May 18th, 2015

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www.morungexpress.com

The Morung Express

Dimapur Vol. X issuE 134

www.morungexpress.com

Monday, May 18, 2015 12 Pages Rs. 4

Thank you, God, for this good life and forgive us if we do not love it enough

International AIDS PM praises Mongolia as new bright light of democracy in world Candlelight Memorial Service held in Mkg [ PAGE 8]

reflections

By Sandemo Ngullie

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—Garrison Keillor

Anfield bids a heartfelt farewell to Steven Gerrard

[ PAGE 2]

[ PAGE 12]

Tackling the anguish of traffic jams ROW Break up

Break up Easing congestion at NH 29 PuranaROW Bazar-Chumu corridor imkong Walling Dimapur | May 17

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A saturated urban core with no scope of expansion towards the west, north and east; Dimapur’s only option is to head south towards Chumukedima.

While the town heads south, connectivity between the urban core and Chumukedima is one major concern left largely He reminds me of someone, overlooked. NH 29, which shoulders the bulk of dobut i can’t place it. mestic and inter-state vehicular traffic, also acts as the arterial link between the two growing townships, resulting in congestion and reduced travel speed.

With the State government considering shifting the District administrative headquarters to the south in Chumukedima, congestion along this route is projected to worsen, notes a study.

The study, conducted by Architect/Planner The Morung Express Chenithung Lotha, further that having a comPoll QuEsTion notes prehensive transportation Vote on www.morungexpress.com system and optimising the SMS your anSwer to 9862574165 available space is essential to streamlining vehicular Do you think the Nagaland media enjoys ‘press traffic along this “corridor” freedom’ in Nagaland?

(Purana Bazar-Chumukedima, NH 29).

Yes no others The study was conducted under the aegis of Have Nagaland State politicians given up a World Bank sponsored democratic values and programme on ‘Leaderprinciples for power, ship in Urban Transport prestige and status?

Planning during 2014Yes 77% 15. Lotha’s project titled 10% no ‘Mobility and Safe Acces13% others sibility Along DimapurDetails on page 7 Chumukedima Corridor’

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Sidewalk Parking 4m 3m

4m

12 m

Carriage way

Parking Sidewalk 3m 4m

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4m

20 m

24 m

Development models for 20m (lEFT) and 24m (RiGHT) RoW illustrated in the project presentation depicts a breakup of the road. These development models were highlighted in a project titled ‘Mobility and safe Accessibility Along Dimapur-Chumukedima Corridor’- a study conducted by Architect/Planner Chenithung lotha under the aegis of World Bank.

studied the prospect of easing transport along this busy stretch of NH 29. The survey covered a stretch of 14kms from Purana Bazaar upto 7th Mile.

While expansion of the road is highly unlikely, considering the parochial land-holding system practiced here, the survey revealed that there is scope for development within the existing parameter.

The Right of Way

Utilising the ‘Right of Way’ (RoW) to the maximum is crucial to easing vehicular movement in this stretch of road. RoW implies the available space (width) between two structures or buildings on both sides of the road.

According to data gen-

erated via the survey, the RoW between Purana Bazar and 7th Mile varies from 20-25m. The tarred portion or carriageway is 7m.

“Developing the untarred portion while designating user specific lanes would hold the key,” Lotha maintains.

Lotha in his project presentation illustrated development models. One of the models for a 20m RoW included footpaths (4m in width) on both sides and leaving ample space for a 12m carriageway. The footpaths could also provide for pedestrian facilities and vendors.

Another model for a 24m RoW included footpaths (4m in width) on both sides, 10m carriageway and parking lanes (3m

in width) on both sides of the carriageway.

While accommodating multi-lanes in an already constricted space appears farfetched, Lotha maintains that it would work provided road rules are obeyed.

The nature of traffic here is described as ‘mixed’ where all modes of transport ply the roads, including non-motorised transport, with no vehicle-specific lane regulation, resulting in haphazard traffic condition. It is compounded further by the absence of facilities for pedestrians and cyclists, encroachment of Right of Way, absence of off-street parking and unregulated on-street parking and absence of stands or stops for

public transport.

Decreasing Volume of Traffic

The survey also studied the possibility of cutting down the volume of traffic along this corridor. According to data generated through the survey, the day-time average speed of vehicles is 15-23 kms.

A break-up of the vehicle composition which plies this route indicate that personal cars make up 36 percent of the total volume, followed by autorickshaws at 31 percent. Motorised two-wheelers make up 19 percent followed by trucks at 7 percent.

Limiting passenger autorickshaws to feeder roads or roads linked to NH 29, an organised pub-

lic transport system (line haul) and; developing and using by-passes running parallel to NH 29 would to a great extent lessen congestion, the survey found.

The idea behind limiting autorickshaws to feeder roads is to provide connectivity between the by-passes and NH 29 at intersections which dot the Purana Bazar-Chumukedima corridor. The feeder roads identified by the survey are 38 kms in total; each feeder running not more than 6 kms.

As found by the survey, one of the identified bypasses would originate at Purana Bazar and emerge at Chumukedima traversing colony and village roads. The other by-pass would start at NH 36 and

emerge at 7th Mile. The latter of the two is already in use as an alternative route to avoid the congestion at NH 29. Each (by-pass) route is not more than 20 kms in length.

To make up for the absence of autorickshaws along the corridor, line haul system of public transportation could be introduced with intermediate stops at identified points and intersections.

As per the survey data, smaller vehicles in place of buses would be better suited for the line-haul public transportation system. “(If it could be implemented) Average speed on this particular stretch will increase while congestion could be halved by 50 percent”.

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nscn (K) and Ar clash in noklak

Situation also tense in Longleng Morung Express news Dimapur | May 17 C M Y K

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Another armed encounter between NSCN (K) and the Assam Rifles was reported from Pangsha area under Noklak sub-division, Tuensang district on Sunday morning.

According to sources, NSCN (K) cadres reportedly made an attempt to ambush a team of Assam Rifles and Territorial Army personnel patrolling some 20 kilometers away from Pangsha between Wonsoi and Langnok village at around 4:30 am.

The initial exchange of gun fire lasted for nearly an hour, after which there were intermittent firings till noon, a source from Pangsha said. In the afternoon, ADC, Noklak along with the police reached the spot for verification. There was no casualty reported till late in the evening, SP, Tuensang when contacted informed.

Another source informed that there were some casualties on the NSCN (K) side. This, however, could not be confirmed.

Following the firing, situation is said to be tense in Noklak. Village Guards are also patrolling Pangsha area, the source said.

Lack of proper cellular connectivity proved to be a roadblock for the police, as well as worried citizens, on getting timely information. Even the SP, Tuensang said he was having trouble in getting in touch with his subordinates in Noklak who had gone for verification.

Since the abrogation of ceasefire by the NSCN (K) with the Government of India in April, Pangsha area, which borders Myanmar, has turned into an insecure place for civilians because of the reported presence of NSCN (K) cadres in Naga villages under Myanmar, the source said.

Meanwhile, in Longleng district, situation is also tense with reports of heavy movement of NSCN (K) cadres getting ready to encounter the Indian military.

The May 3 incident at Changlangshu, under Mon district, wherein eight personnel of the Indian security forces were killed, is close to Longleng district.

Heavy frisking of citizens in Naginimora area under Mon district by the Assam Rifles was also reported. “The Assam Rifles have already set up battle ready bunkers around their unit station in case of any eventuality,” the source said.

Intelligence sources claimed that the Assam Rifles are now in full alert to engage with the NSCN (K).

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Dimapur

Monday

LocaL

18 May 2015

Zhovezo Resu Dimapur | May 17

Street vendors have long battled to be recognized as a professional guild. However, that is not the biggest of the issues for many vendors in Dimapur. Majority of the people in Dimapur depend on vendors for fresh vegetables, yet what goes unnoticed most of the M Y K

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From Karbi Anglong to Dimapur: Vendors’ journey of survival

Vendors wait for customers at Wednesday Bazaar, Super Market in Dimapur on May 13. (Photo by Zhovezo Resu)

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The Morung Express

time is the journey of the vendors from their homes to the markets.

Pesapi from a village in Assam’s Karbi Anglong journeys to Dimapur every once a week with her load of assorted fresh vegetables. The vegetables she sells at Wednesday Bazaar in Super Market are bought from local vendors in her village at a cheap price. She

earns around Rs. 500 each trip, out of which, Rs.100 is spent on bus fare and Rs. 20 on tax.

The profit she makes selling vegetables on the streets of Dimapur is meager, but for Pesapi and her family, the journey is essential for survival. Half of their family income comes through the sale of vegetables.

A daily wage earner

with five children, Pesapi’s life is one of struggle. She earns Rs. 120 a day on her working days and her husband works as a Chowkidar in a school, but Pesapi has to find other means of income to fulfill the needs of her family.

Sitting a few steps away from Pesapi is Redhoni, a widow with 8 children from another village in

KA. She not only sells vegetables, but also firewood sometimes. On a bad day, she goes home empty hand; meanwhile, on some days, when she cannot sell all of her vegetables, she gives them at a cheaper price as she cannot carry them back home. Juggling between her business and family, she has always been proactive as a mother. “Why I can’t look after my kids, I have been taking care of them my entire life,” she asserts.

Dimapur sees a lot of street vendors from Karbi Anglong, mostly selling vegetables. Neti Sharma and his wife from KA have been coming to Dimapur to sell vegetables to provide for their family and pay for their children’s education.

“Education is necessary for our children even though we are poor,” Sharma says.

He hopes that his children grow up, become someone in life, and look after the family. “We don’t have any other work. In order to survive we have to work hard and get something for the family, what we sell is what we take home to look after our family.”

The writer is a student of St. Aloysius College, Mangalore and is interning at The Morung Express.

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People light candles during the 32nd International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Service observed in Mokokchung on May 17.

International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Service held in Mkg Morung Express News Mokokchung | May 17

The 32nd International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Service was held today at Network of Mokokchung District People with HIV (NMP+) office, Mokokchung under the theme “Supporting the Future”.

Bendang Jamir, Associate Pastor, Mokokchung Town Baptist Church, who was the guest of honor at the candlelight service, said, “For many of us, perhaps most of us, there is the awakened sense of vulnerability- that the dis-

tant terror we read about in the daily paper can now become a terror we experience in our daily lives”.

He added, “As we pass the flame of remembrance from one to another let the tiny light also represent our own rebirth and renewal as we seek meaning in life and look to future’s promise with our surviving loved ones and shatter our lives.”

Dr. Temsumenla, Medical Officer, ARTC, Mokokchung also spoke at the service about the various challenges she faced while treating people living with HIV. Ignorance of the peo-

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NVCO urges governor to protect State revenue

KohiMa, May 17 (Mexn): Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organisation (NVCO) has requested the State governor to protect State revenue, rectify the exorbitant rates awarded to firms in infrastructural development, table tender in awarding works, and issue directive to the State government to effectively implement the High Court Order in stopping illegal collection of cash in the check gates and highways.

The president of NVCO & Convenor, ACAUT Nagaland (legal cell) Kezhokhoto Savi informed that a representation submitted to the governor on May 14 specifically highlighted “illegal conduct” of the government - incorporating terms & conditions such as “Sales tax and Work tax shall be paid extra to the

contractor as applicable” in favour of few contractor firms. The State is losing huge crores of rupees of State revenue by doing this, Savi said.

He stated that this tax is to be deducted on the running bill of the contractors, but the above mentioned rule exempt them from payment of the legal taxes. Another “arbitrary clause”, the NVCO pointed out was “Payment shall be made as and when fund is available.” This, it said, is “totally contrary to the provisions of NPWD & CPWD and it is invalid under the Indian Contract act.”

The NVCO further requested the Governor to issue directive to the State government to effectively execute the common Judgement & Order dated 03.06.2014 passed by the Gauhati High Court, Kohima

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Bench to completely stop the illegal collection of cash at the checkgates and on highways.

It said that illegal collections of cash by police/ unions/ associations/ federations/ public organizations/ govt. departments at the check gates and on highways contribute to price-rise in the State, especially Dimapur. “Many trucks coming from outside refuse to enter Nagaland because of the forcible collection of ‘taxes’ at various-gates lying on national/state highways and there are numerous collection points at every conceivable corner in Dimapur including the authorized and unauthorized DMC toll tax counters where truck drivers are stopped and compelled to pay some amount,” NVCO added.

The NVCO further alleged that

the State government has even failed to effectively implement the order dated 22.06.2009 issued by the Chief Secretary, Govt. of Nagaland, stating that no collection of cash would be allowed in the checkgates or in any part of the highway by any organisation, individual, and government departments.

“Illegal collection of cash on highways and check-gates is extortion and extortion is law and order problem,” NVCO asserted.

During their interaction with the governor at Raj Bhavan here on May 14, NVCO also apprised that it does not find any provision in appointing Parliamentary Secretary, Advisors & Chairmen under the Constitution of India, except 12 ministers out of 60 seats in the case of Nagaland State.

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Participants and representatives from different NGOs and institutions taking part in the 32nd International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Service held Sunday afternoon at District Hospital Dimapur. The service was jointly organized by DAPCU, DNP+, partner NGOs and NACP facilities. A minute of silent prayer was also held in memory of all those who died due to AIDS. (Morung Photo)

WSSU honours successful HSLC/HSSLC students

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Morung Express News Dimapur | May 17

The Excise duty party stationed at Chumukedima, Dimapur seized 268 bottles of rum from a Kohima bound pick-up truck.

The seized consignment was concealed beneath heaps of vegetables. The driver of the truck Rajen Kharka of Senapati was arrested and charged under NLTP Act. Meanwhile, all the seized articles were deposited at Dimapur district Excise malkhana to be destroyed in the next round of destruction.

Western Sumi Students’ Union (WSSU) on Sunday felicitated successful students of HSLC and HSSLC exams at Thilixu Baptist Church with SDO (C) Dimapur, P. James Swu as the speaker.

Among the successful students were three toppers, namely Akivikali - Top 8 HSLC, Itoki - Top 19 HSLC, and Bolito - Top 5 HSSLC. During the programme, the speaker encouraged the students to remain level headed with their success and strive for bigger achievements. Stating that the society was looking up to them, he asked them to respond accordingly. James told the students and other aspiring candidates for competitive exams not to be impatient with God’s ways, adding “Nobody’s no can compete with God’s yes.”

The bureaucrat also dis-

Successful students including toppers of HSLC and HSSLC exams seen along with WSSU office bearers and other leaders during the felicitation programme. (Morung Photo)

couraged proxy teachers and advised the actual teachers to report to their places of posting.

The three toppers in their respective speeches thanked God for granting them success. They also attributed their success to parents, teachers and Churches for their con-

stant prayer support.

WSSU President, Atoki Sumi in his welcome address expressed gratitude to the toppers and other successful candidates for bringing laurels to the union and the community.

Western Sumi Hoho, Information and Publicity Sec-

retary, Bohoi exhorted the congregation while Aloke Yeptho, winner of You Know You Got It 2014 presented a special number.

During the programme, Pastor, Thilixu Baptist Church, Khetoshe Aye prayed for the successful students and their parents.

MoRD officials in Nagaland for inspection Soft skills training held at SASRD

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ple, financial constraints, discrimination and fear of the disease were some of the main challenges that she faced while treating patients, especially those that come from rural settings.

At the service, Makshi, DPO, DAPCU, gave the welcome address, T. Temsu Jamir, Project Director, NMP+, spoke on the significance of the day. The service ended with the candle lighting ceremony and a prayer for the departed soul of those people who have died with AIDS and also for those people living with AIDS.

DiMapur, May 17 (Mexn): Two officials from Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) are in Nagaland to inspect various MGNREGA schemes across the State.

One of the officials, Dr. Silpa Pandey, Research Officer UNDP, in-charge Nagaland MGNREGA, visited Diezephe and Indisen villages on May 13 and interacted with MGNREGA job card holders, inspected the master roll, highlighted to the villagers about MGNREGA and discussed about schemes implemented by VDBs during 2013-14 and 2014-15. He was accompanied by officials of DRDA Dimapur, RD Block Dhansiripar, and RD Block Chumukedima

Prasana V Salian, Assistant Commissioner, MGNREGA along with State officials during his visit to Aoyimti village on May 14.

Meanwhile, the other official, Prasana V. Salian, Assistant Commissioner, MGNREGA visited Aoy-

imti village on May 14 and checked job cards, master roll and employment register besides some MGNRE-

GA scheme sites. PO DRDA, DPO DRDA, BDO Niuland and BDO Aghunaqa accompanied him.

MeDzipheMa, May 17 (Mexn): YouthNet in collaboration with SASRD Student Counseling & Placement Cell organized a two-day programme on soft skills training and counseling on general competitive exams for students at SASRD, Nagaland University, Medziphema on May 16 and 17.

The programme covered topics on SWOT Analysis, Effective Communication, Personality Development, Overcoming Peer Pressure, Resume Writing, Interview Etiquette and Counseling Session.

The training was highly interactive and infor-

mative, informed a press release received here.

The modules were customized and designed to address the needs of the students and help them develop traits that would mould them in getting a great career in the future, it added.

The resource person for the training was Nuneseno Chase from YouthNet, while the guest counselor was Prof. AK Singh of Scholar Study, a coaching institute for NPSC and UPSC examinations, Dimapur.

The training was attended by students of 2nd, 4th, 6th and 8th Semester of B.Sc (Ag) Hons.

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Assam Rifles apprehend NSCN (K) cadre

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LongLeng, May 17 (Mexn): Troops of 31 Assam Rifles nabbed one NSCN (K) cadre with arms and ammunition from Longleng Town on May 12. A defence press release informed that based on specific input, the Assam Rifles team searched a house and apprehended SS Sgt Maj Kamting Phom. The team also recovered “warlike stores and narcotics,” it added. The apprehended person along with the recovered items was handed over to Longleng police station. In another operation the same day, 31 Assam Rifles apprehended two persons with arms and ammunition from a coal mine near Tuli. The arrested persons have been identified as Morenba Imsung and Imtienba. On thorough search of a hut in the coal mine, arms and ammunition were recovered, the release said. The two accused were handed over to Police Station, Tuli.

Kripa Foundation to organize free liver health camp

KohiMa, May 17 (Mexn): Kripa Foundation Nagaland in collaboration with Abbott India Limited is organizing liver health camp where free Fibro Scan service will be provided on May 25 and 26 from 10 am to 3 pm at Kripa Foundation Drop-In Centre, Razhu Point, above Central Bank, Kohima. Fibro Scan, recommended by World Health Organisation (WHO) for monitoring liver health, is painless, takes less than ten minutes and produces immediate results, and is very sensitive at picking up liver stiffness/ damage, informed a press release issued by Abou Mere, director, Kripa Foundation. The Scan can also identify people who need treatment urgently and dramatically reduce the need for having a liver biopsy. Further, informing that chronic infection leads to liver cancer or cirrhosis of the liver, Abou Mere has invited people living with Hepatitis B, C, alcoholics or any individual having liver problem to avail the free Fibro Scan service.

UNTABA executive committee meeting

DiMapur, May 17 (Mexn): As scheduled earlier, the executive committee of United Naga Tribes Association on Border Areas (UNTABA) will have an executive committee meeting on May 20, 2:00 pm at Lotha Hoho Ki, DC Court Junction, Dimapur to discuss the issues on border areas between Nagaland and Assam. Therefore, all the executive committee members have been requested to attend the scheduled meeting positively.

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REgional 3 Mizoram to take back Imphal-Ukhrul road bandh suspended Monday

The Morung Express

Bru refugees after 18 yrs Sujit Chakraborty

F

IANS

ollowing pressure from the union home ministry and the Tripura government, Mizoram has finally agreed to take back all the tribal refugees sheltering in Tripura for the past 18 years.

"The repatriation of refugees expected to start from June 8. A tripartite meeting between the officials of Tripura and Mizoram governments and refugee leaders took this decision," Panisagar Sub-divisional magistrate Biplab Das told IANS. He said: "It was decided in the meeting that from June 2 to June 4, a study would be done about how many of the refugees' names have been enrolled in the electoral list of Mizoram. Then sub-divisional level officials of the two states in presence of the refugee leaders would be held before starting of the repatriation on June 8."

According to Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Badal Choudhury, there are 5,286 tribal families comprising 31,223 men,

women and children sheltered in seven camps in Kanchanpur and Panisagar sub-divisions under North Tripura district adjoining Mizoram.

The Reang tribals, who locally call themselves "Bru", have lived in makeshift camps camps in Tripura since October 1997 when they fled western Mizoram after the killing of a Mizo forest officer triggered ethnic trouble.

The Mizoram government earlier refused to take back all the refugees citing that all the migrants are not the resident of Mizoram.

"In the Friday's district magistrate-level meeting, the Mizoram government officials more or less agreed to take back all the refugees sheltered in Tripura," said Das, who was also present in the meeting.

The Tripura government team was led by additional district magistrate of North Tripura district Ranjit Das while Mizoram's team was led by Mamit district Deputy Commissioner Vanlalngaihsaka.

Meanwhile, Mizoram's additional secretary of home department Lal-

biakzama said in Aizawl that following the Supreme Court's directives and the decision made in the meeting of the union home ministry in presence of Mizoram and Tripura governments' officials on January 30, it was proposed to repatriate all the remaining tribal families from the relief camps in north Tripura district.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and his deputy Kiren Rijiju had visited the refugee camps and held talks with the refugee leaders on February 14 and persuaded the tribal to go back to their villages in western Mizoram.

Refugee leaders told the central ministers that they were willing to return to their homes in Mizoram if their 10 points demands, including security and rehabilitation, were met.

The Mizoram Bru Displaced People's Forum (MBDPF), an organisation of the refugees, submitted a six-page memorandum to the central ministers accusing the Mizoram government of discriminating against them.

The Mizoram government remains ambiguous

Chinese-origin Assamese facing severe identity crisis New Delhi, May 17 (PTi): Leong Lin Chi, who lives in Makum in Assam’s Tinsukia district, was only six years old when she got separated from her parents who were deported to China in 1962. She now longs to meet her ageing and ailing parents and has approached the government for helping her in doing so.

Leong, now known as Pramila Das, is among the several hundreds of Assamese people of Chinese origin facing a severe identity crisis. Most of these Chinese people had come much before India’s independence.

They were brought to Assam by East India Company officials for establishing the tea industry. After that there were some voluntary migration from China to Assam and Bengal.

Says author Rita Chow-

dhury, who has done extensive research on the subject, “Most of these people in Assam got married with local girls and settled down there.

As time passed by, a large society of the Assamese-Chinese was formed and flourished in Assam. An estimated 1,500 people of Chinese origin are believed to be living in Assam. “They forgot their own language and most of them never went back to China again. Most of the people were illiterate and ignorant of political changes.”

But after the 1962 IndiaChina war, they were sent to a detention camp in Deoli in Rajasthan so that they don’t work as spies. “Some of them were deported to China while a few were released later. Those released came back to Assam only to find that their property were all gone. The deported peo-

India-Myanmar border prone to frequent quakes GuwahaTi, May 17 (TNN): With the horrors of the Nepal quake fresh in the minds of the people here, experts warned that areas along the India-Myanmar border frequently experience earthquake of magnitude five on the Richter Scale and that a high-magnitude temblor can strike the region any time.

"Earthquakes of magnitude five on the Richter Scale occur along the India-Myanmar border once in every three or four months. After the 1950 temblor, there has been no high-magnitude earthquake in the region. It can happen anytime," said Chandan Ghosh, head of the geo-hazards division of National Institute of Disaster Management.

The 1950 earthquake, of magnitude 8.7, was the last devastating quake that rocked the state. Though an earthquake of magnitude 8 has not hit the region since 1950, the gap could be the gestation period for a big quake in future, experts feel.

Ghosh said, given the rise in construction in the region, an earthquake of magnitude 7 could cause huge devastation and added that it is time the region promoted earthquakeresistant structures using modern technology.

The northeast is located in the highly seismic Zone V. The seismic microzonation study of Guwahati in 2008 said the maximum number

of 'severe quakes' (seven to eight in magnitude) is observed in eastern Arunachal Pradesh, central and lower Brahmaputra valley and south-eastern Manipur.

The Brahmaputra valley, northern Manipur, eastern Nagaland and east-central Mizoram are prone to earthquakes of magnitude ranging from six to seven, while quakes with magnitude of over five are seen in the northern part of Arunachal, some parts of lower Brahmaputra valley, central Manipur and west Tripura.

Dimapur

18 May 2015

ple are still considered as Indian refugees,” she adds.

Chowdhury, who has written a novel “Makam” on the subject and recently a coffee-table book “The Divided Soul”, has one dream – Assamese people with Chinese origin feeling as secure as other Indian citizens and the deportees and their families coming to India to see their birthplace and meet their loved ones without any fear. The senior lecturer in Political Science at Cotton College in Guwahati urges the government and the civil society to come forward to provide necessary political and social protection to the Indian-Chinese “living in silence, fear and insecurity”.

Leong’s father Leong Kok Hoi worked as a carpenter at Rangagara tea estate in Assam and her mother Chanu Leong was a Mizo.

on the refugees' demands, which also included free supply of food grain for two years, and allotting land to them.

Mizo organisations, however, have opposed the MBDPF's demands.

Tripura Revenue and Relief Minister Choudhury told IANS: "We urge upon the central government to ask the Mizoram government to take back the refugees."

"It is very unfortunate that the tribals despite being Indians nationals and permanent inhabitant of a state, are unable to live in their homeland. This is dangerous for the ethnic amity, stability and peace," the minister said. "A serious socio-economic problem has cropped up due to the long stay of the refugees in Tripura. The refugees have damaged vast areas in forests in Kanchanpur causing serious environmental problems," he added.

Our Correspondent Imphal | May 17

The indefinite bandh along Imphal-Ukhrul road enforced by the JAC against Anti-Social Activities on Gwaltabi Villagers has been suspended today following the Committee reaching an understanding with the Chief Minister.

A spokesperson of the JAC told The Morung Express that the indefinite bandh imposed on Imphal-Ukhrul road had been suspended after CM Ibobi assured to concede to the demands of the

committee at the earliest.

He said representatives of the JAC met Ibobi at his official residence during which both sides came to an amicable solution.

The JAC kicked-off the strike from 5:00 AM of May 16 to put pressure on the Manipur Government to fulfill its demands.

On May 3, an understanding was arrived between the State Government and leaders of Gwaltabi Village during a joint meeting attended by CM Ibobi, Deputy Speaker MK Preshow Shimray,

MLAs Ksh Biren and Victor Keishing.

The Government has promised to pay proper compensation to the villagers of Gwaltabi for the losses by May 15. But the promise has not yet been translated into action till date. Irked by this, the JAC called the Imphal -Ukhrul road blockade.

At least 20 houses of Gwaltabi were allegedly

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ATCF had called the general strike along all National Highways connecting Manipur demanding proper implementation of MGNREGS in the hill areas.

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ADMISSION FOR THE YEAR 2015-16 Courses Offered Duration Master of Divinity (M.Div.) 2 years Bachelor of Theology (B. Th.) Diploma in Theology (Dip. Th.) Certificate in Theology (C.Th.)

3 years 3 years 5 years 2 years

Eligibility B. Th. with Second class & above B. A & Equivalent Class 10+2 passed Class 10 passed Class 10 passed

2 years

Class 8 passed

VACANCY Applications are invited from the committed and qualified candidates for One Lecturer Post (prefer, Master of Theology (M. Th.) in Old Testament Department).

• Scholarships: Work scholarships are available for the financially poor candidates.

• Entrance Test for the New Students, 11th June 2015 • College re-opening Day, 18th June 2015 • The Application Form can be collected from the Principal’s & Academic Dean’s Office. Application Form can also be downloaded from NBC website. www.nagalandbiblecollege.com • For Further detail information:Please Contact: Sentila Ao, Principal 9436607340/9615086185 S. Mar Aier, Academic Dean 8575783528 E.mail. nbcmokokchung@gmail.com

Christ for the NatioNs BiBle College Kohima, NagalaNd

Between DUDA Guest House & Directorate of Industries & Commerce P.O Box 26, High School Area, Kohima, Nagaland Recognized & Registered under Department of Higher Education, Government of Nagaland. Associate Member of ATA (India)

ADMISSION GOING ON

Equipping chosen Christian Men and Women to impact eternity!

Course Offered: Regular & Extension Class begins 17th June 1. Master of Divinity - B.Th (2 yrs)/ Secular Graduates (3 yrs) 2. Master in Biblical Studies (without language) - B.Th (2 yrs)/ Secular Graduates (3 yrs) 3. Master of Missiology/Ministry (without language) - B.Th (2 yrs)/ Secular Graduates (3 yrs) 4. Bachelor of Theology - HSSLC passed (3 yrs)/ HSLC passed (4 yrs) 5. Graduate in Theology - Undermatric/ Matric appeared (4 yrs) 6. Certificate in Theology - Undermatric/ Matric appeared (3 yrs) Wanted two male lecturers Required Qualifications: Master of Divinity (M. Div) and above with having Bachelor of Theology (B.Th) Degree.

Work scholarship available for the deserving Class X Passed & above candidates from Assam, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Manipur, Eastern Nagaland, and Arunachal.

For more information you can contact: Vice-Principal: 0985-637-3529 / 09402-4344-92 Registrar: 0940-243-4491

KOHIMA BIBLE COLLEGE Associate Member of ATA, Affiliated to NATA & Approved by The Govt. of Nagaland P.O. Box – 482 Kohima: Nagaland

Born Again, certain of your call to the ministry, and have the commitment to serve the Lord; you are welcome to Kohima Bible College -The first established Bible College in Nagaland and God’s own ordained place in training men and women for the Global mission.

The College: is Bible-centered, Christ-centered and gives special emphasis on the deliverance ministry and to walk in the Anointing work of the Holy Spirit. is committed for Spiritual quality with Academic excellence.

ADMISSION OPEN FOR THE FOLLOWING COURSES: Courses offered

Eligibility

Master of Divinity (Regular & Extension)

Duration

B.Th / B.A. / B. Sc

2 years

HS (+2) / PUC

3 years

HSLC

4 years

Certificate in Theology

HSLC

3 years

Graduate in Theology

Under Matriculate

4 years

Bachelor of Theology

 

New Admission to the Autumn Session 2015 is going on.

New Admissions will be given on first cum first basis.



Applicants are invited for the following vacant post:

1.

2.

Warden (Girls) + Lecturer (Th M in New Testament) Lecturer (Th M in OT/NT/History)

For more information contact: Principal (M)- 9436011961

Vice-Principal (M)-8575733192

Eastern Bible College Established 1974. Government Recognised

Admissions Open 2015 Asia Theological Association (ATA) Programs offered Residential (R) and Distance Learning (DL) Programs Master of Theology(ATA)1. Mission; 2. Ministry; 3. Religion (DL) Master of Divinity (R & DL) Bachelor of Theology (R & DL) Diploma in Theology (R & DL)

Qualification M. Div.; B. D.

Duration 3 Years

Secular/Theology Graduate 2 to 3 Years Class 10+2 passed 3 Years Class 10 passed 2 Years

Millennium International University

Incorporated in and certified by the Dept. of State of the State of Delaware, USA. Fully Distance Learning Programs Offered, Globally Recognised degrees Programmes Qualification Duration Doctor of Ministry Masters in any discipline 3-5 Years Master of Ministry Bachelor in any discipline 3 Years Bachelor of Ministry Class 10+2 passed 3 Years MIU 2014 graduates included leading Christian leaders in Asia Pacific namely Rev. Dr. Dale Stephenson, Senior Pastor Crossway Baptist Church, Melbourne, which is the largest Baptist church in Australia, Dr. Philip Chieng Chairman of the board of directors of World Outreach International Malaysia, Dr. Tony Foo, served as Chairman of Council of First Baptist Church, Petaling Jaya, a mega Baptist church in Malaysia.

Office Time & Day : 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon Monday to Friday

For admission contact:

Principal EBC/ MIU Regional Coordinator -9615554970 Academic Dean: 9856175976; Dean DL: 8014932755 P.O. Box 29, Bank Colony, Dimapur 797 112 Nagaland Email: ebcdimapur@yahoo.co.in www.ebcdimapur.com;

4

businEss

Monday

Dimapur

18 May 2015

The Morung Express

Modi on historic visit to Mongolia; offers $1 bn credit

UlaN Bator, may 17 (iaNS): India and Mongolia on Sunday elevated their 60-year-old diplomatic ties to a strategic partnership as Narendra Modi became the first Indian prime minister to visit the landlocked northeast Asian nation, which has declared India as its “third neighbour and spiritual neighbour”.

The two countries inked 13 agreements, including in the sphere of air services and cyber security.

Modi, who was accorded a ceremonial welcome in the morning and held talks with Mongolian Prime Minister Chimed Saikhanbileg, also visited the Gandan Monastery and presented a sapling of the revered Mahabodhi tree to the head abbot Hamba Lama of the monastery.

More than half the population of Mongolia, which is sandwiched between China and Russia and

shares frosty ties with both, follows Buddhism.

Saikhanbileg, in his media statement after the talks at the State Palace, said Mongolia “firmly regards India as our third neighbour and our spiritual neighbour”.

Modi announced a $1 billion line of credit to Mongolia for its infrastructure projects. He said: “Mongolia is an integral part of India’s Act East Policy. The destinies of India and Mongolia are closely linked with the future of Asia Pacific Region.”

Modi thanked Mongolia for its “strong support” for India’s bid for permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council.

A joint statement issued here said India and Mongolia have agreed to offer reciprocal support for their bids for a non-permanent seat in the UNSC for

the terms 2021-2022 and 2023-2024 respectively.

The government of India also confirmed its support to Mongolia’s candidacy to the UN Human Rights Council for the term 2016-2018.

“In a reflection of our commitment to further deepen our relationship, we have decided to upgrade our Comprehensive Partnership to ‘Strategic Partnership’. We also agreed to renew our Treaty of Friendly Relations and Cooperation,” he said.

Modi said India and Mongolia can boost cooperation in the field of civil nuclear as Mongolia is rich in uranium and in mineral resources. “I hope that location will not be a constraint on Mongolia’s right to choose its partners.”

In his address at the Mongolian parliament, or Great Hural, which was convened on Sunday as a special

gesture in honour for the Indian prime minister, Modi said Mongolia terming India as its spiritual neighbour is a high form of honour.

There are “no bonds more sacred than this. We in India are honoured that you think of us this way”.

On terrorism, the joint statement said both prime ministers “noted that the nature and spread of international terrorism in recent years poses a threat to all humanity and requires global resolve and cooperative measures of the international community without double standards or selectivity”.

Both agreed to direct their officials to work together for the adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.

The two prime ministers “expressed hope that all safe havens and sanctuaries for terrorists will be

wiped out without delay”.

In the field of defence, both sides agreed to continue to work towards further intensifying bilateral defence and security cooperation through exchanges of high and mid-level visits, regular consultations, military personnel exchanges and capacity building among other things.

Among the memoranda of understanding (MoUs) is one for setting up a Cyber Security Training Centre in Mongolia’s defence ministry, as part of which India will train Mongolian personnel in cyber security.

The national security councils of both countries are to hold consultations on traditional and nontraditional security issues, counter-terrorism, intelligence cooperation and exchange.

Both sides also inked an MoU on enhancing cooperation between their bor-

der guarding forces in capacity building, exchange of best practices, conduct of joint exercises, technologies for border guarding, surveillance and policing.

Modi later handed over Bhabhatron, a telecobalt machine developed by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) for cancer treatment, at Mongolia’s National Cancer Centre here.

He also laid the foundation stone of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Centre for Excellence in Information Technology & Communication and Outsourcing.

Modi met Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj, who gifted him a morin khuur, a traditional two-stringed fiddle.

Modi presented Elbegdorj with a specially commissioned reproduction of a rare 13th century manuscript on the history of Mongols from the Rampur Raza Library, Rampur.

Google unveils 2 new Chromebooks in India NEw, DElhi may 17 (agENciES): Google India has launched two new Chromebooks in partnership with companies like Xolo and Nexian in India at a price of Rs 12,999. The Xolo Chromebook will be available in a few days via Snapdeal while the Nexian Air Chromebook is now available on Amazon India. Apart from these Chromebooks, Google also announced the Asus Chromebook Flip C201 and a model by Samsung, which will be available later this year.

Both Xolo and Nexian Chromebooks have been priced at Rs 12, 999. Google claims these devices to be fast, easy to use and can be seen as a substitute to laptops.

The specs of both the Chromebook are similar. Both Nexian Air Chromebook and Xolo Chromebook sport a 11.6-inch TFT display at a resolution of 1366×768 pixels. It runs on a 1.8GHz Cortex A17 Rockchip quad core processor with 2GB DDR3 RAM. On the storage front, it comes with 16GB internal storage which can be expanded via SD card slot. On the connectivity front, it has 2 USB 2.0 ports, an HDMI port and Bluetooth 4.0 and is powered by a 4200mAh battery. It also has a 1MP web cam.

The new devices run on latest the Chrome OS which is based on Linux. The experience is similar to that of using an Android smartphone. According to the company, Chromebooks are built to work work in an environment where connectivity can be spotty and people’s first experiences with technology are through a phone rather than laptop.

Amway launches ‘Attitude India beats own target to contain Modi govt gets 7 on 10 for first Be Bright Range’ in Kohima both fiscal and revenue deficits year’s performance: Assocham Kohima, may 17 (mExN): Amway India, the country’s largest direct selling FMCG Company, expanded the skin care portfolio in Kohima on Saturday by launching a new Be Bright Range under its beauty brand Attitude . The company is targeting the burgeoning whitening market of India which according to industry estimates is close to 60% of the Rs. 7500 crore skin care market in the country. Priced at Rs 315 onwards, the new Be Bright Range includes 5 products - Face Wash, Face Scrub, Face Masque, Day Cream as well as a Night Cream. Attitudeis an entry-level premium brand, targeted specifically at the Indian youth.

The Attitude Be Bright Range comprise of Brightening complex (LumiskinTM, Lotus Japonicus Symbiosome Extract and Vitamin A &E) which leaves one with visibly fairer and glowing skin in 4 weeks. The range has been specially developed for Indian skin tones and weather conditions.

Commenting on the launch of the new range, Shveta Paul, Category Head-Beauty & Personal Care, Amway India, said, “Maintaining an even skin tone is one of the most important beauty needs of young women today, especially for those who are always on-the-go. I am confident that the benefits offered by our new products for brightening and glowing of skin would be appreciated by the Indian youth.”

“We are very bullish about the launch of Attitude Be Bright Range. Currently, the Attitude Whitening cream contributes almost 21% of the brand’s turn over. We expect that the new Be Bright range will almost double the contribution of this sub-range within the Attitude brand in the next 12 months,” added Shveta.

Attitude Be-Bright is one of the biggest launches planned by the company in 2015. For this, Amway has launched a series of training and experiential led initiatives to support and educate Amway distributors across the country. This training is a crucial element for Amway as it helps the distributors educate, guide and recommend products to the end consumer.

Game Number # 3228

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

F N H R X G K F A E B X D Z I D Z U O A

NEw DElhi, may 17 (Pti): State-run MTNL has said Bharti Airtel’s ‘zero rating plan’ and RCom’s ‘internet.org’ scheme defeat the basic concept of net neutrality and such pacts should not be allowed as they affect economic interests of small telecom operators.

“In Airtel ‘zero rating plan’ and Reliance ‘internet.org’ these operators have directly negotiated with the application providers.

MTNL is of the view that in any case, direct negotiations between OTT players and TSPs should not be allowed,” the telecom operator said in its counter comments submitted to sectoral regulator TRAI. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on March 27 came out with a consultation paper on over-the-top (OTT) players such as WhatsApp and Skype with April 24 and May 8 as the last dates for submission of comments and counter comments, respectively.

The regulator received over 10 lakh comments from various telecom firms, associations and individuals while the number of counter-comments stood at 42. TRAI, which is examining the comments, isyetto give itsfinal recommendations on the Net Neutrality.

MTNL in its comments said that if direct negotiations are allowed, regional operators not being in position to negotiate with established over-the-top (OTT) players may result in denial of access to such OTT services to their subscribers or the users have to pay a higher cost.

“In any of the cases, the basic concept of net neutrality i.e. ‘No discrimination/ favour for any specific OTT service/s in terms of cost and access to subscribers’ will be defeated,” MTNL said. MTNL, however, suggested a revenue share model with OTT service providers, to compensate infrastructure cost, spectrum fee, license fee and other corporate taxes borne by telcos.

NEw DElhi, may 17 (Pti): Giving the Modi government 7 out of 10 for its first year’s performance, industry body Assocham today said it still needs to cover some ground on tax issues and a lot more needs to be done on improving ease of doing business.

The country’s macroeconomic situation has improved in the past one year with decline in inflation, stability in currency and attractive financial markets, it said.

“However, the NDA government has to cover some ground in terms of taxation issues, particularly with regard to FIIs’ problems on retrospective liabilities and in taking bigticket infrastructure projects off the ground,” Assocham said in a statement.

It also said a lot more needs to be done on improving ease of doing business at the state level.

“The industry and the commentators must realise that an economy of two trillion dollars, well integrated with the world, can’t be catapulted into high growth, just with the change of the government.

DAILY CROSS WORD

CROSSWORD # 3239

Answer Number # 3227

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V L R D R O F S D P L E X U S A J Z Q P

measures to stabilize the economy and attract investment. But while inflation has cooled, in large measure due to the dramatic fall in global oil prices, recovery in India’s domestic demand-driven economy remains sluggish.

Airtel and Reliance Communication’s scheme goes against net neutrality: MTNL

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

SUDOKU

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for the year ending March 31, compared with a goal of 4.1%, the government said in a statement. The revenue target was 2.8%, compared with the aim of 2.9 %.

Over the past year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken a slew of

_

LEISURE

W

NEw DElhi, may 17(rEUtErS): The government said on Sunday it managed to better its target for containing the fiscal and revenue deficits in the last financial year.

The fiscal target was 4% of gross domestic product

P J G N F Y S E B I I P I S D I K U K H

E

Z E V I Z I C A L L I D A C J H B S M A

G H X H N R V F Y G A N Y Q K A O I N Z

I G T A E D P S F O G D O Q A T T D G S

N E B M L N R V V Y V P Z S L S J U A O

A

I R G L A N D R O V E R J A U U F A B I

M K D D O E N N L L P Z J B M P E N I G

D S U T O L G E V C K D I N E O R W L K

R

F K O Z U D W O O L H S I B Z R R J H R

C R P S U B U R A U H E W K P S A R Q X

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P T Q D O S N T A I F T V A T C R F O Q

K F L R S V L I L A M B O R G H I N I A

T O G U E P P C A S E H A Y O E A I Q Y

N A M U T N M C R Y S L E R N T E A L Q

D A E W O O E A A S A A D N O H A T Z A

P R A U Q A J R H D U A T A T A J E E P

DIMAPUR Civil hospital:

of merchandise goods.

‘Overall good’: Edelweiss Underplaying the recent sharp dip in market indices, leading brokerage Edelweiss Capital has said that the Narendra Modiled government’s performance is “overall good” in its first year. “The market has gone up over 60% in the recent years. Some correction is part and parcel of the market. At the present level, market is well-balanced,” Edelweiss group chairman and chief executive Rashesh Shah told PTI. On the 1st year performance of the Modi Government, he said: “It has been overall good, especially on the reforms side. Having said that, let me add that I would like the government to start spending.

Even within the budgeted spending level, the government has more room to spend, which can really kickstart the economy.”

Many corporates and fund houses have been blaming lack of policy reforms as the main reason for the fall the steep over 10% fall in the market since April.

STD CODE: 03862 232224; emergency229529, 229474

Metro hospital: faith hospital:

227930, 231081 228846

shamrock hospital

228254

zion hospital:

231864, 224117, 227337

police Control room

228400

Police Traffic Control

232106

east police station West police station

227607 232181

Cihsr (referral hospital)

242555/ 242533

dimapur hospital

224041, 248011

Apollo hospital info Centre:

230695/ 9402435652

railway:

131/228404

indian Airlines

229366

KOHIMA: 0370 2222952/ 101 (O) 9402003086 (OC) DIMAPUR: 03862 232201/ 101 (O) 9436017479 (OC)

CHUMUKEDIMA: 03862 282777/101 (O) 9856158740 (OC) WOKHA: 03860 242215/101 (O) 9862039399 (OC)

MOKOKCHUNG: 0369 2226225/ 101 (O) 9436012949 (OC)

nagaland Multispe- 248302, cialty health & 09856006026 research Centre

PHEK: 8414853765 (O) 9862130954(OC)

KOHIMA

ZUNHEBOTO: 03867 280304/ 101 (O) 9856156876 (OC)

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

TUENSANG: 8414853766 (O) 8414853519 MON: 03869 251222/ 101 (O) 9436208480 (OC)

CHILD WELFARE COMMITTEE

ACROSS

1. . Specter 6. Sneaker or pump 10. Constellation bear 14. Tall and thin 15. Klutz’s cry 16. Not a single one 17. Change 19. Rude person 20. 1950s music 21. South southeast 22. Decorative case 23. Religious splinter groups 25. Flavor 26. Long ago 30. Loan shark 32. Release 35. Handcuff 39. Flunky 40. Evil spirit 41. Colonist 43. Wreath 44. Unorthodox tenets 46. Visual organs 47. Quibbles 50. Managed 53. District 54. Neither ___ 55. Commode

60. Badgers 61. Eccentric 63. “Darn!”

64. Pearly-shelled mussel 65. Clamor 66. Harvard rival 67. Goulash 68. Extraterrestrial

DOWN

1. Happy 2. Angel’s headwear 3. Savvy about 4. Distort 5. Beginners 6. Drunkard 7. Lifting devices 8. Nocturnal arboreal marsupial 9. Feudal worker 10. Intolerable 11. Ancestors 12. Muzzle 13. Eagle’s nest 18. Gorilla 24. Prompt 25. Adult male singing voice 26. Kitty-cat 27. Initial wager 28. Notch 29. Dentifrice

31. Indian music 33. Leers 34. Clairvoyant 36. Kaolin 37. Connects two points 38. Terminates 42. Narrate 43. Cheat 45. Incursion 47. Confection 48. A kind of macaw 49. Kingly 51. Estimated time of arrival 52. An Italian woman of rank 54. French for “We” 56. False god 57. 53 in Roman numerals 58. Being 59. Not now 62. Not high Ans to CrossWord 3238

FIRE STATIONS

Chumukedima fire 282777 Brigade nikos hospital and 232032, 231031 research Centre

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

H

P B W V A M O A J G I M J G O L N F B E

“However much the government is sincere, policy tweaking, legislative changes and revival of investment appetite need to be followed by increase in consumer demand, and would take time of say, 2430 months.

“And then, a lot would also depend on the global markets which are subdued,” Assocham said.

“Seven out of ten, according to Assocham, is the right score for the on completion of first year in office,” the chamber said.

Assocham President Rana Kapoor said government deserves credit for somehow making Parliament run better with the result that some of the difficult legislations have been cleared, including raising FDI limits in insurance and defence sectors to 49%.

However, the chamber said the focus must remain on further improving ease of doing business, as at the state level, a lot needs to be done. Besides, the global environment for manufacturing is not conducive, as has been reflected in the downward trends in exports

Toll free No. 1098 childline

KipHire: 8414853767 (O) 8974304572 (OC)

WE4WOMEN HELPLINE 08822911011

MOKOKCHUNG: Police Station 1:

STD CODE: 0369

2226241

Police Station 2 :

2226214

Civil Hospital: Woodland Nursing Home:

2226216 2226263

Hotel Metsüpen (Tourist Lodge):

2226373/2229343

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

CURRENCY NOTES

222246 222491

BUY(Rs)

SELL(Rs)

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

62.69 98.18 7.82 49.96 46.90 52.12 52.04

65.52 102.93 8.71 52.42 49.18 54.67 54.96

Euro

70.40

73.80

Thai Baht Korean Won New Zealand Dollar Chinese Yuan

1.8

2.01

0.0554

0.617

46.29

48.56

9.78

10.89

LOCAL

The Morung Express

Dept'l activities highlighted at Kma DPDB Kohima, may 17 (Dipr): The monthly Kohima District Planning & Development Board meeting was held on May 15 at the DPDB Conference Hall, Kohima under the chairmanship of the DC, Kohima Rovilato Mor IAS. District Fisheries Officer, Kohima presented his departmental activities where he said that the Fisheries department promises a sustainable livelihood option for most of the rural populace where underutilized land and water resources can be utilized efficiently for fish production. The DFO also highlighted Centrally Sponsored Schemes under his department including Development of Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture, National Fisheries Development Board, National Scheme for welfare of Fishermen and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana.

Officials from the State Resource Centre for Women also gave an account

Iholi Swu felicitated

MLAs Khriehu Liezietsu and Neiphrezo Keditsu with Iholi Swu and other officials during the Kohima DPDB HSLC felicitation programme on May 15. (DPRO Photo)

of all the activities undertaken by them. They highlighted on the National Mission for Empowerment of Women (NMEW) which was launched by the Government of India (GoI) on International Women’s Day in 2010 with the aim to strengthen overall processes that promote all-round

CSC seminar on May 23

Dimapur, may 17(mexn): Changkikong Students’ Conference will be organising a one day seminar on the topic ‘Legal Awareness and Career Guidance’ on May 23 at Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, River Belt Colony, Dimapur. All concern village Student’s Union under CKM are informed to attend the seminar with at least 25 delegates without fail. Detailed information has been dispatched to all concern village union.

DLSU appeals on naming of road

Dimapur, may 17 (mexn): While lauding the recent initiative of naming the road from PWD Junction to DC Court as Sanchiso Lotha Road, as per directive and approval of the Dimapur District Planning and Development Board in 2012, the DLSU today appealed the concerned authorities to ‘affirm’ the move with “written records and proofs.” “DLSU appealed the concerned authorities to look into the matter genuinely and initiate favourable action,” stated Yanthanthung Yanthan, the president of Dimapur Lotha Students’ Union (DLSU) in a press note received here. Meanwhile, the union further also the former president of DLSU, Subenthung Lotha for being elected as the president of Naga Students Federation (NSF) for the 2014-2017 tenure.

The Kohima District Planning & Development Board felicitated Iholi Swu of Ruzhukhrie Government Higher Secondary School, Kohima for securing the highest aggregate marks among the Government High Schools under Kohima district in the HSLC 2015.

Daughter of Chuhashe Swu, Iholi secured a total percentage of 82.50% with distinction in all six subjects. (DIPR)

Development of women.

NMEW has the mandate to strengthen the inter-sector convergence; facilitate the process of coordinating all the women’s welfare and socio-economic development programmes across ministries and departments. The Mission aims to provide a single window

service for all programmes run by the Government for Women under aegis of various Central Ministries. In light with its mandate, the Mission has been named Mission Poorna Shakti, implying a vision for holistic empowerment of women.

The National Resource Center for Women has been

set up which functions as a national convergence center for all schemes and programmes for women. It acts as a central repository of knowledge, information, research and data on all gender related issues and is the main body servicing the National and State Mission Authority.

Kohima, may 17 (mexn): The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has elected its new team of office bearers for the tenure 2015-17 during its 26th General Conference held at Khonoma village, Kohima from May 13-16, 2015.

In a statement, NSF election commissioner K. Elu Ndang today said that the new team will be headed

by Subenthung Lotha representing Kyong Students Union as president with Boveio Poukai Duo from Poumai Students’ Union (PNTM) as general secretary.

The two posts were elected through secret ballot.

Other officials elected unopposed are: Shikavi Achumi from All Sumi Students’ Union (SKK) as vicepresident, Kesosul Christopher Ltu from Angami Students’ Union as Assistant General Secretary, Menang Longchar from Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) as secretary publicity & information; Imtiyapang from AKM as Secretary Education and Boketo Kiho from SKK as Secretary Social & Culture.

The new team of executives were administered oath of affirmation and election certificates were issued by the Election Commissioner K. Elu Ndang while

Rev. Kuzierang Thou, State Chaplain offered dedicatory prayer for the new officials.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission as per the provision of the NSF Constitution Article 25 Clause-I Sub Clause (g), declared the following posts as vacant, which needs to be filled through a by-election within a period of three months.

Assembly Organ: Speaker, Dy. Speaker and Assembly Secretary; Executive Council: Secretary Finance, Secretary Games & Sports, Editor and two posts of Secretary Women Affairs, and Audit & Accounts: Auditor General.

NSF election commission declares new team of officials & vacant posts

Fire of Revival Nagaland observes thanksgiving service at Anaki

Dimapur, may 17 (mexn): A thanksgiving programme for the 39th anniversary advent of the ‘Fire of Revival’ to Nagaland was held at Anaki on May 8. Revival singers from Dimapur led the people in praise and thanksgiving. The service started with ‘Tsuktokshir’ a renowned 18 male voice group from Tuli Lenden singing the ‘Halleluyah Chorus.’

Along with Anaki Ao and Phom Baptist Churches, ABAM leaders led by Rev. Dr. Nuklu, pastors and church members from far and near, servants of God and believers gathered and honoured the Lord by praising and giving thanks to God. Rev. MI Luen shared about the miracle of the Fire

of Revival that first took place on May 8, 1976 at Anaki. ABAM leaders and several other leaders of the church and believers spoke of the need to give thanks to God so he would give a greater Revival, a press release informed.

Closing the service, Rev. MI Luen told the congregation, “I was only 44 years old when God visited and sent us a Revival. I came here today to thank God for giving me the privilege to be a part of that great Revival. Today I am an old man of 84 and I stand here on the banks of Jordan River ready to enter the land of Canaan. If the young generation of today hesitates to go, then shall the old people go for the battle.”

SeChÜ-ZuBZa, may 17 (mexn): With the aim to foster unity and oneness among the villages falling under Western Angami ‘D’ group area and further work for the welfare of its people, a group called Western Angami ‘D’ Group Organisation (WADGO) was formed today. The group was formed during the one-day interactive session held at Sechü Zubza Village Council hall.

The organisation is headed by former WAPO vice president Satuo Sechϋ and will function as a group to protect the rights and privileges of its people. The villages under WADGO are Sechϋ Zubza, Sechϋma, Kiruphema (including Peducha), Menguzouma and Thekrejuma.

The other elected WADGO office bearers are Vitsalhou Kesiezie - vice president, Kevichatha Suohumvϋ -general secretary, Zakievisie Kruse - joint secretary and Rüüngutuo Sechϋ - treasurer.

Dimapur, may 17 (mexn): With the objective of monitoring, supervision and evaluation of the National Health Programs and Vector Borne Programs undertaken in the district, a team of officials from regional office of Ministry of Health& Family Welfare (H&FW), GoI, toured Peren District from May 13-15. The team consisted of Dr. R.K. Priyabarta Singh, CMO (NFSG); L Ananda Kumar, Senior Technician; and CH Phulendra, Lab Assistant.

According to District Media Officerr, CMO Peren, Pezanguno Celine Secii, the team visited the District Hospital Peren, CHC Jalukie, Athibung PHC and Mhainamtsi Sub-center.The team also undertook field inspection of infrastructure, equipments, essential drugs and supplies, quality parameter of the facility, record maintenance, service delivery, community and mobilization.

At the Chief Medical Office (CMO) Peren, the team had a meet the District Program Officers and also interacted with the ASHA’s (Accredited Social Health Activist) and beneficiaries of JSY ( Janani Suraksha Yojana).

Mon DPDB felicitates schools achieving 100% pass result

mon, may 17 (Dipr): The Mon District Planning & Development Board felicitated five schools, namely Newman School Tobu, St. Mary School Mon, Holy Angel School Tizit, and Eklavya School Tizit for achieving cent percent HSLC pass result at DPDB meeting cum felicitation programme held at DC’s conference hall, Mon on May 15.

N. Thongwang Konyak, Advisor, DUDA & Chairman DPDB, Mon lauded the four schools. Agreeing with the report of the DDEO, he said insufficient teachers in the government schools are the main causes for poor result. He also asserted that keeping proxy teach-

ers in government schools is another reason for poor performance and appealed to all concerned to strive together and check proxy teachers for better result in HSLC and improve the literacy rate of the district.

Exhorting the DPDB members, he said the people require sincere and dedicated service of the government officers to guide them in the right perspective.

The DDEO in his HSLC report informed that 5 government schools of the district got nil result in the HSLC Exam 2015. Pointing out that newly upgraded school must have at least 17 teachers to function normally, he said the nil result schools have inadequate

teachers. He informed that GHS Totok Chingnyu has 7 teachers without head master and assistant head master, GHS Chingkhao has 10 teachers including head master & assistant head master, GHS Longching has 9 teachers including HM and AHM, GHS Mopong has 9 teachers without HM and AHM and GHS Chen has 10 teachers including HM and AHM. Briefing on the practical problems faced by the government schools, the DDEO pointed out that less manpower is one of the major factors for nil result and poor performance in the district. He cited that random up-gradation of schools without

18 May 2015

Dimapur

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Excise conducts raids in Dimapur Dimapur, may 17 (mexn): To check illegal sale, possession, smuggling and transportation of liquor and drugs, the State Excise department conducted raids in different pockets of Dimapur Town during the month of April.

A press release from deputy commissioner of excise, Lanuwati Jamir informed that 237 persons were arrested during the raids and all the cases compounded.

Meanwhile, the liquor and drugs seized included: liquor – 226 cases, IMFL/ beer- 7729 bottles, drugs cases – 11, opium – 3½ kg, ganja – 55 kg, SP/RP – 4281 tablets. A total revenue of Rs. 3,94,000 was

deposited, the release added. All the liquor offenders were booked and penalised under NLTP Act, 1989.

The release said that the department is contemplating to conduct more such raids and arrests in the coming days. Stating that the excise department is conducting surveillance round the clock to thwart any attempt to smuggle liquor in town, the release further informed that checking of vehicles/ restaurants and lounges will be performed regularly. In this regard, it requested the public to co-operate and support the department in order to successfully implement the NLTP Act 1989.

DDADU branch office opened at Diphupar

Dimapur, may 17 (mexn): A branch office of the Dimapur District Auto Drivers’ Union (DDADU) was inaugurated at Diphupar by its President, K Hokaito Zhimomi during a brief function today. A press release received here informed.

The office would be manned by DDADU vice president, as head of the Branch Office, who shall exercise and discharge the

powers conferred under the Constitution of DDADU. The jurisdiction of the branch office will be Diphupar.

DDADU president said that the branch office was opened for the welfare of auto drivers and requested the auto drivers to function in accordance with its constitution and to maintain of discipline while plying their vehicles.

Chairman, Diphupar Village Council, I Vitoshe Kin-

imi exhorted the gathering and said that the Diphupar youths would help in maintaining the parking and work together with DDADU. DNYU president, Vekre Puro said that the branch office is for the welfare of the drivers, therefore plying of auto rickshaws in the area should be made known to them. He also informed that at present 600 auto rickshaws are plying in Diphupar.

News iN Picture

The Dimapur Area Lotha Baptist Churches Youths Fellowship (DNLBEPK) under the leadership of John Ovung, Youth Director, Lotha Baptist Church Dimapur organized a youth camp with the theme "Choose Life" at YOC, Aoyimti from May 12-14. The main speaker was Rev. RP Murry. Other speakers included Benlanthung Yanthan, Asso.

Youth Director, LBC Dimapur, EN Kithan, Director of Land Records, Sungsabeni Jami, and Dr. Rendemo Shitiri. Out of the 49 campers, 21 dedicated their lives to Christ.

New Angami org formed

Central Health officials conducts inspection tour in Peren district

Congregation celebrating with songs of praises at the 39th anniversary of 'Fire of Revival' to Nagaland at Anaki village. (INSET) Rev Dr Nuklu (R) and Rev M I Luen (L) speaking at the event.

Monday

feasibility is another factor and suggested to focus on improving the existing schools than up-gradation.

He also said that rationalization and redeployment of teachers in the district was done and reported to the government, but no action has been taken so far.

He appealed to the board to send a strong message to the government and the authority concerned for sufficient teachers.

“The students of private schools seek tuition from Government teachers which indicates that there are dedicated government teachers, but few teachers cannot look after the affairs of the whole subject,” he lamented.

The team from Maharashtra for educational exchange programme along with the school education department officials of Dimapur before their departure to Kohima.

Deo Nukhu, Parliamentary Secretary for Higher & Technical Education, along with Departmental Officials and NIT officials at NIT Campus in Chümoukedima, Dimapur on May 14.

In this regard, with the initiative of the Deputy Commissioner Honje Konyak, the board constituted a committee headed

by EAC Sadar Thejvio Nakhro to study the whole process of education system in the district. The committee will study the whole aspects of all the government schools, analyze and come up with proper strategy and report to the board for necessary action.

The DPO of Land Resources department, who is also the Convenor of ATMA, Mon and the DCPO (Dist. Child Protection Officer) Mon presented PowerPoint presentations on their departmental Thungjanbemo Lotha (4th right) BDO RD Block Wozhuro with villagers after the inauactivities. guration of a resting shed at L. Yanthung Village under GIA (2012-13) on May 6.

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IN-FOCUS

The Power of Truth

The Morung Express MonDAy 18 MAy 2015 voluME X IssuE 134

Along Longkumer Consulting Editor

Solution Not Election

N

aga people, including in Nagaland, led by the political class, tribal hohos, civil society and Church leaders should seek for a solution and not election in the coming days. With the next Assembly elections in Nagaland due in a few years from now, a clear message should be send to Delhi and also the Naga Political Groups (NPGs) that people desire solution without anymore delay and that election under the present system will be discontinued till some kind of settlement is arrived between the Government of India and the Naga people. Not that Nagas do not want democratic elections to take place, but each passing elections only leads to more impediments towards peace, reconciliation and solution.

As anticipated, a unique political arrangement has been effected with an all party government in Nagaland under Chief Minister TR Zeliang. The Naga Peoples Front (NPF) led DAN government has elected representatives from all political parties, including the main opposition party, the Indian National Congress, which was politically unthinkable only a few months ago. No doubt there have been valid concerns raised on how a government has been formed without any opposition with many well meaning people even questioning the coming together of disparate elements all for the sake of power.

As already mentioned in this column earlier, in any normal circumstance, such a development of having a government without opposition would have been considered harmful to democracy as there will be no checks and balances besides the abuse of power. Political compulsion may have necessitated such a government to take shape. Nevertheless this is also an opportunity to form a unity government of all political parties that can carry the voice of the people for an early solution to the Naga political issue. In other words, an ‘all-party government’ in Nagaland should be seen as an exception rather than a rule.

And it is for this reason that the present all-party government should not become an end in itself but be a means towards working for an early solution to the Naga political question. Chief Minister TR Zeliang and the all-party government that he heads should take the initiative to clearly spell out in black and white the resolve to seek solution and not election. The decision to revive the Joint Legislators Forum (JLF) in order to expedite the peace process is welcome but it should go beyond mere posturing. In the previous Nagaland Assembly also, all 60 MLAs under the banner of the JLF had unanimously resolved to support the peace process and pave way for any alternate arrangement that may come about. However things did not go as expected and also there was difference of opinion within the JLF whether to resign en-mass. This time, the JLF should pass a resolution under the slogan ‘Nagas want solution not election’.

The Naga public will also watch with keen interest on how the Congress MLAs, highly critical of the NPF government, will shoulder responsibility when in government. Hopefully the inclusion of the Congress, especially its former President and CLP Leader, will provide the much needed checks and balances to the NPF led government especially on the rampant corruption and social divide taking place.

If indeed an all party government is the way forward, then we should use this occasion to good effect. A unity government of the State political parties should therefore be seen as complementary towards an early solution to the Naga issue.

Likewise, all section of the Naga people should start to work in unison towards peace, reconciliation and unity. A partyless government may not be the best for democracy but if our leaders can rise to the occasion to deliver corrupt free government, fast track development and create an enabling, peaceful and inclusive environment in the transition towards a political settlement, we should welcome this bold experiment.

(Feedback can be sent to consultingeditormex@gmail.com)

lEfT WING |

Mazie Nakhro, Ph.D

Living Honorably Like Our Forefathers What does God say?

“Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.

They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck” (Prov. 1:8-9).

The Naga Experience Here is an example of living our forefathers’ values or way of life.

When my uncle Sebi was just a small boy, his father Goyie, son of PelhuDolie, accidentally shot a friend during a hunt of a killer tiger. So, Goyie had to be punished according to Naga customary law--that is, he had to flee from his Khonoma village and be in exile for a period of seven years. As a family man, this necessitated him to take his family with him and sought refuge in Jotsoma village.

The aggrieved family later forgave Goyie and allowed him to return home, but the latter felt it wise to serve his full term of sentence. And having completed the seven years in exile, he returned to Khonoma. ThereSebi started life again, and after many years of hard work he became quite wealthy and wellestablished. But he realized that his attainment of wealth did not just happen in a vacuum--others in his community made it possible by being his supporters and clients. Knowing this fact, he did what every wealthy Naga would do in those days: shared his wealth with his community members.

Coming to modern time, he was presented with opportunities to make easy money. One of his old time friends, who later became a Chief Minister of Nagaland, once arranged a contract work of planting trees. Several months later, he was informed that he could go to a certain government office to collect the money. While appreciating his friend’s thoughtfulness, Sebi was shock and upset at how someone would encourage taking public money for a non-existent work.

Several years ago, he said to me, “In the olden days, our people were men of honor. They valued honest earning and honorable living. But this kind of honor is missing in our society today.”

Okay, so now what?

Our Naga forefathers handed down to us a society that had no social class distinction, no servant, no beggar, no jobless person, no houseless person, no property ownerless family, no land tax, no liquor bar, no rape, no prostitution business, no corruption. Yes, they were men and women of honesty and honor. As such, they had no need of locked doors, police protection, or prison system.

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

THE EDIT PAGE

C O M M E N T A R Y

Samir Dayal OpenDemocracy

Atrocities in the Frame T he recently-ended civil war in Sri Lanka could be construed – generously – as a struggle to redefine the nation in ethnic terms. And so Qadri Ismail could maintain, in his 2006 book, Abiding by Sri Lanka: on Peace, Place and Postcoloniality, that as an epistemological object, an object of study, ‘Sri Lanka’ was not a given but a geopolitical category under construction. It had to be constituted in the very act of understanding it. One might call this notion a radical constructionism, and as a theoretical issue it is important. Ismail’s point is worth considering today even if one is not a philosopher or academic.

The ethnic redefinition of a country has a sinister aspect too: for inevitably, in the process, something – some individual or group – is inevitably ethnically ‘cleansed’ out. And history offers many examples, including what happened in Sri Lanka when the majority government quelled a 26-year conflict with Tamil separatists and reconfigured the nation-state.

The tragic civil war in Sri Lanka must also be seen from the perspective of those who were vanquished.

History should not be allowed to be written only by the victors. This is what the investigative documentary No Fire Zone, directed by Callum Macrae, attempts to do. Macrae’s film is important not only for its political intervention, but also for its presentation of the view from below, particularly through its use of informal, mediated citizen documentation: amateur video footage taken by the victims and others who experienced the ‘killing fields’ where the separatists were decimated and where the Tamil community were subjected to many human rights violations.

In the wake of the 9/11 bombings, the international consensus was increasingly weighted against insurgent forces, guerrilla groups, or any other organizations that could be constructed as ‘terrorist’ organizations. And this had implications for India’s evolving policy with regard to Tamil insurgents against the Sri Lankan state. The tendency to disapprove of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s strategies and tactics was also in the ascendant in the US, at the UN and among the member states of the EU. The EU, for instance, issued an official ban on the LTTE in May 2006.

For its part, the central government in India had been anxious to appear on the ‘right’ side of history – that of the victors – in this and other regional conflicts, as the Sri Lankan Civil War entered its final phase.

The Sri Lankan government of President Mahinda Rajapaksa held most of the cards in national and international political negotiations, and commanded the superior army. To prepare for the final phase of the offensive against the LTTE and the Tamil groups in the northeast corner of the island nation, the government strategically and successfully argued that international humanitarian organisations must withdraw from key battle zones; the argument hinged on the government’s sovereignty in such matters regarding internal affairs in Sri Lanka. They also ousted the UN and all media from sensitive zones. As Macrae’s documentary makes clear, even the UN official in charge acknowledged this to be a betrayal of those for whom they were ostensibly the most important (practically the only) protectors. This strategy allowed the government’s forces to defeat the Tigers without independent witnesses present but, as the documentary shows, it also permitted war crimes and atrocities of all kinds, including the use of rape as a weapon of war, to go largely unremarked by the outside world – and even today to remain unpunished.

Set in this context, Macrae’s No Fire Zone is an important intervention precisely because it represents the ‘other’ perspective – the view from below, or more precisely the view of the victims. It significantly recasts history from the minority perspective – from the perspective of the now-vanquished LTTE and the civilians among whom the Tigers lived.

Small media One of the most distinct features of No Fire Zone is its reliance on ‘small media’ to record the atrocities committed by Sri Lanka’s government forces – cell phone recordings made in the field by a variety of non-professional media users. Some of the footage, grainy but graphic, was shot in Sri Lanka’s northeastern ‘killing fields’ where the LTTE had for 26 years fought a largely guerrilla war for a Tamil homeland. As the Army forces pushed the rebels further and further out towards the coast and the sea, driving innocent civilians along with the militants, cell phone video footage was captured by those embedded with the government forces. The large majority of the women shot and killed were first raped and roughly treated even before they had become corpses. Evidently some of these small-media producers had shifted their allegiances after witnessing, and becoming mediated witnesses to, these war crimes – violations that a camera is better at making a record of than most humans.

Small media, especially amateur video footage, constitutes a new frontier of citizen journalism. The

I

have lived in poverty both as a child and as an adult, and I can say with full confidence that it is a lifecrushing force. I hated it. “Poverty” is also one of the most misunderstood labels that gets slapped onto individuals without their approval—cast upon them simultaneously by both unseen and more visible forces of society.

Poverty is a word loaded with preconceived notions, common misperceptions, and seemingly innocuous assumptions. What the word does not do is delve below its surface meaning, into the reality of poverty—a world that no one wants to live in.

Poverty is exhausting. Poverty is despair and desperation-inducing.

Poverty is soul, dream and hope crushing. Poverty is like being enclosed in a prison cell with no doors or windows.

It feels claustrophobic, as if there is no way out. Only the most resilient do not give up. Still, there is no guarantee that life will get better—and those in poverty know this all too well. They either become hardened or submit to fate. You don’t live life, you don’t thrive—you survive. You wonder if you are predes-

Arab Spring, although it bore some strange fruit, was a visible instance of how small media – most exemplarily, the cell phone – could advance progressive aspirations. But Macrae’s documentary dramatically shows that it was crucial in providing a critical victims’ perspective on the Sri Lankan conflict.

The ethics of representation A documentary like No Fire Zone must of course confront the ethics of representation. The law applies to both sides in a conflict, so the film advisedly resorts to a kind of legalism to resolve the question of the ethics of representation by “presenting both sides of the conflict”: at least as a matter of fairness, it is right to point out also the crimes committed by the LTTE even if the film’s true subject is the horrific violence meted out by the government. Steve Crawshaw, international advocacy director at Amnesty International, notes pointedly that violence perpetrated by the government does not give ‘carte blanche’ to the other side to commit atrocities.

Still, by about 30 minutes into the film, it is perfectly clear where the filmmaker’s sympathies lie, and even the ritual of presenting the atrocities committed by both sides equally falls away. As perhaps it should: this is the morally – not just journalistically and legally – right thing to do. Nearly 40,000 civilians had been killed, by the time the conflict ended. The amateur video footage spliced into the documentary shows men stripped naked, their hands tied behind their backs, being forced to kneel, and then shot in the back of the head. In one gruesome scene a soldier is heard egging on another who is hesitating – he crows that the naked Tamils are “government property”. There is also disturbing cell phone footage of women’s naked bodies being cleared away, some of them evidently still alive. A soldier, who has dragged a naked, moaning woman onto a truck, comments that she has “the best figure”.

The difficulty of remaining evenhanded is not just an ethical but a practical challenge. The filmmaker bends over backwards to seem balanced in his presentation of the conflict, early on in the film, but this becomes a stance increasingly difficult to sustain as the documentary proceeds. It documents so many innocents killed, including in the unconscionable targeting of hospitals, and so many war crimes committed against the Tamils, that the occasional admissions that the Tamil Tigers were no lambs seem somewhat perfunctory. One woman who escaped the killing fields turned herself in to the government forces along with her daughter, only to be raped and see her daughter also molested. She is so traumatized that on camera she cannot bring herself to utter these words as she is being interviewed for the documentary: she uses the incongruous expression “hugging” to describe her indescribable violation, as if to illustrate the classic definition of trauma, which is that it fundamentally resists symbolic expression. The documentary is interesting for trying to present itself as following the rules of journalistic ethics and being ‘even-handed’. But this specific failure is actually a small victory for the minoritarian standpoint, which it disavows in its ritual performance of ‘objective reportage’.

Politically contentious Even after a UN Security Council report confirmed the documentary’s allegations, Rajapaksa’s government refused to engage with its substance: “As the conduct of Channel 4 with regard to this matter has consistently fallen short of the ‘standards and fairness’ expected of a responsible TV channel, the Government of Sri Lanka does not wish to be associated with the channel at any time unless and until a suitable retraction is made to the satisfaction of the Government.” The new Sri Lankan President Mai-

thripala Sirisena, whose defeat of the Rajapaksa regime was made possible in part because the Tamils and Muslims among the voters had supported him against Rajapaksa, has promised to end corruption, repression and nepotism, and to ease restrictions on the internet and on media outlets.

There is thus some hope that the revised and updated version of the documentary will find greater favour. This revision contains new information and is also being made in a Sinhala version. Still, Sirisena has adamantly refused to allow any Sri Lankans to be taken before a court of international law – which is seen as largely a protection of rich and influential supporters.

India, too, refused the director a visa; like Sri Lanka, it has banned the film, as indeed have Malaysia and Nepal. Although he described the film as “one of the most chilling documentaries I have watched,” British Prime Minister David Cameron visited Sri Lanka after the defeat of the rebels and shook hands with the victorious government leaders, clearly signalling Britain’s official position.

And what of the UN? According to one eyewitness featured prominently in the documentary, the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, who ironically had commissioned the aforementioned UN Security Council report critical of the Rajapaksa government’s armed campaign before distancing himself from it, visited the killing fields shortly after the LTTE had been defeated. But he flew over the scenes of devastation in a helicopter, and visited destitute civilian survivors at a refugee camp for a scant 10 to 15 minutes.

This eyewitness suggested that Ban’s visit reinforced the impression among those survivors that he and the western world had little humanitarian sympathy for them. Crawshaw remarks appositely in the film that the Security Council recently unanimously voted for the atrocities in Libya to be referred to the International Criminal Court in the Hague. The scale of the catastrophe in Sri Lanka dwarfs Libya. For Crawshaw, the contrast is “striking and morally quite indefensible.”

Society of the spectacle?

The cell phone is not just a ‘platform’ on which to consume what others broadcast. It is an apparatus that gives voice and power to ordinary people and changes the dynamic of representation. Guy Debord is famous for suggesting, almost half a century ago now, that we live in a “society of the spectacle.” He did not mean just an undifferentiated “collection of images,” but rather “a social relationship between people that is mediated by images” to the point of inversion – the real relation being supplemented by the spectacle, leading to the attenuation of our very perception of the real world, the degeneration of authentic experience, the impoverishment of collective knowledge, the enfeeblement of critical thinking and therefore the shackling of the possibilities for democratic and progressive agendas.

What Debord intended was to warn us that in a mass-mediated society so steeped in the “spectacular”, the reality is itself in danger of being displaced by representation. Thus, in a situation such as in the killing fields of the Sri Lankan civil war, where the reality is not otherwise accessible to the outside world, indeed where the dominant government forces made it a cornerstone of their military strategy to conceal it from the world – driving out the UN forces and all journalists or news media – ‘small’ acts of representation “from below”, particularly those involving the informal use of ‘small’ media technologies such as the cell phone, may prove invaluable. This is especially the case where small media is produced in horrific immediacy. Documentaries such as No Fire Zone perform a politically crucial service in safeguarding the subjectivity and the very humanity Debord and subsequent theorists fear is at risk in a society of the spectacle.

Life Amidst Poverty Andrea Fuller

tined, like a caste in another country, to live out a life destitute of fulfillment— whether financial, professional or just having a better life.

These are the very thoughts that consumed me in times of poverty. And yet, I never stopped believing that there must be a way out. The “how” and the “why” of my situation—resounding questions that were never sated—eventually fell by the wayside as I pushed towards hope. The very thing that brought despair and darkness motivated me to dig out of that prison, to fight with everything within me, to find that light that must exist outside of the walls.

In America, there is this prevalent belief that if someone just pulls herself up by her bootstraps, she can succeed.

And yet, as I have learned, it is entirely possible to work your ass off and still struggle. Whether I had boots or not, whether I was barefoot, in heels, what I really learned is that resources and access to them—a network of support, and awareness of available choices—are the most influential factors in the “making it or breaking it” of life in the US. So much of this became clear to me only later—when I had the opportunity to see outside of the tiny, claustrophobic room that I had been in for years.

Living in poverty need not be a death sentence. I decided when I was 5 years old that I wanted to secure a bachelor’s degree before I was married (which I did). Throughout my childhood, I had a voracious appe-

WRITE-WING

tite for knowledge: I was constantly hungry to learn more. In high school, I decided that upon graduation I would leave the state and my family to start a new life for myself, even though it was extremely hard and I worked three jobs at one point. In college, I knew that I wanted to live and work overseas, to expand my perspective and learn more about the world. And when life challenges blindsided me as an adult (now with two degrees under my belt), I continued to learn what my options were, what resources were available to me, and to fight hard to provide the best opportunities that I can for my own children, so that they may never see themselves as “living in poverty” or not having a shot at a better life.

Enduring poverty is not the end of hope or life. The key things needed to break down the walls that imprison those within poverty are: outside influences, support networks such as friends or family, awareness of other opportunities, and access to resources.

With this combination, a new life is possible.

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

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

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Monday

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

May 18 2015

PERSPECTIVE NEWS ANALYSIS, FEATURE AND DISCOURSE

Of a man, a total man and nothing but a man!

Mirembe!

by Babu Ayindo

M

y grandfather was the quintessential diplomat. In addition to his diplomacy, he was a man who ate very little, enjoyed his drink when ‘defragmenting’and was very "slow to anger.”Le Prefosseur Kwara K’Ogwande believed that when one was unsure about things, or when one was upset about issues, or even when one was confronted by challenging decision, then one needed to “sleep over” the matter before making a decision.

By the same token, Kwara deeply resented fellow men, who when faced with difficult decisions, kangarooed around in anger.

More importantly, Kwara avoided expressing his anger in public or in the presence of young women and children. In fact, of the many decades I was educated at the feet of this ancestral giant, I can count the number of times when I saw and heard him openly act out a foul mood. Those rare occasions when Kwara could no longer contain his furywould not go beyond the fingers of one hand. That was my grandfather, a fine piece of work from our Creator.

However – yes, however – from decades of observation, listening and conversations with Kwara there are some things that made him readily blow off his diplomatic fuse.He seemed to find such behaviors from fellow men – yes, men and not women – plainly unacceptable. These are the issues the son of Ogwande would not spend time to ‘sleepover.’

In Kwara’s book, there are three offences a male member of his clan or his neighbors would easily earn the wrath of grandpa. Even if Kwara was quietly ‘defragmenting’ with his favorite brew from Gem Wagai, he would not let a man who has offspring get away with these serious transgressions on self and society.

Dear reader, here below are the three cardinal offences, which according to my grandfather, a man who is a

man should never commit: Offence number one: In Kwara’s eating culture, a man who is a man, a man who has offspring should, nay, ought always eat last! For Kwara, even if there was enough food for everyone, it was simply criminal for a man to eat before ensuring that all his children and grandchildren present had not just eaten first but eaten to their fill.

Of course, Le Prefosseur Kwara K’Ogwande demonstrated this by example. And, even when he ate last Kwara still invited any grandchild who still wanted to ‘eat some more’ to do so. So many of us grandchildren, knew very well that if we had not fed enough, then we strategically positioned ourselves to await Kwara’s invitation to for us to raid his plate.

I recall several moment when our Grandmother warned him that he would miss out on dinner as she was about to refill the grandchildren’s tray of food.

During such moments, Kwara proudly decreed: “Let my Nyikwaya [grandchildren] eat, for when they have eaten to their fill, I too has eaten.” I grew up wondering, does Kwara eat through osmosis?

Therefore, for Kwara, a man who is a man, must never out-eat his offspring and spouse. The only exception was when we were all gathered together with visitors, in which case, he would wait until everyone had began eating then join in. As an adolescent, I keenly observed how Kwara would strategically slow down his eating pace so that ‘technically speaking’ be would still be the last to eat.

Offence number two: In Kwara’s philosophy of food consumption, a man who is a man, a man who has offspring should never partake of two things: a soft drink called Fanta or, in his own words, “bang’o makati.”

(Makati is bread in Dho’Luo). For Kwara, to “bang’o” – which has no equivalent in English – was to partake of bread in the most disgraceful manner. “Bang’o” is eating bread dry, and chewing in a manner likely to suggest that the eater does not believe there ever will be another meal.

I remember Kwara rebuking one of my uncles as he bang’oed break: “Eroipiemginyithindi bang’o makati.” [see now, you are competing with your children in eating bread]. For Kwara a man who “bang’os” bread is an embarrassment to self, family and society.

Kwara was fully persuaded that some foods and drinks were feminine and others were masculine. As for soft-drink called Fanta, I really do not understand why Kwara had such a distaste for the soft drink or why he associated it with “unmanly” behavior. Nevertheless, I am prepared to believe that Kwara would support and actively campaign for any global legislation prohibiting boys and men from drinking Fanta or any similar drinks.

Offence number three: This was the most serious offence. In Kwara’s book, a man who is a man, a total man, and a man who has offspring should, nay, ought always take care of his children. This included children your spouse may have had before your marriage as long as she was honest and transparent about it before tying the knot with you. A male member of his clan would never persuade him otherwise.

Kwara the diplomat had very low tolerance on any excuse as to why any male member of his clan would not take care of biological and adopted children. In addition, in Kwara’s dictionary, there were no words or phrases like “illegitimate children” or “unwanted pregnancy.” For Kwara, once you choose to engage in ‘pengele pengele’ then a man, a total man, must care for the pregnancy and the child, full stop. No excuses. No explanations.

On a number of occasions I heard him rebuke someone who had absconded parental duty: “Did that ancestor who came back to life through that child send you an application to be born?” Or, he would metaphorically ask the irresponsible man: “when you were playing ‘pengele pengele’ did you not know that the water of life flows through your ‘machine’?”

And, Kwara Odera K’Ogwande had choice insults for any male member of his clan who did not religiously follow this edict.

And, on this note, dear reader, I wish you a Fantastic day!

How revolutionary are global human rights?

Facing global protests over the lack of social justice and democracy, are international human rights organizations ready to be more openly political? Or are human rights simply the wrong tool for the job?

P

doutje Lettinga

erhaps the six anonymous members of Pussy Riot were right. In a farewell letter of February 2014 to their fellow band members, Nadia Tolokonnikova and Masha Alyokhina, they stated: “Institutionalized advocacy can hardly afford a critique of fundamental norms and rules that underlie modern patriarchal society. Being an institutional part of society, such advocacy cannot go beyond the rules set forth by this society…”. Nadia and Masha had just been released from a Russian prison. Seen as martyrs of Putin’s authoritarianism, they have been welcomed at international press conferences and pop concerts alongside other celebrities, and now advocate for prisoners’ rights.

But according to the six, Pussy Riot’s radical anti-capitalist and feminist project—and provocative actions— could and should not be associated with the image of institutionalized human rights organizations.

Of course, it’s questionable whether the anarchic punk performances of Pussy Riot are more effective than conventional methods of international human rights organizations (IHROs), but there might be some truth in their statement. Traditionally, the human rights movement has emphasized its impartiality vis-à-vis the political, economic, ideological or religious nature of duty-bearers, or the economic or political system they support. This reputation of impartiality has proven valuable for IHROs to enhance the credibility of their research and campaigns, to appeal to supporters and members, and to gain access to power-holders of all political persuasions. This in turn has helped to protect the safety of the researchers in the field who can deflect allegations of bias, and thereby the victims and activists for and with whom IHROs work. Although from time to time their impartiality and independence has been questioned, and IHROs have been criticized for not condemning ideologies like apartheid, Islamic fundamentalism or neoliberalism, these two values continue to shape their policies and practices.

At the same time, this impartiality may limit IHROs’ ability to criticize deeper causes of human rights violations. Tackling the root causes of poverty and inequality requires profound policy reform, meaning that a political, potentially partisan, stance on particular economic arrangements may be required. Merely stating that certain policies like privatization are inconsistent with human rights obligations does not confront the neoliberal ideologies of those who make and benefit from them, nor does it offer viable policy alternatives.

Moreover, in their legalized form, human rights are modest in their goals, seeking to ensure minimum essential levels of protection for the most marginalized— they do not really seek a fundamental redistribution of wealth, resources and power. Samuel Moyn therefore calls human rights “a powerless companion in the

age of neoliberalism". Although he rejects the claim that human rights are complicit per se in the success of neoliberalism, Moyn questions their effectiveness to deliver substantive socio-economic equality. Perhaps Moyn is right too.

There are indications that human rights are indeed no longer the lingua franca of political mobilization.

Empirical research shows that the language of human rights has not been prominently invoked in the antiausterity and pro-democracy protest movements of recent years. Protestors around the world have primarily expressed their grievances in terms of social justice, dignity and democracy, rather than in rights. Their call for real democracy entails a critique of elected forms of democracy, which are seen as representing elites and private interests instead of ordinary people, and associated with a flawed economic system that produces and reproduces inequality. Is the professionalized, law-based language of rights perhaps too elitist and too alienating for local grassroots struggles for social justice, as Chidi Anselm Odinkalu already claimed fifteen years ago?

But the change is not only limited to discourse; citizen action is also changing today. Protest movements in Brazil, Turkey, Egypt or Europe have largely organized and mobilized outside traditional channels such as NGOs. Instead of organizing hierarchically on the basis of a shared identity, issue or interest, they form fluid, horizontal and decentralized networks that bring together people from across different backgrounds who express a multitude of goals and desires.

Rather than lobbying governments and embarking on large-scale advocacy campaigns, they rupture the status quo through subversive, unruly and sometimes illegal actions, and reclaim streets and squares as spaces for new citizenship and democracy practices.

It is uncertain whether IHROs like Amnesty International, in their attempt to move closer to the ground, will manage to build new constituencies amongst this new generation of activists. In their different vocabularies for change, action repertoires and organizational modes, contemporary activists fundamentally challenge the way in which IHROs have been operating.

As the Pussy Riot example illustrates, not all grassroots

The Morung Express poll results

Have Nagaland State politicians given up democratic values and principles in place for power, prestige and status?

77%

10%

YES

no

13%

OTHER

Some of those who voted YES had this to say • Yes present abnormal formal form of government which is coined as partyless/oppositionless/common issue government is a result of power hunger and opportunism.

• Yes they have no ideology no morals in fact I don't even consider them human just power hungry monsters who will do anything to get it. Even sell their souls. And that is dangerous for our society.

• Yes, it is so unfortunate to witness the misuse of democratic values and principle by our Statesmen. There is a struggle going on within the party members for power, prestige and for money. Over the years, there is a vertical line of division where rich flies up and the poor have no feathers. In a State where there are democratic values, there we find a system of equality.

• Yes, for one they never had any principles of any decent values. greed is the only thing they know, whenever I shake hands with politicians I count my fingers.

• Yes, thousands and thousands time ‘Yes.’ The present political status in the DAN govt, that they are going through reveals the clear picture that, who they are and what they are chasing for. They have already forgot the democratic value and principle but the powers, prestige and status are their number 1 priority.

Leaving aside the democratic principles. Like Democracy is the people, for the people and by the people.

For them it has become a new concept, which they never experienced in their ministry. Wah! What a great shame. For them, money, powers, prestige and status are their prime focus which brings division, misunderstanding and corruption. They are the shameless elected leaders, I should say. All of them are good for nothing. Ohhh! What leaders, shame on you.

• Kudos to all the comic characters of the naga version parody of the "Game of thrones". A round of applause on your wins in the contest, "Kings of Streets". Thanks for teaching the public that in Nagaland 'ministers' and 'millionaires' are interchangeable words.

• Yes, sometime majority in wrong decision n sometime has arrived 2dae in naga politician • 100% yes. Politics without ethics

Some of those who voted NO had this to say • Democratic practice is more important than Democratic values and principles. Yes, the politicians are upholding it but only for decorating they system of Democracy while pursuing their privileges of selfishness.

• Not all politicians are the same. There are some that do uphold the democratic values and principles. Unfortunately the honest ones are not media savvy and often do not get reported in the media. Its mostly those wanting cheap publicity who end up on the front pages of the local newspapers.

• No, the blame cannot be attributed to the politicians alone. The public too have lost democratic values and principles in order to vote in their clan and family and tribe members into power, so that they can also profit from them. The Naga public is equally responsible for this situation. groups like their activism being mixed up with the image of institutionalized human rights NGOs. The human rights movement, paradoxically as a result of its Some of those who voted OTHERS had this to say own success, has come to be seen as too much part of • In Nagaland there's no party principle and the elected representatives (MLA's) have lost their principles in power to effectively subvert it. quest for money and power.

Moreover, if IHROs do enter into alliances with • This question should've been asked when some group local movements and groups whose aims and methtried to topple the majority government in an undemoods may differ from their own, they risk undermining cratic way to fulfill their selfish ambitions..asking it now their reputation and credibility. The lack of a clear and doesn't sound fair to the ones inducted into the governunifying message among the diverse groups that have ment recently.. gathered in the global uprisings increases this risk. • Consider most former Ministers, their houses, land and Nonetheless, unlike The Economist suggested in a reother untold possessions. Consider the present Politicent article, an organization like Amnesty Internationcians and their utter shameless desperate tussle for al always needs to seek a balance between being close power to mint money. Consider their massive forts and to rights-holders and partners on the ground and reour pathetic roads. These contrasts are glaring evidencsisting pressures to support activities and statements es of corruption. Greed and selfishness have become that might affect its impartiality. This balancing exerthe central driving force. There is absolutely no question cise was no different before Amnesty started working of values or principles with most polluticians except to on social and economic rights, a decision The Econoloot and enlarge their bottomless coffers. mist has deplored ever since it was made.

• Political prostitution at its climax, kind of flirting and IHROs must decide how and on which terms they sleeping with an enemy for cheap pleasures. want to support the new generation of activists on so- • Our State Politicians are all Opportunistic, Money and Power Mongers. The recent creation of dissident group cial justice and democracy agendas. There is a real within the NPF Party and the latest formation of All chance that activists won’t mobilize under the ausParty Government is nothing new but a mockery to our pices of their organizational umbrellas if IHROs condemocratic values, principles and integrity. Our State tinue to do business as usual. In order to match their Politicians show no concern towards their Party Ideolimaginations and expectations, human rights NGOs ogy, Ethics and Principles. Their mindset is to sacrifice need a radical re-think of their policies, practices and everything not towards the welfare of our societies but relationships with both power holders and grassroots to hunt for Cabinet berth or good portfolio when electconstituencies. Ultimately, IHROs must decide to ed to power. Our Politicians believe in 'Power Without what extent they want to get involved in political deResponsibility' forgetting the notion that 'Power Comes bates about redistribution and take a stance on parWith Responsibility'. ticular economic and trade arrangements, which im- • I hate to disagree with some here..in order to serve the plies abandoning impartiality. An alternative is that people who elected them, they will for obvious reasons IHROs provide space for other, more political groups try to survive and be a part of the ruling government.. like Pussy Riot to use other anti-systemic discourses how do you suppose an opposition MLA do all the thing and emancipatory tools alongside human rights. expected of him by his voters..ideologies in the present This does not need to be the end of global human times is an idealistic mindset..politicians have to adapt rights. International human rights organizations can with the frequent changes..to do something you have to still fulfil complementary roles, with or without pursube in a position to do it..and to think that they took the ing a less ambitious social and economic rights agendecisions by themselves is naive..every MLA has conda. It does, however, mean that IHROs may need to sulted with his party workers who form the public.. take a back seat and accept that global human rights • Our state politicians are ready to sell us off for developare not the only answer to all of tomorrow’s problems. ment for their personal development

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

8

Dimapur

NATIONAL

Monday 18 May 2015

PM Modi praises Mongolia as new bright light of democracy in world

Ulan Bator, May 17 (PtI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said mineral-rich Mongolia could benefit from India's expertise and high growth while praising the Buddhist country as the new bright light of democracy in the world.

Modi, who was given a rare honour by Mongolia to address its Parliament on Sunday, a holiday, said: "I bring the greetings of your 1.25 billion spiritual neighbours. There is no higher form of a relationship; no bonds more sacred than this. We in India are honoured that you think of us this way."

The Prime Minister said India and Mongolia are at important juncture because the two countries are celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations and Mongolia is celebrating 25 years of democracy.

"Mongolia is the new bright light of democracy in our world," Modi told the lawmakers at the State Great Hural - the Parliament here.

"Today, Indians and Mongolians are telling the world that the bonds of hearts and minds have the strength to overcome the barriers of distance,"

PM tries his hand at Mongolian fiddle UlanBator, May 17 (IanS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday tried his hand at the morin khuur, a traditional two-stringed fiddle, which is adorned with a carved horse head, and is considered a symbol of the Mongolian nation.

With Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj standing beside him, Modi smilingly played the horse head fiddle for half-a-minute. “Striking a new chord in the relationship with Mongolia. @ narendramodi tries 2 understand intricacies of morin khuur,� External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted. he said, adding friendship between them will give lessons and hold lessons for the whole world.

He appreciated Mongolia's solidarity with India at UN Security Council and said their relations will work towards progress. "In turn, time and again, you have stood in solidarity with us, in the UN and elsewhere," he said.

The Prime Minister said the 14 agreements signed between two sides today

would enhance bilateral cooperation in areas including border security and cyber security.

He said a cyber security centre will be established for Mongolia's defence sector and announced the establishment of 'India Mongolia Joint School' in Ulan Bator.

"We can seize the economic opportunities of the digital world and work together to make it more secure against growing cyber threats," he said.

"At a time when the global economy remains weak, the world speaks in one voice that India is the bright spot of hope to become the new locomotive for global economic momentum," Modi said.

He said that in less than a year, India's growth has rebounded to 7.5 per cent and it has emerged as one of the fastest growing major economies in the world and it has the potential to grow even faster.

"As the Indian economy adds strength to our region and the world, it will also benefit Mongolia," he said.

Describing Mongolia's economic growth as impressive, Modi said, "Our bilateral ties will also grow, despite the distance and demands of geography."

Mongolia's rich mineral resources can fuel the partnership, Modi said and hoped that location will not be a constraint on its right to choose its partners.

4 killed in Chhattisgarh Maoist attack JagDalPUr (ChhattISgarh), May 17 (IanS): Two troopers and two Maoists were killed in a gun battle after a group of rebels attacked a patrol party of security personnel in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district on Sunday, police said.

Two more troopers, who were part of the joint patrol comprising Special Task Force (STF) and District Reserve Guard (DRG) personnel, were injured in

could be also removed keeping in mind the migration of various members of certain communities in search of livelihood.

The proposal which also suggests some procedural amendments have already been sent to the Cabinet.

The Tribal Affairs Ministry had constituted a Task Force on scheduling issues (scheduling of communities as STs), which had submitted its recommendations last year and those recommendations have also been incorporated, said the official.

The Task Force comprised members from the Registrar General of India (RGI), National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST), ministries of Tribal Affairs and Social Justice and Empowerment.

As per the current procedure of according ST status to a particular community, the state government first recommends the case along with which they submit an ethnographic report.

Then the case is judged on five criteria -- indications of primitive traits, distinctive culture, shyness of contact with the community at large, geographical isolation, and backwardness of communities. The case is then forwarded to the Registrar General of India's (RGI) Social Studies Division and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) for them to examine the proposal and approve it.

These bodies may suggest recommendations, modifications and seek additional justification. The proposed changes in criteria if approved may allow communities like the 36 tea tribes in Assam, besides five other communities, to be included in the list of ST. There are over 700 ST communities notified under Article 342 of the Constitution, spread over different states and UTs of the country. The largest number of communities listed as Schedules Tribes are in Odisha.

the gun fight that took place around 6 a.m. in the Jappemarka forest area.

Additional Superintendent of Police Indira Kalyan Elesela said the 100-strong joint STF and DRG patrol party was on its way to conduct search in the forest area, where the Maoists were lurking.

The Maoists fired at the patrol party, which retaliated with equal force.

The gun battle lasted

for close to one-and-half hours, police said.

The Maoists fled the scene under the cover of the thick forest. The bodies of the two Maoists were later recovered from the forest.

The slain troopers were identified as Constable Sitaram Kunjam from STF and Assistant Constable Motiram from DRG, said Additional Director General of Police (Anti-Naxal Operations) R.K. Vij.

In India, 1,300 die of cancer every day new DelhI, May 17 (PtI): With more than 1,300 persons succumbing to cancer every day, it has become one of the major causes of death occurring in the country due to communicable and life-style ailments, followed by tuberculosis.

As per data of the National Cancer Registry Programme of the India Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the estimated mortality rate due to cancer saw an increase of six per cent approximately between 2012 and 2014.

"There has been close to 5 lakh deaths due to cancer in the country in 2014," said a senior Health Ministry official.

Total of 4,91,598 people died in 2014 out of 28,20,179 cases, while in 2013 it was 4,78,180 deaths out of 29,34,314 cases reported and in 2012, around 4,65,169 people lost their lives due to the disease when the number of cases stood at 30,16,628.

"Large number of ageing population, unhealthy lifestyles, use of tobacco and tobacco products, unhealthy diets, lack of diagnostic facilities, etc. are some of the factors that can be attributed to the increase in the

Government to do away with 'primitive traits' criterion for Scheduled Tribes new DelhI, May 17 (PtI): Government has proposed to do away with the "primitive traits" criterion to accord Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to a particular community, saying it is "derogatory".

The proposed changes are part of the government's process of revising the entire procedure and criteria in order to ensure that only deserving communities get the status and reap the benefits given to the STs, said a senior official from the Tribal Affairs Ministry.

"We have proposed to do away with the criterion, 'indications of primitive traits', as the word 'primitive' is a derogatory term," he said.

Also, the aim of changing the procedure is to include a few new communities with proper criteria in the ST list as the Tribal Affairs Ministry everyday receives many such requests from several states, he said.

According to sources, the criterion of 'Geographical isolation'

The Morung Express

number of cancer deaths," the official said.

The government has approved a scheme in 2013-14 for enhancing the specialised consultative care for cancer in the country and guidelines for strengthening of the facilities were circulated to the states in January 2014.

Tuberculosis caused the second highest number of deaths in the country with 63,265 casualties in 2011, 61,887 in 2012 and 57,095 in 2013, as per records of the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme.

The government, under the programme, provides free of cost diagnosis and treatment facilities including anti-TB drugs to patients.

"We have established designated microscopy centres for quality diagnosis of every one lakh population in the general areas and for every 50,000 population in the tribal, hilly and difficult areas," the official said.

There are 13,000 microscopy centres in the country and more than six lakh directly observed treatment centres, the official added.

Woman gang-raped in Delhi

A member of Exile Tibetan Women Association carries a portrait of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the 11th Panchen Lama, demanding immediate release on the 20th anniversary of his disappearance, in New Delhi on Sunday, May 17. Panchen Lama, the second highest leader in Tibetan Buddhist hierarchy, who has not been seen since 1995.

(AP Photo)

new DelhI, May 17 (IanS): A 25-year-old woman was gangraped by five men in Defence Colony area here on Saturday night, police said on Sunday.

Out of the five accused, police have arrested three while two are still absconding.

The arrested were identified as Akash (23), Deepak (20) and Aman (26).

One Rohit, who was in the car when the woman was kidnapped but did not rape her, was also arrested, police said.

A police team found the woman lying by the road-side in Khanpur, in south Delhi, here.

She informed police that she was raped by five men who abducted her from near Moolchand Hospital here in a car.

Initially, police received a call from an auto driver who had witnessed the girl being abducted.

The auto driver also informed police that the woman had been calling him up every day for the last one week to avail of his transport facility.

The auto driver picked her

up from Uttam Nagar here and dropped her at Moolchand Hospital but a few minutes later he saw the girl being abducted.

"We got a call from an auto driver at 10.30 p.m. on Saturday. He informed us that a few people had abducted a woman in a white-coloured Santro car and had taken off towards Khanpur," police said.

Acting on the complaint, police immediately reached Khanpur and searched for the vehicle.

"We found the car parked by the road and the victim lying near the car," police said.

"All the arrested are residents of Dakshinpuri locality here. They have been booked for rape and kidnapping," police said.

In a separate incident, a minor girl was raped by two men in Jyoti Nagar area in east Delhi on Sunday.

Two people have been arrested in this connection. The arrested were identified as Mujammil (50) and Munna (25), both residents of Jyoti Nagar area, police said.

The victim and the arrested men were tenants residing in the same building, police said.

UPSC requires 5,000 1st squadron of India-made combat jet expected by 2017-18 Woman to get Rs.10 lakh for seeking toilet invigilators for CS exam new DelhI, May 17 (PtI): Citing increase in the number of IAS and IPS aspirants, the UPSC has sought from the Centre services of about 5,000 invigilators for this year's civil services examination.

The civil services preliminary examination 2015 is scheduled to be held on August 23.

There has been a steep rise recorded in the number of candidates for civil services preliminary examination during the past few years. In 2014, the number of candidates who applied for civil services preliminary examination exceeded 9.45 lakh, it said.

It is estimated that this year, the number of applicants for the preliminary examination would increase to approximately 13 lakh.

This examination will be held in 71 centres at about 3000 venues across the country, UPSC Secretary Ashim Khurana said in a letter to Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).

Out of the 13 lakh candidates, about 1.20 lakh candidates are anticipated to opt for Delhi as their centre of examination, and they have to be accommodated in about 260 venues. The examination would be supervised by the principals of the institutions, Khurana said.

"However, 50 per cent of the examination functionaries i.e. assistant supervisors and invigilators would have to be provided by the Commission.

Therefore, the requirement of number of assistant supervisors and invigilators to be provided by the UPSC would be around 5,000," he said.

The Commission would be requesting various central government ministries and departments to send a list of their Group A and B officers. He asked the DoPT Secretary to "issue suitable instructions to all the ministries or departments of the government of India to spare the services of officers" for being as assistant supervisors and invigilators.

"The officers thus deputed to the Commission will be paid honorarium by the Commission for their services," the UPSC Secretary said.

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

new DelhI, May 17 (IanS): Days after the government auditor questioned the delay in producting the indegenous Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA), a defence ministry official said the first squadron of 18 aircraft will be delivered by 2017-18 - a good 17 years after it first took to the skies.

"The initial operational clearance was obtained in December 2013 and the production of Tejas has commenced. The first squadron is expected to be delivered by 2017-18," a defence ministry official told IANS on condition of anonymity as he is not authorised to speak to the media.

"Efforts are underway to enhance the production capability," the official added.

However, the full operational clearance for the LCA is still pending and is now expected by December 2015.

A report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) tabled in the justconcluded budget session of parliament said that due to the delay in the manufacture and supply of the LCA, the IAF forced force to take alternative and temporary measures such as upgrading its MiG-21s, MiG-29s, Jaguars, and Mirage aircraft at a cost of Rs. 20,037 crore (over $3 billion) and revise the phasing out of the Soviet-era MiG-21s.

The LCA programme was sanctioned in 1983 with a development schedule of eight to 10 years against the IAF's requirement of induction by 1994.

Subsequently, the project missed many deadlines, mainly on account of design changes necessitated due to changes in weapon requirements, nonavailability of the indegenous Kaveri engine, delay in completion of work packages and the like.

The CAG report also criticised LCA for its limited "operational capabilities" and being "overweight", largely due to the 53 concessions/permanent waivers the project had undergone.

In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha last week, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar had blamed factors like "non-availability of trained manpower, non-availability of infrastructure and test facilities, unanticipated technical complexities faced in structural design and non-availability of critical components, equipment, or material and denial of technologies" by the advanced countries.

He also blamed "enhanced user's requirements or change in specifications during development", "increase in the scope of work", and "inadequate production facilities at HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Kimited)" for the delays.

MUMBaI, May 17 (IanS): A woman who demanded a toilet instead of jewellery from her father at her wedding will get Rs.10 lakh as reward, it was announced here on Sunday. Days after she got married, Chaitali Galakhe, a resident of Maharashtra's Akola district, came to know that there was no toilet facility at her in-laws' home.

Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Clean India Campaign', Galakhe took up the issue with her father. She told her father that basic sanitation needs were much more important to her. "I didn't want to go out to the field every evening to relieve myself. I am grateful my father supported me and gave me a pre-fabricated toilet," said Galakhe.

Sulabh International, which works for the improvement of sanitation scenario in India, came to know about Galakhe's situation and announced Rs.10 lakh cash award for her. According to the Word Bank, 53% of Indian households defecates in the open.

BJP's communal agenda has come true in a year: CPI-M new DelhI, May 17 (IanS):The CPI-M said on Sunday that all the fears about the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) communal agenda has come true within one year of it taking power in the country.

It said in a statement that ever since Narendra Modi became the prime minister in May 2014, there had been growing communal polarisation as well as growing economic burdens on the people.

"All the apprehensions about the BJP, an avowedly rightwing communal party coming to power at the centre as the political arm of the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh), have come true in the past one year.

"The BJP government has

sought to systematically implement the RSS agenda.

"It has infiltrated known RSS men into higher educational institutions, commuanlise curriculum. The latest incident is the socalled overhauling of the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) where internationally reputed Indian historians have been forced to quit.

"The government has refused to take action against its ministers and MPS who have through hate speeches sought to incite people and communally polarize them.

Growing incidents of communal clashes and riots are being reported from various parts of the country," the statement added.

The Communist Party of In-

dia-Marxist said during the the last one year, massive economic burdens had been imposed on the people.

"Two massive hikes have been made in petrol and diesel prices within a span of two weeks. Apart from adding to the overall inflationary spiral, this constitutes a criminal attack on rural India particularly farmers who are battling a series of bad weather conditions during the last one year.

"Unseasonal rains have ruined standing crops and it is estimated that 180 million hectares of agricultural crops has been affected. Consequently, incidence of distress suicides by farmers is growing."

The party condemned "the utterly callous attitude displayed by the BJP government in addressing the concerns of the farmers who have suffered heavy losses".

It said the BJP government was aggressively pursuing the neo-liberal economic policies of the erstwhile Manmohan Singhled UPA government.

"During the last one year, the Modi government has been pursuing nakedly pro-big business policies and enticing foreign capital with massive concessions.

"This will further deepen social inequalities and intensify the exploitation of the working people.

"It is backtracking on many issues that it had opposed during

the UPA government period like FDI in retail trade.

"Its backtracking on the Land Acquisition Bill is a classic case. It is only due to the combined opposition in the Rajya Sabha that the government was forced to send this Bill to a Joint Parliamentary Committee.

"The way the Modi government is undermining parliamentary democracy is unprecedented."

The CPI-M accused the Modi government of contemplating major changes in the labour laws of the country.

It said it will join with other Left and democratic forces to intensify protests in the coming days.

InternatIonal

the Morung express

Monday 18 May 2015

Dimapur

9

In Asian seas, a migrant boat finds nowhere to land THE ANDAMAN SEA, MAY 17 (REuTERS): For several days, the fate of roughly 300 desperate Rohingya and Bangladeshi migrants has been subject to a repetitive dance in waters just out of sight of gleaming Thai beach resorts.

Their boat, which those on board say has been at sea for up to three months, was found drifting last Thursday near Koh Lipe island, close to the Malaysian border, with parts of its engine missing. Thai sailors fixed the engine and handed the migrants food and water, before turning them back out to the Andaman Sea. That was the beginning of what local Thai navy chief Lieutenant Commander Veerapong Nakprasit calls “a cycle”, with the overcrowded fishing vessel bouncing between the waters of two countries determined not to take them in.

This rickety boat was just one of many that are at the centre of a regional crisis triggered by a flood of Bangladeshis and Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar.

Migrants have long made their way from the Bay of Bengal’s southeast corner to Thailand, but a crackdown on traffickers by the Thai government disrupted the route and

Malaysia launches talks amid Asia’s growing migrant crisis

KuALA LuMPuR, MAY 17 (AP): Malaysia launched highlevel talks with its neighbors Sunday to try to solve the deepening problem of refugees stranded in boats off Southeast Asia’s shores, but there appeared to be no quick solution to the crisis.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Aman met with his counterpart from Bangladesh, Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali, ahead of a meeting with the Indonesian and Thai foreign ministers scheduled for Wednesday, Malaysian officials said.

But more than two weeks into a regional humanitarian crisis, the stance of Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia remained unchanged — that none wants to take the migrants in, fearing that accepting a few would result in an unstoppable flow.

Migrants are seen aboard a boat tethered to a Thai navy vessel, in waters near Koh Lipe island, May Myanmar, from where many of 16, 2015. (REUTERS Photo)

several thousand were left at sea with nowhere to go, though more than 2,000 have made it to the shores of Malaysia and Indonesia.

Thailand’s foreign ministry said in a statement that it had informed the people on the boat found off Koh Lipe that they could come ashore for humanitarian assistance, but “they informed the Thai side that they wished to travel onwards”.

After being towed out on Friday, it headed southwest, according to Thai

navy radar tracking seen

by Reuters. It then took a jagged counterclockwise arc towards Malaysian waters, before its engine stopped and it drifted again in the sea.

Hunger, Mounting Tension Piecing together what happened to the migrants after that is difficult to establish because of contradictory accounts from Thai officials and near-total silence from Malaysia.

On Saturday, Reuters

journalists in a speedboat spotted the boat tethered to the side of a Thai navy patrol vessel. The boat’s engine was running and it was being dragged southwest across the Malacca Strait towards Indonesia’s Aceh province.

As the Reuters team pulled alongside the migrants’ boat, hundreds of rake-thin migrants could be seen huddling shoulder-to-shoulder on the deck, sheltering from the harsh sun with whatever they could find, including

the torn-up boxes of food handed to them by the Thai navy earlier.

Men shouted from the boat, but could not be heard above the din of the engines. Women and children stared out and cried.

As Thai sailors yelled “Go away! Go, go!” at the journalists, the migrants’ boat was released, and it again arced under its own power back towards Malaysia, where two Malaysian vessels were seen intercepting it.

A Thai navy officer

the migrants have fled, appears unwilling to engage in talks.

The Malaysian and Bangladeshi foreign ministers met in Sabah state on Borneo island as part of a pre-planned annual consultation between the two countries, officials said.

Boatloads of more than 2,000 migrants — ethnic Rohingya Muslims fleeing persecution in Myanmar and Bangladeshis trying to escape poverty — have landed in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand in recent weeks.

Aid groups estimate that thousands more are stranded at sea after a crackdown on human traffickers prompted captains and smugglers to abandon their human cargo.

Navy ships from Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia have in recent days intercepted boats packed with desperate, hungry

who questioned the Reuters journalists at sea described tension and increasing desperation on the boat.

The officer, who declined to be named, said the boat appeared to be under the control of two or three “agents” who insisted on going to Malaysia over objections from some passengers and had hoarded food and water provided by the military.

The engine was found on Saturday with water in it, a possible sign it had been

migrants, giving them food and water and sending them away — a move that sparked international outrage.

Malaysia is the current chair of the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, which has been criticized for long ignoring the plight of Myanmar’s Rohingya.

Malaysia is also the desired destination for most of the migrants. The Muslim-majority country has hosted more than 45,000 Rohingya over the years, but now says it can’t accept any more.

Senior officials at Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry said Sunday that a three-way meeting would take place Wednesday with the foreign ministers of Indonesia and Thailand in Kuala Lumpur.

The U.N. has called the Rohingya one of the most persecuted groups in the world.

sabotaged, he said.

“The women and children are not getting fed,” he said, adding that when the boat was first intercepted near Koh Lipe they had to force the agents to give them food.

“The first time they were intercepted, everyone wanted to go to Malaysia. Today some of them wanted to come to Thailand but the men ordered them back,” he said.

Chris Lewa, head of the Arakan Project which tracks Rohingya migrant

boats, said she had been told of mounting tensions on the boat that could break out into open conflict.

“They could even kill each other,” she said.

Several hours later, another Reuters team spotted the migrants’ vessel again tethered to the Thai navy patrol boat. It was unclear if it had been pushed back by the Malaysians.

Veerapong said that, as of Saturday night, the boat had been turned and was heading once again in the direction of Indonesia.

Yemen dialogue begins in Saudi Pope Francis canonizes two Cambodia deports fugitive Russian tycoon saints from 19th century Palestine Arabia without Houthi rebels VATICAN CITY, MAY 17 solidarity and fraternal coexis- who has lived in Italy for 35 years, RIYADH, MAY 17 (AP): Around and restoring to power internation(AP): Pope Francis canonized tence,” Francis said of the wom- travelled from Civitavecchia, 400 Yemeni politicians and tribal ally recognized President Abed northwest of Rome, for the event leaders launched talks in Saudi Rabbo Mansour Hadi, who fled the two nuns from what was 19th en at the end of the Mass.

Bawardy was a mystic born with his wife and three children. Arabia on Sunday on the future of country in March in the face of a century Palestine on Sunday in hopes of encouraging Chris- in 1843 in the village of Ibilin in They are Muslim, but their chil- their war-torn country, but the Shi- rebel advance.

He urged a return to the politiite Houthi rebels who control the tians across the Middle East what is now the Galilee region dren go to a Catholic school. cal road map through which Saleh capital and much of northern Ye“We are proud of this event,” who are facing a wave of perse- of northern Israel. She is said to stepped down after more than cution from Islamic extremists. have received the “stigmata” — Abbas said outside St. Peter’s men are not participating.

The meeting came as a five-day three decades in power following Sisters Mariam Bawardy bleeding wounds like those that Square as he waved a giant Paland Marie Alphonsine Ghat- Jesus Christ suffered on the cross estinian flag. “We want peace cease-fire that has been repeatedly a 2011 Arab Spring-inspired uptas were among four nuns who — and died at the age of 33 in the for Palestine, peace which tran- violated was set to expire. The Sau- rising. Saleh’s ouster and the road di-led coalition and the rebels have map was backed and overseen by were made saints Sunday at a West Bank town of Bethlehem, scends religion.”

In addition to the Palestin- blamed each other for the viola- the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Mass in a sun-soaked St. Peter’s where she founded a Carmelite Square. Palestinian President order monastery that still exists. ian delegation on hand for the tions, as fighting on the ground has Council, which is headquartered in Saudi Arabia, as well as the U.N. Ghattas, born in Jerusalem Mass, Israel sent a delegation continued throughout the pause.

Mahmoud Abbas and an estiand the U.S. Among those taking The Houthis have rejected the mated 2,000 pilgrims from the in 1847, opened girls’ schools, headed by its ambassador to part in the conference are memmain aim of the three-day talks — region, some waving Palestin- fought female illiteracy, and co- the Holy See, while France, Italy the restoration of Yemen’s exiled bers of Saleh’s former ruling party. ian flags, were on hand for the founded the Congregation of the and Jordan also sent official del- president — and the location of Yemen’s conflict has killed canonization of the first saints Sisters of the Rosary. The order egations. the negotiations in Saudi Arabia. more than 1,400 people — many In the birthplace of Christi- The absence of the Houthis means of them civilians — since March from the Holy Land since the today boasts dozens of centers all over the Middle East, from Egypt anity, Christians make up less the national dialogue is unlikely to 19, according to the U.N. The counearly years of Christianity.

Church officials are hold- to Syria, that operate kindergar- than 2 percent of the popula- end the violence. try of some 25 million people has ing up Bawardy and Ghattas as tens, homes for the elderly, medi- tion of Israel and the Palestinian The U.N. envoy to Yemen, Is- endured shortages of food, water, territories. Although they have mail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, opened medicine and electricity as a result a sign of hope and encourage- cal clinics and guest houses.

In his homily, Francis not experienced the violent the meeting by calling on all parties of a Saudi-led blockade. Humaniment for Christians across the Mideast at a time when violent praised Bawardy as having persecution that has decimated to ensure that the shaky cease-fire tarian organizations have been persecution and discrimination been “a means of encounter Christian communities else- leads to a lasting truce. scrambling to distribute aid before have driven many Christians and fellowship with the Muslim where in the region, the popu“I call on all parties to refrain the end of the truce. from the region of Christ’s birth. world,” while Ghattas “shows lation has gradually shrunk over from any action that disturbs the The U.N. agency for children They were canonized along- us the importance of becoming the decades as Christians have peace of airports, main areas and said it has distributed supplies side two other nuns, Saints responsible for one another, of fled conflict or sought better op- the infrastructure of transport,” said “which can provide primary health Jeanne Emilie de Villeneuve living lives of service to one an- portunities abroad.

Ahmed, who delivered the speech care to over 24,000 people and Francis has raised the plight on behalf of U.N. Secretary-Gener- treat 3,500 severely malnourished from France and Maria Cristina other.” st of the Immaculate Conception “Their luminous example of Christians across the Middle al Ban Ki-moon. children.”UNICEF said 115 children challenges us in our lives as East as a cause for concern, from Italy.

Since late March, Saudi Ara- have been killed and 172 have been denouncing how the Islamic bia has led airstrikes against the wounded in the conflict since the “Inspired by their example Christians,” he said.

The canonization was cele- State group has violently driven Houthis and allied military units beginning of the airstrikes on March of mercy, charity and reconciliation, may the Christians of brated in the Holy Land as well as thousands of religious minori- loyal to former President Ali 26. 30 schools and 23 hospitals have BuJuMBuRA, MAY 17 (AP): Burundi President these lands look with hope to by Palestinians in Rome. Bassam ties from their homes in Syria Abdullah Saleh. The air campaign been attacked, it said, without sayis aimed at weakening the Houthis ing who was responsible.

Pierre Nkurunziza has made his first appearance in the the future, following the path of Abbas, a Palestinian-born doctor and Iraq. capital since the attempted coup against his government last week.

Nkurunziza made a brief statement to journalists in the foyer of his heavily guarded presidential offices in Bujumbura Sunday morning. He did not mention the failed coup plot against him or the protests that have rocked Burundi for weeks over his bid for a third term in office. BEIJING, MAY 17 (RE- to reduce tension in the China claims about Instead he described how he contacted the presidents uTERS): China’s relations South China Sea. His call 90 percent of the 3.5 milof nearby African countries to discuss the threat from So- with the United States re- was rebuffed by China’s lion sq km (1.35 million sq malia’s Islamic extremists, al-Shabab. main stable, Chinese Presi- Foreign Minister Wang Yi, mile) sea. The Philippines, Burundi, Kenya and Uganda contribute troops to the dent Xi Jinping said on Sun- who said Beijing’s determi- Taiwan, Malaysia, Brunei African Union force in Somalia that is fighting al-Shabab. day, as he sought to defuse nation to protect its inter- and Vietnam also claim The extremist rebels have retaliated by carrying out vio- tension over a territorial ests in the area is “as hard large parts of it. lent attacks in Kenya and Uganda.

Recent satellite imagdispute in the South China as a rock”.

“You know that Burundi is among the countries that is Sea that has pitted WashKerry’s trip is intended es have shown that since contributing troops in Somalia and that’s why I came here ington against Beijing. to prepare for the annual about March 2014, China to contact my friends and my fellow presidents in Kenya “I look forward to con- U.S.-China Strategic and has conducted reclamaand Uganda and these countries are being targeted by al- tinuing to develop this re- Economic Dialogue next tion work at seven sites in Shabab,” Nkurunziza said French. lationship with President month in Washington and the Spratlys and is conHe said his aim in contacting fellow presidents was Obama and to bring Chi- Xi’s expected visit to Wash- structing a military-sized to find strategies to stop threats to the security of Bu- na-U.S. relations to a new ington in September, a trip air strip on Fiery Cross Reef rundians. height along a track of a that Xi said he looked for- and possibly a second on Nkurunziza was in neighboring Tanzania on Wednes- new model of major coun- ward to. another reef. day when a general announced a coup. Loyal forces put try relationship,” Xi told Xi has repeatedly told The Philippines, a U.S. down the rebellion and Nkurunziza returned to the coun- U.S. Secretary of State John Obama of his desire for a treaty ally, has called for try, but he had not been seen in the capital.

Kerry at the end of Kerry’s “new model of major coun- urgent action.

The coup attempt came after weeks of street protests two-day trip to China. try relationship,” in which Kerry said the United against Nkurunziza’s efforts to stay in power by standing Kerry’s trip has been China would be viewed as States had stated its conin elections for a third term in office. cerns about the pace and dominated by deepening an equal global player.

Seventeen security officials, including five generals, security concerns about But the model also out- scope of China’s land reclaaccused in the attempted coup appeared Saturday be- Beijing’s maritime ambi- lines a respect for “each mation in the South China fore a prosecutor who charged them with an attempt at tions in the South China other’s sovereign and ter- Sea. On Saturday, China’s Chinese President Xi Jinping, right, and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry shake destabilizing public institutions, lawyers of some of the Sea. China’s rapid recla- ritorial integrity as well as top diplomat, Yang Jiechi, hands prior to a meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Sunday, May 17. suspects said. The general who announced the coup, mation effort around seven political system and devel- urged Kerry to “properly (AP Photo) however, remains at large.

China rejects U.S. in“I hope the United China Sea. control our differences and reefs in the Spratly archi- opment path”.

In Rome on Sunday, Pope Francis called for a sense pelago of the South China China has expressed its volvement in the dispute “In my view the Chi- sensitive issues” as well as States can do more for of responsibility to prevail in Burundi following the at- Sea has alarmed claimants na-U.S. relationship has “view our strategic inten- peace and stability in the concern about a possible and has blamed the United tempted coup. “I would like to invite you to pray for the such as the Philippines and remained stable,” Xi told tions objectively and ratio- region,” Yang, who holds U.S. plan to send military States for stoking tension dear people of Burundi, which is undergoing a delicate Vietnam.

Kerry at Beijing’s Great Hall nally”, according to a report the title of State Councillor, aircraft and ships to assert by encouraging countries moment: May the Lord help all to avoid violence and act On Saturday, Kerry of the People at a session by state-run China News was quoted as telling Ker- freedom of navigation in to engage in “dangerous responsibly for the good of the country,” he said. behaviour”. ry, referring to the South the South China Sea. Service. urged China to take action open to reporters.

PHNOM PENH, MAY 17 (AP): Cambodia deported a fugitive Russian tycoon Sunday who was living illegally in the Southeast Asian country after he was accused of embezzling $175 million in his homeland.

Accompanied by Russian authorities, Sergei Polonsky was put on a flight to Moscow via Vietnam early Sunday morning, said immigration official Ouk Hey Sela. Polonsky was arrested Friday in the southern Cambodian coastal town of Sihanoukville, where authorities said he had been living for two years with an expired visa.

The real estate tycoon was charged in Russia in June 2013 with embezzling more than 5.7 billion rubles ($175 million) from 80 property investors. Cambodian police had first arrested him in November 2013 after he was added to Interpol’s “red list” of top fugitives, but released him on bail a few months later based on a preliminary ruling against his extradition.

In April 2014, Cambodia’s highest court ruled that Polonsky could not be sent back to Russia because the two countries had no extradition treaty. After that ruling, he told reporters that he was innocent of the embezzlement charges and that the case against him was an attempt to gain control of his holdings.

Polonsky first came to public attention in Cambodia in 2012, when he allegedly attacked the crew of a boat after a dispute erupted during a New Year’s Eve outing.

He was jailed for more than three months on assault charges before reaching an out-of-court settlement.

He went to Israel and later returned to Cambodia. Ouk Hey Sela said Polonksy would not be allowed to return to Cambodia.

Burundi President makes 1 appearance since failed coup

Despite tension, Jinping says US-China relations are stable

10

Dimapur

SPORTS

Monday 18 May 2015

Haddin retires from ODI MelBOUrNe, MAy 17 (AP): Australia wicketkeeper Brad Haddin has announced his retirement from one-day international cricket as he prepares to fly out for Australia's test tours of the West Indies and Britain on Monday. Haddin's 126-match one-day international career began against Zimbabwe at Hobart in January 2001 and ended with Australia's Cricket World Cup victory over New Zealand at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 29. The 37-year-old Haddin claimed 170 catches and 11 stumpings in his ODI career, leaving him with the third-most dismissals for a wicketkeeper in Australia behind Adam Gilchrist and Ian Healy. Haddin scored 3,122 runs at an average of 31.53 with a top score of 110. Haddin says "now is the right time to walk away."

ICC declines to send match officials to Pakistan ISlAMABAD, MAy 17 (AP): The ICC says it will not be sending match officials to Pakistan due to security concerns ahead of next week's limited-overs series between Pakistan and Zimbabwe in the eastern city of Lahore. The game's governing body says in a statement that the "decision has been made after receiving a report from its security consultant." The Pakistan Cricket Board will appoint local match officials to stand in for the ICC officials for the duration of the series. The ICC also says that the two Twenty20 and three ODI matches will be considered "official". Zimbabwe is scheduled to arrive on Tuesday and it will be the first test playing nation to tour Pakistan in the six years since gunmen attacked a Sri Lanka team bus in Lahore.

ISL: 41 Indian players retained MUMBAI, MAy 17 (PTI): A total of 41 Indian players have been rewarded with retention contracts by their respective Hero Indian Super League franchises, while 23 players have been signed from open market ahead of the second edition of the tournament.

Chennaiyin FC, FC Goa, FC Pune City and Kerala Blasters FC have exercised the maximum allowed retention clause by retaining six Indian players each from their previous squad, while Delhi Dynamos and NorthEast United FC have retained five each, Atletico de Kolkata have four players retained and Mumbai City FC have opted for three. Each franchise is allowed to have a squad of 22, comprising 13 Indian and nine international players including one marquee. Additionally, a franchise can sign three more players from the open market which can include maximum of two international players.

The Morung Express

rcb book ipl china sweep Japan playoff berth to take sudirman cup

BeNGAlUrU, MAy 17 (IANS): Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) confirmed their berth in the Indian Premier League (IPL) playoffs after their concluding league match against Delhi Daredevils was abandoned midway due to heavy showers here on Sunday.

The no-result gave RCB one point which took their tally to 16 and into second place behind Chennai Super Kings (CSK) while Daredevils ended their disappointing league campaign on 11 points.

Batting first, Daredevils made 187/5 on the back of half-centuries by opener Quinton de Kock (70, 39b, 9x4, 3x6) and skipper JP Duminy (67 not out, 43b, 4x4, 3x6).

After a brief delay due to a drizzle, RCB began their reply but showers that grew in intensity as time went by, forced the players indoors after just 1.2 overs with the home team on two for no loss. With the rains not abating, the umpires eventually called off the game.

Earlier, the Daredev-

ils innings looked far from convincing despite the big total that was possible mainly due to de Kock and Duminy, who chanced their arms with some success but received little support at the other end.

Young Shreyas Iyer (20) and de Kock provided a solid start for Daredevils with a 55-run stand for the first wicket before the former departed, caught at point.

Duminy and de Kock then added a further 55 runs for the second wicket when RCB bowlers struck a few telling blows as four wickets fell in as many overs.

First to go was de Kock, who was out to a brilliant running catch by RCB skipper Virat Kohli, while Yuvraj Singh (11), Kedar Jadhav (0) and Angelo Mathews (1) did not last long as Daredevils slid from 110/1 in the 12th over to 141/5 in the 16th.

Despite the collapse, Duminy carried on as he lashed a few big hits to ensure his side a very defendable total but rains dashed his hopes of finishing the season on a winning note.

DONGGUAN, MAy 17 (AFP): China won their sixth consecutive Sudirman Cup on Sunday (May 17), defeating Japan, which had reached the badminton tournament's finals for the first time.

Thousands welcomed home team China with horns and drums as they entered and huddled to chants of "go China, go", with jeers heard when the Japanese team arrived on the court in the southern Chinese city of Dongguan.

China swept Japan 3-0 in a series of tightly contested matches during the final day of the event, with Chinese superstar Lin Dan winning his men's single match against Japan's Takuma Ueda 21-15, 21-13.

China's Li Xuerui, the top seeded women's singles player, exchanged leads with her opponent Akane Yamaguchi in the first game, but ultimately handed Yamaguchi a defeat, winning 23-21, 21-14.

"Because it's a big contest, I felt pressure. The reason why the score was so close in the first game was because I made a few mistakes," Li told reporters after the game.

Yamaguchi told reporters Li handled the pressure of the match better.

China's Fu Haifeng and Zhang Nan also contributed to the nation's tenth win at the Sudirman Cup, which was first held in 1989, winning 21-17, 20-22, China's Lin Dan is airborne as he celebrates his win over Japan's Takuma Ueda 21-17 in a tight men's doubles against in the final's of the Sudirman Cup badminton championships in Dongguan in Hiroyuki Endo and Kenichi Hayakawa. southern China's Guangdong province, Sunday, May 17. (AP Photo)

PSG clinch third French title in a row Toure double lifts Man

PArIS, MAy 17 (reUTerS): Paris St Germain clinched a third successive Ligue 1 title, with a game to spare, and stayed on course for an unprecedented domestic treble with a 2-1 win at Montpellier on Saturday.

The Qatari-owned club needed only a point but ended the night eight points clear of their closest rivals Olympique Lyonnais who were held to a 1-1 home draw by Girondins Bordeaux.

The title kept Laurent Blanc's side on course for a sweep of domestic homours, with the Parisians

already winners of the League Cup and facing second tier AJ Auxerre in the French Cup final at the end of the month.

Monaco stayed third on 68 points, four adrift of Lyon, after beating Metz 2-0 in the principality while Olympique Marseille and St Etienne also won to stay tied on 66 in the battle for a place in next season's Champions League preliminary round.

Evian Thonon Gaillard joined Racing Lens and Metz in being relegated after losing 2-1 to St Etienne.

"I love watching the scenes of joy, whether on

the field or in the locker room," said a delighted Blanc. "The players on the field earn the titles, we play a small part.

"We must let the players express themselves and the coach must always be behind them. It's not up to him to be at the front of the stage."

Midfielder Blaise Matuidi put PSG ahead in the 17th minute, slotting past goalkeeper Jonathan Ligali after a defence-splitting pass from Adrien Rabiot.

Ezequiel Lavezzi made it 2-0 in the 25th minute, from a cross by Serge Aurier, his eighth league goal

of the season but Montpellier pulled one back five minutes before the break through Anthony Mounier's shot into the top corner.

The win was the eighth in a row in the league for PSG who claimed their fifth French title.

The match, watched by a 27,930 crowd at the Stade de la Mosson, ended with flares lit in the stands and thrown on to the edge of the pitch with stewards stamping out the flames.

"I still enjoy doing this job," said Blanc. "I have to thank my staff because without his staff a coach is nothing at all."

City to win at Swansea

SWANSeA, MAy 17 (AP): Manchester City’s Yaya Toure scored a double at Swansea in the Premier League on Sunday showing just what City would be missing if he moves at the end of the season, as is being widely reported.

Wilfried Bony also scored on his return to former club Swansea to cap Manchester City's 4-2 win guaranteeing the team a place in the group stage of the Champions League next season. Bony, who joined City in January for an initial fee of 25 million pounds (now $39 million), came on as a substitute and

rounded off an impressive attacking display by the deposed champions by scoring in stoppage time.

Yaya Toure scored the first of his two goals at Liberty Stadium in the 21st minute before James Milner made it 2-0 in the 36th.

Swansea drew level thanks to goals from Gylfi Sigurdsson and Bafetimbi Gomis, only for City to strike through Toure and Bony to seal a top-three finish. City is eight points clear of fourth-place Manchester United, which has two games left, after winning its last five games.

public discourse

our MoNeY, Your pHoTo Big hearts for big political concessions, time for

I

n recent times the Apex Court of our country comes out with ground breaking judgments that stun the ruling classes, political and religious establishments and power clichés.

Masses especially the poor and hapless continue to have faith in judiciary because they believe in justice and fairness. One such stunning order that came unexpectedly was on the 13th of May, 2015.

It was long overdue. However, on Wednesday, the 13th of May, 2015, the Supreme Court in a landmark judgment put an end to taxpayer-funded, full-blown narcissism of politicians by banning the government from issuing media advertisements containing photos of chief ministers, ministers and political leaders of ruling parties (the state and the central).

A bench consisting of Justices Rajan Gogoi and P C Ghose said exceptions could be made only for photographs of the President, Prime Ministers (PM) and chief justice of India (CJI). The court said publishing photographs of politicians associating them with government policy and its achievement, could develop personality cult in the country which was a direct anti-thesis of democratic functioning and should not be allowed. With the court permitting only the photographs of the President, prime minister and CJI in government advertisements, the other pictures that dominated the advertisement would automatically wane. We hope it would be followed stringently.

The order of the Supreme Court will neutralize or even put a stop to the personality cult mania that churns the heads of the feudal minds sets of netas out of control vis-à-vis the politicians, priestly class and others. The portrait of CMs, ministers, party functionaries and their cronies along with others henceforth should not figure in the advertisements. The political class has enjoyed and desperately wanted their portraits to appear in the print media and even in others too. The political class enjoyed these privileges across the country as we see them occupying the governments’ hoardings. They want the masses to remember them all the time. The advertisements, hoardings and wall-posters that depict their faces naturally elevate their ego and thus enhance their personality cult of thee netas amongst the masses.

Expressing concern over the misuse of public funds for personal political gains, the bench said that “there was nothing wrong in government advertising its policies and achievements but it must be done without naming the party in power and without containing pictures of its leaders.” The bench also observed that “The legitimate and permissible object of an advertisement can always be achieved without publication of the photograph of any particular functionary either in the state or a political party … With regard to advertisements for birth and death anniversary of a departed leader, the court said “their pictures can be published in advertisements”.

It is indeed a radical departure. Decrying “personality cult”, as an anti-thesis of democracy, the Supreme Court barred publication of photos of leaders in government advertisement except those of the President, Prime Minister and the Chief Justice of India. The court rightly observed the most important facet vis-à-vis “personality cult” and component has crept into the head of the political netas as well as most of the religious netas that include ecclesiastical episcopacy. Like the politicians, even the so-called moderators, president, general secretary, bishops and others want huge cut-outs, flex banners and posters. This phenomenon is widely prevalent in many churches. They are caught with this mania. The court should have included even the religious netas along with other political netas.

The basic formula that embeds is “publicity”.

These netas want publicity all the time in some form or the other. What is that propels them to go all out for publicity? Is it sheer craze without any purpose, any cause, direction and rational. Once these leaders get hooked there is no stopping.

These netas crave for publicity and to get that they go all out. They literally fight for publicity. It is their desire which is deeply seated. The religious leaders, except some instruct their cronies and others to have huge cut-outs, long flex-banners portraying their full-size photographs covered with all sorts of praises which these netas know that they don’t deserve, and yet they want.

The Apex Court came out with this order primarily to put a full-stop to the growing manic-type publicity craze that has touched the peak. It has become a menace. They have been enjoying the “personality cult boost” because they don’t pay for it. For their photos, the tax payers will have to pay. They want their faces to be displayed and we pay for it.

They want their ego to go for long trips, and for that we pay for their ego-flight. Similarly, barring a few the church-netas love all these because they hardly pay for it. It is the money of the ordinary churchgoers. The netas of churches basically is feudal and want to inflate their personality cult and ego-trips.

The citizens of this country and the stake-holders of the Indian church should know that the netas enjoy because it is not their money and the money comes from the people. The cut-out culture and flex-banners should be totally stopped by all means. The tax-payers pay to the tune of hundreds and thousands of crores in advertisements. The Indian Church including must be spending huge sums of money towards advertisements and other banners to please their netas. As the court has rightly observes that “personality cult is anti-thesis to democracy”. Similarly, even in the churches the personality cult prevails at large because cronies go to any extent to promote this cult by spending huge amounts of money, Encouraging personality cult is antithetical to the Gospel values and certainly an aberration.

Dr. John Mohan Razu

pragmatism and not for losing our marbles!

D

elhi’s Interlocutor to Naga peace talks RN Ravi’s attending the 26th General Conference of the Naga Students Federation (NSF) on May 14 at Khonoma is historic in many ways. First, he is the envoy of the Government of India to the Naga political negotiations. Two, his attending the 26th General Conference of the NSF at a birthplace of legendary Naga freedom fighter AZ Phizo is significant. Third, his coming to Nagaland softens the rigid stand of the Naga people who were initially opposed to his appointment as “Delhi’s Interlocutor” to the Naga peace talks.

Ravi is not new to the Naga political history. He retired as Intelligence Bureau (IB) Special Director in 2012 and soon after BJP-led NDA came to power at the Center last year, his appointment as Chairman of the Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC) for a period of three years was approved. Surprisingly, within a week of his appointment as JIC Chairman, he has been appointed as Delhi’s “interlocutor” to the Naga peace talks.

Ravi knows internal security issues and nitty-gritty of the northeast insurgencies. And as he was chief of the premier intelligence club of the country, his primary job was to brief the Prime Minister of many vital issues, particularly security related matters, of the country.

Even Shyamall Datta, before becoming as Governor of Nagaland, used to attend even the meetings of the CenterNSCN (IM) because he was chief of IB. He was busy setting things right for smooth discussion of the NSCN-IM and the Government of India. He was present in number of talks between the leaders of the outfit and the representatives of the Government of India held at various parts of the world. Sending him right after his retirement from the IB as Governor of Nagaland by the then NDA Government under the Prime Ministership of Atal Behari Vajpayee was mainly to help expedite the ongoing peace process and see the grounds for strengthening the process and create peaceful environment. And it was no wrong choosing a high profiled man who had vast knowledge on the country’s issues and problems to become Governor of Nagaland. It was rare having such a man who had the knowledge of the Naga issue as Governor, although he, as Governor, might have limited role to play but when

he himself knew the subject of the ongoing peace process, it carried sense and those players in the theater could not undermine him.

Ravi was, however, critical of the Naga insurgents and peace process as could be seen from his past write-up which became the sore point compelling Naga civil societies to initially oppose to his appointment as “Delhi’s Interlocutor to Naga peace talks.”

Pressures were mounted on the Government to such an extent that the Home Ministry had even forwarded a fresh proposal to replace him but it was turned down by the PMO. The rest is history.

But seeing his mind on the current Naga peace process after he spoke out at the 26th General Conference of the NSF at Khonoma and afterwards to media persons, he is rather in a tangle. Whatever he said was on the expected lines. Nothing new! Nothing extra! The least the people expected from his visit, of course, was that he would endorse Prime Minister Modi’s assurance of “time frame” for settling the Naga political issue in 18 months. This remark of the Prime Minister was even quoted on few occasions none other than by Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang.

Although the Nagas were stunned by Modi when he did not utter a single word on Naga issue while delivering his historic inaugural speech at the “Hornbill Festival” on December 1 last year at Kisama and the day was also coincided with the “Nagaland Statehood Day Celebration,” many simply thought that since he already had assured a “time frame” of solution to the Naga issue within 18 months, he might not have felt it necessary to mention in such an event.

Even Zeliang was taking that way.

To me, precious time has been wasted on unnecessary issues. If there is a hindrance, then it has to be resolved. We have seen enough that confrontational attitudes have not worked while searching solution to the political issue. Such attitudes have only bred unpolitical problems compounding more to the issues.

The Government of India has also failed to exploit the unprecedented positive outcomes generated by FNR’s consistent efforts. In fact, who could believe that members of the NSCN rival factions would form one team to play soccer against a team of Naga civil societies? Who could believe that the members of the NSCN rival factions would happily mingle with

one another and have pleasant discussions across the table? The Naga people’s crying for “unity and reconciliation” is more than their yearning for “solution” to the Naga issue. For they know that without unity and reconciliation, no permanent and tangible solution will come about.

Many retired top Indian bureaucrats had already served as Delhi’s Interlocutor to Naga peace talks. Former Nagaland Chief Secretary RS Pandey, after his retirement from the Central Government, was also appointed as Interlocutor by previous Congress-led UPA Government. Although he placed his concept of “shared sovereignty” to solve the Naga issue, he was still cautious of giving any “time frame.”

Anyway, Modi is the only Indian Prime Minister who assured a “time frame” for the settlement of Naga issue. He is also the first Indian Prime Minister who did not utter a single word on the Naga issue while visiting Nagaland during “Hornbill Festival” last year.

Modi, BJP leader, is undoubtedly the most powerful Prime Minister with 282 BJP MPs in Lok Sabha, crossing half-mark of Parliament strength, besides allies joining his Government. And when he announced a “time frame” of resolving the Naga political issue with this strength, nobody disbelieved him.

The settlement of the Naga issue demands a “political will” from a strong Prime Minister backed by a strong Government. If all his actions right after becoming the Prime Minister are to be taken, he appears to be straight. Yet, his knowledge to the long-drawn out Naga political history appears to be not very deep.

But, what is “political will”? It not just the Prime Minister takes decision on certain issue but it is how he politically presents his political blueprint with realistic political approach to the issue for the benefit of its intention, usually for the public welfare. And before any such step being planned, he has to examine the outcomes from the process being presented by his Interlocutor and the Representatives from the other party.

It is really complicated but we need big hearts for big political concessions if we prefer “political will” for settlement of the “complex Naga political issue” once and for all. Time for pragmatism and not for losing our marbles!

Oken Jeet Sandham

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.

Entertainment

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ited quake-hit villages on the outskirts of Kathmandu in the past two days to see the rehabilitation work undertaken by the foundation's head and Buddhist leader Gyalwang Drukpa, the spiritual head of the 1,000-year-old Drukpa Order based in India.

"I came across many babies who still need immediate health attention. We have to nourish them and, of course, rehabilitate their mothers who still are in shock," Yeoh said. "Providing tents is the temporary relief at this point in time. But we have to provide them new accommodation, which can't be built overnight. If we are reaching out to them now, we have to be with them for years."

Yeoh was earlier in Kathmandu accompanying fiance Jean Todt for

the Federation Internationale De L'Automobile (FIA) Asia-Pacific Sport Regional Congress when the massive earthquake stuck on April 25 killing over 8,000 people, injuring thousands and causing widespread destruction. While Todt from France is president of the world motorsport governing body, Yeoh is its road safety ambassador. The couple met UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and asked to support the Nepal earthquake victims.

Recalling, the actor said the quake was a horrifying experience. "We were terrified and traumatized and praying all the time to get evacuated as early as possible.

Only after a few hours of the quake and aftershocks did we dare to enter the hotel. We all were praying:

'Please give us a few minutes to reach our room on the sixth floor to collect our passports and money'," she said.

In her new role in the real life, Yeoh rolls up her sleeves and feels connected to the Nepalese. "We spent the night at the airport in fear.

Next day we managed to get ourselves evacuated. What about the thousands who couldn't get timely evacuation? I am back here to conquer my fears and to find out what more needs to be done on ground zero," she said. Yeoh and Todt, who is the UN's Special Envoy for Road Safety, raised charity for the people of Nepal and pledged to raise more.

"My friends in the US, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Europe made some contributions and more help is in the pipeline." Todt's FIA has announced to contribute 100,000 euros for relief and rehabilitation. The donation will be routed through the Emergency Action Fund of the Nepal Automobile Sports Association. "The amount will be spent on setting up emergency trauma centres across the country. FIA is planning rehabilitating the people at least for 10 years," she said.

The 'Live to Love' foundation, with which Yeoh is associated for four years, on Sunday formally adopted Ramkot, the badly-hit village located near Druk Amitabha Monastery in Kathmandu. The foundation, known worldwide for environmental activities, is set up by Buddhist leader Gyalwang Drukpa, the spiritual head of the 1,000-year-old Drukpa Order based in India with around 1,000 monastic centres.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan attends discussion on gender equality at Cannes 2015

Madonna makes musical history by claiming top spot at Billboard for 45th time

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he queen of pop Ma d o n n a r e cently made history by winning 45th number one spot on a single billboard chart with 'Ghosttown.' The 56-year-old singer, who has been ruling the pop and dance music for over 35 years, now has the most number one singles by any artist, after the song from her recent album 'Rebel Heart' reached the top spot on the Dance Club Songs chart, the Daily Star reported. Expressing her excitement, the 'MDNA' hit-maker thanked all her fans, asking them to groove the dance floor.

The American singer has taken over the title from previous record holder George Strait, who has 44 number ones on the Hot Country Songs Chart.

ollywood diva Aishwarya Rai Bachchan today joined the United Nations Women's panel on gender equality in the film industry during her this year's first appearance at the ongoing Cannes International Film Festival. The esteemed panel included Under SecretaryGeneral UN Women Elizabeth Nyamayaro, Hollywood actresses Salma Hayek and Parker Posey, producers Elizabeth Karlsen and Christine Vachon.

The former Miss World bonded with Hayek while discussing the gender equality in the film industry.

Keeping with the tone of the event, the 41-year-old "Guzaarish" star was dressed in a sober floral Sabyasachi gown. She accessorised it with a clutch. Aishwarya, who is attending the festival for the 14th time in a row, will walk the red carpet as L'oreal Paris brand ambassador later in the day and also on May 20.

She will attend the amfAR charity Gala on May 21 with her actor husband Abhishek Bachchan.

Nicole Kidman reveals her daughter wants to appear on The Voice

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18 May 2015

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Hollywood actress Michelle Hybrid Movement Yeoh raises money for Nepal enthralls Mokokchung

he was in Nepal as a tourist when the quake unleashed death and destruction in the Himalayan nation. Now actress Michelle Yeoh, famous for her roles in Oscar-winning "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and James Bond film "Tomorrow Never Dies", is raising charity.

"It's not a one-month or one-year job but (will take) many years to help the people in need. And I am ready," the Malaysia-born Yeoh told IANS. "Rains are going to set in this Himalayan terrain soon. Then there will be harsh winter. Time is running short. We still have to reach out to many unfortunate ones," said Yeoh, who is also the brand ambassador of 'Live to Love' foundation. The actor vis-

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Monday

icole Kidman has revealed that her daughter Sunday Rose wants to be a singer.

The actress, who is married to American Idol judge Keith Urban, said that the six-year-old has already expressed her wish to appear on The Voice Kids in Australia.

Speaking at the American Idol finale red carpet on Thursday, Keith gave a resounding yes when asked if he would encourage their daughters to appear on a music reality show.

However Nicole was more hesitant, telling Extra's Australian host Renne Bargh: "We're divided! I'd be devastated if they didn't get through. Our daughter always wanted to go on The Voice Kids. "And I was like, 'but baby what if the chair didn't turn around?' She said 'I'd be fine'. But she wouldn't, so… You want to protect them but have them follow their dreams."

However Keith insisted: "You've got to expose them to the real things in

life right?"

It is not the first time Nicole has opened up about her daughter's career ambitions. The Oscar-winning actress previously told People that she doesn't think either Sunday Rose or her four-year-old sister Faith Margaret have any ambition to follow in her footsteps. "I think they would actually run the other way!"

Nicole said when asked if the girls had an interest in acting. "[Acting] was just my desire and my motivation, and I don't see that in Sunday or Faith. They're like, 'Nope, we're not interested.'"

Nicole, who also has two adopted children called Conor and Isabella from her 11-year marriage to Tom Cruise, added that she has already heard Sunday Rose voice her desire for a multitude of other careers. "Sunday wants to be a vet right now," she said. "And a party planner. Then she says she wants to be a stay-at-home mom and have eight children. I think that's her way of saying to me, 'Stay at home!'"

Hybrid Movement performing an acrobatic dance routine at the second edition of the "Spring Fiesta" at Town Hall, Mokokchung. (Photo: Moasen Ozukum) Morung Express News

and a salsa routine. The show also had dance performances from Popcornz, Global Play Boys, Aying and song performances from Moamerenla, Merang and Imnawapang.

DC, Mokokchung, Sushil Kumar Patel, who was the Chief Guest at the show, appreciated the effort of the organizers and said that the show was something unique to the people of Mokokchung and added that it was platform for young people to showcase their talent and encouraged the fusion of music and dance in one platform.

The Hybrid Movement is a group of highly motivated young and talented dance

team from Mokokchung with founder and Choreographer Ekon, a professional dancer from Hyderabad trained in Jazz, Tango, Salsa, Hip Hop, Contemporary etc.

A finalist at the First National Hornbill Dance Competition 2013, Ekon is a diploma holder in Aviation, Hospitality and Tourism Management and has worked as an Event coordinator in a reputed 5 Star Hotel. Hybrid Movement aims at motivating and encouraging dance enthusiasts and giving firsthand experience and an insight into the world of technical dance genre. In the future, Hybrid Movement hopes to open a Dance Institute in Mokokchung.

Lee Ryan declares bankruptcy

Meghan Trainor cured by broccoli

Mokokchung| May 17

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he people of Mokokchung were entertained by a heap of dance routines and songs on May 16 at a talent packed show “Spring Fiesta 2015” organized by Hybrid Movement, at Town Hall, Mokokchung. The Hybrid Movement’s Secret Angels opened the second edition of the Spring Fiesta by parading and show casing clothes designed by different members of Hybrid Movement. Hybrid movement had the crowd screaming for more as they performed an Acrobatic, contemporary, Hip-hop

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he Blue star - who is currently on tour with the band made up of Anthony Costa, Duncan James and Simon Webbe - has been forced to admit he's unable to pay back his debts and will have all his assets frozen. According to Mirror online, the 31-year-old singer may also be interviewed by his Official Receiver, who will judge if he is in a position to repay any of the money he owes creditors. Lee - who has also appeared on 'Celebrity Big Brother' - is the last member of the band to have declared himself bankrupt with Anthony, Duncan and Simon all having done so in the past.

Their company Blueworld Ltd fared little better and was forced to close in May 2013. It is thought Lee's money troubles have been caused by Capquest Investments Limited, a firm which buys unpaid debts off credit card com-

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panies and uses a more ''persuasive'' method to reclaim it. It has undoubtedly been a difficult few months for the star as it was also announced the band had been dropped from their record label in April.

The 'All Rise' hitmakers were released from their recording contract with Sony after their fifth studio album 'Colours' only sold 4,000 copies in its first week when it went on

sale last month A source revealed: ''Blue had a two-album deal but last week they were informed they'd been dropped after the performance of 'Colours'. ''It's a massive blow for them because it really was their last chance at commercial success. ''It's time for them to accept that their days of releasing hit singles and albums are over. No second single from the album.''

Prince Harry confirms he's happy to be single - and is NOT looking for a girlfriend

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rince Harry has confirmed he is happy being single in a candid interview where he also joked he was not like Bridget Jones. The 30-year-old said he was very different to the fictional singleton - who he has been compared with before - because he was 'very happy not having a girlfriend'. He said: 'Bridget Jones?

Where's that come from. Because I

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write my own diary or because I don't have a girlfriend? 'Bridget Jones? That's sad. No, for me, it's good… I'm not, sort of, looking. It's cool.'

Perhaps the world's most eligible bachelor, the prince's love life has been under scrutiny for more than a decade.

Harry's on-off relationship with Cressida Bonas, 26, finished last year and his only other serious relationship, with Chelsy Davy, 30, ended in 2011. Although he politely declined the invitation Miss McRae managed to steal a kiss.

They also come just two weeks after the Duchess of Cambridge gave birth to her second child Princess Charlotte. In the frank interview Harry spoke of his excitement at the prospect of meeting Charlotte, who was born five days after he flew out for his tour Down Under, for the first time.

He also called for a return to National Service – and put himself forward as an example of how the Army can help 'keep you out of trouble'. He said Britain should bring back compulsory call-ups to the military – abandoned

more than 50 years ago – as conscription could transform the lives of young men and women. The Prince, who recently ended his ten-year military career, said the Army had helped save his comrades from troubles in their civilian life. As he prepared to return to the UK, he said: 'I dread to think where I'd be without the Army.

Bring back National Service.

Harry also said he would like to see his infant nephew Prince George and niece Princess Charlotte go into the Armed Forces. 'I would definitely encourage George, and Charlotte if she wants to, to have some sort of involvement in the Armed Forces, guaranteed,' he added. 'And I know that William and Catherine would probably echo that as well, depending on the situation for them in those years to come.' He said he had witnessed firsthand how the military had helped people turn around their lives.

'The Army has done amazing things for me. And more importantly to me, what I've seen the Army do to other young guys. 'I was a troop commander in Windsor for three and a half years. I had 11 guys under my command. And some of these guys were – I mean naughty's not the word – they were on a different level. And their backgrounds and the issues they had. Then over those three years to see the way that they changed is huge, absolutely huge.

eghan Trainor cured herself of constant sickness by eating broccoli. The 21-year-old singer has revealed she repeatedly fell ill before she adopted the nutritious vegetable into her diet. She said: ''I used to get sick a lot. I wasn't eating the best and not sleeping - so I started eating chicken and broccoli to clear my lungs, and I don't get sick anymore.'' The 'Lips Are Movin' hitmaker added she needs all the energy she can get as her hectic schedule rarely allows her to take time off.

She told Top of the Pops magazine: ''No one knows how hard we work. There's not a day off! I remember talking to Jessie J and she said she'd only had one day off in the last four months.

I was like, 'What?' She was like, 'Yeah, but that's how we get to No. 1'.'' Meghan also admitted that shooting to fame quickly has made it difficult for her to adapt to life on tour. She explained: ''Overnight I was a pop star, so instead of spending ten years learning how to tour, I had to jump right into it.''

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Anfield bids a heartfelt farewell to Steven Gerrard

Shillong Lajong beat Bharat FC in I-league

ShILLOng, May 17 (MExn): A brilliant second half hat-trick from Shillong Lajong’s striker Cornell Glen lifted Lajong to a 3-1 victory over Kalyani Bharat FC in round 20 of the Hero I-League played here on Sunday. A press release received here informed.

The win, Lajong’s second victory in 3 matches, was another valuable three points as they battle for league safety. The win lifts Shillong Lajong FC to 6th position in the ILeague table with 20 points from 17 games while Bharat FC are just a point above the relegation zone.

Earlier, Omar Jarrun fired the Pune side into the lead from close range in the 5th minute following a Syed Rahim Nabi free kick. The set piece goal conceded so early in the match though seemed to fire up the home side and as Lajong came out all guns blazing and dominated the first half.

The equaliser, though remained elu-

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sive for Lajong, and it was only in the 53rd minute that their attacking efforts paid off.

Zoding lobbed a through ball over the defence to release Glen and the striker from Trinidad and Tobago struck it low into the bottom corner leaving Arindam Bhattacharjee diving in vain.

Lajong took the lead in the 72nd minute via a brilliant play between Zodingliana and Penn Orji down the left hand side which left Bharat defenders in no man’s land as Penn squared it in for Glen who fired past Arindam.

The home side were resilient after grabbing the lead and added the third in the 75th minute. Glen with a long range effort caught Arindam by surprise as the ball flew right into the left corner of the net.

Shillong Lajong will host Sporting Club de Goa in their next match on May 20 in Shillong.

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Liverpool's Steven Gerrard walks on the pitch with his daughters ahead of the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Crystal Palace at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, England, Saturday, May 16. Gerard will play his final home match for Liverpool on Saturday at Anfield after over 700 appearances for the club, before he moves to MLS team LA Galaxy. (AP Photo)

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LIVERPOOL, May 17 (aP): Carrying one daughter on his shoulders and with his two others by his side, Steven Gerrard circled the field inside Anfield and received the acclaim of his adoring Liverpool fans one last time.

Red-and-white scarves were thrown in front of him. He was serenaded with songs. Teammates past and present followed him around, all wearing jerseys with "Gerrard 8" on the back, and were careful to keep their distance, letting a club icon savor the moment.

It was the end of an era at Anfield on Saturday as Gerrard played his final home match in the red of Liverpool he has represented with distinction for 17 years.

The game ended in a 3-1 loss to Crystal Palace, but that didn't really matter to Liverpool's fans. Saturday was all about saying farewell to arguably the club's greatest ever player. "I've been dreading this moment," Gerrard said, addressing the fans, "and I'm absolutely devastated I won't be playing in front of these supporters again."

There were no tears from Gerrard — perhaps out of disappointment at failing to mark his last home appearance with a win — just from his 3-year-old daughter Lourdes, and probably many inside the ground on an emotionally charged evening.

"These supporters here stand

out more than any," Gerrard said in his final words to the crowd of 44,673. "I've played in front of most supporters around the world, but you are the best."

Gerrard played all 90 minutes in his 709th and next-to-last game for his hometown team but couldn't conjure up one final moment of brilliance at a stadium he has illuminated so many times.

Instead, the 34-year-old former England captain produced a fairly low-key display in a game that ended Liverpool's slim hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.

Manchester United — Liverpool's great rival — has qualified instead.

Gerrard will leave Liverpool after next weekend's match at Stoke — on the final weekend of the Premier League season — to join the Los Angeles Galaxy.

The final minute of the match was played to a soundtrack of "Steven Gerrard is a red," which drowned out the fulltime whistle.

Liverpool fans chanted songs about their captain of the past 12 years throughout a frustrating match for both Gerrard and the team. He had two shots — one that was well saved and another that was so far off target that it drew mock derision from fans in The Kop. Gerrard saluted them with a thumbs-up.

The game was more a celebration of an icon, a chance to say goodbye, than a football match.

Liverpool went into it with virtually no chance of finishing in the top four, and Palace was safe from relegation, so the whole evening could be dedicated to honoring the club's best player in a generation — perhaps ever.

Gerrard's name was the last to be read out — to huge cheers — when the teams were announced.

Accompanied by his three young kids, Gerrard touched the "This is Anfield" sign one last time in the tunnel, and walked out to a guard of honor, high-fiving each Palace player. He clapped and waved to all four stands, two of which had mosaics held out by fans that spelled "CAPTAIN" and "S8G." As the club's anthem, "You'll Never Walk Alone," rang out, Gerrard laughed and played with his daughters.

By this time, Gerrard was trending on Twitter, which was awash with tributes throughout the game.

He couldn't provide a final "Gerrard moment" in his 354th home match, but fans here have been spoiled by memorable moments from the midfielder since he made his debut in 1998.

Few will forget the late goal scored against Olympiakos in front of The Kop that sealed Liverpool's passage to the Champions League knockout stage in 2004. Liverpool went on to become European champions that season for a fifth time, beating AC Milan on penal-

ties in Istanbul after rallying from 3-0 down at halftime to draw 3-3.

Gerrard says it was the best night of his life. Gerrard departs with 10 trophies for Liverpool but — much to his chagrin — no Premier League winner's medal. He will have one more opportunity to add to his goal tally of 185 before heading to the United States.

Gerrard's departure will leave a huge void in the Liverpool team, and at the club. He has worn the captain's armband since 2003.

He has been Liverpool's symbol for the past decade, the local boy from the nearby council estate who the team has turned to in times of need, and has set the standard in matches and training.

"I don't think there is a person who has come into the club who has given what he has done over the time," Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said. "He has been a wonderful player and gave his all for the club." Flags held up inside Anfield summed up what he means to the fans. "Thank You Liverpool's Gr8est" read one. Another said: "Gerrard one of a kind."

The pre-match playlist had songs entitled "End Of The World As We Know It," ''No More Heroes," and "Come Back." Gerrard no doubt will be back after his 18 months in Los Angeles, in some capacity or other.

He will always be a red.

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Sharapova rallies to beat Suarez Navarro for Rome title ROME, May 17 (aP): Maria Sharapova rallied to beat 10th-seeded Carla Suarez Navarro 4-6, 7-5, 6-1 Sunday and win her third Italian Open title. The victory gives Sharapova confidence on clay as she prepares to defend her title at Roland Garros, which starts next weekend. With the temperature soaring above 30 Celsius (about 90 Fahrenheit) at the Foro Italico, Sharapova struggled for long stretches to figure out Suarez Navarro's spins, slices and heavy topspin shots. But once Sharapova started stepping into the court, attacking the Spaniard's serve and finding the corners, she took control. Sharapova's first two titles in Rome came back-to-back in 2011 and 2012.

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Sania-Martina lose Rome Masters final

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ROME, May 17 (IanS): Indo-Swiss tennis combine of Sania Mirza and Martina Hingis did not live up to expectations as the top seeds were upset by Hungarian-French pair of Timea Babos and Kristina Mladenovic in straight sets in the women's doubles final of the $2,428,490 Rome Masters here on Sunday. The third seeds took just an hour and 13 minutes to come out on top with a 6-4, 6-3 win on the outdoor clay courts of Foro Italico in the first ever match between the two pairs.

This was Sania and Martina's, ranked World No.1 and 2 respectively, fourth final together, having won at Indian Wells, Miami and Charleston earlier in the year.

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Maria Sharapova, of Russia, shows the trophy after defeating Carla Suarez Navarro of Spain, after the final match of the Italian Open tennis tournament, in Rome, Sunday, May 17. (AP Photo)

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Djokovic beats Federer for Rome title ROME, May 17 (aP): Top-ranked Novak Djokovic bolstered his clay-court credentials a week ahead of Roland Garros with a convincing 6-4, 6-3 win over Roger Federer on Sunday to capture his fourth Italian Open title. Extending his winning streak to 22 matches, Djokovic

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proved too consistent and too quick for Federer, who has never won the title at the Foro Italico in 15 appearances.

Djokovic produced a spectacular return to set up the decisive break at the end of the first set then got an early break in the second.

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