September 18th 2014

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www.morungexpress.com

Dimapur VOL. IX ISSUE 257

The Morung Express “

www.morungexpress.com

Until we get equality in education, we won’t have an equal society

India, China sign 3 pacts within hours of Chinese President Xi’s arrival

Tizu-Valley Hydro Electric Project to benefit people

Ten to vie for Miss Mkg 2014 crown

[ PAGE 2]

Emotions mount on final day of Scottish campaign

[ PAGE 11]

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[ PAGE 8]

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Thursday, September 18, 2014 12 pages Rs. 4 –Sonia Sotomayor

Real begin title defence in style [ PAGE 12]

Scots to vote on independence today

Can a referendum be a nonviolent means to finding a Naga solution? Morung Express News Dimapur | September 17

‘Should Scotland be an independent country?’ The YES or NO to this will be remembered by the Scottish people for a long time to come. A referendum will be held in Scotland today, Thursday, September 18, 2014, to let the people determine a political future for the northern third of the island of Great Britain, till now a part of the United Kingdom. “The Scottish referendum was a while in the making and has only now been opened up to the people,” says an academic, appreciating the process leading up to the Scottish referendum but also reinforcing that Scotland joining the Great Britain was the result of a “voluntary union.” The Naga case had a forceful element to it. Today, political negotiations for most part are focused on issues, while the question of political status itself remains unclear. Here

AR busts ‘illegal detention centre’

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DIMAPUR, SEPTEMBER 17 (MExN): Personnel of the 29 Assam Rifles, on Wednesday, cracked down on an “illegal detention centre” at Half Nagarjan, Dimapur. A press note from the PRO, Assam Rifles informed that AR troops on patrol were “informed about certain illegal activities being undertaken by some miscreants in the locality.” Acting on the information, the patrol party identified the house and proceeded to search it. According to the AR, “two individuals, restrained by thick chains around their ankles; were found locked up in a small room.” “The detainees were being confined under most inhuman and despicable conditions. The detention centre was being manned by six miscreants who were also residing in the same premises, who were consequently apprehended,” informed the AR. On questioning, the apprehended individuals “revealed that the miscreants were NSCN (IM) cadres who were using the house as a base for carrying out illegal activities in the area to include extortions, abductions, kidnappings and illegal confinements,” stated the AR press note. During the search, the AR informed that “a number of incriminating documents were recovered from the house pointing towards the involvement of NSCN (IM).” It added that involvement of the alleged cadres is “further being probed by the law enforcement agencies.” All the apprehended individuals have been handed over to the Police and a case has been registered against them. “The detainees have also been released to the police for handing them over to their relatives,” it added.

comes the role of a referendum—to assert a political status through the voice of the people and then embark on issue-based negotiations—since 1945, 30 major conflicts around the world have been resolved through this tool. Scotland itself will have to negotiate its way through its economy, its relationship with its neighbours, the UN, NATO etc. if it finds itself an independent nation. Can the referendum be used as a means to bring a nonviolent light to the Naga tunnel of political self-determination? The Morung Express looks for insight. YES! “In the situation of contemporary conflict, a referendum is the best solution—it is non violent and leaves bloodshed out,” says political scientist Dr. Maongsangba, but it should be “inclusive” of all genders, and be conducted under “free conditions.” “Draconian laws should be lifted in order to carry forth a demo-

Members of the Yes campaign have left messages in chalk written onto pavements and buildings in Edinburgh, Scotland on September 17. Scotland will vote on a referendum on political self-determination today. Can the Nagas follow? (AP Photo)

cratic decision,” he asserts. In the Naga case, one of “protracted conflict,” a referendum may be used as “neither a political nor military solution” has transpired yet, or become difficult. “A referendum is one of the most sensible, democratic and peaceful ways to resolve intractable conflicts,” maintains democratic rights activist Gautam Navlakha. While welcoming the Scottish referendum, he warns that it should not be applied

meaninglessly to resolve conflict of every kind. “This is the right time!” says a positively energized Prof. A. Lanunungsang Ao. Referring to the Naga plebiscite of 1951, he insists that it is now time to conduct a referendum with the Nagas in Burma, which could not be done at the time “due to our limitations.” “We have much more in terms of land and resources on the Burmese side, and it will pave the way towards opening a new political

chapter,” Prof. Ao shares, keeping in mind that the Naga people will need these resources to build a nation. “Big countries are fighting over the control of resources. Under the Modi government, India’s Look East Policy will take new shape and put the Nagas at the centre of it. A resolution of the Naga issue, and an independent Naga territory will immensely help India expand East.” He goes a step further and suggests that the Naga Hoho would

be the “most appropriate authority” to conduct such a referendum. NO? A Scottish national The Morung Express spoke to will vote a NO in today’s referendum. “To create an independent country, you have to create public funds that are not there, for which public expenditure will face cuts,” she says, quoting the example of disabilities and housing, sectors which will face the brunt of a bud-

get cut (in governance) if an independent Scotland were to take root. She, however, reminds us that as in the Indo-Naga case, Scotland was not oppressed when it joined hands with the kingdoms of England and Ireland in 1707, and in a position to make free and informed decisions. She also asserts that a referendum is “no guarantee of a peaceful means” if people are ill-informed. “Naga people are literate but not politically educated,” reflects political scientist, Prof. John Sema, also highlighting the “highly divided” Naga house that will prove to be a dampner onNaga aspirations. A number of commentators here maintain that the Government of India will “never accept any such referendum.” First, the Constitution of India has no basis for the provision of a referendum, informs advocate and activist, Ashok Agrwaal. Second, the possibility of “mischief” in India is high—“self restraint and disciplined action” might not come to the Naga armed groups easy, marring a clean referendum process. Third, the GoI will either “disrupt” the whole

thing with a military crackdown, or through covert operations. As for the Naga areas in Burma, the repression has always been a lot more, and not much is left to imagine of a future endeavour for independence. “Even an unofficial referendum would require the Nagas to unite, and to organize Indian/international observers of high stature to guarantee credibility,” offers Agrwaal. Even then, the “dynamics and scenario” have drastically changed, with youth comprising 50% of the population, according to advocate and activist, Ayo Jajo Aier, and a referendum alone cannot reflect the “true aspirations of the Naga people.” For her, as with some others, “political negotiations” are the “easier” way out of the Indo-Naga debacle. Nonetheless, as Prof. Sema, and a few others put it, the Nagas have to “prepare ourselves—we are economic parasites currently with no sustainable growth in any aspect. We have to revolutionize ourselves—we have to come together for a mass mandate on political self-determination.”

Justice demanded A handy-capable life: ‘Thank God for Bamboo’ for murder victim September 18 is World

KSU holds protest rally in Bhandari

WOKHA, SEPTEMBER 17 (MExN): The Kyong Students Union (KSU) on September 16 organized a rally at local ground Bhandari town, to protest the September 11 murder of a student of GHSS Bhandari. A press note from the KSU informed that the victim was allegedly murdered on the road between Bhandari and Merapani, while she was on her way to school. The protest rally was attended by several student volunteers and various civil societies from the area. The KSU informed that speakers from various organizations expressed their condemnation for the incident. The KSU also submitted a representation to the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Bhandari SubDivision demanding immediate constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the murder. KSU President, Amos Odyuo expressed pain over the murder and paid a two minutes silent prayer for the departed victim. Stating that the “murder was pre-planned,” the KSU said that “if an efficient and effective investigation is not conducted to probe the offence and award befitting punishment to those involved in committing… the life and security of innocent citizens are at serious threat.” The KSU further urged all concerned citizens to cooperate with the investigation. It also asserted that

the KSU would not “shy away from justice until justice is delivered.” General Secretary of the Kyong Eloe Hoho, Nzano Kikon termed the murder as a “barbaric act,” and stated that “females being treated in this way is really hard to accept.” She urged the law enforcing authority to book the culprit at the earliest. Principal of the Government Higher Secondary School also urged the village council authority to provide transportation to the students’ community, who further stated that “it is very hard and insecure to walk on foot for 5 to 6 kms to get education.” Representatives of the Kyong Lower Range Students Union (KLRSU); Wokha Town Longsa Hoho; Longsa Village Council; Dimapur Longsa Youth Oganisation; GB Union Bhandari Town; Eloe Hoho Bhandari Town and Wokha Circle Students’ Union also spoke at the rally.

Bamboo Day Dr Asangba Tzüdir

Dimapur | September 17

For nothing can be more pleasing to the ears of a man devoid of eyesight, than the sounds of the birds chirping and the cocks crowing in the morning declaring the break of dawn. That breaks the slumber of a man who is being greeted by darkness all over, yet a day waiting for the unforgiving minutes to be filled with his daily routine work. A quick face wash and then he switches over to his favorite radio for music as he starts his daily chores beginning with sweeping and mopping the wood-

en floored rooms. “I keep mopping the floor until I hear the screeching sound and that is when I feel the shine.” Here is the story of a man closely knitted to bamboo almost his entire life which transformed him from being ‘handicapped’ to handy-capable. Born in 1963, Imkonglemba hails from Molungkimong Village under Mokokchung district. He was born perfectly alright but unfortunately, he slowly started losing his eyesight when he was about two years old. He says, “I cannot picture anything about the neighborhood where I was born. I think I lost my eyesight when I was too young to remember anything.” Losing his eyesight did not deter him from becoming ‘handicapped’ and a ‘liability’…in fact he became ‘handy-capable.’

Imkonglemba

He is an amazing talent, a bonesetter (koberas) and more importantly, a very skilled bamboo craftsman. He weaves bamboo mats and various kinds of baskets and household items which is much better and more beautiful than those made by others. Sometimes he checks the work

of other weavers and surprisingly he can simply make out any mistakes in their work. Believe me…he goes alone to the jungles to fetch the bamboo. He says, “Once I reach the bamboo groove, I feel the bamboos and then give a gentle push and by listening to the rustling of the bamboo leaves I can make out whether that bamboo is suitable to cut down into slits so as to make the bamboo crafts.” Being the best weaver in the village, he has done his part of disseminating the knowledge of weaving among the youngsters so that this integral art is carried on. Being blind, instead, gives him an added advantage of working extended hours into the night besides his routine work of cooking, cleaning, washing clothes and chopping firewood. He is very sharp,

witty and fast and never seems to get tired of working. During his younger days, his earnings were quite substantial to support his parents. His hard work ethics can be taken as an eye opener for many youngsters today who are almost alienated from work culture and tilted to a culture of consumption without production. His life is very closely knitted with bamboo and it holds a special place in his life. As he says, “Bamboo gave me a meaning and purpose in my life and though I cannot really see, the world around me definitely feels beautiful.” And he adds, “I thank God for Bamboo.” Bamboo today is considered as the “Green Gold” but for a villager far stretched from modern comforts it is still a “poor man’s timber.”

Value human life: NMA

Meanwhile, the Naga Mothers Association (NMA) has appealed to all citizens to “value human life” and stated that “every girl and women has the right to be respected and protected.” A press note from the NMA further lauded the “effort of NSCN I-M UT-I CAO Team led by M Daniel Lotha in apprehending the accused and thereby thorough investigation that revealed the truth about the heinous crime committed by Tsenthungo Shitri, the rape…” It further urged the concerned authorities to “immediately arrest the other accomplice who is still absconding.”

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Dimapur

Thursday

Govt directs on adoption of self-certification provision

Kohima, September 17 (Dipr): The Chief Secretary Nagaland Banuo Z. Jamir in an office memorandum informed that the Second Administrative Reforms Commission of the Government of India recommended adoption of self-certification provision for simplifying procedures for production of documents like birth certificates, marksheets etc. In pursuance of this recommendation, the

Government of India has adopted the system of selfcertification of documents like marksheet, birth certificate etc by the applicants instead of asking for an attested copy of the documents by a Gazetted Officer or filing of affidavits. Under the self-attestation method, the original documents are required to be produced at the final stage. Therefore, considering the citizen friendly method of self-certification, it has

ABAMYD resolves on Liquor Prohibition

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LocaL

18 September 2014

impur, September 17 (mexN): The ABAMYD (Ao Baptist Church Association Youth Department) had its Social Issues Training for Youth Directors and Youth Leaders from August 8 to 10. Altogether 382 participants from 95 churches participated in the program. According to a press release issued by Bendang Imsong, Youth Promoter ABAM, the issue of Nagaland Liquor Prohibition Act was discussed at length and the certain resolutions were adopted in the meeting. The ABAMYD fully convinced that liquor prohibition act cannot be realized unless Churches and civil societies construct appropriate strategies to stop alcoholism. Hence, the ABAMYD has resolved to re-strategize its ministry among the Alcoholics and Drug Users. The ABAMYD has resolved to appeal all the churches to make two strategies: Primary prevention programs for young people (Non-users) and Ministry among the Alcohol users. The ABAMYD has strongly resolved to uphold NLTP Act passed by Government of Nagaland in the year 1989, and make appropriate strategies in our own local capacity for the benefit of our people.

been decided by the Government of Nagaland that all the Departments, Educational Institutions should accept self-certification of only the Marksheets, Birth Certificates, Scheduled Tribe/Scheduled Caste Certificates, Indigenous Inhabitant Certificates which do not require any affidavit or certification by the notary public/magistrates shall be permitted. Further, the minors under the law shall not be allowed to certify.

The respective parents/legal guardians may certify. All self-certifications will accompany with the self-declaration and the penalty for false statements/certificates which is enclosed. The concerned Department/Head of Office/ Head of Department/ Head of Institute shall however be vested with the responsibility of ascertaining the genuineness of the certificates.

The Morung Express C

Tizu-Valley Hydro Electric Project to benefit people

Kohima, September 17 (mexN): The 3rd Nagaland Spelling Bee Championship 2014 which is slated to be held on September 25 and 26 at Capital Convention Centre, organised by the Fountain Club Kohima in partnership with the State Council of Educational Research & Training (SCERT) Department, Government of Nagaland. The organiser informs all the interested students vying for participating in the championship that the submission of forms for participation is extended till Saturday, September 20. All the details can be downloaded

from website www.morungexpress. com 'OR' www.fountainclub.in For any clarification and confirmation of participations, contact the organizers at 9402453002, 9856071055 or 9436609258. The participating students must reach the venue on Wednesday, September 24 before 4:00 PM for registration and briefing of the championship. This was informed in a press release issued by Neizokhotuo Belho Convenor, Organising Committee and Seyievizo Tsükrü Chairman, Fountain Club Kohima.

IRCSN appeals for flood relief

Kohima, September 17 (Dipr): The General Secretary IRCSN, Dr. Kepelhusie Terhuja in an appeal letter informed that the Indian Red Cross Society Nagaland State Branch has make a fervent appeal to all Patrons, Vice-Patrons, Life Members, Tribal Hoho’s, Village Councils, Public leaders, Government Officials and Offices, Civil societies, NGO’s, Faith groups, business community and wellwishers to respond to the flood affected people in Jammu & Kashmir and come forward to donate generously

for the victims. An appeal is made to all the District/Sub-divisional Branches of the Indian Red Cross Society Nagaland to organise similar Fund Drive. The Indian Red Cross Society, Nagaland State Branch further requested all the people of Nagaland to offer a special prayer for the effected victims in Jammu & Kashmir. Contributions may be submitted in cash/cheque/Draft in favour of Indian Red Cross Society, Nagaland State Branch, Kohima-797001, (0370) 2244350 and (+91) 9436000861.

Minister (Power) C. Kipili Sangtam, Parliamentary Secretar, Yitachu, Chief Engineer (Power), Er K. Miachieo and department officials during the visit to Tizu-Valley Hydro Electric Project at Phek district on September 16.

pheK, September 17 (mexN): The Minister (Power) C. Kipili Sangtam, Parliamentary Secretary (School Education), Yitachu, Chief Engineer (Power), Er K. Miachieo and the department officials visited the identified Tizu-Valley Hydro Electric Project between Lozaphuhu and Tezatse villages of Phek district on September 16. After the visit to the proposed site, the Minister (Power) had a short meeting with the area people. In his address, Sangtam informed that, the PreFeasibility Report (PFR) has been prepared for 15 MW installed capacity. The Detailed Project Report

(DPR), however is yet to be prepared and for which the department is considering it on priority. The Minister (Power) also informed that the development of the project would bring benefits from many angles to the people of these areas in particular and the state in general. He therefore sought full co-operation from the public to bring out the DPR. He also appreciated former public leaders who have taken initiatives in identifying the project. While addressing the gathering, the Minister also expressed the need to strengthen and expand the department, he informed that the department is se-

LCS&RTI Dimapur district appeals

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Dimapur, September 17 (mexN): Life Consumer Society & RTI, Dimapur District, while appreciating the Dimapur police for unearthing illegal taxation network, appeal to the District Administration/ DMC to look into the matter of "control of price of essential/perishable essential commodities including other necessary items." LCS&RTI Dimapur district in a press note also appeal to all business establishments to co-operate with the authorities concerned for maintaining the price during the period of crisis, so that the price rise in Dimapur district should not affect the consumers of other district of Nagaland also.

State Level INSPIRE Science Exhibition Kohima, September 17 (Dipr): Parliamentary Secretary for School Education, Yitachu will grace the State Level INSPIRE Science Exhibition organized by SCERT & sponsored by Ministry of Science & Technology Department of Science & Technology, New Delhi. The inaugural programme on September 18 will be chaired by Additional Director SCERT, Nagaland, T. Sekhose while introduction to INSPIRE Award Scheme will be given by Nodal Officer INSPIRE Nagaland, Daniel Seb.

Selection for CEAF 2014 pereN, September 17 (mexN): The DEO Peren has informed that the selection for scholarship under Children Education Assistance Fund 2014 (CEAF 2014) would be conducted on September 27 at GHSS Peren for Peren Centre. All the applicants are asked to reach the centre in time.

FELICITATION

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The members of Amba Semchir Mopungchuket extend our heartiest congratulations to Mr. NARSANG JAMIR, son of Er. Limatongtang and Dr. Chubala on being awarded the prestigious Gold Medal in B.E.(Civil Engineering) on 15th September 2014 by the MALNAD College of Engineering, Hassan, Karnataka. We sincerely honour his exceptional achievement for bringing laurel to the community and wish him all the best in his future endeavours. Tiasunep Jamir Secretary Amba Semchir, Mopungchuket

rious in delivering the goods to the people and expressed that responsibility of strengthening the department also lies with the public and sought peoples’ cooperation and requested the people to cooperate in fighting theft of power. He expressed that payment of electricity bill is the responsibility of every individual and organization and requested leaders to set example to the people. The Chief Engineer (Power) also spoke in the said gathering and informed that the power sectors including hydropower projects are an excellent industrial sector, however the economic viability of the project will be

the primary factor for consideration of such project. He therefore informed that the final feasibility of the project would be known only after DPR is prepared. Ex-MLA Chiekhutso of the area also spoke and informed the gathering that the Department of Power identified the project in 1998-1999 and provided departmental bulldozer for approach road cutting to the project site from Lozaphuhu village. While appreciating the Minister Power, the Parliamentary Secretary and the Chief Engineer for visiting the project site, he requested the authorities to reconsider in taking up the project.

ExoDelicia Food Products unit launched

MEx File Dimapur, September 17 (mexN): The Chakhesang Students’ Union Dimapur (CSUD) Silver Jubilee Officials Meeting will be held on September 18 at 2:30 pm at Western Chakhesang Hoho Building, Chakhesang Colony, on account of “Silver Jubilee” which is to be held on September 26. All the members are requested to attend the meeting.

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Info on Nagaland Spelling Bee Championship 2014

CSUD Silver Jubilee Officials Meeting today

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Resource person, Bina Shekar and her husband (IBM, Global Leadership Partners) with members of Nagaland Police Baptist Churches Association, Women Department (NPBCAWD) during the Refreshers Course on Proactive Leadership and Human Resources Development held at Karnataka Regional Office for Social Service (KROSS), Bangalore, September. Women Leaders of NPBCAWD, attended Refreshers Course on Proactive Leadership and Human Resources Development, one week intensive Course and Field visitation co-ordinated by Pusuinla Longkumer, Women Secretary, with Institute of Global Leadership.

Survival Nagaland: Nagas should stop patronising IBIs

Dimapur, September 17 (mexN): Continuing with its effort to control the menace of illegal influx of Illegal Bangladeshi Immigrants (IBIs), the core committee of Survival Nagaland Core Committee and Public Relation Cell members met GBs and Chairman of various localities of Dimapur. The GBs and chairman of these localities shared their concern and apprehensions about the influx Illegal Immigrants and number of crimes like murder, rape, dacoity, kidnapping, smuggling etc. It was impressed upon the GBs and elders about the IBIs acquiring residential proof certificates which makes them easy to acquire other docu-

ments like driving license, bank account, BPL cards, voters ID cards etc, which in turn makes these IBIs valid Indian citizens. The Core Committee of Survival Nagaland in a press statement issued by its Public Relations Cell makes a fervent appeal to every Naga that, “if they really care for their own people, our own land and our own generation, then Nagas should stop issuing these documents, stop patronising them by renting out their buildings, doing business with them or protecting and standing for them and bailing them out when they commit grievous crimes.” The Survival Nagaland has also appealed to the

district administration to immediately stop immediately issuing Government Civilian card which has been found to be issued at random without any proof and many illegal immigrants are in possession of these. The GBs/Chairmen have been requested not to issue Aadhar card and PMJDY to illegal immigrants. If this trend continues the Naga people are going to be minority in our own homeland within a decade or two. Being the guardian of people’s identity and rights, the GB/Chairmen Unions are requested not to issue any of these documents at the cost of the Naga people's future. While reiterating that Nagas from all

walks of life including lawyers, church workers, entrepreneurs, students leaders, etc have all joined the movement to safeguard and protect our land from the invasion of aliens from neighbouring countries, SN also appeal our National Workers to stop using IBIs as tax-collectors or recruiting them and not to defile the Naga National Movement. Survival Nagaland also expresses its heartfelt gratitude to every Church in Nagaland irrespective of denominations and affiliations who prayed for the Movement on September 14. SN further appeals to the Church to keep praying for our land and the movement going into the hands of these aliens.

Dimapur, September 17 (mexN): The inaugural program of Food Processing Training Centre at ExoDelicia Food Products, 5th Mile, Model Village, Dimapur was held on September 16. MK Mero, Commissioner & Secretary, Industries & Commerce, Government of Nagaland was the chief guest of the program. He stressed on the importance and the need of food processing in Nagaland as set of techno-economic activities carried out for conservation and handling of agriculture, horticulture, fisheries & livestock produce and make it useable as food, feed, fibre, fuel or Industrial raw material. He said that huge the Centre Government is pouring out amount of financial assistance in the food-processing sector. Pouring down to different states, Nagaland is also focusing its prior attention in the said field. The Food Processing Training Centre programme, sponsored by the National Mission on Food Processing (NMFP), Nagaland State under the Industries & Commerce Department is first of its kind in the state, he added. Khrielie Peseyie, Dy. Director (Food), Directorate of Industries & Commerce; Nagaland elaborated about the innovative plan & scope of Nagaland

government on developing a sustainable economy through food processing which can lead to employment generation and enhance the state's economy, making the state a self sustainable one. The Managing Director, ExoDelicia Food Products, L. Doulo, greeted welcome address and said the brief history of the ExoDelicia Food Products. Rozelle Mero, Managing Director, The People Channel (a human resource development agency), chaired the function. A prayer of blessing the function was pronounced by Rev. Dr. Kenny Kapfo, President, Mission International. Pastor of CBC Unity Village read the Bible with a prayer and Rev. Dr. V. K. Nuh, Executive Secy. CNBC exhorted the gathering after which vote of thanks was presented by the Gen. Manager, ExoDelicia, Vetshete Doulo. ExoDelicia Food Products, the hoisting Unit is recognized as a sunrise sector in the field and has come to a way over few years since its inception in July 2008, is a license holder under FSSAI and an ISO 22000, certified Unit with its specialty in production of canned pineapple slices in syrup, canned bambooshoot in brine, squashes, & juices, jam, pickles, sauce, jam, etc.

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Phek farmers undergo exposure training

pheK, September 17 (mexN): Horticulture division of ICAR KVK Phek, NRCM from September 9 to 13, organized a five-day exposure tour. Keniseto Chucha, Farm Manager & I/c Subject Matter Specialist (Horticulture) and Bodan Ch. Kachari (T1) led the Programme. The group of farmers under Chakhesang Women Welfare Society visited ICAR NRC on Mithun, Nagaland and intracted with the scientists at the Institute and attended the technology transfer conclave at NRC Mithun. On September 10 and 11, the farmers visited ICAR NEH Region Farm-Barapani and learntaboutthevariouspropagation techniques, nursery management. At Central Po-

tato Research Station (CPRS) Upper Shillong, they learnt about Hi-tech Cultivation of Potato. On September 12, the farmers were taken to ICAR NRC on Pig and they learnt about various pig breeds and breeding, management practices and pig-processing unit. They were exposed to different advanced technologies at KVK Kahikuchi. This exposure tour enhanced the knowledge of farmers in various aspects of agricultural and allied sectors. Meanwhile, the farmers in a press release expressed gratitude to Director, ICAR NRCM, Dr. RK Singh, programme coordinator, KVK Phek and all the concerned staff for the initiative taken in arranging the exposure tour.

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The team of Phek farmers during their visit to Central Potato Research Station (CPRS) Upper Shillong.


REgional

The Morung Express

Thursday

18 September 2014

Dimapur

3

Assam 'Garo militant groups to sign Blast rocks Ukhrul; two dead, two injured Former police chief pact with Centre, State govt' commits suicide Morung Express News

Dimapur | September 17

Shillong, September 17 (pti): A peace pact with at least two Garo militant groups in Meghalaya will be signed in New Delhi next week on September 24 with the Centre and the state government, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said today. "The final signing of the text agreement for settlement will be signed next week on September 24 in Delhi," the Chief Minister told reporters after a meeting with the leaders of the Achik National Volunteer Council (ANVC) militants here. He said the peace pact will be signed with the ANVC and its splinter group, the ANVC-B whose leaders did not attend. Both the groups had signed the peace settlement in January last year aimed at bringing peace in trouble torn Garo Hills region consisting of five districts in

Western Meghalaya. The initial demand of the ANVC was for the formation of a Greater Garoland, but at a later stage, the outfit demanded formation of a Garoland Autonomous Council in line with the Bodoland Territorial Council. However, after it was found to be not viable since the state has district councils, the ANVC agreed to strengthen the district councils especially the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council with more seats and additional powers. There was delay in the final peace settlement since the Centre wanted clarity on the number of seats which needs to be increased from the present 30 in GHADC to 40 and also the increase of seats in other two Autonomous Councils in the state.

Stating that the armed ANVC would be disbanded after the final peace settlement is signed next week, the outfit's spokesperson Arist Sengrang Sangma said the leaders would pursue the cause of greater Garoland through non-violence methods. Asked on the other armed militants groups operating in the Garo Hills region whose ideology were also similar to the ANVC, Sangma said, "They are different groups and they are not part of the settlement (signed)." "Politically they have to negotiate with the Government. Our main demand was greater Garoland. Once we disband, we will still keep on demanding the Garo land but not through arms struggle," he said. The parent organization had signed a tripartite agreement way back in 2004.

A bomb blast rocked Ukhrul town this evening, killing two and injuring two others. The explosion happened around 5:30 p.m. near Neetu Glass & Hardware Store in Viewland in the heart of Ukhrul town. The two killed – both women – have been identified as Soso Kumrah (22 years) and A.S. Dinah (40),

Ex-President, Tangkhul Shanao Long (Tangkhul Women’s Union), both from Longpi Khullen in Ukhrul. The two injured were identified as Neetu Store proprietor, Rajendra Chaudhary (55 yrs), and his son, Guddu Chaudhary (35 yrs). According to sources, Dinah was walking nearby the shop with Soso – her niece. Sources say that Soso died on the spot while Dinah, who had sustained multiple injuries, suc-

cumbed to her injuries on the way to Imphal for treatment. While there are reports that the motive behind the blast is monetary demands from a militant group, the SDPO Ukhrul Rocky refused to speculate saying, “Investigations are on.” The injured father-son duo is being treated at the Comprehensive Health Services and Research Centre (CHSRC) in Ukhrul.

Tripura brings onion, potato under Essential Commodities Act AgArtAlA, September 17 (iAnS): The Left Front government in Tripura has decided to bring onion and potato under the Essential Commodities Act (ECA), 1955, to check the rise in prices of these two commodities, a minister said here Wednesday. "The state cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Manik Sarkar in its meeting here Tuesday reviewed the price rise of various essential commodities. It was decided

to bring onion and potato under the ECA to ensure the reasonable prices of these items in the open market," Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Bhanu Lal Saha told reporters. He said the cabinet also asked the food, civil supplies and consumer affairs department to step up its vigilance to combat the rising prices of potato and onion, which is selling at Rs.45-50 per kg in Tripura. The minister said that

with the imposition of thed ECA it would be easier to control the stock of onions and potatoes and under the Tripura Food Stuff Dealer Licence Order, 2010, all traders selling onions and potatoes would have to obtain licence from the appropriate authority. "The state government has also fixed the maximum stock limit of small, medium and wholesale traders of onions and potatoes and anyone holding stocks of these

items beyond limits specified by government would be liable for prosecution," the minister added. Saha said the state government has been receiving complaints that despite adequate supplies of onions and potatoes, prices are rising in the open market. The ECA was enforced with an aim to check the hoarding by fixing stock limits in respect of these commodities in view of rising prices in the open market.

UNC calls on Rajnath Singh Assam police officer booked for All NE capitals on railway in five years: Gowda assault on woman in Guwahati

new Delhi, September 17 (iAnS): A delegation of Nagas from Manipur, representing the United Naga Council, called on the Home Minister Rajnath Singh here Wednesday, a government statement said. The delegation expressed their concern about the Naga tribes in Manipur and their earlier participation in economic blockades in the state. They also thanked the government for assuring them to look into their grievances sympathetically. "The home minister informed the delegation that the government is fully committed to solve their problem in a time-bound manner, but there is no scope for any violence," said the home ministry statement. The statement said the government is ceased of the aspirations, sentiments and views of the Naga people and has appointed R.N. Ravi as interlocutor and its representative for recommending a suitable solution. Special Secretary (Internal Security) MHA Prakash Mishra and R.N. Ravi were also present in the meeting.

‘No North-easterners to serve China prez’ AhmeDAbAD, September 17 (AgencieS): The Gujarat police don't want any untoward incident to mar the Chinese president's visit to Ahmedabad. Keeping the objective in mind, the police have asked the management of the hotel where Xi Jinping will be staying to ask its staff from north-east to keep away from the venue on Wednesday. According to reliable sources, the police don't want anything or anybody to make a bad impression on Jinping. "So, they have asked the management to communicate verbally with its northeastern staff and those from Tibet and ask them to stay away from the venue," sources said. It should be noted that the mall and hotel staff, even those from the north-east, had been issued passes. But they have since been told to keep away from the venue. Likewise, a police source said, "In order to avoid any conflict the police have asked the north-eastern and Tibetan staff at Hyatt hotel and AlphaOne Mall to stay away from the main venue where the function will take place." The source added that the police might have taken the steps to avoid mistaking north-easterners as Tibetans. How-

ever, both - the police and the managements played it safe and refused to answer any questions related to the development. When contacted, Joint Commissioner of Police (JCP) Special Branch Vikas Sahay said, "I am very busy, we will talk later." Officials at Grand Hyatt hotel also refused to comment on the issue. BIZ AFFECTED Meanwhile, cops have asked AlphaOne to close the mall to general public on September 17. As per an estimate, this could cost them a loss of about Rs 35 lakh. However, the mall has already started feeling the heat. The police, on Monday, had cordoned the entire mall and surrounding roads for security purposes. Restricting vehicles from entering the mall is like asking people to stay away from the mall as there is hardly any parking space available in the surrounding area, sources said. This is affecting mall's footfall and business. Likewise, the Hotel Hyatt also won't be able to admit new guests in the hotel from September 16 night till the Chinese President is in residence. On September 17, the hotel will have to keep their restaurant and cafe closed for the outsiders/visitors for security reasons.

guwAhAti, September 17 (the inDiAn expreSS): The police late last night registered a case against a senior Assam Police officer of the rank of an SP in the heart of Guwahati following allegations of misbehavior and assault lodged by a woman, with the police registering an FIR against him under Sections 448, 427, 294 and 354 of the IPC. Confirming this, Guwahati City Senior Superintendent of Police AP Tiwari said the officer, one Mihir Jyoti Goswami, currently Commandant of the Assam Forest Battalion, was picked up from in front of a beauty

DoT may soon order solar-powered tower deployments in North East new Delhi, September 17 (et): The telecom department (DoT) will shortly mandate deployment of solar powered towers to boost mobile coverage in the Northeast, especially in mountainous regions close to the Chinese border. DoT's plans to explore alternate energy sources to run mobile towers in the Northeast follows a recent study by the telecom regulator, which revealed major gaps in telecom coverage in Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur and Meghalaya. According to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) report, Arunachal Pradesh has the highest coverage gap (55.9 per cent), followed by Meghalaya (38.1 per cent), Mizoram (32.3 per cent) and Manipur (24.3 per cent). A senior DoT official said plans were afoot to "use solar powered telecom towers" in the remote corners of the Northeast that still remained outside

Guwahati-Shillong taxi fare hike irks travellers Shillong, September 17 (tnn): At a time when rise in prices of essential commodities is giving a tough time to people, commercial tourist vehicles (diesel-run) have decided to add to the people's woes by suddenly hiking the fare from Shillong to Guwahati by Rs 100. Instead of Rs 300, a passenger in a shared taxi will now have to shell out Rs 400 to travel to Guwahati from Shillong. This was revealed by the Meghalaya Tourist Transporters' Association (MTTA) recently in a press conference. The decision is now facing flak from several quarters even as some have questioned the authority of the association to arbitrarily hike the fare. "According to my understanding, it is the Regional Transport Authority that has the mandate

to prescribe fares for commercial vehicles and not an association," said Shemphang Lyngdoh, a computer engineer who vists frequents Guwahati on work. He added, "I wonder if this hike has the consent of the transport department". Similar comments have come from several regular commuters who feel that while the rate of diesel has marginally increased, the steep hike in fare is not commensurate with the increase in fuel price. "The sudden increase by Rs 100 in the fare is not right and I think the government should step in and correct such arbitrary action," said Subhashish Das, who works in a pharmaceutical company and often travels to Guwahati on company business. "An association should look into the welfare of

parlour-cum-spa sent for medical examination and then further examined by the police, after which he was allowed to go. The FIR lodged by a woman who runs a beauty parlour said Goswami had gone to her beauty parlour, misbehaved with her, made indecent proposals, hurled abuses and also physically assaulted her. The incident took place at around 9 PM in the beauty parlour-cumspa on the busy GS Road. It was outside a bar on the same GS Road that a sensational case of sexual assault on a woman had hit international headlines in July 2012.

guwAhAti, September 17 (AgencieS): Capitals of all the Northeastern states will be connected with railway services within the next five years, Union Railway Minister DV Sadananda Gowda announced on Wednesday. Currently only Guwahati, Itanagar (Naharlagun) and Agartala – the latter with a metre guage link – are on the railway map. Interacting with the media after reviewing progress of as many as 34 ongoing railway projects, including 11 national projects, of Northeast Frontier Railway, Gowda also said that he would visit the Northeastern region once in, at present, six months to take stock of these projects.

tourist taxi drivers, but should not cause inconvenience to passengers. What if we stop using diesel vehicles and opt for petrol ones whose fare has not increased by a single paisa even though petrol prices are skyrocketing," added Das. When contacted, Khasi Hills Tourist Taxi Association (KHTTA) president Arnold Lanong said he did not agree to the hike termed it 'unjustified'. "Our association, which manages petrol vehicles, will stick to the old rates. The price of petrol is higher than diesel and according to government notification, the rate is Rs 375, but we still charge Rs 300 per passenger". On the other hand, bus fares have remained more or less constant hovering around Rs 150 per passenger between Guwahati and Shillong.

the mobile loop. 'Go green' has been a popular theme in government circles, especially after DoT unveiled stiff green targets for telcos more than two years ago. The green telecom policy requires mobile operators to reduce diesel consumption and run 50 per cent of their towers in rural areas and 20 per cent in urban areas on hybrid power by next year. And by 2020, will need to run 75 per cent and 33 per cent of their towers in rural and urban zones respectively on hybrid supplies, which have been defined as a mix of grid power and renewable energy based on solar, wind, biomass or fuel cells. But telco appetite for green energy technologies remains low, given the huge capex required to set up solar energy capacity. As a result, DoT has lately been pressing the finance ministry to provide viability gap funding (VGF) to telecom operators and tower companies to help them meet their green energy targets mandated by

the government. The DoT official, quoted above, conceded that going solar would be expensive for telco. It also proposes to involve Renewable Energy Service Providing Companies (RESCOS) in driving the go-green thrust. It is a different matter that the RESCO model has failed to deliver so far. Last year, tower operators under the Tower And Infrastructure Providers Association (TAIPA) banner had floated a request-for-proposal inviting clean energy equipment suppliers to form RESCOS that would set up independent clean energy generating stations for selling power exclusively to tower operators or mobile phone companies directly. Though talks were held with 70-odd applicants, only two companies were finally engaged as RESCOS for a pilot involving the greening of some 1100 tower sites. As a result, barely 1 per cent of India's near 5 lakh telecom towers run on green energy solutions now.

The railway minister said the total anticipated cost of these 34 projects stood at Rs 53,522 crore, of which Rs 19,905 crore has been already spent as on March 31, 2014. These projects, he pointed out, included laying 1,757 km length of new railway lines, 2,448 km length of gauge conversion and 312 km length of track doubling. As on April 1, work of 1,545 km of new railway lines, 801 km of gauge conversion and 282 km of track doubling was pending, he informed. Gowda also said that he had already announced a budgetary grant of Rs 5,742 crore for the Northeast projects for the current financial year, which was 54 per cent more than the pre-

vious year’s allocation. This would help expedite the ongoing projects, he added. Expressing satisfaction with the current pace of work on these projects, Gowda said that chief ministers of the Northeastern states have been extending full cooperation in execution of these projects, apart from providing required security for the projects as well as for train services. His topmost priority was to meet the target dates of completion. On the 4.95-km Bogibeel rail-cum-road bridge river Brahmaputra near Dibrugarh, Gowda said it would be completed by June, 2017. The project was sanctioned in 1996-97 and declared a national project in 2005-06.

guwAhAti, September 17 (iAnS): Former Assam Director General of Police (DGP) Shankar Baruah Wednesday shot himself dead at his residence here, police said. Baruah's name had cropped up in the multicrore-rupee Saradha chit fund scam and his house here was raided by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) last month. Baruah was admitted to a private hospital for the past three days due to some illness. After being discharged from the hospital around 11.20 a.m. Wednesday, he reached his home and shot himself. His family members took him to a private nursing home where the doctors declared him dead, said a neighbour of the former DGP. "He is dead. We have examined the place of incident. We are going for a post-mortem examination," said Senior Superintendent of Police (City) Anand Prakash Tiwary. Baruah, a 1974 batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, retired as the state DGP in January 2012. The CBI is likely to summon several persons from Assam, including politicians, former DGPs and some influential businessmen, for their alleged involvement in the scam. The CBI recently arrested Assam's prominent singer and filmmaker Sadananda Gogoi in the case. Besides the house of Shankar Baruah, the CBI sleuths had Aug 28 also raided 12 locations in Assam, including the houses and properties of two former ministers of Assam "Himanta Biswa Sarma and Anjan Dutta, and singer Sadananda Gogoi.

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND

DIRECTORATE OF INDUSTRIES & Commerce IND/ESTT/ADVT/35/2014

Dated Kohima the 17th Sept. 2014.

DECLArATION OF LDA rESuLTS

With reference to the advertisement No.IND/EST/ADV/35/2014 dated Kohima, the 14th February, 2014 ,the interview for both written and viva voce were conducted and the following candidates in order of merit have been declared for filling up 4(Four) vacant Post of LDA-cum-Computer Assistant (District) under the establishment of the Directorate of Industries & Commerce, Kohima. This has the Government Administrative Approval vide letter No.IDA/ESTT-17/08 (Pt) Dated Kohima, the 02nd Sept. 2014. The selected candidates are asked to report to the undersign within 7(seven) days. 1. Shri. Supongwati Imchen - Roll No. 252 2. Shri. Visezo Angami - Roll No. 390 3. Shri. Ketoulezo James - Roll No. 304 4. Shri. Ruchu - Roll No. 023 (BT) Sd/(Keneilel Angami) Director of Industries & Commerce.

CONGRATULATIONS

OFFICE OF THE

MOPUNGCHUKET AIT LAISHIR TELONGJEM (MALT) (Mopungchuket Students’ Union)

FELICITATION We the Mopungchuket Ait Laishir Telongjem (MALT) would like to extent our heartiest congratulations to our esteemed citizens for their honoured achievements in their respective professions: 1. Mr. Narsang Jamir, son of Er.Limatongtang and Dr.Chubala for being awarded the prestigious Gold Medal in B.E. (Civil Engineering) on 15th September 2014 by the MALNAD College of Engineering, Hassan, Karnataka. 2. Shri. Arlemba Dobashi, son of Late Ngangshiliba for receiving the District Award for his sincere dedication of service and outstanding performance rendered towards public service on 15th August 2014. 3. Mr. Imtiyanger, son of Imlinukshi Jamir for receiving the District Best Farmer Award under ATMA Kubolong Block on 15th August 2014. MALT further wishes them grand success in their future endeavours. “Greatness comes from perseverance and devotion to one’s work.” Sd. Lepur Ozukum, President, MALT

Sd. L. Aosunep, Gen. Secretary, MALT

We, the staff and students of Little (Flower Hr. Sec. School, Kohima, would like to extend our heartiest congratulations to our dear Principal, Sr, Anna Molly for being awarded" the State Level Teachers' Award, 2014. She is also a recipient of the following awards:1. Gold Medalist from Nagaland University in Education, 2007. 2. Best Educationist Award, 2011. 3. Eminent Educationist Award, 2011. 4, National' Mahila Rattan Gold Award; 2012. 5. District Level Teachers' Award; 2013 Dear Sister, you are the best and you truly deserve the awards. Under your able leadership, the School has achieved great heights both in scholastic and non-scholastic areas. We feel so fortunate to have such an efficient Principal like you. May you continue to be a blessing to the School and the Society today, tomorrow and always.


4

Dimapur

businEss/public discoursE

Thursday 18 September 2014

The Morung Express

Nomination of candidates against NEC quota – The untold story

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very formidable outcry from some section of the public, well orchestrated and effectively (stage)-managed was witnessed recently. Tactical strategies, logistic mobilization carried out with finesse in an efficient time frame. With the unfolding of the drama it emerged there were a few, behind the scene/on the side, key roleplayers capitalizing on the brouhaha. Every intent volitional or otherwise, to accuse, judge, condemn and crucify individual(s) were administered to the utmost, perhaps to an unprecedented level. All such are seen to have achieved smoothly through a severe media trial built up to quite hysterical proportions. It was arbitrary to an obvious point, as we are made to understand that no attempt at all was made by those quarters to ascertain the facts and documentary records on “recommendation of non-eligible candidate”, “power-abuse” among other alleged extreme wrong-doings, from the Horticulture department or others concerned before going public crying foul. In their wisdom or choice whatever, it was deemed fit to project and advocate a one-sided absolute stance with no room of consideration for any other possible factors that could be prevalent in any given situation(s). And all these indeed in the ‘fight’ for “justice” and “fairness”! If at all some harps as much on “fairness”, it is perceived only ‘fair’ and in the order of things that the family of Imnatemsu Imchen divulge to the larger public actual facts on the other related facets of the matter of NEC reserved quota. Following are the hard facts as established from documentary information available in public domain and relevant sources concerned:1. As acknowledged by all the involved agitating parties, the State Govt. have not issued any Executive Order/Notification declaring Department of Technical Education, Nagaland as the sole nodal nominating authority for study of various technical courses inclusive of NEC quotas. 2. The claim that the Govt. of Nagaland has notified to this effect vide a quoted letter dated 20.01.2011 is not correct. The said letter in question is No. DTE/TECH-A/18/2010 dated 20.01.2011 signed by the present incumbent as Director of Technical Education vide which a minutes of the State Common Selection Board meeting held on 10.12.2010 relating to Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) is

seen to have been circulated to all Heads of Departments etc. but excluding NEC. As per meeting decision the recommendations of the Board was to be placed before the Cabinet for approval. However the matter was not placed before the Cabinet, hence no bona fide Notification of the State Govt. to that effect been issued. The so called letter dated 20.01.11 itself is doubtful as whether the present incumbent, who signed the letter in the capacity of Director at that point of time had been elevated to that position or not, only official records will testify. 3. A State Govt. Notification No. HE/MHRD/4-2/2006 dated 11.12.2013 issued by the Dept. of Higher & Technical Education states that, quote: “during 2014 there shall be no State JEE. Selection of students for State Reserved Seats in undergraduate Engineering & MBBS and allied courses will be on the basis of JEE (Main) and All India Pre-Medical Test (AIPMT) respectively to be conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)” unquote. Copy of this Notification is found not endorsed to all Administrative Heads of Departments & Heads of Departments neither to the NEC. 4. The Director of Horticulture, Nagaland received from the North Eastern Council Secretariat their letter No. NEC/MPD/VI3/2004/Vol-III dated 08.05.2014 addressed to the Director, Horticulture, Nagaland among others, intimating the allotment of a seat of B.Sc (Horticulture) four years’ course under NEC quota for the session 2014-15 at the Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh. Of the reserved seats to the NEC, seats are normally allotted on rotation basis among the North Eastern States and thus for the session 2014-15 one seat in B.Sc (Horticulture) was allotted to the State of Nagaland. 5. The State Department of Horticulture conducted a screening process of the 4 (four) applications received for the said NEC seat on 19.05.2014. Based on the criteria of being the candidate with the highest percentage of 88.2, the Departmental Screening Committee recommended the name of Mr. Imnatemsu Imchen. Accordingly, his name was recommended to the NEC for consideration for nomination to the seat of B.Sc (Horticulture). Mr. Imnatemsu Imchen had been given admission by the said University on the basis of his nomination given by the NEC

Simple Rules - There is just one simple rule: “Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9.”

SUDOKU Game Number # 2999

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recommended her candidature to the NEC for the required nomination to the University, if at all her selection was against NEC reserved quota. 9. A subsequent letter NO. DTE/TECH-A/17/2014 dated Nil July 2014 was written by the Director of Technical Education addressed to the Assistant Registrar, Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh stating that Miss Watinaro A. Imsong was selected and nominated for admission into B.Sc. (Horticulture) as a State nominee against the seat allotted to the Govt. of Nagaland vide NO. NEC/MPD/ VI-3/VOL. III dated 06th May, 2014 (repeat dated 06th May, 2014) by virtue of her merit rank at 62 in the AIPMT. It is pertinent to note here that in this particular letter the Director, Technical Education asserted – “the Govt. of Nagaland has identified the Director of Technical Education as the nodal department for selection and nomination of candidates for Medical and Allied and Engineering courses through conduct of competitive Examination since the last 10 (ten) or more years. This year during 2014 the State Govt. has decided to adopt the AIPMT as the basis for selection and nomination of candidates for admission into medical and allied courses.” This same letter categorically stated that, “It is now been reported that another candidate, MR. IMNATEMSU IMCHEN on recommendation by the Director, Horticulture Department has been given admission against the State reserved seat which is improper and against laid down norms of merit.” It further advised that, “therefore to request you to cancel the admission of MR. IMNATEMSU IMCHEN and admit MISS WATINARO A. IMSONG as the legitimate and authentic nominee for the State of Nagaland.” 10. As per norms, so far as the NEC quota seats are concerned, all the seats are to be nominated by the NEC, whereas the case of Miss Watinaro A. Imsong was done by the Director of Technical Education directly to the University without evidently routing through the NEC. In the two letters of Director of Technical Education mentioned at Para-8 & 9 above there are no references of NEC letter anywhere. In view of the two contrasting letters of the Director of Technical Education, Nagaland, confusion arose resulting the University to write their letter dated 25.07.2014 to the Director (E&M) & In-Charge HRD&E,

NEC Secretariat for clarification leading to non-acceptance of the nomination of Miss Watinaro A. Imsong at the initial stage. 11. A perplexing point in the very matter of Miss Watinaro A. Imsong’s virtue of her merit rank of 62 in the AIPMT-2014 that is hard to fathom is the Directorate of Technical Education has published vide its Advt. NO. DTE/TECH-A/17/2014 dated 23.07.2014 that none of the bona fide candidates from Nagaland who had appeared in AIPMT-2014 could secure the minimum qualifying marks of 40% and that the Govt. of Nagaland has decided to conduct Nagaland State Pre-Medical Test (NSPMT) on the 09th August 2014 etc. While presuming that there could be genuinely acceptable grounds for slotting her merit rank at 62 in an All India examination notwithstanding the declared fact of none of the Naga students could qualify the same examination, in the absence of an open and transparent ready information in this regard, the matter however remains paradoxical. 12. Mr. Imnatemsu Imchen vacated on 18.08.2014 the NEC quota seat against which he was nominated by the NEC to accommodate Miss. Watinaro A. Imsong in the same seat as per her public demand. Yet Miss. Watinaro A. Imsong’s list of public demands being not only one but several, and in all likelihood, each and every of them must stand fulfilled, some impending matters wait still to be addressed. One: Any officer of the State Govt. practicing “Nepotism” to be punished as per the Service Rules/ disciplinary action to be initiated against the Director of Horticulture for misusing her position. Two: The Writ Petition filed initially by Miss. Watinaro A. Imsong at the Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench against the State of Nagaland represented by the Chief Secretary to the Govt. of Nagaland, the Director of Horticulture and Mr. Imnatemsu Imchen, the main respondents along with other pro-forma respondents. Of course the Director of Technical Education was not made a respondent. The Writ Petition in its first listing before the Court on 25.08.2014 was withdrawn by the deponent on “Technical Grounds” with a plea for re-filing it on a later date. Hence it is expected to do so by Miss. Watinaro A. Imsong at any time.

DoTE in response to “Nomination of Candidates against NEC Quota – The Untold Story”

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his office can but will not waste time by issuing point by point rebuttal regarding such “well orchestrated and effectively (stage) managed” affairs as alleged by the writer. However, the Directorate of Technical Education would like to put the record straight regarding NEC seats. NEC seats come under the purview of state reserved seats; they are not a separate entity or category of seats. NEC seats include those for Forestry, Agriculture, Fishery, Home Science, Sericulture (2014), including Horticulture. These departments, on receipt of such seats have been forwarding them to the Technical Education department for selection and nomination and accordingly, the department of Technical Education has been selecting and nominating candidates for such courses as per merit in competitive examinations like State JEE, NEET, AIPMT. This is not a new thing and has been the norm for quite some time now. In fact, the Directorate of Technical Education has nominated candidates for B.Sc Horticulture seats under NEC quota during 2001, 2003, 2007, 2009, 2010, and 2012. If each individual department were to conduct their own separate selection/entrance exam, there would not have been any need to conduct a single State competitive examination like State JEE, NSPMT or opt for all India exams like NEET, AIPMT etc. in the first place. The hardest of fact is that Ms Watinaro A Imsong was selected through a process already in place for many years and more importantly by virtue of merit from among 1594 candidates who sat for a competitive AIPMT whereas selection of Mr Imnatemsu Imchen was through “ a screening process of 4(four) applications”. A wrong was committed when Mr Imnatemsu Imchen was nominated against a state reserved NEC seat for B.Sc Horti. course thereby depriving a more legitimate and deserving candidate. Trying to justify a wrongdoing with a lengthy write-up of half truths and disinformation will not make things right. If certain people refuse to acknowledge the truth when it is placed before them, then this department has nothing more to say; there is no “Untold Story”. However, if anyone has any doubts regarding the fairness and method of selection for technical courses, including NEC seats, by the Directorate of Technical Education, they are free to come to the department for any verification/clarification including M. Imtila Jamir (RCS)Rtd. A Kathipri Director

A layman’s perspective on an innocent victim of circumstances

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he recent nomination of lmnatemsu Imchen for undergoing BSc (Hort.) in Dr YS Parmar University Nauni solan, Himachal Pradesh by Director Horticulture, Nagaland Kohima and subsequent withdrawal in favour of Watinaro A lmsong nominated on the basis of merit AIPMT as claimed by A Kathipri, Director, Technical Education, Nagaland, Kohima have carried many twist and turned stories capturing headline news for several days with dramatic outcome. In our today’s environment with serious media activM. Imtila Jamir, RCS (Retd.) Aoyimkum, ism there is a gradual perceptible change of attitude to Dimapur, Nagaland corner and humiliate any person in position of authority or seat of power more than ever before and that earlier so called privileged people had become perpetual victim of media scrutiny randomly or ridiculed without sympathy. In introspection of the above case of nomination by the Director, Horticulture Nagaland, Kohima, it was also found that even recently some identical nature of nomination was carried out by the Director of concerned allied Department of which two very recent cases can be cited: CROSSWORD # 3006 (i).That on a plain application with request for nomination dated 10th June 2014, a candidate had applied for undergoing B.S.c Sericulture under N.E.0 State quota to the Director, Sericulture Nagaland, Kohima and that administrative approval for her case was issued by the Govt. of Nagaland, Kohima, Dated Kohima the 22’d July 2014. (ii).That the Director of Fisheries, Nagaland Kohima had also nominated a candidate against N.E.0 reserved seat at the college of Fisheries,Roha Assam Agriculture University Assam on 19th July 2014. While truly our Children are the living asset of every parent be it from a more privileged or a lesser privileged Society or family we value them equally, as such I sincerely sympathized Shriimnatemsu Imchen for being made an innocent victim for the only reason that he is the son of his beloved mother who is also presently the Director, Horticulture Nagaland, Kohima. To a layman like me, the above cases of nominations and the circumstances of nomination clearly reflect that down the line every person may not be at fault or may have a basis of his or her right but at time people in authority or seat of power do “demand restraint “as a sense of code of conduct. In view of the above reasons, the withdrawal of her son from Dr.Y.S.Parmar University, Nauni Solan, Himachal Pradesh by . Director, Horticulture Nagaland, Kohima was a magnanimous decision which 57. Entwined 31. Eastern Standard Time many people may not know or may like to ignore. ACROSS 59. Container weight 34. Tight 1. An aromatic ointment However, it shall also befit to ponder upon the other side 60. Avid 35. A single time 5. Metal of the story so that every citizen are given the benefit of doubt 61. Entertain 36. Require 10. Makes a mistake and still a vibrant healthy environment and hope and wise 62. Biblical garden 38. South southeast 14. Margarine media can be more subjective arid investigate and just not 63. Cocoyam 39. Brine 15. Former Hungarian ignore silence as an admission of guilt only than our quest 64. Lance 41. Not before monetary unit for a common dream of respect, honour can be established. 65. Part of a plant 42. “Darn!” 16. Docile Lastly I on behalf of anuk apang (Brother-in-laws) 44. Wall Street figure 17. Widespread DOWN congratulate Watinaro Imsong for her grand success in 45. Similar 18. Opposition 1. Exploded star the JEE competitive examination and for her strong de46. Fledged (arrows) 20. Craftsperson 2. Winglike termination for fighting against the wrong system prac47. Performed 22. Streaked 3. A musical pause tice by the Departments. 48. Shorthand 23. Not used 4. In an indulgent manner Let this be a good examples for the—Naga students 51. “Oh my!” 24. Bestow 5. Stretch out and Nagaland departmentals for the betterment of our 52. Lantern 25. Scourges 6. Adolescent Naga’s Society in general in the days to come and also not 53. Plateau 32. Train tracks 7. N N N N forgetting lmnatemsu Imchen, wishing him all the best 54. Carpenter’s groove 33. Disconcert 8. Auspices on the days to come, being a good citizen and a student, 55. Chocolate cookie 34. 2,000 pounds 9. Misplaced we the Naga’s hope something special from you for the 56. Lease 37. Countercurrent 10. Electronic letters betterment of our Naga’s peoples in future. “Destiny is 58. Prompt 38. Supporting column 11. Kidney-related belongs to us, but it is only God who decide the future for Ans to CrossWord 3005 39. Rational 12. Odd-numbered page ever human creature’s in this universe”. 40. Center of a storm 13. Shooting sport Finally, I on behalf of the bonafide Naga citizen’s of 41. Comment to the 19. Garbage Nagaland give our gratitude to Director, Horticulture Deaudience 21. Views partment Nagaland, Kohima for her wise decision on the 42. Two 25. No charge issue of good understanding and give chances to Watina43. Characterized by 26. Gentlewoman windows ro lmsong without selfishness leaving aside her son. May 27. Assistant 45. Nautical for stop God bless you all. 28. Language of ancient 49. Uncooked I Chubatangit Jamir Rome 50. Milky Social Activist & Ex-INC Candidate 29. Put up with 53. Bullfighter Tuli, Mokokchung 30. Stories

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LEISURE

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against their reserved quota vide their letter No. NEC/MPD/VI3/2004/Vol. III dated 09.06.2014. 6. It is learnt that during the current year, nomination of candidates for undergoing B.Sc (Sericulture) and B.Sc (Fisheries) studies for the year 2014-15 have been called for under NEC reserved quota from the State Departments of Sericulture and Fisheries respectively. Candidates were accordingly nominated by the respective Departments through the NEC in the same manner and procedure observed by the State Horticulture Department as per prevalent norms followed for all NEC reserved seats/quota. As of till date there are several other Departments who deal with reserved seats/quota from time to time which are outside of the State reserved seats dealt with/handled by the Dept. of Technical Education. 7. It is deemed the normal procedure followed by the State Department of Technical Education is that, the Department will select candidates to/on the seats received from different Institutions for different courses on the basis of merit. That unless intimation about allotment/ availability of the seats is received from the concerned Institutions/ Authority no selection is made against a particular course in a particular Institution. The All India Pre-Medical Test (AIPMT) 2014 was conducted on 04th May 2014. It is presumed that the examination/test was conducted for undergoing various courses only for available seats reserved under State quota received/allotted from different Institutions. No examination/test could have been conducted for seats not made available. NEC’s letter intimating the Director of Horticulture, Nagaland about allotment of the reserved seat for B.Sc (Horticulture) is dated 08th May 2014. The AIPMT-2014 was already conducted much before NEC’s circulation of its intimation letter to all concerned NE States. 8. The Director of Technical Education, Nagaland vide his letter NO. DTE/ TECH-A/17/2014/7292 dated 08.07.2014 nominated Miss. Watinaro A. Imsong “for Degree Course of Study on the basis of AIPMT” in Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry, Nauni, Solan, H.P. against a Seat Allotment NO. UHF/Regr. (Acad.) 4-29/2014/1389 dated 19.04.2014, stating that the “Category Merit Rank of the Candidate in AIPMT is 62”. And no mention is found made by the Director of Technical Education of having

DAILY CROSS WORD


local/Public SPace

The Morung Express

Thursday 18 September 2014

Dimapur

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ACAUT Nagaland seeks clarification LRC, NNC informs D T he ACAUT Nagaland is constrained to question the highly inflammatory statements made by the CAO of NSCN (IM) Mr.Daniel Lotha, UT-1 made on 15th September, 11 am, at a meeting convened by him at Block-2, Panchayat Hall, Chumukedima in the presence of leaders, elders, GBs, Chairmen, and business community of Chumukedima circle including 6th Mile and 7th Mile areas. The CAO Daniel Lotha made the following observations:

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he recent border clash and skirmish in the Assam-Nagaland border of Ralan area should be an eye-opener for all the Naga tribes irrespective of whose border our land falls with. The Adivasis who were cultivating the lands of the Kyong Nagas started claiming as their own with the back-up of Assam government. Subsequently they started arming themselves with the help of their insurgent groups and an obvious clash that was bound to happen sooner or later happened. Today it occurred in a border area of Nagaland, but not very long from now it may happen here inside our own Naga heartland because as numbers increase so do the boldness and the might of illegal immigrants. Does our tolerant and docile nature give way to all these obvious risings, spate of crimes around us

1. The ACAUT was formed under the initiative of Maj. Gen (Retd) N. George, former chairman of CFMG and CFSB. This statement is an insult to the entire Naga people who have wholeheatedly welcomed ACAUT Nagaland’s stand on One Government One Tax. The ACAUT demands that the CAO provide further explanation in the media as to how this N. George was responsible for the formation of the ACAUT movement. 2. He accused two members

of ACAUT of moving around with plain clothes security personnel provided by the Indian Army. The ACAUT demands that the CAO provide details since the Naga people deserves to know the truth if indeed ACAUT members are conniving with the Indian Army. The CAO is playing a sinister game of soft-targetting individual members of the ACAUT. ACAUT members are not preys to be selectively targeted and he shall be answerable in the court of the Naga people for his actions.

3. He claimed that Naga Council, NWHD and DNSU have withdrawn support to ACAUT Nagaland. If indeed this is true, the CAO is requested to make public his claim in the media. 4. The CAO made the most dangerous statement that in case the ceasefire/peace talks between the NSCN (IM) and the GoI breaks down, the ACAUT would be solely responsible and its members would be targeted. The ACAUT Nagaland would like to know if indeed this is the per-

sonal view of CAO Daniel Lotha or the official stand of NSCN (IM) since the language expresses threat to life. The ACAUT Nagaland requests the CAO to make public all the above statements made within the confines of a panchayat hall in the media for clarity of his sinister purpose. He is asked to declare and take a stand that indeed he made such statements in front of the Naga people.

Lessons to learn from the Ralan Conflict which are unfortunate but expected? Surely our forgiving and hospitable nature been taken for granted otherwise it never would have been happening in reality. We have pondered way too long, thinkers have thought about it for a long time, writers too are now becoming exhausted trying to wake up our own ‘ Rip Van Winkles ’ who slept for twenty years and when he woke up he could not remember where he was ,where his children were or even who he himself was. Or have we become like the Ostrich who bury its own head under the sand when some imminent danger approaches wishing it would go away? But it just doesn’t. And a storm surely is approaching our heartland which is not very long from now. Blame it on our

complacency. Why do we always think that whenever an issue about chasing away illegal immigrants from our land comes up who will cultivate the land? Landlords and leaders become fiercely protective little knowing what ramifications in future it will lead us in to. Questions like , who will work for us? What are we going to eat? Who will look after our fields? Now look at USA, for instance. Only 3 percent of their population are engaged in the agricultural sector but is feeding the rest 97 percent and with their high productivity and a sustainable agriculture the surplus is exported to the rest of the world. Same is the case of many other European countries like Germany, France, Denmark, Sweden

etc. Even in our Asian countries like Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Thailand etc. they use modern technology of production like genetically modified seeds and highyielding varieties and have surplus to export all over the world. Nearly 70 percent of the population in our state is engaged in the agricultural sector but we still cannot even produce enough for ourselves. What our dear farmers produces, we share, some we consume and the rest we sale away to some traders who buy it a very cheap price. The same rice are mixed, polished and packed in sacks with some top-branded sealed rice and sold to us in a price whatever they want to fix in the godowns and land belonging to our own Nagas. Thanks to the administra-

tion, it has been almost two years since no prices essential commodities has been published. Wish they do soon before someone files an RTI or a PIL. Wish our power-tillers and tractors are not allotted to only some high profile figures and politically connected people which many ends up in our neighboring states but our own Naga farmers who wants to cultivate and till their own soil cannot avail and are deprived of such facilities. Wish our Agri and allied departments take the extra burdens of creating awareness in enlightening our landlords and leaders though the department has been doing many commendable and laudable jobs till date. What happened in Ralan

Issued by media cell, Acaut

will be repeated again even if necessary measures and provisions are taken by both state governments unless we Nagas start imbibing our ancestral work culture blending with modern technology and occupy our own lands without giving to others ,be it for cultivation or any other purpose. As our neighbour Manipur is now strongly agitating for the implementing of ILP in their state, fleeing ILP defaulters will start swarming here in our ever welcoming and free for all Dimapur which is the city of El-dorado for those hobos and gypsies Dimapur beckons. Wish our Naga Mothers also learn from the much fearsome and influential Meira Paibis. The Arab and the Camel fable is bound to happen anytime, be prepared for it. Jonah Achumi Dimapur

NSF calls for improvement of school education in Nagaland

DIMAPUR, SEPTEMBER 17 (MExN): The Naga Students Federation (NSF) has put forward various suggestions to the Nagaland state government for all-round development and improvement of government schools and academic performance of students in Nagaland state. In a letter to the Nagaland Parliamentary Secretary for School Education, the NSF informed that the federation had toured seven districts of the state from August 5 to 16 and interacted with representatives of Government High Schools, District Education Officers (DEOs) and federating units of the NSF. NSF informed that many schools are facing acute shortage of teachers due to non-replacement of teachers after the massive exercise on promotion of Graduate Teachers (GTs) to Junior Education Officers (JEOs). As such, it

Suggests measures for all round development of government schools urged the state government to immediately lift the ban on transfer & posting and strictly maintain the teacher-student ratio with the required number of teachers for every subject. It then said that there is shortage of Math and Science, (MIL) teachers and suggested lifting the ban on appointment. It stated that all appointments should be made through competitive exam. The federation further urged the Department of School Education (DoSE) to formulate a firm policy to constantly assess the performance of students and persistently check the over-all performance of teachers. It lamented that there are certain teachers “who are not

Municipal and town council audits in October KohIMA, SEPTEMBER 17 (MExN): As per Section 109 of the Nagaland Municipal Act 2001, a periodical audit of the entire financial management of the Municipal and Town Councils in Nagaland has been scheduled in the month of October. A press notification from the Additional Director, Municipal Affairs Cell, UD, Government of Nagaland, Dr Toshimanen Ozukum stated the audit will cover the entire financial transactions of the Municipal and Town Councils covering revenue collections, tolls and taxes, 13th Finance Commission fund, income generated from internal sources and assets generated or handed over by departments. Further, it stated that, in tune with a previous notification, the Administrators of Municipal and Town Councils are expected to have maintained proper records of collection of revenue, tolls and taxes and all other related financial resources in their respective Municipal and Town Council office with effect January 1- August 30, 2014. The audit officials are scheduled to visit the Municipal and Town Councils on the following dates in October: 6 - Wokha; 7 - Mokokchung; 8 - Zunheboto; 9 - Tuensang; 10 - Longleng, 13 - Changtongya, 14 - Tuli; 15 - Naginimora; l6 - Mon; 17 - Peren; 18 - Jalukie; 20 - Medziphima; 21 - Chümukedima; 22 - Dimapur; 24 Tseminyu; 25 - Kohima; 27 - Kiphire; 28 - Phek; and 29 - Pfutsuro. It further directed the respective Administrators of Municipal and Town Councils to produce the entire materials for audit in original and give proper receipts of handing over of the audit materials to the Audit Officials.

fit to teach, either physically or by qualification.” It demanded that the government take action against such teachers. While stating that most Government High Schools and Higher Secondary schools do not have adequate enrollment, it advised that random upgradation of schools be stopped. It further called upon the DoSE to inspect the Government schools quarterly or at least twice in a calendar year. Lamenting that there are some schools functioning without Maths, Science and Language teacher for the past 2-3 or even 5 years, the NSF demanded “exigency arrangements” to depute teachers to such schools.

It further informed that many schools lack basic infrastructures like Headmaster/Headmistress rooms, toilets and drinking water facilities, staff rooms and deteriorating school buildings. On this front, the federation demanded equal importance from the authorities concerned to address the issues. The NSF also revealed that “many teachers are attached either in the directorate or with the elected members or even serving as Class I officers on deputation in other departments.” In this regard, it called upon the government to expedite the process of rationalization/ re-deployment of teachers and demanded that

those teachers should be deputed back to the parent department. It further stated that “no teacher should be transferred in the middle of the academic year,” and urged the department to initiate stern action against teachers seeking transfer & posting according to their convenience. The DoSE should also strictly impose the undertakings signed by the teachers during the time of appointment, it added. Further, the NSF also suggested that the DoSE and the state government should contemplate introducing a sixth subject in all the schools. With particular reference to the ‘Non-detention policy,’ the NSF stated that

“since students are compulsorily promoted till class 8, facing examinations in class 9 and 10 becomes the biggest hurdle for them.” It claimed that after implementation of this policy; around 15,000 students have dropped out from schools in class 9. It is comprehended that more students will drop out of school in the coming years if the ‘Non-detention policy’ is continuously enforced, it added. As such, it proposed that the policy either be reviewed or revoked so that students are imparted the right education, particularly in the early stage of their academic career. While strongly pressing upon the department concerned and the Nagaland state government to examine its proposals and suggestions, the NSF assured every possible help and support for the effective implementation of these proposals.

ear Patriotic Naga comrades, the legacy and heritage of the Naga struggle we have today in the precious gift. Our ancestors have handed down to us; and Wokha is the birth place of Naga National Council. It was inaugurated by respected Shanjamo Jungi of Yikhum Village (The first Naga who went abroad and back home as missionary) on 2nd Feb. 1946 at the behest of Phizo Angami. Khresanisa Angami. The 1st ‘Kedage’ Federal Government of Nagaland was also elected on 14th July 1956 from Sanis Village. His anointing Prayer as president was pronounced by the most respected Rev. Yankey Patton accompanied by miracle who is with us by God’s grace. Therefore in order to keep the NNC parent body intact we made ourselves indispensable to uphold the motto and principle of the NNC. We have not budged even an inch till date. However some unscrupulous and grasping leaders have been playing tricks on Lothas behind the shield of Yilow Humtsoe. Nevertheless everyone is totally exposed. It is a shameful thing for Nagas that under the guise ‘the means to achieve the political goal’ led to gradual schism within Nagas society and later within Naga National Council having five (5) presidents. Why not only one head? Should we Nagas shift from idealism to realism? Should we shift from dogmatism to openness? Should we shift from pick and choose to inclusivity? For better understanding each other we would like

to exhibit the Lotha regional council resolution adopted on 10th April 2010. RESOLUTION The meeting of Lotha Regional Council (LRC), NNC Office Bearers, 14 Sub- Regional Presidents; central executive council members and senior national workers was held on 10th April; 2010 at the LTC hall Wokha and the following resolutions have been adopted thereof: 1. As per Naga National central Executive council members directive only the NNC Political wing shall deal with all matters relating to Naga right movement currently without formation of Government. Therefore all the erstwhile Naga National Workers in Lotha Region, irrespective of Rank and position are asked to be an active member by paying Rs. 40 only as yearly membership fee. 2. No taxation in any form shall be imposed on public till the formation of popular Government. 3. There are no factions such as NNC (FGN) (NA) and so on in Lotha Region except the constitutionally elected officials led by Chumbemo Khenchung as President. Hence, the parent body NNC shall not hold responsible even if some one who so landed in trouble (From public) while collecting taxes on the pretext of NNC. 4. Even Village Council Chairman is asked/directed to let his villagers understand well of these resolutions and take care of them in all possible ways. Lotha Regional Council, NNC

NSCN (IM) raids State stadium DIMAPUR, SEPTEMBER 17 (MExN): NSCN (IM) raided State Stadium in Dimapur on September 16, around 8:30 pm and “found” 79 people “in an objectionable atmosphere under the influence of alcohol.” A press release from Khekuto Jakhalu, Secretary, Union Territory,

NSCN (IM) informed that the raid was carried out as per the public notice/ caution issued around second week of May 2014 regarding raids at the stadium and Agri Expo, 4th Mile for “immoral activities.” The raid was done jointly with Lotha Oriental village council members, it was informed.

PGSU Kohima campus annual freshers’ meet KohIMA, SEPTEMBER 17 (MExN): The Post Graduate Students’ Union (PGSU), Nagaland University Campus Kohima, will be organizing its 23th Annual Freshers’ Meet with the theme, ‘Eclipsing Horizons’ on September 19 at

State Academy Hall at 10 am. Zhaleo Rio (IAS Retd), Parliamentary Secretary for Urban Development and Lithrongla G. Chishi, Secretary, Home and Addl. Director, ATI will grace the occasion as chief guest and guest of honor respectively.

Nagaland government donates 10 lakhs for flood relief KohIMA, SEPTEMBER 17 (DIPR): The Home Department, Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority has informed that the Government of Naga-

land has contributed an amount of Rs. 10,00,000 (ten lakhs) towards flood relief in Jammu & Kashmir to the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).

GPRN/NSCN holds political Orgs condemn rape and murder of minor SEPTEM- sen along with the woman Dimapur, especially at the ety) of Dimapur has also class for regional authorities DIMAPUR, BER 17 (MExN): Con- society, youth organization, time when we the Kachari condemned the alleged demning the alleged rape and murder of a 9-yearold at Amaluma village on September 14, the Village Council of Amaluma has appealed to all the right thinking people and organizations to condemn and demand severest of punishment for the accused to avoid recurrence of such crime. In a press statement, the village council chairman Jolendra Sengyung and head GB Satyalal Thau-

GPRN/NSCN organized a political class for RAOs and region secretaries on September 12 at Khehoyi Designated Camp.

DIMAPUR, SEPTEMBER 17 (MExN): The GPRN/NSCN conducted political classes for regional members consisting the Regional Administrative Officers (RAOs) and region secretaries on September 12 at Khehoyi Designated Camp. A press release from MIP, GPRN/NSCN informed that Alezo Venuh, Envoy to the collective leadership and C. Singson, NPAC Convener exhorted the members on the responsibilities of every national worker, and also deliberated on the prevailing Indo-Naga political situation. Venuh and Singson also

spoke on the moral duties needed to be implemented by every member as highlighted in the Geneva Convention in armedconflict regions, as well as standing firm on one’s decision of defending the rights of the Naga nation, the release added. Meanwhile, Home Kilonser Hevukhu Yepthomi and Kilo Secretary G. Jimo stressed on the administrative functions and policies of the Government. They also encouraged the members present to continue to strive forward for the uplift of GPRN/NSCN. All together, 22 regions of the GPRN/ NSCN attended the meeting.

students union, teachers and S.M.C of Government Middle School of the village further expressed condolence at the demise. Nagaland Kachari Women Organization (NKTWO) has also stated that the rape and murder of the minor “committed in most brutal and beastly manner” should be condemned by all. “This incident of rape and murder has brought a shock wave in the Kachari community of

women are fighting for restoring rights and safety of womenfolk in our community,” stated NKTWO president Tina Basumatari in a press statement. Appealing to all right thinking citizens to condemn such act of atrocity, the organization urged the law enforcing agencies to award befitting punishment to the accused identified a Pintu Hasam (22). Meanwhile, the Dimabang Halali Hosom (Soci-

rape and murder. A press statement issued by DHH president Bhabendra Longmailai urged the law enforcing authority to take strong action against the accused as “there is no place for such heinous crime in the civilized society.” The society also appealed to the authority not to grant bail to the accused under any circumstances. It further conveyed condolences to the family of the victim.

School girl’s murder condemned NEw DElhI, SEPTEMBER 17 (MExN): Lotha Students' Union, Delhi (LSUD) has stated it was “appalled, furious and anguished” at the gruesome murder of a school girl whose body was found between Bhandari and Merapani on September 11. “We promptly denunciate the savage route certain anti-social humans take up to quench their sadistic selfish needs,” stated LSUD in a press statement. “We hope and pray that the

Naga society in general, may not only be notoriously known for such heinous crimes in the near future. It is indeed utterly unsettling to witness such a pitiable fall of mankind.” Reiterating the need of speedy investigation, the students’ union also declared that “justice delayed, is justice denied,” and urged the investigating teams to book and punish the culprit(s) at the earliest. LSUD further extended condolences to

the bereaved family of the victim and every concerned individual who has been affected by the act. Meanwhile, Nagaland Government Higher Secondary School Employees Association (NGHSSEA) has also condemned the murder of the girl who was a student of Government Higher Secondary School, Bhandari. The Association in a condemnation note issued by its president Kelhikha Kenye, vice president Liyalo

Apon, and general secretary Chungngam Konyak asserted such “inhuman act and heinous crime” is not to be tolerated at any cost and urged the law enforcing agency to book the culprit(s) at the earliest and award befitting punishment as per the law. It further appealed to the right thinking citizens, student bodies, and NGOs to condemn such inhuman act, while conveying condolence to the bereaved family members.

The Morung Express is introducing “Public Space” as part of our intention to provide deliberate space for the opinions of the people to be expressed and heard through this newspaper. Nonetheless, The Morung Express points out that the opinions expressed in the contents published in the “Public Space” do not reflect the views and position of the newspaper or the editor.


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IN-FOCUS

The Power of Truth

The Morung Express THursDAy 18 sEPTEmbEr 2014 volumE IX IssuE 257 by Aheli moitra

Be a sport!

THE EDIT PAGE

C O M M E N T A R Y

Adil E. Shamoo Foreign Policy in Focus

Treat ISIS like an Onion ances and obtain new recruits. Moreover, billions of dollars in private funds from Saudis, Kuwaitis, and Qataris have landed in the pockets of Islamist jihadists in Syria, especially ISIS, with virtually no protests from their governments.

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hen we were growing up, our athletics team was rather annoyed with the sports administration at the school. We had some excellent trainers and a field but the shoes were missing. As the sporting career, which we were encouraged to begin from a young age, forwarded, we wanted spikes to run in. The American and British schools in the city provided their students with spikes (the students could afford them anyway)—why not us in the Indian schools? Our trainers would bring out a bag of spikes and empty it on the field before practice—we had to scrimmage through the pairs to find one that fit us, not always a perfect fit, and make do with them. Sometimes it was just better to run in white canvas shoes. Yet, while competing at an international level, some of us did exceptionally well—we never realized how much the more-than-halfway encouragement of our school, trainers and the sharing-of-spikes took us. In another school, we had a large ground—full of stones embedded in it—alongside a broken basketball court. This rendered even the mention of spikes fruitless. Ankle injuries among athletes were even more common than the regular (which is a lot). A week before one of the sports days at that school, one of our trainers, herself frustrated with the infrastructure, gave us the boot. Well, a pickaxe; and asked us to dig the stones, one at a time, out of the track on which we were to run. It would not be good enough for spikes; at least our ankles could be saved. Infrastructure ran short, goodwill was in abundance. The kind of competitive academic systems we are brought up in, it is easy to lose confidence if you are not on top. It is easy to lose hope when the small runs short. However, consistent engagement with sports taught us all that, say, math could not. Though sports itself could get extremely competitive, the physical rigour and mental discipline it required could be acquired by everyone who simply participated in them—whether in top gear or not. But providing the best possible facilities and infrastructure for athletes to gain confidence in their choice of sport could go a long way in taking both the career of an athlete forward as well as break record in the sporting activity. This requires interest and intervention from administration and governance. Sports help imbibe team spirit that is of no match to the capitalist individualist structures that western academic learning promotes. Exposed at a young age, team sports can help children learn that the personal sometimes walks a step behind the communal. Friendship, cooperation, a sense of belonging, self esteem can all be built through a natural process of playing! At the least, when governance is failing in every other way, the government in Nagaland can help mould a better society by simply providing better infrastructure and facilities for the young and old to come together on the track, field or court. The rest will trail the runner. Suggestions may be sent to moitramail@yahoo.com

lEfT WING |

Shilpa Raina IANS

Leh's school where dreams are born through education

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n April, Leh district's last village of Kanji in the western Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir received electricity for the first time. It was only last year that a tarred road was built to connect this remotest hamlet to the world. But a school has been operating here since 1960 - giving students wings to dream! This lone government school is the only hope of 40 families living in the village to provide better lives and professional careers to their children against their traditional farming business. "I have never been out of this village and farming is the only thing I know. I don't want the same harsh life for my children," Tshering Norbu, a farmer, told this visiting IANS correspondent. "My only wish is to see them study and this school is our only hope," added Norbu who studied till Class 5 from the school, which once operated from a single room. For a village that is situated at 3,875 metres above sea level, the harsh realities of life stare right into the face with the arrival of winter. At the village's "ration house" grain is stocked for six months and kerosene is bought in bulk to sustain everyday requirements. While this school does offer a balm, the quality of education, as expected, is poor for its 43 students. This is why an organisation - 17,000 ft Foundation - has mapped all schools in Leh and Kargil district of the Ladakh region and is setting up libraries and playgrounds in 100 schools it works with. "The students lack basic comprehensive skills. So we firmly believe that a library can contribute a lot in improving their reading and writing skills as most of them struggle in English," NGO co-founder Sandeep Sahu told IANS. Sahu's team closely works with Village Educational Committees (VECs), whose contribution is pivotal for motivating villagers in sending their children to school, generating funds for schools or arranging accommodation facilities for teachers from different villages. During a recent trip to the school, Sahu gave the VEC of the village a demo of how a playground it is planning to set up will look like. The VEC's approval was necessary as it would have speeded up the process of removing unwanted debris and stones from the ground that was dumped by contractors who had later refused to clear them to make space for the playground. It is the commitment of these VEC's that they are pushing boundaries to ensure better facilities at the school. This is how Sahu was able to launch a library in 2013, and is now planning to set up a playground before winter sets in. The playground is funded by the Kentucky-based chicken chain KFC, which has joined hands with 17,000 ft Foundation under its popular #KFCWishBucket challenge to set up three playgrounds and one library in different schools. Only a faint idea of having a playground in her school premises with swings and slides has made eight-year-old Sonam Palmo happy. So far, she has only played kabbadi and other games. "I have seen those things on television," a visibly confused Palmo told IANS when asked about how a playground looks like. "It would be nice to have one," she added shyly, her rosy cheeks glowing as she blushed. Added Tshering Dorjee, one of the committee members: "Education is a ticket to get out from this village. "Our children can become independent, join the army or take private jobs. They can even become tour operators if they understand Hindi and English," Dorjee told IANS. "At the same time, the overall development of these children is important," he added.

Like layers of an onion, ISIS supporters can be carefully peeled away. But not if Obama goes into Syria and Iraq with a mallet

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he Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) is a symptom—not the cause—of turbulence in the Middle East. It is a symptom of oppressive, corrupt, and undemocratic regimes supported and manipulated by the United States, Europe, and Iraq’s neighbors, including Iran, to serve their own interests. ISIS, in reality an offshoot of al-Qaeda, is partly the result of the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003. The United States, through its actions and the form of governance it created in Iraq, brought forth the sectarian divide in that country. The West was shocked when ISIS advanced from Syria to occupy a third of Iraq, seizing Iraq’s second largest city—Mosul—without so much as a fight. The Iraqi army, trained and equipped by the United States, melted away and left its weapons to ISIS. ISIS subsequently surrounded the semi-autonomous region of Kurdistan. Tens of thousands of Christians, Yazidis, Turkmens, and other minorities were suddenly at the mercy of ISIS. Christians were told to convert to Islam, pay heavy taxes, leave, or get killed. Nearly 100,000 Chaldeans, the largest Christian community in the country, fled and became refugees, and thousands of Yazidis fled to the mountains to avoid almost certain death. ISIS fighters were nearly knocking at the door of Erbil, the capital of Kurdistan, before the United States launched airstrikes to help Kurdish forces and Iraqi allies beat them back. For the West—and especially the United States— this was either a colossal failure of intelligence or of political leadership. The situation is further exacerbated by the meddling of nearly 10 countries in the affairs of Iraq, including the United States, Europe, Iran, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and Israel. In addition, the semi-autonomous government of Kurdistan has played a complicating influence, fighting ISIS on the one hand while consolidating its gains in disputed cities like Kirkuk on the other. U.S. actions in recent decades have both contrib-

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ural bees fare worse than their urban counterparts. This was the conclusion reached by researchers from the University of Worcester in 2010, who found that urban bees have access to a richer variety of flowers in community gardens and parks, compared with bees that forage in the countryside. The warmth of the city is helping attract bees to urban areas, but it's more than a lack of flora affecting bee populations in the countryside. There are external factors. For instance, fields upon fields of the same crop (such as oilseed rape) mean that there are few pollen sources for the bees. Pesticides are also causing populations to collapse. It's not that urban bees are immune to the problems faced by rural bees, it's that the cities are starting to provide a better quality environment. Cities like London and Paris are boasting hundreds of hives to actively encourage more bees to urban areas. Some are on balconies and window ledges, others in parks and on the rooftops of public buildings and businesses, like the Carlsberg HQ in Copenhagen. Along with the riot of flowers, the beehives are helping to boost local biodiversity (better pollination and better quality honey), and residents are reaping the fruits of the bees' labour. Numerous start-ups are using urban beekeeping to maximise the value of the bees, producing honey beer, honey ice cream and even beeswax lip balms and candles. Boosting jobs as well as local agriculture Beekeeping still has a part to play in rural development. According to co-founder of Bee Good, Simon Cavill, commenting earlier this year, the "next generation of bee farmers should be in rural areas of the UK where unemployment and a lack of local career opportunities for young people are a very real

uted to old problems in the Middle East and created new ones altogether. President Obama’s recent decision to attack ISIS in Iraq and follow it into Syria is the latest act in this ongoing tragedy. No Military Solution The horrific murders of American journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff dramatically shifted U.S. public opinion in favor of intervention. The White House and U.S. military officers began using inflammatory language to describe ISIS as an “imminent threat” and a “unique organization” possessed of a “strategic vision.” Yes, ISIS is a threat to U.S. interests in the Middle East. But it is not an imminent threat to the U.S. homeland, as made clear by recent statements from the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security. The horrendous murder of two journalists should not be used to formulate a policy when thousands of Iraqis and Syrians were killed in an equally brutal way. I applaud President Obama’s action to rescue a few thousand Yazidis who escaped with their lives and were stranded on a top of a mountain in northern Iraq. The United States should certainly conduct such rescue missions, preferably ones sanctioned by the UN. However, bombing ISIS and decapitating its leadership are not solutions. Such a campaign will only enhance ISIS’s support rather than diminish it, and the people of Middle East will suffer further. We should learn from the way we fought al-Qaeda. AlQaeda adapted to the military assault by decentralizing its operations and melting into the population. It has subsequently returned in different and more potent varieties such as ISIS. ISIS is a genocidal organization. It is so brutal that even al-Qaeda central disavowed it. But despite its extreme agenda, unfortunately ISIS has attracted a large number of Iraqis and Syrians. For the Syrian people fighting Bashar al-Assad, there is a great romanticism in fighting against a tyrant, and ISIS is the most effective anti-regime force in the field today. In Iraq, even secular-leaning Sunnis have joined ISIS’s revolt against the sectarian Shiite Iraqi government. ISIS’s current coalition consists of former al-Qaeda organization members, volunteers from Arab and Muslim countries and the West, Sunni tribes, former military officers of Saddam Hussein, and dissatisfied Baathist remnants who benefitted from Saddam’s regime and have been rejected by the current Shiite government in Iraq. All of these groups have helped secure ISIS’s alli-

The Onion Skin The Onion Skin model describes the organization of many revolutionary and terrorist movements. The core of the onion consists of those who are willing to use weapons to attain their goals. The layers surrounding the core represent those who provide weapons, finance, and safe houses. The subsequent layers consist of varying degrees of lesser assistance such as ideological support, acquiescence, tolerance, and indifference. The result of bombing such an organization is killing and wounding civilians, including women and children. Even if bombing is successful in crippling the organization, it will eventually rebound with more recruits as the onion grows new layers among the casualties of the strikes. It can morph into an adaptive organism that will survive fight another day. The true battle against such an organization is ideological, which should peel the group’s layers of support from the outside. The ideological battle may require changing U.S. policies toward the region in order to address the grievances of the people toward their governments, foreign forces, or occupiers. The professed U.S. ideology of freedom and justice rings hollow amid Washington’s continued support of corrupt and dictatorial Middle Eastern governments, including not least the sectarian government of Iraq and the decadent monarchies of the Gulf. Farther out, Washington’s unflinching support for Israel has radicalized Islamists for decades. The Path Forward Iraq has a new prime minister, but it’s far from clear that its government is prepared to address the challenge posed by ISIS. First, Iraq’s new government needs to take a demonstrable stand against corruption and sectarianism. It should provide inclusive opportunities to people of all ethnic and religious backgrounds, which many Iraqi politicians give lip service to but never actually follow through on. This government should provide security to all of its citizens. Next, Iraq must peel off from ISIS the support of Sunnis, Sunni tribal leaders, and former Baathists, which means serious outreach to the communities most disenfranchised by Maliki’s government. In concert with the United Nations, if possible, the United States should bring all parties in the cross-border conflict to the table to help to defeat ISIS, including Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Iran. Iran must reduce its meddling in Iraq and allow Iraqis to govern, acknowledging that its own past support for Maliki, like Washington’s, helped create the current mess. Each of these countries has an interest in defeating ISIS, and even the Saudis and Gulf States are no doubt realizing that the monster they helped to create is a threat to them now as well. We must build consensus to defeat ISIS, and Iran has an important role to play in this fight. So the sooner we come to terms with Tehran on major issues such as sanctions and nuclear energy, the better. In Syria, we need to recognize that there is no military solution to the conflict. In the past, President Obama has wisely resisted the neocons’ rush to war with Syria, but his resolve appears to be wavering. Bombing Syria will eventually lead to boots on the ground, and then what? We will produce more destruction in Syria, as we have already seen in Iraq, and only increase the hatred of the people of the Middle East toward the United States. Adil E. Shamoo is an associate fellow of the Institute for Policy Studies, a senior analyst for Foreign Policy in Focus, and the author of: Equal Worth – When Humanity Will Have Peace.

How beekeeping gets rural communities buzzing rich mcEachran problem impacting social cohesion". A number of social enterprises and charities agree with Cavill. They are critical of a lack of investment in rural beekeeping and believe that it's up to socially-motivated ventures to boost local agriculture as well as jobs. “Biodiversity conservation is important in the rural areas. Around one in two families keeps animals (cows, sheep, chickens), and food is needed for them to grow,” says Eliza Mamaliga, founder of Dulce Plai, a new Moldovan social enterprise that has a passion to drive rural beekeeping among young people. “A family with three members in a village in Moldova can have a decent life if they keep bees. More jobs in the village, less people working abroad and being far from families, less children growing up without parents.” The problem is that beekeeping is typically a seasonal activity and it can be unsustainable, so people have to look for other jobs to supplement their income. Beekeepers also struggle to get the most for their produce and have to sell it at cheap rates. “Moldovan brands are currently not competitive enough on a foreign market in order to sustain an increase in honey production," adds Mamaliga. "Small producers don't have the market to sell.” The founders of Dulce Plai realise that boosting and sustaining bee-

keepers' income is dependent on increasing local consumption through the provision of better quality beerelated products (especially organic honey) and apitherapy services (the medical use of honey). Moldova's per capita consumption is around 80g per year – much lower than the average EU consumption of 600g. The key to producing better quality products, says Mamaliga, is to get beekeepers and farmers to work together. The beekeepers need a richer diversity of crops to make tastier honey; farmers need to be informed on how better pollination can help beekeepers. Education and collaboration can lead to a friendlier and less-intensive agriculture industry. “The agriculture in Moldova is getting more and more intensive. Earlier this year there were beekeepers whose bees were poisoned by pesticides sprayed on rapeseed crop,” she explains. “The old generation of beekeepers still use antibiotics when treating the bees, but this is changing every year. The situation is getting better and better, because they understand that they cannot sell big quantities of honey this way.” As well as creating jobs for young people through training them in the art of beekeeping, Dulce Plai believes it can be a good example of a young business being run successfully in a tough economy. It aims to set a precedent for other

WRITE-WING

agricultural businesses in Moldova. Honey projects are also getting rural communities buzzing in countries people would least likely associate with beehives. Village beekeeper associations across western Africa offer villagers an alternative to unemployment and poverty. One scheme is supported by the NGO Hives Saves Lives Africa (HSLA); it provides beehives on a microcredit basis. Beekeepers are given appropriate training and they pay back the cost of the hives through the profits they make from selling honey. Such projects help young people in countries like Uganda and Ethiopia to create businesses where economic opportunities are few and farming land is scarce. Supplying hundreds of beehives to jobless and landless youths is also likely to mitigate the number of people migrating in the hope of finding something better. “[The] larger goal is to help communities in developing countries create an economy centred upon beekeeping, where village farmers are taught to farm honeybees efficiently, woodworkers and metalsmiths are shown how to build beekeeping equipment, and truck drivers are instructed to transport bees safely,” says Angela MacDonald, from the Bee World Project, a social enterprise that delivers schemes in both Ethiopia and Uganda, as well as Cambodia and Zambia. “By teaching sustainable beekeeping practices to support an integrated model, the whole community becomes involved and the beekeeping industry becomes more effective and is better able to complete in the global marketplace.” MacDonald says that beekeeping must be community driven as people need to have ownership of their futures. A community-based approach can be more inclusive, especially for women.

Letters to the Editor should be sent to: The morung Express, House No. 4, Duncan Bosti, Dimapur - 797112, Or –email: morung@gmail.com All letters (including those via email) should have the full name and Postal address of the sender. Readers may please note that the contents of the articles, letters and opinions published do not reflect the outlook of this paper nor of the Editor in any form.


7 PERSPECTIVE Children with Learning Difficulties

Thursday

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

18 SepteMber 2014

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NEWS ANALYSIS, FEATURE AND DISCOURSE

Dr. Simpson

ducation is too demanding in children in recent years and at times, it becomes a challenge for many children in school. Teachers and parents complain about some children that they are having problem in scoring good marks and sometimes even their overall functioning performance. This backwardness may be due to various reasons such as Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD), specific learning disability (SLD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism, Cerebral Palsy (CP), Emotional Disorders, sensory deficits such as hearing or visual impairments and the type of brain one has. Intellectual Disability: Individuals differ from one another in their ability to understand complex ideas, to adapt effectively to the environment, to learn from experience, to engage in various forms of reasoning, to overcome obstacles by taking thought. These differences are due to the global capacity of the individual to act purposefully, to think rationally, and to deal effectively with his environment and is called the intelligence. Just like our body parts are having their own abilities, our brain is having one of the abilities called the intelligence. About 2-3% of our population is found to have this intelligence below the norm (70% and below) and are said to have intellectual disability. Average intellectual functioning level is 90-110%. The degree of disability can vary from person to person. It can be categorized as mild, moderate, severe, or profound. When a person is having a disability, it is easy for others to find out due to its visibility whereas intellectual disability is an invisible one. Because of this reason, those with a mild intellectual disability and no physical differences may not be diagnosed until they start to experience difficulties in adolescence. Intellectual disability may be recognized at any time in childhood or adolescence, but generally the more severe the disability, the earlier it will be noticed and many people with very mild intellectual disabilities are not identified, and function well in society. In the past, the term mental retardation was used to describe this condition. This term is no longer used.

After birth, diseases like the measles or meningitis (Brain fever) can cause intellectual disabilities. They can also be caused by injury to the brain, extreme malnutrition (not eating right), not getting enough medical care, or by being exposed to poisons like lead or mercury. In many cases it may be due to multiplicity of causes and most often the cause is unknown. Diagnosis: Since current diagnosis of intellectual disability is not based on Intelligence Quotient scores alone, but must also take into consideration a person's adaptive functioning, the diagnosis is not made rigidly. It encompasses intellectual scores, adaptive functioning scores from an adaptive behavior rating scale based on descriptions of known abilities provided by someone familiar with the person, and also the observations of the assessment examiner who is able to find out directly from the person what he or she can understand, communicate, and such like. Treatment: Intellectual disability is not a disease and it is only a condition. One can’t catch an intellectual disability from anyone. It’s also not a type of mental illness, like depression. There is no cure for intellectual disabilities. However, most children with an intellectual disability can learn to do many things. It just takes them more time and effort than other children. Goal of treatment is to develop the person's potential to the fullest. Special education and training may begin as early as infancy. This includes social skills to help the person function as normally as possible. Special education programs in life skills training such as preparing food, bathing, dressing, and toileting. It is important for a specialist to evaluate the person for other physical and mental health problems. Persons with intellectual disability are often helped with behavioral counseling. Discuss the child’s treatment and support options with the health care provider or special teacher which can help the child to reach his or her full potential.

Symptoms: One may suspect the child to have intellectual disability when the child has any of the following such as lack of or slow development of motor skills, language skills, and self-help skills, especially when compared to peers, failure to grow intellectually or continued infant-like behavior, lack of curiosity, problems keeping up in school, failure to adapt (adjust to new situations), difficulty understanding and following social rules and instructions, deficits in memory skills, difficulty with problem solving skills, lack of social inhibitors and problem behaviours. Associated developmental disabilities: Causes: Sometimes an intellectual disability is caused by abnormal genes inherited from parents, errors when genes combine, or other reasons. An intellectual disability can result during pregnancy when the baby does not develop inside the mother properly. For example, there may be a problem with the way the baby’s cells divide as it grows. A woman who drinks alcohol or gets an infection like rubella during pregnancy, consumes drugs, exposure to radiations and conditions as such may also have a baby with an intellectual disability. If a baby has problems during labour and birth, such as not getting enough oxygen, abnormal presentation, premature or post term delivery, he or she may be at the risk of having an intellectually disabled child.

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he UN General Assembly later this month will begin negotiations over the content of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to succeed the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in 2015. The outcomes of these inter-governmental debates will not only determine the model of development advanced in global policy forums over the next fifteen years. They will shape national government priorities, policies and financing decisions in areas from education to ecology, housing to health, climate change to care work. As worldwide debate on what should replace the MDGs intensifies, many activists are calling for a new sustainable development paradigm which, in the Millennium Declaration’s original vision, “… strive(s) for the full protection and promotion in all countries of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights for all”. So far, progress to put human rights at the centre of the sustainable development agenda has been mixed. On the one hand, from a human rights perspective, the draft SDGs (agreed in an inter-governmental Open Working Group (OWG) in July) are a vast improvement on the MDGs. Unlike the MDGs, which were essentially a pact between donor and developing countries, the new goals are intended to be universally applicable, tackling poverty and deprivation everywhere, and holding all countries responsible for taking action, individually and collectively. Many of the draft goals and targets are likewise more aligned with human rights obligations. Those on education and health, for example, commit states to ensuring that basic education is free, non-discriminatory and of good quality, and that health coverage is universal. The draft SDGs also include a goal on access to justice notably lacking in the MDGs, and are more equality-sensitive, with more cross-cutting commitments to gender equality, the explicit inclusion of people with disabilities and other groups facing discrimination, and a stand-alone goal on reducing income inequality within and between countries. But while there is much to celebrate, the current proposals contain a fundamental shortcoming – they fail to boost accountability. The goals are meant to incentivize collective action by holding all development actors—public and private—answer-

Autism: The signs and symptoms of autism is that they do not communicate through speech after the age of 2 years and prefer to be alone with poor social contacts. Many repetitive and odd behaviours present. Many of them have rigidity to routine and show stiff resistance to change. Certain odd behaviours such as poor eye contact, finger play, lateral eye gazing, toe walking, smelling things, laughing or crying without obvious reason, body rocking, stacking of objects spinning of wheels and unusual attachment of objects may be observed in some of them. The prevalence is one in thousand and it is more in boys than in girls (4 : 1). The cause is unknown. Leo Konner described about this condition for the first time in the year 1943. Diagnosis is made by clinical observations and screening tests. Treatment is limited to

or fears associated with personal or school problems, immaturity, day dreaming, telling lies, reduced sleep, and inability to build and maintain relationships with peers and teachers and learning difficulties that cannot be explained by intellectual, sensory, or health factors. The cause may be most often associated with the psychosocial situation like alcoholism in the family, disharmony among parents, divorce of parents, peer pressure, parental absenteeism, step mother situation, loss Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Three catand various other factors. Treatment is based on the egories of symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivpsychological and psychiatric evaluations. ity and impulsivity are observed in children with this disorder. They have poor attention and concentration Epilepsy: Abnormal electrical activity in the brain with restlessness and difficulty to keep quite or to sit in a which causes jerks in the body periodically. This displace for a reasonable amount of time. About 2% to 3% order is diagnosed by physicians using diagnostic of the children are affected with this problem. Forget- tests such as Electro Encephalogram (EEG) and apfulness, disorganized work habits, failure to complete propriate medications are prescribed after which the tasks, frequent shifts from one task to another, exces- severity of seizures come down. Medication should sive talk, fidgeting, running, inability to wait for turns be continued as per the doctor’s advice. Unconand climbing on furnitures are the others features ob- trolled seizures can cause scholastic backwardness served in children with this disorder. The exact cause and other complications in children. of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Speech and language disorder: Speech may be unclear isn't known. But it may run in families. A mother's or inadequate for age level in the absence of intellecuse of cigarettes, alcohol, or other drugs during pregtual disability. Medical examination and speech and nancy may increase the risk for ADHD. Also, exposure language assessment will help to plan out appropriate to lead may cause symptoms linked with ADHD. Diintervention programmes. agnosis is made through clinical observations as well as assessments Visual impairment: Children with poor vision or blindusing rating ness may show scholastic backwardness. Such children scales. Treat- may be identified by the symptoms such as strain in ment is most reading printed materials, frequently knocking over oboften through a jects, do not visually tracking moving objects, difficulty combination of in walking on uneven surfaces, and holding objects very pharmacother- close to eyes to see. A medical examination will help to apy and behav- find out the problem and corrective measures will help iour therapy. the child to see better in such cases. training which may reduce family stress and help the child function better. Behavioural training using Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) as well as TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children) programs are used to train them more effectively. Raising a child with autism is hard work. But with support and training, the family can learn how to cope.

Cerebral palsy: Cerebral palsy is a group of problems that affect body movement and posture. It is related to a brain injur y or to problems with brain development. Cerebral palsy causes reflex movements that a person can't control and muscle tightness that may affect parts or all of the body. Cerebral palsy is caused by a brain injury or problem that occurs during pregnancy or birth or within the first 2 to 3 years of a child's life. The cause for this disability can be by not getting enough blood to the brain, oxygen, or other nutrients before or during birth, or a serious head injury. A serious infection that can affect the brain, such as meningitis also may result in this condition. Currently there's no cure for cerebral palsy, but a variety of resources and therapies can provide help and improve the quality of life for children with CP. Different kinds of therapy can help them achieve maximum potential in growth and development. As soon as CP is diagnosed, a child can begin therapy for movement, learning, speech, hearing, and social and emotional development. The incidence of CP is 2-2.5 cases per 1000 live births. Emotional disorders: Lack of control over emotions that cannot be explained by intellectual, sensory or health factors. It is characterized by inappropriate types of behavior under normal circumstances, such as aggression or self-injurious behavior, hyperactivity, withdrawal or a general pervasive mood of unhappiness or depression, development of physical symptoms

Hearing impairment: Hearing impairment may be because of partial hearing or deafness in children. Few of the symptoms of hearing problems can be responses to only loud noises, turning head sideways to hear others talking, looking sideways to see things, not responding to name call, not startled by loud noises, being not able to repeat speech sounds, and not listening to rhymes and stories. Tests for hearing will help to make a diagnosis by which appropriate intervention can be carried out. Specific learning disabilities: May have problem in any one of the areas of reading, writing or mathematical calculations or in any two or all three domains. The symptoms such as missing lines or words in between while reading, addition or omission of words while reading, difficulty in forming spellings, clumsy handwriting, over writing, mixing up of capital and small letters, reversal writing, missing of punctuation marks, spacing problem between words, difficulty to remember number names, difficulty in number alignments, difficulty in counting backward, confusion with signs of operation and word problems, number reversals, confusion with right and left and various other features. The intellectual ability of these children will not be affected. The diagnosis is made through appropriate assessments and remedial teaching will help these children to cope up with the school learning. The cause is unknown in many cases. About 3-5%of the school children are affected with this problem. A thorough medical examination by qualified specialists in these areas can guide the parents and teachers of these children in the right path by which further impairing conditions can be prevented through corrective measures. For further information, one may contact the Department of Paediatrics, Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research at Dimapur. Contact Number: 03862- 242555/242530/31/ 32/33 Email: simpson_nn@yahoo.com

transforming the development agenda needs more, and not less, attention to human rights able to quantifiable commitments. But the potential effectiveness of the SDGs as an instrument of accountability has been severely undermined by the highly selective, partial and ambivalent stance on human rights taken by governments of both north and south in the process to date. On the one hand, many wealthy countries have resisted more stringent and measurable commitments under the SDGs for the negative impacts of their laws and policies abroad, for example those regarding agricultural subsidies, access to essential medicines, illicit financial flows, debt restructuring, and financial regulation, which too often erode the ability of other countries to achieve sustainable development. Efforts by G77 states to invoke the right to development - as a holistic framework for addressing the extraterritorial responsibilities of rich countries - have met with resistance. The proposed SDGs do little to hold powerful economies and companies to account for their role in contributing to the structural inequities in the global economic and financial system that have continued to fuel poverty, inequality and environmental degradation since the MDGs were adopted. In turn, many developing country governments have used this double standard to object to the inclusion of governance and gender-related human rights commitments. They fear a repeat of the skewed accountability of the MDGs, where compliance with human rights (particularly civil and political freedoms) became a tool of aid conditionality in the hands of donor governments and international financial institutions. The selective stance of donor countries on human rights has served as a diplomatic escape-hatch for some authoritarian governments to question altogether the relevance of human rights and democratic freedoms to the core agenda of socio-economic development. As a result, the language in earlier drafts of the SDGs on freedom of expression, association and information— essential prerequisites for ordinary people to hold their governments

Radhika Balakrishnan & Ignacio Saiz answerable to their development commitments—was diluted following fierce debate, as were commitments on women´s sexual and reproductive rights recognized twenty years ago at the Cairo Conference on Population and Development. Human rights have thus become a lightning rod in the geo-political wrangling around the next global development goals. It is for this reason that the draft SDGs contain very few explicit references to human rights, and are conspicuously silent on their role as a universal normative framework for sustainable development. Indeed the OWG Co-Chairs have admitted that they deliberately avoided explicit human rights language in the SDG draft for fear that this would be considered to be too ¨controversial¨. How should human rights advocates navigate these contentious issues over the coming year? Some erstwhile allies have argued that the controversies around human rights in the post-2015 agenda are a reason to avoid the issue altogether. We draw the opposite conclusion. Given the consensus that has existed for decades at the UN on the relationship of human rights to development, it is shameful that existing human rights commitments can still be so readily politicized, traded off and written out in UN development forums. Three key shifts in strategy will be needed if we are to turn the tables on the stale geo-political dynamics that threaten to undermine the SDGs as an endeavor that is truly transformative and human rights-centered. Firstly, human rights advocates need to underscore the extraterritorial obligations of wealthier states to respect and protect human rights beyond their borders, and to cooperate internationally in their fulfillment. This can help advance a more nuanced and politically astute articulation of the ¨common but differentiated responsibilities¨ of all countries in relation to each SDG commitment. The political stalemate

that surrounds this concept could potentially be bypassed by anchoring these concurrent responsibilities in the detailed normative framework of human rights instruments such as the Declaration on the Right to Development and the Maastricht Principles on Extra-Territorial Obligations of States in the area of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. There are already some important best practices and methodologies to put these norms into practice. Norway for example, cancelled the sovereign debt it held itself responsible for in four developing countries, while Ireland and the Netherlands have recently committed to conduct assessments of the ¨spill-over¨ development impact of their corporate income tax policies. Unless the SDGs spur wealthier states to get their own houses in order, less powerful governments will have every reason to mistrust their human rights discourse. Secondly, advocates must counter the corporate influence on the post-2015 process with a much stronger push for corporate accountability. The current SDGs posit an increasingly central role for the corporate sector as the driver of development, promoting liberalization and access to markets and placing a strong emphasis on multistakeholder partnerships with the private sector in the delivery of development outcomes. Yet there is no acknowledgment of the harms businesses so often cause to sustainable development, whether through environmental contamination, mass-scale tax evasion, denial of labour rights or complicity in repression by security forces. Attempts to include more stringent commitments in the SDGs regarding corporate regulation, human rights impact assessments, mandatory due diligence reporting, and fiscal transparency and accountability have been vehemently resisted, with reference to the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights sidelined from the SDGs. The emerging campaign for a new binding treaty on corporate human rights abuses could give re-

newed momentum to these efforts. Thirdly, the human rights community must build more effective platforms and alliances with development, social justice and environmental movements to amplify the human rights voice in these debates, avoiding the fragmentation and issue-specific silos that have characterized advocacy to date. It is essential that all those championing human rights on the post-2015 agenda, whether focusing on access to information or the rights to water and sanitation, maintain an integral and comprehensive approach which recognizes the interdependence of all human rights in their civil, political, economic, social, cultural and environmental dimensions. And we must resist the seduction of tactical compromises that would accept leaving out explicit references to human rights or the explicit inclusion of specific groups of rights-holders who must not be left behind. . As the last two years of debate and civil society consultation have made clear, those facing poverty, deprivation and environmental injustice across the globe demand that the next development agenda be transformative, founded on the full dignity of all human beings and the accountability of all those in positions of power. As the process moves from consultation to negotiation, we must guard against attempts to restrict or tokenize civil society participation from here on, and to privilege powerful corporate interests over the expectations of ordinary citizens as the goals are finalized. Philanthropic organizations now debating their role in the post-2015 process will need to be sensitized to these risks. The UN Secretary General has called for a new set of goals that reflect ¨a far-reaching vision of the future, anchored in human rights¨. The existing framework of human rights commitments should inform not only the vision of the SDGs, but the goals, targets and indicators of progress, their financing and implementation, and the accountability mechanisms put in place to ensure they are met. As the process enters the critical home stretch, our global community of practice must settle for nothing less. Radhika Balakrishnan is the Executive Director of the Center for Women's Global Leadership, and a Professor of Women's and Gender Studies, at Rutgers University. Ignacio Saiz is Executive Director of the Center for Economic and Social Rights (CESR).

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

Dimapur

NATIONAL

Thursday 18 September 2014

The Morung Express

India and China sign three pacts AhmedAbAd, September 17 (ptI): India and China on Wednesday signed three-Gujarat specific pacts on Wednesday shortly after Chinese President Xi Jinping commenced his three-day visit to the country from the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Xi’s three-day visit is aimed at ramping up trade and investments, besides having discussions on substantive issues including the contentious border dispute. It also coincides with Modi’s 64th birthday. The three pacts were signed in the presence of Modi and Xi after the Chinese leader and his wife Peng Liyuan, dressed in a pale pink knee-length dress, were welcomed by the Prime Minister at the entrance of the Hyatt Hotel. Modi gave floral bouquets to the couple. The choice of Gujarat as Xi’s first stop in India marks a departure from protocol and many see it as a sign of warm relations between the two leaders. When the couple landed at the Ahmedabad airport, apart from a guard of honour, there was a traditional Gujarati dance. The three pacts include making Guangzhou city in China and Ahmedabad as sister cities, setting up of industrial parks in this state and an agreement between Guangdong province and the Gujarat government for development of cultural and social ties between the two provinces, officials said. The agreement, aimed at developing industrial parks, was signed between China Development Bank (CDB) and Industrial Ex-

Tibet should be core issue for India, China: Tibetan PM dhArAmSAlA, September 17 (IANS): Tibetan Prime Minister-inexile Lobsang Sangay Wednesday said Tibet should be a core issue for India in its dealings with China. “It has always been our hope that the Indian government makes Tibet a core issue in its dealings with China and urges the Chinese government to resolve the issue of Tibet peacefully through dialogue,” Sangay said in an interview to IANS. The statement by the elected head of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), based in this hill town in Himachal Pradesh, came on the day Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in India on a three-day official visit during which trade and investment are likely to top the agenda of talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said the CTA was not challenging the sovereignty or the territorial integrity of China but seeking “genuine autonomy” for the people in Tibet. “Yes, we will immensely appreciate it if Prime Minister Modi raises the issue of human rights violations in Tibet,” he said. The political successor of the Dalai Lama said China has been propagating

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, right, welcomes Chinese President Xi Jinping, upon his arrival at a hotel in Ahmadabad, India, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2014. Xi landed in Modi’s home state of Gujarat on Wednesday for a three-day visit expected to focus on India’s need to improve worn out infrastructure and reduce its trade deficit. (AP Photo

tension Bureau (iNDEXTb) of Gujarat Government. It envisages promoting the bilateral trade and setting up of industrial parks in the state, especially for electronics and electrical goods. While an agreement was signed between Guangdong province and Gujarat government for development of cultural and social ties between the two provinces, another MoU was inked between Guangzhou city and Ahmedabad, to make them sister cities. These MoUs will facilitate exchange of ideas and services between Gujarat and China, officials said. Besides Modi and Xi, Chief

Minister Anandi Patel and her Cabinet colleagues, members of Chinese delegation and several top businessmen from the state were present at the event. Modi also accompanied Xi to the tranquil Sabarmati Ashram on Ahmedabad’s Ashram road and explained its historical significance to the Chinese leader. They later took a walk down the Sabarmati riverfront which was a riot of colour with the visiting dignitaries treated to a mix of Gujarati tradition and culture through dance forms including the famous garba dance. Xi’s visit comes in the

middle of a new stand-off in Demchok area of Ladakh with Chinese nomads now reported to have erected tents there with the help of Chinese troops inside Indian territory to protest against an ongoing irrigation canal work. Modi and Xi, who had a brief one-on-one meeting, will hold extensive talks on Thursday in Delhi following which the two sides are expected to sign a number of pacts which will provide for Chinese investments in a range of areas including railways and industrial parks. Largely described as a visit to focus on economic

Don’t ascribe political angularity to Indian oil scouting: President

oN boArd AIr INdIA oNe, September 17 (IANS): India has been searching for oil and gas in the South China Sea for nearly three decades now and the move has no “political angularity”, President Pranab Mukherjee said Wednesday. “There is one point... OVL has been active in the South China Sea since 1988. It is a commercial action, there is no political angularity to it,” he said in response to a question on China’s reported unhappiness over OVL, the overseas arm of Indian oil major ONGC, and Petro Vietnam inking an agreement on exploring two additional blocks off Vietnam during the president’s just-concluded state visit to Vietnam. With China and Vietnam

not on the best of diplomatic terms over Beijing’s claim to the whole of South China Sea, Mukherjee told journalists while returning from Vietnam that India has no comments on the issue and only hopes the issues are resolved peacefully according to the tenets of international law and practice. In the joint communique released after delegation-level talks between Mukherjee and his Vietnamese counterpart Truong Tan Sang Monday, the two countries had said freedom of navigation in the East Sea/ South China Sea should not be impeded, and called the parties concerned to exercise restraint, avoid threat or use of force and resolve disputes through peaceful means. Mukherjee also said his visit

to Vietnam and Chinese President Xi Jinping’s India visit which began Wednesday were “not connected”. “They are totally independent... not connected. Our external relations are independent of relations with other countries. “I don’t find any connection between the two,” he said. During his Vietnam visit, India and Vietnam agreed to ramp up ties, called for a peaceful, unfettered South China Sea, and inked seven agreements including for direct Delhi-Hanoi flights, an extended line of credit for purchase of military equipment, and a letter of intent for two additional oil blocks as they set a target of $15 billion bilateral trade by 2020 with a focus on tourism, garments and textiles, pharmaceuticals and agriculture.

and trade issues, Xi is expected to announce large scale Chinese investments in railways, manufacturing as well as infrastructure rivalling Japan’s USD 35 billion commitment made during Modi’s recent visit to Tokyo. Chinese officials say that China would be committing anywhere between USD 100 billion to USD 300 billion in the modernisation of Indian railways, establishing of industrial parks as well as investment in mega infrastructure projects. China’s foreign exchange reserves, the largest in the world, reached a

record USD 3.95 trillion in March and it plans to invest around USD 500 billion overseas in the next five years, a large share of which is expected to find India’s way. Xi is accompanied among others by State Councillor Yang Jiechi, who was earlier foreign minister, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Commerce Minister Gao Hucheng besides a number of businessmen and other leaders. Ahead of Xi’s arrival, India said it expects that the visit will address the “interests and concerns” of the two countries and that “all substantive” issues having

by Chief Justice R M Lodha told Rohatgi. The bench, also comprising Justices Kurian Joseph and R F Nariman, said the Government appears to be “restricting the appointment to one category of people where as the statute provides others.” “This is in sharp contrast to the appointment of Lokpal”, the bench further observed after noting the submissions of senior advocate Ram Jethmalani and advo-

cate Prashant Bhushan that the Centre was going ahead with the appointment of CVC and VC without giving wide publicity to the vacancies arising on the completion of tenure of CVC Pradip Kumar and VC J M Garg on September 28 and September 7 respectively. They referred to the July 21 letter issued by the Secretary, Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), to Secretaries in Govern-

Lalitha Kumaramangalam. File Photo

New delhI, September 17 (IANS): Lalitha Kumaramangalam has been appointed the new chairman of the National Commission for Women (NCW), Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi said Wednesday. The

announcement was made by the minister at a press conference on the completion of 100 days of her ministry here. “I am very happy to announce that the new chairman of NCW is Lalitha Kumaramangalam,” she said. Chennai-based

ment to suggest names for empanelment for the post of CVC and VC, allegedly aimed at keeping away the common people. Jethmalani said it was not necessary to put a restriction that every person who applies for the post should be a civil servant. Bhushan said the letter suggests that no application can be directly entertained by the DoPT and only those sponsored by the Secretaries would be in the

zone of selection. The bench told the Attorney General that the application seeking to restrain the Government from proceeding ahead with the appointment has been filed when this court has already on August 4 issued notice and sought response of DoPT for making the appointment of CVC and VCs more transparent through public advertisement on the lines of Lokpal.

India made progress in fighting child deaths, malnutrition, but short of goals, UN informs

UNIted NAtIoNS, September 17 (IANS): India has made progress on the twin fronts of reducing hunger and child mortality but is still short of development goals, two international reports say. Fewer Indian children under five are dying, with infant mortality rate coming down from 126 per 1,000 in 1990 to 53 last year, a UN report released in New York said. And according to a Food and Agriculture Organisation report released in Rome, between 1990-1992 and now there are 21 million fewer hungry people in India. However, both reports also show how much needs to be done, sketching despite the progress a bleak scenario. On both fronts, In-

dia is lagging behind the Millennium Development Goal targets set for 2015. The 2015 target for infant mortality is 42 per thousand against 53 now, making it unlikely India will reach the target. Halving the proportion of the hungry people between 1990 and 2015 was the target, but there has only been a reduction of 9.5 percent. The Millennium Development Goals were adopted at the UN Millenium Summit in 2000 and set targets to be achieved by 2015 in eight areas ranging from malnutrition to environment. FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva, who visited India last week, remarked on the nation’s efforts to combat hunger,

bearing on the ties including the boundary dispute will be discussed. 60-yearold Xi, who took over as the head of the ruling Communist Party in 2012 and President and military chief in March last year, had been sending clear signals of boosting bilateral relations with India. Modi said the relationship between the two countries goes beyond “plain arithmetic” and he was confident that the neighbours can “script history” by enhancing cooperation. Reflecting the importance India attaches to the visit, Modi said India and China have a “unique

chemistry” that can make for a defining moment and create a bright future for the entire mankind. He summarised the possibilities of the bilateral ties moving ahead as ‘inch’ meaning India and China towards ‘Miles’ — Millennium of Exceptional Synergy — and said every inch both cover can “rewrite history” of humanity and every mile crossed will go a long way in making the planet a better place. Xi’s visit will be the third by any Chinese president to India. President Hu Jintao had visited India in 2006 and Jiang Zemin had come here in 1996.

Lalitha Kumaramangalam appointed new NCW chief

SC asks AG to look at Centre’s appointment process on CVC, VC

New delhI, September 17 (ptI): The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi to examine the allegation that Government was going ahead with the appointment of Chief Vigilance Commissioner(CVC) and Vigilance Commissioner (VC) by giving a go bye to the apex court directions. “What should we do. You examine it and tell us tomorrow,” a bench headed

a so-called happy and prosperous Tibet while the ground reality depicts gross violations of human rights. “The Chinese police firing on a group of Tibetan demonstrators in Shugpa village demonstrates the denial of basic human rights to Tibetans inside Tibet,” he said. Responding to the growing proximity between the two Asian giants, India and China, Sangay said: “A growing proximity of positive contacts between India and China, and for India to have good relations with all countries is welcomed by all Tibetans.” “We don’t want to be an obstruction in those relations. What Tibetans put forward is a ‘win-win’ solution for both India and China. Therefore, Tibet should be a core issue for India and China,” he said. On the continuing deadlock over talks between the Dalai Lama’s envoys and the Chinese authorities over granting more autonomy for Tibet, the 46-year-old Sangay said: “We remain hopeful that, as before, dialogue will continue between the envoys of the Dalai Lama and representatives of the Chinese government.”

saying that India has recently approved its National Food Security Act scaling up the country’s effort to end hunger, could create one of the world’s biggest family farming food purchase programme and was scaling up financial inclusion for direct transfers.” Globally, mortality rate for children under five has dropped by 49 percent between 1990 and 2013. Mickey Chopra, head of Unicef’s global health programmes, said, “There has been dramatic and accelerating progress in reducing mortality among children, and the data prove that success is possible even for poorly resourced countries.” However, according to the UN report, “New Estimates in Levels

and Trends in Child Mortality,” the overall progress is still short of meeting the global target of cutting under-five mortality by two-thirds between 1990 and 2015. Last year, 6.3 million children under five died from mostly preventable causes. Even though that is 200,000 fewer deaths than in 2012, it still means that 17,000 children die everyday, the report said. FAO’s report, “The State of Food Insecurity in the World 2014”, estimates that, around the world, 805 million people were chronically undernourished in 2012-14. This meant, however, that their number is down by 100 million over the last decade, and 209 million less than in 1990-92.

Kumaramangalam is the national spokesperson of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and a member of the party’s national executive. “I am glad to be given an opportunity to work for the women, with the women,” Kumaramangalam told IANS. Gandhi added: “She comes from Tamil Nadu. She has a very illustrious lineage, she is (former union minister) Mohan Kumaramangalam’s daughter.” Asked about her affiliation with the BJP, the minister said “Miss Mangalam does have affiliations in the sense that she has stood for elections twice, but that’s about it.” She also runs an NGO named “Prakriti”. Maneka Gandhi, who had earlier advocated for having a retired judge as the NCW chief, said any decision on it is “in the limbo”. Asked why Kumaramangalam was appointed

commission chief, the misniter said: “She is very strong and forceful regarding advocacy for women. She would be an asset for the commission.” Kumaramangalam, meanwhile, said she was glad to be given the role and would mainstream gender issues. “I want to mainstream gender issues... It is not man v/s women, but both shall be equal,” she said. Meanwhile, on a question about giving more power to the NCW and making it a quasijudicial body like the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Maneka Gandhi said: “The proposal is with the law ministry. Any objection has not been officially conveyed to us. So I don’t know what is their objection.” “I am keen about it and would do all possible to give more powers to the NCW,” she said.

Mobile technology may improve India’s health care New delhI, September 17 (IANS): Mobile phones and smart devices will have a large role to play in improving access to health care and involving patients more in their own treatment, a leading Oxford University academic said. In a lecture delivered in the national capital Sep 15, Robyn Norton, principal director of the George Institute for Global Health and James Martin professorial fellow at the University of Oxford, spoke on the possibility of mobile technologies improving the country’s health care sector. Talking about India, Norton said

there was a great challenge for health care systems and infrastructure to achieve universal health access, reach large rural areas, and cater for the growing middle classes without breaking the bank. “The country needs to move to affordable new systems capable of satisfying growing health care demands. This is where we see technology having a huge amount to offer,” Norton said. “Mobile phone ownership in India means they have more reach than the health infrastructure. Even if individuals don’t have a phone, someone will have in any village,” he added.

Governments lack concern for female child: Supreme Court

New delhI, September 17 (AgeNcIeS): Pulling up the Union and State governments for the “sloppy” implementation of the pre-natal sex determination law despite its existence for the past 20 years, a Supreme Court Bench of Justices Dipak Misra and N.V. Ramana on Tuesday said the approach reflects “lack of concern for the female child.” The observations came on an application filed on August 2013 by Sabu Mathew George, a member of the National Inspection and Monitoring Committee (NIMC) set up under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act of 1994, alleging that pre-natal sex determination continues to be done by doctors, hand-in-glove with conniving authorities. Dr. George charged that female foeticide continued unchallenged despite a March 2013 judgment by the Supreme Court. The court had at the time observed that eliminating female foetuses after pre-natal diagnostic tests had pushed the female child ratio down nationwide. “The government has become sloppy. Central and State governments are supposed to organise camps. They don’t. Then what awareness can you spread?” Justice Misra asked Additional Solicitor-General Neeraj Kishan Kaul, representing the Union government.


InternatIonal

the Morung express

Thursday 18 September 2014

Dimapur

9

Emotions mount on final day of Scottish campaign EDINbUrGH, SEptEmbEr 17 (Ap): Will the ayes have it, or will Scotland say naw thanks? No one is certain. Excitement and anxiety mounted across the country Wednesday, the final day of campaigning before Thursday’s referendum on independence. With opinion polls suggesting the result is too close to call and turnout expected to reach record levels, supporters of separation feel they are within touching distance of victory — but wonder whether their surge in the polls will be enough. Scottish voters who want to stay in the United Kingdom along with Britain, Wales and Northern Ireland fear the nation they live in may soon cease to exist. The battle for Scotland has all the trappings of a normal election campaign: “Yes Scotland” and “No, Thanks” posters in windows, buttons on jackets, leaflets on street corners and megaphone-topped campaign cars cruising the streets. But it is, both sides acknowledge, a once-in-ageneration — maybe oncein-a-lifetime — choice that could redraw the map of the United Kingdom. The gravity of the imminent decision was hitting home for many voters as political leaders made passionate, final pleas for their sides. More than 4.2 million people are registered to vote, 97 percent of the eligible electorate. Cathy Chance, who works for Britain’s National Health Service in the Scottish capital of Edinburgh, said she would leave Scotland if it becomes independent. “I don’t want to live under a nation that’s nationalistic,” she said. “I don’t think the world needs another

Next title: Elizabeth, Queen of Scots? Sylvia Hui

Q

Associated Press

ueen Elizabeth II can keep her magnificent Scottish castle at Balmoral should Scots vote for independence — and chances are she will be able to keep her role as well. As Thursday’s referendum nears, questions are being been raised about Scotland’s future relationship with the monarchy if its people opt for independence. Although many details remain up in the air — Will the queen’s title change? Will Scotland keep funding the monarchy? — it seems likely that the Scots will keep Elizabeth as their queen. QUEEN OF SCOTS? Should the Yes campaign succeed, the signs are that the queen would remain the head of state of an independent Scotland - much in the same way she is the monarch of 15 countries from Jamaica to Canada to the Solomon Islands known as “Commonwealth Realms.” Elizabeth does not interfere in the governments of those countries but is regularly briefed on their affairs and plays an important ceremonial and symbolic role. “She’s queen of Australia, Canada — she could be Queen of Scots if the Scots wanted,” said Vernon Bogdanor, a politics professor and constitutional expert at Oxford University. “The Scots have said they will

Members of the Yes campaign have left messages in chalk on the pavements and buildings in Edinburgh, Scotland on Wednesday, September 17. The two sides in Scotland’s independence debate are scrambling to convert undecided voters, with just one day to go until a referendum on separation. (AP Photo)

political barrier.” Roisin McLaren, a Yes campaigner, said she was finally letting herself believe independence might be possible. “My family has campaigned for independence for a long, long time, and it’s always been a pipe dream,” the Edinburgh University

student said as she knocked on doors in a last-minute effort to convert wavering electors. “Just in the last few days it’s seemed possible, within reach. I can almost taste it.” Politicians on both sides expressed confidence in the Scottish public, but uncertainty rippled below

the surface. Opinion polls have failed to put either side decisively ahead. Bookmakers, however, tell a different story, offering odds of about 3-1 on a Yes victory and much shorter odds on a No triumph. One firm, Betfair, has already paid out on

a No win, and bookmaker William Hill slashed its odds on a No triumph three times on Wednesday, to 2-11. Alistair Darling, who leads the anti-independence “Better Together” campaign, said if voters had doubts about independence “be in no doubt you have to say ‘No.’” “If we vote to leave, there is no going back,” he said. But “Yes Scotland” campaign chairman Dennis Canavan told voters: “Let’s go for it.” Amid the uncertainty, even the opinionated Rupert Murdoch is hedging his bets. The media mogul,

produce a written constitution, with the queen as head of state. These things work,” he added. Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond has been consistent in saying that he wanted to keep the queen — and her successors — in that role. This week he said he looked forward to her being “Queen of Scots,” and said there is “substantial” goodwill in Scotland to support that prospect. Polls have backed that view, though not everyone in the Yes camp agrees. Some politicians, including members of Salmond’s Scottish National Party, have said they prefer to create a republic. The constitutional details of how an independent Scotland can keep the monarchy — or in a less-likely scenario become a republic — are not yet clear. Bogdanor said the British government would likely appoint a “governor general’ to represent the queen in an independent Scotland, as has been done in Commonwealth countries. The person in that role would be appointed by the queen on the advice of the British prime minister, he said. SCOTTISH BLOOD The queen has more Scottish blood than many other British monarchs — her mother came from an ancient aristocratic Scottish family. In addition, her affection for Scotland is well known. Elizabeth traditionally spends

whose newspapers were long considered a powerful force in British elections, traveled to Scotland last week and wrote a series of tweets that seemed supportive of independence. But on Wednesday his Scottish tabloid newspaper said it would not endorse either side. It ran opinion columns by Yes and No leaders and told Scots: “The Scottish Sun has faith in you to make the right choice.” A Yes vote will trigger months of negotiations between Scotland and the British government over

three months each summer at Balmoral Castle, the private Scottish home for the royals since the 1850s. She also spends a week every year at Holyrood Palace, the monarch’s official residence in Edinburgh. “The queen most definitely has an affinity with Scotland. She has known it from a very early age and it’s very much in her blood,” said Joe Little, managing editor at Majesty magazine. WHAT DOES THE QUEEN THINK? The queen is prohibited from taking sides in political debates and rarely makes her personal views public. Her official position, according to royal officials, is strictly impartial and “above politics.” Accordingly, she has stayed mum on Scotland — though she surprised many when she told well-wishers Sunday that Scots should think “very carefully about the future” before voting. Those were her first — and only — comments on the issue. The last time she spoke out in support of the UK was in 1977, when she used her Silver Jubilee speech to address calls for power to be devolved to Scotland and Wales. At the time, Elizabeth reminded audiences of the “benefits of union” for all U.K. residents. Little, at Majesty magazine, believes the queen still holds that view. “She would very much want the United Kingdom — her kingdom — to stay united,” he said.

the messy details of independence, which Scottish authorities say will take effect on March 24, 2016, the anniversary of the date in 1707 that Scotland decided to unite with Britain. In Edinburgh, an unscientific but popular sweettoothed survey has backed pollsters’ predictions that the result will be close. For 200 days, the city’s Cuckoo Bakery has sold referendum cupcakes — vanilla sponge with a center of raspberry jam, topped with white chocolate icing — in three versions, adorned with a

Scottish Saltire, a British Union Jack or a question mark. On Wednesday, the bakery announced the result of its cupcake referendum: 47.7 percent No, 43.5 percent Yes, and 8.8 percent undecided. Co-owner Vidya Sarjoo said the number of undecideds had plummeted over time. “At first people really weren’t sure — a bit scared, maybe, to make their decision,” she said. The cupcakes, she stressed, “are all exactly the same flavor. And they all taste delicious.”

Excitement & relief in landmark Fiji election UN ‘taking lead’ on global fight on Ebola

SUVA, SEptEmbEr 17 (Ap): There was excitement among thousands of voters and relief from the international community Wednesday as Fijians cast ballots in a landmark election they hope will end more than a quartercentury of political turmoil and eight years of autocratic rule. But democracy may not have much of a new look to it. Militar y strongman Voreqe Bainimarama, who has ruled this sunny South Pacific nation since he seized control in a 2006 coup, is the front-runner. He’s popular in Fiji thanks in part to his focus on social programs, increased infrastructure spending and a crackdown on the media. After casting his ballot, Bainimarama was asked whether he would accept the outcome if he lost. “I’m not going to lose. I will win. You ask that question to the other party,” he said. Then he added, “Of course we will accept the election results. That is what the democratic process is all about.” The 100 or so international election observers reported no problems by the

time polling closed at 6 p.m. In the morning, voters lined up at polling stations, with just over half a million of the nation’s 900,000 citizens registered to vote. The international community is prepared to drop remaining sanctions once Fiji officially restores democracy, including returning it to full membership among the Commonwealth group of nations. Moti Ram, 73, arrived at a Suva polling station early with his whole family. “We wanted our votes to count,” he said. Abele Tubaba, from the village of Koronatoga, said he hoped whoever wins will improve development in remote areas. “We struggle to find markets for our root crops, grog and seafood,” he said, referring to a potent traditional Fijian drink. “We hope the new government brings better things for us.” Polls indicate Bainimarama’s Fiji First party will comfortably win the most votes. Supporters say this reflects a job well done, while detractors say he’s seeking to legitimize his treasonous power grab and years of human

rights abuses. His nearest rival, Ro Teimumu Kepa, leader of the Sodelpa Party, said she and her candidates have done the best job they could: “We leave it to the people to decide.” Bainimarama won favor with many Fijians by improving services. He’s made education free and spent tens of millions of dollars improving the roads, albeit much of it with money borrowed from China. And the economy is showing signs of life, growing by 4.6 percent last year, according to government figures. Some see his biggest achievement as reducing ethnic tensions, which have been a big factor in the four coups Fiji has endured since 1987. An indigenous Fijian, Bainimarama is paradoxically most popular with the large minority whose ancestors come from India. That’s because he’s ended preferential indigenous representation in the Parliament and abolished the Great Council of Chiefs, a group of powerful indigenous Fijians who enjoyed a privileged status in island life.

Human rights groups say Bainimarama has tortured prisoners and repressed opponents. They say he’s carefully cultivated his own image by controlling the nation’s media, and has looked after his own interests by meddling with the constitution, ensuring he and other coup leaders are immune from prosecution. “We believe in democracy. They came in through treason. That’s a major difference between us,” said Kepa, herself a highly ranked indigenous chief. “They’re telling the population they believe that all the citizenry are equal, yet they’re giving themselves immunity. Where’s the equality in that?” Brij Lal, a professor at the Australian National University, said the international community is so eager to reward Fiji for holding the election that it’s willing to overlook how Bainimarama gained power and held on to it. “They all realize the process will be flawed,” he said. “But as long as Fiji goes through the motions reasonably OK, then that’s fine.”

UNItED NAtIONS, SEptEmbEr 17 (Ap): The head of the United Nations said Tuesday that the world body is “taking the lead now” on international efforts to fight the Ebola outbreak in West Africa that has killed some 2,400 people and could spread further. Secretary-General Ban Kimoon said at a press briefing that the U.N. General Assembly next week will follow-up with a highlevel meeting — the disease, he said, taking on “a special focus” at an event that will welcome more than 140 heads of state and government. Before that, an emergency meeting called by the U.S. will be held Thursday in which Ban and World Health Organization director general Margaret Chan plan to “outline the international action plan to contain this threat.” A draft resolution which the U.S. hopes will be adopted unanimously at Thursday’s meeting encourages the governments of Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea — the three hardest-hit countries — to accelerate the rapid diagnosis and isolation of suspected Ebola cases and launch public education campaigns about the virus. It also encourages the three governments “to continue efforts

to resolve and mitigate the wider political, security and humanitarian dimensions of the Ebola outbreak.” The draft, obtained by The Associated Press, also addresses the “detrimental effect” of the isolation of the affected countries and calls for the lifting of travel and border restrictions as a result of the Ebola outbreak, and steppedup efforts to deliver health workers and supplies to deal with the outbreak. U.S. Ambassador Samantha Power told reporters the response to the draft resolution and U.S. action by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to address Ebola “has been overwhelmingly positive.” The U.N.’s response so far has drawn criticism, with the president of the France-based humanitarian group Doctors Without Borders on Tuesday calling it “dangerously behind.” Ban also said the disease could “affect political instability” if it isn’t “properly contained and properly treated.” “This is not just a health crisis,” Ban told reporters. “It has grave humanitarian, economic and social consequences that could spread far beyond the affected

countries.” The Ebola outbreak has also reached Nigeria and Senegal. Ebola is spread through direct contact with the bodily fluids of sick patients, making doctors and nurses especially vulnerable to contracting the virus, which has no vaccine or approved treatment. In his role as U.N. chief, Ban also said he has discussed the outbreak with President Barack Obama, along with leaders from the Britain, France, Italy, the European Union and Cuba. He added that he has urged leaders in the most affected countries to establish special centers that aim to isolate infected people from non-infected relatives in an effort to stem the spread of Ebola. Many regional and major airlines in August suspended services to Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea, complicating efforts to bring medical workers and supplies to the region. In the briefing, Ban reiterated an appealed for international airlines and shipping companies not to suspend services to countries affected by Ebola. Doing so, he said, hampers and prevents the U.N. and international health workers from providing humanitarian and medical assistance.

Door open for talks with North: SKorean President Park

SEOUL, SEptEmbEr 17 (rEUtErS): South Korean President Park Geun-hye, thwarted so far in ambitious plans to begin the process of reunifying the Korean peninsula, said the door is open for talks with the North during the upcoming U.N. General Assembly. However, Park said in an interview that Pyongyang must show sincerity in seeking a constructive dialogue and “walk the talk” in taking up South Korea’s offers for engagement aimed at ending a deadlock after a decade of warming ties. North Korea will send its foreign minister, Ri Su Yong, to the U.N. General Assembly meeting, the highest ranking official from the reclusive state to attend in 15 years. Ri’s official agenda is not clear. Pyongyang has not accepted South Korea’s overtures and the unpredictable North’s official media has heaped in-

sults on Park. Park said there are no current plans to meet North Korean officials in New York. “If the opportunity does arise and they actually have the opportunity to respond and take up our offer, our earlier offer to engage in high level contacts and for dialogue, I think such opportunities would be a good thing,” she told Reuters at the presidential Blue House. “If our foreign ministers were also able to engage in dialogue on that particular point, that would also be a good thing,” she added. After 19 months in office, Park has yet to make substantive progress in dealing with Pyongyang. The two sides are technically still at war since there was no peace treaty after the 1950-53 Korean War. Urges “Courageous” Decision By Tokyo Park also called for a “courageous decision” by Tokyo to

improve ties between the two nations. Relations have chilled deeply over the past two years largely over the issue of Korean “comfort women”, as those forced to work in Japanese military brothels during World War Two are known. South Korea maintains that Japan has not sufficiently atoned for the women’s suffering and has protested against Tokyo’s review of a landmark 1993 apology, which acknowledged the involvement of Japanese authorities in coercing the women. The government of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has said it adheres to the 1993 apology, but that there was no direct documentary evidence that Japanese military or government officials were directly involved in kidnapping the women. “What we wish to see is an apology to these victims as well

as a courageous decision on the part of the Japanese political leadership to take measures to wholly restore honour to these comfort women victims. And doing so, I would say, offers a short route to easing the strains in our relationship,” Park said. Unpredictable And Hostile Park, who travels on Saturday to Ottawa and then to New York, where she will address the General Assembly, has unveiled an ambitious initiative to engage North Korea to eventually bring the rivals close enough to make unification feasible for most on both sides. Many in South Korea, especially younger people, support the idea of reunification over the long term but are wary of its economic and social implications. The 62-year-old Park, Northeast Asia’s first female head of state, is the daughter of former President Park Chung-hee, who took power in a military coup in

1961 and led South Korea for 18 years, pulling the country from the wreckage of the Korean War but with an authoritarian hand. He was assassinated in 1979 by his disgruntled intelligence chief. Uniquely for an incoming South Korean president, Park had held a meeting with a North Korean leader before taking office. Park visited Pyongyang in 2002 and sat down with thenleader Kim Jong Il to discuss a range of issues affecting the divided Koreas. The North’s leader is said to have apologised for a 1968 commando assault on the Blue House while her father was in office. Kim’s son, Jong Un, took over from his father when the elder leader died in December 2011 and has spent the time since then to consolidate his grip on power, having purged and executed his own uncle in what Park described as a “reign of terror”. South Korea’s President Park Geun-Hye. (REUTERS File Photo)


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Dimapur

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Thursday 18 September 2014

The Morung Express

BIBLICAL TEACHING ON THE EFFECTS OF ALCOHOLISM AND THE NAGALAND LIQUOR TOTAL PROHIBITION ACT 1989

Document prepared by Scholars of 5 Theological Institutions (Oriental Theological Seminary, Clark Theological College, Trinity Theological College, Baptist Theological College, Shalom Bible Seminary) under the initiative of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council

(PART 6)

Historical Background of the Prohibition: A Review From the very beginning the Baptist Church had resolved to fight out the liquors and its evils with the Biblical teachings as its basis. In 1875 the American Missionary Conference adopted a resolution in Kolkata for “Total Abstinence from Liquor”. This was binding in all Churches of the Naga Hills. Dr. Clark and Rev. Rivenburg made total abstinence from drink of local rice-beer a basic condition for baptism and admission into the Church membership. Instead they introduced and popularized drinking tea. This prohibition was successful till the independence of India in 1947. The movement towards total prohibition of alcohol in Nagaland is as old as the Naga Independence movement. In spite of the Act passed there has been less change. This has created a lot of debate among the different sections of the people. In this context our task would be to look into how this Act came to be passed and what has been the result so far, whether it is making any impact on the society or not, was the Act passed because of the pressure from the Nagaland Baptist Churches Council (NBCC) which have been spearheading this movement, or is the Act passed not in the interest of the people? The movement started as the Church’s response to the destructive consequences of IMFL being supplied liberally by the Government of India to confront the emergence

of political unrest in erstwhile the Naga Hills and Tuensang Area. with the subsequent Naga National Movement by which the Government of India started supplying Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) into the Naga Hills and Tuensang Area. The large inflow of huge quantity of such Liquor on a massive scale led to many ailments, broken homes, and death of people both young and old. This was ruining the Nagas which was very alarming and forced the NBCC at its Mokokchung session on 5th February, 1962, to resolve to appeal to the Governor of Assam to abolish liquor sale in Nagaland and also urged him to divert the fund for ‘Political Rum’ to some other welfare projects. The Governor acceded to the request and political rum was abolished. After the Statehood of Nagaland, NBCC under the leadership of Kenneth Kerhuo, Rev. Ayutemjen and Rev. Longri Ao approached the Government to abolish the sale of liquor by 1964. Instead the government issued more licenses and many wine shops were opened in all districts. As a result an alarming situation was created throughout the State by the sale and use of Liquor. Therefore the NBCC in its annual session in October 11-13, 1966 passed a number of resolutions for liquor prohibition. 1. Resolved that all liquor shops and bars in Nagaland should be closed down by the end of 1966, by cancelling all licenses possessed by the dealers. 2. Resolved that the Government of Nagaland should give assurance that no Bill for legalized manufacture and sale of any kind of spirituous liquor will be passed by the State Legislative Assembly. 3. Resolved that the Rum quota annually received by the Nagaland State Government from the centre under the item “Guest Entertainment” should be immediately discontinued. 4. Resolved that all fourteen Naga Baptist

Associations should, in their annual sessions, seriously discuss the above resolutions and take positive actions by creating “an all-out Movement” until the objective is fulfilled. 5. Resolved that all the Christian Women Societies throughout Nagaland be urged to organize themselves into “Dry Forces” to combat the manufacture and sale of liquor so detrimental to the peace and security of every Naga home (RenthyKeitzar, Triumph of Faith in Nagaland (Kohima: Nagaland Baptist Churches Council, 1987) 19). In 1969, the NBCC appointed the Nagaland Central Committee on Liquor prohibition and requested the Government to cut down progressively the quota from wine dealers with an objective to ultimate prohibition. On Feb 3, 1971 NBCC requested the Government to terminate all licences and close down all liquor shops and enforce prohibition by 1973. After which they started organizing meetings and processions in all the major towns of the State where the evils of alcohol were highlighted to the general public (O.M. Rao, LongriAo: A Biography (Guwahati: Christian Literature Centre, 1986) 62). Instead the Government passed the Nagaland excise Rule in 1974, to regulate and promote wine sale in Nagaland. This action of the Government forced the Nagaland Baptist Women Union under the leadership of Rev.Dr. K. Kapfo to create an Action Committee, with a budget of Rs. 50,000 to meet the expenses for prohibition works (A brief history of liquor prohibition movement, published October 30, 2011). Pamphlets and posters were printed on the evil effects of liquor and distributed for education of people. Women secretaries toured all the districts meeting Government authorities, Town Committee members, leaders and women groups to educate and mobilize people for the movement. Processions were conducted with the help of Church leaders and student unions and memoranda was submitted to

Deputy Commissioners to declare dry districts. As a result all districts with the exception of Kohima were declared as dry districts (KeviyiekielieLinyu, Christian Movements in Nagaland.Kohima: Author, 2004. 208-209). In spite of all these attempts the Government of Nagaland continued to play the delay tactics passing different Bills and giving wrong assurance to the people. This forced the NBCC to resolve to reinforce movement through Hunger Strike and Non-cooperation Movement. A Mass protest rally was organized on Nov 15, 1988 in Kohima and Nov 23 in all district Headquarters demanding the closure of all liquor shops by March 15, 1989. This was followed by a mass movement spearheaded by the Konyak Ngupuh Shuko Ukhong (KNSU) leading to the declaration of Mon as dry on Oct 1, 1988. Similar movement was organized by the Naga Scholar Society for the politicians and leaders of Ao Baptist Arogo Mundang (ABAM), Ao Hoho, Villages, Student Union, G.B Union and Mokokchung Town Committee on Sep 14, 1984 till the then Governor declared Mokokchung as dry on Jan 4, 1989 (A brief History of Liquor Prohibition Movement in Nagaland in The Morung Express, 11 july 2010.). The fiercest battle was waged in Kohima in 1989 under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Pongsing. Under him the NBCC Total prohibition Action Committee was appointed to spearhead the movement. Strategies were planned which included a non- cooperation movement. An ultimatum was served to declare Nagaland as a Dry State and to legislate the Total Prohibition of Liquor by March 15, 1989. And if the demand was not met Hunger strike would be launched from March 17. When the demand was not met, Hunger strike, protest rally and demonstration were held from 17-20th March 1989 by 5000 volunteers. To which the Government requested for 60 days study period, for which the people dispersed. But after the period ended, the Government

asked for extension of 40 days, by which the NBCC called the Church leaders from all over Nagaland to gather at Kohima during the Assembly session to resume the hunger strike. On 20th June Baptist Associations led by the Executive Secretaries gathered in front of the Legislative Assembly. By 21 June, 1000 delegates gathered at Ao Church for prayer. On 22nd June seven members of the NBCC were called and given the Bombay Prohibition law, 1949 extension to Nagaland which was not acceptable to the NBCC. They outrightly rejected the Bill and resolved to launch indefinite hunger strike from 23rd June. 125 volunteers started the indefinite hunger strike watched by 1000 Church leaders. The then Chief Minister requested to call off the strike yet it was not called off. Situation turned worse when their health began to deteriorate. After 81 hours of Hunger Strike the Excise Minister withdrew the Bombay Bill on 26th June at 3:00 P.M with an assurance to introduce Total Prohibition Bill in the floor of the Assembly (A brief history, October, 2011.). Finally the long awaited Bill was introduced in the Nagaland Assembly on Nov 9, 1989. It was passed with section 2 and 79 permitting the manufacture, sell, and transport liquor, section 8-10 provided issuance of permit to institutions for manufacturing, sale and section 25-34 authorized the Director to regulate liquor business. Section 84 stated that Government can manufacture and sell liquor without permit. The Action Committee of NBCC submitted the loopholes in the Bill on Nov 28, 1989. After much deliberations and studies, NBCC had a meeting with the cabinet members. It was agreed that the desired Total Liquor Prohibition Bill will be introduced in the Assembly. At last on March 29, 1990, after 28 years of endless fighting the “Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act” was passed (KeviyikielieLinyu, Christian Movements, 209.). By this Nagaland was finally declared a Dry State.

The Role of the Church Drawing insights from the above Biblical and historical survey of liquor prohibition in relation to the existing ground reality, we advocate a dual approach as appropriate role of the Church, that is, to address the problems of both ‘demand’ and ‘supply’ factors with equal seriousness while our emphasis is on the former. This emphasis is not something new but neglected in the process of our struggle with the structural evils. However, we would like to highlight some stories and experiences briefly as a pointer as to what the Church can do most effectively today. This re-enforced our conviction that it is not merely idealistic but practical and effective. Mokokchung Town Baptist Arogo (MTBA): The church has been successful in pastoral practice with similar emphasis in recent times. It all began out of daily casual conversation of the pastors in the Church. According to Temsuwati Kichu, Associate Pastor who is in charge of this special ministry, “we realised that Prohibition Act at the administrative level is not helping the users on the ground and that the Church has much work to do for the affected people who are no longer seen in the Church for many years together, therefore we decided to reach out to them.” (Interview with TemsuwatiKichu, Associate Pastor, MTBA, Mokokchung on November 18, 2013.) Initially, all the members were not equally excited about it, but they decided to organize Detoxification Camp on yearly basis. Subsequently, they began to plan, pray and made several round of home visitation to the identified hard core drinkers, most of whom were later diagnosed alcoholic medically. Very interestingly, they employed the women department volunteers for initial contact to visit, pray and share the plans and programs of the Church, followed by series of pastoral visitation to counsel and encourage them. This was followed by one month chain of prayer round the clock by the entire members of the Church. Moatoshi Jamir, the counselor reiterated that, along with the sharing of the Word of God, counseling and prayer, they also employ clinical therapy, followed by a weeklong of residential camp away from home.” (Interview with Moatoshi Jamir, Counsellor, MTBA, Mokokchung on November 18, 2013.) He further says, “We promise

them nothing, but we try our best to convince and persuade them to give another chance and attend the camp without any conditions.” (Interview with Moatoshi.) Eventually, the first Detoxification Camp was held in 2011 where about 20 members attended. Since then, it is being organized annually for the last three years with added members every year. Separate counseling sessions are also conducted for the spouses and children. The camp is followed by regular weekly confidential AA (Alcoholic Anonymous) meeting every Sunday where they share their experiences of struggles, failures and success, and Home visitation on Thursdays to pray and encourage the irregular ones in the group. What is most encouraging is the story that these hardcore alcoholics in Mokokchung Town are now healed and recovered from their drinking habits and actively participating in the Church, reaching out to others and bringing new friends to the fold every now and then. We are convinced that this approach is applicable to most local contexts with necessary modifications and adjustments. All may not succeed and experience repeated failures after failures. But it is worth pursuing unceasingly for the sake of the Gospel and the total well being of our people. Let the people in power know what the Church is doing in action rather than playing tug of war with the Government over the Liquor Total Prohibition Act. Meantime, the NBCC, NGOs, Women Groups, Youth Organization etc, must continue to inspire, convince and persuade the State Government to support and enhance our effort by stopping the supply factor with all needed authority and power vested in them under the existing Prohibition Act. We strongly believe that it is possible to turn Nagaland into a Dry State in reality for the benefit of everyone and all sections of the society. This is not a dream of an idealist, it is possible. ABCC Women Department: Alcohol menace has affected all sections of Naga society today. For the last three to four years, ABCC Women Department has been conducting gospel camps, particularly for Women in the grip of this vice, those who earn their livelihood by brewing and selling alcohol and women whose spouse or family members are affected by alcoholism. This camp address the issue

and various problems of the affected women and aims to motivate, transform and direct them towards “Life Change” as well as provide incentives to other means of livelihood. Towards this, the Women Department have a fund called “Dzevi Bode” which translated as “Welfare Foundation” .Through this we financially support those women who whole heartedly pledge and commit to change the means of livelihood, from an alcohol brewer and seller to vegetable seller. Monetary support is given and the applicant refund their capital without the burden of interest when she can. ABAM Women Department: More than three decades ago, along with the Youth Department, the Women Department of ABAM have spearheaded the Liquor Prohibition movement in the Association level. To control the inflow of liquor into the district, in collaboration with the Village Councils and NGOs, seminars and Prayer and fasting programs were conducted, houses were raided, liquors were seized, licence holders were visited and persuaded to withdraw their licences. After the NLTP Act was passed, the women folk continued to visit the homes of the wine sellers, brewers, users and alcoholics for prayer and counseling. Inspite of the few law breakers, there are many who have pledged to be abided by the law and Christian principles. Along with the Biblical teachings, writing articles on this particular issue in a local dialect magazine known as the “Khristan Kibong” (Christian Home) which goes out to almost every Ao families, the Women Department decided to give loan to Women folks to start with clean business for their livelihood by forming SHGs. The loan amounting from 10,000/- to 100.000/- are given out with an understanding that the group members shall be abided by the rules laid down by the Department. This monetary help is enabling many women to earn their livelihood with a clear conscience, realizing their self worth and ultimately changing their lives. So far all the groups are doing successfully.. Kohima Ao Baptist Church (KABA): From time to time, KABA conduct detox and Rehabilitation camps for the alcoholics which has impacted many lives. In 2013, one such camp was conducted where 30 alcoholics (all men) attended. They were given thorough treatment by Doctors and Nurses. And spiritual

feeding was given by Counselors and Pastors. Many responded positively and two among them decided for long term rehabilitation with full expenses being paid by the church. They have started a fellowship of the Alcoholic Anonymous where they come together every Sunday for prayer and fellowship. Education is basic and fundamental, and must precede and accompany everything else we do, and thus churches can take up the challenge of organizing effective campaign of alcohol education in the church (C. Aubrey Hearn, op.cit., 128). Programs relating to the alcohol problem should be vitalized and made interesting and attractive. Alcoholism is the consequence of the deliberate wrong exercise of the human will, and in the old- fashioned biblical parlance, it is a sin (A.J. Edmonds, “The Value of Christian Therapy in Dealing with Alcoholics and Drug Addicts,” The Christian Response to Alcohol and Drug Problem, edited by J. Kenneth Lawton, Jonathan N. Gnanadason& K.V. Matthew (Bangalore: Ecumenical Christian Centre, 1983) 123). It can also be said that alcoholism involves sin, since it has destructive consequences of hindering a person from abundant living and true happiness. It also detracts from his/her relationship with God, his family and his community (Howard J. Clinebell, Understanding and Counseling the Alcoholic- Through Religion and Psychology (Nashville: Abingdon Press, ) 160). This understanding takes us back to the fall of humankind in the creation account. The fruit that tempted Eve appealed to her physical, aesthetic and intellectual senses, which are the basic three urges in man (Genesis 3: 6). The tree was good for food- physical; it was a delight to the eyes- aesthetic; the tree was to be desired to make one wise- intellectual urge. These are the urges which actualized man’s desire to become like God and alienated him from God and thus these urges are still at work in man in his fallen stage (Gnana Robinson, “Towards a Theological Understanding of Addiction,” Theological Education and Addiction Concerns in India, edited by H.S.Wilson (Chennai: The Board of Theological Education and The Commission on Addiction Concerns, 1989) 151). In this sense, alcoholism becomes a spiritual problem and the church need to look into it and

educate the congregation accordingly. At the same time, the churches should not limit its focus only towards the spiritual side, but she should also spring into social action. Prohibition is considered to be the most direct way in which countries can control production of alcohol. Several studies have found that in the early years of its introduction, prohibition leads to a decline in alcohol- related problems. This occurred in the United States in the 1920s and 1930s (John Madeley, “The Cost of a Drink,”Theological Education and Addiction Concerns in India, edited by H.S.Wilson (Chennai: The Board of Theological Education and The Commission on Addiction Concerns, 1989) 174). Collaborating with the different organizations who work for alcohol abstinence, the church should take keen interest in supporting prohibition act and do continuous follow- ups. This is because alcoholics do not become non- alcoholics overnight as soon as they stop drinking. Rather, there are chances that they might turn to other options. Thus, in this light care groups should be organized where attitudes, behavior and disciplines which strengthen abstinence, sobriety and growth are reinforced.

Resolutions on Liquor Prohibition 01. 4th Annual Conference, Nagaland Youth Front, NBCC HQs, Kohima 14-16 October 1988 B. RESOLUTION: 3. Resolved to request all the Association to do anti-liquor follow-up work till N a g a land is declared dry state. 02. North East India Pastors Conference, Kohima, 17 to 21 April 1989

RESOLUTION: 1. Acknowledging the dormancy and tardiness of the church in helping the proper implementation of the liquor Prohibition Act, the council resolved to reaffirm its stand so as to strengthen the hands of the Government with regard to the said Act with the following strategies: a) Conduct seminars to enable our people to understand better the serious issue of addiction faced by a newly emerging traditional society like the Nagas. The church understands the economic compulsions that are often cited in argument against prohibition. While extra revenues will be saved by lifting prohibition, the church cannot lightly overlook the special weaknesses and susceptibilities of our people at this juncture of transition crisis to turn to addictive substances to avoid tackling their problems. b) To widen the scope of the work of counselling and rehabilitation of alcoholics already done by various churches and association. The council recognises the need to better train those handling this highly demanding and complex field of healing. c) We urge the Government to implement its law of Liquor Prohibition Act in action and in spirit. 06 74th Annual Session, Rotomi, Zunheboto, 4- 6 February 2011

implementation of the Total prohibition Act in all the district headquarters and reaffirm its stand in any form of Substances Abuses. All the local churches are directed to make appropriate plans to help alcoholics to abstain from alcoholism. 07 77th NBCC Annual Meeting, Zunpha, Tseminyu February, 2014 As NBCC step on to the 25 years of its involvement in the Liquor Prohibition activities in the state, the startling effect which is causing the entire equilibrium of an individual and the Naga society will be addressed through: Insisting the State Government to sensibly execute the policies of the Nagaland Total Liquor Prohibition Act-1989 in all the Districts. Articulating to its members the effect of alcoholism and the need for preventive information through leaflets/banners/billboards/ publications and display, conduct seminars, workshops, counselling and Home visitation of the effected. The Women Ministry will organize a fasting and prayer for those who are engaged in bootlegging alcohol and the alcoholics. 5. NBCC will continue to appeal to stablish Counseling and Rehabilitation Centres for the Alcoholics. The Church bodies and other NGO’s should cooperate and support such a program.

RESOLUTION: 7. The Total prohibition Act Passed by the government of Nagaland in 1989 (and assured its stand in 2010), NBCC will continue to reiterate it’s strive for stringent

CONCLUSION The Church has not naively believed that getting the Total Prohibition Act passed in the Assembly alone will resolve the alcohol related issues. The Church is as realistic on this matter

as the Government and those who are against prohibition. Nor is it the position of the Church that the Government is the only party to blame for the ineffectiveness of the Act. Alcohol’s fatal attractiveness and the destructive consequences of its abuse need no elaboration. All who care for the healthy growth of our society know them. And the Church fully understands that the Government has many other highly pressing problems to attend to besides its difficult responsibility of implementing the Prohibition Act. The Church is also aware that a young, fragile society like ours, destabilized by the relentless impacts of changes coming from outside, becomes extra vulnerable to the quick but false solutions to problems that alcohol and drugs give which lead to widespread substance abuse and addiction. Yet, the carefully considered response of the Church to the cruel crisis is that she cannot treat alcohol lightly as its notorious power to destroy if it is misused is an established scientific fact too serious to be underestimated. Therefore, the popular accusation that, because of issues of pride and prejudice, the Church is mindlessly and irresponsibly against the Government, and she does not understand the users, is unfair and incorrect. Nagas should understand from what industrially produced and marketed alcohol beverages have done to the traumatized, embittered, numerically small, ethnic peoples in the Americas and Australia and realize that alcohol is in reality a weapon of mass destruction (WMD) in societies uprooted by changes beyond their control. Can anyone dispute the

established statistics behind this statement and insist we should knowingly choose the easy road to disaster? The Church is agonized by the fact that it is doing too little to serve and help those effected by alcohol abuse to recover, although it humbly maintains its care and concern for them is known to God and something left to the public to judge fairly. The Church has nothing to prove, nothing to defend, nothing to justify. To do that would be human but irrelevant. What is more important is to address the challenge to serve and help the users more effectively by way of establishing counseling and rehabilitation facilities and schemes, and in other ways. Here the Church can sincerely say its members and workers have started to understand the enormity of what needs to be done, not just with regard to alcohol and the issues related to it but the wider crisis of our society of which alcohol is only a part. The earnest prayer of NBCC is that more Christians will accept to live out the way, the truth, and the life Christ showed us so that our solutions to our problems will take us forward and up, instead of weakening and destroying us. With this vision and conviction for the Church and our society, NBCC appeals to the Government and all who care for the survival and sound growth of our society to look at the issue of the prohibition in its totality and act for the real good of our society. The Church sees this to be its responsibility despite its all too well-known serious limitations because what she cannot and must not do is to choose a path to walk on which we do not need God.

RESOLUTION: 2. We fully support the efforts of the NBCC to make Nagaland a Dry State. We express our appreciation to the Nagaland Government for steps taken so far towards this ultimate objective and further urge the Government to expedite actions for legislations to declare Nagaland a Dry State 03. 53th NBCC Annual Session, January 12-14, 1990, Khonoma RESOLUTION: 3. During the struggle for 25 years for total prohibition of liquor in our land, we could see the leading hands of God. We re-affirm our stand and resolve to continue to fight till our total demand is fulfilled. 04. 57th NBCC Annual Council, January 21-23, 1994, Akuvuto, Dimapur 5. That NBCC will fully involve in the implementation of the Liquor Total Prohibition Act to eradicate the evils of Liquor. Further NBCC strongly opposes against any move to reopen liquor shops on naga soil. 05 16th NBCC Triennial Convention, Tuensang, 30 January – 1st February 2004

(PART 7)

(PART 8)

Some Recommendations: 1. NBCC will establish a Special Brach of Christian Ministry that will address the problems of the alcohol affected individuals and families, both at local Associations and Church level. Theological Institutions, schools and colleges may introduce course on the evil effects of alcoholism. 2. NBCC will continue to encourage Churches to preach, teach and reinforce the cardinal Biblical teachings of the Church to abstain from any intoxicating beverages. 3. Nagas have the habit of not being responsible to take care of ourselves when it comes to drinking. We overdo it and drink till we drop. In this context one cannot talk about responsible drinking. Therefore the Churches should continue to encourage its members to develop healthy habits and overcome their drinking problem, if possible for total abstinence rather than rejecting them. Extend all possible help and support them in their struggles towards fullness of life which is in Christ Jesus.


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Purple Fusion

releases second music video Ho Hey "you came along"

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agaland's Folk Fusion band Purple Fusion released its second music video Ho Hey "You came along" on VH1 and youtube on September 17. The music video is a fusion of Reggae and Naga folk tune and the story is based on the life of a young woman who struggles to find acceptance trying to follow her passion dreaming to live a life as a musician. The music video was shot in and around Dimapur and has been scripted and directed by a team of young, talented and ingenious video makers called the TL entertainment based in Dimapur. Credit for this music video goes also

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The Morung Express

18 September 2014

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to Crescendo Nagaland who were the Gear partners, Among Lkr, Sekuzo, Achunbo, Aguina as the fashion designers, Imliben Jamir as the official stylist, James Chakhesang as the Photographer, Wedding Pathways, Upstairs and Glamazon and Nagaland Bamboo Resource center as the venue partners. The video can be watched and downloaded from Youtube as Ho Hey "You came along"/Purple Fusion. It will also telecasted on Vh1 through the day at different timings for the whole month. Purple Fusion has thanked everyone who were a part of the music video as sponsors, partners and well wishers.

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fter successfully launching their official brand “MOI” at the ASIAN/ASEAN Fashion Week, at Surabaya, Indonesia, in August, with its Spring/Summer Collection’s “Ara Kezievi – the beauties of my land”, the Northeast India Academy of Performing Arts (NIAPA) successfully showcased its latest and exclusive “Evening and Bridal Collections” at the Couture Fashion Week, at Crown Plaza Times Square Manhattan, New York, last week. The models walked the ramped showcasing MOI – (literally translated as "me", from the region’s lingua franca nagamese) and received much appreciation and positive feedbacks from the crowd as well as the organizers. A representative of NIAPA participating at the Couture Fashion Week, New

York stated that, MOI’s collection has been inspired from the idyllic modern day versatile woman and the infusion of strands of traditional colors and styles to contemporary designs making MOI a unique signature brand from Nagaland and North East India. Through such events,

she added, the NIAPA are constantly pushing towards recognition and creation of opportunities towards establishing a stronghold industry for the indigenous silk of North East India, as well as its traditional local weaves, while infusing these to contemporary designs.

Ten to vie for miss mokokchung 2014 crown T C M Y K

he stage is set for Miss Mokokchung 2014 beauty contest to be held at Town Hall on September 19. The ten contestants have been thoroughly groomed by different resource persons. This year’s edition of Miss Mokokchung is being organized by Mokokchung Arts & Aesthetics Management (MAAM) under the aegis of Mokokchung District Arts & Culture Council (MDACC). Nagaland Horticulture Director, Watienla Jamir will be the chief guest of the event. MAAM has chalked out an elaborate programme for the September 19 evening. Well-known Choreographer Adang Jamir, who is the Miss Mokokchung 2014 Show director, has made elaborate arrangements and rehearsed the

whole programme. “I can confidently say that it will be a show with a difference and I feel privileged to be the show director, to work with the contestants and also the organizers,” said Adang Jamir.

The contest will also feature renowned singers like David Goldsmith, front man of Axis Band, Yapangtola, Lijem, Nungsangmanen, Chubainla, Rongsenyangla, Jonathan (Mountain Beats Music

School). Dance groups like Hybrid Movement, Mohawks, Ice Crew and Scintillating Avatars. The organizers have informed that except for the official photographer and media persons, no one will

be allowed to take photographs during the show. It may be noted here that MAAM consists of some concerned citizens of Mokokchung town who came together and formed the association with the motto ‘Transformation of Youth & Women”. Miss Mokokchung 2014 is the first venture that MAAM is undertaking and the proceeds from the show will be used to establish a Trust Fund for the poor cancer patients admitted at IMDH, Mokokchug. The chief patron of the society is Nagaland Chief Secretary, Banou Z Jamir (IAS). Limited tickets will be available at Aier Bakery, Oriflame SPO NST Complex, and La Store (Opposite Supong Shopping Complex), the organizers informed.

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Send two demo videos of you singing to NOH 2014 by 21st Septebmer 2014

Whatsapp # +91 8730022107

Naga orpheus huNt 2014

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hree Selected contestant Chenithung, Mercy and Aien for Naga Orpheus hunt 2014 along with the judges Tali Angh and Mhonjan Humtsoe with Wokha district organizer Mhonyamo Kikon and team at Tourist Lodge Wokha. The Naga Orpheus Hunt 2014 auditions for Mokokchung and Dimapur will be held on September 19 and September 20 respectively. Mokokchung auditions will start from 10:00 am onwards

at Eastern Talkies and Dimapur auditions from 10:00 am onwards at Hotel Saramati. Aspiring contestants can avail the audition form from the venue itself. For more details contact district partner – Illume (Mokokchung): +91 9089179245 and Soyachunks (Dimapur): +91 9774346791. If any aspiring contestants are unable to turn up for auditions, he or she can WhatsApp two demo videos of them singing to +91 8730022107.

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MADRID, SepteMbeR 17 (Ap): Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale took center stage as Real Madrid opened the defense of its Champions League title with a swaggering 5-1 rout of Basel in Group B on Tuesday. Having ended its 12-year wait for a 10th European Cup last season, Madrid started the long road back to the final with a Basel owngoal and strikes by Bale, Ronaldo, James Rodriguez and Karim Benzema. The victory provided a much-needed lift for fans and coach Carlo Ancelotti, who had faced a hail of criticism after his side lost 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu against bitter crosstown rivals Atletico Madrid on Saturday. "I liked the team's reaction, I think the Bernabeu was happy," Ancelotti said. Although the pressure eased on captain Iker Casillas, who was jeered during the Atletico match, the goalkeeper received both cheers and whistles during Tuesday's match. Basel began by threading together an attack within the first three minutes but it was easily cleared by Madrid's defense, although the crowd jeered as Casillas touched the ball. Three minutes later it was all cheers as Casillas easily stopped a shot by Muhamed Elneny. After a swift counterattack, Ronaldo missed the target at the other end - though the breakthrough was not long in coming. As Madrid attacked down the right, Rodriguez fed the ball through to Jose "Nacho" Fernandez, whose powerful shot was deflected by Basel defender Marek Suchy into his own net in the 14th minute. Casillas was loudly jeered in the 22nd minute when he took his time to kick the ball into play from the penalty area. Madrid kept up the pressure at the other end and Bale made a surging run forward to receive Luka Modric's beautifullyweighted pass through the Basel defense

in the 30th minute. The Welshman lifted the ball over goalkeeper Tomas Vaclik's head before darting past him to steer the ball into the empty net. Just a minute later, Bale provided a low cross from the right for Ronaldo to score their side's third goal of the night and effectively put the match beyond Basel's reach. Ronaldo then followed up by helping Madrid to score again in the 37th. The Portugal forward picked out Benzema for a shot which Vaclik only managed to parry - allowing Rodriguez to pounce on the loose ball. A minute later, Derlis Gonzalez pulled one back for Basel after a darting run forward on the break ended with a powerful shot into the corner. Madrid faced an awkward moment when a backpass by Modric was seized on by Marco Streller, who forced Casillas to save in the 39th. Six minutes later, Gonzalez almost surprised a badly-placed Casillas when he hit a blistering first-time volley over the bar. However, Casillas ended a period of pressure by Basel by saving Luca Suffi's shot in the 51st and was given an ovation in the 67th when he saved an effort from Gonzalez. Basel was unlucky in the 76th minute when Fabian Schar's powerful shot bounced off the post with a beaten Casillas only able to watch. "It was a pleasure for me to begin my Champions coaching career against the European champions. I want to be a protagonist, and I think my team was at times also a protagonist on the field," Basel coach Paulo Sousa said. "After it lost two games in a row, I guess we were expecting something big from Madrid." Benzema made it five in the 79th after an exchange of short passes with Ronaldo ended with the France international blasting home his shot off the underside of the bar to seal a comfortable victory.

Real begin title defence in style Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo scores his side's third goal during the Champions League Group B soccer match between Real Madrid and Basel at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, Tuesday September 16. (AP Photo)

DoRtmunD beats aRsenal

Shaolin Kung-Fu masters Meyiesielie Albert, International coach and chief instructor of Bihar and Odisha; Ruokuo John, ANSKA Chief Instructor, Dimapur and International Coach and Instructor, David Keneingutuo from Nagaland along with other participants at the World Youth Fellowship (IYF) camp organized by IYF from September 11 to 13 at State Youth Centre, Moulali, Kolkata. The All Nagaland Kung-Fu Association (ANSKA) members demonstrated their KungFu skills besides imparting Shaolin Kung-Fu training during the three-day camp. The camp witnessed the participation of international youths from various countries.

DORtMUND, SepteMbeR 17 (Ap): Borussia Dortmund strikers Ciro Immobile and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored either side of halftime to give their side a 2-0 with over Arsenal on Tuesday, kick-starting the German side's Champions League campaign in Group D. Immobile, signed from Torino in the offseason, sprinted almost half the length of the pitch and held off Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny before dispatching a low shot inside the far post just before the break. "I'm very happy to score, that we won, because it hasn't been easy for me to settle into the Bundesliga. I'm happy that I was able to make my teammates happy," Immobile said. Aubameyang scored three minutes into the second half after a brilliant chip over the defense from Kevin Grosskreutz, whose clearance led to Immobile's opener. Aubameyang stumbled initially, but recovered to take the ball past Arsenal 'keeper Wojciech Szczesny and guide it past the flailing Mikel Arteta on the line. It was Dortmund's first home win over Arsenal — the sides have met three times in four seasons — since a 2-1 win in October 2002, and it atoned for last season's 1-0 home loss to the Gunners.

Dortmund's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, left, is on his way to score his side's second goal during the Champions League group D soccer match between Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal in Dortmund, Germany, Tuesday, Septemebr 16. (AP Photo)

Despite dealing with a host of injuries — Shinji Kagawa stayed on the bench and Dortmund was without attacking midfielder Marco Reus, midfielders Jakub Blaszczykowski, Ilkay Gundogan and Nuri Sahin, as well as defenders Lukasz Piszczek, Mats Hummels and Oliver Kirch

— the home side dominated the game and missed a host of opportunities to increase the score. "It's not important," Dortmund coach Juergen Klopp said when asked if the result flattered Arsenal. "We had more chances; Aubameyang, Mkhitaryan and Szczesny made a great

save. But it's not important. 2-0 is a perfect result for us." Dortmund forced four corners inside the opening 13 minutes and Szczesny had to make a number of saves in the first half, when the visitors were restricted to two good chances for former Manchester United forward Danny Welbeck.

"Congratulations to Dortmund, they were a better team. We had a disappointing performance tonight. Still, the paradox for us is that we had the opportunity to open the scoring," Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger said. Dortmund midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who claimed a penalty in the fifth minute after going down under Arteta's challenge only to be booked for diving, blazed over under pressure from Jack Wilshere. Immobile's breakthrough was a relief when it came and Aubameyang's second goal blew away any of the home side's inhibitions. Szczesny pulled off a flying save to deny Immobile another, Aubameyang struck the crossbar and then nearly made Szczesny pay for a poor first touch in the 72nd, one minute before Mkhitaryan missed another great opportunity. "It was a great team performance and deserved win," said Dortmund midfielder Sebastian Kehl, who went off at the break with a groin problem. "We were almost perfect." Arsenal substitute Lukas Podolski lamented his side's poor performance. "We have to play with a broad chest. We're Arsenal and that's how we have to go. We didn't do that today," the German forward said.

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Published, Printed and Edited by Aküm Longchari on behalf of Morung for Indigenous Affairs and JustPeace from House No. 4, Duncan Bosti, Dimapur at Themba Printers and Telecommunications, Padum Pukhuri Village, Dimapur, Nagaland. RNI No : NAGENG /2005/15430. House No.4, Duncan Bosti, Dimapur 797112, Nagaland. Phone: Dimapur -(03862) 248854, Fax: (03862) 235194, Kohima - (0370) 2291952

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