May 16th, 2016

C M Y K

C M Y K

www.morungexpress.com

monDAY • mAY 16 • 2016

DIMAPUR • Vol. XI • Issue 133 • 12 PAGes • 5

T H e

ESTD. 2005

P o W e R

o F

T R u T H

Turn on to politics, or politics will turn on you — Ralph Nader

PAGE 09

Man who led Phizo to East Pak is no more Dimapur, may 15 (mExN): Maj. (Retd) Tadingpou Gangmei, the man who led AZ Phizo to then East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) in 1956 is no more. He was 86. Born on February 15, 1930, Maj. (Retd) Tadingpou joined the Naga National Council on March 2, 1956. In 1958 he was appointed Inspector Border Intelligence Officer and in 1965 promoted as Executive officer 1st Brigade. In 2006, he joined the NSCN (IM) where he was inducted as Tatar. The NSCN (IM) expressed sadness to learn of the sudden demise of Maj. (Retd) Tadingpou of Zeliad region due to stroke. “With his demise, Naga nation has lost a senior nationalist leader whose sacrifices and contributions will continue to inspire generations to come,” a condolence message from the MIP NSCN (IM) read. “In this time of sorrow, our thoughts, prayers and well wishes are with the bereaved family,” the MIP added. “May the soul of our departed leader rest in heavenly peace.” His funeral service will be held today, May 16, 10:00am, at Zeliangrong Baptist Church, Sewak Road, Dimapur.

infected cardamom suckers sent to ne states Report on page 5

PAGE 02

Alarming rise of pollutants needs urgent attention in State Capital Pollution level in north-east Cities/toWn City/Town Sibsagar Guwahati Silchar Dimapur Kohima Shillong Tura Aizawl

State Assam Assam Assam Nagaland Nagaland Meghalaya Meghalaya Mizoram

PM 10 Annual mean, ug/m3 2014 109 92 91 92 64 78 57 55

PM 10 Annual mean, ug/m3 2016 109 92 91 90 82 65 52 54

PM2.5 Annual mean, ug/m3 2014 50 40 40 40 28 34 25 24

PM2.5 Annual mean, ug/m3 2016 58 49 48 48 44 35 28 29

Source: WHO’s ‘Global Urban Ambient Air Pollution Database’ 2016.

Morung Express News Dimapur | May 15

Pollution level in the Nagaland State Capital city, Kohima, is increasing at an alarming rate, according to the latest urban air quality database, ‘Global Urban Ambient Air Pollution Database’ (updated 2016), which was released by World Health Organisation (WHO) on May 12.

Kohima is one of the cities whose pollution level has drastically worsened since the last report in 2014, the WHO report indicated. This calls for serious attention from the State Government as well as the public before it turns into a grave public health concern.

In 2104 database, Kohima’s PM (particulate matter) 10 level was at 64 but it rose to 82 in 2016.

Most alarmingly, the PM2.5 particles, which WHO says, carries the most health risk has nearly doubled in the intervening period – increasing from 28 (2014) to 44 (2016).

Dimapur saw slight improvement in PM10 (falling from 92 to 90). However, its PM2.5 level increased during the intervening period from 40 to 48.

Among the cities in North East India, Sibsagar in Assam remains the most polluted both in terms of PM2.5 and PM10 levels

at 109 and 58 respectively while Guwahati and Silchar are ranked 2nd and 3rd. In PM2.5 level, Guwahati was ranked second at 49 while Dimapur and Silchar occupy the third slot at 48.

Globally, urban air pollution levels have increased by 8%, despite improvements in some regions, the WHO database, which covered 3000 cities/ town in 103 countries, reported.

More than 80% of people living in urban areas that monitor air pollution are exposed to air quality levels that exceed WHO limits, it stated.

According to the WHO, air quality is represented by annual mean concentration of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5, i.e. particles smaller than 10 or 2.5 microns). It includes pollutants such as sulfate, nitrates and black carbon, which penetrate deep into human body which penetrate deep into the lungs and into the cardiovascular system, posing the greatest risks to human health.

As urban air quality declines, the risk of stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and chronic and acute respiratory diseases, including asthma, increases for the people who live in them, WHO said.

As per WHO’s Air quality guidelines, the threshold and limits value for a particulate

matter are 20 μg/m3 for PM10, and 10 μg/m3 for PM2.5.

The Guidelines indicated that by reducing particulate matter (PM10) pollution from 70 to 20 micrograms per cubic metre (μg/m), air pollution-related deaths could be reduced by roughly 15%.

Zabol, in Iran replaced Delhi’s positionasthemostpollutedglobal city in terms of PM2.5. However, this is no consolation since 10 Indian cities figure in the top 20 most polluted city in the world.

WHO in its database report had maintained that while most sources of urban outdoor air pollution are well beyond the control of individuals, it demands action by cities, as well as national and international policymakers to promote cleaner transport, more efficient energy production and waste management.

“It is crucial for city and national governments to make urban air quality a health and development priority,” said Dr. Carlos Dora, WHO Coordinator of Interventions for Healthy Environment in a statement.

Meanwhile, WHO said its Member States would discuss a road map for an enhanced global response to the adverse health effects of air pollution during the World Health Assembly scheduled from May 23-28.

Naga-Asom Dialogue Forum to have 30 members

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Kohima, may 15 (mExN): A ‘Naga-Asom Dialogue Forum’ will be constituted with 15 representatives each from the two sides. The 30 members- leaders of organisations as well as individuals- will be nominated from Nagaland and Assam states respectively by Naga Hoho and Asom Sahitya Sabha. “In an attempt to strengthen friendship and frater-

nity between the people of two neighbouring states, the civil societies of Nagaland and Assam have resolved to form a Dialogue Forum comprising adequate and equal representatives from both sides,” stated the P. Chuba Ozukum, Naga Hoho President, in a press release today.

The Forum will work towards “strengthening friend-

Naga society still ignorant about mental health issues among youth Akhrienuo Kire Dimapur| May 15

Mental illness has seen a dramatic increase over the years among youngsters in Naga society. For many, society has become increasingly alienating, isolating, leading to disturbances in their thoughts, perceptions and behaviour.

Anxiety disorder, depression and bipolar disorder are the most common mental illness among youths today. Ever since the inception of National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) in Dimapur on March 2016, about 40 such cases have been recorded falling under the category of youths within a span of one month. Dr. C. Kezo, a Psychiatrist and Nodal Officer at NMHP Dimapur, shed some light on the subject.

He said that through proper medication, counseling and guidance on healthy living and crisis management through medication, mental illness can be treated.

The major grounds for mental illness among students are work stress, anxiety disorder, and, mainly, substance abuse.

Parents are unaware about basic mental illness. Children are not properly guided by parents to inculcate work culture, moral values, social norms and disciplinary actions. “Deprivation of bright students to get selected especially in competitive exams after several attempts although with good records, leads to depression and ultimately into substance abuse,” shares Dr. Kezo.

Such is the case of Ian (named changed) currently employed in a paramilitary unit.

He first started with sniffing dendrite and

Verstappen makes F1 history as Mercedes crash out

‘Preachers should also be teachers’

Kathmandu riot police scuffle with anti-constitution protesters

smoking cannabis with friends as a social leisure activity at an early age. This eventually led to harder drugs. He had cravings, disturbed sleep, restlessness and mood swings. He is now undergoing medical treatment and counseling.

A little boy of 9 years, Martin (named changed), is another patient who has difficulty understanding and suffers from delayed development. He is also presently under medical care.

Another such patient is Shin (name changed) who suffers from Schizophrenia. She has bouts of restlessness, insomnia and hallucination.

Dr. Viketoulie Pienyii, a Psycho Therapist and Senior Medical Officer at Nagaland State Mental Health Institute, Kohima agrees with the statement that ‘Our society breeds anxiety, depression and dysfunction among our youths today.’

He interprets that society puts too much pressure to succeed, society is unable to understand young people and also it puts too much comparison. He laments that Naga society is still ignorant about mental health issues among young people and parents are partly to be blamed.

“People are often misjudged about mental illness. It is an illness and not a curse.

There is still a lot of social stigma attached to mental illness,” shares Dr. Pienyii.

It is time for parents and family members to understand that mental illnesses are conditions arising from combination of genetics, biology, environment and life experiences.

The writer finished an internship with The Morung Express.

ship and fraternity between the people of the two neighbouring states.” It will have joint Convenors, one from each side, and Guwahati-based Nanda Talukdar Foundation (NTF), an NGO, will coordinate between the two Convenors, it was informed.

This was resolved following the 2nd Naga-Asom Round Table held in Kohima on May 13.

PAGE 10

The see-saw of govt and private schools Morung Express Feature Zunheboto | May 15

At a time when the youth in Nagaland are growing up hearing that “buying a job” is normal, schools can make an intervention to teach that “hard work bears fruit.”

Tokavi Suu, Managing Director of CornerStone School in Zunheboto Town reflects on this. He is in conversation with Pikali Jimomi, a teacher at the Government Higher Secondary School, Zunheboto (GHSS). They are discussing the ups and downs of private and public schooling in Nagaland State with The Morung Express.

Both recognise the importance of value based education but each straddles very different realities, which necessitate different strategies. In the recently declared HSLC and HSSLC results, private schools all over the State performed better than government schools—at the Zunheboto GHSS, only 6 out of 216 students who appeared for the HSLC examination passed.

“Government school teachers are very qualified and they are paid better but the management of the schools fail,” says Jimomi, explaining why basic education falters in many government-run schools. Teachers are, allegedly at times, drunk at work, some play cards in school, while in the deep interiors, some hire much less qualified “proxies” to do the teaching for them.

It is up to the administration to keep a check on these aberrations, and private schools score on these markers. “Teachers are paid lower in private schools but we create an environment that is healthy for them. For us, building relationships is very important,” explains Suu. They organise gatherings, outings, special trainings and special guests come to motivate the teachers.

At the same time, attendance (of teachers) is taken every day and the administration makes sure no teacher leaves the school compound during school hours.

Tokavi Suu and his wife Inakali Suu transformed an existing former school to CornerStone in 2010, bringing in modern teaching methods and much needed vibrancy to Zunheboto Town. Recognising this as “God’s calling,” their school, affiliated to the Nagaland Board of School

Mother tongue as medium of instruction?

W

hether government or private run, one common strand emerges: “Hindi is sickness” for students in both types of schools. Hindi as a second language is compulsory for all students till class 8. From class 9, alternative English is replaced by ‘modern Indian languages,’ which offers Hindi, Sumi, Tenyidie etc. too late into the education cycle. In the Naga hinterland, Hindi remains a challenge.

While in most private schools it is compulsory to speak in English, government schools often unofficially use the mother language/ dialect of the region as the medium of instruction. “Most of the non teaching staffs also speak in local dialects, and students understand a concept better in the same,” explains a government school teacher.

Studies around the world have shown that children learn better when taught in their mother tongue—children then are more likely to enrol and succeed in school, parents are more likely to communicate with teachers and participate in their child’s learning, learners get more involved in the learning process, girls and rural children with less exposure to a dominant language stay in school longer and repeat classes less often, and they learn to flexibly transfer knowledge from one language to the other with greater ease. “If the government can officially implement the medium of instruction in schools to be the mother dialect of the district, then not just math and science but students will get better in both English, Hindi or any other language learning,” feels Pikali Jimomi, a teacher at GHSS, Zunheboto.

Education, today hosts 860 students with a distribution of 35-38 students per class.

Infrastructure, such as good toilets, is a key element to keep both students and teachers in a healthy schooling environment.

Despite adequate funding, government schools fall back on this element too. “It is hard to go to the toilets in our school. Even the building leaks during rains and classrooms become puddles,” notes Jimomi of the Zunheboto Town GHSS, making it difficult for regular and healthy attendance at school.

But government schools take the pie in terms of free schooling, making education available to all. On the other hand, private schools like CornerStone charge Rs. 750 per month per student till class 6, Rs. 800 per month from class 7-10 and Rs. 900 per month for higher secondary, all excluding textbooks, stationery etc.—affordable to a middle income Naga family but difficult for the poor.

To get around this, Suu has started scholarship schemes for poor and deserving students; sponsorship comes from wellwishers. On the other hand, some government schools in Zunheboto are applying exactly the opposite scheme—they are charging their students fees up to Rs. 2000 for a year. “Some of the students who seek admission to gov-

ernment schools are so naughty that no other school is ready to keep them. So parents are willing to pay,” informs another government school teacher on the condition of anonymity. It is not clear where these funds are directed to.

Way forward

Taking into account all variables, a way to move forward would be to create a collaboration of government and private run schools. Joint workshops for teachers as well as students of both types of schools could be organised, and teacher exchange programs could also be put in place—well qualified and trained government teachers could provide their expertise to private schools while private schools could give school management training to government schools.

It is in empowering each other that the next generation stands empowered. “If the new generation does not change, we have no hope as a society. Corruption has become a way of life, and the only way forward is that the older generation phases out leaving the young ones to bring change,” says Tokavi Suu. For this, both Suu and Jimomi suggest, education needs to fall into place and if the government simply takes care of what infrastructure and resources already exist, it would be enough.

2

monDAY 16•05•2016

NAGALAND

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

‘Preachers should also be teachers’ Morung Express News Dimapur | May 15

Describing gospel preaching as one of the noblest professions, Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, Department of Land Resources, Y. Kikheto Sema IAS on Sunday said unlike other professions, the commitment to work in Church ministry needed careful personal analysis and strong spiritual bond with God. “Like Jesus who was also a preacher but spent a lot of time teaching about life, our Church leaders should also teach the congregation about the social and economic aspects of life besides spiritual preaching,” Kikheto said exhorting the 41st general conference of the Sumi Baptist Theological Association (SBTA) at Ghukiye Baptist Church under Zunhebto district on Sunday.

He said God has designed people to be preachers, administrators, econo-

Secretary, Land Resources Department, Y. Kikheto Sema IAS (left) exhorting the congregation (right) on Sunday at Ghukiye Baptist Church.

mists, technocrats etc and so each according to his ability should carry out responsibilities as per the Almighty’s will to let all good things that God desires to prevail upon the people.

Kikheto also opined that while degrees were important for Church leaders, degrees may not be very important for all kinds of Church leaders especially those at the village level.

“Pastors and other Church leaders at the village level

may not require high qualifications to preach but what is needed more than an educational degree is spiritual degree, practical degree, experience degree etc to nourish the spiritual needs of the congregation,” he added.

Kikheto was stating this from the point of view that many Church leaders at the village level going on study leave was also affecting the economy of the villagers largely.

He emphasized on the need for preachers to go home visits for those who are spiritually sick and needy. “Many preachers bring lost souls to God, but there are still many preachers who lose their family in the process since they are bad fathers and husbands,” Kikheto said and urged Church leaders to introspect on this aspect.

“You need to go back to your homes and see whether you are a dutiful

father, husband and a loving neighbour,” he added.

Kikheto said that the Church leaders should take advantage of the powerful platform of the Church and use it to not only to talk about salvation but also salvation from social problems and evils.

“We should focus not only on the problem but on the solution too,” he said and called upon the congregation to look towards better and brighter side.

Delivering the word of God on the theme, “Called for the Task,” Principal, Trinity Theological College, Rev. Dr. Kavito Zhimo encouraged Church workers and theological students not to falter from the task to which they have been called. “There will be so many inconveniences and difficult situations but you should not waver since you have been called to complete the task,” he said.

Rev. Dr. Kavito acknowledged that the task of working for the Lord was not easy yet it was not difficult if they take God along with them with sincerity and dedication. He challenged the Church workers to work on delivering spiritual goods to the people and be committed in their responsibility.

The conference, which began on May 13, was attended by hundreds of Sumi Church workers from different areas and culminated on Sunday.

Power outage in Kiphire Kiphire, May 15 (Mexn): The public of Kiphire Town have been informed that a transformer with capacity of 500 kva, 33/0.4kv failed due to internal defect on May 15 at 7:00 am. Hence, the power supply at Medical colony, Half of PHE colony, Bazaar ward and DC Residence colony will be affected. The machine will be transported to Dimapur for repair/replacement, it was informed. The public of the affected areas have been requested to bear the inconvenience till necessary arrangement is made.

ANSTA Phek highlights issues pheK, May 15 (Mexn): All Nagaland School Teachers’ Association (ANSTA), Phek district unit has expressed support to the ultimatum submitted by ANSTA and NSSFOF demanding total bifurcation of secondary/elementary and higher secondary in schools under the Department of School Education. The deadline of the ultimatum expires on May 16. A press release from ANSTA Phek unit officials further expressed regret that SSA, RMSA & Hindi Teachers have been struggling with their pending and irregular salaries for quite a long time. The issue, it said, has to discontinue all at once because all the recently upgraded high schools across the State are functioning largely with their services. The ANSTA unit further expressed dismay that the Ad-hoc teachers who perform at par with the others teachers are paid meager amount. Stating that the importance of regularization of the Ad-hoc teachers cannot be over emphasized now, the release said, the Ad-hoc Graduate Teachers who had undergone screening test in 2014 should be regularized immediately. The release issued by Neikedu Doulo, President and Besukhoi Nienu, General Secretary, ANSTA Phek unit hoped that the State Government and the department concerned will look into the issues and take immediate action.

Aghunato people told not to hamper dev works IPR officials, media personnel on international tour

Zunheboto, May 15 (Mexn): A meeting of the Aghunato Area GB’s Union, Ad-hoc Town Committee, Administration, and students’ union of Aghunato have resolved that any individual/groups found involved in disturbing or hampering the two-lane road construction from Longsa (Mokokchung district) to Aghunato Town undertaken by Mohan Singh Company will be subjected to imprisonment.

It banned forcefully using the company’s machinery without the consent of the Administration, GB’s Union or the company personnel or threatening the company’s personnel in any manner, according to a press release from Aghunato Area GB’s Union and Ad-hoc Town Committee, Aghunato.

The joint emergency meeting held on May 13 was attended by 283 people from 54 villages under Aghunato sub-division.

Berimong, EAC Aghunato and Hoito Achumi, Vice Chairman, Ad-hoc Town Committee Aghunato spoke at the meeting. They both stressed on the importance

of the ongoing developmental works taking place in and around Aghunato Area, including the two-lane road construction and State Bank of India Aghunato Branch.

Highlighting the need of public participation and full co-operation towards developing Aghunato and its jurisdiction (from Nihoshe to Khumishi), the speakers emphasised that any chaos and confusion created by the people of the area while the developmental activities are going on will only lead to the loss of each individual of the area, the release stated. The meeting also decided that villagers under Aghunato area who are yet to repay the KCC loan to SBI Aghunato Branch should repay the same within two month from the date of publication of this resolution. Failing to do so, the VDBs concerned and their functions shall be suspended, it resolved.

The press release was appended by Hoito Achumi, Vice Chairman, Adhoc Town Council, and Kuhozhe Achumi, Parliamentary Secretary for IPR, Khekaho Assumi along with Carol Woo, Bhavani and President, Aghunato Area GB’s Union.

Nagaland media team at Hotel Ibis Singapore on May 14.

FAITH THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY COMMENCEMENT EXERCISE

Tribe hohos’ presidential meeting KohiMa, May 15 (Mexn): Nagaland based tribe hohos’ presidential meeting is scheduled to be held on May 18, 11:00 am at Hotel Japfü. Therefore, a press release from Daipao, Secretary, Information & Publicity, Naga Hoho has requested all the tribe hoho presidents to attend the said meeting positively as the meeting will discuss crucial issues.

DDLSA settles 65 pending MACT cases

Faith Theological Seminary, Jotsoma Kohima held its 1st Commencement Exercise on 12th May, 2016 for the course of M.Th (Master of Theology) Extension in Missiology. Miss. Kimboi Zomi was the first candidate to receive the degree which was conferred Rev. Dr. Visielie Angami, Principal of FTS. Miss Kimboi Zomi after receiving the degree gave a short message by encouraging the students of FTS to keep learning so that we can also give more to our people in the ministry.

The graduation service was chaired by Miss.

Asola Jamir, Academic Dean and invocation was led by Mr. Kholi Salew, Registrar. The crowd was also enchanted by a beautiful song by Miss Neivizonuo Pienyü and Miss Janyi-I Tsolo.

Singapore, May 15 (Dipr): Parliamentary Secretary for Information & Public Relations, Nagaland, Khekaho Assumi is currently on an international tour leading a nine-member team of IPR officials and State media personnel. The team left Nagaland on May 13 and arrived Singapore on May 14.

On May 14 evening, a meeting/interactive session was held between the Nagaland team and some media personnel from Singapore.

Public Relations Consultant and former President of Institute of Public Relations Singapore, Bhavani and a senior journalist from Singapore Corps Carol Woo highlighted the functioning, activities of

the media in Singapore and relation between the government and media in the country. Besides, the two women shared valuable inputs to the team from Nagaland with regard to journalism.

Parliamentary Secretary Khekaho thanked the media persons of Singapore for sparing their time and interacting with the media team from Nagaland. He also highlighted the rich culture and traditions of Nagaland and invited them to the Hornbill Festival.

In the meeting held at Hotel Ibis Singapore, Joint Director IPR Tokishe Sema delivered the welcome note. The team will leave for Malaysia on May 16 and arrive Bangkok on May 18.

Meritorious scholarship given to MGM students

DiMapur, May 15 (Mexn): St. Thomas Mission Society sponsored scholarship for meritorious students of MGM Hr Sec School was distributed by its Manager, Bishop Dr. Joseph Mar Dionysius during Parent-Teacher meet day in the school premises.

Students of Classes 1-10, who secured first position in the previous year, were given an amount of entire year’s tuition fees as scholarship.

Apart from the scholarship, a press release informed, St. Thomas Society is providing another meritorious scholarship in the name of its founder member, Late KV Ponnan after every assessment. The Society’s motto is to provide quality education without any discrimination, the release stated. More than 80 students from lower economic background are also availing Recipients of the St. Thomas Mission Society sponsored scholarship for 50% fee concession from the school, the meritorious students of MGM Hr Sec School. release added.

DiMapur, May 15 (Mexn): As per directives of the National Legal Services Authority (NLSA), the Dimapur District Legal Services Authority (DDLSA) as part of its Common Action Plan conducted Lok Adalat on Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) and insurance claims/ banks cases. DDLSA Panel Advocate, Visheli Yepthomi informed in a press release that N. Kanuo, District & Sessions Judge, who is also the Chairman of DDLSA, officiated the Lok Adalat organized at the Dimapur District Court premises. Altogether, 65 pending MACT cases with total amount of Rs. 1,52,55,000/- (rupees one crore fifty two lakhs fifty five thousand) were settled at the Lok Adalat. The settlement of large number of cases has helped in reducing the pendency, besides benefitting the client, the release said.

The Lok Adalat has created an opportunity for the common people to get speedy and inexpensive justice, besides helping the court tackle pending cases, it added. DDLSA has encouraged the general public to avail the opportunity to bring forward any such matters for settlement at the Lok Adalat. The next National Lok Adalat relating to MACT and insurance claims/banks matters will be held on June 11. Kiphire, May 15 Further details can be availed from the front office, DDLSA, (Mexn): District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), KipDistrict Court, Dimapur. hire organized a sensitization programme on May 13 at Amahator Block, focusing on Village Level Child Protection Committees (VLCPCs) and the church leaders so they can educate the village people about Child Rights, which is the key for bringing child friendly environment in the society.

The resource person, Bokato Sum, PO IC, presented details on the rights of children so they are protected from risk of being exploited, trafficked, abused etc. Few examples of Naga children trafficked to cities in India over the years were cited so that the gravity of Naga children being at risk is checked by the VLCPCs, stated a press release received here.

The Village Level Child Protection Committees were asked to cooperate with Block Level Child Protection Committee and the District Child Protection Unit Office for effective implementation of ICPS Scheme which will bring changes in the lives of the children, the release added.

National Vector Borne Disease The programme, attendControl Programme, Nagaland ed by 45 people from AmaDirectorate of Health & Family hator Block, was chaired Welfare, Nagaland

by Pisela (social worker). It Nagaland concluded with the vote of thanks from Liripi (Data analyst) DCPU, Kiphire.

Sensitization on Child Rights held in Kiphire

The Dimapur Airport looks more like a makeshift landing strip used for emergencies, rather than a well-maintained airport that operates commercial flights in this picture taken on May 13. Passengers travelling to Dimapur, who unlike in other airports have to walk the whole tarmac to reach their final destination are greeted with wild overgrown grass and weeds not only at the distance but right outside the terminal too. (Morung Photo)

NATIONAL DENGUE DAY

May 16, 2016

Peace Activists from Nagaland and Manipur came together at Life Spring Corner, Dimapur, to discuss issues and carve a way forward to work with each other at a Meet organised by North Eastern Social Research Centre, Guwahati, and Oriental Theological Seminary, Dimapur in collaboration with Peace Channel, on May 13-14, 2016 (Photo by Akhrienuo Kire)

MonDAY 16•05•2016

NORTH-EAST

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

3

atsUM calls 12-hour statewide Dibrugarh filmmaker’s movie to premiere in Cannes International Film Festival shutdown to protest against govt IMPHAl, MAy 15 (NNN): All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur (ATSUM) has announced a statewide shutdown on May 17 starting 6:00 am to protest against what it termed as the “indifferent attitude” of the Manipur government.

However, a statement jointly signed by ATSUM President, Joseph R Hmar and General Secretary, Vareiyo Shatsang lauded the Government of Manipur on Saturday for addressing the grievances of the tribals, especially in Education Department and JNIMS

– 418 Assistant Professors and 714 part-time lecturers were regularised.

The union also submitted a representation to Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh urging him for prompt redressal of the unfulfilled charter of demands raised by the union. It pointed out that the Government of Manipur has “procrastinated” most of the charter of demands tabled in the course of the official discourse on October 22, 2014.

The union stated that piles of memorandum have been submitted to the Chief Minister of Manipur

North east Briefs

Tribal refugees burn 10 houses after tribal's suicide in Tripura AgArtAlA, MAy 15 (IANS): Tension prevailed on Sunday in Kanchanpur in northern Tripura as angry tribal refugees, originally hailing from Mizoram, burnt around 10 houses of locals, police here said. The arson followed suicide by a tribal man living in a refugee camp at Kanchanpur, 175 km north from Agartala, after he was allegedly beaten up by locals. A police official said deceased Bhriguram Reang, 36, allegedly committed suicide on Sunday after he was beaten up by local people who accused him of catching fish from a pond without seeking permission from the owner.

Senior police officials, along with a huge contingent of Tripura State Rifles, rushed to the area to control the situation. Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) Anurag was supervising the situation. Around 31,000 Reang tribals or 'Bru' are living in seven makeshift camps in northern Tripura for the past 19 years after they fled Mizoram following ethnic trouble after a Mizo forest officer was killed.

18,084 marriages registered in Mizoram in nine years AIzAwl, MAy 15 (NNN): As many as 18,084 marriage registrations have so far been done in Mizoram in the last nine years. From the year 2008 since Mizoram Compulsory Registration of Marriage Act 2007 was enforced till March 2016, 18,084 couples have registered in the office of Registrar General of Marriages, the largest of which is attributed to Christian community followed by Buddhist and Hindu, a report by leading Sunday paper Zalen said. According to record of Registrar of Marriage, the largest number of marriage registered in 9 years belonged to Christian with 17,520 couples. The next is Buddhist which holds a record of 480 couples followed by 82 Hindu couples. The number of marriage registration among Muslim community is nil in Mizoram. Aizawl district has recorded the highest number of marriage registration with 1309 couples. Mamit has 194 registration, Serchhip- 204, Lawngtlai- 83, Lunglei- 204, while Saiha district has the least number of marriage registration with only 49 couples.

for redressal of grievances.

Appointments sought are dumped to the dismay of the union, it added.

It was further stated that the union does not encourage bandh, blockade or any form of agitation at this crucial juncture of social upheaval to further widen the rift between the hills and the valley. However, having run out of patience, the union in its executive meeting held on May 10, 2016 resolved to call the statewide bandh on May 17 from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm to protest against the “indifferent attitude” of the

Government of Manipur.

The charter of demands of the union include separate State Commission for ST under Article 338 – A of the Indian Constitution, issuance of offer forms to 217 Higher Secondary lecturers recommended by MPSC, declaration of the result of 280 Assistant Professors conducted under MPSC, B. Ed centres in the hills, regularisation of Ad-hoc teachers, tribal quota in Manipur Legislative Assembly, bifurcation of power to Additional Director Hills Education(s), and transfer of Land Records.

PRRS continues to kill pigs; toll rises to 2500 AIzAwl, MAy 15 (NNN): The outbreak of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) in Champhai district along the Mizoram-Myanmar border has so far killed over 2,500 pigs in Champhai town and surrounding villages, official of Mizoram’s Animal HusbandryandVeterinaryDepartment said. According to AH&V Department, pigs have also died in North Khawbung and Ngur villages due to the outbreak of PRRS. Pig death was also found in Khawzawl, but it has

not been confirmed whether itwasduetoPRRS,saidAH&V DepartmentdirectorDr.Saingura Sailo. Apart from Champhaidistrict,100pigshavealso died in Lunglei district and 70 in Lawngtlai district.

Members of the Champhai Area Vawk Vulh Association or Champhai Area Pig Rearers' Association (CAPRA) said the PRRS outbreak that began six weeks ago had gradually become weak and pigs in the district were being administered antibiotics.

guwAHAtI, MAy 15 (MExN): Dibrugarh-based filmmaker Chow Partha Borgohain’s feature film ‘1962: My Country Land’ will be showcased at the Cannes International Film Festival on May 18. The film, shot mostly in Arunachal Pradesh, is the first home production of Living Dreams Productions.

Written, cinematographed and directed by Chow Partha Borgohain, ‘1962: My Country Land’ is an English language feature film based on the 1962 Indo-China war. The story revolves around Luitya, an Army Lance Naik who is given the responsibility for mapping along the IndoChina border. While carrying on with his work, Luitya along with his porter lost their way in the rough and unwelcoming terrain until they reached a village. In the village, Luitya met Chan, a Chinese trader with dark secrets and intentions, and the village chief’s daughter Yaka. Luitya found out that the village is neither mentioned in the Indian map nor in the Chinese map.

Fierce conspiracy and conflict started between Luitya and Chan to take over the patch of the land – to include that as an integral part of their nation.

Talking about the film,

Filmmaker Chow Partha Borgohain (R) during the filming of 1962-My Country Land.

Borgohain said, “We shot for 75 days in Tawang and Mechuka in Arunachal Pradesh and Sohra in Meghalaya besides a few shots in Guwahati. I want to continue shooting all my life – there was so much drama, stories of love, comedy and ego-clashes.

The production of the film taught me how difficult life is, but how exciting it can be at the same time.”

Starring Aham Sharma, Lhakpa Lepcha, Daniel Shin Han, and Ketholeno Kense in lead roles, the film

Soldier’s death triggers scuffle in Tura bypoll: EC issues Arunachal, army says no mutiny notice to CM’s wife NEw DElHI, MAy 15 (Ht): A soldier died on Sunday during training in Arunachal Pradesh, leading to some of his angry colleagues roughing up an officer in the infantry battalion.

Ruling out reports of mutiny, the army said no one sustained serious injuries in the scuffle.

An army source said a group of four to five soldiers was upset on hearing the news of their colleague’s death and got involved in a scuffle with the captain trying to console them.

A soldier complained of chest pain before a 10-km march, but was “found fit” by the unit’s medical officer, the source said, explaining what led to the brawl. The soldier was rushed to a field medical facility after he collapsed, but could not be saved.

The army has ordered an investigation into the incident. “It is not a case of mutiny. A few jawans got emotional and agitated…No one was injured seriously,” said an officer in New Delhi.

Defence spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Suneet Newton said it was a “minor scuffle.” The scuffle between the soldiers and the officer is the fifth instance of breach of military discipline in the army during the last five to six years.

A boxing bout turned into a bareknuckles street fight between officers and personnel of an infantry unit near Meerut in 2013. Two majors and a soldier were hospitalised.

The Meerut incident came a year after four soldiers of 226 Field Artillery Regiment, including the unit’s commanding officer and his deputy, were injured in a brawl between officers and soldiers in Ladakh’s Nyoma sector. A soldier had misbehaved with the wife of a major, triggering the face-off.

Another army unit, 16 Cavalry, witnessed an officer-soldier spat in 2012, leading to disciplinary action against 60 personnel. In April 2010, there was a clash between officers and personnel of 45 Cavalry near Gurdaspur.

SHIlloNg, MAy 15 (PtI): The Election Commission has issued a notice to Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma's wife Dikkanchi D Shira who is contesting on a Congress ticket in May 16 Lok Sabha bypoll in Tura for allegedly campaigning after the stipulated time in her husband's constituency yesterday.

Chief Election Officer F R Kharkongor told PTI the EC officer concerned in South West Garo Hills district had issued the notice to the candidate.

The election agent of the Congress party has already submitted a reply to the returning officer Pravin Bakshi today, a party spokesperson said.

Shira had earlier been slapped with a notice for allegedly making a hate-speech during her campaign.

The bypoll was necessitated following the demise of P A Sangma earlier this year.

TechExpo: Present your scientific idea to the world FUNERAL SERVICE guwAHAtI, MAy 15 (MExN): As part of its annual techno-management festival Techniche, IIT Guwahati will host TechExpo – a national science competition which helps students explore their vision and curiosity through science. It has been initiated with the cardinal aim of bringing to light the technological advancements made by the youth of the country and provide an opportunity to showcase their innovations on a larger platform.

The winners will be awarded with a total cash prize of Rs. 3,00,000. The competition will be conducted in two phases – Phase I will include abstract submission along with a short video giving a brief introduction of the proj-

ect. The deadline for submission of the projects is May 20, 2016. The entries of Phase I will be rigorously evaluated by the judging panel which includes IIT Technical Board Chairman, Professors, informed a press release from Convenor, Techniche 2016. The top 100 contestants will qualify for Phase II of the competition which will be held at IIT Guwahati during Techniche. The top seven projects will be selected as the final winners.

TechExpo will provide a platform for the participants to showcase the projects undertaken by them in front of a mass multitude of people which includes, but isn’t restricted to, professors from various fields, notable person-

age including Nobel laureates, leading business tycoons, venture capitalists, professors from IITs and students from across the nation. The teams will also get a chance to witness one of the most amazing and enthralling lectures, competitions, exhibitions and cultural nights which will be conducted from September 1 to 4, the release said. Technology students have been encouraged to participate and learn to streamline their abilities with the modern day gadgets.

The registration for the event is totally free and can be done by logging onto www.techniche.org/techexpo.

For any further queries, contact the organizers of TechExpo at (+91)7576918640 or (+91)-9531126269.

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Date: 16th May 2016 Time: 10:00 A.M. Venue: Zeliangrong Baptist Church, Sewak Road, Dimapur

showcases the struggle and life of the main characters during the approaching war and how they were able to believe – and not believe – each other. It is produced

by Marbom Mai. Guru Rewben Mashangva is the music composer of the film; he collaborated with Shankar Shankini.

Partha, after his schooling in Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh, did photography and filmmaking course from Madras Christian College and later joined Mindscreen Film School and

studied film and motion photography. He worked as an assistant with renowned cinematographer and director Rajiv Menon where he was engaged in various feature and advertisement films.

Apart from ‘1962: My Country Land’, Partha has been working with various international crew for film projects in Switzerland, France, Turkey. He is also filming with several corporates in Singapore, Indonesia, and Japan as a freelance filmmaker.

AFFIDAVIT I, Koralemba Imtiwati Ao (new name) previously called 1. Imtiwati (2) K lmtiwati (3) Imtiwati Ozukum (4) Imtiwati Ao, son of Late Koralemba previously called (1) Koralemba (2) Lt. S. Koralemba (3) Lt. S. Koralemba Ao (4) Lt. S. Kora Ao (5) Lt. S. Kora and resident of H/No.83 (Old), H/No 108 (New), Industrial Village Razhuphe, D.C Court Area, Dimapur, Nagaland wholly renounce/relinquish and abandon the use of my former name/surname and shall henceforth be known as KORALEMBA IMTIWATI AO s/o LATE KORALEMBA for all future purposes vide affidavit dated 13th May 2016, sworn before Notary Themjen Ao, Dimapur Nagaland.

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In Assam's Lakwa, using toilet is a habit now lAkwA, MAy 15 (IANS): Bornali Borah, a housewife in remote Holow Phukan village in Assam, no longer wakes up her mother-in-law during the wee hours of the morning when she wants to go out to defecate. Borah and other women of the village are now happy as each house has a toilet and it is being used. Borah's village has been declared 'open defecation-free' (ODF) as other villages in Lakwa block of the state's Sivasagar district.

"I am happy that we live like human beings now and do not go to the fields to defecate like the animals. Before the toilets were constructed, all of us had go out in the fields to relieve ourselves. The entire thing was disappointing but we did not have any solution," Bornali, in her early 30s, told IANS. The toilet constructed at Bornali's home is among 5,319 toilets in Lakwa block, funded by the state government and the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects of companies like ONGC and BCPL (Brahmaputra Crackers and Polymers Ltd). The entire initiative was supported by UNICEF. A baseline study done by the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) in Lakwa in 2015 had revealed that toilet coverage was 35 percent and about 51 percent toilets were

found to be unusable.

Sixtyeight-year-old Bohagi, another woman beneficiary in Lakwa block, told IANS: "People used to say that they feel suffocated to defecate in a proper enclosed toilet, but I do not agree with them.

After all, the government has constructed the toilets not just to ensure proper sanitation but also proper security for people who had to sometimes go in the field in the dark," she said. She said it took a lot of efforts of the state government and the volunteers to change the mindset of people.

A government official said they began by sensitising district- and block-level officials. "The next phase involved sensitisation of community, key front line village workers and school children. The initiative was led by the district deputy commissioner and succeeded in making Lakwa 'open defecation-free' by December 2015," he said.

Referring to earlier efforts to construct toilets, he said temporary toilets made of bamboo and straw without proper sanitary pits had their problems, as the structure was damaged during rains, and there was the risk of skin infections and other diseases.

The official said that people stuck to open defecation and there was some resistance to initial efforts at toilet construction.

NATIONAL SCHOOL OF DRAMA

Call for Entries

9th POORVOTTAR NATYA SAMAROH National School of Drama invites proposals from theatre groups for participation in 9th Poorvottar Natya Samaroh to be held in the North East Region in October 2016. The festival will feature work by directors & theatre groups based in the North East Region only and will showcase outstanding productions that have been performed for the public before 19th August 2016.

Interested theatre groups which are based in North East Region only can submit their applications in the prescribed Proforma (available on the NSD's website : www.nsd.gov.in) along with clear recording of the production in VCD/DVD. Only one entry from a group will be accepted. The decision of the Selection Committee will be final and binding for all.

Last date for receipt of applications addressed to The Director, National School of Drama, Bahawalpur House, Bhagwandas Road, New Delhi is 30th August 2016.

Phone: 011-23073647, 23385954, fax: 23384288 Email: festivalcell@nsd.gov.in, registrarnsd@gmail.com

4

MonDAY 16•05•2016

BUSINESS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

‘Investors making money must pay taxes; no fear of FDI fall’ ‘5,000 jobs affected by vehicles ban in Del-NCR’ New Delhi, May 15 (PTi): Investors must pay taxes on money they earn in India and a “tax-incentivised route” is no longer needed to attract foreign investments to a “strong enough” Indian economy, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said today.

He said there was no “serious apprehension” of investors shifting base to other tax havens and he sees no depletion in FDI flows due to re-drawing of decades-old tax treaty with Mauritius -- the biggest source of foreign investments into India.

The amendment would also help check round-tripping of funds and boost the domestic consumption, Jaitley added.

After toiling for almost a decade to redraw the tax

treaty with Mauritius, India will begin imposing capital gains tax on investments in shares through Mauritius April next onwards. This has been made possible with amendment to the 34year old tax treaty between the two countries.

As markets reacted cautiously to India expanding

4-month window to declare black money opens June 1 New Delhi, May 15 (PTi): The four-month window for declaring domestic blackmoney will open on June 1 and those opting to come clean by paying 45 per cent tax and penalty will not be subject to scrutiny and enquiry by tax department.

The Income Declaration Scheme 2016 will remain in force till September 30 for filing of declarations and payments towards taxes, surcharge and penalty must be made latest by November 30, the Finance Ministry said in a release.

“No scrutiny and enquiry under the Income-tax Act or the Wealth tax Act (no abolished) shall be undertaken in respect of such declarations.

“Immunity from prosecution under the Income-tax Act and Wealth Tax Act is also provided along with immunity from the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act, 1988 subject to transfer of asset to actual owner within the period specified in the Rules,” it said.

The scheme was announced by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in the Budget with an aim to fish out black money from the domestic economy. Earlier, the government had come out with similar scheme for Indian holding undisclosed income abroad.

The scheme will apply to undisclosed income whether in the form of investment in assets or otherwise, pertaining to Financial Year 2015-16 or earlier, the Ministry said.

“Under the Scheme, income as declared by the eligible persons, would be taxed at the rate of 30 per cent plus a ‘Krishi Kalyan Cess’ of 25 per cent on the taxes payable and a penalty at the rate of 25 per cent of the taxes payable, thereby totalling to 45 per cent of the income declared under the scheme,” the Ministry said.

L’affaire Mallya: More banks get ED call for financial details MuMbai, May 15 (PTi): Expanding its money laundering probe into L’affaire Mallya, the Enforcement Directorate has asked around half a dozen lenders of Kingfisher Airlines to furnish details of the financial transactions conducted by the long-ground-

ed air carrier and its top executives.

“The banks have been asked to furnish details of all domestic and foreign inward and outward remittances of KFA (Kingfisher Airlines). Information such as from which accounts the money came in and to which accounts they were transferred, have been given to the ED,” a source said.

“The aim, it seems, is to look at whether there was any case of money laundering or whether the money was parked in any tax haven,” said another source.

The Enforcement Directorate had asked for financial details from both public and private sector banks and a part of these details were submitted last week.

So far, the ED was focussing on Rs 900-crore loan that IDBI Bank had given to KFA to investigate whether there was any money laundering involved. The move to seek details from more banks indicates widening of the probe into the Mallya saga.

Last month, a PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act) Court had issued a non-bailable warrant against the fugitive baron Vijay Mallya in the IDBI case.

Besides, markets regulator Sebi has also expanded its probe into possible siphoning off funds by the promoters on suspicion of lapses in financial dealings of various listed companies of Mallya-led UB Group.

The market watchdog has also flagged the matter to other agencies and government departments, including the Corporate Affairs Ministry and its probe agency for white-collar crimes, SFIO (Serious Fraud Investigation Office).

The market regulator is looking into violation of securities market regulations, including the strict disclosure requirements about ‘insider dealings’ with the promoters and related parties.

Besides, Sebi is also probing any possible violation of norms aimed at checking fraudulent and unfair trades and comprising the interest of minority shareholders.

Mallya, currently said to be in the UK, recently lost control of another of his prime asset Kingfisher Villa in Goa. After an order from North Goa Collector in favour of banks, the lenders took the possession of the Kingfisher Villa on May 12.

time when India was looking at foreign investments to boost economy, he said the economy has become strong enough and “now those who earn must pay taxes.”

The original treaty, signed almost a decade before India opened up its economy in 1991, has helped channellise more than a third of the USD 278 billion (nearly Rs 19 lakh crore) foreign direct investment India received in the past 15 years.

The imposition of taxes has been “done in a phased manner to avoid shock and I don’t expect any depletion to FDI because of this.

Also eventually, markets have to operate on inherent strength of economy,” he said.

Minister of State for Fi-

its crackdown on tax treaties to make it harder for investors to use tax havens as a shelter to avoid levies, Jaitley told PTI, “Eventually, markets have to operate on inherent strength of (Indian) economy.”

Stating that the original Mauritius treaty created “a tax-incentivised route” at a

New Delhi, May 15 (PTi): The ban imposed on diesel cars and SUVs of engine capacity 2,000cc and above in DelhiNCR by the Supreme Court has impacted about 5,000 jobs in the automobile sector, according to the industry body Siam.

It also said the ban, which is in effect since December 16, has resulted in production loss of around 11,000 units. “... production loss due to the ban of these vehicles in NCR from December 16, 2015 to April 30, 2016 has resulted in 11,000 vehicles, which translates to impact on approximately 5,000 jobs in the industry,” Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (Siam) said in a written submission to the Supreme Court.

Giving a ground level impact of the apex court’s restrictions, it further said “if extended across the country, it (the ban) would lead to a loss of production of one lakh vehicles over the same period and would have impacted 47,000 jobs.”

Stating that no dealer is financially capable of indefinitely holding such large stocks of 2,000cc and above diesel passenger vehicles and SUVs, it said: “The banned stocks had to be transferred to non-NCR dealers for disposal.”

nance Jayant Sinha said the treaty revision will bring in lot of transparency about Mauritius-based entities investing in India.

“It will help us dramatically in curbing roundtripping because there are two very important aspects to it. One is the capital gains regime... that will be applicable at the same rate as you would get if you were a domestic resident tax payer in India. So there would be no advantage for anybody coming in through the Mauritius route after 2019.

“Number two, they will also be able to get a lot more transparency on Mauritius companies that will be investing in India through the Information Exchange Protocol that we have also signed,” he said.

India Postasl dept goes high-tech, geo-tags post offices on Bhuvan New Delhi, May 15 (PTi): As emails and SMSes become the order of the day, the good-old Postal Department is going hi-tech by geo-tagging the post offices and has begun monitoring timely clearance of the letter boxes through a mobile app.

In collaboration with the Department of Space, India Post has geo-tagged over 1.5 lakh post offices on the indigenous geo-portal Bhuvan, developed by ISRO, to help people search the nearest post office and know about services and timings.

India Post has over 1.55 lakh post offices of which more than 1.39 lakh are in

the rural areas. An official in Communications and IT Ministry said that the remaining post offices would also be geo-tagged soon on Bhuvan, a Hindi word for ‘universe’.

The initiative is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s drive to use space technology by various departments of the government, he added.

“More than 1,50,000 post offices have been geotagged and their exact location on a GIS satellite imagery map along with photograph, services and office timings etc have been made available on the portal,” he added.

Bhuvan, developed by

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), is providing visualisation services and earth observation data to users in public domain.

Bhuvan, started in 2009 with simple display of satellite data and basic GIS functionality, now has more than 6,000 map services which are being used under various applications.

R e g a rd i n g other achievements of India Post in the last two years, the official said core banking solution (CBS) for providing ‘anywhere banking’ has been rolled out in 21,319 post offices, covering more than 30 crore

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Besides, 910 post office ATMs have been installed across the country. “A mobile app is being used for monitoring timely clearance of letter boxes in more than 16 cities,” he added.

Opposing levy of environmental compensation charge (ECC) on diesel vehicles, the automobile industry body said it “could result in permanent job loss of a significant number of industry employees and the problem becomes manifold if such measure gets extended to other parts of the country beyond NCR.” As there are several PILs filed for banning of four-wheeler diesel passenger vehicle and registrations are pending in different high courts in the country, Siam apprehended that a replication of the Supreme Court ban to across the country could “result in a huge, prejudicial adverse impact on manufacturing and direct and indirect employment on a pan India basis”.

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2226214

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2226216 2226263

Hotel Metsüpen (Tourist Lodge):

2226373/2229343

TAHAMzAM (formerly Senapati) STD CoDE: 03871 Police Station: Fire Brigade

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1.8

2.00

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0.054

0.0602

UAE Dirham (AED) Chinese Yuan

17.22

19.17

9.67

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MondAY 16•05•2016

NAGALAND

Goodbye Plastics & Non-biodegradable garbage phEk, May 15 (MExN): With an aim to become the cleanest and the greenest town, the Phek Town Youth Society (PTYS) is set to declare Phek Town as a Plastic-Free Town, Smoke-Free Town and eco-friendly Town. The declaration, according to a press release from the PTYS, will be made on May 31.

PTYS had in April launched ‘Clean-Green Phek Operation’ with the resolution to stop using non-biodegradable plastics. And with the support of Red Cross Society Phek, PTYS successfully organized a mass social work on May 14 from 6am to 9am.

The social work was aimed at collecting plastics, bottles, and other non-biodegradable materials in the area of the town, the press release appended by Convenor Nuyi Hoshi, Clean-Green Phek Operation, PTYS stated.

People from all sections joined the social work, clearing the garbage lying in their

Phek Town set to become Plastic & Smoke-Free Town

Volunteers transport the collected garbage to the dumping sites.

surroundings, drainages, and streams. By the end of the social work, over 300 sacks of plastics and non-biodegradable trashes were collected and disposed to the dumping

sites.

Informing that the public went on with their work in spite of the rain, the PTYS expressed gratitude to the citizens of Phek Town. During the

stipulated time, no shops were open, it further informed.

While stating that certain areas may not have been cleaned as the plastics and garbage have kept accumulating

for many years, the PTYS assured that some other day will be set for clearing those places.

Vehicles for transporting the garbage was provided by Deputy Commissioner Phek, the Addl. SP phek, Surhe Kro Phek, and Phek Town Council, the PTYS added.

Stating that members of the Clean-Green Phek Operation committee are tirelessly working for complete success, PTYS requested all sections of people to cooperate in making the dream come true.

Reminding citizens of the resolutions approved in the rally to keep the town clean, green and beautiful, the PTYS requested citizens to adhere to resolutions. “Giving a deaf ear will definitely invite penalties prescribed in the resolution,” it cautioned.

It further requested business establishments to stop ordering non-biodegradable plastics as PTC will start supplying biodegradable materials starting from the month of June.

Infected cardamom suckers supplied in NE? Morung Express News Dimapur | May 15

Several truck loads of cardamom suckers infected with Foorkey affected disease have been sent for supply in North Eastern States (probably Nagaland) as per letters from Spices Board, Kalimpong and Spices Board, Guwahati to State’s horticulture department.

This was stated in an urgent memo sent by Director of Horticulture Nagaland to the Director of Rural Development (RD), Nagaland dated May 12 for the latter’s urgent consideration.

As per the content of the letter, in the possession of The Morung Express, the Horticulture Director informed the RD Director that the Assistant Director, Spices Board, Guwahati has warned of the “possibility of spread of the viral disease beyond control in Nagaland which can cause irreversible damage to large cardamom sector of

the State.”

The Assistant Director of Spices Board, Kalimpong has collected some samples from the stock and kept for record, it said.

Expressing alarm over the development, the Horticulture director asked the RD department to “take immediate remedial steps” to ensure that planting materials are not from Kalimpong or any other disease infected nurseries.

“Steps should be initiated to immediately uproot the plants and destroy by way of burning in every district,” the memo stated, requesting to intimate action taken reports as the matter is “most urgent.”

The letter further pointed out that during several joint meetings of Rural Development and Horticulture Department emphasis was made on procurement of quality planting materials to be obtained from certified “nurseries free from disease.”

ZSUK condemns State observes World Pentecost Day AIDS Candlelight Memorial held in Kohima of protest against the nonMay 15 (MExN): The All 53 DICs in the attempted rape kohiMa, release of funds by the state Nagaland Christian Revival Church St Francis Xavier's Church

kohiMa, May 15 (MExN): The Zeliangrong Students' Union Kohima (ZSUK) has condemned the alleged rape and murder attempt by one Neitsü Angami on a 22-year-old woman on May12 below IG Stadium around 12:30 pm.

In a press statement, ZSUK demanded sternest action against the perpetrator, who, it said, also runs an unauthorized private taxi.

“The ZSUK will compromise with nothing less than the sternest befitting punishment as per the law,” asserted the release issued by ZSUK President, Pauninglungbe.

Lamenting that the society today has become a “living hell” especially for women, the union also called upon every right thinking citizen to come forth, join hands, voice out, condemn such incidents. The union further sought the support of the NGOs in its fight to deliver justice to the victim who is in trauma after the “unimaginable physical and mental assault.”

(NCRC) held a three-day long event to mark ‘World Pentecost Day’ at Trinitarian Spot, Gariphema village. Hundreds of delegates from all over state attended the three-day event.

Held under the theme “Receive the Holy Spirit”, the event, which got underway on May 13, concluded this evening. Rev. Dr. Shiwoto Sumi, Rev. Dr. Luozilie Sanchu and Rev. Vevozo Khamo were the main speakers of the three-day programme.

On Sunday morning service, Rev. Shiwoto in his sermon said Pentecost is a very special day, because it was a heavenly Pentecost which came down from heaven. He asked the congregation to stand on the truth, and maintained that the truth will prevail.

Baptism & Lord’s Supper was led

by Rev. Neivotso Neikha, Mission Director, NCRC. The service was chaired

by Letuolie Pienyii, Assistant Pastor, NCRC Pezielietsie while Chiesezou NCRC and Chumukedima NCRC presented a special songs. Praise & workship was led by Gariphema CYE.

observes Pentecost

kohiMa, May 15 (MExN): St Francis Xavier's Catholic Church Kidima, Diocese of Kohima observed Pentecost (birthday of Catholic Church) with rest of the world with Reverend Father Raymond D'Souza SJ, Director of Eden Garden, Khuzama at Church premises on May 15.

Addressing the faithful, Rev D'Souza said Pentecost is the birthday of Catholic Church.

The priest asked the faithful people to pray for Holy Spirit and proclaim the gospel to the whole world as the Apostles of Jesus did.

Confession, Eucharist celebration of the body and blood of Jesus Christ, enchanting of gloria and sharing the joyness by living in Christian life, were the highlights of the daylong sacramental feast, a press release informed.

state to remain closed on May 17 and 18 to protest non-release of funds kohiMa, May 15 (MExN): The 33rd International AIDS Candlelight Memorial on the theme “Engage, Educate, Empower” was observed in Kohima today at State Academy Hall.

President of N-NAGA DAO, Abou Mere said that National AIDS Control Organisation has reported that with 0.88% HIV positive cases, Nagaland is among the highest prevalent state.

He lamented that initially the prevalence was among drug users, substance abusers or alcoholics, but the present prevalent rate is high among the public.

Questioning the high

Participants light candles during the 33rd International AIDS Candlelight Memorial at State Academy Hall, in Kohima on May 15.

prevalence despite several NGOs working in the field to create awareness and stop further spread of HIV, he said “NGOs are working but the state government has failed to implement Article 21 (Right to Health).”

He cited that the state government has failed to

Medziphema gets Legal Care & Support Centre DiMapur , May 15 (MExN): The Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA) in association with the Dimapur District Legal Services Authority (DDLSA) opened a Legal Care and Support Centre at the Additional Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Medziphema, on May 15.

A press release received here informed that the centre was inaugurated by Justice Nishitendu Chaudhury of the Gauhati High Court.

Justice Chaudhury who is also the Executive Chairman of the NSLSA, delivered the inaugural address where he affirmed that the uplift of the weaker sections was an essential prerequisite for the overall progress of society. He also pointed out that with the introduction of free legal aid schemes, legal services have become more accessible to the people.

Such Support Centres are being set up at various places in

Cleanliness drive held at Loyola School

MEx FILE ACVA Wokha 2 anniv on May 17

nd all Districts to serve as a bridge between the public and legal services institutions.

Wokha, May 15 (MExN): The All Commercial VeRokuonicha Kuotsu, For- hicle Association (ACVA) Wokha has informed that it mer Minister of Waste Land will observe its 2nd Anniversary on May 17 at the Public & CAWD also addressed the Ground Wokha. All the Commercial Vehicles under its gathering. Neiko Kanuo, Chair- administration are requested to reach the venue latest man, DDLSA, and District & by 7am on the said day, a press release from the assoSession Judge, Dimapur, ex- ciation informed. The association has stated that there plained the concept and pur- will be no entry or exit point for all Wokha commercial pose of the Support Centres. vehicles (ACVA members). It warned all Wokha comThe programme was well mercial vehicles to remain off the road till the function is attended by community lead- over. The ACVA Wokha also requested the public to bear ers and members of Medziphe- the inconveniences and to cooperate for the smooth ma Town. functioning of the programme.

Yanmhon area Humtsothung Union conclave held Wokha, May 15 (MExN): The 3rd conclave A speeding police escort vehicle (Gypsy) bearing Registration Number NL of Humtsothung Union of Yanmhon area was 10-6365 rammed into a zonal taxi at NH-29 in Piphema on May 15. held at Hayiyan Elementary School Compound, Hayiyan, Lio Wokha on May 14.

According to a press release from the union, the conclave was held to strengthen brotherhood amongst the family members of various villages in the area and was also a thanksgiving for God's manifold blessings to the family over the years.

During the conclave, a new team of Office

release funds related to HIV/AIDS programmes for the last six months, which is hampering the functioning of Drop-in Centre (DIC) in the state.

He revealed that all 53 DICs throughout the state would remain closed on May 17 and 18 as a mark

government.

Being a Christian majority state, Mere also pointed that the church should not only involve in spreading awareness but also provide care and support to the infected and affected people.

Further, Mere expressed fears that the patent rights given to pharmaceutical companies by the Central government would have adverse effect on the availability of HIV/AIDS preventive drugs.

State Tuberculosis Officer, Dr K.T. Lotha while stating that HIV/AIDS does not have curable medicine maintained that it is preventable. He called upon all stakeholders to recommit and make concerted efforts to curb further spread of HIV/AIDS.

bearers was also constituted with Arao Humtsoe of Sungkha as President, Mathew Humtsoe of Serika as Vice President, Tsentsow Humtsoe of Lio Wokha as Secretary and Tsenmomo Humtsoe of Renthan Yan as Joint Secretary.

Elias K Lotha (IPS), DIGP, K. Lipanthung Lotha, Addl. Secretary among others attended the thanksgiving meet. The next conclave will be held at Serika Village in 2017 and will be hosted

by K. Elias Lotha (IPS), the release informed.

NGBF meeting on May 18 DiMapur, May 15 (MExN): The Nagaland GB Federation has convened a meeting on May 18 at Saramati Hotel Conference Hall at 10am. A press release from the Media Cell NGBF has requested all office bearers to attend the same. For further information, contact Akhu Naga, I&P Secy, @ 9436013539.

RSUD to honour students

DiMapur, May 15 (MExN): Rongmei Students’ Union Dimapur (RSUD) is organizing a felicitation programme for the students who passed in the recent HSLC/HSSLC exams on May 17, 3:30 pm at Rongmei Tribal Court, Chungaizaeng colony, Burma Camp. An oath taking ceremony of new team of RSUD office bearble beginning” in bridging the ers for the tenure 2016-2019 will also be held during the gaps in communication, net- programme. Therefore, RSUD in a press release has working, and partnership for a requested all the concerned student members, wellbetter society. wishers, church leaders, parents, elders and all the “We at Prodigals’ Home Rongmei frontal organizations to attend the program have rich experience, learnt and bless the students. numerous valuable lessons from fellow brothers and sisters we get to meet and associate with, in the course of our work,” she says before adding, ZuNhEboto, May 15 (Dipr): Lochomi Students’ “We are humbled and enriched Union (LSU) has convened a meeting on May 28 to by them. We are indeed grate- discuss matters pertaining to its forthcoming Golden ful to them all for opening our Jubilee celebration. Therefore, all the Jubilee Planning hearts and our minds to the members and LSU executives have been requested to attend the meeting without fail. need of such a course.”

Insisting that much change can be brought about through effective leadership, Ela expresses home that the course will help find effective leaders who are able to understand and analyze the root causes of various prob- tuENsaNg, May 15 (MExN): Continuing its enlems in the society in totality, deavour towards improving the living standards and providing basic requirements to locals in remote villagthereby bringing change.

The Organization started es, 46 Assam Rifles distributed solar lamps to 44 houses the Certificate Course back in in the Thongsonyu village under Thonokhyu Sub DiviMay 2013 with 10 students and sion, Tuensang. A medical camp was also organized for in 2016, the Home has so far the villagers where free medicines were distributed, an AR press release informed. registered 23 students.

‘Social Concern and Leadership’

Members of Spikes Club along with their children during the cleanliness drive at Loyala Hr. Sec. School, Jakhama.

kohiMa, May 15 (MExN): Spikes Club organised a cleanliness drive at Loyola Higher Secondary School, Jakhama on May 14.

The cleanliness drive was part of the club's objective to create cleanliness awareness and civic responsibilities amongst the society.

The principal of LHSS, Jakhama, Father Victor D'mello and staffs

along with the students of Class 9 to 12 also actively joined the club members during the cleanliness drive.

On the day, a short programme was held where in, an exhortation on cleanliness and civic responsibility was delivered by Neibalie Rio on behalf of the club.

The club also donated some dustbins to the school for the cause.

DiMapur , May 15 (MExN): Prodigals’ Home is offering a 15 extensive day certificate course on “Social Concern and Leadership”.

The concept of Certificate Course on Social Concern and Leadership emerged out of their own experiences and also the recommendations of students from various educational streams which the Home has hosted for practical internship, a press release from Prodigals’ Home stated.

“The organization strongly felt that orienting and training Theological Students as well as aspiring Social Workers on diverse social issues and leadership can snowball into bringing about a positive change in our churches in particular and society in general,” it added.

Prodigals’ Home manages programs/projects spanning across health, disability, rehabilitation, rural development and other socio-economic sectors. Each Program/Project

is target oriented and therefore has to fulfill its objectives/ activities within a specific period; this factor deprives exclusivity to these students/interns whereby comprehensive inputs gets affected.

While calling the certificate course a “sacrificial initiative” of the Organization, the Home admits that it can neither encompass all the issues comprehensively nor provide readymade solutions to the myriad issues confronting our society within the short course. “Our main objective is to orient our potential church and society leaders, through a tip of the iceberg, about our myriad social and relevant issues where they and the churches can play a key role in making our churches and our society more inclusive for every individual, regardless of one’s religious, social or economic background,” the Home enunciates.

Organization Director K. Ela terms the course “a hum-

Lochomi Students’ Union meeting

AR distributes solar lamps at Thongsonyu

6

Monday 16•05•2016

IN FOCUS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

The Power of Truth

The Morung Express volume Xi issue 133 By moa Jamir

The BJP bandwagon is faltering

O

n May 16, 2014 when Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led

by Prime Minister Narendra Modi thundered to victory in the 16th Lok Sabha elections, it was described, among others, as a ‘seismic political shift’ ushering a new era for change and development. A historic mandate, the BJP passed the 272 marks needed to form the government on its own and 336 seats with National Democratic Alliance.

As the euphoria swept its supporters, Modi confidently declared, “The age of divisive politics has ended, from today onwards the politics of uniting people will begin.”

“We want more strength for the wellbeing of the country ...

I see a glorious and prosperous India,” he predicted.

Exactly two years down the line, there is an dejected realisation even among his ardent followers that the promises were just electoral rhetoric and the self-assured hubris lay shaken on the ground.

The intervening year has been neither prosperous nor uniting.

The ruling party got caught spending more time defending its misadventure(s) rather than display confidence as the party in majority, a self-belief luminously exuded by Modi when it took the helm of Government.

Courting controversy on the verge of hyperbole and defending its infirmities with a reactionary hyper- nationalistic rhetoric based on majoritarianism has become a personal predilection of the ruling party.

As the day passes, the PM looks more a beleaguered warden trying to keep in order a bunch of unruly hostellers determined to have their ways. On key issues, he chooses to maintain a conspicuous silence, a far cry from the fiery orator and tech savvy politician he assumes when the tides are flowing smoothly.

“Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it everywhere, diagnosing it incorrectly and applying the wrong remedies,” goes a well-known quote on politics. Interestingly, the Party seems to revel more in such (mis) adventure as a substitute for governance and development it guaranteed with aggressive self-assurance.

Instigating political crisis to topple state government; the stirring of religious and cultural pots; continuous confrontation with students and interference in educational institution; the diplomatic faux pas… the list goes on. Even the welfare programs introduced under the current regime, critics alleges, are rehashed and renaming of existing schemes.

Consequently, it was found wanting both in formulation and implementation of policies.

“So why is the Prime Minister allowing the diminishment of the mandate he was given for change?” wrote Tavleen Singh, a self-confessed Modi admirer in Indian Express maintaining that ‘parivartan’ (change) has not begun to happen in officialdom despite Modi’s promise of ‘minimum government and maximum governance.’

Commenting on Indian Express, Pratap Bhanu Mehta argued that “It is using nationalism to crush constitutional patriotism, legal tyranny to crush dissent, political power to settle petty scores, and administrative power to destroy institutions,” Social scientist Shiv Visvanathan, writing in the Economic Times, was more direct in his assessment stating that, “The Narendra Modi regime has emasculated democracy into a demagogic and threatening majoritarianism.” “...At a different level of culture, ecology, health and education, it has created ruptures that may take years to remedy... By stirring the cultural pot, the Modi regime has hidden its own mediocrity, temporarily. No government in recent times has had such an impoverished intellectual apparatus,” he continued.

Instead of informed debates, dramatic theatrical tactics and grand presentation has become the modus operandi of the government. When the tides are down, while countless army of ‘trolls’ are unleashed online in defence, subtle and overt techniques are used to vilify non-conformist offline. The existence of countless fringe elements and growing allegation of interference from Nagpur has not eased the party’s burden.

Is confrontational disposition a overt strategy to divert the populace from issues necessitating more attention or part of bigger game plan sole grounded on majoritarian politics? Only time will tell, but a course correction is sorely needed if Narendra Modi does not want to enter into the record book as the Prime Minister who withered away historic mandate in a single tenure.

For any comment, drop a line to moajamir@live.com.

lEfT wiNg |

Alisa Tang Thomson Reuters Foundation

Thai villagers seek answers to disappearance of land rights activist

V

illagers from northeast Thailand travelled to Bangkok on May 10 to demand that police and human rights groups investigate the disappearance of a prominent land rights activist who went missing last month. Villagers and campaigners fear for the safety of 65-year-old Den Kamlae who was fighting for his community to be awarded legal title to land they occupy in Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary. Authorities in Chaiyaphum province where the sanctuary is located deny any knowledge of his whereabouts. "We believe that if something happened, if (he were hurt by) animals, or if he was sick, then we would have found him," said Pornpen Khongkachonkiet, director of the Cross Cultural Foundation, a Bangkok-based rights group that provides legal assistance to marginalised populations.

"Now it's abduction or disappearance that we are thinking about," Pornpen told the Thomson Reuters Foundation by phone while taking the villagers to meetings around the capital.

The villagers, including Den's wife, brought to Bangkok bones they found in the forest on May 6 and wood stained with blood, which they hope to present to the Justice Ministry. "They have found something that is in need of verification - they have bones. Is it animal bones or human bones?" she said. Wichanon Saengmala, the assistant chief of the Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary, said the authorities believe Den may have been hurt by an animal - possibly an elephant, bull, bear or buffalo - as has happened with hunters in the area. Local police captain Wuttichai Yermsungnern said an arrest warrant for Den and his friends was issued last week, charging them with hunting in a protected wildlife sanctuary. Wuttichai said there was "no information" to suggest the authorities were involved in any way in Den's disappearance. Thailand has a history of land rights activists disappearing or being killed.

Last month, a land rights campaigner was shot and wounded by an unidentified gunman in Klong Sai Pattana, a community fighting eviction in southern Surat Thani province where four other villagers have been killed in recent years. Den has lived for more than four decades in the Khok Yao community, an area inside Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary that is home to about 30 other families, Pornpen said. Three days before he went missing, Den had gone hunting with two friends near his home, and brought back a deer they sold for 8,000 baht ($230), said Wichanon, the Phu Khieo official. Den's wife Supap Kamlae, 62, said early April 16 her husband went foraging for bamboo shoots with his two dogs, both of whom returned home later that day but her husband did not.

Wichanon said authorities have scoured the area and "found no trace of him". Front Line Defenders, a Dublin-based rights group, lists Den's status as "disappeared" on its website. It says his community is facing forced eviction from the land they have occupied for 45 years, and Den has been leading the network of villagers trying to re-establish their rights over this land. "It remains unclear who is responsible for Den's abduction, but the government must be held accountable for its apathy towards disappearances and killings of land rights defenders in Thailand," Erin Kilbride, Front Line Defenders spokeswoman, said by email from Dublin.

C O M M E N T A R Y

Tharanga Yakupitiyage Inter Press Service

Is the System Broke or Broken?

T

hough the upcoming World Humanitarian Summit may seem timely, a debate ensues on an important question: is the world humanitarian system broke or broken?

The first-ever World Humanitarian Summit, which takes place in Istanbul on May 23-24, was convened by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to address the pressing needs of today’s humanitarian problems.

“We believe this is a once in a generation opportunity to address the problems, the suffering of millions of people around the world,” said European Union Ambassador to the United Nations João Vale de Almeida during a press briefing.

More than 125 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance globally. If this were a country, it would be the 11th largest in the world. Over 60 million are forcibly displaced, making it the worst humanitarian crisis since World War II. Crises now last longer, increasing the average length of displacement to 17 years from 9 years.

However, need has surpassed capacity and resources. As of the beginning of May, almost $15 billion in appeals is unmet for crises around the world including in Nigeria, Central African Republic, and Syria. Approximately 90 percent of UN humanitarian appeals continue for more than three years.

The meeting therefore represents not only a call for action, but also an alarm to reform the increasingly strained humanitarian system.

Among the summit’s core responsibilities is strengthening partnerships and a multi-stakeholder process that puts affected civilians at the heart of humanitarian action.

“The current system remains largely closed, with poor connections to…a widening array of actors,” a summit synthesis report stated following consultations with over 23,000 representatives. “It is seen as outdated.”

Senior Research Fellow at the Overseas Development Institute’s (ODI) Humanitarian Policy Group Christina Bennett agrees, noting that humanitarian and aid structures have changed very little since it was first conceived.

“It’s still a very top-down, paternalistic way of going about things,” she told IPS. In an ODI report, Bennett found that the system has created an exclusive, centralised group of humanitarian donors and actors, excluding local nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) from participating.

In 2014, 83 percent of humanitarian funding came from donor governments in Europe and North America.

Between 2010 and 2014, UN agencies and the largest international NGOs (INGOs) received 86% of all international humanitarian assistance. Meanwhile, less than two percent was directly provided to national and local NGOs. This has prevented swift and much needed assistance on the ground.

Field Nurse for Doctor of the World’s Greece chapter Sarah Collis told IPS of her time working in the Idomeni refugee camp in Greece, noting the lack of medical resources and basic items such as food and blankets.

“Distribution of blankets only happened at night because the aid agencies were worried about mass crowds,” she told IPS. “This meant that single mothers and young families often had no chance,” she added.

Collis also recalled that there were only two ambulances for the whole region and at times, her team often had to pile six people in an ambulance at once.

The most fast acting groups, Collis said, were the small NGOs and volunteers with direct funding sources and less red tape.

From the recent earthquake in Ecuador to the Ebola crisis in West Africa, local communities and NGOs are often the first responders due to their proximity. They also have better access to hard-to-

“C

lothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society,” said Mark Twain. In fewer places than Myanmar has the saying held truer where clothed men—uniformed to be more precise—have had all the influence for more than 50 years.

That’s changing with Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy winning a decisive majority in the November 2015 elections. She is sending a clear message to the generals: civilians are going to call the shots from now on and she will be in charge.

Barred from becoming president by the military-drafted 2008 constitution “for the good of the mother country”, she assumed three key positions in the government to fortify her leadership— “State Counsellor”, foreign minister and minister in the president’s office.

The combination of jobs will allow her to oversee the president’s office, shape foreign policy and coordinate decision-making between the executive branch and the parliament.

Things have started moving. As “State Counsellor”, she bypassed the militarycontrolled Ministry of Home Affairs and used legal processes to release students who had been jailed last year for protesting the new education reform law. In her first meeting as foreign minister with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, she made it clear that Beijing would have to pursue its interests in Myanmar with her rather than through the Army, as had been the case in the past.

Military members of the parliament denounced the moves as “democratic bullying”. At a parade last month, Min

Families displaced from their homes in Pakistan’s troubled northern regions returning home. (Photo: Ashfaq Yusufzai/IPS)

reach areas, have familiarity with the people and cultures, and can address and reduce risk before disaster strikes.

On the other hand, larger organisations or institutions such as the UN often have difficulty conducting efficient and effective humanitarian operations.

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) identified the UN as being at the “heart of the dysfunction” in the humanitarian system. They found that UNHCR’s three-pronged role, as being a coordinator, implementer and donor, led to their poor performance in South Sudan, Jordan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

In South Sudan’s Maban county, UNHCR was reportedly slow in response and struggled to mobilise qualified staff.

Their “triple” role also made it difficult for subcontracting NGOs to share implementation challenges and for the agency itself to “admit to bigger problems or to ask for technical assistance from other UN agencies, for fear of losing out on funding or credibility.” This, in turn, impacted the quality of information to make sound decision-making.

Though some funds from UN agencies and INGOs are provided to local NGOs, the relationship is more “transactional” rather than a “genuine, strategic engagement,” Bennett says.

For instance, when aid is provided, it is often determined by the availability of goods and services rather than what people actually need or want on the ground.

“We don’t have more of an alliance…with these organisations as equal players,” Bennett told IPS. These issues also came to a head during consultations for the World Humanitarian Summit in Geneva.

“Southern NGOs are demanding accompaniment rather than direction,” Executive Director of African Development Solutions (Adeso) Degan Ali told government officials, UN representatives, and civil society. “Be prepared to be uncomfortable.”

Though many acknowledge that there is an important role for INGOs and donor governments in the humanitarian system, there is an emerging understanding that such actors must shift their positions from one that is dominating to one that is enabling.

Organisations such as Oxfam and Adesso have called for the UN and large INGOs to enable local NGOs by directly providing funds. This will not only help them to prepare and improve their responses to crises, but it would also put decision making and power “where it should be,” Oxfam stated.

They have also urged for a target of 20 percent of all humanitarian funding to go directly to local organisations. Already, a charter has been created to commit INGOs to these actions. Among the signatories are Oxfam, Care International and Islamic Relief Worldwide.

Despite these calls to action, Bennett told IPS that she does not believe that the World Humanitarian Summit will lead to change.

“I think it isn’t something on the agenda of the World Humanitarian Summit…partially because they are hard to address and they’re very political— these aren’t easy wins,” she said.

In order to achieve fundamental changes, donor governments and institutions with decision making power must address the underlying assumptions and power dynamics that hold the system back, Bennett remarked.

“Until they move, the system is stuck.”

Democracy under Construction Amitava Kar The Daily Star Aung Hlaing, commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, reminded citizens that “the Army ensures the stability of the country” and “has to be present in a leading role in national politics”. The four-star general, despite reaching the retirement age of 60, will see his term extended for another five years, according to Wall Street Journal. He is in no hurry for the Army to step back from politics.

Suu Kyi cannot send the generals, who kept her under house arrest for 15 years, back to the barracks overnight.

They still control three important ministries— home affairs, defence and border affairs. The first allows them to control the state’s administrative apparatus, right down to the grassroots level. Through these centres of power, it dominates the National Defence and Security Council which can dissolve parliament and impose martial law.

Amending the constitution remains impossible as it requires a majority exceeding 75 percent in the parliament.

Since the army has 25 percent seats reserved by law, it holds a perpetual veto.

The task ahead is daunting. In most key human development indicators, her country sits at the bottom of the

pit in Southeast Asia. The new government inherits high inflation, large budget and current-account deficits, an unstable exchange rate and institutions ossified by decades of corruption and authoritarian rule. FDI rose to over USD 8 billion during the last fiscal year, but much of that money remains concentrated in the country’s jade, oil and gas industries—tied to former generals. And as the country opens up further, it is the urban “elites” and big corporations under the control of armed forces that are likely to benefit most from increased liquidity while people in rural and ethnically segregated live in extreme poverty, without basic physical or financial infrastructure.

Other priorities include reaching lasting peace with ethnic minorities along the country’s borders some of whom have been fighting the central government for decades and put an end to laws that have been used to stifle dissent. Most important of all is to redress the vicious persecution of hundreds of thousands of Muslim Rohingyas who have been made stateless by a 1982 law and have been languishing in squalid camps or confined to their villages while thousands more have fled the country, many into the hands of

wRiTE-wiNg

human traffickers. Suu Kyi has to find a way to quash the Anti-Islamic sentiment violently stirred-up among the near 70 percent Bamar population in part by the 969 movement initiated by radical Buddhist monk Wirathu.

Myanmar’s new government will also have to tackle land rights: confusing and poorly enforced laws leave rural farmers vulnerable to confiscation.

The NLD’s election manifesto promised land reform, but it is easier promised than delivered as it will have to confront the still-powerful Army on the matter.

As of right now, Myanmar has the world’s goodwill and potential abounds.

Washington wants to seize the opportunity to pull the Army away from China’s ambit and towards itself at a time when it is looking for new partners in the Indo-Pacific region to bolster its “pivot” strategy. The country has abundant natural resources and is wedged between the massive markets of China, India and Southeast Asia. A lot of expatriate Burmese are returning home, bringing in ideas, enthusiasm and skills with them.

Foreign investment, especially in telecoms and energy, is pouring in. Many believe it can reclaim its title as the world’s leading rice exporter.

The low-hanging fruits of Suu Kyi’s victory have been picked. Further change will rest on deeper, structural changes that will take much longer.

“People expect that the NLD will solve all their problems,” said Bo Bo Oo, an MP who spent 20 years in jail for supplying medicine to students. “But it will take at least ten years before we see real change.”

This story was originally published by The Daily Star

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Monday 16•05•2016

perspective

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

How far is China from another Cultural Revolution?

Corruption and popular discontent led to one of China’s most tumultuous periods. Could it happen again?

Yang Hengjun

V

The Diplomat

arious theories exist as to why Mao Zedong launched the Cultural Revolution. But there is generally a consensus – Mao felt his regime was under threat, and had to protect the power that had come into his hands only after decades of armed combat. Why did Mao feel he was losing his grip? Was someone trying to precipitate a coup? Did he see another peasant revolt coming – something that had toppled one Chinese dynasty after another over thousands of years? Or was he menaced by the imperialist and revisionist powers? I believe all of these concerns were on his mind, but none was of decisive importance.

Prior to the Cultural Revolution, Mao had already established himself as a supreme leader in the eyes of the population. Even if he wanted more prestige, that was no reason to start a revolution with devastating consequences on Chinese society and culture. While it is true that each Chinese dynasty was threatened at some point by peasant revolts and armed rebellions, this was also how Mao seized power in the first place. This is why after the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, Mao immediately disarmed the peasants through economic policies and propaganda. An avid reader of Chinese history, Mao understood the limitations of the Chinese peasants – unless they lived in absolute misery over many generations, and eventually had to sell their sons and daughters to make ends meet, the otherwise goodnatured and timid Chinese peasants would rarely start an uprising. It is also absurd to assume Mao felt threatened by imperialist and revisionist powers; even though Mao had mistakenly thought the United States and the Soviet Union were about to invade China, he was never afraid of such an event.

I have no intention to defend Mao. I simply want to cast some doubt on the idea that Mao used the Cultural Revolution to defend his regime against various external threats. It would be easier to dismiss Mao as narrow-minded, a psychopath, or someone who became senile after turning 70 – that would be the end of the debate. But isn’t that a bit too convenient?

After all, political movements similar to Mao’s Cultural Revolution also occurred in almost every country in the socialist camp, albeit on smaller scales. This means we cannot simply focus on Mao’s personality, but have to combine it with a deeper look at the institutional environment to identify the main cause of the Cultural Revolution. (Since this is not my area of expertise, I’m borrowing below from the consensus of scholars.)

As the founding father of the new China, Mao was more attached to his regime than anyone else. When he felt threatened, he would naturally rise and defend himself. But the threat had to come from within the regime, from among his own comrades. Had it been limited to certain

individuals, Mao could easily have dealt with it by other means. However, he decided to start the Cultural Revolution. This is because, in Mao’s assessment, the threat to his regime and status was not just the incumbent president of China, Liu Shaoqi, or a few “bourgeois elements,” but a large number of party members who had become sympathetic toward capitalism.

Mao understood at this point that his regime was no longer capable of rescuing itself by conventional means.

As an idealist, Mao had lost touch with the reality of China and the world after 1949. He knew the history of China like the back of his hand, but had poor judgement of the future of China and the world. Still, he thoroughly understood the weakness of his own regime. He realized his regime was rotting from within, and he saw his comrades taking advantage of the fruit of the revolution – this was a far cry from his ideal. Should he have waited till the people became fed up with corruption and had to take to the streets and overthrow the regime he had built up himself?

This has been a repetitive pattern throughout the history of China, and Mao would not let that happen. But Mao’s regime was fundamentally incapable of eradicating corrupted political elites. The several movements Mao initiated after 1949 had produced little effect. Mao subsequently invented a new strategy – to mobilize the population at the bottom to combat the bureaucrats and intelligentsia in the middle.

Mao clearly understood that when a regime starts to rot from within, the people will eventually take to the streets, to wipe out that very culture of corruption. But by the time that happens, the enemy of the people will no longer just be the corrupted officials, but the regime that gave birth to and harbored such corruption. Would Mao simply sit back and let that happen?

Rather than waiting for the people to start a revolution, he decided to instigate the revolution himself and, under his own leadership, neutralize the corrupted and bourgeois elements in the middle. It was a battle to defend his regime by becoming the leader of a “spontaneous” grass-root movement.

What followed was the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution. However nostalgic some of the old Red Guards today may feel about that “spontaneous” revolution, they were no more than Mao’s puppets on a string. Throughout the Cultural Revolution, Mao was the only person who did not lose control over the turn of events.

Most of the evaluations of the Cultural Revolution today agree on this one point

– it was a disaster for the Chinese people.

But we can also ask another question – would Mao’s regime have survived without that disaster? If we had followed the path of the Soviet Union or Eastern Europe, would we still be building “socialism with Chinese characteristics”?

Political elites who were targeted in the Cultural Revolution and some scholars seem to entertain the view that China would have been in a much better place if it weren’t for Mao’s political movements after 1949 and the Cultural Revolution that followed. In other words, hundreds of millions of Chinese were simply misled by Mao. While this might be pleasant to the ears of those who suffered in the Cultural Revolution, it is not a viable assessment of that period in history. I have to ask, after Mao passed away and was enshrined in the Tiananmen Square, who was leading the hundreds of millions of Chinese then, and where were we going anyway?

Almost every socialist country has experienced political movements similar to Mao’s Cultural Revolution, but none was as radical. Is this why China remains the only significant socialist power today?

Some suggest China was saved by reforms and economic development, but this simply does not hold water. Even during the most successful phase of reforms, China was still lagging behind the Soviet Union and several Eastern European countries in terms of its living standards. I am not making any big claims. I simply want to say that whether the Cultural Revolution was a disaster depends on the perspective.

It was a disaster for the Chinese people as well as the nation’s economy and cultural heritage. But if you look at it from the perspective of regime stabilization, the conclusion might not be so straightforward.

It is easy to judge history in hindsight.

There is now a popular view that China’s economy would have been much more robust, and its living standards much higher, if it weren’t for the Cultural Revolution. There might be a ring of truth to this, but was China in 1966 without any difficulties? Did the Cultural Revolution happen out of nowhere? Were the institutions before the Cultural Revolution more evolved, more advanced, and more representative of the people? Did we have a better society? Can anyone claim there was no abuse of power that infuriated the people?

Based on my studies, officials back then were quite corrupted by their power and were indifferent to the suffering around them. Was the social system before the Cultural Revolution any more effective in containing the abuse of power,

the disparity between the rich and the poor, and corruption than what we have today? In my recollection, a secretary at the people’s commune back then was like a small emperor, taking advantage of women under the pretense of “ideological work,” enjoying privileges unimaginable for the rest of us. Was China really such an ideal society before the Cultural Revolution? Or was it only ideal for those corrupted officials and political elites who later became the target of the angry people during the Cultural Revolution?

The brutality of the Cultural Revolution may have blinded us to the darkness that existed before it. While a lot of it is buried in history, we know where China is today. China is in a much better place now than in 1966, but a grassroots nostalgia for Mao has been growing. Many young people are saying if Mao returned, they would start another Cultural Revolution. They would bring down the corrupted officials one by one and stamp on their bodies.

Young people who are calling for another Cultural Revolution may have little idea of what happened back then. This is not their mistake, but the fault of our society and institutions. We are not supposed to reflect on the Cultural Revolution these days; if we did we would perhaps gain some perspective. For most Chinese, when they think about the Cultural Revolution, their mind conjures up images of political slogans and scenes of public humiliation.

The president of China died a wretched death. His wife was forced to wear a necklace made up of ping-pong balls. The provincial secretary’s home was raided. The governor had a board stuck on his back with his crime written on it. The details of their corrupted life were disclosed to the public. Party committee members across the country were humiliated. Their possessions at home, including gold and valuable artworks, were plundered. Intellectuals were targeted as well. Some officials had to move out of their villas, some lost their housemaids, some their chauffeurs. The offspring of the “bourgeois elements” in a country with the lowest living standards in the world had their privileges taken away, and were brutally beaten up by the Red Guards.

Is this what the Cultural Revolution is about? If you asked an average Chinese in the street now if they are prepared to have another Cultural Revolution. I can tell you this: not only are they prepared to have another revolution, this time they will line up all the corrupted officials and have them executed.

Even those intellectuals who are too aloof to be bothered with the lower segment of the Chinese population should understand that if such an opportunity presents itself, if the Cultural Revolution is to be revived in some form or another, the hundreds of millions of Chinese who are struggling to survive will bring all those officials, from a minister to a local mayor, to public humiliation, if not the guillotine, without any hesitation. Their revolutionary energy will not be any inferior to the energy unleashed during the Cultural Revolution.

They will even defend themselves this way: “Last time we were duped by Mao and became his pawns; this time it is for us!”

The predicaments facing China in 1966 still exist today, because our social institutions have not changed that much.

The ills an ordinary Chinese was aware back then of not only remain till this day, but might even be more severe. The frustration Mao felt at the time is also pestering the leaders today.

The piece originally appeared in Chinese on Yang Hengjun’s blog.

How war trauma is passed down through families

9

May is the day the former Soviet Union celebrates the end of the Second World War, or the Great Patriotic War, as it is called there.

I recently read W.G. Sebald's Austerlitz, the book about a child who escapes from the Nazis and many years later goes back into the past to try and save his dead parents.

It has helped me to understand the story of my own family trauma.

You do not have to have fought in a war to suffer from war trauma. You can experience the trauma decades after the war is over, through family and public narratives that convey the depth of the tragedy both within the family and at the level of society as a whole.

A child is quick to pick up these narratives, just as they pick up everything else around them. And later on, whilst they may no longer have any memory of it, the effect of the strong emotional message they once heard can become a prevailing subconscious factor that determines their attitude to life. As a child, I had never particularly liked my paternal grandmother and thought that the feeling was mutual. I have vague memories of a strict, stoical, woman, always dressed in black. Once I overhead my mother relate to a friend how when I was just born, my grandmother came to the hospital to see us, and bending over my cot, she examined my face, then left without saying a word. That story could not but form rather unpleasant memories of the woman in my child's mind.

But later on in life, I would hear many interesting stories from different people about my grandmother, all of which ran contrary to my perception of her. For example, her neighbours would tell me how during the war, every time she baked pies, she would always give the first batch to the neighbours' children whose fathers were fighting at the front, ahead of her own hungry children and husband who had to wait.

My father told me that his mother always carried a triangular envelope with her, a pokhoronka – the official notification the family had received of his brother's death in the war. It was a tragic death. Wounded in a battle, he had to have his leg amputated, after which he was demobilised – but on his journey home, he shot himself. My grandmother carried the letter with her until her dying day and asked for it to be buried with her.

Larisa Sotieva

After VE Day, a look at how trauma can transcend generations, and the need for peacebuilding work to overcome the consequences of conflict According to my father, his late brother – my uncle had been everybody's favourite, a particularly kind man, with a wonderful sense of humour, handsome, passionate about horseracing, popular with women.

I didn't give the story much thought in my childhood or adolescence. This was just one family story among many others. His portrait hung on the wall in our house, a very agreeable man staring down from it. Though I had never met him, I could not understand nor accept that he was no longer with us. I learned from my mother that when she was pregnant with me, my father’s mother was hoping for a grandson - clearly, a copy of her own favourite son, who had been taken so early and so tragically - blue-eyed, curly-haired, smiley, full of life. My mother failed her expectations, instead giving birth to me. It was clear that that was the reason why, having seen me in the hospital for the first time, my grandmother had left without a word.

Revisiting that family story, I began to think about its impact on myself and more broadly, how a family trauma and the resulting narrative can influence the development of a child's persona. I contemplated on how a family trauma can be passed on to a child through a chance comment, through the emotional background of somebody's casual remark and become transformed in that child’s subconscious barely perceptibly.

In my professional life, I have focused on helping others to overcome the consequences of violent conflict and together with my colleagues have implemented a number of programmes including the establishment of rehabilitation centres in different post-conflict regions.

I was recently asked what was the happiest moment in my professional career. The first thing that came to mind was the event my colleague and I facilitated many years ago in Moscow. It was a four-day workshop for the Cauca-

sus NGO Forum led by International Alert on confidence building for ex-combatants from all post-Soviet conflicts.

The participants were worldly-wise young men, some with prosthetic limbs, some in wheelchairs. You can imagine what a responsibility it was to work with such a group, and the emotions I felt. Yet the resulting internal group dynamic was so extraordinary that at the dinner on the last evening of the workshop they unanimously elected me to be their tamada (ceremonial toastmaster).

Going back to our family tragedy I understand now that throughout my whole life I have been trying to save my uncle and that is what has made me who I am. It seems that my uncle, in observing this fidgety and restless child from his place on the wall, made his mark on me. I think of what might have happened had I not grown up in a safe environment that provided the best conditions for the transformation of my share of the family trauma. Had I grown up in an environment that focussed on revenge, searching for and creating an ‘enemy image’, someone to blame.

It is hard for me to imagine and appreciate what will follow from the traumas experienced by families and societies as a result of the wars raging today. What family and public narratives will sustain future generations of Iraqis, Syrians and others?

Our politicians try to impress upon us that we are fighting terrorism. But we do not have a good understanding of what it is, what its root causes are and how we should fight it. Yet we are fighting it with enthusiasm. We are told, that once ‘it’ is defeated, once 'they’ are physically eliminated, everything will turn out fine.

What is remarkable is that politicians are using violence to promote peace and wellbeing, when this will inevitably yield more violence, in many new forms, even generations later. So what are we fighting?

I think that with this prevailing attitude to conflict resolution in official practice and rhetoric we are overlooking the need for the equally important work on conflict prevention, for ending violence, and for overcoming the consequences of conflict in all its manifestations, including the psycho-social ramifications.

If we do not take this important factor into account, the echoes of the past and present conflicts will long continue to resonate in our lifetime and for future generations.

7

Religious Leaders Can End Harmful Cultural Practices Dr Seth Berkley and Siddharth Chatterjee Thomson Reuters Foundation

W

hen Pope Francis recently endorsed the use of individual conscience in deciding whether to use contraceptives in view of the spread of the Zika virus, it was not just a landmark moment but it underscored the need for faith leaders to get involved more closely in contemporary health challenges.

In Northern Nigeria, a former global epicenter of polio transmission, Islamic clerics, who were once opposed to immunization, turned into advocates for vaccination. As a result Nigeria, one of the three remaining countries where polio is still considered endemic, has for the first time been polio-free for 18 months, a development that brings us significantly closer to eradicating this terrible disease.

A profound realization has lately emerged among health professionals about how wellequipped health systems alone cannot solve today’s public health challenges. Stemming from various highly complex causes, these problems can never be solved by a single approach, but by an array of stakeholders working at a number of long-term solutions.

Today’s health problems trigger a host of family, economic and social problems that ruin lives and weaken communities. More than ever before, there is a need for a knitting together of multiple partners, to choreograph what are often distrusting stakeholders to deliver cohesive responses to the challenges.

Religious leaders, so often driven by a profound and fundamental sense of mission, can and should be far more directly part of global and local responses to critical problems.

Nowhere is their passion for seeking the common good more needed than in the drive for empowerment of girls and women, the group that is invariably most affected by lack of access to health services, and whose wholesome health is so central to survival of entire families.

In Kenya, as in many African societies, access to health by women is largely determined by cultures and tradition, which in turn are closely tied to religious beliefs. Unfortunately, these traditions often tend to be driven by entrenched patriarchy, assigning the women an ancillary place and little say in their destiny.

Passion and compassion for those who suffer are key pillars of most faiths, and this is why leaders of religion are well-placed to accelerate the quest for gender equality and empowerment.

Giving girls and women the wherewithal to play their full part in a country’s development is not just a moral imperative, but the only sustainable approach.

The first step is educating them and giving them the freedom to determine when to marry and how many children to have. A juxtaposition of culture and misplaced religious biases has for eons given men absolute control over women’s bodies. Female genital mutilation and early marriage are just two examples; evil manifestations of a society determined to control women.

The consequences do not just affect women, but entire nations. For instance, in much of subSaharan Africa, birth rates are too high for families to save or invest for the future.

In Kenya according to the latest Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS), the average woman in Kenya bears 3.9 children, and in some regions, women such as North Eastern Kenya, total fertility rate is 7.5. National averages of such indicators often substantially mask the disparities between socio-demographic groups and regions within the country.

The high birth rates are invariably in areas where religious teachings take a key role in every day decisions. There is therefore the opportunity to underline faith values such as matching family size with economic resources.

It is in such hard-to-reach areas in Kenya that the Ministry of Health and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) along with its partners are working with religious leaders to bring positivity and hope into the lives of communities, to put them in good stead to play a full role in development.

The faith leaders are being engaged in dispelling misconceptions about the religious basis for harmful practices, and re-emphasizing messages about the dignity of women.

Another important area is cervical cancer, which currently claims the lives of 266,000 women every year, nearly as many as childbirth, with the vast majority in developing countries. Pre-adolescent girls can be protected for a lifetime from the main causes of this terrible disease through the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which Gavi is now helping to make available in some of the world’s poorest countries, often through vaccination activities in schools.

However, given that school attendance can sometimes be low for girls in many poor communities we need to find ways to reach these girls.

Religious leaders can help, by raising awareness about the benefits of the HPV vaccine as well as the importance of educating girls.

All these messages will result in girls staying longer in school, in abandonment of FGM and early marriage, in fewer women being struck down by cancer and in uptake of healthy choices such as child spacing.

These are the messages that will enable all of Africa to harness the demographic dividend as decreases in fertility combine with socio economic policies that enable investments for the youth and ensure less dependent populations.

Religious organizations have not only been moral pillars in the community, but they have also led in providing access to education and health for the marginalized. Now is the time for them to lead the drive towards demolishing harmful, man-made traditions and cultures.

8

MOndAY 16•05•2016

INDIA

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Heat Wave: Mercury crosses 45 degrees in several states, rains in TN & W Bengal New delHI, May 15 (PTI): The searing heat wave continued to sweep large parts of the country today, with Banda in Uttar Pradesh being the hottest at 46.4 degrees Celsius, though West Bengal and Tamil Nadu did get some respite following showers there.

As temperatures crossed 45 degrees in many states, including Rajasthan and Gujarat and the country waited for the rains, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted a 6-day delay in the onset of monsoon which was scheduled to strike the southern state of Kerala on June 1.

"Forecast suggests that monsoon onset over Kerala this year is likely to be slightly delayed. The Southwest monsoon is likely to set over Kerala on June 7 with a model error of plus or minus four days," it said in its forecast released here.

The national capital recorded a maximum temperature of 42.6 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 27.4 degrees.

In neighbouring Punjab and Haryana, the maximum temperatures stayed above 40ºC in most parts.

Haryana's Hisar at 44.5 degrees was the hottest place in both states, MeT department report said.

Monsoon rains expected a week late: weather office

Residential apartments are seen next to the dried-up Ratanpura lake on the outskirts of Ahmedabad. (REUTERS Photo)

Union Territory Chandigarh recorded its high at 41.2ºC, two notches above normal.

Kota in Rajasthan recorded a maximum of 45.8 degree Celsius, while Vanasthali town in Tonk district received very light rain of 0.1 mm, Met department said.

Heat wave was sweeping Kutch, Saurashtra and other parts of Gujarat,

with daytime temperatures soaring to 43 to 45ºC, prompting the state government to direct hospitals to be prepared for tackling emergency situation.

The lower hills of Himachal Pradesh sizzled as the mercury rose by few notches in most parts of the state. Una was hottest in the region with a high of 42.2 degrees.

The MeT office has pre-

dicted rains or thundershowers at few places in the state tomorrow.

Intense heat wave conditions also persisted in western Odisha with Sundargarh recording the day's highest temperature of 45 degree Celsius, up from 43 degrees yesterday. The coastal parts of the state, however, received slight respite from the harsh weather.

MUMbaI, May 15 (reUTerS): Monsoon rains are expected to arrive on southern Kerala coast by June 7, about a week later than usual, the country's weather office said on Sunday.

The monsoon season delivers 70 percent of India's annual rainfall, which is crucial for agriculture and economic growth that has been hampered by back-to-back droughts.

About half the country's farmland lacks irrigation, and farmers have blamed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government for a slow response after the droughts ravaged their crops in 2014 and 2015. Two-thirds of India's population depends on farming.

The meteorological department expected a "slight delay" in the arrival of the rains, it said in a statement. In April, it had forecast an above average monsoon for the year.

In capital city of Bhubaneswar, the maximum temperature was 39.4 degrees Celsius while Cuttack recorded 37.5 degrees.

Good rainfall was recorded at several places in Tamil Nadu, including Coimbatore, Nilgiris, Tirunelveli, Erode, Thoothukudi and Madurai districts, the weather office said.

The office also forecast "heavy to very heavy rain"

at one or two places in the southern state and Puduchery on May 17.

A low pressure area over the Indian Ocean has become well-marked and was likely to cross the Tamil Nadu coast between Pamban and Nagapattinam on Tuesday after intensifying as a deep depression, bringing in heavy rains in parts of the state, the IMD said.

16 killed in Telangana accident Hyderabad, May 15 (IaNS): Sixteen migrant abourers were killed when a truck hit an autorickshaw in Telangana's Adilabad district late Saturday night, police said on Sunday. Two others were also injured in the accident that occurred near Degam village, about 260 km from Hyderabad. The victims include seven children, aged between one and 12 years. Eight of those killed hail from one family. The driver of the seven-seater autorickshaw was also killed. The victims were migrant labourers from Maharashtra's Nanded district. They worked in brick kilns. The accident occurred when they were on their way to a temple. The truck carrying construction material hit the autorickshaw on the highway. The auto was crushed under the truck, a police official said. Thirteen of the occupants were killed on spot while three others succumbed on the way to the hospital.

Calve carcases found near temple, police step up vigil Moga, May 15 (PTI): Carcases of two calves were today found in gunny bags near a temple in Moga town in Punjab, following which the police registered a case against unidentified people for creating communal tension. Police have stepped up vigil in the area to prevent any untoward incident. The people behind the incident caused communal tension in the area, police said. The matter is under investigation, they said.

Interceptor missile test fired balaSore, May 15 (IaNS): India on Sunday test fired an indigenously developed Advanced Air Defence (AAD) interceptor missile from the launch complex of Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha's Bhadrak district. The advanced version of low altitude supersonic ballistic interceptor missile was fired from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) off the Odisha coast at a ballistic missile, a modified version of Prithvi. Defence sources said the operation was successful. According to Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) sources, the missile was fired at 11.18 a.m. from launch pad number-3 of ITR. This was the 12th test of the interceptor missile, said informed sources.

The targeted missile had been fired from a warship in the Bay of Bengal near Paradip.

Go paperless, get PM's award: Government to departments Hospital, doctors ordered to pay said one of the agendas of Office initiative. the letter reads.

New delHI, May 15 bound manner.

Rs 64L for medical negligence "It is one of the priority the minimum government"In order to give encourThe DARPG acts as nod(PTI): Central government ministries and departments will now be rewarded for successful implementation of e-Office or 'paperless office' initiative.

The move is aimed at improving the ease of governance and expediting the administrative process.

Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office Jitendra Singh has written to all ministers to take urgent action to shift to paperless functioning mode in a time

works of the government. We are writing to all ministers for going paperless. The eOffice will help in speeding up administrative work and result in saving money for the exchequer," he told PTI. Singh said those doing exemplary work in this project may be given awards for excellence in public administration, which are given annually by the Prime Minister on civil services day.

In his letter, the Minister

maximum governance is to adopt e-Office in all government functioning for achieving the goal of governance with accountability, transparency and innovation (GATI), which is the sine-qua-non for achieving Prime Minister's Mission of PRAGATI. The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances is providing financial assistance for implementation of e-

agement towards implementation of e-Office across central ministries or departments, the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) is also providing financial assistance for implementation of e-Office based realistic estimates duly vetted by National Informatics Centre (NIC).

"It is also finalising a scheme for awarding better performing Ministries and Departments in e-Office,"

al authority for the implementation of e-Office in central ministries with the help of the technical partner NIC. "It is noteworthy that the Ministry of Panchayati Raj has completely transformed itself to an e-Office platform, while the Ministry of Rural Development is close to achieving it," the letter said, citing works done by the two government departments.

Civil services topper got 52.49 per cent; UPSC discloses marks New delHI, May 15 (PTI): Tina Dabi, the topper of civil services examination, secured just little over 52 per cent marks, reflecting the strict evaluation yardstick adopted by the UPSC in conduct of the prestigious test to select the country's top bureaucrats.

The civil services examination is conducted annually in three stages-preliminary, main and interview-to select candidates for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and Indian Police Service (IPS), among others.

22-year-old Tina, a graduate from Delhi's Lady Shri Ram College, topped the 2015 civil services exam securing 1,063 marks (52.49 per cent) out of a total of 2,025--comprising 1,750 of main and 275 of interview.

Second ranked Athar Aamir Ul Shafi Khan from Jammu and Kashmir, got 1,018 marks (50.27 per cent) and third rank holder Jasmeet Singh Sandhu secured 1,014 marks (50.07 per cent), the UPSC said.

Khan was an Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) officer, while

Sandhu an Indian Revenue Service (customs and Central Excise) officer. Both were undergoing training before making it to the top.

A total of 1,078 candidates, including 499 in General category, 314 belonging to Other Backward Class, 176 from Scheduled Castes and 89 from Scheduled Tribes, have been recommended for appointment to various central government services on the basis of civil services 2015 examination results declared on May 6.

There are 172 candidates on the waiting list. Of these, the one with

Villagers along China-India border receive suspicious calls from 'spies' leH/New delHI, May 15 (PTI): An alert has been sounded along the Sino-India border after local residents, including a village head, got several telephone calls from "spies" either from Pakistan or China about army deployment along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

The caller, posing himself as either a colonel or a local official, made queries about the army presence in the area and the timings of their movement, official sources said.

Recently the 'sarpanch' (village head) of Durbuk village, located at an altitude of 13,500 feet above sea level between Chang La and Tsangte village, received a call in which the caller asked whether "outstanding" issues with the army had been sorted.

The sarpanch, who was sitting inside an army camp at the time of receiving the call, got suspicious and enquired from the caller about his identity.

Despite the caller identifying himself to be from Deputy Commissioner's office, the sarpanch identified as Stanzin snubbed him and said he should get in touch with the army.

He also inquired from the local DC's office only to find that no one from that number had called. The number was shared with the army which found that the number appearing on the sarpanch's phone had been masked and it was a computer generated call.

Talking to PTI over phone, Stanzin said he received the call only once. "The caller was asking about the movement of troops

and whether the roads had been built in the area for their movement.

"He claimed that he was from the army headquarters but with his stupid queries, I did get suspicious and informed the army officer standing next to me," he said.

Later, the army found that several people in villages along the Sino-Indian border had been receiving calls from such unknown numbers and in a few cases basic information had been shared out of "pure ignorance" by the villagers.

The army took the help of the state administration and a mass campaign has been launched to educate people in general and those living along the Sino-Indian border not to share any information with any unidentified caller.

The army has also asked its formations along the LAC to educate all the civilians in their Areas Of Responsibility (AOR) so that such spies do not get any information about the movement of troops.

The army has laid special emphasis on educating the elected members and office bearers of Hill Council as they had some information pertaining to army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), which man the borders with Pakistan and China, to remain alert and not to give any kind of information to these suspicious callers.

This was based on an analysis by the army that calls were being received by only those people who were either sarpanch or working in state government and were privy to some information about the troops and ITBP officials.

the lowest marks is Shish Ram. He has secured a total of 697 marks, or 34.41 per cent.

"The marks reflect the strict pattern maintained by UPSC while selecting country's top bureaucrat," said a senior official in the Department of Personnel and Training, which acts as nodal authority for the UPSC. The UPSC has uploaded the marksheets of successful and unsuccessful candidates on its website--www.Upsc.Gov.In. Those will be displayed till July 13.

New delHI, May 15 (PTI): A citybased private hospital and three of its doctors have been ordered to pay Rs 64 lakh to a woman by the apex consumer forum for their negligence in giving requisite treatment to her premature baby resulting in the infant becoming blind for life.

Maharaja Agrasen Hospital here and three of its doctors have been ordered by the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) to pay the amount as compensation to the mother of the child for the medical practitioners' negligence in screening the infant's eyes, which is the practice in the case of premature babies.

According to the complaint of the child's mother, Pooja Sharma, the baby was in the hospital for nearly five weeks, but during this period the doctors did not carry out the screening and as a result no one noticed that the infant's retina was displaced.

It was much later when she noticed the baby's abnormal visual response that a eye-check up was done which showed total retinal detachment.

The hospital and its doctors had denied the allegation of negligence and had contended that the screening was carried out and it had not revealed any problems.

They also said that the mother was advised to come again for follow up checks.

After perusal of the medical records,

the court said, "We are not convinced whether the Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) screening was done".

ROP screening is carried out of premature babies to see if there is any abnormal blood vessel development in the retina of the eye.

"The progress sheet is devoid of details about ROP examination viz. Who performed it, the method, instruments used and drugs (midrates/ tropicamide)/ anaesthesia used during ROP testing. The doctor has not mentioned any details of dilation of pupil and findings of indirect ophthalmoscope findings, the intra ocular or extra retinal findings.

"Thus, it was a casual approach of opposite parties towards the premature baby. The opposite party 5 (senior consultant opthalmologist) has not followed standard ROP screening protocol.

Thus 'no record means, it was not done'.

Even the nurses' daily record does not show any ROP examination was done," the forum said in its order.

"The patient visited hospital for follow up, but nothing is in record about ROP testing. It is not a standard of practice or due care of the patient. Thus, a medical negligence," it added.

The apex consumer forum has directed the private hospital and three doctors to pay Rs 64 lakh as compensation, including the cost of litigation, to the child and his mother.

TN, Kerala, Puducherry go to polls today Parties locked in multicornered contests CHeNNaI/THIrUvaNaNTHaPUraM, May 15 (PTI): Tamil Nadu and Kerala go to polls on May 16 that will decide the fate of Chief Ministers Jayalalithaa and Oommen Chandy and their arch rivals and nonagenarians M Karunanidhi and V S Achutanandan in their respective states which will witness multi-cornered contests.

Puducherry also goes to the polls on May 16.

Counting of votes in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry where rival candidates fought a gruelling two-month campaign in peak summer along with West Bengal and Assam will be taken up on May 19 to decide the outcome of what is being described as 'mini' general elections.

The BJP is seeking to make inroads in Tamil Nadu and Kerala where the power has oscillated between the AIADMK and the DMK and the Congress-led United Democratic Front(UDF) and the

At Jayalalithaa’s campaign rally in Perundurai on May 12. (Source: PTI)

CPI-M led Left Democratic Front(LDF) respectively for decades.

Besides AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa and 91-year-old wheelchairbound Karunanidhi, the poll arena in Tamil Nadu also has two other chief ministerial candidates--actor-turned politician Vijayakant of DMDK-PWF-TMC combine and PMK's Anbumani Ramadoss.

A total of 3,740 aspirants are in the fray for the 233 assembly seats.

Of the total 234 constituencies, polling will be held

in 233 seats as the Election Commission had deferred the process in Aravakurichi segment in Karur district to May 23 due to "unlawful" activities of candidates and political parties in "bribing" voters. Counting of votes in Aravakurichi will be taken up on May 25.

Election authorities have seized more than Rs 100 crore unaccounted cash in the state, the largest among the five states involved in the Assembly polls.

More than a lakh police and paramilitary person-

nel would man over 65,000 polling booths across the state, which is witnessing a multi-cornered contest also featuring BJP, seeking to make a mark along with a few minor allies.

Jayalalithaa, seeking a second successive term in office, and Karunanidhi, eyeing to lead DMK to power after back-to-back drubbings in the 2011 assembly and 2014 Lok Sabha elections, are contesting from R K Nagar in Chennai and Thiruvarur respectively.

R K Nagar has the maximum number of candidates

at 45, with DMK (Shimla Muthuchozhan) and VCK (Vasanthi Devi) also fielding women nominees to take on Jayalalithaa. BJP's M N Raja is also in the fray.

BJP's candidates include its National Secretary H Raja and state President Tamilisai Sounderrajan.

Positioning itself as a viable third front, the combine of DMDK, People's Welfare Front comprising Vaiko's MDMK, CPI-M, CPI and VCK and Tamil Maanila Congress led by G K Vasan has also attacked both DMK and AIADMK, which have ruled the state alternately in recent decades, and pushed for a change.

Tamil Nadu is known to generally elect one clear winner from the two Dravidian giants, DMK and AIADMK, since 1967.

In Kerala, the ruling UDF and LDF, which had gone hammer and tongs at each other during the electioneering, are keeping their fingers crossed even as BJP is hoping to get a toe-hold.

A total of 1,203 candidates, including 109 women, are contesting for the 140 assembly seats.

MOndAY 16•05•2016

WORLD

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

9

Iraq targets media as security forces struggle to contain strife BAGHDAD, MAy 16 (ReuteRs): Iraq's Shi'ite-led authorities have shut the offices of two television channels popular with Sunni Iraqis and ordered a satirical show off air, tightening control over the media as political tensions rise in Baghdad.

The crackdown, which began in March, appears to be prompted by concerns that the channels could enflame sectarian rivalries which overstretched security forces would struggle to contain. But it also raises fears over freedom of expression.

The Communication and Media Commission (CMC), has shut down the Baghdad office of the pan-Arab broadcaster Al Jazeera, closed the local TV channel Al-Baghdadia, and ordered a halt to broadcasts of the satirical Albasheer Show.

It said Al Jazeera and the Albasheer Show, which mocks powerful Iraqi figures in the spirit of The Daily Show in the United States or France's Le Petit Journal, have violated a code of professional conduct.

The CMC is a state authority tasked with implementing government policy. It gave few details and declined requests for comment.

"They had some reservations about (us) using the term 'militias' when referring to the Hashid Shaabi," said Waleed Ibrahim, Al Jazeera's Iraq bu-

sein was toppled in 2003.

The country's Iranianbacked leaders have accused their Sunni neighbours of employing well-funded media outlets to undermine Iraq's political process by highlighting the suffering of Sunnis and covering anti-Maliki protests in 2013.

Shi'ite-backed media, in turn, face criticism of coverage accusing Gulf countries of supporting Sunni militancy in Iraq.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi speaks to the media during a visit at the Iraqi National Museum in Baghdad. (REUTERS File Photo)

reau chief, referring to a coalition of mostly Shi'ite Muslim paramilitary groups formed to fight Islamic State.

He said the CMC also objected to opinions expressed on the Qatar-based channel by guests in talk-shows broadcast from Doha. "We tried to explain that these are the guests' points of view and not necessarily ours," he said.

Al-Baghdadia, a television channel owned by Iraqi entrepreneur Awn al-Khashlok and featuring programming popular with the Sunni minority, was

shut down in March. A CMC statement said the channel lacked proper authorisation.

These are some of the strongest restrictions on media in the nearly two-year tenure of Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, a moderate Shi'ite Islamist who came to office promising to mend the rift between Sunnis and the Shi'ite majority. His office did not respond to requests for comment.

Abadi's predecessor, Nuri al-Maliki, decreed a state of emergency restricting media coverage in 2014 after Islamic

State seized a third of the country's territory. Those restrictions were eased when Abadi succeeded him.

Maliki, a close ally of Iran, had revoked Al Jazeera's license a year earlier, accusing the Doha-based network of adopting a sectarian tone after it covered Sunni demonstrations against him. The license was restored last year.

Iraq's Shi'ite-led governments have had volatile relations with nearby Qatar and other Gulf Arab countries since Sunni autocrat Saddam Hus-

POLITICAL CRISIS The United Nations and the United States have expressed concern about Al Jazeera's closure. "These kinds of actions will not serve the fight against Daesh (Islamic State) as Iraq moves forward and begins to attempt to reconcile its diverse communities," a State Department spokesman in Washington said this month.

Iraq's security forces, while battling Islamic State in the north and west with the help of air strikes from a U.S.-led coalition, are on high alert in Baghdad. Bombings are still common in the capital -- including three on Wednesday that killed at least 80 people -- and a political crisis risks sinking into clashes between supporters of rival politicians.

The government has been crippled for weeks by disputes over Abadi's proposal to replace party-affiliated ministers

with independent technocrats following popular demands to dismantle political patronage networks.

Powerful Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr has ordered his followers to protest in order to pressure Abadi to follow through on reform pledges.

Abadi has proposed a new cabinet lineup, but parliament has failed to approve it. Lawmakers scuffled inside the chamber a month ago and have not convened a session since demonstrators stormed the assembly complex two weeks later.

"With each political crisis, they look for areas that attract the public's attention. Whenever a media outlet focuses on a problem, they order it to be shut down," said Ziyad al-Ajili, head of the watchdog Iraqi Journalistic Freedoms Observatory.

"They are currently implementing the same decisions taken in the past, when freedom of press was truly nonexistent," he said, referring to Maliki's eight-year rule.

The CMC issued a warning over a programme aired on Al Ahad, a channel run by the Iranian-backed Asaib Ahl al-Haq militia. The show's host, Wajih Abbas, compared 7th century Muslim caliph Othman to Saddam Hussein, offending Sunni sentiments.

was a group of young irreverent Iraqis who produce the satirical Albasheer Show from neighbouring Jordan.

Sumaria, an independent channel, was forced to take the programme off the air last month even though its sketches often satirize Islamic State, mocking the militants' cruelty and violence.

The CMC ban was prompted by an episode that ridiculed a Shi'ite cleric for discussing whether drinking milk from a dead cow was religiously sanctioned. The show continues on YouTube and Deutsche Welle's Arabic channel.

Its host, Ahmed al-Basheer, said he refused the government's demand to alter the programme's content.

"This is the formula of the show. This is how it is written and the level of freedom that it enjoys," he said. "We will continue to criticise and ridicule those who are corrupt."

Journalists face more than government censorship in Iraq.

The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists said at least six journalists were killed in Islamic State-held Mosul last year, and in January two were gunned down in Diyala, an eastern area under government control.

Reporters Without Borders ranked Iraq 153 out of 180 in NO LAUGHING MATTER its 2016 World Press Freedom Another target of the CMC Index.

World Briefs Kathmandu riot police scuffle Drinking is deadly for Hepatitis C patients Bangladesh arrests Islamist “In 2010, alcohol-related liver disease yORK, MAy 15 (IANs): Drinking with anti-constitution protesters New alcohol can increase the risk of liver dam- ranked third as a cause of death among age and death from the Hepatitis C virus, a study has found, adding that several people living with Hepatitis C are either former or current excessive alcohol drinkers.

Alcohol use is especially detrimental to patients with Hepatitis C. The findings showed that people infected with Hepatitis C are three times more likely to drink five or more drinks per day everyday than those without Hepatitis C, lifetime abstainers or current non-excessive drinkers.

“Alcohol promotes faster development of fibrosis and progression to cirrhosis in people living with Hepatitis C, making drinking a dangerous and often deadly activity,” said lead author Amber L. Taylor from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division of Viral Hepatitis.

people with Hepatitis C,” Tylor added in the paper published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

In order to better understand the link between alcohol use and Hepatitis C, investigators examined self-reported alcohol use. The team looked at Hepatitis C infection rates for four groups: lifetime abstainers, former drinkers, non-excessive current drinkers and excessive current drinkers.

People who participated and tested positive for Hepatitis C antibodies found that 50 percent were unaware before being notified.

“Half of all people living with Hepatitis C are not aware of their infection nor the serious medical risks they face when consuming alcohol,” Taylor stated.

Boy rejected USD 30 mn offer for his invention

Supporters of Federal Alliance, a coalition of Madhes-based parties and other ethnic political parties and organizations, protest against the constitution near Singha Durbar office complex that houses the Prime Minister’s office and other ministries in New yORK, MAy 15 Kathmandu on May 15. (REUTERS Photo)

KAtHMANDu, MAy 15 (ReuteRs): Protesters from southern Nepal scuffled with riot police in Kathmandu on Sunday when they took their campaign against the country’s new constitution to the streets of the capital.

Stones thrown by the crowd smashed the window of a government jeep but no one was seriously hurt, the police said.

More than 50 people have been killed in eight months of protests in the south where the minority Mashesi oppose a plan to divide their fertile plains bordering India into parts of several provinces.

The unrest, which has caused fuel shortages in Kathmandu as the Madhesis blocked imports of essential goods from India, is a threat to Prime Minister K.P. Oli, who survived an attempt by the opposition to topple his fractious coalition early this month.

On Sunday, riot police in black hel-

mets and carrying shields pushed back hundreds of protesters trying to break through a barricade protecting government offices and parliament.

Several ethnic minority groups from the hills also joined Sunday’s protests.

The constitution, put in place in September, was the final part of a peace deal between the government and Maoist rebels which ended a decade-long rebellion in 2006.

But many Madhesis want their region, home to half of the country’s 28 million people, to become an autonomous state within Nepal and not be broken up into parts of six of the seven federal provinces as envisaged in the new constitution.

Covering 23 percent of landlocked Nepal, the region is the country’s bread basket, providing rice, wheat, and is home to industries including jute and sugar.

(PtI): A 14-year-old precocious schoolboy from the US state of Alabama turned down a whopping USD 30 million buyout offer from a national healthcare company for his invention of vending machines that dispense first aid kits.

Taylor Rosenthal came up with the idea of creating vending machines that dispense prepackaged first aid kits for dealing with cuts, blisters and sun burns after watching his friends fall over at baseball games.

“Every time I’d travel for a baseball tournament in Alabama, I’d notice that kids would get hurt and parents couldn’t find a band aid. I

wanted to solve that,” Rosenthal told ‘CNN Money’.

Rosenthal, who launched his start-up RecMed last year, was offered a USD 30 million buyout offer by a “large national healthcare company”, but he rejected to sell his idea. He has already raised USD 100,000 in angel investments and plans to sell the machines for USD 5,500 each.

The machines will sell prepackaged first aid kits and individual supplies like plasters, rubber gloves and gauze pads costing between USD 4 and USD 11.

Rosenthal said he was open to advertising on the machines and hopes to deliver them to amusement

parks, beaches and stadiums over the summer.

Six Flags theme park in the US has already put in an order for 100 machines.

Rosenthal initially pitched the idea of first aid pop ups as part of a school project but then changed it to vending machines. A few months later, the young CEO had his own patent.

“It has been amazing watching Taylor grow over the past year into this confident and amazing businessman. Even with all of his success, he remains humble and ready to help others. He’s just 14. Bill Gates should be worried,” said Rosenthal’s teacher Clarinda Jones.

Beijing blasts Pentagon report on Chinese military as damaging trust BeIJING, MAy 15 (ReuteRs): China condemned the U.S. Defense Department’s annual report on the Chinese military on Sunday, calling it deliberate distortion that has “severely damaged” mutual trust.

In its annual report to Congress on Chinese military activities, the U.S. Defense Department said on Friday that China is expected to add substantial military infrastructure, including communications and surveillance systems, to artificial islands in the South China Sea this year.

China’s Defense Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun expressed “strong dissatisfaction” and “firm opposition” to the Pentagon report and said it has “severely damaged mutual trust”, state news agency Xinhua reported.

The report “hyped up” China’s military threat and lack of transparency, “de-

liberately distorted” Chinese defence policies and “unfairly” depicted Chinese activities in the East and South China seas, Yang was quoted as saying.

“China follows a national defense policy that is defensive in nature,” Yang said, adding that the country’s military buildup and reforms are aimed at maintaining sovereignty, security and territorial integrity and guaranteeing China’s peaceful development.

It is the United States that has always been suspicious and flexing its military muscle by frequently sending military aircraft and warships to the region, Yang said.

Despite its calls for freedom of navigation and restraint for peace, the U.S. has pushed forward militarisation of the South China Sea with an “intention to exert hegemony”, Yang added.

RECLAMATION WORK The Pentagon report said the planned addition of military infrastructure would give China longterm “civil-military bases” in the contested waters.

It estimated that China’s reclamation work had added more than 3,200 acres (1,300 hectares) of land on seven features it occupied in the Spratly Islands in the space of two years.

The report said China had completed its major reclamation efforts in October, switching focus to infrastructure development, including three 9,800 footlong (3,000 meter) airstrips that can accommodate advanced fighter jets.

Yang, the spokesman, defended the construction, saying it serves mostly civilian purposes and helps fulfil China’s international responsibilities and obligations by providing more public goods.

The Pentagon report

China’s President Xi Jinping (L) and U.S. President Barack Obama depart at the end of a joint news conference in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington.

(REUTERS File Photo)

comes at a time of heightened tension over maritime territories claimed

by China and disputed by several Asian nations.

Washington has accused Beijing of militarizing the

South China Sea while Beijing, in turn, has criticized increased U.S. naval patrols and exercises in Asia.

The U.S report renewed accusations against China’s government and

military for cyber attacks against U.S. government computer systems, a charge Beijing denies. The Pentagon said attacks in 2015 appeared focused on intelligence collection.

over killing of gay activists

DHAKA, MAy 15 (ReuteRs): Police in Bangladesh have arrested an Islamist militant over the killing of two gay rights campaigners, who died amid a surge in violent attacks against liberal activists and other minorities in the south Asian nation.

Xulhaz Mannan, 35, editor of Bangladesh’s first magazine for gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people, and fellow activist Mahbub Rabbi Tonoy, 25, were killed in a apartment in the capital Dhaka late last month, in an attack claimed by al Qaeda in the Indian subcontinent.

Shariful Islam, 37, a member of the banned group Ansarullah Bangla Team, was arrested in the southwestern district of Kushtia in connection with the murder, Monirul Islam, chief of the counterterrorism unit of Dhaka Police, told a news conference on Sunday.

The arrested man was brought to the news conference but did not comment.

The Muslim-majority nation of 160 million people has seen a series of attacks over the past year in which atheist bloggers, academics, religious minorities and foreign aid workers have been killed.

An elderly Buddhist monk was found hacked to death on Saturday at a temple in Bangladesh.

Police said three people had been arrested, although they said the motive was not yet clear.

Brazil rebuffs Latin American leftists over Rousseff suspension RIO De JANeIRO, MAy 15 (ReuteRs): Brazil’s interim government dismissed criticism by leftist countries in Latin America, including Venezuela, Cuba and Bolivia, over the impeachment process of Dilma Rousseff, who was suspended as president by the senate.

The leftist president of El Salvador on Saturday added to the regional pressure on Brazil, saying that he would not recognize the interim government and recalled his ambassador, claiming there had been “political manipulation” in Latin America’s biggest country.

The bickering, not rare between leftist leaders and more conservative governments at a time when much of the region is moving to the right, comes as centrist Michel Temer, Rousseff’s vice president, assumes Brazil’s presidency and scrambles to pull the economy out of its worst recession since the 1930s.

Rousseff, after five months of impeachment proceedings, now faces a senate trial over irregularities in her government’s budget. The trial could take up to 180 days and is expected to lead to her definitive ouster.

In a statement Friday evening, Brazil’s foreign ministry said it “emphatically rejects” neighbors “allowing themselves to opine and propagate falsehoods over internal political process in Brazil.”

In a separate statement, the ministry, headed by José Serra, a prominent former senator and presidential candidate, criticized the head of Unasur, a South American regional bloc. Ernesto Samper, Unasur’s secretary general, earlier had questioned the validity of Rousseff’s suspension.

After Brazil’s strongly-worded statements Friday, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who is also struggling with economic problems and a push to remove him from office, asked his ambassador to Brazil to come home to discuss the tensions.

Maduro is among leaders, including Rousseff herself, who have condemned her suspension as a “coup”.

Rousseff, who is spending the weekend with family in the southern Brazilian city of Porto Alegre, has said she could appeal to regional organizations in efforts to discredit the impeachment process. Thus far, however, she has complied with all procedures related to her suspension.

On Saturday, mainstream Brazilian media made light of the statements by leftists in the region, especially the Socialist government of Venezuela and Communist-run Cuba.

“Who are Cuba, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia and Nicaragua to teach about democracy?” wrote Eliane Cantanhede, a prominent columnist for the Estado do S. Paulo newspaper. “Cuba?! Venezuela?!”

10

monDAY 16•05•2016

public discourse

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Speech of Z. Royim Yimchungrü on the occasion of Naga National Plebiscite Day on May 16, 2016 Dear Naga people, Thanks to the grace of our living God, I stand here once again to address our people on this occasion of Naga National Plebiscite Day of 16th May 2016. On this historic day, it is important to re-emphasise the absolute right of the Naga people for sovereignty and to say that we the NNC fully stand on this solid right for recognition of our freedom by the occupational Governments of India and Myanmar (Burma). And this political right of the Nagas can never be erased by anybody; rather sooner or later our political right to Nationhood will be recognized officially and publicly by the countries of the world and the United Nations in particular. Naga freedom and Nationhood are the Naga National Council Dream and Vision and we pray to our living God for blessing and strength to achieve victory.

But today the NNC must say, once again, that, in order to achieve our freedom, Naga National Unity in reality is critical. And we must respond to this urgent need with a sincere and true spirit of Nationalism and Brotherhood. Strengthened by the love of Christ the Saviour, we the Naga National Political Groups must do this now, because this is the only way to Nationhood if we really want our freedom.

Otherwise,our immediate future is unpredictable, our Naga people will be the losers, and our Nationhood aspirations will be thwarted for many more years.This we must avoid and instead unite to achieve our freedom and gain independence for our present and future generations.May the good Lord bless and sustain the Nationhood for His glory.

Today many good and concerned thinkers and writers are spelling out the

reality prevailing in the Homeland for Naga Nationhood without any hesitation and reservation and we the NNC welcome these efforts; but only the true political stand will achieve our freedom in reality with all concerned stakeholders who are really prepared to sacrifice for the Cause of the Nagas. The truth will prevail in the Naga journey to Nationhood.

The NNC on this occasion urges the concerned intellectuals to come forward to participate practically in Nation building as their services are much required and the time has come for capable young adults to shoulder the responsibility of the Nation.

Today it is very unfortunate that many more ugly factions are emerging in the Naga homeland as a result of jealousy, hatred, frustration and the opportunistic nature of some leaders who have indeed been the main stumbling block in Nation building till date.This is a very shameful and destructive phase in our National affairs of more than six long decades. But history will condemn these people and their legacy will be recorded only as a stumbling block in the Naga Political story as future generations will come to know the truth.

The NNC also remembers the elders and leaders who fought for all the Naga National Political Rights for sovereignty with strong determination.The present generation must remember these people in prayer to our living God. Out of respect for these heroes and for our own good and our own future, we must commit ourselves once again to march ahead unitedly with strong determination for Naga sovereignty, which is our political birthright.

May the Day be blessed by God Almighty.

Kuknalim.

REAFFIRMATION OF NAGA PLEBISCITE OF MAY 16, 1951 Most respected Naga Brothers and Sisters,

I

sincerely thank Almighty God for giving me this humble opportunity to share my thoughts with the honourable people of the Naga Nation for the very first time, as the President of the Naga National Council to reaffirm the dignity of our people on this Naga Plebiscite Day. May 16, 1951 has gone down as the proudest hour in the Political History of every Naga with a true sense of our ancestral honour when we affirmed our moral right to remain free at whatever cost.

This was the day when the Naga people made the greatest momentous decision for our own National fate through this all important Referemdum.

History clearly records that the Nagas, under a united banner of the Naga National Council (NNC) had dared to declare their Independence on 14th August 1947, one day ahead of the Indian people but that this brave act alone was not enough. It was necessary for the Nagas to register the final will of the Nagas in no uncertain terms and therefore NNC conducted a plebiscite to confirm the declaration of Naga Independence and their moral right to defend their declaration at any cost. The true Nagas of that generation overwhelmingly voted for Independence with a 99.9% endorsement. Thus the fate of the Nagas people was sealed for all times to come. This was truly the glorious moment of success for Naga Democracy untainted by

individual greed for money. The irony lies in the people of India and the Government of India claiming to be the biggest democracy in the world showing scant honourable respect for the democratic rights of the Nagas.

The real test for the Naga sentiment was well and truly tested during the first Indian General Election in 1952, where the Government of India took it for granted that the Nagas were also Indians and Nagaland was also a part of India and extended their election in Nagaland. But not a single Naga cast a single vote in the Indian election and the empty election boxes were taken back to India! This was what the Nagas of that generation proved what we were all about.

Nagas were given their democratic right to exercise and the Nagas emphatically exercised their democratic right saying that they were not Indians and had nothing to do with it. Were they not right? Yet this clear stand of the Nagas was ignored by the Indian Government and rather than accept this truth India instead decided to invade Nagaland! Government of India was clearly aware that they cannot defeat the Nagas by democratic means. So they invaded Nagaland in the later part of 1954 without any provocation.

The choice for the Nagas: Though the Naga people had declared their Independence on 14th August 1947, they did not set up their Government so as not to provoke India to crush the nascent Nation on any pretext or excuse. How wise were our Naga leaders then.

But when the Government of India invaded Nagaland, the choice for the Nagas was either to surrender or resist the aggressors even at the cost of a crishing defeat in the hands of the mighty Indians. They chose to resist the aggressors at any cost as mandated by the 1951 Plebiscite. It had given the Nagas a moral strength to make that right decision.

It was the circumstances that caused Nagas to set up their own Government, The Federal Republic Government of Nagaland (FGN) only in March 22, 1956, ten years after the declaration of our Independence and started actual War of Resistance against the Indians on being provoked beyond honourable tolorence. Nagas did not willingly start the war!

Wrong approach to the problem: While there was a heavy fighting going on between the Nagas Resistance force and the Indian Agressesor troops , the Government of India, instead of talking to the Federal Government of Nagaland, their main rival, the Govt. Of India initiated, financed and gave full protection to the so-called "Naga People's Convention" and later on entered into a settlement with their on brainchild and created a State within Indian Constitution ans set up the present puppet Nagalans State Government within Naga made Nagaland. This wrong approach on the part of thw GoI made the conflict more deeper and complicated. This has become the main huedle to solve the issue since it was the making of the Government of India, it is up to them

to remove obstacle and solve the matte. The more it is delayed, the more it will hurt the Indians than the Nagas.

We have suffered the injustice for too long years! It is time to redefine our identity by starting the process of speaking the truth and by calling a spade a spade without reservation. I call upon the Nagas to come out of their present selfish comfort zone and think for the future of our children. Why should they bask on the shade of the past historical events made by their forefathers but never find the courage to defend, protect by sacrificing their lives and their service. But enjoying the works of Criminals and anti-Nationals! Have the Nagas lost all sense of honour or no longer have any conscience?

I also call on the present Naga National Workers to unite or your suffering and sacrifices may come to nothing. I am more than prepared to give way to any honest honourable Naga leader that can cement the Nagas on a real honourable course that would yield an honourable result for us all. Nagas must come back to square one and start afresh all over again. This is a clarion call to all honourable Nagas to come together under one banner and register our honourable existence to the world for all time to come as the Plebiscite 1951 intended!

Thank you all.

May God bless us all.

KUKNALIM General (Rtd) Thenoselie M. Keyho President, Naga National Council of Nagaland

THE HISTORIC PLEBSCITE OF A TRIBUTE TO THE NAGA PLEBISCITE OF MAY 16, 1951 FREEDOM LOVING NAGAS

I

f the Naga nation is a living organism like the human body, then the declaration of Naga independence on 14th August, 1947 and the Plebiscite of May 16, 1951 are the two legs upon which that Naga body is standing today. This is so, because these two important political events in our history, declared to the world that we too are a virile nation among the nations in the world.

If our fathers and grand fathers had failed to conduct these two unique events yesterday, then today, all Nagas would have become like abandoned orphans with no national or political identity.

It is an obvious fact that the national affairs of a nation are not the responsibility of another nation. On the contrary, the national affairs of a nation are the inescapable duty of every citizen of that nation. In that line of duty, our parents of yesterday have rendered their duties to God and our nation and have passed them to this generation.

And today, as we celebrate the 65th anniversary of our Plebiscite Day with the last survivors of that generation, the answer that this generation must give to the world is whether we will stand on those two legs (Independence and Plebiscite) or live the rest of our lives on our knees as subjects of another nation? God, who has given us both our national identity and our Nagaland, demands an answer from every one of us today.

Looking back at world history towards the end of the 2nd World War, there was a great resurgence of nationalism all over the world.

In that era, it looked as if a divine breathe from heaven itself was blow-

ing across the globe, re-awakening the suppressed nations of the world to re-claim their God given national identities. This phenomenon started from the South Asian Sub-Continent in 1947 and moved like a giant wave all across the Middle East into Africa and even beyond the seas into South America. In its wake, it set free many nations that had come under the white man’s Colonial rule from the 15th to the 20th century. In the subsequent years, between 1947 to 1960, altogether, 36 nations became independent. Also when the UNO was formed on Oct.24, 1945, there were only 35 nation states in its membership. However by the end of 1970, the membership of nations in the U.N. swelled up to 127. Today, the total membership of the UNO stands at 193 nations.

Looking back over all those cataclysmic events that changed the world’s political face, the conduct of our national Plebiscite on May 16, 1951 is like seeing the very finger of God directing our national leaders to stake our rightful claims, over our rightful lands, at the rightful time, in our history. It is also all in record that our same leaders submitted six memorandums regarding our national stand to the departing British Government before the transfer of Power took place in 1947. It is also all on record, that they also submitted ten memorandums on the same issue to the Indian leaders before India was born on 15th August 1947.

But in spite of all these political declarations on our part, the Assam Rifles and the Assam Armed Police from the former British Assam, continued to occupy our lands up to

1954. Then in 1955, the Indian army invaded Nagaland and occupied every nook and corner of our lands after burning our villages to ashes. Because of this terrible war of invasion

by India, our declaration of independence on 14th August 1947, and the conduct of our national Plebiscite of 16th May 1951, went un-noticed by the rest of the world.

But whether the world will recognize our independence or not, it is never the less, the prerogative right of any nation on earth to raise their own independence flag over their own independent territories. In this context, we Nagas have no right to raise our flag over some neighboring country’s lands because such an action would amount to an act of invasion. But going by the same political principle and international law, a neighboring country like India or Burma also has absolutely no right to raise their flags over our ancestral lands and claim that our lands and our people belong to them.

Therefore, on this auspicious occasion of our national Plebiscite day, let us once again unequivocally reiterate that we are an independent nation with all the rights and privileges thereof. Let us also, with one united voice, declare again to the world that Nagaland and Naga territories do not belong to India or Burma.

May God bless Nagaland and the Naga people. And may the truth ever be the foundation of our nation.

Kaka D. Iralu (Kaka D Iralu will deliver this tribute speech on the 65th anniversary of the Naga National Plebiscite at the Chedema Peace Camp on May 16, 2016.)

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n this auspicious day the NNC (NA) salute all past leaders who have sanctified their efforts in making this historic Plebiscite declared to the world that Nagas are not Indian. Men is born to die however the word / record which once made shall stay alive for millions of years and shall be handed over to generation to generation. Besides man’s memory power is limited but the written documents/ documentary proof shall never be denied nor lost it. As such the plebiscite day of 1951, 16th May is still alive and this is one of the most significant achievement in the journey of Nagas Political struggle (their thumb impression for sovereignty and to be an Independent State just as follow nations enjoys their freedom from Colonial/ Foreign Subjugation) infact the Nagas struggle for Independence has been founded when the British Imperial Power forcefully entered into free Naga Territory in 1831. Ever since the first encounter with the Britishers lakhs of lives and ocean of blood had been sacrificed for the cause of Naga Independence. Moreover, despite use of military power and forceful entry into Naga Hills the Britishers could able to cover up small portion of western Nagaland where as the North Eastern Part of Naga territory had remained free (un-occupied or un-administered). Besides the Govt. of British India Act 1919 and the Subsequent Act passed in 1935, vividly justifies the Rights of Nagas as separate and free Nation. Apart from that, the memorandum submitted to the Sir. Simon Commission in 1929 and the powerful and authoritative declaration of NNC to the three members British cabinet Mission which stating that the Naga’s future

should not be decided by any arbitrary decision of British Govt. and no recommendation in regard to Naga future will be accepted without consultation with the Nagas. Apart from that numbers of memorandums and dialogues and negotiations has been made with both Indian and British Administration so as to bring forth an amicable solution to the Indo-Naga Political Issue.

The omission of Nagas in the election of Indian Constituent Assembly members and the Nine Point Agreement made between the NNC and Govt. of India significantly justifies that the Nagas are neither Indian nor a part of any foreign Nation. Besides, many Indian leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sir. Akbar Hydari, G.N. Bordoloi, C. Raja Gopalchari etc. had made significant statement and declared in support of Nagas Independence and the legitimacy to be sovereign nation in several occasions and acknowledged the uniqueness of Nagas that the India and Nagaland are neighboring countries.

Those statements made before and after Indian Independence justifies the right of Nagas Liberty and Freedom. On the other hand the declaration of Naga Independence on 14th Aug 1947 without taking permission from any authority nor received any opposition from any foreign Nation rather than getting acknowledgement message from UNO gives the legitimacy of Nagas Independence.

On top of that the voluntary Plebiscite of 16th May 1951 where 99.9% supported the right to Sovereignty and aspiration for Freedom of the Mother Land from unlawful Indian subjugation. Which is totally against the UNO resolution on Human Rights

Article 15 (1), which says “Everyone has the Right to Nationality” and the UN General Assembly resolution NO. 1542(XV) that recognized the desire and aspiration for Independence as legitimate Rights of the People living under Colonial Subjugation. On the basis of those legitimate Rights the Nagas had done their Rights and declared to the World on democratic manner by holding voluntary Plebiscite on 16th May 1951. Declaring the Naga’s strong aspiration to be self determined Nation just as their Ancient Ancestors had been living from century to centuries without any outside interference until the Britishers forcefully occupied the south Western territory for their connivance of administrative and trade and commerce between Assam and Manipuri kingdom which has been already put under their control.

Therefore being the largest democratic Nation in all over the world, the Govt. of India must respect the rights of Nagas and stop subjugating the Nagas by means of violation the international Human Rights and unlawful use of Military Power over the Nagas. So that the Nagas and the Indian shall continue to remain as good and friendly neighbours. Apart from that the entire NPGs are also humble appeal to join hands together in the name of “Nagaland for Christ” and take all necessary steps together so as to bring changes and solve our long protracted political problems by forgiving and forgetting all past mistakes and begin to make a historic decision on the basis of the uniqueness of the Nagas and the legitimate Right of Nagas as Free Nation.

KUKNALIM N. Mar Ao, Burma Camp Dimapur

A day in the life of a volunteer for good roads THE PENTECOST DAY!

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n the fourteenth of May I got up a bit late so after a hasty bath and two slices of bread I was off to join the Concerned Citizens of Nagaland to spread awareness among the people and also remind that good roads are a basic human right and an essential component of development. On reaching the meeting spot I was glad to see quiet a healthy turn out.

Having introduced each other and me showing off my upgrade from horse star chappals to an original bala pair we were divided into four groups.

Our group headed towards the Purana Bazzar junction.

There we further divided ourselves into three groups to cover the three main arteries. We even managed to convince the kind hearted traffic policeman to hold up the traffic just long enough to paste our stickers while telling commuters about the reason for the campaign.

Our group positioned our-

selves in small groups of threes and fours along the main artery coming from Chumukedima. As soon as the cars/vehicles stopped (our target was private cars as the DADU had kindly agreed to paste the slogans on all Auto) we rushed knocked at windows and after getting permission and explaining the campaign stuck the stickers after cleaning the wind shield. Just on reading this one might presume that it was a long process but it was actually a very quick affair.

Though the heat was blisteringly hot and humid we had our share of laughs and inspirational moments. At one jam we went up to an SUV of some VIP and knocked at the window to explain our campaign and ask for permission to put on the sticker. But the body guard in front refused to do so. One or two frustrated volunteers pasted a few stickers at the back while the escort vehicle filled with gun toting cops silently cheered on giv-

ing us the thumbs up sign. I agree that we did not take the permission of that particular owner but I blame the heat and humidity. And that was the only time we pasted without permission. On the other hand many commuters were ready to donate for the cause some even taking out wallets and wanting to do their bit as citizens. We explained that this was purely a voluntary effort and that we would be more than happy if they just spread the news. Amidst these high and lows of the event my most memorable was when an old lady blessed us and uttered a short prayer for our success during the traffic jam. It meant more to me than any money or the likes I might have got earning for the same period of time. Another heart warming incident was when the Bodo community who were celebrating a festival asked us for stickers and told their volunteers to put them up in all the cars parked around their fes-

tival area.

Whatever the outcome of the campaign and whether it will get the results we hope to achieve is secondary to what I felt we have done by participating and volunteering for the Concerned Citizens of Nagaland. We have sent out the message to everyone that citizens can no longer be passive members in developing our society. That we as common citizens too have our own parts to play by not only pressuring the powers that be and raising awareness but by being civic minded as the CCN did by trying to clean up after themselves. We may not have done much but we have done something no matter how minute and as the saying goes "small drops of water make an ocean". With prayers in our hearts we hope what we did was at the least a molecule of that small drop towards a better tomorrow.

KUKNALIM AoTemjen Jamir, Dimapur

“And they were filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (Acts 2:4)

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entecost may be understood as a fresh visitation of God among His people. What the disciples went through or did during those 50 days, between Resurrection and Pentecost, presents for us lessons on preparing for Revival.

If we prepare ourselves in these areas, the long awaited Revival will “Suddenly” come!

The Spirit of prayer and worship gripped the disciples even before Pentecost, especially during the last ten days following Ascension. Luke, who has given us “an orderly account” of the ministry of Christ and the Holy Spirit, mentions this graphically in his Gospel and the Book of Acts. Following Christ’s Ascension, “they worshipped Him, and returned

to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple and praising and blessing God” (Luke 24:52,53). As they went up into the upper room, “they all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication” (Acts 1:12-14).

They were soaked in a spirit of prayer and worship on the Day of Pentecost “with one accord.”

And they were filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:4) The need of prayer as a preparation for Revival cannot be overemphasized. Prayer here is more than just asking God to send a revival. It means self-examination and confession of sins. Self-examination means we let the Lord turn His searchlight on us and reveal to us our carnality, corruption and casualness (Rev 2:23).

And it’s a time of remembering our broken vows before the Lord (Eccl 5:1-6); and the wrongs we have committed against others (Mt. 5:23,24). Prayer leads to true humanity because it is in His presence we realize our nothing-

ness and his Holiness (Isa 6:15). Prayer is also an expression of our inability and inadequacy and therefore a pleading for His strength and power (Mt 26:41).

God is pleased with such sacrifices and His fire will invariably fall on them (Psa 51:17-19).

When Elijah repaired the altar of the Lord, the fire feel. God breaks and makes His men on their knees. When Jesus prayed, Heaven was opened (Lk 3:31).

When the early church prayed, the place was shaken (Acts 4:31).

Prayer releases the power of the Spirit to affect the Earth. I believe we have preached enough about revival and talked enough about revival, but have not prayed enough for revival. The more we pray for revival the more we will long for it, and the more we long for it the more we pray for it.

Leonard Ravenhill (1907-1994) rightly says, “One main reason we have no revival is that we have learnt to live without it!”

Rev. Moses Murry General Superintendent The Assemblies of God of East India

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.

Monday 16•05•2016

EntErtainmEnt

Clooney: I'm 'lucky' Aishwarya plays the pastel princess on the Cannes red carpet George to have found fame late Former beauty queen, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan just made a million hearts skip a beat with her latest look!

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eorge Clooney feels "lucky" that he didn't become famous until he was 33. The 'Monuments Men' star shot to fame when he starred in 'E.R.' in 1994 and admits he is glad to have not gone through the same struggles as his aunt Rosemary Clooney, who suffered from a drug addiction.

Speaking to Jess Cagle in the new issue of Entertainment Weekly magazine, he said: "I was lucky because real fame happened when I was 33. I lived a normal life for a lot longer than I haven't been living one ...

"She went through a really horrible time her first run at fame. I got to see how damaging that was." Meanwhile, the 55-year-old actor - who wed human rights lawyer Amal Clooney in 2014 - previously admitted he feels "suffocated" by fame.

He shared: "Fame has an interesting element to it but if you tend to be followed round by a camera then you can feel suffocated at times. I thought it might be effective if I went to those places and got those cameras to follow me and try and amplify these stories of people who were doing such hard work, such dangerous work ...

"I was lucky to be born where I was ... It was lucky luck is genetic and time and place. That luck needs to be spread. There is an awful lot the world needs, not a handout but a hand-up."

And when he's not in front of the camera, George loves to mow his lawn at his home in Berkshire, England and previously revealed Amal, 38, bought him a lawnmower for a birthday present.

He said: "We have a beautiful front lawn at our house in England and I used to mow lawns when I was a kid. "So she bought me this giant riding lawn mower that is sitting ctress Sonam Kapoor looked elegant in a black and at the house right now and I'm very excited about putting blue sari at the 69th Cannes Film Festival here. The that to work when I'm home." fashion diva turned up the heat in a sari by designer Source: femalefirst.co.uk Rimzim Dadu paired with fuchsia lips, neatly tied bun and a striking black collar necklace for the press interaction on Sunday, read a statement.

This is not the first time Sonam has turned to an Indian ensemble for the prestigious festival. The "Aisha" star donned a pale pink Anamika Khanna couture net sari dress in 2014 for the gala. The actress was also seen in a different avatar for a photo call held before the press interaction. She stunned all in an edgy Anamika Khanna creation that she paired with bright pink lips. This is the sixth year of Sonam walking the red carpet at Cannes as the L’Oréal Paris ambassador. She will be walking on Sunday and Monday. For the first time in six years, Sonam will also be attending the prestigious amfAR gala, established to raise funds for the fight against AIDS. It is scheduled for May 19.

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ishwarya Rai Bachchan may have completed 15 years of walking the Cannes red carpet, but over the years, if there's one thing that has remained constant, it's been her ability to charm the pants off millions across the globe, every time she sashays down the French Riviera.

Her first appearance of 2016 at the prestigious film festival saw her go ultra-glam in a heavily embellished Ali Younis ensemble, however it was Aishwarya's second look that turned out to be an absolute treat to the eyes. Ready for press interviews at the Martinez Hotel, the actress sported a Naeem Khan gown that came with a sheer fringed bodice and a big flirty skirt!

Keeping her beauty look simple, the actress finished her look with a bold red lip and open hair that ended in soft waves.

Post the press interviews (and hopefully some downtime) the actress looked glorious as she walked the red carpet in a waist cinched pastel hued gown from Elie Saab's Fall 2014 Couture presentation.

Known for its exquisite embroidery and brilliant usage of sheers, the Lebanese fashion house has a sure-shot fan in celebrities across the world, including the former beauty queen.

Perfect finishing touches came in the form of side swept hair and a bordeaux lip. On the whole, from the choice of her attire to her makeup, the look turned out to be a much better and a much needed improvement over her Ali Younis appearance, yesterday.

Sonam Kapoor sports sari at Cannes

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Source: India Today

Source: IANS

Cheryl Fernandez-Versini's ex moves on with her former pal

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C M Y K

ean-Bernard FernandezVersini has reportedly grown close to Vanessa Perroncel, the ex-partner of Wayne Bridge, a former Chelsea FC teammate of Cheryl's first husband Ashley Cole. A source told the Sunday Mirror: "They're close. It's fairly early days but there certainly seems to be something there.

"No doubt it will come as a surprise to Cheryl to learn the romance is with someone she knows. "I don't think she and Vanessa stayed friends but at one stage they were quite close."

Cheryl and businessman JB split last year after 18 months of marriage. However, Cheryl, 32, is unlikely to be too upset as she has since moved on with One Direc-

tion hunk Liam Payne, 22 and even refused to undergo counselling with her estranged husband when their marriage ran into trouble.

The 'Fight For This Love' singer reportedly turned down JB's pleas to try and save their relationship and instead offered a financial settlement to officially end

their union quickly.

A source said: "JB wanted to pull out all the stops to make the marriage work.

"Cheryl had clearly given up on him but he tried to persuade her to go to counselling sessions with him.

"When she offered money to smooth things over, he refused. JB was never inter-

ested in Cheryl's money. He just fancied her like crazy."

It was previously claimed that the 'Crazy Stupid Love' hitmaker had begun dating Liam before her marriage ended, but insiders insisted she and Jean-Bernard had split several months before she filed for divorce.

Source: femalefirst.co.uk

Hillstar NOW SHOWING Ticket Rates PlaTinuM - `320 Gold - `150 SilveR - `80

I wish Salman, Iulia all the best: Zareen Khan

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inseltown is abuzz with rumours of chronic bachelor Salman Khan having made up his mind to walk down the aisle with his steady date Iulia Vantur after the duo made their first ever public appearance at Preity Zinta’s wedding reception. If Salman does indeed marry Iulia, it would also in all likelihood signal an end to the mentoring act he has been carrying on with the starlets he launched in the industry. One such actress who is happy to see Salman and Iulia together happens to be Zareen Khan who made her debut opposite Salman in Veer years ago.

At the song launch of Veerapan, when Zareen was asked about Salman and Iulia’s rumoured wedding and if the superstar would make for a good husband, Zareen said, “I am not here to judge. I am happy if things are happening between him and Iulia and I wish them all the best. The whole country has been waiting for him to get married, so it’ll be something to look forward to.”

Salman and Iulia have been apparently dating each other for a while now.

The Romanian beauty is often spotted accompanying the superstar on his outdoor travels. She has also formed a close bond with Salman’s family members.

Source: The Indian Express

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monDAY 16•05•2016

SPORTS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Today's MaTches

16/05/2016

Kolkata Knight Riders VS Royal Challengers Bangalore

Eden Gardens, Kolkata

20:00

Sunrisers thrash Kings XI Yuvraj Singh prepares to launch one over the off side. (BCCI Photo)

C M Y K

MohaLI, May 15 (IanS): Sunrisers Hyderabad strengthened their position at the top of the points table with a sevenwicket win over Kings XI Punjab at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium here on Sunday.

Chasing a challenging 180-run target, Hyderabad clinched victory with two balls to spare thanks to some late display of powerhitting by Yuvraj Singh and Ben Cutting.

Coming together with four overs to go and the visitors still needing 41 runs, the duo exploited some poor bowling by Punjab pacers Sandeep Sharma and Mohit Sharma as Hyderabad finished at 180/3 in 19.4 overs.

Yuvraj remained unbeaten on 42 runs off 24 balls with three boundaries and an equal number of sixes. Cutting, who hit the winning runs, was not out on 18 off 11 balls. Sunday's result saw Hyderabad take a two-point lead over second-placed Kolkata Knight Riders with 16 points from

12 matches. Punjab, meanwhile, virtually kissed goodbye to their chances of making it to the play-offs as they remained second from bottom with eight points from 12 matches.

Earlier, Hashim Amla ended his run of form in spectacular fashion to lead the hosts to a challenging total of 179/4 in their 20 overs. Playing in his first IPL, the South African veteran smashed 96 runs off 56 deliveries to register his first half-century of the tournament. Out of his previous three matches in the IPL, the 33-year-old had managed to reach double figures only once.

BRIEF ScoRES: Kings XI - 179/4 in 20 overs [Hashim Amla 96; Bhuvneshwar Kumar 2/32] Sunrisers - 180/3 in 19.4 overs [David Warner 52, Yuvraj Singh 42 n.o.; Axar Patel 1/26, Sandeep Sharma 1/35]

Newcastle stun Spurs as Arsenal finish second

London, May 15 (REUTERS): Tottenham Hotspur fluffed their lastday lines with a 5-1 defeat at relegated, 10-man Newcastle United that left them third in the Premier League behind bitter north London rivals Arsenal.

Olivier Giroud scored a hat-trick as Arsenal overwhelmed relegated Aston Villa 4-0 to pip Tottenham.

Newcastle's swashbuckling performance with two goals from Georginio Wijnaldum and one from Aleksandar Mitrovic, sent off in the 67th minute for a bad foul on Kyle Walker, may have gone some way to persuading Rafa Benitez to stay on as their manager in The Championship.

Erik Lamela pulled one back for Spurs on the hour when they were 2-0 down but Newcastle recovered their two-goal lead with a Wijnaldum penalty for a Jan Vertonghen foul on the busy Moussa Sissoko, a thorn in the visiting defence.

Spurs, who had needed just a point to finish second and above Arsenal for the first time since 1995, were left shell-shocked as substitute Rolando Aarons and Daryl Janmaat added further goals in the last five minutes.

French striker Giroud put Arsenal ahead after five minutes with a neat head-

Suspect device blown up at Old Trafford as ManU finale abandoned

Olivier Giroud celebrates after scoring the second goal for Arsenal. (Reuters)

er from Nacho Monreal's cross and the home team dominated possession.

News of Newcastle's third goal against Spurs caused a huge cheer at the Emirates Stadium and Giroud added Arsenal's second goal 12 minutes from time before completing his hat-trick with a fine leftfooted finish. Mikel Arteta added the fourth in stoppage time.

Leicester City's Premier League winners were given a guard of honour

by Chelsea at Stamford

Bridge and then ended their glory season with a late equaliser from Danny Drinkwater in a 1-1 draw with the outgoing champions on Sunday.

Chelsea had looked the superior side and Cesc Fabregas seemed set to spoil Leicester's final party when he scored from the penalty spot in the 66th minute. Yet with nine minutes left, England midfielder Drinkwater hammered a 30-year shot that left Leicester's fans able to celebrate winning the

league by 10 points, as they chanted: "That's why we're champions."

Manchester City sealed fourth place and a spot in next season's Champions League in unconvincing fashion, unable to end their uneven season with a flourish at Swansea City.

The match finished 1-1.

ScoRES: Southampton 4-1 Palace Watford 2-2 Sunderland Stoke City 2-1 West Ham Everton 3-0 Norwich West Brom 1-1 Liverpool

ManchESTER, May 15 (aFP): Army experts blew up a suspect package at Old Trafford on Sunday after tens of thousands of fans were evacuated from the stadium ahead of Manchester United's final English Premier League game of the season, police said.

The emergency was signalled just 20 minutes before the scheduled start of the game in the 75,600 capacity stadium.

United and Bournemouth players were warming up on the pitch when the club ordered fans out of two stands.

The game "has been abandoned, fans are leaving the ground.

Please avoid the area if possible", Manchester police said on their Twitter account.

Army specialists were called and police later announced that "a controlled explosion has just been carried out within the stadium by bomb disposal experts at Old Trafford."

There was no immediate word on whether the device was a bomb.

ASA executive meeting held Miocic KOs Werdum to claim UFC heavyweight title

KohIMa, May 15 (MExn): The Angami Sports Association (ASA) held its executives on May 13 last at ASA office, APO building, Kohima. The meeting discussed matters pertaining to the forthcoming Golden Jubilee celebration which will be

celebrated in February 2017. The meeting resolved to approach and appoint some senior leaders to hold the responsibility of following Jubilee committees: Finance committee, Souvenir committee, Monolith committee.

Dimapur Inter-School Taekwon-do C’ship concludes

dIMaPUR, May 15 (MExn): The 5th Dimapur District Inter-School Taekwondo (WTF) Championship 2016 organised by the Dimapur District Taekwon-do (WTF) Association (DDTA) was held on May 13 and 14 at State Indoor Badminton Stadium, Dimapur.

Indian Taekwondo Tigers with a to-

School/Academy Indian Taekwondo Tigers AR Taekwondo Academy Hollotoli School Royal Taekwondo Academy Dimapur Taekwondo Academy Deepak Academy Performing Arts

tal of 42 medals (15 gold, 15 silver, and 12 bronze) emerged as Team Champions while Assam Rifles Taekwondo Academy (Medziphema) with 18 medals (12 gold, 5 silver and 1 bronze) emerged as runners up. Hollotoli School bagged 41 medals (8 gold, 10 silver and 23 bronze) was awarded Best Team.

Gold 15 12 8 5 1 0

Silver 15 5 10 1 1 2

Bronze Total 12 42 1 18 23 41 3 9 4 6 3 5

RIo dE JanEIRo, May 15 (aP): Stipe Miocic of the United States beat Brazil's Fabricio Werdum in front of his shocked home crowd on Saturday to become the new UFC heavyweight champion.

The American fighter used his boxing expertise to knock out the Brazilian in the first round of UFC 198 in Curitiba, Southern Brazil.

Werdum started on his feet, avoiding Miocic's attempts to bring him to the floor and use his jiu-jitsu.

But as he moved toward the American, Miocic landed a sucker punch on the Brazilian's chin to quickly end the contest.

Miocic, an Ohio firefighter, won six of his past seven fights. Werdum had won five straight fights,

highlighted by a win against Mark Hunt for the interim title and then a submission victory against Cain Velasquez in a unification bout.

The bout was scheduled for February until Werdum pulled out with injuries and forced a postponement.

Cleveland's long-suffering sports fans have not celebrated a major professional championship in team sports since 1964, but they can at least celebrate Miocic's individual achievement.

Celebrating in front of a sold-out but ultimately disappointed crowd of 45,000 fans at Arena da Baixada, Miocic shouted: "Cleveland, this is for you!"

Still looking surprised at the octagon, Werdum said: "I have to admit that he was

better than me. But I will do all I can to come back and be champion again," said the 38-year old Brazilian.

The local fans could celebrate a Brazilian victory over an American opponent in the key women's fight on the undercard as Cris "Cyborg" Justino needed just one minute and 20 seconds to knock out Leslie Smith of the United States.

In other main card fights, welterweight Bryan Barbarena of the United States beat home crowd favorite Warlley Alves in a unanimous decision. In a split decision, Brazilian light heavyweight Mauricio Rua outpointed American Corey Anderson. Middleweight Ronaldo Souza got a technical knockout against countryman Vitor Belfort.

Stipe Miocic celebrates after defeating Fabricio Werdum.

Verstappen makes F1 history as Mercedes crash out

BaRcELona, May 15 (REUTERS): Dutch teenager Max Verstappen made Formula One history as the youngest race winner on Sunday in a sensational Spanish Grand Prix that saw dominant Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg collide and crash out on the opening lap.

Verstappen, only 18 and making his debut for the former world champions after being promoted from junior team Toro Rosso a week earlier, beat Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen -- at 36 twice his age -- by 0.616 seconds. Verstappen was also the youngest driver to stand on the podium and the first Dutch race winner since the championship started in 1950.

His proud father Jos, who was twice on the podium with Benetton as Michael Schumacher's team mate in 1994 and raced against Raikkonen later in his career, declared it the best day of his life. "This is really something unbelievably special," he told reporters while others acclaimed an exceptional talent.

Four-times world champion Sebastian Vettel, the previous youngest race winner thanks to his astonishing 2008 Italian Grand Prix victory for Toro Rosso at the age of 21, was third for Ferrari.

Rosberg had his lead trimmed to 39 points, with Raikkonen moving up to

Red Bull F1 driver Max Verstappen (L) of The Netherlands celebrates with Ferrari F1 driver Kimi Raikkonen of Finland after winning Spanish Grand Prix. (REUTERS)

second ahead of Hamilton.

The German's dream of an eighth successive win, and fifth of the season, had disappeared in the gravel on the opening lap as he and reigning champion Hamilton crashed out while battling for the lead.

That looked like being the talking point of the day at a circuit that has seen processional races in the past, until Verstappen rewrote the script.

His was a remarkably assured performance for a youngster who could not drive on public roads until last year and whose precocious entry into the sport was questioned by many.

"I was targeting a podi-

um but to win straight away is an amazing feeling," said Verstappen, who had qualified fourth with Australian team mate Daniel Ricciardo third. Ricciardo might have joined him on the podium but a late puncture left him fourth.

Verstappen soaked up the moment, lingering on the podium after the Ferrari drivers had gone and holding the winner's trophy aloft. While Red Bull celebrated, and Ferrari rescued a race that had looked like being one to forget after Raikkonen and Vettel qualified fifth and sixth, dominant champions Mercedes were licking their self-inflicted wounds.

Triple world champion Hamilton had started on pole position, with Rosberg alongside, but their race imploded after three corners. The German passed Hamilton around the outside of turn one and the Briton was then squeezed on to the grass as he tried to regain the lead.

His car skewed sideways and smashed into Rosberg's, with both drivers ending up in the gravel and the safety car deployed.

"It is stupid, we could have won this race," Mercedes' non-executive chairman Niki Lauda told the BBC. "Lewis is too aggressive. I need to talk to them and hear their explanation and then we will see what happens."

Mercedes motorsport director Toto Wolff refused to apportion blame, however. "From a team's perspective we've looked at the pictures and the data and it's not clear cut. Nico had a really good turn one and turn two, Lewis tried to dive in, Nico closed the door.

"I'd say let's wait and see what the stewards say.

It's not a situation where you can attribute 100 percent of the blame."

Finland's Valtteri Bottas was fifth for Williams with Spaniard Carlos Sainz sixth for Toro Rosso. Mexican Sergio Perez was seventh for Force India and Brazilian Felipe Massa eighth for Williams.

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