July 14th, 2017

C M Y K

DIMAPUR • Vol. XII • Issue 191• 12 PAGes • 5

www.morungexpress.com

FriDAY • JulY 14 • 2017

T H e

ESTD. 2005

P o W e R

o F

Ultimately evil is done not so much by evil people, but by good people who do not know themselves and who do not probe deeply

T R u T H — Reinhold Niebuhr

Nagaland Political Crisis Nagaland PWD takes stock of situation

Heavy vehicles restricted on Patkai-SeithekimaNiuland route Acharya reiterates demand for Floor Test by July 15 DIMAPUR, JULY 13 (MExN): In order to ensure smooth traffic along the alternative route via PatkaiSeithekima-Niuland Road in view of the Bridge collapse near Referral Hospital (CHISR), the Deputy Commissioner Dimapur has restricted that movement or plying of all heavy vehicles on the particular road. The order is being issued for strict compliance, stated a notification from DC Dimapur Kesonyu Yhome on July 12.

Nagaland State Vigilance Commissioner on MKR case DIMAPUR, JULY 13 (MExN): The Nagaland State Vigilance Commissioner, KT Sukhalu today clarified on the investigation into the MKR Pillai case and stated that the commission has no authority to give clearance for any “presidential commendation or any other police awards.” Speaking to The Morung Express, he said the commission can only give clearance for service promotions and foreign travels. Regarding the investigation into the nature of Pillai’s appointment as consultant to the Nagaland Police Department, the Vigilance Commissioner said: “We are waiting for details from the Home Department. So far Home Department has not given any details.” He further reminded that the Vigilance Commission can only investigate a case and submit their report to the government. It is up to the government to take action, he added.

C M Y K

Morung Express News Dimapur | July 13

For the second time in the last three days, the Governor of Nagaland, PB Acharya has directed the Nagaland Chief Minister to prove majority on the floor of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly.

The Governor has requested the Nagaland CM to positively prove his majority on the floor of the NLA on or before July 15, a late night release from the PRO to the Governor informed.

The letter assumes significance and further puts the Governor and the Chief Minister in a possible course collision as the Chief Minister and State Cabinet, on July 11, had rejected an earlier Governor’s directive to hold the floor test.

Acharya, in a letter dated July 13 told the Chief Minister that his refusal “to summon an Emergent Session of the Twelfth Nagaland Legislative Assembly did not seem justified.”

The Governor stated that the Chief Minister did not refute the claims of TR Zeliang having the supportof44MLAsinahouseof59.

“The question was not of ‘this issue’ being an internal party matter of NPF but whether the Chief Minister enjoyed the support of the majority of the members of the House or not,” the letter further maintained.

Prima Facie, the Governor said in the letter, the Chief Minister “appeared” to have had lost the support of the majority of the Members of the House and requested the Chief Minister to “prove his majority on the floor of the House as early as possible.”

In another significant move, Acharya dismissed the notion that the floor test cannot be held in view of the upcoming by-election on July 29 in which the Chief Minister is contesting.

“The Governor was also of the

NBCC appeals legislators to heed to grievances of public

DIMAPUR, JULY 13 (MExN): The Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) today expressed concern at the present imbroglio in the state and called upon legislators to “heed to the welfare and grievances of the public and work towards remedial measures from the present crisis.” “There are more serious matters to attain to than engaging in self defeating and demeaning newspaper wars, attack and counter attack and calling names in the print media,” said the NBCC in a press note. It appealed to the concerned legislators to “exhibit their political maturity by returning to the reasoning table and tackle the differences in an honourable and amicable manner.”

NPF revokes suspension of 10 MLAs & MP DIMAPUR, JULY 13 (MExN): The NPF Legislature Party and the NPF Central Party had a consultative meeting at the Chief Minister’s residential office on July 13 and decided to withdraw the suspension order of 10 NPF MLAs who were suspended from the party on July 8, 2017. The meeting also revoked the suspension of Nagaland MP and former CM, Neiphiu Rio who was suspended on May 17, 2017. The legislators concerned include TR Zeliang, Y Patton, C Kipili Sangtam, G Kaito Aye, Imkong L Imchen, Shetoyi, Nuklutoshi, Deo Nukhu, Naiba Konyak, Benjongliba Aier and Neiphiu Rio. A press note from the Working President, NPF, Apong Pongener said that the “present crisis is an internal crisis within the NPF party and as such this decision is being made to reiterate the party’s stand to bring about true reconciliation and better judgment for the sake of the party and in the larger interest of the Nagas.” view that as far as the By Election was concerned, it was for only one constituency and therefore by no stretch of imagination it can be presumed that because of this the Council of Ministers cannot recommend the summoning of a special session of the State Assembly.”

Will go by the Constitution if CM refuses floor test Earlier during the day, Acharya told the New Indian Express from Itanagar that he “will go by the Constitution if the Chief Minister refuses the floor test and decide the future course of action after reaching Kohima.

The Governor “categorically said that any Chief Minister must

have a majority to run the government,” the report added. He did not elaborate what course of action he would take if the Chief Minister declines.

Meanwhile, the New Indian Express further reported that “fear of possible horse-trading in the struggle for power” has lead TR Zeliang kept his team closely monitored in Kaziranga, where they are camped.

However, earlier this evening, the NPF Legislature Party along with the NPF Central Party withdrew the suspension order of 10 NPF MLAs and Nagaland MP and former CM, Neiphiu Rio indicating a possible rapprochement.

DIMAPUR, JULY 13 (MExN): An emergency meeting of senior officers of the Nagaland PWD along with the R&B Minister, Y Vikheho Swu was held on July 12 to take stock of the situation in view of the collapse of the RCC Steel Girder Bridge at Dimapur.

A press note from the state PWD informed that the meeting explored “areas of improvement in the working system in the department.”

Road from Patkai College towards New Showba should be immediately improved for diversion of traffic to Niuland area, the meeting noted, and the department said it would start improvement works on emergency basis.

The PWD also discussed ways to find out other possible alternative roads to Niuland area. Issues of the incomplete bridge construction work over Dhansiri River at Dimapur should be settled at the earliest so that the works can be resumed, the meeting observed.

The department resolved to

set up a Technical Inquiry Committee to examine the causes of failure of the bridge and submit its report within a month’s time.

“The Engineer-In-Chief will issue necessary orders for constitution of the Committee along with the terms of reference and disciplinary action shall be initiated if any lapses are detected on the part of the departmental officials,” the department press note stated.

It was also decided that the department would update details of all the existing bridges in state and identify those bridges which have outlived their lives and make tangible plans to replace the bridges. In this, the Engineer-In-Chief will issue advisory notes to all the divisions under PWD, including the BRO to put up ‘Precautionary Notice Boards’ on all the weak bridges in the state. Regulation and control of traffic on those weak bridges may be imposed in coordination with the administration and police force, it was added.

Meanwhile the Engineer in

Chief will call for joint inspections of the major bridges maintained by the BRO, National Highways and the R&B Departments and suggest means to strengthen them if found to be unstable.

The department decided to call for explanation from the contractor M/S Nagamiitech as to why the work could not be started although the Work Order was issued way back in June 2016 and take up immediate steps to start the work during the working season. “Notices shall also be issued to all other Contractors who have not started works although Work Orders have been issued,” it added.

During the meeting, the Minister termed the recent tragedy as a “wake up call” and cautioned that officers not performing their duties diligently shall be seriously dealt with.

Other areas discussed were periodical inspection of bridges (at least every six months) and a Monitoring Cell particularly for Bridge design and works.

Makeshift ferry service stopped at Chathe Morung Express News Dimapur | July 13

Makeshift rubber tube ferries transporting commuters across the Chathe River following the collapse of the bridge on July 11 has been prohibited from operating. People, mostly young boys, began operating makeshift ferries made out of tyre tubes since July 12 charging Rs. 20 per person for using the service.

The Diphupar Naga Youth Organisation (DNYO) informed that the ferry operators were asked to stop from today on grounds of safety. The DNYO said that the water current is too strong at present and would endanger the lives of the commuters as well as the operators, who used no safety equipments such as life-jacket. “We under-

stand it was very helpful but taking into consideration the safety aspect we stopped it,” said the DNYO president.

With that stopped, the DNYO added that Diphupar village is mulling over ways and means to arrange safer alternatives as the proposed new bridge would take years to build. The alternative plans include temporary hanging bridge and rafts, if possible.

Dimapur DC issues prohibitory orders The Dimapur Deputy Commissioner has issued an order prohibiting any business which involves providing raw makeshift carriers to ferry people across the Chathe River, following the collapse of the iron girder bridge there.

The DC’s order informed that some persons are indulging in such activities, cautioning that this mode of carrying people across is found to be extremely hazardous and risky.

The order restricted any person from undertaking any such form of business with immediate effect and informed the public not to avail any such services.

Meanwhile, the Dimapur District Administration led

by DC Kesonyu Yhome held an emergency meeting with DDMA members Dimapur on July 13 in the Conference Hall of DC, wherein pertinent issues were discussed in view of the recent incident regarding collapse of bridge near CIHSR Hospital and flood at Yeveto village. This was stated in a news report issued by DPRO Dimapur.

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Friday 14•07•2017

NAGALAND

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

DC Kohima takes stock of deplorable road condition

Kohima, July 13 (mExN): Deputy Commissioner, Kohima, Rajesh Soundararajan, IAS, held a meeting with the Sr. Superintendent of Police, Kohima, KMC, KCCI, EE (R&B), South Division, EE (R&B) Chiephobozou and Administrative Officers on July 11 to take stock of the deteriorating condition of Dimapur-Kohima road and the resultant effects on movement of vehicles and supply of essential commodities.

Deputy Commissioner in the meeting directed

EE (R&B), South Division to carry out the necessary maintenance work on Zubza-Kiruphema road to ensure that the road is kept pliable. The DC also directed EE (R&B), Chiephobozou to carry out necessary maintenance work along Chieswema-Peducha (10 miles) road, and carry out strengthening work to lower Dzudza Bridge which is at risk of caving in due to heavy movement of traffic.

The DC also took stock of the availability of essential commodities in Ko-

hima town and asked the Administration, KMC and KCCI representatives to ensure availability of the same. The meeting further directed all concern to avoid indulging in hoarding of essential commodities, non-compliance of which will lead to actions under the relevant sections of the law. Requesting the public not to panic, the meeting also informed the public of the sufficient availability of essential commodities in the market and steps taken towards the same.

Zubza flood swamps Yeveto Village

Dimapur, July 13 (Dipr): The Yeveto Village under Niuland Sub-Division located on the banks of Zubza River was swamp by the excessive flooding of Zubza River on July 11. The flood which occurs every year has severely affected the entire village this year putting the whole village at risk.

Joint spot verification led by the ADC, Niuland, V. Lovitoly Sema, EAC, Niuland Kelevituo Nisa, Er. Sobou Angami, EE, Irrigation and Flood Control, Er Hotoi, SDO, Irrigation and Flood Control, Er Inaka Assumi, J.E (Power) and Dobash is was carried out at the flood affected Yeveto village.

The officials later interacted with the village authorities and the villagers.

The village comprising of 142 households of which 90% of the houses are thatch houses was found to have been affected. Paddy fields, plantations have been destroyed, livestock swept away and many rendered homeless.

However, there has been no report of human casualty. The people have been requested to temporarily relocate to a safer area.

Emergency protection works are being taken up at Yeveto village on Zubza River by providing a Coffer Dam and three numbers of bed bars with boulders in wire nets on the personal initiative of Parliamentary Secretary, Irrigation and Flood Control, Jacob Zhimomi, under the supervision of EE, Irrigation and Flood Control to control the flood along the river bed.

The district administration has provided monetary assistance and food materials as immediate relief. Further it is requested of the government/department concerned to take up this matter on top priority basis and to strongly pursue for the early approval of the project so as to permanently mitigate the flood hazards that affect the village every year.

Villages in Kiphire receive Watershed Development Fund Morung Express News Kiphire | July 13

The Department of Land Resources Kiphire today handed over the Watershed Development Fund (WDF) to eleven villages under IWMP-III, BadgeII during the culmination programme held at Hopongkyu Memorial Hall with Sedevikho Khro, Deputy Commissioner as chief guest. It was attended by officers, civil societies, well wishers, SHGs and farmers from the eleven villages.

Speaking at the function, the DC said, “Over the past one year of my posting I have not seen any other department as vibrant and active as the Land Resource Department” and lauded the department for uplifting the livelihood of the villagers and encouraged the department to do the same.

Giving his assurance to give all possible help for the welfare of the farmers and the grass root people, the DC also asked the department to teach them “how to stand on one’s own feet and not to depend on others for survival.”

The DC also advised the department to teach the villagers “how to fish and not how to eat the fish”

DC Kiphire Sedevikho Khro (fourth from left) with the beneficiaries and other participants during the handing over of Watershed Development Fund to eleven villages under IWMP-III, Badge-II in Kiphire. (Morung Photo)

and added that the state of Nagaland is 53 years but we are still depending on central government for assistance. “It is time to wake up and see as to what we can do together collectively to stand on our feet and not to depend department or government all the time,” he added.

Feeling the need to preserve and manage the water resource, the DC stated that as the programme is Integrated Watershed Management Program (IWMP), it is the duty of every one to judiciously use

resources like water because “if we don’t take care of this resource by now, it will be a big crisis.”

Handing over the WDF to villagers, the DC also encouraged the villagers to eat the fruit and not the seed and that many successful business men start their business with small amount. He asked the villagers to start small but with all sincerity and dedication.

Puvil Kikhi, Dy. Director and supervising officer LRD Kiphire who also spoke on the occasion highlighted the plan and policies of the

department and also shared on the guidelines of the WDF as to how it has to be used in the village.

K. Tsilise, Vice President USLP who also spoke on the occasion lauded the department and said, “This is the first time for me to witness the department inviting the villagers in a program and giving the cheque and pass book openly in a function” and appreciated the works the department.

He also asked the department not to extend help to villages in the district who

have differences out of development and also assured his all possible support to the department for the up liftmen of the rural livelihood.

Ahozhe Sema, DPO, gave a power point presentation of the activities that the department had undertaken in the past five years. Longthonger SHG presented folk song. Best farmer, best SHG and VCC Phelungre village spoke on the occasion The programme was followed by visiting the picture gallery cum exhibition stall put up by the department.

Landslide cuts off Chessore area Border trade business-meet in Myanmar

TuENsaNg, July 13 (mExN): The incessant rainfall for the past weeks has accumulated a major landslide cutting off the road connectivity of Chessore via Zunheboto, Aghunato, and Tuensang to Chessore.

According to a press release received here, this stretch of road is the only connection to the hub for importing food commodities and travelling for all the official works but it is in grave condition and not motorable.

The road via Tuensang major landslides were mended and cleared by excavator with the aid from H. Mukam Yimchunger, Advocate an indenting candidate from Chessore-Shamator 58 A/C. However, the road still remains unmotorable due to intense depth diverted drains.

On account of these grievances, Chessore Area Public Forum has requested the responsible authority to look into the matter immediately.

An excavator clearing the debris accumulated on the road caused by landslide in Chessore area.

D i m a p u r , J u ly 1 3 (mExN): Several business associations of Myanmar from Naypyidaw, Mandalay, Sagaing Region and Chin State and NEFIT (India) that comprises like-minded business investors from Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Arunachal are preparing to have a border trade business meet in Naypyidaw in early September 2017 with the participation of the highlevel governmental officials of Myanmar.

In the meantime, efforts are also being made to achieve signing of MoU in the first week of September in Naypyidaw, Myanmar.

Wang Yu, Managing Director of Shwe Naung Yan Company, who is also head of the organizing committee, Myanmar Chapter and CK Moirangmayum, VP of NEFIT and President of Manipur Chapter will facilitate the event scheduled to happen as mentioned above.

Invitation to Naga entrepreneurs & business investors from Nagaland In a brief visit to India, Wang Yu has also informed B. Longkumer, Officer on Special Duty so that Naga entrepreneurs and business investors from Nagaland State may also participate in the event to venture out transboundary business opportunities between Myanmar and India, and further with the ASEAN nations.

The event is expected to pave a way for border area development on both sides and border trade business opportunities. As branch office of KRRV is opened in Yangon, Naga business entrepreneurs are encouraged to be connected with it for better business opportunities in the future.

opment of trade in the region, Neiphiu Rio, MP to Lok Sabha and former Chief Minister of Nagaland had attended International Business Launch in Mandalay, Myanmar on June 11 and highlighted the need of border trade centers of AvakhongLayshi, Pangsha-Lahe, LongwaLahe, Khongsa-Namyun and Somra-Tasom along the Nagaland State border. “The Lok Sabha MP has been regarded for having a vast knowledge on the region and warmly received by the incumbent government of Myanmar,” stated a press note received here.

“Business community in Myanmar is also pleased to learn that during his short stay in Myanmar, Rio has earned confidence of the government for better business ties in the near future,” it added. To this efRio highlights on need of bor- fect, Rio, Lok Sabha MP will be attending the event scheduled der development and trade On border area develop- in September as the special ment and the need for devel- guest of the event.

AAP Nagaland blames govt for collapse of Chathe River Bridge

Gorkha Youth Club Dimapur and Gorkha Students’ Union Dimapur at Town Hall Dimapur organized the 203rd Bhanu Jayanti celebration to commemorate the 203rd birth anniversary of famous Nepali poet Bhanubhakta Acharya, at Town Hall Dimapur on Thursday. President of Shri Digambar Jain Samaj Dimapur, Om Prakash Sethi, who graced the occasion as special invitee, is seen lighting the lamp to mark the celebration.

Late Bhanubhakta is considered as the first Nepali poet to have translated the Ramayana from Sanskrit to Nepali language. (Morung Photo)

Dimapur, July 13 (mExN): Blaming the present Government for the collapse of Chathe River Girder Bridge at 4th Mile on July 11, Aam Admi Party Nagaland condemned the Government for the negligence of the poor bridge despite the complaint lodged by Dhansiri River Flood Control Board authority since 2015.

APP Nagaland also held the district administration responsible for the loss of the people and the collapsed of the bridge. It stated that according to the press release published on July 12, 2017 the bridge was blocked and all light and heavy vehicles were directed to ply through Patkai Bridge. “However, the current notice at the bridge states that light vehicle is allowed to pass the bridge one at a time, no vehicle is allowed to stop in the middle of the bridge, which contrasts the press release,”

AAP Nagaland, Convenor, Dr. S Amos Lkr pointed out in a press release.

“In this case, the concerned district administration who allowed even light vehicle to play is also responsible,” the party added.

It is informed that concerned citizens of the area approached district administration and the Government to see the situations of the bridge at the earliest but they neglected the public voices, AAP Nagaland stated.

“The party urges the current government to respond to the demands and appeal of the citizens within 15 days. If the Government fail to respond to the demand, it will be fully responsible for any untoward incidents,” it added.

AAP Nagaland also expressed condolence to the bereaved families and the victims who died at the incident on July 11.

DRFCB criticizes negligence of EE, PWD & Govt 120 villages affected

Dimapur, July 13 (mExN): Reacting to the collapse of the 4th mile bridge at Chathe River on July 11, 2017 the Dhansiri River Flood Control Board (DRFCB) today stated that the Board has reported about the “danger and weakness of the bridge” to EE, PWD and district administration and jointly verified it on June 25, 2015 with “some respective elders.”

After that, the state government took initiative to repair the affected pillar and sanctioned Rs. 18.7 lakhs for the repair. How-

ever, the DRFCB presume that “one affected pillar of the bridge was not repaired well by the contractor which caused it to fall early.”

“It is also the negligence of the EE, PWD for not taking proper preventive measures after the verification of the bridge,” the Board stated while adding, “However, the State Government of Nagaland should take full responsibility for the dead of four people and the five injured” DRFCB, Chairman, Hokheto Kiba also mentioned in the press release

that since 2011, the Board has been highlighting on newspaper regarding this bridge and taking initiative to protect the development at the river bank by reporting the mischief act on the river to the district administration for action.

“But the district administration remains deaf and dumb on this matter,” the Board alleged and requested to call the District Enforcement Committee emergency meeting led by Deputy Commissioner to protect and prevent such incident on the river and its bank in the future.

by bridge collapse

Dimapur, July 13 (mExN): The Sumi Aphuyemi Kuqhakulu Dimapur (SAKD) stated in a press release that the 4th mile bridge collapse has affected more than 120 villages living over the other side of the river bank in the western area. SAKD therefore, appeal to the department concerned to immediately repair the alternative road from Seithekima-Patkai and make it pliable. It also appeal to the sensible citizens and Dimapur district based NGOs to cooperate with the district administration to immediately stop lifting of sand gravels without the further delay so as to avoid such kind of incidents at various places like CIHSR (Referral Hospital) and other bridges in and around Dimapur. Meanwhile, SAKD president Sukhavi Swu and General Secretary Tovishe Assumi while expressing shock and grieve over the tragic incident, regretted that “some NGOs immediately jump into conclusion without ascertaining the reasons of collapse and seeking the resignation of Y Vikheho Swu, Minister for PWD (R7B) Nagaland.”

Friday 14•07•2017

NORTH-EAST 3

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Separate Administration for Zo descendants demanded Newmai News Network Aizawl | July 13

Both civil society organizations and political parties based in Mizoram have submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister, Narendra Modi today demanding a “separate administration for the Zo people (Chin-KukiMizo/Zomi) in the present Manipur at the same status as that of the Nagas be made outside the ambit of the Manipur Government.”

The memorandum also demanded that “a process be initiated for fulfilment of the enduring desire of the Zo people (Chin-Kuki-Mizo/Zomi) in the present Manipur to be integrated under the same administration with their Zo brothers of present Mizoram which is apparently being done in the case of Nagas”.

The memorandum was jointly submitted by Central Young Mizo

Association (CYMA), Mizoram Upa Pawl (MUP), Mizo Hmeichhe Insuihkhawm Pawl (MHIP), Mizo Zirlai Pawl [(Mizo Students’ Association) (MZP)], Mizo Students’ Union (MSU), Zo Re-Unification Organization (ZORO), Bharatiya Janata Party, Mizoram State (BJP - Mizoram), Indian National Congress, Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC), Mizo National Front (MNF), Zoram Nationalist Party (ZNP) and Mizoram People’s Conference (MPC).

In the memorandum it was stated that the Government of India must ensure that no ancestral Zo territory be left behind under the Manipur Government to be further “subjugated and marginalized".

“We see the above as the only truly sustainable solution to solve the ever-worsening imbroglio that overwhelms our Zo brethrens in present

Manipur, and pray that you will not remain a mute spectator to the marginalization, suppression and annihilation of our people, our ancestral lands and our way of life, and earnestly seek your immediate intervention in this regard," the memorandum stated.

According to the memorandum, the “unending cries of our indigenous Zo brothers in the present Manipur following the public outburst due to the passing of the three anti-tribal bills by the Manipur Legislative Assembly on August 31, 2015, namely, the Protection of Manipur People Bill, 2015, the Manipur Land Revenue & Land Reforms (Seventh Amendment) Bill, 2015 and the Manipur Shops & Establishments (Second Amendment) Bill, 2015 that led to the death of innocent Zo brave hearts has still been conveniently ignored by both the Manipur Govern-

ment as well as the Government of India in Delhi; their mortal remains still await an honorable burial and a solution acceptable to the indigenous tribal people, especially the Zo indigenous people”.

The joint memorandum then said that the plethora of issues, problems, concerns and apprehensions that has engulfed the “indigenous Zo descendants” in present Manipur are not stray incidents or issues but are the “result of carefully conceptualized plans and shrewd policies of the Manipur Government to grab the paltry constitutional privileges bestowed on the Zo people, including their ancestral territories in present Manipur”.

The memorandum added that the “inseparable social, linguistic and cultural ties of the Nagas and the Zo kindred tribes of present Manipur with the Nagas of present Nagaland

85 dead in 'unprecedented' NE floods

GUWAHATI, JUly 13 (TNN): The Centre on Thursday said the damage due to floods and landslides in the three northeast states of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh was unprecedented and directed authorities to use services of experts from space technology and ISRO to assess the damage.

Chairing a review meeting in New Delhi, minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jitendra Singh said that the damage caused by the rainfall is unprecedented and a total of 58 districts have been affected due to floods and landslides in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Manipur. Around 85 lives have been lost, he added.

Till Thursday the death toll in flood ravaged Assam due to drowning and electrocution reached 50 while 14 of a family were buried alive in a massive landslide in Arunachal Pradesh on Tuesday.

A central team of representatives from NITI Aayog and National Disaster Re-

One-horned rhinoceroses are seen at the flooded Kaziranga National Park in Assam, July 12. (REUTERS)

sponse Force led by Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju carried out a ground assessment of the flood situation in Assam.

Rijiju later took stock of the situation at Laptap village in Arunachal Pradesh's Papum Pare district where the 14 people were killed by

7 villages inundated in Imphal

landslide.

Rijiju said, "We have seen the extent of damage and an initial assessment has been carried out. Centre will provide all support after the preliminary damage assessment report."

Chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal said that

DoNER minister called him and expressed concern over the damage caused by the devastating floods in Assam. "He also conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's deep anguish for the loss of lives and properties in the current wave of floods in the state," So-

nowal said.

Expressing his deep concern over the flood caused by the torrential rain in the state as well as upper reaches of the Brahmaputra, Singh said, "The Centre is very much with the people of Assam at this time crisis and assures all possible help to normalise the situation".

The DoNER minister at the review meeting said that the damage caused by the floods and landslides has been contained to large extent by the state governments and central teams. He also suggested that essential items like staple food and baby food be made available to the affected people.

The minister said that he has approached the health ministry to undertake measures to prevent outbreak of epidemics and telecom ministry for restoration of communication lines. He also asked the resident commissioners of northeastern states to work in close coordination with DoNER ministry and PMO to further monitor the situation.

and the Mizos of present Mizoram respectively cannot be discounted, nor can we afford to overlook the unrelenting aspiration of the indigenous tribal peoples in present Manipur to integrate with their respective brethren in the north (Nagaland) and the south (Mizoram)”.

The memorandum then said that, with the “Indo-Naga Framework Agreement” anticipated to be reaching its final concluding stage sooner than later, apprehension and anxiety has engulfed the Zo people in present Manipur. “An intense feeling of insecurity has engulfed the Zo people with growing fears that they will be left behind to fend for themselves at the hands of the dominant community,” it added.

According to the memorandum, the Mizo Accord signed between the Government of India, the Government of Mizoram and the Mizo Na-

tional Front on June 30, 1986 stated that in regard to the question of unification of the Zo people “inhabiting areas of other States to form one administrative unit ” raised by the Mizo National Front delegation, the Accord stated that, “Article 3 of the Constitution of India describes the procedure in this regard but that the Government cannot make any commitment in this respect.” (Appendix III) “Given the above, we truly believe that until and unless proper Constitutional Protections by way of Separate Administration of the Zo ancestral territories specifically and exclusively for the indigenous Zo tribes of present Manipur are put in place and implemented without any interference from Manipur Government, the already disoriented, highly volatile" situation is set to get worse by the day, the joint memorandum of Mizoram based organizations added.

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND

DIRECTORATE OF AGRICULTURE

No.AGR/KVK-MP/2017-18: 1351-55 In continuation to this office advertisement No.AGR/KVK-MP/2017-18/1292-95, dated Kohima the 10th April’2017, having been recommended on merit by the Selection Committee of the interview held on 12th July’2017 in the Office Chamber of the Director of Agriculture, Nagaland, Kohima, the following selected candidates are offered post of appointment as given below under KVK Tuensang and KVK Mon. They are requested to confirm in writing their acceptance of offered post within 10 (ten) days of issue of this order.

Sl. No. 1 2

Name of candidate Ms. Shisarenla Aier Ms. S. Monyu

Post offered Subject Matter Specialist (Horticulture) Office Supdt. Cum Acctt Sd/- (HELIE RUPREO) Director of Agriculture, Nagaland: Kohima

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND

DIRECTORATE OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION KOHIMA: NAGALAND

NO.DTE/MHRD/CSAB-NEUT/1/2016-17

A man using a raft to traverse through the flooded Wangoi area of Imphal West district on Thursday. (NNN Photo)

ImpHAl, JUly 13 (NNN): A total of 7 villages have been inundated in Imphal West district after Imphal River breached its embankment at Khaidem in Wangoi assembly constituency last night around 11:30 pm. About 30 feet width of embankment was seen opened initially but after about two hours, the width of the opening became about 150 feet, villagers said. Work to mend the breached embankment is yet to start as the river is not receding.

Wangoi Khaidem, Huidrom and Chirai villages are the worst affected ones. A large area of agricultural land has also been submerged. Affected villagers are now taking refuge at various community halls. Since last month people in the Manipur valley has been facing undue hardship due to the floods. Thoubal district, Imphal East district and some places in Imphal West district were severely affected by the flood as rivers breached embankments in the beginning of this month.

It may be noted here that several houses at Lilong Haoreibi Awang Leikai were swept away as Imphal River breached its embankment on July 2. A large number of people were rendered homeless by the flood in Lilong area. Around 8 houses were damaged by the flood in Lilong Haoreibi Leikai on July 2.

JAWAHAR NAVODAYA VIDYALAYA NIHOKHU, (Ministry of Human Resource Development, Dept. of Education. Govt. of India) Dimapur District, Nagaland - 797103 E-mail: jnv_dmp rediffmail.Com

Result of JNVST 2017 The following candidates are selected for admission to class VI (not in order of merit). They may collect the admission forms from the office of the undersigned during school hour on or before 20th July 2017.

A00001, A00002, D00003, D00004, D00005, H00010, J00204, L00022, L00025, P00041, 100203, J00018, J00101, J00205, J00207, J00208, J00209, L00034, L00109, L00216, L00222, L00230, L00232, L00235, L00303, L00304, L00305, N00115, N00246, N00247, P00036, P00037, P00038, P00043, P00046, P00047, P00119, P00249, P00257, P00274, L00107, L00113, L00225, P00045, P00122, P00251 The result may also be checked from school website: dimapur.jnv.academy Principal, JNV, Nihokhu, Dimapur

Dt. Kohima the 13th July 2017

Application are invited from Indigenous inhabitants of Nagaland having valid JEE main-2017 ranking to fill up State reserved seats in undergraduate courses at School of Engineering Technology and Management (SETAM), Dimapur under Nagaland University for the session 2017-2018 through SPOT ROUND counselling, to be held on 26th July 2017 in the conference hall of the Directorate of Technical Education Nagaland in the following Bachelor of Technology courses.

1. Agriculture Engineering & Technology 2. Biotechnology 3. Computer Science and Engineering 4. Information Technology 5. Electronics & Communication Engineering Number of Seats available = 6 (six) in each course.

Eligibility criteria for admission as per Nagaland University.

The Candidates seeking admission to any of the above discipline should secure in aggregate the minimum of 50% marks for General category and 45% marks in case of SC/ST category along with the criteria given below.

1. Candidates who have passed 10+2 examination or its equivalent from any recognized Central/ State Board of Higher Secondary Education with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects and with any one of the following subjects: Chemistry/Biotechnology/Computer Science/ Biology are eligible for admission 2. Candidates seeking admission in Biotechnology must have passed PCBM (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics) at 10+2 examination.

Note: Applications will be accepted till 12:00 noon on 26th July 2017 and counselling will start at 1:00pm the said day.

(ER. ARJUN SINGH), Director

OFFICE OF THE

DIPHUPAR VILLAGE COUNCIL DIMAPUR-797115: NAGALAND RECOGD.21-12-1961

PUBLIC INFORMATION

Date: 13/7/17

The Diphupar Village Council is extremely pained and equally mourns along with the bereaved family where four people had lost their precious life in the tragic bridge collapse incident on 11-07-17. We join together in prayer along with the bereaved family to grant courage and strength in this trying time, we also wish speedy recovery of those injured.

While appreciating the initiative and demands made by ACAUT, the Diphupar Village Council however is equally shock by the accusation leveled against concern village council by ACAUT members, ever since the declaration made by district administration about the precarious condition of the bridge we have been pressurizing the concerned dept. to do their work without further delay and have been time and again informing the commuters to take precaution as order by DC. It would have been good if the ACAUT members know the ground reality before they drag concerned Village Council name unnecessarily.

The DVC in its emergency meeting held on 12-07-17 resolved to clarify to the public that sand gravels are extracted from riverbed for the two main reason, to construct public roads and to fill low laying areas for benefit of general public, purely on by public demand. However, if the public does not demand for the sand gravel and boulder, the Diphupar Village Council is ever ready to stop such activities within its jurisdiction.

(Lanutoshi) Chairman, Diphupar Village Council

(E. Philip Lotha) Secretary, Diphupar Village Council

4

fridaY 14•07•2017

nagaland

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Awareness programme on NBSE notifies on Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Ignite competition Joint Liability Group held Kohima, July 13 (mExN): A one-day awareness programme on Joint Liability Group (JLG) was held at Jotsoma Village on July 5, organized by National Rural Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) in collaboration with Nagaland State Social Welfare Board (NSSWB) SCA of State Resource Centre for Women (SRCW).

The programme was chaired

by Asalie Alex Kruse, Project Manager of NMDFC. He delivered the keynote address and gave a precise overview of the programme to participants.

Bendang Aier, AGM, NABARD introduced the Joint Liability Group (JLG), which is a concept under NABARD to provide an effective credit product for small farmers, marginal farmers, tenant farmers, share cropper and oral lessees. He gave a briefing about the features and the necessary requirements to form such a group and to avail loans from the bank subsequently. Bendang encouraged the JLG members to save regularly and reminded the participants that the quantum of loan

to be given to the groups would be related to the credit needs of the enterprise. He also spoke on the various operational models of JLGs and gave a clear distinction between Self Help Groups (SHGs) and JLGs. S.K Chetri, Manager, UCO Bank, Kohima spoke on the importance of having a bank account and the various benefits linked with it. He encouraged the participants to be ‘good customers’ by ensuring timely payment of loans and also be mindful of the practical difficulties faced by the banks in reaching the rural areas. Chetri said the villagers could reap the maximum benefit from banks through timely repayment of smaller loans to avail much larger loans by gaining the ‘good faith’ of the institutions.

Seikhao Sitlhou, Manager of Lead Bank, assured the participants to help in its capacity as the leader of consortium of banks in the area to ensure that the loan process to the JLGs is successful. The role of Lead Bank is to oversee the arrangement of loan syndication

One discharged by NPGN/NNC DimaPuR, July 13 (mExN): The NPGN/NNC has informed that its Brigade Commander, Col. Khenito from Roney Village under Wokha District, has been relieved from “national service” on medical ground w.e.f. July 12.

In this connection, Col. Iheto has been assigned to take over as Brigade Commander with immediate effect till further order from the high command, a press release from the MIP, NPGN/NNC stated.

One ‘terminated’ from GDRN DimaPuR, July 13 (mExN): The NNC/GDRN (Non Accord) has terminated one Ata Chakhesang, Kilonser, with immediate effect from active national service for “mismanagement and misappropriation” of organizational funds. A decision to this effect was “unanimously” taken during a cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, a press release from MIP Kilonser Khehoto Rochill stated.

In this regard, the GDRN has cautioned individuals, business establishments and departments especially in Kohima against dealing with the said person, adding, they would be doing so at their own risk.

32 AR interact with GBs DimaPuR, July 13 (mExN): 32 Assam Rifles under the aegis of Headquarters IGAR (N) conducted an interaction with GBs at Kirha village, Dimapur on July 8. The aim of the interaction was to understand the issues of local populace and provide required assistance, informed a press release from PRO, HQ IGAR (N). During the interaction, development projects, government schemes, health education, and employment concern were discussed, it added.

and coordinate the efforts of all banks in the area for credit expansion to sectors which are important to the economy.

Resource person from North East Development Agency (NEIDA), Tiarenba also shared some insight from their expertise in their field. Through direct field engagement, NEIDA works towards improving the quality of households through improved agriculture and horticulture practices and dissemination of knowledge on various issues.

He particularly emphasized on improvised piggery practices as it is widely practised in the village so as to reap the maximum benefits from the livestock while maintaining the highest standards of hygiene.

An interactive session followed, where the participants cleared their doubts on the various processes and paperwork involved in opening bank accounts and forming Joint Liability Groups. The programme was brought to a close

by Vikhotsolie Khate, NSSWB, who made the concluding remarks and the vote of thanks.

WoKha, July 13 (DiPR): Secretary, Rural Development, Kelei Zeliang inaugurated the Multi-Purpose building of Wokha District Village Council and Village Development Board Association on July 11 near public ground Wokha.

Addressing the function, Kelei Zeliang lauded the efforts put in by the department, the VDB Association and VCC in successfully completing the building and called it a great achievement.

Apprising that the system of Direct Benefit Transfer funding will change from the 1st of October 2017, he urged the village functionaries/authorities to sensitize the villagers of opening personal bank accounts to avail the benefits.

Stressing on the importance of enhancing the economy of individual household, Zeliang pointed that self-sustainable projects and schemes like horticultural plantations, piggeries and fisheries which are suitable

CROSSWORD # 4002

seminate the IGNITE campaign information to the students and encourage them to actively participate in this competition, the details are given below: The last date for submission of entries to NIF directly by the students or through schools at the following entries or through email at ignite@nifindia.org is 31st August 2017. (a) Entries may be submitted in the following categories: i. Technological practical ideas to solve any problem in day to day life. ii. Real life technological projects demonstrating innovative ways of solving problems or reducing drudgery or generating efficiency or conserving resources (projects demonstrating application of known scientific concepts or theories will not be accepted). iii. Traditional knowledge practices documented from elders in and around one’s family. iv. Information about some other innovators in the neighbourhood. (b) Each entry (in case of i and ii above) should be ac-

Answer Number # 3998

DimaPuR, July 13 (DiPR): Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan, Nagaland State has conducted Swachh Bharat – Clean India Mission on July 12 in the areas adjacent to the railways station and Nagaland State Transport compound, Dimapur, Nagaland.

A total of 164 participants from different districts of the State participated in the cleanliness drive. The cleanliness programme was conducted as part of the Orientation Training of National Secretary, Rural Development, Kelei Zeliang with other officials Youth Volunteers which got under-

during the inauguration of multi-purpose building of wokha district village Council and village development board Association on July 11. (DIPR Photo)

and viable to promote the economy should be taken up.

He meanwhile appealed to the village functionaries to implement schemes and projects as per guideline laid down by the department.

Deputy Commissioner, Wokha, Wezope Kenye said that the new building will reduce the inconveniences in the district. He urged the village authorities to use their position as a privilege and work as responsible leaders so that the rural populace will witness more development

and progress.

Short speeches were delivered by President, WDVDBA and WDVCC and President Nagaland State VDB Association, Tohoshe Awomi. Earlier dedication of the building was offered

by Executive Secretary, Lotha Baptist Ekhumkho Sanrhyutsu (KBES), Wokha, Rev. Nyan Lotha. The function was chaired by Project Director, DRDA, Thungdeno Mozhui, while Vice President, WDVDBA, Zanbemo Kithan proposed the vote of thanks.

companied with a certificate from parents and teachers saying that the idea/innovation has been developed and documented by the student concerned entirely on his/her own without any guidance or support from them. (c) NIF will provide support for patenting and incubating innovative projects into products in all deserving cases. For the last few years, NIF has been able to file patents for each award winner of the IGNITE competitions apart from facilitating prototype development in most of the cases. Winners of the earlier IGNITE competitions have also won awards in NIF’s National Competition at the hands of the President of India and other awards. (d) IGNITE Awards winners are also eligible to get 10 bonus marks while applying for admission in B.Tech. program at Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, Delhi (IIITD), an autonomous institute of the Government of Delhi. These bonus marks are in addition to the 100 marks an applicant gets based on the JEE (Mains) and Class XII marks.

ACROSS 1. Stigma 5. Dings 10. Scoff at 14. 1 less than 10 15. Glorify 16. Component of urine 17. At the peak of 18. Practices 20. Beginning 22. Saliva 23. Help 24. Loamy deposit 25. Worrisome 32. Fire residues 33. Package holidays 34. Obtain 37. Skidded 38. Disney mermaid 39. Soft drink 40. Cool, once 41. Slop 42. Not rural 43. Classing 45. Ancient Greek marketplace 49. Mayday 50. Cornice 53. Stableboy 57. Theater 59. Relating to aircraft 60. Midmonth date 61. Sad song 62. Falls behind 63. Stringed instrument 64. Glacial ridge 65. Blackthorn DOWN 1. Catch 2. Give as an example 3. Again 4. Echoed 5. Mock 6. Former lovers 7. Greatest possible 8. Foot digits 9. Smack

10. Zest 11. Angry 12. Chimes 13. Relieves 19. Streamlets 21. Knights 25. Short run 26. Small island 27. Transport commercially 28. Stripes 29. Dirties 30. Combustible substances 31. Website address 34. Mongolian desert 35. Dash 36. A tart spicy quality 38. Hole-making tool 39. Gems 41. Barely enough 42. Flying saucers 44. Chemical cousin 45. Utilize 46. Flashy 47. Not younger 48. Lift 51. Cypher 52. Anagram of “Sire” 53. Large 54. Loyal (archaic) 55. Therefore 56. Thorny flower 58. Bother

Answer to Crossword 4001

Kohima, July 13 (DiPR): The two day training on office procedures organised by the Directorate of IPR culminated on July 11 at DIPR conference hall Kohima. The training was attended by the ministerial staff of DIPR was well as employees from Phek, Kohima, Dimapur and Wokha districts.

Resource person, Retd Additional Secretary, Renchamo Lotha dwelt on the importance of file drafting, correspondence, maintaining of dispatch/ std code: 03862

AgAin ArenA beAn boArds brush CAre Chill CleAn Coos Corner CornuCopiA CreAm Curve debris finAl fins follow forCe front goAt

grAin medAl plACe preserve rAid sAte seAson seCure shine shiver smooth sneAk speed tent theft thiCk under viCtim wise wreCk

R

D

std code: 03871

(formerly senapati)

232224

emergency

229529 229474

mh hospital

227930 231081

fire brigade

2222952

faith hospital

228846

naga hospital

2222916

shamrock hospital

228254

oking hospital

2243339

Zion hospital

231864 224117 227337

bethel nursing home

2224202

northeast shuttles

08974997923

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

police station fire brigade

north ps south ps Zubza ps

Chiephobozou ps 8575045506 Officer-in-Charge 8575045516 tseminyu ps

8575045507

Officer-in-Charge 8575045517 khuzama ps

8575045505

Officer-in-Charge 8575045515

nikos hospital and research Centre

232032, 231031

kezocha ps

nagaland multispecialty health & research Centre

248302, 09856006026

women Cell

248722 /248288, 9615945510

C

8575045508

Officer-in-Charge 8575045518

229366 242441 225212

R

8575045502

Officer-in-Charge 8575045520

Airport indian Airlines

A

8575045501

Officer-in-Charge 8575045510

131/228404

E

std code: 0370

kohimA ps/oCs Contact numbers

railway

S

222246 222491

KOHiMa

Apollo hospital info Centre 230695/ 9402435652

eden medical Centre

O

TaHaMZaM

issue register, other basic related to filing, fundamental rules, supplementary rules and pension rules etc.

Director, IPR, Limawati Ao stressed on the importance of capacity building and stated that we tend to take our jobs very lightly and refrain from learning.

He called upon the participants to take the training sessions seriously and try to learn from the resource person by clarifying their doubts.

Around 45 staff and officers attended the training.

Civil hospital

Chumukedima fire brigade 282777

W

way on July 4 at Youth Hostel, Dimapur and to be concluded on 18th July 2017.

The training programme for the Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan was launched

by ADCP (Crime), Dimapur, ShoukaKakheto, NPS, as the Chief Guest.

The Nehru YuvaKendras were established in the year 1972 with the objective of providing avenues for the rural youths to take part in the process of nation building as well providing opportunities for the development of their personality and skills.

Training on office procedures held for ministerial staff of DIPR

DiMaPUR

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

Game Number # 3999

registrations in the name of student awardees. For those ideas which have market or social diffusion potential, NIF also engages designers/fabricators to develop value added prototypes/products so that companies or partners for noncommercial diffusion can be approached. One such awarded idea of a walker with adjustable legs of Shalini Kumari, Patna, has been commercialised as well.

Apart from the awards and incubation support, NIF also provides IGNITE winners an opportunity to participate in events like Exhibition of innovation at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, Indian Science Congress, etc. For the last three ‘Innovation Scholar in Residence’ programs of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, four IGNITE award winners were selected for residency where they got an opportunity to interact with the President, Prime Minister, Vice President, Ministers, Scientists and Policy Makers among others during their stay of about two weeks.

The Heads of Institutions are therefore informed to dis-

Multi-Purpose building at Wokha NYKS Nagaland conducts cleanliness drive

leisure

SUDOKU

Kohima, July 13 (DiPR): The Nagaland Board of School Education has notified for information of all concerned that the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam IGNITE 17 Competition under the initiative of the National Innovation Foundation (NIF) under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, is underway and entries are being accepted till August 31, 2017. This nationwide competition aims to harness the creative and innovative spirit of school children. The awards are announced on 15th October, the birthday of Bharat Ratna, former President of India Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, which is celebrated as Children’s Creativity and Innovation Day by the National Innovation Foundation (NIF).

This competition is organized by the National Innovation Foundation (NIF) under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India in collaboration with the Honey Bee Network, CBSE, National/State Education Boards and other partners. Till date, NIF has filed over 178 applications for patents and design

H

8575045549

Officer-in-Charge 8575045538 8575045509

Officer-in-Charge 8575045519 Control room

8575045500 (Emergency No. – 100)

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) we4 women helpline 08822911011 WOMEN helpline 181 CHiLD welfAre Committee Toll free No. 1098 childline

MOKOKCHUNG

std code: 0369

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

CURRENCY NOTES buY (rs) sell (rs)

us dollars sterling pound hong kong dollar Australian dollar singapore dollar Canadian dollar Japanese Yen euro thai baht korean won uAe dirham (Aed) Chinese Yuan

63.04 80.26 7.82 47.88 45.38 47.6 56.12 70.86 1.79 0.0537 16.61 8.91

65.88 84.14 8.71 50.22 47.60 49.91 59.28 74.29 2.00 0.0598 18.50 9.92

friday 14•07•2017

NAGALAND

Nagaland CM refusing floor test due to lack of numbers: Tokheho Morung Express News Dimapur | July 13

The dissident camp of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) has attributed the Chief Minister’s refusal for floor test as proof of lacking the support of “the majority of the members of the 12th Nagaland Legislative Assembly.”

Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu is trying to “cling to the chair of the Chief Minister till the General Elections scheduled for 2018 and perhaps even beyond” by filing his nomination for the by-election to 10 Northern 1 A.C scheduled on July 29, it pointed out.

While claiming on many occasions that he accepted the chair only for a period of two to three months, Dr. Shürhozelie is contradicting himself by making his son “vacate his Assembly seat,” alleged a statement issued by MLA Tokheho Yepthomi, ap-

pended as the Spokesper- Party, Tokheho added. son of the ‘NPF LegislaHe further accused the ture Party’ Chief Minister of violating “the Model Code of ConNot an internal matter duct in place,” by issuing The Spokesperson dis- several official notificamissed the Chief Minis- tions even to the “extent ter’s contention that the of allocating the office “present crisis is an inter- chambers at the State Civil nal matter of the NPF Par- Secretariat as well as the ty” and the Governor of official residences of MinNagaland has “no business isters and Parliamentary to interfere in the matters Secretaries to others.” of the Party.”

Tokheho wondered “If that is the case then whether Dr. Shurhozelie why and under what au- and his Council of Ministhority has he sacked 4 ters were “misguided by Cabinet Ministers and 10 Nabam Rabia case” and Parliamentary Secretaries said that it was different who have taken the oath of from the current issue. office under the Constitu“The Governor has not tion of India…[and] dis- summoned the Assemmissed the appointment bly, but has advised that of Independent MLAs as the Chief Minister should Parliamentary Secretar- prove his majority in the ies who are definitely not house as TR Zeliang has members of the NPF Par- claimed the support of ty,” he asserted. the majority of the memThis is very much a le- bers and that he should gally constituted Govern- fix a date on or before the mental activity and not the July 15.” internal matter of a political This is very much with-

MEx FILE One killed in car accident Morung Express News Kohima | July 13

One person was killed and another seriously injured when a vehicle in which they were travelling fell down a thickly forested area at Viswema village, Zuketsa on July 12. The accident occurred at around 10:30 pm. The vehicle was a Tata Sumo carrying two people and travelling from Khuzama towards Kohima. The deceased was identified as Thenovito, 21 years old from Mima village while the injured was identified as Kelengulie, 30 years old. The injured person is undergoing treatment at Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK). The body of the deceased was retrieved by the Viswema youth and handed over to relatives. Traffic police sources informed that the cause of the accident could not be ascertained. “We learned about the incident only at 4:00 am in the morning, following which we immediately went to the spot and took the injured to the Hospital,” said Sweyiekul Tsükrü, Sweba Viswema Youth President, who mentioned that since the spot of the accident was far from the village settlement, nobody was aware of the incident. It was only when the injured victim arrived at the village area in the morning and informed them of the accident that the villagers rushed to the scene. However, the driver was found dead on the spot.

DC Dimapur informs Dimapur, July 13 (mExN): The Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur, Kesonyu Yhome, has informed the various departments, institutions, NGOs and individuals under Dimapur district to collect the forms for deserving cases for award of Governor’s Gold Medal and Governor’s Commendation Certificates from the DC office. The Governor’s awards will be given away on Independence Day, August 15. The last date for collection of form is July 22.

NI Jamir Award on July 15 Kohima, July 13 (Dipr): The Kohima Opangkong Union (KOU) will be organizing the 11th edition of N.I. Jamir Academic Excellence Award on July 15 at Moluki Merhulietsa Kohima for successful HSLCE students who have come in the top 20.

The programme will be held at 11:00 am. The main speaker for the programme will be Commissioner of Taxes, Nagaland, Asangba Chuba, IAS. The recipient for this year’s award include Moamanen Jamir Changtongya- 10th Rank; Limatula Imchen Mangmetong- 12th Rank; T. Sentolila Lemtor Moayimti- 13th Rank; Nokinsangla T. Imchen Kubza- 14th Rank; Temjeninla Jamir Mongsenyimti- 16th Rank; Zuiner Jamir Sungratsü- 18th Rank; Longsener Longkumer Longjang- 19th Rank and Okten Jamir Ungma- 20th Rank.

Angamimiapfü Mechü Krotho informs Kohima, July 13 (mExN): The Angamimiapfii Mechü Krotho (AMK) has informed all the beneficiaries of Destitute Women enlisted under Women Resource Department under Kohima district to collect their pension at AMK Office, Opposite Congress Bhavan, D. Block from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm as specified below: July 14 – Southern Region & Kohima Town; July 15 – Northern Region & Kohima Town; July 17 – Western Region & Kohima Town.

‘Do not pay unauthorized hike in auto fares’ Dimapur, July 13 (mExN): A group of concerned citizens of Dimapur have requested autorickshaw passengers not to pay the unauthorized hike in auto fare. A press release issued by one Vitoka N Chishi and authorized by the Dimapur District Autorickshaw Drivers’ Union (DDADU) stated that the hike of Rs. 10 was made by the auto drivers themselves and in this regard, asked passengers not to pay the extra amount till further information from the Dimapur District Auto Drivers’ Union (DDADU) and the district administration. The Auto Drivers’ Union and the district administration are locked in a tussle over autorickshaws ferrying passengers in the front seats.

in the parameters of the duties and functions of a Governor of a State enshrined in the Constitution of India, the Spokesperson contended.

“Dr. Shurhozelie has absolutely no jurisdiction to advice nor dictate the Governor of the State in the discharge of his Constitutional duties and functions.”

A ‘popular’ government soon Tokheho clarified that since a meeting of the NPF Legislature Party can be summoned only by the “Leader of the NPF Legislature Party and nobody else, not even the Chief Minister,” it was within the ambit of the Constitutional provision that TR Zeliang, the Leader of the NPF Legislature Party, had summoned a meeting on July 4 and others thereafter.

“Zeliang has never ceased to be the Leader of

the NPF Legislature Party ever since he was elected in 2014 and even as recent as June 2017, 44 MLAs of the NPF had individually reaffirmed their support to his leadership,” he added.

The 44 MLAs include some of those with Dr. Shurhozelie namely P. Longon, Yitachu, Y. Vikheho Swu, C. L. John, Chotisuh Sazo, Thongwang Konyak, R. Tohanba and T. Torechu whose signatures were appended in support of TR Zeliang, he claimed.

MLAs supporting Zeliang and his leadership to form new DAN Government, have already submitted their individual resignation letters to the Chief Minister on July 9, he further informed.

The chief minister’s “power mongering” will cease, Tokheho said and added that a “popular Government” headed by Zeliang will be installed “very soon.”

Lay down rules for induction of Info Commissioners: NVCO tells State Govt Kohima, July 13 (mExN): The Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organisation (NVCO) has demanded that the State Government lay down rules and criteria for induction of State Information Commissioners in Nagaland.

The NVCO in press release questioned the need to induct another State Information Commissioner claiming that the State Information Commission was not even functioning in the aftermath of the burning down of the Nagaland Information Commission office building on the night of February 2 during the protest against ULB election.

The Commission consisted of State Chief Information Commissioner (retired state chief secretary) and a State Information Commissioner (retired chief engineer PHE) prior to the burning down of the Nagaland Information Commis-

sion office. However, another State Information Commissioner was recently inducted.

Taking exception to the new appointment, the NVCO while claiming that the Commission has not been functioning since February 2 maintained, “It is a matter of great concern as it amounts to unnecessarily extracting the state exchequer.”

Further highlighting a study undertaken by the organisation, the NVCO pointed out that the composition of Information Commissions across the country has a bias towards retired government servants and in this regard called for having a more balanced composition so that diverse expertise is represented in the Commission.

Towards this end, the NVCO recommended that the process of short-listing candidates for appointments

to Information Commissions be participatory and transparent, allowing public consultation and debate before a short-list is finally sent to the selection committee.

Calls for CBI probe into Pillai case Joining the growing chorus for a CBI probe into the MKR Pillai case, the Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organisation (NVCO) has voiced that the people of Nagaland must not opt for any other mechanism.

Alleging that several of our own top leaders including politicians, bureaucrats, and police officers are involved, the NVCO maintained that the citizens of Nagaland cannot afford to avoid or bury the scam.

The NVCO further asked the State Government not to appoint any consultant, “especially non-locals”.

I&FC dept caution against exploitation of river beds Dimapur, July 13 (mExN): The Department of Irrigation and Flood Control today said that unregulated exploitation of river bed materials in all the major rivers in the foothill plains of Dimapur and adjoining areas has caused severe erosion of river banks, and damaging agricultural lands, habitations, roads & communication and infrastructures.

In a statement through the DIPR, the department said that large boulders in the river beds dissipate the energy of the swift river flow and the water literally tumbles/ rolls with its speed reduced. The entire stretch of Dzuza as well as Chathe, Langlong and Khova rivers in the plain sector are now devoid of the any boulders and rendered plain with gravel and pebbles only. Under such conditions with nothing to impede the fast flow of the river, hectares upon hectares of arable lands have been swallowed leaving large tracts of barren flood banks.

“More disaster awaits the urban areas where public tend to encroach right upto the river’s edge and even beyond and restricting the natural drains/rivers.

Cycles of heavy rains causing flood conditions have been observed to occur every 10-15 years in the State. Thus, where the river channel has been constricted due to encroachment, the river overflows its banks and causes damages in its wake. No amount of finger pointing or blame game will undo the damage done,” it added.

This statement came in light of recent articles published with respect to flood affecting Yeveto village.

The department informed that it has been implementing anti erosion and flood mitigation works under the ‘Flood Management Programme’ within the scope and guidelines and funding of the Ministry of Water Resources, RD&GR, Govt of India.

The department, it informed, had undertaken ‘Protection of Rengmapani, K. Hetoi and Hozukhe village areas from ero-

sion of Dzuza River, Dimapur district during 2014-15 with construction of Bed Bars, Spurs and river bank revetment works for protection of erosion affected areas as well as mitigate erosion prone areas for the stretch of Dzuza River from Niuland Bridge upto Rengmapani as well as in other areas.

“According to the Chief Engineer, Irrigation and Flood Control, Er S Kughaho Sema, the protection works have been completed successfully and has served the purpose,” it added.

The department further informed that it had initiated emergency erosion mitigation measures to protect the river banks at Yeveto village area during 2016 as well as 2017, however; inundation of the river bank area due to natural calamity of flood condition is not within the scope of the department. The department has also submitted proposal to the government for consideration of NEC funding for protection works at Yeveto village area.

It lamented that restriction on river bed exploitation, sand extraction or any other regulations on landed property by the State more than often goes unheeded.

The onus therefore should be taken up by the Village Councils and NGOs in their own jurisdiction for preemptive measures to avert man made disasters and circumvent the impending hazards, it added.

The departments suggested certain measures towards this— leaving rivers and natural drainage systems in their pristine state as far as possible; imposing restriction in exploitation of river bed materials such as, boulders, gravels, shingles, sand etc; regulation of quarrying or sand harvesting under expert advice; restricting public activity is necessitated, it should be regulated with the advice of experts; restriction of public activity in flood plains; and co-ordination with the district administration and line departments for administrative and technical guidance and taking up remedial measures as per government programmes.

Six arrested for vehicle lifting Dimapur, July 13 (mExN): 6 vehicle lifters have been arrested in Dimapur in the last one week, according to the Dimapur Police.

In the first of the arrests, the Anti-Vehicle Theft Squad (AVTS) of Dimapur Police on July 6 seized one Tata Sumo Gold bearing registration AS-01 BB 8522 which was reported stolen from Guwahati, Assam. In this connection, two persons identified as Depu Terong,

of Moriangabari, Assam and Pason Das of Khetri Bastola, Assam were arrested.

In a separate incident, one Alex Sangtam of Purana Bazaar, Dimapur was caught red handed by the public while attempting to steal a Motorcycle from Walford area, Dimapur on July 8. He was later handed over to the Police.

In another incident, the AVTS on July 11 recovered one Royal Enfield from Toulazouma Village, Dimapur.

The Royal Enfield bearing registration NL-O7 9999 was earlier reported lost on July 7. Three persons were arrested in this connection. They were identified as Tonaka Yepthomi of Padampukhri, Dimapur, Aboto Zhimomi of Burma Camp, Dimapur, and Kitokhe Zhimomi of Burma Camp, Dimapur. During investigation, another two scooty were also recovered, a press release from the PRO, Dimapur Police informed.

NPYC supports NPCC’s demand for President's Rule NRHPF merges with NSCN (IM) Dimapur, July 13 (mExN): The Nagaland Pradesh Youth Congress (NPYC) has endorsed the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee’s (NPCC) demands that the Governor dismiss the present government and impose Presi-

dent’s Rule (PR).

A press statement from the NPYC also called for the conduct of early elections so that the people can give a “fresh mandate” and resolve the ongoing impasse.

The Youth Congress also voiced support for the

NPCC’s demand for resignation of Roads & Bridges Minister, Vikheho Swu. It also demanded that the government initiate a thorough probe in the bridge collapse incident and book those responsible.

Further, the NPYC questioned the Governor of Na-

galand for remaining silent in the cases relating to MKR Pillai, PDS Scheme and fuel adulteration. Asserting that the Governor should not remain a “silent spectator”, the Youth Congress urged the Governor to immediately intervene and deliver justice.

SKK accepts NSF’s apology with caveat Dimapur, July 13 (mExN): The All Sumi Students’ Union (SKK) today conveyed the “mutual acceptance” of a “clarificatory apology” communicated by the Naga Students’ Federation on July 12 over the issue of ‘toppers felicitation programme' organised by the Federation on July 8. The programme had coincided with Tuluni, an important festival of the Sumi, inviting strong reaction from the community in general and the SKK in particular.

The decision, taken after thorough deliberation at an emergency union assembly on July 12, however, has a caveat. While duly acknowledging the

NSF's overture as a prudent approach and accepting the apology in good faith, the SKK in its strongest term urged the Federation “to ensure that strong resolution be adopted to prevent similar social mishaps in future” “Unless such exercise is undertaken by the NSF, the SKK or any other federating unit shall have the right to raise objection on the failure of the NSF,” the Union said.

The meeting also affirmed its earlier stand that the coincidence not only amounts to “utter failure on the part of the Federation to uphold its core constitutional guiding principle

to ‘preserve our cultures, customs and traditional heritages’ enshrined in the preamble of the NSF Constitution but also grievously hurt the sentiments of the Sumi community in particular.”

The SKK also unequivocally reaffirmed that the NSF should “uphold its constitution in letter and spirit by inculcating mutual respect for cultures and traditions of all the Naga tribes and facilitate a healthy living environment for already disarrayed Naga family.”

The Union’s decision was conveyed in a statement issued by its Speaker Kawoto K Chishi and Seasonal Assembly Secretary Atoka Yeptho.

Dimapur, July 13 (mExN): The Naga Rengma Hills Protection Force (NRHPF) led by its Advisor Keyhang Rengma (Joseph) and Chairman Logusheng Rengma (Arhabe) has merged with the NSCN (IM).

The NSCN (IM) during a Joint Council Meeting of its Steering Committee, Council of Kilonsers and Heads of Departments on July 12 “unanimously accepted” the merger of NRHPF with the NSCN/GPRN, a press release from the NSCN (IM) informed.

NRHPF Vice President Manong Rengma (Tennyson) along with 27 members from the civil set up and Lieut.

Col. Rilugu (Kainito) C-in-C along with 50 cadres were part of the merger, the release added.

Bayavu Youth warn against ‘unwanted activities’

Kohima, July 13 (mExN): The Middle Bayavu Youth Organisation (MBYO), Kohima has warned individuals and groups against carrying out “unwanted activities” within Middle Bayavu jurisdiction.

A press release from the organisation informed of an incident where a vehicle was stolen and further warned that those involved in carrying out such unwanted activities will be dealt with severely.

The vehicle – a white Maruti Gypsy bearing Registration No. NL-04C-2728, Chassis No. SJ411N180048, and Engine No. F10AJN234554 – belonging to one Ngamong was stolen from near the NBCC Office below the Directorate of Art & Culture Office in Kohima.

Taking serious note of the incident, the MBYO vehemently condemned the “uncivilized act” and further multaneously, strengthening strongly urged the concerned authorities to take quick action to book the culprits and punish them as per law. works of the mid pier foundation was taken up and completed for which the amount sanctioned was utilized,” the department claimed.

It also informed that the department had written to the concerned authorities Kohima, July 13 (mExN): High School Ward No. 1 that the harvesting of sand, under Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) has called for gravels and boulders with- mass social work on July 15 (Saturday) beginning from in a parameter of 1.00 Km 8:00 am onward.

The mass social work, which has been organised in on both ends of the bridge collaboration with Peraciezie colony and adjacent colshould be totally banned. onies under High School area, has been necessitated “However, it is regrettable following the massive landslide at Peraciezie colony on to mention that the activi- Wednesday, a press release informed. On the day of mass ties still continued leading social work, a dam/barrier and drain below the sinking to weakening of the bridge portion will be constructed as an immediate measure to foundation.” stop soil erosion at the site. All men folks have been asked Meanwhile it said that to come along with dao and spade on the day. the department has constiThe release further informed that the District Disastuted a High Level Technical ter Management Authority has granted cash incentive Committee to examine the as part of immediate relief and in this regard, all the afcauses of failure of the bridge fected house owners and displaced families who have not and to submit its report with- received their due share have been asked to contact the judicial secretary of the colony. in a month’s time.

Nagaland PWD issues clarification on bridge collapse Dimapur, July 13 (mExN): The Nagaland PWD issued a statement today clarifying that blaming the collapse of the iron girder bridge in Dimapur on the R&B Minister’s “negligence” is “totally uncalled for and the blame of collapse of a bridge under threat cannot be attributed to any Minister’s negligence.”

A press note from the Engineer in Chief, NPWD added that till date “the fund release for this particular bridge is nil and therefore, there is no question of misdeed and misappropriation of the amount sanctioned for the bridge.”

The amount sanctioned for the construction of the new bridge during 2015 is Rs. 37.65 Crore, it informed, while stating that the work

'There is no question of misdeed and misappropriation of the amount sanctioned for the bridge' order was issued during July 2016. “The Subway was constructed so as to divert the traffic during the bridge construction. However, due to the heavy water force, the subway was also washed away. The works can be started only after the heavy rainfall season is over,” it added.

The department further said it has already initiated to repair/maintain the Seithekima- Patkai road from July 12.

It reminded that during June 2015 the Department had closed the bridge to traffic in view of the poor condition of the bridge.

“However, there was

heavy public pressure to open the bridge. Therefore, the senior officers of the Department inspected the bridge site on June 25, 2015 along with the ADC, Dimapur, DBs and Police officials and held a Meeting with the Public leaders of the area. After a long deliberation, it was decided that only light vehicles shall be allowed and the Police shall regulate the traffic to restrict and allow only one vehicle at a time, which was subsequently approved by the District Planning Board, Dimapur District. Cautionary Board and barriers were erected on both sides of the bridge. Si-

Mass social work called to help clear landslides in Kohima

6

friday 14•07•2017

IN FOCUS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

The Power of Truth

The Morung Express volume XII Issue 191

By Witoubou Newmai

Stop ‘talking the talk’

T

here is no gainsaying, and the people have been saying this for years and decades, that majority of politicians are only good producers of “moving flights of rhetoric” (in the words of Noam Chomsky). Most of the politicians are scavenging away forever for brownie points in wrong areas fueled by trifle issues, taking the situation to absurd limits.

It also goes without saying that behavior of most of the politicians illustrates covetousness guided by destructive impulses.

But the glaring irony is that, which is also a collective tragedy of our society, the voters often bring back elements, who they consider as recalcitrant, to power over and over again for years.

Now, the question is that, we have been saying that these insipid politicians, not even daring to invest their energies to address many existential questions lurking for a long time now, find much stimuli and energy in fighting over trivial matters. When we are passing through a time where we cannot decide even our kitchen/food menu, it is an experience of much frustration that our own legislators are busy displaying callous attitudes. It is time the people stop ‘talking the talk’ and start ‘walking the walk’ or ‘walking the talk’ by using democratic means for a common good of the society. There is enough space in democracy for people’s intervention.

Assembly elections are just months away, and this is one moment the people can express how they are being subjected to disgraceful treatment. This is the best way of contribution in democracy to assuage problems.

A society such as ours is a peculiar one. In this, a benign intent from certain quarters has also a chance of attracting tribalism or sectarian politics as we often experience. With all of this in mind, the people and politicians ought to act maturely to avoid the subtle nature of the Naga society from getting ruffled.

In discussing this issue, it is pertinent to bear in mind that, as long as hypes and auras are continued to be built around politicians reviled by the people as ‘unfit’ leaders, our campaign will not go beyond the ‘talk the talk’ limit. This is to say that, it is time for the people to tune their attitude according to the demands of the situation towards ‘tagged’ politicians.

Since there is no squarely fitted system to address all issues, the position of attitude is extremely important when an issue such as this confronts society, as with wrong attitude we cannot expect right actions.

One need not consider such an extreme case but since we are discussing about things under democracy it may not be out of place altogether to remind some notable comments of two political scientists on how many things do not work in democracy.

Ian Shapiro and Casiano Hacker-Cordon in their book ‘Democracy’s Edges,’ say that “democracy has many deficiencies”. They also say that “it seems impotent when faced with questions about its own scope”. According to their observation, democracy is “all too easily held hostage by powerful interests; it often fails to protect the vulnerable or otherwise to advance social justice; and it does not cope well with a number of features of the political landscape.”

However, we cannot take advantage of such observations for our failures. What we need to urgently consider is, it is not only about how well or badly the prevailing political system/ the system in democracy succeeds/fails in accommodating the people’s sentiment in running the ‘public affairs’ but it is also about how well the people strive or how assiduously the people work-out things to their advantage from the system according to situation.

lEfT wiNg |

Lisa Barrington Reuters

"You destroy, we rebuild": A builder's life in war-torn Syria

W

hen builder Abu Salem repairs a shell hole in a house in rebel-held southern Syria, he knows it might not be the last job he does on the structure.

"There is a chance the buildings will be hit again," he told Reuters. "But in the short term people should be able to take refuge in their homes."

Abu Salem heads a group of 12 construction workers who rebuild and patch up buildings damaged by barrel bombs, air strikes and shelling in and around Syria's Deraa city.

With no access to modern tools, and materials made expensive by the war, Abu Salem's men break up buildings, mix concrete and carry loads by hand. Despite the difficulties, they have kept their sense of humour.

Three months ago a video circulated widely on Syrian social media showing masked men kneeling in formation, brandishing staffs and rising to shouts of "God is Great".

At first glance it looks like a typical example of the belligerent propaganda footage often posted by armed groups in the Syrian conflict. But it isn't what it seems.

"In the name of God, I am Abu Salem al-Muhameed and I announce the formation of a Concrete Pouring Brigade in the free areas!" Salem shouts into the camera in an unmistakable parody of fired-up rebel leaders fighting President Bashar al-Assad.

"If you destroy, by God we will rebuild!" he cries as his men wave pickaxes and shovels and then descend into laughter.

After the You Destroy and We Rebuild Brigade's video appeared, people began stopping Abu Salem in the street.

"They said: you are the best brigade formed since the start of the Syrian crisis," he told Reuters by phone.

WAR ECONOMY Syria's war has destroyed the national economy and fractured the country into a patchwork of areas of control which bisect trading routes, raising prices and causing local shortages of vital commodities.

But money can sometimes talk louder than political loyalty, and across Syria goods still find their way across front lines, with heavy bribes and taxes paid at checkpoints.

Abu Salem lives in a rebel-held area but sources his building materials from government-controlled zones.

Cement secured from Damascus may cost about 30,000 Syrian pounds a tonne at source, he said, but arrives in Deraa at a price of 50,000 to 55,000 pounds after passing through all the checkpoints.

"By the time they get to us the price has become 50, 60 or sometimes 100 percent more than their real price," said Abu Salem, a 39-year-old father of five who was a builder before the war.

Abu Salem is passionate about his mission to reverse the destruction, but laments he can't do as good a job as he'd like.

There are no engineers, modern construction techniques or cement mixers. He and his colleagues reuse rubble and steel from destroyed buildings and do everything by hand.

Brigade members are paid in accordance with what customers can afford, averaging the equivalent of a mere four or five U.S. dollars a day.

"It's always just (enough for) food and water. There are no savings because of the high prices," Abu Salem said.

Abu Salem said he and his men stood ready to help whichever parties eventually agree to rebuild Syria. "But if someone

C O M M E N T A R Y

Tharanga Yakupitiyage Inter Press Service

Nuclear Ban Approved, Now What?

M

ore than seven decades after the deployment of deadly atomic bombs in Japan, the UN has passed a historic treaty banning nuclear weapons around the world. Though it has sparked hope for a future without nuclear weapons, uncertainty in the success of the treaty still lingers.

More than 122 countries, representing two-thirds of the 192-member UN, adopted the historic treaty banning nuclear weapons after months of talks.

“We have managed to sow the first seeds of a world free of nuclear weapons…the world has been waiting for this legal norm for 70 years,” said Elayne Whyte Gomez, Permanent Representative of Costa Rica and the president of the UN conference which negotiated the treaty.

Nuclear Disarmament Program Manager for the civil society organization PAX Susi Snyder similarly highlighted the importance of the occasion to IPS, stating: “People have been working for decades on the issue, myself included, and to have a moment that you know, to the very tips of your toes, that history is being made? That’s a moment to feel all the feelings.”

There are approximately 15,000 nuclear warheads globally, more than 90 percent of which belong to the United States and Russia.

Unlike the 1968 Treaty on the NonProliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) which allowed five countries to possess such arms, the new instrument is an explicit prohibition on the direct or indirect use, threat of use, possession, acquisition, and development of nuclear weapons.

It also for the first time includes obligations to provide assistance to victims of nuclear weapons testing and use as well as environmental remediation of areas contaminated a result of nuclear weapon activities.

“This normative treaty highlights the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons—it is a huge achievement especially for the Hibakusha, the survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki,” Arms Control Association’s (ACA) Researcher Alicia Sanders-Zakre told IPS. Reference to such consequences can be seen throughout the treaty, including the deep concern “about the catastrophic humanitarian consequences that would result from any use of nuclear weapons” and the persistent risk to humanity posed by the “continued existence of nuclear weapons.”

Though the awareness of nuclear weapons’ devastating humanitarian ramifications is certainly not new, both Snyder and Sanders-Zakre noted that states still legitimize nuclear weapons in their security approaches.

“Some states negotiating the treaty would say that by having a security doctrine of nuclear deterrence, nuclear weapons states legitimize nuclear weapons and distract from their hu-

manitarian consequences…which are often not in the forefront of the security stage,” said Sanders-Zakre.

The new treaty aims to strip nuclear weapons of their prestige by making them unacceptable under international law.

Not Without a Fight The world’s nine nuclear-armed states as well as the majority of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation’s (NATO) members boycotted the negotiations, except for the Netherlands which voted against the document.

Among the most vocal critics is the United States who, since the beginning of the talks, said that the process was not “realistic,” especially in the wake of rising tensions between the North American nation and North Korea.

“There is nothing I want more for my family than a world with no nuclear weapons, but we have to be realistic. Is there anyone who thinks that North Korea would ban nuclear weapons?” asked U.S. Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley.

In a joint statement, the U.S., United Kingdom, and France announced that they do not ever intend to sign, ratify, or become party to the treaty.

“A purported ban on nuclear weapons that does not address the security concerns that continue to make nuclear deterrence necessary cannot result in the elimination of a single nuclear weapon and will not enhance any country’s security, nor international peace and security,” they stated, reiterating their continued commitment to the NPT. Snyder told IPS that it was not surprising that such nations did not participate due to a desire to retain the po-

litical power associated with nuclear weapons. However, she criticised the joint move as it may be in violation of the NPT. Article 6 of the NPT, which the majority of member States have signed, states that each party must “pursue negotiations in good faith on effective measures relating to cessation of the nuclear arms race at at an early date and to nuclear disarmament.”

Snyder noted that negotiations were considered by the majority to be an “effective measure” in the pursuit of disarmament.

“While this prohibition is not the final effort to achieve and maintain a nuclear weapons free world, it is certainly a key element of a world without nuclear weapons. It was an absence that is embarrassing for the nuclear armed states, demonstrating their commitment to inhumane weapons over humanity,” she continued.

However, nuclear-armed nations would argue that they are not violating the NPT as they do not consider that the prohibition will result in the elimination of nuclear weapons and is thus not an “effective measure,” said Sanders-Zakre.

The treaty reflects a growing divide between nuclear and non-nuclear weapon states on visions of disarmament.

Between a Nuke and a Hard Place?

Additional frustrations have arisen concerning the treaty’s prohibition on the stationing, installation or deployment of nuclear weapons on territories as it puts many NATO members in nuclear sharing agreements in a sticky situation.

Five nations, including Germany and Turkey, currently host U.S. nuclear weapons as part of NATO’s nuclear sharing policy. In order for NATO members to join, they will have to reverse or withdraw from their obligations.

“One the one hand, the treaty seeks to be universal to include many members. But at the same time, it is a prohibition treaty and having a member of a prohibition treaty that has nuclear weapons on their soil would be contradictory,” Sanders-Zakre told IPS. But can a nuclear ban treaty be successful without such nations?

Snyder and Sanders-Zakre say yes.

“The treaty sets a norm, and the nuclear armed states have a history of following norms even when they don’t sign up to the treaties behind them,” said Snyder, referencing the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) which, despite not being ratified by all nations and not entering into force, has set a norm in which nuclear testing is condemned.

“That norm will grow from this treaty as well, and will likely result in ongoing substantive condemnation of the activities of the nuclear armed states that are not disarmament,” Snyder continued.

Sanders-Zakre noted that there might be some obstacles in the way before the treaty’s entry into force, including potential lobbying by nuclear weapon states to dissuade others from ratifying the instrument or a general decrease in political momentum.

But, with or without the nuclear weapon states, the treaty will mark a significant normative step towards disarmament if all 122 states which negotiated the instrument sign and ratify.

“My hope is that this treaty will be the first step towards more productive disarmament dialogue, and that it will serve as a wake-up call to nuclear weapon states that have not seriously been pursuing disarmament negotiations for quite some time,” SandersZakre said.

Snyder similarly described the historic occasion as the first step of many, stating: “This treaty will help towards the elimination of nuclear weapons— it’s not the last thing that will get them out of the world forever, but it helps by reaffirming the complete illegitimacy of such inhumane weapons and offers a pathway for elimination.”

The treaty on the prohibition of nuclear weapons will be open for signature by member states on 20 September, marking the beginning of the 72nd Session of the General Assembly. It will enter into legal force 90 days after it has been ratified by 50 countries.

Earlier this year, atomic scientists set the Doomsday Clock to two and a half minutes before midnight, reflecting a fear that the world is closer to a nuclear disaster than it has been since 1953 after the U.S. and Soviet Union tested hydrogen bombs.

A world in trouble: drought, war, food, flight

The disruptions of climate and conflict are sparking perilous global insecurity

S

Paul Rogers

ix years ago there were fears of a transnational famine developing across much of eastern Africa. At least 11 million people were at risk in what might have been the worst disaster of its kind since the early 1970s.

This impending crisis was not unforeseen. An analysis of several interlocking factors, already evident several years earlier, had anticipated such an outcome (see "The world's food insecurity", 24 April 2008). These factors included higher oil prices, the early impact of climate change, increased demand for feed grains to boost meat production for the richer countries, and the diversion of land to grow biofuels.

These recent moments of urgent concern from ten and six years ago mirror the near-disaster of the world food crisis of 1973-74, when multiple elements put at least 22 million people at risk. The danger then was narrowly avoided by emergency financial aid to enable the most crisis-ridden states to purchase grain from the international markets.

But that very success pointed to an underlying feature of all such crises, which needs to be better understood: namely, there has never been too little food to go round, for (at least since 1945) world grain resources have not been anywhere near complete depletion. The problem, instead, has been much more one of poverty. In short, people are unable for many reasons to

grow their own food and far too poor to buy food when harvests fail.

Now there is a new international food crisis, as reported by the director-general of the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organisation at the organisation's biennial conference. Jose Graziano da Silva said that the FAO "has identified nineteen countries facing severe food crises due to a combination of conflict and climate change, including South Sudan, northeast Nigeria, Somalia and Yemen, where nearly 20 million are at risk.”

In broad terms, da Silva and the FAO specialists see the current predicament as a reversal of the previous trend in which there has been a slow improvement in food availability across the world – the two recent periods cited above being the exception. Now there is a real problem, with the FAO calculating that some 60% people across the world who face hunger live in countries experiencing conflict or climate change, or both at once.

The effect of conflict on food availability, as in the many irregular wars of recent years, is clear enough. Here, some countries are able eventually to see a degree of peace restored, while others continue to be consumed by violence and as a result suffer deep food insecurity.

But what seems to be most significant today, and increasingly accepted

within the FAO and other agencies, is that climate change is becoming a permanent reality affecting food supplies in many parts of the world. It is not something for the future, but is happening now.

per cent of the world average –and drops to just 100 cubic metres in some countries…”

With financial support and political commitment, there are many ways for food-producing communities to adapt in some degree to a decline in rainfall. The tactics might include really substantial improvements in water conservation, changes in the crops being grown and greater use of droughttolerant varieties. These are necessary and buy time, but only up to a point.

They will only realise their potential in the long term if the root cause of climate change – carbon emissions – is addressed. There is no escape from the need for a rapid reduction in such emissions.

The increasing migratory flows across the Mediterranean towards southern Europe, and through other routes, are already featuring on the news agenda. These will become a familiar daily story in the coming months. Yet there is currently little evidence that western governments recognise their long-term significance and growing connection to climate change.

What is happening now is a marker for much greater pressures as climate change translates into climate disruption. If that is grasped in a strategic way, the urgent need to curb carbon emissions will become unavoidable.

Time to act Since the early 1990s It has been recognised that climate change is an asymmetric process, which is likely to lead to a progressive drying out of the tropical and sub-tropical regions. David Rind’s seminal article was a vital early contribution for the non-specialist, in emphasising less that global rainfall was decreasing and more that this rainfall was tending to fall over the oceans and polar regions (see "Drying out the Tropics", New Scientist, 6 May 1995). Since the tropics and sub-tropics provide much of the food for the whole world, the implications of a fall in the carrying-capacity of the croplands would be progressive and, ultimately, catastrophic.

As with so many aspects of climate change, little was done at a global level in light of this knowledge. The world is now witnessing the results. The degree of vulnerability is shown by the relative availability of renewable water resources in different parts of the world.

An FAO analysis puts it bluntly: “In the Near East and North Africa region, the per capita renewable Paul Rogers is professor in the departwater availability is around 600 cubic ment of peace studies at Bradford Unimetres per person per year – only 10 versity, northern England.

wRiTE-wiNg

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

Friday 14•07•2017

PERSPECTIVE

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

7

some Arab countries How severe, ongoing stress can affect a child’s brain Why want to shutter Al Jazeera Lindsey Tanner

Associated Press

A

quiet, unsmiling little girl with big brown eyes crawls inside a carpeted cubicle, hugs a stuffed teddy bear tight, and turns her head away from the noisy classroom.

The safe spaces, quiet times and breathing exercises for her and the other preschoolers at the Verner Center for Early Learning are designed to help kids cope with intense stress so they can learn. But experts hope there’s an even bigger benefit — protecting young bodies and brains from stress so persistent that it becomes toxic.

It’s no secret that growing up in tough circumstances can be hard on kids and lead to behavior and learning problems.

But researchers are discovering something different. Many believe that ongoing stress during early childhood — from grinding poverty, neglect, parents’ substance abuse and other adversity — can smolder beneath the skin, harming kids’ brains and other body systems. And research suggests that can lead to some of the major causes of death and disease in adulthood, including heart attacks and diabetes.

“The damage that happens to kids from the infectious disease of toxic stress is as severe as the damage from meningitis or polio or pertussis,” says Dr. Tina Hahn, a pediatrician in rural Caro, Michigan. She says her No. 1 goal as a physician is to prevent toxic stress. Hahn routinely questions families about stresses at home, educates them about the risks and helps them find ways to manage.

Mounting research on potential biological dangers of toxic stress is prompting a new public health approach to identifying and treating the effects of poverty, neglect, abuse and other adversity. While some in the medical community dispute that research, pediatricians, mental health specialists, educators and community leaders are increasingly adopting what is called “trauma-informed” care.

The approach starts with the premise that extreme stress or trauma can cause brain changes that may interfere with learning, explain troubling behavior, and endanger health. The goal is to identify affected children and families and provide services to treat or prevent continued stress. This can include parenting classes, addiction treatment for parents, school and policebased programs and psychotherapy.

Many preschoolers who mental health specialist Laura Martin works with at the Verner

T

he German economy post 1945 was deeply influenced by an economic school called ordoliberalism. Its torchbearers looked for a third way between the planned economies of Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union and also rejected both pure laissez-faire liberalism and Keynesian demand management.

Today the Wirtschaftswunder (economic miracle) – the era of reconstruction and economic growth following the Second World War – is mainly credited to ordoliberal ideas implemented by Ludwig Erhard, the then minister of finance.

Ordoliberals argue the state should form an economic order instead of directing economic processes. The state has a crucial role to play in fostering market competition, by preventing e.g. the rise of monopolies that can exert harmful economic and political power. At the same time, the state must also avoid distorting the free market. Hence the German state is a strong state that sets and enforces rules, rarely meddles in economic affairs and trusts the private sector to create innovation and wealth.

The Indian state, neither ordo, nor liberal In a sense this seems to be quite the opposite of Indian economic planning as described in Vivek

Amy Band, center, teaches children how to handle confrontations at the Verner Center in Asheville, N.C., on Thursday, March 23, 2017. Safe spaces, quiet times and breathing exercises for the preschoolers are designed to help kids cope with intense stress so they can learn. (AP Photo)

Center have been in and out of foster homes or they live with parents struggling to make ends meet or dealing with drug and alcohol problems, depression or domestic violence.

They come to school in “fight or flight” mode, unfocused and withdrawn or aggressive, sometimes kicking and screaming at their classmates. Instead of adding to that stress with aggressive discipline, the goal is to take stress away.

“We know that if they don’t feel safe then they can’t learn,” Martin said. By creating a safe space, one goal of programs like Verner’s is to make kids’ bodies more resilient to biological damage from toxic stress, she said.

Many of these kids “never know what’s going to come next” at home. But at school, square cards taped at kids’ eye level remind them in words and pictures that lunch is followed by quiet time, then a snack, then hand-washing and a nap. Breathing exercises have kids roar like a lion or hiss like a snake to calm them. A peace table helps angry kids work out conflicts with their classmates.

The brain and disease-fighting immune system are not fully formed at birth and are potentially vulnerable to damage from childhood adversity, recent studies have shown. The first three years are thought to be the most critical, and children lacking nurturing parents or other close relatives to help them cope with adversity are most at risk.

Under normal stress situations — for a young child that could be getting a shot or hearing a loud thunderstorm — the stress response kicks in, briefly

raising heart rate and levels of cortisol and other stress hormones. When stress is severe and ongoing, those levels may remain elevated, putting kids in a persistent “fight or flight” mode, said Harvard University neuroscientist Charles Nelson.

Recent studies suggest that kind of stress changes the body’s metabolism and contributes to internal inflammation, which can raise risk for developing diabetes and heart disease. In 2015, Brown University researchers reported finding elevated levels of inflammatory markers in saliva of children who had experienced abuse or other adversity.

Experiments in animals and humans also suggest persistent stress may alter brain structure in regions affecting emotions and regulating behavior. Nelson and others have done imaging studies showing these regions are smaller than usual in severely traumatized children.

Nelson’s research on neglected children in Romanian orphanages suggests that early intervention might reverse damage from toxic stress. Orphans sent to live with nurturing foster families before age 2 had imaging scans several years later showing their brains looked similar to those of kids who were never institutionalized. By contrast, children sent to foster care at later ages had less gray matter and their brains looked more like those of children still in orphanages.

Toxic stress is not the same as post-traumatic stress disorder. PTSD is a distinct mental condition that can result from an extremely traumatic event, including combat, violence or sexual abuse. Experts say it can

occur in adults and children who live with persistent toxic stress, including children in war-torn countries, urban kids who’ve been shot or live in violence-plagued neighborhoods, and those who have been physically or sexually abused.

The toxic stress theory has become mainstream, but there are skeptics, including Tulane University psychiatrist Dr. Michael Scheeringa, an expert in childhood PTSD. Scheeringa says studies supporting the idea are weak, based mostly on observations, without evidence of how the brain looked before the trauma.

The American Academy of Pediatrics supports the theory and in 2012 issued recommendations urging pediatricians to educate parents and the public about the long-term consequences of toxic stress and to push for new policies and treatments to prevent it or reduce its effects.

In a 2016 policy noting a link between poverty and toxic stress, the academy urged pediatricians to routinely screen families for poverty and to help those affected find food pantries, homeless shelters and other resources.

“The science of how poverty actually gets under kids’ skin and impacts a child has really been exploding,” said Dr. Benard Dreyer, a former president of the academy.

Some pediatricians and schools routinely screen children and families for toxic stress, but it is not universal, said John Fairbank, co-director of the National Center for Child Traumatic Stress. “That’s certainly an aspiration. It would be a big step

forward,” said Fairbank, a Duke University psychiatry professor.

Much of the recent interest stems from landmark U.S. government-led research published in 1998 called the Adverse Childhood Experiences study. It found that adults exposed to neglect, poverty, violence, substance abuse, parents’ mental illness and other domestic dysfunction were more likely than others to have heart problems, diabetes, depression and asthma.

A follow-up 2009 study found that adults with six or more adverse childhood experiences died nearly 20 years earlier than those with none.

Some children seem resistant to effects from toxic stress.

Harvard’s Nelson works with a research network based at Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child that is seeking to find telltale biomarkers in kids who are affected — in saliva, blood or hair —that could perhaps be targets for drugs or other treatment to prevent or reduce stress-related damage.

That research is promising but results are likely years off, says Dr. Jack Shonkoff, the center’s director.

Alvin and Natalie Clarke brought their young grandchildren into their Cass City, Michigan home after their parents jailed on drug charges.

The 6-year-old grandson hits, yells, breaks toys, misbehaves in school. His 4-year-old sister used to have nightmares and recoil in fear when her baby doll was left alone on the floor — signs her therapists say suggest memories of neglect.

The Clarkes had never heard the term “toxic stress” when they were granted guardianship in 2015. Now it’s a frequent topic in a support group they’ve formed for other grandparentguardians.

Their grandson’s therapists say he has PTSD and behavior problems likely stemming from toxic stress. Around strangers he’s sometimes quiet and polite but the Clarkes say he has frequent tantrums at home and school and threatens his sister.

He gets frightened at night and worries people are coming to hurt him, Natalie Clarke said.

Weekly sessions with a trauma-focused therapist have led to small improvements in the boy. The Clarkes say he needs more help but that treatment is costly and his school isn’t equipped to offer it.

The little girl has flourished with help from Early Head Start behavior specialists who have worked with her and the Clarkes at home and school.

“Thank God she doesn’t remember much of it,” Natalie Clarke said. “She’s a happy, loving little girl now.”

India’s Government is Hurting Its Economy Ruben Dieckhoff The Wire

In India’s Big Government: The Intrusive State and How It’s Hurting Us, Vivek Kaul paints a grim picture of the economy and focuses on areas from banks to education in which the government plays a decisive, and all too often negative, role and How It’s Hurting Us. It is quite a hefty analysis – the book is 700 pages long but is engaging despite its length. This is largely because Kaul tries to explain economic ideas clearly.

According to Kaul, the Indian government is not a big government because of the number of people it employs but because it is trying to do “things that it shouldn’t and in the process ignoring the things that it should be doing.” He makes a comparison with the US which shows why the number of employees is not the real benchmark, and quotes from the Seventh Pay Commission report: “Available literature indicates that the size of the non-postal civilian workforce for the US federal government in the year 212 was 21.3 lakh. (…) The corresponding (number of ) persons in position in India for the central government in 2014 was 17.96 lakh. The total number of federal government personnel per lakh of population

668, respectively.”

The problem lies with the fact that the Indian government comes up with ambitious plans while ignoring its own limited capabilities, which is meddling in markets ending up with unintended consequences and an intrusive one that ends up hurting the economy.

This runs from everything from education: “To cut a long story short, the state of primary education in India is in a huge mess.

It all started with the government paying attention to higher education in the quest to produce manpower for the public sector enterprises. While they did manage to produce manpower the public sector enterprises, primary education got grossly neglected in the process.”

To public sector banking: “Another reason why investment is not picking up is because a substantial part of the Indian private sector is

been huge corporate loan defaults, and this has led to distress in the public banking sector. This is a big government factor, with the politicians over the years having forced these banks to lend to many crony capitalists, who are no longer in a position to repay their loans.”

In 13 thematic chapters – from public sector enterprises and banks, to education, labour, real estate and land acquisition – the author covers nearly all the areas in which government plays a decisive, and all too often negative, role. A chapter on Aadhaar, one of the biggest intrusions into citizens’ life, would have been a useful addition, but I presume the author might add another chapter on that soon.

Using the available data and quoting many experts, Kaul paints a grim picture: the Indian economy simply does not create enough jobs, investment is low, credit isn’t flowing and the education system releases way too many stu-

do basic maths are at best shaky.

Paying for goods versus creating public goods One of the themes running throughout the book is that government needs to distinguish between paying for goods and services and producing as well as distributing them.

Over the decades the Indian state has shown its mechanical view of the economy by believing it could produce nearly everything while ignoring that economies are evolving eco-systems delivering affordable, innovative products only if markets provide direct feedback and if entrepreneurial risk is rewarded. Kaul reasons the government while present in many areas where it is not needed is absent in those areas it is really needed. Instead, focusing on delivering public goods by improving market infrastructure and access should be the government’s agenda. A proto-ordoliberal thought.

Kaul’s book is an important wake-up call

Unfortunately, none of India’s current political heavyweights seem to listen at the moment. Kaul does not provide a magic pill in the form of easy slogans. He carefully lays out many issues that have to be tackled and concludes a change of mindsets among decision makers (or better: decision avoiders) is needed to succeed.

He is clear in his message: Enact reforms now, don’t wait until yet another 1991 back-against-the-wall scenario. If the Indian political elite doesn’t act now the demographic dividend which was actually considered to kickstart the Indian economy might end up as a demographic ticking time bomb.

Unfortunately, his one takeaway is that only a “bomb” – a crisis – is what will get the government moving, or at least that is what an unnamed Modi government economist tells him: “The so-called big bang reforms only happen when a country is facing an economic crisis.” He further told me that there was enough research in economics going around to back his claim. He offered this as a justification for the Modi government not attempting any bigbang economic reforms.

In the Kafka-esque world of the overly intrusive Indian state, it seems that the only way India may avert a crisis is to have one.

Ruben Dieckhoff works as Project Manager South Asia for

Its free-wheeling, pan-Arab approach has been a source of ire for Middle Eastern rulers who prefer to control the news that reaches their citizens Philip Seib

O

Asia Times

n June 5 four Arab states – Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt – declared a soft war on Qatar. They had a long list of demands, ordering Qatar to weaken ties with Iran, expel Turkish military forces from the country and take other steps that would reduce Qatar’s influence in the region.

They also demanded that Qatar close Al Jazeera, the Qatari-funded media network that, for years, has been critical of other Arab regimes. So far the Qatari government has resisted pressure to curb the activities of the network.

I’ve been studying and writing about Al Jazeera since its early years, sometimes with concern, sometimes with appreciation. My 2008 book “The Al Jazeera Effect” explored the political significance of regional satellite television news networks in the Arab world and beyond.

Although the politics of Al Jazeera remain controversial, I believe shutting down any news organization weakens the viability of a free press – particularly in a region where democracy has so much difficulty gaining traction.

A critical eye When Al Jazeera launched in 1996, it shook the Arab media landscape. At the time, stodgy, government-controlled television newscasts were the norm. They featured uncontroversial reporting with low production standards. Suddenly, there was a channel that offered relatively uncensored coverage of the region’s politics with the sleek look of Western news programs, like those on BBC and CNN. Most importantly, when there was a big story within the Arab World – such as the Second Intifada, the 2000 Palestinian uprising against Israel – Arab audiences no longer had to turn to Western broadcasters to get analysis about what was happening. Instead, they saw Arab reporters covering the news with a pro-Arab slant. Al Jazeera English, which was founded in 2006, prides itself on covering more stories and perspectives from the “Global South” than other news organizations.

More broadly, the channel became controversial because of its coverage of the American wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. The George W Bush administration considered its coverage inflammatory for highlighting civilian casualties in those conflicts, with government officials charging that Al Jazeera was stirring up opposition to US efforts in the region.

Yet Al Jazeera’s free-wheeling, pan-Arab approach has also been a source of ire for Middle Eastern rulers who prefer to control the news that reaches their citizens. Al Jazeera has reported critically about these governments, especially those that are now acting against Qatar. Its talk shows have debated topics such as religion and women’s issues in ways that have redefined the concept of “free speech” in the Arab world.

There are, however, limits to Al Jazeera’s journalistic doggedness. Despite Al Jazeera’s eagerness to question the ruling classes of most Arab countries, the Qatari royal family isn’t covered with the same level of scrutiny.

Rather, the channel has been seen as a de facto part of Qatar’s foreign policy apparatus.

The Arab Spring: A turning point Two decades later, this history remains relevant.

Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have been particularly upset with Al Jazeera and its Qatari owners since the 2011 Arab Spring uprisings.

They viewed Al Jazeera as sympathetic to the protesters, and thought the network fanned the flames of revolt that threatened the region’s monarchies.

Al Jazeera has also covered the Muslim Brotherhood favorably, which has infuriated Egyptian president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who orchestrated the coup that removed his elected Muslim Brotherhood predecessor.

Even in the midst of the current controversy, Al Jazeera continues to report critically about other Arab countries.

There is truth to the allegations that Al Jazeera Arabic’s reporting has a pro-Islamist slant. Qatar’s adversaries say this reporting takes the form of sympathetic coverage of not only the Muslim Brotherhood but also al-Qaeda linked groups in Syria and Yemen.

What would fill the void?

Qatar has made clear that it considers the demands from the Saudi-led group as an infringement on its sovereignty. Even if the Qataris compromise on some of the demands, it’s highly unlikely that they will shut down Al Jazeera. The network is one of Qatar’s signature achievements, a vehicle that helped fuel the small nation’s global rise over the past two decades.

Al Jazeera does not have a monopoly on broadcast news in the region – far from it. Its principal competition comes from Al Arabiya, which reflects the viewpoints of its Saudi owners and would probably become the dominant Arab news channel if Al Jazeera were to disappear. There are other prominent news sources as well – Sky News Arabia, owned by a member of the UAE royal family, and on the other end of the ideological spectrum, Al Manar, which is the voice of Hezbollah.

This competition has cut into Al Jazeera’s market share and its influence. Nevertheless, Al Jazeera is an inviting target for Qatar’s adversaries because the channel has done so much to elevate Qatar on the world stage. In addition to the original Arabic channel and Al Jazeera English, there are Al Jazeera Balkans and several sports and children’s channels. Al Jazeera also produces documentaries and live special programming.

Al Jazeera is far from perfect, but for those who hope to see a more democratic Arab world, the network has shown that even news outlets and voices that lack an autocratic stamp of approval can find a place in the public discourse. Like anywhere else in the world, Arab society benefits from having a diversity of voices debating the issues of the day.

The ConversationThe Middle East has countless problems, but they won’t be resolved by rolling back already limited media freedom.

Philip Seib is a Professor of Journalism and Public Diplomacy at

8

FriDAY 14•07•2017

INDIA

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

RJD insists Tejashwi won't quit

(AP Photo)

IndIa SnubS ChIna on Kashmir mediation offer

New Delhi, July 13 (iANS): Rebuffing China's offer, India on Thursday ruled out any third party mediation on Kashmir about which it is ready to talk to Pakistan at a bilateral level as terrorism is at the core of the problem between the two countries.

Reacting to the Chinese Foreign Office spokesperson's remarks that China was ready to mediate between India and Pakistan over Kashmir, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson

Gopal Baglay said cross-border terrorism was at the heart of the issues between New Delhi and Islamabad.

"Our stand is absolutely clear. You are all aware of the fact that at the heart of the matter is the issue of terrorism perpetrated on India, including on the people of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. So, the matter is that cross-border terrorism in our region emanating from a particular force is threatening the

peace and stability in not only India but other neighbours and also the entire region and the world," Baglay said in his weekly media briefing.

"As far as the Kashmir issue is concerned, you know that the government's position has been very consistent and clear. We are ready, we have been ready to have dialogue with Pakistan... That position of addressing all the issues with Pakistan, including Jammu and Kashmir,

in a bilateral framework has not changed."

The Chinese foreign ministry on Wednesday offered to play a "constructive role" in improving India-Pakistan ties over Kashmir where the "situation has attracted the attention of the international community".

Baglay also rubbished Pakistan media reports hinting at use of chemical weapons in Kashmir. "The claims are completely baseless and incorrect.

India is against the use of chemical weapons anywhere in the world."

He said it was "quite surprising" to see what the government of Pakistan was talking about and reading from the terror script of the Lashkar-e-Taiba.

"They have taken a leaf out of the book of Lashkar-e-Taiba on those ridiculous comments. The government is taking its cue from an internationally banned terrorist organisation," he added.

doklam issue with China will be solved diplomatically: India

New Delhi, July 13 (iANS): Notwithstanding China's reservations, India on Thursday maintained that the current border stand-off in Doklam would be resolved diplomatically like it had solved all its disputes with Beijing in the past using diplomatic channels.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said diplomatic channels were "available" to the two countries that would continue to be used.

He referred to a "conversation" between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Hamburg last week "where they spoke over a range of issues". "As far as the Doklam issue is concerned, you know we have diplomatic channels. Embassies are there in both the countries and those channels will continue to be used," Baglay said in his weekly media briefing.

China and India are locked in a standoff in the Doklam area in Sikkim sector near the Bhutan tri-junction for over three weeks after the Chinese army attempted to build a road in the disputed narrow stretch of land.

Doklam is the Indian name for the region which China refers to as Donglong.

Asked about the provocative statements from China and the Chinese media over the border issue, the spokesperson said the government had "clearly laid out" its position and approach to deal with the matter. "We have referred to

Sushma calls all-party meet on India-China border stand-off

New Delhi, July 13 (iANS): The government has called an all party meet on Friday on the stand-off between Indian and Chinese troops along the border, government sources said on Thursday. The meeting, which is likely to be held at Home Minister Rajnath Singh's residence, is aimed at briefing the opposition parties about the situation along the border in Sikkim where a stand-off has been continuing since June. The meeting, for which invitation has gone from External Affairs Minister, comes ahead of the Monsoon session of parliament set to start from July 17. A stand-off is continuing between Indian and Chinese troops along the border in Sikkim, near India-China-Bhuta tri-junction since June. The trouble started after China attempted to build a road in Bhutan's territory. how the two governments have been engaged in the last few years in addressing this issue, the boundary matter and the tri-junction. We have also mentioned understandings between the two countries," he said.

Baglay referred to Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar's speech in Singapore earlier this week when he said India and China have handled their border issues in the past and there was no reason why they would not be able to deal with it this time.

"He (Jaishankar) referred to the understanding between the two leaders (Modi and Xi) which essentially underlines the approach we are following in this regard. So, we are very much seized of the matter, we are very much sure of the approach that is being taken and that is where it stands," the spokesperson said.

India bringing back bodies of 11 workers killed in Saudi city New Delhi, July 13 (iANS): The Indian Consulate in Jeddah is making arrangements to bring back the bodies of 11 Indian workers killed in a fire in a house in Saudi Arabia's Najran city, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday.

Of the 11, four were from Uttar Pradesh, three from Kerala and one each from Bihar, Tamil Nadu and Punjab, MEA spokesperson Gopal Baglay said at his weekly media briefing here. While Tabrej Khan, Ateeq Ahmad, Waseem Akram, Mohammad Waseem Azizur Rahman and Vakeel Ahmad hailed from Uttar Pradesh, Kamalapan Sathyan, Baiju Raghavan and Sreejith Kottassseri were from Kerala, Gauri Shankar Gupta was from Bihar, Morokanandan Kaliyan from Tamil Nadu and Paras Kumar Subedar from Punjab, he said.

All of them were employees of Emaar EA Motahedon Trading and Contracting Company.

The 11 migrant labourers died of asphyxiation in Najran on Wednesday in a fire that engulfed the windowless house they shared, the Saudi Gazette said.

"Firefighters put out the blaze in an old house lacking windows for ventilation. Eleven people died of asphyxiation, and six others were injured," the report quoted Najran Civil Defence spokesman Abdullah Al-Farie as saying.

The fire broke out at around 4 a.m. in the three-bedroom derelict house that had no windows for air circulation. Najran is a city in southwestern Saudi Arabia near the border with volatile Yemen. Baglay said the Indian Consulate in Jeddah is in touch with local authorities and the Governorate of Najran region. "We are also in touch with the local authorities as well as the hospital to ensure that all possible assistance and treatment is extended to the injured," he sated.

On Wednesday night, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj tweeted that she had spoken to the Indian Consul General in Jeddah. "I have spoken to Consul General Jeddah. Najran is 900 Km from Jeddah. Our staff is rushing by the first flight available," she stated. "Our Consul General is in touch with the Governor of Najran. He is updating me on regular basis."

On Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Office spokesman Geng Shuang dismissed Jaishankar's remarks saying the "trespass" by the Indian troops in Doklam was different from the "frictions in the undefined sections of the boundary" between India and China.

Asked if Modi and Xi particularly talked about the Doklam issue, Baglay refused a direct reply saying: "I would leave it to your imagination and common sense to summarise what can be covered in the range of issues." "We have accumulated a lot of experience on both sides in addressing a number of matters. You know it and it has been said. Not only by us but by others also," he said.

He pointed out that the result of this approach has been "the tranquility" along the 3,488-km-long India-China

border from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh. Some 220 km of the border falls in Sikkim.

Pressed further if New Delhi and Beijing were talking, and through which channel since China has ruled out talks until Indian troops vacate Doklam, Baglay said his comments needed to be taken in "totality".

"The matter we are dealing with is a serious matter for a number of reasons. We have outlined our position, we have outlined our approach in this regard. I said a range of issues was discussed in conversation between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi. Then I said diplomatic channels are available. I don't think I would like to comment on what is happening or what is being done in this regard. I request you to see in totality what I said."

Asked if National Security Advisor Ajit Doval was visiting China this month, Baglay denied having any information in this regard. When a TV journalist asked what were the issues discussed between Modi and Xi during their "five minute meeting" in Hamburg, Baglay said "it is not for me to cover the range of issues they discussed".

To China denying any meeting between the two leaders, Baglay said: "I would only refer you to the information that we put out the same afternoon after the meeting. There was a picture that we had tweeted, there was a brief text that we had tweeted..."

18 Opposition parties to take on govt in Parliament over demonetisation, GST

New Delhi, July 13 (Pti): Eighteen opposition parties have come together to take on the government in Parliament during the Monsoon session (rpt) session beginning July 17 over demonetisation, GST and various other issues, according to political sources.

Leaders of these parties discussed the broad strategy and issues to be taken up in Parliament during the meeting here on Tuesday, which was primarily convened to discuss the opposition’s nominee for the Vice Presidential polls, the sources told PTI while refusing to be identified.

There was a “broad agreement” on five issues over which the 18 parties will target the government inside Parliament as also outside Parliament and through the social media, the sources said.

These issues are — “ill-effects of demonetisation”, “rushing through the GST implementation”, “farmers’ distress and suicides”, alleged “political vendetta”, protection of federal structure of the country and “spreading of fake news and inciting people communally”, they said.

Referring to the alleged “political vendetta”, the sources said there have been cases against Trinamool Congress leaders in “Narada scam” and

raids on former Finance Minister P Chidambaram’s family as also on the family of RJD chief Lalu Prasad.

Tuesday’s meeting was attended by Congress president Sonia Gandhi, vice president Rahul Gandhi, Trinamool Congress leader Derek O’Brien, JD(U)’s Sharad Yadav, NCP’s Praful Patel, CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah, Samajawadi Party leader Naresh Agrawal, BSP’s Satish Mishra as also leaders from 10 other parties.

When contacted by PTI, O’Brien did not go into details of the deliberations of that meeting but said, “individual parties will have their issues to be taken up but on some issues, there is a broad understanding among the 18 parties.”

O’Brien, who is Trinamool’s national secretary and the party’s leader in the Rajya Sabha, added that “We are all working as a team” and “There is no question of oneupmanship by an party in the opposition.”

In the 545-member Lok Sabha, the Congress has 45 members while Trinamool Congress has 34.

At the meeting, the sources said, Naresh Agrawal of Samajwadi Party suggested that the opposition parties should have such interactions

at least once a month to coordinate their positions.

Such meetings should be held not only in Delhi but also in state capitals, Agrawal suggested, according to the sources.

Significantly, these parties displayed unanimity in choosing their candidate for the Vice Presidential polls, the sources said.

The name of Gopal Krishna Gandhi was proposed by O’Brien after Sonia Gandhi asked him to begin deliberations and it was immediately endorsed by all present, the sources said.

There was no second name, they emphasised.

Trinamool was given the first right to propose the joint candidate as it is the second largest opposition party. The largest opposition party, the Congress, had utilised this option in selection of the joint candidate for the Presidential polls, the sources explained.

Seventeen opposition parties have jointly fielded Congress leader Meira Kumar for the Presidential polls.

Significantly, the JD(U), which backed the ruling NDA nominee for the Presidential poll, went with the opposition parties in the context of the Vice Presidential candidate.

PAtNA, July 13 (iANS): The RJD reiterated on Thursday that Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav, son of party leader Lalu Prasad, won't resign despite the corruption charges hurled at him. "Tejashwi will not resign at any cost. RJD has 80 legislators. We will do what we want," Rashtriya Janata Dal legislator Bhai Virender told the media here. He was responding to questions over Janata DalUnited requests that the RJD would have to decide the fate of Tejashwi Yadav.

Virender, a loyalist of Lalu Prasad, said Tejashwi Yadav will not resign despite demands by some. "RJD is intact, there is no if and but in the party over Tejashwi. He will not resign." JD-U state President Vashisht Narain Singh has said that the JD-U was not satisfied with Tejashwi Yadav's reply to corruption allegations against him.

"Our party is not satisfied. Now a final decision will be taken over it," he said. A day after Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar asked him to come clean, Tejashwi Yadav on Wednesday dubbed the corruption charges against him a "conspiracy" hatched by the BJP brass. Tejashwi Yadav, facing an inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), also made light of the allegations against him, saying they relate to a period when he was 14 years old. Lalu Prasad, his wife and former Chief Minister Rabri Devi and their son Tejashwi Yadav have been named accused in a CBI case related to the transfer of prime land in Patna to the family by two businessmen allegedly in return for licences granted to run hotels in Ranchi and Puri when the RJD chief was the Railway Minister.

'More than 4bn people worldwide lack safe water, sanitation' New Delhi, July 13 (iANS): Around 4.4 billion people lack safely managed sanitation and around 2.1 billion lack access to safe, readily available water at home, a new report by the WHO and Unicef has revealed. The Joint Monitoring Programme report presents the first global assessment of "safely managed" drinking water and sanitation services. The overriding conclusion is that too many people still lack access, particularly in rural areas.

"Safe water, sanitation and hygiene at home should not be a privilege of only those who are rich or live in urban centres," said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, DirectorGeneral, World Health Organisation (WHO). "These are some of the most basic requirements for human health, and all countries have a responsibility to ensure that everyone can access them," he added.

The report said that many homes, healthcare facilities and schools also still lack soap and water for washing hands. This puts the health of all people, especially young children, at risk for diseases, such as diarrhoea. "As a result, every year 3,61,000 children under five years die due to diarrhoea. Poor sanitation and contaminated water are also linked to transmission of diseases such as cholera, dysentery, hepatitis A, and typhoid," it said.

"Safe water, effective sanitation and hygiene are critical to the health of every child and every community," said United Nations Children's Fund Executive Director Anthony Lake. In order to decrease global inequalities, the new Sustainable Development Goals call for ending open defecation and achieving universal access to basic services by 2030. The Indian government has also launched an ambitious Swachch Bharat campaign with making villages and cities free of open defecation as one of its primary objectives. The government is assisting households to build clean toilets. The report found that in 90 countries progress towards basic sanitation is too slow, meaning they will not reach universal coverage by 2030.

AAP to back Meira Kumar in Presidential battle New Delhi, July 13 (iANS): The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday announced its support for opposition candidate Meira Kumar in the July 17 Presidential election. "The Political Affairs Committee (PAC) headed by (Delhi) Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has decided to support the united opposition candidate Meira Kumar," party leader Sanjay Singh said here. He said the former Lok Sabha Speaker's representatives had telephoned Kejriwal and sought support for her candidature. The AAP's vote share accounts for a little over 9,000 as it has 67 MLAs in Delhi and 20 in Punjab apart from four MPs from Punjab, which is less than one per cent of the total votes in the Presidential election. Sanjay Singh said the AAP was backing Meira Kumar since the opposition had a huge role to play in the country in the present circumstances.

Jharkhand I-T officer sent in CBI custody in graft case RANchi/New Delhi, July 13 (iANS): Jharkhand's Principal Commissioner of Income Tax Tapas Kumar Dutta, arrested by the CBI on corruption and other charges, has been sent in four-day CBI custody, an official said on Thursday. The agency also seized another 1.6 kg gold from one of his bank lockers and Rs 20 lakh in cash from his residence at Ranchi in Jharkhand. The agency had seized Rs 3.5 crore in cash and five kg gold on Wednesday.

Dutta was arrested in Ranchi on Wednesday night after day-long questioning at the I-T office, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Spokesperson R.K. Gaur told IANS. The CBI had on Wednesday conducted raids at 23 locations, including 18 residential and office premises of Dutta and other accused in Kolkata, and five places in Ranchi in Jharkhand.

The CBI had filed an FIR against Dutta, posted in Ranchi, and three colleagues -- Additional Commissioner of Income Tax Arvind Kumar, Income Tax Officer Ranjeet Kumar Lal and Income Tax Officer (Tech) identified only as Ganguly -- following allegations of criminal conspiracy, criminal conduct, and corruption.

Apart from the four Income Tax Department officials, five businessmen and a Chartered Accountant were also booked in the case. Dutta and his colleagues were accused of favouring the five Kolkata-based businessmen -- Biswanath Agarwal, Santosh Chowdhury, Aakash Agarwal, Vinod Agarwal, and Arvind Agarwal -- and their companies by taking illegal gratification.

"During 2016 and 2017, Dutta entered into a criminal conspiracy with other Income Tax officials, the (five) businessmen, others and the Chartered Accountant for getting Income Tax assessment files of different assessee companies transferred from Kolkata and Hazaribagh to Ranchi for providing undue favour to those who had been charged with heavy tax liability in lieu of huge bribes," the official said. The official said Dutta issued favourable orders in the case of private companies, which had paid a huge bribe.

fridaY 14 •07•2017

WORLD

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

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Chinese political prisoner Liu Xiaobo dies ShENyANG, July 13 (AP): Nobel Peace Prize laureate Liu Xiaobo, China’s most prominent political prisoner, died Thursday at a hospital in the country’s northeast, officials said. He was 61.

Liu had been hospitalized for advanced liver cancer diagnosed in prison in May. In an online announcement, the judicial bureau of the city of Shenyang said he died of multiple organ failure.

Liu’s supporters and foreign governments had urged China to allow him to receive treatment abroad, but Chinese authorities insisted he was receiving the best care possible for a disease that had spread throughout his body.

Liu was imprisoned for the first time in connection with the 1989 Tiananmen Square pro-democracy protests. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2010 while serving his fourth and final prison sentence, for inciting subversion by advocating sweeping political reforms and greater human rights in China.

“What I demanded of myself was this: whether as a person or as a writer, I would lead a life of honesty, responsibility, and dignity,” Liu wrote in “I Have No Enemies: My Final Statement,” which he had hoped to read out in court when being sentenced in 2009. He was not permitted to do so and received an 11-year prison sentence.

He came to prominence following the 1989 pro-democracy protests centered in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, which he called the “major turning point” in his life. Liu had been a visiting scholar at Columbia University in New York but returned early to China in May 1989 to join the movement that was sweeping the country and which the Communist Party regarded as a grave challenge to its authority.

When the Chinese government sent troops and tanks into Beijing to quash the protests on the night of June 3-4, Liu persuaded some students to leave the square rather than face down the army. The military crackdown killed hundreds, possibly thousands, of people and heralded a more repressive era.

Liu became one of hundreds of Chinese imprisoned for crimes linked to the demonstrations. It was only the first of four stays in

‘No enemies’

An image of Liu Xiaobo is projected on a hotel in the centre of Oslo following the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony. (REUTERS File Photo)

prisons owing to his ideology.

His final prison sentence was for co-authoring “Charter 08,” a document circulated in 2008 that called for more freedom of expression, human rights and an independent judiciary in China. Although Liu wasn’t the initiator, he was a prominent force behind it and already well known to the authorities.

The sentence only increased Liu’s prominence outside of his country.

In 2010, while Liu was serving his sentence in a prison in a small city in China’s northeast, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, with the Norwegian-based committee citing Liu’s “long and nonviolent struggle for fundamental human rights in China.”

The award enraged China’s government, which condemned it as a political farce. Within days, Liu’s wife, artist and poet Liu Xia, was put under house arrest, despite not being convicted of any crime. China also punished Norway, even though its government has no say over the independent Nobel panel’s decisions. China suspended a bilateral trade deal and restricted imports of Norwegian salmon, and relations only resumed in 2017.

Dozens of Liu’s supporters

were prevented from leaving the country to accept the award on Liu’s behalf. Instead, Liu’s absence at the prize-giving ceremony in Oslo, Norway, was marked by an empty chair. Another empty chair was for Liu Xia. Liu was born on Dec. 28, 1955, in the northeastern city of Changchun, the son of a language and literature professor who was a committed party member. The middle child in a family of five boys, he was among the first students to attend Jilin University when college entrance examinations resumed following the chaotic 1966-76 Cultural Revolution.

Liu studied Chinese literature there and later moved to the capital, first as a graduate student then as a lecturer at Beijing Normal University.

After spending nearly two years in detention following the Tiananmen crackdown, Liu was detained for the second time in 1995 after drafting a plea for political reform.

Later that year, he was detained a third time after co-drafting “Opinion on Some Major Issues Concerning our Country Today.” That resulted in a three-year sentence to a labor camp, during which time he married Liu Xia. He is survived by his wife and by his son from his

first marriage.

Released in 1999, he joined the international literary and human rights organization PEN and continued advocating for human rights and democracy.

Liu Xia’s brother was convicted on fraud charges and sentenced to 11 years’ imprisonment over a real estate dispute which supporters said was designed to further persecute Liu Xiaobo’s family over his actions.

Two years after Liu’s Nobel prize, a Chinese writer won the Nobel Prize for Literature, to the delight of Chinese authorities. Mo Yan is not a critic of the Communist Party, and after initially evading questions from reporters, he eventually said he wished for Liu Xiaobo’s freedom.

Other Nobel laureates were more outspoken. In 2012, an appeal by 134 Nobel laureates, including South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu, called the detentions of both Lius a violation of international law and urged their immediate release. Fellow PEN members such as Margaret Atwood and Salman Rushdie appealed for his release in a letter June 29, after he was transferred from prison to the hospital.

Their appeal fell on deaf ears.

bEIJING, July 13 (REutERS): During a hunger strike days before the Chinese army crushed the Tiananmen Square pro-democracy movement on June 4, 1989, the man who would become China’s best known dissident, Liu Xiaobo, declared: “We have no enemies.”

When being tried in 2009 on charges of inciting subversion of state power for helping write Charter 08 - a pro-democracy manifesto calling for an end to oneparty rule - Liu reaffirmed: “I have no enemies and no hatred.”

He was sentenced to 11 years in prison that same year, drawing protests from the United States, many European governments and rights groups, which condemned the stiff sentence and called for his early release.

Liu won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2010.

Liu, 61, died on Thursday of multiple organ failure, the government of the northeastern Chinese city of Shenyang said. He was being treated in a hospital there, having been admitted in June after being diagnosed with late-stage liver cancer.

His wife, Liu Xia, had told Reuters previously that her husband wanted to dedicate the Nobel prize to those who died in the 1989 Tiananmen crackdown.

“He said this prize should go to all the victims of June 4,” Liu Xia said, after she was allowed to visit him in jail following the announcement of the prize.

“He felt sad, quite upset. He cried. He felt it was hard to deal with.”

Liu Xia had been living under house arrest since her husband won the Nobel prize, but had been allowed to visit him in prison about once a month. She suffers from depression.

She was allowed to be with him in the hospital where he spent his last days.

CHARTER 08 Liu had been a thorn in Beijing’s side since 1989, when he helped negotiate a deal to allow protesters to leave Tiananmen Square before troops and tanks rolled in.

“Using the law to promote rights can only have a limited impact when the judiciary is not independent,” Liu told Reuters in 2006, when he was under house arrest, in comments typical of those that have angered the government.

Charter 08 alarmed the Communist Party more for the 350 signatures - dignitaries from all walks of life – he collected than its content, political analysts said.

The manifesto was modelled on the

Charter 77 petition that became a rallying call for the human rights movement in communist Czechoslovakia in 1977.

Liu had ceaselessly campaigned for the rights of the Tiananmen Mothers of victims of the crackdown.

He was much better known abroad than at home due to a government ban on internet and state media discussion of the Tiananmen protests, and of him, aside from the odd editorial condemning him.

Liu was considered a moderate by fellow dissidents and international rights groups. But they say the Communist Party is insecure and paranoid, fearing anyone or anything that it perceives as a threat to stability.

In 2003, Liu wrote an essay, calling for the embalmed corpse of Chairman Mao Zedong to be removed from a mausoleum on Tiananmen Square. Mao is still a demigod to many in China.

Over the years, Liu won numerous human rights and free speech awards from organisations including Reporters Without Borders, Human Rights Watch and Hong Kong’s Human Rights Press Awards.

His books have been published in Germany, Japan, the United States, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

HERO TO SOME, TRAITOR TO OTHERS A hero to many in the West, Liu was branded a traitor by Chinese nationalists.

He had come under fire from nationalists for his comments in a 2006 interview with Hong Kong’s now-defunct Open magazine in which he said China would “need 300 years of colonisation for it to become like what Hong Kong is today”.

The government considered him a criminal.

“For Liu Xiaobo, whatever the United States says or does is right, and whatever the Communist Party says or does is wrong,” a source with ties to the leadership said.

“It’s too absolute,” said the source, who declined to be identified.

Liu’s critics were suspicious of the motives of the Nobel Peace Prize committee, noting that Liu praised the U.S. invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan.

He had also been taken to task domestically because non-governmental organisations he headed received funding from the U.S. National Endowment for Democracy.

The third of five boys, Liu was born in Changchun, capital of the northeastern province of Jilin, on Dec. 29, 1955.

UAE accuses Al Jazeera of inciting hate, violence Brazil’s once-adored ex-prez convicted of corruption Abu DhAbI, July 13 (IANS): The anti-Qatar alliance has attacked the Doha-funded broadcaster alJazeera Arabic, accusing it of having “blood on its hands” and inciting hate, violence and discrimination.

Noura al Kaabi, the UAE Minister responsible for media regulation, told the Guardian the station had given a platform to “some of the most dangerous terrorists in the world” and needed to be subject to new and externallymonitored editorial controls. The UAE also issued a hard-hitting 5-minute video in which it accused al-Jazeera Arabic of being responsible for radicalising

one of the three men who mounted an attack at Borough Market in London last month, killing eight people, the Guardian said.

Earlier, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash in his answers to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein on Al Jazeera channel stressed that while the protection of the right of freedom of expression is of fundamental importance, this protection is not absolute, and restrictions on the right are permitted under international law to protect national security and public order. “Freedom of expression cannot be used to justify and shield the pro-

motion of extremist narratives,” Gargash wrote in his answer, according to a UAE Embassy press release.

The UAE Minister, in his letter, made clear that Al Jazeera’s reporting has repeatedly crossed the threshold of incitement to hostility, violence and discrimination, and listed several examples of such content.

The letter mentions that, over the years, Qatari-owned and controlled Al Jazeera Arabic has provided a platform to Osama bin Laden (Al-Qaeda), Abu Muhammad al Jolani (Al-Nusra), Khaled Mashal (Hamas), Mohammed Deif (Hamas), Anwar al-

Awlaki (Al-Qaeda), Hassan Nasrallah (Hizbullah), Ramadan Shallah (Palestinian Islamic Jihad), and Abdel Hakim Belhadj (Libyan Islamic Fighting Group), among others, saying these interviews gave opportunities for terrorist groups to threaten, recruit and incite, without challenge or restraint.

The letter reiterated that the UAE’s strong objections to Al Jazeera are not a matter of disagreement on its editorial standpoints, but are a direct and necessary response to its “persistent and dangerous incitement to hostility, violence and discrimination”, the release said.

Nawaz Sharif rejects graft report as ‘slander’

Nawaz Sharif. (File Photo)

ISlAMAbAD, July 13 (REutERS): Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday for the first time explicitly dismissed a report from a corruption investigation that raised questions about the source of his family’s wealth, rejecting it as slander.

Sharif, 67, serving his third term as prime minister, faces opposition calls to step down but he was defiant in his condemnation of the report that alleges his family’s income from business was not large enough to explain its wealth.

A Joint Investigation Team (JIT), set up by the Supreme Court to investigate corruption allegations that surfaced following the Panama Papers leak, also accused his children, including heir apparent Maryam

Sharif, of signing falsified documents about ownership of off-shore companies.

“The JIT report about our family businesses is the sum of hypotheses, accusations and slander,” Sharif said in a statement after meeting his cabinet.

“Accusations amounting to billions are being made here but no wrongdoing has been proven.”

The investigation team, which included officials from a military intelligence agency, presented its report to the Supreme Court on Monday.

Copies of it were then leaked to the media, prompting a chorus of demands from political parties that he resign from office.

“Nawaz’s authority is completely eroded,” Shah Mehmood Qureshi, vice chairman of the opposition PTI party, told Reuters.

“There is no legal, moral or political justification for him to continue.”

Pakistan has for decades been plagued by pervasive graft, and by rivalry between the military and civilian politicians.

WORRIES HIT STOCKS Sharif’s term expires in June 2018 and elections are expected two months later. If he were forced to step down, his ruling PML-N party could appoint a new leader as prime minister until the polls.

Nevertheless, worries generated by the 254-page report has sent stocks tumbling amid fears of chaos after several years of relative stability and accelerating economic growth.

The economy expanded by 5.3 percent last fiscal year - its fastest in a decade. Big infrastructure investment by China has boosted growth while confidence has been buoyed by a decline in militant attacks.

After years of electricity shortages and cuts, power outages have also been reduced but not eradicated.

Sharif said the economic progress made since his election in 2013 showed the government was on the right track and any disruption would only hurt progress.

“We will not let darkness once again prevail in our towns and factories,” he said.

Sharif, the son of an industrialist, will have his fate decided by the Supreme Court, which could disqualify him or order a trial.

Sharif was originally nurtured by the military as a civilian politician who would protect their interests, and he served as prime minister twice in the 1990s.

But he later fell out with an army chief and was ousted in a 1999 coup leading to a decade of exile.

“Our family has gained nothing from the politics, in fact it has lost a lot,” Sharif said.

RIO DE JANEIRO, July 13 (AP): Former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was found guilty of corruption and money laundering Wednesday and sentenced to almost 10 years in prison, the highestprofile conviction yet in the sprawling graft investigation that has jailed dozens of Brazil’s elite.

The decision by Judge Sergio Moro was widely expected, even by Silva’s own defense team, but was still stunning. The charismatic leader left office on Dec. 31, 2010, with sky-high popularity and is credited with pulling millions of Brazilians out of poverty and turning Latin America’s largest nation into an important player on the world stage. Brazil’s first working class president will remain free while an appeal is heard, but he is now also the country’s first ex-president to be convicted in a criminal proceeding at least since democracy was restored in the 1980s.

In many quarters, the man known to Brazilians simply as Lula remains revered — both for his economic policies and his role in fighting for democracy during the country’s dictatorship. The 71-year-old has been considered a front-runner for next year’s presidential election.

Silva’s defense team issued a scathing statement after the ruling, calling the charges an attack on democracy and vowing to prove the former president’s innocence.

“President Lula has been the victim of lawfare, the use of the law for political ends, the famous method used to brutal effect in various dictatorships throughout history,” the lawyers said. The case is part of the huge “Operation Car Wash” corruption investigation centered on state-run oil giant Petrobras that has led to the convictions of dozens of

Demonstrators hold signs that read in Portuguese “No Prison for Lula,” during a protest against the decision by Judge Sergio Moro to convict former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in Sao Paulo, Brazil on July 12. (AP Photo)

business executives and politicians, and threatens current President Michel Temer.

Silva was accused of receiving a beachfront apartment and repairs to the property as kickbacks from construction company OAS. Silva never owned the apartment, but prosecutors argued it was intended for him. Prosecutors also alleged that OAS paid to store Silva’s belongings, but Moro dismissed that part of the case.

Silva also faces charges in four other cases. The former union leader has said all the charges are completely unfounded, and his defiant testimony in the case decided Wednesday was billed as a showdown between himself and Moro.

Both men are viewed as national heroes by some parts of Brazilian society.

“The present conviction does not bring this judge any personal satisfaction. Quite the contrary, it is regrettable that a former president be criminally convicted,” Moro wrote in his decision. “It doesn’t matter how high you are, the law is still above you.”

Moro said he did not order Silva’s immediate arrest

because the conviction of a president is such a serious matter that he felt the former leader’s appeal should be heard first. “This makes Lula’s situation much worse since it is much more than a mere investigation,” said Claudio Couto, a political science professor at Fundacao Getulio Vargas, a Sao Paulo-based university and think tank. “But now he will do something he likes: Until the appeal is decided, he will rally his allies and supporters against a decision that is controversial.”

A few hundred supporters gathered in Sao Paulo on Wednesday night to denounce the ruling, while a smaller group of people took to the streets to celebrate Silva’s conviction.

“It was an obviously political decision to prevent Lula from becoming president,” said Armando Teixeira, an unemployed auto worker.

“Everyone knows he will win if he runs.”

The case now goes before a group of magistrates. If they uphold the conviction, Brazilian law says Silva would be barred from seeking office. In addition to sentencing Silva to 9 1/2 years in prison, Moro also ruled that the politi-

cian should be barred from public office for 19 years.

The prosecutor’s office that handled the case said it would appeal the sentence to ask for it to be increased.

Silva’s presidency coincided with an economic boom fueled by high commodity prices and he used the profits to fund generous social programs that made him a hero among Brazil’s poor. He left office with popularity ratings of up to 87 percent and Brazilians elected his hand-picked successor, Dilma Rousseff, to succeed him.

But a subsequent fall in commodity prices and economic mismanagement by Silva and Rousseff led Brazil’s economy to implode, and with it Rousseff’s popularity. Rousseff was later impeached and replaced

by Temer.

The news of Silva’s conviction took the focus off of Temer, who himself is accused of taking bribes from a meatpacking executive in exchange for helping the company obtain favorable government decisions. Temer denies wrongdoing, and the lower house of Congress will decide if he should be suspended from office and put on trial.

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FriDAY 14•07•2017

sports

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Cricket Australia chief attacks Sevilla chief furious over Vitolo's Atletico deal 'reckless' cricket players' union

Sydney, July 13 (AFP): Cricket Australia chairman David Peever Thursday went on the attack over suggestions he is running an "extreme" industrial relations agenda, slamming the players' union for "reckless" tactics in a damaging pay dispute.

Peever claimed the Australian Cricketers' Association was threatening to drive away commercial sponsors, damage the prospects of broadcast partners and lock up player intellectual property rights into its own business ventures.

Writing an opinion piece in The Australian newspaper, he said that CA's board had been insulted and disrespected in the ugly spat between the governing body and players.

"CA has put what in any normal circumstances would be regarded as a very generous offer," Peever said.

"The ACA has responded by not only rejecting that proposal

(and recent concessions) out of hand, but by launching a campaign of such sustained ferocity that anyone could be forgiven for thinking CA was proposing the reintroduction of slavery rather than healthy pay rises.

"Not content with that level of overreaction, the ACA has gone much further.

"Refusing to allow players to tour, threatening to drive away commercial sponsors and damage the prospects of broadcast partners, lock up player IP (intellectual property) into its own business ventures and even stage its own games.

"It's a reckless strategy that can only damage the game and therefore the interests of the ACA's own members."

Peever is among CA officials pushing to scrap the revenue-sharing model that has shaped the salaries of players since their first Memorandum of Understanding was brokered 20 years ago.

- 'Tawdry suggestion' Most Australian players became unemployed on June 30, when the sides failed to reach new agreement.

The players have resolved not to tour or cooperate with CA while they are out of contract, a situation that led to the cancellation of this month's Australia A tour of South Africa and puts in danger coming series against Bangladesh and India.

There are growing concerns the festering dispute may affect the showpiece Ashes series against England in Australia later this year.

Peever, a former managing director of mining giant Rio Tinto and CA chairman since 2015, also took aim at reports that his organisation was guilty of union busting.

"Of all the claims swirling around ... perhaps the most tawdry is the suggestion that CA has been motivated by

some extreme industrial relations agenda, supposedly imported from the mining industry," he said.

"It's a complete myth, and deeply insulting to many people across the cricket spectrum.

It has been deliberately fabricated.

"I respect the role of the ACA -- and unions in general -to negotiate on behalf of their members," he added.

"The suggestion that CA's push to modify the player payments model has nothing to do with genuine issues facing the game is an insult to everyone involved at CA, including other members of the board."

The Sydney Daily Telegraph reported Thursday that CA chief executive James Sutherland and his ACA counterpart Alistair Nicholson have spent hours in talks this week to try to break the impasse amid mounting commercial pressures.

MAdRId, July 13 (ReuteRS): Sevilla President Jose Castro has threatened legal action after winger Vitolo signed for Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.

Castro announced on Monday that Vitolo agreed in principle to renew his contract but the player on Wednesday paid his own release fee of 37.5 million euros ($42.79 million) and agreed to join his first club Las Palmas until January and then Atletico.

Spanish media said the winger changed his mind about staying at Sevilla after a phone call late on Tuesday from Atletico.

The Madrid club cannot register new players until January because of a two-window FIFA transfer ban for signing minors.

"Sevilla will do everything possible to defend their interests without sparing absolutely anything," Castro told Sevilla's Radio Station.

"The only thing I can say is that the club made a tremendous effort so their captain could stay here and he has not been true to his word, he lacked

Vitolo (Reuters Photo)

respect for Sevilla and their fans.

He has let us down as a person."

Vitolo appeared at La Liga's offices on Wednesday to pay his release fee, which enabled him to sign for Las Palmas, where he will remain until he can join Atletico.

"We are disappointed with the attitude of the third parties,(Atletico and Las Palmas)," added Castro. "This has deteriorated relationships with these clubs that were marketing

our player."

Spain international Vitolo, 27, has agreed a contract with Atletico until 2022. He won the Europa League three times with Sevilla, in 2014, 2015 and 2016.

"Vitolo is a player with extensive experience and quality, who has played for Spain 11 times and become one of the most dangerous players in La Liga in recent seasons," Atletico said in a statement.

No-ball king Morkel I want to stay at Arsenal, says Mesut Ozil No panic buying at Liverpool, says Klopp refuses to alter run-up

london, July 13 (ReuteRS): South Africa paceman Morne Morkel has ruled out tweaking his run-up despite becoming the embarrassed owner of a dubious distinction for overstepping the crease in test cricket.

When Morkel bowled Ben Stokes for 44 off a no-ball in the Lord's test against England, it was the 13th time that the lanky 32-year-old was denied a wicket by his tendency to plant his front foot beyond the popping crease.

"World record, thank you. Somebody needs to hold it," Morkel told reporters ahead of the second test beginning on Friday in Nottingham.

"It's not acceptable. It's a controllable thing."

The respite for Stokes did prove costly, though not in terms of runs. The all-rounder added 12 more to his first innings total before falling to Kagiso Rabada, whose over-exuberant send-off invited a one-match suspension.

"It's a rush of blood to the head, wanting to create something with the older, softer ball. Maybe I ran in too quickly and just overstrode," Morkel said.

The tall paceman's long limbs are perceived by many to be behind his frequent overstepping but Morkel felt it was more down to rhythm and altering the run-up was not the solution.

"I need a lot of rhythm and timing is crucial for me," he said.

"I can't make my run up longer, I can't make it shorter. I'm just going to stick with it.

"The only thing I can do is keep on working on that; work on getting the foot behind the line," Morkel added.

Jonah Achumi

I

Dimapur

t was bound to happen anytime and so it just did. The collapse of the 4th mile river bridge near the CIHSR Hospital on the way to Niuland - Kuhuboto speaks tons of volumes to us about our easy going and the laid-back attitude. The reports of the findings have confirmed that the uncontrolled and the unchecked sand gravel mining has gradually exposed and eroded the mid-tier foundation of the RCC Steel Girder Bridge which finally washed off the river bedrocks that had protected the bridge columns all these while. The continuous and the rampant river-bed mining which was done both upstream and downstream have greatly affected the foundations of the bridge.

Though there has been a volley of blames on our politicians and engineers for the delay in repairing and negligence of this bridge yet blaming them in the aftermath of whatever happened will not bring any solution. Several warnings were said to be issued by the department saying that some precautionary measures were needed to be taken immediately as the bridge was no longer safe for commuters. Even the department officials were saying that unless some strengthening of the bridge was done they will not bear any responsibility. Many times nature teaches us humans the hard way when everything seems to be futile in making us see the reality. Nature again has taught us in a more hard way. And it will teach us again if we don’t learn now.

The people as a whole should also accept the responsibility for always being lackadaisical in their attitude and lack of concern. Continuous extractions of sand gravels and stone boulders too have aggra-

Sydney, July 13 (ReuteRS): Arsenal's Germany midfielder Mesut Ozil has said he wants to stay at the Premier league club and will discuss his future after their pre-season tour of Australia and China.

"It is definitely my preference to stay," he said on the club's official website (www. arsenal.com). "It is such a

great club and I have always said that I feel very good at Arsenal.

"Once everyone is back in London we will sit down and discuss about the future," added the 28-year-old amid media reports that he could leave in the transfer window.

Ozil is under contract at Arsenal until 2018.

"For now the most important thing is our pre-season and getting through the tour, training and getting fitness. When I'm back in London, we will sit down and discuss."

Arsenal play Sydney FC on Thursday and Western Sydney Wanderers on Saturday before heading to China.

New India coach Ravi Shastri promises more freedom for players neW delHI, July 13 (ReuteRS): New India cricket coach Ravi Shastri plans to adopt a more handsoff approach to the role than his predecessor Anil Kumble, with the 55-year-old saying he has no intention of trying to act as a tutor to the players.

Kumble stepped down last month citing a breakdown in his relationship with skipper Virat Kohli, who according to media reports, resented the former captain's 'headmasterly' methods.

Shastri was handed the coaching reigns on Tuesday, a year after losing the job to Kumble, and the former all-

rounder promised a fresh outlook to the job.

"At the highest level, cricketers are more or less settled," Shastri told the Times of India newspaper.

"So it is more to do with

working on their mental strength, helping build their confidence, helping them stay organised in their daily activities as against tinkering with their style of play.

"It's not about 'tutoring' them about everything and telling them what and what not to do. There's very little coaching at the highest level. It's about fine-tuning and mentoring, about effective communication."

Shastri, who has served as team director in the past, enjoys a good rapport with Kohli and said he had no issues with players having more freedom off the field.

"Why should I change anyone's style, or for that

Bridge over troubled waters vated the perilous condition of the bridge which led to this mishap.

The rivers being a common property as per Naga custom and tradition is the responsibility of every village council authorities situated near the rivers to ban such illegal activities and to protect the river and its resources by banning illegal excavation of river bed minerals.

It was very unfortunate that four lives have been lost and some injured but at the same time it was fortunate as unlike in other times many vehicles were not on the bridge otherwise it would have again claimed more lives. Had it not been a time of summer vacations for the schools, it would have been very disastrous for many school going children who plies on the bridge daily and would have been some real major catastrophe. Our casual approach and laxity in our outlook towards everything have made us face this and have taught us a lesson in a more hard way. It will teach us more in the coming days in many other situations too if we don’t learn in these kinds of circumstances.

While raising this issue and concern on this continuous riverbed mining under this ill-fated bridge I have predicted about its impending fall exactly a year back in one of my write-ups but none bothered about it and today it has happened exactly the way I foretold. We don’t need any soothsayers or clairvoyants to see all these things which are bound to happen because these tell-tale signs are too obvious for all of us to see yet we prefer to ignore which has become our hallmark.

The usage of modern machineries of course has become an inevitable part of our lives today but the ram-

pant, uncontrolled and unabated extraction of the sand, gravels and boulders without any compunction and a second thought for the river, the environment and for the only bridge that served as the lifeline for the inhabitants on the other side was sure an overindulgence.

This had led to the river currents to become stronger below the bridge surging against the weak columns that were just waiting to give away.

Our people never know where to draw the line and to put the limit in any activity we do which has resulted in the mess in all our spheres of life. When the writings on the walls are clear enough we always pretend not to see it and turn the other way. Turning the blind eye, giving the deaf ear and going like nothing is wrong has cost us dearly and again going to cost us very dearly in future in different other obvious situations too. That will cost our coming generations future.

Be aware, dear Nagas!

Now ultimately it will be the people living towards the Kuhuboto, Niuland, Naga United- Showuba and Ralan area side who will have to face the brunt. There are more than a hundred villages where a huge considerable number of population who resides in that area. Many schools, colleges, offices, agricultural farms have been established and situated toward that side and commuters will have some real hard time for some months, especially the students attending schools and colleges and farmers who come to the market daily to sell their agricultural products from that side. Not to mention many other important day to day official and personal errands and duties. A new bridge cannot be

just build now within a jiffy. They will either have to wait for sometime or the monsoon to sober down for the construction work to start.

But hope some swift arrangement will be worked out to address into this urgent situation.

The government, village councils and local authorities should exercise prudence when it comes to leasing out the riverbed for mining activities and also demarcate the areas clearly and monitor mining through a suitable institutional mechanism. A high level sort of watchdog committee which includes environmentalists and civil societies must be formed and Laws has to be enforced in an efficient and unbiased way and decisive steps must to be taken for environmental solution here in our state. Large scale mining of sand and gravel take away several folds higher than the natural replenishments, has led to irreparable damages to our land, water, biotic and social and human environments.

Nagas too need to put a hold on our random activities and adopt real sustainable measures with a pragmatic approach while dealing with our limited resources gifted by Mother Nature to our land. It is not only going to take away all our Godgifted resources but will also destroy the man-made structures and the only loser is going to be us in the end. We hanker so much on petroleum and other natural resources.

So isn’t this riverbed an important natural resource too?

Just a few years back ,I very often warned an old high school friend of mine, who was a member of a development board of a prominent area about the over extraction of

matter, why should anyone change his own style of doing things?

"As long as there's a level of commitment, the hard yards are being put in and results are showing, why shouldn't there be fun?"

The Indian cricket board has also named former seamer Zaheer Khan as the team's bowling consultant, while Rahul Dravid was appointed as batting consultant for overseas test series.

The first challenge for the new coaching set-up will begin later this month when India tour Sri Lanka for three tests, five one-dayers and a sole Twenty20 international.

lIveRPool, July 13 (ReuteRS): Liverpool will not be influenced by their Premier League rivals' moves in the transfer market and will stick to their own signing plans, manager Juergen Klopp has said.

Klopp's side have added winger Mohamed Salah and England under-20 striker Dominic Solanke so far, but their spending has been put in the shade by local rivals Everton, who have splashed out more than 100 million pounds.

Manchester United and City, as well as Arsenal, have also spent heavily, but Klopp has urged his team's supporters not to get caught up in what the opposition are doing.

"We cannot buy players because other teams buy players," said Klopp after his team's 4-0 win over Tranmere Rovers in a pre-season friendly on Wednesday.

"We do our business as good as we can do it and we are convinced about the way we are going."

Egypt international Salah needs to finalise work permit issues before he can play but Solanke made his debut in the friendly and Klopp was full of praise for the under-20 World Cup winner.

"He is a really skilled boy. He has to improve of course but a lot of things are already really good: first touch, movement," Klopp said.

"It is about him and the situation but I will not avoid his development. In the moment when he is strong enough he is there.

"He will train with us, of course, as often as it makes sense and often as possible and then we will see."

Liverpool face third-tier Wigan Athletic in their next friendly on Friday before travelling to Hong Kong to play Crystal Palace in the Premier League Asia Trophy on July 19.

stones and gravels from the river below it but all my reminders and warnings went on unheeded. I am no soothsayer but what I warned him and now it has came true, the bridge that served as a lifeline for around some hundred of villages has now fell down. There had been instances of signature campaigns last year from various quarters for the immediate repair of the bridge but nothing was said to be done about it. Even engineers have issued warnings on several occasions. May this be a lesson for all of us.

Also not long from now, one thing that is apparently obvious we all can see is an impending massive flood looming over Dimapur town and we all know the reasons are for. The haphazard construction of buildings without any planning, the clogged drains, absence of proper water outlets and lack of public consciousness are too evident for the flood to happen. One alarming activity is the rapid construction of high elevated building raised from the road level without any drainage from Purana-Bazaar stretch to Chumukedima. Many colourful showrooms adjacent to the NH-2 are constructed without any precautionary measures in case there is a flood. Everyone can see it but our public leaders as well as the district administration are still silent on that. Hope it will not only be another failed warning as usual. Or else nature may lash its fury again and make us face the reality in a harder way again.

Let us all live responsibly and not wait for those final moments.

Endnote: While we Nagas are still fuming on our politicians and engineers for the collapsed bridge some non-locals have started earning by ferrying people from one side to the other charging Rs.20/- person. That is called making fortune through other’s misfortune albeit innovative and praiseworthy!

Yet another cheating by petrol pump Dr. M. Temjen Longkumer

I

Lerie colony, Kohima

have heard about mixing kerosene oil with petrol, using remote control, key chain, meter tampering, etc. in petrol pumps. But this time it’s a different trick. I am solely writing this for public awareness.

Recently, I took my family for a vacation to my hometown Mokokchung. There, it happened like this: I went to fill my fuel tank to its full capacity. While parking my car, the petrol filler asked me to go farther and farther but I kept sight of the meter reading.

After sometime, the man said, “Fuel tank is full” and asked for ` 1450/- but meter reading showed around ` 1100/- and 17.60 litres. (It is to be mentioned that 17.60 ltrs. at the rate of 62.80/- is ` 1105/- only). But I just thought that meter might be a little defective and left the filling-station unsatisfied. When the fuel indicator in my car still showed far below the full capacity of the tank, I turned back to complain.

They were terrified to see me back and one who filled my tank disappeared in the thin air.

They readily agreed to fill my fuel tank again.

The tank could still accommodate around 4 and half litres.

Remember, this is the same petrol pump which was sealed/locked by district administration after a student leader detected meter tampering last year. Now this time they apply another trick. It goes like this. They might have waited for easy target/prey and having noticed my Kohima number plate, might have thought, “Huh! A new kid in town.” They made it sure that I parked at the farthest so that meter is out of my view. Later they would quickly turn the meter to zero. At the close of the account, they might have deposited only the metered amount and the money collected by cheating share among them.

So, next time you head for petrol pump/ filling-station, Better Watch Out! You may be targeted.

(The writer is author of the book, Crime in Nagaland)

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

Friday 14•07•2017

EntErtainmEnt

09:40 aM & 02:35 pM

planet of the apeS (2d)

SpiderMan (2d)

Jagga JagooS

10:00 aM & 5:30 pM

12:20 pM

2:40 pM & 8:00 pM

12:00 pM, 05:00 pM &07:40 pM

Kid Rock hints at potential US Senate run in Michigan

Gigi Hadid Rocks '60s-Style Pixie Cut in Sexy Stuart Weitzman Campaign: Gigi has flirted with bangs and a bob in the past on the red carpet, but now for Stuart Weitzman, she's trying a pixie cut for a shoot.

Hadid is the star of their latest fall/winter 2017 campaign shot by Mario Testino, where she wears a Shay Ashual wig inspired by Jean Seberg's character in the French New Wave film Breathless.

T

he musician from suburban Detroit is teasing his potential 2018 candidacy, though it is news to Michigan Republicans. Kid Rock, who was born Robert Ritchie, said Wednesday that a website hinting at his campaign www.kidrockforsenate.com is legit.

“I have had a ton of emails and texts asking me if this website is real,” he said on Facebook and Twitter. “The answer is an absolute YES. Stay tuned, I will have a major announcement in the near future.”

Ritchie could not be reached by The Associated Press to discuss his plans. Spokesman Kirt Webster referred to the Facebook post and said “more soon.”

Michigan Republican Party Chairman Ron Weiser said he had not heard from Ritchie, who endorsed GOP presidential candidates Donald Trump in 2016 and Mitt Romney in 2012. “It could be a publicity ploy. Don’t know,” Weiser said in a text message.

The website shows Ritchie, 46, and asks “Are You Scared?” It has slogans such as “In Rock We Trust,” “I’ll Rock The Party” and “You’ve Never Met a Politician Quite Like Me.” It links to campaign merchandise on a website for his record label, Warner Bros.

Source: AP

Moon dust M

3 nominations for Deepika in the Teen Choice Awards

collected by Neil ArmstroNg to be sold at AuctioN

oon dust collected by Neil Armstrong during the first lunar landing is being sold at a New York auction. The lunar dust plus some tiny rocks that Armstrong also collected are zipped up in a small bag and are worth an estimated $2 million to $4 million. They’re just some of the items linked to space travel that Sotheby’s is auctioning off to mark the 48th anniver-

sary of the first lunar landing on July 20.

Armstrong’s snapshot of fellow Apollo 11 astronaut “Buzz” Aldrin standing on the moon could go for up to $4,000. Also on the block, is a documented flight plan that astronauts used to return to Earth. Armstrong was the first man to walk on the moon. He died in 2012 in Ohio.

Source: AP

Cheryl offered 500,000 pounds Steven for 'The X Factor' return Spielberg subject

S

inger Cheryl, who left "The X Factor" in 2016 after announcing plans to work on her music career, has reportedly been offered 500,000 pounds to return on the popular talent reality show. According to a source, the show's creator Simon Cowell is offering her amount to Cheryl for just two days work, reports dailymail.co.uk.

Cheryl, 34, has been out of the spotlight since giving birth to her first child Bear in March. "Simon wants to pull out all the stops for this year's show, and bagging Cheryl's long-awaited return to telly would be one of his top wishes," the source told heat magazine.

The source further revealed that the makers are also looking to involve Cheryl's boyfriend Liam Payne. "It would be telly gold. Nothing's decided yet, but bosses are very fond of Cheryl and when she's ready to do something, of course we'd be interested," the source added.

C M Y K

Source: IANS

EXO confirms summer comeback plans

P

revious reports stated that EXO is planning on releasing a new album in midJuly. The report claimed that the group has already confirmed their title track and are currently practicing the choreography for it. Furthermore, it stated that EXO will be filming their new music video next week.

More details about their comeback title track were revealed as well. A source said, “The title track is already out. It’s a song that agency representatives will be pleased with. During the hottest part of summer a lot of people say ‘It’s so hot.’

‘Hot’ is a hint for the new song.”

Thus many fans are speculat-

ing that the new title track will be titled “The War” as it sounds similar to how “hot” sounds in Korean.

Following these reports, a source from SM Entertainment stated, “EXO is currently preparing for a summer comeback. We will reveal more details once specifics are confirmed. Please look forward to it.”

As for making a comeback in July, the source said that part is not confirmed yet.

EXO last released a repackaged album in August which means their comeback will be happening in approximately a year since their last release.

Source: Soompi

of HBO documentary

S

teven Spielberg is stepping out from behind the camera to be the subject of a new documentary. HBO's "Spielberg", directed and produced by Emmy-winning documentarian Susan Lacy, will chronicle the illustrious filmmaker's ascent from a "bittersweet childhood" to his historic moviemaking career, reported Entertainment Weekly.

For the project, Lacy filmed 30 hours of interviews with Spielberg, who discussed topics like his long obsession with film, his early works as a TV "wunderkind," his string of blockbusters and more dramatic works, and his personal and professional relationships.

The documentary incorporates clips and behind-the-scenes footage from several of his land-

mark films, such as "Jaws", "ET: the Extra-Terrestrial", "Jurassic Park", "Schindler's List", "Saving Private Ryan" and a host of others. While Spielberg himself will narrate the film, his friends, family and colleagues provide added insight. Lacy interviewed more than 80 subjects for the documentary, which ranged from celebrities to directors and producers, alongside industry insiders.

J J Abrams, Francis Ford Coppola, George Lucas and Martin Scorsese are among the directors who were interviewed for the film. Several actors Spielberg has directed also appear, including Tom Hanks, Harrison Ford, Daniel DayLewis and Leonard DiCaprio, along with many others. HBO will premiere the feature-length "Spielberg" on October 7.

Source: PTI

D

eepika Padukone made her much talked about Hollywood debut with xXx: Return Of Xander Cage alongside global star Vin Diesel. She is slowly and steadily making a name for herself in the west with a xXx sequel in her kitty. And now the latest news that has sent her fans in a state of frenzy is the fact that she has bagged not one or two but three nominations in Teen Choice Awards 2017.

The actress’ name had popped up in the first wave of nominations in probables and turns out she has finally bagged it. We hope she bags the awards as well.

Check out her three nominations below: # Choice Breakout Movie Star # Choice MovieShip # Choice Female Hottie While we are talking about Deepika and xXx, we should remember that a sequel is in works. Caruso revealed during a Twitter Q&A that a direct sequel to the film will soon go on floors, with all the characters reprising their roles. One fan, just to be sure, individually pointed out and asked if Deepika will be back. The filmmaker answered in affirmation. So, get ready to see more of Serena Unger in the coming time. We wonder if Neymar will reprise his role as well. That will be one fun addition to the cast.

Source: Bollywood life

12

Friday 14•07•2017

SPORTS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Venus Williams to face Muguruza in Wimbledon final

Venus Williams celebrates winning the semi final match against Johanna Konta. (Reuters Photo)

C M Y K

LONDON, JuLy 13 (AP): Venus Williams reached her ninth Wimbledon final and first since 2009, turning in her latest display of gutsy serving to beat Johanna Konta 6-4, 6-2 on Thursday.

At 37, Williams is the oldest finalist at the All England Club since Martina Navratilova was the 1994 runner-up at that age.

She also stopped Konta’s bid to become the first woman from Britain in 40 years to win Wimbledon.

Williams will be seeking her sixth Wimbledon championship and eighth Grand Slam singles trophy overall. Her most recent came in 2008, when she

defeated her younger sister, Serena, for the title. A year later, she lost to Serena.

In the time since, Williams revealed that she was diagnosed with Sjogren’s syndrome, which can sap energy and cause joint pain. As time went on, there were questions about whether she might retire, especially after a half-dozen first-round losses at major tournaments. But she kept on going, and lately has returned to winning.

Her resurgence began in earnest at Wimbledon a year ago, when she made it to the semifinals before losing. Then, at the Australian Open this January, Wil-

liams appeared in the final, where she lost to — yes, you guessed it — her sister.

On Saturday, the 10thseeded American will participate in her second Grand Slam final of the season, this time against 14thseeded Garbine Muguruza of Spain.

In Thursday’s opening semifinal, Muguruza overwhelmed 87th-ranked Magdalena Rybarikova of Slovakia 6-1, 6-1 in just over an hour.

Williams’ semifinal was more competitive, at least at the outset. Indeed, it was Konta who had the first chance to nose ahead, standing a point from serv-

Garbine Muguruza celebrates after beating Magdalena Rybarikova. (AP Photo)

ing from the opening set when it was 4-all and Williams was serving down 15-40.

Williams erased the first break point with a backhand winner down the line, and the second with a 106 mph (171 kph) second serve that went right at Konta’s body. It was a risky strategy, going for so much pace on a second serve, but it worked. That opened a run in which Williams collected 12 of 13 points and seized control.

She wouldn’t face another break point the rest of the way. Konta played quite well, especially early, and hit six aces — three in a

single game — before Williams had one. By the finish, Konta had produced more winners, 20 to 19, each greeted by roars from the Centre Court crowd.

Williams, though, has so much more experience in these circumstances, and it showed down the stretch. This was her 10th semifinal in 20 Wimbledon appearances; Konta had never been past the second round at the grasscourt tournament before this year.

There was also a meaningful gap in the track records of the other semifinals, and it made a difference right away. Mu-

guruza won 15 of the first 20 points en route to a 5-0 lead, before Rybarikova at last managed to win a solitary game, 26 minutes into the match.

That, though, was followed by another fivegame run by Muguruza.

Even though Rybarikova entered having won 18 of her past 19 grass-court matches, mostly at lowerlevel tournaments, she suddenly looked a lot more like someone whose career record at Wimbledon before last week was 2-9.

A lot of that certainly had to do with Muguruza, who was terrific. Her serves came swiftly and at hard-to-handle angles. Her groundstrokes were flat and powerful. Her net approaches were well-timed, her volleys on-target.

She faced only one break point, saving it. She earned 12 on Rybarikova’s serve, converting five. She won the point on 19 of 25 trips to the net. And she accumulated a 22-8 edge in winners.

That earned the 23-year-old Muguruza a berth in her third career Grand Slam final, second at the All England Club.

She lost to Serena Williams with the title on the line at Wimbledon in 2015, then beat her for the trophy at the French Open last year.

Banned former FIFA executive Chuck Blazer dies

Chuck Blazer (Reuters File Photo)

New yORk, JuLy 13 (ReuTeRS): Chuck Blazer, the former FIFA executive committee member who pleaded guilty to racketeering, wire fraud and money laundering, has died, his lawyers said on Wednesday.

A statement from Blazer's two lawyers did not provide details or the circumstances of his death. The New York Times reported he had died of rectal cancer, which he had suffered for years.

Blazer, 72, was general secretary of the Confederation of North, Central America and

Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) from 1990 to 2011.

He pleaded guilty in the United States to bribery and financial offences in 2013 and was later banned by FIFA from all football activities for life.

FIFA expressed its condolences to Blazer's family, in an emailed statement to Reuters, but made no further comment on how Blazer's death would impact the corruption probe.

A spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Brooklyn, which is overseeing the FIFA probe, did not respond to a request for comment.

F1 cars burn rubber in London, reviving talk of street race Controversial loss unlikely to

LONDON, JuLy 13 (ReuTeRS): With the U.K.'s Silverstone racetrack exercising a break clause in its contract to host the British Grand Prix, a Formula One event that saw cars race through the capital's streets revived the prospect of a long-touted London race becoming a reality.

F1 boss Chase Carey told Reuters that Liberty Media were interested in bringing Formula One to more city-based street races, an idea that piqued the interest of

some of the sport's top drivers and even London's Mayor.

"Why not? four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel told Reuters, of the idea of a London street race. "I don't know if it's possible to shut down a city for an entire weekend, like London. We do it in other places so it's not impossible."

Britain's Jenson Button, the 2009 Formula One world champion echoed the sentiment, saying: "It could be a lot of fun, especially

for the fans," while Williams driver Felipe Massa added: "Why not a race here in London? It would be fantastic!"

London Mayor Sadiq Kahn told Reuters that while there would be hurdles to overcome, he would be "happy to listen" to Formula One bosses if they proposed bringing a race to the city.

Meanwhile, Carey expressed frustration with Silverstone's decision to call the race's future into question.

"That they (Silverstone) chose a week when both we and Silverstone should be celebrating the sport, to decide they’re going to use it for posturing and to negotiate, but so be it", he said.

Carey and the drivers were speaking at the F1 Live event in London, which saw classic and modern Formula One cars roar down Whitehall in front of cheering fans.

The 2017 British Grand Prix takes place this weekend.

push Pacquiao into retirement

1st Kohima District Inter-School Football Tournament Riizhiikhrie GHSS to face G. Rio School in final Our Correspondent Kohima | July 13

Riizhiikhrie Govt Higher Secondary School narrowly beat Mt. Sinai Higher Secondary School in the 2nd semifinal to make it to the final of the ongoing 1st Kohima District InterSchool Football tournament here at Kohima Local Ground on Thursday.

Playing in front of a capacity crowd of 3000 plus, Mt. Sinai prevented Riizhiikhrie from scoring any goals in the closely contested match of 90 minutes as both teams were locked in a goalless draw. The match

then proceeded to extra time during which Riizhiikhrie Govt HSS's striker Vilakholie headed in the winning goal in 90+7th minute much to

the delight of the supporters.

Riizhiikhrie GHSS dominated the game and made several attempts but failed to break the deadlock. Ri-

izhiikhrie also missed a real chance when it failed to convert a spot kick in the 34th minute – the ball going over the crossbar.

The second half saw a better contest as both teams showed equal strength and created chances at both ends. Mt. Sinai missed a header from close range in the 77th minute while Riizhiikhrie failed to convert a second penalty kick as Mt. Sinai’s custodian Mathew Thapa dived to the right and parried away the shot of Ndalungswang in the 90+9th min just before the end of the match.

Semifinalist Mt. Sinai will receive a cash award of 20,000.

Meanwhile, an exhibition match between Royal Club Kohima and Kohima Press Club will take place on July 14 at 2:00 pm. KPC requested all its members to reach the venue at 1.30 pm.

(Reuters File Photo) Reuters

Manny Pacquiao has hinted he will continue his boxing career despite having lost to Australia's Jeff Horn earlier this month via a controversial decision that angered fans and prompted the World Boxing Organization to review the Brisbane fight.

Horn stunned Pacquiao with an unanimous 12-round decision on July 2 that gave the former schoolteacher the WBO welterweight title.

There had been talk the 38-year-old Pacquiao might retire, but the eightdivision world champion said on Wednesday his

passion for the sport was still strong.

"I love this sport and until the passion is gone, I will continue to fight for God, my family, my fans and my country," Pacquiao said on his Twitter feed.

A rematch was written into the contract for the initial fight in the event Pacquiao lost and the pair are expected to face each other again later this year.

Pacquiao's defeat sparked fury among his fans, who labelled the 117111, 115-113 and 115-113 scoring as a "hometown decision", and the Philippines Games and Amusements Board sent a letter to

the WBO asking for a "thorough review" of the fight.

On Tuesday, the WBO said five independent judges had reviewed the bout and gave the decision to Horn by seven rounds to five..

Pacquiao said in a statement to CNN Philippines late on Tuesday in reaction to the WBO's review that, in his opinion, it was clear who won.

"Let the people judge for themselves. People saw what happened," he said.

"We have seen worse judgements in the past where judges manipulated results.

"Nothing surprises me now."

McGregor makes fun of Mayweather’s tax problems Cowboys, Yankees top Man United as world's most valued teams TORONTO, JuLy 13 (AP): UFC star Conor McGregor played to a partisan Toronto audience and made fun of boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s tax problems at the second stop of their four-city promotional tour.

They are scheduled to meet in an exhibition boxing match Aug. 26 in Las Vegas.

McGregor, one of the biggest stars in mixed-martial arts, was clearly the fan favorite Wednesday at the open-air Budweiser Stage, with the crowd chanting “Pay your taxes! Pay your taxes!” at Mayweather.

The IRS still has Floyd Mayweather Jr. on the hook for $7.2 million in taxes from 2010, according to records that show a lien as unresolved. That’s on top of the $22.2 million the undefeated boxer nicknamed “Money” owes in 2015 takes for the year he earned $200 million to fight Manny Pacquiao.

Conor McGregor, right, throws an Irish flag at Floyd Mayweather during a promotional stop in Toronto on Wednesday, July 12, 2017, for their upcoming boxing match in Las Vegas. (AP Photo)

McGregor encouraged the crowd to shout expletives at Mayweather and his family before the Irishman launched into a nearly 10-minute profanity-laced tirade.

“Twenty-eight years of age and I’m getting fight checks and promoter checks,” McGregor said.

“When Floyd was 28, he was on Oscar De La Hoya’s undercard and that’s just facts.”

The 41-year-old Mayweather produced a backpack filled with thousands of dollars in bills before grabbing an Irish flag and draping it over his shoulders to mock McGregor.

“One thing we do know,

the (expletive) fans can’t fight for you,” Mayweather said to boos. “We’re not talking about being at the top one year, two years, three years, four years.

Twenty-one years!”

The promotional tour opened in Los Angeles and also will hit New York City and London.

New yORk, JuLy 13 (AFP): With the NFL's top sponsorship and premium seating revenues, the Dallas Cowboys were named the world's most valuable sports team Wednesday by Forbes magazine in its annual top-50 ranking.

The Cowboys, who have not won a Super Bowl since 1996, jumped five percent in value to $4.2 billion (3.68 billion euros) to defend their 2016 position. Last year they unseated Spanish football powerhouse Real Madrid atop the global list.

The 32-team NFL is the world's richest league, with an average operating profit of $91 million and no club turning less than a $26 million profit.

A major reason for that was the latest NFL television package bringing annual revenues of $7 billion.

The Cowboys also boast a $1.5 billion team practice facility and headquarters that will become a retail and entertainment complex with hotels, medical center and convention center.

An exclusive club offers members the chance to watch Cowboys workouts.

Only three NFL clubs missed the 50-team Forbes richest roll call -- the Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions and Buffalo Bills.

Major League Baseball's New

York Yankees ranked second on $3.7 billion, a nine percent boost from last year. They boast $120 million in sponsorships and $130 million in premium seat revenues, tops in the major leagues. In all, eight major league clubs made the Forbes list.

Manchester United ranked a close third on $3.69 billion, hurdling Spanish rivals Barcelona ($3.64 billion) and Real Madrid ($3.58 billion).

Barca was up two percent to stand fourth, Real off by the same amount in fifth overall.

In all, seven global football clubs made the list, the others being Bayern Munich, 15th on $2.71 billion; Manchester City, 35th on $2.083 billion; Arsenal, 43rd on $1.93 billion and Chelsea, 46th on $1.845 billion.

The reigning Super Bowl champion New England Patriots were sixth on the list at $3.4 billion, jumping six percent with their run to the NFL title.

Topping NBA clubs in seventh overall were the New York Knicks on $3.3 billion, up 10 percent in value but still weaklings on the court at 31-51. They have not had a playoff berth or winning season since 2013 and have won only one playoff series since 2000.

The NFL's New York Giants were

eighth on $3.1 billion with the NFL San Francisco 49ers and NBA Los Angeles Lakers sharing ninth at $3 billion.

In all, there were seven NBA clubs on the list. The reigning champion Golden State Warriors shared 20th with the NFL Houston Texans on $2.6 billion, leaping 37 percent in value.

Last year's NBA champion Cleveland Cavaliers didn't make the list but the NBA-worst Brooklyn Nets at 20-62 shared 47th on $1.8 billion, just ahead of a 50th-place deadlock between the NFL New Orleans Saints and baseball's Los Angeles Angels on $1.75 billion.

The biggest gainer was the NFL Los Angeles Rams, doubling in value after a move from St. Louis to land in 12th overall with a new stadium owned by Rams owner Stan Kroenke set to open in 2020.

Kroenke is also the biggest shareholder in Arsenal, which suffered the list's worst plunge, tumbling 20 spots and off four percent due to a decline in the British pound after Britain voted to leave the European Union.

Two teams from last year fell off the list, the NBA's Houston Rockets and English football side Liverpool.

No NHL or auto racing teams made the list.

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