March 24th, 2017

C M Y K

www.morungexpress.com

FriDAY • MArch 24 • 2017

DIMAPUR • Vol. XII • Issue 80 • 12 PAGes • 5

T H e

ESTD. 2005

P o W e R

Politician is one who shakes your hand before elections and your confidence after Dalai Lama’s visit will impact relations with India: Tibetan scholar

WORLD TB DAY: ‘Unite to End TB’

T R u T H

— Confucius

Germany’s Podolski crowns farewell with stunning winner over England

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NLA finally witnesses worthy Q&A session 2078 appointments without adverts in Nagaland Home Department from 2013-17 Morung Express News Kohima | March 23

The 15th session of the 12th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) finally witnessed deliberative discussions and uncomfortable questions raised (lasting hours) after a long dry spell of question-less and discussion-less assembly sessions in the past year under the much hyped ‘Oppositionless Government’.

The discussions were stirred after the questions raised by Mhonlumo Kikon, MLA in the Assembly towards the Home Minister, Minister for Roads and Bridges and Minister of Health and Family Welfare.

Replying to the question on how many appointments were made from 2013 to 2017 in the Home Department, Y Patton, Home Minister answered that 36 UBSIs, 19 ABSIs, 21 SI (NPTO), 2 MTSI, 32 ASI, 35 Havildars, 22 THC, 2178 Cosntables, 49 Clerical and 53 PEPs were appointed.

On the appointment process and the procedure followed for Constables, Havildars, ASI, ABSI/UBSI, NPTO SI and MTSI and the third grade clerical posts for the year 20142017, Patton mentioned that 4 UBSI, 3 ABSI, 7 ASI, 10 Havildars, 7 THC, 277 Constables were created for the eastern districts of Nagaland by open advertisements. Five clerical posts were filled up in 2015 through open recruitment.

Further, the Minister furnished details that 20 UBSI, 21 ABSI, 21 SI (NPTO), 2 MTSI, 17 ASI, 35 Havildars, 22 THC, 1901 Constable, 39 Clerical posts were filled up directly without advertisement from 2013-2017.

When Kikon asked if such posts without advertisements qualify as backdoor appointments, Patton stated that “the appointments do not come to the government directly.”

He meanwhile assured: “We will look into it and if they

have done through backdoor, we will try to find out the reason why they have done then.” Patton further said that he only took over the department in 2014 and that there was excess appointment of 1600 posts in the department when he took over.

PHE Minister, Tokheho Yepthomi further sought clarification if the department is taking any corrective measure to control excess appointment, to which Patton informed that the excess posts have been reduced to 850.

“Sometimes, our department is compelled to go for recruitments because of various reasons. After creation of three districts, Kiphire, Longleng, Peren there was no post creation, so for that also the Department has done few recruitment,” said Patton adding that the Department has 1567 vehicles, for which the Government of Nagaland has provided only 912 posts.

Patton also highlighted that a P&AR memorandum makes it mandatory for a department to seek the government’s approval for all types of appointments including Grade IV before making the appointment, however it exempts the police.

Therefore he suggested changes in the memorandum.

Kikon meanwhile urged for the recruiting policy to be open. He also cautioned that if the follow up as promised by the Home Minister is not taken, he would file a writ petition in the court.

Chief Minister Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu reaffirmed Patton’s statement on posts that do not come directly to the government but are done by the department and by unit commanders also ‘as per the need’. In some emergencies, some of these appointments “might have been done without strictly observing the procedure but I can assure the house that these mistakes will not be repeated in

Set up committee to initiate peace talks with NSCN (K): Pohwang KohiMa, MarCh 23 (MExn): MLA Pohwang Konyak today appealed to the NLA to set up a committee to initiate talks with the NSCN (K) to start ceasefire with the Government of India.

Pohwang who met the NSCN (K) in July last year mentioned that during in the course of their discussions, the latter mentioned about the rumors that spread before they broke the ceasefire with the GoI. “If situation worsens, we will not be able to live. If we want to begin ceasefire, there needs to be someone who can do the job. Only the papers/ written document will not work, the government has to implement it,” he stated, while speaking at the NLA session today. “Only through dialogue we will get to know what is good and bad. We have to know what their opinion is and what the opinion of the Naga public is. We have to understand their situation and make them understand our situation. All Nagas want solution, and we need to participate in the solution,” he urged.

NNagaDAO dissatisfied with Minister’s answers

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DiMaPUr, MarCh 23 (MExn): The Network of Nagaland Drugs and AIDS Organisation (NNagaDAO) has expressed disappointment at the Nagaland Health Minister’s answer to questions in the NLA on the status of payments to be made to NGOs working in the field of HIV and AIDS. A press note from the NNagaDAO informed that the Minister chose to reply only about this financial year 2016-17 stating that 1.68 crore is yet to be released but was silent on the backlog of Rs. 3.23 crore. It reminded the government that NACO brought out 80% pegged norms/formula and 20% of the total budget should be supported by the state. This, it added has brought a financial discrepancy of Rs 3.23 crore in the last fiscal year 2015-16. It pointed to a letter by SN Naskar, Under Secretary- Finance NACO Government of India, dated August 26, 2016 which stated: “It is quite apparent that this liability accrued because Nagaland SACS did not strict to the instruction of NACO for following the 80% of (APP) of 2014-15 for 2015-16”. The NNagaDAO also stated that the NGOs have signed an MOU/contract with 100% and not 80%, and therefore the NGOs are demanding 100% to be released as per the MOU and work carried out.

• Home Minister assures to look into backdoor appointment issue • CM says some appointments ‘might have been made without strictly observing procedure’ • Speaker expunges MLA Mhonlumo Kikon’s statement equating backdoor appointments to corruption

Home Minister, Y Patton speaking during the NLA session in Kohima on March 23. (DIPR Photo)

the future,” the CM said adding that the Police Department is facing shortage of manpower throughout the State.

Disagreeing with the CM’s statement, Kikon asserted that the need for more personnel to man the State cannot be equated with the need for an open recruitment process. “Backdoor appointment is equivalent to corruption and the government has to stand on its pledge for good governance,” he asserted. The Speaker of the House however expunged the MLA’s statement that “backdoor appointment is equivalent to corruption.”

Construction of Bridge at Governor’s Camp, Liphanyan On the questions raised by Kikon seeking details on the construction of the Bridge at Governor’s Camp Liphanyan, R&B Minister, Vikheho Swu informed that the firm M/s L. Pukhato Shohe & Sons, NPW/ CL-I/52 was allotted the work.

The work order which was furnished in an enclosed copy mentioned that the work order (issued in March 2014)

amounted to Rs 2214.27 lakhs and was to be completed within 30 months.

The Minister said that tender for the same work was invited but due to the urgency from the public, the department could not advertise and invite open tender. “Yes the work order has actually expired from September but the work could not be completed because of the funding. The bridge is funded under SPA, and we all know that the SPA funding has been stopped. This is one of the reasons why the work could not be completed but I am quite aware that the work is in progress. If the honorable member feels that it is not in good progress, we will ensure that the department visit the site,” Swu assured.

Meanwhile it was also revealed that under the State scheme (maintenance) for roads Rs 12,925 lakhs was allotted for 24 divisions (20142017) with Kohima receiving the highest amount (Rs 2747.75 lakhs) followed by Dimapur (Rs 2640.71 lakhs.) Under the Pradhan Mantri Gram

Asian University for Women opens 10 scholarships for Nagaland students

Chittagong, MarCh 23 (MExn): The Asian University for Women (AUW), Chittagong (Bangladesh), is offering 10 scholarships for students from Nagaland to its undergraduate programs for the year starting August 2017.

Undergraduate courses offered include Economics (BA), Environmental Sciences (BS), Politics, Philosophy & Economics (BA) and Public Health Studies (BS). The undergraduate curriculum consists of a liberal arts core curriculum, majors, and optional minors to complement and supplement the majors.

The AUW is a regional and international university based in Chittagong, Bangladesh. The University opened its doors in 2008 and today has approximately 600 students from 15 countries and many cultural and religious backgrounds. It seeks to “germinate and develop a widening network of women leaders who will seek to address some of the most pressing issues of the day with innovative and bold solutions.”

Interested students can download application forms from the AUW website: www.auw.edu.bd/ admissions/ . The complete application package includes an application form, self-assessment form, and an institutional recommendation form. Applications from Nagaland need to be submitted in hard copy to The Morung Express office in Duncan Bosti, Dimapur, by May 28, 2017.

The core curriculum, according to the AUW website, follows a “modes of thought and reasoning” model and requires students to take courses in social analysis, ethical reasoning, literature, civilization studies, and the arts, science and mathematics, writing

and rhetoric intensive seminars, and regional challenges in Asia.

Typical types of courses offered include Social and Political Thought, World Literature, An Introduction to Asian Religions through Art, Human Rights, Art of the Personal Essay, Physics, Calculus, and Public Health Challenges in Asia.

The University draws women of “uncommon academic capability and leadership potential” from across Asia and the Middle East, stated a press release from the University today. It focuses particularly, but not exclusively, on identifying talent from among the most neglected population groups and bringing them to the highly multicultural residential community of its campus. AUW’s academic program is taught by an international faculty, and is supplemented by a wide array of extra-curricular programs, stated the press note.

For more information on the AUW and its admissions process, one can visit www.auw.edu.bd/ or contact Ati Jamir at The Morung Express on +91 70055 01624 or jamir. atila@yahoo.in Asian University for Women, Chittagong, Bangladesh Admissions open: Courses: Economics (BA), Environmental Sciences (BS), Politics, Philosophy & Economics (BA) and Public Health Studies (BS) Scholarships available: 10 Deadline for application: May 28, 2017 Application available on: www. auw.edu.bd/admissions/ Application mode: Hard Copy Submit to: The Morung Express, House no. 4, Duncan Bosti, Dimapur 797 112 Contact: Ati Jamir on +91 70055 01624 or jamir.atila@yahoo.in

Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), Rs 165 lakhs has been allotted for 15 divisions (2015-2016).

Payment to NGOs Regarding the protests of NGOs working in the field of HIV and AIDS, Kikon asked if any actions have been taken by the CMO or Government of Nagaland to address this issue.

Health Minister, P Longon replied that the payment could not be made to the NGOs because NACO under GoI only released 80 percent of the fund for the NGOs. While NSACS has also written to the GoI to release the amount, Longon mentioned that the centre has only released 80 percent ‘based on the project agreement but the NGOs are demanding for 100 percent. We cannot do it by ourselves.’

“We will give our best efforts to see that the payment is made to them but as State Government we all know the fund constraints of the State.

We cannot make payment by ourselves unless the central government takes care of it,” the Minister answered.

Edu Minister reveals funds released for CSS schemes Our Correspondent Kohima | March 23

Minister for School Education, Yitachu today informed that between 2014-15 and 2016-17 the following amounts were received by the centre against each CSS for Nagaland State: RMSA- Rs. 8182.55 lakhs, Mid-Day MealRs. 5593.04 lakhs and SSA- Rs. 40033.6 lakhs.

Replying to a question by MLA Mmhonlumo Kikon, the Minister revealed that the amount released to the school education department from the finance department for the aforementioned CSS programs for the year 201417 were: RMSA- Rs. 8736.85 lakhs, Mid-Day Meal- Rs. 4813.97 lakhs and SSA- Rs. 44224.91 lakhs.

Chief Minister, Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu, who also hold the portfolio of food & civil supplies meanwhile informed that till date there are 14, 03, 579 beneficiaries under Food Security Act in the state.

The list is being uploaded and linked to the state official portal www.fcs.nagaland.gov.in Yitachu while participating in debate on the motion of thanks to the Governor’s Address on the floor of the House said that the state has more schools than required and that no child will be deprived for want of schools.

“We have enough strength of teachers. The only issue we require to address now is to provide quality education.”

“We should open school to give education to our children.

But the mindset of the people is that there should be a school and somebody should engage against that school and as long as salary keep on rolling whether a single student there or not it does not matter. That kind of education

mindset ruins our society,” he said, adding that in remote areas government schools are the only option.

Parliamentary Secretary for Law & Justice, Er Picto Shohe meanwhile appealed the government to accord priority on approval for upgradation of Khelhoshe Polytechnic Atoizu to Degree Civil Engineering College.

He informed that proposal for upgradation was approved by the Cabinet in 2007, but no action was taken since.

Advisor and Deputy Chairman, State Planning Board, Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu on his part urged the government for early completion of DC office complex at Phek, Kiphire and Zunheboto. He also said Nagaland Vision 2030 should be implemented in letter and spirit as a road map in the years to come. He said progress would come when new initiatives, plans and concepts are brought about.

On the problem of rising unemployment, Azo felt that the government should encourage the youth on career guidance, confidence building and also encourage private sectors, entrepreneurs and the corporate world.

He also called for sufficient funds to dedicated educated youth as this will drive job creation, while also contributing to the overall economy of the state.

This way, he said, our youth will set up their own business and become employers.

Parliamentary Secretary for Housing, Er Levi Rengma informed the House that Nagaland House at RK Puram New Delhi will be inaugurated shortly.

Dwelling on toilet construction under Swachh Bharat, he asked that water facility be provided.

ThirTy fivE houSES guTTEd by firE in diMapur

Around 35 houses were gutted down as a fire broke out at Khermahal, Dimapur on Thursday afternoon.

The fire, believed to be caused by electrical short circuit, started around 12:45 pm and razed down several thatched houses, while also causing damage to nearby concrete buildings. 10 fire vans were able to finally contain the fire.

Property worth around Rs 90 lakhs is believed to have been destroyed in the fire. No casualty was reported.

Legislators express concern over border fencing Morung Express News Kohima | March 23

The Indo-Myanmar Border fencing issue was elaborately discussed in the NLA session today, with members urging the House to take concrete resolutions so that the border fencing is prevented in the future.

Expressing the plight of Nagas in the border, RD Minister, CL John mentioned that in his constituency, most of the villagers’ jhum land and forests are in Myanmar and vice versa.

“On the other side, our people, they also have their fields in our side. We don’t have strife over it because it is defined by traditional boundaries. The division has been stirred by the Government of India and Government of Myanmar. But we will not fight among ourselves because our history and the traditional boundaries have been there since time immemorial,” affirmed John while appreciating the civil societies and Government of Nagaland for initiating settlement of the

border fencing issue. “Let the border be an imaginary line but among our brothers and sisters, let there be no division or strife,” he appealed.

Parliamentary Secretary, Levi Rengma further requested the House to pass a resolution to request the GoI to completely stop the construction and also prevent border fencing from repeating in the future.

Health Minister, P Longon, who hails from Pangsha village, highlighted the prevailing situation over the construction of border fencing at ITC Pangsha under Noklak subdivision of Tuensang District. Appealing to the consciousness and participation of all Naga people, especially the members of the NLA, Longon asserted that the construction of the border fencing is a direct violation of Article 371 (A).

“Pangsha is an Indian Naga Village where as its Traditional and ancient cultivable land along with huge tracks of virgin forest belonging to Pangsha Village have been arbitrarily demarcated and

put in the Myanmar side by the so called imaginary boundary line and Border pillar. The Pangsha Villagers have rejected this exercise from day one and continues to do so. Hence and furthermore, the 39 Nos. of skeletal iron Pillar erected by the Myanmar authorities at present must be removed immediately through proper channel,” stated Longon.

He further stated that the construction has adversely affected the livelihood of the villagers whose four years cycle of Jhum cultivable land has been threatened as well as endangered several livestock including the famed Mithun.

“The recklessness of the Myanmar authority must also be noted where plantation and social forestry, uprooting and damaging of water supply pipeline to the Village were destroyed in the process of construction. Electricity supply Poles remain on the verge of collapse posing grave threat and danger to the innocent Villagers,” stated Longon.

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FriDAY 24•03•2017

NAGALAND

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

WORLD TB DAY: ‘Unite to End TB’

Kohima, march 23 (mExN): On World TB Day, the Governor of Nagaland and Aurnachal Pradesh, PB Acharya has appealed to all concerned departments, civil society, NGOs, student organisations, etc. to create awareness and ‘Unite to End TB.’ Acharya said that India has a large burden of the world’s TB and called on to take measures to prevent spreading TB by getting the right treatment quickly and follow it through to completion. He also added studies Students of GMS Philimi village under Atoizu, Zunheboto having mid-day meal at their reveal that each year, about school premises on Thursday.

2.2 million people develop TB in India and an estimated 2,20,000 people expire due to the disease. In North East five percent of TB patients die annually on an average.

“These data clearly indicate that we need to take more steps to eradicate this killing ailment from the world,” Acharya added.

The Governor’s message send to the media through the PRO, Raj Bhavan stated that World TB Day, falling on March 24 each year, is designed to build public awareness that tuberculosis today remains an epidemic in much of the world, causing the deaths of nearly oneand-a-half million people Students of Government High School, Khar Village, Mokokchung having midday meal at each year, mostly in developing countries. the school on March 23.

NUN and ARK highlights need of TB drugs

Kohima, march 23 (mExN): The Nagaland Users’ Network and ARK foundation, in observance of the world TB day 2017, has called for the need for an aggressive programme to combat the aged old disease.

A press release issued by the NUN stated that India, considered as the highest TB burden country in the world and also with the highest number of Multi drug resistant TB cases, it is essential that the theme “Unite to end TB” also emphasized on access to better and friendlier diagnosis and treatment drugs such as Bedaquiline and Delamanid to combat the resistant strain of the Mycobacterium Tuberculosis.

In the context of these two drugs, as a result of the Delhi high court‘s judgment to provide the drug to a girl from Patna, since she was rejected the treatment with this drug due to domicile issue. The India RNTCP program was providing 600 doses only to 6 cities in 5 states, posing a low threshold to treat the numerous DRTB cases in India, also based on conditional access.

As for delamanid, though the Civil Society in India along with affected community Networks has pushed for making the drug available in the country and Otsuka (the manufacturing company) is also awaiting the response for the government.

NUN and ARK have called upon He called on organised groups like ex-servicemen, university students, Bharat Scouts & Guides, Red Cross Society, enlighten citizens etc to come forward in their individual and organisa-

the states RNTCP division to propose regard to this, NUN and ARK have the need for these drugs to the central urged the Tuensang and Zunheboto Health department to immediately inTB division in Delhi. stall the machine to enable services to Need to intensify awareness on the people suffering from TB. It also expressed resentment treatment and facilities available It also stated that Nagaland being about the absence of the Tuensang a state, where TB is not considered as DTO from office since last August a serious health threat by many due 2016. In this regard, NUN and ARK to poor awareness and lack of poor called the Deputy Commissioner and infrastructure for diagnosing and CMO of Tuensang to take immediate treating the already infected people action on the erring officer. and ever since then, the Nagaland It also further urged the states State’s Revised National Tuberculosis RNTCP to enable optimum usage of Program has been rolled out in Naga- the machine already installed at Koland in 2001 and has been providing hima, Dimapur, Mokokchung, Mon services relating to TB. and also has informed the public to Further, they added that the pro- avail this free facilities. gramme becomes more challengWith the launching of Isoniazid ing more so, with a reported cases of preventive therapy and daily DOTS 19606 (since 1999) HIV / AIDS with programme, in the month of Decemand TB being the commonest oppor- ber 2016, NUN and ARK foundation tunistic infection, the two epidem- has urged the RNTCP to mobilize the ics are closely related, it is of utmost PLHIV community in availing the important that the joint initiative be services, since according to informore efficient. mation made available to NUN, the Though minimal, it is also alarm- enrolment to these two services are ing that death cases of XDRTB also considerably low, in spite of having have been reported in Nagaland but registered 2881 cases of TB patients treatment for this strain of TB infec- amongst PLHIV in 2014. tion is not available in the state.

NUN has lauded the HIV/TB Meanwhile, NUN and ARK also in- division for inducting NUN in the formed the national TB Program has STWG and expressed optimism allocated another 5 Gene Xpert ma- that the partnership between public chines for Nagaland. There is already and NGOs will strengthen the proone machine at NHAK (DTC). With gramme.

tional capacities to banish TB as a National Agenda.

The Governor said that in a democracy it is not only the Government but also enlightened groups that play a role in nation building.

He said that TB is a completely curable disease at very low-cost through the Directly Observed Treatment Short Course (DOTS) treatment administered by the government. However

treatments and diagnostic tests should be accessible by each and every person affected by tuberculosis all over the world and death rate of this disease should be brought to zero.

Harvest School of Missions set for missionaries Morung Express News Dimapur | March 23

In the continued endeavor to keep the Christian missionaries advancement active and most importantly, “making it a reality”, a mission school under the banner Harvest School of Missions will be held from April 1 to 30 at Life Spring Corner, Dimapur.

The 30 days residential school is jointly organised Persons with Disability/ies (PWDs) with Resource persons, Amentoli SDO (C) Niuland, Dr. Avika P Jimo, D. Terhuja, CDPO Niuland and organizers during awareness program organized by Prodigals’ Home on Govt. Schemes for PWDs at ADC by Iris Global- a Christian mission organization, conference Hall Niuland on March 23. founded by Rolland and Heidi Baker in partnerOrganizing team of Harvest School of Missions during the press conference held on March ship with AHA (Asia Har- 23 in Dimapur. (Morung Photo) vest Alliance) - a network missionaries going out today munity Church 2½ Mile of churches and ministries. mapur on Thursday. nous People‘s PerspectiveDimapur, march 23 DABA Office Complex, Di- Director, SCPS, Kohima. and there is an urgency to do Near NRL Petrol Pump The topics and the Dr. Asangba Tzüdir, Editor, Heart of Harvest (mExN): Dissemination mapur. The registration Why another mission more. Attending the school Dimapur -8575315993 and Consultation work- time is 9:30 am and the pro- speakers of the day are as fol- Heritage Publishing House, School of Missions school in Nagaland will be good for people who • Fathers House Church, shop on ‘Child Adoption’ gramme will be held from lows Child Adoption- Prob- Dimapur; Central AdopSharing about the rea- are already in the mission West City, Level 3, Talking about the lems and Issues by K. Ela, tion Resource Authority “heart” of the Harvest son behind the school, one filed to get refreshed, he said. organized by Prodigals’ 10:00 am to 2:30 pm DC Court JunctionThe welcome address Director, Prodigals’ Home, (CARA) Adoption Regula- School of Missions, the of the AHA members said, Home, Nagaland Alliance 8974645409 for Child & Women Rights and introduction of partici- Dimapur; Child Adoption - tions 2017-Renchumi Imti; School Head, Geen Vargese “Nagaland is strategically Course and registration • The Warehouse House (NACWR) and The Morung pants will be done by Maong Naga Customary Practices - SARA, Program Manager, said that it is about breeding placed and there is so much The oragnisers have inNo 231, Duncan Road, SCPS, Kohima; The role of a new generation of mis- potential in Nagaland but formed that equal focus will Express and supported by Jamir, Asst. Director, Prodi- N.T Kikon, Director Opp Cornerstone Lane, Wondang-ki Charita- Regional Passport Office sionaries and rising up do- there is no result. We are be given on both theory and State Child Protection Soci- gals’ Home, Dimapur fol2nd Floor, Above Sophia ety (SCPS) will be conduct- lowed by keynote address ble Foundation, Dimapur; in Inter Country Adoption- ers of good ideas. “We want just here to play our part in practical. The school will Girls Home- 9089661247 ed on March 25 at Elim Hall from Z. Nyusietho Nyuthe, Child Adoption – Indige- M.S Thangpong, Deputy to bring up a generation of rising up missionaries who not be just classroom teach- • The Lighthouse Church, Passport Officer, Regional missionaries who would see are motivated by love.” ings but the students will be Opp SETAM Nagaland Passport Office, Dimapur. the situation through love “Churches, organisa- given exposure to do pracUniversity- 9774049958 This will be followed and bring change in peo- tions, individuals in Naga- tical assignments, commu- Chumukedima : Life

by Discussion, suggestion, ple’s heart. We want peo- land are already working nity development service. S q u a r e M i n i s t r i e s feedbacks and conclusion ple to be good at what they towards the fulfillment of The resource persons are all 8415925371 and way forward. are called for and become the “great commission” and from Iris Ministry and their Kohima: Faith Harvest Vote of thanks will be light of love to the world,” this school is an addition and associate ministries.

Church Red Cross Builddelivered by Asha Sanchu, he stated while addressing contribution towards the The registration fee is ing- 9436017869 President Nagaland Alli- the media fraternity at the same vision,” another mem- Rs. 8000/Mokokchung: Christ ance for Child & Women press conference held at the ber expressed. He also addForms for registrations Church- 8731918363 Rights.

Father’s House Church, Di- ed that there is a great flow of are available in the list giv- Mon: Grace Family Minisen below: try, Cafe Amore Tinali, SoDimapur: nari Road- 8413099324 • K i n g d o m C u l t u r e For more informaChurch, The Jam Tree, tion and queries appli2nd Floor, Thongo En- cants may call 9436008454, clave, Duncan Road- 8415925371 or follow in 9436008454 facebook @ Harvest School • World Impact Com- of Missions India.

‘Child Adoption’ workshop on March 25

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

-

“Apuo, to lose you is unbearable. Your jokes, your smile and your laughter we will miss most.”

W

e, the bereaved family of Lt. Mr. K. V. Angami (Kevileso Metsieo), Retd. Divisional Security Commissioner, NF RLY, who passed away on the 15th of March 2013, express our heartfelt gratitude for all your kind words, your friendly assuring smile, your casual touch, your prayers and your generous support that has given us so much comfort in our darkest hours.

Special thanks to all who travelled to be with us. We regret that we could not get the chance to thank and speak with everyone but we are so pleased and indebted to all of you for standing alongside us.

All your act of kindness, love and humility for our family will forever remain in our memories. Thank you all for your thoughtfulness.

May you all be blesse d with love and peace.

Friday 24•03•2017

NORTH-EAST 3

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Guilty of breaching MLA's 3 ministers inducted in Manipur ministry expansion privilege, officer apologises

The three ministers – (Left to Right) V Hangkhalian, Nemcha Nemcha and Th Radheshyam Singh – who were inducted on Thursday. (NNN Photo) Newmai News Network Imphal | March 23

The nine-day old N Biren Singh BJP-led coalition government's ministry in Manipur expanded with the induction of three BJP legislators, taking its strength to 12 on Thursday.

Nemcha Kipgen, the lone woman MLA from Kangpokpi constituency, V Hangkhanlian from Churachandpur constituency, and Th Radheshyam Singh from Heirok constituency were sworn-in at the Raj Bhavan’s Durbar Hall.

Governor Dr Najma Heptulla administered the oath of office and secrecy to the three MLAs in the presence of Chief Minister

Biren Singh, opposition leader and former Congress Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and other state officials.

The distribution of portfolios is likely to take place later in the evening, officials said. Biren Singh and eight others were sworn-in on March 15 last.

Official sources informed that parliamentary secretaries would also take oath at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat later in the day.

Meanwhile, the threeday budget session of Manipur assembly concluded today. On the final day of the Budget session, the Manipur Appropriation Bill No 1 and 2 were passed in the House and then it was adjourned

sine die by Speaker Yumnam Khemchand Singh.

The first-ever BJP government headed by Biren Singh in Manipur was formed with the support of National people’s Party (NPP), Naga People’s Front (NPF), AITC and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP).

Manipur assembly polls 2017 threw up a hung verdict. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had managed to secure 21 seats. And though the Congress emerged as the single largest party with 28 seats, it failed to muster the required numbers in the 60-member assembly to form a government and that led to the formation of the BJP-led coalition government.

Shillong, March 23 (PTi): A Meghalaya government officer today apologised before the Assembly after its Privilege Committee found him guilty of breaching the privilege of a legislator.

West Garo Hills district Additional Deputy Commissioner Zenithsky J Sangma, also chief executive officer of Tura Municipal Board, was found guilty of breaching the privilege of John Leslee K Sangma after he filed 'concocted' FIRs against the legislator in February 2015.

Speaker Abu Taher Mondal summoned the officer to the bar of the House, asked him to bow down and take an oath, following which the charges against him were read out.

Mondal reprimanded the officer exercising the power of the Speaker and sought to know if he would apologise before the House for his actions.

Tendering his apology, the officer said, "I profoundly and sincerely express my apology to Shri John Leslee

Indian Air Force recruitment rally KohiMa, March 23 (MExn): DIO, J.C. Lorin Rengma has informed that the Indian Air Force recruitment rally will be held from March 25 to 27 in Jorhat (Assam).

Application form for aspiring candidates from NE region has been uploaded on the official website of Kohima district (kohima.nic.in).

Brahmaputra board to spend Rs 207 cr for Majuli island

POST VACANCY

NOTICE

NO.ADC/PRO/JUD-16/2016-2017/680 Dated Pungro the 23rd March 2017

Whereas Smti H. Thitsangla W/o Late M. Ahukiu Yimchunger retired Primary Teacher of Pungrungru Village under Kiphire District has applied for issue of succession certificate under the Indian succession act, 1925 in order to draw/received the payment of movable/immovable properties of her husband Late M. Ahukiu Yimchunger under Kiphire district who was expired on 09/03/2017.

Description of the property: 1. G.P.F

From the Office of 2. G.I.S the Additional Deputy 3. F.B.F Commissioner Pungro 4. Pension case 5. Any other dues etc.

Public are hereby asked to file objection/claim if any within 30(Thirty) days from the date of issue of this order. If no objection /claim is received within the given time, succession certificate will be issued in favour of the applicant.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Pungro: Nagaland

A Walk-in- interview will be held on 29-03-2017 at 11.00 am in the Office Chamber of the Administrative & Academic I/c, Nagaland University, Kohima Campus, Meriema for engagement of Guest Faculty in the Department of Management, Nagaland University, Kohima Campus, Meriema.

Interested candidates are requested to bring along their full bio data and original academic documents during the interview.

Requisite qualification First class MBA with specialization in marketing Management No Separate invitation letter for the interview will be issued. No TA/DA will be paid. The terms of reference shall be as follows: 1. They will be engaged only for a short period especially for the ongoing semester from February 2017 to June 2017 2. They will be paid @ Rs. 1,000/- per lecture (1 hour) for a maximum of Rs. 25,000/- per month.

Sd/- PROF. BUNO LIEGISE, Administrative & Academic

TRANSFORMATION CRUSAdE 2017 Theme “Arise and Shine” Venue: Kohima Local Ground: Time: 4:30 PM

MARCH 24TH PROGRAMME

Praise & Worship: Mr. Mezhusevi Zutso & Worship Team Leader: Mr. Niko Mero, Pastor, Khuzhami Baptist Church Pianist: Miss. Ketelheno Bei-o Cantor : Mrs Neibano V. Swuro

Invocation & Offertory Prayer: Mr. Zajamo Kikon, Assoc. Pastor, AG Church Speaker: Rev. Zotuo Kiewhuo, Sr. Pastor KBCK

AdVERTISEMENT Interested candidates are invited for spot admission to the following Modular Course/Programs based on National Vocational Education Qualification Framework (NVEQF) under COMMUNITY COLLEGE SCHEME approved and sponsored by All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) at Government Polytechnic, Kohima.

Sl. No 1 2

Course Sector

Specialization

Eligibility Criteria

The 60 A/C Kiphire NPF Express our profound greetings and confident to newly elected CM Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu and President. The Party hopes to bring peace and development and re-strengthened to NPF Party under his collective leadership.

The President 60 A/C also congratulate the Chief Campaigner and in-charge NPF Party for winning 4 seats from NPF tickets in Manipur, also appreciate the wisdom of CM Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu for initiating even at outer state.

The Party hopes and re-affirms to strengthen the party at the forth coming 2018 Election.

THRITHONGSE President, NPF, 60 A/C Pungro-Kiphire

Duration

Intake Capacity

III

1 Year/1000 hrs

30

III IV

1 Year/1000 hrs 1 Year/1000 hrs

30 40

Important Instructions:

(ER.VIPULHOU LHOUNGU) PRINCIPAL.

SHAMATOR COLLEGE Applications are invited for the post of Principal and Assistant Professors for the following.

1. History 2. Sociology 3. English 4. Education 5. Pol. Science Salary : Basic pay as per UGC norms.

Last date of submission: 31st March 2017.

SHAMATOR COLLEGE M-9862814290/8974259755

MEGA KCC RENEWAL CUM RECOVERY CAMP

State Bank of India will conduct a “Mega KCC Renewal cum Recovery Camp” for renewal and extension of existing KCC Loan accounts.

Date and Time : 25th March 2017, 10.30 AM onwards Place : Super Market Complex, Dimapur All SBI KCC borrowers whose loans have become overdue for payment are requested to attend the Mega Camp to be held above and avail of the opportunity for extension of the limit by the bank. Special counters will be opened for receipt of cash. You are requested to bring Aadhaar Card or Voters ID card and Land holding certificate from the village chiefs or issued by the Revenue authority.

State Bank of India Regional Business Office, Dimapur By:

Vikheho Swu

NEUROLOGY/CARDIOTHORACIC CAMP On 29th & 30th March 2017

FELICITATION

Certificate Level

Information Software CI-X Passed Technology Development Applied Fashion Design CI-X Passed Arts & Apparel Completed level III or Production CI-11th Passes with skill test by BOS

OKING HOSPITAL KOHIMA • Patients who are suffering from Headache, epilepsy, stroke, sleeping problems, neck pain, back pain, neuropathy difficulty in walking, shaking hands & legs, to & fro nodding of head, frequent falling on ground, slow monotonous voice, difficulty in memorizing can consult Dr. A. R. Baruah, Neurologist from GNRC Guwahati.

• Patients with chest pain, breathing difficulty, Bypass surgery, Valve surgery, heart problems and thoracic vascular problems can consult Dr. Bikash Rai Das, (CTVS) Cardiothoracic from GNRC Guwahati.

For appointment contact- 0370-2290080/2290146

Dated: 23/03/2017

AdVERTISEMENT

Admission will be on first come first basis.

Admission/Tuition/Examination fee is FREE. Raw materials for practical class/exam will be provided all FREE of cost.

Registration fee Rs.100/- will be charged (one time) Attested copy of class-X Admit Card & Mark Sheet to be submitted during admission, 3 (Three) Passport photo.

6. Admission starts from 23rd March to 31st March 2017.

7. Students will also undergo Industrial training.

8. Based training (IBT) at reputed institutes relating to specific Specialization.

9. Bus service will be provided from high school junction to Polytechnic Campus and to Industry based institute for training.

10. Hostel Facility for Girl’s will be provided subject to the availability of vacancy with payment of fees at par with other regular students/hostellers.

11. Previous batches of students already working in reputed companies, opened own firm/self Entrepreneurs.

For more details contact: Mobile Phone : 9436001378 (Coordinator)-8257827889 (Office Assistant) E-mail ID : principal gpk@yahoo.com

EDEN HR. SEC. SCHOOL, DIMAPUR 1. English Teacher – 1 Post Education Qualification: M.A. (English) 2. Environmental Education Teacher – 1 Post Education Qualification: M.Sc. (Life Science) 3. Computer Teacher – 1 Post Education Qualification: Graduate (Any Stream) with PGDCA Interested candidate to submit handwritten application along with Xerox copy of academic documents to Principal on or before 27th March 2017.

Headquarters: Lumami, Kohima Campus, Meriema-797001

No.NU/KCM/ESTT-22/2014-2018

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

guwahaTi, March 23 (PTi): The Brahmaputra Board will spend Rs 207 crore for protection of the world's largest river island Majuli by anti-erosion and flood prevention measures. Brahmaputra Board Chairman Sanjay Kundu informed Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal during a meeting today in the National Capital, an official release informed. Sonowal also stressed setting up of a permannent office at Majuli saying that otherwise a sense of alienation would always prevail in the minds of the people there. Sonowal telephonically directed the Deputy Commissioner, Majuli to allot 10 bigha land for setting up the complex, the release said.

Churches Colony, Near Lotha Baptist Church

K Sangma and to the members of the privilege committee and this House."

Chief Minister Mukul Sangma speaking on behalf of all the members, he said no more action would be taken against the officer.

Following this, the Speaker announced that charges against the officer were dropped and asked him to bow again before the chair, the treasury and opposition benches, and leave the House.

Mondal disallowed other members, including John Leslee K Sangma, to speak or debate on the issue.

Earlier, opposition National People's Party legislator James K Sangma said he did not want to go into the merits and demerits of the case against the officer, but did not agree with the method by which he was summoned and reprimanded. James packed his papers and walked out of the House.

James later told PTI that he was against such "archaic and humiliating" punishment of public servants.

(Cabinet Minister, Government of Nagaland)

Khesheli Chishi

(OSD & Principal Secretary, Department of Justice & Law, Government of Nagaland)

YouthNet

Clean Election : Framing the issues in Nagaland Please note: Registration is free but seats are reserved on a first-call/email, first-serve basis. This advertisement is an official invite to anyone willing to participate.

Date Time Venue

: Saturday, April 8, 2017 : 12:00 pm – 03:00 pm : DABA Elim Hall Duncan Bosti, Dimapur

LIMITEd SEATS

Those interested to participate, kindly send us your name and phone number to:

morung@gmail.com or

+91 (03862) 248854 or

+91 7085976283

The Morung Lectures is an initiative of The Morung for Indigenous Affairs & Just Peace, and The Morung Express

4

friDAY 24•03•2017

nagaland

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

International Social Work Day observed Dimapur, march 23 (mExN): Celebrating the theme, ‘promoting community and environmental sustainability’, North East Institute of Social Science & Research, (NEISSR) commemorated International Social Work Day on March 21 at the Institute Conference Hall.

It might be mentioned that the event is celebrated in all parts of the globe with social workers marking the achievements of the profession and promoting social justice by taking messages to their governments, employers, communities and partner organisations.

Explaining the concept of social work as a helping profession, Rev. Dr. C.P. Anto, Principal asked the social work trainees to develop ‘the skills of teach-

social work trainees with faulty and others during the International social work day commemorated on March 21 at north east Institute of social science & research Conference Hall.

ing a man to fish which will help him to feed for his life’.

Highlighting the theme, he opined that social work trainees should think beyond their own community or tribal affinity and move towards a broader horizon where they can help and

empower individuals irrespective of their tribes, colour, status, and belief etc. “Diversity should not be considered as a liability but as a strength and a resource,” he asserted, “Thus, social workers can become the real agent of change.”

Short plays on the concept of social work as ‘teaching a man to fish, rather than giving fish’ which epitomized the value of social work profession were presented by the students of Youth Development and Peace & Conflict

Transformation Studies specializations. The highlight of the programme included a play on the importance of environmental conservation by students of Community Development and a song by the students of Second Semester MSW.

Financial literacy State level workshop on Climate Smart Agriculture held march 23 attended the ICAR sponsored chief guest. The Resource Persons camp conducted mEDziphEma, (mExN): The Department of workshop under the aegis of the for the workshop were Dr. CathephEK, march 23 (mExN): North East Network (NEN) with Nagaland State Cooperative Bank (NSCB) and NABARD organised a financial literacy camp at Oasis Resource Centre, Sekrezu in Phek district on March 22.

N Limathung Yanthan, Asst Branch Manager, NSCB Chozuba, who was the resource person, spoke on the importance of having bank accounts especially with the government’s move for cashless transaction. He encouraged the women to be part of self help groups and explained the procedures of forming such groups, a press release informed.

Participants were also informed about various facilities in the banks and encouraged to avail them. The resource person further informed that all financial benefits of the MGNREGA and others will be directly credited to individual’s account. He also shared on the Joint Liability Group (JLG) formations and clarified queries related to KCC loans.

Altogether, 46 women from Dzulhami, Thürütsüswümi, Ruzazho, Phughi, Khutsa, Suthozu, Nagwu villages and Sekrezu Town attended the camp.

Earlier, the significance of the programme was highlighted by Dolly Wotsa, Programme Associates, North East Network. Vote of thanks was delivered

by Khronyilo-u Chirhah, Phek district SEWA field mobilizer.

NEN works with women farmers, street vendors and weavers of Phek, Kohima and Dimapur districts in facilitating women’s access to their rights and entitlements.

Agricultural Extension, SASRD, Nagaland University, conducted a two day state level workshop on Climate Smart Agriculture on March 20 and 21 in SASRD: NU, Medziphema Campus.

Thirty six officials from the state departments of Agriculture, Land Resources, Vety & Animal Husbandry and Horticulture; as well as from KVK Kohima, Mon, Mokokchung and ATMA

Institutional & Policy Processes on Climate Change and Extension Strategies on Climate Smart Agriculture Project.

The Principal Investigator Dr. N. K. Patra, Asst. Prof, Department of Agricultural Extension was the organizing secretary.

Prof. R C Gupta, Pro Vice Chancellor In Charge & Dean, SASRD, Nagaland University graced the inaugural and valedictory as the

Dimapru, march 23 (mExN): 9 Assam Rifles conducted a free medical camp at Chizami village on March 22. Chief Medical Officer 2IC C Satyaranjan along with his team conducted the medical camp, where 153 patients were treated and given free medicines, informed a press release from Assam Rifles. Basic knowledge on health education, including precaution from common viral diseases, importance of hygiene and sanitation, was also given to the villagers for better lifestyle.

A weapons display was organized by 7 Assam Rifles for the youth of Anutongre Village, Kiphire, on March 21 with an aim to increase awareness about the weapons held in an Assam Rifles Battalion and to motivate the

young minds to join the folds of the IndianArmedForces,ARinformed in another press note. Around 350 people witnessed the display, where the Company Commander Anutongre also interacted with the youths and made them aware of potentialcareerintheAssamRifles.

They were also apprised about the opportunities available for young women in Armed Forces.

Another weapon display and motivational lecture was organized for school children and youth at Tseminyu by 28 Assam Rifles on March 21. Maj Tokivi conducted the lecture which was attended by around 250 students and 10 teachers from Don Bosco School and Assembly of God School. It was followed by the weapons display.

CROSSWORD # 3895

rev. Zotuo Kiewhuo (right) releases the book authored by Mhalevilie Yongo (left) at Kohima Local Ground.

confessed that “he is not a writer but hearing God’s calling he started to write the book and through His knowledge and guidance he was able to compile how as a Christian we have to identify ourselves in Christ.”

The book which cost Rs.

350/- will be available in the given outlets, The Cornerstone, Belho Complex, PR Hill, Kohima, ACLSC Book Centre, Kohima Night Bazaar, Midland, Seasons Cafe, C. K. Arcade Building, Kohima and Rainbow Stationary, Opp. Old NST, Kohima.

‘Our environment, our responsibility’

Answer Number # 3890

Meanwhile, a friendly volleyball match was organized between 15 Assam Rifles and local youth at Shamator on March 21.

The event was organised to promote the culture of sports and showcase the skill and talent of local youth, AR said.

Maj Tokivi, of 28 Assam Rifles inaugurated the Annual Sport Day organized by Don Bosco School at New Tseminyu Village Local Ground on March 15. Maj Tokivi, according to AR, boosted the morale of the young students and exhorted them to maintain a competitive spirit.

Further, 15 Assam Rifles presented two computer sets along with printers to Government High School, Shamator on March 15.

winners of the prepared speech competition held during the world Forestry day.

Kohima, march 23 (mExN): World Forestry Day 2017-cum-prepared speech competition on the theme ‘Our environment, our responsibility’ was organized by Earth Friendly Generation (EFG) NGO for the students of Don Bosco School Chiephobozou Town at EFG conference hall on March 21.

Vizomenuo Merlyn, Assistant Professor, HoD Tenyiedie department, Science College, Jotsoma was the chief guest. She mentioned how the governstd code: 03862

DiMaPUR ACROSS 1. . Parts of aprons 5. Dress 9. Border 13. By mouth 14. Cognizant 16. Cajole 17. Cut into cubes 18. Plateaux 19. Large 20. Banana oil, e.g.

22. Quick-tempered persons 24. Sweeping story 26. Hair net 27. Cautiously attentive 30. Small piano 33. Spill over 35. Pertaining to the oceans 37. Ambition 38. Thick woolen fabric 41. Beer 42. Corrupt 45. Station 48. Queasiness 51. Queen of the jungle?

52. Cattle farm 54. Photos 55. Emasculated 59. Ill-gotten gains 62. Two-toed sloth 63. Cokes or Pepsis 65. Tiny sphere 66. Blend 67. A mutual promise to marry 68. “Do ___ others...”

69. Heap 70. Remain 71. Flower stalk DOWN 1. Portend 2. Colored part of an eye 3. Germs in the blood 4. Roomette 5. A leg (slang) 6. Amazes

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

Game Number # 3891

Kohima, march 23 (mExN): Rev. Zotuo Kiewhuo, Sr. Pastor Koinonia Baptist Church released the book titled ‘Identity in Christ’ written

by Mhalevilie Yongo on March 19 during the transformation crusade at Kohima local Ground.

The book elaborates more on the 100 different ways from the bible which will guide the people to know their true identity as a child of God. Mhalevilie Yongo shared on how God called on him during attending his class on ‘Redemptive Realities’ by Kenneth Hagin Jr, Rhema Bible Training College, Oklahoma, USA. He was studying his Biblical Core course at RBTC, USA when God has guided him to write on the book. It took him 1 year and three months to complete the book.

Mhalevilie, worship leader in Koinonia Baptist Church, Kohima further

AR continue medical camp, weapons display

leisure

SUDOKU

rine Rutsa, LPM dept, Dr. C S Maiti, dept of HOR, Dr. Susanta Banik, PLP dept, Dr. T. Gohain, AGR dept, Dr. A K Singh, ACS dept and Dr. N K Patra, EXT department.

Group discussions and extension activities were undertaken wherein identification and validation of existing climate smart practices were highlighted for documentation as well as for further research.

Book titled ‘Identity in Christ’ released

7. Woodworking tools 8. Intelligence 9. Spiny anteater 10. Gloomy 11. A measuring instrument 12. X X X X 15. Prevent legally 21. Jazz phrase 23. Thrust with a knife 25. Religious splinter group 27. Jacket 28. Birdlike 29. Not high 31. Tending to vanish like vapor 32. Anklebone 34. Damp 36. Not more 39. Snake-like fish 40. Trickle 43. Take care of 44. Russian emperor 46. Drudgery 47. A male demon 49. Make into law 50. They play roles 53. Serf 55. Astrological transition point 56. Against 57. Travel on water 58. Information 60. Be worthy of 61. Biblical kingdom 64. Timid

Answer to Crossword 3894

BrInG CLeAn CorPorAte dArt deMoCrACY dePort dIsCoVer drIVe eAGLe eArtHQUAKe eAse FAres FoCUs GLoss GUest Hostess neAt owner

O

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PoInt PreGnAnt Press ProGrAM rAre roUGH sCene sHort sKIes sLUr sorrows sPort stArK trAde Under VAPor wIndow wInner

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TaHaMZaM

ence and Research (NEISSR), Dimapur.

A press release from the Earth Friendly Generation stated that Arkaprobha Biswas of class 10, Kezhalhoubei of class 10 and Zapusienuo Üsou of class 10 were declared first, second and third winners respectively of the speech competition. The winners were awarded cash prize and certificates. The other participants also received participation certificates.2017 at Chiephobozou Town on March 21.

std code: 03871

(formerly senapati)

Police station Fire Brigade

222246 222491

Civil Hospital

232224

emergency

229529 229474

MH Hospital

227930 231081

Fire Brigade

2222952

Faith Hospital

228846

naga Hospital

2222916

shamrock Hospital

228254

oking Hospital

2243339

231864 224117 227337

Bethel nursing Home

2224202

northeast shuttles

08974997923

Zion Hospital

KOHiMa

std code: 0370

228400

KoHIMA Ps/oCs Contact numbers

Police Traffic Control

232106

north Ps

east Police station

227607

west Police station

232181

south Ps

CIHsr (referral Hospital)

242555 242533

Zubza Ps

dimapur Hospital

224041 248011

Police Control room

131/228404

Airport Indian Airlines

229366 242441 225212

tseminyu Ps

8575045507

Officer-in-Charge 8575045517 8575045505

Kezocha Ps

nagaland Multispecialty Health & research Centre

248302, 09856006026

eden Medical Centre

248288

C

Officer-in-Charge 8575045516

Officer-in-Charge 8575045515

232032, 231031

R

Chiephobozou Ps 8575045506

Khuzama Ps

nikos Hospital and research Centre

A

8575045508

Officer-in-Charge 8575045518

railway

E

8575045502

Officer-in-Charge 8575045520

Apollo Hospital Info Centre 230695/ 9402435652

S

8575045501

Officer-in-Charge 8575045510

Chumukedima Fire Brigade 282777

W

ment initiates ways to protect the forest using action word “if you cut one tree, you should plant ten trees”.

She challenged the participants not only to speak out the theme but to put it into practice and encouraged the students to take major part in protecting and preserve environment.

The judges for the competition were Medochütuo Kiewhou, General Secretary, Nagaland Law Students’ Federation and Vizosü Kikhi from North East Institute of Social Sci-

8575045549

Officer-in-Charge 8575045538

H

women Cell

8575045509

Officer-in-Charge 8575045519 Control room

8575045500 (Emergency No. – 100)

FiRE STaTiONS

KoHIMA soUtH: 0370-2222952/ 101 (O) 9402003086 (OC) KoHIMA nortH: 7085924114 (O) dIMAPUr: 03862-232201/ 101 (O) 9856156876 (OC) CHUMUKedIMA: 7085982102 (O) 8732810051 (OC) woKHA: 03860-242215/101 (O) 8974322879 (OC) MoKoKCHUnG: 0369-2226225/ 101 (O) 8415830232 (OC) PHeK: 8414853765 (O) 8413822476(OC) ZUnHeBoto: 03867-280304/ 101 (O) 9436422730 (OC) tUensAnG: 8414853766 (O) 9856163601 (OC) Mon: 03869-251222/ 101 (O) 9862130954 (OC) Kiphire: 8414853767 (O) 9436261577 (OC) Peren: 7085189932 (O) 9856311205 (OC) LonGLenG: 7085924113 (O) 9862414264 (OC) we4 woMen HeLPLIne 08822911011 WOMEN HeLPLIne 181 CHiLD weLFAre CoMMIttee Toll free No. 1098 childline

MOKOKCHUNG

std code: 0369

Police station 1 Police station 2 Police station Kobulong Police station tuli Police station Changtongya Police station Mangkolemba Civil Hospital

9485232688 9485232689 9485232690 9485232693 9485232694 9485232695 2226216

woodland nursing Home

2226263

Hotel Metsüpen (tourist Lodge) 2226373/ 2229343

CURRENCY NOTES BUY (rs) seLL (rs)

Us dollars sterling Pound Hong Kong dollar Australian dollar singapore dollar Canadian dollar Japanese Yen euro thai Baht Korean won UAe dirham (Aed) Chinese Yuan

63.91 79.68 7.96 48.84 45.58 47.88 57.07 68.87 1.78 0.0552 16.84 9.00

66.81 83.56 8.87 51.24 47.83 50.23 60.30 72.20 1.99 0.0615 18.76 10.02

friday 24•03•2017

NAGALAND

15 SESSION OF 12 NAGALAND LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY TH

TH

Nursing Council Bill, Appropriation Acts Bill, Cooperative Societies Bill introduced RD Minister calls for more Our Correspondent ‘practical education’ superintend over various catego- Employment, Skill Development port 2016-17 of Land Resources stated that National e-Scholarship Kohima | March 23

The 15th session of 12th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) today introduced three government bills – Nagaland Nursing Council Bill 2017, Nagaland Appropriation Acts (Repeal) Bill 2017, and Nagaland Cooperative Societies Bill 2017.

The Nagaland Cooperative Societies Bill 2017 was moved by Chief Minister Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu. This bill is to consolidate and amend the law relating to cooperative societies within the territorial limit of the state of Nagaland, to facilitate the voluntary formation and democratic functioning of cooperative societies as people’s institution based on Self-Help, Mutual Aid and Sound Business principles and, to enable its members to promote their economic needs so as to bring about higher standard of living for social betterment. The bill is also to repeal the Assam Co-operative Societies Act, 1949, which has been operative in the state from its inception till date.

The Nagaland Appropriation Acts (Repeal) Bill, 2017, also moved by Dr. Liezietsu, aims to repeal obsolete and redundant laws that were enacted by Parliament during President’s Rule in the state, and which have become irrelevant or dysfunctional, and the State Legislature has the competent power to amend or repeal those Acts.

Minister for Health & Family Welfare P. Longon, who moved the Nagaland Nursing Council Bill 2017, stated it is felt expedient to establish a Nursing Council Act to

ries of nursing personnel and its institutions with powers to recognize, register, laying down norms and standards for various courses and trainings, uniform curriculum, physical and infrastructure facilities, staffing pattern and staff qualities, quality instruction, assessments and examination system, “In the recent years, there has been rapid growth of private Nursing institutions in the state.

There is no regulation by any professional body over the nursing personnel,” Longon stated.

Meanwhile, NLA speaker Dr. Imtiwapang Aier informed the House that the consideration and adoption of the three Bills will be taken up on March 28.

F&ES responds to 117 fire calls, save property worth Rs. 3294.66 lakhs From April 2016 till date, Department of Fire & Emergency Services has responded to various categories of 117 fire calls and saved property worth about Rs. 3294.66 lakhs. This was stated in the annual administrative report 2016-17 of Home Department tabled in the floor of the House today by Home Minister Y. Patton. The report stated that the estimated property lost is about Rs. 622.86 lakhs.

Hornbill Festival 2016 registers 1,12,604 tourists Despite the demonetization and cash crunch, the annual Hornbill Festival 2016 registered a total of 1,12,604 tourists – 1,646 foreign, 14,962 domestic and 95, 996 local tourists, according to annual administrative report 2016-17 of Tourism department tabled on the floor of the House

by Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism C. Apok Jamir.

In the year 2017, the report stated, the department will continue to strive to promote tourism in the state, develop infrastructural facilities in the un-tapped and remote regions of Nagaland, thereby creating a platform for them to benefit from the vast tourism opportunities available and make Nagaland a “Tourist Destination.”

The budget provision of tourism during 2016-17 stands at Rs. 2990.27 lakhs.

68,504 applicants on live register of employment exchanges Altogether, 68,504 applicants (47,646 males, 20,858 females) remain on the live register of employment exchanges in Nagaland as on December 31, 2016.

This was stated in the annual administrative report 2016-17 of

State has potential to develop rubber plantation in 4.60 lakh hectares As per Land Resources department’s estimate, Nagaland state has the overall potential to develop rubber plantation in 4.60 lakh hectares.

The annual administrative re-

Pensioners informed Kohima, march 23 (mExN): Office of the Accountant General (A&E), Nagaland has informed that the Government of Nagaland has adopted Government of India’s OM dated February 18, 2015 regarding revision of NPA for pension on November 1, 2016 duly received by the AG Nagaland office on February 21, 2017. Therefore, all Pre-2008 (01-06-2008) retired medical officers/doctors of Nagaland have been asked to submit Form-II duly countersigned by the pension disbursing authority along with a copy of PPO book as well as latest bank statement of pension drawn for revision of their pension.

A press release from Sr. Accounts Officer, Information System Cell further informed all the retired State Government officers/officials that pension and GPF final payment cases settled up to the month of February 2017 have been uploaded on its website. Pensioners may log on to the website (www.agnagaland.gov.in), click at Felicitation and Pension or GPF Felicitation or directly click on the Sticky Note written ‘Click here to view list of settled PENSION / GPF final payment cases’. The list has also been put up for display at the Public Relation Cell of the office and can be viewed on any working days during office hours.

It also requested aggrieved pensioners or government officials with genuine problems to write directly to the Deputy Accountant General (A&E) Kahoto J Yepthomi via e-mail at kahoto_j@yahoo.co.in or agaenagaland@cag. gov.in or through a handwritten letter to the address given below for immediate clarification and redressal of their grievances: Kahoto J Yepthomi, IAAS, Deputy Accountant General (A&E), Office of the Accountant General (A&E), Kohima, Pin Code - 797001, Nagaland. They can also submit suggestions to strengthen the delivery system.

Meetings/ AppointMents KSUD meeting The Khiamniungan Students’ Union Dimapur (KSUD) has convened an emergency meeting on March 25 at its treasurer’s residence at 12:00 pm. All the officials and executive members have been asked to attend the meeting without fail.

DBSU annual general meeting Dimapur Bengali Students’ Union (DBSU) has convened its annual general meeting on March 26, 3:00 pm at Ram Thakur Mandir premises.

Therefore, all members of DBSU have been requested to attend the meeting positively.

Quarterly Medical Board in Dmp The Quarterly Medical Board for confirmation of service, invalidation, and commutation of pension for Grade III and IV staff under Dimapur district will be held on April 6 and 7 at 10:00 am at the office of Chief Medical Officer, Dimapur.

& Entrepreneurship department tabled by Chief Minister Dr. Shürhozelie Leizietsu on the floor of the House. Out of the 68,504, post graduates constitute 3,845, graduates- 18,391, pre-university- 11,926, matriculate- 11, 844, below metric- 20,830, degree (Ttech)- 993, and diploma- 675.

department tabled on the floor of the House further stated that the department is taking up rubber plantation on a large scale in the state in view of the high potential and people’s demand.

During 2016-17, an area of 300 ha have been developed bringing the total area of rubber plantation to about 18,000 ha. The department has also issued about 137 rubber rollers at 85% subsidized rate to rubber farmers in the state during 2016-17.

Meanwhile, the department has distributed 13.40 lakhs of coffee seedling to farmers covering an area of 670 ha. The report stated that coffee plantation has been developed by the department in collaboration with Coffee Board of India. Altogether, 920 ha has been developed spreading over all the 11 districts.

State welfare prog for PwDs Under state welfare programme for Persons with Disabilities, disabled students from Class A to VIII are provided with scholarship of Rs. 200 per head per month. At present, this benefit is extended to 208 students, as per the annual administrative report 2016-17 of Social Welfare department tabled in the assembly today. The report also stated that financial assistance @ Rs. 200/- per month is provided to the needy persons with disabilities. Altogether, 2000 persons with disabilities are covered under this scheme. Meanwhile, 1625 totally blind persons are provided with financial assistance @ Rs. 200/- per month currently. The report also

portal for students with disability is implemented through the portal developed by the Department of Electronics & Information Technology from 2015-16. Under this scheme, Pre-Matric Scholarship, Post-Matric Scholarship and Merit Scholarship are given to PwD students belonging to SC, ST, OBC & minorities online.

Rs. 2000 lakh given under land compensation during 2016-17 During the financial year 201617, an amount of Rs. 2000 lakh was made available under land compensation and the amount was utilized for clearing of backlog proposals and acquiring 67.28 acres of land for various developmental works, according to the annual administrative report 201617 of Planning & Coordination department tabled on the floor of the House by Chief Minister Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu.

It includes acquisition of land for: Pfütsero Government College, installation of 20 MWA 66/11 KV Substation at Sovima, setting up of fire station at Bhandari Town, establishment of inter-state truck terminus at Kohima, 220 KV power line at Thahekhu village, forest department at Longchem, Mokokchung, establishing office of Superintendent of Police Mokokchung, police station at Athibung in Peren, establishment of 2nd NAP company at Wameken, Mokokchung, widening of Circular road at D. Block, Kohima, additional land for Mt. Tiyi College at Wokha, installation of 5 MVA 33/11 KV Sub Station at Pangti village, Wokha.

Eustar Chishi Swu is president of CNC DimaPur, march 23 (mExN): The NSCN (IM) at its Council Meeting held on March 22 at Council Headquarters, Hebron felicitated Eustar Chishi Swu, wife of former Yaruiwo late Isak Chishi Swu for being appointed as President of Council of Nagalim Churches (CNC) on February 10. It may be recalled that the former Yaruiwo late Isak Chishi Swu was the first President of CNC till his last breath.

A press release from MIP, NSCN (IM) informed that Eustar Chishi Swu joined the national movement on August 25, 1971 and “whole heartedly been serving the nation along with her husband in various fields and capacities.” She was also a member of contingent in the first group of Alee command to China.

“She is staunch revo-

Aadhaar Cell at DC office, Dimapur DimaPur, march 23 (mExN): Aadhaar Cell has been activated at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Dimapur for the Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland. Releasing this information to the citizens of Dimapur district, Deputy Commissioner Kesonyu Yhome informed that those who want to enroll can download forms from www.nagaland.gov.in or www.uidai.gov.in/resources/ download and submit to the Aadhaar Cell with the following documents: proof of identity, proof of address, date of birth, and proof of residency. Indigenous Inhabitant Certificate will be mandatory for all the applicants (both original and photocopy). For children below the age of 5 years, Aadhaar card of one parent will be mandatory, the DC added. Applicants can submit their forms from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm during office hours.

Kohima, march 23 (mExN): NSCN (IM) today clar-

lutionary lady who stood firm and has fathom of all trials and agony. As a strong believer in Christ she initiated and established many missionary schools for the people of eastern Nagas of Myanmar and undertook numerous

tor General of Police, Assam Rifles, Kohima; Superintendent of Post Office, Nagaland Division; Inspector General of Police, Border Security Force (BSF) Frontier HQ, Mizoram and Cachar, PO, Arunachal, Silchar; Inspector General of Police, CRPF, Khatkhati; Joint General Manager (AERO), Airport Authority of India, Dimapur Airport; Commissioner of Customs, Commissionerate of Customs (Preventive), NER, Shillong, Meghalaya; Joint Director, SIB, Near TCP Gate, Kohima; Deputy Director, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Regional Unit, Chandmari, Guwahati; Assistant Security Commissioner, RPF, Dimapur Railway Station; Joint Director, Zonal Office, Enforcement Directorate, Guwahati; Deputy Commandant, CISF, Dimapur Airport.

the patients.

According to a press statement from ZPON Secretary, Kera G Dumtta and President, Kezin, soiling, metalling and black topping of the road was executed in advance by the construction company on public demand and pressure before the fund was released.

The organization further lamented that since TR Zeliang became the Chief Minister, “he was not given a single free day to execute the state of affairs smooth-

Minister for Rural Development and REPA, CL John today expressed concern on the type of education being imparted and the unemployment scenario in Nagaland.

He also emphasized the need for practical education.

Speaking at the ongoing NLA session, John stated: “We often talk about quality education but for me, practical education is more important, where the people can earn their own livelihood without asking from others.”

The Minister stressed on the need to focus on education related to farming, rearing of animals, growing vegetables and fruits instead of earning mere degrees.

The degrees in the current system of education in Nagaland, according to the RD Minister, are not feeding the citizens. “We are only focusing on readymade education; that is why educated unemployed problems are increasing. We have so many doctorate degree holders, many of us are educated but without jobs. Let’s move towards practical education.”

He asked departments and educational institutions to teach the students how to farm, rear livestock etc.

“There are vast acres of paddy fields in Dimapur, teach them how to farm and whoever produces the maximum number of harvest, give them the title of Grain Doctor.

Give a Pig Doctor degree to whoever produces the maximum number of pigs,” said the Minister.

He further pointed out three factors draining the economy in the State—the Naga National factor, civil society/union/association factor and the vote factor.

“In order to do away with all these, let’s develop skill education, education that can provide work. Then the problem of unemployment will decrease. Degrees and qualifications will not fill our stomachs. If we are to tackle all these problem of backdoor appointments and corrupt practices, we have to emphasize on practical education,” he said.

To emphasize his point, the Minister stated: “We have a huge number of Doctors in this House. People might actually believe that we already have a Medical College. But I believe we have so much political sickness in Naga society. Since we have two Doctors as CM and Speaker, perhaps all our political sickness will be cured.”

Eustar Chishi Swu (seated) was appointed President of Council of Nagalim Churches ified that Neiba Kire, who was apprehended with arms on February 10. and ammunition by Assam Rifles recently in Kohima, is

evangelical works to convert the non believers into Christianity. She is a truly dedicated and committed person who serves the Lord and the nation. She has compassion to the deprived and the poor,” the release said.

Acknowledging that the NSCN is “very fortunate to have such a righteous woman like Eustar Chishi Swu to lead us and the nation spiritually,” the NSCN (IM) congratulated her for being elevated to the post of President CNC.

Kohima, march 23 (mExN): The Bayavü Area Panchayat has cautioned all residents and youths of the colony to be vigilant and alert, day and night, in view of car thefts and attempt to burn vehicle which happened in the colony recently.

In a press release, the Panchayat informed that twothree cases of vehicle thefts have been reported between March 10-22 in the colony. “Some miscreant had attempted to steal vehicles in the colony - 1 (One) Black Safari and another Grey Wagon R; also attempted to burn one Wagon R and partially burnt a Hyundai i10 Sportz in the colony,” it added.

Meanwhile, the colony declared that “whosoever is caught in the colony for any such theft cases shall be held responsible for all such incidents and will not be released without the consent of the Panchayat.” The Panchayat also warned that it will take whatever necessary action it deems fit for any such incidents within its jurisdiction. It further appealed to the Police department to take note of the situation for immediate necessary action.

CM Road Development Fund: ZPON defends allocation PErEN, march 23 (mExN): Following objections raised over Chief Minister’s Road Development Fund (CMRDF) from various quarters and lately NPCC's demand to cancel entire process of its allocation, Zeliang People Organization Nagaland (ZPON) today stated that the road to hospital in Jalukie Town, for which fund has been allocated for repair under the scheme, was in a deteriorating condition for the last 3-4 years making it inconvenient for

Kohima | March 23

NSCN (IM) clarifies

Committee formed to control poaching Bayavü Area Panchayat and illicit wildlife trafficking in Nagaland cautions against car thefts Kohima, march 23 (mExN): The Department of Environment, Forest & Climate Change in a notification informed that the Government of Nagaland has constituted High Level Inter Agency Co-ordination Committee to promote Inter-Agency Co-ordination to control poaching and illicit wildlife trafficking in the state.

The committee will be headed by Chief Secretary as Chairman. The members include Principal Secretary/Commissioner & Secretary/ Secretary, Environment, Forests & Climate Change; PCCF & HoFF, Nagaland; Wildlife Warden, Nagaland; Inspector General of Police (Crime) O/o DGP; Commissioner of Excise and Director, Prohibition, Dimapur; General Manager, NST; Inspec-

Morung Express News

ly and peacefully, and now even after dethroning him from the chair, some people are still feeling insecure of his vision, ability and statesmanship and hurling different unwanted allegation against him, in spite of his supreme sacrifice by stepping down honorably from the comfort and power of his chair.”

Alleging that “some political parties…had started hunting against a particular leader or district,” it wondered, “What will be the fate of our future develop-

ment? There are numbers of developmental schemes and projects under various departments, and if we only talk about equal distribution in all these? How can we take the development forward?”

In this light, the organization requested the NPCC to find out if any district is left out of CMRDF or “cite any one example of such equal distribution of fund by any of the past leader or Chief Minister be it in any regime to justify their statement.”

“NPCC may kindly

point out if there is any doubts or lapses and set up an inquiry commission if this project was not implemented in any manner,” it added.

The ZPON also urged upon all the social and political organization to be “within their limitation in labeling allegation against someone.”

Meanwhile, it expressed gratitude to TR Zeliang for allocating fund for the road repair and the construction company for carrying out the work.

no more a member of the NSCN (IM). “Kire was terminated from active national service on September 5, 2016 on account of his irresponsible actions and activities, which are detrimental to the principles of the organization,” stated MIP, NSCN (IM) in a clarification. “Hence, the NSCN/ GPRN disowns the publication of press statement of PRO IGAR (N) alleging him as member of the NSCN,” it added. Kire was formerly Kilonser of Ministry of War Victim’s Welfare, NSCN (IM), according to the clarification.

NLSF condemns rape of minor Kohima, march 23 (mExN): The Nagaland Law Students’ Federation (NLSF) has condemned the alleged rape of an 8-year-old girl child on March 14. “The ghastly act perpetrated has no place in our Naga culture and should be exemplary be punished,” asserted NLSF in a statement. It further stated that the accused should be punished according to the gravity of the crime. “The NLSF firmly believe that the judiciary strong arm would punish the accused according to the law of the land. The NLSF stand by the victim and shall assist in its capacity that justice be delivered accordingly,” it added.

Jalukie Pumling Nko meeting postponed JaluKiE, march 23 (mExN): The Jalukie Pumling Nko (JPN) meeting which was scheduled for March 25 has been postponed owing to the indefinite bandh called by the Jalukie Students’ Union Nagaland (JSUN) on the direction of the Old Jalukie Village Council beginning March 24. JPN in a press release issued by its Chairman Irai Hingleu has directed all the frontal organizations to co-operate with the bandh “until the genuine demand was fulfilled.” The bandh, it said, “was compelled and necessitated for not honouring the MoU between the Old Jalukie Village Council and the Government of Nagaland concerning establishment of Jalukie town and appointment of grade IV staffs by the Education department.”

State Library informs cable line owners Kohima, march 23 (mExN): All cable line owners whose pipelines pass through State Library, Kohima have been informed that the pipelines should be removed from the compound on or before April 5, 2017. “This is to facilitate preparatory works for upcoming construction,” stated a press release from Librarian, State Library, Kohima.

Treasuries & Accounts dept informs Kohima, march 23 (DiPr): The Directorate of Treasuries & Accounts in a circular has informed that as per Rule 2 of the CSS (Leave) Rules 1972, contract/casual/workcharged (except when the contract provides otherwise) employees are not entitled/admissible any kind of leave.

6

friday 24•03•2017

IN FOCUS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

The Power of Truth

The Morung Express volume XII Issue 80

By Witoubou Newmai

Dialogue, diplomacy, consultation a must

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ack of space for a diplomatic or dialogue intervention has been the main reason for the myriad problems dogging the State of Manipur for this long. The unwillingness to genuinely diagnose chronic issues by successive State governments in Manipur has also shrunk the space for finding solutions to resentment in the hills.

With new leadership in the State, it is everyone's prayer that new initiatives and approaches of this leadership will be genuine. At least for now, the impression in the hills on the new leadership is quite encouraging. The change of atmosphere is also attributed to the ousting of the Ibobi Singh Government.

The lack of a meeting point in the past several years between the Manipur Government and the hills can well be a thing of the past if this encouraging trend continues. It may be a bit early to come to the conclusion that things have changed for the better, but it will not be unsafe to say that a platform is being laid to begin the intervention for soul searching dialogue in this peculiar state defined by the estrangement of the hills from the valley. The recent admission of the Manipur Government of its wrong-doing on the district creation issue has been considered the ‘ice breaking’ point.

On the 139th day of economic blockade, the Manipur Government said it “recognized the grievances” of the UNC. The Manipur Government also admitted that “there was non-adherence” to the four Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) signed between the Naga people and the Manipur Government over the district creation issue. The Manipur Government’s agreement to “start consultation with all stake holders” on the issue is a huge achievement of the UNC. With this new development, space for intervention, consultation, dialogue and diplomacy has been created. In other words, the trend provides room to address all forms of suppression and oppression.

Biren Singh ought to learn a lesson or two on why Ibobi Singh had failed to earn the respect of the hill people. The former Chief Minister’s three consecutive terms is not enough to earn him the statesmanship tag. The hill people in Manipur do not accept him as their leader.

The present State of Manipur is filled with many peoples’ movements. Any leadership insensitive to any of these movements by ignoring the language of dialogue, diplomacy and consultation will invite trouble. It is high time for any leadership to realize that measures of suppression and oppression employed by the successive governments in the State of Manipur did not bring any good to the society.

lEfT wiNg |

Ronnie Cohen Reuters Health

Most feel compelled to constantly check email, texts & social media

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id your date check his email just as you were about to deliver a punch line? Did your friend reply to a text while you were describing your boss’ broadside? Is your child so engrossed in whatever she’s doing on her iPhone that you must ask her multiple times to please pass the salt? And do you find yourself incapable of controlling an incessant urge to look at your smart phone or other electronic device? You’ve got company. Nearly 9 out of 10 Americans report being so tethered to their digital gadgets that they constantly or often check their email, texts and social media accounts, a new poll shows.

“While we know that technology can be helpful in many ways, this need to be constantly connected could have negative consequences to our physical and mental health,” said Vaile Wright, a psychologist and a member of the team that designed the American Psychological Association survey.

“The information overload and notifications actually impair our ability to concentrate. They make us less productive.

They make us feel not really present. So people report feeling disconnected from others,” she said in a phone interview.

Nearly one-fifth of Americans identified technology as a significant source of stress, according to the survey of more than 3,500 adults living in the U.S. Even when those who described themselves as constant checkers were with family members, 44 percent reported feeling disconnected. Nearly two-thirds of those polled strongly agreed that periodically unplugging from digital devices would boost their mental health. But only 28 percent said they actually took digital holidays.

The problem may stem from the addictive nature of digital devices. “Our access to our technology, particularly our mobile technology, is very positively reinforcing,” Wright said.

You ask a question, and the device immediately answers.

“And so we keep going back for more,” she said. She recommends regular digital breaks. “If the idea of leaving your cellphone at home for a day causes panic, that’s important data that you might be more constantly connected to your device than you’re aware,” she said.

People who feel as though they’re going through withdrawal when they disconnect should consider a temporary physical separation, psychologists recommend. “It’s actually important to not just rely on willpower,” Wright said. “If you’re out to dinner with your friends, keep your cellphone in your pocket or your purse.”

Psychologist Ethan Kross, a professor at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, said in a phone interview that the old adage, “out of sight, out of mind,” fits mobile technology well. “If the cell phone is tempting you to check your email, take it out of your field of vision,” said Kross, who was not involved with the new study. “I wouldn’t underestimate the visual power of it.”

Smart phones “instantly activate the desire to check,” he said. Turn off sound notifications as well as vibrations and put the device into a desk drawer, or somewhere else you won’t see it, he suggested. Though the pollsters only questioned adults, the double-edged sword of digital technology touches children as well. Almost half of surveyed parents reported that regulating their child’s screen time fueled a constant battle in their homes.

Wright recommends that parents consider low-tech options for amusing children in restaurants and on airplanes.

“One of our pieces of advice is don’t always reach for technology solutions to obtain good behavior,” she said. “You can bring a coloring book or a puzzle.” The survey highlights how quickly Americans have become dependent upon mobile technology, Kross said.

“The real challenge is to figure out what are the healthy versus the harmful ways of interacting with these technologies.

The hope is that we optimize how they influence people’s well being,” he said. “Times are rapidly changing,” he said. “Things

C O M M E N T A R Y

Chris Brazier New Internationalist

Martin McGuinness: the day he set sail for peace Chris Brazier recalls an encounter with the Sinn Fein leader in the days when his voice was still banned from being broadcast in the UK

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t was March 1994 when I met Martin McGuinness for the one and only time. I was researching a theme issue of New Internationalist on Northern Ireland (The Fire and the Future) and was basing myself in McGuinness’s historic stamping ground of Derry, where he came to prominence as the IRA’s local commander in 1971 at the age of just 21.

We met in Sinn Fein’s Derry office – a bog-standard terraced house in the Bogside, the décor of which I described as early 1970s student squat, with ageing posters commemorating the Easter Rising and Malcolm X. McGuinness made it clear that he had agreed to an interview not because of the credibility or reach of New Internationalist but rather thanks to the esteem in which he held the local playwright Dave Duggan, who was working with me on the magazine and had opened doors for me on both sides of the unionist/republican divide.

It was a strange, limbo period in Northern Irish politics. The day before the interview, the IRA had launched a mortar attack on London’s Heathrow airport for the third time in five days. This sequence of mortar attacks proved two things: first, that the IRA could still cause mayhem in mainland Britain almost any time it wanted; and second, that it was serious about the incipient peace process, given that the mortars deployed were deliberate duds.

That peace process had been formally initiated by the Downing Street Declaration of December 1993 by the British and Irish leaders but had been presaged by approaches from the British government to republicans earlier that year aimed at bringing them to the negotiating table.

McGuinness told me: ‘On the basis of these discussions we decided to ask the IRA in the early part of last year if they would be prepared to create the conditions in which such talks could take place – because we understood that the British prime minister would have trouble defending the talks on the floor of the House of Commons if armed conflict was taking place outside. The IRA agreed to suspend their activities for several weeks to facilitate this. But when the British government were told about this they ran away from their own proposals for talks.’

The reason for this was plain enough: the change of heart came because John Major’s government desperately needed Ulster Unionist votes to get the Maastricht Treaty on European Union through Parliament. But it still placed McGuinness and his fellow advocates of a peace process within the republican movement in an odd position. I was more than aware as I recorded him talking that his voice was still banned from being broadcast within the UK. Looking back on the interview, ostensibly with a former IRA chief of staff of rather forbidding reputation, there were plenty of foreshadows of the avuncular peace advocate and compromising deputy prime minister he was later to become. I was particularly struck at the time by the extent to which his conversation was peppered with words like ‘flexible’, ‘realistic’ and ‘open-minded’ – not exactly words with which he would then have been readily associated.

But what I found even more striking than McGuinness’s constant talk about ‘peace’ – the word itself was easy enough to repeat, after all – was the way he returned again and again to unionists’ feelings and how these might be accommodated. As I said at the time: ‘This is not the battling underdog lashing out at the unionist oppressor that I would have encountered in 1971 or even 1981; and maybe it is a sign that the tide in Northern Ireland has genuinely turned. The closer we get to a proper settlement, the more republicans like Martin McGuinness are starting to think about how they are going to live with and alongside unionists rather than how to fight back against them.’

If I had gone on to predict that this readiness to coexist with and accommodate unionists would ultimately result in McGuinness forming a personal friendship and close working relationship with the Reverend Ian Paisley, I would, of course, have been laughed out of court. Yet these early signals he was sending out, four long years before the Good Friday Agreement that set Northern Ireland firmly on a new and peaceful road, were entirely consistent with that future.

‘We have to find some way,’ he said, ‘whereby those 900,000 people who believe that their loyalty

Reaction to death of Martin McGuinness source: Reuters

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artin McGuinness, the former Irish Republican Army commander who laid down his arms and turned peacemaker to help end Northern Ireland's 30-year conflict, has died after a decade as deputy first minister of the British province.

Following is reaction to his death which was announced: BRITISH PRIME MINISTER THERESA MAY: "While I can never condone the path he took in the earlier part of his life, Martin McGuinness ultimately played a defining role in leading the Republican movement away from violence. In doing so, he made an essential and historic contribution to the extraordinary journey of Northern Ireland from conflict to peace.

"While we certainly didn't always see eye-to-eye even in later years, as deputy First Minister for nearly a decade he was one of the pioneers of implementing cross community power sharing in Northern Ireland. He understood both its fragility and its precious significance and played a vital part in helping to find a way through many difficult moments.

"At the heart of it all was his profound optimism for the future of Northern Ireland – and I believe we should all hold fast to that optimism today."

IRISH PRIME MINISTER ENDA KENNY "I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Martin McGuinness today. His passing represents a significant loss, not only to politics in Northern Ireland but to the wider political landscape on this island and beyond.

"Martin will always be remembered for the remarkable political journey that he undertook in his lifetime. Not only did Martin come to believe that peace must prevail, he committed himself to working tirelessly to that end.

"His commitment to securing enduring peace and prosperity for all of the people of Northern Ireland was unwavering throughout this time. He strove to make Northern Ireland a better place for everyone, regardless of background or tradition."

SINN FEIN PRESIDENT GERRY ADAMS TOLD IRISH BROADCASTER RTE "We wouldn't be where we are without him. Martin led the IRA when there was a war but he led the IRA into peace and he genuinely believed in reconciliation even when it made people uncomfortable."

"Martin McGuinness never went to war, it came to his streets, it came to his city, it came to his community ... He was a great man in my opinion and he

lies with the British state can be accommodated.

That is a major area of work that republicans have to get involved in.’

It is a major area of work to which Martin McGuinness then dedicated himself over the succeeding two decades; more remarkably still, he managed

will be missed."

FORMER BRITISH PM TONY BLAIR: "I grew up watching and hearing about the Martin McGuinness who was a leading member of the IRA engaged in armed struggle. I came to know the Martin McGuinness who set aside that armed struggle in favour of making peace.

"There will be some who cannot forget the bitter legacy of the war. And for those who lost loved ones in it that is completely understandable. But for those of us able finally to bring about the Northern Ireland peace agreement, we know we could never have done it without Martin's leadership, courage and quiet insistence that the past should not define the future."

FORMER IRISH PRIME MINISTER BERTIE AHERN TOLD RTE RADIO "He was an extraordinary man. Personally, he was a very nice person, a very kind person. He was always a good person to deal with, you always knew where he was. He was clear in his objective, honest in his efforts and he was a good person to negotiate with. Certainly I considered him a good friend as we went through years of discussions.

"Martin understood compromise. He wasn't a guy who came in apologising for being there or for arguing his case but he listened and he was able to arbitrate between different points of view. He didn't roll over but I think he had the ability to move forward and once he made up his mind, his word was his bond.

"I think Martin would have been happier fly fishing in Donegal (than joining the IRA). He was a great family man and I think that is what drove him into this."

IAN PAISLEY JUNIOR, DUP MP AND SON OF FORMER FIRST MINISTER IAN PAISLEY, TOLD BBC: "Martin McGuinness, certainly when I was growing up, was the godfather of the IRA and he was a man who struck terror quite literally into the hearts and into the lives of many, many people and that moved of course from being the godfather to being the man in government and that remarkable journey is something that is incredibly important.

"As a Christian, as someone who reflects on life, it's not how you start your life that is important, but how you finish your life and I think that a lot of people will be thankful that Martin McGuinness finished his life a lot better than it could have been.

It is one of huge mixed feelings because there will be people out there who will be hurt, and hurt forever, by the actions of the godfather but there will be people out there who have benefited forever by the actions of the man in government." to carry the vast bulk of the republican movement with him as he did so.

It will not only be republicans who will mourn his loss as Ireland wrestles with the worrying implications of Brexit for the border between north and south.

JNU and The Power of Being Branded Anti-National The BJP victory in UP was not so much due to promises of progress but rather, one stoking the fears of anti-nationalism rearing itself again martand Jha

N

newslaundry

ow that the legislative assembly elections in the five states are done and dusted, all that remains is to examine how. BJP has a historic mandate by the people of Uttar Pradesh, grabbing a humongous 324 seats out 403 total seats, thereby winning by a threefourth majority. None of the opinion or exit polls predicted such a victory and almost everyone was stunned, if not shocked or in awe of this result.

As the numbers started trickling in, with BJP looking to emerge as the clear winner in Uttar Pradesh, news channels reached out to politicians and spokespersons from BJP for reactions and sound bites. Many leaders attributed this victory to the “clean image” of PM Modi, dissatisfaction with the ruling Samajwadi Party and their coalition with the Congress. Others claimed that it was indicative of the support enjoyed by the BJP’s decision on demonetisation.

However a few leaders also claimed that this verdict was a slap against anti-

nationalism, a reference to the alleged slogans shouted it Jawaharlal Nehru University on February 9 last year.

From Giriraj Singh to Arun Jaitley, BJP leaders were of the opinion that the victory in UP proved that voters were vehemently against ‘anti-national’ forces working within the country.

But is that truly the case? Can a few slogans allegedly raised within the premises of a university be so polarizing as to affect the outcome of the elections in UP? Here, the point is not about who raised those slogans or whether those students were from JNU or from outside.

Instead, the perception created about JNU as a den of anti-nationalleftist forces who live on tax payers’ money and do nothing constructive for the nation has reached a large population living outside the city. With the media covering this issue literally nonstop for about three to four weeks and news anchors taking dissenting voices to task for not being patriotic enough-the message sent loudly and clearly was that anti-national forces were try-

ing to destabilize India and the BJP was the sole defender of protecting the integrity of India.

And so the issues of a university became the space where nation parties played out their own narratives.

Those who supported JNU from Rahul Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal, Sitaram Yechury etc., were all tarred with the same brush of anti-nationalism. At the height of this last year, a phrase which became synonymous with the BJP’s Lok Sabha election campaign began making the rounds “Janta maaf nahi karegi”, referring to who were supposedly on the wrong side of history.

The JNU issue reared its head during the UP election results when a tweet by a former JNU Student Union Vice-President Shehla Rashid raised many hackles. The tweet did not go over very well. Even critics of BJP, like former J&K Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah accepted the popularity of the party.

It has been more than a year since the subject of JNU and nationalism dominated public discourse and

wRiTE-wiNg

though the intensity may have decreased, it has never died out. The issue continues to be a major TRP booster for media, especially the electronic media. The protests at and around Ramjas College recently repeat much of the same rhetoric from last year, and at its heart culminated around one of the student’s from last year’s fracas, Umar Khalid asked to give a talk.

When an issue remains in the public eye for as long as it did, it is bound to impact the electoral choices of voters especially if it repeats itself in a new, but familiar avatar. The degree of this impact may vary but in this case, where aided by the media machinery the specter of JNU hung heavily over UP. To sum up, the question of nationalism which erupted in JNU seems to have spread to the people who fear that this, more than any other problem in the country, is what ails us and have voted for a party that firmly promises to stamp such sentiments out. It might seem reductive to say that JNU and nationalism were the ‘hot button’ topics impacting this year’s election, but to say it had little would also be incorrect.

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

Friday 24•03•2017

PERSPECTIVE

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

7

Modi marches on amid hope and fear L K Sharma

base of his party whose appeal was restricted to the middleclass trading community and upper castes.

The UP campaign also tapped the fault line of economic rivalry. Statements were made to fuel antagonism based on religion, caste, subcastes and class. No communist leader seeks to fuel class conflict in such a blatant way.

But Modi wanted to appear as pro-poor. If the political opponent belonged to one subcaste, the BJP hugged the leaders of rival sub-castes.

openDemocracy

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odi can get away with anything now. His public adores muscular Hinduism, majoritarianism, politicised nationalism and a neo-liberal development model which gives subsidized big corporates big incentives Any foreign correspondent who came to India to cover the state elections must stay on to report on this land of miracles. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is being called ‘Magic Man’ after he won the largest state of Uttar Pradesh (UP) for his Hindu nationalist party, the BJP. The voters gave an overwhelming mandate to Modi who was not a candidate. He was elected to Parliament in the 2014 elections from UP’s world-famous temple town of Varanasi, but he did not leave this election campaign to the state-level leaders. The Prime Minister kept going from New Delhi and addressing public rallies in UP. He camped there for three days, visiting temples and holding road shows that dominated the TV screens.

Modi attacked political opponents in blunt words that were lapped up by his listeners. He conveyed messages to the poor. He appealed to the Hindus by blaming the State Government for its appeasement of the Muslims.

Modi faced a formidable challenge because his de-monetisation move had caused hardship to millions of poor apart from inconveniencing the rich. It had led to the closure of thousands of small industrial units. But Modi called it a sacrifice for the nation and his voters seem to have agreed.

The UP voters don’t care if Modi’s irresistible rise frightens the defenders of democracy, fighters for free speech and soldiers of secularism. Some of the BJP leaders and its student wing question the concept of free speech in the TV studios and through their street violence.

When free speech invites violence Modi has been facing protests by the liberals, intellectuals, writers and artists, and a major section of the student community who are deeply

disturbed by the atmosphere of intolerance in which free speech invites violence. The section of the media not beholden to the Modi Government or the corporates reminds the nation about Hitler’s Germany. Talking of Hitler seems a bit far-fetched at this juncture even though some fascist tendencies keep coming to the fore. The UP elections however, did display both the strengths and weaknesses of the Indian democracy.

The marginal sections feel empowered and gain developmental benefits because elections are held regularly. The latest massive exercise was conducted peacefully. Hate speech will subside after the elections. Of course, the nation is yet to diminish the role of money and muscle power and a large number of candidates facing criminal cases continue to win elections.

It was no ordinary victory for Modi. His party had not ruled the state for more than two decades. Thus when the BJP dislodged the young socialist chief minister of the state, it seemed like a magical trick. Derided by significant sections, Modi acquired in popular imagination the status of the Super Man. The “Modi wave” delivered more striking results in the poll than even the earlier “wave of Lord Ram” that had swept UP following the BJP’s campaign to build a Ram temple in place of a mosque in the same UP. Religious polarisation was

witnessed then, but even the temple campaign could not lead to the consolidation of the Hindu votes to this extent. This comparison has been made in the media and till going to the press, the Hindus based in America or the UK have not taken umbrage at the belittling of Lord Ram compared to Modi.

Modi plus The product that Modi sold so successfully to the voters of UP can best be described as Modi Plus. He offered something to every one. If that required ideological compromises or shaking hands with the enemies of yesteryear, so be it. While Modi’s latest feat is most impressive, he is not new to divining an effective political strategy. No one can beat him as a hidden persuader. He won a Gujarat state election by attacking the then military ruler of Pakistan by calling him “Mian” Musharraf.

Modi wins over masses by appearing in multiple personas, pleasing rival sections of the voters at the same time.

Depending on the need of the hour and the audience and the district, he appears as a leader committed to development or as a leader pitted against the Muslims in order to remain the “Emperor of Hindu Hearts”!

As this writer wrote in this journal two years ago: “Lord Shiva is one God who assimilates in his person all contradictions/ Modi did the same…

Modi has a divine trait. God is perceived by the devotees as

per their feelings, says a Hindi poet.” During the UP poll campaign too, the people saw the Modi as they wanted to see.

Modi’s core constituency fed on the anti-minorities rhetoric had no alternative. The sectarian Hindus felt elated that his party did not field a single Muslim candidate in the election. Many more Hindu voters felt attracted by Modi when he launched veiled attacks against the state government for appeasing the Muslims at the cost of the Hindus!

Modi went on to attract other voters in large numbers by selling development dreams.

The poor felt that he would fix the rich as he claimed to have done through de-monetisation! The rich corporates felt that once Modi’s party ruled UP, the state Government will shower them with plenty of incentives and subsidies as Modi had done while running the state of Gujarat.

Many wavering voters were swayed by Modi’s oratory and cheap digs at his opponents.

In small towns, the people derive comfort and entertainment from the oratory of the religious preachers in temple compounds and the lizard-oil sellers on the footpath. Thus political rallies are always a big draw in India.

The ingredients of Modi’s magic potion are not hard to detect if his poll campaign is analysed. Modi knows his Indians better than any mass psychologist. He deftly exploits the social and economic fault lines to expand the social

Amartya Sen who had the temerity to criticise the Prime Minister’s de-monetisation scheme. the idea of india One wonders about the sheer enormity of Modi’s achievement and its consequences for the nation. This transformation of the political scenario signifies changes that will last far beyond the term of the new state government.

By wresting the politically most influential state from his opponents, Modi emerges as a leader powerful enough to modify the “idea of India”, a long-term objective of his party and its mentor, RSS, who hate the Nehruvian ethos.

Detracting from India’s first Prime Minister who kept the communal forces at bay has been Modi’s top priority.

Since his party had no heroes, he was quick to co-opt some Congress leaders even though they were opposed to the ideology of Modi’s parent party. A cartoonist describes this trick as collecting stolen idols.

As part of the anti-Nehru crusade, the Modi Government has tinkered with the institutions named after Nehru and inspired his Hindu fans living in America to unleash an anti-Nehru campaign. No nation seeks to demolish its heroes in this fashion.

Modi, who punctuates his cheap digs against his political opponents with a rare dignified Prime Ministerial statement (Trump can learn from him), is today in a position to get away with anything. He is bathed in public adoration that demonstrates the growing appeal of muscular Hinduism, majoritarianism, politicised nationalism and a neo-liberal development model under which the big corporates get large subsidies and big incentives.

His new pro-poor rhetoric has robbed his opponents of their main political weapon.

His flaunting of the welfare measures does not frighten either the capitalists or the conservative economists who ignore the distributive justice and the concept of public goods. The pro-poor rhetoric does not obstruct the speedy privatisation in the critical sectors of health, housing and education.

BJp transforMed Narendra Modi set out to transform India and he has already transformed the BJP. His victory in 2014 and now in the UP state elections show how effectively he has enlarged the social base of his party. He has expanded the area of the BJP’s influence. It has established itself in areas it has never reached before.

The campaign control rooms of the BJP could perhaps beat Google in their access to the data related to the voters, the party’s campaigners and the opponents. Just count the tweets, videos, social media likes in favour of the BJP. The Gujaratis excel in their organizing ability. The institutions of Gujarat can run massive relief operation at a very short notice, a temple can organise a feast for 10,000 people in a day! This efficiency saves lives and serves the people well in times of drought, floods or earthquakes. But one also recalls that the groups who went to torch homes and shops during communal riots in Ahmedabad had computerised lists of the owners and their religious affiliation.

Add this organizing power to the charisma of the leader while analysing Modi’s winning formula. BJP runs an ideologically-fired huge cadre and a team of voluntary and hired experts who operate with what is known as “western” efficiency. It can be marked out in an “oriental” atmosphere in which many district offices of the rival parties come to life only during the election season. It is the same with the activists of the non-BJP parties.

So one cannot question Modi’s claim about “hard work” even though he used this phrase to deride the Har- the 2019 caMpaign The BJP challenges secuvard economists including

larism by raising the bogey of Muslim appeasement. When its storm-troopers make most atrocious sectarian statements, the Prime Minister remains silent.

The parties wedded to secularism hesitate to confront him on this score as they have been intimidated by the BJP’s appeal to Hindu sensibilities.

They refrain from offering an effective counter-narrative.

The secular political formations will find it hard to cleanse society of the communal poison infused in recent years. The sectarian card yields political dividends at certain times. But BJP tones down its communal rhetoric when it sees that it is not working. The BJP will continue to play the Hindu card, unless a truly Hindu leader emerges to unleash a cultural revolution that challenges bigotry and fake nationalism.

Modi’s supporters now feel confident that the people will reward their leader with yet another term as the Prime Minister and all opposition will be crushed. So Modi is justified in starting a campaign for his re-election as the Prime Minister in 2019. In the near term, the BJP is desperate to retain its control over the municipalities in Delhi that are to go to the polls soon. The state government is run by a new opposition party called AAP and chief minister Arvind Kejriwal frequently complains that the Prime Minister does not allow him to function. He is one leader who replies to Modi in Modi’s language.

Power even in the local bodies matters to Modi. And he would like to clip the Delhi Chief Minister’s wings. He will help his party in every way possible even if he does not take time off from his Prime Ministerial duties to lead the BJP’s municipal poll campaign!

L K Sharma has followed no profession other than journalism for more than four decades, covering criminals and prime ministers. Was the European Correspondent of The Times of India based in London for a decade. Reported for five years from Washington as the Foreign Editor of the Deccan Herald. Edited three volumes on innovations in India. He has completed a work of creative nonfiction on V. S. Naipaul.

Why Yogi Adityanath as UP’s CM should worry non-Hindi people of the Indian Union Garga Chatterjee

Y

ogi Adityanath, a radical Hindu ‘monk’ and a long time veteran in the politics of communal hatred, has been elected as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, the largest state of the Indian Union. If we measure humanity not in money or perceived prestige or whiteness but at a very basic level of numbers, the elevation of this divisive character to the top post of a state whose population is as large as nearly two thirds of the United States of America, this should have been a cause of global concern comparable to the Trump phenomenon. But brown lives matter less than White lives, even to many brown people. But it should, for Yogi Adityanath represents an explicit stamp of divisive communalism on the body politic of Uttar Pradesh, in case anyone was taken in

by Indian Union’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s icing of development that hid a crude, distasteful base of religious majoritarianism. One can only pity those who thought otherwise. Or maybe they all secretly knew. As my friend Aniket De quipped after Yogi Adityanath’s elevation to Chief Ministership- “He exactly is the right face of his party- with all the skills in hate speech, bigotry and riot-mongering. There is no mystification of "development" here”.

It is not a matter of small embarrassment for me, a Bengali, that Yogi Adityanath has a Bengal connection, as tenuous as it may be.

Bengalis claim Matsyendranath, a 10th century monk as one from historical Ben-

Is Yogi Adityanath’s elevation a sign Modi is moving toward Hindu India?

Douglas Busvine

A

Reuters

saffron-robed Hindu holy man was sworn in on Sunday to lead Uttar Pradesh, sealing what appears to be a shift in course by Prime Minister Narendra Modi that could redefine the world's largest democracy as a Hindu nation.

The choice as Uttar Pradesh chief minister of Yogi Adityanath, a firebrand Hindu ascetic with a history of agitation against minority Muslims, stunned observers who said it marked a departure from the platform of development for all on which Modi rose to national power in 2014.

"Modi is saying India is a Hindu country and shall remain so," veteran journalist and commentator Shekhar Gupta told Reuters. "Hindus will rule, so you had better behave."

A spokesman for Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) however said the government did not make any distinction between citizens on the basis of religion.

Adityanath, 44, was elected by state lawmakers on Saturday, a week after the BJP won a

gal. A common icon of certain Buddhist and Shaivite groups, his fame spread much beyond his homeland. He is also founder of the Nath sect, who consider Shib to be their primary lord.

He is said to be have attained enlightenment inside the belly of a fish through arduous meditation for 12 years and hence came to known as Matsyendranath, meaning 'Lord of the Fishes' or 'He Whose Lord is the Lord of the Fishes'.

Many groups and sects lay claim to his tradition though his influence most-

landslide victory in India's most populous state by mobilising the Hindu vote. The BJP won the biggest majority for any party in the state legislature in 40 years.

He took the oath of office at an open-air ceremony in the state capital Lucknow on Sunday, before shaking hands with Modi and other BJP elders who attended.

After the ceremony, Modi said in a tweet: "Our sole mission and motive is development. When U.P. develops, India develops."

The BJP fielded no candidates from the Muslim minority that makes up 19 percent of the population in a state with a population of 220 million that is home to 15 percent of the world's poor. If it were a country, Uttar Pradesh would be the world's fifth-most populous.

India's 1.3 billion people are about 80 percent Hindu and 14 percent Muslim, with the rest made up of Christians, Sikhs and other minorities. It is officially a secular nation, but the BJP has for years fought elections on a Hindu nationalist agenda, with party members in the past being accused of making anti-Muslim statements to

ly stretches from Newari areas of Nepal down to what is now South-Central India, with the Bengal being quite outside this area of influence. Gorakhnath was one of the two principal devotees of Matsyendranath and a revered yogi. His Samadhi (tomb) is said to be inside the Gorakhnath mutt of the Nath sect whose base of operation is Gorakhpur. These sects, through its chain of chiefs, have been able to maintain an unbroken chain of a Shaivite monastic order that is centuries old. There is even a legend

polarise Hindu voters.

"Modi and the BJP had promised the poor of India good times to come," said Paranjoy Guha Thakurta, editor of the Economic & Political Weekly.

"When they fail to create jobs, revive the economy or lift investment, they are going to fall back more on the majoritarian agenda." Modi, in his victory speech after the Uttar Pradesh triumph, had called for the creation of a "New India" by 2022, effectively staking a claim to a second term at the general election that is due to be held in two years. don't preJudge Adityanath, elected five times to the federal parliament from Gorakhpur in eastern Uttar Pradesh, has been magnanimous in victory, pledging to uphold Modi's slogan of 'sabka saath, sabka vikas' ('all together, development for all'). "Everyone who is prejudging the decision is doing it at their own peril - these arguments were also used in the case of Prime Minister Narendra Modi," BJP spokesman Nalin Kohli told Reuters.

"Almost three years down

that connects Gorakhnath to Aurangzeb, that not only claims that Aurangzeb became a disciple of Gorakhnath (centuries after his demise) but Aurangzeb has a quasi divine status in that understanding where he is Mrtakanath (Lord of Death) and in Pune, a sect exists in his name as Siddha Handi Pharang Nath.

The sect has been involved in various political moves of the 20th century, where it took an increasingly dangerous turn. It has a central role in the burning of the Chauri Chaura police

the line there is no departure from 'sabka saath, sabka vikas'; there is no let up in providing governance and improving delivery to the poorest; and there can be no distinction between citizens on the basis of their faith, region or identity."

Kohli also dismissed suggestions that Adityanath's election would undermine the secular basis of Indian democracy.

There are precedents for Hindu devotees taking high office, he said, including Uma Bharti, a former chief minister of Madhya Pradesh state who is now Modi's water resources minister.

A source close to the powerful Hindu nationalist umbrella group to which the BJP belongs, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), said Adityanath would undergo a complete image makeover to repackage him as a moderate reformer. love Jihad Adityanath has in the past accused Muslim men of waging "love jihad", or a love war, to entrap Hindu women and convert them to Islam. He drew a reprimand from the election author-

station in 1921 during Congress’s non cooperation movement in the United Provinces. The mutt head Digvijaynath was active in this. This character later joined the Hindu Mahasabha in 1937, became the head of its UP unit and post Partition was instrumental in the placing of Ram Sita idols inside the abandoned Babri mosque in 1949, that lay the foundation of the contemporary contours of the Ramjanmabhoomi movement that centered around the worship of these illegally placed idols, culmi-

ities for exhorting Hindus to convert 100 Muslims for every Hindu that adopted Islam.

Further, he disclosed in his 2014 election affidavit that he faced criminal cases including attempted murder; intimidation; promoting religious enmity; defiling a place of worship; rioting; and trespassing on burial places.

Such cases are common in India's rough-and-tumble politics. Although judges have taken cognisance of three cases against Adityanath, no formal charges have been filed.

As the month-long Uttar Pradesh poll progressed, the rhetoric used by Modi and his campaign chief Amit Shah struck an increasingly harsh tone: In one speech Modi said villages with graveyards should have crematoriums too - a veiled reference to the different burial practices of Muslims and Hindus.

One of India's most prominent Muslim politicians, former Jammu and Kashmir state chief minister Omar Abdullah, said in a tweet that Muslims in Uttar Pradesh "must be terrified of what the future has in store for them."

nating in the destruction of the Babri mosque structure in 1949. The mutt’s later chief Advaitanath was a powerful political figure in eastern UP and now the mutt is now closely associated with the hard line Hindutva faction of the Hindu right wing whose affiliation with the BJP is based on some amount of mutual suspicion. This is no longer a fringe as the elevation of Yogi Adityanath, the present mutt head and successor to Advaitanath shows.

UP has long been the most communally polar-

ized region of South Asia and this is not from today.

Its record of Hindu-Muslim riots, Shia-Sunni riots, riots between “Hindu” monastic sects have been as violent as they have been legendary.

Both Hindu and Muslim communal forces have, for 150 years, found solid ideological, institutional and organizational base here – the Muslim side losing some steam after Partition and the resultant exodus of communal ashrafiya.

The principal contribution of this region has been the injection of a hard form

of communal poison in the body politic of Northern South Asia, popularly known as Hindustan and broadly includes zones of Hindi-Urdu hegemony and contestation.

Yogi Adityanath is an inheritor of this tradition of poisonous communal politics. He has spearheaded conversion drives to Hinduism (‘gharwapsi’ as Hindi people call it), provoked medium scale riots, compared Bollywood Hindi film actor to Lashkar-e-Taiba Hafiz Muhammad Saeed and so on. Liberals of the Delhi Indian ideology types are now waiting to see what the elevation of this character to the most important political post in the Hindi belt might mean. They are clueless. So are many others. Victims of erstwhile riots may have an inkling.

RSS is said to have had an important role in choosing Yogi Adityanath over others.

Is he a short term player or a long-term bet for the Hindu right for even greater roles in times to come? Whether this is BJP’s way of taming the unruly one or an important inflection point in the politics of the Indian Union and possibly the unintended anointment of a future challenger of Narendra Modi reflecting the corporate versus socio-religious divide of the BJP remains to be seen. We, the non-Hindi people of the Indian Union, can only guess. Unfortunate cultural-linguistic minorities in an ever aggressive Hindi-Hindu-Hindustan ideology centric Indian Union whose futures will be decided by these currents in UP, whether they like it or not, whether their homelands have BJP or not.

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FriDAY 24•03•2017

INDIA

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Pakistan has to vacate PoK, Gilgit-Baltistan: India

New Delhi, March 23 (PTi): The only issue of dispute between India and Pakistan as far as Jammu and Kashmir is concerned is the illegal occupation of PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan by Pakistan, the government on Thursday said. Union Minister Jitendra Singh reiterated India’s demand that Pakistan should vacate illegal occupation of these areas. Singh’s sharp remarks came in response to Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit favouring resolution of Kashmir dispute as per the “aspirations of Kashmiris”. Basit was speaking at an event at the High Commission at New Delhi on Thursday to mark Pakistan’s national day. Talking to reporters outside Parliament, Singh said “Today if there is any issue between India and Pakistan on J&K, it is only the illegal occupation by Pakistan, whether it is Pakistanoccupied Kashmir (PoK) or Gilgit-Baltistan”. He also added, “How it can be freed from Pakistan’s occupation and made a part of the Indian republic…that is the only issue now”. Singh said India’s position has been clear for many years now and in 1994, a resolution (on the issue) was also passed in Parliament which all political parties had supported. Basit had said the aspirations of people “can be suppressed but not quelled and I hope the struggle of the Kashmiris will prove successful”. Kashmir has remained a longstanding unresolved issue between the two countries causing acrimony on both sides.

AI flight suffers bird hit

New Delhi, March 23 (PTi): Air India’s Ahmedabad to London flight via Newark suffered a bird hit, forcing the airline to cancel its onward journey from Britain’s capital. AI-171 with 230 passengers on board suffered a bird hit while it was on its way to London from Ahmedabad yesterday. The plane landed at Heathrow Airport at 10:39 AM local time. The bird hit damaged the nose of the aircraft as well as the radar antenna, the airline said in a statement. Of the total 230 passengers, 50 flyers destined to Newark were accommodated on a different flight. Travellers on the return leg of the journey from London to Ahmedabad are being accommodated on AI’s London-Mumbai flight. The Newark to London leg of this return journey was cancelled by the airline. The aircraft is undergoing repair and maintenance and will be ready for the next return journey from London to Ahmedabad, the airline said.

'Dalai Lama’s visit will impact relations with India'

BeijiNg, March 23 (PTi): Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh is ‘a part’ of China and India’s ‘unfriendly’ move to allow the Dalai Lama to visit the town will negatively impact bilateral ties as it involves ‘sensitive issues’ related to the border dispute, a prominent Tibetan scholar said on Thursday. “Tawang is a part of Tibet and Tibet is a part of China. So Tawang is a part of China. There is not much problem here,” Lian Xiangmin, Director of contemporary research of the Beijing-based China Tibetology Research Centre, told the media in Beijing reiterating China’s claim over Tawang.

In a rare interaction with the foreign media, he said the Dalai Lama’s planned visit to Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims as part of south Tibet, is an ‘unfriendly’ move on the part of India. Elaborating China’s claim over Tawang, Lian said the Tawang Buddhist Mon-

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, in yellow robe, is helped by attending monks as he leaves after a religious talk at the Tsuglakhang temple in Dharmsala. (AP Photo)

astery is part of the three main Buddhist temples of Tibet where monks of Tawang studied Buddhist ‘sutras’.

Referring to the Dalai Lama’s ment supported or made planned visit to Arunachal arrangements for the Dalai Pradesh, he said in recent Lama to visit Tawang region. years the Indian govern“It seems to us that it

Yogi Adityanath takes cops by surprise, inspects police station Over 100 policemen suspended in UP after Yogi govt takes over

SC defers hearing in Babri Masjid conspiracy case

New Delhi, March 23 (iaNS): The Supreme Court on Thursday deferred hearing on a CBI plea seeking restoration of criminal conspiracy charge against senior BJP leaders in the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition case, asking the parties to file written submission focusing on issues to be adjudicated. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has sought the restoration of the charge against senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders L.K. Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, Union Minister Uma Bharti, Rajasthan Governor Kalyan Singh and others. The investigating agency has challenged the May 2010 Allahabad High Court decision absolving Advani and others of the charge of criminal conspiracy that led to the razing of the 16th century mosque in Ayodhya of Uttar Pradesh on December 6, 1992. Asking the CBI, senior BJP leaders and other petitioner Haji Mahboob Ahmed to file written submissions focusing on the issue to be adjudicated by the court, the bench of Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose and Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman adjourned the hearing for two weeks after senior counsel K.K. Venugopal appealing for Advani told the bench that he was busy in the hearing of another case. The court fixed April 6 as the next date of hearing. The top court had on March 31, 2015, issued notices to Advani, Joshi, Uma Bharti, Kalyan Singh and others on the plea by CBI.

UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath speaking with a police personnel during a surprise visit at the Hazratganj police station in Lucknow on Thursday. (PTI Photo)

luckNow, March 23 (PTi): Seeking to send a strong message that laxity in enforcing law and order will not be tolerated, Uttar Pradesh police has suspended over 100 policemen since the new government led

by Yogi Adityanath assumed office. Most of these suspensions were in Ghaziabad, Meerut and Noida. In Lucknow, seven inspectors have been suspended. The crackdown followed directives issued by DGP Javeed Ahmed a few days back to identify the “black sheep” among the policemen. PRO UP Police, Rahul Srivastava, said, “More than 100 policemen, mostly constables, have been suspended as per the directives of the DGP to identify the black sheep and take exemplary action against them.” The directive was issued to all the Superintendents of Police through video conferencing by the state police chief and Principal Secretary (Home) Debashish Panda hours after Yogi Adityanath assumed office.

luckNow, March 23 (PTi): Ut- quired for peoples’ welfare,” he said.

Yogi also enquired about the worktar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday paid a surprise ing of the police force from the offivisit to the Hazratganj Police Station to cials present there and inspected the check general preparedness and said crime branch and cyber cell of the the rule of law will be established in the state police. Cautioning that this was not his last inspection but only a bestate.

Yogi, who has kept the Home port- ginning, he exuded confidence that folio with himself, took a round of the an improvement will be seen at all levpremises on Thursday morning, catch- els. Without mincing words, the chief ing policemen and officials by surprise. minister had on Wednesday directed “I have come here to inspect as to how officials to maintain punctuality and the rule of law is enforced in the state and hygiene.

During his visit to the annexe buildgauge the morale of the police, and see what effective action can be taken in this ing, where the chief minister’s office is regard,” the chief minister told news per- located, he was annoyed to see stains sons. “The rule of law will be established of paan and paan masala all over and New Delhi, March 23 (iaNS): Asserting that the in the state and the government will not directed the staff not to chew tobacco government fully stood by its November 8 demoneti- hesitate in taking whatever steps are re- or consume masala while on duty. sation, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday said the decision was needed to "shock the shadow economy" running parallel to the country's economy.

Responding to a lengthy debate in the Rajya Sabha on the 2017-18 General Budget, the minister said that in the last seven decades, Indians have found ways and means to avoid paying taxes. "As one goes to buy property, he is MuMBai, March 23 (PTi): have been striking since Monday, on Wednesday for not resuming given two quotations (one with tax and another with- The Bombay high court on Thurs- demanding enhanced security their duties.

“The doctors will have to out tax)," he said, adding that this system needed to be day asked striking resident doctors in the wake of a string of attacks shaken. Jaitley also criticised the opposition, especially in Maharashtra to resume work on doctors by patients’ relatives first go and resume their duty. the Congress, for its protests against the demonetisation immediately while Chief Minister at government hospitals across All other issues can be amicably of old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, saying they "exagger- Devendra Fadnavis appealed to the state. The protests have been sorted out gradually,” Chief Jusated" issues related to the ban on high-value currency them to call of the four-day stir, as- hampering the services of out- tice Chellur said. notes. "Some said new currency note of Rs 2,000 will be suring security in hospitals. patient departments in various “We understand that the doccopied and it will lead to more crime," the minister said. tors are working in strained and In Delhi, Union Health Minis- hospitals.

He said crime will continue as long as humanity exists ter J P Nadda asked states to take The HC asked the doctors to horrible conditions sometimes, and asked whether cash facilitated crime. Announcing measures to improve security of get back to work and resolve their but we request them to resume that the government was expecting to generate Rs 17 doctors. issues and demands amicably work immediately,” she said. lakh crore through direct and indirect taxes during fisChief Minister Fadnavis, After the HC’s direction and with the government. cal 2016-17, the minister said: "Only Parliament has the the CM’s appeal, the represenA division bench of Chief Jus- while making a statement in the authority to decide how the funds would be used." "The tatives of the protesting doctors tice Manjula Chellur and Justice state legislative assembly on the informal economy is being integrated into the formal G S Kulkarni gave the directive ongoing strike and its fallout on one and the size of economy is increasing," he said, add- went into a huddle to discuss the while hearing a petition filed by the public healthcare system, directive and the steps to be taken ing that it would help government support all welfare activist Afak Mandaviya seek- urged the doctors to follow their thereof. and developmental schemes. Jaitley expressed happiing action against the protesting professional ethics by serving the According to Dr Sagar Munness that the taxation base in India was increasing as more and more people were being brought under the dada, the chairman of the Indi- doctors. The HC also directed the people. “Because of the acts of banking system. He appreciated the government's ef- an Medical Association’s youth government and management a few irresponsible people of atforts on Goods and Services Tax and said that almost all wing, a decision on the matter of various hospitals not to take tacking doctors, it is not right to any punitive action against the deny the poor their right to access decisions related to it vis-a-vis state governments were will be taken soon.

Nearly 4,000 resident doctors doctors who were served notice to the medical facilities. I appeal taken in a "very cordial manner".

We stand by demonetisation; 'shock' was needed: Jaitley

is not so friendly,” he said.

During his previous visit to Tawang, “the Dalai Lama said Tawang part of India.

This is against the facts. It is not true. It undermines the friendly relations between China and India,” he said.

“I hope to see friendly relations between India and China. We don’t want to see such a thing happening time and again.

This time around the Indian government once again allowed the Dalai Lama to go to Tawang. This will only hurt the friendly relations between the two countries,” he said.

The Tibetan leader is expected to visit Tawang early next month. “We all know that between India and China there is the boundary question. What we should do is not to touch the sensitive areas but such a visit by the Dalai Lama will touch the sensitive issue. This will undoubtedly negatively affect friendly relations. We do hope history and facts are respected by both the parties,” Lian said.

No move to end reservation for SCs, STs: Government New Delhi, March 23 (iaNS): The BJP-led central government rejected the charge that it was trying to end reservation for SCs and STs, as the Lok Sabha on Thursday passed the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Orders (Amendment) Bill, 2017, that seeks to modify the list of Scheduled Castes in Odisha.

The Bill, introduced by Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thaawar Chand Gehlot, also seeks to amend the Constitution (Pondicherry) Scheduled Castes Order, 1964 to change the name of the Union Territory from Pondicherry to Puducherry in the Order.

Replying to a debate on the bill, Gehlot said the bill is one step further as part of the government's resolve for welfare and upliftment of the people belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

"The government has adopted the approach of equality, coordination and dialogue to ensure social harmony.

The laws relating to check atrocities against Dalits have in fact been made stringent," Gehlot said.

The Minister accused the Congress party of treating the weaker sections of society as "vote banks".

Gehlot rejected the charge that the BJP-led central government was trying to end reservation for SCs and STs. "The government supports the current system of reservation and it will continue," Gehlot said.

Earlier, supporting the bill, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge stressed that benefits of the Bill should reach the needy without any political bias.

"Generally, political parties consider the inclusion of Scheduled Castes for their benefit. Be it any government, every one has focused on political consideration while including a particular community into SC or ST list," Kharge said. "This should not be done. The inclusion should be purely on basis of merit.

We must see the economic and social status of the particular community," he added. Kharge urged the government to consider his request deeply and seriously so that the benefits could reach the needy communities.

On day 4, Bombay HC and CM appeal to Maharashtra doctors to call off strike to the doctors and their organisations to call off the strike and return to work,” he said.

The government had spoken to representatives of the striking doctors and accepted all their demands, he said.

“The state has enacted special laws to protect doctors. The quantum of punishment has been increased and attacks on doctors made a non-bailable offence,” the CM said.

State Advocate General Rohit Deo informed the high court on Thursday that the government has decided to deploy an additional 1,100 armed police personnel from Maharashtra State Security Corporation in all state and civic-run hospitals.

“The first lot of 500 police personnel will be deployed at hospitals in Mumbai on April 5. The re-

maining 600 will be deployed at hospitals across the state by April 30,” he said.

“This will be in addition to the already deployed policemen at the hospitals,” Deo said.

The court accepted this statement and asked the doctors to resume work.

“You (doctors) resume work and see if everything is done as assured by the government. We will hear the matter every fortnight and supervise the issue,” the judges said.

Fadnavis, while appealing to the doctors to resume work, said, “The laws need continuous upgradation and the government is open to discussion.”

“We will try to see that attacks on doctors do not happen and if it happens the perpetrators will be punished severely,” the CM said.

Undernutrition makes children susceptible to TB: Experts

(March 24 is World Tuberculosis Day)

New Delhi, March 23 (iaNS): With malnutrition or undernutrition accounting for nearly one third of all childhood deaths in India, it is also a major risk factor in children, especially those below the age of five, for developing tuberculosis (TB), experts have said.

Tuberculosis is one of the top 10 causes of death globally and approximately 500,000 children are diagnosed with the disease annually, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates.

In 2015, one million children (below 14 years) fell prey to TB, whereas 170,000 of them died worldwide.

"Undernutrition lowers the body's immunity, making it easier for the bacteria to attack an individual and makes the fight against tuberculosis more difficult," Sunil Kumar Mehendiratta, Senior Consultant and HOD (Department of Paediatrics) at Venkateshwar Hospital, Dwarka, told IANS. "Infants and children under the age of five are probably the most vulnerable, to developing both the infection and the disease. Children harbouring latent infection are also at the risk of TB re-activation in adulthood," Mehendiratta added.

Tuberculosis is caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium that most often begins by affecting the lungs and can then spread to other body parts. On an average, 10-

15 per cent of all TB patients are under the age of 14.

As many as 81,482 cases of TB among children were detected in 2012, accounting for seven per cent of all TB cases in the country, as per a national report titled 'TB in India'.

"There has been a steep rise in TB cases among children in India. In a month, I see nearly seven to 10 new cases. It is sad to see children below the age of five visiting OPDs with TB. The most unfortunate part is the lack of awareness, proper diagnosis and treatment in case of childhood TB," added Rahul Nagpal, Director (Department of Paediatrics) at Fortis Flt. Lt. Rajan Dhall Hospital, New Delhi.

Six countries account for 60 per cent of the total TB cases with India leading the count, followed by Indo-

nesia, China, Nigeria, Pakistan and South Africa, the WHO said.

In India, 39 per cent of children are stunted, 21 per cent of children are wasted, and 36 per cent of children are underweight, according to data provided by the recent National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-4 which showed how prevalent undernutrition is in India, thereby increasing the risk of TB in the country.

Furthermore, the emergence of multi-drug resistant TB and complications aggravated by high rates of co-infection with HIV-AIDS has renewed the threat of the epidemic in the country, the doctor said.

Poverty, malnutrition, poor housing and sanitation, compounded by other risk factors such as HIV, tobacco, alcohol use and diabetes,

can put people at heightened risk of TB and make it harder for them to access care.

"Contrary to perception, not just children living in slums and unhygienic conditions, even those from relatively affluent backgrounds are diagnosed with TB," Mehendiratta said.

TB patients require higher levels of energy and metabolic immunity to cope with the infection, and understandably this need is higher in children during to their growth phase.

"Diet plays a very important role in combating TB. Undernourished and malnourished children are also more susceptible to a relapse," Jamhoih (Jamie) Tonsing, Regional Director, at The International Union

Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union) - South-East Asia Office, a non-profit scientific organisation, told IANS. "Fighting TB requires a diet rich in fats, vitamins, minerals and proteins. Immediate interventions should include food supplementation programmes, such as the Public Distribution System, Integrated Child Development Services and Mid-day Meal Programme which can enhance the value of foods supplied and target families who actually need them," Tonsing added.

Parents must encourage children to adopt a healthy lifestyle that can help in staying protected from the potentially dangerous bacteria and keep their immune system healthy.

fridAY 24•03•2017

WORLD

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

9

IS claims responsibility for British parliament attack LONDON, March 23 (reuters): Islamic State was responsible for an attack outside Britain’s parliament which left four people dead, the group’s Amaq news agency said on Thursday.

“The perpetrator of the attacks yesterday in front of the British parliament in London is an Islamic State soldier and he carried out the operation in response to calls to target citizens of the coalition,” the Amaq statement said.

Islamic State, which has controlled parts of Iraq and Syria in recent years, has lost territory this year to local forces in those countries supported by a U.S.-led military coalition.

UK parliament attacKer British-Born The attacker who killed three people near the British parliament before being shot dead was British-born and was once investigated

by MI5 intelligence agents over concerns about violent extremism, Prime Minister Theresa May said on Thursday.

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement issued by its Amaq news agency. But it gave no name or other details and it was not clear whether the attacker was directly connected to the group.

Police arrested eight people at 6 locations in London and Birmingham in the investigation into Wednesday’s lone-wolf attack that May said was inspired by a warped Islamist ideology.

About 40 people were injured and 29 remain in hospital, seven in critical condition, after the incident which resembled

Vehicle attacks like London easy to organise, hard to prevent

Britain’s Prime Minister is driven out of Downing Street the morning after an attack by a man driving a car and weilding a knife left five people dead and dozens injured, in London on March 23. (REUTERS Photo)

Islamic State-inspired attacks in France and Germany where vehicles were driven into crowds.

The assailant sped across Westminster Bridge in a car, ploughing into pedestrians along the way, then ran through the gates of the nearby parliament building and fatally stabbed an unarmed policeman before being shot dead.

“What I can confirm is that the man was Britishborn and that some years ago he was once investigated by MI5 in relation to concerns about violent extremism,” May said in a statement to parliament.

“He was a peripheral figure...He was not part of the current intelligence picture. There was no prior intelligence of his intent or of the plot,” she said, adding that his identity would be revealed when the investigation allowed.

The mayhem in Lon-

don took came on the first anniversary of attacks that killed 32 people in Brussels. Twelve people were killed in Berlin in December when a truck ploughed into a Christmas market and 84 died in July in a similar attack on Nice waterfront for which Islamic State claimed responsibility.

Islamic State, which is being driven from large areas of Iraq and Syria by local forces supported by a U.S.-led military coalition, said it was responsible for the London attack.

“The perpetrator of the attacks...is an Islamic State soldier and he carried out the operation in response to calls to target citizens of the coalition,” a statement on its Amaq agency said.

Westminster Bridge and the area just around parliament were still cordoned off on Thursday morning and a line of forensic investigators in light

blue overalls were on their hands and knees, examining the scene where the attacker was shot.

The dead were two members of the public, the stabbed policeman and the attacker. “My thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathy are with all those who have been affected by yesterday’s awful violence,” Queen Elizabeth said in a message. Britain’s plan to trigger the formal process of exiting the EU on March 29 will not be delayed due to the attack, May’s spokesman said. “tooK oUt his raGe” It was the worst such attack in Britain since 2005, when 52 people were killed

by Islamist suicide bombers on London’s public transport system. Police had given the death toll as five but revised it down to four on Thursday.

The casualties included 12 Britons, three

ParIs, March 23 (reuters): Militants are increasingly turning to vehicle-ramming attacks, like the one staged near Britain’s parliament on Wednesday, because they are cheap, easy to organise and hard to prevent. Experts say the tactic of mowing people down avoids the need to obtain any explosives or weapons and can be carried out by a “lone-wolf” attacker without using a network of fellow militants - all lessening the risk of alerting security agencies. “This kind of attack doesn’t need special preparation, it is very low-cost, within anybody’s reach,” said Sebastien Pietrasanta, a French Socialist lawmaker and terrorism expert.

“It is often a case of individual action,” he told Reuters. “They can be quite spontaneous.” Four people were killed and at least 20 injured in London after a car ploughed into pedestrians and an attacker stabbed a policeman close to parliament in what police called a “marauding terrorist attack”.

The attacker was shot dead. Trucks were used to devastating effect last year against crowds in Berlin and Nice, in contrast to more organised attacks that have already hit Paris and Madrid - as well as

French children, two Romanians, four South Koreans, one German, one Pole, one Chinese, one American and two Greeks, May said.

“We meet here, in the oldest of all parliaments, because we know that democracy and the values it entails will always prevail,” she said.

“A terrorist came to the place where people of all nationalities and cultures gather what it means to be free and he took out his rage indiscriminately against innocent men, women and children,” said May. A minute’s silence was held in parliament and in front of police headquarters at New Scotland Yard at 0933 GMT, in honour of the victims -- 933 was the shoulder number on the uniform of Keith Palmer, the policeman who was stabbed to death.

May was in parliament on Wednesday, a short

distance away from the spot where the attacker was shot. She was swiftly whisked away as the chaos erupted, according to lawmaker Andrew Bridgen, who was nearby at the time.

A government minister was widely praised for trying to resuscitate Palmer, walking away from the scene with blood on his hands and face.

A crowdfunding page hastily set up to raise money for Palmer’s family attracted close to 20,000 pounds ($25,000)within three hours.

Some have been shocked that the attacker was able to cause such mayhem in the heart of the capital equipped with nothing more sophisticated than a hired car and a knife.

“The police and agencies that we rely on for our security have forestalled a large number of these attacks in recent years, over

London in 2005 - using teams of bombers or gunmen. Islamic State claimed responsibility for both the Nice attack last July, when a truck killed 86 people celebrating Bastille Day, and for the Berlin attack in December, when a truck smashed through a Christmas market, killing 12 people.

While no group has yet claimed responsibility for Wednesday’s attacks, Islamic State is under intense pressure in Syria and in Iraq, where one of its last strongholds, Mosul, is under assault from Iraqi forces backed by a coalition that Britain is part of. Islamic State encouraged readers of its online magazine Rumiyah in 2016 to use vehicles to kill and injure.

Vehicle attacks are not a new tactic in the Middle East.In 2008, a Palestinian rammed a bulldozer into vehicles on a Jerusalem street before a visit by then U.S. presidential candidate Barack Obama, wounding at least 16 people. Another Palestinian drove his truck into a group of Israeli soldiers in Jerusalem in January this year, killing four of them in an attack that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said was likely to have been inspired by Islamic State.

a dozen last year,” said defence minister Michael Fallon.

“This kind of attack, this lone-wolf attack, using things from daily life, a vehicle, a knife, are much more difficult to forestall,” he told the BBC. soliDaritY Three French highschool students aged 15 or 16, who were on a school trip to London with fellow students from Brittany, were among the injured.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault, who travelled to London to bring a message of solidarity, met some of the other students who were on the school trip and their families at a hotel near the hospital where the injured were being treated.

He told reporters the lives of the three youngsters were not in danger. Ayrault later attended the session in parliament where May

spoke. France has been hit by repeated deadly Islamist attacks over the past two years.

A vigil was planned in London’s Trafalgar Square at 6 P.M. Anti-immigration groups were quick to make links between immigration and the attack, though it was subsequently revealed the attacker was Britishborn.

Leave.EU, a group that has campaigned for immigration to be severely restrained as part of Britain’s exit from the European Union, accused mainstream politicians of facilitating acts of terror by failing to secure borders.

In France, far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen also drew a link, saying that events in London highlighted the importance of protecting national borders and stepping up security measures.

South Asian women more at Fierce clashes persist in Syria ahead of renewed peace talks risk of osteoporosis, study says LONDON, March 23 (IaNs): Premenopausal women of South Asian origin might be more at risk of developing osteoporosis in later life, owing to higher levels of a by-product of bone resorption, a new study in the journal Bone reports.

Bone resorption is a natural process which enables the transfer of calcium from bone tissue into the bloodstream and is required to allow bone to adapt itself to challenges (e.g. change in a person’s activity levels) and repair damage. However, if excessive and not balanced by equivalent bone formation, overtime this can be detrimental to bone health, the study said.

The findings, reported in the journal Bone revealed that pre-menopausal South Asian women had higher levels of urinary N terminal telopeptide -- a byproduct of bone resorption found in urine -- than their white counterparts, indicating elevated levels of bone resorption than would be expected for their age.

“The study showed that pre-menopausal South Asian women have the same level of bone resorption as a woman who has been through the menopause,” said lead author Andrea Darling from the University of Surrey in Britain.

Typically high levels of this by-product are only found in post-menopausal women, which indicates that osteoclast cells in pre-menopausal South Asian women might be breaking down bones at a quicker rate than they are being reformed, making these women more susceptible to osteoporosis and fractures in later life.

In addition, fluctuations in levels of Vitamin D, -- crucial for maintaining healthy bones -- that is very high levels in summer but very low levels in winter, also led to higher levels of bone resorption.

For the study, the team examined bone resportion in over 370 pre and post-menopausal South Asian and white women in the Britain.

BeIrut, March 23 (reuters): Jihadists and other rebel groups made advances against the Syrian army north of Hama on Thursday, a war monitor said, part of their biggest offensive for months, underscoring the bleak prospects for peace talks which resume later in the day.

Since the Hama offensive began late on Tuesday, the rebels have captured about 40 positions from the army including at least 11 villages and towns, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, said. A Syrian military source acknowledged that insurgents had launched a widescale assault in rural parts of Hama by what the source called a large number of terrorists, but said the attack had

been contained.

The assault coincides with clashes in the capital Damascus, where rebels and the army are fighting on the edge of the city centre in the Jobar district for a fifth day amid heavy bombardment, state media and the war monitor reported. It seems unlikely to reverse 18 months of steady military gains by the government, culminating in December’s capture of the rebel enclave in Aleppo, but it has shown the army’s difficulty in defending many fronts simultaneously.

Increased fighting, despite a ceasefire brokered in December by Russia and Turkey, casts further doubt on peacemaking efforts in Geneva, where talks resume on Thursday after making no progress towards peace in

Police officer, 3 others killed in Wisconsin town

Numerous law enforcement vehicles and SWAT teams respond to shooter on Wednesday,at an apartment complex in Rothschild, Wis. A police officer and three other people were shot and killed when a domestic dispute at a bank escalated into shootings at three locations. (AP Photo)

WestON, March 23 (aP): A police officer and three other people were shot and killed when a domestic dispute at a bank escalated into shootings at three locations in northern Wisconsin on Wednesday, investigators said. A suspect was in custody.

The shootings happened at a bank, a law firm and an apartment complex, where officers, including a SWAT team, had a standoff with the suspect for several hours before ending in a volley of

gunfire around 5 p.m.

Authorities took no questions in a brief news conference late Wednesday and gave no details on the four victims or suspect. They said there was no remaining threat to the public. Jason Smith, a deputy administrator for the state Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigation, said more than 100 officers were investigating and more information would be released Thursday.

The violence unfolded in

a cluster of small towns south of Wausau, about 90 miles west of Green Bay. The officer worked for Everest Metro, a small, 27-officer force that serves Schofield and Weston.

“I would like to send all my thoughts and ask everybody listening, ‘Thoughts and prayers to all the victims and their families.’

Everest Metro Chief Wally Sparks said. “Please keep them in your prayers and be with our officers.”

The first shooting was reported shortly after mid-

day at Marathon Savings Bank in nearby Rothschild.

Officers responding to a reported “domestic situation” at the bank arrived to find two people had been shot.

They said the suspect was gone when they arrived.

A second call came about 10 minutes later from the Tlusty, Kennedy and Dirks law firm in nearby Schofield. The third shooting happened at 1:30 p.m. at an apartment complex in Weston.

A woman who lives in the complex said she looked out her apartment window at the complex about 1:15 p.m. to see a squad car approach, and a few seconds later heard a gunshot and saw the officer fall. Kelly Hanson, 21, told The Associated Press she saw other officers put the wounded policeman in an armored SWAT vehicle and take him away, but she could not tell if he was alive or dead.

“I thought, what is going on? I know what a gun sounds like, and thought ‘This isn’t good,’” Hanson said. She said she stayed in her apartment until about 4:45 p.m. when she heard a volley of about 10 shots and began to “freak out.” Author-

ities eventually let her leave her apartment. “It’s tragic that had to happen, but I think they did a good job out here today,” Hanson said.

SWAT members entered the apartment building about 2:30 p.m., the Wausau Daily Herald reported. Nearby schools and a hospital went on lockdown. The lockdowns were later lifted. Susan Thompson, a resident of the building, told the newspaper she heard gunshots and heard someone scream. As she left her apartment, police called to her to get inside and lock her doors. Thompson, 21, said she had her 2-year-old daughter in the apartment.

Officers later came to her door and helped her and her daughter outside, she said.

Omar Sey, 31, who said he had just moved to the apartment complex, learned of the shooting after he arrived home to find dozens of squad cars outside. Sey, who said he had moved to Wisconsin from Gambia, said he didn’t understand why such things happen in America.

“This is crazy,” he said. “You have everything at your disposal. Why don’t you make your life better instead of engaging in this?

recent rounds. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s government, backed by Russia, Iran and Shi’ite militias, is attending the Geneva talks.

Both sides accuse each other of violating the ceasefire.

Near Hama, rebels spearheaded by the jihadist Tahrir al-Sham alliance, but including groups fighting under the banner of the Free Syrian Army, made new advances overnight and fight-

ing continued on Thursday, is inhabited mainly by Christhe Observatory said. tians. The United States, which has supported some hama anD DamascUs FSA groups during the war On Wednesday, the Syr- along with Turkey and Gulf ian military source said rein- monarchies, has carried out forcements were headed to air strikes targeting Tahrir althe Hama front. Tahrir al-Sh- Sham leaders since January. am’s strongest faction is the In Damascus, the intensity of former Nusra Front group, clashes around the industrial Qaeda’s official affiliate in al zone in Jobar increased afSyria until they broke formal ter midnight, the Syrian Obties last year. One of the vil- servatory for Human Rights lages involved in the fighting reported.

ENTRY FREE

COME ONE COME ALL

COME ONE COME ALL

DO VISIT US AT THE

NATIONAL HANDLOOM EXPO

AT GURKHA PANCHAYAT PUBLIC GROUND,CHANDMARI COLONY, OPPOSITE, NAGALAND GOVT. PRINTING PRESS, KOHIMA, NAGALAND From 22nd March to 4th April 2017 Time : 10:30 A.M to 6:30 P.M Participants from Various States of India, A Mega Events of Exclusive Range of Handloom products, day to day utilities & Decorative items, Innovative & well designed Ladies & Gents ware, Traditional Shawls, Jacket, Bed Sheet, Cushion cover, Handicrafts items, Basketry etc.

Enjoy the Handloom Colours of India Organised By:Nagaland Handloom & Handicrafts Development Corporation Ltd (A Govt. of Nagaland Undertaking) Dimapur: Nagaland.

Sponsored By:Office of the Development Commissioner for Handlooms, Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India, New Delhi Sd/- K. HOKISHE ASSUMI, Managing Director

WORKSHOP-CUM- SEMINAR

The Nagaland Handloom & Handicrafts Development Corporation Ltd, Dimapur is organizing the National Handloom Expo at Gurkha Panchayat Public Ground, Chandmari, Kohima from 22nd March to 4th April 2017.

During the Expo Workshop -Cum - Seminar will be conducted at the Venue National Expo Gurkha Panchayat Public Ground, Chandmari, Kohima on 25th March, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. Resource persons from different fields within and outside the state are being invited to address the participants in the Seminar for the upliftment and promotion of Handloom sector in the state. It is inform to all the interested weavers/ Artisans/SHG’s & Entrepreneurs engaged in Handlooms sector to registered their name to the Manager Sales Emporium Kohima for participation in the WorkshopCum-Seminar. During the Seminar the participants will be informed about the available financial facilities, Marketing, Designing, etc. which will be beneficial to them. The event is being sponsored by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handloom), Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India, New Delhi.

Sd/- K. HOKISHE ASSUMI Managing Director

10

FriDAY 24•03•2017

NagalaNd

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Governor visits national handloom expo Human trafficking awareness prog at Tuensang

Kohima, march 23 (mExN): The Governor of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, PB Acharya expressed his delight in seeing so much talent amongst the Naga people during his visit to the National Handloom Expo held at the Gurkha Panchayat Public Ground, Chandmari, Kohima on March 23.

He said the Government should encourage the craftsmen and entrepreneurs by organising such Expo’s from time to time all over the State. He also stated that an Exhibition of such kind should be held at least once a year in metro cities of the county to boost and encourage the talents of the local people.

He also asked entrepre-

Governor of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, PB Acharya and his wife, Kavita Acharya during their visit to the National Handloom Expo held at Kohima on March 23.

neurs to take up their profession seriously and added that entrepreneurs can avail the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana which mainly focuses on small and micro level businesses

where the interest rates of the loan are affordable and low when compared with other bank’s interest rates.

Wife of the Governor, Kavita Acharya also commented that the handlooms

and crafts showcased at the pavilion were priceless and appreciated all participants for their wonderful work.

The Governor also appealed the people to visit the ongoing exhibition and to encourage the artisans who have come to take part. Acharya also thanked the Minister of Textiles, Government of India, Irani for her initiative in sponsoring the exhibition.

A press release issued by the Raj Bhavan stated that the 15 days handloom expo is being organised by the Nagaland Handloom & Handicrafts Development Cooperation Ltd and sponsored by the Development Commissioner for Handlooms, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.

TuENsaNg, march 23 (DiPr): The Chairperson of Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW), Dr. Temsula Ao today stated that human trafficking covers a huge perimeter from organ trade trafficking to sex trade which is ‘modern day slavery.’

Dr. Temsula highlighted more on human trafficking, its impact to the society, impact on the section of the people, measures done to control its network etc at the legal awareness programme on human trafficking organized by Nagaland State Commission for Women in collaboration with National Commission for Women, New Delhi held

at Auditorium Hall Sao Chang Government College Tuensang.

She also spoke on Child Labour, Sex Slave, C o m m e rc i a l Hu ma n trade etc. She mentioned about children exploitation in the form of child forced marriage, forced begging and forced children to enroll in the armed forces etc. She encouraged the church ministries or other NGOs to join hands to fight against the social evil prevalent in the society.

The programme was attended by the Chairperson and Members of the NSCW, Official of District administration, Police officers leaded by SP Tuensang, DBs, GBs,

teaching faculties of the Sao Chang Government College and Students of the college.

Short speech was given by Khriesenuo, Legal Consultant NSCW who spoke on the legal measures guaranteed by the law of the land where she mentioned the human trafficking as the third largest crime after arms and drugs related crimes.

She also lectured on the immoral trafficking prevention Act 1946, Security given to Citizens of India by the Indian Panel Code, Juvenile Justice and many related laws covering the Safety over Human trafficking crimes.

Anti Mangy and Panel Advocate DLSA Tuensang

also supplemented on the legal measures on this specific filed where she also spoke on the readiness of the DLSA staffs to help and aid in the Human trafficking related cases. V. Ezung, Superintendent Police Tuensang spoke on the statistics of human Trafficking related cases registered in the Northeastern State of India. He advised all the stake holders of the state, parents and to be well informed to come forwards when such cases arise.

Welcome address was delivered by Lomti, Assistant professor Sao Chang G overnment College while vote of thanks was given by Asangla Cholong, Member NSCW.

WSBAK joins Clean Election Campaign Legal awareness prog at Christian Hr Sec School Kohima, march 23 (mExN): Supporting the call for Clean Election Campaign by NBCC, the Western Sümi Baptist Akukuhou Küqhakulu (WSBAK) has launched the Clean Election Campaign on February 28, 2017. A Committee for Clean Election has been set up and the orientation of members was given by Hekani Jakhalu, Chair, Governing Council Youthnet, Kohima.

In her message, Hekani highlighted election malpractices and election related expenses where large amount of money has been spent in buying votes which ultimately becomes

the root cause of all forms of corruption in Nagaland.

She also highlighted the importance of having plans and strategies for clean election campaign.

Subsequently, WSBAK organized the first Clean Election Campaign in 2017 for the churches under Aghunaqha area on March 4 at Zutoi Baptist Church.

More than 100 delegates including the G.Bs, Village Chairmen and members, Pastor’s and church leaders attended the campaign representing 30 churches.

A booklet on clean election campaign in Sümi language entitled “Amikucho Kikishe Lojikugha”

was distributed to educate the people on the prevailing election system and urged people to rise to the occasion to stand and act together for free and fair elections.

About 60 persons took the responsibility in ensuring clean election by signing the pledge card. Rev. Aheto Sema, Kakheli, Inato Shikhu were the resource speakers.

WSBAK CEC Committee, Convener, Rev. Aheto Sema informed in a press release that more workshops and campaigns will be organized in the coming days for churches under WSBAK covering 10 areas.

Students with the Dimapur District Legal Services Authority team during the legal awareness programme at Christian Higher Secondary School.

DimaPur, mar ch 23 (mExN): The Dimapur District Legal Services Authority (DDLSA) conducted a legal awareness programme at Christian Higher Secondary School (CHSS) to educate the students about rights.

Ajongba Imchen, Secretary DDLSA and Chief Judicial Magistrate in his keynote address encouraged the students to know their rights and to help create a corruption free society. He spoke about the importance of the students knowing

their rights since they are the “most powerful citizens of the country.”

The programme was presided over by DDLSA Panel Lawyer, Dzüvinou Chadi. Panel Lawyer, Sentimenla spoke on Right to Information, Panel Lawyer Zuchempeni

spoke about cyber crime and Panel Lawyer Kumchuba spoke on Consumer Rights.

The programme was well attended by over 450 students along with the staff and Vice Principle, Patricia Zhimomi.

Farmers Clubs launched 7th All Nagaland Open Quiz Competition held Kiremwati is Chair of C-Edge College DimaPur, march in five Phek villages 23 (mExN): C-Edge ColPhEK, march 23 (mExN): National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) launched Farmers Club each in Khezhakeno, Leshemi, Lasumi, Zapami, and Lekromi villages, which is promoted by Chude Agri Allied Cooperative Society Ltd (CAACS) and supported by NSCB Pfutsero Branch.

The Farmers Clubs were launched in the presence of Imsunaro, District Development Manager (DDM), NABARD, Assistant Branch Manager, NSCB Pfutsero Branch, Farmers Club members, village members and CAACS members.

A press release from Zelhoulo Koza, CAACS Secretary informed that during the launch at respective villages, Imsunaro, DDM, NABARD discussed the five principles of development through credit emphasizing on the importance of credit, timely repayment of loans, asset creation under agriculture and saving.

The Club members were also briefed on the roles and functions of the club, maintenance of books/ registers, regular meetings to be convened, preparation of yearly calendar of activities, NABARD’s assistance for three years, sustainability of club through creation of group corpus fund, and intervention by the club through economic and social activities in the village.

Meanwhile, Assistant Branch Manager, NSCB Pfutsero Branch Liudi Zeliang told the villagers that the primary objective of forming Farmers Club in a village is for the club to act as a bridge between the village and the bank. He shared on various facilities of the bank like KCC, GCC, life insurance policies like Atal Pension Yojna, PMJJY, PMJJBY etc. He also promised full cooperation and support to the Farmers Clubs.

Reading material was distributed to the club members followed by interactive session.

Participants at the final round of the 7th All Nagaland Open Quiz Competition held recently at Japfu Christian College held on March 18.

Kohima, march 23 (mExN): The 7th All Nagaland Open Quiz Competition (ANOQC) was held at Japfü Christian College, Kigwema on March 18.

Pewsuthong K Yim from Yemhi Memorial College, Dimapur bagged the first position followed by AkamTikhir, Baptist College in the second position and Asangba, Jap-

fü Christian College, taking the third place. The winners walked away with Cash prizes of rupees 10000, 5000 and 3000 respectively along with citations.

The college annually organizes the competition to create “General Knowledge Awareness” while also to encourage the spirit of open competition amongst Nagas both young

and old. The initiative towards promoting quizzes and other competition is to inculcate professional aspirations and transparent acquisition of future occupational choices through legal entries.

The committee for ANOQC 2017 was Khrienuo Zhasa, Merangchang Mollier, Vineito Sale and Chitaranjan Wareppam.

lege installed Kiremwati as Chair on March 21.

President of the college, Er Moa Aier offered an introduction about Chair being installed in various universities and educational institutes across the globe, adding the concept of installation of chair dates way back to 176 AD. R. Ezung, former Secretary, Government of Nagaland and the guest speaker for the day, had accolades for his former teacher, Kiremwati. He recalled being taught by the man about half a century ago and testified how Kiremwati imbibed the fear of God in his life and works. Ezung called Kiremwati “one of the greatest achievers in Nagaland” and that he taught with a missionary’s zeal.

Meanwhile, Kiremwati attributed glory to God and acknowledged that the unseen hand of God led his humble life as a teacher.

He served as the Director of Higher and Technical Education in 1983 and also served as the Pro Vice Chancellor of North East

Kiremwati delivers speech during the installation programme held at C-Edge College on March 21.

Hill University (NEHU) in 1986, the first Naga to attain that status. He continued contributing to education in various capacities even after many years of formal retirement, the college said in a press release. He also served as the Chairman of Nagaland Education Commission in 1999 and resigned as the Education Consultant in 2005.

Former Secretary of ABAM and Missionary at large, Rev. Kari Longchar and also a former student of Kiremwati said the dedicatory prayer for the chair and also pronounced the

benediction.

The programme was led by Vitsusie Savino, HoD of Sociology Department, while a special song was presented by Lipokmarla and Imsuakum, Assistant Professors of Management & Economics Department respectively.

The college informed that the programme was attended by several former students of Kiremwati who themselves were accomplished personalities, Members of Board of Governor, families of Kiremwati and the faculty and student of the college.

public discourse

Z. K. Pahrü Pou

I

BTC, Pfutsero

ntroduction: Yogi Adityanath, the newly appointed Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, directed government officials in UP to stop chewing pan, pan masala, and gutka during duty hours. The use of tobacco and pan products has been banned in hospitals, schools and colleges too. In Imphal, insurgent groups are actively involved in banning the sale and use of tobacco. Those who were caught selling tobacco products like pan, khaini, raja, talab, etc., were heavily punished sometime even shot.

Government of India prohibits and restricts advertisement in mass media (tv or in movies) about tobacco. It also imposes heavy tax on the production and sale of tobacco. The State also prohibits smoking in public places with heavy fine or imprisonment. It requires 75% of tobacco packet being devoted to create awareness about the danger of using tobacco. However, the Church had kept silent for all these years on this issue.

Tobacco: Most people know tobacco is really bad for them. It is indeed a strange habit of human beings that inhales smoke deliberately into one’s system, and continuing the process again and again to derive satisfaction. It is the cause for many preventable diseases in the world. Tobacco is devastating to human body and second-hand smoke is equally damaging to those around it.

According to a research, tobacco kills more than AIDS, road accidents, murder, legal drugs, illegal drugs and suicide combined. Cases of oral cancer in North East India have been increasing at a fast rate during the past few years. Disturbingly, in Nagaland, many students are addicted to smokeless tobacco from their early childhood. A small survey conducted by the BD Third Year students of Baptist Theological College, Pfutsero, among the students in Pfutsero educational institutions, showed that many young girls and boys are addicted to tobacco substances. The Church, as moral guardian of society, must wake up from its slumber and

CHURCH and TOBACCO educate its members about the danger of using tobacco.

Nicotine: Nicotine is a very strong addiction substance.

Once addicted it becomes very difficult to quit tobacco dependence. When one uses tobacco products, nicotine is quickly absorbed into bloodstream.

Within 10 seconds the nicotine reaches the brain. It causes the brain to release adrenaline, creating a buzz of pleasures and energy. The buzz fades quickly though, and leaves the user feeling tired, a little down, and wanting the buzz again. This feeling is what makes one light up the next cigarette. Since our body is able to build up a high tolerance to nicotine, we will need to smoke more and more cigarettes in order to get the nicotine’s pleasurable effects and prevent withdrawal symptoms.

This ups and downs cycle repeats over and over, leading to addiction. Children and teens are especially sensitive to nicotine, making it easier for them

to become addicted. Cigarette makers know that nicotine addiction helps sell their products.

Cigarettes today deliver more nicotine more quickly than ever before. Tobacco companies also use additives and chemicals to make them more addictive.

Effects of smoking on health: The effects of smoking are serious. It can harm nearly every organ of the body. Smoking weakens body’s immune system that protects a person from infection and diseases. It leads to respiratory infections, doubles the risks of developing rheumatoid arthritis, 30% to 40% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, decreases bone density leading to fracture, harms blood cells and damages the function of heart, affects lungs and causes breathing problem, affects eyesight/vision.

Tobacco smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals. About 70 of them are known to cause cancer. It negatively impacts male and female fertility and is harmful to pregnant women and their

unborn babies.

Secondhand smoke: Secondhand smoke is the combination of smoke from the burning end of the cigarette and the smoke exhaled by smokers.

When we are around a person who is smoking, we inhale the dangerous chemicals as the smoker.

Sm okele ss tob a c c o: Smokeless tobacco is tobacco that is not burned. It includes chewing tobacco, dip, snuff, and betel quid. At least 28 chemicals in these products have been found to cause cancer. Smokeless tobacco may cause tooth decay in the exposed tooth roots. It can also cause gums to pull away from teeth. In India, tobacco chewing accounts for 30% of the total consumption, beedi smoking (54%) and cigarette smoking (16%). Paan, paan masala, gutka, khaini, gul, bajjar, etc. are other forms of smokeless tobacco.

Some facts and figures about tobacco effects: There

are nearly 1.3 billion smokers in the world. One out of two smokers died of smoking related diseases. India has more than 300 million smokers. India has the highest rate of oral cancer in the world with 90% of the patients being tobacco chewers.

In 2010, 930,000 adults died due to tobacco in India. Over 60% of those suffering from heart disease below the age of 40 years are smokers. Approximately half of all cancers in men in India are tobacco related. It is said that the profit made by the tobacco companies is equivalent to the medical expenses spent by smokers.

Reflection: Use of tobacco has adverse effect on individual’s health. It incurs huge family’s expenditure on buying and later on for medical treatment. It disturbs other’s wellbeing especially through second hand smoke.

It leads to moral and spiritual bankruptcy. It ruins a child’s future. Many chronic smokers find it easier to abstain from food than controlling tobacco related substances during fasting programme. Dirtying the wall by chewing tobacco and spitting on it demonstrate how uncivilised

we are. Littering of plastic covers of tobacco pouches destroys the beauty of environment. Tobacco is a non-sense in civilised world.

Can the Church remain a silent spectator when a Hindu Priest (Yogi Adityanath), an underground group (Meiteis) and Government (GOI) are taking strong action against the use of tobacco? Food and drinks are meant for life and not for destruction. Therefore, using tobacco is not a question of whether it is ‘sin’ or ‘not’ (as many Christians often ask), but the important question is whether it is ‘good’ or ‘bad’ for health. Is tobacco really necessary for life and growth of our body? It is high time for us to save ourselves and the coming generation from the destruction of intoxicants. Let us take this time to think together and help each other. For healthy living and harmonious society, let us say ‘NO’ to tobacco. Let us not wait God to perform miracle again. Let us not wait others to bring change but let us be the agents of change and make miracle happen in our land by transforming our society.

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

Friday 24•03•2017

EntErtainmEnt

Zumba Kids to be officially

launched at PAWF GX STUDIO

Z

UMBA KIDS will be officially launched at PAWF GX Studio, Tetso Arena located in Tetso College Campus, Dimapur on March 25 at 3:00pm.

Talien Pongentsur, Master Trainer at PAWF GX STUDIO, certified and licensed to teach Zumba fitness will be initiating the program and will give personal attention to all the kids with different abilities and according to their comfort zone.

Zumba Kids features the famous Zumba Fitness music, rhythms, and beats along with Zumba choreography broken into kidfriendly routines. Giving children an outlet to jump, dance, shake, and swing their hips, it’s the perfect recipe for fitness fun.

Zumba Kids also adds age-appropriate games and activities, helping children gain coordination, self-confidence, overcome fears, learn about teamwork, and much more.

With the aim to educate children at their young age about fitness and how important it is be fit PAWF Nagaland is initiating this program.

“We understand that every child is built in different ways so accordingly our team will be there to encourage each child with personal attention,” the organisers stated in a

press note.

They stated that children who are active every day promote their healthy growth and development.

They have better self-esteem and better focus and concentration during school. As per studies their hearts, bones, muscles and joints are stronger.

They urged parents to understand and moni-

tor their children’s body mass (height-to-weight ratio) index as the obesity epidemic among children in Nagaland is increasing.

Our program will not only help today’s children by preventing them from becoming obese, it will definitely teach them healthy habits that can last for a lifetime, the organisers added.

Jano Nyekha wins Best Folk Fusion Award at India's biggest Indie Music Awards

E

ighteen year old musician from Nagaland, Jano Nyekha who wrote her own original song 'Aahoh' won the award for the Best Folk Fusion at India's biggest Indie Awards, the Radio City FM Freedom Awards 2017 which was held at Hard Rock Cafe, Mumbai on March 22.

Radio City regional associate, indihut was represented by content manager Nikope Koza and the ceremony was attended by the glitterati of Mumbai along with music producers, musicians and music labels. The Best Folk Fusion award was accepted by Jano's elder sister Nezelu on her behalf.

Jano wrote her original song 'Aahoh' when she was sixteen years old and won the Best Folk Fusion category 2016 on Nagaland based www.indihut.com which nominated her music to compete at the national level at the Radio City Freedom Awards with more than 500 entries from across

Now ShowiNg revIseD TICKeT rATes (silver) : `.120 (Gold) : `. 200 (recliner) : `. 400

10:20 AM, 03:10 PM & 08:10 PM the country. The song was recorded at Tribes Music studio, Dimapur. indihut is associated with Radio City FM as the regional music partner for North-East India. Radio City

is the first private FM radio broadcaster in India. Music Broadcast Limited operates radio stations under the brand “Radio City” in 29 cities and reaches out to over 49.60 million listeners.

Serving a ‘meaty’ platter Dreamz Unlimited pays tribute our ‘Beloved Butcher’

12:55 PM & 05:50 PM 03862-237226 Ticket Counter (09:00 AM - 09:00 PM)

WWW.BooKMYsHoW.CoM (ID: PLAYBox DIMAPur)

Ward 5 (6) Burma Camp, Landmark - Near J.K Hospital Dimapur.

Power House.

Hillstar NOW SHOWING Beauty and the Beast

Morung express News

C M Y K

N

agas love hate relationship with their butcher is legendary – while we cannot rein in our love for meat, there is always chance that once when you visit a butcher, you’ll be rest assured to come back ‘unsatiated.’

Most of the customers have had grudges, but the infinite cycles continue.

Bang on target but with a sarcastic twist, Dreamz Unlimited team has once again served its growing fans a ‘meaty’ video highlighting this ‘infamous’ relationship between a butcher and its customer.

The video titled, “My Beloved Butcher” was released on its youtube

channel on March 22, and as expected, it is garnering a massive viewership, as the event portrayed in the video is immeasurably relatable to many.

In the video, a customer came to a buy meat to a shop. When the owner greeted him, he nonchalantly said, “Today also, I came here to be cheated upon.”

“Right,” the Butcher replied. “If we don’t cheat on each other, whom can we cheat?”

As their conversation continues, it touches the topic of underweighting, forceful buying, freshness as well lack of customer choices in this one-sided affair.

“If I take 4 kilos home

and weight it, it will be only 3.5 kilos, since I want to take 4 kilos, please give me 4.5 Kilos,” at one point the customer said.

“If anyone wants to brighten up one’s mood in the morning, they should visit a butcher,” commented as customer as he departs from the shop.

Right after that another customer came back with pack of meat he had purchased earlier and placed it angrily on the counter.

“When I weighted 2 kilos that I had purchased earlier at home, it was exactly 2 kilos. So I came to informed you that there must be something wrong with your scale,” he said nonplussed.

11:00 AM | 02:00 PM 08:00 PM

Beauty and the Beast

05:00 PM

12

Friday 24•03•2017

SPORTS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Germany's Podolski crowns farewell with stunning winner over England Former Principal Director H&F Welfare, Dr. Sukhato A Wotsa inaugurated the 2nd Edition of Open Volleyball Tournament at Aqhiliqa, Pughoboto on March 23. Altogether 15 teams are participating in the tournament including nine men’s teams and six women’s teams. In the first match, last year’s champion Mukali Center Club defeated the Vivid Guys Yepaqa in the men’s event. (DIPR Photo)

Silver Cup: Radiant, Whiskers enter semis

C M Y K

KOhiMa, MaRch 23 (MexN): Radiant Cricket Club and Whiskers Cricket Club, Dimapur today booked their semifinal berths of the 8th Silver Cup T2- Cricket Tournament.

Organised by Nepali Baptist Church Kohima Youth Department, the tournament is being played at the Jakhama Local Ground on the theme “Peace and Unity through Cricket”.

Playing the third quarterfinal match, Radiant CC defeated KODH CC by 114 runs. Radiant CC electing to bat set a target of 189 runs in 20 overs with major contributions coming from Jintu with 41 runs. Miki and Biki chipped in with 29 and 25 runs respectively. KODH CC bowler, Martin claimed 4 wickets.

In the run chase, KODH CC was bundled out for 74 runs. John (21) and Samuel (18) toiled for runs but received no assistance from fellow teammates. Radiant’s Tusenfa picked 4 wickets while Imli claimed 2.

Jintu was awarded the Player of the match for his 41 runs with the bat.

In the last quarterfinal match, visiting team Shillong Mavericks were sent

packing by Whiskers CC Dimapur.

Winning the toss, Whiskers CC elected to bat and set a herculean target of 167 from the 20 overs. Tejasol with a stellar performance scored 75 runs and was aided at the other end by Imliwati (21) and Sanu (15).

Mavericks bowlers Lakhan and Nafees picked 3 wickets each.

Chasing the huge target, Shillong Mavericks fell short by 28 runs as they were all out in 19.1 overs scoring 138 runs. Raj Biswas top scored for Mavericks with 55 runs while Tejosal of Whiskers CC with Kalam and Saibal scored the MoM award on March 20 and 18 runs respectively. 23, 2016.

Whiskers’ bowler Hokaito grabbed 3 wickets with Sanu and Imliwati each claiming 2 wickets.

Tejasol was declared man of the match. With 137 runs so far, he has also become the holder of the tournament’s Red Cap (highest run getter).

DORTMUND, MaRch 23 (ReUTeRs): Germany's Lukas Podolski capped his international swansong with a sensational goal to give the world champions a 1-0 victory over England in a friendly on Wednesday.

Podolski, who captained the team for the first time, could not have hoped for a more fitting finale to his 13-year Germany career, as he thundered in the winner in the 69th minute to take his goal tally to 49 in 130 international matches.

The 31-year-old's goal ensured an enterprising England suffered a bitter defeat having looked sharper than their hosts for much of the game and hit the woodwork in the first half.

"It's like a movie, the way it happened today. We win and I score the winning goal," a beaming Podolski told reporters.

"God or whoever gave me a left foot and it has served me well over the years."

England, who top World Cup qualifying Group F, host Lithuania at Wembley on Sunday while

Lukas Podolski gives a speech before the game. (REUTERS)

Germany, five points clear at the top of Group C, travel to Azerbaijan.

Germany were without several key players, including Manuel Neuer, Julian Draxler and Mesut Ozil, with coach Joachim Loew forced to make changes.

With youngsters Timo

Werner, Julian Brandt and Leroy Sane starting, the Germans struggled to find their feet and England had good chances to open the scoring through Jamie Vardy and Michael Keane, on his international debut.

Their biggest came after 30 minutes when Adam

Lallana took advantage of a Joshua Kimmich mistake to charge through but, with only Marc Andre ter Stegen to beat, his low, angled shot bounced off the post.

The keeper came to Germany's rescue just before halftime, blocking a Dele Alli shot, with Eng-

land looking promising in Gareth Southgate's first game in charge since being appointed full-time manager in November.

The coach deployed an experimental three-man defence and it worked wonders for more than an hour as the Germans were resigned to trying their luck with long-range shots with little success.

The visitors could not maintain their pressing game and pace into the second half before Podolski drilled home a shot from 25 metres out with his famed left foot to give keeper Joe Hart no chance.

"If you're looking at chances we had the better chances it's as simple as that," England captain Gary Cahill said. "We will look back and reflect and if we take our chances, we win that game."

"It's a learning curve.

We played well today, especially first half."

The Germans, who set a national record with their seventh consecutive clean sheet, also gained revenge for a 3-2 loss to England almost a year ago to the day.

March 24 matches (Semi-Final): Diphu XI vs Radiant CC @ 9:00 am Lower Bayavü Giants vs Whiskers CC Dimapur @ 12:00 Noon

Westbrook nets 'perfect' triple double in Thunder win

WashiNgTON, MaRch 23 (aFP): NBA scoring leader Russell Westbrook unleashed his 35th triple double of the season, making NBA history and powering the Oklahoma City Thunder over visiting Philadelphia 122-97.

Westbrook went a perfect 6-for-6 from the floor and free throw line to score 18 points, also grabbing a game-high 11 rebounds and passing off a gamehigh 14 assists to spark the Thunder.

It was the first time in NBA history that a player achieved a triple double with perfect shooting from the court and free throw line, and the first game in Westbrook's career in which he was perfect on every shot.

"I was just playing, trying to take my time," Westbrook said of his historic hot hand.

"I wanted to continue to get my teammates involved throughout the game."

Westbrook bounced back after scoring only 15 points Monday against Golden State, although he didn't attempt a 3-pointer for the first time since March 14, 2016 -- a span of 83 games.

Westbrook needs six more triple doubles in the final 11 games for the Thunder (41-30) to match the all-time one-season record of 41 triple doubles set

by Oscar Robertson in the 1961-62 campaign.

That was the season Robertson became the only player in NBA history to average a triple double for the entire season, a feat Westbrook is on pace to match.

Westbrook leads the NBA with 31.4 points a game and also averages 10.5 rebounds and 10.3 assists a game. He ranks third in the league in assists this season and 10th in rebounds.

The 76ers confirmed that center Joel Embiid would have surgery on his left knee to repair a torn meniscus. He had already

been ruled out for the remainder of the season.

The Cameroonian standout averaged 20.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.5 blocked shots a game this season, but has not played since January 27.

- Cavaliers fall at Denver Gary Harris netted 21 points to lead seven double-figure scorers for the Denver Nuggets in a 126113 home victory over the reigning NBA champion Cleveland Cavaliers.

Kyrie Irving scored 33 points, Deron Williams added 19 and LeBron James had 18 for the Cavaliers (46-24), whose lead over Boston in the Eastern Conference shrank to only one game.

Isaiah Thomas scored 25 points and Avery Bradley added 18 points as the Boston Celtics (46-26) cruised over visiting Indiana 109-100. Paul George led the Pacers (36-35) with 37 points.

Charlotte reserve forward Frank Kaminsky scored 13 of his 18 points in the decisive fourth quarter to power the Hornets over host Orlando 109-102.

Led by Nikola Mirotic's 28 points, the Chicago Bulls boosted their playoff chances with a 117-95 home rout of Detroit.

The Bulls matched Detroit at 34-38 for ninth in the Eastern Conference, 1 1/2 games behind Miami for the final playoff spot.

French center Rudy Gobert scored a careerhigh 35 points and added game highs of 13 rebounds and four blocked shots to lead the Utah Jazz over visiting New York 108-101, while Greek star Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 32 points as the Milwaukee Bucks downed host Sacramento 116-98.

Washington's Bradley Beal scored 28 points and teammate John Wall added all 22 of his points in the second half to power the Wizards over Atlanta 104-100.

Published, Printed and Edited by Dr. Aküm Longchari from House No. 4, Duncan Bosti, Dimapur at Themba Printers and Morung Publications , Padum Pukhuri Village, Dimapur, Nagaland.

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