November 24th, 2016

C M Y K

www.morungexpress.com

ThursDAY • November 24• 2016

DIMAPUR • Vol. XI • Issue 323 • 12 PAGes • 5

T H e

ESTD. 2005

Expect the best. Prepare for the worst. Capitalize on what comes South Korea and Japan agree intelligence-sharing

ICFAI University Convocation 2016 held

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P o W e R

o F

T R u T H

— Zig Ziglar

Leicester, Real march into last 16, Spurs crash out

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nagaland: Many schools defying sc ban on corporal punishment Y Merina Chishi

Dimapur | November 23

Some schools call it a “birthday treat”; some call it “yoga.” Some schools have nasty names like “bottoms up”- implying the use of cane on the posterior of a student. These are names of corporal punishment in some schools of Nagaland State.

“Yoga is when we are made to stand on one leg with our hands in the air for about 10-15 minutes,” a class seven student studying in a private school in Dimapur said. She says most of the students in her school prefer “yoga” to “birthday treat” as the latter leaves bruises on certain parts of the body.

A class eleven student from another private school disclosed that teachers in her school use sticks tied with rubber at the tip to beat students.

Students are caned, slapped, made to squat and verbally abused in front of class/school mates, she says.

Most students are punished for coming late, not doing their home work or misbehaving in the classroom.

However, there are reports of students being punished for trivial reasons, like torn books or unpolished shoes.

In some cases, which occur mostly in government schools, “class monitors” are made to watch over fellow students when teachers are absent. The schools give authority to the “monitor” to cane their fellow students in the name of punishment. This causes rift and dislike among class mates.

A girl from a government school in Dimapur says that even children studying in the primary section are not spared. “They lift our skirts and beat us in the back,” she says. Asked if she has ever received corporal punishment, she says: “once my class teacher banged my forehead against another girl’s forehead. It was so painful and I didn’t attend school for

two days because I was afraid of being punished again.”

According to psychologists, punishing a child physically can have an adverse effect on the child’s behaviour. A mother of a ten year old child told this reporter that her son stopped cooperating in school after being punished by his physical education instructor. “My son is good in sports but he refused to take part in

cause teachers alone cannot do it. “A child’s behaviour may be very different at home and at school. That is why it is very important that both parents and teachers play active roles in disciplining a child,” she says.

Although corporal punishment is banned in India, many states, including Nagaland have not implemented it. Many schools in Nagaland still subject students to brutal forms of punishment. Cases go unreported as schools and teachers see this as the only option to discipline children.

The Indian Penal Code is also supposed to protect children from being subjected to punishment in schools.

According to IPC section 83, any child who has not done homework or has not dressed in an appropriate fashion should not incite any form of corporal punishment in schools. All children under the age of seven are supposed to be exempted from criminal liability and any mistake they may have done cannot merit corporal punishment as they are still in an age of innocence and they are incapable of understanding complex issues.

“Yoga,” “bottoms up,” “birthday treat” are some languages referred to different forms of corporal punishment inflicted by teachers on students

A woman paints the floor of a pond as her child pulls at her saree in Delhi. (REUTERS)

reflections

By Sandemo Ngullie

bjP led NDA government rules out revocation of AFSPA in Nagaland

NEw DElhI, NOVEMBER 23 (AgENCIEs): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the centre has made it clear that the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) will not be repealed any time soon, further straining the party’s relations with the Naga People’s Front (NPF), its ally of 13 years in Nagaland.

The opposition, citing alleged extra-judicial killings in Manipur, has been saying the Northeast is on the brink of a humanitarian crisis because of AFSPA. Senior Congress leader Ambika Soni had sought a response from the home ministry on the Word of advice. Contest insurgent situation in the region and on from different constituency, whether the Army was reviewing it. here everybody know you In July, the Supreme Court also said very well. indefinite deployment of armed forces in the region was a mockery of the democratic process. However, the government has made it clear that AFSPA will not be repealed any time soon.

The centre in June declared all of Na-

NPCC protest against demonetisation postponed

DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 23 (MExN): The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) have postponed the proposed protest against the demonetisation of Rs 500 & Rs 1000 notes to November 28, 2016 in line with the decision of the opposition parties across the country.

Meanwhile, an emergency meeting of the NPCC office bearers including secretaries will be held at Congress Bhavan, Kohima on November 24 at 11AM, a press note from NPCC informed.

Woman arrested for child abuse

C M Y K

DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 23 (MExN): A 28-year old woman was arrested for assault of a minor in Wokha on Tuesday evening. The incident surfaced after the victim - an 11-year old girl attended school on Monday with both eyes badly bruised and swollen. The school authority promptly made a complaint to the police. The woman, who is a stepmother to the girl and two younger siblings, reportedly assaulted her because she had misplaced some keys. The father of the girl – a personnel in the Indian Army is posted in Shillong. Police also informed that the woman had also assaulted the other two stepchildren on November 3 last which, however, went unreported. According to sources, the woman had earlier been warned by the Lotha Eloe (Women) Hoho and the Colony women for abusing the children.

The woman, currently under custody of the Wokha Police Women Cell, will be produced in court on Thursday.

galand a “disturbed area”. The centre has declared disturbed the “whole state of Nagaland,” Satyendra Garg, joint secretary, northeast division in the ministry of home affairs, said in an order in June.

Ignoring the regional political tension, however, Rijiju remained resolute and insisted that all measures were being taken to prevent any misuse of AFSPA by security forces. He also said punitive measures were likely to be taken against the forces in case of violation of human rights or safety of women and children.

“AFSPA is reviewed periodically and an objective assessment of the ground situation is made in consultation with security agencies and the concerned state governments. Specific instructions have been issued to the armed forces operating in ‘disturbed area’, violation of which make them liable for prosecution under the Army Act and Central Armed Police Forces Acts,” Rijiju added.

any inter-school event after being punished,” she said.

“Punishment can stimulate anger. Some children lose their self esteem and it can also prevent a child’s talent from flourishing,” says Lobeni G. Momin, Counsellor and lecturer in Psychology at Mason Philips Academy, Meghalaya. She adds that some children lose interest in studies and turn to drugs and other substance abuse. In extreme cases, corporal punishment may provide the child a negative view of other people and soUpto 3 years imprisonment ciety as a threatening place.

While some parents think it is al- for violating ban right for schools to give punishment, • The Supreme Court of India introduced a law to ban corporal punthere are some who strongly oppose ishment in the year 2000. The first such actions. One mother stated violation of the ban will invite up to that punishments like “detention” one year in jail, or a fine of Rs. 50, or “writing lines” is acceptable, but 000 or both. physical abuse of any kind should not be encouraged. The mother, who has • For subsequent violators, imprisonment could be extended to 3 personally dealt with this issue when years with an additional fine of Rs. her daughter was in school, stated 25, 000. Heads of schools will be rethat she made it a point to discuss it sponsible to prevent corporal punwith the principal. However, not all ishment. Teachers found guilty parents have the courage to confront could be denied promotion and school authorities for fear of their even increments. wards being expelled.

Momin says that the best way to • A Child Right Cell to be up in all schools where children can lodge discipline a child is to have parenta complaint. teacher interaction time to time be-

Growing cases of TB in the state APO urges police and admin manifested by delay of funds: NUN to ensure peace in Kohima Morung Express News Kohima | November 23

A press conference on Tuberculosis (TB) was held on November 23 at Kohima Press Club (KPC) office. Organised by the Nagaland User’s Network (NUN) and sponsored by Treatment Action Group (TAG), the issues and challenges on Tuberculosis and its treatment in Nagaland and in India was highlighted. Delay of funds by the Government, lack of mobile TB screening, lack of awareness among public, poor treatment adherence by patience on antituberculosis treatment, absence of CBNAAT in a high prevalence district like Tuensang were some of the key challenges pointed out.

“With the growing numbers of TB cases, poor response from the government has been manifested by both the State and the Central ministry through delay of funds that hamper the program,” said Ketho Angami, NUN. He mentioned that internationally funded programs implemented by the Emanuel Hospital Association (EHA) in Phek, Wokha and Zunheboto and Catholic Health Association in Mon, Tuensang and Mokokchung have been supporting the TB program in the State.

With the inception of the Revised National Tuberculosis Program (RN-

Nagaland has only one X-ray machine under RNTCP

There is only one functional X-ray machine in Nagaland state under the Revised National TB Control Programme (RNTCP), a tuberculosis (TB) control initiative of the Government of India. The X-ray machine is in Mokokchung DTC. This was revealed in a response received from the STO, RNTCP, Directorate of Health & Family Welfare, Kohima to an RTI filed by one Renbonthung Tungoe, Advocacy Officer, Nagaland Users Network.

The state run RNTCP also appears to be lacking in diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. According to the RTI response, procurement of drugs to treat side effects of TB is not done. However, procurement of drugs for chemoprophylaxis of children is done, with 5560 TCP) in Nagaland in 2001, there are 11 district TB centres, 44 designated microscopic centres, 927 Directly Observed Treatment Centres and 2 drug resistance TB centers at Khuzama and Mokokchung.

The state has received 6 CBNAAT machines which is used for TB diagnosis meant for Kohima, Zunheboto, Mon, Tuensang, Mokokchung and Dimapur while the rest has not been installed due to poor infrastructure in the district.

Tuensang has been identified as one of the high TB/HIV district while Peren has been considered as a high drug resistance district in Nagaland.

Most of the Designated Microscopy Centres (DMCs) in the state are non-functional especially in the ru-

number of tablets procured during the current year (not specified).

No nutritional support is provided to Multi-Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) cases by RNTCP or the health department as provisions is not available, the RTI informed.

It also stated that there has been no report of “stock out” of RNTCP drugs nor shortage of supply from CTD except Tab INH 100/300mg, which is procured locally. The RTI response however stated that there are instances where the arrival of drugs at State Drug Store is hampered due to transportation problems.

The RTI from the RNTCP also revealed that 10,193 cases of TB cases were diagnosed and treated during 2013, 2014 and 2015.

ral areas, stated Angami.

“The state RNTCP need to look at involvement from the civil society organization in terms of designing and strategizing implementation of quality TB program side by side with development of community ownership can contribute to a qualitative intervention,” suggested Angami.

The involvement of the church in the TB program can bring about a positive impact brining about drastic change in the program, Angami added.

Abou Mere, Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) Member briefed on the objectives and programs of Global Fund which work towards eliminating AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Global Fund

has a strong and sustained partnership with India since 2003, with US $1.7 billion grant committed so far and US $ 1.59 billion disbursed. India is the second largest recipient of Global Fund Grant after Nigeria under the New Funding module (NFM).

Mere mentioned that there are an estimated 9.6 million new cases of TB every year or approximately 26,000 new cases every day.

One-third of those cases are missed – not diagnosed or not treated or not reported. Among those missed are those who are at the same time most vulnerable – women and children, the very poor or malnourished, prisoners, miners, indigenous populations, the elderly, and people living with HIV.

DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 23 (MExN): In an effort to sustain the prevailing peaceful atmosphere under its jurisdiction and elsewhere, the Angami Public Organization (APO) have called for an overview on certain matters that needs to be contained promptly.

On the subject of law & order, a press release issued by APO reiterated that it will not allow its land to be a killing zone for any purpose or issue and will not endorse to any activity/ programs that disrupt public/ civil safety and convenience.

To avoid situations/incidents that may create strained atmosphere or fallouts, APO has impressed upon the security personals and different Naga Political Groups (NPG) to maintain utmost restraint and to rein in discipline within their ranks and files of their respective cadres.

“Kohima by far and large is the home to all peace loving people and APO being the host have the legal and moral obligation and will not remain mute to anybody/

group/ organization that harbor/ perpetrate violence and infringe the peace of the land,” it maintained.

With the festive season and major state programs round the corner, particularly at Kohima, the APO said social problems of communal/ gang fights/ reckless driving without any safety norms/ loud music at odd times/ provocative youth in inebriated moods etc are certain matters that need to be controlled and dealt with under firm laws. Pertaining to this, the APO has urged the administration and police personnel to promptly react to secure the convenience of all.

Besides, with environmental issue has become a demanding subject that needs to be sensitized and addressed, the APO has prohibited sale or bursting of fire crackers of any kind under any situation. It informed that itwillmonitortheimplementationofthisparticular issue through its youth organizationAngami Youth Organization (AYO).

naga Hoho decries nlA’s motion on women reservation KOhIMA, NOVEMBER 23 (MExN): The Naga Hoho today made strong objection to the motion introduced at 14th session of 12th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) regarding 33% women Reservation in Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) on November 22.

On the first day of the current session, a motion was moved by Parliamentary Secretary for Municipal Affairs, Economics & Statistics, R Tohanba, for revoking the September 22, 2012 resolution passed under Article 371A (1)(a) exempting Nagaland from the application of Part IX A of the Constitution of India.

NLA Speaker, Chotisuh Sazo said the consideration and passing of this resolution will be taken up on November 24.

“This exercise is not less than undermining the voice of the people in the state,” the Naga Hoho said in a statement issued by its communication cell.

It lamented that the strong opinions of the civil societies and all Tribe Hohos opposing the Municipal Act of 2001 and 33%

women reservation as a “simple replication of other states in the mainland have fallen on deaf ears.”

It further argued the non-existence of opposition in the present NLA does not entail the strangulation of the voices of the people concerned about “protecting their rights.”

Expressing strong apprehension that the state government is too “hasty” to implement the Municipal Act of 2001 and 33% women reservation, it said that such action would “create only chaos” resulting in creation of an “unmanageable situation.”

In this regard, the Naga Hoho made its “last appeal” to the Members of the present NLA to consider the “vital social issue” with all seriousness before passing the “resolution for revocation of the resolution adopted on 22nd September, 2012.”

It is bound to bring severe “social unrest and disharmony” among different Naga tribes for which “the 14th session of the 12th NLA shall be held responsible,” it cautioned.

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ThursDAY 24•11•2016

NAGALAND

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

formed to demarcate ICFAI University Convocation 2016 held Committee Intangki National Park boundary

Governor of Nagaland PB Acharya addressing the Convocation 2016 of ICFAI University Nagaland held on November 23. (DIPR Photo) Morung Express News Dimapur | November 23

The Convocation 2016 of Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India (ICFAI) University Nagaland was held on November 23 at the University Auditorium at Sovima, Dimapur. Governor of Nagaland PB Acharya graced the programme as chief guest and Parliamentary Secretary, Higher and Technical Education, Government of Nagaland, Deo Nukhu graced the day as guest of

honour.

Governor PB Acharya, in his speech commented ICFAI University Nagaland for providing the degree programme in management and Information Technology, introduced BA Honours in Library and Information Science, Certificated course in Computer Hardware and Networking and is also in the process of introducing more professional programmes in the forthcoming semester.

While congratulating the graduates and post

graduates of the University, the Governor viewed students as the most important part of an educational institution. He noted that the ability to change oneself and capability to change others and transform society is crucial stating that these factors make survivability and sustainability of an institution.

Lamenting about the lack of hardly any constructive and positive dialogue between our trade, industry, commerce and education, Acharya pointed out

that our conventional degrees have neither made us employable not entrepreneurs. No outsiders can make Nagaland prosperous and peaceful except the Nagas themselves, he reminded.

Informing that Nagaland has only one Central University, Deo Nukhu felt the need for more quality private universities in the State. Nukhu was optimistic that even in the days to come ICFAI University Nagaland would prove to be one of the best private

universities not only in the North East but in the entire country. Nukhu made a strong appeal to the sponsoring society to consider extending the present infrastructure in order to cater to the growing needs of the University.

Adakho Kadete delivered a speech on behalf of the graduating students.

The programme was attended by parents of graduating students, well wishers, Principals of various institutions and staffs of ICFAI University.

Earlier, the Governor lighted the traditional lamp and declared the Convocation ceremony open. He also presented medals to the class toppers of various disciplines. The Vice Chancellor of the university read out the Chancellor's address in his absentia. On the occasion, the Pro Vice Chancellor administered pledge to the graduating students.

With DIPR inputs

Kohima, November 23 (DiPr): In supersession to this Department's Notification even number Dated 8th August, 2016, the Government of Nagaland has constituted a Committee to demarcate the boundary of the Intangki National Park with immediate effect: Commissioner, Nagaland-Chairman; members - Satya Prakash Tripathi, IFS, Chief Wildlife Warden, Dimapur; Rajat S. Pal, IFS, Addl. PCCF (WBA); T. Lotha, IFS (Rtd.), Chairman Nagaland Biodiversity Board; Joint Commissioner of Police, Dimapur; Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur;

Deputy Commissioner, Peren; Superintendent of Police, Dimapur; Superintendent of Police, Peren; Tongpangzenba, IFS, CF (WL&B), Rtd. Director, INP; Caroline, IFS, Wildlife Warden, Dimapur- Member Secretary; Nukshi Jamir, IFS, Silviculturist, Kohima-Member; Ramridingbo Kaurinta, ACF (Rtd), Consultant INP-Member; Land Record & Survey Officer, Dimapur-Member; Land Record & Survey Officer, Peren Member. The Committee shall submit its report to the state Government within 6(six) months from the date of issue of this notification.

Ensure safety of foods at all levels

Kohima, November 23 (mexN): The Directorate of Health & Family Welfare has directed all the designated officers (CMO), Food Safety Officers of the districts to conduct inspections of hotels, restaurants, canteens (offices, colleges, schools and institutions), bakeries, tea stalls including temporary stalls and other public eating places, including street food vendors in respective jurisdictions to ensure safety of foods at all levels, in view of the approaching festive seasons in and around the State and the forth coming State Hornbill Festival, 2016.

The designated officers (CMOs) are requested to issue detailment order of Food Safety Officers for inspection of venues,

where festivals are being organised to ensure food safety under its jurisdiction and Food Safety coverage for VVIPs/VIPs visit to Nagaland during Hornbill Festival.

Dr. L Watikala, Principal Director &Additional Food Safety Commissioner Directorate of Health & Family Welfare in a press release informed that the inspection may be carried out in consultation with the concerned District Administration/ Municipal Council/ Town Councils and other appropriate authorities. This exercise should be completed by November 30, 2016 and submit the action taken report to this Directorate latest by December 10, 2016 positively.

Faith Theological College gets new building BFAC meeting under Kuhuboto Block conducted

NBCC President, Rev. Dr. Mar Atsongchanger dedicating the new building of Faith Theological College, Dimapur on Wednesday. (Morung Photo) Morung Express News ent states and even Myanmar.

Dimapur | November 23

Minister for Rural Development and REPA, CL John on Wednesday inaugurated the newly constructed college building of Faith Theological College at Ura Villa Colony, Dimapur.

In his speech, John vouched for including Nagamese as a medium of education in theological colleges in the state since it was understood by Nagas of differ-

He said Nagamese was a gift from God in a place where there were too many dialects and asserted that Nagamese can remove tribalism. The chief guest also urged upon NBCC to make minimum criterion and include people who want to be missionaries adding that the Church should look for commitment rather than qualification.

NBCC president Rev. Dr. Mar Atsongchanger said the dedicatory prayer for the new building.

DimaPur, November 23 (mexN): Block Farmers Advisory Committee (BFAC) meeting was held at ATMA Training hall, Dimapur, organised by ATMA-Dimapur, Kuhuboto Block on October 4.

Atoshe, Farmers Friend said the invocation and welcome address was given by Visheli, Chairperson (BFAC) & farmers’ friend, Kuhuboto Block. Akavi V. Holo, BTM (ATMA) and secretary of BFAC, Kuhuboto Block highlighted the meeting minutes to the members and asked the members any points to be discussed during the meeting since this is the last meeting for the current year.

Yimobendang, ATM (ATMA), Kuhuboto Block gave a brief highlight on the activities of ATMA and its functioning in the block level. He illustrated on the various trainings and demonstrations undertaken in

BFAC members meeting under Kuhuboto Block, ATMA-Dimapur.

the block so far for the current year (2015-16). He elaborated on the different farm school and Food Security Group (FSG) opened under Kuhuboto block.

The members actively participated in the meeting by sharing their views

and opinion and they also shared how the farmers are benefitted in the farming sector through the service and knowledge provided by the Extension service like ATMA. Ameto Yeptho, ATM (ATMA), Kuhuboto Block

pronounced vote of thanks.

The meeting concluded with a interaction among the members on various topics related to agricultural extension and its allied sectors. Altogether 24 BFAC members attended the meeting.

Orangkong villagers express dismay

LoNgLeNg, November 23 (mexN): The Orangkong villagers under Longleng district were left in “dismay” as the much anticipated visit by the Governor of Nagaland PB Acharya on November 22 “ended in chaos among the people of Orangkong village.”

O ra ng ko ng Vi l l ag e Council (OVC), Chairman, B. Chamchei in a press release said that “the Governor himself has chosen to visit (Orangkong village) during his tour to Longleng district.”

The OVC chairman said that the villagers including school children, who were supposed to be studying for final exams including KG class students waited for an hour in queue, senior citizens and the other populace of the village particularly those participants who were to accord traditional welcome to the Governor had to bear the burn of the winter chill. “However, without informing, the Governor has actually headed towards helipad, even though his warning vehicle arrived at the Organkong village for the reasons which remain unknown to the village author-

Governor conveys regret

Kohima, November 23 (mexN): In connection to the visit of the Governor PB Acharya to Orangkong village, the PRO Raj Bhavan Kohima today clarified in a press statement that as a part of Governor's District tours, PB Acharya, Governor visited Longleng on November 22.

“According to the programme, Governor was supposed to visit Orangkong village between 1:15 pm to 2:00 pm. However, the Governor could arrive the village gate at 2:05 pm, almost late by 50 minutes,” the PRO stated.

It cited that since there is restriction in flying of helicopter in afternoon in the hilly areas, the programme at Orangkong village had to be cancelled at the last moment though Governor had a sincere desire to visit Orangkong village.

In view of the circumstances, Governors’ Secretariat has expressed “regrets for the inconvenience caused to the general public, villagers, village elders and the student bodies and all other stakeholders.” Further, the PRO added that “Governor desires to visit Orangkong village during his next round of tour at an earliest convenient time.” ity,” the OVC alleged in the press release.

The village council also mentioned that the village authority was informed by the District Administration and NGOs for the proposed visit to the village by the Governor and advised the village authority to prepare for his visit in a befitting manner.

“As such the villagers had spent a week time preparation in a run-up to the proposed visit by the Governor of Nagaland,” lamented the OVC chairman.

Further, it stated that the village authority wonders as “to what made the Governor to cancel his schedule only to the dismay of the villagers.”

Preparation underway for the annual Hornbill festival of Nagaland at Heritage Village, Kisama. The festival will be held for ten days from December 1 till 10. (Morung Photo)

WSBAK youth dept TLW seminar concludes

DimaPur, November 23 (mexN): The Western Sumi Baptist Akukuhou Kuqhakulu (WSBAK) Youth Department has successfully concluded a yearlong TLW Seminar for 2016 covering six areas (Sakipheto, Khaghaboto, Kuhuboto, Dimapur, Niuland and Aghunaqa) with the theme ‘Purity of Life.’

The TLW seminar was orga-

nized with an aim to educate, guide and challenge young people to remain physically and sexually pure until they enter into biblical marriage relationship, thereby building the spirituality and morality of the young people and prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS diseases.

Along with TLW themes other issues that concern the young people

were also included such as HIV/ AIDS and Youth; Tobacco and its effects on Young people; Skill Development.

Besides these 6 areas, TLW seminars were also organized in several local churches. Altogether more than 3000 young people attended the seminars and around 600 took pledge card as well.

Financial Literacy Camp at Longpayimsen held

moKoKchuNg, No vember 23 (mexN): To promote the cause of financial literacy and inclusion, a one day Financial Literacy Camp (FLC) supported under FIF managed by NABARD was conducted at Longpayimsen Village on November 23 organized by Care and Support Society, Mokokchung in collaboration with State Bank of India, Tsurangkong Branch, Mokokchung sponsored

by NABARD. During the programme, S. Amarjit Mangang, DDM, NABARD shared the role played by NABARD in financial inclusion. He informed the villagers about the importance of saving and saving habits and ways and means to cut down unnecessary expenditure.

He advised the farmers to go for scientific method of cultivation/ farming and integrated farming practices so as to increase their income. He briefly highlighted Farmers Club, SHG/JLG, WCC & KCC Programme, PMMY and Stand-Up India Scheme.

Moasunup Imchen, Branch Manager, State Bank of India, Tsurangkong, Mokokchung shared the importance of banking, savings, financial planning.

He shared various financial services offered by the banks for the general public.

He further highlighted PMJDY, PMSBY, PMJJBY and APY in details. He further shared the gathering about the current demonetization going in the country.

Cautioning the public about unscrupulous people, he further advised the people not to entertain people who try to evade Tax by trying to park their Cash in the Accounts, which is equal to abetting the tax evaders and is punishable by law.

A press release said that the programme was chaired by Imchawati Kichu, Managing Director, Care and Support Society.

Invocation prayer was pronounced by N. Maken Deacon, Longpayimsen Baptist Church. Welcome address was addressed by B. Sashi Aier, Chairman Longpayimsen Village Council.

Industries & Commerce official website launched

Kohima, November 23 (DiPr): The Chief Secretary of Nagaland, Pankaj Kumar, IAS launched the official website and ‘Ease of Doing Business in Nagaland,’ of the Department of Industries & Commerce in the presence of its officials and staff at Chief Secretary’s conference hall, Kohima on November 23.

After launching the website, he congratulated the Department of Industries & Commerce for launching its official website and ‘Ease of Doing Business in Nagaland.’ He

Chief Secretary of Nagaland, Pankaj Kumar launches the official website and ‘Ease of Doing Business in Nagaland,’ of the Department of Industries & Commerce on November 23. (DIPR Photo)

also thanked the depart- into reality. Secretary, In- the programme, also ex- tary, K.D. Vizo and his team ment of IT for setting up dustries & Commerce, pressed her gratitude to of officers who worked tireand fulfilling this dream Hushili IAS, who chaired the Commissioner & Secre- lessly for the website.

Thursday 24•11•2016

Regional 3

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Friendship Car Rally UNC blockade: Ibobi seeks Centre’s immediate intervention continues from Imphal Newmai News Network Imphal | November 23

In a recent meeting with Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi, the Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh sought immediate intervention from the Centre with regard to the ongoing indefinite blockade being enforced by the United Naga Council (UNC) since

November 1.

Disclosing this during a press meet at the CM’s Secretariat conference hall here, Ibobi said he had also raised the blockade issue with Rajnath in a telephonic talks held earlier on November 9.

Meanwhile, Ibobi refuted as baseless the news reports published in some Imphal-based newspapers recently that

he failed to make any concrete statement during the meeting before the Union Home Minister towards resolving the UNC-sponsored blockade.

He said that Union Home Minister informed during the meeting that he (Rajnath) received information from some officials that the blockade was on against the district creation plan of the Manipur

government. At this, Ibobi replied that there was no concrete decision from the state government with regard to the district creation proposal.

“I also told Rajnath creation of any district is within the purview of the state government and that any authority or organisation cannot detect this in any way whatsoever,” Ibobi said.

Asserting that National Highways are assets of the country, the Manipur Chief Minister also cautioned the Union Home Minister that any delay in its intervention in the protracted blockade issue could lead to unwanted incidents.

Deputy CM Gaikhangam and other ministers were also present during the press meet.

Over 2600 ATMs recalibrated in NE

Manipur CM flags off Imphal leg of IMT Friendship Motor Car rally Newmai News Network Imphal | November 23

Manipur Chief of Minister Okram Ibobi Singh today flagged off the Imphal leg of India-Myanmar-Thailand Friendship Car Rally from Hotel Classic Gande, Imphal.

Wishing the participants of the rally a happy and safe journey, the Manipur CM expressed that such a car rally would definitely help strengthen relationship between India and the South East Asian countries.

He also said that this rally would give a wide range of experience while travelling from Delhi to Moreh via Imphal and then up to the final destination Bangkok, Thailand

through Myanmar.

Ibobi thanked the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of DoNOR and other ministries of Government of India for supporting the rally.

It may be mentioned that the IMT Friendship Motor Car Rally is piloted by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways with the active support from the Ministry of External Affairs/DoNOR, Tourism/Petroleum and Natural gas, Government of India.

The rally is being organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Kolkata and Kanglinga Motors Sports Club (KMSC), Odissa. It was

flagged from New Delhi in November 13, 2016 which will conclude in Bangkok on December 3, 2016 passing enroute through Myanmar covering a distance of 5722 kms.

The rally comprising of 76 members reached Imphal yesterday. It crossed Moreh, India this afternoon and then enroute to Bangkok will cross Tamu-Kale-Mandalay-Nay Pyi Taw-YangonThaton-Mayawaddy in Myanmar-Maesot (Thailand).

The car rally is being organised with the primary objective to promote regional cooperation and connectivity and fostering social and economic integrity among the three countries.

gUWAHAtI, NoveMber 23 (tNN): As part of a series of moves to tide over the demonetization crisis, the State Bank of India, the country's largest bank, has recalibrated 2,618 out of 2,845 ATMs in the northeast for dispensing Rs 2,000 notes, a statement issued by the bank of Tuesday said.

Most ATMs in the country were not calibrated for the new Rs 2,000 notes and could only dispense Rs 100 notes. The statement said a total of 2,653 ATMs are dis-

Oil tanker catches fire in Imphal IMPHAL, NoveMber 23 (NNN): An oil tanker parked at a fuel pump here caught fire on Wednesday. However, there were no casualties from the incident. A massive fire engulfed the oil tanker at PCTC fuel pump near the DM College, Imphal main gate in Imphal West around 11:40 am. The oil tanker operated by the PCTC was unloading petrol into an inappropriate vessel at the petrol pump when it caught on fire, according to reports. According to norms, petrol should only be unloaded into underground storage tanks. A large number of people who were standing in queue to get petrol had to flee the fuel station in panic due to the blaze. Fire Service personnel rushed to the site and managed to control the fire before it could spread to the petrol pump. The retail outlet was closed down following the incident. Manipur is witnessing fuel scarcity since the United Naga Council (UNC) intensified its indefinite economic blockade along Imphal-Dimapur highway, Imphal- Moreh road and Imphal-Jiribam highway over the issue of district creation plan of the Manipur government. The state government, however, has assured adequate supply of petroleum products. Oil and gas tankers are currently fetching the products through Imphal-Jiribam highway under heavy security arrangements taken up by the state government.

Panchayat bypolls in eight Tripura districts on Dec 21 AgArtALA, NoveMber 23 (PtI): By-poll for one seat of Zilla Parishad, two Panchayat Samities and 44 Gram Panchayats in eight districts of Tripura would be held on December 21, official sources said.

State Election Commissioner, G Kameswar Rao said official notification for the by-polls would be issued tomorrow and the entire process of the by-polls would be completed by December 26. "As the by-polls would be held in 25 blocks across eight districts of the state the Block Development Officers (BDO) would be appointed as Returning officers for the Gram Panchayats and Panchayat Samities. Election for only one Zilla Parishad in Unakoti district would be held and in that case the District Magistrate of Unakoti District would act as Returning officer", Rao told reporters last night.

He said altogether 28,692 voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in the by-polls.

Central team in Tripura to assess effect AgArtALA, NoveMber 23 (tNN): A delegation of the department of economic affairs arrived here to assess the situation on the ground after the demonetization of high-value Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. The delegation was headed by the joint secretary of the ministry of home affairs Kumar Alok. The Centre has sent a team to each state to engage with the people and talk about the problems they are facing. As many as 32 teams of 70 senior officers serving under various ministries have been formed by the department of personnel and training to undertake field visits in various states for on-the-spot assessment and provide inputs to the government. The team has already visited Champaknagar, Mandwai and Jirania areas here with local officers. The panic over Rs 10 coins, surprisingly, turned out to be on a much larger scale than that over demonetization, the officials said. Following the demonetization move, Tripura chief minister Manik Sarkar had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the troubles people were facing, and the demand to allow transactions with the old notes till December 30 and empower cooperative and rural banks to exchange notes for villagers.

pensing both Rs 100 and Rs 2,000 notes. In Guwahati, 301 ATMs are working and 288 have been recalibrated out of the total 318 ATMs. "SBI is continuing its outdoor drive of mobile cash van service throughout the northeast region, including Guwahati, to dispense cash in smaller denominations at different locations, especially in major hospitals, nursing homes, market places and sabji mandis," said a senior SBI official.

As many as 48 such vans

have been pressed into service across the region, bank officials said.

The bank's customer service points (CSPs) linked to their nearest SBI branches are also contributing in the mission of demonetization. Since November 10, a total of 1,156 CSPs in rural areas has contributed to serve 3,53,871 customers for cash transactions.

"A revolution was created in rural areas by using bank's business correspondent channel," the state-

ment said.

SBI said there has been tremendous response and an increasing demand for Point of Sale (POS) machines throughout the northeast, especially in Guwahati city.

"Besides cash transactions, SBI has already

brought the facility of internet banking (both personal and corporate), mobile banking (State Bank Freedom), wallet banking (State Bank Buddy) and many other app-based banking facilities, playing an effective role in the current situation," the statement said.

OFFICE OF THE

VILLAGE COUNCIL CHIZAMI Dist. Phek: Nagaland

fELICItAtES

The Chizami Village Council with profound joy and gratitude to our Almighty, felicitates and Congratulates our most revered and highest ranking N.C.S Officer, Shri. Wezope Kenye on his promotion to Additional Secretary to the Govt. of Nagaland. The Council further wishes him good health and long life in fulfilling the responsibilities laid upon him for the humanity at large.

(Kewepelo Tsuhah) (Lhikhalo Akami) Chairman, Chizami Village Head G.B, Village Council, Chizami (Keduwe Tsuhah) Secretary, Village Council, Chizami

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND

DIRECTORATE OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE NO.DHFW/FSSA-21/16/2009-10/

ZION HOSPITAL & RESEARCH CENTRE DIMAPUR : NAGALAND

VISITING CONSULTANTS

nEURoLoGISt Dr. AMIT RANJAN BARUAH MBBS MD DNB (Neurology) consultant Neurologist from GNRC Hospitals, Guwahati will be available for consultation on 29th Nov. 2016 Tuesday (3:00pm onwards) & 30th Nov. 2016 Wednesday (9:00am onwards).

CARDIotHoRACIC & VASCULAR SURGEon Dr. BIKASH RAI DAS MBBS MS DNB (CTVS) MNAMS Sr. consultant Cardiothoracic/Vascular surgeon from GNRC Hospitals, Guwahati will be available for consultation on 29th Nov. 2016 Tuesday (3:00pm onwards) & 30th Nov. 2016 Wednesday (9:00am onwards).

URoLoGISt Dr. Joy N. CHAKRABORTY MS DNB (Surgery), DNB (Urology), FRCS renowned Endourosurgeon from Guwahati will be available for consultation on 10th Dec. 2016 (Saturday) for Urinary problems, Prostate, Kidney & Bladder Stone.

NAGALAND: KOHIMA

PRESS RELEASE

Dated, Kohima, the 23rd Nov.2016

In exercise of the powers conferred under section 30(3) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and Rules 2001, the undersigned do hereby direct all the designated officers (CMO)/ Food Safety Officers of the districts to conduct inspections of hotels, restaurants, canteens (offices/ colleges/ schools/ institutions), bakeries, tea stalls including temporary stalls and other public eating places, including street food vendors in respective jurisdictions to ensure safety of foods at all levels, in view of the approaching festive seasons in and around the State and the forth coming State Hornbill Festival, 2016.

Further, the Designated Officers (CMOs) are requested to issue detailment order of Food Safety Officers for inspection of venues, where Festivals are being organised to ensure food safety under its jurisdiction and Food Safety coverage for VVIPs/VIPs visit to Nagaland during Hornbill Festival.

The inspection may be carried out in consultation with the concerned District Administration/ Municipal Council/ Town Councils and other appropriate authorities. This exercise should be completed by 30th November, 2016 and submit the action taken report to this Directorate latest by 10th December, 2016 positively.

SD/- (DR. L. WATIKALA) Principal Director & Addl. Food Safety Commissioner Directorate of Health & Family Welfare, Nagaland, Kohima.

for registration, please contact:  03862-231864, 227337, 224117

SPEAkERS: 1. Rev. Dr. Wati Aier FNR Convener 2. Rev. Dr. Z. K. Rochill Senior Auxiliary Secretary The Bible Society of India 3. Rev. Dr. Vezopa Tetseo Executive Secretary Chakhesang Baptist Church Council

InfoRmAtIon 1. Special invitees: All Naga Political Groups, FNR, Naga Hoho, NMA, NSF, NPMHR, ENPO, NTC, CNTC, ENSF, Church Leaders and Prayer Warriors.

2. Advance prayer groups are requested to reach Kutsapo Village on or before 5th December 2016.

3. Fooding and Lodging will be provided by the organizing committee.

4. All delegates are requested to bring beddings.

5. All are cordially welcome to attend the 25 years of Naga Shisha Hoho “Thanksgiving” Programme.

“Calling All Nagas” T

wenty Five years ago, in 1991, the work of the Holy Spirit led to the beginning of Shisha Hoho Prayer house in Kutsapo, Phek District, Nagaland. If we recall, Naga people were under the dark shadow of bloodshed and violence.

Through divine providence and the earnest prayers of His anointed servants, a light dawned on the Nagas and the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) came about in February, 2008. Through the leading of the Holy Spirit and the humble work of the FNR, with all its human weaknesses, a measure of peace was wrought through the signing of the "Covenant of Reconciliation" in June 13, 2009. Today, though there is much to accomplish, we are experiencing relative peace without bloodshed among the Naga political groups.

To this end, we praise God.

Through those years of uncertainty, the NBCC, NCRC, Catholic Association of Nagaland, Assembly of God, the Naga Hoho, all tribal organizations, NMA, NSF, UNC, and more, have supported and cooperated with our common journey and we remain ever grateful. Therefore, on this the 25th Year of the Shisha Hoho, we request you and your organization to attend our "Thanksgiving Program" on December 6 and 7, 2016, at Kutsapo, Phek District, Nagaland.

Rev. Puduhu Khüsoh Chairman, Organizing Committee

4

ThursDAY 24•11•2016

business

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Vodafone offers for NE and Nagaland Kohima, November 23 (ageNcies): As Vodafone India enters the final stages of bringing the world’s largest 4G network to Assam & NorthEast, it announced today, the availability of free of cost 4G SIMs with an attractive data offer- 2GB of free data on 4G enabled smartphones. The offer is applicable to all existing Vodafone customers who have a 4G enabled smartphone and upgrade to a 4G ready SIM. Vodafone 4G SIMs are available at all Vodafone Stores, Vodafone Mini Stores and 10,000 multi brand outlets located across the circle. Customers can get their 4G ready SIM free of cost with a hassle free exchange process which involves no additional documents. With the new 4G ready SIM, they will continue to enjoy uninterrupted mobile internet experience as per their existing plans and will be automatically upgraded to 4G as soon as the services are launched commer-

cially. Initially the 4G services will be launched in select towns of Assam & North-East.

Pre-paid customers can enjoy the one time offer of 2GB data free for a period of ten days while post-paid customers can avail the benefit for one bill cycle.

Customers will need to use their 4G ready SIM on a 4G enabled handset to avail this free data offer. With the new Vodafone SuperNet™ 4G SIM, customers will continue to enjoy uninterrupted mobile internet with an additional 2GB of free data which will be added to the customer’s data balance within 48 hours of the SIM exchange.

To ensure a smooth and seamless exchange of 4G ready SIMs, these are being made available in advance of the commercial launch of Vodafone’s 4G services in Assam & North-East.

A formal announcement regarding the launch, which is expected soon, will be made in due course.

To avail the 4G services, custom-

ers will need to use their 4G ready SIM in a 4G enabled handset.

Announcing this, Alok Verma, Business Head, Assam & North-East, Vodafone India, said, “Vodafone is one of the leading telecommunication services providers in Assam & North-East, and our 5.5 million customers in the region have a lot to look forward to. We have made 2GB of Data free for our customers to give them a flavor of things to come, and to ensure that they are ready for the high speed 4G mobile internet services as soon as these are launched commercially. We are excited and fully geared up to launch our 4G services on the superior 1800 MHz band in Assam & NorthEast very soon.”

Vodafone has successfully tested its 4G services on its robust network architecture coupled with strong backup to support the expected volumes and speed requirements of its customers.

In the past few months, Voda-

fone has invested significantly step in modernizing its existing net- 5. You will receive a success SMS, work, incorporating the latest post which your 4G ready SIM advances in technology thereby will be activated within 15-20 making it more resilient and enminutes. ergy efficient.

6. Subsequently, replace your old SIM in the handset with Customers can switch to a 4G the new 4G ready SIM and ready SIM following these easy continue to enjoy un-intersteps rupted Vodafone services.

1. Walk in to any nearby Voda- 7. You will enjoy benefits of high fone Store, Vodafone Mini speed 4G services as soon as Store or multi brand outlet and they are launched commerget your 4G ready SIM free of cially in Assam & North East. cost In case customers face any 2. To activate the 4G SIM card, issues with the SIM upgrade prouse your existing Vodafone cess, they can call 199 or seek asnumber to SMS ‘SIMEX <your sistance from our staff at any Vo19 digit new 4G SIM card num- dafone retail store. ber>’ to 55199 (this number Vodafone has already will be available on the new launched its high speed 4G serSIM card/jacket given to you) vices in Kerala, Kolkata, Karna3. You will receive a response taka, Delhi, Mumbai, Gujarat, SMS from 55199 with partial Haryana, Uttar Pradesh (East) SIM number entered and West Bengal (ROB). Voda4. Please send the last 6 digits of fone is in the process of rolling out the new SIM number to 55199 Vodafone SuperNet™ 4G services within 2 hours of receiving the across more circles, taking it to SMS mentioned in the above 2400 towns in 17 telecom circles.

China’s NextEV launches NIO Brand and World’s Fastest Electric Car

loNDoN, November 23 (ageNcies): Chinese electric car company NextEV unveiled its new brand NIO Monday and launched what it said was the fastest electric car in the world. The NIO EP9 has 1,360 hp, which propels the car from rest to 160 mph in 7.1 seconds. The car will go on sale in China next year, and then around the world. No word yet on price. The company said it will eventually produce a range of electric cars for the mass market. This is the Chinese electric vehicle start-up’s first product. “With 1,360 hp, the supercar matches the performance of top hybrid supercars, such as the LaFerrari and McLaren P1,” NextEV said in a statement. The NIO EP9 was launched at the trendy Saatchi Gallery in Kings Road, London. The launch was a lavish affair, with many journalists taking part from around the world. The event was filmed live on Chinese TV.

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No transaction fee on New vehicles to have digital tag for toll payments Delhi, November 23 (PTi): Shaktikanta Das told reporters here. He said have been asked to use only digital payment card payments, rail New Government has asked automobile manu- the provision of Electronics Product Code methods for making payments to staketo provide a digital identity tag in Global Incorporated (EPCG)-compliant holders, contractors and employees. e-ticketing till Dec 31 facturers “Government organisations, PSUs and all new vehicles, including cars, to enable RFID facility in all new vehicles will ensure New Delhi, November 23 (iaNs): With the aim to promote online and card payments, the Finance Ministry onWednesdaywaivedoffthetransaction fee on RuPay debit cards, public sector banks’debitcardsandrailwaye-ticketing till December 31 with an advice to private sector banks to follow suit. “To promote greater use of debit cards, public sector banks and some of the private sector banks have decided to waive off the MDR (Merchant Discount Rate) charges till December 31. Other private sector banks are expected to do likewise,” the Finance Ministry said in a statement.

Following suit, leading private sector bank ICICI announced waiving off of the transaction fee for debit card transactions at ICICI Bank merchants with effect from Wednesday till December 31. To encourage passengers to buy etickets instead of making across-thecounter purchase through cash, the Indian Railways have decided not to levy service charges of Rs 20 for second class and Rs 40 for upper classes on purchase of reserved e-tickets up to December 31, it said. To promote greater usage of payments through e-wallets, the Reserve Bank of India has decided to increase the monthly transaction limit for individuals from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000. All government organisations, public sector undertakings and other government authorities have been advised to use only digital payment methods such as internet banking, unified payment interface, cards, Aadhar-enabled payment system etc. to make payments to all stakeholders and employees, the statement said.

FiRe StatiOnS

KoHIMA soUtH: 0370-2222952/ 101 (O) 9402003086 (OC) KoHIMA nortH: 7085924114 (O) dIMAPUr: 03862-232201/ 101 (O) 9856156876 (OC) CHUMUKedIMA: 7085982102 (O) 8732810051 (OC) woKHA: 03860-242215/101 (O) 8974322879 (OC) MoKoKCHUnG: 0369-2226225/ 101 (O) 8415830232 (OC) PHeK: 8414853765 (O) 8413822476(OC) ZUnHeBoto: 03867-280304/ 101 (O) 9436422730 (OC) tUensAnG: 8414853766 (O) 9856163601 (OC) Mon: 03869-251222/ 101 (O) 9862130954 (OC) Kiphire: 8414853767 (O) 9436261577 (OC) Peren: 7085189932 (O) 9856311205 (OC) LonGLenG: 7085924113 (O) 9862414264 (OC)

KolKaTa, November 23 (The hiNDu): The Centre is planning to roll out a crop insurance scheme for small tea growers. Initially, a pilot will be run in three regions in Assam, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu for one crop-cycle spread over two years commencing 2016-17.

The Tea Board would be the nodal agency for the scheme and the cost will be shared between the Centre, the state governments and the growers in the ratio of 75:15:10. However,

232224 229529 229474 MH Hospital 227930 231081 Faith Hospital 228846 shamrock Hospital 228254 Zion Hospital 231864 224117 227337 Police Control room 228400 Police Traffic Control 232106 east Police station 227607 west Police station 232181 CIHsr (referral Hospital) 242555 242533 dimapur Hospital 224041 248011 Apollo Hospital Info Centre 230695/ 9402435652 railway 131/228404 Airport 229366 Indian Airlines 242441 225212 Chumukedima Fire Brigade 282777 nikos Hospital and 232032, research Centre 231031 nagaland Multispecialty Health & research Centre

248302, 09856006026

eden Medical Centre

248288

R

CostLY CoZY CreAtUre deLAY dereLICt dIsAGree err FAInt HUntress InJUre LId PAPYrUs reCIPe settLe tAPer treACHerY VALentIne wILdeBeest wILLPower

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the growers would have to pick up the state government’s tab in case the government declines to contribute its share.

The scheme aims to protect growers from anticipated losses in revenue caused by drop in international/domestic prices, yield loss due to adverse weather or pest attacks or any other reason beyond human control. The Tea Board, which has invited bids from insurance companies for the project, said there are 57,355 we4 woMen HeLPLIne

std code: 03862

Civil Hospital emergency-

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payment of toll digitally and also avoid the waiting time, and the vehicles will move seamlessly without having to wait at check posts. “This will improve the functioning of toll plaza, digital payments,” Das said.

In view of the crunch in availability of lower denomination and new currency following the demonetisation move, the government has exempted all national highways from payment of toll till November 24 (rpt) November 24. RFID tag will ensure that the electronic toll collection system will ensure that when vehicle pass the toll tax booths, they can pass without stopping at the toll booths. The toll amount is deducted from the RFID card. Those tags could be recharged for future use.

Das further said all government offices

other government authorities have been advised to use only digital payment methods such as internet banking, unified payment interface, cards, Aadhar-enabled payment systems to make payments to all stakeholders and their employees,” he added.

Also, an option for payment through cards, digital banking, unified payment interface (UPI) and Aadhar-enabled payments will be provided at the point of disbursing of payment to various private agencies, contractors and private parties.

“In other words, the option of digital payments to private parties will be mandatorily provided. It will be an option that will be provided and instead of issuing a check or a demand draft, you can make payment through online transactions.

Centre plans crop insurance scheme for small tea growers

DiMaPUR

W ACtIVItY AdMonIsH ALBACore AnCestrY ArroGAnt AUreAte AwesoMe BAG BeQUeAtH BLIssFUL BroCHUre CeMetArY CHAnneL CHArter CHeMICAL CHItCHAt CLAIMAnt CLeArInG CLoIster CoLLAPse

electronic payment at all toll plazas and ensure seamless movement at check posts.

Moving towards a cashless digital economy was one of the objectives behind Prime Minister Narenda Modi’s surprise announcement earlier this month to ban old 500 and 1000 rupee notes, sweeping away 86 per cent of total currency in circulation.

In a nation where a majority of consumers still deal in cash, the government is pushing for electronic transactions to improve transparency and weed out black money.

“So, as far as toll plazas are concerned, the Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways is advising vehicle manufacturers that in all new vehicles, the manufacturers must provide Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) facility,” Economic Affairs Secretary

08822911011 WOMen HeLPLIne 181 CHiLD weLFAre CoMMIttee Toll free No. 1098 childline

taHaMZaM (formerly senapati) Police station Fire Brigade

KoHIMA Ps/oCs

R

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stdcode: 03871 222246 222491

KOHiMa Fire Brigade naga Hospital oking Hospital Bethel nursing Home northeast shuttles

north Ps Officer-in-Charge south Ps Officer-in-Charge Zubza Ps Officer-in-Charge Chiephobozou Ps Officer-in-Charge tseminyu Ps Officer-in-Charge Khuzama Ps Officer-in-Charge Kezocha Ps Officer-in-Charge women Cell Officer-in-Charge Control room

A

small growers in the targeted districts. During the pilot period, the scheme would benefit these growers, covering about 44,223.6 hectares of plantation area. Large growers can also join the scheme, but will have to pay the entire premium.

The three regions where the scheme is proposed to be run as a pilot are Golaghat (Assam), Jalpaiguri (West Bengal) and Coonoor (Tamil Nadu) for the crop cycle of March to November for two consecutive years,

std code: 0370 2222952 2222916 2243339 2224202 08974997923

PeRFeCt tRenDS 8118915809

Hamyei road, Longleng -798625, nagaland

Deals in: All kind of under garment, Men’s Boxers, Jockey, Microman, Hanes, Women inner wear, Kids and other items.

Tea Board sources said.

The small tea growers, who are now an emerging force in the Indian tea industry (accounting for more than 35 per cent of the production), have suffered crop damage due to hale storms, excess rainfall and pest attacks.

“There has been a massive crop loss ranging between 30 and 50 per cent due to these factors,” said Bijoy Kumar Chakravarty, president of the Confederation of Indian Small Tea Growers Association.

MOKOKCHUnG

std code: 0369

Police station 1 Police station 2 Police station Kobulong Police station tuli Police station Changtongya Police station Mangkolemba Civil Hospital

9485232688 9485232689 9485232690 9485232693 9485232694 9485232695 2226216

woodland nursing Home

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CURRenCY nOteS

Us dollars sterling Pound Hong Kong dollar Australian dollar singapore dollar Canadian dollar Japanese Yen euro thai Baht Korean won UAe dirham (Aed) Chinese Yuan

BUY (rs) 66.58 82.05 8.31 48.61 46.55 49.28 59.64 70.46 1.81 0.0543 17.54 9.32

seLL (rs) 69.58 86.00 9.25 51.04 48.83 51.69 63.01 73.86 2.02 0.0606 19.54 10.38

leisure

Contact numbers

8575045501 8575045510 8575045502 8575045520 8575045508 8575045518 8575045506 8575045516 8575045507 8575045517 8575045505 8575045515 8575045549 8575045538 8575045509 8575045519 8575045500 (Emergency No. – 100)

Add: diphupar ‘B’ Village, near Village Council Hall 5th Mile. dimapur , nagaland – 797115.

Contact: +91-8974221101

CROSSWORD # 3783

H

SUDOKU

Simple Rules - Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9.

Game Number # 3768

Answer Number # 3767

ACROSS 1. Correct 6. Resorts 10. WW1 plane 14. Dart 15. Stop 16. Harvard rival 17. Clamor 18. Margarine 19. Window ledge 20. Intruder 22. Gait faster than a walk 23. Falafel bread 24. Excrements 26. Found on a finger 30. Snagged 31. Sweet potato 32. Annul 33. Tinted 35. Small drum 39. Refuse to do business with 41. Speech 43. Beauty parlor 44. Identical 46. Ancient Peruvian 47. Cup 49. Very Important Person 50. Cover with plaster 51. Levy 54. 1 1 1 1 56. Encircle 57. Mallee 63. 62 in Roman numerals 64. Annoying insect 65. Hangman’s knot 66. Greek liqueur 67. Assistant 68. Salad oil holder 69. Not closed 70. Comes from trees 71. Groups of animals DOWN 1.Hindu princess 2. Weightlifters pump this 3. Fortitude

4. A flexible pipe 5. Dweeb 6. Gunfights 7. Feel 8. Away from the wind 9. A level in a building 10. Organized 11. Couples 12. Bestow 13. Triangular formation 21. Illuminate 25. Nurse shark 26. Central points 27. Dwarf buffalo 28. Bucolic 29. Movement 34. Subjugated 36. Common hop 37. Hubs 38. A Freudian stage 40. Burden 42. Fend off 45. Popular salad ingredient 48. Bangle 51. Snow house 52. Confusion 53. Award 55. Phase 58. Pearly-shelled mussel 59. Minute opening 60. See the sights 61. Utilized 62. Collections Answer to Crossword 3782

Thursday 24•11•2016

NAGALAND PuBlIc SPAce

A case study on HIV and TB co-infection

M

r. GG (Name changed) first came into the fold of his journey with treatment when he, his wife and their two sons were registered with the Care and Support Centre Sanjoe Society Dimapur on the 12th of January, 2015.

This would seem a positive milestone for the family but it was sadly marred by the passing of his wife, who it was found, was already in the last stage of her AIDS diagnosis. One cannot begin to fathom the unbearable heartbreak Mr. GG must have felt in his loss, and even more so knowing that his two sons, aged five and two years, would have to grow up without their mother right from the outset of a life which was already anything but ideal, in light of their HIV-positive status.

Mr. GG, at this point is his life hung at a precarious edge where he had to now single-handedly look after his two young children, all the while having to deal with the turmoil within himself at the loss of his wife, and the overwhelming guilt he felt for having transmitted the virus to his children. It was, perhaps this guilt and what seemed to him like a losing battle against death that stopped him from revealing his HIV-status to members of his

extended family, and seeking their care and support.

It was also during this period that Mr. GG was at the stage of his illness where he had to start his Anti-Retroviral Treatment.

But as he receded into himself and spiraled into a labyrinth of depression, guilt and despair, his physical health also began to deteriorate with increasingly frequent episodes of disorientation, slurring in his speech, diarrhea, persistent fevers, oral thrush that restricted his food intake, and the invariable weightloss.

His condition was exacerbated by this acute awareness within himself that he was failing in his responsibilities as a father to his two young sons, the elder of whom had had to leave school due to financial constraints, and as a son to his ailing mother who lived with them.

Mr. GG’s ordeal was as much a battle to survive for his children and mother, a battle against the illness ravaging his body, as an emotional and mental battle against the assaults on this very will to survive.

Understandably, he found himself distancing himself from all social fronts. However, as he found out soon enough, in the midst of all his troubles and pain, his journey towards recupera-

tion and the first step towards rebuilding his life had already been taken when he had registered himself and his family with the Care and Support Centre.

Following the clinical diagnosis and detection of his Opportunistic Infections and Tuberculosis, the centre liaised with the Holistic Care Centre through which Mr. GG was inducted into a comprehensive treatment regime with the crucial nutritional support being provided. Further, half of the expenses for his treatment were borne by the Holistic Care Centre providing a significant relaxation from having to bear the full financial burden. In a positively expected turn of events, Mr. GG began to show signs of improvement as he began to regain some of his strength and also there was notable change in his disposition as well.

Mr. GG seemed to have gained a new lease on life, having weathered the worst of ordeals physically, mentally and emotionally. During the three-week stay at the Holistic Care Centre, DOTS and ART treatments were started, and these had the desired impact on Mr. GG. After he left the Holistic Care Centre, home visits were regularly carried out by the Care and Support Centre Out Reach Workers who,

having observed the needs of Mr. GG’s two sons, particularly in regard to their schooling, went on to make appeals for financial support from local resources.

This resulted in a bank account being opened in the children’s name, with the assistance of the Care and Support Centre. In a step further, permission was sought after from the elder son’s school to have him re-enrolled with exemption for the longabsence and the admission fees which were due.

As headways were made in the education of his two children, Mr. GG saw through the completion of his Anti-Tuberculosis Treatment and was able to commence with his regular ART treatment. The Care and Support Centre continued to support his family and Mr. GG now visits the centre with his two sons regularly. With each visit, seeing this family of three is a constant reminder that no matter the depths that HIV/AIDS can plunge a person and whole families into, despite how irreparable it may seem, there is always hope and a light at the end of the long and painfully dark tunnel. It is a beautiful privilege that the Care and Support Centre and the Holistic Care Centre are able to have a role in helping such individuals and families in helping them see

the light and a real blessing in being able to traverse every up and down with them.

There is no denying that the normalcy of life for these individuals and families attains a whole new dimension, w7ith their lives having to revolve around their treatment and their treatment schedules determining how they plan out their days, but if there is anything that one must take away from the real life stories of defeat and gradual triumph, like that of Mr. GG, it is that a person’s HIVstatus will never become who he or she is. Despite how the illness completely blankets the person’s entire being, it is not indefinite.

The very essence of the person is an indomitable part of who he or she is and no illness can ever extinguish that. The battle against the illness is a battle to rescue this essence and help the person find himself or herself amidst all the darkness, which can be always navigated with the right kind of care, support and a healthy dose of love and empathy.

Mr. GG and his sons are navigators now. And they would surely tell you, or better yet, show you that you can be one too.

P&AR clarifies on ST/II/BT certificates Kohima, November 23 (DiPr): The Department of P&AR in a clarification has informed that ST/II/BT certificates are to be signed only by officers in the rank of Additional Deputy Commissioner and above. This is in compliance with the Home Department's Memorandum NO.HOME/SCTA-6/2006 dt. 21.03.2011 and P&AR Department O.M dt 15.10.2008. Therefore, all the candidates who had applied to the CESE-2016 advertised vide No.NPSC-1/2016 dated 20.06.2016 are to submit the proper ST/II/BT certificates signed by the competent authority on or before November 28, 2016. The application of the candidates failing to do so shall be summarily rejected.

Annual classification firing in Pughoboto Pughoboto, November 23 (DiPr): A Coy 8th NAP Pughoboto under the directive of the 8th NAP, Naltoqa Commandant will be carrying out ‘Annual classification firing’ at the Helipad area, Pughoboto on November 25, 2016. Therefore, the public have been advised to keep away from the area to avoid any unforeseen incidents.

Edu dept cancels permit for B.Ed training at Isaac Newton School centre Kohima, November 23 (DiPr): The Department of School Education in a corrigendum has informed all in service candidates undertaking/undertaken B.Ed course from Dr. C.V. Raman University with study centre at Isaac Newton School, Dimapur that the permission order issued earlier stands cancelled till further notice as the mentioned study centre has not obtained any Government approval which is against UGC norms. Therefore, all candidates have been directed to apply in fresh to undergo B.Ed studies.

AZSU (AMN) mourns

DimaPur, November 23 (mexN): All Zeliangrong Students' Union (Assam, Manipur & Nagaland) has expressed shock over the sudden demise of Barnabe Pame on November 21 at Laisong Village in Dima Hasao, Assam.

The Morung Express “Public Space” is to provide space for diverse opinions to be expressed and heard. The opinions in the “Public Space” do not reflect the views and position of the newspaper nor the editor.

Barnabe, who hailed from N. Longkhai Village in Dima Hasao, was holding the post of president, Zeliangrong Students' Union Assam. A condolence message from AZSU (AMN) president, Nchaheing Kompoing remembered the deceased as an energetic, dedicated and visionary young student leader who had rendered his best for the welfare and integrity of the Zeliangrong people in general and students' community in particular. “In his untimely demise, a vacuum has created which will be difficult to fill,” it added.

ACAUT Nagaland councils or non-political dia Cell, ACAUT Nagaland. The union further conveyed heartfelt condolence to the The statement informed bereaved family and prayed for the deported soul to rest lauds newspapers’ organizations that seek to declare their support for that the ACAUT too has writ- in peace. decision in support any particular candidate. ten to the Chairman of all the of ‘Clean Election’ “The media is the back- 1200 odd villages in the state DDADU informs campaign bone of social change and to shun electoral malpracsuch a decision should lead tice and to collectively clean DimaPur, November 23 (mexN): Dimapur District DimaPur, Novem- to further popular upsurge up the 4,00,000 bogus elec- Autorickshaw Drivers’ Union (DDADU) has informed the ber 23 (mexN): ACAUT against the present elector- torate - as admitted by the owner of the autorickshaw bearing registration number NL-0715-157 to claim the autorickshaw from the union’s Nagaland today acknowl- al trend in the state where ECI on September 28. edged that the Naga peo- purchased mandate has The ACAUT Nagaland office by providing original documents during office ple’s fight for “Clean Elec- become the norm. In the further lauded the print hours. In a separate press release, DDADU joint secretary, tion” got the most vital war against electoral mal- media for their “wise de- Renthungo Tsopoe informed all night auto drivers that the office of the DDADU has appointed Kuhoto Khujumi as an boost from the print media practice, where everyone is cision” in support of the in-charge with effect from November 23, 2016. His contact the youths with Union Minister Kiren rijiju and others in new delhi on november 23. with the decision of the ed- a stakeholder, the NBCC’s clean election initiative number is 9862863385. itors of seven newspapers ‘Clean Election Campaign’ and “we reckon that this ZuNheboto, Novem- Museum, Pragati Maidan, State (Home). The Minis- of Nagaland not to pub- has received a much need- could be a turning point ber 23 (mexN): A group Zoological Park, Air Force ter applauded the efforts lish any advertisements or ed shot in the arm,” stated in the war against electoral Marathon race held in Mangkolemba of 15 youth from Zunhe- Museum, Cathedral and made by Assam Rifles in news material by village a press statement from Me- malpractice.” maNgKolemba, November 23 (DiPr): In comboto district are on a visit to Raj Ghat where they paid making the youth aware memoration of the completion of 25 years since MangNew Delhi since November homage to the Father of the of the national history and kolemba ADC Headquarters was established, Mang17 as part of National Inte- Nation. On November 23, rich cultural heritage, said kolemba Adhoc Town Committee and all Ward Councils, gration Tour organized by the youths visited the state a press release from Assam Mangkolemba organized a marathon race, in which 93 5 Assam Rifles. The group, of the art facility of Maruti Rifles. The youth also got men and 32 women participated. Under the men’s catewhich reached Delhi on Suzuki Udyog Limited in an opportunity to see the gory, the first prize was bagged by Chubawati with a cash November 20, over the past Gurgaon. In the evening, rich cultural heritage and award of Rs. 10,000, while the second prize was bagged by three days, has visited Red they interacted with Kiren historic monuments in the Lakhi with a cash prize of Rs. 6,000 and the third was won Fort, India Gate, National Rijiju, Union Minister of national capital.

by Limayapang with a cash prize of Rs. 4000. The first prize in women’s category went to Toshirenla with a cash prize of Rs. 5000, while the second went to Tiajungla with cash prize of Rs. 3000, and the third to Chubainla with cash prize of Rs. 2000.

Visevinuo Khrieo HIV/TB Coordinator Vihaan Programme NNP+ Kohima

Zbto youths meet Kiren Rijiju in Delhi ‘Naga people’s fight for Clean

Election got most vital boost’

Meetings & AppointMents Azo calls meeting of COPU Kuzholuzo Nienu, Chairman of the Committee on Public Undertakings (COPU), Nagaland Legislative Assembly has convened a meeting of the committee for consideration and adoption of the committee’s report pertaining to NSMDC under the Department of Geology & Mining on November 25, 11:00 am onwards in the Assembly Committee Room. All the members of the committee have therefore been requested to attend the meeting.

Tangkhul Hoho Dimapur Tangkhul Hoho Dimapur has called an emergency meeting on November 25, 11:00 am in Diphupar. In a press release, the Hoho president Tuithing Kasar and general secretary, Joyous requested all members to attend the meeting as “it is of utmost importance.”

WDGBA annual meeting The Wokha District Gaon Bura Association (WDGBA) has convened its annual meeting/conference on November 29 at Wokha Town. As per its office bearers and executive meeting resolution, the association has invited all Village/Town Head GBs along with one respective GB each to attend the said conference compulsorily. The association through its general secretary, Aremo Murry and president, Mhonchan Tsopoe further informed all concerned that there will be new office bearers’ election for the next tenure. For more information, contact the association president at 9612977703.

Prison dept calls donors’ meet Prison department has started a pilot project imbibing the prisoners with short term skills as reformative measures. After the first donors’ consultative meet held on November 5, the department has sketched a draft concept paper to enable the Good Samaritans, churches, NGOs and charitable institutions to deliberate and formulate opinions to establish a vibrant reform cum rehabilitation mode for prisoners and inmates, informed a press release. The department has called for another donors’ meet on November 30, 11.00 am at Prison Headquarters, Jail colony, Kohima to carry the process forward. It has invited all NGOs, churches and well wishers to participate and be a part of the reformation.

The detailed concept note is available for everyone.

Anyone wanting a copy may also contact C. Lwngnyei, Research Officer, Planning at 9436070731.

Kohima Police arrest two for collecting tax

Kohima, November 23 (mexN): Kohima Police personnel from South Police Station arrested two persons on charges of collecting tax on November 23. A press release from SDPO (South) & PRO, Kohima Police informed that around 12:15 pm that day, information was received from reliable source that an unknown miscreant is collecting tax from taxi drivers at ‘T’ Khel Junction, Chandmari Colony, Kohima.

Following this, the personnel from South Police Station carried out search of the area. However, the accused had left the area and proceeded towards Midland Colony in one Maruti Alto (Black Colour) bearing registration number NL07-1178. As such, the police team coordinated its search operation around the main town area and subsequently intercepted the vehicle at New Market. The driver of the vehicle identified as Yashito Sumi (36) and another occupant SS. Pvt. Peiwang Konyak (35) of FGN were arrested by the police team.

25 numbers of extortion receipts was recovered from the possession of SS. Pvt. Peiwang Konyak, the release stated.

In this connection, a criminal case vide Kohima South P.S Case No. 0074/2016 U/S 384 IPC R/W 7/8 NSR’62 was registered against the arrested persons.

Mobile ATM provided at DGC DimaPur, November 23 (mexN): Hornbill Premium Banking Branch of State Bank of India (SBI), Dimapur dispensed money through mobile ATM to the teachers, staff and students of Dimapur Government College on November 19 in the college premises. The principal of Dimapur Government College, Ngangshikokba Ao on behalf of the college fraternity has thanked the branch for their service.

Naga man to participate in UNESCO session

First communicants with Bishop James Bishop of Kohima and co-celebrants during ‘Christ the King Feast’ held at Christ King Church Kohima on november 20.

DimaPur, November 23 (mexN): Dr. Hesheto Y

Chishi, Director, Indigenous Cultural Society (ICS), who is a cultural activist and also Working Committee expert in Gender Issue and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) of UNESCO is participating in eleventh session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, UNESCO at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from November 28 to December 2, 2016. This was general public. informed in a press release issued by K. Phucho, former NGOs like Angami MLA and Chairman, ICS. Public Organisation, All Nagaland Taxi Associa- PHH & AAY food grain distribution tion, Truck Owners’ Association, City Bus Union Kohima, November 23 (mexN): Assistant Director and others were also pres- of Food & Civil Supplies, Kohima has informed all the Fair ent and shared their views Price Shops (FPS)/village councils of Kohima centre that and opinions, DIPR added. the PHH & AAY food grains will be released from NovemAs reported earlier, the ber 28 onwards from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. The distribution Union Government has will be done according to the following schedule: Kohima Town FPS – November 28 & 29; Sadar villages & Secu circle fanned out officials to all villages – November 30, Kezocha circle villages – Decemthe states and union terri- ber 2; Jakha circle villages – December 5. All FPS/village tories to examine the chal- councils concerned have been directed to collect their relenges, status and difficul- spective quota according to the schedule. ties faced by the general public while implementing the policy introduced by the Central Government.

Alam arrived as a oneman team for Nagaland Dearest and interacted with vari- Temjenyala, ous stakeholders in Dimapur on November 22. hen you turn 7 He told reporters yesyears old, everyterday that he will collect thing gets seven times information regarding the better and you get seven operational status and im- times more super. Enpact of the demonetisation joy this year! Happy 7th exercise in Nagaland and birthday! submit a report to the cenFrom your loving dad, mom and super cool brothers. tre by November 25.

Central Government Pr drive on “demonetisation” reaches Kohima Morung express news Dimapur | November 23

The Joint Secretary, Minority Affairs, Government of India, Jan-e-Alam today held a meeting with civil societies and banks on “Demonetisation” at DC’s Conference Hall, Kohima.

The former Nagaland State Home Commissioner and currently Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Minority Affairs had arrived in Nagaland yesterday to assess public reaction and the implementation of the demonetisation process in the state.

Alam told the Kohima meeting that the main purpose of his visit was to check out the availability of currency in smaller denomination, lapses, projections and its arrangements to meet the demand of the people, stated a DIPR report.

During the interaction with various stakehold-

ers, the Kohima Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) voiced concern about the acute shortage of smaller denomination since most of the businesses in the state are agrobased, it said.

KCCI further highlighted the poor functioning and lack of ATMs and currency of smaller denominations in the state capital and probable problem it would create during particularly during the upcoming festive seasons and Hornbill festival.

Administrator Kohima Municipal Council, Kovi Meyase also shared the problems faced by the people and how it has adversely affected people working on fixed and contract basis with no bank accounts.

He also urged the financial institutions to give a special dispensation in a way of opening new bank accounts at the earliest so as to cater the needs of the

Birthday GreetinGs

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Thursday 24•11•2016

IN FOCUS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

The Power of Truth

The Morung Express volume Xi issue 323

By Alemtula longchar

Gender cannot be the criteria for leading society

“The test of whether you can hold a job or not should not be in the arrangement of your chromosomes.” – Bella Abzug

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aga women are not burnt for dowry. They are also not ‘discarded’ by husbands with the repetition of a single word. They are not required to cover their faces before men who are not their husbands or to shroud themselves in public. They are free to wear whatever they want and, in fact, some choose to wear very little.

They have the same right to education, food and medical facilities as their brothers, can apply for almost any job and basically enjoy many liberties that their counterparts in many societies cannot.

Naga men deserve a pat on their back: the level of their ‘enlightenment’ and their ‘magnanimity’ in ‘giving’ all this freedom to ‘their’ women is singular and must be acknowledged, which it is: usually by themselves and usually repeatedly.

And now that women want to be in governing bodies and want to be a part of the decision making process at some levels of governing bodies, it has come as a ‘death-blow’ to our culture.

In our culture, ‘since time immemorial,’ women have enjoyed very high status, at par with men. This is true because Naga men say so. This is beside the fact that, even in a fast changing world, Naga women cannot have inheritance and cannot become clan-elders or members of the village council.

But only because they are ‘unfit’ for such matters. The patriarchal assumption is that there is something lacking in the mental make-up of women so they cannot be trusted with either property or issues that matter to, and affect, an entire society or community.

Women may be trusted to raise the next generation, they may excel in all sorts of fields and careers, but neither wisdom nor intelligence or ability is the criteria for governing over, and leading, Naga society: gender is. This is becoming another Naga ‘truism.’

Nagaland State is 53 years old; our Christianity is even older. We pride ourselves for a lifestyle which is at par with the most advanced societies, looking down on neighbours who are not as ‘cultured’ or ‘westernized’ as ourselves. But whenever any attempt is made for women to acquire actual, meaningful rights we fall back on our ‘time immemorial’ culture and tradition to deny and reject social equality. Keeping women in ‘their place’, a place which is only slightly above the children’s ‘place,’ seems to be the all-important key to preserving our ‘culture.’

53 years of our men folk at the helm has brought our State up, or down, to this level. Perhaps it is time for Naga men to steer with the help of the other half of Naga society because gender cannot become the criteria for leading a society.

As for those men folk who are concerned about the preservation of Naga culture, let them demonstrate their sincerity by putting aside their smart phones, getting the bowl hair cut and strapping on their loincloths before they speak. After all, this is also a part of our culture.

From November 10-December 10, 2016, The Morung Express will feature a series of ‘Guest Editorials’ every Thursday.

lEfT wiNg |

Prak Chan Thul Reuters

Jailing of Khmer Rouge leaders "sends message to North Korea"

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Cambodian Supreme Court chamber on Wednesday upheld a life sentence for two top cadres of the 1970s Khmer Rouge found guilty of crimes against humanity, a decision a U.N. envoy said sent a message to leaders in North Korea and elsewhere.

Most of the victims of the Khmer Rouge 1975-79 "Killing Fields" regime died of starvation, torture, exhaustion or disease in labour camps or were bludgeoned to death during mass executions. A fifth of the population was killed.

The UN-backed Supreme Court Chamber said Khmer Rouge "Brother Number Two" Nuon Chea, 90, and former President Khieu Samphan, 85, had been found guilty of crimes against humanity, murder, persecution on political grounds and other inhumane acts over the forced evacuation of the capital, Phnom Penh, after the fall of the city in 1975.

"The Supreme Court Chamber affirms the sentence of life imprisonment imposed by the trial chamber on both Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan," judge Kong Srim said on Wednesday.

"The Supreme Court orders that Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan remain in custody."

David Scheffer, the U.N. Secretary-General's envoy to the tribunal, said that the judgment sent a message to leaders around the world.

"What happened today in this courtroom ultimately can reach your domain," Scheffer told reporters at the court, naming Islamic State in Syria, among others.

"I will just say in closing that perhaps the leadership of North Korea should take particular note of what occurred here today," Scheffer said. "...International justice isn't backing down, it is actually forging ahead."

A 2014 report by the United Nations, which referred to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un by name in connection with suspected human rights abuses, triggered a strong reaction from Pyongyang, including a string of military provocations.

Reclusive North Korea, which has carried out a string of nuclear and missile tests in violation of UN Security Council resolutions, regularly threatens to destroy South Korea and its main ally, the United States.

The Cambodian trial chamber's first verdict and sentence in 2010 was life in jail for Kaing Guek Eav, alias "Duch", head of the notorious Tuol Sleng prison, where as many as 14,000 people were tortured and executed.

Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan were both in court to hear the ruling. The two face separate charges of genocide in a second phase of the complex, ongoing trial.

There were initially four defendants. Former Foreign Minister Ieng Sary died in 2012. His wife, Ieng Thirith, a former minister, died in 2015.

The Cambodian government also welcomed the court judgment.

"We express our hope that this trial and today's delivery of the final judgment brings some relief for your pain and suffering," Deputy Prime Minister Sok An said, addressing survivors of the Khmer Rouge regime.

C O M M E N T A R Y

Sakiko Fukuda-Parr openDemocracy

Human rights are not losing traction in the global South In the debate on whether human rights have stalled, analysts are ignoring huge strides in socioeconomic improvements in the global South

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tephen Hopgood’s The Endtimes of Human Rights by and Eric Posner’s The Twilight of Human Rights Law have set off an important debate about whether human rights have run out of steam as a force for human progress. Other commentators such as Sam Moyn have argued that human rights no longer have the power to mobilize international condemnation and moral pressure against totalitarian regimes. Posner argues, for example, that the rapid expansion in the ratification of human rights treaties since the 1990s has had no impact on the respect for human rights. Further, since the end of colonization, human rights movements such as the right to self-determination, the civil rights act in the US, and overall equality in the US have run out of steam.

On closer reading and reflection, these arguments tell a very partial story about human rights. They are limited to human rights as civil and political rights to end brutal authoritarian rule, as law in international treaties to be enforced by the UN human rights system, and as a mission of international institutions embodied in international treaties and bodies, both inter-governmental and non-governmental. Indeed, these opinions reflect a view of human rights as a civilizing mission of the Western world by the use of law and political power—a vision of the dominant human rights scholars and organizations.

Yet there are other ways of understanding the process of human rights progress. As Michael Ignatieff forcefully argued at a recent conference at Kings College, human rights is not about international law but about politics: “moral politics expressed as or clothed in law”. And the politics is not just about foreign policy goals of powerful states.

There is plenty of energy in the politics of disenfranchised people claiming human rights and states challenging powerful governments, corporations and other global actors.

And these politics have gained momentum in recent decades. In India since 2004, civil society mobilization and judicial activism have led to a series of legislation to secure the rights of ordinary people for a life of dignity; the right to information, food, employment, forest resources, education, and access to basic social services. Indigenous peoples—from Norway to the Philippines to Brazil—have mobilized a global movement, protesting suppression of their language and culture, exploitation of the natural resources on which their livelihoods depend, holding governments to account and bringing in new legislation

An indigenous Filipino woman sells bracelets. Indigenous peoples—from Norway to the Philippines to Brazil—have mobilized a global movement, protesting suppression of their culture and exploitation of natural resources.

to protect their rights. Academics and activists have demanded accountability of corporations when they exploit workers and do environmental damage, and have pressured the international community to develop norms and a binding convention to govern corporate conduct. These are but a few examples of a multitude of small and large actions being taken. The politics of human rights claim-making is alive and well in the global South.

However, the end of totalitarian rule is not the focus of this claim-making. It is for a broader understanding of life of freedom and dignity that encompasses civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights. Claims for equality in economic and social rights are most often at the centre of the political mobilization. And with the advance of economic globalization, human rights are beginning to serve as a check on the excesses of the neoliberal economic model. The access to medicine campaign networks have been demanding the human rights to health and protesting patent rules in trade treaties that maintain prices medicines at levels beyond reach of people whose lives they can save. They pressured governments and corporations to pass the Doha Declaration, reaffirming the legal right of national governments to

use flexibilities in trade agreements to protect the human right to health of people within their borders. They negotiated with governments and corporations for pricing and purchase arrangements that brought the cost of HIV retroviral medications down from over $10,000 to around $100 for a course of treatment per year per patient, saving millions of lives.

Has there been perceptible progress in the realization of human rights?

The answer is most certainly yes in the respect for socioeconomic rights and ending absolute poverty. The last decades have seen a steady improvement in poverty, child survival, and many other dimensions of human development. Did this have something to do with human rights? In our recent book Fulfilling Social and Economic Rights (OUP 2015), Terra Lawson-Remer, Susan Randolph and I use a new human rights measure—the SERF Index—to demonstrate empirically a steady improvement in government compliance with their obligations to fulfill social and economic rights. And much of the biggest gains have been in the countries of Africa, Asia and Latin America. Freedom from hunger and malnutrition, premature death, exploitative work, homelessness and illiteracy are not as visible as the re-

lease of a prominent political prisoner. But they are as essential to a life of freedom and dignity as the freedom of speech.

What is behind this trend? Not the ratification of human rights treaties, nor government social spending, nor a regime of democracy according to our statistical analyses. We found that the single clear driver was gender equality.

Societies with greater gender equality achieve higher fulfillment of economic and social rights for all members. This should come as no surprise—empirical research has long established the strong role of gender equality in improving schooling, health, food security and economic growth. But this also shows that the advance of human rights is not a process of implementing laws that spring up in conference rooms of the UN but a process of sustained social change driven by the agency of people claiming their rights.

Sakiko Fukuda-Parr is a Professor of International Affairs at the The New School and the coauthor—with Terra Lawson-Remer and Susan Randolph—of Fulfilling Social and Economic Rights, OUP 2015, the recipient of the 2016 American Political Science Association’s award for Best Book in Human Rights Scholarship.

Coal Entrenches Poverty, Drives Climate Change lyndal Rowlands

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Inter Press Service

oal power does more to harm the world’s poor than to help them, even before the devastating impacts of climate change are taken into account, according to a recent report published by 12 international development organisations.

Yet despite commitments made under the Paris Climate Change agreement the world could go over the threshold of two degrees warming if just one third of currently planned coal power stations were built, the report found, adding that “if the world exceeds this, the results will be disastrous for the global fight against poverty.”

The report ‘Beyond Coal: Scaling up clean energy to fight poverty’, was published by the Overseas Development Institute (ODI), CAFOD, Christian Aid and nine other organisations ahead of the 22nd

Conference of the Parties to the UN Climate Change Convention in Marrakesh, Morocco, which will conclude on Nov. 18.

Ilmi Granoff, co-author of the report, told IPS that coal “entrenches poverty”, contrary to arguments from the coal sector that the fossil fuel contributes to economic growth.

Granoff, a research associate at ODI, acknowl-

wRiTE-wiNg edged that closures of coal power plants have caused localised economic hardship, but said that their research found that overall renewable energy is “more employment intensive per unit.”

“The World Coal Association’s own estimates indicate that the coal industry employs 7 million people globally,” said Granoff, less than the 9.4 million people already employed in renewable energy supply chain.

“It’s important to acknowledge that there is an employment (impact) with the phase down of coal globally because there are specific locations where people rely on the coal industry and those need to have a just transition,” he added. “But in terms of the prospects for future employment the renewable energy sector provides better opportunities: more jobs and higher quality jobs globally.”

Arguments that coal can help the world’s poorest people to access energy, also don’t make sense said Granoff. The report’s authors found that renewable energy can already meet “the specific needs of fighting extreme poverty and energy poverty,” he said.

In addition, noted Granoff, coal entrenches poverty by causing health problems from asthma to

heart attacks. “A single one gigawatt plant in Indonesia was estimated to cause 26,000 premature deaths over the plant’s lifetime.

Granoff also noted the importance of recognising the long term negative impact that coal will have – particularly on poorer people and poorer countries – by contributing to climate change. The impacts of climate change on developing countries, and the world’s poorest people, have been central to UN climate discussions, including those taking place this week in Marrakesh.

Developing countries argue that richer countries have a responsibility to limit the impacts of climate change on poorer countries, which will be disproportionately affected by increasingly unpredictable and severe weather patterns, despite having contributed far less to global carbon emissions. This is an important reason why rich countries should be phasing out coal power stations, notes Granoff.

However while the phasing out of coal is a general trend in many richer countries, coal has continued to linger in countries such as Australia and the United States. In the U.S. President-elect Donald Trump ran his campaign on several pro-coal policies, arguing that President Barack Obama’s “radical environmental agenda” was killing jobs and hurting the economy.

However, while many of the planned coal power stations are in Asia, particularly in energy-hungry China and India, both climate change and air pollution are making these countries have to reassess their reliance on coal as an energy source.

“China is very seized of the impacts of coal both on climate change and air pollution,” said Granoff, noting that the Chinese government is reviewing the construction of some new coal power plants.

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.

Thursday 24•11•2016

PERSPECTIVE

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

7

MyanMar’s Opening: Doing Business in asia’s Final Frontier Edward Parker The Diplomat

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yanmar’s explosive economic growth and untapped potential have led many investors to dub the country as “Asia’s final frontier.” The “opening up” of the country, first set in play in 2011 with a set of transformative economic and political reforms by the previous government of Thein Sein, caught much of the world off guard – and with good reason.

After decades of isolation and a ruinous period of brutal military dictatorship, Myanmar finally came in from the cold. To the world’s further surprise – and to give context to just how fast the pace of reform has been – nationwide democratic elections last year pushed the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) from power, with a government led by Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) taking office in April; Myanmar’s first truly civilian-led government in over half a century. In less than six years, the country has come from international isolation, pariah status, and a 2010 general election that the UN dubbed “deeply flawed” to become Asia’s newest fledgling democracy and the world’s fastest-growing economy, according to the IMF. Despite breakneck economic growth of around 8 percent year-on-year, the country faces serious challenges and a lot of catching up to do. Sixty years of economic isolation and mismanagement has left a mark. Myanmar is the poorest country in Southeast Asia, has the lowest life expectancy, and the second-highest rate of infant and child mortality. Basic infrastructure also presents a huge challenge, with just one-third of the population having access to electricity and road density standing at just 220 kilometers per 1,000 square kilometers of land, according to figures from the World Bank. A lack of clear land ownership, difficulties accessing commercial credit, poor port and road infrastructure, and a large skills gap also top the laundry list of investor gripes.

The Clock Is Ticking The challenges may be many, but the opportunities are greater still. Young demographics, cheap labor costs, huge untapped domestic consumption with a population of around 60 million, and the geo-

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graphic advantage of being the largest country in mainland Southeast Asia – sandwiched between the Asian giants of China and India – make Myanmar well positioned to reclaim its crown as a regional trading hub. Colonial Burma was once the richest and most advanced country in Southeast Asia, with Rangoon serving as Britain’s primary trading port and transport gateway to the region. A rich endowment of natural resources – including minerals, oil and gas, teak wood, and agricultural products – add to the bright prospectus for adventurous investors and entrepreneurial businesses seeking new markets and areas of growth.

Robert Easson, CEO of the British Chamber of Commerce in Myanmar, is bullish on the country’s potential and scathing of investors who continue to “wait and see,” saying that foreign investors and businesses are “now running out of excuses” not to do business in and with Myanmar.

At the beginning of October, the U.S. government removed all remaining major sanctions on Myanmar, including, and crucially, restrictions on the banking sector – therefore laying the foundations for Western banks to reengage in the country and for Myanmar to regain full access to the international financial system.

Correspondingly, the NLD government has been busy pushing through economic reforms, including the passage of a new investment law, which will combine and replace the overlapping foreign investment and Myanmar citizen’s investment laws. The new law will simplify the investment process and allow the government to use tax breaks and other incentives, such as establishing special economic zones, to make targeted regions and sectors more attractive for investment.

Aung San Suu Kyi, in her position as state counselor and de facto head of government, has also spent the last few months on a global promotional tour, with stop overs in China, India, Japan, the U.K., and the United States, to pitch the country to foreign investors and further economic ties. Over the last few weeks, and with the end of sanctions and the new investment law in place, Suu Kyi convened an audience of foreign businesses and investors in Naypyidaw to further drive the message home and make the case that economic development is crucial for advancing the country’s dem-

resident-elect Donald J. Trump on Tuesday expressed reservations about the use of torture. But he did not disavow the practice, or his promise to bring it back. And if he does, C.I.A. doctors may be America’s last defense against a return to savagery. But they’ll need to break sharply with what they did the last time around.

Buried in a trove of documents released last summer is the revelation that C.I.A. physicians played a central role in designing the agency’s postSept. 11 torture program. The documents, declassified in response to an American Civil Liberties Union lawsuit, show in chilling detail how C.I.A. medicine lost its moral moorings. It’s long been known that doctors attended torture as monitors. What’s new is their role as its engineers.

The documents include previously redacted language from a directive by the C.I.A.’s Office of Medical Services telling physicians at clandestine

Myanmar looks to be on the path to a prosperous future and a fast-growing, dynamic economy

ocratic institutions.

On the horizon, and something that many Myanmar analysts are more eagerly awaiting, is the passing of the new companies act, which looks to bring Myanmar up to international standards and replace the existing act – which dates back to colonial-era legislation from 1914. The new companies act looks to further modernize the business environment, bringing Myanmar in line with basic international standards of corporate governance and frameworks, with provisions including the strengthening of shareholder rights, outlining the responsibilities of company directors, and crucially – and perhaps the real hidden game changer – the possible loosening of laws to allow foreign entities to obtain long-term land leases and titles. Land rights have been a major stumbling block for many investors, not to mention disputes over land title ownership.

The new companies act will also massively reduce compliance costs and regulatory burdens for firms, with the cost of doing business in Myanmar frequently underestimated by investors coming into the market. Combined with another provision that may allow foreign investors to buy shares on the Yangon Stock Exchange, Aung Naing Oo, the director general of the Directorate of Investment & Company Administration (DICA), was upbeat on how these reforms would modernize and simplify business processes.

These types of modernizations are of course badly needed in Myanmar. The World Bank’s global ease of doing business rankings, currently scores Myanmar at the bottom end of the table – at 170 out of 190 countries globally – far behind neighboring countries

such as Laos, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam, and more than a hundred places behind next door neighbor and regional export leader, Thailand, which comes in at a global ranking of 46. Myanmar still has a very long way to climb to catch up with its neighbors, but the country is in a hurry to make up the gap.

After a significant investment slowdown last year, in which many investors, especially Western firms, waited to see how the elections played out and the new government shaped up, many businesses, especially from Asia, are now queuing up for permits and positioning themselves to take “first mover advantage.” The clock is now ticking for those wanting to get in on the country’s economic opening.

A Good Signal Although behind their Asian rivals, Western multinationals are certainly taking advantage of Myanmar’s progress and potential. TODAY Ogilvy & Mather, one of the country’s biggest advertising and public relations firms, and part of the global WPP marketing group, is seeing a number of big brands enter the market, such as helping to introduce KFC to the country last year. Shell, Coca-Cola, and Nestlé are other big names on their client roster that are working to build brand awareness and increase their in-country profiles.

Perhaps most indicative, though, of the “winwin” that greater economic openness and foreign investment has brought to Myanmar can be seen in the country’s rapidly developing telecommunications sector. Gaining licenses in 2013, Norway’s Telenor and Qatar’s Ooredoo have sunk multimillion dollar investments into the country over the past three years, and

now dominate the mobile market. The liberalization of the sector and subsequent investment in towers and telco-technology infrastructure have increased mobile and internet penetration vastly. Mobile and internet coverage in the country has leap-frogged from less than 20 percent and 10 percent, respectively, in 2014, to 60 percent and 25 percent today, allowing millions of people in Myanmar to access information online through 3G and even some 4G covered areas, and make calls at affordable prices for the first time.

This particular sector is symptomatic of the broad sweep of changes and rapid boom in development that the country is now experiencing. Mobile sim cards are now available across the country, sold in shops and roadside street stalls for a mere 1,500 kyat or around $1.50. This would have been unthinkable just ten years ago, when mobile ownership was off-limits for all but the elite, with a sim card setting a well-heeled or well-connected buyer back by more than $2,000 – and even at that price, reception was patchy.

Hidden Gems As a new “frontier” market, almost every sector is seeing growth, but certain areas are faring better than others. GAP and H&M have been quietly doing business in the country for a number of years now, with basic textile factories on the outskirts of Yangon. These multinationals benefit from Myanmar’s low cost of labor, as wages across the region, especially in China, rise – highlighting the country’s next “factory floor” potential.

Beyond resources and manufacturing, it is the service sector which is seeing the fastest rates of growth – in big demand in a country where the advancement of

modern services ground to a halt with the junta’s coup and subsequent nationalization of the economy. Education and healthcare are such specialist areas where Western businesses are seeing a gap and filling it. Recent entrants include leading U.K. independent school group, Dulwich College, which in April announced its entry into Myanmar with two campuses in Yangon, funded by a capital investment of more than $30 million by Singapore-listed Yoma Strategic Holdings.

Global private healthcare provider, International SOS, is also growing its presence in the country, as a lack of adequate healthcare blights the nation. The suits are also in town, with Western multinational service firms all scooping up good business in the country. Deloitte, Ernst & Young, and PwC all have a presence in Myanmar, doing the all-important due diligence and auditing that new investors require, vetting suitor projects and potential local business partners, as more firms expand into the market.

Perhaps surprisingly in a “frontier” Asian market, it is the upmarket AngloAmerican legal firms that are seeing some of the most significant growth, making the most of the multiple deals and transactions now being carried out. Global law firms Baker & McKenzie and Allen & Over both have a presence in the country.

For Easson, it is Myanmar’s British-based “common law” legal system that may well be the country’s secret weapon and an often overlooked advantage in making the country favorable to Western investors, ahead of other neighbors in the region, who mostly have different legal systems. Many Western firms, after first experiencing significant initial growth, have often found it difficult to traverse the complexities of alien and opaque legal and regulatory frameworks in the region, whereas Myanmar’s law, as is the case in Singapore and Hong Kong, is essentially based on British law. Easson says “this gives those companies with similar legal systems – most notably U.S. and U.K. companies – a distinct advantage of ‘being at home’ within the same legal framework.”

Back to the Future As one would expect in a country largely cut off from the world for decades, the development of technology services and ICT infrastructure is well behind that of Myanmar’s neighbors and presents a huge area for potential growth, but also a huge headache for businesses operating in

the country. The government, too, is looking to ICT and e-government systems to improve and modernize antiquated government bureaucracy and is setting up a dedicated committee to put more government services online, in an attempt to replicate the successes of neighboring countries’ egovernance systems, such as Thailand.

Although a weak IT backbone and a lack of skilled expertise in the sector presents a real challenge, the government’s commitment to modernization through technology has already been realized in Myanmar’s highly successful “e-visa” program, built with the support of Singapore. Now tourists and business travelers from outside ASEAN can apply for, pay for, and receive their Myanmar visa online – usually within a day. Here again, Myanmar is jumping ahead of many other more established countries in the Asia region, which often have notably more trying visa and permit restrictions. It is this type of “small win” that is making many in Myanmar’s business community hopeful that, despite the challenges, the country is very much on the right track to further ease doing business and attract ever growing investment in the years ahead.

Despite a past history of asset seizures and currency revaluations under junta rule and decades of financial sanctions, which led all major foreign banks to leave the country, Myanmar is now seeing many returns.

Some Western banking and insurance companies have been patiently persevering over the last few years, softly reestablishing themselves in the country and waiting for the chance to jump back in, when sanctions are eased and foreign business permits permitted. Standard Chartered, which can date its heritage in Myanmar back to colonial Rangoon – when the city used to be a financial hub for the British East India Company – has had a representative office in the country for a number of years. Insurance giant, Prudential, also has been building its presence. Although both financial heavyweights do not yet possess operating licenses, nor are they commercially active, their representative offices have been busy establishing networks and relationships, working on a number of “ground-laying” initiatives to educate and improve capacity in the financial sector – such as joint capacity-building initiatives with the government and financial literacy programs aimed at educat-

When Doctors First Do Harm

interrogation sites to flout medical ethics by lying to detainees and collaborating in abuse. This language also reveals that doctors helped to design a waterboarding method more brutal than what even lawyers for the George W. Bush administration allowed.

The directive counsels that clinical care “not undermine the anxiety and dislocation that the various interrogation techniques are designed to foster.” It instructs physicians not to “appear overly attentive” and to confound patients’ expectations via deceit. Recommended tactics include doing clinical exams while pretending to be guards, changing medication schedules to disrupt detainees’ sense of time and hiding drugs in food.

It also outlines protocols for prolonged shackling in painful positions that would permit development of skin lesions and edema (swelling because of leakage of fluid from blood vessels) up to the knees.

Sleep-deprivation protocols

call for a balance between breaking detainees’ resistance and preserving their capacity to provide information.

If forced wakefulness “is intended to be one element in the process of demonstrating helplessness in an unpleasant environment,” the directive counsels, two-hour “naps” between days of sleeplessness are “sufficient.”

Previously redacted language also discloses the origin of the degrading practice of “rectal hydration,” first reported by the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence in 2014: The medical service advised that “individuals refusing adequate liquids” be given fluids forcibly, through a “rectal tube.”

Other language shows that C.I.A. physicians collaborated in waterboarding more terrifying and dangerous than what government lawyers permitted. The Justice Department allowed interrogators to simulate drowning for up to 40 seconds by using a wet cloth to block air flow through the

M. Gregg Bloche New York Times

nose and mouth. But according to the directive, the medical service determined that a good air seal “was not easily achieved by the wet cloth.”

So it instead went along with pouring “up to several liters of water” onto captives’ faces.

“The resulting occlusion,” the directive said, “was primarily from water filling the nasopharynx, breathholding, and much less frequently the oropharynx being filled — rather than the ‘sealing’ effect of the saturated cloth.” The drowning experience, in other words, wasn’t simulated; it was real.

That C.I.A. interrogators actually employed this method is consistent with videotapes of waterboarding sessions. A 2004 review of these since-destroyed videos found that instead of using the wetcloth technique, interrogators “continuously applied large volumes of water.” The review, by the C.I.A.’s inspector

general, noted that this “differed” from what the Justice Department had authorized.

The agency’s method, a psychologist-interrogator told the inspector general, was “more poignant and convincing.”

The medical service instructed physicians to manage waterboarding’s dangers by combining the practice with sleep deprivation and shackling of detainees in stressful positions; this, the service advised, could “prolong the period of moderate use of the waterboard by reducing the intensity of its early use.”

The service conceded in the recently released text that the abuse its doctors helped to plan put detainees at deadly risk. Inhalation of water, spasm of the larynx, hypothermia and lung and limb infections are among the hazards physicians were told to watch for.

The role of physicians included assessing the comparative efficacy of abusive methods. The medical service judged extended sleep depriva-

tion “most effective” because of its “demonstrably cumulative” contribution toward “demonstrating helplessness in an unpleasant environment.” But it concluded that confinement in tiny boxes worked poorly since this offered “a respite from interrogation,” and it expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of waterboarding.

Some of the agency’s doctors challenged the torture program’s efficacy and questioned why the psychologists who created it served in conflicting roles as both its managers and evaluators. There were objections, as well, to the ethics of putting behavioral science to such brutal use. But the program’s advocates prevailed, and the medical service instructed its physicians accordingly. There have been no public indications that any refused to go along.

Unlike the contractorpsychologists who created the torture program and have faced public excoriation, the C.I.A. physicians who helped

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.

ing the public. Both hope, and are looking to receive, operating licenses over the next year, reaping the benefits after many years of slowly building up their presence.

Exponential Potential Although the new government is young and inexperienced, many in Yangon’s business circles have been positively surprised by how receptive the government has been. Despite huge disadvantages – with a government administration that lacks experience, expertise, and funding – Easson says that what is different in Myanmar, in comparison to other countries in the region, is that the government does not just pay lip service to business complaints and recommendations, but acts on suggestions and then implements them in practice.

While foreign businesses in neighboring countries, such as Vietnam and Indonesia, have fallen foul of nationalist and protectionist policies of late, Myanmar’s government and its people have been more welcoming of foreign businesses – especially after decades of being left on the sidelines of Asia’s economic ascent and global trade. Institutions such as the World Bank, International Finance Corporation, and Asian Development Bank have also found a greater willingness from the government to listen and engage. The recent investment law, for example, had considerable input from the business community and international institutions in its drafting.

Despite starting from a low base, the general sentiments from economists, analysts, and businesses active in Myanmar today reflect optimism about the future.

Consumer consumption alone has been skyrocketing over the last year, as Myanmar’s people start to consume the branded foreign goods and products now flooding into the market, from shampoo to snacks.

For those willing to take the plunge, deal with the difficulties, and invest for the long haul, Myanmar now looks to be on the path to a prosperous future and a fast-growing, dynamic economy. More importantly though, it is Myanmar’s people that are now experiencing the benefits that greater political freedom and economic growth is bringing, from jobs to development. It is for this reason that Myanmar is now past the point of no return.

The genie is now well and truly out of the bottle.

Edward Parker is a contributor to The Diplomat, based in Southeast Asia.

design it remain anonymous.

Behind this cloak of invisibility, they’ve acted as a rogue profession, contemptuous of medicine’s Hippocratic commitment to patients.

An independent inquiry into what those physicians did and how they lost their ethical moorings is vital. So are clear lines between acceptable and improper use of medical expertise for national security purposes. The law of armed conflict sets standards for access to medical care for detainees, and clinical assessment is a potent tool for detecting abuse.

Meanwhile, it’s urgent that American medicine sends a powerful, public message to President-elect Trump that there can be no place for medical participation in the engineering of cruelty, even in clandestine service to the nation. And it’s critical that C.I.A. and military doctors heed this message, even if they must defy orders to the contrary.

M. Gregg Bloche, a physician, teaches law at Georgetown and is the author of “The Hippocratic Myth.”

8

ThursDAY 24â&#x20AC;˘11â&#x20AC;˘2016

INDIA

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Demonetisation logjam: Govt reaches out to opposition New Delhi, November 23 (PTi): In a bid to break the logjam in Parliament over demonetisation, government today reached out to the Opposition with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar holding talks with Congress and TMC leaders.

Kumar and some other leaders in the government will continue deliberations with floor leaders of various political parties tomorrow.

"Nothing has been achieved by holding up the Parliament proceedings.

Everybody feels that there should be action against black money. The opposition parties apprehensions are about only implementation of demonetisation, we have been saying that we are ready to listen to their concerns.

"I have again requested them to start discussion where they can express their view points on this issue, which government will listen and consider," Kumar said.

The governments action comes in the backdrop of continued stalling of both the Houses of Parliament by the opposition which is demanding Prime Minister Narendra Modis presence and participation in the debate on demonetisation.

Government sources indicated that Modi may be present in the Rajya Sabha

Mamata hits Delhi's streets, gets JD-U, SP and NCP support

Members from major parties including Congress, BSP, JD(U), TMC, AIADMK, NCP, Left, RJD and the Samajwadi Party protesting outside the Parliament. The MPs raised slogans and displayed posters against demonetisation. (PTI Photo)

tomorrow.

Kumar added that he has requested political parties to see the "writing on the wall" and start discussion on the issue.

"I requested them that they can themselves see that public is in favour of this move. Rather than holding up the proceedings, it should be allowed to run smoothly," he added.

According to sources, Kumar spoke to several leaders today, including Congress Mallikarjun Kharge and TMCs Sudeep Bandopadhyay besides some others.

Earlier Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Maha-

States told to use traditional tribal foods to curb malnutrition New Delhi, November 23 (iANs): Following several deaths of tribals due to malnutrition in Odisha and Maharashtra, the government on Wednesday informed Parliament that it has advised the states for the use of traditional food in the food basket.

The government said that malnutrition issues were also reported from Malkangiri district and in residential schools for tribal children of Odisha.

The Ministry of Tribal Welfare said that public health is a state subject and that the state governments have been asked to address the problem of malnutrition promptly.

"All the states have also been advised for use of traditional food, and minor millets in the food basket, through intervention in schools and also for supplementing food with iron and folic acid", Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Jaswantsinh Bhabhor informed the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. Over 20 children from Juan tribe in Odisha's Jajpur district and over 13 from Katakari tribe in Maharashtra's Palghar district have died due to malnutrition between August and September.

Unable to withdraw cash for exam fees, teen commits suicide bANDA (uP), November 23 (PTi): An 18-yearold student allegedly committed suicide after "failing to withdraw money" from the bank for submitting his examination fees at in Mavai Buzurg village in Banda (Uttar Pradesh), police said. They said Suresh had been standing in queue for the past several days for withdrawing money to submit his examination fees but he could not succeed.

After returning from the bank on Tuesday, he hanged himself from the ceiling with his mother's saree, police said. Suresh's family members said he was a B.Sc second year student in Panchnehi Degree College and had to submit the fees by Wednesday. A case has been lodged and investigations are on, police said. On hearing of the suicide of the student, the villagers pelted the bank with stones in protest. On Monday, a four-year-old child had died in a bank compound after her father had failed to withdraw money for her treatment in Tindwari police station area.

jan had called a meeting of leaders of different political parties to break the impasse after she was again forced to adjourn the House for the day.

BJD, TRS and YSR congress are ready for a debate under rule 193, which the government prefers as it does not entail voting. The government is also confident of Shiv Sena also coming on the board, they added.

They said several BJP leaders besides Kumar will meet floor leaders of various political parties tomorrow in their bid to end the logjam.

The government is hopeful about ending the

impass in the next few days, till December end which sources said. would prevent hoarding of cash, failed to cut ice with SC refuses to restrain the apex court as it refused plea in high courts to stay the ongoing proMeanwhile, the govern- ceedings before the high ment today suffered anoth- courts. er jolt with the Supreme The setback to the govCourt refusing to restrain ernment came in quick high courts across the succession as the apex country from taking up is- court on November 18 sues arising out of its deci- had refused to stop high sion to demonetise Rs 1000 courts from entertaining and Rs 500 currency notes, challenges to the Novemsaying people may get "im- ber 8 notification, observmediate relief" from them. ing that people were seriThe Centre's claim that ously affected and doors of demonetisation was a "suc- courts cannot be shut in a cess" as over Rs six lakh situation which "may lead crore have already been to riots". deposited and about Rs 10 Despite the governlakh crore was expected ment making a fervent to come to the exchequer plea for stay on high courts'

New Delhi, November 23 (PTi): In a show of strength, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today rallied four parties behind her with a demonstration against demonetisation and attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying the government must go because the country was not safe in his hands.

Flanked by leaders of SP, JD-U, NCP and AAP, Banerjee addressed a gathering at Jantar Mantar where she alleged the BJP dispensation had lost all its "credentials and credibility" because of the currency restrictions. "This government will have to go...I am sorry to say, the country is not secure under you Modiji. You do things at your whims and fancies," she said.

Banerjee alleged that abolition of highproceedings in demonetisation cases on the ground that the situation was "much better" with long queues declining and there was "a big surge in digital use of money transaction," a bench headed by Chief Justice T S Thakur said, "We don't want to stay it."

"There are various issues. People may get immediate relief from the high courts," the bench, also comprising Justices D Y Chandrachud and L Nageswara Rao, said.

Some of the issues which have come up before high courts are for removing the weekly cap of Rs 24,000 on withdrawals, questioning the use of old

value currency notes had heaped pain on people and snatched away democratic rights of almost every section of the society. Accusing the BJP-led dispensation of "looting" the common man, she wondered why those having Swiss bank accounts were "not touched at all", and warned that people will teach a "good lesson" to the ruling party in the upcoming assembly polls for implementing a "black law". She also said she will support a country-wide protest called by the Opposition parties on November 28 against demonetisation.In his address, JD-U leader Sharad Yadav questioned the legality of the demonetisation exercise and challenged the Prime Minister to explain to the Parliament how the decision will benefit the country.

currency notes of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 at public utility centres like hospitals and petrol pumps and direction to ensure sufficient cash in ATMs. Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi's submission that over Rs six lakh crore have been deposited so far and queues in banks, ATMs, post offices have shortened remarkably and, if required, the time limit of depositing and exchanging the Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 old notes may be extended beyond December 30, did not impress the bench to provide any relief to the Centre.

The high denomination currency notes of Rs 1000 and Rs 500 used to

constitute 80 to 85 per cent of the legal tender and the top law officer said demonetising them was a "move to remove 70 years of slush money."

"If it takes another 2030 days to remove it, I do not think its a big deal," he told the bench adding that "it is a success till now."

"The money will be used in the economy and the lending rates will come down," he told the bench which only issued notices and sought the response of those who have approached different high courts on the Centre's plea seeking transfer of the matters to the apex court or any one of the high courts

SC hauls up government for dragging feet on Lokpal Nikki Haley makes history New Delhi, November 23 (iANs): The Supreme Court on Wednesday hauled up the government for not amending the Lokpal Act to recognise the leader of the single largest opposition party in Parliament as the leader of the opposition.

"For last two and a half year there is no leader of opposition. This position is likely to continue for next twoand-a-half years. There would be no leader in opposition. Will you allow the law to become redundant just because there is no leader of opposition?" asked the bench of Chief Justice T.S Thakur, Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and Justice L. Nageswara Rao. Noting the manner government was dragging its feet in amending the Lokpal law for recognising the leader

of the largest opposition group as the leader of opposition for constituting a Search Committee, the bench said: "This is an institution intended to bring probity in public life, then this institution must work. We will not allow the situation where the institution is rendered redundant."

As Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi resisted suggestion from senior counsel Shanti Bhushan telling the court that the matter could not be left to the political parties and the court should step in, Chief Justice Thakur said: "The law was notified in January 2014 and now we will be in January 2017."

He told the government: "What you are doing in other enactments, you are not doing in it (Lokpal)."

Shanti Bhushan appeared for the the petitioner NGO Common Cause that has challenged the Rules for setting up the Lokpal Search Committee.

Attorney General Rohatgi opposed the suggestion by Bhushan that the judiciary should pass a direction to Parliament to pass the amendment saying it would amount to judicial legislation.

"We have introduced the amendment to the Lokpal Act. Judiciary can't direct Parliament. It would amount to judicial legislation," he said.

As Attorney General showed his reluctance to accept the suggestion, the bench said: "It would mean court can't give any direction, you will not legislate, how can it be done Mr AG?".

New York, November 23 (iANs): President-elect Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that he will appoint Nikki Haley, "a great leader" to be the United States ambassador to the United Nations, a cabinet-rank position, marking a historic breakthrough for Indian Americans in politics. Announcing the appointment, Trump said, "She will be a great leader representing us on the world stage." As the Permanent Representative to the UN, Haley will be the first woman and non-white appointed to a high-level post in Trump's incoming administration.

In the US, the UN ambassadorship carries a cabinet rank, although the Permanent Representative does not figure in the line of succession to the presidency, where the Secretary of State takes precedence. Accepting the position, Haley said, "Our country faces enormous challenges here at home and internationally, and I am honoured that the President-elect has asked me to join his team and serve the country..." Her full name is Nimrata Nikki Randhwa Haley and she is the daughter of Sikh immigrants from Amritsar.

India has effective deterrence against Chinese, Pakistan nukes: Former NSA New Delhi, November 23 (iANs): India has effective deterrence against both China and Pakistan, but while China's nuclear weapons are a major strategic concern for India, Pakistan's nuclear programme "remains a daily source of tactical worry" and both countries' nuclear weapons programmes "are so closely linked... that they may effectively be treated as one", former National Security Adviser Shivshankar Menon has said.

In his newly-published book "Choices" (Penguin), Menon, who served in the government of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, first as Foreign Secretary

and then as NSA, says the Pakistan Army seems to believe, mistakenly though, that the country's "nuclear shield permits Pakistan to undertake terrorist attacks on India without fear of retaliation".

But India's main worry is that Islamabad has developed "tactical nuclear weapons and their delivery systems" in the short, 60-km range and the decision to use these weapons would be in the hands of young officers "in an army increasingly religiously motivated and less and less professional and that has consistently produced rogue officers..."

However, says Menon, if Pakistan were to use tactical nuclear

weapons in the battlefield -- as the country's Defence Minister recently hinted darkly -- "it would effectively be opening the doors to a massive Indian first-strike, having crossed India's declared red lines".

That red line, Menon underlined, would also apply to the use of tactical weapons "even against Indian forces in Pakistan" -- Indian special forces did cross over to conduct the September 29 surgical strike across the Line of Control against "terrorist launchpads".

"In other words," reiterated Menon, "Pakistani tactical nuclear weapons use would effectively free India to undertake a comprehensive first-strike against

Pakistan" in what is perhaps the most clear enunciation of India's nuclear doctrine to date by someone who has been closely involved in its policymaking and implementation.

With a debate started by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on India's no-first-use policy, which was earlier considered a strategic holy cow, Menon says "it is the uniqueness of India's situation that explains the uniqueness of India's nuclear doctrines and postures" as "no other nuclearweapon state faces as complex a combination of factors in its deterrence calculus as India".

Menon says India's nuclear

weapons have always been treated as "political instruments -- rather than war-fighting weapons as Pakistan treats them -- that deter nuclear attack and attempts at coercion" and the "clearer and simpler the task of our nuclear weapons, the more credible they are".

"And the more credible they are, the stronger will be their deterrent effect". Menon also said that, with possible reference to the present debate, that "there is nothing in the present doctrine that prevents India from responding proportionately to a nuclear attack, from choosing a mix of military and civilian targets for its nuclear weapons.

Railways ask for safety funds after crash kills 150 New Delhi, November 23 (reuTers): The track where an Indian train derailed on Sunday, killing 150 people, was inspected just two days earlier and found to be in good condition, raising more questions about the safety of a network seeking $17 billion in funding to prevent more crashes.

The derailment, among India's worst train tragedies, was a stark reminder of the dilapidated condition of the vast state-run railways and of the challenge Prime Minister Narendra Modi faces in fulfilling his promise to modernise them.

Officials believe a rail fracture may have sent 14 carriages crumpling into each other as most of the 1,700-odd passengers on board slept. But they cannot be sure until each section of damaged track is analysed.

"This was an accident where all of the rails were uprooted and broken. It's very complicated," Mohammad Jamshed, a senior railways ministry official, told Reuters. Built under British rule, the world's fourth largest rail network ferries 23 million people across India every day.

With people regularly clinging precariously to the outside of carriages or crammed on the roof, it is groaning under growing demand and decades of underinvestment.

Modi, who has a deep attachment to the railways having started out selling tea at a station, last year announced a record 8.5 trillion rupees ($124 billion) five-year investment plan to bring the network into the 21st century.

The government has focused on building new lines at crunch points and expanding the network

into remote areas, and says it has nearly doubled the amount spent on safety.

Accidents, however, are rising, with 80 reported this financial year to Nov. 15 from 69 during the same period last year.

India recorded 27,581 railway deaths in 2014, the most recent year for which figures are available, with most victims falling from, or being struck by, moving trains.

"The railways need a new approach to looking at safety. They are getting stretched by the new lines and capacity increases," G. Raghuram, a railways expert at the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, said.

The railways wrote to the finance ministry on Monday to request about 1.19 trillion rupees ($17.4 billion) for a five-year ringfenced safety fund to upgrade tracks, build bridges

and install newer signalling gear, a senior railway ministry official said.

The request repeats one made in early 2016 by Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu that the finance ministry rejected on the grounds that the railways had already been allocated record funds for investment.

"In light of the tragedy, we are hoping they can help," the senior official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Fares are highly subsided to help poor people travel, and money earned from freight is used to fund passenger services.

But that has meant that more than 90 percent of the railways revenues are spent on operating costs, leaving little for its own investment.

A rescue worker prepares to move the remains of a carriage at the site of Sunday's train derailment in Pukhrayan, south of Kanpur city on November 21. (REUTER Photo)

in Uttar Pradesh state was completed on Nov. 18 by a manned engine travelling FRACTURES slowly over the rails.

A railways spokesman Gang men who walk said the last inspection of the country's 110,000 km of the crash line in Pukhrayan tracks daily also inspected

it.

Rail fractures develop when a small crack grows and are caused when excess weight is pressed on to the tracks. Poor maintenance and a big variation in

daily temperatures, common in northern India's winter, can exacerbate the fractures.

The railways have started to use modern floor detection systems - com-

mon in other countries - to scan for tiny fractures, but it owns too few for regular use across the network.

The train's outdated carriages, which are not strong enough to withstand a major accident without crumpling, are of a type that accounts for 92 percent of the network's 63,000 coaches. That, say officials, added to the toll of Sunday's accident, in which close to 200 people were also injured.

Newer carriages using German technology are reinforced with stainless steel and have anti-climbing features that stop carriages piling on top of each other during a derailment.

The railways ministry said this week it would stop production of the older model by 2019, but with a lifetime of 25 years and limited resources, many of those coaches will remain in service for years to come.

ThursdAY 24•11•2016

WORLD

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

9

South Korea: Power vacuum weighs on as President Park fights for survival SEOUL, NOvEmbEr 23 (rEUtErS): As the chorus grows louder for South Korean President Park Geun-hye to resign over a corruption scandal, a power vacuum is weighing on her administration, leaving her political survival in doubt and its vulnerable economy exposed to political shocks.

South Korean opposition political parties said this week they will review strategies to impeach Park after prosecutors said she was an accomplice in the corruption scandal.

Park’s close friend and a former presidential aide were indicted on Sunday for abuse of power for pressuring big businesses to contribute funds to foundations at the centre of the scandal.

“Based on the consensus that President Park is the centre of the abuse of power scandal, the best course of action to minimize the vacuum in government and to restore constitutional rule is for her to step down,” the leaders of three opposition parties said in a joint statement on Sunday.

Park has all but ceased public activities as president and has withdrawn to the secluded Blue House compound at the foothill of the rocky Mount Bugak in Seoul. On 12 of the 16

South Korea & Japan agree intelligence-sharing

South Korean President Park Geun-hye delivers her speech during a plenary session at the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea on February 16. (REUTERS File Photo)

working days this month, she took part in no scheduled events.

She held a previously arranged summit with Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev on Nov. 10 but has not had a public event outside the Blue House since Nov. 8, when she visited parliament offering to relinquish some of her powers in office to placate lawmakers.

The risk of a presidential impeachment in the democratic South, along with North Korea’s nuclear threat, have turned the Korean peninsula into Asia’s biggest unknown for glob-

al investors, Belinda Boa, Head of Active Investments for Asia Pacific at BlackRock, told Reuters in an interview on Monday.

MISSING AT APEC Park was notably absent at the meeting of 21 Asia Pacific leaders in Lima at the weekend, where free trade and a fight against protectionism were the key topics under the looming U.S. presidency of Donald Trump, who has already said he would scrap the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact.

Half of South Korea’s GDP comes from exports

so it is vulnerable to more protectionist U.S. trade policy pledged by Trump.

Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn, who attended the Pacific Rim summit on Park’s behalf briefly met the host, Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski but held no bilateral meetings with world leaders, who use the occasion to deepen bilateral ties.

It was the first time a leader of South Korea, which is a founding member, has not attended the APEC summit. The prime minister is largely a figurehead appointee tasked with overseeing the cabinet

SEOUL, NOvEmbEr 23 (rEUtErS): South Korea and Japan signed a military intelligence pact on Wednesday to share sensitive information on the threat posed by North Korea’s missile and nuclear activities, the South’s defence ministry said.

The South Korean government went ahead with the deal despite opposition from some political parties and a large section of the public, who remain bitter over Japan’s actions during its colonial rule of Korea from 1910 until the end of World War Two. The signing of the General

on domestic issues.

Park also missed the cabinet meeting on Tuesday, extending her absence since Oct. 11 when she last led the meeting she normally chairs every two weeks. It was instead chaired by the finance minister, who is on the way out.

Little has been done on replacements nominated for three cabinet positions, including the to finance job.

“She is likely to be doing her job that she can do on her own, as long as it’s something that requires the least contact with the public,” said Kim Jun-seok, professor of political sci-

Security of Military Information Agreement had originally been expected in 2012, but South Korea postponed it due to the domestic opposition.

The case for the neighbours to pool intelligence has increased, however, as North Korea has been testing different types of missiles at a faster rate, and claims it has the capability to mount a nuclear warhead on a missile.

South Korea’s Defence Minister Han Min-koo and Japan’s ambassador to the South, Yasumasa Nagamine, inked the agreement in Seoul, according to the South Korean

ence at Dongguk University in Seoul.

“But she won’t be able to bring any new legal initiative or raise a new policy agenda,” Kim said.

Park’s five-year term runs to February 2018.

Her sparse official schedule in November is in contrast to the busy month she had a year ago, including a three-way summit with the leaders of China and Japan, a separate summit with Icelandic president, four major policy conferences and two cabinet meetings.

Park’s office has said she intends to fulfil her

defence ministry.

A survey by Gallup Korea on Friday showed that 59 percent of 1,007 respondents opposed the agreement between the two countries.

Many of protesters demanding President Park Geunhye to resign over a influencepedalling scandal also insisted Park withdraw the military information sharing agreement with Tokyo.

A defence ministry official said South Korea now has deals with 33 countries, including the United States and Russia, on military intelligence sharing.

duties as president and has not formally acknowledged the calls from the public and parliament for her to step down or race impeachment.

She still intends to attend the three-way North Asia summit if this year’s host, Japan, confirms the date, the foreign ministry has said.

But it was unclear if Park can continue to represent the country diplomatically when other countries might be ambivalent about scheduling summit meetings with her.

“Diplomatically this crisis is known around the

world so the country’s reputation has been hurt and that is a problem diplomatically,” Ha Kyung-chull, a former judge on the Constitutional Court, told Reuters.

“Both domestically and diplomatically, you have to say rule by the president of government affairs is quite difficult.”

Some of her closest advisers said privately that they hope if she can ride out the next few weeks, she will be able to survive the crisis as public sentiment cooled and more people chose to avoid the turmoil of a premature end to her presidency.

Colombia and FARC to sign Dalai Lama says will visit Donald Trump new peace deal on Thursday bOGOtA, NOvEmbEr 23 (rEUtErS): A new peace accord between Colombia’s government and Marxist FARC rebels will be signed on Thursday and sent to Congress for approval, President Juan Manuel Santos said on Tuesday, bringing a formal end to the 52-year civil war ever closer.

The revised document will be signed in Bogota between FARC leader Rodrigo Londono and Santos, who won the Nobel Peace Prize last month for his efforts to end the conflict with the insurgent group.

“We have the unique opportunity to close this painful chapter in our history that has bereaved and afflicted millions of Colombians for half a century,” the president said in a televised address.

The government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) have been in talks in Havana, Cuba for the last four years, hammering out a deal to end a conflict that has killed more than 220,000 and displaced millions in the Andean country.

The government published the revised peace deal last week in a bid to build support after the original draft was rejected in an Oct. 2 referendum amid objections it was too favourable to the rebels.

Santos and Londono signed the original deal two months ago in an emotional ceremony before world leaders and United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

The decision to ratify the re-

vised accord in Congress instead of holding another referendum will anger members of the opposition, particularly former President Alvaro Uribe who spearheaded the push to reject the original accord and wants deeper changes to the new version.

“This new accord possibly won’t satisfy everybody, but that’s what happens in peace accords.

There are always critical voices; it is understandable and respectable,” said Santos, 65, warning another plebiscite could divide the nation and put in danger the bilaterial cease-fire.

The expanded and highly technical 310-page document appears to make only small modifications to the original text, such as clarifying private property rights and detailing more fully how the rebels would be confined in rural areas for crimes committed during the war.

Uribe has criticized it as just a slightly altered version of the original and wants rebel leaders to be banned from holding public office and for them to be jailed for crimes.

The FARC, which began as a rebellion fighting rural poverty, has battled a dozen governments as well as right-wing paramilitary groups.

An end to the war with the FARC is unlikely to end violence in Colombia as the lucrative cocaine business has given rise to dangerous criminal gangs and traffickers.

Smokers with diabetes more at risk of early death: Study NEw YOrk, NOvEmbEr 23 (IANS): Heavy smokers with diabetes may be at double the risk of facing an early death, a study led by an Indian-origin researcher has found. Diabetes is a chronic illness in which there are high levels of glucose in the blood. People with diabetes may also be at risk for numerous other health complications.

“The study found that diabetes doubles the risk for allcause mortality and non-lung cancer mortality among heavy smokers,” said Kavita Garg, Professor at the University of Colorado-Denver, in the US. In the study, nearly 13% of patients with diabetes died as compared to 6.8% of patients without diabetes. Participants with diabetes tended to be older, reported more pack-years of smoking, and had a higher BMI than those without diabetes. In addition, the study also found that women with diabetes have an increased risk of lung-cancer mortality. However, the same effect was not found in men, the researchers observed.

For the study, Garg and colleagues conducted an analysis on 53,454 participants from US on the relative risk for overall mortality, lung cancer mortality, and non-lung cancer mortality associated with diabetes. Over the course of the study, there were 3,936 total deaths, including 1,021 from lung cancer and 826 from non-lung cancers.

Garg emphasised that smokers should undergo lung cancer screening as well control their diabetes. “Patients have to take care of their diabetes to maximise the benefit of CT screening for lung cancer. It truly makes a magnitude of difference in mortality risk,” Garg noted.

ULAANbAAtAr, NOvEmbEr 23 (rEUtErS): Exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama said on Wednesday that he would visit U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, a meeting that would infuriate Beijing which views the Nobel Peace Prizewinning monk as a dangerous separatist.

Speaking during a visit to Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar and asked about the U.S. election, the Dalai Lama said he had always considered the United States a “leading nation of the free world”.

“I think there are some problems to go to United States, so I will go to see the

new president,” he told reporters, without elaborating.

President Barack Obama met the Dalai Lama at the White House in June despite a warning by China that it would damage diplomatic relations, Obama’s fourth White House meeting with the Dalai Lama in the past eight years.

The Dalai Lama, speaking in English, brushed off some of the U.S. election campaign rhetoric.

“Sometimes I feel during election the candidate has more freedom to express.

Once elected, having the responsibility, then they have to tell you their sort of vision, their works according to real-

ity.”

China regards the Dalai Lama as a separatist, though he says he merely seeks genuine autonomy for his Himalayan homeland Tibet, which Communist Chinese troops “peacefully liberated” in 1950.

China has been angered

by Mongolia’s decision to allow him to visit, though Mongolia’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement to the Montsame news agency that the government had nothing to do with the trip, which they said was arranged by Mongolian Buddhists.

After the Dalai Lama’s visit to Mongolia in 2006, China briefly cancelled flights be-

tween Beijing and Ulaanbaatar.

Beijing frequently expresses its anger with countries that host the Dalai Lama, who fled to India in 1959 following a failed uprising against the Chinese.

Rights groups and exiles accuse China of trampling on the religious and cultural rights of the Tibetan people, charges strongly denied by Beijing, which says its rule has brought prosperity to a once backward region.

Politicians are failing ‘losers of globalisation’: New UN chief LISbON, NOvEmbEr 23 (rEUtErS): The incoming head of the United Nations warned on Tuesday that “losers of globalisation” in rich countries have felt ignored by establishment politicians, prompting them to turn to nationalist agendas, as in the U.S. election and Brexit referendum.

Antonio Guterres, elected in October to take over as U.N. secretary general next year, told a conference in his native Lisbon that this trend had undermined the willingness to receive refugees in Europe this year.

He said the world must re-establish international protection for refugees coming from war zones such as

Syria, but it would not be easy as developed countries were turning to nationalist agendas.

Europe has struggled to handle a huge influx of refugees, many of whom displaced by the war in Syria.

The United States has accepted only a very small number of refugees and may take in even fewer next year.

“In 2016, we have witnessed a dramatic deterioration of that international protection regime (for refugees),” Guterres said.

“This example started in the developed world, it started essentially in Europe, it is spreading now like a virus into other parts of the world.”

Guterres, who was U.N. High

Commissioner for Refugees until last year, linked the growing resistance to accepting refugees to wider concerns about globalisation.

“I don’t think we can look strictly at the refugee issue, I think the problem is a broader problem,” he told the conference on Europe’s refugee crisis.

There was a consensus in the mid1990s that globalisation would benefit all, he said.

“But a lot of people were left behind ... In the developed world, (there are) those who have been losers in globalisation,” he said. “The recent analysis of the rust belt in the United States, I think, is a clear demonstration of that, when we speak about the elections.”

Donald Trump won this month’s election in the United States in part thanks to support from voters who have seen their jobs lost to countries with cheaper labour.

“So globalisation has not been as successful as we had hoped and lots of people became not only angry with it, but feeling that political establishments and international organisations are not paying attention, were not taking care (of them),” he said.

This led to what he called “a kind of evolution” in which anti-establishment parties now tended to win elections and referendums tended to attract majorities against whatever was put to a vote.

10

thursDAY 24•11•2016

SPORTS/Public diScOuRSe

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Spanish court wants two-year prison sentence for Neymar AN OPEN LETTER TO GOD

BARCELONA, NOvEmBER 23 (REutERs): Spain's public prosecutor has called for Barcelona soccer player Neymar to be sent to prison for two years for his part in a corruption case over his transfer from Brazilian club Santos to the Liga champions in 2013, said a court filing on Wednesday.

Judge Jose Perals also called for a fiveyear sentence for former Barca president Sandro Rosell and a fine of 8.4 million euros ($8.9 million) for the club, but called for charges against current president Josep Maria Bartomeu to be dropped.

The case stems from a complaint by Brazilian investment group DIS, which owned 40 percent of Brazil forward Neymar's transfer rights and which alleges it received less money than it was

Kahuto Chishi Sumi, Dimapur

entitled to as Barca concealed the real transfer fee.

Barcelona have been engulfed in legal troubles over Neymar's transfer since 2013. Rosell resigned as the club's president in 2014 for his role in the affair and testified in court in February alongside Bartomeu, Neymar and Neymar's father.

The club struck a deal with prosecutors in June to settle a separate case and paid a 5.5 million euro ($6.2 million) fine and avoided trial on charges of tax evasion over the transfer.

Barca thought they had brought the affair to a close when judge Jose de la Mata archived the case in June, although Spain's public prosecutor successfully overturned the ruling in September, allowing the case to proceed.

‘Need interim arrangement for Nagas of Nagaland’

Speech delivered on 22nd November by Dr. Hokishe Yeptho at the GPRN/NSCN observed 9th Unification Day, Designated Camp at Khehoi.

Y

our Excellency, Chairman General (Rtd) M.B. Neokpao, Honorable, General Secretary N. Kitovi Zhimomi and respected Tribal leaders and ladies and gentleman, at this auspicious occasion I would like to bring my fondest greetings to you all in the precious name of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ.

Dear brothers and sisters of Nagas of Nagaland, what I am going to speak is all about the truth. "Truth is truth, whoever speak about it, but sometime truth is also like a bitter pill to swallow, but if somehow you could swallow, it has curative element to cure your illness. It is my principle that. I cannot synchronize white and black into something like grey colour.

Therefore, what I'm going to speak is nothing but the plain truth.

The talk about Gun Culture of the past is no more prevailed in Nagaland. It is time for us to introspect our past short-comings and mend our ways and distill our wisdom to speak out what is truth and best for the Nagas of Nagaland. We have "freedom of Speech" granted by the constitution of India. I therefore, appeal to the Naga intellectuals to speak out without fear or favour for the sake of the Nagas of Nagaland.

Why I says, "Nagas of Nagaland" because, all the succeeding Indian political leaders unanimously spelt out very clearly that Peace Talk shall be based on "no sovereignty and no integration" and also stated that the "territorial integrity of Manipur States will not be distorted at the cost of Naga Peace Talk" which invariably meant, the Peace Talk between the Government of India and NSCN (IM) is based on

these conditions. The words "no integration" indirectly or directly excluded all other Nagas outside the parameter of the present Nagaland.

Once upon a time, there was pompous acclamation that the Nagas demand for sovereignty was reached the International Forum.

But now it has come down to the lowest ebb- no sovereignty and no integration.

Before the Peace Talk was started Mr. T. Muivah accepted pre-conditions "no sovereignty and no integration and within the constitution of India", consequently, the talk is on the process basing on the above mentioned conditions.

The Mount Everest Climbers had experienced that ascending to the top of the Mount, they have to face many obstacles and hurdlesbut more so descending down is more dangerous risking one's own life. So called the " framework " signed between the Government of India and NSCN (IM ) is in descending ladder and Nagas should not wait like an Owl for ripping Oak tree acorn which never get ripped.

The Government of India could not cut the Nagas umbilical cord because it is something like Gordian knot full of intricacy and complex, even wisest man like Mr. R.N Ravi, the interlocutor could not unloosed the knot. The reason is not far to seek. It is barely clear that Government of India could not find where to place Mr. Jack. He cannot be accommodated neither in Nagaland nor in Manipur state.

There is lots of controversy over the Tangkhuls and Mieties. But according to Shri. Isak Chishi, Tangkhuls and Mieties are brothers.

Isak Chishi in his booklet "The Origin and Migration of Nagas" page 14 Para 2 dearly stated let me quote; "recently, the Maharaja of Manipur has admitted and declared that the Mieties and Tangkhuls are brothers. This is historical fact."

Let me not go further. The matter is left to you to introspect yourself.

The Nagas of Nagaland tribes of all walks of life need to join our hands together to forge out some viable solution for The Nagas of Nagaland.

Secondly, all the underground like-minded factions should unite together to start negotiation with the Government of India collectively winning the confidence and with the approval from Nagas of Nagaland Forums. There is no complexity to solve Nagas of Nagaland problem, if the Government of India has political will. At one stretch we may not achieve our destiny, therefore let us respite for some time and stride step by step till we reach our goal. At this present political juncture, we should try to solve some sorts of Interim arrangement for the Nagas of Nagaland, where we can strengthen our limbs to furtherance our goal. God will grant us whatever we asked for, but he will certainly give us what we really deserve and not what we don't. Let us try what is possible and not what is impossible and the possibility is only for the Nagas of Nagaland.

There is rumor spread all around Nagaland that the 3rd August, 2015 Framework was signed

by Shri. Isak Chishi. But personally, I believed and trust Shri. Isak Chishi will not sign on such a document. Supposedly, if signed on Framework as rumors spread; I as one of the senior citizens of Sumi we will not accept it. Because, on 3rd August, he was in Forte Hospital in ICU ward laying unconsciously and when a man is forced to signed on such a document with unsound mind and unconsciously, it is illegal and Sumis are not accountable for the same.

Finally, FNR (Forum for Naga Reconciliation) has got to answer to the Naga public, what was the result of their faithful service for the Nagas, for the last 9 years. Let us know what are the reasons of their failure or success was. And to where they have landed. With this I conclude my speech.

Kuknalim Long Live Nagaland

“Is Nagaland a failed state?” YES! NOW WHAT? Robert A. Silverstein

D

New York , USA

r. K. Hoshi has written an article titled, “Is Nagaland a failed state?” It has appeared in the November 23, 2016 issue of The Morung Express, the Nagaland Post, and the Eastern Mirror. I found the article as articulate, insightful, and concise an analysis of the serious problems of Nagaland as I've read. He structured the article in labeled parts, such as Political, Administrative, etc., and tries his best to summarize problems clearly that are very complicated. I recommend the article to everyone.

But as impressed as I was with the body of his article, I was as equally disappointed with his “Conclusion,” and although there are many technical issues to discuss about the body of his article (for instance, why does he blame immigrants for controlling “80-90% of the State's market economy,” when there are, according to him, “over 70,000 educated unemployed” registered in the state and over 100,000 unregistered? Why do the immigrants succeed, where the Nagas do not?), but his conclusion is disturbing and incomprehensible enough to me to deserve my full attention here.

Here are the relevant words of his conclusion: “Statehood experiment has failed....The time has come for Nagas for serious appraisal.

The need to review statehood in its entirety has become imperative. Nagas need serious parliamentarians who will have the honesty and courage to speak on the sovereign right of Nagaland on the floor of NLA. Nagaland's parliamentarians have a great deal of lesson to learn from the parliamentarians of Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania who had the courage to declare their independence on the floor of parliaments in the early 1990s. Their lone rallying point was that, they were independent prior to Soviet annexation in WWII. Nagas too have our own history of independence that precedes India's independence. Naga nationalists blamed statehood as the greatest impediment to sovereign Nagaland. Needless to say the only role the State parliamentarians can play to end Naga political problem is for them to shun the failed experiment of statehood.”

So in the end, after all of Dr. Hoshi's analysis, his conclusion is that the only solution is the rejection of the state and the establishment of a sovereign Naga nation. I have argued against that solution in a number of articles (see, for example, The Morung Express on April 4, October 31, and November 7, 2016), arguing each time that my rejection of this solution is not because I think the Nagas don't deserve a sovereign nation (I in fact take no position on that critical point), but because I have every reason to believe that the government of India (hereinafter GoI) will not, CANNOT, grant the Nagas a sov-

ereign nation. I also state that, not if, but when the details of the Framework Agreement of August 3, 2015 finally are revealed, after nearly 20 years of negotiating, and do not offer the Nagas a sovereign nation, the Naga rejection of any offers made, with a continuation of a demand for a sovereign nation, will lead the GoI, through its military, to crush the Naga people. That is my prediction.

But I do not want to deal with my prediction here. I do, however, want to point out some things to Dr. Hoshi, and ask him a question or two. The first thing I want to point out is the false comparison between the Baltic countries of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania and Nagaland, not in the historical background, which is analogous, but in the reality on the ground (something I insist on in almost all my articles. The key point is never the historical analogies, the moral or political arguments from the past, even the views that God is on the side of the Nagas. The only thing that matters are the facts on the ground, that is, reality. All nationalists owe it to their fellow Nagas to deal with the real world, as it is, not with the world as it should be or as they wish it to be).

Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are members of NATO! There are 28 members of NATO and all are pledged to come to the rescue of any of their member that is attacked. Nagaland is not, nor will it be, a member of any similar military organization. If the Nagas do anything, affirmatively, or even passively, such as ahimsa, nonviolent non-cooperation, the GoI will view the Nagas as traitors and will treat them accordingly. The world will express all sorts of words of sympathy for the Nagas, and my country, the United States, will encourage the GoI to use only necessary force to maintain the integrity of its nation and avoid atrocities, but no country will come to the rescue of Nagaland. None.

Now that Donald Trump is president-elect, even Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are afraid of Russia. Each of their countries have a substantial group of citizens who speak Russian and are sympathetic to Russia, and Trump has threatened to pull out of NATO if the other members don't pay more of its costs. If the USA pulls out, there are serious questions whether the other members will have the will to stand up to Russia if they go into the Baltic states. After all, the world stood by when Russia recently took over Crimea and the eastern part of the Ukraine. The focus must be on reality, always reality.

But forget for a moment my pessimistic views on the consequences of trying to break away from India. Let us presume for a moment that it were possible for the Nagas to succeed in getting a sovereign nation. How many of the problems that Dr. Hoshi discusses so articulately in the body of his article would be resolved.

I predict that none would. I think think that Hoshi's analysis of corruption in Nagaland is weak. He states that corruption, “is the direct

by-product of corrupt elections.” I disagree with that. That is a simplistic view of the issues involved. There is corruption in all, or nearly all, states in India, but certain states, for instance Tamil Nadu, are prosperous. I do not think the problem are the elections.

I have stated in previous articles that the MLA are controlled by the corrupt and violent NSCN(IM), and that all corruption leads back to that group, not just in Nagaland, but in Manipur and elsewhere. That its hold on the MLA and all others is based not just on illegal payoffs, but also on coercion and intimidation. That the NSCN(IM) is the only organization that has their own standing army, in Camp Hebron. The group is more powerful than the state government, and all corruption is allowed only with the permission of the group. From the MLA, all further corruption goes downward, to the state bureaucrats, the police, the contractors, who get all the money to fix infrastructure which never gets fixed. (I will be shocked if the four-lane Dimapur-to-Kohima road ever gets fixed. All the photos now in the papers of the contractors and state ministers standing on parts of the road under construction is enough to make you laugh. How many years have you heard that that road, the most important one in Nagaland, will be repaired?)

If Nagaland became a nation, the only thing that would change would be that all the oil and other minerals under Naga soil would be at the complete disposal of the corrupt and violent people who now have their hands around the throats of the Nagas. Does Hoshi actually feel that all those hundreds, even thousands, of Nagas who benefit from the corruption will voluntarily give up their corruption because the state were now a sovereign country? Does he think that the police will stop demanding bribes, or that the gangs going around extorting money from businesses threatening violence, in the name of nationalism, will stop doing so? Will, all of a sudden, the illegal immigrants stop coming or the tens of thousands of unemployed find jobs? Where does Hoshi get his optimism that things will be any better Things would not, in my opinion, be better.

But more importantly, as I said in my very first article on the subject, on April 4, 2016 in the Morung Express, the solution given when confronted with all the problems in Nagaland is always a sovereign nation for the Nagas. I have felt from the beginning, as I still feel now, that this “solution” is an excuse not to do the hard and dangerous work of addressing the endemic corruption that makes Nagas so miserable. This state is not run by the rule of law, as any civilized state should be; it's a state run by men, men with guns, and willing to use them.

A future nation, which will not happen in any case, is still an excuse not to do the work that is possible, the work of building Nagaland into a prosperous and honest state.

Dear GOD, I hope this epistle finds YOU in the pink of health as it leaves me here. I know I have been very remiss in not communicating with YOU more frequently, so I felt it necessary to write YOU just to keep YOU updated (not that YOU are not aware of them)on some of our problems.

Along with the usual problems of death, diseases, unemployment, poverty etc. etc. we Nagas are facing a unique set of problems, the first of which pertains to asking YOU to grant us a solution to our political problems, based on a framework agreement signed by some of our "leaders" with the Government of India; the contents of which are unknown to me and many of my Naga brothers. Now, Lord, YOU know all about it, and it must be good for some people, but what I want YOU to tell me is “Is it good for all of us?” Because, Lord, YOU, in your infinite wisdom, have granted us "leaders" with wisdom and intellectual capabilities not seen since the days of Solomon(YOU remember, David’s son) and their solutions are beyond the grasp of simple mortals like me. It must remind YOU of the time when YOU revealed the Theory of Relativity to Albert Einstien and it was reported that only three people in the world could understand it. But Lord, YOU know what a Doubting Thomas I am, and I have, since childhood, been taught always to pray for what I knew I needed and wanted and since I don't know the contents of the agreement, I'm afraid to ask YOU to grant me something which I don't know whether I'll need or want. As it is , I know I ask too much of YOU,so, Lord please don't mind if my voice is not heard among the voices of my Naga brothers in that prayer.

The second dilemma I am facing is

the cry sent out by YOUR representatives here on earth for voters not to take money for their electoral votes. Lord, YOU know me and YOU know that I have never taken one paisa, nor asked for one favour, for any of the votes I have cast in the life which YOU have so graciously granted me, furthermore, YOU know how disgusted I am by this practice. But I feel that YOU will agree with me when I say that they are putting the cart before the horse.

Because YOU know that the money spent by our aspiring "leaders" for their elections is the very money that was meant for the voter in the first place. Wasn't the money meant to buy food for the starving widows and orphans, medicines for the sick and elderly, salaries for the honest worker so that he could provide for his wife and children, good roads, drainage and regular electricity so that people could live in a modicum of comfort? It is not my place to ask YOU to do anything but I wish YOU would tell those people who claim to speak with YOU through their visions and prophesies that it would be simpler to ask our "leaders" not to take the money meant for the people in the first place. If YOUR representatives on earth can accomplish that, our "leaders" seeking election will have no money to spend buying votes and the voters will have no need to sell their votes; for they will have money to eat, money to buy medicines and money to look after their families.

So, Lord, I come to the end of my letter with the hope that YOU will accept my sincerest apologies for not joining my Naga brothers in the prayer for the "solution" and the belief that you will speak to your representatives on earth on the issue of votes for money.May I always find Grace and Favour in YOUR EYES, I remain, as always.

Rongmei Issue: Naga Hoho nullifies its views and opinion

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here has been much hue and cry among different sections of Naga society over the granting of Indigenous Naga Tribe status to 1313 Rongmei community in Nagaland by state Government in 2012. Surprisingly, this was resulted with the declaration of dissociation of three major tribes- Ao Senden, Sumi Hoho and Lotha Hoho from Naga Hoho since 31st August 2016, alleging that the Naga Hoho have endorsed the state government in 2008 to recognize Rongmeis as a separate tribe of Nagaland.

Subsequently, the Naga Hoho had clarified time and again through media denying the Naga Hoho’s letter of endorsement to state government and further justified that the Naga Hoho have only shared its views and opinion for granting of “Indigenous Naga Inhabitant” status to Rongmei community as enjoyed by Garos, Kukis and Kacharis in line with Government Notification No.AR-8/76 Dated, the 28th April, 1977.

We have also noted CNTC’s clarification on Rongmei issue which was appeared in all leading dailies of the state on 15/16 October 2016, over the “subject” matter of its letter to the Govt. of Nagaland.

It is a matter of general knowledge that for any official letter, a subject is used which the author of the letter chooses to highlight the content(s) of the letter. As a common practice, any respondent to the same letter uses the same subject for ready reference.

In the present case, the state govt. letter No. GAB-10/1/77(Pt) dated 25.07.2008 addressed to the Naga Hoho carried the subject – “Representation by Rongmei Community, Nagaland for granting of status of Indigenous Naga Tribe to Rongmei Community settled in Nagaland”. Resorting to the general practice, Naga Hoho’s letter No. NH/Corr/2008-11 dated 22.09.2008 written in response to the state govt’s letter mentioned above used the same subject, though slightly truncated by removing the phrase “Representation by Rongmei Community, Nagaland” in order to make it known that the letter is in response to the issue raised by the state govt.

However, the body of the letter amply expresses the view of the Naga Hoho, the main points mentioned being that – a) The Naga Hoho supports the desire of the state govt. which is that of granting Indigenous Inhabitant of Nagaland to Rongmei Community. This argument is supported by the fact that till the time of exchange of these letters, all the prevailing state govt. notifications/orders rendered the Rongmei Community members settled before the formation of Nagaland state in December 1963, eligible for Indigenous Inhabitants only and not Indigenous Naga Tribe. That being the stated state govt. policy, granting of Indigenous Inhabitant status to the above mentioned category of Rongmei Community was without doubt assumed

by Naga Hoho to be the desire of the state govt.; b) to support its opinion further, Naga Hoho in the same letter justified it by citing the examples of Kukis, Garos and Kacharis who were enjoying the privilege of Indigenous Inhabitants of the state in accordance with the state govt. Notification No. AR-8/76 dated 28.04.1977 which describes the eligibility criteria for consideration of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland. There might have confusion with different interpretation over the sub-

ject matter among the people and therefore Naga Hoho has laid bare in the public domain its position which was reiterated time and again through mass media and other platforms.

The Naga Hoho clarified once again in its Federal Assembly on held on 28.09.2016 resolved to clarify and reaffirmed its position that; “On being approached by the Government of Nagaland seeking the opinion of the Naga Hoho on the above matter vide its letter No.GAB-10/1/77 (Pt) dated-25th July, 2008 , the Naga Hoho vide its letter No. NH/Corr/2008-11, dated, 22.9.08 conveyed the unanimous and unambiguous views of its Presidential Council held on 05.09.2008 in favour of granting of Indigenous Inhabitant status to Rongmei Community as per Government Notification No. AR-8/76 Dated Kohima the 28th April1977”. Further, the Naga Hoho registered its Memorandum address to the Chief Minister of Nagaland on 14th October, 2016 and reiterated that... such issues should not jeopardize the unity of Naga family at this crucial juncture, we urge your competent authority to re-examine the decision of state Government through the constituted cabinet subcommittee on Rongmei issue in depth and find out the solution in consultation with all stake holders/ Tribal Hohos at the earliest. Keeping all this in mind, Naga Hoho has appealed twice to the dissociated Tribe Hoho’s to review their decision considering the validity of justification on the question of Rongmei community. Unfortunately, we could not get any positive reply till date.

In the meantime, the Naga Hoho Empowered Committee on Goodwill Mission for the three tribes submitted its proposal on 18th November, 2016 to the Executive Council requesting to “withdraw the expressed views and opinions of the Naga Hoho to the Government of Nagaland on the issue of granting status of Indigenous Naga Inhabitant to Rongmei community” in order to strengthen the unity and fraternity of Naga Hoho.

In this backdrop, the Presidential Council of the Naga Hoho along with Empowered Committee on Goodwill Mission held its meeting on 21st November, 2016 at Hotel Japfu Kohima unanimously resolved to withdraw the letter written by Naga Hoho Vide No. NH/Corr/2008-11, Dated-22nd September, 2008 as demanded by the three tribes – Ao Senden, Sumi Hoho and Lotha Hoho under the banner of CNTC. The Naga Hoho decided to nullify its views and opinion which was shared with state Government on 22nd September 2008 with a view to strengthen the bond of relationship among different Naga tribes and to foster unity and fraternity as one Naga family.

It is up to the CNTC and its constituent units to decide whether to keep on debating with Naga Hoho or to appeal the state government to bring about a justifiable closure on the Rongmei imbroglio, the power to decide on which ultimately lies with the state government. However, we fervently appeal once again to Ao Senden, Sumi Hoho and Lotha Hoho to join the Naga Hoho in the spirit of forgiveness towards greater heights.

P.Chuba Ozukum, President Kenyuseng Tep, Deputy Speaker Mutsikhoyu Yhobu, General Secretary

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.

Thursday 24•11•2016

EntErtainmEnt

Australian Govt crowns Emmanuella Princess of comedy

Hornbill International N Music Festival December 1 from

KK, Kailash Kher to enthrall music lovers

igerian Comedienne Little Emmanuella is unstoppable.She has been crowned the Princess of Comedy by the Australian Government while Uncle Mark Angel was Honoured with a leadership Award.

Emmanuel becomes the youngest recipients of the Afro -Australia Music & Movie Awards (AAMMA).The youngster was given to her in Sydney, Australia. She won 2 awards – Best new comedienne & Princess of Comedy.

The AAMMA AWARDS was established by Scrim Entertainment (owned by Daniel Okodu-

wa) to celebrate artists of African origin irrespective of borders or national identities.

Other recipients in the past includes Hollywood icon Vivica A Fox, Ramsey Nouah , Anne Kansiime , Desmond Elliot, Pascal Atuma , TUFACE Idibia , John Dumelo , Mercy Johnson , Monalisa Chinda, Awilo Longomba , Emerson Bockarie, Jimmy B, Ejike Asiegbu and many others . The organisers described the talent of Emmanuella as simply phenomenal.

Mark Angel Comedy Won Best Subsaharan Channel In The Just Conclude Youtube Awards.

Now ShowiNg revIseD TICKeT rATes (silver) : `.120 (Gold) : `. 200 (recliner) : `. 400

Fantastic beasts (englisH)

Source: dailyviewgh.com

Brad Pitt officially cleared of child abuse allegations

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he FBI has confirmed that its investigation into child abuse allegations made against actor Brad Pitt involving his teenaged son Maddox has been closed.

According to Press Association, the actor, who made his first public red carpet event since splitting from wife Angelina Jolie in September, at the premiere of his new movie "Allied" here earlier this month will no longer be investigated by the bureau as it found no

Gugs Chishi and others addressing press conference in Kohima on November 23. (Morung Photo) our Correspondent Kohima | November 23

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ittleFireProduction, the event management of the Hornbill International Music Festival 2016 under the aegis of Music Task Force (MTF) today announced the calendar of events from December 1 to 10.

The Hornbill International Music Festival 2016 will be launched on December 1 at Dimapur with Hornbill Bollywood Dhamaka featuring KK on December 1 and Kailash Kher on December 3.

December 2 will feature Hornbill Music Night, a concert of good rock music

by Incipit, Polar Lights and Boomarang of Mizoram.

Kohima launch of Hornbill music festival will take place on December 4 at Hockey Ground, Indira Gandhi Stadium with celebrated and established bands of Naga music.

There will be a choir competition on December 5 in association with NBCC and The Voice of Hornbill singing competition.

December 6 will feature finest vocalists in Nagaland. This concert will feature songs from super hit musicals, namely Jesus

C M Y K

Christ Superstar, Les Miserables, Evita, Phantom of The Opera, Chess and song and dance.’

On December 7, there will be qualifying round of India Beatbox championship and Hornbill International Rock Contest.

This India Beatbox Championship will feature the world champion Alem from France who is coming to conduct a workshop at The Heritage, Kohima on December 6 and will judge the event as well.

The Rock contest will be judged by famous VJ, actor and musician Luke Kenny, veteran musician Uday Benegal of Rock Machine and Indus Creed and Naga expert sound engineer Atsung Jamir.

On 8 December, the final of the India Beatbox championship and 2nd qualifying round of the Hornbill Intentional Rock Contest will take place.

Also in association with India Beatbox Association, Bangalore, there will be attempt of the Limca Record for the maximum beatboxers at one time.

There will be Hornbill Dance Competition and final of Hornbill International Rock Contest on December 9.

Considering that the youth make up the major chunk in the Nagaland demographics, a special emphasis is being paid to them with EDM music, and to celebrate the artistry and creativity of the Naga youth, a Cosplay day is also one of the major events.

From December 5 onwards, events at the Hornbill Music festival will start at 12:30 PM. A Little Music Village is being created where patrons will be entertained throughout the day and into the night by the best musicians in the state and around the country.

There will be over 40 pop-up restaurants and stalls for food, beverage, clothing, fashion, art and crafts at the festival venue.

Since all Nagas can sing, there will be Karoake competition everyday where the audience can sing and win cash prizes.

This was informed at the press conference here at Dream Café, Kohima. Gugs Chishi, project director MTF, Ate Kevichusa event manager, Mele Pucho, event director Little Fire Production and Yanpvuo Kikon, founder India Beatbox Championship addressed the press conference.

grounds for the inquiry, reports mirror.co.uk.

Pitt, who shares six children with his Jolie, was cleared of any wrongdoing after the allegations were made following an alleged incident on a private plane in September. Within days Jolie filed for divorce.

The investigation into the reported clash between the actor and his 15-yearold adopted son Maddox has been closed after a "review of the circumstances", the agency said.

Pitt has vehemently denied the allegations.

An FBI spokeswoman said: "In response to allegations made following a flight within the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States which landed in Los Angeles carrying Mr Brad Pitt and his children, the FBI has conducted a review of the circumstances and will not pursue further investigation."

"No charges have been filed in this matter."

Source: IANS

Madonna’s son arrested for cannabis possession

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occo Ritchie, son of singer Madonna and filmmaker Guy Ritchie, has been arrested for possessing cannabis.

The 16-year-old was allegedly caught with the drug in his rucksack in Primrose Hill, north London, after neighbours called police when they spotted him "smoking or doing drugs" in the area, reports dailymail.co.uk.

"Rocco has become a well-known figure in the neighbourhood and not for the right reasons. He's been repeatedly seen acting suspiciously," a source told The Sun newspaper.

"This incident was the final straw. Local residents are fed up with him acting in this manner and called the police," the source added.

According to sources, Rocco was sitting on a wall with a friend when police

approached them and the officials noticed traces of cannabis on his clothes.

"A 16-year-old has been arrested for possession of cannabis. He was bailed and dealt with by Camden Borough's Youth Offending Team," a Scotland Yard spokesman said.

He is said to have been dealt with under the Triage system, which aims to ensure young people who are arrested for low level offences for the first time are diverted out of the criminal justice system with the use of restorative practice.

As a result, it is not thought that he will get a criminal record but may have to attend a number of workshops.

This comes just months after Rocco was caught in a bitter custody battle between his parents.

Source: IANS

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I wrote half a book when Russell Crowe and Terri Irwin Arjun Rampal launches I was 18: Twinkle Khanna are reportedly getting married an initiative to make

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winkle Khanna, who won many hearts as an actress in the late 1990s, has come up with a collection of short stories.

Titled 'The Legend Of Lakshmi Prasad', the book is about female emancipation.

The actor-turned-author says that she borrowed the characters for the book from the first manuscript she wrote when she was barely 18 years old.

Excerpts of a conversation with Subhash K. Jha. Q: Tell me about your growth as a writer? You were always fond of reading. When and how did you discover and nurture the writer within yourself?

A: I wrote half a book when I was 18 and in fact the characters Noni Appa and Binni from my new book The Legend Of Lakshmi Prasad were originally part of that manuscript.

This is my third attempt that has finally appeared in print, where the story revolved around the two old ladies and another character Anandji. I also carried around a black felt file as a teenager that contained all the poems that I had jotted down, primarily about maggots and death. I have always been immersed in a world filled with words, earlier as a reader and now finally as both a reader and a writer.

Q: How did The Legend Of Laxmi Prasad come about? Do you feel it says the stories in exactly the way you wanted them told?

A: I was doing some research on menstruation for a column. I read about Arunachalam Muruganantham's life and work and his story gripped me and that is when I sat down, wrote the first few pages and sent them off to my editor to have a look. I then began chasing Muruga and after numerous lengthy interviews, he agreed to let me fictionalise his story and that is how this book started. The other stories then followed. They were all topics I had briefly touched upon through my columns and now I could weave a substantial tale around them.

Q: Tell me about your next book?

A: I haven't begun. I have some ideas for a book about dystopian India but we shall see.

Source: IANS

he Australian actor and Terri Irwin, who have been friends for years, have reportedly announced their plan to tie the knot in a 'small, intimate' ceremony in 2018.

No one saw this coming. Just like everyone else, you might not be aware of Russell Crowe's relationship with Terri Irwin. But the two Australian stars have reportedly been dating for a while and have even revealed their plan to get married.

Australia's New Idea was the first to report that the pair, who have been for each other" and are now friends for years, "have "finally ready to share their harbored secret feelings love with the world."

"Terri is so nervous about going public with her romance with Russ, but she doesn't want to hide it any longer," a source close to Irwin told the news outlet, which also claimed that the conservationist and the actor would "love" to get married in a "small, intimate" wedding set for late 2018.

Irwin is the widow to Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin, who was killed by a stingray's barb while filming a documentary a decade ago, and the mother of former "Dancing with the Stars" contestant Bindi Irwin. Neither Irwin nor Crowe has responded to the story.

Cancer care affordable

A

rjun Rampal may be busy with his projects 'Daddy' and 'Aankhen 2' but for the actor, family comes first. Arjun recently returned from the US after completing his mother Gwen's cancer treatment. Gwen Rampal is a breast cancer survivor.

Having experienced the effects of cancer up-close, the National Award-winning actor has launched an initiative to raise awareness about the deadly disease.

One of the objectives is to spread awareness about the causes and symptoms of cancer, especially among Source: Ace Showbiz women.

However, the main focus will be on making cancer treatment as affordable as possible. Speaking to a daily, Arjun revealed that he was fortunate enough to be able to afford his mother's treatment, but he realized that not everyone in the country can cope with the expenses. It is this fact that motivated him to launch an initiative like this.

The 'Rock On 2' actor also revealed that he will tie up with local hospitals, with the aim of treating a set number of patients annually, free of cost.

Source: TNN

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thursDAY 24•11•2016

SPORTS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Leicester, Real march into last 16, Spurs crash out

PArIs, NovEmbEr 23 (AFP): Leicester kept their Champions League dreams aflame Tuesday, cruising into the last 16 with a 2-1 win over Belgium’s Club Brugge, where they were joined by Real Madrid – but not a crestfallen Tottenham.

Joining the hopeful debutants and the holders on the night were Juventus, Bayer Leverkusen and Monaco. They join last year’s runners-up Atletico Madrid, Arsenal, Paris SaintGermain, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, who had already booked their spot in the last 16 with two group games to spare.

Leicester’s success saw the Foxes advance as Group G winners in their maiden season in the event, giving a major fillip to Claudio Ranieri’s side, who are just two points above the domestic drop zone.

Shinji Okazaki netted after just five minutes and a Riyad Mahrez penalty made it 2-0 before Jose Izquierdo notched a secondhalf consolation for Brug-

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ge. The Colombian’s strike was the first goal Leicester have conceded in the tournament to date.

As Leicester celebrated, Tottenham in contrast saw their adventure in Europe’s top club competition come to a grinding halt after a 2-1 loss at Monaco, who won Group E in the process.

Spurs had a let off when their French keeper Hugo Lloris saved Radamel Falcao’s early spotkick. But quickfire goals from Djibril Sidibe and Thomas Lemar just after the break, sandwiching a Harry Kane penalty, did for the Londoners.

In the same group Bayer Leverkusen drew 1-1 at CSKA Moscow to take the Germans into the knockout stages following Spurs’ loss.

Kevin Volland put Leverkusen ahead after 16 minutes before Israeli international Bibras Natcho levelled.

Spurs will host CSKA in a final game whose outcome will decide who goes into the Europa League. In any case, ‘home’ advantage at Wembley Stadium has hardly shone on Mau-

ricio Pochettino’s side, given that they succumbed to defeats by Monaco and Leverkusen.

Holders and 11-times winners Real Madrid joined 1997 champions Borussia Dortmund in qualifying from Group F after a 2-1 win at star man Cristiano Ronaldo’s former club Sporting Lisbon. Raphael Varane gave the ‘meringues’ the lead before Adrien Silva netted a spotkick for the Portuguese only for substitute Karim Benzema to pop up with the winner for Real.

The Spaniards suffered a huge injury scare, however, just 11 days before facing Barcelona in La Liga as Welsh star Gareth Bale exited with an ankle injury shortly after half-time.

Dortmund secured the group win with a game to play after swatting Poland’s Legia Warsaw 8-4 – a record goalfest for a Champions League encounter.

The Germans became one of an elite clique to notch five goals in a single Champions League half

Jamie Vardy scores with a back heel, but the goal is disallowed (Photo: Reuters)

having led 5-2 at the interval. Marco Reus scored a hat-trick and Japanese star Shinji Kagawa netted a brace as Dortmund ran riot.

Two-times champions Juventus are through after defeating previous Group H leaders Sevilla, Europa League champions for the

Classic Cup: Head Hunters enter semis

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past three seasons, 3-1 in Spain.

Claudio Marchisio with a penalty, Leonardo Bonucci and Mario Mandzucic

scored for the ‘Old Lady’ of Turin after Nicolas Pareja had put Sevilla ahead early on. Perennial challengers Barcelona and Manchester

City were hoping to book their tickets Wednesday with wins over Celtic and Borussia Moenchengladbach respectively.

MDCA exhibition campaign from Nov 26

moKoKchuNg, NovEmbEr 23 (mExN): The Mokokchung District Cricket Association (MDCA) as part of its Silver Jubilee celebrations will be organizing a district-wide cricket promotional and exhibition campaign from November 26 onward. The Silver Jubilee is slated to be celebrated in January 2017 under the theme ‘Instilling Aspirations’. According to a press release, a cricket promotional cum exhibition match between DC XI Mokokchung and MDCA XI will kick off the campaign.

The exhibition match will be held at Im-

kongmeren Sports Complex on November 26 from 9:00 am onwards.

The other match days of the cricket promotional cum exhibition campaign are as follows: December 2, 2016: MDCA XI versus ADC XI Mangkolemba at Mangkolemba Ground December 6, 2016: MDCA XI versus SDO XI Changtongya at Changtongya Ground December 9, 2016: MDCA XI versus ADC XI Tuli at Tuli Ground

MDFA General Meeting on Nov 26

moKoKchuNg, NovEmbEr 23 (mEKN): The annual General Meeting of the Mokokchung District Football Association will be held on Saturday, November 26, 10:00 am at the Treasurer’s residence in Arkong Ward. Important issues relating to the Association will be discussed Players in action between Head Hunters and Elite FC on November 23. (Morung Photo) and reports of different committees like Our Correspondent Alemse Sangtam who made an ex- pou were yellow carded in the 41st despite being a man down, their ‘General Report, Audit report and Resolucellent save off forward Zabu’s at- and 52nd minutes respectively. Lat- indomitable spirit nearly paid off tion Committee report’ will be presented Kohima | November 23 tempt on goal. er in the 57th minute, Moa Sunep as custodian Alemse failed to clear Head Hunter went all out to get was sent off after being penalised a long range cross from SoihamHead Hunters today knocked out pou. However, in the subsequent Elite Football Club to book a semi- the equaliser. In the 24th minute, for a second bookable offence.

In the 53rd minute, Elite FC melee, Nampibo’s shot on goal was final berth in the ongoing 22nd Henping struck the post from outcame close to restoring the lead but blocked by Khekiho Chisho.

Classic Cup 2016 here at the Ko- side the 18-yard box. mumbAI, NovEmbEr 23 (rEuHowever, Head Hunter equal- Head Hunter custodian Alemse exTwo Head Hunter players - tErs): India have called up wicketkeeper hima Local Ground.

In a closely contested second ised a minute before the first 40 cellently pushed Nampibo’s power- Chumbenthung Kikon and Chu- Parthiv Patel for the third test against Engquarter final match, Head Hunters minute-half. Midfielder Chum- ful long range attempt for a corner. batemjen Imsong – were then land after Wriddhiman Saha was ruled out Head Hunters took full advan- booked in the 64th and 66th min- of the match in Mohali with a thigh strain, came from behind to beat Elite FC benthung Kikon’s volley off Y. Khekiho Chisho pass completely tage of being a man up and man- utes for unsporting behaviour. by 2-1. the country's cricket board (BCCI) said Head Hunters will take on on Wednesday. Saha replaced Mahendra Elite FC making an excellent left Elite goal-keeper Nungsang aged to score the winner in the 63rd minute. Substitutes Ihoto Zhimomi Barak FC in the first semifinal on Singh Dhoni as India's test wicketkeeper move took the lead in the 7th min- Yanger grounded.

After the lemon break, both and Tia Yanger combining nicely to November 26. ute. Alaomei Panmei receiving a after the former captain retired from the cross from the right flank had no teams went on the offensive trying get past Elite defenders before Tia five-day format at the end of 2014. He has November 24 problem in tapping the ball home. to score the winner. It also meant Yanger’s powerful shot pierced into played 20 tests for India but will be un(3rd quarterfinal) Elite could have doubled overzealous players committing the nets past the diving goalkeeper. available for the match starting on SaturElite FC did not lose heart and Naga FC vs the lead in the 21st minute but several unwanted fouls. Two Elite day. "BCCI medical team confirms that M T Youth Club FC @ 2:00 pm for Head Hunter’s custodian L. players - Moa Sunep and Soiham- pressed on for an equalizer. And India wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha de-

at the meeting, a press release from the association informed. In this regard, the MDFA has requested all the registered clubs to send two representatives to attend the meeting. Besides, the clubs, officials and association members are requested to submit agenda, if any, to the MDFA officials beforehand. All the members, life members and founding members are also cordially invited to attend the meeting.

Patel replaces injured Saha as keeper

Du Plessis denies cheating, says made 'scapegoat'

ADELAIDE, NovEmbEr 23 (rEutErs): South Africa captain Faf du Plessis said on Wednesday he had been made a 'scapegoat' by the International Cricket Council and denied any wrongdoing after being found guilty of ball-tampering during the second test against Australia.

Du Plessis, who was sanctioned for the same offence in 2013, was charged last week after footage emerged from the Hobart test of him applying saliva to the ball with a mint in his mouth.

Cricketers in the field are permitted to, and routinely do, 'shine' one side of the ball by applying saliva with their fingers and rubbing it on their uniforms to encourage the ball to swing in the air when it is bowled.

However, it is forbidden to use 'artificial' substances to work on the ball.

After a marathon ICC hearing in Adelaide on Tuesday, the 32-year-old was fined his entire match fee but cleared to play in the series finale in Adelaide.

The ICC verdict was defended by its South African Chief Executive David Richardson as a "line in the sand" but current and former players slammed the decision, saying every team shined the ball in the same way.

Du Plessis, standing in for injured regular skipper AB de Villiers, expressed regret that the case had taken away from his team's serieswinning triumph in Australia and said he had never intended to cheat.

"I still completely disagree with (the verdict)," Du Plessis told a media conference in Adelaide in calm and measured tones. "It's not like I was trying to cheat or anything, I was shining the ball. "Obviously the ICC has taken a stance against me, to use me probably as a scapegoat now, but all you can ask for is that everyone gets treated the same."

Sitting beside Du Plessis, Cricket South Africa Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat said he had asked the skipper to hold off from appealing the charge pending further information from the ICC. "We will pick up this topic with the ICC," Lorgat, a former chief executive of the sport's global governing body, said.

South Africa wrapped up the series 2-0 by thrashing Australia by an innings and 80 runs in Hobart last week, with the touring side's bowlers dominating.

"I suppose the thing that's most disappointed us is that we've dominated and played exceptionally well," said Du Plessis. "That's taken all the shine away from that, excuse the pun," he added, breaking into a wry smile as reporters chuckled.

Du Plessis was backed by Australia captain Steve Smith, who denied his team had ever complained about the tactic. "I've seen Faf's comments in his press conference ... We along with every other team around the world shine the ball in the same way," Smith told reporters.

The charge laid by Richardson last week angered the South African camp, as did the close attention from local journalists, one of whom clashed with a team security guard at Adelaide Airport after the Proteas touched down on Monday.

veloped a strain in his left thigh during the second match... played against England at Visakhapatnam," the board said in a statement. "As a precautionary measure, Saha has been advised rest and will not play in the next test match of the series."

Patel became test cricket's youngest wicketkeeper when he made his debut as a 17-year-old against England in 2002 and has gone on to play 19 more tests for the country, the last in Sri Lanka in 2008. The hosts lead the five-match series against England 1-0 after winning the second test in Visakhapatnam by 246 runs.

HorNbill MTb FesTivAl 2k16

KohImA, NovEmbEr 23 (mExN): With a vision to turn Nagaland into a top eco-tourism and mountain biking adventure sporting destination, Kohima will witness one of the most exciting race during Hornbill Festival, the third edition of ‘Kohima Downhill MTB race’ which is scheduled to take place along the mountains of Phesama Village, below the Heritage Village on December 4.

After Bali in Indonesia, Bhutan and Nepal, Nagaland is on its way to become one of the top MTB (Mountain biking/Cycling) destinations in the region with one of the most exciting race in the Indian MTB calendar scheduled to be held in Kohima.

The mountain biking event which was started in 2014 by Nagaland based adventure sports and MTB start-up Native Station has now grown to make a mark in the Mountain Biking scene as the third edition of Kohima Downhill this year will have more than 40 participants from across India including professional teams and athletes from international companies such as: Taiwanese Cycling company 'Giant', Starkenn which is the largest cycle manufacturing company in the world, Gnarly biking team from Nepal, Shillong Downhill Racing Team, Team Freerider from Himachal Pradesh, Psynyde Bikes from Maharashtra and a host of individual participants even from UK. According to a press release, the Hornbill MTB festival will be flagged off at Kisama Heritage Village on December 4 and the 2 kilometer downhill race will kick off from the highway at Phesama village racing down the landslide-hit mountain, across paddy fields and finish at the bottom near the river. Spectators can bring binoculars and take videos using drones and cameras to capture the action.

The Hornbill MTB Festival is brought to you

by Native Station in association with Alaphra Group and supported by Tourism Department with Psynyde Bikes (Performance Bikes and Components) from Pune as the official biking partner.

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