October 31th, 2016

C M Y K

DIMAPUR • Vol. XI • Issue 299 • 12 PAGes • 5

www.morungexpress.com

MonDAY • october 31• 2016

T H e

ESTD. 2005

P o W e R

The great gift of human beings is that we have the power of empathy Child soldiers reluctant to leave FARC ‘family’

Kohima Cathedral team wins diocese level Faith Quiz contest

PAGE 09

o F

— Meryl Streep

Bangladesh secure first test win over England

PAGE 02

reflections

By Sandemo Ngullie

T R u T H

PAGe 12

nagaland plagued by corruption How to get away with a Rs. 100 plus crore pension fraud in Nagaland – PART I Morung Express news Kohima | October 30

In June and July this year, an investigation into the disclosure of suspected irregularities in the State’s annual sum of pension payments led to the arrest of five people in Zunheboto.

The perpetrators in the alleged financial fraud, amounting to crores of rupees, included two noisy irritating crackers... oi, officials from the Treasuries & be thankful you’re stone deaf. Accounts office, a bank employee, a pensioner and a gaonbura. case unravelled when The Morung Express the The Accountant General (AG) of Poll QuEsTion Nagaland State detected an unVote on www.morungexpress.com usual surge in the yearly pension sMs your answer to 9862574165 statement of Nagaland State by over Rs. 200 crore from the previIs a Uniform Civil ous year during its annual audit.

Code applicable As per the AG’s findings, the and acceptable in pension expenses for the State Nagaland State? had jumped to a whopping Rs. 905.15 crore in 2014-15 from Rs. Yes no others 695.10 crore during 2013-14.

Do you agree that Alarmed by the unprecElections in Nagaland edented variation, the auditors State has become a initially alerted the Treasurspiritual issue? ies and Accounts Directorate.

Yes 42% Upon inspection, the anomalies no 36% pointed to the Zunheboto district Treasury & Accounts Office others 22% where a verification exercise Details on page 7 was reportedly conducted without any substantial result.

Consequently, the AG filed four separate FIRs at the State All press statements, Crime Police Station, PHQ, Komemorandums, arti- hima in April 2016. The FIRs cles, reports and news were related to drawal of grarelated documents tuity, commutation of pension and pension arrears usshould be sent to the ing forged documents; drawal official email address: of pension using fake pension morung@gmail.com payment order; drawal of pen-

Public Information

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

ENSUD informs students DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 30 (MExN): The Eastern Naga Students’ Union Dimapur (ENSUD) has informed all eastern Naga students studying under various institutions within Dimapur not to entertain any kind of collection (registration/membership fee etc) from any organization apart from their respective units/unions. A press note from the ENSUD further appealed to all the institutions to exempt the eastern Naga students from such collections until any such directives from ENSUD. The union also asked college unit Presidents or General Secretaries to contact the union General Secretary at 9862442717 on or before November 5.

USSC serves ultimatum to DoSE

C M Y K

DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 30 (MExN): The United Sangtam Students’ Conference (USSC) has served a 15 day ultimatum to the Department of School Education for an SDEO office at Longkhim. A press note from the USSC also criticized the state government for its attitude to the former’s demand when the department of school education in its order dated November 14, 2014 had approved their demand and proposal. The USSC stated that “after a lapse of 5 months long, there has been no positive response from the department despite cooperation extended by the USSC to the department to achieve our common interest.” It cautioned that if the government fails to respond positively and if any untoward incident occurs, “the government shall be solely responsible.”

sion arrears using fake pension revision authorizations; and lastly, multiple drawal of pension against same Pension Payment Order (PPO).

A three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) was thereafter formed to probe the suspected scam. The trail led to Zunheboto, where on June 10, 2016, the SIT conducted searches at both the district’s Treasury office and at the district’s State Bank of India main office.

Subsequently, on June 11, the SIT arrested two people – a bank employee and a pensioner – in Zunheboto.

Interrogation of the two resulted in the arrest of another – a Gaonbura (GB) suspected to be the prime accused – on June 15. Two more people – a Senior Treasury officer and a Sub-Treasury officerwere later arrested on July 11.

As per a PHQ source, the five clandestinely organised the scam, with the GB acting as the ‘middleman,’ alleged to have arranged for fake pension papers. The bank employee was allegedly paid Rs. 1 lakh for each transaction.

Conservative estimates suggest that the monetary rip-off would amount to over Rs. 100 crore. Another official source disclosed that in 2014-15 some 450 new (and genuine) pensioners were added to the State’s pensioners’ list.

This amounts to expenses of roughly Rs. 100 crore to the exchequer, with the remaining, around Rs. 110 crore that showed up in the AG’s audit attributed to the alleged fraud.

and give names and withdraw.

There were prepared pensions for those who are still in service,” added the source.

Multiple drawal of pension against same PPO The documents further reveal illegal multiple drawal of pensions where the alleged fraudsters had drawn money by using the name of pensioners from all the districts in Nagaland.

These amounts were withdrawn multiple times with the same pensioner’s name and number without the owner’s knowledge. Out of 4799 PPO numbers, 2486 PPOs were used for multiple withdrawals from illustration by sandemo ngullie 2013 to 2016 out of which an Auditors though are yet to put an ‘The Treasury Officer’ in the inti- amount of Rs. 4.12 crore was appropriate figure to the scam. mation letter for PPO. fraudulently withdrawn.

The authorization seal of the AG also includes Hindi; errors Drawal of pension arrears uswere detected in the Hindi let- ing fake pension revision auDrawal of Pension gratuity, ters in the forged copy. 13 copies thorizations Another document (Annexcommutation and arrears us- of such forged documents detected by the AG have been fur- ure C) indicated fraudulent drawing forged documents Documents made available ther sent for laboratory analysis, al of Revision of Pension (RoP) with forged authorities under to The Morung Express show the source informed.

Zunheboto Treasury amounting that an amount of Rs. 1.26 crore to Rs. 31.16 lakh. was withdrawn as pension gra- Drawal of pension During its audit, the AG found tuity, commutation and pension using fake PPO As per the AG findings, in out that the Pension branch of the arrears using forged documents December 2014, Rs. 14.15 lakh Office of the Accountant General under Zunheboto Treasury.

In its FIR, the AG stated that was drawn in Zunheboto using (A & E), Nagaland issued Reviin the forged document, the ac- 85 PPOs of pensioners across the sion of Pension Authorities to the cused printed out the discon- 11 districts. While PPO numbers Zunheboto Treasury, which was tinued nomenclature of the AG were of legitimate pensioners, received by the Senior Treasury - ‘Office of the Senior Deputy Ac- the amounts were withdrawn Officer, Zunheboto.

However, it was noticed that countant General (A&E)’ - in its after changing the recipients’ against the same authorities, heading instead of the current names with fake ones.

These drawals also included pension arrears was allowed on ‘Office of the Accountant Gensignatures of District Admin- many occasions. eral (A&E)’.

Further examination revealed Further the word ‘The Tra- istrators. “What the accused sury Officer’ was used instead of has done is take these numbers that these arrears were drawn in

The modus operandi

the form of personal copies issued to the pensioner concerned, and such exercise were undertaken more than once on the basis of personal copies.

“In some instance, the Sr. Treasury officer Zunheboto issued letter to the Chief Manager SBI, Zunheboto to disburse pension fraudulently in cash against ‘Not for Payment’ copies. Further, personal copies were always stamped ‘Not for Payment’ and were issued as carbon copies of the originals. However, the same documents were original hand written documents and did not bear the stamp ‘Not For payment’ which indicated the deliberate attempt to fabricate official documents issued by the office and withdrew money from the government account,” stated the AG in its FIR. Investigation so far Six months on, investigation is ongoing pending filing of charges against the five. As per the PHQ source, papers confiscated during the investigation were sent for expert analysis and charge sheets will be filed upon its arrival.

It was informed that the Treasuries & Accounts department suspended its two officials arrested by the SIT, while further action can be taken only after the investigation is completed. The Principal Director of Treasuries and Accounts could not be reached despite several attempts.

While the current investigation pertains only to Zunheboto, the sources further pointed to the possibilities of such malpractices in other districts.

‘nPf-BJP relations stable’ Mkg-Mariani road in deplorable condition Morung Express news Dimapur | October 30

Close on the heels of the Nagaland Chief Minister, TR Zeliang dropping Parliamentary Secretary, Mmhonlumo Kikon from the ministry, the National BJP Vice President of Scheduled Tribe Morcha, Johnny Rengma said that the relations between the State BJP and ruling NPF was smooth and stable as has been in the past.

“Our relationship remains stable under the leadership of Dr. Shurhozelie and TR Zeliang

as a DAN coalition,” he said.

Addressing a press conference in Dimapur on Sunday, Johnny said that the CM is accountable to the public for the performance of his appointees and has the prerogative to drop any member from the ministry. He said that the matter should be ended there and not to be dragged into a political issue. When asked whether the Framework Agreement signed between the GoI and NSCN (IM) would affect the state general elections, Johnny responded,

‘We do not allege our pain or suffering’

DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 30 (MExN): The Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) today stated that the Naga people “are not a nation of liars.” “We do not allege our pain or sufferings. We experience it,” the NPMHR stated in a press note, in response to the recent Assam Rifles statement, whereby the latter had refuted allegations that the 28 AR had forcefully occupied the Mekokla Baptist Church under Wokha district on October 22 and 23.

“The perpetrators who are none other but as always, the Assam Rifles, call the victims and their community liars and claim that they ‘have immense respect for all religions and will never take any step or action to disrespect any religious place of worship.’ Is there any other higher level of arrogance that adds salt to fresh injury and insults human intelligence of the highest degree?” the NPMHR questioned.

It further stated that this incident “is only a grim reminder that the war against Naga people is taking place every day by any and all kinds of name.” “These kinds of human rights violations and psychological abuses rekindle horrible memories in India’s occupational war against the Nagas for nearly a century now, despite the occasional socalled ‘Ceasefires’ and ‘Peace

Talks’, which only gives full freedom to the Indian Military to do anything and everything with full impunity under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act,” the NPMHR said.

It added that “ever since the Indian military set foot in Nagaland, the history of the Naga people has been that of sufferings and inhuman atrocities.”

It reminded that the NPMHR has been struggling against these “never-ending violations, through democratically available means of protests.”

“We would like to inform our people that one of the legal recourse we took was to petition the Supreme Court of India against the violation of human rights in Naga areas that includes desecration of churches and educational institutions,” the NPMHR pointed out.

It further cited the judgment in the NPMHR & Others vs Union of India on February 14, 1983, wherein the Supreme Court of India under Order No. Issue Rule nisi in W. P. No. 550/12 observed: “It is alleged

by Mr. Venugopal who appears on behalf of the petitioners that Churches and educational institutions have been used and are being used by the army as camping grounds and for the purpose of interrogating and detaining people. The learned Attorney General on behalf of the Union of

commercial vehicles owners associations have been appealing to the authorities to repair the road since August this year.

With no positive response coming from the authorities, these organizations had on October 19 declared to impose a bandh in Mokokchung from November 1 onward for an indefinite period to “protest against the apathy of the state government in repairing the Mokokchung-Mariani Road (NH 702D).” As stated in the administrative report, a bandh on this route would adversely affect not only Mokokchung but the neighbouring districts as well.

“No state under India can obstruct the movement of the Constitution as established by law since election is an integral part of the Constitution of India.”

He said Prime Minister, Narendara Modi had broken all records by signing a Framework Agreement and laying a foundation for resolving the Naga issue.

He said that the BJP is fully engaged with the ensuing elections in Manipur and also expressed happiness that BJP Nagaland was fully preparing to fight the coming state elections.

India refused this allegation and contends that the record before us will show that this allegation is not justified. It is impossible for us at this stage to examine whether the allegation made by the petitioners is well-founded, but we direct on the supposition that it is well-founded that the army authorities shall not use any church or educational institutions for the purpose of setting up any camp and for the purpose of interrogating and detaining people”.

With the recent incident in Wokha, the NPMHR said that the 28 Assam Rifles has “once again directly violated the Supreme Court of India’s directive.”

It meanwhile acknowledged the response of the Naga public through the various civil society organizations including the Church and students, “who have demonstrated against the evil actions of 28 Assam Rifles through various democratic processes.”

“The sceptre of obscurantism still looms large over our dignity to live as peace loving citizens.

We must continue to inculcate and remain steadfast to the values of human rights, to protest and fight back when called upon to defend the brutal prosecution of our people,” it urged. The NPMHR further reiterated its appeal for the Government of India to “recall its forced military occupation of Naga areas.”

A section of the Mokokchung Mariani road.

Morung Express news Mokokchung | October 30

The deplorable condition of Nagaland state’s second busiest highway, the MokokchungMariani Road (NH 702D) has been the cause of ire for the people of the region for long. The road, which was under the Border Roads Organization till April of this year, was transferred to the state’s National Highways department and was declared NH 702D but the road’s condition remains the same, if not worse. The 63 km road stretch is the lifeline of Mokokchung as well as that of Tuensang, Zunheboto and Longleng.

The appalling road condition of NH 702D has been an issue for several years with several civil society organizations, mass based organizations and concerned citizens raising their complaints as well as the district administration writing several memos to Kohima on the matter. The district administration has also taken up the matter with the BRO several times in the past but no positive results have been forthcoming. “However, the BRO being aware that the road was to be transferred to the NH department were not sincere in their efforts,” says the administrative report by Mokokchung district administra-

tion on the status of NH 702D submitted to the Commissioner, Nagaland, Kohima. “The road was transferred to the NH Department and declared as the NH 702D in April 2016 and the BRO were to maintain the road till September 2016 during the transition period. However, no such works were carried out,” the report added.

The road was classified as a “class 9 road” under the BRO with a carrying tonnage of 9 tons. The road has not been upgraded since it was first built while traffic and tonnage has increased over the years, which has contributed to the rapid deterioration of the road condition. There are two “vulnerable spots” along the route; of which one near Chungtia village has been “remedied to an extent” but the second one below Changki is causing much disruption to traffic, the administrative report stated. There have been several accidents including loss of life and property due to the bad road condition along this route.

With the support from the government not forthcoming, a number of groups and organizations have over the years voluntarily repaired the road while others have resorted to methods that mount more pressure on the government. At least four

MDTOA puts proposed bandh in abeyance

It may be recalled that the Mokokchung District Truck Owners Association (MDTOA) had on August 18 written to the district administration of Mokokchung to ensure that the road be repaired within 30 days.

Consequently, a meeting was called involving all stake holders on September 5 where it was agreed to grant another 30 days to repair the road. A second meeting was convened on October 5 which was followed by extending the deadline by another 30 days, till October 18. An onsite inspection was conducted on October 21 and a ‘report on maintenance of NH 702D’ was prepared and submitted by the department concerned on October 24.

Following this, the district administration convened a meeting on October 28 where the commercial vehicles owners were requested to “extend the deadline to November 20,” to which the later “reluctantly” agreed. The commercial vehicles owners have clarified that the proposed bandh has not been called off but put on abeyance and they would impose a ‘lightning bandh’ without any prior information if the authorities do not start repairing the road to their satisfaction by the “first week of November.”

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MonDAY 31•10•2016

NAGALAND

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Kohima Cathedral team wins diocese level Faith Quiz contest

TSUD supports teachers’ agitation Dimapur, october 30 (mexN): The Tenyimi Students’ Union Dimapur (TSUD) has extended support to the demands of SSA teachers and CSS Hindi Teachers for early release of their pending salary.

Considering that the SSA teachers have been denied their salary for more than five months and the CSS Hindi teachers unpaid for more than 8 months, TSUD said that the teachers' phase wise agitation is “justified and deserves utmost importance.”

A press note by TSUD president, Azo Wetsah and general secretary, A. Shyerhunlo Lorin appealed to the department and minister concerned to take the issue with utmost seriousness and ensure the future of the students, which they said, lies in the hands of teachers.

The union added that students’ community are worst affected when the teachers do not attend the classes regularly due to non-release of their salary.

In view of the forthcoming examination, the TSUD expressed hope that the authority concerned will act for the interest of both the students and teachers community.

Youth from Porba village display cultural show during the silver jubilee celebration of VM Govt. High School, Porba under Phek district recently. With the lower group members supporting the upper group members on their arms, they sang a folk song for almost 7 minutes reflecting the spirit of oneness and youth’s strength. (Morung Photo/ Chizokho Vero)

‘East Dimapur Sumi Youth Organization’ formed

Kohima, october 30 (mexN): Youth from Mary Help of Christian Cathedral Parish, Kohima have won the first ever Faith Quiz competition organised in the diocese of Kohima under the auspices of Nagaland Catholic Youth Movement (NCYM). A total of 31 teams, with two members in each team, from different parishes of the diocese spread across Nagaland took part in the competition held on October 29 at St. Joseph’s College, Jakhama.

The award ceremony was graced by Johnny Ruangmei, Secretary General, Catholic Association of Nagaland (CAN). In his address to the youth, Johnny applauded Fr. Sojan Xavier, director, NCYM and Regina Razousinuo, president, NCYM and her colleagues for organising such a great event, providing opportunity to the young people to learn about their faith, said a press release from Regina Kithan, NCYM spokesperson. He called upon the participants to share the knowledge of faith they acquired with their fellow youth in their own respective parishes so that they can also gain the knowledge of faith and live it in their lives. He also encouraged the youth to take up entrepreneurship as an option for their livelihood.

The teams from Mary Help of Christian Parish, Kohima (Mecieno Marga-

Dimapur, october 30 (mexN): system within its jurisdiction so that the A new body called East Dimapur Sumi students get quality education, take up Youth Organization (EDSYO) has been measures that improve the environment formed. It was formed during a youth gen- around, and oversee and regulate the soeral meeting held at East Dimapur Sumi cial demeanor of the members in the largCouncil Hall, which was convened keep- er interest of the people of East Dimapur, ing in mind the need for proper co-ordi- work for the welfare and security of the Sunation among the youth of East Dimapur, mis in general and its members in particuinformed a press release from Media & lar and encourage communal and tribal harmony. The organization will also work Publicity Cell, EDSYO. As per the resolution of the meeting, the to check illegal and anti-social activities likeminded Sumi youth of East Dimapur within its jurisdiction in close co-ordinaafter a thorough deliberation and in con- tion with the district administration.

Further, the organization will also sultation with Sumi Council East Dimapur and some elders of the area formed EDSYO. stress on any issues that concern the inThe press note informed that the orga- terest of the people of East Dimapur. It has nization will aim at providing platforms requested all the youths under the juristo help the people, especially the youths, diction of East Dimapur to take active part in achieving their daily “trifles”, empow- in the activities of the organization so that ering and nurturing the leaders of tomor- the organization can contribute its bit for row and encouraging its youth to express the betterment of the society. The organitheir views on various social, economic, zation will be headed by Reuben Chophy political and cultural issues, enlighten- as president and Qhevika Wotsa as general ing the youths on their rights and duties. secretary along with 26 executive memWoKha, october It will also aim to improve the educational bers and an Advisory Board.

30 (mexN): The School Management Committee (SMC) of Pongidong village in Wokha district has appealed to the Nagaland State government to expeDimapur, october 30 dite action in payment of (mexN): State Agricultural teachers’ salaries regularly.

Management and Extension The appeal was made in Training Institute (SAMETI) view of the fact that the SSA organised three-day training teachers recruited in 2010 on ‘Mainstreaming gender & and 2013 across the State women empowerment for agriculture development’ from Ochave not been paid salaries tober 27–29, 2016. since May this year. “TeachThe training, which was aters deserve commendation tended by ATMA functionaries for being steadfast despite from all districts of Nagaland, the myriad of challengfocussed on creating consciouses facing them,” stated a ness and awareness as well press statement from Elvis as educating the participants Humtsoe, chairman, SMC about gender issues in the agPongidong. The SMC urged riculture sector, according to a the government to address press release from Director, SAthe wellbeing of teachMETI. ers and accord their rightResource persons for the ful place. The SMC also training were Dr. Watila Jamir, decried the impact of the Lecturer, Integrated Extension ongoing agitation on the Training Centre (IETC), Departstudents' academic perfor- Resource person Dr. Watila Jamir with DPDs and participants during the ment of Agriculture, Medziphema and Dr. J. Longkumer, Assovaledictory programme. mance.

SMC Pongidong urges to pay teachers’ salary regularly

Winning team of the Faith Quiz competition with guests and speakers.

reth Khieya and Oswin Joseph), Don Bosco Science Hostel, Jotsoma (Ethongu C Denys and Nchumthung Paul Kikon) and St. Peter’s Parish, Tesophenyu (Veronica Magh and Bibiana Seb) bagged the first, second and third prizes respectively. Chief Guest Johnny Ruangmei gave away the prizes, which included cash, certificates and other prizes.

The first session of the quiz programme began with word of God and invocation of God’s blessing by Rev. Fr. Benny Varghese, administrator of St. Joseph College, Jakhama. Regina Razousinuo, NCYM president extended words of welcome to ev-

eryone and Fr. Sojan, NCYM director briefed the proceedings of the quiz programme.

Vilanuo Angela, president, Nagaland Catholic Women Association, exhorted the young people. She invited the young people to get rooted in their faith and also lamented over Catholics joining other denomination and taking rebaptism. Rebaptism, she stated is a “sin” and “an insult to our Faith.” She also exhorted the parents to discuss the faith with their children.

Some other attractions of the programme included a violin piece from Rev. Fr. C. Joseph, counsellor, St. Joseph’s College, Jakhama, mouth organ piece by Ze-

Mainstreaming gender & women empowerment for agri development

The big family of Dimapur Govt. College invites all alumni to the Golden Jubilee celebration of your alma mater on Thursday, 3rd Nov. 2016 at 11:00 a.m. in the College premises.

DIMAPUR GOVERNMENT COLLEGE GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATION Date : 3rd November 2016 Time: 11:00 Am Venue : College Auditorium

Chief Guest T. R. Zeliang Chief Minister, Nagaland Unveiling of the Jubilee Stone T. R. Zeliang Chief Minister, Nagaland Laying of Science Block Foundation Stone Deo Nukhu Parliamentary Secretary, Higher & Technical Education, Nagaland Opening of Exhibition S. I. Jamir Advisor, Urban Development Chairperson God is Everything Welcome Speech Praise ye the Lord Greetings

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Jubilee Echo Short Speech A Short Play Speech on Behalf of Alumni A Naga Troupe Release of Jubilee Souvenir & Speech A Cultural Fusion Acknowledgement It's a Time to Give Thanks Opening of Exhibition

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Kavili Jakhalu, Associate Professor, DGC Performing Arts DGC Ngangshikokba Ao, Principal DGC Jubilee Choir Deo Nukhu, Parliamentary Secretary Higher & Technical Education, Nagaland Evangelical Union DGC S. I. Jamir, Advisor, Urban Development Dreamz Unlimited (Alumni) Y. Kikheto Sema, IAS Secretary Department of Land Resources, Nagaland Students' Council DGC Chief Guest Performing Arts DGC Khrieo Rutsa, Convener, JPC Jubilee Choir S. I. Jamir, Advisor, Urban Development Jubilee Feast

Jubilee Extravaganza Evening: 4:00 PM Organized by DGC Students' Council & Alumni

ciate Professor, Department of Extension, SASRD. The course of the training covered important topics like Concept of gender – Sex and Gender, Building Gender awareness, Gender definition, Gender stereotype; SHG – An approach for eliminating poverty through women empowerment; Gender community situation, Gender discriminations and Gender issues; Discussion of labour in the society; Policies and programmes for women empowerment; SFA – Force field analysis, SWOT Analysis; Gender relations in agriculture and allied sector; Gender relations and responsibility; Gender rules in agriculture and allied sector.

The valedictory function was chaired by Tiajungla Longchar, DPD SAMETI, while feedback on the training was

given by Lhaihoichong Singson, ATM Peren and Nzanbemo Murry, ATM Kiphire. Special guest, Dr. Watila Jamir, Lecturer, IETC in her valedictory speech challenged the participants to implement the training course into practice in their respective districts and sensitise the grassroots people on gender issues in order to enlighten them about the importance of women empowerment and other social issues. She also encouraged the participants to embrace the things that will help them progress while letting go of the things that will take them down, the release added.

The training concluded with distribution of certificates to the participants by the special guest, while vote of thanks was pronounced by Sentinaro Longchar, DPD SAMETI.

neikho-o- Benedict, representative to NERYC, solo by Imkongsanen Tzudir, and another solo by Nounengu Augustine.

Rev. Fr. Joy Thottankar, Parish Priest, St. Peter’s Church, Tesophenyu was the quiz master, while Teisovi Gerard Meyase, former president NCYM and Medoneisa Marcus Chadi, president, Angami Catholic Youth Association were the judges.

The programme, which was anchored by Regina Kithan, spokesperson, NCYM, ended with concluding prayer and blessing

by Rev. Fr. Charles D’Souza SJ, Rector, Loyola Complex, Jakhama.

Edu dept to sign MoU with ECS for Mid-day Meal

Kohima, october 30 (mexN): The school education department will be signing MoU with Eleutheros Christian Society (ECS), Tuensang for implementation of Midday Meal in Tuensang district on October 31, 11:00 am in the conference hall of the Chief Secretary, Nagaland Civil Secretariat, Kohima. During the signing of the MoU, F.P. Solo, commissioner & secretary for school education will represent as first party and Rev. Dr. Chingmak Chang, secretary, ECS Tuensang as second party.

Spring Blossoms Academy celebrates Parents-cum-Children’s Day

Dimapur, october 30 (mexN): Spring Blossoms Academy, Block-7, Thahekhu village celebrated its third Parents-cumChildren’s Day on October 29. The programme saw colourful and vibrant display of cultural items by students.

Speaking on behalf of the parents, Joshua Achumi, Chairman, Yemhi Memorial College, Dimapur and former Deputy Speaker, NLA said education begins from birth and ends with grave, adding education to humanity is an endless process. He reminded that the first Naga educated generation who studied hardly up to 5th or 6th standard did not opt for lucrative job but went back to their respective areas/ ranges to impart education to their own people. “There

Students of Spring Blossoms Academy presenting a dance.

are two types of schools in Nagaland - government and private and despite the education and training of the former they lack sincerity and dedication however private school teachers are sincere and dedicated thus exceedingly doing well,” he further noted, according to a press note.

He urged the teachers to have passion for teaching so

that quality of students’ education improves. Joshua also urged upon the teachers to build the children’s character while imparting information and knowledge to fight social evils in Nagaland.

Also talking about the roles of parents, he viewed that every parent has a vital role to play to fulfil the aspirations and dreams of a child. Towards this, he

asked the parents to devote quality time to their children. He hoped that the Spring Blossoms Academy will build up a reputation within no time and compete with any school within Nagaland and beyond.

Kitoho S. Rotokha, proprietor of the school delivered welcome address, Shetoni K. Rotokha presented administrator’s note.

Kidima Catholic Youth Association Day

KiDima, october 30 (mexN): Kidima Catholic Youth Association Day was observed under the theme ‘Peace be with you’ (3 John 1:15) from October 29-30 at Kidima. Reverend Father Thomas Muttathil, Parish Priest was the main celebrant. Addressing the gathering of young people, he maintained that the present challenge was to show good example to youngsters, respecting elders and extending helping hand to one another, informed a press release from P. Tepekrovi Kiso.

Father Muttathil urged the youth to pray and overcome evil things in day to day life through the power of

Youth, Fr Thomas Muttathil and FSMA Sisters on the second day of the Kidima Catholic Youth Association Day on October 30.

Holy Spirit. He encouraged them to work for the glory of God and serve other people.

Krovito George, Local Catechist of St Francis Xavier’s Church, Kidima, who was the main speaker on the theme, said obedience, love and discipline could result

in attainment of peace in life.

He also urged the youth to receive marriage sacrament to keep a blessed family.

Eucharist celebration, blessing of the harvest and enchanting for the glory of God were the highlights of the sacred session, the

release added. Competitions were held between St. Alphonsa and St Teresa houses during the programme, which was also attended by Franciscan Sisters of Saint Mary of the Angels (FSMA), parents, and children.

MonDAY 31•10•2016

NORTH-EAST

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

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Manipur Government ‘inciting ANSAM condemns arrest communal disharmony’, says ZYF of innocent civilians

Imphal, OctOber 30 (mexN): The Zeliangrong YouthFront(ZYF)hasalleged that the Manipur Government led by Chief Minister O. Ibobi Singh “is relentlessly attempting to stir communal disharmony by inciting one community against another community by taking up controversial issues.”

Citing plans to declare Sadar Hills as a revenue district and upgrade Jiribam to full-fledged district, the ZYF stated that plans suggested “deliberate intention to vitiate peaceful atmosphere.” In Jiribam’s case, the front claimed that some Zeliangrong villages were being sliced out of Tamenglong district.

In a press release, the ZYF asserting that the stand of the Zeliangrong and Naga people on its ancestral land has been already made “very clear” to the State Government on numerous occasions and

urged the latter to drop the plans to declare Sadar Hills and Jiribam as full-fledged revenue districts.

The Youth Front also called for the restoration of Zeliangrong areas to its parent Tamenglong district.

It highlighted the Union Ministry of Home directive vide No.9/15/89-CD/ CEN dated 14th May, 1990 addressed to R.K Ranbir Singh, the then Chief Minister of Manipur for merger/restoration of Zeliangrong villages to its parent Tamenglong district which are presently falls in Sadar Hills by bifurcation made during the creation of Sadar Sub-Division in Senapati district in 1933.

In compliance to the directive, the Secretary, Department of Revenue, Govt. of Manipur issued direction to Deputy Commissioners of Senapati, Churachandpur and Tamenglong through “telegram” mes-

sage marked as “Matter Most Urgent” dated 6/12/1989 for survey of Zeliangrong villages with report to be submitted within 15 days times.

Thereby survey had carried out with report already submitted but the State Government failed to take action till date, the front informed and lamented that the State Government instead of restoration of the bifurcated Zeliangrong areas to the parent district was actually trying to take away more areas of Zeliangrong land. This is not acceptable, the ZYF maintained and warned that that it will “react it in befitting manner”.

It also cited the constitution of a “Committee on Reorganising of Administrative and Police District Boundaries” (CRAPDB) by the state government in 2011 headed

by D.S Poonia, the then State Chief Secretary as the Chair-

man with Commissioners, Revenue, DGP etc as members authorising the “Committee” to conduct public hearing of “public opinion” regarding the proposed creation of Sadar Hills district.

The ZYF stated that it had appeared on September 15 with strong written objection. All the Chiefs and Chairmen of Zeliangrong villages falling within the jurisdiction of Sadar Hills had appeared and submitted their strong objection during the course of the public hearing conducted by the said Committee, it added.

ZYF informed of the protests by Zeliangrong people living within the jurisdiction of Sadar Hills under the aegis of a "Committee Against the Creation of Sadar Hills" leading to the “Mega Public Rally” held on November 17, 2011 in the state capital, Imphal during which a delegation met the Governor of Mani-

Action against those behind Manipur violence: Rijiju

Imphal, OctOber 30 (IaNS): Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju on Sunday said that appropriate action will be taken against those responsible for the violence in Manipur.

Rijiju, who arrived here on a visit, was referring to the violence last Monday in the state's Ukhrul district where even Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, Home Minister Gaikhangam and others had to turn back without in-

augurating the district hospital and other facilities after a sniper injured an India Reserve Battalion trooper. A day prior, a bomb was also detonated at the venue of the public function injuring one personnel.

Ibobi, Gaikhangam and others have claimed that the Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak-Muivah (NSCNIM), which has on ceasefire agreement with the Union gov-

ernment, was behind the violence.

Rijiju however said that appropriate action would be taken up once a full report is received, while also appealing for peaceful co-existence among the communities.

Taking a swipe at the 15-yearold Congress government in Manipur, he said that if there had been proper governance, the state would have prospered.

Manipur activists to seek pardon for woman on death row Imphal, OctOber 30 (tNN): The Malaysian high court's verdict of death penalty for a Manipuri woman held for trafficking drugs has left many in the state shocked. The state women's commission is looking ways of obtaining clemency for Sangeeta Sharma Brahmacharimayum, 41, owner of a beauty parlour in New Delhi who was found guilty of trafficking over 1.6 kg of drugs (methamphetamine) at Penang International Airport on October 7, 2013.

The court charged her under the Dangerous Drugs Act, 1952, that carries a mandatory death sentence upon conviction.

"We are shocked to hear this dreadful news. We are trying to find out how we can save her from death," chairperson of Manipur state women's commission K Sobita Devi told TOI. "So far, we haven't got any official information on the matter. We chanced upon it through media reports. After going through the articles, we sent people to find her house in Imphal valley and finally located it," she added.

"After doing a verification study, we will consult legal experts and find ways to save her life," she said. The Imphal-based Women Action for Development (WAD) also expressed its anguish. "The news has stunned

us. We respect the law of that country but we do not support capital punishment. Many countries and prominent rights bodies are against death penalty," said WAD secretary Sobita Mangsatabam.

"We will discuss the matter and appeal for clemency for Sangeeta," said Mangsatabam, who is also the convener of the women's committee of United NGO Mission Manipur. TOI visited Sangeeta's residence in Imphal but none of her family members was present. The state government is yet to react on the matter though some MLAs and officials expressed their sadness at the development.

Diwali brings cheers to Assam's fireworks industry

GUWahatI, OctOber 30 (tNN): The ban on Chinese fireworks in the city proved to be a boon for Barpeta as manufacturers of local fireworks in the district did brisk business this Diwali.

The All Guwahati Traders' Association (AGTA) said even though most firecrackers sold in the city were manufactured in Tamil Nadu's Sivakasi, the absence of Chinese crackers had helped local fireworks makers immensely.

Locally made flowerpots - one of the most important articles in anyone's Diwali arsenal - were most in demand as their Sivakasi counterparts were costlier. Some of the long-lasting firecrackers made by manufacturers in Barpeta gave even their southern counterparts a run for their money.

"Crackers manufactured in Barpeta are known for their quality and durability. The prices of flowerpots made in Barpeta and Sivakasi are almost the same. In case of some high-performance fireworks, the price of the Barpeta-made articles is higher," Sourav Das,

a firecracker-seller in Uzan Bazar, said on Saturday.

Trying to boost their presence in the highly competitive cracker market, local manufacturers also experimented with design. But it was the traditional earthen pots used in Barpeta that made the local fireworks stand out.

"We appeal to the people of Guwahati to buy locally made products this Diwali and help improve the state's economy. The state government should extend the slogan 'Make in Assam' to the fireworks industry. It has huge potential to compete with rivals elsewhere.

Manufacturers in Barpeta need financial and material support to grow," said general secretary of AGTA Prantosh Roy. With the government keeping a lookout for vendors selling China-made crackers, the number of firecracker shops decreased considerably in many parts of the city. Sale of large varieties of Chinese firecrackers and lights were banned in Greater Guwahati by the Kamrup (Metro) administration.

has nothing to do with the NSCN-IM, Hungyo decried reports in local dailies in which Jajo was identified as a cadre of the NSCN and working under the command of one Akhui who is in charge of home (law and order) of the outfit.

He informed that Jajo left Ukhrul town for his village Kangkum on October 27 to make arrangements for the coming Christmas celebration as he has been appointed the program convenor.

"We demand immediate and unconditional release of Honpam Jajo," said Hungyo while warning the party would initiate intense agitation if the

demand is not heeded. In the same vein, president NPF Ukhrul district Wungnaoshang A Shimray reiterated the party’s strong condemnation of the arrest and the wilful framing of unfounded charges against its member.

Stating that the media reports about recovering one Chinese made hand grenade from Jajo's possession were all unfounded, he said that it was nothing but a manoeuvre to frame innocent persons – a skill which the Manipur police commandos are known for.

He also raised serious concerns about the current trend of random frisk-

years, S/O Shangreikan Kapai of Peh (Paoyi) village, Ukhrul District, was picked up from Dewalahland, Imphal “in the same manner without stating the ground for which he was arrested” and a case was

mas songs at Agape Recording Studio at Chingmeirong, Imphal as a tribute to one of their leaders, Late Rev. Wonmi, the release stated and identified the four as Ningkhangam Muivah (37 years) s/o M. Vareishim, Vavein Ruivah (37) s/o Tonsing Ruivah, Ramthan Muivah (35) s/o Rolant Ruivah, Chonreishim Phungshok (33) s/o Lt. Ningam Phungshok.

Insisting that such unwarranted and communal actions and provocation carried out by the Manipur government and its agency will not only widen the gap of the Hills and Valley but also destroy the future of the people, the apex Naga student association in Manipur demanded an immediate stop to “such actions” and that the arrested civilians be released at the earliest “without any condition and delay”.

‘Manipur Commandos arresting innocent civilians on fabricated charges’ registered against him. He was bailed out on the next day but re-arrested on October 28, it added.

It also informed of the arrest of four choir member of Somdal Baptist Church on October 27, at Fairlyland, Imphal. According to the release, the four had been halting there when they were arrested without any reason and charged U/S 400/384/34 IPC which, ANSAM argued, “is highly uncalled for”.

They had come to Imphal to record Christ-

Congress spruces up new strategy for North East

NeW DelhI, OctOber 30 (bUSINeSS StaNDarD): Meghalaya and Manipur appear to be the bright spots while Assam and Arunachal Pradesh continue to be difficult terrain in the north-east (N-E) region where the Congress is trying to recast its strategy.

As a counter to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) which is trying to make inroads in the N-E region through the North-east Democratic Alliance (NEDA), the Congress is planning a similar panel with Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma as its convener. Sangma will be a young face to counter BJP's Himanta Biswa Sarma, a former Congressman, who is the convener of NEDA. Congress strategists feel the defeat of the September 15 no-confidence motion against Mukul Sangma brought in by the opposition parties was an indicator that things are under control in the state. A lack of unity among the Opposition went in Sangma's favour.

In Manipur, which will have assembly polls early next year, the Congress has further consolidated its position after four Trinamool Congress lawmakers Thounaojam Shy-

amkumar Singh, Irengbam Ibohalbi Singh, Konthoujam Sarat Singh and Oinam Lukhoi Singh joined the grand old party on September 19, taking its tally to 51 in a house of 60.

BJP has two seats while Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Loktantrik Chetna Party (LJP) have one seat each in the Manipur assembly. Five seats are lying vacant. Congress managers said party veteran Yumkham Erabot joining the BJP was not much of a concern in Manipur which would have assembly polls in 2017.

Taking note of the discontent brewing in Manipur, managers of All India Congress Committee had changed the state unit chief in March this year by replacing Gaikhangam Gangmei with T N Haokip. The move came after Congress chief Sonia Gandhi summoned Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam to Delhi.

The worry for the Congress was that as many as 25 lawmakers in the state wanted changes in the party.

While Meghalaya and Manipur provide some succour to the AICC managers, there seems to be little hope in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

Trader shot dead in Manipur border town

Imphal, OctOber 30 (IaNS): A 41-yearold trader was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Manipur's border town of Moreh, the state police said. "At 7.32 p.m. on Saturday evening, Dhamendra Mabik and his wife Chanda were preparing dinner in their house adjacent to his electronics shop when the assailants barged in and fired shots at close range. The husband was hit in the head and chest while the wife was hit in the upper chest. We are exploring possible extortion bid from militants," the police said in a statement. Chanda, who was 24 weeks pregnant, is battling for her life in a hospital in Imphal.

Intelligence sources told IANS on Sunday that there was a possibility of business rivalry.

To protest the gun attack, the Chamber of Commerce of Moreh shut down all shops and business establishments at the town on the border with Myanmar.

Tourists and traders were stranded since they could not go on shopping at Namphalong across the international border.

Ukhrul NPF demands unconditional release of member from Police custody UkhrUl, OctOber 30 (aGeNcIeS): The Naga People's Front (NPF) 43-Phungyar AC has demanded the immediate release of Honpam Jajo of Kangkum village who has been arrested by Manipur police commandos.

Addressingapressconference at its office in Viewland on Sunday evening, General Secretary NPF 43-Phungyar AC Khayao Hungyo stated that Jajo was an innocent and active worker of the Naga political party. He alleged that the state police foisted baseless charges on him.

Clarifying that Jajo is a secretary of the NPF 43Phungyar unit and that he

pur and a submitted memorandum lodging a strong objection to the state government’s plans.

“The State Govt. indulgence of communal politics by instigating one group against another is the root cause of social unrest and trust deficit among the people of various communities of the State,” the ZYF maintained and urged the state government “to stop such anti people policy for the sake of peace”.

The Zeliangrong Youth Front further warned that state government would be solely responsible for “any negative consequences” resulting from the episode.

Meanwhile, the ZYF has informed that the endorsement of the Zeliangrong people on the decision of the United Naga Council (UNC). In this regard, it directed all the members of the Front to enforce the bandh in total.

tahamzam, OctOber 30 (mexN): The All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) today charged the Manipur Police Commando of conducting random raids and arresting innocent civilians on fabricated charges.

A press release from the association’s Publicity Wing vehemently condemned the conduct of the Manipur Commando.

“We are not surprised by their acts of violence and blatant abuse of human rights but we strongly condemn the continued oppression of the indigenous people/tribals of Manipur in different forms,” ANSAM stated. “We see the recent arrest as another assault and attack on the Naga people,” it added.

Highlighting the arrests, ANSAM informed that on October 26, one Phaningkhui Kapai, aged about 43

ing and arrest of innocent tribal people by the brute state police commandos in Imphal valley. Unless the Congress led government immediately rectify the sorry state of affairs, this could have severe ramifications on the hill-valley relationship, cautioned Shimray.

The state government has a knack of unleashing a reign of terror and violating human rights in the state, he said adding that this wilful victimization of the tribal people, especially Ukhrul denizens in the aftermath of October 24 violence, is a clear case of bypassing laws of the land by the state government itself.

The recent move of Assam Congress Chief Ripun Bora to figure out why the party lost the state to the BJP after ruling for three terms appears to be a cosmetic exercise.

For instance, the written responses submitted by the district-level units seem more like a cut-and-paste job with similar set of reasons given for different constituencies than genuine feedback.

At least, the party workers are engaged in some activity.

They have a platform to vent their grievances. This prevents them from turning to other parties, is how a senior AICC functionary tried to downplay the development.

The Congress could win just 26 of the total 126 seats in the assembly polls while the BJP emerged victorious with 60. Asom Gana Parishad got 14, Bodoland People's Front, 12, and All India United Democratic Front, 13, with one independent.

In Arunachal Pradesh, which shares border with China, the Congress managers were just waiting for the jolt that the party suffered when it lost an entire government.

Chief minister Pema Khandu stunned the Congress when he decided to join the People's Party of

Arunachal Pradesh, an outfit supported by the BJP, along with 41 other lawmakers.

The AICC had cried hoarse, terming it as murder of democracy, but, said the sources, this was on the expected lines. According to the sources, when the Supreme Court restored the Nabam Tuki government in August, dismissing chief minister Kalikho Pull, the dissenting lawmakers chose to remain with the Congress only to escape the anti-defection law.

The Congress managers thought they had quelled dissent when they replaced Tuki with Khandu as the new chief minister at the eleventh hour.

On the day, the SC order came, 30 of our MLAs were with BJP chief Amit Shah; their ditching us was a foregone conclusion, said a senior Congress leader.

AICC in charge of northeast C P Joshi blamed the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)/BJP of trying to push their Hindutva ideology in Arunachal where majority people are Christians.

In Mizoram, CM Lal Thanhawla is trying hard to contain Mizo National Front chief Zoramthanga who has moved closer to the BJP's NEDA.

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND

DIRECTORATE OF HEALTH & WELFARE NAGALAND: DIMAPUR

DATE: DIMAPUR, the 29th October, 2016

Sub: ENROLMENT UNDER RSBY SCHEME IN DIMAPUR (NIULAND BLOCK) The Health Department Hereby notifies the Enrollment Plan Layout under RSBY Scheme for BPL and MGNREGA Job Card holders in Dimapur District with effect from 01.11.2016. It is mention that Enrollment Team cannot visit a particular village for more than once. ALL the village, compound and Headquarter Authorities are therefore requested to organize for Enrolment of all families enlisted in BPL and MGNREGA Job Card holders and be positively present on the day scheduled for your village/compound/ Headquarter etc.

Date Names of Villages to be covered 01.11.2016 Shouba New, Ghokuto, Toshiho, Khehoyi, S.Hetoyi S Hetoi 02.11.2016 Nikhekhu, Hozukhe, Nikiqhe, Sukhato 03.11.2016 Nihokhu, Shiwoto, Nitozu/ Nitazu, Shokhevi Shoqhevi, Luhezhe 04.11.2016 Ngamtalam Ngamjalam, Aoyimjen / Aoyimchen, L. Vihoto, Hevuxu, Ahoto, Khehuto, Zhexuche, Kiyezu A 05.11.2016 Homeland, PadalaYehiko, Yehokhu, Kiyezu B, Ghoshito, Haqhizhe Hakhizhe, Hevikhe 07.11.2016 Yeveto, K Hetoi, Neuland, Viyito,Kuhoxu, Hovishe, Ghotovi, Hovukhu, Zuheshe 08.11.2016 Henito, Hezheto, Hezulho, AGHUNAQA, Hukhai, Nguvihe, Nizheto, Kikheyi 09.11.2016 Husto, Hozheto, Tohoi, Nikihe, Qhuhoi, Pihekhu 10.11.2016 P. Vihoto, Mughavi, Tokishe, Zhekishe Zekhishe, Zutoi 11.11.2016 Izhevi, R Hovishe, Tohokhu, Yetoho, Xukhuvi, Luhevi, Vikheto Viqheto 12.11.2016 Khutovi, Move up

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business

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

SBI to replace 6.29L debit cards

PUNE, OctObEr 30 (tNN): Over 6 lakh customers of State Bank of India (SBI) will get fresh debit cards soon as the bank moved swiftly to contain the damage caused by a recent malware-related security breach.

It has been dubbed as the biggest card replacement exercise in the history of Indian banking.

Over 6.29 lakh cards have been dispatched already.

“A total of 95.5% of the total blocked cards were dispatched by October 26. For the rest, we are trying to get their addresses and contact details because they failed to update their info with the respective branch,” Manju Agarwal, deputy Managing Director, Corporate Strategy & New Business,

SBI, told TOI. “Such customers can also approach the branch to get their details updated and get a new card,” he added.

The TOI had reported on October 19 that the SBI had blocked over 6 lakh cards following a malwarerelated security breach in a non-SBI ATM network. It subsequently came to light that as many as 32 lakh cards from 19 different banks have been hit by the breach. Not all banks, however, blocked their customers’ cards, but instead sent out messages to change the four-digit ATM PIN immediately.

Even the SBI did not block its customers’ cards immediately, as it first first tried to contain the problem. However, when it found that not many cus-

Insurers' premium income grows 86.18 per cent in September

FiRe StatiOnS

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bEijiNg, OctObEr 29 (iANS): There are many reasons why investing in India could boost the Chinese capital’s clout in the Indian economy, a Chinese specialist says.

Investing in India is an inevitable choice of capital, which essentially pursues profits, said Ge Cheng, Assistant Research Fellow at the National Institute of International Strategy of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

“The accelerated flows of foreign direct investment (FDI) into India do not seek to make contributions to India, but instead are allured by the promising

NEw DElhi, OctObEr 30 (iANS): With online portals offering a lot of deals on luxury products, there are chances that they may not be real.

Smita Jain, Authentication Expert at Envoged.com (an online website for preowned luxury brands), lists certain pointers to check the authenticity. * Quality: Authentic brands do not compromise on the quality of the material for their merchandise.

Cheaper alternatives like synthetic materials and sloppy workmanship are signs of a fake substitute. Its always best to be familiar with the material used in the product. For example, Michael Kors bags are rigid and sturdy and will stand stiff and retain their shape comfortably, while the

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profit prospects enabled by the economy’s growth and an array of favourable policies,” Ge wrote in the Global Times.

“Based on realistic thoughts, India is simply striving to improve its investment environment and revise rules and regulations.”

Ge pointed out how the Narendra Modi government had updated FDI rules, raising the foreign investment cap to 49 per cent from 26 per cent, except in stateowned banks and listed companies.

The threshold limit for automatic approval has also been loosened to 500 billion rupees ($7.4 billion) from 300 billion

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still not chip-compliant. The RBI has mandated to make all ATMs chip-compliant by September 30, 2017. So our cards are future ready,” said Agarwal.

Customers will also have a choice to use their cards selectively at ATMs, at international locations or at e-commerce sites. They can control/restrict or manage the usage of their cards via internet banking, SBI Quick kiosks or by sending SMS to a predefined number, said Agarwal.

About the lessons learnt from the crisis, Agarwal said the bank has realised that it has to do more in educating its customers.

He said the banks can pool funds and create public awareness through a common campaign.

ViENNA, OctObEr 30 (rEUtErS): Non-OPEC producers made no specific commitment on Saturday to join the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries in limiting oil output levels to prop up prices - a stance that suggested they wanted OPEC to solve its differences first.

Officials and experts from OPEC countries and non-OPEC nations including Azerbaijan, Brazil, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Oman and Russia met for consultations in Vienna on Saturday and only agreed to meet again in November before a scheduled regular OPEC meeting on Nov. 30, they said in a statement.

A day earlier, OPEC

rupees, he said.

“If India can continue its current growth momentum, quicken (or at least maintain) its current pace of reform, the Chinese capital that has entered the Indian market is likely to reap fat gains in the future, which is a de facto win-win for all parties,” he added.

Ge added: “China doesn’t have the capability to limit India’s manufacturing development.

“What China is capable of is preventing Chinese investment from capitalizing on India’s admired growth outlook, indisputably an unwise choice.”

How to check authenticity of pre-owned luxury product

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a new one, but instead got the replacement request generated on the backend. The bank also made the process of generating a PIN easy. “The customer has to send an SMS with account number or card number to a predefined number. The customer gets a temporary password, which can be used once.

After the first transaction, the customer is required to change it. They can also use internet banking or go to the branch,” Agarwal said.

Earlier, the bank would request its customers to go to the branch for the purpose.

All the new SBI debit cards are chip-based and come with enhanced security features. “The cards have a magnetic strip too as most ATMs across the country are

Investing in India good for Chinese capital: Report

KOlKAtA, OctObEr 30 (iANS): Non-life insurance companies posted an 86.18 percent jump in their gross direct premium income underwritten (gross premium income) at Rs 14,950 crore in September as against Rs 8,029.62 crore in the same month last year due to higher sales in crop insurance, motor and health insurance products.

According to data compiled by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA), private sector general insurers' gross direct premium income underwritten in September stood at Rs 5,322.97 crore, up by 62.74 percent from Rs 3,270.77 crore in September last year.

The same for public general insurers in the last month was at Rs 5,626.69 crore, registering a 51.67 percent growth, from Rs 3,709.78 crore.

Standalone private health insurers' gross direct premium income underwritten was at Rs 462.93 crore in September from Rs 312.42 crore in the year-ago month.

"Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana scheme combined with higher demand for motor and health insurance have contributed to the surge in gross premium income of general insurance companies in the last month. Usually, health insurance grows by around 30 percent. Higher sales of motors insurance products and crop insurance fuelled such growth," General Insurance Council's Secretary General R. Chandrasekaran told IANS. A total of 29 non-life insurers reported a 28.33 percent increase in their gross direct premium income underwritten to Rs 60,270.98 crore in the first six months (April-September) of the current fiscal, as compared to Rs 46,965.84 crore in the corresponding period last year.

Public general insurers have 54.54 percent market share while private players capture 45.46 percent upto September, IRDA data added.

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tomers changed their PINs in response to the SMSs sent, the bank decided to block these cards (read: How did the crisis unfold).

Customers who approached their respective bank branch in mid-October were told that it will take a fortnight to a month to get their cards replaced, adding to the account holders’ frustration. The customers, however, are delighted to get the cards sooner than expected.

Nidhi, a teacher from Delhi, had earlier told TOI that she was caught unawares by the card-blocking exercise. “I had applied for a new debit card on October 19 and I got it yesterday.” Agarwal said the bank did not wait for its customers to apply for

Non-OPEC yet to pledge concrete oil output steps after meeting OPEC

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was a “positive development” towards reaching a global output limiting deal on Nov. 30.

Oil is trading closer to $50 a barrel, less than half its price of mid-2014, weighed down by persistent oversupply and squeezing the incomes of exporting nations.

Last month, OPEC agreed at a meeting in Algeria very modest production cuts, its first since 2008, in an effort to help prop up prices. But the cuts have yet to be finalised.

The meeting of OPEC experts, known as OPEC’s High Committee, does not decide policy but will make recommendations to the next OPEC ministerial meeting on Nov. 30.

15,000 Kerala schools to come under SchoolWiki thirUVANANthAPUrAm, OctObEr 30 (iANS): The IT@School Project of the Kerala government will introduce a revamped SchoolWiki to foster a culture of collaborative content deployment in 15,000 schools on November 1, the Kerala Formation Day. SchoolWiki, which was first launched in 2009 on the lines of Wikipedia, had gone into oblivion 2 years later without any updates.

“This prompted IT@School to revive the portal with much-needed modifications, amply supported by Wikipedia members. Teachers and students were given specific training for using SchoolWiki and to identify and assign district level admins for data accuracy and modifications,” IT@School Project Executive Director K. Anvar Sadath said.

The revamped portal, www.schoolwiki.in, is in Malayalam and features content collection jointly undertaken by the students, teachers, alumni, and public.

The schools would be able to key-in and update their basic details such as infrastructure data, renowned alumni, school websites, school map, blogs, various clubs and forums, class magazines, supporting images and videos.

SchoolWiki has been prepared using Wikimedia Foundation’s MediaWiki software and has been designed in such a way that schools can register into the portal using their school codes and upload their contents.

“Awards would be given to those schools that make use of and maintain SchoolWiki in the most effective manner,” said State Education Minister C. Raveendranath.

P.o Box – 250. naga United Village (4th Mile), dimapur Ph: 03862-242728

ReCRUitMent

Inviting applications for: Assistant Professor, Sociology.

Educational: M.A, NET/Ph.D (as per UGC norms) Applications with resumè can be emailed to c.edge.college@gmail.com Last date: 8th nov 2016.

Principal

std code: 0369

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

Hotel Metsüpen (tourist Lodge) 2226373/ 2229343

CURRenCY nOteS

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

BUY (rs) 65.37 79.73 8.16 49.75 46.86 48.75 62.28 71.19 1.8 0.0554 17.22 9.32

seLL (rs) 68.35 83.64 9.09 52.22 49.18 51.16 65.80 74.66 2.01 0.0617 19.19 10.39

leisure

Contact numbers

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

brand has a certain typeface and style of writing it and most of them do not list details on the product accessories either.

Example, if an LV dustbag has anything more written on it except for “Louis Vuitton” or the monogram “LV”, it is bogus. In case of MK, the two letters are very close together and the engraving is neat and clear. * Weight: Counterfeit products are normally lighter than original to ensure affordability.

Products that are true to the original, have some weight to them and feel strong and substantial. For example, a Gucci belt or a Rolex watch not only bear a solid touch, but are made of solid metal that are engraved with a high quality finish.

members themselves were unable to agreed on how to implement a global deal to limit output after hours of talks amid objections by Iran which has been reluctant to even freeze its output levels, sources said.

“We have to agree on the real numbers,” nonOPEC Kazakhstan’s viceminister of energy, Magsum Mirzagaliev, told reporters after seven hours of talks on Saturday.

“It is important that we meet once again with detailed numbers. We agreed that we have to meet in 3-4 weeks with numbers, because every country has his own opinion,” he said.

OPEC and non-OPEC said in a joint statement the meeting on Saturday

CROSSWORD # 3759

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 # 3744

Answer Number # 3743

ACROSS 1. Cummerbund 5. Appearance 10. Petty quarrel 14. Ancient Peruvian 15. To deceive or cheat 16. Roman emperor 17. The audience of a newspaper 19. Mining finds 20. L 21. Quotes 22. Exploded stars 23. Sewing tools 25. Take by force 27. Long-haired wild ox 28. Designs 31. Sacred song 34. Therefore 35. 2,000 pounds 36. Nile bird 37. A tough, durable wood 38. Gambling game 39. Russian fighter 40. Creepy 41. Moisten 42. Gossamer 44. Neither ___ 45. Russian emperors 46. Oversupply 50. Consecrate 52. Foam 54. Citrus drink 55. Alley 56. Famous 58. Portent 59. Wear away 60. Deceased 61. Walk in water 62. Fruity-smelling compound 63. Unique DOWN 1. Femme fatale 2. Anoint (archaic) 3. Climb 4. Possessed 5. Utter a shrill cry

6. Legions 7. Dull pain 8. Power 9. Clairvoyant’s gift 10. Short sleep 11. Depraved 12. Region 13. Throw 18. Panache 22. Anagram of “Tine” 24. Colors 26. Carve in stone 28. Risk 29. Not a single one 30. Winter precipitation 31. Marcel Marceau was one 32. Death notice 33. Restricted 34. Harriers 37. Lascivious look 38. Notch 40. Historical periods 41. Driller 43. Ancient ascetic 44. Digit 46. Soft leather 47. Consumed 48. Something to shoot for 49. Woman’s undergarment 50. Hard punch 51. Tibetan monk 53. Conspiracy 56. C 57. Fuss Answer to Crossword 3758

Monday 31•10•2016

NAGALAND

ku calls for investment and Allocate remaining NSEE development in Longwa itC seats immediately: ENCSU

DimaPur, october 30 (mexN): The Konyak Union (KU) today said that Longwa village in Mon along the border with Myanmar, which has been declared as an International Trade Centre (ITC), has seen no investment or development.

The KU said this in a statement, while also appreciating Nagaland MP, Neiphiu Rio and Nagaland Governor, PB Acharya for adopting Longwa village as MP model village under the Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY).

The KU in-tune with the Governor’s recent statement, questioned the state government as to why the proposed ITC project at Longwa has been left unattended “with just a glimpse of a torn tin roof.” The KU therefore appealed to the Nagaland State Government to immediately execute the project, in tune with the Act East Policy without delay.

“Today, the adoption of Longwa village as Adarsh Gram or a model village has been considered as a rightful initiative in promoting cultural ties and tourism in the region. Longwa village is also unique amongst all other Indian villages, and needs special attention and investment from both the state and the central government,” it stated.

The KU emphasized that the proposed ITC project can be materialized only through efficient investment. “Such venture would clearly mark its concept upon the Look/ Act East Policy of the central government,” it added.

While contemplating the objective of the SAGY that aims to ensure “holistic development” of identified villages in all aspects – personal, human, social, economy and environmental development as well as provision of basic amenities and services, so-

cial security and good governance, the KU suggested that in accordance to the contours of the scheme, all schools in Longwa should be felicitated with Smart Schools, Pucca Houses for the homeless, universal access to basic health facilities, universal PDS for eligible families, e-governance, etc. Such noble investments/initiatives, it said, would “definitely foster in bridging up a great divide that exist in our society today.”

It meanwhile acknowledged that “one major factor which needs to be applauded is that the scheme lays emphasis on personal development by inculcating hygienic behavior, physical exercise, reducing risk behavior including alcoholism, smoking and substance abuse.”

It expressed support to the Nagaland MP’s initiative “in cradling up his dream project in a small corner of a Konyak soil.”

NU Lumami students clean campus

DimaPur, october 30 (mexN): The Eastern Nagaland College Students' Union (ENCSU) has demanded that the Nagaland State Government allocate the remaining seats immediately with regard to the NSEE exams 2016. It stood firm on the ultimatum submitted on July 26, 2016 and another ultimatum submitted to Chief Minister on October 29, 2016 demanding for 4 MBBS seats to 6 “backward tribes” of eastern Nagaland.

“If the government can give two/ three seats then there's no problem in giving 4 seats. If there's a will power with the Government then there's always a

way to solve out the issue,” a press note from the ENCSU said, while urging the state government to work sincerely for the welfare of the “deprived people.”

“Even after the lapse of 96 days, the government want to compromise the issue with two seats which the union can't accept until there are some conditions to safeguard the two still missing seats,” it added.

The ENCSU questioned the state government “if other tribes can benefit double out of our cry then why not the 6 ‘backward tribes’ of Eastern Nagaland? The manipulative game playing by some people and trying to

disintegrate the unity among the Eastern Nagas should be avoided before the thing becomes unhealthy,” it added.

The union also demanded that those students even after allocating the seats should be admitted safely by the government and the department concerned and “should avoid any confusion that will hinder in the career of the students.”

If the government fails to address the issue and deliver justice by allocating remaining seats at the earliest, the union will be compelled to revoke its temporarily suspended agitation in consultation with the ENSF, it warned.

Global IDD Prevention Day observed ZuNheboto, october 30 (mexN): District Health Society, Zunheboto observed Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) Prevention Day at Nito Theological College, Zunheboto on October 27.

Dr. G. Hokishe Sema, Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Zunheboto, who was the resource person, highlighted the importance of iodised salt. He pointed out that iodine is essential for the normal growth, development and functioning

of both the brain and body.

A pregnant woman who is deficient in iodine is likely to produce an abnormal child, he added, according to a press release from Shekho Sophie, District Media Officer, CMO office, Zunheboto.

Dr. Hokishe also emphasised that shopkeepers should stock and sell only iodised salt, while stating that sale of non iodised salt is banned under the provision of PFA Act 1954. He also shared about the responsibilities of every citizen to

purchase and consume iodised salt only. He noted that Iodine Deficiency Disorders occur in almost all the states and Union Territories of India. The CMO also demonstrated how to test iodine content in salt.

Free IEC materials were distributed during the programme, which was attended by Nito Theological College (NTC) staffs, students and medical fraternity. Niholi Shohe, Academic Dean, NTC chaired the programme.

Women farmers learn use of modern and scientific technologies in livestock farming

Students of Nagaland University, Lumami Campus during the mass social work organised on October 21.

Lumami, october 30 (mexN): The Nagaland University Students’ Union, Lumami Campus NUSU (L) conducted mass social work in the campus on October 21. The students of Political Science, Economics, Chemistry, Geography, Anthropology and Mathematics (Group A) cleaned the area from the Exam Section junction up to the security main gate. Sociology, Botany, Zoology, Physics, Mass Communication, Environmental Science

and Forest Science (Group B) cleaned from the university main gate (Zero point) down towards the security main gate.

In view of keeping the university campus clean and green, the students through the initiative of Green Guard Club (L) also planted hundreds of trees alongside NH 2 (within university campus) and also inside the university campus. Dustbins were also placed inside the campus and along NH 2 (with-

in university campus). The students also made bamboo benches inside the Nagaland University Foundation Stone Park both for faculty members and students.

A press note informed that the NUSU (L) organizes mass social work each semester in and around the university campus for clean, green and hygienic environment. The next mass social work is scheduled to be conducted next semester.

Pfutsero, october 30 (mexN): An exposure tour of Phek district SHG women farmers was organized jointly by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, ICAR-NRC on Mithun, Porba, Phek and Centre for Integral Development (CFID), Pfutsero.

20 prospective women farmers from five villages (Pholami, Gidemi, Sakraba, Porba and Pfutsero) of Phek district participated in the tour held from October 24 to 28, informed a press release received here.

Aimed at triggering the use of modern and scientific technologies in livestock farming, the farmers visited the ICAR-NRC on Pig, Guwahati and learned about different breeds of pigs and their scientific housing, feeding, breeding and other management practices.

Dr. Gagan Bhuyan and Dr. Rajib Das, Technical Officers of the institute demonstrated on Artificial Insemination (AI) in pig and its prospects in the piggery enterprise. The farmers visited the state of art pork processing unit of the centre.

Dr. Rajendran Thomas, Scientist (Livestock Products & Technology) explained the farmers on hygienic pork production, value addition and the entrepreneurial opportunities. The farmers also visited the livestock farms under ICAR (RC) NEHR– Barapani, Meghalaya and acquainted themselves of the scientific rearing practices of rabbit, pig, goat, cattle and buffalo.

The farmers also visited the demonstration plots on integrated livestock production and interacted

with the Technical Officers, wherein they learned about various aspects of integrated hill farming and the economic aspects. On their return to Nagaland, the farmers visited ICAR (RC) NEHR–Nagaland centre and observed the various livestock units.

The team was led by Dr Debojyoti Borkotoky, Subject Matter Specialist (Animal Science), KVK-Phek and Maya, Programme Assistant, CFID, a prominent NGO working for the economic and social uplift of women farmers. The linkage programme concluded with a positive note from the participating farmers to practice and disseminate the feasible technologies to enhance productivity and profitability in livestock farming, the release added.

Preparation for AYO Silver Jubilee in progress Morung Express News Kigwema | October 30

The Angami Youth Organisation (AYO), one of the apex bodies of the Angamis, will be celebrating its 25 years from November 4 to 5 at Kigwema village, for which hectic preparations are underway.

During a press conference held at the Kholera, Kigwema on October 30, AYO officials informed that Lok Sabha MP, Neiphiu Rio will grace the celebration as the chief guest, while Dr. Vilhusa Seleyi, president APO will be the guest of honor.

Under the theme ‘Kelhou Kevira’ (the Utopian land or land where life is good), the AYO will commemorate its 25 years on four basis - Economy, Environment, Education and

Ethos - for which preliminary seminars and talks were held in the four regions of the Angami lands.

“It is a celebration with a difference. It will not just be about merrymaking and feasting but we intend to make certain commitments and pledges for a better Naga society,” said Zashekhono Tetso, Secretary, Women Affairs, adding the celebration will also look back at the struggles of the AYO and acknowledge its achievements.

“The celebration is a celebration of our work and also to foster better relationships among our people as well as Nagas. We envision to work together peacefully for the Nagas,” said Gonei-u Sirie, Convenor, Organizing Committee.

Kezhazer Angami, Secretary, Organizing Com-

AYO officials addressing the press conference on October 30 in Kigwema village.

mittee gave a brief history of the formation of AYO which was formed during the turbulent times of Naga society in order to protect the people and the interest of the community. Although AYO’s works and activities are not always in the limelight, Kezhazer noted that the organiza-

tion has mostly done behind the scenes for the betterment of the State capital.

AYO president, Medo Yhokha added that the organization’s response to issues have never been on tribal lines but on the needs of the people and communities residing in the capital, with an aim to maintain peace and

tranquility. The priority call of AYO is to see that Kohima is peaceful, viewed Yhokha, who also acknowledged the support and cooperation of the people in Kohima in each of AYO’s endeavors for 25 years.

During the press conference, Neizokhotuo Belho, Convenor, Souvenir Committee informed all interested persons to contribute poems or articles either in English or Tenyidie to any of the Souvenir Committee members on or before November 15. For further information, the committee can be contacted at 9856038531 or mail to – khotuobelho@gmail.com.

The officials also informed that Kigwema has been chosen for the event keeping in mind that it is one of the oldest Angami villages with many villages

tracing its roots to Kigwema.

The first day of the celebration will witness unveiling of the AYO monolith at Khwemihii, speeches and exhortations by Angami leaders and organizations and performances of Angami traditions. The second day will comprise of competitions of Angami folk songs, dances, games and activities among the four regions.

The celebration is going to be eco-friendly with most of the materials used during the celebration, environment friendly. Pledges will also be taken to address the challenges facing the community and the Naga society. Further, all the Tenyimia organizations will be participating in the celebration.

Around 7000-8000 delegates are expected to attend from all the four Angami regions.

Grief over Hukato NaGa’s deatH DimaPur, october 30 (mexN): More people have expressed shock and grief at the death of businessman Hukato Naga on October 25 at Nottingham, England.

said. “A man of strong faith and a committed Christian with an easy air of success and contentment around him, he will always be remembered in happiness as a prominent trend-setter.” Kenye further wished that God grant KG Kenye: Member of Par- comfort and solace to his near liament (Rajya Sabha), KG Kenye and dear ones in this hour of grief. stated that Hukato dreamt a big Thenucho: Former Home dream and strived hard to become one of the most successful Minister of Nagaland, Thenucho businessmen amongst the Naga Tunyi stated that the passing away society. “Despite all odds under of Hukato is a great loss not only for the given circumstances, it nev- him but the whole Naga people. er deterred his spirit which was Reminiscing his memorable mofull of optimism and confidence ments with Hukato, he portrayed coupled with the pleasant nature the deceased as a man of vision with he was endowed with,” the MP unique ability to excel in whatever

field he chose. “He had a vibrant personality without any air around him. He was a true patriot who worked wholeheartedly for the development of the Nagas. Apart from being a principled businessman par excellence, he was a God-fearing man. He eagerly looked after and supported Christian workers and missionaries,” Thenucho added.

WSH: Western Sumi Hoho (WSH) remembered Hukato as a humble human being and a prominent businessman, who always motivated and inspired the youngsters through his humble life journey. A condolence message from WSH general secretary,

Vikato Achumi further extended reaved family and prayed that the heartfelt condolences to the be- Almighty grant them strength and reaved family and prayed to God solace to overcome the grief. to grant them strength and solace.

DDIEA: Dimapur District InWSKH: Western Sumi Kuka- dustries Entrepreneurs Associami Hoho (WSKH) in a condolence tion (DDIEA) remembered Hukamessage issued by its president, S. to as a generous person, “man of Vihuto Yepthomi described late God, man of prayer, man of deep Hukato as a prominent entrepre- faith.” A condolence message from neur who was a social worker and DDIEA president, Ghotovi ChoGod-fearing. In his demise, Nagas phi and secretary, Kashito Kiba have lost an inspiring entrepre- further stated that Hukato was a neur, who with his determination charitable person who helped the and hard work became one of the needy and the churches around most prominent businessmen and the globe. DDIEA prayed that the entrepreneurs among the Naga grace of God comfort his wife and people, WSKH stated. It also con- children during this hour of sorveyed heartfelt condolences to be- row and pain.

MEx FILE CM extends Chega Gadi, Lamsimngyi greetings Kohima, october 30 (mexN): Chief Minister of Nagaland TR Zeliang has extended warm greetings to the Zeliang community on the occasion of Chega Gadi and Lamsimngyi. “A festival to invoke God’s blessing for a bountiful harvest and good health, it is also a time for merry-making and feasting with loved ones,” Zeliang said of the festival. “We should celebrate our festivals to keep us connected to our roots, our culture, our values and also make them occasions to showcase and exhibit our rich culture and traditions. We are known for our rich culture and traditional dances and one should keep them alive and preserve their uniqueness.” The CM further wished a very happy and meaningful Chega Gadi and Lamsimngyi celebration.

DC Kohima directs to use only LED lights Kohima, october 30 (DiPr): In pursuance of ‘Energy Efficient Nagaland’ initiative and also in anticipation of increased power consumption during the festive season, the Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, Rovilatuo Mor has notified the following regulations for adherence by all: All home lightings that are lighted over night should be LED tubes/bulbs; for all festive decorations only LED lights should be used; all shops, hotels lightings both within and outside should be only LED bulbs/tubes; and all decorative lightings and event/venue lightings at Hornbill Festival venue, Kisama/ IG Stadium/ Night Carnival should be only LED lightings. The Deputy Commissioner further informed all the village councils/ wards/ colonies authority under Kohima district to submit the village/colony requirements of LED bulbs or tube lights and collect the same on payment before November 10. The rate of LED bulb (9W) and LED tube light (18W) are Rs. 70 and Rs. 230 respectively.

ERO KMC informs Kohima, october 30 (DiPr): The Electoral Registration Officer, KMC, Kethosituo Sekhose has informed the general public of Kohima Municipal wards that the State Election Commissioner has notified the schedule of Special Summary Revision of Electoral Roll for Municipal/Town Councils as follows: Draft publication of electoral roll on October 31; Period for lodging claims & objection from November 1-10; Period for disposal of claims and objections from November 11-17; Period for filing appeal to the respective Appellate Authority from November 18-22; Disposal of claims and objection by Appellate Authority from November 23-25; Preparation of list of amendment after the decision of Appellate Authority from November 26-28; and Final publication of E-Roll on November 29. All concerned have been informed to take note of the schedule and lodge claims & objections, if any, on the appropriate dates.

ADC Wokha informs WoKha, october 30 (DiPr): ADC Wokha, Hotolu Swu has informed that in view of the forthcoming Wokha Town Council election, a Special Summary Revision has been announced starting from November 1 to 10. Any claims and objection can be submitted to the ADC/ERO Wokha and to Supervisory Officers. A special campaign in all wards will be carried out in all designated Polling Station starting from November 1.

RPO condemns killing DimaPur, october 30 (mexN): Razeba Public Organization (RPO) has condemned the brutal murder of a woman on the night of October 8 at Tenyiphe-1, Dimapur. The organization has urged the authority concerned to investigate the matter at the earliest and book the accused and punish according to the law of the land. Further, RPO conveyed heartfelt condolence to the bereaved family members and prayed that the departed soul rest in eternal peace.

Sumi Hoho mourns DimaPur, october 30 (mexN): Sumi Hoho has mourned the death of Mangko Phom, former president of Phom People's Council and also former president of Eastern Nagaland People's Organization. A condolence message from Sumi Hoho president, Toniho Yepthomi and general secretary, Vihuto Asumi stated that in Mangko’s death, Nagas have lost a huge figure in the field of social services. “The vacuum left by him is irreplaceable.” It further extended deepest condolences and also solidarity to the bereaved family, Phom and Eastern Naga community.

Meetings & AppointMents 55th Winfest 2016 55th Winfest of Kohima Science College (Autonomous), Jotsoma will take place from November 2 to 7 at the College Auditorium. Dr. Watikala, principal director, health & family welfare will grace the inaugural function as the chief guest. The inaugural function will take place at 9:00 am. Cultural extravaganza will be marked by play on the origin of the Ao, Lotha, Pochury, Angami and Rengma, ethnic show, folk songs, folk dances, indigenous games etc.

TSUD presidential meeting The first Tenyimi Students' Union Dimapur’s (TSUD) presidential meeting for the tenure 2016-18 will be held on November 4, 2:00 pm at Tenyimi Union Dimapur’s (TUD) office. All the constituent unit presidents and seniors have been requested to attend the meeting without fail.

BJP Peren consultative meet President of BJP Peren district has asked all the party members to attend the first consultative general meeting scheduled for November 4, 12:00 noon at Rest House, Jalukie Town.

Kiphire DPDB meet The monthly meeting of Kiphire DPDB will be held on November 5 as usual at 11:00 am. All members have been requested to attend the same without fail.

PAPO general session 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.

6

Monday 31•10•2016

IN FOCUS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

The Power of Truth

The Morung Express volume Xi issue 299 By moa Jamir

C O M M E N T A R Y

Sophie Cousins Foreign Policy

Burma’s Grassroots War on Drugs

Let down in the field by promises unfulfilled Civic activism was supposed to save Burma. But a violent Christian anti-drug squad is showing its dark side

I

n pleasant departure from its regular fare, in October, the sport pages of the dailies in Nagaland were interspersed with local flavors even sidelining other national and international events at times.

For a citizen devoid of such spectacle, it was reflection of how games and sports are valued and followed diligently in the state and the papers were catering to popular demands.

The sense of jubilation, however, soon gives away to utter dejection as one follow the unfolding event meticulously.

The dejection has nothing to do with the quality of the player or events being played. It was rather a sense of shame as well as anger to observe how the participants were subjected to play in such sporting events under trying conditions.

For instance, look at the recently concluded NSF Martyrs’ Trophy or MFTA Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA) tournaments which were held respectively in Kohima and Mokokchung in October.

Following the matches, observers would have noticed the condition of the grounds. On a sunny day, the players competed in dusty trials while they slugged over muddy ground on rainy days.

For those supporting the losing team, it was double whammy.

After watching their team struggling in the trying condition, they have to suffer the heartbreaking losses. Perhaps, consoling themselves with the fact that their favorite players were limping all right after the game.

Almost all the sporting events in the state undergoes similar treatment.

That the state has not been able to provide a decent sports stadium even after five decades of statehood is a gross indictment of the government’s apathy and a grave injustice to all sports lovers in the state.

In our desolation, pointing fingers and faulting those at the helm of affairs is not only justified but imperative.

They were, however,found not wanting in their promises, but were acutely deficient in their execution.

Most recently, Parliamentary Secretary for Youth Resources & Sports, State Lotteries and Music Task Force claimed that “the state government is giving extra emphasis to the development of sports infrastructure in the state.”

Among others, new facilities such as synthetic running track, Astro turf football ground and floodlight will soon be added to the Indira Gandhi Stadium (IGS) Kohima, he said adding the state government will give “basic and quality sports infrastructure to all the 11 districts at the earliest.”

What the Parliamentary Secretary, however, forgot was that, the construction for synthetic running track and polevault/triple jump pits in IGS was sanctioned as early as 2011, and the Department of Youth Resources & Sports (DYRS) has reported its completion in April 2014 by utilizing Rs. 4.62 crores.

It is a different case that, a joint inspection by Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) in May 2015 observed caustically that the DYRS released the amount to the contractors even though the work was incomplete and the quality of surfacing was sub-standard.

Other projects in the state for sports are being suffocated under similar circumstances. Among other projects, the CAG found out that the Multi-disciplinary Sports Complex, Dimapur was not functional despite an expenditure of 58 crores and the Sovima Cricket Stadium failed to meet even national standard despite spending 45.43 crores.

Ironically, the DYRS took up the Dimapur Stadium project in 2005 purportedly with the glorious intention to promote world class sports talent and promised among other things - a main athletic stadium with football ground and a 400 metre track; landscaped central island; archery; swimming pool; air conditioned indoor stadium; and most amazingly a helipad.

It still remains a glorious illusion besides burning 58 crores so far without any concrete progress in reality. A complete reading of the CAG report on DYRS resembles a dummy guide to ‘How not to complete a project and get away with it.'

As rightly observed by an ESPN article on the first Naga Olympian, Dr. T. Ao, “There is no statue of the man in his state... No postage stamp, no physical reminder of his life.

Not much of a legacy either, barring archer Chekrovolu Swuro, who in 2012 became the second athlete from Nagaland to compete at an Olympic Games. Only the rumbling echo of a name that continues to linger.”

Forget about legacy, Nagas do not even possess a decent ground to proclaim proudly as their own.

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

lEfT wiNg |

I

Kohl Gill

RIP child labour

t is a great time for the average industrial worker. For the first time, mobile technology is systematically revealing child labour in the factories that make our products. Deniability is no longer plausible because there’s publicly consumable data about issues in supply chains. Laws on the books that ban imports of goods made using child labour have existed for a while, but now they can be invoked. Worker reports on factory conditions can now be on the same level as credit reports—used as decision making tools for global business.

I know firsthand how important this is for workers. Growing up in an immigrant family in rural Mississippi, my mother worked in a local shirt factory before those jobs were outsourced to low-wage countries. Later, while working at the U.S. State Department, I was sent on a trade and labour rights delegation to South Asia in 2008. Back home, crowd-based rating tools such as Yelp were gaining popularity. At the same time, an entire generation of workers was connecting with each other via that magical device—the mobile phone. That led to the questions: can worker-sourced “dark data” be collected? More importantly, can it be collected in a way that benefits workers and protects them from retribution?

The key to making this approach work, as I would eventually learn, is creating value across the board. Multinational supplychain managers can use the data to select the best suppliers. Factories can use it as a way to attract brands and workers. Changing the conversation from “here are the problems”, to “here is the value”, is what determines if and how this data is used. And that’s how we get to true worker freedom: giving them the ability to navigate the labour market and vote with their feet.

A few weeks ago, I visited Bangladesh as we began publicly releasing worker-reported statistics on child labour. Interestingly, industry associations and the International Labor Organization had affirmed that the sector was free of child labour the same week that we released our data. Industry associations and corporations were very surprised that so-called “sterling” and “award-winning” factories had reports of child labour. Factory management, in general, was eager to help ensure the accuracy of data—get more workers to give feedback, so that the data isn’t skewed by a few workers.

As more and more workers gain the confidence to report on factory conditions and breaches of laws, the unprecedented volume of data is what makes it compelling in a way that has never been possible before. Detecting child labour isn’t only about anecdotes anymore; we can tap into a living, breathing workforce who can not only alert us to issues, but also confirm that corrective action is indeed working. Sweeping child labour - and other worker issues - under the rug is no longer an option when we have data tools to fight them with.

P

erched on the west bank of the picturesque Irrawaddy River, Myitkyina looks like a typical northern Burmese town of churches and timber houses. It’s a dusty, non-descript place, flooded with Chinese goods and full of locals eager to practice their English.

But the town’s idyllic exterior belies a stark reality: Myitkyina is fighting a heroin epidemic that has spiraled out of control. “This has become a race against time,” says Aung Gun, the local head of Pat Jasan, an anti-drug squad based here in Kachin, Burma’s northernmost state. “Drug use has become a kind of genocide.”

The local Kachin people — a mostly Christian ethnic group in a Buddhistmajority country — have long struggled against the Burmese government for the right to self-rule. After nearly 20 years of uneasy peace, a ceasefire between the rebels and the Burmese army collapsed in 2011. The resulting fighting displaced an estimated 100,000 people. But locals say that heroin now claims more lives than the renewed fighting.

After Afghanistan, Burma is the largest opium producer in the world.

Here in Kachin, the easy availability of cheap, strong heroin has fueled addiction, particularly among underemployed young people. Evidence of the epidemic is everywhere — from used needles along the train tracks to signs in restaurants warning against drug use.

Dr. Tun Tun, the local coordinator for the Substance Abuse Research Association — one of very few local NGOs that run harm reduction programs — told me that kids as young as 12 are injecting heroin. And at just 60 U.S. cents for one hit, their habits are hardly going to break the budget. “Every family here has one drug user,” he said.

“It affects everyone.” United Nations statistics appear to bear this out. In its Southeast Asia Opium Survey in 2014, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) found that opium use had more than doubled and the use of heroin and methamphetamines had more than tripled in poppy-growing areas of northern Burma since 2012.

Fed up with waiting for the government to do something about the epidemic, and witnessing the devastation it wreaks (from skyrocketing rates of HIV and hepatitis C to deaths from overdoses), some locals have banded together to launch their own “war on drugs.” Formed in April 2014, Pat Jasan is a hardline Christian anti-drug squad that claims tens of thousands of members. The group’s vigilantes, dressed in military-style uniforms and armed with batons, have detained thousands of drug users, forcibly removing them from their homes and putting them into Christian rehabilitation centers run by churches or other groups.

“This team wasn’t formed by one person,” Gun, the group’s local head, told me. “It’s from the grassroots level.

In the photo, a drug user injects heroin on the banks of the Irrawaddy River in Myitkyina, capital of Kachin State, Burma.

We all agreed to fight against drugs and are willing to make a better community. The objective of arresting people is to save them from drug abuse and help them recover.”

Many locals agree with Pat Jasan’s harsh approach to “rehabilitation.”

But another tactic the group employs — the wholesale destruction of poppy fields — is far more controversial. It has even led to armed conflict. Earlier this year, at the height of the harvest season, Pat Jasan vigilantes destroyed thousands of hectares of fields, leading to armed confrontations with local militias and Burmese security forces.

Despite the violence, Gun maintains that destroying the fields is the way to curb local drug abuse and to decrease sales to neighboring China, Japan and even as far field as Australia. “There is no rule of law. If farmers keep growing poppies, we will punish them,” Gun said, unfazed by the impact it would have on their livelihoods.

“Burma is very poor and there’s a lot of income in drugs, so of course everyone wants to earn big money — from the [government] cronies to the authorities and Chinese businessmen,” he said, adding that the military was complicit in the drug trade.

In 1999, Burma launched a 15year plan to stamp out poppy cultivation, but the deadline has since been extended to 2019. Whether the country’s new government — its first ever to be freely elected — will meet this goal remains to be seen. So far, the party of Burma’s world-famous leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, has shown wary support for Pat Jasan’s activities, even voting for an emergency bill that would provide protection to the vigilantes, though it does not specify how. Similarly, the government’s new drug policy, supposedly under development, remains unclear. In any event, since the stillpowerful military and its allies have been implicated in the drug trade, the success of any government policy on this front will be open to question.

Given the government’s inaction, it’s understandable why Burma’s civil society — which had been brutally suppressed for decades — is eager to help solve the problem. But Pat Jasan is a stark reminder that viewing any “civil society” activity as necessarily positive paints too simple a picture.

According to most drug experts, publicly shaming and beating drug users and forcing them into rehabilitation centers — not to mention destroying farmers’ livelihoods — is counterproductive. Instead, they say the solution must include providing farmers with a realistic alternative way to make an income and ending the ethnic conflict.

“UNODC does not believe that drug eradication is the right approach,” said Troels Vester, the agency’s country manager for Burma. “There is a very close relationship between peace and illicit narcotics in Burma. On the one hand, conflict fuels illicit drugs, and on the other hand, illicit drugs fuels conflict. We do not believe it is possible to have major progress on one area without progress on the other.”

Most of the poppy crop in northern Burma is cultivated by impoverished ethnic groups that have no other way to make a living. For such communities, the opium is a lifeline — it helps them put food on the table and meet other basic needs like access to health care and education.

That’s why UNODC is working with the government in neighboring Shan state — also a huge opium-producing area — to provide farmers with an alternative source of income: coffee. According to Vester, more than 600 hectares of poppy fields have already been replaced with coffee, and he that figure to more than double by end of 2018.

For those who can’t manage the switch, the alternative is grim. Green rice paddy fields line a path out of Myitkyina that leads to a large concrete building called the Rebirth Rehab Center, run by a local Baptist church. The building is clean, and on the inside its

walls are decorated with crosses and Bible verses. Initially, there’s little sign that it’s anything other than a well-run rehabilitation center — other than the fact that it’s walled off by high fences and barbed wire.

But behind the building is an ugly sight. A dark red timber hut is crowded with skinny men with blood-shot eyes.

They’re locked in. One man is particularly conspicuous: His legs are chained to the floor as punishment for bad behavior, probably smoking. (Saw Aung, the center’s deputy director, told me this is a frequent punishment.)

Some have been locked inside the damp, mosquito-infested hut for days and even weeks — it’s where the staff put addicts during their withdrawal period. The men relieve themselves in the corner. “I’ve been here for three days and I can’t sleep,” said one man who didn’t want to be named. He has been using heroin for a year. “I’m fed up using drugs,” he said. “I want to be clean.”

The staff of the rehab center determine when the men are allowed to leave the “detox room” and move into dormitories, where their days are spent studying the Bible, cleaning, and learning life skills. They’re not allowed to leave until staff members say so.

In desperation, some have dug holes under the surrounding fence and escaped. Unsurprisingly, drug experts express opposition to such forced “rehabilitation” methods, which, they say, provide no access to effective treatment services and show profound disrespect for human dignity.

But back in town, in the local tea shop, Gun is unconcerned about how his organization treats its drug-addicted prisoners. For him, its methods are worth it if they prevent overdoses. It’s a cause to which he’s willing to give his life. “This is more than a full-time job,” he said. “I think about it everywhere I go,” he said. “It’s better for me to die than the thousands of people who die [of heroin] every year.”

How to Save Thousands of Children’s Lives W IKEA Foundation

hen disasters strike, children are among the most vulnerable, and humanitarian aid agencies need to be able to respond immediately to save their lives.

In order to help save thousands of children’s lives during catastrophic disasters, the IKEA Foundation has signed agreements with two of the world’s foremost humanitarian aid organisations.

For this purpose, the Foundation on 17 October signed framework agreements with Save the Children and Médicins Sans Frontières (MSF) that will enable the organisations to access the funding they need right after a disaster strikes.

Protecting children in the deadliest disasters As climate change wreaks bigger and more frequent disasters, Save the Children’s teams are working around the world to help children access their rights to protection, healthcare, education, and child-friendly spaces in which to play.

The IKEA Foundation’s new agreement will give Save the Children access to up to 2 million euro within 72 hours of a category-one disaster—an extraordinary emergency affecting more than one million children and causing widespread destruction.

Save the Children will use the funding to quickly and efficiently help children and their families survive the unthinkable and begin to recover in the months that follow.

“Save the Children is tremendously excited to deepen our relationship with the IKEA Foundation, and even more so, to further our mutual commitment to do whatever it takes to save children’s lives in

emergencies around the world. Quite simply, rapid response save children’s lives,” said Daniele Timarco, Humanitarian Director Save the Children.

“This partnership, allowing for substantial and immediate funding of emergency response, allows us the flexibility to immediately begin our work on the ground, Timarco added.

“I hear repeatedly from seasoned response workers around the world that this is the kind of partnership we need to take humanitarian response to the next level. On behalf of Save the Children, I want to thank the IKEA Foundation for partnering with us and driving innovation in the sector.”

wRiTE-wiNg Providing medical care during “unseen” disasters Around the world, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) gives medical care to thousands of families suffering from disasters that receive little or no international media attention and for which it is difficult to raise support.

Thanks to this new agreement with the IKEA Foundation, MSF will be able to access emergency grants of up to 3 million euro to help children and their families survive these disasters.

“Emergency humanitarian action often happens in places the world seems to have forgotten, in places that are hard to reach for journalists,” explains Bruno Jochum, General Director of Médecins Sans Frontières.

“The IKEA Foundation grants will help our teams provide lifesaving medical care and, in so doing, show the families caught in these crises that we’re

trying to support them in their time of greatest need.”

Save the Children is one of the IKEA Foundation’s longest-running partnerships, and the two organisations have teamed up to help children enjoy their rights in dozens of countries, including during disasters such as typhoons and flooding in the Philippines and the Nepal earthquake in 2015.

The IKEA Foundation and MSF have partnered since 2013 to bring lifesaving medical care to people suffering in conflicts and disasters, including those wounded in Syria. The IKEA Foundation gave its largest single emergency donation ever—5 million euro—to Médecins Sans Frontières to fight the Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa in 2014.

Per Heggenes, CEO of the IKEA Foundation, said: “We’re working toward a world where children living in poverty have more opportunities to create a better future for themselves and their families.

Providing funding in crisis areas and tackling climate change are critical to achieving this goal. That’s why it’s crucial that we give organisations such as Save the Children the resources they need to save children’s lives and help families rebuild in the wake of catastrophes.

“Our agreement with MSF is a unique way of ensuring families trying to survive unseen emergencies can get the medical care they desperately need. We know there are huge gaps in humanitarian funding, and those gaps are more than simply academic; they cost people their lives,” he added.

“With our funding, we hope not only to help MSF save lives but also to create visibility for disasters that receive little or no international media attention and to mobilise other donors to support children who need it the most.”

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.

MonDAY 31•10•2016

PERSPECTIVE

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

7

The Secret Strength of Standing Rock Why investigative

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Michael J. Dax yesmagazine

n a hill overlooking the Sacred Stone Camp, Lakota artist Charles Rencountre has worked from sunup to sundown over the past month. His sculpture “Not Afraid to Look,” the origins of which can be traced back to early 19th century pipestone carvings, watches over the encampments bustling below. From this perch above the confluence of the Cannonball and Missouri rivers, Rencountre has toiled at the 8-foot-tall concrete figure of a man, head held proudly, as surveillance planes and helicopters circle overhead. For Rencountre, the image challenges viewers to move beyond fear and pain and confront injustice together as one, perfectly embodying the spirit of opposition to the construction of the Dakota Access pipeline.

Although he’s taken pride in seeing the different tribes unite despite historical animosities, Rencountre has been especially heartened to see so many non-Natives join the movement. “How often do Natives and non-Natives come together for one cause?” he points out. “They’re coming together and trying to form a community.”

Since the Sacred Stone camp was founded in April to fight the Dakota Access pipeline, which would cross under the Missouri River a few hundred feet upstream of the Standing Rock Sioux reservation, the movement has consistently centered on protecting clean water.

But as the occupation grew over the summer, attracting Native and non-Native supporters from around the world, overflow camps were established, and the scope of the movement expanded, as well. Like many of the water protectors there, Rencountre recognizes that the movement is now about much more than a single pipeline. Supporters have connected with different aspects, such as strengthening tribal sovereignty, fighting eminent domain, exposing the social and environmental impacts of the Bakken oil fields, and moving away from fossil fuels.

Under this larger umbrella encompassing a wide range of issues, the strength of the Standing Rock movement has grown exponentially.

Linda Black Elk has been particularly motivated by a hope that Standing Rock will inspire more people to live sustainably. A member of the Catawba Nation in South Carolina, Black Elk has lived at Standing Rock for most of her life and teaches ethnobotany at Sitting Bull, the tribal community college. For her, opposition to the pipeline began with a deep-seated concern for plant life. “I have personally gathered food and medicine in the path of the pipeline,” she says.

As the camp began growing in August, there has been an influx of herbalists. Many of the water protectors have an interest in reconnecting with this traditional knowledge. Black Elk notes that although Standing Rock and some of the surrounding reservations have strong ties to plant medicine, “for a lot of people in the camps, that information was stolen from them through the boarding school system.” The experience of being at Standing Rock with Native people from around the country has created an opportunity for Black Elk and other herbalists to assume the role of educator.

It’s a responsibility that Black Elk welcomes. She says her understanding of the movement has evolved to focus on “living sustainably off the land and getting back to a way that is beautiful.” Black Elk believes the camps are attempting to realize this vision: She points to the construction of permanent structures like earth lodges, longhouses, and tipis, the use of solar power, the adoption of permaculture techniques, and the installation of large-scale water- filtration systems that will capture chemical pollutants.

Many non-Natives have been drawn to the camps for similar sustainable-living reasons. “I saw people living in this intentional way,” says Alex Briggs, 26, who is originally from upstate New York. “It seemed like a good place to be.”

Thinking more about why so many non-Natives have been attracted to the camp, Victory Lonnquist,

journalism matters

Natives and non-Native water protectors have found room in this movement for their passions, from traditional wisdom to direct action against fossil fuels

S

the lead medic at Sacred Stone, adds: “Non-native culture has a deep desire and hunger for Indigenous wisdom.” Rencountre has also observed in some of the non-Native supporters a desire for “atonement” and readily takes the opportunity to facilitate conversations that will promote better understanding and cooperation between cultures.

Many tribal activists also hope the movement will lead to greater respect for sovereignty.

So far, those efforts have proved fruitful. In response to demands, the Obama administration announced a series of government-to-government meetings that all 567 federally recognized tribes are invited to attend throughout October and November.

The meetings aim to increase meaningful input from tribes regarding infrastructure projects that impact treaty rights and lands. According to administration officials, these meetings also will explore the potential for new legislation to reframe those relationships.

North Dakota’s booming oil industry has inspired other activists to bring greater national and global awareness to its devastating impacts.

Kandi Mossett, a lead organizer for the Indigenous Environmental Network who grew up near New Town, North Dakota, which has been heavily impacted by the oil boom, stresses, “It’s about so much more than a pipeline. It’s about the Bakken itself, and all the fracking, and where the oil is coming from, which is my community.” Mossett, who survived cancer at the age of 20, regretfully admits, “There are so many cancers that it’s just normal for us.”

Although she talks about issues of national policy, such as climate change, subsidies for oil companies, and the need to invest in clean energy like wind and solar, Mossett’s concerns go even beyond the environmental impacts of the state’s oil industry.

“All the social impacts have been devastating,” she says tearfully. Drugs, organized crime, and violence against women have run rampant as a result of the oil boom. “There’s just so much more to this story,” she insists. Up until now, national media have mostly overlooked these reports, perhaps because of North Dakota’s geographical isolation and small population, but she hopes that the gathering at Standing Rock will help shed light on some of the larger problems impacting the state.

LaDonna Brave Bull Allard, who founded Sacred Stone Camp, agrees that the Standing Rock fight has far-reaching implications.

She wants the movement to take on a larger mission. When asked if victory will be declared when the pipeline is permanently halted, Allard holds up her thumb and forefinger no more than a centimeter apart.

“That’s how close we’ll be,” she indicated. “We will not have won until every pipeline is out of the ground.”

For Allard, it all comes back to clean water.

Three university students from Chicago made the 13-hour drive so they could work in the camp for one day before returning to school. “What can we do to continue to help?” one asked. “Protect your water,” responded Allard. She believes it’s the common thread that unites everyone. If she can effectively communicate that message on an international scale and draw attention to all the places that cannot take clean water

for granted, Allard believes that even her most ambitious goals can be achieved.

In this same vein, Carolyn Raffensperger, who owns land close to the pipeline’s path in both Iowa and North Dakota, was drawn to the issue simply out of her concern for the integrity of the land. North Dakota’s native grasslands have become increasingly rare, and Raffensperger’s land is in the “prairie pothole” region that provides essential breeding grounds for waterfowl. “It’s an endangered ecosystem,” she says.

“There’s no money that can restore the native prairie.”

The pipeline has drawn fierce resistance in Iowa, especially along its southern reaches, from farmers who are worried about the health of their land as well as the threat of eminent domain.

Dick and Judy Lamb own land in Boone County, Iowa, and are party to a lawsuit challenging the state’s attempt to seize their land to build the pipeline. “It’s an overreach of government authority to let a private company come in and take the owner’s lands strictly so that a private company can make a profit from it,” says Lamb. He’s also alarmed by industry contributions to Iowa political campaigns, the potential for oil spills, climate change, and fracking.

Because the movement born at Standing Rock has grown beyond stopping the construction of the Dakota Access pipeline, some proponents of the project have tried to use this as evidence of hypocrisy or ideological inconsistency within the movement. They point to the fact that so many non-Natives are involved and that many of the direct action activists who’ve been arrested are from outside North Dakota. But Linda Black Elk sees this as a strength. “I’m not sure why that would be a bad thing for people to come in and be here,” she says. “They’re just mad that people are supporting us.”

Black Elk also pushes back at critics who have disparaged the protesters for their individual use of fossil fuels. “Right now, I really don’t have a choice,” she admits. But for her, that’s what this movement is about.

“I'm determined to give my children a choice.”

No one fully understands why the gathering at Standing Rock has gained so much momentum, while similar movements, like the opposition to the giveaway of sacred Oak Flat in Arizona to a foreign mining company, have not. Everyone is just as pleased as they are surprised.

Meanwhile, demonstrations have expanded far beyond the path of the pipeline. Solidarity marches have turned out sympathizers who wave signs along city streets and occupy branches of Citigroup and TD Securities, banks that are funding construction of the pipeline.

At Standing Rock, new supporters arrive every day from across the country. As they drive the final few yards down the Oceti Sakowin Camp’s long dirt entrance road, which is lined with hundreds of flags representing sovereign nations around Indian Country and the world, they are greeted with open arms.

A short distance away, a nearly completed statute is perched on a bluff, reminding them that now is not the time to look away.

Michael J. Dax is the author of Grizzly West: A Failed Attempt to Reintroduce Grizzly Bears in the Mountain West. He writes about the intersection of environment and culture in the American West from his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

The Morung Express POLL RESULTS Do you agree that elections in nagalanD state has become a spiritual issue?

Some of those who voted YES had this to say • Yes, it has. Selling vote, liquor flowing like river, proxy, booth capturing, violence and killing is neither politics nor economics. Especially selling vote is selling one’s soul hence ‘sin’ of the highest nature. It is the most detestable, demeaning and unscrupulous act both on the part of the candidates and voters.

• Yes. The Bible says so (Deuteronomy 17:14-20; Hosea 8:4) • Yes. Bible explicitly says spirituality not just confines about eating/dressing code but more on morality/ethnical way of life. does naga Christians (voters & candidates) moral code of conduct is acceptable in the sight of human & creator? Nagas need to know spirituality in higher degree thus election in Nagaland is one form of evil/Satan that devalued Jesus's teaching that Christian need to put the armour of God. • It should become a spiritual issue. We keep saying that Nagaland is a Christian state. Everything changes when it is election time. Even the deacon members and pastors are heaving into politics. All kinds of unchristian behavior is exhibited during the election time. This is why I agree that election is a spiritual issue.

• Yes. Believers are selling their votes for the corrupted politician/leader.

• Yes. when you look at all the evil that comes with elections in our state, it must be said that it has become a spiritual issue. Unless there is spiritual renewal and the cleansing of the heart, elections in our state will only spell more woes.

42% 36%

22%

Some of those who voted NO had this to say • No no election is not a spiritual issue … the thing we need to know is the election in Nagaland is corrupted and we as a Christian need to check it. That’s it.

• Not at all. The spate of proxy voting, violence and all kinds of illegal activities clearly show that it is not a spiritual issue.

• Is it? But in what sense? Granted that all election campaign start with the usual YES NO OTHER prayers seeking guidance and help from the almighty with the local pastors/deacons etc. then start free flow of drinks, drugs and money. Fighting and bashing without mercy among the rival groups etc. All are men/women of spirit not spiritual. Election is the greatest destroyer of spirituality in Nagaland.

• No. We all know that election is a constitutional and secular procedure to elect a leader. We cannot say that it is a secular issue. But the voter should exercise his adult franchise with integrity. This is the problem in Nagaland since the voter does not exercise his adult franchise with responsibility.

• No. It's about an individual's consciousness about our rights. If you sell your right to choose a representative for Rs 500 or Rs 1000 or more, who are you going to blame for corruption and abuse of power? Your own fingers are pointing at you!! It's simply about proper use of your right to choose a good candidate.

Some of those who voted OTHERS had this to say • Whether one is spiritual or not, Christian or not, it should not matter. It is about being honest and voting for the right person with integrity. I dont understand why Nagas are so obsessive about religion and spirituality on each and every thing.

• For those who are spiritual, its a spiritual issue. For those who are not spiritual it can only be in the level of moral issue.

Gavin MacFadyen

erious, in-depth journalism may be unwell but it is still alive in Britain despite an almost complete lack of institutional support in television, and limited resources in print and radio.

The definitions are many – but most would agree that investigative journalism is ‘normal’ journalism plus money and more importantly, plus time. Getting complicated, difficult or even dangerous stories through the commissioning process, struggling for sufficient time (and funds) for research, getting past the lawyers and on the air or in print requires intense and focused work.

It needs not just more resources than simply phonebashing or recasting an NGO’s research, but time to think, to read, to make careful preparation, and to read some more. Care, precision, scepticism and accuracy are the guiding principles here. Tenacity and a healthy paranoia are also essentials. It’s from these qualities that major investigative stories are born.

Tenacity is essential because doors are frequently slammed in your face, unforeseen factual obstacles appear, there are legal problems, threats, less-than-heroic editors a shortage of money and frightened witnesses.

Paranoia is needed because most investigative journalists have seen the resources a multi-national corporation, the state or the powerful can bring to bear against a journalist, the editor and, very often, against the witness or whistleblower themself. Editors and publishers rarely rise to the challenge, particularly if the object of the reporter’s attention has deep pockets.

Gavin MacFadyen (1940-2016). Gavin MacFadyen founded and ran the Centre for Investigative Journalism (CIJ), helping to train thousands of journalists in the pursuit of factual inquiry and in defence of the public interest. In tribute, we republish this MacFadyen piece, first published as “In-depth Charger” by the Frontline Club on June 27, 2006.

Investigative stories don’t, thankfully, require the inspiration of publishers or editors — most have little or none of that quality — but instead demand a reporter’s moral outrage at injustice, incompetence, brutality and misery.

These qualities are the fuel of investigative engines around the world. Such interests and passions often make regular hacks uncomfortable. There is a longterm conflict between ‘campaigning’ journalism and ‘dispassionate’ and ‘objective’ reporting.

To the investigative journalist, ‘objective’ is all too frequently shorthand for a stenographic account of information provided by the authorities. Witness the thousands of uncritical embedded reports during the Iraq war. Many of the most accomplished investigative reporters, such as John Pilger and the late Paul Foot, disliked the term investigative. They argued that all good journalism ought to be investigative.

But for many journalists, work is simply a job. Their interest is in lapdog confidences and dining with the powerful. Those who passionately want to provide a voice for those without one, and who fight hypocrisy and exploitation are sadly rare. Between 1966 and the early 1990s British television produced some of the more extraordinary investigations in world television. It forced the resignation of senior government officials, exposed major pharmaceutical scandals, uncovered government corruption, corporate and financial crimes and brought images of slavery, child labour and torture into millions of home for the first time.

Panorama and World in Action were the target of frequent government attacks and outrage but attracted whistleblowers, disgruntled witnesses, public complainants and a number of deranged obsessives. Filtering stories from these sources required sensitivity and time. Many of the journalists involved received their training in print and later in-house in television. BBC, Granada and other ITV companies brought younger journalists through a system of research apprenticeships in an environment where there were serious intellectual resources.

After navigating a decade of legal and political storms, editors and producers learnt the skills of investigative programme-making and, probably even most importantly, ways to defend those skills inside and outside the organisation. With audiences often over 12 million, programmes like World in Action and This Week, were not seen as unprofitable. In contrast to current affairs programmes today, World in Action had in-house research facilities, libraries, in some cases private planes. It also had the confidence that if the company, or their programme, was in difficulty, their journalism would not be abandoned.

Editors, cameramen, sound-recordists, electricians, researchers and travel offices all worked in-house. A significant feature of in-house production was the implicit understanding that with high standards of evidence, some stories wouldn’t make it, despite months of work. The 20 percent of programmes that didn’t make it were compensated for by the successful programmes that did.

None of these conditions apply today – almost all have been destroyed during the last 20 years. The result is an absence of institutional production and protection of investigative stories. Budgets have been reduced. The responsibility for lengthy, high-quality research and production values has been off-loaded by large profitable organizations to individuals journalists, small production companies and to resources like NGOs. In fact without the major research tools provided by the internet, which have shortened some research tasks from weeks to hours, there would probably be almost no investigative journalism on television and in the press. Without a long-term commitment from the BBC and the independent sector, the public will continue to be deprived of an in-depth understanding of current affairs, investigation of the abuse of the public trust by governments, scrutiny of corporations, corrupt practices, and the continuing failures to protect integrity in the public sector.

A number of organizations have sprung up across Europe and the US to try and reverse these trends. In Britain, the non-profit Centre for Investigative Journalism has paired experienced investigative journalists with young reporters to encourage the raising of professional standards and the acquisition of skills. This has taken place in Britain and, perhaps more importantly, in countries where enquiry is often a dangerous, even deadly, pursuit. The Frontline Confidential series, co-produced with CIJ, has brought landmark investigations and leading investigative journalists into open discussion for the first time in London.

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 31•10•2016

INDIA

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Stampede at UP CM's Janata Darbar programme etAwAh (UP), OctOber 30 (Pti): A stampede-like situation was created and some people injured in it as a large crowd gathered at a Janata Darbar programme of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav here.

The crowd at the PWD Guest House became unmanageable and some people fell down while trying to push their way to hand over their applications to the chief minister, police said. Some mediapersons covering the event were also injured in the melee, they said.

All the injured were rushed to a hospital in Saifai, police said. Eyewitnesses said that when the chief minister was meeting people and exchanging pleasantries with them, the crowd surged towards him and in the stampede-like situation some fell down and got hurt.

Police had a trying time to manage the crowd as the number of people who had turned up at the Janata Darbar was far beyond their expectation.

India destroys 4 posts along contested border with Pakistan SriNAgAr, OctOber 30 (reUterS) - The Indian army said it had destroyed four Pakistani military posts on Saturday along its contested border, the latest escalation of tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours.

The attack comes a day after India and Pakistan traded accusations that each had killed civilians in cross-border shelling in the Kashmir region, which is claimed in its entirety by both countries but controlled in part by each.

"Four Pak posts destroyed in massive fire assault in Keran Sector. Heavy casualties inflicted," the Indian army's Northern Command said in a statement on its Twitter account late on Saturday.

The Indian army gave no further details of the assault, but an officer, who asked that his name not be used, confirmed that troops on both sides had been exchanging mortar fire in and around an area known as the Keran sector since Saturday morning.

Pakistani military officials were not immediately available for comment on Saturday evening.

On Friday, a Pakistani official said three civilians were killed as Indian troops shelled villages along the Line of Control in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Indian officials, meanwhile, said two civilians died when Pakistani shells hit India-administered Kashmir.

The Indian army on Friday said in a statement that militants at the border mutilated the body of an Indian soldier they had killed before crossing back into Pakistan.

The army had warned that the "act will invite an appropriate response", saying the militants were "supported by covering fire from Pakistan Army posts".

Shelling by both sides in the divided and disputed Himalayan regions has been going on since gunmen killed 19 Indian soldiers in September at an army camp in Kashmir, an attack India blamed on Pakistan-based militants.

Unity in diversity India's strength: Modi New Delhi, OctOber 30 (iANS): Stressing that India's strength lay in its unity in diversity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said it was the duty of every generation and government to strengthen the feeling to make the country great.

In his 25th edition of 'Mann Ki Baat' radio talk, the Prime Minister discussed a variety of issues including Guru Nanak, sacrifices by soldiers and the festival of Diwali.

Expressing his gratitude towards military personnel, he said: "Our jawans (soldiers) are sacrificing their lives, we should celebrate this Diwali in their name."

He lauded the troops for their love and sacrifice for the country. "Every citizen of the country is proud of our soldiers."

Modi praised Vallabhbhai Patel, the country's first Home Minister, for working tirelessly to unite the country.

"History is witness that after Chanakya, Vallabhbhai Patel successfully brought the entire country under one flag.

"Unity in diversity is the country's strength. There are many languages, castes, different ways of dressing and eating, and this is the country's specialty."

This was the 'Mool Mantara' to make India a strong country.

Speaking on the occasion of Diwali, Modi said the "festival is also associated with cleanliness.

Everybody cleans their homes".

The festival of lights was no longer limited to India. Governments, leaders and people in other countries were becoming

a part of it.

Modi recalled how British Prime Minister Theresa May held a reception in London and almost all cities in the UK celebrated the festival. This was true for Singapore too.

He urged parents to be with their children when they burst crackers.

The Prime Minister said people from all walks of life had sent messages of love and encouragement for Indian soldiers.

"I thank the citizens for their support and love for our security forces and jawans (soldiers) protecting us."

Saying it was because the military and paramilitary forces guard the country is why "we are celebrating Diwali joyfully".

Modi expressed happiness over the progress being made in all states to make the country Open Defecation Free (ODF).

He cited the example of ITBP trooper Vikas Thakur who gave away Rs 5,700 to the village chief in Himachal Pradesh to build toilets for 57 families.

Modi paid homage to Guru Nanak on his birth anniversary, saying his teachings were the guiding principles not only for Indians but for the entire humanity.

While India will celebrate Patel's birth anniversary on October 31, it will also remember late prime minister Indira Gandhi who was assassinated on that date in 1984.

Modi also recalled how the anti-Sikh riots following Indira Gandhi's killing affected thousands in Delhi.

PM celebrates Diwali with soldiers near China border ShimlA, OctOber 30 (iANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday celebrated Diwali with soldiers in a remote and strategic area in Himachal Pradesh, adjoining the Chinese border.

Modi also made an unscheduled trip to a village, Chango, and said he was "deeply touched by the impromptu reception and their joy".

Dressed in olive green and donning a local cap with a green

flap adorning dry flowers, the Prime Minister interacted with men from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), the Dogra Scouts and the army at Sumdoh.

Sumdoh, some 330 km from Shimla, is located on the border of Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti districts.

Official sources said the Prime Minister reached around 11 a.m. and spent more than three hours at Sumdoh and Chango.

He was accompanied by Na-

Mother of a newborn assaulted by nurse, dies later Omar condemns school-burning, She was declared dead later. kOlkAtA, OctOber 30 ing an altercation over money. hits out at government, separatists "A nurse demanded exorbitant Following the incident, Resh(iANS): A mother, who had just

given birth to her child on Sunday, died after allegedly being assaulted by a nurse at a hospital here, police said.

The incident took place in R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in north Kolkata.

Reshma Biwi (20), an inhabitNew Delhi, OctOber 30 (iANS): The government's ant of Deganga in West Bengal, was schemes for financial inclusion and to encourage small admitted in the hospital. She was enterprise are attempts to free the common man from the allegedly pushed by a nurse followclutches of moneylenders, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday. "Small traders, businessmen, the vegetable vendor, milkman, barber...used to be all so completely in the grip of usurious moneylenders," Modi said in his 'Mann ki Baat' address on the occasion of Diwali.

"Schemes like Mudra, Stand up India, Jan Dhan bank accounts are all ways for us to be rid of the evil of usury," thirUvANANthAPUrAm, he added. "Through direct benefit transfer (DBT) of sub- OctOber 30 (Pti): A severe sidy, and using the Aadhaar (unique ID), money is paid drought is looming large over Kerainto the account of beneficiaries. For the common man, la as the state has received deficient these schemes are a way of getting free from the clutches rainfall during the south-west monof middlemen," he added. soon.

Modi also praised the Haryana government's initiaThere has been a sharp decrease tive to make the state kerosene-free, saying that often sub- of rainfall to the tune of 34 per cent sidies are continued even when not needed only to the during the south-west monsoon, benefit of middlemen. according to figures released by the "Homes in our country which have cooking gas, elec- Indian Meteorological Department tricity, don't need kerosene, but the subsidy continues. here.

But who questions all this in government as kerosene, From June 1 this year to Septemgas, electricity are all being supplied simultaneously, ber 30, Kerala received 1352.3 mm which is only an opportunity for middlemen to profit," rains against the normal rainfall of the Prime Minister said.

"The Haryana government, after verifying against the 2039.7 mm, a deficiency of 34 per Aadhar number those families' gas, electricity connec- cent.

There has been no rain in Octotions, has managed to make 7-8 districts kerosene-free and soon the whole state will become kerosene-free," ber and if this situation continues, Modi said. "This will be a major change. Corruption and there will be drought-like situation, leakage will be checked, the environment will benefit and IMD, Thiruvananthapuram Direcprecious foreign exchange saved. The only ones who will tor S Sudevan, said. be hit are middlemen," he added.

"If the North East Monsoon fails

Schemes are to liberate common man from usury, middlemen: Modi

amount after Reshma gave birth to her child on Sunday morning. The nurse abused and pushed her as we were not able to pay such high amount," alleged one of Reshma's relatives.

According to her relatives, Reshma was suffering from internal bleeding since her delivery and became unconscious after the assault.

ma's relatives held a demonstration inside the hospital and blocked the road. Police from Tala Police station had to intervene to remove the blockade.

Hospital authorities could not be contacted after repeated attempts, while the duty officer of Tala police station said they are investigating the case, but refused to comment any further on the issue.

Severe drought looming over Kerala after deficient monsoon then there will be problems in different sectors-- Agriculture, Power etc", he told PTI. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, has also said that the state was heading for a "severe" drought as Kerala had received deficient rains in the south-west monsoon. Though the north-east monsoon was yet to set in, the state had not received premonsoon showers, he said.

"A huge danger is lurking in the state in the form of drought as the south west monsoon was deficient", Vijayan had said at a function on Saturday.

"If this situation continues, the state is heading for a severe drought.

We need to take precautions," he had said.

To tackle the situation, the government was also keen to encourage rain water harvesting, he said.

There has been an average reduction of 22 per cent water in the state's dams when compared to the water storage in September last year.

The state was also gearing up to take measures to tackle scarcity of drinking water which is likely to be faced by the state due to deficient monsoon, according to Water Resources Minister Mathew P Thomas.

The government also has plans to rejuvenate at least 10,000 private temple ponds of the total 40,000 in the state.

The Chief Minister had convened a high level meeting on Oct 13 to work out plans to meet the impending drought situation.

Kerala is now pinning all hopes on the north east monsoon which is yet to set in, he said.

Undeterred by unrest, migratory birds keep tryst with Kashmir

A Kashmiri fisherman rows his boat near a flock of migratory birds at Dal Lake in Srinagar. (ReuteRs File Photo)

hOkArSAr (SriNAgAr), OctOber 30 (iANS): Undeterred by the prolonged unrest in Kashmir, hundreds of migratory birds are reaching this wetland reserve daily to keep their annual tryst with the Valley.

The avian visitors come to the Valley every year from far off Siberia, Eastern Europe, China, Japan and the Philippines to ward off the extreme cold of their summer homes.

Despite the vicissitudes of its

tional Security Adviser Ajit Doval and the army chief, General Dalbir Singh Suhag.

The Prime Minister also met personnel of the General Reserve Engineering Force (GREF), a wing of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) that maintains highways, at Sumdoh, an official said.

Modi then spent some time with the locals in Chango village in Kinnaur district, known for its delicious apples.

history, Kashmir has always provided a sanguine, peaceful environment to the migratory birds, who spend over five months in various water bodies of the Valley each year.

"Early arrivals have already started. We have over 10,000 birds in this wetland reserve these days.

The birds that arrived here first are the teals, mallards and gadwalls," Kashmir Wildlife Warden (Wetlands) Rouf Zargar told IANS. "By the middle of November,

we will have coots, pochards, pintails, wigeons and finally the greylag geese", he added.

Zargar said many birds of passage, like the cormorants and sandhill cranes, also spend some time in the Valley in early winter and early spring each year.

"A bird of passage is a migratory bird that spends just a small period during its migration at a certain station," Zargar said.

With an efficiency unmatched even by the best human navigators, the migratory birds travel thousands of miles between their winter and summer homes.

"All the arduous travel is navigated by instinct. These visitors have fixed resting spots en route to their final destinations.

"For example, thousands of these migratory birds spend a night or so at the mountain lakes of Gangabal, Vishensar and Gadsar each time they shuttle between their summer and winter homes," said the warden.

The extreme conditions of the travel undertaken by these birds, according to experts, can be judged by the fact that a greylag goose that weighs six pounds at the beginning of migration, weighs just three

pounds on arrival.

"If the travel takes longer than scheduled or if the bird's journey is halted by a snowstorm or other unfavorable weather conditions, after having lost all fat it had stored for sustaining the travel and its energy requirements, the bird starts losing its muscle which is often fatal," Zargar pointed out.

Maintaining the water bodies in the extremely difficult law and order situation is a challenge the department is finding hard to meet.

"We are doing our best to maintain the optimum conditions inside water reserves. We have to build embankments to ensure that the water level is adequately maintained. Supervision and maintenance is an essential exercise to ensure that the avian visitors remain healthy and fit to feed and fend inside the water body," Zargar explained.

In addition to Hokarsar, the Valley has other bird reserves like Mirgund, Hygam and Shallabugh.

Besides these fully designated reserves, the migratory birds also throng the larger water bodies like the Wullar, Manasbal and the Dal lakes.

SriNAgAr, OctOber 30 (Pti): Opposition National Conference's working president Omar Abdullah today expressed disappointment and grief over incidents of schools being burnt in various parts of Kashmir saying this was an "abhorrent ploy to destroy the future of the children" and blamed the state government as well as separatists for the situation.

"Our schools hold the key to the self-reliance, dignity and empowerment of our future generation. An assault on our schools is an assault on our children, their future and their dreams.

"These are clear, unambiguous attempts to rob our children of education and intellectual growth and there can be no doubt that these elements who attack our schools are the enemies of our children and the enemies of enlightenment," Omar said in a statement issued here.

The former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said the administration is responsible for protecting the education infrastructure in the state and it should take the "sternest possible action" against those found guilty of such incidents of arson.

Omar also hit out at the separatist Hurriyat Conference saying its leadership should realise the "cost of its reluctance and delay" to condemn such behavior unequivocally. He blamed both the administration and the Hurriyat leadership for "failing to speak up and act in time" to prevent such incidents.

"You cannot aspire for the moral lecterns of self-righteous leadership without having the courage of your conviction to call a spade a spade. Persecuting your own people cannot be portrayed or disguised as alleged resistance based on a political cause.

"Robbing our children of their classrooms and of the prospects of academic growth is the greatest act of tyranny and oppression," the NC leader said.

Omar expressed hope that the state government will "get its act together" and rise to the occasion to protect the schools.

"Every new, tragic and saddening news of a gutted school is a verdict on the incompetence and inaction of the state government. We also hope that Hurriyat leaders gather the courage to say the right thing at the right time and do not allow the street to dictate their agenda and their sense of right and wrong.

"Schools are centers of learning and enlightenment and an attack on our schools is an attack on our collective dignity and self-respect and will not be tolerated at any cost," Omar said.

UN lights up for Diwali for the first time UNiteD NAtiONS, OctOber 30 (Pti): Diwali was commemorated for the first time at the United Nations, with the world body's imposing headquarters here lit up especially on the occasion of the Indian festival of lights.

The facade of the UN headquarters was lit in bright hues and the words 'Happy Diwali', along with the image of a traditional 'diya', projected onto the building.

"Lighting up. @UN lights up for #Diwali for 1st time," India's Ambassador to the UN Syed Akbaruddin tweeted.

"Happy Diwali! @UN celebrates Diwali for 1st time. Thank you @UN_PGA for this initiative," Akbaruddin said in another tweet, thanking General Assembly President Peter Thomson for the initiative.

He also tweeted a picture of passersby clicking photographs of the building as well as being themselves clicked against the illuminated UN headquarters in the background.

Thomson also tweeted a picture of the UN building lit up in bright blue for Diwali and said "Light over darkness, hope over despair, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil - the UN lights up. Happy Diwali!"

The UN Secretariat building will be lit up for Diwali from October 29-31.

It is for the first time that the Indian festival of lights is celebrated at the world body after the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution in December, 2014 that acknowledged the "significance of Diwali".

Noting that the festival is observed in

many UN member states, the resolution had called on UN bodies to avoid holding meetings on Diwali, declaring it a nomeeting day.

From 2016 onwards, Diwali was made an optional holiday for the UN, India's Permanent Mission to the world body said in a special video message.

Earlier in June, the UN building was lit up on the occasion of the International Yoga Day, with images of Yoga postures projected on the imposing headquarters.

@UN celebrates Diwali for first time. Photo courtesy: Twitter handle of India's Ambassador

MOnDAY 31•10•2016

WORLD

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Child soldiers reluctant to leave FARC ‘family’ BOGOTA, OcTOBer 30 (ThOmsOn reuTers FOundATiOn): The release of scores of child soldiers from Colombia’s FARC rebel group is a top priority, but some are reluctant to leave because they fear an uncertain future away from the insurgents they view as family, a guerrilla commander said.

Victoria Sandino, a commander with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), has a seat at the negotiating table where the government and FARC are working to revive a peace accord signed by both sides but narrowly rejected by voters in a referendum earlier this month.

She said children are wary about leaving rebel ranks.

“They don’t want to leave the organization,” Sandino told the Thomson Reuters Foundation in a telephone interview from Cuba where peace negotiators are gathered.

“One of the reasons they are telling us this is: ‘Well you protected us here during the fighting and the entire period of the war.”

“And now that there’s no fighting, we are expected to leave ... the environment we know, the people we know, and our family because the FARC organization is a big family for all of us,” she said.

Last month the FARC released eight child soldiers aged under 15 as part of peace talks.

Sandino said there are no more combatants under 15 in rebel ranks and reiterated the FARC’s commitment to release all its

and kill his friends.

remaining child fighters, mostly aged 16 and 17, despite the referendum result.

But such efforts have been slow, further hampered by uncertainty over the future of the peace accord.

Under the signed peace deal, rebel fighters move to designated areas across Colombia and hand in their weapons.

“There’s a lot of resistance on the part of the other minors under 18 with regards to leaving before we all reincorporate (into civilian life),” Sandino said.

PEACE ACCORD Government and FARC peace negotiators have been mulling over dozens of proposals this week from representatives of those who voted against the ac-

cord as too lenient on the rebels.

The “No” side, led by Alvaro Uribe, a former president and opposition rival, wants rebels who have committed war crimes to be confined for five to eight years - possibly on agricultural farms - and banned from elected office.

They were outraged that the accord offered 10 congressional seats and punishments like clearing landmines instead of jail, in return for ending a five-decade conflict that has killed more than 220,000 people and displaced 7 million.

“The spirit of the accord is there, and it will continue and be preserved, but we will and we are trying to collect many of these concerns expressed by many sectors,” Sandino said.

Yet there may be little room for manoeuvre as the FARC have repeatedly refused to consider jail time and want to form a political party, experts say.

And the clock is ticking for negotiators to hammer out a new accord before a government ceasefire - extended a second time by President Juan Manuel Santos - ends on December 31.

RIGHTS VIOLATIONS Around 11,000 children have been recruited into FARC ranks since 1975, according to Colombia’s attorney general’s office.

Former child combatants have said they voluntarily joined the FARC, many to escape abuse and poverty at home and others because they became orphans as a result of the war.

“They are not prisoners,” Sandino said.

But the FARC have long been accused by human rights groups and the government of forcibly recruiting children, especially from Afro-Colombian and indigenous groups, in jungle areas.

Around 6,000 child soldiers have either deserted or been rescued by state security forces. They had been used as porters, messengers and informants, and trained to fight and plant landmines.

A report earlier this month by the U.N. secretary-general on children and armed conflict said some minors were forced to commit serious crimes while in rebel ranks, including one 12 year-old who was forced to torture

WOMEN FIGHTERS Sandino, who holds a journalism degree, left for the jungle to join the FARC when she was 25, motivated by the group’s Marxist ideals, and moved up the ranks to become a commander.

Women make up 40 percent of the FARC’s 7,000-strong fighters and have fought alongside men during combat, she said.

“We have been there shoulder to shoulder with men,” Sandino said.

“As we have contributed in the war, so today we are fully ready and with all our ability and our experience to contribute to peace,” she said.

While peace negotiators revise the deal, fighters are contemplating the chance of going home and being reunited with their sons and daughters many have not seen for years.

With parenthood not an option in the middle of war, most rebel fighters who got pregnant either had an abortion or handed over their babies to relatives or strangers to look after.

Now what is weighing on their minds is whether they can become a part of their child’s life, Sandino said.

“Many of the female guerrillas aren’t thinking ‘Well now I’m out, so I’ll go and pick up my child from a family that helped raise my child’,” Sandino said.

“But rather about how they can expand these family ties so that their son or daughter knows who their mother is.”

9

Saudi-led raid kills 60 at Yemen security site and prison: official sAnAA/hOdeidAh, OcTOBer 30 (reuTers): Arab coalition warplanes bombed a security complex near the Yemeni port city of Hodeidah, killing 60 people including inmates of a prison on the site, a regional official, relatives and medical sources said on Sunday.

The prison in the city’s al-Zaydiyah district was holding 84 inmates when it was struck three times late on Saturday, Hashem al-Azizi, deputy governor of the Houthi rebel-controlled Hodeidah province of the same name, told Reuters.

Local officials said the site lies within a security complex for the area guarded by Houthi militiamen but that only prison security guards were present during the night-time air strike.

The Saudi-led coalition has been fighting Yemen’s armed Houthi movement since March 2015 to try to restore the internationally recognised President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, who was driven into exile by the Iranallied group in late 2014.

A Reuters witness at the security complex said the entire building was destroyed and medics pulled about 17 bodies away - many of them missing limbs - while others remained stuck under the rubble.

One of the strikes directly targeted the building, the witness added, bringing it down over the heads of the prisoners, while two others hit the gate of the complex and nearby administration buildings.

A spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

The air attack was one of the deadliest among thousands of bombings which have largely failed to dislodge the Houthis from the capital Sanaa but have repeatedly hit schools, markets, hospitals and homes, killing many civilians.

HADI REJECTS PEACE PLAN Rights groups have said the raids may amount to war crimes, but an investigative body set up by the coalition largely defended its methods in an August report which concluded that Houthi rebels regularly deploy to civilian sites.

The Houthis deny this, and a top official in the movement criticized the United Nations and the Saudis’ key ally and arms supplier, the United States, for not doing enough to hold the kingdom accountable for its air strikes.

“We condemmn the position of the international community and the U.N. for providing cover for the crimes of Saudi Arabia against Yemenis, and they are subject to the wishes of America,” Saleh al-Samad said in a statement late on Saturday.

The bombing may signal a renewed uptick in violence a day after Hadi rejected a new U.N. peace proposal to end the turmoil in the impoverished Arabian Peninsula country, saying the deal would only be a path to more war and destruction.

China tries to “divide Clinton enjoys solid lead in early voting: Poll Bacterial strain may act as an Though the projected Elector- alternative treatment for cancer new YOrk, OcTOBer 30 (re- amining newly discovered emails beand rule” Taiwan uTers): With 11 days to go before longing to Clinton’s close aide, Huma al College votes hardly moved, the TAiPei, OcTOBer 30 (reuTers): China is embarking on a divide-and-rule campaign on self-ruled Taiwan, offering to boost tourism to pro-Beijing towns and counties while giving the new pro-independence government the cold shoulder, government officials and politicians say.

Whether Beijing’s promises materialise remains to be seen, but the political rift is pressing Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to come up with measures of its own to counter an alarming decline in mainland tourists.

Eight Taiwanese local government officials, mainly representing counties controlled by the China-friendly opposition Nationalist Party, were promised greater tourism and agricultural ties when they met China’s top Taiwan policymaker in Beijing last month.

And this week, Communist Party Chief and Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to meet Nationalist Party chairwoman Hung Hsiu-chu when she visits Beijing during an annual party-to-party gathering about economic and cultural ties.

In contrast, Beijing has withheld official communication with the government of DPP leader and President Tsai Ing-wen, until it agrees to recognise the “one-China” policy.

“The Chinese government has put political conditions relevant to Taiwan surrendering our sovereignty and our right to determine our own future on the outflow of tourists to Taiwan and that’s what makes this a very politically complicated issue,” said Hsiao Bi-khim, a DPP lawmaker for Hualien, on Taiwan’s east coast.

Hsiao and the Hualien county chief, an ex-Nationalist who went to Beijing last month, do not see eye to eye on tourism development.

“We have to condemn this divide-and-conquer strategy and also individual politicians who seek to play into the Chinese divide-and-conquer strategy,” Hsiao said.

ONLY ONE CHINA China says Taiwan is part of one China, ruled by Beijing. It regards the island as a renegade province, to be united by force if necessary, and ties have become strained since Tsai took office in May. The previous Nationalist administration agreed to recognise the “1992 consensus”, which states that there is only one China, with each side having its own interpretation of what that means. The eight officials who went to Beijing came home to a storm of criticism for being lackeys to Beijing’s one-China policy.

One of them, Liu Tseng-ying, chief of Matsu, a group of small islets off China’s Fujian province but held by Taiwan, told Chinese officials that he wanted more Chinese to visit Taiwan’s smallest county.

“I said I hoped Chinese tourists can increase to 40 percent of the total,” Liu told Reuters.

China’s Taiwan Affairs Office head Zhang Zhijun agreed to expand trade and travel specifically between China’s Fujian province and Matsu and Kinmen. Both Taiwan-controlled islands lie closer to China than Taiwan.

Group tourists from mainland China, which Beijing can effectively control via state-run Chinese travel agencies, fell 71 percent year-on-year from October 1-18, Taiwan data showed, coinciding with China’s National Day holiday, a Golden Week for travel for Chinese.

The sector was also hit by a bus fire in Taiwan in July that killed 24 mainland tourists. The driver, among the victims, had poured petrol inside the bus and locked its emergency exits before setting it alight, prosecutors said.

The severity of the decline in tourism led to a major protest in September and prompted the government to pledge T$30 billion ($960 million) in loans to the industry and work on attracting tourists from other Asian countries.

the U.S. presidential election, Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton leads Republican Donald Trump by 15 percentage points among early voters surveyed in the past two weeks, according to the Reuters/Ipsos States of the Nation project.

Though data is not available for all early voting states, Clinton enjoys an edge in swing states such as Ohio and Arizona and in Republican Party strongholds such as Georgia and Texas.

An estimated 19 million Americans have voted so far in the election, according to the University of Florida’s United States Election Project, accounting for as much as 20 percent of the electorate.

Overall, Clinton remained on track to win a majority of votes in the Electoral College, the Reuters/Ipsos survey showed.

Having so many ballots locked down before the Nov. 8 election is good news for the Clinton campaign.

On Friday, the Federal Bureau of Investigation announced that it is ex-

Abedin.

Clinton has held a lead averaging four to seven percentage points in polls in recent weeks as the Trump campaign wrestled with accusations by women of groping and other sexual advances. Trump has said none of the accusations are true. He also struggled in the recent presidential debates and faced questions about his taxes.

As of Thursday, Clinton’s odds of receiving the 270 Electoral College votes needed to win the presidency remained at greater than 95 percent, according to State of the Nation polling results released Saturday. The project estimated she would win by 320 votes to 218, with 278 votes solidly for the Democrat.

Clinton’s lead among early voters is similar to the lead enjoyed by President Barack Obama over Republican Mitt Romney at this point of the 2012 race, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll taken at the time. Obama won the election by 332 electoral votes to Romney’s 206.

number of states solidly for Clinton slid from 25 to 20 this week. Trump didn’t see any additional states tilt solidly to him, but he did see some gains: The swing states of Pennsylvania, Colorado, Iowa and Nevada all moved from leaning to Clinton to being too close to call.

Still, Trump’s path to a victory is narrow, and any realistic chance rests on his winning Ohio, North Carolina and Florida. As of Thursday, Ohio remained a toss-up. Florida and North Carolina were still tilting toward Clinton, according to the States of the Nation results.

In Arizona, Clinton was solidly ahead among early voters. In Georgia, she enjoyed a similar lead among early voters. Overall, Georgia leans to Trump, but his lead narrowed to five percentage points this week, down from eights points last week and 13 points a month ago.

Even in Texas, where Trump enjoys a sizable lead, Clinton has a double-digit edge among early voters, according to project results.

new YOrk, OcTOBer 30 (iAns): US scientists have developed a non-toxic strain of Salmonella to penetrate and target cancer cells which may lead to promising new treatments that actively target and control the spread of cancer. Salmonella -- bacterium that causes food borne diseases -- has a unique characteristic that allows the bacteria to penetrate through cell barriers and replicate inside its host.

“Salmonella strains have a natural preference for infiltrating and replicating within the cancer cells of a tumour, making the bacteria an ideal candidate for bacteriotherapy,” said Robert Kazmierczak, post-doctoral fellow at the University of Missouri, the US. Bacteriotherapy is the use of live bacteria as therapy to treat a medical condition, like cancer.

For the study, the team developed CRC2631 -- a Salmonella strain derived from a Salmonella sample that was stored in a test tube at room temperature for more than 50 years.

The Salmonella strain was genetically modified to render the bacteria non-toxic and enhance its natural ability to target and kill cancer cells -- without harming normal, healthy cells and was then administered directly into the circulatory system of mice with prostate cancer.

“We found that the mice tolerated the treatment well and when examined, their prostate tumours decreased by about 20 per cent compared to the control group,” Kazmierczak said.

New earthquake rocks Italy, buildings collapse but no deaths reported nOrciA, iTAlY, OcTOBer 30 (reuTers): A powerful earthquake struck Italy on Sunday in the same central regions that have been rocked by repeated tremors over the past two months, with more homes and churches brought down but no deaths reported.

The quake, which measured 6.6 according to the U.S. Geological Survey, was bigger than one on Aug. 24 that killed almost 300 people. Many people have fled the area since then, helping to avoid a new devastating death toll.

The latest quake was felt across much of Italy, striking at 7.40 a.m. (0640 GMT), its epicentre close to the historic Umbrian walled town of Norcia, some 100 km (60 miles) from the university city of Perugia.

Panicked Norcia residents rushed into the streets and the town’s ancient Basilica of St. Benedict collapsed, leaving just the facade standing. Nuns, monks and locals sank to their knees in the main square in silent prayer before the shattered church

This is a tragedy. It is a coup de grace. The basilica is devastated,” Bishop Renato Boccardo of Norcia told Reuters.

“Everyone has been suspended in a never-ending state of fear and stress. They are at their wits end,” said Boccardo, referring to the thousands of tremors that have rattled the area since August, including two serious quakes on Wednesday.

Italy’s Civil Protection unit, which coordinates disaster relief, said numerous houses were destroyed on Sunday in the regions of Umbria and Marche, but either they were deserted at the time or most of the residents managed to escape beforehand.

“No deaths have been reported, but there are a number of people injured,” said Civil Protection chief Fabrizio Curcio, adding that just one person was in a serious condition.

Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said Italy was living through extremely difficult times, but promised a massive reconstruction effort in the years ahead regardless of any possible objections

Firefighters take care of a woman following an earthquake in Norcia, Italy on October 30. (REUTERS Photo)

from the European Union over the eventual costs.

“We will rebuild everything, the houses, the churches and the businesses,” Renzi told reporters. “Everything that needs to be done to rebuild these areas will be done.”

Local authorities said towns and villages already battered by August’s 6.2 quake had suffered further significant damage.

“This morning’s quake

has hit the few things that were left standing. We will have to start from scratch,” Michele Franchi, the deputy mayor of Arquata del Tronto, told Rai television.

Experts said Sunday’s quake was the strongest here since a 6.9 quake in Italy’s south in 1980 that killed 2,735 people.

gle most significant loss of Italy’s artistic heritage in an earthquake since a tremor in 1997 caused the collapse of the ceiling of the Basilica of St Francis in Assisi, which is 80 km to the north.

The frescoed basilica, which is the spiritual, historic and tourist heart of Norcia, was built over the site of the home where the ARTISTIC LOSS founder of the Benedictine The destruction of the order and his Sister St. ScoNorcia basilica was the sin- lastica were born in 480.

The basilica and monastery complex dates to the 13th century, although shrines to St. Benedict and his sister had been built there since the 8th century.

Benedict founded the Benedictine order in Subiaco, near Rome. He died in 530 in the monastery at Monte Cassino, south of Rome, which was destroyed during World War Two. That monastery was later rebuilt. A number of other churches were also ruined on Sunday, Italian media reported, including Norcia’s Cattedrale di Santa Maria, which was built in the 16th century, while the town hall belltower had deep cracks running through its walls.

However, most of Norcia’s homes appeared to have withstood the prolonged tremor, with residents praising years of investment by local authorities in anti-seismic protection. In the nearby city of Rieti patients were evacuated from a hospital to allow experts to check on structural damage, while hillroads across the region were littered with fallen rocks.

MonDAY 31•10•2016

SPORTS

10

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Reigning champs Cavs edge Magic to stay unbeaten

Los AngeLes, october 30 (AFP): It wasn't always pretty, but the Cleveland Cavaliers held on for a 105-99 victory over the Orlando Magic to stay unbeaten in the fledgling NBA season.

Shooting guard J.R. Smith, whose contract dispute dragged on through training camp before the reigning NBA champs inked him to a four-year deal worth as much as $57 million, on Saturday gave good value with three threepointers in the final three and a half minutes as Cleveland won after letting most of an 18-point lead get away.

"Not every game is going to be pretty for us," Cavs guard Kyrie Irving said.

"We understand that. (We) came off a kind of late win just like this against Toronto yesterday and now Swish (Smith) hit the big shot.

For us it's just about being ready no matter what the score is. We've just got to stay resilient."

Superstar L eBron James had 23 points, nine assists and six rebounds, Irving added 20 and Smith shook off another slow start to score 16 points -- 11 of them in the fourth quarter.

Kevin Love fouled out in the final minute with 19 points and five rebounds as the Cavaliers improved

to 3-0 for the season less than a week after raising their 2015-16 championship banner.

After controlling most of the contest, Cleveland opened the fourth quarter shooting just 2 of 12. They went more than five minutes without a basket from the floor, and the Magic had trimmed the deficit to 88-85 with four minutes to play.

"I just thought there was a stretch in the game where we messed around, took some bad shots," Cleveland coach Tyronn Lue said.

Lue said Smith is still finding his rhythm after missing all but one preseason game. But James found him in the corner for a big three-pointer after Orlando's Elfrid Payton's jump shot pulled the visitors within three.

Smith added another three-pointer on the Cavaliers' next trip down and one more in the final minute.

"The guys just set the table for me," Smith said. "It was just time for me to eat."

In Denver, Damian Lillard made a floating sevenfoot shot with three-tenths of a second remaining in overtime to lift the Portland Trail Blazers to a 115-113 triumph. Portland erased a nine-point fourth-quarter deficit, handing the Nuggets a defeat in their home open-

er for the third straight year.

Lillard scored 37 points and C.J. McCollum added 23 with 10 rebounds for the Trail Blazers.

Nikola Jokic scored 23 points and pulled down a career-high 17 rebounds and Emmanuel Mudiay had 21 points for the Nuggets on what proved an eventful night at their Pepsi Center arena.

At halftime the Nuggets retired the number 55 of Dikembe Mutombo, the Congolese great whose Hall of Fame career spanned 18 seasons.

But the night on which he was honored didn't go entirely smoothly. With 9:18 remaining in the fourth quarter half of the overhead lights in the arena went out, delaying the game for 28 minutes.

Portland put a further damper on the festivities with their huge rally, scoring the last six points of the game to win it.

- Spurs pound Pelicans Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker sat out San Antonio's home opener, but the Spurs still had enough firepower to beat the New Orleans Pelicans 98-79.

San Antonio never trailed after the first quarter and used a 17-4 scoring run late in the third period to take a stranglehold on

Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs drives as teammate LaMarcus Aldridge prepares to set a screen during their NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans, at AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas, on October 29. (AFP Photo)

the contest.

Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard scored 16 of his team-high 20 points in the second half and San Antonio smothered Pelicans power forward Anthony Davis, who came into the contest averaging 47.5 points

per game in the young season but was held to 18.

Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry was asked if games against Western Conference powers Golden State and San Antonio on consecutive days was the toughest back-to-back the

NBA had to offer.

"We're playing against a team that won 73 games and a team that won 67 games," he said. "I don't know if there's ever been a back-to-back where you play against teams that won 200 games."

Noah makes quick mark at Madison Square Garden

new York, october 30 (AFP): A passionate Joakim Noah made his presence felt on Saturday at Madison Square Garden as the New York Knicks won their NBA home opener 111-104 over the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Knicks were out to erase the memory of their lopsided season-opening loss to the NBA champion Cavaliers in Cleveland on Tuesday -- and Noah, the FrenchAmerican player who grew up just blocks from Madison Square Garden cheering for the Knicks, was just the man to help them do it.

"It's a long season. Thanks for the support. Let's get it," Noah told the crowd before Joakim Noah of the New York Knicks dunks the ball in the first quarter against the the contest.

He ran the floor with abanMemphis Grizzlies at Madison Square Garden on October 29. (Photo: Newsday)

don and delivered on defense, finishing with six points, 10 rebounds and seven assists before fouling out to a standing ovation with 2:28 remaining and the Knicks up 101-91.

"It was really special to play at home," said an emotional Noah, son of French tennis great Yannick Noah. "I was just trying to stay in the moment because it is real easy to get caught up in everything that is going on around you.

"This building means so much to me. I was very nervous, but it was the best feeling."

The crowd chanted for Noah several times.

Last season the only player to post at least 10 rebounds and seven assists for New York was forward Carmelo Antho-

ny, who scored 20 points Saturday.

Kristaps Porzingis led five Knicks players in double figures with 21 points. Anthony added six rebounds and five assists.

Courtney Lee bounced back from a scoreless performance against Cleveland with 16 points and Derrick Rose, another marquee off-season acquisition, dazzled with determined drives to the basket, particularly one featuring a cross-over that left the Grizzlies' Mike Conley floundering.

Spanish center Gasol led Memphis with 20 points and James Ennis added 16. The visitors got as close as 87-85 early in the fourth period but New York responded with a 12-0 scoring run to extend the lead.

Ronaldo hat-trick keeps Real Madrid top MADrID, october 30 (reUters): Cristiano Ronaldo answered his critics with a hat-trick as Real Madrid came from behind to win 4-1 at Alaves and go two points clear at the top of La Liga.

Champions Barcelona moved up to second with a lacklustre 1-0 win over bottom side Granada, while 10man Atletico Madrid are third after a 4-2 win at home to Malaga, capitalising on Sevilla's 1-1 draw at Sporting Gijon. Alaves forward Deyverson pounced on an error

by Real goalkeeper Keylor Navas to give the home side a shock lead in the seventh minute but the Brazilian conceded a controversial penalty in the 17th for handball, which Ronaldo calmly converted.

The Portuguese put the European champions in charge in the 33rd with a powerful strike that deflected off Zouhair Feddal beyond the reach of former Real goalkeeper Fernando Pacheco.

Pacheco did manage to turn away another penalty by Ronaldo in the second half but Real's all-time top scorer netted his first treble of the season in the 88th minute after substitute Alvaro Morata had stretched Real's lead four minutes earlier with a delightful chip.

Real coach Zinedine Zidane praised his side for their reaction to going behind, although their third straight victory was tainted by the sight of defender Pepe going off injured in the first half. "If you do not suffer, you cannot win La Liga. We kept our heads cool even in difficult moments, which always occur in this league," said Zidane.

Real are top of the standings with 24 points, two ahead of Barca and three clear of city rivals Atletico, and Sevilla, who drop to fourth. In Barcelona, an acrobatic strike from midfielder Rafinha early in the second half gave Luis Enrique's side the points in a soporific game.

The breakthrough came in the 48th minute, when Barca attacked Granada's box en masse.

RAFINHA WINNER Rafinha had the chance to shoot but instead squared to Neymar, who could only fire against the near post, but the Brazilian midfielder reacted quickly to swivel and volley home on the rebound.

"It wasn't a brilliant game on our part but you expect that from time to time," said Barca coach Luis Enrique.

"These type of games need freshness and finesse, we lacked both things at times.

"The game was not dangerous even though we wanted to seal it a lot sooner. But I liked the attitude of the team."

Atletico bounced back from their first defeat of the season last week at Sevilla -- doubles from Yannick Carrasco and Kevin Gameiro seeing off Malaga.

The home side went ahead in the sixth minute, when in-form winger Carrasco zipped past two defenders in the area and drove the ball into the far bottom corner.

Gameiro pounced on some indecisive defensive headers to hit the second goal in the 24th minute and restored the two-goal advantage before the break after former Barcelona striker Sandro Ramirez had replied for Malaga.

Atletico had defender Stefan Savic dismissed for two bookings in the second half, and four minutes later Malaga captain Ignacio Camacho's header reduced the deficit to one goal. But Carrasco eased Atletico's nerves by scoring again in the 86th, hurtling forward and slamming the ball in off the far post. "It was a difficult game but we controlled it well. It was a hard fought and deserved victory, and my team was solid and ruthless," Atletico coach Diego Simeone said. Luciano Vietto got Sevilla off to a dream start at Sporting by squeezing the ball under Ivan Cuellar in the fourth minute, only for Moi Gomez to level with a volley in the 20th, denying them a club-recordbreaking start to the season.

public discourse

Rejoinder to Assam Rifles claims

W

Kaka D. Iralu

ith reference to the shooting incident on Oct 23, 2016 in the Okotso area, I wish to give the following rejoinder to the Assam Rifles denial of occupying the Church and its guest house at Mekokla village and deriding our protests as “A blatant lie.”

1. Whether it was a joint operation or not we do not know, but the facts are very clear that on the night of 22nd October 2016, there were two Assam Rifles (A.R.) operations in the Okotso area of the Lotha region. One of these two parties arrived at Okotso village and slept in the village Community Hall. The other party came and occupied the Church

at Mekokla village. We can also believe that some of the troops who stayed at Okotso village were Christians and did not desecrate the Church premises of Okotso village. We are not protesting against this A.R. group who bivouacked at the Okotso Village because they were doing their own duties which we cannot object to.

2. Our protest is however with the A.R. group who entered and occupied the Church premises at Mekokla Baptist Church on the same night of October 22, 2016 and even said all those arrogant words to the Pastor of the Church when he protested. As for this incident, the Lotha Baptist Church Council had made an on the spot verification before the protest was registered in the local papers.

on non payment of salaries to certain sections of the teachers Y. Shikato Sumi, President

I

ANSTA Zbto Unit

was on my way to work as usual one recent morning and came across some of my fellow Teachers conversing by the road side.

After exchanging wishes, I asked whether they shall be going for duties, to which, one of the teachers replied that they are not, as they are boycotting duties for non-payment of salaries for many months. And this is how our short conversation culminated relating their woes.

It is a screaming disgrace on the part of the Government in treating the people responsible for one of the most important roles in our society so poorly. It is amazing as to how the concerned so called guardians can reduce the teachers to a state of begging. The children’s education is being jeopardized and our daily necessities being met through borrowings have become beyond overdue and our honesty (As Teachers) is being compromised and at stake.

We are wondering whether it is a “Starvation wage or living wage”. The concerned Authority should know that, teaching profession is a demanding one, it is we that impart skills and knowledge, help in character building and development, manage school routines and considered as counselors and role model for the children both at home and at school. But, given the present situation if persists, then their future looks bleak in the coming days. One wonders as to whether teachers appointed under

certain flagships are being placed in racism or race order. The sacrificial work of the teachers, are least considered in terms of recognition and now we are made to stoop so low to the extent of weeping for our rightful dues. The responsible Government/Authority should remember that adequate and timely disbursement of salaries attracts and retains the best in the teaching profession. However turning deaf ear to the cry of the teachers is showing its affect on the institutions as we have to boycott the classes and the students are at the receiving end, specially, during the last stage of the academic session. The performances and results of the students should not be reflected on the teacher’s sincerity.

Because, we have relentlessly performed our duties as required of us and have endured enough for so many months. We are now at the helms of questioning the Authenticity of the Government’s credential and credibility towards human recourses and development for the younger generations. And just in the midst of our conversation, I remembered that, I was getting late and excused myself, wished them good luck and expressed solidarity to their just demand and left them to continue their conversation.

While sharing sentiments to fellow fraternity and the affected students, I would like to urge the Authority to be sympathetic and expedite in every possible manner in releasing the due salaries at the earliest as they have endured beyond imagination.

it’s about time, my fellow Nagas X Chophika Sumi

B

Dimapur

a d r o a d s, p o o r electricity,non-payment of salaries to the teachers and other government employees, delay in payment of scholarship to the students, anomalies in recruitment of personnel in almost all the departments, corruption at almost every level of bureaucratic hierarchy, embezzling huge sums of money meant for development and siphoning off of ‘Centrally Sponsored Schemes’ by the Ministers/MLAs and their aides and the list goes on.

Perhaps not a pleasant way of opening this write up with critics but this is the current state of affairs and a layman like me could do nothing but lament against a mighty empire that has well connections with the business tycoons as well as the covert groups who are ever ready to flex their muscles as long as their coffers does not run empty. One may even consider this as an opposition statement given the fact that there are no opposition in the current Nagaland Legislative Assembly.

Looking at the plethora of problems and issues confronting our state, one may well sum up that the State machinery has miserably failed. Our present State is in disarray and chaos.

Having said that, the State Government as such is now a mere entity and its responsibilities are being shouldered by various organizations and associations.

Roads are being repaired and maintained by various communities/NGOs, the issue of illegal immigrants is vigorously tackled by the ‘Survival Nagaland’, Fuel

adulteration and other discrepancies in the State Government is checked by ACAUT and furthermore it has to keep vigil on the Government and constantly remind the Government that it can no longer continue with its ‘goonda raj’.The Women Hohos has to go about picketing the liquor shops although their contribution is ‘a dime’s worth’. The NTC and other tribal organizations has to contendwith the State Government for the withdrawal of recognition of Rongmei tribe as Scheduled Tribe.

The ‘Public Service Aspirants’ has to go about fighting for their rights door to door in every department because of random political appointments depriving the educated and deserving youths of their rights. Moreover, without serving ‘Ultimatum’ the government does not function which is quite appalling.

Ever since the introduction of the ‘Hornbill Festival’ by the NPF led DAN 1 government, the successive governments has been so obsessed in organizing this festival so much so that it appears that their only responsibility is to organize this rather infamous festival where the debt-ridden government pumps in crores of rupees without actually generating the revenue. This is the time when all efforts, every resources are put in. The roads in Kohima are completely overhauled and this is the time when Kohima actually becomes the ‘Switzerland of the east’. The citizens of Kohima should however be glad that with the coming of Hornbill festival, some minor developments takes place. The other districts are deprived of any opportunities let alone development. It should also be noted that ‘Dimapur’ the com-

mercial hub of our state is what it is today not becauseof the infrastructuraldevelopments initiated by the government but because of the investment of private entrepreneurs.

The infamous opposition less government and its15 minutes of Legislative business came as a shock to many of us and even the agenda deliberated on the ‘Floor of the House’ was to enhance their salaries and perks! In order to realize the true essence of democracy, there is a need of opposition in any democratic government but as dismayed as we are, we have reaped what we sowed and there’s no point of dissent unless one didn’t sell one’s vote.

Government jobs are very scarce. With rampant backdoor appointments and manipulations, getting through even in competitive examinations is relatively small unless of course one is exceptionally good. The Government encourages the youths to become private entrepreneurs but there are no avenues nor does the government creates any opportunities for the unemployed youths.

The effort to start up a business from a scratch is burdened with taxation from various groups coupled with fierce competition from the non-locals who are backed the NPGs. As such the hope of becoming a successful entrepreneur becomes a distant dream. The citizens are caught between the devil and the deep blue sea.

The General elections of 2018 will be at our doorstep very soon and after all the exploitations, when their heyday seems to be nearing to an end, our MLAs will come yet again with no signs of remorse begging for

our votes with great aplomb.

For Mao Zedong, “Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun”. For our leaders, “Power grows out of their deep pockets” which is unscrupulously refilled every five years due to the ignorance of the voters. Woe to us if we brag about that we are free people when we are actually blinded and chained by greed and avarice.

We have taken many a decision in the name of ‘Nagaland for Christ’. We have banned alcohol, Gutkhas, Sunday shopping although some were enforced by the government not mandated by the people. Enough of giving advices in the social medias.

This coming election why don’t we elect a true leader in a true Christian spirit. This time, why don’t we live up to the name ‘Nagaland for Christ”.

If Pandit Nehru and Gandhiji along with other Indian leaders could liberate the Indians from the tyranny of the British Empire with the help of the peasants.

Imagine what we could achieve, if the hundreds and thousands of educated Nagas actually start walking the talk and vows to bring about a change. Money and muscle power should no longer dictate the will of the Nagas. The General elections of 2018 should be the game changer for the future course of Naga politics.

We are in a catch-22 situation and there are two choices for us. Either we start preparing ourselves for the best or the worst.To err is human but if a person is unable to learn from his mistakes, he would be nothing less than a nincompoop. It’s about time we bring about a change. It’s about time, my fellow Nagas.

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 31•10•2016

EntErtainmEnt

ACYA Talent Quest 2016 The Morung Express presents glimpse of Angami Catholic Youth Association (ACYA) Talent Quest 2016 held in Kohima recently. It was marked by solo, duet, quartet, choreography, choir, painting, photography, extempore and debate.

I know myself better because of Suri: Katie Holmes

Ranbir Kapoor is the best actor: Aamir Khan after watching ‘ADHM’

S

uperstar Aamir Khan is all praise for 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' and overwhelmed with Ranbir Kapoor's performance in the romantic drama, going to the extent of calling him the best actor. Aamir tweeted that

the Karan Johar's directorial venture is a 'must watch'.

"Just saw Ae Dil. WHAT a film!!! I just LOVED it! Karan has hit the ball out of the stadium. Ranbir, Aishwarya and Anushka have just killed it. Ranbir is the

best actor! Period! A must see!" the 51-yearold actor gushed on the social networking site.

'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' which released this Friday, has been getting appreciation from fans, industry and critics. According to a press

release issued by the makers, the romanticdrama collected Rs 13.10 crore on day two, taking the total to Rs 26.40 crore. The film released along with the Ajay Devgn-starrer action flick 'Shivaay'.

Source: PTI

Bruno Mars, Mark Ronson sued over ‘Uptown funk’ Now ShowiNg Shivaay (hindi)

K C M Y K

atie Holmes' directorial debut "All We Had" revolves around a mother-daughter relationship and the actress, who also stars in the film, says her daughter, Suri, helped her understand the dynamic of her on-screen character.

The drama is about a struggling, impoverished single mother of a teenage daughter who tries to get her life back on track by moving to a small Midwestern town, reported ET

online.

"She (Suri) gets a special thanks for everything, (for) every job I do, because she makes every day great and awesome and better.

I know myself better because of her, so she'll always get a special thanks," Holmes, 37, said. runo Mars and The actress said she alMark Ronson are ways wanted to direct a feaamong the names ture film. "It's taken a long in a lawsuit filed time to take the risk. I feel fortunate because I have a by the band Collage, allegwonderful support group ing their "Uptown funk" rips off the band's 1983 sinaround me.

Source: PTI gle "Young girls". According

B

(10:50AM) (04:50PM)

ae dil hai muShkil (hindi) to tmz.com, the suit claims that Bruno's hit song copies rhythm, harmony, melody and structure.

Collage claims that Ronson and Mars have been big fans of Minneapolis/1980s elec-

tro-funk soul of which Collage was a part. The suit also alleges that there is "reason to believe that Ronson and Mars have heard and been influenced by 'Young girls'". In the law suit, Collage de-

mands a cut of the profits.

Collage isn't the first band to accuse Mars and Ronson of lifting their song.

Last year the Gap Band's five writers -- brothers Robert, Ronnie and Charlie Wilson, keyboardist Ru-

dolph Taylor and producer Lonnie Simmons -- were added to the royalties list after claims that "Uptown funk" sounded too similar to their 1979 hit "Oops upside your head".

Source: IANS

03862-237226

Lisa Haydon marries beau Dino Lalvani

A

ctress Lisa Haydon got married to her beau Dino Lalvani after the two dated for a year. Lalvani is the son of Pakistan-born British entrepreneur Gullu Lalvani. Lisa and fashion designer Malini Ramani took to their Instagram accounts to share a few imag-

es from the ceremony. Captioning the image in which Lisa is seen kissing Dino, Lisa posted: "Just Married".

Clad in an off-white flowing gown with a long veil cascading behind her, Lisa walked the aisle for the ceremony which seems to have taken place on a beach.

In the photographs, the cou-

ple and the wedding guests are seen holding onto their champagne glasses, cheering for the bride and groom.

The groom looks dapper in a white shirt teamed with a matching off-white blazer and trousers.

Lisa didn't mention the location. "Its love...Wedding bliss. Congratulations

(01:55PM) (08:05PM) Ticket Counter (09:00 AM - 09:00 PM) www.BookMyShow.com

(ID: PLAYBox DIMAPur)

Dino and Lisa," Ramani captioned one of the photographs, where she is seen posing with the newly-wed couple. The 30-year-old, who was last seen on the big screen in "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil", last month announced her plan of marrying Dino.

Ward 5 (6), Burma Camp, Dimapur.

Landmark - Near J. K Hospital/ Power House.

Hillstar NOW SHOWING

Source: IANS

Shivaay (hindi)

‘Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen’ singer unveils extended version of viral song

By:

J

apanese social media star Pikotaro unveiled a new, extended version of his internet hit "Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen" (PPAP) on Friday. The original video quickly went viral after being uploaded in early September, with Canadian singer Justin Bieber helping boost viewing numbers by labeling it his "favorite video on the internet" in a Twitter post on Thursday.

"Yesterday my head was full of white hair, but now it has all turned black," said Pikotaro, overwhelmed by the attention he has received, including a Guinness World Record for the shortest song to make it into the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Pikotaro, whose real name is Kazuhito Kosaka,

Neichute Doulo

(Entrepreneurs Associates) 11:00 AM | 05:00 PM

wore a gold animal print outfit complete with scarf and sunglasses as he performed the new two-minute version of what was a 45 second song to journalists in Tokyo.

The video - that has racked up over 131 million

views on YouTube - features Pikotaro miming the joining of an imaginary apple and pineapple with an imaginary pen, lyrics he said were inspired by items he found on the table when he began writing.

Source: Reuters

A Vision for a self-sufficient Naga state

Date Time Venue

: Wednesday, November 9, 2016 : 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm : DABA Elim Hall, Duncan Bosti, Dimapur

ae dil hai muShkil (hindi)

limiTed SeaTS

Those interested to participate, kindly send us your name and phone number to:

morung@gmail.com Please note: Registration is free but seats are reserved on a first-call/email, first-serve basis. This advertisement is an official invite to anyone willing to participate.

or

+91 (03862) 248854 or

+91 7085976283

The morung lectures is an initiative of The morung for indigenous affairs & Just Peace, and The morung express

02:00 PM | 08:00 PM

12

MOnDAY 31•10•2016

SPORTS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Dovizioso wins Cibulkova beats Kerber to win WTA Finals in Singapore Murray on course for Malaysia MotoGP No.1 with Vienna title

Ducati Team's Italian rider Andrea Dovizioso (R) powers his bike ahead of Repsol Honda Team's Spanish rider Marc Marquez (L) during the 2016 Malaysian MotoGP at the Sepang International circuit on October 30. (AFP Photo)

C M Y K

Sepang, OctOber 30 (aFp): Andrea Dovizioso won his first MotoGP race in seven years Sunday, pulling away from legend Valentino Rossi late in the Malaysia Grand Prix to take the checkered flag for Ducati.

Starting from pole position, the Italian fell back early as he and a number of riders struggled on the rain-soaked Sepang International Circuit.

But Dovizioso steadily reeled in his compatriot Rossi, taking the lead back with six laps to go and quickly opening up a gap as Rossi was slowed by tyre issues.

Dovizioso, 30, finished 3.115secs ahead of Rossi for his maiden win of the season and first since 2009.

Rossi, h o w e v e r, clinched second place in the 2016 world championship over his Yamaha teammate and rival Jorge Lorenzo of Spain.

Lorenzo, who will switch to Ducati next year, finished third on Sunday.

Honda's Marc Marquez had already wrapped up the world championship two weeks earlier in Japan.

Dovizioso called Sunday's win the biggest of his

career. "It's really nice to come to this moment. In these conditions I struggled a lot in the race and had some problems, but I really wanted it," he said.

- Crash course The race began after a short delay because of a tropical downpour dousing the track.

Riders this week complained that the track, newly re-paved this year, was draining unevenly after rain, creating alternating wet and dry patches.

Much of the race was a gripping duel between Rossi and Dovizioso's Ducati teammate Andrea Iannone, who was returning to the track for the first time since suffering a vertebrae fracture in a crash in early September.

The lead repeatedly changed hands between Rossi and Iannone over the first 10 laps as they aggressively dived under each other with inches to spare on Sepang's tight curves.

But Iannone cracked, crashing out with seven laps left. One of three riders to crash, Iannone was uninjured but did not return.

Dovizioso pounced, overtaking Rossi and quickly stretching a sizable

lead as Rossi slowed when the tyres his team chose began to prove unsuitable on the increasingly dry track.

"I was optimistic for the victory," said Rossi, 37, nine-time world champion.

"But with less water I started to suffer very much with the tyres, especially the front."

Besides Iannone, British rider Cal Crutchlow crashed, as did Marquez.

Marquez got back on the track and finished 11th.

Marquez slid off the track the previous weekend in Australia when he was in control of the race, which Crutchlow eventually won.

The crash-happy tone on the slick track was set earlier in the day during the Moto3 category, a veritable demolition derby marked a series of collisions and wipe-outs.

France's Johann Zarco won in Moto2 to become the first man to repeat since the championship was introduced in 2010.

He became the first French rider to win more than one championship in Grand Prix Racing, according to MotoGP.

SingapOre, OctOber 30 (reUterS): Slovakia's Dominika Cibulkova pulled off a stunning upset to defeat Germany's Angelique Kerber and win the WTA Finals on Sunday, beating the newly crowned world number one 6-3 6-4.

Cibulkova, runner-up in the 2014 Australian Open, turned the tables on Kerber just a week after losing to her in the round-robin stage and captured the biggest title of her career in Singapore.

Kerber went into the final as overwhelming favourite after taking this year's Australian Open and US Open titles. But the 28-year-old was powerless to stop the diminutive Slovakian, who has made an inspired return to the game's elite and was named the WTA's Comeback Player of the Year.

Cibulkova was facing an early exit when she lost her first two round-robin matches in Singapore. But she won her last three matches to receive the Billie Jean King trophy and a cheque for $2.05 million, the biggest payday of her life.

In the doubles finals Russian Olympic champions Ekaterina Makarova and Elena Vesnina beat US Open winners Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Lucie Safarova 7-5 (7-5) 6-3.

After the start was delayed by 30 minutes due to a lighting problem, Makarova and Vesnina began the first set by conceding two games.

But they fought back in a closely contested encounter which saw 14 break points and three match points. Each time they pulled

ahead, Mattek-Sands and Safarova caught up quickly.

But Makarova and Vesnina dug deep to take the first set on a tie break. They went on to dictate the second set and were handed the title due to a service error from Mattek-Sands.

Their victory in the seasonending tournament, open only to the top eight doubles pairs, rounds off a remarkable year in which they reached the finals of the French Open and won Olympic gold. "This year for us is just amazing," Vesnina said. The pair

were presented with the Martina Navratilova Doubles Trophy at the Singapore Indoor Stadium by the tennis legend in person.

Makarova and Vesnina, who have been playing together since 2012, have seven doubles titles as a team, including the US Open in 2014 and the French Open in 2013.

Makarova is left-handed while Vesnina uses her right hand, a feature which Vesnina described as their winning combination.

"When we're motivated, ready and healthy, we're a very dangerous team," she said.

India beat Pakistan to win Asian Champions Trophy

KUantan, OctOber 30 (ianS): India's hockey team gifted the country on Diwali its second Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament title after defeating arch foes Pakistan 3-2 in the final at the Wisma Belia Hockey Stadium here on Sunday.

India's two second-half goals from Rupinder Pal Singh (18th minute) and Affan Yousuf (23rd) were cancelled out by Aleem Bilal (26th) and Ali Shan (38th) but Nikkin Thimmaiah (51st) scored the winner for the reigning Asian Games champions.

In the third-place match, hosts Malaysia got their fourth bronze medal as they edged out South Korea via penalty shootout.

Dominating the possession, India earned a penalty corner when

Bale extends Real contract to 2022

Vechita Khesoh- recipient of “Nagawrestlemania Hall of Fame -Class of 2016” Award with parliamentary secretary for youth resources & sports, music task force and state lotteries Khriehu Liezietsu and 3E Nagaland managing director Kethosituo Elvis Mepfhuo. Vechita Khesoh won two times heavyweight champion during 2014 & 15 and one time “King of the Ring Champion” in 2015. He has been conferred with this award during the 5th edition of Naga Wrestle Mania 2016 held at Kohima from October 27 to 29. (Morung Photo)

Dominika Cibulkova of Slovakia celebrates with her trophy after defeating Angelique Kerber of Germany. (REUTERS)

Vienna, OctOber 30 (reUterS): Andy Murray's charge towards the world number one ranking continued as he beat Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-3 7-6(6) to claim the Vienna Open title on Sunday. The Briton, seeking to end Serbian Novak Djokovic's stranglehold on the number one spot by the end of the year, was cruising towards his third consecutive title before Tsonga turned the match into a real fight.

Murray was 3-1 ahead in the second set and had three break points to move 4-1 ahead but Tsonga dug in and began to play some stunning tennis to the delight of the crowd.

Tsonga broke for the first time to level the set at 4-4 when Murray made a rare unforced error and began hitting with ferocious power to shake the Scot.

The 29-year-old Murray, who won the titles in Beijing and Shanghai to eat into Djokovic's lead in the rankings, would not be denied though and played a typically solid tiebreak. He failed to convert his first match point when he netted a forehand return but set up another with a brilliant flicked backhand down the line off a cute Tsonga dropshot.

He then nailed a first serve to complete victory and secure a career-best seventh title of the season.

Murray's 15th consecutive match win means he could overtake Djokovic by winning next week's Paris Masters before the season concludes at the ATP World Tour Finals in London.

Birendra Lakra played to the foot of a defender in the seventh minute.

But Jasjit Singh Kular's flick went wide of the left post.

However, Pakistan didn't take long to get into groove and two aerial balls -- one to the top of the circle and another to the left of the circle -- rattled the Indian defence. But Akash Chikte, standing in for injured premier goalkeeper and captain P.R. Sreejesh, was up to the challenge.

In the second quarter, India stepped up their game and they were rewarded. Penalty corner specialist Rupinder flicked high to beat Pakistan goalkeeper Amjad Ali in the 18th minute to mark his 11th goal of the tournament.

India moved in good rhythm and Talwinder Singh could have made it 2-0 when a move created

by Thimmaiah was squared to him on the left but his reverse hit went above the bar on the right, with only goalkeeper Amjad to beat.

But India found the second goal two minutes later as Yousuf deflected in from close range a Ramandeep Singh's square pass from the right after the latter was fed by Sardar Singh few yards behind the Pakistan circle.

Eight minutes into the third quarter, Pakistan benefitted and scored their equaliser from a defensive error from India as Shan slammed past Chikte at the near post on the left in the 38th minute.

Rupinder made a poor trapping at the top of the 'D' and the ball went behind into the path of Sardar, who made a poor clearance before Shan grabbed the opportunity.

Further drama unfolded when Ramandeep claimed to have made it 3-2 for India in the 39th minute with a close-range deflection following a drive from the top of the circle by Kothajit. But the umpire's referral showed that neither Lalit Upadhyay nor Ramandeep touched the ball.

India regained the lead when a fierce counter-attack led by Akashdeep Singh saw him pass to Thimmaiah on the left and the Karnataka forward sounded the board with a drive at the far post for the crucial goal in the 51st minute.

Later, Pakistan made the mess of a penalty corner opportunity when the stopper failed to trap after the push as the time ran out and India stood strong to secure the win.

Bangladesh secure first test win over England

Madrid, OctOber 30 (reUterS): Wales international Gareth Bale has extended his Real Madrid contract until 2022, the Spanish club said on Sunday. Bale joined Real for a then world-record fee of 100 million euros ($110 million) in 2013 and has won two Champions Leagues and a King's Cup in three seasons with the La Liga club. The 27-yearold winger, whose previous contract ran until 2019, has made 135 appearances in all competitions since he joined the club, scoring 62 goals. "Real Madrid C. F. and Gareth Bale have agreed to the extension of the player's contract until June 30, 2022," the club said on its website.

Lovren hero and villain as Liverpool keep pace

LOndOn, OctOber 30 (aFp): Liverpool kept pace with Premier League top two Manchester City and Arsenal with a dramatic 4-2 success at Crystal Palace on Saturday.

A breathless first half saw both sides take advantage of defensive errors, with Palace twice levelling through James McArthur after Liverpool took the lead with goals from Emre Can and Dejan Lovren.

Joel Matip's 44th-minute header gave the visitors a half-time advantage and Roberto Firmino's secondhalf effort secured a win that left Jurgen Klopp's men behind City and Arsenal on goal difference.

While the Merseysiders' vibrant display showcased their attacking talents -– assisted by a generous Palace defence -- lapses at the back again raised questions about their ability to

England's Ben Duckett (R) is bowled. (REUTERS)

Dejan Lovren apologises to the Liverpool fans.

sustain their title challenge.

Liverpool have kept just one clean sheet in 10 league games this season and Lovren's failings in particular complicated what should have been a

routine victory.

But if Klopp had reason to be frustrated about elements of his side's display, Palace manager Alan Pardew had even more grounds for complaint.

The hosts' porousness meant that even when they twice came back to level, they never looked like kicking on to record what would have been only a sixth league win in 2016.

dHaKa, OctOber 30 (reUterS): Teenage sensation Mehedi Hasan claimed his second fivewicket haul of the match as Bangladesh secured their first ever test win over England with a 108-run victory on Sunday.

England had won all previous nine matches against their South Asian rivals but were all out for 164 in their second innings while chasing 273 for victory on the third day of the second and final test at the Shere Bangla National Stadium.

Off-spinner Mehedi took six wickets for the second time in the test as the hosts tied up the series at

1-1. Bangladesh had come close to breaking England's winning record in the first test at Chittagong but suffered a heartbreaking defeat by 22 runs.

England had looked in control as captain Alastair Cook and Ben Duckett took them to 100 without loss at tea, but the hosts produced a remarkable turnaround, taking all 10 of England's second-innings wickets in the final session.

Mehedi, who took six first-innings wickets and seven in total on debut in Chittagong, once again proved to be England's nemesis and picked up six for 77 on Sunday for a match haul of 12.

Duckett was dropped at slip on 12 and fell to the first delivery after tea for 56 with Mehedi breaching his defence after the batsman had completed his maiden test half-century.

Cook reviewed successfully on 44 to overturn an lbw decision off Mehedi but fell on 59 to a sharp catch at short point off the spinner, who turned 19 last week.

England still looked well-placed with Ben Stokes, who also had a successful review after being given out caught behind on 20 off Mehedi, and Chris Woakes at the crease.

But Shakib Al Hasan (449) picked up three wick-

ets in four balls as England were shot out from 161-6 to 164 all out.

Mehedi was named both the man of the match and the series for his 19 wickets over the two tests.

MISSED CHANCES Resuming the third day on 152 for three, the hosts were dismissed for 296 in the second session.

England leg-spinner Adil Rashid took four for 52.

On a surface offering ample turn for the spinners, England made the chase more difficult with a string of missed chances.

Imrul Kayes, unbeaten overnight, and Shakib Al Hasan added 48 for the fourth wicket during a chance-filled partnership.

Kayes was dropped twice before off-spinner Moeen Ali finally trapped him leg before for 78.

Wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow missed a stumping chance with Shakib on 16 before Duckett grassed a simple catch in the deep with the batsman on 23.

England also missed two review opportunities with replays showing the umpire's decisions would have been overturned and Shakib continued to frustrate the tourists with a stroke-filled innings of 41.

Sabbir Rahman and Shuvagata Hom continued to attack the bowlers in a brisk stand of 30. A few heated words were exchanged between players from both sides during the partnership, prompting the umpires to intervene.

Rashid picked up the last two wickets in Bangladesh's innings after lunch, while Stokes finished with three for 52.

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