June 26th, 2017

C M Y K

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MonDAY • June 26 • 2017

DIMAPUR • Vol. XII • Issue 173• 12 PAGes • 5

T H e

ESTD. 2005

P o W e R

A gentleman is one who puts more into the world than he takes out Petrol/Diesel Rates for June 26 Petrol - Rs. 62.3/Litre Diesel – Rs. 52.17/Litre

Editors Guild decries Karnataka Assembly’s action New Delhi, JuNe 25 (PTi): The Editors Guild of India on Sunday said the Karnataka assembly’s decision to sentence two journalists to prison is a “gross misuse” of power and “violates” the fundamental right of freedom of speech. Two journalists were recently sentenced to a year in jail and a fine of Rs 10,000 each by the Assembly. They were accused of writing “defamatory” articles about the Speaker and a few members of the legislature, including a member of the House Privileges Committee, that had recommended the punishment, the Guild said.

“The Guild opines the decision violates the fundamental right of freedom of speech guaranteed under the Indian Constitution and the freedom of the press,” it said in a statement. Stating that it is a “gross misuse of the powers and privileges of a state legislature”, the Guild urged the Assembly to withdraw its resolution “without delay”. “The Editors Guild of India is of the firm view that journalists must have the freedom to write critical articles against all such elected representatives of the country and hold them accountable without fear or favour,” it said. The Guild said, the right to try and sentence journalists for defamation vests with the courts of law and the Karnataka Legislative Assembly “cannot and should not misuse” its powers and privileges.

The Morung Express Poll QuEsTIon

Vote on www.morungexpress.com sMs your answer to 9862574165 In today’s present scenario the necessity for Nagaland State government to honestly implement the Inner Line Permit (ILP) is indispensable?

Yes

no

others

Do you agree that the present Election practice is the key that keeps the wheel of corruption turning in Nagaland?

Yes

67%

no others

24% 09%

Details on page 7

Srikanth stuns Chen to win Australian Open

PAGE 02

PAGe 12

Nagaland: Partial overhaul of power infra in offing Consumers can expect temporary relief from ‘current’ woes Imkong Walling Dimapur | June 25

The electricity distribution set up in Nagaland is set for a partial overhaul.

A project, courtesy the Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) of the Union government, is in the horizon that is expected to ease the pressure on the existing ageing infrastructure.

A major chunk of the project fund worth over Rs. 40cr will be pumped into Dimapur town, which the Department of Power, Nagaland (DoPN) regards as the most “revenue intensive” and conversely, a complaint intensive distribution centre in the state.

Project overview The project was sanctioned in August 2015 and tentatively scheduled for a July start. As per a document available at the IPDS website, 12 towns will be covered under the scheme with Dimapur being conferred with biggest share - Rs. 33.6cr of the total Rs. 43.9 cr. The other towns include Kohima, Chumukedima, Wokha, Phek, Mokokchung, Mon, Tuensang, Zunheboto, Kiphire, Peren and Longleng.

The bulk of the works will be concentrated in

Metering Approved cost in lakhs Consumers system in nos in nos

name of Town

Dimapur (MC) Chumukedima(TC) Kohima (MC) Wokha (TC) Phek (TC) Mokokchung Mon (TC) Tuensang (TC) Zunheboto (TC) Kiphire (TC) Peren (TC) Longleng (TC) Total

3,365.76 69.06 459.31 46.84 28.08 64.29 44.04 69.12 73.35 62.01 46.91 63.22 4392

Dimapur town. As per the sanctioned proposal, Dimapur is allocated 30 new Distributions Transformers (DTs), upgrade of 18 overloaded DTs, renovation and maintenance of 30 existing DTs, strengthening of 11Kv lines alongwith renovation and maintenance of 2 sub-stations.

Chumukedima is the only other town included in the proposal for sub-station renovation.

The document, was a letter written by the Secretary, Power, Nagaland to the Power Finance Corporation, India outlining the minutes of an August 2016

20000 1500 12000 1200 1000 1000 1000 2000 1500 600 500 800

R&M of ss in nos

192 23 17 4 0 19 5 4 10 21 19 26

consultative meeting of the District Electricity Committee (DEC) constituted by the state government for the implementation of the project.

Requirement and the monetary factor While Rs. 40cr sounds good enough, the amount is barely 20 percent of the original DPR submitted by the DoPN to the Central financing authority – Power Finance Corporation (PFC) Ltd of the Union Ministry of Power (MoP).

As per the DEC minutes, 19 towns were included in the initial DPR. However, citing “budget-

2 1

Works Proposed Infrastructures new DTs 11KV with asstrengthDTs sociated ening in upgrades HT & lT in Km nos 30 30 18

R&M of DTs 30

solar paneIs in ss in nos 8 1 3 1 1 1 2 1 1 1

Source: www.ipds.gov.in

ary constraints” the department was advised by the PFC to reduce the scope of works “by prioritizing only the most essential works and towns.” Subsequently, a reworked DPR for 12 towns amounting to Rs. 230.3cr was submitted in July 2015. The resultant allocation against the reworked DPR amounted to only Rs. 43.92cr for 12 towns.

Stating that the allocation would not yield the desired result in the targeted towns, the DoPN said further negotiation with the MoP for reconsideration ensued.

The MoP, while assuring “additional allocation… as when adequate budget is available for the scheme”, asked the DoPN to “kick-start” the project with the allocated amount.

The DoPN was also advised to work out “action plan and compliances within the allocated amount of Rs. 43.92cr.” The DoPN in response pitched the option of concentrating bulk of the allocation in Dimapur – the department’s most revenue and load intensive centre. The MoP accepted the proposal and DPR re-casted within the Rs. 43.92cr parameter.

Welcome relief but would it suffice?

When implemented in toto as proposed, the IPDS is expected to greatly ease supply constraints. This hope however has a catch to it as the DoPN feels it would only bring temporary respite.

“It will mitigate to a certain degree the prevailing power scenario albeit for the interim,” commented a DoPN official. If one is to factor in the 10 percent per annum growth in (electricity) demand, the official surmised that the proposed augmentation of the distribution system would not suffice for long.

“Demand-wise though all the sub-stations in Dimapur should be upgraded,” commented another official.

The DEC meeting minutes echoed the view expressed by the two DoPN officials.

“But to cater power demand by 2020 will be difficult to address from the present IPDS allocation unless additional fund allocation is made by GoI as originally proposed in the DPR,” the DoPN was quoted as responding to queries raised

by Lok Sabha MP, Neiphiu Rio, who chaired the meet-

ing. He called for updates on the status of the IPDS sanction for him to pursue the case with the MoP. Conservative estimates tip the requirement at Rs. 500cr-plus for a total overhaul of the existing power infrastructure in the state.

The MP further raised the concern of diminishing space for development works in populated areas.

Seeking the active support of the public, people’s representatives, district administration and the police, he asked the DoPN to work in close coordination with the stakeholders.

Quality norm, he insisted, should be strictly adhered to through the appointed Project Management Agency.

Dimapur Electrical Division at present is said to have a network of 932 DTs. The 30 new proposed DTs would be of the 250Kva range, while some 10 “over loaded” 250Kva transformers proposed for upgrading to 500Kva. Feeders (power lines) will be strengthened in tandem, lessening the load on the existing infrastructure.

Theoretically, it implies lesser load shedding and a likely decrease in frequency of conking transformers.

Nagaland Govt of sitting idle on drug policy: ARK foundation Model village illegally occupied under Nahorjan village, claims landowners

DiMAPuR, JuNe 25 (MexN): On the eve of World Drug Day, ARK Foundation has accused the Nagaland Government of “sitting idle” on ‘The Nagaland State Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Policy 2016’ launched last year on June 26.

“It is disheartening to know that the Nagaland Government has not materialised any contents of policy and has not conducted any activities mentioned in the policy,” the ARK (Access to Rights and Knowledge Foundation) Foundation stated in a press note issued by its President Ketho Angami.

Among others, the policy talks about sensitization for mass awareness, educating the youth, availability and easy accessibility of treatment, intensified awareness campaign, setting up infrastructure, effort to provide de addiction and rehab facilities in all districts etc, it said.

Drug abuse scenario in Nagaland While stating that drug use in Nagaland has existed for more than past two decades, at present there are a number of drugs being used and reported cases of new entry, it informed. One major prevailing concern is the

rampant use of cough syrups with Codeine content, mostly among the youth. Usages of Heroin are also coming back in some districts while pharmaceuticals drugs continue to be used widely, it further said.

Besides for curiosity, experimention and recreation, it cited lack of recreational avenues, unemployment, poor upbringing, lack of awareness and series of other

June 26 is World Drug Day Nagaland specific reasons as some possible reason for such activities.

Neither the response through primary prevention has been aggressive enough nor it has reached the group of populations who needs to be made aware of its harmful effects, the Foundation stated while listing the same as the causative reasons for its increase.

Multiple Challenges While challenges have to be dealt at a situation when things can be controlled up to some extent, the Foundation pointed out that the road to recovery is laden with many

obstacles.

While professional help is a must for users who at one point of time or the other put effort to quitting their habit, lack of functional detox and established rehab centre in all districts forced most users to come to either Kohima or Dimapur for their rehabilitation, it said highlighting the need to establish more such centre urgently across the state.

Another major barrier is the treatment cost; the Foundation noted while informing that many drug users lost the support of their family due to their addiction while many others are not in financial position to support the treatment course.

Consequently, regreting that the drug policy has just become another file to be kept in the office cupboard,the Foundation urged the State Government to formulate relevant action plans and strategies with planned budget to tackle this social challenge.

The foundation further advised the policy makers to make budgetary allocations to all the concerned departments to start implementing the contents of the policy.

25 years of Samaro: The legacy still continues

A gospel band started by three young ‘rebels with a cause’ more than two decades ago, they still have us humming to their iconic songs Morung Express news Dimapur | June 25

C M Y K

T R u T H

— George Bernard Shaw

Fakim: Villagers encouraged to continue conservation effort

(Applicable from 6:00 AM)

o F

In 1992, still in their teens, three ‘rebels with a cause’ from Dimapur’s Servanthood Bible College released a gospel album in Ao language. This is a time when international bands like Guns N Roses, Nirvana and Metallica were ruling the tempo of the local youth- many of who were also hooked with substance abuse.

The album simply titled on the band namesake “Samaro” (literally naughty, rebellious or self-willed), the original trio of Wati Jamir, Saku Longchar and Temjen Victor right away struck a chord with the listeners.

It forever changed the format of gospel music, especially among the Aos. Musically innovative, casual fans and curious listeners were hooked to their repertoire of acute social commentary, wavering souls and spiritual ambiguity confronting the society, the Church and its congregation.

The cover of Samaro first album titled ‘samaro,’ released to a roaring success in 1992 in compact cassette format. The band, since then, has released 13 albums and entertainings its fans for 25 years. (Photo Credit: Ali Imsong)

The songs become runaway hits, not only among the Aos; it transcended language barriers, and become familiar tunes with others too.

Numbers like ‘Merenba melenshiogo’ (Meren has Changed), Ongpang Lu (Far-flung Field), Takari Auer Tsubur (The Rich Fears the Thief ) or ‘Narola Youth Camp Nung Aten’ (Naro Attended a Youth Camp), Tasen Chira [If You Eat Sour (fruits)] and other hits become a common refrain.

Samaro’s success is in cleverly merging melodious tune with humorous or candid take on various social issues-something that was missing in gospel albums at that point of time. It clicked instantly with listeners.

For instance, Ongpang Lu (Far-flung Field) is an acute commentary about Naga’s fascination for going out of country for ‘missionary work’ when there actually are bigger missions at home. In ‘Tasen chira,’ the trio mused about how children usually follow the footsteps of their parents – either good or bad.

For their second album, Temjen Victor was replaced by Arenba Japu as the former had to go for further studies. Samaro did not disappoint their fans as they continued with their social commentary on everyday issues like passing matriculation, wasted youth and many more.

For the third album, Lima Imsong replaced Arenba Japu. Since then, Imsong, Wati and Saku have collaborated together from the third Album till the thirteenth.

Apart from being a regular feature in almost all events of the Aos, the trio had also withstood ‘challenges’ from other act, transcending effortlessly from tape to latest digital music, cultivating more fans along the way.

While the silver jubilee of Samaro was held on February 2017 at its alma

mater- Servanthood College, a thanksgiving programme was also held at Mokokchung Baptist Church (MTBA) on Sunday, June 25.

As part of the jubilee celebration, there was also a free concert was held for citizens of Mokokchung Town on June 24. The celebration will continue with performances in Kohima and Dimapur, thereafter. The silver jubilee celebration of Samaro band is supported by a group consisting of K. Temjen Jamir, Anungba Sanglir and Dr. Sunep Imchen.

Speaking to The Morung Express, Wati Jamir, who has composed over composed 200 songs, said, “How wonderful it is to compose and sing songs in one’s own language. We are extremely thankful to God that by singing in Ao language, many people especially the elders have been blessed.”

“Mizos usually sing in their own language and the Nagas should also try to uplift one’s language by singing in their own language,” he noted.

A fan as well as an active supporter, K Temjen the Editor of Ao Local Daily Tir Yimyim commented that “The silver jubilee celebration of Samaro band is celebration of the spiritual success of the band and the people. Their songs have transformed many lives and they have saved many perishing souls.”

Morung Express news Dimapur | June 25

Naga inhabitants of Nahorjan village area under Karbi Anglong, Assam on Sunday censured the report appearing in a section of the media that “miscreants” torched eight houses at one Model village under KA, Assam as erroneous reporting.

The Model village, where the arson reportedly occurred, is actually Kramsa Model Village, and was established after encroaching the land under Nahorjan village jurisdiction by tampering the land pattas of the actual landowners, alleged Naga landowners of Nahorjan village speaking to media person here in Dimapur.

They also sought to clarify that it was not “miscreants” who had torched some of the temporary shacks which was erected in the illegally occupied land of Nahorjan village but by agitated members of the genuine landowners after the deadline served to the “illegal occupiers” to leave the area had ended.

The landowners alleged that one Augustine Kramsa, in connivance with a land settlement cum revenue officer, had tampered the land pattas of the actual landowners of Nahorjan village and sold the land to a group of his clients, mostly Nagas, by providing them bogus land pattas. In this connection, the KA district administration has suspended the revenue officer, they informed.

Nahorjan village was established in 1922 and was recognized by the Government of India in 1958 when it was still called the Mikir Hills. Now, with the forceful encroachment of the village land by Augustine who is the goanbura of Kramsa Model village and his clients, many of the actual landowners who had bought lands from the indigenous village authority of Nahorjan in the form of sale deed/pattas/lease deed etc have been displaced of their land and their plantations, the landowners claimed.

Augustine had reportedly issue the manipulated pattas in

2016 taking away almost the entire village land under block I and II of Bokajan Mouza owned by Nahorjan village land, they informed.

According to documents furnished by the landowners to the media, during a meeting with the Nahorijan Village Committee, Augustine had even agreed to return all the land which he had falsely occupied to the Nahorjan villagers as per the dag no and occupied land.

The Bokajan SDM Court, Karbi Anglong, had also summoned Augustine to appear before the court on the issue. He turned up in the first hearing where he reportedly assured the magistrate that he would return all the occupied land. However, he did not turn up during the second hearing which was fixed on February, 2017.

TN Mannen, IAS (Retd) Additional Chief Secretary and Chancellor of The Global Open University Nagaland (TGOUN), who also has a farm at the Nahorjan Village, said properties and plantations worth crores of rupees have been damages by the Augustine party, who suddenly appeared in 2016 and illegally occupied the land by bulldozing away teak, betel nut, agar and rubber plantations.

“Otherwise, we have been living peacefully in complete harmony and in full cooperation with the original land owners.

However, since the end of 2015, this Augustine started selling land to Nagas with false pattas and have illegally occupied the Nahorjan village land,” Mannen stated.

While pointing out that whatever activities the genuine Naga landowners have been carrying out is in close coordination with the Nahorjan Village Committee, Mannen said the landowners are already agitated and losing patience due to the non action of the concerned authorities.

“We seek immediate intervention from the concerned authorities to take action against Augustine and to return the illegally occupied land,” the landowners stated.

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Monday 26•06•2017

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THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Training on livestock farming held in Merapani

'THE ANTHEM RIsEs' fuNDRAIsING coNcERT IN DIMApuR

WoKha, June 25 (Mexn): A block level orientation on livestock farming with special emphasis on latest veterinary extension technique was held at community hall, Merapani on June 26 with Dr. Mhonchan Shitiri and Dr. Wopenthung as resource persons. Held under the aegis of the National Livestock Mission 2015-16, the orientation programme was sponsored by the Nagaland Livestock Development Board Kohima. Dr. Mhonchan, Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer, Wokha in his session pointed out that backyard livestock and poultry farming is an ancestral and integral part of the Nagas and needs only technical interventions. The latest extension technique is that of a bottom up approach where farmers’ wants, needs and wishes are discussed and resolved, he stated.

During the interaction and feedback session, one elder said that about Rs. 20 lakhs worth of livestock and poultry birds are being transported every month from Assam to Wokha. In view of this huge amount of money being transferred to Assam, it was discussed in the meeting to augment farming in Merapani area as it has a good low input farming potential because of easy availability of feeds and fodders from Assam, informed a press release from Dr. Mhonchan. The farmers also expressed their confidence because with the initiative of the VAS QCP, veterinary health coverage is now being carried out in the area, it added. The meeting also decided to assist one commodity interest group on broiler farming under ATMA women food security group and also to replace the only breeding boar at Merapani from Pig Breeding Center Wokha as it is showing signs of in-breeding. Earlier, Renjamo offered prayer and Dr. Wopenthung chaired the programme, which was attended by more than 90 farmers.

The Nagaland Chamber Choir and Joey Woch Music Studio perform at the fundraising concert ‘The Anthem Rises’ at IMC Hall, Dimapur on June 25. The concert was organized by Dimapur Christian Fellowship in aid of church building project. (Photo by Manen Aier)

Fakim: Villagers encouraged to continue conservation effort

Kiphire, June 25 (Mexn): Kiphire Wildlife Division of the Department of Environment, Forests and Climate Change organized programme on human animal conflict mitigation awareness and interaction with public on June 22 at the Community Hall and Recreation Centre of Fakim village, Kiphire district.

The village council chairman of Fakim, Hanruthong in his address requested for greater coordination between the department and the villagers for the benefit of conservation.

Meanwhile, Suman WM Sivachar (IFS), Wildlife Warden Kiphire informed the participants on the importance of coexistence with wildlife. The reduction of forests and reduction of food in the habitats of the wildlife are few of the reasons for the wildlife to venture into the human habitation, he said. Suman further highlighted the policies of the State Gov-

AKTM condemns killing of member; demands justice MoKoKchung, June 25 (Mexn): Asetkong Kaketshir Telongjem Mungdang (AKTM) has strongly condemned the “brutal” killing of Sentilong, a member of AKTM, on the night of June 23 in Mokokchung Town.

The victim, hailing from Mopongchuket village under Asetkong range, was a PhD Scholar at Nagaland University, AKTM informed in a press release.

“His brutal murder came as a great shock for the AKTM and strongly denounces this senseless act,” it added.

Nonetheless, the AKTM through the president, Alapong T Jamir and general secretary, Jongshiyapang Aier lauded the Mokokchung Police for taking up the case with all seriousness and apprehending the persons involved within hours.

Expressing faith in the Mokokchung Police and judicial system to deliver justice in the incident, AKTM asserted it is closely observing the case. “Our stance and demand is simple – no stone should be left unturned, the guilty should be punished and justice should prevail,” it affirmed.

AKTM further expressed belief that the Mokokchung judicial system would deliver justice. “Otherwise we would be left with no option but to take our own course of action in the search of justice in the paths of our forefathers.”

Meanwhile, the organization expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed to God to grant them solace at this hour of grief.

Participants and officials after the programme on human animal conflict mitigation awareness held at Fakim village, Kiphire district on June 22.

ernment and the MoEFCC in addressing the problem and also spoke about the benefits of conservation.

It was highlighted that wildlife including black bear, Blyth’s tragopan, khaleej pheasant, spotted linsang, wild dogs, braking deer have been captured by camera traps in the area.

Rare butterflies like Bhutan glory are also found in the area. “These rare and

beautiful fauna found in this area may be lost forever if not for the continued and inspiring efforts of the local villages like Fakim,” he acknowledged.

Samuel Thyug, SDO (civil) Pungro Sub-division, the chief guest, shared with the participants the importance of conservation. He gave the example of extinct bird Dodo that was once endemic to Mauritius Is-

lands. He mentioned how hunting destroyed and wiped out an entire species from the face of the earth.

He meanwhile urged the participants to continue conserving the flora and fauna considering that Fakim has been one of the forefront villages in Nagaland in conservation efforts thus far, a press release informed.

The guest of honour,

Rajesh Kumar (IFS), DFO Kiphire appreciated the conservation efforts and support of locals that had led to the discovery of new species by scientists in Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary area – Molineria fakimense (named after Fakim village) and Penkimia nagalandenesis (named after Penkim village).

Tsuseki, member of the Bhutan Glory eco-club of Fakim administered the Green Pledge as part of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and Harit Bharat programme. The participants vowed to practice total sanitation and cleanliness.

The programme ended with distribution of animal colouring books, notebooks, crayons and other stationery to all the children of the village.

Around 90 persons including officers from Administration, Police and allied departments, women and children attended the programme.

'Awakening personality and performance'

KohiMa, June 25 (Mexn): A one day seminar on career guidance and entrepreneurship was held on June 24 at Don Bosco Hr. Sec. School, Kohima, organised by the Angami students' Union of Kohima College Kohima, St. Joseph’s College, Jakhama, Don Bosco College, Kohima, and Kohima Science College, Jotsoma with the theme ‘Awakening Personality and Performance’.

In the first session, Thejavizo Nakhro, EAC Chumukedima and Dziesengunuo Mere, EAC Probationer spoke on Civil Service Examination.

They both stressed on how hard work could help a student crack the challenging exams, informed a press release from the organizing committee.

Thejavizo advised the students to be smart to get the most efficient books and focus on them.

In the second session, discussion on Ph.D research was led by Dr. Kevizakie Rio, Joint Mission Director, RMSA Nagaland and Dr. David Sachü, Asst. Professor, Sazolie College, Jotsoma. “University doesn't matter, the person who is pursuing it matters,” Dr Kevizakie Rio stated. Challenging the students to get Ph.D, Dr. David Sachü urged them not to give up no matter how hard the situations, saying one day they will enjoy life with the degree they achieve. “Set a goal, go for it and don't compare yourself to others and just mind your own business,” he added.

In the third session, the discus-

sion on entrepreneurship was led by Thejanguzo Kiewhuo, CEO e-commerce company, London and Medo Putsüre, Managing Director, Bambusa Express. Kiewhuo challenged the students stating “If one wants to be one's own boss, be an entrepreneur.”

Meanwhile, Medo Putsüre urged the participants to venture into something which the society needs.

The inaugural session was chaired by Letuozo Kiewhuo, while Keduolhoulie Solo, Lecturer, Asian Mission College, Kohima invoked God's blessings and President AGOK, Kedozeto Punyü gave exhortation.

The seminar was attended by students from St. Joseph’s College, Jakhama, Don Bosco College, Kohima, and Kohima College, Kohima.

'Dimapur, where mermaids fear to swim and humans fear to tread.' Seen in the picture is a satirical photo shoot done in Super Market area, Dimapur to spread awareness on the wretched condition of the road along the NH29, Dimapur. (Photo by Spearheads Studio)

Governor hopes Eid will usher in goodwill & harmony

Eid Namaz in Dimapur to be held at IDDGAH Prayer Ground

DiMapur, June 25 (Mexn): The Governor of Nagaland & Arunachal Pradesh, PB Acharya and several organizations today extended Eid ul-Fitr greetings to the people of the State.

Acharya in a press release issued by his PRO conveyed warm greetings to the people of Nagaland, particularly to all Muslim “brothers and sisters” on the occassion. “I hope that this sacred occasion will usher in goodwill and harmony and further strengthen the values of composite society,” he stated.

The Governor pointed out that the festival of Eid ul-Fitr marks the culmination of the Holy Month of ‘Ramzan’, the month of prayers, blessings and forgiveness. It reminds every members of the community their obligations and responsibilities towards other members of the society, especially the poor and downtrodden for peaceful coexistence and equitable progress of the State and the nation, he added.

“On this Eid, I wish that Allah’s blessings light up the path oneness and lead to happiness and success.”

MCD: The Muslim Council Dimapur

(MCD) in a separate press release also extended greetings to all citizens of Nagaland on the occasion of Eid ul-Fitr. A. Rahman, Woking President of MCD hoped that the festival of universal peace and brotherhood would bring a new era of peace, unity and brotherhood among the different tribes and communities living together in Nagaland. MCD also informed all concerned that the Eid Namaz in Dimapur will be held at the local IDDGAH Prayer Ground at 8:00 am on June 26.

DDCF: The Dimapur District Citizens Forum also wished all the Muslim “brothers and sisters” living in the state of Nagaland a happy Eid. In a press release, Joseph N Lemtur, the president of DDCF also thanked the Muslim brothers for their patience in observing the month long fasting and prayers – Ramadan/ Ramzan. He hoped that the festival would bring more peace and prosperity to the citizens of Dimapur.

NPF Minority Wing: Extending warm greetings to the Muslim community on behalf of the Wing, Naga People’s Front (NPF) Minority Wing (Central) president, Bishnu Bhattacharjee expressed hope that the joyous occasion would be the herald of sustained peace, prosperity and happiness and would further strengthen the bonds of communal harmony and brotherhood relationship.

NBS felicitate meritorious students

Joint Inspection Team evaluates MIDH projects in Nagaland

KohiMa, June 25 (Mexn): A Joint Inspection Team (JIT) visited Nagaland from June 20-22 to get firsthand knowledge and to evaluate the progress of the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) projects which are sanctioned for three years (2014-15 to 2016-17).

The JIT comprising of the Chief Consultant for MIDH Dr. RC Upadhyaya, Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Deputy Commissioner of Horticulture, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, New Delhi, representatives from ICAR, Research Complex for NEH Region, Nagaland Center Dr. Azeze Seyie and Arvind Kumar of the Central Institute of Horticulture, Medzhiphema visited and evaluated the physical progress of different project based activities in two districts (Kohima and Dimapur) of the State.

Dr. I. Moa Walling, Horticulture Deputy Director & Nodal Officer for JIT informed that during the three

The JIT inspecting Accreditated Plum Nursery in Khuzama.

days, the JIT visited Rural Market & Naturally Ventilated Tubular Structure for Orchid at Old Showuba, Tissue Culture Laboratory for Banana & Orchids and Mushroom Development Center at the State Horticulture Nursery, Pineapple Farms in Molvum, a Pack House at Kiruphema, a Processing & Retail Market (Integrated) at Zubza, two Naturally Ventilated Tubular Structures for Lilium and Chrysanthemum at Kohima village, vegetable cultivation at Kidema, Re-

tail Market at Jakhama, and vegetable cultivation & Accredited Nursery (Plum) at Khuzama.

The JIT while visiting the different projects interacted with the beneficiaries and enquired if any difficulties were faced while implementing the MIDH projects, the release said.

On June 21, the JIT had an Interface Interaction with the Horticulture Department officials which was led by N. Amos Ao, Joint Director & HoD while Alan Gonmei (IAS), Secretary for

Horticulture was the Chairman. During the interface, the JIT apprised the officials of the physical verification of the projects implemented by the department in the two districts and certain suggestions and recommendations were deliberated for further improvement of the MIDH programme in the State.

The release mentioned that Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) is a centrally sponsored programme that is being implemented in the State by the Horticulture Department. Specific crops based on its geographical location have been targeted for its cultivation so that production and productivity of that crop is achieved at par with national level. Various inputs and components accompanied by technical know-how are made available to the beneficiaries depending on the adaptability of the crop in different locations, it added.

MLA MMhonlumo Kikon with the meritorious students at the felicitation programme organised by Nagaland Bhojpuri Samaj on June 25.

Morung Express News Dimapur | June 25

Nagaland Bhojpuri Samaj (NBS) on Sunday held its 7th felicitation programme for meritorious students with MLA Mmhonlumo Kikon as the chief guest at Christian Higher Secondary School, Dimapur.

Lauding the NBS for undertaking numerous social activities in the state, Kikon encouraged them to be a strong bridge towards roping in practical and doable projects in the state for the benefit of all. He harped on the dreams of many young leaders who wanted a corruptionfree good governance in the midst of less democratic practices in the state.

He maintained that various investigations unearthing corrupt practices in the

state in recent times were just a tip of the iceberg, adding “but the winds of change is blowing in Nagaland.” Kikon stressed on the need to change according to times and adapt the good culture of any society. He expressed optimism about positive change in the State with a “vibrant government at the centre.”

Kikon further told the students that their success was a beginning of their career which would be determined by hard work, determination and their goal. He encouraged them to continue in their endeavours at all times.

Scores of meritorious students from HSLC, HSSLC, Graduation and Post Graduation levels were felicitated. Representatives of various civil societies and political leaders also attended the programme.

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NORTH-EAST 3

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Most peaceful polls in six decades in local body in Assam New Delhi, JuNe 25 (PTi): Karbi Anglong, one of the most volatile regions in Assam, has witnessed the most peaceful elections to an autonomous body in more than six decades, Chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal said today.

The recently concluded election to the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), comprising the two districts of Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong, has been termed as the most peaceful polls held since 1952, when the council was created under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

The election was held without any untoward incident during the whole process and it was the most peaceful election to an au-

tonomous body in more than six decades, Sonowal said in a statement here.

The chief minister said even the Assam State Election Commission has on record acknowledged this fact.

This has been a great achievement for the state police who worked tirelessly in close co-ordination with the district administration and other sister agencies and relentless support of public, he said.

The Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), which was known as Mikir Hills District Council, came into existence on June 23, 1952.

The Council which is empowered to legislate on various inherent and entrusted subjects is the most

important administrative entity for all except few subjects like law and order, relief and rehabilitation etc.

Hence, the elections to the Autonomous Council always assumed paramount significance characterised by enormous campaigning activity and extreme volatility.

Ever since its formation, the KAAC went to polls 11 times and the election process for the 12th council just concluded.

These elections have always been a challenge for the civil and police administration as the area is sparsely populated with population density just over 93 per sq.Km, hilly and rolling terrain draped from Singhason hills.

With forests occupy-

ing 47 per cent of the geographical area, it has been one of the active fields for terrorist activities.

Since the region shares border with Nagaland and Meghalaya, the terrorist organisations having understanding with various extremist groups operating in these neighbouring states, make the general law and order of the region more vulnerable and made the KAAC elections a challenging task.

A conglomerate of 24 organisations which was later joined by two more organisations became active just few months before the scheduled period of elections with demands like complete change of electoral process and deenfranchisement of certain

sections of people.

The sensitive issue was hired by these organisations to stall the election process.

Extreme methods of protests were adopted by these groups to popularise their demand and to get public rallied behind them with motive of scuttling the election process.

The chief minister said the police administration tackled the protests meticulously by careful planning, domination and visibility of security forces, posing continuous psychological deterrence to these organisations with utmost perseverance, resulting in gradual dissipation of the issue and brought a conducive atmosphere for conduct of elections.

NSUC demands better water supply in Chandel district ChaNDel, JuNe 25 (NNN): The Naga Students’ Union Chandel (NSUC) has alleged that due to lack of attention by the PHED, the people in Chandel district are facing water scarcity. The apex Naga student body of the district expressed its disappointment saying the PHED has not been doing much for the district.

According to NSUC, many villages in Chandel district are buying water from private suppliers as there is water scarcity. "Augmentation of water supply scheme at Chakpikarong is not providing water to many surrounding villages namely Anal Khunou village, Y/ Khutha village, Charongching village, Khuwngjol village, Tampi village, Dangkhu village, Nungpan village, Toupokpi village, Sangni village, warkhuhrin

Manipur students Shutdown in Darjeeling to be partially relaxed during Eid protest univ ranking DarJeeliNg, JuNe 25 (iaNS): Amid all the hotels and shops barring the phar- (GNLF) chief Mann Ghising led a rally the ongoing indefinite shutdown in the macies stayed closed and the picturesque in Darjeeling town for the first time since

imPhal, JuNe 25 (The hiNDu): Manipur University Students’ Union (MUSU) has said it would seek remedial measures after Manipur University failed to make the cut into the list of top 100 universities of the country. Buchi Mayanglambam, president of MUSU said, “The university was downgraded because the higher officials of the university paid more attention to construction and related works rather than on academic matters.”

He further said, “MUSU will see to it that the officials remain in the offices and classrooms from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All of them will be monitored. Those who defy the wellmeaning steps shall get adverse publicity in the media.” Meanwhile, the fast unto death by members of the All Manipur Elementary School Teachers’ Association, which started June 21, continued on Saturday in Imphal.

They have been demanding the payment of ten months’ due salaries and the service regularisation of 175 downgraded teachers.

West Bengal hills, the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) leadership on Sunday said there will be "partial relaxation for 12 hours" on Monday for the Muslim community to observe Eid. However, the GJM maintained that the relaxation in plying of vehicles would be only for the Muslim community, nor for the general public.

"There will be partial relaxation of the bandh for the Muslims here on the occasion of Eid. We have contacted the Imam of Darjeeling and Imam of Kurseong regarding the relaxation," Binay Tamang, GJM's Assistant General Secretary, told IANS. "The partial relaxation will be given to the Muslims keeping in mind the religious importance of this festival. However it is not for general public," he said.

Meanwhile, on the 11th day of GJMsponsored indefinite shutdown in hills,

tourist locations continued to look desolate.

In Darjeeling, several people led by the GJM activists rallied from Chawk Bazar to Singmari carrying national flags and shouting pro-Gorkhaland slogans on Sunday morning.

The activists also reopened the GJM party office at Singmari that was closed since the massive clash with the police and security forces on June 17.

"Pro-Gorkhaland rallies are being organised all over the hills," Tamang said.

On Friday, 43 GJM leaders including party chief BImal Gurung resorted to mass resignation from the GTA - the developmental board in the North Bengal hills -- and vowed to burn the GTA regulation act documents in public on June 27 as a symbolic protest against the board.

On Saturday, Subhash Ghising's son and Gorkha National Liberation Front

village, kanakangbung, khubungkhullen, phiran machet etc.", it pointed out, adding "So far no water meter has been installed by the concerned department".

The NSUC then alleged that the PHED Chandel is not maintaining supply of water to villages till now even after numerous appeals made for adequate water supply. "Villages like Modi, Chandel Christian, Panchai, Abungnikhu, Hnatham, Japhou and many other surrounding villages are being deprived of water. Western Valley & Western Lamkang areas under Chandel block are also facing water scarcity," it claimed.

It further said even the only district hospital in Chandel is not getting proper water supply. "So, to ensure adequate water supply of drinking water, installation of centrifugal pump set

is required in many places of the district where water source is good," it stated.

The NSUC then appealed to the authority concerned to appoint eligible EE in PHED Chandel district, adding appointment of EE in-charge PHED Chandel under the influence of influential politicians may not work good for PHED Chandel district.

The NSUC said Chandel district deserved a competent, experienced and eligible EE as per service rule.

"It is learnt that one centrifugal water pump is installed at Chandel district headquarters which is taken on credit from Thoubal district", the NSUC also said.

Meanwhile, it appealed to the State government to immediately initiate concrete step to solve the problem to prevent outbreak of major water scarcity in Chandel.

Assam CM meets Rajnath, discusses Indo-Bangla border issues New Delhi, JuNe 25 (PTi): Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today discussed with Home Minister Rajnath Singh the ongoing works for strengthening security along the Indo- Bangladesh border, besides a host of other issues. During the 20-minute meeting, Sonowal briefed the home minister on the construction of a fence along the land border and special protection measures being undertaken along the riverine areas.

Singh had in December last year said the security of the Indo-Bangladesh border was a priority for the BJP government and that it would be completely sealed by June 2018. India and Bangladesh share a 4,096-km-long border, of which 262 km falls in Assam. The chief minister also briefed the home minister on the prevailing security situation in Assam and the steps taken to contain the insurgency problem, official sources said. Sonowal’s media advisor Hrishikesh Goswami was also present at the meeting.

becoming the party President almost two years ago.

The GNLF has put its long standing differences with the GJM aside and supported the demand for Gorkhaland.

"The party is working towards uniting all the locals to fight for the one point agenda of Gorkhaland till it is achieved," a GJM leader added.

The picturesque Darjeeling district in the northern West Bengal is on the boil for more than two weeks over demands for a separate state of Gorkhaland. It has been facing an indefinite shutdown for the last 10 days.

While GJM, which is spearheading the movement for Gorkhaland, has repeatedly rejected any possibility of talks with the state government, the state government maintains that it is ready for a discussion after the situation in the area becomes guwahaTi, JuNe 25 (PTi): Flood situation in Asnormal. sam improved today although over 45,000 people are still affected by flood waters in four districts of the state.

According to a report by the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), more than 45,400 people are reeling under flood waters in Lakhimpur, Karimganj, Sivasagar and Jorhat districts. Till yesterday, litMoreh Border Bridge, NH maintenance of SHs in the tle over 87,500 people were affected in three districts 37 Imphal-Jiribam (only State, he said the roads are across Assam due to flood. ASDMA said 83 villages are 3.22km from Imphal to not wide enough to accom- under water at present, while 117 hectares of crop land Oriental College), NH 137 modate the increase in traf- have been damaged. Authorities are operating five relief (A) Imphal to Kakching via fic volume in the State. He camps and distribution points, where 500 people are Mayang Imphal and 102 also said that lack of fund taking shelter at this moment. Currently, Dhansiri river (A) Sansad to Tengnoupal. is another major issue in at Numaligarh in Golaghat and Katakhal river at MatiHe continued that Imphal- maintenance and con- zuri in Hailakandi are flowing above the danger mark, the ASDMA said.

Moreh highway is entrust- struction of roads. ed to the NHIDCL, howPWD, SE Y Joykumar ever, the PWD has been spoke about the problems, entrusted with the mainte- issues, challenges faced by nance of the highway. the officials in construcAdditional Chief Engi- tion and maintenance of imPhal, JuNe 25 (mexN): Inspector General Asneer (SH) PWD T Rabin- highways in the State. Ex- sam Rifles (South) and all rank and file of Assam Rifles drakumar spoke on ‘Con- plaining further, he said the have extended warm greetings and sincere goodwill to dition of State Highways in thickness and width of road the people of Manipur on the auspicious occasion of Manipur.’ He said under the in the State are unable to Eid al-Fitr. The Inspector General Assam Rifles (South) State Highways there are accommodate the increase in a press release also conveyed earnest message of four kinds of roads Major in traffic volume. Other is- peace, harmony and unity on the occasion. “We wish District Roads (582 km ap- sues highlighted include that the goodwill and harmony will bring us all together prox.), Other District Roads lack of funds, overloaded irrespective of caste, colour, creed and faith,” he added.

(900 km approx.), Inter- vehicles, law and order isVillage Roads (7900 km ap- sues among others. prox.) and State Highways An interaction between DECLARATION (750 km approx.). the officials and media per- Regd. No: 1140/Tsg Date: 26/06/2017 Explaining some of the sons was also held as part of I, Shri. HETOZU S/o of Nehezu, resident of Old Medical A, Tuensang Town, Nagaland do hereby solemnly affirm and declare as under: problems confronting the the sensitization program.

Improvement in flood situation in Assam

Editors' Guild Manipur organises sensitization on state highways Newmai News Network Imphal | June 25

The Editors' Guild Manipur (EGM) organised a one day media sensitization program on the state of highways in Manipur today at Hotel Classic, Imphal.

Officials of the Public Works Department including Chief Engineer Ch. Tiken highlighted the challenges and problems faced by the Public Works Department during construction and maintenance of highways in the State.

Delivering the keynote address, Editors' Guild Manipur secretary general Yumnam Rupachandra said that the program will help the media persons understand the workings of the department which will eventually help them when they write a report

IGAR (S) extends Eid greetings

on the national and state highways of the State. He also stressed the need for media persons to file a balanced report to ensure proper flow of 'right information' to the public.

The Chief Engineer said since the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna, the PWD has not taken up any new road in the State other than those under fully central sponsored schemes.

He also highlighted lack of funds as a major issue faced by the department, and at the same time observed that lack of co-ordination between different departments has also led to the deplorable condition of the roads in the State.

Additional CE (NH) N. Noren spoke on the condition of National Highways in the State. He said that under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways

Arunachal raises retirement age of government servants to 60 iTaNagar, JuNe 25 (iaNS): The Arunachal Pradesh government on Sunday decided to extend the retirement age of regular state government servants from existing 58 years to 60 years with effect from January 1, 2018. "The government observed that there are various categories of employees who are already having the benefit of retirement age of 60 years," Chief Minister Pema Khandu said. He said the matter

was under consideration of the state government for past many months and was discussed in the cabinet in two separate occasions.

In order to do away with differential retirement age for the regular employees serving under the same government, it was decided to raise the retirement age of such employees from existing 58 to 60 years, said Khandu. However, taking into account the procedural time of statutory changes to be made to the

new scheme, the Government decided to implement it with effect from January 1, 2018, he added.

Khandu said that with this measure, his government expected its employees to imbibe healthy work culture, serve the state and people with more zeal and enthusiasm and put in collective effort with the spirit of Team Arunachal to ensure that the state achieves unprecedented development in all sectors.

CBI to question Tripura minister agarTala, JuNe 25 (PTi): Tripura Social Welfare Minister Bijita Nath, who received a CBI notice for questioning in connection with the Rose Valley group chit fund scam, today said she would share information with the agency. "I am not aware about what information the CBI officials want to know from me regarding Rose Valley group, but I will share if any information is available with me", Nath told reporters.

The Social Welfare minister said she received the CBI notice yesterday through the state assembly and the CBI official would meet her at her official residence on June 29 at 10 am. The notice was issued

by CBI inspector Bratim Ghoshal under Section 160 CrPC (any police officer can call a person for interrogation in connection with a case). "It appears that you are acquainted with the circumstances of case number 39(S)/2014 registered against the chairman of the Rose Valley Limited and you are required to make yourself available on June 29," the notice said.

This is for the first time that the CBI has issued a notice to any minister of Tripura.

Earlier there were many media reports that Nath was allegedly involved with Rose Valley group chit fund scam but she had denied the allegations.

there are 13 highways in the State. He explained these highways are entrusted to three different agencies including the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation, NHIDCL, Border Roads Organisation and the PWD. He said the six highways entrusted to the PWD are National Highway-2 (Mao-to Imphal), NH-202 Imphal-Yaingangpokpi, NH 102 Imphal-

PFPSD APPRECIATION

The Public Forum Pungro Sub-Division (PFPSD) would like to express its profound gratitude to District Administration Pungro, citizens of Pungro Sub-Division, various social organisation, Business community and individuals for generous and immense contribution, financially, materially and physically during the repairing of Road leading to Likimro Hydro Electric Project (LHEP) which began from 8th to 20th June 2017.

We would like to convey our thanks and appreciation to; 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

Power Department, Govt. of Nagaland.

Rs. 5,00,000 Sapu Bhattacharyya MD. NEC Energy Pvt. Ltd. Rs. 1,00,000 Public Forum Pungro Sub-Division Rs. 1,00, 000 Chamber of Commerce Pungro.

Rs. 1,00,000 Pungro Sub-Division Timber Traders Union.

Rs. 50,000 JC. Bn. Naga Army Rs. 10,000 SDO (ELECT) Office Pungro.

Rs. 5,000 Selongba Kohima.

Rs. 2,000 Deventhong NBHM Kohima.

Rs. 5,000 Bendang NBHM Kohima Rs. 5,000 District Administration Pungro.

Rs. 4,000 S. Shojiba Teacher Pungro.

Rs. 2,000 K. Chipong Thanamir Village.

Rs. 1,000 R. Achimpong Joint Secy. PFPSD. Rs. 1,000 Dhupufsatu Rio. Contractor Kohima. JCB for 8 days Shellumthong, Inspector Food & Civil Supply Pungro. JCB for 9 days.

Pungren Public. New Vongti Public. Thutheze Council and Pungren Citizen Union Kiphire.

May our Almighty God bless each and every one abundantly.

(S. KIUSUMEW YIMCHUNGRU) President, Public Forum Pungro Sub-Division

1. That I am a bonafide citizen of India.

2. That my name entered as N. HETOZU in my Aadhaar Card is clerical mistake.

3. That my name HETOZU and N.HETOZU is one and same person only that is me. Henceforth my name HETOZU shall be used in all my official documents and other purposes.

Deponent Solemnly sworn before me by the deponent.

1st Class Magistrate Tuensang: Nagaland

4

MOndaY 26•06•2017

business

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Don’t wait for last day to file returns, cautions GSTN Chairman New Delhi, JuNe 25 (iANS): Despite the GST Council giving a one-month extension in filing returns under the new indirect tax regime, businesses should start uploading invoices much earlier, says Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) Chairman Navin Kumar.

He cautioned against delays on the portal near the deadline due to increased traffic.

According to the current taxpayer behaviour on VAT payments, 80 per cent of the taxpayers file returns on the last two days of the deadline -- 50 per cent are found to be filing on the last day and about 30 per cent on the penultimate day, he said.

“We are emphasising that the taxpayers should not wait till the last day to upload data on the website. If everyone comes on the last day, they will experience delays on our portal,” Kumar told IANS. “Taxpayers will start issuing tax invoices in July. But they have to report it in the system

by September 5. So what we are telling the taxpayers is that if they have large transactions and many invoices, they should upload the data even before

Job market eyes GST booster for over 1 lakh immediate openings New Delhi, JuNe 25 (PTi): The job market is looking forward to a big boost from the new GST regime and expects over one lakh immediate new employment opportunities, including in specialised areas like taxation, accounting and data analysis.

The historic tax reform, to be rolled out from July 1, is expected to help the formal job sector attain an annualised growth rate of 10-13 per cent and fuel demand for professionals in various segments of the economy, experts said.

Indian Staffing Federation’s President Rituparna Chakraborty said the GST (Goods and Services Tax) will make procurement and distribution of goods much faster while cash flow is expected to become more predictable and profitability should improve, too.

“All these and the transparency of compliance shall make working with unSeptember 5,” he said.

“We are providing the facility for them from July 15 to upload the invoice level data, so they will have time to put all the invoices on the system,” he added.

Goods and Services Tax (GST) will come into effect from July 1 and GSTN provides the IT infrastructure for the new tax regime. According to the origi-

organised players exponentially less attractive thereby pushing the country towards greater formalisation,” she added.

“We are expecting an annualised growth to the tune of 10 -13 per cent in formal job creation on account of GST,” Chakraborty said.

Leading executive search firm GlobalHunt’s MD Sunil Goel said, “On an estimation, it looks like it will create more than one lakh jobs immediately from the first quarter of the implementation date and another 50,000-60,000 jobs will be created for specific activities for GST, going forward.”

Mid- and small-sized companies will prefer to outsource similar activities to the third party account firms, he said.

GST is expected to create significant job opportunities as the businesses will need to hire professionals for dedicated GST management, upgradation and reconciliations.

nal schedule, the returns were to be filed between August 1 and August 20. This date has now been deferred by a month.

The first return that was to be filed on August 10, now needs to be filed by September 5. The second return which was to be filed on August 15 will now be filed by September 10 and the third return which was to be filed on August 20 now needs to

“The new tax system will have a positive impact on ease of doing business, thereby makingitconduciveforforeigninvestorsand companies. This would help in better execution of all government initiatives and propel formal job creation,” Monster.com’s APAC and Middle-East MD Sanjay Modi said.

Sector-wise, the immediate highimpact segments of GST are expected to be automobiles, logistics, home decor, e-commerce, media and entertainment, cement, IT and ITeS, BFSI, consumer durables, pharma and telecom.

LabourNet Services India co-founder and CEO Gayathri Vasudevan also said hiring is expected to see a significant rise across sectors. However, this will become a reality only if the infrastructure and logistical challenges on the path of GST implementation are mitigated in time, she emphasised.

be filed by September 15. After September 15, those who do not file their returns would have to pay a penalty.

As anxious traders and businesses get ready for the new indirect tax regime, GST may push them into the firefighting mode to tackle issues like internet connectivity or large number of invoices.

While small businesses

which have only 100-300 invoices a month can upload it online, the bigger businesses will have to download the offline tool from GSTN portal which has the maximum capacity of uploading 19,000 invoices. Further, bigger businesses will have to upload invoices multiple times, a process they should go for during the night hours or start doing

weeks ahead, Kumar advised.

“The businesses can upload data on the excel sheet of the offline tool and whenever they have time and internet connectivity, connect and upload. If a business has around 100,000 invoices, they can use the offline utility five times or so at night and then it will be done,” he said.

The offline tool is of 5 MB size and GSTN claims it would take less than 30 seconds to upload, depending on the internet speed.

Kumar said that in far-flung areas, traders can make use of the offline tool and then upload as soon as they are able to get 5-10 minutes of internet connectivity.

“We have looked at the data of registrations where 6.6 million taxpayers have activated their account. We have found that they are not only from Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai and Mumbai, but from smaller cities of North-East, Chhattisgarh and rural areas of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Even if they are able to connect for 5-10 minutes they can upload invoices,” he said.

GSTN is also banking on the fact that a number of taxpayers

will come under the composition scheme under which there is a fixed rate of taxation, up to five per cent.

“Till Rs 75 lakh turnover, businesses will come under the composition scheme. They don’t have to file invoices, but have to give a two-line return.

50-60 per cent taxpayers on the system will be under Rs 75 lakh annual turnvoer, so they are not going to load the system,” he said.

Kumar said that GSTN portal has been enabled to handle a large number of connections simultaneously.

“Our system will be able to handle 60,000 connections per second. We have styled our system to handle this kind of load, but it will be easier for everyone if they do it earlier,” he said.

“There will be teething troubles, but troubles will be met with solutions. Taxpayers need to be exposed to the new system of filing returns. Forms are new.

Taxpayers can come to our portal and can get used to the system,” he said.

Assuring taxpayers that there was nothing to worry, Kumar said that people would get used to the new system in one to two months.

SBI chief’s salary zilch compared EPFO may bring 500 small private PF Trusts into its fold Snapdeal files police Delhi, JuNe 25 (PTi): amendment to the scheme, these line and other facilities which they case against former heads to counterparts in pvt banks New Retirement fund body EPFO may small trusts would be exempted from cannot provide to their subscribers.

New Delhi, JuNe 25 (PTi): SBI, one of the world’s bring 500 private PF trusts within its filing EPF returns for a period of 180 Earlier, the firms were allowed to opof local logistics firm 50 largest banks, pays only a small fraction to its top man- fold whose EPF accumulations are days after which they would lose the erate their own PF trusts so that their

agement as compared to private sector players like ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank.

Former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan had flagged the low remuneration issue last August saying it makes difficult for state-owned banks to “attract top talent, especially a lateral entry”.

According to annual reports of various banks, SBI chairman Arundhati Bhattacharya took home Rs 28.96 lakh last fiscal, which is pittance when compared to remuneration her counterparts in private banks receive.

In comparision, ICICI Bank MD and CEO Chanda Kochhar received a basic salary of Rs 2.66 crore last fiscal besides Rs 2.2 crore performance bonus. In addition, she received allowances and perquisites of over Rs 2.43 crore.

Similarly, Shikha Sharma, MD and CEO of Axis Bank, took home a basic salary of Rs 2.7 crore and Rs 1.35 crore as variable pay, besides host of perk and allowances, like Rs 90 lakh HRA. Yes Bank MD and CEO Rana Kapoor, who also happens to be promoter of the bank, took home Rs 6.8 crore as salary in 2016-17.

HDFC Bank’s Managing Director Aditya Puri saw his remuneration rise marginally to Rs 10 crore and exercised stock options worth over Rs 57 crore during the last fiscal.

Speaking about public sector banks at a banking conference in Mumbai, Rajan had said state-owned banks tended to overpay at the bottom but underpay their top executives.

around Rs 1 crore each, or have up to 20 members, for offering better services to those subscribers. Besides, this will improve monitoring of over 1,000 such trusts which have large subscriber base and manage huge EPF accumulations.

The Labour Ministry is in the process of amending Employees’ Provident Fund Scheme 1952, so that large private PF trusts having accumulations can carry on the management of their employees’ EPF money and accounts.

“After the amendment in the EPF Scheme, the existing private PF trust having up to 20 members or EPF accumulations of around Rs one crore excluding pension and insurance contributions, would lose their exemption from filing EPF returns.

Their trust’s funds and accounts would be taken over by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO),” a Labour Ministry source said.

The source added that after

leisure

CROSSWORD # 3985

SUDOKU

Answer Number # 3981

employees get better services when accounts and funds were managed manually and the EPFO used to take months to settle claims like EPF withdrawals.

However, as the EPFO is providing a lot of online services like claim settlement, account balance information through SMS, EPF passbook, it would be better that the EPFO manages the money as well as accounts of these small private PF trusts. The source said, “The kind of prompt services EPFO is providing today cannot be matched by these small trusts with scarce resources.”

At present, these trusts provide administrative charges of 0.18% of the basic wages (on which PF contributions is calculated). After the EPFO takes over, they would have to pay 0.65 per cent of basic wages as administrative charges. The EPFO has a subscriber base of around 4.5 crore and manages a corpus of around Rs 10 lakh crore with annual investible deposits of Rs 1.5 lakh crore. std code: 03862

DiMaPUR ACROSS 1. Pit 6. Broad valley 10. Subsides 14. Indolence 15. Bit of gossip 16. Bucolic 17. A black tea 18. Anagram of “Ties” 19. Indian dress 20. Flight attendant 22. Leveling wedge 23. Froth 24. Foolishness 26. South American weapon 30. Sharp high-pitched cry 31. Unhappy 32. Matured 33. Against 35. Lure 39. Shiver 41. Grain storehouse 43. Creepy 44. Spanish lady 46. Prune 47. Record (abbrev.)

49. Dandy 50. If not 51. A protective covering 54. No charge 56. Camber 57. A diplomat of the highest rank 63. Decorative case 64. Appear 65. Sharpshoot 66. Roman emperor 67. Brother of Jacob 68. Consumed 69. Biblical garden 70. Rodents 71. Tilt DOWN 1. Vipers 2. Decay from overripening 3. Oxen’s harness 4. Put away

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

Game Number # 3982

exemption. The source further said that only those firms would be eligible to run PF trusts whose employee strength is at least 500 and EPF accumulations of their employees excluding pension and insurance contributions are at least Rs 100 crore in five years period. The proposal to amend the scheme was approved by the apex decision making body of EPFO, Central Board of Trustees (CBT), headed by the Labour Minister last year.

According to an analysis by the EPFO, there are 1,550 private PF trusts having total subscribers of over 82 lakh employees. These trusts are managing around Rs 3 lakh crore corpus. Out of these exempted firms or trusts, there are over 500 trusts which are either managing a meagre amount of EPF (up to Rs one crore) or their members are not more than 20.

The EPFO had proposed that since these trusts manage meagre EPF amounts and have few members, they should be taken over by the EPFO for providing host of on-

5. Bundle 6. Rejected 7. Try 8. Wreaths 9. Vomiting 10. Disagreement 11. Potato state 12. Pertaining to burning 13. Morally reprehensible 21. Imperial 25. Information 26. Diminish 27. Monster 28. Lascivious look 29. Esteem 34. Uneducated person 36. A crumbling earthy deposit 37. Not amateurs 38. Sort 40. Red vegetable 42. Sexually assaults 45. Quirky 48. Pursuer 51. Display 52. Despised 53. Habituate 55. S S S S 58. Plateau 59. A Freudian stage 60. Devil tree 61. Not closed 62. Lease

Answer to Crossword 3984

AgAin Angry Appoint bAde beAutiful bound Copious Cross fAre forest gets grAze guArd hAtred hedge heels hire idiot imply invent

R

leAder light objeCt pAil pArtiCipAte plenty query quiet reliAble replACe rile sCrew seCt tAble tAught teACh treAt vAriAnCe wheel

D

std code: 03871

(formerly senapati)

232224

emergency

229529 229474

mh hospital

227930 231081

fire brigade

2222952

faith hospital

228846

naga hospital

2222916

shamrock hospital

228254

oking hospital

2243339

zion hospital

231864 224117 227337

bethel nursing home

2224202

northeast shuttles

08974997923

police Control room

228400

Police Traffic Control

232106

east police station

227607

west police station

232181

Cihsr (referral hospital)

242555 242533

dimapur hospital

224041 248011

police station fire brigade

south ps zubza ps

Chiephobozou ps 8575045506 Officer-in-Charge 8575045516 tseminyu ps

8575045507

Officer-in-Charge 8575045517 Khuzama ps

8575045505

Officer-in-Charge 8575045515

nikos hospital and research Centre

232032, 231031

Kezocha ps

nagaland multispecialty health & research Centre

248302, 09856006026

women Cell

248722 /248288, 9615945510

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New Delhi, JuNe 25 (ReuTeRS): Indian online retailer Snapdeal has filed a police complaint against some former directors and former management of a local logistics company, in which it owns a stake, accusing them of defrauding the company of 3.57 billion rupees ($55.37 million), a police report showed.

The company, which is backed by Japan’s Softbank, accused some former directors and former management of Quickdel of misappropriation, cheating and misleading it, in the police first information report filed in New Delhi on Friday.

Reuters has a copy of the police report.

Vineet Rai, the administrative officer at the Gurgaon headquarters of Quickdel, said the company could not immediately comment.

A spokeswoman for Snapdeal was not reachable by phone.

Snapdeal said it had bought a 49.99% stake in Quickdel in 2014 and early 2015, after the former heads of the logistics company said it would help the two to grow the business. Snapdeal said in the police complaint that it realised later that the former heads of the logistics firm had misrepresented facts.

Snapdeal has been at the center of takeover speculation, with its largest backer Softbank seen as keen to sell the company to its larger rival, Tiger Global-backed Flipkart.

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Monday 26•06•2017

NAGALAND

NiOS centre inaugurated at GHSS bhandari Bhandari, June 25 (Mexn): A Study Centre of the National Institute of Open Schooling was inaugurated at the Govt. Higher Secondary School, Bhandari on June 24 by MLA Mmhonlumo Kikon.

The inauguration of the study centre is a historic milestone in the educational history of Bhandari as this is the First NIOS Study Centre in Wokha District to offer Senior Secondary level courses and the second centre to offer Secondary level courses in the District, a press release from the school informed.

Dedicating the study centre to the people of Bhandari Sub Division, Kikon congratulated the Principal of the school, B Nellayappan, and staff of GHSS, Bhandari for taking the initiative.

He recalled the memorable achievements made by the pioneers of education in Wokha District Kiramwati and Father Loria at a time when there were no facilities available and wondered why we are un-

MLA Mmhonlumo Kikon with Principal of GHSS Bhandari, B Nellayappan.

able to perform well when blessed with better facilities. Towards this, Kikon encouraged the Principal to follow the footsteps of these pioneers and bring laurels to Bhandari and Nagaland.

The MLA further expressed distress at the alarming increase in the dropout rate of students at Bhandari Sub division and regretted that many young people have been deprived of attending schools due to family constraints adding to the problem of unemployment existing at the

Sub Division.

He expressed hope that the successful functioning of the NIOS at Bhandari would solve half of the issues related with unemployment as continuing of education by the dropouts would empower. He cited the example of his own life and stated that though he came from a missionary family with a humble background, his education helped him to be what he is today.

In this regard, he urged all the NGOs and the people of Bhandari to take

ownership of the centre and ensure that each and every dropout student from Bhandari gets enrolled at the centre and continue their further studies successfully.

Further expressing disappointment and anguish over the nil and poor results of many Govt. High Schools, Kikon observed that the issue involves multiple factors and stated that it needs to be solved through the dedicated efforts of all stakeholders.

During the function, the MLA also acknowledged

the presence of outgoing ADC Orenthung Lotha and incoming ADC Nchumbemo Odyuo. While extending welcome to the new ADC on behalf of people of his constituency, he requested the incoming ADC to contribute his best to the people of Bhandari.

Kikon also fondly remembered the selfless services rendered by the outgoing ADC Orenthung particularly in maintaining harmony and peace in the area and making himself available to the people during all working days.

The MLA further urged all Government servants posted at Bhandari to be stationed at the place of posting and discharge their duties with devotion.

Earlier, Principal of the school, B Nellayappan gave a short speech on the scope of NIOS courses while senior students of school presented a traditional song.

The function was graced by the presence of all the Head of Offices, NGOs, Public leaders, GHSS staffs and students.

A massive landslide at Aonokpu village in Longchem Circle of Mokokchung district cut off the approach road of the village in the morning hours of June 25. No loss of life was reported but there are apprehensions that further landslides could be triggered if there is more rainfall. Reliable sources also informed that the scene looks quite precarious and could possibly affect houses nearby.

Sustainable organic Thahekhu area Inter-Hostels Meet held plant protection practices Mokokchung, June 25 (Mexn): Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) Kobulong block, Mokokchung organized training on Sustainable Organic Plant Protection Practices at Mopungchuket village on June 23.

Resource person Dr. Lanunochetla, Subject Matter Specialist (SMS) from the District Agriculture department sensitized the farmers on the ban of DTT and Gammahexane and explained their harmful residual effects on human health due to their use in agricultural practices.

The farmers were encouraged and trained on the use of locally available plants and weeds, kaolin clay and cow urine as organic insecticides for sustainable management, informed a press release from Dr. Aoyimsen Jamir, Convener, BTT, ATMA Kobulong Block, Mokokchung. Package of practices on soya bean was also imparted to the farmers during the training programme.

Free Knapsack spray, roban, agri lime, organic fertilizers and soya seeds from the Agriculture department and Neem oil provided by the Horticulture department, Mokokchung were distributed to the farmers, for immediate control of plant pests and rodents, the release added.

This photo taken on June 25 shows the deplorable condition of the National Highway - 2 between Merangkong and Changtongya under Mokokchung district seemingly implying that there is no owner or even labours to maintain the road.

DRSU reminds student ENNWU condole Khaplang’s death on membership diMapur, June 25 (Mexn): The Eastern Naga

National workers’ Union (ENNWU) has mourned diMapur, June 25 (Mexn): the demise of NSCN (K) Chairman SS Khaplang who passed away on June 9 at Taka. A message from Union (DRSU) has reminded all the ENNWU Convener B. Moba Chang, Kilonser, the students concerned who are extended heartfelt condolences and prayers to the yet to register with the union to en- bereaved family members. roll themselves for membership without fail on or before June 30.

A press release from the union informed that ID card will be issued free of cost. Further, the union requested the parents/guardians to With regard to the news item, ‘Residency colony register their child/ward for memvows to make polling station no. 65 a model polling bership. For further information station’ published on June 25, it is corrected that regarding the membership registhe meeting was attended by one member from tration, contact: Kvuchulo Khing, each household and not as published. 40 is the Information & Publicity Secrenumber of members of the colony’s Clean Electary, DRSU at +918731943362 and tion Committee. The inadvertent error is regretted. +918014173513 (WhatsApp).

Participants of the ‘Inter-Hostels Meet 2017’ held at Salesian College of Higher Education on June 25. Dimapur Rengma Students'

diMapur, June 25 (Mexn): As an annual event, the hostels of Thahekhu village area came together at Salesian College of Higher Education on June 25 for the ‘Inter-Hostels Meet 2017.’

Out of the 6 hostels, 3 hostels could not participate in the meet, informed a press release from the Youth Director, Salesian College of Higher Education, Dimapur. The hostels which participated were Nongbri, St. Alphonsa, and Kids Care.

Around 100 participants took part in the event that had competitions in Solo and Group songs, Extempore and Well-prepared talks, and Dancing according to the tune etc.

The out-door games were Passing on the Message, Calling out name, Decoration of Picture, and Treasure Hunt.

In the morning, the inaugural ceremony kicked off with the lighting of lamp and message from the chief guest Dr. Policarp Xalxo sdb, Principal of Salesian College of Higher

Education, who underscored the need to use everyone’s potentials to the utmost.

The guest of honour, Fr. Christudoss, Youth Director of Salesian College of Higher Education gave away the winning trophy to the Champion, St. Alphonsa Hostel in the afternoon. Nongbri and Kids Care emerged first runner up and second runner up respectively. Fr. Christudoss in his speech emphasized on giving one’s best in everything, which he said is all that counts.

CorrigeNdum

Public SPace “at the expense of political solution Nagas cannot be divided” Peter Kholi

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Tobu Town District Mon

re you a doubting Thomas? Jesus said to Thomas when he doubted “stop doubting and believe” “blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed”. The sad thing is Jesus may not appear again for us to touch, feel and see. What dis-pleases us today is, in the long Indo-Naga political struggle the torch bearers of Naga history is leaving us one after another. We have doubted and failed to recognize and keep our trust upon our leaders who have dedicated and sacrificed their entire life for the cause of our future generation. Let us not lose our hopes nor do we commit the same mistakes when we still have our leaders in the front to carry on the struggle. But, if we continue to muddle our hearts with doubts at this crucial hours, the latter would give rise to civil war. Unrest and siege which we all hear and see will begin and that day is not very far from us if we fail to come into consensus now.

New ambitious and powerful leader will be born with different skeptic opinions eventually compromising our struggle to merely as Solution for Nagas of Nagaland, Central Nagaland , Eastern Nagaland and what not Nagaland etc...Will such type of solution compromise Naga History? Are we all ready to accept the division among us? I am certain that Nagas didn’t fought for decades to simply accept the artificial boundaries that was drawn by the Indians dividing us into pieces.

What were our Educated Naga leaders, politicians, bureaucrat’s etc… doing in the Indian Towns and Cities when our National Leaders were struggling for free Naga Home Land? The Naga Political History would not have become so complex if you all have supported and guided them with your wisdom and ideas during the years when our Heroes needed you the most, but many of you sidelined with those who thought aspiration of Naga for sovereign nation will die with the formation of a state. Even the younger genera-

tions judge and come into conclusion too quickly that the involvement of Nagas in the political struggle is an act of perversity, many have forgotten our historical rights and sacrifices made by thousands of Naga women and men in the past to free ourselves from the clutches of the Indians. Because, they too are learning the same Indian educational systems that you have all imparted from the Indian lectures and professors; subjectively Knowledge to divide and rule,Intelligence to learn hatred and wisdom to accept the Indian Constitutions and to murder the Naga aspiration for sovereign nation.

What if those who can write, write to the world about the Nagas; those who can speak, speak for the Nagas; those who can play politics, play to safeguard Naga Political Rights; those who can pray, pray for the strength and wisdom of our leaders; And those who have arms, take arms to protect our land and people from the external forces.Then you are part of freedom movement and you can claim as great reformers.

As of now, it is interestingly, surprising for all Nagas to learn that most of our factional Leaders are from Konyak Naga Tribe. Y. Wangtin President (NSCN-R); Gen. Neokpao President (NSCN-U); Gen Khango President (NSCN-K); Gen (Rtd) Kholi Vice-Chairman (NSCN-IM).

Some may have become for recognition, some out of curiosity, some by remaining intact for a cause and some out of conviction for all Nagas. Why only Konyak Naga Tribe? Why not from other Naga Tribes? Let Naga Citizens be very clear that it was not by the choice of this leaders nor the policy set by Konyak community but rather they have been systematically derailed by the wheels of compulsion to become and believe to those educated leaders within (Konyak) and from other educated Naga Tribes on convinced political cause; as Political struggle only within the State of Nagaland, Political Struggle with arms, Political struggle through negotiation for all Nagas etc… Dear Konyak Leaders do

we need to blame other Naga Leaders for offering such position? Or do you blame your own BABA? And if not why are we flattering ourselves? If we all could have trusted and followed just one BABA without any perpetuation of doubts then the answer would be “AMEN”. Remember, we are contributing much on the divisive policies. So, wake up for all Naga family. We may have conclusion if other Naga brothers don’t understand us.

At some point of time we Nagas should re-consider and ask ourselves who is taxing more? Whether Politicians, bureaucrats in the offices as VIP, VVIP quotas; NGO set ups in villages, towns and cities for that function, this meetings, and this, that etc…or the political groups and for what? When Naga people are so divided.How can we unite?

The simple answer and easy way could be, stop influencing all your deteriorating personal opinions, assumptions and judgmental provocations by poking our own leaders every time branding that he is from southern, Eastern, Western or Central Naga etc…We all know, Sooner than expected we Nagas will just have ONE POLITICAL SOLUTION. If we fail today we are also failing tomorrow; if we achieve today we are achieving more in the future. Don’t easily think that if talk fails you can easily swap on any type of Solutions. It is not a market place we cannot bargain with our Political History. If you are for Naga people then, let us not judge, assume or postulate. If you have doubt then just believe because none of the National Leaders betrayed Naga People’s aspiration but fell victim to our own leaders at home.At least show some respect to each other and work for the common cause at your own respective position even if you don’t want to see or meet. Spirit of nationalism and oneness will cultivate and it will purposely lead us to real unity of hearts and minds.

Do not hurt yourself for your young ones have only shared what we see today and what may come inevitable tomorrow from all of your acts.

Naga Petition to the Simon Commission Thepfulhouvi Solo IFS Retd (RR-68) Retd Principal Secretary, Nagaland

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he new generations may like to see the Naga Petition to the Simon Commission and hence it is reproduced here:

“To The Indian Statutory commission, Camp India.

10.1.1929 Sirs, We the undersigned Nagas of the Naga Cub at Kohima, who are the only persons at present who can voice for our people have heard with great regret that our hills were included within the Reformed Scheme of India without our knowledge, but as the Administration of our Hills continued to be in the hands of the British Officers, we did not consider it necessary to raise any protest in the past. Now, we learnt that you have come to India as Representatives to the British Government to enquire into the system of working of Government and the growth of education, and we beg to submit below our view with the prayer that our Hills may be withdrawn from the Reformed Scheme and placed it outside the Reforms but directly under the British Government. We never asked for any reforms and we do not wish for any reforms.

Before the British Government conquered our country in 1879–1880, we were living in a state of intermittent warfare with the Assamese of the Assam Valley to North and West of our country and Manipuris to the South. They never conquered us, nor were we ever subjected to their rule. On the other hand we were always a terror to these people. Our country within the administered area consists of more than eight tribes, quite different from on another with quite different languages, which cannot be understood by each other, and there are more tribes outside the administered area, which are not known at the present. We have no unity among us and it is only the British Government that is holding us together now.

Our education at present is poor. The occupation of our country by the British Government being so recent as 1880, we had no chance or opportunity to improve in education and though we can boast of two or three graduates of an Indian University in our country, we have not got one yet who is able to represent all our different tribes or master our languages much less one to represent us in any council of a province. Moreover, our population of the plain

numbering 102,000 is very small in comparison with the population of the plains districts in the province, and any representation that may be allotted to us in the Council will be negligible and will have no weight whatever. Our language is quite different from those of the plains and we have no social affinities with either Hindus or Muslims. We are being looked down upon by one for our ‘beef’ and the other for our ‘pork’ and both for our want in education which is not due to any fault of ours.

Our country is poor and it does not pay for its administration. Therefore, if it is continued to be placed under the reformed scheme, we are afraid that new and heavy taxes will have to be imposed on us and when we cannot pay them all our land will have to be sold and in the long run we shall have no share in the land of our birth and life will not be worth living then. Though our land at present is within the British territory, Government have always recognised our private rights in it, but if we are forced to enter the Council of the majority, unsymphathic council may extinguish all these rights, the majority of whose member is sure to belong to other districts. We also have much fear the introduction of foreign laws and customs to supersede our own customary laws to which we now enjoy.

For the above reasons, we pray that the British Government will continue to safeguard our rights against all encroachment from other people who are more advanced than us by withdrawing our country from the Reformed Scheme and placing it directly under its own protection. If the British Government however, want to throw us away, we pray that we should not be thrust to the mercy of the people who could never have conquered us themselves and to whom we are never subjected; but to leave us alone to determine for ourselves as in ancient times. We claim (Not only the members of the Naga Club) to represent all those tribes to which we belong: Angamis, Kacha Nagas, Semas, Lothas and Rengmas.”

Corrigendum In the Write-up on ‘Story of Naga Club and Simon Commission Petition’ by Thepfulhouvi Solo, the Writer has mistakenly mentioned 31 March 1952 as the Date of the visit of Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Unu of Burma to Kohima, the correct date is 30th March 1953. And the date Nagaland became 16th State of India is 1st December 1963, not in 31st December 1963.

I thank the Governor of Odisha, Dr. SC Jamir for pointing the necessary corrections.

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

6

Monday 26•06•2017

IN FOCUS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

The Power of Truth

The Morung Express volume XII Issue 173 By moa Jamir

In God We Trust, Not Politics

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n what could be regarded a crucial movement toward ushering ‘clean and fair election’ in Nagaland, with God as witness, seven political parties signed a Church brokered 18-point Agreement on June 22 for “addressing the evils of elections.”

The agreement was signed during a Clean Election Campaign (CEC) colloquium with Nagaland political parties organized by of Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC), the apex body of the dominant Baptist Church in the State in Kohima.

The signatories include all the major political parties that presently operate in Nagaland State - the Naga People’s Front (NPF), Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC), Nagaland Congress (NC), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Janata Dal (U), and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and the newly formed Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

Admitting that the absence of free and credible election in the State for many years is a “common failure”, the agreement, appended by the presidents of all the political parties and the Council President Rev. Dr. Mar Atsongchanger and General Secretary Rev. Dr. Zelhou Keyho, affirmed to follow and practice 18 principles laid down in NBCC’s Clean Election Campaign (CEC) guidelines.

A common dictionary would describe Politics as the activities associated with the governance of a country or area, especially the debate between parties having power; and aimed at improving someone's status or increasing power within an organization.

In a democratic society, theoretically such activities usually manifest itself in the form of periodical election where citizens give their consent to be governed by choosing leaders through “free, fair, and regular elections.”

The activity is guaranteed in Article 21 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948 which reads, “... The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures." It implies not only free and fair election but also offering “equal conditions and opportunities” for citizens to have access to polling stations and to vote.

Most importantly, it is about ensuring that the will expressed by the people are “informed decision,” based on democratic values, thus the necessity for existence of strong democratic institutions and unbiased media to decimate the news to the public. In absence of this, often the will of the people may be easily manipulated through use of violence, money, rhetoric and authoritarian political groups.

However, it is the practical politics or concrete action as distinguished from theoretical discussion, where we most stumble upon.

Many past policies in Nagaland are inflicted with this malady.

Instead of practising politics on principle, both the public and the politicians, have perfected the art of ‘playing politics’ described as the “act for political or personal gain rather than from principle.”

Election is speckled with many challenges. Some of the antics include the usual electoral malpractice perceptible across India, but others are distinctively Naga. Consequently, welldefined ideologies and manifestos become a casualty of practical politics in Nagaland. Along with monetary factor, personal configuration, tribal, clan and village dynamics among others also play a major role. It affects each level of the electoral politics, having distinct intricacies and complexities, as argued in this column before.

Consequently, while NBCC’s sustained effort in the face of massive challenges is lauded, many still view CEC with utter cynicism in many quarters – practicability being the biggest concern.

Often lost at the novel idea the alternative option offers.

Thus any campaign must recognize these dichotomous realities. Bringing in political parties under the banner CEC is a pertinent step. It should be augmented by incorporating the same in the respective party’s manifesto. Not merely a symbolic gesture, having little practical relevance, but undertaken with letter and spirit. It should trickle down from top to the bottom.

All stakeholders – the religious and democratic institution, the political parties as well as the general public – are responsible for successful clean and fair elections in Nagaland.

Each entity must honour the ‘agreement’, or simply put – “Don’t play politics with God!” For any comment, drop a line to moajamir@live.com

lEfT WING |

IANS

Having smartphone within reach reduces brain power: Study finds

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aving a smartphone within sight or within easy reach - even if it is switched off - can reduce your ability to focus and perform tasks because part of the brain is actively working to not pick up or use the phone, shows an interesting research.

"We see a linear trend that suggests that as the smartphone becomes more noticeable, participants' available cognitive capacity decreases," said Adrian Ward, Assistant Professor at McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin in the US. "Your conscious mind isn't thinking about your smartphone, but that process -- the process of requiring yourself to not think about something -- uses up some of your limited cognitive resources. It's a brain drain," Ward explained.

The researchers conducted experiments with nearly 800 smartphone users in an attempt to measure, for the first time, how well people can complete tasks when they have their smartphones nearby even when they are not using them.

In one experiment, the researchers asked study participants to sit at a computer and take a series of tests that required full concentration in order to score well.

The tests were geared to measure participants' available cognitive capacity -- that is, the brain's ability to hold and process data at any given time.

Before beginning, participants were randomly instructed to place their smartphones either on the desk face down, in their pocket or personal bag, or in another room.

All participants were instructed to turn their phones to silent.

The researchers found that participants with their phones in another room significantly outperformed those with their phones on the desk, and they also slightly outperformed those participants who had kept their phones in a pocket or bag.

The findings, published in the Journal of the Association for Consumer Research, suggest that the mere presence of one's smartphone reduces available cognitive capacity and impairs cognitive functioning, even though people feel they are giving their full attention and focus to the task at hand.

In another experiment with similar tests, the researchers found that participants who were the most dependent on their smartphones performed worse compared with their less-dependent peers, but only when they kept their smartphones on the desk or in their pocket or bag.

The experiment also showed that it did not matter whether a person's smartphone was turned on or off, or whether it was lying face up or face down on a desk.

"It's not that participants were distracted because they were getting notifications on their phones," Ward said.

C O M M E N T A R Y

Leslie Davenport openDemocracy

Strengthening our ecological imagination To see differently is to live differently, and living differently is the key to avoiding environmental crisis

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magination is often misunderstood, defined as a fanciful flight away from reality—and sometimes it is. But there is another kind of imagination, one that is based on deep inner listening, with a quality of calm presence and a curious, openminded focus. When ideas, images or symbols arise into that kind of spacious awareness, imagination is tapping into a source of wisdom, a type of intuition that puts us in touch with more of reality, not less.

When we temporarily quiet the cognitive activity of the mind to allow these imaginative functions to be activated, it’s easier to recognize the living connections that exist between ourselves and all other forms of life. I call this felt-sense of connection our ‘ecological imagination,’ because it has the capacity to liberate distorted beliefs about our control over nature and our separation from the natural world. It’s these beliefs that unconsciously guide our lives, directly contributing to our current environmental crisis.

Cultivating ecological imagination has a powerful role to play at this pivotal time in human history, as scientists around the world continue to report the accelerating impacts of climate change.

Imagination is a gateway to wisdom, and wisdom is an essential foundation for right action, an internal shift that can steer us towards eco-harmonious living.

The stakes have never been higher. Cosmologist Brian Swimme summarizes the challenge we face like this: “We are living on the planet at the time when the evolutionary dynamics are changing. And the simple way of saying it is that they’re changing from genetic determination to cultural determination…That is an amazing new power that’s taking place on the planet. We, then, have to confront the fact that this planet is evolving according to our decisions…Our responsibility is to structure the human presence on the planet so the fundamental conditions of life are strong and vibrant, and carry into the future.”

As Swimme suggests, every discipline must undergo its own transformation in order to align with this new reality—engineering, parenting, education, healthcare, psychology and farming. This requires a reshaping of our ethics towards an interspecies awareness, and a global perspective on problems and solutions. Our enjoyment of our individual freedoms can no longer be severed from their impact on the whole web of life.

One core aspect of this challenge is that we cannot use our most familiar tools and approaches to accomplish the transformations that are necessary.

The insight once attributed to Albert Einstein—that “problems cannot be solved by the same consciousness that created them”—is particularly relevant in a crisis of this magnitude. That’s why strengthening our ecological imagina-

I

nternational recognition of East Asia’s rapid economic growth, structural change and industrialization grew from the 1980s. In Western media and academia, this was seen as a regional phenomenon, associated with some commonality, real or imagined, such as a supposed ‘yen bloc’.

Others had a more mythic element, such as ‘flying geese’, or ostensible bushido and Confucian ethics. Every purported miracle claims a mythic element, invariably fit for purpose. After all, miracles are typically attributed to supernatural forces, and hence, cannot be emulated by mere mortals. Hence, to better learn from ostensible miracles, it is necessary to demystify them.

The World Bank’s 1993 East Asian Miracle (EAM) volume is the most influential document on the subject. It identified eight high-performing Asian economies: Japan, Hong Kong, three first-generation newly industrialized economies, namely South Korea, Taiwan and Singapore, and three second-generation South East Asian newly industrializing countries, viz, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. Despite a title implying geo-spatial commonality, the study denied the significance of geography and culture, and specifically excluded China, the elephant in the region.

Strategic interventions?

The book identified six state interventions as important, approving of four ‘functional’ interventions, but sceptical of two ‘strategic’ interventions. Functional interventions supposedly compensated for market failures, while strategic interventions were deemed more market-distortive.

These two ‘strategic’ interventions are in the areas of finance, specifically what it calls directed (targeted) and subsidized credit, and international trade, particularly what is often referred to as ‘industrial policy’, or more rarely as

tion is essential—a vital ingredient in developing new and innovative solutions to global warming.

The imaginative process brings us into a closer relationship with the unknown. This is similar to any creative process, whether we are facing a blank canvas with a handful of paints, or jotting down notes for a speech on a napkin at a café, or part of a scientific gathering, pondering how quantum gravity helps to explain the origins of the universe. We can step outside what we already know, send our inner critic on vacation, and make room for messy, surprising, and confusing bits and pieces of insight to swirl and shift before connecting together in new and meaningful ways.

This kind of imagination also cultivates intuition. Everyone has this capacity, although many of us are out of practice because our contemporary Western cultures prize logical analysis so highly. While we certainly wouldn’t want to be without our rationality, adding intuitive ways of knowing sheds light on aspects of life that are inaccessible to the logical mind: “The intuitive mind is a sacred gift, and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift,” as Einstein is also said to have remarked.

The rational and intuitive parts of the mind are like two legs that keep us moving forward. Why would we set out on a lifelong journey with one leg becoming excessively muscle-bound and the other atrophying? We need to strengthen and utilize everything we’re made of. If we want transformation—if we want to come back into balance with the natural world—then we must understand how we got out of balance in the first place, and develop those aspects of ourselves that have been neglected.

In my psychotherapy practice I

guide clients into their imagination to address any number of concerns.

Imagination brings fresh insights and healing to many issues, and can lead to a deeper transformation. This story, from a client I’ll call Simon to disguise his real name, is an example of how exploring the common struggle of social anxiety can pave the way to a surprising and eco-harmonious outcome.

Simon’s anxiety in social situations had an internal narrative that’s familiar to most of us to varying degrees: “What do I say? What will they think? What if I don’t fit in?”

To begin the session I asked Simon to close his eyes while I guided him through breath-work practices and progressive relaxation. He gradually disengaged his attention from the flow of his thoughts and dropped into a deep, internal focus.

I invited him to allow an image to arise of a social situation that had triggered his discomfort. With his eyes closed, he envisioned the details of a happy hour gathering to which a colleague had invited him, describing a constriction in his throat and an adrenalin rush that accompanied this habitual mental narrative. When we explored these images, his experience began to shift: “It’s like there is a mirror in front of my face—all I’m seeing are my own fears.

I’m not actually relating to anyone who is with me in the restaurant. It’s hard to describe, but when I stop being absorbed in my worries, the world suddenly becomes clear. When the mirror dissolves, I recognize that there is a young man across the table from me that looks upset. A woman is standing nearby, chewing on her lower lip, distracted. The guy to my right seems happy.”

Simon became a little teary but continued, “I know these people from work, but it’s like I’m seeing them for the first time.” As we talked more about his experience, he was astounded by

East Asia’s real lessons Jomo Kwame sundaram Inter Press Service

‘investment and technology policy’.

Careful consideration of the accelerated East Asian growth and transformation experiences underscore that such interventions were mainly responsible for the superior performance of the Northeast Asian HPAEs compared to their Southeast Asian counterparts.

Industrial investments Debates over Northeast Asian industrialization continue, but the pioneering work of American political economists Chalmers Johnson and Alice Amsden was undoubtedly seminal. Both showed that Japanese, Korean and Taiwanese government measures were quite different from typical World Bank development policy advice.

Successful finance ministry and central bank efforts to keep interest rates positive, but low, were crucial for accelerating industrial investments. From the mid-1970s, more orthodox Western economists began to characterize this as constituting ‘financial repression’, for depressing interest rates, the incentive to save and funds available for investment.

Only later did other Western economists explain this Korean anomaly in terms of ‘financial restraint’ to overcome financial market failures. But few have noted that savings rates actually follow, rather than determine investment rates.

Meanwhile, cultural explanations have also been invoked to explain East Asia’s high savings and investment rates.

Ownership matters Subsidized and directed (or targeted)

credit also promoted desired investments.

Fiscal and other policies also encouraged reinvestment of profits, rather than maximizing ‘shareholder value’, while other incentives encouraged desired investments. Where private investments were not forthcoming, the governments themselves made needed investments despite active discouragement by international development banks.

Strict controls on capital outflows, especially when foreign exchange resources were still scarce, also served to discourage capital flight. Northeast Asian economies were also careful to distinguish between long-term foreign direct investment (FDI) and short-term portfolio investment, or ‘hot money’.

Perhaps owing to Bank preference for FDI, ostensibly to close both the ‘savings-investment’ and ‘foreign exchange’ gaps, the EAM also favoured FDI and did not consider ownership important. However, during the early decades of high growth before the 1990s, Northeast Asian governments encouraged national ownership of industrial enterprises.

This policy served to promote vertically and horizontally integrated industrial conglomerates in the case of Korean chaebol and Japanese keiretsu.

(Zaibatsu were suppressed after the Second World War as they were held responsible for the pre-war Japanese military industrial complex.) Instead of FDI, South Korea encouraged licensing and, if necessary, joint-ventures to promote technology transfer.

Singapore and Malaysia in South-

WRITE-WING

how profoundly his internal patterns had affected his outward relationships.

We continued with these explorations over several months, and Simon proceeded to peel away even more layers of his early conditioning. He became aware that he had been viewing others as an ‘it,’ a separate and threatening ‘object,’ rather than what he called a dynamic, living “field of large scale intimacy” that opened up to him.

As Simon evolved into a new way of relating to himself and others, his descriptions sounded very similar to the I-Thou relationships that philosopher Marin Buber wrote about, or Vedantic nondualism, or the many Indigenous ways that exist of being one with nature. His transformation reached such depths that it eventually prompted a career shift in which he sought out a new company that produced renewable energy solutions, applying his skills as an engineer in a direction that fosters connection and honors life.

To see differently is to live differently. So when we truly see our interconnectedness, what does that mean for our political structures? What does it mean for education to teach with an understanding of ecological imagination? When we know that we must execute comprehensive, visionary change and quickly, how should we handle challenging conversations and decisions over climate change and other hot-button issues?

Engaging our imagination is far from fanciful: it’s a critical part of finding the answers to these questions; an essential, practical act that allows us to continue discovering and embodying the full spectrum of our humanity and our place in the family of all things.

Can we imagine a world in which all beings can thrive? If not, no amount of policy discussions will get us where we want to go. east Asia have especially sought to attract FDI, initially for political reasons.

Singapore desired strong Western support after establishing a new state in 1965. Since then, FDI has been attracted as part of a pro-active technology policy complemented by government policies, including investments.

Attracting FDI to accelerate technology development is quite different from capital account liberalization enabling short-term financial inflows.

Trade policies The Japanese, Korean and Taiwanese governments pursued import substituting industrialization policies from the 1950s, but later encouraged export orientation as well. Infant industries were provided with effective protection conditional on export promotion, effectively requiring firms to quickly become internationally competitive.

By protecting firms temporarily, depending on the product to be promoted, and by requiring certain output shares be exported within pre-specified periods, discipline was imposed on firms in return for the support provided. Such policies forced firms to achieve greater economies of scale and accelerate learning to reduce production costs quickly.

Requiring exports has also meant producers have had to achieve international consumer quality standards quickly, which accelerated progress in product and process technology. This ‘carrot and stick’ approach induced many firms to rapidly become internationally competitive.

Thus, the very industrial, trade and financial policies rejected by the Bank were in fact necessary for East Asia’s achievements. Some policies were inappropriately and prematurely undermined or terminated, e.g., with Japan’s financial ‘big bang’, with disastrous consequences.

Letters to the Editor should be sent to: The morung express, House No. 4, Duncan Bosti, Dimapur - 797112, Or –email: morung@gmail.com

MonDAY 26•06•2017

PERSPECTIVE

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

7

Myanmar: When will Suu Kyi challenge the military?

During Myanmar’s political upheavals in the late 1980s, then pro-democracy activist Aung San Suu Kyi famously said in a foreign press interview that any future government she led would not have an “easy time” because of “all the problems” it would have to face after decades of military misrule Bertil Lintner

A

Asia Times

t the time, she predicted the people would speak out and give her envisioned popularly elected administration “a very uncomfortable time.”

Nearly three decades later, now as the country’s de facto elected leader, Suu Kyi faces more problems after a year in office than she likely ever anticipated. She is now openly criticized, both domestically and internationally for a host of thorny issues, ranging from a sluggish economy to statesponsored human rights abuses.

The former Nobel Peace Prize laureate is now no doubt having a very uncomfortable time as national leader.

Despite peace talks spearheaded and prioritized by Suu Kyi, there is now more war than peace across the country as conflicts rage in various regions. More than 100,000 people have fled their homes in recent fighting between state forces and ethnic armed groups in northern Kachin State and northeastern Shan State, and are now living in squalid makeshift camps.

Suu Kyi has also faced criticism from the international community for abuses committed by state security forces, including well-documented allegations of murder and rape, of ethnic Rohingya Muslims in western Rakhine State. Her deflections of the allegations have fueled perceptions she has prioritized steady relations with the military over promotion of rights.

Foreign investment, meanwhile, is down since she first rose to power, with the economy staggering despite earlier hopes of a post-election boom. And media freedom, after an

Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi gives a speech at the Swedish parliament in Stockholm, Sweden June 13. (Reuters Photo)

easing of restrictions under the previous government, is now under fire again as journalists are being imprisoned for critical commentary about the military, as well as senior NLD members.

As the list of national woes grows, the question remains: How much power does Suu Kyi have to counter the military and impose a more democratic order?

Myanmar’s constitution, drafted under the military’s auspices and adopted after a May 2008 referendum that most observers viewed as rigged, has guaranteed continuity rather than change, including an ironclad “leading role” for the military in politics through a 25% bloc of appointees in Parliament. It also guarantees that the military only takes orders from its

The Morung Express POLL RESULTS

Do you agree that the present Election practice is the key that keeps the wheel of corruption turning in Nagaland? How? 67%

24% 09% YES

NO

OTHERS

Some of those who voted YES had this to say: • Yes the present election system is one of the key factors that keep the corruption wheel turning. If we are to fight corruption the election system needs to be cleaned up if not the corruption will continue. From money to job promises, the election system has brazenly wiped out the one man-one vote principle.

• Yes, It is a fact, everyone in Nagaland knows it.

• Yes. All hands down that the electoral process itself is responsible for corrupt practices. But this is a complicated issue because though the question sounds easy it is not so. The clean election is not addressing the election process, rather it is only trying to address some of the activities (like proxy voting, use of excess money), which this very system has given birth to. The clean election campaign should also review closely the present election practices in our state.

• Yes, very much. This is why we need to clean up the election system.

• Yes, the amount of money that is doled out is obvious. The number of job appointments made is one of the reasons for backdoor appointment. Some of the present legislators have become heroes because they have fulfilled their promise by giving many backdoor appointments to people from their own constituency. What more reasons do you need?

• Yes, sure does, we all know money talks.

• Yes. Because a corrupt election cycle/practice makes sure a people's mandate is destroyed, making no space for just governance and accountability. The state is then merely ruled by hedonic despots and rulers far away. People can use the election 'key' to take back power to influence decision making.

Some of those who voted NO had this to say: • The present Election practice is a result of other larger factors which sustains corruption.

• It is not the election practice but we the people who have created problems. We cannot blame others. During elections everyone goes mad and crazy for money and power. Even church leaders indulge in elections.

• No, we cannot blame the election system. The problem is our greed and self-serving interests.

Some of those who voted OTHERS had this to say: • Electioneering process has been misunderstood that has been turning the wheels of corruption.

• Oh dear…c'mon MEX, you can post a better poll than this. We all know about our current political scenario and our electoral practices. How about a poll on something like...do the village councils need to actively involve in clean election campaigns? It's imperative that they come to the front if clean election campaign is to be realistic especially in rural areas.

commander-in-chief, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Under the charter, the military appoints the ministers of defense, home affairs and border affairs. The home ministry, in turn controls the police and the civil service on all levels, from village tracts to the central administration. What is left for elected representatives are mostly figurehead posts as ministers and parliamentary committee heads.

“Suu Kyi is often unfairly taking the heat for the military’s abuses,” says a Bangkok-based political analyst who closely watches Myanmar’s politics. “It’s clearly a longview strategy to keep democracy on track, but is she being outmaneuvered to the extent that there may be no coming back?”

The next election will be held in 2020, at which time Suu Kyi will be 75 years old with no clear new generation of leaders being groomed to take the helm of her NLD party. The military-run Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), which ruled the country in quasi-civilian fashion before its crushing defeat at the 2015 election, is probably not poised for a full comeback at those polls.

“But there are other possibilities that would suit the military’s agenda to remain in power for the foreseeable future,” says the analyst.

Many people in Myanmar and abroad are thus bewildered at Suu Kyi’s lack of action in promoting a more democratic system. They note a change in tone from Suu Kyi’s in-

spirational speeches before the 2015 election, including one in which she said, “For the first time in decades our people will have a real chance of bringing about real change. This is a chance we cannot afford to let slip.”

But that window of opportunity is arguably closing fast. Suu Kyi’s only move to balance the power of the military was made in January when she appointed Thaung Tun, a veteran diplomat, as her government’s security adviser. His appointment drew strong criticism from Ye Htut, who served as information minister under the previous military-backed regime.

In an article published in Singapore’s Today newspaper on January 21, Ye Htut called Thaung Tun’s appointment a “risky gambit” and went on to claim that “past civilian governments under Prime Minister U Nu…and President Thein Sein… have honored” an arrangement whereby “internal security has been the sole domain of the Myanmar military with the commander-inchief serving as the principal adviser to the government.”

Many would question whether Thein Sein, an ex-army general who served as premier under the previous junta and president of the administration before Suu Kyi’s NLD took office, ever headed a “civilian” regime. U Nu led truly civilian governments from 1948-56, 1957-58 and 1960-62, and was under no obligation to take orders from the military.

Indeed, Myanmar’s first 1947 constitution stated clearly that “the right to raise and maintain military, naval and air forces is vested exclusively with the Parliament”, and that “no other than the forces raised and maintained by the Union with the consent of the Parliament shall be

raised or maintained for any purpose whatsoever.”

U Nu’s main political mistake, which led to his eventual downfall and subsequent consecutive decades of harsh military rule, was that he failed to use his constitutional powers to prevent the military from becoming a state within a state, which it consolidated in a bloody 1962 coup that abolished the country’s first and only democratic constitution.

Considering the power the military continues to wield, few believe Suu Kyi will be similarly deposed, due to top brass concerns another coup would lead to the reinstatement of Western economic sanctions. The 2010 election, which brought Thein Sein and the USDP to power, was at the time jokingly referred to as the “generals’ election” rather than a “general election.”

The NLD boycotted that sham poll. But the question is now rising whether the 2015 election, even though the NLD won in a landslide and power was peacefully transferred, was also a “generals’ election”, but with more democratic veneer than before.

In pursuit of national reconciliation, Suu Kyi has so far shown little interest in changing her country’s military-dominated power structure. With the massive popular support and international recognition Suu Kyi still enjoys, many in Myanmar wonder if she doesn’t challenge the military’s political power, then who ever will?

The risk is thus rising that Myanmar will remain a militaryrun country with mere trappings of democracy long after the 2020 election and when the septuagenarian Suu Kyi eventually fades from political view.

ASIA-PACIFIC: Farming Rice and Fish together to reduce poverty

R

IPS World Desk

ice is a major food commodity and staple food for many, and adding fish to flooded rice paddies has been a farming tradition practiced in a number of Asian countries for many centuries—even for more than 1000 years in some Chinese areas, the United Nations reports.

With the adoption of innovative technologies and a wider choice of fish species and rice varieties, the rice-fish farming system can play a significant role in poverty reduction and improving food and nutrition security, says the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

A prime example of this successful practice is found in Honghe County of China’s Yunnan Province.

Rural and Indigenous Communities On this, Matthias Halwart, Senior Officer and Outreach Coordinator of FAO’s Sustainable Agriculture Programme, says that agriculture, integrated with fish farming, supports rural and indigenous communities and can significantly help countries address the challenges of poverty alleviation as well as improved food and nutrition security.

“The rice-fish farming system we witnessed here, also recognised as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS), represents the wisdom of millennia of farming, nowadays strengthened by innovative aspects such as public private partnership.”

Halwart also pointed out that there is scope for a wider adoption of rice-fish systems in the region and beyond, while noting that the UN specialised agency was partnering with China as part of the Belt and Road Initiative and through its FAOChina South-South Cooperation Programme to support countries on their path towards more sustainable agricultural systems.

Agro-Aquaculture A group of agro-aquaculture experts from seven Asian countries attending a recent FAO regional workshop on innovative integrated agro-aquaculture in Asia, recently visited the rice-fish farming systems in the terraced rice field in Honghe, where fish is integrated in rice paddy to achieve higher yield and better quality of rice topping with fish as an additional commodity.

“As a result, the value of the combined output has tripled,” the Bangkok-based FAO regional office for Asia and the Pacific informs.

Honghe is a mountainous area where more than 85 per cent of inhabitants are the indigenous ethnic group called “Hani” and who are traditional rice growers in the terraced rice paddy. The county has been identified in the country’s list

FAO promotes advancements of innovative agro-aquaculture systems to enhance blue growth in Asia-Pacific. CREDIT: FAO

of poverty reduction areas.

The Freshwater Fisheries Research Center (FFRC) in Wuxi of China, which is an FAO Reference Centre for Fisheries and Aquaculture, has provided technical support and backstopping to Honghe on the rice-fish farming system and set up an experimental station.

The experts from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Philippines, and Viet Nam said they were convinced that the experience of Honghe could be replicated in their respective countries to help the local farmers in their fight against hunger and to improve their livelihoods and reduce poverty.

The group further recommended that FAO set up a rice-fish farming demonstration village in Honghe to showcase their experiences and good practices.

Xu Pao, a professor and Director of FFRC, stressed the importance of cooperation among the countries concerned to share experiences and expressed a willingness to continue providing technical support and assistance for the technology transfer on rice-fish farming, not only to farmers in Honghe but nationally and internationally.

The experts participating in the workshop and site visit noted the importance of using scarce resources efficiently and manage to grow nutritious and safe food with a minimum of potentially harmful chemicals, says FAO. They also concluded that promoting an enabling policy environment and providing necessary technical expertise are critical elements in developing their business plans.

The group agreed to continue collaborating and to develop a regional strategy for upscaling the rice-fish farming systems through

a regional technical cooperation programme, supported by various funding sources, through southsouth cooperation.

At present, 26 sites in 6 countries (1 site in Bangladesh, 11 sites in China, 3 sites in India, 8 sites in Japan, 1 site in Philippines and 2 sites in Republic of Korea) are designated as GIAHS in Asia and the Pacific region.

More than 1000 Ago in China In some Chinese areas, farmers combine rice farming with aquaculture, quite literally growing fish in their flooded paddy fields. The rice paddies offer protection and organic food for the fish, while the fish soften the soil and provide nutrients and oxygen for the rice crop, the UN specialised body tells in its report: Growing rice and fish – together a Chinese tradition for 1000 years.

The method proved to have several additional advantages. For instance, the fish also eat insects and weeds maintaining a perfect ecological balance that improves biodiversity while limiting problems caused by insects and plant diseases.

“This ancient farming system has been designated a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) by FAO, making Qingtian County famous for something other than emigration, and now well-known for an agricultural system that has stood the test of time and remains in harmony with nature.”

New is not always better. “It turns out that our traditional fishrice farming method is now seen by the world as a 1 000-year-old treasure,” says Wu, a participant and beneficiary of growing rice and fish– together, according to the report.

“People were so amazed by the

beauty and wonder of the rice-fish culture system that our village has become the focus of international attention.” As Wu’s village became famous, many city dwellers and some foreigners began arriving for holidays.

Wu, like many other villagers, recognised that this proud and ancient agricultural tradition was about to improve their 21st century livelihoods. “I seized the opportunity to open the first locally owned and operated restaurant in Longxian village,” says Wu. “I began selling fish produced from the rice fields.”

In order to take full advantage of the new GIAHS designation, government experts helped the villagers plan for conservation and expansion. “We formed a special team and we became much more conscious of the importance of native/local plant resources conservation and environmental protection,” says Wu. “Today, many species of birds, like egrets, which had disappeared for years, are once again seen flying around this area.”

Today the entire village is benefiting from the conservation of its agricultural heritage. The fish produced in the paddy fields of Longxian village that once sold for 20 Yuan (2.5 dollars) per kilogramme, today sell for 120 Yuan (19 dollars).

“There are now five restaurants run by farmers in the village,” adds Wu, “and there is no shortage of customers.” Last year the village received more than 100 000 tourists.

The persistence of traditional farming through the centuries is living proof of a successful indigenous agricultural strategy and a tribute to the “creativity” of small farmers throughout the developing world, according to the UN specialised agency.

8

MonDAY 26•06•2017

INDIA

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Trump welcomes 'true friend' as Modi lands in Washington

Trump will host Modi at the White House on Monday afternoon and the two leaders would spend about five hours together in various settings beginning with their bilateral discussion, delegation level talks, a reception and a working dinner, the first of its kind hosted by this administration.

Mew Delhi, June 25 (PTi): United States President Donald Trump said on Sunday that 'strategic issues' would be on the table when he holds talks with his 'true friend' Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Washington, DC, on Monday, as the two leaders look to strike a personal rapport in their maiden meeting.

'Look forward to welcoming India's PM Modi to @WhiteHouse on Monday. Important strategic issues to discuss with a true friend!,' Trump posted on his official (@POTUS) Twitter handle.

Modi, in his reply to Trump, thanked him for the 'warm personal welcome' and said he was 'greatly' looking forward to the meeting and discussions on Monday at the White House.

Modi, who arrived in Washington, DC on Sunday morning, will hold summit talks with Trump tomorrow afternoon in the White House and the two leaders would spend several hours together in various settings including one-on-one and delegation-level meetings, a reception and a working dinner. The working dinner that Trump is hosting

Meira Kumar urges conscience voting by electoral college new Delhi, June 25 (iAnS): Meira Kumar, the opposition's presidential candidate, on Sunday appealed to members of the electoral college to "heed the inner voice of conscience" while casting their vote in the July 17 election as the President's office "cannot function to serve narrow political interests".

In a letter to all members of the electoral college -- comprising members of the two houses of parliament and elected members of the various state assemblies, Kumar said the election of President was a process larger than any individual or party and that she was "honoured and privileged" to be the nominee of the 17 political parties, who unanimously decided to field her as their candidate for the presidential poll.

"The President takes an oath to protect and defend the Constitution -- the backbone of our democracy. It is this Constitution that I and countless others have invoked to reinforce our democratic values," the former Lok Sabha Speaker wrote.

She requested the members to vote for her, saying it was a "unique privilege" for them to make history.

"This is that moment when one should heed the inner voice of conscience and set the course of the nation.

Let us stand together, in spirit and action, to affirm our pledge to this sacred process ... and to that guiding voice within us," she said, adding that "I seek your invaluable support in this endeavour".

PM Modi recalls Emergency, lauds cleanliness initiatives in Mann Ki Baat

The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi being welcomed, on his arrival at Joint Base Andrews, Washington DC, USA on June 25.

for Modi is the first of its kind under the current US administration.

"The White House is very interested in making this a special visit. We're really seeking to roll out the red carpet. In fact, the two (leaders) will have dinner, a working dinner at the White House," a senior administration official told reporters at the White House.

"This will be the first dinner for a foreign dignitary at the White House under this administration. So, we think that's very significant," the official said.

Modi was welcomed with loud cheers and applause by the Indian community members who were waiting outside the Willard InterContinental Hotel here to catch a glimpse of the Indian leader.

During his visit, Modi will also meet top American CEOs of global giants, including Apple, Microsoft and Google, with is-

sues ranging from visas, investment and job creation expected to occupy centerstage during the discussions.

On the eve of Modi's US visit, the Trump administration had dismissed reports that it has been ignoring India, saying President Trump realises that the country has been a 'force for good' in the world and ties with it were important.

"I think that it would be wrong to say that this administration has been ignoring or not focused on India," a senior administration official had said.

"I think that the US really appreciates India, and I think that President Trump realises that India has been a force for good in the world and that it's a relationship that's important.

And I think that will come through in the visit on Monday," the official said.

The senior administration official made the re-

marks while responding to questions on whether the US-India relationship has drifted under the new government, in part, because of President Trump and the administration's support to China.

"I think it's a bit unfair. I mean, we're only six months into the administration. But there have been two very good phone calls between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi that you can point to as showing both countries' interest in the relationship," the White House official argued. "Yes, this will be the first opportunity for them to sit down and have a conversation, but I think that this is still fairly early on in the administration," the official said.

Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer had said President Trump and Prime Minister Modi would have a very robust discussion when they

meet at the White House.

"During the meeting, the President and the Prime Minister will discuss ongoing cooperation, including counter-terrorism, defence partnership in the Indo-Pacific region, global cooperation, burden-sharing, trade, law enforcement, and energy," Spicer had said.

On whether the contentious H-1B visa issue would come up for discussion during the meeting, a senior administration official said it was unlikely to be raised from the US side but if raised by the Indian side, the Americans were ready for it.

Ahead of the visit, Indian Ambassador to the US Navtej Sarna said the first face-to-face meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump will give them an opportunity to look at the entire gamut of Indo-US engagement and to exchange views on issues of global interest.

new Delhi, June 25 (iAnS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a broadcast on Sunday recalled the "dark night" of Emergency when thousands of political activists were arrested and the country had virtually become a "prison".

In his monthly radio address 'Mann Ki Baat', Modi, who is currently in the US, also greeted the nation on Eid and Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra, lauded a cleanliness initiative by a Muslim majority village in Uttar Pradesh and construction of 10,000 household toilets in 71 gram panchayats in Andhra Pradesh.

He also touched upon the latest achievements of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the international reach of yoga and the empowerment the GeM (government e-marketplace) and schemes like Mudra are bringing about while again asking people to replace welcome bouquets with books or khadi handkerchiefs. He also urged people to encourage their children to play sports instead of just confining them to studies.

"June 25, 1975, was a dark night that no devotee of democracy, no Indian can ever forget," Modi said in the 33rd edition of his address, recalling that during that period, the country had virtually become a "prison", with the opposition's voice smothered and the press completely muffled.

"The judicial system too could not escape the sinister shadows of the Emergency. The present-day students of journalism and the champions of democracy have been endeavouring towards raising awareness about that dark period, by constant reminders, and should continue to do so," he said.

Modi also recited a poem written by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on the completion of one year of Emergency wherein he longed for the end of restrictions and return to freedom. Vajpayee was in jail at that time.

Modi mentioned how residents of Mubarakpur village in Uttar Pradesh's Bijnor district returned Rs government funds meant for constructing toilets, and used their own money for the purpose.

"During this holy month of Ramazan, these Muslim brothers and sisters (of Mubarakpur village) returned this money to the government, saying, they would construct these toilets with their own labour and their own money; and that this sum of 17 lakh rupees be used for providing other facilities in the village.

"I'm happy to see that cleanliness is no longer confined to being a government programme. It is getting transformed into a movement by the society and the people," he observed.

Modi also lauded the efforts of administration and people of Andhra's Vizianagaram where the district administration undertook a 100-hour non-stop campaign with people's participation to construct 10,000 household toilets in 71 gram panchayats in March this year.

"You will be happy to learn that the administration and the people together did construct 10,000 toilets in 100 hours successfully. Seventy one villages became open defecation free," Modi said.

Modi congratulated the ISRO for its successes.

"If our feet are grounded in yoga, our dreams are eager to transcend the limits in the sky. Just a few days ago, ISRO launched its Cartosat-2 series satellites, a nano satellite and 29 foreign satellites belonging to 14 countries including Italy, Germany, France and Japan," he said.

Congratulating the Indian space scientists, the Prime Minister noted that India's Mars Mission has completed 1,000 days on June 19, though its life was initially deemed to be just six months.

The Prime Minister said that if children are interested in sports, they should be given opportunities and should not be "forced off the playing fields" to be locked in rooms with books.

"They should study as well, if they can do well in studies, they should certainly do so, but if they have the potential and the inclination to do well in sports, that should be encouraged and supported by the school, college, family and all the people around them," he said.

Aadhaar not valid for travel to Nepal, Bhutan, says home ministry

new Delhi, June 25 (PTi): Aadhaar is not a valid identification document for Indians travelling to Nepal and Bhutan, the Union home ministry has said.

Indians can travel to Nepal and Bhutan--both countries for which they don’t need visas--if they possess a valid national passport or election ID card issued by the Election Commission.

Moreover, to ease travel, persons over 65 and below 15 years can show documents with photographs to confirm their age and identity. These include

PAN card, driving licence, Central Government Health Service (CGHS) card and ration card but not Aadhaar. “Aadhaar (UID) card is not an acceptable travel document for travel to Nepal/ Bhutan,” a communique issued by the ministry said. The advisory assumes significance as Aadhaar is mandatory for a host of things, including government subsidies on LPG and other social welfare schemes.

The Aadhaar card, which has a 12-digit unique identification number and personal

details like name and address, acts as a proof of identification and residence. Indians entering Bhutan by road are required to obtain an ‘Entry Permit’ on the basis of a valid travel document from the immigration office of Royal Government of Bhutan at Phuentsholing, located on the Indo-Bhutan border opposite Jaigaon, West Bengal.

The border with Nepal is an open one with people who enter the country needing to show any valid identity card.

Nepal shares borders with

five Indian states--Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Around six lakh Indians are living or domiciled in Nepal.

Bhutan, which shares borders with Sikkim, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and West Bengal, has about 60,000 Indian nationals, employed mostly in the hydroelectric power and construction industry. In addition, between 8,000 and 10,000 daily workers enter and exit Bhutan everyday in border towns. In another development,

Indians flying abroad will not be required to fill departure cards from next month.

However, those going out of the country via rail, seaport and land immigration checkposts will have to fill the embarkation card. “It has been decided to discontinue the practice of filling up of the departure card by Indians at all international airports with effect from July 1, 2017,” an order issued by the home ministry said. The move is aimed at ensuring hassle-free movement of Indians going abroad.

At present, those going abroad need to fill in details such as name, date of birth, passport number, address in India, flight number and date of boarding in the departure card.

The decision will help reducing the time required to complete immigration related formalities by passengers and also enable airports and authorities concerned to cater to a larger number of people. The need for Indians to fill such cards on their arrival in India has already been done away with.

Seven killed in Gulmarg cable car accident World’s highest rail track

SrinAgAr, June 25 (iAnS): A family of four from Delhi and three locals were killed on Sunday when a tree uprooted by strong winds sent a gondola car cabin hurtling hundreds of meters down in Jammu and Kashmir after snapping the cable, authorities said.

Police sources said several cable cars -- former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah put their number at 15 -- crashed down a valley in the tourist haven Gulmarg.

"A couple and two children were among the dead," a police officer said. A large number of se-

curity personnel were deployed to reach the site where the cable cars had fallen to take out the bodies.

The dead were identified as Jayant Anderaskar, his wife Manisha and their daughters Anagha and Jhanvi. They were reported to be from Shalimar Bagh in Delhi.

The other three victims were identified as Mukhtar Ahmed Ganie, Javed Ahmed Khandey and Farooq Ahmed -- believed to be tourist guides.

It was the first such disaster in the ropeway project which has 36 cabins and 18 towers and is a joint

venture of the Jammu and Kashmir government and a French firm. It is hugely popular with tourists who flock to Gulmarg, a skiing hub.

Abdullah wondered why the cable car operations were not suspended in high winds. "That's a laid down SOP (standard operating procedure)."

"Heart breaking images coming out of Gulmarg," the National Conference leader added. "What a tragic way for a family holiday to end. Can't sympathise enough with the families."

The two-stage Gulmarg cable

Two militants killed, three soldiers injured in Kashmir

SrinAgAr, June 25 (iAnS): Two militants were killed and three soldiers injured on Sunday in fighting that erupted the previous day with an attack on a CRPF patrol that left a trooper dead, authorities said.

After hours of fighting to liquidate the two militants holed up in the Delhi Public School (DPS) complex here, the security forces said both were dead and all firing had halted.

The security personnel which went from room to room in the school found two bodies in one room, an officer said.

"The bodies of the two militants have been spotted inside one room from where firing had started.

There has been no firing from the militants during the last one hour," the officer added.

The school was thoroughly searched and the

operation later called off.

Three soldiers, including two officers, were injured earlier on Sunday as the security forces launched the final assault against the rebels inside the school complex in Pantha

Chowk area.

"All injured army personnel are stable and out of danger," a police source said. They were shifted to a military hospital at Badami Bagh cantonment.

Director General of Po-

survey to commence at Leh

car lift ferries people to a height of 13,780 feet above the sea level. It is the world's second highest operating cable car project, with a cabin Railway Minister capacity of ferrying 600 people in Suresh Prabhu will one hour.

The first stage of the cable car inaugurate the transfers people from the Gulmarg work for the final resort at 2,600 meters (8,530 feet) to Kongdori station in the bowl- location survey shaped Kongdori valley, according on June 27 at an to the company which operates the estimated cost of Rs cable car.

The second stage takes people 157.77 crore. to a height of 3,747 meters (12,293 new Delhi, June 25 feet) on Kongdori mountain.

(PTi): The Railways will kick off the final location survey of the 498 km long Bilaspur-Manali-Leh line at Leh in Jammu and Kash(CRPF) vehicle on the Sri- mir this week. Coming up nagar-Jammu highway, at a high of 3,300 metres, killing a Sub-Inspector and the strategically imporinjuring two troopers. tant rail project is touted The militants then took to become the highest rail refuge in the school, which track in the world, overtakby then had closed for the ing China’s Qinghai–Tibet day. Security forces im- Railway. The all-weather mediately surrounded the Leh rail network is one of complex to prevent the the four important railway gunmen from escaping. connectivities identified by The Lashkar-e-Tai- the defence ministry along ba (LeT) militant outfit the China border. claimed responsibility for Railway Minister Suresh the attack. Srinagar District Prabhu will inaugurate the Magistrate Farooq Ahmad work for the final location Lone on Saturday imposed survey on June 27 at an esrestrictions on the stretch timated cost of Rs 157.77 of Srinagar-Jammu high- crore. The survey is funded way between Ram Munshi by the defence ministry. The Bagh and Sempora. The proposed new rail line will curbs were lifted after the connect all important localice S.P. Vaid had earlier battle ended. tions between Bilaspur and said that two militants were Also, in a freak accident, Leh namely Sunder Nagar holed up in the school, a policeman's rifle went off Mandi, Manali, Tandi, Keywhose students are most- at the site of the militant at- long, Koksar, Darcha, Upshi ly from the Kashmiri elite tack on Saturday. A CRPF and Karu. families. The militants had trooper and a policeman The final location suron Saturday attacked a Cen- were injured in the inci- vey has been entrusted tral Reserve Police Force dent. to RITES, a Railways PSU.

“RITES has deployed its expert team to carry out this challenging task. The survey will be carried out in three phases and is slated to be completed by 2019,” said a senior Railway Ministry official. Presently, the road route is open only for about five months in a year.

Apart from strategic considerations, the line connecting Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh to Leh in Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir is expected to give immense “socioeconomic benefits” to the region, including tourism.

The defence ministry had initiated rail line projects along China, Nepal and Pakistan borders as strategic lines.

Fourteen strategic lines have been identified, out of which four – Bilaspur-Manali-Leh, Missamari-Tenga-Tawang, North Lakhimpur-BameSilapathar and PasighatTezu-Rupai – will be taken up in the first phase. The Bilaspur-Manali-Leh line is along Himachal-J&K border and the last three lines along Assam-Arunachal border. Once the BilaspurManali-Leh railway line is completed, Leh will be directly connected to Himachal Pradesh and the rest of India by railway. Personnel and equipment will be transported more easily to the strategic military base of Leh with the commissioning of the line.

MondaY 26 •06•2017

WORLD/ENT

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Oil truck explosion kills atleast 146 people in Pak

A soldier stands guard amid burnt out cars and motorcycles at the scene of an oil tanker explosion in Bahawalpur, Pakistan on June 25. (REUTERS Photo)

LAHORE, JunE 25 (REutERs): An oil tanker crashed and exploded on a road in Pakistan on Sunday, killing atleast 146 people, many of whom were collecting leaking fuel before it ignited, government officials and rescue workers said.

The speeding tanker overturned on a sharp bend on a highway on the outskirts of the city of Bahawalpur. The driver lost control when the vehicle blew a tire, a provincial government spokesman said.

A large crowd of people gath-

ered, many to collect fuel in containers, and the tanker exploded in a huge fireball about 45 minutes later. Rescue workers said that about 80 people had been injured.

“People of the area and passers by had started gathering fuel when it exploded, burning everybody,” provincial government spokesman Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan told Reuters.

An estimated 20 children were among the dead, he said.

The accident happened the day before Pakistan celebrates the Eid al-Fitr festival, when families get

together to celebrate the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.

Many bodies were burned beyond recognition and television pictures showed piles of burnt out motorcycles, apparently those of people who were collecting fuel or watching events unfold.

Police had tried to clear the area before the tanker exploded but people ignored them, Khan said, adding that the initial crash had blocked the road, causing a traffic tailback.

The driver of the tanker survived the accident and was taken

into police custody, he said.

The explosion took place on a stretch of highway cutting through the village of Ramzan Joya.

Khalil Ahmed, a 57-year-old former government employee who lives in the village, said he had lost 12 relatives in the fire, which firefighters extinguished in two hours.

“One body has been recovered and 11 others are still missing,” Ahmed said.

“After the spill, people began calling their relatives to come and gather the oil, and some showed up from nearby villages as well.

There must have been 500 people gathered when the fire began.”

Oil is a precious commodity for villagers in Pakistan, where more than 60 percent of the population survives on $3 a day, according to a World Bank survey.

“People were collecting oil in bottles, cans and household utensils. We tried to get them to move back before the fire started but no one was listening,” Ahmed said.

He estimates that about 100 people from the small hamlet are missing. “The day of judgment has arrived for our village,” he said.

About 50 people were killed in bomb attacks in Pakistan on Friday but there was no suggestion of an attack on Sunday.

“According to initial reports, somebody tried to light a cigarette,” said rescue services spokesman Jam Sajjad Hussain.

Police in the area could not be reached for immediate comment.

About 40 people with serious burns were airlifted to hospitals in the nearby city of Multan.

2 decades after handover, scant love for China among Hong Kong youth HOnG KOnG, JunE 25 (REutERs): Hong Kong student activist Chau Hooi, born in the year the Asian financial hub returned to Chinese rule 20 years ago, recalls the sense of pride she once felt towards mainland China. Sitting with her parents when she was 11, Chau watched the 2008 Beijing Olympics on television in awe and felt “excitement in the heart” as China’s athletes swept the board with 48 gold medals, more than any other nation. “I thought China was

great,” Chau said. “If you asked me back then if I was Chinese, I’d say yes.”

Fast forward nine years, however, and the former British colony’s first posthandover generation is increasingly turning its back on the mainland. “Now ... I don’t want to say I am Chinese,” said Chau, who was arrested during mass pro-democracy protests in 2014. “It gives me a very negative feeling. Even if you ask me 100 times, I would say the same thing.”

According to a University of Hong Kong survey

released on Tuesday that polled 120 youths, only 3.1 percent of those aged between 18 to 29 identify themselves as “broadly Chinese”. The figure stood at 31 percent when the regular half-yearly survey started 20 years ago. In interviews with 10 Hong Kong youths born in 1997 including Chau, all of them, including an immigrant from mainland China, told Reuters they primarily identify themselves as “Hong Kongers” and their loyalty lies with the city.

The territory became a British colony in stages in the 19th century and returned to Chinese rule under a “one country, two systems” formula which guarantees it wide-ranging autonomy, including an independent judiciary and freedom of speech, for at least 50 years.

The 20-year-olds’ attitudes were hardened, they said, by a series of shadowy manoeuvres suggesting a slow squeeze on those freedoms by Communist Party rulers in Beijing.

In 2012, a skinny

15-year-old student named Joshua Wong led tens of thousands of Hong Kong residents to protest against a mandatory national education curriculum they claimed would “brainwash” students by promoting Chinese patriotism. The curriculum was eventually shelved. Two years later, the “Occupy” movement, with Wong at the helm, sought to pressure Beijing to allow full democracy in the election of its leader, demands that were ultimately ignored after 79 days of street protests.

9

Hopes fade in China for 93 missing in landslide

Women react at the site of a landslide, in the village of Xinmo, Sichuan Province, China on June 25. (REUTERS Photo)

MAO COuntY, CHinA, JunE 25 (REutERs): Rescue workers in southwestern China pulled bodies out of piles of rock and mud on Sunday as they searched for 93 people missing after a landslide buried a mountain village, with some residents giving up hope of finding survivors.

A huge landslide crashed down on the village of Xinmo, in mountainous Sichuan province, as dawn broke on Saturday.

Authorities at the scene said on Sunday that 10 bodies had been confirmed recovered, contradicting a report by the Xinhua state news agency on Saturday saying that 15 people had been confirmed killed.

On Sunday industrial excavators removed rubble at the site of the landslide while workers in hard hats searched for signs of life as relatives of the lost cried or looked on stone-faced nearby.

“This is useless,” villager Han Jianying, searching for missing family members, told Reuters. “Everyone’s going to be in pieces anyway.”

Heavy rain triggered the landslide, authorities said.

More light showers are likely but are not expected to affect the search, state

broadcaster China Central Television reported.

A couple and their twomonth-old baby were the only survivors reported to have been found alive.

Authorities reduced the number of missing after 15 people were confirmed as safe, the Xinmo village propaganda department said on its microblog.

It was not clear if the 15 had been rescued or had simply been away at the time of the disaster.

The rescue involved more than 3,000 people despite the danger of more landslides, Xinhua reported.

Geological experts said the chances of anyone surviving under the rubble were slim, Xinhua reported.

“We weren’t able to pull anyone out alive,” said Wu Youheng, who lives in a neighbouring village and rushed to help on Saturday.

“We pulled out two people but they were already dead. I think it’s too late, they’re unlikely to find anyone else alive.”

The area is prone to landslides but the scale of Saturday’s slide was unprecedented, Wu added.

Wu’s wife, Zhang Xiaohong, said they often sleep in other villages for fear of

landslides but could not afford to move to a safer part of Mao county.

County residents are primarily poor farmers of the Qiang ethnic minority and the area is the target of a poverty alleviation project, government officials said.

Much of those efforts focuses on attracting tourists to nearby scenic spots and an ancient village. Xinhua reported that all 142 tourists in the area had been evacuated from the area.

The names of the missing were posted on government websites.

Wang Yong, a member of China’s State Council, or cabinet, dispatched to the disaster site, urged an all-out search-and-rescue effort and measures to prevent further disasters by monitoring geological activity, Xinhua reported.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in offering his condolences, said in a statement that the United Nations is prepared to offer any support.

Sichuan province is prone to earthquakes, including an 8.0 magnitude tremor in central Sichuan’s Wenchuan county in 2008 that killed nearly 70,000 people.

Priyanka Chopra to endorse Gwyneth Paltrow’s lifestyle brand slammed by ‘Wonder Woman’ Skill India campaign Flies Past $300 mn ex-NASA scientist ark Shelhamer, former chief at US Box Office scientist at NASAs human

M

research division, has criticised Oscar-winning actress Gwyneth Paltrows lifestyle and wellness brand Goop for promoting bogus $120 stickers that contain materials used in spacesuits. According to technology website Gizmodo, “Body Vibes” stickers are the latest product promoted by Paltrow’s brand.

The stickers, sold for $120 for a pack of 24, are said to be made from “NASA spacesuit material” to “rebalance energy frequency in our bodies”, according to the website, reports dailymail. co.uk. Goop put up a blog post praising the product.

“Human bodies operate at an ideal energetic frequency, but everyday stresses and anxiety can throw off our internal balance, depleting our energy reserves and weakening our immune systems. Body Vibes stickers come preprogrammed to an ideal frequency, allowing them to target imbalances,” Paltrow’s website said. Talking about the

A

ctress Priyanka Chopra will soon be seen endorsing government’s flagship Skill India campaign, with the National Skill Development Corporation roping in the Bollywood celebrity as an ambassador for the initiative. The former Miss World and Bollywood star who is now making waves in Hollywood with her acting prowess, herself expressed interest in the initiative and will collaborate on a pro bono basis. Priyanka will use her celebrity status to motivate youngsters to hone their abilities through a media campaign.

Earlier, Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli, batting legend Sachin Tendulkar, Bollywood actors Sidharth Malhotra and Shabana Azmi and singer Mohit Chauhan had also become goodwill envoys for Skill India. “As brand ambassador we have given a letter to Priyanka Chopra. The interest had come from her,” National Skill Development Corporation MD and CEO Manish Kumar told. Kumar said the media team associated with NSDC is working on how to project Priyanka most effectively through the campaign, as she has emerged as a global youth icon. However, the 34-year-old had recently received a backlash with online trolls criticising the dress she wore to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Berlin during his four-nation trip. The short floral dress that Priyanka wore for the meeting did not go down well with social media users who slammed her for being inappropriately dressed. The Skill India campaign was launched by Prime Minister Modi in July 2015. The government aims to train 40 crore people by 2022 through its skilling initiatives.

Source: PTI

P

product, Shelhamer said: “Wow. What a load of BS this is.”

Shelhamer said the stickers’ claim to have carbon material from NASA spacesuits is false. “Not only is the whole premise like snake oil, the logic doesn’t even hold up. If they

promote healing, why do they leave marks on the skin when they are removed,” Shelhamer said. Later, Goop pulled from the website the mention of the product containing the NASA material.

Source: IANS

Louis Tomlinson didn’t want One Direction break

T

he ‘Little Things’ hitmakers have been on indefinite hiatus since January 2016 and the 25-year-old singer admitted he didn’t enjoy having the discussions about their future with bandmates Liam Payne, Harry Styles and Niall Horan. He said: “It wasn’t necessarily a nice conversation. I could see where it was going.” The timing of the band going on hiatus was particularly hard for Louis because he’d finally found his feet as a performer. He said: “In the last year of One Direction I was probably the most confident I ever was. And then it was: ‘OK, hiatus!’ “ The ‘Just Hold On’ singer believes people regarded him as “forgettable, to a certain degree” when he was with the ‘History’ group, especially when compared with his bandmates. He told the Observer magazine: “The others have always been... Like Niall, for example. He’s the most lovely guy in the world. Happy-go-lucky Irish, no sense of arrogance. And he’s fearless. There are times I’ve thought: ‘I’d have a bit of that.’ “Zayn [Malik, ex-member], back in the day. He could relate to me on a nerves level. In the first year we were both the least confident. But Zayn has a fantastic voice and for him it was always about owning that. “Liam always had a good stage presence, same as Harry, they’ve both got that ownership. Harry comes across very cool. Liam’s all about getting the crowd going, doing a bit of dancing... And then there’s me.” Initially Louis intended to write for other artists, work on his record label and wait “two years, five years, whatever it be” until the group got back together, so going solo late last year took even him by surprise. He admitted: “If you’d asked me a year or 18 months ago: ‘Are you going to do anything as a solo artist?’ I’d have said absolutely not.”

Source: Femalefirst

atty Jenkins can rest assured that she’s done a fantastic job in the Director’s Chair for the latest DC Extended Universe movie release, ‘Wonder Woman’, as the Gal Gadot-led film has now topped $300 million in the US box office alone. It’s an incredible score for the Amazonian Princess’ first big screen solo flick, which took in $223 million globally across its opening weekend alone, marking the best opening weekend of all-time for a female director. Whilst ‘Cars 3’ snuck past the film in North America last weekend, the movie still picked up enough money to take it past the $300 million mark this week, with ‘Wonder Woman’ making $7.3 million on Friday alone to storm past the incredible milestone. When ticket sales come in later today for the rest of the weekend, the film is expected to be closer to the $320 million mark. That means that if all goes according to plan, the film will snatch the best fourth weekend ever for a Warner Bros. release, and with no signs of it slowing down any time soon, it could become the highestgrossing DCEU film within the week, creeping up on the ‘Suicide Squad’ gross of $3251 million and the $330.3 million ‘Man of Steel’ made. All factors considered, ‘Wonder Woman’ has to be the movie that proves it doesn’t matter whether your leading superhero is a man or a woman; so long as the talent is there in both cast and crew, you can do incredibly well. Breaking down gender barriers in Hollywood is a constant battle for talented women across the world, so to see Jenkins, Gadot and company help do that is a wonderful thing to witness. Next up for the DCEU is the ‘Justice League’ flick, which brings Wonder Woman together with Batman, Aquaman, The Flash, Cyborg and we expect Superman, once he’s made it out of the coffin he found himself in at the end of ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’. That film is released before the end of the year on November 17. Talk now of course will turn towards a second solo outing for Wonder Woman, which seems like a lock. Whether Jenkins will be on board for that remains to be seen, but surely she’ll get first refusal after the job she’s done this time round. We’ll bring you more information on the DCEU as and when we get it.

Source: Contactmusic

10

MonDAY 26•06•2017

sports

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Sonnen tops Silva in unanimous decision at Bellator in NYC

NEW YORK, JuNE 25 (AP): Chael Sonnen took out one MMA legend, called out another, then unloaded his misery about fighting at Madison Square Garden.

“I hate New York,” he bellowed in the cage.

Sonnen won on the scorecards, if not the adulation from MSG fight fans, and took a unanimous decision over Wanderlei Silva in a much-delayed grudge match in a light heavyweight bout Saturday night.

It was a dreadful night for Silva and fellow MMA great Fedor Emelianenko in Bellator’s MSG debut. Matt Mitrione knocked out Emelianenko in just 74 seconds in a heavyweight bout.

But the result didn’t stop Sonnen from challenging Emelianenko to another bout somewhere down the line. Bellator must love the gimmick of putting a pair of 40-somethings in the main event of a future card.

“I respect Fedor and I think he and I’s paths are going to cross sooner rather than later,” Sonnen said.

Emelianenko, following his first fight in the United States since 2011, said he would not retire.

Sonnen and Silva had feuded — and even brawled in street clothes

Chael Sonnen, left, trades blows with Wanderlei Silva, of Brazil, during a mixed martial arts bout at Bellator 180 early Saturday, June 25, 2017, in New York. Sonnen won via unanimous decision. (AP Photo)

during a taping of an MMA reality show — for years and had an anticipated bout for a UFC pay-per-view scrapped in 2014. Sonnen (29-15-1) pressured Silva and stayed on top of the MMA great for most of the three rounds. Sonnen, who can self-promote with his mouth as well as anyone

in the game, was dropped once but never in any serious trouble.

Silva, also 40, made his name fighting for Pride in Japan, and made his Bellator debut following a nearly four-year layoff. Sonnen was choked out by Tito Ortiz in his Bellator debut in January. Ortiz was on hand

at the Garden and egged on fans who cursed him out during the main event.

Mitrione (12-5) and Emelianenko both connected on right hands and hit the canvas for a double knockdown in the co-main event. But Mitrione, who briefly played in the NFL, pounced and smashed

Emelianenko (36-5) with uppercuts to finish off the Russian great.

“He’s not arguably the great heavyweight of all time, he is the greatest heavyweight of all time,” Mitrione said.

Emelianenko, maybe be the greatest fighter to never sign with UFC, had

won his last five fights, but the days when he ruled in Japan as one of MMA’s most dynamic fighters and top heavyweights are well behind him. Emelianenko, in his Bellator debut, was bloodied and looked well past his prime.

Bellator, the No. 2 MMA promotion in the United States, made its MSG debut seven months after UFC christened the arena in the MMA genre with a record $17.7 million gate.

Bellator will wait to find out if the pay-per-view buys (at $49.95 a clip) hit 200,000, the total the company aimed for to count as a major success. Bellator broadcast on pay-per-view for only the second time in promotional history, signaling another step in its growth as a rival for the industry-leading UFC. Bellator staged its only previous pay-per-view event in May 2014, shortly before CEO Scott Coker took over the promotion.

Bellator loaded the card in front of 12,133 fans with some of the biggest names in MMA to make a splash in New York. In a sign Bellator craves star power over super bouts, neither of the two main events were for a championship.

But there were title fights on the card, highlighted by Brent Primus

defeating Michael Chandler in a gruesome fight to win the 155-pounds title.

Chandler, one of the Bellator stalwarts, broke his left ankle and the fight was stopped in the first round.

“Cut it off! Cut this thing off! I’ll keep going!” he barked in the cage.

If the loss wasn’t tough enough, like a bad practical joke, the injured Chandler had his stool pulled away in the corner as he tried to sit and the fighter fell on his bottom.

Ryan Bader defeated Phil Davis by split decision in his Bellator debut to win the promotion’s light heavyweight championship. Bader (23-5) defeated Davis (17-4) in an MMA bout for the second time in his career in a lackluster bout filled with more boos than blows. Bader had edged out a split decision victory over Davis when the former Division I AllAmerican wrestlers fought for the first time on a UFC card in January 2015.

Bellator, founded only in 2008 and named for the Latin word for “warrior,” has failed to build that mainstream star that UFC has in the mold of Ronda Rousey and Conor McGregor. Bellator has eschewed the PPV model and built its fan base on the strength of live TV

cards on Spike (broadcast home of Saturday’s undercard) and by signing pasttheir-primetime MMA players to main event their biggest cards. Kimbo Slice, Ken Shamrock, Royce Gracie and Rampage Jackson all took their turn in main event bouts more spectacle than sport that delivered record ratings for Bellator.

Aaron Pico, 20, was widely considered the top MMA prospect around and had advanced to the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in wrestling last year. His breakthrough will have to wait. Zach Freeman made Pico quit in just 24 seconds and stunned the crowd that had fallen for the hype.

Heather Hardy, a boxer signed under promoter Lou Dibella, won her professional MMA debut with a bloody TKO over Alice Yauger. Hardy, of Brooklyn, New York, had the crowd going wild when she dropped Yauger with a vicious right. Hardy suffered a deep cut over her left eye following an accidental head-butt. Even the crowd gasped when blood gushed down Hardy’s face.

Hardy wiped it off, then wiped out Yauger while the crowd roared.

“I think I just fell in love. I’m hooked,” she said.

“I can’t feel it, but I have stitches in my face.”

Cricket’s latest rule changes explained China's national table tennis team may The Hindu

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday had approved a series of rule changes in international cricket that will come into effect from October 1, 2017.

It approved all the recommendations made by the ICC Cricket Committee in May, in areas related to bat sizes and the Decision Review System (DRS), to name a few. Here are the rule changes: DRS and umpire’s call A team will not lose a review for when an ‘umpire’s call’ verdict comes into play.

What does ‘umpire’s call’ mean? This concept affects leg before wicket (LBW) decisions. When an LBW decision is reviewed, the benefit of the doubt goes to the onfield umpire’s original decision. Therefore, the television umpire would have to uphold the on-field judgment if projections show half the ball hitting a zone that

stretches from the outside edge of the off stump to the outside edge of the leg stump.

This is the margin of error afforded to the "umpire's call".

Ball-tracking technology can never be 100% in determining whether the ball would have hit the stumps or not, or shaved it. Therefore, the on-field umpire's call is important.

Now, the ICC has decided that if a lbw review comes with the verdict of ‘umpire’s call’, then it would not be fair to penalise the team that called for the review. If technology cannot reach a decisive verdict, then why should the team suffer?

Now to balance things out a bit, teams will not have their reviews topped up at the 80-over mark in an innings in a Test match. As per the current arrangement, each team is allowed two unsuccessful reviews in an innings in a Test for the first 80 overs. So if Team A has

two reviews available and the captain uses one and if they are not successful, the team loses a review. At the 80-over mark, the reviews are reset to two till the end of the innings.

From October 1, though, the top-ups will stop.

DRS will now be used in Twenty20 internationals as well.

The committee also agreed on minimum standards for the use of DRS in international cricket, with mandatory use of ball-tracking and edge-detection technology.

Restrictions on bat sizes The trend of high scores, especially in one-day international cricket, causing an imbalance between bat and ball has been an area of concern for the ICC. The thickness of bats is one of the main reasons for batsmen enjoying an unfair advantage over the bowlers.

Bats will now be limited to 108mm in width, 67mm in

depth with 40mm edges.

Sending players off Similar to the red-card penalty in football, umpires will have the power to send players off the field for serious incidents of misconduct, such as violence on the field.

All other offences would continue to be dealt with under the ICC Code of Conduct.

Run-out rule change A batsman cannot be adjudged run out if his bat bounces after being grounded behind the crease. Take this scenario. A batsman stretches his bat out and it crosses the crease, but when the stumps are broken, his bat happens to be in the air and no part of his body is behind the crease, or the ‘safe zone’. As per the current rules, he is run out. But come October 1, he cannot be ruled run out. He is deemed safe. In other words, he is being rewarded for making his ground before the stumps are broken.

face sanction after top player no-show

BEiJiNg, JuNE 25 (AFP): The International Table Tennis Federation threatened on Sunday to slap sanctions on China's national team after three top players quit a tournament in apparent protest at their head coach's removal.

The ITTF received a public apology from the Chinese team but it said it was taking the matter "extremely seriously" as it "damaged the image and the integrity of table tennis globally".

"Right now, all potential sanctions are on the table, and the ITTF will continue its investigation before any decisions are made," the sport's world governing body said in a statement.

The ITTF said the Chinese Table Tennis Association (CTTA) gave a preliminary statement but it requested a detailed report.

The sport's three top-ranked players -- Ma Long, Xu Xin and Fan Zhendong -- all failed to appear for their second-round singles matches at the prestigious ITTF World Tour Platinum China Open in the

southwestern city of Chengdu on Friday. Two coaches also failed to show up.

The national team said in a public apology issued late Saturday that the players forfeited their matches "on impulse without fully understanding the details of the modifications that will be made to the management of the team".

"We have deeply realised the seriousness of this fault, resulting in ... damaging the team's positive social image of upholding patriotism, collectivism, and striving to fight for the glory of the country," it added.

Their no-show prompted China's top sports authority to order an investigation and reprimand the players, saying they had "ignored national honour and interests" and "disrespected the public".

The trio's elimination from the four-day tournament, which ends Sunday, came after they posted online protests over the removal of Liu Guoliang, who had been the Chinese team's head coach for

more than a decade.

"At this moment we don't like to play anymore because we miss you, Liu Guoliang," the players said in identical posts on China's Twitter-like Weibo. The two absent coaches posted the same message.

Liu, a former Grand Slam champion, lost his coaching job in a restructuring announced by the CTTA on Tuesday, the official Xinhua news agency said, and was appointed CTTA vice-president.

The shake-up has been a hot topic in table tennis-mad China where the sport has a huge following.

Last month Kong Linghui was replaced as head of the women's table tennis team following a gambling debt scandal, sparking a social media frenzy.

The CTTA released a statement defending the changes, saying they aimed to "strengthen the team structure, reduce the level of management hierarchy, and improve the efficiency of the preparation for the Olympic Games."

WTF? World Taekwondo Federation Son of a famous drummer, Van Halen makes own name in track rebrands over 'negative' acronym SEOul, JuNE 25 (AFP): The World Taekwondo Federation has changed its name to World Taekwondo after becoming uncomfortable with the "negative connotations" of its acronym, WTF. The body has been named World Taekwondo Federation since 1973, but it has been considering a change since the slang ab-

breviation 'WTF' gained currency on social media.

"In the digital age, the acronym of our federation has developed negative connotations unrelated to our organisation and so it was important that we rebranded to better engage with our fans," World Taekwondo president Chungwon Choue said on the body's website.

The rebranding and

launch of a new logo reflect a "commitment to evolving and adapting to remain relevant with today's modern audiences", World Taekwondo said.

The new look for the Korean martial art was unveiled on the eve of the World Taekwondo Championships, which got underway in Muju, South Korea on Saturday.

FIFA still investigating McLaren report ZuRiCH, JuNE 25 (REuTERS): Global football body FIFA is still investigating allegations that footballers were among the Russian athletes who were involved in or benefited from an elaborate statesponsored doping scheme, it said on Sunday.

FIFA would not confirm a report in Britain's Mail on Sunday newspaper that the 23 members of Russia's squad at the 2014 World Cup were among those being investigated.

It said that the entire squad underwent pre-competition and post-match doping tests, which were all negative and which were under FIFA's direct control.

Russia's deputy prime minister Vitaly Mutko, who is also head of the Russian Football Union, dismissed the allegations and said there never was nor will be doping in Russian football.

"Don't pay attention to this, they have been writing about us negatively since 2010," he told the TASS news agency.

"Our national team is endlessly checked. We have doping tests at all matches. " A report by Canadian sports lawyer Richard McLaren in December said more than 1,000 Russian athletes competing in summer, winter and paralympic sport were involved in or benefited from an institutional conspiracy to conceal positive doping tests.

The report, commissioned by the World AntiDoping Agency (WADA) said that more than 30 sports, including football, were involved.

Russia will host next year's World Cup and is currently staging the Confederations Cup, considered a dress rehearsal for

the 2018 tournament.

"FIFA has simply confirmed that, in close collaboration with WADA, it is still investigating the allegations involving football players in the so-called McLaren report," said FIFA in an emailed statement to Reuters.

FIFA said it had not referred to any particular players and "cannot comment on the status of ongoing investigations." It said it wanted investigations to be completed quickly and that it could not provide further details until then.

"All players participating in the 2014 FIFA World Cup – including all members of the Russian squad – underwent pre-competition and postmatch tests, all of which resulted negative," it added.

"FIFA was in charge of the tests and sent all samples to be analysed by the WADA-accredited laboratory in Lausanne."

SACRAMENTO, JuNE 25 (AP): His favorite song is “Hot for Teacher.” His go-to selection on karaoke nights happens to be “Panama .”

And whenever steeplechaser Aric Van Halen tells someone his name, he waits for the inevitable question: Are you related to THE Van Halens?

Why, yes he is.

His father is drummer Alex Van Halen, the cofounder of the Hall of Fame band. Aric happened to find his rhythm on the track and certainly brings a rock star look with a sleeve of tattoos on his left arm.

“He’s proud that I found something I’m good at and I love to do,” said Aric, who didn’t advance out of the first round of the steeplechase Friday night at the U.S. track and field championships. “It didn’t matter what it was. Making it to the Olympic trials last year was a huge accomplishment for me and for him to say, ‘My son went to the Olympic trials .’”

Aric tried to follow a similar musical path as his father. He learned the violin, followed by the piano, drums, saxophone, guitar and back to the drums.

It wasn’t for him.

“I was more of a sports guy,” said the 27-year-old who grew up in Los Angeles. “I needed to be a little more active. My attention span was never there.”

At first, baseball was his passion. He was a middle infielder until track entered the

Aric Van Halen jumps into the water during a heat of the first round of the men’s 3,000-meter steeplechase at the U.S. Track and Field Championships, Friday, June 23, 2017, in Sacramento, Calif. Van Halen is the son of rock-n-roll drummer Alex Van Halen. (AP Photo)

picture. He ran the fitness mile as a seventh grader and finished in a blistering time of 5 minutes, 45 seconds.

In high school, he switched full time to running and attended the University of Colorado, where he was turned into a steeplechaser, a 3,000-meter race that features jumping over barriers and running through water pits. The school is renowned for producing elite steeplechasers such as Jenny Simpson

— now a 1,500 Olympic medalist — and Emma Coburn, who earned a bronze medal at the Rio de Janeiro Games.

“Just something I wanted to do. It looked fun,” Aric said.

This was a way of carving out his niche. His father has one of the most famous last names in rock history.

It trails Aric wherever he goes. He embraces it. He even has a clever turn of phrase on his Twitter ac-

count — “Exercising with the Devil.”

“I like (having this name). It’s cool,” he said.

“And I don’t think it’s anything, because I don’t know any different.”

Alex Van Halen helped form the band with his brother, Eddie, in the ’70s.

They’ve had countless hits (“Jump ,” Runnin’ With The Devil”), iconic album covers (1984) and legendary lead singers (David Lee Roth, Sammy Hagar). The

band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.

“My dad occasionally tells me stories, but I really don’t ask because when he wants to tell me, he can tell me,” Aric said.

“He likes to play his cards close to his chest.”

Aric’s not sure how much longer he wants to compete. His best steeplechase time is 8:32.92 in 2014. In contrast, Olympic silver medalist Evan Jager has a lifetime best of 8:00.45.

“Evan comes on the scene and it gets so much more competitive. Not that there weren’t good guys before, it’s just so much deeper now,” Van Halen said.

He’s thinking of a career switch, maybe a move behind the camera. He was a freelance photographer/ videographer for Colorado last fall and was in charge of the camera that fed images to the Jumbotron at football games. He had a front-row seat to the Buffaloes’ turnaround season as they finished 10-4 and captured the Pac-12 South.

“It’s always fun to go to football games when they’re good or not, but this year was awesome, seeing the stands packed,” Aric said.

Although he didn’t follow his father to the stage, he does appreciate a good karaoke session.

“I can’t sing a lick, but every time I go I do ’Panama,’” Aric said. “It’s so much fun.”

C M Y K

12

Monday 26•06•2017

SPORTS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Srikanth stuns Chen to win Aus Open Vettel, Hamilton clash as

Sydney, June 25 (AFP): India's Kidambi Srikanth claimed a first victory over Olympic and twotime world champion Chen Long to win the Australian Open Superseries final in Sydney on Sunday.

The 11th-ranked Srikanth outgunned the sixth-ranked Chinese star 22-20, 21-16 in 46 minutes for his second successive Superseries title after winning the Indonesia Open earlier this month.

It was Srikanth's first win in six encounters against the Rio Olympic champion, with Chen defeating the Indian at the Sudirman Cup on Australia's Gold Coast last month.

"I was not thinking of winning or losing. I missed competitive badminton during my break last year and wanted to enjoy the match," Srikanth said.

"These conditions are such that you can't really attack, it's a bit slow, you have to be prepared for a long match.

"In all the breaks today I had the advantage, (coach) Mulyo told me to keep it going, not to make simple mistakes and allow him back into the match."

Indians have now won four of the six Superseries this year.

Srikanth is in career-best form after returning from injury in April.

He made it to the Singapore Open final and won the Indonesia Open ahead of the Australian event.

C M Y K

Ricciardo wins in Baku

Kidambi Srikanth

Chen is on the comeback trail from a long-lasting injury and has not won a Superseries title since the 2014 Denmark Open.

Chen, who had played two long matches before the final, said he was still recovering from gastroenteritis.

"As a whole I played very well, but since I arrived in Sydney I have had gastroenteritis and diarrhoea, so I haven’t been at my best physical condition,” he said.

"But since I made the final, I

wanted to continue to play as well as I could."

Olympic bronze medallist Nozomi Okuhara earlier downed Akane Yamaguchi 21-12, 21-23, 2117 in an all-Japanese women's final.

Okuhara won her first World Superseries title since the All England last year, displaying the full extent of her indefatigable retrieving style in getting the better of Yamaguchi.

“This morning my home town had an earthquake so I wanted to

send good news to them," Okuhara said.

"I said yesterday that I wanted to show that women's singles in Japan is at a high level so in this match, when Akane Yamaguchi really fought in the final game, we showed that."

"After the Rio Olympics I had an injury and was a bit nervous.

"But this year my target tournament is the world championships and step-by-step I am getting better."

Valentino Rossi king at Dutch MotoGP

ASSen, June 25 (AFP): Italian MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi won a gripping Dutch Grand Prix on Sunday to reignite the evergreen 38-year-old's dream of a 10th world title, as Maverick Vinales' nightmare run continued.

Vinales went into this eighth leg of the season in Assen leading the 2017 championship, but after making up ground from 11th on the grid to fifth, he crashed out on lap 12.

The Yamaha rider leaves the circuit known as 'the cathedral of speed' trailing Andrea Dovizioso, who took fifth, by four points.

Rossi's 10th win at the track lifted him into third, only three points away with defending champion Marc Marquez breathing down his neck, four points be-

Moto GP rider Valentino Rossi of Italy, center, celebrates on the podium after winning the Dutch Motorcycle Grand Prix, in Assen, Northern Netherlands. (AP Photo)

hind in the tightest cham"This place is always pionship battle since the special," beamed Rossi. current points system was "I race with motorcycles introduced in 1993. for this feeling: for what I feel

Kohima Inter-School Football Tourney KoHimA, June 25 (mexn): The 1st Kohima District Inter-School Football Tournament 2017 will kick off on June 26.

Jointly organised by the Royal Club Kohima and Department of School Education, the tournament will witness the participation of teams from both private and government schools. According to a press release, the inaugural will be held at 12:00

noon with Yitachu, Minister for School Education and SCERT as the Chief Guest and chaired by Thejao Vihienuo. The welcome address will be delivered by Er. Kevizatuo Miachieo, President Royal Club, with a prayer invoked by Dr. Tseibu Rutsa, President, Leaders for Christ International. The oathtaking will be led by Kepelhoutuo Nakhro, Secretary, Organizing Committee.

in the five or six final laps of the race. That‘s always great and especially after a year without a victory."

His teammate Vinales was left bemused by his spill, which thankfully he escaped from unscathed whilst bits of his bike littered the track.

"I can't explain what happened, because I don‘t even know why I crashed. I passed there 2000 times, but today was the day," he said.

Marquez came in third ahead of Briton Cal Crutchlow and Dovizioso.

The surprise pole sitter, MotoGP rookie Johann Zarco, manfully fought off Marquez's attack to the first corner but Yamaha Tech's French rider then lost ground before pitting to change to wet tyres and finished 14th.

Zarco held control until he was overtaken by Rossi on lap 12, only to lose his gamble on the track when hit by a downpour.

Czech Republic's Petra Kvitova celebrates with the trophy and her coach Jiri Vanek (R) after winning the final against Australia's Ashleigh Barty. (Reuters Photo)

BirmingHAm, June 25 (reuTerS): Petra Kvitova showed she will be a serious contender at Wimbledon after beating Australian Ashleigh Barty 4-6 6-3 6-2 to win the Aegon Classic in Birmingham on Sunday, in just her second tournament since returning from a knife attack injury.

The Czech, a Wimble-

don winner in 2011 and 2014, suffered a knife attack during a robbery at her home in December that left her with a damaged hand and sidelined her until last month's French Open.

The 27-year-old not only looked untroubled by her hand this week but she also looked back to her best with her explosive serve often too much

Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo of Australia celebrates on the podium after winning the Formula One Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, Azerbaijan, Sunday, June 25, 2017. (AP Photo)

champion Fernando Alonso, who scored McLaren's first points of the year in ninth, and Pascal Wehrlein of Sauber.

Hamilton, who had dominated after a strong start from his 66th pole position, was also undone by a loose headrest that caused him to be ordered to pit for repairs, for safety reasons.

Bottas meanwhile produced a brilliant drive to take his fifth podium finish of the season, having dropped to the back of the field after a first-lap bump with fellow Finn Kimi Raikkonen.

The first safety car came in after 16 laps, racing resuming with Perez making an attack on Vettel who resisted, before another safety car, the second, was deployed due to debris.

Racing resumed, for a third time, on lap 19, but only after the incident in which Vettel hit the rear

of Hamilton’s car, under braking as the leader tried to avoid the slow-moving safety car.

Both drivers emerged unhurt as the serious action resumed. Raikkonen then picked up debris and a puncture to trigger a third safety Car intervention -– after only 20 laps.

The racing resumed, for a fifth time, behind a safety car and when it came in after one lap Hamilton pulled away and Ricciardo dived past Stroll to snatch third.

Hamilton opened up a 2.7 seconds lead before he was told by Mercedes that his headrest was loose. Behind him, team-mate Bottas was back up to eighth and Vettel was closing.

Hamilton was then ordered to pit, on safety grounds, and rejoined ninth with his headrest secured.

By lap 40 of the 51, Ricciardo had the lead which he would not surrender.

Germany, Chile progress to Confederations Cup semis

Petra Kvitova sends Wimbledon warning with Birmingham title for Barty on Sunday as she produced 13 aces.

She served out for the title in emphatic fashion -to love and ending with an ace -- and celebrated in her typical understated style, with a broad smile.

Her last final on grass was her triumph at Wimbledon three years ago against Eugenie Bouchard and while her talk on arrival at Edgbaston was purely about her delight to be playing again, she clearly has bigger goals now.

"I like to play finals on grass. I wish I could have more - I won't be sad if it is in a couple of weeks (at Wimbledon) but there is still a lot of work to be done," she said in her on-court interview.

"It was an amazing week, an amazing tournament. From my first hits on the grass I felt great, it was encouraging to get into the grass season.

"I came to play, to improve my game, I didn't really have any expectation.

I wanted to play my best which I showed today and I hope I can keep doing that," she added.

BAKu, June 25 (AFP): Sebastian Vettel was penalised for dangerous driving after deliberately crashing into title rival Lewis Hamilton in a wild and chaotic Azerbaijan Grand Prix won

by Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo on Sunday.

Hamilton's Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas snatched second place from 18-year-old Williams driver Lance Stroll in the final straight, as Vettel finished fourth ahead of Hamilton to extend his championship lead to 14 points.

Despite Ricciardo's win, the race will be remembered for the angry confrontation between former world champions Vettel and Hamilton.

Ferrari star Vettel was handed a 10-second stopgo penalty for "dangerous driving" after he deliberately drove into Hamilton's Mercedes while both were following the safety car.

Vettel claimed Hamilton had braked in front of him and he responded by driving into the back of his rival before then bumping the Briton from the side.

"I think it's just not driver conduct. It's dangerous driving and to get a 10-second penalty for that... I don't need to say anything else," Hamilton told Sky Sports.

Vettel pleaded innocent. "Nothing happened, did it? He brake checked me as well, so what do you expect?" the German told Sky. "I'm sure he didn't do it on purpose but for sure it was not the right move."

Making the most of a series of extraordinary incidents and interventions in an action-packed race, which included three safety car interventions and a red-flagged stoppage, Ricciardo, who started 10th, roared home 3.904 seconds ahead of the rest to deliver his first win of the season.

Esteban Ocon of Force India was sixth ahead of Kevin Magnussen of Haas, Carlos Sainz of Toro Rosso, who also survived a firstlap collision, two-time

Chile's Alexis Sanchez in action. (AP Photo)

moSCoW, June 25 (AgenCieS): World champions Germany and South American giants Chile have secured their passage to the semi-finals of this year’s Fifa Confederations Cup. Both sides sat level on four points heading into the last group stage fixture, with Die Mannschaft taking on African champions Cameroon and the Chileans facing off against Australia.

Africa’s most successful side in the competition were unable to match their European counterparts,

despite keeping them at bay in the first stanza, yet found themselves a goal down 47 minutes in as Kerem Demirbay let fly from range to grab the opener with a powerful effort into the top corner.

Fo l l ow i ng Er n e s t Mabouka’s red card on 64 minutes, Germany doubled their lead through Timo Werner two minutes later to take full control of the game.

Vincent Aboubakar manaed to halve the deficit, only for Werner to grab his brace – the first from a German player in this

competition – to secure a 3-1 win for the Germans, who have earned a semifinal date with Mexico on Thursday.

In the group’s other match-up, Australia took a surprise lead thanks to James Troisi’s 42nd-minute effort, yet the South Americans restored parity thanks to Martin Rodriguez midway through the second half, the 1-1 draw ensuring they finished second in Group B. The Chileans now face Euro 2016 champions Portugal in their last four showdown on Wednesday.

Federer beats Zverev for 9th Halle title

HALLe, June 25 (AP): Roger Federer defeated Germany's Alexander Zverev 6-1, 6-3 to win the Gerry Weber Open for a record ninth time on Sunday.

Playing in his 140th career final, Federer saved the only break point he faced and converted four of his eight opportunities to clinch his 92nd career title in 53 minutes. At 35, the Swiss player became the oldest winner of the grasscourt tournament.

“I played unbelievably well. I felt good and never let up,” said Federer, who dropped just nine points on his serve. “It was my best game this week. Nearly everything worked out for me.”

Federer, who skipped the clay-court season after winning the Miami Open in early April, claimed

Switzerland's Roger Federer, right, and Germany's Alexander Zverev, left, with frame model Eva Herzigova after the final match of the Gerry Weber Open tennis tournament in Halle, Germany, Sunday, June 25, 2017. (AP Photo)

his fourth title of the year, matching Rafael Nadal's tally, and he will be seeded ahead of his Spanish rival for Wimbledon, which

starts in eight days.

Federer had already won the Australian Open before titles in Indian Wells and Miami in 2017.

The 18-time Grand Slam champion was surprised by German veteran Tommy Haas on his return from the two-month break

last week in Stuttgart but brushed off any doubts over his form in Halle.

Against the 20-yearold Zverev, who lost last year's final to Florian Mayer, Federer raced to a 4-0 lead before wrapping up the first set in 22 minutes.

Zverev created his only break chance in the opening game of the second, but ultimately was unable to show why he is regarded as one of the sport's brightest prospects.

“You could have been a bit nicer and allowed me a couple more points,” Zverev joked to his idol.

Federer had words of affection for Zverev, who won their semifinal in Halle last year.

“He's a very nice lad.

I'm very happy for him, how he's developed in the last years. The future belongs to him,” Federer said.

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