November 20th, 2015 by The Morung Express

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www.morungexpress.com

friDAY • November 20 • 2015

DIMAPUR • Vol. X • Issue 316 • 12 PAGes • 4

T H e

ESTD. 2005

Wisdom is knowing what to do next; virtue is doing it Suspected mastermind of Paris attacks killed in raid PAGe 9

reflections

By Sandemo Ngullie

And the prize money? is it local tax free?

The Morung Express Poll QuEsTion

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Vote on www.morungexpress.com SMS your anSwer to 9862574165 Rather than taking honest responsibility for failures and challenges are Nagas hiding behind the cloak of religion? Yes

others

Nov 15: GPRN/NSCN express displeasure Morung Express news Dimapur | November 19

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GPRN/NSCN MIP Kilonser, N. Metha on Thursday expressed displeasure with the Assam Rifles with regard to the November 15 incident at Leongkanger near Shamatore under Tuensang district where four persons were killed. He said one of the persons killed belonged to GPRN/ NSCN and was in the rank of a ‘Sergeant Major.’ “After his (Sgt Maj) arrest, he identified himself as a cadre of GPRN/NSCN but instead of handing him over to the police, the AR killed him violating the ceasefire ground rules,” Metha said. “So we are not very much happy with the activities of the Assam Rifles,” he said and added that such atrocities committed by the security forces should be made known to the public.

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T R u T H

— David Starr Jordan

Let us have unity first and then solution: Nuklutoshi

Decision on Indo-Pak series soon, says BCCI

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PAGe 12

AR order to newspapers Nagaland govt working pernicious: Editors Guild on new recruitment policy

NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 19 (PTI): The Editors Guild of India today voiced concern over a recent order of the Assam Rifles to newspapers, saying it could “severely curtail freedom of Nagalandbased media houses” and asked the Ministry of Home Affairs to intervene. Terming as “pernicious” the order by Assam Rifles, which had “warned” newspapers against carrying statements by militant groups, especially National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang), since it had been declared a terrorist organisation by Centre, the Guild said it supports newspapers which demonstrated their unwillingness to follow it. Any restrictions on coverage of legitimate news or efforts to silence the media is an assault on freedom of media which the Editors Guild condemns, it added. It is “reprehensible” that the Assam Rifles sought to “censor” the newspapers by threatening to punish them under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act of 1967, if they violated the order, the Guild statement signed by its President Raj Chengappa, General

Press council seeks response from Assam Rifles over notice NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 19 (PTI): Taking suo motu action regarding a controversial notice issued to media houses by Assam Rifles, the Press Council of India (PCI) has sought to know reasons and necessity behind the move which it said appeared prima facie as having an adverse bearing on the freedom of press. The PCI has also sought the Nagaland Chief Secretary’s report in the matter. In a statement released here, the PCI said that it has moved suo motu regarding notice dated October 25, 2015 issued by Assam Rifles to Nagaland Media under “Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967” having prima facie an adverse bearing on the freedom of press. “Press Council’s chairman, Justice Chandramauli Kumar Prasad, initiating suo motu action in the matter, has called upon the Director General, Assam Rifles to furnish the reason, circumstance and necessity of issuing the aforesaid notice. Chief Secretary, Nagaland’s report in the issue too has been urgently sought,” the statement said. Secretary Prakash Dubey and Treasurer Seema Mustafa said. The senior journalists, in the statement, added that it is common knowledge that in newspapers being published in zones having unresolved issues and conflict, there are many views and opinions that are expressed. “While everyone appreciates that police has a role to play in mainte-

nance of law and order, it is important for newspapers in the spirit of fairness and objectivity to report divergent opinions after due diligence and with responsibility,” the Guild said. It urged the Home Minister to intervene and lift the order in the interest of press freedom. “The Guild views positively the offer of Nagaland media houses to work

with the democratically elected Government of Nagaland on issues that would enable the media to function freely and address any objections in a peaceful and constructive manner,” the statement said. Yesterday, the Assam Rifles had denied that it had issued any “gag order” to the media and that at no stage had the media been asked to dilute their free reporting. In a statement issued in Kohima, it had, however, said Assam Rifles had written the letter to the editors of five media houses of Nagaland on October 24 highlighting the fact that NSCN(K) has been notified as an unlawful association under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967 by MHA and amplified some of the clauses of the Gazette Notification which have its own legal implications.” Publishing an “extortion notice” of a “banned organisation” against business establishments is akin to abetting the “banned organisation” in collection of funds which will be used to carry out subversive activities against government agencies and security forces, IGAR(N) said.

Foothill Road to be renamed as Nagaland Express Highway MOkOkcHUNg, NOVEMBER 19 (MExN): Minister for National Highways, Mechanical & Election, Nuklutoshi today declared that the Foothill Road will be renamed as Nagaland Express Highway. Addressing the GBs and others at the general session of the Nagaland GB Federation at Town Hall, Mokokchung on Thursday, the Minister stated that all the state highways in Nagaland have been declared as National Highways, and even the central government has approved of it. So far, eight

highways in Nagaland (covering all over Nagaland) have been declared as National Highways, informed Nuklutoshi. In this regard, he said that the ‘Foothill Road’ project will be declared as Nagaland Express Highway which will make commuters from Tizit to Dimapur to take a journey of one and half hours; and from Mokokchung to Dimapur, one hour. He said that tunnels will be made, and bridges constructed to make an expressway using foreign technology.

However, he stated that the biggest problem is land acquisition. He further said that the Government of India had sanctioned Rs 17,000 crore for the road construction in Nagaland; with Rs 10,000 crore to be spent within the next years. However, the central government sanction does not cover land acquisition; and the state government cannot acquire or compensate the land acquisition. Therefore, the landowners should donate the lands, the Minister said. “Give me land and I will

give you good roads as never seen in Nagaland,” said the Minister. He said that demanding land without donating land is not logical. In this regard, he urged the GBs to go back to their villages and educate the land owners to donate lands so that the dream of having good roads and highways in Nagaland can be a reality. He also urged the people to give him a chance to show his commitment, give him support, and donate land, so that the best roads can be constructed in Nagaland.

DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 19 (MExN): In the backdrop of allegations of numerous backdoor appointments in the Nagaland State government departments, Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang disclosed on Thursday that the government is working on a new recruitment policy whereby recruitment to various government departments is not only fair and transparent but also judicious. Interacting with a delegation of the Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) on Thursday at his residential office, the chief minister said his government was determined to check the anomalies in recruitment policies which of late, have been raised by several NGOs and individuals. “The education department which is attributed with almost 24% of the total salary component of the State government has now started on a drive to check excess appointments made in the previous years. The department has decided not to appoint new recruits even after someone retires so that eventually, the excess appointees are adjusted within the sanctioned purview,” Zeliang maintained. According to a press statement from media cell, CMO, representatives of CSU conveyed to the chief minister that they expect a system where everyone is given the opportunity to get employment and not only a selected few who have connections with people in the corridors of power. “Not everyone is the child of a VIP or has political connections and it is not fair that only a few are given opportunities to get government employment. Equal opportunity should be given to everyone. We are not talking of recruit eligible candidates, we are talking of recruiting the best among the eligible candidates,” the student leaders were learnt to have said as per the CMO statement. To this, the chief minster responded that he too was “for transparent, free and fair recruitment to

the vacancies.” “I have personally witnessed recruitment to the Army/ Assam Rifles on several occasions and I have noticed that everything was done in a transparent manner. The same should be applied even to our Police recruitments and I have discussed this with my colleagues on several occasions,” he told the student leaders.

Not every appointment is backdoor

On backdoor appointment allegations, the chief minister claimed that not every appointment can be pointed out as backdoor since due process as required by the rules is followed. He maintained that regularisations of services are done according to the followed rules and guidelines as laid down by the government. A committee headed by the Chief Secretary has been set up to verify the number of vacancies and also the number of recruitment done so as to ensure that the Cabinet decision to fill up only 50% of the vacancies is followed strictly,” the chief minister also informed.

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Improper to take backdoor issue to court

On the issue of taking matter of backdoor appointment to court, Zeliang opined that it may not prove to be very proper. “...Since the other day, when the ACAUT took the issue to court, the court had decided to refer the matter to the Union Government and this may take a long, long time to settle the matter,” he maintained. The government is alive to the opinions raised by so many wellmeaning organisations and is doing its best to rectify any wrong-doing that is detected, the chief minister asserted. In the meantime, the chief minister appealed all to be a little more patient, give the government time to look into the matter and take corrective measures so justice can be delivered.

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Armed cadres threaten Commissioner & Secretary Morung Express news Dimapur | November 19

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In an impudent act against a senior government officer, armed cadres belonging to a Naga political group threatened the Commissioner & Secretary, Department of Veterinary & Animal Husbandry, LH Thangi Manen on November 18 morning after intruding into her official residence in Kohima. The cadres, numbering four of them, and reportedly led by one ‘kilonser’ audaciously entered the official residence of the lady officer by scaling the wall and demanded that she revoke the transfer of one veterinary doctor under the Directorate of Veterinary & AH. Speaking to The Morung Express, the Commissioner & Secretary, Thangi Manen confirmed the incident. She said one of the cadres even took out a gun and pointed at her saying ‘koda nemani’ (she isn’t agreeing) when she stood her ground and told them that it was a directorate decision and a government policy of transfer and posting of government servant. According to the Commissioner & Secretary, this was the third time that she was being pestered on the transfer issue. The veterinary doctor in question was transferred as per gov-

ernment service conduct rules applicable in all department of Nagaland. “This is pure harassment of a lady officer. I even told them that such intrusion was highly uncalled for and that they should come to office for any matter instead,” Thangi revealed. And when she told them that their demand was impossible since this will set a chain reaction on the affairs of the transfer and posting of government servants, one of the cadres took out a gun and threatened her. Meanwhile, the Directorate of Veterinary & Animal Husbandry condemned the action meted on Commissioner & Secretary, Thangi Manen, one of the senior most officers of the Government of Nagaland. It stated that certain armed persons intruded and intimidated the officer, forcing her to revoke the transfer of one veterinary doctor under the Directorate of veterinary & AH. “The transfer and posting of government servant is a normal procedure under the government service conduct rules in all department of Nagaland. Therefore no outside force should interfere in such manner in future,” the press note stated.

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friDAY 20•11•2015

NAGALAND

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Let us have unity first and then solution: Nuklutoshi Morung Express News

Mokokchung | November 19

Minister for NH, Mechanical & Election, Nuklutoshi Longkumer today asserted that there is no short-cut formula to Naga solution and therefore called for unity first and solution second to the protracted Naga political problem. Addressing a mammoth gathering of GBs, Dobashis, Watsu Mungdang (apex Ao women organization) and others at Town Hall, Mokokchung on the second day of the Nagaland GB Federation general session; the Minister was very explicit about the disunity of the Naga people. He said that the Naga people have lost a lot of opportunities in the past like the ‘16 Point Agreement, the Shillong Accord, 9 Point Agreement etc’ simply because of disunity. He asserted that the previous agreements were also good, but due to disunity of the Naga people, all the previous agreements and accords turned out to be more problematic for the Nagas. In this regard, Nuklu-

Chief Guest, Nuklutoshi Longkumer, Minister for NH, Mechanical & Election speaking at the general session of the Nagaland GB Federation at Town Hall, Mokokchung on Thursday, November 19. (Morung Photo)

toshi said that the Naga people had for the past many years held on to the notion of ‘solution first and unity second’, and therefore could not achieve anything because of disunity. He therefore, called upon the people not to let this opportunity which has been brought upon by the August 3, 2015 ‘Peace Accord’ between the Government of India and the

NSCN (IM) to slip by because of disunity. He cautioned that if the Naga people let this opportunity to pass by, then more turmoil would prevail, and the present leaders would be “murdering” the future generation. He further projected educated unemployed youths of Nagaland – which at present is more that 65,000 – to reach more than 5 lakhs

by 2020. In this regard, he questioned about the future generation, and at the same time, cautioned that the educated unemployed youths, out of frustration might resort to anti-social activities, more dangerous and virulent than the present Naga political problem. Therefore, he called upon the people to unite first, consult among themselves and give a collective

demand to the Government of India for a permanent solution and peace in the land. He said that peace would usher in more developmental activities, more outside investment and a more prospective future for the younger generation. In this connection, he challenged the Gaon Buras to go back to their villages, the grass-roots, and propagate the message “unity for

solution”, so that the whole Naga society can be united for the permanent solution. He pointed out that only the civil society can bring the different Naga political groups to a united front and collectively ask for a permanent solution. Parliamentary Secretary for Horticulture, DB & GB, Kejong Chang, who was the guest of honor, stressed on the close relationship between the Gaon Buras and the Dobashis in the society and said that the two institutions must work in close consonance with each other. He also urged the GBs not to ‘play politics’ but as Gaon Bura (or village head or elder, or land owner) check or ‘even scold’ the government wherever possible as guardian of the land and retain the sanctity of the institution which was instituted by the Britishers before India’s independence. Nearly a thousand delegates from the eleven districts plus Tsuminyu and Pfutsero sub-divisions attended the two day general conference which was hosted by the Mokokchung District GB Association.

Nagaland Medical 'Magnificat NEIDA signs MoU Council informs public Fiesta 2015' with Nagaland PHED

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DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 19 (MExN): The Medical Council of Nagaland has issued a notification for the public in order to facilitate the smooth functioning of healthcare in the state. A press note from the council reminded that it had published a list of registered doctors who are allowed to practice in the state of Nagaland with their respective degrees that they can claim. It said that the list of doctors being registered is an ongoing process and that everybody wishing to enter Govt. Service in Health sector or private practice must register before starting their duties. Informing that there are many clinics in Nagaland who are practising modern medicine, sitting in pharmacies, seeing patients and prescribing allopathic medicines, with degrees like RMP, or MD alternative medicine, the council asked the public to notify the department of Health and Family welfare, Nagaland Health care establishments authority, the NMC president or the office of the District administration so that such practices can be removed. It informed that Medical practitioners of AYUSH are not allowed to prescribe Allopathic Medicine and requested them to confine their practice to their system of medicine. Regarding dentists, the council stated that they come under the State Dental Council. However, it informed that once a dentist opens a clinic, they come under the Nagaland Healthcare es-

tablishment authority and have to get licences and be inspected. Cautioning that there are a few doctors who are practising as specialist with only registered as MBBS, the council stated that Post Graduate Diploma and Degrees not recognised by MCI cannot claim to be specialist. The NMC also informed that there are at present no Cardiologists or Diabetologists as a specific specialist in this state. For complaints of diabetes and heart disease they can go to any doctors preferable with Post Graduate degree (medicine), since there are no Endocrinologists or Cardiologists in the state. On certain degrees obtained from foreign countries like China, Russia & USA as MD/MD (Physician), the NMC said that these degrees are only equivalent to MBBS in India. It cautioned parents who are sending their children to foreign countries to do medicine that their children will on completion have to face an exam in India conducted by MCI/ NBE (National Board of Examination) again after they finish. Unless they pass this exam and register themselves in the State Council, they cannot be considered as qualified doctors to practice in this country, it stated, while informing them to verify the MCI recognised Institutions or university in which they study. For doctors who have passed MBBS and want to do post graduation, the NMC advised them to study the university and the course properly before opting for them.

Our Correspondent

Kohima | November 19

‘The Coming Generation - Leading the Lead’ is all set to organize its annual event Magnificat Fiesta 2015 in support of differently abled persons in Nagaland on December 5 at The Naga Heritage Village, Kisama. Magnificat Fiesta, an annual PreChristmas extravaganza, is a gathering to magnify God’s presence “within us, in our family and in our society,” the organizer said while addressing a press conference here today. The objective is to promote a culture of togetherness for a fair and tolerant society “we all want to be a part of by discovering practical ways in rhythmic tune,” they added. It is also one of the attractions of Hornbill Festival, with the objective of extending a helping hand to people who are differently abled in Nagaland. The organizers are engaging Kee Marcello, the former guitarist for Europe, and his ban to perform during the Fiesta. This is being arranged by the ‘Coming Generation’ to raise funds to support differently abled people in Nagaland. Tickets have been made available at the different locations: Kohima: Seluo Ba Bakery, Phoolbari, Big Bite- Jail Colony, Notion- Razhu Point and Jo’s Mart-PR Hill. Dimapur: Cresendo – Notun Bosti, Furtados- opposite Town Hall and Notion- 4th Mill and Purana Bazar.

KOHIMA, 19 NOVEMBER (MExN): The North East Initiative Development Agency (NEIDA), Kohima has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) to create a healthy future for rural communities through improved access to safe, assured & adequate drinking water and improved environmental sanitation. PHED and NEIDA will implement this programme jointly, which will benefit 10,000 households located in Tuensang, Kiphire and Phek districts. The MoU, signed by Akumla Chuba, Joint Secretary, PHED, Nagaland and Dharani Ratno, Executive Director, NEIDA, is effective for a period of five years. Akumla Chuba, Joint Secretary, PHED said: “A State Level Steering Committee (SLSC) would be constituted to review the progress of the programme and provide direction for future course of action. SLSC will jointly review the progress and shall meet once in every six months. District Level Coordination Committees(DLCC) comprising representatives from the PHED,

NEIDA and local implementing partner, will also be formed to monitor the developments. These committees will be under the Chairmanship of the concerned Executive Engineer.” Dharani Ratno, Executive Director, NEIDA said: “The Trusts have started working on WATSAN in Nagaland. NEIDA under the Tata Water Mission is implementing a pilot project with its implementing partner ECS in Noksen Block of Tuensang district. Also added, there is a demand for WATSAN projects across Nagaland and the community is keen on contributing and taking ownership of the project for their betterment. ” A conjoint approach will be adopted by which the PHED will take up water supply schemes and NEIDA will take up the sanitation work in the mutually agreed villages. PHED and NEIDA will ensure successful execution of project objectives. NEIDA operates in three states and has its offices in Kohima, Aizawl and Papumpare. NEIDA will partner with select local NGOs and village level Project Management Committees (PMC).

NAAC peer team visits Patkai

DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 19 (MExN): Towards quality sustenance and enhancement in the area of higher education, Patkai Christian College (Autonomous) has undergone the Third Cycle of assessment from November 196 to 18 by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). The NAAC Peer Team comprising of Prof. Arunoday Saha, former

Vice-Chancellor of Tripura University, as the Chairperson; Prof. Y.M. Jayaraj, Former Dean and Professor (Retd), Department of Microbiology, Gulbarga University, Gulbarga, Karnataka, as the Co-ordinator; and Dr. Andrew Francis, Principal, St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous), Tiruchchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, as a member, have thoroughly assessed every possible aspect and given valuable recom-

mendations for further growth of the college. The Peer Team members had close in-depth interactions with all the stakeholders of the college: the students, the faculty and staff, the Board of Trustees and Governing Body, the representatives from the State government and the Nagaland University. The first NAAC assessment and accreditation of the college in 2005 with

Grade B++ and the second assessment and accreditation in 2010 with Grade A (3.06 CGPA) have resulted in elevation of the college in the comity of higher educational institutions in the country, informed a press note from the college. It stated that with the Third Cycle of assessment and accreditation, the college stands prepared to rise even higher in raising the bar of academic excellence.

MEx File

Seminar on oral traditions held at Japfu Christian College DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 19 (MExN): A UGC sponsored National Seminar, conducted by Japfü Christian College, on Orality and Folklore: A Look into the Naga Arena concluded at Kerünyü Ki, the Listening Home of Niketu & Christine Iralu. Earlier, the faculty and other scholars presented about 28 researched papers on the theme. Dr. Visakhonü Hibo delivered the Keynote Address. The final day culminated with Niketu Iralu, Peace Activist; T Khongo, former MLA; Er. Fredy Bodmer, Rtd. Head of Security, Department of Justice, Switzerland and Monika Bodmer, Rtd Kindergarten Developer, Switzerland addressing the seminar participants on November 18. The seminar was an attempt to help document the fast vanishing oral tradition of the Naga Culture.

Government re-constitutes gender core group DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 19 (DIPR): To ensure gender mainstreaming at all levels of governance, the Government of Nagaland has re-constituted the Gender Core Group. A DIPR release stated that the term of reference for the core group will be to strengthen the gender responsive budgeting process in the State; to engender State plans and budgets, to review public and policy expenditure from gender perspective. The group would also support and co-ordinate with agencies/ organisations for empowering women and for strengthening gender equality. It will also co-opt members and invite subject experts whenever required. The re-constituted group is led by Nagaland chief secretary as chairman along with 14 members and one member secretary.

KNCTS to organize workshop KOHIMA, NOVEMBER 19 (MExN): The Khonoma Nature Conservation & Tragopan Sanctuary Trust (KNCTS) in collaboration with Foundation for Ecological Society (FES) North East Cell will be organizing a workshop on Community Conserved Area Management Planning on November 21 at 10:00am at the Community Hall, Terhuotsiese, Khonoma village. The one-day programme will have the presence of Sudip Kanta Basistha, Deputy Manager, FES NE Cell, Guwahati and Sidramappa M Chalkapure, IFS, Divisional Forest Officer, Kohima, as the main speakers. The subjects for the workshop will be on CCA management planning and natural resource assessment/methodology. There will be two sessions, wherein the first session would be chaired by Khriekhoto Mor, chairman, KNCTS, while the second session would be chaired by Kevichülie Meyase, secretary environment, KNCTS. The day’s programme will commence with prayer by Kose Secü, secretary wildlife, KNCTS.

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State level consultation meet on Smart City Mission DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 19 (DIPR): State level consultation meeting on Smart City Mission will be held at the Secretariat conference hall on November 23, 2015 with Nagaland Chief Minister, TR Zeliang as the chief guest. The programme will be chaired by Secretary, Municipal Affairs Department & Secretary High Power Steering Committee Cities Mission. According to a DIPR report, the keynote address on Smart City Mission will be delivered by Chief Secretary, Nagaland. KMC Administrative Officer will give a brief note on the challenge and positive aspects on Kohima Smart City while a brief note on the Smart Solution on Kohima Smart City will be presented by State Consultant on Smart Cities, vice president of Voyants Pvt Ltd. The chief minister will also give presentation to the winners of essay and logo competitions on Smart Cities.

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Swacch Bharat Mission quiz competition DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 19 (DIPR): As part of the ongoing Swacch Bharat Mission activities in Wokha, the district administration and the Wokha Town Council conducted a district level quiz competition under the theme ‘Swachh Wokha.’ DC Wokha, Robin Lotha, who was the chief guest on the occasion stressed on the importance of maintaining cleanliness at home and its surroundings. He said cleanliness should start at home and students have a very important role to play in this regard. ADC Wokha, Hotolu Swu was the guest of honour. 10 teams from different schools in Wokha participated in the event. The top 6 teams were chosen after a preliminary round to contest in the final round of the quiz. Atula C Longchar and Kamalika Das from Libemo Memorial School emerged as the winners and were awarded a cash prize of Rs 10000. Jogita Laishram and Thungbeni Lotha of Isaiah Ability School were the first runners up while Burnice Yanthan and Thungdeno Humtsoe of Springdale School finished third. The first and second runners up walked away with prizes of Rs 7500 and Rs 5000 respectively.

FridAY 20•11•2015

NORTH-EAST

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

BPCC (a-N) tours Medeluajan-Mithihe border Two UTLA militants killed in Tamenglong Our Correspondent

MOKOKCHUNG, NOVEMBER 19 (MExN): In an attempt to replicate the existing peace committee which is effectively working in border areas of Sivasagar, Jorhat districts in Assam and Longleng, Mokokchung districts in Nagaland, a team of the Border Peace Coordination Committee (A-N) toured the Medeluajan sector under Titabar sub-division in Jorhat district and Mithihe sector in Bhandari sub-division of Wokha district of Nagaland. An informal peace coordination meeting was convened at Mithihe village today where public representative from neighbouring Naga villagers of New Amboto, Akahuto, Aghautitu, Old Amboto, Mithihe, Shevukhu, Tssori new & old and a total of 14 Assamese bordering villages participated. In his inaugural message, Bhaba Prasad Bora, President of BPCC (A-N) appealed to one and to all to solve the conflict not through violence but through the heart. Mahendra Saikia, who is a Sarkari Gaon Bura and looks after two gram pan-

Members of the BPCC (A-N) during their tour of the Medeluajan-Mithihe border.

chayat namely 85 No. Tengajan and 79 No Charaipani, welcomed the peace initiative of the BPCC (AN) and assured fullest cooperation for expansion of this committee to this part of the Assam-Nagaland border. He opined that extension of the same will not only be beneficial to the people living in this po-

rous border area but also serve better governance in both sides. “We have heard of many good works done in the border areas by this BPCC (A-N) for a long time but did not get chance to know them or interact; today is a great day for me and our people to know you in person and we shall uphold

your aspirations in collaborating peace in our sector,” said Hoito Achumi, Gaon Bura of Mithihe village. Another Naga village Gaon bura, K Zhekiho Achumi of Akahuto village wondered as to why they could not get themselves associated with BPCC (A-N) for such a long time when they too faced many conflicts in re-

cent times and welcomed today’s initiative where a free common platform was arranged. “We have been organizing friendly volley ball match every year amongst Naga and Assamese neighbouring villagers between men and women for the past couple of years, the venue of the match being arranged in alternate location every year,” said Paban Gogoi of Medeluajan, who is one of the architects of this yearly volley ball mission for peace. The match for this year is tentatively earmarked during the early third week of December where male and female teams from every neighbouring village in this border are expected to participate. A BPCC (A-N) subcommittee is proposed to be constituted in this sector and the house entrusted the neighbouring village leaders to forward members from their respective border villages. The meeting ended with a vote of thanks from the chair followed by a community lunch co hosted by the Mithihe village and the BPCC (A-N).

Imphal | November 19

Two militants were killed in a reported clash between the United Tribal Liberation Army (UTLA) led by Robert and UTLA (SK Thadou) in the interior village area of Laikot in Manipur's Tamenglong district last night. Police sources said Thursday that the fighting between the rival groups took place at around 9:00pm in Laikot area

which is about 25 km south of Nungba Police Station. Sources suggested that the gun battle ensued after heavily armed cadres of the UTLA (SK Thadou) entered into the village area which is a stronghold of UTLA (Robert). Two militants belonging to the SK Thadou group were gunned down by the rival faction during the clash which lasted for hours. Laikot is a Kuki village. UTLA outfit is active in the

hills of Jiribam and the adjoining areas. Jiribam is a subdivisional headquarter of Imphal East, which borders Assam. UTLA (SK Thadou) signed a tripartite agreement with both the Manipur and Central Governments at Jiribam town on July 17, 2013. Sources informed that a team from Nungba Police Station was on the way to the clash site to recover the bodies of the slain militants.

Biopic shines spotlight on 'BC Roy of Assam' KOLKATA, NOVEMBER 19 (IANS): The life and works of legendary Assamese physician, social worker and philanthropist Bhubaneswar Barooah, also known as 'Bidhan Chandra Roy of Assam', has been captured in a biopic, which, its makers hope, will instill the doctor's ideals of serving the poor and the needy among the youth. Titled "Lokabandhoo" (Friend of The People), the Assamese film, directed by Dhiraj Kashyap and conceived and produced by noted homeopathic doctor Dilip Ghoshal, premiered at the ongoing 21st Kolkata International Film Festival's 'Indian Select' section. "The film will not only preserve Barooah's legacy but also inspire future generations to serve the poor and needy with unflinching devotion," Kashyap told IANS over the phone from Assam. Barooah born in 1893, lived through

the turbulent decades of 1930s and 1950s and contributed to India's freedom struggle. As a physician of undivided Assam, Barooah gained prominence for his wonderful sense of clinical diagnosis, capacity to read patients' psyche and for the way he treated and managed patients. "He was one of the favourite students of B.C. Roy, the former chief minister of West Bengal. Barooah travelled to farflung areas to create awareness among ignorant masses about health, sanitation and hygiene and abou the evils of opium eating," Kashyap said. The film is set in the decades post-1930. The team plans to release the film in Assam in January 2016. "Since we received a lot of appreciation from people in Kolkata, we want to release it in Bengal as well," added Kashyap.

Campaigning picks up for bypoll in M'laya Unite and fight against BJP at once: Tarun Gogoi

SHILLONG , NOVEMBER 19 (PTI): Campaigning for the November 21 Assembly bypoll at Nongstoin in Meghalaya has picked up with the ruling Congress leaving no stone unturned to grab the seat, once a bastion of regional outfit Hill State Peoples Democratic Party (HSPDP). The by-election was necessitated following the death of sitting legislator Hoping Stone Lyngdoh of HSPDP on September 26. Chief Minister Mukul Sangma led the campaign for the Congress candidate while United Demo-

North east Briefs UNLF claims responsibility for Manipur ambush IMPHAL, NOVEMBER 19 (PTI): Manipur-based militant outfit United National Liberation Front (UNLF) has claimed responsibility for Tuesday's ambush in the state that left one Assam Rifles jawan dead and two others injured. The UNLF, in a statement today, said the attack near Zangnomphai village in Chandel district was carried out by its armed wing, Manipur People Army (MPA). It claimed that the outfit did not suffer any casualty or injury. A group of militants had ambushed Assam Rifles patrol party near the International Border pillar No 60 of Zangnomphai village on November 17 killing one and injuring two.

GOC of Gajraj Corps reviews security in Lower Assam GUWAHATI, NOVEMBER 19 (PTI): General Officer Commanding of Gajraj Corps, Lt Gen Devraj Anbu reviewed the security scenario of Lower Assam. "Lt Gen Devraj Anbu made his maiden visit to Rangiyabased Red Horns Division on November 18 and 19 to review the overall security situation prevailing in Lower Assam," a Defence spokesperson said in a statement. The senior official also got first hand feel of the ongoing operations against terrorist groups. "He was given a detailed briefing on the ongoing counter insurgency/counter terrorism operations in LowerAssam with a specific update on the current operations being undertaken against NDFB(S) post the December 23, 2014 violence," the release said.

cratic Party chief Donkupar Roy and HSPDP leaders were seeking support for their candidates. With the polling scheduled this Saturday, Chief Electoral Officer P Naik said that the Centre has granted deployment of two additional companies (nealy 100 personnel each) of central paramilitary forces to ensure smooth conduct of the poll. General and expenditure observers have also been deployed in the West Khasi Hills district constituency even as nodal officers from the IT de-

partment are supervising the entire election process, he said. Altogether four candidates, including a lone woman Independent candidate, are in the fray for Nongstoin, considered to be the bastion of HSPDP as its former president Hoping Stone had never lost an election since the state attained statehood. The HSPDP has chosen Hoping's personal secretary Diosstarness Jyndiang as its candidate while former Youth Congress leader Gabriel Wahlang is contesting on a Congress ticket.

GUWAHATI, NOVEMBER 19 (ET): A day ahead of swearing in of Nitish Kumar as chief minister for the fifth time, Assam chief minister, Tarun Gogoi on Thursday re-iterated that it time for secular parties to unite and fight BJP. Bete noire Tarun Gogoi and chief of All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) Badruddin Ajmal are expected to meet in Patna on Friday as both the leaders are attending the swearing in ceremony. There is now speculation that script of Assam's proposed Mahagatbandan

Cong govt not interested in power generation: MNF AIZAWL, NOVEMBER 19 (PTI): A Mizo National Front (MNF) MLA today accused theCongress government of not interested in generating more electricity in the state. Talking to journalists MNF legislator Lalruatkima said that the Congress government led by Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla did not start any power project during its seven-year rule since 2008. "The present government signed nine memoranda of understanding (MoU) with five companies since 2008 for construction of nine hydro electric projects on build, own, operate and transfer (BOOT) sys-

tem," Lalruatkiuma said. The MoUs setipulated that works of the hydro electric projects were to be commenced from 18 months of signing the MoU and to be completed within seven years, he said. He said that no work had began till date and no environment clearances were obtained for any of the proposed projects. The government was interested only in signing MoUs but not in implementation of power projects, he said. He said that construction of dams for hydro power projects on BOOT system would not benefit the people of Mizoram but would be disastrous for the environment of the state.

FIRs mark end to campaigning for Aizawl assembly seat AIZAWL, NOVEMBER 19 (PTI): Campaigning for the November 21 by-election to Aizawl North III Assembly seat in Mizoram ended today amidst acrimony with a candidate and a Congress leader filing FIRs against each other. Mizo National Front candidate R Vanlalvena filed the FIR against Aizawl District Congress Committee (ADCC) leader K Lalthantluanga, who had accused him of taking Rs 2 lakh from Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla just before 2013 state Assembly elections. Lalthantluanga in a press conference yesterday had said Vanlalvena had received the money from the chief minister through him following promises to campaign for Lal Thanhawla in Hrang-

turzo Assembly seat. Vanlalvena in his FIR said he had never received money from Lal Thanhawla or Lalthantluanga and the latter's claim was an attempt to tarnish his name and that of MNF during the hustings. Lalthantluanga filed a counter FIR in the same police station claiming that his statement was true and the MNF candidate was trying to defame him. Polling for the by-poll to the Aizawl North - III seat would be held on Saturday. By-poll in the constituency was necessitated by the resignation of former health minister Lal Thanzara on August 18 last due to allegations of 'conflict of interests' in news reports and by the opposition parties.

will be scripted in Patna on Friday. Already RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav and JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar has assured Gogoi that they will come to Assam during the polls to campaign against BJP. Gogoi is now toeing with the idea of replicating Bihar type grand alliance for Assam polls in 2016. Ajmal has remained non committal to the Gogoi's proposal and maintained that his party will maintain equal distance with both congress and BJP. Gogoi said, "It time for anti BJP, secular parties

to come together to taken on BJP. I heard that after Bihar's defeat, BJP has changed strategy and will announce chief minister candidate for Assam. But why are they not declaring the name." Political analyst opined that recently both Gogoi and Ajmal have met twice in Guwahati fueling speculation of new political equation. "The Friday meeting in Patna in presence of Mahagatbandan leaders will put in motion the poll arithmetic ofAssam, where congress is in power for

UROLOGIST FOR CONSULTATION/OPERATION Dr. JOY N. CHAKRABORTY MS, DNB (Surgery), DNB (Urology), FRCS renowned Endourosurgeon from Guwahati will be available for consultation on 18th Nov. 2015 (Wednesday). Patients requiring Consultation/Operation for Urinary problems, Prostate, Kidney & Bladder Stone may contact the Reception for Registration. For Registration, please contact: 03862 – 231864, 227337, 24117 For more information, visit our website: www.zhrc.in

AFFidAvit

Regd. No. 202

I, Heingaupeule Zeliang W/o Lt. Soron of Ngwalwa Town PO & PS Jalukie, Peren Dist. Nagaland hereby declared that: 1. I am the deponent of this affidavit. 2. That the name Heingaupeule Zeliang and Heingaupeule Thou is of same person. 3. I hereby declared that my correct name is Heingaupeule Zeliang and shall be used for all official purposes in the future.

1. 3.

M.Sc. Maths ` 22,000/- p.m. 2. 4. B.com. ` 15,000/- p.m.

Regd. No.: 21915

AFFidAvit

Dated: 30/04/2015

I, Kevirakhonuo Thol D/O Ahie Thol presently residing in Upper Agri Colony Kohima, Nagaland do hereby solemnly affirm and declare an oath as follows; 1. That I am a bonafide citizen of India belonging to Angami Naga Tribe. 2. That till date my name has been inadvertently entered as Kevirakhonuo Nipu in place of Kevirakhonuo Thoi in my Cummulative Record Book. 3. That Kevirakhonuo Nipu and Kevirakhonuo Thoi are one and the same person and the name has been used interchangeably referring to one person. 4. That from the date of executing this Affidavit, I shall use my name as Kevirakhonuo Thoi in all my documents and official proceedings thereon.

aDDitional allowanceS 1. House Rent @11% of the total emolument. (The teacher must stay within the School Area/ Locality) 2. 13th Month Salary to be paid once after every 3 years in the form of gratuity. 3. Casual leave due encashment. 4. Annual Increment 5% of the salary. 5. Medical Leave upto 5 days on pressing medical ground. pleaSe note: 1. Original and relevant documents to be provided at the time of interview along with hand written application. 2. Number of posts- 2. 3. Walk in interview on 25 Nov. 2015 (wed) from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the school. Candidates will be interviewed on first come first basis. 4. Demonstration class (Micro Teaching) will be required to be presented.

NAGA StUdENtS’ FEdERAtiON “Seniors Conclave”

TIME: 12:00 noon DATE: 21st Nov. 2015 VENUE: Hotel De Oriental Grand Chairperson : Eno Senhilo Thong Former V/President NSF Rapporteurs : i) Eli Esther Rhakho Former Generally Secy. NSF ii) Eno Enhuwo Krelo Former Secy. Info & Publicity NSF

Sequence Invocation

Welcome Note

: Eno Subenthung Kithan President NSF

Business hour Vote of thanks

: : Eno Imtiyang Secy. Education NSF

Deponent

Solemnly declared before me by the deponent on this day the 30th April 2015 at Kohima.

Unity Village (SUgar Mill) 5th Mile DiMapUr - 797112:nagalanD # 9436830820 / 8974449797

B.Sc. Maths ` 20,000/- p.m. B.ed. (additional) `1000/- p.m.

The

Deponent 1st Class Magistrate

Mount SaraMati School & MonteSSori hoMe

Vacancy for MathS teacher to teach Upto claSS 10

LOSt NOtiCE

I, Asal Neikha am applying for a duplicate copy of HSLC Marksheet, HSLC Admit Card, HSLC Passed Certificate, Diploma overall Marksheet as i have lost them. Name: Asal Neikha F/Name: Düsü Neikha D.O.B: 14th Jan 1991 Name of the examination: HSLC, Diploma Roll No: 0722806 Year: 2007 Result: Passed Diploma Roll No: CE-6-27/09 Year: 2012 Result: Passed

ZiON HOSPitAL & RESEARCH CENtRE

Notary public

Mount SaraMati School & Montessori home

third consecutive." AIUDF is working to increase its number of seats in next year's poll. AIUDF has gradually taken away the Muslim support base of congress. AIUDF formed in 2006 is growing stronger with each election. AIUDF clinched 10 seats in 2006 assembly polls. In 2011 assembly polls AIUDF got 18 seats and emerged as the largest opposition party in the State Legislative Assembly. AIUDF has increased its tally from one seat of 2009 to 3 in 2014 Lok sabha polls.

FOR SALE

Land (100x110 feet) with RCC-foundation (3160 Sq feet) Near Imkonglenden Welcome Gate behind Super market (Dimapur). Genuine buyers may contact: 9862922820

aDMiSSion notice 1. Admission for Upper Nursery to Class 9 from 14 December onwards. 2. No new Admission for Class 9. 3. Nursery (A) Admission closed for both Old and New Students. 4. Few seats are available at pre-Nursery. air-conditioned classrooms for class 9 & 10.

“Followed by Dinner”

FriDAY 20•11•2015

Business

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Where no-frills cars rule, Toyota aims upmarket BENGALURU, NovEmBER 19 (REUtERs): In a significant and potentially risky move in an Indian market that global automakers use as a test-bed for smaller, no-frills cars, Toyota Motor Corp is betting on pricier premium models offering better safety and quality. The Japanese automaker has been in India for almost two decades, but has failed to displace rivals Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai Motor, which together control around two-thirds of a market skewed towards cars costing less than $7,000. Now, Toyota aims to buck that trend by focussing on quality over quantity. Naomi Ishii, managing director of the firm’s India unit Toyota Kirloskar Motor, reckons providing dual air bags as standard features will sell core models such as the family-friendly Innova MPV and upmarket Fortuner sport utility vehicle - and help boost Toyota’s 5 percent share of the world’s sixth-largest auto market. “We don’t want to ... just introduce a price-competitive car,” Ishii told Reuters in an interview at Toyota’s India headquarters in Bengaluru’s business district. “In case we introduce a smaller car, it should have very ad-

vanced features in safety, fuel efficiency and exhaust emissions. The price might be higher, but we can show this is the direction.” Ishii, 50, was brought in from Japan last year to head up the Indian operations and form a mid- to long-term strategy for the market. He is among the youngest managing directors, but has already clocked up decades of experience in global product strategy and pricing, and has been advising on Toyota’s future plans. As the India strategy takes shape, Toyota’s two new launches in the next three years will aim at the higher end, where wealthier middle-class Indians want safety and quality rather than just a brash sound system. People familiar with the company say Toyota will launch a compact utility vehicle and a sedan - most likely the Vios, to compete with Honda Motor’s popular City. Ishii declined to comment on the specific launches. Industry consultant IHS predicts Toyota could sell up to 30,000 of the sedans a year, and up to 50,000 of the compact utility vehicles. Toyota could be shifting its focus to the premium segment ahead

of introducing its mini-car affiliate Daihatsu Motor (7262.T) to India, said Kaushik Madhavan, automotive head at Frost & Sullivan. “As a brand, Toyota’s not expected to play in the lower segment, but it could have an offering from a different name.” Toyota and Daihatsu dominate in Indonesia, another big emerging market. Ishii does not rule out working with Daihatsu to crack India’s lower-end car segment, but said there are no immediate plans. THE ‘TOYOTA WAY’ A straight-shooter, according to employees, Ishii is reinforcing the ‘Toyota Way’, delegating more responsibility to staff, encouraging them to set targets, identify problems and provide solutions. Ishii sees most of Toyota’s existing product range in the premium segment, and doesn’t want to lose any of the company’s 1.1 million customers, who, he says, increasingly want more eco-friendly and technologically advanced cars. Some customers may want these features in smaller cars, and Toyota will address that in its future product planning for India, he added. But N. Raja, head of sales and marketing at Toyota Kirloskar, said the company will

not launch a car priced below 500,000 rupees ($7,555). Maruti’s top-seller, the Alto, starts at just 250,000 rupees, while Renault has launched its Kwid mini-car priced from 270,000 rupees. “REALLY HAVE TO MODERNISE” Toyota has struggled in India partly because it has been unable to make more of its parts locally, unlike Suzuki Motor (7269.T), which has reduced its costs and cut its prices. Toyota launched its first nofrills car, the Etios sedan, in 2010 and, a year later, the Liva hatchback. In trying to control costs and keep the price low, the company was criticised for compromising on quality and finish. Sales did not take off as expected, hurting plant utilisation levels. A wealthier population, and government plans to tighten safety and emissions rules should help Toyota, analysts say, though a shift upmarket is not without risk in a country where low wages mean no-frills cars make up some 60 percent of total sales. Last fiscal year, Toyota turned a profit in India, ending three straight years of losses, and held on to its 5 percent market share.

7th Pay Commission likely to PM’s gold deposit scheme attracts only 400 gms so far DELHI, NovEm- launched ‘paper’ gold in the centres for gold testing and recommend 23% salary hike NEW BER 19 (REUtERs): form of gold-backed bonds. depositing in banks.” NEW DELHI, NovEmBER 19 (PtI): In a bonanza for central government employees, the 7th Pay Commission is likely to recommend tomorrow a 22-23% jump in their salary and allowances, according to sources. The Pay Commission headed by Justice A K Mathur has suggested a 15% increase over the basic salary plus DA for the central government staff, they said, adding that an increase in allowances like HRA has also been recommended. The total increase will be 22-23% of the gross salary (basic plus DA plus allowances), the sources said. The recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission are scheduled to take effect from January 1, 2016. Besides Chairman, other members of the commission are Vivek Rae, a retired IAS officer of 1978 batch, and Rathin Roy, an economist. Meena Agarwal is secretary of the commission. The central government constitutes the pay commission every 10 years to revise the pay scale of its employees and often these are adopted by states after some modifications. The Commission was set up by the UPA government in February 2014 to revise remuneration of about 48 lakh central government employees and 55 lakh pensioners. The Union Cabinet had extended the term of the panel in August by four months, till December. The 6th Pay Commission was implemented with effect from January 1, 2006.

A gold deposit scheme launched amid fanfare by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi two weeks ago has so far attracted only 400 grams, an industry official said on Thursday, out of a national hoard estimated at 20,000 tonnes. Modi has urged Indians to put gold stashed in homes and temples in the bank, offering modest rates of interest that earlier schemes have lacked. His government has also

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 # 3410

COmpOSitiON Of the eARth MATTER PHYSICALPROPERTIES CHEMICALPROPERTIES ATOMS ELECTRONS PROTONS NEUTRONS ELECTRONCLOUD ATOMICNUMBER PERIODICTABLE MASSNUMBER ISOTOPES SOLID LIQUID GAS COMPOUND ENERGYLEVEL CHEMICALBOND IONICBOND COVALENTBOND CHEMICALFORMULA MIXTURE SMOG SOLUTION ALLOY

V O J H G N R D F Y R O A G D Z Q P O I

I G C C M P H P Z D D N O B C I N O I L

C V L H F P P Q S N N O B H B D N N Q H

E D A E F M S D R E G M Y D V N B J N O

Canon Image Square located at Hussain Building opposite Kashliwal Enterprises (MGP) Circular Road, Dimapur was inaugurated on Thursday by Andrew Koh vice president, Canon India Pvt Ltd and Geoffrey Yaden, Editor, Nagaland Post. (Morung photo)

FLC camp at Longmisa Village DImAPUR, NovEmBER 19 (mExN): With the objective to promote financial literacy and inclusion, a one day Financial Literacy Camp (FLC) supported under FIF, NABARD was conducted at Longmisa village on November 18 with active participation of 72 villagers. The camp was organized by Nagaland State Co-operative Bank Ltd (NSCB) in collaboration with Care and Support Society (CSS), Mokokchung in coordination with NABARD District Office, Mokokchung. A CSS press note informed that during the camp, Imsunaro, APM NABARD

D N A B V L I N L I I F N O O A K K E Q

I U W M P J G C O C O O F T P D G L N B

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

L P R N A H X L U L T R I U I C I J R E

P M V S G T F U A G P C A C T Y D N G U

Y O W S D O O C O V W R E R T J J W Y T

R C N A R G I M O X N F O L A A K J L R

Z S D M F M S J S K L N J P E J B R E O

I O U R E R T X Y V C S A S E I L L V N

K L P H Y S I C A L P R O P E R T I E S

A U C D C K I S O T O P E S U J T F L Z

KoHImA, NovEmBER 19 (mExN): A one day orientation programme was conducted at KVK, Tesophenyu, Kohima on Rabi Pulses for cluster demonstration under National Food Security Mission (NFSM). Dr. Akashe Zhimomi, Programme Coordinator, in his keynote address encouraged the farmers to take up rabi crops in the fallow fields as it has many benefits besides providing the farmers with subsidiary source of income. In the technical sessions, Zhiete, SMS (soil Conservation) highlighted on the importance of biofertilizers like Rhi-

DAILY CROSS WORD

CROSSWORD # 3422

D I U Q I L D N O B T N E L A V O C E A

T O Z O K F O A L L O Y P G X Z E I A S

zobium & Phosphotika and also demonstrated the methods of seed inoculation. Imtisenla, SMS (Agronomy) spoke on the improved agronomic practices, especially on pulses. K. Michael PiDIMAPUR Civil Hospital:

K N I O P A B S G P P A I S P Q Z A B P

enyü, SMS (Plant protection) gave a lecture on insect pest management with special emphasis on IPM. The programme concluded with seed distribution to the trainees.

STD CODE: 03862 232224; Emergency229529, 229474

Metro Hospital: Faith Hospital:

227930, 231081 228846

Shamrock Hospital

228254

Zion Hospital:

231864, 224117, 227337

Police Control Room

228400

Police Traffic Control

232106

East Police Station West Police Station

227607 232181

CIHSR (Referral Hospital)

242555/ 242533

Dimapur hospital

224041, 248011

Apollo Hospital Info Centre:

230695/ 9402435652

Railway:

131/228404

Indian Airlines

229366

1. Chordophones 6. Apollo astronaut Slayton 10. Shallow metal containers 14. Anoint (archaic) 15. Bit of gossip 16. Found in some lotions 17. Something to shoot for 18. Bluefin 19. 3 times 3 20. Link 22. Pay attention to 23. Chief Executive Officer 24. ___-garde 26. Military greeting 30. French for “Morning” 32. Portents 33. Fabled 37. Ward (off) 38. Located 39. Hawaiian feast 40. Aardvarks 42. Risk 43. Rhinoceros 44. Team spirit 45. Smooth brown oval nut 47. Female sib 48. Storage cylinder 49. A flat circular stone

56. 64 in Roman numerals 57. Go on horseback 58. Keen 59. Assistant 60. Away from the wind 61. Besmirch 62. Ale 63. 365 days 64. Oozes

DOWN

1. Nonclerical 2. Annul 3. Adolescent 4. Distinctive flair 5. Chooses 6. Repeat 7. Decorative case 8. Gambling game 9. Gave forth 10. Beggar 11. Extraterrestrial 12. A nine-piece musical group 13. Sow 21. C 25. French for “Wine” 26. Couch 27. Ends a prayer 28. Gave temporarily 29. Clandestine

30. Parisian subway 31. How old we are 33. Mortgage 34. Emanation 35. Train track 36. Christmas season 38. Large venomous ray 41. “Eureka!” 42. Have 44. Central 45. Sprite 46. Leave out 47. Contemptuous look 48. Generous slice of the pie 50. Anger 51. Bright thought 52. Docile 53. Curved molding 54. Half-moon tide 55. Makes a mistake Ans to CrossWord 3421

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

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

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

Nagaland Multispe- 248302, cialty Health & 09856006026 Research Centre

PHEK: 8414853765 (O) 9862130954(OC)

KOHIMA

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

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

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

CHILD WELFARE COMMITTEE

ACROSS

FIRE STATIONS

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

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

A T O M I C N U M B E R U T X I M I G U

District Office Mokokchung deliberated on the objectives of the programme and discussed on importance of banking, savings, financial planning, credit linked subsidy schemes, JLG etc. Temsunungsang Asstt. Branch Manager, FLC In charge, NSCB Mokokchung discussed on various banking products available, benefits under, APY, PMSBY, PMJJBY, Saving Account and Credit Facilities. The manager director of CSS, Imhawati Kichu chaired the programme while Yashiimba Jamir, Chairman, Longmisa Village Council welcome the gathering.

KVK orientation on rabi pulses held

Answer Number # 3409

V G E R E N R E M A T T E R I H S Z K Q

Summit 2015 it is necessary to ensure that governance becomes corruption free and discretions were reduced to the minimum. He said it was essential to ease the systems under which, people can choose to do business and make sure that “governance becomes completely corruption free... scope for discretion is very little”. He also underlined the need for making sure that tax rates remain at a reasonable levels “so that the rates of taxation are not so onerous or the policy of taxation is not so aggressive that it deters investors away”.

SUDOKU

Indians have a deep attachment to gold, which they value not just as a wedding gift but also as a way to keep wealth away from the prying eyes of tax collectors. That, say experts, will make it a challenge to wean them off the yellow metal and put the vast store of wealth to work in India’s undersized financial system, funding investments that Modi hopes would promote economic growth and create jobs.

Jaitley vows corruption-free governance

LEISURE

A shortage of centres to assay the gold being put on deposit is a problem that the government has agreed to address, said Anil Sankhwal, the northern regional chairman of India’s Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council. “Only 400 grammes have been deposited so far,” Sankhwal told reporters after meeting financial ministry officials. “The government has agreed to review the scheme and open more

JAIPUR, NovEmBER 19 (PtI): Seeking investments to boost growth, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley vowed a corruption-free governance, reasonable tax rates and non-discretionary allotment of natural resources to make it easier for companies to do business in India. He asked the states to compete among themselves to provide most investor-friendly environment, saying ease of doing business is not merely a slogan.Stating that difficulty in doing business can dis-engine investors, Jaitley said here at the Resurgent Rajasthan Partnership

Local

Toll free No. 1098 childline

KipHire: 8414853767 (O) 8974304572 (OC)

WE4WOMEN HELPLINE 08822911011

MOKOKCHUNG: Police Station 1:

STD CODE: 0369

2226241

Police Station 2 :

2226214

Civil Hospital: Woodland Nursing Home:

2226216 2226263

Hotel Metsüpen (Tourist Lodge):

2226373/2229343

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

CURRENCY NOTES

222246 222491

BUY(Rs)

SELL(Rs)

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

64.44 97.71 8.05 45.59 45.22 48.24 51.95

67.35 102.43 8.96 47.84 47.45 50.61 54.88

Euro

68.65

71.97

Thai Baht Korean Won New Zealand Dollar Chinese Yuan

1.73

1.93

0.0533

0.0594

41.56

43.60

9.75

10.86

FridAY 20•11•2015

NAGALAND

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

negotiations, not violence, for solution: Cm Clear your confusion first, NPF to DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 19 (MExN): Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang said today that both the Government of India and the Naga political groups have realised that negotiations, and not violence, can solve the protracted Naga political problem. Interacting with the Norwegian Ambassador to India, Nils Ragmar Kamsyag who called on him this afternoon, Zeliang said all the parties concerned, except NSCN (K), have realised the futility of taking up arms to solve political differences and have now entered into a stage where negotiations are taking place to solve once and for all the mother of all insurgencies in the country. “We are happy that the Prime Minister is fully committed to solve the Naga problem very soon and he has already brought out a formula to solve the problem when the historic Naga Peace Accord was signed

Chief Minister TR Zeliang with Nils Ragmar Kamsyag Norwegian Ambassador to India and Mr Johaan Loov second secretary.

with the NSCN (IM) on August 3, 2015,” Zeliand said. The chief minister also expressed happiness with the new political developments in Myanmar. He espoused confidence that with Aung San Su Kyi in the helm of affairs of the coun-

try, the insurgency problems in her country would finally be settled. In addition, with a counterpart like the Prime Minister in India, Zeliang said something concrete and long-lasting will come out in the near future. He

further maintained that no Prime Minister in India has been as determined as Narendra Modi to solve the Naga problem. “The Government of India understands the unique history and position of the Nagas, and in turn, Nagas

Condemnation ACAUT says action of AR nothing short of an attempt to curb freedom of press DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 19 (MExN): Action Committee Against Unabated Taxation (ACAUT) Nagaland has expressed deep concern over the notification issued by a Colonel of the General Staff of the Assam Rifles on October 25 to five Nagaland newspapers. Media cell, ACAUT while condemning the act said it is nothing short of an attempt to curb freedom of press and direct attack on the fourth pillar of democracy for which India as a nation boast of. “Freedom of speech and of the press lays at the foundation of all democratic organizations, for without free political discussion no public education, so essential for the proper functioning of the process

of popular government, is possible,” the press statement noted. The Naga people under the Preamble of the Indian Constitution have the liberty of expression, it also added. Pointing out that freedom of the press has been included as part of freedom of speech and expression under the Article 19 of the UDHR, ACAUT, while quoting Article 19 said “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression, this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.” While maintaining that the freedom of press thrive

on three essential elementthe freedom of access to all sources of information, freedom of publication and freedom of circulation, ACAUT termed the notification issued to the press a direct contravention to the very fabric of our democracy. NTC: Arguing that the Assam Rifles who coined themselves as ‘Friends of the Hill People’ have created furors with their hill people, the Nagaland Tribal council today said that the notification issued by a Colonel of the General Staff to the press in Nagaland was an an attempt to “bully the local media for publication of certain news item about NSCN (K)” “The notice served of-

ficially by AR to each of the local media houses has indeed encroached upon the area of freedom of press ensured by fundamental rights” NTC Media Cell maintained in a press note. The NTC further reminded the Assam Rifles that such overriding action could “jeopardises the peaceful coexistence” between paramilitary force and the law abiding citizens. It also questioned the Government of India promulgation of Disturb Area Act all over the state of Nagaland and imposition of Armed Forces Special Powers Act of 1958, when “GOI has been having cease fire with not less than three political groups for over a decade.”

Organisations condemn Assam Rifle firing DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 19 (MExN): Nagaland Tribes Council today questioned the Assam Rifle “shooting down of 4 Naga youth” at Leangkonger village on November 15 and condemned it as a “barbaric and inhuman” act. NTC Media Cell in a press condemnation maintained that while there were diverse accounts of the incident, the local organisations namely Western Yimchunger Hoho and Yimchungrü Akherü Arih Ako (YAA) have expressively implicated Assam Rifles’ “highhandedness” on the incident. “Reportedly (it is) known that all the four were arrested by Assam Rifles first and instead of handing over those to civil authorities as per normal procedure, they were killed in the name of confrontation” it further alleged NTC also reminded the Assam Rifles that such overriding action jeopardises the peaceful coexistence between paramilitary force and the law abiding citizens. In this context, the council further demanded to the State Government

for an immediate investigation to the incident and book the culprits as per appropriate law. Further, judging from the incident NTC further posed whether the policy of GOI to “annihilate” all those Naga political groups (NPGs) while it is having dialogue with one group and GOI is engaging in peace process with one NPG while waging war against others and the citizens through brute force. WYSU: Strongly condemning the November 15 firing incident at Leangkhonger Village, located a few kilometres away from Shamator where Four GPRN/NSCN (U) group cadres were killed by 15 Assam Rifles, WYSU has questioned the “very existence” of AR at Shamator. WYSU general secretary, Tsukhumong in a press condemnation refuted the AR statement terming the firing as "accidental encounter" and said it was done only to come out clean in the eyes of the readers and general public as a whole. It further refuted the

statement that of confrontation between the Armed forces and GPRN/NSCN and alleged that the “heinous crime” was committed in a “premediated plan” carried out in the wee Sunday morning. "The AR slogan 'Friends of the Hill People' is quite contradicting to the term use and their action carried out by them” it maintained adding that, its high time AR introspect their action and understand the sentiment of the Nagas to live in unity, peace and live in their own term. In this context, WYSU further urged the competent authority to conduct necessary enquiry the incident and award benefiting punishment against the defaulting AR Jawans responsible for killing the four persons. “The competent is also requested to give necessary directive to the AR jawan station at Shamator Town not to create such kind of unfriendly atmosphere because the students are preparing for their final examination.”

(PACSU) expressed its extreme pain over the November 15 incident at Leangkonger Village under. The unfortunate incident had occurred when both the party were part of the Ceasefire agreement, the Union president, Achung Jangleh stated in a press note wondering whether the the Ceasefire agreement is just a futile exercise. “Justifications or allegations put forth thereafter won’t compensate the loss of lives nor bring any solutions rather it breeds disunity and misunderstandings amongst all sections of the society,” it added. The Union, in this context, urged all the concern responsible to be more cautious as an imperative so that such incident is averted in future. It also fervently requested all concerned to adhere with the Cease Fire Ground Rules (CFMG) and to uphold the same in letter and spirit. PACSU also conveyed heartfelt condolence to the bereaved families and pray for the departed PACSU: Pungro Area souls to find solace in AlCollege Students’ Union mighty God.

NAYSA Group ‘D’ condemns fatal assault KOhIMA, NOVEMBER 19 (MExN): The Northern Angami Youth & Sports Association (NYASA) Group ‘D’ has strongly condemned the “brutal assault” of one Khrieketuo Chiese of Gariphema village on November 6, who later succumbed to his injuries. The Association in a press note issued through

its general secretary, Savio Metha stated that the victim, on the fateful evening of November 6 was taken out by two of his friends, but was later found brutally assaulted and left unconscious the next morning above Veterinary farm, Pezielietsie, Kohima. The same day he was admitted to NHAK under critical condition, but suc-

cumbed to his injuries on the evening of November 11, it informed adding that it also learnt that the incident arose due to a trivial matter which eventually led to the heinous crime on further enquiry, Condemning incident as “most ugly and bestial” NYASA further appealed the law enforcing bodies to thoroughly investigate and book the criminals and

award befitting punishment at the earliest. “Such criminal-minded people do not deserve a place in our society” it maintained. The Association also conveyed its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that the Almighty grant solace and justice to the family of the departed soul.

have also realised the position of the Government of India – both have realised the importance of shared sovereignty as well as the need for inter-dependence in the modern world. We expect points agreeable to all concerned would be incorporated into the framework agreement that has been signed, and we expect a solution that is honourable and acceptable to all sections of the society,” Zeliang told the visiting dignitary. He also espoused hope that through the efforts of NGOs and also the Government, NSCN (K) will also enter into a ceasefire agreement with the Government of India since that has been the expressed wish of the Naga people and that an all-inclusive solution can be brought about very soon. The Norwegian Ambassador was accompanied by his second secretary Johaan Loov. They are scheduled to leave for Manipur tomorrow.

MVYO issues notifications DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 19 (MExN): As per some resolutions passed on its general meeting held on November 14, the Medziphema Village Youth Organisation (MVYO) has notified all the shops within Medziphema jurisdiction to remain open till 6.00 PM in the evening. A press note from MVYO president, Seyieselie Koutsu and secretary, Kelhouneisa Nakro informed that the meeting further resolved to impose closure of all shops or business establishments within its jurisdiction on Sunday except for pharmacies. “Individuals/parties found in possession of drugs/IMFL or other intoxicants shall be dealt severely,” MVYO cautioned. The MVYO also resolved to impose strict prohibition on partying in public places and public ground. No vehicle without prior permission of MVYO is allowed to enter local ground, it added.

Congress on CM’s qualification issue

DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 19 (MExN): Ridiculing what it described as a “trial by media” and confusion among some section of its functionaries, the NPF today asked State Congress to “decide once and for all whether to take up the qualification issue of the Chief Minister with the Police, with the Court, with the Raj Bhawan or with the local media.” Since some individuals have approached a First Class Judicial Magistrate rendering the issue sub judice, a press note Naga Peoples’ Front Central Office Press Bureau maintained, “If any organisation is resolved to stand by the law of the land, it should also be

resolved to follow the law of the land and differentiate from what is trial by media and what is a matter considered to be sub judice.” In this context, it further informed that the NPF will wait for the outcome of the learned Magistrate’s decision and no reply shall be made till legal conclusions are drawn. Citing the case was “devoid of merit,” the High Court (Kohima Bench) had already thrown out the writ petition pleading for the court’s intervention to direct the SP Kohima and the OC North Police Station, Kohima to register the a case in aforementioned issue, the NPF claimed. Consequently, some

individuals have approached the First Class Judicial Magistrate, it added implying that the case was nothing but an obvious case of a sore loser behind whole “staged drama” on the hindsight. “It is crystal clear that there just could be someone who had lost in the last general elections against the present Chief Minister and embarrassed to come out in the open to speak out loud, is hiding behind the shadow of others and preparing all half-baked works such as arranging Police cases which could not be entertained by either the Police in the rank of the Superintendent of Police or the Court of law”

Three arrested, 100 kg ganja seized KOhIMA, NOVEMBER 19 (MExN): The Kohima Police on Thursday took three people into police custody for possession and transportation of 100 kgs (approx) contraband ganja in a Tata mobile vehicle. According to press note from the Sub – Divisional Police Officer & PRO, Atu Zumvü NPS informed that the arrest was made when the Kohima Police manning the Khuzama inter-state check gate was conducting routine check-

ing and intercepted one Tata mobile (B/R No. AS01EC-8911) and found the contraband ganja neatly packed in 10 (ten) packets. The vehicle was tagged with caption “ARMY DUTY” at the windshield and another registration plate bearing WB57B-1782 was recovered on further inspecting of the vehicle, the PRO added. The police identified the arrested as Monuwar Hussain (23 yrs), a resident of Maligaon, Panitanki,

under Jalukbari PO/PS, Guwahati District , Assam; Atikur Samad (23 yrs) of Naladahari, under Lalgolai PO/PS of Murshidabad District, West Bengal; and Md. Rafique Hussain (29 yrs) residing in Boka Bazar, under PO/PS – Pandu PO/ PS, Dist – Kamrup, Assam. In this connection a regular case vide Khuzama PS Case No 0047/15 U/S 20 (b)(ii)(c) NDPS Act was registered against them for conducting further investigation, the Police said.

NSCN (IM) notifies DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 19 (MExN): The NSCN (IM) has notified that “under no circumstances” are any department/ regional authorities or in-

dividuals to seek any kind of donations whatsoever in the name of the NSCN/ GPRN. A press note from the MIP of the NSCN (IM) advised against indulging

in “such unwanted activities by taking advantage of the ongoing peace process and festive season...” and asked the “Naga people not to entertain such offender.”

Therie, NPCC condole Lt.Haralu DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 19 (MExN): The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee president, K. Therie on his own behalf and the organisation have expressed deep shocked to hear the sad news of the sudden demise of Late Lhusi Haralu, Executive Direc-

tor, Nagaland Peace Centre. Describing Late Haralu as a remarkable personality and generous by nature, Therie said she dedicated and sincere in whatever she undertook particularly in issues related to peace, the cause for which she was very firm about and

contributed immensely. “I on behalf of the NPCC and on my own behalf express deep sympathy and condolences to her bereaved family members and pray that the Almighty God comfort and console them through this painful time. May her soul rest in eternal peace.”

Declare interview dates: AKM NSF senior conclave on Nov 21 MOKOKChUNG, NOVEMBER 19 (MExN): The Ao Kakektshir Mungdang (AKM) has written to the Mokokchung Deputy Commissioner asking for the early declaration of interview dates for vacant posts as advertised by the DC’s office in the month of May this year. The AKM however reiterated its demand that “only the indigenous Naga inhabitants of Mokokchung should be issued admit card and called for the interview.” It may be recalled that an interview for the said posts were set to be held on July 25, 2015. However, the AKM, “after noticing some discrepancies in

the selection and issuance of admit-cards especially to non-indigenous citizens of Mokokchung,” issued a representation to the DC for rectification. Consequently, the interviews were cancelled indefinitely. The AKM said that it had waited months for the government to “rectify its error in issuing admit-cards to non-indigenous citizens of Mokokchung.” Lamenting that there has been no information on the issue by the district administration, the AKM said that “thousands of indigenous Naga inhabitants of Mokokchung are eagerly waiting to be called for the interviews.”

KOhIMA, NOVEMBER 19 (MExN): The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has informed that the NSF Senior Conclave, a get together of all the NSF seniors and the present executives will be held on November 21 at Hotel de Oriental Grand, Kohima, at 12:00 pm sharp. All the seniors who have served the Federation from 1947 till 2015 in any capacity have been invited. A press note from the NSF said that there are some agendas which need serious deliberation from all the seniors, irrespective of the profession they are in now and irrespective of the political parties they are affiliated too, in the larger interest for the welfare of the Nagas.

Venue for SASA Raffle Draw changed DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 19 (MExN): The venue for SASA Raffle Draw scheduled on November 21 has been changed to Kimipfüphe Ground, Kigwe-

ma due to an unavoidable circumstances. All wellwishers are requested to take note of the change, SASA President Zhale informed in a press note.

‘Everybody preaches injustice but nobody likes to practice justice’ Morung Express News Kohima | November 19

“Everybody preaches justice but nobody likes to practices justice,” said Visevenuo Pienyü, Principal, Kohima Law College (KLC) during the 35th parting social of the Kohima Law College under the theme ‘Beyond the Horizon” on November 19 at the State Academy Hall. Minister for School Education, SCERT, Yitachu was the Chief Guest. Addressing the eighty students of law who passed out this year, Pienyü reminded the outgoing students that their ultimate goal is to serve. Injustice is seen every day and thus the duty of the students is to educate and serve people and strive tirelessly to eliminate injustice, he said. Taking back the students to the early formation of KLC, Pienyü noted that

and the departments are

Kohima Law College holds 35th Parting Social scared of law. This is mainthe Law college owes its existence to some prominent intellectuals and visionaries of Naga society, who were aware of the legal education and felt the need for bringing change to society through legal studies. Today the college has become a centre of excellence and has produced more than 70 percent of law practitioners in the state. The Principal also mentioned that all the local laws included in NU syllabus are authored and published by Akang Ao, one of the pioneers of KLC. The core values of KLC, said Pienyü, are to provide legal education to the common people, harness honesty and integrity in individual character and excellence in legal knowledge and to give voice to the voiceless. Education Minister

Yitachu who was also a former law student, affirmed that a lot of transformation can take place in society through law. By studying law and by being equipped with the knowledge of law, Yitachu stated that lawyers are one of the most dignified and bravest people when it comes to upholding rights and justice. “To be a lawyer is a noble profession but you cannot attain that greatness by merely passing out or attaining a degree,” said the Education Minister, who added that to attain such nobility one needs to struggle and push oneself to a “situation of frustration and discontentment” with oneself and the society. “Today, our society is scared of law, our government is scared of law,

ly because there are a lot of things which are not in place,” mentioned Yitachu. Admitting that there is a lack of political will in Nagaland, Yitachu pointed out that there cannot be any strong legal system without political will. “And when the law is weak there cannot be equality, justice, liberty, progress, prosperity and peace. If these virtues are not there one cannot have a strong public opinion. Nothing in the society can progress unless the law is backed by public opinion. Democracy without public opinion is no democracy at all,” stated Yitachu. Yitachu further encouraged the outgoing students of 2015 to take up causes that will secure their future and the future of the Naga people and to put their profession and duty ahead of anything else.

FriDAY 20•11•2015

IN FOCUS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

The Power of Truth

The Morung Express X issue 316X issue 185 Thursday 9volume July 2015 volume By dr. sao Tunyi

Current Nagaland healthcare budget status

his newspaper carried a news article last month saying that Nagaland State figures among the highest per capita health expenditure by the government. That was surprising when one considers the amount of resources which are actually available for service delivery. Therefore, it is important to do some analysis so that we can arrive at some sense of the prevailing reality of the health budget. For the financial year 2015-16, there was slashing of the union health budget by 15%. The Lancet reported that as many as 15 national health programs were put under the National Health Mission umbrella during the year without allocation of even a rupee. The main reason for the cut was said be the rising fiscal deficit. Another justification given was that the States were allocated more shares in central taxes (from 32% to 42%). It was expected that the State will use its discretion and invest this money on healthcare. The ball for increasing health budget was thrown into the State’s court. Slashing of central budget allocation on health (mainly through National Health Mission) has not been accompanied by commensurate increase in the State budget on health. The State’s budget allocation to health sector as a percentage of its total expenditure has reduced from 3.8% in 2014-15 to 2.9% in 2015-16. This is not a healthy trend that Health which is an important driving force for economic development should be ignored. India’s public health sector has always struggled for attention from policy makers and has performed poorly, except for a few States like Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Still that doesn’t say much about the high per capita spending on health which was in the news. The disaggregation of the State health budget will show under which heads the budget is being spent. Although it can be true that per capita expenditure on health is high in Nagaland, the amount available for service delivery may be disproportionately low. This is because the disaggregation of the State budget shows that 87.5% of the State budget was spent on salaries in 2013-14 and in 2015-16, it is set to rise to a staggering 94.68%, which amounts to Rs. 321.75 crores. The nominal increase (in absolute value) in budget allocation over the years goes to salary increment. Thus, as far as the State’s budget is concerned, most of the expenditure goes to salary and very few is left for infrastructure development, materials and supplies, trainings, etc. The health service delivery in Nagaland is heavily dependent on central schemes and projects like National Health Mission and its flagship programs, and National AIDS Control Program. Cutting of health budget at the Centre, if not accompanied by increased State budget allocation to Health sector will make the health services delivery extremely difficult to improve or sustain. Dr. Sao Tunyi works as an Epidemiologist at Directorate of Health and Family Welfare, Kohima. Feedback can be sent to saotunni@yahoo.co.in, or visit his blog www.thatchhouse.blogspot.in

lEfT WING |

Katy Migiro Thomson Reuters Foundation

Burundi stalked by political violence, hunger & poverty

olitical violence, a shrinking economy and biting aid cuts are worsening poverty and hunger across Burundi, amid reports that thousands of people are internally displaced and unable to get help. People are fleeing their homes in one of the world's poorest and hungriest countries, amid United Nations warnings that mass atrocities could erupt following inflammatory remarks by government officials. Many displaced people are scared of being identified, fearing their lives are in danger for supporting, or being perceived to support, the political opposition, Refugees International said on Wednesday. "They fled after multiple threats, arrests, torture and even the rape of female family members - actions allegedly carried out by different security actors," it said in a report. Burundian government agents have beaten, arrested or turned back suspected pro-opposition citizens at the border, it added.The presidential spokesman was not immediately available to comment. At least 240 people have been killed and over 200,000 have fled to neighbouring states during months of violence that began when President Pierre Nkurunziza decided in April to run for a third term. He won a disputed election in July. There have been violent clashes between protesters and security forces in the capital, Bujumbura, and a series of targeted killings. Corpses are regularly found in the streets after nightly gunfire. SIXTY PERCENT ARE CHILDREN In the first assessment of its kind since the crisis began, the International Organization of Migration (IOM) identified almost 15,000 displaced people living in Makamba and Kirundo border provinces. Six out of ten of those surveyed were children and 85 percent of the displaced said they did not have enough to eat, IOM's Burundi country director Kristina Mejo told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. Many children had malaria, malnutrition and diarrhoea, the survey found. The IOM hopes to carry out assessments in other provinces, to identify people's needs and provide goods such as cooking pots, plastic sheeting and blankets, Mejo said. Children are bearing the brunt of Burundi's political turmoil, agencies said, as rising prices and falling incomes in the tiny cenral African country make buying food a struggle. "We are seeing increases in food insecurity as well as higher rates of malnutrition," the International Rescue Committee's country director Richard Crothers said. Repeated migrations, increasing household poverty and poor harvests have contributed to unusually high mid-year malnutrition rates, reaching 8 percent among displaced children, the U.N. children's fund (Unicef) said. "The potential impact of the current crisis and an economic downturn on children cannot be underestimated," Unicef spokesman James Elder said. "It could be devastating." Four out of five Burundians live on less than $1.25 a day, the World Bank says. Half the budget comes from donors and the government - the largest employer - has difficulty paying salaries because of aid cuts and falling tax revenues. "Each time a position disappears in a place like Burundi, it impacts 10 to 15 people who have been reliant on that salary," said Crothers. The European Union, the United States, Belgium and the Netherlands have withheld millions of dollars of aid in an attempt to push Nkurunziza to negotiate with the opposition. The International Monetary Fund expects the economy to shrink by 7.2 percent this year, reversing a decade of growth since the end of civil war in 2005. Donors fund 60 percent of the health budget and drugs have run out in many public health centres, forcing people to buy medicine in private pharmacies, Unicef's Elder said. Donor-funded incentives have been cut, and some medics are starting to charge for services for under-fives and pregnant women that used to be free, Crothers said.

C O M M E N T A R Y

Edwy Plenel Open democracy

Why fear is our enemy

People observe a minute of silence at the Trocadero in front the Eiffel Tower to pay tribute to the victims of the series of deadly attacks on Friday in Paris, France on November 16, 2015. (REUTERS Photo)

t was a mild autumn Friday evening. The weekend had arrived, and it was time to go out and relax. It was a time for friends to gather, for music concerts and sports matches. Men and women mixed together, young people from all walks of life and different backgrounds came out to enjoy themselves, whether it was to have a drink, smoke, dance, mingle with others, chat people up or enjoy each other's company. In short, a time to go out and meet other people. One simply has to state these simple, unembellished words to share what we have all felt since yesterday: everyone, our children, our parents, our friends, our neighbours, ourselves, was in the killers' sights. Because they were not targeting obviously symbolic sites, unlike during the attacks in January, when the attackers expressed their hatred for freedom (the attack on the offices of Charlie Hebdo) and their hatred of Jews (the attack on the Jewish supermarket), it has been said that the terrorists in Paris on Friday had no targets. That is not true; armed with a totalitarian ideology, whose religious views serve as an argument to kill all differing views, remove all diversity, deny all individuality, their aim was to frighten a society which represents the hope of the very opposite. Over and above France, its foreign policy or that of its government, their target was this democratic ideal of a society that is free because it is based on a right: the right to have rights; equality of rights with no distinction as to origin, appearance or beliefs. The right to make one's way in life without it being based on one's birth or appearance. A society of individuals where the “us” is woven from an infinite number of “mes” all in relation with one other. A society of individual freedoms and of collective rights. To accurately assess the scale of the menace of this unprecedented terror attack on French soil – they are the deadliest such attacks in Europe after the Madrid bombings of 2004 – obviously also means assessing the challenge that these killers and the people behind them have thrown down to us. It is this open society that the terrorists want to shut down. Their war aim is for this society to close in on itself, retreat, become divided, shrivel, stumble and lose its way. Whatever the particular context, period or region of the world, terrorism always gambles on fear. Not just the fear that it spreads through society but the politics of fear that it produces in the highest echelons of the state: a headlong rush where totalitarian terror prompts the undermining of democracy, a war without end, without fronts or limits, without any other strategic objective than its own perpetuation, with attacks and retaliations feeding off one another,

ndia Against Corruption (IAC) - the anti-corruption movement- that preceded the formation of AamAadmi Party saw millions of Indians take long sabbaticals from their jobs and occupy the streets, demanding a corruption free India. When the AamAadmi Party came into being, it aimed at filling a vacuum. A vacuum created due to non existence of honest political parties in the country. AAP was an outcome of relentless efforts put in by millions of unpaid volunteers over several months. When the party achieved a historic clean sweep in Delhi in February this year, it looked all set to take forward its indigenous brand of clean politics all over the country and live up to its hype. The journey started with a dream, but mutations have already started becoming visible under the leadership of Arvind Kejriwal. Events of the past few months including Arvind Kejriwal’s open support to JD(U) despite disagreement from many party members has raised pertinent questions over the values of the party which it held so dear during its earlier days. An official show cause notice to the internal pressure group allegedly formed by the party volunteers, Lokpal.us, further shows that the voices of dissent, no matter how well intentioned they may be, are losing their place inside the party. Though the party takes pride in stating absence of

"It is a France made up of diversity, plurality, of people coming together and mixing, that the terror wants to shut down, to silence through fear, to make disappear through horror. And it is this open society that we must defend because it is our most secure and lasting protection against terrorism" and with cause and effect becoming intertwined ad infinitum, with no peaceful outcome ever resulting. As painful as it may be, we must make the effort to grasp the terrorists' rationale. This is to ensure we can fight it better and avoid falling into its trap or ever proving it right, whether through lack of awareness or blindness. These are the self-fulfilling prophecies that arise from its terrifying, murderous logic: provoking even greater chaos through terror which in turn, it is hoped, will lead to greater anger, resentment and injustice. We know this from recent experience, for the headlong rush by North America after the 9/11 attacks in 2001 was behind the disaster in Iraq from where the organisation called Islamic State emerged, born amid the rubble of a destroyed state and the rifts in a society that had been torn apart. Will we be capable of learning the lessons of these catastrophic errors or are we instead going to repeat them? It's an understatement to say that in the context of accumulated existing crises – economic, social, environmental, European and so on – our country is experiencing an historic moment when democracy rediscovers tragedy. When the fragility of the former is at peril from the latter. For what is at stake now is not something remote, but here in France itself. We knew, after the January attacks, that the real test was still to come. This autumn, when he stepped down as an investigating judge specialising in counter-terrorism, Marc Trévidic reminded us: “The darkest days are ahead of us.” (Read his interview with Paris Match, in French only, here). In a warning that did not spare our leaders he said: “Politicians adopt warlike postures, but they don't have a long-term vision … I don't believe that the French strategy is well-founded.” Indeed, faced with this peril that affects us all, we cannot abandon our future and our security to those who govern us. Even if it is their responsibility to protect us, we must not allow them to do so against us, in spite of us, without us. It is always difficult to raise awkward questions questions which are at the moment inaudible – in the aftermath of events that grip an entire people, that unite them in compassion and dread. But collective-

ly and in the long term we will not be able to resist the terror that confronts us if we ourselves are not in control of the responses that are brought to bear. If we are not informed, consulted and involved. Nor will we be able to resist this terror if we are denied the right to question a foreign policy of alliances with dictatorial or secretive regimes (Egypt, Saudi Arabia), or warlike adventures with no strategic vision (particularly in the Sahel), to question short-term and base political approaches (in particular over Islam and the repressed colonial notion that Muslims should be “assimilated”) that divide more than they bring together, which express the fears from on high more than they mobilise the people below. To face up to terrorism is to build a society, to make a bulwark of the very thing that they want to destroy. By defending our France, our Rainbow France, made strong by its diversity and plurality, this France capable of making common cause in rejecting scapegoats and the rejection of tarring people with the same brush. This France whose heroes, in 2015, were Muslims as well as atheists, Christians, Jews, Freemasons, agnostics, people of all origins, cultures and beliefs. This is the France of Ahmed Merabet, the police officer who gave his life outside the Charlie Hebdo building. And it is the France of Lassana Bathily, this former illegal immigrant who saved many hostages during the Jewish supermarket siege in January. It is also the France that, during the long Parisian night that has just passed, was highlighted by the role of so many rescue workers, carers, doctors, police, soldiers, firefighters, volunteers, carrying out a thousand acts of solidarity that also stemmed from this very same diversity – human, social, cultural, religious and so on – that gives France its richness. And its strength. After the 7/7 terror attacks in Britain in 2005, British society spontaneously stood together around a slogan invented by a young internet user: “We are not afraid.” During the attacks in 2004, Spanish society clung together around a symbol: of hands raised with palms open, both unarmed and determined at the same time. We are not afraid. Except of ourselves, if we give way to it. Except of our leaders if they lead us astray and ignore us. As for the society that the killers want to shut down, we defend its openness more than ever. And hold out our hands to each other. The symbol of this rejection of fear could be two hands that meet, shake and join together. Two hands crossed. Edwy Plenel is one of the co-founders of Mediapart and its president. A journalist since 1976, after an early apprenticeship at Rouge, followed by a spell at Matin de Paris, he worked for twentyfive years (1980-3005) at Le Monde, and became its Editor in Chief.

AAP National Council meeting: Time to revive the dream dr. munish K raizada

a ‘central high command’ in AamAadmi party, it has been well recognized that opinions of a few in the matter a lot more than others. Dissolution of Maharastra unit is another example of high handedness and it was followed by resignation of saner voices like Mayank Gandhi from the National Executive as a mark of protest. In such a scenario, the upcoming AAP National Council meeting on 23rd November has assumed great significance. The build up to this critical meeting has been shady to say the least. The National Council is the highest policy making body of the party and has pivotal roles like electing the National Executive and amending the constitution. Only a few selected members have been given an invitation to attend this NC meeting. Since the party’s constitution only requires a 33% attendance as the quorum for the meeting, it is a high-

ly calculative step taken to serve the purpose of the leadership. Additionally, the constitution requires a minimum of 21-day period for the party to circulate the agenda of the NC meeting, therefore giving the members enough time to prepare their inputs. But curiously, with less than a week to go, no specific agenda about the meeting has been circulated to the members. The previous meeting of the National Council was a dark day in the history of the party with bouncers being deployed at the venue. The meeting saw Prashant Bhushan and Yogendra Yadav being kicked out of the party unceremoniously. It was far from what the volunteers, the people who helped build the party, expected to witness. Another reason which makes this upcoming meeting so crucial is that the three year terms of the National Executive is coming to an end in the next few days. The constitution also clearly states

WRITE-WING

that “No member will hold the same post as an office bearer for more than two consecutive terms of three years each”. Keeping this in mind, the National Council must take this as an opportunity to groom the next set of leaders by giving them important posts in the party. A large army of able leaders is essential to keep the movement well and alive. AAP has been a party of many firsts. From being the first party to openly display its donor list on its website to being the first party to organize mohallasabhas to ask for suggestions on how to run the government, the AAP has lived up to its expectations in many areas. Now with the party losing ground among its well wishers, it may be an ideal time to telecast the live recording of the National Council meeting so that there are no speculations afterwards, as it happened the last time. This would only strengthen the trust of the volunteers in the party. Despite all the anomalies, the party volunteers stand united behind Arvind Kejriwal. It is now upto the leadership to respond to the faceless and voiceless volunteers and steer the party back to the values from where it emerged. The National Council meeting gives a chance to show that the dream of a corruption free India is still at the heart of the AAP. Author is convener of Lokpal.us- claiming to be an internal watchdog of AamAadmi Party. Twitter@Dr.MunishRaizada Email ID: pedia333@gmail.com

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.

fRIDAY 20•11•2015

PERSPECTIVE

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Aziz Ansari on Acting, Race and Hollywood Eliminating Malaria Aziz Ansari

NYT

isher Stevens was cooking dinner when I got him on the phone. I had wanted to talk to him for years because, as I recount in my new Netflix series, “Master of None,” this actor played a strange role in my relationship to television and film. The first time I saw an Indian character in an American movie was “Short Circuit 2,” a 1988 film in which a humanized robot named Johnny 5 goes to New York and bonds with an Indian scientist named Benjamin Jarhvi. Seeing an Indian character in a lead role had a powerful effect on me, but it was only as I got older that I realized what an anomaly it was. I rarely saw any Indians on TV or film, except for brief appearances as a cabdriver or a convenience store worker literally servicing white characters who were off to more interesting adventures. This made “Short Circuit 2” special. An Indian lead character? With a Caucasian love interest? In the 1980s? What’s going on here? A bold foray into diversity far ahead of its time? Not exactly. One day in college, I decided to go on the television and film website IMDB to see what happened to the Indian actor from “Short Circuit 2.” Turns out, the Indian guy was a white guy. The character was played by Mr. Stevens, a Caucasian actor in brownface. Rather than cast an Indian actor, the filmmakers had Mr. Stevens sit every morning in a makeup chair and get painted an “Indian color” before going on set and doing his “Indian voice.” As a child, I thought the villain of the film was Oscar Baldwin, the banker who tricks Johnny 5 into helping him commit a jewel heist. As an adult, I thought the bad guy was actually Mr. Stevens, who mocked my ethnicity. And now, here I was, a real Indian man, talking to the actor who played a fake one almost 30 years ago. After a long conversation, I can confirm Mr. Stevens is not a villain, but was, when he took the role, a well-intentioned if slightly misguided young actor who needed a job during a more culturally insensitive time. At first, he was remarkably casual, cooking dinner as we talked, seemingly happy to recall his days with Johnny 5. “Originally, the role of Benjamin was a white grad student, and then the director and co-writer of ‘Short Circuit’ changed the character to Indian,” he told me. They then went to Mr. Stevens and asked, “Can you play Indian?” It was 1987, so we were all a little less savvy about the things we were doing that were actually hurtful to large groups of people, and the answer, for a 21-year-old struggling actor, was yes. What surprised me was how seriously Mr. Stevens dedicated himself to “becoming Indian.” He went full Method, studying with a dialect coach, reading R. K. Narayan’s “The Guide” and Hesse’s “Siddhartha.” “I started taking yoga and immersed myself, because I really wanted to be as real as possible,” he said. He even lived in India for a month before shooting “Short Circuit 2.” Mr. Stevens’s efforts to make the character real, and not a full-on ethnic cartoon, are admirable, despite the underlying insult of his being cast. Toward the end of the conversation, it seemed to fully hit him how insensitive his casting may have been, and he said several times that he believed the role should have been played by an In-

Aziz Ansari

dian and that he would never take it today. These days, Indian people, real Indian people, pop up way more in film and television, but fake Indians are still around more than you think. I loved “The Social Network,” but I have a hard time understanding why the Indian-American Harvard student Divya Narendra was played by Max Minghella, a half-Chinese, half-Italian British actor. More recently, “The Martian” was based on a novel with an Indian character named Venkat Kapoor, who in the film became Vincent, a character portrayed by Chiwetel Ejiofor, a British actor of Nigerian origin. (The Indian actor Irrfan Khan was reportedly in talks to take the role, but couldn’t because of a scheduling conflict.) My efforts to get responses from people who made these decisions were unsuccessful. But I don’t want to judge them before knowing the full story, especially because I know that both films made at least some attempts to pursue Indian actors. I auditioned for “The Social Network,” and I was horrible. I tried to improvise and make the role funny. I was a young actor who didn’t understand what he was doing. I was also asked to audition for a part in “The Martian” (not Kapoor), but I skimmed the script and — no offense — it seemed like a boring movie about a white guy stuck on Mars for two hours who gets fired up about plants, so it didn’t seem worth taking a break from my own projects. (I’ve heard the film is fantastic.) So, I know the filmmakers made an effort to cast Indian actors, but how hard did they try? I had to cast an Asian actor for “Master of None,” and it was hard. When you cast a white person, you can get anything you want: “You need a white guy with red hair and one arm? Here’s six of ’em!” But for an Asian character, there were startlingly fewer options, and with each of them, something was off. Some had the right look but didn’t have comedy chops. Others were too young or old. We even debated changing the character to an Asian woman, but a week before shooting began, Kelvin Yu, an actor from Los Angeles, sent in an audition over YouTube and got the part. So I get it: Sometimes you’re in a jam. Every time I’ve played a part that required stunts, they’ve been done by a

white stuntman who has had to brown up. In those cases, the ethics didn’t seem quite as dubious. Training an Indian to do the stunts wasn’t practical, and a stuntman is not mocking Indian people; he’s tricking people into thinking it’s me, a real Indian. (If there is a heartbroken Indian stuntman reading this now: Dude, I’m so sorry, and you really need to get a better stunt agent.) But I still wonder if we are trying hard enough. Even though I’ve sold out Madison Square Garden as a standup comedian and have appeared in several films and a TV series, when my phone rings, the roles I’m offered are often defined by ethnicity and often require accents. Sure, things are moving in the right direction with “Empire” and “Fresh Off the Boat.” But, as far as I know, black people and Asian people were around before the last TV season. And whatever progress toward diversity we are making, the percentage of minorities playing lead roles is still painfully low. (The numbers for women are depressing as well.) In 2013, according to a recent report produced by the Ralph J. Bunche Center for African American Studies at U.C.L.A., only 16.7 percent of lead film roles went to minorities. Broadcast TV was worse, with only 6.5 percent of lead roles going to nonwhites in the 2012-13 season. In cable, minorities did better, getting 19.3 percent of the roles. For me, as a modern American consumer, these numbers come as zero surprise. Here’s a game to play: When you look at posters for movies or TV shows, see if it makes sense to switch the title to “What’s Gonna Happen to This White Guy?” (“Forrest Gump,” “The Martian,” “Black Mass”) or if there’s a woman in the poster, too, “Are These White People Gonna Have Sex With Each Other?” (“Casablanca,” “When Harry Met Sally,” “The Notebook”). Even at a time when minorities account for almost 40 percent of the American population, when Hollywood wants an “everyman,” what it really wants is a straight white guy. But a straight white guy is not every man. The “everyman” is everybody. When we were looking for an Asian actor for “Master of None,” my fellow creator, Alan Yang, asked me: “How many times have you seen an Asian guy kiss someone in TV or film?” After a long hard think, we came up with two (Steven Yeun on “The Walking Dead” and Daniel Dae Kim on “Lost”). It made me realize how important it was not to give up on our search. But I wouldn’t be in the position to do any of this, and neither would Alan, unless some straight white guy, in this case Mike Schur, had given us jobs on “Parks and Recreation.” Without that opportunity, we wouldn’t have developed the experience necessary to tell our stories. So if you’re a straight white guy, do the industry a solid and give minorities a second look. And to anyone worried that it may be “weird” to cast someone who looks a certain way to play a certain part, because it’s not what people are used to, I say: Arnold Schwarzenegger. It’s true. Arnold Schwarzenegger is an unsung pioneer for minority actors. Look at “The Terminator”: There had to be someone who heard his name tossed around for the role and thought: Wait, why would the robot have an Austrian accent? No one’s gonna buy that! We gotta get a robot that has an American accent! Just get a white guy from the States. Audiences will be confused. Nope. They weren’t. Because, you know what? No one really cares. Aziz Ansari, a writer, stand-up comedian and actor, is a creator of the Netflix series “Master of None.”

Myanmar: former junta 'crony' sees business as usual Hnin Yadana Zaw and Antoni Slodkowski

Reuters

ung San Suu Kyi's landslide election win might be bad news for Myanmar businessmen like construction magnate Khin Shwe, who lost his parliament seat and remains barred from doing business with U.S. nationals due to his ties to the former junta. Or maybe not. Sitting comfortably on a beige leather sofa in his plush Yangon office next to a large portrait of himself, Khin Shwe says he is in a pole position to team up with the global investors who will be lured by Suu Kyi's clean image and a renewed reform push. "When the investments come in, there is no one else apart from us, the 'cronies', who will be able to work on the same level as the foreign investors," Khin Shwe told Reuters, in a rare interview with an international media organisation. Myanmar's junta ceded power in 2011 to President Thein Sein's semi-civilian government, beginning a reform drive that delivered record foreign investment and improvements in key sectors of the economy. Four years on, however, Myanmar's telecoms, tourism, construction and banking sectors are still largely in the hands of some 20 wealthy and well-connected families with ties to military-backed enterprises. A new influx of investment could boost their coffers, making it harder for start-ups and nimbler competitors to grow and compete and ensuring many of the old order maintain their sway over large sections of the economy even after their political representation in parliament was all but wiped out. Khin Shwe, who lost a battle for re-election to parliament on the ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) ticket, is on a U.S. blacklist due to his ties with Khin Nyunt, a once-feared former intelligence chief and prime minister. But, after staking a part of his foreign policy legacy on supporting Myanmar's democratic transition, U.S. President Barack Obama may now ease some of the remaining sanctions. Sat behind a desk cluttered with golden statues and surrounded by certificates of charitable activities, Khin Shwe said he expected sanctions to be relaxed. "If they keep the sanctions on the people, who will they form joint ventures with when they come in?" he said. "The investors can't come and negotiate with a street vendor over business. They have to remove us from the blacklist." STRONG GROWTH SEEN With Western investors mostly on the sidelines, companies from Asia have led the charge into Myanmar, boosting foreign direct investment to $8 billion in fiscal 2014/15, more than five times the flows recorded just two years earlier.

Khin Shwe, Chairman of Zaykabar Company, poses for photo after an interview with Reuters in his office in Yangon on November 12, 2015. (Reuters Photo)

That may now accelerate after the clear mandate for change delivered in the Nov. 8 election, the first free poll in a quarter of a century. "Many investors slowed down investments before the election," said Thitipong Tangpoonphonvivat, CEO of Thai-based General Engineering Pcl, which is building a steel pipe factory in Myanmar with Millcon Steel to capitalise on expected demand for infrastructure projects. "But after the election, there is more clarity about the political picture that reflects Myanmar is willing to open the country. We can see strong growth in GDP and trade numbers." The handful of Western multinationals that have set up in Myanmar include PepsiCo Inc, Coca-Cola and GE, which are working with local distribution partners. More may soon follow. To be sure, many potential investors are uncertain about Suu Kyi's economic policies. Thant Zin Tun, executive director of Carlsberg Myanmar and director of LOTTE MGS Beverage Co, producer of Pepsi in Myanmar, said there were also concerns about the lack of business experience in her team. "She will work with her own organisation, she will work with her own administration, she will work with the top management people," he said. "But I just want to know, how many does she have?" Still, Sean Turnell, an expert on Myanmar's economy at Sydney's Macquarie University, thinks Suu Kyi's decisive win that allows her to govern without needing to build coalitions will have a "hugely" positive impact. "This is someone who is very Western-minded, very much attached to the rule of law, sound institutions,

property rights and all that and she's calling the shots now," said Turnell, who also informally advises Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) on economic policy. "This brings stability that would be favourable exactly for that kind of investor who stayed on the sidelines until now." BUILDING BRIDGES Khin Shwe's Zaykabar Ltd conglomerate reported about $20 million in profits last year and opened a new office tower in Yangon about a month before the election. Apart from owning a prime real estate portfolio, Zaykabar runs the upmarket Karaweik Palace - a gold-painted barge that dominates a lake at the heart of Yangon and was the restaurant of choice for Myanmar's generals during the junta years. Khin Shwe is related by marriage to former USDP boss Shwe Mann, who was purged by President Thein Sein in August, and the two men have close business ties. Like Shwe Mann, Khin Shwe is now distancing himself from the outgoing president, who he says became "afraid of the cronies", and is seeking to build bridges with the democracy champion, calling her "A ma gyi" or "Big Sister". "This is an outcome vital for correcting our poor image as an investment destination. Everybody around the world knows her face, so we can't miss this opportunity," said Khin Shwe. "That's why I put my trust in Aung San Suu Kyi. I am genuinely happy that the NLD is forming the new government."

An Opportunity We Cannot Afford to Miss in the Americas Hervé Verhoosel

Inter Press Service

n issue mostly associated with Africa and Asia, malaria may not initially come to mind when we think of the Americas. It has been over 60 years since the United States was declared malaria-free, and many countries in the region have made great strides against the disease in recent years, largely making malaria either a thing of the past or an irrelevant topic of discussion. Yet, as we mark the 9th annual Malaria Day in the Americas on November 6, an estimated 120 million people in the region are at risk of malaria. With so many of these countries nearing elimination targets, we must use this occasion to reflect on the lessons we’ve learned and recommit ourselves to pushing this disease out of the Americas once and for all. With just weeks left under the Unied Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and a newly adopted 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to take its place, there’s no better time than now. Since 1998, when the Roll Back Malaria (RBM) Partnership was founded, 100 countries worldwide have become free from malaria, over six million malaria-related deaths have been averted and the MDG target for malaria has been achieved and in some cases even surpassed. This is thanks to global investments – including from regional donors like the US President’s Malaria Initiative and the Canadian government – as well as multilateral mechanisms like the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Latin America is no exception to this unprecedented progress. Technical leadership by the the World Health Organisation’s Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and political commitment has helped scale-up interventions that have reduced malaria-related deaths by nearly 78 per cent between 2000 and 2013. Next year, Argentina may become the second country in the Western Hemisphere to be certified malaria-free – and Costa Rica, El Salvador, Ecuador and Paraguay are not far behind, making the region closer to achieving malaria elimination than ever before. With the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – including a target to eliminate malaria by 2030 –, we must build on our achievements so that we can save lives and unlock potential in communities across the region. To answer this call, WHO and the RBM Partnership have developed their respective Global Technical Strategy for Malaria 2016–2030 (GTS) and Action and Investment to Defeat Malaria 2016–2030 – toward a malaria-free world (AIM), which together provide a forward-looking, complementary framework to tailor local strategies and mobilize action and resources to achieve elimination in the next 15 years. First launched in July at the Third Annual Financing for Development Conference in Addis Abba by the UN Secretary General and several heads of states, this vision will be presented next week at the Ministers of Health meeting in Brazil. But ambition and strategic vision alone will not carry us across the finish line. We must also ensure the financial underpinning required to deliver on the promise of malaria elimination our leaders have made in the SDGs – something which experts estimate will cost more than 100 billion dollars. While total international and domestic financing for malaria peaked at 2.7 billion dollars in 2013, current figures show a significant gap in much-needed funding. In Latin America alone – a region positioned to lead the way in global elimination efforts – funding for malaria has decreased from 214 million to 140 million dollars between 2011 and 2013. Staying on track will require increased financing by the international donor community, as well as increased domestic financing by affected countries. It won’t be cheap, but our front-loaded investment is paltry compared to the consequences of not investing now. With malaria showing signs of resurgence in places like Venezuela, Guyana and Haiti, largely due to cross-border migration and patchy surveillance systems, a failure to act now places our achievements in jeopardy and threatens broader development efforts of the region. Beyond being morally compelling, investing in malaria is a solid economic investment. If the financial targets outlined in the AIM are met, nearly 3 billion malaria cases globally will be averted and over 10 million lives saved. These are not simply numbers; they are people that fill classrooms and form a healthy workforce capable of returning more than an estimated 4 trillion dollars of additional economic between 20162030. As we move forward, with our eyes on the finish line, governments in the region must continue – and even increase – their commitment to malaria control, including through multi-sectoral and cross-border collaborations like the Mesoamerica Malaria Elimination Initiative, the Malaria Champions of the Americas and the Amazon Malaria Initiative. The private sector also has a role to play, through continued investment in their employees and their communities of operation. Expanded efforts will not only help save lives and decrease financial burden to societies and governments, they will also drive regional trade and tourism. As we join together to commemorate the last Malaria Day in the Americas before transitioning to a post-2015 era, let us remember that we are not malaria-free until we are all free of malaria, and achieving this is critical to achieving the broader development targets set by the SDGs. We have the tools and knowledge, and now with the GTS and AIM, we are able to learn from past lessons, build on our successes and come together – across borders and sectors – to finally and sustainably achieve malaria elimination.

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.

FridAY 20â&#x20AC;˘11â&#x20AC;˘2015

INDIA

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

scam: Calcutta HC cancels Global fight against TB hinges on Saradha ex-minister's bail, orders surrender India stepping up funding: WHO

NEW DELHI, NovEmbEr 19 (rEutErs): India is critical to the global fight to end an epidemic of tuberculosis by 2030 and must step up funding to control the disease, the World Health Organisation said, citing concerns over broader cutbacks in government health programmes. India is the world's TB hotspot as it accounts for 23 percent of global cases and the most deaths - 220,000 last year - from the bacterial lung disease that spreads through coughs and sneezes. Campaigners blame the deaths on weak infection controls, poor oversight and low health spending. Still, India's TB programme reduced the prevalence of the disease by more than half to 211 cases per 100,000 people from 1990 to 2013. "India is a positive, successful story up to a certain point. From now on, that positive story won't be sufficient and they'll need to do more," Mario Raviglione, director of the WHO's TB programme, said in a telephone interview from Geneva. "When you have a government that cut money to health, you cannot be satisfied. This is a major gap that has to be fixed." Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been facing criticism for keeping a tight leash on social outlays - the government last year cut the federal health budget by 20 percent citing underutilisation of funds. An internal assessment report in July showed India's TB programme was off track due to funding problems - New Delhi ap-

Jotindra Singh, 65, suffering from Tuberculosis (TB) waits for his free treatment outside a medical centre in Siliguri. (Reuters File Photo)

proved $243 million for TB control during 2012-2015, lower than the requested $432 million. A health ministry official denied current shortages, but said the government is assessing how much additional funding would be needed to achieve the 2030 TB target, which he said was ambitious. Other countries facing significant tuberculosis risk include Indonesia and China.

DAUNTING TASK Combating TB is a daunting task in India due to widespread insanitary conditions, poverty and a lack of public hospitals. Low public awareness and social stigma attached to the killer disease also hinder eradication efforts. India also needs to upgrade laboratories to better detect the disease - the government last year tracked down 25,000 of the WHO's estimat-

ed 47,000 multi-drug resistant TB cases that, Raviglione said, was "not sufficient" but better than before. TB killed 1.1 million people globally last year, for the first time rivalling HIV/AIDS as a leading cause of death from infectious diseases. "If India doesn't invest on TB, then there will be very little progress at the global level," said Raviglione.

koLkAtA, NovEmbEr 19 (IANs): Weeks after a lower court granted bail to Trinamool Congress lawmaker and Saradha scam accused Madan Mitra, the Calcutta High Court on Thursday cancelled the relief and directed the politico to surrender. A division bench of Justices Nishita Mhatre and Tapash Mookherjee allowed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) plea for cancellation of the bail. "The CBI's plea is allowed," said the court before a packed house, as Mitra's supporters, including his two sons, looked crestfallen. In pursuance of the court order, Mitra subsequently appeared before the court of Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate in Alipore to surrender. With the high court's order yet to reach the Alipore court, the formalities were yet to be completed late into Thursday evening. While the opposition parties welcomed the verdict, Mitra commented that "court always metes out justice". The bail cancellation came a day after Mitra quit as West Bengal's transport and sports minister, apparently to blunt the CBI's argument that his continuation in the cabinet was proof of his immense influence, despite being indicted and jailed in the multicrore-rupee scam. The CBI on Wednesday pleaded that Mitra, being an influential person, might hinder investigation and tamper with evidence if not kept in custody. Mitra was granted bail by a lower court on October 31, after his plea was rejected multiple times by courts, including the Calcutta High Court. The Trinamool leader got the relief nearly 11 months after his arrest on December 12 last year. The CBI on November 3 had moved the high court for bail cancellation, contending that the lower court order suffered from "illegality, perversity and arbitrariness". On November 5, a vacation division bench ordered Mitra to be kept in house confinement till the disposal

of the matter. Pressing for cancellation of bail, CBI counsel K. Raghavacharyulu said the lower court, while granting bail to the politician, "did not reflect on the changed circumstances" which prompted it to grant the relief when the high court itself had rejected Mitra's bail petition. During the hearing, the counsel repeatedly pointed to Mitra's stay in a VVIP suite of the government-run SSKM Hospital for the major part of his incarceration period, to reflect on Mitra being an "influential person". Opposing the CBI's contentions, Mitra's lawyer S.K. Kapoor said the prosecution could not provide any evidence of Mitra either interfering in the investigation or tampering with the evidence. He also argued that his client was indicted in only one of the five charge sheets filed by the probe agency so far. "When they have filed so many charge sheets, what is the need for his further detention?" he asked, and accused the CBI of indulging in a "pick-and-choose" policy. Kapoor said the agency did not appeal against the cancellation of the bail given to co-accused Sandhir Agarwal, who was also granted the relief on the same day as Mitra. The CBI counsel said the process had been initiated to seek cancellation of Agarwal's bail. Allowing the CBI plea, the bench observed that the lower court "should have exercised caution" while granting the bail. With the court ordering cancellation of bail, Kapoor requested that Mitra be allowed to remain in house confinement on medical grounds and sought a week's time to surrender. But the court declined. On his way to Alipore court to surrender, Mitra said: "Can court do injustice? Court always metes out justice. "I am yet to receive the court's order. But since I have seen it on TV, I am going to surrender to abide by the court order," said Mitra.

50 UP districts Cow protection law comes Abolishing Planning Commission has been harmful for India: Manmohan Singh declared drought-hit into force in Haryana Slaughter may attract up to 10 yrs in jail HAryANA, NovEmbEr 19 (PtI): Haryana's cow protection law has come into force with effect from Thursday after President Pranab Mukherjee's assent, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said here while praising three Muslim legislators for supporting the Bill in the Assembly. With the issuance of notification of the Bill on Thursday, cow slaughter in Haryana will now attract a rigorous imprisonment ranging from three years to 10 years. "The Gauvansh Sanrakshan and Gausamvardhan Bill has come into force from Thursday," Khattar said. On the occasion of 'Gopasthami', the chief minister formally released the notification of the Bill during a function. Addressing the gathering, Khattar said,"The Bill was passed unanimously by all 90 members of Assembly including three Muslim legislators who hail from Mewat." He said that people belonging to Muslim community have also appreciated the cow protection law passed by the Assembly in

March this year and assured to provide every possible help in its implementation. "Many people of Muslim community claim that their ancestors were 'Yadhuvanshis' as they used to rear cows. In this direction, a Muslim gaushala has also been set up in Mewat," he said. The chief minister said that Bhani Ram Mangla has been appointed the Chairman of 'Gau Seva Aayog' which has become functional from today. Mangla belongs to Mewat. Khattar urged the people residing in urban areas that if they are unable to rear cows in their houses then they could ask their relatives living in rural areas to rear an extra cow on their account, according to an official release. Notably, under the provisions of the new law, cow trafficking, slaughtering and eating beef are banned in the state. For "protection and upkeep" of cows, Haryana Assembly had in March this year passed the Bill which clamps a complete ban on cow slaughter in the state and provides for a rigor-

ous imprisonment ranging from three years to ten years for killing the animal. Khattar said the Haryana government has implemented several schemes to promote cow rearing in the state. Under these schemes, grant up to 50 per cent was given for setting up mini dairy with minimum five cows and incentive ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 was being given for rearing indigenous cows. On the occasion, the Chief Minister announced to give Rs 11 lakh to Shri Krishna Gaushala out of his discretionary funds. Shankaracharya Swami Divyanand Teerthji and Mahamandaleshwar, Gyananand Maharaj also spoke on this occasion. Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment and BJP MP from Faridabad, Krishan Pal Gurjar, MLA of Gharaunda Harwinder Kalyan, Karnal Mayor Renu Bala Gupta, former Union Minister of State for Home, I D Swami and other dignitaries were also present on this occasion.

India has 60.4 pc people without access to toilet: Study kocHI, NovEmbEr 19 (PtI): Around 60 per cent of Indians do not have access to safe and private toilets, a new study has claimed. A report titled 'It's No Joke - State of the World's Toilets' by WaterAid states that "If all 774 million people in India waiting for household toilets were made to stand in a line, the queue would stretch from Earth to the moon and beyond." According to the study released on the occasion of World Toilet Day today, the world's second most populous nation has 60.4% of its people without access to safe and private toilets. "Since 1990, access has improved by 22.8 percentage points, putting India at seventh out of eight countries for improvement in South Asia. In South Asia, Nepal has seen the most improvement, followed by Pakistan and Bhutan," the report stated. Noting that the resulting health crisis is a serious matter, the report said that more than 140,000 children younger than five years die each year in India due to diarrhea. "Nearly 40 per cent of India's children are stunted; this will affect both their life chances and the future pros-

perity of India. India also has high rates of maternal and newborn mortality linked to sepsis," the report said. The equipment necessary to prevent infection during and after child birth is simple and inexpensive, but requires clean water and soap along with clean surroundings, which are difficult to achieve in an environment contaminated by open defecation and without good hygiene practices such as handwashing with soap by clinic staff and midwives, it said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given the sanitation issue a top political priority, and last year launched Swachh Bharat (Clean India) Mission. Commenting on Swachh Bharat, which aims to ensure a toilet for every household by 2019 and to educate people about the long-term health and economic benefits of using a a proper sanitation system, the report said that "by simply building the toilets won't be enough." "What will be absolutely crucial is getting local, state and national government to make this a priority, and creating the cultural shift that will ensure that once the toilets are built, they are used by everyone," it added.

NEW DELHI, NovEmbEr 19 (PtI): Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said that the country's economic policy has "no sense of direction" after the Modi government decided to scrap the Planning Commission. Singh also dismissed as "malicious" propaganda that no development had taken place during previous Congress regimes. "Economic policy has no sense of direction and this is largely because Planning Commission, with all its deficiencies....was a positive dynamic instrument of steering the country's economy," Singh, known as the architect of economic reforms in the country, said. He was speaking at the inauguration of a National Convention here organised by the Indian Youth Congress on the occasion of Indira Gandhi's 98th birth anniversary. Singh asked his party workers to tell peo-

ple how government's decision to abolish the planning body has been "harmful" for the country. The senior Congress leader said that as Indira Gandhi followed Jawaharlal Nehru's path of planned development, she always emphasised the need of Planning Commission for a country as diverse as India and one which faced multifarious challenges. Recalling her contribution in various fields, including the Green revolution and the birth of Bangladesh, he said that Indira Gandhi believed that the plan body was necessary to address the development needs of all the parts of the country with a strong sense of vision and commitment. Singh dubbed as "malicious" propaganda that nothing was done for the development of the country during the Congress regimes, including those of Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi.

LuckNoW, NovEmbEr 19 (IANs): As many as 50 of the 75 Uttar Pradesh districts have been declared drought-hit, an official said on Thursday. The revenue collections in the affected districts would remain suspended till March 31, 2016, the official added. The decision was taken by Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav after assessing detailed district-wise report of the drought situation. Among the districts declared drought-hit are Faizabad, Jhansi, Sant Ravidasnagar, Lucknow, Allahabad, Mirzapur, Ballia and Ghaziabad. Extensive relief measures have been ordered by the chief minister and departments like irrigation, rural development, panchayati raj, agriculture, social welfare, institutional finance, animal husbandry and health have been asked to execute special schemes to mitigate the problems faced by farmers in these areas, a government official told IANS.

Sheena BoRa caSe: cBI nabs ex-media tycoon Peter Mukerjea mumbAI, NovEmbEr 19 (IANs): In a dramatic development, the CBI here on Thursday evening arrested former media tycoon Peter Mukerjea in connection with the murder of his stepdaugther Sheena Bora. Peter -- the husband of one of the three prime accused and Sheena's mother Indrani Mukerjea -- was picked up from his Worli residence by a Central Bureau of Investigation team on Thursday evening and taken to the CBI office in south Mumbai. Peter, the fourth accused in the case so far, is a former CEO of Star Group, and has been charged with criminal conspiracy in the sensa-

tional murder case. Arrested on August 25, Indrani is currently in CBI custody along with two other prime accused -her ex-husband Sanjeev Khanna and her former driver Shyamwar Rai. The CBI earlier on Thursday had filed a charge sheet against Indrani, Khanna and Rai in a Mumbai magistrate court. Peter is likely to be produced before a court on Friday morning with the CBI expected to seek his remand for custodial interrogation. In fast-paced developments during the day, the CBI lodged a FIR against Peter, making him the

fourth prime accused in the case which the central agency is probing since mid-September. The sudden arrest has come as an embarrassment for Mumbai police which had questioned him repeatedly after the murder case broke out in late August. Earlier, there were allegations of Peter's 'close proximity' to certain police officials, and several discrepancies in his statements to the investigators. Though the real motives behind Sheena's killing are as yet unclear, speculation revolves around suspected financial and property dealings in various parts of India

and even abroad. Officials hint that the latest development points to possible links between Peter and the other three accused in the case. According to investigators, Sheena, 24, an employee with a private company in Mumbai, was strangulated in a car on the night of April 24, 2012. Her body was taken in the vehicle to an isolated spot in the forests near Gagode village in adjacent Raigad district, around 80 km south of Mumbai. The accused trio poured petrol over the body, set it afire and dumped the halfburnt remains in the thick bushes from where it was found on May 23, a month later, by a local villager.

Sonia, Rahul tear into Modi government NEW DELHI, NovEmbEr 19 (IANs): Congress president Sonia Gandhi and her son and party vice president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday hit out at the government as well as the BJP and RSS, as she accused the Modi government of pursuing "communal and divisive politics". Both were addressing a convention of the Indian Youth Congress here to mark the 98th birth anniversary of former prime minister Indira Gandhi. While Sonia Gandhi accused the government of "systematically working to dismantle the legacy of the Congress", Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of targeting him through his cronies and said there was no truth in the allegations levelled against him. "I want to say one thing, Modi-ji, you have got agencies. Show your 56-inch chest. Get investigations done. If you get anything in six months, put me in jail. The

muck that you are throwing at me, at my family... send me to jail if I have done any wrong," he said to cheers from an enthusiastic gathering. His reaction came in the wake of BJP leader Subramanian Swamy's allegation regarding his nationality. Accusing the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of throwing muck at him and his family, the Congress vice president said he was not afraid of either the BJP nor its ideological mentor. "I will fight for (the rights of ) the farmers, for the labourers," he said, adding that he would continue to expose the government's failures. BJP leader Subramanian Swamy on Monday claimed that Rahul Gandhi had declared himself a British citizen in the registration papers of a private company in London. Swamy said Gandhi should be stripped of Indian citizenship and that he had

written lettters to Modi and Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan in this regard. Rahul Gandhi cited instances from Indira Gandhi's life, including her role in bringing together Hindus and Muslims during Partition days, and said the party had to follow in her footsteps. "On one hand, there are people from the RSS, who pit one against the other and on the other hand is the Congress which connects people together," he said. He referred to the Youth Congress tributes to Indira Gandhi through the slogan of 'Maa tujhe salaam (Mother, we salute you)'. Rahul Gandhi spoke of the RSS and the banned Student Islamic Movement of India in the same breath, saying there were fanatics on both sides and "they are giving a bad name to all of us". Apparently enthused by the Congress performance in Bihar assembly elections,

he said the BJP felt it would sweep the polls but the sweep happened on the other side. Reaching out to the senior party leaders, Rahul Gandhi said the Congress needs to match experience of elder leaders with the youth's energy and his role was to facilitate this. Sonia Gandhi, in her speech, made a stinging attack on the Modi government and said its ideology shunned pursuit of secularism. "Today, when we see the ruling establishment pursuing communal and divisive politics and follow policies that favour the few and the powerful, when we see their ideology that shuns secularism, tolerance and inclusion, when the spokespersons of its agenda make blatantly partisan appeals to obtain votes, Indira-ji's values acquire even greater importance," Sonia Gandhi said. Sonia Gandhi also attacked the RSS, saying the "present government and its

masters who exercise their control from behind the scenes, are systematically working to dismantle the legacy of the Congress, to rewrite our history, to negate all that Nehru, Indira-ji and all our leaders have achieved". "We will not allow them to succeed. Our party's history is intimately linked with the history of our country," she said. She said the Youth Congress is the first forum through which the leaders of the future come into the Congress. She said Indira Gandhi was dedicated to ensuring national unity while being fiercely proud and protective of its many diversities and was an "an inspiration to all of us". "From the heights of success to the lows of defeat, only to rise again to greater heights, her life teaches us that with courage, dedication and determination even the most difficult obstacles can be overcome," the Congress president said.

FridaY 20•11•2015

WORLD

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Suspected mastermind of Paris attacks killed in raid PARIs, NOvembeR 19 (ReuteRs): The suspected mastermind of last week’s Paris attacks was killed in the police raid of an apartment north of the capital, French officials said on Thursday. Abdelhamid Abaaoud, a 28-year-old Belgian militant who had boasted of mounting attacks in Europe for the Islamic State, was accused of orchestrating last Friday’s coordinated bombings and shootings in the French capital, which killed 129 people. “It was his body we discovered in the building, riddled with bullets,” a statement from the Paris prosecutor said, a day after the pre-dawn raid. The prosecutor later added that it was unclear whether Abaaoud had detonated a suicide belt. Prime Minister Manuel Valls broke the news in Parliament to applause from lawmakers who were voting on Thursday to extend the country’s state of emergency for another three months. “We know today ... that the mastermind of the attacks - or one of them, let’s remain cautious - was among those dead,” Valls told reporters. Confirmation that Abaaoud was in Paris will focus more attention on European security services, who ahead of Friday’s attacks had thought he was still in Syria. “This is a major failing,” said Roland Jaquard at the International Observatory for Terrorism. Early on Wednesday morning, investigations led police to the house where Abaaoud was holed up in the Paris suburb of St. De-

French PM says chemical warfare risk not ruled out

Abaaoud fled Belgium for Syria and had become an ISIS executioner, recruiter and trainer and was one of the world’s most wanted men.

nis. Heavily armed officers stormed the building before dawn, triggering a massive firefight and multiple explosions. Officials had said on Wednesday that two people were killed in the raid, including a female suicide bomber who blew herself up. Forensic scientists were trying to determine whether a third person had died. Eight people were arrested. Two police sources and a source close to the investigation told Reuters the St. Denis cell had been planning a fresh attack on Paris’s La Defense business district. A source close to the investigation said the female bomber who was killed might have been Abaaoud’s cousin. Investigators believe the attacks - the deadliest in France since World War

Two - were set in motion in Syria, with Islamist cells in neighbouring Belgium organising the mayhem. The victims came from 17 different countries, many of them young people out enjoying themselves at bars, restaurants, a concert hall and a soccer stadium near where Wednesday’s police raid took place. Islamic State, which controls swathes of territory in Syria and Iraq, has claimed responsibility, saying the attacks were in retaliation for French air raids against their positions over the past year. France has called for a global coalition to defeat the extremists and has launched air strikes on Raqqa, the defacto Islamic State capital in northern Syria, since the weekend. Russia has also targeted the city in retribu-

tion for the downing of a Russian airliner last month that killed 224. The Russian air force on Wednesday carried out a “mass strike” on Islamic State positions around Syria, including Raqqa, Russian news agencies reported. INTERNATIONAL COORDINATION Paris and Moscow are not coordinating their air strikes in Syria, but French President Francois Hollande is due to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Nov. 26 to discuss how their countries’ militaries might work together. Two days before that, Hollande will meet in Washington with U.S. President Barack Obama to discuss the role of a U.S.-led coali-

China vows justice after IS executes Chinese captive beIJING, NOvembeR 19 (ReuteRs): China vowed on Thursday to bring to justice those responsible for executing one of its citizens after Islamic State said it had killed a Chinese captive, the only known Chinese hostage to have been held by the group. Islamic State said it had killed a Chinese and Norwegian captive, showing pictures of what appeared to be the dead men under a banner reading “Executed” in the latest edition of its English-language online magazine, Dabiq. It did not give any details in the magazine, published on Wednesday, about how, when or where the men were killed. In a brief statement, China’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the man’s identify for the first time, naming him as Fan Jinghui, saying he had been “cruelly murdered”. It said in September one of its citizens appeared to be in Islamic State captivity. Beijing had activated an emergency mechanism to try and rescue him, but he was still killed in a “cold-blooded way”, the ministry said. It gave no details on how they might have extracted him. “The Chinese government strongly condemns this savage act devoid of humanity and will

certainly bring the criminals to justice,” the statement said. “The Chinese government will resolutely oppose all forms of terrorism and resolutely strike at any violent terrorist criminal activities that defy the bottom lines of human culture,” it added, noting Beijing would strengthen anti-terrorism cooperation with the international community. Chinese President Xi Jinping, visiting Manila for a regional summit, said he strongly condemned the killing. The militant group had previously identified Fan as a 50-year-old freelance consultant from Beijing. The state-run Beijing News said Fan was probably a former advertising executive who had once lived in a western suburb of Beijing, but that his company shut down in 2003. It said it had found an advertising firm registered to Fan in western Beijing. Security officials stood guard outside the low-rise building on Thursday and stopped a Reuters reporter from entering.“He was just a normal person. I didn’t really know him when he lived here but there was nothing special about him,” said one resident, who gave her family name as Zhang. It is unclear why Fan went to

PARIs, NOvembeR 19 (ReuteRs): France could face the risk of chemical or bacterial warfare in its fight against Islamist militants, French Prime Minister Manuel Valls said on Thursday. “We must not rule anything out. I say it with all the precautions needed. But we know and bear in mind that there is also a risk of chemical or bacteriological weapons,” Valls told parliament. “The macabre imagination of the masterminds is limitless,” he said in a speech in the lower house of parliament meant to gain approval to an extension of the state of emergency.

the Middle East. Chinese workers in Africa and Pakistan have been held hostage before. China has repeatedly denounced Islamist militants and urged the world to step up coordination in combating Islamic State, though it has been reluctant to get involved on the ground in Syria and Iraq where the group largely operates. Chinese officials say the country faces a severe threat from Islamist separatists in its western Xinjiang region, where violence has left hundreds dead over the past three years. The government says some Uighurs have gone to fight with radical groups in the Middle East. Western nations have been reluctant to cooperate in China’s campaign in Xinjiang, nervous about being implicated in possible human rights abuses. China denies rights abuses in Xinjiang. Since last week’s attacks in Paris, Chinese state media has lambasted Western countries for their “double standards” on terrorism. Influential state-run tabloid the Global Times said on Thursday the West deserved no sympathy from China. “The West only recognises its own style of democracy and accepts only the terrorism it suffers,” it said in an editorial.

tion in any unified effort against Islamic State. France is one of several European countries participating in the U.S.-led coalition’s strikes against Islamic State targets in Iraq, and two months ago became the only European country to join strikes in Syria as well. Obama on Thursday reiterated the U.S. position that eradicating the group was tied up with ending the civil war in Syria, which could not happen as long as President Bashar al-Assad was in power. “Bottom line is, I do not foresee a situation in which we can end the civil war in Syria while Assad remains in power,” he told reporters in Manila on the sidelines of the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.

Bullets, bombs & body parts fly in violent French raid PARIs, NOvembeR 19 (ReuteRs): French police commandos fired more than 5,000 shots into an apartment near Paris on Wednesday during a raid against a heavily armed jihadist group that lasted 7 hours and turned the area into a war zone. The fighting was so intense that not only were the police unable to identify the bodies of the militants after they had finally entered the apartment, but they could not even determine whether 2 or 3 people had died during the assault. With forensic experts still scouring the building in the St. Denis suburb north of the capital, the Paris chief prosecutor and the police chief who leads the crack RAID commandos spoke of a complex operation that ran into problems from the word ‘go’. A contingent of 70 commandos, backed up by 40 other police, surrounded the building before dawn following a tip-off that Abdelhamid Abaaoud, a Belgian militant accused of masterminding last week’s attacks in Paris, might be hiding there. They stormed the property on Rue du Corbillon at 4:16 a.m. (0316 GMT), heading for an apartment on the third floor. “The security door didn’t give way when the first RAID (explosive) charges went off, which gave the terrorists time to prepare themselves,” prosecutor Francois Molins told reporters. Jean-Michel Fauvergue, the RAID chief, told Le Figaro newspaper that the trapped suspects had wheeled a heavy barricade in front of the door before opening fire on their assailants. “Hundreds of shots were exchanged. The terrorists even threw grenades,” he said, adding that the shooting became more sporadic after about 45 minutes. As quiet descended, a police attack dog was sent in to check for signs of life, but was shot dead. By that stage, police sharpshoot-

ers had positioned themselves so that they could see into all the windows and doors. One saw a militant and told him to raise his hands. He didn’t, Fauvergue said, so the order was given to shoot him. However, he was only wounded and continued to fire back. SPINAL CORD A women started to fire repeatedly and there was then a huge blast. Police said she had set off an explosive vest, but Molins said further analysis was needed to know how the vest detonated. “The windows overlooking the road shattered. Bits of a body, part of a spinal cord, fell onto one of our cars,” Fauvergue said. A source close to the investigation told Reuters they believed the woman was Abaaoud’s cousin. Firing continued from inside, so Fauvergue said police threw roughly 20 grenades, each containing 40 grams of explosives, into the apartment. They then tried to get robots with cameras into the shattered rooms, but there was too much rubble blocking their way. Realising that part of the floor had collapsed, they went down to the apartment below to push up probes. There they found a body that had fallen through the masonry. Molins said it was so riddled with bullets and shrapnel that it was impossible to carry out an identification. Returning to the third floor, police discovered two men hiding under laundry, who were arrested. In total, seven men and one woman were arrested in and around the building. With no more movement detected from inside, police finally entered the apartment. A judicial source said initial tests on body parts found in the apartment suggested that the DNA of three separate individuals was present, but further checks were needed. Five police were injured in the assault, none seriously.

UN committee rebukes Myanmar over treatment of Muslim minority uNIteD NAtIONs, NOvembeR 19 (ReuteRs): The United Nations General Assembly’s human rights committee on Wednesday criticized Myanmar for its treatment of the nation’s Muslim minority and urged the Southeast Asian country to change its citizenship rules to make Rohingya full citizens. Although many have lived in Myanmar for generations, the Rohingya minority in the country also known as Burma is not one of the 135 ethnic groups recognised under the country’s 1982 citizenship law and are thus entitled to only limited rights. The non-binding draft resolution, cosponsored by European nations, the Unit-

ed States and other Western states, was adopted by consensus during a meeting of the 193-nation assembly’s Third Committee, which focuses on human rights. The resolution said the assembly “reiterates its serious concern about the situation of the Rohingya in Rakhine State and of other minorities subject to marginalisation and instances of human rights violations and abuses.” It added that the assembly “calls upon the government of Myanmar to protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all individuals, including persons belonging to the Rohingya minority.” The resolution said Rohingya should have full

citizenship and related rights in Myanmar. The resolution also welcomed the positive developments in Myanmar, including political and economic reform and democratization. It called for bringing all institutions, including the military, under a civilian government with a fully elected parliament. The resolution will be put to another vote at a plenary session of the General Assembly next month. Myanmar’s U.N. Ambassador U Kyaw Tin told the committee his government opposed resolutions singling out individual countries. He also objected to the use of the term Rohingya, which he said was not an actual ethnic group.

Many children with cancer were born at risk: research HICAGO, NOvembeR 19 (ReuteRs): Gene sequencing of more than 1,000 children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer found that as many as 8.5 percent were born with genes that increase their risk of developing cancer, U.S. researchers said on Wednesday. Of the children with cancer risk genes, only 40 percent came from families with a known history of cancer, suggesting that family history was not a strong predictor of childhood cancers, the researchers reported in the New England Journal of Medicine. “This paper marks an important turning point in our un-

derstanding of pediatric cancer risk and will likely change how patients are evaluated,” Dr. James Downing of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, who worked on the study, said in a statement. Downing and colleagues said the findings make the case for comprehensive genetic sequencing of pediatric cancer patients, looking at both healthy tissue and tumor tissue. Such data could be used to manage a child’s care, and also to counsel other family members, including siblings, who may be at risk. In an editorial published in the same journal,

Dr. John Maris of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia said the study “provides firm ground on which to reconsider how to approach the pediatric patient with cancer.” In the study, researchers sequenced both tumor and normal tissues from 1,120 children with cancer and found that 8.5 percent had cancer risk genes within their normal tissue that increased their risk of developing cancer. By comparison, only about 1 percent of individuals in the general population carried those mutations. “Insurance companies often initially refuse to pay for this kind of genetic testing. However, this paper

shows the importance of genetic testing in childhood cancer,” said Dr. Jaime Vengoechea, a geneticist at Emory University who was not involved with the research. Richard Wilson of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, who contributed to the study, said experts have long suspected that many childhood cancers could be traced to a genetic predisposition, and now the findings confirm it. “Our results explain why children, who have not lived long enough to accumulate a critical number of cancer-causing mutations, can still develop cancer,” he said.

‘Schweppes bomb’ used to bring down Russian plane CAIRO, NOvembeR 19 (ReuteRs): Islamic State’s official magazine carried a photo on Wednesday of a Schweppes soft drink can it said was used to make an improvised bomb that brought down a Russian airliner over Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula last month, killing all 224 people on board. The photo showed a can of Schweppes Gold soft drink and what appeared to be a detonator and switch on a blue background, three simple components that if genuine are likely to cause concern for airline safety officials worldwide. “The divided Crusaders of the East and West thought themselves safe in their jets as they cowardly bombarded the Muslims of the Caliphate,” the English language Dabiq magazine said in reference to Russia and the West. “And so revenge was exacted upon those who felt safe in the cockpits.” Western governments have

said the Airbus A321 operated by Metrojet was likely brought down by a bomb and Moscow confirmed on Tuesday it had reached the same conclusion, but the Egyptian government said it has still not found evidence of criminal action. Explosives experts said it was feasible the device shown in the photo could bring down a plane, depending on where it was located and the density of explosives in the soft drink can. The most vulnerable locations include the fuel line, the cockpit or anywhere close to the fuselage skin. “The placement is the critical thing,” said Jimmie Oxley, a professor of chemistry who specialises in explosives at the University of Rhode Island. Oxley and other experts drew parallels with the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 by Libyan nationals over the Scottish town of Lockerbie in 1988. An investigation showed a palm-

sized explosive in a cassette recorder in a bag in the luggage hold had ripped a 50 centimetre hole in the fuselage and decompression caused the plane to break up in mid-air. The apparent similarities, the detonator and switch suggested the soda can device was on a timer, rather than operated by a suicide bomber, suggested a similar chain of events on the Russian airliner, some experts said. However, Clive Williams, a professor at the Australian National University’s Centre for Military and Security Law and a member of the International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators, said the use of a soda can raised questions about whether the device was included in the catering supply. Experts added that the photo could also provide a key clue in tracking Islamic State as the detonator pictured was a com-

mercial one, which could be traced back to its manufacturer. “TERRORIST ACTIVITY” State Department spokesman John Kirby said on Wednesday the U.S. government was not in a position to confirm “the veracity” of the magazine’s claim. “We do believe that terrorist activity is likely the reason,” he said, referring to the crash. Islamic State also published a photo of what it said were passports belonging to dead Russians “obtained by the mujahideen”. It was not immediately possible to verify the authenticity of the published photos. The group, which has seized large swathes of Syria and Iraq, said it had exploited a loophole at Sharm al-Sheikh airport, where the plane originated, in order to smuggle a bomb on board. The airport is widely used by budget and charter airlines to fly

A photo published in Islamic State magazine Dabiq shows a can of Schweppes Gold soft drink and what appeared to be a detonator and switch on a blue background. (Social Media)

tourists to the nearby resorts on down a plane belonging to a the Sinai coast. Islamic State said country participating in the U.S.it had initially planned to bring led coalition bombing it in Syria

and Iraq, but it changed course after Moscow started its own air strikes campaign in Syria. “A bomb was smuggled onto the airplane, leading to the deaths of 219 Russians and five other crusaders only a month after Russia’s thoughtless decision,” it said. Egypt’s interior minister told a news conference in Sharm al-Sheikh on Tuesday that there was “no information” about security lapses at the airport. Islamic State’s Egyptian branch, Sinai Province, claimed responsibility for the attack the day it happened but Egyptian officials were quick to dismiss talk of a bomb as premature. Alexander Bortnikov, the head of Russia’s FSB security service, said traces of foreignmade explosive had been found on fragments of the downed plane and on passengers’ personal belongings. He said the bomb probably contained around 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) of TNT.

FriDAY 20•11•2015

public discourse

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

VISION MOKOKCHUNG 2040 Free Press for a Position Paper No.2: What is your concept of “Mokokchung”? True Democracy W

he recent diktat on the media houses by the Assam Rifles sure have ruffled some feathers of every common Nagas who can read. In this age of modernity,news coverage, either in a visual or a print form has become almost of a necessity like the very air we breathe. Censoring of media to curb news releases and information from a banned outfit to control an insurgency sure does invite various questions and raises many eyebrow.Making mountains out of mole-hills are quite common for many national and regional counterparts but comparitively our local Medias are much different from their other counterparts. Biasness, partiality and one-sided coverage have been often much of a bench-mark of them, as well as creating a hype and sensationalizing many non significant issues are quiet common but in fact the Nagaland media are more of an impartial, straight and independent unlike them. This diktat reminds of the Vernacular Press Act imposed by the then British Governor General Lord Lytton in 1878 which is also known infamously as “The Gagging Act” in order to suppress the Indian National Movement after the Revolt of 1857 during the British Raj. But infact it only created more dissension and revolt from the masses. At the time the Vernacular Press Act was passed, there were thirty five vernacular papers in Bengal, including the Amrita Bazar Patrika, the editor of which was one Sisir Kumar Ghose. Sir Ashley Eden summoned him and offered to contribute to his paper regularly if he gave him final editorial approval. Ghose refused, and remarked that “there ought to be at least one honest journalist in the land.” Can we claim that we are the world’s largest democracy and an upholder of human rights if we try to resolve vulnerable and sensitve issues with an iron hand policies? Today we need a more responsible media and not just an armchair media. Medias today need to be transparent, accountable, judicious, fair and just. In conflict resolutions, the media have a very important role not only to play the role of information bearer but a bridge of communication between opposing parties, unfavorable groups and hostile camps. India being the world’s largest democracy, it is enshrined in the Indian constitution of Article 19, the freedom of speech and expression, of course with some reasonable restrictions being applied. The Assam Rifles maybe making their point by saying that the extortion demands, death threats etc. carried out by our local papers was a direct support to subversive acts against the public or the state but they are in no way tantamount to some sort of tacit support to the armed elements.Because the Naga people today know very well and have matured wisely enough over the last 60 years of this longrunning chronic insurgency that has hit the land and its people and knows what to accept and what not to, what to take in and what to throw no matter what the overgrounds, undergrounds or the middle grounds issues. Any reformation ,restoring and restructuring of our shattered and broken down structures in today’s world cannot happen without our media’s dissemination of information of relevant topics, important debates with positive outlook and outreach which will have a significant ,pertinent and applicable results for which in the long run will have an impact and yield a healthier society. It seems like the messenger or the bearer was beheaded by some crazy medieval despots just because the messenger brought him the news. It baffles a common man like me about the dynamics of present political bearings and rudders, as for an instance, Ceasefire is on but still killing goes on unabated, Peace Accord with a certain faction but full scale hostility towards some other factions, solution is said to be underway but harassment of common public, night raids, operations continues.On the other side, continuous harassment, extortions, threats from the underground outfits too never stops. Where will the common people go? Why AFSPA when GOI clearly time and again says that the Indo- Naga issue is not a military problem but a political issue and it cannot be solved militarily but through negotiations and peaceful dialogues? People

understand that these measures was a fallout after violent activities by the banned group on the security forces but unifying India cannot happen by dividing its people and when it plays the same divide and rule policy of the acquired bygone British legacy upon others. Of course, it doesn’t mean that we subscribe to the NPGs using violent activities which may have forced the GOI to take some drastic draconian measures but two wrongs can never make a right. Today the people are more confused as which one of them are the lesser or the greater evil. The only thing they yearn is peace and to be left alone in peace. The people of Nagaland have become confused, sandwiched and traumatized than ever before. With a militant terror on one side and a legal threat on the other,it is more of like caught between two hungry tigers. It is like standing between a devil and the deep blue sea, where both sides doesn’t seem to have any empathy or consideration for the common people. Either way, it sure is fatal,critical and suicidal. In a democracy, public opinion is one crucial element and an important factor to generate the working of any democratic process, growth and development of a progressive society and only a transparent and an impartial media can give a proper platform for these features . And public opinion can only be generated after a thorough analysis of any situation in a democracy by letting the people get to hear from every side. Contrasting and diverse views to accommodate space for healthy debates and opinions is vital for the press inorder to garner a sound public opinion on any crucial or sentive issues. The media today cannot just be an audience in the gallery but something that act in accordance to the given situation and brings a soultion in the problems that arises under different circumstances.So the people have every right to be informed and given a chance to opine,choose and take decisions,being a democracy. Releases of press statements by banned outfits can no way alter or regulate people’s minds anymore or like before as people today are much wiser and more sensible than before. The readers know exactly which one to digest and which one not to. Also when we have a democratically elected government, why should a paramilitary force take the role of a state executive?Medias have to meticulously examine critical issues which has ripple effects or undercurrents in a complex society beleagured by multiple problems. Let them in all their wisdom judiciously exercise it for a harmonious society in a true democratic spirit without undue interference because the Media reflects the pulse of the people in a democracy.An independent, fair and a transparent media reflects the image of a progressive society. Let us not hamper that image by coercing or suppressing them. The Assam Rifles who are known as Friends of the Hill People and Sentinels of the North- East should live up to its name rather than playing the big brother on people’s rights like a military state by applying bullying tactics on tenets of democratic norms and beliefs.Though the step of the Assam Rifles was to curb the unlawful activities of a banned organization, it has not gone down well with the media houses as well with the public too because it violates and tramples the very essence of our democratic principles and values which India espouse,endorse and advocates in the eyes of the whole world.So why contradict and reverse it? P.S: There are three sides of every story. Yours, theirs and the truth. So let two sides of the story be said and be concluded with the truth by giving the people a chance and the right to be informed. The writer is just a common man and is not a supporter of any particular group or a faction but believes firmly in the Naga Unity and also expects the Indian government to earnestly work out democratically in letter and in spirit of the Indo- Naga political imbroglio through peaceful means and not by using suppressive measures against the press which is the fourth pillar of democracy. Without this, democracy cannot survive and will perish. Jonah Achumi Middle Point, Dimapur.

hile Ao village republics were already well established as early as the 10th Century AD, the present Mokokchung Town area was still thickly covered by virgin forests and wild life. The first settlements were constructed during the 1880s, near the present Deputy Commissioner’s office complex area. In a field where millets were cultivated by some Mokokchung villagers, a barrack was first constructed at the site where the present Law College is located and the second barrack just adjacent to it. For its construction, the millet cultivation which were yet to be ripened for harvest, had to be removed – much to the regret of the farmers. But they sacrificed their millet fields for the start of the town. These few barracks were constructed within the jurisdiction of Mokokchung Village, from where the name of the Town was christened. From these two humble barracks, after 125 years, the town is where it is today – a sprawling vibrant hill station city, strategically located, a most conducive climate, a place which welcomed all peoples, and a place where its residents enjoy equal rights and privileges. A town, which has produced luminaries in almost all fields, a place which has produced a stream of new thoughts, ideas and inovation. We are proud of our Mokokchung and we love Mokokchung. Let us continue to carry the torch of justice, integrity, freedom and liberty, so that creative minds shall continue to bloom, where no imposition on the freedom of thought and living is imposed on any of its citizens or residents, by any community or groups. Today, what is your concept and understanding of “Mokokchung”? Is it just the few wards covered within the jurisdiction of the Municipal Council, or is it much more than just that? It is our belief that for “Mokokchung” to fully realize its true potential, the concept needs to be more than just the small town definition that it is today. Migration and emigration have been a common phenomena since time immemorial. The tendency to leave original homes is the outcome of so many “push” and “pull” factors. The hardships of rural life without modern amenities acted as the “push” factor

and Mokokchung town with relatively better opportunities and better economic interests, became a “pull” factor. The Town thus rapidly grew due to migration from the rural areas. However, the 1980s and 90s experienced a huge increase in emigration from the town due to several unfortunate “push” factors. Many early settlers of the town talk with nostalgia or with even a tinge of regret about this wave of emigration and about its “loss”. But we argue that this is not a “loss” but can be turned into a positive aspect for the town, as we create conducive conditions for their “return participation” for Mokokchung under various capacities and forms – with their resources, expertise, knowledge and experiences, creating a network. During 1961, the district’s population was 1,26,001 and the town population 6,158. By 1971 the town population increased to 17,423, a decadal growth of 182% (Ref: Development Plan of Mokokchung Urban Area 1971-1991, p.13 & 65). The town after a phase of rapid growth, saw some severe stagnation during the 1990s. However during the last decade, the pace of growth and expansion has picked up rapidly once again, and there is a spring of cautious optimism in the air. The town is now literally bursting at its seams, and unless urgent and adequate infrastructural support – roads, water and electricity, is created for its physical expansion, the town could end up “choking on its own breath”. Increase in size and population of the town is a positive aspect, and in fact a desired condition, for many reasons. Yet there are certain aspects that needs to be addressed during such expansions. One important aspect is to maintain the “quality of living” and the Carrying Capacity of the Town to sustain such a quality level. A certain area with its natural resources available in and around Mokokchung Town can support only so much of a population size. For instance, Water, Firewood, land etc. are some of the limiting resources. As mentioned earlier, when the first settlements were built, it was within the area of a single village. Now the town has spread across areas touching two more villages – Ungma and Khensa. Practically, it has also

become contagious to Chuchuyimpang village. These four villages thus have the strongest symbiotic connection with the town. Therefore, the progress and pace of its development, the quality of justice and integrity, the quality of free thinking etc. shall be largely influenced and impacted by the thoughts and actions of not only of its residents, but of the nearest surrounding villages too. Similarly, among other factors, the mindset, the level of conduciveness created by the nearest surrounding villages of Merangkong, Kangtsüng and Wameken, shall impact upon the pace and development of Tuli area. Likewise, Chuntiayimsen, Longphayimsen and Watiyim villages shall impact the development of Merangmen in Tzürangkong. We are mentioning Tuli and Tzürangkong because we are talking about Mokokchung in a larger perspective. Other than town expansion per se, we need satellite townships in Tuli and Tzürangkong areas much like the NCR region of New Delhi, which has grown to encompass Noida, Gurgoan, Faridabad etc. With proper road infrastructure, these feeder towns could be just an hour’s drive away. Only with a radical change of mindset of the people, can such townships develop to full potential. Only with such a synergy, a supporting ecosystem as a growth driver can be created to develop the town in terms of education, healthcare and business. It can also become a centre for Arts & Culture too. In today’s world, where sports has become a big enterprise, development of the town as a sports centre would also be a necessity. Based on the above few points, how do we see Mokokchung? Can Mokokchung exist and develop in isolation? Or does it need the ecosystem of the whole district and of the State as a whole? In what ways can the residents and the surrounding villages support the progress and development of the town, towards a modern township befitting the 21st Century? We thank the local media for the coverage. Please give us your views and feedback through the print media or on social media at www.facebook.com/groups/ilovemokokchung. You can also email us at moaaier@ gmail.com or akok_n@yahoo.co.in Mayangnokcha Award Trust

The plight of GHS Bura Namsang: An open letter to Director School Education

Sir,

Having indignation and pained on the sorry condition of Government High School Bura Namsang, I bring some grievances into your authority to kindly take necessary steps as possible in which the department has to deal upon That Sir, you may have not aware where this school is situated because of a remote far flung location or you might have aware because from time to time this school is brought in the limelight flash due to Nil results in the examinations conducted by NBSE. The school is being running without head & tail. There is no headmaster following the retirement of one in September 2014 when the assistant headmaster who was to take responsible for headmaster had already been transferred a year ahead (2013) of the departure of headmaster. Why every heads posted here affect superannuation in a short period? Is this a last short ride to relieve him/ her bag and baggage from the service? We cannot expect any school to have run well when there is no authority of appointed heads. We cannot assume a school management be faired without controlling officers. Adding to unavailability of school administrators, three graduate teachers were/ are being transferred from the school within span of three years i.e. 2013 to 2015 without any reliever while the two teachers are being attached to minister/MLA. The present teacher position in this institution minimized to five that remains now as

narrated by one teacher, and how much do you think to snatch away teachers, and make reduce, Sir? One of them is obliged to adjust/ carry a task of school administration; going ups and downs between school and DEO & between school and DoSE, and so, with those remaining is impossible to cover whole classes unless they have miracle. There is still only one science teacher for both science and mathematics for whole classes; no appointment of Physical Education teacher is yet being made nor has any drawing teacher in this school. You know well how many science & maths teacher are required in one high school and its capacity to have. Due to shortest of teacher the sixth subject mandatory is only a dream for students. They too have their rights to learn what people from other schools have learnt, provide what others have accessed, and learn what extracurricular activities students from others have practiced. We cannot force all to do same career/same field as their interest varies on different subjects. The school should provide with options the students can choose of their favour. That Sir, you may be fun to hear this, that, there were seven enrollments in class-10 in academic 2015 session. The school could not define/select who’s the best and who’s not, for appear final exams because the academic session 2015 ends without having complete a simple through textbook. The students has not taught follow strictly on syllabus, the school authority therefore invit-

ed students along with their parents stating the situation of teacher position for which they couldn’t able to help students with full swinging classes; wherein the students and parents had appealed to decide voluntary, instead of selection process, for appear 2016 final exams. Only four of them turned out to be filled-in the forms for examinations and we do not know what their fate is awaiting. Three of them surrendered themselves not to appear who eventually gave up school. This kind of inconvenience is rare, happening unfortunately. Yet Sir, we don’t have our hope totally shattered with the hope that your chairship would be redressed undertake future course correction by redeploying all the required teachers back to school before begin next academic session. But don’t think to close as option as many of the rural populace of surrounding eight villages is depending on this lone Govt. High School. We also hope that you have compassion for the weaker sections of the people who long education at their far flung natives. The children are to be given opportunities and facilities to develop by attending school institutions. However, if we cannot provide basic education to the rural children, all our efforts to wipe out day light robbery, cheating and extortion is impossible either. I hope you have gain more knowledge than I indite factual few. Bausha Pauwung Buchem Nyengching, Longleng

Blank editorials were messages for all who would gladly muzzle the press

Why it was necessary for my newspaper to respond to an Assam Rifles notice with a blank editorial

Monalisa Changkija

s the theme speaker for National Press Day, celebrated on November 16, I had said: “But there comes a time in the life of an individual, as much as in the life of a society, when we must do or die, or die doing, because only a few of us are blessed with the courage of conviction to live beyond and above our own selves. And we solemnly observe National Press Day today because we, those of us gathered here today, have vowed to be guided by our courage of conviction… I think those of us gathered here today will agree that it is worth laying down our lives for.” This was in reference to the Assam Rifles’ censorious “notification” to newspapers in Nagaland, and the Nagaland editors’ joint public statement thereof, which is now in the public domain. The blank editorials in three Nagaland newspapers — the Nagaland Page, Eastern Mirror and Morung Express — on November 16, were also messages for all who would gladly muzzle the press one way or the other. There are many such agents, though not all of them are armed groups or non-state actors, or even the security forces. In Nagaland, there

are too many power centres. The state government does not govern. Rather, it outsources governing, hence creating a huge vacuum that is filled by several parallel governments. Then there is the ubiquitous Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, (AFSPA), which has been enforced here for over 60 years, empowering the security forces to become one of the several parallel governments. Caught between all these parallel governments, the local media functions in an extremely precarious environment. The blank editorials could be perceived as extreme or drastic for anyone without the experience of living in such precarious situations, but for us, it was a cry to survive, a cry for survival. We have been living between the devil and the deep blue sea for far too long and the time had come “when we must do or die, or die doing, because only a few of us are blessed with the courage of conviction to live beyond and above our own selves”. Notice that of the six newspapers “notified” by the Assam Rifles, only three decided to resort to blank editorials — it was the individual decision of each newspaper. The blank editorials also reflect the larger issue of the functioning of the press in insur-

gency-afflicted regions and states, particularly in the Northeast. I also perceive the Assam Rifles’ “notification” to be a tactic to divert attention from its own, as indeed the other security forces’, failure to contain and curb the activities of armed organisations and groups in Nagaland and the region, which is evidence of the failure of AFSPA itself — exactly what the Northeast has been saying to the government of India all this time, and whose most assertive message is Irom Sharmila’s fast unto death for the last 16 years. Contrary to what was tacitly underlined in the Assam Rifles’ “notification” to us, the press is not the cause of the “thriving” of the insurgency or armed groups’ activities, but a victim of the failure of AFSPA, the Assam Rifles and indeed the rest of the security forces deployed here to contain and curb them. Also, while the Assam Rifles quoted the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, to control and dictate to the Nagaland press, and we respect this act, the Union ministry of home affairs should have directly, or through the Nagaland state government, consulted with us on the issue of dealing with the publication of press releases/ statements of banned groups. Unless the ministry is trying to gag the

Nagaland press obliquely through the Assam Rifles? But is the Assam Rifles constitutionally mandated to issue such “notifications” to any press? But then again, anyone who is well versed with the situation in Nagaland (and the rest of the Northeast) will know that it is very difficult to comprehend the internal working and decision-making logic of the security forces, or indeed of the MHA, given that AFSPA is still in force here. To my knowledge, the Assam Rifles sent such a notice for the first time. But the media in Nagaland is not just a few decades old. Our first newspaper — Ao Milen — started in 1932 or 1934. More newspapers, all weeklies, started in the mid to late 1960s, which was not easy, considering the level of development, or underdevelopment, at that point in our history. Besides, the political situation was not convivial either — it was the height of insurgency and AFSPA was in force. So it wouldn’t surprise anyone if similar notices were formally issued to Nagaland newspapers in those earlier days, or even in the 1970s and 1980s, by the army or the Assam Rifles. But it is not always through such “notices” that the security forces intimidate the local

press. In the last 30 years, I have personally experienced the numerous methods the security forces use to muzzle press freedom in Nagaland. It is only since 1997, after the ceasefire agreement between the government of India and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah), and later with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang), that the security forces toned down their actions and have actually reinvented themselves as “friends” of our people. Before that, it was more or less a state of military rule with the writ of AFSPA looming large. Still, it must be said that despite the ceasefires between the Indian government and various non-state actors, AFSPA is still enforced. So, in one form or another, martial rule continues. This has become more evident after the abrogation of the ceasefire between the government of India and the NSCN(K). Under these circumstances, we had no option but to respond to the censor. The writer is Editor, ‘Nagaland Page’, an English daily published from Dimapur. (This article appeared in the print edition of the Indian Express under the headline 'Letter from an Editor') (Courtesy: IE)

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

Friday 20•11•2015

Anne Hathaway

applauds US leaders for letting in Syrian refugees

gets the biggest trailer launch for a Hollywood film in India

scar-winning actress Anne Hathaway has taken to social media to applaud state leaders who are welcoming the resettlement of new Syrian refugees in the US. President Barack Obama announced in September that 10,000 Syrians would be relo-

ction-adventure junkies and extreme sports fans have a treat in store for them, as PVR Pictures is launching the trailer of Point Break on November 20. Hitting more than 500 theatres, this is the biggest trailer launch for a Hollywood film in India. The film's trailer will be showcased with the James Bond thriller Spectre across cinemas on November 20. Billed as the biggest action-adventure film till date, Point Break has been directed by Ericson Core, who was also the DOP on films including Fast and Furious among others. Ericson, is also the DOP on this film that revolves around a young FBI agent, Johnny Utah (Luke Bracey) who infiltrates a cunning team of thrill-seeking elite athletes - led by the charismatic Bodhi (Edgar Ramirez). The athletes are suspected of carrying out a spate of crimes in extremely unusual ways. What's more, the action-adventure feats are performed by elite athletes representing the world's best in class in big-wave surfing, wingsuit-flying, sheer-face snowboarding, free rock climbing, and highspeed motorcycling. Alcon Entertainment's fast-paced, high-adrenaline action thriller Point Break is scheduled to be released by PVR Pictures on January 1, 2016.

e y o n c e Knowles and Tove Lo won't be the only unlikely guests featured on Coldplay's new album, "A Head Full of Dreams". The band's frontman Chris Martin has just revealed that he and his bandmates have hired a bunch of important people in their lives for the upcoming project. Those people include the vocalist's ex-wife Gwyneth Paltrow. According to The Wall Street Journal, the actress' vocals will appear on "Everglow" which the publication describes as

song “Ishqoholic” with T-series

C M Y K

but in the singing industry, said: "Sonakshi has a beautiful voice and the song has turned out to be very likeable and easy to hum. I am so glad we got a chance to work on something which binds the world together - music." In the song, the "Dabangg" actress will also be heard rapping a few lines. "'Ishqoholic' will make her fans see the unseen unheard side of her and cherry on the top is they will hear her rap too. The song

Syrian refugees and for not letting terrorists rob them of their humanity," the "Princess Diaries actress" writes. "I know we must proceed cautiously, but we cannot forget our obligation to one another as citizens of this planet. I'm proud to quote Gov. Jack Markell of Delaware,

'It is unfortunate that anyone would use the tragic events in Paris to send a message that we do not understand the plight of these refugees, ignoring the fact that the people we are talking about are fleeing the perpetrators of terror.' Peace and love to all mankind."

pie, but what 'm trying to all comes from that 'Guest learn in my life is the value House' poem." of every human. InclusiveHe continued, "The ness is the key thing, and it 'choir' started with my two

kids coming in after school and recording. We recorded Blue Ivy Carter in New York when her mom Beyonce was in the studio. It comes from learning about Greek tragedy, where the chorus chimes in at times. To me, when we use that sound, it's to affirm what I'm saying. 'We agree with you, Chris. Keep singing.' " "A Head Full of Dreams" is coming out on December 4. In addition to the names mentioned above, the record will have contributions from Noel Gallagher of Oasis and Merry Clayton. "Coldplay have never enjoyed making a record more than this one. Nor have they been happier with the results," the group said when announcing the LP earlier this month.

Gwyneth Paltrow to appear on new Coldplay Album

SonAkSHi records her first

ctress Sonakshi Sinha, who judged the second season of singing reality show "Indian Idol Junior", has made her debut into singing with a new single titled "Ishqoholic". The youth-friendly and hip-hop number is composed by Meet Bros, and Kumaar has written the lyrics, read a statement. T-Series head Bhushan Kumar, who is glad to be the one to make Sonakshi's de-

cated to the US in 2016 to help alleviate the refugee crisis in Europe, but now many leaders have voiced their opposition of the plans amid fears terrorists may gain entry into their state. "Bravo to these states and their brave leaders for promising to accept

will welcome Sonakshi to the music world easily," Kumar added. "The video for the song will be shot later this month, by Gifty whom I have worked with on the 'Desi Kalakaar' number along with Yo Yo Honey Singh," Sonakshi said. On the silver screen, Sonakshi will next be seen in the upcoming thriller "Akira", a directed by A.R. Murugadoss and "Force 2", which is directed by Abhinay Deo.

Taylor SwifT donates Books to New York City School

aylor Swift has teamed up with Bosses at Children's Publishing Company Scholastic to Donate 25,000 Books to Schools around New York City. The Style singer is leading the organisation's Open a World of Possible initiative, which aims to promote independent reading among kids, and thanks to her support, 25 schools in the Big Apple will each receive 1,000 new children's books for the students. "Scholastic is honored to join with Taylor Swift who continues to show a passion for literacy and a commitment to spreading the message of how influential books can be in a child's life," Greg Worrell, President of Scholastic Education says in a statement. "Through this donation, we aim to encourage independent reading which inspires a love of learning and to Open a World of Possible for more New York City students by making sure they have access to the very best children's books." In addition to Swift, Usher and Sarah Jessica Parker are among the other celebrities who have supported Scholastic's literacy efforts.

"a ballad about a relationship's enduring spark." Among others set to be featured on the record were the former couple's two children, who along with other band members' friends and family will be singing in choir. Martin's current girlfriend, Annabelle Wallis, will also join him on one song. "Everyone who got asked to sing on our album has an important part in our lives," says Martin, explaining these people's involvement on their next full-length. "This is The Wall Street Journal, so I don't want to get too hip-

Patkai Christian College (Autonomous)

presents the

Christmas Concert Welcome to a wonderful afternoon of music featuring “GLORIA” by Vivaldi, the College Choirs, String Ensembles and more.

Hillstar NOW SHOWING

Pl e a s e j o i n u s o n Sunday, 22nd November, 2015 2.30 pm. Bundrock Chapel, P.C.C. Music Department

Timings: 11:00 AM | 02:10 PM 05:20 pm | 08:30 pm

friDAY 20•11•2015

SPORTS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Nadal cuts Murray down to size to reach semi-finals LONDON, NOvember 19 (reuters): Rafael Nadal cut world number two Andy Murray down to size with an impressive 6-4 6-1 victory at the ATP World Tour Finals on Wednesday which provided further evidence of the Spaniard's return to his former powers. A distracted Murray, who bizarrely clipped his fringe with a pair of scissors during one changeover early on, capitulated, but only after Nadal had softened him up with the kind of ferocious hitting that earned him 14 grand slam titles. Ripping forehands to all corners of the court and moving smoothly, the 29-year-old dominated throughout to qualify for the semi-finals with a match to spare and leave Murray facing a Friday decider against Stanislas Wawrinka. Nadal's progress could have been held up had compatriot David Ferrer beaten Wawrinka in the

evening session, but having led 5-2 in the first set and having a set point, Ferrer succumbed, losing 7-5 6-2 to the Swiss world number four. Having failed to win a grand slam title for the first year since 2004, and temporarily sliding to 10th in the world rankings, the naysayers have been out in force predicting Nadal's demise but the former world number one continued his recent renaissance against Murray. It was a powerful performance that would have had his worldwide army of fans purring. "For me to be able to play at that level against such a great player is good news," Nadal, who will top the group whatever happens against Ferrer on Friday, told reporters. "Happy for that. I just want to try to keep working the same way to keep confirming that I am in the completely right direction. Today I felt free. I was en-

joying on court." For British world number two Murray, his thoughts may already be drifting towards next week's Davis Cup final against Belgium on a claycourt in Ghent, although victory over Wawrinka on Friday will earn him a place in the semi-finals. "I think he was hitting the ball extremely well today from the back of the court," Murray told reporters. "From the middle till the end of the second set he played extremely well. But I didn't really help myself. I served poorly at the end of the first set and all through the second. "Obviously I lost comfortably to Rafa today and I could play him in a couple days' time and it could be a different story." Murray won only 10 percent of points on his second serve in the second set, and a nine-point losing streak virtually sealed his fate and left him waiting for a first win over Nadal in

21ST CLASSIC CUP 2015 HQ IGAR (N) to face Barak FC in finals today

Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates winning his match against Andy Murray of Great Britain. (Reuters)

Our Correspondent Kohima | November 19

London, having lost three times to him at Wimbledon and once before at the O2 Arena in 2010. He became slightly irritated when asked about his mid-match haircut, saying: "I don't know why such minor things make such a big deal to you guys. "I had

some hair in my eye, and I just wanted to get rid of it. That literally took two seconds." The 28-year-old's vision had looked clear enough at the start of the match, breaking serve in the opening game, only to drop his own serve immediately as Nadal worked the

angles. Trailing 2-3, Murray did well to fend off three break points, but he found himself 15-40 down again two games later, and once more wriggled out of danger. His luck ran out though. Nadal creamed a forehand winner to bring up three set

points at 4-5 and needed just one as he ran Murray ragged before winning the point with a deft volley. An awful service game from Murray allowed Nadal a quick break in the second set and the Mallorcan needed no second invitation to stomp towards victory.

HQ IGAR (N) will clash with defending champion Barak FC in the finals of the 21st Classic Cup 2015 on November 20 at Kohima Local Ground at 1:30 PM. Minister for Environment, Forests & Climate Change, Dr Neikiesalie (Nicky) Kire will grace the closing ceremony as the chief guest. The champion will be awarded a cash prize of Rs. 1,50,000 while the runner-up will pocket Rs. 80,000. Besides there will individual prizes for player of the tournament, highest scorer, best goal keeper, best defence and best midfielder.

Classic Club wins Challenger Cup 2015 Sagar, Neidilhoutuo Sechii and Nchum Odyuo.

C M Y K

Kohima Press Club XI and Classic Club Kohima XI with match officials. (Morung Photo) Our Correspondent played here at Kohima Lo- sic Club was also award- emerged victorious. Kohima | November 19

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The Classic Club Kohima today overpowered Kohima Press Club to lift the Challenger Cup 2015

cal Ground. Challenger Cup is part the Classic Cup event held annually between Kohima Press Club and Classic Club Kohima. Winning the title, Clas-

Decision on Indo-Pak series soon, says BCCI

mumbAI, NOvember 19 (PtI): The cricket fans will have to wait a few more days to find out whether the iconic bilateral series between arch-rivals India and Pakistan would go ahead next month. "Wait for a couple of more days," was the cryptic retort by BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur to a reporter's query on the issue after fresh talks have taken place between the heads of the two countries' cricket boards. While the BCCI has invited Pakistan to play the series in India, its counterpart PCB has declined the offer and has said the series will have to take place in UAE where all its home international games are being held over the last few years. Asked why the BCCI was not interested in playing in UAE, after conducting the initial phase of the Indian Premier League there in 2014, Thakur kept mum for some time before saying for a bilateral series the participating cricket boards must feel comfortable over the venue. "For any international

event organised by ICC or ACC, it's up to them to decide which is going to be the venue. For a bilateral series it's upto the two nations to decide where they are comfortable," he said. Meanwhile, the twomember committee formed by the BCCI to probe "Snoopgate" by the previous regime met former secretary Sanjay Patel and former/current treasurer Anirudh Chaudhry to delve deeper into the issue. "They (Ajay Shirke and G Gangaraju) met today (with Sanjay Patel and Anirudh Chaudhry) and sought certain details. They (Patel and Chaudhry) sought some time to reply with details. It's (probe) going to take some time (to be completed)," said Thakur. The matter about BCCI having engaged a British firm to snoop on its members for a consideration reportedly to the tune of $900,000, had come up during the November 9 AGM of the Board here, following which it had set up the twoman committee of Shirke and Gangaraju to probe it.

ed with a cash prize of Rs. 20,000. After a 4-4 draw within the allotted full time play, the match was decided through tie-breaker in which Classic Club

The scorers of Classic Club included; K Neibou Sekhose, Chotisuh Sazo and Mhaler Sekhose (2 goals). KPC scorers included Ketu Viluo, Narain B.

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INDIVIDUAL PRIZES Best Goalkeeper: Dr. Neiphrezo Keditsu (Classic Club) Higher Scorer: Mhaler Sekhose (Classic Club) Most Promising player: Chotisuh Sazo (Classic Club) Best Midfield: Athe Rhi (Kohima Press Club) Man of the Tournament: Roko Angami (Classic Club) Best scorer of the Tournament: Narain B. Sagar (Kohima Press Club). Best defender: Akielie (Kohima Press Club)

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Wenger thanks England for support after Paris attacks

LONDON, NOvember 19 (reuters): Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has thanked the English for their show of solidarity following Friday's attacks in Paris. The French coach was in the city when at least 129 people were killed in a wave of attacks, which included three suicide bombings outside the stadium where France were playing Germany in a friendly. Wenger said on Thursday that he was due to attend the game but was running late and watched the carnage unfold from his hotel room. He attended the friendly between England and France at Wembley on Tuesday, when the two nations' soccer fans united by singing the French national anthem, while the stadium's famous arch was lit up in the colours of the French flag. "I want to thank the English community who showed great solidarity. It was a huge shock for our country," Wenger told re-

porters at a news conference ahead of Saturday's Premier League game against West Bromwich Albion. "The arch of Wembley in French colours was very significant. "It showed the class of England," he added. "Everybody who was in Paris on Friday night was in shock. France is like England -- a tolerant and generous country. You have a bit more of a question of security, because it looks like it's not the end of it. "We have to get on with life and

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respond in a positive way. We have to get people to focus on something else. "The football world has responded the way you want it to respond -- in a big union and togetherness. "You always think after this kind of event, 'Do you continue to play or do you stop your life?' For me they (the organisers) made the right decision and the event on Tuesday night has shown it was the right decision," Wenger said. Turning to Saturday's game, Wenger said West Brom would prove tough opposition. The Gunners have not lost at the Hawthorns since October 2005, but Wenger praised his opposite number Tony Pulis. "They are an organised team. Tony Pulis is fully committed. You expect a physical and fast game," the 66-year-old said. Wenger confirmed that injured duo Aaron Ramsey and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain would miss the game, but that right back Hector Bellerin was available.

I do 'nothing' at Man United, but I earn a lot - Van Gaal

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LONDON, NOvember 19 (reuters): Louis van Gaal does "nothing" as Manchester United manager but earns a lot because the most important job for a top-level coach is delegating responsibilities to his staff. Speaking at the League Managers Association (LMA) annual management conference on Wednesday, Van Gaal touched upon his philosophy, describing himself as an innovator who pioneered modern coaching methods. "Feedback is very important... But I have to say that because when I don't say that then I'm arrogant," Van Gaal was quoted as saying by the Daily Telegraph. "I am also an innovator and I have changed a lot in terms of preparing for games. I was the first coach who was with a notebook. Now everybody is with a notebook. I was the first coach who used video," he added. "I'm from a time where you (the manager) did everything. Now I'm the manager and I have a sports science department, I have a

scouting department, I have a medical department, I have assistant managers, I have assistant coaches. "I don't do anything... nothing! I delegate. I delegate and I earn a lot of money." Former United midfielder Paul Scholes has been one of Van Gaal's most vocal critics this season, accusing the team of lacking creativity and playing "boring" football.

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United are fourth in the table, two points adrift of leaders Manchester City, and went through a run of three back-to-back goalless draws in October. They have scored fewer league goals (17) than any side in the top six but also boast the meanest defence, having conceded just eight in the league. Van Gaal defended himself against claims that his team cannot play attacking football, citing his time in charge of Dutch side Ajax Amsterdam as proof that his teams learn how to attack once they absorb the basic tenets of his philosophy. "We (Ajax) won everything with very attacking football. I don't say it too much because otherwise Mr Scholes will be very angry!" the Dutchman said with a laugh. "When you see my press conferences, I'm discussing a lot my philosophy. "It takes always a little bit of time to transfer the message. I'm training in the brain -- a lot of things in the brain -- because football is not a sport of legs, it is a sport of brain, and tactics. So, that takes a lot of time."

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