January 8th, 2017

C M Y K

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SunDAY • JAnuArY 08 • 2017

DIMAPUR • Vol. XII • Issue 06 • 12 PAGes • 5

T H e

ESTD. 2005

P o W e R

o F

T R u T H

Each man should frame life so that at some future hour fact and his dreaming meet — Victor Hugo

Rishiben Walling is first Ao Naga Spelling Bee Queen

Music and the joy of giving!

PAGE 11

Australia romp to emphatic win for series sweep

PAGE 05

PAGE 10

ULB election: Total 567 nominations filed

• Now only five town & municipal councils with nil nominations • 245 nominations including 87 women received on Saturday Morung Express News Dimapur | January 7

On Saturday, the last day for filing of the nomination for the municipal and town council election scheduled on February 1, only three district headquarters namely Kohima, Mokokchung and Mon and two subdivisions- Medziphema and Changtongya remained with nil nominations.

Resistance by the respective tribal hohos and civil bodies at the three district headquarters was fortified with strict vigil by volunteers which ensured that no candidates reached the perimeter of the administrative offices ticked for the filing of nomination papers.

In Mokokchung district headquarter, Ao Senden volunteers with the traditional red shawl flocked around the administrative office to prevent candidates from filing nominations.

Normal life came to a

reflections

By Sandemo Ngullie

standstill following a total bandh call by Angami Youth Organization (AYO) at Kohima, Medziphema and Chumukedima municipalities.

With 245 nominations, which include 87 women candidates filed from across the State, Saturday saw the highest number of candidates as compared to the last four days. From January 3 till the 6th, the nominations received day-wise were 13, 58, 84 &167 respectively. The total nominations filed from 27 municipal and town councils on Saturday stood at 567.

These include 174 women.

Kiphire district headquarter which remained blank till Friday, opened doors for candidates on Saturday to file nominations after an undertaking with the United Sangtam Likhum Pumji that if the municipal and town council election in anyway hampers Article 371A of the Indian Constitution, they would resign en masse.

Consequently, 20 nominations were filed with 10 NPF, 8 Independent, 1 BJP, I Congress in the fray. There were 6 women candidates.

From Pfutsero, a subdivision under Phek district, 26 candidates including 13 women could finally file

StatuS of NoMiNatioN oN JaNuarY 7

town/Municipal Council Dimapur Jalukie Kiphire Peren Phek Tseminyu Zubheboto Longleng Pfutsero Chumukedima Naginimora Tuli Wokha Mangkolemba Longkhim Bhandari Tobu Tizit East Dimapur Tening Pungro Chozuba Shamator Aboi Noklak Meluri TOTAL

NPf BJP iNC ind

total

23 9 10 9 11 9 13 15 9 11 9 9 12 6 6 8 9 9 11 18 9 9 11 9 14 9 277

62 17 20 17 21 21 22 33 27 14 14 14 33 13 22 22 16 20 15 22 19 21 18 18 27 19 567

11 1 1 0 0 4 0 1 0 0 4 1 13 3 9 8 2 9 3 0 1 0 2 6 0 0 79

4 2 1 3 2 0 1 6 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 31

24 5 8 5 8 8 8 11 11 3 1 4 8 4 7 3 5 2 1 3 9 12 5 2 13 10 180

Women candidates 20 5 6 3 0 7 4 4 13 7 5 4 7 5 9 10 5 7 5 9 7 6 7 5 8 6 174

Kohima, Mokochung, Mon, Medziphema and Changtongya have nil nominations.

nomination. The breakups are 8 NPF, 7 Congress and 11 Independent. Besides the 4 reserved wards, two women are also contesting in the general category.

In Chumukedima, despite a bandh called by the AYO, 14 candidates which included 11 NPF and 3 Independent discreetly filed nominations. There were 7

Rape-accused MLA sent to 5-day police custody

SHIllONg, JANUARY 7 (IANS): Meghalaya legislator Julius Kitbok Dorphang, who had been hiding for 11 days after being accused of raping 14-year-old girl but was eventually arrested late on Friday from Assam’s Guwahati, was set to five days police custody by a court here on Saturday. The Court of District and Session Judge, Ehboklang Kharumnuid on Saturday sent the 53-year-old Independent legislator to police remand. Police have already intimated Assembly Speaker Abu Taher Mondal about the arrest. In fact, he is the first sitting legislator in Meghalaya to be arrested for his involvement in such Not a very, very happy new heinous crime.

Related news on page 3 year for both sides huh?

women candidates. The Chumukedima Village Council in a press statement warned of strict action against the candidates.

Fifteen more candidates including 6 women filed nominations for the Dimapur Municipal Council. It includes 4 BJP, 7 Independent and 4 Congress. East Dimapur received 4 nominations

which include 3 BJP and 1 Independent.

The Yimchunger Tribal Council (YTC) also gave green signal to allow the Shamator and Pungro town council elections while articulating hope that it will “bring rays of hope for development in the most neglected areas of Eastern Nagaland.” One Independent candidate filed nomination at Shamator while at Pungru there was 8 candidates including 5 women (1 NPF, 6 Independent and 1 BJP).

Peren town council received 7 nominations which include 4 Independent and 3 Congress. There were three women candidates. At Jalukie, 4 candidates (1 Independent, 2 Congress, 1 BJP) including a woman filed nominations.

From Tening, 13 candidates filed nominations. They include 9 NPF, 1 Congress, 3 Independent. There were six women candidates.

From Phek, four more candidates filed nominations while from Tseminyu 1 BJP candidate made its presence felt. Chozuba and Meluri subdivisions received 19 nominations, which include 18 Independent, 1 NPF and four women candidates.

From Tobu, Tizit, Naginimora and Aboi subdivisions

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 7 (MExN): The Naga Hoho today termed the construction of border fencing in the heart of Pangsha along the Indo-Myanmar border as “an attempt by India and Myanmar to rewrite the history of Nagas.”

It is akin to state sponsored race divisions and cultural intrusion by aliens, the Naga Hoho stated in a press note.

Nagas, it said “cannot allow any authority to divide our history and remove the feeling of oneness among the Naga family.” It affirmed that the Naga people have the “absolute rights to

protect their ancestral land and no man made authority should segregate Nagas into pieces basing on the fact that Nagas are bound to protect their identity and territory.” It said that the Naga people cannot accept the imaginary boundary fencing between India and Myanmar.

It pointed out that “there is no cultural divide or ideological differences among the Nagas to live together and we have the inherent rights since time immemorial to be together.”

“Naga people have been

C M Y K

• Total bandh in Kohima & Medziphema on January 9 • Vehicle movement restricted in Kohima & Medziphema • No restriction on highway vehicular movement

Kohima town wore a deserted look on Saturday during the aYo bandh from 7:00am to 3:30pm. (Morung Photo)

College-DBS route.

Exemptions have also been made for medical purposes, paramilitary forces, media and district administration only. The AYO further stated that police in private and government vehicles won’t be allowed to ply.

The AYO said this move has been initiated in response to what it claimed as the state government’s failure to address and resolve the issue and extending the deadline for filing of nominations till January 9.

It asked all to “join against injustice and to defend democratic values of fairness and freedom.”

It further stated that in

state ec extends date for filing nomination till Jan 9

KOHIMA, JANUARY 7 (MExN): The Nagaland State Election Commission on Saturday extended the period for filing of nominations to the municipal and town council election till January 9, 2017. The final date for filing of notification was on Saturday, January 7.

A notification issued by Sentiyanger Imchen, State Election Commissioner said the Nagaland State Government had requested for the extension of the date while stating that nominations could not be filed in a few municipal and town councils due to boycott of the process through obstructions, bandhs and other forms of threat and intimidation.

Therefore, to give another opportunity to the candidates who are willing to file their nominations the State Government had requested for extension of the period of filing nominations.

The State Election Commission said it examined the matter and based on the inputs received from the Returning Officers and District Administrations, found merit in the request made to the Commission.

The notification also informed that the extension of the date of filing of notification is applicable to those municipal and town councils where no nominations are received within the stipulated time, i.e, upto 3pm of January 7, 2017.

It further informed that the nominated candidates shall be posted after 3pm the same day and the schedule notified earlier will remain unchanged.

Naga Hoho urges Indian Govt to redraw policy on border fencing living together in their own land even before India and Myanmar achieved the status of sovereign states of which history cannot deny the facts.

People and their land can be divided only when there is lack of history or evidence with different cultures, language and practices occupying different territories,” it maintained.

The Naga Hoho stated that the notion of boundaries with neighbouring states has become “one of our most fertile thinking tools among the Nagas at present and people have become more conscious.”

AYO to launch public movement

KOHIMA, JANUARY 7 (MExN): The Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) today resolved to launch a public movement against what it claimed was the “total lack of self-respect and irresponsible complacency on the part of the Nagaland government,” with regard to the upcoming ULB elections with 33% women’s reservation.

A press note from the AYO President, Neinguvoto Krose and Vice President, Peter Rutsa informed that as part of the move, strict imposition of total bandh will be imposed in Kohima and Medziphema on January 9 from 7:00am to 3:30pm.

While business establishments have been asked to close down, and pedestrian and vehicular movements within Kohima and Medziphema are totally restricted, highway vehicular movement will not be restricted. There are no travel restrictions on Wokha, Phek and Imphal highways. Vehicles moving between Dimapur to Imphal have been directed to take paramedical-Jail colonyNew ministers hill-Cathedral-Lerie road. Colony youths along these routes are to guide travellers. Vehicles traversing between Dimapur-Wokha-Phek are directed to take Naga Hospital-Naga Bazaar-Census Office-New Sect-Kohima

under Mon district, a total of 26 including 6 women filed nominations. At Tuli and Mangkolemba subdivisions under Mokokchung district, despite the diktat of excommunication looming overhead, there were 11 more nominations, which include 4 women candidates.

The Zunheboto town council received 10 more nominations including 4 women. Apart from one candidate each from NPF and Congress, the rest were Independent. From Wokha town council, 1 Independent candidate filed nomination while Bhandari subdivision received 5 nominations, out of which 4 were women.

At Longleng town council, 17 nominations were received, which include 4 women. Party-wise, there were 1 NPF, 6 Congress, 1 BJP and 9 Independent candidates.

Meanwhile, the Chakhesang Public Organization (CPO) vice president Ariyi Nienu today claimed that 13 intending candidates who had filed nominations for election to Phek town council have taken an undertaking with CPO to withdraw their candidatures.

He said the same for the rest of the candidates who filed nomination was in progress.

due course of time, “necessary action shall be initiated against the defaulters with regard to Chumoukedima as per the resolution so established.”

Apart from villages, the AYO asked all colony youths and members to be present for the day by enforcing total bandh in their respective colonies. It further solicited taxi, bus and truck unions to “contribute by sacrificing your valued assets for the day.” The AYO also appealed to hospitals in Kohima to assist in case of “emergency”.

Informing that the Angami Public Organisation (APO) is scheduled to meet the Chief Minister on Sun-

day, the AYO however informed that it has “resolved and activated all our assets and resources towards this end.”

January 7 total bandh hits normal life

Normal life came to a standstill in the state capital Kohima today following a total bandh call given by Angami Youth Organization (AYO) in Kohima Municipality under Kohima district and Chumukedima and Mediziphema Town Councils, both under Dimapur district. Business establishments and government offices also remained shut through the day but normalcy returned

right after the end of bandh period at 3:30 PM, official reports said.

In state capital Kohima, the bandh was total and by and large peaceful. All business establishments downed shutter, pedestrian and vehicular movements were totally restricted during the bandh.

No untoward incident has been reported.

The AYO had deployed volunteers in all the strategic locations and points restricting the movement of vehicles and even pedestrians while the Kohima and Dimapur district administration had also positioned police and personnel of Indian Reserve Battalion to thwart any incident, the reports said.

AYO stated that the total bandh was enforced to “avoid any unfortunate event on the final day of the filing of nominations to the municipal elections.”

Later, addressing the gathering near DC office, APO president Dr. Vilhousa Saleyi affirmed that the APO will continue to fight and stand by its decision and further sought cooperation from each and every individuals. He thanked all the volunteers for responding to the call of APO for five days and look forward their continuous support. “We are so encourage by your participation,” he told the gathering.

It pointed out that the McMahon Line is a line agreed to by Britain and Tibet as part of the Simla Accord, a treaty signed in 1914 has become the basis of boundary demarcation between India and Myanmar and “thus the Nagas were forced to divide in the Eastern sector.” It further stated that “we were divided through unilateral decision of Nehru and U-Nu through aerial survey in 1953 of which the Nagas does not accept till today.”

The Naga Hoho appealed to the Home Ministry, Government of India to redraw the

policies in consultation with her counterpart Myanmar and listen to the cry of the Naga people by fulfilling the Naga people’s wishes and dreams without further delay.

It also appealed to the Government of Nagaland to bring out tangible solution with the Government of India, not forgetting the 1834 Naga Hills Map, which it stated may be acceptable to the Nagas. “Simultaneously, Naga people irrespective of tribes or region should put collective efforts to restore our inherent rights,” it encouraged.

liberal Democratic Party of nagaland formed to fight for liberty & equality DIMAPUR, JANUARY 7 (MExN): A new regional party calling itself the Liberal Democratic Party of Nagaland announced its formation today.

A press note from the media cell of the party said that it was formed by concerned educated youths to “revolutionize and develop the lives of the Nagas from the perspective of the 21st century.” Led by SI Pongen as President and Ishka Wotsa as General Secretary, the Liberal Democratic Party of Nagaland plans to contest the general elections in 2018 “by means of clean election.”

With its motto being ‘Liberty, Equality and Fraternity,’ the party lamented that “there is no equal opportunity for the people from economic and political perspectives in our society.” Despite the stress on unity, it said “we are still divided and there is but little feeling of fraternity among the Nagas.” The party, it affirmed would “fight for the liberty and equality of the people in the eyes of the law and create platforms that would promote the feeling of fraternity among the Nagas.”

Regarding its developmental priorities, the party termed unemployment as the greatest threat. It said the party would create

private firms in the urban areas and promote agro based entrepreneurships in the rural areas. It also affirmed to focus on human development through seminars and public conferences about personality development.

It stated that the present government in the state is “indeed playing with our rights and privileges.”

It affirmed commitment towards clean elections, which it stated would reduce corruption.

“Do we really have to wait for another decade to conduct clean election?”When will the Nagas finally open their eyes and notice the evils of the corrupted persons sitting in the chairs and say enough to them instead of depending on them? Will we be forever the slaves of money or the master of our own future?” it questioned “We are not another political party promising to develop and furnish the roads, give away tin roofs, bags of rice, small village funds etc. Our perspective and scope is much bigger.

We hope to bring advance technological, economical and infrastructural development in our society.

We don’t believe that it would take another hundred years to finally devel-

op Nagaland but no matter how long it would take, we would start initiating it unlike all those veteran politicians who gave up knowing it will never be completed during their time,” the party statement said.

It is high time, the party stated, that “we start doing the rational thing for our society, things that make sense and matters.”

It stated that the Liberal Democratic Party of Nagaland would give priority to connecting Nagas “altogether by creating various social platforms so that everyone will be involved in shaping a new civilized advanced Nagaland.”

“We will be open with any individual or groups with critical arguments about our party or suggestions by either having a private meeting or public conferences and friendly gentleman’s debates. We would also appreciate the support of the people during our campaigns and hope that every victim of the corrupted governance over the decades, to stand together with us to close the chapter of our corrupted governments and start afresh,” it said.

The Liberal Democratic Party of Nagaland can be contacted at ldpnagaland@gmail.com or on their Facebook page.

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sunDAY 08•01•2017

NAGALAND

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Hokuto Zhimomi declares Aboli Dina Yepthomi: Co-owner of ADL Weddings, candidature for DMC elections Hillstar & mother of 5 on her entrepreneurial journey Morung Express News Dimapur | January 7

BJP candidate, Hokuto Zhimomi (seen holding BJP ticket), BJP leaders and intending candidates seen after the dedicatory service held in Dimapur on Saturday. (Morung Photo) Morung Express News Dimapur | January 7

BJP candidate, Hokuto Zhimomi has declared his candidature to contest the forthcoming Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) elections from Ward No. 22 at a brief dedication service held at his residence in Veterinary Colony, Dimapur.

Addressing supporters and well wishers, Hokuto said that his decision to contest on BJP ticket was based on the request and

desire of the grassroots people who appealed to him to represent them for progress and development.

“I thank the public for posing their faith on me and I re-commit to work for the welfare of the people under the banner of BJP,” he said. Hokuto told the public that he could work effectively only with their support and cooperation.

He also thanked the BJP leaders for issuing him the ticket.

A host of BJP leaders

and public leaders also spoke at the programme lending their support to the candidature of Hokuto.

The dedicatory service was conducted by Associate Pastor, Dimapur Sumi Baptist Church, Tohovi Chophy.

BJP leaders including former minister, Kheto, Convenor, Finance & Development Committee, H.K. Khulu, intending BJP candidate, Hokivi Chishi and other leaders also attended the dedication service.

39-year-old Aboli Dina Yepthomi is the archetype independent Naga entrepreneur, who has strived hard over the years to succeed in the business world.

A mother to five children, she along with her two partners Asang Imchen and Loye Tungoe run ADL Weddings, one of the biggest and most in demand wedding planning companies in the state. Dina, along with her husband, Hukheto L Yepthomi, also runs and manages Hillstar Cinema in Dimapur, which is helping to revive the movie going culture in the state.

Dina's enterprising spirit comes natural to her. She feels that it is engrained in her as a person.

"I was never satisfied with sitting at home. I wanted to be useful and even now I don’t like wasting a single day sitting idle," she says.

"Whenever a year ends, I look back to see what I have achieved and what more I can do," she adds. She tried her hand in several small enterprises and over the years, ADL and Hillstar have been two ventures that have reaped benefits.

ADL Weddings started in 2009 by Dina and her two friends Asang Imchen and Loye Tungoe. Since then, they have planned and managed over 20 weddings every year. Besides, they also rent out articles for weddings.

"The three of us did not have any formal training in this field. We learnt everything through hands on experience," Dina says. She remembers how they had sleepless nights when first starting off with the venture.

While facing various challenges when they first started off, Dina however says, "People saw what we did and they liked it. We had a lot of demand even from other parts of the country, besides from the North East." ADL has also been approached to do weddings from all over the country. "When we started, we faced many challenges.

But it was and is a pleasure to help so many people achieve their dream wedding," she maintains.

Meanwhile, Hillstar Cinema was a raging success in the 1980s but it went down due to several factors- factors like the advent of home video systems and piracy, which affected

movie theatres all over the country. In 2015, Dina and her husband Hukheto decided to re-launch the theatre and has now for the past couple of years been a much needed place of entertainment for movie buffs in the state.

On the way she works, Dina says, "I like a hand on approach. I don’t believe in just delegating and telling people what to do. I want to be involved." On whether she has faced any bias with regard to her gender, Dina says that while there are some false perceptions of women, she personally has not faced any discrimination. "When people know that you mean business and you are good at what you do, eventually they will come to respect you," she states.

Dina also stresses on the fact that her success would not have been possible without a proper support base. Dina particularly mentions her husband, her family, in-laws and friends, who have always encouraged her in her ventures.

On the business scenario in the state, she feels that the very small consumer base is an obstacle.

To address this, she hopes that people lend support to businesses in the state

Aboli Dina Yepthomi, co-owner of ADL Weddings and Hillstar Cinema.

and that there is Camaraderie within the business community as well. Dina further says that the business scenario in Nagaland is making progress.

"I am impressed with the younger generation who have become so enterprising. There are now voices trying to change students’ minds and perceptions about going independent and not just rely on government jobs. Also, many young people are in creative fields, so it is very encouraging. I see a bright future for the state in terms of business," she states.

The government can also do its part by just being good at their job, Dina adds, while pointing out

the need to provide basic security and infrastructure.

This, she feels is enough to encourage a conducive atmosphere for businesses to run with confidence.

During her free time from work, which is very rare, Dina likes spending time with her family, cooking for them, gardening and reading.

"I want my children to live in a responsible society, where people are aware of consequences and take responsibility for their actions," she hopes. To this end, Dina is optimistic for the future, as she feels that the younger generation is more aware and realises the consequences of their actions.

Agri director inaugurates farm machinery shed in Dimapur

Dimapur, January 7 (mExn): Farm machinery shed cum workshop of SDO Store, Dimapur was inaugurated on January 6

by Helie Rupreo, Director of Agriculture, Nagaland at the department's office premises here. Rupreo dedicated the building to the farming community.

In his address, he laid out the department’s vision of ‘Food for All by 2030’. Durable machineries, he said, will be procured by the department, double cropping will be stressed upon and importance of farm mechanisation in agriculture sector will be emphasised.

Persuading the staffs and mechanics to be sincere and innovative, he also said the members of Agri-

Helie Rupreo, Director of Agriculture with others during the inauguration of farm machinery shed cum workshop of SDO Store, Dimapur on January 6.

culture department will be sensitised on the service code of conduct while inviting for constructive ideas and criticism for develop-

ment of the department.

Joint Director of Agriculture L. Hangshing emphasised on farm mechanisation in his address. He

informed that the farm machinery shed cum workshop was constructed under Sub Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation

(SMAM). Hangshing also updated the department that for availing farm machineries that include power tiller, pump sets etc, an individual availing the machineries on subsidised rate has to submit photo copies of Aadhaar card, bank account passbook (front page and current updated page).

Olem Jamir, Deputy Director Agriculture Central Store, Dimapur updated the department on construction report. Jamir also submitted a proposal to the department for renovation and repairing of departmental stores.

The programme was chaired by L. Hangshing, The PHQ traffic point in Kohima, which usually has one of the busiest traffics in the town, Joint Director of Agricul- looks deserted following the bandh imposed by the Angami Youth Organization (AYO) on ture and vote of thanks was January 7. (Photo Courtesy: Kuzhovesa Soho) rendered by S.K. Khemprai, Deputy Director.

National Mushroom Day: Spawn producer from Dimapur honoured Dimapur, January 7 (mExn): A young innovative spawn producer, Rajib Mondal from Dimapur, was felicitated for commercial production of mushroom spawn for the benefit of mushroom growers of Nagaland during the National Mushroom Day observed by ICAR Research Complex NEH Region, Nagaland Centre on December 23. He was felicitated

by Joint Director of ICAR, Nagaland Centre, Dr. DJ Rajkhowa.

Rajib established the

spawn producing lab and is practicing mushroom cultivation with the help of ICAR Research Complex, Nagaland Centre, according to a press release from ICAR, Nagaland Centre.

Along with the observance of the day, ICAR Research Complex NEH Region, Nagaland Centre conducted training cum demonstration on mushroom cultivation at its premises in Medziphema for the farmers and rural youths.

Dur ing the programme, a presentation on

“Importance of mushroom in human diet” was given

by Dr. Rajesha, G., Scientist (Plant Pathology) to create awareness about the nutritional and medicinal importance of mushroom in the human diet for people of all age groups.

At the valedictory programme, Dr. DJ Rajkhowa, Joint Director motivated the participants to come up as entrepreneurs in spawn and mushroom production to mitigate the problem of spawn availability and nutritional security in

Nagaland.

With an aim to increase mushroom production in the state, ICAR Research Complex, Nagaland Centre also distributed 100 spawn packets to the fresh mushroom cultivating farmers to start mushroom cultivation. A small exhibition depicting the method of mushroom cultivation and types of commercial edible mushroom available for the cultivation was also held for the farmers on the same day.

The release noted that

the state of Nagaland has a large scope of recycling the paddy waste for mushroom cultivation by utilising the wastes for growing mushrooms to enhance income and impart higher level of sustainability.

ICAR Research Complex, Nagaland Centre has been putting sincere effort towards the improvement of livelihood and nutritional security by promoting mushroom cultivation for the rural youths and women Self Help Groups, Officials of Mao Union Chumukedima pose during the celebration of Ememei Chiithuni (New it added.

Year) festival at Chumukedima in Dimapur on January 7, 2017.

Special National Integration Camp underway in Nagaland Financial Literacy Camp emphasises on digital transaction mokokchung, January 7 (mExn): To promote financial literacy/inclusion, a one day Financial Literacy Camp (FLC) supported under FIF managed by NABARD was conducted at Chakpa Village on January 6, 2017. It was organized by Care and Support Society, Mokokchung in collaboration with Bank of Baroda, Mokokchung under the sponsorship of NABARD. A press release from Imchawati Kichu, Managing Director, Care and Sup-

Participants with Maj. Gen. Atanu K Pattanaik, Chief of Staff 3 Corps during the inauguration of Special National Integration Camp at Patkai Christian College on January 7.

Dimapur, January 7 (mExn): Maj. Gen. Atanu K Pattanaik, Sena Medal, Chief of Staff 3 Corps, inaugurated the Special National Integration Camp on January 7 at Patkai Christian College, Chumukedima.

600 cadets of National Cadet Corps (NCC) from 17 Directorates from all the precincts of the country, including 110 cadets from the North East Region, attended the inauguration programme in the presence of Brig MS Nikam, Group Commander, Group HQ Kohima, who is also the Camp Commandant, and Associate NCC Officers of all states and UTs. Maj Gen Atanu K Pattanaik in his speech emphasised on being

good and disciplined citizens of India since National Cadet Corps is the nursery for grooming tomorrow’s leaders, according to a press release received here. Stating that the message of national spirit and unity was demonstrated through the cultural events organised by the cadets, he accentuated that every such event keeps the nation united, particularly by the young generation representing mini India.

The objective of the camp, the release said, “is a process by which diverse youth and culture are synthesized into a unified whole in order to achieve harmony, common identity and above all national conscious-

ness. The aspiration of this camp is to assimilate the entire youth into a common identity i.e. NCC Cadets with the motto ‘Unity and Discipline’.”

It further noted that all training in the NCC is conducted in a military environment, so as to help the cadets inculcate the finer qualities of “our” military heritage. “It helps in developing discipline and ability to work hard, which gives them a sense of purpose and helps them overcome the trials, tribulations and complexities of their adolescent years,” it added.

The Chief Secretary of Nagaland and the Governor of Nagaland are slated to visit the camp on January 11 and 14 respectively.

port Society informed that S. Amarjit Mangang, DDM, NABARD shared the importance of financial inclusion. He briefly highlighted on Farmers Club, SHG/JLG, WCC & KCC Programme, PMMY and Stand Up India Scheme.

He further shared about digital transaction. Explaining in detail the importance of doing digital transaction, he advised the villagers to get RuPay Card so that they can do cashless transaction. He also dwelt on digital wallets, internet banking and *99# portal.

YSU celebrates 50th anniversary

Dimapur, January 7 (mExn): The Yakor Students’ Union (YSU) celebrated its 50th anniversary from December 27-28 under the theme ‘Honor, Peace & Prosperity’ with R. Tohanba, Parliamentary Secretary for Municipal Affairs, Economics & Statistics as chief guest.

Tohanba highlighted the brief history of the village, which was started way back in the 18th century, informed a press release from his Personal Assistant (PA). He said the citizens of Yakor received education in 1950. The Parliamentary Secretary further emphasized the need for maintaining peace and respect with people in the neighbouring areas for all round development in the area. “Then only the true meaning of coexistence in harmony will be fully understood,” he added.

Further, he motivated the students' community to set goal and work harder to achieve higher, while reminding that it is a world of competition. He also encouraged the participants to be responsible citizens of the state.

Meanwhile, Nahphoa, Manager, Bank of Baroda, Mokokchung pointed out the importance of banking, savings, financial planning. He highlighted various financial services offered by the banks for the general public and also spoke on PMJDY, PMSBY, PMJJBY and APY in detail.

Earlier, the programme was chaired

by Imchawati Kichu, Managing Director, Care and Support Society, while welcome address was given by Moluba, Secretary, Chakpa Village Council.

Sunday 08•01•2017

NORTH-EAST 3

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Blockade will continue during Manipur polls: UNC

GUWAHATI, JAnUAry 7 (ExprEss nEWs sErvIcE/ nnn): Manipur will go to polls in the first week of March under the shadow of ongoing economic blockade.

Manipur’s apex social organization of the Nagas, United Naga Council (UNC), on Saturday decided to “intensify” the blockade, enforced on two national highways – lifelines of the State – since November 1.

“The UNC today (Saturday) met the leaders of 16 Naga tribes of Manipur. The meeting endorsed all recommendations and decisions of an earlier meeting of

the Nagas. We have decided to intensify the blockade and our ban on the construction of national projects and picketing of government offices in Naga areas,” UNC general secretary Milan Shimray told Express.

There was a perception the UNC could lift the blockade in view of the polls. But Milan categorically said the blockade would continue till elections and beyond.

“Elections are not our priority. Our priority is to protect and safeguard our ancestral homeland. Nobody should impose any decision on the land of our forefa-

thers,” he asserted.

“Our agitation is not against any people. It is against the Manipur government for not upholding and honouring past assurances about our land. In November last year, the Ministry of Home Affairs had convened a tripartite meeting but the Manipur government didn’t send its representative. It shows Ibobi (Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh) wanted the situation to go on. He never wants peace,” Milan alleged.

According to the UNC, all available resources will be used while carrying out the ongoing agitation including the picketing

of government offices, economic blockade and the banning of the construction of Trans Asian Railways, Jiribam to Tupul and other national projects in all the "Naga territories" in Manipur.

On December 28, the Naga people's consultation under the banner of the United Naga Council (UNC) held in Senapati had resolved to launch 'democratic picketing' of state government offices in 'Naga districts' from midnight of December 31, 2016 and prevent the district administration from functioning. This additional mode of agitation was launched even as the ongoing

economic blockade continues.

Educational Institutions, medical services, and power sector are exempted from being picketed.

Besides the UNC executives, Naga frontal organisations, leaders and activists participated in the day-long meeting held at Senapati Town on January 7.

The UNC enforced the blockade in protest against Ibobi-led Congress government’s decision to create seven more districts without consulting the Nagas. Recently, the State government started providing security to bring the stranded goods-laden vehicles from Nagaland and Assam.

BJP will form government in Manipur: Arunachal CM

Arunachal Pradesh BJP denies reports of replacing Chief Minister Pema Khandu

nEW dElHI, JAnUAry 7 (AGEncIEs): Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday said that the BJP would succeed in forming the government in Manipur, which will go to polls in March.

"I am sure that BJP will form a government in Manipur," Khandu told IANS on the sidelines of BJP's National Executive meet in the city.

He noted that there was not a single BJP-ruled state in the region before Narendra Modi became Prime Minister in 2014.

"Due to Prime Minister, who is visionary and dynamic leader, people of Asom decided to go with BJP. In Arunachal Pradesh, people are with BJP. So people of Manipur are making up their mind to go with BJP," Khandu added.

He said he supported the idea of simultaneous elections, which may help huge spending on frequent elections to be used for development instead. He declined to comment on activist Irom Sharmila's political debut.

Khandu added that issues such as demonetisation and recent political developments were discussed in the National Executive meet.

Meanwhile, the Arunachal Pradesh Unit of BJP on Saturday denied any move to replace incumbent Chief Minister Pema

Khandu as speculated in a section of media. “Pema Khandu enjoys absolute support of 47 BJP and 2 Independent MLAs in the 60 member House. The state BJP endorsed full support to the leadership of Khandu,” state BJP President Tapir Gao in a statement said.

According to report in a national daily, Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju’s name is doing the rounds as the next possible Chief Minister of the state. State BJP President Tapir Gao is also said to be in the race, the report stated.

The BJP national executive led

by National President Amit Shah and the North East in-charge Ram Madhav have pledged absolute faith in the leadership of Khandu as the Chief Minister of the BJP led government in Arunachal Pradesh.

Tapir Gao said that there is absolutely no question of replacing Khandu who enjoys full support of entire BJP party. “We in BJP do not have culture of high command replacing the political leadership in the state. The speculations so made and printed by some media houses are pure rumours that are being spread by political opponents who are playing anoutdated political trick to confuse people and to vent out their sheer frustration,” he claimed.

Gao further appealed to the media to be more sensible in bringing out such news items by properly verifying and authenticating the source as it creates a sense of political insecurity in the state which has seen so much of political turmoil in the recent past.

Khadi fashion show enthralls audience M'laya MLA accused

GUWAHATI, JAnUAry 7 (MExn): A host of supermodels from all over the North East walked the ramp in Guwahati at the State Level Khadi Gramodyog Exhibition on January 6 evening, draped in exquisite Khadi creations. Models walked the ramp wearing traditional Assam Silk, Muga, and Benarasi Silk etc., and mesmerized the art-loving audience on the occasion.

Designed and choreographed by renowned fashion guru of North East Prasantt Ghosh (who is involved in doing the Khadi design and fashion show for more than a decade) along with Moonme Baruah and Kanchan Sabarwal, the unique fashion show covered all aspects of Khadi in an exquisite and splendid way.

The Khadi Fashion Parade was inaugurated by A.P. Modak, State Director KVIC, Guwahati. Speaking on the occasion, Modak said that Khadi is very comfortable for all occasions and is chosen by all sections of people nowadays.

Organised by Uttar Purvanchal Khadi Gramodyog Maha Sangha, the State Level Khadi Gramodyog Exhibition at Rukmininagar Bihu Field, Housing complex, Survey, Guwahati has been going on from December 28 to January 11.

Among the top models

of rape arrested

Models walk the ramp at the State Level Khadi Gramodyog Exhibition in Guwahati on January 6.

in action in the show were Indrani Sarma, Divya Rasmi Devi, Punam Das, Jia Sarma, Tina Das, Puja Das, Suvam Das, Chandan Das and Kripesh. A talented singer Abhijit Ghosh and a dance group also performed in between the rounds. The whole show was managed by one of the leading event management groups of the North East KREATIVE PEOPLE. Fashion designer Prasantt Ghosh said: “Whenever I design and use khadi as my fabric, I have kept both the style and the intrinsic properties of the fabric in mind varied weights and counts produce richness in khadi. The treatment of this textural richness is the core of my collection,

which relies on the minimal look and aesthetics of handmade fabrics. I have essentially used two types of Khadi.”

Beautiful khadi products from all over the country are on display in the fair.

There are a wealth of sarees, balucharis from West Bengal, sambalpuris from Orissa and pochampuris from Andhra Pradesh. The number of stalls is around 50. Traditional medicine stalls from Maharashtra and cane and bamboo furniture of world class from Assam are also on display in the fair.

The whole exhibition is sponsored by Khadi and Village industries Commission (Ministry of MSME, Govt of India), Guwahati.

Manipur: 2 CRPF jawans injured in explosion KolKATA, JAnUAry 7 (IndIA TodAy): Two CRPF jawans have been injured in bomb explosion in Imphal today. The incident occurred around 6:20 pm. An IED was planted near a culvert at Naoremthong Khulem Leikai in Imphal West under the jurisdiction of Lamphel Police Station.

The two jawans were staying in a rented room and met with the unfortunate

incident while they were riding bicycles to purchase charcoal from nearby market. One is critically injured. They were rushed to Shija Hospital. A team of high ranking officers of Manipur Police and CRPF rushed to the spot and took stock of the situation. A search operation has been conducted in the areas near the blast site.

No one has been arrested so far.

KSO bandh cripples life in Chandel, Tengnoupal Newmai News Network Imphal | January 7

Normal life was affected in Chandel and Tengnoupal districts today due to a 48hour bandh called by Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) General Headquarters against alleged failure of the government to rein in Kuki National Liberation Front (KNLF) currently under suspension of operation.

Commercial activities at border town Moreh under Tengnoupal district came to a halt. The commercial town bordering Myanmar wore a deserted look.

There was no move-

ment of vehicles on Imphal-Moreh road, a section of National Highway 2 which falls under the twin districts, during the bandh that started from midnight of January 6. The general strike caused serious problems for people dependent on the important route. The bandh was largely peaceful on its first day which was near-total.

KNLF is alleged to have carried out the January 1 gun attack on KSO Gunpi Block president Jangkholam Guite and another leader of the student body named Jamchinthang Manchong at

Phouchakhai. The student body has called the bandh expressing anger over government’s inability to book all culprits involved in the attack.

Taking serious note of the incident, KSO alleged that the government has set loose KNLF cadres who have been allowed to venture outside their designated camps to commit crimes against innocent civilians.

The organisation urged upon the government to rein in all armed cadres of the group and restrict them inside their camps to prevent violent crimes.

sHIllonG, JAnUAry 7 (pTI): Independent Meghalaya MLA Julius Dorphang, who was wanted in connection with a sex-racket case involving a 14-year old girl in Shillong, was on Saturday arrested from his hideout in neighbouring Assam, the police said. The arrest came a day after a look out notice was issued and the state police sought cooperation from their counterparts in neighbouring states.

“We have arrested Dorphang and he was brought here. He will now face trial,” East Khasi Hills district SP M Kharkrang told PTI. The arrest was made from a place which he used as a hideout, he said, without divulging details.

Dorphang, who had co-founded an armed organization until he surrendered in 2007, went into hiding after the police booked him under section 366 (A) of the IPC and registered section 3 (a)/4 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act) and under section 5 of the Immoral Trafficking Prevention Act (ITPA) against him.

The sex racket came to light after an employee

of a guest house owned by the son of a Congress leader was arrested for trafficking of the 14-yearold victim last month. The victim was rescued from near the guest house and brought to the police station where she named all those involved in sexually exploiting her.

Five of the eight people, including four women, named in separate FIRs have been arrested till date.

On January 4, the court issued a non-bailable arrest warrant against Dorphang, following which the manhunt began.

ZB (AMN) condoles dIMApUr, JAnUAry 7 (MExn): The Zeliangrong Baudi (Assam, Manipur & Nagaland) has deeply mourned the demise of Professor Gangmumei Kamei at his residence, Majorkhul, Imphal on January 5. A press note from the ZB (AMN) said that “we lost the great son of the soil.” His works and contribution towards the North Eastern region, it said, will always be remembered and will inspire in the days to come. “We express heartfelt condolence and share the pain with the bereaved family members at this hour of sorrow. We pray to Almighty to grant the departed soul to rest in peace,” it stated.

INFORMATION This is to inform that the raffle draw of Old Town Youth Forum which was slated to be drawn on 7th January 2017 has been postponed due to unavoidable circumstances. We regret for the inconvenience caused and hope you will bear with the short comings. The date for the draw will be held on 11th March 2017 where the result will be published through the media.

IMPORTED DESIGNER WEDDING GOWNS “FRESH ARRIVAL” NEW YEAR OFFER, 15 % OFF THREADS BOUTIQUE SC- 4, SUPER MARKET, DIMAPUR PHONE: 1. 9856761882 2. 9856326344

ZION HOSPITAL & RESEARCH CENTRE DIMAPUR: NAGALAND

UROLOGIST FOR CONSULTATION Dr. JOY N. CHAKRABORTY MS DNB (Surgery), DNB (Urology), FRCS renowned Endourosurgeon from Guwahati will be available for consultation on 11th January 2017 (Wednesday) for Urinary problems, Prostate, Kidney & Bladder Stone.

For registration, please contact:  03862-231864, 227337, 224117

OKING HOSPITAL KOHIMA

Dr. Manong Chohwanglim

MBBS, MD, DM (Nephrology) Will be available for consultation at Oking Hospital, Kohima from this month onwards.

On 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month.

Patients who has Kidney problems may avail this opportunity.

For details contact- 0370-2290080/2290146

AFFIDAVIT

(Correction of parent's Name) Regd. No: 52/17

Date: 07/01/17

I, ATOHOLI SWU D/o, Shri HOKUTO SWU resident of H/ No. 054 Middle Midland Colony Kohima, Nagaland do hereby solemnly affirm and declare on oath as follows: 1. That I am a bonafide citizen of India by birth.

2. That I am the daughter of Shri HOKUTO SWU and Smti GHOTOLI SWU as such competent to swear this affidavit.

3. That my father's correct name is HOKUTO SWU and my mother's correct name is GHOTOLI SWU however, in my important documents my father's name has been inadvertently recorded as S HOKUTO SWU and my mother's name as GHOTOLI SWU, GHOTOLI H SWU and GHOTOLI hence, the name HOKUTO SWU and S HOKUTO SWU represents same person i.e my father AND GHOTOLI SWU, GHOTOLI H SWU and GHOTOLI represents the same person i.e my mother.

4. That henceforth I herewith rectified the same and declares that my father's correct name will be HOKUTO SWU and my mother's correct name will be GHOTOLI SWU and the same will be used for all official and references.

5. That the above statements made are true to the best of my knowledge and no material facts has been concealed herein and I signed this affidavit before the competent authority on 7th Jan. 2017 at Kohima, Nagaland.

Deponent Solemnly sworn before me by the deponent above mentioned named on this day the 7th Jan. 2017 at Kohima, Nagaland.

Magistrate/ Notary public

4

sunDAY 08•01•2017

business

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

businesses unable to pay daily Apple cuts CEO Cook’s pay 73% wagers, says PHD Chamber Survey as iPhone sales hit globally

New York, JaNuarY 7 (IaNS): Hit by a slump in iPhone sales globally which led to the company missing its revenue and profit goals for 2016, tech giant Apple has cut its CEO Tim Cook's pay for the year.

Cook received $8.75 million in total compensation for 2016 -down from $10.28 million in 2015 -- which the company said declined for the first time since he assumed office in 2011. Cook's base salary, however, rose 50 per cent to $3 million.

"According to a regulatory filing on Friday, Apple said its annual sales of $215.6 billion were 3.7 per cent below its target of $223.6 billion, and its operating income of $60 billion was 0.5 per cent short of the $60.3 billion target," The Wall Street Journal reported.

Apple's five-most senior executives also saw their total compensation fall for fiscal 2016, each declining around nine per cent to about $22.8 million from $25 million in the prior year.

Their 2016 compensation included $2.8 million in salary and $20 million in restricted stock, the report noted.

Last year, announcing the results for the fourth quarter of 2016, Apple said it sold 45.5 million iPhones, 9.3 million iPads and 4.9

million Macs -- a year-over-year decline of 5.2 per cent for iPhones, six per cent for iPads and a massive 14 per cent for the Mac. Apple is now eyeing hopes on iPhone 7 which was launched in September and forthcoming versions, including an expected 10thanniversary iPhone later this year, that may tilt the figures in favour of Apple in the near future.

Russia asks Apple, Google to remove LinkedIn from stores Accusing LinkedIn of flouting local laws that require internet firms to store data on citizens within the nations borders, the Russian authorities have asked Apple and Google to remove the professional networking site app from their online stores.

Recently, a Russian court

blocked the Microsoft-owned LinkedIn service for breaching the country's data protection rules.

According to The New York Times, Apple has confirmed that it was asked to remove its LinkedIn app in Russia about a month ago.

"However, Google has not confirmed if it had removed LinkedIn in Russia but said that it adhered to Russian local laws," the report added.

Meanwhile, LinkedIn responded that the company was "disappointed" with the decision

by Russian regulators to block the service.

"It denies access to our members in Russia and the companies that use LinkedIn to grow their businesses," Nicole Leverich, a spokeswoman for LinkedIn, was quoted as saying.

LinkedIn has several million users in Russia.

Earlier this week, Apple removed the New York Times from its app store following a request from Chinese authorities claiming the app was in violation of regulations.

China is known for banning digital sites like Facebook and Google that it believes harm its national security or promote misinformation. The Wall Street Journal's Chinese-language site has been blocked since 2014.

India braces for growth chill after demonetization MuMBaI, JaNuarY 7 (reuTerS): India on Friday predicted robust economic growth in the fiscal year that ends in March, but without fully accounting for the disruption caused by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to abolish high-value old currency bills.

Gross domestic product (GDP) is estimated to achieve annual growth of 7.1 percent in the fiscal year 2016/17, slower than a provisional figure of 7.6 percent for 2015/16.

Most private economists have pared their growth forecasts to 6.3-6.4 percent for 2016/17, citing the impact of the demonetisation, which they reckon will linger for one more year.

Friday's GDP estimate is a cornerstone of Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's budget on Feb. 1. But the federal statistics office said the projection was mostly

based on data available by the end of October.

Modi's decision on Nov. 8 to scrap 500- and 1,000-rupee banknotes as part of a crackdown on tax dodgers and counterfeiters has inflicted pain on companies, farmers and households.

"I am very worried with the projected growth rate," said Aneesh Srivastava, chief investment officer at IDBI Federal Life Insurance Co. "Take demonetisation into account, the rate will substantially drop," he said, adding that he expected full-year growth to be well below 6.8 percent.

Until last year, the government's statisticians would wait for GDP data for the quarter through December before putting out full-year estimates.

This year, that quarter's figures will not be available before the end of Febru-

FiRe StatiOnS

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

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232224 229529 229474 MH Hospital 227930 231081 Faith Hospital 228846 shamrock Hospital 228254 Zion Hospital 231864 224117 227337 Police Control room 228400 Police Traffic Control 232106 east Police station 227607 west Police station 232181 CIHsr (referral Hospital) 242555 242533 dimapur Hospital 224041 248011 Apollo Hospital Info Centre 230695/ 9402435652 railway 131/228404 Airport 229366 Indian Airlines 242441 225212 Chumukedima Fire Brigade 282777 nikos Hospital and 232032, research Centre 231031 nagaland Multispecialty Health & research Centre

248302, 09856006026

eden Medical Centre

248288

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A labourer stands on a truck carrying construction materials at a construction site of residential buildings in noida. (REUTERS Files Photo) ary, making the projec- along with revised full-year tion largely reliant on the growth estimates. economy's performance in the period before demon- MORE PAIN AHEAD etisation, when consumer The withdrawal of 86 demand was strong. percent of cash out of circuThe statistics office will lation has disrupted supply release the data on Feb. 28, chains at small, medium

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

and even larger companies and left many customers short of cash.

Modi had called for patience until Dec. 30. While his deadline has passed, the pain has not.

Ser vices industry shrank for a second straight month in December amid a severe cash shortage. Manufacturing activity plunged into contraction too.

The cash crackdown has also hit capital investments.

New investment proposals slumped by nearly 61 percent to $121.21 million a day between Nov. 9 and Dec. 31 from the period between Oct. 1 and Nov. 8, according to the think-tank CMIE. "Mostly the impact of demonetisation will be proportionally higher in micro-, smaller- and medium-scale enterprises," said Varun Khandelwal, managing director at Bullero Capital.

std code: 0370 2222952 2222916 2243339 2224202 08974997923

salaries of their daily wage and contractual workers.

While assessing the impact on people, 92 per cent respondents in the survey said that the major impact of currency crunch is seen on daily needs of the people such as purchase of eatables, dairy products and other necessities.

As many as 58 per cent respondents said they were facing high level of difficulty in fulfilling their day to day activities while 89 per cent respondents reported unavailability of cash at banks and ATMs as a major hurdle in withdrawing cash from the bank or ATMs, the survey said.

Jiwarajka said that the immediate effect would probably be short-lived and the long term effect will drive the Indian economy to new areas of growth.

"Though the contraction in GDP cannot be ruled out due to fall in economic activity, growth in demand will start gaining momentum once the

economy moves out of the transition stage of demonetisation to remonetisation," he said.

It is expected that removal of black money from the system would create a good scope for reduction in interest rates via-a-vis lower inflationary expectations and reduce the incidence of direct taxation, he said.

There is a need of setting up of digital literacy booths outside banks majorly in rural regions for spreading digital literacy across all sections, Jiwarajka added.

Government should incentivize RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement) and NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer) under the ambit of digital transfers so that more and more people adopt the available facility and are less dependent on cash transactions, he said.

The government had demonetised Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes on November 8 and has allowed limited withdrawal of cash since then.

Government to launch exclusive scheme for women entrepreneurs

HYDeraBaD, JaNuarY 7 (PTI): The Centre would shortly launch an exclusive scheme for women entrepreneurs, a senior official in the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) said today.

"It will be an exclusive scheme for women entrepreneurs. We have not yet finalised the contours (of the scheme). Hopefully, we will launch it before the end of the financial year," B H Anil Kumar, a Joint Secretary in the Ministry, told reporters here.

Earlier, he launched myloanassocham.com, a portal, industry body ASSOCHAM said, that provides MSMEs online access to funds at an affordable rate from a mix of banks and financial institutions.

Kumar said the figures that the MSME sector contributes 8 per cent to the country's GDP, 45 per cent of the manufacturing output and 40 per cent of the exports are based on sur-

MOKOKCHUnG

vey reports of 2007.

Those survey reports have been extrapolated. It's a random survey, and it's not clear how much of that figure is based on hardcore data, according to him.

In this background, the Ministry is in the process of creating an MSME data bank based on which it can project the actual requirements of the sector, he said and asked these enterprises to register themselves.

Reserve Bank of India, Kumar said, has issued

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

9485232688 9485232689 9485232690 9485232693 9485232694 9485232695 2226216

woodland nursing Home

2226263

Hotel Metsüpen (tourist Lodge) 2226373/ 2229343

guidelines for creation of committees for revival and rehabilitation of MSMEs which are facing stress.

Banks are in the process of setting them up at State levels.

Noting that 90 per cent of MSMEs in India are either based on proprietorship or partnership model, Kumar pitched for they putting in place a corporate structure so that an enterprise "does not die when entrepreneur passes away".

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

leisure

Contact numbers

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

New DelHI, JaNuarY 7 (IaNS): As many as 73 per cent businesses said they were unable to meet the daily cash requirements to pay wages to contractual workforce because of the severe cash crunch prevailing after demonetisation, according to a survey conducted

by PHD Chamber.

"In the business segment, 73 per cent respondents are facing huge cash crunch due to demonetisation as they are unable to fulfill their daily cash requirements to pay wages to daily wagers and contractual workforce," said the survey based on responses from more than 50 economists and analysts, 700 business firms and 2,000 people during the month of December.

In response, PHD Chamber President Gopal Jiwarajka urged that cash-driven sectors such as construction and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) should be facilitated by increased cash limits for the payment of

CROSSWORD # 3822

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 # 3817

Answer Number # 3816

ACROSS 1. Male deer 5. Craves 10. Breezed through 14. Rate 15. Open, as a bottle 16. Back of the neck 17. Nutritious 19. Nile bird 20. Clunker 21. Nigerian monetary unit 22. Kiss lightly 23. Gist 25. Area of South Africa 27. Chap 28. Baby carriage 31. 23 in Roman numerals 34. Cluster 35. French for “Summer” 36. Edges 37. Genuinely 38. Not false 39. Ambition 40. Drome 41. Grill 42. Conceding 44. 52 in Roman numerals 45. Avoid 46. Prolongation of a musical note 50. Operatic solos 52. Not the most 54. Tavern 55. Unit of bread 56. Flashiness 58. Speechless 59. Redress 60. Countertenor 61. Clairvoyant 62. “Beau ___” 63. Existed DOWN 1. Garden tool 2. Anklebone 3. Corrosives 4. Precious stone 5. Craziness

6. Loosen, as laces 7. Stigma 8. European wolf spider 9. Operative 10. Creature 11. A knight 12. Sweeping story 13. Writing table 18. Boredom 22. “Cut that out!”

24. Auspices 26. Ground forces 28. Catapulted 29. Decorative case 30. Bobbin 31. Roentgen ray 32. 13 in Roman numerals 33. Straightaway 34. Supply with battlements 37. Trigonometry (abbrev.)

38. Snip 40. Contributes 41. Nascence 43. Layabout 44. Renter 46. Lose consciousness 47. Poplar tree 48. Flavor 49. Malicious burning 50. Charity 51. Debauchee 53. God of love 56. Muzzle 57. Apprehend Answer to Crossword 3821

Sunday 08•01•2017

NAGALAND

Chumu VC reiterates warning against filing nomination

Chumukedima, January 7 (mexn): The Chumoukedima Village Council (CVC) has reiterated its earlier warning against filing nomination for the Urban Local Body elections.

In a statement, the Village Council reminded of a combined meeting it had with leaders of 16 Tribal Units of Chumoukedima on January 2, 2017 during which it had resolved not to allow any individual or party to file nominations.

According to the resolution, anyone who violates the resolution shall be forced to leave Chumoukedima area.

If candidates who have filed nomination papers

do not withdraw, the resolution taken in the meeting “shall be implemented/imposed in spirit”, the Village Council warned.

Stating that those candidates who have filed nominations have “willfully violated” the public resolution, the CVC maintained that no one will be allowed to function from the Chumoukedima Town Council office as council member until the issue is settled by the state government with all the frontal Naga bodies viz., Naga Hoho, ENPO, NTC, Ao Senden, Sumi Hoho, APO etc.

“The Chumoukedima Public shall not regard them as Public leaders or

Town Council members,” the CVC maintained while adding that the whole public of Chumoukedima fully stands behind intending candidates who upheld the "public resolution".

Meanwhile, the CVC alleging “discretion” has flayed the shifting of centre for submitting nomination papers of Chumoukedima to Dimapur. Enquiring whether the Nagaland Municipal Election Rule empowers the EAC or the Returning Election Officer to shift the centre, the Council questioned why the EAC Chumoukedima issued the notification only for the last day i.e., January 7.

PFPSD terms CSOs’ decision to allow filing nominations for PTC ‘unjustified’

Pungro, January 7 (mexn): The Public Forum Pungro Sub-Division (PFPSD) today expressed shock at the press statement of civil society organizations (CSOs) of Kiphire district, namely United Sangtam Likhum Pumji (USLP), Eastern

Sumi Hoho (ESH), Tikhir Tribal Council (TTC), GBs and intending candidates, where they agreed to allow the intending candidates to file nominations for the ensuing Pungro Town Council (PTC) election. Terming the decision “unjustified”, PFPSD in a press statement

asserted that the Pungro Town Council election in no way falls under the preview of the CSOs of Kiphire to take any decision. It also reminded that the ENPO has endorsed the tribal councils to take own decision for town council elections within its jurisdiction.

Rishiben Walling is first Ao Naga Spelling Bee Queen 1st All Nagaland Spelling Bee Championship 2017 Morung Express News Dimapur | January 7

Rightly spelling 8 out of nine words in the final round, Rishiben Walling, a Class 10 student of Jubilee Memorial School, Mokokchung and a native of Meküli village, was crowned champion of the 1st All Nagaland Ao Spelling Bee Championship 2017 held at Changtongya Baptist Church (CBC) on January 6.

She beat 15 other contestants on the fray to emerge champion rightly spelling tonguetwisting words in Ao like Sentsüwangshidaktsütsüsa (deem to glory), Bangjibangzüngogo (reach an agreement) Ngangshirikangshia (harassed/torture forcefully) etc.

The contestants – five from Kohima, 3 from Dimapur, 3 from Mokokchung and 5 from Changtongya circle - had converged at

Changtongya Village for the contest after preliminary qualifying competition in respective areas.

Lanusenla T Jamir (of Khar village), a Class 10 student of Edith Douglas Higher Secondary School Mokokchung and Imsubenla Tzüdir (Moayimti), representing Kohima Ao Baptist Church, Sunday School and a Class 10 student of Fernwood Higher Secondary School Kohima,

58th PSU Session: Dr. Hoshi shares political vision for youths Our Correspondent Kohima | January 7

Dr. Kuvezochi Hoshi, Managing Director Royal Foundation School Phek on Friday shared his political vision for youths during the 58th session of Phek Students’ Union cum Seminar on Career Guidance and Confidence Building for competitive exams at Phek village.

He said that his vision is to establish well-organized career guidance and counseling centre in Phek HQ with stateof-the-art infrastructure facilities for college and university students aspiring for various competitive examinations at national and state levels, meritorious students of 10+2 for technical courses of science stream, non- technical professional courses and commerce stream and average students of all streams willing to pursue non-technical professional courses.

Dr. Hoshi addressing the seminar at Phek village on January 6.

(Morung Photo)

He also envisions establishing an organized set up to capture labour market by guiding and counseling below 10+2 students to acquire diploma and certificate course in polytechnics and other vocational educations; To establish an organized set up to guide and counsel below Class VIII passed to Class

X failed students to take up specific trade and craft trainings; Establish an organized set up to trained below Class VIII students to earn their livelihood by working as labour force; To create scholarship schemes for students who are unable to afford coaching fees and for those students willing to pursue non-technical

professional courses; To create helpline and extend assistance by career guidance and counseling to all schools in the locality; To organize crash courses and short duration trainings in various skill development/capacity buildings so as to enable pre-service individuals and prepare them for various job opportunities and in-service individuals and prepare them to face new challenges in their professions/service; To organize job fairs, seminars and symposiums for interested individuals.

Dr. Hoshi also stated that his vision is to create microfinance institutes to extend financial assistance in the form of short-term as well as long term loans at minimal interest rates to individuals to venture into private business/enterprises/entrepreneurship and sponsor them in business management trainings and exposure trips outside the state.

won the 2nd and 3rd slots respectively.

The first prize winner will be given a scholarship worth Rs. 500 per month for 6 months by Lenjeter, a monthly Ao Magazine, which organised the contest in collaboration with Department of Linguistics, Nagaland University Kohima.

The Changtongya Students’ Union (CKT) was the host of contest for this year.

KPC to observe 16th Foundation Day kohima, January 7 (mexn): The Kohima Press Club (KPC) will observe its 16th Foundation Day on January 20 in the KPC Conference Hall, Kohima at 12:00 pm.

A press release in this regard requested all the members of the club to attend the programme. The KPC Executive Council informed that there will be an exchange of gifts worth Rs.500 and above among the members following the formal programme.

The KPC has also extended invitation to the well wishers of the club to join the foundation day observation.

57th PSU General Conference kohima, January 7 (mexn):The Pochury Students' Union is scheduled to hold its 57th General Conference from January 11 to 14 at Reguri Upper under the theme, "Towards a Better Tomorrow" with Rev. Riimatho Nyusou, Executive Secretary Pochury Baptist Churches Council as theme speaker. Minister for School Education & SCERT, Yitachu, will be the Chief Guest at the inaugural while Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament, K.G. Kenye will be the Valedictory Guest. The general conference is being hosted by the Reguri Students' Union.

‘Igniting Minds, Ensuring Future’ - RSU general session held dimaPur, January 7 (mexn): Razeba Students’ Union (RSU) held its 33rd general session on December 30 at Zelome Village with the theme ‘Igniting Minds, Ensuring Future’.

I. Alempokba, Director, Higher Education, Nagaland was the chief guest.

In his speech, Alempokba advised the Razeba students to catch up with the rest of the community in the field of education.

Stressing on competitive exams, he challenged the gathering that IAS official should emerge from the community. He also spoke about the impor-

tance of preserving culture.

A press release from Tho-O Shupao, President, RSU further informed that the chief guest called upon the students to give their best and excel in the various fields. He highlighted the educational system in India and abroad and the differences in quality education. He also emphasised on the importance of skills of a person apart from educational qualification. He further advised the students not to target only government jobs but to focus on private sector as well.

The Director also raised the importance of protecting environment for future generation and pointed out the effect of burning forest, which ultimately reduces the ferity of soil and its resources.

Meanwhile, he challenged the students to broaden the mindset and not to remain backward with backward tag and advised the students to read books and make reading a habit.

Dizii Shupao, Pastor, ZBC prayed for the new office bearers of RSU for the tenure 2017 & 2018 headed

by President Medovi Rhi.

PB Acharya: Nagaland Governor PB Acharya has mourned the death of Prof.

Gangumei Kamei.

Terming late Kamei a “very close friend”, Acharya in a message stated that they had known each other since the former’s tenure as President of 'Federal Party of Manipur'.

“He was a professor of repute, a great writer, a social worker and a politician above all he was a great human being. In his death I have lost a very close and intimate friend whom I have known for more than 40 years,” Governor Acharya’s message read.

Conveying deepest condolences, Acharya prayed for strength and comfort for the family.

Nagaland) also mourned the demise of Prof Kamei.

“A prominent intellectual, social worker, a visionary politician and eminent scholar,” late Kamei had served the Zeliangrong people and the North East region in various capacities, the AZSU stated in a message. “His contributions and legacy left behind shall always be treasured and cherished by the generations to come.”

The union extended deepest condolences to the family and prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.

ZBN : Zeliangrong Baudi Nagaland (ZBN) has expressed pain over the sudden demise of Gangmumei AZSU (AMN): The All Kamei on January 5 at his Zeliangrong Students’ residence in Imphal. “Late Union (Assam, Manipur & Prof Gangmumei Kamei

Meetings & AppointMents DC Dimapur calls meeting Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur, Kesonyu Yhome has called for a meeting on January 11 at 11:00 am in the conference hall of DC’s office, Dimapur to chalk out programme for the celebration of the Republic Day 2017. All Heads of Department and Administrative Officers have been requested to attend the meeting without fail.

DDPODU meeting-cum-picnic Dimapur District Pick-up Van Owners & Drivers Union (DDPODU) has convened its general meeting-cumpicnic on January 11, 10:00 am on the bank of Chathe River, 2 ½ Mile. A press release from DDPODU general secretary, Tongpang has requested all the bonafide members of the union to attend the meeting positively.

Meeting of polling officials in Dmp The Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur, Kesonyu Yhome (IAS) has informed all polling officials appointed for the forthcoming Urban Local Bodies elections that the first round of training will be held on January 12 at Dimapur Government College at the time as scheduled below: 11:00 am onwards – Presiding Officer and 1st Polling Official; 1:30 pm onwards – 2nd & 3rd Polling Officials. The DC further informed that the second and third phase training is tentatively scheduled for January 20 and 27 respectively. Any changes will be intimated later, he added.

Kiphire DPDB Kiphire DPDB meeting for the month of January 2017 will be held on January 13, 11:00 am. A press release from Pudusul Luho, District Planning Officer, Kiphire has requested all members to attend the meeting without fail.

ZCAN conference The Zeliangrong Catholic Association Nagaland’s (ZCAN) conference will be held on January 15 at St. Xavier Parish Center, Jalukie. Therefore, ZCAN general secretary, DTH Anthony has requested all the frontal leaders in the village and parish levels, Zeliangrong Catholic Youth Association of Nagaland, Zelaingrong Catholic Women Association of Nagaland and Zeliangrong Catholic Association of Nagaland members to attend the conference positively.

Chief Minister of Nagaland, TR Zeliang on January 6 paid tribute to his old friend, KV Pusa, who died on January 2. The CM laid a wreath at the grave of the former member of AICC at Viswema village. He also met the bereaved family members and conveyed condolences on behalf of the State Government and his family.

Peren DPDB decides to conduct social work on Jan 17

Peren, January 7 discussed the preparation (R&B) departments high(diPr): The first Peren for the forthcoming Repub- lighting their departmental District Planning and De- lic Day celebration. It also activities. The chairman revelopment Board (DPDB) resolved to conduct mass quested the Department of meeting for the year 2017 social work on January 17 at Supply, IPR and Veterinary was held on January 6 at Multi Disciplinary Outdoor and Animal Husbandry to was a prominent leader, DPDB Conference Hall Sports Complex. Power- present their departmental vibrant academician, an under the chairmanship of Point presentation was giv- activities in the next DPDB author, religious reformer SDO(C), Robin. The board en by Fisheries and PWD meeting. and a great social-political leader who has contributed immensely during his life time for the upliftment of the society,” stated a condolence message from Rangsam N Hau, President and Meijiang Gonmei, General Secretary of ZBN. “His departure has brought a great loss to the people of Zeliangrong community in particular and the Nagas in general.”

Zeliangrong people, ZBN added, shall treasure the affluent legacy left behind by him as pro-Zeliangrong leader. The Baudi further expressed deepest condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that In a bid to provide citizens with Home Grown Organic Products/Flowers/Handicraft etc at very reasonable rates, The Green Caravan's Wall Mart has opened a free God will shower his boun- items standing Self Service stall along the NH-29 at Kiruphema (Peducha), under Kohima tiful blessing of peace, har- district. A venture initiated jointly by Khriehu Liezietsu and Zynorique Initiatives since mony and happiness to ev- 2015, The Green Caravan is a Market Linkage and Logistics Solution aimed at small eryone of them. producers and farmers to improve their economy and generate self employment.

More condole Prof Gangmumei’s demise

At the preliminary round, the contestants were asked 10 words each.

It was followed by top 10; top 5; top 3 and finally two contestants were selected for the ultimate championship with 9 words each.

Some other words at the final round included (rough translation in parentheses) - Tzüsentsüpurtem (who are to be baptised), Züngdangteptsüsa, Nguyangushia (painful

ailments), Zübazülemtepba (complacently), Ngangbaor (sleep-talking), Tsünüsenpongtsü (various seeds), Ngasangatembapurtem (false prides) and so on.

Earlier, the championship started with an invocation by Rev. I. Wati Jamir, Pastor CBC while CKT Advisor O Tongpang Jamir spoke on behalf of the host.

Dr. Chubatola Aier, Principal, C-Edge College Dimapur was the main speaker at the event.

The Secretary of Ao Senden Literature Board (ASLB) Temjen Tzüdir, who was the observer of the championship, exhorted the gathering while the Education Secretary of Ao Student Conference (AKM) Pangnemchiba gave a short speech.

It closed with a benediction by Rev. C. Manen, Pastor, Christian Revival Church, Changtongya.

Tuensang DPDB meeting on Jan 9 The Tuensang (DPDB) District Planning & Development Board monthly meeting will be held on January 9, 11:00 am at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall. A press release in this regard has requested all DPDB members to attend the meeting positively.

Work distribution for Republic Day celebration will be chalked out in the Meeting, the release added.

YTC executive meeting on January 17 The Yimchungrü Tribal Council (YTC) will hold an executive council meet on January 17 at Chessore Village at 9 am. A press release in this regard has directed all the YTC executives, representatives from all the frontal organisations, head GBs, Council Chairman, VDB Secretaries to attend the meeting without fail.

Couples for Christ’s first ever prayer assembly held kohima, January 7 (mexn): The Couples for Christ (CFC), an international Catholic lay ecclesial movement, whose call is to renew and strengthen Christian values in the lives of couples, held its first ever prayer assembly at Mary Help of Christians Cathedral, Kohima on January 6.

Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima in his address appreciated Marcus and Vincent for pioneering the movement in Kohima Diocese. The Bishop in his speech urged all to bring the value of the gospel in their family through fear of God. Bishop also blessed newly elected unit members of CFC at the end of his talk.

Fr. Niesalhou Carolus, Vicar General and parish priest of Cathedral, spoke on the theme, ‘A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit, (Matthew 7:17-28).

Apart from the talks, there was also sharing of the testimonies by the couples. A total of 80 members belonging to different units (Couples for Christ (CFC), Handmaids of the Lord (HOLD), Servants of the Lord (SOLD), and Single for Christ (SFC)), hailing from Kohima, Rüsoma, Phesama and Lazami participated in the programme.

6

The Chalkboard

SunDAY 08•01•2017

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

_____________________________ Because Children Matters

Brain Teaser Questions with Answers How 1 question

I

f 5 men take around 3 hours to dig 3 holes, how long will it take for 2 men to dig half a hole?

If 5 peacocks lay 10 eggs in 2 days, then how many peacocks will lay 100 eggs in 24 days?

Two girls played and completed 5 games of chess. Each of them won same number of games and there wasn’t any tie in any game. How did it happen?

How many oranges can you put into an empty container?

changed a boy Sean Sweet

Answer: No peacock lays eggs, Answer: There is nothing called only peahen lays. a half hole and it cannot be dug!

Answer: Only one orange – If you put one orange, it won’t be an empty container.

You can see a beautiful red

Answer: The two girls weren’t house on your left and a playing against each other and they mesmeric green house on played with different competitors. your right, a warming and

attractive pink house on A farmer had 20 cows. Due to your front. Then where is the contagious disease, sudden- white house? ly all but 11 cows died sudAnswer: White House is in Unitdenly. How many cows does ed States. he now have?

Answer: 11 cows – ALL but 11 When you add two letters, cows died – 11 cows survived. the five letter word becomes shorter. What it is?

How many seconds do you Answer: SHORT have in a year?

Answer: 12 seconds – January 2, You are running in a 5000 February 2, March 2, etc… mtr marathon race and you

overcame the person in the second place. At what place you are?

Answer: Second Place

What is the reason that it is considered illegal to bury a man living in North America in South America?

Answer: It is illegal to bury a man alive, when he is living.

Spot the differenceS

We’ll call him Jake.

That’s not his real name, but he is a real preteen boy. Last week, he came in like he normally does, timidly and looking a bit unhappy.

His life has been a little tough. His dad lives across the country, and he goes to spend time with him for a few months each summer. Mom says she left with the kids, in part, because of Dad’s “almost abusive” way of speaking to her and the kids. Jake has trouble in school, and is a bit socially awkward.

Last Wednesday night, in our preteen ministry, the lesson was about how the God of the universe was, at one point, a preteen boy.

Each of the 12 small groups provided answers to prompts like “Somewhere a typical preteen would wander off to.” and “How a parent responds to a typical preteen when

they are trying to explain something.”

We took the group’s answers, and (MadLib style) stuck them into Luke 2:41-52. We saw what the story would have been if Jesus had been a “typical” preteen boy. Instead of being in the temple courtyards, Jesus was at a friend’s house. Instead of asking the religious teachers’ questions, Jesus was jumping on a trampoline.

As he grew up, instead of increasing “in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man,” he started dating.

It was humorous, but delivered a strong point: Jesus was different. This point wasn’t lost on Jake.

But…it didn’t have any effect on him.

UNTIL… We asked the preteens to write their answers to two questions: “What is God revealing to you tonight?” and “What questions do you have about

Leading the whoLe ChiLd

what you’re hearing?”

Then we broke into Small Groups to discuss what they wrote.

In Jake’s Small Group, he stared at the ceiling (like normal). But then, Danny asked a question he had written down: “Did Jesus have friends when he was a preteen?”

The Small Group leader, wisely, didn’t provide an answer. Instead, he turned to Jake and asked him, “What do you think, Jake? Do you think Jesus had friends when he was a preteen?”

Something clicked.

The Small Group leader saw it happen. The question did something powerful inside of Jake’s mind and heart. Questions are like that. Maybe that’s why Jesus asked so many of

them (the Gospels record over 300 questions from Jesus).

Jake looked straight at the Small Group leader— not typical for him. And he started talking. He talked for a while—not typical for him. He said something like this: “I don’t think Jesus had friends. He was different, and kids make fun of people who are different. Jesus probably spent a lot of time alone because he was different than everybody else.”

After Small Group Time, Jake was smiling. From the front of the room, leading worship, I noticed a difference in him. He worshipped like I’ve never seen him worship before. He had a look of peace on his face.

Something about being asked that question, searching for the answer and finding truth for himself had a great impact on him: “Jesus was different.

Jesus understands what it’s like to be me. I have a friend.”

That’s the power of questions!

Questions have HUGE potential in your preteen ministry. Ask them. Make room for preteens to ask them.

Dot to dot Facts Corner • • • • • • • • • •

The human stomach would digest itself if not for its coating of mucus.

The first primary heart transplant was done in 1967, but the patient lived only for 18 days.

UN projected as 12 October 1999 was pronounced as the Day of Six Billion.

It was in 1866, that Alfred Nobel invented dynamite.

It was in 1250, an Englishman by the name of Roger Bacon invented the magnifying glass.

It was in 1607, that Galileo Galilei invented the thermometer.

The wingspan of a Boeing 747 is greater than the Wright Brother’s initial flight.

In 1895, Wilhelm Konrad Rontgen won the first Nobel Prize for discovering X-Rays.

The acceleration of a flea’s jump is close to 20 times that of a space shuttle during its launch.

The largest known species of the human tapeworm can grow up to 30 meters.

FAITH LEAF

SunDAY 08•01•2017

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

INSPIRATIONAL STORIES, MESSAGES, POEMS & SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCES

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Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what he did for me. Psalm 66:16

How a Man of the Coasts and Cities Found Christ My story of ditching hypocritical religion and secular hedonism for the joys of true discipleship

O

Andrew Klavan

ne midnight in late winter, at age 13, I rose stealthily from my bed.

Moving quietly so as not to wake my parents and three brothers, I removed a leather box from the storage cabinet built into my wall. It was filled with jewelry, watches, pens, and savings bonds— thousands of dollars’ worth of gifts. They had been given to me that summer for my bar mitzvah.

For a long time, I had marveled at these riches, great wealth for a boy in the 1960s, even in the well-to-do suburb in which I lived. From time to time, I would open the box and arrange the jewelry in its compartments, touching the rattling identity bracelets, tie pins, and cufflinks. I would silently estimate the value of the haul.

But over time, that pleasure soured and died. The truth was, I had hated my bar mitzvah. The majesty and profundity of the Jewish coming-of-age ceremony—the majesty and profundity of Judaism itself—were lost on me. Or rather, they had never been instilled in me, for the simple reason that my parents did not believe in God. My homemaker mother was, to the day she died, as certain an atheist as I have ever met. My father, an antic radio comedian, hedged his bets a little: it was not in his nature to defy a Gigantic Invisible Jew who could give you cancer just by thinking about it. Both my parents acknowledged that they had schooled my brothers and me in Jewish practices only in service to tradition. Their motivations were racial loyalty and religious guilt, not bringing us closer to the divine.

Despite our dutiful celebration of Jewish holidays, God had no living presence in our family. We did not say grace before meals or prayers before bedtime. We did not read the Bible at home or discuss morality in terms of God’s nature or his will.

This rendered our Jewish observances absurd. Hebrew school, synagogue, the whole magnificent 4,000-year-old structure of Jewish theology and tradition: Without God, what was it but an empty temple, its foundations resting on nothing, its spires pointing only toward the dark?

Done with Hypocrisy I was a boy who insisted that ideas, philosophies, even my daydreams make sense.

Before I could imagine myself as some great warrior or superhero, the fantasy needed a logical context. This was good training for a kid who would one day become a writer of adventure and suspense novels, but it also taught me that words and thoughts should have integrity. I could not rid myself of the notion that when I stood at the synagogue podium for my bar mitzvah, when I declared myself a member of the Jewish faith, I was lying, betraying my deepest sense of self.

Why did I speak words I did not believe?

Why did I sing those Hebrew prayers I did not even understand? And so, that winter night, after my parents and brothers had gone to bed, I crept quietly outside with the leather box full of riches.

There, beneath the kitchen window, beside the cellar door, two garbage receptacles were sunk into a concrete platform. I knelt, feeling the rough, cold cement through the knees of my pajamas. I pressed the foot pedal to raise the lid. With my other hand, I stuffed the box into a paper trash bag sodden with coffee grounds and egg shells.

I worked it deep into the debris so that it would not be discovered before the garbage

day-to-day miracle of my marriage, a lifelong romance that taught me the reality of love and slowly led me to contemplate the greater love that was its source and inspiration.

men came in the morning.

With this gesture, I hoped to leave behind not only Judaism but religious life entirely. No more hypocrisy and empty show.

For most of the next 35 years, I remained a philosophical agnostic and a practical atheist. No shock of revelation changed me either. I never saw a flash of light like Paul on the road to Damascus. I never heard a voice telling me to “take up and read” like Augustine under the fig tree. Jesus never appeared to me while I lay drunk in the gutter.

And yet, looking back on my life, I see that Christ was beckoning to me at every turn.

When I was a child, he was there in the kindness of a Christian babysitter and the magic of a Christmas Eve spent at her house. When I was a troubled young man contemplating suicide, he was in the voice of a Christian baseball player who gave a radio interview that inspired me to go on. And always, he was in the

The Joy of My Joy But perhaps most important for a novelist who insisted that ideas should make sense, Christ came to me in stories. Slowly, I came to understand that his life, words, sacrifice, and resurrection formed the hidden logic behind every novel, movie, or play that touched my deepest mind.

I was reading a story when that logic finally kicked in. I was in my 40s, lying in bed with one of Patrick O’Brian’s great seafaring adventure novels. One of the characters, whom I admired, said a prayer before going to sleep, and I thought to myself, Well, if he can pray, so can I. I laid the book aside and whispered a three-word prayer in gratitude for the contentment I’d found, and for the work and people I loved: “Thank you, God.” It was a small and even prideful prayer: a self-impressed intellectual’s hesitant experiment with faith. God’s response was an act of extravagant grace.

I woke the next morning and everything had changed. There was a sudden clarity and brightness to familiar faces and objects; they were alive with meaning and with my own delight in them. I called this experience “the joy of my joy,” and it came to me again whenever I prayed. Naturally I began to pray every day. And over time, this joy of my joy became a constant companion: a steady sense of vitality and beauty that endured even in periods of sorrow and pain.

I was living in the beautiful Southern California town of Santa Barbara when I realized that prayer—that God—had transformed my life utterly, giving me a depth and pleasure of experience I had never known. I drove up into the hills one day, and

with the forest and the city and the sea rolling by my windows, I asked God, “How can I thank you for what you’ve done for me?

What could I possibly offer you in return?”

And as clearly as if he had spoken aloud, God answered, “Now, you should be baptized.”

I was stunned. Nothing could have been further from my mind. I was a man of the coasts and cities, at home among the snarks and cynics of postmodern times. I was a realist who believed in science and reason; a worldling who loved sex, violent movies, politics, and a good single malt scotch.

I was—I am—proud of my Jewish heritage.

I feared that becoming a Christian would estrange me from my past, my parents, my culture, and from reality itself.

I was not thinking about sin and redemption, not yet. I was not worried about heaven and hell. Having a personal relationship with Jesus was only a faint suggestion of a thought. No, all I wanted was to know the truth about the world, about this god who had done so much for me.

Over the following months, I realized that the voice that had spoken into my heart knew me better than I knew myself.

Whatever problems it would cause with my family and friends, whatever difficulties it would bring in my career, I knew I had to be baptized.

My bar mitzvah had been an empty ritual, devoid of God—and truth. But my baptism was the outward expression of a deep and authentic inner conviction.

The moment I rose from my knees by the baptismal font, I knew I had stepped through some invisible barrier between myself and a remarkable new journey. Within a week or so, my wife noticed it too: a new joy and easiness.

My soul had found its northern star. And that star still leads me on.

Andrew Klavan is the author of The Great Good Thing: A Secular Jew Comes to Faith in Christ (Thomas Nelson).

My missionary great-grandfather led me to Christ How an MMA fighter found Jesus— But only after I went to Japan in search of his life story

I

discoveries. I spoke at the anniversary celebration of another church my great-grandfather had founded in Osaka and delved deeper into his work as a writer and theologian at Meiji Gakuin University. Over time, I gained a clearer picture of how he had influenced the people he served.

Joanna Reed Shelton

couldn’t believe it when I opened my email.

Inside my inbox was an invitation to the 120th anniversary celebration of a church in Osaka—a church founded by my great-grandfather, a 19th-century Presbyterian missionary. The minister had Googled my great-grandfather’s name, and apparently my own name had popped up, along with the text of a speech I had given in Tokyo a few years earlier just after leaving my job as a top official of an international organization in Paris.

The topic was “National Identity and International Pressures: Are they compatible?”

I had given hundreds of speeches during my diplomatic career without mentioning my greatgrandfather, the Reverend Thomas Theron Alexander. But the challenge of maintaining a cultural identity in the face of a rapidly shrinking world was something he and his adopted countrymen surely would have understood. My hosts posted the speech online, forever linking my name with my greatgrandfather’s in cyberspace.

When I read the email, I felt something pulling me toward Japan and the story of my great-grandfather’s struggles and triumphs there.

Before long—and against all odds— his example would help launch my own journey of faith.

Shunning Religion I was born in the flat lowlands of Texas, in the far southeastern corner near the Gulf Coast and Louisiana. My family moved often, going wherever my father’s career as a chemical engineer took us.

Although not particularly religious, my parents occasionally took my brother and me to church. Both had been raised in the church and felt they should expose their children to the Bible and religion.

I remember sitting with my parents in the sanctuary during the beginning of each service, which I didn’t mind. But soon, all the kids were herded down to a basement room filled with pictures, books, games, and colorful objects designed to appeal to young children like me.

I hated it.

Sitting in a semi-circle on the floor, we would crane our necks up at our teacher, who tried to pique our interest in stories of Jesus and his miracles. But what stood out for me in the picture books she held was the barren wasteland of desert sand, camels ridden by one-dimensional figures in heattrapping robes, and a sprinkling of palm trees, seemingly incapable of offering cooling shade to nomadic travelers. The books’ messages were lost on me.

Only when I was 13 or 14 did I

feel any longing for church, but by then we lived too far away to walk, and my parents had no interest in taking me.

From then on, my life was occupied by college, graduate school, and a high-flying career as an international economist and trade negotiator in Washington, DC. Eventually, I became deputy secretary general of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), which offers policy advice to member governments.

Stationed in Paris, I was the first woman and youngest person to serve in that role.

During those years, I held religion firmly at arm’s length. When I considered its divisive impact on human affairs, as well as the hypocrisy that flourishes even among the so-called faithful, I felt it wasn’t for me.

Like so many in modern secular society, I considered myself spiritual but shunned most of the practices and beliefs associated with organized religion. Sometimes, though, I longed for an outlet for spiritual feelings harbored deep inside.

Journeys to Japan After receiving the surprise email from Japan, I flew to Osaka to take part in Sunday worship and an afternoon anniversary celebration at the church founded by my great-grandfather.

As I listened to the minister’s preaching, my gaze fell on the organist. I thought about my greatgrandfather’s struggles to control his emotions during Sunday services following the sudden death of his 14-year-old daughter, Ella, who had played organ at the same church.

The day before the church’s anniversary celebration, I had visited Ella’s grave, guided by the church’s minister, an elder, and the elder’s husband. Driving into the cemetery, we passed by hundreds of well-tended graves from the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries. France, Spain, Russia, England, America, and other countries were represented, poignant evidence of the many sojourners who had died so far from home.

We recited the Lord’s Prayer and sang “Amazing Grace” as a final tribute. Afterwards, we washed the headstone in Japanese tradition, carefully scrubbing moss and dirt from the crevices of Ella’s name and epitaph.

I fought to hold back tears.

More visits to Japan followed, bringing new friends and further

Change of Heart My life in Paris was great in many ways, yet something was missing. A feeling deep inside pushed closer and closer to the surface, nagging me with thoughts of a more “normal” life: of community and day-to-day rhythms focused more on family and friends than on international travel and high-level diplomacy.

So in 1999, I traded chauffeured cars and dinners with ambassadors for cowboy boots and life on a 240acre farm in the Rocky Mountain Northwest region of Montana, not far from the university where I now teach part time. And I finally embarked on a book about my great-grandfather.

I knew that if I hoped to understand what drew him into ministry in Japan, I needed to learn more about Christianity. So, for the first time, I began to read the Bible in a meaningful way, under the guidance of two devout relatives. A longsuppressed inner flame burned brighter as I read and contemplated the Scriptures. Several verses in particular spoke to me.

In Luke 17:20–21, when Jesus is asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God is coming, he replies: “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed; nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.” And in John 14:9, Jesus says, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.”

For the first time, I felt I understood the true meaning of faith, as hope in things unseen. I understood, too, how Jesus taught us what it means to be God’s people, loving one another as we love ourselves. Only through love can we help bring God’s kingdom to life on earth as it is in heaven.

When I further considered the enduring faith of Japanese Christians whose ancestors were taught by missionaries like my greatgrandfather, the spiritual yearning I had felt much of my life gained a new focus. My great-grandfather’s hand, still for over 100 years, seemed to beckon, and I followed.

In 2007, I joined a small Presbyterian church in northwestern Montana. For the last six years, I have served as a ruling elder, keeping the same vows my great-grandfather took: to trust in Jesus Christ my Savior, acknowledging him Lord of all and head of the church.

You might say I’m the latest convert of a man whose work clearly was not done when he died more than a century ago.

Joanna Reed Shelton is the author of A Christian in the Land of the Gods: Journey of Faith in Japan (Cascade).

& discovered his calling in the Congo

G

Justin Wren

rowing up, I faced pretty severe bullying. Maybe it’s because I was chubbier and had pimples on my face. Maybe I was too nice and let other kids walk over me. At 13, I was diagnosed with clinical depression, and I battled suicidal thoughts.

Luckily, I had a loving home and my parents did everything they could to help me improve my selfesteem. They encouraged me to get involved in athletics. And that’s what started me on the trajectory to professional cage fighting.

I’ve loved the sport of wrestling since the moment I stepped onto the mat. It took my focus off my struggles. I didn’t start off as a great wrestler. In fact, I was terrible. But a coach saw something in me and he never gave up. Eventually I became one of the best and won multiple state and national championships.

After graduation, I moved to the Olympic Training Center to pursue my dream of wrestling in the Olympics. In a match with a world champion, I ended up in a bad position. Rather than give him the point, I let him gut-wrench me against the mat, twisting my arm the wrong way. In a freak accident, my arm snapped like a twig.

I was in terrible pain from my neck down to my hand. My elbow was broken and dislocated. I’d torn the ulnar collateral ligament. There was nerve damage. And my insurance company didn’t want to pay for my surgery.

In the meantime, I took painkillers, and I was hooked immediately.

The drugs dulled not only my physical pain, but also the emotional pain and depression that had tormented me since elementary school. I would go through a month’s supply of Oxycontin in a week. Eventually, I had three doctors, in three different states, prescribing me narcotics in rotation; none of them knew about the others.

Skyrocketing Addictions My wrestling career was in limbo, but the drive to fight remained.

When a friend of mine was injured, I took his spot in a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight. Wrestlers often perform well in MMA, and I was no exception. After my first win, I caught the fighting bug.

As my popularity in the MMA community grew, I got sucked into the fighting lifestyle, which can be dangerous. Fans wanted me to sign autographs and take pictures. And everyone wanted to party. As my career skyrocketed, so did my addictions. Before long, I’d added cocaine and alcohol to my already out-ofcontrol narcotics addiction.

After my record reached 9–1, I appeared on Spike’s reality series The Ultimate Fighter. While I didn’t win, it catapulted my career, and before long I landed an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) contract. I was the youngest heavyweight at the

highest level. I split my time between fighting, training, and doing drugs.

To this day, I am missing memories of entire weeks due to drug binges.

My life hit rock bottom when I was kicked off one of the world’s best fight teams for drug use. My childhood dream had turned into a living nightmare. But when everyone else had written me off as beyond redemption, one friend, Jeff, refused to walk away. He called me several times a day, inviting me to a Christian men’s retreat. He promised to train with me in the mornings, as long as I would attend the sessions in the afternoons. I was expecting a bunch of “kumbaya moments” around a campfire, but the men were raw and real about their struggles. They weren’t wimpy men like I thought, but they had a peace I envied. After a few days at the retreat, I knew I needed what they had, and I prayed: God, I’m a drunk and drug addict. I’m a liar and a cheater. I’m many things I’ve wanted to be, and I’m everything I never wanted to be. God, I’ve hurt everybody. I don’t want to hurt anybody anymore. I don’t want to hurt. I desperately need you in my life.

As I prayed, I felt God lift me up. It felt like something finally released me.

I was free. All the emotional chains of depression, all the bondage, just broke and fell away. At the same time, I felt God’s arms envelop me, the way a father bear-hugs his sons.

Instantly, things began changing.

I threw the rest of my drugs in the campfire. It’s remarkable, because so many people resolve to quit drugs only to fall back into old habits, but God took the desire away from me, and I’ve never wanted to return to the life I had before.

The Vision After Jesus helped me overcome my depression and addiction, my dreams for my life changed. I wanted more than MMA fame; I wanted to serve God however I could. I started volunteering at local ministries and prisons, sharing my story with anyone who would listen.

I also knew I needed a break from MMA. Even though I still loved the sport, the temptations were too great. But without fighting, I didn’t know what to do with my life. In des-

peration, I prayed: God, I’m yours. Is there anything you want me to do? I desire to do your will, not mine.

That’s when a strange vision flooded my head. I watched myself weaving through the jungle.

Among the forest’s white noise, I heard the faint sound of lively music, unlike anything I’d heard before. As I stepped into a clearing, I saw 150 people, living in a cluster of twig-and-leaf huts.

I took a step forward, and the vision changed. I was bombarded by flash-fast images of malnourished children and starving old men. I saw a man dying from a disease eating him alive. For some reason, I could tell these people were oppressed and outcasts.

I sobbed so uncontrollably that I left a puddle of tears on my Bible. I wondered if I was crazy, but I knew I couldn’t have imagined what I saw on my own. I didn’t know who these people were, but I knew I had to help them. Turning suddenly to Isaiah 58, my eyes locked onto verses 6–12, about God’s heart for the poor and oppressed. The passage started a fire in my heart.

I shared my vision with my mentor, Caleb, and he immediately knew I was describing a Mbuti (or Pygmy) tribe in the Congo. He told me he was leading a group there in a month with his high-risk missions ministry, Unusual Soldiers, and he encouraged me to go with him. Our goal on this trip would be to find the most remote Mbuti villages in the jungle, form relationships with them, and learn more about their needs.

I saw firsthand that circumstances there were graver than I had seen in my vision. And after several months back home, I still could not shake my burden. Caleb connected me with Shalom University, a Congolese Christian school dedicated to serving the Pygmies. I knew I couldn’t help them unless I understood them first, so I lived with them for a year. I slept in a twig-and-leaf hut, ate their food, and suffered from the same diseases. One bout with malaria nearly killed me. But no matter how tough things got, I felt more at home than I ever had in the gym.

I was soon adopted into the Pygmy tribe and given a new name: Eféosa Mbuti MangBO. “Mbuti MangBO” means “The Big Pygmy,” which is appropriate, since at six foot three I tower over the average (fourfoot-seven) Pygmy man. “Eféosa” means “The Man Who Loves Us.” Recently, after a five-year hiatus, I returned to the MMA cage with the goal of raising money for Fight for the Forgotten, the organization I founded to help serve the Pygmies. The drive to fight is still there, but I’m no longer fighting my inner demons. I’m fighting to fulfill God’s call on my life.

Justin Wren is the author of Fight for the Forgotten: How a Mixed Martial Artist Stopped Fighting for Himself and Started Fighting for Others (Howard Books).

sunDAY 08•01•2017

INDIA

8

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Snow, rain bring relief, card, disruption in north India

Playing pro-poor Modi stands by note ban

NEW DELHI, JANUARY 7 (PTI): Playing the propoor card, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said they are the focus of his government and projected demonetisation as a longterm tool to fight black money and corruption to improve their lives.

Serving the poor is serving the god, he said in his concluding address at the two-day BJP National Executive meeting in which he invoked a Sanskrit shloka to say that he does not covet power, heaven or second life but longs to end the people’s sufferings. Modi again pitched for electoral reforms and sought a consensus among political parties, asserting that BJP will play a lead role in making political funding transparent as demonetisation and digital economy have ushered in a more transparent era.

“BJP will be at the forefront of pushing transparency in political funding.

People have a right to know where our funds are coming from,” he said.

With opposition parties levelling corruption charges at BJP leadership following the note ban, he asked party leaders to welcome criticism but they should remain unfazed by accusations even as he underlined his humble origins and had lived poverty.

Referring to coming assembly elections in five states, including the crucial Uttar Pradesh polls, Modi expressed confidence that the party will win there.

He referred to the impressive Lucknow rally he had addressed a few days ago and his interactions with workers in his constituency Varanasi to make the point.

The prime minister asked worked to focus effectively on booths, saying the more they work there the more fruits the party will harvest. “The situation is in our favour in the elections,” he said.

It was the poor and his government to empower them which was the central theme of his 50-minute long speech.

“The poor of our poor country have accepted this historic decision (demonetisation). They have accepted that it is an effective step

Indians on death row in Qatar, Sushma Swaraj seeks report

NEW DELHI, JANUARY 7 (IANS): External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Saturday sought a report from the Indian Ambassador in Qatar on two Indian nationals who were awarded the death penalty in the Gulf country last year.

"I have asked for a report from Indian Ambassador in Qatar," the Minister said in a tweet.

She was responding to a tweet from @bkanagaraja, a Twitter user, requesting her to save Subramaniam Alagappa and Chelladurai Perumal, two Indians sentenced to death by the Supreme Court in Qatar.

In an open letter to the Prime Minister and External Affairs Minister, uploaded on the public forum, change.org, H. Vasanthakumar, Member of Legislative Assembly from Nanguneri in Tamil Nadu, said, "Two Innocent Indian Nationals namely Alagappa Subramaniam and Chelladurai Perumal have been sentenced to death by the Court of Cassation (Supreme Court) in Qatar."

He requested the Prime

Minister and External Affairs Minister for immediate and "direct intervention with the Ruler of Qatar" for their safe return to India.

"If these Indian nationals were not released and sent back to India safely, I will organise indefinite protest before the Qatar Embassy in Delhi and Qatar Consulate in Mumbai," Vasanthakumar added.

On December 8, the ministry, in its weekly media briefing, had said, "Subramanian Alagappa and Chelladurai Perumal continue to remain on death row. The third convict, Shivakumar Archunan, his case was reviewed by the appeals court and his death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment."

"We had filed a case in respect of all three because we believe that the penalty is too harsh... Our Embassy in Qatar continues to closely monitor this case in association with the lawyer who has been appointed for all three accused," official ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup added.

to end social ills including corruption.

“Accepting the hardships which came with the decision, they have welcome this historic step toward a great change,” Modi said, adding that the country has seen society’s strength in the last two months.

Some people were concerned about improvement in their life style but priority of our government was to change the quality of the life of the poor, Modi said.

Briefing the reporters, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the Prime Minister asserted that the poor and poverty are not a tool for winning elections BJP and that it does not look at them through votebank glasses.

Modi cited a string of government’s measures, including Jan Dhan accounts,Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Swachh Bharat, and said the poor have inner strength to overcome poverty and his government has been working to empower them.

Sources said he also asked party leaders to not seek poll tickets for their kin, saying organisation will take care of the exercise.

Earlier, the BJP national executive meeting passed a resolution on demonetisation move announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 8.

The BJP termed the aftermath of demonetisation a “sacred movement” during which the masses ac-

cepted the temporary suffering with enthusiasm and asserted that black money has now been deposited in banks that will lead to high revenues and bigger and cleaner GDP. The economic resolution passed at second and concluding day of the party’s national executive also accused the opposition of trying to defame the government by destroying the country’s positive environment and termed demonetisation a “brave move aimed at the poor’s welfare“.

“In this sacred movement across the country, the common people were taking upon themselves the temporary suffering of standing in queues with full enthusiasm and positive energy, but the opposition had become negative with destructive energy to defame the central government and trying to destroy the positive environment of the country,” it said.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley claimed that demonetisation has resulted in black money making its way to bank accounts and the additional money will boost developmental projects.

“Black money has been deposited in the Banks. It has lost its anonymity. The informal Economy will now increasingly integrate with the formal economy.

This will lead to higher revenues with the States and the Centre. It will lead to the bigger and the Cleaner GDP,” the resolution said.

NEW DELHI, JANUARY 7 (IANS): Moderate to heavy snowfall and rain on Saturday brought much-needed relief for people from an otherwise largely dry winter but caused disruption to normal life, especially in the hill states of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh.

Met department officials said on Saturday that cold wave conditions could prevail over hills and plains of north India over the next few days with heavy snowfall being reported on higher reaches of the Himalayas.

Normal life was affected in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand following snowfall and rain, while moderate to heavy rainfall was reported from Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi.

Kashmir Valley came to a standstill as land and air links with the rest of the country, as well as inter-district road connectivity, remained suspended on Saturday.

All flights to Srinagar international airport were cancelled on Friday itself.

The Jammu-Srinagar national highway, which is the lifeline to the Kashmir Valley, was closed for traffic following heavy snowfall near the Jawahar Tunnel at Banihal. Hundreds of trucks, buses, cars and other vehicles were stranded on the highway, waiting for the road to be cleared. Vehicles were stranded on several other state highways in the Valley.

Electric power supply throughout the valley was shut because of uprooting of poles and disruption in power supply grids. Even the high security Gupkar Road, where the official residences of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and some of her cabinet colleagues are situated, had no electricity because of massive power failure.

Kashmir Valley police chief Javed Mujtaba Gillani has asked police personnel to assist civilians deal with the hardships faced by them due to the cold weather.

Reports of heavy snowfall in Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Pir Panjal Mountains and other higher reaches have, however, cheered up Kashmiris who were reeling under an unprecedented dry spell during the last five months.

While Sonamarg, Gulmarg and Pahalgam received over four feet of snow during the last 12 hours, Srinagar city recorded over one foot of accumulated snow.

All exams and classes scheduled for

Saturday were postponed by the University of Kashmir.

In neighbouring Himachal Pradesh, tourist destinations Shimla, Manali and Dalhousie were cut off from the rest of Himachal Pradesh on Saturday following heavy snowfall overnight, officials said.

Electricity supply snapped in Shimla and Manali as power lines were damaged due to falling branches of trees. The cold weather resulted in the freezing of taps.

According to the Shimla Met office here, popular spots in Shimla like the Mall Road, the Ridge, the US Club and Jakhu hills got more than a foot of snow.

Traffic on the Chandigarh-Shimla national highway was disrupted at Shogi, about 15 km short of Shimla, due to snowfall.

Director General of Police Somesh Goyal said it was after decades that Shimla received so much of snow.

Rain lashed lower areas of Himachal Pradesh such as Dharamshala, Palampur, Solan, Nahan, Bilaspur, Una, Hamirpur and Mandi, bringing down the temperature.

Widespread rainfall was experienced in parts of Punjab and Haryana on Saturday. Chandigarh and its surrounding areas were lashed by rainfall since Friday evening, with people feeling the chill.

Reports of rainfall were also received from Patiala and Ludhiana in Punjab and Ambala, Karnal and other places in Haryana. This is the second rainfall in the region during this winter season. Earlier, it had rained on Christmas, while the winter season has remained dry otherwise.

Met department officials here said it could continue on Sunday as well.

It was a rainy Saturday morning in national capital Delhi also. The city has received 3.4 mm rainfall since morning, the weatherman said.

Winter chill aggravated in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday due to rainfall at some places. More thunder showers along with dense fog is expected to follow.

At least 70 trains were running late and seven were cancelled due to dense fog in parts of north India on Saturday morning, a railway official said.

According to the Northern Railway official, 16 trains including the New DelhiKalka Shatabdi Express, Delhi Amritsar Shan-e-Punjab Express, Jharkhand Sampark Kranti Express, Vikramshila Express and Nizamuddin-Chennai Central Duronto Express were rescheduled.

Mulayam, Akhilesh stick to their guns as SP truce talks fail

LUckNoW, JANUARY 7 (IANS): Attempts for a peace deal between warring factions in the ruling Samajwadi Party (SP) of Uttar Pradesh have come to a naught as both sides on Saturday signalled that chances of any truce were now almost over.

According to party sources, both factions -led by Mulayam Singh Yadav and his son and Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav -- will now be contesting

the forthcoming state assembly polls on different party symbols, irrespective of who gets the official symbol of the party, the cycle.

On Saturday, senior SP leaders including Shivpal Singh Yadav, Azam Khan, Om Prakash Singh and Narad Rai met SP chief Mulayam Singh and held discussions on the possible way out.

It was not to be so and by evening it emerged that the chances of a rap-

prochement were over, the sources said.

The sources privy to the discussions told IANS that while both Shivpal and Mulayam Singh's aide Amar Singh had told the party chief that they were "ready to be the sacrificial lambs" if it brought the father-son together, the truce offer was turned down by Mulayam himself.

Mulayam Singh, the sources said, stressed on his demand that Akhilesh

Yadav step down as the national chief, after which his demand of a larger say in ticket distribution will be considered.

The Akhilesh camp has declined the offer. The Chief Minister wanted a "three-month free hand to win the polls" and then sit for his father.

Meanwhile, Mulayam Singh has once again written to the Election Commission claiming the cycle symbol and has sent some

documents along with relevant parts of the constitution of the party to buttress his case.

In a related development, Rajya Sabha member Ram Gopal Yadav, who is mentoring the Akhilesh Yadav camp, has sent sworn affidavits of some 5,761 party leaders, including MLAs and MPs, to the poll panel.

A copy of the same was sent to Mulayam Singh's residence in Delhi but the staff there refused to accept it,

the sources said.

Late evening Amar Singh left for New Delhi and Mulayam Singh and Shivpal Yadav are set to join him on Sunday as they prepare to put up their case before the poll panel on Monday, the deadline set for views from both factions before it takes a call on the claim over the party symbol.

The symbol being frozen by the Election Commission is also a likelihood.

Police register case, EC seeks report on Maharaj's remarks

NEW DELHI, JANUARY 7 (IANS): The Election Commission on Saturday sought a report from the Uttar Pradesh administration while police registered a case against BJP MP Sakshi Maharaj for his speech in which he allegedly blamed the Muslims for India's population boom.

The Unnao MP's speech at a religious gathering at Meerut in the poll-bound state attracted widespread condemnation while his own party distanced itself from his remarks.

"Cognisance has been taken about the remarks made by

him at Augarnath temple. The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) has sought a report," Meerut District Magistrate B. Chandrakala said adding that police have also registered a case against the leader.

Addressing a gathering of seers on Friday, the controversial Bharatiya Janata Party leader called for implementing the Uniform Civil Code and indirectly held the Muslims responsible for the population explosion.

"Population is rising rapidly, and so are the country's problems. But Hindus are not responsible for this. Those who talk

about four wives and 40 children are responsible," he said.

"Remember, if Hindus number decreases, the country will be divided," said the MP, days after the Supreme Court declared that appealing for votes in the name of religion was "illegal".

"I said four wives and 40 children will not be allowed, cannot be allowed. Mothers are not machines," he said, calling for equal laws for all, irrespective of the number of children a person has.

While the opposition Congress, Bahujan Samaj Party and the state's ruling Samajwadi Par-

ty demanded stringent action, Sakshi Maharaj appeared unfazed and sought to defend the remarks.

"I did not make any communal speech. It was a gathering of saints, during which I expressed concern about population explosion. My speech has been videotaped and nowhere have I named any community," Sakshi Maharaj told IANS. "I said mothers -- irrespective of their community -- should be respected and not treated like a child-producing machine," he said and blamed the media for

quoting him "out of context".

Courting controversy in the past for making inflammatory speeches, Sakshi Maharaj failed to find endorsement from his own party.

"This shouldn't be seen as the party's (BJP) stand," Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said here when asked by the media to react to the controversial remarks.

In January 2015, the self-proclaimed saint had asked Hindu women to produce at least four children each to "protect the religion".

Abuse of transgender Indians begins in early childhood Sumit Chaturvedi

F

IANS

rom her troubled teenage years to being a social activist working for the rights of the transgender community, Sharmila (name changed to protect identity), 44, has come a long way.

But the journey has not been easy.

Originally from Sri Lanka, Sharmila came to Tamil Nadu in 1977 when she was seven. She began to realise her preference to express herself as a girl when she was a kid.

As she grew out of her pre-teen years, Sharmila's desire to emulate her sister and mother, trying on their sarees and make-up, was frowned on by her family. She was even taken to a psychiatric facility in Tiruchirapalli, a city in central Tamil Nadu, to be "treated".

As a child who did not conform to traditional gender norms, Sharmila faced physical and emotional abuse at home and sexual abuse at school.

At that age, few have the courage to speak up, said Sharmila.

Four of 10 transgender people face sexual abuse before completing 18 years, according to a survey by Swasti Health Resource Centre -- a Bengaluru-based non-profit organisation -- among 2,169 respondents across three states: Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

The abuse begins as early as age five, but most vulnerable are those aged 11 to 15, the data show.

Violence (physical, emotional and sexual) continues beyond childhood: 971 (44.7 per cent) respondents reported facing 2,811 incidents of violence -- an average of three incidents per person --between April and October 2015.

Emotional violence topped the list (1,228), followed by physical violence (802) and sexual violence (781).

Many gender non-conforming children drop out of school due to harassment and discrimination.

As many as 616 respondents (28.4 per cent) without education were

more vulnerable to violence than those with education, the data reveal.

Without education, life skills and jobs, many trans-women (men who express themselves as women) take to sex work. In most cases, clients are the top perpetrators of physical violence and second in sexual and emotional violence.

That is why activists like Sharmila stress the importance of education and jobs for transgender people to integrate them into society and make them less vulnerable to violence and discrimination.

Trans-women are often used by men for sex, only to be abandoned later, Sharmila said. Marriages with men tend to end in separation because of familial and societal pressures.

As many as 751 respondents (34.6 per cent) were separated. While 719 respondents (33.2 per cent) reported being married, no more than 5.1 per cent, or 110, were living with husbands.

As many as 30 per cent transgender people live alone, the survey

found. No more than seven per cent lived with families, largely because they were not accepted or lacked support.

The jamaat (community or a cohabitating system for transgender people) formed an important support system for many. About 35 per cent or 751 respondents live with gurus (mentor) or jamaats.

Besides the jamaat, community organisations were sources of support for transgender people: 1,923, or 88.7 per cent, respondents were registered members of community organisations. These organisations help them with prevention of HIV AIDS (Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome), sexual health and with individual rights.

Concerns of sexual health and individual rights are not always mutually exclusive. Sexual reassignment surgery (SRS), a surgical procedure to change genital organs from one gender to other, as an important measure for self-realisation, is one such

scenario.

As many as 1,564 respondents (72.1 per cent) have undergone SRS. SRS is performed in select government facilities, free of cost, in Tamil Nadu, according to a 2010 report, Hijras/Transgender Women in India, released by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)-India.

Since private facilities are unaffordable, the absence of affordable public-funded facilities forces many individuals to go to unqualified doctors, resulting, often, in post-operative complications, particularly urological.

Tamil Nadu has proven itself as the most transgender-friendly state in India. Besides providing free SRS, it also has a Tamil Nadu Aravanigal (Transgender) Welfare Board (TGWB), formed in April 2008, as the nodal body to address the social-protection needs of transgender people.

Within a year of TGWB's existence, 3,887 transgender people were enumerated and 2,411 aravani (transgender) identity cards were dis-

tributed, according to this 2012 policy brief for the UNDP by Venkatesan Chakrapani, associated with the Centre for Sexuality and Health Research and Policy, an advocacy.

Until 2010, 335 free land pattas (title deeds), 1,211 ration/food cards and 320 self-employment grants of Rs 20,000 each were distributed.

A path-breaking achievement in the struggle for transgender rights was a 2014 Supreme Court judgment that recognised them as the third gender. The judgment also attributed to them socially and economically backward status, thus entitling them to reservations under the other backward classes (OBC) quota.

However, in July 2016, the court reprimanded the Centre for failing to implement its order two years after it was passed, especially with reference to reservations in jobs and education.

Activists fighting for transgender rights have criticised the 2016 draft bill for Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) as undermining the court's 2014 judgment.

sUNdAY 08•01•2017

WORLD

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

9

Florida shooting: Iraq war vet accused of killing 5 FLORIDA, JANUARY 7 (REUTERS): An Iraq war veteran took a gun out of his checked luggage and opened fire in a crowded baggage claim area at Fort Lauderdale's airport on Friday, killing five people, months after he showed up at an FBI office behaving erratically.

Esteban Santiago, 26, who was taken into custody immediately following the shooting and questioned at length, was expected to face federal charges in the shooting rampage, said George Piro, special agent in charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's office in Miami.

Piro said investigators had not ruled out terrorism as a possible motive in the rampage and were reviewing the suspect's recent travel.

Santiago, who had served in the U.S. military, had arrived in Ft. Lauderdale shortly before 1 p.m.

Law enforcement officers move in to verify the identity of people in this field just outside the airport perimeter following a shooting incident at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, U.S. (Reuters Photo)

local time (1800 GMT) on a connecting flight from Alaska, authorities said, when he retrieved a 9mm semiautomatic handgun from his checked luggage and be-

gan firing indiscriminately.

Broward County Commissioner Chip LaMarca said on Twitter that the gunman went into a restroom to load his weapon and came

out firing. Witnesses told MSNBC television he only stopped after running out of ammunition, at which point he surrendered to police.

Cellphone video posted on

social media showed travelers kneeling and treating victims on the floor next to a carousel. At least two victims had pools of blood from apparent head wounds.

The gunman, who wore a "Star Wars" T-shirt, said nothing as he fired, witnesses told MSNBC. "This is a senseless act of evil," Florida Governor Rick Scott told reporters.

A White House spokesman said President Barack Obama had spoken to Scott and Broward County Mayor Barbara Sharief and had extended his condolences to the loved ones of the victims.

In addition to the five killed, eight others were wounded by gunfire and some three dozen were taken to local hospitals with bruises or broken bones suffered in the chaos surrounding the shooting massacre.

Piro said that Santiago had turned up at an

FBI office in Anchorage in November of last year behaving erratically and was turned over to local police, who took him to a medical facility for a mental evaluation.

A federal law enforcement official told Reuters that Santiago told agents at the Anchorage office in November that his mind was being controlled by a U.S. intelligence agency, which was ordering him to watch Islamic State videos.

Santiago served from 2007 to 2016 in the Puerto Rico National Guard and Alaska National Guard including a deployment to Iraq from 2010 to 2011, according to the Pentagon.

A private first class and combat engineer, he received half a dozen medals before being transferred to the inactive ready reserve in August last year.

An aunt said he came

back from his deployment who had been shot in the "a different person," MS- head, and his mother-in-law NBC reported. used her sweater to tend to another victim but it turned LEGAL TO FLY WITH GUNS Flying with firearms out that person was already is routine and legal in the dead, he said.

Mark Lea, another eyeUnited States as long as the witness, told MSNBC, "He guns are kept in a locked, hard-sided container as didn't say anything; he was checked baggage only, un- quiet the whole time."

Fort Lauderdale-Holder TSA rules. Ammunition is prohibited in carry- lywood International Airon bags but is allowed in port is the second largest in South Florida, serving as an checked luggage.

The attack was the latest intercontinental gateway.

Nearly two months ago in a series of mass shootings that have plagued the a former Southwest Airlines United States in recent worker killed an employee of years, some inspired by the company at Oklahoma militants with an extreme City's airport in what police view of Islam, others car- called a premeditated act.

The deadliest mass ried out by loners or the shooting in modern U.S. mentally disturbed.

John Schlicher, who told history took place last June, MSNBC he saw the attack, when a gunman apparsaid the shooter was "direct- ently inspired by Islamic ly firing at us" while passen- State killed 49 people and gers waited for their bags. His wounded 53 at a gay nightwife gave first aid to a victim club in Orlando, Florida.

Entering Mosul, Iraqi army faces gruelling urban combat Gunfire erupts across Ivory Coast as unrest hits main city MOSUL, JANUARY 7 (REUTERS): In the morning, spirits were high among Iraqi troops battling Islamic State for control of Mosul as they advanced on the northern edge of the city, helped by a salvo of rockets fired by the U.S.-led coalition.

But as Friday wore on, the mood grew tense on the rooftop behind the frontline where Iraqi commanders and U.S. advisers were coordinating the fighting, as they came up against the challenges of combat in an urban environment and the militants detonated a car bomb.

"It's that time of day," said an American adviser as his Iraqi counterparts rushed to make contact with their men on the ground via walkietalkie following the blast.

Vastly outnumbered and overpowered, Islamic State militants have adopted the strategy of waiting for Iraqi forces to reach their target before launching a counterattack when their enemy is worn out after a day's fighting.

The view from the rooftop several kilometers from the battle zone provided evidence of that pattern, and allowed a glimpse into the relationship between Iraqi commanders and their American partners.

Iraqi forces began their assault on Mosul's Hadba apartment complex early on Friday, breaching the city's northern limits for the first time since the campaign to retake the ji-

hadists' last major stronghold in Iraq began nearly three months ago.

Pressing their advance on Saturday, troops closed in on the Tigris river that runs through the middle of Mosul.

Elite counter-terrorism services (CTS) pushed into the city from the east in October, but regular army units like the 16th division deployed to the north made slower progress and the offensive stalled.

Iraqi forces renewed their assault just over a week ago and have since made rapid progress in Mosul's eastern districts with increased support from U.S. forces now visible very close to the front lines.

'DIDN'T THE AMERICANS TELL YOU?' Although the U.S. presence now is far smaller and more discreet than it was after the invasion of Iraq in 2003, its impact is clearly significant.

"Didn't the Americans tell you yesterday where the un-mined roads are?" Ali al-Freiji, the commander of the northern front, yelled over a walkie-talkie at one of his officers on the ground in the early stages of Friday's assault.

"The longer you take, the more the enemy will reinforce. The goal is to exploit the enemy's weakness."

U.S. servicemen on the edge of the roof squinted through binoculars at Mosul, over which the Iraqi flag could be seen flying in the foreground, and further away -- but still bigger -- the black ban-

ner of Islamic State.

Helicopters buzzed overhead as the Iraqi commanders directed their forces on the ground, and the U.S. adviser informed them the coalition was preparing to fire 24 longrange HIMAR rockets from a base in Qayara, south of Mosul.

"When the 24th rocket has hit, advance as quickly as possible towards the target," Freiji instructed a commander on the ground via walkie-talkie.

"Received, received," came a voice from the other end.

Then they waited for the rockets, which struck their target in quick succession, sending a thick cloud of dust and debris into the air: "That is a gift from the U.S. Special Forces," said Major General Najm al-Jubbouri.

As well as around 5,260 U.S. troops currently deployed in Iraq, there are around 100 special operations forces who conduct secret raids against senior Islamic State leaders.

The rockets paved the way for Iraqi forces to advance into the apartment complex, winning another small victory in the largest military campaign the country has seen since the U.S.-led invasion more than a decade ago.

And then began the no less challenging task of securing the gains against a counter-attack before night fell.

"Hurry up, hurry up. You've got less than an hour until sunset," an Iraqi officer urged over his walkie-talkie.

IVORY COAST, JANUARY 7 (REUTERS): Gunfire broke out in several Ivory Coast cities, including the commercial capital Abidjan, overnight and early on Saturday, residents and soldiers said, as a revolt by military personnel demanding higher wages and bonuses appeared to gain momentum.

Soldiers seized Bouake, the second-largest city, early on Friday and the uprising later expanded to at least four other cities and towns, as the government sought to calm the unrest by promising talks with the mutineers.

However, heavy gunfire was heard during the night in the northern city of Korhogo and in the early morning in Bouake.

Residents and soldiers later reported shooting in Man, Toulepleu and at a major military camp in Abidjan, a city of nearly 5 million residents where the president, administration and parliament are based.

"Shooting has started in our camp too now," said a soldier at the Akouedo military base located in a residential section of Abidjan.

The gunfire was confirmed by a local resident.

Ivory Coast - Frenchspeaking West Africa's larg-

U.N. peacekeepers are seen outside Bouake, as disgruntled soldiers demanding salary increases seized the city of Bouake, Ivory Coast. (Reuters Photo)

est economy - has emerged from a 2002-11 political crisis as one of the continent's rising economic stars.

However, years of conflict and a failure to reform its army, thrown together from a patchwork of former rebel fighters and government soldiers, have left it with an unruly force hobbled by internal divisions.

Renegade soldiers took up positions at key entry points to Bouake early on Friday, beginning a standoff with troop reinforcements sent there after word of the revolt reached the army headquarters in Abidjan.

Saturday's shooting in Bouake, a city of around half

a million inhabitants, began at around 6 a.m. (0600 GMT).

It was not immediately clear what provoked the gunfire, but a member of the uprising said soldiers had seen what they considered suspicious movements outside the camp in Bouake.

"This is gunfire (by the renegades) to discourage them," he said.

While the shooting later died down, intermittent bursts of gunfire continued.

A Reuters reporter, who entered Bouake late on Friday and met some of the mutineers, said they were composed of low-ranking soldiers but also included some demobilised combatants.

Nearly all appeared to be former members of the New Forces rebellion, which had used Bouake as its de facto capital and controlled the northern half of Ivory Coast from 2002 until the country was reunited following a 2011 civil war.

Defence Minister AlainRichard Donwahi in a statement late on Friday called for calm and said the government was prepared to listen to the soldiers' grievances after the uprising spread to other cities including Daloa, Daoukro and Odienne.

Calling the revolt "understandable but deplorable for the image of the country", he said he would travel to Bouake on Saturday to speak directly with the mutineers.

Bema Fofana, a parliament member representing Bouake, said the soldiers had agreed in a meeting late on Friday to return to barracks from 6 a.m. on Saturday. But a local journalist in Bouake said that, hours later, the situation on the streets had not changed.

"They are maintaining their positions. They are still at the entrances to the city and at the central roundabout," the journalist said, asking that his name not be used due to fear of reprisal.

sundAY 08•01•2017

SPORTS

10

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Australia romp to emphatic win for series sweep SYDNEY, JaNuarY 7 (rEutErS): Australia ended Pakistan's resistance before the scheduled tea break on the final day of the third test to claim an emphatic victory by 220 runs and a 3-0 series sweep on Saturday.

Two months after plunging into crisis and overhauling their side in the wake of a series humiliation at hands of South Africa, the men in baggy green reasserted their dominance of their home tracks in some style.

The tourists had shown great fight at various points of the series but, handed a test record victory target of 465 to chase, wilted in the Sydney Cricket Ground sunshine and lost their final nine wickets for 189 runs.

Paceman Josh Hazlewood led the way with three for 29, striking with two early wickets and again to re- Australia's captain Steve Smith holds the trophy as he poses with team mates on move final batsman Imran Khan for the Sydney Cricket Ground. (Reuters Photo)

a four-ball duck with the new ball and dismiss the tourists for 244.

Pakistan, who briefly topped the test rankings last year, have now lost six straight tests, one to West Indies in Sharjah, two in New Zealand and three in Australia.

The tourists had been on the back foot from the first day in Sydney, when David Warner knocked off a century before lunch, and only some disruptive wet weather allowed them to stave off defeat until the fifth.

They managed 315 between showers in response to Australia's first innings 538-8 declared and the writing was on the wall when the hosts scored 241 in less than three hours in their second dig on day four.

Hazlewood struck in the first over of the final day, removing the dangerous Azhar Ali caught and bowled for

11, and soon trapped Babar Azam leg If 42-year-old Pakistan skipper Misbah does decide to retire, he will before for nine. not want to be reminded of his fiMISTIMING MISBAH nal stroke in test cricket, a mistimed Younus Khan, who hit an unbeat- heave which looped into the air for en 175 in the first innings, made 13 Lyon to take comfortably at mid-off. before his miscued a slog sweep off Wahab was less to blame for his Nathan Lyon, leaving him 23 runs exit, given out caught behind when short of becoming the 13th batsman, a review revealed a tiny spike in the and first from Pakistan, to record Snickometer waveform.

10,000 runs in test cricket.

Mohammad Amir, who is carNightwatchman Yasir Shah rying a rib injury, then ran himself also had 13 runs to his name when out for four before Hazlewood perhe edged behind off spinner Steve formed the coup de grace by having O'Keefe (3-53) to send Pakistan into Imran caught in the cordon. lunch on 128-5.

Sarfraz Ahmed fired his 11th test Paceman Mitchell Starc removed half century to frustrate the AustraAsad Shafiq for 30 in the fifth over af- lians and finished unbeaten after a ter the break and O'Keefe sent back 70-ball 72.

Misbah-ul-Haq for 38 and Wahab The hosts had won the day-night Riaz in the 40 minutes before tea, the opening test in Brisbane by 39 runs latter clubbing three successive fours and the second test in Melbourne by an innings and 18 runs. off Lyon for his 12.

public discourse

The Gains from Good Transport system

Meandering the majestic hill-slopes,painted with rivulets and rillson the canvasses of awe-inspiring vales and knolls, the friendly fresh breeze at its best, it is supposed to be a soul-enriching ride. Alas! Thanks to the road conditions, it is certainly not anenjoyable drive where one wishes if the destination never reaches. Welcome to Nagaland!

Tumbenthung Humtsoe,

T

Hyderabad Central University

he following is an attempt to sketch what we stand to benefit from improved transportation system.

Transport and Economic Gains: From the standpoint of those using the transport system(say, general commuters for work, education, social commitment, etc.; and firms for business trips, etc.), a key aspect is the cost of using the transport system-monetary and non-monetary costs. While monetary costs include fares, tolls,fuel and other vehicle operating costs, and so on, non-monetary costsmainlyincludethe quantum of time incurred on a journey, and the quality, i.e., reliability and comfort level of travel. Thus, any improvement in the transportation systemis bound to cause reduction in these costs to the benefit of all transport users, that is, all of us.

With better roads and increased road connectivity, people can make longer but still faster trips, and hence people can take advantage of new opportunities-jobs or markets that would have been previously too difficult for them to access.Besides, there will be swifter movement of goods from abundant areas to areas of scarcity.The prices of such goods will be leveled in different parts of the states.And one positive outcome of this is that the welfare of those currently buying at higher prices and those selling at lower prices will be enhanced. All these will spur economic development, and failure in this regard will inhibit potential growth. Sadly, the present state of affairs is of the later.

Most of the Naga villages remain inaccessible even after 53 years of statehood. And onenegative fall out of this is that much of the modern day advances in various fields do not reach them. Also, to the detriment of their living standard, they cannot reap the benefits that easy accessibility can usher in-lower prices for the goods they buy and better prices for the

goods they sell. Better road connectivity can break the isolation of our villages, and particularly integrate them to the larger markets. This will thereby change their cropping patterns or economic activities in line to the comparative advantage in crops or activities that they enjoy. For instance, villagers in certain region can shift to new crops that are more suitable to their region’s micro-climatic conditions and soil, and not necessarily traditional crops, and can take them tolarger markets.

Incase of poor transportation systemincluding both road conditions and goods/ passenger vehicles-as is the case today, the transportation costs (both monetary and nonmonetary)are high, and hence the farmers cannot earn much profit, for the simple fact that the farmers have to deduct higher amount from their sales as logistic costs. Worse still, faced with the influx of say vegetables from other states, and given the fact that typical customers will choose to go for cheaper options, farmers have to fix competitive prices, but the catch is they can’t because their base price is pushed up by higher logistic costs. Thus, high proportion of transportation costin the total costs (and of course, unabated taxation and illegal cartel) will contribute in repeating the episode such as cabbage for freein Dimapur, reported in the local media (16th July, 2015) because of no takers. Also, for instance, the planters of rubber are reportedly prone to risks of falling price tendency. One way to keep their profitability and in many cases, livelihood intact is to reduce transportation costs. The point Iam trying to illustrate is basically what Paul Krugman, one of the leading economists emphasizedin some of his works that ‘by reducing the cost of transporting goods between locations, which decreases the effective distance between two points, transport improvements can promote trade, increase competition and variety, and facilitate specialization in economic activities.’

Likewise, for business users of transport, poor transportation tends to raise the price at

which they can supply goods to the market.

While on the contrary, an improvement in transport system, which leads to a fall in logistic costs, tends to lower the price. And to the extent that these reduction/rise in transport costs are passed on to the consumers, the impact of changes in the cost of transport is felt by the purchaser of the final goods and services for which transport is an input. This is certainly one reason why MRP is never Maximum Retail Price but Minimum Retail Price in Nagaland, especially in far-flung areas.

There are reasons of economic infeasibility as to why industries cannot come in all regions. For weight losing manufacturing process like mining (the impurities gangue are removed from ores thereby losing weight), it is economical to set up plants near raw material sources, and that explains why iron and steel plants are located commonly in resource rich Chota Nagpur region of India. For weight gaining manufacturing process like food processing, it is economical to locate near markets. All these are done to reduce logistic costs. In the event of lack of proper transport system, this strategic move is not possible, and hence industries usually shy away. The case in point is the lack of outside investments in industries in our state, of course, the current political imbroglio is certainly one major reason. Coming to our state, Dimapur is a better industrial location choice for topographical and wider market accessibility reasons. Now, for industries located in Dimapur (say, agro based industries)to get timely raw materials from different parts of the state, thereby also to ‘trickle down’ the benefits of such industries (say to farmers producing raw materials), proper road connectivity is crucial.

Transport and Social Gains: At a time when Nagas are at a cross road and the need for unity is felt never like before, the importance of making the whole of Naga areas as one village is of pressing need. When

Jose Ramos, the president of East Timor, visited a remote village to promote peace, the villagers told him: “Mr. President, we really like your road to peace, but we prefer a road to our village.” Proper road network will facilitate in bringing people from different parts of the state on a larger scale, facilitating more economic, social and cultural interactions.

And this will help in broadening our cultural identity, thereby furthering Naga identity at the expense of tribalism.

As remote as it may seem, better roads can contribute in reducing the malady of corruption from which we are rotting. Better connectivity will help in partial reduction of the general unwillingness observed among the bureaucrats to go to far off postings. This is expected in return to reduce their meddling’s with their political bosses for transfers, and hence make them stay neutral, ideally which they are supposed tobe. This is critical because we know that bureaucratic-politician nexus is a major factor in corruption. Likewise, the same can be said of nurses, teachers and other government servants who don’t want to be posted to interior places. And when transferred, they don’t go but appoint proxies. This is expected to fall with better connectivity.One of the main, if not the main weapon against corruption is to reduce the opportunities for it to a minimum, and that’s what better roads can bring.

Itstill brings shiver down my spine whenever I recollect the tragedy of a woman in labour from a small Town called Bhandari. Shedeveloped birth complications, andwhile she was being transferred to the nearest big Hospital (in Wokha Town), she died on the way,only to be operated upon to separate the mother and the child in the Hospital. It still rings in my ear the choked remark of a relative that “his daughterin-law and his grandchild would have been alive if the road had been good.” Given the resource constraint, it is not feasible to establish hospitals in every village, or multi specialty hos-

THe biblicAl perspecTiVe oN THe role oF uNiTY oF THe NAGAs A WoMAN iN socieTY ANd NATioNHood nclusiveness of all of the Nagas in the settlement is pos-

A

Kaka D. Iralu

s the battle for the 33% women reservation in the Municipal elections rages on, it would perhaps be good for all of us to ponder on the role of a woman in human society and nations as set forth in the Bible.

1. The word Eve (woman) literally means “Life giver”. There is only one man in the whole of human history that was not born of a woman- He was Adam. Adam was directly created by God himself and was not born of any woman.

2. After Adam, all of mankind (humankind) was born of Eve. Eve literally means “Mother of all living humankind.” (Gen 3:20) A woman is therefore the mother of all humanity and human history.

Also, even humanity’s salvation came through the woman. “And I will put enmity between thee and the women, and between thy seed and her seed; he shall bruise they head and thou shall bruise his heal.” (Gen 3:15) 3. God did not create a society or a nation from the beginning. He could have done that but instead, he first created a family.

He did this by first creating a man Adam which means “mankind.”

Then from the man God created a woman. The man and woman were to become one flesh and from that union, a family was to begin the history of mankind and nations. The family therefore is the foundation of a society or a nation.

In this Biblical fundamental truth, the woman in many ways has a

more important role than the man in human societies and nations.

This is because without the woman the man is incomplete. “And the Lord God said, it is not good that the man should be alone, I will make him a helper as his partner.” (Gen.2:18.) Thus, it is the woman who completes the man so that he can be the head of the family. In this mysterious design of God, the Bible says: “Neither was the man created for the woman but the woman for the man” (1 Cor. 11:9). Also, in as much as the man is the “image bearer and glory of God, so is the woman the glory of man” (1 Cor. 11:7). In this context, the Bible further says: “A good woman is a crown to her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones.” (Prov. 12:4) As for the virtues of a good wife and mother, the Bible goes on to say: “The heart of the husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil” (Prov. 31:11). Proverbs 31:28 further says: “Her children rise up and call her blessed” Finally, Proverbs 14:1 says: “The wise woman builds her house but the foolish tears it down with her own hands.” Hence the role that a woman or a mother plays in the life of a society or nation is paramount and indispensable.

4. Besides being an indispensable person to her husband and children, the woman also has a role in providing for the family’s financial needs. Proverbs 31:16 says: “She considers a field and buys

it; with the fruit of her hand, she plants a vine yard.” In our modern world where our needs are greater than former times, a woman’s role in providing for her family’s needs is greater. Therefore women going for careers are a justified necessity.

But whatever her achievement as a career woman may be, her greatest role in the family is her duty to her husband and to her children. This is because, the mental and spiritual health of a nation lies heavily on a mother’s bosoms and shoulders.

That is the way God created the order of a family. In other words, a mother’s love for her children and her husband is the foundational pillar of a nation’s health and well being 5. In physical strength, a woman is weaker than a man. But in mental and spiritual strength, a woman is stronger than a man. (As proven by psychologist, even in torture, a woman can outlast a man in mental and physical breakdown).

The fact is therefore: while God has made the man physically stronger, God has made the woman mentally and spiritually stronger because she is the one who must trivial in the birth pangs of bringing new born babies into the world so that the human race can go on.

Conclusion: Indeed the Bible is right when it says that the price of a virtuous woman is far above rubies (Prov 31:10). But the same Bible also says: “The wise woman builds her house but the foolish tears it down with her own hands.”

I

Rev. L. Suohie Mhasi

sible only in unity of all the Nagas and unity of the Nagas is possible only without discrimination of any of the Nagas.

In the Naga National Movement for Naga Nationhood, all of the Nagas did not spontaneously rise up together at the same time but gradually momentum was gained and at last all came together only. Some tribes were the first, some tribes came later and some were the last to join the movement but at last all of the Naga tribes joined the movement together and whether earlier or later or latest all became one fold accepting one another and all tribes took part in NNC and FGN without discrimination.

When the first talk took place between the Gol and the FGN, the Nagas were in unity and solidarity. NNC/FGN was all in all in the National Movement. After the failure of the talk, the National workers were divided and formed factional Governments and fratricidal conflict took place. Among the different groups, the NSCN(I-M) was considered as the strongest Group and the GoI had agreed to have ceasefire agreement with NSCN(I-M), and ceasefire agreement was signed in 1997 and political talk was started which has been in process for a settlement up to now.

To speak the truth, under God and by His grace the NSCN (IM) has earned the status of the highest level talk which is to be appreciated by the Nagas. The general public and the National workers cannot deny it. But the fact that the ongoing political talk being led by a Group does not satisfy the people, so much has been said about inclusiveness of all of the NPGs and the Naga people. If possible, it is the best for all, because it is a safety for the leading Group and for all of the people. Whatever settlement is made, all are responsible and no one will be blamed even if any problem arises out of the settlement.

In view of this, my suggestion to the NSCN (I-M) and other NPGs and all of the Naga public is that in spite of the existence of the different NPGs, the name of each organization is not used and only “Naga” is used in the talk. It is to be no longer “GoI and NSCN (I-M)” but “GoI and Nagas” led by Th Muivah. Even delegates from any other Groups such as NNC/FGN, NSCN(R), NSCN (K) or NSCN (Khehoi camp) may not use the name of the organization but “Naga delegate” only may be used.

If this is accepted, the talk is for all and it belongs to all of the people and all of the Nagas have sense of belonging. Then the leaders or delegates are accepted as the leaders of the solid people. “Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back” (Is.54:2). It is better to accept the better.”

N

pitals in every sub-division. However, having a good road connection can reduce this limitation, so that patients requiring special medical intervention can be transported with ease to better-equipped hospitals.

Way Forward: Improvements in road transport has the potential to turn around Nagaland from a mere marketfor goods coming from outside to a market for domestic products in the short run and a producer state in the long run. It is equally crucial to note that transport is a necessary but not sufficient condition for economic development. Other institutional factors that go into making an enabling environment for business to flourish and investment to take place are also equally important. Unabated taxation and cartel stand out, those need to be addressed immediately. To that end, the endeavors of ACAUT are welcome initiatives.

Likewise, a constant push through the government, organizations and individuals is critical to bend societal normsfor the better.

In a world where competition is ubiquitous, especially in economic domain, I find it no better to conclude but quote The World Bank’s Bi-annual Report’s (2016)title, “Connecting to Compete.” The government should rise to the occasion and make every possible effort to provide better connectivity. Failing which, our farmers, our present and future entrepreneurs, and all of us will be at the receiving end of competition.And notably, success in this will go a long way to leveragethe richnatural endowments that we are blessed with like minerals, favorable agro-climatic and soil conditions, eco-tourism prospects, educated unemployed human resource, to mention some few, for economic and social gains.

In the tradition of Nagaland Government, why not 2017 be declared “Year of Better Roads.” If successful, this will turn out to be a “Year for Farmers, Entrepreneurs, Youth, and every one.”

Kuknalim!

sexist society

ew Year started with disrupting image and news of mass molestation of women on the eve of New Year celebration in an advanced city like Bengaluru but what was more shocking and unfortunate was the statement given by some lawmakers putting the blame upon the victim( women) instead of condemning and taking swift action against the culprits.

Such attitude and statements is just the tip of the iceberg of our sexist society. Though we have made rapid stride in almost every field , sadly it's on the issue of "Gender equality" we are progressing at a tortoise phase. Our attitude towards women is still in its medieval state of mind which is further aggravated by some abusive religious practices , customs and traditions . if we look generally one can find that from time immorable religious practices ,customs and tradition of the society has always been tilted towards men and unfortunately leading to exploitation and discrimination of women . In one of the Radio programme on "women exploitation" one of the guest had said that sex is no doubt created by God but gender stereotype is manmade and its this gender biasness which is the root cause of women exploitation.

No matter how advanced our society may become if people mindset remain stagnant such society will not have the "soul" of a real society and one cannot claimed to be a civilised society when we keep on pointing fingers upon the victims (women) instead of standing up for them. One is called a gentlemen not because of one's dress, money or muscles but because of the respect that we show towards our other sex and such attitudes need to be promoted among our younger generations instead of intentional or unintentionally promotion of male chauvinism based on our of our narrow gender biasness .

As we are quick to copycat, especially the wrong trends that happens around the world , hope our society will stand up for our women folk if such unhumanly and pervert practices take place and protect the dignity, pride and honour of our women folk and give them the due respect which is long overdue and this will happen only if we start retrospecting some of the stereotype gender biasness that we are long being promoting with pride in the name of religion, custom and traditions which unfortunately is leading to discrimination and humiliation of women . Its high time that we do away with the tag "it's a man's world" and start promoting "its a Human Being world".

Moameren Pongen Research scholar Nagaland University

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.

Sunday 08•01•2017

EntErtainmEnt

Music and the joy of giving!

O n Saturday, an incredible evening of live music and entertainment was held at Aiko Greens, Purana Bazar, Dimapur. The crowd was left mesmerized as music ranging from rock to pop, Broadway and classical to impressive original compositions were showcased by talented Naga musicians.

The evening began with a special performance by local musicians Atsaba Rothrong, Aren Longchari, Clement Imsong, Imkumer Jamir, Mangyang, Yanzo Kikon, Lanutemsu and Koramensang Aier.

An amazing lineup of the best artists from Nagaland shared the stage.

Nise Meruno, Aren Longchari, Lydia Longchari, Kekhrie Ringa, Renbeni Odyuo, Thunglamo Ngullie, Asin Shurhozelie, Koramensang Aier, Sophia Mozhui, Yanzo Kikon, Lanutemsu Lemtor. The first ballerinas of NagalandMilovi Zhimomi, Sophia Mozhui, Vivien Shaw, and Dora Arkha also enthralled the crowd with their graceful movements performing to popular ballet from Swan Lake and King Arthur.

The concert was also about more than music. All the proceeds raised from the concert are dedicated towards the education of less privileged children living around Supermarket area, Dimapur. This year, 29 children will benefit from The Joy of Giving educational sponsorship program.

This weekend’s concert is a collaborative effort of the Joy of Giving team comprising of young artists, entrepreneurs, social workers, visionaries, and also in association with Hope Centre for Excellence, a premier music institute in Nagaland. The team also stated that the concert would not have been successful without the generous contribution and help from AJ Power, Aiko Greens, Hope Centre for Excellence, Audio Garage, Shiu Lights, Metal Gear, Encore LED, Action Power Line, E.Tenthouse, The Morung Express, Lhoukesau, Rockstar EI Pvt Ltd, The Garden, Atsen Murry Photography, TBC Youth. Gratitude was also given to the contributors and sponsors who have come forward to partner towards the education of the children.

“It’s so great to be here,” said Temsusenla, a local entrepreneur. “I enjoyed the music and the cause and knowing that it goes back to helping the community you live in.”

A member of The Joy of Giving also stated, “It feels amazing to be a part of the event and work as teammates and as a community. That’s what it’s all about!”

As all the performing artists got together on stage to sing the final song for the night, it was befitting that they chose “There’s A Hero” by Billy Gilman.

The Joy Of Giving for the third time was successful in its endeavour to combine charity, music, and the community!

Prince Harry believes his Robert Pattinson, FKA twigs reportedly call off wedding voluntary work is 'God's test' to him A

T

he 32-year-old royal who is the patron of Sentebale, which is a charity supporting children with HIV, and volunteers to safeguard Malawi's elephants believes it is imperative he helps to look after endangered elephants in Africa and ensures wilderness doesn't become extinct, and has claimed it is a spiritual path set out for him to follow.

Speaking about the project, he said: "This is God's test: if we can't save some animals in a wilderness area, what else can't we do." And the flamehaired hunk is desperate to help as much as possible so future generations can see the same creatures he has been able to see. He explained: "We need to look after them because otherwise our children will not have a chance to see what we have seen."

And the star who is the grandson of the British

monarch Queen Elizabeth believes Africa is the only place "in the world" where he feels normal. He told Town and Country magazine: "I feel more like my-

self than anywhere else in the world. "I have this intense sense of complete normality."

Meanwhile, Harry who has been dating 'Suits' actress for eight months since the pair embarked on their relationship in May last year has been given the seal of approval from the 35-year-old actresses family.

Speaking previously about the couple's relationship, Meghan's brother Thomas Markle Junior said: "They're extremely happy together, they look great together and she's done good. "She's very much in love and she's obviously happy because if she wasn't happy, she wouldn't be there. "I think it is wonderful. As long as he takes care of and loves Meg, he doesn't have to do anything else although I would like to shake his hand and meet him."

A

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

Source: IANS

‘Batman’ actress Francine York no more

A

ctress Francine York, who had more than 150 television and film credits, is dead. She was 80. The actress breathed her last on Friday in Van Nuys here. According to her close friend Pepper Jay, she had cancer, reports variety.com.

York once declared "The Doll Squad" (19730 her most popular film, but she played everything from an alien to a exotic belly dancer. On "Batman," she played Lydia Limpet. Her credits include guest roles on "Bewitched", "General Hospital", "I Dream of Jeannie" and "My Favorite Martian".

She also appeared in "Tickle Me" with Elvis Presley. Her more recent roles include "Family Man" with Nicolas Cage, "Hot in Cleveland" and "Star Trek: Progeny". She leaves no immediate survivors.

Source: IANS

Kendrick Lamar designs new Reebok shoes to promote unity

T

merican singer-actress Cher will make her acting comeback with TV movie "Flint". The film marks Cher's return to acting after the 2010 film "Burlesque", starring Christina Aguilera. Produced by Lifetime, the movie's story is based on the Time magazine's February 2016 cover story

by Josh Sanburn.

The plot circles around the water contamination crisis in Flint, Michigan, reported Variety. The 70-year-old

Now ShowiNg

Source: Femalefirst

Cher to return to acting with 'Flint'

C M Y K

ctor Robert Pattinson and singer FKA twigs have reportedly called off their wedding. Apparently, the "Twilight" actor fears their families will release all the couple's secrets to the media if they were invited to their wedding.

Sources tell website CelebDirtyLaundry.com that close friends and family members "were left upset after the couple refused to invite them to their wedding." According to the site, Pattinson "is worried that someone in his inner circle is going to dish all of the couple's secrets to the media," reports aceshowbiz.com.

Insiders claim that Pattinson doesn't want anyone to be at his nuptials because he doesn't want the details leaked to the press. "At this point, no one knows if Robert Pattinson and FKA twigs will ever tie the knot," the site states.

According to sources, the actor "wants to desperately keep their wedding plans private (as) he hates that his relationship with his former girlfriend Kristen Stewart is still making headlines to this very day. That's why he's desperately trying to keep his relationship with FKA under the radar. But even his close friends know that will never happen."

singer essays the role of a local resident living in Flint, whose family is affected by the water crisis. The telepic is directed by Bruce Beresford and written by Barbara Stepansky.

The production of the film is expected to begin this spring, according to Deadline, which also was the first portal to break the news that Cher was cast in the TV movie. She is also one of the executive producers of the film "Flint".

Source: PTI

he Poetic Justice star, who is known for his politicallycharged lyrics, became a brand ambassador for the sports giant in 2014 and with his latest signature shoe for the brand, he wants to draw attention to the need for people across the world to put their differences aside and "come together".

Kendrick's latest creation is a new twist on Reebok's Club C model, and features acid-washed denim in black and white on the upper part of the shoe with a red label on the sneaker's tongue. The Reebok branding on the side is made in all black, with the 'k' and 'o' highlighted in red to represent the hip-hop star's nickname, "Kdot".

"Now more than ever it is important for individuals to

come together as one," Kendrick explained in a press release. "This sneaker represents that call for unity and equality, while also pushing people to look beneath the surface and uncover the hidden messages. This is something I try to do with my music, and now here with the Club C." The Kendrick Lamar x Reebok Club C is set to hit retailers from 13 January (17), when it will carry a price tag of $109.99 (£89). The MC previously used his fashion endeavour with Reebok to pay tribute to his hometown of Compton, California with the Ventilator OG sneaker, and encourage peace among rival gangs with the Classic Leather model named Perfect Split.

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Rooney equals goal record Tuli runs for Clean Election in ManU’s rout of Reading City demolish woeful West Ham

Manchester United's Wayne Rooney celebrates scoring their first goal (Reuters Photo)

C M Y K

london, January 7 (rEutErS): Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney equalled Bobby Charlton's club record of 249 goals as the FA Cup holders reached the fourth round with an emphatic 4-0 home win over Championship side Reading on Saturday.

As Charlton watched on from the stands, Rooney gave United a seventh-minute lead with an opportunist strike and missed chances to set a new record after Anthony Martial had added the second.

Marcus Rashford, who wasted several opportu-

nities after being given a rare start up front, sealed United's eighth successive victory with two quickfire goals in the closing stages.

United, who left top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic and France midfielder Paul Pogba on the bench, dominated throughout with some crisp passing at Old Trafford.

Rashford and Rooney went close early on before the latter found the net with his knee after a dazzling solo run by Martial and a fine lofted pass from Juan Mata.

Martial doubled United's lead in the 15th minute with a composed

finish after a delightful one-two with Rooney, who missed two giltedged chances in the second half with the crowd roaring him on to reach the 250-goal milestone.

Rooney shot wide from close range and goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi blocked his shot from two metres when a record-breaking goal seemed imminent.

Rashford made it 3-0 with a composed finish after a defence-splitting

by Michael Carrick in the 75th minute and he soon took advantage of Al Habsi's howler to blast the ball home from pointblank range.

london, January 7 (rEutErS): Manchester City crushed West Ham United 5-0 to give manager Pep Guardiola the perfect introduction to the FA Cup as they cruised into the fourth round with a thumping victory at the London Stadium on Friday.

After taking the lead through Yaya Toure from the penalty spot, the fivetimes winners swept their opponents away with devilish attacking verve, inflicting on the beleaguered Hammers their worst ever home defeat in the competition.

If City's inconsistent form had started to weigh heavy on manager Guardiola, who was in the tetchiest of moods following their Premier League victory over Burnley on Monday, the Spaniard's spirits would have been lifted by their display in the capital.

There were flashes of his former Barcelona side in some of City's attacking play and the ease with which they dismantled a poor West Ham, who looked off the pace from the start and were thoroughly outclassed throughout a nightmare 90 minutes.

Efforts from Pablo Zabaleta and Silva, which were blocked and saved by defender Winston Reid and goalkeeper Adrian respec-

tively, served early notice of City's intent, but they had to wait 33 minutes to open the scoring from the spot.

Zabaleta powered into the box and had his heels clipped by Pedro Obiang, leaving Toure to step up and blast his effort past Adrian.

West Ham's Feghouli, under pressure from Gael Clichy, somehow pulled an effort wide from two metres out with the goal gaping, but that was about as good as it got for the hosts.

Two City goals in two minutes before halftime effectively killed the tie with both stemming from flowing passing moves.

Nordtveit turned into his own net with Raheem Sterling lurking to double City's lead, while the England winger then teed up Silva to calmly control and stroke the ball into the net two minutes before the break.

Any hope of a second-half resurgence was crushed five minutes after the restart when Aguero got his milestone goal, turning Toure's shot home from close range for his 154th for the club, one more than Colin Bell. Only Tommy Johnson (166) and Eric Brook (178) have more.

Stones rounded off the victory with a header that Mark Noble tried in vain to clear of the line.

Royal Strikers champions of Winter Cricket Challenge

Wokha, January 7 (MExn): Royal Strikers overcame GAPYOCC (Green) by 5 wickets to be crowned champions of the 21st edition of Winter Cricket Challenge organised by Senior Noble Klan.

The final on Saturday at the Local Ground, Wokha, t w o - t i m e G A P YO C C (Green) won the toss and elected to bat and were off to a solid start with opening batsmen, Ganesh and Yanrenthung scoring 46 and 25 runs. However, the middle and tail-enders collapsed and except for Santsuthung (18 runs) and Debojit (15), none of the others could offer much.

The last of the GAPYOCC batsman was bowled out in the last delivery of the inning having set a victory target of 123 runs.

71st VYO Sports Meet

kohiMa, January 7 (MExn): The Viswema Youth Organization (VYO) will hold its 71st Wrestling cum Sports Meet from January 10 to 13 at John Government Higher Secondary School Ground, Viswema. The inaugural function will take place from 9:00 am onwards. In this regard, the VYO has extended its invitation to all sports lovers and well wishers to the meet.

East Bengal salvage draw against Aizawl in I-League opener

kolkata, January 7 (ianS): East Bengal's Ugandan centre-back Ivan Bukenya scored a last-minute goal to salvage a 1-1 draw against Aizawl FC in their I-League football tournament opener at the Barasat Stadium here on Saturday.

The northeastern side had taken the lead through a Gurwinder Singh own goal at the stroke of halftime (45th) but Bukenya came off the bench in the second half to head in an equaliser (90th) in the nick of time.

Real Madrid hammer Granada to equal record

BarcElona, January 7 (rEutErS): Real Madrid equalled a Spanish record of 39 games unbeaten in all competitions by crushing struggling Granada 5-0 on Saturday to go six points clear at the top of La Liga.

Spain midfielder Isco set Real on their way to a simple victory by latching on to a pass from Karim Benzema and squeezing the ball under Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa in the 12th minute.

Benzema tapped in the second in the 20th minute after Ochoa failed to hold a shot from the lively Luka Modric and top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo struck his 11th league goal of the season by nodding in a cross from Marcelo.

Isco turned in a low cross from Modric to stretch Real's lead in the 31st minute and defensive midfielder Casemiro scored his first goal of the season by stabbing in a free kick from James Rodriguez in the 58th.

Real top the standings on 40 points from 16 games, although Barcelona, who have also played 16, can close the gap when they visit Villarreal on Sunday.

Third-placed Sevilla, seven points behind Real, visit Sevilla later on Saturday and Atletico Madrid travel to Eibar.

Royal’s Sajid and Roshan led the bowling attack with 3 wickets each while Vicky also claimed 2 wickets.

Chasing the target at

a run rate of just over 6 per over, Royal Strikers reached the target in the 18th over of the match losing 5 wicket. The tournament’s highest run scorer, Hemari Teron made the Royal’s task seem easy with a solid knock of 47 runs. He was assisted by Jubin Doley, who scored 34, and Roshan, who chipped in with 17 runs.

Bivakar, Dipankar and Vinato claimed a wicket each for GAPYOCC. The closing ceremony was graced by Orenvungo Ovung, SDO, Electrical who gave away the trophies.

It may be noted that from the semifinal on-

ward, all the sixes of the tournament were worth Rs. 500 each sponsored by K N Mhonthung Humtsoe and altogether, 30 sixes were accumulated.

The proceeds of this will be donated to HIV/ AIDS Campaign in the district as the tournament was organised with the theme “Bowl out HIV/AIDS”.

Individual prizes Man of the Tournament: Hemari Teron (Royal Strikers) Man of the Final Match: Sajid Khan (Royal Strikers) Best Batsman: Renjanthung (LCYO) Best Spinner: Sajid Khan (Royal Striker)

Enthusiastic participants from various places around Nagaland participating in the 3rd edition of Tuli Marathon 2017 at Tuli, Mokokchung Districts on Friday, January 7.

Mokokchung, January 7 (MExn): The 3rd edition of the Tuli Marathon 2017 organized by the District Administration of Tuli Sub-division in association with the Langpankong Katketshir Mungdang Clean Election Campaign Committee was flagged off by Tuli Additional Deputy Commissioner Sentiwapang Aier on Friday.

The open marathon race held on the theme “My Vote, My Rights” was participated by 40 enthusiastic participants, a press release informed. The race commenced from Tinali Junction via Tzudikong and culminated at Tuliyong Ward.

The race was divided into two segments 14 kilometers for men and seven kilometers for female.

Cash prizes of Rs. 10000, 7000 and 5000 were awarded to the first, second and third respectively for both men and women.

Coinciding with the 3rd edition of Tuli

Marathon 2017 programme, Tuli Inter Ward Relay Cake Race was also held. During the formal programme, a short speech was tendered by R Bendang Yaden, Convener of LKM Clean Election Campaign.

Marathon Race Result Men’s (14 km) 1. Thungtimiba Chang from Tuensang 2. Chubawati, Khar village 3. Longshithung, Mokokchung.

Women’s (7 km) 1. Imnasenla, Tuli 2. Watijungla, Tuli 3. Imlibenla, Tuli Result of Tuli Inter Ward Relay Cake Race 1. AY ward, Tzudikong 2. Mendenti ward, Tuli 3. Longlilenden ward, Tuli.

MDCA T20 tourney: Zero Boys, Brotherhood register wins Mokokchung, January 7 (MExn): Heroic exploits by Bendangtemsu (29) helped Zero Boys ‘A’ beat Jovial CC in the first match of the day at the ongoing MDCA Inter Club T20 Cricket Tournament today.

Zero Boys ‘A’ elected to field after winning the toss and restricted Jovial to 118 for 8, as Bendangtemsu, who scalped 3 wickets while giving away 20 runs, and Tekatemsu, who returned with figures of 2/23, did much of the damage. Temjentoshi (33) assisted by Meyameren (26) did their best to steady the proceedings for Jovial CC. Set a target of 119 to win, Zero Boys ‘A’ got off to a decent start but some quick wickets in the middle overs made for an exciting match. Even as wickets fell at regular intervals, Bendangtemsu’s cameo of 29 runs took the game away from Jovial CC as Zero Boys won with six balls to spare. Mayangteka chipped in 27 runs, featuring two fours and a six, to impart useful impetus to the closing stages of the chase. Moalemba (2/21) was the pick of the bowlers for Jovial while Odiyanger and Jangzapong took 1 wicket each.

In the second match of the day, Brotherhood CC’s Daniel Rai and Aosashi made a mockery of the target set by Gorkha Stu-

dent Union. Brotherhood got there with 7 wickets in hand and 33 deliveries to spare.

Daniel Rai, playing for Brotherhood CC for the first time played a match winning knock with an unbeaten 30 runs. But it was Aosashi who set up the chase with a quick fire 23 runs. Buddha Rai 2/19 and Bir Bahadur 1/20 were the only bowlers to test the Brotherhood batsmen.

Earlier, GSU got off to a brilliant start batting first with the openers putting on 78 runs in the first 10 overs. But after the fall of Sunil Gurung (21), the GSU batting line up fell apart. Only Nihal Rai was fighting the lone battle with a fine inning of 61 runs to steer his team to a decent total of 110 for 6 in 20 overs. For Brotherhood, Temsutoshi and Longkhum ended with figures 2/19 and 2/27 respectively.

On Monday morning, the two finalists from last year will lock horns in the first match. Tagged “the final before the final”, Sovrans will look to avenge last year’s defeat while Titans on the other hand will hope to keep the winning streak against their closest rival intact.

Monday's fixture: Titans CC vs Sovran CC (8:00 am) Rainbow CC vs Jovial CC (11:30 am)

British Grand Prix could be Pliskova routs Cornet in Brisbane dropped for a year: Ecclestone london, January 7 (aFP): The British Grand Prix may have to be dropped from the calendar for a year if the owners of Silverstone bring down the curtain on their hosting of the race in 2019, Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone said Friday.

Ecclestone's reaction came after the president of the British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC) warned the organisation's members about the viability of the race.

Ecclestone, 86, said he didn't envisage the British Grand Prix disappearing for good but there might be a one year hiatus.

"We don’t want to lose F1 in Britain. Maybe there will have to be a year without it, but normally we are going to be alright," Ecclestone told ITV News.

"We are not worried about losing Formula One from England, I am worried about losing Formula One at Silverstone, that is all."

Ecclestone, who failed in an attempt to move the race to Donington in 2009, would not be drawn on the two venues he claims have indicated an interest in stepping in to host the race.

"I'm not going to say where it is," he replied when pressed whether it was Brands Hatch or London.

Ecclestone, who has been chief executive of Formula One for almost 40 years, criticised the British Government for not helping towards the costs of the event.

"It’s good for England, good for business, good for everybody. Not a case for F1 companies – we could go anywhere," said Ecclestone.

John Grant, president of the BRDC, said in a letter published

by ITV News on Thursday that the company faced "ruinous costs".

"The board is considering whether we should give notice before the 2017 BGP (British Grand Prix) of our intention to exercise the break clause in the BGP contract at the end of 2019," he wrote.

"We have to protect our club against the potentially ruinous risk of a couple of bad years."

This year's British Grand Prix, scheduled to take place in July, will go ahead as planned.

Silverstone first staged the race in 1950 and has hosted it continually since 1987, but despite attracting 139,000 spectators last year, it has recorded a deficit in the last two years.

According to the terms of the current contract, a 17-year deal signed in 2009, Silverstone paid almost £18 million ($22.2 million, 21 million euros) for the right to stage the 2016 race.

The figure rises by five percent every year.

The BRDC keeps the funds raised by ticket sales and a proportion of hospitality money, but receives nothing from television rights or sponsorship.

Silverstone is located in the historic cradle of F1 in Britain.

Force India, Haas, Mercedes, Manor, Red Bull Racing, Renault and Williams are either based or have facilities near Silverstone, which is situated north of London between Northampton and Milton Keynes.

International to break into top 5

Czech Republic's Karolina Pliskova (L) holds her trophy after winning the Women's singles final against France's Alize Cornet. (Reuters Photo)

BriSB anE, January 7 (aFP): Karolina Pliskova stamped herself as a major contender for the Australian Open with a 6-0, 6-3 demolition of France's Alize Cornet in the final of the Brisbane International on Saturday.

The third-seeded Czech played almost perfect tennis in the first set, racing through it in just 18 minutes with the shellshocked Cornet only winning five points.

Cornet didn't get on the board until she held serve in the first game of the second set, which drew almost the loudest cheer of the night from the full house at the Pat Rafter Arena.

But while the Frenchwom-

an recovered in the second set, Pliskova was far too strong and took the match in just 66 minutes on her second championship point.

Pliskova stands at 1.86 metres tall and has one of the most effective serves in the women's game.

She sent down four aces in the first set and three in the second and was able to serve her way out of trouble on the few occasions Cornet was able put any pressure on her, winning 91 per cent of her first serves.

"She's serving really, really well," Cornet said.

"I played Serena a few times, and I was always able to return a first serve.

"Against Karolina, it's im-

possible to read it. That's the toughest thing ever. She has always the same toss. She just guides it with the wrist wherever she wants."

Pliskova's groundstrokes were also devastating, often keeping the unseeded Cornet pinned deep in the court.

Cornet said Pliskova's experience in big finals was telling.

"She has a little bit more experience at this stage in this kind of a tournament," Cornet said.

"I was a little bit tense, but I think she didn't give me a chance to get back in the match. She was just too good for me tonight."

As a result of the win, Pliskova will leapfrog Dominika Cibulkova to become world number five when the next rankings are released on Monday.

She will likely be one of the favourites to win the Australian Open and go one better than her runner-up effort to Angelique Kerber at last year's US Open.

However, Pliskova said a good week in Brisbane didn't mean a Grand Slam title was inevitable, although she also wouldn't rule it out.

"I would not say it's easy to win a (Grand Slam) tournament," she said.

"And there's going to be harder opponents.

"Also, the important thing is the draw. I need to… just have a little bit of luck with the draw. But, I mean, anything is possible.”

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