March 5th, 2015

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The Morung Express

Dimapur VOL. X ISSUE 61

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Thursday, March 5, 2015 12 pages Rs. 4

Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities

Documentary on 2012 Delhi gang rape banned in India

Rani Mukerji proud ‘Mardaani’ transcended realm of filmmaking

[ PAGE 8]

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY What can we do together? [ PAGE 2]

Hunger and frustration grow at Ebola ground zero in Guinea [ PAGE 9]

[ PAGE 11]

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‘We Want justice’ I

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–Voltaire

Australia Break India’s Record, Hit Highest World Cup Score in History [ PAGE 12]

new Market & Hazi Park vandalised

Morung Express News Dimapur | March 4

Hundreds of students from various colleges in Dimapur on Wednesday marched through Dimapur town in protest of the alleged rape of a college girl on the intervening nights of February 23 and 24. It ended up with the students shaking the daylights out of the Dimapur district administration that had to arm itself, finally with a curfew.

The protestors marched to the premises of Deputy Commissioner’s (DC) Office demanding that the accused, one Syed Farid Khan, be awarded capital punishment or be handed over to them. Once there, slogans of “we want justice, we want the culprit” rose out, with students breaking through the gates of the DC’s office.

“We want the accused punished as per Naga customary law,” stated a student.

The protest, which was not spearheaded by any organization in particular, led to a sudden closure of business establishments, as students in uniform traversed through the town shouting slogans that justice for the rape be done and that ‘Illegal Bangladeshi Immigrants (IBIs)’ be flushed out of Dimapur. The students reached the premises of the DC’s Office at around 1:00pm, where the DC, Wezope Kenye accompanied by SP Dimapur and other officials met the protesting students.

Asserting that they would not submit any resolution to the administration, the students demanded that the accused not be granted bail at any cost and that capital punishment be awarded. The DC assured the students that the administration would extend all possible help to fulfil their demands and appealed for cooperation.

Without anyone in particular leading the students, they remained unrelenting. The district administration and Naga civil bodies remained confused about how to handle the situation. Every leader who tried to address the students downplayed the intensity of the incident, asking the students not to make a big deal

reflections

By Sandemo Ngullie

• Students shake Dimapur administration up over alleged rape •Section 144 CrPC (Curfew) imposed from 7:00pm, March 4 • Rally scheduled on March 5 at 9:00am, Dimapur City Tower

A college student shouting slogans in front of the DC’s office during the protest held in Dimapur on March 4. Photo by Caisii Mao

out of a small issue. This only made the furore worse. The student protestors maintained that they would not compromise with any NGOs, student unions or associations, and that they were fed up of resolutions being submitted to the administration. They censured the lack of action taken by the authorities on the various representations already submitted to the administration.

Later, a 9-member representative team of the protesting students, accompanied by members of Survival Nagaland (SN), Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), Naga Women Hoho Dimapur (NWHD) and others, held a meeting inside the DC’s conference hall, with the district administration and police officials.

However, the meeting failed to reach any compromise, with the students sticking to their demand.

The DC and SP assured that all possible steps would be taken to

Kohima | March 4

Nagaland to get Rs 2631 Cr from central tax share

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DIMAPUR, MARCH 4 (AGENCIES): Nagaland state is all set to receive 0.31 percent share of the central taxes, which amounts to Rs 2,613. This comes with the acceptance of the new criteria of tax devolution methods of the 14th Finance Commission by the NDA government at the centre. This was informed by the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju in a communiqué today. The commission’s report was placed in Parliament by Union finance minister Arun Jaitley on February 24.

that this was just to create fear psychosis, and they were committed to not use force on young students. A female student from one of the colleges remained concerned about how women will retain simple freedoms, and if the police could secure the DC office in this situation to this extent, why not the streets of Dimapur on a daily basis?

By 5:30pm, the students were well in control of the situation, demanding to speak to the DC. Having been met with a stoic armed front, the students made it clear that they will now go and vandalise all shops they assumed were IBI shops. As an angry group of students left the DC’s office, some students were left confused about how to go on, alongside the district administration.

A rally is slated to be held in continuation of the protests from Dimapur City Tower on March 5, 9:00am onwards.

Hong Kong Market/Hazi Park and tried breaking open shops. However, no extensive damage was done in the market except breaking few locks without entering the shop. Few police officers who reached the Hong Kong Market at around 8 pm pacified the mob and dispersed.

The mob still remained in the New Market area when police reinforcement came at around 8:30pm and lathi charged the youth to disperse.

MLA Khekaho Assumi who also reached the spot pacified the youth and appealed them not to take law into their own hands. He condemned the February 23 rape incident and called for awarding befitting punishment to the accused. Khekaho said that the Congress party was against such vandalism thereby creating law and order situation. He appealed all sections of the society to work towards creating a peaceful atmosphere in the society.

Fire at New Market A fire broke out inside a shop at New Market at around 10:15pm on March 4. The fire brigade reached the spot soon after and managed to bring the fire under control in about 40 minutes. Official sources said they had to break open both the locks of the shop to douse the fire, which leaves arson out of the suspect list. The police and fire brigade suspect the cause of fire to be a short circuit.

curfew imposed in Dimapur district

The Dimapur Deputy Commissioner, Wezope Kenye has promulgated a curfew in Dimapur district under Section 144 Cr.PC, prohibiting assembly of 5 or more than 5 persons. The curfew has been in effect from 7:00pm of March 4 and will continue till further orders,

informed the DC. The order has been initiated, according to the DC, “as it is evident that the situation in and around Dimapur district is critical with destruction of properties and movement of large number of the public and thereby resulting in law and order problems.”

The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) and the Sumi Council Dimapur (SCD) have called for stringent punishment to the accused.

The (NSF) demanded that the accused “should not be bailed out,” and urged exemplary punishment. “Because of our obstinate attitude, such heinous crime is being committed by the IBIs without any hesitation,” a press note from NSF claimed. It called upon the government to implement “strong

legislation to effectively tackle IBIs.” The SCD meanwhile said that “ gullibility of outsiders has caused both moral and material losses to Nagas and the impact to our society continues to be adverse. “This trend can be checked by avoiding close proximity with dubious character with intentions to pollute our society with evils,” stated the SCD. It then called upon Naga Society to “avoid backing migratory populations for temporary gains.”

SCD, NSF demand stringent punishment to accused

‘Address formulation of 161 people killed in Assam-Nagaland Nagaland’s water policy’ border row since 1972: Assam MLA Our Correspondent

Lend me your…errr…own money, Papa? This one looks like public money.

punish the accused as per the law.

However, they explained their inability to hand over the accused to the protestors, owing to certain provisions of the law.

The district administration, police and judiciary also came under verbal attack from different speakers including representatives from the student protestors, SN, NSF and the NWHD for failing to implement proper law and order.

Thereby, the student representatives walked out of the meeting and continued to reiterate their demand. Some of the protesters also alleged that the police had used force on uniformed students, with.

The district administration had prepared themselves with male and female IRB personnel, and Nagaland Armed Police that were disproportionately armed given the unarmed student protesters.

However, the police maintained

n what could be described as the total breakdown of law and order in Dimapur town, it took the Nagaland police nearly three hours to begin to control the vandalizing of property.

By 6 pm on March 4, youth numbering more than 100, after dispersing from the DC’s office following day-long protests, reached New Market armed with iron rods, hammers, wooden sticks, levers and other sharp objects to vandalize shops. They had warned the district administration about the action before they left. The youth were in their college uniforms burning with rage as they destroyed sign boards, light bulbs, tons of vegetables, dry fish and poultry (even kicking chicken around). Shops which the students broke open were completely vandalized with all goods inside destroyed. Poultries, groceries, footwear, garments including second hand clothes etc were damaged. Second hand clothes were strewn all over the main road though.

No police officers could be seen on site though officials confirmed that OCs were trying to pacify the situation.

It took the police nearly 3 hours to send its troops to take control of the situation.

Most forces were held back to protect the DC office, with the district administration thinking that the civil society could negotiate the situation even after a day long battle.

As the vandalism went on at New Market, another mob proceeded to

Minister for Soil & Water Conservation, National Highway and Mechanical, Nuklutoshi today said there is an urgent need to address the formulation of the Nagaland water policy.

“One of the key concerns is that the state does not currently have a water policy in place to enable it to develop and put in place frameworks for coordinated and effective water management practices,” the minister said while addressing a conference on ‘Strategy for implementation of National Water Mission’ here today.

He further informed that preparation of for a Nagaland Water Policy has been initiated, facilitated by the Soil & Water Conservation Department in consultation with water related departments and stakeholders.

He said that during the monsoons from May to September, water is aplenty in Nagaland with high rainfall, wherein entire agriculture activities are carried out.

However, the lean season spanning from October to April hardly sees any rains, and as a result the entire state face a water shortage.

“Farmers across the state have reported that the irrigation channels drawn from many of the perennial springs are being reported to have gone dry,” the Minister said.

He added that low lying areas of the state to a certain extent are using underground water for irrigation, which is however limited. Further, the rapid urbanization and developmental activities in the hill areas over the last few

years, coupled with increase in population, has increased the demand for fresh water resources in all sectors. This poses a formidable challenge to the state. Nuklutoshi also stated that effective management of water resources in the state poses challenges.

The Minister also cautioned that climate change is likely to exacerbate the vulnerability of the state, as water availability might decrease further. Prominent water sources in Nagaland include surface water in rivers, streams, ponds and natural springs and subsurface water occurring as ground water. These are mainly sustained by the heavy rainfall received in the state, which is of the order of 2000-2500 mm-one of the highest amongst all states in India.

According to the Minister, rainfall data analysis of Nagaland, spanning over more than 100 years (1901-2005) indicates that a majority of the districts in Nagaland experienced an increase in precipitation. However, the analysis also indicates that though the monsoon rainfall seems to be increasing, rainfall during November to February spanning the winter period is decreasing.

“Since authority over land and its resource is largely vested with communities, the government has to seek their permission to develop the resources,” he said adding that so far, sharing this resources for larger good has been limited, and local conflicts over water complicate the matter. As such, scientific management of most water catchments and recharge zones has not been carried out, or if any, to a limited extent.

GUWAHATI, MARCH 4 (PTI): At least 161 people have been killed and another 171 injured across Assam in attacks by miscreants from Nagaland since 1972.

In a written reply to a query

by AIUDF MLA Aminul Islam, State Parliamentary Affairs Minister Rockybul Hussain said 161 people have been killed in attacks by Naga miscreants in four districts since 1972. Hussain, who replied on behalf of Border Areas Minister Girindra Mallik, said 136

persons lost their lives and 166 people were injured in Golaghat district in 9 attacks since 1977. It is followed by Sivasagar district, where 19 people were killed in 12 attacks that took place between 1972 and 2013, he added.

Hussain said 3 persons were killed and 5 injured in 2 attacks in Karbi Anglong district in 2004 and 2014 respectively.

In Jorhat district, miscreants from the neighbouring state attacked twice and killed 3 persons in 1982 and 2013, he

added. Hussain also said a total of 59,159.77 hectares of Assam land are at present under encroachment of Nagaland.

In Golaghat, 36,013.48 hectares have been occupied

by Nagaland, he added.

It is followed by illegal occupation of 18,871.29 hectares in Jorhat and 4,275 hectares in Sivasagar, Hussain said. Talking about the steps taken by the government to deal with the situation, the Minister said, “Talks are being held periodically with local administration of Nagaland

and Border Peace Coordination Committee has been formed to maintain peace in these areas.”

Whenever encroachers tried to occupy Assam land, they were pushed back from the border and Nagaland administration was informed so that such incidents did not recur, he said. “Assam has filed a case in the Supreme Court regarding encroachment by Nagaland and sought a permanent solution to Nagaland’s constitutional boundary issue,” Hussain said.

Autorickshaws in Dimapur strike against ‘illegal taxation’ Morung Express News Dimapur | March 4

The General Autorishaw Drivers (GAD) went on strike in Dimapur today against “illegal taxation” in their sector.

The strike was imposed from 5:00am of March 4, Wednesday, and was successful till autorickshaw drivers imposing the strike started to be arrested by the Nagaland police. They were allegedly moving around with officials of the Dimapur District Autorickshaw Drivers’ Union (DDADU) to arrest the strike imposers.

The strike was deemed “unauthorized” by the Dimapur district administration earlier. Many autos continued to ply on the streets though drivers maintained that they are in agreement with the demands placed by GAD. According to autorickshaw

drivers associated with the GAD, the DDADU has been collecting taxes on a daily basis from all autorickshaws plying in Dimapur without any corresponding protection or guarantee of basic rights to the drivers. However, the DDADU itself came into question when it was revealed that its current president was instated without any election leading to the Union being non-representative of the autorickshaw drivers of Dimapur—neither its president nor its executives are auto drivers, it was alleged.

The drivers with GAD, faced with the threat of arrest, spoke to The Morung Express in a small street corner in Dimapur.

They maintained that their demands to cease taxation are in line with ACAUT Nagaland’s reminder of a court order to stop taxation by organisations that include DDADU and Di-

mapur Autorickshaw Owners’ Union (DAOU). “We are being asked by the district administration to give concession to students or disabled persons but how are we to balance our costs out given that we have to pay up to Rs. 60 worth of taxes every day?” asks one auto driver.

“The DDADU has been collecting daily taxes in the name of membership fee for years apart from fees for ID cards—their collection is in crores per annum. Where is the money going?,” asked another auto driver, estimating that there might be about 10,000 autos plying in Dimapur currently. “A few months back we have asked for a full audit report but this has been denied to us. We have approached the Labour Commissioner and the DC for fresh elections to the DDADU but this has also not occurred till date. The auto drivers

of Dimapur have no voice left,” he said.

Responding to allegations that auto drivers have been reluctant to register and wear uniforms, the GAD associated drivers responded that they will wear the uniforms only if issued by the DC. Currently, they are being issued with DDADU serial numbers, which is unacceptable to the GAD. In fact, this was the issue that brought auto drivers to form the GAD last year in March at the State stadium, electing another leader to represent them.

Ever since, brewing discontent among Naga auto drivers has been given a platform through the GAD. “The district administration should at least agree to speak to us so that we can talk about our grievances instead of resorting to such techniques,” request the drivers of GAD.

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Thursday

The Morung Express LocaL INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY ‘Get the facts, stay safe’ Dimapur

5 March 2015

What can we do together?

Our Correspondent Kohima | March 4

The State Resource Centre for Women, Nagaland celebrated the International Women’s Day 2015 at Secretariat Conference Hall, Secretariat Complex on March 4, 2015 four days ahead of the actual day.

The event was celebrated in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare Nagaland State Social Welfare Board and Department of Women Resource Development.

Pankaj Kumar, IAS, Chief Secretary, Government of Nagaland was the chief guest and Dellirose M Sakhrie, IAS, Secretary, Government of Nagaland, Department of Social Welfare was the chairperson.

T Haralu, Additional Director, HoD, Department of Women Resource Development who spoke on the topic, ‘What can we do together?’ highlighted crucial aspects to empowering women together such as creating an environment for “full development of women to enable them to realize their full potential.

Change societal attitudes and community practices by active participation and involvement of both men and women. Mainstream a gender perspective in all C M Y K

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developmental processes, as catalysts, participants and recipients.”

Haralu also stressed on the necessity to move towards elimination of discrimination and all forms of violence against women and the girl child. “We must reinterpret and redefine conventional concepts of work to reflect women’s contribution as producers and workers,” added Haralu. “We need to “dare the difference,” concluded Haralu which he highlighted as wedging open the door to the contribution of women which he stressed as the

three ‘L’ of women empowerment that is their learning, their labour and their leadership.

Chief Secretary, Pankaj Kumar in his speech stated that both sexes have to complement each other.

“There is always as quest for searching of new meaning and new roles in the struggle of survival,” said Kumar while adding, “Where lots of changes continue to take place which has to be taken note of and cogitated as the changes are the main determinants of power relations.”

Contemplating on the Naga society, which tradi-

Our Correspondent

A one day conference on ‘Strategy for implementation of National Water Mission’ under the aegis of the state’s soil & water conservation department in association with North Eastern Regional Institute of Water & Land Management (NERIWALM), Tezpur (An institute under Ministry of Water Resources, RD and GR, Government of India) took place here this morning at the Directorate of Soil & Water Conservation.

Addressing the inaugural function, minister for soil & water conservation, National Highway and mechanical Nuklutoshi said, “activities that could be taken up to store excess water received through heavy precipitation in the implementation of National Water Mission in the context of Nagaland could be, among others- train departmental personnel and village

communities to document natural water resources across Nagaland; to map village springs and identify their sources; demarcate the spring recharge zones; and map natural lakes and ponds including the ones that have gone dry; and artificially recharge water in and around the spring heads for maintaining perennial water flow.”

The minister stressed on the need to increase irrigation potential of the state by storing the excess water in structures along the streams, increase area under terrace to utilize excess water receipt during monsoon thereby increasing area under assured irrigation and hence increase agriculture productivity and optimize jhum.

Nuklutoshi further stressed the need to increase water storage capacity through building reservoirs for drinking water in rural and urban areas and constructing more roof top

Conference on Strategy for implementation of National Water Mission held

Minister Nuklutoshi addresses the conference on ‘Strategy for implementation on National Water Mission’ in Kohima on March 4. (Morung Photo)

rain water harvesting tanks and creating more community reservoirs.

“More efforts should be given to repair, renovate and restore old lakes, tanks and ponds on hilltops and plains and put them to use,”

he said.

He also felt that more study should be instituted to identify and enhance hydro-energy potential of the state.

Prof. SC Patra from NERIWALM in his key-

‘Set educational institutions as peace zones’

Rev. Fr. CP Anto, Director Peace Channel with others during the programme at Assisi Hr. Sec. School, Dimapur held on March 3.

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DimaPur, march 4 (mExN): A new batch of peace channel club members were inducted at Assisi Hr. Sec. School, Dimapur on March 3. The chief guest, Rev. Fr. CP Anto, Director Peace Channel and Principal of NEISSR exhorted the gathering saying that all the Peace Club institutions should remain as a place of peace. Where all forms of discrimination is reduced and harmonious living is enhanced.

He encouraged the members to create the school a place of peace by striving to prevent all forms of violent conflicts. He also spoke on the importance of peace education and conflict resolution skills.

He demonstrated it with an example of a rubber band, which breaks when stretched beyond a point.

Conflict is natural but when

it is stretched too much it will break. In the same way, relationship breaks when each individual claims to be righteous over the other individual/groups but relationship gets closer when there is mutual respect for each other. He also quoted Mother Teresa’s words that Peace begins with a smile and thus, urged the students to show good gestures with one another to create an environment of Peace.

He also appreciated the principal Rev. Sr. Benny Fernadez and all the teacher coordinators for their active involvement in the peace building initiative.

Rev.Fr. CP Anto also spoke the seven expected outcome of the Peace Channel programmes in all the villages and educational institutions by the end of the years 2015.

The members of the

peace club are expected to be non-violent communicators and empowered leaders who in turn promote others leadership qualities. The members of the club will be trained to be proactive rather than reactive in their life situations.

They strive to make the institutions and communities a peace zones by preventing all forms of violent conflicts.

They develop God given talents by making use of all the opportunities and platform given and created by the movement. They strive to develop positive outlook towards life by eliminating negative energy circulated.

Capacitate all the members to be courageous and develop confidence and their life coping skills to live in peace with oneself and others in the community.

Enlighten all the members to accept all as the

children of same God irrespective of tribe, religion, region, class and sex and stop all forms of discrimination. Lastly create awareness on various social issues, protect them from drug abuse, HIV/AIDS and all forms of unhealthy practices, and promote them as promoters of life.

The highlights of the programme were prayer

by Atokali and Co, dance

by Class 6 and 7, welcome address by Eshom, choreography by Class -9 girls, peace speech by Kivishe and Sandhya, fancy dress by Class- 5, 6 and 7 and Hopeto proposed vote of thanks. Hinato and Toyika chaired the programme. Rev. Sr. Benny also thanked the initiative of the movement to create a peaceful environment in the school. There were 150 members pledged to promote peace.

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Officers and staff of District Hospital Phek updated on swine flu

Phek, March 4 (MExN): The officers and staff of District Hospital Phek were updated with facts and statistics about the current swine flu epidemic at national and state level.

Dr Wethselo Tsuhah, Senior Pediatrician, spoke on epidemiology, clinical features, treatment, preventive measures and how to deal with suspected cases at pre hospital and hospital level. He stressed on the importance of everyday actions to protect health like hand washing, covering mouth and nose while coughing

or sneezing, avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth, avoiding contact with sick people, avoiding crowded places and unnecessary travels.

Dr. Rongsen Longkumer, Senior Pathologist, highlighted on investigations, how to collect samples under full personal protection equipments and transport samples for testing.

The staff were well briefed on the standard operating procedures and to strictly follow guidelines on infection control measures during pre hospital care and in hospital care.

With isolation ward for H1N1Flu, informed staff and equipments in place, the hospital appealed to public to remain calm, but vigilant and promptly seek medical help when sick.

The programme was well attended by staff from the hospital and different vertical health programs who were encouraged not to panic, but remain alert and spread facts about the swine flu in the community.

This was stated in a press release issued by Hospital Management Society, District Hospital Phek.

Minister for forest, wildlife and environment Dr. Neikiesalie (Nicky) Kire and others during the launching programme of Advance Life Support Ambulance by Oking Hospital, Kohima on March 3. One can call now dial 0370-2290080 to access this 24X7 ambulance service. (Morung Photo)

NSCW in Tuensang on peace mission

TuENsaNg, march 4 (DiPr): Nagaland State Commission for Women held a meeting with Chang Tribal Organization viz Chang Khulei Setshang (CKS) and Changsao Thangjam Setshang (CTS) at CKS Hall Tuensang.

Dr. Temsula chairperson NSCW said it is a peace mission with a mes-

sage of love and peace also conveyed that the confrontation will only make the situation worse. She also added that Human problems cannot be resolved in a day but have to work with a cooperation and work with the doctrine of the Christianity of forgive and forget with the parties.

Need to increase irrigation potential Kohima | March 4

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Pankaj Kumar, IAS, Chief Secretary, Government of Nagaland launches the hand print campaign at Kohima on March 4. (Morung Photo)

tionally had village republics, Kumar pointed out that warfare was extremely male-dominated but now things are changing. Female participation is very high, our women enjoy better health indicators, but our national average is nothing to be proud. Exceeding the National average will be setting the bar too low.

“We raised our first Naga women battalion and this process has to go on,” added the Chief Secretary who highlighted the need for constant churning of the government system and that power relations need to be revisited even in the social structures. Kumar concluded his speech with the adage, “We are in it together” affirming that the more we help in creating an enabling space for women in society, the better a society will progress.

The concluding remark was delivered by Daisy Mezhür, Mission Director, State Resource Centre for Women (SRCW), Nagaland. A short documentary on women giving a glimpse of Naga women in different professions, by SRCW & NSSWB was displayed during the event.

The Chief Secretary has launched the Hand Print campaign on the occasion, which was followed by other male participating officers.

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note touched on five goals of National Water Mission which included; comprehensive water data base in public domain and assessment of impact of climate change on water resource, promotion of citizen and state action for water conservation, augmentation and preservation, focused attention to vulnerable areas including over-exploited areas, increasing water use efficiency by 20%, and promotion of basin level integrated water resources management.

Prof. Patra said to ensure water sustainability it require multi sectoral movement and community participation and at the same time the need to revisit the Nagaland water policy 2011.

He also stressed on the need to apply mechanism for water conservation to meet the demand of water for drinking, agriculture, tourism, environment and other purposes.

The conference wit-

nessed paper presentation and discussion from various departments like soil & water conservation, irrigation & flood control, geology & mining, land resources, PHE, forest, GIS and NEPED. The inaugural function was chaired by T. Nungsang Ao, secretary soil & water conservation while Temjen Longkumer, joint director soil & water conservation proposed vote of thanks.

Technical session was led

by Vengota Nakro, project director soil & water conservation and Er. Kughaho, SE irrigation & flood control.

The conference talked about strategy for implementation of national water mission, tentative plan to implement programme under five goals of NWM and formulation of recommendations. Wrapup session was taken by Victoria Devi, Res. Associate NERIWLM as moderator while Imkongmar Aier, additional director soil & water conservation proposed vote of thanks.

DC Wokha informs WoKha, march 4 (DiPr): Consequent upon the frequent fire outbreak every now and then, especially during the windy season leading to loss of life and property in Wokha Town, the deputy commissioner of Wokha has advised the public of the town to be very cautious when handling combustible elements and their storage at their homes and nearby surrounding areas/colonies which otherwise may cause fire accidents and lead to loss of precious lives and properties. The contact numbers of Fire Services and Police Station Wokha is also provided below for necessary assistance OC Fire Services – 8974322879, OC Police Station Wokha – 8974574316.

LSKD general meeting on Mar 7 DimaPur, march 4 (mExN): All units of Laghilato Sumi Kuqhakulu Dimapur (LSKD) have been informed that the first general meeting of LSKD for the session 2015 will be held on March 7, 10:00 am at Western Sumi Hoho building at Chekiye village, 3rd Mile.

LSKD secretary, David Zhimomi and chairman, Kaiho Zhimo have informed all the executive members, chairmen, and GBs of various villages/ Sumi community councils to attend the meeting positively.

The member of the NSCW also shared their concern over the recent happenings in Tuensang and expressed that the commission cannot solve the problem of the conflicts but desired to show its solidarity to the people in general who are effect by the situation.

Annual verification of weights and measures Kohima, march 4 (mExN):The annual verification and stamping of weights, measures, and weighing and measuring instruments for the year 2015 is being undertaken by the Legal Metrology & Consumer Protection Department, Nagaland as per the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 and the Nagaland Legal Metrology (Enforcement) Rules, 2011.

Therefore, all traders, vendors and users of weights, measures and weighing and measuring and instruments are directed to submit their weights, measures and instruments for verification and stamping at the Office of the Assistant Controller of Legal Metrology & Consumer Protection in the respective districts as per Section 24 of the Legal Metrology Act 2009 and Rule 14 & 15 of the Nagaland Legal Metrology (Enforcement) Rules, 2011.

A press note issued by Bizo M. Kuotsu, Joint Controller & HoD, Legal Metrology & Consumer Protection, Kohima Nagaland stated that unverified weights and measures will attract penalty under Sections 33, 34, 35 of the Legal Metrology Act 2009.

Further, all dealers and repairers of weights and measures are asked to submit applications for renewal of Dealership and Repairers’ Licenses or for the issue of fresh licenses by the department as per Section 23 of the Act. Packers, manufacturers and importers of packaged commodities including food and bakery products are directed to submit applications for issues of Packers’ License by the department as per the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011. Packaged Commodities should bear the mandatory declarations on the packages such as name of the commodity, the Maximum Retail Price (MRP), month and year of manufacture, the net quantity and the name and address of the manufacturer or packer. Defaulters failing to comply with the laid down rules shall be penalized as per the Legal Metrology Act & Rules.

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NEAC sensitise young students

Eco Club members of Brighter Academy (School) Chumukedima fitting bamboo gutters for collection of rainwater on March 4 under National Environment Awareness Campaign 2014 – 15.

DimaPur, march 4 (mExN): The Brighter Academy (School) carried out the National Environment Awareness Campaign (NEAC) 2014-15 in collaboration with the Nagaland Pollution Control Board (NPCB) with the sub-theme ‘Rain Water Harvesting’ under the National theme ‘Combating desertification, land degradation and drought.’

The awareness programme based on this theme was to sensitize the young students about this problem and measures to combat it considering that land is a vital resource for producing food, preserving biodiversity, facilitating the natural management of water systems and acting as a carbon store. Land degradation reduces the productivity of land. Dry lands can

leave the soil exposed and vulnerable to climatic hazards such as drought. Degradation of land resources is manifested in desertification.

Based on the theme and sub-theme, Painting Competition was organized.

Jims N. Zeme of Class 8, Kaidinlungbou Pamai of Class 8 and Mary Momin of Class 6 bagged the first, second and third prize respectively.

A press release stated that the eco-club members led by Robi Nayak, teacher-incharge, also initiated fitting of bamboo gutters for collection of rainwater for school toilets and recharging of rainwater into the school well to improve ground water storage. Earlier, KK Newmai, School Manager, delivered awareness lecture.

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REgional

The Morung Express

Thursday

5 March 2015

Dimapur

3

Glaciers in Brahmaputra basin may reduce alarmingly: Study Dharamsala, march 4 (IaNs): Glaciers in the upstream basin of the Brahmaputra, a 2,900-km-long river that originates from Tibet and flows into the Bay of Bengal, are likely to reduce alarmingly by the middle of the 21st century, according to an international body which also warned that the overall flow in the river was likely to increase. "Hydrological modelling was carried out in the upstream areas of the Brahmaputra, which indicate the glaciers are likely to reduce by 20 to 55 percent by 2050," Nand Kishor Agrawal, programme coordinator for the Kathmandu-based International Centre

Arunachal to get 1.37 per cent of central tax ItaNagar, march 4 (ptI): With the acceptance of new criteria of tax devolution methods of the 14th Finance Commission by the NDA government, Arunachal Pradesh is all set to get 1.37 percent share of central taxes, a four percent jump from the earlier share.

Earlier Arunachal Pradesh had the share of only 0.33 percent and with the new share, the state would now get an amount of 7,231 crore of central tax share, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju said in a communique here today.

The commission's report was placed in Parliament by Union finance minister Arun Jaitley on February 24.

The commission utilised population, demographic change, income, distance, area and forest cover as the criteria to determine the share of central taxes to the states.

Among the North East states, Assam with a population of 3 crore would get 3.31 per cent, Manipur with a population of 28 lakh would get 0.62 per cent, Meghalaya (26 lakh population) 0.41 per cent, Mizoram (11 lakh population) 0.46 and Nagaland with 23 lakh population would get 0.31 per cent share of central taxes, Rijiju said. Assam would get a total of 17,400 crore, Manipur (3,238 crore), Meghalaya (3,370 crore), Mizoram (2,413 crore) and Nagaland would get 2,613 crore, he said.

for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), told IANS. He said there were chances of increase in total water flow in the Brahmaputra.

"By 2050, the total runoff is likely to increase from zero to 13 percent due to fast melting of glaciers and increased precipitation," said Agrawal, who travelled to Tibet to study impacts of climate change on the ecosystem and the communities. About 60 percent of the inflow in the Brahmaputra is from rains. The remaining is from the glaciers, base flow and snow melt.

The feedback gathered by the ICIMOD from the pastoral

communities settled in Tibetan plateau has indicated that the climate has changed a lot, resulting in uneven flow in the river. "They say sometime the flow increases suddenly and sometime decreases drastically, which simply indicates the governments have to be prepared for the unexpected floods and draughts," said Agrawal, who was in India for the workshop on climate change adaptation in the western Himalayas.

Studies conducted by the Tibetan administration in exile, which is based in this northern Indian hill town, say the Tibetan plateau is staring at ecological destruction. "Human activi-

ties are mainly responsible for the destruction of Tibet's ecological balance," said in its report titled "A synthesis of recent science and Tibetan research on climate change".

It said the temperature increase on the Tibetan plateau was twice the global average, resulting in quicker degradation of permafrost, drastic change on climate pattern and desertification of vast grassland. To protect the Tibetan plateau from certain destruction, the report said there was a need for a water sharing treaty among the countries of the region and of making the Tibetan plateau an exploitation-free in-

Tibet is currently vulnerable to climate change.

"Many of the rivers which flow through large areas of Asia, through Pakistan, India, China, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, rivers such as the Yellow river, Brahmaputra, Yangtse, Salween and Mekong, all originate in Tibet.

"It's at the places of origin of these rivers that large-scale deforestation and mining are taking place. The pollution of these rivers has a drastic effect on the downstream countries," a post on his official website quoting the Dalai Lama said.

ICIMOD researcher Agrawal warned: "The current data indicates more flood risks in the fu-

ture. If the Brahmaputra is not managed in Tibet, it will affect India and Bangladesh more."

Currently, he said, the flooding in the river is not directly affecting the grasslands in Tibet, but may be this will never happen in the future.

"But its flooding can affect more in the downstream areas mainly in the floodplains of Assam," he added.

The ICIMOD has been carrying out studies in Tibet and India's Arunachal Pradesh and Assam districts under the Himalayan Climate Change Adaptation Programme in collaboration with scientists from China and India.

Rejection of report for repealing AFSPA questioned Amartya Sen group to Imphal, march 4 (mExN): A consultation on the Armed Forces (Special Power ) Act, 1958 & Democracy and Justice Jeevan Reddy Commission Report (2005) was held on March 4 at Press Club, Imphal. The meet was jointly organized by United NGOs Mission Manipur (UNMM), EEVFAM, CARC, REACH OUT, JPF, HRI, HRA, PAD, NEDF, PPS, SDF (Trust), LSS, VWCOC, CRAM, SWDC, LDC etc.

A press release from UNMM secretary, U. Nobokishore informed that the main objective of the meet was rejection of Justice Jeevan Reddy Commission Report

(2015) for repealing AFSPA, 1958 in Manipur by Ministry of Home Affairs recently. The event was attended by key leaders of civil societies, Human Rights Organization, women organizations, social activists, Human Rights defenders, youths, students, and NGOs etc.

According to the release, the leaders expressed shock and sadness at the rejection of Justice Jeevan Reddy’s Commission Report (2005) to repeal AFSPA, 1958. They asserted that under AFSPA, Security Forces (State Actors) carried out heinous crimes on the civil population of the Manipur. “We have enough docu-

mentations and evidence for heiHedge (Supreme Court of Innous crimes committed by Security dia) Commission’s report and Forces.” They further asserted, “TarNational Human Right Comgeting or killing or raping or murdermission on the fake encounter ing or disappearing or harassing to committed by security forces in own citizens are war crimes.” respect of Manipur.

Meanwhile, the meeting rec- • UNMM will submit Special reommended the following: port on rejection of the report • Respect Justice Jeevan Reddy’s

by GoI to Special Rapporteur Commission Report (2005) on on Promotion of Human Rights AFSPA and recommendation while countering Terrorism. to repeal AFSPA. • Respect UN Special Rappor• Collect public opinion before teur, Prof. Christof Heyns report rejecting Jeevan Reddy’s Com(2012) to repeal AFSPA. mission Report (2005).

• Respect UN Special Rapporteur • Collect information and see (Rashida Manjoo) on VAW & its the reports of Justice Santosh impact and consequences.

ZUF-NSCN (IM) clash Tripura to increase women police DIluNg, march 4 (mExN): ZUF today stated that “the contrive of NSCN (IM) to annihilate the movement of Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) has become crystal clear in recent past by sending large numbers of their cadres in coalition with the Indian armies.”

The “constant lies” of NSCN (IM) in front of the public has been “falsified and proved”, it said, by the March 3 incident at Napgoukaithi, Satudai village in Tamenglong district. According to a release from ZUF information & publicity secretary, ZUF confronted when the NSCN (IM) came for its operation near the ZUF regional camp at around 7:10 pm. Two NSCN (IM) cadres were “pulled down” from a very close range, ZUF claimed, adding “however, the exact consequent of dead cannot be ascertained due to dusk.”

Meanwhile, ZUF asserted it will “never backtrack the movement that

is already in swing but will continue to move forward shouting the slogan ‘Zeliangrong Ringtelou’.”

Further, it alleged that the current operation of NSCN (IM) in the Zeliangrong areas is without the knowledge of high ranking Zeliangrong officials working in NSCN (IM). “But it is a master-mind of dominated community of NSCN-IM to plunder the peaceful and harmonious atmosphere in Zeliangrong areas.”

“This catastrophic plot reflects an idea of dominant community has the power to subdue over the weak and less dominant must submit it outrightly,” the release added. “Since the inception of the Naga freedom movement, the Zeliangrong people have been treated unequally as per the other compatriots," ZUF lamented. "It is an insult to Zeliangrong brethren working in NSCN-IM and they have to introspect and decide for the right.”

guwahatI, march 4 (thE INDIaN ExprEss): With incidents of crimes against women registering a sharp increase in recent years, Tripura has decided to increase the number of women police personnel to one-third of its total strength in the next couple of years. The number of all-women police stations on the other hand is being increased from the existing four to nine soon.

Chief Minister Manik Sarkar said in Agartala that currently the state’s police force had only about 10 per cent women, while that among constables stood at around 13 per cent. “Our government has fixed a target of raising the percentage of women in the state police force to 30 per cent,” he said. A decade and half ago Tripura’s police force had only about two per cent women.

The Cooks Alliance: Cooking for Change shIlloNg, march 4 (mExN): North East Slow Food and Agrobiodiversity Society (NESFAS) organised a one-day workshop for cooks from different parts of Meghalaya at its office here on February 27.

Labelled as The Cooks Alliance, a press note said, the workshop was a way of operating through the newly developed project of Mei Ram-ew Cafés that serve good, clean and fair indigenous food to consumers.

Those within The Cooks Alliance network hope to tie up with local producers to source their ingredients and focus on using neglected and underutilized plant species in a sustainable manner.

The chefs present were specially picked from the ITM host villages in Meghalaya solely for their interest in local culinary expertise and their passion to make cooking a platform for expressing their culinary arts.

The workshop started with a cooking demonstration by Chef Joel Basumatari, renowned for his work with innovative dishes and NESFAS own Flavour Development team, Esther Sawian and Roderick Nongrum.

The cooking demonstrations were well received by the 38 community chefs who also played their part, taking turns suggesting and inquiring about the flavours and ingredients. With notepad in their hands and eyes on the cuisines, the attendees were not only hooked by the food, but were also intrigued by the practical-

ternational observatory zone.

Climate researchers at the University of East Anglia and the Chinese Academy of Sciences in an online paper in US academic journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences say the wettest individual year reconstructed in 3,500 years in northeastern Tibet is 2010.

They say precipitation during the past 50 years in the plateau has been historically high. They have reconstructed precipitation records by using sub-fossil, archaeological and living juniper tree samples from the plateau.

Tibetan spiritual leader and Nobel laureate the Dalai Lama has been saying his homeland

Joel Basumatari demonstrating the cooking of Fish Parcel with Sohliang Sauce.

ity of it. “We can do this easily, we only need to know how,” commented John, a local food enthusiast from Nongnah.

As the workshop was adequately interactive, one of the participants, Marlin Kharsyntiew too came forward to demonstrate the making of a multi-layered rice cake in four simple steps.

The ingredients used in the food cooked during the demonstration were the ones readily available locally, though the workshop encouraged the onlookers to try to work with endangered and underutilized dishes if they so choose. “The purpose of this demonstration is to bring out the best from the local ingredients,” said Joel, adding “None of these resources are unknown.”

The second half of the workshop looked into de-

veloping The Cooks Alliance network. Participants looked into the various ways in which they could give their network a deeper meaning knowing that their role in the food system was of greater importance.

Keeping in line with the objectives of reviving the pleasure and importance of forgotten local foods, all participants agreed to document the foods that were slowly disappearing within the Ark of Taste – A catalogue of endangered and threatened food species.

They have also decided to incorporate these foods into their diets as much as possible to ensure that their wild edibles and local foods survive the invasion of modern fast foods that have percolated down to a village level.

Another historic point

for The Cooks Alliance was the creation of Mei Ramew Catering group for each village that would serve to better their food production practices from sourcing to plate presentation.

NESFAS is keen to kickstart the idea with the cooks alliance to showcase to an urban and rural audience alike the pleasure and importance of eating local food. These Mei Ram-ew caterers could then be employed in catering for various occasions in various settings and would also prove to be a livelihood opportunity for the Alliance.

However, for a few others, it will be just an educational exposure as one Teibha Sayoo from Mulieh clarified, “I will take whatever I have learnt from this workshop home to cook for my family.”

It was only this week that 300 women constables had joined the Tripura Police after completion of nine-month training. Trained in the KTD Singh Police Academy at Narsing-garh, about 15 kms from the state capital, these 300 women who were aged between 18 and 27 years, also had 86 from

the tribal communities.

More and more educated women were getting attracted to join the police, with an official pointing out that while the minimum educational qualification for constables was fixed at Class X pass, there were as many as 33 graduates and a couple of postgraduates among them.

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agartala, march 4 (IaNs): Pratichi Trust, founded and headed by Nobel laureate economist Amartya Sen, will prepare a roadmap of Tripura's future development to make the northeastern state a model, an official said here on Wednesday.

The Tripura government has handed the task of preparing a roadmap for Tripura's future plans to Pratichi Trust and Pratichi Institute, a Tripura planning and coordination department official said.

He said: "Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar accompanied by top officials held a meeting with the senior functionaries of the Pratichi Trust and Pratichi Institute here on Monday.

Sarkar asked the Pratichi group to prepare a model report covering all developmental issues to make Tripura a model state in India."

The proposed report would suggest short-, medium- and long-term developmental plans of Tripura. The report must recommend measures, plan and schemes so that Tripura can become a self-

reliant state, the chief minister told the meeting.

Sarkar said that if the proposed report were to be made a model report, other states might also be encouraged to take up a similar plan for their development.

The chief minister asked the Pratichi Trust and Pratichi Institute in preparing the report by end 2015 and suggested greater impetus to be given to education, health, water supply, mother and child development, electrification, road connectivity, and infrastructural development.

Homes for the homeless, employment, afforestation, creation of livelihood for the poor, development of backward classes and people, stepping up of per capita income, development of agriculture and industrialisation also figured in his priority list.

The Pratichi Trust and Pratichi Institute was founded in 1999 to work in the field of literacy, basic health care and gender equity in India and Bangladesh. Sen donated some of the Nobel award prize money to these bodies.

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Süngratsü Senso Telongjem Kohima applauds Mr. Merangtsüngba Aier S/o Mr.Takanungba Aier Süngratsü Village on being promoted to the post of Director, Social Welfare Department, Government of Nagaland.

The S.S.T.K. further wish and pray that almighty god grant him good life and success in all future endeavours.

Sd/(S. CHUBA AIER) President S.S.T.K.

Sd/(S. ALEMBA) Secretary S.S.T.K.

Government of Nagaland

State Health Society; National Health Mission Health & Family Welfare Dept.

Nagaland: Kohima

NL/NRHM/Estt./B-35/HR/2010/7008

Dated Kohima, the 4th March 2015

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Applications are hereby invited to fill up the following posts under National Health Mission (NHM), Nagaland; No. of Monthly Sl. Place of Name of the Post Qualification posts remuneraNo posting (1each) tion 1 Medical Officer – Post gradu- 3 Medziphema Rs. 48,000/Specialist (Obs. & ate degree/ CHC Gynae.) diploma from Noklak CHC Rs. 1,00,000/recognized inPungro CHC Rs. 1,00,000/2 Medical Officer – stitutions/ uni- 3 Bhandari CHC Rs. 55,000/Specialist (Paed.) versity under Noklak CHC Rs. 1,00,000/MCI Act. Pungro CHC Rs. 1,00,000/Interested applicants may submit all relevant documents along with ph. No. on or before 19th March 2015, addressed to the Mission Director, National Rural Mission, Nagaland, Directorate of Health & Family Welfare, Ruziezou, Kohima 797001.

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India’s central bank cuts keys rates

MuMbai, March 4 (iaNS): Housing, auto and commercial loans could become cheaper with the Reserve Bank of India cutting key lending rates by 25 basis points in an unexpected move on Wednesday as it expected inflation to soften further, sending stock indices soaring during the bulk of the day.

Getting some positive cues from the national budget tabled last week, and sensing an sustained economic recovery, the repurchase (repo) rate has been cut to 7.5% from 7.75% and the reverse repo rate has been adjusted to 6.5% from 6.75%.

The cuts follow a far-reaching agreement between the government and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Monday, under which the central bank will aim to bring the country’s retail inflation below the 6% mark by January 2016 and to around 4% by the end of 2016-17.

The repo rate is the interest commercial banks pay for borrowing money from the central bank to meet short-term fund needs. The reverse repurchase rate is the interest central banks pays on shortterm funds parked with it. A cut makes borrowing money cheaper for commercial banks.

The announcement, which came just ahead of the opening bell

Jayant Sinha said.

“To summarise, softer readings on inflation are expected to come in through the first half of 2015-16 before firming up to below 6% in the second half,” Reserve Bank of Governor Raghuram G. Rajan said in a statement.

“The fiscal consolidation programme, while delayed, may compensate in quality, especially if state governments are cooperative,” said the governor who has otherwise been taking a rather conservative approach in dealing with the monetary policy, especially the interest rates. “Given low capacity utilisation and still-weak indicators of production and credit off-take, it is appropriate for the Reserve Bank to be pre-emptive in its policy action to utilise available space for monetary accommodation.”

In its monetary policy statement of Jan 15, 2015 the Reserve Bank had reduced the repo rate by 25 basis points, and said: “Key to further easing are data that confirm continuing disinflationary pressures.”

But it maintained its interest rate stance in its sixth bi-monthly monetary policy statement of Feb 3 in the absence of new developments on inflation or on the fiscal outlook, awaiting signals on that count and

for stock markets, brought much cheer to sentiments, prompting the sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange to open nearly 345 points higher, over the previous close at 29,593.73 points.

The key index soon breached the 30,000-point mark to touch a historic high of 30,024.74 points.

The situation was similar at the National Stock Exchange, where the Nifty also hit an all-time high.

But both indices came under a major spell of profit-taking during the last one hour of trading and ended in the red, losing between 0.72 and 0.82% as per provisional data. For the 30-share Sensex, it means an intraday fluctuation of some 735 points.

Industry, too, welcomed the rate cuts, the second such downward revision in two months, even as some commerial banks, led by the largest private sector lendwer, the State Bank of India (SBI), indicated that they could pass on the rate cuts to their customers.

The finance ministry laued the decision and said it was a vote of confidence on the steps taken by the government on fiscal consolidation and would lower the cost of loans for people at large. “More rate cuts will depend on future data,” Minister of State for Finance

from the national budget.

While the next bi-monthly policy statement will be issued April 7, 2015 the still weak state of some sectors and the global trends, prompted the central bank, in its own admission, to become more anticipatory to make changes immediate in its stand.

In his statement on Wednesday, Rajan also lauded the Central Statistics Office (CSO) for the changes it made in the national income accounting, on which is based the country’s gross domestic product estimation, to bring it up to international standards.

“Yet the picture it presents of a robust economy, with growth having picked up significantly over the last three years, is at odds with still-low direct measures of growth of production,credit,importsandcapacityutilisation as well as anecdotal evidence on economic cycle,” he said.

“Nevertheless, the picture of a steadily recovering economy appears right,” he added. “Going forward, the RBI will seek to bring the inflation rate to the mid-point of the band of 4% (plus or minus 2 percentage points) provided for in the agreement, that is to 4% by the end of a two-year period starting fiscal year 2016-17.”

Farmer Diogenes Cheveco, 73, picks beans on unused government land that farmers are allowed to use to grow food and raise livestock, on the outskirts of Havana, Cuba, Tuesday, March 3, 2015. After President Barack Obama’s Dec. 2014 announcement that he was loosening the embargo on Cuba, change appears likely to come fastest in agriculture, a sector of the Cuban economy that has the deepest ties to the U.S. and has been undergoing deep market-oriented reform longer than any other. (AP Photo

Government to train LIC launches Children’s Facebook open to solar plane people to meet Money Back Plan based internet services in India power sector needs

barcELONa, March 4 (PTi): Social media giant Facebook is interested in testing internet services through solar-powered plane in India and other telecom connectivity technologies it is developing.

“We are really in development of technologies at connectivity lab. We are not yet launching any pilots. We will in the future, and we are entirely open to launching it in India because there is such a great opportunity in India to connect the unconnected,” Facebook Vice President of Internet dot org Chris Daniels told PTI. He said the company is working on alternate internet technologies other than traditional ways of providing connectivity including solar planes and satellites.

“The reason why planes are interesting is that you can have solar powered planes that stay very high in the sky and provide connectivity.” “ Plane can have broad area.

That plane can be fuelled by the sun, does not need to have generator or physical infrastructure on the ground. That’s potentially an attractive way through which we can provide connectivity,” he said.

Facebook expects technologies to bring down the cost of internet significantly. Web-based companies including Facebook that provide messenger and internet-based calling service have been at loggerheads with telecom operator as it is cutting in to their revenues.

Facebook is now attempting to make truce with telecom operators through its programme.

Under this, it in partnership with telecom operators is providing free access to some basic websites to customers.

In India, Facebook

launched internet.org with Reliance Communications. “Internet dot org is a customer acquisition tool.

There is a 40 per cent increase in data customers for operators who have turned on internet.org. The fundamental thing that we can do to help operators is to bring them more paying customers.

That’s the model which supports their business model and network roll out,” Daniel said.

Telecom operators have been demanding that there should be revenue sharing model between web-based companies providing messaging and calling services as they invest massively on building network to provide connectivity to the people. Daniel said such demand does not “make sense at higher level. People are paying for data when they find value in internet. We are trying to help them find value in internet.”

NEw DELhi, March 4 (PTi): The government aims to train as many as 7 lakh people for various segments in power generation in line with its ambitious plans of producing 1,75,000 MW renewable energy 2022.

National Power Training Centre (NPTI), a body under the Ministry of Power will train 7 lakh people in the next three years across various branches of the sector.

“NPTI in its 40 years of existence has trained 2,67,000 people. Looking at the requirements of the power sector we have decided on a three-year roadmap. We have a programme to train 7,00,000 people,” Power Minister Piyush Goyal said at a seminar.

Under the ambitious programme the ministry will train one lakh people in the power sector in 2015-16, 2 lakh in 2016-17, and 4 lakh in 2017-18. “When we talk of 1,75,000 MW of renewable energy, we are certainly going to be needing people skilled in solar power, manufacturing, setting up the equipment, operations & maintenance etc,” Mr Goyal said.

The proposed training programme will cover manpower requirements in ramping up power generation, building transmission and sub-transmission networks among other things. Ministry of Power has set a target of generating 1,75,000 MW from renewable energy sources by 2022. Of the targetted 1,75,000 MW, lion’s share of 1,00,000 MW will come from solar power, 60,000 MW from wind, 10,000 MW from biomass and the remaining 5,000 MW from small hydro projects. At present, the solar power generation capacity is at about 2,700 MW; Wind - 21,000 MW; Small Hydro - 3,800 MW and biomass -4,100 MW. Small hydro power projects are plants with up to 25 mw generation capacity.

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NEw DELhi, March 4 (PTi): LIC has unveiled the Children’s Money Back Plan, which the stateowned life insurer hopes will arrest the decline in its market share.

Children’s Money Back Plan is a participating non-linked money back plan. It is designed to meet the educational, marriage and other needs of growing children through survival benefits, LIC said in a statement.

Children’s Money Back Plan provides for risk cover on the life of child during the policy term and also for periodic payments on surviving to the end of the specified durations.

Moreover, the parents have an option to take a premium waiver rider wherein the premium will be waived in case of untimely death of the proposer during the term of the Children’s Money Back Plan policy, it said. LIC has also launched Jeevan Sangam – a participating, non-linked, savingscum-protection single-premium plan wherein the risk cover is a multiple of single premium.

“The proposer will have an option to choose the maturity sum assured. The single premium pay-

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able (exclusive of service tax) shall depend on the chosen amount of maturity sum assured and age of the life assured,” it said.

The plan will be open for sale for a maximum period of 90 days from the date of launch, it added.

“With the launch of these products tomorrow, we have been able to complete security for all the policyholders up to 60 years. Again, for the first time, we are launching a single premium product which is tax compliant too,” LIC managing director V K Sharma said. “We are planning to launch a Ulip product early next fiscal,” he added.

LIC, the country’s largest insurer, has seen its market share slip to 70 per cent this fiscal as its new business premium shrunk by over 21 per cent in April-December period. LIC garnered new premium of Rs 51,667.07 crore during the first three quarters of 2014-15 as against Rs 65,774.47 crore in the same period of the previous fiscal, a decline of 21.4 per cent.

As a result, market share of the insurance behemoth came down to 70 per cent as against over 75 per cent at the end of last fiscal – 2013-14.

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G N F L A D G R A G R A Q K J A H R F R

ACROSS

1. Brandish 6. Remain 10. Data 14. Wrath 15. Defeat decisively 16. Principal 17. British biscuit 18. Skin irritation 19. Tablet 20. Fanatical 22. Ground forces 23. Excavated 24. Pass-the-baton race 26. Rug 30. Broom 32. Electronic letters 33. Expressible 37. Make melodious sounds 38. Play the bagpipes 39. Nib 40. Artificial moon 42. A person who is owned by someone 43. Any compound of oxygen 44. Required 45. Frenzied 47. Petroleum 48. Netting

49. Tympani 56. Countertenor 57. French for “State” 58. Stop 59. Rind 60. Certain 61. Basic belief 62. Arid 63. Layer 64. Steeple

DOWN

1. Stinging insect 2. Ancient Peruvian 3. Prima donna problems 4. Focusing glass 5. A four-sided spinning top 6. Fetch 7. Greek letter 8. An enclosed conduit 9. Gossamer 10. Intangible 11. Nigerian monetary unit 12. Diaphanous 13. Unique 21. Not in 25. Startled cry 26. To tax or access 27. Dogfish 28. Deliver a tirade 29. Cubbyhole

30. Malice 31. Used to be 33. Slip 34. Tiny sphere 35. Wash 36. Barely managed 38. Most cunning 41. 61 in Roman numerals 42. Chooses 44. Zero 45. Donnybrook 46. Daisylike bloom 47. Aquatic mammal 48. Geographic illustrations 50. Decorative case 51. Container weight 52. Bottomless 53. Hindu princess 54. End ___ 55. Distribute Ans to CrossWord 3165

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

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

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

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

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

Toll free No. 1098 childline

Police Station 1:

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

TUENSANG: 8414853766 (O) 8414853519

CHILD WELFARE COMMITTEE

MOKOKCHUNG:

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

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

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

KOHIMA

FIRE STATIONS

STD CODE: 0369

2226241

Police Station 2 :

2226214

Civil Hospital: Woodland Nursing Home:

2226216 2226263

Hotel Metsüpen (Tourist Lodge):

2226373/2229343

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

CURRENCY EXCHANGE CURRENCY NOTES

222246 222491

BUY(Rs)

SELL(Rs)

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

60.67 93.07 7.57 47.36 44.45 48.46 50.39

63.64 97.63 8.44 49.72 46.65 50.87 53.67

Euro

67.72

71.04

Thai Baht Korean Won New Zealand Dollar Chinese Yuan

1.81

2.02

0.0535

0.0597

45.76

48.05

9.35

10.42

LOCAL

The Morung Express

Govt urged to take up roads on priority DimaPur, march 4 (DiPr): The Dimapur District Planning and Development Board discussed about the bad condition of the roads from Dhobinalla –Army Supply – Signal Bosti-Thahekhu road (approximately 5kms) and recommended the government to take up the roads on priority either from central road fund, TFC or any other programmes. The recommendation was made during the monthly Dimapur DPDB meeting for the month of March held on March 4 in the Conference Hall of DC, Dimapur.

The board reviewed the

minutes of the last meeting and while reviewing DRDA and Youth Resources and Sports Department gave their departmental presentation. The Executive Engineer PWD (R&B) also informed the house about the bad condition of the bridge near Referral Hospital in 4th mile. The house discussed and recommended for construction of temporary passage or subway as an alternative road.

The board entrusted Urban Development, Agriculture and PHE department to give their departmental presentation in their next DPDB meeting.

NSCN (K) terminates one DimaPur, march 4 (mExN): The NSCN (K) has issued termination order for Sectional Officer (SO) Secretary in Charge Sumi Region Inakhe Sumi, son of Vihoto Sumi of Aghiyili Village, Zunheboto district, for repeatedly indulging in anti-party activities, violating and breaching of the Govt.

Azha despite several warnings. A press release from

Secretary, NSCN/GPRN (K), Khekaho Rochill, informed.

The forced discharge comes into immediate effect from the date of issuing this order and any involvement by the discharged person under the banner of NSCN/GPRN shall attract serious action as per the govt. code of conduct, the release added.

49 arrested for not possessing ILP in Feb Kohima, march 4 (mExN): A total of 49 persons were arrested by Kohima Police in the month of February for not possessing Inner Line Permit (ILP). In this connection, Kohima Police have registered 45 Non-FIR cases in the month of February 2015. A press release from the PRO, Kohima Police informed.

12 out of the 45 cases were registered under North Police Station while

28 were registered under the South PS. A further 5 were registered under Sechu (Zubza) PS. All the arrested were booked under section 3 and 4 of Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act, 1873 (BEFR) and forwarded to the Court, the release informed.

The PRO added that ILP checking is regularly carried out by various Police Stations and Check-gates under DEF Kohima.

More condemn rape DimaPur, march 4 (mExN): Organisations have come forward to condemn the alleged rape of a Naga girl in Dimapur on February 23.

AASA: The All Assam Students Association (AASA) has expressed grief and dismay over the incident.

“This incident where a Naga women was raped by a Assamese man repeatedly has brought shame to the state of Assam. His act has marked a blemish in the name of Assam and the fellow brothers and sisters of Assam,” a press release from AASA President Milon Choudhury stated.

Appealing to the government of Nagaland to punish the culprit without showing any mercy, AASA expressed that even death penalty was not enough for such heinous act. The punishment should be made exemplary so that no one else can even think of repeating such act.

AASA requested the people to believe in the government and restrain from any

act of violence and stated, “AASA looks forward and believes in the law that it will give justice to the victim by punishing the culprit.”

AASA further prayed to the Almighty to give strength to the victim to overcome the painful incident.

AAUD: The Aghunato Areami Union Dimapur (AAUD) has strongly condemned the “despicable act”. A press release received here informing that the victim hailed from Aghunato area appealed to the investigating authority to investigate thoroughly and give the right judgment.

BJYM: The Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) has condemned the alleged rape and requested the law enforcement agency to award stern punishment to the culprits so that nobody will dare to commit such heinous crime in future.

A press release from the BJYM stated. It also lauded the Diphupar police and District administration for the timely action.

Thursday 5 March 2015

Nagaland State observe 44th National Safety Day

istration fails to execute/ implement the High Court order dated 03.06.2014 and for which proposes to go for indefinite strike,” NVCO stated. “The DC must know that he himself has invited strike/protest for not addressing the grievances of the citizens particularly the autorickshaw drivers in respect of illegal taxation,” it added.

Terming the collection of illegal taxes as “law and order problem,” NVCO informed that DDADU and Petroleum and Land Transport Workers Federation of India (PLTWFI) were the writ petitioners amongst the 11 writ petitions, whereby the Gauhati High Court Kohima Bench in a common judgement and order dated June 3, 2014 had dismissed the writ petitions and disallowed all

5

DPDB meetings postponed PErEN: The Peren DPDB meeting has been postponed to March 10. Deputy Commissioner and Vice-Chairman, Peter Lichamo has asked all the members of the DPDB to take note of the same and attend positively.

PhEK: Deputy Commissioner and Deputy Chairman DPDB Phek informed that the Phek DPDB meeting will be held on March 10 at Phek headquarter instead of Meregarding safety manage- luri Sub-division. ment including the respon- ZuNhEboto: Deputy Commissioner Zunheboto, Temsibility of the management su Longkumer NCS, informed that the monthly District to ensure safety, health and Planning and Development Board Meeting scheduled to welfare of the workers. be held on March 9 has been postponed to March 12, time Congratulating the and place remains the same. All the board members are recipients of the safety therefore requested to take note of the change of date and awards, Chuba further ap- attend the meeting positively. All members of Phek DPDB pealed to all the “occupi- are requested to attend the meeting at Phek headquarter. ers” to co-operate with the Labour Department in implementing the statutory provisions as laid down in the industrial laws and State rule framed there un- Yimchungrü Union Kohima meeting der so as to develop a friend- Kohima, march 4 (mExN): The Yimchungrü ly working relationship be- Union Kohima (YUK) will hold its 20th general meeting tween the department, on March 6, 10:00 am at Red Cross Complex, Raj Bhavan occupiers and workers.

Road, Kohima. Therefore, all the Yimchungers residing The Parliamentary in and around Kohima have been asked to attend the said Secretary also distributed meeting positively. The Union also asked all the members safety awards to workers of to come along with household membership for the year different industrial sectors. 2015-16. Failing to attend the said meeting, stern action State Labour Commis- will be initiated as per the Union’s resolution, cautioned sioner, Er. L Nungshiyanger YUK president M Yinkiu and press & information Aier, in his welcome ad- secretary, T Kiutsuthong in a press release. dress also explained the various welfare schemes Science Film Yatra today for industrial and factory Kohima, march 4 (mExN): The Nagaland Institute workers. of Health, Environment & Social Welfare (NIHESW) All the participants also Kohima in association with START (Search for Truth undertook the safety and and Return to Science), New Delhi is organizing Science health pledge.

Film Yatra (Film Show on Innovations and Innovators) to commemorate the National Science Day on March 5 at NIHESW Conference Hall, Opp. Commissioner’s Office Kohima at 10:00 am. The highlight of the event is to screen the Science Film, followed by essay writing. Best three (3) will be judged from among the Students participants along with Election Depart- who will be provided with prizes and citations. ment, Kiphire organised a launching programme of NERPAP on March 3 at DC's KSC Jotsoma parting social today Conference Hall, Kiphire Kohima, march 4 (mExN): The 53rd parting social HQ with political parties, of Kohima Science (Autonomous) College, Jotsoma NGOs and BLOs. The key- will take place on March 5 at 10:00 AM in the college note address was delivered auditorium. Chief secretary Pankaj Kumar, IAS, will

by SDO (C) HQ, T. Lankon- grace the occasion as the chief guest. The function will sen Tsanglao. be followed by entertainment featuring Leoners, Peakers The DC appealed all & Lakers, Agapeans, Newians etc etc.

BLOs, NGOs and political parties present to co-op- Govt dept notified on Land Patta erate with the department while the NERPAP exercise Kohima, march 4 (DiPr): Deputy Commissioner, is conducted as this will not Kohima, W.Honje Konyak has notified that all the only bring about a clean Government department under Kohima district, which electoral roll but also help in have not yet obtained Land Patta, to immediately apply conducting electioneering and obtain land patta for both offices and quarters process smoothly. He also from the DC’s office, Kohima. The notification was requested the BLOs present issued in pursuance to the Government Notification to diligently cover all elec- No.LR/2-21/88 dated 21 May 2005. The purpose of torates by collecting neces- the notification was to prevent on encroachments sary details like Aadhar card by possession of documents in respect of Govt/ No, EPIC No, Mobile No etc. Departments lands. while conducting door to door verification.

Arms License holder

“Manage stress at workplace and control hazards” Morung Express News Dimapur | March 4

Along with the rest of the country, Nagaland State also observed the 44th National Safety Day on the theme “Manage stress at workplace and control hazards” at Nagaland Roller Flour Mills, Purana Bazar, with Parliamentary Secretary for Labour & Employment, S Chuba Longkumer, as the chief guest.

Addressing a motley crew of government and private industrial/factory workers, the Parliamentary Secretary said the global industrialization has led to a marked growth of industrial units even in the state of Nagaland and a corresponding rise in the number of workforce.

“Therefore, it is the joint responsibility of the Labour Department and the management of the industrial establishments in streamlining safety, health and safe working environment.

Nagaland Parliamentary Secretary for Labour & Employment, S Chuba Longkumer (centre) along with others taking the pledge on the occasion of observance of the 44th National Safety Day in Dimapur, Wednesday. (Morung Photo)

Safety awareness, besides being in the overall interest of the employees, as such results in increased productivity of the establishments,” Chuba said.

He also said working in a healthy culture of safety, health and safe environment (SHE) results in less stress for workers, reduce hazards and mitigate the loss of life, human suffering and economic losses as illustrated by the theme.

“It is essential to keep in mind that irrespective of the size, nature of manu-

facturing process, handling of toxic chemicals etc., hazards does exist and accident can happen anytime without warning. Industrial hazards, occupational diseases etc. can only be minimized through proper design, proper plat lay-out …,” Chuba said.

The Parliamentary Secretary also informed that as per the Factories Act 1948, prior approval of plan layout by the chief inspector of factories is mandatory to start a factory. He said the Act also has statutory provision

MEx FILE

NERPAP: Authentication of E-Roll

moN, march 4 (DiPr): In order to ensure cent percent error free electoral roll for Mon district, the Deputy Commissioner, Mon Angau I Thou officially launched the National Electoral Roll Purification and Authentication Programme (NERPAP) at DC’s conference hall on March 3. The purpose of the programme is to link e-roll with biometric data, contact numbers/ email of electors to identify genuine voters and improve the quality of electoral roll.

Campaign for purification and authentication of ERoll will begin from March to August 15, 2015.

Addressing the gathering, Anagu I Thou asserted that since the BLO is directly connected to the voters at the grass root level, the responsibility of identifying genuine voters and providing 100% error free e-roll depends on the BLOs. In order to do away with death, duplication and multiple voters and also to get accurate

age and spelling of the name of the voters, she urged upon the BLOs to go door to door for verifications and check the accurate information from the voters.

Also saying that political parties, NGOs and the administration are equally responsible for ensuring an accurate e-roll, she appealed for cooperation and support to the BLOs to achieve quality e-roll in the district. She also urged upon the participants to give awareness to the public in their respective jurisdiction.

During discussion, the BLOs also suggested to do the e-roll based on the National Population Registration (NPR) and Biometric data for accurate eroll. They also shared their problems and discussed on printing mistake, death report, issue of limited forms for new entry, etc.

PErEN: The meeting in connection with launching of NERPAP was held on

March 4 at the DC’s Conference Hall, Peren Town.

During the meeting, AEO sought the co-operation of political parties, NGOs and public in general to co-operate with the election department for the National Electoral Roll Purification and authentication programme.

The ADC, Kadambari Bhagat briefed the house of the Aadhar/UID. The SDO (C) Sardar, D. Robin also informed that Aadhar/UID booths will be operational in the district headquarter and sub-divisional offices.

He urged the representatives present in the meeting to disseminate the information to the public to avail the UID so as to enable himself/herself to avail the benefits of being the citizen of India. Representatives from political parties, churches, NGOs and BLOs DimaPur: NERPAP attended the meeting. was launched by ADC, Elizabeth Ngully at DC’s KiPhirE: The District Conference Hall, Dimapur Administration Kiphire on March 3. While launching the programme, she mentioned the importance of linking EPIC with AADHAAR. She also mentioned that the objectives of the mitted in his own home programme was to achieve and in front of the family a draft E-roll by October 1 members,” a press release which will be 100% error from ZCF stated. free, multiple entry free, Expressing heartfelt 100% linked and authenticondolence to the be- cated by biometric data of reaved family members, it AADHAAR which will be stated that ZCF stands by linked with email or mothe family at this dark and bile number. She directed traumatized moment. ZCF also wished speedy recovery to the injured niece of late Rongmei who was also shot at by the assailants.

In another press release, The Dimapur Press Club has BSNL while condemning expressed shock at the sudthe act, extended deepest den demise of Alex Danii, condolences to the bereaved husband of Atono Tsukru, family and prayed that the a former DPC member and almighty give strength, com- a former staff of Eastern fort and courage to face in Mirror. Alex passed away at the days to come.

NEIGRIHMS Shillong today. DPC conveyed heartfelt condolences to Atono and her family and prayed to God to give her strength and courage in this hour of it has come to the notice of grief. DPC also prayed to the Government that de- the Almighty to give peace spite various orders issued to the departed soul. in the past to stop collection of taxes or cash or money in any other form, the practice of such collections continues unabated specially in the district of Dimapur... many unions/associations are opening their offices or sub-offices or welfare cen- DimaPur, march 4 ters or information centers (mExN): The Chuziezou or Kiosks on or very near to Youth Organisation has the national highways and condemned the Februcommercial vehicles are ary 22 assault on Neizeu forced to pay unauthorized Yhome, Second Officer membership or subscrip- in-charge of Jalukie Police tion or monetary contribu- Station by some youths. A tion or levy or tax or money press note received here in any other form by stop- demanded that the culprit ping vehicles on the way be awarded befitting punnear authorized check gates ishment. The organisation or even without check gates. also thanked the concerned And whereas, such collec- authority for arresting five tion of money is not autho- culprits and hoped that rized by any laws or statutes the other culprits will be or rule of the Government.” nabbed at the earliest.

Killing of GM Rongmei condemned DimaPur, march 4 (mExN): The Rongmei Students’ Union Dimapur (RSUD), the Zeliangrong Citizens Forum (ZCF) and officers and staffs of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, Nagaland SSA, has condemned the killing of G. Mukta Rongmei, Sub-Divisional Engineer, BSNL, Zunheboto on March 1.

The victim was shot at point blank range on his face with a 7.65 caliber gun at his residence in Signal Naga Gaon, Dimapur, at around 8:30 PM. He succumbed on the way to hospital. His niece Rajni Ao was also shot on her left leg.

A press release from

the RSUD expressed deep shock and denounced the act. “This is totally an evil design of anti social elements which does not have a place for them in the society,” RSUD stated.

In this regard, RSUD has urged the competent authority to book the culprits involved.

Zeliangrong Citizens Forum also condemning the merciless killing demanded that the state government “do every possible means to nab the culprits at the earliest and ensure harshest possible punishment to those who took the innocent life.”

“It is very sad that such heinous crime was com-

Condolence

NVCO expresses support for GAD protest

DimaPur, march 4 (mExN): The Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organisation (NVCO) has extended its support to the General Auto-rickshaw Drivers (GAD) in their fight against “the menace of illegal collection of cash/tax daily by the Dimapur District Autorickshaw Drivers’ Union (DDADU) in Dimapur town.”

The Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur instead of considering the indulgence of the menace of illegal taxation as law and order problem has issued a public notice terming the complainant as ‘defaulters’ attempting to create law and order problems, a statement from the NVCO Press & Media Cell stated. “GAD has questioned the Dimapur District Administration as to why the District Admin-

Dimapur

the unions/federations/associations from collecting taxes/cash/membership fees on state/national highways and market places.

Despite the order, PLTWFI, public organization, police, NGOs, government departments etc. were continually collecting cash on national highway and at check-gate within Kohima District, NVCO claimed. “But the Kohima District Administration has not taken any action against them,” it alleged. “A time would come [when] Kohima citizens may require holding of protest against District Administration for not taking any action against the conduct of illegal collection of cash/ taxes,” NVCO President Kezhokhoto Savi stated.

In an order dated July 22, 2009, Nagaland Chief Secretary had stated, “The

State Government have decided that henceforth no collection of taxes shall be made by any organization or individual including government departments such as Police, Excise, Forest and Taxes Department etc. The authorized government departments may inspect the contents of goods vehicles or any other vehicles that may be necessary for enforcement of the laws of the land. If necessary, the vehicles or the goods being carried or the documents thereof can also be seized after issuing the proper seizure memo. However, no collection of cash will be allowed in the check-gate or in any part of the highways henceforth”.

Another G overnment Order No.CON1/G/41/2011 dated May 31, 2012 states, “Whereas,

CYO condemns assault on Police officer

under Mon dist informed

moN, march 4 (DiPr): The Deputy Commissioner, Mon has informed to all the Arms License holder under Mon District to report to the Arms Branch, office of the Deputy Commissioner, Mon with their Arm License only on or before 15th of April for verification of Arms License and generation of Unique Identification Number (UIN) as schedule below: Mon Town, Mon SADAR Villages and Shangnyu: March 10 to 18; Aboi, Chen, Angjangyang, Phomching, Longshen, Tizit, Honta, Naginimora, Wakching, Tobu, Mopong and Monyakshu March 19 to April 15. Arms License(s) without UIN shall be considered cancelled/void after 31st Oct. 2015. During verification and UIN generation excise, the Arm License holder is not required to present the Licensed Arm(s)

Corrigendum moKoKchuNg, march 4 (DiPr): Apropos news item “Ao Senden (HOHO) office bearer nominated” which came out in the local dailies on March 3 and 4, the news item should be read as President- Imolemba of Ungma village, Vice President- O.Shilu Jamir of Akhoya village, General Secretary- S.Panger Ao of Molungyimsen village, Asst.Gen Secy.-Limasashi of Sungratsu village and Treasurer- Shilu Yaden of Merangkong village. Inadvertent error is regretted.

PNU convenes special general assembly Kohima, march 4 (mExN): The Poumai Naga Union (PNU) has convened a special general assembly on March 6 at 11:00 AM at Koide village to discuss on important issues pertaining to Poumai tribe. All the chairmen, secretaries, presidents and secretaries of youth and students organizations, head of village, pastors and Catechists of various denominations, chairpersons and secretaries of women organizations, frontal organizations, politicians, social activists, senior leaders, delegates of officers forum, intellectuals, delegates of employees association of Poumai community have been requested to attend the assembly compulsorily. This was stated in a release issued by PNU speaker assembly affairs CD Jongeo John and assembly affairs secretary P.S. Shilavei.

4 DoSE officers abstain from NSEAOA agitation Kohima, march 4 (mExN): Four high ranking officials from the Directorate of School Education have declared that they would not take part in the agitation called by the Nagaland School Education Administrative Staff Officers Association (NSEAOA), the Nagaland Secondary School Field Officers Forum (NSSFOF) and All Nagaland School Teachers Association (ANSTA). A press statement appended from T, Lipok Jamir, Assistant Jamir; L Changkery, Deputy Director; Lienkhohau Chongloi, Deputy Director and Vamu Lohe, Deputy Director expressed “astonishment” that “the style and functioning of NSEAOA with their decision taken to club up with other associations in the department to launch an agitation without consultation.” “In view of the unscrupulous decision taken…without general interest,” the four officials stated that “many senior administrative officers are constrained not to take part in this agitation.”

PERSPECTIVE

7 A Voice in the Wilderness

Thursday

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

5 March 2015

NEWS ANALYSIS, FEATURE AND DISCOURSE

T

hrough out the long history of Israel during the Old Testament times, God reared / anointed prophets from amongst the Israelite people themselves to declare His words to his chosen people. These prophets kept on reminding the children of Israel about the special and unique position of the Jewish people as God’s chosen people. When the people of Israel got themselves in wicked and sinful ways of life, it was these prophets who cautioned the people and called upon them to return to the righteous path of the lord. These prophets also warned about the destruction that would befall on them and their city if they persist in their disobedience and sinful ways of life. Likewise, these prophets also prophesied about the coming of a Saviour from amongst them (from their family tree) who would liberate the whole world from sin and deliver salvation to whoever comes to him in faith.

It is interesting to note that God used these prophets throughout Israel’s long history to remind His people about the dangers of disregarding His Words and also about how God had been faithful to them in the bygone years, how God saved them from many impossible situations in the past and also about the abundant blessings and rewards that lie ahead for whoever called upon the name of the Lord. While some heeded to these messages of the prophets and changed their attitude and ways of life accordingly, many did not pay any heed to these reminders, advises and warnings and had to ultimately bear the wrath and judgment of their Creator and Sustainer. Here we can mention the names of many prophets who adorned the history of Israel as God’s chosen messengers like Daniel, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Malachi, Ezekiel, Nehemiah etc. The last of these prophets who ushered in the era of the New Covenant was the one who wore animal clothing and roamed in the wilderness.

In a similar manner when many in Nagaland seem to have forgotten their history, their past glories, their struggles and aspirations and have been bombarded with lies, concocted information, lopsided stories and totally foreign propagandas thereby confusing the whole Naga populace and even making us fight amongst ourselves rather than fight the enemy, a voice has been loitering amongst us in the form of books and newspaper articles reminding us all that we need to know as a distinct people inhabiting this part of South East Asia. That voice is Kaka D. Iralu. For the last 17 years, Kaka has been vociferously reminding us about what our fathers’ and grandfathers’ generations did in order to be recognized as a distinct and sovereign people in the aftermath of the British withdrawal from South –East Asia in 1947, how our aspiration for self-determination landed us in direct confrontation with our newly independent mighty neighbor India in the 1950s, how many souls perished under the guns, boots and lust of the mighty Indian army, how our self-sufficient village establishments were turned into ashes thereby making us refugees and strangers in our own homeland.

Besides, Kaka also has been reminding us how we failed to recognize the traps set up by the enemy, how we stumbled over those traps and got ourselves entrapped and enslaved in more ways than one thereby making our once proud and selfsufficient society a divided and dependent house.

After Nagaland became a full-fledged Indian state in 1963 and Indian currency started pouring in unabated, many Nagas no longer seem to care about our past history which is smeared in blood and tears.

And the unabated pouring in of Indian money into

L

axman, a 10-year-old Koya tribal boy, looks admiringly at a fencedin vegetable patch behind his home in southern India’s Andhra Pradesh state. Velvety-green and laden with vegetables, the half-acre patch is where Laxman’s family gets their daily quota of nutritious food.

But one day soon it will disappear under several feet of water, thanks to the Polavaram multipurpose project – a 45-metre-high, 2.32-km-long mega dam currently under construction on the Godavari, the second-longest river in India after the Ganges.

A crucial link in the federal government’s river-linking project, the Polavaram dam will submerge at least 276 villages, including Narakonda, where Laxman’s family lives.

Blissfully unaware today, young Laxman will soon be among the nearly 200,000 tribal people who experts say will be displaced en masse by the development project.

Laxman’s parents, Sitamma Rao and Sodi Bhimaiah, know that when the water comes, they will have to pack up and leave their village. The government has expressed its intention to properly compensate those affected but the community here has neither heard of nor seen the results of such promises.

To this day, no government official has visited these villages, where many tribal families earn about 30 Indian rupees (0.50 dollars) each day.

Diversifying crops They know they must prepare for hard times ahead, but with no advice, support or official assistance forthcoming from the government, tribal villagers have embarked on their own quest for alternative livelihoods.

In dozens of villages along the dam site, in the foothills of the Papi mountain range, the hunter-gather Koya and Kondareddi tribes, both listed as particularly vulnerable tribal communities by the Indian government, are learning sustainable farming to better feed their families – and save what little they can for the dark days to come.

Having dwelt in the Papi hill ranges on either side of the Godavari gorge for generations, practicing small-scale

What do we do with our economic pie?

E

very society or nation has been endowed with certain natural resources and/or created wealth. Figuratively, these resources can be compared to a pie. Some societies are blessed with bigger pies; others have smaller ones. To manage these resources well for the people, governments are formed. Hence, the role of a government is to act as a manager and decide whether to divide the “pie” for the people to eat now or make it grow first and then let everyone takes his fair share from the increase later.

our lands has undoubtedly brought about a transformation wherein the once proud and self-sufficient Naga society has become a society which cannot think, act and envision beyond this puppet Indian state of Nagaland thereby creating a picture depicting the Nagas as a lazy and totally dependent people who cannot stand in their own feet.

In such a scenario, Kaka Iralu has been courageously, and knowing fully well the risks and the dangers involved in telling the untold stories, reminding us in such a fantastic manner about the harsh realities of our past and the many false lies and propagandas that have come to flood our beloved land.

It is always a treat to read the writings of Kaka Iralu which are written in such a candid and lucid manner that even a moderately educated Naga can not only read and comprehend but also appreciate and admire his writings and stand. Once you start reading a book or an article of Kaka Iralu, it is indeed very difficult to stop midway because from the start and throughout the writings, the author is able to present his accounts with such a sense of continuity and clarity that the reader is fully engrossed and captivated as if reading a thriller or an interesting novel.

So, what are some of the attributes that one would need to write the kind of books and articles that Kaka Iralu writes? Obviously, one would need a good command / mastery over the English grammar and vocabulary. One would also need what is called ‘clarity of thought and expression’. One would also need an impressive tract-record of researches, studies and interviews on the subject concerned. But I guess the one attribute that one would need the most is the one called ‘COURAGE’.

Now, if Kaka had been writing all his books and articles in an environment where there is total peace and tranquility, then perhaps his story would not have been so impressive or inspiring. But we all know that even today, Nagaland is far from being peaceful and tranquil. Of course today, by the grace of God, there is no open direct conflict between the Indian army and the Naga populace. But even today our situation is far from being safe as it remains to be quite volatile in many ways. With so many camps (both Nagas’ and Indians’) still around, untoward incident can happen anytime anywhere. And when one is

writing on such sensitive and volatile issues, the possibility and the vulnerability of your views and opinions being wrongly interpreted by someone out there is always a very high reality. But I guess this is what makes the story of Kaka D. Iralu very challenging, encouraging, inspiring and much more complete.

They say that Adolf Hitler authored the iconic book “Mein Kamph”. But when we know that Hitler wrote this book not in a palace or a five-star hotel but behind bars in a lonely prison cell, it makes the story of the book much more iconic and historic. They also say that John Milton wrote many touching and beautiful poems which are still celebrated today by many.

But when we know that Milton wrote all his most celebrated poems after he became completely blind, it makes his story and his poems much more inspiring, valuable and touching. They also say that Nelson Mandela became the President of South Africa in the early 1990’s. But when we know that Mandela spent 27 years of his life in a dark lonely and filthy prison before becoming the first black President of his country, it makes his story much more inspiring, touching, glorious and historic. Thus, it is an established phenomenon that the challenging circumstances under which an art work or a masterpiece is produced or a life is lived goes a long way in determining the worth and value of that work and that life.

Likewise, the works of Kaka D. Iralu are very unique, special, rare and thought-provoking in many ways. His books and articles are written in such a manner that it can prick our conscience, clear the mists around our eyes and sweep the carpet from right beneath one’s feet. And if we take into consideration the circumstances and environment under which these writings have been produced, his works become much more special, inspiring and touching.

It is said that it always takes time for the society to accept a new idea especially if that idea happens to be a radical idea that is totally opposed to all that we see around us. But history has proven, time and again, that a time surely comes when that new idea will no longer sound strange, unusual or radical…… and I hope that the writings of Kaka D. Iralu will also see such a day……..

(The columnist dedicates this article to the latest book of Kaka Iralu which is titled “Uncovering the Political Lies that have covered Indo-Naga History from the 1940s to the Present”)

Forest tribes look to sustainable farming stella Paul

farming and selling minor forest products at nearby markets, the tribes are now looking at more sustainable practices that will increase their yield and perhaps even provide them a surplus of food and income.

Helping them in this quest is Kovel Foundation – a local non-profit that trains forest tribes in entrepreneurial and alternative livelihood skills. Under a three-year project, Kovel is training 2,000 marginal women farmers from 46 villages in the ‘Annapurna Model’ – a multi-crop farming technique – as well as providing them with seeds and financial assistance.

The model was originally conceived by the federal government to help rural women farmers achieve food security and maintain a yearly income of between 50,000 and 100,000 rupees (800 to 1,600 dollars).

Prior to this scheme, tribal communities in the region gathered forest fruits and herbs, and earned a meager monthly salary of between eight and 24 dollars by selling forest products.

Now they are diversifying crops, spreading out their risks and increasing their modest yields.

Hailing from the nearby village of Aligudem, which will also be submerged by the dam, a farmer named Laxamma Raju shows IPS her year-old garden: half an acre of land divided into 15 beds, each of them seven feet wide.

A narrow trench separates the beds, made from rich soil topped with silt, compost and cow dung. Growing on each of these nutrient-filled plots is a different crop: radish, okra, eggplant, carrot, onion, bitter gourd, pumpkin, cow bean, tomatoes, chili and coriander.

There are also banana saplings, planted alongside mango and custard apple trees.

Interspersed among them are yel-

low marigolds and sunflowers. The bright flowers attract pests, working as organic insect traps, explains Satya Raju, Laxamma’s husband. The idea of growing and consuming so many crops excites farmers here, who have never before enjoyed such a varied diet.

“Earlier, we grew rice, some millets and chickpeas,” Laxamma tells IPS. “But from last year, we have been growing multiple crops, and harvesting a basket of vegetables every week,” she adds, pointing to a bag of tomatoes that she is going to sell in the market for 15 rupees a kilo. All told, she will take home about 1,200 rupees (about 20 dollars) each month from her multi-crop farm.

These are no small strides for forest tribes, 70 percent of whose population lives below the poverty line according to government data. Few attend school, or learn to read and write. The literacy level among such remote tribes in Andhra Pradesh is estimated at 47 percent.

When development means displacement One of the major challenges for tribes in this area is the lack of irrigation facilities, says Beera Voina Murali, a Koya tribesman and a trainer with the Kovel Foundation.

“The monsoon is the only source of water,” Murali tells IPS. “Though the department of tribal affairs offers a 50 percent subsidy on diesel-powered pumps, they still cost over a lakh (2,000 dollars) – marginal farmers cannot afford that kind of money.”

And even those who do manage to install these costly devices struggle to pay for the fuel. Laxmamma, for example, spends about 10 dollars every day just to keep the pump going, since it guzzles roughly nine litres of diesel daily.

Meeting this irrigation challenge in the region is one of the stated goals

of the Polavaram dam project; with a storing capacity of 551 million cubic metres, the dam promises to irrigate 700,000 acres of land.

But this “solution” represents disaster for over a quarter of a million people in this area, including farmers like Sitamma, who are will be completely inundated once the project is completed.

“Today, we can’t cultivate well because we don’t have water. But tomorrow when the water comes, we will lose our home,” says Edu Konda, another Kovel Foundation trainer who has been actively protesting the construction of the dam, but with little hope of a change in government policy.

Last year, concerned community members met with the project officer in charge of the dam at the department of tribal affairs in Rampachodavaram and made an appeal to save the threatened lands.

“He said, ‘You will be relocated into good, fertile areas,’” Konda recalls, “but the very next month he was transferred out of this district. Now, we are back to level zero,” she tells IPS. India’s track record of relocating and rehabilitating tribal communities displaced by development projects leaves a lot to be desired. One such example is the Sardar Sarovar dam over the river Narmada in central India that displaced 300,000 tribal people in 2005.

Over a decade later, 40,000 of these people are still waiting to be relocated, or compensated for their lost lands.

A similar controversy unfolded around the site of the Hasdeo Bango dam in central India’s Chhattisgarh state. Construction of the dam that began in 1962 and ended in 2011 affected 52 mostly tribal villages. But they have been poorly relocated and even today have few basic facilities and even fewer livelihood opportunities, according to government data.

Against this backdrop, some community members feel it is futile to adopt new farming techniques when they could soon be landless. The vast majority, however, are convinced that their newly acquired sustainable agricultural practices will serve them well – even if they are forcibly moved to less fertile areas.

Option #1: Dividing the Pie to Eat Now. Most underdeveloped societies opt for the former---that is, they choose to exploit their resources for their own consumption now. They expect their government to meet their immediate needs and supply them with whatever they want. They are always asking, “What can the government do for me?” or “What can I get from the government?”

Most people in India have been conditioned to think that they don’t have to do anything for the government, except maybe casting their votes when elections come. They assume that the government is responsible to do everything for them.

They live with a sense of entitlement to all free services and financial assistance from the government. Obviously, this was not the intention of Jawaharlal Nehru when he opted to make India a socialist welfare state: he neither meant to make the government to be just a distribution house nor to reduce the public into mere recipients of the nation’s wealth. But this is exactly how things have turned out in India.

Certainly, Indian politicians are not ignorant about the importance of economic growth or nation building. But for that to happen, they must be willing to put economic growth over populist politics, which is a short-term game. They must first prepare the conditions for economic growth---that is, provide suitable education, raise skilled workforce, supply electric power, set up a communication network, develop infrastructure, to name a few. These things, however, take a long time to produce results.

As such, they don’t generate sufficient interests in voters who are after instant gratification. Accordingly, most politicians are pressured into promising free goods and free services to voters. For example, the actor-turned-politician N. T. Rama Rao of Andhra Pradesh promised in the 1994 state election that he would subsidize the price of rice to Rs. 2.00 per kilo when it cost Rs. 5.00 in the market. This got him easily elected, but as it turned out later, he nearly bankrupted the state treasury. Similarly, Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal of Punjab has followed a policy of welfare programs and has been recklessly giving away too many free goods and subsidies to his voters. As a result, Punjab, which was one of India’s most prosperous states, is today finding itself bankrupt and unable to pay its civil servants.

Now, what about ArvindKejriwal? No doubt, Mr. Kejriwal’s efforts to clean up corruption and provide equitable distribution of government services and goods are very admirable. But if one were to go by AAP’s election manifesto, he seems to be more on the side of dividing the pie now than growing it first. His Party ran on the promises of providing up to 20,000 liters of free waterto every household per month and reducing electricity bills by half. These promises, among other things, got him elected and have earned him a big name among the common people. Now the question is, are these promises economically viable or pro-growth? The danger is that the size of the pie could get smaller if it is recklessly divided for consumption now. If that were to happen, everyone could end up having less and less after a few years.

We Nagas are no better than others, if not worse. We have become too dependent on government welfare programs and subsidies. We want our share of the pie for our consumption right now. Since our common pie is rapidly decreasing in size, many of us have come to believe that the government should supply us with more pies. To do this job, we then vote for the most “shameless beggars” to be our politicians. We don’t care if they don’t know anything about growing a healthy society or building a prosperous nation, but we want them to be able to squeeze out everything possible for us from our state government. And, they should also be able to bring us all the freebies from Delhi. Sadly, this has become our people’s current mindset and state of affairs.

Option #2: Growing the Pie to Share Later. Since the time of the Industrial Revolution in Europe (1760-1840), many progressive societies have learned to put more emphasis on increasing the size of the pie by growing it. This fact explains why the economic growth achieved by industrial countries in the last two centuries is unparalleled in history. Indeed, this started in Europe and then gradually spread to America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, and Japan. People in these countries have come to the realization of investing in their own future rather than depending on their governments to do it for them. They knew that their standard of living could never be sustained for long by government aid and mere subsidies.

Unlike the economic policies of socialist welfare states where governments run almost everything and provide free services or subsidies to its citizens, Singapore follows a policy of individualizing the social safety net. In other words, the Singaporean government actively encourages the accumulation of capital through an economic policy of forced savings by requiring all employers and employees to save 40 percent of their wages. These accumulated funds are kept not only as retirement savings but also to pay for current health needs, finance college education, purchase life and disability insurance, invest in stocks and bonds, and/or purchase homes. This government policy of forced savings has increased the nation’s wealth and has enabled the citizens of Singapore to enjoy a higher standard of living.

Many people in developed countries are not interested in government handouts as much as a thriving economy. They know that only economic growth leads to more jobs and more wealth. For example, when economic recession hit every part of the United States of America in the late 2000s, President Barack Obama passed an economic stimulus bill allowing every state to get certain amount of free money from the federal government. But the State of Texas turned down the offer of $555 million because the Texans believed that they could come out of the recession on their own. And yes, they did!

So, as John F. Kennedy put it, “Ask not what your country can do for you---ask what you can do for your country.” And when your country becomes more prosperous, it will be able to give you so much more than what you can get now.

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

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IN-FOCUS

The Power of Truth

The Morung Express THursDAy 5 MArcH 2015 voluME X IssuE 61

By Aheli Moitra

Old men and chainsaws

THE EDIT PAGE

C O M M E N T A R Y

Rodney Muhumuza Associated Press

The willingness to forgive

T

wo significant images made it to the front pages of this newspaper in the past week.

More recent of the two was the picture of a Burma imported probably-German-made chainsaw in an eastern zone of Nagaland. In the depths of Meluri subdivision of Phek district, these electronic chainsaws are gaining ground in the forested areas of Phokhungri. Population has increased, firewood is required in a larger quantity. Instead of the three weeks it takes to cut trees, either with an axe/dao or manual woodsaw, the petrol-run chainsaw can facilitate tree cutting, and its further distribution in three days. At a cheaper rate too.

In three weeks or a month, a little patch of forest can now be converted into firewood for human consumption. Or it could be transported out for big gains to the market, and fill some pockets, especially of timber merchants, up full. They say the furniture made out of the resplendent wood from the region is in high demand in India as well as outside it.

The second image was even more interesting in its irony.

A group of old Naga men are sitting in a forest on plastic chairs donated by a local politician. Around a mike, they are singing songs of celebration. The bamboo mugs generally held by the people during such occasions have been replaced by small plastic bottles, through which a clear golden brown liquid is seen. In another world, one could imagine magic has suddenly converted the rice beer to whisky, bamboo to plastic.

The festival resolves to bless the agricultural cycle in order for an abundant harvest later in the year. It marks, they say, the cleansing of the body and soul. It is easier to plan pre-packaged liquor than make rice beer for so many gents and transport it all the way into a forest to preserve the purity of culture, no doubt.

These two images are powerful markers of the lifestyle choices the indigenous peoples of the region are making today. Despite their position in the peripheries of power, people are now becoming globalised citizens, partaking in the process of globalisation. Cultures are not really discarded, and symbolism continues, whether or not the seed is sowed in the first place for any harvest at all. The desire to survive is kept intact, no matter its drudgery.

But is culture signified by merely the song sung on an occasion, or a man continuing to use a dao for acquiring fuel (firewood in this case)? Would a Naga today still be Naga tomorrow if the inherent visions ingrained in the culture—of social harmony, living with the environment, distribution of wealth—are not sustained? Do chainsaws and plastic bottles contribute to that vision?

It is difficult to impose an answer to any of these questions, especially from the outside. But the leaders of today’s Naga society should dig deep and hard for them—the answers are not always hidden in the State politics they prefer to obsess over. They are hidden somewhere between the chainsaws and forests in which old men sing.

Comments may be sent to moitramail@yahoo.com

lEfT wiNg |

Mazie Nakhro, Ph.D

Attacking the Nexus of Powers Against the Poor Thought-Provoking Question: Why do the common people suffer so much in Nagaland?

What does God say? Read Amos 5:7, 10-15 Amos was a herdsman from a small village in Judea. But God called him to be a prophet to the rich and the powerful in Samaria, an urban city, around the middle of the eighth century B.C. At that time, the royal courtiers and the merchant class under King Jeroboam II took control of the trade routes and a thriving market economy in Samaria. By controlling the system, they created an economic divide: the rich became richer and the poor became poorer.

The ruling class and the business people formed a nexus. Then, they took advantage of common people. They oppressed the poor by seizing their lands; they trampled on honest people for money; they pushed aside those who were helpless; they abused the needy and demanded heavy taxes from them; they hated judges and honest witnesses.

While the common people suffered in abject poverty, the rich enjoyed all luxuries. They lived in mansions; they possessed extra houses both for winter and summer seasons; the interior of their homes were adorned with ivory; they slept on expensive beds; they dined on the choicest of meat; they indulged themselves in drinking and partying all the time. They were able to enjoy a life of luxury and ease at the expense of the common people. So, they were cheerful about life and felt very blessed. But the Lord says, “Woe to you who are complacent…you who feel secure” (6:1).

The rich and powerful were not supposed to take advantage of the poor and the weak. But they caused the society to become crooked, not straight (7:7-9). This ought not to be! It was God’s intention that the people of Israel should be small independent landowners. But even if someone were to sell his land on account of economic hardships, it should be returned to him in the year of Jubilee (Lev. 25:10-17).

Just as water always flows down, the standard of justice must begin from the leaders and flow down to the people.

Therefore, God’s solution to the problems of the common people is this: “Let justice roll down like a river, and righteousness like a never-failing stream” (Amos 5:24).

Okay, so now what?

In the olden days, our ancestors practiced an egalitarian system of economy: everyone had enough for his family.

Some worked harder and smarter and thus became richer.

But since they followed a system of wealth redistribution, the rich would always take care of the poor in their communities and there would be no one without food and some properties of his own. In today’s society, we trample on the poor and the helpless so we can become rich and powerful.

Oh, May God help us to speak out against inequalities like the prophet Amos!

Prayer: Lord, make me uneasy when I see inequalities and injustices amongst us. Give me courage to fight for what is right, especially for the poor. Amen.

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

In this photo taken on Thursday, February 12, 2015, Anna Acheng, a 45-year-old who was abducted by the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) and whose left ear was partly sliced off by them, stands near her home in the Barlonyo displaced persons camp in northern Uganda. Eleven years after the LRA attacked Barlonyo, the International Criminal Court in The Hague is preparing to try senior LRA commander Dominic Ongwen for war crimes and crimes against humanity and while Ugandan military officials and survivors say he helped direct the attack on the camp in Barlonyo, some survivors of the February 21, 2004, attack say Ongwen should not be tried by the ICC. (AP Photo/Rebecca Vassie)

Victims back leniency for LRA chief but trial awaits

T

his is the horror that Silveria Okweny is willing to forgive: On Feb. 21, 2004, as the sun dipped below the horizon, rebels walking single file approached the Ugandan refugee camp in which she lived. At the shrill sound of a whistle, one of the worst attacks on civilians by the Lord's Resistance Army began.

With gunfire and screams punctuating the evening, some of the rebels entered Okweny's hut as the family cowered inside. As the insurgents assaulted Okweny's husband, their 5-year-old son Innocent pleaded with them to stop. Instead, one grabbed the boy by the legs and smashed his head against a wall, killing him.

All told, more than 120 civilians — including Okweny's husband and her older son — would die that day.

Eleven years later, the International Criminal Court in The Hague is preparing to try senior LRA commander Dominic Ongwen for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Ugandan military officials and survivors say he helped direct the attack on the camp in Barlonyo.

But Okweny and some other survivors of the Feb. 21, 2004, attack say Ongwen should not be tried by the ICC. Instead, they say he should be pardoned if he comes to Uganda to confess his crimes and seeks forgiveness in a ritual ceremony.

Their willingness to forgive is partly a function of northern Uganda's traditions and culture, but it is also prompted by Ongwen's personal history — he was kidnapped as a boy by the LRA and turned into a child soldier.

"From the victims' perspectives under the circumstances, traditional justice and reconciliation would have been more appropriate," than a trial in the Netherlands, said Jonathan Odur, who runs the Facilitation for Peace and Development in northern Uganda. "Many victims think that an international trial is not going to change anything tangible."

G

iven the global challenges humanity faces in the 21st century, we can no longer afford to maintain artificial divisions between peoples and nations. Learning from the indigenous peoples of the world, along with the wisdom-keepers of all cultures and faith traditions, we must begin to understand ourselves as part of a great human family that is itself just one strand in the web of life on our living Earth.

This was the impetus behind the journey of a group of healers, educators, and activists, predominantly women, from a variety of ethnicities including Hopi, Ojibwe, and Maori and from religious traditions as diverse as Sufi, Jewish, Christian, and Buddhist.

They traveled together last summer to share their traditions and cultural stories, both among themselves and with the people they visited, in order to create a common understanding of how humans relate to one another, to other living beings, and to the Earth.

The journey was inspired by a meeting in New Zealand between Maori spiritual leader Rangimarie Turuki Rose Pere and Sufi healer Devi Tide.

Tide recalls Pere saying, “We’ve come to a place where we’re all in it together, we can no longer separate ourselves from each other. It’s a time of unity, a time for the indigenous wisdom-keepers to share our knowledge with the rest of the world.”

Tide tried to persuade Pere to travel and share her wisdom herself, but Pere had other ideas. “She turned around and pointed at me,” Tide recalls, “and she said, ‘It can’t come from one of us,’”

Ongwen was taken into custody in January in Central African Republic by a local rebel group and handed over to U.S. special forces who are pursuing top LRA leader Joseph Kony, who started the insurgency in the north not long after President Yoweri Museveni seized power in 1986.

Though this region suffered the most at the hands of the LRA, there is widespread feeling that it would be appropriate for Ongwen to undergo a traditional ceremony in which the aggressor confesses his crimes, goes through some form of ritual cleansing, and is then made to pay damages. During the ceremony — called "Kayo Cuk" or "Utmost Forgiveness" — a bull may be slaughtered, its blood smeared on the foreheads of both the perpetrator and victims. Only then, some believe, may it be possible to achieve justice and reconciliation.

"Kayo Cuk is about extending an olive branch, and if Ongwen comes to Barlonyo and seeks forgiveness and people see that he is sincere then he can definitely be forgiven," said Ben Erweny, a senior member of the Lango Cultural Foundation, an institution that unites the clans of the Langi people. "He would maybe bring a bull which would be slaughtered for the people to eat. It would an occasion for merriment."

Anna Acheng, a 45-year-old who had been abducted by the LRA and whose left ear was partly sliced off by rebels, said reports that Ongwen turned himself in makes him seem a sympathetic figure and worthy of Kayo Cuk. "Since he surrendered, we can now forgive him for the atrocities he committed against our people because we are confident that he will never go back to the bush," she said.

Scores of former LRA rebels who were granted amnesty by Uganda's government have been guided through similar rituals. They now live freely across northern Uganda. None of these former rebels, however, had been charged with war crimes by the ICC. Ongwen told the ICC in his first and so far only appearance that he was abducted as a 14-year-old boy in 1988. That account is confirmed by his relatives who say he was kidnapped by the LRA while walking home from school.

Ongwen rose, according to the ICC arrest warrant, to membership in the LRA's "Control Altar"

— a group of senior commanders that plotted and carried out attacks in northern Uganda. It does not specifically cite the Barlonyo incident. When the LRA fighters attacked Barlonyo, its population had swelled to more than 11,600 people, many of them war refugees and living in a camp.

After a rebel blew his whistle, the column fanned out, first attacking and overwhelming an outnumbered local defense force, then hacking, shooting and burning alive unarmed civilians, according to AP reports from the scene. Those who fled their huts of dried mud walls and grass-thatched roofs were gunned down; those who stayed inside burned to death, one survivor told AP. Hundreds of people were abducted; the LRA kidnapped boys to become fighters and girls to be sex slaves, and others to be porters.

The LRA fighters are now reduced to a few dozen who roam the wilds of Central African Republic, Congo and South Sudan, still carrying out the occasional attack on civilians or kidnapping children. The LRA was forced out of Ugandan territory in 2005.

Today, a ceramic-tiled monument marks the mass grave where scores of the Barlonyo victims were buried. A headstone says "LRA terrorists" killed 121 people. Estimates of the death toll are often higher. Many of the victims were so badly burned their bodies were not counted, said Moses Ogwang, a local aid worker who was the Barlonyo camp leader back then. He said he counted 301 bodies.

Lira, a northern district that encompasses Barlonyo, remains one of poorest parts of the East African country, and many residents say the government did not do enough to help the area recover after the LRA insurgency ravaged lives and the economy. Most homes in the area are made of mud and wattle, not the brick and concrete common in other parts of Uganda.

Kidnap victims who eventually left the LRA were unable to return to school because they were too poor or too psychologically damaged, creating legions of young people who while away their days in bars.

Most of the survivors of the attack have returned to their ancestral homes. The dry expanse of bush and farmland is now sparsely populated, with just a few dozen people still clinging to the site.

One of them is Okweny, the woman whose children and husband were killed during the attack. Five grandchildren now live with her. About 300 meters (yards) from her home, a village is slowly taking shape with a half-dozen shops lining a dirt road and offering kerosene for lamps, soap and other essentials for sale. Jobless young men show up early to sip a local homemade beer. It is hot, humid and dusty.

The 55-year-old Okweny, who never remarried and still wears her wedding band, grows cassava in her garden and sells it at the roadside, making $3 on a good day. She saves as much as she can to buy livestock. A few goats roam her dirt compound, feeding on cassava peel.

"Time has helped us to recover from what happened, and also prayers have helped us to come out of this suffering as the world abandoned us," she said.

"I feel that Ongwen should be pardoned," she added.

Okweny's spirit of reconciliation comes in part from personal experience — her own nephew was abducted by the LRA as a teenager in 2002 and hasn't been seen since. She believes that all boys who were abducted, including Ongwen, should be seen as victims of the conflict and forgiven.

"Even my nephew should also be treated like that if he ever comes out, because they did not join the rebellion willingly," Okweny said, speaking in Acholi through a translator.

Maria Kamara, a field outreach official with the ICC, said it is unlikely that victims will appear as witnesses in Ongwen's ICC trial. That's fine with Ogwang, the former Barlonyo camp leader, who would rather forget what happened here. But he does not want Ongwen to ever forget.

"Maybe they can bring Ongwen to Barlonyo," he said, "because we want him to see what he did here."

When the Grandmothers Awoke Jennifer Browdy

Becoming a global family, one that unites ancient indigenous wisdom with other faith and cultural traditions, is essential if humanity is to overcome the crises of climate change

referring to the Maori and other indigenous peoples. When Pere said that Tide should be the one to bring the wisdom-keepers of the world together, Tide said, “I felt like I had been hit by a bolt of lightning.”

That lightning bolt sparked the remarkable journey she led through the American Southwest, and then to New York City just in time for the

People’s Climate March and the United Nations First World Conference on Indigenous Peoples.

The group met with Grandmother Flordemayo of the Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers, an international alliance of indigenous women elders founded in 2004 and dedicated to offering prayer and education as a means to strengthen the human family

“for the next seven generations.”

Seeking to share perspectives and wisdom, the travelers visited the Hopi Reservation under the guidance of Hopi elder Pershlie “Perci” Ami and prayed at sacred sites like the Hopi Prophecy Rock, Sedona, and the Grand Canyon. “It was chaos and miracles, every day,” said Moetu Taiha, a Maori healer who helped lead the group. “It was like a kind of rebirth. We had to learn how to be a family.”

Becoming a new kind of family, Taiha said, one that unites ancient indigenous wisdom with other faith and cultural traditions, is essential if humanity is to successfully surmount the crises of the present moment.

The global human family was very much in evidence at the People’s Climate March in New York City on September 21, 2014, where some 400,000 people from every background imaginable gathered to send a message to world leaders that they must act immediately and decisively to shift human civilization onto a sustainable course.

In New York, the wisdom-keepers offered prayers for the healing of the Earth, first in a small ceremony in Central Park, and later center stage at the start of the huge rally. Their passion was mirrored by the great crowd in front of them.

“That moment in New York was the beginning of a new stage of unity,” Ojibwe elder Mary Lyons said. “Now, finally, we are walking a pathway for peace together,” toward a new understanding of the important role of human beings, particularly women, as stewards of life on Earth.

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

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

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Dimapur

NATIONAL

Thursday 5 March 2015

The Morung Express

Documentary on 2012 Delhi gang rape MPs cause uproar in Rajya Sabha banned in India

British filmmaker Leslee Udwin addresses a press conference on her documentary film "India's Daughter," about the Dec. 16, 2012 gang rape in a moving bus, in New Delhi on March 3. Mukesh Singh, one of the men convicted of raping and killing a woman in the brutal 2012 gang attack on a New Delhi bus said in a TV documentary that if their victim had not fought back she would not have been killed. The film will be shown on March 8, International Women's Day, in India, Britain, Denmark, Sweden and several other countries. (AP Photo)

New Delhi, March 4 (iaNS): The Rajya Sabha witnessed uproar on Wednesday on the interview of a December 16 gang-rape convict to BBC, as members sought to know from the government how this was permitted.

While some members said it was wrong to allow the interview in which the rapist blames the victim, others were of the view that it reflected the mentality of a large section of the society, stressing on the need to correct it.

The issue was raised by Janata Dal-United (JD-U) member K.C. Tyagi during zero hour as he questioned how permission for the interview was granted.

"There is a documentary which is so derogatory. It should not be shown," Tyagi said, adding that he had also given a notice for suspension of business in the Rajya Sabha to discuss the issue.

Deputy chairman P.J. Kurien did not allow the suspension, but

New Delhi, March 4 (iaNS): Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said the government had taken necessary steps to stop the telecast of a documentary based on an interview with a convict in the December 16 Delhi gang-rape case.

In statements in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, the home minister said the government condemns the December 16, 2012, incident and will not allow anyone to leverage such incidents for commercial use.

The minister said it came to their notice that the documentary was to be

he had sought information regarding the conditions under which permission was given for the interview.

"In future, no one will be given permission to interview rapists," he told the Rajya Sabha.

"If needed, responsibility will be fixed (for granting permission)," Rajnath Singh said while making the statement in the Lok Sabha.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu also said that the government will try to stop the telecast of the documentary internationally as well.

The no-objection certificate to shoot the docu-

telecast on BBC 4 channel on March 8.

"The government has taken necessary legal action and obtained restraining order from the court on disseminating the contents of the film," he said.

"Our government condemns the incident of December 16, 2012, in the strongest possible terms and will not allow any attempt by any individual group or organisation to leverage such unfortunate incidents for commercial benefits," he said.

"The respect and dignity of women constitute a core value of our culture and tradition... our govern-

ment remains fully committed to ensuring safety and dignity of women."

Rajnath Singh also said that he was personally hurt when he got to know about the documentary.

"I would like to make it clear. As soon as I got to know about this incident I was personally hurt. I immediately talked to the concerned authorities and gave the instruction that it should not be telecast in any condition, and (restraining) orders were taken from court last night that whatever has been telecast should not be released," he said.

The minister added that

let the members express their views, himself wondering how the permission was granted.

"Such an interview should not have happened. How can this interview happen when the convict is in jail," Kurien asked. As members agitated over the issue, the Rajya Sabha was adjourned for 15 minutes, following which Home Minister Rajnath Singh made a statement, saying the government had stopped telecast of the documentary and was finding out how permission was given.

Speaking after the home minister, Anu Aga (nominated) said the interview in a way reflected the view of many men.

"I concede it is an issue who gave the permission and all that.

But the issue is what that man said reflects the view of many men in India. Why are we shying away from that in glorifying India, that we are perfect and not confronting the issues that need to be confronted?

mentary featuring interview of convicted inmates in Tihar jail of cases related to atrocities against women was given by the ministry of home affairs on July 24, 2013, Singh said.

Thereafter permission was given by jail authorities to shoot the documentary, with condition of taking prior approval of jail authorities before publishing the research paper or for releasing documentary film which "is being made for totally social purposes without any commercial interest, as conveyed".

Other conditions included that only those in-

Banning the movie (documentry) is not the answer, we need to confront the issue that men in India do not respect women.

"Every time blame is put on women. Let's not pretend all is well," she said. She was supported by lyricist Javed Akhtar (nominated). "The anger is why the interview was taken. Is the anger on why he said these things, or the anger is why is it being told to the world? I have heard such things in this house.

"If a woman dresses like this... if she is out on road in night, she is inviting trouble. It is good that this documentary was made. Crores of people got to know they think like rapists. If they feel bad, they must change their thinking," Akhtar added.

Union minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while supporting Akhtar's views, added that there are many men who are equally offended by the rapist's statement. "There is no

mates will be interviewed who give written consent, and that the complete unedited footage of the shoot in Tihar jail premises will be shown to jail authorities to ensure there was no breach of prison security.

"This documentary features one of the accused of the Nirbhaya case. It came to the notice of jail authorities that conditions have been violated. Hence a legal notice was issued to them on April 7, 2014," the home minister said.

The minister said the documentary makers were asked to return the unedited footage and also not to show the film as it violates

division on this issue. The sense of this outrage this house feels is being felt by all here. I am fully with Javed sahab when he says such attitude prevails. But I would differ.

If many men think the way as the convict has spoken, there are very many men who also think this is not acceptable," said Sitharaman.

Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan questioned when the sentence of those convicted in the case would be be executed. (Of the six accused in the case, one is a minor and is serving a three-year sentence in a remand home. One committed suicide in the Tihar Jail while the other four have been sentenced to death and their appeal is pending in the Supreme Court.)

"I want to know. It's been three years what justice are you going to give to the memory of this woman?

Please tell what will be the immediate action? You are talking about safety of women, what action will be taken," Bachchan asked.

the permission condition.

"The documentary film was shown to jail authorities where it was noticed that the documentary film depicts the comments of the convict which are highly derogatory to dignity of women," he said.

A physiotherapy student was raped and assaulted with an iron rod after she was tricked into boarding an unregistered private bus to go home after watching a movie with a male friend on December 16, 2013.

Her male companion was badly beaten up and could not come to her rescue when she was assault-

ed in the bus. The two were later dumped naked and bleeding on the roadside.

The woman was airlifted to a Singapore hospital for treatment where she died -- 13 days after the assault -- of the injuries inflicted upon her.

Mukesh Singh, one of the convicts in the gang rape case is featured in the interview.

In the documentary he said women who go out at night had only themselves to blame if they attracted the attention of molesters.

Mukhesh Singh, along with three other attackers, was convicted and sentenced to death last year.

'Open dialogue among religions Yadav, Bhushan removed Government issues 5,000 phone calls needed to promote human rights' from key AAP Panel interception orders a month on average UNiTeD N aT i o N S, March 4 (iaNS): India has called for a non-ideological and open dialogue among religions and civilisations to promote and strengthen human rights around the world.

“An open and constructive dialogue among and within religions, cultures and civilisations, taking into account different national circumstances, facilitates the promotion of a culture of understanding, tolerance, moderation and respect for diversity,” B. N. Reddy, India's Acting Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, told the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Tuesday, “This pragmatic and nonideological approach”, he said, “can contribute greatly to the enhancement of international cooperation for the promotion of human rights."

Reddy was speaking on behalf of India and 27 other “likeminded group” of countries at the UNHRC meeting on “Enhancing International Cooperation in the field of Human Rights”. The group included

Pakistan and countries as diverse as Russia, China, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela.

Laying out a holistic approach to human rights, Reddy said the challenge in a world riven by “persistent poverty and staggering inequalities” called for an approach based on the Right To Development.

“Security, development and human rights are mutually dependent and interrelated” and they should not be treated in separate silos, according to Reddy.

“Global community's collective response to human rights challenges has been limited in scope and priorities, often driven by narrow objectives that tend to ignore the underlying causes,” he added.

“An approach based on the Right To Development, which is an inalienable universal human right, can provide the right framework to promote international cooperation and to comprehensively address human rights challenges and simultane-

ously strengthen the three pillars of the UN system.”

The Right to Development Declaration adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1986 declared that everyone is "entitled to participate in, contribute to, and enjoy economic, social, cultural and political development, in which all human rights and fundamental freedoms can be fully realised.”

Suggesting that the UNHRC should take the lead in giving the declaration priority, Reddy said its concepts should be mainstreamed “in the work of all UN system organisations, including in the areas of finance and trade”.

Martin Kohor, the executive director of the South Centre, noted that basic needs were now considered basic human rights. He cited the right to food, which he said had achieved constitutional status in India.

India was re-elected to a second three-year term on the UNHRC last October, earning 162 votes in the General Assembly in New York, the highest for an Asian nation.

CBI raids TMC MP Tapas Paul's home, 42 Rose Valley locations KolKaTa, March 4 (iaNS): The CBI on Wednesday raided the Kolkata residence of Trinamool Congress actor-MP Tapas Paul and 42 other locations of the Rose Valley Group across India in connection with a multi-crore-rupee chit fund scam.

Paul, who represents Krishnanagar in the Lok Sabha, was a former director of the group which has been under the scanner of various central agencies, including market regulator SEBI, the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

The raids were conducted in 27 locations of the Rose Valley in West Bengal, seven in Tripura and one location each in Odisha, Assam, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Tamil Nadu.

"Apart from offices, searches are being conducted at the residential premises of Rose Valley Group chairman Gautam Kundu, managing director Shibamoy Dutta and then directors of the group, including Abir Kundu, Ramlal Goswami, Ashok Kumar Saha and present Lok Sabha MP Tapas Paul," said an official of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

A team of CBI sleuths searched Paul's residence for several hours.

Kundu, who was grilled by the ED on February 3, had said Paul was a director of

the group's films division.

Special CBI teams seized many official documents in Tripura during the raids.

A top police officer said on condition of anonymity that the CBI was scrutinising official documents of the company. "They interrogated 12 employees of Rose Valley Group."

In Kolkata, Shibamoy Dutta said the company would cooperate with the CBI, but assured investors "there is nothing wrong". "At a time when some companies have not been able to retain people's faith and have closed down, we have managed to keep open all our offices and function normally," Dutta said.

The corporate affairs ministry in 2013 had named Rose Valley as one of the 73 companies involved in ponzi schemes in Bengal. Having cast its net across Bengal, Tripura, Assam, Odisha, Jharkhand and Maharashtra among others, the company is alleged to have raised close to Rs.15,000 crore.

Found guilty of running "collective investment scheme" without necessary approvals, the SEBI in June 2014 had ordered the company to refund the money to the investors and barred it from accessing the securities market. The SEBI had also warned the company of attachment and recovery proceedings if it failed to refund the money.

New Delhi, March 4 (aGeNcieS): Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan, founder members of the Aam Aadmi Party, were dropped from a top decisionmaking panel at a marathon meeting held in the middle of the party's raging internal war.

The Aam Aadmi Party today spent hours trying to get Mr Yadav and Mr Bhushan to accept a face-saving exit from the Political Affairs Committee and quit without a vote.

The two leaders, who have been increasingly critical in their assessment of Arvind Kejriwal and the party's functioning, reportedly resisted the offer to "resign gracefully." AAP leader Kumar Vishwas took them to a separate room to persuade them but Yadav and Bhushan have reportedly not agreed. Both leaders have been openly critical of Kejriwal and the party. AAP has accused them of conspiring to unseat Kejriwal and working against the party's interests.

This morning, Mr Kejriwal sent a resignation letter to the AAP national executive, saying he was "overburdened with work" as Delhi's Chief Minister, and would not be able to handle both jobs efficiently. The resignation was rejected.

Yadav and Bhushan have, in the past few days, alleged that the three-year-old party has strayed from the core ideals of internal democracy and transparency that set it apart. "Na Todenge, na chhodenge. Sudhrenge aur sudharenge (We won't break the party or quit. We will improve ourselves and others)," Yadav said this morning.

Kejriwal, 46, will fly to Bengaluru tomorrow for 10-day treatment at a naturopathy farm.

"I am deeply hurt and pained by what is going on in the party... I refuse to be drawn in this ugly battle," he had tweeted on Tuesday, commenting for the first time on the meltdown just weeks after AAP recorded a stunning win in the Delhi election.

New Delhi, March 4 (PTi): The Home Ministry on an average approves 5,000 call interception requests a month based on "justified grounds" made by law enforcement agencies, Parliament was informed on Wednesday. The interception of telephone conversation is done by law enforcement agencies under provisions in Section 5(2) of Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 read with Indian Telegraph Rules, 1951 amended from time to time, Communication and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.

"On an average 5,000 interception orders per month are issued by the Union Home Secretary on the requests supported by justified grounds/reasons made by law enforcement agencies," he said reply to the question whether over 9,000 phones are tapped every month in the country.

The Minister informed the house that the Rule 419A of Indian Telegraph Rules allows lawful interception of phones under unavoidable circumstances. "In unavoidable circumstances, such order may be made by an officer not below the rank of a Joint Secretary to the government of India, who has been dully authorised by the Union Home Secretary or the State Home Secretary, as the case may be.

"Provided that in emergent cases in remote areas, where obtaining of prior direction for interception of message or class of messages is not feasible or for operational reasons, where obtaining of prior directions for interception of messages or class of messages is nor feasible," Prasad said.

The required interception of any message or class of messages shall be carried out with the prior approval of the head or second senior most officer of the authorised security that is the law enforcement agency at the central level and the officers authorised in the behalf, not below the rank of Inspector General of Police at the state level, he added. But, the concerned competent authority "shall be informed" of such interceptions by the approving authority within three working days and such interceptions "shall be got confirmed" by the concerned competent authority within 7 working days, the minister said.

"If the confirmation from the competent authority is not received within the stipulated 7 days, such interception shall cease and the same message or class of messages shall not be intercepted thereafter without the prior approval of Union Home Secretary or the State Home Secretary, as the case may be," Prasad added.

After beef ban, Hindu groups force abattoirs to close

MUMBai, March 4 (reUTerS): Members of a Hindu nationalist group have forced several abattoirs in Maharashtra to shut after a law was passed banning the beef trade there, a leader of the group and a lawyer for meat traders said on Wednesday.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad, or World Hindu Council, a nationalist group linked to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling party, acted after winning a court order to stop the killing of bulls and bullocks.

"Members of the VHP came to Deonar abattoir late at night and asked us to stop the slaughter, showing the copy of the High Court order," said Mohammad Ali Qureshi, president of the Bombay Suburban Beef Dealers Association.

Deonar, on the outskirts of Mumbai, is India's largest abattoir. The beef trade is mainly controlled by minority Muslims, raising concern that the ban is driven by Modi loyalists

A butcher cuts up portions of beef for sale in an abattoir at a wholesale market in Mumbai May 11, 2014. (REUTERS File Photo)

pursuing a Hindu agenda.

President Pranab Mukherjee last week gave his assent to the Maharashtra Animal Preservation Bill, which had been pending for 20 years, extending a ban on the killing of cows, considered sacred by Hin-

dus, to bulls and bullocks.

The law calls for up to five-years jail for anyone found in possession of beef, according to media reports.

But the state government - led by a Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party - said it could take a week to im-

plement the law, prompting the VHP to petition the Bombay High Court on Tuesday for an immediate ban. "Why wait for another 5 to 6 days, just for paper formalities and the final draft?" asked Vyankatesh Abdeo, all-India secretary of the

VHP. "If we would have waited thousands of cattle would have been slaughtered."

Attacks on the trade have intensified in Maharashtra since the BJP came to power 10 months ago.

Modi himself criticised the previous government for promoting a "pink revolution to butcher cattle and export meat".

Acting on the VHP's appeal, Justice V.M. Kanade on Tuesday ordered the state to ensure that killing of bulls and bullocks is stopped, according to a copy of the order seen by Reuters.

Meat centres across the state, including Deonar, have stopped operating, said Sagheer Khan, a lawyer for All Maharashtra Cattle Merchant Association.

Up to 95% of the largesized cattle slaughtered in Deonar were bulls or bullocks, with the rest being water buffaloes, whose killing is legal. Beef dealer Qureshi said the ban would cost many jobs and push up prices of buffalo meat.

InternatIonal

the Morung express

Thursday 5 March 2015

Hunger and frustration grow at Ebola ground zero in Guinea Meliandou (Guinea), March 4 (ThoMson reuTers FoundaTion): A charred kapok tree and around a dozen graves scattered amongst the mud brick houses of Meliandou are painful reminders of the toll Ebola has taken on this village in southeast Guinea.

Scientists traced the source of the worst-ever outbreak of Ebola to twoyear-old Emile Ouamouno, who they believe contracted the disease while playing near the tree, home to hundreds of bats that may have been hosting the deadly virus.

The boy’s father, Etienne Ouamouno, said Emile fell ill in December 2013, and infected his sister and mother who was eight months pregnant at the time. Over a year later, having lost all his immediate family, Etienne Ouamouno has difficulty in finding words to describe his grief.

For now, his body language does the talking.

Sitting at the foot of the kapok tree, which has since been set alight by the villagers to smoke out all the bats, Ouamouno nervously lights up a cigarette and takes a number of short drags in quick succession before flicking off the ash.

There is a long, uncomfortable silence as he contemplates the significance of this spot. Almost 24,000 people mainly in hardest-

Etienne Ouamouno stands by the kapok tree where scientists believe his two-year-old son Emile may have contracted Ebola from bats living in the hollow trunk. (Thomson Reuters Foundation File Photo)

hit Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia, have been infected and some 9,700 have died from Ebola as a result of the chain of transmission that started here.

“It wasn’t Emile that started it,” Ouamouno finally says in Kissi, the local language. “Emile was too young to eat bats, and he was too small to be playing in the bush all on his own.

He was always with his mother.”

NO INCOME For Ouamouno and thousands of others in

the forest region of southeastern Guinea, once the breadbasket of the West African nation, the suffering has only deepened. Ebola has left them scared, frustrated and jobless.

“There’s food on the market, but not enough money to buy it. Around 100,000 people are out of work since the mining companies closed due to Ebola,” said Jean-Luc Siblot, emergency coordinator for the World Food Programme (WFP) in Guinea.

“Closures of borders with Ivory Coast, Liberia and Mali and the lack of willingness for food transporters to come into the region meant agricultural collectives were stuck with their products,” Siblot told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

Jobs have dried up in 91 percent of the communities surveyed by WFP in the forest region. Farmers in other parts of the country say up to 50 percent of their crop has spoiled because they could not be

sold across borders.

WFP estimates that up to 1 million people do not get three meals a day and many have to sell their assets to buy food. Ebola has made this worse.

Since September, WFP has distributed over 15,000 tonnes of food aid to around 550,000 people in the forest region, including the prefectures of Macenta, Gueckedou and Kissidougou, where the outbreak was the most ferocious.

MARSHALL PLAN In the dense under-

growth around Meliandou, children pick mushrooms for dinner while their mothers make palm oil in the village courtyard.

But palm oil alone will not feed the family, nor will it sell for enough to put food on the table.

“What we need right now is agricultural support.

We need more classrooms, a church, and health posts staffed with doctors and equipped with medicine,” said Ouamouno, who started to open up with the encouragement of the village chief.

In January, global aid agency Oxfam called for a multi-million dollar postEbola “Marshall Plan” to help Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia -- similar to a U.S. aid programme to help rebuild shattered European economies after World War Two. The idea was revived on Tuesday as the leaders of the countries met international donors in Brussels to discuss their response to Ebola.

Back in Meliandou, villagers were sceptical of the government’s intentions ahead of presidential elections due later this year.

“The government has never done anything for us in the past, so why would they change now,” said Ouamouno, reflecting the view of many in this largely anti-government region of the country.

Dimapur

9

World’s oldest person celebrates a day before turning 117

Japan’s Misao Okawa, 116, center, who is recognized as the world’s oldest living person by Guinness World Records, poses with her relatives and Ward Mayor Takehiro Ogura, right, as she is celebrated at a nursing home in Osaka, western Japan Wednesday, March 4, ahead of her birthday.

Okawa will turn 117 on Thursday, March 5. (AP Photo)

ToKYo, March 4 (aP): The world’s oldest person says 117 years doesn’t seem like such a long time.

Misao Okawa, the daughter of a kimono maker, made the comment Wednesday, at a celebration a day before her 117th birthday. Appropriately, she was wearing a pink kimono decorated with cherry blossom prints.

Okawa, born in Osaka on March 5, 1898, was recognized as the world’s oldest person by Guinness World Records in 2013.

“It seemed rather short,” she said after Osaka government official Takehiro Ogura, who brought her a big bouquet, asked how she felt about living for 117 years.

Okawa, her hair decorated with a pink daisy pin, looked up from her wheelchair and said she was “very happy” to be that age.

Asked for the secret of her longevity, she responded nonchalantly, “I wonder about that too.”

Japan has the most centenarians in the world, with more than 58,000, according to the government. About 87 percent of them are women.

Okawa has slowed in recent months and has trouble hearing but she eats well and is in good health, according to her Osaka nursing home, where Wednesday’s televised celebration was held.

Okawa married her husband, Yukio, in 1919, and they had three children — two daughters and a son. She now has four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Her husband died in 1931.

Day after Netanyahu warning, US and It’s time to get serious about wildlife crime: UN According to the UN, as many last 14 months, according to the generational crime that can perYorK, March 4 (ians/ Iran make ‘some progress’ on nuke talks neW WaM): Illegal wildlife trade un- as 100,000 African elephants were Great Apes Survival Partnership manently scar the world through

MonTreux (sWiTzerland), March 4 (reuTers): The U.S. and Iranian foreign ministers wrapped up three days of talks over Iran’s nuclear programme on Wednesday, a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the deal being negotiated was a serious mistake.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Iran’s Mohammad Javad Zarif have negotiated for more than 10 hours since Monday in the Swiss lakeside town of Montreux, hoping to work out a framework deal by late March.

“We have made some progress but have a lot of challenges yet ahead,” a senior U.S. State Department official told reporters traveling with Kerry.

“The bottom line here is that (there is) no deal to announce to anybody today, but very intense, hard work, some progress, but tough challenges yet to be resolved,” the official said.

“We expect that we (and the Iranians) will regroup bilaterally, with the European Union present as well, on the 15th of March, location to be confirmed but most likely Geneva.”

Asked if he thought they had made progress, Zarif told reporters: “We have, but a lot of work remains.”

However, Netanyahu’s controversial speech to the U.S. Congress on Tuesday, where he harshly criticised the diplomatic efforts to resolve the dispute, may make it

harder for the Obama administration to sell the potential deal back home.

U.S. negotiator Wendy Sherman will brief Israel soon on the talks and Kerry will meet the foreign ministers of Britain, France and Germany in Paris on Saturday, the senior U.S. official said.

Netanyahu argued that rather than preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear arms, a deal would “all but guarantee” that it would one day get the atomic bomb, putting Israel, the wider region and U.S. interests at risk.

U.S. President Barack Obama responded within hours saying that Netanyahu had offered no “viable alternatives” to the current course of negotiations.

Iran and world powers are trying to put a framework agreement in place by the end of the month, despite the misgivings of Israel, U.S. congressional Republicans and some Gulf Arab states. Such an accord would be followed by a comprehensive agreement to be completed by the end of June.

The aim of the negotiations is to persuade Iran to restrain its nuclear program in exchange for relief from sanctions that have crippled the oil exporter’s economy.

The United States and some of its allies, notably Israel, suspect Iran of using its civil nuclear program as a cover to develop a nuclear weapons capability. Iran denies this, saying it is for peaceful purposes such as generating electricity.

dermines rule of law, degrades ecosystems and severely hampers the efforts of rural communities striving to sustainably manage their natural resources, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said on Tuesday as the intergovernmental organisation marked World Wildlife Day. “Combatting this crime is not only essential for conservation efforts and sustainable development; it will contribute to achieving peace and security in troubled regions where conflicts are fuelled by these illegal activities,” said the UN secretary general in a message.

“Getting serious about wildlife crime means enrolling the support of all sections of society involved in the production and consumption of wildlife products, which are widely used as medicines, food, building materials, furniture, cosmetics, clothing and accessories,” he added.

World Wildlife Day - observed annually, with this year’s theme ‘It’s time to get serious about wildlife crime’ - was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 2013 for March 3, the day of the adoption of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

killed between 2010 and 2012. For forest elephants, the population declined by an estimated 62 percent between 2002 and 2011. In Asia, poached African ivory may represent an end-user street value of $165 to $188 million.

According to new figures released on Tuesday, elephant poaching rates remained virtually unchanged in 2014 compared to 2013, and still exceeded natural elephant population growth rates, meaning a continued decline in elephant numbers overall is likely.

According to CITIES, 1,215 rhinos were poached in South Africa alone in 2014 - this translates to one rhino killed every eight hours.

Approximately 94 percent of rhino poaching takes place in South Africa, which has the largest remaining populations and rhino horn poached in 2014 is valued at an estimated $63-$192 million.

The illicit trafficking in live great apes is an increasingly serious threat to chimpanzees, gorillas, and bonobos in Africa and orangutans in Asia, with seizures averaging 1.3 per week since 2014.

It is estimated that a minimum of 220 chimpanzees, 106 orangutans, 33 bonobos, and 15 gorillas have been lost from the wild over the

(GRASP).

In his remarks, CITS Secretary General John Scanlon said: “Illegal wildlife trade is threatening the survival of some of our most charismatic species, as well as some plants and animals you may have never heard of. And it threatens people, their livelihoods, their safety and security.”

“The situation is serious,” he warned, urging the international community to tackle the poaching, transport and consumption of illegally traded wildlife and in so doing use the same sorts of enforcement tools, techniques and penalties used to combat other serious crimes, such as trafficking in drugs or people.

Indeed, once an emerging threat, wildlife and forest crime has transformed into one of the largest transnational organised criminal activities alongside drug trafficking, arms, and trafficking in human beings. Beyond immediate environmental impacts, the illegal trade in natural resources is depriving developing economies of billions of dollars in lost revenues.

“Wildlife crime is a transnational organised crime generating billions of dollars and undermining development. It is also an inter-

Justice Department finds racial bias in Ferguson police practices WashinGTon, March 4 (reuTers): The U.S. Justice Department has concluded that the Ferguson, Missouri, police department routinely engages in racially biased practices, a law enforcement official familiar with the department’s findings said on Tuesday.

The investigation into the police department began in August after the shooting of unarmed African-American teen Michael Brown by a white police officer in Ferguson sparked national protests.

Analysis of more than 35,000 pages of police records found racist comments from officers as well as statistics that showed African-Americans make up 93 percent of arrests while accounting for only 67 percent of the population in Ferguson, the official said.

African-Americans also made up most of incidents in which officers used force and all incidents where police dogs bit citizens, said the official, who asked not to be named because of the

sensitive nature of the investigation.

Nationwide protests of police actions that resulted in deaths of African Americans in Ferguson, New York and Cleveland laid bare racial tensions and what President Barack Obama called “simmering distrust” between police and communities.

The findings are expected to be formally released as early as Wednesday, a Justice Department spokeswoman said. The department will use the findings to negotiate policy changes with Ferguson officials and enter a consent decree, or to sue the city to force change. Previous federal investigations into police departments have resulted in such changes as reporting arrest data to the Justice Department and installing federal monitors to oversee operations.

The report’s findings vindicate critics who have cited a pattern of abuse in Ferguson. But they are unlikely to restore full trust in the Ferguson police by citizens who were angered

when a grand jury decided not to indict Brown’s killer, officer Darren Wilson. Wilson, who said he acted in self-defense, is also unlikely to face criminal charges in a separate Justice Department investigation.

Mayor James Knowles said Ferguson was committed to making improvements. “The city has always been committed to making sure we have the very best police department and any training and improvements or reforms we make to help improve service to the community, we are interested in,” Knowles said.

Civil rights attorney Jerryl Christmas, who has represented people who have clashed with Ferguson police and city officials, said he was not surprised by the findings, and he hopes to see Ferguson Police Chief Tom Jackson fired.

“We already knew all this was going on. The problem is nobody is being prosecuted, nobody has been terminated,” Christmas said. Jackson did not respond to a request for comment.

In this Aug. 9, 2014, file photo, a police tactical team moves in to disperse a group of protesters in Ferguson, Mo. that was sparked after Michael Brown, an unarmed black 18-year-old, was shot and killed by white police officer Darren Wilson. A Justice Department investigation has found patterns of racial bias in the Ferguson police department and at the municipal jail and court. (AP File Photo)

One email sent by a Ferguson police or municipal court official joked in 2008 that Obama would not stay in office long because, “What black man holds a steady job for four years?”

Ferguson Committeewoman Patricia Bynes said she was outraged by that and

other racially tinged emails found in the investigation.

“The fact that police officers and municipal court officials are using their public emails to tell racial jokes, that just reeks of arrogance and ignorance,” said Bynes.

“It’s astounding. They think they are untouchable. The

taxpayers have been paying for that racial bias.” The official said that in Ferguson’s court system, African-Americans were less likely to have their cases dismissed by a municipal judge and made up 95% of people held longer than two days in the Ferguson jail.

the loss of some of our most beautiful creatures. To stop this, we must act now,” said Yury Fedotov, executive director for the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

The UN Development Programme (UNDP) is launching new initiatives to halt the illegal trade in wildlife in Asia and Africa. These initiatives will tackle wildlife crime by focussing on law enforcement, regulations, and engaging the private sector and strengthening collaboration between governments within and across the two regions.

“World Wildlife Day is an opportunity to celebrate wildlife, but it is also a wake-up call to get serious about wildlife crime. We must all do more to halt the illegal trade in wildlife. UNDP and its partners are committed to this task,” UNDP Administrator Helen Clark said.

World Wildlife Day was marked by events around the world. In New York, the Central Park Zoo featured a high-level expert panel discussion on the links between wildlife trafficking, organised crime and sustainable development. Other observances were held around the world in Cairo, Lima, Nairobi, Seoul, Vienna, Geneva, Berlin and Sao Paulo.

32 killed in Ukraine coal mine explosion Kiev, March 4 (ians): At least 32 miners were killed in an explosion at a coal mine in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region, the speaker of the Ukrainian parliament said on Wednesday.

Speaker Vladimir Groisman said at the Verkhovna Rada session that the tragedy occurred in the early hours of Wednesday at the Zasyadko coal mine in Donetsk, Tass news agency reported.

A spokesperson for the emergencies ministry of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic earlier said one miner was killed and 14 injured in the explosion.

“According to preliminary reports, 73 miners were trapped underground,” the spokesperson said.

According to Xinhua news agency, Groisman told lawmkers that the mine is controlled by the pro-independence insurgents, Groysman told lawmakers, without giving further details.

Meanwhile, according to the state department of basic industries development in Donetsk, the explosion took place at around 5.30 am when a large amount of methane gas was ignited 1,200 metres below the surface.

The Ukrainian Independent Union of Miners said there were 207 people working underground at the time of the explosion and 47 miners remain missing.

Operations at the mine were suspended and rescue efforts are under way.

The Zasyadko mine, which is reportedly dangerous for its high methane content, has a long history of safety violations.

In November 2007, 101 workers were killed in an accident at the mine. In December 2007, 52 more workers were killed there and five more were killed in another accident later that month.

10

Dimapur

SPORTS

Thursday 5 March 2015

St. Paul Phesama Sports Meet underway

KohiMa, March 4 (MExn): The Sports and Games Meet – 2015 of St. Paul School Phesama was declared open today with Col. K.V.K Prakash, Commandant of Naga Regiment, as chief guest.

The chief guest in his ad-

dress encouraged the students to become contributors to the nation. He was in high praise of the students and said that our nation has bright future with these disciplined students.

Earlier, the principal of the school welcomed

all the guests and encouraged the students to stand for the school motto “Good to great.”

The opening ceremony included prayer dance, aerobics and dancercises.

The school NCC captured the audience with their

rhythmic and disciplined performance. The threeday sports meet comprises of track and games events.

The Phesama Students Union (PSU) and the alumni of the school lent their helping hand in conducting all the events.

draw for 6th silver cup T-20 Tourney

diMaPur, March 4 (MExn): The orientationcum-fixture draw for the 6th edition of the Silver Cup T-20 Cricket Tournament will be held on March 7 at 1:30 PM at Nepali Baptist Church, Midland Kohima.

Organized by the Youth

Department of NBC Kohima under the theme “Peace and Unity through Cricket,” the tournament will commence from March 14 with enhanced cash prize of Rs. 70,000 for the champions with citation and glittering trophy, besides cash prizes and

awards for runners-up, semi-finalists and individual awards, a press release received here informed.

During the orientation, Chairman of Association of Gorkha Baptist Churches of Nagaland (AGBCN) Gopal Basnet will exhort the teams as the speaker. All the

participating teams are requested to attend the drawing of fixture with their team dress for the tournament.

Further details and information, one may contact Organising Convener John Thakuri @ 9774039646 or Organising Secretary Robi Thapa @ 9774416162.

st. Anthony school annual sports week

diMaPur, March 4 (MExn): The Annual Sports week of St. Anthony High School, Tenyiphe, got underway here with Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, inaugurating the meet.

A press release informed that a new RCC building of the School was also inaugurated and blessed by the Bishop of Kohima during the day. The Bishop along with community leaders, Anthony Atso Chase and Kelhouwheto Mathew, jointly cut the ribbon to inaugurate the new building.

The Bishop speaking on the occasion recalled his association with the school as its principal while being the Parish Priest and Principal of Holy Cross. The school was gutted by fire and the whole village and community rebuilt it within three days, thus, showing keen interest and concern for the student community. The Bishop also informed that this was the fourth school building that he has inaugurated in a month – the other three were at Mokokchung, Phek, and Longsa.

Speaking to the students he stressed that

sports and other competitions are meant not for cut throat competition, but rather for collaboration and caring for one another.

He narrated the incident that took place during the 1985 Olympic for differently-abled persons, in which during the final 100 meter race, when one of the participants tumbled down, the others instead of running to the finishing line, came back and walked with the fallen line to the finishing line. This, he stated, showed how the differently-abled persons brought out the best quality in hu-

man beings. He urged the students to be more collaborative and co-operative with one another.

March Past, group songs, aerobic, choreography, traditional dance, were the other highlights of the program.

On the same day, the Bishop also blessed St. Euphrasia Home for candidates of the Congregation of the Mother of Carmel (CMC) in the Carmel School campus and laid the foundation for the new higher secondary school block of St. Joseph School, Chumukedima.

The Morung Express

benteke keeps nerve to end Aston Villa losing run

London, March 4 (aFP): Christian Benteke scored a nerveless stoppage-time penalty as Aston Villa edged West Bromwich Albion 2-1 on Tuesday to earn new manager Tim Sherwood a precious first Premier League victory.

The Belgian striker`s goal gave Villa their first league win since December 7, shooting the club three points clear of the relegation zone and ending a run of seven consecutive defeats. Sherwood, who succeeded the sacked Paul Lambert last month, celebrated jubilantly at the final whistle after what could prove a turning point in his bid to prevent Villa succumbing to a first relegation in 28 years.

Gabriel Agbonlahor put the hosts in front in the 15th minute at Villa Park, running onto Benteke`s flickon and sliding the ball past Ben Foster. Foster had previously almost allowed a tame shot from Agbonlahor to squirm beneath him and over the line, while Joleon Lescott was forced to clear off the line from Agbonlahor and Villa midfielder Fabian Delph hit the post in first-half stoppage time.

West Brom equalised in the 66th minute when Chris Brunt`s deep right-wing corner was headed back across goal by Lescott and Saido Berahino nodded in his 18th goal of the season.

But Villa snatched victory in the 94th minute, with Benteke rolling home from 12 yards after a moment to forget for Foster, who spilled a loose ball and then wiped out Matthew Lowton as he tried to retrieve it.

Villa now sit three points above third-bottom Queens Park Rangers, having played two games more, while Tony Pulis`s West Brom remain 13th.

In a quirk of fate, the teams resume hostilities at Villa Park on Saturday in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Aston Villa's Christian Benteke, right, outjumps West Brom's James Morrison during the English Premier League soccer match between Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion at Villa Park, in Birmingham, England, Tuesday, March 3. (AP Photo)

Elsewhere, Southampton revitalised their faltering push for a Champions League place by beating Crystal Palace 1-0 to climb to fifth place in the table, a point below the top four.

Sadio Mane settled the game in the 83rd minute, chipping home after visiting goalkeeper Julian Speroni failed to gather a cross from substitute James Ward-Prowse.

The Senegalese forward`s goal ended a run of three league games without victory for Ronald Koeman`s side. Meanwhile, Sunderland manager Gus Poyet was sent to the stands as his side drew 1-1 at Hull City. The Uruguayan was given his marching orders for protesting after Jack Rodwell was booked for diving and became involved in an angry ex-

change with Hull manager Steve Bruce before leaving the touchline. By then Dame N`Doye had put Hull ahead with a 15th-minute back-heel, but Rodwell earned Sunderland a share of the spoils in the 77th minute when he headed in a cross from Patrick van Aanholt. It left Sunderland four points above the bottom three in 16th place, a point below Hull.

public discourse

Why NseAoA, NssFoF & ANsTA resorted to total cease work

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he reasons why Nagaland School Education Administrative Officers Association (NSEAOA), Nagaland Secondary School Field Officer’s Forum (NSSFOF) and All Nagaland School Teachers Associations (ANSTA) resorted to total cease work have been briefly summarized here below. As per Dept. Restructuring Notification dated the 21st July 2011, there is only one post of Addl. Director for ex-cadre officer and that post is currently held by one ex-cadre officer.

That means, till the retirement of present incumbent, no other ex-cadre should be promoted to the post of Addl. Director as the post is not yet vacated. Having learned that Govt. intended to promote an ex-cadre officer

to the post, the 3-constituent bodies submitted a representation to Govt. on 01/04/14 warning that no further promotion be considered for ex-cadre officers as they had already been given disproportionate promotion under restructuring notification. However, in contradiction to the Deptt restructuring notification and against the joint representation of 3-organisations besides violating the service rules of the Deptt 2002, an ex-cadre officer was promoted to the rank of Addl. Director on 9th June 2014-against the cadre post vacancy. In order to rectify the said promotion order as that was issued in gross-violation of all existing rules of promotion in the deptt, the three constituent bodies served 15 days

ultimatum to Govt. on 23/6/14 which got expired on 7th July 14. Since there was no response from the Govt. even after the expiry of ultimatum, the three Association proposed for 3 days mass casual leave w.e.f.

28th 30th& 31st July which has drawn the attention of Govt. in which Hon’ble Parliamentary Secretary invited Associations on 26/07/14 for a joint meeting at Hotel Japfü where he assured to re-examine the order. As per his commitment we postponed the first phase of agitation. After which, the Associations waited for a month and it was only on 29/08/14, Comm. & Secy invited Associations for discussion and in course of discussion it was learnt that nothing has been initiated so far on the issue. Therefore, in

view of Govt’s failure to re-examine the promotion order of the concerned officer in time as assured, the three Associations proposed again for 3 days mass casual leave w.e.f. 1st, 2nd and 3rd Sept. 2014 in which the 3rd day was suspended in view of Govt’s seeking more time to do the needful for which 2 months was given at Hotel Cimorb meeting on 2nd Sept which got expired on 2nd Nov 2014.

Even after expiry of two months nothing has been done by the authority. Therefore, in view of repeated bluffing of three Associations by Govt. on various occasions in the fulfillments of demands, a 7 day ultimatum with four charter of demands was served to government on 19-11-2014.

However, with intervention

of Hon’ble Chief Minister (Who called upon the constituent Associations on 20-11-14) and assured that he would address the demands at the earliest possible time in consultation with key persons of the department, the proposed total cease work to be started from 25/11/14 was called off temporarily.

But now, even after waiting patiently for nearly 3 months nothing concrete has been done by the government till today. Therefore, the Associations felt cheated by Government and in protest against unresponsive attitude of Government toward the genuine cause of Associations, the concern Associations decided to resume its suspended total cease work from 2nd-7th March 2015. All the members

of NSEAOA, NSSFOF and ANSTA –are therefore reminded to strictly comply with the proposed total cease work from 2nd -7th March 2015 by remaining at home in the station. Meanwhile, the concerned DEO, SDEO, HM & ANSTA unit/sub-unit officials are being assigned to disseminate proper information to all the concerned members of the District/Sub-Divisional / School levels and ensure that the ongoing cease work program is successfully observed /enforced under respective jurisdictions.

It maintains that students are our primary concerns and our Centre of attention for which we have been sacrificing throughout our service career.

It also disclosed that no one is

interested in agitation rather it is painful. However, when Government is too casual to address genuine grievances of Associations, situation compelled us to go against to our own professional ethics. While making its stand clear on the issue which is nothing in personal but for smooth sailing of entire machineries of department & proper streamlining of the system towards attaining quality education, it regrets for the inconveniences being caused due to ongoing total cease work.

Ponchulo Wanth President ANSTA Mezhuü Hozoyeh Convenor NSSFOF Ekonthung Lotha Vice- President NSEAOA

Danger of Fast Foods for School Children!

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reparing and packing the lunchbox of school children with fast food saves a great deal of time and energy for a busy (or sometime lazy) mother. Sadly many children are attracted to and are fond of eating fast foods at the expense of local foods. But how many mothers know that fast food can also harms children’s health and cause many diseases. Food is meant for health not just to fill our stomach or for sweet taste.

Parents are responsible for a child’s healthy life. Fast foods can make your child sickly and obstruct the normal mental development and physical growth in the long run.

In modern times, we are losing interest in our traditional food culture and favour factory industrial processing, which gives us the convenience of a quick meal. Processing destroys the nutrients in food rather than increasing them, and makes our food more difficult to digest. An article by a research scholar entitled ‘instant foods, instant harm’, says that fast foods such as noodles do not get digested for 2 to 4 hours till they are forced to break down by stomach digestive system.

This gives lots of trouble to stomach.

Furthermore, industrial processing

depends upon products that have a negative impact on our health. Fast food has very high energy density (about 65 percent higher than a typical diet) which makes us eat more than we otherwise would. Kerin O’Dea, a nutrition researcher, found that food and health of a ‘developed’ country can be much poorer than that of the so-called less developed ‘natives’.

This is because people in developed countries eat more processed foods.

Large percentage of diabetic in India is caused by consuming polished rice.

The US eats 93% processed foods and less than 7% fresh foods. The result is that today 63% of Americans are overweight with 31% being classified as obese. Hence, many Americans spend more money for medical treatment than for food and education.

The corporations, through various advertisements, continuously fooled the adults into believing that processed foods are harmless. Many of our children get addicted to fast foods such as waiwai, rumpam, magi, burgers, etc. and end up disliking healthy and locally available foods especially fruits and vegetables. The result is ill-health because of lack of micronutrients. Children who al-

ways depend on fast foods are likely to develop different types of diseases.

There is suspicion that some companies who produce fast foods even use addictive elements in their products in order to let people get addicted to it.

The people of South Korea and USA depend on fast foods more than any other country in the world. Comparing their health status with many South Africans and Asians who depend on natural foods, the health of Americans and Koreans are much more ‘poorer’ than the health of those people living in so called ‘underdeveloped’ countries. Our youngsters have great interest in Korean movies and their portrayed lifestyle can have great impact not only dressing and hairstyle but also on our food habits. We need to educate our people about the danger of fast foods and teach them how to love and depend on slow food (traditional food).

Soft drinks (portrayed as standard drinks by companies) such as Pepsi, coca-cola, marinda, etc, manufactured in India food industries are found to be contaminated with LINDANE (g-HCH). Lindane is an insecticide. Its consumption damages

the body’s central nervous system, immune system and is a confirmed carcinogen. According to a laboratory test carried out Science and Environment, New Delhi, lindane was found in 100 per cent of soft drink samples. Many parents treat their children with these drinks destroying children’s teeth and digestive system.

These drinks do not have any benefit for health.

We have been coaxed to believe that cow milk is the ‘perfect food’ and that we must drink milk to become healthy and strong. Today cow milk seems to have fallen from its pedestal of the perfect wholesome food. I wonder why our doctors are not telling us that cow milk is linked to the origins of many diseases. It is found out that milk and milk products are a major factor in obesity. Milk was considered to be one of the best sources of calcium that helps bone formation but if milk provides calcium, then why the US which has the highest per capita dairy products’ consumption has the highest rates of osteoporosis (25 per cent of 65 year old women suffer from osteoporosis-a disease which causes the bones to become weaker and easily broken).

Milk, which was considered the perfect food, has now fallen from its pedestal. The following problems are caused by milk: dairy products cause excessive mucus in the lungs, sinuses & intestines causing respiratory problems, asthma and frequent colds.

Suffered by 25% of infants worldwide, colic (stomach problem) can be caused by milk drinking. Therefore do no force a baby/child to drink milk. Ear infections, enlarge tonsils, arthritis, behavioural problems, etc. can be due to intake of milk and dairy products. 15 to 20 percent of children under age 2 in the U.S. suffer from iron-deficiency anaemia caused by excessive milk drinking which leads to their eating less iron-rich foods.

Fresh fruits and vegetables and their juices would be the best food for us.

Nature designed mammals to not need milk after being weaned. This applies to human being too. Is it not a wonder that human being is the only creature that drink other’s milk? No other animals drink other’s milk! In fact, no animal except human being suffers from lifestyle disease probably we do not eat natural food. Should not human being learn from animal and live simple life?

Our foreparents had very less health complication. Only few diseases were known to them. Today we eat different types of foods and develop many different diseases. Food and drinks are meant for survival and growth. Sadly many people have died due to food habits. For healthy body and growth, let’s live on traditional foods and drinks. Do not depend on imported food stuff as they lose much of its micronutrients and vitamins while transporting and processing which otherwise is necessary for health. Seasonal fresh fruits, vegetables and locally available food stuffs will be much more nutritious and much better for health than those processed foods. Children’s health is much more prone to disease than adults. Feed them with slow foods (locally available traditional foods and drinks) and not with fast foods and protect their health. Soft drinks and fast foods have sweet taste in our mouth but have ill effect on our stomach and health. Go for Slow Food which is nutritious and beneficial for health in the long run. Health is Wealth. Preserve it.

Z K. Pahrü Pou BTC/Pfutsero

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.

C M Y K

Chris Brown 'has a nine month old baby girl'

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hris Brown has secretly fathered a baby girl with a former model named Nia, it has been claimed. The 'Yeah 3x' hitmaker - who has an on/off relationship with model Karrueche Tran - is reportedly the proud father of a nine-month-old baby girl, and though he is on ''very good terms'' with the youngster's mother, a 31-year-old model named Nia, they are not together. Sources told website TMZ that Chris, 25, is ''happy'' about being a father and has known Nia for several years. It does not appear there is an official child support order in place between the pair. A representative for the 'Loyal' hitmaker hasn't commented on the claims.

Rod Stewart lands reality show

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he 70-year-old rocker and his 43-year-old wife Penny Lancaster - with who he has sons Alastair, nine, and Aiden, four - have agreed a deal with US network E! and have begun filming the part-scripted series at their Los Angeles home already. A source told the Daily Mirror newspaper: ''Rod is very proud of his family and he wants to show everyone that. ''He will star very much as the dad, and it will show he has kept things together.'' It is unclear whether Rod's other children from past relationships, Ruby, 27, Renee, 22, Liam, 20, and Sarah Streeter, 52, will be making an appearance. The show will air across the world from June.

Freida Pinto and Meryl Streep join hands for Nirbhaya

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n March 9 in New York, Freida Pinto and Meryl Streep will join BAFTA award winning director Leslee Udwin at the launch of `India's Daughter', a movement spearheaded by a documentary film of the same name which investigates the life and death of the Delhi rape victim, Nirbhaya. The film will be premiered at the event which also marks the 20th anniversary of the Fourth UN World Conference on Women in association with Vital Voices Global Partnership and the NGO Global Partnership and the NG Plan International. Freida joins the movement not just as a crusader for the cause but also as an associ ate producer of the film. The 30-year-old, who is also the ambassador of the Girl Rising movement, is working to ensure that the film and the movement create widespread impact.

neil ZaZa to perform in Wokha on April 14

C M Y K

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nternationally renowned guitar wizard Neil Zaza who is once again on a world tour will also be performing at Wokha Town. The event is managed by King’s Sound &hosted by Team Metamorphosis.

Team Metamorphosis Chief Thungdemo Kyong in a press release said that though initially it was purely for a private purpose, but now the profit that is made from the concert will go to the people who are suffering as a result of February 24 tragedy which took many lives besides leaving many hungry, cold & homeless. “As King’s Sound and Team Metamorphosis are giving once again, come let us continue to give to the needy,” said the organisers.

Neil Zaza will be performing in Wokha on April

Royal Enfield Road Show

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okokchung Royal Enfield (MoRE) will be organising a Royal Enfield Road Show on March 7. The venue of the event will be at Nature Park, Aolijen, Ungma where free servicing will be provided to

Royal Enfield Motorcycles by qualified technicians from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Interested persons will also get an opportunity to buy spare parts and RE accessories at nominal cost.

The event will include a

group ride to Longkhum Village culminated by a dinner at Yimchalu.

The event will also witness planting of trees at specific locations by MoRE members to emphasise on environmental awareness.

Rani MukeRji proud 'Mardaani' transcended realm of filmmaking

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ctress Rani Mukerji, who was felicitated by the National Institute of Gender Justice for creating awareness about child trafficking through her movie "Mardaani", says she's glad her work has gone beyond just entertainment for audiences.

Rani, who played a rough and tough police officer named Shivani Shivaji Roy, who tracks down a child trafficking racket in "Mardaani", was honoured in the capital on Tuesday.

Talking about it in a statement, she said: "It is really heartening to see that not only has the film been

loved by audiences worldwide but it has transcended the realm of filmmaking and become something that inspires the people who have been tirelessly working for years for the cause of child trafficking and are the real heroes.

"I feel humbled to meet these people and I'm glad that I'm able to contribute in a small way. This award is special as it recognises my contribution to cinema in a different manner," said the hazel-eyed Rani on receiving the award.

Lauding Rani for her role in the movie, Sreerupa Mitra Chaudhury, chairperson,

Thursday

Entertainment

The Morung Express

National Institute for Gender Justice, said: "The powerful and fearless performance of Rani Mukerji in 'Mardaani' idealises the role of police in prevention of crime against women, especially trafficking of girl child for commercial sexual exploitation.

"I feel she symbolises the pride of uniform and inspire change. That's the reason we decided to felicitate her for excellence in artistic performance."

Rani has played strong roles off and on during her film career. These have included "Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat", "Mehendi" and "No One Killed Jessica".

5 March 2015

Willow Smith models for S

he's only 14 but already Willow Smith is blazing a trail as an artist and a fashion icon.

The teen daughter of Will Smith and Jada PinkettSmith has posed for the Spring edition of CR Fashion Book and channels her unique look as she models Tom Ford Kenzo and Pucci.

She's also decked out in LA jewelry designer Lisa Eisner's bespoke pieces.

In an interview to go with the photo shoot, Willow sets out her goals for 2015 which include having dreadlocks.

'I want to embrace my full self, as natural as I can be,' she told the fashion magazine. For now, though, she sports a short frizzy look and poses with arched eyebrows and earthen tones shadowing her eyes and full lips. Her long green fingernails help to accentuate the designer jewelry of heavy gem-encrusted bracelets and rings, hooped earrings and chunky necklaces.

The singer and actress looked older than her years as she carried off the stylish shoot and revealed she's

14. Zaza’s performance at Wokha had been announced since February 14 through the Social Networking sites.

Neil Zaza’s tour to North East India is presented by Wings of Love, event promoted by SOMA & Artist managed by Sky Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. Ohio born & based Neil Zaza is regarded as one among the world’s best guitarists for his fiery technical brilliance and breathtaking musical interpretation, Neil Zaza has defined himself as the instrumental guitarist with an unparalleled ability to combine solid, catchy songwriting with a keen melodic sense and technical fury. From his virtuoso rock solos, to laying a funk groove, to demonstrating his classical prowess by performing Bach and Mozart compositions, Za-

still finding her own sense of style that reflects who she is.

'I think my look changes all of the time and right now it’s a bit more messy, kind of grungy,' she said.

Willow, who's the youngest in the Smith family, released an EP '3' in November and dropped a three song EP on her Soundcloud account earlier this year called Interdimensional Tesseract.

The youngster, who had a hit with 'Whip My Hair' in 2010, also performs live on stage with her brother Jaden Smith, 16, an actor and rapper. Fashion bible Vogue has dubbed Willow 'a style star in the making,' and commented that the teen is 'as adventurous with her style as she is with her music.'

In January, she sparked a media storm when she posted a snap on Instagram of herself wearing a graphic shirt depicting a topless nude woman.

The Internet went crazy about the photo which Wil-

za’s extreme versatility has been showcased worldwide in concerts, clinics, festivals, as well as on his own solo instrumental albums. Zaza has shared the bill with Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Dweezil Zappa, Steve & Mike Porcaro (Toto), Yngwie Malmsteen, Vinnie Moore, and Andy Summers. He has performed on albums by Dweezil Zappa, Eric Carmen, Michael Stanley and also supplied guitar tracks for a Stewart Copeland-produced movie soundtrack.

Zaza started playing guitar at the age of 10 and went on to study classical guitar at The University of Akron under renowned educator and performer Stephen Aron. Zaza began to teach guitar, and in 1987 he formed the rock band Zaza, which quickly became one of the hottest U.S. touring bands.

Oren Mozhui ‘We will meet again’ releasing worldwide

Oren Mozhui with his production team.

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oloist and composer Oren Mozhui is back with his singles "We will meet again", composed in memory of the victims and those who lost their lives in the recent Wokha blast tragedy.

The video is made from the various pictures of that unfaithful day.

Oren would be releasing the audio and video of the song for a cause to help those victims who are still on the relief camps and

those who are in the hospitals undergoing treatment.

The audio will be released on March 6 online on reverbnation.com, twitter and indihut.com while the video will be released on YouTube, tubidy and Facebook.

With the release of this song online worldwide, the artist is hopeful for more donations and help from well wishers to those affected and innocent people of the tragic incident.

Dimapur

11 C M Y K

FASHION BOOK low posted in support of the Free the Nipple movement and the teen later Tweeted out the photo with the caption 'When did the women’s body start being something to hide? #freethenipple' But while she has a penchant for making headlines, at home in Calabasas in California, Willow is just like any other 14-year-old girl who drives her parents made, according to her dad Will. During a visit to The Late Show With David Letterman last month, the Men In Black star said his daughter dominates

the household. '90 percent of the focus is Willow; 14-year-old girl takes all of the attention,' the 46-yearold admitted. 'It's like the

world ends three times a week, you know. It's like 14-year-old girl Independence Day at my house every week.'

Kim Kardashian finally admits her Selfie Addiction is ''Ridiculous''

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he Keeping Up With the Kardashians star is more than willing to admit she loves snapping pictures wherever she goes. But she has never thought of it being over the top or out of the ordinary, until now!

"So many people think that taking selfies is just ridiculous. For me, what's so funny is I love taking pictures and posting them on social media just for memories," she revealed inAdweek's Mobile Issue. "I'm kind of letting them know, yes, it is ridiculous, but it's all fun."

She added, "I take it more as a fun, emotional scrapbook that I love to look back on." And whether social media users want to admit it or not, they love the pictures as well. As March begins, Kanye West's wife has 29.5 million Twitter followers and more than 27.2 million on Instagram. If you check back next week, that number is only going to increase.

"It's not that I brand myself like I'm a celebrity," she told the publication. "It's just I'm living my life and sharing a part of my life with the world."

Kim, who also admitted to taking her first selfie all the way back in 1984, also assured fans that she has no intention of being less open on digital platforms in the years to come.

"I love sharing my world with people, so I don't see me just having a freak-out and just stopping," she said. "Will I do it forever? I'm not sure. But I love the whole idea of it, especially because you get to share things your way."

Another way North West's mom continues to share parts of her life is through her family's reality show. As season 10 begins later this month, Kim believes the show continues to succeed partly because her family unit is somehow, someway relatable to viewers.

"I hope they get out of it that we are a normal family. They may not think we're normal, [but] we are a family like everyone else's that goes through so many different things and we're always there to support each other," she explained. "There's always a family member that someone can relate to…We still have a few more years left in us."

C M Y K

Adam Levine's treat for 10-year-old ailing fan M

Maroon 5 laid on the floor with Christopher Warner as the 10-year-old Maryland fan had a panic attack backstage.

aroon 5 frontman Adam Levine treated a 10-year-old fan with Down syndrome to the band's concert.

Maryland resident Christopher Warner isn't shy about showcasing his love for Maroon 5 and the band's lead singer. "He loves to listen to their music during work breaks," special education teacher Avery Stanert told Today. com about her star student who has down syndrome, reports eonline.com. "He

draws pictures of them. He just absolutely loves them," added Stanert, who created a video to prove how big of a fan Warner was.

The YouTube video quickly went viral and attracted the attention of Hot 99.5's "The Kane Show". Knowing Maroon 5 was coming to town, the radio team decided to work a few connections. "They arranged for backstage passes and tickets. They immediately called the record label and worked it out," Stan-

ert said. After arriving at the Verizon Center here, Warner, his mother and a group of teachers headed backstage where they met with Levine and the band.

Warner got a little nervous and crouched down to the floor when meeting his idol. Levine then suggested everyone else get on the floor too. "He's a typical 10-year-old boy. He loves music, he loves drawing, he loves his friends. He's just a very caring, really amazing boy," his teacher shared after the special encounter.

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Tomorrow maTch

Fri, 06 mar 2015 08:50 am IST

IND vs WI

w.a.c.a. Ground, Perth

Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke , third right, and others congratulate teammate Australia's Mitchell Johnson for taking an Afghanistan wicket during their Cricket World Cup Pool A match in Perth, Australia, Wednesday, March 4. (AP Photo)

AustrAlIA BreAk INDIA's recorD, HIt HIgHest WorlD cup score IN HIstory C M Y K

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Australia posted a World Cup record total of 4176 as they beat Afghanistan by 275 runs - the biggest winning margin in the tournament's history

PERTH, MaRcH 4 (aFP): Australia hit the highest World Cup score in tournament history on Wednesday as they thrashed Afghanistan by a record 275 runs, a result which was also the greatest winning margin in tournament history.

The home team made 417/6 at the WACA led by opener David Warner's 178-run blitz, his fourth one-day international century and his country's highest individual World Cup score as the four-time champions went past the previous best of 413/5 made by India against Bermuda in 2007.

It was the third 400plus total at this World Cup after South Africa twice went through the barrier -408/5 against the West Indies and 411/4 in the game with Ireland.

In reply, Afghanistan could manage just 142 from 37.3 overs, although Nawroz Mangal, who topscored with 33, gave their smattering of fans at the ground something to cheer about when he hit Mitchell Marsh for successive sixes.

Johnson did much of the damage to claim 4-22 from 7.3 overs. Fellow left-armer

Mitchell Starc continued his amazing vein of World Cup form with 2-18 and has 10 wickets in the World Cup at just 9.3 runs apiece.

Australia were sent in to bat by Afghanistan captain Mohammad Nabi, a decision greeted by a chorus of cheers from the crowd, and then tormented the minnows.

There was a surprise at the toss, with experienced all-rounder Shane Watson dropped to allow James Faulkner to return after a side strain, but the onslaught that followed was extremely predictable.

The dashing Warner led the way and accelerated markedly after reaching three figures from 92 balls.

Dropped on 114, the left-hander seemed set to compound Watson's misery by passing his Australian ODI record of 185 not out against Bangladesh in Dhaka in 2011 only to sky a delivery to mid-on from the bowling of Shapoor Zadran (2-89).

He had faced 133 balls, hitting 19 fours and five sixes. Warner's assault on the hapless Afghan bowlers brought back memories of Matthew Hayden plundering a weak Zimbabwe at-

tack for an Australian Test record 380 at the same venue in 2003.

Although Warner fell shy of the overall ODI individual record, he passed the previous mark for the highest innings by an Australian at the WACA, which previously belonged to Damien Martyn for his 144 against Zimbabwe in 2001.

Warner and Steve Smith, who made 95, also set a new benchmark for an Australian partnership in ODI cricket with their 260run second-wicket stand from 209 balls.

The pair passed the previous record of 252 set by Watson and Ricky Ponting against England in South Africa in 2009.

All-rounder Glenn Maxwell then chimed in with a quickfire 88 off 39 balls, including seven sixes, before being well caught at mid-off from the bowling of Dawlat Zadran (2-101) in the 48th over.

Australia face Sri Lanka at the SCG in their next match on Sunday, while things don't get any easier for Afghanistan as they face unbeaten New Zealand on the same day at Napier in a bid to add to their lone win against Scotland.

10-team World Cup is a backward step: Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar (AP Photo)

SYDNEY, MaRcH 4 (PTi): Calling the ICC's decision to reduce the number of teams in the 2019 World Cup "a backward step", cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar said such a move is unfair to the Associate nations.

While the ICC wants to curtail the number of teams participating from 14 to 10, Tendulkar, an ambassador for the World Cup, told an audience at an exclusive dinner here that the governing body should instead be exploring ways to expand the next tournament to as many as 25 teams.

"I found out the next World Cup would only be ten teams. Which is slightly disappointing because as a cricketer I want the game to be globalised as much as possible and, according to me, this is a backwards step," Tendulkar was quoted as saying.

The batting great felt Test nations should regularly play their 'A' sides against Associates to provide a "fair platform" for smaller cricketing countries. "We've got to find ways of encouraging the lesser teams."

Tendulkar was not on the same page as ICC

chief executive David Richardson, who has defended the planned reduction.

"The World Cup itself, the premium event, without exception should be played between teams that are evenly matched and competitive."

"The lesser teams have, in each and every World Cup, they always surprise top teams. And they can do it on a consistent basis only if they're given a fair platform to express their talent.

"Right now, they get up after four years on the cricket world's biggest platform and they're expected to play and compete with the likes of Australia, South Africa, India, New Zealand, West Indies, Sri Lanka, so many top sides. It's unfair to them."

Since the 2011 World Cup, Ireland have played only 11 ODIs against Full Member nations and their captain William Porterfield has been joined by his Scotland counterpart - Preston Mommsen - as well as a host of players and officials from both Associate and Full Member sides, in calling for a "level playing field".

Pakistan spank UAE by 129 runs to keep quarters hopes alive

NaPiER, MaRcH 4 (PTi): Pakistan kept themselves in the hunt for the quarterfinals by notching up their second consecutive win as they mauled minnows United Arab Emirates by 129 runs in a Pool B cricket World Cup match here on Wednesday. Opener Ahmed Shehzad (93) missed out on a hundred but Pakistan punished the UAE bowlers by putting on board a huge total of 339 for six, which was way beyond their rivals. UAE managed 210 for eight but did well to bat for full 50 overs with Shamimam Anwar scoring 62, his third One-day half-century.

Others to contribute were Khur-

ram Khan (43) and Amjad Javed (40). Pacemen Sohail Khan (2/54) and Wahab Riaz (2/54) along with spin all-rounder Shahid Afridi (2/35) took two wickets apiece for Pakistan. With this win, Pakistan have jumped to fourth in the points table from sixth spot.

Pakistan's huge score came against a not-so-impressive attack but their batsmen got some muchneeded runs under the belt as the race to quarterfinals picks up pace.

After being invited to bat, Pakistan lost opener Nasir Jamshed (4) but Shehzad and Haris Sohail, who scored 70 runs, shared a huge 170-

run stand for the second wicket to lay the foundation of a big score.

Mohammed Naveed broke the stand by having Sohail caught by Shaiman Anwar. Shehzad then missed the milestone of a World Cup hundred as he was run out as Pakistan lost two quick wickets.

Shehzad's 93-run knock came off 105 balls with nine boundaries, including a six. The following batsmen also treated the UAE attack with disdain as they scored runs at will. Sohaib Maqsood scored a fiery 45 and captain Misbah-ul-Haq further consolidated the innings with a 65 off 49 balls.

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Both Maqsood and Misbah hit four shots each to the fence and cleared the boundary twice. Misbah was dismissed at the fag end of the innings, attempting a big shot off left-arm paceman Manjula Guruge but Shahid Afridi did the finishing job in style, scoring 21 unbeaten off just seven balls with two sixes and a four. Guruge was the most successful UAE bowler as he scalped four wickets. The start to UAE's chase was hardly ideal as they lost three wickets for 25 runs in 10 overs. Khurram and Shaiman then raised a 83-run stand for the fourth wicket to prevent their innings from falling apart.

Wozniacki survives XVI All Nagaland Shooting C'ship first round in Malaysia

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Kua l a lu M P u R , MaRcH 4 (aFP): Topseeded Caroline Wozniacki atoned for a first-round exit last year by cruising past China`s Wang Yafan on Tuesday at the WTA Malaysian Open. For the second straight year, Wozniacki opened the tournament against an unseeded Chinese challenger who had to go through qualifying to make the tournament, but the outcome was different this time.

The Danish world number five dropped just four games in defeating Wang 6-3, 6-1. A year ago she was bundled out in three sets by qualifier Wang Qiang in the first round.

Her title chances got a further boost Tuesday with

third-seeded Australian Casey Dellacqua`s early exit at the hands of Taiwan`s Hsieh Su-Wei, who won 7-5, 2-6, 6-3. Otherwise, seeded competitors advanced in Kuala Lumpur, with Austrian fourth-seed Jarmila Gajdosova beating Cagla Buyukakcay of Turkey 7-5, 6-4. "Buyukakcay played really well today and she had a solid game," said Gajdosova. "I hit a lot of balls back to make her run and I attacked her serve whenever I could as I was bent on playing aggressively to stay ahead." Klara Koukalova of the Czech Republic got past Patricia Mayr-Achleitner of Austria in straight sets while Germany`s Julia Goerges did the same against Alla Kudryavtseva of Russia.

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KoHiMa, MaRcH 4 (MExN): The Nagaland State Rifle Association (NSRA) conducted the XVI All Nagaland Shooting Championship on March 3 at NAPTC Firing Range, Chumukedima. A press release received here informed that the shooting competition included .22 Rifle and .32 Pistol events.

A number of National Shooters from Nagaland as well as upcoming young aspirants attended the said championship with great enthusiasm. State DGP and Vice-President, NSRA, L.L. Doungel, along with his lady wife were also present on the occasion. The release added that Doungel showcased his marksman/sharp shooting skills in .32 pistol event by hitting the bull’s eye.

Results of the competition are given below: .22 Rifle Standing (50 mtrs) 1st - Menuobeilie Yiese 2nd - Michael Rhakho - Dzüvimeno I. Yaden .22 Rifle Kneeling (50 mtrs) 1st - Michael Rhakho 2nd - Menuobeilie Yiese 3rd - Suhozo Khazo .22 Rifle Prone (50 mtrs) 1st - Lanutoshi Yaden 2nd - Imlinaro Ezung 3rd - Imnanungsang Yaden (Nanung) Pistol Event – Centre Fire 1st - Israel G. Xuivi 2nd - Shalo Khing 3rd - Imlinaro Ezung

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