March 10th, 2015

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The Morung Express

Dimapur VOL. X ISSUE 66

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www.morungexpress.com

Tuesday, March 10, 2015 12 pages Rs. 4

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Prejudice, not being founded on reason, cannot be removed by argument

Separatist’s release rocks parliament [ PAGE 8]

‘India’s Daughter’ Goes international; Freida Pinto to attend US screening

SVEEP campaign held for women in Kiphire

–Samuel Johnson

[ PAGE 2]

England out of Cricket World Cup

[ PAGE 9]

[ PAGE 12]

Activists reflect on Syria’s spiral from protests to horror

[ PAGE 11]

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March 5 incident: nagaland Home Minister finally visits Dimapur Morung Express News Dimapur | March 9

People in Dimapur shop for essential commodities during the 6 hour relaxation of curfew on March 9. Photo by Caisii Mao

reflections

By Sandemo Ngullie

You`re a reporter from Dimapur? Accha…How is the situation now?

One killed at Phomching Town Mon, March 9 (DIPr): One person, identified as John Konyak (35 years), hailing from Longwa village was killed at Phomching (44 Km from Mon) on March 8. In this connection, six persons have been arrested and kept under police custody in Mon. The motive of the murder is under investigation. The district administration in Mon, including the DC and SDO (C) Phomching, visited the spot where the person was killed. The body of the deceased has been taken to Mon Civil Hospital for post-mortem.

Nagaland MPs urge harmony

DIMaPUr March 9 (MExn): Finally finding voice, Member of Parliament (MP) -Neiphiu Rio and Khekiho Zhimomi on Monday expressed regret over the March 5 incident and at the same time urged law enforcing agencies to deliver quick justice and make every possible effort to ensure that justice is not delayed.

The joint press statement issued by the MPs’ while condemning the alleged rape of the young girl, however termed it “unacceptable” the manner in which the alleged accused was killed. The MPs’ pointed out that that the irrational and bizarre actions of the mob was inhuman and uncivilized- which was not only a gross violation of human rights but a total negation of the rule of law.

“The gruesome lynching and the conduct of the mob has reverberated around the world and has shocked one and all and has critically and negatively damaged the image and reputation of the people of Nagaland,” the MPs’ rued.

The MPs’ meanwhile termed it unfortunate that the incident was given a communal color by some sections of the society and clarified that the accused was married to a Naga lady with a three year old daughter and living in Dimapur while pursuing his business for many years.

“The unfortunate incident should not be politicized and no one should

try to paint a communal color to it in the greater interest of communal harmony, peaceful coexistence and national unity,” the MPs’ appealed.

The MPs’ further informed they already had discussions on the issue with the Union Minister of State for Home, Kiren Rijiju and with Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports, Sarbananda Sonowal, who hails from Assam.

“We have briefed the two Union Ministers on the need to combat the danger of the incidents taking a communal turn and the need to ensure that communal harmony and understanding is upheld during this volatile period. All sections of the society must make all out efforts to ensure that further tensions and troubles are not allowed to take place as a consequence of the incidents,” the MPs’ stated.

Reminding that the people of Nagaland and Assam have coexisted as neighbors since time immemorial, the MPs evoked hope that such unfortunate incidents do not come in the way of historical and social relationships.

The MPs’ also urged all sections of society to make every possible contribution so that the situation is brought to normal at the earliest and at the same time make efforts to ensure that such events never occur again. The MPs’ have also extended condolences to the bereaved family members of those who died during the incident.

March 5 incident condemned TUD denounces violence

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DIMaPUr, March 9 (MExn): Terming the March 5 lynching incident as the “blackest day which has caused irreparable damage to the good image and reputation of the Nagas otherwise known for their hospitality and friendly nature,” the Tenyimi Union Dimapur (TUD) has demanded that stringent action be taken to book the perpetrators without delay. A press statement issued by TUD president Khalo Kapfo and general secretary Zhasa Vupru said there is no provision in the Tenyimia tradition and customary law for ‘lynching a rapist, not to speak of a suspect.’ The TUD after thorough deliberation with its 10 constituent tribes namely Angami, Chakhesang, Inpui, Mao, Maram, Pochuri, Poumai, Rengma, Rongmei and Zeliang came to know that no Tenyimia tribe had either authorized or sent any person to participate in the March 5 incident, the release stated. It therefore denounced the actions taken by the mob on the fateful day as totally unacceptable and requested the law enforcement agency and the judicial inquiry commission to bring out the truth on the incident without fear or favour.

leged rape of a college student in Dimapur, has also censured the failure of the authorities to take comprehensive measures in preventing the violent events in Dimapur. A press note from the NSCA urged the inquiry commission to expeditiously probe the incident without fear or favour and ensure that the “guilty are penalized as per the law.”

CHRI calls for reform in police and prison services The Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) has condemned the incidents in Dimapur and demanded that the findings of the inquiry should be made public and brought to an early and just conclusion. All perpetrators, it asserted, “must be properly identified and brought to justice.” “Mob violence of the kind that takes the law into its own hands is entirely unjustifiable.

It violates all principles of natural justice wherein a person is deemed innocent till he is proven guilty by a court,” CHRI said in a press note. This, it stated, “is one more of several incidents that draw attention to the poor conditions of jails across the country, the shortfalls in manpower and training in the prison and police services and their lack of preparedness and NSCA criticizes failure of state response.” The CHRI called for a “root The Nagaland Senior Citizens Fo- and branch reform” of both the police rum (NSCA), while condemning the al- and prison services.

The Nagaland State government has announced an exgratia of Rs. one lakh to the family of the victim killed in the police firing incident on March 5, while Rs. 50,000 each was announced for the injured. Nagaland State Home Minister, Y. Patton made the announcement at a press conference in Dimapur on March 9, in his first visit to Dimapur since trouble began here on March 4.

However, the State government has decided not to announce any ex-gratia to the victim of the lynching, Syed Farid Khan.

This, Patton reasoned, was because the victim was the “culprit” and that compensation, if any, can be forwarded only after the report of the ‘judicial inquiry’ has been submitted.

He said that a medical report has “confirmed rape.”

While the police are yet to file any charges in court, the HM clearly based his assertion and verdict on preliminary medical examination of the alleged rape victim. He, however, was unable to specify which medical report the government was referring to while making this claim.

The HM’s statement comes in the backdrop of the State police confirming that ‘samples’ have already been sent for forensic analysis on March 7, results of which are awaited. Forensic analysis of samples, according to the police, is a “primary component” of rape investigation.

Uninformed of this core component of the investigation, a legislator of the NLA from Dimapur, also present at the press conference, suggested that further medical examinations were only being done on “request from the public and media.” Another legislator said, “what is the harm in having twothree additional reports?”

Also present at the press conference were Ministers Nuklutoshi, Kipili Sangtam, Deputy Speaker Er.

• Police arrest 43 people • Prohibitory orders relaxed from 6:00am to 4:00pm • Educational institutions to function • Public and vehicular movement to be allowed • SMS & mobile internet blocking extended for 48 hours

Relaxation of prohibitory orders Morung Express News Dimapur | March 9

The Dimapur district administration will continue to enforce prohibitory orders under Section 144 CrPC in Dimapur town in order to maintain the law and order situation. This was stated in a fresh order from DC of Dimapur, and District Magistrate, Kesonyu Yhome IAS. However, there will be relaxation from 6:00am to 4:00pm with effect from March 10 till further notice— educational institutions and schools can function, business establishments to remain open, and public and vehicular movement will be allowed.

The Nagaland (Dimapur) police have arrested 43 people in all till the night of March 9. More arrests were expected during the night, informed IG (Range) Wabang Jamir.

He also informed that the blocking of SMS and mobile data services (internet) Levi Rengma, Parliamentary Secretaries Er. Picto, Y Vikheho Swu, Jacob Zhimomi, DGP L Doungel, ADGP (L&O) G Akheto Sema, IG (Int) Renchamo Kikon, IG (R) Wabang Jamir, DIG(R)/ Officiating SP Dimapur Liremo Lotha, Secretary Home Bendangkokba and other officials.

A 45-day judicial inquiry has been set up by the Government of Nagaland to probe the mob violence on March 5. It was informed that the Government plans to induct more members into the currently-one-man inquiry.

Meanwhile, the Home Minister refused to own up political responsibility for the unfortunate events of March 4 and 5, instead putting the blame entirely on the Dimapur district administration for failing to handle the situation. While admitting that the Home Minister was not aware of any incident happening in Dimapur

has been extended for another 48 hours, beginning 6:00pm March 9.

Meanwhile, Nagaland Home Minister Y Patton said, “I want to assure everyone that the government is taking every step to bring the situation to normalcy,” and further appealed to the people to “extend cooperation to the Government” so that normalcy returns in the State in general and Dimapur in particular.

Karimganj civil society demand The Civil Society in Karimganj, Assam, has submitted two memorandums to the DC of Karimganj. They have demanded that the family of the person lynched in Dimapur be compensated with Rs. 50 Lakh, apart from providing foolproof security to the people from Assam residing in Nagaland State. The DC Karimganj informed that the memorandum has been forwarded to the Government of Assam for further perusal.

until the morning of March 5, he said that he was away in Delhi along with the Chief Minister at the time.

Washing his hands off of the entire incident, he said, “It was a weakness of the State law enforcement agencies.” When asked why no political leader from the Nagaland State Government had bothered to visit the violence affected sites on March 4 or 5, he informed that he had delegated Parliamentary Secretary in-charge of prisons, Er. Picto, to the task, who arrived at the Central Jail at 5:45pm on March 5. This was more than an hour after the mob had broken into the Jail a second time to retrieve the person they lynched soon after.

Patton attributed “limited police force” as the reason behind the March 5 incident. When pointed out that Nagaland has the highest police-public ratio in the country, he said that

“half of the State police force was stationed in Tuensang.”

The State has 15 armed battalions, two of which are serving outside the State at present while 13 are in Nagaland. Of these, only one and a half battalions are deployed in Tuensang as of February 23, informed the Nagaland police.

On the bandh enforced on Nagaland by transporters in Assam, Patton said that the Nagaland Chief Minister has spoken with the Assam Chief Minister on the matter. Patton and his team also visited the Dimapur Central Jail and inspected the jail cells today.

Further, initial reports quoting the police have stated that three convicts serving time in the Central Jail escaped during the mob break-in. Two were recaptured, while one is still absconding. Patton however stated today that only one was recaptured, while two are still absconding.

Working towards better livelihoods

Farmers in Enhulumi village reap benefits from plum cultivation Our Correspondent Phek | March 9

Enhulumi village in Phek district of Nagaland, located by the roadside of NH-29, is known for its specialization in terrace rice cultivation. In order to sustain themselves, farming households also practice Jhum or slash and burn agriculture, in which they grow diverse food crops for their consumption.

However, for Enhulumi, the increase in population has put pressure on agricultural and forest lands. As a result, they had to find an alternative means to meet the food requirements of a growing population as well as the increasing need for cash.

Recollecting the healthy amount that he fetched by selling Plum from his backyard farm at Kohima, Neikhwelo, Head GB of Enhulumi proposed the idea of cultivat-

ing Plum (Prunus Salicina) fruits in the village. The idea was tabled in the year 2009 during their annual village meeting. The villagers accepted the proposal, which soon translated into action.

Around the same time, the Land Resource Department had also visited the village for implementation of the Integrated Watershed Management Project. This visit, the Phek District Project Officer (DPO) and staff of the department say was just a coincidence.

While interacting with the villagers during the PRA exercise, the villagers disclosed that the entire village had decided to cultivate Plums in their farms.

Taking cognizance of this novel initiative by the villagers, the department decided to implement Plum as a focus crop in the IWMP project. In 2009-10, the department also supplied plum (Prunus Sal-

icina) saplings to the village under the project.

Currently, more than 30% of the total 25,000 standing Plum trees have started bearing fruit in Enhulumi, fetching the village a net profit of Rs 5 lakh in 2014 alone. This

has significantly boosted the economy of the village and improved the livelihoods of the villagers.

Climate and luck are on the side of Enhulumi. While plums are also available in the surrounding villages, Enhulumi’s Plum trees bear their fruits sooner, giving the villagers the advantage of

being able to supply a growing market sooner in towns like Dimapur and Kohima.

The plums from the village also have better taste, shape and color.

Acquiring knowledge and experience on plum cultivation, farmers have applied local indigenous technique to increase productivity of the plums and decrease labour input. Stones are tied on the branches to weigh them down and in some cases, a branch is tied on the ground with the help of a rope. This technique enables more branches to grow, help farmers to harvest easily and also prevents the wind from destroying the fruit and flower.

Expressing optimism, the head GB of the village states, “plum trees can survive many years. Today, a tree is bearing 100-150 kilos of fruit and sold @Rs.25-30 in the farm. By the time the plant at-

tains 8-9 years, which also are the best years for a plum tree to bear maximum fruits, we are expecting to fetch a profit of Rs.20-25 lakhs annually which will be a great boost for the entire village.”

The chairman of the IWMP, Nesezulo disclosed that the project has not only helped the villagers to cultivate plum in a 12 Ha compact area but has also helped fence the entire project. This has prevented Mithuns from the adjacent Mithun project, from destroying the plants.

To oversee the plums and the farm, Enhulumi villagers have selected Kowe, a young progressive farmer as the chairmen of plum fruit cultivation for the entire village.

The 12 Ha-Plum plantation area is located above NH-29, on a gentle slope adjacent to the Ewulu Biodiversity Conservation & Great Hill Barbet Sanctuary (a community conservation initiative of Enhulumi).

It overlooks the village at an altitude of 1331 with 25035” 17.72’ N & 940 21”39.10’ E.

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SVEEP campaign held for women in Kiphire

“To bring reformation in society and to see change, women have to take active part in electoral process” Our Correspondent Kiphire | March 9

The Systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) campaign for women was held at the conference hall of the deputy commissioner Kiphire on March 9 with Dr Anungla Aier Principal ZPGC as special guest which was attended by Akedah Sangtamlaru Thingmujang (AST), Yimchunger Women Organization (YWO), Kiphire District Sumi Totimi Hoho and political party leaders.

Speaking at the programme, Dr Anungla said, “If you want to bring reformation in society and if you want to see change, (we)

women have to take active part in electoral process by way of casting vote, avoiding proxy voting and educating ones family on clean electoral at homes.”

Pointing the strength of voting in largest democratic country like India, Dr Aier said, “On Election Day, all are equal because each has the equal vote and the constitution provided equal right to both the persons.”

Advocating women as no weaker than men, Dr Anungla said, “women are no lesser than men emotionally, intellectual, socially and spiritually” and asked the women “not to talk only about reservation, deprivation but to use this strength so that everything

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Women’s special health camps underway

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Our Correspondent Kohima | March 9

The National Health Mission, Government of Nagaland, is conducting women’s special health camps, which is on progress from March 9 to 11. In Kohima, the free health camp is being held at Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK). The free health check up includes Ante Natal Care (ANC), Post Natal Care (PNC), Identification of high risk pregnant women, availability of Referral transport, availability of drugs, consumables and Mother Child Protection (MCP cards to all beneficiaries, Family Planning Services, Promotion of Janani Surakhsha Yojana (JSY) & Janani Surakhsa-Shishu Karyakram (JSSK) entitlements and Counselling services for women in the reproductive age. At the NHAK, the screening for Cancer of the cervix and breast cancer are also being conducted The first day witnessed more than 100 women who attended the health camp.

Dr Anungla Aier Principal ZPGC addressing the Systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation campaign for women held on March 9. (Morung Photo)

is in order.”

Talking about the rights of women, Dr Anungla said, “If you want to your right to be exercised make sure you don’t let someone vote for you nor take someone right by casting proxy vote. So that the right per-

son is placed in the right chair only then you can demand your right.”

Describing places like Kiphire a good place where women can act as bridge to bring social change, Dr Anungla said, “In multi tribal district like Kiphire, wom-

en could act as mediator as there is intermarriage, which can also act as a bridge between tribes and challenge the women present be pro active to bring social harmony.”

President Akedah Sangtamlaru Thingmu-

jang (AST), President YWO, President KDSTH and political leaders also spoke on the occasion. Lankosen Tsanglao SDO (C) chaired the programme and Benjamin Longkup EAC and AERO proposed vote of thanks.

Sanjay Kumar IAS takes over as CEO Nagaland Kohima, march 9 (DiPr): The Joint Chief Electoral Officer, Nagaland, N. Moa Aier in a press release informed that as per the Election Commission of India Order No. 154/NL/2015-EPS dated 23rd February 2015 Sentiyanger Imchen IAS, Chief Elector Officer and Commissioner, Nagaland was relinquished from the post of Chief Electoral Officer, Nagaland and consequently Sanjay Kumar, IAS has taken over as Chief Electoral Officer, Nagaland on 9th March 2015.

leader Ungma Village Council members Church vehicle stolen sensitised on legal awareness

Kohima, march 9 (mExN): A Mahindra Bolero SLX White color NL O1 H 2125 belonging to Rev. Visielie Angami, Chairman, Angami Christian Revival Church Council, Kohima was stolen on Sunday March 8, 2015 around 11a.m near Central Christian Revival Church.

D Block, Kohima during church service. The church leader has in a press release requested the person/persons involved in stealing the vehicle to kindly return it, as it is being used for God’s ministry.

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DEO Phek inform on drawing competition

Ungma Village Council members along with officials of the Soyim Gazetted Officers’ Association and resource persons after the legal awareness seminar held on March 7 at Ungma Baptist Church, Mokokchung.

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moKoKchuNg, march 9 (mExN): Organised and sponsored by the Soyim Gazetted Officers’ Association, a legal awareness seminar for members of Ungma Village Council was held at Ungma Baptist Church on March 7.

Guwahati High Court Judge, Lanusungkum Jamir exhorted the village councillors while Supu Jamir, Advocate and president of Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur was the main speaker.

Lanusungkum while ex-

horting the village councillors said that along with the customary laws, they should also be aware of the various laws under the Penal Code. He also said that free legal aid services are available for people, especially the poor, to access justice. He also delved into various laws that the people in general and the village councillors in particular should be aware of, citing the example of the Motor Vehicles Act. The main speaker of the

programme, Supu Jamir, spoke on the topic ‘status and powers of Pusu Menden Administration with reference to the Nagaland Village Council Act, 1978’.

He also elaborated on the concept and workings of ‘communitisation’ of various public services, including Village Education Committee, WATSAN and Village Health Committee.

Imosong Imsong, president of Soyim Gazetted Officers’ Association, chaired the proceeding of the

programme. Kosasanger Pusu Menden took over the reins of Ungma Village Council and Pusu Menden late last year, succeeding Mopungsanger Pusu, and as such legal awareness programme for the members of the Ungma Village Council was felt necessary, said Imosong.

Later, the 19th Annual General Meeting of the Soyim Gazetted Officers’ Association was held on the same day at its treasurer’s residence.

PhEK, mar ch 9 (mExN): All concerned are informed that the District Education Officer, Phek will conduct on spot drawing competition on the theme ‘science for nation building’ on March 20 to commemorate National Science Day. In this connection, all the Head of institution under Phek District are requested to send two participants for this competition. Certificates along with cash will be awarded to the first three winners.

Interested Schools are requested to Contact Chisapa contact No.9436078163 or 8729928027 on or before March 15 for confirmation. Deputy District Education Officer, Phek Nuchisalu has also informed in a press release that refreshment will be provided to all the participants. No TA/ DA will be provided.

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Personnel of the Fire and Emergency Services are seen here dousing off a wildfire that spread in the shrub areas of Mokokchung’s Mission Compound on March 9, which if not prevented on time could have spread to the adjoining residential areas. Cause of the fire was not known but no loss of property occurred due to the fire. (Morung Photo)

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Kovi Meyase, Administrator, KMC with others during the inauguration of PWD junction, Kohima traffic point on March 9. Razou Tetso, NCRCC offered the prayer while Neibulie Kiewhuo, Chairman, PWD Colony Panchayat, Kohima; Kovi Meyase, Administrator, KMC delivered short speech.

St. Joseph’s College celebrates Spring Fest ANPWD (R&B) & (H) WCEA informs Kohima, march 9 (mExN): All the Executive Engineer under NPWD (R&B), Sub Divisional Officer (SDO) as well as workcharged unit office bearers, president and secretaries of Workcharged Association, has been informed that the arrear bills in respect

of Workcharged salaries of September 2003, October 2003 and November 2003 are asked to obtain pre-audit from the directorate of Treasuries & Accounts Kohima.

The Divisions is advised to obtain the following documents, requirements during the Audit period

such as Service Book of the incumbent; Non-drawal certificate from the concern Treasury officers/ Sub-Treasury officer; Due to Drawn statement with bills in non-gazetted pay bill form, the Division wise showing deduction etc whoever applicable.

A press note issued by Akou-u Yhome, President and Khriesangulie Chüpuo, General Secretary has directed the concern authority to complete the necessary work within a week from the date of publication. In case of any confusion, contact the Association @ 9856518499

Science film for children in Kohima held

A cultural troupe performs a presentation during the Spring Fest held at St. Joseph’s College, Jakhama on March 7.

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JaKhama, march 9 (mExN): The Spring Fest was held to celebrate the season of growth in St. Joseph’s College, Jakhama with an ardent desire to achieve unity among the various Naga tribes on March 7.

A press release on the event issued by the Collge stated that the programme witnessed a fusion of cultural troupes with their elegant and captivating steps, which once again rejuvenated our thoughts to the roots of our beginnings. The loud drumbeats

echoed the messages of our ancestors to the present time and one could feel the call for integrity.

Father Abraham Lotha, the principal in his address gladly welcomed the chief guest, Vipralhou Kesiezie, the Director of SCERT, Kohima, Nagaland.

The chief guest conveyed the message that every student is different, emphasising that every student has a treasure inside waiting to be explored and discovered. He also deliberated on the power of the youth with

regard to the recent happenings in Dimapur and directed the students to use this immense power for the right purposes.

After the chief guest declared the Fest open, a series of competitions followed including folk dance, contemporary dance, Naga wrestling and beat contest.

The programme also included a special appearance by Shalo Kent, singer & producer. Zaren Mhabemo, a classical guitarist and the Director of the Life Music Academy/ Music Education

Foundation and DA Chasie, a Classical Guitarist and a Music Educator were part of the celebration as special guests. Lt. Col. P.D. Bishit, was part of the celebration.

Helpline Travels & Tourism, a Lumding (Assam) based travel agency was the main sponsor of the Fest. The Co-Sponsors of the Fest are Atu Zumvü, SDPO, Kohima, Thepfusalie Thomas, OC South Traffic, Kohima, Teisovi Gerard Meyase, Assistant Professor, Science College, Jotsoma and NV Press, Kohima.

Kohima, march 9 (mExN): Short science films on innovators and innovations were shown to children from eight schools in Kohima in the conference hall of the Nagaland Institute of Health, Environment & Social Welfare, Kohima on March 5 to commemorate National Science Day. NIHESW Director, Dr. Vizovol Mekro in a press release stated that after the film show, an essay writing contest on the films was held in which Shoniu Shiu of Ministers’ Hill Baptist Higher Secondary School was adjudged first, Moanaro Jamir of Chandmari Higher Secondary School, Kohima second and Viyieno Janet Mekro of Little Flower Higher Secondary School, Kohima third. Certificates for all the participants and special prizes for the winners were given away by the Vice President of NIHESW. The film show was a collaborative venture of the Nagaland Institute of Health, Environment & Social Welfare, Kohima and START (Search for Truth and Return to Science), a television program company, New Delhi. These films are being screened all over the country by START to promote scientific Winners of essay writing contest on the films with teachers and organisers held on March 5 to commemorate National Science Day. temper among school children.

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REgional

The Morung Express

Opposition questions Gogoi over Congress MLA statement Guwahati, March 9 (iaNS): The fifth day of the budget session of the Assam legislative assembly on Monday witnessed noisy scenes over the lynching of a rape accused in Nagaland's Dimapur town.

The problem started after some of the opposition members raised concerns over former Assam minister and Congress legislator Siddeque Ahmed's statement that he had prior information that the mob will break into the jail in Dimapur and kill the rape accused and that he had informed Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi about this on the morning of March 5.

Ahmed had on Sunday said that he had informed the chief minister and requested him to take up the matter with the Nagaland government.

However, the chief minister negated the possibility of such an incident and ignored the matter, Ahmed had alleged.

The former Border Area Development minister, who was dropped from the Gogoi cabinet last year for anti-party activities, also alleged that the victim could

have been saved had the chief minister taken up the matter with the neighbouring state.

The opposition MLAs demanded a clarification from the government over the statement of Siddeque Ahmed.

"Ahmed is a Congress legislator and he has said that he had informed about the matter to chief minister several hours before the lynching...We want to know the truth.

If he had informed the chief minister, then why did the chief minister not take up the matter," said AIUDF legislator Rafikul Islam.

AGP legislator Padma Hazarika demanded a statement by the government on the issue. "Ahmed is a Congress legislator and he has brought the allegation against the government run by his party. We must take it seriously and inquire into the matter," Hazarika said while demanding a statement from the government.

Assam government spokesman Rockybul Hussain, however, said there is no need for a statement as the government had taken

all necessary steps over the incident.

"This is a sensitive matter and the Opposition is trying to politicize the issue," he said.

Assembly Speaker Pranab Gogoi, however, ruled that the government should write to the central government to verify whether there was any prior information about the jail break incident and subsequent killing of Syed Farid Khan, the rape accused.

"The Centre must find out if there is any truth in Ahmed's statement and if there is no truth, action should be taken against him by the state government," the speaker ruled.

Meanwhile, the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) has served a showcause notice to Ahmed seeking an explanation for his statement.

The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) has also served a show-cause notice to the legislator asking him to explain his position within three days, failing which the party might initiate disciplinary action against him.

Tuesday

10 March 2015

160 power projects to generate 46,948 MW electricity: Tuki itaNaGar, March 9 (Pti): Arunachal Pradesh has signed pacts with power developers to execute 160 projects, entailing total installed capacity of 46,948 MW, in the state.

Chief Minister Nabam Tuki informed today that the state government has inked memorandum of understandings (MoUs) and memorandum of agreements (MoAs) with power developers to execute these projects.

Responding to a question from opposition leader Tamiyo Taga during question hour, Tuki disclosed that three projects -- 2000 MW Lower Subansiri Hydro Electric Project (LSHEP), 600 MW Kameng project and 110 MW Pare project -are under execution.

Works on Lower Subansiri project at Gerukamukh was stalled in December 2011 after antidam protagonists opposed its construction appre-

hending cascading affect on the people living in the downstream of the river.

When Taga wanted to know the steps taken by the state to identify the developers who were not interested in executing projects despite signing the MoUs/MoAs, Tuki said that the government had already taken decision and cancelled contracts with a few developers for violating the agreements.

"We are monitoring the

India-Bangladesh border to create new economic opportunities.

"Operationalisation of two borders 'haats' at Kalaichar and Balat has created new economic opportunities besides strengthening social bonding among the people along the border," the governor said.

Pointing out that the government has been working seriously to deal with the problem of infiltration and influx in the state, Tripathi also stressed on the need to fence the India-Bangladesh border.

"The government urges all the stakeholders to extend their cooperation and allow the fencing work to be undertaken in those portions where it has been stalled on accounts of objections from local quarters," he said On the prevailing law and order situation in the state, Tripathi said

Peace deal between Myanmar govt, ethnic rebels making 'headways' aizawl , March 9 (Pti): Former Mizoram chief minister Zoramthanga today claimed that his bid to broker a peace deal between the Myanmar government and ethnic rebels in that country has made some headway. The former underground leader, who was instrumental in the signing of the historic Mizo Accord in 1986, after returning from Bangkok and Naypyidaw, said an important official from the Prime Minister's Office accompanied him in his mission. The United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC) is an umbrella organisation of 17 ethnic Myanmarese underground groups, including Shan, Wa, Chin, Arakan, Kachin and Karen, formed to facilitate united peace talks with the Myanmar government, he said, adding he also met Myanmar Minister for Peace Talks General Aung Min and other ministers in Naypyidaw after meeting the ethnic underground groups in Bangkok for four days. The UNFC leaders expressed their desire to have an on-thespot study of the Mizo Accord if the government of India was willing to bear the expenses, which was agreed by the PMO official, Zoramthanga claimed.

8 militant outfits in Assam, 5 of them banned: Government Guwahati, March 9 (Pti): There are eight militant outfits in Assam with five of them declared as banned organisations, Panchayat Minister Rockybul Hussain said in the Assembly today. Replying on behalf of Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi who holds the Home portfolio to a question of Ali Hossain (AIUDF), Hussain said the banned organisations are ULFA-Independent, NDFB-Songbijit, Kamatapur Liberation Organisation (KLO), CPI-Maobadi and Harkat-ul-Muzahideen (HuM). The eight underground outfits are ULFA-I, NDFB-S, KLO, CPI-Maobadi, HuM, Karbi Peoples Liberation Tigers (KPLT), Muslim United Liberation Army (MULTA) and Jamaat-ul- Mujahideen- Assam Module (JMB). On their membership strength, Hussain said ULFA-I has 240 members, NDFB-S 250/270, KLO 70, CPIMaobadi 30, HuM 40, KPLT 40, MULTA 140, and JMB 20.

Vote-on-account passed in Arunachal House amid walkout itaNaGar, March 9 (Pti): Opposition BJP today staged a walkout from the Arunachal Pradesh Assembly protesting the tabling of Vote-on-Account by Chief Minister Nabam Tuki instead of a regular budget on March 5. Opposition Leader Tamiyo Taga led the protest and announced his party's decision to boycott the rest of the proceedings of the session ending tomorrow. The House later passed the Vote-on-Account by voice vote in the absence of the opposition. Earlier, participating in the discussion Taga wanted to know the emergency situations which compelled Tuki, who also holds the Finance portfolio, to present a Vote-on-Account for four months beginning April 1. Rubbishing Tuki's earlier assertion that this was due to non-receipt of fund from the 'Niti Ayog', Taga demanded an inquiry. and said, "The state government has lost its vision but busy in siphoning off development fund". Taga also questioned as to why the session was reduced to three days instead of six days as notified earlier. He blamed the state government of taking the assembly casually in contravention of the parliamentary democracy spirit. Responding to the accusation of the opposition, Tuki informed the assembly that the Voteon-Account was presented instead of a regular budget for want of clear-cut directives from the Centre.

ShilloNG, March 9 (Pti): Meghalaya Governor K N Tripathi today said the state government is determined to overcome challenges on the internal security, peace and law and order fronts.

The government is facing these challenges with the adaptation of a 'multipronged' strategy to thwart the attempts of 'misguided elements' to cause disturbance, Tripathi said during the inaugural address of the Budget session here.

While peace settlements have been signed with those militant groups that have entered into a dia-

logue and designated interlocutors to negotiate with those who are inclined to have talks, the government reiterated its firm resolve to tackle 'with full might', the Governor said.

In his 25-page address, Tripathi also highlighted the importance of completion of the Indo-Bangladesh border fencing.

Urging the Centre to ratify the protocol signed with Bangladesh, Tripathi said the initiative will ensure that people on both sides were able to derive the potential socio-economic benefits that a well defined and settled border offers.

He also stated that the operationalisation of two border haats at Kalaichar and Balat has not only created new economic opportunities but has also strengthened social bonding among people along the border.

Coming to the ban on mining of coal imposed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), the Governor maintained the strictures did have an adverse impact on the state's resources turning budget making more challenging.

"The ban imposed by the NGT has had an adverse impact on the state's

Taiwan keen to help Mizoram in agriculture aizawl, March 9 (iaNS): Taiwan is keen to help Mizoram in developing its agriculture and in value-addition of bamboo and capacity-building of human resource in the northeastern state, Taiwan's ambassador to India Chung-Kwang Tien has said.

"We are ready to help Mizoram in agriculture, value-addition of bamboo and capacity-building of human resource," Tien told reporters here on Sunday.

He said there were similarities in terrain and typography of Taiwan and Mizoram, bordering Myanmar.

"Agriculture and bamboo are two important sectors of possible co-operation that can be worked out," the envoy said, adding that he discussed with Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla about the possible cooperation between Mizoram and Taiwan.

Tien, accompanied by two officials of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Centre in India, came here on March 6 to witness the Mizos' biggest festival -Chapchar Kut. The visiting ambassador held discussion with Lal Thanhawla about sharing of experience between Mizoram's and Taiwan's

developers and directed them to abide by the agreement or otherwise their MoAs will be cancelled," Tuki said.

Responding to a supplementary from BJP member Japu Deru, the Chief Minister informed that a few minor projects were executed during 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.

However, agreements for most of the major projects were inked in the last decade, he added.

New Delhi, March 9 (iaNS): A 21-year-old student from Assam was allegedly beaten up by some residents of south Delhi's Amar Colony, police said Monday. According to police, the student was identified as Arbazuddin Ahmed.

He was trying to break the lock of someone else's house, mistaking it to be his own, apparently in an inebriated state.

Police said the youth hails from Guwahati in Assam and was living in Delhi for the last two years. He has suffered fractures in his limbs and jaw in the attack.

"The incident took place on March 5 when Arbazuddin came back home and tried to open the lock of a house which was not his.

When the key didn't work, he tried to break the door and get in," a senior police official said.

"Hearing the sounds, the owner and neighbours woke up. Thinking that he was a thief, they thrashed him," he said. Following a call from the locals around 1.30 a.m. that they had caught a thief, a police team was rushed to the spot and took him to the hospital."His address was found to be in the same locality. Both the houses were on the 1st floor and he probably went into the wrong house apparently in an inebriated condition," police said.

the government was determined to overcome the challenges to internal security, peace and order and thwart the attempts of misguided elements (militants) to cause disturbance and disorder.

He also said that the government was committed to having a dialogue with the militant outfits, provided they gave up their anti-national stance and abjured violence.

He admitted that there had been a substantial decline in the state's revenue.

Besides, the ban on mining of coal imposed by the National Green Tribunal had also created an adverse impact on the state's revenue resources.

The governor, however, said steps had been taken to address this situation by improving efficiency in tax collection and plugging leakages.

Northeast Briefs 'Multi-pronged strategy to fight challenges on security front'

experts on agriculture, value-addition of bamboo and capacity-building of human resource.

Tien said two agricultural experts, one specializing in grapes, would visit Mizoram later this month to study the agricultural and horticultural pattern in the state and suggest possible areas of intervention that could lead to concrete actions.

He said entrepreneurs

engaged in value-addition of bamboo and its products could visit his country to see the kind of industry expertise that Taiwan has in bamboo products.

The envoy invited students to apply for scholarships in Taiwan at various levels of education.

The Mizoram University could explore the possibility of running a Mandarin language centre, he said.

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resources. There has been a decline in the state's revenue," the Governor said.

He said budget making has become more challenging and development priorities require a well thought out marshalling of resources.

Tripathi said his government has improved efficiency in tax collections and plugging loopholes.

Stating that results are already visible in the thrust areas of the government, he said the state has rejigged its investment strategy with a clear focus on health, education, roads, irrigation and social sectors.

3

Assam youth beaten up in Delhi

Meghalaya urges Centre to ratify protocol with Bangladesh ShilloNG, March 9 (iaNS): The Meghalaya government on Monday urged the central government to ratify the land agreement protocol that was signed between India and Bangladesh during Manmohan Singh's visit to Bangladesh in September 2011.

"The state (Meghalaya) government has been urging upon the central government to ratify the protocol signed with Bangladesh so that people on both sides are able to derive the potential socioeconomic benefits that a well-defined and settled border offers," Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi said.

Tripathi, who was addressing the state legislative assembly on the opening day of the budget session, said the government has approved the setting up of four, new border "haats" (markets) along the

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The Morung Express

RBI could keep hold on money market levers

New Delhi, March 9 (ageNcies): The Finance Ministry is learnt to have accepted the Reserve Bank of India’s position that regulation of money market instruments should remain with the central bank.

This has been informally communicated to the RBI ahead of the traditional post-Budget meeting between the Finance Minister and RBI Governor, scheduled for March 22.

A provision in this year’s Budget, seeking to shift regulation of money market instruments away from the RBI, was red-flagged by the central bank, which cited the impact on monetary policy.

If approved by Parliament, the move to amend the Government Securities Act, the RBI Act and the Securities Contract Regulation Act (SCRA) will result in loss of control for RBI over two key instruments — repo and reverse repo — critical to influencing or managing interest rates.

Though this provision was not mentioned in Finance Minister Arun Jait-

FM Jaitley to address RBI board on March 22 MuMbai, March 9 (PTi): Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will address board members of the Reserve Bank here on March 22 to inform them about steps taken in the Budget for 2015-16 to boost economic growth and contain fiscal deficit.

“The meeting has been scheduled for March 22 where he would be addressing the board members and talk about announcements made in the Budget to perk up growth,” a source said. It has been a custom that the Finance Minister addresses RBI board, consisting of RBI Governor and existing three deputy governors, after the Budget. Jaitley, who presented the Budget on February 28, is likely to inform the RBI board about steps taken to contain fiscal deficit and may underline the need to lower interest rates to promote ley’s Budget speech, the Finance Bill proposes to amend sections 45U and 45W of the RBI Act to remove the central bank’s powers to regulate government securities and other money market instruments.

In his reply to the general discussion on the Bud-

growth.

The meeting comes against the backdrop of RBI on March 4 announcing a 0.25 percentage point rate cut within days of unveiling of the Union Budget. Jaitley is likely to compliment the central bank for the rate cut.

This was the second surprise rate cut outside regular policy review in less than two months. The RBI’s decision to cut its policy or repo rate to 7.5 percent -- after another cut from 8 percent to 7.75 percent on January 15 -- is also expected to lower the cost of capital for companies and give a fillip to the investment climate. The meeting assumes significance as the RBI is scheduled to announce its first bi-monthly monetary policy for 2015-16 on April 7.

It is expected that the Finance

get, Jaitley is expected to indicate the softer position that the government will adopt when amendments to the Bill are moved in the second half of the Budget session.

In an indication of the thaw, Jaitley said in Mumbai on Saturday that any ambiguity relating to regu-

Minister may emphasise the need for lowering rate further to boost growth in the light of fiscal consolidation measures announced in the Budget as well as eased inflationary condition. Inflation measured by the wholesale price index (WPI) was at 0.11 percent in December.

The data for November was revised downwards to (-) 0.17 percent, from the provisional estimate of zero. To provide comfort to RBI, Jaitley in Budget pegged fiscal deficit for 2015-16 at 3.9 percent of GDP and proposed to lower it to 3 percent by 2017-18, a year later than planned earlier. As far as economic expansion is concerned, the country is expected to witness GDP growth of 8-8.5 percent in the coming fiscal as compared to 7.4 percent estimated for the current fiscal.

lation of the money market would be discussed during the debate on the Finance Bill in Parliament.

“I don’t want to talk about it (provision) outside (Parliament). If there is any ambiguity about the Finance Bill, we will discuss that in Parliament,” he told reporters. It is understood

that Minister of State for Finance Jayant Sinha played the role of a mediator to bring about a rapprochement.

A repo transaction is one in which a bank or financial institution sells government securities or bonds to the RBI, which charges interest on it.

Known as the repo rate, the RBI uses it to infuse liquidity in the system.

In the reverse repo transaction, the RBI sells or releases bonds to drain out excess liquidity. These transactions are carried out daily as part of the central bank’s liquidity management operations, and are currently not traded on the exchange.

According to officials, the proposal to amend the law would lead to the repo and reverse repo being traded on the stock exchanges, besides government securities — effectively shutting out RBI supervision or control over this segment. The proposal to amend the SCRA — to define the two products as a security just like shares, bonds or derivatives — will mean that they will move away from the RBI’s regulatory domain to the stock exchanges, and to the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).

The RBI has holdings of government securities aggregating well over Rs 6 lakh crore on its books to back the currency, and

Non-banking firms to benefit from assets act Moto Turbo in India at Rs 41,999 cheNNai, March 9 (iaNs): The central government’s move to extend the applicability of SARFAESI Act to non-banking finance companies (NBFC) would speed up recoveries by these firms, according to Moody’s Investors Service.

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley presenting the budget for 2015-16 proposed to designate NBFCs with asset base over Rs.5 billion as ‘financial institutions’ under the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act (SARFAESI Act).

According to an article in the latest issue of `Moody’s Credit Outlook’, the Indian government’s move is a “credit positive” for lenders of loans against borrower propertiesresidential and commercial.

Residential mortgagebacked securities (RMBS) backed by loan against property (LAP) originated by these NBFCs would also benefit from speedier loan recovery, the re-

Apart from the standardised protocols around loan recovery, inclusion under the SARFAESI Act would allow lenders to take over the management of a borrower’s business if the defaulted borrower does not discharge his liability in full, states the research report.

Citing the fiscal 2013 data of Reserve Bank of India, the report states that NPA recovery through the SARFAESI Act (as opposed to debt recovery tribunals and other recovery means) accounted for about 80 percent of the total amount of the banking sector’s NPAs recoveries at Rs.232 billion, and the collection rate was 27.1 percent.

Among the NBFCs that are active in LAPs and that would benefit from the central government’s proposal are Cholamandalam Investment & Finance, Indiabulls Financial Services, Magma Fincorp, Reliance Capital, Religare Finvest and Fullerton India Credit Company, which have all been active in securitisation, the report states.

search report notes.

“The SARFAESI Act would expedite NBFCs’ repossession of the underlying property backing the LAP because NBFCs would have the ability to demand repayment of any defaulted loan within 60 days after the lender classifies such loans as non-performing assets (NPAs),” the article notes.

If the defaulted borrower refuses to repay the outstanding loan in full within 60-days of notice, lenders would be allowed to seek repossession through the chief metropolitan magistrate or district magistrates in the jurisdictions in which the properties are located.

Under the current practice, NBFCs must resort to civil court proceedings to recover their loans and take repossession of a property whose recovery time is difficult to determine.

Repossession through the chief metropolitan magistrates and the district magistrates, which normally takes 18-24 months, should offer a speedier recovery.

New Delhi, March 9 (iNDiaN exPress): Motorola’s powerful top-end phone Moto Droid Turbo is now available for pre-order in India as Moto Turbo for a competitive price of Rs 41,990. While the company splashed a half-page advertisement for the phone in a leading daily, the Motorola India website also shows a teaser for the new phone. Motorola’s e-commerce partner Flipkart has launched a page where they are taking pre-orders.

Incidentally, the company has called a press conference on Tuesday to announce what was supposed to be the Moto E (3G).

It now seems more than likely that there is more up Moto’s sleeve.

Moto Turbo, Moto Droid Turbo, Moto E, MotorolaThe Moto Droid Turbo is an Android Kitkat smartphone powered by a 2.7 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 processor with 64-bit memory access. It has 3 GB RAM and the advertisement suggest there might just be the 64Gb version available in India.

_

LEISURE

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.”

SUDOKU Game Number # 3160

The phone has a 21 MP camera with f/2.0 aperture and 4K recording. Plus, the 5.2-inch display is QUAD HD with 565ppi.

However, what will have buyers in India smacking their lips is the 3900 mAh battery which will be beyond what most top-end phones are offering at the moment. This means around two days of battery life on a single charge. And even that charging is unique as the phone supports Motorola Turbo Charge which can give eight hours of mixes usage battery in 15 minutes of charging. The 4G LTE phone will come with NFC.

DAILY CROSS WORD

CROSSWORD # 3170

Answer Number # 3159

against its overseas investments. The central bank also holds excess government securities or bonds as part of its investments.

The regulation over the money market or government securities market is not the only contention either. The proposal to dematerialise all government securities and to move it to a depository, too, hasn’t gone down well with the banking regulator. Officials say that it raises the issue of accounting and a huge fiscal cost, considering the depository charges that would have to be paid. “There is a fiscal cost and impact to it,” an official said.

Settlement in government securities are now done by the Clearing Corporation of India, and the RBI does not want to rock the boat citing the experience of many countries where the central bank has control over that, including in China.

The latest move to ring in changes contrasts with the experience of 2006-07, when although regulation of trading in currency products shifted to SEBI,

RBI was still assigned a role in vetting and approving products, and was consulted on imposing controls.

This time around, there were hardly any consultations, two officials who did not want to be named said.

The meeting between the Finance Minister and the RBI Governor is the only public one that they hold every year, where the two with their respective teams discuss the fiscal underpinnings of the Budget. The meeting gives a chance to the RBI to understand the government’s priorities before it releases its monetary policy for the year in April.

The delay had also created a collateral problem for SEBI, whose chairman and members meet the top Finance Ministry team on the same day. Unlike the RBI meeting, however, this one is largely ceremonial.

Among the changes announced in the Budget this year is a proposal to merge the Forwards Market Commission with SEBI, which has made the meeting with the regulator nearly equally important.

Over 10 percent growth in foreign tourist arrivals in 2014 New Delhi, March 9 (iaNs): Foreign tourist arrivals grew by 10.6 percent in 2014 as compared to last year, the tourism ministry said on Monday. “The yearly estimate of FTA (foreign tourist arrivals) for the year 2014 stands at 7.70 million during 2014 with a growth rate of 10.6 percent over FTAs of 6.97 million during 2013,” the ministry said in a statement.

Tata Consultancy Services ranked as top employer in Europe New Delhi, March 9 (iaNs): IT services, consulting and business solutions organisation Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has been for the third consecutive year named the top employer in Europe by the Top Employers Institute, a company statement said here on Monday.

“TCS is the IT services market leader in customer satisfaction in Europe. We believe that the main driver of satisfaction is our extremely talented workforce of 318,000 global professionals, and our relentless focus on hiring and retaining the best talent across Europe will continue,” Ajoy Mukherjee, executive vice president and global head, human resources, TCS, said. TCS was ranked the overall number one in a process that assessed 688 organisations across Europe.

“TCS has been able to prove that they focus on the employee work experience and have a highly consistent application of HR policy practice and alignm ent across all countries. Apart from Europe, TCS is also a recognised as a top employer in Latin America and North America,” said David Plink, chief executive officer.

DIMAPUR Civil Hospital:

STD CODE: 03862 232224; Emergency229529, 229474

Metro Hospital:

227930, 231081

Faith Hospital:

228846

Shamrock Hospital

228254

Zion Hospital:

231864, 224117, 227337

Police Control Room

228400

Police Traffic Control

232106

East Police Station West Police Station

227607 232181

CIHSR (Referral Hospital)

242555/ 242533

Dimapur hospital

224041, 248011

Apollo Hospital Info Centre:

230695/ 9402435652

Railway:

131/228404

Indian Airlines

229366

Nagaland Multispe- 248302, cialty Health & 09856006026 Research Centre

W

O

R

Words that Start with P PHOTO PRETTY PART PLACE PLAYGROUND PEOPLE PRAYER PANCAKES PROPER PRAISE PASTOR PIANIST PROFESSION PAINT PLEAD PERFECT PERHAPS PAUSE PSYCHOLOGY POWERFUL PROFOUND PHYSICIAN PRECIOUS PROBLEM PREACHING PROPHET

D

C J E J V F P A O V A Q Z J L S P B Y T

V L G C X Z R A L P D N P R H O R W R X

S

E E M E A L S P A H R E P F Q I O A U P

D A F H T L N B U E S R E Y A R P I Y T

I A F G B U P Y S I O B T I O H H P X O

E

G W V R D O W R A F I N N A Y G E O N Y

L U P K M Y P R E C I O U S Q K T W S L

P R Z F E G P S G A Y K I O B R I E N L

A

P E O P L E S P P I C C Z Q Z X K R F H

Y V G I B I N O L A I H J T U A S F T F

R W D A O Y L F T A J G I K C Q X U Y R

R

Z N F N R D P A N O Y I K N A E J L Y B

I D C I P L E A D U H G A N G A F R T H

C

K Z K S P A R O T S A P R O P E R R T N

T I P T Q N U J P S Y C H O L O G Y E K

K H N A D E O S S X J D D N U O F O R P

H

O C P R V V O A E P I J O G P N T X P Y

G R P H U X F P D Z J K J A H Y D I X L

V O N R J K F I B D Z L N B A E F M R T

G O L G X V S G I H Q E W I Z Q U Y O L

ACROSS

1. You (archaic) 5. Brother of Jacob 9. College girl 13. Chafes 14. Preserves 16. Killer whale 17. Being 18. Metal 19. School session 20. Pup 22. Incorrect 24. Secure against leakage 26. Coach 27. Harassed 30. Utter a shrill cry 33. Emanation 35. Donnybrook 37. Nigerian tribesman 38. Large tropical American fish 41. Directed 42. Peels 45. Paltry 48. Sleeping sickness carrier 51. Oval 52. Rich soils 54. Canvas dwelling 55. Gear 59. Divinity

62. Breathing organ 63. Grill 65. Unit of land 66. Friends and neighbors 67. Severe pain 68. Acquire 69. Smudge 70. Type of sword 71. Shade trees

DOWN

1. An old spelling of “True” 2. Silence 3. Fixations 4. Futile 5. S 6. Satisfy 7. Watchful 8. Womb 9. Clique 10. Chocolate cookie 11. Beige 12. Dikes 15. Indolence 21. Friends 23. Standard 25. Wreaths 27. Inheritor 28. Extent 29. Put clothing on 31. Oval 32. Loudly laments

34. Excluding 36. Border 39. Mineral rock 40. A man’s skirt 43. Pleasure 44. Cease 46. Skedaddled 47. Bloodline 49. Brazilian dance 50. Come forth 53. Meddle 55. Large North American deer (plural) 56. Wisecrack 57. “Do ___ others...”

58. Prong 60. Snip 61. Cravings 64. Alkaline liquid Ans to CrossWord 3169

Police Control Room: North Police Station: South Police Station: Fire Brigade: Naga Hospital: Oking Hospital: Bethel Nursing Home: Northeast Shuttles

STD CODE: 0370 100/2244279 2222222 2222111 2222952 2222916 2243339 2224202 08974997923

CHUMUKEDIMA: 03862 282777/101 (O) 9856158740 (OC)

MOKOKCHUNG: 0369 2226225/ 101 (O) 9436012949 (OC) PHEK: 8414853765 (O) 9862130954(OC) ZUNHEBOTO: 03867 280304/ 101 (O) 9856156876 (OC)

MON: 03869 251222/ 101 (O) 9436208480 (OC) KipHire: 8414853767 (O) 8974304572 (OC)

Toll free No. 1098 childline

Police Station 1:

DIMAPUR: 03862 232201/ 101 (O) 9436017479 (OC)

TUENSANG: 8414853766 (O) 8414853519

CHILD WELFARE COMMITTEE

MOKOKCHUNG:

KOHIMA: 0370 2222952/ 101 (O) 9402003086 (OC)

WOKHA: 03860 242215/101 (O) 9862039399 (OC)

Chumukedima Fire 282777 Brigade Nikos Hospital and 232032, 231031 Research Centre

KOHIMA

FIRE STATIONS

STD CODE: 0369

2226241

Police Station 2 :

2226214

Civil Hospital: Woodland Nursing Home:

2226216 2226263

Hotel Metsüpen (Tourist Lodge):

2226373/2229343

TAHAMZAM (formerly Senapati) STD CODE: 03871 Police Station: Fire Brigade

CURRENCY EXCHANGE CURRENCY NOTES

222246 222491

BUY(Rs)

SELL(Rs)

US Dollars Sterling Pound Hong Kong Dollar Australian Dollar Singapore Dollar Canadian Dollar Japanese Yen

60.67 93.07 7.57 47.36 44.45 48.46 50.39

63.64 97.63 8.44 49.72 46.65 50.87 53.67

Euro

67.72

71.04

Thai Baht Korean Won New Zealand Dollar Chinese Yuan

1.81

2.02

0.0535

0.0597

45.76

48.05

9.35

10.42

LOCAL

The Morung Express

Tuesday 10 March 2015

Dimapur

MEx FILE international Women's Day observed DC Mokokchung informs Naga women are second to none: Guv

kohIMa, March 9 (MExn): On the occasion of International Women’s Day (March 8), Governor of Nagaland PB Acharya asserted “we” must remind ourselves that empowerment of women and equality, liberty and dignity are the sacred rights of women. "It is not a privilege that they should seek."

Extending greetings and best wishes to the women of Nagaland in particular, and country in general on the day, Acharya in a release acknowledged that “Naga women are second to none; they have been contributing towards progress of our society as Government Employees, Teachers, Doctors, Nurses, Technocrats, etc.”

He also opined that women are playing bigger role in many fields.

Further, he acknowledged that women are the real architect of the society and stressed that women need to be empowered with education and employment in order to pave way for a better society. “Women’s economic independence leads them to empowerment; hence it must be our prime objective,” he stated.

Meanwhile, pointing out that crimes against women are on rise particularly in India, he admitted there are several challenges that are plaguing issues of women’s rights. “We need to address the challenges in a proper manner to empower the women and also to wipe out the discrimination against the women.” He also conveyed heartfelt appreciation to all the women who are the backbone of the society.

According to Acharya, “International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities. This is the time to uphold women’s achievements, recognize challenges, and focus greater attention on women’s rights and gender equality to mobilize all people to do their part.”

IWSN conducts training cum workshop to create awareness on self reliance

kohIMa, March 9 (MExn): Incessant Welfare Society Nagaland (IWSN) observed International Women's Day in collaboration with Women Commission Department, Nagaland by organizing two-day training cum workshop on Indian style vegetable pickle making from March 6-7

at Lerie Panchayat Hall, Kohima.

The training was imparted with an aim to create awareness on self reliance, informed a press release received here. Azungla Imsong, President, IWSN in her short speech emphasised on the importance of women empowerment and encouraged the participants.

All together 42 participants attended the training programme, where materials and incentives were provided to all. Vitoni trained the participants.

The release added that IWSN plans to connect more people through different programmes as requested by the participants.

Women encouraged to achieve 'My Life My Choice' PhEk, March 9 (MExn): The Phek District Legal Services Authority along with the Chakhesang Mothers’ Association (CMA), Phek Area Mothers’ Association (PAMA), and Emmanuel Hospital Association observed International Women’s Day at District Planning and Development Board conference hall on March 8.

Addressing the gathering, chairman of the District Legal Services Authority, GH Ramlia stated that women should not be just behind the initiative for empowerment of women, but they should be in the forefront, creating awareness to achieve the principle of women liberation “My Life My Choice”.

Somet C. Chang, Secretary, Phek District Legal Services Authority spoke on the Significance of International Women’s day and Women Empowerment.

Rukuvolu Vero, Panel Lawyer, Legal Services Authority, highlighted on Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005. District Coordinator EMA Kevesa spoke on the Social Status of Women in our Society.

The programme, chaired by Zaposhelu Venuh, President CMA, had invocation prayer by Moze Nyekha, Woman Pastor, PTBC, special number by Sunutalu and friends, vote of thanks by Besuvolu Venuh, President PAMA.

DNSu extends co-operation to district administration DIMaPur, March 9 (MExn): The Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) has condemned the alleged rape of a Naga girl and the subsequent lynching of the accused in Dimapur recently. According to a press release from DNSU tribunal member, Ahoi Yepthomi and tribunal general, Medovoi Medeo, during an emergency meeting of the DNSU constituent units, the members also appealed to the administra-

tors of the different social networking groups to completely refrain from posting about the present issue.

The members also decided to extend fullest co-operation to the district administration in maintaining peace and harmony. For this, DNSU provided the following numbers of its constituent units which can be contacted for any emergency: Ao Students’ Union Dimapur – 9612057954; Chakhe-

sang Students’ Union Dimapur – 9856868530; Dimapur Lotha Students’ Union – 9863530532; Dimapur Sumi Students’ Union – 9612198282; Kuda (Angami) Students’ Union – 9862466458; Rengma Students’ Union Dimapur – 8575190419; Pochury Students’ Union Dimapur – 8974281586; Tangkhul Students’ Union Dimapur – 9862895473; Zeliang Students’ Union Dimapur Rev. Kuzierang Thou has taken over as the new State Chaplain from Rev Luro. Seen – 9856447717. here are Rev. Anjo and others praying for Rev. Kuzierang Thou at State Banquet Hall.

Penalty kick tournament PhEk, March 9 (MExn): The Golden Club, Phek has invited various teams to participate in the 2015 edition of penalty kick tournament, which will be held at local ground, Phek Town on March 14. Last date of registration is March 12. Entry fee per team is Rs 1000; 1st place Rs. 10,000 and 2nd place Rs. 5,000.

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Mokokchung, March 9 (DIPr): Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung, Sushil Kumar Patel has informed that ADC Mokokchung Rajesh Saundrarajan has been given the charge of Administrator, Mokokchung Town Municipal Council, in addition to his normal duties with immediate effect.

DBA informs on identity card DIMaPur, March 9 (MExn): All the members of the Dimapur Bar Association have been informed that in pursuant to the rule formed by the Bar Council of India, the new set of rules namely, Bar Council of India Certificate and place of practice (Verification Rules 2015), the identity card has also been included and various details are to be furnished by the Advocate concerned and the Council has proposed to issue a PVC identity Card with bar-code which will be a statutory I-Card acceptable in every place and a sum of Rs. 250 is to be paid for the purpose. DBA general secretary A Hukavi Zhimomi in a press release has stated that in compliance with the direction of the Bar Council of India, all the members of the DBA are to collect from the secretary the certificate of practice application and identity card forms and submit the duly filled up forms on or before March 31 on any working days.

Lazami Welfare Society Kohima informs kohIMa, March 9 (MExn): The Lazami Welfare Society, Kohima (LWSK) has convened its general meeting on March 14, 10:00 am at the Society’s banker’s residence at Nagabazar. A press note issued by Lutovi Phucho, General Secretary, has requested all the executive members, advisors and members to attend the meeting positively.

NGPTA executive meeting kohIMa, March 9 (MExn): The first executive meeting of the Nagaland Government Primary Teachers’ Association has been convened on March 14, 11:00 am at ANSTA Guest House, Kohima. A press release issued by its President Heikieleung Zeliang reminded all the districts to form their own unit latest by March 31.

NPF Minority Wing appeals DIMaPur, March 9 (MExn): NPF Minority Wing has condemned the “unfortunate incident” in Dimapur, “which has tarnished the image of the state Nagaland at national level.” It has appealed to its "community people" to cooperate with the administration and restrain themselves from any untoward activity that would jeopardise the overall effort to sustain peaceful environment in the State. A press release issued by NPF Minority Wing (Central) vice president, Debendra Rana also lauded the performance of Dimapur District administration in bringing the situation under control.

The wing also extended gratitude to the State Chief Minister for assuring the security and protection of Indigenous State Minority people and Non-Naga citizens of India in Nagaland.

Old Changsu Union Kohima condemns

Some expired goods and intoxicants seized in Chenwetnyu village during a social work cum checking on selling On behalf of GOC 3 Corps, an army officer from Engineer- Unattended garbage dumped opposite Kohima College, of expired goods and intoxicants in the village on Febru- ing Regiment inaugurated the water supply project under Kohima, despite the signboard that reads defaulters will be fined. (Photo by Loreni Tsanglao) ary 28 by the Chenwetnyu Village Students' Union.

MCA Operation Sadbhavana at Aoyimti Village recently.

kohIMa, March 9 (MExn): The Old Changsu Union Kohima has condemned the March 3 alleged molestation case in Wokha, where 13-year-old girl was molested by 60-year-old man. “It’s a shame on our society that even after much outcry from every sections of the society, such incident keeps happening again,” stated the union president, B Myingthungo Kithan in a release. In order to shun such incidents in the near future, the union appealed to the law enforcement agencies not to let go of the accused easily and punish him as per the law.

Public SPace

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th March 2015 will go down as another dark day of shame and ignominy for the entire Christian community living in the State of Nagaland...whether physically having participated in that insane rampage or not.

The Nagas forgot all Christian values and abandoned all Christian sense of justice with extreme prejudice, intolerance and irrationality.

Defining the truest character of a people emerge from the darkest recess of trials and failure we face along the way. Thus far, we as a people have mostly measured up to dishonourable strains, unbecoming of a Christian identity.

This disgraceful, indefensible event ought to help the Nagas to prayerfully admit the devil in us and pick up painful lessons from it to galvanise our future on a more reliable and tested foundry of true Christian sense of justice and fairness.

At the outset, let me unambiguously state that I have done the best I can to highlight the dangers of an escalating presence of IBI in Nagaland in my earlier writings and am in no

Lawless Christian Intolerance

way sympathetic to their arrogant unwelcomed excesses. Necessarily, their ouster from our land remains a primary task that the sleeping Government of Nagaland needs to seriously wake up to and address before this impending nightmare destroys our very existence.

Having said this however, no civilised society will ever condone the barbaric justice that was meted out to Syed Farid Khan, even if he was then suspected to be an IBI rapist. Was it fair? Under a civilised law of the land, he had a right to be considered innocent till proven guilty in the Court of Law. Nagas have a tendency of demeaning our customary laws to justify any arbitrary action when questioned, without really understanding that our forefathers essentially based their actions on a sound footing of natural justice.

Some may argue that the naked public parade of Syed Farid Khan and finally lynching him is in keeping with the Naga customary law. This would be a gross misrepresentation. There is no denying that our ances-

tors did indeed indulged in such customary practices of chopping off the hair, stripping the culprit naked and publically parading and shaming a proven defaulter with a clear intention of discouraging others from doing the same. What should not be forgotten however is that such a practice would become relevant only when the accused has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and NOT BEFORE... It certainly did not involve slaughtering the culprit in the aftermath. Syed Farid Khan was an accused. He was awaiting the due process of law, yet to be convicted for the crime he was accused of. It is imperative that the Government of Nagaland carry out an introspective analysis as to why it had become so easy to incite a mob frenzy to take command.

Over the years, the public have been persistently watching in utter frustration, habitual offenders being released on bail, more often than not, by the Courts. The Courts unburden its responsibility by pointing figures at the Police for their indifferently presented evidences against

the accused resulting in the offenders being allowed to eventually go scot free after the incident recedes from public memory.

The definitive assumption that suspected offender like Syed Farid Khan was capable of bribing his way out from this jam like all the rest would have been a strong subconscious conclusion that would have helped trigger such uncontrolled mob frenzy, even more so against an "IBI rapist" that the public assumed him to be as projected in the print media, at the time of the incident. While not condoning the dastardly and gruesome action of the people in any way, this incident is a clear expression of citizens having lost faith in the system and their Government.

The Government of Nagaland must promptly and pointedly address the critical fault line of uncoordinated mismanagement prevalent between General Administration, Police and Judiciary, before another Syed Farid Khan happens all over again.

The unsubstantiated street talk and conjectures throw up a varied picture

that the whole sordid event was not a cut and dried case of 'rape' as has otherwise been painted in the print media. The street story also seems to portray a sleazy depiction of a Naga Pimp (NP) making arrangement for a willing client and the deal going sour on the issue of payment for the services rendered. Now that the mob temperature has subsided...this is a question being posed to all our readers to consider in cool contemplation...Do Nagas condone the role of the lowly creatures, the Naga Pimps, involved in the trade of "Our Own Selling Our Own"? The whole episode sounded more like a consensual sex rather than 'rape', especially for the fact that the act of rape was supposed to have been committed within the controlled confines of a hotel.

According to the CCTV footage of the hotel lobby, Mr. Syed Farid Khan was first seen signing in and a moment later being followed by the girl in question concealing her face.

What was the girl in question doing with someone she probably did not even know well enough to be

closeted in a hotel room if not for her false sense of security that an NP was behind her? Did the girl in question raise an alarm and did the hotel management hear such a commotion, if raised? It is hard to believe that someone would willingly follow a 'rapist' to a den to be raped...no matter what the medical report may say.

There are scores of such relevant questions that need answers...being fully aware that there can be no smoke without the proverbial fire. Even the print media ought to have taken some initiative by now to deploy investigative journalism to afford a balanced picture for the public in an explosive event such as this...not just carry news fed to them by the authorities. The sad end result has culminated in a totally shameful disaster. This is an exceptional circumstance of an all round system failure inclusive of the Fourth Estate. It is extremely important that the facts of the matter is transparently made known to the public at the earliest and put all such unsubstantiated

speculations to rest.

It is commendable that the Legitimate Muslim Community (LMC) of Nagaland has sent out a positive signal for peaceful coexistence. However, as a reminder to what I had once said in their school children's felicitation programme some years back at Dimapur...we are surely heading for an uncertain trying times. The influx of IBIs is vitiating the atmosphere and has all the potentiality of stirring up another storm in the future. A time may come when the clear distinction of LMC members, (many of whom have settled in Dimapur even before it had become a commercial hub), could get confused with the identities of the IBIs...as has become quite apparent in the case of Syed Farid Khan. It was an unbiased clear hearted suggestion that they begin a well regulated census registration of their own legitimate kind to ensure such unfortunate mix-up does not occur. If the Apex Muslim Council had such a record in place, they could have immediately clarified the legitimate status of Syed Farid Khan...then the disas-

trous story may have been different perhaps.

At the end of the day, one can only hope and pray that our epic failure to abide by the law will not unleash a serious backlash against the Nagas elsewhere, especially all our children and relatives studying or working in the cosmopolitan cities of the mainland.

While Nagas may think that they are the masters in their small little pond, there is a wider ocean out there that demands temperance of our Christian attitudes, which we profess to be a cut above other religion without the visibility of such a claim being displayed in action, and to respect the law of the land as much as we expect the mainland to adopt the same yardsticks in their dealings with our kind. It would do well for the Naga Christians, young and old, to remember at all times what Matthew, Chapter 7:12 has to say..."So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets".

Khekiye K. Sema IAS (Rtd) Forest Colony, Kohima

The Morung Express is introducing “Public Space” as part of our intention to provide deliberate space for the opinions of the people to be expressed and heard through this newspaper. Nonetheless, The Morung Express points out that the opinions expressed in the contents published in the “Public Space” do not reflect the views and position of the newspaper or the editor.

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IN-FOCUS

The Power of Truth

The Morung Express

THE EDIT PAGE

C O M M E N T A R Y

Yakin Erturk

The missing link in women’s human rights A Reflection TuEsDAy 10 MArcH 2015 voluME X IssuE 66

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he nature of the March 5 violence must be seen for what it was - a rally that spiraled out of control fomented by mob violence that ended in extreme acts of brutality, destruction and loss of two human lives – a man alleged of rape was taken out of jail and lynched by a mob; and one person shot dead during a police firing. Nagaland will never quite be the same again.

The legal responsibility rests on the State to sort out the truth.

The terms of reference for the One-man Judicial Inquiry set up by the Nagaland State Government to inquire into “the causes and circumstances leading to the incident; the person or group of persons responsible, including those who incited encouraged or guided the crowd in committing the crime; whether there were any lapses or dereliction of duty on the part of any official or public authority responsible for the maintenance of law and order; whether the incident could have been avoided; and how such incidents may be avoided in future” is an essential step towards ensuring the rule of law and upholding due process.

Simultaneously, it is equally important for the Naga people to question ourselves. The March 5 violence has exposed Naga society’s disturbing reality and extent of our brokenness that impacts all parts of our fractured society including politically, socially, economically and spiritually. The absence of good governance, responsible leadership and having a responsive criminal justice system to democratically address wrong doings has been blatantly exposed. This has made us vulnerable, volatile and reactive. We can no longer deny that these conditions exist.

The collective failure of the State, the Church, the Civil Society organizations and public leaders show the profound lack of understanding the complex degenerating situation and the failure to courageously make timely interventions. This is a huge wake-up call and requires us to correct our attitudes, take positive action, to be accountable to ourselves, to each other, to fellow human beings and the world community.

Every Naga individual, community and organization that values the sacredness of life needs to break their comfortable silence, take responsibility and act to ensure: Never Again! A comprehensive response that is solidly based on nonviolent practices through sincere and peaceful means is essential in order for us to maintain our dignity and stop the cycle of violence while addressing the many different and difficult issues facing us.

The process, however, must inevitably begin by responsibly addressing the issues that led to the March 5 violence and digging deep to find answers to the questions that have emerged in the aftermath.

lEfT wiNg |

Mazie Nakhro, Ph.D

The Dark Side of urban centers Thought-Provoking Question: How should we address the social evils in our urban centers in Nagaland?

What does God say? Read Micah 2:1-11 Many modern day pastors and preachers would rather choose to stay popular by avoiding topics of sin, corruption, injustices, judgment and hell. If they are close to some politicians (even if they are corrupt), they would love to proclaim “a new day is coming in Nagaland!” The prophets in Micah’s time were just the same. They stood for corrupt politicians and insisted that Micah join their feel-good bandwagon (2:6; 3:5).

Unlike the city-bred Isaiah, Micah was just an ordinary guy from a small village called Moresheth. Yet this country prophet was not intimidated by anybody. He spoke as one who had seen the world through God’s eyes. He stood on the side of the poor farmers who were suffering at the hands of the powerful leaders and wealthy landlords.

In delivering his messages, Micah used the imagery of a court trial (1:2; 6:1-3). The earth and all its inhabitants were summoned to hear the indictments from the Judge (God) against both houses of Israel and Judah. The prophet insisted that the cities of Jerusalem and Samaria were the source of cancerous corruption (1:5; 6:10-12; 7:3). These cities had been the centers of outrageous social injustices (2:1-11; 7:2). The civil and religious leaders were to blame for the sad state of affairs, for they should have known what God demanded of His people (3:1-12).

Micah’s hope was only in the transformation of Zion (4:15). One day Jerusalem would be the center of the world. All peoples would come to worship God there. But all this would happen only through a Ruler who would come someday from a small village called Bethlehem (5:2). And when He comes as a King to rule, He would take care of the people, just as shepherds take care of their sheep, and there would be peace everywhere (5:4-5; 7:14-20).

In the meantime, this is what the people should do: “He has showed you, O men, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (6:8).

Okay, so now what?

The solution to our problems isn’t in a new political party or modern technology. The solution is in doing what God says: Protect the weak with justice. Respond to injury with mercy. Walk with God in humility. These are the three “grand essentials” for the building up of a good society.

Are you doing your part toward building a good Naga society?

Prayer: Lord, send us honest and able leaders. Enable us to eliminate corruption, poverty, and social injustice, so that justice may prevail with righteousness. Help us to reject factionalism and oppression, so that peace may prevail with mutual respect. Grant that Your presence and power may be made known throughout our land. Amen.

Taken from the book “Breakfast with the King: The 100-Day Devotional” by Mazie Nakhro

S O U N D BITE

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he Indian government is inviting the world to point fingers at India, and call it undemocratic and unconstitutional… All I want to say to the world through my film and campaign is this: India led by example, now follow India’s lead.

Leslee Udwin of the ban on the documentary India’s Daughter

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he continuation of the war on women in an escalated and violent fashion in many parts of the world has provoked me to write a book reflecting on my human rights monitoring experiences of the past two decades. One of the central challenges of the book, Violence Without Borders, has been to unpack the hierarchy of rights that deny women access to critical resources so needed in enhancing their capacity to resist transgressions on their rights. This article stems from a chapter of the book which argues that introducing a feminist political economy approach into the analysis can unravel the missing link in women’s human rights.

The problem The recognition of violence against women (VAW) as a human rights violation was a turning point in the human rights movement. The 1993 Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women affirmed that “…violence against women is a manifestation of historically unequal power relations between men and women, which have led to domination over and discrimination against women by men and … violence against women is one of the crucial social mechanisms by which women are forced into a subordinate position…”.

Since the adoption of the Declaration, violence against women rose to prominence on national and international agendas at the expense of compromising its feminist content as the responses to the problem became dominated by a welfare oriented approach.

Thus VAW is treated in a selective, compartmentalized and isolated manner, largely disconnected from gender inequality and women’s socio-economic rights, which impedes their capability to escape violence.

Although Article 3 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights urges states to ensure women’s enjoyment of their economic and social rights, governments have failed to adopt measures to enhance women’s empowerment and access to productive resources. The detachment of VAW within the human rights movement from the broader struggles for social and economic equality, eradication of poverty and unemployment, livelihood security etc, reduced women’s human rights issues to one of ‘protection’ and women into victims in need of being saved.

Feminist economists’ and women’s rights advocates for long have emphasized the importance of women’s economic autonomy and called for integrating a gender perspective into macro-economic policies. This has become particularly urgent under neo-liberalism and the international financial crisis.

The likely adverse impact of the crisis on women’s employment, livelihood security, the realization of the full range of their rights, including the potential for increase in violence against them as well as on the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals to slash poverty, hunger, infant and maternal mortality, and illiteracy by 2015, has occupied the debates.

The exposure of socio-economic rights as the missing link within the women’s human rights movement made integration of a political economy perspective into the feminist approach to women’s right compelling. Political economy offers a materialist understanding of society that reveals the interconnections among the economic, political, and cultural/ideological spheres and incorporates race, class, and culture into feminist analysis. Such an analysis; (i) goes beyond mere distributional aspects of access to economic and social rights; (ii) identifies discriminatory policies, practices and entitlement structures that determine the gendered manifestations of these rights; and (iii) draws attention to the feminist critique of the hierarchy of rights resulting from the differential treatment of ‘first generation’ and ‘second generation’ rights, i.e. the Twin Covenants.

The assumption that violation of rights, poverty, and exploitation is not random, but embedded in structural inequalities, is the central principle of the feminist political economy perspective.

Unravelling structural hierarchies Power operates not only through coercion but also through the structured relations of production and reproduction that govern the distribution and use of resources, benefits, privileges and authority in the home and the society at large. Identifying how the institutional and ideological formations of society shape gender identities and statuses and where the boundaries of rights and freedoms are drawn

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olitical slogans have been a mainstay of Chinese life dating back to Mao Zedong, the founder of the People's Republic.

President Xi Jinping is carrying on that tradition with two of his slogans, "Chinese Dream of the Great Rejuvenation of the Chinese Nation" and the "Four Comprehensives," that are getting attention during the annual session of the national legislature this week.

In recent years, they've become largely symbolic statements of principle, but at other times they have signaled major shifts in policy or new, often traumatic, political campaigns.

Below are some of the best known, each associated with one of the five generations of leaders: MAO ZEDONG "Destroy the Four Olds" — With the launch of the 1966-76 Cultural Revolution, Mao and his henchmen needed to identify their targets, settling in part on old customs, old habits, old culture and old thinking. In execution, that meant renaming streets and shops after Mao, his Red Guards and various revolutionary slogans, attacking intellectuals and destroying temples and other examples of ancient art and architecture.

DENG XIAOPING "The Four Modernizations" — In the wake of Mao Zedong's disastrous Cultural Revolution, Deng Xiaoping sought to steer the nation back on the path of modernity and economic development, focusing on industry, ag-

provides viable entry points for altering and re-configuring these structures towards achieving equality.

Applying a political economy approach to women’s rights has been particularly useful in unraveling three interrelated structural factors that underlie women’s subordination and heighten the risk of violence against them.

The first factor is sexual-division of labour within public and private spheres, with corresponding patriarchal gender ideologies. Within this context, women are held primarily responsible for unremunerated and often invisible work in the household, thus undermining their bargaining power vis-à-vis men and other women acting on behalf of male power. Similarly, care related work in the labour market, where women are concentrated, is also devalued. Globalization has extended sexual-division of labour to the transnational realm and as women from developing countries migrated to provide care services for families in wealthier countries reproductive work became internationalized.

The strict division of roles in the domestic sphere constrains women’s public sphere participation and limits the economic opportunities in domestic or transnational markets, thus entrapping many women into potentially abusive and violent environments.

The second structural factor concerns neo-liberal market forces. In the contemporary global era, capitalist competition has fuelled the demand for cheap, flexible and unregulated labour to maximise profits locally and transnationally. Within this context, the relocation of industries to the periphery disrupted, at times destroyed, local economies and unleashed a ‘free-floating labour-force’ in search for alternative sources of livelihood. Markets, intersecting with gender hierarchies in developing countries encountered dislocated young women and drew them into wage employment in export processing zones or in the care/service sectors of global cities on a scale unseen before.

This phenomenon, often referred to as “feminization of migration” and “feminization of labourforce”, had contradictory consequences for women.

While women became empowered by gaining independence and autonomy from the family, due to the volatile nature of work conditions new vulnerabilities and risks confronted them. At the same time, women’s integration into the labour market, more often than not, destabilized the patriarchal family and created a crisis in masculinity, increasing the risk of domestic violence.

Neo-liberal policies also created an enforcement gap in both property rights and labour contracts as state capacity to regulate the labour market and to tax profits eroded. Lack of enforcement coupled with the withdrawal of the state from social services created a vacuum in human security at large. Unskilled and marginalized women, who lack access to resources and basic capabilities, became particularly burdened and poverty stricken.

Community based enforcement and support mechanisms were quick to respond to the vacuum left from the withering away of the welfare state, thus strengthening communal/tribalizing tendencies and allowing non-state actors to seize the opportunity for legitimate representation of identity politics as well as monopolizing service provision to impoverished groups. These trends have reinforced the culture/religion-based discourses that challenge the universality of human rights norms and reject women’s claims for rights and equality.

The third structural factor is related to the gendered dimensions of war, peace and security, which are intimately connected to patriarchy and the neo-liberal global economy. Violent conflicts, often arising from contestation over land, resources and power are indicative of shifts in hegemonic relations locally as well as globally. When warfare strikes, VAW by state and non-state actors, perpetuated with impunity, becomes heightened, generalized and the norm. Sexual violence as a weapon of war became a salient feature of recent conflicts.

Women alone, no doubt, bear the burden of war, which is often indiscriminate of sex, age, color or creed. However, it is the systematic, patterned and odious ways, in which they are targeted, both within the community and by the “enemy” side, is what makes their case in need of scrutiny.

Values that motivate war do not necessarily preclude women as soldiers, just as the fact that the ‘motherhood’ motive does not rule out war-prone

acts. Women are known to have chosen to take up arms for various reasons, including protecting their children and themselves.

Conflict and war and the security agendas impose trade-offs between military spending and spending for development and human rights protection, particularly that of women. In the post-conflict phase investment in reconstruction projects are prioritized over human security concerns and may involve privatisation of public services and infrastructure that often threatens household survival and places greater burden on women’s labour.

A political economy analysis unveils the intimate link between peace and justice; peace without justice is not sustainable. The prioritization of national security and electoral machinery by governments over human security in many post-conflict situations has proven to be destabilizing in the long run. When women are excluded from access justice, physical security and socioeconomic rights, the distinction of war and peace may not be all that meaningful. The war on women transcends conventional notions of war and peace.

Hierarchy of rights The preferential treatment of civil and political rights (ICCPR) over economic, social and cultural rights (ICESCR), stands as a major constraint to transforming the conditions that underlie gender inequality and VAW. The Committee on ICESCR noted at the 1993 Vienna Conference that, “…states and international community as a whole continue to tolerate all too often breaches of economic, social, and cultural rights, which, if they occurred in relation to civil and political rights, would provoke expression of horror and outrage and would lead to concerted calls for immediate remedial action”.

States continue to perceive civil and political rights as “obligatory” and economic and social rights largely as “aspirational”. It is assumed that the latter can only be progressively realised depending on the resources available to a country, where as the former rights must be guaranteed immediately without compromise. Critics have argued that progressive realization also applies to civil and political rights as both Covenants impose positive duties on governments in their effort to comply with their obligations without discrimination. Budgetary implications of the implementation of human rights norms cannot excuse a state of non-discriminatory compliance with its obligation to improve the socio-economic conditions of people within its jurisdiction, or to adopt macro-economic policies that might undermine the requirements of the ICESCR. Shared responsibility for women’s human rights Despite these human rights obligations, states in responding to violence against women (VAW) have tended to focus more on reforming juridical and legal structures, and less on altering economic and social structures. Combating VAW and ensuring women’s human rights imposes a positive obligation on states to effectively comply with their obligations under the Twin Covenants. In the context of global restructuring and financial crises, economic and social rights are particularly crucial - not only to women’s enjoyment of their rights, but also for preventing the deepening of gender disparities.

While patterns of economic destabilization associated with neo-liberal economic policies that facilitate the integration of global markets have varied from country to country, inequalities and vulnerabilities for women, including opportunities for their access to paid work have shown similar cross-country trends. Gender inequality, unequal entitlement structures, economic insecurities of global capitalism, as well as weakening state capacity for regulation and distributional justice have to a large extent determined how women experienced globalization. Poor women who are systematically denied access to economic social rights are particularly at risk of greater hardship and abuse.

It is important to note here that globalization has increased the role of corporate power over macro-economic processes. This calls for expanding the concept of positive obligation to include these transnational non-state entities. Sovereignty in the new global order must be understood as shared responsibility of states, the international community and non-state actors alike. The promotion and protection of a holistic view of women’s human rights must be pursued transnationally.

Xi carries on China's tradition of political slogans

and society in a scientific, sustainable manner that avoided upheavals.

"The Eight Honors and Eight Shames" — Hu's attempt to instill pride, patriotism and honesty among citizens public servants and ordinary citizens.

The short-lived campaign called for people to be "disciplined and law-abidAssociated Press ing, not chaotic and lawless," and urged riculture, science and technology, and geois liberalism that was considered them not to "spend ethics for profits." national defense. Critics pointed out a threat to party power. Targets of the XI JINPING that a fifth modernization was missing: campaign included Western fashions "Chinese Dream of the Great Rejudemocracy. Many of them were subse- and progressive social views, seen by venation of the Chinese Nation" — The quently sentenced to lengthy jail sen- the old guard as vulgar and foreign. theme Xi used to launch his presidency tences, but such sentiments reawaked JIANG ZEMIN exhorts Chinese citizens to work harder, during the 1980s, culminating in the Three Represents" — This was live better and restore China to its for1989 pro-democracy protests centered the "The cryptic formulation intended by Jiang mer glory. It's been whole-heartedly on Beijing's Tiananmen Square that Zemin to define his 13 years as party sec- embraced by the entirely state conwere crushed by the military. retary, but it left most observers scratching trolled media and was featured exten"The Four Cardinal Principals" their heads. On paper, the "three" referred sively at last month's annual four-hour — Despite the to advanced pro- Lunar New Year television gala, and changes he was ductive forces, even made it into the final applause line making, Deng advanced culture of Premier Li Keqiang's annual address had to hold the and the funda- to the national legislature on Thursday. line somewhere. mental interests of "China Dream" may sound like an echo The essence of the Chinese peo- of the "American Dream," but unlike the Chinese goverple. It was largely latter, personal liberty and individual nance was thereseen as a call for political consensus and rights aren't part of the equation. fore defined as: Adhering to the so- a form of outreach to China's increasing"The Four Comprehensives" — Xi's cialist path; maintaining the people's ly dynamic class of private businessmen most recent formulation is largely a redemocratic dictatorship; upholding and professional managers. packaging of goals and concepts laid the leadership of the Communist Parout by his predecessors, comprising ty; and upholding Marxism-Leninism HU JINTAO and Mao Zedong thought.

"Scientific Outlook on Develop- "comprehensively" establishing a mod"Sweep Away Spiritual Pollution" — ment" — The signature concept of Xi's erately prosperous society, deepening Deng's conservative opponents were predecessor, the efficient but bland Hu reform, ruling the nation by law, and unnerved by his jettisoning of orthodox Jintao, who used it to incorporate the enforcing party discipline. The formula Marxism, so he responded by backing idea of a "Socialist Harmonious Soci- adds weight to Xi's calls to fight corrupthem in a drive against perceived bour- ety" as a way of building the economy tion and follow the letter of the law.

wRiTE-wiNg

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

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.

7

TuEsday

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

10 March 2015

PERSPECTIVE NEWS ANALYSIS, FEATURE AND DISCOURSE

From the Mountains to the Sea, Timorese Women Fight for More Lyndal Rowlands

I

Inter Press Service

n Timor-Leste, the gap between rich and poor is most keenly felt by rural women and children.

But while women are working hard to help rebuild Timor-Leste, their contributions are not always recognised, in a country where men’s narratives still heavily dominate. IPS looks at some of the challenges and achievements Timorese women have experienced since the small island country gained independence in 2002.

From the mountains Timor-Leste is an island nation, with its heart in its sacred mountains, known as the ‘foho’. The foho were home to Timor-Leste’s resistance fighters who defended their country during 24 years of violent Indonesian occupation. Bella Galhos was one of those resistance fighters. After her brothers were murdered and her father tortured by the Indonesians, she infiltrated their army, gaining their trust until they sent her as a student ambassador to Canada. Once in Canada she defected, travelling through North America and raising awareness about the atrocities in her home country.

Since returning home in 1999, Galhos has become an advocate for Timor-Leste’s women and children, as well as the environment. She is speaking Friday in the national capital Dili at a special event ahead of International Women’s Day on Mar. 8.

Galhos spoke with IPS about her new project, a green school in the mountain village of Maubisse. “I have very profound reasons why I came to Maubisse,” Galhos told IPS in a phone interview earlier this week. “First is because of my mother who passed away last year, she was a great teacher.” “This place where I actually started this project, was known to be the first female school in the area. I didn’t want to lose that value that my Mum started (here) a long long time ago,” Galhos said. “Growing up in this country I’m also aware very much that the issue of environment is not considered an important issue. And I’m afraid that in the long run we are actually going to have a big problem in this country.”

For this reason, Galhos has started her environmental project in Maubisse, using a social-enterprise model. “I want to give the kids a place where they can come and learn about growing fruits and vegetables,” she told IPS. She also hopes to teach them “life skills such as peace, love, kindness, not only towards our environment but also towards people.”

Galhos says that women in rural Timor-Leste face many challenges, including a lack of access to the information they need, a lack of health care services and domestic violence. She said that poverty in the rural areas where most people still live a subsistence lifestyle can be seen at many levels. “The children’s malnutrition, you can really look at them and see that these people do not have enough food or they do not have food with protein or vitamins. You can really see it in the way they look,” she said.

Galhos says that an office job in the capital Dili is not for everyone, as can already be seen with many rural people coming to the capital struggling to find work.

She hopes that her project will become self-sustaining as a social enterprise, by capitalising on the areas beauty and international eco-tourism potential.

However, she is disappointed that the government has not responded to her requests for financial support, after eight months of submitting her proposals

Ethical Issues in Genetically Modified Foods (GMF)

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to many different departments. “It’s not easy at all.

There are huge obstacles. As a woman in a country that’s male dominated, basically I do not have a place where I can turn to,” she said.

Timor-Leste’s government has set aside revenue from the country’s share of oil reserves in the Timor Sea, to help fund the country’s development. However, there are concerns that the funds from the oil are increasingly concentrated in the hands of a few and are not reaching the rural poor, or women.

Galhos has so far funded the green school project with her own salary and with support from her friends overseas. She is disappointed her requests for funding from the government have not been taken seriously. “I don’t see many Timorese women trying to do what I’m doing, being successful in getting government support,” she said. “Though I still have a very pessimistic feeling towards the current government I am still working on getting them to see.” This is real social and economic development for the benefit of all people, especially for people in the Maubisse area, she said.

To the sea In another part of Timor-Leste women divers are challenging dominant narratives, that don’t value women’s work. The women divers of Adara on Atauro island have reached a worldwide audience through the short film Wawata Topu. The film was last week awarded best foreign documentary at the American Online Film Awards in New York.

IPS spoke with Enrique Alonso, who co-directed and co-produced the film, along with David Palazón.

“If you review the available bibliography on the role of women in the Timor-Leste fisheries sector, you will find that women are missing,” Alonso told IPS. “Some reports developed in the last years shed some light, but for the most part (the women) were totally invisible. “All along the country you might find that women in the fishing communities have a crucial role in households’ income management, livestock rearing and craft making, post harvest and fish drying, they participate in sea-

sonal shore fishing (such as the sea worms harvest) and mostly in shellfish gathering and reef gleaning.

“There is one specific report of a study conducted in the east side of the main island where the researchers define women’s roles in the fisheries as ‘marginal’.” “Wawata Topu are the living example that women’s roles are not ‘marginal’ at all,” Alonso said.

“The film shows that their work is of primary importance not only in regards the provision of food but also in the market chain.”

Alonso says that the women of Adara have to walk for hours every Saturday to get to the market to sell their fish. “They are the ones who transport and sell the fish, caught also by men, to the market every week. They are the brokers upon which the incomes of many families depend. The kids have to walk around one hour to get to the school through the rugged coastline. If it rains it is too risky for them to go,” he said. “These are tough conditions. Within this context, these diver women are among the most vulnerable groups.”

The film documents how the women of Adara have adapted to the tough conditions and broken down gender barriers by becoming spear fishers themselves. “As Maria the pioneer diver explains in the film, she started to fish because she was hungry.

She challenged the social barriers and joined men in speargun fishing,” Alonso explained.

The film has helped women by giving them narrative with which to challenge unfair power structures.

“Through the film (women) raised their voice and got heard,” Alonso said. “Power is also about discourse and narrative, and in challenging power the narrative games are crucial,” he said. The film has been screened widely, including at International Women’s Day events around the world.

The most important event occurred at the National Day of Timorese Women, Alonso said. “That day, the Secretary of State for Promotion of Equality granted Maria Cabeça and the Wawata Topu with the Women of the Year Award. In a way, the film has contributed to put Atauro Island and the Wawata Topu on the map.”

A Year of Progress for “Children, Not Soldiers” Leila Zerrougui ne year ago, representatives of the last eight governments of the world named by the U.N. secretarygeneral for the recruitment and use of children in their security forces gathered at the United Nations in New York to declare they were ready to take the steps necessary to make their security forces child-free.

The gathering in itself was historic. And so is the campaign “Children, Not Soldiers”, launched jointly with the U.N. children’s agency UNICEF exactly a year ago. The campaign builds on the growing international consensus that children do not belong in security forces and seeks to galvanise support to end and prevent the recruitment and use of children by national security forces in conflict by the end of 2016.

The countries concerned by the campaign are: Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Yemen.

There is still a lot of work ahead of us, but we have come a long way. A few years ago, it was not uncommon in my travels to be greeted by military commanders, surrounded by children in uniforms and carrying weapons. That has become unacceptable now.

Governments identified by the U.N. secretary-general acknowledge that children do not belong in their security forces and most have taken concrete steps to make sure their children do not become soldiers.

In the campaign’s first year, progress has been steady. The campaign received broad support and we achieved results that are making a difference in children’s lives. Chad has completed all the reforms and measures included in its Action Plan signed with the U.N. and has been taken off the U.N. secretary-general’s list of child recruiters.

Over 400 children were released from the national army in Myanmar. In all of 2014, in DRC, there was only one case of child recruitment by the national army, and the child was quickly released. In Afghanistan, the recruitment of children is in decline and only five cases were recorded by the U.N. Six of the seven remaining countries concerned by the campaign have now signed and recommitted to Action Plans with the United Nations. These Action Plans are agreements that indicate all the steps necessary to end and prevent the recruitment of children in government forces.

The “Children, not Soldiers” campaign has also accomplished its purpose as a rallying cry to make the issue of child soldiers a top concern of the international community. “How can we help?” was the question asked by officials from dozens of countries, NGOs, partners from the U.N. system, regional organisations and many more.

“arena of Mind” portrays a space for idea germination, a field where ideas from multi-disciplinary viewpoints fertilize the world of intelligence. The writers aspire to envision a new future by exploring the mind, discovering new seeds of insights and unleashing them to enlightenment.

O

Officials from countries involved in the campaign have also met with representatives from other countries who ended the use of child soldiers in their armies.

These were opportunities to share experiences, successes and challenges.

This is positive, but the campaign’s first year has also shown that goodwill and commitments with the U.N. are not enough to guarantee that children will not become soldiers. The conflict in South Sudan is a cruel reminder that acting on provisions included in an Action Plan, such as the establishment of child protection units in a country’s armed forces, or taking steps to criminalise the recruitment of children is not enough to guarantee that boys and girls will be fully protected if conflict strikes again.

In Yemen, months of work leading to the signature of an Action Plan in May 2014 have been derailed by the current political situation. Instead of the anticipated progress, data gathered by the U.N. indicates a spike in the recruitment of child soldiers by all parties to the conflict.

Even the armed group Al-Houthi Ansar Allah, whose leaders were actively engaged in dialogue with the U.N., have reneged on their commitment to protect children.

We cannot afford to watch silently while children once again pay the price for political instability in their countries. We keep reminding parties to the conflict

that they cannot recruit or use children, that it is a war crime. We ask all those involved in peace talks to make sure that releasing children is a priority.

The big lesson of this campaign’s first year is that the road to child-free government armies is promising, but also full of obstacles. The setbacks of 2014 show that even if measures to protect children are put in place, gains can be reversed under the pressure of conflict.

We also have a better understanding that many countries face similar challenges. Addressing these common challenges will be a priority in the campaign’s second year.

Accountability is central to our work. To enhance accountability, I will encourage all countries concerned by the campaign that have not yet done so to criminalise the recruitment and use of children and to spell out consequences for offenders. Investigations and prosecutions of child recruiters remain far too rare, even in countries that have criminalised the recruitment of children. Without sanctions, children will never be fully protected.

Another challenge faced by most countries is verifying the age of their soldiers. That may seem like a problem easy to solve, but it is in fact a delicate and difficult task to execute in countries that do not have well-established birth registration systems.

The U.N. will continue to work with governments to establish or refine age-verification procedures to identify underage recruits and release them from the army.

Releasing children found in the ranks of national forces is essential, but they cannot be left on their own to rebuild their lives. Adequate resources must be available for community-based programmes that provide psycho-social assistance and help children build their future through educational and vocational opportunities. Helping children and their communities is the best way to not only prevent re-recruitment, but also to build peace and stability.

Throughout the year, I will continue to reach out to member states concerned by the campaign, the international community, regional organisations and all relevant partners to mobilise political, technical and financial support to address challenges faced by countries in the implementation of their Action Plan.

This is essential to encourage and guide concerned countries who must put in place mechanisms strong enough to safeguard the progress accomplished to protect children from recruitment, now and in the future should a new crisis strike.

The campaign has already received tremendous support from many who could make a real difference.

This year, I call on everyone to join us, because, together, we can make sure that they are children, not soldiers.

Leila Zerrougui is Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict.

enetically modified crops are a topic of intense debate that have sparked a lot of controversy over the years. Supporters of GMF believe such crops help increase yield, which could help curtail skyrocketing food prices. As the global population continues to expand, food remains a scarce resource. Genetically engineered foods offer significant benefits by improving production yield, lowering transportation costs, and enhancing the nutritional content. Today, about two-thirds of all food available in supermarkets has been genetically engineered. Humans have been modifying the genomes of plants and animals for our benefit for thousands of years using a process known as artificial selection, or selective breeding. Genetic engineering, or genetic modification, uses a variety of tools and techniques from biotechnology and bioengineering to modify an organism’s genetic makeup.

If the population continues to expand and if plant diseases continue unchecked, soils are depleted, and our supply of traditional food sources is depleted by overconsumption and slow renewal, we may face severe food shortages in coming decades. Some scientists and food producers believe that genetically modified (GM) food crops could help solve problems of matching food supply to demand, but many other researchers and health advocates are opposed to the further development and widespread use of genetically modified foods, which they feel carry health risks and could have a negative impact on the ecosystem. However, some Government agencies have long assured the public that these new “biotech” foods present no threat to human health or the environment.

It is important to be aware that, despite the numerous advantages, the emergence of agricultural biotechnology has created social and ethical contradictions. The widespread debate exists as to how biotechnology can be used for planting high quality high yield crops while protecting eco-system and human health. Most GM crops are designed to resist herbicides and pesticides while fields are treated to eliminate weeds and insects. With time, farmers’ liberal use of stronger pesticides naturally selects for weeds and herbivores that are pesticide resistant, just as some bacteria become resistant to antibiotics because of their extensive use in conventional medicine. As a result, generations of transgenic weeds and insects which cannot be controlled by common herbicides and pesticides would evolve.

Another hazard is the potential of GM foods to be allergenic, thus evoking life-threatening immunologic reactions in some individuals upon consumption.

Researchers from Canada has successfully identified the presence of pesticides -associated with genetically modified foods in maternal, fetal and non-pregnant women blood. The study used blood samples from thirty pregnant women and thirty non-pregnant women. The study also pointed out that the fetus was considered to be highly susceptible to the adverse affects of xenobiotics (foreign chemical substance found within an organism that is not naturally produced). This is why the study emphasizes that knowing more about GMFs is crucial, because environmental agents could disrupt the biological events that are required to ensure normal growth and development. Also in a new study published in the peer reviewed Public Library of Science (PLOS), researchers emphasized that there was sufficient evidence that meal-derived DNA fragments carry complete genes that can enter into the human circulation system through an unknown mechanism. The study was based on the analysis of over 1000 human samples from four independent studies where in one of the blood samples, the relative concentration of plant DNA was higher than the human DNA. Over the past few years, a number of countries have completely banned GMF’s and the pesticides that go along with them, and they are doing so for a reason. The latest country to consider a complete ban is Russia after top government scientists recommended at least a 10 year ban. There are a multitude of credible scientific studies that clearly demonstrate why GMF’s should not be consumed, and more are emerging every year.

However, the popularity of GM food is different in different parts of the world. In Japan, supermarkets are offering both GM foods and unmodified foods, and customers are beginning to show a strong preference for unmodified fruits and vegetables whereas in Europe, anti-GM food protestors have been especially active.

Though GMF’s have the potential to solve many of the world's hunger and malnutrition problems, and to help protect and preserve the environment, yet there are many challenges ahead for governments, especially in the areas of safety testing, regulation, international policy and food labelling. This issue continues to be controversial and the future of genetically modified crops remains uncertain. The concern arises with regard to a set of questions about appropriate technology Are GM crops an “appropriate” agricultural technology? We also must be concerned with justice and the common good—raising concerns about human and environmental sustainability and the just distribution of nutritious food and acknowledging the need for thoughtful regulation that addresses necessary human and environmental protections while pursuing benefit. Such a task might well begin with a good dose of humility. However, we are certain that the interested readers will follow the debates on GMFs and the related regulatory issues in the years to come. And so, we approach the "future of food" and the questions we have before us today: • Should we have genetically modified foods?

• And, since we do, how ought they be regulated?

• How do we weigh values and risk in biotechnology?

• And, finally, is the genetic modification of food necessary to relieve world hunger?

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

8

Dimapur

NATIONAL

Tuesday 10 March 2015

Separatist's release rocks parliament

New Delhi, March 9 (iaNS): The release of separatist leader Masrat Alam in Jammu and Kashmir created uproar in both houses of parliament even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi clarified that the central government was not consulted on the decision.

The prime minister, in a statement in the Lok Sabha, said it was legitimate for the house to show its anger on the issue.

"There is an anger in the country, and in the house and I join them... I assure the nation, whatever is happening in the state, it is not being done in consultation with the central government, nor has the central government been informed," Modi said.

He asked leaders in the Lok Sabha not to make a political issue of the matter, and said: "At least on the issue of separatists and terrorism, the country should not think along party lines."

Home Minister Rajnath Singh, in similar statements made in both houses, informed the members that a clarification was sought from the state government, but the Centre is not satisfied with the reply.

"We have been informed that he has been released, but we are not satisfied with the response and have sought clarifications," Singh in-

In this Sunday, March 8, 2015 photo, senior Kashmiri separatist leader Masarat Alam speaks on a phone at his home in Srinagar, India. Alam was released from prison after Jammu and Kashmir state chief minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed instructed to initiate the process of releasing all political prisoners against whom there were no criminal charges. Alam was arrested for his alleged role in an October 2010 agitation in the valley that left more than 100 dead. (AP Photo)

formed parliament.

While giving clarifications on his statement in the Rajya Sabha, the home minister said Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India.

"I am happy that the whole house is concerned.

If I can understand their feeling, the whole house agrees that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India, and will always be," he said. "...I want to assure the house, and I am speaking on behalf of the prime minister, we will not allow

anyone to disintegrate the nation, howsoever big the power may be," he added.

Opposition members, irrespective of party affiliation, expressed their anger on the issue and questioned the ruling BJP, which is in alliance with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

In the Rajya Sabha, Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said Alam is guilty of the death of the 112 youth who were killed during the stone-pelting agitation during 2010.

"People like him are not

just stone-pelters, they are master minds... I believe 112 youths were killed because of him," said Azad.

In the Lok Sabha, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said: "The Jammu and Kashmir government must have consulted the prime minister on this. You have a coalition government with the PDP." While both houses of parliament witnessed uproar, Jammu and Kashmir remain calm.

Life was normal in the state despite a two-day shutdown call given by the

Panthers Party in Jammu against the release of Alam.

Shops, other business establishments, government offices, banks, post offices and public transport operated normally in Jammu city and other parts of the Jammu region and across Kashmir.

The shutdown call had little effect on life in Jammu, where BJP leaders, including the ministers in the ruling coalition, refused to speak to the media on the controversy created by the separatist leader's release.

Alam, however, said Mufti Sayeed was not to be credited for his release.

"Mufti Sayeed should not try to take political mileage out of it. I was released through a normal legal procedure since my Public safety Act (PSA) detention was about to end in the next two to three days," Alam told reporters in Srinagar.

He also said that his release should not be turned into a political issue.

"What difference does it make if one person is released when there are thousands languishing in jails," he said while denying that he had been responsible for the killings of youths during the 2010 unrest in the Valley.

"It was Omar Abdullah and not me who was responsible for those killings," Alam said.

President Pranab Mukherjee, foreground, Army chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag, left, Chief of Naval Staff R.K. Dhowan, in white uniform, and Air Force chief Marshal Arup Raha salute as they par homage at the India Gate war memorial, in New Delhi on Monday, March 9. The Indian Army will organize a series of events beginning Monday to commemorate the valor and sacrifice of Indian soldiers who fought in the First World War. (AP Photo)

Detective squad to probe Indian World-class tourism infra in twelve cities soon woman stabbing case in Australia New Delhi, March 9 (iaNS): The tourism ministry will develop world class infrastructure in twelve cities - that see high pilgrim traffic - in different parts of the country, the Lok Sabha was informed on Monday. The twelve cities - Amritsar, Ajmer, Amaravati, Dwarka, Gaya, Kanchipuram, Kedarnath, Kamakhya, Mathura, Puri, Varanasi and Vellankani will be developed as part of the ministry's Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (Prasad).

The project will implemented in mission mode, Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (Independent Charge) said in a written reply.

New Delhi, March 9 (PTi): Australia on Monday assured India that the perpetrators of the fatal knife attack on an Indian woman IT professional in a Sydney suburb will be brought to justice and a special detective squad has been assigned to probe the "brutal and cowardly" assault.

The assurance to probe the attack on 41-year-old

Prabha Arun Kumar with utmost seriousness was given by New South Wales (NSW) Premier Mike Baird during a telephonic conversation with Sanjay Sudhir, Consul General of India in Sydney. The NSW police has launched a probe following the stabbing of Prabha, who was on the phone with her husband in India, when the attack happened on Satur-

day in Westmead.

Sudhir, the victim's husband Arun Kumar, and a representative of her employer Mindtree, an IT firm, had a meeting with the NSW police during which they were informed about a special detective squad being formed to probe the attack, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said in New Delhi.

Opposition attacks govt over land bill New Delhi, March 9 (iaNS): Opposition parties on Monday attacked the central government over the land acquisition bill even as the government said amendments would be brought in to address their concerns.

As the government moved The Right to Fair Compensation, Rehabilitation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2015 for discussion, leader after leader of the opposition questioned the urgency of the government in bringing in an ordinance to amend the 2013 law in December last year.

In the new bill, the government has removed the need for obtaining the consent of landowners and carrying out Social Economic Assessment (SIA) for acquiring land under certain categories.

Many parties in the Lok Sabha on Monday, including the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party, demanded that the bill be sent to the standing committee.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu said the government has brought in the amendments after extensive consultations with the state governments. "It was suggested that the act was flawed and we have tried

'Pipavav, L&T shortlisted for Rs.60, 000 submarine deal' New Delhi, March 9 (iaNS): Larsen and Toubro and Pipavav Defence, in which Reliance Infrastructure of Anil Ambani Group is acquiring a majority stake, have been shortlisted for the Rs.60,000crore potential contract to build six submarines for the Indian Navy, sources said Monday.

"Project 75i, as we call it, is for purchasing six next-generation submarines with air independent propulsion (AIP) system for the Indian Navy over the next seven-eight years.

It can fire both torpedoes and missssiles," said a senior official in the defence ministry.

"L&T and Pipavav have been soortlisted. This was based on the recommendations from a high-level committee that had inspected the shipyards of several companies, both private and state-run, to zero in on the potential candidates," the official added.

The government had given its clearance in three years ago for six submarines with AIP capability and subsequently decided last year to go for their construction on Indian yards as part of Prime Ministrer Narendra Modi's "Make in India" campaign.

As against the initial import of two submarines,

it was decided to make all the six submarines in India, as part of the effort to create defence infrastructure within the country while going for the best suitable collaboration with a foreign vendor under transfer of technology.

L&T's mega shipyard, where the company intends to execute the project, is at Kattupalli, about 40 km north of Chennai, on the east coast. This complex also includes a container port and a modular fabrication facility.

Pipavav's facility is at the location by the same name on the Gujarat coast and claims a modern, versatile engineering and fabrication facilities with shipbuilding infrastructure that is also suitable for the construction of a wide range of warships and submarines.

Of the Rs.123,000 crore cleared late last year for defence purchases, a whop-

ping Rs.60,000 crores has been set aside for these six stealth submarines.

According to defence experts, what makes these Project 75i submarines unique is that they could be powered by an indigenous AIP system that enables them stay underwater for longer periods than conventional boats that have to frequently surface to recharge their batteries.

"Conventional submarines usually need to come to the surface every three-four days for oxygen," said an official of the Defence Research and Development Organisation(DRDO) that has developed such a system. "But qith AIP, they can stay for under water for two-three weeks," he told IANS. "It makes the vessel noise-free. India is the only non-Western nation to have this technology."

India flays Sri Lanka PM for justifying firing on fishermen

Digital Gender Atlas for girls launched New Delhi, March 9 (iaNS): The human resource development ministry on Monday launched a "Digital Gender Atlas for girls" in a move to identify and ensure equitable education for girls in the country.

The tool, developed with the support of Unicef, is hoped to help identify low performing geographic pockets for girls, particularly from marginalised groups on specific gender related education indicators.

"To ensure this is feasible, the Gender Atlas has been developed as a hands-on management tool to enable critical decisions and actions in pockets where gaps are to be met," the ministry said in a statement.

According to government statistics, the total enrolment of girls in the primary classes is 48.66 percent while the percentage in secondary is 47.29 percent.

"Girls comprise half the population of school age children, and therefore, it is important to understand the multiple vulnerabilities they face in different areas in order to plan and prioritise inclusive interventions," the ministry stated.

The Morung Express

Hazare yatra on land bill from March 25 MaharaShTra, March 9 (PTi): Anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare today announced here that he would set off on his 'padyatra' (foot-march) against the land bill on March 25 from Sevagram here. Hazare today held discussions with his associates over the yatra here. He said that the yatra would start on March 25 and will conclude on April 27. Before that he would visit Bhagat Singh's village in Punjab and pay homage to him on March 23, the death anniversary of the iconic revolutionary. No political leader would be allowed on the stage at Ram Leela ground in Delhi where the march would conclude, he said. "Violence would not be allowed at any cost. Otherwise the march would be suspended," Hazare said. to improve it".

"It is not a unilateral decision.

It is a decision taken after proper consultation by the states. The government felt that there was a need to make certain amendments".

Naidu assured that the Modi government will not take any step which will go against the weaker sections.

Opposition leaders, meanwhile, argued that taking away farmers' lands will affect the country's food security.

"Farmers in our country do not have water for irrigation and fertilizers; now they will also not have any land," Congress member Jyotiraditya Scindia said.

Asserting that the Congress

will oppose the new law from the streets to parliament, Scindia said: "It will affect the food security of the country." "If you take tribal land, then be prepared for a spurt in Maoist activities," the member said, adding the country cannot have islands of prosperity.

The Right to Fair Compensation, Rehabilitation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2015, would replace an ordinance which was promulgated by the government in December 2014.

Scindia also asked if the government respects the president.

"The president had said ordinances need to be promulgated in emergency situations only."

"This bill should have been sent to the standing committee, but you vetoed it as you have a majority," he said.

Trinamool Congress leader Kalyan Banerjee said: "We are opposing the bill 100 percent." "In 2007, our leader fasted for 26 days to protect the interests of farmers in Singur in West Bengal," he said.

Banerjee said his party was struggling for farmers' rights. "This will affect the food security of the country," he said.

Biju Janata Dal member Tathagat Satpathy said the bill was detrimental to farmers owning small tracts of land in rural India. He said his party strongly opposed the elimination of the social impact assessment clause.

NCP's Supriya Sule said: "An ordinance is brought in only when there is an emergency. Who is pressurising you? Please tell us," she said. "We are not against development, but I haven't been able to understand what is the hurry", she said. "Please send it to the standing committee," Sule said. Her stand was supported by Congress' Mallikarjun Kharge who said let the standing committee decide on the merits of the bill. BJP ally Shiv Sena also opposed the bill.

New Delhi, March 9 (iaNS): India on Monday criticised Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe for justifying the firing on fishermen from India and sought a "permanent solution" to the dragging row.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj told parliament that she was in Colombo when Wickremesinghe made the controversial remarks, days ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Sri Lanka.

"He said two things... one, that the Tamil fishermen released by the (Sri Lankan) president, he compared them with Italian marines (who shot dead two Indian fishermen). And the second, he justified the killing of Indian fishermen," she said.

"My meeting with Wickremesinghe was already fixed, so I raised these two issues strongly with him.

"I told him the two cases you have compared are incomparable. I told them the Indian fishermen released went through the whole legal procedure. They were tried, they were punished.

"As far as the Italian marines (are) concerned, they are not allowing the legal process... He said (he) did not know these facts."

Sushma Swaraj added: "I said if we justify firing, we will keep firing on each other."

The external affairs minister said she reminded the Sri Lankan leaders that the Indian Coast Guard had a few days back arrested 19 Sri Lankan fishermen. "But we gave orders to release them."

Sushma Swaraj said India wants a

"permanent solution" to the dragging dispute involving fishermen from both countries who often enter the waters of each other's country in search of marine life.

Indian fishermen find the Sri Lankan waters attractive as the marine life there is rich because of the long years of ban on fishing on account of the armed ethnic conflict that ended only in 2009.

When Wickremesinghe suggested deep sea fishing so that Indians remained within Indian waters, Sushma Swaraj sought "an interim arrangement" until that happened.

"That interim arrangement cannot be based on technicalities, it can only be on humanitarian ground.

"Fishermen of both sides must sit together and decide how to stop these arrests under an interim arrangement. That can only be the solution."

In Chennai, DMK president M. Karunanidhi described Wickremesinghe's comments as a snub to Prime Minister Modi, who is set to visit Colombo on March 13-14.

"It is condemnable," the former Tamil Nadu chief minister said.

According to Karunanidhi, Modi should also urge the Sri Lankan government to let Tamils displaced by the years of conflict to return to their homes, demilitarize Tamil areas and devolve more powers to provinces.

India-Sri Lanka ties have been strained over the shooting of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lanka navy in the narrow sea which divides the two countries. The affected fishermen are from Tamil Nadu.

Re 1 note back in circulation after 20 yrs

New Delhi, March 9 (PTi): After a gap of over 20 years, Re 1 note has been released in the country and it bears the signature of Finance Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi.

Incidentally, the note was released at Shrinathji temple in Nathdwara, Rajasthan, on March 6 by Mehrishi. Other currency notes in India bear the signature of RBI governor.

Earlier last week, RBI had said that it will soon put into circulation one rupee currency notes and would be legal tender as provided in The Coinage Act 2011.

Alongwith the circulation of new Re 1 notes, the existing currency notes of the same denomination will also continue to be legal tender. The re-launched one rupee notes will be made up of 100 per cent cotton rag content. It will weigh 90 grams per square metre and have thickness of 110 microns.

As watermarks, it will bear Ashoka Pillar symbol in the window without words 'Satyamev Jayate', carry a hidden numeral in the centre while hidden word Bharat (in Hindi) will be on the right hand side of the note.

The colour of one Rupee Currency Note is predominantly pink green on obverse and reverse in combination with others.

On the obverse, the note carries bilingual signature of Mehrishi.

In November 1994, printing of Re 1 note was stopped mainly due to higher cost and for freeing capacity to print currency notes of higher denomination.

Printing of Rs. 2 and Rs. 5 notes too were discontinued in 1995. Since then, only coins have been issued for these denominations.

InternatIonal

the Morung express

Tuesday 10 March 2015

Dimapur

9

Activists reflect on Syria’s spiral from protests to horror BEIrUT, MArcH 9 (AP): Abed Hakawati spends his days in a devastated, rebel-held neighborhood of Aleppo, writing graffiti on the walls to remind residents and rebels alike of the original goals of the uprising that erupted four years ago: “Freedom, dignity and social equality.”

The 37-year-old, once an actor in the theater, is now a fugitive, on the run both from President Bashar Assad’s forces and Islamic State group militants who have taken advantage of the civil war to take over much of northern and eastern Syria.

Hakawati is among the secular activists with a dream of a democratic Syria who were the backbone of the peaceful protest movement that erupted in March 2011 against Assad’s autocratic rule. Their dream didn’t just fail, it exploded.

They watched it perverted in ways that reached new depths of horror year after year, from barrel bombs smashing historic cities to Islamic radicals beheading and burning opponents.

Four years later, many Syrians believe the conflict has become a choice between rule by Assad and rule by Islamic radicals, and many, the activists admit, prefer the former.

Hopes of democracy seem distant in a wrecked nation where more than 220,000 people have been killed, countless others maimed and millions dispersed in the worst humanitarian crisis of the 21st century.

The conflict has bred extremism that has touched countries across the globe and instilled chaos that

In this March 25, 2011 photo, anti-Syrian government protesters, left, and pro-government, right, clash after Friday prayers in Damascus, Syria. Now four years later, the activists’ goals are eclipsed in a conflict many believe has become a choice between rule by Bashar Assad and rule by Islamic radicals and they prefer the former. Hopes of democracy seen distant in a wrecked nation where more than 220,000 people have been killed, countless of others maimed and millions dispersed in the worst humanitarian crisis of the 21st century. The conflict has bred extremism that has touched countries across the globe and instilled chaos, bloodshed and violence that may redraw the map of the Middle East. (AP File Photo)

may redraw the map of the Middle East.

Those original activists lucky enough to have survived or escaped abroad now struggle to come to terms with what went wrong. Many say the chaos is exactly what Assad wanted to preserve his rule.

“Quite simply, all the moderate voices that have called for a civil, democratic state have been either silenced or radicalized,” said Hakawati. “This was Bashar Assad’s plan, and it worked.”

Inspired by the Arab Spring uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt, Syria’s revolt erupted in March 2011,

when security forces arrested a group of teenagers who scrawled anti-Assad graffiti on a wall in the southern city of Daraa. A small protest took place in Damascus’ old city on March 15 calling for reforms, considered by many the start of the uprising. Three days later, security forces opened fire on a protest in Daraa, killing four people, the first deaths of the revolt.

Protests grew and spread in towns and cities across provinces, met by batons and bullets. Protests were often joyous. In the central city of Homs — one of the worst hit by the crackdown — exultant crowds

of protesters danced arm in arm and singing to the beat of a drum “Yalla Irhal, ya Bashar!” — a simple yet powerful lyric translating to “Come on, Bashar, leave.”

Raed Fares remembers the day the uprising reached his hometown of Kafranbel in northwestern Syria, a month after the Daraa protests. About 60 protesters came out of the Grand Mosque and walked to the main square, shouting: “God, Syria, Freedom!”

They were met with about 150 security agents who took down their names and sent them home. A few days later, the police raided homes and arrested doz-

ens of young men.

Protests swelled from a few dozen to thousands.

Across opposition areas, the army moved in, terrorized protesters and closed down mosques, and residents began to take up arms to defend themselves, joined by defectors from the military.

Assad’s security forces deployed tanks, snipers and eventually warplanes and helicopter-dropped barrel bombs. Activists, bloggers and opposition figures went underground to avoid arrest.

In Kafranbel, Fares and a group of friends began drawing witty, colorful

protest signs skewering the Assad regime and satirizing the war. The posters were an instant hit on social media and shot Kafranbel to fame.

But as moderates were suppressed, radicals moved into the void. Fares remembers his first encounters with them. The opposition succeeded in driving government forces out of Kafranbel in August 2012, a moment of victory.

But as they tried to organize a local administration, “the beards entered the fray,” he said, referring to Islamic militants. Within months, the euphoria was clouded by worries over the extremists taking over.

In opposition-held areas around the country, mini-wars erupted between moderates and extremists, first the al-Qaidalinked Nusra Front, then the Islamic State group, distracting from the fight against Assad.

Fares, 42, refused to fight, insisting the word was stronger than the gun.

He runs a media center and “Radio Fresh,” a station funded by American NGOs described as the only opposition station operating from inside Syria. In January 2014, Islamic State militants tried to assassinate him, spraying his car with 40 bullets. He was hospitalized for three months.

In December, he was detained and beaten by Nusra Front for three days.

Now extremists control about half of Syria. The Islamic State group, which also holds about a third of Iraq, is imposing its brutal rule in the large swath it controls, and the Nusra

Front’s rule over its own areas is hardly better. In that light, some Syrians see Assad as the lesser of two evils, with his grip bringing a degree of calm in Damascus and other main cities.

Activist Kassem Eid admits with regret that the millions of displaced, the devastation of cities, the suffering and the hunger have all become sideline issues for many in the face of the radicals. “That’s absolutely not fair. They’re looking at the side effects and forgetting about the cancer. The cancer is the Assad regime,” he said in an interview by phone from the United States.

Eid fled Syria in early 2014. He had survived the deadly August 2013 chemical weapons in the Ghouta region in Damascus, and a two year government siege of his hometown of Moaddamiyeh where people died because of lack of food and medicine. Since arriving in the U.S. a year ago, he has been giving presentations at universities and meeting with American politicians to tell them about his experience in Syria.

As the death toll mounts, some young activists acknowledge some naiveté in their decision to challenge one of the region’s most brutal police states, but defend the right to take up arms in self-defense.

They acknowledge that lots of mistakes were made from the beginning, including taking money from outside sources, which introduced outside agendas. They argue that it was Assad’s brutal suppression and the United States and the West’s failures to sup-

port moderates that created the space for jihadis to move in.

Fares says moderates like him far outnumber extremists but have been put down by both the government and the militants.

He believes Syria’s future for the next 20 years is “black.” But he is convinced moderates will prevail in the end. “Everything else has been tested and tried.

It failed.”

Eid agrees. “I know four years seems like a long time, but four years in the scale of history is nothing,” he said of the conflict so far. “This is the will of history. Dictators always fall.

People always win, sooner or later.”

Hakawati remembers the carnival-like atmosphere of the early protests with a smile, but sadness washes over as he remembers friends who were gunned down.

“The regime infiltrated every space for freedom and happiness and planted an ugly memory in it,” he said. Still, he refuses to give up.

He was arrested twice and wounded five times in the past four years, fled to Turkey but returned to Aleppo five months ago and rented an apartment in the neighborhood of Bustan al-Qasr. There is no water or electricity and “death visits 24 hours a day.”

But he works with other media activists and trains photographers. Sometimes, he draws the names of dead friends on the walls, and other graffiti reminders. “It was a revolution for dignity,” he wrote on a recent day.

Death sentence upheld for killer of IS beheaded Libyan Dalai Lama ‘profanes’ Buddhism guards in attack that by doubting his reincarnation: China Pakistani governor over blasphemy law seized 9 foreigners TrIPOlI, MArcH 9 (AP): Militants from Libya’s Islamic State affiliate beheaded eight Libyan guards in an attack on a central oil field last week during which the extremists abducted nine foreigners, a Libyan spokesman said Monday. In the Philippines, authorities said Monday that four of their nationals were among the nine abducted from the oil field. An Austrian, a Czech, a Bangladeshi and a Ghana national were also taken while one hostage remains unidentified.

Friday’s attack on the al-Ghani oil field near the town of Zalla, some 750 kilometers (470 miles) southeast of the capital, Tripoli, was part of a series of deadly assaults on Libya’s oil lucrative infrastructure by the Islamic State group. The attacks in recent weeks have forced Libya to declare 11 fields non-operational, including al-Ghani, and invoke a force majeure clause that exempts the state from contractual obligations.

Libya’s military spokesman, Ahmed al-Mesmari, warned that Islamic State militants’ long-term goal is to take over Libya’s petroleum industry. “This is the lifeline of the Libyan people,” he said Monday, adding the consequences of such a loss would be dire.

During the attack on al-Ghani, an employee watched the beheadings of the eight oil guards and subsequently died of a heart attack, al-Mesmari also said. He not elaborate on how the army knew about the beheadings but the force serving as oil guards is closely allied to the Libyan military, which answers to the eastern-based government, one of Libya’s two rival governments.

In the Philippines, Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose said Manila was working with the employer of the nine, Austrian-owned VAOS Oil Service, the Libyan government and embassies of the other foreigners abducted. The incident brings the total number of Filipinos missing in Libya to seven. Three others were snatched in another oil field on Feb. 3 and their whereabouts also remain unknown.

Jose also appealed to around 4,000 Filipinos still in Libya to get in touch with the Philippine embassy and avail of the government’s mandatory repatriation program which covers the cost of travel back to the Philippines. The Al-Ghani oil field had suspended operation for two weeks prior to the attack and most of the workers had left by the time the gunmen arrived there, he added.

On Sunday, Philippine diplomats met with 52 other Filipino employees of VAOS Oil at the company’s headquarters in Tripoli. Jose said 36 of the 52 Filipinos have said they want to go home and more are expected to sign up for repatriation in the coming days. The Philippines is among the world’s top labor exporters with about a tenth of its 100 million people working abroad Three years after Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi was overthrown in an Arab Spring-inspired uprising, Libya is bitterly divided between two rival governments and a wide array of militias. The internationally recognized government and parliament were forced to relocate to the country’s far east after Tripoli fell to Islamist-allied militias last summer.

Al-Mesmari, the Libyan army spokesman, said that following the attack on al-Ghani, fighter jets took off from the Ras Lanouf port on Libya central coastline and targeted the militants. Earlier, Tripoli-based militias said their own fighter jets tried to stop the attack on al-Ghani but failed.

The Libyan turmoil has provided fertile ground for militants allied with the Islamic State group, which is fighting in Iraq and Syria to expand its self-styled caliphate. The Libyan IS affiliate now controls the eastern city of Darna and also Sirte, and has carried out several deadly suicide bombings across the country.

BEIjIng, MArcH 9 (rEUTErs): Exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama is profaning Buddhism by suggesting that he will not be reincarnated when he dies, the Chinese-appointed governor of Tibet said on Monday, in some of China’s strongest comments to date on the subject.

Tibetan Buddhism holds that the soul of a senior lama is reincarnated in the body of a child on his death. China says the tradition must continue and it must approve the next Dalai Lama.

But the Nobel peace laureate, who fled his homeland in 1959 after an abortive uprising against Chinese rule, has said he thinks the title could end when he dies.

He has also stated that he will not be reborn in China if Tibet is not free and that no one, including China, has the right to choose his successor “for political ends”.

Speaking on the sidelines of the annual meeting of parliament, Tibet governor Pad-

ma Choling accused the Dalai Lama of flip-flopping with his various pronouncements on the issue, and of hypocrisy seeing as he himself was reincarnated.

“If the central government had not approved it, how could he have become the 14th Dalai Lama? He couldn’t. It has a serious procedure,” Padma Choling, an ethnic Tibetan himself, told reporters.

“I think that, in fact, he is profaning religion and Tibetan Buddhism,” he said, adding that the Dalai Lama was trying to usurp Beijing’s right to decide.

“If he says no reincarnation then no reincarnation? Impossible. Nobody in Tibetan Buddhism would agree to that,” he added. “We must respect history, respect and not profane Tibetan Buddhism.”

Exiles worry that China might just simply appoint their own successor. In 1995, after the Dalai Lama named a boy in Tibet as the reincarnation of the previous Panchen Lama, the

second highest figure in Tibetan Buddhism, China put that boy under house arrest and installed another in his place.

Many Tibetans spurn the Chinese-appointed Panchen Lama as a fake.

China’s officially atheist Communist Party says it has inherited the right of the old emperors to sign off on reincarnations, though how important the custom was is historically disputed.

China routinely rejects criticism of its policies in Tibet, saying its rule, since Communist Chinese troops “peacefully liberated” the region in 1950, ended serfdom and brought development to a backward, poverty-stricken region.

Beijing says the Dalai Lama, who fled to India after the 1959 uprising, is a “wolf in sheep’s clothing” who seeks to use violent methods to establish an independent Tibet. The Dalai Lama says he only wants genuine autonomy for Tibet and denies advocating independence or violence.

IslAMABAD, MArcH 9 (rEUTErs): A Pakistani court upheld the death sentence on Monday for the killer of the governor of Pakistan’s largest province after he had called for reform of a law against blasphemy, media said.

The ruling was a surprise to many who had expected the killer’s sentence might be reduced amid growing threats to lawyers and judges hearing blasphemyrelated cases.

Mumtaz Qadri was a bodyguard for Punjab Governor Salman Taseer and was convicted of shooting him dead in Islamabad in January 2011.

Taseer was an outspoken critic of predominantly Muslim Pakistan’s harsh blasphemy law - which carries the death penalty.

Qadri is viewed as a hero by many people who thought Taseer himself was a blasphemer by calling for the law’s reform. The killing highlighted a growing gulf between conservatives and more liberal elements in society. Some lawyers threw rose petals at Qadri when he arrived in court days after the killing.

The judge who convicted Qadri was forced to flee the country

after death threats.

An anti-terrorism court handed down double death sentences for murder and terrorism to Qadri in late 2011. He appealed the sentences, but on Monday, Islamabad High Court upheld the murder sentence - though it struck down the sentence for terrorism.

Several TV channels reported the verdict and footage showed police sealing the court building with barbed wire soon after the verdict was announced.

Last year, gunmen posing as clients shot dead a prominent human rights lawyer defending a professor accused of blasphemy.

The blasphemy law mandates the death penalty and is often used in poor, rural areas to settle personal scores. Presenting evidence in court can be considered a new infringement, so judges are reluctant to hear cases. Those acquitted have often been lynched.

Taseer had championed the cause of a Christian woman sentenced to death in a blasphemy case, which arose out of a dispute.

Taseer had said the law was being misused and should be reformed.

Solar-power plane airborne on historic round-the-world trip ABU DHABI, MArcH 9 (AP): With its wings stretched wide to catch the sun’s energy, a Swiss-made solar-powered aircraft took off from Abu Dhabi just after daybreak Monday in a historic first attempt to fly around the world without a drop of fossil fuel.

Solar Impulse founder André Borschberg was at the controls of the singleseat aircraft when it lumbered into the air at the Al Bateen Executive Airport.

Borschberg will trade off piloting with Solar Impulse co-founder Bertrand Piccard during layovers on a 35,000-kilometer journey.

Some legs of the trip, such as over the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, will mean five days and five nights of flying solo. Both pilots have been training hard for this journey, which will span 25 flight days over five months before this Spruce Goose of renewable energy returns to Abu Dhabi in late July or August.

“It is also exciting because you know, you simulate, you calculate, you

imagine, but there is nothing like testing and doing it in real,” Borschberg said just hours before takeoff.

“I am sure we are all confident and hopefully we will be able to see each other here in five months.”

The Solar Impulse 2 aircraft, a larger version of a single-seat prototype that first flew five years ago, has a wingspan of 72 meters (236 feet), larger than that of the Boeing 747. Built into the wings are 17,248 ultra-efficient solar cells that transfer solar energy to four electrical motors that power the plane’s propellers. The solar cells also recharge four lithium polymer batteries.

At around 2,300 kilograms (5,070 pounds), the Si2 weighs about as much as a minivan or mid-sized truck. An empty Boeing 747, in comparison, weighs some 180,000 kilograms (400,000 pounds).

The Si2 is heading first to nearby Muscat, Oman, where it will land after about 10 hours of flight. A

typical passenger jet takes just one hour to make the same journey. Piccard says the best speed for the lightweight Si2 — made of carbon fiber — is at about 25 knots, or 45 kph (28 mph).

Borschberg has been practicing yoga and Piccard self-hypnosis in order to calm their minds and manage fatigue during the long solo flights. They aim to rest a maximum of 20 minutes straight, repeating the naps 12 times over a 24-hour period. Goggles worn over the pilot’s eyes will flash lights to wake him up.

Neither pilot will be able to stand in the cockpit while flying, but the seat reclines for stretching and its cushion can be removed for access to a toilet.

Armbands placed underneath their suits will buzz if the plane isn’t flying level.

The plane also does not have a pressurized cockpit so Borschberg and Piccard will be able to feel the changes in temperature.

The pilot’s blood oxygen levels constantly will be

In this photo released by Solar Impulse, “Solar Impulse 2”, a solar-powered airplane flies after taking off from Al Bateen Executive Airport in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on Monday, March 9, marking the start of the first attempt to fly around the world without a drop of fuel. (AP Photo)

monitored and sent back to ground control.

The plane will reach an altitude of around 28,000 feet (8,500 meters) during the day to catch the sun’s rays and at night dip to around 5,000 feet (1,500 meters) when flying over the ocean.

After two stops in India, the Si2 will head to China, where it will stay for a month until the days are longer to catch more of the sun’s

energy. It will also make stops in Myanmar, Hawaii, Phoenix, Arizona and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport. The path across the Atlantic will depend on the weather and may include stops in southern Europe or Morocco.

Those curious can follow the aircraft on Solar Impulse’s website and track its battery status, energy consumption, location and flight path, as well as how

much the pilot has slept and how much food and water he has left. There is also a live feed of the plane’s Monaco-based control room with occasional footage from the cockpit.

Borschberg and Piccard say the flight is to make the world “confront the Conference on Climate Change of the United Nations, which will define the new Kyoto protocol in December 2015 in Paris.”

The Morung Express 10 SPORTS Point-seeking Irish expect no easy ride from India Westbrook's 7th triple-double Dimapur

Tuesday

10 March 2015

MELBOURNE, MARCH 9 (REUTERS): Ireland do not expect an easy ride from India in their penultimate World Cup Pool B clash on Tuesday, even though the world champions have already qualified for the quarter-finals with four wins out of four.

The Irish have enjoyed an excellent campaign with three wins out of four but still need one more point from their final two matches against India and Pakistan to secure a spot in the knockout stage.

"It's a nice position to be in but it doesn't count for anything if we don't keep getting good performances," Ireland captain William Porterfield told a news conference in Ham-

ilton on Monday.

"They're obviously qualified but I'm pretty sure they'll be looking to get top spot in the group as well," he added. "I don't expect them to come in any way lightly at ourselves, so we'll be ready for that."

With India in fine form, Ireland will be looking to put some pressure on them from the very first ball at Seddon Park.

While the Indians can almost take for granted a strong batting line-up, Porterfield thought their bowlers had also acquitted themselves well in their four-wicket victory over West Indies last week.

"Whatever we do first tomorrow, we have to start well," he said. "Seeing how

hard India came out after West Indies, I don't think they've necessarily got a weaker suit as such.

"The first 10 overs is going to be big, we have to start the game well and get into it." Porterfield has become pretty much the spokesman for the battle against the International Cricket Council's plan to reduce the field from 14 to 10 teams for the next World Cup. Since the cut will most likely be made at the expense of non test-playing nations, he sees Ireland's qualifying for the knockout rounds as having wider significance than just national pride. "Hopefully we do make those quarter-finals and keep pushing on as

a country ourselves, and hopefully the ICC will take notice and we'll start looking at the next World Cup," he said.

"If you want to progress your game and grow the game of cricket, then cutting teams in world competitions isn't the way forward."

Indian seamer Mohit Sharma said the team were well aware of the threat Ireland presented and they would need to be on top of their game to win a fifth straight match.

"They played good games earlier and still have a chance to qualify," he said. "They have a good team. We have to play well to beat them, and we'll try to do it."

Indian coach best option UAE beat Iran to win 2019 for team: Dhanraj Pillay Asian Cup hosting rights

NEW DELHI, MARCH 9 (IANS): Unhappy that a Dutch has been made the new chief coach for the men's national team, legendary hockey player Dhanraj Pillay said an Indian would have been the best option for the post. In association with Hockey India (HI), the Sports Authority of India (SAI) has named that Paul van Ass will take charge of the Indian team following Terry Walsh's ouster last year.

"An Indian coach is the best option for the country. Language barrier is a big problem for the boys. I have seen it myself. In my own team, Uttar Pradesh Wizards, I saw how much problem we had. Our Indian players don't understand their English because of their accent," Dhanraj said.

The 46-year-old is the technical director of Hockey India League (HIL) franchise UP Wizards where Dutchman Roelant Oltmans is the head coach. The former India captain said the fortunes of Indian hockey have not changed despite the federation bringing in foreign coaches for quite a while. "In the last 10 years, have the foreign coaches taken the team to another level? No. They are still there. The level has not gone up. It is the same when Indian coaches were there during my playing days," said Dhanraj, whose illustrious international career spanned from 1989 to 2004.

"If HI, the government, the sports ministry are thinking that foreign coaches are better... let us see how good the new coach will be."

Pillay earned 339 international caps, and led India to the 1998 Asian Games gold and the 2003 Asia Cup win. He was a prolific centre forward and is the only hockey player in the world to have played in four World Cups, four Olympics, four Champions Trophy and four Asian Games.

DUBAI, MARCH 9 (REUTERS): United Arab Emirates were, as expected, named hosts of the 2019 Asian Cup on Monday after beating outsiders Iran to stage the expanded 24-team tournament.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announced the safe bet decision after a meeting of their executive committee in Bahrain on Monday.

Iran's hopes were always hindered by the unwillingness to allow women to attend matches at home, a decision FIFA president Sepp Blatter labelled "intolerable" on Friday after he claimed he had been given hope in 2013 that it would be overturned.

Iran is also subject to western sanctions over its nuclear programme, which has made it difficult for the country's football association to host friendly matches, a vital source of income for the federation, which has hit the men's team.

The UAE have proved to be a safe pair of hands in organising global soccer events, having staged the 2009 and 2010 FIFA Club World Cups and the FIFA under-17 World Cup in 2013.

The UAE and Iran were the

only runners to host the Asian Cup after early interest from China, Bahrain, Lebanon, Malaysia, Oman, Thailand and Saudi Arabia failed to materialise into a concrete bid.

The UAE will use six stadiums in three cities, two in Abu Dhabi, two in Dubai and the Khalifa International Stadium in Al Ain, for the event, which is likely to be held at the start of the year when temperatures in the region are coolest.

It will be the second time the UAE has hosted Asia's premier tournament after it staged the then 12-team event in 1996 where the home team lost in the final on penalties to Saudi Arabia.

Iran held the event twice in 1968 and 1976, going on to win it on both occasions.

The UAE finished third at the Asian Cup in Australia in January, the last 16-team edition.

The AFC announced last year that its showpiece event would be expanded to 24 teams to give more opportunity for its 47 members to compete, with the qualifying process merged with the one used for the World Cup.

leads Thunder past Raptors OKLAHOMA CITY, MARCH 9 (AP): Russell Westbrook had his fifth triple-double in six games to help the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Toronto Raptors 108-104 in the NBA on Sunday.

The NBA scoring leader had 30 points, matched a career high with 17 assists and added 11 rebounds for his seventh triple-double of the season and 15th overall.

Enes Kanter had 21 points and 12 rebounds, and Serge Ibaka had 21 points and five blocks for the Thunder. They remained alone in eighth place in the Western Conference standings. DeMar DeRozan scored 24 points for Toronto. The Raptors have lost three straight.

Elsewhere, Golden State defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 106-98 for its sixth straight home victory and San Antonio defeated Chicago 116-105 despite getting no baskets from Tim Duncan for the first time in his lengthy career.

Golden State's Draymond Green had 23 points and six assists and Klay Thompson added 21 points on 9-for-13 shooting.

Shaun Livingston gave the Warriors a lift off the bench with a season-best 21 points and eight rebounds in 28 minutes to take some pressure off star Stephen Curry. Curry didn't score his first field goal until 5:16 before halftime and finished with 12 points and four assists. In San Antonio, Tony Parker had a season-high 32 points as the Spurs won their fifth straight game.

Duncan failed to make a basket for the first time in his career, ending his NBA-record streak at 1,310 games. He was 0 for 8 while and finished with three points on free throws.

Kawhi Leonard added 20 points, Patty Mills had 15 points and Manu Ginobili 14 for the Spurs.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) goes up for a shot past Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) in the third quarter of an NBA basketball game in Oklahoma City, Sunday, March 8. Oklahoma City won 108-104. (AP Photo)

In other games, Monta Ellis scored 18 of his 31 points in the third quarter and Dallas closed with a 16-3 spurt in the final 6:36 to beat the Los Angeles Lakers 100-93. Dirk Nowitzki had 12 points for the Mavericks, and Chandler Parsons had 11 points and

six rebounds in 35 minutes after missing seven games with a sprained left ankle.

Al Jefferson scored 24 points to lead Charlotte past Detroit 108-101 in a matchup of Eastern Conference playoff hopefuls. Mo Williams had 19 points and nine assists for the Hornets.

They have won five straight to strengthen their bid for a postseason berth, while Detroit has dropped six in a row. The Orlando Magic topped the Boston Celtics 103-98 and the Utah Jazz got 24 points from Gordon Hayward to beat the Brooklyn Nets 95-88.

Mourinho has sights set Swiss beaten in Davis Cup 1st round on joining elite in Europe MILAN, MARCH 9 (AP): After winning the English League Cup to end a trophy drought of nearly three years, Jose Mourinho now has his sights set on joining Carlo Ancelotti and Bob Paisley as the only managers to win the Champions League or European Cup three times. Chelsea's last-16 tie is delicately poised following a 1-1 draw at Paris Saint-Germain, with Mourinho's men having the advantage of the away goal.

However, PSG has only failed to score once in 16 matches in 2015 and is on a 14-match unbeaten run. In other last-16 matches this week, Bayern Munich hosts Shakhtar Donetsk and Porto hosts Basel.

Bayern doesn't have the advantage of an away goal after being held 0-0 in Ukraine, while Porto drew 1-1 in Switzerland. Real Madrid has one foot in the quarterfinals after beating Schalke 2-0 and will be confident about progressing at the Bernabeu. Here are some other things to know about this week's Champions League matches: CHELSEA-PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN Since the 1-1 draw in the first leg, Chelsea has strengthened its position at the top of the Premier League and won the English League Cup, setting up the prospect of a domestic double.

Adding the Champions League title to the haul is the hardest job for Jose Mourinho, but he has already done it twice and Branislav Ivanovic's away goal in Paris three weeks ago has given Chelsea the advantage heading into the second leg.

Chelsea has midfield anchorman Nemanja Matic back from a ban — he should shrug off an ankle injury — and the squad was able to rest this weekend, having already been eliminated from the FA Cup. PSG heads into the game full of confidence after Saturday's 4-1 home win against Caen. The team is unbeaten in 14 games. Coach Laurent Blanc was criticized for his tactical choices last season, when PSG led 3-1 from the first leg, chose to defend and ended up losing 2-0, getting knocked out of the tournament.

"Of course we believe we can win," he said. "There's no point going there if we don't." Blanc has urged his players to improve their finishing after they squandered chances against Caen and in the 0-0 draw away to Monaco the previous week.

"In the last two matches we've missed 10 or 12 clear-cut chances — and I mean clear-cut ones," he said. "We won't get that many against Chelsea." On the injury front, PSG hopes to have midfielder Yohan Cabaye available after a thigh injury.

REAL MADRID-SCHALKE Real Madrid will welcome the arrival of Schalke on Tuesday as it looks to rebound from a second straight stumble that has cost it the lead of the Spanish league to rival Barcelona. Madrid holds a commanding 2-0 advantage from its victory in the first leg in Germany, and the reigning European champions will be looking to jump-start an attack that stalled in a 1-0 loss at Athletic Bilbao over the weekend.

Even prolific scorer Cristiano Ronaldo has been stymied of late. The Ballon d'Or holder failed to get off a shot on goal against Bilbao and has only scored five times in 2015. Strike partner Gareth Bale has fared even worse, failing to score in eight straight matches.

Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged his team has lost its confidence, calling its attack "confusing."

"There isn't enough connection between players, it is too individualistic," he said. "We need another way of attacking."

Schalke finally came up with a performance to please its fans, outplaying Hoffenheim 3-1. Schalke had been under fire for a cautious approach with little attacking flair and dull matches recently. The team finally clicked on Saturday, playing fluid, passing football as young talent Max Meyer scored twice. "Max played an outstanding match, he was decisive for this win," Schalke coach Roberto di Matteo said. "We created a lot of chances, but now we have a very difficult match in Madrid.

We'll enjoy this win for a couple of hours but then we have to prepare for the Champions League."

BAYERN MUNICH-SHAKHTAR DONETSK Coach Pep Guardiola gave his team Sunday off following a hard-earned 3-1 win in Hannover that gave Bayern an 11-point lead in the Bundesliga again.

"Hannover were superb in defense and that's why it was difficult for us," Guardiola said after the match. Director Matthias Sammer said he expected a tough match against Shakhtar Donetsk. "We have to produce a top performance. It's going to be very, very difficult. But we are ready," he said. Guardiola said the match against Donetsk is "a final, we must win." Despite notching another victory, Bayern labored against Hannover's tight defense and did not appear in great form. Two of its goals came from set pieces.

Guardiola took off defender Dante just over a half-hour into the match, obviously not pleased with the Brazilian's performance.

LIEGE, MARCH 9 (AP): Playing without stars Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka, defending champion Switzerland slumped to a first-round loss to Belgium in the Davis Cup on Sunday, while Andy Murray scored the decisive point to lift Britain past the United States and Novak Djokovic led Serbia to victory over Croatia.

After Federer and Wawrinka led Switzerland to its first Davis Cup title last year, the two top-10 players decided not to play Davis Cup this year, leaving Switzerland with a diminished team — and chances — against Belgium.

Trailing 2-1 heading into the reverse singles on Sunday, Henri Laaksonen, ranked No. 344, managed to keep the Swiss alive by beating Belgium's Steve Darcis 6-3, 3-6, 3-6, 7-6 (5), 6-1 in the first match to level the tie at 2-all.

The 21st-ranked David Goffin then shook off a back injury to beat No. 321 Adrien Bossel 6-4, 6-0, 6-4 and send Belgium into the quarterfinals. Goffin made light work of the contest, hitting 15 aces and breaking Bossel's serve five times. It was just the ninth time since 1972 that the defending champions had fallen in the first round the following year.

Elsewhere, Andy Murray beat John Isner 7-6 (4), 6-3, 7-6 (4) to clinch Britain's first-round victory over the United States, jumping up and down with his jubilant teammates in a celebration huddle after the match in Glasgow, Scotland.

It was the second straight year that Britain has ousted the Americans at this stage in the World Group.

Britain won the last of its nine Davis Cup titles in 1936, and hasn't reached the semifinals since 1981.

U.S. captain Jim Courier said Britain deserved to be among the favorites. Britain next hosts France, which closed out its firstround tie against Germany with a victory in the doubles on Saturday, giving it an unassailable 3-0 lead. The Germans won the dead rubbers on Sunday to make the final score 3-2.

Serbia won both reverse singles on Sunday for a 5-0 victory against Croatia. Djokovic won the opening singles match against Mate Delic on Friday, then teamed with Nenad Zimonjic to clinch the tie with a doubles victory on Saturday.

Serbia will play either Argentina or Brazil in the quarterfinals.

Argentina's Leonardo Mayer defeated Joao Souza in the longest Davis Cup singles match ever on Sunday, converting his 11th match point to win 7-6 (4), 7-6 (5), 5-7, 5-7,

15-13 and keep the hosts' hopes alive by leveling the tie at 2-all.

Mayer needed 6 hours, 42 minutes to beat Souza, which topped the previous longest singles match — John McEnroe's win over Mats Wilander in 1982, which lasted 6 hours, 22 minutes.

After squandering 10 match points, Mayer finally broke Souza's serve while leading 14-13 in the fifth set. The Argentine dropped to the ground as the crowd and his teammates loudly celebrated.

The decisive match between Federico Delbonis and Thomaz Bellucci was suspended because of darkness after Delbonis won the first set 6-3 and was set to resume Monday.

In Vancouver, Canada, Vasek Pospisil beat Go Soeda 7-5, 6-3, 6-4 in the decisive singles match to give the hosts a 3-2 victory and set up a quarterfinal against Belgium.

Kaka's late goal gives Orlando City 1-1 draw with NYCFC

ORLANDO, MARCH 9 (AP): Brazil international Kaka scored in extra time for Orlando City to salvage a 1-1 draw against New York City FC in the first match for the latest expansion teams to join Major League Soccer.

New York appeared to be to be on its way to victory in the 76th minute when Mix Diskerud took a pass from David Villa just outside the area and rifled a curling shot that sneaked inside the far post to go up 1-0. But Orlando was awarded a free kick in the 91st minute after Kevin Molino was fouled 10 yards outside the area, setting up Kaka's goal on a deflection off New York's wall.

The 32-year-old Kaka, who played in the World Cup for Brazil in 2002, 2006 and 2010, signed a three-and-ahalf year deal with Orlando last July after terminating his contract with AC Milan. He was on loan to San Paulo FC in the MLS off-season.

"The result wasn't what Orlando City SC's Kaka (10) moves the ball past New York City FC's Sebastian Velasquez, left, during the second half of an MLS soccer game, Sunday, March 8, in Orlando, Fla. The we wanted, but everything that happened today was game ended in a 1-1 tie. (AP Photo)

really incredible," Kaka said. "We have a lot to improve on and we're going to improve, but it was a really special day for everyone on this team." A crowd of 62,510 watched the match, the second-highest attendance for an MLS inaugural game after the 69,255 people who watched the L.A. Galaxy's debut in 1996.

In Seattle, U.S. national team captain Clint Dempsey scored twice and Obafemi Martins added a goal to help the Sounders beat New England 3-0.

Dempsey opened the scoring in the 25th minute on a penalty after being taken down in the area

by New England's Juan Agudelo. He put the match out of reach in the 67th with a goal off a pass from Marco Pappa. Elsewhere, shorthanded Sporting Kansas City was held to a 1-1 draw against the New York Red Bulls. Sporting opened the scoring in the 50th minute when Ike Opara headed in Benny Feilhaber's cross.

Lloyd Sam got the equalizer four minutes later.

10 March 2015

‘IndIa’S daUghter’

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he BBC documentary, depicting the aftermath of the brutal gangrape and murder of the Delhi Braveheart in 2012, will have its US premier next week and will be attended by Oscar-winning actor Meryl Streep and Freida Pinto in a show of support for the film banned in India.

The US premiere of the documentary, Storyville: India’s Daughter, on March 9 at the Baruch College of the City University of New York here will be presented by NGO Vital Voices Global Partnership and children’s development organisation Plan International. Streep and Pinto, who is Plan’s ‘Because I am a Girl’ global ambassador, will be joined by the documentary’s director Leslee Udwin at the screening.

Udwin, a Plan ambassador, said the December 2012 rape and the protests that followed was an “Arab spring for gender equality.”

“What impelled me to leave my husband and two children for two years while I made the film in India was not so much the horror of the rape as the inspiring and extraordinary eruption on the streets.

A cry of ‘enough is enough’. Unprecedented numbers of ordinary men and women, day after day, faced a ferocious government crackdown that included tear gas, baton charges and water cannon.

They were protesting for my rights and the rights of all women. That gives me optimism. I can’t recall another country having done that in my lifetime,” Udwin said.

Vital Voices’ vice-president of Human Rights Cindy Dyer implored everyone to watch the documentary and to “speak out and demand non-violence.”

Dyer said the “provocative” documentary is a powerful platform for cultural change on a global scale and exposes the attitudes and beliefs that result in violence against women.

“The entire world must heed this wise and brave call. It’s not just India -- it’s everywhere. Each of us must summon the moral courage to expose the appalling attitudes and beliefs which lie at the core of horrific offences like the one that claimed the 23-year-old paramedical student’s life,” Dyer said.

“We must have the fortitude and perseverance to extinguish this mindset from our communities and to support leaders who use their voice and agency to advocate for change. So I implore everyone to watch this documentary. Speak out. Demand non-violence,” Dyer said.

The documentary, which was premiered in the UK on March 4, will be screened in countries across the globe -- including Switzerland, Norway and Canada -- to mark International Women’s Day.

Juliet Stevenson treated like a saint while filming Mother Teresa

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goes international; Freida Pinto to attend US screening

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11 al Pacino, 74, hasn’t ruled out marriage Tuesday

Entertainment

The Morung Express

he Godfather star Al Pacino, 74, thinks it is “possible” he could get married. The actor, who has daughter Julie, 25; and twins Anton and Olivia, 14; from previous relationships, doesn’t expect to marry so late in life, but says he hasn’t ruled it out completely, reports femalefirst.co.uk. He said: “Of course it’s possible (that I’ll get married). It seems beside the point though. I mean, yeah. I have no idea, but I never say never.

“I don’t think of marriage that way, but it’s very possible that this could happen.”

A R Rahman embarks on first US tour in five years

Uma’s 8k lipstick collection

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scar-winning composer A R Rahman is all set to start his three-month long North American tour from March 21. The ‘Jai Ho’ hitmaker will include material from throughout his 20-year career on the 13-city tour, which will come to an end on June 14 at Redmond in WA Marymoor Amphitheater. Titled ‘A R Rahman: The Intimate Concert Tour’ and sponsored by JBL, tickets go on sale on March 6, with VIP packages available till March 4.

“I’ve been wanting to return to North America to perform for a while now, and I’m excited to be coming back for a series of concerts this spring,” Rahman, who has earlier performed in US in 2010, said in a statement on his Facebook page. “These are going to be very special performances and I’m grateful to have the chance to share them with you,” he added.

Known for his score and songs in ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, Rahman has worked on more than 100 films, including landmark compositions in ‘Roja’, ‘127 Hours’, ‘Rockstar’, ‘Couples Retreat’ and ‘The Hundred-Foot Journey’. Rahman, 48, is currently working on a composition for the film ‘Pele’, a biopic on the Brazilian soccer legend.

He is also the subject of a new documentary about his music, called ‘Jai Ho’, which premiered on February 25 at the Museum of the Moving Image in New York.

Rahman has won two Academy Awards, two Grammys, a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe and six honorary doctorates.

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he 44-year-old actress is constantly adding to her collection of lip glosses and lipstick because she always misplaces them. When asked what the last thing she lost was, she told PEOPLE magazine: ‘’Somewhere there are 8,000 tubes of lipstick that once be-

longed to me. ‘’I don’t use keys, so that doesn’t really apply. And very rarely I misplace my sense of humour, but usually not.’’

Meanwhile, Uma was previously accused of having plastic surgery after her face appeared to look different but she insisted it was just a change of makeup. Makeup artist Troy Surratt said: ‘’We did a much stronger brow and a bold lip for a French sort of feel.

The way I shaded her eyebrows with the pencil, I created an uplifting effect. ‘’Then, I finished with a shimmering, silky-beige shadow on her lids, and went with no mascara at all. Sort of a reaction against all the fake lashes we’ve been seeing on the red carpet.’’

Uma also admitted she wasn’t phased by the harsh criticism and speculative headlines. She said at the time: ‘’I’ve been doing this for years and years and years, people say things nice and they say things mean and it’s like whatever. You take the good with the bad.’’

Arjun Rampal to promote ‘discovery real heroes’

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ctor Arjun Rampal has shot teasers to endorse upcoming TV series “Discovery Real Heroes” -- aimed at showcasing a league of incredible men -- at some unforgiving terrains to demonstrate survival tactics in harsh conditions.

The 42-year-old, who has appeared in films like “Om Shanti Om”, “Rock On!!”, “Raajneeti” and “Roy”, has joined hands with Discovery Channel to present the thrilling adventures of brave people associated with shows like “I Shouldn’t Be Alive”, “Man VS. Wild”, “Survivorman”, “Man Woman Wild”, “Running Wild” and “DUAL SURVIVAL”.

“No masks. No secret identities. Just bare hands and nerves of steel. Watch with me ‘Discovery Real Heroes’,” Arjun said in a statement.

Starting from March 15 with the popular show “I Shouldn’t Be Alive”

and many more, viewers will embark on some of the most challenging expeditions with the channel’s experts like Bear Grylls, Les Stroud, Myke Hawke, Dave Canterbury and Cody Lundin, to name a few.

Emma threatened

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Emma Watson has revealed she was sent threats within hours of making her speech at the United Nations to promote gender equality.

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s a famous actor, Juliet Stevenson may be used to walking past crowds of adoring fans and the paparazzi on the red carpet. But she was unprepared for the adulation she received while filming a biopic about Mother Teresa in the slums of India.

As she passed through the slums, locals dropped to the ground believing the Nobel Peace Prize winner had been brought back to life to care for the poor.

Stevenson told The Observer: ‘I was filming in her iconic white sari with the blue stripes. ‘People would come up to me, drop and touch my hem...in India, she’s still revered. She lifted tens of thousands of people off the streets and into her care.’ Stevenson, who starred in films such as Truly, Madly, Deeply, The Politician’s Wife and Accused, is heading the cast of the forthcoming feature film about Mother Teresa, The Letters.

The biopic explores the life of the saint through letters she wrote to her longtime friend and spiritual advisor, Father Celeste van Exem over a nearly 50-year period.

The letters, published in 2007, revealed her crisis of faith and the torment of feeling Jesus had abandoned her. Mother Teresa, who died in 1997 aged 87, became one of the 20th century’s most influential religious figures.

She founded an international order the Missionaries of Charity - in the slums

of Calcutta dedicated to the poor, disabled and dying. She won the Noble Peace Prize in 1979 for her role in founding the order and by the time of her death, it had grown to more than 4,000 sisters running orphanages, hospices and charity centres in 133 countries.

Stevenson, who is not religious, was initially wary of taking on the role but said it had been a ‘wonderful challenge’. To perfect the role, Stevenson watched and listened ‘endlessly’ to historic recordings of Mother Teresa. She told The Observer: ‘It was very daunting, because I’m so wrong for her. I’m 5ft 8in, quite strongly built. I’m not in any way miniature (Mother Teresa was only 5ft).

‘I don’t have a religious faith and she believed so ardently in God. I also couldn’t differ from her more when it comes to her views on women’s rights, birth control and abortion...but it was a wonderful challenge.’ There was an early screening of The Letters at the Vatican, at the International Catholic film festival last year.

Its cast also includes 85-year-old Swedish actor Max von Sydow and Rutger Hauer, who won a Golden Globe award for Best Supporting Actor in Escape from Sobibor.

It is directed by William Riead who was inspired by Richard Attenborough’s Oscarwinning film Gandhi. The biopic will be released this year in the hope it coincides with Mother Teresa’s canonisation.

mma Watson received threats within hours of making her speech at the United Nations. The ‘Harry Potter’ star launched the HeForShe campaign, which aims to promote gender equality, at the UN in September but has revealed the threats left her family incredibly shocked. She said: ‘’A lot of people close to me knew gender equality was an issue but didn’t think it was that urgent. You know, ‘We live in Great Britain - this is a thing of the past. We’re fine. We’re good. We have got far enough.’ ‘’When they saw that the minute I stepped up and talked about women’s rights I was immediately threatened. I mean within less than 12 hours I was receiving threats. ‘’I think they were really shocked and one of my brothers in particular was very upset.’’

The 24-year-old actress was also the subject of a cruel prank

by Rantic, a social marketing and PR agency, where the company set up a hoax website which threatened to release naked photographs of her. Speaking in a live Facebook Q & A, she said: ‘’There was a website set up that was threatening to release naked images of me, with like a countdown and whatever else. ‘’I knew it was a hoax. I knew the pictures didn’t exist.’’

Taylor insuring legs for $40m?

Taylor Swift is reportedly insuring her legs for $40 million but was ‘’embarrassed’’ to find out they were worth such a hefty sum.

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he ‘Blank Space’ hitmaker now won’t be at risk of losing everything if she was unable to dance on stage. A source shared: ‘’It seems like a ludicrous sum, but if something was to happen to her legs, Swift wouldn’t be able to give her signature stage performances. ‘’Her $200 million career would be in big trouble.’’

The 25-year-old singer was believed to be ‘’embarrassed’’ once she found out how much her legs were worth.

The insider added to National Enquirer magazine: ‘’She thought her legs were possibly worth a million. ‘’But $40 mil-

lion shocked her. She’s even a little embarrassed about it.’’ Her team is now said to be completing the paperwork in time for her world tour, which begins in May. Meanwhile, Taylor - who loves to show off her toned legs in dresses, skirts and shorts - previously admitted she feels as though she has to dress up more now she is living New York. She said: ‘’I feel like New York is one of those cities that feels worth dressing up for. ‘’I don’t know, I feel like when I walk onto the sidewalk in New York, I have to try a little harder, but it’s not like an extra hour at the gym.’’

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Tomorrow maTch

wed, 11 mar 2015 08:50 am IST

SL vs SCO

Bellerive oval, hobart

England out of CriCkEt World Cup

Bangladesh knock England out of World Cup, likely to face India in quarter-finals Pool a New Zealand Australia Bangladesh Sri Lanka England Afghanistan Scotland Pool B India South Africa Pakistan Ireland West Indies Zimbabwe UAE

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PoInTS TaBle w 5 3 3 3 1 1 0 w 4 3 3 3 2 1 0

l 0 1 1 2 4 4 4 l 0 2 2 1 3 4 4

Tied 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Tied 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

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Bangladesh players celebrate after they defeated England by 15 runs in their Cricket World Cup Pool A match in Adelaide, Australia on March 9. (AP Photo)

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nrr +3.090 +1.597 +0.211 -0.151 -1.001 -1.881 -1.423 nrr +2.246 +1.462 -0.194 -0.820 -0.511 -0.595 -1.691

World Cup 2015: India aim record win against Ireland

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AdelAide, MArch 9 (PTi): Bangladesh rose to the occasion to knock England out of the cricket World Cup with a 15-run win in the Pool A encounter here on Monday, setting up a potential quarterfinal clash with defending champions India.

Put into bat, Bangladesh rode on Mahmudullah's resilient century to post 275 for seven and then put up a spirited bowling show to pack England for 260 runs in 48.3 overs.

Man of the Match Mahmudullah (103) struck his first ODI ton to lift Bangladesh from 99 for four to a respectable score after stitching a crucial 141-run fifth-wicket partnership with Mushfiqur Rahim (89). England medium pacers James Anderson and Chris Jordan bagged two wickets each. England started the chase on a decent note even after opener Moeen Ali (19) was run out but the top-order batsmen failed to convert their starts and let go of the advantage in the must-win game.

Bangladesh bowlers, ably led by Robel Hossian (4-53), struck at crucial

unbelievably disappointing to be knocked out: Morgan

AdelAide, MArch 9 (iAnS): A dejected England skipper Eoin Morgan on Monday said it is “unbelievably disappointing” that they crashed out of the World Cup after losing to Bangladesh in their fifth World Cup Pool A game at the Adelaide Oval.

Needing a win to stay alive in the contest, England began well with both bat and ball but lost the game by a mere 15run margin. “Pretty poor to be knocked out this early from a World Cup. Unbelievably disappointing. We bowled reasonably well, but we couldn't quite match it up with the bat. I can't pick where it went wrong. I am gutted at the moment,” said Morgan who once again failed to get off the mark.

Chasing a formidable total of 275 for seven, England were bowled out in the penultimate over of the match as Bangladesh medium pacer Rubel Hossain junctures to put England in trouble. Ian Bell tried to do the rescue act with a hardworking 63 but Hossian got the opener caught behind in the 27th over.

The middle-order wobbled only to be held by Jos Buttler (65), who fought hard but his seventh ODI

(4/53) clean bowled tail-ender James Anderson with a yorker. The skipper said his team tried addressing the problems but could not rectify them. He added he don't know what is in store for the future but they will definitely look back at the performances and ponder on what went wrong. “It ultimately comes down to the performance, and some of them did, but not all of us as a unit. We have tried to address the problem, but obviously it hasn't worked. Our expectations were higher than the way we performed, so it is obviously disappointing," he said.

“No idea what will happen from here.

Again, there will be an inquest over the next few weeks to see what went wrong, and then we will go from there,” he added. In their last inconsequential group game England will face minnows Afghanistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground on March 13.

fifty was not enough to save England's fading fortunes.

Chris Woakes (42 not out) battled hard till the end but got little help from the tail as Hossain cleaned up the final two batsman with good seam movement. Hossian got good support from captain and

pace spearhead Mashrafe Mortaza (2-48) and Taskin Ahmed (2-59).

Buttler and Woakes, with their seventh-wicket 75-run partnership, looked like taking the Three Lions to a win at one stage, but Bangladesh were just unstoppable on a day that belonged to them.

Mahmudullah bettered Bangladesh's previous individual best of 95 made

by Tamim Iqbal against Scotland earlier the tournament. He, along with Mushfiqur Rahim, who smashed his way to 89 off 77 balls, lifted Bangladesh from a sloppy start by adding 141 runs for the fifth wicket. The partnership was another World Cup record for the Bangladesh side. Paceman Anderson had provided England a fiery start by removing both the openers -- Imrul Kayes (2) and Tamim Iqbal (2) -in his first two overs but the following batsmen showed a lot determination.

Mahmudullah first shared a 86-run stand with Soumya Sarkar (40) to stabilise the innings and then combined with Rahim to stitch up a decent total.

Mahmudullah's 103 came off 138 balls with seven hits to the fence and two over it and Rahim punished the British bowlers by eight fours and a six. Bangladesh could have scored more but Jordan bowled a fantastic penultimate over in which he gave away just three runs and took a wicket too.

A r r Ay h A M i lT o n, MArch 9 (iAnS): After completing their Australia leg of the group phase, India travel to New Zealand to play their last two World Cup Pool B matches, the first against Ireland at the Seddon Park here on Tuesday. The Irish team has been the most impressive and consistent among all Associate members with three wins in four matches.

Though their only loss came against powerhouse South Africa, they have beaten two Test playing nations -- the West Indies and Zimbabwe. To add to that they also beat another Associate, the United Arab Emirates.

With India already qualified for the quarterfinals and South Africa also likely to join them, it will

be an open fight between Ireland, Pakistan and the West Indies for the last two berths left in the pool.

To secure a spot, they would have to come out with the goods against the defending champions India, or later versus Pakistan.

Though India's batting order is pretty solid, Windies bowlers showed that they are nevertheless brittle, which Ireland would like to exploit.

However, on the positive side for India, Irish bowlers have not been as good as their batsmen, having been hammered for 300 plus totals thrice in four matches.

However, India are alien to New Zealand conditions, having played all their four matches in Australia and the minnows could try and

make use of that. Ireland's batting has been splendid in this tournament with the entire line-up getting runs with opener Ed Joyce scoring the only century for their team in this World Cup against Zimbabwe.

India, on the other hand, would like to maintain their winning run.

They have now won eight consecutive Cup matches, equalling their longest streak in 2003.

The Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led side would like to get used to the conditions, in case it plays its knockouts in Kiwi land.

It was important that Dhoni also got some time out in the middle when he guided India to victory against the Windies from a precarious position.

As mentioned before, though Indian batsman have come out good in quadrennial the tournament, the Windies game showed there is room for much improvement.

Meanwhile, India's bowling, traditionally considered their weak point, has gone from strengthto-strength and is looking impeccable. Seamers and spinners alike, they have been in top form and have been able bowl out the opposition in all four matches.

But there is a chance that they might go for runs, considering the form of the Irish batsmen and short boundaries at the Seddon Park, like most New Zealand grounds.

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FIA boss Jean Todt says India deserves Formula 1

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MUMBAi, MArch 9 (PTi): Jean Todt, president of world motorsports governing body FIA, has said that India deserves Formula 1 and he hopes the dropped Grand Prix returns to the country in the near future.

"It's (the race is not my responsibility). It is the commercial rights holder (FOM) who is discussing with the promoter (Jaypee Group), with the country.

Personally, as the president of FIA but more as a car enthusiast, I was happy to see an international circuit in India," Todt said here on Monday. The Indian Grand Prix, which was dropped in 2014 after three editions owing to tax and bureaucratic hurdles, is expected to return next season, going by the wishes of F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone and Jaypee Group. Todt said it was unfortunate the race was taken off the calendar after three successful editions.

"Unfortunately, the circuit is used for other categories of motorsports. Next Sunday I head there is truck racing championship and it is used for other things too. Of course the initial thing was to host Formula One. India is one of the biggest countries in the world.

Does it deserve Formula One, yes it does but I am not in charge of it," said the Frenchman.

Talking about issues facing F1, Todt, a former team principal of Ferrari, said cost reduction remains FIA's prime focus.

"This year hopefully we will have 10 teams. Being a pinnacle of motorsports, it's an expensive sport. We still need to work on one side to encourage Formula 1 supporting new technologies, always trying to enforce safety, and on the financial side find out ways to reduce the cost of Formula 1 because I feel Formula 1 is too expensive," he said.

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