke these words long time ago.

Even today, the words of Jesus, the Son of God continues to speak to human beings. He will give rest and happiness to everyone who surrenders before Him. May God who is merciful bless Mr. “Rob” and everyone, Amen!

WORDS – THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF LIFE

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Husezo Rhakho

o many of us make new year resolutions almost every year; sadly, many of these resolutions end up unfulfilled as we are unable to retain them from January through December. This new year, however, I want to encourage each one of us to add another resolution which will work wonders in multiplying our joy, and bring forth countless blessings our way – we need to make an effort to speak life to our family, friends, colleagues and everyone we encounter!

One might wonder what it means to ‘speak life’. The notion behind this phrase can be understood on so many levels, depending on the context and situation we are in when we speak life to others. Broadly, however, it would mean to speak blessings upon others instead of cursing them, to be positive minded instead of negative, to be generous with our praise

instead of critical, to encourage rather than discourage and to emit a happy and peaceful aura instead of a gloomy one. We are all aware of the old saying that the words spoken makes a man. It is to the credit of the individual when he/she speaks good and healthy words as opposed to sarcastic and discriminatory ones. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”

(Proverbs 18:21) There is so much power in the words we speak. This importance is highlighted in the Bible multiple times both in the Old and New Testament. (Proverbs 12:18, Matthew 12:36, Ephesians 4:29 to cite a few).

I am sure we have also encountered such experiences when even our random words have brought about either happiness or sorrow. Just as we reap what we sow with our deeds, the words we speak have an irrevocable effect on our lives in the future. This is the reason why it is of supreme im-

portance that we speak life to people, over occasions and work.

Everyone and everything needs support; we cannot survive on our own. We need to speak life and bring to life even the sick or corrupt. It is such a joy to see the four lane roadway under construction between Kohima -Dimapur in Nagaland.

Roads are indeed the first mark of development and to see such a positive development underway fills us with hope. We need to speak life over our government too so that it will improve and bear good fruit for the benefit of all Nagas.

I believe that the enemy attacks us based on our destiny, not our history.

God has a wonderful and remarkable plan for each one of us which is unique and fulfilling. It is a rewarding experience to speak life always; it strengthens our relationship with Christ and we inadvertently become channels of blessings for others. Why don’t we mark 2017 as the year we

begin this great endeavour that will remain with us and reward us our whole life long and beyond?

An interesting analogy cropped up in my head while reflecting along these lines. The boiling point of water is 100 degrees celsius. This is the temperature at which water begins to turn from its liquid to vapour form.

Water only changes its state of matter at 100 degrees; not even at 99 degrees does it turn to vapour. This lays emphasis on how even one miniscule degree is essential for causing such a pronounced transformation. This is true even for us when we speak life over others.All we need is one degree change, by taking a leap of step of one degree change in every aspects of our lives. The gesture maybe insignificant in the beginning, but as we keep practising it on a daily basis, we will witness colossal changes within and around us. May the good Lord use us all for the extension of His glory!

Blessings.

Nationalism, Identity Crisis, Mongering Capitalist and the Masses

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Thepfusalie Theunuo

arly nineteenth century was the dawn of the colonial power in the Northeast region; it was a period when the socalled anthropological primitives/ savages/aboriginals open up to the new era of the so-called civilization.

Since then transition and transformation in community life, traditional institution, village autonomy, tribal economy and religion were shattered from its pristine past. Colonial intervention in the region for that matter structured the already existing culture to suit the colonial traders and merchants, what was left for the people was free labour, unproductive tool and his fellow confused villagers. What one might argue at this point is the fact that the project of civilization or the project of modernity also came with the British colonial. Though this maybe empirically true, it can be argued that the project was in itself appropriated to its own advantages and sowed the seeds of the crisis that we are facing today.

Few major changes that came about were legal prohibition of head hunting, cartographing territorial boundaries, integration of villages and tribal communities into state-like administration, village elders were recruited into new

political institution that would directly represent the people to the state, in the meantime mass conversion into Christianity was taken place all over the Naga Hills. For the Nagas it was a period of ‘historical puzzles’ while for the colonial it was a period of accumulation.

This transformation that has taken place during the colonial period remains the watershed in the identity formation among the Nagas.

Ideas of nationalism for that matter became quit prominent and vocalised along with Indian Nationalism. However, what Naga nationalism had face in post-independence India is quite a different story for which I need not narrate the historical event for the dice are already loaded. What is interesting is the fact that Naga Nationalism over the sixty years has become a question of survival which has resulted into the formation of various factions based on ideological and political differences. To quote Antonio Gramsci ‘Ideology is simply an illusory, that played no role in revolution, and had character of manipulation’.

Naga nationalism today is also a religious project, but it is very clear that throughout the historical epoch, religion have always blurred the objective history of the people. Karl Marx in his writ-

ing mentioned very clear that religion is the opium of the masses; it makes the masses to remain unaware of the reality, and this is how capitalist class appropriated the labour of proletariat. Today Naga nationalism has become more an illusory project as well as opium.

What has become of this is the contestation of the new politics of identity. Inter-tribal identity discourse within the Nagas is the crisis that the state and its people need to seriously ponder. Thus before reengaging on Nationalism, identity crisis within the Nagas needs to be resolved. The politics of representation and the politics of identity needs to be revisited and cannot brush aside in the name of economic development. As a community with diverse tribes, each tribe within the state has to be balance on the ground of humanity and not politics. The question of ‘who is indigenous’ and ‘who is not indigenous’ is a matter of serious concerned that needs to be theoretically and historically examine and not be decided by the elite who runs the state government, for this can undermined the already marginalised community in the state. The question and the politics of reservation in the state government should also be analyse and interrogated with seriousness in due time. Since eco-

nomic infrastructure determined the socio-cultural and political milieu of the state, the economic project hugely determines the nature of identity crisis in our state. Unless the project of development is planned towards solving the problem of humanity there will always be a leak for the elites to siphon the public economic wealth.

Dimapur lynching 2015 is a serious example of how public frustration can become, inter-tribal violence that occur recently in Kiphire district, and the ongoing protest movement of the ACAUT against corruption and illegal taxation raise the questions on how the state have seriously failed to address the burning question that vex our state today.

Though we tend to live imaginatively and awkwardly in postindependence project under marginalisation, militarization and exclusion, the larger issue at hand at home for us today is to seriously ponder upon the division, categorization, tribalism, class inequality, the role of the state and civil society needs to be seriously interrogated.

Thepfusalie Theunuo Assistant Professor Dept. of Sociology, Sazolie College,Jotsoma & Doctoral Student, Dept. of Sociology, Tezpur Central University, Assam.

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 03•01•2017

EntErtainmEnt

‘The greatest thing is to love and be loved’ Couple who both have Down syndrome get married

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couple who both have Down syndrome have shared photos of the magical day they wed in a ceremony attended by 200 guests.

Polly and Joe met eight years ago when they were both college students in Sussex, UK. The pair said their attraction was instant and in May they made things official by tying the knot in a ceremony that included a unicorn throne and singing waiters.

Now, the couple have shared photos of their beautiful day with Daily Mail, and Polly hoped their story may help others. ‘It would be wonderful if our story could touch the lives of others struggling to cope with any kind of disability or inequality,’ she told Rocknroll Bride. ‘The greatest thing is to love and be loved in return.’ Polly explained she and Joe wanted their wedding to have a ‘festival’ vibe, which was achieved with stunning attention to detail.

With the help of family and friends, tables were strewn with bunches of wild flowers in a variety of colours, while pastel-hued bunting hung from the sides of the reception marquee at Brewerstreet Farmhouse in Surrey. There was also a plant and flower stall,

As gratitude for the service of the Dimapur Traffic Police for their tireless works and dedication, the Native Trax society on December 23 visited every Traffic point around Dimapur and distributed Cakes to the Traffic policeman and woman.

a plethora of helium balloons in pink and blue as well as waiters singing Ratpack tunes. ‘Our favourite parts of the day were saying I do, exchanging rings and dancing to Labyrinth’, Polly, who wore a white gown patterned with lilac detailing along with a long white veil, told Rocknroll Bride.

‘We also love that so many people came to celebrate with us.’

The couple love to sing and dance and before saying their vows they played the Abba song I do, I do, I do, with their guests joining in on kazoos. They then danced to Come What May - the song performed by Nicole Kidman and

Ewan MacGregor in the hit film Moulin Rouge - before exchanging rings made from vintage silver sugar tongs. A particular point of interest for guests was a white unicorn throne where the newly married couple posed for pictures by Leela Bennett Photography.

Source: Mailonline

Here are 2017’s top 5 superhero movies we’re looking forward to

Ed Sheeran to release new music soon

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the movie, in the role of Iron Man.

fter Deadpool, a new Captain America movie, Suicide Squad, Batman v Superman and Doctor Strange came to theatres this year, here’s a look at some of the superheroes heading to the big screen in 2017.

Here are our top 5 most-anticipated movies of 2017. Get pumped

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inger Ed Sheeran, who took a break from social media and the public eye for the last 12 months, will unveil new music on Friday.

The singer uploaded a silent video on Twitter on New Year’s Day to update his fans about his upcoming work, reports mirror.co.uk.

In the video, the star held up a piece of paper that read: “New music coming Friday.”

It comes after he recently dropped a hint about his next album as he changed all his social media profile pictures to blue squares.

Songwriter Amy Wadge, who wrote “Thinking out loud” with Sheeran, last week confirmed “his album is done”. She added it will “break the internet” when it’s released.

He came out of temporary retirement to pen “When Christmas comes around”, the single of “The X Factor” winner Matt Terry.

Source: IANS

Casting call for animated Spider Man film hints at black spidey

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Actor Munna Yadav (Murti Films Pvt. Ltd.) along with the team members and lead Actor and Actress, Kartik Kumar, Yana and Neeta Agarwal of upcoming Hindi Movie run (Daud) distributed blankets and food items to the poor and homeless people on December 31 at Dimapur.

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ony may not have released any de- with new responsibilities, and dealing tails of its untitled animated Spider- with puberty; while trying to fit in he must Man movie, but a casting call for the do his best to stay out of trouble; along project has sparked rumours that it the way in developing his identity he’s could be a black character. losing old friends but now making Codenamed Cabin Fever, it a new one, Pete.”

Meanwhile, Pete is “a is rumored to follow young, slightly geeky, “the adventures Asian-American teen; of two unlikely he’s smart, sweet, and friends, Terrence e n c ou rag i ng ; a l and Pete”, reportthough very uned Ace Showbiz. like any of the A male aged friends Ter13 - 15, Terrence is rence had in “a young Africanhis old BrookAmerican/Puerto lyn neighbourRican teen from hood, Pete proves to be Brooklyn; he is a good fit for Terrence new to this submaking good deciurban school sions.” and now feeling Source: PTI out of place, overwhelmed, pressured

Logan Hugh Jackman is set to play Wolverine for the ninth and final time in this third and last X-Men spin-off dedicated to the mutant with metal claws. Inspired by the Old Man Logan comic book, this installment appears to be more spring in Batman v Superman: violent than its predecessors.

Dawn of Justice, Gal Gadot will be back playing Wonder Woman, this Wonder Woman A superhero movie with a fe- time accompanied by Chris Pine male director and a female lead and Robin Wright. has got to be a first. The origins of the famous Amazonian superher- Spider-Man: Homecoming Since Tobey Maguire hung up oine -- less well-known that those of her male counterparts -- are the his cape after Sam Raimi’s trilosubject of this movie directed by gy, and Andrew Garfield stepped Patty Jenkins (Monster). Seen this down after Marc Webb’s pair of The

Thor: Ragnarok Marvel’s Norse god returns in fall 2017 for a third adventure which sees him cross paths with a powerful and mysterious adversary played by Cate Blanchett.

Chris Hemsworth will once again take the lead role in a star cast featuring Tom Hiddleston, Mark Ruffalo, Anthony Hopkins and Idris Elba.

Amazing Spider-Man movies, it’s Tom Holland who will be stepping into Spider-Man’s costume for this latest movie. Seen at the beginning of the year in Captain America: Civil War, next summer sees the superhero go up against the Vulture, an enemy played by Michael Keaton. Thanks to a new partnership between Marvel and Sony, Robert Downey Jr will also star in

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ctor Shakti Kapoor says the family is not paying any heed to reports of his daughter, actor Shraddha Kapoor’s affair with filmmaker-actor Farhan Akhtar. “I am not bothered about anything. There’s no pressure on any of us, because we know the truth. When we known the truth, I don’t care what the world thinks,” he says speaking to HT City.

A week ago, there were reports that Shraddha had moved in with Farhan and Shakti had to drag her out of his house to bring her back home. However calling this untrue, Shakti says, “I was holidaying in Goa when I got to know about this report.

She (Shraddha) is sick and can’t even step out. She was at home resting when this rumour surfaced. How does one react to it? By ignoring it,” he explains.

Shraddha has dismissed the rumours in a recent interview.

“Yes, I am living in... with my parents! I have no intention of moving out of my parents’ home. I have no plans of shifting out to my own apartment, let alone someone else’s.”

Now ShowiNg revISeD TICKeT rATeS (Silver) : `.120 (Gold) : `. 200 (recliner) : `. 400

DANGAl

Source: Hindustantimes

(10:00 AM) (01:05 PM) (04:15 PM) (07:25 PM) 03862-237226

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Source: IANS

Source: AFP

We are reacting to the rumour by ignoring it: Shakti Kapoor

Ben Affleck doesn’t want kids to pay price for his fame ctor-filmmaker Ben Affleck says his wildest dreams have come true, but at a price. Affleck is coming out with gangster film “Live by Night” - he has directed the movie and stars in it too. The poster for “Live by Night” has the tag line American dream comes at a price. Affleck agrees it’s pertinent to his own life, reports theguardian.com.

“Absolutely. I’ve been lucky. I’ve had my wildest dreams come true, but the price is the Faustian exchange you make where your identity is not your own,” Affleck said.

He added: “You become a public figure and it changes all the rules. The press can become invasive and dishonest, and you have to put up with inconvenient stuff like that.”

Affleck shares a cordial bond with his estranged wife Jennifer Garner, with whom he shares daughters Violet, 10, Seraphina, 7, and 4-year-old son Samuel. The actor said he is okay with the constant spotlight on his life, but gets bothered when his children’s personal space is invaded.

“I’m at peace with paying my own price, what I’m not at peace with is when it invades on my kids’ space and time. They didn’t make any bargains. I try to shelter them as best I can. That’s my only real gripe.” “Live by Night” - backed by Warner Bros - is slated to release in India on January 13.

Justice League The DC Comics heroes are joining forces to battle a fearsome enemy. The movie brings together Batman (Ben Affleck), Superman (Henry Cavill), Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot), The Flash (Ezra Miller) and Cyborg (Ray Fisher) in the same production. The movie also introduces Aquaman (Jason Momoa), ahead of his solo movie coming 2018, and the actor JK Simmons, in the role of Commissioner Gordon.

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SC sacks BCCI top brass for defying the Lodha panel recommendations

C M Y K

nEw DElhI, JAnUARy 2 (IAnS): Cracking the whip on a defiant BCCI for not complying with its orders to implement the R.M. Lodha Committee reforms, the Supreme Court on Monday sacked its President Anurag Thakur and Secretary Ajay Shirke.

Besides showing the door to both Thakur and Shirke, the court issued notices asking them why perjury and contempt proceedings should not be initiated against them.

They earned the ire of the court for not candidly telling it that they had asked for a letter from the ICC that the appointment of CAG nominee on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) amounted to government interference in its affairs.

A bench of Chief Justice T.S. Thakur, Justice A.M. Khanwilkar and Justice D.Y. Chandrachud in their order said that as an interim arrangement, the seniormost Vice President of the BCCI would act as the President and the Joint Secretary would be the Secretary.

The court asked amicus curiae Gopal Subramanium and eminent lawyer Fali Nariman to suggest the

names that would be in the committee to be headed by an administrator to oversee the Board's functioning.

The court set January 19 for the next hearing when names of the interim BCCI board would be announced.

The judges said they would pass a separate order on January 19 for appointing the administrator.

The bench also said that all the office bearers of the BCCI and its affiliate state units, who are in conflict with the recommendation of the Lodha committee, would demit office.

The apex court had on December 15 asked why Thakur should not be hauled up for perjury and contempt.

The court had earlier said that prima facie he had committed perjury by seeking a letter from ICC that the presence of CAG nominee on the BCCI board amounted to government interference and may have to go to jail.

Reacting to his removal from the Secretary's post, Shirke said: "I have nothing to say. My role in BCCI is over. If the SC has asked me to leave, that's fine. I hope the new administra-

For me it was not a personal battle with SC: Thakur

Anurag Thakur. (Reuters File Photo)

tion runs BCCI well."

Welcoming the ruling, retired Justice Lodha, who headed the panel for bringing in reforms in the national cricket board, said: "The reforms were laid down on July 18. BCCI was bound to follow it but they didn't. Hence consequences had to follow.

Indian women's football team enter final of SAFF Championship SIlIgURI (wESt bEngAl), JAnUARy 2 (IAnS): The India women's team stormed into the final of the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship beating Nepal 3-1 at the Kanchenjunga Stadium here on Monday.

For India, Kamala Devi opened the scoring in the 45th minute. Indumathi doubled the scoring in the 58th minute, while Sasmita Malik completed the home team's scoring in the 83rd minute.

For Nepal, Sabitra Bhandari reduced the margin in the 75th minute from a penalty.

The game was stretched to the flanks where both, Dangmei Grace on the right

and Sasmita Malik on the left, were pivotal. India were dominant from the beginning.

India's coach Sajid Dar described the performance as a "team effort which saw India through".

"It is hard to single out any single player. Right from the goalkeeper to our defenders to the midfielders to the strikers, everyone played their part. It was a team effort," Dar said after the match.

However, even with all that domination and with the goal seemingly inevitable, India were made to wait and Kamala Devi's strike at the stroke of interval was sweetly timed.

216 million watched ISL 2016

MUMbAI, JAnUARy 2 (IAnS): The third edition of the Indian Super League (ISL) football tournament garnered a total viewership of 216 million as compared to around 207 million in 2015, according to an ISL release.

The rural India viewership registered a cumulative figure of 101 million. Metro cities Mumbai and Chennai emerged as one of the top performers this season recording a surge of more than 50 percent over last year along with a cumulative 20 percent increase spike in viewership in Tamil Nadu.

The final match between Atletico de Kolkata and Kerala Blasters FC on December 18 was viewed by 41 million fans on

television, the release cited BARC CS4+, U+R viewership final ratings.

This season recorded a surge of over 25 percent in overall viewer engagement compared to ISL 2015, the release said.

The promoters of ISL, Football Sports Development Limited Founder and Chairperson Nita Ambani, remained optimistic on the increasing popularity of Indian football attributing the surge in fans following and team affinity and to "ISL vision".

Ambani said, "The overwhelming response from fans is testament to the vision we have for the league, and it reaffirms our faith that 'Indian football is moving in right direction".

FIATA wins 16 medals

The FIATA team with the medals.

DIMAPUR, JAnUARy 2 (MExn): Faith In Action Taekwondo Academy (FIATA), Nagaland shone at the recently concluded TIA-Open International Taekwondo Championship held at the Khudiram Anushilan Kendra, Kolkata. The championship, promoted by Korea Cultural Centre, was organised by Jeong’s Taekwondo Academy in association with Korea Taekwondo Association.

Competitors from FIATA grabbed 16 medals (4 gold, 5 silver and 7 bronze) helping India finish the championship third overall. Held on December 28 and 29 with

competitors from 10 countries, Korea was the overall champion followed by Nepal in second place.

In the Kyorugi Event, Kevin and Elina Yepthomi won gold; Yvette Vinivi Swu, Altab Uddin Choudhury, Arpita Bhattacharjee and Katila Kachari won silver; Irene Pokharel, Tiayanger and Manish Chhetri won bronze.

Kevin and Irene Pokharel won gold in the Poomsae event. Dipraj Paswan won silver followed by Jon, Chaubasangla Chang, Jubaier Ikbal and Manish Chhetri winning bronze.

"This was to happen, and now this has happened. Had submitted three reports before Supreme court, even then it wasn't implemented.

"It's a victory for the game of cricket. Administrators will come and go and I am sure the game will flourish," he added.

Former India skipper Bishan Singh Bedi, who has been a constant voice against the BCCI set-up, said: "I hope Indian cricket will return on the right track.

I am satisfied with the order."

Added former BCCI Treasurer Kishore Rungta: "These are the consequences of not accepting

the Lodha committee recommendations."

Justice Mukul Mudgal, who had simultaneously probed the affairs of the DDCA, also welcomed the hearing: "Anurag Thakur and Ajay Shirke have borne the consequences of the BCCI not obeying the SC orders."

nEw DElhI, JAnUARy 2 (IAnS): After being removed from the post of BCCI President by the Supreme Court, Anurag Thakur on Monday maintained that it was not his personal battle with the court and his commitment to cricket will remain the same.

The apex court on Monday removed both Thakur and Secretary Ajay Shirke for their failure to implement the Justice R.M. Lodha committee recommendations on bringing about structural changes in the running of the cricket board.

In a video message posted on Twitter, Thakur stressed that the BCCI is the best managed sports organisation in India and his battle was for the autonomy of the sport.

"I had the honour of serving Indian cricket.

Over the years, Indian cricket saw its very best in terms of administration and development of the

game," he said.

"BCCI is the best managed sports organisation in the country with defined procedures.

India has the best cricket infrastructure built and maintained by the state associations with the help of BCCI." "India has more quality players than anywhere in the world. For me, it was not a personal battle. It was a battle for the autonomy of the sports body. I respect Supreme Court as any citizen should," he added.

He further said: "Supreme Court judges feel that BCCI could do better under retired judges, I wish them all the best. I am sure Indian cricket will do well under their guidance."

Reiterating his commitment for the sport, Thakur said: "My commitment to the best of Indian cricket and autonomy of sports will always remain."

Naga pugilists reaps gold MDCA Jubilee Inter-club DIMAPUR, JAnUARy 2 (MExn): Heikiesilie Guing won silver and L i nu kju ng la I m s o ng grabbed bronze in boxing at the 62nd National School Games held from December 25-29, 2016 at Gwalior. From Indira Gandhi Sports Academy, Kohima, Guing and Imsong competed in the 59kg and 44kg categories, respectively.

The team from Nagaland comprised 6 girls and 9 boys with two of the girls winning medals, stated a press release. The team was led by coach Tsungchetren-

Cricket Tournament

(From Left) Linukjungla Imsong and Heikiesilie Guing with boxing coach Tsungchetrenla Tzudir.

la Tzudir and team manHaryana emerged as ager Gaurav Dewan Rai. 25 the overall team chamteams in all participated in pion followed by Madhya the school nationals.

Pradesh in second place.

MOKOKChUng, JAnUARy 2 (MExn): The Mokokchung District Cricket Association (MDCA) will be commemorating its silver jubilee on January 4. The MDCA, in a press release, informed that the Silver Jubilee Special MDCA Interclub Cricket Tournament will commence on the same date at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex.

Mokokchung Deputy Commissioner Sushil Kumar Patel, who is also the president of the Mokokchung District Sports Coun-

cil, will be the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony slated to begin at 10:00 am.

A total of 15 teams from across Mokokchung district will clash it out in the T20 format culminating with the final match on January 20. Debutants Tuli ADC XI will take on defending champions Titans CC in the opening match, which will start after the inaugural ceremony.

The MDCA further informed all the participating teams to be present at the oath taking ceremony.

Giroud gem inspires Arsenal, Kane hits double for Spurs lOnDOn, JAnUARy 2 (REUtERS): Arsenal's Olivier Giroud produced a piece of New Year's Day magic to keep Arsenal in sight of Premier League leaders Chelsea while Harry Kane's double bolstered Tottenham Hotspur's ambitions as London's triple assault on the title continues.

Frenchman Giroud connected with Alexis Sanchez's cross with a scorpion-like backheeled volley 17 minutes into his side's derby against Crystal Palace while Alex Iwobi made it 2-0 with a second-half header.

Arsenal had started the game outside the top four after Tottenham's 4-1 rout of a feeble Watford briefly lifted Mauricio Pochettino's side into third place in the table.

Kane scored Tottenham's first two goals, both from assists by right back Kieran Trippier, while Dele Alli made the points safe after some woeful Watford defending shortly before the break. Alli grabbed his second immediately after the interval.

At the halfway point of the season Chelsea, who on Saturday equalled Arsenal's 2001-02 record of 13 consecutive wins in the same Premier League campaign, have 49 points from 19 games.

Liverpool have 43 while Arsenal have 40, one more than Tottenham who are above Manchester City on goal difference. Manchester United complete the top six below which there is a yawning nine-point gap to seventh.

Arsenal's Olivier Giroud in action with Crystal Palace's James Tomkins. (Reuters Photo)

The Holiday fixtures continue thick-and-fast over the coming days with Chelsea aiming to set a new record of 14 consecutive wins when they visit in-form Tottenham on Wednesday.

Liverpool are at Sunderland on Monday when Manchester City host Burnley, while Arsenal are at Bournemouth on Tuesday.

Whatever happens in the weeks ahead though, few goals are likely to be replayed as much as Giroud's stunning opener.

Having played a neat flick early in a liquid Arsenal counter-attack, Giroud rumbled forward into the area. Sanchez's cross

was not the best, falling a little behind the Frenchman, but he jack-knifed his body as he tumbled forward, connecting with his left heel.

The ball soared past diving Palace keeper Wayne Hennessey and bounced down and in off the underside of the crossbar.

"I tried to take it on the back heel from behind me and I had some luck," said Giroud, who has struggled to earn a starting berth this season.

"It was about luck, I didn't have good balance but it was a great feeling," added Giroud whose goal was similar to Henrikh Mkhitaryan's for Manchester United on Boxing Day

but from further out.

"It was nice for the me and the team and was my best one."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger added: "I have been a bit spoiled over the year by the exceptional quality of the players I've had, but it will be remembered as an exceptional goal.

"Olly is very good in front of goal, but I've never seen this kind of goal from him."

Iwobi's header provoked a brief but largely ineffectual flurry from Palace and former England manager Sam Allardyce still awaits his first win since replacing Alan Pardew in the hot seat.

Palace remain two points above the bottom three.

Kane marked his 100th Premier League game with two clinical finishes to take his top-flight tally to 59.

He opened the scoring in the 27th minute with a cool finish having been played in by Trippier and then showed his poaching instinct to connect with the fullback's inviting cross.

Alli punished Younes Kaboul's weak clearance and made it 4-0 as Tottenham ran riot in the rain.

Kaboul scored injury-hit Watford's late consolation.

"The first half was one of the best we've played this season," said Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino whose side go into the Chelsea game buoyed by four successive wins.

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