June 29rd, 2016

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C M Y K

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wednesdAY • june 29 • 2016

DIMAPUR • Vol. XI • Issue 177 • 12 PAGes • 5

T H e

ESTD. 2005

P o W e R

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T R u T H

A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go, but ought to be — Rosalynn Carter USA to downgrade Myanmar in annual human trafficking report

SBI Dimapur joins country wide ‘Town hall meeting’

PAGE 09

Wimbledon: Scrappy win for Serena as Federer strides on

PAGE 02

PAGe 12

ISAK CHISHI SWU PASSES AWAY Patriotic, Religious, Committed

Morung Express news Dimapur | June 28

Naga national leader Isak Chishi Swu passed away at a hospital in New Delhi on Tuesday, June 28. He was 87. The Yaruiwo (President) of the Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim and Chairman of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN), who was born in 1929 in Chishilimi village in Zunheboto district, is survived by his wife, six children and two grandchildren.

Swu passed away at 12:40pm at Fortis Hospital in New Delhi after fighting a kidney ailment for months.

He took early education at American Mission School in Chishilimi and Government High School in Kohima. He graduated in Political Science from St. Anthony’s College in Shillong. Swu went on to become a widely respected leader who joined the Naga movement in his early 20s moved by a sense of patriotism that stayed with him till the time of his death.

Swu was the Foreign Secretary of the Naga National Council before being elevated as its Vice President in the early part of the movement. He later founded the NSCN in 1980 alongside Thuingaleng Muivah and SS Khaplang. In 1988, Swu and Muivah parted ways with Khaplang.

Condolences on page 3 & 5

People who met him share how they remember Isak Chishi Swu Morung Express news Dimapur | June 28

A file photo of Isak Chishi Swu.

On those he met, he left an indelible mark. Isak Chishi Swu’s openness to listen to people, his religiosity and patriotism emanated so much light, it captured the souls of those fortunate enough to have interacted with him before he took grievously ill.

A close friend was Gen. Thinoselie M. Keyho, who had spent a good number of years with Swu early on, both working with the Naga National Council. Eventually, each pursued his own way.

“We had the same goal but our approach was different,” acknowledged Gen. Thinoselie, speaking to The Morung Express over the phone, expressing sadness beyond immediate loss. “He was a religious man, not a politician. No-

body can compete with him on religiosity. Isak devoted his life to his lord,” he noted with a sense of fondness of a man he last met at several meetings around the world; with whom he had once gone to several other parts of the world in pursuit of freedom.

“He has—we have—given our lives to the cause. Now it is up to the present and future generations to uphold this,” said Gen. Thinoselie.

“I feel orphaned,” stated a shaken Dr. Gina Sangkham, senior rights’ activist from Chandel, on hearing of Swu’s death on June 28.

Having met him several times since the 1997 ceasefire, one of her fondest memories of Swu involved taking part in a confidence-building ‘game’ during a workshop held in Chiang Mai, Thailand. “He participated as an equal with the rest of us,” she reminisced. Despite his hard years of struggle in the Naga movement, his core remained soft—he was always “open to interactions.”

For Dr. Sangkham, “we have to live by the dream he gave us.”

These dreams were focused.

“He was totally committed to the cause of self-determination of the Naga people. He never differentiated between clans and tribes.

For him all Naga people were one, together they made the Naga nation,” said Tapan Kumar Bose, an

activist who had worked on several initiatives to bring better understanding of the Naga movement to the Indian establishment. He met the NSCN Chairman in Bangkok in 1992 and several times after that.

Bose remembers Swu as a “gentle person” who was “always ready to answer my questions,” and added, “He used to say we are fighting for our freedom and our dignity.”

“Every time we met he would stand up, hug me and say a small prayer. I will always remember his smiling face and the gentle voice,” Bose remembered.

According to Bose, Swu was a “visionary and a committed supporter of the peace process, though he was often frustrated by the delaying tactics of the Indian negotiators.

He engaged in armed struggle. But he was also a man of peace. A devout Christian who abhorred violence.

He was one of the main architects of the peace process and remained committed to it till the last day.”

For Khesheli Chishi, a nonviolent peace activist who has worked with the Naga Mother’s Association and is now associated with the Indigenous Women’s Forum for North East India, he was a “father figure.” Giving an example, she said, “When eating together, he would always make sure that the rest of us were well fed and he

would serve us the best portions.

He always saw to it that we were all well fed, not just food-wise but also spiritually.”

Till his death, Chishi noted, he was firm on reconciliation and for the Naga people to “live as a family.” Combined with his “honesty and humility,” he was a “beacon of light” for the Naga people, she maintained.

For educationist and human rights activist, PS Lorin, Swu was “a true socialist rooted in Christianity” and deeply understood the needs of the Naga people. Lorin witnessed Swu take the just path he professed. About 10 years back, when the education sector in Nagaland, particularly in Nagaland University, could not take the burden of Naga national tax, Lorin met him to explain that the University teachers be exempt from taxation.

“He carefully listened and understood that Naga people needed education the most. He immediately lifted the said taxes,” affirmed Lorin, who also described Swu as a “respectable, patriotic, understanding” man who was foremost a “believer” who always talked of “forgiveness.”

In Swu’s passing, to put it in Bose’s words, “the Naga people have lost a great leader, a visionary and crusader for justice.”

Final journey of Swu’s mortal remains PM condoles, lauds Swu’s role in peace process Muivah pays tribute to Swu

June 29— 5:00pm condolence service by Nagas and other well wishers in Delhi.

June 30— Arrival from Delhi around 12:30-1 pm (charter flight). A civic reception will be held at airport before moving to Hebron Camp.

July 1— State Funeral Service at Hebron Camp before proceeding to Chishilimi.

July 2— Burial and final funeral service at Chishilimi.

MIP Kilonser of the NSCN (IM)

New Delhi, JuNe 28 (iANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday condoled the death of veteran Naga rebel leader Isak Chishi Swu and lauded the role of the Chairman of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (IM) for “bringing out” the Framework Agreement for Naga peace signed between the central government and the rebel outfit. “My heartfelt condolences to the family and supporters of Mr. Isak Chishi

Swu on his demise. May his soul rest in peace,” the Prime Minister tweeted. “Mr. Swu will be remembered for his historical role in bringing out the Framework Agreement for Naga peace,” he said in another tweet. Modi also wrote on micro blogging site: “Mr. Isak Chisi Swu wished the best for the Naga people and aspired for peace.” On August 3, 2015, the central government signed the Framework Agreement with NSCN(IM).

New Delhi, JuNe 28 (PTi): NSCN-IM general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah today paid glowing tributes to his longtime colleague and outfit’s chairman Isak Chishi Swu saying his demise was a shock but could not be avoided. “The departure of the chairman is a shock but this is what we can’t avoid. We wanted him to be with us till the end of the solution. My tribute,” he told reporters here. The 87-year-old chairman of Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM) was undergoing treatment for almost a year at a private hospital in South Delhi where he breathed his last today following multi organ failure.

Nagaland law students to stage sit-in-protest on July 7 CITIZEN UMBRELLA Wholesalers may contact

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Dec 14, 2010 rape accused sentenced to 10 years jail DiMAPuR, JuNe 28 (MexN): The District and Sessions Judge, Dimapur today convicted the accused in the December 14, 2010 rape case of a minor girl and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment. This was informed in a press release from the Public Prosecution. The accused, indentified as one Vitoka, had “dragged” the victim to “an isolated jungle and committed rape by life threats where in the deposition statement of the victim prosecutrix herself remains unshaken and the same unlawful act was corroborated by medical evidence.” The accused was also ordered to pay a fine of Rs 2000, and in default of which to suffer further imprisonment for another two months. The Judge also recommended proper relief under section 357-A of Cr.PC to victim minor to rehabilitates as per Victim Compensation, 2012.

DiMAPuR, JuNe 28 (MexN): The Nagaland Law Students’ Federation (NLSF) has resolved to go for a sit-inprotest as its first phase of agitation in all the respective college premises on July 7, 2016 from 10am to 12 noon.

The objective of the protest is to pressure the State Government to set up government law colleges and to give equal importance to the subject of law in Par with other professional studies in the state, a press release from NLSF president Lanusowa and vice president Wekhrope Marhu informed.

Stating that it had repeatedly requested the government to take note of the inequity and to come up with a pol-

icy, the Federation however lamented that despite frequent appeal since the past decades and the passage of more than fifty years since attaining Statehood, Nagaland is yet to have a government law college.

It asserted that the absence of such a college has caused inconvenience to law students and at the same time making it hard for the poorer section of the state to take up law studies as a subject matter.

In this connection, the NLSF has requested all concerned to take cognizance of the issue and extend support towards the federation in achieving its objectives in the larger interest of the law students and the state as a whole.

PREPAK plot to abduct BPL drivers busted: AR JMFC reserve judgment on TR edu qualification case

Residents attempt to stop the flow of flood waters, as various families in Dimapur were affected by floods due to heavy mosoon showers on Tuesday, June 28. Photo by Caisii Mao

DiMAPuR, JuNe 28 (MexN): The Assam Rifles on Tuesday said it has busted an abduction plot, which was to be carried out by Manipur based PREPAK. The abduction plan was reportedly hatched in Dimapur and the abduction was to be executed in Lahorijan area of Karbi Anglong district, Assam.

According to PRO Assam Rifles, IGAR (N), units of IGAR (N) 37 Assam Rifles and 28 Assam Rifles in a series of operations carried out between June 22-24 busted a plan for abduction of Bulk Petroleum Lorry (BPL) drivers of Assam Oil Company (AOC) from Lahorijan area on June 27, 2016.

During the operation, one ‘self styled’ sergeant major of PREPAK and four Over Ground Workers (OGW) working for the insurgent group were apprehended along with two weapons and ammunition.

The plan for abducting BPL drivers was conceived by PREPAK to extort money from AOC. Three OGWs of Dimapur area were tasked on May 2016 but they failed to execute the plan. Subsequently, two Manipuris (one self styled sergeant major and one OGW) were inducted into Dimapur in the first week of June 2016, the AR press release stated.

The five apprehended persons confirmed that they met several times to coordinate their abduction plan and had arranged chloroform from Manipur/ Myanmar and a local car (silver coloured Maruti Esteem – under repair at Chumukedima) to facilitate the abduction.

A hideout located in Tinephye-1 village was also earmarked to keep the abducted victim, the AR claimed.

The apprehended cadres/OGWs have been identified as ‘self styled’ sergeant major Romeo Khumanthem, service no- 3127, resident of Khumbi, Manipur; Lourenbam Nabakishore Singh, resident of Intham, Manipur, Mona Singh, resident of Chumukedima, Prodip Das, resident of Bokajan and Kivi Yeptho, resident of Chumukedima.

‘Self styled’ sergeant major Romeo is also suspected to be involved with one of the ghastly attacks in Chandel district of Manipur on May 21, 2016 in which six personnel of Assam Rifles were killed, the AR also informed.

The IGAR (N) reported that this is the first time that criminal presence of the Manipur based insurgent group in Dimapur & Lahorijan has been unearthed.

Morung Express news Dimapur | June 28

Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC), Peren has reserved judgment on the case of the educational qualification of Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang.

The JMFC reserved judgment on Tuesday after the hearing from the counsels on the issue of limitation period at the Peren District Court. No spe-

cific date was mentioned as to when the judgment on the case would be delivered. The case in question relates to filing of false declaration made by Zeliang in his affidavit while submitting nomination form to the Returning Officer during 2013 Nagaland Legislative Assembly elections. The complainant is alleging that Zeliang, who holds the highest office of the State, has made a false claim and declaration on his edu-

cational qualification and therefore has misled the people.

It should be mentioned that the Kohima Bench of the Gauhati High Court on April 25, 2016 had ruled for a hearing on limitation to be heard by the JMFC Peren.

The first of the hearing by JMFC Peren was listed on June 14. However, the hearing could not be held as Zeliang’s counsel asked the court for more time. The hearing was then scheduled for June 28, 2016.

Fuel adulteration: 2 FIRs lodged, investigation underway Morung Express news Dimapur | June 28

Two FIRs have been filed at separate police stations in connection to the fuel adulteration revelations by the ACAUT on June 28. The number of arrests stood at 5 on June 28 with 2 under the custody of the Diphupar Police Station and 3 under the custody of the West Police Station.

While all the four adulteration units have been sealed, the police informed no fresh arrests have been made as on Tuesday and added that applications have been filed for police remand of

the people arrested.

Dimapur Deputy Commissioner, Kesonye Yhome on Tuesday said that steps to be taken would depend on how the investigation unfolds in the next few days.

However, no ‘special investigation’ has been announced as yet to probe the case and the state government has still to comment on the PDS kerosene siphoning as alleged by the ACAUT. While the investigation at present is confined to Dimapur, the possibility of it turning into an inter-district operation cannot be ruled out with the ACAUT on June 27 alleging one of the suspects

named in the exposure as having fuel retail outlets in 4 other districts aside from Dimapur. The alleged NPG nexus further makes the investigation more complex with one of the names revealed by the ACAUT on June 27 reported to be a member of a Naga Political Group.

The DC added that the case demands result-oriented “triangular coordination” between the police, the administration and the judiciary. Isolated instances of the authorities clamping down on suspected adulteration units in the past have had little or no effect with the units resuming operations after remaining low for a brief while.

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NAGALAND

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

SBI Dimapur joins country wide ‘Town hall meeting’

AGM Dimapur Branch, Debojyoti Dutta, addressing the meeting organized by SBI in commemoration of 210th anniversary of State Bank of India (SBI) which falls on July 1, at Town Hall, Dimapur, on June 28. (Morung Photo) Morung Express News mapur Branch, Debojyoti mutual benefit.

Dimapur | June 28

As part of the commemoration of 210th anniversary of State Bank of India (SBI) which falls on July 1, the leading bank in the country on Tuesday organized a country-wide ‘Town hall meeting’ in 600 locations in all the states.

The ‘Town hall meeting’ invited customers and participants to come and share their “experiences and expectations” on their banking with the oldest PSU bank in the country.

In Dimapur, AGM Di-

Dutta, in his opening remarks said SBI has a long association with the people of Nagaland since opening of the first SBI branch in the state way back in 1962. He said over the subsequent years, the bank has spread its wings to every nook and corner of the state and trying its best to extend banking facilities to one and all.

Stating that customers have always been the focal point of the SBI, Dutta said the meeting has provided another opportunity for SBI staff and customers to interact with each other for

Chief Manager, RBO, T Kalita, said the meeting is also aimed at informing and educating the general public and customers on the different products and services provided by SBI. He also highlighted the various products and services offered by the bank and new products on the anvil.

On the occasion, a handful of SBI customers shared their experiences on banking with SBI and also gave their views and suggestions. A customer from Medziphema lauded the bank for providing

loan facilities such as KCC and services loan, which he said had helped a lot of people. He also commented on complaints from customers that the bank staff are sometimes “authoritative and behave like administrators.” “We expect the bank staff to be more polite and cooperative to the customers”, he added.

Secretary, Dimapur District Pensioners’ Association, Shanpan Lotha, urged the branch managers to assist the association during payment of monthly pension. Shanpan said the state government has issued ID cards for pensioners and the association on its part is also issuing certificates in order to eliminate “fake or ghost” pensioners.

Another SBI client request the bank officials for timely crediting of pension benefits.

SBI manager (RCC), RBO Dimapur, TAP Paul, chaired the meeting and chief manager, Cr & NPA, L Hangsing, proposed vote of thanks.

According to a SBI handout given to customers and media on the occasion, “SBI delivers and delights 27 crore Indians through 1.28 lac touch points, 16,500 branches, 55,000 ATMs ans 57,000 customer service points,” The bank has also 2.20 crore internet banking and 1.35 crore mobile banking users.

Dist Hospital Mon receives Kayakalp Award 2015-2016

Commissioner & Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, M. Patton, Managing Director NHAK, CMO from districts and officials from Medical Directorate during the Kayakalp award ceremony held on June 28 at IDSP hall, Directorate of Health & Family Welfare. (DIPR Photo)

Kohima, June 28 (DiPR): To complement effort of The 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan' launched by the Prime Minister on October 28, 2014, which focuses on promoting cleanliness in public spaces, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India launched a National Initiative to give Awards to those public health facilities that demonstrate high levels of cleanliness, hygiene and infection control. The Kayakalp award ceremony was held on June 28 at IDSP hall, Directorate of Health & Family Welfare.

External reassessment which comprises of members from various NGOs, organization along with Naga Mother Association as per the mandate of Kayakalb/guidelines which was conducted in November 2015. The summary of the assessment include hospital facility upkeep, sanitation and hygiene,

waste management, infection control, hospital support services and hygiene promotion.

Accordingly, as per the norms and protocol the final award was bagged by District Hospital Mon which carry a cash award of Rs 50 Lakh while commendation award was received by District Hospital Mokokchung which carry a prize of 3 lakh.

The main focus of the award is to provide safe and clean health care facilities for the patients and healthcare workers by reducing Hospital Acquired Infection (HAI) by following the best practices at the hospitals. Based on the norms and guidelines, as provided by Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Government of India, the State of Nagaland had under taken the processes and protocols followed for the assessment of the District Hospitals for the Kayakalp Award.

The programme was chaired by Principal Director H&FW Nagaland Dr. L. Watikala, in her keynote address she called upon all the District hospital staff to use the fund judiciously and to serve the people with strong determination.

A brief note on Kayakalp was shared by State Programme Officer (SPO) NHM, Thangho-i Lam and a short speech was delivered by Director RRC-NE, Dr. Bamin Tada while vote of thanks was proposed by Mission Director NHM, Dr. Yankho Lotha. It may be added that the Kayakalp award for the current financial year 2016-17 will include Community Health Centers and Primary Health Centers.

The programme was attended by Commissioner & Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, M. Patton, Managing Director NHAK, CMO from districts and a host of officials from the Medical Directorate.

Angling competition at Amoklushi Lake

moKoKchung, June 28 (mexn): The village council of Chuchuyimpang and the Anglers Association of Mokokchung District has informed that there will be an angling competition on July 1 at Amoklushi, the largest natural lake in Mokokchung district located 5 kilometers off Mokokchung town at Chuchuyimpang village.

The competition will begin at 6:00 am and will go on till 4:00 pm and the first and second biggest catches will be awarded a cash prize of Rs.15000 and 10000 respectively, along with certificates. Entry fee per head is rs.500 and two numbers of fishing rods will be allowed per entry, it was informed.

Formal launching of the Anglers Association of Mokokchung District will be done on the same date and venue. Representatives from the Anglers Association of Nagaland (AAN) will be part of the whole programme who will be camping at the site for two days.

It was further informed that following the competition on July 1, there will be “normal angling days on every Friday and Saturday till August last” entry to which would be Rs.300 per head with two fishing rods. It was also informed that Amoklushi Lake is one where fish fingerlings were released regularly since the 1950s and “the only place where a monster carp weighing 18.5 kgs was hooked by anglers in the angling history of lake fishing in Nagaland.”

Mokokchung Book Lover’s Week underway “Together we build for Change”

moKoKchung, June 28 (mexn): The 2016 edition of the OM Books annual book sale week in Mokokchung commenced today at the Mokokchung Town Baptist Church (MTBA) complex with a dedicatory prayer by Rev Ponen Longchar, Pastor, MTBA. Touted as Mokokchung Book Lover’s Week, the book sale will be from June 28 to July 2.

Sridhar B.V, Manager, OM Books Dimapur, acknowledged all who came to the launching of the Week. He said that there are books of different varieties and hence, the books at the

ENWO workshop series underway

(Extreme right) Sridhar B.V, Manager, OM Books Dimapur with pastor and members of Mokokchung Town Baptist Church.

Week will cater to a wide various gift items, this year’s ten by Naga writers within range of readers. Besides the edition has a special section and outside India touchregular Christian books and of books specifically writ- ing many topics. The books

available are for all ages.

Book genres include study books, theological books, children books, youth books, and family books, counselling books, pastoral ministry books, leadership & management, personality development and others.

OM Books is the distributor of major publishers of Christian literature like Zondervan, Baker, Intervarsity Press, Moody Publishers, Holman, Thomas Nelson. Catering to over 300 retailers in India and South Asian countries, OM Books entered online marketing in 2009 at www. christianstore.in Eastern Nagaland Women Organization members during the one day workshop held under the theme ‘Together we build for change.’

FLC at Longjang Compound moKoKchung, June 28 (mexn): To promote the cause of financial literacy and inclusion, a one day Financial Literacy Camp (FLC) supported under FIF managed by NABARD was conducted at Longjang Compound June 27 organized by Care and Support Society, Mokokchung in collaboration with Nagaland State Cooperative Bank Ltd. sponsored by NABARD. S. Amarjit Mangang, DDM, NABARD informed the villagers about the objectives and significance

of financial inclusion. He highlighted the role played

by NABARD in financial inclusion programme. He further shared in detail the Farmers Club, SHG & JLG Programme and role of NABARD in creating infrastructure in the district.

Temsulepden Assisstant Manager & In charged FLC, NSCB Ltd, Mokokchung, shared the importance of banking, savings, financial planning. He shared various financial services offered by the banks for the general public.

CondolenCe message

We are deeply saddened by the demise of our beloved, Rev. Lano Longchar, who left for his heavenly abode on June 20, 2016.

Rev. Lano was a dynamic spiritual leader who had called and brought many a lost souls to the Lord. He, along with Rev. Hevukhu Achumi, The Executive Secretary of WSBAK brought manifold blessings and lost souls to our Lord during the first Revival crusade of the Western Sumi Baptist Churches Association held in 1980, at Nihoto Village.

The spiritual awakening that they brought, the seeds that they sowed.. The flame still burns bright to this day. Our grief cannot be described in few words, but it is our prayer that we will all get to meet and rejoice once again in Heaven. We sincerely pray for the bereaved family too. May our good Lord strengthen and comfort you, as you mourn for the loss of our beloved.

Baptist Church, Nihoto Village, WSBAK, (Thahekhu) Dimapur: Nagaland

The Nagaland College Principal Forum convened its general conference 2016 at Sakus Mission College with the Vice Chancellor Nagaland University as the chief guest. Resource persons, Dr. Dr. Kedilezo Nikhi, Associate Professor & HoD (Sociology) Tezpur Central University and Dr. Visakhonu Hibo, Principal Japfu Christian College, Kigwema presented papers on ‘Higher Education in Global Context and ‘Higher Education in Nagaland: The Inside Story’ respectively during the formal session.

AHODs and HODs meeting on July 1

Kohima, June 28 (DiPR): A meeting of the Administrative Heads of Departments (AHODs) and Heads of Departments (HODs) will be held on 1st July 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Secretariat Conference Hall, Kohima.

Agendas to be discuss are; review of AHODs and HODs meeting minutes held on 18th June 2016, Republic Day celebration 2017- Selection of Tableau, Matters relating to Election, Suitable location for placing mithun stone sculpture, Response to HIV/AIDs by all Government Department as a corporate Social Responsibility, Opening of SVEEP Cell in every Govern-

ment Department, Presentation on computerization of Taxes Department with focus on TDS, Preparation for Assembly Session, Rationalisation of Affidavits for Reforming Public Service Delivery System, Report of the Comptroller & Auditor General of India on State Finances for the year ending on 31st March 2015, changed dispensation under NITI Aayog and Scope of CSR investment/opening of CSR investment cell in Planning Department.

All AHODs and HODs are informed to attend the meeting positively as per a circular by the Chief Secretary of Nagaland, Pankaj Kumar, IAS.

LongLeng, June 28 (mexn): The Eastern Nagaland Women Organization (ENWO) conducted one day workshop at Tuensang, Noklak and Shamatore from June 21 to 24 under the theme ‘Together we build for change.’

There were two sessions separately for men and women. At Tuensang, Alemjungshi Ao, Dy. Commissioner, Tuensang and Col. Deepak Dayal, commandant, 40 Assam Rifles exhorted the gathering to maintain peace and harmony among the communities in the district. They asked the women folk to shoulder equal responsibility with men.

At Noklak, Mhathung Tsanglao, ADC, Noklak encouraged women to be meaningful architects of society and to be self reliant and independent and to make maximum use of different Government schemes for upliftment of

women.

At Shamatore, in the women’s session Wonchio Odyou talked about the upliftment of women and the importance of women's education in our society.

Col. Vineet Jaiswal of 15 Assam Rifles exhorted the men folk and spoke of the importance of the political participation of women the in decision making thereby creating equality in a the society. He pointed out the problems leading to the downfall of women empowerment, one of which he mainly attributed to domestic violence.

The facilitators for the workshop were Birila Tokiu, President, ENWO and Temsula Thingchum, Member, JACWR spoke on the topic ‘Together we build for change’ and ‘Women- Architects of society’ respectively. Birila Tokiu encouraged the men folk, especially the Eastern Nagas who have been affected

these past few months due to inter tribal clashes that it was important to have a paradigm shift and to shun violence that create conflicts which hamper the growth of communities in all aspects but instead to work together in unity to bring about transformational changes in the area. Temsula Thingchum spoke on the theme "Women-Architects of society", she stressed that women has a bigger role in shaping the society and that women are the harbingers of peace. She encouraged the women to shoulder the responsibility which God has given a woman to be responsible mothers and wives thereby nurturing our husbands and children in the right path and in righteousness.

ENWO general secretary Sojila Chang in a press release informed that the workshops started at Longleng on June 1 and will end at Mon town in July.

TWUD conduct tour in Nagaland, Manipur and Assam

DimaPuR, June 28 (mexn): A team consisting of eight members, four from Tenyimi Women's Union Dimapur and Tenyimi Student's Dimapur each, spearheaded by the president TWUD conducted a tour in Nagaland, Manipur and Assam states from June 20 to 25.

The team covered Makhel, Senapati in Manipur; Pfutsero, Tseminyu, Kohima, Jalukie, Meluri in Nagaland; and Jongpha in Assam. TWUD president Aba Khing in a press release stated that the main purpose of the tour was to mobilize and create

awareness among Tenyimi to consolidate the lineage shared from the same ancestor.

Another objective was to promote love and unity amongst the people of Tenyimi race.

Following consultation and co-ordination with the tribe president, Dimapur meetings for the tour were organized by local units. As a result, the team had good and meaningful interactions with different people among Tenyimi namely, Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu, Angami, Chakhesang, Inpui, Mao, Maram, Poumai, Pochury, Rengma, Rongmai, Zeliang and Thangal tribes.

Hindustan Scouts & Guides organized one-day outing for 85 Shishuchetana (UKG and Class-I), Cubs and Bulbuls (Class-II to Class IV) to Stone Park. The children were accompanied by Abraham, Chobalo and M. Gnana Nirmala, besides few parents, who witnessed the activities of the children.

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NAGALAND/NORTH-EAST

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

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PB Acharya, SC Jamir and TR Zeliang condole Isak Swu's demise DimAPur , June 28 (mexn): Nagaland State Governor, PB Acharya today expressed shock at the passing of Isak Chishi Swu, Chairman of the NSCN (IM).

“He was a person with a combination of all experiences who proved himself well practically. It is indeed a great loss for all to have lost a dedicated, devoted and a committed leader.

The Nagas have lost one of the most influential and courageous leader,” the Governor said in a press statement.

Odisha Governor and former Nagaland CM, Dr SC Jamir, while expressing shock, stated that Swu “had always a firm belief in peace and non violence.”

A press note from the Odisha Governor stated: “All through the perilous Naga political pilgrimage, he never deserted his political ideology and remained steadfast in his approach.”

“Nagaland today desperately seeks a congenial political environment burying all the differences among different sections of Naga commu-

nity and reinventing a dynamic and progressive society rooted in the spirit of peace, harmony and feeling of oneness. Dedicating to this cause by drawing inspiration and motivation from his eventful life will be the best to Issac Swu,” Jamir noted.

Meanwhile, Nagaland State Chief Minister, TR Zeliang recalled that he had always been impressed by Swu’s dedication to the cause of the Naga people – “the cause for which he had forsaken the numerous opportunities of personal comfort he could have easily availed as one of the few Naga graduates in the 1950s.”

“To ensure the memory, life and contributions of our legendary leader do not go in vain, we the living must endeavor to fulfill the precious dream he could not witness when alive: Let all sections of the Naga people come together, sink our differences and concertedly work to bring about an early solution to the Naga problem,” the CM ap- Highway Area Sumi Students Union in collaboration with a social media group - The Naga Patriots observed a candlelight pealed. service at the Clock Tower, Dimapur on Tuesday night remembering the life of Isak Chishi Swu, Chairman of the NSCN-IM, More on Page 5 who passed away at a hospital in New Delhi on June 28. (Photo Courtesy: Asungba Jamir)

River Island Majuli to become a district GuwAhATi, June 28 (iAnS): The first cabinet meeting of the BJP-led government in Assam on Monday decided to fulfill poll promises, including a special task force to stop poaching of one-horned rhinos and upgrade the state's river Island Majuli to a district.

State Excise and PWD minister Parimal Suklabaidya, speaking to media persons after the cabinet meeting, also announced other key decisions such as appointment of 10,000 TET qualified teachers in different schools and appointment of 700 doctors in government run hospitals by next year.

"The cabinet has decided to upgrade Majuli Sub-Division to a full-fledged district and inaugurate it before August 31 this year," he said. Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, represents the river island constituency in the state assembly.

"In line with recommendations of Jahnu Barua Committee, it decided to rationalize entertainment tax and service charge for exhibition of cinema. The cabinet decided to reduce the service charges from Rs 40 per ticket to Rs 8 per ticket for non-AC cinema halls and Rs 12 per ticket for AC cinema halls. This would increase the proportion of proceedings of admission charges due to producers while the owners of cinema halls are duly compensated," said Suklabaidya.

He said that the cabinet also decided to constitute "Silpi and Kalakaushali Kalyan Nidhi" (welfare trust for artistes) for which Re 1 to be collected from every cinegoer.

Besides, the cabinet has approved constitution of District Mineral Foundation under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner concerned. It was also decided to grant one time ex-gratia compensation of Rs 3 lakh to the next-of-kin of 45 journalists who had lost their lives in various incidents of violence in the state.

The cabinet also decided that the budget session of the assembly will begin on July 18 and go on till August 12.

RNYO & ZYF resolves pending issues DimAPur, June 28 (mexn): The Rongmei Naga Youth Organization (RNYO) today said that it has established an understanding with the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) through mutual talk held June 24 at Silchar , Assam.

The talk was of mutual understanding made in the presence of the third party; Peace Mission team led by Rev. Kaiba, Member FNR and Rev. Mansi Gangmei Executive RNBA and Namgai President RNPO as observer representing the apex body, a press note from RNYO Secretary General Kanpatlung said.

Having established the ground for mutual discussion on the contending issue between the Apex Rongmei people’s organization and Zeliangrong United Front, the talk

could come to a term of resolving the matter in the spirit of love, respect and concern for each other organizations, it said.

All sorts of intimidations meted to the Rongmei society and publics by ZUF are admitted and regretted and the RNPO also reciprocated and quashed and repealed its 15 days ultimatum henceforth, it added.

"It was understood that if any sort of understanding to be intimated is necessitated, shall be sorted by means of brotherly reasoning and discussion between the parties," it added. The RNYO further informed to all Rongmei Youth and Students’ bodies; particularly Rongmei Youth Sacrifice Volunteers activated in all strategic places and Villages be suspended and deactivated until further intimation.

MNF to attend NEDA launch AizAwl, June 28 (PTi): The opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) national executive council today decided to attend the formal launching of the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) at Guwahati on July 13 as the party is the only member of the alliance from Mizoram. The MNF also decided that the party, if voted to power in the state Assembly polls to be held in 2018, would scrap the Mizoram Liquor Prohibition and Control Act and again impose the stringent prohibition law.

The party slammed the state government for the outbreak of the Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) in five districts of Mizoram, which claimed thousands of pigs and attributed the outbreak to the permission by the state Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister C Ngunlianchunga for import of pigs and piglets from Myanmar. The state government should compensate for the economic loss of the people engaged in piggery in the affected districts, the party demanded.

OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER ZUNHEBOTO Dt. Zbto, the 23/06/2016

Notice calling objection for the issue of Succession Certificate Smt. Khekani Sumi of Aghiyili Village, Zunheboto has applied for the issue of the succession certificate declaring that her husband Late V. Mughavi Sumi has expired on 27-05-2016.

It is hereby notified that if no objection to issue this certificate is received from anyone within a period of 30 (thirty) days w.e.f the date of publication in press, the Certificate shall be issued, and no further complaint will be entertained for issue of the same.

Deputy Commissioner, Zunheboto: Nagaland

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND

DIRECTORATE OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

IMMANUEL COLLEGE Lengrijan : Dimapur-797 112

FELICITATION CUM GRADUATION DAY Successful students of B.A. / B.Sc. 6th Semester Exams 2016 are invited for the Felicitation cum Graduation Day to be held on 1st July 2016 (9:00 a.m.) at the college campus.

Principal, Immanuel College # 03862-248275(off) / 9436004791(M)

Regd.No: 2702/2016

AFFIDAVIT

Dated: 28/06/2016

By this deed I, the undersigned Smti. IMSUCHILA PONGEN (New Name) previously called I. ACHILA PONGEN (Old Name), resident of H. No. 516, Kevijau Colony, Signal Basti, Dimapur, Nagaland, solemnly declare:1. That for and on behalf of myself and remitter issue, I wholly renounce/ relinquish and abandon the use of my former name I. ACHILA PONGEN and in place thereof I do hereby assume from this date the name/ surname IMSUCHILA PONGEN so that I may hereafter be called, known and distinguished not by my former name/ surname, but the name/ surname IMSUCHILA PONGEN. 2. That for the purpose of evidencing such my determination declare that I shall at all times hereafter in all records, deeds and writings and in all proceedings, dealings and transactions, private as well as upon all occasions whatsoever, use and sign the name IMSUCHILA PONGEN as my name/surname in place and in substitution of my former name/ surname.

Deponent Solemnly sworn before me by the deponent on this 28th day of June, 2016.

Notary Public, Nagaland

KOHIMA: NAGALAND

NO. DHFW-8/NCD/INDIAB-NE/2015-16

Newmai News Network Imphal | June 28

The Co-ordination Committee (CorCom) has expressed its "heartfelt" condolence at the demise of Isak Chishi Swu, Chairman of NSCN-IM. CorCom is an umbrella group in Manipur that includes the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL), People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), its Progressive faction (PREPAK-Pro), Revolutionary People's Front (RPF – the political wing of the People’s Liberation Army – PLA) and United National Liberation Front (UNLF).

"Our hearts are deeply saddened at the demise of Sir Isak Chishi Swu, honourable Chairman of NSCN9IM)," the CorCom message said.

It then stated that in his "long and fruitful" life as a revolutionary leader of "our WESEA region Sir Isak Chishi" served and dedicated his whole life to the cause of his people and was an inspiration to so many freedom fighters of the region. He was courageous and unwavering during his national service and deeply religious.

"Our painful thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends during this difficult time when he received the final call of the Almighty. May his soul rest in peace," the CorCom condolence message said.

New ILP Bill: Manipur Deputy CM seeks cooperation from all stakeholders Newmai News Network Imphal | June 28

Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam today urged upon all stakeholders of the hills and valley of the state to extend sincere cooperation to the effort of the state government in drafting a new Inner Line Permit (ILP) related bill in the assembly.

“The anti-bill group from the hills is still reluctant to come out for a clear-cut solution.

They should also join the effort to help introduce a new bill,” Gaikhangam told pressmen on the sidelines of a function here.

Of the three ILP related bills passed by the state assembly on August 31 last year, the Protection of Manipur Peoples Bill, 2015 was rejected by the President of India when it was submitted to him seeking his due assent.

In a recent all-party meeting, it was decided that a fresh bill would be tabled and passed in the state assembly in its next session expecting July next to protect the interests of indigenous communities of the state.

“Rejection of the PMP Bill, 2015 is now known to everyone. I think the anti-

bill group should rejoice the Centre’s decision but they are still showing more resentment instead. I just don’t understand such reactions,” the Deputy CM said.

Tribal people in the hills want that the government scrap the three contentious bills, saying they harm their interests.

A Joint Action Committee against AntiTribal Bills marked 300th day of tribal movement on June 26. The joint committee has vowed to continue the agitation against the three bills.

The Manipur Deputy CM expressed his desire to assimilate inclusively the views and contribution of all stakeholders in drafting the proposed new bill which he said should be acceptable to all.

Meanwhile, stir continued unabated on Tuesday in many parts of the valley demanding prompt introduction of ILP or a similar law to safeguard the interests of the indigenous people.

Pro-ILP protesters have also been demanding the state government to cancel a wanted tag imposed on former leader of the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) which has been spearheading the sustained public stir.

NAGALAND STATE e-GOVERNANCE SOCIETY (NSeGS)

DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATION (Below New Secretariat) Thizama Road Nagaland: Kohima 797001

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND

No:JUD.21/2016-17/10

CorCom mourns Swu's demise

DATED KOHIMA, The 29th of June, 2016

RESULT OF WALK-IN-INTERVIEW

The following candidates are selected for ICMR India Diabetes Study, Nagaland State based on walk-in-interview held on 15th and 16th June, 2016 at Directorate of Health and Family Welfare, Kohima.

Selected for Quality Supervisor (Candidate No. within bracket): AKHRIENUO KIRE (19), VIDEKHONO YHOKHO (25), ACHILA. C (43), YILEUTIELE HIEKHA (90), WANGSHINARO YADEN (113), THEJANGULIE YANO (140), KENEISENUO RIO (227) Waiting List for Quality Supervisor: NOUNENO KROSE (110), KYUPISE SANGTAM (188) Selected for Field Investigator: SORHOZENU PUSA (3), THRITILA SANGTAM (17), Y.NASENKEJONG CHANG (41), LANUSENLA (42), SUDUVELU RAKHO (48), MOAINLA JAMIR (58), VITOKA Z.YEPTHO (97), EUNICE K.CHISHI (98), SONY T.RENGMA (116), M.C. MANCHEN (127), IMNASUMAK AO (133), ISAAC P.PONGSHI KEIKUNG (176), NEIKHOTUO SEKHOSE (177), MERITHUNG LOTHA (181), THANGEM.H (218) Waiting List for Field Investigator: THEJASELIE THEUNUO (72), C. ANENLA JAMIR (76), MULUNGSINGIT LONGKUMER (73), NOKSENPONGSU (12) Selected for Field Technician: VENIEVOLU VESE (4), AJANBENI.E.YANTHAN (7), IMTIKUMDANG PONGENER (8), SHIANGJIU KHIAMNIUNGAN (9), C.THUNGYANI LOTHA (11), METSILHUTO WHISO (13), DITSO THERIE (14), IMSUINLA (18), T.LIPEW (20), MHONBENI MURRY (22), SECHUMLA. K (23), P.NYANCHUMI YANTHAN (26), YISANBENI YANTHAN (27), LIBENI.Y.HUMTSOE (32), I.SENTI AO (33) Waiting List for Field Technician: IMTIZUNGLA The selected candidates should report to the Conference Hall, Directorate of Health and Family Welfare, Kohima, on 1st July at 11:00 AM failing which the concerned candidate(s) will be removed from the selection list.

Sd/- (DR. L. WATIKALA), Principal Director Directorate of Health and Family Welfare, Nagaland: Kohima

NOTIFICATION No. NSeGS/CSC-24/2016/814 dated 27th June 2016: In pursuance to the advertisement for recruitment of Manpower for Common Service Center (CSC) Project vide advertisement No. NSeGS/CSC-24/2016/773 dated 17/05/2016 under CSC e-Governance Services India Limited and based on the interview conducted the result is declared and it is accessible in the website: www.nagaland.gov.in.

Sd/- K. D Vizo, ITS, CEO NSeGS

4

WednesdAY 29 •06•2016

business

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

India at 105th on human capital index, Finland tops Tianjin, june 28 (PTi): India was today ranked low at 105th position globally on a worldwide Human Capital Index, which measures countries’ ability to nurture, develop and deploy talent for economic growth and was topped by Finland.

India ranks much below China’s 71st position while Bangladesh, Bhutan and Sri Lanka are also placed higher on the index released today by Geneva-based World Economic Forum (WEF) in this Chinese city at its Annual Meeting of New Champions -also known as ‘Summer Davos’ summit.

Pakistan ranks further lower at 118th place. Giving India 105th rank out of the total 130 countries included in the index, WEF said the country has optimised just 57 per cent of its human capital endowment -- placing it in the top of the bottom quartile of the Index.

India was ranked 100th last year out of total 124 countries included in the 2015 index. “Al-

though the country’s educational attainment has improved markedly over the different age groups, its youth literacy rate is still only 90 per cent (103rd in the world), well behind the rates of other leading emerging markets,” it added.

“India also ranks poorly on labour force participation, due in part to one of the world’s largest employment gender gaps (121st).”

On positive side, India has got better rankings on quality of education system (39th), staff training (46th) and ease of find-

ing skilled employees (45th) indicators. This suggests “a primary avenue for improvement for the country consists of expanding access to its numerous learning and employment opportunities”.

The report also showed that India had the largest share in the “global distribution of tertiary degree holders” at nearly 78 million while it was second largest after China on global distribution of recent graduates in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) at about 2.5 million.

Globally also, an average of only 65 per cent of the world’s talent is being optimised through education, skills development and deployment during people’s lifetimes, WEF said. Finland, Norway and Switzerland hold the top three positions, utilising around 85 per cent of their human capital. Japan leads when it comes to 55 year-olds and over.

“Today’s transition to the Fourth Industrial Revolution,

combined with a crisis of governance, creates an urgent need for the world’s educators and employers to fundamentally rethink human capital through dialogue and partnerships,” said Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of WEF. “The adaptation of educational institutions, labour market policy and workplaces are crucial to growth, equality and social stability.” On the global index, Japan and Sweden have moved up to 4th and 5th places and are followed by New Zealand, Denmark, the Netherlands, Canada and and Belgium in top ten.

Among BRICS countries, India is ranked lowest as against Russia’s 28th, China’s 71st, Brazil’s 83rd and South Africa’s 88th.

Countries ranked below India include Nepal, Myanmar, Haiti, Malawi and Burundi while Mauritania, Yemen, Chad, Nigeria and Mali are placed in the bottom-five with below 50 per cent talent optimisation.

Tata Motors announces Entrepreneur turns rags to riches recycling American sheets then sewn into bags. Sajdeh’s company Delhi, june 28 (wsj): In ‘Trust of India’ initiative new Texool does everything from very basic the ever-growing mountain of castMuMbai, june 28 (agencies): Tata Motors has announced an exclusive offer for India’s Central and State government employees – ‘Trust of India,’ a dedicated initiative which focuses on building relationships and a strong customer base among the government employees. This initiative recognises the contributions of government employees towards building the nation and offers them several benefits such as additional cash discounts or the option to buy extended warranty policy, AMC as well as accessories package on the purchase of their choice of Tata Motors’ passenger cars.

According to Mayank Pareek, President, Passenger Vehicle Business Unit, Tata Motors said, “We are very delighted to introduce the Trust of India initiative, which recognises and rewards the contribution of India’s valuable government employees as part of our institutional sales. We are committed towards building a strong and long-lasting relationship with our corporate customers and we look forward to being their preferred automobile brand of choice.”

With a longstanding guiding philosophy of serving the nation, the Tata Group has been at the forefront in recognising and addressing customer needs. Taking its commitment towards the customers a step further, Tata Motors through this initiative further entails a host of customer centric offers, including cash discounts, exchange facilities at nationwide networks and car evaluations for an exchange without any obligations. Under this offer, customers can also avail finance facilities through Tata Motors Finance Limited.

On the sidelines, Tata Motors has also introduced a dedicated corporate helpline number (1800 209 8282) for all corporate customers including government employee

off textiles from the U.S. and other wealthy countries, Mumbai’s Jaideep Sajdeh saw a chance to build a business that could help the environment, create much-needed low-skilled jobs in India and make him rich.

A global glut of used clothing has pushed down the prices of recycled textiles as much as 50% in the last year. The per-ton price of discarded shirt, skirts and other cloth from the U.S., Canada and elsewhere has fallen so much that exporters are in effect giving them away, selling for the cost of shipping.

As explained in a story in The Wall Street Journal, the multi-billion dollar global industry that sorts and processes worn garments to resell them in places like Africa or change them into recycled yarn and industrial rags is struggling. Demand from Africa and India has dipped so it has not been able to absorb the growing supply generated in part by fast-fashion retailers.

Sajdeh–whose family has been turning old garments from the West into recycled yarn for decades–decided to create a new source of demand for used textiles by starting a new business: shopping bags made from reused cloth. Like most “recycled” bags on offer at grocery stores around the world, his bags are green because they are not made out of disposable

NS Vishwanathan appointed new RBI deputy governor l e i s u r e

N S Vishwanathan

MuMbai, june 28 (ReuTeRs): A governmentappointed panel has selected N S Vishwanathan as a Reserve Bank of India deputy governor, replacing incumbent H R Khan, NDTV Profit TV and ANI

television news agency reported on Tuesday without citing sources.

Vishwanathan is currently an executive director at the RBI, overseeing the banking regulation and non-banking department.

His appointment was cleared by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), ANI said.

He would succeed Khan, who will retire on July 3.

The key departments under Khan are financial markets, external investments and operations, payment and settlements, information technology, foreign exchange and internal debt management.

The RBI currently has four deputy governors.

Jaideep Sajdeh in the Texool factory, in kutch, gujarat. (The Wall Street Journal File Photo)

plastic and can be used over and over again. Mr. Sajdeh’s bags, however are even greener, because they made of old sheets, napkins and table cloths.

“We used to get sheets in the used clothing containers and I could see you could use these big piece of cloth to make something,” he said. The process is pretty labor intensive so it could only be done on a large scale in a place like India where wages are low. Around 60 people in Sajdeh’s facility in a suburb of Mumbai take truckloads of white second-hand material and turn them into bags.

The used sheets and table cloths are cut into standard sizes, checked for stains, stamped with designs and

Daily Cross WorD ACROSS 1. Twin sister of Ares 5. Competent 9. Religious splinter group 13. Typeface 14. Perch 16. operatic solo 17. Visage 18. Aroused 19. Adolescent 20. Sound of contempt 22. Youths with shaved heads 24. Hotfooted 26. Besmirch 27. Be uncomfortably hot 30. Not these or those 33. Lurched 35. Mountain crest 37. Citrus drink 38. Aqualung 41. Spy agency 42. A forehead dot 45. Bettors 48. Smells 51. Get worse 52. Hops 54. Nothing (British) 55. Paving material 59. Tattles 62. Humdinger 63. Wear away 65. Beige 66. Anagram of “Sage” 67. Wall uprights 68. Generous slice of the pie 69. Where a bird lives 70. Cease 71. Views DOWN 1. F F F F 2. A soft sheepskin leather 3. Unable to express yourself 4. Germless 5. Genus of macaws 6. Fronts of ships

CROSSWORD # 3638

SUDOKU

Simple Rules - There is just one simple rule: “Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9.”

Game Number # 3623

Answer Number # 3622

Govt raises financial powers of ministries new Delhi, june 28 (ians): The union government on Tuesday upwardly revised the financial limits of its ministries and departments, empowering ministers to clear projects worth up to Rs 500 crore -- up from the earlier Rs 150 crore.

“The financial power of the minister-in-charge for approval of non-plan schemes/projects has been enhanced and schemes/project costing less than Rs 500 crore can now be approved at his/her level,” a Finance Ministry statement said here. “Earlier, the minister could approve projects costing less than Rs 150 crore. The Finance Minister shall be the competent financial authority for approving scheme/projects with financial implications of Rs 500 crore and above, but up to Rs 1,000 crore. “The proposal with financial limits of Rs 1,000 crore and above shall require the approval of the Cabinet/Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs,” it said.

Non-plan projects of less than Rs 300 crore can now be appraised by the ministry or the standing finance committee of the ministry concerned, the statement said.

Financial limits regarding appraisal and approval of increase in cost estimates have also been revised, the Finance Ministry said.

The government said the financial limits for approval of plan and non-plan projects of its ministries and departments have been brought almost at par with this move, aimed at expediting the appraisal and approval process.

Science Fiction 2 AEON FLUX ALIEN NATION ALIENS ARmAgEddON AVATAR CLOVERFIELd dARk STAR dEATh RACE dEJA VU dONNIE dARkO FLATLINERS FREEJACk FREQUENCY gAmER gOdZILLA hULk INCEPTION IRON mAN JUmPER kINg kONg kNOwINg mEN IN BLACk mImIC mOON

shopping bags to shoe bags and wine bottle bags and even more complicated bags with extra pockets and zippers that can be used as handbags or school bags. Many carry a label saying “I am not a virgin” explaining how the bag is made using pre-used materials.

To have real environmental impact and have a chance to make real money on the business, Sajdeh says it needs to be done on an industrial scale–with millions of pieces rather than hundreds. His capacity today is around 1.5 million pieces a year. He plans to increase that to 5 million in the next 4 years.

The wholesale prices of his bags range from 30 cents to $7.00. He is already supplying them to some of India’s biggest retailers as well as international brands in India including Disney, Mattel, Colgate and Steve Madden. He hopes that eventually the richer countries that are the source of his raw materials–and also the home to more consumers willing to spend more to care for the environment– will become his biggest buyers. “As people are getting richer it is no secret that there is more wastage happening, more dumping happening,” he said. “Somebody has to step up somebody has to start taking responsibility doing this on a mass (production) level rather than a cottage (industry) level”.

OUTBREAk OUTLANd PANdORUm PREdATOR PUSh REd PLANET ROLLERBALL SCANNERS SERENITY SIgNS SLEEPER SLIThER SPECIES SPhERE STAR TREk SUNShINE SUPERmAN ThE ABYSS TImECOP TImECRImES TRANSFORmERS wATChmEN ZARdOZ

W

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7. Glances 8. Inuit 9. Meal provider 10. Component of urine 11. Misled 12. Bronzes 15. Basic belief 21. French for “Head” 23. Laugh 25. Lairs 27. Anagram of “Cabs” 28. Gulleys 29. Record (abbrev.)

31. Container 32. Mixes 34. Excavated 36. Convenience 39. Tavern 40. Ends a prayer 43. Repel 44. Writing fluids 46. An indistinct shapeless form 47. Anarchical 49. Toys with tails 50. Athletics 53. Muzzle 55. Custard dessert 56. olympic sled 57. Beers 58. Cocoyam 60. Scottish hillside 61. U-boats 64. Clairvoyant’s gift ANSwER TO CROSSwORd 3637

Maharashtra remains the richest state: RBI report MuMbai, june 28 (bs): Tamil Nadu showed the highest gross fiscal deficit across all states in 2015-16, Maharashtra continued to be the richest state in the country while Punjab witnessed steady fall in the number of factories between 2010-11 and 2013-14, according to Reserve Bank of India’s first edition of the Handbook of Statistics on Indian States.

Maharashtra continued to remain the richest state in the country, with a gross state domestic product (GSDP) in 2014-15 recorded at about Rs 9.50 lakh crore at constant prices, rising 5.7 per cent from 2013-14. The secondrichest state in terms of GSDP was Tamil Nadu, closely followed by Uttar Pradesh at about Rs 5 lakh crore each, in 2014-15.

Tamil Nadu’s gross fiscal deficit was estimated at Rs 31,830 crore, followed by Uttar Pradesh’s Rs 31,560 crore for 2014-15. Maharashtra’s fiscal deficit, third widest in the country, was at Rs 30,730 crore for the period.

The total fiscal deficit of all states included was at Rs 3,33,330 crore, down 8.8 per cent from the previous year.

Maharashtra remains the richest state: RBI report Punjab witnessed a steady fall in the number of factories in the past few years, according to RBI’s handbook. In 2010-11, the northern state had 12,770 factories, which fell to 12,593 in 2011-12, 12,427 in 2012-13 and 12,278 in 2013-14. Across India, the number of factories at the end of 2013-14 stood at 224,576, from 222,120 a year ago. Maharashtra and Rajasthan witnessed considerable fall in gross sown area for agriculture. In 2012-13, Maharashtra’s gross sown area shrank to 21,874 thousand hectares, from 22,011 thousand hectares in 2011-12 and 23,175 thousand hectares in 2010-11. In case of Rajasthan, it was 23,954 thousand hectares, 24,505 thousand hectares and 26,002 thousand hectares, respectively.

Maharashtra also continues to top in terms of statewise availability of power, generating 141,361 million units net compared with the second-highest generator Gujarat, which made available 103,540 million units as of 2015-16. For the full of India, the country made available 1,090,713 million units net of power in 2015-16, compared with 1,030,785 million units net a year ago.

In case of per capital availability of power, Dadra and Nagar Haveli trumped all other states by a long shot. The Union territory had 17,199.8 kilowatt-hour available on a per capital basis in 2015-16, compared with 228.8 kilowatt-hour for Bihar, the lowest availability among all states.

Banks disbursed most loans in the southern region, which comprises Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Lakshadweep, Puducherry and Telangana.

Credit deposit ratio in Tamil Nadu was as high as 119 as of March 2015. Compared to that, the most developed state Maharashtra’s credit deposit ratio was at 92. The all-India average credit deposit ratio was at 77.1.

DAFFODILS COACHING CENTRE th diphupar 4 mile, Near Centre Jail : dimapur

Admission Notice (Limited Seat)

CL- 10 Both Regular & Repeaters All Subjects CL – 11 & 12 (Science) Regular & Repeaters Subject Offered: math, Phy., Che., Bio . music: guitar, Vocal, Piano • Experience Teaching Faculties • We conduct Oral test, Unit test every week • Special Coaching for CL- 10 & 12 Repeaters • Extra class for weak students (Repeaters)

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WednesdAY 29•06•2016

NAGALAND

Nagas pay tribute to leader Isak Chishi Swu Dimapur, June 28 (mexn): Several organizations and individuals today mourned the death of the Chairman of NSCN (IM), Isak Chishi Swu and paid rich tributes to him. He died in New Delhi on June 28. In condolence messages, the organizations and individuals offered condolences to the bereaved family and also NSCN (IM).

ENPO: The Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) thanked Isak Chishi Swu for taking the Naga cause to such a higher level devoting his entire life. “All people who knew him greatly respected him, and for which, the ENPO shall always cherish the memory of his sincere dedication for the Nagas as a leader,” ENPO stated.

FNR: Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) recollected that ever since the Forum was formed in March 2008, Isak Chishi Swu extended his unwavering support to the works and initiatives of the Forum. “Isak Chishi Swu may no more be with us in physical form, but his spirit, his works and his leadership as a pioneer of the Naga National movement till his last breath, is a testimony of the firmest of Naga rights, who was not only a friend and leader of the Nagas, but also of the world’s community. Even as a very elderly person, age and years did not deter him and he moved and worked, poised with commitments as belonging to all and was never limited by walls of separation,” FNR stated. “And as Chairman Swu passionately gave unreserved support to Naga Reconciliation, in his death, let all Nagas conquer and abolish alienations amongst us, even as we recall his last message on March 22, 2016, where he asked all Nagas to ‘unite in the spirit of forgiveness’.”

WSH: The Western Sumi Hoho and its frontal organizations –Western Sumi Kukami Hoho, Western Sumi Totimi Hoho, Western Sumi Youth Front, Sumi Officers’ Union Dimapur, Western Sumi Students’ Union, and Western Sumi Sports Association have expressed sorrow at the death of Isak Chishi Swu and stated that Nagas have lost a great and visionary leader who sacrificed his entire life to fight for the rights of Naga people. Meanwhile,

the Western Sumi Hoho informed that the hiyam (office) of the Hoho will remain open to assist the arrival of mortal remains of the departed leader. Following mobile numbers 9862950893, 9856479241, 9856157009, 9436003829 and 9436000464 may be contacted for any information and assistance.

RNPO: The Rongmei Naga People Organisation (RNPO) stated, “The Rongmei people have been looking at his (Isak) leadership as a star in the sky of Naga Nation…His disappearance in the Naga sphere has darkened the sky of Naga Nation with sorrow and a sense of great loss… To the Rongmei people, he was the man with Naga vision of hope and freedom.” The organisation highlighted that there is a dire need for next and right leader now because “Nagas could not go a step without their leader in position.”

WYSU: The Western Yimchungru Student's Union (WYSU) saluted late Isak Chishi Swu as a pioneer and torch bearer of the Naga political movement. “The struggles and sacrifices he endured for the Nagas are remembered in gratitude. His vision and endeavour at ushering the Naga Political Movement for early settlement and ceasefire with GOI while making the issue international is a historical feat,” stated WYSU. “We, the present generation are indebted to carry on his legacy forward so that the efforts he has initiated for peace among Nagas may not be in vain.”

NSF: The Naga Students' Federation (NSF) remembered Isak as a person who had selflessly contributed all the best days of his life till his last breath to bring solution to the long protracted Indo-Naga political talk vis-à-vis peace process. Meanwhile, it recounted that when a delegation of NSF last met Isak at the hospital in New Delhi, his spirit of nationalism and aspiration for the Nagas was never overshadowed by his illness and he was always optimistic that the Nagas will achieve the long cherished dream. He was a person who had the caliber and capacity to lead his countrymen and a person who loved and zealously supported and defended his country, stated NSF. NSCN (R): President of NSCN

(Reformation), Y. Wangtin Naga has described Isak Chishi Swu as a big star among the stars. “Late Isak was an unmatchable Naga leader who led the Naga struggle in his whole life accepting and challenging the daily ups and downs as natural in politics, he never parted from Naga history,” stated Wangtin. “He stood as a great warrior and led Naga struggle during the toughest political crisis between 1960's and 1990's and ultimately bestowed peace in Naga country.” During Isak’s lifetime, the message said, the NSCN (IM) attained the membership of UNPO on behalf of Nagas and the recent Framework Agreement with GoI. NPLFM: The Naga Political Leaders Forum Manipur (NPLFM) has expressed that Isak Chishi Swu’s death in this crucial juncture is a tragic moment for all the Nagas. “However, when we retrospect the Naga national movement, our beloved leader Late Isak Chishi Swu had led the Naga people for more than half a century upto the signing of the historic framework agreement signed between the Government of India and NSCN on the 3rdAugust, 2015 in New Delhi,” NPLFM said. “Late Isak Chishi Swu was a leader whose integrity was beyond our comprehension. He was a born leader to lead the Nagas to the comity of nations."

NLA Speaker: Speaker of Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Chotisuh Sazo declared that in Isak’s death, Nagas have lost a true patriot and leader who had made lifelong sacrifice to the cause of the Nagas.

Naga Council: Naga Council Dimapur acknowledged that the vacuum created by the demise of the NSCN (IM) Chairman will be difficult to fill in such a crucial time of finding amicable political solution. It further prayed that the bereaved family members will be consoled and the departed soul will rest in peace.

NMA: The Naga Mothers' Association (NMA) stated that Isak Chishi Swu was a leader totally committed to the Naga cause of freedom for the Nagas and lived strictly by his steadfast faith in God and the right of the Naga people. Acknowledging him as

We are Nagas by blood not by choice: Dr. Shürhozelie Chizokho Vero Senapati (Manipur) | June 28

Naga People’s Front (NPF) president Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu today said it was unfortunate for Nagas that the British rule in this part of the globe starting from the 17th century arranged their administrative units according to their convenience.

“They might have done it without any ulterior move and at the same time our forefathers were also not aware that those arrangements would be disastrous for us in future as it is to us today,” he said, while addressing political conference-cum-interface of NPF Manipur State unit here today.

Today, he said, we have Nagaland state, a big area in Manipur state, some area in Arunachal Pradesh, some in Assam and big area is in Myanmar (Myanmar portion is in another country and, therefore, it is beyond the boundary of our discussion today).

“When we talk about integration, we mean to cover Naga inhabited areas in Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam,” he added.

“This agenda is allergic to some of our neighbours. But the truth is that Nagas belong to the same family. It is our

birth right and our fundamental right. We are Nagas by blood and not by choice,” he said, adding when members of the same family express the desire to live together, they have not done anything wrong against anybody.

He said Nagaland Legislative Assembly had passed resolution to this effect four times (12 December 1964, 28 August 1970, 16 September 1994 and 18 December 2003).

He said on such subject, “our people have been facing hurdles due to stiff opposition from some of our neighboring states.”

“We have seriously examined the issues and thought that if physical integration is not immediately possible, we must make a beginning to bring about emotional integration,” he said. One of such steps was to introduce NPF party into Manipur state.

The NPF party was launched in Manipur state on May 28, 2011.

Pointing out that the 11th general election in Manipur is fast approaching, he reminded the party workers they have hardly 7 clear months to work from now on. He said it is a time to fix priorities and move ahead without further delay.

The NPF chief also alleged

that the Congress government under “Mr. Ibobi’s leadership had played divisive politics which resulted in creating an atmosphere of hatred between the different sections of the people.”

Minister for School Education & SCERT Yitachu, who is also cabinet in-charge of NPF Manipur state unit said that in democracy only the political party has backing of the masses behind. In this, political platform is a must to fight for “our rights, to fight for our cause and search for our rights and achieve the goals.”

On entry of NPF into Manipur State, he said that it was launched there not to take away anything but to see that justice prevails in the State for some section of the people. He asserted the party’s entry into the State was not going to create any enmity to any group or community but to the see that equality and justice prevail and opportunity is given to any community whether small or big community.

He also stated that in the event of any immediate future election to take place in Nagaland, the present set up of NPF under the presidentship of Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu and present Chief Minister TR Zeliang will return with a thumping majority.

NFRMU Dimapur branch stage demonstration Morung Express News Dimapur | June 28

Northeast Frontier Railway Mazdoor Union (NFRMU), Dimapur branch staged a dharna (demonstration) at the Dimapur Railway Station on June 28 ahead of the general indefinite strike scheduled to begin from July 11. The day’s demonstration was a reminder to the Union Ministry that the impending nationwide strike called by Railway unions across the country will go ahead if the government do not respond positively to the charter of demands served by the employees. The union’s counterpart in Lumding also demonstrated at the Lumding Railway station during the day.

According to the unions, the government’s response to its charter of demands served in December 2015 has

a man of principle, humble and soft spoken, NMA said Isak spent his entire life for the nation. “His demise at this critical time in our history has left a void which can never be filled.” The NMA further said that the Association in its many journeys and meeting on peace dialogues saw his passion for the Naga people and felt his deep concern and respect for Naga women and the future generation.

Tangkhul Hoho Nagaland: The Tangkhul Hoho Nagaland also expressed shock at the sudden demise of Isak Chishi Swu. “The man who gave his all for Naga people and fought for the rights of his people is gone today to be with God but he will always be in our hearts and still be our strength,” stated the Hoho. “The end of the great legendary leader is a great, great loss for Nagas.” It further shared their grief to the bereaved family members.

DDGBA: Dimapur District GBs Association stated Isak chishi Swu was a real patriot, who dedicated entire life in the Naga freedom struggle till his death.

NPC: The members of Nagaland Peace Centre (NPC), Kohima have also mourned the demise stating “we lost a visionary leader whose tireless efforts for the cause of Naga sovereignty and integration speaks volumes.”

NCSU: The Nagaland Contractors’ & Suppliers’ Union (NCSU), Head Office Kohima stated that Isak Chishi Swu sacrificed his whole life for the cause of Nagas. “And today under his leadership, Government of India recognized the uniqueness of Nagas… for which we deeply honour and salute him,” stated NCSU. PPC: Phom Peoples’ Council (PPC) with sorrow has expressed that in the NSCN (IM) Chairman’s death, the Nagas have lost a good and sincere leader.

BJP: BJP Nagaland said Isak’s honesty and forthright determination to lead the Nagas despite tough challenges and obstacles is an example for Naga leaders to emulate.

The signing of the Framework Agreement for solution to the Naga political struggle between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) was a landmark achievement of the collective

leadership of the NSCN (IM) under the chairmanship of Isak Chishi Swu, it added.

NPF: The Naga People’s Front (NPF) Central office stated it was providential that charismatic leaders like Isak sacrificed their personal comforts and prosperity for the cause of the common good of the Nagas.

“He was indeed, a true soldier of the people ready to lay down his life for his people,” NPF said. It further stated that the most appropriate tribute to his innumerable sacrifices and contributions to the Naga people all these decades will be if all sections of the Naga people strive together to fulfill his one and only aim in life - to bring an honourable and acceptable solution to the Naga political problem.

NPCC: NPCC recollected that during his time in foreign service, Isak was instrumental in garnering international support for the Naga cause. “Late Mr. Swu sacrificed his life for the political destiny of the Naga people and was a proponent of reconciliation towards which end, he worked tirelessly. His immense contributions to the saga of Naga sovereignty cannot be addressed in a short letter but he was a one of a kind leader whose legacy will continue to live on in the annals of History and will be remembered for generations to come,” stated NPCC President, K Therie.

Chandel orgs: Several civil organizations, including Chandel Naga People’s Organisation (CNPO), Naga Women Union Chandel, Naga Students' Union Chandel, Naga Chiefs' Association Chandel, Anal, Aimol, Chothe, Lamkang, Maring, Monsang, Moyon, Tarao and Khoibu tribe unions today paid respect and honour to Isak Chishi Swu in a condolence meeting, which was organised by CNPO at it office located in district headquarters Chandel Town.

As a mark of respect and mourning, a two minute silence was observed during the meeting and all business establishment and shops remained closed. Several leaders spoke and remembered the great work contributed by Isak Chishi Swu towards the cause of Nagas.

LHD: Expressing sorrow over the

death, Lotha Hoho Dimapur stated that the sacrificial works rendered by Isak Chishi Swu will be remembered and cherished by the Naga posterity.

NC: Nagaland Congress (NC) President, Nillo Rengma said that Isak’s departure at this crucial time when the Naga people are eagerly awaiting a solution to the political problem is a great loss. “All his life, since he joined the Naga political movement in the late 1950s he had sacrificed everything for the cause of the Nagas up to the last of his breath.

It is lamentable that he could not see the final result of his life struggle... We salute him and thank him for bringing the Naga cause thus far.”

RCN: The Rongmei Council Nagaland (RCN) recognized that Isak dedicated his entire life truly for the cause of the Nagas. “He has proven himself not only as a leader but also a peace-loving and god-fearing person,” RCN said. “His contributions to Naga political aspirations especially towards signing of the Framework Agreement will always be remembered in the days to come.”

BAN: Business Association of Nagas (BAN) stated that only the strength of the message Isak gave to the Naga people through his years of living and giving has “afforded us the strength to move forward as a nation with a common destiny.” BAN considered the achievements of the “God fearing, noble and patriotic son of Nagas as a great legacy, which is worthy of honor.”

NPMHR: Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) termed Chairman Isak Chishi Swu as a selfless leader in his own right.

“He is a leader not only of the Naga people as a pioneer of the Naga political movement, but a fatherly figure who is highly respected by the International community and the people and leaders of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organizations, who are all struggling for their rights of self-determination,” said NPMHR Secretary General, Neingulo Krome.

NPMHR saluted Isak for the leadership he has given, and the sacrifices he has made which are unknown to so many people.

KU declares SRF activities in Konyak soil illegal Dimapur, June 28 (mexn): The Konyak Union (KU) has banned the proposed conference of the Sovereign Republic of Freeland (SRF) which was slated on June 28 in Mon Town. It also declared SRF and its activities as un-mandated and illegal within Konyak soil.

Informing this, a press statement from KU president, Manlip Konyak and general secretary, Honang Konyak while upholding its standing resolution on ‘one code’ has condemned the activities of the SRF within its tribal institution.

It stated that on June 27, upon learning reports from Tuensang and Longleng that an NST bus carrying SRF activists were travelling towards Mon, the Union strongly opposed their move as per the “aspiration and stand of the people.”

The Union noted that ENPO had requested the SRF for a joint venture under one common platform and banner. It had also requested them to keep all its activities in abeyance until the proposed

meeting of July 7, 2016.

“However, the KU is totally shocked and hurt by the instigative steps taken up by the so called SRF groups in hosting their general conference at Mon town. Such instigative act had deeply hurt the sentiment of the Konyaks and was left with no alternative but to resort to such extreme,” it maintained.

The Union termed such act as direct challenge to the integrity of the social Konyak institution.

Meanwhile, the Union has expressed appreciation to Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police, Mon for timely intervention and safely escorting the SRF delegates out from Konyak soil after seeing the rising temperament of the furious mobs gathered for action.

“The timely intervention avoided unnecessary physical infliction and confusion where normalcy was restored in Konyak soil,” it stated.

The Union also warned the State Government and “some bureaucrats” for misleading and misguiding those elements whereby

their issues were even brought up and discussed at the cabinet level.

While appreciating the Konyak public for their continued support, it also warned the populace and “those currently wooed into SRF with magnificent profiles to immediately denounce it.”

The Union also claimed that it is aware of the involvement of a third party in polluting the sanctity of the tribal institution and society. It has therefore asked those involved to “stop fooling and wooing the poor public with fictitious plans.”

Further, the Union, while maintaining that its vision and goals are formulated and streamlined accordingly in the larger interest of the Konyaks, has directed all the village councils in Konyak areas to immediately submit its investigation report along with the action taken report without fail.

In this connection, the Union informed that it will have another meeting on June 30 at Mon Town.

All the units under the umbrella of the KU have been asked to attend without fail.

Campaign on human animal conflict launched Kohima, June 28 (mexn): A state wide awareness campaign on mitigation of human animal conflict was launched on June 28 by Dr Nicky Kire, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

Organised by the Wildlife Wing of the Department of Forest, Environment and Climate Change in collaboration with Fingerprint Nagaland and Castle Group, the campaign was launched at the PCCF Conference Hall.

The first phase of the campaign will begin from July 14 to 21 in Phek, Zunheboto, Mokokchung, Wokha, Peren and Dimapur. The second phase will cover Mon, Longleng, Tuensang and Kiphire from July 29 to August 9.

NPF urges Naga Hoho to seek clarification from writer/reporter Kohima, June 28 (mexn): The NPF today urged the Naga Hoho to seek immediate clarification from the writer of the article titled ‘After big win in Assam, BJP eyes Nagaland; seek to take advantage of rift in the ruling party’. The article was written by Kangkan Acharyya for Firstpost and subsequently published in some local dailies.

Earlier, the General Secretary of the Naga Hoho had clarified that the writer of the article had distorted their interaction and misquoted him. He also claimed that Acharyya had

called him on the phone and introduced himself as a reporter for CNN (IBN). The Naga Hoho had also distanced itself from the opinions of its General Secretary mentioned in the article.

In a clarification note, it had stated that the Naga Hoho belongs to all Nagas and does not subscribe to any political parties and shall not compromise on the Naga political issue.

Meanwhile, NPF in a press release issued by its Press Bureau accused the writer/reporter of trying to create political controversies in the state of Na-

galand. “Who sent this imposter writer and on what intention?

Why was he so much interested to get the personal opinion of Mutsikhoyo (Naga Hoho General Secretary), when he categorically told him he should meet the President and give only his personal views, (why did) the writer later quoted him?” asked the NPF. “Why is the writer on the pretext of interaction try to put the words in the mouth of few pick and chose leaders at the backdrop of NPF party suspension on Neiphiu Rio for his anti-party activities?”

The NPF asserted that the Naga Hoho must summon the writer to its office and seek personal clarification or ask him to clarify as the Naga Hoho General Secretary has categorically clarified on his part or initiate legal steps against him. “Such sensitive matters at such time in the state cannot be allowed to go scot free,” it stated. “The matter has to have its logical conclusion from the writer and the Naga Hoho office as there are many unanswered questions behind the stage managed show.”

Pochury organizations demand inquiry commission into youth’s killing Members of the NFRMU, Dimapur branch demonstrate at the Dimapur Railway Station on June 28.

not been satisfactory. Among the demands include fixing a minimum wage of Rs. 26,000 and scrapping the New Pension Scheme, besides others.

On the wage offered by the government, the NFRMU Dimapur branch stated that the government responded with a Rs. 18,000 minimum wage

proposal, which was way below expectation.

The NFRMU Dimapur branch with a membership of around 450 employees maintained that it will join other unions from around the country for the indefinite strike if the charter of demands is not met by the Union government.

meluri, June 28 (mexn): The Pochury Hoho, Pochury Students’ Union, and Pochury Mothers’ Association have demanded setting up of an Inquiry Commission in the killing of a young Pochury man in Jammu & Kashmir on June 22, 2016. In a representation submitted to the Chief Minister of Nagaland through the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Meluri, the organizations demanded to expedite the case and apprehend the culprit and set up the Commission

to crack the case in a fast track manner.

The representation also demanded ex-gratia on humanitarian ground. It mentioned that the victim, Jisietho Nyuwi was a sincere employee of Meckwe Telecom Company, who was killed while on duty. Therefore, it said, the company and the Government must bear the responsibility of granting ex-gratia on humanitarian ground for immediate relief. The representation further demanded job for

one member of the family. It was pointed out that the victim was a dynamic youth with zeal to develop into a successful man and is the sole guardian of one brother and sister who totally depend on him. Hence, it insisted to grant a Government job to his brother in the form of compensation.

The representation was signed by Pochury Hoho President, Penthü Pochury; Pochury Students’ Union President, Er. Joyson Fithu; and Pochury Mothers’ Association President,

Machü Joshou.

Meanwhile, Pochury Hoho in a press release informed that the mortal remains of Jisietho Nyuwi reached Meluri on June 26 midnight and funeral rite/ service was conducted in the morning of June 27. Various organisations of Pochury people and thousands of public gathered for the funeral service, stated the release issued by Pochury Hoho President, Penthü Pochury and General Secretary, Er. Vichutho Nyusou.

6

wednesday 29•06•2016

IN FOCUS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

The Power of Truth

The Morung Express volume Xi issue 177

By Dr. Asangba Tzüdir

A Communicating Church

T

he word communication finds itself woven in many meanings and thereby the difficulty of communication. On the facet of communication in relation to the church, the church today finds itself in a more pronounced predicament arising out of what to communicate and how to communicate. Within two fold objectives, communication becomes paramount - mapping the objectives, purpose and vision of the church; and identifying the component of the church within an all-inclusive praxis.

Many churches today finds itself engaged in activities all year round but often fail to connect with its members.

Being enmeshed in its routine activities makes it more of a statistical church than one that is driven by purpose and vision. This happens because the church fails to clearly envision the objectives and how it should communicate to its members and the society. More precisely, the church should be very clear about its broad objectives and what it wants to communicate. So long as there is no dialogue and communication among the church members, it will be very difficult for the church even to work out its vision and objectives. The various activities may keep the church engaged but somehow neglect the wishes, desires and needs of the church members.

Again it is very important to be aware of the component of the church members. There are good people in the church; there are bad people in the church; there maybe even thieves in the church; there maybe drinkers in the church; there maybe members in the church who are just there to criticize; then there are members who hardly come to church and there are a whole lot of different kinds of people who comes to the church with different kinds of thirsts, wants, desires and longings. Nonetheless, they are the sheep of the church and each sheep should be treated as an equal and as important as the other is. This is where the church needs to be inclusive while at the same time communicating effectively by way of understanding differences in a way that it truly connects with the members giving them a sense of security, hope and the real purpose of being a Christian as a living body of Christ.

Today, many churches are scared to communicate because there is hardly any culture of dialogue and thereby the danger of further fragmentation. Sadly, the culture of dialogue that would provide the impetus towards the process of church building (God’s kingdom) and its associated envisioning has found itself in a virgin territory. Further, the church is looked upon to communicate the ‘truth’ especially at a time when corruption has reached astounding proportions. What should be the voice of the church? Is the church willing to communicate the truth and say that the church has no place for corruption? A certain pastor of a church once remarked that the church will not accept corrupt money. Such communication of the objective of truth in itself gives a sense of direction to the members.

For a church to effectively and holistically communicate, first it should formulate a clear vision and concretize the roles it wants to engage in positing itself as a ‘meaningful’ purpose driven church. This calls the need for dialogue, to listen and to share.

Today, the church needs to reorient on the objectives for which it exists and then communicate so as to douse off the ‘silent war’ that is going on in churches causing injury to the members as well as to the kingdom of God. Finally, the church should be able to deliver the message about what it wants to convey to the congregation and to the world.

(Dr. Asangba Tzüdir is Editor with Heritage Publishing House. He writes a weekly guest editorial for the Morung Express. Comments can be mailed to asangtz@gmail.com)

lEfT wiNg |

Vijay Prashad NYT

India: Economic Liberalization ignores the Rural Misery

"M

ake In India” was Narendra Modi’s campaign slogan in 2014. Increasing India’s industrial production drove his agenda.

The service sector had made India relatively buoyant since it began to liberalize its economy in 1991. But the service sector’s growth was unsustainable and unpredictable. It could also not absorb the large numbers of educated Indians who found themselves unable to find decent work.

But the Make In India campaign spluttered. Industrial growth has plateaued and job creation has been weak. Halfway through this government’s term, Modi has decided to loosen rules on investment and attract foreign direct investment as a strategy for growth. This is the hallmark of the type of neoliberal policy that the International Monetary Fund’s research department recently warned tends to increase inequality. Such foreign investment would give a quick short burst of growth -- perhaps just in time for the elections in 2019.

But a United Nations study found last year that such a strategy would widen the gaps between classes in India and do little to tackle India’s greatest challenge – its vast oceans of poverty.

A 2014 McKinsey study found that 680 million people – more than half the Indian population – live in deprivation.

To ameliorate this, McKinsey advocated job creation, sharing productivity gains and increased public spending and efficiency for basic services (health care, water and sanitation).

None of this is going to be taken in hand by the policy that Modi has inaugurated.

About 70 percent of India’s population lives in the countryside. Modi’s predecessors, the Congress-Left alliance, understood the predicament and put in place a rural employment guarantee scheme. That reform has been sharply narrowed, as all of Modi’s policies seek to benefit the urban middle class at the expense of the rural poor. Poor management of the agricultural sector has resulted in food inflation – prices of tomatoes and potatoes have doubled since last year. That over 300,000 Indian farmers have committed suicide since 1995 seems to mean little to this government. Policies for those in deprivation are in short supply.

Transnational firms are not on a mission to eradicate poverty. It is the role of the government to do so. Modi’s government has abdicated its responsibility – as enshrined in the Indian Constitution – to ensure social, economic and political justice to the Indian people.

Vijay Prashad is the George and Martha Kellner chair of South Asian history and professor of international studies at Trinity College. He is the author of "The Poorer Nations: A Possible History of the Global South."

C O M M E N T A R Y

Brian Klaas Foreign Policy

How fake democracies damage real ones

I

n 1991, Madagascar — a large island off the coast of southeast Africa known more for its lovable lemurs than the fate of its 27 million deeply impoverished people — held its first multi-party elections. The way it came to do so was somewhat unusual: a brash general effectively kidnapped the country’s leading politicians, locked them in the Panorama Hotel, and proclaimed that they could leave only after they agreed to allow political competition. Two days later, the Panorama Convention was signed. The elections took place as planned — and what’s more, the incumbent lost and left power. It seemed like a new dawn for a country that had suffered for decades under the rule of a failed military strongman.

Shortly thereafter, Madagascar was duly declared a full-fledged democracy — receiving the same score as France — in an index that many political scientists consider to be the most accurate yardstick of regimes. Politicians, diplomats, and scholars all welcomed the country into the democratic world.

In 2006, the American ambassador to the island declared that Washington believed that “Madagascar deserves its position among the community of democracies in the world.” Indeed, even in 2014 and 2015, in the wake of seriously flawed elections, the U.S. State Department continued to herald Madagascar’s alleged “return to democracy” after a coup d’état.

There’s just one problem: Madagascar is not and has never been a democracy. Regular elections are held, but they are manipulated and riddled by vote-buying. A national assembly exists, but it is deeply corrupt and unresponsive to the people. A democratic constitution is on the books, but those with informal power routinely ignore it. As in so other many places around the globe, real power in Madagascar belongs to a small cadre of elites that rely on informal personal networks to wield it.

There is more to democracy than elections. True democracy requires the rule of law, a free press, and accountability for elected officials, no matter how powerful they may be. Madagascar has none of the above. But far too often, we allow counterfeit democracies like it to pass as the real thing.

That’s because the international community treats democracy like a light switch: a regime is either elected democratically (on), or it is “elected” in a blatantly undemocratic sham contest (off). Elections themselves are also frequently judged in a binary way — they’re either completely free and fair or they are not. The problem is that most regimes in the world, like Madagascar, lie somewhere in between.

Many may emit some democratic light — particularly during elections — but remain depressingly dim for the thousands of days in-between. The current system gives them little incentive to get brighter because the West calls them “democracies” too easily. That, in turn, degrades the value of democracy itself.

There are two dynamics at play here. First, the inevitably low bar created by the on/off mentality creates an effect that I’ve previously called

“the curse of low expectations.” When undemocratic rulers get a diplomatic high-five just for holding a passable election, it creates a strong incentive to continue doing only the bare minimum. The European Union called Madagascar’s 2013 election “free, fair, and democratic,” even though millions were left off the voter rolls, illicit campaign funding was used, and vote buying was rampant (a finding that the European Union even acknowledged openly in its final report). After the election observers packed up and

power networks remain king while basking in international praise for a post-election “return to democracy.”

In April, Madagascar’s president announced that the prime minister had resigned, only for the startled prime minister to inform the press that he had done no such thing. His unconstitutional and unwilling departure ushered in the island’s third prime minister in as many years. At the same time, credible allegations arose that several ministers had paid bribes to secure their spots in the president’s

Madagascar shows what happens when the world treats a corrupt regime like a functioning democracy left, the international community took far less of an interest in the island. So long as the West sets an absurdly low bar for what constitutes democratic elections and views those as the endpoint of establishing democracy rather than its beginning, the light of democracy around the globe will continue to flicker.

Second, when a country’s citizens live in a “democracy” that holds elections but doesn’t really give them a voice, the result is governance that doesn’t deliver. Even the best election doesn’t put food on the table, provide security, or ensure basic health care. If elections are all people have, but genuine democracy doesn’t take root, they soon begin to resent the concept of democracy itself.

Perhaps for that reason, even the counterfeit democracy introduced in Madagascar in the early 1990s didn’t prove especially durable. In 2009, in one of the more bizarre episodes in modern international politics, the country’s sitting president Marc Ravalomanana — a rags-to-riches yogurt kingpin — was overthrown in a coup d’état by Andry Rajoelina, a 34-yearold former radio disc jockey. The toppling of an elected leader was, finally, enough for the diplomatic community to flip the switch and acknowledge that the country had lost its status as a democracy. International aid dried up.

Madagascar became an international pariah.

But it didn’t take much to turn the switch back on. Four years later, Madagascar held elections again. The country was quickly reinstated in a preferential U.S. trade program, a decision prompted by “the nation’s return to democratic rule.” Crucial foreign aid flowed back in. But day-to-day international interest in the country plummeted. Madagascar had done the bare minimum to be seen as a “democratically elected” government, and that seemed to be good enough.

The elected government does not actually rule democratically, but its violations of democratic principles are not considered “bad enough” to elicit international consequences. As a result, elites in Madagascar and countries like it can have their cake and eat it too — ensuring that their informal

cabinet. In May, the Minister of Public Service and Government Reform was discovered with 1,000 kilograms of drugs in his personal vehicle — rather a lot for recreational use. He has not been arrested, nor has he resigned.

These repeated embarrassments have prompted the general who originally ushered in multi-party elections 25 years ago to speak out. General Desiré-Philippe Ramakavélo, a distinguished elder statesman who has taken up writing political poetry in his retirement, laments that the country’s elites tend to act like royalty once attaining office, rather than as public servants constrained by democratic rules.

During my last meeting with him at his home in Antananarivo, he shared his latest stanzas with me. The title of the poem he read, La loi, c’est moi (“The law, it’s me”) is a reference to the quip L’état, c’est moi (“the state, it’s me”) famously attributed to the French King Louis XIV, who embodied absolutist rule. In the poem, Ramakavelo bemoans the degree to which his country has impersonated Versailles by allowing powerful kingpins and kingmakers to rule without regard for the formal trappings of democracy.

Before I left, the general asked me to send him anything I wrote about him. In a vivid demonstration of the continued dominance of personality as power in Madagascar, the mailing address he provided to me read in full: “General Desiré-Philippe Ramakavélo, Madagascar.”

The problem with informal rule is simple: it allows bad governance. Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world not least because its corrupt — albeit elected — politicians serve themselves rather than their people. Though it has tremendous mineral wealth and one the most tourist-enticing landscapes on the planet, its GDP per capita is stuck below $500.

A third of the population is illiterate.

And it’s the only place on earth where outbreaks of the bubonic plague are a regular occurrence. It is, unquestionably, one of the worst tickets you can be dealt in the global lottery of birth.

Labeling such a country a “democracy” is not just ridiculous — it’s downright dangerous. Lowering the bar for what deserves to be called a democra-

cy degrades public support for the concept. After all, if Madagascar really represented what a democracy looks like, nobody would want to live in one. Over time, this only makes the false prophets of authoritarian strongmen or military rule more appealing.

Madagascar may be an island, but it is not alone in this risk. When tens of thousands of Africans living in similarly sham democracies were asked whether they were satisfied with democracy in their country, only 965 out of more than 50,000 respondents replied that their countries were not, in fact, democracies. Most accepted the premise that they lived in a democratic country, but lamented that fact: Four in ten said that they were “not at all satisfied” or “not very satisfied” with this form of governance.

This erosion of support for democracy has a knock-on effect. Calling countries like Madagascar democratic provides powerful rhetorical ammunition to despots in other countries, helping them make their case for continuing to resist reform. After all, if coups and corruption and drug-running ministers are the hallmarks of socalled democracies, maybe authoritarianism isn’t so bad.

In other words, mislabeling countries as democratic can cause people to lose faith in the concept while amplifying the voice of unresponsive leaders eager to spread an undemocratic gospel. This one-two punch may help explain why the world has become modestly, but steadily, less democratic since 2006.

The solution is not simply to condemn Madagascar and countries like it as pariah states. Madagascar’s president is no dictator, and some minor and modest progress toward democracy has been made since the 2013 elections.

Instead, there needs to be a higher bar for what warrants the label of democracy. For countries like Madagascar that do not deserve the label, aid and international acceptance should be tied to steady progress towards genuine democratic governance rather than being conditioned on holding passable elections every few years. If no progress is made, it should not take something so drastic as a coup d’état to hammer home the lesson that undemocratic governance between elections has diplomatic consequences.

Today, Madagascar’s people are mired in poverty and political dysfunction two and a half years after the last elections, and with two and a half years to go until the next ones. Amid the country’s economic and political stagnation, there are persistent whispers of nefarious attempts to instigate a constitutional crisis in order to force an early vote. Earlier this month, Senator Rene de Roland Lylison — a colonel who previously headed a paramilitary group — was arrested amid rumors that he was plotting another coup d’état. Unfortunately, because Madagascar’s people have been told that they have democracy but believe it has failed them, some would welcome a military takeover. That is the peril and the price of a system that conflates the act of voting with genuine democracy.

Asia’s rising prosperity, climate change taking toll on food security Graham J. Dwyer

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Inter Press Service

sia’s economic growth over the last decade has been relentless, bringing with it a rising population and an influx of people from the countryside to the cities in search of prosperity. These trends are not expected to abate.

By 2025, the total population of Asia and the Pacific region should reach about 4.4 billion. And over the next 40 years, Asia’s urban population is projected to increase from 1.9 billion to 3.2 billion.

In another significant trend, the middle income population will also grow to about 2 billion by 2050. Such demographic shifts bring benefits, but many problems also—whether providing jobs, services, or a clean environment.

The accompanying rising incomes and rapid urbanization bring about other less obvious pressures, such changes in dietary preferences, which cause a shift toward more land and water intensive meats and foodstuffs.

Food conundrum: increase production, avoid waste Without a significant increase in food production above current trends, declines in caloric availability and an increase in child malnutrition by up to 20% are anticipated.

“Asia and Pacific is home to the largest numbers of the food and nutrition

insecure people in the world, accounting for almost two thirds of the world’s total of 800 million,” says Mahfuzuddin Ahmed, ADB’s Technical Advisor on Rural Development and Food Security.

“The region faces new challenges to produce and access more nutritious and safe food for its growing populations. Thus, achieving food security for all, now and into the future, is at the core of the post-2015 development agenda.”

In this regard, climate change and disaster risks, financing gaps, poor logistics and infrastructure deficits are among the other major constraints to realize the Sustainable Development Goals to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture by 2030.

For example, projections to 2050 for Asia and the Pacific show that with temperatures rising, yields of rice, wheat, and soybeans may decline by 14 per cent-20 [er cent, 32 per cent-44 per cent, and 9%-18%, respectively.

Meanwhile, post-harvest losses account for about 30 per cent of the total harvest in the Asia and Pacific region.

About 42 per cent of fruits and vegetables and up to 30 per cent of grains produced across the region are lost between the farm and the market caused by inadequate infrastructure such as roads, water, power, and market facili-

ties, as well as a lack of post-harvestfacilities such as pack-houses and cool and dry storage facilities; lack of dedicated transport systems for food; and poor quality bulk packaging that result in spillage and damage.

Safe, nutritious, and affordable food for all It is against this backdrop that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) is hosting a Food Security Forum on June 22-24. Taking the theme Safe, Nutritious, and Affordable Food for All to echo the inclusive nature of global food security goals, the forum will tackle transformations, trends, and future direction from food production to consumption.

At the event, partner institutions, government leaders, private sector champions, civil society organizations, experts, farmers, youth leaders, and development practitioners will discuss strategies, and share experiences and innovations to engineer new approaches and investment while consolidating the existing ones.

Sessions will tackle such major topics as the region’s agriculture transformation challenges, value chains in agribusiness, safe quality and nutrition in food, and a farmers’ roundtable. Books on Water-Saving Rice Technologies in South Asia and Improving Logistics for Perishable Agricultural

wRiTE-wiNg

Products in the People’s Republic of China will be launched.

Apart from the panels, network and partnership events, the forum will also feature a TechnoShow showcasing innovative, clever, and/or state-of-the art agricultural and food processing technologies.

Working for food security ADB has committed 2 billion dollars annually to meet the rising demand for nutritious, safe, and affordable food in Asia and the Pacific. ADB work recognizes the significant role of smallholder farmers, agribusinesses, connectivity, and value chains in advancing the food security agenda and will prioritize business approaches for sustainable and inclusive agriculture.

But this is not ignoring the need for increased productivity and reduced food losses as well as enhanced food safety, quality and nutrition to meet the growing and evolving demands of the population, while ensuring the improved management and resilience of natural resources and ecosystems.

“ADB’s support to agriculture and natural resources in the future will emphasize investing in innovative and high-level technologies, for which partnership building, experiential learning and knowledge sharing will be crucial,” said Mr. Ahmed.

“To this end, the Food Security Forum aims to be a platform to exchange knowledge and work together for safe, nutritious and affordable food for all.”

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

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

WednesdAY 29•06•2016

Morung Express Learning

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

7

Know your Districts: Kiphire Should skill development be introduced as a part of curriculum in higher education?

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nemployment and lack of skills are rising outrageously. Skill development will tardily tackle the issue of unemployment and enhance the workforce. But, introducing Skill Development as a part of the curriculum in higher education will not be feasible.

Higher education should only focus and emphasize on academics. Introducing Skill development will only jeopardise the coherence of the education system. To be precise, skill development is not a fundamental part of education. Skill development in higher education will be contrary of its nomenclature i.e. 'higher education'.

Separate centres and hubs should be opened for skill development. Training programmes, seminars etc can help promote skill development. When schools (government) can't even produce average pass percentage, the introduction of skill development will further lead to egregious results. The government's lackadaisical attitude and inept efforts will be an impediment in skill development (in higher education).

Kanili Sukhalu 3rd mile, Dimapur

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he biggest challenge confronting us is the low employability of our youths passing out of the higher education. So the introduction of skill development as a part of the curriculum will equip the youth with employable skills and knowledge and will do solve the problem of unemployment. So skill development should be introduced as a part of the curriculum in higher education.

Kerangualung Ndang Burma Camp, Dimapur

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es, skill development should be introduced as part of the curriculum in higher education because having a skill will definitely solve the problem of unemployment that we face today. A skilled person is required in any organisations or institutions.

Mapeuyile St. Paul’s Higher Secondary School, Dimapur

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bsolutely, skill development should be introduced as a part of the curriculum in higher education. The reason is because in our present society, only government job will not suffice for our people with thousands and thousands of unemployed youth. We should be taught to do things ourselves. We are mostly taught to go to schools and colleges, get a good degree and get a government job. That’s our Naga mentality. We need to change our mentality and understand that one can live a healthy and happy life provided we have the skills knowledge.

Diethozo Pfuse, Sechu-Zubza, Kohima

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es, I agree. Introducing skill development in a curriculum will benefit the students. It will enhance his/her skills and help the students to pursue their interest in the particular field and a platform for the students to put their skill into practice.

In Nagaland, where unemployment is a prevailing problem skill included in a syllabus is very necessary for Empowerment. Imparting of only formal education in a class cannot be said, as all round development unless skill is included in a curriculum. However, the government should also facilitate skill development in higher education and create an avenue for one to explore their potential.

Rachel Shúkha, Kohima

Best Comment: Diethozo Pfuse This Week Question Is Social Media creating a plagiarism problem in Nagaland?

The best comment will win a book, ‘On Being a Naga - Essays’ by Temsula Ao from Heritage Publication House, Dimapur

Location: Kiphire District having a total Area of 1,130 sq. Kms, is located in the eastern most part of the State bordering Myanmar at 25°54'North latitude and 94°47'East longitude. In terms of area, at 6.82% of the total area of Nagaland, it is the 9th biggest district of the State. It is bounded by Tuensang District in the north; Phek District in the south; Zunheboto in the west; and Myanmar in the east. Wedged between Saramati, the highest mountain in the state and the Jingkhu Mountains, Kiphire town- the district headquarter, is located at an elevation of 896.42 meters above the mean sea level.

History and people: The areas under Kiphire district were part of the 'North Eastern Frontier Agency" (NEFA) as part of the Tuensang area which remained untouched by the British colonial administration even after its neighbouring areas were subjugated during the 1920s.

Though it was included within the category of Naga tribal areas under Assam and placed under political control, practically, there was neither sign of political control nor any administration till the transfer of power in 1947.

Accordingly, an Administrative headquarter was established at Kiphire on June 16, 1952 from which the present Kiphire town took its shape. Kiphire remained under Tuensang district as an administrative sub-division till it was bifurcated from Tuensang district formally created through Government of Nagaland, transferring 7 administrative circles from Tuensang district: Seyochung; Amahator; Kiphire Sadar; Kiusam; Sitimi; Longmatra; and Pungro. It was inaugurated as the eleventh district of Nagaland on January 24, 2004. Thereafter, a new administrative circle namely, Khongsa was carved out of Pungro taking the total to 8 (eight) circles.

Kiphire is multi-ethnic in terms of its indigenous population. There are officially three recognized tribes - Sangtam, Yimchungru, and Sumi. Besides these, there are several sub-tribes speaking various languages. Owing to the many generations of co-habitation, all these ethnic and linguistic groups understand each others' language and the people often converse interchangeably.

Important festivals in the district are - Mongmong celebrated

in September by the Sangtam; Metemneo celebrated in August by the Yimchungru; and Tuluni and Ahuna celebrated in July and November respectively by the Sumi.

All the three tribal communities have close social and cultural affinity with their counterparts in the districts of Zunheboto and Tuensang. The Sangtam and the Yimchungru tribes of Kiphire and Tuensang district have a shared history and culture. Similarly, the Sumi of Kiphire district also shares similar socio-cultural ties with the Sumi of Zunheboto district.

Vital Statistics: During Census 2011, the district had 8 Administrative Circles, 1(one) Statutory Town and 96 villages, out of which 6 were uninhabited. According to Kiphire District Administration, as of September 2013, there were 79 recognised villages in Kiphire.

In terms of population, it was placed as the second least populated district in Nagaland with a total population of 74,004 persons (Males 37,830, Females 36,174), translating to total sex ratio (Number of females per 1000 males) at 956. The Density of Population (Persons per sq Km.) was 65.

The literacy rate in the district was at 69.54% with 74.88% and 63.96% for male and female respectively.

The average size of household was at 4. Pungro Hq having a population of 4744 was the village with highest population while Tsar Farm at 23 person was the village with lowest population.

Important rivers include Likhimro, Züngki, Tizü which flows into the Chindwin River in Myanmar. Other important locations include mining locations in Pokphur and adjoining areas, Fakim Wild Life Sanctuary, proposed International Trade Centre at Mimi and Likhimro Hydro Project . Blyth's Tragopan (Tragopanblythii), Hornbill, and hill peacocks are among some of the attractions of the wild life in Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary.

A number of traditional houses with stone slates which are rare sights in other parts of the State are seen in Phuvkiu, Mimi, Pongren, Phelungre and Pungro villages.

A good variety of Orchids like Blue and Red Vanda, white, red and yellow Rhododendron which are not commonly found in other parts of the State are also found in Saramati and Jingkhu mountains.

Under Pungro sub-division, there are numerous limestone caves such as in Salomi, Mimi and some other villages. Many limestone caves of the district are yet to be explored and understood. administration: The district is looked after by a Deputy Commissioner under whom there are 8(eight) administrative circles each headed by either an EAC or ADC. The administrative circles are: Kiphire Sadar, Seyochung, Amahator, Kiusam, Sitimi, Longmatra, Pungro and Khongsa. While Pungro and Seyochung are administrated under ADC, the other circles are under an EAC, except Kiphire Sadar headed by the Deputy Commissioner. The district has 3 (three) Rural Development Blocks: Sitimi, Kiphire and Pungro.

According to Nagaland Police Directory, the district has 2 police station - Kiphire P.S and Pungro P.S., while there is a police outpost at Seyochung .

Quiz #15

ParticiPate & win 1. india has successfully launched a record 20 satellites from which launch vehicle, recently?

A. PSLV C-39 B. PSLV C-34 C. PSLV C-41 D. PSLV C-37 2. The Governor of nagaland P B acharya has recently launched women helpline “181” and “SakhiOne Stop centre”, an institute that supports women affected by violence. where is it located?

A. Dimapur Hospital Dimapur B. Naga Hospital Kohima C.Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research, Dimapur D. The Directorate of Social Welfare, Kohima 3. as of now, how many countries are members of nuclear Suppliers Group (nSG)?

A. 58 B. 64 C. 48 D. 96

Flora and Fauna: Kiphire is located in one of the most geo-morphologically inter4. what is the theme of the 2016 United nations’ esting zones of the state. There (Un) international Day against Drug abuse and illicit are a number of topographical trafficking? features such as Saramati peak, [A] Listen First Stone cave in Khongjiri, Mimi and [B] Let’s develop without drugs Salomi villages which never fail to [C] Say NO to drugs amaze the visitors.

[D] Don’t drink and drive – Arrive Alive!

With the majority of the peo- Did you know? ple living in the rural villages, ag5. who won the Golden Boot award at the re•The history of apples in riculture remains the main occuThanamir dates back to 1981 cently held copa américa centenario 2016? pation of the people of the district. a) Lionel Messi when Youngphukhiung, The primary mode of agricultural b) Alexis Sanchez a GB presented wild boar practice is jhum and main crops c) Sergio Aguero meat to Assam Rifles jawans grown are largely traditional d) Eduardo Vargas posted in Thanamir, who in crops such as upland rice, maize, exchange gave him four apmillet and jobs tears and varieties in your answers to the Morung Express Office (address ples. He planted the seeds in Send given below) or email to morunglearning@gmail.com or of beans. his backyard and later disWhatsApp @ 8794005039/7085976283 With the temperature ranging tributed grafts to fellow vilfrom minimum of 2.7 degree CelAnswers to Quiz#14 lagers. Now pples are grown 1.D 2.B 3. C 4.A 5.D sius to maximum of 37.0 degree in abundance such that, 'ApCelsius, the general climatic conWinner of last week’s contest: ple Festival' has become an dition of the district is also favournsamlung, Peren Town annual fixture in Thanamir. able for horticultural farming.

Consolation prizes: Peilu Herie, Super Market, Dimapur • The Mimi and Khonjiri area is & In colder regions such as the famous for rock bee sites and Kerangualung ndang, Burma Camp, Dimapur foothills of Saramati Mountain, according to locals, there are apples are grown in abundance First Prize- Rs. 300 + T-Shirt more than 20 rock bee sites such that, 'Apple Festival' has beTwo Consolations – Rs. 100 + T-Shirt each in this side of the border with come an annual fixture in ThanaWinners may collect the prize money from The Morung a single site containing 80Express Office, H/No.4 Duncan Basti, Dimapur mir, a frontier village bordering 140 bee hives.

T-Shirt to be collected from G-Sports, Shop No 11, Joyce Myanmar. Other fruits like orSource: Census 2011, Kiphire District Complex, 2nd Gate, Chumukedima ange, mango, guava, and banana Human Development Report, Kiphire.nic.in *Winners should bring along a valid ID to claim the prizes are also grown abundantly.

“Let me take a #SeLfie” The Morung Express Learning seeks to engage, inform and create space for young people - in or outside the spectrum of formal education. It is our earnest desire for this page to be interactive as well as educative, and we sincerely seek your feedback and contribution. Send us your opinion, poems, campus news and photos or any other suggestions to morunglearning@gmail.com or Text/WhatsApp @ 8794005039/ 7085976283

NBSE informs on NSEE-II 2016

C

hairman, Nagaland Board of School Education has informed that the Nagaland State Entrance Examination (NSEE)-II 2016 will be held on the 2nd July, 2016 at the following centres.

1. Baptist High, Kohima – Roll No. 62101 -62850 2. Ministers' Hill Baptist Hr. Sec. School, Kohima – 62851 - 63293 note: I. The Provisional Admit cards shall be issued on 30th June and 1st July 2016 in the Office of the NBSE. II. Candidates are informed to collect the provisional admit card personally with proof of identity.

III. The signature in all the required places i.e. forms, counterfoil of the admit card, attendance register, etc. must tally.

IV. The examination fee of Rs.500/- (Rupees five hundred only) is to be paid during collection of admit card.

V. Admit cards will not be issued on the day of examination.

VI. Candidates are advised to visit www.nbsenagaland.com to find out their roll nos., rules and in-

An article published in the Daily Mail suggests that over 17 million selfie portraits are uploaded to social media every week. Selfies have revolutionised photography by eliminating the need of a photographer. There's absolutely no occasion for it, and no limit in frequency. Eskimos may have 50 words to describe snow, but people today have thrice as many to describe the vast range of self-portraits - the driving selfie, the morning selfie, the food selfie, the bed selfie, the sad selfie, the travel selfie, and many more. Is this a mode of free expression, or are we simply being narcissistic?

I

t’s a busy day at Dimapur. Shopkeepers are opening their stores, mothers are bargaining with unreasonable hope, and there, right in the middle of the sidewalk, two girls are staring into a phone held high and making duck faces! Welcome to our world where posing without warning and taking self-portraits in expectations of validation is the ‘in thing’! In today’s digital obsessed world, the selfie culture has ingrained into our society new dimensions of modern style and outlook.

The word ‘selfie’ has been incorporated into the Oxford English dictionary and was the ‘Word of the Year’ in 2013.

For a child, a selfie is playing with one’s expressions; for grownups, selfies are a part of daily lives. It might be a hobby or an obsession when the first thing they do in gatherings and occasions is click a selfie and upload it onto various social media for ‘likes’ and comments. It might be a celebration of friendship, reunions, achievements, or good food. Selfies are now common in our society, and for those who own a camera-phone, have taken at least one selfie, irrespective of age or gender.

The trend is particularly strong among youths. The youth today are more conscious of their looks, as evidenced by the presence of a multi-billion dollar cosmetic industry. They consider their looks

- Zujanbeni M. Lotha, assistant Professor, Department of Sociology to be important when it comes to mak- advertiser. ing friends, or impressing their romantic Selfies have their consequences, interests. Hence, youths beautify them- positive or negative, depending on how selves for their selfies. Its magnitude is individuals utilize it. Selfies used for a such that for some, a day is incomplete good cause as campaign or awareness without a selfie. Students spend much will have a good impact on the society. It of their time taking selfies editing them, is true that selfie helps boost one’s conand uploading them to Facebook and fidence to face the camera. Certainly, Instagram, while neglecting their studies it is not abnormal to take selfies, but to and distancing themselves from actual take selfies compulsively is abnormal. conversations with people. I see people Uploading ‘unpresentable’ images can erroneously preoccupied with the ‘likes’ never be equated with ratiocination. and ‘comments’ from people they do not Some selfie users even invaded dourly know. People are obsess over their selfies places and funerals, which is not rational so much so that they begin to compare at all. Even the style, the place, and the themselves with models and celebrities angle of selfies, experts assert, can disthey see on copious media outlets. Such close various secrets of a person’s perunhealthy and unrealistic comparisons sonality. They say the facial expressions, afflict especially the precarious teenag- emotions, and other personality secrets ers with depression, anxieties, and other could be judged through selfies. If a perpsychological maladies. son looks happy and is smiling in a selfEach time we face the lens, we are ie, he or she is likely to be kind hearted conscious of our looks, and everyone and co-operative. People who take selfwants to give their best pose and smile, ies below their face are able to adjust yet how conscious are we of our decen- themselves in any kinds of circumstanccy? While selfies, in a way, indicate fast es. Similarly, people who take selfies in advancing and modernised lifestyle, it public places, experts argue, are honest. can also tarnish one’s image if not used Hence, let us be mindful of what we are wisely. Dinners, dates, shopping, and doing. Moreover, people taking selfies even sleeping is documented via self- are more interested in taking selfies than ies. People obsessed with selfies tend to in heart-to-heart interaction with anothbe narrow-minded and selfish, as their er human being. The values of human reprimary focus is only on their own self. lations among persons have weakened.

Nothing is as low and pitiable as selfAs a person, I am not a fan of tak-

ing selfies. Why do I need to constantly boost my ego by taking high angle photographs while distorting my face? Why do I need to hide my chin fat? I am happy with the way I look, and I don’t need others to ‘like’ and validate my looks. Let us not be easily carried away by vanity.

Instead, live free, healthy, and do something meaningful for the society. If one is not happy with the way one looks, remember we are all wonderfully created

by God. It is not our task to add or subtract anything from the perfect masterpiece of our Creator. And if one is not satisfied with one’s bodily features, it might be time to put one’s phone down. Remember, we are not too weak to be controlled by technologies invented by us.

Selfies are fun, let it be decent.It is a hobby, let’s know the limitto sharing decent and admirable pictures. Let’s use selfies in a better way and not commercialize ourselves for the ‘likes’ and ‘comments’ of virtual friends.Let not this culture lead us away from our cultural heritage of being social.

“Degree of Thought is a weekly community column initiated by Tetso College in partnership with The Morung Express. Degree of Thought delves into the social, cultural, political and educational issues around us. The views expressed here do not reflect the opinion of the institution. Tetso College is a NAAC Accredited UGC recognised Commerce and Arts College. The editors are Dr. Hewasa Lorin, Anjan Behera, Nivibo Yiki, Kvulo Lorin and Dr. Salikyu Sangtam. For feedback or

8

WednesdAY 29•06•2016

INDIA

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

In June, 7 drought-hit states short of water Abhishek Waghmare IANS/India Spend

Of 11 states ravaged by drought in 2016, seven - Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Telangana - had less than average water in their reservoirs in June.

Levels in dam reservoirs were no more than 10 per cent of capacity for four of the 11 states as June ended, according to the data with the Central Water Commission. This is despite the fact that eight of the 11 had average rainfall in June; rains were 30 per cent short of the average normal in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha and Maharashtra.

Telangana's reservoirs are at two per cent of capacity, Maharashtra’s at 5.6 percent and Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka at 9.5 per cent, which means South Central India is particularly short on water. Maharashtra, with a 33 per cent deficit in June rainfall, was the worst-hit state at the end of June.

The situation in 2016 is a reminder of the 2009 drought that wreaked havoc with India’s economy by pushing inflation to double digits. But much will depend, experts said, on how the monsoon progresses over the next three months.

Residents climb a government-run water tanker with plastic hoses in Masurdi village, in Latur recently. (REUTERS Photo)

Although reasonable rainfall was reported from Maharashtra’s central and southeastern Marathwada region, a traditionally drought-prone area, reservoir levels remain at one per cent of capacity - as they have been since a month - an unprecedented situation.

Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh were four of 11 drought-hit states that reported more-than-average water in their reservoirs.

The southwest monsoon hit India eight days late, breaking over Kerala on June 8, 2016, instead of June 1. It reached Mumbai on June 20, 10 days later than it usually does.

Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh received more than average June rainfall till June 23, according to India Meteorological Department data.

While monsoon rains are underway in southern and eastern India, and most of the central

plains, Gujarat and Rajasthan have got little or no rain.

Despite higher-than-average rainfall in June 2015, all states reported uniform shortfalls over the 2015 monsoon season, indicating that June rainfall is not a harbinger of what might happen.

If the two water indicators reservoir levels and rainfall (in June) - are taken together, Maharashtra, as we said, is the worstaffected state in India.

Andhra Pradesh and Karna-

taka, both equally affected by the drought and with water in their reservoirs at less than 10 percent, have benefitted from above-normal June rainfall. Lowest water levels in Maharashtra reservoirs in eight years: Govt While the CWC data covers only major reservoirs in Maharashtra, the state government water resources department puts water levels in Maharashtra dams at nine per cent of capacity, the lowest in eight years.

June rainfall in 2014 was a fourth of the average; in 2016, it was half of that. The northern and eastern areas of the state, the Vidarbha region, were worst hit in 2009, sparking a wave of farmer suicides.

“If we consider the fourmonth rainfall - June, July, August and September - as important for agriculture, a delayed monsoon will undoubtedly reduce the June rainfall,” Ranjan Kelkar, former Director General of India Meteorological Department (IMD) told IndiaSpend. “That tells us nothing about rainfall in the remaining three months; it all depends on how strong the coming monsoon winds are.”

In April, the Met forecast above-average monsoon rainfall for the June to September 2016 season, standing by its forecast in June. As Kelkar said, it all depends on the next three months.

'262 new faunal species Modi govt has let down country on all fronts: Cong new Delhi, june 28 (iAnS): to improve the situation and said, Modi government," he added. discovered in India in 2015' The Azad also accused the central Congress on Tuesday asserted "They have allowed the situation to KolKAtA, june 28 (iAnS): India has enriched the faunal biodiversity of the world with the discovery of 262 new species in 2015 while 105 species were recorded in the country for the first time, a Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) official said here on Tuesday. "The 262 species are new discovery to India and new to science as well. As many as 105 were found in other countries but were recorded for the first time in India in 2015 (January to December). The realised diversity including the new discoveries is 97,515," said ZSI director Kailash Chandra. Out of these, 70 species were discovered by ZSI scientists in 2015. "From 1975 to 1985, the number of discoveries was maximum. Earlier, there were more than 100 discoveries by ZSI scientists per year and number of scientists was also more. Now we have 80 people, earlier there used to be 120 to 130," said Chandra. A book documenting the new species would be launched by Union Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Prakash Javadekar here on July 1.

that the Narendra Modi government has let down the country on all fronts.

"The state of violence in Jammu and Kashmir is same as it was in 1990s. Cross-border infiltration and ceasefire violations have increased manifold in the last two years," Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad said, addressing a press conference here.

Azad said violence in Kashmir had dipped when he was the Chief Minister of the state in 2008 and even praised former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for keeping a check on cross-border terrorism. He accused the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government of failing

worsen".

Azad said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has toured the world but India has not benefitted from his foreign policy.

"The price of pulses had risen to Rs 60 a kg from Rs 40 kg (during UPA rule) but Modi had made a huge hue and cry over food inflation. Now prices of pulses have touched Rs 200 a kg from Rs 60. Is there no inflation now," asked Azad, attacking the Modi government's economic policy.

"They had said they would produce two crore jobs a year and promote small scale industries at the village level. Where has all that gone? Unemployment has only increased under the

government of lying to the nation on the GST bill. "The government has never brought the bill in the Rajya Sabha. Where is the question of blocking it? They had brought it in Lok Sabha where they are in majority. Our strength is limited there.

How can they say then that we have blocked it," Azad said.

He said the opposition had stopped parliament from transacting business as they had raised the issue of Public Distribution System (PDS) scam that had hit Chhattisgarh. He added that the Modi government has fallen flat on all the promises it had made to the people during its first six months.

Malegaon blast: Sadhvi Pragya's bail plea rejected Hizb commander who blasted Some of the witnesses, whose Kashmir telecom towers killed statements were used to impli-

Sadhvi Pragya. (File Photo)

MuMBAi, june 28 (Pti): A special NIA court today rejected the bail application of 2008 Malegoan blast accused Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur who had been given a clean chit by the probe agency last month.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had also not opposed her bail application.

Special Judge S D Tekale re-

jected the bail plea in an in-camera hearing.

In her application, Pragya had contended that there was no evidence against her.

Though the motorcycle used in the blast was owned by her, according to one of the witnesses, it was in the possession of Ramchandra Kalsangra, an absconding accused, she had said.

cate her, later retracted and filed complaints of torture by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), her plea said.

Earlier, the central agency, in its charge sheet filed on May 13, had dropped all the charges against Pragya and five others, citing lack of evidence.

Nisar Ahmed Sayyed Bilal, who was among those injured in the blast, had filed an intervention application and opposed her plea.

Seven people were killed in the blast at Malegaon, a predominantly Muslim town in north Maharashtra, on September 29, 2008.

Pragya was charged by the Maharashtra ATS in 2009 saying it was her motorcycle that was used to plant the bomb.

Don't throw tantrum after NSG setback: Chinese daily Beijing, june 28 (iAnS): A Chinese daily on Tuesday urged India not to throw tantrum after failing to join the NSG and said Western adulation had made New Delhi "a bit smug in international affairs".

The Global Times said in a hard hitting editorial that at least 10 countries, not just China, had opposed India's attempt to become a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) at Seoul last week.

It said India wanted to be the first exception to join the NSG without signing the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and this was what China and other countries did not agree to.

"However, Indian public opinion has reacted quite strongly," said the Global Times, which is known to reflect the views of the Chinese Communist leadership.

"US backing adds the biggest impetus to India's ambition. By cosying up to India, Washington's India policy actually serves the purpose of containing China," it said.

"The US is not the whole world. Its endorsement does not mean India has won the backing of the world. This basic fact, however, has been ignored by India."

Saying some Indian accusations do not make any sense, it said New Delhi's reaction seemed to indicate their national interests can override principles recog-

nized by the world.

"Recent years have seen the Western world giving too many thumbs up to India, but thumbs down to China. India is spoiled.

"Although (India's) GDP accounts for only 20 per cent of that of China, it is still a golden boy in the eyes of the West, having a competitive edge and more potential compared to China.

"The international 'adulation' of India makes the country a bit smug in international affairs...

"Some Indians are too self-centered and self-righteous. On the contrary, the Indian government behaves decently and is willing to communicate. Throwing a tantrum won't be an option for New Delhi."

The Global Times pointed out that on Monday the Missile Technology Control Regime absorbed India as a new member and denied China's access.

"The news didn't even make a ripple among the Chinese public. The Chinese have become more mature in dealing with these setbacks caused by international relations.

"India's nationalists should learn how to behave themselves. Now that they wish their country could be a major power, they should know how major powers play their game.

SrinAgAr, june 28 (iAnS): In a major setback to the Hizbul Mujahideen terror outfit, security forces on Tuesday killed one of its top commanders who was wanted for last year's attacks on communication towers in Jammu and Kashmir and many other terror-related cases, officials said.

The killing triggered violent protests in Sopore, to which he belonged.

Police said Sameer Wani was shot dead after security forces surrounded a house in Nagri village in Kupwara district, some 100 km from here, after information that some militants were hiding there.

A police officer told IANS that security forces came under heavy fire from the hideout, leading to fighting that left Wani, the Hizb divisional commander for north

Kashmir, dead.

Police alleged that Wani was wanted for his involvement in dozens of attacks in Jammu and Kashmir and had unleashed a reign of terror last year after masterminding strikes on communication towers and their owners to cripple cellphone services in the state.

The attacks on cell phone towers were claimed by a littleknown militant outfit, Lashkar-eIslam. Police said that Wani, who had earned a nickname "tower hunter", had set up the group as an offshoot of Hizbul Mujahideen.

The Hizbul Mujahideen had then denied any involvement and blamed security agencies for the attacks that had caused severe disruption of cellphone services in parts of the Kashmir Valley.

NATION Briefs Air India offers seats at same fare as Rajdhani Express new Delhi, june 28 (iAnS): Air India on Tuesday said it will offer 'Super Fares' seats to those who are unable to get confirmed bookings on Rajdhani Express at a price equivalent to first class seats in the train. "Under the (Super fares) scheme, passengers can book the tickets four hours prior to the flight departure at a fare which is equivalent to that of Rajdhani Express (1A)," it said in a statement.The airline said passengers can avail an all-inclusive economy class one way fare on select domestic routes from June 26 to September 30.

The airline said thousands of passengers are unable to get confirmed tickets due to non-availability of seats.

"We will bridge this gap as passengers can book the tickets through Air India booking offices or from www. airindia.com and reach their destination at the same cost of Rajdhani Express, but in much lesser time," the airline said. While booking the tickets through Air India website, customers need to apply promo code 'SPOT', it said.

Cabinet likely to take up 7 pay panel report today th

new Delhi, june 28 (iAnS): The union cabinet is likely to discuss the 7th Pay Commission recommendations on Wednesday, government sources said.

The recommendations will result in a hike in salaries of nearly 50 lakh central government employees and payouts of 58 lakh pensioners. The government set up an Empowered Committee of Secretaries under Cabinet Secretary P.K. Sinha in January to look into the pay commission recommendations. The committee has since submitted its report to the Finance Ministry, Finance Secretary Ashok Lavasa said on Monday, adding the ministry will draft a cabinet note based on the report. The commission has recommended a minimum pay of Rs 18,000 per month, fixed an upper ceiling at Rs 2,25,000 per month for Apex Scale and Rs 2,50,000 per month for Cabinet Secretary and others at present at the same pay level. The date of implementation for the recommendations is January 1, 2016.

Black money window will not be extended: Jaitley new Delhi, june 28 (iAnS): Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Tuesday made it amply clear that the window to disclose unaccounted wealth will not be extended beyond the four month period, ending on September 30. "(We) will not extend compliance. This is a last chance for people to declare their unaccounted income. Government will run it as a mission. Later whoever will come under the purview of the law, will have to bear consequences,” Jaitley told reporters after meeting representatives of trade and industry and professional bodies like the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, Institute of Company Secretaries of India, Delhi Tax Bar, etc. to discuss the compliance window. The one-time compliance window - Income Declaration Scheme (IDS) 2016 - opened from June 1 till September 30, as mentioned earlier by the finance minister in the Union Budget.

Religious lessons, Gita to be taught in Haryana schools ChAnDigArh, june 28 (Pti): Teachings of other religions along with Bhagavad Gita will be taught in state-run schools in Haryana in the current academic session, Haryana government said today after it had faced flak from opposition parties over its proposal to introduce the book in the curriculum. "A book, which will include a chapter on 'Gita', will be rolled out on July 5 in Kurukshetra," Gurgaon-based State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) Director Sneh Lata said. "The book in Hindi will have one chapter on Gita," she said, adding that the teachings of other religions including Islam, Christianity have also been included. The lessons of Gita and other books of other religions will be meant for students studying in class six and above. Earlier, the BJP government in the state had proposed to introduce Bhagavad Gita in school curriculum in the state as part of moral education but faced criticism from various quarters including from some opposition parties which had charged the government with "saffronisation the education system"

Much achieved but India yet to bridge gaps in education: UnIcef

new Delhi, june 28 (iAnS): Sixty-nine million children under age five will die from mostly preventable causes, 167 million children will live in poverty, and 750 million women will have been married as children by 2030 across the globe if current trends continue, a Unicef report released on Tuesday warned.

Notably, the year 2030 has been set the target date for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The State of the World's Children, Unicef's annual flagship report, portrays a grim picture of what is in store for the world's poorest children if governments, donors, businesses and international organisations do not accelerate efforts to address their needs.

"We have a choice: Invest in these children now or allow our world to become still more unequal and divided," said Unicef Executive Director Anthony Lake.

In the Indian context, the report focused on education. It noted that India has achieved much,

particularly in ensuring children's access to school through the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and implementation of the Right to Education Act. The number of out-of-school children between 6 to 13 years has come down from approximately eight million in 2009 to six million in 2014.

Yet challenges remain, it said.

Releasing the report, Unicef Representative in India LouisGeorges Arsenault said, "The early years are foundational and chil-

dren who start behind stay behind."

"There are long-term consequences, particularly for the most marginalised children, when they enter school without a quality preschool education. The gaps between disadvantaged children and other children become harder to bridge at later points in their education," he added.

In India, the highest percentage of children not attending pre-school education is from the

Muslim community (34 per cent), followed by Hindus at 25.9 per cent, the report showed.

"In India, out of the 74 million children between 3-6 years, about 20 million were not attending any preschool education in 2014, and it is the children from the poorest families and marginalised communities who are often left behind," the report said.

The report pointed to the evidence that investing in the most vulnerable children can yield immediate and long-term benefits.

"On average, each additional year of education a child receives increases his or her adult earnings by about 10 per cent. And for each additional year of schooling completed, on average, by young adults in a country, that country's poverty rates fall by nine per cent," it said.

The release of the report saw participation of senior officials of the Ministry of Human Resource Development, the Ministry of Women and Child Development, other central ministries, academics, and civil society activists.

WednesdAY 29•06•2016

WORLD

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

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USA to downgrade Myanmar in annual human trafficking report WASHINGTON/YANGON, JuNe 28 (ReuTeRS): The United States has decided to place Myanmar on its global list of worst offenders in human trafficking, officials said, a move aimed at prodding the country’s new democratically elected government and its still-powerful military to do more to curb the use of child soldiers and forced labour.

The reprimand of Myanmar comes despite U.S. efforts to court the strategically important country to help counteract China’s rise in the region and build a Southeast Asian bulwark against Beijing’s territorial assertiveness in the South China Sea. Myanmar’s demotion, part of the State Department’s closely watched annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report due to be released on Thursday, also appears intended to send a message of U.S. concern about continued widespread persecution of the Rohingya Muslim minority in the Buddhist-majority nation.

The country’s new leader, democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi, has been criticized internationally for neglecting the Rohingya issue since her administration took office this year. Washington has faced a complex balancing act over Myanmar, a former military dictatorship that has emerged from decades of international isolation since launching sweeping political changes in 2011.

President Barack Obama’s diplomatic opening to Myanmar is widely seen as a key foreign policy

Suu Kyi calls for establishing federal union in Myanmar

Child-soldiers of the Mong Tai Army (MTA), drug warlord Khun Sa’s army, during tough training with their commander.

achievement as he enters his final seven months in office, but even as he has eased some sanctions he has kept others in place to maintain leverage for further reforms.

At the same time, Washington wants to keep Myanmar from slipping back into China’s orbit at a time when U.S. officials are trying to forge a unified regional front.

The U.S. decision to drop Myanmar to “Tier 3,” the lowest grade, putting it alongside countries like Iran, North Korea and Syria, was confirmed by a U.S. official in Washington and a Bangkok-based official from an international organization

informed of the move. Another person familiar with the matter said: “I’m not going to turn you away from this conclusion.” All spoke on condition of anonymity.

A Tier 3 rating can trigger sanctions limiting access to U.S. and international aid. But U.S. presidents frequently waive such action.

The decision on Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, was one of the most hotly contested in this year’s report, and followed concerns that some assessments in last year’s human trafficking report were watered down for political reasons.

There was intense internal debate between senior U.S. diplomats who

wanted to reward Myanmar for progress on political reforms and U.S. human rights experts who argued that not enough was being done to curb human trafficking, the U.S. official said.

A Reuters investigation published last August found that senior diplomats repeatedly overruled the State Department’s anti-trafficking unit and inflated the grades of 14 strategically important countries. The State Department denied any political considerations but U.S. lawmakers called for reforms in the decisionmaking process.

This year’s decision on Myanmar marked a win for

the State Department’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, which was set up to independently grade countries’ efforts to prevent modern slavery, such as the illegal trade in humans for forced labour or prostitution.

Because Myanmar had been on the so-called “Tier 2 Watch List” for the maximum four years permitted by law, the State Department either had to justify an upgrade or else automatically downgrade it. A Tier 3 ranking means that anti-trafficking efforts do not meet “minimum standards” and it is “not making significant efforts to do so.”

State Department

NAY PYI TAW, JuNe 28 (IANS): Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi on Tuesday invited all nationalities residing in the country to establish a genuine federal union, saying it is the sole aim of the new government. Meeting with a peace process leading group in Nay Pyi Taw, Suu Kyi expressed belief that if working for peace actively, the group would undoubtedly overcome the matter of worry, inviting all stakeholders to help establish the union with trust and respect, XInhua news agency reported.

“Myanmar can only develop when there is peace and it should explore a way of peace based on unity,” she said, adding that “the country will prosper only when peace is achieved”. Present at the event were Border Affairs Minister Lt. Gen. Ye Aung, Minister of the Office of the State Counsellor U Kyaw Tint Swe, and Chairman of the Preparatory Committee for holding the 21st Century Panglong Ethnic Conference Dr Tin Myo Win on the government side, while the ethnic peace group included seven armed groups led by Saw Mutu Sae Poe of the Kayin National Union. According to U Hla Maung Shwe, secretary of the Panglong Conference Preparatory Committee, both sides proposed that the conference should start before August-end without delay, inclusive of non-ceasefire-signatory armed groups. spokesman John Kirby said: “We will not comment on the contents of this year’s report until after the report is released.”

CHILD SOLDIERS Deliberations on Myanmar’s record focused heavily on efforts to halt the military’s recruitment and use of child soldiers as well as forced labour, especially the coercion of local villagers to perform some work. Such practices have been documented by international human rights groups and are also outlined in last year’s State Department report.

A key issue that the U.S. administration considered before Myanmar’s down-

grade was alleged government complicity in human trafficking, including its failure to prosecute any civilian officials for their involvement in it, according to the person familiar with the situation. While the Myanmar military is credited with significant progress toward curbing the use of child soldiers, such as allowing international inspections of military bases, there was no indication the problem had been completely eradicated as the U.S. anti-trafficking office had urged, the source said.Human rights groups had lobbied U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry against upgrading Myanmar, say-

ing it would be unearned.

The diplomatic blow to Myanmar’s government could be softened by the fact that the TIP report covered efforts during the year ending in March, under the previous administration of former junta general Thein Sein. Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace laureate, assumed her government role in April, after her party won the country’s first democratic elections in five decades.

But with the generals still controlling three security ministries and holding a lock on 25 percent of seats in parliament, U.S. officials grappled with whether a downgrade could undermine cooperation from the military against human trafficking.

For her part, Suu Kyi has recently unsettled U.S. officials by calling on them not to use the term “Rohingya” to refer to the Muslim minority in the country’s north. Many in Myanmar refer to them as “Bengalis,” insinuating that they are stateless illegal immigrants.

The United States has urged Myanmar to treat them as citizens. The 2015 TIP report highlighted that the government’s denial of citizenship to an estimated 800,000 men, women and children in Burma -- the majority of them ethnic Rohingya -- “significantly increased this population’s vulnerability to trafficking”.

“The chronic, chronic abuse of the Rohingya has not been dealt with at all,” a U.S. congressional aide said, suggesting support on Capitol Hill for a downgrade this year.

‘Clinton & Trump remain nfavourable nationally’ Dramatic inequality among world’s poorest, richest children: UNICEF WASHINGTON, JuNe 28 (IANS): Both US’ presumptive presidential nominees Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are gaining steam among their own parties, but remain unfavorable nationally, a poll issued on Monday found.

According to the poll conducted by researchbased, global performancemanagement firm Gallup, since clinching the Democratic nomination earlier this month, Clinton’s favourable rating among Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents has been up slightly to 71 per cent, compared with 68 per cent in April and May, Xinhua news agency reported.

At the same time, Trump’s favourable rating among Republicans averaged to 64 per cent in June,

the same as in May but higher than the 54 per cent to 56 per cent in the three prior months, the poll found.

Despite steady or even sagging ratings nationally, Trump and Clinton have begun the process of repairing their images within their own parties as they prepare to officially receive their nominations at their respective conventions in July, it said.

While Clinton may have earned a bump from clinching the Democratic nomination, she has not built on that in the following weeks, perhaps because of her rival Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders’ reluctance to withdraw from the race.

Trump, on the other hand, has picked up some additional steam among Republicans in June. It will be important

to see if Trump can hold or build on his improved status among Republicans into July, the poll said.

Still, Clinton and Trump, who are the least favourable presidential candidates in decades, have each lost ground among independents who lean toward neither party.

Because of this, the candidates’ national favourable ratings have stayed still or declined slightly, despite recent improved ratings from their own parties, it said.

Clinton’s overall favourable rating since clinching the nomination has averaged 41 per cent, nearly matching her 40 per cent in May but down slightly from 44 per cent in January.

Trump’s average 31 per cent thus far in June compares with 32 per cent in May and 34 per cent in January.

NeW YORK, JuNe 28 (THOMSON ReuTeRS FOuNdATION): The number of children who do not attend school is rising, child marriage has not dropped in decades and millions of young children will die mostly preventable deaths by 2030 if global poverty is not addressed, UNICEF said in a bleak report issued on Tuesday.

Poor children are twice as likely as rich children to die before age 5, and poor girls are more than twice as likely to become child brides in signs of troubling inequality, said the annual report by the United Nations’ children’s agency.

Noting some progress in halving global mortality rates for children under 5 since 1990 and boys and girls attending primary school in equal numbers in 129 countries, the report said such developments have been neither even nor fair, with repercussions for global turmoil.

“Some of the big challenges that we now face, like refugees and migrants, are connected with inequality and poverty,” Justin Forsyth, Undine’s deputy executive director, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. Narrowing that inequity “is good for those children, but it’s also good to stop future crises,” he said.

The report called for stronger efforts to educate the world’s children, noting that on average each additional year of education a child receives increases her or his adult earnings by about 10%.

Also it said for each additional year of schooling completed on average by young adults, a nation’s poverty rate drops 9%.

The rate of child marriages among the world’s poorest girls has remained unchanged since about 1990, and 15 million girls are married as children every year, it said. If nothing is done, it said 69 million children will die before age 5 from mostly pre-

A young Ethiopian boy receives medical treatment for malnutrition.

ventable causes by 2030.

Nine out of 10 children in the same region will be living in extreme poverty, which means living on less than $1.90 U.S. per day, it said. Battling such poverty and equality and promoting education for children, particularly girls, were among the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, a set of 17 goals adopted last fall

South China Sea reefs decimated as giant clams harvested in bulk TANMeN, JuNe 28 (ReuTeRS): Ornaments made from the shells of endangered giant clams, renowned in China for having auspicious powers and the lustre of ivory, have become coveted luxuries, a trend which has wreaked havoc on the ecosystem of the South China Sea. China banned harvesting of giant clams last year but in the tiny seaside town Tanmen on the southern island of Hainan, most stores still sell products made from the over four-footwide shells.

The once sleepy fishing village has transformed over the past three years to harvest clams on an industrial scale. There are around 460 handicraft retailers, compared to 15 in 2012, with the industry now supporting around 100,000 people.

The price of giant clams has risen 40-fold over the past five years, while the plundering of the seabed has led to severe degradation of the reefs, scientists

Ornaments made from giant clam shells are seen inside a store in the seaside town of Tanmen in China’s Hainan province on May 10. (REUTERS File Photo)

and academics said.

“With rising tensions in the South China Sea, Tanmen fishermen’s important role in strengthening China’s claims in the disputed waters and supporting the People’s Liberation Army navy are recognised by the Chinese government,” said Zhang Hongzhou, an asso-

ciate research fellow at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.

“As a result, authorities have turned a blind eye.”

China claims almost the whole South China Sea, setting it at odds with rival claims from its Southeast Asian neighbours, including the Philippines. The

region accounts for more than a tenth of global fisheries production.

The Qionghai government, which looks after Tanmen, announced in March 2015 that it would strictly enforce the ban on digging, carrying and selling of endangered marine species including the giant clams.

“The government is enforcing the ban,” said Zhang Hongying, an official at the Qionghai government foreign affairs office. Another official called Zhao said the authorities were not doing anything to support the industry.

“If the business is legal, our government won’t stop people doing it,” he said.

“But there’s no government file saying that we are going to do something to promote the shell industry.”

Fishermen said they had not been allowed to dig for clams since last year, while shop keepers said new supply remained tight.

To harvest the clams, the entire reef has to be dug up, said Neo Mei Lin, a marine biologist at the National University of Singapore.

“What used to be really good coral reefs in there have definitely been decimated over the last two to three years,” Lin said.

Tanmen fishermen’s income has more than tripled over the last three years, according to media, while the

town has urbanized rapidly with neatly paved roads and modern buildings.

“I think the Hainanese have essentially taken out all the giant clam shells from the South China Sea, dead or alive,” said Ed Gomez, a senior adviser at the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute.

But during a recent visit to Tanmen, stores lining the harbour promenade were mostly empty. Many retailers said business had dropped since April due to China’s tough economic climate and soaring temperatures.

“There are no tourists at the moment. We have to wait until September,” said Yu Guo, owner of Xianyu Xuan craft store. Yu, from Beijing, came to Tanmen to buy property four years ago and set up the store with a local partner as the economy boomed.

“In the good times, we could earn 10 million yuan ($1.52 million) per month,” he said.

to tackle an array of global woes by 2030.

Educating children is particularly critical given the global conflicts fueled by decimalization, Forsyth added. “There is a direct link between children for many, many years missing out on education and then the ability of more extremist elements to organize,” he said.

Texting on smartphones can alter your brain rhythm LONdON, JuNe 28 (IANS): Sending text messages on a smartphone or iPad can change the rhythm of brain waves in humans -- a finding that has significant implications for brain-computer interfacing, gaming and driving. People communicate increasingly via text messaging, though little is known on the neurological effects of smartphone use.

To find out more about how our brains work during textual communication using smartphones, a team led

by Mayo Clinic researcher William Tatum analysed data from 129 patients. Their brain waves were monitored over a period of 16 months through electroencephalograms (EEGs) combined with video footage.

Dr Tatum found a unique ‘texting rhythm’ in approximately one in five patients who were using their smartphone to text message while having their brain waves monitored. “We believe this new rhythm is an objective metric of the brain’s ability to process non-verbal information during use of electronic devices and that it is heavily connected to a widely distributed network augmented by attention or emotion,” Dr Tatum commented.

The researchers asked patients to perform activities such as message texting, finger tapping and audio cellular telephone use in addition to tests of attention and cognitive function. Only text messaging produced the newly observed brain rhythm, which was different than any previously described brain rhythm.

The unicity of the texting rhythm compared to other forms of mental stimulation could be caused by the combination of mental activity with motor and auditory-verbal neurological activity. The researchers hypothesised that the presence of a different brain wave rhythm while using mobile, handheld devices might be caused by their smaller screens, which require more concentration.

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wednesdAY 29•06•2016

SPORTS/Public diScOuRSe

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

MTBA YD sports meet underway

MOKOKCHUNG, JUNE 28 (MExN): The Arkong Youth Fellowship, Mokokchung Town Baptist Church Youth Department annual sports meet got underway here today at the Assam Rifles ground, Mokokchung. As part of the meet, an exhibition football match was played between Arkong YF seniors led by Aongsen Aier and rest of MTBA YD led by Temnameren, Youth Evangelist that also featured three MTBA associate pastors and three full time workers. The match went in favour of the Youth Evangelist’s side with the scoreline standing at 4-3.

Earlier, the inaugural programme of the sports meet was chaired by Arkong YF chairman Temjentoshi while former Arkong YF leader Limalenden Longkumer delivered a short Winners of the 2nd JK Tyre DMSC Autocross held from June 23 to 25. The event attracted 68 speech based on 2 Timothy 2:5. The two-day sports meet will participants from all over the North East region. see Arkong YF members divided into two groups and competThe teams that played in Arkong Youth Fellowship, Mokokchung Town Baptist Church ing against each other in five sporting disciplines as well as a couple of exhibition football matches.

Youth Department annual sports meet in Mokokchung on June 28.

NEw DElHi, JUNE 28 (iANS): Days felt disrespected by Ganguly's behaviour after he was overlooked for the Indian and advised him not to repeat such things cricket team's head coach's job, a "disap- in the future.

"Nothing surprises me in Indian cricket pointed" Ravi Shastri on Tuesday lashed anymore. A member of the committee (Ganout at Sourav Ganguly for skipping his inThe Daily Mail's Martin SamulONDON, JUNE 28 (REU- only "embarrassing" but also "the going to be a deeper trauma. This terview, and accused the former skipper of guly) wasn't present and that was disrespectone came in the era of the Premier el described the loss as a "seismic being 'disrespectful'. tERS): England's soccer journal- ultimate humiliation." ful to the selection process," Shastri said.

Many referred to England's League as global industry." wave" for English soccer and felt ists left their readers with no illu"A person was disrespectful of a canGanguly, one of the members of the The Guardian's Daniel Taylor that Hodgson probably should have Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) also didate who he was going to interview. He sions on Tuesday after their side's shock 1-0 loss to the United States Euro 2016 hopes were crushed by in the 1950 World Cup in Brazil in also compared Monday's result to been sacked after the side's group comprising Sachin Tendulkar, V.V.S. Lax- was disrespectful to the job he was enIceland, describing the 2-1 loss as their post-match reports, though the 1950 loss in Belo Horizonte and phase exit at the 2014 World Cup. man and co-ordinator Sanjay Jagdale, was trusted with." they felt the result in Nice would suggested England's allusions to be"What a waste the last two years entrusted with the responsibility of interthe worst in their history.

"Next time, be present in a meeting, Goals from Ragnar Sigurdsson now surpass that as their worst in ing one of the powerhouses of world have been," Samuel wrote. "Hodg- viewing the 21 shortlisted candidates for especially when it is as important as this soccer now needed to be questioned. son should have gone in 2014, the top job, for which Shastri was one of one," the former Indian team director adand Kolbeinn Sigthorsson were international soccer.

"This was England's most hu"Hodgson's reign will be de- when England lasted two matches the front-runners. enough to lead the tiny nation to vised the Bengal southpaw.

Shastri, however, refused to criticise a quarter-final clash with hosts miliating night in international fined by a result comparable to at the World Cup. He wasn't the During Shastri's interview process, France, with the loss costing Eng- football: far worse than the 1950 losing to the United States in the man then, he isn't the man now.

Ganguly, who is also the Cricket Associa- the process and said he did what was ex"There has been much talk of tion of Bengal (CAB) President, was out for pected of him. I had a job to do which was land manager Roy Hodgson his job. World Cup defeat to the USA in 1950 World Cup," Taylor wrote.

British media held nothing Belo Horizonte," Paul Hayward "The now-familiar inquest will be- progress, promise and a strong a meeting which miffed the former Mum- to apply for the job and appear for the interview. I don't have to say anything about gin again in a country that likes to culture of responsibility, but under bai all-rounder. back on Tuesday with the head- wrote in The Telegraph.

Shastri said he was disappointed and the process."

"Defeat here in Nice was always see itself as football royalty." pressure, that all evaporated." lines proclaiming the loss as not

Ganguly was disrespectful: Shastri

British media call Iceland loss worst in English history

What Is Ailing Nagaland?

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agaland has been ailing with multifaceted problems. The pitiable state of affairs we are in may perhaps be credited to the following; The different faction that has crept up in Nagaland over the past many years in the name of national cause has crippled our society. Factionalism is a threat to Naga unity/nationalism and pathway to self destruction. It has given space to anti-social elements to breed. Several members of different faction are more into anti-social activities than for the national cause. Of course many have sacrificed their lives for the cause of ‘FATHERLAND’, but the selfishness and ever insatiable greed’s of some national workers have overshadowed the selfless sacrifice made by their comrades. These people indulge in “forceful extortion” and are a grave threat to our society. There remains not a single area that is outside the jurisdiction of their extortion. They are one barrier that has ailed and paralysed the progress of our state.

So, can we blame the national workers alone for the poor shape of our state??? What about our politicians??? Our politicians are even more corrupt and selfish. They forget that they have been elected by the people to serve them. They come begging for votes during elections making unrealistic promises, giving commitments only to leave us high and dry. They think that the funds meant for development belongs to them and takes full advantage of their tenure in power for their personal gain and hence, “opportune extortion”. It has been more than 50 years of statehood and had our dear politicians fulfilled at least 50% of their unrealistic promises, Nagaland would have been much better than what it is now. But unfortunately, Nagaland remains undeveloped due to lackadaisical attitude of our dear politicians. The so called agents of change have become the agents of destructions. The power hungry and money mongering so called political leaders of ours have exploited us to the maximum to their individual benefits. Successive government have betrayed the hopes and aspirations of people of the state with the exception of the present government.

By using the word exception, I do not intend the government of the day is doing well; it is still early to judge them and so must be given enough time to prove their worth before writing them off.

Our bureaucrats, the silent killers, wash their hands off by blaming the UGs and politicians for the mess and express their helplessness, but what the hell are they doing because all the works, proposals and final implementation is being carried out through them. So, who shuts their mouth???

I am sure money and favour can always silence many and that is “disguise extortion”. Dear Sir, do not get confused here because you are also faring in the same boat with your friends, ‘The UGs’ and your masters, ‘The POLITICIANS’, in fact you are the driver. The so called officers (nagas) in Nagaland are best known for their egoistic and respect commanding nature. I bet you will never get your work done in time without pleasing them. Respect is earned and not commanded, dear Sir. We are done with the colonial era; always remember sir, you are now into the 21st century so please adapt accordingly even if you do not belong here. I don’t understand why many officers in Nagaland, whenever any public come to their office for their office related work, even for a mere signature, think and act as if they are doing favours for them. Hello, respected sir, let me remind you that you are being paid salary to serve the people. By serving them you are doing your duty, you are a public servant and not their master. Do not have the mindset that you are doing something for them and so do not anticipate anything in return because they have not come to your private company to seek your help... Please do your work and serve the public sincerely and do justice to the perks, emoluments and facilities you are enjoying or otherwise make way for your juniors. There are many officers in Nagaland who are not only egoistic, corrupt but also unapproachable. Dear corrupt sir, at least learn from some of your sincere exemplary colleagues.

So, can we blame only the UG’s, Politicians and Bureaucrats for the mess our state is in??? Now, the various defunct NGO’s/ Unions/ Associations that takes birth every now and then comes into play; Nagaland is the “Land of NGO’s/ Unions/ Associations” at least for me. I wonder how many NGO’s/

Unions/ Associations are there in Nagaland, from village level to range to area to towns to districts to state level... Roughly some few thousands, I suppose, most of which are opportunist and created for selfish means rather than as pressure groups for general public welfare. So, who funds these so many NGO’s/ Unions/ Associations??? Is it the government??? Correct me, if I am wrong but I think the government alone cannot fund all these NGO’s/ Unions/ Associations, then what is their source of income??? Collections fundraise, donations by politicians, bureaucrats etc, or raking up issues to silencing themselves after receiving payments, which is “backdoor extortion”. So, you, NGOs/ Unions/ Associations must also rid yourselves of the problems before pointing your finger at the UGs. One must always set ones house in order before even thinking of others. Most of the NGOs/ Unions/ Associations in Nagaland only raise to occasion that serves their interest and remains defunct most of the time or should I say, goes into hibernation and hardly wakes up even for public interests of urgent importance. Dear NGOs/ Unions/ Associations, do not talk about unity of all UGs when you are a divided house. “DO NOT PREACH WHAT YOU DO NOT PRACTISE”.

So, can we only blame the UGs, Politicians, Bureaucrats, and NGOs/ Unions/ Associations for all the mess??? What about the churches??? The church is no different from others with the exception that they do not extort forcefully. The public is feeling the heat of various fundraise, budgets, collections etc. from different departments of church from youth to women to general, one after the other throughout the year; though it may be voluntary and free-will, the question of whether or not the donors donates happily will be left best for you all to decide. If so, it is well and good if not, at least do not let the church extort in the name of God because it amounts to “divine extortion”. God loves cheerful giver but may not be pleased with obligated donations. It’s good to know that some of the churches have banned all sorts of collections and fund raising which must be followed by others as well. The church leaders must devote themselves to teaching biblical doctrine and preaching the word of God rather than using the church as institution to be marketed to the consumer. The church must refrain from involving in politics or interfering in any government policies and must not in any way play the role of pressure group in any policies of the government. It must also not discriminate between “haves and have not’s” because all are equal in the eyes of the Lord. Most often we see self-styled important members of church rushing to the residents of the rich and powerful to pray for ailing member of the family. Dear church leaders, it will be even more beautiful if you show the same seriousness to the poor people, orphans, and widow etc. who does not have anything to give or offer. The church also unfortunately, ails from VIP culture. We often see the front seats reserved for VIPs in some church; the so called VIPs may come late for church but manages to get the front seats, all with the help of volunteers.

While ordinary people who had been there much before the VIPs, to get into the church often returns home without finding a place inside the church as the volunteers deliberately overlook their presence outside the church. I think no one is ‘VIP’ in the eyes of the lord. So, the late comers must occupy the back benches, stand outside or return home if they find the church full. The front seats instead must be reserved for old peoples who could not hear and see properly. If the church ails from these, what good can we expect of other institutions?

So, can we blame only the UGs, Politicians, Bureaucrats, NGOs / Unions / Associations and churches for the mess we are in??? What about you and me???

Why do you let all these things happen before your eyes??? Why do you keep silent??? You and I are to be equally blamed for all the mess in the society today. They were not born corrupt; it’s you and me who has let them corrupt. And it’s now up to you and me to stand up for the challenge because extraordinary times require ordinary people like you and me to stand up for the change. So be the change in whatever possible way you could as the absolute worst we can do is to do nothing. Edmund Burke, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing”. “THINK HARD” if you “CARE”.

Hukai H. Zhimo, Dimapur.

VK town left almost unattended but still growing

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f the state government would do justice in terms of development, Nagaland filled with inherent talents would produce enough even in the field of sports. Nagas are known for latent talents which need just enough guidance and polishing to get into the field of competition.

VK Town under Zunheboto district which lies along NH2; Wokha Mokokchung road is not even gifted with any kind of sports infrastructures for the youth who are full of talents. Even after half a century of statehood the town is surviving; only due to the determination of the local citizens. As a matter of fact the town is as old as Wokha town itself but still under the administrative head of an Extra Assistant Commissioner.

Are the local leaders/elected representatives aware of the needs? Is the government serious enough to give justice in terms of development to the towns like VK? Due to the lack of proper sports infrastructures/ facilities the youth gather themselves every clear day evening at the heart of the town to sharpen their dexterity in the discipline of volley ball, through this they not only improvise their skills but also avoid from getting themselves into unproductive activities. It is high time that the government’s concerned agencies look into the situation seriously and do anything possible for the uplift of the town in all fields and the youth in particular.

The youth urgently needs a mini sports complex, sports equipments and guides in various disciplines. The farmers

who sell agro products along the highway are unmistakably hardworking.

In order to give the best/ freshest of their products they are seen bringing their ripened and matured products harvested in a very tactful manner (harvesting the Corns/ Maize in groove) from their fields even as early as half past five in the morning and this makes their agro products a very good take home even for travelers.

VK Town usually used to be known as one of the most unpleasant towns for the travelers even to pass through in the past also, but it actually has good, helpful and productive people. We should change our attitude when looking at the people, if you smile at them you get paid in double the smile you give.

Thungdemo Kyong, Wokha Town

Corruption: Can God Save Nagaland- Part II

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orruption has made some people very rich while some as poor as ever and this is not healthy for the general social well being of a society in the long run. For instance, Nagaland has 1:6 car-population ratio mostly concentrated in Kohima and Dimapur while in some remote corners; there are still villages yet to have roads. The union finance ministry highlights some years back mentioned that Kohima comes under the category of rich small towns in India. As per state annual budget outlay 2016, it is Rs. 3924 crore, yet hardly development comes to the villages. It mostly ends up in the coffers of people in high places only. If this money is divided equally to every man, Rs 19,812 will come to each person, and then a village of 3000 population will get Rs 59.4 crores per year. Perhaps people should vouch for direct allocation of funds to the village for its development rather than route the other way round as is the practice, after all it is their money. There is no mechanism or social obligation for this neo-capitalist to reinvest their money in the less developed hinterlands so as to facilitate equitable distribution of wealth which doesn’t augurs well for the future cohesion of our society. Because of such gross economic disparity the western world saw the rise of socialism/communism including revolutions and wars is history.

As per employment exchange office record, 75,000 educated unemployed youth are in the state today. And 45% of population is under 15 years (Nagaland HDR 2004). Apart from severe lack of avenues, the only well meaning employing agency, i.e., govt. is woefully infested with illegal backdoor appointment not in terms of hundred but thousands denying all chances of fair level playing field to the deserving because of corruption. Thousands union exist in this small land of associations yet hardly one to take the culprit to task, and organisation like NSF whose first duty should be to fight against such corrupt malpractice has no word leave alone taking the cudgel. It will be only a matter of time before a new parallel all Nagaland students union comes into existence unless it takes corrective measures.

One reason why corruption of this sort has come to wrought us is because of the imposition of foreign democracy wholesomely upon us without considering its implications. This western imported democracy has been in existence for centuries in western countries and they have reached a mature phase with continuous reformation and refinement down the ages. Indeed western world underwent tremendous wars and upheavals to reach the present level. For example at one point of time, English democracy too was extremely corrupt; re-

phrasing the commentators of the time when the East India company was colonising India, ‘the ministers and even the king was heavily bribed to manipulate things in the parliament.’ For Nagas to reach the level of mature democracy of the west, a lot of mud shifting and slugfest will have to come about if it is to take its natural course of evolution. But Nagas can achieve this other way round by taking a cue from the experience of others while drawing inference from our own traditional democracy to create a unique fusion in our own right.

To checkmate this corruption, its pertinent to transform the system. Nagas need to go back to tradition, revisit its values and mores and draw inference as per the needs of the present. Corruption has aberrated out culture and perverted our values and without facing it head on, it will not simply go away. Following measures may prove handy; • Electoral reforms: Election is the root cause of corruption and until electoral reform completely prohibiting the use of money in election is stopped, to end corruption is a far cry. I once came across an elderly man advising a wannabe candidate that election is all about money where you spend Rs 100 and gets Rs. 200 in return when wins. It shows how deeply the vicious practice has come to deeply perch in the psyche of the common man. Perhaps a South Korean model of electoral reforms could portend well for Nagas too. By simple logic, a candidate will always try to recover the spent money in the last election and accumulate for next election as long as this system of vote buying exists. In the last general election, some candidate spent an average of Rs. 15-20 crore, supposing if that money of a crore each was utilised for development in every village of the constituency, all the villages will be shining by now. Without electoral reforms, to wipe out corruption is a foregone conclusion no matter what. No amount of clean election campaign will suffice until an electoral reforms come.

• One government, one tax: as long as perversion and aberration of multiple taxation of NPGs exist, corruption will thrive. There is nothing saner than to vouch for ‘one govt., one tax’ as the ACAUT espouse. This then draws a clear distinction between nationalists and factionalist. This will bring sobriety to Naga nationalism and dispel the slackness that has come to rack the movement per se. Without this, society cannot only thrive but the movement will be damned in the long run. This sobriety will resurrect the Naga cause and thus all true nationalist should support this stand. Roman Empire collapse because

of corruption where the rulers lost connection with the ruled while unmindfully living on the extorted money in luxury at the expense of the masses. Only time will tell if the NPGs would severe the ultimate connection by oppressing the ultimate voice of the people or resurrect the same by realigning themselves accordingly in tune with the pulse of people. But any callous move may set a spark to the drying hills.

• Lokayukta: a strong anti-corruption law needs to be developed where complete transparency and accountability can be monitored and maintained. All backdoor appointments should be completely banned and all recruitment be done through open competitions solely on merits. Strong legal sanction to persecute the violators should be installed too.

• Oath taking: tradition has it since time immemorial that those who swear false oath or trespass the same, calamity and misfortune befalls, which is palpable even in today’s Christian society, something beyond the explanation of science. Nagaland is a society of villages and if corruption is neutralized at this grassroots level, society and government in general will become non-corrupt eventually. Therefore, a system of oath taking after the traditional practices should be incepted in all the village councils not to indulge in corruption in sync with other paraphernalia of the office. All elected village leaders should be made to swear upon the Bible simultaneously during this oath taking. This practice should also be extended to schools, colleges, church, etc, to pledge oneself to honesty. All newly recruited state civil servants should be mandatorily made to take this traditional oath before being sent to the field. Who knows this trend may not only stop corruption but set a new dynamics in the culture of Nagas in the due process where the rest of the world may even draw inference.

Corruption hydra can only be stamped out by taking on war footing at all layers of society, beating them down wherever it rears its ugly head. The chimera can be only be exterminated by adopting methods more than ordinary. No matter how many laws exist, there will be always loopholes, hence inculcating a culture of honest values with social binding and obligation is indispensable. Once such tradition gets institutionalised, it will permeate a vibrant culture. Most importantly, a vigilant society alone can keep the government on its feet. Great change can come only with great sacrifice. As Martin Luther King would say, “Let us be the change we have been waiting for.” Until then we can only pray God Saves Nagaland.

Zhokusheyi Rhakho, PhD.

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

Wednesday 29•06•2016

EntErtainmEnt

'I need therapy'

China 'bans' Lady Gaga after Dalai Lama meeting

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inger Lady Gaga has reportedly been banned

by China’s Communist party here after she met with the Dalai Lama to discuss yoga. The meeting sparked an angry reaction from Beijing, which has attacked the spiritual leader as a "wolf in monk's robes", The Guardian reported.

Gaga met the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader on June 26 before

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in 2003's The Dreamers, a provocative role that led her to starring opposite Daniel Craig in the James Bond flick Casino Royale in 2006. After initially turning down an audition because she thought her bikini-clad character ran the risk of being onedimensional, a closer look revealed 'that she was sensitive and full of secrets. I could understand that.'

And in addition to her more sultry scenes, Eva - whose cover features a dramatically contrasting look between her cerulean blue eyes and raven tresses - finds another commonplace theme in her roles that she can't seem to wrap her head around. 'I die in a lot of movies. I don’t know why - it’s one of the unusual things about my career.

Italian Actor Bud Spencer dies at age 86

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talian actor and filmmaker Bud Spencer died on Monday at age 86, national media reported. "My father died peacefully at 18:15 and did not suffer from pain, he had all of us next to him and his last words were 'Thank you'," his son and film producer Giuseppe Pedersoli said in a note to media. Pedersoli could not be immediately reached for additional comment.

A post on his official Facebook page read, "With our deepest regrets, we have to tell you that Bud is flying to his next journey".

Born Carlo Pedersoli in the southern city of Naples, he was known to his public as the "big friendly giant" of the screen due to his height and weight. He played in action and comedy films in the 1970s and 1980s, mostly working at the side of his friend Terence Hill.

Often cast as a cowboy or policeman, his biggest successes included "They

Call Me Trinity", a parody of Spaghetti Western movies, the "Flatfoot" films and "A friend is a Treasure." He had many fans abroad, especially in South America where he lived at various times in his life, and in Germany.

Speaking to channel SKY TG24, Osvaldo De Santis, president of 20th Century Fox in Italy, said, "He was an actor whom Italian cinema needs to thank because he brought Italian movies around the world."

Before turning to acting, Spencer was a professional swimmer and the first Italian to swim the 100 metres freestyle in less than one minute. He twice participated in Olympic games.

On several occasions he said he sympathized with the country's centre/right parties and also ran for the Rome area regional elections in 2005 with Silvio Berlusconi's Forza Italia party.

Source: Reuters

'I guess it’s a big rehearsal for the inevitable,' she mused.

After wrapping her Showtime horror series Penny Dreadful earlier this month, Green has since turned her attention towards starring in Tim Burton's forthcoming Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children.

In the dark flick, which is out September 30, the actress takes on the role of a therianthropic caretaker for children with unusual powers. Of the role she says: 'Miss Peregrine is like a dark Mary Poppins.

She has the ability to manipulate time and uses her powers to protect the children. 'Miss Peregrine will kill for them. And she does!

Which was fun.'

Source: Mail Online

from mainland China, Hong Kong’s pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily reported on Monday.

Chinese websites and media organisations were ordered to stop uploading or distributing her songs in a sign of Beijing’s irritation, the newspaper said.

The propaganda department also issued orders for party-controlled news outlets such as state

broadcaster CCTV and newspapers the People’s Daily and the Global Times to condemn the meeting.

China has previously banned artists and groups such as Maroon 5, Bjork and Oasis from performing in the country after they met with the Dalai Lama or spoke out in favour of him or Tibetan independence.

Source: IANS

Vanessa Hudgens blasted by fans over dreamcatcher hair accessory

NOW SHOWING Gold

c t re s s Va n e s s a Hudgens has been accused of cultural appropriation by her fans due to her latest Instagram picture. The former 'High School Musical' star posted a picture to the photo sharing site of her looking off to the side with her dark hair styled in her natural curls.

The 27-year-old added a purple dreamcatcher to her locks, completing her boho ensemble, but the move angered many of her fans, who believed she was appropriating Native

(English) 11:00 Am | 05:00 pm (Hindi) 08:00 Pm

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he's no stranger to baring it all on the big screen, appearing completely in the buff for films like 300: Rise of an Empire and Sin City: A Dame to Kill For. But it's Eva Green's real life personality - which she describes as 'so shy '- that makes her penchant for nudity that much more unusual.

Speaking to W Magazine for their August 2016 issue, the actress described the conundrum as, 'very paradoxical.' The 35-year-old French beauty went on: 'I am so shy, and, at the same time, I kind of expose myself literally to thousands of people. I don’t really understand why I do that. 'I need to go through therapy!'

Green first found fame

a conference in Indianapolis. A video of the 19-minute meeting -- in which the pair pondered issues such as meditation, mental health and how to detoxify humanity -- was posted on the singer’s Facebook account.

Following Gaga’s meeting, the Communist party’s mysterious propaganda department issued “an important instruction” banning her entire repertoire

American culture. "Why are you like this???" one user commented.

"You constantly go out of your way to disrespect cultures to look ~boho. It's rude. Don't put dreamcatchers in your hair! That you have to constantly be told not to do this and dragged means you are not listening and it's frustrating af!!"

Another fan agreed, writing: "PREACH. I love her and all but it's culture

Rates Hillstar Ticket PlaTinuM - `320 SilveR

not costume or whatever."

While some fans came to Hudgens' defence, insisting she looked beautiful in the snap, it isn't the first time the actress has been accused of cultural appropriation.

Source: PTI

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02:00 pm

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wednesdAY 29•06•2016

SPORTS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Iceland stun England, Hodgson quits Italy dump Spain to set up epic clash with Germany

Iceland levelled the scoreline just two minutes after England's opener as Ragnar Sigurdsson poked home from close Graziano Pelle (R) of Italy scores the 2-0 goal past goalkeeper David De Gea of Spain during the UEFA EURO 2016 round of 16 match between Italy and Spain at Stade de France in St. Denis, France, 27 June. (EPA Photo) range to make it 1-1

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NICE, JuNE 28 (REutERs): Iceland pulled off one of the biggest shocks in European Championship history when they stunned abject England 2-1 on Monday, leading Roy Hodgson to quit and sending the tiny nation into a quarter-final against hosts France.

Although the soccer pedigrees of the two countries could not be more different, Iceland looked the better team in just about every aspect of the game and fully deserved to extend their dream run on their first tournament appearance.

After falling behind to a fourth-minute Wayne

Rooney penalty they levelled almost immediately through Ragnar Sigurdsson and struck again in the 18th with a shot by Kolbeinn Sigthorsson. A ponderous England never looked remotely capable of finding a way back into the game and even at the end when they were reduced to launching long balls into the box, Iceland dealt with everything comfortably.

“It feels fantastic to come here as an underdog and perform in this way," said Iceland joint-coach Lars Lagerback, who also claimed two wins and four draws against England in his days as Sweden man-

ager. Pundits were quick to rank England's defeat alongside that against the amateurs of the United States in the 1950 World Cup but such a judgement conveniently overlooks the progress the Icelanders have made in recent seasons, not least in beating the Netherlands home and away to get to France in the first place.

It also fails to take into account England's miserable European Championship record, where they have won only one knockout match, on penalties at home to Spain in 1996.

Hodgson, who steered the team to 10 straight wins

in qualifying, duly became the latest in a long line of England managers to fall on his sword after a failure to get to the business end when it really matters.

"Now is the time for someone else to oversee the progress of a hungry and extremely talented group of players," Hodgson said, reading a prepared statement.

"They have done fantastically, and done everything asked of them," he added in a bizarre account of yet another failure to perform at a major tournament.

Hodgson, 68, then refused to take further questions.

PaRIs, JuNE 28 (aFP): Giorgio Chiellini and Graziano Pelle scored as Italy exacted revenge for their Euro 2012 final hammering by dumping Spain out of Euro 2016 with a deserved 2-0 last 16 win on Monday.

Chiellini forced home the first goal from close range after goalkeeper David de Gea could only parry Eder's fiercely struck free-kick. Pelle volleyed in a deflected cross in injury time to complete Spain's heartbreak.

Outgoing Italian manager Antonio Conte danced along the Stade de France touchline to celebrate while his players credited his tactics for the win. "Conte is so important as a coach because he can implement a gameplan and he becomes more important with every match," said defender Leonardo Bonucci.

After crashing out of the World

Cup in the first round, Vicente del Bosque's team have now failed to get to the Euro quarter finals.

"We have to accept the disappointment. They were more clinical than us when it mattered and got the better of us," playmaker Andres Iniesta told Spanish television.

A series of De Gea saves kept Spain in the game, but their quest for an unprecedented third consecutive Euro title peetered out as Gianluigi Buffon saved from Iniesta and Gerard Pique late on to set up a mouthwatering quarter-final clash with Germany on Saturday in Bordeaux.

De Gea had been much-criticised for his performance as Spain's 15game unbeaten in the Euros came to an end on Tuesday with a 2-1 defeat to Croatia which cost them top spot in Group D. However, the Manches-

ter United stopper more than made amends when he turned Pelle's bullet header wide on eight minutes.

It took Spain 28 minutes to even have an effort on goal as Iniesta's weak shot was straight at Buffon.

Antonio Conte's side finally made the breakthrough 12 minutes before half-time when Spain captain Sergio Ramos unncessarily dived in on Pelle to concede a free-kick on the edge of the box. Eder's powerful effort was parried by De Gea only as far as Giaccherini and he nudged the ball into Chiellini's path to bundle home.

Only a De Gea wonder save to tip a fiercely dipping drive from Giaccherini over kept Spain in the game before half-time. Italy comfortably held on and Pelle doubled the lead with his poacher's strike in the first minute of injury time.

signs two-year Argentina begs Lionel Messi not to quit Emery coaching contract with PSG

BuENOs aIREs, JuNE 28 (aFP): Argentine football legend Diego Maradona and the country's President Mauricio Macri urged Lionel Messi not to leave the national team despite his vow to quit after a humiliating defeat.

The Barcelona superstar left the field in tears after missing a spot-kick in the Copa America Centenario final shootout against Chile on Sunday.

He promptly told reporters he was quitting, throwing Argentine football into turmoil ahead of the 2018 World Cup in Russia. "He has to stay because he still has playing days ahead of him," Maradona was quoted as saying by La Nacion newspaper online.

"He will go to Russia in form to be world champion."

Messi, 29, is widely rated as the best player in the world, but Sunday's loss was his fourth defeat in an international final for Argentina.

After an outpouring of disappointment by fans online, Macri joined the calls for the Barcelona superstar to stay with Argentina.

"He called him and told

him how proud he feels of the national team's performance and asked him not to listen to the criticism," a spokesman for Macri told AFP by telephone.

- Argentine football 'disaster' The 1986 World Cup winner Maradona, 55, blamed Argentina's recent lack of trophies on the country's football association (AFA).

He accused it of not supporting Messi and letting him take the blame for Sunday's defeat. "Those who are saying he should quit are doing it so that we won't see what a disaster Argentine football has become," La Nacion quoted Maradona as saying.

Messi and the squad landed back in Buenos Aires on Monday evening after the tournament in the United States.

Television cameras followed their coach but the players had yet to make any comment to the media.

whether he would follow Messi in quitting but he, Javier Mascherano and Gonzalo Higuain were mentioned in media reports.

Argentine President Mauricio Macri has asked Lionel Messi not to quit the national team. (AFP Photo)

plained of how harshly he has been judged in his homeland. "This lad is just saturated with criticism and being so badly treated," said Ernesto Vecchio, who was Messi's first coach in his native city of Rosario.

"I don't want him to quit but when I put myself in his shoes it seems unfair that they should look to him as - 'Saturated with criticism' - the savior when there are Messi is loved in Barce- 11 players on the team." lona but his friends comMessi's cool head on

the pitch makes him an efficient goalscorer, but his reserved manner has drawn criticism.

Ahead of this month's Copa, Maradona himself accused Messi of having "no personality" for a captain. Messi has been named FIFA World Player of the Year five times. But he has been haunted by comparisons with Maradona, who led Argentina to World Cup triumph in 1986.

- Players 'devastated' The star's departure could herald a broader change in the Argentina line-up. Manchester City star Sergio Aguero warned other players could also quit the national side. "We were all devastated in the dressing room, particularly Leo, I'd never seen him in such a state," he said.

"Several players are wondering whether to continue." Aguero did not say

- String of defeats Argentina were beaten 1-0 by Germany in the final of the 2014 World Cup and lost on penalties, also to Chile, in the 2015 Copa America final.

Messi also tasted defeat with Argentina in the final of the 2007 Copa America. In this month's Copa semi-final win over the United States, he became Argentina's top international scorer of all time with his 55th goal. But after Sunday's final, his typical composure gave way to tears of frustration. "I've done all I can, I've been in four finals and it hurts not to be a champion," Messi told reporters.

"It's a hard moment for me and the team, and it's difficult to say, but it's over with the Argentina team." His departure left many fans no longer thinking about the Copa.

"Losing a final is something that happens in sport," wrote one fan, Fede Ruiz, on Twitter. "But losing you is the most painful defeat of all."

Wimbledon: Scrappy win for Serena as Federer strides on

LONDON, JuNE 28 (REutERs): Defending champion Serena Williams stuttered to a low-key and error-strewn 6-2 6-4 firstround victory over Swiss qualifier Amra Sadikovic on Tuesday.

Looking ill-at-ease, as though her quest for an elusive 22nd grand slam title was weighing heavily on her shoulders, Williams struggled with her serve and sprayed balls wide on both sides of the court. She served three double faults in the fifth game of the first set.

It was Williams's first match since she lost the French Open final to Garbine Muguruza this month and the American should have had few problems against Macedonian-born Sadikovic, ranked 148th in the world and with little main tour experience.

By turns urging herself on and telling herself off, USA's Serena Williams celebrates winning her match against Williams eventually secured match point when Switzerland's Amra Sadikovic. (REUTERS)

her opponent just missed a lob and sealed victory after challenging a wrong call when her shot landed on the far baseline.

For the Roger Federer fans on Centre Court and the legions watching on televisions around the world it was a reassuring sight as the Swiss swept past Argentina's Guido Pella into the second round of Wimbledon on Monday.

Knee surgery and a nagging back injury had restricted the 17-times grand slam champion to 22 matches this season and his no-show at the recent French Open ended a run of 65 consecutive major appearances.

Talk of time finally catching up with Federer has been doing the rounds.

So all eyes were on the 34-year-old Swiss great as he stepped onto Centre Court where he had held the trophy aloft on seven occasions.

But Federer began his

18th consecutive Wimbledon campaign with a tidy 7-6(5) 7-6(3) 6-3 victory that, while never spectacular, was relatively comfortable.

He offered up not a single break point to the 51stranked Pella, and while he converted only one of the nine that came his way, he found an extra gear when required.

Federer's only real moment of alarm came at 5-6, 0-30 in the second set. But he quickly killed the danger and waltzed through the tiebreak to take a twoset lead. With light fading he made light work of the third set.

Federer's next appointment will be with British qualifier Marcus Willis, ranked 772nd in the world, on Wednesday.

"It's a great, great story and I'm very, very excited to be playing him actually.

It's the best story in tennis for a while," Federer told reporters when asked

about playing Willis, a tennis coach who survived six rounds of qualifying.

"It's going to be a great atmosphere."

While Federer was more than happy for Willis to take the spotlight after his win over Ricardas Berankis, he was more concerned with his own form and fitness after arriving at Wimbledonwithout a title in the first six months of the season for the first time since 2000.

"Time heals a lot of problems, a lot of issues," Federer said. "It's another day, another step in the right direction. It gives me confidence as I hopefully move forward.

"I've worked as hard as I possibly could since February. My big goal was to not missWimbledon, to be here, hopefully at 100 percent. Don't know yet if I am.

But I'm definitely here winning in straight sets in my first round against a good player."

PaRIs, JuNE 28 (REutERs): Unai Emery has signed a two-year contract with Paris St Germain with an option for an additional season, the Ligue 1 champions said in a statement on Tuesday. The 44-year-old Spaniard joins from Sevilla, having guided the Spanish club to a third consecutive Europa League title. He replaces Laurent Blanc, who had parted company with PSG after three seasons in charge. "It is with great pride that I agreed to become the Paris St Germain coach," Emery said in a statement. "The club has become one of the biggest in Europe over the past few seasons and I am both happy and honoured to be able to help realise its great ambitions."

The former Real Sociedad midfielder, who started his coaching career in 2004, coached Valencia from 2008 to 2012 before taking over at Sevilla in 2013. Blanc departed officially on Monday. His future at PSG had appeared in jeopardy since club president Nasser al Khelaifi this month described the 2015-16 season as a failure because of the club's elimination from the Champions League by Manchester City. PSG achieved their second successive domestic treble by winning Ligue 1, the French Cup and the League Cup, but Champions League progress stagnated as they lost in the quarter-finals for the fourth successive season. Emery was tied with Sevilla until June 2017 but negotiated a release from his contract. Sevilla have appointed former Chile coach Jorge Sampaoli to replace him.

NE United sign Uruguayan striker Sasha Aneff shILLONg, JuNE 28 (IaNs): Indian Super League (ISL) franchise NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) announced on Tuesday the signing of Uruguayan striker Sasha Aneff for the forthcoming third edition of the football tournament. The 25-year-old, former Uruguay Under-20 International, who played club football in Croatia, Slovenia, Uruguay and Sweden, is the fourth international signing made by the Highlanders. Aneff’s signing followed the recruitment of Katsumi Yusa, Mailson Alves and Manoel Morais Amorim and kept in tune with the heavy South American flavour quickly developing at the club. “I am very happy with all the love that I have received from the NorthEast United FC supporters. It is what a player wants. The amount of fans that we have in the stadium for each home game is crazy,” Aneff said in a release. NEUFC’s head coach Sergio Farias was pleased with the signing of the young Uruguayan. “Any good side needs to have a balanced mixture on youth and experience. In Sasha we have someone who has a good engine, works hard for the team, is a good header of the ball and is always anticipating things in the box,” Farias said.

Liverpool complete Mane signing LONDON, JuNE 28 (REutERs): Striker Sadio Mane has joined Liverpool on a long-term contract from Southampton, the Premier League club said on Tuesday. The 24-year old moved to Juergen Klopp's side after two successful seasons at Southampton, netting 25 goals in 75 appearances in all competitions. According to British media reports, the Senegalese forward has signed a five-year contract with Liverpool who paid 34 million pounds ($45 million) for his services. "It's a club that has won a lot of trophies and has a big history," Mane told the club's website. "Now I am looking forward to meeting all the staff and my team mates and starting the season."

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