June 1st, 2017

C M Y K

www.morungexpress.com

ThursDAY • June 01 • 2017

DIMAPUR • Vol. XII • Issue 148• 12 PAGes • 5

T H e

ESTD. 2005

P o W e R

o F

T R u T H

The people who were trying to make this world worse are not taking the day off. Why should I? — Bob Marley Massive explosion in Kabul claims more than 80 lives

PMUY launched in Nagaland

PAGe 09

Muguruza survives French Open scare, Djokovic cruises

PAGe 05

PAGE 12

4 missing, 1 injured State BJP faces demand for prez’s ouster Party suspends in Phek flash flood three members Morung Express News Dimapur | May 31

Villagers looking through debris in search of the four persons who went missing during a flash flood in Phek on May 30. Photo Courtesy NSDMA

DIMAPUR, MAY 31 (MExN): Four persons have been reported missing and one was injured as a result of a flash flood that occurred in Phek district on May 30. The state saw incessant rainfall and heavy wind conditions persisted in certain areas on Tuesday, as Cyclone Mora made its way to Bangladesh.

A press note from the

Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) informed that the flood also washed away paddy fields belonging to Meluri and Jessami villages. Two bridges in Phonkuri village under Meluri sub-division were also washed away.

Search and rescue for retrieving the body of the missing persons has already started along the

stretch of the river, jointly organised by the district administration, personnel of 22 AR, 111 BSF personnel stationed at Akash Bridge, State Disaster Response Force and public from Meluri, Jessami and all neighbouring villages, the NSDMA stated.

Meanwhile in Mokokchung district, heavy winds caused damages to public utility services.

Four killed in car accident

DIMAPUR, MAY 31 (MExN): Four people were killed in a car accident on May 30 afternoon, as the Tata Sumo taxi they were travelling in rolled down some 400 feet from the road between Satami and Aghunato.

The vehicle was reportedly travelling to Satami from Zunheboto. Police informed that the accident occurred at around 3:00-4:00pm on May 30. Police

got to know of the accident at around 9:00-10:00pm after the passengers failed to reach their destination, and relatives started inquiring.

While three of the victim’s bodies were recovered late night on May 30, the other body could be retrieved only on May 31 morning on account of bad weather. The deceased included one woman and three men, all hailing from Satami Village.

Scores of senior leaders and party workers of the Nagaland State BJP unit on Wednesday staged a protest rally at the party’s head office in Dimapur, demanding removal of the party president, Visazolie Lhoungu.

The BJP leaders and workers also protested against the alleged move of the party president to shift the party’s head office from Dimapur to Kohima.

After the protest rally and meeting, senior party leaders in a press briefing explained the reasons and circumstances that compelled them to call the rally.

The BJP leaders also handed over copies of a press release issued by Advisor, BJP Nagaland, and former Deputy Chief Minister, IK Sema, which stated that the BJP in Nagaland has not been able to function smoothly or effectively due to factors like “lack of proper leadership, clear direction and lack of coordination and team work...”

The release alleged that the incumbent state BJP president, who was “imposed in the state by the central leadership without any election or consensus”, did not even submit a memorandum, which was prepared after detailed deliberations by the senior members and State BJP office bearers in August 2016, and addressed to the Prime Minister and the BJP National president.

“Instead, the contents were leaked to the then CM, who was not a member of BJP”, the release stated.

“Again, in October 2016, a drafting committee was appointed by the party in a meeting on 31st Oct when Mhonlumo Kikon, BJP MLA, was unceremoniously dropped from the ministry by the CM without any consultation with

DIMAPUR, MAY 31 (MExN): The BJP Nagaland State Unit has “disowned” the protest today and suspended three of its party members.

A press note from the party unit’s General Secretary informed that the suspended members are IK Sema, HK Khullu and Yanghose Sangtam.

The press note further termed the protest as an “unauthorized meeting organised by few State BJP members and displaying placards against the State President and shouting slogans Nagaland BJP members who carried out a protest in front of the part unit’s office against the Central leaders for their own personal interest.” in Dimapur on May 31.

BJP says it is the only alternative political party Our Correspondent Kohima | May 31

Nagaland BJP President, Visasolie Lhoungu today said that BJP is the only alternative political party in Nagaland for the next general elections to form the government. He claimed that the people have now started accepting the BJP party, lots of people are joining the party and a lot of intending/probable candidates are coming up.

Speaking at the 5th executive meeting of Kohima district BJP here today, he stressed on the need to identify the intending/probable candidates so that the party be part of the government in the next election.

“It is sure that BJP will come to power,” he said adding that the centhe BJP leadership and the committee submitted the draft memorandum addressed to the Prime Minister and national president.

This was to be approved by the State Executive”, it stated.

However, the release informed that even after a lapse of six months, the matter has been kept pending till date by the State BJP president.

The rebel BJP leaders also accused the party president of functioning like a “dictator in terms of appointment of office bearers and dismissing

them” and cited the case of three senior office bearers of the state unit who were dropped without even serving show cause notice but through an order stating “as directed by the central leadership.”

The leaders also alleged that thereafter as many as 6 senior office bearers were just dropped and replaced by junior members without any consultation with the advisor or senior colleagues or legislators.

Further, the release pointed out that on May 13 the State BJP president had given his reaction to specu-

“Our party is against corruption.

We want to have corruption free government,” he said adding that the BJP party wants to deliver equal opportunity and give equal service to everybody.

Regarding economic development, the State BJP President said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, all developmental programmes are being implemented successfully and development is taking place in full swing.

Regarding criticism faced on grounds of religious issue, he stated that the BJP is not a religious party and neither is it against any religion.

Lhoungu meanwhile informed that the National BJP President, Amit Shah will be visiting the state in August this year and will address a public rally in Kohima.

lations which appeared in some local media that he would be contesting the 2018 assembly election on NPF party ticket.

“This speaks volumes about his loyalty especially towards BJP. Can there be fire without smoke?” the party leaders and workers questioned.

The release informed that earlier in April this year, eleven senior party members had written to the BJP national president to reorganize the party starting with the state president and that the 12 district BJP presidents had also giv-

en a reminder on the same matter during their recent meeting with the central leaders.

Affirming that BJP Nagaland is trying to revitalize itself and gear up for the 2018 assembly election and to improve its delivery to the people of Nagaland, the release stated Wednesday’s meeting decided that all out efforts would be made to ensure “the functioning of the BJP is made effective in the state by removing the thorn, puppet and those who are not loyal to the party starting with the president.”

Award life imprisonment to cow killers, suggests Rajasthan HC

‘Make Nagaland tobacco free’ IPS, IAS & IFS officers facing

JAIPUR, MAY 31 (IANS): The Rajasthan High Court on Wednesday suggested that the cow should be declared a national animal and its killers be sentenced to life imprisonment. “Keeping in mind Articles 48 and 51A (g) of the Constitution and to provide legal entity for their proper protection and conservation of cow, it is expected from the government that cow is declared a national animal,” Justice Mahesh Chandra Sharma said in an order. The judge, on the eve of his retirement, gave a ruling relating to the Hingonia Gaushala of Jaipur. According to NGOs, over 500 cows had died at the Hingonia Bovine Animal Rehabilitation Centre in a span of 1-2 months in 2016 due to improper care.

Expressing concern at Nagaland’s rank as the 2nd highest tobacco consumer in India, the need to make Nagaland free from tobacco was stressed during the observance of World No Tobacco Day here today under the theme ‘Tobacco- A Threat to Development.’

57% of the state consumes tobacco with, of which 31.5% indulge in smoking and 45.3% indulge in smokeless tobacco.

“There is a great need to create awareness and control of tobacco consumption at all levels— homes, schools, public places, working places, office etc, to avoid untimely deaths, sufferings and diseases,” said Parliamentary Secretary for Higher & Technical Education, Deo Nukhu. “We can im-

Our Correspondent Kohima | May 31

prove our health and economy by utilizing the amount used for consumption of tobacco.”

Stating that higher cancer cases in Nagaland are attributed to tobacco consumption, Nukhu stressed on the need to create more awareness. Nukhu felt that emphasis should be given to eradicate tobacco flow in Nagaland.

“This is possible since there is no cultivation, no production and processing in our state.”

He also stressed on the need to encourage all schools, colleges and educational institutions to make ‘Tobacco Free Campuses’.

Kohima Deputy Commissioner, Rajesh Soundararajan, IAS, in his address called for restricting sale of tobacco products to minors in all wards of Kohima. It is very important for parents, teachers and other community stakehold-

ers to make sure that they give the right kind of information in all social fields, he added.

Ambassador for Tobacco Smoke Free Kohima, Sievituo Solo meanwhile informed that his team will be collaborating with the Department of Health & Family Welfare to create more awareness across the state and reach out to the different groups. He also wanted the department to focus on physical activities by organizing a run programme so that the people can run together for health and release stress, thereby developing inner strength.

Sharing her success story, Rita Angami urged others to take an oath to quit tobacco, stay healthy and fight together to make Nagaland a land “free of tobacco.” So far there are 133 tobacco free schools, 15 tobacco free colleges and 7 tobacco free villages in the state.

NLC questions lack of qualified employees in School Edu Dept

C M Y K

tral BJP has also prepared a plan and has Nagaland as their next target. “We should not have small time player all the times,” he said adding that BJP has become a major party in the state and that is why criticism and false allegation are doing the rounds.

He said that it was because of the improvement of the party position that opposition parties have come up with criticisms. “We have to be ready. We have to be broadminded and fully gear up to face such challenges,” he said.

He maintained the party position can be improved only through hard work and unity, and challenged party workers to bring more members and also identify probable candidates.

Lhoungu also called for strengthening the party at the grassroots level.

DIMAPUR, MAY 31 (MExN): The Nagaland Congress (NLC) today released data regarding employment status in the Nagaland School Education Department and alleged that there are “too many questionable appointments and too less qualified” employees in the department.

Citing information revealed through RTI, the NLC informed that as of April 26, 2017, there were 24400 employees in the department, out of which about 20538 (84%) are teaching employees and 3862 (16%) are non-teaching employees. “Most were directly or politically appointed,” the NLC further alleged.

The data revealed that while 9% of the employees are MA/ MSc/MPhil/PhD; 33% are BA/BSc

Equivalent; 36% are Matriculate/ PU; and 22% are Under Matric/Diploma holders. Those whose qualifications were not specified come under the last category.

Of the 24400 employees, the NLC informed that 2426 are adhoc, 308 are contingency, 254 are on contract basis, 1244 are fixed employees, 17753 are regular, 2260 are temporary and 155 are specified as “others.”

The district wise break of employees and their qualification was also provided by the NLC as follows: • Dimapur: 4272 employees (MA/ MSc+ 9%; BA/BSc 36%; Matric/ PU 38% & Others17%) • Kohima: 3002 employees (MA/ MSc+ 14%; BA/BSc 34%; Matric/ PU 30%; Others 22%)

• Mokokchung: 3115 employees (MA/MSc+ 11%; BA/BSc 40%; Matric/PU 31% & Others 18%.

• Zunheboto: 2655 employees (MA/MSc+ 5%; BA/BSc 24%; Matric/PU 51%; Others 20%) • Wokha: 1565 employees (MA/ MSc+ 12%; BA/BSc 37%; Matric/ PU 33% & Others 18%) • Phek: 2079 employees (MA/ MSc+ 8%; BA/BSc 34%; Matric/ PU 33% & Others 25%) • Tuensang: 2402 employees (MA/MSc+ 6%; BA/BSc 30%; Matric/PU 44% & Others 20%) • Mon: 2066 employees (MA/ MSc+ 6%; BA/BSc 29%; Matric/ PU 37% & Others 28%) • Peren: 1109 employees (MA/ MSc+ 9%; BA/BSc 39%; Matric/ PU 20% & Others 32%)

• Kiphire: 1095 employees (MA/ MSc+ 5%; BA/BSc 28%; Matric/ PU 40% & Others 27%) • Longleng: 1033 employees (MA/ MSc+ 3%; BA/BSc 26%; Matric/ PU 35% & Others 36%) From this, the NLC pointed to the low percentage of MA/Msc degree holders in the department working specifically at Longleng, Zunheboto, Kiphire, Mon and Tuensang districts.

It further expressed concern on the issue of “bogus, ghost and proxy employees,” and appealed to the tribe bodies, educated unemployed associations, conscious NGOs and individuals of concerned districts to seriously investigate the matter.

discrimination in Nagaland

NEW DElhI, MAY 31 (DEccAN hERAlD): The Indian civil services officers are feeling a sense of discrimination in Nagaland as they are not getting a promotion to cadres posts due to them. From Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Forest Service (IFS) are said to be feeling the heat due to alleged “Naga versus outsider” discrimination, as an officer of the state pointed out.

The department of personnel and training and union home ministry have received representations from the IPS of Nagaland cadre, seeking centre’s intervention to end the anomaly of not getting cadre posts despite eligibility, said government sources. On April 24, an MHA under secretary wrote to Nagaland chief secretary Pankaj Kumar, asking him to look into the denial of promotion to cadres posts and send the status report to the ministry urgently.

Kumar was not available for comments despite attempts to reach him on his phone.

DGP Nagaland LL Doungel did not find much merit in the IPS officer’s charge that they were being denied promotional avenues. Speaking to DH over the phone, Doungel said “that is not quite so as it is made out to be. Officers came here and keep

Anomalies & corrective measures

DIMAPUR, MAY 31 (MExN): Nagaland State DGP LL Doungel, while speaking to The Morung Express, clarified on the report. “Nagaland IPS cadre was created in 1989, more than 25 years after the State came into being in 1963,” he said. As a result of this, many anomalies showed up. “To ensure that all posts were occupied and the cadre was functional, certain improvisations were adopted which led to a few anomalies.

To address these anomalies certain correctional measures were taken but because of the high attrition rate of direct IPS officers, it was not possible to correct the anomalies instantly. Therefore, the government had to resort to posting of NPS officers to man the cadre IPS posts. Recognizing this anomaly, posting transfers are done after due consideration,” he explained. changing their cadre so the vacancies have to be filled by state cadre police officers”. Doungel said: “It’s a long story” and abruptly disconnected the conversation when asked why promotion scale has been denied to the IPS officers.

The IPS officers have also petitioned DGP Nagaland to get their pending promotion to become Superintendents of Polices (SPs) – the rank from where cadre post starts till the topmost slot in the state. From SP to the DGP, there are over three dozen posts for the IPS officers. At the SP level alone, 19 posts are reserved for the IPS, said government sources but currently, hardly five are with the IPS including state promotee officers. The remaining are with Nagaland cadre ser-

vice police officers.

The 2012 batch police officers have claimed that since “senior time scale” have been withheld since 2016 they have not got promotion. IAS officers are confronted with a similar situation as a number of them too have not been given deputy collectors posts.

The state refused to accept Indian Forest Service probationer Palve Vijay Triambak was allotted Nagaland cadre. Environment and forest secretary of Nagaland Imtienla Ao wrote to the director of Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy that “the state government is not in a position to accommodate any new direct recruit IFS officers for the time being due to some technical problem in cadre management in the state”.

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Thursday 01•06•2017

NAGALAND

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Nagaland University World No Tobacco Day: Tobacco - A threat to development to teach ‘Naga Highland Hall School conduct competitions Students says no to tobacco with walkathon Writings in English’ Morung Express News Kiphire | May 31

Minister Yitachu releases the book ‘Naga Writings in English’ authored by Dr. Rukule Kezo, Assistant Professor on May 30.

(Morung Photo) Morung Express News Kohima | May 31

‘Naga Writings in English’ a CUE based work book for B.A third Semester English Honours, Nagaland University authored by Dr. Rukule Kezo, Assistant Professor English department was released on May 31. Launched by Yitachu, Minister, School Education SCERT, the programme was held at the Modern College, Kohima.

In the opening address, HP Singh, Principal, Modern College spoke about the value of books. “Books play a very important role in our lives. They mould our lives and guide us. They are the best companions of a person,” said Singh who urged the students not to dishonor books.

Providing a brief outline on the workbook, Dr. Kezo stated that the book was inspired by her own experiences as a student as well as a teacher, further realising that classrooms in Nagaland are “too teachercentric.” Finding out that there are few scopes for students to develop their learning in such environment, the English Professor deduced the CUE concept to make classrooms more productive.

CUE is concept developed by Dr. Kezo herself which stands for C-Congruence to become a real person, U-Unconditional positive regard, and Eempathy, which calls for teacher and students to become collaborators in the

learning process. “There is a need for responsible learning, to replace teacher-centric pedagogy to learner-centered pedagogy. Teachers must shift from being dispensers of knowledge to being facilitators of knowledge,” viewed Dr. Kezo who mentioned that responsible learning is not developing because teachers in Nagaland assume students to “be empty buckets that needs to be filled.”

However with the concept of CUE in the classroom, Dr. Kezo believed that teachers and students can be partners in learning.

The CUE work book consist of worksheets, assessment activities to make sure that learners are able to improve, review workshop and supplementary sections.

Produced as a humble initiative to make literature classroom and effective platform for enabling responsible learning, Dr. Kezo asserts that literature has a lot of potentials and it is in literature that students can develop their writing and speaking skills.

Emphasizing on the progress of human society, Yitachu viewed that giving back to the society is a factor of progress in society and writing is one great contribution. “We are a growing society but our growth has not being measured in a step by step manner,” said Yitachu who also stated that a bold decision is required by young students to change Naga society.

Hundreds of students from secondary schools and college in Kiphire participated in the walkathon with placards organized by the Kiphire District Legal Service Authority on World No Tobacco Day under the theme ‘tobaccoa threat to development’ which was flagged off by the Ben Longkumer NPS, Superintendent of Police & Executive member DLSA Kiphire.

Ben Longkumer shared his observation and said that Kiphire has lot of limitations and lack of recreational centers could also be the factor for youngsters in the district to get oneself indulges in substance abuse. “Youngsters in the district are talented and gifted and is equally compatible,” Ben stated while asking the students present to take care of oneself with

hire on May 31. (Morung Photo)

healthy mind and healthy body abstaining from any kind of substance abuse.

He said that taking part in the walkathon not only creates awareness but also helps the citizens to walk for healthy life and healthy thinking which ultimately will lead the society to move forward in every aspect.

While chairing and delivering the introductory remark, Mezivolu T. Therieh, NJS Chief Judicial Magistrate and Secretary KDLSA

cautioned that tobacco is the only legal product that kills 50% of its udders. She also pointed out that 90% of oral cancers are due to tobacco use and 40% of all cancers in India are due to tobacco.

In the placard competition, Tsarimong from Loyala Hr Sec School, ICEU, Zisaji Goverment College and Rilila from Loyala Hr Sec School were adjudged 1st, 2nd and 3rd position with announcement of a cash prize of Rs.3000, Rs. 2000 and Rs.1000

with citations respectively.

The students along with teachers, district civil and police officials, Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs) and members of the DLSA participated in the walkathon from DC’s residence till the Public Ground where the chairperson extended the vote of thanks to all the participants and invitees and the CO and Officials of the 7 AR in making necessary arrangements at the concluding venue.

Parliamentary secretary for higher education & technical education Deo Nukhu and others during the observance of World No Tobacco Day observed on May 31 in Kohima under the theme “Tobacco- A Threat to Development.” (DIPR Photo)

80% of Naga people using tobacco

Pranab Vidyapith Higher Secondary School, Dimapur observed World Tobacco Day on the May 31 at Pranab Jubilee Auditorium in a befitting manner. Dr. Kaketo H. Yepthomi, ‘Beyond Smile’s –Multispeciality Dental Clinic, Dimapur ex-student of the school was the speaker. A speech competition was organized where 27 students participated and Raj Paul was adjudged as the winner, Gourab Deb came second and Sandip Debnath won third place.

Drawing and slogan competition were also organized.

FAC says No to Tobacco

mokokchung, may 31 (mexn): Mokokchung District observed the World No Tobacco day at Fazl Ali College, Auditorium on May 31 which was attended by the principal, staffs and the students. Dr Moa Jamir, District Nodal Officer for NTCP gave a power point presentation on the awareness and how tobacco threatens our health and the development of the society. He highlighted that Nagaland is the 2nd highest tobacco consumers in the Country with 57% and also 2nd in the Country where Non-smokers are exposed to SHS in Government Offices. Dr Tiasenla and Dr Aotula from IMDH also attended the programme.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

• Born on 1st January 1919 • Joined Naga National movement in April 1955, as private, Army No- 420 • Died at the age of 98 on 24th May 2017 • Served in the Naga National movement till his last breath He was loyal and faithful to

duties assigned to him and

performed them in the best capacity as seen and observed

Late. Brig. (Retd) Kakiho Tuccu,

Dimapur, may 31 (mexn): Highland Hall School, Dimapur observed World No Tobacco Day with Purnungla, Associate Professor, CISHR, Nursing College as resource person. Kezhaleno Phira, Administrator, welcomed gathering which was followed by series of competitions on the theme- ‘Tobacco, A Threat to Development.’ Debate competition was conducted for class 9 and 10, extempore for class 7 and 8, painting for class 4, slogan for class 5 and 6 and skit for class 8, 9 and 10. The winners were awarded with certificates by the Dimapur District Tobacco Control Cell. Signature campaign was also included in the activity for class 9 and 10 students. The programme concluded with vote of Ben Longkumer NPS, Superintendent of Police flags off the walkathon with placards at Kip- thanks by Sushil and Meren pronounced the benediction.

from his speeches and deeds.

Kilonser, Ex. Commander-in-Chief, GPRN/NSCN

We, the bereaved family express our gratitude to all the friends and well wishers for your support in kinds and prayers during the brief ailment of our beloved father. We also, would like to mentioned our thankfulness to: 1. Collective Leaderships, GPRN/NSCN 2. All ranks and files of Political and Secretariat set up, GPRN/NSCN 3. Council Head Quarter Church, GPRN/NSCN 4. All Naga Army GHQ, CHQ and all Designated Camps, GPRN/NSCN 5. Sumi Region, GPRN/NSCN 6. Union Territory, GPRN/NSCN 7. Special thanks to Naga Army, Ghukiye Designated Camp, GPRN/NSCN, for performing the last Military Honor 8. NSWW, GPRN/NSCN 9. Ex-gretia, GPRN/NSCN 10. Chekiye Baptist Church, Dimapur 11. Natha Old Baptist Church 12. Women & Youth Department, Natha Old Baptist Church 13. Kulolau Natha Old Kuqhakulu, Dimapur 14. Village Council, Natha Old Village, Zunheboto 15. Tokujo Kuqhakulu, Dimapur 16. Toluvi Baptist Church, Dimapur 17. Women and Youth Department, Toluvi Baptist Church 18. Sumi Baptist Church, Diphupar, Dimapur 19. Youth Department, Sumi Baptist Church, Diphupar, Dimapur 20. Children Education Department, Diphupar, Dimapur 21. Agri Sah, Aza noqo, Diphupar, Dimapur 22. Sumi Kuposhukulu, Agri. Sah, Diphupar, Dimapur 23. I-Khel Fellowship, Diphupar, Dimapur 24. Teacher & Staff, GHS. Asukiqa 25. Ghotovi Baptist Church 26. Kitami Baptist Church. SABAK, Pughoboto 27. Women Deptt, Kitami Baptist Church 28. Kitami Village, Council 29. Asukiqa Village Council 30. Asukiqa Baptist Church

peren, may 31 (Dipr): World No Tobacco Day was observed at Peren Town on May 31 at Town Hall, with Sarita Yadav IAS SDO (C) as the chief guest. Lamenting on the rampant use and the alarming effects of Tobacco in the state, the chief guest said that 80% of the Nagas uses tobacco in different forms which involves even the educated people.

CMO Peren, Dr. Denis Hangsing stated that the use of Tobacco is a very old habit in Nagaland. He elaborated the economy effect, the health and environment effect of tobacco uses. Due to the alarming effects of tobacco uses in recent years, the Government of India has launched this awareness campaign more actively since 2016, he added.

In a keynote address, DNO, NTCP Peren, Dr. Sabino stated that 5.4 million people die every year all over the world due to the effect of tobacco uses and its related diseases. 95 % of cancers are of oral cancers which are mainly the related tobacco effects she said. The programme was chaired by Hoineichin, Social worker and the vote of thanks was pronounced by Alhing.

Yikhum becomes first Tobacco Free Village under Wokha

Wokha, may 31 (Dipr): Yikhum village became the first village to be declared as Tobacco Free Village under Wokha district. The declaration was made by Chief Medical Officer, Wokha Dr. Enrithung Lotha during the observation of World No Tobacco Day held at Tiyi Hall, Wokha on May 31.

Chairman Lotha Hoho, Mhao Humtsoe, the chief guest, impressed upon the gathering to discourage the use of tobacco as consumption of tobacco acts as a threat not only to development but also life, family, community and society.

Delivering the keynote address Sr. Dental Surgeon & DNO NTCP, Dr. Mere-

bini Odyuo said that tobacco control measures will reinforce the importance of embedding economic activities within the principles of a society that values human dignity and serves the common good.

Pastor, Yikhum Baptist Church, Zanbemo Kithan informed that through the joint initiative of the church, village council student’s union and co-operation of the village community their dream of putting a total ban on sale of tobacco products within the village was made possible.

The programme was organized by District Tobacco Control Cell, National Tobacco Control Programme, Department of Health & Family Welfare, Wokha.

Christian Higher Secondary School, Dimapur observed World No Tobacco Day by having a signature campaign, putting up of anti-tobacco signage. Teachers and students took the pledge against tobacco at the school campus on May 31.

Ibaung Thou Memorial School, Jalukie observed World No Tobacco Day on May 31 by organising an awareness campaign with a motto ‘Clean Campus, Save Campus’. Students made placards with slogans against the use, selling and consequences of using tobacco and fix them all along the road side from the Taxi stand to SBI Junction.

Little Star Hr Sec School, Dimapur observed Anti Tobacco Day on May 31 where the Cultural Club of the School presented a skit on the dangers of tobacco consumption. Dr. Temjennungsang Longchari, Dental Surgeon from Touch Up Dental Clinic and a core group member of the Anti Tobacco Team of Dimapur gave a power point presentation on the dangers of tobacco consumption. The School also undertook a slogan writing competition on the Theme of the Day. Certificates were awarded to the students by the Anti Tobacco Department.

Nagaland placed in ‘tragic position’

Dimapur, may 31 (Dipr): Dimapur observed World Anti Tobacco Day at Salesian College, Dimapur on May 31. DC Dimapur, Kesonyu Yhome, IAS and Chief Medical Officer, Dimapur, Dr. K. Vikato Kinimi graced the occasion as chief guest and guest of honour respectively.

DC reminded that the state of Nagaland ranks second in tobacco consumption in India which he termed as ‘tragic position’.

Basing on a survey conducted, he said, on an average, every Naga spends Rs.69 per day on tobacco and its related products which is over 13 crores a month. He appraised the gathering on how people talk

about bad economy, bad roads and poor infrastructures, yet spends so much money on tobacco. DNO, NTCP, Dr. C. Tetso in his brief keynote explained the economic and environmental effects of tobacco and called on the gathering to make the fight against tobacco a responsibility of all.

Other Highlights of the programme included inter college prepared speech presentation, voice of tobacco victim by Dulal Poodar, awarding of certificates, special song by St. Paul Higher Secondary School, Dimapur and Salesian College. The programme was attended by students and faculties of different schools and colleges.

MGM HSS celebrated World No Tobacco Day with variety of programme including extempore speech for higher secondary and high school section, poster competition for students of classes 1 to 12 and awareness rally etc. Based on this year’s theme “Tobacco a threat to development” awareness classes were conducted by Principal, Fr.P.S.Varghese and AHM B.Paul.

Bible study book release at central jail Morung Express News

Dimapur | May 31

A book titled ‘Simple Bible study book for prisoners’ authored by director, Aloino Centre, Anshely Sumi, was released by senior superintendent, Central Jail Dimapur, Imtiangshi Ao, at a brief programme held inside the jail premise on Wednesday.

The author Anshely who is also the chaplain of Central Jail, in her introduction to the book, said the book comprising of 12 foundational topics was a product of her ministry with prisoners and widows for 7-8 years. She said apart from the sermons and ministering of God’s word to the prisoners during church services, the book would enable the prisoners to study and read the

Word of God by themselves in private.

Dedicating the book to all prisoners housed in various jails in the state, Anshely hoped that the book would help transform the lives of inmates both within and outside the prison walls. Both the senior superintendent who released the book and jailor, Dr. Oben Yanthan, who chaired the programme, acknowledged the dedication and commitment of Anshely towards reformation and rehabilitation of prisoners.

Pastor, Police Baptist Church Chumukedima, Rev. Manen, offered special prayer on the occasion.

Besides Central Jail authorities and staff, executive secretary, Nagaland Police Baptist Church Association, Rev. Dr. HA Zhimomi, also attended the release programme.

Central Jail Dimapur authorities and others at the release programme of ‘Simple Bible study book for prisoners’ authored by director, Aloino Centre, Anshely Sumi (3rd right) on Wednesday. (Morung Photo)

USBLA Mission School to promote education

Morung Express News Kiphire | May 31

The United Sangtam Baptist Lithro Association (USBLA) today dedicated the ‘USBLA Mission School’ laying of foundation at Mission Compound Kiphire with Rev T. Tsangkhuchu, USBLA secretary blessing the programme in the presence of the board members, well wishers, committee and staffs.

Sharing the vision of the school at the dedication program Rev T. Tsangkhuchu said that the school aims to impart education with Christian values as the core foundation so that students become

responsible citizens in the society.

He appealed for support of well wishers and believers to extend all possible help so that the school becomes a centre of excellence in the district where the society is benefited out of the school.

Secretary, USBLA Mission School committee, Sethricho said, the school will be starting in the next academic session, and express hope that the society will benefit out of the institution.

He also said lot of believers and well wishers are extending all possible help to let the school take its shape on time and express his United Sangtam Baptist Lithro Association members dedicate the USBLA Misgratitude. sion School laying of foundation at Mission Compound Kiphire. (Morung Photo)

thursday 01•06•2017

NORTH-EAST 3

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Manipur to make medical tests free in govt hospitals Newmai News Network Imphal | May 31

CHCs and PHCs would offer all the notified 57 tests free of cost, he added.

The Chief Minister further said that the second initiative of the Government is that a partner for free diagnostics is being selected through a fair open tender process, which is duly assisted by the NHSRC under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, for providing free diagnostic facilities to further support the State’s free diagnostics initiative.

The partner would set up additional testing labs and enable free testing facilities which would be supported by the National Health Mission, he said and added that the public would not be charged a single Paisa for the tests that would be rolled out by this partner.

The Chief Minister informed that the tender is in an advanced stage and the whole process would be rolled out in the next 3-4 months. Once this is fully functional, no one has to pay for any of the notified 57 tests, either at the Government’s health facilities or at the facilities of the partner. This would be a step that would directly benefit the poor people in

Much to the relief of patients especially from the economically weak section, the Manipur government will bear almost all the medical tests from July 1 in government medical institutes/centres.

Announcing this on Wednesday, Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh said that from July 1, 2017, almost all the tests done at Government medical facilities including Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS), Imphal and ReCyclone Mora left a trail of damages in Kangpokpi district of Manipur. Seen here is a sub- gional Institute of Medical merged paddy field in Konghom area in Saikul Sub Division along Saikul-Sapormeina road Sciences (RIMS), Imphal (NNN Photo) would be free of cost.

Speaking as chief guest at the World No Tobacco Day observation held at JNIMS auditorium today, the Chief Minister said that the Government had identified 57 different tests for the said purpose.

He informed that that no one has to pay a single "Analysis of the flight only on Sunday due to NEw DElhi, may 31 Paisa for these 57 notified (PTi): The two pilots of data recorder (black inclement weather after tests, which include all the Sukhoi jet that had box) of the aircraft and which the black box was blood tests, X-ray, CT scan, crashed after taking off certain other articles re- recovered. all tests for pregnant womcovered from the crash The IAF has ordered a from Tezpur in Assam en and children etc. suffered fatal injuries, site revealed that the court of inquiry to invesAll Government fathe Indian Air Force to- pilots could not initi- tigate the cause of the accilities including RIMS, day said five days after the ate ejection before the cident, according to Wing JNIMS, District Hospitals, wreckage of the plane was crash," IAF Spokesper- Commander Banerjee. son Anupam Banerjee The first batch of the Rusfound. sia-made fighter jet was Squadron Leader D said.

The plane had taken inducted by the IAF in the Pankaj and Flight Lt S Achudev could not initiate off from Tezpur airbase at late 1990s.

Date Peren the 31st March 2017 A frontline fighter jet, ejection before the crash around 10:30 am on May NO.PRN/JUD-5/PT-II/2017/96 /Shri. Kelibeube Domta of that occurred 60 kms from 23 and had gone off the SU-30 MKI aircraft were New Jalukie,has applied for issue of succession certificate Tezpur Airbase on May 23, radar around 11:10 am. It deployed in the Tezpur declaring that his brother Late Kewizunlung expired on was on a routine training airbase on June 15, 2009 the IAF said.

11/05/2017.

The wreckage of the mission as part of a two- for guarding the Sino- InPublic are hereby invited to file claims/objection within dia frontier in Arunachal 30(thirty) days w.e.f. date of publication in local papers. If Sukhoi-30 MKI jet was aircraft formation. no objection is received from the public within the stipulated The wreckage of the jet Pradesh. At present, two found on May 26 in a dense time, the succession certificate shall be issued in favour of forest area in Arunachal was spotted from air on squadrons comprising the applicant.

Pradesh after a three- day Friday, and search teams around 36 aircraft are de(ZARENTHUNG EZUNG) could reach the crash site ployed at Tezpur. search operation.

Deputy Commissioner, Peren: Nagaland.

Sukhoi jet crash: two pilots confirmed dead

the State, he added.

Biren further said that the third initiative that the State Government intends to take is to drastically increase the supply of free medicines through Government health establishments.

“Recently, we had launched the Jan Aushadhi stores selling generic medicines, where cost of generic medicines is much less than the branded medicines. We are now going to increase the free drug supply from about 100 medicines to over 300 types of medicines, which would cover almost all ailments,” he said and urged the Health Department to fast track the tender process so that the additional free medicine supplies can commence within the next three months.

With this initiative of

free diagnostics and free drugs and medicines, the cost of treatment would be negligible, if not totally free, he added.

Speaking on the impact given to the society by rampant abuse of tobacco, the Chief Minister apprised that the State Government is set to ban smoking in public places under Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003 at the earliest.

Stating that the State Government had already announced ban on sale of all types of tobacco items except cigarette long time back, the Chief Minister spoke on the need to strictly implement the said prohibition.

He further stated that the State Government would continue the ongoing drives against intoxicants and tobacco items.

OBJECTION NOTICE

Assam Rifles apprehend one Kohima, may 31 (mExN): Assam Rifles troops under the aegis of DAO division apprehended one Timsay Pongner, “Over Ground Worker” of NSCN (IM) from Ledo Town on the night of May 30.

He was apprehended based on specific intelligence about presence of one cadre “trying to terrorize and attempting forced extortion” in the town, stated a press release from Col C Konwer, PRO (Defence).

“Post spot interrogation he admitted al-

legiance to NSCN (IM), further divulging that he has been associated with the outfit since April 2016 and has been actively supporting the outfit in its activities by carrying out extortion and providing logistic support,” according to the release.

He also allegedly informed about his involvement in getting treatment done of an NSCN (IM) cadre who got injured in IFC between NSCN (IM) and NSCN (K) in April 2016 at Phinbero.

AFFIDAVIT Regd. No: LAW -13/73 (Pt-II) 42 I, H. HOKIVI CHISHI aged about 49 years, S/o Henivi Chishi, resident of House no. 85, Sematilla Colony, Dist Dimapur, Nagaland do hereby solemnly affirm and declare on oath as under: 1. That, I am a bonafide citizen of India.

2. That, my name is H. HOKIVI CHISHI, however, in some of my documents, my name was inadvertently/erroneously recorded as HOKIVI CHISHI. 3. That, the name H. HOKIVI CHISHI and HOKIVI CHISHI is one and mean the same person.

4. That this declaration has been made as a piece of evidence to be used for all purposes.

5. That, the statement made in Para no 1 to 4 herein above are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief and nothing has been concealed therein.

Deponent Solemnly sworn and signed before me by the deponent Notary Public, Nagaland

HINDI COURSE FREE ADMISSION

(For beginner Class) (Hindi BA equivalent course through Extension Mode) NRBPS HINDI UCHCHATAR VIDHYALAYA Opp. Don Bosco School, Kohima.

Contact: 8413818142/9856818607/7005300876

Konglong Art

Konglong Art is offering Ten Days workshop on Ceramic Painting starting June 5.

Maximum seat limit: 20 persons Location: Peseyie Complex, 4th Floor, Near Christian Higher Secondary School, Dimapur Lunch will be provided.

BETHESDA WELCOMES AND ORIENTS CLASS XI (BOTH SCIENCE & ARTS STREAM) FRESHERS

For further details, contact #7085619260 or 9089410842 JOB VACANCY

North East Network (NEN), an NGO, seek application from interested candidates for the post of Accountant at its office in Chizami village, Phek district, Nagaland.

Knowledge of Tally, ERP 9, professional Accounting can apply. Resume can be mailed to akole@northeastnetwork.org before 15th June 2017.

ADMISSION NOTICE

Mountain View Christian College, Kohima AFFILIATED TO NAGALAND UNIVERSITY Near BSF Camp. Below ATI Office: Kohima ARTS AND COMMERCE Contact No: 0370-2280071/8256923734 Classes Admission Install (quarterly) 11&12 5500 3000 B.A (Gen) 6500 3100 B.A (Hons) 6800 3200 Hostel Monthly fee - 3500

Bethesda Hr. Sec. School welcomed and oriented the Class-XI new students (both Science and Arts stream) in an amazing and prayerful programme where spiritual emphasis took the centre stage. The programme was initiated by the praise and worship team of the school followed by the invocation by Mr. Waiposong, Pastor, Bethesda A. G. Church. While welcoming the new corners to the Bethesda family, the principal emphasised on the need of regular study and hard work in order to equip themselves to face the challenges after the +2 stage. He further emphasised on the need of adhering to the rules and regulations of the school. He mentioned also that while the school strives hard to develop academic excellence, the basic focus will be on making our students good human beings.

Rev. Moses Murry, Chairman, Bethesda Higher Secondary School, in his message quoting on the word of God, asked the new corners to acknowledge God first in all their endeavours so as to make their lives blessed and fruitful. Solo, duet songs and choreography were some other attractions of the programme. Mrs. Esther Murry, Administrator pronounced benediction which was followed by refreshments.

(M.K. MONEY), PRINCIPAL

4

ThursdAY 01•06•2017

business

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

DECEPTIVELY QUICK, India’s economy Nagaland’s first NGO meet held seen staying course as global pacesetter

A general view of Mumbai's southern financial district, India. (Reuters File Photo)

NEW DELHI, May 31 (REutERs): India is set to hang onto its status as the world's fastest growing major economy thanks to stronger consumer demand, if data due out later on Wednesday matches economists expectations for a 7.1 percent year-on-year expansion in the March quarter.

Having completed three years in office last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi could view the gross domestic product figures with some satisfaction after the doubts raised by his shock decision last November to scrap high-value banknotes in a move to flush out all the money Indians hide from the taxman.

That move pounded consumer demand. But the setback to an

economy where most people are paid and buy what they need with cash appears to have been mercifully shortlived.

The injection of new banknotes as well as robust demand generated by the traditional wedding season and people buying fridges and air conditioners to cope with a blistering heatwave have since led a rebound in consumer spending, which fuels more than half of India's economic growth.

The median forecast from 35 economists polled by Reuters put annual GDP growth for the January-March quarter at just tad faster than 7.0 percent posted in the previous quarter, but still ahead of the 6.9 percent expansion clocked by

China during the same period.

Forecasts ranged from 6.5 to 7.8 percent.

The federal statistics office will release the figures at 1200 GMT. A stronger growth outturn will support the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) forecast of a V-shaped recovery from the cash clampdown. Analysts expect the RBI to keep interest rates on hold at its upcoming monetary policy review next month.

GOOD OMENS, LINGERING DOUBTS India doesn't publish national figures on retail sales, but highfrequency indicators such as car sales, retail lending and goods imports show consumer spending

has roared back to life. Analysts still worry over India's uneven growth and ground realities, notably subdued private sector investment and a state banking sector laden with bad debt.

But monsoon rains arrived early in the country's south this week, raising prospects of bountiful harvests that will boost farm incomes.

And with government pay hikes also in the works, the outlook for a sustained recovery looks good.

The expected introduction of a nationwide goods and services tax in July, replacing multiple state taxes, should also spur growth by making India an easier place to do business.

A stronger global economy has boosted demand for exports of Indian goods also. And the combination of buoyant external and domestic demand should underpin a recovery in the industrial sector and lift low capacity utilisation at Indian factories.

Economists are reluctant, however, to take India's GDP figures at face value after a change in methodology two years back that transformed a sluggish economy into a world-beater overnight.

The latest GDP data could add fuel to the debate as it will rely on newly rebased indices for wholesale prices and industrial production, which analysts say will increase chances of the headline growth figure surprising on the upside.

Some of the participating NGOs during the state’s first NGO meet held on May 29.

KoHIMa, May 31 (MExN): YouthNet in collaboration with Godrej CSR hosted Nagaland’s first NGO meet on May 29.

About 24 of the most prominent NGOs from across the state met to discuss on collaborative partnerships and how to build a road map for NGOs in Nagaland, informed a press release.

On the issues ranging from youth empow-

erment, education, HIV, child abuse, mental health, rights, disability, border trafficking to waste management, the NGOs came under one platform to interact and see how to work in collaboration and maximize impact.

The workshop was conducted by Poulomi Pal (Deputy Manager, Godrej Consumer Products Limited).

Some of the NGOs present at the meet were Kripa

Foundation, Entrepreneurs Associates, Bethesda Youth Welfare Society, Chakhesang Women Welfare Society, Pro Rural, Cherry Blossoms, CAN Youth, Faith in Action, Care and Support Society, Green Club, GreenWay, Nagaland Start Ups, Shorun, Youth Mission, Baseleia Mission Organisation, Ethnic Trendzanda, Serendip Guardian, State Resource Centre for Women, FSC and IBAPWO.

Progressive Farmers visit Sikkim

Youth Resource Centre Farmers training on horticulture launched in Kohima crops for Phek district underway KoHIMa, May 31 (MExN): YouthNet in collaboration with Godrej CSR launched a Youth Resource Center for young people in Kohima on May 30.

Vikas Goswami, who is the head of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) Godrej, officially inaugurated the new office.

In the welcome speech, Lezo Putsure, Director YouthNet, stated, “We need to create spaces for young people where they can engage in meaningful conversation, to talk about issues, engage in dialogue.” The office will also be an extension of the job center that will provide career counseling, training and place-

ments, it was informed.

Rev. Dr. Rachulie Vihienuo, who blessed the first NJC office four years ago, invoked God’s blessings with a prayer this time too.

The resource center was launched with a hope that the space will be utilized by the youth for the purpose of enhancing their skills, creating opportunities as well as sharing success stories that will continue to inspire more and more young minds.

Poulomi Pal, Deputy Manager- GCPL Godrej in her speech maintained that YouthNet and Godrej have been strong partners and this space will only strengthen their partnership.

PHEK, May 31 (MExN): Five days farmers training programme on horticulture crops for Phek district is underway which was launched at Chetheba Village on May 30 organized

by Central Institute of Horticulture (CIH), Medziphema in collaboration with the District Horticulture Office, Phek. The inaugural programme was launched with a participation of more than 50 farmers from six neighbouring villages.

The chief guest, Dr. Menguzenuo Chielie, Veterinary Assistant Surgeon, Chozuba spoke on the importance of horticulture crops both for human and animal consumption. She

leisure

CROSSWORD # 3960

SUDOKU

Answer Number # 3956

due to its suitable climate and soil condition.

During the interaction and discussion hour, the farmer’s union had a common problem of lack of technical know-how for drying and processing units.

During the inaugural programme, secretary of the Phek Farmer’s Union, Chetheba Unit highlighted on the various activities carried out by the farmers and urged the department to assist the poor farmers in all possible means for the benefit of the farming community.

The programme concluded successfully with giving away of certificates to the participants.

The group of progressive farmers along with officials from Phek and Dimapur Districts of Nagaland visited Sikkim for exposure cum study tour.

DIMaPuR, May 31 (MExN): A group of progressive farmers along with officials from Phek and Dimapur Districts of Nagaland visited Sikkim for exposure cum study tour. The team was led by Dr. Keviu Shuya, (Dy. P.DATMA Phek), Janet Chishi (Dy. P.D- ATMA Dimapur), Tonikali (Dy. P.D- ATMA Dimapur) and Mr. Kalvin (ATM-Phek). The tour was sponsored by Agriculture Technology Management Agency, (ATMA-Phek and Dimapur) in collaboration with Department of Agriculture, Sikkim. std code: 03862

DiMaPUR ACROSS 1. Not hard 5. Ringlet 9. Sets of articles 13. Double-reed woodwind 14. Supplications 16. Bucolic 17. Ethiopian monetary unit 18. Bumbling 19. No 20. Stalks 22. The pleasure of remembering 24. Dossier 26. Not fluid 27. Stir 30. Chinese temple 33. Alleys 35. Refine metal 37. Type of dog 38. Nipples 41. Loving murmur 42. Contemptuous look 45. Yellowish 48. Wound 51. In the direction of 52. Malicious 54. Arizona river 55. Streetwalkers 59. Clan emblem 62. Docile 63. Jottings 65. Transfer possession 66. Arab chieftain 67. Fathers 68. Not odd 69. Withdraw gradually 70. Kid 71. Egghead DOWN 1. Boohoos 2. Death notice 3. Index finger 4. Wood-eating insect 5. Consumer Price Index 6. Forearm bone

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

Game Number # 3957

encouraged the farmers to go for mixed farming and work hard for sustainable development.

During the technical session, Shisarenla Aier, Assistant Horticulture Specialist from CIH highlighted the activities of CIH and welcomed the farmers to apply for various skill development courses offered by the same Institute. She spoke on the importance and scope of banana cultivation at Chetheba area and post harvest techniques with value addition on banana.

Senti Longchar (DK), Horticulture Officer, Phek said that guava is a potential crop for Chetheba area

7. Submerged ridge of rocks 8. Portable computer 9. Realm 10. False god 11. Misprint 12. Killed 15. Grave marker 21. Shredded cabbage 23. Trailer trucks 25. French for “State” 27. Austrian peaks 28. Thin 29. Center of a storm 31. Ornamental 32. Not silently 34. A single-reed woodwind 36. Throw 39. Make lace 40. Kiss 43. Not western 44. Litter’s littlest 46. Blockhead 47. A grouping of elements 49. Comportments 50. Habile 53. Vestibule 55. Goulash 56. Disabled 57. Dogfish 58. Search 60. Always 61. Fix 64. South southeast

AdroIt ALLY AnIMAL BrIeF CeLL CHAnGe CLeAn CoLA CoLLAr CrAVAt CUrrent dePArtMent dIsGUIse doUBt dreAM enJoY FAMILY FLICKer FLoAt GALA

R

Gone GrAM HeArd LAVA LeArn LeGAL LIMIt MIsCeLLAneoUs PeACe QUerY rAPtUre reALLY rePort rIGHt sAFe sCArY sCrUFF stArt stAY trUst

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

Police station Fire Brigade

222246 222491

KOHiMa

8575045501

Officer-in-Charge 8575045510 south Ps

8575045502

Officer-in-Charge 8575045520 Zubza Ps

224041 248011

8575045508

Officer-in-Charge 8575045518

Apollo Hospital Info Centre 230695/ 9402435652 railway

131/228404

Airport Indian Airlines

229366 242441 225212

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

eden Medical Centre

248722 /248288, 9615945510

Control room

S

E

A

R

C

std code: 0370

KoHIMA Ps/oCs Contact numbers north Ps

Chumukedima Fire Brigade 282777

O

TaHaMZaM

School Teacher, gave demonstration on preparation of various bio fertilizers and farm yard manures to the visitors. Speaking on the importance of azolla in organic farming and usage of vermi wash he explained the visitors about the application of various composts and insect repellents in the field.

A press note stated that the team interacted with the farmers and ATMA officials at Kameray. They appreciated the effort of ATMA Sikkim and the progress made by the farmers in the State.

Civil Hospital

Answer to Crossword 3959

W

The team visited the field of Amber Bahadur Chettri, a progressive farmer of East Sikkim. There the team got the opportunity to know about the nursery rising for the cole crops like cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli.

Amber Bahadur Chettri also shared his years of experiences in Cherry Pepper cultivation/propagation and its value in the local market.

Later the team visited the ATMA-East Farm School on Integrated Farming at Kameray Duga.

C. P. Bhattarai, the Farm

H

8575045549

Officer-in-Charge 8575045538 8575045509

Officer-in-Charge 8575045519 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

63.1 80.79 7.83 46.89 45.51 46.8 56.36 70.37 1.79 0.0545 16.62 8.96

95.94 84.68 8.72 49.17 47.72 49.08 59.53 73.76 2.00 0.0608 18.52 9.98

thursday 01•06•2017

NAGALAND

agent of change with positive thinking’ PMUY launched in Nagaland ‘Be 27th General Conference of Naga Students’ Federation underway

Officials at the launch of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) in Dimapur on Wednesday. (Morung Photo) Morung Express News Dimapur | May 31

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) which aims to provide free LPG connections during the three financial years starting from 2016-17 to five crore families living below the poverty line in the country was launched for Nagaland by Minister for Forest, Environment & Climate Change, Imkong L. Imchen on Wednesday at IMC Hall Dimapur.

The PMUY scheme will benefit 1.8 lakh beneficiaries in the State in two years to be indentified through the 2011 socio economic census data. 20 beneficiaries were handed LPG connections at the launching

programme.

Imchen shared concern on the shortage of LPG in the State and appealed to the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) to address the issue while calling on the mainland media to address the issues of Northeast and not to isolate the region.

“Technical issues involved are secondary but supplying sufficiently should be the target as LPG connection is an essential commodity,” the Minister added.

The PMUY focus will not only benefit less privileged women but address the environment issue by discouraging felling of trees for domestic purposes which will be replaced by

LPG, Imchen added.

He said the scheme aims to safeguard the health by providing a clean cooking fuel without compromising the environment and health. Imchen also called for eradicating surplus hoarding by suppliers at the inconvenience of customers.

“Subsidised program has always been practised in the country but the subsidy is not at the advantage of genuine persons,” Indian Oil-Assam Oil Division (AOD) Executive Director, Dipankar Ray said during the programme. Ray attributed the shortage of LPG in the State to the “storage capacity and no access to port” and admitted “there is no denying that there is

availability problem.” He, however, maintained that the storage capacity in Dimapur was in the process of expansion.

Ray said that the launch of PMUY was delayed for a period of one year in Northeast region owing to technical reasons and that Nagaland was the second State after Assam where PMUY scheme has been launched.

Under this PMUY scheme, LPG connections will be provided to BPL families in the name of women of the families.

"The Centre will provide a support of Rs 1600 per connection to the beneficiaries, which shall make LPG connection more affordable and the target of central government is 90 percent where BPL families who do not have LPG connection would be covered through PMUY,” said Ray while briefing media persons after the launch of PMUY. The launch of PMUY in Dimapur was graced by Parliamentary Secretary for Economics & Statistics, Tovihoto Ayemi and Dimapur Deputy Commissioner Kesonyu Yhome, IAS and other dignitaries.

MVC condemns May 27 firing incident DIMaPur, May 31 (MExn): The Matikhru Village Council (MVC) has alleged that citizens of Matikhru Village were fired upon around 4:00 to 5:00pm while working in their paddy field, bordering the state of Manipur on May 27. The MVC condemned the same.

A press release from MVC claimed that the villagers were “fired upon by Jessami villagers with sophisticated weapon for more than half an hour.”

Fortunately no one was injured, the MVC informed, while stating that “upon investigation by the con-

cerned authorities together with the villagers on May 28, in the place of occurrence, bullet marks were all visible both inside and outside the hut, piercing through the walls causing damage to their belongings, including utensils and even found the bullets...”

The MVC appealed to all organizations, Hohos, and likeminded people to “come forward condemning and rescue our village even as we are rebuilding our village from the wrath of Indian forces that annihilated and wiped us out from the aftermath of 6th September, 1960.”

MEx FILE FBOs asked to obtain Food Safety Licence/Registration kohIMa, May 31 (MExn): Chief Medical Officer & Designated Officer, Kohima, Dr. Avino Metha has directed Food Business Operators who have not obtained/renewed the Food Safety Licence/ Registration to obtain the same. “Failure to comply, you will be penalised under Section 63 and Regulation 2.1.14 of the Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006 and Regulations, 2011,” she warned in a press release. The CMO reminded that as per the Food Safety & Standards Regulations, 2011, every business operator of food such as pharmacies (selling food supplements, proprietary foods, etc.), hotels, restaurants, provisions, groceries, home based etc have to obtain Food Safety Licence/ Registration from the CMO’s office.

NSCN (R) arrest one DIMaPur, May 31 (MExn): The NSCN/GPRN (Reformation) has claimed that one person identified as Sgt. Maj. Moe of NSCN (IM), Army No. 19611 was reportedly collecting tax in the name of NSCN (R) government. In this connection, NSCN (R)’s UT-1 and Dimapur Town Command jointly arrested him on May 29, informed a press release from MIP, NSCN (R). The NSCN (R) further asked all the Naga Political Groups to restrain from such activities.

One arrested with liquor DIMaPur, May 31 (MExn): The Excise Mobile Squad Special Surveillance team apprehended one person identified as Jamuna Devi for possession of 108 bottles of assorted liquor on May 31 at Dimapur Town area. Katoho Sumi, Superintendent of Excise (MS) informed in a press release that the accused has been booked under relevant section of NLTP Act 1989 and the seized articles deposited in the Excise Mobile Squad Malkhana for destruction.

Pastors Refresher Course in Mon Mon, May 31 (MExn): Mon Theological College in collaboration with the Church & Evangelism Department of Konyak Baptist Bumeinok Bangjum (KBBB) organized Pastors Refresher Course from May 15 to 28.

Altogether, 19 pastors completed the course and were awarded certificates, informed a press release. The purpose of the course is to refresh the pastors who are already in the ministry, and to boost them to be more enthusiastic in God's Ministry, it added.

DCO Phek invites application PhEk, May 31 (MExn): District Cultural Office, Phek has informed all the eligible candidates from Phek district to submit application along with bio data, soft copy (CD) recording supporting documents and photocopies etc. for nomination to the Governor’s Award 2017 for distinction in the field of Art and Craft, Music and Literature to the Chairman (Deputy Commissioner), District Level Committee, Phek or District Cultural Officer (Member Secretary) Phek, latest by June 8, 2017.

The application may also be submitted to the respective ADC of Meluri, Pfutsero, Chozuba etc. for onward submission to the District Level Committee. For any information, one may contact: 9436408819, 9612057184.

“There are numerous pending cases related to boundary issue between Nagaland and Manipur, and particularly Jessami village with all the surrounding villages both inside and outside Manipur,” it reminded.

The council further asked the Nagaland State Government to “protect and uphold the territorial boundary of Nagaland and to expedite all the pending cases of destruction, encroachment and firing incidents so as to deliver justice and display a semblance of law and order even in a remote area like ours.”

GST enrollment to re-open on June 1 DIMaPur, May 31 (MExn): The Commissioner of Taxes, Nagaland today informed that the enrolment window for existing taxpayers will reopen for a period of 15 days from June 1.

In a press release, the Commissioner of Taxes notified taxpayers to enroll themselves using the Prov ID and password token shared with them.

Forms will be considered as successfully filed once the Application Reference Number (ARN) is generated. In absence of completed and filed Enrolment Form, the GST portal will not have the details of the authorized signatory and the taxpayer will not be able to file any form or conduct any business on the GST portal after July 1, it informed.

Rio calls for peace and unity

Minister for PHED, Chotisuh Sazo (center) along with Parliamentary Secretary Dr Benjongliba Aier, ABAM Executive Secretary Rev Dr Mar Atsongchanger and NSF officials after unveiling 27th NSF General Conference Monolith at Tsürang valley, Mokokchung on May 31.

(Photo Courtesy/Media Committee)

Tsürangkong, May 31 (MExn): At the inaugural session of the 27th General Conference of Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) at Chungtiayimsen in Tsürangkong, Minister for PHED, Chotisuh Sazo urged the gathering “to be agent of change by changing towards positive thinking with decency, honesty, humility and integrity.”

Lamenting that Naga society is going through “rough and hard times of fragmentation from Naga National groups to civil society organisations,” the Minister further asked to deliberate and ameliorate the ills of Naga society. He encouraged to rise above one’s village and tribe and start viewing Nagas as a wholesome unit.

“The founding fathers

of the NSF had clear purpose and vision. They did not view Naganess from the prism of tribe. We should all be worthy inheritors of this vision by nurturing and promoting the ideals and principles of our founding fathers,” added the minister.

Sazo went on to say that the government under the leadership of Dr. Shürhozelie is striving its best to provide equal opportunity to the youth by streamlining appointments but the state alone cannot provide jobs to all. Therefore, the youth today should not just earn degrees and seek jobs but ameliorate and strive to become job providers, he asserted.

Union Minister of State for Home, Kiren Rijiju, who was slated to be the chief guest at the inaugural pro-

PErEn, May 31 (MExn): Nsong Kebai Public Organisation (NKPO) has resolved to impose fine on all the log vehicles an amount of Rs. 5000/- each. The resolution was made during an emergency meeting of the organization on May 26.

A press release from Zekui Disuang, President, NKPO pointed out that the log contractors had pled for extension of log extraction till May 2017 to the Peren District Planning & Development Board stating all the necessary road repairs will be done by the log con-

tractors. However, NKPO said, till today the roads have not been repaired.

Therefore, the decision to impose fine was made.

The organization also condemned the statement of ADC Tening, who allegedly informed the DPDB that there is no road to be repaired on Tening road “without knowing the road condition, which we (NKPO) do not appreciate.”

Meanwhile, NKPO also resolved to impose tax of Rs.2000/- per truck as (Ramkam) local tax with effect from 2018.

The press note therefore stressed that it is very important to have the enrolment form duly filled and filed with the GST portal before July 1.

The Commissioner of Taxes further stated that even to opt for Composition Scheme, the details of the authorized signatory will be required. Thereafter the next opportunity to complete and file the Enrolment Form will open only on July 1, 2017.

The GSTN Helpdesk has been set up with the phone number: 0124-4688999 for assistance and queries may be sent by email to helpdesk@gst.gov.in or to gst.nagaland@yahoo.com.

More details may be found in the departmental website www.nagalandtax.nic. BJP Nagaland president Visasolie Lhoungu addressing in or by contacting the re- the BJP Kohima district 5th executive meeting on May 31 in Kohima. (Morung Photo) spective tax office.

organize feast nor create nuisance in their respective offices in towns and villages.

4. No political parties shall organize mass procession in support of a particular political candidate.

5. No one shall be allowed to sell and buy votes.

6. Only eligible voters attaining 18 years of age shall be allowed to vote as per the election rule.

7. One person one vote shall be enforced and proxy vote shall not be allowed.

8. Church workers shall not be allowed to engage in canvassing; even their residence shall not be used for election purposes. If any church worker wishes to involve in the election he/she should resign first and be relieved from church ministry for a period of 5 years.

9. No political parties shall conduct election campaign on Sundays.

10. Mass feast shall not be organized by any political parties/candidates.

unity of the Naga people and said that Nagas need to understand that they must come together and be united.

“We need to set aside our differences and move forward in order to achieve a workable solution to the Naga political issue,” said the MP. “Today we are at the cross roads, it is a time that requires qualities of foresight and practical wisdom to take the right decision.”

In this connection, the Lok Sabha MP urged the Naga Students’ Federation to reach out to the different sections of society and foster unity.

“I hope the NSF will continue to be a beacon of light in our society as we move forward to build a future for the next generation.”

gramme, could not make it due to inclement weather; however the Union Minister dispatched a letter which was read out at the programme.

Also, Chief Minister Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu, the chief host of the conference, could not make it due to some pressing engagements related with the State.

Minister Chotisuh Sazo unveiled the NSF monolith

at Tsürang valley which was dedicated by ABAM Executive Secretary, Rev Dr Mar Atsongchanger. NSF president, Subenthung Kithan delivered the presidential address while Alam Herang presented a special song. A cultural troupe from the Arunachal Pradesh Naga Students’ Federation presented a cultural dance while an accapella group from the AKM presented a special song.

IGNOU term end NKPO to impose fine on log vehicles exam begins today

CLEAN ELECTION: CCEM brings out 18 guidelines kohIMa, May 31 (MExn): The Chakhesang Clean Election Movement (CCEM) has brought out 18 Clean Election Guidelines. CCEM was introduced on March 16, 2017 during a joint meeting initiated by the Chakhesang Baptist Church Council (CBCC) with the Chakhesang Public Organization, the apex Chakhesang body and its frontal organizations including Chakhesang Mothers’ Association, Chakhesang Students’ Union, GBs and all different denominations. The meeting was held in pursuance with the Nagaland Baptist Church Council’s Clean Election Guidelines.

The CCEM’s Clean Election Guidelines are: 1. Party flags, posters, banners and billboards shall not be displayed on church buildings and premises, institution and public buildings.

2. Use of intoxicants such as, alcohol shall be restricted and inflow of liquor shall be prohibited.

3. No political parties shall

Tzürang VallEy ( M o ko kc h u n g ) , May 31 (MExn): Lok Sabha MP from Nagaland State, Neiphiu Rio today emphasized on the need for unity and peace in the society and said that a settlement to the protracted Naga issue will come once the Naga people understand that they have to come together.

The former Chief Minister, who was the special guest at the ‘cultural regale’ at the 27th NSF general conference on Wednesday afternoon, asserted that the Naga struggle has not failed the people since the Naga issue has been accepted as a political problem and that the Government of India is also willing to solve the issue. However, he lamented the dis-

11. National political groups or any other groups shall not be allowed to use arms or force and engage in booth capturing during elections.

12. Use of force or booth capturing shall not be allowed during election.

13. The CCEM shall organize common platform for all the political parties to share their respective manifestos.

14. No village authority shall be allowed to declare solid/majority in favour of a particular candidate for the sake of village peace and harmony.

15. Candidates are not allowed to engage in hate campaign, false propaganda and character assassination.

16. All the believers are requested to pray and elect capable and God fearing leaders and to ensure free and fair election.

17. Chakhesang Clean Election Movement shall work to ensure clean electoral roll in all Chakhesang villages

and extend all possible co-operation and support the Govt. and its election machineries.

18. Chakhesang Clean Election Movement shall set up committed volunteers who shall serve as ‘Watch Dogs’ to implement the given clean election guidelines.

A press note informed that the CCEM core committee consists of Convener - Dr. Küzhopoyo Tünyi, Pastor, Chakhesang Mission Centre Church; Co-conveners - John Lohe (CPO), Zhonelü Tünyi (CMA), Solhou Sono (NCRC), Venyizo Khüsoh (AG) and Zapolhü Nyekha (Pentecostal); Secretary - Mülüvoyi Nienu, Youth Secretary, (CBCC); Press Secretary - Kupelhi Losou; Treasurer - Rev. Velacüyi Khamo, Finance Secretary (CBCC), Ex-Officio - Rev. Dr. Vezopa Tetseo, Executive Secretary (CBCC); Advisory board: Rev. Vevozo Khamo, Yesonü Veyie, Theja Therie, Phuzühü Vero, Kekhwengulo Lea.

kohIMa, May 31 (MExn): The Term End Examination of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) for June, 2017 will commence from June 1 and conclude on June 21.

The university has established 1034 examination centres, including 23 overseas centres and 100 centres in jail for jail inmates. Under Kohima Regional Centre, 2767 students are appearing exams at 13 exam Centres in Mon, Kiphire, Longleng, Wokha, Phek, Mokokchung, Zunheboto, Jalukie, Tuensang, Dimapur and Kohima, informed a press release from the regional centre.

Hall Ticket (Examination Intimation Slips) have been issued to 6,21,553 eligible students who had applied for appearing in the Term End Examination.

The hall ticket is available on IGNOU website www. ignou.ac.in.

The Examination Centres have been instructed to

allow students to appear in examination even if they do not possess the Hall Ticket (Examination Intimation Slips), but their names exist in the list of examinees for that centre.

Students have been advised to be in possession of the valid Identity Card issued by the university during the Examination.

Mobile phones are not permitted inside the examination hall.

Separate hall tickets will be issued to the students of BCA & MCA for Term End practicals. Students have been asked to contact the respective Regional Centres in the last week of June, 2017 for their practical examinations. For BLISc. (Library Science), all Theory Examination Centres are not activated for the conduct of Practical Examination. Students were told to contact the Centre Superintendent and see the Notice Board for Practical Examination Centre.

'No voters to be left behind' - Special drive kohIMa, May 31 (MExn): The Election Commission of India in tune with the theme 'No voters to be left behind' will launch a nationwide comprehensive Special Drive from July 1 to 31. The month of June 2017 will be used for preparatory works.

A press release from Chief Electoral Officer, Nagaland, N Moa Aier informed that activities of Special Drive will include enrolment of eligible young Indian citizens particularly in 18-19 age group and removal of names of dead electors, multiple names, transferred out names and underage which are still continuing in the electoral rolls.

Data on registered deaths will be collected from the Registrar of Deaths and all registered death entries shall be removed during the Special Drive. Publicity and related issues such as campaign to motivate the electors to get their names registered and participate in the electoral process for stronger democracy will be organized during this period.

Special Campaigns will be held on July 8 and 22 in all polling stations, where Booth Level Officer will sit with adequate number of inclusion forms. On the day of camp, entire final Electoral Roll 2017 will be made available in the polling stations so that citizens can check their names in the existing rolls. The left out eligible citizens can fill the inclusion forms and give the same to the Booth Level Officer at polling station itself.

It was further informed that BLOs will visit door to door in the area falling under their jurisdiction for collection of Form-6 from the applicants, particularly in 18-19 age group (extendable to 21 years of age) from the period between July 1 and 31. Forms may also be sent online through NVSP Portal of ECI (eci.nic.in). All stakeholders such as political parties, NGOs, churches, media etc have been requested to extend cooperation/ participation for maximization of registration of eligible electors and removing the “impurities” in the rolls.

6

Thursday 01•06 •2017

IN FOCUS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

The Power of Truth

The Morung Express volume Xii issue 148

By Aheli moitra

Militarism is not helping anyone

L

ast week we saw a strange press conference. An Indian Army Major, Nitin Leetul Gogoi, walked to a tablechair set up in a garden with news channel mikes on it. He was in full military camouflage. He gave a statement on why he had tied up a Kashmiri youth to the front of his troop’s jeep as a shield, fumbled at the most critical moment and left as soon as he finished his rehearsed piece.

There was little reason for Gogoi to be so scared. Most Indian news channels declared him a super hero. The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Bipin Rawat, even awarded Gogoi the Army Chief’s Commendation Card.

According to Gogoi, he was surrounded by people pelting stones during by-polls in Kashmir and in order to save his team, and himself, he used the best possibility he could envision—a human shield. A gallant feat? Rawat thought so.

While defending Gogoi, the COAS said the gallantry award was meant to boost the morale of army personnel.

Gogoi, no doubt, was caught in a tight spot. He was surrounded. He was in fear. The only tools made available to him in such a volatile situation were violence and de-humanization, and he used them to the best of his limited imagination.

The COAS also showed fear and vulnerability. He seemed appalled that the Kashmiris were not even according the army the honour of using weapons, instead attacking personnel with figments of the earth, stones.

Militarism is a belief that a country should maintain a strong military capability and be prepared to use it aggressively to defend or promote national interests. Both the army men were defending ‘national interest’ through the only, and easiest, human capability drilled into them: violence. Thinking of any other solution is too much work in a thickly regimented system. Yet militarism has not resolved any of the conflicts that have overwhelmed the subcontinent. Militarism is not helping the army either.

In his 1958 essay, ‘Pilgrimage to Nonviolence’, Martin Luther King Jr. noted how racial violence may have scarred the bodies of the people of colour, but it had scarred the souls of the segregationists. In the subcontinent, we see security personnel having to tackle difficult political situations with nothing else but a stubborn system of repression and distrust. In their area of operation, thus, they are hated and feared, emotions they reciprocate. Add to this impunity and corresponding power, army men make such decisions as using a human shield, staging encounters or torturing civilians. These actions come with huge costs to the soul. Major Avtar Singh’s life, and death, stands witness to this.

Albeit physically destroyed, the Kashmiri soul is protected in community, history and unity in aspiration. The army, on the other hand, is a remnant of India’s colonial, violent past. It is used to forward the same colonial paradigm today in the absence of political will and imagination. Leetul Gogoi, of Axom origin, is an inheritor of that violence. Imagine the damage to the souls of these human beings who have to carry the burden of their individual ancestry as well as the collective shame and guilt of having destroyed multiple Kashmiri generations.

Every year, around 100 armed personnel of the security forces commit suicide, reported the Times News Network. It quoted defense ministry estimates—597 military personnel had committed suicide in just 5 years, between 2009 and 2013. A Press Trust of India report further revealed that since 2014, 348 armed forces personnel committed suicide, with the highest 276 from the army.

The system pays scant attention to individual personnel of the armed forces. If it did, it would work from the root upwards and ensure justice to the people, which could stop the stone pelting and petrol bombs, laying base for JustPeace. ‘Morale boosting’ has done, and will do, little for security personnel— or for the situation—if the pain, trauma and suffering they undergo is not acknowledged and healed. Similarly, there will be no peace and reconciliation if the pain, trauma and suffering they have caused the Kashmiri people go unacknowledged and unhealed. Violence will only beget more violence, internal and external.

Towards the east, the Government of India has made a systemic possibility of addressing these traumas by acknowledging Naga history and political rights. It was the Indian army, led by perceptive military leaders at some point, which had suggested that militarism be complemented with negotiation.

The approach created a world of possibilities, and will hopefully end militarization of the region subsequently. That possibility should not be denied to Kashmir, or the armed forces.

Comments may be sent to moitramail@yahoo.com

lEfT WING |

IANS

'Magical' antibiotic modified to beat bacterial resistance

R

esearchers have found a way to make a "magical" antibiotic so powerful that it could eliminate the threat of antibiotic-resistant infections for years to come.

Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) in the US structurally modified the lifesaving antibiotic called vancomycin to make an already-powerful version of the antibiotic even more potent.

In tests, the researchers found that this new version of the antibiotic can kill one of the most threatening superbugs mostly found in hospitals. "Doctors could use this modified form of vancomycin without fear of resistance emerging," said lead researcher Dale Boger, co-chair of TSRI's Department of Chemistry.

Researchers tested the new version of the drug against vancomycin-resistant enterococci or VRE. Most vancomycinresistant Enterococci infections occur in health care settings.

VRE can live in the human intestines and female genital tract without causing disease. However, sometimes it can cause infections of the urinary tract, the bloodstream, or of wounds associated with catheters or surgical procedures, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Tested against Enterococci bacteria, the new version of vancomycin killed both vancomycin-resistant Enterococci and the original forms of Enterococci, the study said.

Vancomycin has been prescribed by doctors for 60 years, and bacteria are only now developing resistance to it. This suggests bacteria already have a hard time overcoming vancomycin's original "mechanism of action," which works by disrupting how bacteria form cell walls.

Boger called vancomycin "magical" for its proven strength against infections, and previous studies by Boger and his colleagues at TSRI had shown that it is possible to add two modifications to vancomycin to make it even more potent.

The new study, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, shows that scientists can make a third modification - which interferes with a bacterium's cell wall in a new way - with promising results.

Combined with the previous modifications, this alteration gives vancomycin a 1,000-fold increase in activity, meaning doctors would need to use less of the antibiotic to fight infection.

The discovery makes this version of vancomycin the first antibiotic to have three independent mechanisms of action.

"This increases the durability of this antibiotic," Boger said.

"Organisms just can't simultaneously work to find a way around three independent mechanisms of action. Even if they found a solution to one of those, the organisms would still be killed by the other two," Boger explained.

C O M M E N T A R Y

IPS World Desk

African Continent – More than Just Conflicts, Corruption and Disasters

N

atural and man-made disasters, armed conflicts, widespread corruption and deep social inequalities have been so far a dramatic source for most news coverage when it comes to Africa, the world’s second-largest and secondmost-populous continent on Earth, which hosts 54 states spreading over 30 million square kilometres that are home to over 1.2 billion people.

Nevertheless, an often neglected fact is that this vast continent with huge natural resources –which have been systematically depleted by private –and also in cases, state-owned corporations— registered an economic growth of around 4 per cent in 2014, “creating one of the longest stretches of uninterrupted positive economic expansion in Africa’s history,” according to the United Nations.

As a result, a growing number of Africans have joined the middle class each year.

May 25 has marked Africa Day, an annual commemoration of the establishment of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) on that very same date on 1963, when 32 independent African states signed the founding charter in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. In 2002, the OAU became the African Union.

Just three weeks ahead of Africa Day, a new UN atlas charting data from 54 African countries revealed the continent’s energy potential; showing that investment in renewable energy would strengthen its economic advancement.

“The Atlas makes a strong case that investments in green energy infrastructure can bolster Africa’s economic development and bring it closer to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” said Juliette Biao Koudenoukpo, Director and Regional Representative of the Africa Office for the Nairobi-based UN Environment Programme (UNEP).

As such, she continued, it is an important policy guide for African governments as they strive to catalyse national development by making use of their energy resources.

The Atlas of Africa Energy Resources, released by UNEP and the African Development Bank at the World Economic Forum in Durban, South Africa, shows both the potential and the fragility of the continent’s energy resources, which are at the heart of Africa’s socio-economic development.

While Africa is richly endowed with both renewable and non-renewable energy resources, its current energy production is insufficient to meet demand, it says, adding that about a third Africa’s population still lacks access to electricity and 53 per cent of the population depends on biomass for cooking, space heating and drying.

According to UNEP, energy consumption on the continent is the lowest in the world, and per capita consumption has barely changed since 2000.

A woman in El Fasher, North Darfur, uses a Water Roller for easily and efficiently carrying water. (UN Photo)

The poorest African households spend 20 times more per unit of energy than wealthy households when connected to the grid. A kettle boiled twice by a family in the United Kingdom uses five times as much electricity as a Malian uses in a year, UNEP reported.

The Big Challenges According to the United Nations, climate change poses a significant threat to economic, social and environmental development in Africa.

“There is strong evidence that warming in Africa has increased significantly over the past 50 to 100 years, with clear effects on the health, livelihoods and food security of people in Africa.”

Then comes corruption, which remains the “most daunting challenge” to good governance, sustainable economic growth, peace, stability and development in Africa, according to the international organisation.

“While corruption is a global phenomenon, the impact is felt more in poor and underdeveloped countries, where resources for development are unduly diverted into private hands, which exacerbates poverty. In many corruption perception surveys, Africa is perceived as the most corrupt region in the world, as well as the most underdeveloped and backward region…”

All this amidst the dramatic fact that Africa is also home to around half if the more than 4o conflicts worldwide, from South Sudan to Nigeria through Somalia.

The challenges posed by protracted conflicts and longstanding disputes on the African continent has been a ma-

jor focus for the international community. In fact, already in 1960 the first peacekeeping operation in Africa was deployed in the Republic of the Congo to ensure the withdrawal of Belgian forces and to assist the government in maintaining law and order.

Since then thousands of peacekeepers have been deployed in nearly 30 peacekeeping operations to African countries, including Angola, Mozambique, Somalia, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia and Eritrea, Burundi and Sudan, and the Central African Republic, among others.

Decolonisation, Women Advancement Another often-neglected fact is that at the end of World War II in 1945, nearly every country in Africa was subject to colonial rule or administration. Following the founding of the UN in 1945 and its massive decolonisation effort, Africa is now virtually free from colonial rule. In 2011 South Sudan became Africa’s newest country when it gained independence from the rest of Sudan.

Meantime, it would be needed to remind that in 11 African countries, women hold close to one-third of the seats in parliaments. Rwanda has the highest proportion of women parliamentarians in the world, according to the UN. Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest regional female entrepreneurial activity rate in the world, with nearly a third of businesses having some female ownership.

Africa’s Agenda 2063 An additional fact is that in Janu-

ary 2015 the heads of state and governments of the African Union adopted Agenda 2063, with visions and ideals aiming at serving as pillars for the continent in the foreseeable future.

“The Agenda is a strategic framework for the socio-economic transformation of the continent over the next 50 years. Its builds on, and seeks to accelerate the implementation of past and existing continental initiatives for growth and sustainable development,” according to the Africa Union (AU).

The guiding vision for Agenda 2063 is that of “An integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in international arena,” the AU states.

The seven “African Aspirations”, which were derived through a consultative process with the African Citizenry, are: a prosperous Africa, based on inclusive growth and sustainable development; an integrated continent, politically united, based on the ideals of Pan Africanism and the vision of Africa’s Renaissance, and an Africa of good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, justice and the rule of law.

Also a peaceful and Secure Africa; Africa with a strong cultural identity, common heritage, values and ethics, an Africa whose development is people driven, relying on the potential offered by people, especially its women and youth and caring for children, and an Africa as a strong, united, resilient and influential global player and partner.

Beer Can Be a Win-Win for Jobs and Water in Sub-Saharan Africa Foecke Young Professionals in Foreign Policy

I

f early investments are made in industrial water efficiency, beer can be a win-win for jobs and water sustainability in sub-Saharan Africa.

The beer industry in sub-Saharan Africa has brought an influx of desperately needed jobs and capital to the region. This private investment and market growth can deliver the type of progress the international-development field has been working towards for decade and will be increasingly vital for meeting development goals.

Continued growth in the beer industry should be strongly encouraged in tandem with support for improved efficiency in industrial water use to address the rapid exhaustion of water resources caused by brewing beer. If early investments are made in industrial water efficiency, beer can be a win-win for jobs and water sustainability in sub-Saharan Africa.

Beer brands are steadily increasing their brewing facilities in sub-Saharan Africa. They are also increasing their investments in the region. For example, as of 2012, SABMiller planned to invest $2.5 billion in Africa. It has since been taken over by Anheuser-Busch InBev, which similarly plans to invest $150-200 million and create a $73 million fund to protect local industry in South Africa alone.

These developments are undoubtedly good news for job creation and capital inflows, but a roadblock lies

in the 8-24 gallons of water required to brew just one pint of beer. The high volume of water required to brew beer is generating alarm over industry sustainability everywhere and sub-Saharan Africa is of particular concern. The region has been considered severely water-stressed since at least 2006, facing scarcity in both the quantity and quality of its water resources. In addition to problems of access, intensifying water scarcity has well-proven links to instability, such as intrastate violence and forced migration.

Governments everywhere will almost certainly respond to water supply crises by capping water use or raising the price of water, which poses serious problems for the longevity and profitability of the beer industry. In fact, the World Economic Forum named water supply crises as one of the top five risks to businesses. Beer brands need to find a way to overcome this obstacle, as Africa is expected to have the highest growth in beer sales globally; in just 10 years, the majority of new beer consumers will be in Africa. Protecting against water supply crises will be key for growth, stability and profitability in these new markets.

Beer brands in sub-Saharan Africa should prioritize investments in advanced brewing technology that dramatically improves their water use efficiency. This is especially important since regional manufacturing expansion strategies have tended to focus on

buying rundown breweries and repairing them. Equipment improvements include immediate leak detection, waterless lubrication and decreasing boil times to reduce the amount of water needed compared to typical systems.

Breweries should also take advantage of technologies that allow producers to reuse wastewater from the brewing process. As these technologies deliver dramatic savings on water costs, companies will be able to recoup their water efficiency investments quickly while demonstrating valuable risk mitigation to shareholders.

Major water efficiency improvements in the African beer industry can deliver benefits beyond job growth and capital inflows for people in sub-Saharan African and the region’s economy.

Insufficient investments in civil infrastructure and ineffective management of natural resources are primary sources of sub-Saharan Africa’s water stress.

Water scarcity has become an increasingly hot-button political issue due to crippling droughts and persistent lack of access to water. However, politicians working under these constraints are reluctant to support conservation policies given that natural resources are so critical to economic growth. They are also reluctant to earmark funds for installing or improving municipal water infrastructure amid many other public service needs.

Politicians should capitalize on the

WRITE-WING

existing momentum in the region and invest in improved water efficiency. The beer industry is proving the viability and positive cost-benefit ratios of investing in industrial-scale water efficiency equipment. This proof of concept is critical to catalyze public investment in civil water infrastructure and enforce effective natural resource policies. Despite well-founded environmental concerns, the beer industry stands to play an indispensable development role in sub-Saharan Africa and should be supported by the international development and conservation fields.

Beer companies and governments in sub-Saharan Africa should implement new technology now while brewing facilities are still expanding and water supplies have yet to be completely exhausted. Investing in water efficiency creates conditions that are more stable and viable for continued growth and development. The African beer industry and policymakers have the chance to be leaders in efficient water use for industrial scale processes, which will soon be in high global demand. The opportunity should not be missed.

Emily Foecke is the international development fellow at Young Professionals in Foreign Policy (YPFP). She is also a research assistant with the Center for Global Development in Washington, DC. Foecke earned her Master of International Affairs from the University of California, San Diego, where she concentrated on international development policy.

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

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

thursday 01•06•2017

PERSPECTIVE

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

7

We’re Living in a World Where ‘Utility Has Replaced Empathy’

In conversation with philosopher Ramin Jahanbegloo on his new book, the process of ‘decivilisation’ and where we go from here

Omair Ahmad

F

The Wire

rom a Clash of Civilizations, the global dialogue has moved to the fragility of civilisation as a concept in of itself. In a world where politics is influenced by actors such as ISIS or politicians like the US President Donald Trump, it seems difficult to understand what precisely keeps societies together and how they can communicate.

This is what makes the new book The Decline of Civilization: Why We Need to Return to Gandhi and Tagore, by the philosopher Ramin Jahanbegloo, so timely. He talks of how the essence of “being civilised” is dependent on a public relationship that is inclusive and accepting of differences, and the breakdown of these qualities has led to a process of “decivilisation”.

He spoke to The Wire about some of the key issues discussed in his new book.

Is there really a universally-accepted meaning of the word “civilised”?

Not necessarily. There has always been a great deal of ambiguity in relation with the two words “to civilise” and “being civilised”. The French author [Michel de] Montaigne uses the word “civilise” in the 17th century as having a “manner”. As for the French philosopher [René] Descartes, a “civilised” man is someone who is not a “savage”. As such, the term “civilisation” [works] as a sense of distinction, but also as a term which enabled the Europeans to redefine and reformulate their own frameworks of socialisation and human development. As such, the West has always related the idea of civilisation to that of progress, advancement, comfort, increased material possessions and cultivation of the arts and sciences.

In other words, as Swiss literary critic Jean Starobinski says correctly, the crucial point is that the use of the term “civilisation” was used to describe both the fundamental process of history and the end result of that process established an antithesis between civilisation and a hypothetical primordial state that was called savagery or barbarism. So it depends on our reading of history as a process and its end results. The ancient Greeks considered the Persians as “barbarians” because they were incapable of speaking Greek and living in city states.

As for the Persians, they thought of the Greeks as being not civilised enough to run an empire like the Achaemenid Empire.

What does “decivilisation” mean?

I did not invent the word decivilisation.

It has been used previously. But I give it a new meaning. Contrary to the common

perception, decivilisation is not the absence of civilisation; rather, it is a state of meaningless and thoughtless civilisation.

More than physical pain, a meaningless and thoughtless existence degrades humanity by robbing it of its self-esteem. A society may be said to be in a state of decivilisation when its individuals are divested of their capacity for empathy as a tool for the recognition of the ‘Other’.

As Hegel shows in his monumental dialectic of the master-slave relationship, Phenomenology of Spirit, a strong and meaningful sense of recognition of oneself as the result of a struggle with the Other constitutes the indispensable foundation of freedom in human history. Therefore, full understanding of the process of freedom-making necessitates a civilisational acceptance of the Other as the Other. This is what is lost in today’s world, not only at the level of political leadership, but also at the level of citizens who lack more than ever an idea of “shared humanity”.

As Steven Pinker points out, statistically war and violence as an experience of humans has gone down tremendously in the last few centuries, people live longer, healthier lives, poverty is being dealt with, how is this evidence of decivilisation?

It would be wrong to analyse the problem of violence at the level of statistics. Violence is a mode of thinking and a mode of acting. We need to fight the capital punishment as a mode of thought rather than as a statistics. The same for rape of women in India. If rape exists it is because of what I would call “penis politics”, a bunch of malechauvinist bureaucrats with ties teaching others how to run the society and the world, and trusting statics. We are dealing here with a hierarchical mode of thinking, which is thoughtless, because it looks at itself and others in bureaucratic terms. As a result, what we call “well being” is nothing but a mutilated life, because it has no true meaning to share with the other person or the other nation. The question of “utility” is the regulating idea which has replaced the idea of “empathy”. This is a decivilising process that I experiment on an everyday basis with my students who want to become corporate lawyers.

Can we really call the Greeks civilised given how deeply their politics was enmeshed with slavery? Is it possible to compare the term “civilisation” across centuries?

I think we should distinguish between the Athenians and the Spartans when we are talking about the Greeks. Also if we are referring to the art of politics and the art of education in ancient Greece, our references would be more correctly in the direction of Athens in 5 BC. For many, Athens in 5 BC is a model of civilisation and democratic life. However, Athens is also a male-oriented society which like many other societies in antiquity related slavery to war. Men were not sold as slaves in their own societies. Therefore, war was the chief source of the slave-trade.

However, modern slavery is more essentialist than war-oriented. In that sense, what should be said is that civilisation displays an extra-narrative ground to the plurality of historical discourses and cultures.

The long interaction of historical civilisations with the complex issue of violence singles out the concept of empathy for particular attention. The violence embedded in the making of historical civilisations is epistemologically reframed and ontologically tamed by the empathic vision of civilisation. Violence on that level, therefore,

calls for civilisational analysis. The historical incapacity of violence to generate mutual understanding and a possibility for a common horizon of shared values reaffirms the necessity of an alternative meaning of the word ‘civilisation’ that resists easy equivalence with notions of evil, horror and cruelty. Civilisations were less or more empathic through history. However, for the first time in human history, empathy is no more part of our civilisational upbringing. We live together without knowing why we live together.

How is Mahatma Gandhi’s idea of civilisation different than European, modern views?

As a radical critique of modern civilisation, Mahatma Gandhi created a legacy that is the fountainhead of a new empathic cosmopolitanism and a pluralistic and multidimensional approach to the concept of civilisation. Gandhi insisted that civilisation must grow and develop in a relationship of constructive exchange with the existing conditions of people. As a result, he condemned what he considered the two fallacious maxims of Western civilisation: ‘might is right’ and ‘the survival of the fittest’. Gandhi’s civilisational approach to the central values of human dignity and equality and his multi-centred and civic view of democracy are based on three basic tenets: that ‘all knowledge is partial or corrigible’, that ‘men see the world differently’ and that ‘violence denied these fundamental facts’. As such, Gandhi’s open-ended view of civilisation is an empathic temporality and an alternative cosmopolitan sensibility that is critical to the two ideas of ethics and politics. The Trumpisation of politics in today’s world makes the Gandhian view of civilisation even more relevant.

Rabindranath Tagore, you write, gave up on the ideas of institutions and looked towards hospitality and individual expression; but without strong institutions, individuals will be crushed by the mob.

Institution is not an everlasting process. Institutions are not created through a natural rationalism or through historical determinism but are instituted through creation and social imagination. On this issue, I follow the theory of my mentor Cornelius Castoriadis. For Castoriadis, society is an imaginary ensemble of institutions, practices and beliefs that we all subscribe to and thus unconsciously reproduce.

So in case of Tagore, giving up some political institutions does not mean that he gives up the social imaginary of the institution, which he actually considers as an ethical and spiritual enterprise rather than simply political. Tagore aims towards an intercultural orientation of a dialogical praxis. It goes without saying that this dialogical praxis is increasingly central to contemporary democratic theory, chiefly due to the fact that we live in a diverse world that is unable to accommodate all cultural virtues and values into one life. It is, therefore, imperative that members of different cultures engage in critical intercultural dialogue whereby they try to understand each other before indulging in the criticism of cultural practices which they find offensive. In a world of Trump and ISIS, reading Tagore is an ethical and cultural necessity.

You write, “Like civilization itself, politics has become aimless and meaningless,” but is this true? In the age of authoritarian autocrats, politics has great meaning.

Politics has become meaningless in today’s world: both on the side of the leaders and the citizens. The desire to turn citizens into unquestioning, unaccountable

and servile human beings has become the principal motive for the development of politics in the contemporary world.

The rise of populist politicians around the world is harbinger of a worrying trend: zombified populations are marching to the order of big mouth demagogues, with little respect to or comprehension of the political process and practice.

However, the rise of the demagogues is the symptom, not the cause of erosion of public trust and engagement. It can be said that citizenry is only realisable through active participation in the public sphere.

Therefore, divisive politics that pushes citizens into small bubbles and preaches nativism contributes to the decline of citizenry. But what is often lost in a political debate is the role of politicians as agents to transform the public discourse and move the society toward innovation and inclusiveness. A brief look at contemporary politics reveals that most shameful eras of our history are coincided by periods of divisive politics which often have contributed to violence and war.

Let me just add that, without politics as the art of organising the society and not just power making there is no real citizenry as becoming of individual is contingent upon their relation with others. As [Immanuel] Kant puts it engaging and diverse viewpoints enrich and inform our political modes of relating with others, as without plurality of “being with others” we cannot liberate our mind from [the] darkness of ignorance. On the other hand, individuality cannot be realised without the ability “to analyze and think for self” or as what Kant’s famously defined as enlightenment “the human being’s emergence from his self-incurred minority’’.

Lastly, what gives meaning to civilisation if life itself is a matter of chance?

Such meaning can only be subjective, and thus atomised. Only a belief in eternal ideas would allow for such meaning to develop and that, as [Friedrich] Nietzsche remarked, is dead.

Most, if not all, living civilisations change and evolve over time. No civilisation constitutes a hermetically-sealed ensemble. The boundaries of a civilisation may change as it encounters other civilisations. This is actually how it has been all through human history. In that case, critical intercivilisational dialogue could lead to change where the process of dialogue and transvaluation of values replaces that of coercion and manipulation. When it is done in this manner, the partners in an intercivilisational dialogue end up engaging in a process of questioning rather than intimidating or patronising each other.

It is clear that only an open-ended, hospitable and empathetic dialogue, which takes the Other seriously, can be termed a genuine intercivilisational encounter. This is the whole difference between a Las Casas and a Sepulveda. As the past 600-plus years of Western history have demonstrated, the sacralisation of the idea of civilisation and its enforcement beyond the borders of the West was accompanied by a decivilising zeal which dismissed other perspectives and visions of the world through conquest and domination. As a result, the project of unique civilisation has brought us to its opposite: a decivilising society, where violence, fear and the logic of bellicose truth have the last word. Today, unfortunately, we are closer to a one-dimensional idea of civilisation, expressed in decivilising terms, rather than to a genuine inter-civilisational humanity with a shared understanding.

Asia’s Coming Genomics Revolution

From China to Japan and Singapore, Asian countries are investing in the genomics revolution Will Greene

S

The Diplomat

ince the early days of genomics in the 1950s, the field has been dominated by researchers in the United States and Europe. Yet as Asia develops, many countries in the region are gaining the skills and capital to play a growing role in the ongoing genomics revolution. Some of them are now competing aggressively to launch genomic research institutes and companies. They could eventually challenge Western leadership in the field.

These countries want to be part of an unfolding revolution in healthcare. Recent advances in genomics are delivering amazing new understandings of the code of life, including how it interacts with our environments to make us who we are.

This allows us to screen for previously hidden disease risks and develop personalized treatments that can help us live longer, healthier lives (something known in the healthcare world as “precision medicine”). It also allows us to manipulate our environments to make the world a safer and more comfortable place.

By getting involved in the genomics revolution, Asian countries hope to unlock economic opportunities in this fastgrowing field. Many also want to make sure that the unique genetic attributes of Asian peoples are better understood.

sights from the field are more applicable to people of Western heritage than other backgrounds. This is particularly true in highly consanguineous Asian populations, such as those in the Gulf region, where genetic diseases are common.

China is taking a leading role in Asia’s genomics space. Its government recently launched a major Precision Medicine Initiative (PMI) that could amount to as much as $9 billion in spending over the next 15 years. Obama’s 2015 PMI, by contrast, amounted to a relatively paltry $215 million, and faces uncertain prospects under the Trump administration.

We can debate whether governmentled scientific research is more or less effective than private sector initiatives, but there’s no doubt that China’s PMI will boost China’s genomics industry, which is already attracting significant private investment. In the past few years, Chinese investors placed big bets on genomics companies like iCarbonX, which raised over $100 million in its Series A last year.

Chinese healthcare companies are acquiring foreign genomics companies too.

In 2015, for example, the Shanghai-based healthcare services firm WuXi AppTec acquired NextCODE, an Icelandic genomics company, to form WuXi NextCODE. Investors in other Asian countries are also making moves. Just last week, Japan’s Softbank led a $360 million investment in Guardant Health, a company working

gies, known as “liquid biopsies,” are an exciting field of research. Grail, another U.S.-based company working on liquid biopsy technologies, raised nearly $1 billion in March (China’s Tencent was among its investors). Such technologies already exist for some kinds of cancers, but companies like Guardant and Grail are hoping to make them more sensitive and cover a wide range of cancers.

Singapore is another hotspot for genomics. The city-state’s leaders clearly see genomics as part of their broader efforts to make it a hub for healthcare innovation in Asia. They’ve managed to produce an innovation ecosystem that’s attracted companies like Human Longevity Inc., a genomics-driven healthcare company that offers high-end health screening services, and which has bioinformatics team based in the country. They’ve also pursued direct investments in genomics firms, as evidenced by the participation of Temasek, a government-owned investment firm, in the recent Guardant deal.

Most of these initiatives are the territory of high-end researchers requiring major capital for long-term research initiatives. Yet as public awareness of genomics increases in Asia, consumer-focused genomics companies also have new opportunities. Prenetics, for instance, is Hong Kong-based and targeting the East and Southeast Asian markets. Xcode is another one focused on India. Companies like

nologies in local markets.* These companies may face cultural challenges in Asia. In late 2016, for instance, I attended a healthcare conference in Qatar where Islamic bioethicists debated the morality of new genomics technologies. Their deliberations could have implications for genomics entrepreneurs in other Muslim countries in Asia, such as Indonesia and Malaysia. Overall, they were not opposed to genomics — the Qatari government is investing heavily in the sector too — but they are serious about ensuring genomics technologies are used in a manner that’s consistent with their faith.

Genomics enterprises may also face regulatory challenges in Asia, where healthcare leaders will need to wrestle with thorny issues around who owns genomic data, how it can be used, and what kinds of research are permissible. What kinds of direct-to-consumer genetic tests will be permissible? What will be the role of genetic counselors? Questions like these could prove as ethically contentious as they’ve been in the United States and elsewhere.

Whatever happens, it’s clear that Asia will play a growing role in genomics. This should ultimately be a good thing for everyone. The more people are involved, the faster the field will progress. But Asia’s growth in the field could also mean that the West — particularly the United States — is losing competitive advantage.

Will Greene is a healthcare

Who are the Real Visionary Leaders?

W

hen we say about certain politicians of ours, “He’s a visionary leader,” do we really know what we are talking about?

In 2004, both Neiphiu and Shürhozelie came up with what they called “Nagaland 2020—A Vision.” In it, they talked about implementing a vision of a comprehensive agriculture and forest policy; promotion of industries based on agro-forestry; sustainable exploitation of oil, gas and mineral reserves; heavy investments in infrastructure development; and equitable access to quality education and healthcare services. But till today, sadly all these remain only in paper.

Or if one were to check the NPF’s amended Constitution of 2005, they talked of pursuing the following objectives: to strive to bring about electoral reforms, to fight against corruption and restore the good name of the Nagas, to develop the economy and remove disparity in the society, to strive for a clean and efficient administration, and to strictly abide by the rule of law.

But now even after 16 years, their so-called vision has not been implemented. Nor did they really fulfill those objectives mentioned in their Constitution. So then, can we call them visionary leaders? Truth be told: only a mere statement of a vision or objectives on paper doesn’t automatically qualify anyone to be considered visionary. A vision requires a personal embodiment of a creative idea that inspires others and generates real transformation in its path.

At its simplest, visionary leadership begins when a person imagines a state of affairs not presently existing. This initial creative insight or spark is elaborated into a vision of change. But because most new ideas that call for change make some followers and others opponents, conflict inevitably arises. Few have expressed this conflict more eloquently than Robert F. Kennedy, borrowing from George Bernard Shaw: “Some people see things as they are and say: why? I dream things that never were and say: why not?”

A visionary leader is very different from an “eventful” man who happens to be involved in historic situations but without really determining its course. While an “eventful” man is a slave to history and cannot free himself from becoming a pawn of situations, a visionary leader is confident of changing the existing situation and replacing it with a completely better alternative. The great German philosopher Georg Hegel called such men the “clear-sighted ones” in the land of the blind.

Visionary leaders are the builders of a new dawn, working with imagination, insight, and boldness. They present a challenge that calls forth the best in people and brings them together around a shared sense of purpose. They work with the power of intentionality and alignment with a higher purpose. Their eyes are on the horizon, not just on the near at hand. They are social innovators and change agents, seeing the big picture and thinking strategically.

Let’s look at some visionary leaders. In the arts, we have Leonardo da Vinci whose great works brought about artistic transformation and the Cultural Revolution not only in Italy but also in many other parts of Europe. In the sciences, we have Albert Einstein and Isaac Newton. In the media world, the CNN founder Ted Turner proved himself to be a visionary leader. He transformed the mass media and communication industry by boldly creating an around-the-clock international TV news network which brought the world closer. In the entertainment industry, it was Walt Disney. Despite facing many challenges and great adversity throughout his career, Walt dreamt big and forged ahead, seeing things others couldn’t see and constantly proving his critics wrong. All these people are especially known for transforming old mental maps or paradigms and creating strategies that are “outside the box” of conventional thought.

What about visionary politicians? Rather than being corrupted by power, visionary politicians are elevated by power to accomplish greater things.

Nelson Mandela clearly held a positive vision of a racially harmonious South Africa during his 28 years in jail and helped bring it into reality peacefully—to the amazement of the world.

Mahatma Gandhi certainly believed in a vision of an independent India, made of Hindus, Muslims, Christians, and Sikhs. But for that to become a reality, he appealed to the moral conscience of Britain, using the principle of Satyagraha (“the power born of truth and love or non-violence”) to resist the evil of the British Colonial power. He also employed the concept of Swaraj (“self-rule”) when he refused to depend on the British supply of salt and, instead, mobilized millions of Indians in a peaceful procession to the coastal village of Dandi to produce salt from the seawater for themselves.

Another creative means he came up with was the use of fasting as a political tool to solve communal strife until sanity returned to Kolkata. These were all value-based, morally-driven, peaceful, and self-imposing tactics. He exemplified what his vision called for. That’s why he could say, “I must first be the change I want to see in my world.” In fact, his politics was grounded on his moral values and religious beliefs. He had no trouble bringing his spirituality and politics together. He said, “I could not lead a religious life unless I identified with the whole of mankind, and that I could not do unless I took part in politics.”

Visionary leaders are able to inspire people to be better than they already are by offering a clear vision of what is possible. They can successfully present a positive picture of the future and clearly show people how to get there. They lead by example.

Their focus is on opportunities, not on problems.

So the ultimate test of visionary leadership lies not only in having a new idea but in bringing to life a real transformation, accomplishing the real-world

8

ThursDAY 01•06•2017

INDIA

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

AAP legislators 'assault' Kapil Mishra in Delhi assembly

New delhi, May 31 (iaNS): Sacked Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra was on Wednesday manhandled in the Delhi assembly

by AAP members after he raised allegations of corruption against Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Health Minister Satyendra Jain.

The former Water Minister who has been campaigning against Kejriwal, levelling graft allegation against him, later claimed he was "punched" and "kicked" by five-seven Aam Aadmi Party legislators after he demanded an open session of the Delhi assembly be convened at Ramlila Maidan to publicly discuss the corruption charges.

Mishra hurled a banner inside the house demanding the special session of the assembly, following which he was warned by Speaker Ram Niwas Goel.

When he refused to relent, Goel ordered Mishra be marshalled out of the house.

Before the marshals could reach Mishra, he was manhandled by Aam Aadmi Party members. He was later taken out of the house by marshals.

While Speaker Goel said both Mishra and the legislators who manhandled him may face action, the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party condemned the assault.

Talking to the media outside the assembly, Mishra said he had written a letter to Goel on Tuesday, urging for the special public session.

"I wanted to discuss inside the assembly about their corruptions. When I did not get the opportunity, I called for convening a special session at Ramlila Ground. Suddenly the (AAP) MLAs rushed to me

and started hitting me," Mishra told the media outside the assembly.

"This is for the time in an assembly, that instead of marshals, MLAs are sent to assault another MLA," said Mishra who was seen being dragged out of the house by AAP members.

He claimed he was punched on the chest and kicked in the back.

"Following a gesture by (Deputy Chief Minister) Manish Sisodia, several of the MLAs assaulted me," said Mishra, adding that he could only identify two of the legislators -- Madan Lal and Jarnail Singh-- who attacked him.

Mishra said he would raise the attack issue with Lt Governor Anil Baijal and on June 3, at the Constitution Club here he would present before the people the documents to prove wrongdoings by Kejriwal and Jain.

"I am not afraid of you, no matter how many goons you send, I will not be deterred, I will expose all your scams and corruptions."

"Whatever happened

today is unfortunate. What the MLAs did was wrong.

One may do whatever he wants outside, but inside the assembly, one needs to maintain the discipline and decorum," the Speaker later told the media, adding that the lawmakers may face action for their behaviour.

Condemning the assault, Congress spokesperson Sharmistha Mukherjee told IANS: The AAP is using brute force of its majority. After trying to suppress voice of the opposition, they are now suppressing the voice of their own MLA." She said the attack was a crisis for the democratic principles.

BJP leader R.P. Singh told IANS: "The LG should ask for all the records, including the video footage, and take appropriate action."

Slamming Kejriwal over his silence on Mishra's allegations, Singh said: "The issue was related to corruption and it was the reason why they are now behaving in such manner."

India & Spain commit to strengthen cooperation

Madrid, May 31 (iaNS): India and Spain on Wednesday committed to cooperate in the fight against terrorism calling it the gravest threat to international peace and stability even as the two sides expressed the need to restart negotiations for an EUIndia Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement (BITA).

"Both India and Spain have faced terrorism," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said while addressing the media ahead of talks with his Spanish counterpart Mariano Rajoy at La Moncloa, the official residence of the Spanish Prime Minister.

"Terrorism and extremism pose the biggest challenge to the world today," Modi said. "Strengthening cooperation between us in the fight against terrorism is a key element of our bilateral agenda."

A joint statement issued following the meeting between the two leaders said both "recognised that terrorism poses the gravest threat to international peace and stability and expressed their strong commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations".

"They stressed that there should be zero tolerance to terrorism and that there can be no justification whatsoever for any act of terror," it stated.

"We reiterate that the fight against terrorism requires a robust international cooperation, and we call on all the states to fully implement SC (UN Security Council) Resolution 1373 and all other relevant SC Resolutions, by establishing strong legal provisions against ter-

rorism, terrorist networks, incitement to terrorism and financing for terrorism, and by satisfying requests from other states for cooperation against terrorism."

According to the statement, Modi and Rajoy "expressed their strong commitment to reinforce their cooperation in the fight against terrorism, through regular bilateral consultations and cooperation and in the international fora".

The two leaders also called on the international community to end selective or partial approaches to combating terrorism and in this regard jointly called for the early finalisation and adoption of the India-initiated Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism by the UN General Assembly.

Modi and Rajoy underlined the importance of European Union (EU)-India relations and the need to deepen the existing EUIndia dialogues.

"They acknowledged the positive results of 2016 EU-India Summit in March 2016, which marked a new momentum in the EUIndia relations," the statement said.

"They addressed the shared interest of the two sides to further engage on the India-EU Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement and expressed the need to restart negotiations soon."

The BITA has been hanging fire for 11 years despite 16 rounds of negotiations. In 2012, EU member states handed over responsibility for investment protection agreements to the European Commission.

Stating that Spain had made rapid strides in its

The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi with the President of Spain, Mr. Mariano Rajoy, at La Moncloa Palace, in Madrid, Spain on May 31. (PIB Photo)

economy, Modi in his address to the media said his government's top priority too was India's economic growth and development.

He said Spain can offer its expertise to India's development priorities like railways, smart cities and infrastructure.

The Prime Minister later also held a round-table interaction with CEOs of Spanish business and industry. There are around 200 Spanish companies operating in India.

According to the joint statement, the CEOs expressed strong support for the economic reforms in India and highlighted

their keen interest to participate actively in flagship programmes like Make in India, Smart Cities, Digital India, Swachh Bharat, Start-up India and Skill India.

Rajoy congratulated Modi on India's fast economic growth and the Indian government's various measures to improve ease of doing business and boost manufacturing growth.

"Both leaders agreed on the need to preserve and further develop open trade and a business friendly investment scenario in both countries, and considered that policies towards pro-

tectionism may weaken international trade and have a negative impact in global economy," the joint statement said.

As part of his day's engagements in Spain, Modi also called on Spanish King Felipe VI at the Palacio de la Zarzuela on the outskirts of Madrid.

Modi arrived here from Germany on Tuesday on the second leg of his sixday, four-nation tour of Europe that will also take him to Russia and France.

This is the first Indian Prime Ministerial visit to Spain in nearly 30 years since Rajiv Gandhi came here in 1988.

DU student, juvenile held for lynching e-rickshaw driver SMS to link Aadhaar with PAN, says IT Department

New delhi, May 31 (iaNS): Delhi Police has arrested a Delhi University student and detained his juvenile accomplice for lynching an erickshaw driver after he objected to them urinating at GTB Metro Station in north Delhi, a senior police officer said on Wednesday. Police said the accused student Shekhar Kapasia, 19, and his juvenile friend were captured in a CCTV footage which helped them to identify them.

They were arrested from their hideouts in Muzaffarnagar of Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday night. Kapasia, a B.Com

Second year of Sri Aurobindo College in Malviya Nagar, is a resident of Sant Nagar. His juvenile accomplice, 17, is studying at a south Delhi school, and is a resident of Malviya Nagar.

Both of them are natives of Muzaffarnagar, police said.

"We have identified five other youths. We are interrogating Kapasia and the juvenile to ascertain the hideouts of their associates involved in killing e-rickshaw driver Ravinder Kumar on Saturday. Seven police teams and a team of Crime Branch are conducting a manhunt to trace their hideouts in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana,"

Deputy Commissioner of Police Milind Mahadeo Dumbere told IANS. "Kapasia and his juvenile accomplice told investigators that the verbal altercation with Kumar turned abusive and they took it personally. They planned to take revenge and later returned with their friends. One of them tied up stones in a cotton towel and attacked Kumar multiple times," Dumbere said.

The police teams had looked for suspects from around 300 students of the School Of Open Learning (SOL) of Delhi University, whose examination centre

was located in Kirori Mal College, on the day of the incident.

Records of some students from Sri Aurobindo College were also checked.

Kapasia and the juvenile were identified later as they were caught in a CCTV footage enquiring about Kumar's whereabouts from other e-rickshaw drivers near GTB Nagar Metro Station, police said.

They had a verbal altercation with Kumar after he ob‘ jected to them having alcohol and urinating near the GTB metro station. Kumar was later declared brought dead on arrival at a nearby hospital.

First pollution early warning system aims to cut deaths, health hazards Mukta Patil

T

IANS | Indiaspend

he first monitoring and early warning system in India was launched on May 12 in Ahmedabad, with the hope that it will reduce the health impacts and deaths from air pollution, a growing problem in a country with nine of the world's 20 most polluted cities in 2016.

Eight new air quality monitoring sites across Ahmedabad will produce a daily air quality index (AQI) that will be accessible to citizens through 11 LED screens, as part of what is called the Air Information and Response (AIR) plan.

An early warning system will notify people of excessive pollution days as part of the response plan, while medical professionals will be trained to respond to air-pollution emergencies in the city of over 5.5 million people.

Ahmedabad was among the five most polluted cities in India in terms of PM 2.5, according to the WHO's 2014 Ambient Air Pollution database.

PM 2.5 is particulate matter finer than 2.5 micro-metres, or about 30 times finer than a human hair. Inhaled deep into the lungs, they can cause heart attacks, strokes, lung cancer and respiratory diseases, and are known to pose the greatest risk to human health. People living in more polluted areas die prematurely after long-term exposure to air pollution, and inconsistent monitoring makes it difficult to assess the threat posed

by ambient air pollution.

The AIR plan is a collaborative effort between the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), Indian Institute of Public Health (IIPH), Natural Resources Defense Council, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology and the Indian Meteorological Department's System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) network. The monitoring and warning system will be tried for the first time in India, but follows the successful example of Beijing, that started the programme for issuing colour coded pollution alerts in 2013.

The AMC has set aside a budget of Rs 30 lakh for 2017, Chirag Shah, nodal officer of the AIR plan and the Deputy Health Officer of the West Zone at the AMC, told IndiaSpend.

The AMC had drafted a comprehensive Air Action Plan to combat pollution from construction activities, vehicular emissions and industries in 2016, its second such plan since 2002, but it is yet to be implemented.

As part of the AIR plan, the AMC will issue a health alert when the AQI forecast for the next 24 hours is "very poor" (301-400). When the AQI forecast rises to "severe" levels (401-500), a health warning will be issued. Under the health alert, the nodal officer of the AIR programme will "inform urban health centres as well as private medical practitioners including pulmonologists, paediatricians to alert them to expect and be prepared for more cases of respiratory health

effects".

If the AQI exceeds 401 (severe), the nodal officer will inform urban health centres, the local ambulance service, transport, traffic police, the government radio station, schools, colleges, and the estate department -- which handles permissions for real estate -- in order to control road dust and construction work.

"Major contributors to air pollution are population, industries and vehicles. Rate of urbanisation and industrialisation leading to growth of vehicles make cities like Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara and Rajkot the hot spots for air pollution," according to a report by the Gujarat ENVIS centre.

Between 2000-01 and 2010-11, Ahmedabad's vehicles more than doubled from 1.2 million to over 2.6 million. As of 2014-15, there were 3.4 million vehicles in the city. Ahmedabad also had more than 2,000 industrial air-polluting units as of May 2012, the report stated.

In Ahmedabad pollution comes from a variety of sources, including power plants and brick kilns. The city has two thermal power plants and more than 300 brick kilns.

The Air Action Plan, if implemented, will reduce pollution from these sources through various measures such as improving fuel quality, phasing out commercial vehicles over 15 years old, traffic management, installing pollution control measures in industries and reducing pollution from thermal power plants.

New delhi, May 31 (iaNS): In a bid to ease the linking of Aadhaar number with PAN, the Income Tax Department on Wednesday said people can simply send an SMS. "People can send an SMS 'UIDPAN<12 digit Aadhaar><10 digit PAN>' format to 567678 or 56161, to link their Aadhaar with PAN," the department said in advertisements in national dailies.

The SMS facility is only for those whose names are identical on Aadhaar and PAN cards.

The Income Tax Department had earlier said that it has also enabled the facility of linking the Aadhaar card with PAN on its

website. The online facility can also be used where there may be a minor mismatch in the names.

"In case of minor mismatch, one-time password (Aadhaar OTP) will be sent to the mobile registered with Aadhaar," it said.

"Taxpayers can go to http:// www.incometaxindiaefiling. gov.in and click on the link on the left panel -- Link Aadhaar -- provide PAN, Aadhaar numbers and enter exactly the name as given in Aadhaar card (avoid spelling mistakes) and submit."

"After verification from Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), the linking will be confirmed," it added.

There would be no need to log-in or be registered on the income tax e-filing website for linking.

Aadhaar can also be seeded into PAN database by quoting Aadhaar in PAN application form for new PAN allotment or by quoting Aadhaar in Change Request Form used for reprint of PAN card.

PAN holder may also visit websites of PAN service providers NSDLeGov (www.tin-nsdl. com) and UTIITSL (www.utiitsl. com) or income tax department (www.incometaxindia.gov.in) where link of e-filing has been provided.

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INDIAN NAVY Online Applications are invited from eligible candidates for employment in the Indian Navy as a Senior Secondary Recruit (Batch 01/2018) and Artificer Apprentice (AA-143) for course commencing 31 January 2018. Entry is currently open. Last date of online applications is 04 June 2017. The Indian Navy has discontinued recruitment drives. The application can be filled online only on the official website www.joinindiannavy.gov.in.

Candidates can also take assistance from any Common Services Centre (CSC) spread across the country against a fixed fee of ` 60/-. For eligibility conditions and medical standards, visit www.joinindiannavy.gov.in WARNING BEWARE OF AGENTS/ CHEATS/ TOUTS/ ANTI SOCIAL ELEMENTS Person claiming rapport with the officials of the Naval Recruitment Organisation may promise to get a candidate recruited and on the pretext may collect money. WE WOULD LIKE TO ASSERT THAT SUCH A THING IS NOT POSSIBLE. Approach police and lodge FIR in case of any harassment by touts. Before succumbing to the promises of any agent think twice! If you think that you can get the things done unlawfully, you are bound to lose! You are advised to conduct yourself as a law abiding citizen of the country and refrain from using unfair means. davp/10701/11/0014/1718

ThursdAY 01•06•2017

WORLD

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

9

Allegations of abuse, mismanagement Massive explosion in Kabul shadow gains against the Islamic State claims more than 80 lives

BEIRUT, May 31 (aP): As the U.S.-led coalition ratchets up operations in Syria, there are concerns that it will result in a rerun of what happened in Iraq, where $1 billion in weapons supplied to local fighters is unaccounted for.

Weapons, training and airstrikes by the coalition have aided ground forces in both Iraq and Syria, allowing Iraq’s military, Iraqi Kurdish fighters and Syrian Kurdish fighters to retake some 55,000 square kilometers (21,235 square miles) of territory from the Islamic State extremists in the nearly three-year fight.

However, many in both countries are concerned about how the forces bolstered by the coalition will leverage their influence and arms once the militants are vanquished. Numerous Iraqi groups that benefited from the training and arms have been accused of human rights violations.

The Trump administration’s decision to provide Syria’s Kurds with more advanced weapons has raised concerns among the various players in Syria’s complicated battlefield.

U.S. officials have said new weapons to be supplied would include heavy machine guns, ammunition, mortars and possibly TOW anti-tank missiles.

Coalition spokesman Col. John Dorrian said the weapons will not be reclaimed after the specific missions are completed but the U.S. will “carefully monitor” where and how they are used.

U.S.-backed Kurdish groups have often clashed with Turkey-backed groups in northern Syria, where many factions are jostling to hold various zones of influence. The coalition already has demonstrated an inability to track weapons in Iraq, a much less complex and unstable battlefield than Syria.

Amnesty International released a report this

This Sunday, April 30, 2017, file photo, provided by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), shows fighters from the SDF looking toward the northern town of Tabqa, Syria.

Weapons, training and airstrikes from the U.S.-led coalition have propelled ground forces in both Iraq and Syria, allowing Iraq’s military, Iraqi Kurdish fighters and Syrian Kurdish fighters to retake some 55,000 square kilometers of territory from the extremists in the nearly three year long fight. (AP/File Photo)

month detailing a 2016 U.S. Defense Department audit stating that $1 billion in weapons provided to Iraqi forces for use in the IS fight are now unaccounted for.

The coalition could have worked closer with the Iraqi government to ensure the weapons were accounted for, said Patrick Wilcken, a researcher with Amnesty and an author of the report. But in Syria, he said, it will be “almost impossible to avoid leakage and diversion of arms” provided by the coalition to fighters there.

“The coalition takes all reasonable efforts to maintain accountability of equipment divested to the government of Iraq to fight” IS, coalition spokesman Col. Ryan Dillon told The Associated Press. Since the 2016 audit referenced in the Amnesty report, he said, “all deficiencies identified in that report have been corrected.”

Iraqi commanders must sign for all equipment they receive and the coalition then continues to monitor them “for future vetting purposes” and on the battlefield, Dillon added.

This month, Germany’s Der Spiegel magazine de-

tailed allegations of torture, rape and killings of IS suspects at the hands of Iraq’s Emergency Response Division, an Interior Ministry unit that has played a leading role in the coalitionaided operation to retake Mosul.

Iraqi soldiers, Kurdish forces and local policemen have all been accused of carrying out mass extrajudicial detentions of men and boys fleeing military operations against IS, according to reports by Human Rights Watch and the AP. Syrian Kurdish forces backed by the coalition have also been accused of abuses against Sunni Arabs, according to human rights organizations and Syrian opposition activists.

Other armed groups — notably Iraq’s mostly Shiite paramilitary forces who do not receive direct U.S. assistance of any kind — have been accused of much more widespread human rights abuses than the forces backed by the coalition.

The U.S. human rights law known as the Leahy amendment prohibits the Defense Department from providing military assistance to foreign military units that violate human

rights. In March 2015, the Iraqi Emergency Response Division was disqualified from receiving U.S. equipment and training, coalition spokesman Dillon said.

But he said the law does not prevent the U.S. from working with the ERD to help ensure a coordinated effort among different elements of the Iraqi security forces. The coalition has shared intelligence with the unit and conducted airstrikes to facilitate their military operations.

Iraq’s Kurdish forces known as the peshmerga — who have received some of the most extensive support from the coalition, including training, arms and air support — have been accused of destroying Arab property and forcing Arab residents out of dozens of villages retaken from IS. The AP visited one village outside Kirkuk where Arab residents said Kurdish forces labeled their homes as “confiscated,” seized identification documents and reduced buildings to rubble. Iraq’s Kurdistan regional government denied the claims, saying IS fighters destroyed the houses as they retreated.

An Amnesty International fact-finding mission to northern Syria in 2015 uncovered forced displacement of Arab residents carried out by Kurdish forces that the group said amounted to war crimes. The report detailed the deliberate demolishing of civilian homes as well as razing and burning whole villages previously captured by IS. The Kurds have rejected the claims.

Col. Abdul-Razzak Ahmad Freiji, a Syrian army defector who is now with Turkey-backed rebels in northern Syria, said news of U.S. arms to Syrian Kurdish fighters exacerbates his concerns. After the fight with the Islamic State group is over, Freiji said, “these weapons (will be directed) against us.”

KaBUL, May 31 (aP): A massive explosion rocked a highly secure diplomatic area of Kabul on Wednesday morning, killing 80 people and wounding as many as 350, an attack that left a scene of mayhem and destruction and sent a huge plume of smoke over the Afghan capital.

The target of the attack — which officials said was a suicide car bombing — was not immediately known, but Ismail Kawasi, spokesman of the public health ministry, said most of the casualties were civilians, including women and children.

It was one of the worst attacks Kabul has seen since the drawdown of foreign forces at the end of 2014.

Associated Press images from the scene showed the German Embassy and several other embassies located in the area heavily damaged in the explosion. It wasn’t known if any foreign diplomats were among the casualties but Germany and Pakistan said some of their embassy employees and staff were hurt in the explosion.

The explosion took place at the peak of Kabul’s rush hour when roads are packed with worktime commuters. It went off close to a busy intersection in the Wazir Akbar Khan district, said Najib Danish, deputy spokesman for the Interior Ministry.

The neighborhood is considered Kabul’s safest area, with foreign embassies protected by dozens of 10-foot-high blast walls and government offices, guarded by police and national security forces. The German Embassy, the Foreign Ministry and the Presidential Palace are all in the area, as are the British and the Canadian embassies.

The Chinese, Turkish and Iranian embassies are also located there.

Damaged cars are seen after a blast at the site of the incident in Kabul, Afghanistan May 31. (REUTERS)

Local T V footage showed shocked residents soaked in blood stumbling about, then being ferried away to hospitals. Passersby stopped and helped the wounded into their private cars, others congregated outside the nearby Italianrun Emergency Hospital.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the blast. Both the Taliban and the Islamic State group have staged large-scale attacks in the Afghan capital in the past.

The Afghan Taliban later issued a statement denying any involvement in the bombing and condemning all attacks against civilians. Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesman for the Taliban, said Wednesday’s explosion had “nothing to do with the Mujahedeen of Islamic Emirate,” as the Taliban call themselves.

But even though the Taliban claim they are only waging war against the Kabul government and foreign forces in Afghanistan, most of the casualties of their attacks have been civilians.

A statement from the

Ministry of Interior Affairs said it “condemns in the strongest terms the terrorist attack” that killed so many, including women and children. “These heinous acts go against the values of humanity as well values of peaceful Afghans,” it added.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani also condemned the attack, which came just days into the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. A statement from his office quoted Ghani as saying that “the terrorists, even in the holy month of Ramadan, the month of goodness, blessing and prayer, are not stopping the killing of our innocent people.”

Germany’s Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said an unspecified number of German Embassy employees in Kabul were hurt in the blast and an Afghan security guard outside the building was killed. Gabriel said all embassy workers were safe and offered his condolences to the family of the slain guard.

Pakistan also de-

nounced the “terrorist attack in Kabul” and its Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it “caused damage to the residences of some Pakistani diplomats and staff, living in the close vicinity, and inflicted minor injuries to some.”

China’s foreign ministry said its Kabul embassy in Kabul was partly damaged but that all embassy staff were “safe and sound” and that there had been no reports of injured Chinese citizens.

Germany has had troops in Afghanistan for 15 years, primarily concentrated in the north in and around Mazar-E-Sharif.

They’re currently one of the biggest contributors to the NATO-led Resolute Support mission with around 980 soldiers on the ground to support and train Afghan security forces.

Wednesday’s explosion was so heavy that more than 50 vehicles were either destroyed or damaged at the site of the attack. “We don’t know at this moment what was the target of the attack,” said Danish.

10

ThursDAY 01•06•2017

sports

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

decisive ramos is real's insatiable spiritual leader MadRId, May 31 (ReuteRS): Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos has broken Atletico Madrid hearts and silenced fans of Napoli and Barcelona so few people would be surprised if he cements his reputation on the biggest stage in Saturday's Champions League final against Juventus.

Striking a balance between the glamour of David Beckham and the never-say-die warrior spirit of the late Juanito, central defender Ramos is Madrid's spiritual leader, a colossal force in both boxes yet also prone to moments of madness.

Ramos has threatened to cost his team almost as often as he has saved them, holding the record of 22 red cards at Real, almost double the tally of nearest challenger Fernando Hierro.

His tally of dismissals is rarely pored over for long, though, such is his habit of getting Real out of jail.

His most famous lastgasp strike was a 93rd minute equaliser in the 2014 Champions League final against Atletico which led to Real's extra-time triumph, while Sevilla, Barca, Deportivo La Coruna and Real Betis have been his unlucky victims this season.

"Ramos represents the values of Real Madrid, the

spirit of doing anything to win," coach Zinedine Zidane has said.

"For me those values are commitment, battling and fighting until the last minute. This club has taught me that and as our captain Sergio represents this. He's a noble player."

SELF CONFIDENCE Ramos's self confidence can be traced as far back as 2005 when he signed for a Real Madrid side containing Beckham, Luis Figo and Zidane for 27 million euros ($30.21 million), a record for a Spanish teenager, and said he wanted to captain the club.

Even though he is one of Real's highest paid players, and has a celebrity girlfriend in television presenter Pilar Rubio, Ramos likes to talk about his humble roots in the working class town of Camas outside Seville.

Last month when the

Champions League semifinal tie between Real and Atletico was being billed as the haves versus the have nots, Ramos took offence.

"It seems like here we have grown up in Beverly Hills," he said. "Here there are people from humble backgrounds too. The sacrifice you make is what fills you with the desire to win."

Ramos's thirst for winning is insatiable, and at the Champions League final in Cardiff he will target an 18th major honour for club and country. He also has the chance to become the first player to score in three Champions League finals.

The man who has built a reputation for late goals said he would rather have a night free of nerves, however.

"We hope we can resolve the game before and that our fans don't have heart attacks," he said. "I want to enjoy it and not have to wait so long to win."

Isinbayeva quits as anti-doping chair after international pressure - Ifax MOSCOW, May 31 (ReuteRS): Twice Olympic pole vault champion Yelena Isinbayeva has resigned as chair of the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA), the Interfax news agency reported -- a move that may help Russian athletes return to international competition.

Isinbayeva was under pressure to quit as head of RUSADA's supervisory council after the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) called for her removal, one of four steps it said were necessary for RUSADA to retrieve its right to oversee the testing of Russian athletes.

"I will work and implement anti-doping programmes. I am simply transferring my seat to a new chairman," Interfax cited Isinbaye-

va as saying on Wednesday.

Isinbayeva added she would remain a member of RUSADA's supervisory council despite her resignation as chairwoman.

It was not immediately clear how WADA would respond to Wednesday's development.

RUSADA was stripped of its WADA accreditation after a report

published in November 2015 accused it of systematically violating anti-doping regulations.

A majority of Russian athletes are set to miss the world championships in London in August if a separate but related ban against the country's athletics federation stays in place.

Other changes WADA is demanding from RUSADA include drug testers being allowed access to closed cities where it says athletes continue to evade testing, access to athletes' biological passports, and the implementation of a conflict of interest policy.

Isinbayeva's appointment last December outraged WADA because she was an outspoken critic of the decision by the Internation-

al Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) to ban Russian track and field athletes from international competition.

That decision kept the athletes, including Isinbayeva, from competing in the 2016 Olympics. Isinbayeva retired soon afterwards.

While formally banned, some Russian athletes hope to compete internationally as neutrals.

Fifteen athletes, including 2015 world champion hurdler Sergey Shubenkov, have so far been cleared to compete in international competitions after satisfying the IAAF's doping review board that they have been training in an environment that passes the necessary anti-doping requirements.

Warriors wary of LeBron as Cavs arrive for NBA Finals Oakland, May 31 (aFP): Cleveland superstar LeBron James, as versatile and dangerous as any NBA player, is a focus of the Golden State Warriors as they prepare for Thursday's start of the NBA Finals.

The Cavaliers are defending champions after James sparked the greatest comeback in NBA Finals history, rallying Cleveland from 3-1 down to win last year's best-ofseven series in a dramatic winnertake-all showdown at Oakland, California.

James became the first player to lead an NBA Finals in every major statistical category with 29.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, 8.9 assists, 2.6 steals and 2.3 blocked shots a game last year.

This season, at age 32, James

averaged 26.4 points plus career highs of 8.6 rebounds and 8.7 assists as well as a league-high 37.8 minutes on the court a game.

As dangerous a scorer as he is from outside or driving to the hoop, James also threatens by being able to find teammates such as Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love with passes when defenders focus too much on him.

"You can't stop LeBron," said Mike Brown, the Golden State assistant coach guiding the team while head coach Steve Kerr recovers from complications after back surgery.

"He's going to score. He's going to get other players involved in the scoring by passing the ball off.

So you've got to make him work as hard as he can. He can't have an

easy game."

Brown, who once coached James with the Cavaliers, has emphasized perseverance when dealing with James, especially since Kevin Durant will be dealing with him much of the time.

"LeBron is going to get his points and so is Kyrie. You've just got to try and make it tough on them," Durant said. "You can't get discouraged.

"They are a strong team and they are playing well. They have chemistry. It has only gotten better all year. We've got to work hard at practice and when the game comes on, get out there and go play."

The Cavaliers flew into San Francisco on Tuesday, taking a team photo once they arrived that

Cleveland forward Kevin Love posted on Instagram.

Oddsmakers have the Warriors favored to dethrone Cleveland as the Cavaliers did to them a year ago, but the snub gives the Cavs something else to prove.

"We'll use it as fuel, use it as motivation," Love said. "We're defending our title. We're trying to repeat, which is so hard to do.

"I don't feel like we're underdogs. We match up well with them.

I think they would say the same thing about us."

Golden State, which boasted the NBA's top scoring squad this season, is off to a record 12-0 playoff start with an average win margin of 16.3 points. Cleveland is 12-1 in the playoffs, winning by an average of 13.6 points.

public discourse

Hijama (Cupping): An alternate therapy for pain management Dr. Imlikumba

C

Health Naturally Clinic Kevijau Colony Dimapur

upping, called Hijama by the Muslims is the application of suction cups to the skin to draw out stagnant, congested blood.

Cupping therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine in which the practitioner puts special cups on your skin for a few minutes to create suction. People get it for many purposes, including helping with pain, inflammation, blood flow, relaxation and well-being, and as a type of deep-tissue massage. It will be necessary to consult with a qualified practitioner before undergoing cupping and then have it performed by one who has adequate medical training.

This safe and natural healing treatment is a lesser-known tech-

nique that’s starting to come to light due to the overwhelming amount of celebrities getting caught on camera with the red marks associated with cupping. Including; Lena Dunham, Anna Lyne McCord, Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston. Cupping has gained publicity in recent times due to its use by American sport celebrities Michael Phelps, Indian cricketer Virat Kholi, singer Justin Bieber, Britney Spears etc. Cupping therapy might be trendy now, but it’s not new. It dates back to ancient Egyptian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern cultures. One of the oldest medical textbooks in the world, the Ebers Papyrus, describes how the ancient Egyptians used cupping therapy in 1,550 B.C Usually, the cups are made of glass, but they can also be made of bamboo, bone, horn or metal. The

classical method for creating suction in the cup is to use fire to consume the air within it. Cupping is a form of blood-letting that involves first making an incision on the skin, then applying the suction cups to suck out small amounts of blood.

Types: There are different methods of cupping, including: • Dry Cupping • Fire Cupping • Wet Cupping Dry cupping The cupping procedure commonly involves creating a small area of low air pressure next to the skin.

However, there are varieties in the tools used, the methods of creating the low pressure, and the procedures followed during the treatment. In practice, cups are normally used only on softer tissue that can form a good

seal with the edge of the cup. They may be used singly or with many to cover a larger area. Skin markings are common after the cups are removed, varying from simple red rings that disappear relatively quickly, to discolouration from bruising.

appear where the cups were placed tions, such as: Herpes Zoster, Acne, because of rupture of the capillaries Facial Paralysis, Herpes Zoster, Pain just under the skin.

Management, Cervical Spondylosis, diseases such as Arthritis and FibroWet Cupping: myalgia, Fertility and GynaecologiThe practice of cupping therapy cal disorders, Skin problems such has survived in Muslim countries. To- as eczema and acne, High blood day, wet cupping is a popular remedy pressure, Migraines, Anxiety and practiced in many parts of the world. depression, Bronchial congestion Modern version of cupping uses a caused by allergies and asthma, Varrubber pump instead of fire to create icose veins, Relieves back and neck the vacuum inside the cup. Wet cup- pain, Stiff Muscles, Anxiety, Fatigue, ping creates a mild suction by leav- Rheumatism ing a cup in place for about 3 minutes.

NOTE: Treatments like cupping The practitioner then removes the procedures should be taken under cup and uses a small scalpel to make Qualified Ayurvedic Doctor/Physilight, tiny cuts on your skin. Next, he cian/Surgeon. The procedure deor she does a second suction to draw scribed in this article is for general inout a small quantity of blood. formation/educational purpose only.

Fire Cupping: Fire cupping involves soaking a cotton ball in almost pure alcohol. The cotton is clamped by a pair of forceps and lit via match, and, in one motion, placed into the cup and quickly removed, while the cup is placed on the skin. Fire heats the inside of the cup and a small amount of suction is created by the air cooling down again and contracting. Massage oil may be applied to create a better seal as well as allow the cups INDICATION OF HIJAMA: to glide over muscle in an act called Cupping therapy may be effec"moving cupping". Dark circles may tive for various diseases and condi-

Dr Imlikumba am a registered ayurveda practioner working as a Medical Officer(Ayur) in Bokajan Civil Hospital and the Chief Consultant of Health Naturally Clinic Kevijau Colony Dimapur

Indo-Naga Special Relations Agreement: An Underlying Political Exigency Old vanguard breaking Naga Unity Dr. Vareso Ningshen, Associate Professor, LMS Law College, Imphal, Manipur

Nagas are a pluralist society deeply rooted to their ancient socialist, theological, cultural and democratic values. Naga territory lies contiguously between India, Myanmar and China. Despite their simplicity, honesty and marvellous hospitality, Nagas were great warriors. They were considered to be the toughest defenders of their homeland against the mighty forces of the British colonial powers. It appears, inter alia, the fierce and brilliant encounters of the Nagas against the then intruding British colonial forces in the early part of the 19th century whose primary motive of aggression was purely of trade and commerce was the main reason for forcibly dividing the Nagas so as to gradually weaken them. The Nagas’ committed struggle for full sovereignty and independence was another determining political reason why the then British-India and Independent India maliciously put Naga territories under different countries and states in India and Myanmar. All these ill political measures were adopted to eventually control and supervise easily over the Naga territories and their political struggle. These hard historical realities and existential situations have wrongfully caused great marginalization of Naga democracy and governance in the contemporary South East Asia where they belong. Let’s think it over and over again; it is the true Nagas alone, wherever they may be, who can persistently pursue and deal critically to the vexed Naga national issue pending for nearly a century. Others will fall away even before the test of time comes to pass.

In this fast changing world, the dynamics of the long drawn Naga

political struggle and the prevailing realities of Naga society need to be correctly synthesized. Nobody can deny the fact that Nagas have every right to indefinitely continue their legitimate struggle for recognition of full sovereignty and independence.

But the point is that India has, time and again, clearly manifested her strong reservation on the political question of Naga independence as the Naga territorial location (frontier) stands very critical to India’s national security. Meaning, India seriously considered the Nagas and their land as Vital Pillars of national security. This is where the crux of the Indo-Naga conflict lies which needs to be correctly synthesized, negotiated and addressed with true political will and wisdom for working out an honourable solution based on the concept of ‘shared sovereignty’ between two equally associating political entities. This is to say that the pending Indo-Naga core issue appears to be about recognition of the Naga nation (member of UNPO with observer status in UNO) and her territory as well as recognition of the political exigency to find an amicable solution for establishing special relations between the two by sharing sovereign powers. Naga struggle being the longest and oldest insurgency (national) movement in South East Asia, has been encountering unending multiple issues, problems and challenges both from within and without that need to be comprehensively addressed. As a matter of fact, many Nagas have become victims of the problems mostly designed and manufactured by elements anti-thetical to the making of a Naga nation.

Apart from all the national workers, it is the Naga Villages, different Tribe Hohos, NSF, NMA, NPMHR, UNC, ENPO, NGBF, Naga Hoho, etc. who have long been champion-

ing the Naga cause with great hardships and sacrifices. They have ultimately conquered the hearts of the Central and State leaders in bringing pro-active approach to the very core ‘united Naga national issue’ which requires urgent political resolution. There seems to be no pending issue other than this. There is no need for any individual or tribe to be plagued with political backslide from the earlier faith and vision for a united Naga nation thereby tending to compromise to everything within the bounds of the status quo.

A struggling Naga society has learnt to unitedly rise up every time they fall. Having walked all this along, Nagas neither have to fall away nor fail during this most defining moment when India and the rest of the world are keenly testing on the maturity, capacity, unity, integrity and the firm commitment of the Nagas towards a peaceful political self-determination and nation building of their own. The true forgiveness and the peace of Jesus Christ be showered upon all Nagas in this nick of time. Let the bitter experiences of the past no more detain the Nagas from moving forward together. Majority of the Nagas have been relentlessly working hard showcasing their innovative, intellectual, frame breaking-thinking and God trusting mission oriented with common objective to usher peaceful transformation of Naga society to a higher level by transforming its democratic polity through humane, political, scientific and technological systems.

Will Nagas wilfully destroy this hard earned defining momentum? Will Nagas only know how best to fight but not how best to win and resolve it? Will Nagas only know how best to create division but not how best to bring unity? Will Nagas only know how best to begin well a struggle but not how best to bring a good ending

of it? If at all Nagas need unity, love, support and concern for each other, it matters now the most. Nagas must not make mistake at this critical stage of their journey. Generally Nagas are broadminded people. Every Naga has been supporting directly or indirectly for the peaceful resolution of the protracted Indo-Naga conflict.

Everyone really yearns for peace. Nagas must equally extend peace and good will to all neighbours and establish entrenched socio-economic relations with them. In fact, Nagas can be an asset and a model of best security to their neighbours. It’s simply a world of diplomacy, exchange and cooperation India, on her part has mastered the Naga case during this nearly 20 years of political peace process. The detailed work-out of the Framework Agreement may be brought to its logical conclusion at the earliest with a win-win solution. A well known old dilatory tactics will no longer do good to India. Instead, India being one of the fastest growing nation-states under the most dynamic and charismatic leadership of Shri Narendra Modiji, the Honourable Prime Minister, must be able to work out a just and honourable solution (method) to establish a special relation with the Nagas. It may, consequently, take necessary steps to duly restore back the Nagas in Myanmar to India’s associate-Naga territory. Betraying the Nagas this time again may compel them to seek either UN intervention or to join their fellow Naga brethren in Myanmar to become an associated state of that new democratic country. Hope, India will surely apply her best mind and wisdom in the interest of justice and peace in the region and for all mankind of God’s creation.

Note: This write-up is a humble expression of opinion purely out of academic exercise without any ill will or prejudice to anyone, aimed only for the benefit of public discourse.

N

Kevitho Kera

aga Nation is spread across 1,20,000 Sq. Km with a population of roughly over 4 Million. In Myanmar Naga territories, the Naga tribes are Anal, Konyak, Lamkang, Leinong, Makury, Moyon, Khiamniungan, Para, Somra and Tangshang. In Manipur Naga territories, the Naga tribes are Aimol, Anal, Chiru, Chothe, Kabui, Kharam, Khoibu, Koirao, Koureng, Lamkang, Liangmei, Mao, Maram, Maring,Monsang, Moyon, Poumai, Purum, Tangkhul, Tarao, Thangal, Zeme with some population of Angamis, Chakhesang and Sümi. In Assam Naga territories we have the Rengmas and Zeliangrong.

In Arunachal Pradesh Naga territories we have the Noctes, Wanchos and Tangsas/ Tangshangs. In Nagaland we have the Angami, Sümi, Ao, Lotha, Chakhesang, Zeliang, Phom, Konyak, Pochury, Khiamniungan, Sangtam, Rengma, Yimchunger and Chang.

You see our Naga nation is diverse and beautiful yet we have a common origin and have a common history.

We are called a small nation and the Nagas in the Indian side have been brainwashed that Nagas can't survive as a nation by citing a baseless and hackneyed phrase that we don't even have a matchstick industry.

Many young educated Nagas have now realized that Nagas needs to unite. Many young educated Nagas have realized that Nagas cannot survive without each other. Everyone is indispensable for Naga destiny.

Naga Nation was divided not only into States but into countries. Even when Britishers invaded our country and later on, Nagas though naked savages knew we were a fierce independent race and told the Britishers that we were not to be a part of the Indian union. The Plebiscite of 1951 where 99.9 % of Nagas voted that we

were not to be part of Indian Union clearly showed our desire of being an independent Nation. It has been decades but still Nagas can never be suppressed of our Sovereign right.

The flame is still burning despite India's ploys of placating us with money and so-called developments. It is sad that some Nagas have been Indianized and these so-called elites whose sole existence depends on India and her money, spreads the message that we can't survive without India. They have sold their soul to Mammon.

The main purpose of this write-up is that when Young enlightened Nagas have realized the need for unity.

Some elderly leaders, Writers and Intellectuals are busy spitting venom.

With brash and unpalatable languages they are dividing the Naga family.

Already with sadness i can say that the artificial State boundaries are getting permanent, case in point the mutual suspicions between Nagaland Nagas and Southern Nagas (Manipur). That fire is stoked by the statements, writings and thoughts of the mentioned old vanguard. Respected Naga elders, we look up to you to strengthen Naga unity not shatter it with your heat of the moment statements, writings and thoughts. Already India's policy of dividing the Naga family is evident.

Why do you join forces with India? I'll be honest you are running with the hares and hunting with the hounds.

When at this juncture, we need you to dig out old history and stoke patriotism, you are doing the exact opposite. Even if you don't see things eye to eye, the least you can do is try to divide the evidently fragmented Naga family. Don't for the sake of publicity destroy something sacred. I repeat, we look upto you.

I want to end this write-up by assuring Nagas that enlightened young Nagas are working behind the scene in building unity. Our works will surface in time; our efforts will be visible in time. Pray for us.

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.

Thursday 01•06•2017

EntErtainmEnt

Linkin Park C alifornia rock band Linkin Park scored its 6th No.1 Billboard album on Tuesday with "One More Light," according to data from Nielsen SoundScan on Tuesday.

The studio album sold more than

scores Billboard 200 top spot with

Justin Bieber, Katy oin Perry, Coldplay to j

‘One More Light’ Ariana Grande

111,000 units for the week, knocking One Direction member Harry Styles' solo self-titled album off the top place and into the No. 3 spot on the Billboard 200 after just a week.

Rapper Kendrick Lamar's "Damn." moved back into second

place with another 97,000 units sold in its sixth week of release.

The Billboard 200 album chart tallies units from album sales, song sales (10 songs equal one album) and streaming activity (1,500 streams equal one album).

On the digital songs chart, which measures online single sales, Puerto Rican singer Luis Fonsi's "Despacito" featuring Justin Bieber held onto the top spot for a third week with another 137,000 copies sold.

for Manchester concert

Source: Reuters

T

James Bond girl Priyanka Chopra signs two new Hollywood films molly Peters dead

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riyanka Chopra-starrer Baywatch hasn’t really impressed either critics or the audiences.

However, that hasn’t meant that her villainous act has gone unnoticed. The star may soon be seen in two new Hollywood films.

According to a report in Variety, the Quantico actor is in negotiations with the makers of indie-drama A Kid Like Jake, which also stars Jim Parsons and Claire Danes, and the New Line comedy Isn’t It Romantic opposite Rebel Wilson.

Her TV series Quantico

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ames Bond actress Molly Peters has died at the age of 75.

She appeared opposite actor Sean Connery in the 1965 James Bond offering "Thunderball".

Peters's death was confirmed by the official James Bond Twitter feed, which shared a photo of her with the words: "We are sad to hear that Molly Peters has passed away at the age of 75. Our thoughts are with her family."

No details about the cause of her death have yet been revealed, reports mirror.co.uk.

She was born in 1942 in the Suffolk village of Walsham-le-Willows and started her career as a model in men's magazines - including Playboy and Parade.

At the age of 23 she was discovered by James Bond director Terence Young and cast as a masseuse who worked at the Shrubland health club in "Thunderball".

She went on to appear in slapstick comedy "Don't Raise The Bridge, Lower The River" in 1968 and TV shows like "Armchair Theatre" and "Baker's HalfDozen".

Source: IANS

(Top) All Assam Students’ Union performing Bihu dance (bottom) All Sumi Students’ Union performing traditional game during the ‘cultural regale’ at the 27th NSF general conference on Wednesday afternoon. Six federating units of the NSF: All Sumi Students’ Union, Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong, Angami Students’ Union, Maring Students’ Union, Chakhesang Students’ Union and Ao Students’ Conference – presented cultural items at the cultural regale programme.

is on a summer break, which has meant that the actor has some time on hand. The report added that she is likely to begin work on A Kid Like Jake in June and join the team of Isn’t It Romantic in July before resuming work on Quantico after September this year.

Most network stars associated with lengthy TV seasons can manage only one film during the hiatus, but Priyanka has managed to squeeze in two apart from promoting Baywatch, the report added.

Source: Hindustan Times

he proceeds from the concert will go to We Love Manchester Emergency Fund set up by the Manchester City Council and British Red Cross. Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber and Katy Perry will headline a star-studded concert in Manchester, England, on Sunday to benefit victims of the suicide bombing at Grande's May 22 concert there, organisers announced on Tuesday.

American artists Miley Cyrus, Pharrell Williams and Usher will also perform at the June 4 concert, along with Britain's Coldplay, One Direction singer Niall Horan and the Manchester-based band Take That.

The benefit will take place at the Old Trafford cricket ground. Proceeds will benefit victims of last

week's suicide bombing at Grande's show at another venue in the northern English city, the Manchester Arena.

Islamic State claimed credit for the bombing, which killed 22 people and took place moments after Grande finished playing.

All proceeds from Sunday's "One Love Manchester" concert will go to the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund which was set up by the Manchester City Council in partnership with the British Red Cross.

The fund has already raised more than 5 million pounds ($6.4 million), organisers say.

Grande, 23, is offering free tickets to the charity concert to all of those who were at her Manchester show on May 22.

Source: Reuters

12

Thursday 01•06•2017

SPORTS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Muguruza survives French Open scare, Djokovic cruises

[Left] Spain's Garbine Muguruza in action against Estonia's Anett Kontaveit. [MIDDLe] Novak Djokovic stormed into the last 32. (AfP Photo) [RIGHt] Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic reacts. (AP Photo)

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Paris, May 31 (aFP): Reigning champion Garbine Muguruza survived a tough French Open second-round challenge from Anett Kontaveit, while men's title-holder Novak Djokovic stormed into the last 32 on Wednesday.

Muguruza's patchy form this season included a loss to the world number 53 in Stuttgart, with the Spaniard again in dire trouble in Paris after falling a set and a break behind against the Estonian.

But the fourth seed recovered to claw out a 6-7 (4/7), 6-4, 6-2 win and book a third-round clash with Yulia Putintseva of

M Y K

MPL: Medical XI keep up title chase KOhiMa, May 31 (Mexn): A brace from Neiphre helped Medical XI seal a comfortable 2-0 win over Mustang FC in the ongoing Morning Premier League at the Local Ground, Kohima on Wednesday morning. Neiphre scored in the 23rd and 30th minutes enabling Medical XI to pip leaders All Blacks atop the league table on a better Goals For record. Both sides are tied at 28 points with equal Goal Difference (+12) but Medical XI have a better Goals For record of 45 as against 38 for the All Blacks. However, All Blacks have a game in hand and will take on eight-placed Morning FC on Thursday morning.

Mustangs meanwhile are second bottom with 8 points from 12 games.

June 1 Fixtures MFC vs All Blacks Time: 5:45 am Venue: Local Ground

Kazakhstan.

"I have a different spirit here, I'm going to fight for every ball to try and win," said Muguruza, who defeated Serena Williams in last year's final.

"She was playing so good first two sets, I was just hanging there waiting for my moment and in the third set it came."

Djokovic needed little over two hours to see off Portugal's Joao Sousa 6-1, 6-4, 6-3 as he bids to become the first man in the Open era to win each Grand Slam twice.

The world number two broke his 59th-ranked opponent six times to make it four

wins in as many meetings with Sousa.

Djokovic goes on to face Argentina's Diego Schwartzman for a place in the last 16.

"In the first and second rounds I'm the favourite, but it's sport and nothing is predictable," said Djokovic.

"I think the first two sets went very well, the third was was more difficult."

Rafael Nadal's quest for an incredible 10th Roland Garros title continues later against Dutchman Robin Haase later.

But Carlos Moya, the 1998 French Open champion and part of coaching Nadal's coach-

ing team, admitted talk of another triumph was causing pressure for his fellow Spaniard.

"Clearly there is a bit of pressure. We don't pay much attention to making it number ten," Moya told AFP. "We take it into account but we try to ignore it. We try to coexist as best as possible with the pressure."

- Thiem through, Tsonga out Sixth seed Dominic Thiem charged into round three with a routine win over Simone Bolelli, sweeping the Italian aside 7-5, 6-1, 6-3.

The Austrian, who is the only

player to defeat Nadal on clay this season, will meet American 25th seed Steve Johnson next as he looks to build on last year's run to the semi-finals.

Hopes of a first French men's champion since Yannick Noah in 1983 suffered a huge blow as 12th seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga crashed out in his opening match.

The Frenchman won his first clay-court title in Lyon last week but slid to a four-set defeat to Roland Garros debutant Renzo Olivo in a tie held over from Tuesday.

Serving to stay in the match when play resumed, Tsonga

was broken immediately by the Argentine world number 91 as Olivo wrapped up a 7-5, 6-4, 6-7 (6/8), 6-4 win.

American qualifier Bethanie Mattek-Sands halted Petra Kvitova's comeback, defeating the popular Czech 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/5) in her first tournament since a horrifying knife attack in December.

"I'm disappointed, for sure.

I came here to win the matches," said twice former Wimbledon champion Kvitova.

"But I really fight. I mean, after the match, I didn't feel that bad as normally I probably do.

"I'm still happy I'm here and

playing. The fairytale ended.

Now, in upcoming weeks, I think it will be business as usual."

Venus Williams shook off a slow start to ease into the third round with a 6-3, 6-1 victory over Japan's Kurumi Nara.

Williams, the 2002 runnerup who turns 37 next month, will play Belgium's Elise Mertens or Dutch qualifier Richel Hogenkamp in the third round.

"Do I sense (the draw) is open? I just am really focused on me and nothing's a given, or else I'd win every match," said Venus, who has sister Serena in Paris supporting her.

Six get doping bans after Olympic retests Bartra opens up about Dortmund bus bomb MOnaCO, May 31 (aP): Six Russian and Ukrainian track athletes were handed doping bans Wednesday after retests found they had doped at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics.

The IAAF said Russian sprinter Yulia Chermoshanskaya, who won 4x100-meter relay gold in 2008, was banned for two years.

Two Ukrainians, javelin silver medalist Oleksandr Pyatnytsya

and pole vault bronze medalist Denys Yurchenko, were also banned for two years.

They had already been stripped of their Olympic medals last year by the International Olympic Committee.

There were also two-year bans for Ukrainian athletes Vita Palamar, Marharyta Tverdohlib and Maksym Mazuryk, who competed at the Olympics but

were not medalists.

The IAAF also announced an eight-year sanction for Natalia Lupu, who was the 800-meter European indoor champion in 2013.

The IAAF said the Ukrainian failed a test in July, her second offense, so she could be disqualified from last year's Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, where she reached the semifinals of the 800.

United ranked as Europe's most valuable football club

lOnDOn, May 31 (aFP): Manchester United have been rated as Europe's most valuable club by a new report into the financial muscle of the continent's top teams.

The report by professional services firm KPMG looked at the finances of 39 clubs based on their popularity on social media channels, revenues for the 201415 and 2015-16 seasons, and success in European competitions.

The clubs were then ranked by enterprise value, an accounting measure used to assess how much it would cost to buy any given club or company as it includes a business's total debt, with KPMG using its own formula to reach these valuations.

Despite two relatively disappointing seasons on the pitch between 2014 and 2016, United's value surged clear of Real Madrid and Barcelona last year, becoming the first club to break the three billion euros (£2.7 billion, $3.4 billion) mark for enterprise value.

Bayern Munich remain in fourth place, while Manchester City edge past Arsenal to take fifth spot, both with enterprise values of just under £1.7 billion.

Chelsea, Liverpool, Juventus and Spurs fill the next four positions, which means six of the 10 are from the Premier League.

In a statement, KPMG's global head of sports Andrea Sartori said: "The aggregate value of

Europe's leading football clubs suggests that the overall value of football, as an industry, has grown.

"While this is partially explained by football's broadcasting boom, the internationalisation of the clubs' commercial operations, their investment into privately owned and modern facilities, and overall more sustainable management practices are also key reasons for this growth.

"In terms of media rights value, the English Premier League sits comfortably at the top of European leagues, although other major leagues have outlined well-defined strategies to compete for the attention of global fans."

Berlin, May 31 (aFP): Marc Bartra has opened up for the first time about the April 11 bomb attack which blasted the Borussia Dortmund team bus and left the defender with a fractured wrist.

"There was a loud bang and I felt a warm wave of pressure, then a great pain in my arm," he told Sport Bild magazine after being hit by shrapnel in last month's attack.

"My ears were ringing, I couldn't see anything -- I could only actually hear the ringing in my ears and the dull cries of Roman, Nuri and 'Schmelle' (team-mates Roman Burki, Nuri Sahin and Marcel Schmelzer).

"They were calling 'Marc, on the floor, lie down!'

"At first I was paralysed. I couldn't move. Blood was dripping from my arm."

The 26-year-old defender and a policeman, who was stunned by the blast, were the casualties when three bombs rocked the Dortmund bus on the way to a Champions League home quarter-final last month.

The first-leg tie was postponed and replayed less than 24 hours after the blasts as the stunned Dortmund team lost

3-2 with Bartra recovering in hospital after surgery on a fractured wrist.

But memories of the attack are still fresh.

"There was the smell of gun powder," Bartra, who spent four days in hospital after the attack, told Sky in a separate interview.

"I was petrified, I was only thinking of my daughter. I wanted to survive.

"The pain in my arm was terrible. I felt like I was drifting away.

"Then our physio Swantje was there, he kept slapping me and shouting at me to stay

awake.

"She sprayed water in my face. It all took ten minutes, but it felt like hours.

"The biggest fear was that we didn't know if we were safe and it there would be other attacks.

"This uncertainty was the worst."

Bartra admits wondering if his career was over, but was back playing a month later and was in the Dortmund team which won Saturday's German Cup final by beating Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1 in Berlin.

"When the attack happened, I thought I would never be able to play again," Bartra told magazine Kicker.

"When the doctor told me after the surgery that I was going to be able to play again in a month, that was indescribable and the most beautiful news."

Ten days after the attack, a German-Russian, identified only as 28-year-old Sergej W., was arrested and charged with a string of offences including attempted murder.

Prosecutors have said he staged the attack hoping to profit from a drop in the football team's share price.

Wenger signs new two-year deal with Arsenal lOnDOn, May 31 (reuters): Arsene Wenger ended months of speculation about his future on Wednesday by signing a new two-year deal with Arsenal that will keep the Frenchman at the Emirates Stadium until 2019.

"I love this club and I am looking forward to the future with optimism and excitement," the 67-year-old said in a statement issued by the Premier League club to confirm the extension.

Wenger's contract had been due to expire at the end of the 2016/17 season and he had faced regular questions about his intentions, with supporters divided on whether he should stay or stand down.

"We are looking at what we do well and how we can be stronger everywhere.

This is a strong group of players, and with some additions we can be even more successful," said the Frenchman.

"We’re committed to mounting a sustained league challenge and that will be our focus this summer and next season."

Arsenal came fifth in the Premier League this season, the first time they have finished outside the top four and failed to qual-

Arsene Wenger

ify for Champions League play since Wenger took over at the club in 1996.

However, Wenger was given a boost by Saturday's 2-1 win over champions Chelsea in the FA Cup final and was given the backing of the club's board at a

meeting on Tuesday.

"Our ambition is to win the Premier League and other major trophies in Europe.

It’s what the fans, players, staff, manager and board expect and we won’t rest until that is achieved," said majority owner Stan Kroenke.

"Arsene is the best person to help us make that happen. He has a fantastic track record and has our full backing."

Wenger has been Arsenal manager for 21 years, winning three Premier League titles and a record

seven FA Cup trophies.

But it is 13 years since his last league triumph, the 2003/04 season when Arsenal went without a single loss, and some fans have called this season for him to be replaced.

Wenger's first task now will be to decide on the future of two of his key players, Germany midfielder Mesut Ozil and Chile forward Alexis Sanchez, who have both been linked with moves away from the club and have just one year left on their deals.

He will also be expected to sign new recruits to ensure his side are back among the contenders next season.

Arsenal said the Frenchman and chief executive Ivan Gazidis had conducted a full review of the club's on and off field activities "to identify areas for improvement to build a sustained title challenge."

Gazidis said there was no complacency.

"Our goal is to compete for and win trophies here and in Europe. Everything we do is designed to make that happen, and we will be working hard on and off the pitch this summer to improve and make a strong challenge next season," he said.

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