May 30th, 2016

C M Y K

www.morungexpress.com

monDAY • mAY 30 • 2016

DIMAPUR • Vol. XI • Issue 147 • 12 PAGes • 5

T H e

ESTD. 2005

P o W e R

o F

T R u T H

Idealism is the despot of thought, just as politics is the despot of will — Mikhail Bakunin Public notice

C M Y K

Delivery Time Effective June 2016 Please note that The Morung Express has a new publication deadline of 8:00 p.m., for all documents including press releases, articles and other news items. Any documents received after the new 8:00 p.m., deadline will be published in a later issue.

The implementation of the 8:00 p.m. deadline for submission of press releases has enabled us to go to print early.

As a result, beginning in June 2016, The Morung Express will now be available in the early morning hours in Jalukie, Tseminyu, Wokha, Zunheboto, Mokokchung, Mao Gate and Senapati. This is in addition to Dimapur and Kohima.

We appreciate your continued support.

The Morung Express

reflections

By Sandemo Ngullie

Zunheboto | May 29

There are a couple of things enchanting about the Hezükhü Memorial District Hospital (HMDH), aka the Zunheboto district civil hospital. It has a wellmaintained garden and is located in a serene pocket off Town.

It is otherwise nearly empty. On a day The Mosorry, i can’t talk about my rung Express visited the government on national TV. 75-bedded hospital, there were three patients. One of them was a pregnant woman who had to use an Indian-sitting toilet that was raising a stench at the back of the ward. One of the spacious patients’ wards has one CFL bulb in a dim end of the room. When there is no electricity, even this goes off.

But it’s not just patients keeping away from the treacherous roads leading up to the hospital. Even and nurses are The Morung Express doctors scanty, leaving the ZunPOll QuEsTiOn heboto civil hospital to Vote on www.morungexpress.com crumble under lack of care SMS your anSwer to 9862574165 from the Government of Nagaland’s Department of Do you agree that we need Health and Family Welfare active smart citizens to successfully implement (DoH&FW).

Yes

no

Others

Should Companies, Contractors and NGOs receiving work-contracts and financial aid from the State Govt be transparent and held accountableto public scrutiny?

Yes

70%

no

08%

Others

22%

Details on page 7

Say no to VIP hunting parties: CYF Our Correspondent Kohima | May 29

Intensifying its bio-diversity conservation effort within the Chakhesang jurisdiction of Phek district, the Chakhesang Youth Front (CYF) has undertaken 2nd phase area wise co-ordination meeting cum awareness campaign in different parts of the district. The 2nd phase campaign covered Pfutsero town, Chokriba, Chozuba town, Khuza town and Phek town. CYF found one hunting rules violator and a pork supply defaulter. The CYF expressed dismay on complaints from several federating units that some intellectuals/bureaucrats and VIPs were indulging in hunting parties in the restricted and reserved areas, thereby hampering the conservation effort. It requested those group (s) involved to discontinue such practice to help enhance the conservation effort.

The CYF asked all the federating units to ensure every youth in their respective areas to plant a tree each on or before June 5 to commemorate World Environment Day. It asked the concerned authority not to issue arms permit to anyone for the purpose of shooting any wild animal without consultation with concerned youth as per Chakhesang Public Organization (CPO) resolution, adding that if necessary, proper consultation may be initiated. The CYF also appealed neighboring villages to control their cattle from destroying forest resources and urged against extraction of medicinal plants from Chakhesang jurisdiction.

Real defeat Atletico to win Champions League

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Zunheboto civil hospital lies battered Morung Express news

the Smart Cities Mission?

Why – give reasons?

Nikos gets NABH accreditation; opens laparoscopic training centre

three years, are “attached” and sent away to other, more convenient, places closer home/cities or just don’t report to their duty station.

“The Trained Nurses Association of India in Nagaland had once decided not to encourage the attachment of nurses from one station to the other as this creates shortfall in rural areas, but this could not be implemented due to political pressure,” notes the nurse.

When faced with dire situations, they have no option but to bring in “proxy” trained nurses.

This becomes pertinent particularly at night. Only one nurse, one night attendant and one chowkidar run the show in Zunheboto.

Doctors are called in to attend emergency cases, but given the phone network condition in Zunheboto, the efficacy of this system cannot be predicted.

Doctors are similarly under strain. For a hospital that mostly delivers babies, it has no gynaecologist, so a medical specialist handles deliveries along with nurses.

Other than that, there is one dental and surgery specialist each at the hospital. There is an anaesthetist too but has not been seen in a while.

“We do 30-40 deliveries per month in this hospital, of which about 10 would be C-section,” says a staff working at the hospital. If and when complications arise, they have no option

The Hezükhü Memorial District Hospital aka Zunheboto district civil hospital has been long ignored by the nagaland state Government—political transfers and irrational posting within the Department of Health and Family Welfare has led to poor healthcare delivery to the people of Zunheboto district. (Morung Photos)

cannot be used, also due to lack of technicians, there is no money to run a 25KVA generator (except during operations) on its premise and central government schemes meant for maternal health fail.

This attitude of neglect is confirmed when The Morung Express visited the Chief Medical Officer’s (CMO) office in Zunheboto Town. It is housed in a former, mouldy, wooden church structure built in 1939, with its unit spread across six buildings of the complex.

Important files and papers—service records, correspondence, appointments, post mortem reports, program files, general establishment files—presumably since 1963, are precariously stacked up on open wooden lofts. Nothing has been digitised and there is no proper infrastructure to protect this critical data that could give a scenario of Zunheboto’s health since the formation of Nagaland State.

From here, the CMO manages programs in 47 sub-centres, 13 Primary Health Centres and two Community Health Centres in Zunheboto district.

But the civil hospital has “always been a defaulter.”

Confirming that the HMDH has been erractically managed, the CMO states that he had to take up the responsibility of sign-

ing staff salaries since 2015.

“No JSY sanctions have been made to the civil hospital as it has not produced its bank passbook,” informs the Zunheboto CMO. Generally, an MS handles these duties but sources informed that the previous MS has been transferred and the person who has been appointed now as MS of the HMDH Zunheboto has got a stay order from court on the posting due to the officer’s repeated transfers.

The MS position at the Hospital has been shrouded in murky waters for several years now. The MS name board at the HMDH has not even been updated since 2009. It was informed that the DoH&FW has been well in the know of the situation but has chosen to intentionally neglect it.

“Transfers and promotions are often politically motivated,” says a senior officer of the DoH&FW. “There are many senior doctors who are resigning from the DoH&FW due to unfair play and irrational posting of doctors,” he reiterates as he himself contemplates resignation if not for the “economic condition” of Nagaland State.

In the face of this, the people of Zunheboto have no option but to turn their backs on the government, towards private health care. For the poor, this often means no healthcare at all.

but to refer the patient to a private hospital in Zunheboto Town.

Making matters worse for financially ailing patients, the hospital provides almost nothing. “No gloves, no medicines, no needles—patients have to buy all this themselves. We also take a small fee from them to keep the hospital

running,” inform hospital staff.

Any Government gains legitimacy by providing not just free healthcare to all citizens but also a robust maternal healthcare mechanism.

At HMDH, quite the opposite happens. Since 2014, mothers delivering at this hospital have not been

given their incentives under central schemes like Janani Suraksha Yojana.

Kiphire: encroachment forces PHeD Dept to work out from rented house

2 killed, 5 injured after truck falls into Chathe river

SC judgement on border issue will not be accepted: UNTABA

Dearth of nurses & doctors

“There is a dearth of nurses here,” acknowledges a nurse posted at the civil hospital. In what may be a state wide pattern, nurses often get transferred within

Our Correspondent Kiphire | May 29

Established in 1978 and upgraded to Executive Engineer in the year 1997, the Public Health Engineer Department (PHED), Kiphire has not been able to function in their departmental office building till date. They have instead been functioning in a rented house due to encroachment of the department’s land.

Of the 10.25 acres of land, for which the department paid compensation of Rs 20,500/- through cheque no. 002141/214029 as per departmental official record of 1979, only a few acres remain with the department.

The rest have been en-

croached upon by other departments and private parties. Private buildings, church building, government school building, departmental quarter and offices of different departments have been constructed on this land without the knowledge of the PHED. While the PHED had constructed its office building in the year 200607, the road leading to the office was blocked by private buildings. This forced the department to move its operations to a rented house, since 2006, shelling out lakhs of rupees per year incurring a heavy loss to the state exchequer.

Department officials have also accepted that due

to the negligence of successive officers in the department, massive encroachment has taken place in the department land.

However, the officials expressed hope that government would step in, since the department’s record on acquisition of the land are clear.

Officers of the department also opined that civil societies and leaders should help the department, if developmental activities are to take place in the district, because without land, the department would not be able to do anything. They added that the PHED case is unique as the department has already compensated the land owners.

Morung Express news Dimapur | May 29

Two persons were killed and five were injured in a road mishap which occurred on May 28. According to police sources, a truck with seven occupants, including the driver skidded off the road and fell into the Chathe River some 50 feet below. It reportedly occurred around 12:00-1:00 pm about 2-3 km beyond the Chumukedima police check-post towards Medziphema. The deceased victims, whose identities could not be ascertained, were reportedly at the back of the truck, which was headed for Punglwa. All other occupants, including the driver were seriously wounded.

Army can’t operate in civilian areas without AfsPA: Defence Minister

NEw DElhI, MAY 29 (IANS): The Indian Army cannot operate in civilian areas without a contentious act that gives it sweeping special powers, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has said, amid demands from several quarters that the act be revoked from Jammu and Kashmir and the northeastern states where it is in operation.

“My department’s role comes into the picture when the army is asked to proceed and act in a certain area. At that time, the army requires protection,” Parrikar told IANS in an interview, referring to the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) that is in place in what are termed “disturbed areas”.

Asked about the possibility of revoking the AFSPA, the defence minister said that the subject came under the home ministry, adding it was needed by the army to “proceed and act” in certain areas. He also said immunity to soldiers should be total.

The minister stressed that the army will not go in the civilian areas without the act being in place. “If that act is not there, the army will not take action. For carrying out counter ter-

ror operations, the army requires that power. That power comes from such laws; AFSPA is a major one,” he said.

“If that is not there, the army will not go to a civilian area for operations.

The home ministry should decide on the basis of that, after assessing the situation,” Parrikar maintained. “If the army is required, this act has to be there; otherwise the army cannot operate. Jawans cannot be made to face standard laws,” he contended.

There is a “new crop” of activists who keep filing cases against the AFSPA, the minister said, adding in a lighter vein that someone may even file a case on the Kargil conflict even though 17 long years have passed since the Indian Army went into action to evict Pakistani intruders from the icy heights of Jammu and Kashmir.

“There is suddenly a crop of activists who try to file cases and all that...

Actually if you see the immunity should be total unless it (a wrongdoing) is proved in a particular fashion.

How will armed forces act otherwise?

Someone can even file a case on Kargil,” he said.

The AFSPA came into force in the northeastern states in 1958 after the Naga tribes rebelled against the govenrment and continues to be in force there. It is also in force in J&K, Assam, Manipur, and parts of Arunachal Pradesh.

Among the provisions of the AFSPA, any commissioned officer, warrant officer, non-commissioned officer or any other person of equivalent rank in the armed forces may fire upon or otherwise use force if he is of the opinion that it is necessary to do so for the maintenance of public order. A soldier, however, needs to first give a warning before opening fire.

The forces can destroy arm dumps, make arrests without warrants and can enter and search a premises without a warrant to make an arrest. The act, however, requires the forces to promptly take an arrested person to the nearest police station. The act provides that no prosecution, suit or other legal proceeding shall be instituted, except with the previous sanction of the central government.

Intentional neglect

“I haven’t met the Medical Superintendent (MS) for a long time now,” says a doctor at the Hospital.

This is one of the reasons that a semi-functional Xray machine at the HMDH

DIMAPUR, MAY 29 (MExN): The United Naga Tribes Association of Border Areas (UNTABA) today stated that any likely judgments or outcome on the litigation process presently undergoing in the Supreme Court regarding the Assam Nagaland border issue “shall not be accepted by the people of Nagaland.

The UNTABA, in a press note from its President, Hukavi Yeputhomi and General Secretary, Imsungmongba Pongen, said this in reference to the long pending case of the Original Suit No. 2 0f 1988 filed by the then AGP Government of Assam for arbitration of inter-State boundary between Nagaland and Assam.

The UNTABA stated that arbitration for determination on inter-State boundary between the states is “unconstitutional because as per the Constitutional provi-

sions of Articles 3 & 4 of the Constitution of India, only the Parliament can undertake such power and it is clearly defined in the Points No. 12 & 13 of the ’16 Points Agreement’ of 1960 between the people of Nagaland and Government of India.”

It added that the Naga people “strongly believe on the political wisdom of negotiation based on the historical basis of accepting the facts of history when it comes to the determination of Nagaland.”

The UNTABA then stated that the boundary issue “is same with the Naga political issue; one cannot be settled without the other because they are interlinked.”

It further informed that the UNTABA will be conducting a ‘Naga Peoples’ Dialogue – II’ on the land and boundary issue between Nagaland and Assam some time in later part of June or first week of July 2016.

2

monDAY 30•05•2016

NAGALAND

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Nikos gets NABH accreditation; ‘A revived church can challenge the opens laparoscopic training centre corruption and competing powers…’

21st OTS graduation ceremony Morung Express News Dimapur | May 29

Nagaland Minister for Health & Family Welfare, P Longon, handing over the certificate of the laparoscopic training centre to managing director, Nikos Hospital & Research Centre, Dr. Victo A Wotsa.

Morung Express News Dimapur | May 29

In a major boost to healthcare services in the state, a laparoscopic training centre recognized by Federation of Obstetrics & Gynaecology Society of India (FOGSI) was formally inaugurated here at Nikos Hospital & Research Centre (NHRC) on Sunday.

The launching of the laparoscopic training centre coincided with the happy tidings of accreditation of NHRC by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH).

With this, Nikos Hospital has earned the distinction of being the first hospital in Nagaland and the third in the North East Region to get NABH accreditation and also the first hospital in the Region to open a laparoscopic training centre.

Nagaland Minister for Health & Family Welfare, P Longon, who graced the ‘accreditation and inauguration’ programme as the chief guest, in his address observed that private hospitals are coming up in Dimapur with a strong vision to provide quality healthcare services to the

people and also supplementing the state government in healthcare services through dedicated and visionary Naga doctors.

“Today, I am very proud to say that quality healthcare services are available at our doorstep, being provided by our own doctors who are equally qualified and experienced in their own fields of specialty like any other doctors in the rest of the world,” the Minister said.

Stating that quality healthcare is the need of the hour, Longon added that healthcare system cannot be compromised at any cost.

“Like Nikos Hospital getting accreditation from NABH, I expect that every hospital should bear a trademark of quality and reputation…I expect that through this hospital, our Naga doctors as well as doctors from other Northeast states come forward and learn the techniques of laparoscopic training from Dr. Victo and get maximum professional benefits to help our people in return,” the Minister said.

Longon also said the doctor population in the state is still low and as of now, Nagaland state has

Deo Nukhu stresses on importance of good playground

KohiMa, May 29 (MexN): A rostrum in Khomi village, constructed under LADP fund, was inaugurated by Parliamentary Secretary for Higher and Technical Education, Deo Nukhu on May 28.

Deo Nukhu highlighted the importance of having a good playground in every village to promote games and sports and also to keep oneself physically fit. He also called upon the people of Khomi village to give more emphasis on agriculture and allied sectors in order to improve their economic status, a press release received here said. He said the village has the potential to produce more through agriculture.

The release noted that under Nukhu’s initiative, 10 standard size playgrounds along with few rostrums have been constructed in the Chizami Assembly Constituency under Local Area Development Programme (LADP) fund since he was elected as MLA in 2003. The function was chaired by Vedusu Lohe, President of Middle Khomi Youth Organisation, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Nuvecho, President, Khomi Public Organisation. The event was attended by leaders from Upper Khomi, Middle Khomi, Lower Khomi village, and Nukhosa Khesoh, President, Chakhesang Sports Association, and Mhasheyi, President, Pholami Youth Organisation and his office bearers.

to depend on other states to produce doctors to cater to the health needs of the people till the proposed medical college in the state comes up.

Special guest and director, NABH, Dr. Gayatri V Mahindroo, who handed over the accreditation certificate to the managing director, NHRC, Dr. Victo A Wotsa, said ‘Nikos’ is synonymous to victory and getting accreditation is the first step in the NRHC’s journey to provide quality healthcare. She said accreditation and launching of the laparoscopic training centre would also provide an opportunity for the hospital to serve patients from neighbouring states.

Dr. Victo A Wotsa in his welcome address gave a brief account of hurdles faced in the journey of launching the centre and getting accreditation.

Director, Health & Family Welfare, Dr. John Sweyievisa; president of Kohima Obstetrics & Gynaecology Society of Nagaland, Dr. K Keditsu; and Dr. Jyoti Ramadas also spoke on the occasion. Minister for PHE, Tokheho Yepthomi was among the dignitaries and well wishers who attended the programme.

“Today corruption in every area of life has percolated from the top down to the remotest villages of Indo-Myanmar,” were the words of Rev. Dr. Tuisem Shishak speaking at the 21st graduation ceremony of Oriental Theological Seminary (OTS). 26 graduated from the seminary with 23 receiving their MDiv, 2 MTh and 1 MMin degrees.

Rev. Dr. Shishak, Principal Emeritus of Patkai Christian College, in his allocution at the ceremony held at the Rengma Baptist Church, Dimapur made an ardent appeal for Christians throughout the Nagainhabited region of IndoMyanmar to confess sins and “renew their covenant with the Lord so they can stand their ground in Christ against all the corrupt powers in Naga society.”

Quoting Max Mueller’s “The truth must be repeat-

Rev. Dr. Tuisem Shishak at the 21st Graduation ceremony of OTS, which was held at the Rengma Baptist Church, Dimapur on May 29. (Morung Photo)

ed as long as some do not believe”, he expressed fear that the Naga society today has failed on all fronts, while adding, “my generation” has contributed to it.

Stating that the politicians, bureaucrats, national workers and professionals have just as much contributed to the present scenario, he added that even the church leaders are already

affected by today’s social, moral and spiritual decay.

According to him, 144 years following the introduction of Christianity more and more Nagas are heading back into the darkness of sin and heathenism.

Nagaland with its high Christian populace “must be like heaven… but is it?” he posed. Citing Patkai Christian College as an

instance, he held that 90 percent of the over 1400 students would be Baptists while most of the faculty and staff profess to be Christians. “… But on Sunday morning, less than 1/3rd of them attend the worship service.”

Maintaining there is more to Christianity than building expensive churches, still, he added that the

church with all its worldliness is the only hope.

“What we need today is another reformation in the church; the Naga church must regain its first love for Jesus Christ… Only the revived church can challenge the corruption and competing powers in our society.”

Citing Ezekiel 22:30, he said, “OTS graduates, the Lord God is looking for men and women who would build up the wall and stand in the gap on behalf of the land so he would not have to destroy it, while adding, “We cannot afford not to accept positively the Lord’s challenge.”

He further called upon Christians in Nagaland to prepare to face the onslaught of “Hindutva ideology being subtly exported to the north-east from New Delhi behind the façade of ‘Act East’.”

“Winning souls for Christ is the duty of every responsible Christian, but so is the task of saving minds for Christ. No theological college or seminary can afford to ignore the life of the mind, which defends the faith already accepted in the heart, the faith once delivered to the saints.”

Naga priest ordained in USA Kohima Police arrest one New Jersey, May 29 (MexN): A Naga man has been ordained a priest in USA at St. Francis Cathedral, Metuchen, New Jersey. Mhonchan Ezung was ordained by Bishop James Checchio on May 28 with two of his classmates.

In his sermon, Bishop Checchio welcomed the newly ordained priests and exhorted them to make Jesus Christ as the center of their lives, and to live a sacrificial and faithful life as priests.

Fr. Mhonchan Ezung, who hails from Longsa village in Wokha district, is the first Naga to be ordained a

Fr. Mhonchan Ezung, the first Naga to be ordained a Catholic priest in the US, with Bishop Checchio.

Catholic priest in the US. He is ordained for the Diocese of Metuchen in New Jersey. On Sunday, May 29,

he offered his First Mass at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Old Bridge, New Jersey.

KohiMa, May 29 (MexN): Kohima Police personnel manning Peducha check gate arrested one person for driving with fictitious vehicle Registration Card (Smart Card) on May 28, according to a press release from SDPO/ PRO, Kohima Police (South). The vehicle driven by the accused identified as Welewu Keyho was detained at Peducha check gate. During verification, the police found that the chassis and engine number engraved on the vehicle and smart card (RC book) did not tally with the records of NCRB database, the release said. It was also ascertained that the seized vehicle was plying with a fictitious Registration Card (smart card), it added.

Accordingly, the vehicle was seized and the driver identified as Welewu Keyho (27) was arrested.

In this connection, a regular case vide Kohima Sechü (Zubza) PS Case No. 0010/2016 U/S 379/468/471 IPC has been registered against the arrested person for conducting further investigation, the PRO said.

The details of the vehicle are: Tata Xenon, Registration No. - NL-07A/5863, Chassis No. -MAT524005ESH05131, Engine No. - 497SPTC43HYY629317.

Sanitation awareness through women orgs

MoN, May 29 (DiPr): One day programme on Swachh Bharat Mission was held under the theme ‘Sanitation awareness campaign through women bodies’ with Dr. Chingjei Konyak, MBBS, MS General and Laparoscopic Surgeon as the resource person on May 28 at KNSK office here. The programme, organized

by Konyak Nyupuh Sheko Khong (KNSK), was sponsored by PHED Mon Division.

Speaking on the ‘Importance of good sanitation’, Dr. Chingjei Konyak said people are conscious and afraid of diseases but are careless of sanitation and hygiene which cause the ailments. 30% of diseases and ailments, he said, can be controlled if proper sanitation and hygiene is maintained and emphasized on the importance of proper disposal of waste and safe drinking water.

He informed that various diseases and ailments like diarrhea, dysentery, urinary tract infection, and malaria are caused directly or indirectly due to improper sanitation and unhygienic lifestyle. He further stressed on the importance of washing hands as it reduces the risk of diarrhea by 40%. He especially emphasized on clean environment with proper maintenance of toilet, proper drainage, waste

management system, and safe drinking water for healthy living. Khoiwang Wangsha, President, ENPO lamenting about unclean and unhygienic lifestyle in the district encouraged the KNSK members to learn and disseminate the importance of sanitation and hygienic lifestyle to the people back at home. He urged the women organization to take the initiatives in creating awareness on sanitation.

Quoting ‘Cleanliness begins with a single person’,Lemya, Women Evangelist, KBBB urged the womenfolk to begin cleanliness at their respective home and teach their children the importance of such basic yet important things.

Asserting that ignorance, uncivilized attitude, and negligence are the three factors for lack of proper sanitation, she appealed to the KNSK to be well aware of the subject and disseminate the information to the people. She A child plays among heaps of vegetables as her mother sells green vegetables at Super said women organization is the right platform Market in Dimapur on Wednesday, May 25, 2016. Photo by Caisii Mao to deal with practical role on sanitation and healthy environment. Earlier, keynote address was proposed by Lomei Konyak, President, KNSK, while the programme was chaired by Angip, Joint Secretary, KNSK. Women representatives from wards/colonies of Mon Town participated in the programme.

Catholic school and church inaugurated in Chessore TueNsaNg, May 29 (MexN): St. Christopher School and St. Augustine Church in Chessore were inaugurated by Nchumbemo Odyuo, ADC, Tuensang and Fürhesie, SDO Civil, Chessore, respectively on May 29. Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, blessed both the school and church.

A press release from the Kohima Bishop’s secretary informed that the ADC said the Catholic Church fills the gap that no other agency does by going to the remotest places and putting all its resources for the betterment of the people. “The Fathers and Sisters make lot of sacrifice in their mission and forgo their legitimate comforts of life. They through their ministry try to bring about full development of our people,” Nchumbemo stated in his address. He acknowledged he himself is a beneficiary of the mission of the

Children listen to speaker during the inauguration progamme in Chessore on May 29.

Catholic Church in Lakhuti though he not a catholic.

He urged the public leaders and people of Chessore area to give full support to the fathers in their work.

During the Eucharistic celebration, the Bishop said that Eucharist is “the

source and summit of the Christian life.” Eucharist in the Catholic Church is the celebration of Mass using the bread and wine. Referring to the feast of the day, Corpus Christi, he said that the Eucharist is the greatest treasure left by Jesus to the

Church. The Bishop further exhorted the community to be fed by the Eucharist and word of God in order to grow in divine life.

Fr. Francis Cheerankal, the Centre in-charge, introduced all the sixteen priests present from different par-

ishes and gave a brief history of the Chessore mission which is just one year old.

He expressed gratefulness to the Bishop, Tohanba, the local MLA, and the public for the support rendered for the construction of the school and church.

According to the release, the altar of the church was built with mud brought from every Catholic family and the wood for the altar was brought

by Chikem. The wood was used in the Morung and was handed over by forefathers. These, Fr. Francis said, is symbol that “we stand united to form one family and we must fight against all forms of evil within and outside us.”

Fr. Francis also released a news letter "Lümyin Düshak" (Thoughts have seen light), a book titled Akin Jipürü Yukhean (Stories of the fathers of faith), and jersey as a souvenir of the occasion.

Farmers attend to paddy fields at Zapami village under Phek district. Nagaland has basically an agricultural economy. Over 70% of the population is dependent on agriculture. Rice is the dominant crop and also the staple diet of the people. Of the gross cropped area under food grains, rice accounts for about 84.4%. (Morung Photo/Chizokho Vero)

Nagamese film ‘Notun Jevan’ produced and directed by Ajay Kumar was released on May 29

by I. Vitoshe Kinnimi, former Chairman, Diphupar Village Council. Notun Jevan is the 25th film produced by Pooja Film Production. (Morung Photo)

MonDAY 30•05•2016 18

NORTH-EAST

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

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‘Naga Literature & Creative Writing in English’ Extend TET form submission date indefinitely: ATSUM Senapati, May 29 (Mexn): A discourse on ‘Naga Literature and Creative Writing in English’ with Dr. Easterine Kire was held on May 28 at Mt. Pisgah College.

Around 200 delegates participated in the event which was held in partnership with Tahpu Foundation, Hills Hornbill Express and Senapati District Debating Society.

Giving an ‘overview of Naga Literature’, Dr. Kire observed that many people have a misconception in their understanding of Naga literature in thinking “it is still very young”. Seeking to clear such misconceptions, she maintained that Naga literature has been there since the settlements of forefathers in the different villages.

Naga Literature, in terms of fictions, essays, folktales, short stories, biographies, poems, songs, may not always be totally academic, philosophical, historical, political, which in a way is different from the other scholarly volumes, she says but contends that one will find contents of all of the above.

Insisting that Naga literature is unique, Dr. Kire stated that there was always an Oral Literature among our forefathers, through their story telling. In this, she urged the participants to go to the villages, sit with the elders and listen to them “because they are the living books as they have the literature in their heads”.

Story telling through folktales

and songs should continue and should be preserved and documented, she asserted.

In the discourse, she mentioned how the Naga story telling was silenced in different ways. She cited the coming of the British to the Naga villages and argues that this has silenced narratives. Bombings, military occupations, atrocities have agitated the people, their minds preoccupied and the peace that was prevailing was gone and there was no more sitting together and no storytelling, she contends.

Calling for a stop to ‘Cultural and Academic Thefts’, Dr Kire urged the gathering to start valuing the knowledge of our culture. She encouraged the participants not to let their culture be taken away or other culture be imposed on them. “The ‘Cultural Theft’ that happens by force as well as by giving away by the natives should be stopped. We should break the silences; suppress the imposed and super-imposed of their identity on us.”

Oral literature, she says, is something we should always take pride in.

Contending that stories are the basis of Naga literature, she expressed the need to record as much as stories as possible.

In the second session, Dr. Kire started on the topic “Identity”. According to her, there always is a question splitting our consciousness on Naga identity – i.e., “Sovereignty”.

This, she says, is a problem caused by colonization. Colonization, she says, has given us a fractured identity. “We are considered to be an inferior race because of the defeat. What has followed was most severe because our psychology has been affected and somehow we have accepted that we are the victims and has to be ruled.”

Arguing that “we are ethnic,” she maintains, “It is high time we assert that voice.”

Lamenting that “deep and meaningful words are dying out,” she encourages the participants to bring out their own dictionaries. “We should collect songs and categorise them because we have for example ‘songs of the forest’, ‘songs of the warriors’, ‘songs of the village’, etc. That way we would be taking ownership of our culture, the culture that our forefathers have given to us.”

On “Creative Writing in English”, Dr Kire stated the need for one to have “enormous ideas, romantic ideas and beauty of expression, form and emotional appeal.”

Defining Literature as, ‘an artistic writing, worthy to be remembered’, she encouraged the participants to have journals and write every day.

“The more we write, the more we become comfortable and words come to us. Writing and reading a lot is necessary if one wants to become a good writer,” she stated.

One KYKL OPEN 2016-2017 cadre held ADMISSION EduAide Career & Counseling Service under Divine Bridge Ministries iMpHaL, May 29 (nnn): One KYKL cadre was apprehended from Phougakchau Leikai in Churachandpur, Manipur on May 27.

According to the PIB, Defence Wing, the cadre, identified as Trongbam Amarjit (26 yrs), was arrested in a joint operation.

One 9 mm pistol (country made) along with two live rounds was recovered.

The cadre along with the recovered items has been handed over to Police Station Moirang, the PIB stated.

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Newmai News Network Imphal | May 29

The All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur (ATSUM) has demanded that the Manipur government indefinitely extend the last date for form submission of TET until a “final settlement” is reached.

“Our demand should be met or we will be compelled to launch agitation. Making B Ed degree compulsory for TET candidates is not based on good sense,” union finance secretary Andria Sinruwng said on Sunday.

“90 percent of the people hailing from the hill districts will not be getting the chance to appear in the upcoming examination since few of them are holding B Ed degree,” he said.

“It seems that the Education Department’s intent to suppress the rights of the tribal people is very clear,” Andria accused. He demanded that the last date of form submission should be

indefinitely extended.

Board of Secondary Education, Manipur (BOSEM) conducts Manipur Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) every year to hand pick the best teachers for the government schools.

Andria said every hill district has one DIET (District Institute of Education and Training) centre but this is meant only for the in-service teachers. He said the one at DM College, Imphal campus offers B Ed degree to a few people who are not in service.

He said, “The union has been demanding the Manipur government to start B Ed programme all in the hills but the five-year old demand has remained neglected till date.”

On May 16, an ATSUM delegation met Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh at his chamber here. The meeting, also attended by ministers, reached an agreement in principle to relax TET and B Ed in re-

cruiting teachers under SSA and RMSA. “The assurance and agreement are yet to be implemented by the government till today and at the same time the Education Department is planning to hold TET making B Ed compulsory now,” Andria rued.

He urged upon all federating units and other like-minded civil societies to extend support to the proposed agitation to be launched by the union in the event that the government declined the demand for extension of last date of submission of TET forms.

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BUSINESS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Sun Pharma gets US subpoena over pricing of generic drugs MUMBAI, MAY 29 (REUTERS): The US Department of Justice (DoJ) has subpoenaed India’s largest drugmaker Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, seeking information about the pricing and marketing of the generic drugs it sells in the United States, the company said on Saturday.

The DoJ’s antitrust division has also asked Sun Pharma’s US unit for documents related to employee and corporate records and communications with competitors.

The subpoena comes amid a wider probe by US regulators into steep increases in the prices of generic medicines in recent years.

The US Department of Health and Human Services started an investigation last year into generic drug prices after prodding from US Senator Bernie Sanders and Democratic Representative Elijah Cummings.

They specifically cited doxycycline hyclate 100

A man carrying a gas cylinder walks out of the research and development centre of Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd in mumbai. (REUTERS File Photo)

milligram, an antibiotic for which the price doubled in the year through June 2014.

The DoJ’s antitrust division sent subpoenas last year to two generic drugmakers — Endo International Plc and Mylan — seeking information on their doxycycline products.

Sun Pharma, the world’s fifth-largest maker of generic medicines, is one of several companies selling doxycycline products in the United States. In a statement issued late on Saturday, it did not disclose the products over which the DoJ had sought information.

Other generic drugmakers including India’s Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd and US firm Allergan also received subpoenas from regulators seeking similar information last year, but they did not disclose the names of the products involved.

2008-10 global economic downturn dramatically increased cancer deaths LONdON, MAY 29 (IANS): The economic crisis of 2008-10 and the rise in unemployment that accompanied it led to dramatic rise in cancer-related deaths, says a study.

The recent global economic crisis was linked with more than 260,000 excess cancer deaths among the 35 member states of the Organisation for Economic Development (OECD) alone, the findings showed.

The researchers analysed the link between unemployment, public health care spending, and cancer mortality using data from 1990-2010 from more than 70 high and middle-income countries around the world, representing roughly two billion people.

Scarcity of data prevented India, China and low-income countries from inclusion in the study, according to the researchers.

The researchers found that excess cancer burden was mitigated in countries that had universal health coverage (UHC) and in those that increased pub-

lic spending on health care during the study period.

The study was published in the journal The Lancet.

“Higher unemployment due to economic crisis and austerity measures is associated with higher number of cancer deaths.

Universal health coverage protects against these deaths,” said senior author of the study Rifat Atun, professor of global health systems at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Increased joblessness during the economic crisis may have limited people’s access to health care, leading to late-stage diagnoses and poor or delayed treatment, he added.

“Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide so understanding how economic changes affect cancer survival is crucial,” lead author Mahiben Maruthappu from Imperial College London said.

“We also found that public healthcare spending was tightly associated with cancer mortality -- suggesting healthcare

UPSC Recruitment 2016 LinkedIn notifies data breach, alerts

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) invited online recruitment applications for recruitment to the posts of Specialist Grade III Assistant Professors (Medicine), Specialist Grade III (Paediatrics), Assistant Directors (Official Language), Training Officers (Architectural Assistantship), Training Officer (Catering and Hospitality Management), Training Officer (Dress Making), Training Officer (Electronics), Training Officers (Hair and Skin Care), Training Officers (Principles of Teaching), Training Officers (Secretarial Practice) and Assistant Director (Horticulture).

The eligible candidates can apply online to the post through the prescribed format on or before 16 June.

Eligibility Criteria for UPSC Various Jobs:

Educational Qualification: Specialist Grade III Assistant Professors (Medicine): Recognized MBBS degree qualification included in the First Schedule or Second Schedule or Part II of the Third Schedule (other than licentiate qualifications) to the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956 ( 102 of 1956).

Specialist Grade III (Paediatrics): A recognized MBBS degree qualification included in the First Schedule or Second Schedule or Part II of the Third Schedule (other than licentiatee qualifications) to the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956 ( 102 of 1956).

Assistant Directors (Official Language): Master’s Degree of a recognised University in Hindi with English as a compulsory or elective subject or as the medium of examination at the degree level.

Training Officers (Architectural Assistantship): Degree in Architecture of a recognized University/Institute or equivalent.

Training Officer (Catering and Hospitality Management): Bachelor’s Degree in Hotel Management.

Training Officer (Dress Making): Diploma (Three years’ duration) in Dress Making and Designing /Garment Fabrication Technology/Dress Making and Garment Manufacturing/Costume Design and Dress Making awarded by State Board of Technical Education of a recognized Board/University or equivalent.

Training Officer (Electronics): Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Technology in Electronics of a recognised University/Institute or equivalent.

Training Officers (Hair and Skin Care): Diploma (Two years’ duration) in Beauty Culture awarded by State Board of Technical Education of a recognized Board/University or equivalent.

Training Officers (Principles of Teaching): Bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering/Computer Engineering/Civil Engineering/Printing Technology/Textile Engineering/Architecture of a recognised University/Institute or equivalent.

Training Officers (Secretarial Practice): Diploma (Three years’ duration) in Secretarial Practice / Stenography and Secretarial Practice awarded by State Board of Technical Education of a recognized Board/University or equivalent.

Assistant Director (Horticulture): M.Sc. in Agriculture with specialisation in Horticulture of a Recognised university/Institute; or M.Sc. in Horticulture with Floriculture or Olericulture as a Subject of a recognised University/Institute Selection Procedure for UPSC Various Jobs: The selection of the candidates will be done on the basis of interview/exam conducted by the commission.

How to Apply for UPSC Various Jobs: Eligible candidates can apply online to the post through the prescribed format along with necessary documents on or before 16 June 2016.

Important Date: Last Date of Online Application: 16 June 2016 UPSC Vacancy Details: Number of Posts: • Specialist Grade III Assistant Professors (Medicine)- 20 Posts • Specialist Grade III (Paediatrics)- 13 Posts • Assistant Directors (Official Language)- 04 Posts • Training Officers (Architectural Assistantship)- 03 Posts • Training Officer (Catering and Hospitality Management)- 01 Post • Training Officer (Dress Making)- 01 Post • Training Officer (Electronics)- 01 Post • Training Officers (Hair and Skin Care)- 04 Posts • Training Officers (Principles of Teaching)- 08 Posts • Training Officers (Secretarial Practice)- 04 Posts • Assistant Director (Horticulture)- 01 Post

400 million members to stay safe

LinkedIn admitted that the massive data breach in 2012 may result in millions of passwords being leaked to the internet NEW YORK, MAY 29 (IANS): Hit by a massive data breach that put nearly 167 million users’ passwords and personal information in the hands of hackers four years back, the popular career-oriented platform LinkedIn has finally came out with an explanation and steps it has taken to protect users.

In an email sent out to all its members, LinkedIn admitted that the massive data breach in 2012 may result in millions of passwords being leaked to the internet.

LinkedIn currently has 400 million users.

“On May 17, 2016, we became

aware that data stolen from LinkedIn in 2012 was being made available online. This was not a new security breach or hack. We took immediate steps to invalidate the passwords of all LinkedIn accounts that we believed might be at risk,” LinkedIn said.

“These were accounts created prior to the 2012 breach that had not reset their passwords since that breach,” the email read.

The data breach involved member email addresses, hashed passwords, and LinkedIn member IDs (an internal identifier LinkedIn assigns to each member profile) from 2012.

“We invalidated passwords of all LinkedIn accounts created prior to the 2012 breach that had not reset their passwords since that breach,” the company informed its users.

“In addition, we are using automated tools to attempt to identify

leisure

Daily Cross WorD ACROSS 1. Lifts 6. Potato 10. False god 14. More or less 15. Rational 16. Back of the neck 17. Involving three parties 19. Devil tree 20. A musical composition 21. 52 in Roman numerals 22. Relating to urine 23. Ceased 25. Mentally prepare 26. A style of design 30. Shoelace hole 32. Supercilium 35. Personal journals 39. Decrease 40. Periphery 41. Gist 43. Jelly 44. Torrid 46. Misplaced 47. Clean between teeth 50. Indian monetary unit 53. Hindu princess 54. A late time of life 55. Hypnotic state 60. Pearly-shelled mussel 61. Absurd 63. Computer symbol 64. Peddle 65. Cages 66. 10 10 10 10 67. Journey 68. Anxious DOWN 1. Derbies or berets 2. River of Spain 3. Thrust with a knife 4. A city in western Russia 5. Condition 6. South southeast 7. Negotiate 8. Unassisted

CROSSWORD # 3608

SUDOKU

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.”

Game Number # 3593

Answer Number # 3592

Old West ASSAY OFFICE BANk ROBBER BARN BLACkSmITh BOOTS BUCkBOARd BUNkhOUSE CALAmITY JANE ChAPS COAL OIL COwPOkE dAVY CROCkETT dOCTOR dRESSmAkER FENCE gENERAL STORE gOLd NUggET gUNSLINgER hATS hIREd hANd hORSES ICE hOUSE LASSO mARShALL

and block any suspicious activity that might occur on LinkedIn accounts.

We are also actively engaging with law enforcement authorities,” the company added.

According to the business-oriented social networking service, it has several dedicated teams working diligently to ensure that the information members entrust to LinkedIn remains secure.

“While we do all we can, we always suggest that our members visit our Safety Center to learn about enabling two-step verification and implementing strong passwords in order to keep their accounts as safe as possible,” it requested all the members.

“We recommend that you regularly change your LinkedIn password and if you use the same or similar passwords on other online services, we recommend you set new passwords on those accounts as well,” it added.

mINE ShAFT OUTLAwS PELTS PIgS PIONEERS POST OFFICE RANCh hANd REVOLVER RUSTLER SAddLER SALOON gIRL SChOOLhOUSE SCOUTS ShOOTOUT ShOTgUN SPURS STIRRUP TOwN hALL TRAdINg POST TUmBLEwEEd wAgON wANTEd POSTER whISkEY wILd BILL hICkOk

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9. Sandwich shop 10. Manufacturing 11. Anagram of “Diary” 12. Sight-related 13. Filter 18. Buff 24. Morning moisture 25. A type of necklace 26. Expunge 27. Visual organs 28. To tax or access 29. Fixations 31. Vitality 33. Leases 34. A single time 36. Within 37. Auspices 38. Dispatched 42. Not later 43. Cheat 45. Confuse 47. Apple or orange 48. Javelin 49. Scallion 51. And so forth 52. Spew 54. At one time (archaic) 56. Maguey 57. Midday 58. Mugs 59. Being 62. Type

cuts could cost lives,” Maruthappu added.

The researchers looked at deaths from several “treatable” cancers, for which survival rates exceed 50 percent -- including breast cancer in women, prostate cancer in men, and colorectal cancers in both men and women -and from a few “untreatable” cancers (with fiveyear survival rates less than five percent), including lung and pancreatic cancers in men and women.

The researchers found that increases in unem-

ployment were associated with increased mortality from all the cancer types included in the study.

The association was strongest for treatable cancers, suggesting that lack of access to care may have been a factor in these excess deaths.

Adverse health effects persisted for several years after initial increases in unemployment, the study found. In addition, excess cancer deaths were a more significant problem in middle-income countries than in high-income countries.

Birthday Greeting Dear Chubu Chang, Having you in our family brings us happiness and peace. Your strength, your humor, and your courage are a great inspiration to us all. As you make a new beginning on your birthday, we wish that you find moments of joy and happiness coming your way, today and always. Have a birthday that’s as special as you are! Happy Birthday...

Love from Mom, Dad, Wife, Bro and Sis

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CURRENCY NOTES

222246 222491

BUY(Rs)

SELL(Rs)

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

65.87 95.84 8.21 47.5 47.58 50.09 59.36

69.01 100.73 9.16 49.95 50.03 52.68 62.87

Euro

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MondAY 30•05•2016

NAGALAND

‘Nagaland is in need of young, Haircutting & hairdressing dynamic, committed social workers’ orientation in Zunheboto NIESSR holds valedictory programme for first batch of MSW students

The outgoing students of NEISSR with faculty and chief guest during the valedictory programme.

Dimapur, may 29 (mExN): North East Institute of Social Science & Research (NEISSR) organized a valedictory programme for its first batch of Master of Social Work (MSW) on May 28.

Sobunenba Longkumer, Director, Community Education Centre Society (CECS) addressed the MSW trainees as the chief guest. He stated that Nagaland is in need of young, dynamic and committed social workers who are ready to get into the field.

“The usual trend is that when you have a profes-

sional degree, the tendency is to look for a job which will allow you to sit in the office.

However, if our mentality is to look for a job which makes you sit in the office, the very purpose of doing the Master of Social Work course is defeated,” he told the students. “Our villages need our expertise and the things that we are learning.”

He maintained that the priority should be to make all the amenities available in the rural areas, so as to develop our state. “Education should allow a person to do work and should also provide opportunity for the

person to create avenues for employing other people,” he added.

He also shared about the importance of cultivating hope with positive attitude with anecdotes and incidents from his personal life.

Dr. CP Anto, Principal, NEISSR congratulated the students for successfully completing the course. “We have started together with a dream to set a trend in Nagaland and we have succeeded in being a trend setter,” he stated. He conveyed to the students that all the things they have done in

NEISSR is the first in Nagaland as NEISSR is the first Master of Social Work institute in the state. He also exhorted the students to be trustworthy, honest and committed in their work as they start a new chapter in their lives as professionals in different settings.

He said that every student is gifted with a talent and the process of developing those talents had been initiated at NEISSR. “And it is the prerogative of the students to continue working on developing that skills and talents which had been identified and shaped

by the MSW Course,” he added.

Altogether, 43 students will complete the course by middle of June, 2016 with specializations in Community Development (CD), Youth Development (YD) and Peace & Conflict Transformation Studies (PCTS), a press release informed. There are 20 students with specialization in Community Development, 12 students with specialization in Youth Development and 11 students with specialization in Peace & Conflict Transformation Studies. They will be the first batch of MSW Graduates under Nagaland University.

The outgoing students shared the change that they have undergone in their personal lives, on their attitudes and mentality after joining the MSW course at NEISSR, the release said.

NEISSR is the first MSW institute under Nagaland University. Currently, admission process is underway for the new batch. Interested candidates may visit www.neissr.com

Participants of the orientation programme on haircutting and hairdressing with speakers.

Mourng Express News Zunheboto | May 29

An orientation on haircutting and hairdressing was held at the ongoing Entrepreneurship and Skill Development programme at Sümi Hoho Ki in Zunheboto on May 28 with Tokai K Awomi, Inceptor, District Industries Centre, Zunheboto as resource person. Vinikali Awomi and Andy Imchen were the trainers.

The resource person spoke on the various schemes and subsidies provided by the Govt. of Nagaland and also stressed on the importance of repaying back loans. He pointed out that one of the problems faced by the people in availing loan from the bank, especially PMEGP, is because of non-repayment of loans by the beneficiaries.

Tavinto Chishi, Presi-

dent, Green Club Zunheboto (GCZ) spoke on entrepreneurship and encouraged the trainees and young entrepreneurs to set up business with minimum budget.

He further told them that sincerity and commitment will bring success.

The training, sponsored

by Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), is organised by CAN Youth based in Dimapur in collaboration with GCZ.

ATMA Kikruma Block holds programme phEk, may 29 (mExN): ATMA Phek, Kikruma Block conducted capacity building, training and demonstration programme in Kikruma village on May 25. The resource persons were BTT Convener Imtilepzuk, SDAO Pfütsero, and BTM Kedu-

weteü Lomi. Various topics were covered during the day long programme, which included scope of organic cultivation of crops to enlighten farmers about the various health benefits of consuming organically grown crops as well as its rich marketing

aspects; production technology of rice based on local conditions stressing mainly on right stage of transplanting for maximum crop production; preparation of dish wash, detergent powder etc.

Altogether, 36 trainees attended the programme.

Treatment literacy workshop NNC condemns govt formation on Tuberculosis conducted Dimapur, may 29 (mExN): Nagaland Users’ Network (NUN) and Bethesda Youth Welfare Centre in coordination with RNTCP Dimapur conducted a treatment literacy workshop on Tuberculosis with partner NGOs at the Centre for Community Transformation (CCT), Walford road, Dimapur on May 25.

NUN Advocacy Officer, Renbonthung Tungoe in a press release said that the objective of the workshop was to empower and mobilize the NGOs which work at the grassroots to complement and ensure quality service delivered by the RNTCP, whereby they identify key issues and challenges and highlight it to the government for appropriate and timely intervention.

The programme started with Dr. Talitoba, DTO Dimapur presenting the scenario of TB in the district and the services available with the RNTCP in Dimapur. This was followed by a topic on TB/HIV by Ketholelie, member, NUN. Ketholelie in his topic talked about the burden of TB/HIV coinfection, how latent TB infection progresses to active TB, pill burden for PLHIVs on ART, what immuno

reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) is, when to start ART, components of TB/HIV collaborative activities, what is isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) and why it is necessary for PLHIVs to be on IPT and why it is not implemented by the state, what Co-trimoxazole preventive therapy (CPT) is, the three Is of the TB program, and what health care service providers based in NGOs can contribute to the programme.

In the afternoon, Renbonthung Tungoe facilitated the session on the basics of TB, how it is transmitted, what latent TB infection is, what pulmonary and extra pulmonary TB are, what DRTBs (MDR/ XDR) are, treatment regimens used for treating TB on CAT 1, CAT 2 and MDRTB, IPT for children below 5 years of age when exposed to TB, what CBNAAT is and the services available for CBNAAT in Nagaland.

An open discussion followed, where questions were raised on cross referrals from RNTCP to ICTC, poor response from the government in implementing RNTCP in the state which is compromising the programme quality and service delivery.

NPF 30 Alongtaki A/C officials meet party units

kohima, may 29 (mExN): The NNC Parent Body has condemned the formation of a new govt. by Kiumukum Yimchungrü.

Terming the new formation “shameful and mockery to our homeland,” NNC in a press release issued by its Information & Publicity Wing questioned “how many governments will be in the Naga homeland.”

The NNC maintained that people are laughing as to how many governments, presidents, prime ministers, and kilonsers (ministers) will be there in Naga-

land. “This is all because of some childish and ignorant leaders in the Naga political struggle by accident and with opportunistic mindset,” it added. “In fact, because of such activity the common people are affected and suffering immensely.”

Pointing out that the very Naga politics is wrongly and badly affected in the present context of crises in the homeland, the NNC said Naga people should condemn the so called leader and their activity in the society. “This is for the larger interest of the people and freedom.”

Under the theme, ‘Love nature & fathers: Let every father plant a tree to make our earth better’, the Mission Board, Union Church, Fazl Ali College Campus, Mokokchung organized a tree plantation programme on May 28. All the fathers of the campus planted a tree in their respective premise followed by tree plantation within the college campus. The DFO & ACF provided all the saplings.

HepCon conducts treatment literacy workshop on Hepatitis C kohima, may 29 (mExN): With an objective to create more awareness on treatment aspect with regard to the new treatment drugs for Hepatitis C, Hepatitis Coalition of Nagaland (HepCoN) with technical support from NUN conducted workshop at the office of Rural Area Foundation and Community Awareness Development, Kohima on May 24.

HepCoN Secretary, Ketho Angami in a press note informed that participants of the workshop included PUDs and NGO staff. They were sensitised on various issues regarding Hepatitis C virus (HCV) such as its effects on the liver, treatment cost, and clinical aspects.

Sharing the objectives of the workshop, resource person Ketho emphasised that community needs to take ownership of the HCV issue since it is preventable and curable. Maintaining

that the NGOs and Govt. departments have a role to play in addressing the issue but waiting for their response may happen very late or not at all, he said the need of the hour is for civil societies or individual member of a community to take responsibility and contribute towards the cause.

Renbo, another resource person, shared information on HCV and its route of transmission, how it is not transmitted and how one can prevent oneself from HCV. During presentation, he informed that HCV is a Viral Hepatitis (liver inflammation) and is spread through blood to blood contact most prominently and through vaginal secretion and semen during sex. The HCV is much smaller, stronger and stubborn compared to the HIV virus and therefore is 10 times more contagious than HIV, but it can also

be prevented with a little care and self awareness, he said.

Renbo also spoke on the nature of HCV testing which starts initially with the antibody test followed by series of other diagnostic test and monitoring test during treatment. The participants were informed on the new treatment drugs, namely Sofosbuvir in combination with Ledipasvir or Daclatasvir depending on the Genotype. Some research studies show treatment response rate as high as 99% with lesser side effects and slightly cheaper in price as compared to the previous standard of care with Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin, Renbo said.

During the discussion hour, it was pointed out that issues pertaining to lack of data, service of testing and treatment and high cost of treatment continue to be a huge concern.

AR continue civic action programme

Office bearers of NPF 30 Alongtaki A/C during the tour.

mokokchuNg, may 29 (mExN): The office bearers of NPF 30 Alongtaki A/C along with the NPF Youth Wing, Farmers Wing and Women Wing undertook two days intensive tour with the theme ‘Mission Re-Strengthen’.

During their two-day tour held on May 24 and 25, the team held indepth meeting with all the units of the party and reaffirmed to work in the larger interest of the party and its people under the leadership of party President Dr. Shürhozelie, Chief Minister TR Zeliang, and Dr. Benjongliba Aier, a press release re-

Dimapur, may 29 (mExN): Various Battalions under the aegis of HQ IGAR (North) provided furniture, building materials and a toilet block in Longjang, Jalukie and Piphema respectively.

33 Assam Rifles provided furniture to Government Middle School, Longjang on May 19.

In another programme, 18 Assam Rifles provided CGI sheets, building materials and helped in the repair of Heraka Vidya Bharti School, Jalukie Town, which was badly damaged by storm on the night of May 18.

37 Assam Rifles constructed and dedicated a Toilet Block to Government High School at Piphema, Dimapur. The toilet block was constructed as part of Operation Sadbhavna for the financial year 2015-16.

ceived here informed.

The team also disclosed that in the coming days, the Youth Wing, Women Wing, and Farmers Wing will conduct various awareness programmes on CSS, state implemented programmes and other flagship programmes.

The team was led by 30 Alongtaki A/C In-charge, NPF Mokokchung division, Limakumba Imchen, President, 30 Alongtaki A/C, N. Bendang Longchar, General Secretary, 30 Alongtaki A/C and other office bearers of Youth Wing, Medical camp in Wokha 28 Assam Rifles organised a Women Wing and Farmers Wing.

medical camp for the students of Englan High School located in Wokha district on May 24. A total of 137 students, including 63 girls and 2 special children, benefitted from the camp which was held to treat the students as well as educate them on health issues. The medical camp also provided free medicines. The students were given education on the importance of healthy routine, preventions from waterborne disease during the upcoming monsoon season.

Medical camp in Zuketsa The 9 Assam Rifles organised a free medical camp on May 24 at Zuketsa village. The aim of the medical camp was to provide treatment to the local populace of Zuketsa village and adjoining areas, where requisite medical facilities are not available. A team of one doctor and six medical staff under

2IC Chongtham Satyaranjan conducted the medical camp and treated the patients besides distributing free medicines. 196 villagers, including 56 men, 77 women and 63 children, benefited from the camp. Basic health education on precaution from common diseases was imparted and importance of hygiene and sanitation were explained to the villagers. The 9 Assam Rifles also conducted free medical camp at ZAPO court, Zuketsa Town on May 24, where more than 200 patients from the area were treated and necessary medicines distributed free of cost. The AR team was welcomed by Sabou Krome, Vice-President of Zuketsa Area Public Organization (ZAPO) with the VCCs of 3 villages, namely Zapami, Lasumi and Leshemi village, and office bearers of Zuketsa Town Adhoc committee.

NEDFi creates awareness on cleanliness kohima, may 29 (mExN): North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd (NEDFi) Kohima organized a drawing and race competition to create awareness in line with Swachh Bharat Mission on May 27 at Bethel Hr. Secondary School, Kohima.

A press release informed that 37 students participated in the drawing contest, where winners were awarded cash prize. Kekhrieselie (Class 8) was awarded the

first prize, Shikna (Class 8) awarded second, while Kiinii-o Chiero (Class 11) received the third prize. Consolation prizes were also given to five students. A race competition was also organized for the lower classes and cash awards were given to the winners. Meanwhile, sanitation drive within the school campus was carried out along with students and staffs of the school, where NEDFi donated waste bins for the school campus.

Forest Colony residents' forum resolves kohima, may 29 (mExN): In the light of many unwanted incidents occurring in the colony, the Residents Welfare Forum of Forest Colony, Kohima had a meeting on May 3 last and adopted 3 points resolution.

It resolved that no individual or group shall be allowed to cause disturbance in any manner in the colony. No outsiders of the colony shall

be allowed to indulge in any loathsome activity with intoxicated drinks and misbehavior in the colony. It also resolved that no illegal activities shall be allowed in the colony.

Further, it was decided that any group or individuals acting against the above resolution shall be dealt strictly with punitive measures as deemed fit by the Residential Forum, a release received here stated.

Meetings & AppointMents NSBSG awards ceremony The Nagaland State Bharat Scouts & Guides Association (NSBSG) has informed that an award ceremony will be held on May 31, 11:00 am at Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan, Kohima. Governor PB Acharya, the chief patron of NSBSG, will give away Rajya Puraskar 2016, while Parliamentary Secretary Khriehu Liezietsu, president of NSBSG, will chair the function. Chief minister TR Zeliang, who is patron of NSBSG, will also speak on the occasion.

FTS convocation The Faith Theological Seminary (FTS) will hold its 8th Convocation on June 2, 12:00 noon at Chapel Hall. Rev. Dr. Visielie Angami, President, Faith Theological Seminary, Kohima will be the speaker.

CBCC ordained ministers’ fellowship The Chakhesang Baptist Church Council ordained ministers’ fellowship will be held at Dimori Cove, Kigwema from June 2-3. All the ordained ministers under CBCC have been requested to arrive at the venue by 1:00 pm on June 2 along with light beddings.

6

Monday 30•05•2016

IN FOCUS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

The Power of Truth

The Morung Express volume Xi issue 147 By moa Jamir

A noble step, but a worrying trend

C O M M E N T A R Y

David Hayes openDemocracy

Bob Dylan, in and out of time

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eft unattended by government: Villagers repair stretch of NH 702D,” is the latest headline to hit the newspaper illustrating community solidarity and initiative has culminated into joint effort to the challenges confronting them – in this case, for a better road.

It once again re-affirms our faith in community consciousness in the society which resulted in their combined endeavour to enable means towards a common welfare. An inherent trait in the Naga society recognised as a positive endowment in many spheres.

In the recent past, we have borne witness to several interrelated initiatives and deeds undertaken earnestly by the citizens. Road repairing, health camps, self-financing teachers, repairing schools, social works et cetera; the list is endless from almost every corner of the State. Beyond the realms of mainstream media and social media, many citizens are doing their part, often not reported or highlighted.

However, such invaluable actions are symptomatic of how the Nagaland State Government has failed its citizen as well as it bounden duties. A reflection of the pathetic state of affairs we are living with.

With blithe nonchalance, the Government has become a proverbial ‘Nero’ looking the other way as the people of the State are crying for attention from every corner. Welfare of the people and the State seem to be the last thing on the minds of both the elected leaders as well as the administrative apparatus.

Often, convenient excuses are pitifully forwarded to justify omissions or commissions. The recent infamous press conference of the Minister for Road & Bridges on the road condition and financial constraints elaborated by almost every legislator are some instances.

Paradoxically, often we come across politicians complaining about excessive workforce in the government sector. But if the citizens are undertaking the responsibility of the government by working for general welfare, does this workforce exist only on paper?

It would be over-simplification to generalise the entire workforce under a category and blame them for the ills inflicting the State. However, in the vortex of corruption, honest employees become the first casualty and they are simply usurped by the system. An unfortunate and ominous scenario for the society.

Consequently, governance and accountability, the primary prerequisites for healthy progress of the any society, are acutely missing in Nagaland State. Almost all basic services and welfare activities are either in total disarray or sorely inadequate.

It elicits a pertinent question. For what purpose does the government exist – for itself or its citizens? Looking at the political-economy of the State since its inception, it seems the foremost objective of most politicians is personal gain, closely followed by their immediate kith and kin and to the area to which they belong.

In most cases, it has now become difficult to differentiate whether a deed undertaken by an elected representative or official is genuine or at the cost of others. A gesture at the behest of genuine beneficiaries or depriving some other deserving areas/individuals is self-defeating. It just legitimises corruption and makes it a way of life.

On the other hand, things have disintegrated to such an extent, it has also raised another important issue. Does it imply that the public, who elects their representative, is unable to engender accountability from the government and haplessly resorts to such actions?

Therefore, it is also time for the public to introspect and ponder how they have lost the ability or right to question their elected legislator or what inhibits the formation of an authentic movement to bring about desired changes in the society.

An honest answer to these queries would offer us a way out of this worrying trend.

For any comments drop a line to moajamir@live.com

lEfT wiNg |

Megan Rowling Thomson Reuters Foundation

Chaotic urbanisation puts cities in harm's way: UN

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he risk of man-made and natural disasters hitting fastgrowing cities is rising, and national governments must do more to help municipal authorities protect residents through better planning, the head of the U.N. agency for human settlements said.

UN-Habitat Executive Director Joan Clos said urbanisation was accelerating, particularly in developing countries, while the capacity to keep it manageable was diminishing.

The proportion of the global population living in urban areas has risen from half in 2000 to 55 percent now, he noted. It is predicted to reach 70 percent by 2050.

Most of the growth in urbanisation is unplanned, Clos told the Thomson Reuters Foundation on the sidelines of the World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul this week.

"A lot of people are living on unprepared sites, and that means the risk of catastrophe is increasing," said Clos, a Spanish politician who served as mayor of Barcelona from 1997 to 2006. "If we are not able to change that, be prepared to see bigger numbers of victims."

National governments must step up and provide direct support to local officials so they are better equipped to carry out urban planning, he said. But that is a challenge, "because there is no real understanding of what urban planning is", he added.

Some African cities have municipal budgets of just $6 per person per year, he said, leaving mayors without the resources to act. "(We) need change at the national level in order to understand the risk that unplanned or spontaneous urbanisation represents - even for the political stability of the country," Clos said.

What national governments do is crucial because they set the "rules of the game" - from land legislation to the powers of local authorities, he added.

Yet municipal authorities, especially in poor nations, are often left largely to their own devices to cope with the pressures of migration, floods, storms or rising seas.

And when earthquakes strike cities, as with Haiti's capital in 2010, they can cause massive devastation in crowded slums with shoddy construction.

URBAN CRISES ALLIANCE In response to the growing need for humanitarian assistance in cities, a new platform for aid agencies, local authorities, researchers and businesses was launched at the Istanbul summit.

Members of the Global Alliance for Urban Crises will share their expertise to craft more effective ways of helping people in cities, whether they be flood victims or refugees.

"With 60 percent of refugees living in urban areas, humanitarian actors have begun to realise that the traditional service delivery model focused on camps is not appropriate in towns and cities," said David Miliband, president of the International Rescue Committee. One key difference is the need to work with mayors, local authorities and service providers rather than bypassing them.

The alliance will also push for a new 20-year development plan for the world's urban areas, to be agreed at a U.N. conference in Quito in October, to address the worsening humanitarian problems facing cities. Clos said he hoped the gathering in Ecuador would advance understanding among national governments of the need for a more comprehensive approach to urban planning - from laws and regulations to the tax base.

"Urbanisation should be very positive for the country," he said. "It is a very efficient tool for development, but it cannot be delivered if there is no commitment."

The work of the great American musician, born 75 years ago, both expresses and transcends his own era

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need. Dylan's continuing fecundity has become his most striking characteristic. He's way beyond supply.

He has, for example, just released a new album, his sixtieth (if studio, live and bootleg are all included), called Fallen Angels, to whose 12 songs he brings the same crooning, melancholy delivery that characterised 2015's Shadows in the Night. That ability to align his voice to the chosen material is itself a wise acknowledgment of time's work, and thus in its way a defiance of it. (None of the songs in these two albums are his own composition; all except one are classics previously recorded by Frank Sinatra, on whose eightieth birthday Dylan gave a generous rendition of his song "Restless Farewell".)

Any new Dylan recording is big news for his devotees, but there has been much more in recent years.

Dylan's "never-ending tour" has been on the road since the late 1980s, in an endless loop across continents and cities: 85 shows in 2013, 92 in 2014, 87 in 2015. His paintings and sculptures have been exhibited in London and Copenhagen. His recent awards include France's Legion d'honneur in November 2013, which followed the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Barack Obama in May 2012 (when the recipient's impassive mien was capped by a pat on the commander-in-chief's arm that was somehow classically Dylanesque, both reassuring and dismissive).

The existence of Dylan's own curated archive of 6,000 individual items, including detailed notebooks of compositions in flight, was revealed in March 2016. It has been sold to a group of institutions in Oklahoma, and will be based in Tulsa. And there are suggestions of a sequel to Chronicles, his picaresque yet lyrical memoir published in 2004, whose pages gleam with the translucent insight and deadpan observation also evident in the century of Theme Time Radio Hour music shows he hosted from 2006-09.

At halfway through his current lifespan, Dylan had just produced three sublime albums (the underrated Planet Waves, Blood on the Tracks, and Desire) and gone on to the fantastic gospel-backed sound encapsulated by the Budokan concert of 1978. A serious embrace of faith, reverberating through his art, was just around the corner. The scale of his achievement was already huge, the loops and curves of his oeuvre enthralling. But he was just getting going, and only in time did it become clear that, like the blues singers he reveres, Robert Johnson, Ma Rainey, or Blind Willie McTell (honorific of one of his greatest songs), Dylan would be on the road, with his boots on, when the calling card came.

ongevity is in these days. A young meteor of film or music racing through fast life to early death will always have romantic appeal.

A mid-career artist's grapple with setback or misfortune can have a nobility of its own.

But a rock of ages pressing on against the fading of the light now seems to win readier and more heartfelt acclaim, including across generations.

In part that reflects demographic, commercial and social trends. There are ever more older people, professional, influential and solvent, whose most enduring cultural loyalties were forged at a time, the 1960s-70s, when aesthetic tastes began to signify not just consumer preference but ethical commitment. Whether their ideals are upheld or have been allowed to rust, the opportunity for a late encounter with those who once inspired or embodied them has special appeal.

The trends come together in the cultural marketplace. 'Supply' might be the group reunion, perhaps after a long-ago bitter breakup; the comeback tour, perhaps after illness or trauma; or the late novel, perhaps after a long-ago critical mauling. The promotion and curation of these events are themselves often a sophisticated fusion of art and commerce.

'Demand' might be symbolised by the rows of LPs or CDs, the creased volumes on stacked shelves in the homes of potential audience members, above all the tissues of personal memory and meaning threading through their lives. A family dimension, the chance to bond with children over old passions, and neophyte curiosity about the compelling era that went before, may also be in play. A vicarious reminder of buried feeling, or a measure of the distance between past and present, can also bring an extra frisson.

The digital revolution adds further to longevity's attraction. For this revolution makes the world and the past unprecedentedly instant and accessible, while providing only a simulacrum of their inner life (which only patient, extended engagement can begin to reveal). Digitisation's mirage of nearness conceals this.

The paradox of digitisation is that its impacts are both preservative and amnesiac. It conjures the promise of an authentic reality which it cannot fulfil. A longing for the human touch is the result. The living rock of ages seems more and more the place to look.

"It was like the land parted" There is, in short, so much in these years for both "I was singing to define the way I felt about the world" old listeners and new to discover. This echoes the Bob Dylan, who turns 75 on 24 May, seems to per- point made in two predecessor articles, that there is sonify the case, yet the secret of his unique status – as I more to hear from and learn about Dylan than any hope to show – is that he also transcends it. The escape single person could possibly encompass (see "Bob begins with the singular twist he offers on artistic lon- Dylan: revolution in the head" [24 May 2006], and gevity, in that for a long time (and he has been making "Bob Dylan: revolution in the head, revisited" [24 a living through his music for 55 years) he continues May 2011]). Not so long ago, the situation was the to perform, tour, record, play, write, and more accord- opposite, as enthusiasts would attempt illictly to reing to an inner compulsion rather than any external cord concerts and scour the underground market for

rare and precious bootlegs such as the holy grail: the "Royal Albert Hall 1966" when a dissentient fan, by shouting "Judas!", provoked Dylan into what the discerning would regard as the peak live moment of the era's cultural history, a majestic rendition of the incendiary anthem "Like a Rolling Stone".

The fact that Manchester's Free Trade Hall was the true location, that the identity and circumstances of the famous cry were tracked down, that a stunning film of the event was unearthed and became part of Martin Scorsese's brilliant documentary No Direction Home (2005), are now grains of a vast Dylanology whose myriad fruits include use of his song titles and lines to enliven otherwise dry academic papers in a range of fields, and indeed a fine study of the obsessives who study him, David Kinney's The Dylanologists: Adventures in the Land of Bob.) The works accumulate, without eclipsing some of the finest earlier studies, many now neglected (among them Wilfrid Mellers's A Darker Shade of Pale: a Backdrop to Bob Dylan, though Michael Gray's Song and Dance Man, in its various iterations, is a perennial). The fact that so many focus on distinct aspects of Dylan's work – Paul Williams on the performances, Christopher Ricks on the lyrics, Betsy Bowden on both, Toby Thompson on the Minnesotan, Sean Wilentz on the Americana – reflect its protean character. Yet Dylan continues to outstrip all, in that his work of the last two decades across the range, including the classic albums Time Out of Mind (1997), Love and Theft (2001), and Modern Times (2006) has evolved an extra sensibility of gravel and dread (as well as stepping aside from both, in the diverting Christmas in the Heart [2009]). Dylan has never stopped, and his accumulating later oeuvre casts retrospective light on what went before.

From the very early days, Dylan strikingly took death and existential loss for subjects, one of many inheritances from the Scots-English-Irish folk ballads and southern blues that informed his repertoire.

In his later years this has acquired a new plangency as he goes with the flow of time while seeking to inhabit it, live it, be true to it. Allied to his craft, this constant search for imaginative and emotional truth whose form always changes, because life is change – is above all what makes Dylan a seminal artist.

"I felt like I was one of them or all of them put together" DA Pennebaker, recalling his mesmerising portrait of Dylan on tour in Britain in 1965 – Don't Look Back (1967) – captures this eternal dialectic of being and becoming: "What I thought was, this person is trying to generate himself. He’s trying to figure out who he is and what he wants to do." Of Dylan today, he continues: "He doesn’t have a commanding presence in terms of the celebrity world. He’s just somebody that everybody knows who he is, and has private thoughts about him. And he endures. That whole idea of enduring intrigues people. Because not many people endure. Even people that you thought at the time were going to be the Abraham Lincolns of our era have gone. And Dylan’s still there. I think he’s still pretty much the same person he was."

Enduring, another word for longevity, reframes the arc of a life and – especially when combined with that fecundity – challenges perceptions of it that can become frozen in time. So ingrained is Dylan's story from New York onwards, so vivid the images, so potent the associations, so transfixing the products, it's hard to grasp that the artistic explosion of 1960-66 also had a "before" and "after".

The former opens up to Dylan's multiple antecedents, whose confluence in his work is analysed

by Mellers's musicological study of "Dylan as Jewish Amerindian and White Negro", the latter to other strands of the great American songbook, including the writers and performers evoked in Shadows in the Night and Fallen Angels. Seen in this expansive light, more than any living figure Bob Dylan is America, his "gospel ethic" (Mellers again) "pertinent to an American culture of which the roots are simultaneously white, red and black."

Dylan's work, taken as a whole, is infused by deep time and the end times as well as his own, drenched in faith and fate as well as love and loss. Its wellspring is unreachable by any formula or agenda. It follows its own star, resists nostalgia, holds the door for imagination. It casts new spells, yet offers no false promise or even comfort. This is longevity as a slice of eternity, along a road still blessedly open.

Economic Interests Harming Global Health: WHO Chief lyndal Rowlands

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Inter Press Service

utting economic interests over public health is leading the world towards three slowmotion health disasters, Margaret Chan, Director-General of the World Health Organization’s warned the world’s health ministers on May 23.

Changes in the world’s climate, the failure of more and more antibiotic drugs and the increase in so-called lifestyle diseases caused by poor diet and exercise, are all growing health disasters related to the prioritisation of the economy over public health.

“These are not natural disasters.

They are man-made disasters created by policies that place economic interests above concerns about the well-being of human lives and the planet that sustains them,” she said.

Chan’s warnings were part of her speech at the opening of the 69th World Health Assembly in Geneva.

Some 3500 delegates from the WHO’s 194 member states will participate in meetings at the assembly about some of the world’s most pressing health issues from May 23 to 27.

During her speech Chan also acknowledged the world’s many recent public health successes, however over-

all she argued that advances in health services and systems could not keep up with the global changes which mean health threats are increasingly traversing borders.

“The burning of fossil fuels powers economies,” said Chan, contributing to changes in climate, which have led to the spread of mosquito-borne diseases, as well as to air pollution which the WHO says kills millions of people every year.

“Highly processed foods that are cheap, convenient, and tasty gain a bigger market share than fresh fruits and vegetables,” she added, noting that the resulti ng n on communicable diseases such as diabetes, obesity and heart disease are now the “leading killers worldwide.”

However antibiotic resistance may be the problem that has the global health community most concerned, threatening to throw the world back into the dark ages of health care said Chan.

The over-prescription and incorrect use of antibiotics has led to the once wonder drug failing with increasing frequency.

Chan noted that infectious diseases are also becoming more volatile, and that the global health system was not

as prepared as it should be for a true global health emergency.

She pointed to examples of recent surges in infectious diseases such as Ebola, Zika, Dengue, Yellow Fever and Chikungunya.

She described the spread of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue as “the price being paid for a massive policy failure that dropped the ball on mosquito control in the 1970s.”

She noted the connection between Zika virus and microcephaly had taken the medical community by surprise.

“The possibility that a mosquito bite during pregnancy could be linked to severe brain abnormalities in newborns alarmed the public and astonished scientists.”

“Confirmation of a causal link between infection and microcephaly has transformed the profile of Zika from a mild disease to a devastating diagnosis for pregnant women and a significant threat to global health.”

However she said that the re-emergence of Zika have decades of slumber in part reflected “changes in the way humanity inhabits the planet (that) have given the volatile microbial world multiple new opportunities to exploit.”

wRiTE-wiNg

Chan reserved some of her harshest criticisms for the world’s failure to prevent the current re-emergence of yellow fever in Africa, an outbreak the WHO is currently monitoring closely.

She described the conditions in urban environments fueling the current outbreak as a powder-keg.

“For more than a decade, WHO has been warning that changes in demography and land use patterns in Africa have created ideal conditions for explosive outbreaks of urban yellow fever,” she said. Chan noted that beyond the failure to control mosquitos, the re-emergence of yellow fever also reflected a failure to adequately vaccinate against the disease.

“The lesson from yellow fever is especially brutal. The world failed to use an excellent preventive tool to its full strategic advantage,” she said, noting that there has been a safe low-cost yellow fever vaccine available since 1937.

Chan also alluded to the medical community’s increasing frustration with the deteriorating conditions of warfare which have seen hospitals bombed, in violation of humanitarian law.

“It also falls to the health sector to show some principled ethical backbone in a world that, for all practical appearances, has lost its moral compass,” she said.

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.

Monday 30•05•2016

PERSPECTIVE

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

The Rise and Fall of the Washington Consensus

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policy

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The Morung Express POll RESulTS

Should Companies, Contractors and NGOs receiving work-contracts and financial aid from the State Govt be transparent and held accountable to public scrutiny?

latter economies will not default on their loan obligations and hence they are will70% ing to lend money to them at benign interest rates. Apart from the country-specific nature of debt-sustainability, there is also the matter of alternatives to public debt as a resource mobilization mechanism.

It is generally advised that taxation should replace public debt as a mechanism for resource mobilization. However, the latter leads to distortions in the production and the consumption side. Advice to 22% switch from a non-distortionary form of resource mobilization to a distortionary form lowing free movement of capital into the volatility without impacting growth to any of resource mobilization is questionable country by capital account liberalization, appreciable degree. They document that because the costs associated with higher 08% reduced public debt and privatization. In since 1980 there have been more than 150 debts- like crowding out and increased inother words the WC essentially consisted episodes of capital surges in more than 50 terest rates etc are sunk costs and therefore of easing out the ‘visible hand’ of govern- emerging economies and these led to fi- cannot be reversed. WC also recommends ment in the economy and a move towards nancial crises 20% of the time. Moreover, that increased taxation be accompanied the ‘invisible hand’ of prices and the mar- these capital flows are associated with by reduction in government expenditure.

YES NO OTHER ket system of demand and supply. higher inequalities in the economies in The reduction on welfare schemes can imThis consensus was pervasive because question leading to a further dampening pact the levels of inequality in the economy Some of those who voted YES had this to say economies that ended up seeking assis- of economic growth. as much as lead to reduced demand and • Yes. Just look at our roads we keep blaming the government, but equally important are the tance from the World Bank or the IMF to Removing controls on movement of therefore greater unemployment and lesscontractors who are actually responsible for its tide over financing difficulties or Balance of short-term capital improves the efficiency er growth in the economy. quality. So they must also be held accountable.

Payments crises would be asked to imple- of the financial system as capital is alloOur state government is not confident of itself, ment one or the other version of the Wash- cated to those uses that provide the larg- Lessons for India so they keep giving grant-in-aid to companies ington Consensus. This straitjacket of ‘one est returns. This allocative efficiency is Does that mean what India did in 1991 and NGOs to do its dirty work, and these orsize fits all’ approach was criticized over expected to be good for the economy as a was wrong? The Indian economy was preganisations must also be held accountable. the years by many economists including whole.However, the empirical findings of cariously poised on the door of default.

Amartya Sen, Joseph Stiglitz, DaniRodrik a high frequency of booms and busts cy- Our twin deficits in the government ac- • Definitely. When we have a government that is corrupt and taking commission, there among others. The armoury of the Wash- cles point to the perverse nature of these count (fiscal deficit) and the current acWashington Consensus is no other choice but for the public to step The birth of the WC, also disparagingly ington Consensus was strengthened by the flows and hence the need for adopting a count (more imports than exports) were in and see that the companies, contractors known as the neoliberal agenda, coincid- creation of the World Trade Organisation cautious approach to the policy of capital symptomatic of very basic flaws that came and NGOs are using the money according to to dominate our economic system. There ed with what Francis Fukuyama called the in 1994 which took up the trade agenda of account liberalization. their detailed project report. was therefore a need to address them in • Yes, This is not even an issue. They should be End of History. In 1990, after the collapse the Washington Consensus in right earan effective and bold manner. Moreover, of Soviet Russia and the fall of the Berlin nest abolishing quotas and reducing tariffs Fiscal austerity and made to submit all purchase and completion our country never fully subscribed to Wall, history as we came to know itwas across the board. The research team at the the Washington Consensus bills to concerned depts n let the financial inSimilarly, the proposition of fiscal the Washington Consensus view, always coming to an end. History as a tussle be- IMF has singled out two elements of the stitution decide whether the completed work is deemed payable without any politics behind. tween capitalism and socialism that was Washington Consensus. They look at poli- austerity does not have any standing on keeping the capital account less open than also manifested in the Cold War,would cies aimed at Capital account liberalization economic theory or practice. Sustainable many other developing and developed • yes definitely. They are spending public money with certain profit or work rendered come to an end and in the future Fuku- and fiscal austerity to empirically examine level of public debt is a function of the nations. What stands out is that dogma of for the betterment of citizens. So citizens yama predicted that history would just be the impact these has had on economies in country’s history in servicing its debt ob- any variety is neither helpful nor sustainhave every right to scrutinise. Already rights ligations and the overall growth potential able for policy-making. The ultimate test a triumphant march of democracy and the world. We look at each in turn. have been given through instrument like the country has.

Hence, if public debt of lies in how the policies play out in the lives capitalism over other forms of economRTI. Public should fully utilise this right 60% of GDP can be termed sustainable of those affected by them. It seems that the ic and political philosophies. Coined in Capital Account and for an emerging market economy it might appropriate place for dogmas of any vari- • Yes. Even names of individuals and compa1990, by John Williamson the WC in its es- the Washington Consensus nies should be made public to see who's doThey find that inflow of short-term capbe the case that for an economy like the ety is in the dog-house. sence consisted inter-alia of, policy meaing what (The author is an IAS officer of Nasures to reduce controls in the economy, ital, consisting of speculative debt inflows US, UK or Germany the sustainable level • Yes, why not... galand cadre. He may be contacted at • Yes. How much commissions they have to pay trade liberalization by reducing imports and portfolio investment and banking would be much higher at say 100 or 120%. vyasan_r@yahoo.com) and quotas, increased fiscal discipline, al- inflows only have the effect of increasing This is because markets know that these and to whom. Perhaps the public can then intervene and help them to do a proper job.

• Yes. But the 3rd factor might be the stumbling block for transparency.

• ost definitely but, on conditions. Because in our land there are five types of people who will definitely demand you 5-25% of the monGardiner Harris ey just to feed their kids and themselves.

NYT • yes, every penny should be accountable.

• Yes, if they are taking money from the governresident Obama laid a wreath at the Hiroshima ment they must be accountable. The governPeace Memorial on May 27, telling an audience ment must be the ones that should be taking that included survivors of America’s atomic the initiative to see that the public money being bombing in 1945 that technology as devastating utilized in the right way for the right reasons. as nuclear arms demands a “moral revolution.”

• Yes! Transparency and accountability should “Technological progress without an equivalent progbe enforced on them not just for proper impleress in human institutions can doom us,” Mr. Obama mentation of the allotted work(s) but also for holistic development and better, progressive said, adding that such technology “requires a moral revomutual coordination in the future. lution as well.”

• Absolutely. In our current situation some of In an emotional moment after his speech, Mr. Obama the NGOs have become as powerful as the embraced and shook hands with survivors of the attack, state government. They must be held acwhich ushered in the nuclear age and exposed humancountable. ity to risks the president believes the world must do far • Yes. Any organization that takes money more to resolve. The first of those survivors, Sunao Tsubfrom the public exchequer should be held oi, a chairman of the Hiroshima branch of the Japan Conaccountable. The public should be aware federation of A- and H-bomb Sufferers Organizations, about how the money is being spend for the gripped Mr. Obama’s hand and would not let go until he public welfare. had spoken to him for some time.

• Yes, opening it up for public accountabil“I held his hand, and we didn’t need an interpreter,” ity and transparency maybe the best way Mr. Tsuboi, 91, said later. “I could understand what he to also deter the government officials and wanted to say by his expression.” ministers from taking commission. We keep For weeks, the White House had refused to say whethtalking about backdoor appointment and the er Mr. Obama, the first sitting American president to names of those suspected of backdoor apmake the trip, would meet survivors. It was a delicate depointments are being released in the public. cision. Many survivors long for an apology for an event But the real culprits are the officers who are that destroyed just about everyone and everything they taking commissions to backdoor appointments and for taking commissions for work knew, and there were small demonstrations near the contract. They should be the one exposed. ceremony on Friday by protesters demanding an apol• Yes, every rule is flouted in nagaland. a time ogy. But Mr. Obama said before his trip that he would not has come to punished such who are responsiapologize for the attack. ble and the culprit for the interest of the public.

In his speech, Mr. Obama, using the slow and de• One of the methods of corruption by the govliberate cadence that he uses on only the most formal ernment is to demand commission for every and consequential occasions, said that the bombing of weapons,” he said. missiles to deliver them, Mr. Obama decided that remindwork order they give to companies and conHiroshima demonstrated that “mankind possessed the Mr. Obama’s visit to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park ing the world why the North Koreans must be stopped tractors. So yes, there must be public transmeans to destroy itself.” had all the pomp, ceremony and planned choreography was worth any hurt feelings among other countries. parency and accountability. Since most of But he said that in the 71 years since the bombing, of a state visit or a leader’s funeral. With thousands in atMany historians believe the bombings on Hiroshithe work order is related to public work and world institutions had grown up to help prevent a recur- tendance and much of Japan watching on TV, Mr. Obama ma and then Nagasaki, which together took the lives of welfare, the companies must show how the rence. Still, nations like the United States continue to pos- walked forward alone at the park and laid a wreath on a more than 200,000 people, saved lives on balance, since money has been utilized. sess thousands of nuclear weapons. And that is some- white pyramid. He paused before the memorial’s ceno- an invasion of the islands would have led to far greater thing that must change, he said. bloodshed. But the 30-acre Peace Memorial Park that Mr. Some of those who voted NO had this to say taph, his head bowed.

“We must have the courage to escape the logic of fear • Not public scrutiny but transparent with the govt.

A moment later, Mr. Abe approached with his own Obama visited reflects none of that background. and pursue a world without them,” he said, although he wreath, which he laid beside Mr. Obama’s on another The park offers a victim’s narrative, illustrating in gut- • No, not directly. It should be done through quickly added: “We may not realize this goal in my life- pyramid. After a moment’s reflection, the two leaders wrenching detail how more than 100,000 people in the city the proper channels. time, but persistent effort can roll back the possibility of shook hands — a clear signal of the extraordinary alli- perished and thousands more were injured. It provides catastrophe.” ance their two nations had forged out of the ashes of war. few of the historical reasons for the bombing, such as de- Some of those who voted OTHERS Still, he said, more was needed. Noting that far more Mr. Obama’s decision to visit Hiroshima was in part scriptions of the attack on Pearl Harbor, the savagery of Ja- had this to say primitive weapons than nuclear arms are causing wide- intended to reward Mr. Abe for his efforts to improve pan’s occupation of China, or the extraordinary death toll • In the real sense, this question should not arise. It is actually the government's responspread destruction today, Mr. Obama called for human- ties and forge a closer military relationship between of soldiers and civilians in the invasion of Okinawa. sibility to keep a check on those NGOs, comity to change its mind-set about war.

A short inscription on the park’s memorial arch reads, the two countries. The recent slaying of a young wompanies and contractors and see that the public “The world was forever changed here, but today the an on Okinawa, and the arrest of an American Marine in part, “We shall not repeat the evil.” Which evil — the money is being used for the allotted work. But, children of this city will go through their day in peace,” veteran in the crime, has once again strained those bombing or the conflict itself — and who is to blame are alas, in our beloved Nagaland, the governMr. Obama said. “What a precious thing that is. It is worth ties, but coordination between the two nations’ mili- left unsaid. ment is hand in glove with them and so there is protecting, and then extending to every child. That is a taries continues to intensify.

Such failures by the Japanese to acknowledge their no option to take stringent steps to see that the future we can choose, a future in which Hiroshima and Mr. Obama also saw the visit as a testament to man- own role in the bombings has long bothered the Chinese, public works being done by the organizations Nagasaki are known not as the dawn of atomic warfare kind’s ability to forge beyond even the most intense of Koreans and others who suffered under the empire’s rule. are done according to the rule of law. but as the start of our own moral awakening.” enmities. Before arriving in Japan, Mr. Obama visited And with Mr. Abe as Mr. Obama’s host, those wounded • For this to happen a proper system that is People in Asian countries that were brutalized by im- Vietnam, where he lifted a longstanding arms embargo. feelings could fester. Mr. Abe has promoted a version of well balance and non-biased should be in perial Japan had warned that a presidential apology at HiThe Hiroshima visit, under consideration since the history that plays down Japan’s wartime transgressions, place so that it is fair to everyone. roshima would be inappropriate. Mr. Obama not only did first days of Mr. Obama’s presidency, could send ripples and he has moved to give the military limited powers to • People get funding for whatever projects not apologize, he made clear that Japan, despite a highly across Asia, a region still grappling with the echoes of fight in foreign conflicts, shedding pacifist constraints in they do, and these projects are for public advanced culture, was to blame for the war, which “grew World War II seven decades after it ended. Leaders in place since World War II. purposes and benefits, versus individuals out of the same base instinct for domination or conquest both China and South Korea worry that Mr. Obama’s visit per se, hence it is only logical that such scruThe Chinese government suggested on May 27 that the tiny is done maybe not directly to the NGO itthat had caused conflicts among the simplest tribes.” to Japan’s deepest wound could be taken by the Japanese wartime atrocities committed by Japan on Chinese soil, self but through the government agency that In his speech, the Japanese prime minister, Shinzo as an endpoint to their country’s fitful efforts to come to notably in the city of Nanjing, deserved more attention is giving the funding. People have the right Abe, said, “This tragedy must not be allowed to occur grips with their own wartime atrocities. than the bombing of Hiroshima. President Park Geun-hye to audit the funds given and ensure that it is again.” of South Korea has not commented on Mr. Obama’s visit But with a reclusive regime in North Korea furiously being used fr what it was asked for.

“We are determined to realize a world free of nuclear building more nuclear weapons and trying to perfect the and is on a tour of several African countries. t is 25 years since India shifted from an import substitution industrialization strategy and boldly embraced globalization and privatization as the leading paradigm for driving its economic development. The July 24, 1991 Union Budget that Dr. Manmohan Singh, the then Finance Minister presented,was arguably the most important Budget in the history of independent India. Presented at a time of unprecedented Balance of Payments crisis in the country, the budget came at the back of an 18% devaluation of the Indian rupee and an overhauling of the Industrial Policy Framework in the country. It set the broad rubric for India’s economic trajectory for the past two decades and more.

The abolition of the Planning Commission and creation of the NITI Ayogin December 2014,was but the latest manifestation of the decisive shift in economic thinking.

It is therefore ironic that this silver jubilee for our country should also coincide with strong rumblings against the Washington Consensus from the very authors of the consensus. An IMF research team headed

by Jonathan Ostry, Deputy Director of the IMF Research Team, has found evidence to support the claim that certain elements of the Consensus had definite costs without according any or only doubtful benefits .

papers

By Vyasan R

Obama says Nuclear Arms Require ‘Moral Revolution’

P

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

MonDAY 30•05•2016

INDIA

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Attack on Africans: Home Minister steps in New Delhi, May 29 (iaNS): Hours after union Home Minister Rajnath Singh condemned attacks on Africans in the national capital, Delhi Police said on Sunday that five people, including a juvenile, were held for cases of assaults on four Africans but ruled out the crimes being planned or racial.

Police also said they have also started a sensitisation programme in areas where Africans have a major presence.

"We have arrested four people and apprehended a juvenile in conflict with law in connection with the attack on four African nationals. A few more people would be arrested soon," said Deputy Commissioner of Police Ishwar Singh.

He said police have registered four separate cases after the four attacks occurred within a radius of one km on Thursday night in Mehrauli area of south Delhi.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had earlier on Sunday condemned the reported attacks on African nationals in the national capital and told the city police to step up patrolling in neighbourhoods that have significant African populations.

"Instructed CP (commissioner of police) Delhi to take strict action against

Congolese man's murder: Indian government to help family receive body New Delhi, May 29 (iaNS): The government on Sunday said it will help the family of the Congolese national Masonda Ketada Olivier, who was murdered here on May 20, to receive his mortal remains.

"In the unfortunate death of Masonda Olivier, the government will assist his family to travel to India to receive his mortal remains," external affairs ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup tweeted.

Olivier, 29, was beaten to death by three men on May 20 after a quarrel over the hiring of an auto-rickshaw in Vasant Kunj area here turned violent.

Two of the accused have been arrested while the third is on the run.

Olivier had come to India on a student visa and had recently got himself a job as a teacher.

In a separate tweet, Swarup said the government would "also arrange for his mortal remains to be transported to DR (Democratic Republic of) Congo at our expense". the attackers and increase police patrolling in these areas to ensure security of everyone," Rajnath Singh posted on micro-blogging site Twitter.

In another tweet, he said: "Spoke to CP Delhi regarding the incident of physical assault against certain African nationals in New Delhi. Such incidents are condemnable."

At least four African nationals were attacked in four separate incidents on Thursday night here, all within a radius of one km, after which Delhi Police registered cases of assault.

None of the victims, however, came forward to file a complaint and police had to register suo motu first information reports

(FIRs), officials said.

In the wake of reports of attacks on Africans in different parts of the national capital, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Sunday said she has contacted Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Delhi Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung.

"I have spoken to Rajnath Singh and Lt Governor Delhi regarding African nationals in South Delhi yesterday (Saturday)," Sushma Swaraj tweeted.

Swaraj said Rajnath Singh and Delhi Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung assured her on Saturday that the culprits would be arrested soon and a sensitisation campaign would be launched in areas where

many African nationals reside.

"They have assured me that the culprits would be arrested soon and sensitisation campaign will be launched in areas where African nationals reside," she added.

Delhi Police registered four separate cases of reported assaults on African nationals in the national capital, but added that these were not planned attacks and were not racial in nature.

According to police, all four incidents took place on Thursday night in South Delhi's Mehrauli area where around 300 African nationals reside.

On May 20, Congolese national Masonda Ketada

Olivier, 29, was beaten to death by three men after an altercation over hiring of an auto-rickshaw in Vasant Kunj area here turned violent.

On the night of May 25, a 23-year-old Nigerian student was allegedly beaten by an Indian over a parking dispute in Hyderabad, prompting Swaraj to seek a report from the Telangana government. The incidents of violence against African nationals -- with suggestions that these attacks may have been "racial" in nature -- led to protests by African heads of mission and a major effort by the government to assuage their concerns.

Delhi Police said the attacks were "not racial" in nature. However, some of the victims said they faced racist slurs while being attacked.

Each of the four incidents reported on Thursday night happened in the Mehrauli area where about 300 African nationals live.

Only one African national, named Lockey, received minor injury on his nose when he "fell on a stone" on the road, the police said.

Clarifying the nature of the attacks, Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Ishwar Singh told IANS, "These are all isolated incidents and not planned

attacks. There was no element of racism in the attacks. It's not as if there's a public movement against African nationals."

"All four incidents happened at different locations (one km apart), at different times and for different reasons," the police officer said.

"Had it been planned, the victims would have received major injuries," he added.

On Thursday night, two calls were made to the Delhi Police control room reporting a brawl in Mehrauli's Rajpur Khurd area where many African nationals reside. A senior police official told IANS that the first call was made at 11.00 p.m. by a person named Kenneth on Thursday night following a minor brawl with local residents when he was going in his car to a chemist.

The second call came from Nigerian national Lockey.

Lockey was allegedly assaulted after he intervened to save the driver of an auto-rickshaw, in which he was travelling, from being beaten by a car driver who was angry for not being given way by the auto.

Lockey fell on the ground and injured his nose against a stone.

The DCP said that the suspects were identified and would be arrested soon.

Over 5 crore motorists driving with fake licence New Delhi, May 29 (pTi): Almost every third driving licence in India could be ‘bogus’ with a staggering number of over five crore people driving on roads with fake documents, according to official data.

However, those found to be driving with fake licences may soon be jailed for up to a year in addition to a hefty penalty of Rs 10,000 – up from the current penalty provision of Rs 500 and a maximum jail term of three months.

In case of juvenile drivers, the owner of the vehicle or the driver’s guardian will face stricter penalties of up to three years in jail and fine of up to Rs 20,000, while their vehicle registration certificate may also be cancelled.

“In India, 30 per cent of the licences are bogus. We need to check it. We are going to start an online system where computerised tests will be conducted to obtain driving licences. Every one – whether a politician, an official or a celebrity – will have to take the test to get the licence. There will be complete transparency,” Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari told reporters.

An official said the Ministry has collated data of about 18 crore licences and an estimated 5.4 crore of them fall under the “bogus” category, which need to be checked.

An earlier government survey of about six crore driving licences had found nearly 74 lakh fake ones.

Terming the Road Transport and Safety Bill as key to making Indian roads safer, Gadkari said an estimated 1.5 lakh people die every year in the country in road accidents and the proposed law will overhaul the entire system including about issuance of driving licences.

“We are hopeful that the Bill would get passed in the next session of Parliament with states on board now on this matter as the subject falls in the concurrent list,” he said.

Gadkari said the Bill has been facing delays due to opposition from “vested interests” in Regional Transport Offices who are opposed to “transparency and computerisation”. Besides computerisation, the government also plans to set up 5,000 new driving centres, he added.

A Group of Ministers, headed by Rajasthan Transport Minister Yunoos Khan, has submitted its preliminary report that proposes hefty penalty for traffic violations. The final report is expected by the next month, after which the Bill should be passed in Parliament, the Minister said.

Jaitley seeks Japanese investments; meets SoftBank CEO Italian marine arrives home after The Japanese telecom tech investments in India, Grofers. Son had previousTOKTO, May 29 (pTi): ing we just had, they are four years in custody in India Seeking to woo investors looking at one of the big- and Internet giant has including $627 million in ly predicted that India's e-

from Asia's second biggest economy, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today began his six-day Japan visit as he met Masayoshi Son, the CEO of Japanese telecom giant SoftBank Group, which is eyeing "one of the biggest" investments in solar power sector in India.

Jaitley said many investors including SoftBank are keen to invest in infrastructure sector to be part of the Indian growth story.

"There are people who want to participate in infrastructure growth story. For example, SoftBank meet-

gest investments in solar power already," he said after meeting Son. In June last year, SoftBank announced it was forming a joint venture with Bharti Enterprises and Taiwan's Foxconn Technology Group to invest about $20 billion in renewable energy in India. The joint venture would aim to generate 20 gigawatts of electricity.

"They have made considerable headway and have identified location. It will probably be one of the largest investment in those areas," Jaitley said.

made a string of tech investments in India, investing $2 billion in the past two years. SoftBank is looking at accelerating the pace of investments in the future.

"India has a great future...We are interested in investing for Internet companies also for solar energy.

We would make a strong commitment," Son said.

Son had previously said that India's market is poised for massive growth, making it an important destination for investors.

SoftBank has in the past two years made a string of

online- retailing marketplace Snapdeal and leading a $210 million funding round in taxi-hailing app Ola Cabs.

It paid $200 million for a 35% stake in InMobi, an Indian mobile-advertising network, starting in 2011.

SoftBank also has a joint venture with Bharti Group, Bharti SoftBank, the investments of which include the mobile application Hike Messenger.

Its other investments include real-estate website Housing.Com, hotel-booking app Oyo Rooms and

commerce industry would become a $500 billion business in the next 10 years.

SoftBank, which owns one of Japan's biggest mobile carriers and a controlling stake in US-based Sprint, has been moving quickly to expand its Internet and media holdings.

As the largest shareholder in Alibaba Group Holding Ltd, the Chinese ecommerce company, SoftBank has ample resources to deploy for acquisitions.

During the visit, Jaitley will also call on Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Chandrababu Naidu not sure if Andhra will get special status TiRUpaTi, May 29 (iaNS): Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is doubtful if the central government will give Andhra Pradesh a special category status to end the sufferings of the people brought on by the bifurcation of the state. But, he is also avoiding any confrontation or a legal battle with the centre over the issue.

"I do not want any confrontation. Moreover, litigation cannot solve these problems," Naidu, who is also the head of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), told a group of visiting journalists from New Delhi on the sidelines of a three-day TDP annual convention "Mahanadu" that concluded on Saturdary here.

At the annual TDP convention, a section of party members mounted pressure on the chief minister to harden his stance against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government and press for the special status -a promise made in parliament by

the then Congress government when Telangana was bifurcated and the state was divided into two in 2014.

The idea was to compensate Andhra Pradesh for the losses it suffered due to the division because all industrial and commercial development was concentrated around the capital Hyderabad that geographically belonged to the Telangana region. The status, which involves a huge financial package, is normally given to economically backward states in India.

Ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the Congress promised the status for five years if it returned to power. The BJP went a step ahead and promised to extend it for 10 years. But nothing has happened two years after the BJP came to power at the head of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) of which Naidu's TDP is a constituent.

"We are not asking any undue favour from the Centre. The Andhra Pradesh Re-organisation Act was brought by the Congress (government), but it is also true that all parties supported it. So, it is the responsibility of the Centre and also all political parties to resolve our problems," Naidu said.

Referring to his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 17 in Delhi, the chief minister said the central government assured him that a high-level meeting would be convened to resolve all pending issues, especially the special category status.

However, he said, he was not sure how soon would the assurances be fulfilled.

"They will do it or they will not do... I do not know," Naidu said, adding that "the bifurcation of the state has brought in much suffering" to the Andhra people.

"It is time for the government of India to be magnanimous to solve

the problem. This is my appeal not only to the central government but also to the people of this nation."

He said the bifurcation was brought by the then Congressled central government in an unplanned manner that resulted in chaos and violence. "Even the parliamentary debate on passage of the (bifurcation) bill was not telecast by the Lok Sabha TV." Naidu said the very process of bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh was "mishandled" by the Congress. "I always told them, if you have any problem with me, do not punish the people of Andhra Pradesh."

With 16 members in the Lok Sabha, the TDP is a key constituent of the NDA government, but Naidu skirted a direct reply on whether there is any need for proper coordination between the constituents of the ruling combine.

He said he has decided to focus mainly on the state politics and the welfare of his people.

Italian sailor Salvatore Girone (2nd L) is greeted by Italian Defence minister Roberta Pinotti after landing at Ciampino airport in Rome on May 28. (REUTERS Photo)

ROMe, May 29 (ReUTeRS): An Italian marine who Indian prosecutors accuse of murdering two fishermen during an anti-piracy mission returned home on Saturday after four years in custody in New Delhi.

Salvatore Girone, who was held in custody at the Italian embassy in the Indian capital, is one of two marines arrested in 2012 over the fishermen's deaths during the operation to protect an Italian oil tanker.

The other marine, Massimiliano Latorre, is already back in Italy after suffering health problems.

The marines say they fired on the fishing boat because they thought the Italian ship they were assigned to protect, the Enrica Lexie, was under attack. Indian prosecutors accuse them of murdering the fishermen.

India's supreme court ruled earlier this week he was free to go home at least until Italy's dispute with India over jurisdiction in the case, which is now in international

arbitration, is over.

Defence Minister Roberta Pinotti embraced the uniformed Girone when he arrived at Rome's Ciampino airport. He was also greeted by the foreign minister, the navy's top admiral and relatives.

India's Supreme Court said Girone must surrender his passport when he arrives in Italy and he will be required to return to India within a month of an order from the tribunal.

The long dispute over the incident has strained relations between India and Italy and its European Union partners.

In an effort to end legal wrangling, both countries last year agreed to move their dispute to the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which also ruled Girone should be allowed to return home earlier this month.

Italy argues that the case should not be heard in India because the incident occurred in international waters. India has said it remains confident the tribunal will decide in its favour.

Children play pivotal role in making Chhattisgarh villages open-defecation free RaipUR, May 29 (iaNS): Arti Rawte, an 11-year-old tribal girl from Dhobni village of Maoisthit Rajanandgaon district in Chhattisgarh, used to wake up at four every morning -- not to study but keep a sharp lookout for villagers going out to defecate in the open and stop them from doing so. Her village has been declared 'Open Defecation Free', thanks to efforts of such spunky kids.

"I along with some other children used to look out for people going for open defecation and upon spotting such people we used to blow a whistle and tell that person not to do so.

Violators would be fined Rs.500," Arti, who is part of Team Swachh - an initia-

tive of UNICEF and a nongovernmental organisation Jan Kalyan Sansthan, told IANS. Arti's village got toilets in each house two years back, but the problem of open defecation did not end. It was very difficult to convince the villagers to change their habit of going to the field to relieve themselves.

Arti who hails from the Halba tribe says despite having toilets in their homes people used to opt for open defecation. A vigilance committees (nigrani samiti) was formed in each village of the district which comprised children and other community members including the village chief -- to prevent people

from going to the field.

Arti loves English and wants to become a doctor and "serve the people of this under developed area and educate them about personal hygiene and healthy life."

"I understand the importance of cleanliness and personal hygiene. My elder sister who is married in a nearby village, Kurrubhat, does not have a toilet at her in-laws. I told her in-laws to construct a toilet and discourage open defecation.

Now they have agreed to mine and my sister's wish and are getting a toilet constructed," Arti said.

According to Swachhta Status Report released by the National Sample Survey (NSS), more than half

of the rural population in India still opts for open defecation. The survey estimates that 52.1 per cent of people in rural India choose open defecation as compared to 7.5 per cent in urban India.

The initiative of persuading villagers in Chhattisgarh to use toilets was started by UNICEF with the help of an NGO from Delhi in 2013 in Rajnandgaon. Later local NGOs were roped in the campaign to make it more effective. The open defecation free campaign is now spreading to various Chhattisgarh districts, including Surguja, Dhamtari, Dantewada etc.

Yogendra Pratap Singh, the chief of Jan Kalyan Sansthan - which leads the open

defecation free campaign in Rajnandgaon district told the visiting IANS correspondent that in Rajnandgaon district over 300 villages have been declared ODF. "Two blocks - Churiya and Chowki -- of the district have been declared ODF along with many other villages of Rajnandgaon.

In the early years, on a pilot basis we made a few villages Open Defecation Free and asked the government for support. Now the state government is supporting the cause," Singh said, adding that the government reimburses the cost of toilet construction after seeing its successful utilization for three months.

Bharati, 18, from neighbouring Heeravahi village,

led the campaign in her area by stressing on the need for toilets for women and girls of her village.

"Open defecation is not just unhygienic, but unsafe for girls. We created awareness in our community about the need for building toilets through special projects. Today, while we have community toilets, people are making efforts to build private toilets as well," she said.

Seventeen-year-old Laxmi, a Gond tribal, of Ranamatiya village of Rajnandgaon - the first village to be declared ODF in Chhattisgarh - says it was hard to convince the residents of her village to construct toilets and quit the habit of going to the

open field.

Laxmi is also lead campaigner of the Team Swachh initiative and played a vital role in making her village the first ODF village in the entire state.

"We saw strong opposition from villagers. The experts told them about the hazards of open defecation and convinced them to build toilets and use it," Laxmi said.

A group of such young adolescent girls and boys from Rajnandagaon, who are part of Team Swachh, were felicitated by senior officials of the state government, Delhi Daredevils cricket team and UNICEF for their special effort in making their respective villages open defecation free.

Prasanta Dash, Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Chhattisgarh, said that everyday some villages are becoming ODF which gives UNICEF and the government of Chhattisgarh a sense of pride.

"These young children spread the message of not to defecate in the open and do the monitoring. Because of such effort and support from the state government we could make around 2,000 villages open defecation free," Dash told IANS. UNICEF lends technical support to the state government in using Community Approaches to Total Sanitation (CATS) model to end open defecation with special focus on women and adolescent girls.

MonDAY 30•05•2016

WORLD

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

9

Rhetoric on Afghan migrants doesn’t meet reality BERLIN, MAY 29 (AP): The 75 people stuffed onto the small dinghy watched with horror as the water flowed in, eventually covering bags filled with clothes and mementos from the devastated homes they were fleeing. Jawad, a 25-year-old Afghan, prayed as he huddled with his wife, daughter and infant son.

“We were about to sink.

All the children were crying,” he says. “We were praying and crying. We were so hopeless.”

And then came deliverance, in the form of a passing Greek patrol boat.

Jawad and his family were taken to Greece and made the long overland journey to the country they hope to make their home — Germany.

Jawad recalls that day vividly when he hears the German government’s new tough talk about sending Afghan refugees home. Tears well up as he contemplates the possibility that, after all that, Germany might deny them asylum.

“My family is worth it,” he says quietly at the Berlin asylum-seekers’ home.

“We just need to be given the chance.”

Like many Afghans seeking asylum in Germany, Jawad and his family find themselves caught in the middle of Chancellor Angela Merkel’s new strategy to help the country manage its massive influx of migrants. He spoke

Two girls hold up their drawings about migrants during a meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican on May 28. (REUTERS Photo)

on condition his last name not be used for fear of reprisals against relatives at home.

Those almost certain to be granted asylum, like Syrians and Iraqis, have their cases streamlined and get quicker access to integration courses. Migrants who are almost guaranteed a denial, like those from the Balkans, are being deported more quickly.

In the middle are the Afghans, who have a good chance of being allowed

to stay but are being urged to return — or remain — home.

Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere has said that “people who come from Afghanistan cannot expect that they will be able to stay,” and the government regularly emphasizes that fewer than 50 percent of Afghans’ asylum applications are granted.

But the reality is different.

The German government factors in not only

asylum rejections but also so-called “formal decisions” — where an applicant isn’t refused on the merits of their case but for other reasons like because another European country is responsible, or because the migrant left Germany on their own or married a German. Looking at adjusted figures that remove the formal decisions, closer to 80 percent of Afghans are granted protection, according to ProAsyl, Germany’s main refugee rights

organization.

“Many of them have been in a panic even though we tried to convince them that their chances are relatively high here,” said Bernd Mesovic, deputy head of ProAsyl. “What the German government is doing now is a policy of discouragement with its trash talk about Afghans.”

This policy — trying to get migrants to voluntarily go home or, better yet, not come to Germany at all — is critical because de-

portations can take many months when factoring in the time it takes to apply for asylum, wait for a decision, and then go through the appeals process.

Deportations are rising — twice as many people were deported from Germany in 2015 as in 2014 — but it still only amounted to 20,888 people last year.

Of those, most were sent back to the Balkans; only nine people were deported to Afghanistan in 2015, two to Iraq and nobody was deported to Syria.

The policy of discouragement, however, has met with better success.

In 2015, 37,220 people returned home voluntarily, primarily to the Balkans, while the flow of migrants from those nations has slowed to a trickle. In that year, Albania and Kosovo were in the top five countries of origin for migrants after Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq, but in the latest figures from April they’re not even in the top 10.

For Afghans, however, the rhetoric seems to have had little effect. After committing thousands of troops and hundreds of millions of euros for more than a decade to help stabilize Afghanistan, Berlin maintains there are safe areas in the country.

Foreig n Ministr y spokesman Martin Schaefer went so far as to say that “the Taliban’s terrorist attacks are not directed at the Afghan people” but instead

at Afghan security forces.

But according to a U.N. report, 600 civilians were killed in Afghanistan’s war in the first quarter of 2016 alone, and a further 1,343 wounded.

Jawad pointed to the massive bombing in his native Kabul just days before Schaefer’s comments that killed more than 60 people and injured 350 others, primarily civilians.

“Since I was a little boy, the only thing I can remember is trouble and war,” he said. “The Taliban have made life in Afghanistan terrible.”

Meantime, even though new border controls in Europe mean the overall number of migrants is down drastically this year, Afghans in April remained the second-largest group arriving in Germany after Syrians.

Germany’s 1.1 million arrivals in 2015 included 428,468 Syrians, 154,046 Afghans and 121,622 Iraqis, though the government acknowledges the system sometimes counts the same person more than once.

At the same time, the numbers for 2015 also understate new arrivals, because it can take a long time for people to apply for asylum. In total, 476,649 people applied. Syrians saw 96 percent of their asylum applications granted; Eritreans had 92 percent and Iraqis about 89 percent. At the other extreme, Serbia

saw only 0.1 percent of its applications granted, Albania 0.2 percent and Kosovo 0.4 percent.

Since the official percentage of Afghans granted asylum in 2015 was only 47.6 percent, Afghans like Jawad have not qualified for fast-track acceptance into language courses and other integration classes. While his 7-year-old daughter is in a “welcome class” in a local school and is picking up the German language quickly, he and his wife are still waiting.

Mouaz Abdullah Ibrahim, a 50-year-old Iraqi who fled Baiji last year amid fierce fighting between government forces and Islamic State extremists, arrived in Germany about the same time as Jawad and lives in the same sprawling Wilmersdorf facility. His family has already started classes. His three eldest sons have even gotten work internships while his youngest is attending school.

“For us the system is OK here,” he said. “We’re certain that the German government will treat us well — if we didn’t think that, we wouldn’t have come.”

Jawad said he doesn’t mind waiting at the back of the line but going home is no option.

His family “prays every night to God to get the answer that we can stay here and live in freedom,” he said.

Breakaway Taliban faction US-led coalition troops assisting Kurds in new offensive SHAMI, MAY 29 (RE- es in the early hours of Sunday expresses support for peace talks HASSAN utERS): Servicemen from the launched an attack to dislodge Is-

SHINDAND, MAY 29 (AP): A breakaway Taliban faction is willing to hold peace talks with the Afghan government but will demand the imposition of Islamic law and the departure of all foreign forces, a senior leader of the group said Sunday.

Mullah Abdul Manan Niazi told a group of around 200 followers in eastern Afghanistan that his faction had no faith in the government but was willing to negotiate without preconditions.

Niazi is deputy to Mullah Mohammad Rasool, who split from the Taliban last summer after Mullah Akhtar Mansoor was chosen to succeed the group’s late founder, Mullah Mohammad Omar.

The main Taliban faction has expressed similar demands, but says it will only enter peace talks after they have been met. The U.S. and NATO officially ended their combat mission more than a year ago, but thousands of foreign soldiers remain in the country, mainly carrying out training, support and counterterrorism operations.

Mansoor had refused to participate in a peace process initiated by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani that included Pakistan, the United States and China.

Representatives of the four countries have held five meetings, without inviting the Taliban. Their aim is to chart a roadmap toward talks between the Afghan government and the insurgents to end the

15-year war.

The Taliban’s spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, has branded Rasool’s faction “a government army in the shape of the Taliban.” Speaking to the AP on Sunday, he claimed that Rasool was supported by Kabul and Washington. “For us he is nothing more than a local policeman or a puppet of Afghan intelligence,” he said.

Rasool’s followers met in the mountainous Shindand district, near the border with Iran. Snipers on hilltops surveyed dirt roads leading to the area, which serves as the main base for the mobile fighters. The encampment where the meeting was held is only accessible by motorbike or horse.

The turbaned followers of Rasool — who is believed to have been detained in Pakistan — appeared to be armed with new weapons, including automatic rifles and grenade launchers.

The Taliban have continued to launch major attacks on government forces despite the internal conflict, and the war has shown no sign of abating over the past year.

The Taliban attacked checkpoints in the southern Helmand province late Saturday, killing four police, according to the provincial governor’s spokesman, Omar Zawaq.

Among those killed was local police commander Safar Mohammad, who in recent years had successfully kept highways in the area open to traffic.

U.S.-led coalition are assisting Kurdish Peshmerga forces in a new offensive in Iraq that aims to retake a handful of villages from Islamic State east of their Mosul stronghold, a coalition spokesman said.

Soldiers were seen loading armored vehicles outside the village of Hassan Shami, a few miles east of the frontline, a Reuters correspondent reported. They told people present not to take photographs.

They spoke in English but their nationality was not clear. Reuters had earlier reported that they were American but this could not be confirmed officially.

"U.S. and coalition forces are conducting advise and assist operations to help Kurdish Peshmerga forces," U.S. Army Colonel Steve Warren, the spokesman for the U.S.-led coalition in Baghdad told Reuters, commenting on the ground deployment of coalition soldiers seen near the battle front.

He said he could not confirm which country those seen by Reuters were from.

"They may be Americans, they may be Canadians or from other nationalities," he said.

Iraqi Kurdish Peshmerga forc-

lamic State fighters from villages located about 20 km (13 miles) east of Mosul alongside the road to the Kurdish capital, Erbil.

Gunfire and airstrikes could be heard at a distance, while Apache helicopters flew overhead. One of the villages, Mufti, was captured by mid-day, the Kurdistan Region Security Council said in a statement.

Mosul, with a pre-war population of about 2 million, is the largest city under control of the militants in both Iraq and Syria. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi at the end of last year expressed hope that the "final victory" in the war on Islamic State would come in 2016 with the capture of Mosul.

About 5,500 Peshmergas are taking part in Sunday's operation, said the Kurdish Region Security council.

"This is one of the many shaping operations expected to increase pressure on ISIL in and around Mosul in preparation for an eventual assault on the city,'' the council said.

"It's also to push ISIS threat away from the Kurdish area," a Kurdish officer, Akram Mohammed, said in Hassan Shami, referring to one of the acronyms

Chinese developer opens theme park to take on Disney NANCHANG, MAY 29 (AP): China’s largest private property developer, the Wanda Group, opened an entertainment complex on Saturday that it’s positioning as a distinctly homegrown rival to Disney and its $5.5 billion Shanghai theme park opening next month. Wanda executives unveiled their $3 billion “Wanda City” in the southeastern provincial capital of Nanchang to thundering music reminiscent of the “Pirates of the Caribbean” theme and hailed the center as a representative of Chinese entertainment culture in the face of encroaching foreign influences.

Wanda’s massive site includes an $800 million China-themed park filled with twirling “porcelain teacup” rides and bamboo forests, an indoor shopping mall with cinemas, restaurants, hotels and the world’s largest ocean park. Disney is set to open its own resort in Shanghai — the largest Disneyland in the world — in June. As a leading player in Chinese firms’ globalization push, the property group has invested heavily in the

A security guard opens the entrance doors for the grand opening of the Wanda Mall at the Wanda Cultural Tourism City in Nanchang in southeastern China’s Jiangxi province on May 28. (AP Photo)

film and cinema business and has spoken openly about its nationalistic mission to fend off Disney in the Chinese market and become an entertainment brand recognized around the world.

In remarks at Saturday’s opening, Wang Jianlin, Wanda chairman and China’s richest man, did not mention Disney by name but said Chinese people “fawned” over Western imports. “Chinese culture

led in the world’s for 2,000 years, but since the last 300 years, because of our lagging development and the invasion of foreign cultures, we have more or less lacked confidence in our own culture,” Wang said. “We want to be a model for Chinese private enterprise, and we want to establish a global brand for Chinese firms.”

Earlier this month he told Chinese state television in an interview that Disney’s foray into China

would crumble under more competitive pricing from his group, and warned that the “the frenzy of Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck and the era of blindly following them has passed.”

Wanda’s dealmaking has been similarly aggressive as it quickly diversifies away from China’s weakening real estate market.

The group purchased U.S.-based AMC Theaters cinema chain in 2012 for $2.5 billion and paid $3.5

billion for Legendary Entertainment — the Hollywood studio behind the Batman franchise — earlier this year as it ramped up its international push.

Seeking to capitalize on China’s rising middle class, developers are planning dozens of Chinese theme park, along with projects from U.S. firms like Universal Studios, DreamWorks and Six Flags. But instead of seeking to capture China’s top tier cities like Beijing or Shanghai, Wanda has built parks in smaller but still massive cities like Wuhan, where it regularly presents the “The Han Show” — a Cirque du Soleil-style acrobatic performance that’s based on the traditional culture of the Han, China’s largest ethnic group.

Even so, there were signs of Disney’s presence in Wanda City. Tourists who opted against paying 198 yuan (about $30) for the theme park and headed for the shopping mall were greeted by what looked like a woman in a Snow White costume as well as storm troopers.

Female Kurdish Peshmerga walk with their weapons in a village east of Mosul, Iraq on May 29. (REUTERS Photo)

of Islamic State, the hardline Sunni militants who seized large amounts of territory in Syria and Iraq two years ago.

The Peshmerga have driven the militants back in northern Iraq last year with the help of airstrikes from a U.S.-led coalition, and are positioned around Mosul in an arc running from northwest of the city to southeast.

The Iraqi army is also keeping

up the pressure on Islamic State in their stronghold of Falluja, 50 kilometers (32 miles) west of Baghdad, in central Iraq.

Backed by Shi'ite militias on the ground and airstrikes from the U.S.-led coalition, the army is about to complete the encirclement of the city in an operation that started on May 23, state TV said Sunday citing military statements.

Jordan’s King Abdullah dissolves parliament, names caretaker PM AMMAN, MAY 29 (REutERS): Jordan’s King Abdullah appointed veteran politician Hani Mulqi as prime minister after dissolving parliament by royal decree on Sunday, following the end of its four-year term, and charged him with conducting new elections by October.

The monarch accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour, as is customary under the constitution, before appointing an interim head of government. Under the constitutional rules the election should be held within four months under the constitution and after the lower house passed an amendment to the electoral laws in March government

sources and political analysts say there are likely to be more candidates from political parties vying for votes with traditional tribal and family allegiances.

But Jordan’s main political opposition to the government comes from the Muslim Brotherhood movement which is facing increasing legal curbs on its activities, leaving mostly pro-monarchy parties and some independent Islamists and politicians to compete in the elections, the sources say.

In 2011, under pressure from the popular protests across the Arab world, Jordan’s parliament endorsed constitutional changes that devolved some of the monarch’s powers to the parliament.

Uganda to halt military, security ties with NKorea SEOuL, MAY 29 (REutERS): Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni said his country would halt security and military cooperation with North Korea, a South Korean official said following a summit in Kampala between Museveni and South Korean President Park Geun-hye.

Uganda hosted 45 North Koreans providing police training as recently as December, according to a February report by a United Nations panel of experts. Another report by the panel last year said North Koreans trained Ugandan police on the use of AK-47s and pistols.

Isolated North Korea has come un-

der growing diplomatic pressure in the aftermath of its January nuclear test and a space rocket launch in February, which led to a United Nations Security Council resolution in March tightening sanctions against Pyongyang.

“During the summit, Uganda’s President Museveni...said he had ordered (officials) to faithfully enforce the U.N. Security Council resolution including halting of its security, military and police cooperation with North Korea,” Jeong Yeon-guk, a spokesman for Park, told reporters in the Ugandan capital on Sunday, according to the presidential Blue House in Seoul.

10

MONDAY 30•05•2016

SPORTS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Real Madrid fans celebrate 11th European crown in divided Madrid

Fans light a red flare close to the an open-top bus parading the European Cup as jubilant Real Madrid fans welcomed their heroes in Madrid on Sunday morning. (Getty Images)

MADRID, MAY 29 (AFP): Thousands of Real Madrid fans chanted and waved supporter scarves under a rain of confetti on Sunday in the Spanish capital as the team returned home after an historic 11th European Cup win.

An open top bus emblazoned with the word "Campeones" (Champions) carried the team, who showed off the trophy to fans who had spent hours awaiting their heroes in the heart of the city.

"How can I not love you!," shouted the ecstatic crowd at the Plaza de Ci-

beles -- a traditional meeting point for Real's trophy celebrations.

Three-time World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo struck the winning spot-kick in a 5-3 penalties victory over Atletico Madrid at Milan's San Siro stadium. It is the second time in three years that Real have defeated Atletico in the final.

The players snapped photos of the raucous crowd from a platform specially erected at Cibeles, and team captain Sergio Ramos waved the large silver trophy for the cheering

supporters.

At Real's Santiago Bernabeu stadium around 50,000 supporters had followed the action from the tense final on four giant television screens.

The Real Madrid players, who arrived home from Milan around 6:00 am (0400 GMT), headed directly for Cibeles where the fans had been celebrating since midnight.

The football-mad Spanish capital of 3.2 million people had been dominated by the two clubs crests and colours in a frenzied build-up to the final, which

was expected to attract a worldwide audience of 180 million people in over 200 countries.

- 'Unforgettable and gruelling'Praise poured in for Real Madrid, including from Spain's acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy.

"Epic final in the League of Champions," he tweeted. "Congratulations to all... for the 11th."

Another public celebration with the team is planned for Sunday night in their stadium, which will follow a reception with city leaders. "I am delighted.

Two Champions League titles in three years, it is incredible," said Monica Gonzalez, a 25-year-old Real fan.

"They (Atletico) deserved it. They almost played better. I am happy my team won, but it could have been any of the two teams."

However, Gonzalez's boyfriend Jaime de Francisco, an Atletico fan, couldn't hide his disappointment as once again the red and white half of Madrid was forced to life in Real's shadow.

Just 500 metres (yards) away from wild scenes of celebration at Cibeles, the Neptuno fountain -- where Atletico fans go to celebrate their triumphs -- was empty. Spanish daily sports newspaper Marca captured the mood, describing Real as "the king of Europe", adding that manager Zinedine Zidane had been "touched by a magic wand". "He was born to play for Real Madrid... and to lead them," wrote the paper.

"A supreme derby, exhausting, stifling," wrote the AS sports newspaper.

Spain's bestselling El Pais newspaper described the final as "unforgettable and gruelling", with an editorial arguing that Atletico have nothing to regret, saying that they were "far superior at the start, (and) must be gritting their teeth".

NAC Open Supercross 2016 from June 1 KOHIMA, MAY 29 (MExN): The Nagaland Adventure Club’s (NAC) Open Supercross will take place from June 1 at the Kohima Local Ground. Parliamentary Secretary for Youth Resources & Sports, Music Task Force and State Lotteries Khriehu Leizietsu will grace the inaugural function on June 2 at 10:30 AM. Youth Resources & Sports director Asangla Imti will grace the prize distribution ceremony on June 3 at 4:00 PM. This is the first ever supercross event organised in Nagaland under the banner of the premier motor sports governing body of the country – the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI).

Supercross competitions exclusively feature motorcycle racing in closed arenas complete with artificial dirt tracks and obstacles. At least 7-8 professional riders from the mainland have shown interest and are expected to compete. A high level of professionalism is expected as the races will be conducted under FMSCI rules with stewards from the federation officiating. The competition will feature four categories for engines up to 500cc class – Experts, Novice, Open and a special category for competitors from Nagaland. Competitors in the Experts, Novice and the special categories can only use Indian-manufactured motor-cycles, while those in the Open category can use foreign or Indian-manufactured motor-cycles. It will carry a total cash prize of Rs. 3 lakhs. Competitors from outside the state will be provided free lodging and transportation expenses. Entry fee for competitors ranges from Rs. 500-3000 depending on the category.

WASHINGTON, MAY 29 (AFP): Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry saved the season for defending NBA champion Golden State, sparking a stunning fourth-quarter rally to beat host Oklahoma City 108101 and avoid playoff elimination. Thompson scored a career playoff high 41 points, including an NBA

one-game playoff record 11 3-pointers in 18 attempts, and NBA Most Valuable Player Curry added 29 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists as the Warriors leveled the best-of-seven Western Conference final at three wins each.

"I'm so proud of everybody," Thompson said.

"We were down almost

Real Madrid's French coach Zinedine Zidane is thrown into the air by Real Madrid players and staff members after they won the UEFA Champions League final football match over Atletico Madrid at San Siro Stadium in Milan, on May 28, 2016.

MILAN, MAY 29 (REUTERS): In leading Real Madrid to their 11th European Cup less than five months after inheriting an unhappy team from Rafael Benitez, Zinedine Zidane has cemented his heroic status at the Bernabeu and appears to have assured his immediate future.

Although neither Zidane nor Real's notoriously trigger happy president Florentino Perez have confirmed whether the French coach would be remain charge, there could be no political capital gained from axing the coach now.

The Frenchman has enjoyed special status since his wondrous volley against Bayer Leverkusen won the 2002 Champions League, although he must know Saturday's shootout victory over Atletico Madrid does not guarantee him a long future at the club. He only needs to look at the fate of the last two coaches to lead Real to European glory, Vicente del Bosque and Carlo Ancelotti, both sacked 12 months later, as a reminder of that. The only Real coach

to create any sort of dynasty was Miguel Munoz, like Zidane a European Cup winner as a Real midfielder, who spent 14 years in charge, winning Europe's top prize in 1960 and 1966 and nine La Liga titles.

Having conquered Europe with Real as a player, coach and assistant, Zidane's next task is to wrest the La Liga title back from Barcelona, who finished a solitary point above his side. Zidane picked up more points than Barca and Atletico since succeeding Benitez on Jan. 4, including victories in the last 12 games, although the football his team played lacked the sparkle of Luis Enrique's championshipwinning side.

The most graceful of players, Zidane has proved to be a great pragmatist as a coach, stressing on the eve of the final that his team's plan was to "run, run and run".

HAPPY ATMOSPHERE With Cristiano Ronaldo clearly not match fit, Real's win owed more to the gutsy determination of defensive midfielder Casemiro and

man of the match Sergio Ramos than the flair players Perez loves to recruit.

Zidane never tires of stressing the value of hard work and his team selections reflect that, sidelining the likes of James Rodriguez and Isco, players overflowing with talent but reluctant to dig in and help the team out defensively.

Another key to Zidane's early success with Real has been to create a happy atmosphere among a squad that never bonded with predecessor Benitez.

"There is a very good feeling between us and Zidane, he has brought happiness, hope, humility and hard work," Ramos said.

Zidane added: "What I've brought to Real is my positive attitude. I believe in hard work, we already have a lot of quality in the team. But work is more important than quality." Hard work may have delivered Zidane Europe's biggest prize in his infancy as a coach, but he will need to oversee a higher standard of football if he is to remain in charge long term.

PUBLIC DISCOURSE

Nagas’ Freedom in Captivity

Nagaland Taekwondo Federation under the aegis of International Taekwondo Federation held a belt grading ceremony at Olympic higher Secondary School, Zunheboto Old Town on May 28. The belt grading was conducted under ITF Instructor and Examiner Yimkongniken Aonok 4th dan, assistant Lima Aonok 2nd dan and Hino N Awomi 1st degree black belt. A total of 80 students from four schools participated in the event.

Thompson, Curry rally Warriors to force game 7 with Thunder

Golden State's Klay Thompson (11) tries to get past Oklahoma City's Andre Roberson (21) during Game 6 of the Western Conference finals in the NBA playoffs between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Golden State Warriors at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City on May 28. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Zidane assured place in Real hearts if not a long future

the whole game. We never gave up and our resiliency got us through. We kept our composure. We knew if we didn't get it done we were going home."

The winner of Monday's game seven at Oakland will advance to the NBA Finals, facing the LeBron James-led Cleveland Cavaliers when the best-ofseven championship series opens Thursday.

But after squandering a 3-1 series lead by botching a golden chance to advance at home, the Thunder must win on a court where the Warriors lost only twice all season. "We can't hang our heads. We have another game to play," Thunder guard Russell Westbrook said. "Win or go home. Simple as that."

Trailing 89-81 with nine minutes remaining, the Warriors closed with a 27-12 run -- 19-5 over the final seven minutes and 12-2 in the last three -- in a thriller Thompson and Curry ranked among their greatest wins. "It has to be because of the situation," Thompson said. "Everybody probably counted us out. It was great fun to play with that fire, that emotion." "This was a huge win for us," Curry said. "Doesn't win us a ring -- we don't want to pop the champagne or anything. It ranks right up there for sure be-

NBA player shot dead

DALLAS, MAY 29 (AFP): New Orleans Pelicans rookie guard Bryce Dejean-Jones has died from a gunshot wound to his abdomen. Police told the Dallas Morning News and Des Moines Register that the 23-year-old was killed on Saturday after kicking open the door of a Dallas apartment and being shot by a man inside. Authorities said the man, who had been sleeping before the forced entry, fired from inside his bedroom after Dejean-Jones kicked the door to the room.

He collapsed in an outer hallway and died at a hospital.

"It is with deep sadness that the Pelicans organization acknowledges the sudden passing of Bryce Dejean-Jones," the team said in a statement. "We are devastated at the loss of this young man's life who had such a promising future ahead of him. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bryce's family through this difficult time." cause we're still alive."

Thompson scored the first nine points of the fourth quarter for Golden State and added two more clutch 3-pointers in the period after a brief pep talk from Curry before the last quarter began. "Steph told me, 'This is your time. Show what you can do out there,'" Thompson said. "I tried to take that to heart."

Thunder star Kevin Durant made four turnovers in the last 99 seconds and Westbrook lost two more in the dramatic final moments. "They got their hands on some balls, but for the most part we tried to

make the right plays, make the right decisions, especially down the stretch," Westbrook said.

Curry's 3-pointer with 2:47 remaining tied the game at 99-99 and Thompson made the last of his 3-pointers with 95 seconds remaining to put the Warriors ahead to stay at 104101. Thompson's amazing 3-point shooting in the final minutes stole the show, shocking even backcourt partner Curry, who this year set an NBA record for 3-pointers in a season.

"It was unbelievable," Curry said. "We needed every single one of them."

W

e were told time and again that the issue of the Nagas cannot be settled any time soon mainly for two reasons: (1), for fear of hurting the sentiment of neighbouring communities and (2), the security of India that cannot be kept in jeopardy. Let us start with the first point. If New Delhi has concern for the sentiment of neighbouring communities, then what about the Nagas whose sentiment has being hurt for so many decades by not only denying their political rights but also keeping them in different states and countries? Does New Delhi think that Nagas must continue to suffer to keep its neighbouring communities happy? What have the neighbouring communities done for the Nagas when Naga villages were burnt down, villagers grouped together and relocated their villages, hundreds of their women raped, thousands of their men brutally assaulted and killed by Indian armies? Did the neighbouring communities sacrifice anything for the Naga cause or did they face hardship because of the Naga freedom movement? Is there any logic for the neighbouring community(ies) trying to slice a piece of cake from the share of the Nagas? Naga people must get what is rightfully theirs.

It is also a dilemma why the Government of India is trying to please every community with the issue of the Nagas? Does ‘all stake holders will be taken into account’ mean that all the aspirations of the neighbouring communities will be met before settling the issue of Naga people?

If that is so, then, is it not the neighbouring communities who decide for the destiny of the Nagas? That is simply absurd as it invalidated the sacrifices made the Naga patriots. Only the Nagas has the legitimate right to decide for their future. The heartfelt aspiration of the Nagas to live together in freedom is on the edge of ‘disappearing’ because it has been mixed up with so many other issues. If the Meiteis, Kukis, Assamese or Arunachalese has issue with India, let them do it separately. Nagas has no right to stand on their way. The Naga people expect the same response from the neighbouring communities. As long as the Indo-Naga talk pulls together all the concerns of the neighbouring communities, the talk will remain complicated and could cost another decade or more to reach its logical conclusion.

The second point is equally perplexed one. We are told that they security of India cannot be compromised in any way for the sake of settling the Indo-Naga issue. Did thousands of Naga martyrs shed their blood for the security of India and not for the Nagas? Is New Delhi holding talks with the Nagas to placate them with a kind of minimum ‘autonomy’ so that Naga nation acts as a buffer state for India and its ‘enemy-ied’ countries? Today, many Naga youth, like me, are confused whether the right of the Nagas had been superseded by the concern of India’s security and the neighbouring communities. How many more years will the Naga’s freedom be kept in captivity of India? Or has the concerned Naga Political Group (NPG) that is in talk with Government of India (GOI) still fail to do its homework? For viable and sustainable Naga solution, consolidated effort of all Naga people is required. The opinion of Naga intellectuals (includes old people who are the treasurers of Naga culture, scholars, politicians, bureaucrats, lawyers, etc) must be taken into consideration and not merely rely on the law experts of India and foreigners. At least 75% of the solution must be based on the unique culture of the Nagas. Otherwise ‘Solution’ will be simply imposition of foreign culture on the Nagas.

Let me conclude with a story. Once upon a time, a hunter (say Naga community) went to the jungle for hunting with his Dog (say NNWs). To hunter’s satisfaction, the Dog started chasing after a Bear (say Sovereignty). After sometime, somehow, a Deer came on the way of the Bear. The Dog lost track of the Bear and started running after the Deer. Unfortunately, a rabbit came by and disturbed the track of the hunt again. Finally, the Dog was barking at a hole. When the hunter reached that place, he saw his Dog barking at a Rabbit in the burrow. The hunter did not get the Bear or Deer. He has to be contended with a Rabbit. Today, what are the Nagas hunting for: Bear or Deer or Rabbit? Whatever may be the ‘prey’, the hunt must come to an end and give space to the people to think and decide the future course of action to be followed according to the ‘prey’ they get.

The thoughts shared here are that of the writer and did not represent the views or opinion of any particular organisation or institution.

Z. K. Pahrü Pou, BTC, Pfutsero

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

Monday 30•05•2016

EntErtainmEnt

Johnny Depp 'driven insane by fear Amber Heard was cheating with Cara Delevingne'

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ohnny Depp's marriage to Amber Heard fell apart after he was 'driven insane' with fear that his bisexual wife was cheating on him with Cara Delevingne, it has been reported. Sources claim the actor screamed at her: 'You're making a fool out of me', as he suspected Heard was growing closer to the 23-year-old British model when they were allegedly partying together constantly. It is believed his suspicions were sparked at the end of 2014 as the pair's friendship strengthened while Depp, 52, was renting a North London mansion.

An insider claimed Amber - who filed for divorce from Johnny this week built a closeness with Cara that made Depp question her loyalty and brought about the end of the 15-month marriage. The source told The Sun: 'They [Amber and Cara] used to party together a lot and made no attempt to hide the fact that they were quite flirty. 'But that would spark furious rows with Johnny, who hated how indiscreet she was being. MailOnline

Depp plans 'tell-all' interview after Heard's abuse claim

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ctor Johnny Depp is reportedly planning to do a tell-all TV interview in a bid to prove to fans that he has not beaten his estranged wife Amber Heard. Depp, who has been accused of domestic abuse by Heard after she filed for a divorce last week, has denied the claims, insisting she is just after his money, reports dailystar.co.uk.

He now wants to "set the record straight" and prove he's "not a monster" by giving a full interview as soon as he will finish his tour with rock band Hollywood Vampires. "He is shell-shocked over the events of the last week and is determined to tell his side of the story.

His whole life has been turned upside down," said a source close to the actor. Though it is not known who will land the TV interview, in the past Depp has sat down with the likes of Oprah Winfrey.

Source: IANS

has contacted representatives for Depp, Heard and Delevingne for comment.

Heard said she has been the victim of at least three domestic abuse incidents in the past six months at the hands of Johnny Depp. In court documents, where she details the alleged violence during their 15-month marriage, Heard said she 'lived in fear' of the Pirates of the Caribbean star and the idea he could return to the L.A.

Magician Richard Jones wins 'Britain's Got Talent'

condominium they shared to 'terrorize me physically and emotionally.'

The actress and her lawyer Samantha Spector appeared at the Superior Court of California County of Los Angeles on Friday, where she filed for a domestic violence restraining order. Depp was not in court for the filing. Instead, the star was playing with his band - the Hollywood Vampires - at the Rock in Rio Lisboa festival

The next day Heard was pictured smiling with friends Amanda de Cadenet and model Amber Valletta at de Cadenet's birthday party. The actresses' hair covered the areas of her face which appeared to have been bruised the day before.

The photograph was posted on Instagram by British TV show host de Cadenet on Monday and Heard was tagged in it. But it has since been deleted.

Heard claims that Depp, 52, offered her money to keep the incident that occurred on Saturday quiet, but she instead made the decision to file for divorce. A representative for Depp said in a statement on Thursday; 'Given the brevity of this marriage and the most recent and tragic loss of his mother, Johnny will not respond to any of the salacious false stories, gossip, misinformation and lies about his personal

life. 'Hopefully the dissolution of this short marriage will be resolved quickly.'

Heard was ultimately granted a temporary order by the judge, who ruled that Depp must remain at least 100 yards away from Heard until their next hearing, which is scheduled for late June. She was also granted the right to live in the family home, but failed in her bid for sole custody of one of the couple's dogs.

Source: MailOnline

Pitbull & Becky G release summer soccer anthem

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oldier-magician Richard Jones has won the tenth season of "Britain's Got Talent". Throughout the season, Jones stunned the judges, live audiences and those watching on TV with a series of sensational magic tricks, reports dailymail.co.uk. The finale of the show took place on Saturday.

Singer Wayne Woodward was announced as the

review: Birdies don’t fly

first runner-up. "It's been an amazing experience to spend time with such talented people," Jones said, as his fellow competitors surrounded him on stage to kick-start the final celebrations. The tenth season of the show was judged by music mogul Simon Cowell, actress-singer Amanda Holden, singer Alesha Dixon and actor-comedian David Walliams.

Source: IANS

itbull and Becky G have teamed up to give the official anthem of the 100th anniversary of the Copa America soccer tournament a Latin flavour.

"Superstar", which was written by the rapper, has been released a week before the big event's kick-off at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, reported Contactmusic.

"Music is the universal language, and soccer is the world's sport," said Pitbull.

"It's an honour to team up with Copa America Centenario and an upcoming superstar like Becky G, who I'm very proud of."

This isn't Pitbull's first soccer anthem - he shared the stage with Jen-

nifer Lopez and Claudia Leite at the 2014 World Cup opening ceremony in Brazil, singing "We Are One (Ole Ola)."

Meanwhile, his new

singing partner Becky G, who is reportedly dating Los Angeles-based soccer star Sebastian Lletget, said, "I grew up watching the Copa America with my

grandfather, so to say I'm excited to perform at this world-class soccer event, in my home country, is an understatement.

Source: PTI

Victoria Beckham’s 2003 hip-hop album leaked online

Movie : Angry Birds Directors : Clay Kaytis, Fergal Reilly Cast : Jason Sudekis, Danny McBride, Josh Gad, Maya Rudolph, Peter Dinklage and Sean Penn n 2010, the Angry as the film manages to stay Birds video game cre- light on its feet. It’s the dragated a sensation, new gy second, which brings the wave viewers across usual seriousness about generation was waiting to saving the world and all experience. Fast forward a that jazz that prevents our few years, and countless se- Angry Birds from soaring to quels later, the good people new heights.

The animation is at Rovio unleashed an animated film that tries admi- on point, as the colourrably to be a laugh-athon. ful world of the birds is Unfortunately for the view- brought alive, which will ers, there are far too many undoubtedly thrill young gaps between each mirth- ones in the theatre hall.

Considering how aniful moment.

While fans of the now mated films are no longer iconic video game that was meant just for children such a storm on iPhones though, but also to the and iPads might still flock world at large (Up, The In(pun unintended) to cin- credibles anyone?), it is just emas to see it, this is a mov- doubly disappointing.

Jason Sudekis as Red is ie that can only enthral a alright, but Danny McBride young audience.

Red the bird is your ev- as Bomb is the one who eryday man (or woman) will really tickle your funny with standard looks and bone, with Josh Gad as the average abilities, struggling super-quick Chuck ensurto make a living in the bird ing everyone is on their world. Ignored by most, toes, quite litterally.

The three of them mandespised by the rest, he is a true misfit amongst his age to cook up some wacky situations and try their best more docile bretheren.

The premise seems to keep the movie breezy.

The standout scene, promising, but a deeper connect to a more mature (shades of Quicksilver from audience is desperately X-Men: Days of Future Past) is when Chuck walks lacking.

A travesty considering the talk, and before you can the many adults this fran- close your gaping mouth, is chise can count amongst basking in all the glory.

A one-time watch at its fanbase, and the impressive voice cast who deliver best, and since this is Holtheir dialogues with plenty lywood, we expect much more from the sequel that of punch.

All is not bad though, as is inevitably already in the there are plenty of laughs, pipeline. especially in the first half Source: The Statesman

I

Hillstar NOW SHOWING

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inger-turned-designer Victoria Beckham made a hip-hop album in 2003 and it has been leaked online. The 17-demo tracks were reportedly written with Roc-A-Fella co-founder Damon Dash. Besides collaborating on a fashion line, it turns out they were making music together. Some of those demo tracks from their time in the studio have been released online, reports mirror. co.uk.

Last month, a demo disc which contained tracks that would have featured on her hip-hop influenced album Come Together, was auctioned on eBay and some of them have found their way onto YouTube and SoundCloud.

Speaking about the album that never was, Dash previously said: “Because Victoria’s record company isn’t happy about the fact that she came over to New York to work with me, they are putting out stories. Before anyone’s even heard the album they were making things up.”

Beckham recorded two full studio albums — Open Your Eyes and the Dash collaboration — that were never released following poor sales of her self-titled debut album, as well as disputes with record companies.

Taylor Kinney gives Lady GaGa ultimatum for wedding

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11:00 Am | 05:00 pm

Source: IANS

2:00 Pm

ctor Taylor Kinney has reportedly given ultimatum to fiance Lady Gaga as she is still undecided about their wedding details. The 34-year-old “Chicago Fire” actor is frustrated as GaGa, 30 is still not able to finalise the date and venue for their wedding, reported Ace-

showbiz.

“She switches from Hawaii to Italy from week to week. Taylor wanted to be hands-on and involved with all the planning, but he’s given up. “Taylor is usually laid-back when it comes to wedding planning, but he’s become so frustrated, it’s causing real trouble. He’s even given GaGa an ultimatum – he told her it’s now or never!,” a source said. The couple got engaged in February 2015.

Source: PTI

08:00 pm

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MONDAY 30•05•2016

SPORTS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Real defeat Atletico to win Champions League

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MILAN, MAY 29 (REUTERS): Real Madrid handed Atletico Madrid another cruel Champions League final defeat when Cristiano Ronaldo's spot kick saw them beat their neighbours on penalties to win Europe's top club trophy for a record 11th time on Saturday.

The match ended 1-1 after extra time as Atletico, giving their usual neversay-die performance, conceded an early goal, missed a penalty, clung on by the skin of their teeth and then found the strength to equalise at the San Siro.

But it was all in vain as Juanfran struck their fourth penalty against the post, allowing a previously subdued Ronaldo to stride up and coolly blast home the decisive penalty for a 5-3 shootout win -- his third European Cup success.

Real's former playmaker Zinedine Zidane was left to celebrate winning Europe's elite club competition five months after starting his first coaching job and become the seventh man to claim the trophy as both a player and a manager.

But it was another demoralising end for Diego Simeone's Atletico who were within a minute of winning the 1974 European Cup final and 2014 Champions League finals but conceded equalisers and eventually lost them both.

The latter was also against Real when Sergio Ramos scored in stoppage time to set his side up for a 4-1 extra-time win.

This time, Ramos gave Real a 15th minute lead but, after Antoine Griezmann missed a penalty for Atletico at the start of the second

Simeone says future uncertain after painful final loss

Sergio Ramos of Real Madrid lifts the Champions League trophy after the UEFA Champions League Final match between Real Madrid and Club Atletico de Madrid at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on May 28 in Milan, Italy. (Getty Images)

half, the Mattress Makers hit by arch rivals Barcelona. back with a superbly-taken Match-winner Ronaldo equaliser by substitute Yan- added: "The penalties are nick Carrasco. always a lottery, you never know what will happen, but JUST REWARD our team showed more exReal captain Ramos, perience and we showed it who converted their fourth by scoring all the penalties. penalty, said the title was A fantastic night for us." "just reward" for their hard Atletico's shattered work. “We knew that it was coach Simeone added: "It a unique chance to make hurts to see the people who history and after an up and paid for the tickets and I down season it is a reward," couldn't give them what he said. Real were pipped to they wanted. That hurts the La Liga title by one point more than anything else. on the final day of the season "I'm proud of my play-

Sri Lanka face a battle after England enforce follow on

LONDON, MAY 29 (REUTERS): Sri Lanka were forced to follow on 397 runs adrift on the third morning of the second test after England's bowlers took just 17 minutes to claim the final two wickets they needed at Durham.

After being dismissed for 101, Sri Lanka's batsmen showed more resistance in their second innings and by lunch had

reached 58 for the loss of opener Dimuth Karunaratne. The tourists still trail by 339 runs.

Stuart Broad took three balls to claim his fourth wicket of the first innings when Suranga Lakmal edged behind without scoring.

Jimmy Anderson then tied things up when Lahiru Thirimanne (19) hoiked an ill-judged shot for Nick

Compton to bag England's ninth catch of the innings.

When Sri Lanka batted again, Karunaratne batted diligently until edging a ball from Chris Woakes to Joe Root when he was on 26.

At lunch Kaushal Silva was unbeaten on 23 and Kusal Mendis was on 8.

England are one up in the two-test series, having won the first test by an innings and 88 runs.

Hamilton ends his wait with Monaco GP victory

Mercedes F1 driver Lewis Hamilton celebrates after winning next to Prince Albert II of Monaco (R) and Princess Charlene. (REUTERS)

MONACO, MAY 29 (AFP): World champion Lewis Hamilton ended his six-months wait for a win on Sunday when he secured an unexpected and skilful victory for Mercedes in an incident-filled Monaco Grand Prix.

Taking full advantage of a bungled pit stop for his nearest rival, Australian Daniel Ricciardo of Red Bull, Hamilton drove supremely in mixed conditions to seize his first triumph in nine races since clinching his third title at the 2015 United States Grand Prix last October.

Ricciardo, who started from his maiden pole position, led until he pitted for slick tyres – that were not ready for him -- after 32 laps and finally came home second, 7.2 seconds behind the three-time champion.

It was Hamilton’s second win on the famous Mediterranean street circuit, his first this season and the 44th of his career.

It also repeated his 2008 triumph when he

started third and won in wet conditions.

Mexican Sergio Perez finished third, 6.5 seconds behind a disconsolate Ricciardo, but ahead of four-time champion Sebastian Vettel of Germany (Ferrari) and two-time champion Fernando Alonso of Spain, who finished a superb fifth for McLaren on the 50th anniversary of their Formula One debut race in 1966.

German Nico Hulkenberg resisted pressure from championship leader and compatriot Nico Rosberg in the second Mercedes to take sixth place with Spaniard Carlos Sainz taking eighth for Toro Rosso.

Briton Jenson Button, the 2009 champion, finished ninth in the second Hondapowered McLaren ahead of Brazilian Felipe Massa of Williams.

Hamilton’s win kept alive his title defence and, with Rosberg off the podium, cut the leader’s advantage in the title race.

ers, they've made an extraordinary effort, to beat Barcelona and Bayern Munich (in earlier rounds).

The effort was really tremendous."

Atletico, European football's arch-destroyers, have made a habit of upsetting more technically gifted, financially powerful opponents and once again set out to frustrate and nullify Real.

They showed their intentions with some heavy tackles early on but their plan threatened to unravel when

a heavy challenge by Gabi led to a free kick which was floated in by Toni Kroos and headed on by Gareth Bale for Ramos to bundle home. Real looked supremely confident and there was some premature showboating, but Atletico, initially uncomfortable at having to chase the game, forced their way back into the match.

The second half began dramatically when Pepe clumsily caught Fernando Torres' ankle in the area to give away a penalty but

MILAN, MAY 29 (REUTERS): A downbeat Diego Simeone did not confirm whether he wanted to continue as Atletico Madrid coach on Saturday after suffering a second agonising Champions League final defeat by Real Madrid in three years. After Atletico came from a goal behind to take the game into extra time at 1-1, it was Real who prevailed 5-3 in the penalty shootout, adding to the pain of the 4-1 loss to their city rivals in the 2014 final in Lisbon.

Simeone, who has won every major trophy with Atletico in his four and a half years in charge apart from the Champions League, cast his future at the club into doubt when asked if he had thought about resigning. “I am thinking that I have to start thinking” Simeone told a news conference.

“It's a logical question for you to ask after a defeat like the one we've suffered today. I feel proud of my players. “Quite frankly I love my players. It's obvious that they've given everything that they have, and they always give everything they have. “We had the chance to become champions, we didn't take that chance,” he added.

“We need to continue working, I have to think things out on my part. That's what I'm doing now. What is clear to me is that nobody remembers the losers. Losing two finals is a failure. We have to get over this and heal our wounds.”

Although he offered his congratulations to Real, Simeone could not hide his disappointment at losing another final in such cruel circumstances. “You do your best, you try to do what you can, you get to two finals and you lose them both,” he said. “One you lose 4-1, even though it was 2-1 for a long time, the other you lose on penalties.

"This cycle for me at Atletico, two finals in three years is, actually a marvellous achievement, but I am not happy with what I have achieved.” Atletico won the La Liga title in 2014, breaking Barcelona and Real Madrid's nine-year stranglehold on the trophy.

Griezmann fired against the underside of the bar, possibly distracted by Keylor Navas's antics on the goal line.

DRAMATIC ESCAPES A breathless spell followed as Atletico, leaving gaps at the back, had a series of dramatic escapes.

Karim Benzema had the chance to settle it for Real when he broke clear down the right but Atletico keeper Jan Oblak judged the situation perfectly and blocked

the Frenchman's shot.

Slovenian Oblak also made a superb stop from Cristiano Ronaldo and Stefan Savic cleared Bale's shot off the line.

Atletico immediately went down the other end where Griezmann lifted the ball to Juanfran, who volleyed the ball across the area for Carrasco to fire home from close range.

That could have been the turning point, but instead Atletico ran out of steam. The pace of the

match slowed and neither side really looked like winning it in extra time, with Ronaldo looking short of full-fitness but with Zidane having already used up his three substitutes.

Real won the toss for the penalties and chose the end where their fans were based. The first seven penalties were all converted until the hapless Juanfran saw his effort hit the post, leaving the way for Ronaldo to win another European title for his side.

Wawrinka sets up Ramos-Vinolas clash in French Open last-eight

PARIS, MAY 29 (AFP): Defending champion Stan Wawrinka moved into the French Open quarter-finals on Sunday where he will face a Spanish lefthander who isn't named Rafael Nadal.

That honour falls to unheralded Albert Ramos-Vinolas who reached his first Grand Slam last-eight with a 6-2, 6-4, 6-4 defeat of Canadian eighth seed Milos Raonic.

Third seed Wawrinka, for his part, saw off Serbia's Viktor Troicki 7-6 (7/5), 6-7 (7/9), 6-3, 6-2 for his 11th straight win in the year's second Grand Slam.

"It was a big battle, but I was able to stay calm and win this match."

It was Wawrinka's fifth win in five meetings with Troicki whose challenge fizzled out after he required treatment for a right thigh injury at 4-1 down in the third set.

Ramos-Vinolas, 28, had never got beyond the second round of any major before this Roland Garros and had failed to win a match at the tournament since 2011.

But the world number 55, who is only his country's ninth best player, ensured a left-hander from Spain would be in the lasteight after the injury-enforced withdrawal of ninetime champion Nadal.

He trails Wawrinka 6-0 in career meetings including last week in Geneva where he won just two games. Raonic had been bothered by a left hip injury in the last round and the 25-year-old was obviously under-powered on Court Suzanne Lenglen.

With John McEnroe, who has agreed to work with him on his Wimbledon campaign, watching from the stands, Raonic was broken twice in the first set.

He was a break to the good at 2-0 in the second but Ramos-Vinolas roared back to claim a two-sets

GarbineMuguruzareactsattheendofhermatch. (REUTERS)

Switzerland's Stanislas Wawrinka reacts after winning. (AFP Photo)

Muguruza downs Kuznetsova to reach last eight PARIS, MAY 29 (REUTERS): Spanish fourth seed Garbine Muguruza reached the French Open quarter-finals for the third year in a row when a solid display earned her a 6-3 6-4 victory against former champion Svetlana Kuznetsova on Sunday.

Muguruza, who has yet to make it to the last four in Paris, played aggressively throughout, leaving little breathing space for the Russian 13th seed, the 2009 Roland Garros

champion. Muguruza peppered the court with winners -- which made up for numerous unforced errors -- and broke decisively on her seventh opportunity to lead 5-3 in the opening set.

She closed it out with a booming forehand winner and broke again in the third game of the second set with a service return winner.

Kuznetsova saw a lifeline when she broke back to 4-4 as Muguruza started to get inconsistent, only for

the Spaniard to break again in the following game with a fine passing shot.

Muguruza, however, showed signs of nerves and wasted two match points before serving a double fault. She regained her composure, though, and wrapped it up on her fifth match point when Kuznetsova's backhand sailed long.

The Spaniard will next face either American Shelby Rogers or Romanian 25th seed Irina Camelia Begu.

Paes-Hingis enter French Open's third round

PARIS, MAY 28 (IANS): India's veteran tennis player Leander Paes and his mixed doubles partner Martina Hingis cruised into the third round of French Open tennis tournament here on Saturday.

The Indo-Swiss duo of Paes-Hingis defeated fourth seeded Kazakhstani-Romanian pair of Yaroslava Shvedova and Florin Mergea 2-6, 7-5, 10-6 in one hour and 19 minutes lead. The Spaniard had only ever defeated one other top 10 player before Sunday and that was the impressive scalp of Roger Federer in Shanghai in 2015.

He was soon to make it two when he broke Raonic for a 5-4 lead in the third set and claimed the tie on a third match point in a seven-minute 10th game.

The Spaniard finished with just 13 unforced errors

in the second round.

The fourth seeded YaroslavaMergea started the match on a positive note taking an important 3-2 lead over their opponent.

Then a couple of break points and unforced errors by Paes-Hingis ensured they took total control of the set to eventually win the first set 6-2 comfortably and go 1-0 up after play was halted for quite some time due

compared to 38 for the big Canadian.

- National landmarks Later Sunday, Andy Murray takes a 5-0 career lead over John Isner into their last-16 clash as both men seek to set new national landmarks in Paris.

Second seed Murray is bidding to move ahead of Fred Perry, who was a five-time quarter-finalist, for the most Roland Gar-

to rain. In the second set it was a seesaw battle between the two, as each won their respective games to make it 5-5. But thereafter Yaroslava-Mergea lost a serve to hand Paes-Hingis the advantage and the latter grabbed it to win the second set 7-5.

With two sides winning one set each, the match went to a super tiebreaker, which Paes-Hingis won it 10-6 at ease to enter the third round.

ros last-eights reached by a British man.

Isner, the 15th seed, is aiming to become the first American man to reach the last-eight since Andre Agassi in 2003.

Murray has won all of the pair's five meetings but they have never met on clay. Japanese fifth seed Kei Nishikori has a 6-2 record over French ninth seed Richard Gasquet ahead of

their last-16 tie.

Two of those wins came during the European claycourt swing this year in Madrid and Rome, both in straight sets.

Nishikori is trying to make the last-eight in Paris for the second successive year while Gasquet, the last French player remaining in either the men's or women's singles, has yet to reach the quarter-finals.

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