January 6th, 2017

C M Y K

www.morungexpress.com

FriDAY • JAnuArY 06 • 2017

DIMAPUR • Vol. XII • Issue 04 • 12 PAGes • 5

T H e

ESTD. 2005

P o W e R

o F

T R u T H

Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes

Myanmar: Uprooted by war and fearing troops, girls learn karate PAGE 09

reflections

By Sandemo Ngullie

NII project to be launched in Nagaland

don’t want to be elected un- ous apex Naga civil societies and tribal hohos with strong-arm opposed.

PAGE 12

Despite opposition, 84 more JACWR seeks intervention candidates file nomination of Governor & State Govt NoMiNatioNs filEd oN JaNuarY 5

town/Municipal No of candidates No of male No of women Councils who filed nomination candidates candidates Dimapur 29 19 10 Jalukie 6 4 2 Peren 1 1 0 Longleng 3 3 0 Tseminyu 3 3 0 Shamator 2 1 1 Morung Express News East Dimapur 1 0 1 Dimapur | January 5 Wokha 17 10 7 9 0 3 The attempt to boycott the Urban Naginimora Local Body elections and the fil- Tizit 9 6 3 I’ve decided not to file my 4 3 1 nomination paper because I ing of nomination papers by vari- Phek

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 5 (MExN): The Dimapur District GB Association (DDGBA) has also opposed the 33% women reservation and the upcoming municipal and town council election. A press note from DDGBA asserted that as custodian of customary law and practice, any process that is to affect Article 371A and Naga customs and traditional will not be tolerated. It also maintained that under the reservation, the rotation system without stability would bring more corruption among the representatives. “The present Government should have concern over the sentiments of Nagas instead of using power which is bestowed upon by the public. The DDGBA will not allow 1998 general election system to repeat again,” it stated.

Tottenham ends Chelsea’s winning streak

PAGE 02

• Noklak decides to hold town council election • Kiphire to oppose until municipal act is reviewed • In Pfutsero, women ready to contest even from general seat

Will not allow 1998 general election to repeat again: DDGBA

— Carl Jung

tactics did not stop another 84 intending candidates to file their nomination papers on Thursday.

While the districts of Kohima, Tuensang and Kiphire continued to draw blank with nil turnout, other districts saw a surge of candidates coming in to file nominations under the roving eye of tribal bodies and organizations empowered to monitor the situation at the respective Administrative offices.

Three days since the date for filing of nomination across the 11 districts began, most of the candidates that filed nominations were from the NPF party.

On Thursday, out of the 84 nominations, 53 were from NPF, 13 from BJP and 18 Independent.

The State BJP began their innings from Wokha Town Council where they fielded 13 candidates.

Women were also not to be cowered by the intimidation- as 28 of them filed nominations from different municipal and town councils.

For Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC), which remained in the blank till Wednesday and with the Naga Council Dimapur invoking the “interest of the Nagas” against the filing of the nomination, on Thursday however, in a go, 29 candidates, majority from the NPF and including 10 women filed nomination.

While the Tuli sub-division showed nerve to stand up to the Ao Senden’s diktat of excommunication by filing 9 nominations including 3 women for the Tuli Town Council on January 4, the Ao Senden , has reportedly summoned the 9 candidates on January 6.

“The course of action will depend on the outcome of the meeting,” a post in the social media platform I Love Mokokchung read.

In Pfutsero, volunteers of the Chakhesang Youth Front boycotted the ADC office to prevent intending candidates to file nominations. According to sources, there are four women and 7 men candidates ready to contest for the 11 wards in the sub-division.

“Besides the four reserved seats, there is another woman candidate ready to contest in the general category,” a source who did not wished to be named said.

In a significant move, the Senior Citizens of Noklak Town at an emergency meeting on Thursday resolved to hold the town council election as notified by the Nagaland State Government.

“Our stand does in anyway not infringe Article 371A of the Indian Constitution,” a press note from the senior citizens read.

At the same time, not far away, at Kiphire, the USLP, Eastern Sumi Hoho Kiphire, Tikhir Tribal Council, GBs, NGO, ward

members and USSC at a consultation meeting at Hopongkyu memorial hall unanimously decided not to go ahead with the election till the municipal act is reviewed. The members who attended the meeting then walked to the DC office to stop candidates from filing nomination.

The Congress, which is yet to field any candidate in any of the district, is in a “wait and watch” mode to observe the turn of events before starting to file nominations.

Meanwhile, a press statement from Dimapur District Congress Committee while extending full support to the call of the Naga Hoho, NGOs and civil societies in opposing the ULB election, however resolved that if the government proceeds with their decision, it will not remain a mute spectator but field candidates in their respective wards.

The municipal and town election councils which has still not filed any nominations include Mokokchung Town, Kohima Town, Medziphema, Chumukedima, Pfutsero, Mangkolemba, Tening, Pungro, Aboi, Noklak, Kiphire, Tuensang, Zunheboto, Mon, Longkhim, Tobu and Changtongya.

In total, since January 3 till date, a total of 155 candidates have filed nomination across the state which includes 40 women candidates.

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 5 (MExN): The Joint Action Committee on Women Reservation (JACWR) today sought the immediate intervention of the Nagaland State Governor and the State Government into calls for boycott of the upcoming Municipal Polls and “threats and intimidations by some tribe organisations on intending candidates, which also includes women.”

A press note from the JACWR said Naga women have welcomed the decision to hold the polls and are well prepared to contest in the elections. It expressed concern that after more than 10 years of not holding elections in the municipal bodies, “some of the tribe bodies and other organisations want to continue the status quo, by stopping the process of filing nomination by candidates and using force to intimidate the public.”

It alleged that there are also vested interests that are “misleading the public on the legal validity to hold the municipal election and implement women reservation in these towns and municipal councils as can be seen from the various statements emanating from various organisations.”

It reminded that the JACWR is comprised of the Naga Mothers Association, Eastern Naga Women Organisation, Tenyimia Women Organisation, Naga Women Hoho Dimapur and the Watsu Mongdang.

The JACWR stated that Naga women are not confronting or challenging men. “We are fighting for our rights as guaranteed under the provisions of 243T of the Constitution, which has been enforced

in 1993 and ratified by the Nagaland Legislative Assembly itself to include reservation for women, in 2006,” it said.

The JACWR informed that it had meetings with the Naga Hoho, ENPO, APO and different tribe organisations over the last few months and made its stand clear on “our Constitutional right to reservation as mandated by the Amended Act.” It further stated that the Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed by the JACWR in the Supreme Court was an appeal for holding Municipal Elections in Nagaland and women reservation as per the law.

It said that the Supreme Court in the final hearing stayed the Division Bench Judgement and order, thus reviving the earlier Judgement and Order of the Single Judge of October, 2011. Furthermore, the apex Court categorically observed in the successive hearings that Reservation for women in municipal and towns, does not infringe on Article 371A, the JACWR said.

Reservation, it stated, is implemented in most towns and cities in the rest of the country, including the North east. Despite enjoying special provisions through Constitution Articles like Nagaland, Mizoram has implemented 33% reservation for women, in its second tenure without any infringement on its special provision, it added. The JACWR further informed that Arunachal Pradesh despite being a tribal state has implemented the 73rd Amendment of Panchayati Raj and implemented 33% reservation for the last many years.

Even Manipur, it pointed out has implemented 33% women

reservation and conducted municipal polls. Meanwhile Assam has implemented 33% reservation, and Tripura has implemented 50% reservation for women.

The JACWR said it has informed all its tribe women organisations to help the women candidates file their nominations, as per the dates fixed by the State Election Commission.

It further informed that women candidates in various towns have responded and have started filing their nominations. “Therefore, the latest threats from certain tribe organisations to excommunicate candidates who dare to file their nominations is shocking and objectionable,” it said.

“To seek mandate through the democratic process of filing nomination and election is the fundamental right of every citizen. To excommunicate a legitimate citizen who performs a fundamental right is highly questionable,” the JACWR stated.

It pointed out that in Naga custom, “ex-communication takes place only in the highest crimes like murder, rape and when sacrosanct sacred rules are violated. Are we equating exercise of our political and democratic right to severest criminal action?” the JACWR questioned.

It further appealed for reason and judicious understanding of the law and respect for legal and democratic rights, to enable the long overdue municipal and town council elections to be held peacefully and see the progress and development of towns through mandated, elected councillors and Municipal and Town Councils.

NTC cautions against women’s reservation Present imbroglio created by govt apathy, claims APO

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 5 (MExN): The Nagaland Tribes Council today urged the Nagaland State Government to review the “erroneous insertion” of 33% women reservation and conduct fresh election without reservation at the earliest.

A press note from the NTC stated that it is “disheartened to see the much awaited municipality is again facing a murky situation because of insensible and shabby handling by the government of the day.”

“There are no two opinions to say that the women reservation policy is alien to Naga Cul-

ture. Reservation policy in India is meant for down trodden people in the society. Whereas, there is no practice as such that random depravation basing on gender in Naga Society. The position and status are rated and ascribed according to ones capacity and achievements.

Therefore, the make believe of certain section as depraved or discriminate is an offence and against our custom. The very concept of reservation is self defeating because it rather leads to stigmatization of those sections as lesser souls,” the NTC stated.

The decision to hold election amidst “strong people’s opposition,” it said is “an imposition which will never carry the people’s mandate.” Women reservation, the NTC stated is “against our time tested custom and tradition,” and cautioned that if introduced would infringe Article 371 A of the constitution “whereby the Nagas of Nagaland are provided with full guarantee to govern as per our custom and tradition.”

No amount of justification, it added, “will compensate the depravation of our rights and custom at this moment.”

NPF fields 2 candidates for same ward

Veterinary Colony Council asks party to intervene

C M Y K

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 5 (MExN): The Veterinary Colony Council, Dimapur has expressed surprise at the Naga People’s Front (NPF) issuing tickets to two intending candidates for the same ward.

In a press statement, the Council stated that NPF had awarded tickets to Pukhavi Yepthomi and Hokuto Zhimomi – both of Ward No. 22 – and sought clarification from the party high command on the issue.

Stating that both candidates are close neighbours and residents of the same colony, the Council expressed apprehension that the situation may “turn volatile” and in this regard, demanded that appropriate security be provided to the Colony.

Further stating that this is a “very complex issue”, the Council urged the NPF high command to intervene at the earliest “before the issue turns out into a nightmare.” It cautioned

The two NPF tickets issued to two candidates from the same ward in Dimapur. The colony council has expressed fear of the situation turning “volatile.”

that the NPF will be held accountable for any untoward incident.

Meanwhile, the distribution of NPF party tickets for the upcoming municipal election in Dimapur has caused a lot of resentment, especially among NPF workers who were also former DMC members. A senior NPF member and former councilor who was denied party ticket in the eleventh hour said the ticket distribution smacked

of manipulation as it was done without proper consultation and sidelined senior and experienced members who were also former councilors.

A couple of the former councilors have also resigned from the NPF Party after they were denied tickets. Sources said at least 8 former councilors who did not get the NPF party will be contesting the election as independent candidates or from other political parties.

KOHIMA, JANUARY 5 (MExN): The Angami Public Organisation (APO) expressed concern at the present “imbroglio” regarding women’s reservation, which it stated has been “created by the government’s apathy and insensitivity.”

A press note from the APO said that it has “no malice or have any intentions to suppress women’s rights.” “Far from it, it is

our fervent wish that out women continue to be at par with male counterpart holding equal respect in all areas and dimensions,” it claimed.

However, the APO reiterated its opposition to the “divisive policy of the government to sabotage and derail the Article 371(A) of the Indian Constitution which produced the Nagaland State through the 16 Point Agreement in 1960.”

Subsequently, through the empowerment contained in Article 371(A) some of our most vital inalienable rights were protected, it stated, while affirming to safeguard the “protection of our natural, customary and traditional right which was brought through the sweat of our brow shedding blood and tears decades upon decades.”

The APO made it clear that

“no person shall be allowed to file nomination paper for the municipal elections because of the above stated reasons until such time a mutual agreement protecting this right is reached at.” It cautioned that “any Angami candidate who files their nomination shall be penalized as per the APO resolution adopted,” and asked those who have filed to withdraw their nomination.

international border fencing opposed

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 5 (MExN): A joint consultative meeting of ENPO and 6 tribal units (CKS, KTC, KU, PPC, USLP & YTC) adopted the ENPO Pangsha resolution to oppose the ongoing construction of border fencing along the Indo-Myanmar border by the Myanmar government at Pangsha village.

A press note from the ENPO said that it would not allow movement of any organizations/agencies across international boundaries through Eastern Nagaland without prior permission from ENPO, Konyak Union, Khiamniungan Tribal Council and Yimchunger Tribal Council.

It further resolved that the ENPO, KTC and remaining 5 Federating Tribal Units would jointly pursue the matter basing on the memorandum submitted by KTC to the Prime Minister of India on December 12, and as requested to the Prime Minister of India by the Chief Minister of Nagaland and Chief Secretary of Nagaland for taking up the matter with the Myanmar counterpart in this regard.

After the consultative meeting, the ENPO and public visited the spot and interacted with both Indian and Myanmar Armies who are stationed there. The ENPO also seriously viewed the demolition of Pangsha Helipad between pillar no. 145 to 146.

NPG Working Group against ‘sinister policy’

Meanwhile, the Working group of Naga political groups comprising of the GPRN/ NSCN, NSCN (R), NNC (parent body), NNC/GDRN and NNC/NPGN has called

People protesting the ongoing border fencing work at the Indo-Myanmar border in Pangsha.

upon the Naga people to “fight tooth and nail against the attempt by GOI and Myanmar to pursue border fencing along the socalled international border.”

A press note from the Working Group stated that “this policy is to create further rift within the Naga family and to completely marginalise and weaken the strong historical, cultural, social, political and emotional affinity between Nagas spread across artificial boundary.” It resolved to act against any move to fence imaginary border by GoI or Myanmar as it would sever off tribes, clans, families and their ancestral properties.

“The GoI and Myanmar are about to commit crime against the Nagas again should the imaginary boundary be fenced right in the middle of the Naga Nation, having set up pillars decades ago without the consent and approval of indigenous Nagas who settled in their homeland more than a

thousand years ago,” it said.

The Working Group called upon the GoI and the Myanmar government to “understand that honorable and acceptable political solution should precede any boundary fencing in Naga homeland.”

The present geo-political situation in the region may necessitate certain political arrangements acceptable and honorable to indigenous Nagas on both sides of the so-called international border, it stated. It however pointed out that all Nagas whether in India or in Myanmar are bound by common history, heritage, customs and traditions which cannot be separated by imaginary boundaries.

It further appealed to all Naga tribes in India and Myanmar to “rise up against the sinister policy at work.” “We must prevent occupational forces from setting up boundaries between us in our homeland against our will,” it said.

2

FriDAY 06•01•2017

NAGALAND

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

‘Come together for common good’ Morung Express News Emlomi | January 5

Parliamentary Secretary for Justice & Law and SIRD, Er. Picto Shohe on Thursday made a fervent call to the people of Atoizu area to come together and strive for uplift of the area.

“I come here as a servant of the public and my aim is to develop Atoizu area,” Er. Picto said during the inaugural programme of the 40th General Conference of Atoizu Range Students’ Union (ARSU) which kicked off at Emlomi village.

The Chief Guest apprised the people of the area that he was trying to further connectivity among the villages through construction of roads and bridges many of which are ongoing while some work would start this year.

Calling upon leaders of the area to cooperate in such

NII project to be launched in Nagaland Chief Guest : Shri T.R. Zeliang, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Nagaland

Guest of Honour : Shri P. Paiwang Hon’ble Minister, IT&C, Transport, Civil Aviation & Border Affairs

Parliamentary Secretary for Justice & Law and SIRD, Er. Picto Shohe seen with office bearers of ARSU during its general conference at Emlomi village held on December 5. (Morung Photo)

developmental works, Er. Picto also urged them to be rooted in the word of God. He drew references from Colossians 2:3 and Matthew 5:4 from the Bible while encouraging the gathering.

“I urge upon leaders to ask themselves, ‘who am I?’ and take God along with you to be the salt of the earth,” he appealed.

To the students participating in the conference, Er. Picto advised them not to merely attend the programmes but to learn new things during such gatherings and be benefitted.

He also encouraged them to foster brotherhood and unity and work towards the progress of the area.

On the inaugural day,

various participating units from Atoizu range competed in traditional couple wear, folk dance and song, traditional fire making etc.

The 40th ARSU General Conference is being held under the theme, “Indomitable Spirit” and hosted by Emlo Students’ Union. The conference will culminate on January 7.

A faded new Rs. 500 note sent in by a concerned reader. As the crisis owing to demonetisation persists, discrepancies in notes including differing colour, differently placed shapes and items on the notes and even unequal sizes have emerged over the period. However, the Reserve Bank of India had earlier clarified the defect could be due to “rush” in printing but still usable. Regarding the fading of colour or tint when rubbed or washed, the Union Economic Affairs Secretary, Shaktikanta Das said in a press conference on November 15 that it is one of the proofs that the note is a genuine legal tender, according to NDTV. "The new currency notes, just as the old ones, will lose colour if rubbed with a piece of cloth wet because that's the nature of the dye used. If your note does not lose colour, it's one of the signs that it may be fake," he said.

Kohima, January 5 (mExn): Along with six other states, Gujarat, Karnakata, Chandigarh, Kerala, Pondichery, Uttrakhand in the Country, the State of Nagaland in coordination with the Ministry of Electronics & IT, Government of India, New Delhi had also taken up the pilot project for National Information Infrastructure (NII) project at Peren District and the project is now ready for commissioning on January 6 at 11:00 am.

“This project will be providing three Wireless Broadband Internet Services to each Administrative Hqs and all recognized Villages under Peren District and once it is successful it will replicated in other districts in the State,” KD Vizo, ITS, Commissioner & Secretary (IT).

The inaugural function will be graced by TR Zeliang, Chief Minister of Nagaland as chief guest and P. Paiwang Konyak, Minister, IT&C, Transport & Civil Aviation and Border Affairs will be the guest of honour.

The programme will be chaired by respected Chief Secretary, Nagaland and Joint Secretary, Ministry of Electronics & IT, New Delhi will represent the Government of India.

Representative from Government of India : Shri Sanjiv Mittal, IAS, Joint Secretary, MEITY, Government of India

Chairman : Shri Pankaj Kumar, IAS, Chief Secretary, Nagaland

NII Architecture Nagaland (Backhaul Links & their distances) Point to Point Link(1+1) 2.3 km Kohima Secretariats

Point to Point Link(1+1)

Point to Point Link(1+1)

Kohima18.9 km Tsiepema 18.24 km Ruzaphem Microwav a e to Point Point to Point to

Point Link 5.6 km

Poilw a

Point Link 13 km

Point Link 4 km

Old Peren

Benreu

New Peren

Jalukie Town

Athibung

Nkilwa

Jalukie Jhandi

Tenning

NII Architecture Nagaland

Base Transmission station(BTS) & Customer Premise Equipment (CPE) P2P: 2, BTS: 1/2 CPEs: 15 Kohima Microwave

Kohima Secretariat P2P: 1, BTS : 2/2 CPEs: 9

Tsiepama

P2P: 5, BTS : 2/1 P2P: 1, BTS : 1/3 CPEs: 3 CPEs: 12

P2P: 1, BTS: CPEs: 9

Benreu

Poilwa

Old Peren

P2P: 1, BTS : 3/3 CPEs:

P2P: 1, BTS : 2/2 CPEs:

Nkilwa

Ruzaphema

New Peren P2P: 2, BTS : 3/3 CPEs: 28

Athibung

P2P: 3, BTS : 2/3 CPEs: 38

Jalukie Town P2P: 1, BTS : 3 CPEs:

Jalukie Jhandi

Tenning

Special National Integration camp at Dimapur underway

Dimapur, January 5 (mExn): Special National Integration camp (SNIC) got underway at Patkai Christian College (PCC) Dimapur from January 4 to 15 as an annual event of National Cadet Corps.

Total of 600 National Cadet Corps cadets from different parts of the country would form part of the SNIC including 110 cadets from the North East Region.

The aim of the camp SDAO Niuland conducted One-Day training programme on Bio-Composting under Mission Organic Value Chain Development (MOVCD) at Kuhoxu Village on January 5. is to foster a spirit of unity

amongst the cadets, cutting across regional, religious, linguistic and cultural barriers, and provide them an opportunity to learn from each other’s culture and traditions.

Various programmes showcasing knowledge of Indian customs and traditional history of seven sisters, cultural heritage and economic development of India will be conducted in order to promote closer understanding and integration among National

Cadet Corps cadets of different states.

Besides, cadets organize themselves to conduct social activities, cleanliness drive and community hygiene activities.

Training programmes such as Drill, Sports and adventure activities like trekking as well as extracurricular activities like cultural programs, declamation and debate are also planned in Special National Integration Camp to de-

velop confidence and public speaking.

Also participating in these activities, selected cadets among those who excel in various activities also get to represent their states and the country in National level camps as well as on Youth Exchange programs to visit certain foreign countries.

Among the 50 National Integration Camps there are six Special National Integration Camps, con-

ducted every year in the far extremities of the country, i.e. at Port Blair (Andaman Islands), Lakshadweep Islands, Jaisalmer (Rajasthan), Leh/Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir), New Delhi & in the North East, at Nagaland. Currently NCC Group Headquarter, Kohima on behalf of NER Directorate, Shillong is hosting the SNIC Nagaland at Patkai Christian College (Autonomous), Chumukedima, Dimapur.

7th Tening Triennial General Conference held

TEnning, January 5 (Dipr): Namri Nchang, Member of Nagaland Legislative Assembly (MLA) representing 6th Tening Assembly Constituency was the chief guest of the 7th Tening Triennial General Conference cum Cultural Festival 2017 at Tening Village on January 5.

Namri Nchang in his speech called upon all to preserve culture wherever they live and asked the Tening village to set an example. Achakbo Newmai, Superintendence of Engineer, Department of Agriculture, Government of Nagaland also spoke in the occasion as Guest of Honour.

Reverend Kitanwi, Chewang E/S LBA invoked the gathering. Special number was presented by B.Y.E. Tening Village.

Welcome note was delivered by Namkiabui, Chairman of TVC. Zengdibo Meriamai gave presi- Namri Nchang, MLA at the 7th Tening Triennial General Conference cum Cultural Festival 2017 at Tening Village on January 5. (DIPR Photo) dential address.

Phoyisha Cultural festival at Yisisotha village begins Our Correspondent Kohima | January 5

Minister for School Education & SCERT Yitachu today graced the 23 session of Phoyisha Cultural festival at Yisisotha village under Meluri Sub Division of Phek district. Altogether 10 villages under Phoyisha area are competing in different cultural activities.

The festival aims to promote and preserve cultures and tradition. It also aim to instill the good moral values and ethics of culture to the younger generation in promoting peace, love, harmony and oneness of the people and create cordial relations with neighbours.

Yitachu said that preserving and promoting one own culture is very important of life as without culture there is no identity.

“We should continue to promote culture,” he said adding that it has not only

Minister Yitachu arriving at the 23 session of Phoyisha Cultural festival at Yisisotha village under Meluri Sub Division of Phek district held on January 5. (Morung Photo)

promote tourism but also develop people to people contact. Yitachu also said that cultural platform also bring the countries together and develop social harmony. It also promotes trade and commerce activities.

He informed that Meluri Sub Division possesses rich mineral de-

posit and huge potential for hydro power. He said it will have direct connectivity to Southeast Asian countries where trade and business will take place in a big way between India and Myanmar. He said that trans-border highway connectivity has already been approved by Government of India in principle.

Earlier, welcome address was delivered by Phoyisha Cultural Organisation general secretary Lazithu Trakha. Phoyisha cultural organisation president S. Pfithu chaired the inaugural function. The festival will go on till January 6 with Dr. Ritu Thurr, CMO Longleng as valedictory chief guest.

Friday 06•01•2017

NORTH-EAST 3

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Prof. Gangumei Kamei passes away at 77

Dimapur, January 5 (mExn): Prominent academic turned politician, Prof. Gangumei Kamei passed away at his residence in Imphal at around 8:15 am on January 5 at the age 77 years.

He was a member of the North East Council (NEC), Ministry of DoNER, Government of India. A condolence meeting in his honour was held in the NEC Secretariat, Shillong this morning. Born in Imphal on October 21, 1939, ProDirector General of Assam Rifles Lieutenant General Shokin Chauhan, Yudh Seva Medal, fessor Kamei was a histoSena Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal called upon Mukul Sangma, Chief Minister of Meghalaya on rian and writer. He died of January 5. This is General Shokin Chauhan’s first formal interaction with the Chief Minister of a terminal illness.

Meghalaya since taking over the prestigious appointment of Director General Assam Rifles.

Prof. Kamei was the founder President of the Federal Party of Manipur which was formed in the year 1993. He was elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly in the year 1995 and again in 2001 Manipur Assembly. He was the minnEW DELHi, January ister for Forest, Environment 5 (iE): The North Eastern and Higher Education. state of Manipur is schedIn 2012, Prof. Gangmuuled to go to polls in two phases, first on March 4 and then on March 8. With impHaL, January 5 (ianS): Pre-poll clashes a population of 0.26 crore have been reported from some parts in Manipur foland 60 Assembly seats, lowing the announcement of the state assembly electhe state has seen the Contions, officials said on Thursday. In Heirok, Thoubal gress government in power district, the police resorted to firing tear-gas shells to for the last 15 years with nEW DELHi, January disperse an unruly mob.

Okram Ibobi Singh in chief 5 (ianS): With Telangana "Some cars and jeeps had been overturned and ministerial role since 2002. and Assam joining the cenpushed into ditches," officials said. N. Sovakiran, PresGeographically placed tral government's Ujwal ident of the the Manipur People's Party, was arrested at the hinterlands of the Discom Assurance Yojna for inciting violence in Heirok, damaging vehicles and country, Manipur has wit(UDAY) and Tamil Nadu also for beating up Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) worknessed a harrowing hiscoming on board next ers who were holding a meeting on Wednesday aftory since independence week, over 90 per cent of ternoon. that continues to plague its the debt of state electricThe villagers of Heirok later held a meeting and present in the form of interity distribution companies resolved that Sovakiran will be boycotted in the nal disputes, issues of terriwill be covered by the debt constituency. They also demanded that he pay for torial integrity, economic restructuring scheme for the damaged vehicles.

Meanwhile, over 12 persons blockades and of course discoms, an official statewere injured in clashes in the Keirao constituency on the Armed Forces (Special ment said on Wednesday.

Wednesday night.

Powers) Act. However, de"An overall net benefit The injured persons accused supporters of the spite the longstanding turof approximately Rs 6,116 BJP's Keirao unit leader M.I. Khan of attacking them. moil in the state, people of crore to Telangana and Rs The elections to the Manipur assembly will be held Manipur have a tendency 1,663 crore to Assam will between February 4 to March 8.

The results will be out to vote the same party to come from joining the on March 11. power, as has been the case scheme," Power Minister in the past 15 years.

This year however, lands. Manipur in the past and the BJP are the ma- Piyush Goyal said at an might be a challenge for few months saw the impo- jor players in the state, the event here.

"With these two states the Congress to retain its sition of economic block- other face to look out for, is coming on board, states position due to the inroads ades by the United Naga that of Irom Sharmila who made by the Bhartiya Jana- Council (UNC) as a mark broke her 16-year long fast with over 90 per cent of ta Party (BJP) in the state of protest against the bifur- against the Armed Forces total discom debts to be and also as a result of the cation of districts followed Special Powers Act (AF- covered under UDAY afManipur government’s re- by extreme shortages of es- SPA) in Manipur. In Octo- ter Tamil Nadu comes on cent decision to bifurcate sential commodities and ber last year she formed board," he said.

With Telengana and several of the hill districts violence that crippled the the ‘People’s Resurgence in the state leading to wi- common man. Adding to and Justice Alliance’ which Assam, the total number descale grievances, par- the already existing woes would be contesting in the of states covered under the ticularly among the tribes was the Centre’s move to upcoming elections, hold- Uday scheme have reached who fear the bifurcation demonetise Rs 500 and ing up strongly the issue of 20, a Union Power Ministry would result in encroach- 1,000. withdrawal of armed forces statement said here.

According to the statement of their ancestral While the Congress from the state.

Manipur polls: Congress may just find it tough this time Pre-poll clashes erupt in parts of Manipur

hiding after police registered a case against him.

The district session court issued the non-bailable warrant against Dorphang after he failed to appear before the Investigating Officer, probing into the case, Public Prosecutor I.C.Jha told IANS. Among other things, Dorphang was charged under the Prevention of Immoral Trafficking Prevention Act. On Tues-

day, two civil society groups, including the powerful women's group Civil Society Women's Organisation, had asked police to issue a red alert for Dorphang.

The groups also reiterated their demand for the resignation of Home Minister H.D.R. Lyngdoh after his son's guest house was used for sexual exploitation. They also asked Assembly Speaker Abu Taher Mondal to take

UNLF militant arrested in Manipur

impHaL, January 5 (pTi): A selfstyled 'captain' of the outlawed United National Liberation Front (UNLF) was arrested on the eastern side of Top Khongnangkhong bridge in Manipur's Imphaldistrict, a police statement said today. The militant, arrested on Tuesday, was identi-

fied as Mangsatabam Gojendro alias Telheiba (45) from Luwangsangbam Makha Leikai of the same district, it added.

He was arrested by a joint team of Imphal East District Police Commando and 21 Para (Special Force) during checking, the statement said

Arunachal Dy CM submits state proposals to Arun Jaitley

iTanaGar, January 5 (pTi): Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein has placed proposals of the state government before the Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to be considered and incorporated in the Union Budget 2017-18.

Mein, who also holds the finance portfolio in Arunachal cabinet, yesterday attended the pre-budget meeting chaired by the Union Finance Minister in New Delhi.

The meeting was also attended by Union Ministers of State for Finance Santosh Kumar Gangwar and Arjun Ram Meghwal, In the meeting, Mein placed the state govt proposal for railway connectivity along the foothills of the state to facilitate smooth movement of people and transportation of goods, an official release said here. He also placed proposal of 430 km long double lane east-west highway along the foothills at a total cost of Rs 5244 crore.

The deputy chief minister informed that the proposal had already been submitted to the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways by the state government.

"The strategically located border state of Arunachal Pradesh is lagging behind on the path of development and the big-

gest challenge before the state is to ensure robust connectivity," Mein told Jaitley, the release said.

He also placed proposal for construction of a 1841 km long frontier highway which would run parallel to Trans Arunachal Highway and would ensure connectivity for the remote habitations along the China and Myanmar border.

"It is equally important to connect the upper reaches of border areas as the villagers are migrating towards urban settlement, leaving the border areas vulnerable and uninhabited due to absence of good connectivity," Mein pointed out.

He informed the union minister that the state government had prepared a blueprint of the proposed frontier highway and requested him to place the proposal on priority in the union budget, the release informed.

At the state Finance Miisters' interaction with Jaitley, the Arunachal Deputy CM also sought financial help from the Centre for massive investment push, world class infrastructure development and global branding campaign to showcase the beauty of this part of India to rest of the world, the release said.

Late Prof. Gangumei Kamei passed away in Imphal on Thursday, January 5, 2017.

ography of Manipur, History of Zeliangrong Nagas: From Makhel to Rani Gaidinliu, Ethnicity and Social change (An anthology of essays), Lectures on History of Manipur.

He was also associated with several social and cultural bodies at the State and national level. He was a member of the Advisory Committee of the Anthropological Survey of India (1984-87). He was a mem-

ber of the ICSSR panel on Tribal Studies.

In 2010, he was awarded by the Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, the Platinum Jubilee Samman for contribution to history and tribal culture. He was also awarded a National Fellowship by Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla (2010-2012).

The Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) expressed sadness at the demise of Prof. Gangumei Kamei, describing him as “dynamic academician, an author, socio-political leader and religious reformer of his time.”

“His sacrifices and dedication for the Zeliangrong people is a milestone in the ‘Golden History’ of Zeliangrong Nagas,” stated the press note from the ZUF Information Secretary, A Longmei.

“With much of his legacy left for his people (us), the Zeliangrong United Front

will uphold his dreams and aspirations to translate into reality. Let us march together without any differences to bring about the best he dreamt for the people,” the ZUF stated.

Meanwhile, a condolence message from NSCN (IM)’s Secretary of Zeliangrong Region Coordination Committee, DG Robert, stated that “Even though we acknowledge God’s timing to take him to be in His heavenly abode, his demise is great lost to Zeliangrong in particular and Nagas in general.”

Prof. Kamei, the message read, had led the Zeliangrong people with “utmost sincerity and dedication in various capacities.” While sharing strength and solace for the bereaved family, the Committee said it will cherish and appreciate the “selfless service” he had rendered through his life.

With input from agencies

Telangana, Assam join Assam police begins survey of 'char' areas Uday discom debt scheme

Non-bailable warrant against M'laya legislator in rape case SHiLLonG, January 5 (ianS): A court in Meghalaya on Wednesday issued non-bailable warrant against Independent legislator, Julius Dorphang, who has been accused of raping 14-year-old girl.

Dorphang, a former rebel leader of the outlawed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council and now supporting the Congressled government, went into

mei Kamei joined the BJP and contested the outer Manipur Lok Sabha Constituency.

He was also President of Manipur History Society. He was the Coordinator of the Centre for Manipuri Studies and Tribal Research of Manipur University and in this capacity he guided a large number of research projects most of which were already published. The area of his specialization was regional history of Northeast India and history of Manipur. He wrote extensively on history, culture and contemporary issues of the region.

He was the President of the Northeast India History Association (NEIHA) in its Kohima session of 1986.

Among his publications mention may be made of the following: A history of Modern Manipur (18262000), A history of Manipur: pre-colonial period, On History and Histori-

action against Dorphang, while asking Chief Minister Mukul Sangma to take full responsibility and ensure action against the two legislators who are members of the Meghalaya United Alliance government.

Police have arrested five persons, which include three women pimps. A waitress at the Home Minister's family-run guest house has also been arrested.

ment, the Telangana government will take over Rs 8,923 crore of the total Rs 11,897 crore of discom debt.

The Assam government will take over Rs 928 crore out of total Rs 1,510 crore discom debt, being 75 per cent of their respective discom debt outstanding as on September 30, 2015, as envisaged in the scheme, and the balance debt would be re-priced or issued as stateguaranteed discom bonds.

States and discoms collectively have issued bonds worth Rs 1.83 lakh crore so far to pay off their accumulated debt.

Goyal also said the power ministry is planning schemes to reward states for their performance on various parameters under the UDAY scheme.

"The time has come for some reward schemes. The states and discoms which have done well should be rewarded," Goyal said, while addressing the launch here of the UDAY Web Portal and Mobile App.

GuWaHaTi, January 5 (pTi): Assam Police has started survey of 'char' areas (seasonal islands), besides increasing patrolling to prevent any untoward incident by anti-social elements. "Survey in the 829 villages at char areas of the state have started after the direction of Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and the river patrolling system has also been bolstered with modern technology," an official release said.

These steps have been initiated for stopping ille-

gal migration and address security threats from across the border, it added.

"The survey carried out by Assam Police in the chars would benefit the people residing at these areas, especially during the time of flood, erosion and other such natural calamities as relief operations would efficiently reach the affected people," the statement said.

Moreover, people of these places would be adequately sensitised for thwarting any activity of

NHPC inks agreement for Rs 14000 cr Tawang plants

mumBai, January 5 (Dna): India’s premier hydropower generation company NHPC Limited has signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) with the government of Mizoram for supply of 1,400 megawatt for a period of 35 years.

Two projects – Tawang I and Tawang II – will supply 600 mw and 800 mw respectively to Mizoram, when ready.

“PPA in respect of upcoming projects Tawang-I and Tawang-II HE Project, Arunachal Pradesh has been signed on December 29, 2016 with Power &

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anti-national elements that might try to set up base there, it added.

The survey would ensure that the youths of these areas do not fall prey to the evil designs of antinational elements.

"After the direction of the Chief Minister survey in 829 of 2,251 total villages at char areas of the state is being carried out

by Assam Police and rest of the villages would also be brought under the survey in a phased manner," the statement said.

LOST NOTICE Two wheeler stolen on 31st December 2016, from Kuda Village, Half Nagarjan, Dimapur.

Regd. No : NL 07 M 8065 Model : Yamaha/ Ray Z Engine No : E3N6E0094227 Chassis No : MEISE7781G0055966 Colour : Cyan Splash Mobile No : 9856213258

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND

OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY GENERAL MANAGER OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY GENERAL MANAGER NAGALAND STATE TRANSPORT DRIVERS' TRAINING INSTITUTE

Electricity Department, government of Mizoram for a period of 35 years from the date of commercial operation (COD) of the project,” mentioned a BSE filing.

Presently, both the projects are awaiting clearances to commence construction for the hydro-power plants.

According to May 2016 price levels, the estimated cost for Tawang Hydroelectric Project or Tawang-I is at Rs 6,131.69 crore. It will take 78 months for to be completed. For Tawang-II, the estimated cost as per September 2015 price level is at Rs 7,829.08 crore.

VACANCY 1. B.Com. Maths Honours 2. B.Sc. P.C.M. 3. B.Th (Male) Contact: 7085493800

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Dated: - 03/01/17

First of its kind "Drivers' Training Institute" in North-East India A Joint Venture of "Nagaland State Transport and Tata Motors" Special Features:1. Trainees are First made to proceed on Electronic Simulator.

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2. Heavy Motor Vehicle 3(three) month Conditions & Eligibility Criteria 1. The minimum age of the candidate must be 18(eighteen) years and above on the date of admission.

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3. Seats are limited and Admission will be on ‘First Come First Basis’.

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8. For Queries and application Forms contact the Institute Office on all working days or Call:- +91 9436417130.

(Z. Vikheto Achumi)) Dy. General Manager, NST, Drivers' Training Institute Virazouma (7th Mile), Dimapur, Nagaland

• Ememei Khebo lei kobu ye well-wishers mei thopfü ako Chüthuni manile.

• Omei thopfüno opfo-ope ona nolo-o vupilo.

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4

friDAY 06•01•2017

business

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

‘Estimates of demonetised notes World’s first smartphone with 8GB of RAM launched back with banks may be incorrect’

New Delhi, JaNuary 5 (NDtV GaDGet): The Asus ZenFone AR smartphone with 8GB RAM and Tango & DayDream support has been unveiled at the CES 2017 event in Las Vegas. While the Taiwanese company touts the Asus ZenFone AR as the world’s first smartphone with 8GB RAM, other variants of the AR+VR handset will also be launched, including a model with 6GB RAM. The ZenFone AR was previously confirmed by Qualcomm. The Asus ZenFone 3 Zoom has also been announced at the same event, and is being promoted as “built for photography.”

Asus ZenFone AR, like the other Tango device the Lenovo Phab 2 Pro - is designed around machine vision with a camera and sensor setup that provides motion tracking, depth perception, and area learning. Unlike other ZenFone smartphones, the Asus ZenFone AR sports a fingerprint scanner at the front embedded in the home button. It sports a 5.7-inch Super AMOLED QHD (1440x2560 pixels) display

which is likely to play major role in virtual reality.

The company adds that the Asus ZenFone AR packs 79 percent screen-to-body ratio.

Under the hood, Asus ZenFone AR packs the high-end Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 processor that the company claims has been customised for Tango. With Qualcomm announcing the new Snapdragon 835 SoC, the Snapdragon 821 processor

choice for Tango-enabled and Daydream-ready ZenFone AR smartphone looks dated. Asus at the event confirmed that the company will have exclusive Asus ZenUI VR 360 degree app support on PhotoCollage, Gallery, and ZenCircle apps.

The Taiwanese company also confirmed that the Asus ZenFone AR features vapour cooling system to avoid overheating.

Asus ZenFone AR’s camera

sports a 23-megapixel Sony IMX318 module with TriTech+ autofocus system, dual-PDAF, second-gen Laser Focus, and continuous-focus. The rear camera supports 4-axis OIS (optical image stabilisation) as well as 3-axis EIS (electronic image stabilisation) for video recording alongside support for 4K video recording. The company has opted for a 8-megapixel front-facing camera with an f/2.0 aperture and an

85-degree wide angle lens.

The Android 7.0 Nougat-based Asus ZenFone AR will be available in the Q2 2017, with the company to announce prices near to market launch. Asus is yet to reveal the entire specifications details for the ZenFone AR. Other specifications revealed include up to 256GB of inbuilt storage that’s expandable via microSD card (up to 128GB) in a hybrid dual-SIM (Micro+Nano) configuration; a 3300mAh battery; USB 2.0 Type-C port, as well as Bluetooth v4.2 and Wi-Fi 802.11ac connectivity.

Asus ZenFone 3 Zoom, on the other hand, is being touted as “thinnest and lightest” smartphone featuring a 5000mAh battery, which is also a highlight of the device. It is just 7.9mm thick, while weighing 170 grams. Much like previous ZenFone Zoom models, the Asus ZenFone 3 Zoom will double up as a power bank and can charge other smartphones.

For specifications, the Asus ZenFone 3 Zoom features a 5.5-inch full-HD

(1080x1920 pixels) AMOLED display with Corning Gorilla Glass 5 cover on top. It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor. Just like with the Asus ZenFone AR, the company has not revealed complete details of SKUs though it has mentioned a top-end 4GB of RAM and 128GB storage configuration.

Asus ZenFone 3 Zoom sports a dual rear camera setup, with one 12-megapixel rear camera with Sony IMX362 sensor, and f/1.7 aperture, and the other 12-megapixel rear camera featuring a 2.3x optical zoom - allowing for a total 12x zoom. Like the ZenFone AR, it features a TriTech+ autofocus system, dual-PDAF, 4-axis OIS, and 3-axis EIS. At the front, the ZenFone 3 Zoom packs a 13-megapixel camera with a Sony IMX214 sensor, an f/2.0 aperture, and a screen flash feature.

The Asus ZenFone 3 Zoom will be available starting February 2017 and prices for different variants will be announced at the time of local release.

MuMbai, JaNuary 5 (iaNs): Reacting to media reports about the quantum of demonetised currency that has been returned to the banks by the December 30 deadline, the Reserve Bank of India on Thursday said such estimates may not be correct. The RBI said the aggregating of accounting entries made at the various currency chests still requires to be reconciled with the actual cash balances in order to eliminate accounting errors and double counting.

“The periodical SBN (specified bank notes) figures released by us were based on aggregation of accounting entries done at the large number of currency chests all over the country,” an RBI said in a statement here. “Now that the scheme has come to an end on December 30, 2016, these figures would need to be reconciled with the physical cash balances to eliminate accounting errors/ possible double counts etc. Till this is completed, any estimate may not indicate the actual numbers of the SBNs that have been returned,” it said.

The RBI is taking all steps to complete the process expeditiously so as to release firm figures of SBNs received at an early date. On November 8, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 currency notes were no longer a legal tender, saying the move was aimed at eliminating black money, counterfeit currency and terror financing. Citizens were given up to Decmber 30 to deposit the old currency in banks.

Media reports on Wednesday, citing sources, said that about 97 percent of the demonetised currency notes worth Rs 14.97 lakh crore have been deposited back as on December 30. The government had earlier estimated that about Rs 15.4 lakh crore was to be taken out of the system by way of demonetisation.

Under fire for the slow pace of re-monetisation and the on-going cash crunch, the government has announced various concessions to promote digital transactions and has been urging the public to move towards an economy that transacts less in cash.

Air India challenges Rajdhani Express again! Coca-Cola sued for downplaying health risks of sugary drinks Introduces 3-month ‘Republic Day’ offer with super-cheap fares New Delhi, JaNuary 5 (FiNaNcial express): Air India is offering tickets at the price of Rajdhani! Yes, the state-run airline has come up with yet another offer that compares fares with that of Rajdhani AC-2nd class travel.

This time the advantage is that you can book your tickets 20 days in advance, as opposed to the 4-hour window announced by Air India last time.

The ‘Republic Day’ special offer of Air India starts from January 6 and will go on for a three-month period. You can now travel from various cities (see list below) at fares ranging from Rs 1080 to Rs 4730.

These special fares will be available for sale through all distribution channels – Airlines City Booking Office (CTOs), Airline Airport Office (ATOs), Travel Agents, Call Centre, Air India’s website and Mobile Application for sale, 20 days or more prior to departure of the flight. The sale peFiRe StatiOnS

KoHIMA soUtH: 0370-2222952/ 101 (O) 9402003086 (OC) KoHIMA nortH: 7085924114 (O) dIMAPUr: 03862-232201/ 101 (O) 9856156876 (OC) CHUMUKedIMA: 7085982102 (O) 8732810051 (OC) woKHA: 03860-242215/101 (O) 8974322879 (OC) MoKoKCHUnG: 0369-2226225/ 101 (O) 8415830232 (OC) PHeK: 8414853765 (O) 8413822476(OC) ZUnHeBoto: 03867-280304/ 101 (O) 9436422730 (OC) tUensAnG: 8414853766 (O) 9856163601 (OC) Mon: 03869-251222/ 101 (O) 9862130954 (OC) Kiphire: 8414853767 (O) 9436261577 (OC) Peren: 7085189932 (O) 9856311205 (OC) LonGLenG: 7085924113 (O) 9862414264 (OC)

riod of the offer is from January 6 to April 10 (both days included) and the travel period that it covers is from January 26 to April 30 (both days included).

The ‘Republic Day’ scheme is applicable on the following routes: Delhi-Jammu, DelhiAhmedabad, Delhi-Patna, Delhi-Raipur, Delhi-Ranchi, Delhi-Mumbai, Delhi-Hyderabad, Delhi-Bhubaneswar, Delhi-Kolkata, Delhi-Goa, Delhi-Bengaluru, Delhi-Chennai, Delhi-Thiruvananthapuram, Delhi-Guwahati, Delhi-Lucknow, Delhi-Gaya, Gaya-Kolkata, Hyderabad-Bengaluru, Delhi-Nagpur, Delhi-Bhopal, Delhi-Vijayawada, Delhi-Vadodara, Delhi-Jaipur, DelhiSurat, Jammu-Delhi, Ahmedabad-Delhi, Patna-Delhi, Raipur-Delhi, Ranchi-Delhi, Mumbai-Delhi, HyderabadDelhi, Bhubaneswar-Delhi, Kolkata-Delhi, Goa-Delhi, Bengaluru-Delhi, ChennaiDelhi, ThiruvananthapuramDelhi, Guwahati-Delhi, Luc-

know-Delhi, Gaya-Delhi, Kolkata-Gaya, Bengaluru-Hyderabad, Nagpur-Delhi, Bhopal-Delhi, Vijayawada-Delhi, Vadodara-Delhi, Jaipur-Delhi, Surat-Delhi.

According to Dhananjay Kumar, Senior Manager for Corporate Communications at Air India, the airline is looking to take advantage of the surge in rail ticket prices post Indian Railways introducing flexifares in Rajdhanis, Shatabdis and Durontos. “Train ticket prices have really gone up after flexi-fares and the travel still takes a lot of time compared to a flight. With this scheme, we are telling people that you can travel faster at the same rate with the help of Air India’s flights,” Kumar told FE Online.

According to Kumar, Air India as part of the ‘Republic Day’ offer would also be conducting a “Lucky Draw” on select flights of the routes given above on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, during the travel we4 woMen HeLPLIne

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validity period.

This is not the first time that Air India has pitched its domestic flight rates as cheaper than Rajdhani Express. Soon after Indian Railways introduced the concept of flexipricing in September last year, Air India had come out with a spot fare scheme. Under the flexi-fares concept, Railways could charge up to 50% above the base fare, depending on the demand for tickets.

Indian Railways has come under criticism from several quarters for implementing the surge pricing system on its premium trains. To stem some of the flak coming its way and to attract last minute passengers, Indian Railways recently announced that it would offer a 10% rebate on vacant berths after finalisation of the reservation charts. The latest offer from Air India is bound to cause further pain to Railways, especially given the time that people save in a flight.

std code: 0370 2222952 2222916 2243339 2224202 08974997923

New york, JaNuary 5 (reuters): CocaCola Co and the American Beverage Association trade group were sued on Wednesday for allegedly misleading consumers about the health risks from consuming sugary beverages.

The nonprofit Praxis Project accused the defendants of downplaying the risks to boost sales, despite scientific evidence linking sugary beverages to obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Praxis accused both defendants of using euphemisms such as “balance” and “calories in, calories out” to mislead consumers, and Coca-Cola, the world’s largest beverage company, of trying to mislead the public into thinking a lack of exercise was the real cause of obesity.

“The notion that Coke’s products can be part of a healthy diet is imprinted on the minds of millions if not billions of people, and requires corrective action,” Maia Kats, litigation director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, which helped file the lawsuit, said in an interview.

Coca-Cola spokesman Kent Landers called the lawsuit “legally and factually meritless. We take our consumers and their health very seriously and have been on a journey to MOKOKCHUnG

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CURRenCY nOteS

Us dollars sterling Pound Hong Kong dollar Australian dollar singapore dollar Canadian dollar Japanese Yen euro thai Baht Korean won UAe dirham (Aed) Chinese Yuan

BUY (rs) 66.72 81.59 8.33 48.21 45.98 49.53 56.3 69.34 1.8 0.0534 17.58 9.29

seLL (rs) 69.72 85.52 9.27 50.57 48.23 51.94 59.47 72.71 2.00 0.0596 19.58 10.35

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

become a more credible and helpful partner in helping consumers manage their sugar consumption.” The American Beverage Association called the lawsuit’s accusations “unfounded.” It also said that, together with its members, it is working with health groups to reduce consumers’ caloric and sugar intake from beverages.

Coca-Cola and PepsiCo Inc have pledged to bolster efforts to reduce added sugar in beverages. In October, Coca-Cola Chief Operating Officer James Quincey, slated to succeed Muhtar Kent as chief executive in May, said the Atlanta-based company has more than 200 “reformulation initiatives” towards that end.

But according to the complaint, a 16-ounce bottle of Coke has 12 teaspoons of added sugar, a 15.2-ounce bottle of Minute Maid Cranberry Grape Juice drink has 13 teaspoons, and a 20-ounce bottle of Vitaminwater has 8 teaspoons. By comparison, the American Heart Association recommends no more than 9 teaspoons a day for men, and 6 for women. A teaspoon of sugar has about 16 calories.

CROSSWORD # 3820

H

SUDOKU

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

Game Number # 3815

Answer Number # 3814

ACROSS 1. . Humdinger 5. Vagabonds 10. Neuter 14. Again 15. Submarine 16. Superhero accessory 17. Counterfoil 18. Acts as an agent 20. Garden of decorative shrubs 22. Cheat 23. An Old Testament king 24. Remains 25. Profane 32. Shoestrings 33. Fret 34. Not wet 37. Keen 38. Rule 39. Rind 40. Little bit 41. Latin name for our planet 42. Look closely 43. Habitual absence from work 45. By surprise 49. Hearing organ 50. Holy Trinity 53. Marriage 57. Injudicious 59. Black, in poetry 60. Require 61. Synagogue scroll 62. Storage cylinder 63. Calyx 64. Surplus 65. Immediately DOWN 1. Not first 2. “Do ___ others...”

3. French for “Wolf” 4. Fair 5. Yay! 6. Comply with 7. Hit on the head 8. Paddles

9. Goulash 10. Smell 11. Chinese “bear” 12. In a fitting way 13. Affirmatives 19. Pantywaist 21. Vipers 25. Bleat 26. Magma 27. Corrosive 28. Decorative jugs 29. Wavelike design 30. Keyboard instrument 31. A large vase 34. Sandwich shop 35. Guns an engine 36. The original matter (cosmology) 38. Confederate soldier 39. Unmatched 41. Seizes 42. Deceased 44. Grow teeth 45. Growing old 46. Scrawny 47. Viper 48. Scold 51. Does something 52. Let go 53. Don 54. Death notice 55. Soft drink 56. Clove hitch or figure eight 58. Historic period Answer to Crossword 3819

Friday 06•01•2017

NAGALAND

Prof Gangmumei no more

Dimapur, January 5 (mExn): Member of the North East Council, Prof.

Gangmumei Kamei passed away today at 8:15 am at Majorkhul in Imphal.

Prof Kamei was the founder president of the Federal Party of Manipur. He was elected as MLA in1995 and 2001 and was Minister for Forest, Environment & Higher Education.

Prof Kamei joined the BJP in 2012 and unsuccessfully contested the Outer Manipur Lok Sabha Constituency.

RNPO: The Rongmei Naga People’s Organization (RNPO) has expressed shock at the sudden demise of Prof. Kamei.

In a condolence message, the RNPO acknowledged Prof Kamei’s contribution for the Zeliangrong people and the Nagas in the fields of history and culture.

CM: Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang also mourned the demise of Prof Kamei.

In a message, Zeliang

recalled the “special bond” they shared and stated that he has always been impressed by Prof Kamei.

“It was his strong desire that the Zeliangrong people, no matter where they are geographically, should be emotionally integrated as a single family, and towards this end, he did his best to bring the people together,” Zeliang shared.

Referring to Prof Kamei as a “fount of information”, Zeliang stated that interactions with him were “invariably very educative”.

“In his demise, the country has lost a literary luminary; the Northeast region, a true son of the soil; Manipur, an altruist social worker; the Zeliangrong people, one of its brightest and brilliant members; and I, a guiding beacon to whom I looked up,” Zeliang’s message read.

The Chief Minister, on behalf of the people of Nagaland, extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed to the Almighty to grant them solace and comfort to tide over the grief.

aSeR 2016 to be released on Jan 18

Dimapur, January 5 (mExn): The 11th Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2016 will announce its latest report on January 18 at 10:30am.

A press note from Pratham ASER Nagaland informed that ASER Centre, the autonomous research and assessment unit of Pratham, will make its report available simultaneously in every state. It will also be webcast at the same time (link will be available on asercentre.org).

The ASER survey was conducted from 2005 to 2014 in almost every rural district of India, after a oneyear break in 2015, the ASER effort has resumed in 2016. As in previous years, ASER 2016 focuses on

schooling, basic reading and arithmetic. The 2016 report will be the 11th report in this series.

ASER is the largest annual household survey in India that focuses on children’s learning. Each year the survey reaches more than 600,000 children in the age group 3-16. About 25,000 volunteers from more than 500 partner organizations participate in the data collection, covering close to 16,000 villages. Usually more than 575 rural districts are reached annually.

ASER 2016 kicked off on August 30 this year with a preparatory national workshop in Lucknow. Close to 150 team members who lead the ASER effort in their respective states attended the workshop to be trained

on the ASER 2016 process. The national workshop was followed by state level workshops in every state.

District level training and data collection took place immediately after the state level preparation. Like every year this enormous initiative will culminate with the national release of the ASER report in New Delhi.

It may be noted that the ASER model of citizen-led assessment has been transplanted from India to 12 other countries on 3 continents. The People’s Action for Learning (PAL) Network was established in 2015 to coordinate, strengthen, and promote the work of the countries implementing citizen-led assessments internationally.

ACAUT appeals to the public for contributions Dimapur, January 5 (mExn): In its continued crusade against corruption, ACAUT has appealed for contributions by way of donation to further the cause.

In a press release, the Media Cell, ACAUT stated that the year 2017 presents enormous tasks and challenges ahead of us. “ACAUT Nagaland would be filing PIL’s on the fuel adulteration, PDS scam in the Food & Civil Supplies department as well as other cases in other departments,” the release stated

adding that these cases will be fought in the court of Law. The release added that ACAUT will again embark on a tour of the districts for Awareness Campaign on Corruption and Clean Election, “all of which will incur huge expenditures”.

“This year will be without doubt the most decisive year in the fight for change and there has never been a more critical time than now,” it stated while calling on people to donate and make contributions.

“Every single penny contributed toward cause will be accounted for,” it assured adding that audit reports will be presented to the public on a regular basis.

Account Name: ACAUT Nagaland Account Number: 348 548 40151 IFSC Code: SBIN0010762 Or mail/speed post your check to ACAUT Nagaland, post box no23, Purana Bazar, East Dimapur: 797116, Nagaland.

MEx FILE BG Railway line: Affected landowners informed Dimapur, January 5 (mExn): In connection to the land acquisition for construction of new BG Railway line from Dhansiri (Dimapur) to Zubza (Kohima) from Ch. 18.30 km to 21.7 km and 25.05 km to 38.35 km, the affected landowners from Chumoukedima, New Chumoukedima, Kupuhe, Molvom, Ruzaphema, Socunoma, Moava, Zuikhu and Khaibung are informed to be present for a meeting with the Dimapur District Administration and the officials from NFR on January 19 at 1:00 am in the Town Hall at Medziphema Town to discuss the rate of land compensation. The DC Dimapur, Kesonyu Yhome, IAS in a press release has directed the village functionaries from the affected village to inform all the affected landowners from their respective village and come prepared for the meeting.

KCBCK Youth Ministry Music Fest Kohima, January 5 (mExn): The Khuzhami Baptist Churches Association (KCBCK) is celebrating its first Youth Ministry Music Fest at Calvary Baptist Church, Pfutsero from January 6 to 8. The fest will highlight various artists and genre. Praise and worship will be led by James Basnet and team. KBCA Music Fest, Media & Publicity and Seasonal convenor Neilo Medo in a press release informed that the word of God will be delivered by Rev. Melody McPherson, USA in place of Rev. Carrol John as he could not get a visa; Rev. Dr. Kenny Kapfo, Mission international, missionary; Rev. Neikko Mero, Pastor, KCBCK and Pastor Keweru Wezah, Jesami Baptist Church.

Exhibition cum farmer-scientist interaction Kohima bids farewell to out-going DC Our Correspondent Meluri | January 5

An Exhibition cum Farmer-Scientist Interaction got underway today at Yesisotha village under Meluri Sub Division of Phek district.

Minister for School Education & SCERT Yitachu inaugurating the event noted that such programmes would immensely benefit the farmers and also propagate Krishi Vigyan Kendra activities to the people of Phoyisha area.

This programme was organised

by Krishi Vigyan Kendra Phek, ICAR National Research Centre on Mithun Porba in association with Phoyisha Cultural Organisation (PCO) as part of 23 sessions of Phoyisha Cultural festival at Yesisotha.

Numerous pamphlets are being distributed to the visitors apart from interaction with farmers.

The exhibition will conclude on January 6.

Kohima, January 5 (Dipr): A farewell programme in honour of the out-going Deputy Commissioner, Kohima, Rovilatuo Mor IAS was held in the Conference Hall of DC Office, Kohima on January 5.

The out-going DC, Rovilatuo Mor, IAS in his speech shared experiences of his tenure and acknowledged the team spirit of his staffs.

He however expressed that posts of SP and DC in a district deserve more regard from the Government as they shoulder a whole lot of responsibilities.

He had words of appreciation for the Kohima DPDB members and various Committees he had been associMinister for School Education & SCERT Yitachu visit stalls during the inau- ated with for their cooperagurated exhibition cum farmers-scientist interaction held at Yesisotha vil- tion and support. He also thanked the Angami Public lage in Phek district.

Organisation, Kohima Village Council, Rengma Hoho and other NGOs for extending full cooperation and contributing mature views and opinions by maintaining the law and order situation for the betterment of the district.

The outgoing DC solicited the same cooperation, support and understanding towards the incoming DC, and further assured to extend any information, clarification or guidance if required in the days to come.

The incoming Deputy Commissioner, Rajesh Soudararajan IAS in his speech said that he was honoured to take over as Deputy Commissioner of the historic, prestigious and the capital city of the State.

He extended his heartfelt thanks to the outgoing DC to

be a part of the programme which, he remarked, was a platform to meet all the associations, public representatives of Kohima.

The incoming DC also thanked all the speakers and APO President for welcoming him and commissioning him as a member of APO and further thanked them for their assurance to cooperate in his tenure. He also stated that to the best of his ability he will give the best in whatever task and further requested the gathering for their valuable cooperation, suggestions and advice in days to come.

Others who also spoke on the occasion included – ADC Planning, Ketoho Luho on behalf of DPDB Kohima; Kohima Village Council Chairman, Me-

doselhou Keretsu; Angami Public Organisation President, Dr. Vilhusa Seleyi; Rengma Hoho representative; SDO (C) Sadar Kohima, Kethosituo Sekhose on behalf of Officers; ADC, Chiephobozou, Linda Solo on behalf of Out-post Officer and Kamai on behalf of DC Office Staffs, Kohima.

The farewell programme was chaired by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kohima, Lithrongla Tongpi who also delivered the welcome address while PA to DC, Kohima and other DBs presented a special composed song in honor of the out-going DC. Presentation incharge by SDO (C) Establishment, Neikesono Kevichusa and vote of thanks by SDO (C) Judicial, Kohima, Neilezo Tep.

Public SPace

Women Reservation – A Logical Perspective C

Yanpvuo Kikon

lose your eyes, picture the faces of your friends and relatives who are doctors, engineers, IAS, cleared UPSC, SSC etc and have become elites in the society, some of who have contributed immensely to their own community and to the people of Nagaland. Now open your eyes and imagine an India where there is no ‘Reservation’ policy for ST’s and minorities. Most of the people you pictured in your mind will not be where they are today if there was no Reservation in this country. We Nagas will be considered hypocrites if we say that Nagas never enjoyed any form of reservation and never needed reservation to be collectively where we are today.

WHAT IS RESERVATION, WHY IS IT REQUIRED? Reservation is only a temporary method which is introduced to create a balanced society; to achieve a sense of equilibrium, so that those who are less privileged are given a push to climb up to the level of the elite community. In reality, without reservation, only the affluent upper caste highly educated mainland Indians would be doctors, engineers and holding the top positions in the Government with no representation from minorities or ST’s like us. Ideally, we all want to promote merit but practically it is not possible in a country like India where there is a huge socioeducational difference among different communities, tribes and castes. We should accept the fact that because of Reservation, we the ST’s of Nagaland have largely been able to improve our socio-educational level. (‘Economic’ is not inserted because once socioeducational level is at par with the elite category, it depends on the individual to utilize his education to achieve economic progress).

nil representation in Politics - Policy/Decision Making Bodies in the State.

I have seen many people mention in debates on social media that we Nagas do not mistreat our women so they do not need Reservation. One must understand that this entire Reservation issue is about Women in Politics and not about the emotional or general ‘Treatment’ of women in our homes, society or women in administration/ bureaucracy(Officers). This issue is about the representation of women within the Political Space only such as Councils (Eg. Town/Village Councils) and Assemblies (Nagaland Legislative Assembly). What do we do in councils and assemblies? We make policies and political decisions for the ‘People’ and ‘People’ includes ‘Women’ and without listening to the voices of ‘Women’, any decision made only by ‘Men’ is not democratic. Even God made both ‘Men’ and ‘Woman’ as human beings, as ‘People’.

SO WHAT TO DO NOW? How to push women into politics so that there is a justifiable democratic representation in Town Councils, NLA etc. One way to achieve this is to give them a temporary push.

This push can be called ‘Reservation’. We give them a small chunk of our pie with 33% reservation, and we will still eat 67% of this pie, which makes us ‘men’ less greedy I suppose.

Unlike very progressive States and nations where they have ample percentage of women in Decision Making Bodies without reservation, in one of the oldest States in India - Nagaland, we have NIL representation and this is a serious concern.

Women have been blessed with better aesthetic sense than men and I feel this is one among the several qualities in women which will prove to be very important in councils particularly Town Councils whose primary BUT WE NAGAS TREAT OUR WOMEN duty is to keep our towns and cities looking EQUALLY, WHY DO THEY NEED clean and beautiful! Men can be very funcRESERVATION? tional in nature but women always bring out If there are any capable women let them more meaning and sense to any project, prorun for election in a fair manner under our gram or for that matter anything in life. unbiased Constitution. But why this has not happened in the past half a century? How BUT WOMEN RESERVATION many women MLA’s we had in the past fifty IS AGAINST ARTCILE 371(A)? years? We had one lone lady MP in the last Huh? Please show me where this is mencentury. Out of sixty legislators, how many tioned in Article 371(A)? I wish people read women in the top decision making body Article 371(A) before quoting and swearing of our State – The Nagaland Legislative As- by it. Our scholars point out that the framers sembly? ZERO! This itself is a solid indicator of the Indian Constitution inserted the Sixth which shows whether there is gender equi- Schedule keeping in mind the aspirations of librium in our decision making bodies. Even the tribal people that gives us the privilege to a small child will say, Yes women have almost have Autonomous Regional/District Coun-

cils with power to make certain laws, judiciary powers in some cases, power to impose tax, regulations for trading by non-locals etc. It also has a provision in some cases where any Act of the Parliament or Legislation cannot be applicable in those areas where the autonomous councils are allowed to make laws. We Nagas settled for Article 371(A) which starts with a powerful word ‘NOTWITHSTANDING’ anything in this Constitution which gives Article 371(A) supremacy over other provisions in the Indian Constitution but not the freedom to do anything we want to that would infringe upon the most supreme Fundamental Rights.

But where in Article 371(A) is it written that it is against Naga customary law to have women in policy/decision making councils and assemblies? We all know that just like the British Law, Naga Customary Law isn’t codified (Written Law). Naga customary law is based on the verdict of the custodians of this law who decides based on his state of mind at the moment of delivering the verdict/decision. Hence, with multiple customary judges with different personality, state of mind, level of education and wisdom, it is impossible align to a standard law applicable to the entire State of Nagaland. I am a staunch supporter of Article 371(A) and customary law so long as the custodians of our Customary Law protect our indigenous people based on rationality, wisdom and precedence.

SHOULD WE OPPOSE OR PUSH FOR WOMEN RESERVATION? After intense debates with the best intellectual minds both online and offline, the real truth behind ‘Why’ our honourable apex bodies and organizations are so aggressively opposing women reservation has become doubtful and unclear to most Nagas like me who seek the truth based on facts and logic without making our conclusions based on propaganda, conspiracies or assumptions.

Some people have mentioned that it is because of money that these ULB elections are being rushed but without unveiling the details and facts of which individuals or groups have siphoned which funds directly. Come on! If there is a truth, speak it out frankly with confidence!

It would be immature and rather foolish on our parts to believe in vague unclear statements because if there is any truth, it there is any doubt then only half of it is revealed. Anything hidden from public is hidden because of vested interest. Let us learn to respect and trust those leaders who are honest. It is time

we Nagas stop believing in half truths, assumptions, conspiracies and propaganda, but become wiser by believing in the complete truth because only the TRUTH CAN SET YOU FREE! Trying to use Article 371(A) to shield the real intentions and the truth is being felt by many. Be man enough to call spade a spade using real facts and figures then you will earn the complete trust from the people as a true leader.

SO DO WE NEED RESERVATION FOR WOMEN IN POLITICS? Whether reservation or other methods are the best solutions devised to achieve a sense of equilibrium in society might still be debatable but the simple truth is that Reservation has definitely helped Nagas speed up our socio-educational progress to where we are today. We need capable ‘Women’ to ‘Assist’ us in building the Nagaland of our dreams in our generation at least. Even if Women Reservation is implemented in Nagaland, as long as it is not misused by men with vested interest but used for the purpose of achieving gender equilibrium within the political space starting from our councils and assemblies, we will definitely see outcomes similar to how ST Reservation has accelerated the socio-educational progress of Nagas as a whole. And we being beneficiaries of Reservation should not be hypocrites to deny this socio-educational acceleration provided to Nagas by way of ST Reservation.

Reservation is temporary because once an assessment is carried out maybe every 20 years using facts and figures to assess whether a state of socio-educational equilibrium is achieved then only we can conclude that the purpose of reservation is been achieved and may be discontinued.

What would take 200 years or maybe 4 generations for a certain community to reach the level of a more advanced community, Reservation seeks to achieve this equilibrium within a shorter period, hence Reservation is a form of social acceleration for the lesser privileged community/gender.

God made women to be beside men and build our home and family together, not to be under us and be oppressed. We as a Christian State would become worse than radical Muslim States if we do not give women even a small voice to speak her heart and mind in our decision making bodies.

As per Naga customs prevalent 200 years back, maybe the value of women was much lower than what it is today. But times change and customs need change with time

to become more relevant without becoming obsolete, regressive or narrow minded in nature. The customs applicable to women 200 years ago during the times of our ancestors cannot be applicable to women today. Women have immensely contributed not just to the family but to the society and nation as well. It is time we also give a little push and encourage more women to participate in our top policy/decision making bodies. How can only ‘men’ build beautiful, progressive towns and cities alone? We need women in our Town Councils and even the State Assembly. Whether we go by way of Reservation or Merit, the ultimate goal is that we need better representation from women better than what we had witnessed in the past half century with nil participation/representation of women in politics in the State of Nagaland. Let there be more logical, intellectual debates at all levels of society because we are not barbarians who rush and act based on ‘Instinct’ without careful analysis of any situation. God blessed each and everyone of us with brains to listen, read, analyse, make decisions and only then act based on wisdom.

I wish and pray our honourable Hoho’s and apex organizations also have this same level of enthusiasm and energy when it comes to raising their voice on very critical issues of development, corruption and our shameful state of affairs. Why only in cases like women reservation have our Hohos and apex organizations become so active? What discourages thousands of young Nagas is why this level of energy not seen in issues where our people are suffering with problems of education, no salary, threat of illegal immigration, corruption, unemployment, horrible roads, extortion, lack of development etc Unless we divert our energy to understand our priorities and act today, Nagaland is already being left behind by other very progressive neighbouring States. It is time our education system create not only literate people but educated beings who can become enlightened souls to lead our Naga society with truth, vision and wisdom driven by strong will power and assertiveness.

For fifty years, men have ruled our Government with no women in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly and please accept the fact that Nagaland is still acting like 50 year old spoiled brat depending on his parents for pocket money. It is time, a few capable women enter the house to knock some sense and meaning into our pathetic state of affairs.

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

6

friday 06•01•2017

IN FOCUS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

The Power of Truth

The Morung Express volume Xii issue 4

By Witoubou Newmai

Elections do not determine a government of the people

T

o what extent will the deeply polarized situation in Manipur reflect upon the upcoming assembly polls?

A conventional take would suggest that the developments witnessed in the past two months in Manipur State is bound to influence the voting pattern there when the State goes to polls on March 4 and 8. It is a matter of fact that the dying Ibobi Singh government has found energy and other needed resources from the issues that have arisen from creation of the new districts. The cock-eyed perception and hype round the ‘economic blockade’ and its impact, while not willing to tread farther to ask why the Nagas have to resort to such form of agitation, is indeed a juicy treat for Ibobi Singh and his party.

Until two months ago, there was a forlorn feeling sinking into every Congress leader as partymen were deserting them for the BJP on a daily basis. However, the district creation issue that triggered intense agitation of the Nagas has refreshed the political scenario.

Today, Ibobi Singh and his men are more enthusiastic than anyone else to face the polls. Two days ago, Ibobi Singh herded his men to New Delhi to impress upon the Election Commission of India (ECI) not to postpone the polls. There is no clearer indication than this of how the Manipur CM’s strategy has worked.

Poll related analyses of Manipur cannot afford to ignore the fact that peculiarities and odd situations are not anomalies in Manipur State. By citing a placid voting pattern witnessed in the past three legislative assembly elections one finds a sort of strangeness in Manipur.

Voting manner of the past 15 years in Manipur shows that turbulent situations triggered by ethnic issues, both in the hills and in the valley, seldom affect the electorate even though undeterred politicians continue to encourage voters to fear.

Tension between the Meiteis and the Nagas in the year 2001 triggered by the “without territorial limit” declaration of NSCN (IM)-Government of India (BJP led NDA) ceasefire failed to reflect in the assembly election of 2002. Out of 11 Naga dominated assembly constituencies the BJP could pocket only two seats, that too after immense pressure on the voters from certain quarters to boycott the Congress party and favour the saffron outfit. The verdict was almost the reverse to what was predicted. The valley districts fared even worse.

Riding on the popular Manipur territorial integrity slogan wave emanated from the June 18, 2001 flare up, some Meitei ‘hardliners’ sternly opposing the NSCN (IM) ceasefire extension in Manipur floated a political party christened as Democratic Revolutionary Peoples’ Party or DRPP (the term ‘revolutionary’ was deleted few months later) hoping to capitalize the people’s sentiment in the 2002 assembly polls. However, it could manage to pocket only two seats. There are 40 assembly constituencies in the valley. Shortly later, the two DPP legislators joined the Congress party.

In the hills too, when Th. Muivah wanted to visit his native village in Ukhrul there was heightened communal tension in Manipur when the Ibobi Singh government barred him from stepping into 'Manipur soil'. The simmering atmosphere was again fueled to the next level with the all out investment of resources by the Ibobi Singh government to prevent the expansion of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) to Manipur in the year 2011. It was a foregone conclusion for many political pundits that the Cock party would sweep the polls in Naga bastion in Manipur in the 2012 assembly polls with the hurt Nagas going against the Ibobi government. Again, it was the reverse of the popular calculation. Out of 11 seats in the ‘Naga areas,’ NPF could clinch only four.

Again in the valley, similar voting pattern was witnessed.

The Irom Sharmila fasting issue and the extrajudicial killings of Thangjam Manorama Devi and Sanjit have been the reasons for the anti AFSPA campaign in the valley in the past 15 years, with the public calling the Ibobi Singh government as too weak, insipid and unfit to be called a people’s government. But during elections, the same people voted the Ibobi Singh government to power for three consecutive terms.

These developments suggest that for ordinary voters who are constantly disturbed by the thought of medical fees, job security, education of their children, a decent meal and other basic facilities, money becomes the immediate balm to soothe their headaches.

lEfT WING |

K.S.Jayaraman IANS

Ancient Indians knew about tsunamis - and protected themselves

F

or most Indians, tsunami became a household word after the 2004 disaster that pounded the country's eastern coast and killed several thousands.

But researchers at the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) in Goa have found that ancient Indians of the Harappan settlement (some 5,000 years ago) were aware of tsunamis and had taken measures to protect themselves.

Reporting this in the "Current Science" journal, they say this conclusion is based on their new interpretation of the extraordinarily massive walls -- of thickness up to 18 metres -found at Dholavira, a Harappan city in Gujarat.

Dholavira is the second-largest Harappan settlement known in India and, perhaps, the best-planned Harappan city with several divisions and many new features hitherto unknown, they say.

According to their report, the architectural framework of Dholavira comprises a castle, a middle town and a lower town confined within massive walls, "making it a unique fortified settlement".

The presence of extremely thick protective walls implies that the Dholavirans were probably aware of the magnitude of destruction caused by tsunami waves, says the report. According to the NIO team, the ancient Indians would not have built these huge walls for protection against floods or military invasion by enemies since these threats did not exist then.

Dholavira is located on the banks of small water channels -- Mansar in the north and Manhar in the south -- the researchers say. "Therefore, it is highly unlikely that these channels posed any flood-related risk to the people since the elevation of Dholavira settlement is sufficiently high".

The possibility that these walls were built for defensive purpose was also ruled out since the only weapons available during the Harappan days were "sling shots and bows and arrows".

Even the Great Wall of China is only about nine metres thick at the base and tapers to 3.7 metres at the top.

On the other hand, being close to the sea, Dholavira could have been vulnerable to oceanic calamities. The sea-level changes are well-documented for the western coast of India and, 4,000 years ago, the sea level was higher than at present.

"Being on the Makran coast, the area is prone to tsunamilike events," the researchers say and point out that simulation studies have concluded that tsunami wave height along the Gujarat coast ranges from 2 to 10 metres.

"There is a traditional history of tsunami waves and strong storms hitting the Gujarat coast," says the report.

"A 3.5 metre high tsunami wave reportedly hit the Gujarat coast about 2,000 years ago."

The Harappan Indians were apparently aware of this threat and "therefore we hypothesise that the massive walls of the Dholavira might have been a protective measure against possible tsunamis," the researchers say.

C O M M E N T A R Y

Martin Khor Inter Press Service

2017 — A Thunderous Clash of Politics, Economies & Policies

Y

et another new year has dawned. But 2017 will be a year like no other.

There will be a thunderous clash of policies, economies and politics worldwide. We will therefore be on a roller-coaster ride, and we should prepare for it and not only be spectators on the side-lines in danger of being swept away by the waves.

With his extreme views and bulldozing style, Donald Trump is set to create an upheaval if not revolution in the United States and the world.

He is installing an oil company chief as the Secretary of State, investment bankers in key finance positions, climate sceptics and anti-environmentalists in environmental and energy agencies and an extreme rightwing internet media mogul as his chief strategist US-China relations, the most important for global stability, could change from big-power co-existence with a careful combination of competition and cooperation, to outright crisis.

Trump, through a phone call with Taiwan’s leader and subsequent remarks, signalled he could withdraw the longstanding US adherence to the One China policy and instead use Taiwan as a bargaining card when negotiating economic policies with China. The Chinese perceive this as an extreme provocation.

He has appointed as head of the new National Trade Council an economist known for his books demonising China, including “Death by China: Confronting the Dragon”.

Trump seems intent on doing an about-turn on US trade and investment policies, starting with ditching the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement and re-negotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Other measures being considered include a 45% duty on Chinese products, extra duties and taxes on American companies located abroad, and even a 10% tariff on all imports.

Thus 2017 will see a rise in protectionism in the US, the extent still unknown. That is bad news for those developing countries whose economies have grown on the back of exports and international investments.

Europe in 2017 will also be preoccupied with its own regional problems.

The Brexit shock of 2016 will continue to reverberate and several European countries facing elections will see challenges to their traditional values and established order from xenophobic and narrow nationalist parties.

As Western societies become less open to the world and more inward looking, developing countries should revise their development strategies and rely more on domestic and regional demand and investments.

As North-South economic relations decline, this should also be the moment for expanding South-South cooperation, spurred as much by necessity as by principles.

2017 may be the year when re-

source-rich China, with its huge Road and Belt initiative and its immense financing capacity, fills in the economic void created by western trade and investment protectionism.

But this may not be sufficient to prevent a finance shock in many developing countries now beginning to suffer a reversal of capital flowing back to the US, attracted by the prospect of higher interest rates and economic growth.

Several emerging economies which together received many hundreds of billions of dollars of hot money in recent years are now vulnerable to the latest downturn phase of the boom-bust cycle of capital flows.

Some of these countries opened up their capital markets to foreign funds which now own large portions of government bonds denominated in the domestic currency, as well as shares in the equity market.

As the tide turns, foreign investors are expected to sell off and transfer back a significant part of the bonds and shares they bought, and this new vulnerability is in addition to the traditional external debt contracted by the developing countries in foreign currencies.

Some countries will be hit by a terrible combination of capital outflow, reduced export earnings, currency depreciation and an increased debt servicing burden caused by higher US interest rates.

As the local currency depreciates further, the affected countries’ companies will have to pay more for servicing loans contracted in foreign currencies and imported machinery and parts, while consumers suffer from a rapid rise in the prices of imports.

On the positive side, the currency depreciation will make exporters more competitive and make tourism more attractive, but for many countries this will not be enough to offset the negative effects.

Thus 2017 will not be kind to the economy, business and the pockets of the common man and woman. It might even spark a new global financial crisis.

The old year ended with mixed blessings for Palestinians. On one hand they won a significant victory when the outgoing President Obama allowed the adoption of a UN Security Council resolution condemning Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories by not exercising a veto.

The resolution will spur international actions against the expansion of settlements which have become a big obstacle to peace talks.

On the other hand the Israeli leadership, which responded defiantly with plans for more settlements, will find in Trump a much more sympathetic President. He is appointing a pro-Israel hawk who has cheered the expansion of settlements as the new US ambassador to Israel.

With Trump also indicating he will tear up the nuclear power deal with Iran, the Middle East will have an even more tumultuous time in 2017.

In the area of health care, the battle for affordable access to medicines will continue, as public frustration grows over the high and often astronomical prices of patented medicines including for the treatment of HIV AIDS, hepatitis C, tuberculosis and cancers.

There will be more powerful calls for governments to curb the excesses of drug companies, as well as more extensive use of the flexibilities in the patent laws to counter the high cost of medicines.

Momentum will also increase to deal with antibiotic resistance which in 2016 was recognised by political leaders meeting at the United Nations to be perhaps the gravest threat to global health.

All countries pledged to come up with national action plans to counter antibiotic and anti-microbial resistance by May 2017 and the challenge will then be to review the adequacy of these plans and to finance and implement them.

The new year will also see its fair share of natural disasters and a continued decline in the state of the environment. Both will continue to be major issues in 2017, just as the worsening

of air pollution and the many earthquakes, big storms and heat-waves marked the previous few years.

Unfortunately low priority is given to the environment. Hundreds of billions of dollars are allocated for highways, railways and urban buildings but only a trickle for conservation and rehabilitation of hills, watersheds, forests, mangroves, coastal areas, biodiversity or for serious climate change actions.

2017 should be the year when priorities change, that when people talk about infrastructure or development, they put actions to protect and promote the environment as the first items for allocation of funds.

This new year will also be make or break for climate change. The momentum for action painfully built up in recent years will find a roadblock in the US as the new President dismantles Obama-initiated policies and measures.

The Paris agreement, which was adopted in December 2015 and which came into force in record time in October 2016 as a demonstration of international concern over climate change, may face a major test and even an existential challenge in 2017, if Trump fulfils his election promise to pull the US out.

But Trump and his team will face resistance domestically including from state governments and municipalities which have their own climate plans, and from other countries determined to carry on without the US on board.

Indeed if 2017 will bring big changes initiated by the new US administration, it will also generate many counter actions to fill in the void left in the world by a withdrawing US or to counter its new unsettling actions.

Many people around the world, from politicians and policy makers to citizen groups and community organisers are already bracing themselves to come up with responses and actions.

Indeed 2017 will be characterised by the Trump effect but also the consequent counter-effects.

There are opportunities to think through, alternatives to chart and reforms to carry out that are anyway needed on the global and national economies, on the environment, and on geo-politics.

Most of the main levers of power and decision-making are still in the hands of a few countries and a few people, but there has also been the emergence of many new centres of economic, environmental and intellectual capabilities and communitybased organising.

2017 will be a year in which ideas, policies, economies and politics will all clash, thunderously, and we should be prepared to meet the challenges ahead and not only be spectators.

Martin Khor is Executive Director of the South Centre, a think tank for developing countries, based in Geneva.

Quality Water for All a Life & Death Issue in Bangladesh Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad

T

Inter Press Service

here is no exaggerating how crucial water is for human survival, particularly in countries like Bangladesh, which is crisscrossed by rivers. The level of water in a river here directly affects the lifestyles and livelihoods of the people living on its two sides, so much so that rivers and water bodies of varied sizes are an inseparable part of Bengali culture and heritage.

Several hundred rivers and their tributaries flow through the country.

However, some of the rivers — often called the lifelines of Bangladesh — are dying, inflicting prolonged suffering on the people. For example, the 309-kilometer Teesta flows through northern Bangladesh and drains an area of 12,540 square kilometres on its way from the Himalayas to Fulchhari of Gaibandha in Bangladesh where it meets the Jamuna.

The river, which can be up to 2.5 kilometres wide, is reduced to a width of about 70 metres during the winter and is even narrower or completely dry at some places during the very dry season (March and April). This leaves fishermen without work and farmers in acute need of water for irrigation.

While a dearth of water plagues the people of northern Bangladesh, particularly during winter, the middle and southern parts of the country reels from the abundance of it, particularly during the monsoon. Also, salinity in-

gress in the surface and groundwater in the coastal region has reached such a state that not even grass can grow in some areas and people face an acute shortage of drinking water.

Someone said that a third world war may be fought over water. And it indeed is turning out to be a serious issue, not only in Bangladesh but also worldwide. In any case, quality water access on the one hand and devastation caused by flooding on the other are the hallmarks of water being the cause of large-scale suffering of people in many parts of the world. Water-related natural disasters have occurred in the past, but are increasing in recent times in terms of both frequency and extent of the devastations caused.

The reasons behind various water sector problems include a growing population, fast expanding economic activity, spreading water pollution, and the consequences of climate change.

In Bangladesh, as a matter of fact, the average annual per capita availability of water is robust — 7,568 cubic meters per capita, around five times higher than that in India. However, the highly uneven seasonal and spatial distribution of available water in Bangladesh poses serious problems.

Adequate water access for drinking or for other purposes by certain groups of large numbers of people and in certain areas of the country is becoming

increasingly serious.

Another set of problems related to the water sector arises as Bangladesh is at the bottom of three major rivers systems—the Ganges, the Brahmaputra, and the Meghna. A particular feature in this context is severe water scarcity in certain parts of Bangladesh in the dry season, Jan. 1 to May 31, particularly in March and April, due to low-flows through transboundary rivers as a result of excessive upstream abstraction. Also, floods in Bangladesh mostly originate upstream. Hence, regional cooperation in water management is an important issue.

Increasing salinity in water in coastal areas, arsenic contamination of water, and water pollution caused by human actions are becoming increasingly serious problems. Devastating floods and prolonged droughts also affect various areas of the country from time to time.

Clean, accessible water for all is the sixth among the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. The Sheikh Hasina-led Government of Bangladesh is working relentlessly to achieve the goals well before the 2030 deadline. The country already has necessary policies to save the rivers and other water-bodies and to ensure even distribution of quality water.

What the country now needs is stricter enforcement of the policies

WRITE-WING

and relevant laws, and more effective efforts from both government and non-government actors in realising the goal of ensuring accessibility to quality water for all.

Against such a backdrop, the National Water Convention 2016 is being held in Dhaka on Dec. 28-29, 2016. Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) — the government-established apex development agency of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Unnayan Parishad — a non-profit research organization, and NGO Forum for Public Health are organising the event.

Through 13 sessions participated by experts, scholars, government high-ups and sector-related actors, the Convention will review the state of affairs in respect of various key water sector issues and to reflect on: where we stand regarding those issues, how people’s perspectives can be brought to bear on water policies and water actions, how the increasing water difficulties and problems can be more effectively addressed, how coordination among various stakeholders, particularly between the Government and others can be strengthened, and, overall, how the best possible water regime can be forged under the prevailing circumstances.

Ensuring accessibility to quality water for all is a must for sustainable development. And this has to be ensured before it is too late.

Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad is Chairman of the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF)

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

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

Friday 06•01•2017

PERSPECTIVE

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

7

Cultivation practices of Cole crop Cole crops Family: Cruciferae Cole Crops include: Cabbage - Brassica olerace var Capitata Cauliflower - Brassica oleracea var Botrytis Broccoli - Brassica oleracea var Italica Knol khol - Brassica oleracea var Gongylodes

Transplanting: Generally, 4-6 weeks old healthy seedlings with 4 or 5 leaves are selected for transplanting in the main field.

Transplanting of seedlings be done in the afternoon for better establishment.

Manures and fertilizer: Requirement of manures and fertilizers for cole crops are FYM @ 10–15t/ha and fertilizers 130:110:100 NPK /ha (Source: Urea- 283kg/ha SSP -687kg/ha and MOP -167kg/ha)

CULTIVATION PRACTICES Climate and Soil: Optimum mean temperature for growth range from 15°C- 25°C. Well drained rich in nutrients loams to sandy loam are consider to be the best.

Soil should not be water logged. Optimum pH for cabbage and knol khol is range between 5.5-6.5 and cauliflower is between pH 6.0- 7.0.

Irrigation: First irrigation is given soon after transplanting of seedlings and continues irrigation upto 7 days thereafter irrigations may be applied at 10-12 days intervals depending on moisture availability in the soil.

Nursery raising: Sowing season: Soil of nursery bed should be Season for nursery sowing is Auwell prepared and free from weeds gust - October and disease organisms. Farm Yard Manure or Compost 2-3kg/m2 be Seed Rate: Cabbage, cauliflower and broc- added to the seed beds. Raised seed coli are 500 -600g/ha and knol khol beds of 8.5x1.0m size with 15-20cm height .Seeds are sown 1-2cm deep is 800-1000g. by dropping at 4-5cm in rows 10cm Varieties: CROPS Cabbage

Cauliflower Broccoli Knol Khol

apart. Seeds are gently covered with the mixture of fine manure and soil.

A regular and good moisture supply is needed for rapid germination and optimum growth of seedlings.

to 20 t/ha for late varieties.

ter/acre in severe infestation.

Broccoli: Broccoli is a much more perishable product than the other cole crops. Crop should be harvested every two or three days interval. Yields generally range from 6 to 9 t/ha.

ALTERNARIA LEAF SPOT (Alternaria brassicae) Symptoms: Disease can be identified by purplish brown spots on the upper surface of the leaves with characteristic concentric rings. Lesions may enlarge and leaves may get dried. Early stage of infection of siliqua ultimately results in curling and shrivelling. Seeds harvested from such siliqua are frequently contaminated.

Management: Clean cultivation and destruction of diseased crop debris; foliar application of copper hydroxide (0.2%) or copper oxychloride (0.25%) or mancozeb (0.25%) or chlorothalonil (0.25%)

Knol khol: Knobs are harvested by cutting the stem just below it by a sharp knife or sickle before they are fully grown. A smaller knob of about 5-8 cm diameters is of more demand. Yield may vary from 1230t/ha.

PLANT PROTECTION MEASURES Cabbage butterfly/caterpillar (Pieris brassicae)

Damage symptom: First instars larvae scrap the leaf surface, where as the subsequent instars eat up leaves from the margin inward, leaving Weed control and earthing up: Weeds need to be adequately intact only the main veins. Entire controlled because they are efficient plants are often eaten up. competitors with the crop for nutri- Management: Hand picking and deents, moisture and light. Weed can struction of egg mass and young larbe control through physically, me- vae, apply 4% neem seed kernel extract chanically and chemically followed (NSKE), spray 0.05 % Malathion or by earthing up. quinalphos in heavy infestation.

Spacing: Row to row: 30-45 cm, Plant to HARVESTING AND YIELD plant: 30- 45 cm Cabbages: Cabbages are harvested as soon as the heads are sufficiently hard and large enough, possibly even VARIETIES before full-sized. Heads should be cut Early–Golden Acre, Pride of India, Copenhagen Market, Pusa Mukta, Pusa of India, Pusa Syn- off in such a way that a few of the large, thetic, Early Drumhead. open wrapper leaves are retained for Mid–Kalimpong English ball, Glor of Enkhuizen protection around the heads. Yield Late- Pusa Drumhead, Late Large Drumhead, Kalimpong Eclipse Drumhead, September range between 18 -25 t/ha.

Hybrid-Pusa Synthetic, H- 64, BRH – 5, Kt -1 Cauliflower: Heads are harvested Early–Pusa early Synthetic, Early Kunwari, Pant gobhi-3, Pant gobhi -2, Pusa Deepali, Early before attaining full-size, ideally Bhaget, Pusa Katki. just before they show any sign of Mid–Pusa Subhra, Pusa Synthetic, Pant Subhra, Pant Gobhi- 4, Narenden Gobhi. loosening, as this gives good-sized Late–Pusa Snow ball – 1, Snow ball – 16, Pusa Snow ball K– 1, Pusa Snowball – heads of good quality. Yields of Captain, Everest, Imperial, Emerald Pride, Gypsy, Pinnacle, pachnam, Diplomat, Premium crop. curds, excluding the protective leaves, average yield 10 to 15 t/ha White Vienna, Early White Vienna, Large Green, king of North, Early Purple Vienna. for early maturing varieties and 15

BLACK ROT (Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris)

Symptoms: Symptom first appears as V-shaped yellow spots at the margins of the leaves. These spots progress towards the midrib of the leaf while some of the veins on the affected area turn black. Eventually, the leaf turns brown and dies, and the pathogen spreads to the rest of Cabbage Aphid (Brevicoryne bras- the plant. Therefore, chlorotic area sicae) may appear anywhere on the leaves, Damage symptom: Both nymphs and which eventually fall off. adults suck the sap from the tender part of plants. Crinkling and cupping Management: Hot-water treatment of leaves occurs. Aphids enter the inner of seeds at 50°C for 30 minutes; leaves of the head and in cauliflower, drenching the nursery with formalin all the inner space of the head is filled (5%) before sowing, followed by two with aphids, thus making the vegetable sprays of Streptocycline (300 ppm) + unmarketable. They also excrete hon- copper oxychloride (0.3%) at 15 day ey dew on which sooty mould develop. intervals; two to three sprays of Kocide (0.2%) at 15 day intervals.

Management: Set up yellow sticky K. Lily Rangnamei and trap @ 5 nos./acre, spray Neem oil @ E. Lireni Kikon 2-3 ml/lit. of water before pests inKVK Longleng festation or at the time of pest inci1. SMS (Horticulture) 2. SMS dence. Apply Dimethoate 400 - 500 (Plant Protection) ml/ Monocrotophos @ 450 lit. of wa-

Causes of Food Contamination and Pfutseromi farm school Its Preventing Measures and Controls Profile of vegetable cultivation before ATMA’s intervention

‘H

ealth is wealth’; preventing of food from contamination is one of the major concern for every one because consuming contaminated foods and drinks causes food borne illness. This mean that contaminated foods and drinks are harmful for ones’ health and can cause illnesses like typhoid fever and bacillary dysentery.

Some illnesses are enteric in that the symptoms are confined to the gastro intestinal tract with mild to severe nausea, vomiting, stomach ache and diarrhea. Other food borne diseases are systematic that is the organism invades the circulation and produce symptoms in organs and tissues.

Almost all reported cases of food borne illnesses or diseases are caused by the followings: • By bacteria - Bacteria multiply fast when food is kept at an unsafe temperature.

• By moulds - Moulds usually grow in humid area.

• By Fungi - This usually grows in lack of sunlight.

• By the presence of some natural toxicant in the food. The toxin is formed in the food before it is eaten and cannot be detected by taste, odor and colour.

• By contamination of food with toxin chemicals or sensitivity of a given individual to one or more food.

• Initially the “Big Three” are reported to be the main causes of food borne illnesses. These are: o Salmonella o Clostridurm o Staphylococci o Other microorganism known as germs is also one of the causes of food borne illnesses and diseases.

• Food to food • People to food • Equipment to food.

Food to Food Food can become contaminated by bacteria from other foods. This type of crosscontamination is especially dangerous if raw foods come into contact with cooked foods. Here are some examples of food-tofood cross-contamination: • In a refrigerator, meat drippings from raw meat stored on a top shelf might drip onto cooked vegetables placed on lower shelf.

• Raw chicken placed on a grill touching a steak that is being cooked.

People to Food People can also be a source of cross-contamination to foods. Some examples are: • Handling foods after using the toilet without first properly washing your hands.

• Touching raw meats and then preparing vegetables without washing hands between tasks.

• Using an apron to wipe your hands between handling different foods, or wiping a counter with a towel and then using it to dry your hands.

P

futseromi village is about 2.5 km away from Pfutsero town. Agriculture is the main occupation and 80.84 % of the total population is engaged in farming. The main crops grown are rice, maize, millets, cabbage, potato, yam, pulses, ginger, bananas, etc. However, passion fruit, peach, plum and large cardamom are also gaining momentum in the district.

Winter is very cold owing to the high elevation and it receives a seasonal rainfall of about 200 cm.

Despite favourable climatic conditions for cultivation of cole crops, production and productivity remains low. To help fill this lacuna, a Vegetable Farm School was set by ATMA-Phek at Pfutseromi Village on the 20th of September 2011 with the aim of augmenting the farmers with the latest technological knowledge and reducing the time lag between technology generation and its transfer to the farmers’ fields for increasing production and achieving sustainability. This intervention has allowed the farmers to understand the importance of following proper cultivation practices such as field preparation, seed rate, spacing, optimum use of fertilizers and manures and so on, which would ultimately result in quantitative as well as qualitative crop production.

height of about 10-15cm to avoid water stagnation/logging. This was followed by levelling and line sowing.

Adoption of spacing and contour planting on hill slopes Broadcasting method of sowing was usually followed by the farmers. As a result, optimum plant population could not be achieved. The farm students were taught about maintaining proper spacing to ensure adequate aeration and nutrient uptake besides achieving an optimum plant population. Now proper spacing is maintained in the vegetable farm school. For e.g.: A plant to ATMA intervention: plant spacing of 45 cm and a row to row spac1) Technology dissemination at block level ing of 60 cm is maintained for cabbage. through on-field training and demonCIGs benefited through the farm school stration Welo SHG, Grace SHG and We SHG from 2) Training on package of practices for vegPfutseromi village are active participants etable crops 3) Demonstration on nursery seed-bed in the farm school and continue to implement the package of practices being taught preparation.

4) Mini Kit distribution of vegetable seeds to them in field conditions.

A total of around 30 farmers have bensuch as cabbage, radish, capsicum, coriefited through the operation of the farm ander, broccoli and mustard seeds school. It should also be mentioned that Success of technology gap adoption Pfutseromi village has become the centre for Nursery bed: Field was prepared by dissemination of technical know-how to all ploughing and hoeing and soil clods were villages within Pfutsero block. removed and the soil was tilled to a fine texture. Decomposed manure was added at 25 Courtesy: ATMA, Department of Agriculture to 30 MT per ha. The beds were raised to a Government of Nagaland

Equipment to Food Contamination can also be passed from kitchen equipment and utensils to food.

This type of contamination occurs because the equipment or utensils were not properly cleaned and sanitized between each use.

Some examples are: • Using unclean equipment, such as slicers, can openers, and utensils, to preTotal rainfall received in Dimapur district during December month was 5.8 mm with the highest amount of 5.8 mm recorded on 27th pare food.

• Using a cutting board and the same December. Total number of rainy day was 1. knife when cutting different types of Germs that cause disease are spread by: foods, such as cutting raw chicken fol• improper handling, preparing, and lowed by salad preparation.

For cole crops, light irrigation on every alternate day may be given for better establishment and smooth growth. Mulching must be storing of food • Storing a cooked product, such as a done after irrigation.

• improper washing of hands and fingersauce, in an unsanitized container that Wrapping of plastic sheets around mango trunk should be done for preventing climbing of young mealy bugs. Apply grease to seal any nails previously stored raw meat. cracks in the polythene sheets. Irrigation should be done in all orchards • poor personal hygiene habits of food employees Preventing measures and controls : Pre- In fruit crops and perennial vegetables, apply organic mulches after earthing up and weeding to conserve residual soil moisture as well • people who may seem well but who car- venting cross-contamination is one step to as to maintain the soil temperature. ry bacteria that can make other people help eliminate food- borne illness. Crosssick contamination of food is a common factor In citrus nursery, diseases may appear any time of plant growth through contaminated water, soil and even through nursery workers • improperly cleaned and sanitized eat- in the cause of foodborne illness. Foods can and implements. Therefore a regular monitoring should be done for infection and in case of infection; the infected/contaminated plants ing and cooking utensils and equip- become contaminated by microorganisms should immediately be uprooted and destroyed to keep the nursery totally free. ment (bacteria and viruses) from many different • contamination of food, utensils, and sources during the food preparation and During heading stage of cabbage, inner leaves get riddled with caterpillars showing round transparent cuticular patches caused by feeding. Neem based formulations should be sprayed @ 4 ml/litre and equipment from flies, roaches, and oth- storage process. remove cruciferous, solanaceous and liliaceae group plants in and around the field if the infestation is high. er insects and pests • use of foods from unapproved sources Follow these steps to prevent cross-con- While inspecting ginger and turmeric plot, the healthy plants/plots must be marked and kept for planting in the next season. Marking Preventing measures and controls :Pay tamination and reduce hazards to food: has to be done properly otherwise when plant matures and gets dried up, it will be very difficult to find out the marked plots. attention while preparing food to prevent • Wash your hands thoroughly between Harvest during the coolest part of the day that is early morning or late afternoon; do not harvest produce when it is wet from dew as it accidental contaminants. handling different foods or after using will be more likely to decay. Protect harvested produce in the field by putting it under open-sided shade when transport is not immeRemember: WHEN IN DOUBT, THROW the toilet. diately available. Disease affected plants should be pulled out.

IT OUT! • Wash and sanitize all equipment and • Plan for a minimum of leftovers. utensils that come in contact with food. One month prior to harvest of colocasia, all the suckers may be wrapped around the base of the mother plant and covered with soil by • Throw away food that is cloudy, mushy, • Avoid touching your face, skin, and hair, earthing up, for arresting further vegetative growth and sprouting of tubers. After this, irrigation has to be withheld to hasten maturity. or has an off odor. or wiping your hands on cleaning cloths. Harvesting is done by carefully uprooting the plants and the mother corms and cormels are separated.

• Throw away food from a leaking can. • Store foods properly by separating DO NOT taste. This could be a possible washed or prepared foods from unsource of Botulism. washed or raw foods.

• Throw away food that changes appear- • Try preparing each type of food at differ- Ensure periodic vaccination of animals against FMD, Brucellosis, Haemorrahagic Septicaemia, Anthrax Poultry: Good management and sanitation are the best ways to avoid infectious disease in poultry. Provide ample quantity of clean drinking water. Avoid feeding ance, color, and/or Shape over a period ent times, and then clean and sanitize of mouldy feed. Don’t make sudden changes in feed of time. food contact surfaces between each task. Piggery: Swine flu may occur in pig at all stages. It is a viral flu and highly contagious. Clinical signs include high fever, skin lesions, • Cross-contamination: Cross-contamination is the contamination of a food Jessica Dohtdong convulsions, constipation followed by diarrhea and vomiting, less appetite. Once the symptoms is noticed, immediately informed the product from another source. There are Programme Assistant (Home Science) nearby veterinary doctor

Weather based integrated agro advisory for the month of January Advisories

Livestock

three main ways cross-contamination can occur:

Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Wokha, ICAR, Nagaland Centre

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.

Agro Met Field Unit ICAR, Jharnapani. Medziphema

8

friDAY 06•01•2017

INDIA

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Why migration is killing babies in this Indian village Khoch, January 5 (Thomson reuTers FoundaTion): As Soni Wadwi breastfed her one-yearold son, Sonu, outside her hut in Khoch village, western India, she recounted how he almost died from severe malnutrition four months ago.

The family left the village in the Palghar district of Maharashtra state last year for work for several months as many do.

When they returned, Sonu was weak and admitted to hospital.

Wadwi's son survived and made a full recovery but about 400 other children died from malnutrition-linked illnesses in Palghar between April and November 2016, a rising trend that campaigners put down to an annual pattern of migration for work.

In the last three years, malnutrition has claimed the lives of about 1,600 children in Palghar, a tribal region battling high unemployment and poverty, with national headlines over child deaths prompting government action to address the problem.

Khoch lies 150 km (93 miles) from India's commercial capital Mumbai and close to the border with Gujarat, one of the country's most prosper-

Soni Wadwi poses with her one-year-old son, Sonu, outside her hut in Khoch village in Palghar district as her two other children play. Sonu was diagnosed as severely malnourished in September but survived and has made a full recovery. (REUTERS File Photo)

ous states, but unemployment is forcing parents to move to cities to find work to feed their children.

"Palghar's problem of malnutrition is shocking because of its proximity to Mumbai, but it is migration to Mumbai that is at the root of this problem," said Milind Thatte, founder of Vayam, a movement for tribal development.

"People from Palghar migrate to Mumbai for work, but

World must pressure India on Kashmr: Sharif islamabad, January 5 (ians): Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday said the world needs to tell India "enough is enough" vis-a-vis its policy towards Jammu and Kashmir.

Sharif was addressing an International Parliamentary Seminar on Kashmir here.

"Seventy years of brutal repression and Kashmiri struggle in the face of that oppression have shown cries of freedom cannot be stifled by sounds of bullets," he said.

He called for an end to the "continued suffering" in Kashmir, where a separatist campaign which New Delhi says is armed and financed by Islamabad has left thousands dead.

Sharif called militant Burhan Wani, whose killing in July last year triggered widespread unrest in the Kashmir Valley, as a "vibrant and charismatic leader" who "has become a rallying point" for Kashmiris.

He said India and Pakistan had promised to recognise the Kashmiri people's right to self-determination.

Sharif said Pakistan would continue to support the separatist struggle in Jammu and Kashmir.

Youth poses as IPS officer in PM's route, held PaTna, January 5 (PTi): A youth impersonating as IPS officer was held today while he was guiding policemen in regulating traffic in the route of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit here at the concluding function of 350th Prakash Parva of 10th Sikh Guru Govind Singh.

Mayank Miral, a resident of Fraser road in Patna, was in civil dress and claimed himself as 2015 batch IPS officer as he guided the policemen in regulating traffic in the route of PM near Punaichak roundabout.

Miral was held after he failed to show his identity card asked by the police, following which he was brought to Shastri Nagar police station.

Ruling out the possibility of any sinister design, Patna SP Manu Maharaj said that the youth appeared to be mentally unsound.

Patna police had made elaborate security arrangements for the Prime Minister's visit to Gandhi Maidan from Airport to attend the concluding function of 350th Prakash Parva of 10th Sikh Guru Govind Singh.

Respite for animals as India bans skin, fur imports new delhi, January 5 (ians): In a bid to end the suffering of animals abroad, which are culled in large numbers to meet the market demands here, India has shut its doors to fur and reptile skin products from around the world.

The order, which has been implemented from January 3, has come after directions to the Directorate General of Foreign Trade by the Union Environment Ministry in November last year. The amendment in India's import policy made by Department of Commerce and Industry covers products made from skin of snakes, alligator, crocodiles, monitor lizards and fur skin from mink, chinchilla and foxes among other animals. The order came following the years of efforts made by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) with the help of Union Minister for Women and Child Development and wildlife crusader Maneka Gandhi.

"There is huge demand for products like bags and wallets made of the animal skins like fur and reptile skins in India. Several famous brands like Louis Vuitton, which has limited showrooms in India, use crocodile skins. This order may help end suffering of many animals by ending demand here," Nikunj Sharma of PETA told IANS. "We initiated the issue in 2014. With help of Maneka Gandhi, the Environment Ministry agreed. We then met Union Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in 2015 who also agreed with us," said Sharma.

Previously, the import policy for these items were free with restrictions subjected to prohibitions under India's Wildlife Protection Act or the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). "For one full length fur coat, over 150 chinchilla are killed," Sharma said. The new Indian policy now completely prohibits the import of the fur of the small mouse-like mammals, slightly larger than a squirrel, found in South America. Mink and other otter-like animals found in America and Europe are also killed for their even coloured fur.

the cost of living there is very high. They don't eat to save money."

Villagers start leaving Palghar in December for the Mumbai satellite towns of Thane and Bhiwandi where they often work 12-hour shifts at construction sites or road building projects.

Once the monsoon season halts construction, workers return to villages in July for a jobless spell until October, when

the start of the harvest provides daily work on farmland.

Locals refer to September as "starvation month", when many people are unemployed and children's deaths peak.

The end of the harvest in December again signals the end of the villagers' home stay.

"We have no work now, but we will leave soon. We are waiting for the 'seth' [the construction site contractor] to come and take us," Wadwi

told the Thomson Reuters Nidhi Chaudhari, who heads Foundation. the Palghar local government office.

BOTTOM OF Vivek Pandit, an activist THE LADDER who has represented the area Namdev Savara, a member in the Maharashtra state asof the Kathkari tribe, has de- sembly, said Kathkari people voted an entire wall of his one- don't have land and are handroom hut in Khoch to colour- picked for their ability to do ful depictions of Indian gods strenuous work. and goddesses.

"They work at construction So when his son, Ishwar - sites, break stones for road conwhich means the supreme lord struction or at brick kilns," Panin Hindi - died in September, dit said. he hung a black and white picEmployers usually preture of the child on this wall of fer to hire Kathkari couples as worship. they coordinate better and are Savara said he will not leave cheaper than two men, with Khoch in 2017 and he will work men paid around 200 Indian on a local road construction rupees ($2.93) daily and womproject with his wife. The couple en anywhere between 50 and will stay close to their two other 100 rupees. children who go to school.

The migrant workers surAccording to government vive on rice and the occasional data about 39 percent of Indian dish of potato and onions, savchildren suffer from chronic ing their money for the jobless undernutrition and around months.

42.5 percent are underweight.

In Palghar, malnutrition WEAK AND most affects the Kathkari tribe, VULNERABLE a one time forest community Doctors said children sufwhich is among the lowest in fer due to irregular feeding patthe pecking order of the Indian terns when both parents work caste system. long hours.

"Most children who died "The parents' priority is not this year due to malnutrition- their child's health but to earn linked illnesses were from the their daily wages," said Ramdas Kathkari community," said Marad, superintendent at the

Palghar sub-district hospital that runs at twice its capacity in the monsoon months between June and September.

"Children are more vulnerable to disease such as pneumonia or respiratory infections during this time as they are weak and their immunities are compromised."

The government is drawing up a list of Kathkari tribe members to ensure they benefit from the government schemes for jobs and education, among the others that they are eligible for.

The government has even started a new road project in Khoch to attempt to slow migration, but only a handful of people who have bank accounts are so far eligible.

Savara is among them but his decision to stay in Khoch this year is an anomaly in the village where migration began last month.

Many, such as Wadwi, even committed to leave in September, when a contractor visited families and bought promises of migration against an advance payment.

"I know my child was malnourished when we migrated last year. But what will I feed him if I don't work?" she said.

To revive, Congress needs to give 4 arrested for Bengaluru molestation greater autonomy to regional leaders new delhi, January 5 (ians): With assembly elections having been announced in five states -- including politically crucial Uttar Pradesh -- and having lost Assam and Kerala last year, 2017 will be crucial for the Congress as it attempts to regain lost ground. Experts feel the only way out would be for the party to give greater autonomy to its regional leaders instead of centralising all powers in the hands of the High Command.

It's quite a different matter that this is easier said than done. "They need to give autonomy to strong regional leaders.

The Congress traditionally was a party of very strong regional leaders. Over the years, the central control of state units and central leadership changing state chief ministers at will without taking into account organic strength of the leaders in states has haunted the Congress," noted political analyst Ashok Malik told IANS. "The Congress' best chance is in Punjab, where they have a strong regional leader in Amarinder Singh.

They seem to have a good chance there. Essentially,

where they have strong state leaders, Congress tends to do well or stands to have a better chance," he said.

"For example in Karnataka the last time they won because of Siddaramaiah, in Himachal Pradesh they won under Veerbhadra Singh, in Delhi years ago they won under Sheila Dikshit. In Rajasthan, Congress is in the opposition but Sachin Pilot as party chief seems to be doing a good job," Malik noted.

Apart from Punjab, the Election Commission announed that elections would be held In Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Manipur and Uttarakhand between February 4 and March 8. The results will be announed on March 11.

"As far as 2017 is concerned, it is going to be difficult for Congress except for Punjab. It will be difficult without an alliance in Uttar Pradesh in the short term," said Adnan Farooqui, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, Jamia Millia Islamia. "Punjab is a different ball game. They have very strong regional leader in Amarinder Singh. This could be the gamechanger.

But, unless and untill they

give more autonomy to the regional or state leaders, I don't think there is any way out," said Farooqui.

Political analyst and chief editor of CVoter Yashwant Deshmukh said Congress was losing in all the states because of the party's central leadership.

"Barring Karnataka they are not holding any major state. They kept losing the states because the Congress High Command was unable to give due credit to the local strong leaders in the party. Due to the phenomenon of centralised leadership of the Congress, they have not allowed the real powerful Congress leaders to become a face in the states," said Deshmukh.

He gave the example of YSR Reddy of Andhra Pradesh being a very popular and strong regional leader. "Enough leverage is needed to be given to the state leaders. Congress have some wonderful leaders in the states and they have bigger profile than the central leadership. The High Command must concede that they are not more popular than their state leaders," Deshmukh added.

Two men on a scooter assault a woman, attempting to take off her clothes and pushing her to the ground before leaving, in Bengaluru, India, in this still image taken from January 1, 2017 CCTV footage. (Reuters Photo)

bengaluru, January 5 (ians): Four persons including two delivery boys were arrested for allegedly molesting and groping a young woman on New Year Day here, Bengaluru Police Commissioner Praveen Sood said on Thursday.

The four are Ayyappa, Leno, Somashekar and Sudhesh and are in the age group of 19-24 years.

"We are on the lookout for two more of their accomplices as six men planned the heinous incident which they planned together after stalking the victim after the new year party that night," Sood told reporters.

Ayyappa is the main accused who groped the victim while Leno molested her soon after forcing her on the scooter.

"We have also recovered the scooter on which the two rode towards the victim

and attempted to abduct her while the other accomplices were watching them committing the crime from a distance," Sood said.

Pleading the media not to ask for any information about the victim who has been traumatised by the incident, Sood said though all the accused were from the same locality (Kammanahalli), the victim did not know them as she had come to Bengaluru only a week ago.

"Ayyappa, 19, is a delivery boy, Leno is a college student, Somashekar is a driver and Sudesh is another delivery boy," said Sood.

The accused would be produced before a court on Friday for four-five day police custody to interrogate them.

They have been charged with wrongful restraint and sexual harassment.

Opposition meets EC, demands budget after state polls new delhi, January 5 (ians): Contending that the presentation of the Union Budget ahead of assembly elections in five states will give an unfair advantage to the BJP and its allies, seven opposition parties on Thursday approached the Election Commission to demand the fiscal exercise be deferred till after March 8.

Instead of usual February 28, the budget this year is scheduled to be presented on February 1, only days before the assembly elections go underway in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa and Manipur between February 4 and March 8.

A delegation comprising leaders of the Congress, Trinamool Congress, Janata Dal-United, Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party, Rashtriya Janata Dal and the DMK met Chief Election Commissioner Syed Nasim Ahmad Zaidi here on Thursday.

While the Communist Party of India-Marxist did not joint the delegation, party General Secretary Sitaram Yechury expressed his reservation on the matter and hoped the Election Commission and the President will take note and "reverse" the decision on the budget.

Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad told the media here: "We told the EC that allowing the government to present the Budget ahead of polls will give unfair advantage to the BJP and its allies

Banning tainted leaders from polls: SC to set up larger bench new delhi, January 5 (PTi): Ahead of crucial upcoming Assembly polls in five states, the Supreme Court today said it would "soon constitute" a five-judge bench to decide questions like whether people facing trial in serious crime cases can be allowed to contest and at which stage of trial, a lawmaker would stand disqualified.

"We must clarify this matter so that people know the law by next election," a bench headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar said while considering the submission that these issues needed to be decided at the earliest as many "dreaded criminals", against whom charges have been framed by courts in serious cases, are planning to contest upcoming Assembly polls.

"We will soon constitute a Constitution bench to decide these issues," the bench, also comprising Justices N V Ramana and D Y Chandrachud, said.

Senior advocate Vikas Singh, appearing for lawyer and Delhi BJP spokesperson Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, mentioned the PIL on the issue for urgent hearing on grounds including that many people, facing trial in serious cases, may contest and win elections and hence the legal questions and how the exercise can be used to influence voters."

"The EC gave us all a patient hearing," said Azad.

As for the government's unwillingness to move the budget presentation date, Azad said", "If they don't accept our demand, it means they don't want polls to be fair. Then it is not democracy.

Democracy requires all parties to have a level playing field."

Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha member Derek O'Brien hoped

needed to be settled. During the brief meintioning, the bench also said, "We cannot give an immediate answer to these questions since there is fear of lodging false cases in elections."

A three-judge bench had on March 8 last year, referred various PILs including the one filed by Upadhyay to the CJI saying the questions like can a lawmaker, facing criminal trial, be disqualified at conviction stage or at the framing of charge in a case have to be decided by a larger bench. At present, a person, convicted in a serious criminal case, is barred from contesting polls and a lawmaker stands disqualified in the event of conviction.

The questions, raised in the petitions, also include whether a person against whom charges are framed be permitted to contest elections. Singh told the bench that the ban on contesting polls is not sought against those who are facing charges in petty offences. Besides Upadhyay, former Chief Election Commissioner J M Lyngdoh and NGO 'Public Interest Foundation' had filed PILs raising similar issues. The pleas were referred to the larger bench which is yet to be set up.

that the Election Commission will address their concerns.

"There is enough time to present the Budget after March 8. That is the fair way to do it. Not only the EC has to be fair, but it has to be seen to be fair. We are optimistic," said O'Brien.

Besides Azad and O'Brien, those who met Zaidi in the delegation were Ambeth Rajan from the Bahujan Samaj Party, Naresh Agarwal of the Samajwadi Party, T. Siva of the DMK and K.C. Tyagi

of the Janata Dal-United.

Congress leader Anand Sharma said the Budget presentation prior to the assembly polls will vitiate free and fair voting.

"It is the EC mandate to ensure that no situation that may vitiate free and fair polls arises. We have already informed President Pranab Mukherjee about the issue," said Sharma.

"Presenting the Union Budget just three days before the assembly polls start not only gives an

unfair advantage to the government to influence the voters, but, in fact, is a violation of the Model Code of Conduct," Tyagi said.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), however, slammed the opposition. "The Budget is a constitutional duty and not related to any one state. The presentation of the Budget is not a sudden decision," said Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi.

"The opposition parties have gone bankrupt on issues. That is why they are trying to create an issue out of a non-issue. The government has decided on February 1 for Budget presentation and irrespective of what the opposition says, it will be presented," added Naqvi.

BJP National Secretary Siddharth Nath Singh said the opposition to the Budget presentation only reflected the nervousness of the Congress and the Samajwadi Party. "The budget is a constitutional mandate and has no connection with elections. Every now and then, we have elections... you don't postpone Budget presentation for that," Singh added.

The opposition parties earlier submitted a memorandum to President Pranab Mukherjee and the EC, requesting presentation of the Union Budget be deferred.

Zaidi on Wednesday said the EC has received the memorandum, and added the poll panel was examining it and would "take a call on it in due course".

fridAY 06•01•2017

WORLD

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

9

MyanMar: Uprooted by war and fearing troops, girls learn karate JE YANG, JANuArY 5 (AP): Every afternoon, dozens of teenage girls at the school for displaced children line up on the grounds, dressed in white uniforms with belts of various colors: yellow, blue, white. They kick high and jump with glee before settling into their exercises, shouting in Japanese as they punch into the air.

The reason many of these girls are in this class is sobering: They want protection from their own country’s military.

Mostly between 13 and 16, they have lost their homes, and in some cases their families, to the longrunning civil war in Myanmar’s Kachin state — a war in which soldiers have been repeatedly accused of raping girls and women, but rarely prosecuted. This karate class offers some small sense of power to the vulnerable.

“For all the girls, we teach them how to protect themselves when someone tries to sexually assault them and how to fight back,” instructor Hkun Naw said. “Basically teaching the girls to make themselves safe.

“We wanted to make sure all the internally displaced children have the right to do something that gives them joy, and to be confident.”

More than 100,000 people in Kachin state, in Myanmar’s north, have been forced from their homes by fighting between government troops and ethnic Kachin rebels who have sought greater autonomy for decades. A 17-year-long cease-fire ended in 2011.

Je Yang is among the most crowded camps, with more than 8,000 people, including 16-yearold Hkawn Ra. She fled fighting in her village of Man Dung while she was at school 5 years ago. She has not seen her parents since.

She once dreamed of becoming a nurse, but no longer. “Because of the political situation and civil war,

Myanmar accused of ‘whitewash’ as panel rejects claims it is persecuting Rohingya

In this November 2016 File photo, internally displaced girls in Jeyang village camp, near the border with China, join the karate training for self-defense in Kachin state, Myanmar. Forced from their homes and in some cases torn from their families, young girls and women at a refugee camp in Kachin state are studying karate to help protect themselves from a known treat: the country’s own military.

I cannot become who I want to be, and I am not angry about it anymore,” she said.

Hkawn Ra is, however, learning karate, after hearing about rapes and sexual violence against women in the region. A community-based organization operating under the Kachin Independence Organization has held karate classes in Kachin-controlled areas since the year the cease-fire ended, seeking to teach girls and boys self-defense and self-confidence.

“They (the military) rape women and that’s why I was interested, and decided to learn karate to protect myself at least,” Hkawn Ra said.

Women organizations say the military has been long using rape as weapon of war. The Women’s League of Burma says it has documented more than 100 cases of rape and sexual violence against ethnic women by the military army since 2010. The government and the military have remained largely silent on the issue.

This fall, Muslim Rohingya and rights groups have said soldiers and police have repeatedly raped members of the ethnic minority in northwestern Rakhine state. Authorities have been conducting sweeps of the region since October, when 9 border guards were killed by unknown attackers. The government has blocked foreign media from the area, but Rohingya who fled to nearby Bangladesh report rapes and murders by security forces, and satellite images back up their claims of village-burning. At a recent press conference, military spokesman Soe Naing Oo denied that soldiers in Rakhine were committing any human-rights violations or sexual violence.

The Kachin Women’s Association of Thailand and the Legal Aid Network last year released a report on investigators’ lack of progress in the brutal 2015 rape and murder of the two Kachin volunteer teachers.

Dozens of soldiers were housed close to the rape scene, and several

left shortly before the bodies were discovered, but no suspects have been identified.

Prosecutions have been few. In 2014, a soldier was sentenced to 7 years in prison for raping a 7-yearold Kachin girl in northern Shan state. Accused Myanmar soldiers normally face a military tribunal, but in that case lawyers successfully pressed for a civilian trial.

Ethnic minorities overwhelmingly voted for Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy last year, helping it replace an elected but military-dominated government. But many are now disappointed with her government’s efforts to resolve a host of ethnic conflicts and what they see as the military’s impunity. “Without talking about human-rights violations and ignoring the truth and justice for the victims, there won’t be a real peace and national reconciliation in our country,” said Julia Marip, secretary of the Women’s League of Burma.

YANGON, JANuArY 5 (rEutErs): Human rights groups said Myanmar’s government is trying to cover up abuses against civilians in a Muslim-majority part of Rakhine State after an investigation panel dismissed claims a government crackdown there amounts to “genocide”.

A commission appointed by the government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi issued interim findings refuting allegations of abuses by security forces on Wednesday, even as authorities were still investigating alleged police abuses after a video emerged appearing to show officers beating and kicking Rohingya villagers.

Troops have poured into northern Rakhine since insurgents believed to be from the mostly stateless Rohingya minority attacked border posts on Oct. 9, killing nine police officers.

At least 86 people have died and an estimated 34,000 have fled across the border to Bangladesh.

Rohingya residents and refugees accuse security forces of summary executions, arbitrary arrest, rape and burning down homes as part of what the government has termed its “clearance operations” in search of attackers.

Myanmar’s government has flatly denied allegations that abuses have been committed, but has prevented independent journalists and aid workers from accessing parts of northern Rakhine.

Under international pressure Suu Kyi ordered the commission to investigate the attacks and the abuse allegations.

“The Bengali population residing in Maungtaw region, the increasing population of Mawlawi (Islamic scholars), mosques and religious edifices are proof that there were no cases of genocide and religious persecution in the region,” said

the report.

Many in Myanmar refer to the Rohingya as “Bengalis” as they see them as interlopers from Bangladesh.

The panel also said it had so far found “insufficient evidence” for legal action on allegations of rape by soldiers.

“No cases of malnutrition were found in the area, due to the area’s favourable fishing and farming conditions,” it added, despite concerns from international aid organisations that tens of thousands of people who were receiving food aid before Oct. 9 are now cut off.

Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director at New York-based Human Rights Watch, said the panel was “looking more and more like the Myanmar government whitewash mechanism that we feared it would be,” highlighting that the panel chair Vice President Myint Swe, is a former army lieutenant general.

Robertson said it was “astonishing” that the commission could conclude from the presence of mosques that the Rohingya are not being persecuted.

“Judging by what is written in this interim report, the commission has so far acted to discount out of hand what it calls ‘external allegations’ rather than seriously investigate them and risk uncovering the litany of rights violations against the Rohingya,” he said by email.

Matthew Smith, founder of campaign group Fortify Rights, said the commission’s report was sharply at odds with accounts collected by researchers interviewing civilians in northern Rakhine and those who have fled to Bangladesh.

“The army has committed atrocity crimes and this commission is attempting a whitewash. Ministries led by Suu Kyi have charted the path of denial, waging a shameful propaganda campaign,” Smith said by email.

Australia expresses regret for Scientists link higher dementia risk to living near heavy traffic offending Indonesia’s military

Australian Army soldier Sergeant Francis Jakis (L) is pictured with Indonesian Army soldiers during the Junior Officer Combat Instructor Training course conducted by the Australian Army’s Combat Training Centre in Tully, in Australia. (REUTERS File Photo)

sYDNEY, JANuArY 5 (rEutErs): Australia expressed regret on Thursday and promised a thorough investigation of “insulting” teaching material found at a west Australian military base that led to Indonesia suspending defence ties between the often uneasy Asia-Pacific neighbours.

Indonesia confirmed on Wednesday it had suspended military cooperation with Australia in December, a decision that was initially said to have been taken independently by the military.

However, Indonesian President Joko Widodo said on Thursday he had given his permission for the suspension of ties and that his defence minister and military chief had been asked to investigate. Such military ties cover a range of activities from counterterrorism cooperation to border protection.

Jakarta and Canberra have had a rocky military relationship in recent years, and Australia stopped joint training exercises with Indonesia’s Kopassus special forces after accusations of abuses by the unit in East Timor in 1999, as the territory prepared for independence.

Ties were resumed when cooperation on counterterrorism became imperative after the 2002 bombing of two nightclubs on the resort island of Bali that killed 202 people, including 88 Australians.

Australian Defence Minister Marise Payne said on Thursday an investigation into the offensive materials that were found at Campbell Barracks in the west Australian city of Perth would be concluded “imminently”.

“We have indicated our regret that this occurred and that offence was taken. I think that’s appropriate when a significant counterpart raises

their concerns with you,” Payne told reporters in Sydney.

Australia would present the findings of the report to Indonesia’s government and military, Payne said. Payne refused to reveal the exact nature of the offending material, although Indonesia media have reported that a senior Indonesian military officer training in Australia took offence at a poster questioning Indonesian sovereignty over the western half of the island of Papua.

Media have also reported that the same officer also found documents that ridiculed the founding ideology of Indonesia’s National Armed Forces.

Papua, where there is a long-simmering separatist movement, is a politically sensitive issue in Indonesia.

“We of course ... recognise Indonesia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and that is our firm and stated position,” Payne said. She said the offending material had been removed and that all training documents would be “culturally appropriate”.

Indonesia most recently suspended military ties with Australia in 2013 over revelations that Australian spies had tapped the mobile telephone of then president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. Indonesian and Australian officials stressed that the bilateral relationship had not stalled, unlike in 2013.

“I think our relations with Australia remain in a good condition. The problem has to be clarified first at the operational level so the situation will not heat up,” Widodo told reporters in Jakarta. Australia needs Indonesia’s help to enforce its controversial immigration policy that includes turning back boats carrying would-be asylum seekers. Payne said there was “no indication” of any change”.

LONDON, JANuArY 5 (rEutErs): People who live near busy roads laden with heavy traffic face a higher risk of developing dementia than those living further away, according to researchers in Canada.

A study published in The Lancet medical journal found that people who lived within 50 metres (55 yards) of high-traffic roads had a 7.0 percent higher chance of developing dementia compared to those who lived more than 300 metres away from busy roadways.

“Air pollutants can get into the blood stream and lead to inflammation, which is linked with cardiovascular disease and possibly other conditions such as diabetes. This study suggests air pollutants that can get into the brain via the blood stream can lead to neurological problems,” said Ray Copes, an environmental and occupational health expert at Public Health Ontario (PHO) who conducted the study with colleagues from Canada’s Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences.

Dementia is caused by brain diseases, most commonly Alzheimer’s

disease, which result in the loss of brain cells and affect memory, thinking, behaviour, navigational and spatial abilities and the ability to perform everyday activities.

The World Health Organization estimates the number of people with dementia in 2015 at 47.5 million, and that total is rising rapidly as life expectancy increases and societies age.

The incurable condition is a leading cause of disability and dependency, and is starting to overtake heart disease as a cause of death in some developed countries.

Chen’s team analysed records of more than 6.5 million Ontario residents aged 20 to 85 and found 243,611 cases of dementia between 2001 and 2012. Then they mapped residents’ proximity to major roadways using postal codes.

The increase in the risk of developing dementia went down to 4.0 percent if people lived 50 to 100 metres from major traffic, and to 2.0 percent if they lived within 101 to 200 metres. At more than 200 metres, the elevated risk faded away.

The team also explored links be-

Vehicles are seen during heavy traffic on Epifanio Delo Santos Avenue (EDSA) in metro Manila in Philippines. (REUTERS File Photo)

tween living close to major roads and Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis - two other major neurological disorders - but the findings suggested no increased risk of these from living near heavy traffic.

The scientists said their results could be used to help town and city planners take traffic conditions and air pollution into account as urban areas become more densely populated.

Congress begins Russia hacking probe, Trump still skeptical of US intelligence WAsHINGtON, JANuArY 5 (rEutErs): Senior U.S. intelligence officials will testify in Congress on Thursday on Russia’s alleged cyber attacks during the 2016 election campaign, even as President-elect Donald Trump casts doubt on intelligence agencies’ findings that Moscow orchestrated the hacks.

The hearings come a day before Trump is due to be briefed by intelligence agency chiefs on hacks that targeted the Democratic Party.

Trump is heading for a conflict over the issue with Democrats and fellow Republicans in Congress, many of whom are wary of Moscow and distrust the New York businessman’s praise of Russian President Vladimir Putin and efforts to heal the rift between the United States and Russia.

Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, National Security Agency Di-

rector Mike Rogers and Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence Marcel Lettre are expected to appear before the Senate Armed Services Committee, which is chaired

by Republican John McCain, a vocal critic of Putin.

Their testimony on cyber threats facing the United States will come a week after President Barack Obama ordered the expulsion of 35 Russian suspected spies and imposed sanctions on two Russian intelligence agencies over their alleged involvement in hacking U.S. political groups in the 2016 election.

U.S. intelligence agencies say Russia was behind hacks into Democratic Party organizations and operatives before the presidential election, a conclusion supported by several private cybersecurity firms. Moscow denies the hacking allegations.

U.S. intelligence officials

have also said the Russian cyber attacks aimed to help Trump defeat Democrat Hillary Clinton in the Nov. 8 election. Several Republicans acknowledge Russian hacking during the election but have not linked it to an effort to help Trump win.

Documents stolen from the Democratic National Committee and John Podesta, Clinton’s campaign manager, were leaked to the media in advance of the election, embarrassing the Clinton campaign.

In a tweet on Wednesday, Trump said: “(WikiLeaks founder) Julian Assange said ‘a 14 year old could have hacked Podesta’ - why was DNC so careless? Also said the Russians did not give him the info!”

Trump also quoted Assange as telling Fox News that U.S. media coverage of the matter was “very dishonest.”

He and top advisers be-

lieve Democrats are trying to delegitimize his election victory by accusing Russian authorities of helping him.

Firmer Response Urged Some lawmakers, including McCain, said a firmer response was needed to check Russian aggression in cyberspace and elsewhere. He is among a handful of Republicans to join Democrats in pushing for a special committee to investigate Russia’s political hacking, although that effort has lost traction in the face of opposition from Republican leaders in Congress.

Obama instructed U.S. intelligence agencies last month to conduct a full review of the election hacks. That review could be completed and delivered to Obama as soon as Thursday, said sources familiar with the matter.

Five Democratic senators introduced legislation on Wednesday calling for the

creation of an independent, nonpartisan commission to investigate Russian interference in the election.

Trump has also nominated people seen as friendly toward Moscow to senior administration posts, including secretary of state nominee Rex Tillerson, who while Exxon Mobil chief executive, was awarded the Order of Friendship, a Russian state honor,

by Putin in 2013.

Rogers, the NSA chief, visited the president-elect in New York in November and is among a handful of people being considered by Trump to succeed the retiring Clapper as U.S. spy chief, in addition to former Republican Senator Dan Coats, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee will also hold a closed-door hearing on Thursday to examine Russia’s alleged hacking and harassment of U.S. diplomats.

10

friDAY 06•01•2017

SPORTS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

rabada runs riot as south Africa win test CAPE TOWN, JANuAry 5 (rEuTErs): Kagiso Rabada claimed a six-wicket haul on Thursday as South Africa bowled Sri Lanka out for 224 in their second innings to win the second test by 282 runs with a day and a half to spare and take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the threematch series.

Sri Lanka failed to last the first session of the fourth day at Newlands, having resumed on 130-4 and being dismissed after just over 100 minutes of play.

They added 94 runs for their final six wickets to fold easily after being set a huge 507-run target on Wednesday.

"We have been relentless, never letting Sri Lanka into the game. We really stood up at key moments of the game," said South Africa captain Faf du Plessis.

The 21-year-old Rabada, who finished with figures of 6-55 and a second 10-wicket haul in a test, ran through the visiting batsmen in a fiery seven-over spell, first having Dinesh Chandimal (30) caught as he flicked the ball up to Stephen Cook at short leg.

Upul Tharanga was next to go as he swung the bat through a brief knock of 12 runs off seven balls, perishing when he got a bottom edge through to wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock.

Rabada, having taken two overnight, then claimed his fifth wicket of the innings, surprising captain Angelo Mathews with some extra bounce and finding the edge of the bat for De Kock to take another catch. Mathews went for 49, the top

Kagiso Rabada made short work of Sri Lanka's middle order, South Africa v Sri Lanka, 2nd Test, Cape Town, 4th day, January 5, 2017. (AFP Photo)

Sri Lankan score of the test.

Suranga Lakmal (10) was next as a rising delivery from Rabada brushed his glove on the way through to De Kock. Rangana Herath and Lahiru Kumara showed some resistance for the ninth wicket before quick glove work had Kumara stumped off Keshav Maharaj for nine.

Nuwan Pradeep was bowled by Vernon Philander to end the match, leaving Herath not out on 35.

"I felt my rhythm was a little off in

the first innings but then it all clicked in the second innings and it all just got a lot better," Rabada told reporters.

South Africa dominated the test, save for the first session on the opening day, scoring 392 in their first innings with Dean Elgar and De Kock both getting centuries.

Philander and Rabada then took four wickets each as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 110 in reply but South Africa did not enforce the follow on,

batting again instead and declaring midway through the third day on 224-7.

South Africa won the first test in Port Elizabeth by 206 runs and will be seeking a whitewash of the series in the third test at the Wanderers in Johannesburg from Jan. 12-16.

"It's obviously disappointing to make the same mistakes in a second successive test match. The batsmen let the bowlers down," said Sri Lanka captain Mathews.

China football authorities say to curb splashy spending

shANghAi, JANuAry 5 (AFP): China will put limits on the wild sums its clubs are spending on international football players, authorities said Thursday, days after the transfer window opened and the Asian record was promptly smashed.

In an interview posted on the General Administration of Sport, an unnamed spokesman said the government would "regulate and restrain high-priced signings, and make reasonable restrictions on players' high incomes".

The statement came days after Shanghai SIPG recruited Brazilian star Oscar from Chelsea in a 60-millioneuro ($63 million) deal that broke the Asian transfer record.

Carlos Tevez, Argentina's former Manchester United and Manchester City striker, was lured to rival Chinese Super League club Shanghai Shenhua in another big-money deal.

Tevez's transfer fee was 10.5 million euros, according to the website transfermarkt.com, which tracks football transfers, and the 32-yearold is reportedly set to become the highest-paid player in the world with a two-year contract of 38 million euros per season.

Oscar's deal with Shanghai SIPG is thought to be 24 million euros a season -- which would still put him above Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi of Barcelona.

Last year Chinese teams broke the Asian transfer record four times in an acquisition spree that outstripped even the mega-rich English Premier League.

The world-beating deals are part of

ruled Younis Khan becomes first batsman to score Test tons in 11 countries Coquelin out for a month

sydNEy, JANuAry 5 (iANs): Veteran Pakistan batsman Younis Khan on Thursday became the first player in Test cricket to score centuries in 11 countries that have hosted the longest format of the game.

He has scored centuries in 10 countries and one at United Arab Emirates (UAE), which is currently Pakistan's home venue for international matches. Op-

ponent countries refuse to play in Pakistan owing to security reasons.

The 39-year-old slammed his 34th century on the third day of the third Test match against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) here.

Younis was unbeaten at 136 runs, accompanied by Yasir Shah (5) when the day's action ended. Pakistan reached 271/8, still trailing Australia by 267 runs

on the rain-affected third day.

He joined legends Sunil Gavaskar, Sri Lanka's Mahela Jayawardene and West Indian Brian Lara in the all-time list for most Test centuries at the sixth place.

Sachin Tendulkar leads the elite list with 51 centuries, followed

by South African Jack Kallis (45), Australian Ricky Ponting (41), Kumar Sangakkara (38) and Rahul Dravid (36).

Apart from Younis, Dravid is the only batsman to score centuries in all 10 full-member Test nations.

The 39-year-old, with an average of above 50 in Tests is close to the 10,000 run mark, standing at 9,789 runs in 114 matches.

He is playing his 115th match. There have only been 12 batsmen in history to have scored over 10,000 runs in Tests.

LONdON, JANuAry 5 (AFP): French midfielder Francis Coquelin faces a month on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said on Thursday. The 25-year-old -- who has been at the Gunners for eight years spending part of that time out on loan -- suffered the injury in the first-half of the 3-3 Premier League draw with Bournemouth on Tuesday. Wenger, who revealed Spanish striker Lucas Perez had taken a knock to his ankle in the same game, said the prognosis was he would be out for three to four weeks.

a Chinese rush into football that seems to be driven more by political calculations than fiscal ones.

China's national team is ranked a lowly 82nd in the world -- just below the Caribbean island nation of St Kitts and Nevis, population less than 60,000 -- but Chinese President Xi Jinping has declared his hopes of the country one day hosting and winning a World Cup, prompting a flood of money into its top professional teams.

The wild spending has drawn criticism in China, with many fans asking whether the huge sums would be better spent on building up the country's lagging infrastructure and talent in the sport.

Without citing specific numbers or names, the sports administration official said the government would "set the upper limit" for players' transfer fees and income and control "irrational investment".

It would consider measures such as taking fees from clubs that spend excessively to support youth development programs.

"We must take building hundredyear clubs as the goal," the spokesman said, adding that clubs' financial supervision would be strengthened, and their spending on players would be controlled.

"We will remove the seriously insolvent clubs from the professional league."

In December the Chinese Football Association, the sport's governing body in China, announced it will lower the number of overseas players allowed on domestic teams from five to four.

Boxing prodigy gets cash award, offered scholarship ChANdigArh, JANuAry 3 (MExN): A seven-year old girl who won Gold Medal at World Kickboxing Championship in Italy has been given a cash award and also offered 100% scholarship by the Aryans Group of Colleges, Chandigarh.

The girl, Tajamul Islam, who hails from Bandipora district in Jammu and Kashmir, was given Rs 11,000 and also offered 100% scholarship against tuition fee for pursuing any course at Aryans post her Matriculation.

She visited the Aryans Group of Colleges, Chandigarh today during which she was honoured by the management for bringing laurels to the country.

Islam's father, Ghulam Mohammad is a driver by profession.

public discourse

Economic Blockade in Manipur: Who is responsible in making Symptom or Disease Nagaland better for tomorrow?

T

By Kamei Aphun

he present economic blockade launched by the United Naga Council (UNC) in Manipur since the first of November 2016 has received wide attention in the media. However, many writings were concentrated only on the ill effects of the blockade and missed out largely on complex historical inter-group relationship in Manipur and the series of incident that flared up in the State on communal lines and violence.

The recent incident of 18th December, 2016 where 22 Naga vehicles were burnt down by a Meitei mob of Khurai, Imphal is the incident worth analyzing. The incident gave a glimpse to the outside world, the oppressive situation that the Nagas were placed in their struggle against injustice and discrimination under the present Government of Manipur for a long time.

The incident happened when around 650 Nagas were travelling in about 54 vehicles in a police convoy being escorted to their hill district for Christmas celebration as Meiteis in Khurai and Seijang has kept them in a state of siege by burning every single Naga vehicle leaving the valley as a counter economic blockade. However, what is disappointing to see is that the Manipur police (which has 75 percent plus of its force from Meitei community) stood as mute spectators when those vehicles were burned down one after another and pushed down the river banks by the rampaging mob. The next day, many local media downplayed their reports with some papers not even having pictorial of the burning incident and presented inaccurate and one sided story. But what ultimately led the Modi government (in the Centre) to bring in Central Paramilitary forces to guard the Naga pockets in the Imphal valley is a serious question to ask and discuss.

The genesis of the present imbroglio between Nagas and the Government of Manipur started when the Chief Minister Ibobi wanted to carve out 2 new districts from Naga ancestral lands citing 'administrative convenience' just barely two months before the Manipur Assembly elections scheduled for early February

2017. The new districts of Sadar Hills and Jiribam were about to be bifurcated from Naga districts of Senapati and Tamenglong districts and respectively become Kuki and Meitei dominated districts.

The plan for new districts creation was not known to the public till the inaugural stone prepared clandestinely by Chief Minister Ibobi to declare on the Kuki tribe KUT festival on 1st November 2016 was leaked in social media.

The Nagas under the United Naga Council (UNC) strongly protested against the plan of districts creation asserting that the main stakeholder Nagas have to be consulted. Due to this, the Government of Manipur quickly dropped the inauguration plan which made the Kuki tribe cry foul of betrayal of confidential promise by Chief Minister Ibobi and his cabinet ministers.

The United Naga Council then demanded that the Chief Minister to give written assurance that new district will not be created from Naga areas without due consultation and consent of stakeholders.

Following four Memorandums of Understanding were signed earlier between the Government of Manipur and the Naga people (in 1981, 1992, 1996 and 1998), a written assurance was given by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India on the 24th November 2011 that new districts would not be created in Naga areas without the consent of the Naga people.

In response to the Central Government concern over the imbroglio in Manipur, Chief Minister Ibobi wrote to Home Minister Rajnath in November 11 stating that “no issues/decisions will be taken on any matter which affects the interest of any community without consulting all the stakeholders concerned.” However such written assurance was not communicated to the United Naga Council who ultimately launched Economic Blockade as the last resort, after 48 hours notice given to the State Government to clarify its position on the creation of districts in Manipur.

The Government of Manipur, instead of responding to UNC, boycotted a tripartite talk arranged by the Central Government at Delhi on the 15th November 2016.

They then, arrested the UNC President

and Publicity Secretary on the 25th November 2016 to crush the protest by force.

On midnight of December 8, it announced creation of 7 new districts for ‘administrative convenience’ as a direct affront to the Nagas protest under UNC. The creation of new districts is an unconstitutional act as it violates Article 371C of the Indian Constitution which clearly safeguards the Manipur tribal areas through the Hills Area Committee (HAC) which is to be consulted on all matters involving tribal interests. To protest this betrayal by the State Government, a Naga MLA serving as Vice President of HAC has not only resigned from the post but also resigned from the Congress primary membership. This series of arbitrary acts of the State Government is seen by many as the main cause for the present crisis in Manipur.

It should be noted that Chief Minister Ibobi has been in power continuously for 15 years and is facing strong anti-incumbency factor as BJP has made major gains in Municipality and Autonomous Council elections. Moreover, the present Government has been severely criticized for three bills passed in the State Assembly on 31st August 2015 against the interests of the Hill tribals of Manipur and the Inner Line Permit System which attempted to drive away all non Manipur residents from the State etc.

So what one sees clearly is that Economic Blockade is just a symptom of a much older and broader problem. The State Government has provoked this response for political gains just like in 2011.

The economic blockade could have been forstalled, had Government of Manipur understood the concerns and grievances of the Nagas. Meanwhile, the valley based Civil Organizations are appealing only to the UNC to lift the economic blockade without appealing to the Government of Manipur which is only addressing the symptom and not the root problem. Therefore, it is best for the Central Government to initiate tripartite talks with the Manipur State government and the Nagas to restore normalcy and end the economic blockade that is affecting all people living in Manipur. *The writer is from Delhi School of Economics, Delhi University

H

ow amazing grace the name Nagaland itself proclaims if rebuilt?

Reflecting to Bible, the relationship between God’s work and human work should be restored as decrees established during the reign of King Cyrus of Persia. The word of the Lord by the mouth of all the believers about The Great Nagaland must be accomplished. The Lord has blessed the land so it should be His people’s responsibility in making the better place to dwell in it and honors his name. But how, at times in pensive mood when thought toss about our land mesmerize responses triggers shunning all the brighter sight regardless of our rich heritages. The scenario in which the present generation exists isn’t a curse however, imagining the sorts of corruption engulfing the nooks and corners of our society might be a jinx which needs to be weeded out using the extreme unity. Those selfless sacrificial acts and legacy of our great leaders should be retrieved forth to use as a present tools. In each mind of our people we believe, Nagaland is one of the God chosen’s land and proudly say and write , “ Nagaland for Christ”, but where we are today?.We use the symbol of Unity but where is our Unity when our house is divided? Are you the one paving better ways or obstructing object towards our right for better Nagaland?

After all we are not chasing the wind of vanity. Henceforth, are all equally in all forms responsible in achieving the dream reality of better tomorrow.

In hundreds of good and bad of Nagas, to cite the simplest instance as, it is really overwhelming that young generation Nagas are fond of reading and emulat-

ing for various reasons and occasions and it is pretty sure that Nagas are history lovers and ever eager to learn the struggled of our great leaders too.

It is infact, we have a cherishable diversity, rich cultures and tradition and most importantly an unique history. Now, do we see and read across every single lines and tears fall while studying across to and fro the story upholding the pages the book content? The better Nagaland floats over it.

It feels delighted wherever we notice a man we knew playing benevolent role in any act as a lead in those books we came across. Surprisingly as human being many questions flushes our brain about the bravo man.

Such basic queries are who is his father, who his grandfather is? Which village, what tribe does he belong and what clan?

Is he real Naga by blood? And even to the extent of how their sons/daughters are, and so on.

The reality is, this man is your father, brother and son of the Naga soil.

Contrastingly, if the same figure is self-centered with mind defiled everybody will nod their heads in negative. Even the boneless tongue of his bloodline will smartly deny revealing the genetic relationship because who wants to drag oneself in the hypocrisy.

We are part of the present chapter whether we like and admire or not. The good work you write may be crucial and might have errors but, to err is human; to forgive is divine so nobody cares if you dare timely awake your conscience and rectify in sober.

At times, mistakes can hurt but courage is the remedy. One can magically transform mistakes into blessings. When we don’t heed

and learn from mistake forgiveness is not learn and so it will be comparable to holding a crusade for mistakes to be more fruitful in our life. Remember, that mistakes attract more trouble and forgiveness attracts more blessings so the choice is ours.

The decade’s long fight towards ushering better Nagaland tomorrow has taken away many great personalities of our society and we are not equipped to speak about them because we are yet to united and prepared.

We see our brother’s death, sees many homeless, friends without father, were they not sacrificed themselves to make better Nagaland for tomorrow?

Let their flooded blood flow not in vain but through their precious blood for land converts the evil of hatred into love, joy, peace, forgiveness, oneness, enabling to exercise the positive thinking and give no chance to mistakes.

Yesterday had gone, counting on you is today and waiting now is better tomorrow. Since our God himself is a positive mind. He loves those who follow positive way of life. “Waiting for a better tomorrow is also a form of worship”.

Let us develop positive thinking as it also helps building our personality and as a result we will enjoy success and see our better land. We do not have an equivalent Great power like an American to dream ‘Great NAGALAND dream’ and I don’t think we can copy-paste the dream for ourselves but at this juncture we can define our own dream to rebuild, reshape and reconcile. If you love Nagaland let this be your ultimate answer, “I will make better Nagaland for tomorrow because I am responsible for it”.

Mugha Kiba Swu Govt. High School, Lazami

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

Friday 06•01•2017

EntErtainmEnt

Artists to perform T at

CHArITY CoNCerT For eDuCATIoN

Tom Cruise is the ‘best person to work with’

o raise funds for providing education to underprivileged children living around Supermarket Area Dimapur under ‘The Joy Of Giving’ programme, several Naga artists will perform at a charity concert here on Saturday, January 7.

‘The Joy Of Giving’ is an ambitious project which is spearheaded by young artists, entrepreneurs, social workers, and visionaries who have a desire to impact society through educating and mentoring underprivileged children.

The concert is in association with Hope Centre for Excellence, a premier music and performing arts institute in Nagaland. Artists Nise Meruno, Aren and Lydia Longchari, Renbeni Odyuo, Kekhrie Ringa, Thunglamo Ngullie, Asin Shurhozelie, Koramensang Aier, Sophia Mozhui, Yanzo Kikon, Lanutemsu Lemtor will perform respectively at the charity concert titled "The Joy Of Giving 2017" to be held Aiko Greens, H.K.Khulu Road, Purana Bazaar, Dimapur at 6:00 PM. The first ballerinas of Nagaland will also be performing.

It may be mentioned that this is the third season of the charity concert which is dedicated solely towards the education of underprivileged children. In 2014, the first concert was successfully held at the premises of The Garden, Supermarket area Dimapur. The funds generated from the concert supported the schooling expenses of 15 children. Following this, the second Joy Of Giving concert also successfully managed to sponsor 24 underprivileged children. Through The Joy of Giving, interested doners have the opportunity to partner by either fully sponsoring a child or one time giving of any amount, volunteer to assist in the weekly meetings with the children, or simply spread the word and invite friends to join the cause.

Come be a part of The Joy Of Giving to witness and feel the true joy of giving! Tickets to the Charity concert are priced at Rs 500 per head.

T

om Cruise is the ''best person to work with'', according to Jonathan Lipnicki. The 54-year-old actor - who was cast in the lead role as Gerald 'Jerry' Maguire alongside Lipnicki in 'Jerry Maguire' - has been credited as the ''ultimate professional'' by his co-star, who played Renée Zellweger's on-screen son Raymond Boyd in the 1996 movie.

Speaking about the dark-haired hunk on the American show 'Access Hollywood' on Wednesday (04.01.17), Lipnicki said: ''Tom is so amazing that I'm really not surprised. ''I mean he is the best person to work with. And the fact that I got to work with him on my first movie really set a great tone for someone to look up to. He's the ultimate professional.''

And the 26-year-old actor has revealed he has become a devoted fan of Cruise since the pair worked together, which has seen him watch ''every'' single film Cruise has starred in.

He continued: ''To this day, I see every Tom Cruise

Charlie Meg Ryan signs first major TV role in 30 years Puth promises album #2 in 2017

C

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

heads to Paris with her husband, only to find the trip is not quite the dream she anticipated. Hall will write and direct the project which is being fast-tracked for a straight-to-series order.

Source: PTI

Ryan Reynolds: 'Deadpool expectations were eating me alive'

R

yan Reynolds has his actress wife Blake Lively to thank for keeping him sane while working on Deadpool, because fan expectations had him battling severe anxiety.

The movie star has struggled with the condition since he was a child, but his nerves were at an all-time high as he worked around the clock to perfect the superhero film ahead of its release last year (16), because he didn't want to disappoint comic book devotees.

"I never, ever slept," he told Variety magazine. "Or I was sleeping at a perfect right angle - just sitting straight, constantly working at the same time."

"By the time we were Source: HollywoodLife in post (production), we'd

been to Comic-Con, and people went crazy for it," he continued. "The expectations (of starring in Deadpool) were eating me alive.

Blake helped me through that. I'm lucky to have her around just to keep me sane."

In addition to serving as the film's star, producer, and script editor, Ryan had to hit the gym for two hours a day to get into tip-top shape to portray the ripped

titular character.

"We wanted him to be really lithe, kind of like a middle-distance runner," he shared.

However, script cowriter Paul Wernick reveals working out so much took its toll on the leading man: "He would reach for a cereal box and pull a muscle," he explained. "That's how ripped he was."

Luckily, Ryan's dedication to the project paid off - Deadpool grossed $783.1 million (£635.7 million) at the global box office from

a $58 million (£47 million) budget, and the actor is now working on a sequel, which is set for release in 2018.

The plot for the follow-up has yet to be made public, but Ryan is not ruling out making Deadpool the first official pansexual character in the Marvel universe by introducing a male love interest for the cancer-stricken former

military officer, also known as Wade Wilson.

Ryan played up Deadpool's feminine side in the 2016 movie, and while his character enjoyed an onscreen romance with Morena Baccarin's Vanessa Carlysle, aka Copycat, the actor is interested in switching things up.

"What love is to Deadpool may not be what love is to Batman or someone else," he mused. "I think that could be played up more.

He's an outsider in every way, shape, and form."

Deadpool 2 will be directed by David Leitch following the departure of original filmmaker Tim Miller, who stepped away from the project in October (16) due to creative differences with Reynolds.

Source: Contactmusic

Brad Pitt 'terrified' public will learn truth

Source: IANS

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ctress-filmmaker Angelina Jolie has claimed her estranged husband Brad Pitt is scared that the public will learn the truth in a new court filing.

Pitt had earlier allegedly slammed Jolie after she filed unsealed documents trying to prevent him from altering their custody arrangement.

TMZ has now obtained new court documents, filed by Jolie's lawyer Laura Wasser. According to the documents, Pitt is lashing out because he is "terrified that the public will learn the truth".

In the documents, she says all he is doing is trying to "deflect from (his) own role in the media storm which has engulfed the parties' children".

"There is little doubt that (Brad) would prefer to keep the entire case private, particularly given the detailed investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Dept. of Children and Family Services into allegation of abuse."

Jolie's response comes after Pitt's December 21, 2016 request for privacy for the couple's children, Maddox, 15, Pax, 13, Zahara, 11, Shiloh, 10, and 8-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne. The request was denied by a judge at a hearing in Los Angeles Superior Court.

Jolie filed for divorce in September, 2016 after two years of marriage.

Source: Contactmusic

Now ShowiNg

IN AssoCIATIoN WITH

HoPe CeNTre For exCeLLeNCe seAsoN THree

11:00AM | 05:00PM

DANGAl

e-Tent House

En try `5 by ti 00 ck /- et

C M Y K

harlie Puth, 25, started the new year off right.

The pop star put all the drama from 2016 behind him and tweeted his plans to kick off 2017 on the right foot. “Happy New Year,” he shared on January 1. “Today’s to do list: 1.) Go to gym. 2.) Start album #2.”

Yay! Looks like Charlie’s fans can expect to hear some new music sometime in the coming months and that’s so exciting! The singer-songwriter definitely has built up some songworthy drama in the past few months after his love triangle with Bella Thorne, 19, and Tyler Posey, 25.

Charlie was seen getting cozy with Bella on Dec. 18 in Miami. The only problem — everyone seemed to think Bella was still seeing Teen Wolf‘s Tyler. Yikes! Charlie seemed to be in the dark about the whole thing and started

tweeting up a storm when he found out. “I’m sorry….

You know who you are,” he wrote. “I messed a lot of things up, I get it if we can’t be friends….you know who you are,” he added in another tweet.

Tyler stayed quiet through the whole thing, but Bella had some things she wanted to share. “Bella is happy that the drama of her breakup and her moment with Charlie has come and gone,” a source said. So, apparently, Bella is now single and moving on from both Tyler and Charlie.

In the meantime, Bella was seen out on New Year’s Eve sharing a kiss with an unknown lady. “Everyone needs a friendly new year’s kiss,” the star captioned her Instagram post. There’s plenty of drama swirling around for Charlie to draw from for his music if he wants. In any case, Charlie seems to know how to start off the new year and wants to get back to work. Good for him!

A

ctress Meg Ryan is set to make a move to television with her first major role on small screen in 30 years. The "When Harry Met Sally" star has signed on to lead a comedy being eyed by entertainment network Epix, reported Deadline.

The half-hour series, written by Brad Hall, will be a TV adaptation of his short film "Picture Paris," taking the same title. The short that starred Julia Louis-Dreyfus.

The story will focus on a suburban empty-nester, who

movie that comes out.''

And Lipnicki has revealed the pair still keep in touch and the 'Top Gun' star - who has won three Golden Globes - is always on hand to give Lipnicki advice.

He said: ''He gave me actually advice pretty recently like four years ago. ''I went over to his house because I actually -- I cold-called his office at United Artists and asked for advice and, you know, he got back to me and I went over. ''It was incredible to sit down with one of your favourite actors and have an hour-long conversation about acting.''

And Lipnicki has revealed Cruise claims the reason behind his successful career at the helm of the film industry, which has spanned almost four decades, is being on time.

Lipnicki said: ''A big part of his success he attributes to being on time and being polite to people and knowing people's names.''

02:00PM | 08:00PM

12

friDAY 06•01•2017

SPORTS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Tottenham ends Chelsea's winning streak LONDON, JaNuary 5 (reuters): Tottenham Hotspur denied Chelsea a record 14th consecutive Premier League win and loosened their grip on the title race as two Dele Alli headers secured a 2-0 victory at a rocking White Hart Lane on Wednesday.

After Tottenham's own title dream last season ended in a tumultuous 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge in May, there was a particular satisfaction that they stopped the Chelsea bandwagon.

Arsenal still hold the record for consecutive Premier League wins although their streak included 13 at the end of 2001-02 and one more at the beginning of the following campaign.

"We knew that defeat could happen before the game but I think today I saw a game with a good balance and they scored a goal at the end of the firsthalf and the second goal in our best moment," Chelsea boss Antonio Conte said.

"It is a pity to stop this run, but Tottenham is a good team, a really strong team and I think is for sure one of C M Y K

Tottenham Hotspur's midfielder Dele Alli (L) heads the opening goal past Chelsea's goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois (C) during the English Premier League football match in London, on January 4. (AFP Photo)

the teams that can fight for the title until the end."

Conte's side were not at their best although there was little between the sides in a high-tempo derby that thankfully never descended into the kind of indis-

cipline that resulted in 12 bookings in the Bridge battle of last season.

The 50th Premier League clash between the London rivals was an engrossing tactical affair with chances at a premium.

In the end it was decided by two carbon-copy goals either side of halftime -- both created by the precision of Tottenham's Danish playmaker Christian Eriksen.

Eriksen was a whisker

away from giving his side the lead midway through the first half with shot that flew just wide.

Yet it was one of his trademark deliveries that led to Tottenham's opener in first-half stoppage time.

Given too much time to pick his spot, he whipped in a right-footed cross that Alli headed past Thibaut Courtois.

Chelsea upped the pace at the start of the second half and Eden Hazard wasted their best chance when he stooped to head a bouncing ball wide at the far post under no pressure.

Alli showed him how to do it minutes later when Eriksen again sent in a lethal cross and the young England midfielder found too much space to head past Courtois.

After a slow start to the season Alli now has 10 goals and has netted seven in his last four games.

Tottenham's fifth consecutive victory lifted them from fifth to third with 42 points from 20 games, ahead of Man City on goal difference and one point above Arsenal.

Chelsea, who could have set a new record for consecutive wins during a single season, still lead second-placed Liverpool by five points after 20 games with Tottenham seven adrift.

MDCA tourney: Sovran, Trebuchet register wins MOkOkchuNg, JaNuary 5 (MexN): Sovran CC and Trebutchet CC registered comprehensive wins over their opponents on the second day of the ongoing Silver Jubilee Edition of MDCA Tournament at Imkongmeren Sports Complex on Thursday.

In the first match of the day, Sovran beat DC XI by 8 wickets. DC XI after winning the toss elected to bat first and set a target of 116 runs losing 6 wickets in 20 overs. Throngdi (50 runs) of DC XI scored the first half century of the tournament while teammate Sachin Jaiswal chipped in with 20 runs. Tiaakum was the pick of the bowlers for Sovran returning with 3/19 while Yangerlong also scalped 2/33.

Sovran CC eased past the target in 14.4 overs scoring 118 losing just 2 wickets. The DC XI could have made a good fight but they gave away the game by dropping some easy catches. For Sovran, Yongsamong top scored

with 54 runs while Merenchemba scored 16 runs. Sachin Jaiswal picked both the wickets for DC XI. In the second match of the day, Trebuchet beat Zero Boys by a comfortable 50 runs. Electing to bat first, Vicky Ali (32 runs) and Kalyen Gogoi (31runs) helped Trebuchet set a decent target of 138 runs.

Zero Boys though could only muster 87 runs losing 8 wickets in 20 overs. Sademkaba was the lone batsman to hold on to the crease scoring 36 runs. Trebuchet’s Merenkaba was virtually unplayable as he scalped 3 wickets giving away a meager 11 runs from the 4 allotted overs. Kalyen Gogoi also had decent figures of 2/17.

Tomorrow's match: Longmiasang CC vs Zungamedem CC (8:00 am) Suzerain CC vs Rainbow CC (12:00 noon)

to frame National Tendulkar, Gavaskar lead world cricket tributes to Dhoni Committee Sports Development Code

New DeLhi, JaNuary 5 (iaNs): Indian cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar led the world of cricket in paying tribtes to Mahendra Singh Dhoni after the 'Captain Cool' quit as skipper in limited overs games.

The Ranchi stumper on Wednesday stepped down but made himself available for selection for the three One-Day Internationals and T20Is against England starting on January 15. He had already retired from Test cricket in December 2014.

Not only Tendulkar and Gavaskar, themselves cricket legends, and Dhoni's colleagues and teammates, but former England and Austrtalian skippers Michel Vaughan and Michael Clarke lauded him as India;'s most successful captain.

Batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar recounted the moments when he captained the country to T20 and ODI

World Cup triumphs.

"Congratulations to MSD on a wonderful career as a captain leading India to success in both T20 and ODI World Cups. Have seen him emerge from an aggressive player to a steady and decisive captain. It's a day to celebrate his successful captaincy and respect his decision. Wish MSD the very best," Tendulkar wrote on Twitter.

Gavaskar told NDTV that if Dhoni had called it a day, he would have pro-

tested outside his house, and added that the World Cup winning captain is still a destroyer with the bat.

"If he had quit as a player, then I would have the been the first one outside his house, having a dharna, asking him to make a comeback. As a player, he is still a destroyer. He changes fortunes of the game in a single over. India needs him as a player very very badly. I am happy that he has decided to stay on as a player," Gavaskar said.

"Virat would definitely use him at number four or five because having him further down the order doesn't make any sense. Yes, he is a finisher but he can play a big innings at four or five and still end up as a finisher," Gavaskar said.

"The wicketkeeping will be a lot easier because he will not be thinking about the bowling changes and field placements, which can sometimes distract you," Gavaskar added.

Dhoni's contemporaries Suresh Raina and Rohit Sharma and other players also heaped praise on him.

Raina said: "India's most successful captain who translated his vision into reality. Inspired many to dream more, do more and become more. Salute!"

Rohit Sharma wrote: "A true leader he influenced so many cricketing careers, including mine when he asked me to open in the ICC Champions Trophy."

Pacer Irfan Pathan lauded the Ranchi batsman: "Any amount of words will be less to describe his legacy as the captain of Indian team."

Mohammed Kaif said India were blessed to have a leader like Dhoni.

"Take a bow @msdhoni. To lead India for 9 years with such wonderful results, India were really blessed to have you as #Captain," Kaif tweeted.

Former India cricketer Madan Lal termed Dhoni's decision as brave.

"I appreciate the decision. Dhoni has done very well as a captain as he has won most of the tournaments like ODI World Cup, T20 World Cup, Asia Cup. Ha has also reached number one in the Test cricket. His record as captain is wonderful."

Noted commentator and former batsman Sanjay Manjerkar stated: "I will remember Dhoni as a captain who got calmness of nerves and champion like perfor-

mance on the big nights to Indian cricket."

Left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha said: "As a captain, the achievements you have are outstanding and exemplary. You have set such high standards for the generations to follow."

Indian hockey skipper P.R. Shreejesh said: "Salute to the captain cool... time to achieve lots in a different role."

"Even one of the greatest captains of all time decides enough is enough... Well done @msdhoni on an incredible leadership term," wrote former England skipper Michel Vaughan.

Australia's former captain Michael Clarke added Dhoni will go down as one of India's most successful captains.

"I think @msdhoni will go down as one of India's most successful captains.

He is a great man and still has a lot to offer Indian cricket," Clarke wrote.

New DeLhi, JaNuary 5 (iaNs): The Sports Ministry on Thursday constituted a nine-member committee to make recommendations for bringing out a comprehensive National Sports Development Code across sports disciplines.

Sports Secretary Injeti Srinivas will chair the committee, which includes the likes of Beijing Olympics gold medallist shooter Abhinav Bindra, Olympian Anju Bobby George, legendary shuttler Prakash Padukone among others.

The other members of the committee include International Hockey Federation (FIH) President Narinder Batra, athletics coach Bishweshwar Nandi, lawyer Nandan Kamath and senior sports journalist Vijay Lokpally.

"The terms of reference of the committee are to identify basic universal principles of ethics and

good governance based on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Charter international best practices, draft National Sports Development Bill, National Sports Development Code of 2011, Supreme Court and High Court judgments," the ministry said in a statement.

Joint Secretary (Sports) Onkar Kedia will team up as member secretary of the committee, which was asked to submit its report within a month.

The committee was tasked to study and identify the existing sports governance frame work, issues pertaining to good governance in administration of sports in the country and to make specific recommendations for bringing out a comprehensive Sports Code to address the issues of governance pertaining to the National Olympic Committee and National Sports Federations (NSF).

Winter Cricket Challenge: Rodriguez caps perfect year for Zidane's Real GAPYOCC has one foot in final

wOkha, JaNuary 5 (MexN): GAPYOCC (Green) defeated Kohima Hornbill by 51 runs to set one foot in the final of the 21st Winter Cricket Challenge, played at Local Ground, Wokha.

Electing to bat after winning the toss, a solid second wicket partnership between brothers, opener Yanrethung (42 runs) and Santsuthung Ngullie (41) set the batting of GAPYOCC in motion after an early jolt as they scored 143 runs, losing 6 wickets. Ganesh Sarmah also chipped in with a quick fire 17 runs from just 8 deliveries.

Bargish claimed 3 wickets and Bicky 2 wickets for Kohima Hornbill.

In the run chase, a strong and disciplined bowling attack by the GAPYOCC bowlers restricted the Kohima Hornbill

batsmen as they were bundled out in the 16th over for 91 runs – 52 short of victory.

With wickets falling at regular intervals, an undeterred skipper, Tapitu braved the bowling onslaught scoring 31 runs and was briefly assisted by Bargish who made 18.

It was Debojit who ripped through the Hornbill batsmen taking a haul of 4 wickets with Vinato and Myanbemo sharing the remaining with 3 wickets each.

Debojit was later given the Man of the Match award by Match Patron Tokavi Achumi, Addl. SP. Wokha.

Friday’s matches: GAPYOCC vs Renegades CC Royal Strikers vs Kohima Hornbill CC

MaDriD, JaNuary 5 (aFP): Zinedine Zidane celebrated a spectacular first year in charge of Real Madrid as James Rodriguez scored twice to set the European champions firmly on course for the Copa del Rey quarter-finals with a 3-0 last 16, first leg win over Sevilla.

Not even the absence of the rested Cristiano Ronaldo could halt Real's now 38-game unbeaten run as Rodriguez took full advantage of a rare start by blasting home the opener from outside the box after just 10 minutes.

Raphael Varane headed home a second and Rodriguez added Real's third from the penalty spot before half-time.

"The first 45 minutes were physically and technically almost perfect," said Zidane.

The margin of Real's win will be of particular comfort to Zidane with next week's second leg (January 12) now appearing a formality amidst a hectic schedule that could see Real play 21 times in 11 weeks.

Madrid started a second consecutive home game without any of their first-choice front three as Karim Benzema was left on the bench, Ronaldo rested altogether and Gareth Bale still sidelined by a longterm ankle injury.

However, having enjoyed a rare 17-day break since their last outing in

Real Madrid's midfielder James Rodriguez (L) vies with Sevilla's defender Mariano Ferreira during the Spanish Copa del Rey round of 16 first leg football match January 4. (AFP Photo)

winning the Club World Cup against Japanese champions Kashima Antlers, Real started brightly.

"We have a great squad and the players are happy when they see their teammates who have played less getting the chance to play," added Zidane.

"We are still missing players through injury.

That is something we can't change, but when someone else comes in and plays well the coach is always happy."

Rodriguez claimed after being overlooked once more during the Club

World Cup that he would consider his future in January, but made the most of a rare start with a spectacular opener after just 10 minutes.

Casemiro thundered into a challenge to dispossess Steven N'Zonzi midway inside the Sevilla half and Rodriguez dispatched the loose ball off the inside of the post from outside the area.

Luka Modric then nearly capped a brilliant team move for a second moments later when his overhead kick flew inches wide from Dani Carvajal's cut-back.

Real were relentless before the break and another Carvajal cross was caught flush on the volley from Marcelo to sting the palms of Sergio Rico.

However, from the resulting corner, Varane was left completely unmarked to power home Toni Kroos's delivery.

Alvaro Morata then shot straight at Rico with another glaring opportunity.

Yet, Sevilla should have gotten themselves firmly back in the tie 11 minutes before half-time when Joaquin Correa was played clean through on goal and

after his initial effort was saved by Kiko Casilla, Vicente Iborra sliced wide with the goal gaping.

Instead, Sevilla found themselves 3-0 down at the break as Mariano was adjudged to have pushed Modric inside the area and Rodriguez stepped up to convert from the spot.

"We were overrun in the first-half, which is something that hasn't happened to us in a long time," said Sevilla boss Jorge Sampaoli.

"We have to rediscover the characteristics with which we ended 2016 as soon as possible."

There was far fewer goalmouth action at either end after the break.

Morata fluffed lines from Marcelo's pinpoint cross with Rodriguez waiting to apply the finish touch for his hat-trick, but Real were happy to settle on their lead, whilst Sevilla appeared to accept that the tie is already now beyond them.

Earlier, Real Sociedad also took a huge step towards the last eight as Willian Jose, Carlos Vela and Mikel Oyarzabal were on target in a 3-1 win over Villarreal.

Second division Alcorcon and Cordoba drew 0-0 in the night's other tie.

Barcelona continue their defence of the Cup on Thursday when they travel to Athletic Bilbao for the first leg of their last 16 clash.

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