October 24rd, 2016

C M Y K

www.morungexpress.com

MonDAY • october 24• 2016

DIMAPUR • Vol. XI • Issue 292 • 12 PAGes • 5

T H e

ESTD. 2005

P o W e R

Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind SP headed for split as family power struggle intensifies PAGE 08

o F

T R u T H

— Rudyard Kipling

‘Wrong to say India is communal’: Gov

Kohli’s ton helps India beat NZ

PAGE 02

PAGE 12

nagaland: Discrepancy of over 1 GPrn/nscn cadre killed in shootout with Ar troops 11.90 cr liters in sK oil distribution

Dimapur, OctOber 23 (mexN): The Against Corruption and Unabated Taxation (ACAUT) Nagaland today released documents acquired through RTI, indicating that over the past 12 years, there has been a discrepancy of 11.90 Crores liters in distribution of Supreme Kerosene (SK) Oil given in quota by the centre to the state.

The documents, made available to the media, were acquired by the ACAUT through an RTI filed with the Nagaland State Food and Civil Supplies (F&CS) Department.

A press statement from the ACAUT alleged that the “fuel adulteration issue is not confined to the kingpins alone as the state government would like us to believe.” The fact of the matter is that the F&CS department, along with the “kingpins - also the SK Oil stockiest, have been diverting crores of liters of SK Oil to the black market for the last 15-20 years with impunity,” it added.

The ACAUT said that in the process, “hundreds of crores of rupees have enriched the pockets of an entire spectrum of society, most notably the politicians and the bureaucratic

reflections

By Sandemo Ngullie

Table showing sK oil supply & distribution in nagaland

Year 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 Total

Source: As per RTI document furnished to ACAUT Nagaland A B C sK oil quota given by Actual sK oil distribDifference between A and the Centre to the state uted to the districts B per year per year (in litres) per year 1,63,20,000 L 1,15,08,000L 48.12 Lakh Litres 1,64,00,000L 1,09,56,000L 54.44 Lakh litres 1,63,27,000L 1,09,56,000L 53.71 lakh litres 1,63,22,000L 1,09,56,000L 53.66 lakh litres 1,68,44,000L 1,20,68,000L 47.76 lakh litres 1,71,00,000 1,11,24,000L 59.76 lakh litres 1,71,06,000L 9,31,000 L 1 Cr 61 lakh 75,000 litres 1,70,88,000L 9,04,000L 1 Cr 61 lakh 84,000 litres 1,71,24,000L 9,26,000L 1 Cr 61 lakh 98,000 litres 1,71,36,000L 9,27,000L 1 Cr 62 lakh 09,000 litres 1,71,12,000L 9,27,000L 1 Cr 61 lakh 85,000 litres 1,70,88,000L 1,06,92,000L 63.96 lakh litres 20,19,67,000l or 20.19 8,28,75,000l or 8.28 11,90,92,000 or 11.90 Crore litres Crore litres Crore litres

class, as also the keepers of the law.”

The RTI documents, the ACAUT said reveals that the F&CS department has “diverted approximately 12 crore liters of SK oil, meant for poor beneficiaries, to the black market.” “Thus, the end result being, Nagaland emerged as the largest producer of adulterated fuel in the country. In monetary value, 12 crore litres @Rs.40 per liter at today’s market rate would be approxi-

mately Rs. 500 crores,” it pointed out. It further alleged that successive Chief Ministers have “felt the need to totally control the goose-that-lays-thegolden egg F&CS Department.”

The RTI documents showed that the years from 2009 to 2014 witnessed the maximum discrepancy in distribution of the SK Oil. “This being the hard reality of the fuel adulteration case- the sheer criminal nature of the diversion, it is

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Press releases will be accepted only till 8:00 pm Editor, The Morung Express

The Morung Express Poll QuEsTion

Vote on www.morungexpress.com sMs your answer to 9862574165 Do you agree that Elections in Nagaland State has become a spiritual issue?

Yes

C M Y K

no

others

Most orgs, groups, politicians and public leaders keep appealing for ‘unity.’ But has ‘unity’ become an empty slogan? Why? Yes

50%

no

40%

others

10%

Details on page 7

30% 33% 33% 33% 29% 35% 94% 94% 94% 94% 94% 48%

The ACAUT cautioned that unless the SIT charge sheet is comprehensive, inclusive of the SK Oil diversion in the last 15-20 years and the manner of its disposal, as highlighted by the ACAUT, “there is bound to be more unwarranted situation for which the government shall be solely answerable to the people.” It further termed a complete “sanitization” of GPRN/NSCN claims ‘ambush’ the Food and Civil Supplies Meanwhile, a press note from the MIP Department as “absolutely of the GPRN/NSCN condemned the incicrucial.” den, which it termed as an “ambush” and

stated that “this is an act of cowardice and a direct provocation of the Naga Army to resume hostility despite the existence of ceasefire and laid down ground rules.” The GPRN/NSCN claimed that “well aware and respecting the ground rules between the GoI and the GPRN/NSCN, a section of Naga Army had on the orders of the high command vacated their makeshift camp and were heading towards designated camp, when the AR ambushed the Naga Army, violating the ceasefire ground rules.”

It cautioned that that if the AR “acts like rogues in uniform, the Naga Army will respond in a befitting manner. Let it be known to the Assam Rifles that Naga Army will not be intimidated by their number or sophisticated arms they carry.”

Ceasefire, it maintained, “is in place recognising each other as different entities and to pave the way for an honorable and acceptable political solution for the people of Nagaland.”

It demanded an “unconditional apology and return of arms at the earliest,” and advised that “ceasefire ground rules and rules of engagements must be taught to officers and men of the Assam Rifles.”

Lotha Hoho condemns The Lotha Hoho Wokha also condemned the incident and reminded that the GPRN/NSCN is presently under Ceasefire with the Government of India. “The GOI has so far not assigned any designated camp for the faction and hence any of its camps, unless provocative should not be searched or be assaulted if not provoked by them,” said a press note from the Lotha Hoho. It further claimed that the site of incident is “more than 40 kilometres from the AR Post at Wokha town.”

It asked that the AR and the District Administration “immediately recall the AR cadres and stop violation of the Ceasefire Ground Rules.”

ENCSU temporarily suspends agitation Naga man allegedly assaulted in train

12 vehicles confiscated will not be released until demands are met, informs ENCSU

Dimapur, OctOber 23 (mexN): The Eastern Nagaland College Students Union (ENCSU) has decided to temporarily suspend its ongoing third phase of agitation, which was due to begin on Tuesday, October 25.

A press note from the ENCSU informed that this decision was taken following an appeal made by the Eastern Nagaland Legislature Union (ENLU).

The ENCSU however informed that confiscated vehicles “shall not be released until the demand is fulfilled and if the outcome of the meeting is not in You’d think he’s training favour of the union’s demand.” So far 12 to carry the weight of the world on his back. Just 5 years and old already he is complaining of back and neck pains.

simply condemnable that the Cabinet would rather call the indefinite highway bandh called by the CCoFA illegal instead of declaring a war against corruption,” the ACAUT lamented.

“It is now absolutely incumbent upon the government to support anti-corruption measures called by various sections of society instead of aggravating issues with legalistic measures, such as labeling bandhs and agitations as ‘illegal’” it stated.

Diversion of sK oil in percentage

Dimapur, OctOber 23 (mexN): A cadre of the GPRN/NSCN was killed and another injured during a gun battle with the Assam Rifles on October 23, Sunday in Okotso village under Wokha district. The shootout reportedly occurred at around 5:30am in the morning. One AR personnel was also reported to have been injured.

A press note from the PRO, IGAR (N) informed that the 28 AR had launched an operation on the night of October 22 “based on intelligence reports about the movement of large number of armed UG cadres in general area Okotso.” It further claimed that as the search commenced on October 23 morning, “presence of large number of UG cadres in uniform with weapons was detected in the suspected camp three kms away from Okotso village.”

The IGAR (N) claimed that “on being warned,” the cadres “opened indiscriminate fire on the security forces injuring one Assam Rifles soldier and tried to flee from the spot.”

It added that during the ensuing fire fight one cadre was killed, and another injured. The IGAR (N) said that the injured cadre was “provided immediate first aid and carried on stretcher by Assam Rifles troops” to the Assam Rifles Medical Officer of 28 AR. The injured cadre was further transported to Civil Hospital, Wokha and handed over to the police, it stated.

It further informed that the AR troops recovered six weapons including two AK47 rifles, one 12 Bore rifle, one point 303 rifle, one G3 rifle and one point 22 mm rifle with ammunition. The IGAR (N) meanwhile said that the ceasefire ground rules “clearly prohibit factions from carrying arms.”

vehicles have been confiscated by volunteers as part of the bandh restricting movement of government vehicles.

If the government does not address their demands, the ENCSU cautioned it would resume the suspended agitation “the very next day taking any kind of harsh action to send our resentment.”

It reminded the Nagaland State Government that if it fails to address their demands regarding the NSEE results 2016, the union would intensify their agitation even by imposing total bandh across eastern Nagaland or impose “extreme action anywhere in the state to safeguard our rights.”

“Therefore, the ENCSU appeals all the good citizens of eastern Nagaland to extend the same cooperation continuously until our demand is met,” it appealed.

India records world’s highest number of poll frauds: Judge agartala, OctOber 23 (iaNS): India records the world’s “highest number of cases” related to electoral malpractices, Tripura High Court Justice Subhashish Talapatra has said.

Addressing a seminar here on Saturday night, Justice Talapatra said such cases included “electoral corruptions and various types of electoral dishonesty”.

“During elections, many candidates or leaders get involved in various types of electoral malpractices, corruptions, but unfortunately no political party takes actions against such people.”

He said mere framing of laws would not help check electoral frauds unless people and leaders of political parties took corrective steps.

On a positive note, the judge said participation of increasing number of people in India’s electoral process was a good indication for the world’s largest democracy.

“Many decades back, 30 to 35 per cent people took part in the voting. In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, 65 to 75 per cent people cast their votes,” he said.

He praised people of Tripura and said over 90 per cent voters of the northeastern state have been using their democratic right in the last several elections.

Chief Minister Manik Sarkar also spoke at the seminar, organised by publishing house Niharika. He suggested that to check electoral misconduct and other malpractices, the election expenditure of all political parties and candidates should be borne by the government.

Releasing a book on Indian electoral system written by former Electoral Officer Hiranmoy Chakraborty, Sarkar said it was an excellent proposal to hold counting of votes on the day of polling.

“Lengthy election process hampered developmental works and some times generate law and order problems,” said Sarkar.

Railways sources deny that incident occurred Morung Express news Dimapur | October 23

Social media went abuzz on October 23 with conflicting reports following an alleged assault of a young Naga passenger travelling on a Guwahati-bound train from Gujarat. As per the initial report, an unidentified Naga man, in his early 20s, was reportedly assaulted, looted and thrown out of a train somewhere in UP. Following the alleged incident, the victim lodged a police complaint at Barabanki Government Railway Police Station (GRPS), which is about one hour away from Lucknow station.

Railways sources on Sunday evening

however denied receiving report of any such incident. The sources, quoting a Naga co-passenger of the alleged assault victim, said that there was a group of 5 Naga passengers onboard the train bound for Guwahati. They had boarded at Ahmedabad.

One member of the group reportedly got down at Barabanki following an incident in the train during which he was accosted by some unruly passengers, who got into their ‘sleeper’ coach midway. Fearing for his personal security he got down at Barabanki station around 1:30 am, where he was picked up by the local police there.

He was later handed over to the Barabanki railway police, who contacted the railway police in Dimapur, the source said.

Stating he was safe, the sources informed that the train is scheduled to arrive at Guwahati on Monday morning.

Day 2 of neiMUn discuss light arms trafficking, education & gender equality

Dimapur, OctOber 23 (mexN): The second day of the North East India International Model United Nations (NEIMUN) was held in Dimapur on October 23. A press note from the NEIMUN informed that the delegates discussed on three thematic areas.

The first Committee discussed on illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons, under the Sustainable development Goals 16, “Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions”. The Second Committee deliberated on access to primary and secondary education, under the Sustainable development Goals 4, “Quality Education” and the third committee discussed on “Equal representation of women,” the Sustainable development Goals-5 Gender Equality. The delegates comprised of young people from across North East India between the ages of 15-26 years.

The first committee discussed on the previous resolutions passed by the United Nations General Assembly and the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs and reviewed the impact of the Arms Trade treaty 2013. The delegates deliberated on the importance of strengthening border areas, importance of marking and tracking small arms, the need to monitor human rights abusers and trying to understand domestic laws on small arms and light weapons. The illegal markets

on small arms were also reviewed. The delegates had a session on studying its impact, and on how it hinders development and peace process.

The second committee deliberated on primary and secondary education.

The delegates studied the importance of investing in education and how it has proven benefits for greater economic growth, improved public health and more resilient and peaceful societies.

Delegates tried to identify ways to eliminate gender and disability disparities in education, how to improve the practical training for young people to obtain jobs and seek opportunities after completing schools.

The delegates of the third committee meanwhile discussed on how women across the globe are oppressed on different levels in both developed as well as under developed countries. While physical assault, domestic violence and rape are visible forms of violence against women, women also face oppression in the workplace and the corporate sectors when they are not paid equal wages as compared to men in the same sector.

Women in lesser developed countries also face discrimination and oppression in the form of child marriage and sex trafficking, the NEIMUN press note said. The linchpin of the committee, however, was the issue of political representation of women. The

political participation of women in most countries of the world remains comparatively lower than that of men except for Rwanda (64%) and Bolivia (53%). The committee also discussed on how to solve the issues of gender inequality and the extent to which political participation could help alleviate gender discrimination.

Numerous institutions from several parts of the country are participating in this year’s edition of the event. They include Christ University from Bangalore; JNU and Motilal Nehru College from Delhi; NEHU from Meghalaya; Hill Queen Educational Institute and Saint Claret College from Arunachal Pradesh; Assam Don Bosco University, Cotton State University, Delhi Public School, Faculty High School, KC Das Commerce College, National Law University, Royal Globe School, South Point School, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Tezpur University and USTM from Assam; Christ Higher Secondary School, Delhi Public School, Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Hope Academy, ICFAI University, Jubilee Memorial School, Mezhur School, Modern Institute of Teacher Education, Nagaland University, Northfield School, Patkai Christian College, Pilgrim School, Sainik School, St Joseph’s College and The Maple Tree School from Nagaland; IGNOU Salesian College and Kalpataru Academy.

Assocham says it warned on likelihood of bank card fraud NeW Delhi, Oct 23 (iaNS): Following the unprecedented security breach reported earlier this week that has “compromised” card data of many private and state-run banks, industry body Assocham on Sunday said it had earlier cautioned about such frauds. Citing its recent study, the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) said that “India has become a favourite hunting ground for global hackers and criminals”.

“The credit/debit/ATM card frauds as detected by some of the largest banks were waiting to happen as India has been on the radar of the global cyber criminals who hack into the computer servers using malware, an AssochamMahindra SSG joint study had forewarned,” the industry chamber said in a statement here.

“Assocham has been continuously sensitising the government, RBI and the banks against the unfolding cyber risks,” Secretary General D.S. Rawat said in the statement.

Assocham said “there is urgent need for having public-private-partnership (PPP) in cyber security for protecting the critical online data and creating awareness amongst the public”. “The government and regulators should develop comprehensive cyber security policies and frameworks from the perspective of incentives, tax breaks and technological development.” “India should ensure active collaboration with the other countries and global cyber security agencies through international treaties in order to understand the latest threats and take proactive security measures,” it added.

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MonDAY 24•10•2016

NAGALAND

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

‘Wrong to say India NBCC Women Department convention concludes is communal’: Gov Morung Express News Dimapur | October 23

Governor of Nagaland, PB Acharya today stated that it is wrong to assume India as a communal country. Speaking at the annual Lions Club of Dimapur’s Deepawali Mela here, where he was the chief guest, Acharya said that India with its diversity “is a secular nation (and) it is wrong to say it is communal (driven by religious fundamentalism).”

While stating that the fruits of Independence have still to spread all over the country, he said that India can overcome this and march ahead only if the people of every religion and community try to become better persons.

According to him, the people (Indians and Nagas) are rich but the state (India and Nagaland) are poor, which calls for the people to be more accom-

modating with achievers becoming givers.

Calling India a country where gold used to be sold on the streets and its people having great scientific knowledge, he said that the country was invaded by foreign powers not out of religious compulsion but for its wealth. It had a deep impact on the social fabric of the country, which eventually cost India centuries of subjugation under invading forces, he added.

Upholding the ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ scheme of the Government of India, he said that it in one way reflects a great social problem the country is faced with. In a country where daughters are treated as liabilities, whereas women are equal to men in every aspect, he said that it calls for a sustained campaign to make the people more aware.

The Governor also gave away awards to winners of a

drawing competition jointly organised by Lions Club of Dimapur and Lions Club of Dimapur Blue Vanda on October 2. The winners Chokjenchila T. Jamir (1st) and Tsuzolu Rhakho (2nd) of Livingstone Foundation Higher Secondary School and Sashienla Longchar (3rd) of The Maple Tree School – all aged 11-13 were selected from a pool of 60 contestants from 22 schools of Dimapur.

“The winning posters were selected by Dr. Minakshi Kalita (Ankan Bivakar & Ankan Ratna) from Guwahati for their originality, artistic merit and portrayal of the contest theme, ‘A Celebration of Peace’,” stated a press release.

The posters will go on to compete at the 29th Annual Lions International Peace Poster Contest – an event sponsored by Lions Clubs International to emphasize the importance of world peace to the young.

pughoboto, october 23 (mexN): The 12th Triennial Convention of Nagaland Baptist Church Council Women Department (NBCCWD), which was hosted by the Women Department of SABAK, Pughoboto, concluded on October 23, 2016.

The last day of the convention commenced with morning devotion and small group sharing led by Rev. Ellen Konyak Jamir.

During the morning worship service, Y. Vikheho Swu, Minister, Roads and Bridges (PWD) brought the greetings, where he pointed out the positive results of Clean Election Campaign in Nagaland. He also emphasized the importance of family re-orientation in Naga society.

Rev. Dr. Mar Pongener, Principal, Clark Theological College, who delivered the message, said, “Jesus speaks but not everyone is hearing or listening to Him. Therefore, not everybody is opening the door of their lives for him to come in and fellowship with God.”

New office bearers of NBCC Women Department who were installed during the department's 12th Triennial Convention on October 23.

One of the greatest benefits of our salvation, he added, has to be that of hearing God speak to us personally. “It is never the Lord who is not speaking, but it is us who are not hearing.

In stillness we must tune our spiritual ears to hear the voice of God,” he stated.

Special music was presented by Pughoboto Town Baptist Church and Council of Rengma Baptist

Churches (CRBC).

The closing service of the convention was marked with a time of encouragement and installation of new office bearers of NBCCWD, which was offi-

ciated by Rev. Dr. Zelhou Keyho, General Secretary, NBCC. Special music was brought by YBBA and KBBB. NBCCWD and Hosheli Q. Wotsa delivered the thank you note and the word of God was brought

by Juliet Shikhu, Pastor, Sumi Baptist Church Dimapur.

The new office bearers of the NBCC Women Department are Pusuinla Longkumer (President), Chongtei Heno (Vice President), Visasieü Dolie (Secretary), Rev. Yamyap Konyak (Finance Secretary), Meribeni Ngullie (Recorder) and Azon (Assistant Recorder). NBCC Women Department has thanked the host association SABAK, associations under NBCC, Women Secretaries of the different associations of NBCC, resource persons, program committee members, volunteers, participants, delegates, families and individuals who made the convention a blessed and successful one.

Grotto of Blessed Virgin Mary inaugurated in Tesophenyu PCC Evangelical Union visits orphanage homes

Kohima, october 23 (mexN): A grotto of Blessed Virgin Mary at St. Peter’s Parish, Tesophenyu was blessed and inaugurated by Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima and Thomas Kent, Additional Director, Department of Tourism respectively on October 23.

A press release from Fr. Sojan Xavier, Bishop's House, Kohima informed that the grotto of Blessed Virgin Mary is an artificial cave where the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary is placed and people visit it and pray for her intercession. He noted that unlike the popular perception, “Catholics never ever worship blessed virgin but has a special devotion because they believe that she is a powerful mediator between us and her son Jesus for any assistance.”

It was stated that ‘Our

Committee on clean election set up in Suruhuto Dimapur, october 23 (mexN): Suruhuto Area Village Development Board Association (SAVDBA) organized a joint meeting on October 14 at Suruhuto Town, which was attended

by NGOs, civil society, and major political parties (BJP, Congress, NPF), and Suruhuto Area Kukami Hoho.

The house resolved to set up a committee on clean election spearheaded by the VDB Association, informed a press release from SAVDBA president, Z Tokhevi Aye. The meeting also inducted all the 29 village councils and VDB secretaries of the area as the executive members of the committee. The house further adopted a resolution based on election code of conduct and to enforce dos and don’ts during election.

Organisation condemn ZuNheboto, october 23 (mexN): VK Area Peoples Organisation has condemned the September 30 incident, where a group of people attacked Vitokhu Awomi of Mukhami village with a machete (dao) at his residence and severed one of his hands. A press statement from the organisation’s president, Mughato Kinimi and general secretary, Hupeto Assumi urged upon the law enforcing agencies to strictly view the incident and give a befitting punishment to the accused as per the law of the land. The organisation also appealed to all the citizens of VK Area that such kind of incident should not be repeated in VK Area in the days to come.

The grotto of Blessed Virgin Mary at St. Peter’s Parish, Tesophenyu, which was inaugurated on October 23.

Lady of Lourdes’ in France is perhaps the most popular shrine of the Virgin Mary. With a population of about 15,000 people, it receives about 5,000,000 pilgrims annually. It is here that Blessed Virgin Mary

appeared to St. Bernadette, a young country girl of Lourdes, France, the release stated. It has been recorded that Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to her 18 times in 1858. Here, there is a natural grotto with the

image of Blessed Virgin Mary. People from different religions visit the place to intercede to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Now the replica of the grotto at Lourdes is being set up in different Catho-

lic Churches all over the world facilitating Catholic people to gather around it to pray for their various needs and also pray the rosary, which is a meditation upon the events in the lives of Blessed Virgin Mary and Rosary, the press release added.

The grotto in Tesophenyu was built with contributions of benefactors from both the parish and outside. The mastermind behind the construction is Rev. Fr. Joy Thottankara, the Parish Pastor of the community, while the grotto was designed by CM Jose, a famous artist from Guwahati.

Thomas Kent, while inaugurating the grotto, prayed that people flock to the grotto to pray to the Blessed Virgin Mary and receive blessing from her son Jesus through her powerful intervention.

ACYA Talent Quest 2016 conducted

Members of Angami Catholic Youth Association participate in choir competition during the Talent Quest 2016 on October 22.

Kohima, october 23 (mexN): The Angami Catholic Youth Association (ACYA) Talent Quest 2016 was held on October 22 at Christ King Church, Kohima Village.

Speaking on the occasion as the special guest, Elias T. Lotha, president, Catholic Association of Nagaland called upon the youth to share God’s given talent with everyone. He

said everyone is blessed with unique gifts and talents and that everyone is a member of one body in Christ, having different gifts according to the grace that is given upon. He also en-

couraged the youth not to confine to one’s tribe alone but challenged them to go beyond and share the gifts and disseminate the faith.

Meanwhile, Angami Catholic Union president, Dominic Yazokie urged upon the youth to lead through examples, be it in thinking, speaking, dealing, sharing etc. He also called upon the youth to stand for truth with Christian values.

The day long programme was marked by various competitions in solo, duet, quartet, choreography, choir, painting, photography, extempore and debate.

Around 390 youths from five Angami Catholic regions attended the programme.

Members of Evangelical Union of Patkai Christian College.

Dimapur, october 23 (mexN): The Evangelical Union of Patkai Christian College (PCC) visited two orphanage homes and one short stay home in Dimapur on October 22. Altogether, 74 students were divided into three

groups led by EU advisors Athong, Zulu and EU president, Lungriading Ndang for the visit.

The Evangelical Union undertook the visit to share God’s love and blessings with less privileged people and to demonstrate that

Liquor worth Rs. 10 lakh seized

The two accused in police custody.

Kohima, october 23 (mexN): Kohima Police personnel recovered 355 cases of assorted IMFL worth more than Rs. 10 lakh from a truck at Khuzama interstate check gate. The Manipur bound truck bearing registration number JK-02AP-0569 was carrying salt and the IMFL were found concealed under the salt bags when found by the police personnel, informed a press release from

NaGa beauty queeN calmly bIdes her tIme Imlibenla Wati, representing India in Miss Super Talent of the World, recounts her journey so far Morung Express News Mokokchung | October 23

A

s the much awaited ‘Miss Super Talent of the World’ contest (formerly known as Miss Asia Pacific) approaches, Miss Asia Pacific Super Talent India 2016 Imlibenla Wati calmly sits at home in Mokokchung and reminisces about times past and the events in her life that led up to this moment. She will be representing India at the world acclaimed beauty pageant scheduled to be held in Korea later this year.

Her first stint at any national level competition was at a Science Exhibition in 2010 where she represented Nagaland after winning the state level com-

petition. She recounts that experience as a breaking out moment for her where she got to taste the experience of nation-wide contests albeit a much different platform.

From a very young age, Imlibenla admits, she has been drawn towards humanitarian causes and her heartstrings were always pulled when she came across human sufferings in any form. After being crowned the runner-up of Miss Mokokchung in 2012, she organized and sponsored a worship night where the gathering, mostly young people, were spiritually uplifted through soul searching worship.

From then on, she has been busy doing charitable works in whatever capacity she can like visiting various orphanages, old homes, hospitals and jails.

She has also organized health camps in places like the district jail and most recently at Changki, her native village, where more than 300 patients were treated. She has also visited slum areas in Dimapur and distributed food and clothes to the needy. She also makes it a point to carry loose change with her wherever she goes to give to beggars in the streets.

She says that she tries to save as much money as she can from the limited sources of income she has as a student and as a struggling artiste to fund her charitable works. She gives credit to her friends, family and well-wishers whose support has been unwavering since the beginning.

On being asked about the upcoming international contest, she admits that she feels like an un-

‘giving is better than receiving,’ according to a press release. The proprietors of Rev. Longsa Memorial Orphanage and Galilee Home expressed their gratitude and inspired the students to continue their good deeds, the release added.

derdog. Since Miss Super Talent of the World is a unique contest where individual talent is to be showcased, she has been taking singing and drumming classes to hone her “inadequate skills.” She is aware that the contestants from other countries will have the upper-hand since they have superior facilities to aid their practice and experts to groom them, yet she is undeterred in her belief that God will help her.

India has a good track record in the Miss Super Talent contest. Noted film actress Zeenat Aman won the title in 1970 followed by Bollywood diva Dia Mirza in 2000. Most recently, Himangini Singh Yadav, Shrishti Rana, Shweta Raj have all brought home the crown at different times.

For the first time in the history of Miss Super Talent, a face from the North East region will be representing India. As Imlibenla makes history, she expresses her delight at the fact that she hails from the same village of Changki, as that of Dr. T. Ao, the legendary Naga football player who made history in 1948 as captain of the Indian national football team at the London Olympics, the first and only time that Indian football team has made it to the Olympics.

Imlibenla will be leaving home very soon for the contest scheduled to begin from November 21, 2016 with the finale scheduled for December 3, 2016 in Seoul, Korea.

SDPO/PRO, Kohima Police. In this connection, two persons identified as Gagandep Singh (26) and Charanjeet Singh (33) were taken into police custody for possession and transportation of the banned IMFL. Meanwhile, a regular case vide Khuzama P.S Case No. 0035/2016 U/S 44 (b) NLTP Act was registered against the arrested persons.

monDAY 24•10•2016

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Anti-migrant stir gains momentum GUWAHAtI, OctOber 23 (tNN): Leaders of the six-year-long anti-foreigners movement in Assam have joined hands with the influential All Assam Students' Union (AASU) to launch another massive stir against illegal immigrants, like the one in the '80s.

The much-awaited Raij Mel (People's Convention) held here on Saturday mandated AASU to lead the movement from the front once again.

"Talks and agitations will continue simultaneously. The proposed amendment of the Citizenship Act, 1955, will end the supremacy of the indigenous people of Assam in their own home state," said AASU chief adviser Samujjal Bhattacharyya.

The convention unanimously opposed the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016, which is presently being examined by a joint parliamentary panel.

A delegation from AASU and 27 other indigenous organizations have been invited for discussions with the parliamentary panel on October 25.

The People's Convention resolved to launch a state-wide movement

against the Centre's decision nevertheless. Under no circumstances will the amendment bill be accepted, the convention decided.

The convention appealed to the Centre to provide the opportunity to ethnic tribes and communities to voice their views before the parliamentary panel.

The meet also decided to hold a massive protest programme in Guwahati soon.

Former and present AASU leaders said the proposed amendment would nullify the Assam Accord, signed after a six-year-long movement where 855 people lost their lives. Reiterating the demand for constitutional safeguards for the people of Assam, AASU said 1971 has to remain the cutoff-year for the detection and deportation of illegal immigrants from the state as per the Assam Accord.

Former MP and leader of anti-foreigners movement, Kumar Deepak Das hit out at the BJP-led government at the Centre for 'ignoring' the issue.

"Both Hindus and Muslims accepted 1971 as the cut-off year. If the government amends this cut-off year, the state will be on the boil once again," Das said.

NORTH-EAST

In tradition-bound Manipur, Iron Lady faces another baptism by fire

IMPHAL, OctOber 23 (tHe HINDU): The momentous announcement last Tuesday by Irom Sharmila on joining electoral politics has evoked a mixed response at best with most responses being pessimistic.

Sharmila told The Hindu, “Since the government has turned a deaf ear to my 16-year demand for the repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), politics is only means left to achieve the goal. I will contest the January Assembly polls from my home constituency, Khurai. Besides I will challenge Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh in his Thoubal constituency.”

Her fledgling party — the People Resurgence and Justice Alliance — has no MLA; the only prominent personality it has is Sharmila herself.

Perhaps she knows it will be tough going for her against a politician who has been dominating the scene for years, for she concedes, “The voters of the Thoubal constituency who are well looked after by Ibobi may not welcome me.

The voice of Manipur that started from the streets of Delhi

IMPHAL, OctOber 23 (Ht): Ronid Chingangbam, eldest son of Ramkumar and Lembi of Khurai Chingangbam Leikai in Manipur’s Imphal East district becomes Akhu Chingangbam not only on Facebook but also in the nation’s music arena of subversive singers, may be because of his powerful lyrics than the music and his songs.

“I never planned to become a singer.

But somehow I end up singing whatever I write as I want to have own voice about things I see around,” reveals Akhu, who started playing music during more than ten years of studying in Delhi. “I started playing music in the streets of Delhi as part of protest events where I learnt what Indian democracy means to the minorities.”

Akhu is now leading a folk rock band called Imphal Talkies, after his post-doctoral assignment on Cosmology in a Thai varsity after his PhD from Jamia Millia Islamia University. His music reflects his personal views on Indian democracy. “It’s about how injustice has been done to the Kashmiris, Manipuris or adivasis in Dantewada,” he says. He also believes he has picked up his mother’s

Mizoram roads in bad condition: PWD

AIzAWL, OctOber 23 (PtI): Mizoram Public Works Department (PWD) officials today said that most of the roads in the state were in extremely bad condition due to severe monsoon and lack of fund for maintenance of roads.

Talking to media persons in Aizawl, Engineerin-Chief of the PWD R. Vanlaltluanga said that the condition of almost all the National Highways in the state were extremely bad as the fund flow from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) for maintenance of the national highways was very low. Vanlaltluanga also blamed some of the contractors appointed by the MoRTH like Hyderabadbased Gayatri Project Ltd., which bagged the Rs 615.69 crore National Highway No. 44-A between Aizawl and Tripura border Mamit town, for slow progress of construction work.

The engineers of the state PWD also said that the department could not prepare Work Schedule during the last two fiscals after abolition of the Planning Commission which, earlier, used to allocate funds annually.

Chief minister Lal Thanhawla, had yesterday, admitted that the roads throughout the state were in bad condition and the state government was aware of it.

Addressing Congress workers, Lal Thanhawla said that the road conditions were bad as it was impossible to undertake repair works during the rainy season and the working season in the state was hardly five months.

3

sarcastic tone in his songs. Besides his musical movement, Akhu and his team have helped a 13-year-girl in an Imphal children’s home (who has been diagnosed with congenital heart disease) through a funded musical project, A Native Tongue Called Peace, besides helping two more children to appear in a matriculation examination. “So now I’ll teach them mathematics and science apart from music sessions as I learn more about life from them," says Akhu. The 34-year-old physicist adds, “I don’t know about music being sustainable. But surely it can change things. I am a changed person because of it.”

They may even drive me out. But it needs to be examined whether people in other parts of the State got the same benefits and facilities.” Singh has nurtured Thoubal, which is right next to Imphal. In a State where chief ministers have had difficulty completing a single term in office, Singh has three terms under his belt.

Sharmila had launched a fast unto death on November 2, 2000, demanding the repeal of the AFSPA whose provisions are mostly abused to unleash a reign of terror among civilians. She ended her fast on August 18 in the court complex.

Reacting to her announcement to throw the gauntlet at him in his constituency, Singh told The Hindu that it was Sharmila’s democratic right to contest elections. “I have nothing more to say except to wish her the best of luck,” he said.

Reacting to the announcement, former Minister and now a senior BJP leader Nimaichand Luwang said, “Sharmila had carved a niche for herself as a human rights activist. It is quite

Assam school students to experience US Presidential polls GUWAHAtI, OctOber 23 (IANS): As the entire world is closely observing the US Presidential debates and the possible fallouts of the polls, a team of students from Guwahati-based NPS International School are camping in the poll-bound US to get firsthand knowledge about the much talkedabout elections. A team of 21 comprising 17 students and four faculty members from the school is in Florida, US, closely monitoring the entire process relating to the forthcoming Presidential Polls.

"Apart from monitoring the electoral process, we have also got the opportunity to discuss various issues with the local populace," said Satabdi Gogoi, a Class XI (Science) NPS student, who is a member of the team.

"Unlike India, we have not seen a single election-related banner or poster here. Everything takes place here in a disciplined and planned manner. People or party supporters throng the university auditoriums etc, to witness the election debate of candidates. General people also closely watch the debates on TV," Jyotirmoy Das of Class VI said.

Police struggle to combat inhalant abuse

GUWAHAtI, OctOber 23 (tNN): Pinku (name changed), 14, has been spending his days in a shelter home for the last two months. He is not alone. Hundreds of children have been undergoing counselling to get over their habit of sniffing substances or 'huffing'. The Guwahati Police Commissionerate has been running an operation to combat the drug menace in the state. But they are finding it difficult to combat the high rate of inhalant abuse as the 'sniffers' abuse everyday products like glue, paint, lighter fluid, fingernail polish, permanent markers, deodorants, etc. City police have been issuing advisories urging educational institutes, physical training centres and sports academies to

assist in spreading awareness about inhalant substance abuse.

"While this type of substance abuse may seem harmless because the products are not legally classified as drugs, they are deadly chemicals. An inhalant high may give the feeling of well-being and reduce inhibitions, much like the effects of alcohol and other sedatives," a city police advisory said. It added further that sniffing substances can lead to severe brain damage or severe respiratory problems.

A police officer said, "Previous studies found that over 70% street children and school dropouts are addicted to sniffing glue here. However, teenagers across all sections of the society are vulnerable to huffing."

aCKNoWLEDgEMENT The organizing committee of the 17th NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy 2016 would like to acknowledge the invaluable contribution of the following individuals and organizations towards the successful culmination of the prestigious tourney: Prize Money:1. Champion - Rs. 1,60,000/- sponsored by Vichü Society 2. Third prize - Rs. 50,000/- sponsored by Mr. Keviselhou Sekhose 3. Fourth prize - Rs. 30,000/- sponsored by Mr.Jack Dozo, Finance Secy.CPO Losing quarter finalist - Rs. 10,000/- each (40,000) sponsored by1. V. Ashu Theyo, Advocate 2. Joshua Sheqi & Akho Swuro, Advocate 3. Equipments & Sports, Razhii point, Kohima 4. K.Chingkai Konyak, PS to MLA Pohwang Konyak Individual prizes:1. Player of the tournament – Two wheeler (sponsored by Mr. Kekhrieselhou Yhome, 1st class contractor, Chümoükedima) 2. Best goalkeeper - Mr. Povezo Puro (District Child Protection Officer, Kohima) 3. Best defender - Mr. Pikato E Tuccu (District Child Protection Officer, Dimapur) 4. Best midfielder - Mr. Vizo Khoubve (Proprietor Biglife Tent House) 5. Highest scorer - Mr. Vikyato Sumi (Asst. Public Prosecutor) 6. Best Discipline Team – Mr. Puthuto Natso (District Project Officer, Land Resources, Peren) Tournament Patrons 1. Eno. Atu Zumvü (SDPO South, Kohima) 2. Eno. Khrielievi Chüsi (Former President, AYO) 3. Eno. Roko Angami (Football Coach, AFC Licence & Former International Football Player) 4. Eno. Zhato Kimho (Former President, AYO) 5. Eno. Videlalie Zashümo (Commandant, 7th NAP Bn. Bhandari, Wokha) 6. Eno. Thejavizo Nakhro (EAC, Sadar, Kohima) 7. Enoli. Salhoutuonuo Kruse (Asst. Gen. Secretary, APO) 8. Eno. Megozelhou Kuotsu (Entrepreneur) 9. Er. Vibeizo Khamo (J.E. PWD Housing, Central Division) 10. Er. Vikienyü Zütso (E.E. PHED, Longleng) 1. All Match patrons 2. Kohima District Sports Council 3. Kohima District Football Referees’ Association 4. CMO, Kohima 5. DSO, Kohima 6. IGS Academy, Kohima 7. KMC 8. PHED 9. All frontal organizations under APO 10. NSF and Federating Units 11. Press & Media for wide coverage 12. Nagaland Bharat Scouts &guides

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a different field from politics. Besides, a person cannot win an election within a few months without even meeting the people.”

‘Not a welcome move’ Potsangbam Dhanakumar, a retired IPS officerturned-politician, said, “Personally, I feel that she will not shine in politics.

It is also far-fetched to say that she will contest against the Chief Minister in Thoubal. In Manipur outsiders — people who don’t reside in the constituency they contest from — are never

Jotsoma Students’ union Royal Club Classic Club Fire &Emergency services Kohima Bar Association All performing artists Corragio School Vineyard School NASU/WASU/SASU/CSU All participating teams and football fans All members of organizing Committee and sub-committees 24. Well wishers

welcome.”

“During the November by-elections, G.Tonsana Sharma, a retired engineer, tried to join the fray in the Thangmeiband constituency though he is from another constituency. People did not even allow him to enter the area and begin campaigning. She [Sharmila] should remember it,” Dhanakumar said.

Other public figures, though they did not want to be quoted, echoed his view, and said she would not win in either constitu-

ency. While ending the fast, she had announced her intention to get married.

Though she did not mention the name of the person she was going to marry, people here assumed it was Desmond Countinho, a British citizen of Goan origin, who has been linked with her and who was assaulted in December 2014 outside the Imphal court by women activists who felt that he was taking Sharmila away from her campaign.

A woman activist said, “He held the hands of Sharmila inside the court room, which is something reprehensible in our society.”

Many of the women who had supported her, have distanced themselves from Sharmila. She had to return to the hospital room where she had been fasting even after the court ordered her release as she had no place to go to. Eventually some women allowed her to stay inside a voluntary institute near Imphal.

Deserted by supporters Many women said a person in her position could never win an elec-

tion. The women activists who had supported her struggle are unhappy that she did not take them into confidence about her decision to end the fast. Sharmila had bagged national and international awards and she was even to be nominated for the Nobel peace prize. Her relationship with a non-Manipuri when the State is demanding the implementation of the Inner Line Permit system has not gone down well locally.

Human rights activist and her long-time lawyer Khaidem Mani said, “To contest elections is her choice and I have no comment on it”. Yumnam Basanta, a resident of the Thoubal constituency said, “Ibobi is something like a living god among his voters.

In 2012 elections seven insurgent groups had banned the Congress and Ibobi who was more concerned for the safety of the people refrained from electioneering. Still he won the election hands down. Though Hema Malini and other star campaigners had come to the constituency, the BJP candidate cut a sorry figure.”

Traditional headgear with cross gifted to VIPs angers Arunachal tribe

GUWAHAtI, OctOber 23 (Ht): One of the largest tribes in Arunachal Pradesh is upset with the state information commission for gifting traditional Nyishi tribal headgear with a cross to VIPs at a government function.

The headgear — beak and feather of a hornbill atop a cane cap — itself was a conservation issue till an international wildlife NGO helped make a fibreglass beak fashionable more than a decade ago.

The Arunachal Pradesh Information Commission (APIC) had organised the decennial celebration of the RTI Act in Itanagar on Wednesday. The event did not attract much attention until the chief guest, central information commissioner Sridhar Acharyulu, left the state capital the following

day with a Nyishi headgear and other customary gifts.

The base of the fibreglass hornbill beak on Acharyulu’s headgear — as well as those of two other VIPs — bore a Christian cross. State chief information commissioner Joram Begi had presented the headgear.

Members of the Nyishi community that adheres to the indigenous faith criticised the APIC for “distorting” the traditional byopa (headgear).

A statement by the Nyishi Elite Society said, “We must be clear that the tradition of a community must not bear symbol of any religion or religious sects which may harm its secular fabric.” Begi said he did not notice the cross, nor did he have them ordered. “Our staff may have obtained them without notic-

ing the cross sign. Whatever happened was purely unintentional and we did not mean to hurt sentiments,” he said.

An Itanagar-based church spokesperson denied influencing the APIC to allegedly promote religion. However, the Nyishi Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society begged to differ. “Objects of indigenous faith and culture are surreptitiously being given religious symbolism, and they have crept into official programmes too,” Pai Dawe, a senior member of the society, said.

Christian missionary activity is not allowed in Arunachal Pradesh but the frontier state has seen a steep fall in the number of people adhering to indigenous faiths such as Donyi-Polo and Rangfra.

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Kiphimiqo je Bohoto Sema Bokishe N Sumi Ethel H.Abotoli Ibrika Z Ayemi Inatoli H Chophy Jolly H Sumi Khavishe Kiba Kipitoli K Shohe Marysheli Zhimo Mercy Sumi Nguvitoli Assumi S Anatoli Chishi Samuel N Sheqi Sasuli Swuli H Sema Tokishe L Achumi Vinili Vinitoli K Yeptho Mughatoli Avikali Khetoshe Shohe

A/leshe Sulekutho K/xϋlhe Tsayeh k/tssatho A/kiyye Aqqolo % Rmks Grade B 61 73 65 66 75 71 411 68.5 1st B 72 74 63 57 64 70 400 66.7 1st A 81 87 87 65 88 81 489 81.5 1st B 73 71 80 79 73 83 467 78.5 1st st B 61 76 78 69 75 79 438 73 1 B 58 72 76 69 81 83 439 73.2 1st B 67 81 81 68 79 79 455 75.9 1st B 61 69 76 65 75 72 418 69.7 1st B 61 79 78 76 81 80 455 75.9 1st 72 83 71 75 81 84 466 77.7 1st B B 63 55 64 69 76 75 402 67 1st B 79 70 82 74 79 82 466 77.7 1st B 70 77 75 62 74 80 438 73 1st B 56 64 65 65 63 75 338 64.7 1st B 78 68 73 71 72 85 447 74.5 1st B 56 59 73 70 68 82 408 68 1st B 68 68 71 57 71 71 406 67.7 1st B 61 59 60 52 65 68 365 60.9 1st B 81 81 82 71 76 88 475 79.9 1st C 66 41 40 54 45 56 302 50.4 2nd C 67 40 40 60 40 40 287 47.9 2nd 60 62 62 57 45 41 327 54.5 2nd C

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The huge bank data fraud was a disaster waiting to happen Hitesh dharmdasani

FinMin expects report on debit card data breach in 10 days

Economic Times

India has seen several instances of banking cyber fraud over the years. If you haven’t received at least one call purportedly from the Reserve Bank asking to reset your PIN, you haven’t really lived here. But the recent incident, where multiple banks have simultaneously said that their cards — estimated at 3.2 million by some reports — have been compromised makes this the first incident of such scale.

New Delhi, OctOber 23 (Pti): The Finance Ministry has asked various agencies, including RBI, which are looking into the largest banking security breach involving over 32 lakh debit cards, to submit their report in 10 days. “We expect result of the technical enquiry in the next 8-10 days. This will give us exact picture of the entire incidence. It will give us lead as to where hacking or compromise took place,” Finance Ministry sources said.

Earlier this week, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had said the government asked RBI and banks to provide details of the data breach and also banks’ preparedness to deal with cyber crimes. As many as 32.14 lakh debit cards of various public and private sector banks are feared to have been ‘compromised’ by cyber malware attack in some ATM systems.

Several banks, including state-owned SBI, have recalled a number of cards while many others blocked the ones suspected to have been compromised and asked their customers to change PIN (personal identification number) before use. Fraudulent withdrawals have been reported from 19 banks so far while complaints have been received from a few banks that their customers’ cards were used fraudulently abroad, mainly in China and the US while the customers were in India.

According to the National Payments Corporation of India, as many as 641 customers across 19 banks have been duped of Rs 1.3 crore using stolen debit card data.

What happened?

Only the final report of the forensic audit, to be submitted next month, will reveal exactly how the financial data from millions of cards were stolen. But it is unlikely that someone could breach the security of five or six banks simultaneously.

One would be triggering so many alarms on the way that the chances are it would be discovered fast.

The breach was reportedly

detected through the systems of Hitachi Payment Services, which maintains ATMs and point-of-sale terminals. This kind of fraud can possibly happen using an extra “mouthpiece” (ATM skimmer), so that when you slide your card in, it first goes through the criminals’ device, which skims your data, and

then into the ATM. There is also specific malware that affects ATM software directly. In India, you can use your debit card across ATMs of different banks, which means that by compromising a single ATM, you can steal data across banks. It’s not very complicated to steal the data of a couple of lakh

cards through such mouthpieces. But if you want to scale up the operation, you will need greater access, such as through point-ofsale machines used in restaurants and retail stores.

There are special types of malware that infect only point-of-sale machines — this will give a criminal a higher “rate of return”

because there are many more people who will be out shopping than making ATM withdrawals.

That’s what happened in the case of US retail chain Target in late 2013. Data from up to 40 million credit and debit cards of those who had shopped at Target were stolen by hackers, bang in the middle of the holiday shop-

ping season. My research in the US was centred around how such systems are compromised. Usually, the person who steals your financial data won’t use it himself.

Instead, he will sell it online.

There are websites that sell credit card information in bulk, in hundreds or thousands.

We have laws in place

for fraud, but that’s a postbreach solution. We don’t have any regulation in place for prevention. Forget banks, even a consumer-facing company accepting payment information, i.e. credit and debit cards, in the US is required to have systems and checks in place on how it treats personally identifiable information by law.

For instance, it will have to encrypt that information and retain that for some time. In India, we don’t have such mandatory controls. Banks here are wellequipped in terms of cyber security but even their systems are not mandated to be tested by law. A bank in the US has to go through a forensic IT audit every year, conducted by a third party, who will check what measures you have in place

have to make sure they are always ahead. From a customer’s point of view, the obvious solutions usually fix a lot of problems. Personally, I ask for a new debit card every three months, irrespective of whether there has been a breach.

Yes, that could cost Rs 100 each time but I’m willing to pay that price for security. From a policy point of view, the government should look at the laws that many countries have for cyber security compliance. If you are accepting information, you need to be held accountable for that. The stringency could depend on the nature of the organisation: whether it’s a bank, a healthcare company or a retail establishment.

The advantage we in India have is that models that exist abroad have been tried and tested for 10-15 years.

Precautions needed We can look at those modWith banks, where the els and see what fits into stakes are the highest, there our ecosystem. is no solution that is 100% foolproof. It’s a game of cat(The writer is founder of and-mouse where the banks Informant Networks)

Six Maruti models in top Fin Min declines to share black money assessment reports GST can be paid by debit, credit cards, says official ten list in first half of FY17 New Delhi, OctOber 23 (Pti): Country’s largest car maker Maruti Suzuki India continued its hold on the Indian passenger vehicles segment with six of its models featuring in the top ten selling list in the first half of this fiscal, thereby helping the company maintain its market share.

According to data from Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), Maruti Suzuki India’s (MSI) entry level car Alto retained its position as the best selling model in April-September period this fiscal with 1,20,720 units, albeit a decline of 7.93 percent as compared with 1,31,128 units in the year-ago period.

The company’s hatchback WagonR moved up to the second spot during the period selling 86,939 units as against 84,660 units in the year-ago period, a growth of 2.69 percent.

On the third spot was MSI’s compact sedan Dzire selling 81,926 units despite a decline of 20.95 percent from 1,03,651 units in the same period last fiscal.

Maruti Swift was the fourth best selling model in the first six month of 2016-17 with the sale of 80,756 units as against 1,06,911, while Hyundai Motor India’s compact hatchback FiRe StatiOnS

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New YOrK , OctOber 23 (reuterS): AT&T Inc said on Saturday it agreed to buy Time Warner Inc for $85.4 billion, the boldest move yet by a telecommunications company to acquire content to stream over its network to attract a growing number of online viewers. The biggest deal in the world this year will, if approved by regulators, give AT&T control of cable TV channels HBO and CNN, film studio Warner Bros and other coveted media assets. The tie-up will likely face intense scrutiny by U.S. antitrust enforcers worried that AT&T might try to limit distribution of Time Warner material.

AT&T will pay $107.50 per Time Warner share, half in cash and half in stock, worth $85.4 billion overall, according to a company statement. AT&T said it expected to close the deal by the end of 2017.

Dallas-based AT&T said the U.S. Department

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disclosure under Section 8 (1) (c) of the RTI Act, 2005, as the study reports received from the three institutes are under examination of the government and the same along with the government’s response on these reports are yet to be taken to the Parliament through the Standing Committee on Finance,” the Ministry said in reply to the RTI query filed by PTI. The Section bars disclosure of information “which would cause a breach of privilege of Parliament or the state Legislature”.

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of Justice would review the deal and that the companies were determining which Federal Communications Commission licenses, if any, would be transferred to AT&T in the deal.

AT&T, whose main wireless phone and broadband service business is showing signs of slowing, has already made moves to turn itself into a media powerhouse. It bought satellite TV provider DirecTV last year for $48.5 billion. It had about 142 million North American wireless subscribers as of June 30, and about 38 million video subscribers through DirecTV and its U-verse service.

New York-based Time Warner is a major force in movies, TV and video games. Its assets include the HBO, CNN, TBS and TNT networks as well as the Warner Bros film studio. It also owns a 10% stake in video streaming site Hulu. The HBO network alone has more than 130 million subscribers.

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cil of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) and National Institute of Financial Management (NIFM), Faridabad.

Replying to an RTI query, the Ministry said study reports of NIPFP, NCAER and NIFM were received by the government on December 30, 2013, July 18, 2014 and August 21, 2014 respectively.

When asked about the copies of the reports and action taken on them, it said they are under examination by the government.

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AT&T to buy Time Warner for $85 billion

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Grand i10 was fifth with 71,703 units sold during the period as compared to 58,078 units a year ago.

The South Korean car maker’s premium hatchback Elite i20 was sixth best selling model clocking 61,784 units in the April-September period as against 66,037 units in the corresponding period last fiscal.

Renault India’s entry level car Kwid made it to the seventh position with a massive jump to 56,028 units as compared with just 381 units last year.

Maruti’s new models -- premium hatchback Baleno with 54,947 and compact SUV Vitara Brezza at 50,859 units were eighth and ninth best selling models, with the list rounded off by Hyundai’s SUV Creta at 47,923 units as against 23,117 in April-September 2015-16.

With six of its models in top ten best selling list, MSI maintained its share of 47.2 percent in the domestic passenger vehicles market.

The company sold a total of 7,05,287 units in the April-September period this fiscal while the total industry passenger vehicles sales stood at 14,94,039 units.

In the same period last year, the company’s market share was 47.29 percent selling 6,28,963 units out of an industry total of 13,29,874 units.

New Delhi, OctOber 23 (Pti): The Finance Ministry has declined to share reports submitted to it nearly three years ago on the quantum of black money held by Indians inside the country and abroad, saying it will cause breach of privilege of Parliament.

The reports are related to studies commissioned by the previous UPA government five years ago. These were conducted by Delhi-based National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP), National Coun-

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iNDOre, OctOber 23 (iANS): Under the proposed Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime, individuals and entities can pay taxes online using debit or credit cards, the government said on Sunday.

“With regard to payments, the best thing that will happen is all payments will have to be made online. You can use any mode of payment, electronic, NEFT, RTGS. You can do it through debit cards or credit cards of any bank,” Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia said while addressing the Global Investors Summit here.

“You need not open an account in banks of government. Even if you have account in a private bank, you can transfer money and it will reach the government,” Adhia said.

The top officer said GST will make it easier for traders and industry to access Input Tax Credit, as well as ease the compliance burden since the entire country will become a single market.

“I would ask the states to focus on the services sector because industry will come on its own once demand increases,” he said.

The government, which proposes to implement the new pan-India indirect tax regime from the start of the next fiscal in April, has made registration, refunds, returns filing and payment processes online.

The GST regime will also ensure that the taxes deducted by sellers reach the government, Adhia added.

At its second meeting last month after its constitution, the GST Council chaired by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley approved five sets of draft rules relating to registration, payments, returns and refunds under GST. The GST Council, however, has failed to decide on the big issue of GST rates in its three meetings held, and is likely to take a decision in its next meeting here slated for November 3 to 4.

CROSSWORD # 3752

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 # 3737

Answer Number # 3736

ACROSS 1. Hoop 5. Brazilian dance 10. Anagram of “Cabs” 14. Sea eagle 15. Cornered 16. Roman robe 17. A decorated dart 19. Was indebted 20. Mineral rock 21. Panorama 22. Exchange 23. Consume 25. Driller 27. Lyric poem 28. Winter melon 31. Habitual practice 34. Twice twenty 35. Nigerian tribesman 36. Sailors 37. Juliet’s love 38. Flat-bottomed boat 39. A high alpine meadow 40. Squandered 41. Adolescents 42. Passageways in mines 44. Put clothing on 45. Sad song 46. Residue fragments 50. Go by car 52. Utilize again 54. Except 55. Part in a play 56. Gem of the month 58. Afflicts 59. Eagle’s nest 60. Away from the wind 61. Smudge 62. Donkeys 63. Sharp intake of breath DOWN 1. Jazz style 2. A kind of macaw 3. Not outer 4. Directed 5. Hit

6. Appear 7. Defrost 8. Criticized 9. American Dental Association 10. A level in a building 11. The trait of lacking courage 12. Matured 13. Invited 18. Avoid 22. 3 24. Clothing 26. Savvy about 28. Houses 29. Black, in poetry 30. Impresses 31. Salt Lake state 32. A period of discounted prices 33. Armored nocturnal mammal 34. Counterfeits 37. Telephoned 38. Transmit 40. Cable 41. Notes 43. Disinvest 44. Plates 46. Good-looker 47. African virus 48. Graphic symbols 49. Precipitous 50. Blah 51. Agitate 53. Makes a mistake 56. Bleat 57. Children’s game Answer to Crossword 3751

Sunday 23•10•2016

NAGALAND

Call for harmonious co-existence 33% women’s reservation a ‘gimmick to the masses’: Thomas Ngullie

MLA & Chairman, NIDC Ltd, Tovihoto Ayemi (2nd from L) and other dignitaries during the Vijaya Sammelan programme in Dimapur on Sunday. (Morung photo) Morung Express News Dimapur | October 23

MLA & Chairman NIDC Ltd, Tovihoto Ayemi has called upon various communities in Dimapur to have mutual understanding, recognize each other’s rights and co-exist harmoniously.

Speaking during the Vijaya Sammelan programme organized by Hindu Seva Samiti at Durga Mandir, Dimapur on Sun-

day evening, he also said people should protect each other’s rights.

“Being a local MLA of this area, it is also my moral responsibility to safeguard the interest of the minorities,” Tovihoto added.

DCCI President, Hokivi Chishi appealed the nonlocals in the state to spread positive message of Nagaland to other parts of the country. “In my knowledge, there has not been any religious conflict in Nagaland

or Christians suppressing the religious rights of minorities and such message has to be relayed to other states,” he added.

Dimapur Sumi Council, Chairman, Kuhoi Zhimo; former DMC Councillor, Vikheho Zhimo; Bengali Samaj, President, KK Paul; Jain Samaj, President, OP Sethi were among other dignitaries present during the programme marked with various cultural performances.

Dimapur, OctOber 23 (mexN): The 33% women reservation is increasingly polarizing the Nagas into two – those supporting and those opposing.

Independent MLA, Thomas Ngullie, on Saturday voiced his opposition to the way in which the 33% women reservation was being promised for Municipal elections and termed the move a ‘gimmick for the masses’ by Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang.

In a statement, the Independent MLA alleged that the commitment to reserve seats for women was a “unilateral declaration” from Ze-

liang who, Ngullie claimed, was “merely accepting the advice” of the Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA).

He expressed his fear that if the policy (of reservation) is implemented for a Municipal election, then “a time will come when Assembly election also will be affected.”

Highlighting Assembly records, Ngullie claimed that the ‘Select Committee’ headed by Zeliang, the then Minister of Planning AH&V and Parliamentary Affairs, had recommended to “reject the applicability of Part-IX(A) of the constitution of India”. Ngullie fur-

ther claimed that the Select Committee recommended to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly to pass a resolution by the Assembly to frame its own laws for conduct of Municipal and Town Council Act in lieu of PartIX(A) of the constitution.

“The said recommendation was signed by T.R. Zeliang on 21.07.12,” it added.

“On the floor of the Assembly, the said resolution was moved by Dr. Shurhozelie who was then the Minister for Urban Development & Higher Education on 20.03.12 for suspension of the Municipal and Town Council Act

Three injured in truck accident

proper health services and facilities and lauded the activities of DFP in this regard.

Nchumbemo also underscored the need for convergence with other related and implementing departments while organising such programmes.

Exhorting DFP for its endeavour, Public leader Mhondemo Lotha stated that such awareness campaign was very important and appropriate at this juncture saying that the Sanis area is quite remote and access to health services and facilities are limited.

Director, DFP, Kohima, Dr. Engam Pame who delivered the key note address said the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare initiated a new media strategy called special media campaign on Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCH+A).

He also mentioned that

25% of the districts in every state based on composite health index have been identified as high priority districts for which success largely depends on people’s participation. Directorate of Field Publicity acts as a bridge between the people and the government in a true sense, he added.

Stressing on the importance of information, Pame said the organization would also strive to create well informed communities with regard to the national objectives so as to reach the last man in the last mile.

Field Publicity Officers representing various districts, Robin Kashungnao, Mathew Bengam and Lhouzotuo Casavi also participated in the awareness programme while Zuchamo, Pastor AG Church acted as the moderator, informed a press note from DFP, Kohima.

questioned how the Chief Minister or his Cabinet “can override the provision of the constitution and the privileges given to the people of Nagaland”.

Arguing that the act of the Chief Minister “portrays rejection of provisions granted by Art.371 (A) to the state of Nagaland,” Ngullie accused Zeliang of “misleading” the people of Nagaland “by giving false and impossible statements”, and insisted that the commitment to women reservation “is nothing but a mere show of his ignorance while trying to deceive the people.”

MEx FILE New office bearers of TSUD Dimapur, OctOber 23 (mexN): Tenyimi Students’ Union Dimapur (TSUD) has elected the following office bearers for the tenure 2016-18: President - Azo Wetsah, Vice-President - Gaitangliu Gonmei, General Secretary - A Shyerhunlo Lorin, Asst. General Secretary - Lankhonlu Rongmei, Finance Secretary Khrielhoubeinuo Kaco, Social & Cultural Secretary Wikhwanbou Puimi, Games & sports Secretary - Dito Neikha, Educational & Cultural Secretary - Kevi Veilou.

Assembly Affairs: Speaker - Nepuni Paul Kolakhe, Deputy Secretary - E. Ekiehangbe Hau.

DFP Organises Public awareness campaign Dimapur, OctOber 23 (meXN): Directorate of Field Publicity Ministry of I&B, (Nagaland & Manipur region), organized a special awareness campaign on RMNCH+A with special focus on Mission Indradhanush, Population Stabilisation, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and Anaemia among adolescent girls on October 22 at Okhotso Village in Wokha district.

Nchumbemo, SDO (C) Sanis was the chief Guest and Chumdemo Ngullie, Village chairman was the Guest of Honour at the programme.

Addressing the programme, the Chief Guest said that health is one of the most important issues at the current context irrespective of age.

He also emphasised the need to organise more awareness programmes so that the real stakeholders and beneficiaries can availed

2001 and Part-IX (A) of the constitution of India. Accordingly, the Legislative Assembly adopted the resolution on 22nd September, 2012,” Ngullie stated.

In spite of such resolutions being on record, Zeliang’s statement to the press assuring the implementation of 33% women reservation in Nagaland “is nothing but only a gimmick”, Ngullie argued.

Further citing Article 371(A), which states that no Act of the Indian Parliament is applicable in the state of Nagaland except by a resolution adopted in the State Assembly, Ngullie

chiephObOzOu, OctOber 23 (mexN): Three persons were injured when a truck met with an accident near LPG Godown at Chiephobozou village, under Kohima district early Saturday morning. The truck, with Regd

No AS 09 C 1416 belonging to Indane Company, rolled off the NH-61 and fell approximately 150 feet. According to a defence press release, the three were subsequently rescued by 9 Assam Rifles personnel from inside the truck with

the help of locals from Chiephobozou. The injured were administered with first aid at CHC, Chiephobozou following which they were later taken by the police to Naga Hospital for further treatment, the release informed.

PAPO general session in Phek phek, OctOber 23 (mexN): The Phek Area Public Organization (PAPO) will hold its 7th general session on November 11, 10:00 am at DRDA Training Extension Hall, Phek Town. All PAPO affiliated villages have been asked to attend the session with at least five representatives positively. MLA Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu will grace the occasion as the special guest.

HS&G celebrate Cultural Day

In commemoration of World Food Day, 3 (NH) Bn Assam Rifles distributed food stuff to the children of Kohima Orphanage & Destitute Home on October 17. A short lecture was also conducted for the children on the importance of education, nutritious food and leading a healthy life.

Scouts performing simple pyramid.

Dimapur, OctOber 23 (mexN): Hindustan Scouts & Guides celebrated Birthday-cum-Cultural Day on Saturday at Holy Cross Higher Secondary School, where cubs and bulbuls, scouts and guides performed different activities in their presence of their parents.

The event was graced by Rev Fr P J Thomas, ChairParticipants with resource persons during the one day career guidance seminar organised by Kangtsung Laishir Telongjem for the Dimapur Kangstung Students’ Union. The resource persons were Dr. Sashi (MBBS); Katila, Manager SBI; Wati Jamir, Advocate; Rohit, PK Travels; and man of the School as the chief guest, who said that Anungla, Director, Sachdeva Coaching Institute.

the purpose of HS&G is to build one’s personality. “We need to discipline ourselves in life. If we are not disciplined, we cannot be successful in life,” he told the scouts and guides present on the occasion.

Heaping praises on Teacher Nirmala for her dedication and commitment towards Hindustan Scouts & Guides all these years, Fr Thomas said despite all odd situations,

she has stood upright and fought alone to make HS&G movement successful in Nagaland.

Fr Thomas said that though she would be retiring this year from the school, the students would remember her for her contribution.

Dr Medozato, an alumnus of Holy Cross Hr Sec. School and first troop leader or HS&G, graced the occasion as special guest.

Orientation-cum-training of PLVS held Pastors urged to uphold clean election as spiritual responsibility

Dimapur, OctOber 23 (mexN): The Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs) of Dimapur District received one day orientation-cum-training, a refresher course on the Seven Schemes of National Legal Services Authority-2015. The programme was held at the Frontal office of Dimapur District Legal Services Authority under the supervision of Dimapur District Legal Services Authority.

According to a press release from the Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA), the programme commenced with introductory remarks from Moatila, Advocate, as chairperson presenting an overview of the course.

She also coordinated the icebreaking session, warming up both the participants and the resource persons before proceeding to the main session of the event.

On the first session, Resource Person Easter Aye, Legal Aid Counsel-cum-Train-

er, NSLSA, illustrated on the Seven New Schemes-2015 launched by National Legal Services Authority.

Aye presented the various aspects of the Schemes and the roles and areas on which a PLVs can work for the society to bring out effective implementation of the scheme at grass root level. The seven schemes includes the Victims of Trafficking & Sexual Exploitation, Scheme, 2015; Legal Services to Un-organised Sectors Schemes, 2015; Child friendly Legal Services and their Protection Schemes, 2015; Legal Services to the Mentally Ill and Mentally Disabled Person Scheme, 2015; Effective Implementation of Poverty Alleviation Schemes 2015; Protection and Enforcement of Tribal Rights Scheme; Legal Services to the Victims of Drug Abuse and Eradication of Drug Menace Scheme, 2015.

Resource Person for the second session, Tongpang

Jamir imparted basic lessons and skills on the Topic Roles and responsibilities of a PLV. Jamir also presented practical lessons on Maintenance of Records and Registry to provide a Para Legal Volunteers with adequate practice in dealing with recording and documentation while engaged in Legal services and activities.

A total of 9 PLVs participated in the one day orientationcum-training of Para legal Volunteer.

Orientation trainings of this kind are imparted at State Level and District level organised by both the State Legal Services Authority and District Legal Services Authority from time to time to create a breed of Para legal Volunteers in the State who will act as intermediaries, bridging the gap between the people at village/community level and the legal service institutions for disseminating effective legal assistance/services to all.

Dimapur, OctOber 23 (mexN): The Langpangkong Pastors’ Fellowship, on October 22, conducted a daylong symposium on the “Role of pastor in clean election campaign” during its ongoing annual conference at Yisemyong, under Mokokchung District.

The symposium was held recognising the urgent need to give spiritual action oriented leadership to clean the mess of election in Nagaland, informed a press note received here.

K Temjen Jamir, the Editor of Ao Vernacular daily, Tir Yimyim was the resource person along with the members of the LKM Clean Election Campaign Committee.

In his presentation on the roles of pastors on election, Jamir reminded the church leaders that they are the called ones by God to overseer His flock and protect and lead them safely from the savage wolves.

In present day context, the biblical savage wolf is the election for people of Nagaland and it is the spiritual responsibility of the pastors to fight against the same, he added.

Jamir further urged the pastors not to carry about with every wind of “dirty electoral politics” but speak the truth courageously against the evil practices during election and the set the people free from the love of money.

“Today our society is deeply infected by election malpractices.

We need to eradicate this men-

The Langpangkong Pastors’ Fellowship resolves to play a active spiritual role in Clean Election campaign

Langpangkong area pastors with resource persons and members of the LKM Clean Election Campaign Committee at Yisemyong on 22nd Oct. 2016.

ace from our society and conduct clean and fair election. This will help us in forming a good governance system which will be beneficial for the people. That is the purpose and objective of clean election campaign,” he maintained.

Quoting from the Bible, Jamir said that in order to elect a responsible leader, one must also play the role as Christians and choose the "God fearing persons" having good moral character and sense of both nationalism and patriotism.

As in 2012 US election, where world renowned preacher Billy Graham articulated to the Americans on “vote biblical value” and called upon them to support God fearing candidates, the resource

person also appealed the pastors to take the same message and play active role during election in Nagaland without any hesitation.

He also suggested that pastors should lead and visit each and every household of believers and pray together to take part in election in a fair manner.

“The church leaders should also organize chain of prayer and let every family to partake, spiritual awareness and understanding on election related topics with biblical reference should be communicated during church sermon and to have frequent joint prayer fellowship with village council members in the church also will be effective spiritual exercise in making the election free and fair.”

On the use of alcohol and buy-

ing of vote , particularly in villages during election time, Jamir maintained that youth and women church leaders should be allowed to play an active role to control the "menace with moral and spiritual empowerment."

Do not to try to please everyone but try to please God and fight a good fight against the evil practices and to be on guard against anti-Christians movement in India, he urged the pastors.

After a day long discussion, the Langpangkong Pastors’ Fellowship resolved to play a active spiritual role on Clean Election campaign in making people realise their valued political rights as God’s given right and empower them spiritually to overcome the temptations.

6

Monday 24•10•2016

IN FOCUS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

The Power of Truth

The Morung Express volume Xi issue 292 By moa Jamir

Why anti-corruption campaigns fail in Nagaland

T

"

oday, corruption is like the cancer of our society…

But unless we come out and own the issue we will be fighting a losing war,” the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Zelhou Keyho asserted on Saturday. The latest in a series of rhetoric and actions towards corruption we have seen in recent times.

Corruption – loosely akin to ‘misuse of public office for private gain’ – has become so deeply embedded in the system that despite such rhetoric from those at the helms of the affairs or the general public, the fight against corruption remains futile.

Relevant empirical studies need to be consulted in order to take things into perspective and study it within the context of Nagaland.

In a comprehensive study on why the fight against corruption fails in most of the countries, especially in the developing countries, Persson et al (2012) argued that while the majority of thoroughly corrupt countries now have a strong legal and institutional anti-corruption framework “they still struggle to translate those laws into practice” and instead create “new opportunities and incentives for corruption.”

Taking the case of corruption in Uganda and Kenya, and the study examined why the people living choose not to report and punish corrupt behavior despite frameworks designed to facilitate such actions or morally condemning the same.

Most of them thought it is meaningless to report corruption since this will not make any difference anyway.

“It is simply the way ‘things work.’ Everybody does it, so whether it is bad or good, everybody does it anyway. Am I the one who is going to change the world? …They are not much concerned because they see it as an easy way to access something.

“If you have an office but have not stolen—if you have not helped your family— they are actually going to curse you… if you get into a state institution and you walk in with one suit and one shamba (a plot of land), and you walk out on your retirement with one suit and one shamba, you will be considered foolish,” quoted the study. “…People are seeing their relatives and friends in high offices and they don’t care how they get the money as long as the money is going to the village and they benefit... For someone in the position of need, if someone comes and sorts out school fees for your children, which you otherwise could not afford, you are going to praise that guy and say ‘you are a great guy and doing a good job’. People look at him and say 'he is our man'."

The unwillingness on behalf of ordinary citizens in thoroughly corrupt settings—and especially the poor—to report corruption should be understood in a context.

For those lucky enough to be having a job in the formal sector, the fear of losing one’s job, or even life, seems to hold many people back and the reporting system is corrupt itself, the study further noted.

Podumljak (2008) writing about corruption in the Balkan region pointed out that civil society organizations and Non-Governmental Organisations are co-opted by the government and serve as defenders of the government “against public criticism” losing their credibility and public trust in a corrupt society.

“Some NGO leaders became part of the governing instruments, explaining that they can do more if they are inside the system.”

This arises because the process of building a sustainable NGO sector was never created and they become highly dependable on government funding which distributes funds according to the criteria, “let’s fund friends and support our political views,” Podumljak noted.

Such traits mentioned above are verifiable in our society. It is not unusual to hear in common discussion, stated as a matterof-fact, that since so and so from such village or tribe is heading a department or the minister, things can be done easily.

As a result, the processes and actions which can be construed as nepotism and favoritism otherwise, become a normal practice in the administration and polity.

A minister getting you a job, a departmental head enabling a ‘backdoor’ appointment is neither derided nor taken as an offence, but by doing so, the person is put on a pedestal.

Consequently, such practices have become so common, that if anyone wants to change the system, they will become a ‘social pariah,’ a reality from where there is no easy escape.

Our proclivity towards quick fixes and shortcuts, unless it is a government project, is also feeding the system. Ironically, our completed projects are also mostly ‘quick-fixes’ or ‘lipstick services.’

Nagas’ legendary aspersion towards standing or maintaining queues in any scenario reflects these traits.

In such a scenario, a politician or bureaucrat fighting a corruption charge will get more supporters than an anti corruption campaign.

Such reality unfolds in front of us daily but as we are institutionalized under the system since our childhood, we remain stoical.

Most recently, instead of reality, we have taken the fight against corruption to the social media with vulgar cynicism.

The moral high ground posited by commenting on social media serves as an illusionary cathartic relief, though at ground level things remain the same.

Studies have shown that Hong Kong and Singapore have successfully fought corruption from “above,” implying that the members of the ruling elite themselves set an example by changing their behavior beyond the rhetorical level.

Countries that have successfully transferred from corrupt to less corrupt systems of rule seem to share the same characteristic —that is, high-level public officials—have served as role models, Persson et al also noted.

Does the church, and other organizations, engender such confidence and go beyond rhetoric?

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

S O U N D BITE "There is urgent need to inculcate good values among the boys...

There is a common tendency that girls in the family get taught how to behave and give respect to members in the husband's family. But boys are never taught that way.

Hence every family should look forward to put efforts in order to inculcate those values among the boys too" Mridula Sinha, Goa Governor

C O M M E N T A R Y

Paul Tritschler

How war deHumanises everyone it toucHes

All acts of mass murder are crimes against humanity, and require a gross debasing of other people

O

n a recent visit to one of my favourite haunts in London, Gloucester Books, I flicked through the secondhand paperbacks and old magazines that were fading in the sun. The leading article in a National Geographic Magazine commemorated the crews of the US Eighth Army Air Force for their forbearance and sacrifice during WW2.

Nothing unusual in that, but the honour extended to their bombing raids over German cities. The story focused mainly on the former pilots and had photos of young men running towards their planes, waves and smiles as they climbed in, each touching for luck an illustration painted on the side of some forties' pin-up girl with red lips.

The men, who were now greyhaired, appeared kind and benevolent, all the more so through their understandably emotional reunion. The editorial, too, was kind. It claimed that German civilians were regrettably but justifiably killed during 'surgical' bombing raids owing to legitimate enemy targets being situated near builtup residential areas. It sounded familiar, and sadly all too recent. I dropped the magazine into the pile in disgust.

I thought about the Lancaster bombers thundering through the night sky, wave after wave disgorging an evil alchemy over hundreds of thousands of civilians—the elderly unable to run, the children clutching toys, all bursting into flames. And I thought about the campaign of dehumanisation that continued into the last days of the war that portrayed all our enemies, and even their children, as less than human.

This campaign was hardly subtle, with the enemy depicted as bugs. Magazines carried cartoons showing Italians, Germans and Japanese as part cockroach, and prior to the mass incendiary bombing of Japanese cities, the US Marines' magazine Leatherneck displayed a cartoon of a half-human, half-insect creature entitled Louseous Japanicas to accompany an article that called for "enemy breeding grounds to be completely annihilated."

In the month following the article— March 1945—seemingly endless waves of B-29s roared across Tokyo, dropping one million bombs containing 2,000 tons of incendiaries. In under three hours, over 100,000 people lay dead and one million were homeless. The firebombing of 67 cities over the following five months resulted in the further deaths of at least half a million people—a deliberate policy of wiping out civilians living in the densely populated poorer districts. With no remorse, US Air Force General Curtis LeMay openly declared, "They were scorched and boiled and baked to death." Although it didn’t dampen their enthusiasm, bomber crews said that the stench of burning flesh rose high into the air, forcing them to use oxygen masks to keep from vomiting. At the end of that five month period came atomic destruction.

The writer Kurt Vonnegut—an eyewitness to the Dresden raid and deeply troubled throughout his life by what he described as ‘the greatest massacre in European history’—said that from what he had picked up the USAAF did not enjoy bombing German towns, unlike their British counterparts who saw some sport in it. Nonetheless, they carried out the

Smoke rises at a community hall where Saudi-led warplanes struck a funeral in Sanaa, Yemen on October 9, 2016. (REUTERS Photo)

raids, and far from attempting to ‘precision-bomb’ military targets the Americans played a key part in RAF Bomber Command’s drive to terrorise populations by round-the-clock bombing.

Over 1200 Allied bombers dropped more than 3,000 tons of incendiaries over Dresden, a thousand tons more than were dropped in the Tokyo raids in the following month. The official line was that the war would be cut short by demoralising the enemy, achieved by firebombing civilians and destroying their entire socio-cultural life: hospitals, libraries, universities, houses and schools. Whilst some influential figures such as George Orwell called for the bombings to continue, many in Britain empathised with the German civilians and protested, including the people of heavily bombed Bethnal Green: it didn’t work in the Great War, it didn’t work in the London Blitz, so why would it work now? The bombing continued regardless.

Hamburg, described as Germany’s Hiroshima where more people were killed in one night in July 1943 than in the whole of the London Blitz, was bombed a total of 69 times before the end of the war. The allies stepped up the level of bombing after the war was as good as won, with a thousand planes at a time flying over towns. Over a million bombs were dropped on Germany in the final months of the war, and the intensity continued even into the last weeks. Many of the bombing raids were conducted on towns with high cultural but low military significance, including small cathedral and university towns such as Freiburg. Some indication of the ferocity of the attacks is given by the writer A.C. Grayling: "Phosphorous, magnesium and thickened or gelled petroleum (the best example of which is ‘napalm’, invented at Harvard University in 1942 and used by the USAAF in Japan later in the war) were almost impossible to extinguish, splashing viscously and adhesively over buildings and people like lava, and burning at ferocious temperatures. People who leaped into canals when splashed with burning phosphorous found to their horror that it would spontaneously reignite when they got out of the water. Among the incendiaries were scattered 2-kilogram ‘X’ bombs with a delayed fuse, designed

to explode later when fire-fighters and other emergency workers had arrived on the scene."

Cities were reduced to kindling by dropping thousands of ‘Blockbusters’ on entire residential districts—bombs that blasted whole blocks apart and tore the roofs from buildings so that the high intensity incendiary devices that followed could reach their interiors, including basement shelters. The idea was to engulf the city in a hurricane of fire.

Among the fallen ruins families were found huddled together in the centre of rooms with their arms around each other, making their last stand. It appeared as though they were made of wax. The asphalt in the city streets caught fire, and large areas were deprived of oxygen by the firestorms that raged at one hundred and fifty miles per hour, leaving civilians the option of suffocating in their cellars or trying to make a run for it—which meant running through the equivalent of an open air blast furnace to almost certain death.

Eyewitnesses spoke of adults cremated to the size of small dolls, of arms and legs everywhere, of whole families burnt to death, and of people on fire running from burned coaches that were filled with civilian refugees and dead rescuers. The rapidly rising hot air above the bombed areas caused cold air to rush in, drawing people into the escalating tornado. Survivors reported people who dropped on the spot from lack of oxygen, like a device unplugged; others were seen to be hysterical, dragging off their clothes as they burst into flames, and everywhere people were helplessly, and what must have seemed inexplicably, pulled backwards and upwards into the raging fire winds.

One spoke of her mother’s bid to get her family to safety. In the race against the firestorm she lost her older sister and baby twins. Like many others, they looked for them in vain, and spent the last hours of the night in a hospital cellar among people who lay dying in agony. They went back to the tenement house the next day, but everyone was dead. There were so many dead in the cities that disease was the next major threat, resulting in thousands of bodies being heaped together and set ablaze.

Was this what Churchill had in mind when he called for an "exterminating attack" on Germany?

The historian Max Hastings has stated that these bombing missions could not be regarded as war crimes, for ultimately they were aimed at bringing about Germany's military defeat, and as such the deeds had no moral equivalence with the crimes of the Nazis. But aren’t all acts of mass murder equivalent? Grayling thinks so: he maintains that the British air force was engaged in the deliberate and merciless mass murder of German civilians on a devastating scale—with as many people killed by bombing as British men killed altogether in the First World War. Moreover, he contends that such men obeyed orders and are therefore as morally guilty as those who issued them.

This was not an isolated instance.

The bombers returned to repeat the procedure, much to the bewilderment of the remaining population who were making their way out of the city with their belongings, such as they were.

In his book On the Natural History of Destruction, W.G. Sebald gives an account of a homeless woman whose suitcase sprang open in the street. The only contents that dropped out were the bones of her dead child. A review in The Guardian of Sebald’s book described the woman as deranged, but it seems to me entirely sane to carry the bones of your children with you until a suitable place for burial can be found—a place where you might visit them later on.

Dehumanisation—the process of debasing one's perceived enemy—is not the preserve of evil people: humiliation, alienation, non-recognition, exclusion, the indiscriminate slaughter of civilians, and even campaigns of genocide, all fall well within the realm of possibility for the majority of human beings.

There are many examples since WW2 of dehumanization at the extreme: Vietnam, Indonesia, Rwanda, Sudan, Iraq, Palestine, Libya, Somalia, Afghanistan and Syria, where populations have also been described as less than human, and where civilians have been killed as a result of so-called 'precision bombing' or drowned in their attempts to flee from war and persecution.

The treatment of other people as lesser beings has been the subject of research within the field of social psychology for over half a century, but whilst this work helps to explain the proclivities of our darker side, the solution to dehumanization, and ultimately annihilation, lies within the broader context of history, politics, philosophy and social activism—in struggles for emancipation from oppression or dehumanization in all its forms.

Whilst it is the dominant order for many people, dehumanisation is not a historical necessity but a distortion.

For radical educator and social activist Paulo Freire, humanization is the natural order. Freire was keen to point out that, in an effort to restore their humanity, oppressed groups who have been treated as less than human tend to struggle against their oppressors.

But given the available role models the danger is that oppression will simply be practiced in reverse. The real task, he argues, is for the oppressed to liberate not just themselves but their oppressors, and thereby recover the humanity of both. This sounds a bit like learning to love your enemy, which has always been a good place to start.

'Elect more women to build sustainable, inclusive cities' Anastasia moloney Thomson Reuters Foundation

L

ess than five percent of cities are led by women and their lack of political participation is hampering progress in meeting international goals on making cities more sustainable and inclusive, a group of female mayors said on October 14.

Anne Hidalgo, the first female mayor of Paris said more must be done to ensure more women are elected to help build more socially inclusive and equal cities.

"Women represent half of humanity and you can't transform and build humanity if you ignore half of it," Hidalgo said at the World Summit of Local and Regional Leaders in Bogota.

"If we don't include women it's difficult to transform the cities we live in," she said.

Women running cities are more likely to focus on improving basic services, such as clean water and healthcare, transport, childcare, schools and providing support to businesswomen, experts say.

United Nation member states agreed last year to end violence and discrimination against women and girls and make sure they have equal opportunities in all areas of life, including politics, as part of the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals.

But with women making up less than five percent of the world's mayors and around 20 percent of local councillors, females remain under-represented in urban government.

While at the national level the percentage of women in parliaments has nearly doubled in the last 20 years, they still make up less than a quarter of all parliamentarians, according to U.N. Women.

Hidalgo said it was important to work with men to boost women's participation in politics and gender equality.

"The message isn't to exclude the participation of men," Hidalgo said.

"We need an alliance, we need to have partnerships with progressive men."

She said U.N. studies showed that having women in power, both in local

and central government, can help to stem corruption.

"Corruption is an ill and when women have access to power they are less prone to falling into the phenomenon of corruption," Hidalgo said.

IT'S DIFFERENT FOR WOMEN Delegates at a U.N. conference in Ecuador starting on Monday will set out guidelines for the sustainable development of cities over the next 20 years by adopting a non-binding agreement, known as the New Urban Agenda.

Experts say ensuring the new agenda can be met means implementing policies and development projects that take into account that women experience cities in different ways to men.

They face unique challenges, such as gender-based violence and discrimination in access to jobs, education and housing.

"Inequality among women is felt very differently. They have more re-

WRITE-WING

strictions to access the labour market, to pensions," said Ibon Uribe, mayor of Galdakao, a town in northern Spain.

"To get more women elected we have to show the effects of such inequality and how inequality affects men and women differently," he said.

Uribe added introducing quotas to ensure women get elected into power was one way to increase their political participation. Fatma Sahin, mayor of Gaziantep, a Turkish city of 2 million people, said one of her priorities was to ensure more girls go to school and have access to health services.

"We have created social policies that have put women and children at the centre from the cradle to grave," said Sahin, a former cabinet minister.

In Latin America, where some 80 percent of its 600 million people live in cities, a higher number than anywhere else, one key challenge is reaching women and children in slums.

"Improving gender equality means how cities can bring basic services to women," said Raisa Banfield, deputy mayor of Panama City, the capital of Panama.

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

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

MonDAY 24•10•2016

PERSPECTIVE

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

7

the cyber-war on Wikileaks

W

Srećko Horvat

hen the ruling class is in panic, their first reaction is to hide the panic.

They react out of cynicism: when their masks are revealed, instead of running around naked, they usually point the finger at the mask they wear. These days the whole world can bear witness to a postmodern version of the infamous quote “Let them eat cake”, attributed to Marie-Antoinette, queen of France during the French Revolution.

As a reaction to WikiLeaks publishing his emails, John Podesta, the man behind Hillary Clinton’s campaign, posted a photo of a dinner preparation, saying “I bet the lobster risotto is better than the food at the Ecuadorian Embassy”.

A similar version of vulgar cynicism emerged earlier this month when Hillary Clinton reacted to the claim that she reportedly wanted to “drone” WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange (“Can’t we just drone this guy?”) when she was the US Secretary of State. Instead of denying her comments, Clinton said that she doesn’t recall any such joke, “It would have been a joke if it had been said, but I don’t recall that”.

One doesn’t have to read between the lines to understand that if Hillary Clinton had said that, she would have considered it a joke. But when emperors joke, it usually has dire consequences for those who are the objects of their “humor.”

Cyber-war – not with Russia…but WikiLeaks During the last few months I have visited Julian Assange in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London several times and each time I came out of the Embassy, where he is spending his fifth year in political asylum under legitimate fear he might be extradited to the US, my thought was the following one: although he lives, without his family, in a postmodern version of solitary confinement (even prisoners are allowed to walk for up to one hour a day), although he has no access to fresh air or sunlight for more than 2000 days, although the UK government recently denied him safe passage to a hospital for an MRI scan, if his access to the internet were cut off this would be the most severe attack on his physical and mental freedom.

The last time I saw him, which was only two weeks ago, he expressed the fear that because he had already published leaks concerning US elections and with more to come, the US might find various ways to silence him, including pressuring Ecuador or even shutting down his internet access.

What seemed a distant possibility only two weeks ago, soon became a self-fulfilling prophecy.

When the Obama administration recently announced that, as Biden said, it is planning an “unprecedented cyber covert action against Russia”, the first victim was not Putin, but precisely Julian Assange whose internet was cut off just a day after Biden’s self-contradictory proclamation.

No wonder Edward Snowden reacted immediately by saying that “nobody has told Joe Biden what ‘covert operation’ means.

According to the US Department of Defense’s Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms, a covert operation is “an operation that is so planned and executed as to conceal the identity of or permit plausible denial by the sponsor.”

It is no secret any more that the Ecuadorian govern-

WikiLeaks is not only influencing the US elections, but transforming the US elections – as they should have been from the very beginning – into a global debate Srećko Horvat & Julian Assange at the Ecuadorian Embassy in London.

ment has come under extreme pressure since Assange leaked the Democratic National Committee email database. We don’t know yet whether the US pressured Ecuador to shut down the internet, but it is clear that the present US government and the government to come is fighting a war with WikiLeaks which is all but “covert”.

Is it really a coincidence that Julian Assange’s internet access was cut off shortly after publication of Clinton’s Goldman Sachs speeches?

If at the beginning we still had a “soft” version of postmodern McCarthyism, with Hillary calling everyone opposed to her campaign a Russian spy (not only Assange, but also Donald Trump and Jill Stein), then with Obama’s recent intervention it became more serious.

With Obama’s threat of a cyber-war, the “soft” McCarthyism didn’t only acquire geopolitical significance, but at the same time a new mask was revealed: Obama is obviously trying to cement the public stance and make the Russian threat “real”, or at least use it as a weapon in order to help Clinton to get elected. Moreover, this new twist in something that has already become much more than only US elections (US elections are never only US elections!), shows not only how Obama is ready to strengthen Hillary’s campaign, but it also reveals that a cyber war is already in the making.

It is not a cyber war with Russia, but with WikiLeaks.

And it is not the first time.

What would Clausewitz say?

In 2010, when the Collateral Murder video was published, the Afghan and Iraq war logs were released, and we witnessed one of the most sinister attacks on freedom of speech in recent history. VISA, Mastercard, Diners, American Express and Paypal imposed a banking blockade on WikiLeaks, although WikiLeaks had not

been charged with any crime at either state, federal or international level. So if the US government successfully convinced payment companies representing more than 97% of the global market to shut down an independent publisher, why wouldn’t they pressure Ecuador or any other state or company to cut off the internet?

The US is not only rhetorically trying to “get” Assange (it is worth checking out the Assassinate Assange video for evidence of what US officials get up to), he poses a serious threat to the major elite factions in the US who wish to remain in power. No wonder panic is rising in the US, when a 16-year-old boy in Britain has been arrested on criminal charges related to the alleged hacking of email accounts used by CIA director John Brennan, which WikiLeaks published in October 2016.

What WikiLeaks has obviously successfully challenged – and maybe one day (“history is written by the victors”, remember?) it will be taught in military strategy – is what the Prussian general and military theorist Carl von Clausewitz would call the “centre of gravity” (Schwerpunkt), which is the “central feature of the enemy’s power”.

Instead of speaking about the Russians, we should start speaking about the Schwerpunkt of the actual leaks, their real essence. Just take the following quotes

by Hillary Clinton exposed by WikiLeaks, which reveal her true nature and the politics behind her campaign: “We are going to ring China with missile defence”, “I want to defend fracking” and climate change environmentalists “should get a life”, “you need both a public and a private position”, “my dream is a hemispheric common market, with open trade and open borders”.

What WikiLeaks has shown is not only that Hillary is a hawkish war-monger, first it was Libya (over 1,700 of the 33,000 Clinton emails published by WikiLeaks refer-

ence Libya), then it was Syria (at a Goldman Sachs conference she explicitly stated she would like to intervene in Syria), tomorrow it will be another war.

It is now clear – and this is the real “centre of gravity” where we should focus our attention – that the future Clinton cabinet may already been filled with Wall Street people like Obama’s was. No wonder WikiLeaks revelations create utter panic not only in the Democratic Party itself but also the Obama administration.

One question remains, isn’t WikiLeaks, by leaking all these dirty secrets, influencing the US elections? Yes, it certainly is, but the current criticism misses its point: isn’t the very point of organisations such as WikiLeaks to publish the material they have and to influence public opinion?

The question should ultimately be turned around: isn’t the US mainstream media the one influencing the US elections? And isn’t Obama, by announcing a cyberwar with Russia, influencing the elections?

WikiLeaks is not only influencing the US elections, but transforming the US elections – as they should have been from the very beginning – into a global debate with serious geopolitical consequences at stake.

What WikiLeaks is doing is revealing this brutal fight for power, but, as the old saying goes, “when a wise man points at the Moon, the idiot looks at the finger”. Instead of looking at the finger pointing to Russia, we should take a look at the leaks themselves.

If democracy and transparency means anything today, we should say: let them leak!

Srećko Horvat is a philosopher from Croatia. He has published more than 10 books translated into 15 languages. His latest books include What Does Europe Want? (co-authored with Slavoj Žižek, 2014), Welcome to the Desert of Post-Socialism (2015), and The Radicality of Love (2015). Together with Yanis Varoufakis he is one of the founders of DiEM25.

The Morung Express poll results

Most orgs, groups, politicians and public leaders keep appealing for ‘unity.’ but has ‘unity’ becoMe an eMpty slogan? Why? Some of those who voted YES had this to say: 71 • Yes. Because no one wants to shed self consciousness, interest, selfishness. In short Nagas are suffering from mental non accommodation syndrome. I bet until and unless we cure from it.

Its just clinging noise and far dream far cry for integration.

• Yes, it has become an empty slogan, it's just only in words and not in action. The people has become just like dr jackle n Mr hide • We hear a lot of people calling for 'unit's stage but when not on stage many such chameleons do just the opposite. We nag as do not practice what we preach. This may be because we preach much more than we can follow. Just see what a blunder we had made by trying to unite all Nagas under the sun, and Nagas of Nagaland trying to accommodate the other nagas from outside and aiding organisations as if we have unlimited resources while in reality we are dependent on the Indian government. The fact is we are a tribal society, with tribal ethos and there is beauty in it.

Let us admit it that trying to unite the whole nagas into one integrated entity will never happen; nor desirable and maybe it is not the plan of God. Therefore, it will be better for all of us if we accept this reality and live in peace and harmony with all our rich tribal colors as neighbours, work for prosperity and modernisation instead of revisiting the past and creating discontentment always.

Too much talk of unity has created disunity in Naga Hoho which may be followed by the Naga Students Federation. So let us be practical and accept God's plan for us.

• Because our leadership is base on might i.e, money power. the influence of the wealthy groups over the common people led to division among us today.

• Appeal for unity has become an empty slogan because all organizations, groups, politicians and public leaders are just shedding crocodile tears (90%) as they are all dancing in the tunes of others. Except some few organizations, almost all the groups and organizations are “vote bank” organization.

• Yes. unity here means you join our band or we will disunited you by calling you names etc • Yes, dialogue is the key to reconciliation and peace. However, the facts must be acknowledged by all. For instance, we have retired Naga Generals who laid low and lived mundane lives for over 40 years and has now become active in the

media again in the last decade, when the current Indo-Naga talks are about to come to a logical conclusion after 20 years. We have retired IAS officers, who in the past 40 years were living their lives at ease in the easy chairs (making all excuses why they could not help a common Naga fellow), but now has become hyper active on Naga issues seemingly more patriotic than those who

50%

the value of POSITIVE ATTITUDE and sagacious judgement for the good of all. The situation reminds me of the parable of the shipwrecks. While those travelling in ship were all saved after a shipwreck by sharing and holding pieces of woods and planks, in another ship a fight broke out among the travellers and all were drowned.

40% 10%

YES

NO

OTHER

struggled all their lives for the Naga Cause. In the Some of those who voted NO had this to say: 57 last few years these retired bureaucrats have be• No. Unity is not an empty slogan. It is a very apt come more "patriotic and champion the cause of term. The meaning of unity has never failed, but the Nagas". But the reality is that all their lives, in it is the people who have failed it. Nagas fail to rethe past and even today, they are fed by their Payalise that where ever people are fighting for their master to confuse the common public. Only they freedom, the government will go to any length to are now propagating issues which is not for the divide the people. This is also happening here. So interest of both India and the Nagas in general. unity is a must. But our leaders have failed beTo usher in peace, there must be a limit in criticause of their own selfish agenda. cism. Too much salt will make the curry unpalat• No. A Naga, whether living in a village or a largable for ALL. er town want SOLUTION to the seventy year old • Unity will be an empty slogan till we embrace political situation created by non-Nagas. But

there are some dyed in the wool public leaders who would continue to stir trouble till POWER comes into their hands. Such people if you observe and investigate closely, have not contributed for the whole of the Nagas in the past and present. Unscrupulous and divisive leaders on tribal lines must be marked and resisted. So long as we continue to think on tribal lines, finding a permanent Naga solution will remain like peeling the onion seeking a seed (solution) inside. It is imperative to do a soul searching lest this generation left behind a legacy of LOST OPPORTUNITY for all generations to come. And we continue to fight each other, while the world laugh at us. Truth be told, without bias on tribal lines, we all know who is who, who is doing the spade work for all the Nagas, whether as a militant or as a leader contributing as human rights, women and student leaders.

• No. We all know that unity is the only way forward for the Nagas. But those who are shouting for unity are not the right persons who should be leading it. By politicizing unity, they are only poisoning the water. We need people with credibility and integrity to lead us.

Some of those who voted OTHERS had this to say: 14 • IT is the wish of most of the citizens to have unity among our Naga brothers. Our leaders however are very selfish and are only politicizing the issue.

The problem is our public is also ignorant and is unable to make the correct decision.

• Who can deny that we do not want unity. The problem is everyone thinks they are right. No one is willing to listen to each other. We have a big ego problem.

• Faith, unity and hard work are also the values for which Christ shed his blood for men's redemption from sin, negativity, hatred, lies, ill-motives, intentions, cults & designs of powers of darkness that were distorting people’s minds with all possible negativities, false implications & fabrications which are also the chief factors that insidiously poison people’s minds, moral, spirits and leads them astray towards the path of misinformation, make believe inequality, anger, strife, hatred, divisiveness and ultimately towards violence and destructions. The enemy suffers from the cancer of jealousy because he really hates us to truly believe Jesus and receive His redemption, healing, unity & breakthrough. If we can recognize the enemies then unity can be possible (God willing).

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

8

MonDAY 24•10•2016

INDIA

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Chopper ferrying President Pranab's entourage makes emergency landing AhmEdABAd, OctOBER 23 (Pti): Members of President Pranab Mukherjee’s entourage, including Leader of Opposition in Gujarat Assembly Shankersinh Vaghela, on Sunday escaped unhurt when the helicopter ferrying them made an emergency landing at Vadodra after developing a technical problem. The incident was reported at about 4:00 PM after the three Mi-17 choppers took off from Ankleshwar to Ahmedabad after the President inaugurated a super-speciality hospital there.

However, only the chopper carrying the President and another one landed in Ahmedabad. Officials said the third chopper in the fleet developed a technical glitch mid-air and it made an emergency landing at Vadodara, about 90 kms from Ankleshwar. Vaghela and other members of the Presidential entourage were onboard the helicopter. “All the occupants of the chopper that made an emergency landing in Vadodara are safe. They will take a replacement chopper to reach Ahmedabad,” a senior official said.

Illegal casino busted in Delhi, 36 held NEw dELhi, OctOBER 23 (iANs): Police on Sunday busted an illegal casino in Delhi, arresting 36 persons and seizing tokens valued at nearly Rs 1.37 crore. Acting on a tip, the casino was raided in Neb Sarai of south Delhi.

"A total of 36 persons including players, table attendants and proprietors were arrested. Two separate cases under the Delhi Gambling Act and Delhi Excise Act were registered," said Deputy Commissioner of Police Ishwar Singh. Police also seized 11 luxury cars and several bottles of liquor. A manhunt has been launched for Harnendra Kaushik, the owner of the premises, and Kunal Chandra, the proprietor of the casino.

Navy retires world's oldest carrier kOchi, Oct 23 (iANs): The oldest aircraft carrier in the world and the last of the British-built Indian Navy ships on Sunday sailed under tow for the last time, being taken to Mumbai where it will be decommissioned.

The ship was accorded a grand send-off from Kochi on Sunday, after over five decades of service in the Navy.

Commissioned in the Indian Navy in 1987, INS Viraat is a Centaur-class aircraft carrier has been in service for 55 years, including 27 years with the Royal Navy. It is to be handed over to the Andhra Pradesh government after decommissioning, and is likely to be converted into a museum.

SP headed for split as family power struggle intensifies LUckNOw, OctOBER 23 (iANs): Uttar Pradesh's ruling Samajwadi Party on Sunday appeared headed for a split as Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav ousted uncle Shivpal Yadav and three others from the government while the party brass sacked his backer and MP Ram Gopal Yadav from the party in an intensifying dynastic power struggle ahead of next year's election.

The dramatic decision by the estranged Chief Minister followed the earlier dismissal from the party of Akhilesh supporters on Saturday by Shivpal Yadav, the new state in charge of the Samajwadi Party and brother of party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav.

On Sunday evening, Mulayam Singh -- facing the worst crisis of his political career -called an emergency meeting of senior party leaders.

Besides Shivpal Yadav, the other ministers thrown out were Narad Rai, Om Prakash and Shadab Fatima. Jaya Prada, an actress-turned-politician, was also expelled from the Uttar Pradesh Film Development Council.

All of them were said to be close to Amar Singh, a businessman-turned-politician who was sacked from the party in 2010 along with Jaya Prada.

He returned to the party last year and became a Rajya Sabha member.

Legislators who attended a morning meeting with the Chief Minister said Akhilesh

Akhilesh should prove his majority in Assembly: BJP

Yadav Vs Yadav: Shivpal Yadav, Mulayam and Akhilesh Yadav. (File Photo)

Yadav made it clear that anyone close to Amar Singh cannot find a place in his government.

Hours later, the Samajwadi Party expelled national General Secretary and spokesman Ram Gopal for six years from all party posts.

Announcing the decision

by Mulayam Singh, Shivpal Yadav said Ram Gopal had connived with "communal forces" to destabilize and weaken the Samajwadi Party -- which has a brute majority in the 403-member assembly.

Ram Gopal Yadav triggered a controversy earlier in the morning when he released a letter saying only Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav can lead the party to victory in the coming assembly poll.

He said people opposing

the Chief Minister were corrupt and without character.

Akhilesh Yadav, 43, describing himself as the political successor to his father Mulayam Singh, denied that his decision to oust Shivpal Yadav would split the Samajwadi Party. The party, he said, belonged to "Netaji" - as Mulayam Singh is popularly known.

The Chief Minister also said he would attend the party's Silver Jubilee function on November 5.

The legislators who attended the Chief Minister's meeting told the media that Akhilesh Yadav became emotional while talking about his relations with his father and said anyone coming between them would not be spared.

Soon after the meeting ended, the legislators shouted

slogans hailing Akhilesh Yadav and denouncing Amar Singh as a "dalal" (broker).

An insider said all efforts to bring peace in the Samajwadi Party were effectively over now and that the party may he headed for a vertical split between the two generations.

Sunday's developments came a day before Mulayam Singh meets party legislators in Lucknow.Akhilesh Yadav had earlier refused to attend party meetings called by Shivpal Yadav on Friday and Saturday. Instead, he met the district party chiefs separately.On Saturday, Shivpal Yadav expelled Udayveer Singh, an MLC considered close to Akhilesh Yadav, from the party for six years for asking Mulayam Singh to step down and hand over the party baton to his son.

LUckNOw/NEw dELhi, OctOBER 23 (Pti): As fissures in Samajwadi Party deepened, BJP today demanded that Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav prove his majority in the Assembly or resign, labelling the party as "a sinking ship" which has failed on every front. "CM Akhilesh Yadav should resign or prove his majority on the floor of the Assembly," UP BJP chief Keshav Prasad Maurya told reporters in Lucknow hours after Akhilesh sacked four pro-Amar Singh ministers, including his uncle Shivpal Yadav, from his government. Seeking to fish in troubled waters, Maurya said Governor Ram Naik should ask Akhilesh to prove his majority on the floor of the Assembly and till he did so, he should not take any policy decision. "A government reduced to minority should not take any policy decision," he said.

In New Delhi, BJP national secretary Shrikant Sharma said the fast-paced developments within the Mulayam Singh Yadav-led party has "exposed" Akhilesh as he exuded confidence that the people of the poll-bound state will now evince faith in the NDA major as "change is inevitable" there. "The ongoing theatrics within SP is an exercise of shrouding their sins. The party has become a sinking ship which has failed on every front.

Mafia raj prevailed during Akhilesh's tenure. He could not keep promises of providing roads, electricity, drinking water.

Even healthcare is in doldrums," Sharma said. He said that the people elected Akhilesh with a "lot of hopes" after witnessing "rampant" corruption and lawlessness during the previous BSP regime.

Over 7,000 held during ongoing Kashmir violence Modi cautioned over remarks on national security sRiNAGAR, OctOBER 23 (iANs): More than 7,000 people were arrested by police during the ongoing unrest in the Kashmir Valley that started here on July 9, but 5,500 of them were let off on promise of good behavior, a top police source has said.

"Around 7,000 people, mostly youth, were arrested at various police stations in the valley during the over three-month-long unrest.

Of them, around 5,500 were bound through undertakings of good conduct by their parents after which they were released," the source said.

"In cases of habitual stone-pelters, who had police records of being involved in such incidents in the past as well, around 350 have been booked under the PSA (Public Safety Act). Another 100-200 wanted persons are still evading arrest.

"Those arrested under the PSA have been lodged in jails outside the valley and also, in many cases, in different jails within the valley," the source said.

Commenting on the evidence based on which the general and special category arrests have been made, another source said human intelligence, videographic evidence collected during protests and stone-pelting, CCTV footage and other scientific methods were used to establish cases against the arrested persons.

"A good number of those arrested during the unrest are those

who instigate youths in mobs to indulge in violence. These also include those responsible for issuing threats to people for not joining the protests or defying the diktats of the separatists," the source said.

In addition to nocturnal raids, security forces have been arresting people during mob-control exercises as well, but such youths are mostly released after their innocence has been established.

"It sometimes happens that those people responsible for creating violence during protests manage to run away while the youth sitting on the flanks get caught. A compassionate view is taken and such innocent youth are released after preliminary questioning," a senior police officer said.

Of around 1,500 people still in police custody who have not been booked for serious offences, the police said most would soon be released.

A person arrested under the harsh PSA can be kept in detention for a maximum of two years without trial. Arrests under the PSA can only be challenged in the state high court, which is empowered to set aside the detention order.

Arrests under the PSA are based on dossiers prepared by the state police and accepted by the state Home Department on the recommendations of the district magistrates concerned.

The authorities do not always order PSA detentions for two years. "In most cases, the initial detention period is six months which is then reviewed by district-level review committees," a police officer said.

After the current unrest started here on July 9, a day after Hizbul commander Burhan Wani was killed in a gunfight with the security forces, authorities have placed all separatist leaders under detention.

Octogenarian separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani has been placed under house arrest in his uptown Hyderpora residence in Srinagar.

Mirwaiz Umer Farooq, chairman of moderate Hurriyat group, was shifted to the high-security Chashma Shahi area in Srinagar where he has been detained inside a tourist hut which was designated a sub-jail.

Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chairman Muhammad Yasin Malik was first detained at the Humhama sub-jail and later shifted to the Central Jail here.

Nine-two civilians have been killed and over 12,000 injured in the cycle of violence that started on July 9. Of the injured people, around 100 face the prospect of partial or complete blindness for the rest of their lives.

The worst eye injuries have occurred due to use of pellet guns fired by the security forces during mob control exercises.

shimLA, OctOBER 23 (iANs): Congress leader Anand Sharma on Sunday cautioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his cabinet colleagues over their remarks regarding national security.

"It's sad that both the Prime Minister and the Defence Minister have deliberately made misleading statements giving an impression that this was the first time the Indian Army had taken action against cross border terror attack in three decades," Sharma told reporters here.

He said such a claim was an insult to the Indian Army, which had firmly retaliated against all such attacks in the past.

Coming out in support of the previous Congressled UPA, he said: "The armed forces always had the freedom to effectively respond when required and had the support of the previous government to do so."

Former union minister Sharma, who belongs to this town, said the UPA government in its wisdom decided not to claim political ownership and make loud

announcements.

"Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar's statement, therefore, is an insult to the martyrs of the army, including the Kargil heroes," he said.

Urging the Prime Minister and the government to stop politicising the action of armed forces for narrow political gains, Sharma said the government was indulging in this propaganda to divert the attention of the people from its failures.

"The weak GDP in the first quarter of the current financial year raises serious

concern over the state of the Indian economy, despite government efforts at inflating figures," he said.

On foreign direct investment (FDI) in the country, Sharma said: "The government itself informed Parliament on July 20, 2016 that India received FDI of $40 billion in 2015-16.

"The highest FDI India received was $46.56 billion in 2011." "It is equally a matter of concern that only 24 of the FDI received in the last two years has been in manufacturing whereas service share of the FDI is 78%," he said.

IPS calls for pay parity with other civil services NEw dELhi, OctO BER 23 (Pti): Upping the ante, Indian Police Service or IPS officers association has demanded pay parity and career benefit enjoyed by the Indian Administrative Service or IAS officers.

The IPS officers association has hinted at the role of IAS officers for delay in getting their legitimate benefits.

The association said its officers have a genuine reason to feel concerned when delays in granting the recom-

mended, and sometimes even the entitled, service benefits become too frequent which lead to accentuation of inter service disparities.

"When beneficiaries (IAS officers) of such disparities occupy the role of advising the government, apprehensions of conflict of interest are bound to arise unless extra steps are taken to make the process transparent, time bound and objective," it said in a state-

ment issued today.

The IPS association resolves to represent to the government for due recognition of their services and regarding delays in resolving the service related issues, the statement said.

The issue of pay parity was discussed during Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) of Indian Police Service (Central) Association held on Saturday.

IAS officers presently get a two-year edge over oth-

er services for getting empanelled to come on deputation at the Centre.

Besides, they also get two additional increments at the rate of 3% over their basic pay at three promotion stages ie, promotion to the Senior Time Scale (STS), to the Junior Administrative Grade (JAG) and to the Non-Functional Selection Grade (NFSG) after putting in about four, eight and 13 years of service, respectively.

India's children of bonded labourers use memories to rescue others

BENGALURU, OctOBER 23 (thOmsON REUtERs FOUNdAtiON): They are not easy to spot. Working in vegetable patches and on millet fields in Karnataka, farm labourers caught in debt bondage suffer mainly in silence.

But Gopal V has lived with this silence for long enough. Now 44, the son of bonded labourers is on a mission to identify workers trapped in debt bondage and to make sure they get justice.

"My parents worked endless hours not for money, just food," Gopal said.

"They worked for a landlord in my village, whose house I still can't enter. He paid them back with a little food, and my father died in bondage."

Now, he travels across villages around Anekal, near the city of Bengaluru, looking for people like his parents.

A farm labourer weeds a ginger field in Nagarally village in Karnataka, India, July 7, 2015.

(REUTERS File Photo)

There is an urgency to his search, he says, because he wants to "get them out before they die".

India banned the practice of bonded labour in

1976, but the country is still home to 11.7 million bonded labourers, according to the International Labour Organisation (ILO). The labourers may be working

to pay off a loan from their employer, or a debt inherited from a relative.

Jeevika, a non-profit organisation that works to eradicate bonded labour

in the southern state, said it identified 12,811 bonded labourers in Karnataka between 2012 and 2015. Most of them are still waiting for state authorities to give them release certificates and compensation money, it said.

Its founder, Kiran Kamal Prasad, estimates that there are up to 200,000 bonded labourers across Karnataka.

"It is a perennial problem that persists in the agriculture sector," said Druthi Lakshmi of the state's rural development department.

"We know they are really poor, illiterate people who often go back to the same landlord for work after they are rescued because the rehabilitation money is not enough."

The government is in the process of undertaking a more comprehensive survey to identify people in bondage, she added.

Gopal and others like

him who work in partnership with Jeevika use their childhood memories of suffering and debt bondage to encourage others to find a way out of it.

"The fear of the landlord still exists in our (lower-caste) Dalit communities and people refuse to acknowledge they are in bondage," said Ramakrishna V, also the son of a bonded labourer.

"It takes a lot of talking before they break down and admit they are paying off a loan they took many, many years ago," said Ramakrisha, now a lawyer fighting for workers' rights in court.

THREATS Activists say most people trapped in bonded labour are unaware of the fact they might have paid off their initial loan 10 times over. In addition, the 1976 Abolition of Bonded Labour Act cancels any dues that may be pending

when a worker is rescued from bondage, they said.

Jayaboraiah, 47, recalled how he was studying in his room when the landlord of his hostel came knocking.

"He said my father had disappeared without repaying the 800 rupees ($12) loan he had taken to start a sericulture (silk production) business. I dropped out of school and spent eight years working in his home and field to pay off that loan," Jayaboraiah said.

But a glance at a report on bonded labour in a newspaper one morning led him to a government office to ask for help.

"Now I know the law and am able to explain to families in debt bondage that they have repaid their dues and should now be demanding minimum wages," he said.

All three men said their personal experience of

growing up in the shadow of debt bondage helps them to start a conversation about the issue in villages where traditionally lower-caste people still find it "almost impossible to leave the clutches of a landlord".

Gopal said: "We are constantly threatened and so are workers, but we keep going to villages and areas where Dalits live and we lived until recently.

"It takes a lot of probing before anyone admits to having taken a loan and working to repay it. It takes us months to build trust," he said.

Gopal's three daughters have documented the lives of their grandfather and uncles who worked as bonded labourers.

"I tell them about it because it is the reality from which they have emerged, and it makes them sensitive to the fact that many more still need help," Gopal said.

MonDAY 24•10•2016

WORLD

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

9

Egyptians losing patience as economy deteriorates CAIRO, OCTOBER 23 (REUTERS): A cartoon which appeared on social media shows a drowning Egyptian, only his hand protruding from the depths, waving for help.

The next strips show President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi diving in, taking the drowning man’s watch and turning away.

The cartoon captures the mood of desperation and anger among Egyptians clobbered by tax rises, soaring food price inflation and cuts in state subsidies.

Some fear a repeat of the mass street protests that drove Sisi’s two immediate predecessors from power.

Core inflation is at sevenyear-highs, near 14 percent, as a foreign exchange shortage and a hike in customs duties bite hard in a country that imports everything from sugar to luxury cars.

The government raised electricity prices by 25-40 percent in August and is phasing in a 13 percent value-added tax approved by parliament in the same month.

As part of reforms aimed at clinching a $12 billion IMF loan needed to plug its gaping budget deficit, the government is also expected to cut petrol subsidies and devalue the Egyptian pound, prompting a further cycle of inflation in Egypt, where tens of millions rely on state-subsidised bread.

“Prices are rising daily, not monthly,” said Gamal Darwish, a civil servant, as

Egyptians gather to buy subsidized sugar from a government truck after a sugar shortage in retail stores across the country in Cairo, Egypt on October 14. (REUTERS Photo)

he queued to buy subsidised sugar in Cairo.

“This situation will push people to do bad things. It could slip out of hand and the government will not be able to control it because if the poorest cannot get enough to eat they will steal. If someone has children to feed, what will he do?”

The government has tried to win public support for the austerity measures with a billboard campaign and media blitz and has also sought to expand social security schemes to shield the poorest from the effects of the rising prices.

But many Egyptians who would not qualify for such schemes complain they can no longer afford meat, while sugar shortages have driven fears of an impending food crisis.

Social justice was one of the key demands made by protesters during the 2011 revolt that ended Hosni Mubarak’s 30-year rule.

In 2013 Egyptians again filled the streets to protest against Mohammed Mursi, the Muslim Brotherhood official who was democratically elected after the uprising but presided over a year of power cuts, petrol shortages and economic

turmoil.

Three years after Sisi, an army general, ousted Mursi and seized power, his promise to restore stability is wearing thin.

The arrival of sugar in a government van caused a frenzy in the working class district of Sayyida Zeinab on Tuesday, as people jostled, 10-pound-notes in hand, for 2-kilo rations.

“After two revolutions, the Egyptian people are going backwards not forwards,” said Abdel Hasib Ahmed Mohamed, a middle-aged court employee watching the sugar scrum.

“We are heading for an

explosion and this time it won’t be peaceful.”

NO EASY ANSWERS For the government, the case for economic reforms and the need to seal a planned three-year lending programme with the International Monetary Fund is clear.

Egypt’s economy is likely to grow 3.5 percent in the 2016/17 fiscal year, a Reuters poll showed on Thursday, missing the government’s target of about 5 percent and dipping below last year’s growth rate.

The budget deficit is near 10 percent of national

output. The foreign currency shortage has made it hard for firms to import and foreign investors to repatriate profit. Some have shut shop after nearly two years of capital and import controls.

Dollar rationing at banks has driven businesses toward the black market where the dollar is now selling for more than 15.5 pounds - a huge mark-up from the official rate of about 8.8.

Egypt’s IMF programme has yet to win the lender’s final approval because the government must first muster $6 billion in bilateral financing, giving it the cash buffer it needs to devalue and ditch its fixed exchange rate. The IMF has said it is helping Egypt to secure the necessary funds.

The government said this week it had secured 60 percent of the bilateral funds, boosting foreign reserves to $19.6 billion in September. Central Bank Governor Tarek Amer has said he would consider floating the pound once reserves hit $25 billion.

But the rising prices and periodic shortages in state-subsidised food have forced the government to increase its purchases, burning rapidly through those newfound dollars when it is meant to be cutting spending.

The pound’s continued depreciation on the black market since the IMF deal was announced in August also poses a big challenge.

If the central bank

makes a meagre adjustment in the exchange rate, economists say, downward pressure will continue to mount on the pound. But if it makes a 6-8 pound adjustment, the political and social impact could be explosive.

Although the black market rate is already priced in across much of the private sector, a steep devaluation would prove costly for the government, which imports thousands of tonnes a month of vital commodities including wheat and oil for its food subsidy programme as well as gas for its power stations.

Rumours have spread that Nov. 11 will be a day of protest over economic conditions. Police have already detained about 70 people for inciting protests, accusing many of loyalty to the Muslim Brotherhood. Under Sisi the Islamist group has been banned as a terrorist organisation - a charge it rejects.

“Food price inflation in Egypt .... fell a bit year-onyear in September, but for the poor it is still for me at a level that is politically toxic,” said Angus Blair, Chief Operating Officer at Pharos Holding, a Cairo-based investment bank. “It is a worry, especially with calls for a demo on Nov. 11.”

“NO VISION” In his speeches, Sisi has sought to persuade Egyptians that a collective sacrifice is necessary to save the country from financial ruin, even urging people to donate fakka, or spare

change, in comments that drew online derision.

But Sisi, who has crushed the Brotherhood and jailed secular dissenters, has also warned that the army could be deployed within six hours in case of trouble on the streets.

There has been no sign so far of the mass protests of 2011 or 2013, though anger over an increase in social housing costs turned into a street demonstration by hundreds last week in Port Said, near the mouth of the strategic Suez Canal.

Fear for the future is not limited to poorer Egyptians, and businessmen who struggle daily with the dollar crisis are among the most concerned.

“The dollar crunch is so bad that things have been piling up at the port for a long time and you cannot get them out. Dollars are not available... and the situation is deteriorating,” said Ashraf Morcos, who runs an import-export company.

Some new policies seem at odds with the government’s reform drive. For example, the Supply Minister said this week the state would increase, not cut, subsidies on food smart cards, which give Egyptians points to claim against bread and other items.

“This government has no vision, it is not transparent about its policies,” said Morcos. “At this point, the country doesn’t need rhetoric. People need their basic necessities, to eat and drink...”

Battle for Aleppo intensifies Duterte hopes Philippine fishermen Iraq’s parliament votes after ceasefire ends can return to China-controlled shoal to ban alcoholic beverages

BEIRUT, OCTOBER 23 (REUTERS): The battle for control of the northern Syrian city of Aleppo intensified on Sunday with air strikes, ground offensives and shelling, the morning after a resurgence in fighting ended a Russian ceasefire, a monitor and rebel groups said.

There was fierce fighting between insurgents and Syrian government and allied forces along a strategic frontline in southwest Aleppo. In August rebels briefly broke through this government-held strip of land to try to break a siege on rebel-held eastern Aleppo enacted in July.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said there was heavy rebel shelling onto the government-controlled Hamdaniya district, part of this battle front.

Syrian or Russian air strikes hit a number of rebel-held areas just west of Aleppo city from dawn on Sunday. Air raids also hit north of Aleppo and deeper into west Aleppo countryside, the Observatory said.

Aleppo has been a major battleground in the Syrian conflict, now in its sixth year. Syrian President Bashar alAssad, backed by the Russian military, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards and an array of Shi’ite Muslim militias, wants to take full control of the city.

Russia had declared a unilateral ceasefire from Thursday which was rejected by rebels, lasted three days and did not result in hoped-for medical evacuations from the city or aid deliveries.

Air strikes within the city stopped for three days, but resumed late on Saturday as the third day of the truce expired.

The Free Syrian Army (FSA) rebel alliance, which has said it is preparing for a big attack to break the siege of eastern Aleppo, warned residents in and around the city to stay away from Syrian government military buildings for their own safety in a statement on Saturday.

FSA rebel groups said in statements they had repelled various offensives by government and allied forces along the frontline separating rebel- from government-held Aleppo city late on Saturday.

Saudi Arabia looks to Russia to boost non-OPEC cooperation RIYADH, OCTOBER 23 (REUTERS): Saudi Arabia’s Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih said on Sunday he had invited his Russian counterpart Alexander Novak to meet Gulf Arab energy ministers in Riyadh as part of efforts to cooperate with non-OPEC members to stabilise the oil market.

“Russia is one of the world’s biggest oil producers ... and is one of the influential parties in the stability of the oil market,” Falih said at the opening session of the sixmember Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Falih said Novak had welcomed the invitation, “as a clear indication of sincere desire to continue cooperation and coordination with the oil producing and exporting countries for more stability in the market.”

Novak had said on Friday he would take “some” proposals to the meeting in Riyadh.

Last month in Algiers, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries agreed modest oil output cuts.

The goal is to cut production to a range of 32.50-33.0 million barrels per day (bpd).

“The Algeria meeting last month was successful in pushing the path of cooperation between oil producing and consuming countries and included important talks between experts from OPEC countries and outside of OPEC about oil markets,” Falih said calling on his Gulf energy counterparts to work together as a bloc.

Falih also said that the low oil price environment had led to a decrease in investments which could lead to a shortage in supply in the future and have a negative effect on the global economy.

China considers option to give fishermen conditional access

MANILA, OCTOBER 23 (REUTERS): Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte expressed hope on Sunday that fishermen would be able to return to the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea in the next few days.

Duterte confirmed on Saturday that the Scarborough Shoal was discussed during his four-day trip to China which was aimed at paving the way for what he calls a new commercial alliance as relations with longtime ally the United States deteriorate.

“Let us just wait for a few more days, maybe we could return to Scarborough Shoal,” Duterte said in a speech in Tuguegarao City, north of the capital, where he helped deliver aid to victims of a recent typhoon.

It was not immediately clear if that meant China had given an indication it would end its four-

year blockade of the shoal.

“I’m not sure if they will fulfil (what was discussed),” Duterte said.

Two Chinese sources with ties to the leadership told Reuters last week China would consider giving Philippine fishermen conditional access to disputed waters in the South China Sea after a meeting between the presidents of the two countries.

China seized the Scarborough Shoal in 2012, denying Philippine fishermen access to its fishing grounds.

The seizure formed part of a case the Philippines took to the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague, which in July rejected China’s territorial claims over much of the South China Sea, including its assertion of a 200-mile (320 km) exclusive economic zone around the disputed Spratly Islands.

China immediately declared the ruling “null and void” but said it was time for talks again between the countries directly involved in the

territorial disputes to reach a peaceful resolution.

“China said it is theirs. I also told them it is ours,” Duterte said.

China claims most of the South China Sea, through which about $5 trillion in trade passes every year. Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims to parts of it.

Duterte’s efforts to engage China mark a reversal in Philippine foreign policy since he took office on June 30.

While building China ties, Duterte has denounced the United States, apparently after being infuriated by U.S. criticism of his bloody war on drugs.

He has called U.S. President Barack Obama a “son of a bitch”, told him to “go to hell” and thrown long-standing military ties into question.

On Thursday, while in China, Duterte provoked fresh diplomatic alarm by announcing his “separation” from the United States. He struck a more conciliatory tone as he arrived home on Friday.

BAGHDAD, OCTOBER 23 (REUTERS): Iraq’s parliament voted on Saturday to ban alcoholic beverages, lawmakers said, a move that worried Iraqis who see the growing influence of religious parties a threat to freedoms.

Iraq’s population is predominantly Shi’ite Muslim, and its society is conservative, with many women wearing the black headto-toe abaya and most people eschewing alcohol, which is forbidden by Islam.

But alcohol is readily available in dozens of shops, bars and hotels around Baghdad and in some provinces. Though drinking in public is not prohibited, it is frowned upon.

In Baghdad, it is not unusual to see youths drinking on the banks of the Tigris.

The proposed alcohol ban is part of a bill on financing municipalities. “Forbidding the import, manufacture and sell of all kinds of alcohol drinks,” the bill said.

Shi’ite religious groups have dominated parliament since a U.S. invasion in 2003 toppled the secular regime of Saddam Hussein. His fall meant greater religious freedom but also gave rise to sectarian

conflict and political power struggles between Shi’ites and Sunnis, deepening their communities’ religious retrenchment.

“This law is necessary to preserve Iraq’s identity as a Muslim country,” said Mahmoud al-Hassan, a Shi’ite lawmaker and head of the legal panel of parliament.

But MP Yonadim Kenna, from Iraq’s Christian minority, said the ban would run against the constitution and that he would refer the case to the federal court.

“The decision gives a negative picture on what is supposed to be democratic Iraq. It’s a violation to the freedoms of all, not a certain group,” said Kenna.

Some Iraqis worry Iraq will become a religious state, like neighbouring Iran.

“It’s obvious that religious parties are pushing Iraq to go the way of neighboring Shi’ite Iran, and install a religious theocracy,” said Daniel Numan, an Iraqi human rights activist.

Like Syria, Lebanon, Iran and other countries in the region, Iraq used to produce arak, a clear, aniseflavoured liquor which turns milky when mixed with water.

A waste of money? Trump’s wall falling flat in Arizona NEW YORK, OCTOBER 23 (REUTERS): Donald Trump rode to the top of the Republican ticket promising a “big, beautiful, powerful” border wall with Mexico to stop the flow of undocumented immigrants. Along that border, however, Americans are more likely to call the wall a “waste of money”, according to a Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll.

The results show that while the New York businessman may have expected his tough stance on immigration to fire up support nationally, it seems to be falling short in a state heavily affected by illegal immigration, and where he is now facing a surprising challenge from his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton.

Asked if a wall would be “an effective barrier or a waste of money,” 47% of Arizona residents picked “waste of money” and 34% picked “effective barrier”, with the rest picking neither, according to the poll. Among Republicans, 21% picked “waste of money” and 57% picked “effective barrier.”

Most Arizonans also believed it is not realistic to expect Mexico to pay for the wall, something Trump has vowed would happen if he’s elected president on Nov. 8, according to the poll.

The results lined up closely with nationwide opinions of Trump’s immigration policy: 49% of American adults say the wall would be a “waste of money” and 31% say it would be an “effective barrier.”

“As big and powerful, as rich as this nation is, we cannot just leave the door open,” said Tony Estrada, Santa Cruz County Sheriff, who has served in law enforcement in the border county for 49 years. “But, we need a realistic and humane process. Donald Trump is … catering to people’s fear.”

Polls show Arizona, a state that has voted Democrat only once in a presidential election since 1952, has become competitive.

The Real Clear Politics average of polls showed Clinton ahead there by 1.3 percentage points. Reuters/ Ipsos polling shows Trump ahead there by 4 points.

A protestor holds a sign at the Wall of Tacos demonstration in front of the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas before the last 2016 U.S. presidential debate in Las Vegas, Nevada, US on October 19. (REUTERS Photo)

Clinton’s campaign said last week it would spend $2 million more campaigning in Arizona before the election.

DRIVING LATINOS TO THE POLLS Arizona’s border with Mexico is 370 miles long, covering an isolated desert terrain that has drawn millions seeking to cross illegal-

ly. The state’s number of undocumented immigrants has fallen 35% from a 2007 peak to 325,000, according to the Pew Research Center, as Arizona cracked down on that population. Nationwide, the number has dropped 9% from a high in 2007 to 11.1 million undocumented immigrants.

Wendy Cornacchio, a 45 year-old Trump supporter

from Phoenix, said she believes illegal immigration is still a problem – but she would rather see technologies like drone surveillance than Trump’s wall to address it. “I don’t think that necessarily building a wall will work, but the concept of closing the borders I agree with,” she said.

Florida is another closely-fought state that has seen

large levels of illegal immigration, though by sea rather than by land. Some 41% of voters there said they believed Trump’s wall would be a “waste of money”, while 36 percent thought it would be an “effective barrier”.

Progressive activist groups in both Florida and Arizona have been using Trump’s hard line on immigration against him to mobilize Latinos for Clinton, who advocates a path to citizenship for some undocumented immigrants.

Mi Familia Vota, for example, says they registered more than 15,000 people in Arizona this year.

The Reuters/Ipsos poll was conducted online in English and Spanish in Arizona and Florida. The Arizona poll ran from Oct. 5 to Oct. 19 and gathered responses from 2,600 people.

The Florida poll ran from Oct. 5 to Oct. 12 and gathered responses from 2,610 people. Both polls have a credibility interval, a measure of accuracy, of 2 percentage points for the total group and 3 percentage points for likely voters.

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MonDAY 24•10•2016

SportS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Liverpool beat Baggies injury time penalty gives but just miss top spot barca win against Valencia Valencia slam 'lamentable' referee in Barcelona loss

Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring during the Spanish league football match Valencia CF vs FC Barcelona at the Mestalla stadium in Valencia on October 22. (AFP Photo)

Madrid, OctOber 23 (iaNS): Leo Messi scored a penalty with the penultimate kick of the game to claim a dramatic 3-2 win over Valencia at the Mestalla Stadium here.

A thrilling game looked set for a 2-2 draw when Aymen Abdennour's clumsy challenge brought down Luis Suarez in the 92nd minute of the game on Saturday, reports Xinhua news agency.

Messi still had work to do to beat Diego Alves, who had saved 19 out of 41 penalties in Spain.

Messi's low spot kick had just enough to go in at the post and give Barca the win.

A scrappy start to the game saw Valencia clearly motivated with Enzo Perez putting in some rugged challenges. One of those left Andres Iniesta in agony just

after 11 minutes and the Spain international had to leave the field with what was quickly confirmed as a partially torn knee ligament.

Messi put Barca ahead with a typical left foot finish in the 22nd minute, but Barca were lucky the goal stood as an offside Luis Suarez jumped over the ball and clearly blocked the view of Valencia keeper Diego Alves.

Alves then kept Valencia in the game with three world class saves, first to deny Messi his second of the game and then to frustrate Suarez on two occasions, the second of which was all the better as the ball took a deflection on the way through.

Valencia lost Jose Gaya with a muscle injury but should have equalized when Dani Parejo allowed Ter Stegen to make block.

Valencia coach Cesare Prandelli made a brave change at the break bringing on former Barca striker Munir El Haddadi and he was rewarded in the 53rd minute when the youngster leveled the score with a left foot shot.

Things got even better three minutes later when Rodrigo put Valencia ahead with a close range effort following a sublime pass from Nani.

Seven minutes later Barca were level with Suarez on hand to lash a left foot shot home after Alves had produced another fine save from a Rakitic header.

From then on it was end to end stuff with Nani having a chance to put Valencia ahead before the late drama saw Messi's penalty seal it in the dying minutes of the game.

Katich rejects Clarke's comments, terms their relationship "non-existent"

MeLbOurNe, OctOber 23 (iaNS): Former Australian batsman Simon Katich has rejected Michael Clarke's claims that the pair have buried their differences, saying their relationship is "non-existent".

Clarke has said the disagreeing duo patched things up following an infamous 2009 run-in in the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) dressing room, reports cricket.com.au.

Clarke recently wrote in his autobiography, denying

he played any part in Katich losing his Cricket Australia contract in 2011.

Katich famously grabbed Clarke by the collar in the SCG dressing room, over a disagreement over when the team song would be sung, with Clarke desperate to leave for a prearranged function at a Sydney bar with several teammates. Clarke said in his autobiography he called Katich a "weak c***" leading to the opener grabbing him, but insisted they have

let bygones be bygones.

Katich responded to it by saying Clarke is "obviously trying to sell a book". "I think that's a bit of a stretch to say that we're mates," Katich said on Australian Broadcasting Corporation's (ABC) Grandstand on Sunday. "It's (our relationship has) been non-existent, so to suggest that we're mates now after everything that has happened is a bit (of) a stretch of the imagination."

He also criticised Clarke for referring to former allrounder Shane Watson as part of the team's "tumour", terming it a "rather ironic" claim. "I haven't changed my point of view on the matter. I said what I said a few years ago. I guess at the moment he's obviously trying to sell a book so it's amazing how more and more of the story comes out," Katich said to ABC. "We've hardly spoken about it, since it all happened."

Madrid, OctOber 23 (aFP): Valencia's sporting director Jesus Garcia Pitarch railed against the "absolutely lamentable" display of the referee after Barcelona snatched a controversial 3-2 win at Mestalla on Saturday. Lionel Messi converted a 94th-minute penalty in a bad-tempered match overshadowed by a serious knee injury to Barca's Andres Iniesta.

Valencia are likely to face action from La Liga authorities after Neymar was struck by a plastic bottle thrown from the crowd as the Barca players celebrated the winner.

However, Valencia were incensed that Barca's opener was allowed to stand despite claims for offside and the home side were angered further when referee Alberto Undiano Mallenco didn't send off Sergio Busquets before half time.

"When Undiano Mallenco and his assistants see this match again they ought to be ashamed of having played such a part in a game that Valencia didn't deserve to lose," Pitarch thundered to BeIN Sports Spain. "It is lamentable, absolutely lamentable that refereeing decisions prevented Valencia from taking a point or more from this match." Valencia coach Cesare Prandelli took charge of his first game at Mestalla and nearly oversaw a huge upset as goals from Barca loanee Munir El Haddadi and Rodrigo overturned a Messi opener.

"I don't like to talk about referees, but the images speak for themselves," said Prandelli. Luis Suarez's equaliser set up a grandstand finish and Messi coolly slotted past Diego Alves from the spot after Suarez had been felled inside the area deep into stoppage time.

New Delhi confirmed as venue for FIFA U-17 World Cup

New deLhi, OctOber 23 (iaNS): India's capital city on Sunday became the fourth venue to be ratified to host next year's U-17 football World Cup. Thirteen members of the world football governing body FIFA delegation together with 10 members of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) travelled to New Delhi and approved it as a venue, according to a release.

The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Complex received the go ahead after the team inspected the pitch and the training facilities and all assurances were given by the government that renovations would be completed before March 2017, including two training sites in the complex.

All India Football Federation (AIFF) General Secretary Kushal Das said: "We have been working with different stakeholders in the country from the

start of this process and it is good that we are now seeing the results on the ground." Also present at the event were MOYAS Director -Sports Sagarpreet Hooda, SAI Director - Infrastructure Sanjiv Baranwal, Project Director LOC Joy Bhattacharjya and FIFA's Event Manager for the U-17 World Cup Marion MayerVorfelder.

Placing emphasis on the preparations, MayerVorfelder added, "We have been shown the plans for the renovation and we will be looking very carefully into the way the venue progresses to make it fully compliant."

"We hope that the pace of works now picks up and that we can have the facility match ready as soon as possible."

New Delhi is the fourth venue to be ratified for the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 after Kochi, Navi Mumbai and Goa.

Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho scores Liverpools second goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool and West Bromwich Albion at Anfield on October 22 in Liverpool, England. (Getty Images)

LiverPOOL, OctO ber 23 (aFP): Sadio Mane and Philippe Coutinho scored a pair of crackers to give Liverpool a 2-1 win over West Brom on Saturday but Gareth McAuley denied them a place at the top of the Premier League.

The impressive Merseysiders needed to win by at least two goals at Anfield if they were to climb to the summit of English football for the first time since May 2014. They were on course until nine minutes from time when McAuley volleyed in from close range for West Brom following a Chris Brunt corner that Craig Dawson had touched into his path.

The result meant Liverpool moved up into second place, with Arsenal just ahead on goal difference.

However, Manchester City will regain top spot if they avoid defeat against Southampton on Sunday.

Liverpool's win at least allowed manager Jurgen Klopp to mark the first anniversary of his maiden game in charge of the Reds with a victory.

The colourful German manager's side were 2-0 up inside 35 minutes thanks to two goals of high quality.

Liverpool went ahead in the 21st minute when Emre Can’s pass sent Roberto Firmino into the West Brom area and his accurate far-post cross was controlled by Mane, who finished confidently for his fourth goal of the season.

If that was good the second goal was even better.

West Brom goalkeeper Ben Foster’s clearance struck team-mate Darren Fletcher and gifted the ball to Mane and the goalscorer found Coutinho.

The Brazilian still had plenty of work to do, but a superb dummy left defenders Dawson and McAuley on their backsides before Coutinho drove an unstoppable, low shot in at the near post.

Liverpool’s dominance had been complete in that opening period, apart from a mistake which gifted the ball to Salomon Rondon for a counter-attack which ended when Joel Matip effectively closed down Matt Phillips. - Damage limitation - Adam Lallana, re-

Klopp keen to get Gerrard back to Anfield

LiverPOOL, OctOber 23 (aFP): Jurgen Klopp will hold talks with former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard after the 36-year-old midfielder appeared to announce his departure from the LA Galaxy at the end of the current Major League Soccer season.

Gerrard’s comments are bound to fuel speculation that the highly popular Liverpudlian could return to play for the club he first represented 18 years ago and for whom he made over 500 appearances.

Klopp has previously indicated that such a possibility would not be realistic for the veteran although, following Saturday's 2-1 victory over West Bromwich Albion, the Liverpool manager declined to explain exactly what role could await a player who also made 114 England appearances in one of the most successful careers of the modern football era. "Stevie Gerrard is always so welcome at Liverpool FC, you can’t imagine how welcome," said Klopp after his team's win at Anfield. "So there is absolutely no problem. But anything we have, or will, speak about, stays (between us).

That's how I know Stevie, that’s how I am.

"But nobody should be worried that there is no space for Steven Gerrard. Everything will be fine, 100 percent." While it is understood Gerrard is keen to pursue a coaching career, it is believed that such a position will not be available under Klopp and that an ambassadorial role is the one likely to be on offer now to the Anfield great. Gerrard, in an Instagram post, said: "Living in Los Angeles and playing for the great Galaxy supporters has been a privilege. You have made this place feel like home to me. This city and this club will always hold a special place in my heart. Thank you." called at the expense of Daniel Sturridge, saw a dangerous cross well defended by Jonas Olsson and Allan Nyom survived a penalty appeal after contact with Mane.

Three minutes before the opening goal, the busy Jordan Henderson whipped in a first-time cross from the right which was met by James Milner, whose powerful header soared over the crossbar.

Then, searching for a second goal that would take them top for the first time since late in that ill-fated 2014 title bid, Liverpool pressed on, Can teeing up Lallana, who pivoted nicely and lobbed the ball just over. West Brom manager Tony Pulis, whose team had only conceded one first-half goal all season prior to their Anfield visit, made his feelings known with one half-time substitution and a second just five minutes after the break as damage limitation became the order of the day.

But his changes had no impact on the game as a

rampant Liverpool pushed ahead, McAuley blocking an early shot from Coutinho and Foster showing his speed of thought to deny Firmino as he bore down on goal. Coutinho’s excellent 58th minute free-kick found the head of Dejan Lovren, whose goal-bound effort drew a superb onehanded save from Foster as the ball flew towards the top right-hand corner.

Olsson's clearance then presented the ball to Can but his 25-yard strike rose over. Coutinho’s superb pass then found Can, whose shot from far closer range was charged down bravely by Olsson. Milner’s low strike was saved at the second attempt by Foster before Nacer Chadli wasted a rare Albion opening, lifting a shot high and wide after a half-cleared corner.

Following the disappointment of conceding a goal, Liverpool responded as they sought the necessary two-goal advantage that would take them top, with Firmino twice denied by impressive saves from Foster.

public discourse

E

A crY For cHurcHes iN NAGAlANd

verything that exists in time stands in need of renewal and revival. To renew is to become new or fresh again. It is to relocate something, or oneself, on the original foundation in its authenticity. The newness results when this authenticity, lost over time, is regained. To renew is not the same as to run after the new, with which it is confounded.

Revival involves regaining the lost vitality or aliveness. The Laodicean church is a case in point. It had lost its aliveness. It was neither hot nor cold, but lukewarm. It was lukewarm towards its spiritual foundation. It was hot or cold towards everything else.

Aliveness is a sign of spiritual vitality.

It points to life in all its abundance.

(Jn. 10: 10) The state in which this aliveness is lost is described in the Gospels as ‘living in darkness’. Mtt. 4:12-17. The significance of God’s engagement with a people is described as people, who are in a state of darkness, seeing

a great light.

Now, what does it mean to be live in darkness?

At the root of the good news is the spiritual insight that God creates everyone with a special purpose. We are a special creation because of this.

It is the unique purpose underlying the birth of a person or a church that makes it special.

In a state of darkness nothing is special, nothing is unique. Everything is like everything else. One person is as good asanother; or just as bad. Indeed good and evil do not exist. Everything is acceptable; anything will do. Only convenience and comfort matter. Neither God nor man does.

As long as one is living in darkness, for example, it does not matter (as in the case of Judas Iscariot) who is sold or bought. What matters is that a smart deal is struck.

It does not matter if the salt has lost its saltiness. (Mtt. 5: 13) After all, nothing is done or nothing happens

in this darkness. Saltiness is irrelevant to this state. So, the fire of spirituality can be easily replaced with some nice sentiments and feelings. Noise will do, sense is superfluous.

It does not matter if there is no oil in the lamp; for nothing is required to burn (Mtt. 25: 1-14). So, the wise and the foolish all look alike. When one is not keen to know the truth, lamp is only an ornament, not an instrument. Oil is superfluous in an ornament. This is how true spirituality begins to appear like a liability to us. It is fashionable to be cynical about oil when the lamp is purely ornamental.

So, there is no duty to be the ‘light of the world’ (Mtt. 5: 14) In fact, it is foolish to be the light; for it disturbs the darkness one prefers for oneself.

That was why Jesus was not accepted into the Laodicean church (Rev. 3:20).

What churches in India –including the NE- need is regaining their authenticity. The pity is that a great deal is done. Much money and effort

are expended. But nothing makes any difference. And things are going from bad to worse. This brings the faith into discredit. The world thinks that the biblical faith is a myth. The awe and wonder that the world used to feel about this spiritual tradition is now completely lost. Christians evoke derision and resentment, as a people who make tall claims but have nothing to show for themselves.

We are trying to shine as the darkness of the world! Or, we are trying to dispel the darkness of the world by being greater embodiments of darkness.

We are fooling ourselves. Bearing false witness to Jesus. Cheating our neighbours. There is no truth in us.

I write this from Kerala. The largest collection of Christians in India is here. But the church has become utterly irrelevant. Mountainous religious activities are happening. The soil of Kerala is wet with the Word of God, but God is not in the land. There is money. There is noise. There are huge church buildings. But people

need to experience God. It does not happen through churches.

The light of the biblical faith is not seen in Kerala. People are living in darkness. The Kerala society –Christian and non-Christian alike- is dying. There is an urgent need for a great light to dawn on the land.

So also in the North East.

Jesus began his ministry by urging people to repent. “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” (Mtt. 4; 17).

To repent is to turn from darkness to light. It is to do the works of light. It is to be the light of the world.

Nothing has any value in the eyes of God, if done in a state of darkness.

Such efforts can bear witness only to darkness. Jesus’ word for this is hypocrisy: darkness bearing witness to light!

As of now, it is Mammon, not Jesus, who is our Master. Our religiosity is nothing but the hypocritical mask we wear to hide this truth from God Himself! As though God is an idol, which has eyes but see not!

See, the world has overcome us.

The NE is succumbing to Hindutva! It cannot but happen. Hindutva is better than our hypocrisy. The Christian task is not to align itself to a party; any party. It is to be the light of the world. We must be in politics, but as Christians. There is something called Christian politics. It is politics as love, truth, justice and compassion. It is politics as good news to the poor. It is politics as the clamour for fullness of life for all. That was what ‘politics’ meant to citizens in Athens in good old days! Politics was the art of maximizing the welfare of the citizens.

The children of God must be a blessing on the land (Gen. 12: 1-2).

Not parasites or whited sepulchers.

They must renounce Mammon and announce the Kingdom of God. The way we are currently traveling is the broad way that leads to everlasting death, not eternal life.

Time it is, high time indeed, that we returned to the way of life.

Valson Thampu

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

Monday 24•10•2016

EntErtainmEnt

Simon Cowell bans Niall Horan from ‘The X Factor’

M

usic mogul Simon Cowell has banned Irish singersongwriter Niall Horan from performing his solo material on "The X Factor". Cowell is upset with Horan snubbing his solo record deal and signing with Universal, reports mirror.co.uk.

According to the Sun Newspaper, there is no chance of Horan getting invited onto one of the live shows to perform his track "This town", while Liam Payne is also said to be blacklisted after he chose to go with a rival label.

"Simon really thought the 1D boys would show loyalty after he mentored

them on the show and made them the huge global success they are. Instead they went behind his back.

He's not going to be doing them any favours. He knows artists love performing on the show as there are eight million viewers to promote their songs to," a source said.

Now ShowiNg INFERNO (ENgLISh)

Source: IANS

Lady Gaga doesn’t like comparison with Madonna Jaden Smith makes to TIME's

L

ady Gaga does not like comparisons with Madonna and the singer made it clear by saying she pens all her music on her own. Gaga threw shade at Madonna during an interview with Beats 1 Radio when host Zane Lowe compared the two singers and brought up their relationships with their dads, reported Us magazine.

"Madonna and I are very different. Just saying. We're very different.

I wouldn't make that comparison at all and I don't mean to disrespect Madonna, she's a nice lady, and she's had a fantastic huge career,

30 Most Influential Teens

biggest pop star of all time. "But I play a lot of instruments. I write all my own music. I spend hours and hours a day in the studio. I'm a producer. I'm a writer. What I do is different," the 30-year-old singer said.

By "different," Gaga meant that she is "not just rehearsing over and over again to put on a show."

"There is spontaneity to my work. I allow myself to fail. I allow myself to break. I'm not afraid of my flaws," she added. However, she cleared that she don't mean that in a disrespectful way and would not like to get compared to anyone anymore.

03862-237226 Ticket Counter (09:00 AM - 09:00 PM) www.BookMyShow.com

Source: PTI

A

ctor Benedict Cumberbatch has revealed he once taught English to monks at a Tibetan Buddhist monastery for a year. The 40-year-old actor spent a year in Nepal at a Tibetan Buddhist monastery working with the religious men to help them speak his mother tongue, reported Female First.

Cumberbatch loved the experience as after his lessons he would go hiking with his friends see the beautiful sights the South Asian country had to offer and he used the time to explore philosophical ideas such as the nature of being.

"I used to teach monks in the morning

... When I was at the monastery I read Fritjof Capra's book 'The Tao of Physics'. The thing about it is even if we can explain everything, the explanations are wonderful. I'm not rational at all.

"I hit walls trying to understand things in the universe. Things on a molecular level, or circadian rhythms. Those are fascinating, they're hard-wired into us. Every form of life has a circadian rhythm, from a cellular fungus to a human, to regulate our body clock. I think there's a spirituality in science, there's wonder in logic, and the world just gets bizarre the more you think about it," he said.

Feud over Parveen Babi’s will ends, 80 percent of her wealth to be used for philanthropy

1

C M Y K

Muradkhan Babi, who was close to her and who has been given 20 percent of the estate. Muradkhan will be the managing trustee and president of the philanthropic trust envisioned by Parveen. Its governing body will include two members from the Babi community and two picked by Muradkhan.

No other family member has been offered a share. Other ten percent of the trust's funds will be

JACK REAChER (ENgLISh)

(11:40 AM) (04:20 PM) (06:40 PM)

(ID: PLAYBox DIMAPur)

Benedict Cumberbatch taught English to monks

1 years after Parveen Babi's death, the Court has finally accepted the legitimacy of the actress' will. According to the will, 80 percent of Parveen's wealth should be used to form and run a trust, which will help underprivileged women and children from the Babi community of Junagadh, where she was born.

The Parveen Babi Trust will be headed by her 82-year-old uncle,

(02:00 PM)

channelled to St. Xavier's College in Ahmedabad, where the late star had studied.

When the will was produced in 2005 post her death, the actress' paternal relatives, who were not given any share of her wealth, had challenged the authenticity of the document. They took the matter to the High Court. After a long battle, they finally relented earlier this year.

Source: TNN

Ward 5 (6), Burma Camp, Dimapur.

Landmark - Near J. K Hospital/ Power House.

Hillstar NOW SHOWING

A

ctor Jaden Smith, Kylie Jenner and Zara Larsson are Source: PTI three of the stars to make TIME magazine's 30 Most Influential Teens of 2016 list. The 'Keeping Up With The Kardashians' star was once again featured on TIME magazine's annual list for her 'willingness to experiment with outsize looks, plumping her lips, dying her hair and using bright makeup in bold combinations'.

Hollywood star Will Smith's son Jaden has been honoured for 'rebelling against mainstream culture', reported Female First.

'Lush Life' hitmaker Zara has made the list

for the first time and has been dubbed 'one of the most promising talents in pop music' whilst Shawn Mendes also gets a nod for 'conquering singles charts' across the world.

Elsewhere on the list, Fifth Harmony's Camila Cabello has been featured for her hit music and her activism, notably when she recently penned an essay about her experience when she arrived to the United States in the 2000s as an immigrant.

Actress Chloe Grace Moretz has secured herself a slot on the list after she slammed Kim Kardashian West for her nude selfie.

Source: PTI

JACK REAChER (ENgLISh)

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MonDAY 24•10•2016

SPORTS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Iheanacho makes instant impact as City draw with Saints

Kohli’s ton helps India beat NZ

MANCHESTER, OCTOBER 23 (REuTERS): Manchester City returned to the top of the Premier League on goal difference after coming from behind to draw 1-1 with Southampton at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. Pep Guardiola's side, who began the season with 10 straight victories, have now gone five games without a win in all competitions, equalling the Spaniard's worst run as a manager. It could have been even worse for City after they gifted Southampton the lead when a wayward pass from John Stones put Nathan Redmond in on goal after 27 minutes.

Moments later Stones thought he had atoned by bundling the ball into the net but his goal was disallowed for a Sergio Aguero offside. Guardiola reacted to the poor first half by replacing De Bruyne with Kelechi Iheanacho, who made an immediate impact by scoring from close range after Fernandinho found Leroy Sane with an exquisite crossfield pass.

Saints remained a threat on the break and Claudio Bravo saved well from Charlie Austin on 74 minutes while Aguero went close at the other end, where Raheem Sterling was a constant threat as City pushed for the elusive winner.

C M Y K

4th Kohima volley tourney from Nov 3 KOHIMA, OCTOBER 23 (MExN): The Kohima District Volleyball Association (KDVA) is organising the 4th Kohima District Volleyball Tournament for men and women from November 3 to 8 at the Local Ground, Kohima. A press release from the organisers stating this informed that entry forms are available at Sports World, near Taxi stand, opposite Bank of Baroda, and Star Sports, BOC. The entry fee is fixed Rs.2500 and the last date of submission is November 1 by 12 pm. For further details, contact Ketholetuo, Convener Organizing Committee @ 9862089100/985206441, KDVA President @ 9436001978, or KDVA General Secretary @ 9089833370. The organisers have encouraged village(s)/block/ward/colonies within Kohima district to participate in the tournament.

Sovima T20 Gold Cup DIMAPuR, OCTOBER 23 (MExN): Day 9 of the Sovima T20 Gold Cup was held today in Dimapur. The first match saw Brotherhood beat Arcane Warriors by 40 runs. Brotherhood won the toss and elected to bat first. They scored 152 runs for 9 wickets in 20 overs. In response, Arcane Warriors scored 103 runs for 7 wickets in 20 overs. In the second match Super Slammers beat Frontiers CC by 135 runs. Super Slammers won the toss and elected to bat. They put up a target of 184 runs losing 4 wickets in 20 overs.

In the second innings, Frontiers CC could score only 49 runs for 10 wickets in 20 overs.

ToDAy’s MATcH: 1st semi Final @ 2.45 pm Super Slammers (Guwahati) VS BMS Darbar (Delhi)

B'desh need 33, England two wickets, in Test thriller CHITTAGONG, OCTOBER 23 (AFP): Bangladesh battled to 253-8 at stumps on the fourth day of a thrilling Test in Chittagong on Sunday, needing 33 for their first-ever win against England. Hopes of an historic Test victory rested with debutant Sabbir Rahman who was unbeaten on 59, after England set the hosts a target of 286 on a crumbling wicket.

Sabbir shared an 87-run stand with skipper Mushfiqur Rahim before England regained the initiative with three quick wickets in the final session.

Off-spinner Gareth Batty broke the late resistance with an awkwardly bouncing delivery that prompted skipper Mushfiqur (39) to give a catch to Gary Ballance at short leg.

Pace bowler Stuart Broad then found some reverse swing to remove Mehedi Hasan (one) and Kamrul Islam (0), putting England back in charge.

Batty finished the day with 3-65 while Broad claimed 2-26, but Sabbir kept Bangladesh in contention with a gritty innings that included three fours and two sixes.

Stumps were drawn early due to bad light after England were told they could only use their spinners and not the pace attack in the last five overs, a condition they did not accept.

England's spinners earlier dismissed Bangladesh's top five to leave them on 140-5, as Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid chipped in with useful wickets.

England were all out for 240 in their second innings in the fifth over of the morning, after adding just 12 to their overnight tally of 228-8.

MOHALI, OCTOBER 23 (AGENCIES): Virat Kohli scored an unbeaten 154 off just 134 deliveries as India beat New Zealand by seven wickets to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match One-Day International (ODI) cricket series here on Sunday. Kohli, who scored his 26th ODI century, shared a 151-run stand with captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (80) as India chased down New Zealand's total of 285 all out with 10 balls to spare.

Earlier in first inning, New Zealand team led by Kane Williamson set the target of 286 runs for India with the help of 84 runs ninth wicket partnership between Neesham and Henry in the 3rd of the 5 match ODI series in Mohali.

Tom Latham (61) and James Neesham (57) took New Zealand to 285 all out in 49.4 overs in the third One-Day International (ODI) at the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) Stadium here on Sunday.

While in-form opener Latham batted through at the top of the batting order, Neesham's innings helped the visitors overcome a middle-order batting failure effected by spinners Amit Mishra (2/46) and Kedar Jadhav (3/29). New Zealand were 199/8 in 37.5 overs when Neesham and Matt Henry (39 not out) stitched together an 84-run stand.

Earlier, India’s limited over skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni won the toss and he elected to bowl against Kane Williamson-led New Zealand.

India named the same team that played the second ODI match. New Zealand have made one change.

James Neesham was included in place of Anton Devcich.

On Thursday in New Delhi, New Zealand exploited that weakness and pulled off a six-run stunning victory to level the five-match series at 1-1. It was their first win in the ongoing tour and they will be confident going in to the third ODI. Virat Kohli plays a shot during the third one-day international cricket match against New Zealand in Mohali on October 23. (AP Photo)

Pune draw 1-1 with Chennaiyin FC Crutchlow wins Australian MotoGP, Marquez crashes

PuNE, OCTOBER 23 (AGENCIES): FC Pune City drew 1-1 with Chennaiyin FC in the 2016 Hero Indian Super League as more than 9,000 fans thronged the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Stadium in Balewadi on Sunday evening. Jeje Lalpekhlua gave Chennai the lead in the 28th minute before Anibal Rodriguez scored a wonderful free-kick to make it all square at full-time.

The visitors registered the first shot of the game in the second minute after Jeje chested a long ball from deep inside his own half to find Hans Mulder. The Dutchman managed to create a yard of space for himself before getting a shot away but Edel Bete was perfectly positioned in goal to make the save against his former side.

Both Pune and Chennai

had goals disallowed soon after with Dramane Traore’s header not being counted as the ball had gone out of play prior to finding the Malian striker in the box, while Dudu’s finish beyond Bete was ruled out because of being flagged for offside.

The Super Machans took the lead in the 28th minute with an exceptional strike from Jeje surely going down as one of the contenders for goal of the season this year.

After outmuscling Eduardo Ferreira to win a long ball, Jeje noticed Bete slightly off his line and came up with an audacious lob from outside the area to beat the Armenian goalkeeper.

Pune had an opportunity of scoring an equaliser two minutes later after Sanju Pradhan headed Narayan Das’ cross from the left to set

up Jesus Tato. The Spaniard’s attempt on goal was wayward though.

The first big chance of the second period fell to Chennai after a lapse at the back by Pune had put Dudu in on goal with just Bete to beat. Dudu struck the ball powerfully but Bete got strong hands to the ball to deflect it Mulder’s way.

A retrieving Rahul Bheke just managed to apply enough pressure on the Dutchman to prevent him from doubling Chennai’s lead.

The equaliser for Pune came three minutes later with substitute Anibal’s second touch of the ball. The Spaniard had barely been on the pitch for a few minutes when he decided to try his luck from a free-kick. His perfectly executed free-kick gave Kerr no chance in goal, making it 1-1 with eight minutes to go.

PHILIP ISLAND, OCTOBER 23 (AP): Britain's Cal Crutchlow held off an extraordinary ride from Valentino Rossi to win the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix on Sunday as newlycrowned world champion Marc Marquez crashed out with 18 laps to go.

Marquez, who clinched his third world title last weekend in Japan, led the race from pole position and was well clear of Crutchlow when he crashed due to a braking error at turn four of the Philip Island circuit.

That handed the lead to Crutchlow who showed steady nerves to hold out the hard-charging Rossi who climbed through the field from 15th place on the grid after his worst qualifying performance in five years.

Maverick Vinales was third after starting in 13th place.

The win gave the 30-year-old Honda rider Crutchlow his second Moto GP victory after his win in the Czech Republic earlier this year, making him the first Briton since Barry Sheen to win two races in the premier class in the same season.

He completed the race in 40 minutes, 48.5 seconds, holding out Rossi by 4.2 seconds.

The rainy conditions which made practice and qualifying tricky on Friday and Saturday gave way to fine but cold weather on Sunday.

The cool track surface made tire choice critical and Crutchlow, starting from second place on the grid, followed Marquez in choosing a hard compound for the front tire.

It was a risky strategy given that partly cloudy conditions made it difficult to keep heat in the tire.

When Marquez went down it was thought that tire choice might have played a part and Crutchlow admitted to a moment of concern.

Marquez dismissed tire choice as a factor in his fall

which left him unhurt.

"First of all I want to say sorry to my team because I did the mistake," Marquez said. "I braked too late and instead of trying to go a little bit wide I tried to keep the line and I fell.

"I was taking a lot of risks there at the beginning but in the end we have to be happy because we won the title but of course we would like to win more races."

Rossi's extradinary ride to claim second allowed him to extend his lead over Jorge Lorenzo in second place on overall championship standings with two rounds remaining. Riders head to Malaysia for the penultimate round of the season next weekend.

India beat Pak 3-2 in Asian Champions Trophy

KuANTAN (MALAySIA), OCTOBER 23 (IANS): India produced a superb comeback to defeat Pakistan 3-2 in their third round robin match at the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament here on Sunday.

For India, Pardeep Mor (22nd minute), Rupinder Pal Singh (43rd minute) and Ramandeep Singh (44th minute) found the targets while Muhammad Rizwan Senior and Muhammad Irfan Junior scored for Pakistan, respectively in the 31st and 39th minute. With this win, India bagged the crucial three points to leap to the top of the points table with seven points from three matches. India will now take on China on Tuesday.

The match began with a commemoration for on-field umpire Murray Grime, who was officiating his 200th international game.

India did not get the start they wanted as in the initial minutes of the game Pakistan broke with a long ball and got their first penalty corner of the match but Indian goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh pulled Veteran players of Peren, the Old Brigadiers Peren (in bibs) and executive mem- off two back-to-back saves.

The first quarter also saw both bers of Peren Town Youth Organisation play an exhibition match on Sunday. The match was witnessed by the people of Peren town. (Courtesy: Heutinggumbe) teams trying to create openings

but it was Pakistan who proved superior throughout the quarter as India failed to find their bearings when Talwinder Singh's shot went past the goalkeeper's gloves and then over the post.

The first quarter came to end with Pakistan dominating. They made at least three good moves and the Indian defence did well not to concede a goal.

In the second quarter, India played with more discipline by not giving away anything in the defence and keeping up the pressure in the midfield.

They penetrated the Pakistan circle many times but success came only in the 22nd minute when a long ball from Rupinder Pal Singh went to S.K. Utthapa and then Mor slammed a cross into the circle that went through the legs of Pakistan custodian into the goal. After conceding the goal, Pakistan started counter-attacking with their captain Fareed Ahmed acting as the pivot.

The Pakistan defensive structure of Muhammad Arshad, Niwaz Ashfaq and Muhammad Bilal were alert and confident, denying the penetration by the blue sticks.

The Roelant Oltmanscoached side went to half time with a 1-0 lead.

Afer the break, a rejuvenated Pakistan started the proceedings much more strongly and found an equaliser in the initial minutes of the third quarter.

Rizwan Sr snapped a shot that left Indian custodian Sreejesh slightly off balance and resulted in the scoreboard count of 1-1.

Soon after the equaliser, Pakistan showed more intent in the game as they scored another goal in the 39th minute to take the vital lead. This time a field goal by Irfan Junior did the damage to India. It seemed like this goal changed everything for India as out of nowhere, India scored two goals within a span of one minute in the dying minutes of the third quarter and created panic among the Pakistani players.

The first of these two goals was scored by drag-flicker Rupinder in the 43rd minute via a penalty corner and then in the 44th minute Ramandeep scored a field goal. In the final quarter, India displayed some good defensive game and held their nerves to outplay Pakistan 3-2.

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