January 4

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Dimapur VOL. X ISSUE 2

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Sunday, January 4, 2015 12 pages Rs. 4

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The New Year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written Pakistan & India trade fire in Kashmir, killing 4

Nuklutoshi regrets decline in Christian principles in Nagas

Salman Khan paints an entire village

[ PAGE 8]

[ PAGE 2]

AirAsia applies deft touch in crash response

– Ralph Waldo Emerson

Sangakkara surpasses 12,000 runs

[ PAGE 9]

[ PAGE 11]

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[ PAGE 12]

reflections

By Sandemo Ngullie

I'm saying that I will never fly because I don't trust the airline companies.

The Morung Express POLL QUESTIOn

Vote on www.morungexpress.com SMS your anSwer to 9862574165 Are you optimistic that 2015 will be a better year than 2014 for the Nagas?

Yes

no

Others

Do not reveal ATM card no. or secret code Dimapur, January 3 (mExn): Dimapur Police have informed the public not to give away their ATM Card number or the ATM Secret Code to any person to avoid falling prey to fraudsters.

In a press release from its Addl. Superintendent/ PRO, the Dimapur police stated that it has received complaints from members of the public that they are getting spurious calls from unidentified persons/Numbers, claiming to be representatives of bank and that they are on verification, asking them to reveal their ATM Card number as well as ATM secret code. On revealing the details, unauthorized withdrawals were reported to have been made from their account.

“In case of any such calls, complain may immediately be lodged with the nearest Police Station,” the Dimapur police stated.

20,381 people contracted Ebola in 2014, WHO says

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GEnEva, January 3 (ianS/EFE): The number of people infected with the deadly Ebola virus reached 20,381 people by the end of 2014, and 7,989 of them died of the disease, according to figures released Friday by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The data includes confirmed, suspected and probable cases recorded in Guinea Conakry and Sierra Leone until Dec 31 and in Liberia until Dec 28. The country most severely affected by the epidemic is Sierra Leone, where 9,633 infections and 2,827 deaths have been reported, followed by Liberia with 8,018 infections and 3,423 deaths. Meanwhile, in Guinea Conakry, there were 2,730 infections and 1,739 deaths recorded in 2014. This is the worst Ebola epidemic since the virus was discovered in 1976, approximately 100 km from the Ebola river in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The ‘Bridge of Peace’ over the Dikhu River was built as a sign of affirming the Peace Covenant between warring neighbours Changtongya, an Ao Village, and Yachem, a Phom Village. It was constructed over the Dikhu River in 1991 and is located at the very spot where the two villages would hold court whenever they had misunderstandings. A unique highlight of the bridge is that the material for the bridge was entirely transported by hand from Changtongya and constructed as a joint collaboration between the two villages- they also agreed to share the river waters ‘in peace till eternity’. The unique Peace Covenant, signed on October 2, 1989, turned 25 recently and the silver jubilee was celebrated with pomp and gaiety under the theme ‘Unity through Peace’ at Changtongya. (Photo courtesy: Repalemzung Lkr)

can compensation replace Justice? ‘need of the hour • PUDR demands arrest and prosecution of those responsible for Manorama Devi’s murder • Calls for revocation of all provisions giving impunity to the Armed Forces nEw DElhi, January 3 (mExn): The People’s Union for Democratic Rights (PUDR) has stated that compensation given in the Manorama Devi case cannot be construed as “actual justice.”

On December 18, 2014, the Supreme Court directed the Central Government to pay Rs. 10 Lakh as compensation to the family of Thangjam Chanu Manorama Devi. Recognizing that “this is a small step,” the PUDR stated today in a press release that this “cannot be a substitute for actual justice.” Reacting to the SC Order, informed PUDR, Manorama Devi's younger brother Thangjam Dorendro and mother Thangjam Khumanlei stated that though the SC ruled the incident as a staged encounter, their demand was “not for compensation but justice.”

Manorama Devi was picked up on the night of July 11, 2004 from her home in Imphal by soldiers of the Assam Rifles on charges of being a member of the banned Peoples Liberation Army. She was tortured, raped and subsequently killed in

their custody.

“It is extremely absurd and insensitive to think that compensation can ever replace the true course of justice,” noted the PUDR in a statement from its secretaries, Sharmila Purkayastha and Megha Bahl. It demanded the arrest and prosecution of the Armed Forces personnel responsible for Manorama Devi's murder, and revocation of all provisions which create impunity of the Armed Forces in the country “including but not limited to” the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).

The State Government of Manipur ordered a commission of inquiry into Manorama Devi's murder only after massive protests broke out in Manipur. In August 2004, informed the PUDR, the Assam Rifles filed a petition before the Gauhati High Court stating that the Manipur Government had no authority to appoint a commission to inspect into the acts of the armed forces. Invoking AFSPA, the Assam Rifles asserted that initiation of legal proceedings against personnel of the Armed Forces required the sanction of the Central Government.

As per PUDR, on August 31, 2010 the Gauhati High Court Division Bench passed an order that the commission set up by the State of Manipur is valid and is at liberty to deal with the report of the commission in accordance of the provisions of Commission of Inquiry Act, 1952. Again, in 2011 the Union of India approached the SC against the

2010 order. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) also sought to implead itself in the case and demanded Rs. 10 Lakh as compensation to be paid by the Ministry of Defence. Now, in the recent order dated December 18, 2014, the SC has agreed to hear the Centre's appeal against the 2010 Order and has directed the Union to pay Rs. 10 Lakh as interim compensation to Manorama Devi's family within four weeks of the order.

“This tragic incident needs to be understood in light of the impunity which the Armed Forces enjoy in India,” stated the PUDR, reiterating that crimes including torture and sexual violence have found sanction with the operation of not just draconian laws like AFSPA but sections in other acts like the Army Act, BSF Act, CRPF Act etc. “Provisions in these Acts aid the Armed Forces and become a tool for the Indian Government to suppress people's movements. The victims of military violence in these areas do not have access to judicial remedies because criminal courts lack the sanction to prosecute members of the Armed Forces,” it maintained.

The Union termed the Army's own record in dealing with crimes committed by its personnel as “appalling.”

“The consequent power relations created by these Acts lead to a violation of the democratic rights of individuals and leaves behind a legacy of sexual violence, torture and a culture of impunity,” stated the PUDR.

is healthy criticism’ Preserving credibility biggest challenge before media: Modi

Kolhapur, January 3 (aGEnCiES): Excessive allegations by the media can weaken democracy, particularly when allegations replace proper criticism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said here Saturday.

"Criticism can help prevent mistakes and enable reveal the truth. Every decision, every thought must be criticised. If there is no criticism in a democracy, then there is a problem. However, in recent times, there hasn't been proper criticism, as allegations have replaced criticism," Modi said during the platinum jubilee celebrations of Marathi newspaper Pudhari here.

He termed "samvad" (dialogue/debate) as very important for a democracy to thrive, along with "vivad" (criticism). "But these days, there is no healthy criticism.

Sadly there are mostly allegations. The prime minister called for a thorough analysis and study of criticism as it has become a casualty of speed in the modern era. "The need of the hour is healthy criticism, not allegations."

He said people looked up to the media to provide good, truthful news as a dialogue was imperative for the survival of de-

mocracy. Modi said maintaining its credibility was the biggest challenge before the media in a democracy where communication was of great importance. "Emergency saw repression of democracy due to hunger for personal power. Newspapers were locked down and the owners who raised their voices against it were jailed.

Only what the government wanted got published. When people came to know of it, they stopped reading newspapers.

"After years of penance, media has achieved such credibility that the common man does not go by hearsay and trusts newspapers to tell him the truth.

This credibility also places a great responsibility on them," the Prime Minister said.

Asking the media to take a pledge to "sharpen" criticism, the Prime Minister said while criticism required a lot of hard work, it was easy to level allegations. "The sharper the criticism, the better the governance," he said. "The advent of electronic media posed a big challenge before newspapers. When 24X7 channels started, the competition grew more intense. People want 'sacche' (true) news and now there is hunger for 'achhe' (good) news,” he said.

In a democratic set-up, Modi said, people were not prepared to believe what the government claimed and wanted to know the truth from some other source. "This is the power of democracy where communication is of utmost importance," he said.

Revenue of excise dept reduces since introduction of NLTP Act What makes HIV Our Correspondent Kohima | January 3 Since the introduction of Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act (NLTP) 1989, revenue earning of the excise department has reduced drastically.

This was stated in the annual administrative report of Nagaland’s excise and prohibition department 2013-14.

According to the report, the revenue earning of the department from 1987 to 2014 are: (1987-88) – Rs. 584.37 lakhs, (1988-89) – Rs. 550.90 lakhs, (1989-90) – Rs. 110.09 lakhs, (1990-91) – Rs. 82.32 lakhs, (199192) – Rs. 101.15 lakhs, (1992-93) – Rs. 100.36 lakhs, (1993-94) – Rs. 98.35 lakhs, (1994-95) – Rs. 109.39 lakhs, (1995-96) – Rs. 157.00 lakhs, (1996-97) – Rs. 199.00 lakhs, (1997-98) – Rs. 210.70 lakhs, (1998-99) – Rs. 189.63 lakhs, (1999-2000) – Rs. 170.65 lakhs, (2000-01) – Rs. 176.33 lakhs, (2001-02) – Rs. 182.58 lakhs, (2002-03) – Rs. 197.94 lakhs, (2003-04) – Rs. 200.60 lakhs, (2004-05) – Rs. 204.72 lakhs, (2005-06) – Rs. 195.65 lakhs, (2006-07) – Rs.

Seized IMFL ready for destruction in Kohima. (Morung File Photo)

213.00 lakhs, (2007-08) – Rs. 280.00 lakhs, (2008-09) – Rs. 333.08 lakhs, (2009-10) – Rs. 311.75 lakhs, (2010-11) – Rs. 299.23 lakhs, (2011-12) – Rs. 255.51 lakhs, (2012-13) – Rs. 400.00 lakhs and 2013-14 (Upto January) Rs. 372.81 lakhs.

During the year under report, the department had destroyed contraband articles seized by the department with the help of the duly constituted board for the purpose: IMFL/Beer - 8,219 bottles (Superintendent of Excise Kohima- April 2, 2013), 15,441 bottles (Superintendent of Excise Mobile Squad Dima-

pur- April 4, 2013), 2,880 bottles (Superintendent of Excise Mokokchung- April 1, 2013), 1,072 bottles (Superintendent of Excise Mon- May 30, 2013), 13,012 bottles (Superintendent of Excise Dimapur- May 18, 2013), 7,863 bottles (Superintendent of Excise Kohima- August 2013) and 303 bottles (Superintendent of Excise Phek- August 2013).

Narcotic & other drugs: 278.25 kg Ganja, 13,335 capsules Spasmo Proxyvon and 3,600 Nitrosen (Superintendent of Excise, Narcotic Cell Dimapur- May 18, 2013), 810 kg Ganja, 2 kg Opium, 1,95,120 capsules Spasmo

Proxyvon, 2000 bottles Cough Syrup and 3,600 Nitrosen (Superintendent of Excise, Narcotic Cell Dimapur- June 26, 2013), and 98 bottles Phensedyl (Superintendent of Excise, Narcotic Cell Dimapur- October 15, 2013) The State excise department implements the Nagaland Excise Act 1967, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act 1985 and the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act and Rules 1989.

The government introduced NLTP Act in 1989 and the main function of the department went from regulatory roles to enforcement. As a result, excise revenue collection in the State has been drastically reduced, the report stated.

The only source of excise revenue is from the sale of liquor to Defence personnel through Canteen Stores Depot and to Para Military Bonded Warehouse and fine amount realized from the excise violators.

The government has authorized the State excise department to use arms/ammunitions for effective enforcement of NDPS Acts and NLTP Act 1989, the report stated.

vaccines backfire?

nEw yorK, January 3 (ianS): The very immune cells that HIV vaccines aim to increase may already have been affected by the virus, a reason why AIDS vaccines have backfired in more than one clinical trail, a study says.

The findings show the unique challenges that HIV poses in terms of vaccine development. "One of the reasons why it has been so difficult to make an AIDS vaccine is that the virus infects the very cells of the immune system that any vaccine is supposed to induce," explained senior author Guido Silvestri from Emory University, Georgia, in the US. A large part of the HIV/ AIDS vaccine effort has been focused on developing vaccines that stimulate antiviral T cells. T cells come in two main categories, defined by the molecules found on their surfaces. While CD8 is a marker for "killer" cells, CD4 is a marker for "helper" cells.

CD4+ T cells are known

to be primary targets for HIV and SIV (simian immunodeficiency virus) infection, while several studies have proposed that CD8+ T cells could be valuable in controlling infection. In this study, researchers immunised monkeys with five different combinations of vaccines encoding SIV proteins.

SIV infected primates may experience AIDS-like illness in humans. The monkeys received an initial immunisation followed by two booster shots after 16 and 32 weeks. But the immunisation regimens did not prevent SIV infection. The monkeys that became infected had higher levels of activated CD4+T cells in rectal biopsies before challenge, Silvestri added.

"This study shows that if a vaccine induces high levels of activated CD4+ T cells in mucosal tissues, any potential protective effect of the vaccine may be hampered," he explained. The findings were published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

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Dimapur

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The Morung Express C

Nuklutoshi regrets decline on Christian principles in Nagas KOHIMA, JAnuAry 2 (nEPS): Nagaland Minister for National Highways and Mechanical Engineering Nuklutoshi expressed his unhappiness on the fast decline of Christian spirit and the principles among the Naga people.

He said only a small per cent of Naga people lived as true Christian while sizeable number them did not even go to the Church to worship.

After attending a

grand New Year program for the Aos living in and around Delhi organized by the Ao Baptist Church at Delhi on Thursday, the Minister, while talking to NEPS over phone, agreed that the Naga people were not serious with God and they continued to ignore the warning of God. “The Naga people will earn rather curse than blessing if we don’t return to the path of God,” the Minister said urg-

ing the Nagas to be true Christian rather than remaining a namesake Christian.

Stating that it was high time for the Naga people to worship God faithfully, Nuklutoshi asserted that they should stop being Christian only inside the Church “for one hour.”

“We should change from such spiritual hypocrisy,” he said adding that even in the Bible, God did not like people with hypocrisy.

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Wishing the Naga people wherever they live a very happy and prosperous New Year, the Minister called upon the people of Nagaland to make a promise to follow the resolutions they make more strictly and achieve what they truly desire in their life. Along with all the new hopes and promises that the New Year would bring Hope it also brings them a lot more opportunities to work together, he added.

Nagaland Minister for National Highways and Mechanical Engineering Nuklutoshi (6th left) with Ao Church leaders and invitees during a grand New Year program for the Aos living in and around Delhi at Delhi on January 1, 2015.

ANCSU make corruption charges in MNREGA implementation

DIMAPur, JAnuAry 3 (MExn): The All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) has extended support to the appeal made by the Aghunaqa Area Kukami Kuqhakulu (GB Association) on December 16, 2014 with regard to the delay of MNREGA payment within its affected area.

The students’ union in an open letter o the Chief Minister and Parliamentary Secretary RD appealing intervention for immediate action stated that as the new academic session is nearing and most

of the poor rural parents of the students depend on the daily wages of the mentioned scheme for the admissions of their children.

“The scheme is meant only for the poor rural people and should not be diverted to the interest of any mischievous individuals, groups, or by the officials of the department. Whereas, it is learnt fact that the poor people’s scheme are being misused and manipulated illegally through VIP adjustments, excuses and by giving other means of misinformation to the public

such as by obtaining signatures of the VDB secretaries in the Actual Payment Receipt (APR),” said ANCSU in the open letter appended by its general secretary Katho P Awomi.

The Union also said that the illegal practice might not be only case of Aghunaqa Area but in the entire state, as claimed by “Peren District Card holders and others.” “It is not surprising that the allegation against the corrupted department is true and based on written evidence and in person as a

witness can be available in the press media within ten days if the department fails to meet the demands and clarification seek by the aggrieved public,” the Union strongly stated in the letter.

ANCSU has demanded for immediate release of 91 days wages for 2013-14 and 98 days wages for 2014-15 under the BDO of Aghunaqa area. It stated that the department must clarify and mention (through press media) the particulars of those VIPs individuals among the poor rural

Young girls sunbathing at Khonoma village while drying the unmilled rice in the sun.

(Morung Photo)

people that need an adjustment from the scheme and why the VDB secretaries were made to sign the blank APR since the implementation of the scheme till date.

“Further delay by the department may invite severe charges of corruptions as per the law followed by which the next appeal will be directly addressed to the Central Ministry of the particular department for thorough enquiry and investigation into the scheme,” the Union added further.

DABA welcomes New Year

DIMAPur, JAnuAry 3 (MExn): Around 6000 people attended the New Year combined service of the Dimapur Ao Baptist Church where Rev Kari Longchar was the speaker. He spoke on the topic “safe refugee” where he called upon the congregation to start the change from every individual instead of trying to change others. He also said, “Political power, people in decision-making position and money can deceive anytime but Christ who is the safest refugee will never betray our trust.”

Christian Education Ministry presented the opening act during the New Year combined service held at DDSC on January 1. Atura and ARIA sang special songs while the members of DABA Youth Ministry Lengrijan Fellowship presented the closing act.

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(Left) Christian Education Ministry presents the opening act (Right) A section of the congregation attending the New Year combined service of the Dimapur Ao Baptist Church held at DDSC on January 1.

Govt apathy prompts anti-caste crusader to launch tour NCD appeals NSCN-K and ACAUT for restrain CADETS KK Sarachandra Bose’s yatra to hold Upanayanas across states C M Y K

KOHIMA, JAnuAry 3 (MExn): Social activist K K Sarachandra Bose announced the launch of a second nation-wide tour this summer, considering that a mandatory notice he served to the Government of India to root out the caste system by this December 31, 2014 did not meet with compliance.

He was in Nagaland too last year in connection with Bharat Yathra. The 63-yearold NRI lawyer, who in November 2014 submitted a draft amendment of the Constitution ensuring eradication of caste, is slated to lead another Bharat Yathra that will see his team of volunteers carry a nine-feet-tall idol of creator god Brahma and conducting ‘upanayana’ rituals all along the way.

The mission, starting between this March and May, expects “thousands of people to join us” in the ceremonies and wear the sacred thread as a symbol of egalitarianism within the fold of the ancient way of life. “The aim is to see that there is no difference — low or high — among human beings,” he noted.

Dubai-residing Bose had, from June 9 to August 1 last year, taken out his first Bharat Yathra. Starting from Thiruvananthapuram in his native Kerala, it ended in the national capital of Delhi after criss-crossing 18,000 km and covering all the states of the country.

Earlier last month, Bose had lauded a Supreme Court decision to stay “urulu seve” and “made snana” being performed at a Kar-

nataka temple, saying the 500-year-old controversial rituals at Kukke Subramanya temple in Dakshina Kannada district smacked of “foolish and criminal practices that deserve to be permanently banned.”

A lawyer who has specialised in corporate, commercial and contract laws, he has been practicing in Dubai and other jurisdictions for the last over 36 years — and handled an incredibly high 10,000plus cases during 1980-85 alone. He is a member of the International Bar Association, a visiting professor in International Business Law and a legal columnist in several publications.

Bose has addressed over a 100 law seminars as a guest speaker, and is a part-

ner with a reputed law firm in Dubai. He has travelled widely, mostly to represent his international clients, and is uncompromising to fraud and injustice. He notes thus: Law is universal; Ignorance of law is no excuse, even for a layman, especially business law for businessmen.

Bose, who hails from a semi-hilly village called Mezhuveli in Pathanamthitta district of southcentral Kerala, is a member of the Kerala High Court Advocates Association and the Karnataka Bar Council. He is also associated with the Legal Affairs Department of the Government of Dubai, and chairs Global Dialogue Foundation and the “Unity in Diversity” under the auspices of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations.

Tuli Marathon 2015 cum Relay Cake Race held DC Mokokchung, Sushil Kumar Patel flags off the Tuli Marathon Race at Tsudikong on January 2. (DIPR Photo)

DIMAPur, JAnuAry 3 (MExn): The Naga Council Dimapur also appeals to the NSCN-K and ACAUT for restrain because the tussle them will not serve the purpose for maintenance of peace and tranquility.

“The considered view of the Naga Council is that the law breakers are to be dealt according to the law of the land and urge upon the government to award befitting punishment,” NCD president T Bangerloba and general secretary Ntsemo Ngullie stated in an appeal note.

It also stated that of late, the Naga Council is disturbed to go through the dis-

turbances creating fear in the mind of the people by throwing bombs in the business establishments in and around Dimapur.

The appeal note condemned such act of violence, intimidations and threatening disturbing the peace and tranquility in the name of Naga political movement by certain individuals and sections of people.

Meanwhile, the Naga Council congratulates the administration and the police for arresting the culprits and urges the government of Nagaland to book the culprits in appropriate section of the law so that such action will not be repeated.

BJP workers opposed KOHIMA, JAnuAry 3 (ME x n): The BJP workers in Pfutsero 16th A/C strongly opposed the expelled order of Er. Vekho Swuro from BJP party published on 28th December issue in the local papers. This decision was unanimously resolved in the party emergency meeting held on December 30 in the

residence of Pudusayi Dasai, Mandal president of 16th A/C Pfutsero, a release received here stated today. Members who attended sincerely prayed for peace and harmony among the party workers for the welfare and further progress in the state as well as in the district, the release added.

Chüthuni Festival celebration on Jan 7

make Sainik School Punglwa proud

PErEn, JAnuAry 3 (MExn): Three Naga cadets created record and made Sainik School Punglwa proud when they qualified the written examination of the 134th National Defence Academy Course and 96th Naval Academy Examination Course held by the Union Public Service Commission.

The results have been declared on January 2.

Cadets who qualified the written examination are Cadet Tanthuilubo Zeliang (Adm No. 175), Cadet Jingusie Nyuthe (Adm No 180), and Cadet Thejaseko Kuotsu ( Adm No 210). This is a maiden feat of the Naga cadets which will remain etched in the annals of the school history.

Principal Sainik School Punglwa in a press release congratulated the cadets and the parents for the landmark achievement.

DIMAPur, JAnuAry 3 (MExn): The January 7 at 10:00 am. G Kaito Aye, Home Mao Hoho Nagaland has invited all the Minister will be the chief guest while R Tourged upon boys and girls Ememei and Nolomei to the Chüthuni hanba, parliamentary secretary, CAWD, to make the Tuli marathon Festival celebration at Don Bosco Higher Economics & Statistics will be the guest of race as a launching pad to Seconday School Ground Dimapur on honour. shine in the state and national level.

In his short speech, ADC Sentiwapang Aier conference hall at 11.00 AM. DC Mokokcalled upon the people of MOKOKcHung, JAnuAry 3 chung Sushil Kumar Patel informed all (DIPr): The monthly meeting of MoTuli to involve actively in its the DPDB members to take note of the kokchung District Planning and Develeffort to make Tuli sub divitime and date and make it convenient to opment Board will be held on January sion a cleaner and healthiattend the same without fail.

7 (Wednesday) in the ADC (Planning) er. He sought involvement of churches, NGOs and individuals in this venture.

Sushil Kumar also inaugurated the Nite Bazar and Musical carnival. During the inauguration the oldest man and woman at Tuli town were honoured by presenting one Blanket each to them. It was folChief Guest Guest of Honour lowed by Relay Cake Race SHRI. G. KAITO AYE, SHRI. R. TOHANBA, from Assam Rifles Camp to Hon’ble Minister, Parliamentary Secretary CAWD, Tuli college.

Industries and Commerce, Economics & Statistics, During his stay at Tuli, Govt. of Nagaland DC also visited Nagaland Govt. of Nagaland Pulp & Paper Company, NPPC (Ltd) and interacted with officials to acquaint himself with the ongoSpecial features:- Folk Tune, Cultural Dance, Traditional Sports ing revival process of the All the Ememei and Nolomei are cordially invited for the festival.

NPPC. ADC Tuli and senior officers from the district acVenue: Don Bosco Higher Secondary School Ground, Dimapur Date: 7th (Wednesday) January, 2015 Time : 10:00 am. companied him.

Mokokchung DPDB on Jan 7

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CHÜTHUNI FESTIVAL 2015 Organised by : Mao Hoho Nagaland

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TulI, JAnuAry 3 (DIPr): The ‘Tuli Marathon 2015’ cum ‘Relay Cake Race’ was held at Tuli town on the second day of January 2015 where more than one hundred young boys and girls enthusiastically participated.

It was organized in collaboration with the District Election Office, Mokokchung and Mokokchung

District Sports Council under the theme “Cleaner and Healthier Tuli Sub-Division”. Deputy Commissioner Mokokchung, Sushil Kumar Patel flagged off the Marathon race at Tsudikong where 83 boys and 45 girls participated in boys and girls category.

Flagging off the race Sushil Kumar Patel expressed deep appreciation to ADC

Tuli, Sentiwapang Aier and the Tuli people for organizing the event for the first time at Tuli. He said the event would provide a plat form to make Tuli a cleaner and healthier sub-division to live as they had made elaborate civic action plan to be carried out throughout the year. Looking at enthusiastic participants at the marathon race, Patel

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REgional

The Morung Express

Sunday

4 January 2015

Dimapur

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The bloody fight for Bodo homeland Supratim Dey

Business Standard

O

n December 23, by nightfall, 16-year-old Laxmi Murmu was helping her mother prepare dinner.

Suddenly, she heard gunshots in their courtyard. Her mother ran out to see what had happened.

More gunshots followed. Fearing something was wrong, Murmu too ran outside. She found her parents lying in a pool of blood. They were dead. Masked militants, wielding guns, were walking towards the huts in the neighbourhood. All Murmu knows is that it was the NDFB the National Democratic Front of Bodoland - that killed her parents. She is now living in a relief camp at Tinikhuti High School with her two younger siblings, aged 11 and 13, and some relatives. Murmu is one of the 3,000 people who have sought refuge in this camp.

That fateful day is now an infamous bloody day in Assam's history; around 80 people, most of them belonging to the tea-tribe community, were massacred within a span of a

few hours by Bodo militants belonging to the outlawed Songbijit-faction of NDFB. The series of attacks was carried out along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh and Assam-Bhutan borders in the two districts of Kokrajhar and Sonitpur. More than 200,000 people were forced to flee their homes and seek shelter at the 139 relief camps set up across four districts.

Bodo militant outfits have been waging a violent war against the Indian state since the 1980s, demanding a sovereign Bodo homeland. In the past too, non-Bodos, including Assamese, Bangla-speaking Muslims, the tea-tribe community or the Santhals, were at the receiving end of this violence.

In 2003, one of the two Bodo militant outfits - Bodo Liberation Tigers (the other being NDFB) - had surrendered and signed the historic Bodo Accord with the Centre that paved the way for the formation of the autonomous Bodoland Territorial Council under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

The surrendered members of the Bodo Liberation Tigers

formed the Bodoland People's Front, the political party which has been in power in the Bodoland Territorial Council since its formation. The four Bodo tribeinhabited districts of Kokrajhar, Chirang, Udalguri and Baksa form the present-day Bodoland and are called the Bodoland Territorial Autonomous Districts.

However, even with the signing of the Bodo Accord, the demand for a separate Bodo homeland did not end and neither did the armed struggle. The other militant outfit, NDFB, continued with its violent struggle and later split into three factions. The two factions - NDFB (Progressive) and NDFB (Ranjan Daimary) - are currently engaged in 'peace talks' with the Centre. The Songbijit faction, or NDFB (S), is a splinter group of NDFB (R) and was formed in 2012 when NDFB (R) too chose the path of dialogue, as did NDFB (P) two years before it.

Since its formation, NDFB (S), led by Songbijit Ingti Kathar, the former deputy of Ranjan Daimary, has been indulging in violent activities, including indiscriminate killings. In January

last year, the outfit was responsible for the killings of Hindispeaking people in Bodoland. In May, around 40 Bangla-speaking Muslims in Bodoland were killed by the outfit in a series of attacks, which led to communal tension in the state. In August, the outfit dragged a 16-year-old girl and shot her at point blank range at least nine times in front of her parents on the suspicion that she was a police informer. The news of the killing made headlines, national and international.

Hitting back The police view the December 23 killings as an act of retaliation to the police operations against the outfit's cadres. For the last four months, the Assam Police have been carrying out offensives against the outfit by either killing or arresting its members and leaders. On December 22, the outfit had warned of retaliatory attacks.

"The outfit perhaps wants to divert our attention, but our operations against it will not stop," says Khagen Sharma, director-general of Assam Police.

The operations of the outfit are

restricted to the four Bodoland Territorial Autonomous Districts and the adjoining districts of Darang and Sonitpur.

"There were lapses on the part of the state as well as the Centre. It was a joint failure that we could not apprehend the attacks," Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said after the attacks. "The Intelligence Bureau had inputs of the attacks, but by the time it came to us, it was too late. If it was the failure of the Assam Police, it was also the failure of the army as it heads the unified command structure in Assam," Gogoi added.

Though it is unclear why the outfit chose to target members of a particular community, many believe the tea-tribe people are a soft target because the areas they live in are remote and largely inaccessible. This was the reason why the news of the attack reached the authorities late, giving the outfit time to carry on with the killings in different locations.

tral and state governments has boomeranged, says Mahendra Pujari, academician and political analyst. "They thought the Nagaland experiment could be applied everywhere in toto, without analysing the local dynamics. In the case of Assam, the 'talks' culture and turning the surrendered militant leaders into celebrities overnight further encouraged others to indulge in more violence. The centre needs to take a serious re-look at its strategies about dealing with militancy in Assam," he adds.

Unlike in the past, the Centre, however, appeared tough this time. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh landed in Assam on the day right after the attacks. Sending out a tough message to the militants, he said the Centre would treat them as terrorists and would adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards them. He also ruled out holding 'peace talks' with those who indulge in "coldblooded murders". "This is not Talks or force? just a militant attack but an act The poorly thought out of terrorism. We will treat these "talks adventure" of the cen- militants at par with terrorists

and as we have zero tolerance policy towards terrorism, we will also have the same policy with regard to these militants," said Singh. He also announced that an army operation would be launched against the outfit.

General Dalbir Singh, the chief of army staff, also visited Assam to take stock of the security situation and undertook an aerial survey of the violence-hit areas.

He asked for greater synergy with the central and state intelligence and security agencies.

Directing the troops to extend all possible support to the state administration in bringing back normality, he said he would maintain a close watch on the dynamics of the region.

'Operation All Out', under which about 9,000 soldiers and paramilitary personnel have been pressed into action on the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border, is at present underway. The Centre has sought the help of Bhutan and Myanmar in flushing out the militants from their soils. NDFB (S) is believed to have set up bases in the Taga region of Myanmar and along the Indo-Bhutan border.

AFSPA extended in Assam; ‘disturbed Assam violence: 102 police Tripura CM wants tight vigil along India-Bangladesh border area’ tag to continue for one more year cases filed, NIA probe begins

AGARTALA, JAnuARy 3 (IAnS): Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar has asked the Border Security Force (BSF) to beef up its vigil along the India-Bangladesh border in tandem with other paramilitary and state security forces.

Sarkar, accompanied by senior security and civil officials Friday, visited the India-Bangladesh border and asked the BSF to stay more vigilant while resorting to firing and maintain friendly relations with people living along the frontiers.

"BSF, CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) and Tripura State Rifles (TSR) must jointly operate along the borders with Bangladesh to curb the terrorism and trans-border movement of militants," an official said quoting the chief minister.

Sarkar held a series of meetings with the BSF and other officials while visiting the bordering areas and suggested to work in cooperation with the bordering villagers

to check the border crimes and protect the properties. "The chief minister would talk to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh soon to ask the concerned authorities to complete the works for erection of border fencing along the India-Bangladesh borders," the official said.

Four Indian northeastern states -- Tripura, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Assam -share an 1,880-km border with Bangladesh with 856 km frontiers alone along Tripura.

The mountainous terrain, dense forests and other hindrances make the unfenced borders porous and vulnerable, letting illegal immigrants and intruders cross over without any hurdle.

India is erecting a fence and putting up floodlights along the 4,096-km India-Bangladesh border in West Bengal, Tripura, Assam, Meghalaya and Mizoram to check trans-border movement of militants, and keep a check on border crimes.

Situation in 4 districts improving fast: Gogoi GuwAhATI, JAnuARy 3 (PTI): Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today said overall situation in Kokrajhar, Sonitpur, Chirang and Udalguri districts is improving fast following serial attacks and thousands of inmates are returning to their homes

from relief camps.

"The overall situation is fast improving and it is returning to normalcy.

People are going back to their homes," Gogoi told a press conference here.

Gogoi said three persons are still missing since the attack took place on December 23. "As of to-

tal dead is 81 and three persons are still missing.

Security persons are continuing their operations to nab the culprits," Gogoi said.

Out of the 81 dead, 66 are Adivasis, 13 Bodos and 2 are Bengalis, Assam State Disaster Management Authority said.

GuwAhATI, JAnuARy 3 (hT): The Centre has extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 declaring the entire ‘state of Assam’ as a ‘Disturbed Area’ for another year beyond November 3 last, stated in a official communiqué on Friday.

“The Government of India order dated 4th November, 2014 has extended the earlier notification regarding “Disturbed Areas” under the provisions of Section 3 of the AF (SP) Act 1958 for another one year beyond 03/11/2014 which is presently in force”, the communiqué stated.

“The Government of India in exercise of powers under AF (SP) Act, 1958

has also declared, besides other areas, the area falling within 20 km wide belt in the state of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya along their border with the state of Assam as ‘Disturbed Area’,” it said.

“The Government of India extended and issued the notification after due consideration of the law and order situation in the state of Assam due to the violent incidents caused by the underground outfits viz ULFA (I), NDFB(S) and the border areas of the state of Assam by underground outfits like GNLA, KPLT, UALA, ULFA (I), NDFB(S), NSCN (IM) and NSCN (K)”, it said.

“In the ‘Disturbed Areas’ as declared by the Govern-

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ment of India on yearly basis under the provision of the AF (SP) Act 1958, the Army is empowered to take action for counter Insurgency operations against the underground outfits as well as for controlling the violent incidents caused by the UGs which have a direct bearing on the general law and order scenario of the state,” it said.

To make counter insurgency operations more effectives, the GoI in 1997 notified the ‘strategy group’ under the chairmanship of Assam chief secretary for working out broad strategies and policy coordination and the Unified headquarters under the chairmanship of GOC, 4 Crops of Army for operational purpose.

GuwAhATI, JAnuARy 3 (IAnS): Assam Police has registered 102 cases over the recent violence that left 81 people dead and over two lakh homeless, while the NIA has also started investigating the attacks, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said Saturday.

Gogoi said 58 people have been arrested so far for their links with the violence unleashed by Bodo militants, he said. "We have handed over four cases to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and they have already started investigation. Police have registered 102 cases regarding the violence and more cases will be handed over to the NIA later," he said. "The toll has reached 81. Three people are missing in the violence-affected areas."

The security forces were doing their best to nab the culprits behind the violence, he added. Cadres of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) faction opposed to peace talks had attacked adivasis in five locations in Kokrajhar, Chirang and Sonitpur districts Dec 23.

Those killed include 21 women and 19 children. The fear of further attacks forced thousands of people to desert their houses and take shelter in relief camps.

The violence led to a backlash in Udalguri district and assailants set many houses on fire, triggering displacement there too.

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NEC allocation needs to be enhanced: Mukul ShILLonG, JAnuARy 3 (Tnn): The annual allocation of the North Eastern Council needs to be suitably enhanced, Meghalaya chief minister Mukul Sangma told Union minister of state for Development of North Eastern Region, Jitendra Singh, at the 63rd plenary session of the NEC here on Friday.

"The projected outlay of the NEC for the Twelfth Five Year Plan (2012-17) was Rs 13027.38 crore and the approved outlay conveyed by the Planning Commission was Rs 6108.00 crore only. While this was inadequate, the actual allocation since 2012-13 has been static at Rs770 crore to make matters worse. Similarly, if we look at releases, we see that these have been unusually slow this year," said Mukul.

"There is a large bank of sanctions which need to be acted upon quickly so that cost escalation is avoided. As states, our absorption capacity has gone up considerably and we are in a position to complete projects much faster, if funds are released in time," he said. He added that the NE states were keenly looking forward to faster releases and timely implementation.

"A crucial infrastructure gap in respect of inter-state road connectivity should be a priority of the NEC. Unless this is done, roads constructed by one state will be limited to its own administrative jurisdiction only. This will fail to provide the continuity to connect important roads of the neighbouring states," added Mukul.

"An accessible and reliable telecom/IT infrastructure continues to remain an aspiration for the NER. Better communication links for the NER need to be taken up on priority basis. This would involve alternate voice and internet connectivity through Bangladesh, service ducts for utilities along all national and state highways and solar/renewable energy solutions for all mobile towers.

This may necessitate budgetary support to BSNL either through the USoF or the ministry of DoNER. But we must not hesitate in providing this," the CM said.

"In most parts of the northeast, land is community owned and the state owns only a small percentage of land. The land tenure system is not akin to other parts of the country. In the hill states of the region, the creation of infrastructure inevitably involves land acquisition of community or private land. Unfortunately, these costs are not covered by NEC/DoNER funding and we are finding it very difficult to meet these costs from our own resources. I would, therefore, urge that cost of land be included as one of the project components in the DPR funded by the ministry of DoNER and NEC," he told the Union minister.

THE NAGALAND STATE CO-OPERATIVE BANK LTD. (SPONSORED & FINANCED BY THE GOVT. OF NAGALAND) POST BOX NO.153.HEAD OFFICE: DIMAPUR-797112.

NO.NSCB/HO/49/PT VI/2014/

Date: 17/12/2014

NOTICE OF THE 45 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE BANK TH

BHARAT SANCHAR NIGAM LIMITED

(A GOVT.OF INDIA ENTERPRISE) OFFICE OF GENERAL MANAGER TELECOM DISTRICT NAGALAND: DIMAPUR No.P-263/Telephone Adalat/2011-2012/66

Dated 01.01.2015

1. It is proposed to conduct a “TELEPHONE ADALAT” under the Chairmanship of Sr. GENERAL MANAGER Nagaland SSA BSNL Dimapur from 10:30 Hrs to 13:00 Hrs of 17.01.2015 at Conference Hall O/o the GMTD BSNL, Super Market Complex, Dimapur. The complaints regarding following will be dealt with Adalat for all exchanges of Nagaland SSA. 1. The Telephone Service 2. Pending complaints on telephone bills for “More than six months” 3. Reconnection of Telephone 4. Individual complaints cases which are not settled even after repeated complaint by the subscriber.

5. The complaints case should reach this office on or before 15.01.2015 by the super scribing in the envelope as “Telephone Adalat” address to AGM(OP) O/o the GMTD BSNL Super market complex,Dimapur.797112. The customers may please note that the following problems will not come under the preview of ADALAT. 1. STDPT, LOCAL, PT complaints.

2. Complaint by association.

3. Complaints regarding New Phone connections.

2. An “OPEN HOUSE SESSION” for the customers of Nagaland SSA will be held at Conference Hall O/o the GMTD BSNL, Super Market Complex, Dimapur from 15:00 hrs of 17.01.2015.

The grievances should be reached this office on or before 15.01.2015 by super scribing in envelop as “OPEN HOUSE SESSION” address to AGM (OP) O/o the GMTD BSNL Super Market Complex,Dimapur.797112.The customers interested in attending the “OPEN HOUSE SESSION” should intimate this office along with their grievances on or before 15.01.2015.

SR.GENERAL MANAGER BSNL NAGALAND DIMAPUR

Notice is hereby given that the 45th Annual General Meeting of the Nagaland State Co-operative Bank Ltd. Dimapur will be held on 30 January 2015 at 11.00 A.M.in its Registered Office at Dimapur, Nagaland to transact the following Agenda.

1. To confirm the Proceedings of the 44th A.G.M. held on 11.02.2014.

2. To consider and approve the Auditor’s Report and Audited Statements of Accounts for the year ended 31.03.2014 together with Audit Compliance.

3. To consider and approve the Annual Report of Directors for the year 2013-14.

4. To consider and approve the Revised Budget for 2013-14 and Estimated Budget for the years 2014-15 & 2015-16.

5. To elect 4(Four) members of the Board of Directors, one each from Agril. Coop.

Societies of Dimapur, Tuensang, Zunheboto & Kiphire Districts.

6. To transact any other matters as may be notified by the members to the Managing Director at least one week ahead of the meeting or as the Chairman may allow.

Sd/- S.Atovi Sema Managing Director

Sd/- Temjen Toy (IAS) Chairman

N.B.:1. Each affiliated Societies may be represented by only one delegate duly sponsored in writing in the prescribed form to attend the meeting.

2. Nomination papers will be available from 4 (Four) District Hq. Branches namely Dimapur (Main), Tuensang, Zunheboto and Kiphire. Nomination Papers can be obtained on payment of requisite fee of Rs.1000/- (Rupees One Thousand) only from 29 December onward till 07 January 2015 on working days during working hours i.e. up to 4.00 P.M only. Defaulting Coop. Societies & individuals defaulting to NStCB loan will not be eligible to contest in election of Board of Directors.

3. Nomination papers in prescribed form will be accepted only by the Managing Director of the Bank at H.O. on or before 10 January 2015 (Saturday) during working hours (i.e. within 1PM) 4. Election will be governed under the Election Rules framed and approved by the Registrar of Cooperative Societies vide letter No.CIF-329/2001-2002 Dt. 31-102002 & amended vide No.CIF-79/2003-04/3463 dt.4.1.2007.

PROGRAMME Date: 30/01/2015

Registration of members

Venue: NSCB, H.O. (Conference Hall) Dimapur

: 29 January 2015 from 10.00 A.M. to 03.00 P.M. & 30 January 2015 from 7.00 A.M. to 10.45 A.M. Inauguration & Business Session : 11.00 A.M. Lunch : 2.00 P.M

4

businEss

Sunday

Dimapur

4 January 2015

FM promises more autonomy to PSU banks PUNE, JaNUary 3 (PTI): Finance minister Arun Jaitley on Saturday termed the level of bad assets in the system as “unacceptable” and promised more autonomy for state-run banks to run business with a “commercial mindset”.

“There are unacceptable levels of NPAs (non-performing assets) in some cases and the banks have to be given a sufficient amount of leeway ... to deal with commercial issues with a commercial mindset,” Jaitley told reporters on the sidelines of a two-day bankers’ retreat here.

The finance minister said there is a need to bring about changes in many areas in state-run banks, including giving “far greater autonomy” and allowing them to hire the best talent.

The two-day banking conclave, which started yesterday, is being held at a crucial time when India is moving towards accelerating the pace of growth, he said.

The government, which a majority owner in 27 public sector banks, that control over 70 per cent of the system, wants to hear the problems plaguing the sector from the bankers and external experts as “they know the best where the shoe pinches”, he said.

“I am certain this conference is going to pave a way for a new roadmap,” he added.

The meeting comes at a time when the gross NPA in the system has touched 4.5 per cent in September 2014, and days after strong commentary from RBI about staterun lenders lagging behind their private sector rivals on asset quality management.

The finance minister said there was a need for the banking sector to fund infrastructure and manufacturing sectors to support the ambitions of higher growth.

“There is a need now for the banking system in India in a big way to finance infrastructure, manufacturing and infuse liquidity. There is also a need to conceive several reforms in the banking sector,” he added.

India must establish world class banks: PM

PUNE, JaNUary 3 (IaNS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday called upon India’s banking sector to establish banks which are world class and rank among the top in the world.

Emphasising that the banking sector of a country mirrors its economic growth and progress, Modi said Japan and China have banks which were ranked among the top 10 globally during their economic rise.

Addressing India’s top bankers at the end of a twoday bankers retreat ‘Gyan Sangam’ here Saturday evening, Modi assured that banks would run professionally without any interference, but accountability was essential.

He called for an end to “lazy banking” and asked banks to take on a “pro-active role” in helping the common man. On this front, he emphasised the need for public sector banks (PSBs) to set goals for the 75th anniversary of India’s independence in 2022.

Modi said he has resolved to provide housing for all by 2022 and banks had a huge opportunity in this as 11 crore (110 million) homes were required in the country.

Calling upon banks to redefine the parameters for success, Modi said they could prioritise loans to enterprises which would generate more employment, give importance to loans to students as they would be a very productive investment for the country as India needs to develop skills of the youth in a big way.

Modi said the government had no vested interest in the banking sector and public sector banks can derive strength from this. “We are against political interference, but support political intervention in the interest of the people. This will enable the voice of the common man to reach such institutions,” he said.

He urged the 27 public sector banks in India to develop common strengths among

themselves in areas like software and advertising. Citing the example of number portability in the telecom sector, he said it could improve the customer-centric focus of banks.

“The public sector banks - as a team - should also be conscious of the direction in which the country is moving and work towards simplifying procedures to facilitate the common man,” he said.

The prime minister lauded the role of banks in successfully implementing the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, which he said would have “multiple effects” and redefine goal-setting among banks due to enhanced confidence levels following its success.

Modi said seven crore (70 million) families - or onethird in India - benefited from the direct cash transfer of LPG subsidy in just the first three days of 2015. Highlighting the issue of financial illiteracy among the common masses, Modi called upon banks to

‘Government committed Weak rupee triggers rush in NRI remittances from UAE to fiscal consolidation’ PUNE, JaNUary 3 (IaNS): The union government was committed towards fiscal consolidation, Minister of State for Finance Jayant Sinha said here Saturday.

“We are very confident of our fiscal consolidation targets and our fiscal consolidation roadmap. It’s not the number (of fiscal deficit), but it is the quality of the numbers that is important. And that’s really what we are working towards,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the twoday banking retreat.

Data released recently by the Controller General of Accounts showed that India’s fiscal deficit touched 98.9 percent of the budget estimates for 2014-15 by the end of November, crossing Rs.5.25 lakh crore ($83.08 billion).

The deficit was 93.9 percent during the corresponding period in 2013-14.

“The number can always be achieved and it was achieved in the past through various mechanisms and measures that I don’t think anyone of us was comfortable with,” the minister added.

Asked whether this means the government will not go for expenditure cuts, Sinha said: “We will have to see.

We’ll do it the right way. We’ll ensure that there are no headwinds to growth which we’re trying to achieve.”

Talking about growth rate in the country, Sinha said the government was making efforts to raise the growth rate to 7-8 percent.

“Along with sound economic management, we have to ensure that the economy gets the stimulus that it needs to get to much higher growth trajectory of 7-8 percent and that is both sustainable in terms of environment and other inputs, as well as non-inflationary,” he said.

DUbaI, JaNUary 3 (IaNS): Non-resident Indians (NRIs) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are queuing up to remit money home, thanks to a strong UAE dirham visa-vis the rupee, which has lowered the cost of money transfer, a study has found.

This was revealed by a white paper commissioned by the Friends Provident International (FPI) and published by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU).

According to a Khaleej Times report Saturday, the white paper and documentary video released by FPI, titled “UAE expatriates and the bottom line”, show the hidden costs that expatriates living and working in Dubai and Abu Dhabi may face.

The survey shows how important financial planning is for expatriates if they want to reap the benefits of working in a tax-free environment, and avoid the pitfalls of hidden costs and high prices.

The findings of a research published last year found that NRIs put aside 70 percent of their disposable income, on an average, for investments and savings.

“Much has been said about the

UAE’s many spending temptations and the fact that expatriates are not saving enough for their retirement, or for other important events in their lives. We see that non-resident Indians, be they high or low income earners, have incredible financial discipline and their culture of saving makes them a great case study, highlighting the value of careful financial planning,” said Marcus Gent, managing director, Middle East and rest of the world, FPI. Much of the money remitted

by NRIs is used for family support.

India’s less developed pension system, compared with Europe or North America, for example, drives expatriates towards supporting their parents and children rather than starting a retirement plan for themselves. Over 80 percent of Indians in the UAE have between two and five dependents to support, many of those back in India.

Culturally, Indians consider the education of their children and paying for their wedding as fundamental financial planning requirements.

Some 90 percent invest heavily in their children’s education.

_

LEISURE

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

SUDOKU Game Number # 3098

The Morung Express

“trust the common man” and encourage competitions on financial literacy in schools on the lines of ‘mock parliament’ competitions.

As part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, the prime minister felt that banks should take up one sector each year to play a positive role and asked each PSB to help develop 20,00025,000 Swachhta entrepreneurs as part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan.

Terming the ‘Gyan Sangam’ as a unique initiative, Modi said it reflects team spirit and a collective will to address issues and find solutions to problems which was the first step towards catalysing transformation.

He acknowledged that this was perhaps the first time banks had given tasks to the prime minister through a presentation and said informal discussions helped achieve a ‘meeting of minds’, which in turn enables setting strategic goals.

‘Global medical tourism market to rise over $ 30 bn’ HOUSTON, JaNUary 3 (PTI): Global medical tourism market will rise to $ 32.5 billion by 2019 on account of rising healthcare costs in developed countries, like the US and improved standards of healthcare technology and services in nations like India and China, a research says.

The surging costs of healthcare and medical insurance in the US will give a rise to global medical tourism which will register a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.9 per cent from 2013 to 2019, according to the research titled “Medical Tourism Market (India, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Mexico, Brazil, Taiwan, Turkey, South Korea, Costa Rica, Poland, the Philippines and Dubai).

The research has been conducted by Transparency Market Research (TMR), a USbased market intelligence company, which has pegged the current medical tourism market at $ 10 billion.

Factors like ageing population, adoption of newer technologies to treat various products and better exchange rates in the economy as a whole push the case for its rise.

The possibility of economic crisis in developed nations which has led to decrease in disposable incomes has also added to its growth.

Better pricing for cosmetic surgeries and shorter waiting period for treatment is also likely to accelerate the growth in the sector.

Besides escalating healthcare costs, many medical and surgical procedures are no longer covered by insurance. This has made it imperative for Americans to seek alternative, affordable options for their healthcare treatments.

What will drive the market in 2015 D H Pai Panandiker

T

Reuters

he stock market woke up from its long hibernation in 2014, with the Sensex rallying 30 percent during the year. If not for the market correction in the last two months, Indian bourses would have been the best performers in the world.

The recovery was solely due to the optimism generated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with FII investment in Indian equity crossing $16 billion.

But Modi confronted opposition in the Rajya Sabha, where the BJP-led coalition is in minority. Lack of support from opposition parties stopped bills from being passed. However, the government introduced ordinances (decrees) in respect of coal and insurance – the first to get industry going and the second to create an environment for reform and attract foreign investment. The government also made amendments to the Land Acquisition Act through

an ordinance, which is yet to receive the president’s approval.

The market now believes that the prime minister means business. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has also indicated that the next budget to be presented in February will adopt a tax system which is globally compatible, adds clarity to the tax liability and is in tune with internationally comparable tax levels. The budget has raised expectations and will be an important trigger for the market.

But there can be disruptions. The rate of interest, which is a prime consideration with the market, is outside the ambit of the government. It is the exclusive domain of the RBI and, with inflation targeting initiated by governor Raghuram Rajan, can take some time to be moderated.

There will also be external factors to contend with. First, world economic growth (except the U.S.) is likely to drop, making exports a little difficult.

Second, there is no certainty

DAILY CROSS WORD

CROSSWORD # 3107

Answer Number # 3097

DIMAPUR Civil Hospital:

about the international prices of crude oil. If prices rise again, energy importing countries like India will be hit both in terms of inflation and current account deficit. Third, the U.S. Federal Reserve is expected to increase interest rate which may reduce FII inflows into emerging market economies and check rising equity prices. Fourth, there is always a possibility that monsoon will disappoint.

Even so, if the budget measures up to the indications given by the finance minister, it will be a strong driver of the market. To sustain the bull market, the government will have to keep the wheels of the reform process running, which is likely under Modi.

Most policy parameters appear to be very positive and corporate growth and profitability should improve. With higher earnings per share and faster corporate growth, PEG (price/ earnings to growth ratio) will be lower, creating enough space for share prices to rise further.

The Sensex could possibly rise 20-25 percent in 2015.

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ACROSS 1. Outfit 6. Wacky 10. Contributes 14. A drama set to music 15. Small island 16. No charge 17. Small finch 18. Leave in a hurry 19. Give and ____ 20. From now on 22. Barely managed 23. Indian dress 24. Exit 26. Shocked reaction 30. Top part of an apron 31. Thorax protector 32. Ancient Peruvian 33. Dregs 35. Mature 39. Make “not smooth” 41. A dais 43. Female demon 44. Not this 46. Anagram of “Wort” 47. Louse-to-be 49. Utilize 50. Skirt lines 51. Besmirches 54. Outbuilding

56. Words 57. Avatar 63. Decorative case 64. Rip 65. Hard to pin down 66. Start over 67. Rational 68. Leave out 69. Biblical garden 70. Terminates 71. Ascended

DOWN 1. “Gee!” 2. Type of sword 3. Small slender gull 4. Relating to urine 5. Windows 6. Befuddle 7. Attribute 8. Level 9. Leash 10. Placenta 11. A male duck 12. Fakes opponents 13. Sows 21. A short moral story 25. Encircle 26. Lass 27. Dwarf buffalo 28. Pond gunk

29. Paging 34. Coasts 36. Cut back 37. Anagram of “Dome” 38. Recent events 40. Found on most heads 42. Horse 45. Spouse 48. Sleeping sickness carrier 51. Cubic meter 52. Doled out 53. Give off 55. Frogman 58. Average 59. A landlocked African republic 60. Auspices 61. Naked 62. Adolescent Ans to CrossWord 3106

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The Morung Express

Public SPace NSCN (K) responds to ACAUT Nagaland

T

he unyielding stand of ACAUT to describe any and every nominal taxation by NPG(s) for sustenance of the struggle as illegitimate and unabated is a direct challenge to the political legitimacy and identity of the Nagas as a whole.

In a prolonged struggle spanning almost a century, political violence though unfortunate became inevitable owing to treasonous activities committed by own Naga leaders and groups against the Naga’s aspiration and particularly at the behest of enemy forces to sabotage the struggle from within.

These anti-Naga forces in the past too propagated public interest and welfare as their cover but with hidden agendas which ultimately attempted to curtail the Naga struggle to a mere “armed gangs” or “secessionist forces”. The prices paid were too costly and the plight of the Nagas continues to worsen till today.

The agendas and activities of the ACAUT is therefore nothing novel or unexpected. Upholding Indian constitution and citing Indian constitutional guarantees to battle the NPG(s) in itself is self-explanatory of their anti-Naga intent and purpose. Only time will tell as to what extent the damage the ACAUT may inflict on the Naga struggle, the benefits they intent to yield and the price they are willing to pay.

The vigour and penchant of ACAUT to denigrate any political violence as terrorist activity will be well understood when actual terror befall them.

ACAUT is neither a security nor in-

vestigative agency to establish or conclude any political violence as terror activity. However for public consumption the NSCN/GPRN once again places on record that, except for controversial Aug. 2013 bombing at TK service station, blamed and countered blamed between NSCN/GPRN Joint Secy. and proprietor of TK service that erupted after TK proprietor refused to own up the loss of Gypsy belonging to Joint. Secy while undergoing repair at TK service.

The rest of immaculately listed serial bombings were carried out by individuals at Khehoi camp and particulars have been published in local dailies already.

Therefore, unless ACAUT on behalf of enemy forces desires to engage NSCN/ GPRN in a headlong open conflict of grievous nature, must first authenticate those allegations before slamming NSCN/GPRN. If ACAUT has courage to mock NSCN/GPRN need for sustenance as hypocrisy and love for Indian money, the NSCN/GPRN will definitely see to it that ACAUT never thrive at the expense of Naga struggle, no matter how high sounding their cosmetic banner against multiple taxation may appear.

The protocol being observed for the retired judge, Supreme Court of India may be entitled, but the rest of the ACAUT as non-entity and non-state agency unless overcome by greed and hypocrisy, remunerations and other official amenities should never be demanded.

Sunday 4 January 2015

Dimapur

5

land revenue department activities in Nagaland state Our Correspondent Kohima | January 3

The state’s land revenue department deals with matter relating to policy of land and its administration in the state.

Nagaland, being peculiar, due to special constitutional arrangement guaranteed under Article 371 (A) of the Constitution of India, has limited government land under its disposal, according to the annual administrative report of land revenue department for 2013-14.

Consequently, informed the report, most of the land ownership of belongs to individual, clan

and community and as such government does not have any control over the same unless otherwise, it decides to acquire from the private land owners.

The report further highlighted that, ‘Government’ land’ in Nagaland refers to the land acquired by the government, compensated land, donated land, British conquered land etc for setting up of administrative headquarters, township and other developmental activities of various departments and central agencies.

It also stated that, while, the land revenue department deals with land surveying, mapping for various developmental

activities in the state, construction of land records, digitalization of surveyed maps and computerization of records of rights. The revenue administration in the districts are confined mainly to the acquisition of land for the use of the state government and the central government agencies, eviction of persons in unauthorized occupation of public land and collection of land revenue.

The Nagaland Land (Requisition and Acquisition) Act, 1965 is applicable in the entire state and all the deputy commissioners exercise the same authority as provided under the said Act for its implementation.

As per the report, acquisition of land is done under the act with the initiative of the respective deputy commissioners of the district. Allotment of land and land compensation are also initiated by the district administrations.

Further, illegal occupation of government land are evicted as per ‘The Nagaland Eviction of Persons in unauthorized occupation of Public land Act 1971’ and the district administration also acts against encroachment of government land, settlement of land disputes, cancellation of illegal patta etc. The district administration is also responsible for collection of land rents,

land taxes, premium etc which are payable to the state government.

Meanwhile, the district administrations are assisted by technical experts of land records and survey departments in all land related issues, added the report. The Deputy Commissioners of the district has also been authorized to represents the government in executing the Lease Deed with central government departments, agencies etc.

All land matters in the state is routed through the Commissioner, Nagaland for obtaining prior approval of the government, the report added.

Student Exchange programme concludes

Issued byNSCN/GPRN

Nuklutoshi condemns planting of IED KohIMA, JANUARY 3 (NEPS): Minister for National Highways and Mechanical Engineering, Nuklutoshi, has strongly condemned the planting of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in an ATM Booth at Mokokchung town on Friday.

In a statement issued today, the Minister termed it as “senseless and mindless” acts of the miscreants, who were against humanity with sheer intention to

disturb a peaceful environment that had been prevailing in the district in general and town in particular at the moment.

The minister, who is also in-charge of NPF Mokokchung Division, wondered what devastation impact it would have been on innocent human’s lives if the IED had exploded.

He further extended his gratitude to the district administration, police, 31 AR and their

bomb squad personnel as their timely intervention had averted an “unwanted tragedy”.

Meanwhile, while urging the law enforcement agencies to bring those miscreants responsible for the ‘inhuman and mindless act’ to book, the Minister also requested the respective bank authorities to provide caretakers to their own ATM booths as such steps would thwart any such incident in future.

Students involved in the exchange programme organised by Assam Rifles posing for lens at the concluding event at Dimapur.

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 3 (MExN): Students from Nagaland and Pune went for an adventure trek at the Dzukou Valley along with officials from Assam Rifles, Teachers and Parents of the students. For the students of Pune, it was a unique experience to climb up the height of 2400 meters and get a scenic view of the valley, informed a press note

from the Assam Rifles. They were excited at the sight of frozen nullahas and ice enroute. Tanvi Gadgil from Pune exclaimed “Its Heaven on Earth, I am a Mountaineer and visited Everest Base before, but I am mesmerized after witnessing this beauty of Dzukou”.

Next day, the students visited the State Museum, War Cemetery, WW-II Mu-

DUCCCF decries 25th Jakhama Village Day th Silver Jubilee on 16 Jan threat to ACAUT DIMAPUR, JANUARY 3 (MExN): Dimapur Urban Colony Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCCF) had vehemently condemned the threat on ACAUT by the NSCN (K).

In a press note issued by its Press Cell, DUCCF maintained that it consider the threat to ACAUT “as a threat to all members of DUCCF” since all of its members are also ACAUT member. “Nagas are no fools to be cowed down by the threats of those using AK 47 or bombs for extortion and intimidation for their selfish gains in the guise of sovereignty,” the

press note added. The Federation also cautioned the NSCN (K) not to resort to “acts of terror” as it is alien to the Naga culture.

Meanwhile, arguing that the patience of the public is “running thin fighting against the unabated taxation,” DUCCCF questioned the government why the innocent publics are treated as second class citizens and NPGs were given a free hand to “terrorize” the public. It also urged the government to wake up and control the situation firmly before the wrath of Naga public falls upon such anti social element.

KohIMA, JANUARY 3 (MExN): The Jakhama Village would be celebrating its 25th Jakhama Village Day Silver Jubilee on January 16 with the Parliamentary Secretary, Urban Development, Zhaleo Rio and Parliamentary Secretary, Veterinary & Animal Husbandry, Treasuries & Accounts and LM & CP as Chief Guest and Chief Host respectively.

The Village Day Silver Jubilee Year was officially launched on January 16 last year and to mark the occasion, a monolith which is being erected will be unfurl on the day along with the

release of a souvenir magazine and a grand feast at the Jakhama local ground.

In connection with the celebration, a cultural programme with competition on folk songs and traditional games for various agegroup will be conducted on January 10 at Campion School Ground, Jakhama with exhortation by Luho Sophie Sr. Pastor, Jakhama Baptist Church. Afterwards, there will be final rehearsal for the preparation of Jubilee celebration The Chairman of Jakhama Village Council, Medose Richa & Convener of Jubilee Planning &

Organising Committee Er. Toba Khatso has also directed all its villagers to compulsorily attend the Silver Jubilee without fail and further requested them to come in traditional dress and attire. The official of all village councils & NGO's/organisation under the jurisdiction of Southern Angami Public Organisation are also invited to grace the occasion.

This was informed on a press note from the Convenor of Jubilee Planning & Organising Committee,Er. Toba Khatso and Secretary, Dr. Nolesel Zhotso.

seum and Kisama Heritage Village. The day culminated with a presentation on the Battle of Kohima. On December 30, the students visited Kohima Orphanage and presented gifts to the kids. Thereafter, the students proceeded for the long awaited shopping session at market and handicraft outlets of Kohima.

In the evening, the stu-

dents organized a cultural programme at HQ IGAR (North), to display the rich culture & heritage of both the States. This was followed by Camp Fire and Dinner. The occasion was graced by Maj Gen MM Naravane and his wife, various dignitaries from civil, teachers, parents and officers & ladies from the Assam Rifles.

Final event of the Student Exchange Programme was held in Dimapur wherein students interacted with Corps Commander, 3 Corps and attended a New Year’s party at HQ 6 Sect. The guest students from Pune ended their memorable journey of Nagaland and headed back for Pune on January 1.

Attempted kidnapping of minors in Tamenglong IMPhAl, JANUARY 3 (MExN): In a case of attempted kidnapping, one Ozish Lima hailing from Ganga Sparsh Undri, Pune, Maharastra kidnapped three minors on January 2 near Puiluan (Kambiron) village, about 10 kms from Luangba (Nungba) Hq. The minor children were later rescued by the CRPF and Nungba Police personnel.

The accused has been arrested and a case in this connection has been registered by the Nungba Police Station.

The Zeliangrong Youth Front (Assam, Manipur and Nagaland) in a press release from its President, Titus Kamei, expressed shock to learn of the at-

tempted kidnapping and has demanded befitting punishment to the accused.

The three children were identified as Kundaigong Gonmei, aged 9 and Kabamdai Gonmei, aged 5, sons of Lumkhangam Gonmei, and Jianchuipou Kamei S/o Sankar, all residents of Luangba (Nungba) village.

The release stated that after preliminary and independent investigations, ZYF has come to know that the accused, Ozish Lima, has been travelling nonstop all over India since July 2014 crossing major cities of several states. The ZYF expressed suspicion on his solitary travelling

and stated that the yellow coloured Maruti Alto car bearing Regd No. MH12BP-5922 Lima used enabled him to ‘sneak’ from frisking in check posts by security forces. ZYF stated that it is not practicable for a person to be away from home and travelling for about seven months without the support of somebody so as to meet his daily requirements and other expenses.

ZYF, meanwhile, has cautioned all the people, particularly Zeliangrong people, living along the National Highway No. 37 to be more vigilant and alert as ‘criminals’ and other ‘antisocial’ elements may frequent the road.

KSU 39th general Two arrested ‘PM concerned about NE development’ Controversy over Assam Accord rears head again conference held for extortion

Rovilato Mor addressing the 39th General Conference of Kiruphema Students’ Union (KSU)

KohIMA, JANUARY 3 (MExN): The 39th general conference of Kiruphema Students’ Union (KSU) was held today with Rovilato Mor, secretary works & housing, Government of Nagaland as resource person at Kiruphe Peducha village council hall under the theme ‘Kharu Puo Rübei’. Addressing the function, Mor said that, quality education is more important than quantity or mass education in the changing life of a student.

He also stressed on health and sanitation, characters of a students.

Mor emphasized about the formal education and career guidance.

Kedoroko Casavi, president Western Angami Students’ Union (WASU) also exhorted the gathering.

The Service Association Kiruphema (SAK) presented to all the ten standard meritorious students with both cash and certificate.

Earlier, the function was chaired by Kepeneilhou Shosahie, president KSU, invocation by Neikedo Neikha, pastor CRC Peducha, solo was presented by Ketholezo, folk song from Khrieketoulie & friends, vote of thanks was delivered by Kikrukhrieno and the benediction was pronounced by Kedovitha Hesielie.

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 3 (MExN): In a coordinated operation based on reliable sources, the Dimapur Police arrested two persons this afternoon for allegedly indulging in collecting tax in the name of UG groups.

A press note from Addl. Superintendent of Police/PRO informed that they were identified as Amento Chopy (31 Yrs) from Hoito village under Diphupar Police Station and Kavito Achumi (30 Yr) of from Lochumi Village under Akuluto Police Station and presently a resident of Purana Bazar, Dimapur.

According to the police, upon thorough body search, the following items were recoverd in their possession: - Extorted money amounting to Rs. 5610; Receipt of vehicle tax for bricks transportation of Govt. of the Peoples Republic of Nagalim, Ministry of Chaplee – 02 Nos; Bricks Challan of Federal Government of Nagaland- 01 No.; and Lorry Challan-Guide Pass Association – 01 No. The police further stated that it is yet to ascertain whether they were employed by the UGs for collection of taxes at Bamunpukhuri area and subsequently, a case has been registered at Dimapur East PS for further investigation.

ShIlloNg, JANUARY 3 (TNN): Prime Minister Narendra Modi gives priority to the development of the northeast and has sought views of all the state governments of the region regarding measures to be taken to bring NE on a par with the rest of the country in matters of development and progress.

Union minister of state (Independent charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and chairman of North Eastern Council (NEC), Jitendra Singh, talked about the PM's plans and opinions on the sidelines of the 63rd NEC Plenary Meet here on Friday.

Singh said the NEC has been able to restore Alliance Air flights to Umroi, Lilabari, Silchar and Tezpur Airports providing air connectivity to Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh while admitting that poor connectivity has been a major issue for the NE region.

"This has been made possible through revival of the earlier arrangement by the NEC of providing viability gap funding to Alliance Air. An MoU has been signed for two years between the NEC and Alliance Air. A second aircraft is expected to be inducted by the company and once this is done, the other inaccessible airports in the region can be connected by air," he added.

The NEC has been trying to promote a dedicated low-cost airline.

Although this has not materialized till date, the DoNER minister expressed his desire to revive the idea of having a dedicated regional airline for catering to remote areas with fixed-wing aircraft for short take-off and landing (STOL).

The Union ministry of road transport and highways has set up National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited for the NE with head office at Guwahati. "The move is aimed at speeding up the projects for development of roads in the region. The DoNER ministry has provided Rs 200 crore in the current budget allocation for repairing and building roads under the North East Road Sector Development Scheme," he said.

He reminded the council members that the Centre has already announced setting up of a sports university in Manipur which will be the first of its kind in the country.

Discussions were held on the various developmental activities taken up in the region by the different ministries and government organizations including the ministries of railways, road transport and Highways, civil aviation, shipping (waterways), power, communication and information technology.

The Annual Plan and the Gross Budgetary Support of the North Eastern Council for 2014-15 were also discussed and approved.

gUwAhATI, JANUARY 3 (AgENcIES): Thirty years after the Assam Accord was signed, controversy over the cut-off date for detecting and deporting foreigners from the state shows no sign of ending.

The National Democratic Front of Boroland (Progressive), which is currently in peace talks with the Centre, sought an apology from the signatories of the Assam Accord, including former chief minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, for accepting March 25, 1971, as the cut-off date for detecting and deporting immigrants who entered Assam from the erstwhile East Pakistan, now Bangladesh.

The outfit's demand comes in the wake of chief minister Tarun Gogoi's decision to begin updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC) from February.

"Accepting March 25, 1971, as the cut-off date would give citizenship to lakhs of illegal immigrants who entered Assam between 1951 and 1971 and betray the indigenous people of the state," NDFB-P general secretary Govinda Basumatary said.

"Leaders of the antiforeigners' movement did great disservice to Assam's indigenous people. Even former chief minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, one of the signatories of the Accord, should tender an apology," he added.

Mahanta, who was president of All Assam Students' Union (AASU) when the Accord was signed, dismissed NDFB-P's demand for an apology.

The Assam Accord, which was signed on August 15, 1985, ended the six-year-long anti-foreigners' movement in the state and visualized a roadmap to rid Assam of illegal immigrants. However, the Accord has seen much water flowing down the Brahmaputra. Infiltration of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh into Assam remains a fraught and unresolved issue. The NDFBP, one of the petitioners challenging the cut-off date in the Supreme Court, said, by accepting March 25, 1971, as the cut-off date, lakhs of East Pakistanis who entered Assam between 1951 and 1971 would become citizens.

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

Sunday 4 January 2015

6

www.morungexpress.com

EXPRESS

Review

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Confidence for an Uncertain Future Rev. Mark H. Creech

I

once read a story about a preacher whose car broke down on a country road, far away from everything but a small tavern. It was long before the days of cell phones, so he had to go inside to use the phone. While he was inside, he saw his old friend Hank. Hank was shabbily dressed and drunk, bellied up to the bar.

"Hank, for heaven's sake, what happened to you?" the preacher asked. "You used to be such a prosperous man."

Hank told the preacher about all of his financial woes and the bad investments he had made, and then asked the pastor's advice.

"Hank, I want you to go home," the preacher said. "And when you get there, open your Bible and put your finger down on the page. God will give you the answer."

A year later, the preacher saw Hank again. This time Hank was wearing a new and expensive suit and getting into a shiny Mercedes. "I'm so glad to see that things turned out well for you," the preacher said.

"They certainly have, and I owe it all to you, pastor," Hank said. "I went home, like

you told me, opened my Bible; put my finger down on the page, and there was the answer, plain as day: Chapter 11." [1] As we enter into the New Year, a lot of people may be suffering from the fear of want – fearing they will lose their job – afraid that they will lose their health and can't work – fearing they'll lose their home fearing their debts will outstrip their income – fearing their business will fail and they'll have to declare Chapter 11.

All of these fears certainly strike at our sense of security in life, and for many placing an ominous cloud over their future.

Allow me to share a few experiences of my own in recent weeks that, I believe, tend to place matters in perspective.

Five days before Christmas, thieves broke into the home of me and my wife.

This was the second home invasion that we had experienced in thirteen months, robbing us of many of our possessions. Our new and expensive security door that we purchased after the last break-in was shattered. The door did its job. The perpetrators didn't get in through the door, but they still wouldn't be deterred and knocked out the

entire back window.

They ransacked our home. Drawers were scattered across the rooms with their contents poured out on the floor. Jewelry boxes and their jewelry were gone. Cabinet doors were left wide-open. Closet doors were also open with clothes and other items tossed about. It's hard to know at this point just exactly how much was taken from us.

If you have ever gone through a home invasion, you know how oppressive it feels – the sadness of it – the bewilderment you experience – the profound sense of being violated – the anxiety it creates.

The whole circumstance is a powerful assault on one's sense of security.

Now allow me to change gears for just a moment.

The very next day after the break-in, I was at Trinity United Methodist Church in Kinston, North Carolina, to participate in the Memorial Service of a long-time friend of the family, Karen Pearce.

Karen, 44 years old, was an incredibly beautiful and compassionate young woman, and a follower of Jesus Christ. She was murdered late in the evening after having dinner

with her friends in Decatur, Georgia. Karen was walking back to her car, when an unknown assailant at the time shot and left her for dead in the driveway of the parking deck.

Law enforcement apprehended her murderer recently and reported that the man who senselessly took her life is a serial killer.

He is allegedly connected to three other murders and may be responsible for multiple unsolved killings in the Atlanta area.

The Memorial service of Karen Pearce served as a great reminder to me and my wife that the things we had lost in the burglary of our home were only stuff – just stuff.

It reminded us of something Jesus said, "A man's life consist not in the abundance of the things that he possesses" (Luke 12:15).

Moreover, it reminded us of another even more powerful truth delineated by the apostle Paul, who argued, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?

Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?...No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things

Take your God-given vision from a dream to reality Joyce Meyer

I

t never ceases to amaze me what God will do through someone when they have the boldness to step out in faith and walk out the vision He's given them for their life. God wants every one of us to have a dream for our lives. The question is: What is your dream? Are you expecting something big? Are you expecting God to fulfill your dreams and visions for the future?

When we are expecting something great for our future, we are essentially "pregnant" with potential to see what we hope for come to pass. Just like a natural pregnancy, there is a gestation period—a time period when your vision is shaped, structured and developed. Once that vision reaches full maturity, there is a birthing process—and that's when the hardest work begins! But how we go from the "expecting" phase to the birth phase is what determines if our vision survives and thrives. Understanding the process is key to having success and bringing your dream to fulfillment.

your life, you will never take the first step toward a better life than what you have now. You must believe what God has for you. The promises of God are for everyone who puts their trust in Him and follows His wisdom. In Matthew 8:13 (AMP), Jesus says, "It shall be done for you as you have believed."

The best thing you can do is keep your focus on God—how great He is and what He can do. He will always give you the ability to do what He's leading you to do. It doesn't matter what your disadvantages are, what you have or don't have. In Christ, we all have an equal opportunity, and we are on a level playing field. We just need to understand that we will have to go through some things to be prepared for our dream to come to pass.

says, "A dream comes with much business and painful effort ... ." In other words, you have to be willing to put forth the effort to do what God is showing you to do, and it isn't always easy. But when you're determined to trust God, believe in the dream He's put in your heart and not give up, He will be faithful to give you everything you need to succeed.

Psalm 27:13 (AMP) says: "[What, what would have become of me] had I not believed that I would see the Lord's goodness in the land of the living?"

When you're in this season of preparation, you may begin to feel like it's taking longer than you thought it would, it's harder than you expected it would be, and it's costing more than you ever thought you would have to pay. That's the time when you need to choose to walk by faith, trusting God even though you don't understand everything, so He can do the work that needs to be done in you.

And then one day, when God says it's the right time and you're ready, you will give birth to your dream.

A Season of Change When you're pregnant with a dream and God is preparing you for something, you change. It's a time when God has a part and you have a part in bringing your vision to pass. God partners with you so your relationship with Him grows stronger during the process.

Conceiving Your Dream When God planted the dream for this The Birth Process A birth always begins with concep- ministry in my heart, everything began to Remember Ecclesiastes 5:3, which tion. If you can't conceive that God can change. All of my priorities, plans and fo- says, "A dream comes with much busiand wants to do something amazing with cus had to change. Ecclesiastes 5:3 (AMP) ness and painful effort...." The most

The one thing that will change the world

A

Perry Noble

s long as I live I will never forget Reverend Danny Gray - EVER. I received Christ on May 27,1990 at the church where he was the pastor. I had been attending there since January of that year and had never heard anyone preach like him…bold, confident and passionate. However, the more I think about it the more I can only really remember one sermon that he ever preached.

One! That's it. Don't get me wrong, I have never heard him preach a bad sermon, EVER. But it was the fact there was something else he did that impacted my life way more than any message I ever heard him preach… It was his radical generosity that has forever impacted my life.

When I began going to Pastor Gray's church I was poor...very poor. And because of my lack of money I had VERY few "church clothes" to wear.

(At the time, the church I attended was a Southern Baptist Church where the men wore coats and ties, the ladies wore dresses, and people who wore a golf shirt were sorta considered to be a little liberal.)

I was hyper sensitive about this and wondered when the day would come when I may be asked to not come back because of the way I dressed.

I had heard of that happening in other churches and there was a legitimate fear in my heart that it would happen to me. I was getting super involved in the church, volunteering as much as possible and had even told the ministry staff I felt I was called to preach.

One night before the evening service began, Pastor Gray asked me to meet him in his study after the message. I immediately broke out in a sweat and to this day I could not tell you what happened at church that evening as fear overwhelmed my mind as I knew this was the end of attending this church. Sure enough, we walked back into his office, sat down, he looked at me and asked with a smile, "Perry, do you have any church clothes?"

"Nooooooooooooooo," I screamed in my mind. "This cannot be happening! I cannot leave this place. I cannot…" He saw me freaking out a little so he asked me again. "No sir," I told him and then explained my financial situation to him. "Meet me here at the church at 3:00 on Saturday," he said. (I still remember the time). "You and I are going shopping."

The next Saturday I met him and he took me to Belk in Easley, South Carolina. He bought me a blue blazer, a pair of grey dress slacks, a pair of tan dress slacks, a white dress shirt, a blue dress shirt, a pair of gray Dockers, two ties and a belt.

I could not speak. I had never seen anything like that before in my life. I can remember going home with those clothes, putting them in the floor of the trailer I was living in and crying because of the generosity of Preacher Gray.

I wore those clothes he bought me for the next several years, but the memory of those clothes and what Preacher Gray did for me is still with me. It wasn't the messages he preached that necessarily impacted me the most – it was his generosity.

Generosity changes the world. And when the people of God actually practice generosity, radical generosity, it changes people.

God is into radical generosity. John 3:16 tells us that He gave a VERY extravagant gift.

His followers should be radically generous. I'm not saying you need to run out and start buying people clothes. What I am saying is if you will listen to the Spirit of God and allow Him to direct your heart, you can be generous to others and you will impact the world in more ways than you could ever imagine.

Perry Noble is the founding and senior pastor of NewSpring Church in South Carolina.

painful stage happens right before birth. This is known as "transition", and it can be excruciating. The doctor announces, "You're in transition" as if its good news! Then you're told not to push, but when you can't stand one more minute of pain, that's when the doctor says, "PUSH!" At that time, if you bear down and refuse give up, it isn't long before the baby is born.

In the birthing process for your vision, God tells you not to push in your own strength or wisdom, but to wait until it's time to push by His grace, strength and wisdom. Then, through a great deal of prayer, faith and determination, something miraculous happens. The very thing that caused you the most agony becomes the catalyst to bring your vision into existence. And that experience brings amazing joy!

John 16:21 tells us that a woman goes through the pain of birth, but once the baby comes, she forgets her pain because she experiences JOY that her child is born.

So hold on to your dreams and visions. Be encouraged—and never, ever give up!

Joyce Meyer is a New York Times best-selling author and founder of Joyce Meyer Ministries Inc. She has authored 100 books, including Battlefield of the Mind and Living Courageously (Hachette). She hosts the Enjoying Everyday Life radio and TV programs, which air on hundreds of stations worldwide.

For more information, visit joycemeyer.org.

present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:35; 37-39).

Things are just that – things. What's really important in life are the people you love. They're priceless. Better still, when you know Jesus, when your family members and friends know him too, nothing can ever separate you from God's love or the ones you love from Him. Therefore, nothing, nothing, nothing, can separate us from Him or each other.

Now let me tell you something – that's security!!! Whether we're facing a Chapter 11 bankruptcy, a complete failure of health, no matter the loss, no matter what the future holds; Christ is sufficient for every need and there is safety in Him. Losses are inevitable. But with Christ, we may move into an uncertain future abounding with confidence.

Resources: [1] Samra, Cal, and Rose Samra. More Holy Humor. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1997. Pg. 2 Dr. Mark Creech is executive director of the Raleigh-based Christian Action League of North Carolina, Inc. He also serves as president of the American Council on Alcohol Problems.

Lessons I Learned in 2014

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Daniella Whyte

s we come to the close of another year, it is important that we travel back through this year, at least in our minds, and reflect on what we have learned. If we don't reflect on our past, we will not be able to properly move forward into the future. Self-reflection allows us to look seriously at our character, our thoughts, our motives, and our actions, and see where we may have made a wrong turn or didn't live up to our full potential.

Self-reflection also keeps us humble and shows us that there is always room for improvement.

So, in the spirit of self-reflection, here are some lessons I learned this past year: We are all apprentices in the trade of life.

We like to think that once we've graduated from some higher level of education, or read a great book, or created something new that we know everything there is to know in the world. But that is simply not the case. We --- me, you, and every person born into the world --- are all apprentices in the trade of life. We must never stop learning, never stop growing, never stop developing, and never stop getting better at what we do. When we learn, we put ourselves in the best position to grow. Every day, if we are open to it, we can and will learn or discover something new.

The goals you give up on are still valid; they're just going to take longer because you didn't stick with them.

Every goal we set for ourselves is a valid goal.

That means there is a reason we have set it and a reason we are aiming to accomplish it. Sometimes, we experience setbacks that stall progress on our goals and instead of moving forward, we give up. I've had my share of those this year --both the setbacks and the giving up. I've learned that no matter what, the goals we set are going to stick with us, in our minds and hearts, until we get up, dust ourselves off, and get back on the road to pursuing them. Goals never give up on us, but and worth telling. Indeed it’s the greatest we so often give up on them. Bernajoy Vaal said, message ever.

"Giving up on your goal because of one setback is like slashing your other three tires because you 4. Because churches that are not intention- got one flat." Don't give up on your goals when al about evangelism typically are weak in setbacks come your way. Instead, get back up and evangelism. keep going after your goals.

Many pastors and church leaders will affirm this article. They will give mental as- Don't forget where you come from but don't let sent to the priority of evangelism. But they where you come from hinder where you're going.

It has been proclaimed by psychologists and do not practice the priority of evangelism in psychotherapists alike that we are all "products of their churches. What are you doing today to make certain evangelism is a priority in your our environment." That is true to the extent that we are more prone to act and behave in ways that are church? consistent with the environment in which we live 5. Because churches tend to obsess inward- or work. However, we all have the power to counter-balance this idea by choosing to create an enly when they fail to move outwardly.

Where has a lot of your church’s energy vironment that is consistent with truth and combeen expended lately? Rancorous business patible with our values and beliefs. Just because meetings? Expressions of petty church pref- our surroundings dictate a certain way we should erences? Worship wars? Power struggles? act or think does not mean we have to succumb to Those are inward obsessions. Lead your that especially if it is not healthy and does not fulchurch to an evangelistic priority and watch fill a purposeful role in our lives. We are not victims of fate and circumstance; we all get to choose our the focus shift for the better. path in life and that is a mighty powerful gift.

6. Because churches become content and No experience is ever wasted. complacent with transfer growth.

God knows how to use our experiences --- all Some churches are growing. Others are of them --- to bring out the very best in us. We adding members without significant numer- must learn to stop getting mad when things don't ical growth. But many in both categories are go our way and start seeing the blessing that is growing at the expense of other churches. waiting for us just because things did not go our Some may be reaching unchurched Chris- way. Instead of saying, 'I wish this never haptians. That’s good, but that’s not evangelism. pened'; say 'I'm glad this happened' because I We can fool ourselves into thinking we are would have never learned this or gained that. Evevangelistic when we are simply recirculat- ery experience holds something special for us, ing the saints. sometimes we just have to take the time to find it. No experience in life is ever wasted. Either we 7. Because evangelistic Christians actual- learned a LESSON or we gained a BLESSING. ly grow stronger as better discipled ChrisLet's wrap up with three quotes on self-reflectians. tion: Those who are evangelistic are obedient Carl Sandburg said, "It is necessary ... for a man to to Christ. Being obedient to Christ means we go away by himself ... to sit on a rock ... and ask, 'Who are following His teachings and becoming a am I, where have I been, and where am I going?" better fruit-bearing disciple. Most churches Bryant McGill said, "People who have had little are busy with activities, programs and min- self-reflection live life in a huge reality blind-spot."

Søren Kierkegaard said, "Life can only be unistries. Few churches are truly sending out their members to evangelize those in their derstood backwards, but it must be lived forwards."

In this new year, I hope you will learn what communities. The Great Commission has you can from this past year and move forward fast become the Great Omission.

Evangelism is dying. Churches are dying. purposefully and passionately. There is beauty People are going to hell without Christ. It is in looking back, looking inward, correcting misperhaps the greatest tragedy today. What are takes, working on our flaws, and finding and fixing you doing to lead your church to become our shortcomings, so we can bring out the best in ourselves and be our best selves to others. more evangelistic?

The greatest tragedy in the church today E

Thom Rainer

vangelism is dying in many churches today. No, that’s not an overstatement. I am not speaking hyperbolically. Evangelism is dying. Look at the data.

Measure almost any group of churches today versus 30 years ago. You’ll likely find only one person is being reached with the Gospel for every 40 to 60 church members.

You will find that conversions have declined precipitously. And where you find numerical growth, you are more likely to find the growth is transfer of Christians from one church to another.

That’s not evangelism. That’s sheep shuffling.

Pastors and other leaders must fall on their faces before God and ask Him to reignite their congregations with an evangelistic passion. When evangelism dies as a priority in the church, the church has already begun to die.

So why should evangelism be one of the highest priorities in your church?

Though the reasons are many, allow me to share seven of them.

1. Because Christ commanded it.

We typically refer to the Great Commission of Matthew 28:18-20 as our evangelistic and disciple-making command. But there are many other places in the New Testament where the priority of evangelism is clearly evident. Christ commanded it. We must do it.

2. Because Christ is the only way of salvation.

There is no way around it. Salvation is exclusive. There is only one way. Jesus could not have made it clearer in John 14:6: “Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” Jesus had an urgent message.

He had an exclusive message. We must be conveyors of that narrowly defined hope.

3. Because Christ died for the world.

There is a reason John 3:16 is the most familiar and most quoted verse in the history of humanity. Jesus died for the world. He is the only way, but He has provided a way for everyone. That is a message that is urgent

Thom S. Rainer is the president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources (LifeWay.com).

Daniella Whyte is a bestselling author, blogger, and podcaster.

She holds a B.S. in Psychology and Religion from Liberty University.

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.

FAITH LEAF

SunDAY

THE MORUNG EXPRESS 4 January 2015

www.morungexpress.com

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INSPIRATIONAL STORIES, MESSAGES, POEMS & SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCES

The Decalogue: Rules for Christian Living

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od gave the Ten Commandments to Moses on Mount Sinai. These commandments are contained in the books of Exodus (20:317) and Deuteronomy (5:7-21) and are affirmed by Jesus in his dialogue with the rich young man (Matthew 19:18 & 19; Mark 10:19) and by the apostle Paul in his letter to the (Romans 13:9).

An expert in the interpretation of Scripture and the Laws of Moses asked Jesus which is the greatest commandment.

Jesus replied: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments" (Matthew 22:37-40).

The Decalogue (The Ten Commandments) is broadly divided into two halves: the first four commandments having to do with our vertical relationship with God and the other six commandments having to do with our horizontal relationship with others. When Jesus said we must love God with all our heart and with all our soul and with all our mind and also love our neighbors as ourselves, he is giving us the summary of the entire Ten Commandments. Love for God and love towards one another cannot be separated. One is incomplete without the other.

The individual commandments are numbered differently by various denominations. Roman Catholics and Lutherans follow Augustine’s numbering and combine the first and second commandments into one and divide the tenth commandment into two (coveting property and coveting persons).

1. You shall have no other gods before me.

The first commandment is the one Israel broke first, and the one we still break most. Today we do not think of the world as being inhabited by many gods, but we do worship other “gods”… reputation, success, wealth, possessions, power, the pursuit of pleasure.

The OT is replete with synonyms and words for idols and images. The forbidden idols are explained as "gods of silver or gods of gold." "Idol" also includes images carved from stone or wood and later those made from metal.

Idols refer to statues; resemblance or form applies to real or imagined pictorial representations. None of these is to be made with the intention to worship it. This commandment is not meant to stifle artistic talent but only to avoid improper substitutes that, like the idols of Canaan, would steal hearts away from the true worship of God. We are commanded to love God with our whole heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:30), which means giving God and his purpose first priority in our lives. The Lord is the only true God. 2. You shall not make for yourself an idol.

The Jews followed this commandment so faithfully that archaeologists have found no Jewish images or idols of God in postexilic Israel. When the Romans entered Palestine in 63 B.C., they were surprised to learn that Israelites, who were so monotheistic, had no image or idol of the God they worshiped… quite in contrast to the Roman army, which carried flags and standards with the emperor’s image wherever they went. Today some claim that paintings, statues and icons of Jesus are not ‘images of God’ but symbolic representations of God’s personification of Himself in the human Jesus.

However, we do have idols, many of which we worship and ‘idolize’… rock musicians, movie stars, TV stars, professional athletes, the rich and the famous and other celebrities. We are to worship God and only God. 3. You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God. The third commandment deals with the profession of the mouth in true adoration of God. The "name" of God

This is the only commandstands for so much more than Selie Visa ment that comes to us with a the mere pronouncing of his title promise… “so that your days may of address. It includes (1) his nabe long.” It is also the only comture, being, and very person, (2) mandment without a “shall not.” his teaching or doctrine, and (3) Today we have a diminished his moral and ethical teaching. view or vision of the family, and The term God does not denote also of the elderly (we admire the name of God but the essence youth and youthfulness rather of God. The distinct and special than old age). We need to rename by which God made himself member and care for if possible, known (YHWH or Yahweh) was those who have no family. never uttered audibly. The only exThe fifth commandment is beception was on the Day of Atoneing interpreted more widely. Chilment when the high priest went dren are to be obedient, support into the Holy of Holies and called and show respect for their parents upon God to forgive Israel of all and parents are to care for, develop its sins. God’s name was so sacred and encourage their children (an that it could not even be written. expansion of Paul’s teachings).

In the Hebrew Scriptures, God is Colossians 3:20 & 21 Chileither referred to as Elohim (God) dren, obey your parents in evor Adonai (Lord) or an apostrophe erything, for this pleases the (’) is placed in the text in lieu of the Lord. Fathers, do not embitter word God. This commandment ordered that God’s name is not to be taken in vain… which your children, or they will become discouraged.

Ephesians 6:1-4 Children, obey your parents in the means to diminish it, to depreciate it, to use it irreverently.

Today this commandment has come to refer, prin- Lord, for this is right. "Honor your father and mother"-cipally, to the use of profane language, as when God’s which is the first commandment with a promise-- "that it name is taken in vain in speech, jokes, writings and graf- may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on fiti. We are to take God’s name in earnest, not in vain, as the earth." Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, Jesus teaches us in the Lord’s Prayer (hallowed be thy bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. name). When we use profane language (take what is holy 6. You shall not murder. and make it common), or laugh at others who do, or inThis commandment is a prohibition against murder… voke God’s name in promises and marriage vows and the unauthorized, intentional, blood-revenge killing of a then break our promise, we take God’s name “in vain.” fellow Israelite. This commandment did not prohibit the killing of enemies in battle (as did the armies of Joshua, 4. Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.

Today the Christian Sunday is different from the Saul and David) or capital punishment (Israel’s jurispruJewish Sabbath, that is, the two commemorate different dence was “an eye for an eye”) or killing in self-defense or events. The Sabbath, the seventh day of the week, re- the slaughter of animals for sacrifices in the temple.

Today the sixth commandment has to do with the members the day God rested after making the heavens and the earth. Sunday, the first day of the week, remem- sanctity of life. It has been widened by some to include bers the day that Christ rose from the dead; it is the day any form of killing and furnishes the biblical basis for those who oppose capital punishment, war (even “just that we celebrate Christ’s resurrection.

The fourth commandment invokes the remem- war”), suicide, euthanasia (“mercy killing”) and rebrance of the Sabbath. The term "Sabbath" is derived cruitment by the government into the armed services.

The sixth commandment also underlies arguments from the Hebrew verb "to rest or cease from work." The Hebrews were to set aside each seventh day as belong- regarding abortion: Does life begin at conception? Or ing to the Lord their God. The command to remember during pregnancy?Or at birth? Pro-life activists bethe Sabbath is moral insofar as it requires of a person a lieve that aborting an embryo… a human being in the due portion of his or her time dedicated to the worship making, is murder. The gift of life is a precious, inexand service of God, but it is ceremonial in that it pre- pressible gift and purposely ending one’s own life or another person’s life is an offense to God. scribes the seventh day.

Christians now celebrate Sunday. The sanctity of the 7. You shall not commit adultery. first day (Sunday) in honor of God is established by the The seventh commandment forbids adultery. The verb new deliverance, which the Lord Jesus accomplished in "to commit adultery" can be used of either men or women. his death and finally in his resurrection. Rules regarding This commandment protects the institution of marriage, the Sabbath were very strict in Jesus’ day, as were rules though polygamy was an accepted practice in ancient Isabout Sunday in the early period of American history rael, as was the fathering of children through maidservants. when “blue laws” (printed on blue papers) prohibited Today, in our monogamous society, the thrust of commercial activities on Sunday. The pendulum has this commandment is against the infidelity of married now swung to the opposite extreme: Sunday has moved persons, whom God joins together to “become one from being a holy day to a holiday… a day for shopping flesh” (Genesis 2:24; Mark 10:6-9). entertainment, sports and the like.

The violation of this commandment has contributed We honor the fourth commandment by spending to the breakdown of the family unit and, many believe, time in prayer and Bible study, by worshipping with othis responsible for the decline in sexual morality… the exer believers and by doing acts of love for shut-ins, the sick ploitation of sex in movies, novels, TV and advertising; the and others who need a “God’s touch” in their lives. legalization of pornography; homosexual activism and same-sex marriage; the proliferation of abortion clinics; 5. Honor your father and your mother.

The fifth commandment has to do with our father sexual activity among young people (half of the babies and mother, whom we are called to honor for taking born in many United States cities today are being delivcare of us when we were not able to do so ourselves, and ered by unwed teenage mothers); and sexual harassment.

Sex is one of God’s wonderful gifts, but it must be enjoyed for the sacrifices they made for us, and for loving us.

monogamously, not promiscuously or irresponsibly.

Mankind is the crown of God's creation. The union of Adam and Eve marked the first marriage. God performed the ceremony and gave the bride away. Human wedlock is truly holy and ordained by God. The government or a court may legalize gay marriage. But that does not make it right and lawful in the sight of God because God's equation of marriage is...

Marriage = 1 Male + 1 Female.

1 Male + 1 Female = 1 Flesh.

8. You shall not steal.

This commandment prohibited the stealing of another Israelite’s property, particularly the property of those who were poor and powerless.

Today the eighth commandment has to do with honesty and with the theft of property and property rights. In its broader form, the commandment zeroes in on the misappropriation of property and funds, the bribery of government and corporate officials, the manipulation of the economic system for personal gain, and the falsification of reports and records. We need to live more simply so that we are not driven to dishonesty and manipulation to satisfy our spiraling desires for more and more. This commandment recognizes that the Lord owns everything, and only he can give it or take it away. Therefore no one must despotically enslave or kidnap his fellow human being or usurp the rights to property he has not owned or been given.

9. You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

In ancient times, false witness against another was a serious offense, because the accused was “guilty until proven innocent,” the opposite of our jurisprudence. In capital crimes, the one bringing the charge had to throw the first stone. If the evidence against the accused was proven inaccurate, the one who brought the charge was stoned in his or her place. Today the thrust of the ninth commandment has to do with “truthfulness.” It has been enlarged to include perjury, slander, libel and gossip… in fact, the protection of another’s reputation against any form of false witness, even remaining silent when the truth is known. We need to tell “the whole truth and nothing but the truth,” and stand up for the truth.

10. You shall not covet.

The final commandment disallows covetousness, namely, to desire earnestly, to long after, or to covet after things that do not belong to us, which often creates insatiable demands for these things, as in the stories of David and Bathsheba and Naboth’s vineyard. Today coveting is one of the most prevalent and destructive sins. We covet status and success, cars and possessions, health and youthfulness, and pleasure without limits. The way to control our coveting… the desire for “forbidden fruit”… is to practice its opposite, which is contentedness. This commandment deals with one's inner heart and shows that none of the previous nine commandments could be observed merely from an external or formal act.

The Ten Commandments today: Are the Ten Commandments applicable today or are they old, out-of-date, antiquated rules for another society and another time?

Moses came down from Mount Sinai with Ten Commandments, not Ten Suggestions. The sheer beauty of the commandments is that they codify in a handful of words acceptable human behavior, not just for then or now, but for all time.Let us not forget that the Ten Commandments were written with the finger of God. Exodus31:18 When the LORD finished speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, he gave him the two tablets of the Testimony, the tablets of stone inscribed by the finger of God.

What the Church needs to learn from Jeremiah 34 The Gospel of the kingdom

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Francis Frangipane

hen I look at the conditions of our world—the deep racial and political divisions, immigration problems, terror threats, national debt, wars and lawlessness in our cities—a deep foreboding comes over my soul. As Christians, we all believe the call of 2 Chronicles 7:14 offers hope, but what if there is no response to the call to humble ourselves and pray? Is there anything we can do to restore hope and stability?

There is a situation mentioned in the Bible that offers a solution. Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, "and all his army and all the kingdoms of the earth of his dominion and all the people fought against Jerusalem and against all the cities" (Jer. 34:1). Because of Israel's sin even the Lord had seemingly withdrawn. For nearly 40 years, Jeremiah pleaded with God's people to repent, but they would not. Israel was nearly apostate, and the dire and repeated warnings of Jeremiah were about to come to pass.

However, hidden in the ways of God was a plan, a redemptive strategy that would reverse Israel's direction. If the Jews implemented a "Year of Remission" (see Deut.

15:1-18), God would show to them the same mercy they showed to one another. What was required was that "every man should let his male slave and every man his female slave, being a Hebrew man or a Hebrew woman, go free so that no one should keep them, a Jew his brother, in bondage" (Jer. 34:9).

Not only did they agree to this year of release, but "all the officials and all the people obeyed." Then, in earnest faith, they "entered into the covenant ... so that no one should keep them any more in bondage, then they obeyed and let them go" (Jer. 34:10).

The Bible says the Judeans then cut a calf in two and passed "between its parts" (Jer. 34:18). This was the same kind of covenant ritual Abraham had made with the Lord centuries earlier (see Gen. 15:10, 17-18). The redemptive plan of God was this: If the Israelites set free their slaves, they would not be taken as slaves. If they showed mercy, God would show Himself merciful to them as well. Even though they were, by all counts, nearly apostate, the act of releasing the debts of others would have averted the destruction of their cities, for "mercy triumphs over judgment" (James 2:13)!

As they were releasing one another, something marvelous occurred. Supernaturally the Lord drew "the king of Babylon ... away" (Jer. 34:21). At the very moment the people were releasing the debts of others, God was reducing their debt to Him. What they did on earth was actually being replicated for them in Heaven!

In all the years since the establishment of the Law, Israel had never celebrated such a year of release. Yet now, even with their enemies within striking range, Israel covenanted with God to free every man his slave.

Unforgiveness in the Church How does the above story relate to us? Today we too are facing overwhelming foes. Our society is overrun with

corruption and the church is hardly better than the world.

The prophets are warning of judgment, and at times, it seems as though God has stopped listening to our prayers.

Yet I believe if we can sincerely forgive those who are spiritual debtors to us—even starting with those in our homes and families—if we extend forgiveness to our neighbors and proclaim release to those who left our churches, if blacks could forgive whites and white people forgive people of color, the mercy of God will begin to fall again on our land.

Let the Lord reveal all with whom you have unforgiveness. Let mayors announce a day of release. Let white police and people from the black community pray for each other, asking for forgiveness for mistakes and abuses. If we show mercy, God will show mercy as well.

Remember, Jesus taught that if we are at the altar and remember someone has unforgiveness toward us, we are to leave our offering and be reconciled (Matt. 5:23-24).

Reconciliation is more important than ritual, according to the Lord. Yes, let us covenant with God for our communities and even for our nation!

Indeed, let us take this one step further: Let us release those who have voted for candidates with whom we strongly disagree. It is time to rid ourselves of every debt we feel we are owed by others. And let us start anew to rebuild our lives in Christ and reunite in the power of redemption. Let us bring Christ's covenant of forgiveness into our interracial relationships, and let us, each one, forgive others as completely as God in Christ has forgiven us.

The Sad End of Jeremiah 34 In spite of the great breakthrough Israel experienced, their story ends badly. For when the enemy left and the pressure was off, each man "took back" his male and female servants and "brought them into subjection" (see vv. 13-16).

Beloved, hear me please: If only the ancient Jews would have followed through and held fast their release, the book of Lamentations never would have been written! Mercy would have triumphed and remained, but such was not the case.

Still, for us, the final chapters of our times are yet to be written. We can learn from the example we see in Jeremiah 34. If we will embrace mercy, if we can sincerely release one another, we will escape the dire expectations coming to meet our sinful society. Our actions today, even now, will determine whether our society is blessed or judged.

Let us, therefore, release the debts of every man and covenant for mercy for our land.

Heavenly Father, we recall the words of Jesus, Your Son. He mentioned how often He desired to gather the people together, but they would not have it. He warned that their house would be left to them desolate. We hear this and set our hearts to forgive and maintain forgiveness. We ask to be gathered together, to forgive and to be healed from the burden of our past. God have mercy on us even as we extend mercy to others. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Adapted from Francis Frangipane's book, When the Many Are One(CharismaHouse). Francis is the founder of River of Life Ministries in Cedar Rapids, Iowa)

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Dr. L.M. Murry

want to begin with the meaning of a kingdom. A kingdom is a realm where a king exercises his authority. The Webster Dictionary defineditas : “ the rank, quality, state, an attribute of a king, a royal authority, dominion, monarchy, kingship. In our modern World a king has no power. He is only a figure head for ceremonial purposes. The authority is vested on the Constitution of the Country. The Hebrew word “makuth” of the OT and the Greek word “basiliea of the NT, is the rank, authority and the Sovereignty exercised by a king.

Therefore when we say the kingdom of God, it is His Authority to rule, and the Sovereignty of God. God’s kingdom is, His Universal rule, His Sovereignty, over all the World. Ps.145:11-13. In the gospel of St. Luke we are told “And while they were listening to these things, He went on to tell a parable, because He was near Jerusalem, and they supposed that the kingdom of God was going to appear immediately. He said, “therefore a certain nobleman went to a distant country to receive a kingdom for himself and then return” Lk.19:11,12.

The nobleman did not go to get a realm, an area over which he wanted to rule. He was already living in the territory over which he wanted to rule. The trouble was that he was no king. He needed authority, the right to rule. He went to get a kingdom which means, the kingship, the authority.This actually happened in 40 BC. Herod the Great literally went to Rome to get the authority from the Roman Senate to be the king of Galilee and Judea.

He went to a far country to receive the kingship. This story give us, the original meaning of a kingdom.

The kingdom of God is His Kingship His rule, His authority. When Jesus said, “receive the kingdom of God” in Mark 10:15, what was received is God’s rule. When He said “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness” Matt.6:33, the object of our search is God’s

righteousness, His Way, His rule, His reign in our lives. When we pray the Lord’s Prayer, “Thy kingdom come”, we are not praying for heaven to come down from above.

It is a petition for God to reign, to manifest His kingly Sovereignty and power.

Let us now come to our topic “the gospel of the kingdom”. It contains the message, the mission and the motive. The good news is the victory of Christ over sin, death, and Satan. Wealth, fame, power, success, race, creed, are nothing before death that cut us down. We are helpless in front of death. The good news is that Christ had conquered death. In the face of the power of the kingdom of God in Christ there is no longer any fear of it. The empty tomb is the proof of it.

Satan is the enemy of God’s kingdom. He still goes around like a roaring lion enslaving mankind. I Pet.5:8. But he is a defeated enemy.

We can see sin and death all around us. But they will be ultimately destroyed in the end. The threefold victory over Satan, Sin and death is the good news of the kingdom. We are no longer under their bondage.

The Mission of the gospel of the kingdom is to proclaim and preach (communicate) this good news in all the Worldfor a witness to all nations (ethnos). Here we must understand the Biblical meaning of nation. It does not mean a country of a geographical boundary but all the ethnic people groups within a country.

The Church is a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation (I Pet.2:9) like Israel in OT, a chosen race to proclaim the name of the only True God. The staggering fact is that God had entrusted to people like us, redeemed sinners, the responsibility of carrying out the divine purpose in history. God had entrusted to us this mission and unless we do it, it will not get done. After His resurrection the Lord commissioned His Apostles “Go ye therefore and make disciples (not members of Church) of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to ob-

serve all that I commanded you, and lo, I am with you always even to the end of the Age” Matt.28:19,20. This tells us of a World-wide evangelisation. More than a century ago, when William Carey wanted to take the message to India, he was told, “Sit down, young man, when God wants to evangelise the heathen, He will do it without you”. But he came to India and open up the era of modern World-wide Mission. It is thrilling to know that we are in a better position to achieve completion of Worldwide evangelisation than that of in the days of Carey. With themodern scientific advancement and developments, it is easy to produce print material, automobiles and Aeroplanes for quick transport, Radio, Television, Internet and many other methods which has made dissemination of news and correspondence in a matter of seconds and minutes.

The American Missionaries took six months of travel to reach Nagaland but today it is a matter of hours to travel around the Globe. The Mission is achievable in our own life time only, if we are willing.

What then is the motive? It is- “then the end shall come” Matt.24:14. Today we are asking the same question that the Disciples asked our Lord Jesus Christ “when”? I do not know the time and date but I know, He will come. He will surely come again when we had accomplished the task that had been entrusted to us. However, finishing does not mean that everyone will be converted. But each and every people group will be represented when we gather round at the feet of our Lord Jesus Christ. “After these things I looked and behold, a great multitude, which no one could count from every nation, and all tribes, and peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and the Lamb, clothed in white robes and palm branches were in their hands”Rev.7:9. The final victory awaits the completion of the task entrusted to us. “When”?

“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole World for a witness to all the nations and then”?

The end shall come. Amen.

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

8

Dimapur

NATIONAL

Sunday 4 January 2015

The Morung Express

‘Digital connectivity a basic right like school ‘Science helped education’ build modern India’ MuMbai, January 3 (ianS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday pitched for making digital connectivity a “basic right” for children just as their right to schooling, and stressed the need to make school education more “creative”.

“School education in science and mathematics should become more creative and stimulating. Let us also use the internet to bring the best of our scientists in direct contact with our children and our youth.

Digital connectivity should become as much a basic right as access to school,” Modi said, while inaugurating the 102nd Indian Science Congress here.

The university system in India, Modi said, must be placed at the cutting edge of the research and development activities in the country.

He called for broadening the scope of investment in science and technology that is at present focused on central government agencies.

“Our universities must be freed from the clutches of excessive regulation and cumbersome procedures.

They must have a higher degree of academic freedom and autonomy, and, there should be as much emphasis on research as

on teaching,” he said.

Modi said India needed to foster a strong culture of collaboration between institutions and across disciplines to take advantage of developments, innovations and expertise in diverse areas.

Underscoring the importance of international collaboration in scientific research and the need to benefit from growing the trend of such endeavours, Modi said he “placed science and technology at the forefront of our diplomatic engagement”.

“As I have travelled abroad, I have personally sought out scientists to explore collaborations in areas like clean energy, agriculture, biotechnology, medicine and healthcare.

“We have built excellent partnerships with all leading nations to address the grand challenges of the world today. I have also offered our expertise to our neighbours and other developing countries,” he said.

Modi said India’s global competitiveness depended not on reinventing the wheel but on sustained development and indigenous innovations.

“Our long-term global competitiveness will depend not on replicating

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wipes his face after delivering a speech during the inauguration of the 102nd Indian Science Congress in Mumbai on Saturday, January 3. More than 12,000 delegates from all over country are expected to participate in the 2015 Indian Science Congress. (AP Photo)

what others have done, but through a process of sustained development and innovation.”

Modi urged the domestic industrial sector to “step up investments in science and technology in its own interest” and make the practice a corporate social

responsibility.

“India’s own pharmaceutical industry has carved out a place for itself in the world, because it invests significantly in research,” he said.

“For a safe, sustainable, prosperous future for India, or global leadership in

a knowledge and technology intensive world, we need to put science, technology and innovation at the top of national priorities,” the prime minister concluded.

The five-day conference at the University of Mumbai will see deliberations and presenta-

tion of papers by scientists and Nobel laureates from across the globe.

As the Science Congress returns to Mumbai after 45 years, the emphasis will be on showcasing the city as a science hub as well as being the financial capital of India.

MuMbai, January 3 (ianS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday said science has helped shape modern India and lauded scientists for their pioneering work that placed the nation in the forefront globally.

“Science has helped shape modern India... It was the pioneering projects undertaken by our scientists that built outstanding institutions with modest resources... that helped place India at the forefront of the world in many areas,” Modi saidinhisinauguraladdressatthe102ndsessionoftheIndian Science Congress. He said a nation’s progress and its human development is linked to science and technology but it can also increase inequality and damage the environment.

“A nation’s progress and its human development are linked to science and technology. It can remove national barriers, unify the world and advance peace, as it can bring nations, rich and poor in a shared effort to global challenges.”

However, Modi was quick to caution that “it (science) can increase inequality, make wars more lethal and damage our environment”. As the country’s investments in science and technology are far too concentrated in the central government agencies, the prime minister called out to make scientific investments more broad-based.

He congratulated the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for placing the Mangalyaan in the Mars orbit on its first attempt, and said: “Whenever the world shut its door on us, our scientists responded with the zeal of a national mission. “And when the world sought our collaboration, our scientists reached out with the openness that is inherent in our society.”

Linking science with human development, he said the two cannot be divorced from “political decisions, social choices, the question of equity, ethics, and access.

Human development has been the larger purpose and the driving force of Indian scientific pursuits”.

Modi said the poorest should also have access to science and technology. “To me, the arms of science, technology and innovation must reach the poorest, the remotest and the most vulnerable person,” he said.

The 5-day conference at the University of Mumbai will see deliberations and presentation of papers by scientists and Nobel laureates from across the globe. As the Science Congress returns to Mumbai after 45 years, the emphasis will be on showcasing the city as a science hub as well as being the financial capital of India.

Government’s agenda is communal Fire in Delhi church, management says arson attempt Hindu vote consolidation: Yechury

new Delhi, January 3 (ianS): Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader Sitaram Yechury has alleged that the agenda being pursued by the BJP-led government is not that of development but of consolidating the communal Hindu vote bank.

In an interview to news channel CNN-IBN, the CPIM politbureau member said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence over the issue of conversion despite the opposition’s demand for his statement revealed the government’s real agenda. “...the actual agenda that the government is pursuing is not on development ... not on ‘achhe din aane waale hain’, but the actual agenda they are pursuing is the worst form of vote bank politics of consolidating the communal Hindu vote bank. That is the clear message,” Yechury said.

Asked about stalling the upper house of parliament, Yechury said: “Well, I think it was the government who stalled it, not us”.

“We had asked the government that the prime minister should come and give us an assurance. He came once - he did not apologize for the un-

parliamentary statement that the minister made but he nevertheless assured that henceforth nothing would happen.

“And then immediately followed a string of statements which were aimed at sharpening communal polarisation. Therefore, we said that this has to stop. And only the prime minister can come and assure us, and through us, the country. They refused.

So, who stalled (the upper house)?” he said.

The upper house or Rajya Sabha witnessed disruptions for more than half the winter session, first over remarks by union Minister Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti and then over reconversions and communal statements by some BJP leaders.

Yechury added that the disruptions took the message to the people, revealing the government’s real agenda.

“What we have achieved is to tell the country and the people that this is the real agenda of the government.

And I think in that we have succeeded. For the first time since this government assumed office a lot of questions are being raised in public discourse about what

is their actual agenda and that is an important point.

Because remember that the Modi government got only 31 percent of the total votes polled, not of the total electorate. Sixty nine percent of the people who actually cast their votes cast their votes against the Modi government,” he said.

Asked about their views on the government proposal to ban conversions, Yechury said it was unconstitutional, but added that they are against forced conversion.

“We say that a new law is infructuous. Articles 24 and 25 of the Indian constitution, and section 153 (a) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) already have enough provisions which define forcible religious conversions as a crime. People can be acted against under that law. A law exists - so what is the talk of a new law. It is only a diversion,” said Yechury.

“Christian missionaries, Islamic organisations or the RSS and the Hindu Mahasabha - anybody doing it forcibly, we are opposed; we continue to oppose and that is our given minimum denominator,” the CPI-M leader added.

new Delhi, January 3 (ianS): A minor fire broke out Saturday in the Christmas crib at a church due to a short circuit in the decorative lights, police said.

The church management, however, said it was an arson attempt.

The fire was noticed around 8 a.m. after morning prayers inside the church in Rohini area of northwest Delhi. Police suspect that the fire was caused due to a spark in the lights used to decorate the tableau, which the

church management was to remove in a few days.

“After the prayers, a church employee noticed the burnt statues and other decorative materials in the crib arranged near the boundary wall of the church,” said a member of the church management. Savari Muthu Sankar, spokesman for the Delhi archdiocese, alleged that it was an arson attempt.

“It seems somebody poured some chemical on the crib from

outside the church and set it on fire. All the statues were burnt. It was a failed attempt at arson in the whole church,” Shankar told IANS. The authorities immediately informed police but they declared it was due to a short circuit without a proper investigation, he said. “There was rain the whole night and the crib was wet.

How could a short circuit cause the fire,” John Dayal, former president of the All India Catholic

Union, told IANS. The church authorities did not inform the fire service as it was not a major blaze, police said. On Dec 1, the St. Sebastian Catholic Church in east Delhi’s Dilshad Garden was gutted in an attack by unidentified assailants.

A day after the incident, at least 1,000 people protested outside the Delhi Police headquarters demanding a probe. Police later formed a special investigation team to probe the matter.

Delhi will have country’s first ‘smart city’

new Delhi, January 3 (PTi): Delhi will be developed into a “global city” and the country’s first ‘smart city’ will be set up here to decongest the national capital and facilitate it with all modern amenities, Union urban development minister M Venkaiah Naidu said here on Saturday.

“We want to make Delhi a truly global city, having all latest and modern amenities and facilities that any other global city like London or San Francisco has. We want to have worldclass entertainment venues like Disneyland or Universal Studios here,” Naidu said.

The Narendra Modi-led NDA government has planned to set up 100 ‘smart cities’ and Naidu said that the first such city will come up in the national capital.

“Delhi is the heart of India and the first smart city would come up here. The city of Barcelona in Spain has also promised technological support to us in our effort in this di-

rection,” he said.

“I saw the city of Barcelona, and apart from modern buildings, they have also preserved their old architecture. We also want to preserve our traditional architecture, that India is so richly endowed with, even as we embrace modernity,” he added.

The minister was speaking at a function organised by DDA at its headquarters here to officially kick-start the allotment process of its ‘Housing Scheme 2014’. Naidu handed over allotment letters to the first few successful applicants.

Talking about the ‘smart city’ initiative further, he said the focus would be to build global educational and health institutes and entertainment facilities. “We also want to liberalize the industrial estate policy. An industrial space may not necessarily contain factories, but showrooms also. A committee will be formed to look into this issue as well,” the minister said.

DDA’s vice-chairman Balvinder Kumar in a media briefing yesterday had outlined the plans for the ‘smart city’ in the capital.

The ‘smart city’ will be a complete subcity, which would be located in an area of 2024 hectares, zoned out of Dwarka, Rohini and Narela, and will be equipped with latest technologies and waste-management techniques.

“The smart city will have a world-class infrastructure, 24-hour power supply, complete wi-fi connectivity, and will employ green technology and latest water conservation techniques like rain-harvesting and waste management techniques, among other facilities,” Kumar said.

Outlining the achievements of the government in the financial sector, Naidu said, “As per the PM’s vision of ending financial untouchability, we have opened 10 crore new bank accounts in the last nine weeks under the Prime Minister Jan Dhan Yojana.”

Pakistan & India trade fire in Kashmir, killing 4 iSlaMabaD, January 3 (aP): Pakistani and Indian border guards traded artillery fire along the disputed border region of Kashmir, killing four people and wounding eight, officials said Saturday.

Both Pakistan and India blamed each other for starting the fire that began Friday night. This latest violence comes after Islamabad blamed Indian forces for killing two of its soldiers Wednesday in a crossfire that also killed an Indian soldier.

In a statement Saturday, the Pakistani military said that Indian forces violated the cease-fire agreement between the two countries with an unprovoked barrage of artillery Friday night near the city of Sialkot, killing a 13-year-old girl and wounding another child. It said Pakistani soldiers returned fire.

In India, police officer Rajesh Kumar said Pakistani shelling in the Kathua sector killed a woman and wounded seven villagers.

D. Parekh, a Border Security Force officer, said the firing continued Saturday in at least half a dozen places.

“One place goes quiet, the firing starts at another place,” Parekh said. Indian officials blamed Pakistan for beginning the fire without provocation.

An Indian military official said

Want good ties, wonder why Pak breaches ceasefire: Rajnath

Indian villagers sit in the back of a vehicle as they flee their homes fearing firing from the Pakistan side of the border at Bainglad village in Samba sector, about 52 Kilometers from Jammu on Saturday, January 3. (AP Photo)

Pakistani troops fired at also Indian positions in the Tangdhar sector, killing two Indian soldiers late Friday night. The official spoke on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to talk to journalists.

Shantamanu, a top Indian official who uses one name, said authorities evacuated 800 people from

several border villages to state-run relief camps Saturday because of the firing. Another 700 people also fled, he said.

Kashmir is claimed by both India and Pakistan. The two countries have fought two wars over the Himalayan region since they won independence from Britain in 1947.

While minor skirmishes between Indian and Pakistani troops are common along the 200-kilometer (125-mile) border, the worst violation of the cease-fire accord took place in October over the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha and killed nine civilians in Pakistan and nine in India.

new Delhi, January 3 (ianS): Home Minister Rajnath Singh Saturday said India wants good relations with Pakistan and wondered why the neighbouring country resorts to repeated ceasefire violations.

“Pakistan is our neighbour and we want good relations with all our neighbours,” he said to a media query on the repeated ceasefire violations by Pakistan.

“But the Pakistan government should also take initiative so that ceasefire violations do not take place,” he said.

Rajnath Singh said Prime Minister Narendra Modi shook hands with his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif during his oath-taking ceremony in May last year and conveyed that “we not only want to shake hands, but also want deeper ties”.

“Despite that, why does Pakistan always violate the ceasefire,” he asked.

The home minister’s comments come in the wake of Pakistani shelling and firing along the international boundary in Jammu and Kashmir’s Samba and Kathua districts that left at least three - two soldiers and a woman

- dead and 10 others injured.

Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah meanwhile said India has been giving a “befitting reply” to Pakistan since the National Democratic Alliance government has come to power.

“After BJP formed the government, Indian forces have been giving fitting reply whenever there have been ceasefire violations and will continue to do so in future,” Shah told reporters in Bengaluru.

Outgoing Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah tweeted: “Pakistan plan to enter via sea route busted and now they are trying via Samba and Hiranagar.”

A woman was killed and eight other people were injured Saturday in Pakistani shelling along the international border in Jammu and Kashmir’s Samba and Kathua districts.

Meanwhile, two soldiers were killed and two others injured in a blaze triggered by rocket propelled grenades fired by Pakistan at Indian Army bunkers along the Line of Control (LoC) in Tangdhar sector in Kupwara district.

InternatIonal

the Morung express

Sunday 4 January 2015

Dimapur

9

AirAsia applies deft touch in crash response

SURABAYA, JAnUARY 3 (AP): If AirAsia bounces back from its first fatal disaster, much of the credit will go to its effusive founder Tony Fernandes and a well-oiled communications machine.

From the highly visible compassion shown by Fernandes to details such as changing the airline’s bright red logo to a somber gray online, experts say the Malaysia-based budget carrier’s initial response to the tragedy is a textbook example of how to communicate in a crisis.

AirAsia Flight 8501 crashed into the Java Sea on Sunday with 162 people on board. More than two dozen bodies have been recovered so far. It was the first deadly air accident for the 13-yearold carrier, which has made air travel affordable for tens of millions of people in fast-growing Southeast Asia. AirAsia’s handling of the disaster has drawn favorable comparisons with the bungled communications by Malaysia Airlines after Flight 370 disappeared March 8. But experts say the situations faced by the two airlines are so different it’s unfair to liken them.

For one, it soon became apparent the AirAsia jet had crashed, while the location of the Malaysia Airlines plane has been a mystery since it vanished a short time into its flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. As a bureaucratic, state-owned company, Malaysia Airlines faced constraints that AirAsia didn’t and which resulted in its often lumbering and scripted communications.

A fatal crash is typically a make-or-break event for an airline. Irrespective of the cause, the professionalism and authenticity of

the airline’s response are crucial for its reputation to recover. After nearly a century of commercial aviation, airlines have accumulated a trove of experience and knowledge about how to respond to disasters, though the lessons are not always learned or applied.

“Fernandes sounds authentic and credible,” said Caroline Sapriel, managing director of CS&A, which advises companies on crisis management.

“He is looking after the priorities — the families. He is showing a lot of empathy.

He is using many channels to put that across.” Since Sunday, Fernandes has been constantly in the spotlight, apologizing for the loss of life. An active Twitter user with nearly a million followers, he quickly took to social media to express shock and sympathy. On television, he has not shied away from answering questions while avoiding speculation about the cause of the crash, which occurred during bad weather.

“I apologize profusely for what they are going through. I am the leader of this company and I have to take responsibility,” Fernandes said at a televised news conference.

Within hours of the flight disappearing from radar after taking off from Surabaya in Indonesia, he was in the city to meet with families of the passengers and crew. At the same time, the airline and its Indonesian unit in particular were issuing regular statements about the known facts in several languages and had set up a hotline for relatives.

If AirAsia continues in that vein, “it is probably going to prevent a crisis from turning into a reputational train wreck,” Sapriel said.

Woman making Prince Andrew sex claims vows not to be silenced

In this June 6, 2012 photo, Britain's Prince Andrew leaves King Edward VII hospital in London after visiting his father Prince Philip. Reacting to U.S. court documents, royal officials issued a statement on January 2, denying that Britain's Prince Andrew engaged in sexual impropriety with a minor. (AP File Photo)

LOnDOn, JAnUARY 3 (AFP): The woman who named Britain’s Prince Andrew in a US court filing claiming that she was kept as an underage “sex slave” by a Wall Street financier said on Saturday she would not be silenced. The plaintiff, identified only as “Jane Doe #3” in court papers, told the Guardian newspaper that she refuses to be “unjustly victimised again” after robust denials from Buckingham Palace and another man named in the suit.

The story made headline news in Britain’s newspapers on Saturday. According to the motion filed in a Florida court on Monday, the woman alleges she was “forced to have sexual relations” with Andrew, the Duke of York, in London, New York and the Caribbean at the behest of Jeffrey Epstein. Epstein, a known friend of the 54-year-old prince, was convicted in 2008 of soliciting an underage girl for prostitution and served a prison term. No dates for the purported sexual encounters were given, but the woman claimed she was Epstein’s sex slave from 1999 through 2002.

In a strongly worded response on Friday, Buckingham Palace said that “any suggestion of impropriety with underage minors is categorically untrue”. Another man named in the court papers also robustly protested his innocence. Alan Dershowitz, one of Epstein’s defence lawyers with whom “Jane Doe #3” was allegedly forced to have sex with on several occasions, told AFP the story was “made up”. He accused “Jane Doe #3” of “filing a false and malicious legal proceeding” in an attempt to extort money from his former client.

In a statement issued to the Guardian through her lawyers, the woman said: “These types of aggressive attacks on me are exactly the reason why sexual abuse victims typically remain silent and the reason why I did for a long time. “That trend should change. I’m not going to be bullied back into silence.” Andrew is the second son of Queen Elizabeth II and fifth in line to the British throne.

He was Britain’s Special Representative for International Trade and Investment for 10 years until 2011.

The motion in which he is named is to be included in an ongoing civil case that accuses federal prosecutors of cutting a plea-bargain deal with Epstein without consulting his victims, in violation of the US Crime Victims Rights’ Act. In 2008, Epstein was sentenced to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty to a single Florida state charge of soliciting prostitution. He remains a registered sex offender.

In the first sign of a backlash from the Indonesian government, the Transport Ministry on Friday grounded AirAsia flights from Surabaya to Singapore, saying the airline did not have a permit to fly on Sundays, the day of the crash. AirAsia said it was reviewing the suspension.

Fernandes “is the boss and everyone knows it,” said Maybank aviation analyst Mohshin Aziz. “The human factor is definitely very genuine, from the words he chooses to the facial expression.” Many family members praised AirAsia for being swift in responding to their needs.

The airline was quick to arrange hotel accommodation and transport for those from outside Surabaya.

“AirAsia has taken good care of us from day one,” said Ronny Tanubun, 37, who lost his 13-year-old nephew. “This is a tragedy, what can we do? It’s fated. It

can happen to any airline. I am not afraid of flying with AirAsia,” he said at the family crisis center at the Surabaya police headquarters.

Still, others complained the airline didn’t provide useful information during briefings. “They are not telling us anything about the latest development. We have to find out by watching TV,” said Masykur, 52, who has four family members on the plane.

Even as experts praise AirAsia for its initial handling of the situation, they caution there is a long way to go before it can put the disaster behind it. Its share price is down 8 percent since the crash, wiping nearly $200 million from the airline’s stock market value. There is likely to be a falloff in passengers from Indonesia, where most of the victims are from. It is an important market for AirAsia, the biggest economy in Southeast Asia and the world’s fourth-

Dead bodies of victims of AirAsia Flight 8501 are lifted to Indonesian navy vessel KRI Banda Aceh at sea off the coast of Pangkalan Bun, Indonesia on January 3. Indonesian officials were hopeful Saturday they were honing in on the wreckage of the flight after sonar equipment detected two large objects on the ocean floor, a full week after the plane went down in stormy weather.

(AP Photo)

most populous nation. The accident investigation report will be of paramount importance for the families of those on board and the airline.

If the investigation shows the airline is in some way to blame, it will be crucial for AirAsia to fully acknowledge that and

convincingly show it is taking action to ensure that type of accident can never happen again, said Henry Harteveldt, founder of At-

mosphere Research. “AirAsia will find that while it is tough to get the message across, people will appreciate their candor,” he said.

Four large parts of crashed jet found on sea floor

JAKARTA/PAnGKALAn BUn, JAnUARY 3 (ReUTeRS): Search teams hunting for the wreck of an AirAsia passenger jet that crashed with 162 people on board have found four large parts of the plane on the sea bed, the head of Indonesia’s search and rescue agency said on Saturday.

A multi-national task force of ships, planes and helicopters have been scouring the northern Java Sea and coastline of southern Borneo to recover the bodies of victims and locate the wreck of Flight QZ8501 and its black box flight recorders.

“We’ve found four big parts from the plane we’re

looking for,” search and rescue agency chief Fransiskus Bambang Soelistyo told reporters in Jakarta.

The breakthrough came as authorities said that Indonesia AirAsia had violated the terms of its licence for the Surabaya to Singapore route by flying on a Sunday, the day the Airbus A320-200 plunged into the Java Sea, and announced they would investigate the carrier’s other schedules.

One large object was pinpointed by a ship searching during the night, Soelistyo said, and three more, the largest of which was around 18 metres long, were located on Saturday.

Another official, Supriyadi, who is coordinating

the operation from the port of Pangkalan Bun in Borneo, said earlier that poor visibility had hampered efforts to capture images of the objects with underwater remote operating vehicles (ROVs). “The visibility is only two metres,” he said. “It’s cloudy, making it difficult for the cameras to detect.”

Divers, including a team of Russian specialists who just arrived in Pangkalan Bun, may be able to investigate the suspected wreckage on Sunday if the weather improves, officials said.

No SurvivorS No survivors have been found from the crash, which happened about 40 minutes after the plane

took off from Indonesia’s second largest city in an area known for intense tropical thunderstorms during the current monsoon season.

A report from Indonesia’s weather bureau said it was likely the plane had flown into bad weather which would have been difficult to avoid, and that it was possible this had caused ice to form on its engines. “Based on the available data on the last received location of the aircraft, the weather was a factor in causing the accident,” the weather bureau said.

Indonesian authorities on Friday questioned whether the pilot had followed correct weather procedures, and

later suspended Indonesia AirAsia’s Surabaya to Singapore flights, saying the airline’s operating licence only permitted flights on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Djoko Murdjatmodjo, Indonesia’s acting Director General of Air Transportation, said on Saturday that the Transport Ministry would investigate other routes used by the carrier, which flies from at least 15 Indonesian destinations.

“We are going to investigate all AirAsia flight schedules. Hopefully we can start on next Monday,” he said. “It is possible AirAsia’s licence in Indonesia might be revoked,” he added.

Sunu Widyatmoko, Indonesia AirAsia chief, told reporters the airline, which is 49-percent owned by Malaysia-based AirAsia, would cooperate with the inquiry.

“The government has suspended our flights from Surabaya to Singapore and back,” he said. “They are doing the evaluation process. AirAsia will cooperate fully with the evaluation.”

Much effort has focused on finding the mostly Indonesian victims of the crash. Thirty bodies have been recovered from the sea, although rescue official Supriyadi, who like many Indonesians uses just one name, said it was unlikely more would be found floating.

Palestinians submit documents to join ICC

UnITeD nATIOnS, JAnUARY 3 (AP): The Palestinians took the last formal step Friday to join the International Criminal Court, seeking to pursue war-crimes charges against Israel over the recent conflict in Gaza and Jewish settlements in Palestinian territories.

The high-stakes move has drawn threats of retaliation from Israel and is vehemently opposed by the U.S. as an obstacle to reaching an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal.

After submitting the documents to join the ICC, Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour said the Palestinians are seeking to raise alleged crimes committed

by Israel, including during last summer’s war in Gaza.

He said the Palestinians will

also seek justice for Israeli settlements on Palestinian territory, which he said constitute “a war crime” under the Rome statute that established the court.

“This is a very significant step,” Mansour told reporters. “It is an option that we are seeking in order to seek justice for all the victims that have been killed by Israel, the occupying power.” The Palestinians moved quickly to join the court after suffering a defeat in the U.N. Security Council, which rejected a resolution Tuesday that would have set a three-year deadline for the establishment of a Palestinian state on lands occupied

by Israel.

Joining the ICC is part of a broader strategy to pressure Israel into withdrawing from the territories and

agreeing to Palestinian statehood.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has been under heavy domestic pressure to take stronger action against Israel after a 50-day war between the Jewish state and militants in Gaza over the summer, tensions over holy sites in Jerusalem and the failure of the last round of U.S.-led peace talks. He signed the documents to join the ICC a day after the Security Council rejected the resolution.

Mansour said Palestinian leaders are studying “all options” including going back to the Security Council, whose incoming members are viewed as more favorable or to the General Assembly where there are no vetoes.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu im-

mediately vowed to take unspecified “retaliatory steps.” The U.S. State Department said the Palestinian decision would only set back the aspirations of the Palestinian people for an independent state.

Mansour delivered the paperwork to Assistant Secretary-General for Legal Affairs Stephen Mathias, who said the U.N. will examine them to ensure that they are in proper form. Mansour said it will take about 60 days under ICC rules for “the state of Palestine” to become the 123rd member of the court.

Former ICC prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampo said in an AP interview in August that the Palestinians have the right to decide that the court has jurisdiction dating back to November

2012, when the U.N. General Assembly voted overwhelmingly to upgrade the Palestinians’ status from a U.N. observer to a non-voting observer state. Ocampo said there should be “no discussion” on that.

The General Assembly’s recognition of Palestine as an observer state made it possible for the Palestinians to join the International Criminal Court and other U.N. bodies. Once it becomes a member, Palestine could seek to have Israeli military or political figures prosecuted for alleged crimes involving settlement construction on occupied lands or actions by the military that cause heavy civilian casualties.

But joining the court also exposes the Palestinians themselves to charges

of war crimes over rocket attacks by the extremist group Hamas on Israeli population centers and other violence against Jewish targets.

Mansour said the Palestinians aren’t afraid. “We uphold the law so high, and we are not afraid of the judgment of the law, especially international law,” he said. Mansour also delivered documents to the U.N. Friday for Palestine to join 15 other U.N. conventions, treaties and agreements.

A U.S. official warned of consequences. “It should come as no surprise that there will be implications for this step, but we continue to review,” said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly.

USA: NKorea sanctions step 1 in Sony response

HOnOLULU, JAnUARY 3 (AP): The United States says its new round of sanctions against North Korea is just the opening salvo in its response to an unprecedented cyberattack on Sony. Yet there may be little else the U.S. can do to further isolate a country that already has few friends in the world.

Even the latest sanctions, handed down by President Barack Obama in an executive order, may not sting quite as badly as U.S. would have hoped. After all, North Korea is already under a strict sanctions regime imposed by the U.S. over the North’s nuclear program.

The new round of sanctions unveiled Friday hit three organizations closely tied to the North’s defense apparatus, plus 10 individuals who work for those groups or for North Korea’s government directly. Any assets they have in the U.S. will be frozen, and they’ll be barred from using the U.S. financial system.

But all three groups were already on the U.S. sanctions list, and officials couldn’t say whether any of the 10 individuals even have assets in the U.S. to freeze.

Still, American officials portrayed the move as a

swift and decisive response to North Korean behavior they said had gone far over the line. Never before has the U.S. imposed sanctions on another nation in direct retaliation for a cyberattack on an American company.

“The order is not targeted at the people of North Korea, but rather is aimed at the government of North Korea and its activities that threaten the United States and others,” Obama wrote in a letter to House and Senate leaders.

North Korea has denied involvement in the cyberattack, which led to the disclosure of tens of thousands of confidential Sony emails and business files, then escalated to threats of terrorist attacks against movie theaters. Many cybersecurity experts have said it’s entirely possible that hackers or even Sony insiders could be the culprits, not North Korea, and questioned how the FBI can point the finger so conclusively.

Senior U.S. officials, who briefed reporters on condition of anonymity, repeated their assertion that North Korea was responsible and said independent experts don’t have access to the same classified in-

In thus December 16, photo, North Koreans gather at the Mansu Hill where the statues of the late leaders Kim Il Sung, and Kim Jong Il tower over them, in Pyongyang, North Korea. The U.S. is imposing sanctions on North Korea in retaliation for the cyberattack against Sony Pictures Entertainment. (AP File Photo)

formation as the FBI. With this round of sanctions, the U.S. also put North Korea on notice that payback need not be limited to those who perpetrated the attack.

The 10 North Koreans singled out for sanctions didn’t necessarily have anything to do with the attack on Sony, senior U.S. officials said. Anyone who works for or helps North Korea’s government is now fair game, said the officials — especially North Korea’s defense sector and spying operations.

Yet prominent lawmak-

ers were already calling for an ever harsher stance. Republican Sen. Bob Corker, who is set to chair the Senate Foreign Relations Committee this year, said it was time to concede the U.S. policy on North Korea isn’t working.

Added Republican House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce: “We need to go further to sanction those financial institutions in Asia and beyond that are supporting the brutal and dangerous North Korean regime.”

Obama has said the

U.S. is considering whether to put North Korea back on its list of state sponsors of terrorism. Beyond that, it’s unclear what additional penalties the U.S. has in its arsenal. There is no appetite for a military intervention. The U.S. has said that some elements of its response may not be seen publicly, however.

The sanctions target the country’s primary intelligence agency, a stateowned arms dealer that exports missile and weapons technology, and the Korea Tangun Trading Corp., which supports defense

research. The individuals sanctioned include North Koreans representing the country’s interests in Iran, Russia and Syria.

There was no immediate response from North Korea. Sony declined to comment.

While denying any role in a cyberattack, North Korea has expressed fury over the Sony comedy flick “The Interview,” which depicts a fictional assassination plot against North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Sony initially called off the film’s release after movie theaters decided not to show the film. After Obama criticized that decision, Sony decided to release the film in a limited number of theaters and online.

The White House called the sanctions “the first aspect of our response” to the Sony attack, a declaration that raised fresh questions about who was behind a nearly 10-hour shutdown of North Korean websites last week. The shutdown prompted a blunt response from North Korea’s powerful National Defense Commission, which blamed the U.S. and hurled racial slurs at Obama, calling him a reckless “monkey in a tropical forest.”

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Van Gaal wary of another cup calamity

LONDON, JaNuary 3 (aP): Louis van Gaal does not need reminding of the potential pitfalls that can await Manchester United against lower-league opposition in the English cups.

The manager takes the 11-time FA Cup winners to Yeovil in the third round on Sunday barely four months after a humiliating loss to another thirdtier team, MK Dons, in the League Cup. And Yeovil, a southwestern town with a population that could fit into United's Old Trafford 76,000-capacity stadium almost twice over, is well known for its football team producing cup giantkillings.

Although some of the biggest scalps happened long ago — memorably in 1949 against then-English power Sunderland — they defined the club as it rose from the non-league to the professional ranks of English football. As a non-league team, Yeovil ousted 20 league sides, according to the FA, though they were routed 8-0 in

1949 by United.

The chance for unlikely revenge has finally come.

"I was over the moon when we were drawn against Manchester United," Yeovil manager Gary Johnson said. "I was in the house watching the draw with my wife and we both jumped up in the air and high-fived each other."

As for beating the Premier League's third-place team?

"We'd need a miracle to pull it off," Johnson said.

"But the FA Cup is the FA Cup, that's the beauty of it ... nobody knows what's going to happen."

Indeed, Yeovil's website has documented United's cup shocks in a "Giants Killed" section — highlighting losses to other third-tier sides: from Bournemouth and Leeds in the 1981 and 2010 third rounds respectively.

"I had the same experience against MK Dons, who are also in League One," Van Gaal said. "You never know in a cup match, you have to win because you're out if you lose. We

have to beat Yeovil but every team in England wants to beat Manchester United so it will be difficult.

"Everything about playing a lower league team will be different — the pitch, the stadium. For the players, it's more difficult to prepare for a match like this, especially after playing so much over Christmas."

But it's been a grueling period for every team, which is preparing for its fourth game in barely two weeks. Here's a look at some of the other thirdround fixtures:

have seen since the start of the season," Wenger said of Arsenal's defending at Southampton. "This is not the first time it has happened. We did not defend well enough in the final third, and we paid a heavy price. It is a self-inflicted defeat."

THE PREMIER LEAGUE POWERS In a break from their title tussle, leader Chelsea and second-place Manchester City play secondtier teams on Sunday.

City takes on Sheffield Wednesday, while Chelsea is at home to Watford fresh from a 5-2 loss at Tottenham but key players like striker Diego Costa are likely to be rested with the league the priority, "Obviously we want to try to beat Watford, but at the same time we have to analyze the players' condition and make the right decision for them," Mourinho said.

FINAL RE-RUN The team standing in the way of holder Arsenal reaching the fourth round is the Hull team it beat in the final in May. Unless Arsenal's defending improves, the trophy could be surrendered on Sunday.

Arsene Wenger is expected to rotate his squad after a 2-0 loss at Southampton on Thursday saw Arsenal drop to sixth in the Premier League.

ELSWHERE ...

"We were again hauntSeventh-tier Blyth ed by the ghost of what we Spartans, the lowest-

ranked team in the draw, is at home to Birmingham of the second-tier on Saturday.

Tony Pulis will take charge of West Bromwich Albion for the first time against Gateshead of the fifth-tier semiprofessional League Conference.

"Obviously West Brom are not having the season they want and there was a bit of unrest there and we were hoping it was going to stay that way for at least another week," Gateshead manager Gary Mills said. "But now they have a new manager in place which will give everyone a massive lift."

Crystal Palace is yet to confirm Alan Pardew as Neil Warnock's successor but he has been heavily involved around the club ahead of Saturday's trip to Dover, another Conference club.

"The lawyers are finalizing the contract," Palace caretaker manager Keith Millen said of Pardew's appointment. "The paperwork is taking longer than expected."

Durant leads Thunder past Wizards 'Barca can win trophies OKLaHOMa City, JaNuary 3 (aP): Kevin Durant scored 34 points to help the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Washington Wizards 109-102 on Friday night.

Durant was 12 for 18 from the field in just 32 minutes, including a 4-for-7 performance from 3-point range. He scored 44 points in an overtime win over the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night.

Russell Westbrook had 22 points and six assists for the Thunder (1717), who reached .500 for the first time this season.

Oklahoma City shot 53 percent from the field to win for the fourth time in five games.

Bradley Beal had 21 points, 10 rebounds and six assists for Washington, which has lost two in a row. Andre Miller added a season-high 15 points, and John Wall had 14 points and 12 assists, but he made just 5 of 13 shots.

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) shoots over Washington Wizards forward Rasual Butler duirng the second quarter of an NBA basketball game in Oklahoma City, Friday, January 2. (AP Photo)

Beal made a 3-pointer ma City's lead to 105-102. Westbrook intercepted a with just over a minute re- Washington had a chance pass by Wall that was inmaining to trim Oklaho- to inch closer or tie, but tended for Beal. He missed

Alonso a top target for Mercedes

LONDON, JaNuary 3 (rEutErs): Fernando Alonso would be top of the list for Mercedes if Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton fails to agree a new deal with the team beyond this year, according to motorsport director Toto Wolff.

Hamilton, who took his second championship in 2014 after winning 11 races, has yet to put pen to paper on a new contract despite both sides talking about their eagerness to stay together.

"There's no hurry, we'll discuss it during the year," Wolff told Italy's Gazetta dello Sport newspaper in an interview from his va-

cation in the Austrian ski resort of Kitzbuehel when asked about the talks.

"I'm an optimist. The priority is to continue with these drivers (Hamilton and Nico Rosberg). Should it not be possible, then Alonso represents the first alternative, then there's (Finland's Valtteri) Bottas."

McLaren said last month that Spaniard Alonso, a double world champion, had signed a multi-year deal in joining them from Ferrari.

H o w e v e r, A l o n s o made little secret of the fact that he was interested in the Mercedes seat and is likely to have exit clauses if McLaren, who

are starting a new partnership with Honda after years with Mercedes, under-perform.

Wolff has emphasised repeatedly that Mercedes want Hamilton to stay longterm and his words could be seen also as a means of putting pressure on the Briton by suggesting the team have alternatives.

The Austrian paid tribute also to Alonso's abilities, saying he was "dangerous (as a rival) in any car.

"If he has a car that can finish sixth, he will take it to third place," said Wolff.

He dismissed Honda's poor showing in their first post-season test with the new engine and said it

was an electronics issue, rather than anything more serious linked to the power unit, of a kind that all teams had experienced.

The Austrian also tipped Mercedes-powered Williams, the team he was with before Mercedes and which employs his wife Susie as a test driver as well as Bottas, as being a main rival in 2015 after they finished third overall last year.

"I put Williams at the top of the list," he said. "But I also fear a lot Red Bull.

They have won four titles in a row and will use every resource in order to fight again for the title."

the layup on the fast break, but Serge Ibaka was there to clean it up for a layup with 22.9 seconds to play.

Wall missed a 3-pointer on Washington's next possession, and Westbrook made a pair of free throws on the other end.

The Wizards led 5755 at halftime behind 13 points for Beal and Miller.

Wall scored just two points in the first half and took just two shots. Westbrook led the Thunder with 14 points, but he made just 5 of 15 shots while his teammates were 18 of 27 from the field.

Westbrook committed his fourth foul early in the third quarter, and the Wizards started the second half with an 8-4 stretch to take a 65-59 lead. The Wizards led 82-74 with 1:26 left in the third, but Durant made two 3-pointers in the final minute of the period, including one with 1.2 seconds left, to tie it at 82 heading into the fourth.

despite transfer ban'

BarCELONa, JaNuary 3 (rEutErs): Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta is confident that despite their transfer ban the team has the depth to win trophies as they start the new year with a trip to face Real Sociedad on Sunday hoping to keep the pressure on La Liga leaders Real Madrid.

The Catalan club will be unable to reinforce their squad in the following two transfer windows as their appeal against a FIFA sanction over the transfer of foreign Under-18 players was rejected by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), this week.

The decision is likely to cause most concern for Barca’s defence where they have continued to look weak despite making several signings ahead of the season.

In particular, there is a

lack of cover at right back for Dani Alves who himself has received plenty of criticism for below par displays.

Still, Barca are only a point off an imperious Real who have played a game less and take on Valencia this Sunday looking for their 23rd straight win in official matches.

"It is not even crossing our minds the idea of not winning anything this season," Iniesta told reporters.

"The squad that we have has sufficient quality to win trophies and the important thing is to believe in ourselves and that we can keep improving so as to reach our maximum.

"I don’t know the full legal details (of the CAS verdict) but having come through the La Masia (Barcelona youth system) myself, I think that the opportunity that it gives to youngsters not only on a

footballing level but also personal, is very high.

"We cannot sign now and that is obviously a handicap but we need to concentrate on this season with the players we have and look to win."

Iniesta believes that the team is on the right course while he also has not ruled out the title chances of third-placed Atletico Madrid, who face Levante on Saturday.

"They (Real) won a lot of trophies last year and they will be in the fight.

All teams go through ups and downs and while Real are doing well now we are making good progress," he said.

"Atletico though are the reigning league champions and it is our job to take the trophy from them. They have done well for several seasons and we know that they will be challenging."

with 814. It was Duncan who was credited with tipping in Boris Diaw's inbound pass at the rim with a split second remaining in regulation. Anthony Davis had 21 points and 12 rebounds for the Pelicans.

Milwaukee led most of the way to win 98-80 at Cleveland. LeBron James missed his second straight game with knee soreness, and Kevin Love was also absent with back spasms, and the Cavaliers went on to their fourth loss in five

games. Brandon Knight scored 26 points and O.J. Mayo added 15 points for the Bucks. Kyrie Irving notched 25 points for Cleveland, which scored only seven points in the third quarter; a season low.

Eric Bledsoe led the Suns with 29 points. Houston made a big run early in the third quarter to set up a 102-83 win against Charlotte. James Harden scored 36 points, including eight straight to push the advantage to 99-79 with 2 1/2 minutes remaining. It was the NBA-leading 14th 30-point game this season for Harden, who leads the league in scoring. He made eight 3-pointers and also had six assists and seven rebounds.

The loss extends Charlotte's skid to four games.

The Hornets played without leading scorer Al Jefferson, who is out with a groin strain.

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Gerald Henderson scored 16 points apiece for the Hornets. Los Angeles strolled to a 99-78 win against hapless New York, which ended a dismal 2014 with its ninthstraight defeat.

J.J. Redick scored 20 points and DeAndre Jordan added 14 points and 12 rebounds for the Clippers, who scored 13 straight points at the start of the third quarter to push the lead to 23. Carmelo Anthony was the only Knicks player in double figures with 19 points despite a sore right knee.

Indiana went on a 17-2 run to close the third quarter to turn the game around and beat Miami 106-95.

Boston led throughout to record a 106-84 win against Sacramento, ending a three-game losing skid.

Spurs end OT blues by edging Pelicans

Torres is not a saviour for Atletico Madrid: Simeone

MaDriD, JaNuary 3 (iaNs): Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has warned that the return of Fernando Torres to the Spanish football club is not a quick fix to any problem they may be facing.

It was confirmed at the start of the week that Torres would be returning on loan until the end of 2016 to the club where he began his career and became a hero before moving to Liverpool and Chelsea, before finally joining AC Milan last summer, reports Xinhua.

Torres was not at his best for the last two clubs,

but Atletico fans are looking forward to seeing the player who left them as a youngster and who led the line for Spain for around six years, back in a red and white shirt.

He could make his debut in the Kings Cup against none other than Real Madrid Wednesday, but in his press conference ahead of Saturday's BBVA Primera Liga clash at home to Levante, although he was pleased Torres was back 'home', Simeone warned against expecting miracles from the 30-year-old.

"I am happy because we have recovered a player who belongs here and about all because Fernando's characteristics as a player will help the team. It is important and it comes at a good time for him, because he joins a side which has worked together for several years.

However, he is going to have to work to compete with (Atletico strikers) Antoine Griezmann, Mario Mandzukic and Raul Jimenez," said Simeone.

"There are a lot of opinions in football, as there are in politics and religion, but

he is not arriving as a saviour, although his arrival will be very useful," added the coach, who said that the former Spain international would add depth to the Atletico attack.

Finally Simeone, who was a player at the club during Torres' first period as an Atletico player, said there was no room for sentiment and that the decision to sign him was for purely footballing reasons.

"I only think about the sporting aspect and I never think about any other factors. We all benefit from his arrival," he concluded.

saN aNtONiO, JaNuary 3 (aP): San Antonio shook off its home-court overtime blues to beat New Orleans 95-93 on Wednesday, having only tied the game with 0.2 seconds of time remaining in regulation.

The Spurs lost in overtime at home three times in the month of December and seemed destined for a fourth such defeat on New Year's Eve when they fell behind by six points in the extra period, but Manu Gi-

nobili had seven points in overtime to turn it around for the hosts.

Among other games to close out 2014, Milwaukee downed a Cleveland side still without LeBron James, Oklahoma City beat Phoenix in a high-scoring thriller and Houston posted a comfortable win against Charlotte.

San Antonio star Tim Duncan had 16 points and 10 rebounds, tying Hall of Famer Karl Malone for fifth in career double-doubles

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in a cycling accident last year, said on Friday his recovery has not been easy and he may never play guitar again.

In a blog on the group’s website, the 54-year-old rocker said he broke his hand, shoulder, elbow and face and described how he “blanked out on impact” during the cycling accident in New York’s Central Park, which he said he could not blame on anyone but himself.

“Recovery has been more difficult than I thought,” he said in the message written from his home in Dublin. “As I write this, it is not clear that I will ever play guitar again. The band have reminded me that neither they nor Western civilization are depending on this.” ono, the frontman of Bono, who included an the Irish rock group X-ray of his elbow in the U2 who was injured blog, said he did not re-

Bono may never play

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member how he ended up in hospital with the bone in his upper arm sticking through his leather jacket.

“Very punk rock as injuries go,” he added.

Bono’s arm was shattered in six places. Doctors inserted three metal plates and 18 screws to repair the injury. He required hours of surgery and has had extensive therapy. But he is expected to make a full recovery.

Bono described the cycling spill as a “freak accident” and said the pain it caused did not compare with his disappointment in having to cancel U2’s weeklong appearance on NBC’s “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”

He added that he will have to concentrate hard to be ready for the U2 tour that begins in Vancouver in May. “We have some extraordinary ideas up

our sleeve for this tour I’ve just got to be rebuilt by 14th May.” Bono also referred to revelations he made last year when he told a British talk show host that the reason he always wears his trademark sunglasses was that he has suffered from the eye disease glaucoma for two decades.

He said the announcement was completely unintentional but added that if not treated, glaucoma can cause blindness. “I think anyone who reaches 40 should have their eyes properly checked,” he added. The cycling accident was not the only harrowing event for the rock star in 2014.

In November a private plane in which he was traveling from Ireland to Germany lost its rear hatch but the pilot managed to land it safely.

putting an arm around me and saying, `Changli diste bai’.”

One of the more creative artistes from the crew had drawn a blue Ganesha on a piece of wood lying around. Spotting it, Salman decided to nail it on one of the freshly painted walls.

“Bhai put it up himself,” said Janki, the proud house owner.

The villagers have only one complaint against the star.”Salman doesn’t speak Marathi too well, so I don’t think he understands everything I tell him,” said Lakshmi Devi. But her daughterin-law does not agree entirely. “He always asks us how we are doing and his Marathi has definitely improved over time,” she said.

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Salman Khan does not need any more fans than he already has. But now an entire village in Karjat has joined the ranks of his admirers.

alman led the entire unit of his film Bajrangi Bhaijaan, for which he is currently shooting in Karjat, to village Hatluni late last month to paint the houses and distribute sarees to village women. The visit to the village was surprise for everyone, including the film’s leading lady Kareena Kapoor, director Kabir Khan, and composer Himesh Reshammiya, was announced suddenly after a day’s pack-up.

The unit was helped by a bunch of professional painters and the 30-member group managed to paint every house, the village library, and even the water tank, in under five hours. Sallu cherry-topped the day by gifting sarees to the village women, and engaging the boys in a game of football.

The houses, mostly made of mud and wood and with thatched or tin roofs are all now brightly coloured in pinks and blues. One of the houses even got a painting done by Salman as a wall-hanging.

The idea to paint the village struck Salman when he was stationed at ND Stu-

dios, Karjat, flitting between two films, Prem Ratan Dhan Paayo and Bajrangi Bhaijaan.Just outside the studio gates, a few lanes away, is the village of Hatluni, which the actor would pass on his way to and from work. “There were about 30 of us, and led

by Salman, we painted the entire village in one fivehour stretch. The results are fantastic,” said Kabir Khan.

When Mirror visited the village, the houses looked picture perfect. And the ladies were quick to d the ladies were quick to emerge in their saris and pose in front of their newly painted homes. “When I saw my husband walking back with Salman Khan, I was astounded and even more so when he told us that the actor was going to paint our house,” said Roshni Devi.

Many of the villagers are part-time work ers at the stu dio and Salman knows them well. So he was in no hurry to say goodbye. “We played football with him till midnight,” said Kishore, a nine-year-old who insists he’s never looked at Salman as a star. “I’ve sat in his lap, held his hand and dragged him to play with me. He never says no to

me,” he said.

Baby Lakshmi Devi, 89, said she was the first woman to welcome the star into the village with an aarti. “The security guards surrounding Salman Baba were not letting me meet him. But then he saw me standing there with my pooja thali and told his guards to move aside,” she said. “He responded by

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inger Rita Ora, who is set to replace Kylie Minogue on ‘The Voice’, says she’s keen to spice things up when she takes her place on the reality show’s panel. The 24-year-old has been drafted in as the new female panelist alongside regulars will.i.am, Tom Jones and Ricky Wilson. And Ora says she’ll be candid when it comes to contestants’ vocals and looks whether they’re male or female.

“I’m not going to deny it. If someone is hot, I’m going to say they’re hot, male

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dina Menzel has defended her less than spectacular performance of ‘Frozen’ song ‘Let It Go’ at Times Square on New Year’s Eve. The singer, 43, started trending on Twitter with many users criticising her for not hitting the high notes right of the popular song while others defended the singer considering that she was live performing in a cold climate.

On her part, Menzel advised the critics to let it go. “There are about 3 million notes in a two-and-a-half-hour musical; being a perfectionist, it took me a long time to realize that if I’m hitting 75 percent

or female, but it doesn’t mean I am going to go somewhere. It is just paying them a compliment,” dailymirror.co.uk quoted Ora as saying.

But she insists her frankness should not be mistaken for out-and-out flirting .”I don’t know what flirting is really. Sometimes in women friendliness comes across as flirting. That is not what it is, We get accused of flirting when we’re friendly or if we laugh at a joke, and it may not be as funny as other people think. I just have fun. I am 24, I have fun and I enjoy it,” she said.

he list released by Hungama. com, on-demand digital entertainment store-front, also features Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman’s tracks like “My mind is a stranger without you”, “The village of saint Antonin” and “New beginnings”, read a statement.

The top spot has been occupied by Jessie J, Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj’s “Bang bang”.

Other songs that made it to the list include “Animals” by Maroon 5, Jennifer Lopez’s “First love” and “I’m a freak (Salim-Sulaiman remix)” by Enrique Iglesias and Indian composers Salim and Sulaiman Merchant.

Actresssinger Priyanka Chopra’s track “I can’t make you love me” has bagged the seventh position in the top 100 international songs and albums.

of them, I’m succeeding, Performing isn’t only about the acrobatics and the high notes: It’s staying in the moment, connecting with the audience in an authentic way, and making yourself real to them through the music. I am more than the notes I hit, and that’s how I try to approach my life,” she said.

‘Let It Go’ was one of the biggest hits of 2014. “You can’t get it all right all the time, but you can try your best. If you’ve done that, all that’s left is to accept your shortcomings and have the courage to try to overcome them,” she said.

Jennifer Lopez’s documentary reveals her pain, sadness during divorce

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inger-actress Jennifer Lopez’s documentary has revealed that she craves for a healthy and lasting marriage. The mother of two, who divorced Marc Anthony after seven years of marriage, is seen experiencing pure pain when separating and divorcing from him, reported E!Online. “That wasn’t my dream. My dream was for us to always be together.

You never want to break up family,” she said in the documentary. The split was extra difficult to her because her twins, Max and Emme, were traveling with her during her first world tour.

“It hurts me to see them miss him so much. They miss him so much, I remember being on the set and being in my dressing room and not feeling like I could get up in the morning and there’s just no pain like that. There’s no pain or failure like going through a divorce. That hope, that dream, that fairytale, with that first time that dream gets blown to pieces, you feel like you’re going to die,” she said.

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Gerrard to move to MLS

LONDON, JaNuary 3 (reuters): Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard will join a Major League Soccer team in the United States when he leaves Anfield at the end of the season, the former England captain told the English club's TV channel on Saturday.

Gerrard announced on Friday that he was leaving the Premier League club he has played for throughout his career and moving to a foreign team.

The 34-year-old has made 695 appearance and scored 180 goals for Liverpool after joining the club as an eight-year-old schoolboy.

His former England team mate Frank Lampard left Chelsea last year to join New York City FC but he was loaned back to their Premier League rivals Manchester City and this week confirmed he would stay at the Etihad Stadium until the end of the season.

Gerrard's greatest moment in a Liverpool shirt was when he helped to inspire their dramatic comeback win over AC Milan in the Champions League final in 2005.

However, he suffered disappointment last May when Liverpool missed out on the Premier League title.

They faltered late in the campaign when they appeared poised to become English champions for the first time since 1990.

Gerrard played 114 times for England before retiring after captaining the team at last year's World Cup in Brazil where they were knocked out at the group stage.

Saina blasts sports ministry, demands Padma Bhushan NeW DeLhi, JaNuary 3 (iaNs): Ace shuttler Saina Nehwal Saturday lambasted the sports ministry for its refusal to consider her for the prestigious Padma Bhushan this year and demanded that she be conferred the country's third highest civilian honour alongside wrestling icon Sushil Kumar.

Olympic bronze medallist Saina, who was bestowed the Khel Ratna and Padma Shri in 2010 and also received the Arjuna award in 2009, said she was "sad" that the sports ministry felt two-time Olympic medallist Sushil deserves it more than her.

"I was really sad my name was not sent to the ministry of home affairs by the sports ministry of India. I hope sports ministry look up to this and I will be more than happy if both me and Sushil get the award as we both won medals in 2012 Olympics,"

Steven Gerrard

‘Wanted Gerrard to stay at Anfield’

LiverpOOL, JaNuary 3 (iaNs): Manager Brendan Rodgers Saturday insisted that Liverpool FC did all it could to keep captain Steven Gerrard at Anfield.

Gerrard's glittering 16-year Anfield career will come to an end in May when he leaves to join an undisclosed team in Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States, having said that he would not move to one of Liverpool's direct rivals out of respect for his boyhood club, reports Daily Mail Online.

In his column, Gerrard's former teammate Jamie Carragher argues that Liverpool should have done more to keep the former England international in Merseyside and is "dismayed" that his experience is being allowed to walk out of the door.

But Rodgers, who made no secret of his ambition to keep Gerrard, said: "If you look at Steven's statement then that makes it clear. He certainly knew my feelings on me wanting him to be here.

"He has been a brilliant captain for me in my time here. I naturally wanted him to stay here. His role is slightly different now, he still sees himself wanting to go on and play for a couple of years. Naturally at this level it was going to taper over the next couple years," he said. "He wasn't ready to go into coaching or anything like that yet. He sees himself very much as a player. When he finishes as a player then we can look at coaching as he is someone who would be brilliant to come back as part of the staff.

But his concentration at the moment is on his football." The 34-year-old in

October raised the possibility that he could move away from Anfield after revealing that talks over a new contract had not opened.

Liverpool belatedly made him an offer in November but, after much deliberation, Gerrard wanted to pursue another challenge and Rodgers can understand why he wants to broaden his horizon. "He said it himself he left here on great terms, both with myself and the owners. Anything else that is said beyond that would be wide of the mark," the manager said.

"In fairness to him we had a chat a few days before the announcement was made. I have been fully aware of things all the way along. He is someone who fully deserves that respect. What the guy has done in the game he deserves that time to make the decision."

Saina tweeted.

"I won the Commonwealth Games gold in 2010 and I am the world number four. As a player we feel good when we get such a great award and it motivates."

The Hyderabadi also questioned the criteria on the basis of which the sports ministry has recommended Sushil's name.

As per the norms, there has to be a gap of at least five years between two Padma awards to the same person and Sushil, having got the Padma Shri in 2011, wouldn't have been eligible for the Padma Bhushan before 2016. However, the home ministry has the prerogative to relax the rules in 'highly deserving' cases.

The 24-year-old Saina said her name was rejected last year for the same reason.

I will use the ban period to rectify my technique: Sarita GuWahati, JaNuary 3 (pti): Banned from competition for a year, Asian Games bronze medallist L Sarita Devi on Saturday said she would utilise the period by taking corrective measures in her technique so that she can be ready for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

"I will positively use the year by practising and working on my problem areas to correct them. I have faith in myself. I will take the year as a challenge to hone my skills and techniques to be ready for the next Olympics in 2016. My focus is now on earning an Olympic medal for my country," Sarita said on the sidelines of an event.

Sarita was handed a one-year ban by the In-

Sarita Devi

ternational Boxing Association (AIBA) for refusing to accept her bronze medal at the Asian Games in Incheon after losing the controversial semi-final bout against South Korean opponent Jina Park.

Sarita also said she wouldn't have been able to motivate herself had there not been constant support

from Union Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.

"Sarbananda Sonowal sir is very supportive and has been constantly encouraging me. His support lifted my morale," said Sarita.

The pugilist, who had refused to accept the bronze medal has been banned till October 1, 2015 and fined 1000 swiss francs.

Sarita is eligible to compete in the 2016 Olympic qualifiers.

Sonowal had written a letter to the AIBA to revoke her suspension considering her earlier trackrecord of good behaviour.

Even iconic cricketer and Rajya Sabha MP Sachin Tendulkar had batted for revoking of Sarita's suspension.

Johnson in doubt for SCG Test Alan Pardew named Crystal Palace manager syDNey, JaNuary 3 (aGeNcies): Mitchell Johnson is in doubt for the Sydney Test on Tuesday due to a hamstring injury.

Johnson, who has taken 13 wickets in 122.2 overs at an average of just over 35, missed the practice session on Saturday and his condition will be assessed.

After the conclusion of the Melbourne Test, Johnson had remarked that he will ask Australian skipper Steven Smith for a lighter

workload in the fourth Test.

Johnson had bowled a total of 38 overs on a flat deck in Adelaide and 45.3 overs in Melbourne. Johnson has not bowled short and fast spells like he did in the 5-0 whitewash of England and in the series win in South Africa.

Johnson's only vital contribution came in the Brisbane Test when he bowled with pace to pick up 4/61 to usher in a collapse. However, he has been down on pace and Australia might

opt to rest him ahead of the 2015 World Cup. Mitchell Starc or Peter Siddle might come into the squad.

Starc, who had a poor outing with the ball at the Gabba, could feature in the team as the like-for-like replacement for Johnson.

Siddle, who was under the weather in Adelaide, did not get a chance in either Brisbane or Melbourne and he will be aiming to make amends should he be selected for the Sydney Test.

LONDON, JaNuary 3 (iaNs): Alan Pardew was Saturday named Crystal Palace manager after being released from his contract at Newcastle United.

The former West Ham United and Charlton Athletic manager will take charge of the FA Cup tie with Dover Athletic Sunday after signing a three-anda-half year deal at Selhurst Park. Palace confirmed the appointment of Pardew, a former midfielder at the

south London club Saturday for a compensation package believed to be 3.5 million pounds.

In a statement, Eagles chairman Steve Parish said: "We wanted a manager with a great track record and proven experience in the Premier League. In Alan we have both these things as well as a man who has great affection for this Football's worst kept club and shares my deter- secret was finally made mination to take us to the public Saturday morning, next level." two days after the 53-year-

Alan Pardew

old, who spent more than four years at Tyneside, sat in the stands and watched his Palace team draw 0-0 at

Aston Villa. "I am absolutely delighted to be the new manager of Crystal Palace," Pardew said.

Speaking to Newcastle's website, Pardew said: "It has been a privilege to manage Newcastle United and I want to thank my captain Fabricio Coloccini and all the players, John Carver, Steve Stone, Andy Woodman and all the staff, all of who have been outstanding servants to Newcastle United."

Sangakkara surpasses 12,000 runs

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WeLLiNGtON, JaNuary 3 (ap): Sri Lanka veteran Kumar Sangakkara became the fifth cricketer to surpass 12,000 runs and fast bowler Nuwan Pradeep took 4-63 to help the visitors dismiss New Zealand for 221 on the opening day of the second test on Saturday.

Sri Lanka sought to reassert itself after losing the first test in the two-match series at Christchurch by sending the hosts to bat first on a green pitch at Basin Reserve and claiming New Zealand's last eight wickets for 81 runs. But the tourists couldn't build on the momentum at bat, losing five wickets for 78 runs at the start of their innings before stumps.

Sangakkara, who was 33 not out at stumps, started the first test in Christchurch needing 12 runs to reach the 12,000run milestone but was out for 6 and 1, delaying his admission to an elite group whose members include Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, Jacques Kallis and Rahul Dravid. He comfortably reached the number on Saturday, but as he did, Sri Lanka's innings began to

Kumar Sangakkara

disintegrate around him with the rapid dismissals of Dimuth Karunaratne (16), Kaushal Silva (5), Lahiru Thirimanne (0), Angelo Mathews (15) and Prasanne Jayawardene (6).

New Zealand had fared similarly in its innings. The hosts were in a strong position at 141-2 shortly after lunch, but their innings un-

raveled quickly following the dismissals of Ross Taylor for 35, top-scorer Kane Williamson for 69 and captain Brendon McCullum for a two-ball duck.

Pradeep shared seven wickets with Suranga Lakmal (3-71) as Sri Lanka swung the momentum its way temporarily in the session between lunch and tea.

McCullum was attempting to follow up his match-winning innings of 195 in the first test on the grounds where he scored 302 against India 11 months ago. After receiving the keys to the city of Wellington in recognition of his triple century, he arrived at the crease Saturday to a raucous ovation and left six minutes later

to muted applause.

Many of the dismissals throughout the day looked similar. McCullum, Taylor, Williamson and Silva were all out chopping the ball onto their own stumps. Silva was the most unfortunate, playing a defensive push and then failing to react when the ball spun backward and bounced onto the bails.

New Zealand lost both openers — Tom Latham (6) and Hamish Rutherford (37) — before lunch to catches by wicketkeeper Prasana Jayawardene.

Jayawardene also later caught Jimmy Neesham for 15.

Neesham avenged his dismissal in Sri Lanka's innings by taking two catches at slip of Doug Bracewell to remove both Jayawardene (6) and Dimuth Karunaratne (16).

New Zealand seamer Trent Boult also dismissed Karunaratne for the third straight innings after taking him out in both innings at Christchurch.

Thirimanne fell for a duck to Bracewell, who replaced Neil Wagner in the New Zealand lineup and captured 3-23.

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