September 4th 2014

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The Morung Express

Dimapur VOL. IX ISSUE 243

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The most violent element in society is ignorance

–Emma Goldman

Federer, Monfils to clash in quarterfinal

[ PAGE 2]

Your plan to clean up Ganga may take two centuries: SC to Centre

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Thursday, September 4, 2014 12 pages Rs. 4

Governor hopes for more welfare of ex-servicemen

Second Syria Kate Hudson slams eating beheading disorder raises stakes rumour for US

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[ PAGE 12]

[ PAGE 8]

reflections

By Sandemo Ngullie

Home Minister reviews Manipur situation

Government expects Naga organizations to withdraw call for economic blockade

Oh my god! The roads are seriously treacherous. I need courage. Saathi, let`s buy some booze from these vegetables vendors.

NSCN (IM) express doubt over new GoI interlocutor

Dimapur, September 3 (mexN): The NSCN (IM) has expressed “serious doubt” on the “sincerity” of the Government of India in appointing R.N. Ravi as their interlocutor for the IndoNaga peace talks. In a press statement from its MIP, the NSCN (IM) has noted that in political negotiation that has lasted 17 years and 80 rounds of talks, its talk team led by Chief Negotiator, Th. Muivah, has never come across R.N. Ravi. It, thus, expressed being “flabbergasted” as to “who/which Naga has given a commitment to R.N. Ravi that the solution of the IndoNaga issue will be within the framework of the Constitution of India as reported in the Media.” “He seems to have been given the unguided and unguarded mandate or the, ‘the liberty to change the format of the talks, making negotiation time-bound and expeditious’ for the Indo-Naga talks,” noted the press statement. In order for the Indo-Naga peace talks to “proceed in a positive manner...,” the NSCN (IM) sought the involvement of “broadminded and forward-thinking people who have the sincere and committed interest for India and peace.”

Full text on page 4

New DelHi, September 3 (iaNS): Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh Wednesday reviewed the situation in Manipur ahead of an economic blockade called by Naga organisations.

At a meeting here with Manipur Governor V.K. Duggal, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam and senior ministry officers, Rajnath Singh appealed to “all concerned parties to help maintain a conducive atmosphere.”

“It is reiterated that the (central) government is committed to finding a solution to all related issues,” a home ministry statement quoted Rajnath Singh as saying.

The United Naga Council (UNC) Monday announced an indefinite ban on movement of all kinds of vehicles in Manipur’s Naga inhabited areas from September 4.

The ban was announced to press the central government to make a political intervention on the prevailing situation in the Naga-dominated districts in Manipur.

Stressing on a negotiated settlement of the issue, the home minister said the central government has appointed R.N. Ravi as the interlocutor with a mandate to find a negotiated solution in a time-bound manner.

“However, it is imperative that a conducive atmosphere exists for these talks to take place,” Singh said.

“The (central) government calls upon all concerned to help maintain a conducive atmosphere and desist from violence.” “The government expects the Naga organisations to withdraw the call for economic blockade and the ban on national projects, which will cause serious inconvenience and hardship to the common people,” Singh said.

Unc to go ahead with ban

Students from India’s northeastern states hold placards in New Delhi, India, during a protest against Saturday’s killing of two Nagas in a clash with police in Manipur state’s Ukhrul district, Wednesday, September3.

The Nagas have been demanding a speedy conclusion of peace talks to end one of the longest-running insurgencies in the northeastern region. (AP Photo)

Demand for judicial inquiry into Ukhrul killings

Dimapur, September 3 (NNN): The Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) has demanded an “impartial and speedy” judicial inquiry into the killing of Mayopam Ramror and Ramkashing Vashi of Teinem village by Manipur police and IRB personnel during the August 30 Ukhrul rally. The NPMHR has called for the resignation of the Chief Minister of Manipur “whose undemocratic and arbitrary actions led to the killing of two civilians and injuring several others.”

In a press communiqué, the NPMHR demanded the immediate revocation of Section 144 CrPC and withdrawal of the Manipur Police commandos and Indian Reserved Battalion (IRB) from in and around Ukhrul district, Manipur. It asked for a response from the Government of Manipur for the blanket imposition of CrPC 144 for nearly two months now “with-

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are known for their high handedness, rights abuse and atrocities towards civilians and have been officially indicted in a few instances for their crimes. Despite this, the State deployed them to ‘maintain public order’ in Ukhrul when maintenance of public order is not their duty and priority.”

According to the NPMHR, the armed forces “intentionally targeted” the August 30 rally to “inflict maximum harm” evidenced by their action to by-pass, ignore and violate the clear rules and procedures laid down in the Police Manual. “The use of high calibre live rounds that killed two civilians is a blatant violation of these rules reinforcing that they were not prepared to handle the assembly of people as the situation would have demanded, but proceeded with the criminal conspiracy and intent to kill civilians without any exercise of restraint,” the NPMHR added.

security tightened along two highways in Manipur

impHal, September 3 (pti): Security measures have been tightened along two national highways in Manipur in view of indefinite blockade by hillbased United Naga Council (UNC) from Thursday in protest against the death of two persons in police firing on 30 August last year. Manipur Education Minister and government spokesman M Okendro said security convoy would be provided along these two national highways, Imphal-Dimapur-Guwahati and ImphalJiribam-Silchar routes, through which all essential items were brought in the state everyday from 6 AM to 6 PM tomorrow. He said road opening party comprising security personnel would also be deployed at various parts of the two national highways which are considered lifeline of land-locked Manipur.

Kohima police to beef up security

KOHima, September 3 (mexN): In view of the bandh called by the UNC in Manipur on the vehicular movement along “their jurisdiction” and the likely resultantofvehiclesandpassengersbeingstrandedalongNH-2 and NH-29, the Kohima Police has beefed up security measures along these routes in the form of foot patrol and vehicular patrol. This was informed by the SDPO, Kohima.

conclave on HiV/AiDs cctV to ‘maintain transparency’ in nPsc exam in ne region underway Our Correspondent

NSF seeks clarification on MBBS & BDS selection CDC to provide KOHima, September technical support to 3 (mexN): The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) strengthen HIV/AIDS has demanded from the Department of Technical prevention in NE states Education (DoTE) that the merit selection list of candidates for MBBS and BDS courses should be produced strictly on fulfilling the term and condition as mentioned in Point No. iv of the Department advertisement No.DTE/TECH-A/17/2014/ dated July 23, 2014 for Nagaland State Pre Medical Test (NSPMT). In a representation to the Commissioner & Secretary, DoTE, the NSF stated this in regard to the “merit provisional selection” of students to undergo MBBS and BDS courses, 2014. “When hundreds of Naga students are appearing competitive examination to undergo courses in MBBS and BDS, it is uncalled for when certain anomalies and lack of transparency has surfaced in the merit selection list whereby, the merit students are being denied of their legitimate position and privileges,” stated the NSF. The NSF demanded the Department to clarify to the Federation and the general public on “the confusion as on what basis the candidates who could not secure 40% cut-off mark in the NSPMT were selected to undergo MBBS and BDS courses.”

out any substantive justification.”

“Despite numerous local, national and international organizations having petitioned both the central and the state government for the removal of the same, the concerned authorities have not done anything to restore normalcy in the district,” the NPMHR stated.

Instead, the police comandos and IRB, assisted by the district police of Ukhrul, “indiscriminately fired upon unarmed civilians participating in a peace rally killing two people and injuring many others on August 30,” the NPMHR said.

The NPMHR pointed out that “The Manipur police commandos were raised as a special unit of the police to combat insurgency in the state, comprising initially of surrendered insurgents as part of the state’s rehabilitation programme, while IRB is a centrestate funded counter-insurgency unit. In Manipur, these two units

SeNapati, September 3 (mexN): The United Naga Council (UNC) will go ahead with the ban on all vehicular traffic on National Highways and State Highways and ban on all construction works on National Projects in Naga areas of Manipur to be enforced with effect from 6:00am of September 4, 2014. Tribe Councils and Regional Organisations will co-ordinate and monitor the bans in the respective jurisdictions.

The UNC reiterated its position today in a press release that the “magnitude of social divide on communal lines in Manipur can only be addressed with a political solution.” It stated that all Nagas are volunteers and “it is the moral responsibility of every Naga to uphold the peoples’ movement.” The body has appealed to the general public, transporters and truck owners to “extend their co-operation and solidarity” for the protest. It has also informed the people to be “vigilant against any measures that may be deployed by the communal GoM to suppress the people’s movement.”

Any individuals violating this stricture of the people, the UNC stated, will be doing so at their own risk.

Meanwhile, the UNC has also solicited “free will donations” towards the families of Mayopam Ramror and Ramkashing Vashi and for those who were “brutalized” at Ukhrul on August 30. The same may be submitted to the Treasurer, United Naga Council for onwards submission, it was informed.

KOHima, September 3 (mexN): Addl. Chief Secretary, Govt. of Nagaland, C.J. Ponraj, today expressed concern at the rise in annual prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS in North East region. “The decline is not visible which is a danger signal,” stated Ponraj on the first day of 2nd North East Conclave on HIV/AIDS being held at Hotel Vivor, Kohima.

The three-day conclave will discuss HIV/AIDS epidemic in the North East, assess implementation of National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) by NE states, and collectively develop appropriate and localized solutions to address the epidemic.

Ponraj pointed out some of the problems that need to be tackled, such as, handling down of resources that need to be properly channelized, medical support which is not available and has ultimately led to the failure of OSTs. “Such OSTs need the support of PHCs, CHCs, NRHM and Civil hospitals.” He stressed on streamlining the resource transfer process in NACP. He further requested National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) officials to recognise State experience in terms of programme requirement, as state agencies are already adequately experienced about the local dynamics with regard to implementation. He further stated it was time to review and change existing strategies and re-orient the whole approach.

“There needs to be built-in flexibility in the NACO and concerned agencies,” added Ponraj while pointing out

Kohima | September 3

the need for innovations, new ideas, and fresh minds which are essential for the growth and sustenance of any organization. Ponraj also stressed on the need for commitment of resources. In the 15,000 million spent in the country for AIDS Control, how much percentage of that amount has been converted to reality, he questioned.

Meanwhile, Dr. Pauline Harvey, Country Director, Centre for Disease Control (CDC)- India lauded NACO for initiating periodic conclave, thereby creating common platform to exchange experiences and learning among all the stakeholders towards curbing HIV epidemic in the region.

She mentioned that CDC will provide technical support to the NE region in strengthening HIV/ AIDS prevention, care and treatment including OST services, which will be one of the major plans starting from April 2015 for next five years.

Sentiyanger, Commisisoner & Secretary, Department of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of Nagaland delivered the welcome address earlier. Dr. Neeraj Dhingra, Deputy Director General (TI), NACO shared the aims and objectives of the Conclave. He highlighted the progress made by various NE states in implementation of NACP and also stressed on delineating responsibilities of all stakeholders – NACO, SACS, Community and other players – to get maximum benefit from the programme.

Project Directors of the State AIDS Control Societies (SACS) of the eight NE states and officials from NACO led by its Joint Secretary K.B. Agarwal, senior representatives from CDC, and representatives from the community networks are attending the conclave hosted by Nagaland AIDS Control Society, supported by VHS-CDC-India.

The Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) has for the first time introduced CCTV in the examination hall of the ongoing NPSC mains of NCS, NPS, NSS & Allied Service Examination 2014 here.

487 candidates are appearing for 71 posts in the examination, which started on September 2 and will continue till September 4, informed NPSC chairman.

Talking to media persons, NPSC chairman Kuhupoyo

Puroh said the idea behind the introduction of CCTV was to maintain transparency, to develop sense of discipline among the candidates, as well as to avoid cheating. He said the same system will also be applied in other districts of the State in the forthcoming NPSC examination.

It may be recalled that out of 13,942 candidates, who appeared the preliminary exam, 502 qualified for the main exam. Puroh said the Commission would take around one and half months to declare the result.

The chairman expressed regret that the requisition from the departments concerned was very less. He lamented that many departments failed to send requisition to the Commission, and added if requisition was channelized properly there will be no dearth of employment in the State. Puroh has therefore requested the departments concerned to send requisition to the Commission, “so the Commission can deliver justice.”

It may be noted that out of 71 posts, 20 posts are EAC

under Personnel & Administrative Reforms department, 3 DSP under Home Department (Police Establishment Branch), 1 Youth Resource Officer under Youth Resources & Sports department, 2 Station Superintendent under Nagaland State Transport, 40 Secretariat Assistant under Personnel & Administrative Reforms department, 2 Research Assistant under Art & Culture department, 1 Research Assistant under Administrative Training Institute, and 2 Assistant Jailor under Prison department.

Agri minister calls for green & socially inclusive growth

Dimapur, September 3 (mexN): Nagaland minister for Agriculture, Dr. Benjonliba Aier, at the 16th general conference of Agriculture Students’ Association of Nagaland (ASAN) held at SASRD, Medziphema Campus, on the theme ‘Agriculture in the Emerging Scenario of Climate Change in Nagaland,’ said, “a realistic response to climate change in the sense of a climatesmart, green and socially inclusive growth, addressing in particular the needs of vulnerable groups in rural areas is the need of the hour.”

“It is clear that agriculture needs to undergo a radical overhaul to become more sustainable. This is not just because it is important to take care of the environment, but also because sustainability is absolutely necessary for the continua-

tion of the productivity of the agro-ecosystem,” he said.

For many people in Nagaland, as per the Agriculture minister, the Kyoto Protocol for climate change may seem very distant. The impact of Global Warming on the daily lives of the people and the increasing signs of climate change in Nagaland are still vague to the common person, but “the threats are very real.”

“Nagaland is most vulnerable to climate-medicated risks conforming to the Eastern Himalayas context. The natural resources of the state provide life supporting, regulating and cultural ‘eco-system’ services to the thousands of local as well as downstream people.

Climate change escalates the already existing vulnerabilities of Nagaland and could manifest disastrously

if not addressed adequately,” he noted.

Considering that much of the Agriculture of the State is de facto organic and the policy of the State to support organic cultivation, “studies on the impact of climate change on the productivity of the crops grown as organic and also to identify suitable bio-control agents in collaboration with Department of Biotechnology, GoI is the need of the hour,” the minister stressed.

According to Dr. Aier, farmers should be sensitized on climate change impacts and accordingly advised to change cropping pattern whenever appropriate. The training material developed should be crop specific and region specific. Besides this, there should be attempts to improve management of wa-

ter and fertilizers, improve management of the livestock population and its diet, increase soil carbon, minimum tillage and residue management and improve energy use efficiency in Agriculture.

Prof. NS Jamir, Pro-VC, NU, SASRD, stated, “Food security is one of this century’s key global challenges. By 2050 the world will require increased crop production in order to feed its predicted 9 billion people.”This, he stated must be done in the face of changing consumption patterns, the impacts of climate change and the growing scarcity of water and land.

“Crop production methods will also have to sustain the environment, preserve natural resources and support livelihoods of farmers and rural population.”

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Dimapur

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cussed on this people, stating that they had given their best in their prime time in defending our country from external aggressions while maintaining unity and integrity of the Nation.

Considering their contribution, P.B. Acharya called upon the august gathering for discussing agenda in the right perspective to ensure proper welfare of Ex-Servicemen, widows and their dependents. He also felt the need to facilitate Naga youths in their growth and job opportunities in the Defence and Para Military Forces.

The Governor further stressed that Deputy Commissioners being the President Zila Sainik Boards and Heads of respective districts were expected to be actively involved in looking after the welfare of the Ex-Servicemen and widows. “They are the main link for resolving the number of grievances of the Ex-Servicemen”, he added, and felt pertinent that whatever decisions taken in the meeting should be implemented at the District level by the DCs and Zila Sainik organisations at the

Governor of Nagaland PB Acharya with others during the 20th annual meeting of Directorate of Sainik Welfare & Resettlement, Nagaland on September 3 held at Raj Bhavan Kohima. (DIPR Photo)

ground level.

The Governor expressed gratitude to the Directorate of Sainik Welfare & Resettlement Nagaland (Estd in April 2012) for identifying the problems of Ex-Servicemen and for taking proactive measures in resolving them. He also complemented Brig and K.K. Roy Choudhury for helping Ex-Servicemen dependents and Naga youth in providing free of cost career guidance, prerecruitment coaching and stitching and embroidery classes in the Adhoc Vocational Training Centre run

by the Directorate.

He also lauded the positive response from the State Government, Kendriya Sainik Board, Ministry of Defence, 3 Corps and IGAR (North) and hoped that they would further continue to provide assistance in the near future too.

On the occasion, PB Acharya desired all ExServicemen and widows to open their bank accounts in consonance with the Pradhan Mantri Jandhan Yojana, so that they avail the benefits offered. The Governor appealed to the gathering to strengthen the

organization in terms of infrastructure for the betterment of Ex-Servicemen.

Nagaland Minister for Forest, Dr. Neikiesalie Nicky Kire speaking on behalf of the Chief Minister of Nagaland observed that with the increase in intake of Naga youth in the Armed Forces, number of retirements would increase in years to come and therefore felt the need to gear up to cater for the welfare of the Ex-Servicemen. Kire also called upon the DCs for resolving issues pertaining to the welfare of Ex-Servicemen and widows with

Mungmung fest celebrating ‘Togetherness forever’ Our Correspondent

Kohima | September 3

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The Sangtam community in the state capital Kohima today celebrated its premier festival “Mungmung” here at Highland Park with much zest and traditional gaiety. Gracing the festival, minister for power Kipili Sangtam said Sangtam, as one of the richest and most colourful tribes from Kiphire district have 12 festivals of which Mungmung is considered to be the most important of all.

The minister said the word “Mungmung” meaning “Togetherness forever” is celebrated for six days from September 1 to 6 every year. Each of these six days holds special significance for the Sangtam community. The pre-dominant theme of the Mungmung is to hark on the harvest season and invoke upon “Lija-

Minister for power Kipili Sangtam and others join Tug of War during Mungmung festival celebration in Kohima on September 3. (Morung Photo)

ba” the Supreme Being for a bountiful harvest, prosperity and longevity. Kipili said the festival commences after the second announcement /proclamation by the

life protection act 1972.

Further, the council authority appeals to all the citizens of Purana Bazar Village and passerby not to trap, kill and sell protected birds within its jurisdiction is banned. Anybody found involving in trapping, killing and selling those migratory birds are imposed fine a sum of Rs. 5000/- (Rupees five thousand) only per head under this act and requested all the colony chairman to co-operate and support this directive effectively so as to enable the council authority in implementing this order smoothly.

This was stated in a press release issued by PBVC chairman N. Hozheto and council secretary N. Athungo Ovung.

ANGTA Mon demands regularization

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“Bebiirii” (A priest from the Anar clan). The first announcement denotes the separation of the spirit of the death from the living and the rituals continue

throughout the festival.

With the advent of Christianity, these ancestral beliefs are no longer in practice. As time passes all these traditions are for-

gotten and slowing fading away. It is only during the Mungmung festival, that the beliefs of these traditions and customs are rekindled to the present generation through folklores, the minister said.

The celebration witnessed cultural songs from Sahkhi Thiiyeh, Amahator area, Longkhim ko Chare area, Seyochung area and Sangtam Women Cultural Society Kohima, tug of war etc. Earlier, Tsathrongla Levi chaired the function while Seopi, president Sangtam Union Kohima, delivered welcome address. Amongba proposed vote of thanks. Sangtam Union Kohima organized the programme. The celebration concluded with a grand feast. Parliamentary secretary Tovihoto Ayemi, MLA Naiba Konyak and several other dignitaries also graced the festival.

PBVC make declaration ‘AIDS MoMentuM 2022’ to protect migratory birds Civil societies converge for consultation

Dimapur, September 3 (mexN): The Purana Bazar Village Council (PBVC) held a council meeting on August 29 at its council Hall to discuss the directive of Government of Nagaland to protect and conservation of wild life and to upkeep the ecological balance in the state.

In support and cooperation of the Forest and Environment Department, the council decided to protect migratory birds coming to Purana Bazar Village during this migration period and especially Amur Falcon and Ducks (migratory) taking shelter in an around Raj Pukhuri, Jorapukhuri and Gove-Fish Pond within its jurisdiction is hereby declared protected under wild

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Governor hopes for more welfare of ex-servicemen

Kohima, September 3 (Dipr): The Governor of Nagaland PB Acharya who is also the President of Rajya Sainik Board desired that the grant-in-aid of Rs. 9 lakhs allotted for welfare of Ex-Servicemen should increase every year by 20% in consonance with inflations, opining that it has direct bearing on the welfare of Ex-Servicemen.

Speaking on the 20th annual meeting of Directorate of Sainik Welfare & Resettlement, Nagaland on September 3 at Raj Bhavan Kohima, the Governor said that the welfare and resettlement aspects of the brave Ex-Servicemen was very close to his heart. He viewed that the endeavor of the State, Central and Defence Services officials should be to ensure that the grievances and problems of Ex-Servicemen are taken care in a befitting manner.

Informing that there are approximately 3407 Ex-Servicemen including widows and World War II veterans, the Governor of Nagaland emphasized that the main concern of Rajya Sainik Board should be fo-

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The Morung Express

moN, September 3 (mexN): Supporting its central body, ANGTA (1999-04) Mon has demanded SE to review Order No. ED/MISC – 3/2008 Dated Kohima, the 24th March 2012 and thereby make regularization w.e.f. the date of appointment instead of 1-3-2011 at early date.

Asserting that regularization w.e.f. the date of appointment was given to GTs till 1992 and thereby maintained uniformity in seniority arrangement.

Hence, ANGTA Mon appealed SE to follow the same/old system of arrangement for all GTs so that further complications can be avoided. ANGTA Mon also said that the de-

partment on being satisfied with service rendered during Adhoc period had regularized their services, so seniority and other benefits also must be counted as shown in earlier cases.

In a statement, ANGTA Mon president Welu Konyak said it was unacceptable that their regularization been put behind 2010 ROP after serving for many years. Stating that Finance Deptt. Order No. FIN/ESTT-3/04 (Pt) Date Kohima, the 28th Jan 2010 should not be enforced as their appointments were made much prior to these rules. Henceforth, the unit demanded the authority to take up seriously for the welfare of the teachers.

Dimapur, September 3 (mexN): Civil society leaders from North Eastern Region, representing communities of drug users, transgender, men who have sex with men, female sex workers and people living with HIV, Church leaders and AIDS activist gathered in Dimapur for a civil society consultation on ‘AIDS Momentum 2022’.

The AIDS Momentum 2022 campaign grows from the serious concern among marginalized and at-risk populations and those living with HIV about the future of the HIV and AIDS response in India, given the recent decision of the Government of India to close down the Department of AIDS Control (DAC). This decision has been severely condemned by all, especially since it comes a month after the health minister’s controversial statements against sex education and condoms, informed a press release issued by North East India Harm Reduction Network General Secretary Teiso Solo.

All present expressed their grave apprehension that any move towards shrinking organizational and budgetary support to the AIDS response will lead to a reversal and upsurge of the epidemic among these groups and beyond.

In light of the rise in infections in several pockets in India and persistently high levels of discrimination, communities of drug users, sex workers, transgender, males who have sex with males and people living with HIV demand that the HIV programme continue at least for another 5 years till 2022, after the current strategy winds up in 2017.

‘Prevent a resurgence of AIDS epidemic’

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uring the consultation, Bilal Hussain, Project Manager (TI-IDU) DAIPARC, Assam expressed that ‘through the integration, the Government may save some funds, but at what cost? This move will cost lives!’ Robin Rai, General Secretary Recovering Users Network, Sikkim said, “Services may be provided by the Government system but the enabling environment will not be there; accessibility will suffer. This may lead to frustration among key populations when they don’t receive the services they are supposed to get.”

Yanbemo Lotha, Pastor, Lotha Baptist Church, Dimapur Nagaland said, “People in villages continue to get infected and such infections are more now than before. The Government and other HIV programmes are not aware of this.”

Moses Zofaka Pachuau, General Secretary, Mizoram Drug Users Forum said, “The current AIDS programs unique strategy of working through CBOs and NGOs led to increased coverage, and has created community level role models and leaders, which has not been seen in any other programme. Let us not lose these gains” Nini Pakma, President, Meghalaya Drug Users Network “Stigma and discrimination has not reduced during the National AIDS control programs implementation. In such a situation, how can we close the programme in 2017 and hand over for mainstreaming in the general health system?”

Teiso Solo General Secretary NEIHRN – “Integration into the health system will only work if the drug users, sexual minorities and sex workers are decriminalized. Is the Government ready for that?” W.C Humtsoe, President N- Naga DAO – “If the Government is serious, then it should place the AIDS Bill in Parliament for debate, before anything else.” Jakarta Nath, Tripura Drug Users Forum- “We will accept the closure of AIDS program because otherwise we will suffer without services” AIDS Momentum 2022 is a national campaign led by community-based organizations of marginalized communities bearing the brunt of the AIDS epidemic and engaged actively as leaders in providing prevention, care and support services to those at risk and living with the virus. The campaign was launched at a community consultation in Chennai; subsequently, consultations have been

organized in Bhubaneswar and Calcutta. Following this meeting in Dimapur, similar consultations are planned in Delhi, Ahmadabad and Mumbai. The AIDS Momentum 2022 campaign seeks to collaborate with the government to maintain and fully implement an effective and evidence-based HIV programme in India which will help sustain and consolidate the gains so far.

a sense of urgency.

Dr. Nicky complemented Brig K.K. Roy Choudhury, SM, VSM (Rtd), Secretary, Rajya Sainik Board and Director, Directorate of Sainik Welfare Resettlement, Nagaland and his team for the initiatives and proactive steps taken for improving all facets of the Ex-Servicemen, widows, Dependents and World War II veterans. Dr. Nicky noted with gratitude that a Selection Board was conducted in January 2014 to fill up vacancies in the Directorate of Sainik Welfare & Resettlement under the chairmanship of the Chief

Secretary with assistance from Kendriya Sainik Board, Ministry of Defence and informed that this led to the appointment of 3 (three) retired Army Officers as Zila Sainik Welfare Officer of Dimapur, Zunheboto and Mokokchung. He lauded the Director and his staff for their commitment and hard work and was optimistic that they would continue to strive hard with renewed vigour.

In the meeting short speeches were delivered by the Chief Secretary Nagaland, GOC 3 Corps, Air Officer Commanding in-Chief, HQ Eastern Air Command, Indian Air Force Shillong, IGAR (North) Kohima, Chairman Ex-Servicemen Association, Representative of Director General Resettlement, New Delhi and others where they all assured to support and contribute in all possible manner for the welfare of Ex-Servicemen.

In the meeting agenda discussed included construction of Sainik Rest House at Wokha, Multifaceted State Sainik Rest House Kohima, employment in the State Government un-

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der 5% Reservation policy/ public sector within the State of Nagaland, contribution towards the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund, ExServicemen contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) Kohima, Army Housing Welfare Organisation Project at Dimapur, allotment of CSD Canteen profit for welfare of Ex-Servicemen and State level Ex-Servicemen Rally at Rangapahar Dimapur.

During the meeting, Secretary Rajya Sainik Board highlighted a glimpse of the activities, achievements and way ahead of the Sainik Welfare & Resettlement, Nagaland with the aid of power point presentation.

Senior Military and Civil Officials from outside the State, Chief Secretary Nagaland, GOC 3 Corps, Additional Chief Secretary & Finance Commissioner Nagaland, Principal Home Secretary Nagaland, representative of DGP Nagaland, Kendriya Sainik Board, Ministry of Defence, IGAR (North) and other government officials and senior military officers attended the meeting.

MEx File Assorted IMFL destroyed in Kiphire

Kiphire, September 3 (mexN): Assorted IMFL worth rupees 3 lakh caught by 46 Assam Rifle in Kiphire was destroyed at Pungro Junction Kiphire in the presence of the District Administration, Police Officer, District Judicial magistrate and GBs and DBs Joint Forum Kiphire. A total of 56 cases of Beer and 26 case of rum that was caught by the 46 Assam Rifle Kiphire on August 28 and 29 respectively near Kiphire were kept under the custody of the District Judicial Magistrate Kiphire and was destroyed today.

District Level Science Seminar held

Dimapur, September 3 (mexN): A District Level Science Seminar was held on August 29 at UBRC, Kuda, Dimapur under the topic “Innovations in Agriculture for a sustainable future: prospects & challenges.” A press release from R. Amongla Jamir, Dy. District Education Officer Dimapur, informed that S.K. Khemprai, SDAO Dimapur (Agri) was the resource person for the programme. Jamir informed that Kakivi K. Nillo (Class 10) of Bethesda Hr. Sec. School and Ranbir Rahman (Class 9) of Holy Cross Hr. Sec. School emerged as winner and runner up respectively and added the winners will represent Dimapur District at the State Level Science Seminar which is scheduled to be held at Kohima Kohima, September 3 (Dipr): on September 10.

The Khulazu Basa Village Council (Phek District) has resolved to conserve the forests in a joint meeting with the Phek ZuNheboto, September 3 Forest Department on August 23. The (Dipr): A farewell programme for the Government had declared the village as outgoing Deputy Commissioner, L. Akaa “Green Village” in 2010, inaugurated to Sema and Additional Deputy Comby the then Parliamentary Secretary for missioner Hito Sema was held on SepSocial Welfare, Chotisuh Sazo on behalf tember 2 at town hall Zunheboto. In his of the government. The village has been farewell speech, the outgoing Deputy well aware of the global climate change Commissioner thanked all his subordiand has been safeguarding the rich bio- nate Administrative officers, heads of ofdiversity and degrading environment. fices Zunheboto district, NGOs for their According to DFO Phek, Rongsenlemla co-operation rendered to him and hoped Imchen IFS the village is funded by For- that they would continue the same with est Department under the Biodiversity the new incoming Deputy CommisConservation Project, for Wild Life pro- sioner Zunheboto, Temsu Longkumer. tection, which the Village Council has ADC Zunheboto Hq, Nungsangmenla been enforcing Wild Life protection. on behalf of the Administrative Officers Hq, praised the outgoing Deputy Commissioner for his commendable works carried out during his tenure as Deputy Commissioner of the district. The outgoing Additional Deputy Commissioner Zunheboto, Hito Sema who is being Kohima, September 3 (Dipr): In posted as ADC Atoizu, other officials, aspursuance to Government Orders, Office sociations and NGOs also spoke on the Memorandums and Notifications on is- occasion. sue of Scheduled Tribe Certificate, Indigenous Inhabitant Certificate and related certificates, Deputy Commissioner, Kohima, W.Honje Konyak has in a circular informed all general public that henceforth the Office of the Deputy Commis- pereN, September 3 (Dipr): sioner, Kohima will issue Schedule Tribe Deputy Commissioner Peren Peter LiCertificate, Indigenous Inhabitant Cer- chamo in a notification stated that, the tificate Certificates and related certifi- second phase of Bio-Metric Exercise cates to the Indigenous Tribes of Kohi- (BME) for Peren district would comma District, that is Angami and Rengma mence from September 8 and contintribes, only with effect from 1st October ued till September 28. The scheduled 2014. Accordingly, the Office of the Addi- dates are as follows: Jalukie Circle from tional Deputy Commissioner, Tseminyu September 8 to September 17, Ngwaland Office of the Additional Deputy wa circle from September 19 to 22 and Commissioner, Chiephobozou, will is- Peren Town Sadar from September 23 to sue the above mentioned certificates to 28. The date of exercise for each village/ Indigenous Inhabitant of the recognised ward/towns can be obtained from the revillages under their concerned adminis- spective area administration office. trative jurisdiction only.

C M Y K

KBVC resolve to conserve forests

Outgoing DC Zbto bids farewell

C M Y K

Kohima to issue St/Indigenous Certificates etc only to Angamis & Rengmas

Second phase of Bio-Metric Exercise for Peren

Directives on celebration of Teacher’s Day

Kohima, September 3 (mexN): All the concerned are directed to take note of the instructions for ensuring a successful celebration of the State Level on September 5 to be held at NBCC Convention Centre(Kijü Kharu) Kohima. All the teachers of both government and private schools in and around Kohima Town are requested to attend the said Function, positively. The schools of both government and private of Kohima Town are directed to send students of Cl.9-12 to attend the Function in their complete School uniform and their respective school flag (3x4 ft.), for proper identification. The Schools are also directed to send their students in good discipline in respecting the teaching community of the State and the best disciplined School shall be rewarded. The public as wellwishers are also requested to attend the Function and extend kind co-operation to the programme positively. This was informed in a press release issued by Zaveyi Nyekha, Director of School Education, Kohima.

Consultative meeting on rationalization of PS

Kohima, September 3 (Dipr): The Deputy Commissioner & District Election Officer Kohima, W. Honje Konyak in a circular informed that a consultative meeting on rationalization of polling stations under Kohima district is fixed on September 9 at 12:00 noon in the DC’s office chamber. In this connection, the representatives of political parties, legislators and any bonafide person intending to be a candidate who wish to take part in the discussion have been requested to attend in the said meeting.

TGSUK fresher's meet Kohima, September 3 (mexN): All members of the Tesophenyu Group Students' Union Kohima (TGSUK) has been informed that its Freshers' Day will be held on September 13 at 10 am at Ura Academy Hall. A press note issued by Anthongy Semy, President has requested all the students under its jurisdiction to attend the meet without fail. Officials. Parents and seniors are invited to attend and encourage the students.

C M Y K

3 Mega block of rail services to Statehood: Stir in Assam's Karbi hit food supply to North East Anglong & Dima Hasao districts

REgional

The Morung Express

AgArtAlA, September 3 (IANS): The transport of foodgrains and other essentials to Tripura, Mizoram and other northeastern states "would be severely affected" following a 'mega block' of railway services from October, a Tripura minister said here Wednesday.

Under the 'mega block' programme, the railway lines would be converted from metre gauge to broad gauge. For this, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) would stop train services in Tripura, Manipur, Mizoram and southern Assam from October.

Tripura Transport Min-

ister Manik Dey said: "In view of the 'mega block', carrying of foodgrains and other essentials from different parts of the country to Tripura, Mizoram, southern Assam and parts of Manipur would be severely affected."

The railway line is broad gauge from Assam's main city of Guwahati up to Lumding (in southern Assam). From Lumding, Tripura's capital Agartala and parts of Manipur, Mizoram and southern Assam, the railway link with the rest of India is single metre gauge.

The 437-km long LumdingAgartala metre gauge railway line, part of which is in

Assam and the remaining in Tripura, would be converted into broad gauge in two phases. The gauge conversion work would start October this year and is scheduled to be completed

by March 2016. "The Tripura government has asked the NFR authorities to reschedule its gauge conversion work... to avoid the crisis..," Dey told reporters.

The Tripura government has also requested the Food Corporation of India (FCI) to build a buffer stock of rice and other essential commodities for Tripura before the work begins. Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar Tues-

day held a meeting with NFR general manager R. S. Virdi and general manager (construction) Rajesh Kumar Singh and other top officials of the railways, FCI and Tripura government.

"The Tripura chief minister asked the railway officials to take the up gauge conversion work concurrently both in Assam and Tripura to complete the work early. The chief minister would also take up the matter with the railway minister and the prime minister," Dey added.

Surface connectivity is an important factor as the landlocked northeastern states are surrounded by

Bangladesh, Myanmar, Bhutan and China. The only land corridor to the northeastern states from India is through Assam and West Bengal and this route passes through over 70 percent hilly terrain with steep roads and multiple hairpin bends.

Carrying of food, essentials and heavy machinery for several northeastern states via Bangladesh from different parts of India is much easier. For instance, Agartala via Guwahati is 1,650 km from Kolkata and 2,637 km from New Delhi, while the distance between Agartala and Kolkata via Bangladesh is just about 350 km.

Thursday

4 September 2014

g u wA H At I , S e ptember 3 (IANS): A committee, spearheading a movement for a separate state to be carved out of Assam's two hill districts has launched a fresh fast unto death programme to press its demand.

A total of 13 member of the Joint Action Committee for Autonomous State (JACAS) sat on the fast Sep 1 with the demand that Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao districts should be granted the status of an autonomous state.

The JACAS includes representatives of several civil society organisa-

had two rounds of discussions with the union home ministry over the issue and a detailed roadmap on autonomous state was presented to the central government.

The fresh agitation by the JACAS assumes significance as the two districts, mainly the Karbi Anglong had witnessed violent protests last year over the demand for creation of a separate state encompassing both the hill district.

The statehood demand gained momentum after the erstwhile central government decided to grant statehood to Telengana.

HC orders BSF to pay Rs 11 lakh compensation

Journalist held in Assam for insurgent links guwAHAtI, September 3 (IANS): A news correspondent with a satellite TV channel of Assam has been arrested for his alleged links with Bodo insurgents, police said Wednesday.

Jaikhnong Brahma, 44, who works with News Live channel, was arrested Tuesday night from his residence in Kokrajhar for alleged links with the anti-talk faction of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland. Police said the journalist used to facilitate the banned outfit's violent activities, compromising national security.

Police said they found evidence that Brahma used to provide information to the extremists about the movement of security forces. He also instigated its cadres to indulge in violent activities.

Several journalist organisations, including the Electronic Media Forum Assam (EMFA), Wednesday asked police to release Brahma. The forum said that reporting insurgency was not a crime, and appealed to police to make public the allegations levelled against the journalist.

tions of the two districts.

JACAS convener Stalin Engty Wednesday said: "One of the members of the JACAS, who had been fasting, fell sick Wednesday and he was shifted to a local hospital by the district authorities."

The development came after a three-member delegation of the JACAS met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi Aug 27. It urged the minister to grant autonomous state status to the twin hill districts.

Singh had assured the delegation to take up the matter soon.

The JACAS already

Dimapur

Students from India’s northeastern states hold placards in New Delhi, during a protest against Saturday’s killing of two Nagas in a clash with police in Manipur state’s Ukhrul district on Wednesday, September 3. The Nagas have been demanding a speedy conclusion of peace talks to end one of the longestrunning insurgencies in the northeastern region. (AP Photo/Tsering Topgyal)

Manipur BJP appeals UNC on bandh-blockade ImpHAl, September 3 (NNN): Manipur BJP appealed to the United Naga Council (UNC) on Wednesday to withdraw the call for blockade of National and State Highways beginning tomorrow.

UNC has called for an indefinite highways blockade in protest against the killing of two civilians in police firing during a rally in Ukhrul on August 30. The rally was held against the enforcement of

144 CrPC in the district.

State BJP unit president Thounaojam Chaoba, in a press meet at the party office, has asked that the Manipur Government should take steps to ensure normalcy in the strife-torn Ukhrul district.

Chaoba accused Manipur Government of ignoring public issues and creating problems and said the recent violent incident occurred in Ukhrul was allegedly caused by

negligence of the Government.

The office building of the Ukhrul Deputy Commissioner is now manned by Assam Rifles personnel following the incident, Chaoba said and blamed it on the Chief Minister O Ibobi headed Congress Government.

“I appeal to UNC to call off its proposed stir in the general public’s larger interest,” Chaoba said.

He said a state of lawlessness is

prevailing in the district, so now the Centre can intervene with the state administration under Article 355 of the Constitution if a quick solution is not brought about by the state Government. “We all know the public will have to bear the brunt of the highways blockade call given

by UNC. The Government should send its representatives and hold talks with the UNC leaders to end the impasse,” the BJP leader said.

The petitioner Baiti SHIlloNg, September 3 (ptI): The BSF Sangma and his son Mithun has been directed by the A Marak were among the Meghalaya High Court to people who had gathered at pay Rs 11 lakh as a compen- Khasimara village near Rynsation for the death of a 16 gku following a commotion year-old boy in BSF firing on March 3, 2007.

While the BSF claimed in a remote village of East Khasi Hills district along that they had to fire to disthe Indo-Bangladesh bor- perse some villagers who were trying to smuggle der seven years ago.

"It remains no doubt bamboo to Bangladesh, that the cause of death was the witnesses from the villagers had due to the mainfiring by HC directs BSF to pay tained the BSF p e r s o n - compensation for death that there nel from a of 16 year-old boy killed in was an atdistance, BSF firing seven years ago tempt by the BSF hence, the respondent is liable to personnel to harm two girls pay compensation to the of the village.

The petitioner was petitioner for losing his son," Justice Sudip Ran- also severely beaten up jan Sen said in his order on by the BSF personnel and thereafter they started Monday.

The court directed the indiscriminate firing in BSF to pay the compensa- which petitioner's son tion of Rs 11,28,000, taking Mithun A Marak, who into consideration that the was then 16, died.

The court had taken boy was an unskilled labour and would be earning into account the inquiry refor over 45 years during his port of the then Additional lifetime.

Deputy Commissioner, T Justice Sen directed the Lyngwa, and concluded BSF to make the payments that the cause of the death within three months from was due to the firing by the the date of the order.

BSF personnel.

'Mary Kom', a motivational masterpiece Film: "Mary Kom"; Cast: Priyanka Chopra, Darshan Kumar, Zachary Coffin, Robin Das, Shakti Singh; Director: omung Kumar; Rating: ***** Subhash K. Jha IANS

It's that life-defining moment when a character on screen transforms totally into a real life personality.

We've seen Seema Biswas, Ben Kingsley and Farhan Akhtar metamorphose into real life characters in front of our bewildered eyes.

Now it is Priyanka Chopra. She virtually transforms her physicality before entering the spirit and the soul of boxing champ Mary Kom (MC).

And what a grand entry!

Ladies and gentlemen, we give you Priyanka as the gritty volatile boxer from Manipur who won't take no for an answer, even from god. Penetrating a male domain like boxing in a gender-defying swoop, Priyanka's MC takes us on a voyage of self-discovery where a plucky poor girl from rural Manipur goes right to the Olympics. It's an incredible story filled with sound and fury signifying something deep and seductive, just waiting to be told.

Hats off to debutant director Omung Kumar for bringing us one of the most inspiring biopics to have ever reached the silver screen.

"Mujhe bronze pasand nahin aata," barks MC's coach. As we see Mary's dreams come true in front of our eyes, we know she was born to win. The narrative has a soaring quality and texture. It simply takes off with scarcely any room for breathing space. The

breathless quality of storytelling goes well with the protagonist's stormy mercurial nature.

As MC' story unravels in a flashback we meet a woman who is not affected by gender rules and discrimination that governs our society.

Very early in the tightly clenched narrative, we see MC get into a full-fledged scuffle with a school bully.

Later she takes on another far more dangerous bully who threatens to destroy her boxing career. In and out of the arena Mary never stops fighting. "The rest of the world may be round.

But your world is this square ring," her coach reminds her pointing to the boxing arena. The struggle, as depicted in the stunning unspoilt northeastern terrain of Manipur, captured with mesmeric intensity by cinematographer Keiko Nakahara, is manifold.

Here it is a curse to be born a girl. And to be born a girl who wants to be a boxing champ!

You have to be kidding.

Admirably the narrative doesn't over-sentimentalise MC's struggle.

This is "Mother India" without the glycerine and melodrama. As played by Priyanka, MC is both gritty and giggly, plucky and precocious, a ferocious fighter and a tender mother.

Priyanka expresses every shade of her character with a pitch-perfect bravado. Her northeastern accent could easily have become caricatural.

The actress controls curbs and quantifies every component of her character's

personality without losing that basic element of spontaneity without which Mary would have become mechanical.

I dare any other actress to play MC the way Priyanka has. Even Hilary Swank would have been stumped by MC'S mystical mix of the girlish and the aggressive. Priyanka gets the point.

My favourite sequences are the ones where MC shares tender marital moments with her husband. If it's vital for a career woman to get a supportive husband, it is equally essential for a film starring a female hero to have a co-actor who can play yin to her yang. Newcomer Darshan

Kumar suffuses the screen with such supreme spousal sensitivity. He is a talent to watch.

Predictably enough a lot of the opposition to MC's dreams is shown to come from within her home. The skirmishes between MC and her father (Robin Das) and MC's gender battle with the slimy executive of the boxing federation (played with diabolic relish by Shakti Singh) are exceptionally filmy', and I use that word in the truest cinematic sense.

The picturesque narrative, the richly flavoured music composed by Shashi Suman and Shivum (watch out for the

poignant lullaby sung by Priyanka), the rapid fire editing, the framing of the shimmering shots and the incredibly aesthetic use of rich colours bear the unmistakable stamp of producer Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who is billed as Creative Director.

"Mary Kom" is a motivational masterpiece.

From first frame to last it grips your senses and irrigates the parched corridors of your heart like very few biopics in recent times.

Kumar weaves seamlessly in and out of Mary's remarkable life creating a work that is as dramatic as Mehboob Khan's "Mother India" and as inspiring as Richard Attenborough's

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND

HOME DEPARTMENT NAGALAND STATE DISASTER MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY NO.NSDMA/MDA RLTD/2013

Dated Kohima the 1st Sept. 2014

PUBLIC NOTICE This is with regard to the terrible natural calamity in Uttarakhand during June 2013. The Forensic Directorate of Uttarakhand has compiled a data bank of DNA samples drawn from the mortal remains of the unfortunate victims. These DNA samples may be matched with the DNA samples of the relatives of the victims, if they wish to do so.

In this connection, it is hereby informed to the public that if there are such cases in the State, the details may be sent for further action at the following address: DIRECTOR, FORENSIC SCIENCE LABORATORY, PANDITWARI POLICE CHOWKI CAMPUS, PANDITWARI, DEHRADUN, UTTARAKHAND. PIN-248001 fsluttarakhand@gmail.com Telephone : (0135) 2772090 Sd/(T. AO)IAS Secretary to the Government of Nagaland

"Gandhi".

Priyanka's powerhouse performance knocks the breath out of our solar plexus. She yet again proves herself the best actress of her generation.

Hereafter there will be an eternal confusion about whose face goes on the hoardings announcing Mary Kom's boxing events.

PC or MC?

FAIR LOOK GOLD It’s not only about face, it’s all about body. If you are not happy with your look start using Fair Look Gold from today to get your complexion fair and beauty.

Dimapur- 08253830150/ 07670005697

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND OFFICE OF THE ADDITIONAL DEPUTY COMMISSIONER PFUTSERO: NAGALAND

NOTICE

NO.Jud.4/SC/2014 Dated Pfutsero, the 13th Aug.2014 Whereas Shri. P.PAUL DUKRU, H/O Smti. C. Rose Dukru of Zhavame Village has applied for issue of Succession Certificate under the Indian Succession Act 1925 to draw the pending SBI BankAccount No. 1184266103 belonging to Late Smti. C.Rose Dukru who expired on the 1st of July at 4:00 Pm (AIIMS DELHI).

Therefore, notice is herey issued inviting any claims and objections from the public pertaining to the above mentioned property and to be submitted to the office of the Additional Deputy Commissioner Pfutsero within a period of 30 days from issue of this notice. In the event of this office not receiving any claims and objections within the stipulated time, Succession Certificate will be issued at the applicant as prayed for.

Additional Deputy Commissioner, Pfutsero

4

Dimapur

public discoursE

Thursday 4 September 2014

NSCN (IM) on peace process and interlocutor

M

ore than 80 (eighty) rounds of political negotiation have transpired since the declaration of cease-fire between the Government of India (GoI) and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) in 1997 and in one the latest formal talks held on 18th July, 2011 at New Delhi, the joint statement have clearly indicated the progress that has been made.

To make things sufficiently clear the joint statement signed

by Mr. R S. Pandey, Interlocutor, Representative of the GoI and Mr. Th. Muivah, General Secretary and Chief Negotiator of the NSCN is hereby included in Toto: “Negotiating teams of the Government of India (GoI) and the NSCN met on 18-07-11 at New Delhi. The GoI team was led by the GoI’s Representative and Interlocutor, Mr. R S Pandey and the NSCN team was led by its Chief Negotiator, General Secretary, Mr. Thuingaleng Muivah.

Sustained negotiations over the past few months have led to a set of proposals for an honorable political settlement based on the uniqueness of Naga history and situation which was recognized

by the GoI in 2002, as well as the contemporary realities and a future vision consistent with the imperatives of the 21st century.

While the differences between the two parties have narrowed, some of the proposals would require further negotiations to reach a mutually acceptable solution.

By appreciating and respecting each other’s positions and difficulties both the parties are confident in working out a settlement in the shortest possible time.”

The statement underlines and emphasizes the importance of mutual respect for each other’s position and difficulties and also a lasting solution that will be based only through a negotiated political settlement.

However, the reportage that has emerged with the appointment of Shri R.N. Ravi, as the GoI’s interlocutor of the IndoNaga Peace talks who is well known for his antagonistic approach to the Naga issue and obnoxious writings have come as a total surprise to the NSCN/ GPRN. His opinionated writings have been condemned in the strongest term by the NSCN/

T

he slang above given was spoken over phone calling from Dimapur last year by one lady said, “Hello Bausha, you foolish?” That moment was a shocked silence as if really I am! She proceeded further, “You alone remain in office while other even seniors are all out. Not much exert is imperative in such place.” I replied, “If everyone is crafty, cunning? Dissuade the ones who have eschewed from duties and not the doers.”

She had had a silence too. We ended up chat with other topic I put forward. I didn’t definite how she came details about me that rebuking out of pity. However, I defended what right is to defend. My good friends sometimes back in different day, uttered why I alone see in the office and as if I am alone in this establishment. I said, “No, we have at the minimum possible strength with some fellow allegiance gaits all functionaries normally; and it’s possible not all potatoes in a pack have good.”

My parents are illiterate who has resided in the village—gullible easy, can believe every rumours. Another surprised was that they even hear what others were being talked about. My mum whispered as if I alone am sticking on duty, which told me during last Christmas I held in the village. I laid a humble gesture towards mum and told her to take the essence of good we see in others, and not the bad one. How small albeit is my position running few years yet I respect the responsibility I have geteth, and in fact, I never leave for extra penny when there is work in the office like who’s never seen in office doing business rounds the corner or stays elsewhere haven. However on oblige of unavoidable circumstances or health

ground, I take leave with permission. And I could get back home little early whenever a day’s work is over ahead of normal closing time: to be outspoken. Perhaps our age is the survival of the cunningness, trickiness and honesty sounds extremely insane.

Corruptions are not only mean the use of public power for private advantage, the ‘sink-hole’ or bribery or taken away public’s money but avoiding one’s duty is also no lesser corruption. Not only politicians, bureaucrats but all officials down to peon at all departments, subordinate offices have their own shared of culpability in one way or the other. Do/did we hunt job with an intention to get salary in ease or get pay without work? Generating extra perquisite on finishing of one’s foremost assignment of duty-bound to which s/he get pay is no problem, do it! But do keep on reasoning— there would certain be a wronged income of either side if his gross inflows in the mean time cross abnormally.

Our elders yesterday have been compliance by certain conduct/disciplinary rules in accordance with the norms laid by the government who proved that this work culture has been lost today. The more modernizes the more tactics that peoples look out for comfort and easy money. Even the pay has become home-based salary that can easily access with the introduction of digital transaction in their respective bank account so as the people’s notion bear that no need to go for duty. Isn’t it irony when an educated public servant knows no ba-

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

Game Number # 2985

Orphan redhead anne GreenGables MatthewCuthbert heartattaCk COllaGe death bankfailure luCyMaudMOntGOMery ClassiC nOvasCOttia prinCeedwardisland MarillaCuthbert shirley iMaGinative freCkles COrdelia bOsOMfriend dianabarry Gilbertblythe

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Q I K W M P L C T Z X O P A A J D D I B

P C O N C Z J I B L K F T R X N N Z A I

solution”.

It is therefore extremely important and crucial that the Indo-Naga peace talks proceed in a positive manner in order to conclude a peaceful negotiated political settlement and also in such efforts to involve broadminded and forward-thinking people who have the sincere and committed interest for India and peace.

It will do well to remember that the GoI’s 60 years of military solution to the Indo-Naga issue has not solved the issue. Turning the wheels of history back by “pre-conditions” and “strong armed methods” may have serious consequences for the IndoNaga peace talks. And therefore, while welcoming the new government in New Delhi we hope that political wisdom will prevail upon its leadership considering the critical and significant need to end the more than 6 (six)decades of conflict between India and the Nagas.

This is the time for both the parties to prove themselves.

KUKNALIM. MIP NSCN/GPRN

ture loner stood at Rs. 5,013.78 Crores. All servicing of debt and other expenditures including the landing up of money in the pocket of vested interest people had incurred from that remaining amount so as the sufficient sanctioning for major development could not been apportioned.

When the government comes with an assented bill for enforce; new and revamp policies with the state planning agency recommending the plan outlay with certain directives for effective implementation where the estimated amount have also being sanctioned—it is politicians, bureaucrats, heads of departments down to grade-IV who individually (in their capacity) are such primarily important to carry this state forward. If any department is bound to generate revenue, levy taxes—do sincerely, honestly—our collective responsibility is required to escalate the revenue of state excheque. If any department is associated with grass roots level development or so we involve in, serve honesty, diligently in reaching meant for them. To achieve or not the targeted programmes depend on our cohesive helping hands—clean hands—faithful services in transparency and accountability. Nevertheless, if any of us posted in out-post/remote area; is not to remiss, rather to exert extra effort in pulling up level to equate with forward. Don’t blame the government for failing/bad governance when you have failed to discharge your duty, since, the government pay you for no service of you. (Readers do not think as that writer does promulgate as good nor that all govt. officials are erring.)

Bausha Pauwung Buchem Nyengching, Longleng

DAILY CROSS WORD

CROSSWORD # 2992

Answer Number # 2984

S

S V G N O V A S C O T T I A E A L J O L

sic procedure of office turns skillfully sharp enough for self-profit? I do expressing focus as common, not necessarily targeting my comrade or to any individual.

We have come across the report of Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) Govt. of India for the year ending March 31, 2013 for Nagaland state which have been highlighted the serious flaws, irregularities, various anomalies in the implementation of the schemes, inflated expenditure figures, lack of proper planning, poor monitoring and vulnerability of frauds that detect in different departments and different schemes. This is happened because the wealth of state is used to enrich a few unscrupulous rapacious politicians and top ranking officials. We Nagas have complicated mindset towards development that causes complication in every sphere of lives. ‘One’s back on other’s back,’ disobliging one another and think that if you pluck-out a bud, I think should finish-off branches and other to fell down stem. People’s power for truth becomes silence when money speaks.

The land we homed has become a huge deficit state—which even our immediate-step generation will curse us if such is continuing cumulatively. Nagaland state’s salary expenditure crosses 25% more than the 13th Finance Commission recommendation as per the people’s deficit budget presented during the fifth session of 12th NLA. The total receipt has Rs. 12,127.59 Crores, and Non-Plan expendi-

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SUDOKU

O

tual, the appointment of Shri RN. Ravi , a person who is not guided by conscience and who also has no respect or insight of the Naga history as observed from his write-ups, then the NSCN/ GPRN is seriously doubtful of the sincerity of the GoI in appointing him as their interlocutor for the Indo-Naga peace talks.

The Nagas have come to the negotiating table after decades of fighting with the armed forces of India when the latter agreed and acknowledged that the Indo-Naga issue was not the internal “law and order issue” of India and agreed to have peace negotiation at the Prime Minister’s level and without any pre-conditions.

The BJP government led by Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee exercised prudence and good judgment in recognizing the “unique history and situation of the Nagas” in order to settle a permanent political solution based on that recognition. The peace-negotiation had moved forward in a positive manner and as quoted above, in spite of the difficulties involved efforts were on by both the negotiating parties to narrow down the differences in order to conclude a “mutually acceptable

“Hello Bausha, you foolish…?”

LEISURE

W

GPRN and his appointment as the GoI Interlocutor has raised doubts in the minds of the Nagas, the real intent of the GoI. In the political negotiation that has lasted for 17 (seventeen) years and more than 80 rounds of talks, the NSCN/GPRN and its talk team led by its Chief negotiator, Th. Muivah, they have not met any person by the name of Shri R.N. Ravi. The NSCN/GPRN is therefore flabbergasted as to who / which Naga has given a commitment to Shri. R.N. Ravi that the solution of the Indo-Naga issue will be within the framework of the Constitution of India as reported in the Media. (Morung Express (Agencies) , “PMO Overrules MHA proposal”, New Delhi, 30, 2014; The times of India (PTI), “PMO Overrules, Home Ministry, appoints JIC Chief RN. Ravi as Naga Interlocutor”, New Delhi 29 August, 2014).

As maintained in the same reportage he seems to have been given the unguided and unguarded mandate or the, “the liberty to change the format of the talks, making negotiation timebound and expeditious” for the Indo-Naga talks. If these media reportage is considered to be fac-

U E V D R G E S D U H L I I L I E K Q H

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C K R O F P A V X E P J S U J J P S G O

ACROSS 1. Optimistic 5. Make a splashing sound 10. Auspices 14. Countertenor 15. Two-door car 16. Sea eagle 17. A fitting reward (archaic) 18. Kirk’s starship 20. Any unspecified person 22. Emptied 23. 61 in Roman numerals 24. Relaxes 25. Naperies 32. Extraterrestrial 33. Concur 34. Chart 37. Hairless 38. Perpendicular to the keel 39. Gangly 40. South southeast 41. Footwear 42. Left-hand page 43. Spongy confection 45. Not true 49. American Sign Language 50. Commemoration 53. A session 57. Entwined

59. Maguey 60. Clairvoyant 61. Gladden 62. Gave temporarily 63. Container weight 64. An official in India 65. X X X X

DOWN 1. Adult male sheep 2. Margarine 3. Flower stalk 4. Warbled 5. Picturesque 6. Solitary 7. Not in 8. Hurried 9. German for “Mister” 10. Creepy 11. Smiles 12. Map within a map 13. Sows 19. Analyze syntactically 21. Beasts of burden 25. Checks 26. “Oh my!”

27. Digestive juice 28. Work hard 29. S-shaped moldings 30. Garbage 31. Skirt’s edge 34. A crumbling earthy

deposit 35. As well 36. Farm equipment 38. “Eureka!”

39. Snitch 41. Besmirch 42. Widespread 44. An unmarried girl 45. A belligerent little mongrel dog 46. Breathing problem 47. About a US quart 48. Cubic meter 51. Implored 52. Fit 53. Bristle 54. Holly 55. Not a single one 56. Obtains 58. Bird call Ans to CrossWord 2991

The Morung Express

Ebola Virus Disease What is Ebola virus disease?

Ebola virus disease is a serious, usually fatal, disease for which there are no licensed vaccines or treatments. But for people living in countries outside Africa, it remains a very low threat.

Ebola is introduced into the human population through close contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected animals, chimpanzee, gorilla, fruit bats, monkeys, forest antelopes and porcupines.

How does it spread among people?

People can become infected with the Ebola virus if they come into contact with the blood, body fluids or organs of an infected person.

Most people are infected by giving care to other infected people, either by directly touching the victim’s body or by cleaning up body fluids (stools, urine or vomit) that carry infectious blood.

What are the Symptoms?

An infected person will typically develop a fever, headache, joint and muscle pain, sore throat and intense muscle weakness. These symptoms start suddenly, between 2 and 21 days after becoming infected, but usually after 5-7 days.

Diarrhoea, vomiting, a rash, stomach pain and impaired kidney and liver function follow.

The patient then bleeds internally, and may also bleed from the ears, eyes, nose or mouth.

Ebola virus disease is fatal in 50-90% of cases. The sooner a person is given Medical care, the better the chances that patient will survive.

How is it treated?

There’s currently no specific treatment or licensed vaccine for Ebola virus disease, although potential new vaccines and drug therapies are being developed and tested. Patients are managed conservatively.

What are the measures to be taken to avoid EBVD? • Don’t handle dead animals or their raw meat • Don’t eat ‘bush meat’ • Avoid contact with patients who have symptoms • Avoid having sex with people in risk areas; use condom if you do • Make sure fruit and vegetable is washed and peeled before you eat it • Wash hands frequently using soap and water (alcohol hand rubs when soap is not available), as this destroys the virus How is it diagnosed?

• Ebola virus disease can be diagnosed definitively in the laboratory. Presently test for diagnosis is done at National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune and National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Delhi.

What you should do if you get similar symptoms?

• Seek timely Medical help from the nearest Health Unit or Hospital For any queries contact 1. State Surveillance Unit (SSU) Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) Directorate of Health & Family welfare, Kohima: Nagaland Email: nlssu.idsp@nic.in 2. All District Hospitals.

IEC Bureau Directorate of Health & family Welfare Nagaland: Kohima

Will the two Govt.

Hotels survive?

T

he Govt. of Nagaland has only two hotels, namely, Hotel Saramati, Dimapur and Hotel Japfu, Kohima. These two Govt. undertaking hotels were the pride of Nagaland for several years catering to the needs of the State in absence of any better Govt. accommodation and private hotels. The other day, a news item on non-payment of salaries to the staff of Saramati Hotel, Dimapur appeared in local papers. In the same item, the Managing Director (MD) of Nagaland Hotels Limited (NHL) frankly highlighted some of the predicaments being faced by management. It is pertinent to introspect what are those mentioned factors and else which may force the NHL to face the same fate of Dimapur Sugar Mill, Khansari Mill, Coffee Board, etc.

What the MD, NHL said about ‘stiff competition’ from private sector is valid. Of late, 3-star category private hotels have mushroomed in both Dimapur and Kohima equipped with better and modern amenities whereas NHL has 19th century amenities in comparison. The proprietors too are more influential to seize those opportunities to host lavish Govt. sponsored functions and accommodate State guests in their hotels which otherwise would have been the chances for NHL to earn substantial profit.

I did not investigate the present position, and yet it is relevant to cite the past practice of whoever was the Chairman of NHL used to lodge and eat in these two hotels free of cost by himself or his men in the name of being the boss. Availing the facility in such manner once in a blue moon is tolerable, however, by my knowledge it used to be rampant causing huge financial loss to hotels.

Both Saramati and Japfu are ‘over-staffed’ as reported by MD, NHL. Japfu has total 70 staff to look after 26 guest rooms, and their salary comes to Rs.14 lakhs per month roughly. Saramati has 73 staff to manage 25 guest rooms, and their salary comes to Rs.13 lakhs per month roughly. On query, each hotel needs not more than 50 staff to effectively run it. Thus, it has total 40 excess staff. For salary component for those 40 odd staff becomes substantial annually.

The question of who is responsible for induction of excess staff? The politicians are mostly responsible. Why Sugar Mill, Dimapur failed? Many factors might have attributed to its failure. But the biggest setback was the over staff. I learnt that Sugar Mill required 350 staff to run it whereas politicians filled the sugar mill with people without limit. We, the politicians, in Nagaland have non-Midas touch. King Midas turned all what he touched upon into gold.

Whereas, all what we politicians touch used to turn into liability, ruin and abandonment. The mill could not mint adequate money to pay salary for the staff, and it had to be wound up. Same thing may happen to the two hotels which are finding it difficult to pay staff salary with its own earning. When it fails to survive on its own, how long should the Govt. pump in additional funds to sustain it? When it becomes sick and a liability to retain it, then comes the issue of how 140 staff would be alternately accommodated and the question of privatisation comes.

Let us see how the present set of authority will devour it or nurture it to revenue earning Limited.

Z. Lohe

local/Public SPace

The Morung Express

Thursday 4 September 2014

Dimapur

5

6 sePTemBeR 2014 THe 50 YeaR oF PeaCe daY (CeaseFIRe): a RemInIsCenCe (PaRT 2) TH

TH

T

he sole purpose of this press release is to remind of the role of the church in peace making leading to ceasefire on 6th September 1964.

The Formation of Peace Mission, 1964 The proposal for a Peace Mission was accepted at the 3rd Nagaland Baptist Convention held at Wokha between January 31st and February 2nd 1964. The Resolution reads: 1. The Third Nagaland Baptist Convention which met at Wokha from January 31stFebruary 2nd, 1964, being deeply concerned about the restoration of peace in Nagaland, welcomes the proposed "Peace Talk" between the Government of Nagaland and Mr. A. Z. Phizo. While welcoming this "Peace Talk", we are deeply concerned about the continued disturbances in the land, and therefore, this Third Nagaland Baptist Convention attended by more than five thousand representatives from all the tribes of Nagaland unanimously resolved to request the Government of

Nagaland, and through it, the Government of India to open further avenues for making available the services of Shri Jayaprakash Narayan, Shri Shankar Rao Deo, Shri Bimala Prasad Chaliha and Rev. Michael Scott, with the sole object of exploring ways and means for the speedy restoration of peace and normalcy in Nagaland, and that the church leaders of Nagaland be requested to give every possible help and co-operation for the success of the Mission.

2. Voted that the Government of Nagaland be earnestly requested to make necessary arrangements with the Government of India to allow Educational and Medical Missionaries from abroad, to come to Nagaland and serve under the auspices of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council.

3. Voted that a series of talks on the great danger posed by Communism and its atheistic elements both to the body and soul of man, be conducted in every village under the auspices of the local church, and that all the Field Supervisors be requested to provide the

churches in their respective areas with necessary literature on the subject.

Third Nagaland Baptist Convention, Wokha, Dated: 2nd February, 1964.

Michael Scott, an Anglican priest and an anti-apartheid activist, to become a part of the NBCC Peace Mission was accepted and they arrived in Nagaland in April 1964.

Shankar Rao Deo on grounds Sd/- Toniho Chishi President, Sd/- Imotemjen Aier, Secretary of health declined to be part Sd/- Kenneth Kerhuo, of the Peace Mission.

Executive Secretary, Nagaland Baptist Church Council, The Basis for the Kohima Peace Mission of 1964

A Special Committee of the NBCC comprising of nine members was set up to work for the immediate implementation of the Resolution 1 and 2 adopted at Wokha. The nine members were: (1) Rev. Longri Ao (2) Mr.Toniho Chishi (3) Rev. Kijung (4) Mr. Kenneth Kerhüo (5) Rev. Ahamo Patton (6) Rev. H.K. Lungalang (7) Mr. Dupor Vasa (8) Mr. S. Litsase (9) Rev. Shihoto Sunheto.

The Special Committee appointed Kenneth Kerhüo, Shihoto Sunheto, Longri Ao and Toniho Chishi for the Peace Mission. The NBCC’s invitation to Jayaprakash Narayan, a Gandhian worker; B.P. Chaliha, the then Chief Minister of Assam; and Rev.

The Peace Mission was a mission to avert tragedy, a mission to save lives. Whatever political views the church leaders held individually, the Church in her role as mediator in bringing the two conflicting parties for negotiations, has clearly shown that the Church was against violence and against the use of guns. The Church's stand was against military solution to the Indo-Naga political conflict.

The Peace Mission was an indictment against both India for pouring her Army into Nagaland and against Nagas who took up arms.

(Keviyiekielie Linyu, Christian Movements in Nagaland, p. 254.)

The formation of the Peace Mission was the evident position of the Church to insist that a military solution was not the answer to the Naga political issues and the struggle for their human dignity.

The Declaration of the Ceasefire, September 6, 1964 On May 25, 1964, FGN at Sakraba, Phek signed and issued the conditions under which a Ceasefire can be arranged to enable further talks.

After more than four months of relentless meetings and negotiations with representatives of the GoI and the FGN, the Peace Mission tabled a draft proposal for a Ceasefire.

This was accepted by both sides and the terms of "the Ceasefire Agreement" was signed and issued by FGN representatives on August 10 and on August 14, 1964, by Governor Vishnu Sahay representing GoI. The Ceasefire took effect from midnight September 5/6, 1964, amidst great jubilation, relief, procession and thanksgiving services from people all over Nagaland. The people were celebrating their

freedom from jungle operations, concentration of villages, raiding of Naga Federal Camps, searches of villages by the Indian army, arrests, aerial actions, forced labour and political fines. Nonetheless it was also a poignant reminder of the lives lost and missing in every Naga villages and in almost every Naga family; of Nagas who sacrificed for their land and for its dignity in the hands of the Indian armed forces and also of lives that were needlessly killed because of political conflict and repression.

Services of thanksgiving were also held in all Federal Government Camps. Scato Swu, the Kedahge (President) FGN in September 6, 1964 stated, "the Christian is not only a peace possessor, he is also a peacemaker". (See Part 3 No. 7 in Volume II of the book “Walking the Path of Despair and Hope: Understanding and Justifying the Ways of God”, by NBCC for the full text.) Kenneth Kerhüo, in another such thanksgiving service prayer pronounced: In the world of bitterness,

resentment and suffering, help us, O God, that we may in the spirit of Christ our Saviour, endure and overcome evil with good. May we be moved with concern for the people around us who have been constantly in fear and in anxiety.

Make our hearts receptacles to Thy voice and make us channels of blessing to others.(See Part 3 No. 8 in Volume II f the book “Walking the Path of Despair and Hope: Understanding and Justifying the Ways of God”,

by NBCC for the full text.)

According to Linyu, "with the NBCC's Peace Mission, the line between the Christian Movements and Political development has become not only blurred, the line has ceased to exist…indeed Christianity, through church leaders like Kenneth Kerhüo, Longri Ao and Shihoto, had become a channel of hope and a way of peace for the Nagas". (Quoted in Keviyiekielie Linyu, Christian Movements in Nagaland, pp. 161-162).

Issued By Nagaland Baptist Church Council

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.

MEx FILE Dimapur DPDB to convene on September 5 DIMAPUR, SEPTEMBER 3 (MEXN): The meeting of the District Planning & Development Board (DPDP) of Dimapur for the month of September will be held on September 5, a press release from Dimapur DPDB Member Secretary, Augustine M Yanthan informed here today.

UNTABA executive meeting on Sept 5 DIMAPUR, SEPTEMBER 3 (MExN): The UNTABA will be holding its Executive Council Members Meeting on September 5 at the Treasurer’s Residence opposite Sub Jail, Dimapur from 2 pm. In a press note, the UNTABA Vice Chairman. Imsumongba Pongen requested all the Office Bearers, Advisory Board Members, Coordination Committee Members and all the Executive Council Members to attend the meeting positively.

DPC’s annual sports meet next week DIMAPUR, SEPTEMBER 3 (MExN): the Dimapur Press Club (DPC) will be organizing its annual sports meet on September 10 and 11 at District Level Indoor Stadium, near DC Court junction, Dimapur.

In a press note, the General Secretary of DPC Paudi Renta informed that, the meet will have competition on different discipline including Table Tennis, Badminton, Chess, Charoom, and Ludo for both male and female. In this regards, he requested all the interested participants to submit their entries to the Imrong Jamir, Sports Secretary DPC by September 8 and appeal for sincere cooperation from all the members to make the game a grand success.

Zbto DPDB meeting postponed ZUNhEBoTo, SEPTEMBER 3 (DIPR): The monthly Zunheboto District Planning and Development Board meeting scheduled to be held on September 8 has been postponed to September 10 at 11:00 a.m. All the board members are therefore requested to take note and made convenient to attend the meeting positively.

VDB consultative meeting

CondolenCe messages NPF Zunheboto Division: The Naga People’s Front (NPF), Zunheboto Division shares its utmost shock over the tragic demise of Late Hosheto Aye in a road accident on September 2. In a press release, the President of NPF, Zunheboto Division I Nikheto Jimomi stated that, the rank and files of the division offers their sincere condolences to his bereaved family and pray for Almighty solace at this hour their grief. According to press statement, Late Hosheto Aye in his capacity as a Vice President of the division had serve the party with utmost sincerity till his sad demise and the party “has lost a ample leader” who was instrumental in bringing victory to party particularly in 34 CNTC: A/C Aghunato. “His death had created a The Central Nagaland Tribal Council huge vacuum in the party and will be hard (CNTC) extends heartfelt condolences to to fill”, it concluded. bereaved family of Late Tsukjemtola Ao, the mother of Lendinoktang Ao, Presi- UNTABA: The United Naga Tribes Associadent, Nagaland Tribal Council on August 28. A press note issued through its Presi- tion of Border Areas (UNTABA) extends dent HokiyeYeptho and Pub & Info Secy, their condolences to the bereaved famLongshi Ezung, the CNTC also conveys ily members of Late Hosheto Aye who their earnest prayer of solace for the griev- died tragic accident in Zunheboto on September 2. In a press statement, the ing family and the departed soul.

Vice-Chairman of UNTABA Imsumongba Pongen said that, the demise leader DBA: The member of Dimapur Bar Associa- had served the Association in various tion (DBA) expresses its deep shock and capacities with conviction and sincere grief over the sudden demise of its Vice commitment and his contributions shall President Late Hachumo Kikon on August be an inspiration for the members of the 24. In a press statement, the President of UNTABA in the days to come.

DBA Imti Imsong and Secretary Hukavi A The UNTABA prays for solace to the Zhimomi said, the association had lost an departed leader’s soul to rest in peace able, energetic and promising lawyer and and for God’s abundant grace to be beconveys the association’s sincere condo- stow to all the members of the bereaved family, it added. lences to his bereaved family members.

GB Union, Chessore Division: The GB Union of Chessore Division offers their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members of Late Akhum, APO DRDA who passed away after brief illness in Tuensang on September 1. In their condolence, the Union stated that, Late Akhum was not just a leader in “particular platform” but someone who has left his imprint “in every angle” and gave his full dedication to every cause he was involved with when he was alive. The demise of such a dynamic leader has created a “vacuum” in the particularly in the Yimchunger society and the Nagas in general, it added.

DIMAPUR, SEPTEMBER 3 (MExN): In its effort to curb the sale of liquor, the Excise mobile squad led by S. Kakiho Yeptho, Inspectors Hevito and Lichumse, conducted raids at different pockets of Dimapur town on

Miss. Longleng 2014

SJC Jakhama holds inter-college debate JAkhAMA, SEPTEMBER 3 (MExN): The Department of Sociology, St. Joseph’s College, Jakhama organized an Inter-Collegiate Debate on September 3, on the topic, ‘Materialism: An Engine of Crime.” Five Colleges from Kohima, namely, Alder College, Sazolie College, Japfü Christian College, Baptist College, Mount Olive College, along with the Host College participated in the debate. The First Session saw a competition on Constructive Speech with opposing groups for and against the motion. The Second opened to a Floor discussion, and the Third was reserved for Rebuttal Speeches for both the Teams. After a heated display of wit and reasoning, the group For-The-Motion came out as the overall winner, with Kevikriita Vielie (Baptist College) as the Best Speaker and. Kikato V. Yepthomi (Sazolie College) as the Runner Up. The Panel of Judges included Assistant Professors from the guest colleges.

The arrested professional inter-state vehicle thieves in the custody of Kohima Police on Wednesday.

kohIMA, SEPTEMBER 3 (MExN): In a major breakthrough, the Kohima Police have busted and arrested four notorious professional inter-state car lifters in the wee hours of Wednesday from Chakhabama road in Kohima.

The culprits were identified as Kiyeshe Yepthomi of Khukishe Village, presently a resident of Purana Bazar, Dimapur; Vicky Dey from Silchar and presently a resident of Burma Camp, Dimapur; and Shevie and Shomer of Phuba Village in Senapati district, Manipur.

According to a press release issued from the office of Superintendent of Police, Kohima, they were arrested while transporting a bolero which they had lifted from Billy Graham Road, Kohima the previous night.

Preliminary enquiries had revealed that they have stolen at least three boleros and two pick-ups from Kohima town in the recent months, the police added.

According to the police, all the stolen vehicles have already been transported to Manipur. In this regard, a case has been registered at

North Police Station, Kohima and all efforts are being made to recover the stolen vehicles as well as arrest their associates in Manipur, informed the police.

Meanwhile, in another case of vehicle theft, the Kohima Police has recovered a Maruti car from Senapati on August 30 after numerous attempts were made with active assistance of Manipur Police.

The police had earlier arrested person identified as Jacob Krocha of Zhamai Village under Phek District, for lifting the vehicle.

3rd Spelling Bee Championship 2014 IMFL seized during raids in Dimapur

DIMAPUR, SEPTEMBER 3 (MExN): State officials, executives and district officials of V.D.B. Association will have a consultative meeting with R.D. Minister on September 10 at R.D. Conference Hall, Kohima, from 11 a.m. onwards. A press release from Nagaland State V.D.B. Association President Tali Pongen has requested the above mentioned officials to attend the meeting.

LoNgLENg, SEPTEMBER 3 (MExN): The Yingla Welfare Society, Longleng will be hoisting the eight Miss. Longleng 2014 on September 26 at Longleng Town, Auditorium hall. Interested candidate for detail and further information are to requested to contact the officials at the following Numbers: 9862833471-Advisor; 9862289747-President; and 8413002926-General Secretary.

Professional inter-state car lifters arrested by Kohima cops

September 2. During the raid, 183 bottles of assorted liquor was seized and 28 persons were arrested and booked under NLTP Act ’89, a press release from Superintendent of Excise Mobile Squad Ghokiho Yeptho stated.

In another incident, the Excise mobile squad stationed at Chumukedima check gate under the supervision of Lanuyanger, Assistant Inspector, seized 84 bottles of assorted liquor and arrested two accused for violation of NLTP Act. The arrested persons were charged under relevant section of the Act and the seized items deposited at the Excise Mobile Squad Malkhana, Excise making a request and the release informed. appealing to individuals, groups and society to join hands by way of feeding the enforcing agencies with information stated, “Your contribution can make a significant difference as a matter of fact without your concerned help and cooperation the enforcing agencies effort alone would be futile to fight this social evil of liquor menace plaguing our society.”

Meanwhile, the SP informed that 37th AR stationed at (Piphema) seized contraband ganja from one Biney Tumai (40 yrs) from Senapati. The accused and Today you are you! That the contraband Ganja was handed over to the Super- is truer than true! There is intendent of Excise Ko- no one alive who is youhima and a case of NDPS er than you!..wishing you Act' 1985 has been regis- the best on this day ,may tered. The case had been the god almighty bless you forwarded to the court, the abundantly... release informed.

Yours always Bro Kedi

Excise registers offenders for violation of NLTP Act ‘1989 Members of Fountian Club, Kohima announcing schedule for 3rd Spelling Bee Championship 2014

kohIMA, SEPTEMBER 3 (MExN): The 3rd Nagaland Spelling Bee Championship 2014 organised by the Fountain Club, Kohima in partnership with SCERT is schedule for September 25 and 26 at the Capital convention Centre (CCC) Kohima. The last date of submission of the entry forms is September 15.

Addressing a press conference discussing the detail of the championship, the club announced that, two students (Standard 8 to 12th) from one educational institute will be eligible to take part in the competition. The competition will

have two stages – the preliminary stage and the final stage. In the preliminary stage, each participant will be given ten words and a time limit of 1 minute will be given to spell each word. In the final stage, the participants will be given five words and they have to spell each word within 90 seconds. The Oxford International Dictionary will be used as the official dictionary of the competition. The club also stated that it will be covering the accommodation and food logistics every participants.

The Nagaland Spelling Bee Championship is organised every year by the

Fountain Club an objective to “promote and engage young people in academic and eco-social activities” “One of our main objective is to ignite the minds of the young Nagas.” said Vilekho Bio., a member of the club.

While the national standard for Spelling Bee begins from Standard 8 and below, the eligible criteria for Nagaland was kept at a higher level as it is still a new concept the Nagas, added the club.

The 2013 edition of the competition saw active participation from 76 schools in Nagaland and the club hoped to help the students participate in the national level in future.

kohIMA, SEPTEMBER 3 (MExN): The Superintendent of Excise, Kohima has detected and registered 31 cases/offenders for violation of NLTP Act ‘1989 in and around Kohima town.

One hundred fifty-five bottles of assorted IMFL were seized and kept in the unit Malkhana. This comes despite the number of check gates vital to check and stop free flow of liquor entering the state capital.

Superintendent of Excise & Prohibition Kohima Katoho Sumi in a press release stated that the Kohima unit has been performing duty round the clock to contain sale of liquor within its jurisdiction and beyond in spite of being ill equipped, limited manpower and less facility to carry out liquor related duties.

The Superintendent of

BIrThday GrEETInGS

Happy Birthday Alo,

6

IN-FOCUS

The Power of Truth

The Morung Express

THE EDIT PAGE

C O M M E N T A R Y

Stephen Hopgood

Why social media will The undergrowth not transform politics A S THursDAy 4 sEPTEmbEr 2014 volumE IX IssuE 243

by Aheli moitra

n old man in a good old colony somewhere in India believes, to date, that Rev. Michael Scott had brought Christianity to the Nagas (allegedly converted from Hinduism in the 1960s!), and changed the course of history. Though this can be well understood as fiction, with no ill intent on his part, the old man will die “knowing” this history of the Naga people.

The ignorance of the various others peoples of the North East, apart from the Nagas, is not new. Today institutes are waking up to take a step towards introducing the history of the ‘North East’ in the school syllabi of coursebooks in India.

But that there will be a gargantuan effort needed to put the Naga people, for instance, on the map of the world is no fiction. As a retired bureaucrat recently commented, the region has to be politically or economically significant for the world to take note. Every effort has been made through history, since the Naga people recognized their identity and mapped the political self, to crush this recognition. Only snippets of news pieces and pieces of fiction have flowed into Kolkata, Delhi or Mumbai, as history.

Despite the rhetoric of India’s interest in the region (for protection from China, of course), there have been efforts to keep the Naga people in the dark corners of the Indian mind. Even today, the North East as a whole does not exist in the Indian space except in the imagination of jungles, foliage and warfare. It is the undergrowth.

While the Government of India has remained an equal party to talks with representatives of the Naga people, it has made no effort to present the issue to the people of India. If no one knows and cares about who the Naga people even are, who in the democracy will care for what who does with the Naga people? The news media and the Indian polity’s obsession has been with security affairs, so who on that side of the Chicken neck cares if a few Naga people die asking for something as simple as the right to life? The right to move. The right to meet friends at a gathering. The right to live on their land—to buy it, sell it, rent it out, be corrupt or die on it.

It is why as the people in Ukhrul get hammered around through more than a month of a curfew, the ensuing death of two young people and the injury of many others, India remains obsessed with Japan. If the Government of India had engaged with the Naga people beyond its arm twisting militarism, perhaps some of it would have noticed the opportunity in Ukhrul, the undergrowth, to nullify violence and begin the process of peace.

Ideas and inputs may be shared at moitramail@yahoo.com

lEfT wiNg |

Scott Sonner Associated Press

Climate study yields bad news for tiny desert fish

F

or 10,000 years, a tiny iridescent blue fish has lived in the depths of a cavern in the desert of Nevada. But a new study says climate change and warming waters — and its lack of mobility — are threatening its existence and decreasing its numbers.

Scientists studying climate change anticipate that as Earth continues to warm, fish and wildlife will migrate away from the equator or seek higher ground for a cooler habitat.

"The catch phrase is 'Migrate, Adapt or Die,'" said Mark Hausner, a hydrologist at the Desert Research Institute in Las Vegas.

But what about creatures like the endangered pupfish that exist in only one place and simply cannot pack up their bags and move?

Hausner examines that dilemma and its ramifications as the lead author of a new study — "Life in a Fishbowl: Prospects for the endangered Devils Hole pupfish in a changing climate."

The inch-long fish lives in a 426-foot (130-meter)-deep, water-filled cavern in the Mojave Desert on the edge of Death Valley National Park. In the 1970s, there were more than 500 pupfish, but today, there are only 92, according to the National Park Service.

The slowly rising temperature of the geothermal water — as high as 97 degrees Fahrenheit (36 Celsius) at times — is near the limit of what the pupfish can withstand on the shallow shelf where it breeds just below the surface.

Warming water has decreased by 10 percent the 2 1/2-month period when temperatures are conducive to egg hatching and there's enough food to sustain larvae, according to the study published in the American Geophysical Union's journal, Water Resources Research.

The fish with a lifespan of 10 to 14 months has seen its 10-week hatching period shortened by a week during the past two decades, and it likely will shrink another two weeks by 2050, the study concludes.

"This is a fish that does live in a fishbowl, an incredibly hostile fishbowl," said Scott Tyler, a geological science professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, who co-authored the study.

"The water itself is warmer than the air temperature, so the air cools the water. But now that we are heating up the air, it is cooling the water less," Tyler told The Associated Press.

"There's no question that the temperature is going to rise and no question that the fish is going to be affected."

Lower water levels resulting from industrial pumping in the 1960s, lack of food and inbreeding also are blamed for the fish's demise. But the study warns additional stress from climate change poses the greatest threat to date for a species that has "most likely gone through tremendous genetic bottlenecks in its more than 10,000 years of evolution."

"There is nowhere to migrate because there's no connection to any other body of water. So they are left with, 'adapt or die,'" Hausner said.

The scientists used fiber-optic cable with temperaturesensing equipment to monitor temperature changes in the cavern's water. The research team, which included the National Park Service and the U.S. Geological Society, combined climate projections, water-circulation models and ecological studies to project the impact climate change could have on the pupfish.

The pupfish was declared endangered in 1967. In 1972, the pupfish population was estimated at 553, but dropped to 171 a decade ago. Last year, the count was as low as 35, the study said.

Since then, scientists have hatched and reared 30 new fish in a specially designed facility.

Kevin Wilson, aquatic ecologist at the park's field office in Pahrump, said the transplanting effort has at least slowed the population decline and has raised hopes that the fish will recover.

ocial media are in their infancy, but it’s already possible to identify two things at which they are extremely good : information sharing and coordination. However, neither of these advances provides a substitute for face-to-face interaction in confronting – and ultimately transforming – the structures of social, political and economic power.

Information sharing has been the primary achievement of social media to date. Nothing stays hidden for long. Uploading self-authored content, whether instant news footage or opinion or competing data, has fundamentally changed the way politics works. Governments can no longer hope to hide inconvenient facts or control their own narrative when there are so many sources of alternative information and analysis available.

Coordination has been the second big success – getting people to act in unison whether to rally together to oppose government oppression, send mass emails, sign digital petitions or fund activism. States have tried to keep pace with these advances – they spy prodigiously online, monitor and infiltrate activist groups, and arrest bloggers. They even suspend or ban online platforms. But surely no-one can think - least of all government officials – that the global public sphere will ever be the same again? When Turkey’s then prime minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, banned Twitter did anyone seriously think anything other than ‘yeah, because that’ll work’? And of course, it didn’t.

Facebook is largely banned in China but tens of millions of Chinese people find effective workarounds to circumvent the ban. Social media will always find a way. It has a kind of evolutionary drive. In campaigns to organise for democracy, end autocracy, challenge corruption and even to save the Masai from eviction from the Serengeti, social media have been prominent. This, at any rate, is the good news.

But there are important caveats. First, ‘empty vessels make most noise’ as the old saying goes.

Demonstrating impact is hard. Governments and corporations who find themselves the object of unwanted critical attention may soon work out that the tigers that roam the activist jungle lack teeth.

The more social media-based organizations make demands that remain unmet, the less power they have to wield, and the less attractive they are to joiners who hope to make a difference.

Avaaz.org, for example, makes a great deal of its headline membership figure of 38 million people - rising every second - and its victories. It wants to convince you that your time and money has made an impact. But would an audit of all the campaigns undertaken reveal more wins than losses? And in any case, isn’t it impossible to know what precise difference an Avaaz petition has made, especially in the hard cases, the great powers, or Israel, Sri Lanka, Iran or Syria? Don’t governments just need to wait for the fuss to die down? Does this sort of activism only work against weak governments?

A second caveat involves the signature advocacy mechanism of ‘naming and shaming.’ This is a diffuse, attenuated form of pressure that substitutes for a lack of political leverage. Naming is what social media does best. But shaming? This is all about the audience. Here the anonymity and diversity of social media communities is a problem. To be shamed you must feel the sting of humiliation that only those who you fear, respect or love can give you. You must be in some kind of relationship with them.

Did the vast wave of anti-Israeli social media invective in July during the war with Hamas shame the Israelis? Not at all. Indeed, support for prime minister Netanyahu increased substantially. Israelis felt more justified than ever by what they saw as ill-informed, anti-Semitic and biased attempts to shame them. Ban Ki-

P

acific Island states are surrounded by the largest ocean in the world, but inadequate fresh water sources, poor infrastructure and climate change are leaving some communities without enough water to meet basic needs.

Laisene Nafatali lives in Lotofaga village, home to 5,000 people on the south coast of Upolu, the main island of Samoa, a Polynesian island state located northeast of Fiji in the central South Pacific region. Like many on the island, she is dependent on rainfall and surface water for household needs. But without a nearby water source, such as a stream or waterfall, or a rainwater tank, she struggles with sanitation, washing, cooking and drinking. “We only have one-gallon buckets, so if it is going to rain the whole week most of the water is lost,” Nafatali told IPS, adding that many people are unable to collect a sufficient amount of rainwater in such small containers. “We have one bucket to store the water for the toilet, but that’s not enough for the whole family,” she added.

The wet season finished in March and now, in the dry season, it rains just two to four times per month. Water for drinking and cooking is a priority. “If there is no rain the whole week, we pay for a truck. We put all our containers on the truck and we go to find families that have pipes and then we ask for some water. But that only [lasts] for two to three days, then we have to go again,” she said.

For washing, Nafatali and her family of six walk to the beach, which takes half an hour, and when the tide is low, they dig into the sand to find fresh water.

Most people in Lotofaga are subsistence farmers and are unable save a sufficient cash income to purchase a water tank, which costs roughly 2,700 tala (some 1,158 dollars). What little

Is there a sweet spot between online and offline activism and political engagement? This is the first article in a new series on social media and the transformation of society

moon’s moral outrage over Gaza could only hit home with those he castigated if they recognized his moral authority to chastise them, which in this case they did not. The global public was as much Ban’s audience as the Israelis, but this kind of critique is no substitute for diplomatic pressure, and that requires real leverage to be exerted over those who have real power.

This is a key question in the social media debate: do information sharing and coordination actually create real leverage in the form of irresistible pressure for change?

Here we enter difficult territory. For sporadic, disconnected campaigns, crowd-funded protest and flash mob-style priority setting, social media have clearly made a difference to the profile of issues and the scale of activism. They are a powerful tool and have greatly increased the number of people who say they are activists. But how committed are these new activists, and how effective can they be if all they do is sign an online petition while sitting at their desks? Don’t social media exacerbate the fundamental problem of mobilization, which is free-riding, thereby undermining the long-term impact of social activism on the deep structures of power, inequality and violence?

Free riders are people who realise that they can enjoy the benefits of an activity without contributing to the costs. For example, they might want a sustainable environment but they know that their continued consumption of fossil fuels will never be the difference between success and failure in tackling climate change. For social movements, free riders are difficult to mobilize unless the bar is set so low that people consider it almost costless to participate – like clicking the mouse on their computers. Because social media campaigns look to reach the maximum quantity of participants, the pool from which they draw is likely to contain large numbers of free riders.

The way to deal with this problem is to increase the costs of acting, in terms of time, money, labour and risk: in other words, upping the barriers to entry.

These barriers will shake out casual consumers who are buying the feel-good factor of righteousness by spending one minute skimming a petition and clicking ‘yes’ before switching back to Game of Thrones.

What’s left are the true believers on whom longterm, well researched and well organised activism depends. But then this model begins to look a lot like the old one that social media are supposed to have surpassed. Traditional social movement organisations or even NGOs survive, by and large, on the efforts of highly motivated individuals, detailed evidentiary claims against opponents, some degree of management, and meetings.

These meetings could be virtual of course. But then the key element of social movements – the glue which binds them together – is diluted: personal, direct engagement in collective action. Solidarity flourishes when people work together face-to-face in the same

endeavour. This creates ‘effervescence’ as French sociologist Emile Durkheim once put it. But effervescence declines as scale grows, its antithesis being the power of social media to generate large numbers and worldwide visibility at low cost to contributors.

It’s a familiar dilemma: if global social media campaigns are too thin to have much impact as forms of activism, then more focused people-driven advocacy soon faces the need to scale-up in order to increase funds and visibility, and that brings with it the need for governance mechanisms that erode the emotional bonds necessary to sustain moral action in the face of resistance and defeat.

Is there a sweet spot between online and offline activism? Traditional campaigning organisations like Oxfam and Save the Children are moving further in the direction of social media, while campaigns that have been based almost entirely on social media are trying to link their work to more concrete forms of action on the ground - like Avaaz’s work with the Masai in fighting eviction from the Serengeti in Tanzania. Both forms are evolving, but mostly toward the online model.

Yet to exercise leverage, particularly over policy makers, the numbers game is not enough. Quality matters more than quantity. Well-informed, wellnetworked and influential voices in strategic offline locations are far more likely to make a difference, if a difference can be made, than the names of five million invisible people on an online petition.

The numbers game is the lowest common denominator of social activism for many old and new campaigns – the who shouts-the-loudest attentiongrabbing efforts that focus on death tolls and pictures of suffering children. But taking on corporations and governments is a tough, painstaking, professional business. Gaza again provides a good example. Are the Israelis guilty of war crimes in Gaza? While the number of civilians killed may be revised downward, no-one disputes there have been hundreds of civilian deaths in Gaza. And if Israel can be shown to have tried deliberately to kill civilians this would be a fairly clear-cut case of a war crime. But does any of the material circulated by social media during the conflict rise to the level of admissible evidence?

Moreover, the core of the issue is likely to be a legal dispute over what constitutes things like proportionality, discrimination between civilians and combatants, fair warning, and high-value targets.

Little about the vast social media campaign over Gaza – the casualty figures, eye-witness reports, and cell-phone footage – will play a role when the debate moves on to legal interpretation.

All the things that do build leverage – like longterm commitment, detailed expertise, committed organisers, mobilised communities and shared purpose – can be enhanced by social media, but they can’t be replaced by them.

We live in the age of the end of deference, and social media facilitate this challenge to all established authorities. This can only be a good thing. Social media make us feel as though we can all make a difference.

But to transform the political world more fundamentally will require some old-world structures and institutions like clear lines of accountability, effective governing structures, nuanced political judgement, and legitimate leadership. Sustainable transformation takes time that is measured in years not nanoseconds. However fast social media move, the reality of people living in real places, controlling real material resources, and meeting face-to-face in rooms and corridors and across the barricades, will always be where the real action is.

Clicking the mouse button is only the beginning.

Struggling to Find Water in the Vast Pacific Catherine Wilson Inter Press Service money they do have rapidly disappears in paying for transport to procure a supply from elsewhere. “Instead of saving money for the children, their education, food and clothes, most of our income is spent on water,” she continued.

Capturing maximum rainfall is vital to long-term water security in Samoa, where 65 percent of the country’s supply is derived from surface water and 35 percent from groundwater. The Samoa Water Authority, which services 85 percent of the population, provides water treatment plants for existing water sources in rural areas. About 18 percent of the rural population, or more than 32,000 people in 54 villages, participate in independent water schemes, which are owned and managed at the local level.

Sulutumu Sasa Milo, president of the Independent Water Schemes Association, pointed out that, while infrastructure is 40-50 years old and in need of upgrading, the scheme is vital to sustaining many rural communities.

The scheme’s gravity-fed infrastructure comprises pipes that carry water from a natural source, such as a river or spring, to villages with water tanks provided for storage. Individual households then arrange their own piped connections.

A spokesperson for the Water Resources Division of the Ministry of Natural

Resources and Environment (MNRE) in the capital, Apia, said the country receives an adequate amount of annual rainfall, approximately 8,400 mm3 per year.

The challenge, according to the official, is small and steep water catchments with limited storage capacity, pressures on water resources from increasing development and observed changes in the pattern of the wet season over the past five years. The wet season has habitually started in October and lasted six months, but now, he said, it tends to commence earlier and lasts half the predicted period, about three months.

“The difference now is that our rainfall is concentrated within a shorter period of time and it is more difficult to capture. In 2011, we received 80 percent of our annual rainfall within three months and this was mostly lost through runoff,” the spokesman stated.

Upolu Island is home to 70 percent of Samoa’s population of 190,372, as well as the capital city, and there are enormous demands for water use as a result of expanding urban development, hydropower stations, agriculture and tourism.

An MNRE environmental report last year identified the issue of forests within watershed areas, which help protect the quantity and quality of fresh water, being largely felled for agriculture, and commercial and resi-

wRiTE-wiNg

dential development on the island.

The impact of natural disasters, such as the Samoan earthquake and tsunami in 2009, and Cyclone Evan in 2012, has further degraded catchments and water infrastructure.

When droughts occurred in Samoa in 2011 and 2012, many villages, particularly on the south coast of Upolu, were left with no water as streams and catchments dried up.

Water security varies across the Pacific Islands. Kiribati and Tuvalu in the central Pacific Ocean are without any significant fresh water resources, while Papua New Guinea in the southwest has renewable water resources of 801,000 mm3 per year, in contrast to Samoa with 1,328 mm3 per year.

Common water management challenges in the region include aquatic pollution and procuring the financial, technical and human resources needed for large infrastructure projects and expanding safe water provision to isolated, widely scattered island-based populations.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) reports that water resources on Upolu Island are facing ecological stress due to about 85 percent of vegetation being cleared, and waste contamination.

Samoa is on track to achieve three of the seven Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), but increasing water storage capacity and managing environmental threats are crucial to improving the rate of access to safe drinking water in Samoa, which is currently an estimated 40 percent.

Six of 14 Pacific Island Forum states, namely Cook Islands, Fiji, Niue, Palau, Tonga and Vanuatu, are on track to improve access to safe water and sanitation, deemed essential to achieving better health outcomes and sustainable development across the region.

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

Thursday

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

4 SepteMber 2014

PERSPECTIVE NEWS ANALYSIS, FEATURE AND DISCOURSE

Alaskans trained as My first concert secret 'stay-behind agents' and the legend Rediscovering Home

Vibi Yhokha

robert Burns Ap National Security Writer

were removed before being declassified.

None of the indigenous population was included. The program founders believed that agents from the "Eskimo, Indian and earing a Russian invasion and occuAleut groups in the Territory should be avoidpation of Alaska, the U.S. government ed in view of their propensities to drink to exin the early Cold War years recruited cess and their fundamental indifference to and trained fishermen, bush pilots, constituted governments and political phitrappers and other private citizens across losophies. It is pointed out that their prime Alaska for a covert network to feed wartime concern is with survival and their allegiance intelligence to the military, newly declassified would easily shift to any power in control."

Air Force and FBI documents show.

Recruiters pitched patriotism and Invasion of Alaska? Yes. It seemed like a real were to offer retainer fees of up to $3,000 possibility in 1950. "The military believes that it a year (nearly $30,000 in 2014 dollars). would be an airborne invasion involving bombThat sum was to be doubled "after an ining and the dropping of paratroopers," one FBI vasion has commenced," according to memo said. The most likely targets were thought one planning document. The records do to be Nome, Fairbanks, Anchorage and Seward. not say how much was actually paid durSo FBI director J. Edgar Hoover teamed up on ing the course of the program. a highly classified project, code-named "WashAt least some recruits were fingerprinttub," with the newly created Air Force Office of ed and all were secretly screened by the Special Investigations, headed by Hoover proteFBI for signs of disloyalty. The FBI linked ge and former FBI official Joseph F. Carroll. one candidate, a resident of Stony River, The secret plan was to have citizen-agents to a list of names in a 1943 bureau file on in key locations in Alaska ready to hide from the "Communist Party activities, Alaska" that invaders of what was then only a U.S. territory. tracked U.S. subscribers to a magazine The citizen-agents would find their way to surcalled "Soviet Russia Today." vival caches of food, cold-weather gear, mesAnother candidate was flagged — falsely, sage-coding material and radios. In hiding they This May 11, 1943 file photo shows American invasion troops of the 7th Infantry it turned out — as a likely communist symwould transmit word of enemy movements.

Division approaching a landing area code-named Beach Red in the western arm of This was not civil defense of the sort that Holtz Bay, on Japanese-occupied Attu island. Attu, the largest and westernmost of pathizer based on an FBI informant's tip became common later in the Cold War as the Aleutian islands in relation to Alaska was then only a U.S. Territory. In the early about membership in the "Tom Paine Club, Americans built their own bomb shelters. Cold War years after world war two, the United States feared a Russian invasion and Communist Party, Spokane, Washington."

One was described in a May 1952 OSI This was an extraordinary enlistment of civil- occupation of Alaska. In a project code-named "washtub" the U.S. government reians as intelligence operatives on U.S. soil. cruited and trained fishermen, bush pilots, trappers and other private citizens across memo to the FBI office in Anchorage as the This account of the "Washtub" project is Alaska for a covert network to feed wartime intelligence to the military, newly declas- postmaster in Kiana, Alaska; another was manager of a hotel in Valdez. One agent canbased on hundreds of pages of formerly secret sified Air Force and FBI documents show. (AP Photo, File) didate worked for a tin-mining company at documents. The heavily censored records were provided to The Associated Press by the Government At- move by Moscow to distract Washington before invad- Lost River on the Seward Peninsula, one of the highertic, a website that publishes government documents it ob- ing Europe. The previous summer the Soviets stunned priority areas for placing "Washtub" stay-behind agents.

The peninsula is named after U.S. Secretary of tained through the Freedom of Information Act. the world by exploding their first atomic bomb. Also in The Russians never invaded, of course.

1949, the U.S. locked arms with Western Europe to form State William H. Seward, the primary negotiator in So the covert cadre of "stay-behind agents," as they the NATO alliance, and Mao Zedong's revolutionaries de- the 1867 purchase of the Alaska territory for $7.2 were known, was never activated to collect and report clared victory in China, adding to American fear that com- million from czarist Russia.

The FBI tapped its local contacts, including federal wartime information from backwoods bunkers. It was an munism was on the march. "Washtub" was known inside assignment that federal officials acknowledged (to each the government by several other codenames, including judges, the head of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service other, if not to the new agents) was highly dangerous, giv- Corpuscle, Stigmatic and Catboat, according to an official in Anchorage, an Anchorage physician and others for en that the Soviet Union's military doctrine called for the Air Force history of the OSI, which called it one of OSI's names of reliable Alaskans to be approached. "Washelimination of local resistance in occupied territory. "most extensive and long-running Cold War projects." The tub' was crafted in painstaking detail. But just as the first trained agents were to be put in place in September To compensate for expected casualties, a reserve pool FBI had its own code word for the project: STAGE. 1951, Hoover pulled out, leaving it in OSI's hands, even of agents was to be held outside of Alaska and inserted "Washtub" had two phases. by air later as short-term replacements. This assignment The first and more urgent was the stay-behind agent though one month earlier his top lieutenants had adwas seen as an easier sell to potential recruits because program. The second was a parallel effort to create a stand- vised him the FBI was "in these programs neck deep," "some agents might not be too enthusiastic about being by pool of civilian operatives in Alaska trained to clandes- with an "obvious and inescapable" duty to proceed.

Hoover worried that when the shooting in Alaska left behind in enemy-occupied areas for an indefinite pe- tinely arrange for the evacuation of downed military air riod of time," one planning document noted dryly. crews in danger of being captured by Soviet forces. This started the FBI would be "left holding the bag." "If a "Washtub" was not, however, a washout. "evasion and escape" plan was coordinated with the CIA. crisis arose we would be in the midst of another 'Pearl It operated from 1951-59, according to Deborah Among those listed as a stay-behind agent was Dy- Harbor' and get part of the blame," Hoover wrote in the Kidwell, official historian of the Air Force Office of ton Abb Gilliland of Cooper Landing, a community on margin of a Sept. 6, 1951, memo from an aide, to whom Special Investigations, or OSI. "While war with the So- the Kenai Peninsula south of Anchorage. A well-known Hoover added one final order: "Get out at once."

Three years later, Hoover was pulled back in, briefly. viet Union did not come to Alaska, OSI trained 89 SBA bush pilot, Gilliland died in a plane crash on Montague In October 1954, an envelope and a typewritten let(stay-behind agents), and the survival caches served Island in Prince William Sound in May 1955 at age 45. peacetime purposes for many years to come," she FBI records say he spent 12 days in Washington D.C., in ter containing a coded message were turned over to wrote in an OSI magazine last year.

June-July 1951 undergoing a range of specialized train- the FBI by a woman in Anchorage. It had been misaddressed by the anonymous sender in Fairbanks. EspioWith the benefit of hindsight, it would be easy to dis- ing, including in the use of parachutes. miss "Washtub" as a harebrained scheme born of paraThe agents also got extensive training in coding nage was suspected, triggering flurries of FBI internal noia. In fact it reflected genuine worry about Soviet in- and decoding messages, but this apparently did not memos. Hoover was informed that bureau code breaktentions and a sense of U.S. vulnerability in a turbulent always go well. Learning these techniques was "an al- ers were urgently trying to decipher the message.

They never broke the code but eventually declared post-World War II period. most impossible task for backwoodsmen to master in As the plan was being shaped in 1950, Soviet-backed 15 hours of training," one document said. Details in the crisis over. The mystery message, they determined, was not from an enemy spy. It was a "practice mesNorth Korea invaded South Korea, triggering a war on the the document were blacked out. peninsula that some in the Pentagon saw as a deliberate Many agent names in the OSI and FBI documents also sage" sent errantly by one of the "Washtub" agents.

F

I

ndian governments have always been fairly paranoid about NGOs, especially those challenging big business or inequitable development projects. Nevertheless, the previous Indian government has consulted with some NGOs and civil society activists on several critical issues. Although the state was indifferent to civil society protests against mines and corruption, it did seek NGO input on major public welfare policies such as the right to information, universal education and food security. Although officials did not always accept NGOs’ advice, the conversation, at least, continued.

The new Indian government led by the right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), however, engages in very little dialogue with NGOs or people’s movements. This is consistent with the record of BJP-led state governments in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The BJP prefers to talk only with those belonging to their “Parivar”, or family of right-wing associations, including the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), an India-wide social movement that is the BJP’s ideological mentor.

Within days of BJP leader Narendra Modi becoming the prime minister, someone leaked a top secret report by the federal Intelligence Bureau (IB) to the press. The report briefed Modi on India’s NGOs, expressing anxiety over their foreign funding and opposition to development projects, and accusing them of being “anti-national”.

I have seen a copy of the IB report, which identifies the work of specific NGOs. Most of its concerns over foreign funding are based on unverified rumors of misused funds and illegal donations.

It also takes issue with some NGOs possessing maps with marked locations of India’s natural resources, and spots designated for future nuclear power plants.

Why this map paranoia? With so much information available on the Internet—such as Google Earth, Wikipedia and scores of other websites—what is wrong with Indian NGOs collecting and using this data, not to sell or market, but to protect the interests of communities and individuals? Governments worldwide are opening their economies, sharing information and resources, privatizing the public sector and inviting foreign investors into their countries. The Indian government partners with other nations too.

Data is power, but it is no longer sacred. Yet the Indian government wants

pure Hypocrisy: India’s fear of foreign funding for NGOs Medha Patkar

The Indian state aggressively promotes foreign investment in all sectors but civil society everyone but dissenting voices to access crucial information.

Indian NGOs and the general public must also have the right to question economic policies, suggest alternatives and resist what they see as wrong decisions.

This is their democratic right. So long as their resistance is non-violent, it is sanctioned by India’s constitution. However powerful or insecure the government, it cannot take away this right by invoking the spectre of “anti-nationalism”.

The IB report mentions corruption and embezzlement among activist groups. If true, this is certainly a matter of concern. But the report offers no analysis or evidence, thus tarnishing all NGOs with the same brush. The distortions are shocking and selectively leaked to the media. The aim, it seems, is to demonize all Indian NGOs as anti-development, and therefore, anti-national.

Admittedly, some NGOs exist simply to make money or further dubious agendas. Often, these are run by politicians or political parties, and the government has already blacklisted many of these entities. I do not defend these NGOs. Nonprofits must be law-abiding and open to scrutiny. Many Indian activists, in fact, will welcome a comprehensive review of NGO work and their impact on beneficiaries, policy-making, the environment and developmental projects.

India’s social sector must be more selfvigilant, and mobilize society to raise domestic funds as far as possible. The Narmada Bachao Andolan, to which I belong, does not take funds from abroad. We also did not accept the financial grants that ac-

company our international awards. However, it’s not easy to survive and do effective work while relying only on volunteers.

A sweeping rule against foreign funding would be seriously damaging to Indian civil society. In today’s globalized world, governments themselves use funds from multilateral agencies, including the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the International Monetary Fund and bilateral aid agencies. A government that accepts millions of dollars from abroad has no right to question foreign funding of Indian NGOs. Regardless of the funding source, if the work promotes equity, justice and sustainability, and is done in a transparent manner, it should not be questioned or threatened.

There are myriad understandings of “development” in a nation such as India, and they often contradict one another.

People’s movements stand against the injustice of hasty corporatization, question unruly displacement without rehabilitation, and criticize the unsustainable exploitation of natural resources. They also offer alternatives to technologies in every sector.

These are issues for constructive, democratic debate, not brutal state crackdown.

When the state sees an NGO opposing their conception of development, they believe it is opposing the state itself. Take for example, the Narmada Bachao Andolan, which fights for the rights of people displaced by large dams and opposes corruption and violation of environmental laws; or the tribes in Orissa, who question the government’s takeover of land for a South Korean conglomerate; and the fisher folks in Tamil Nadu, who protest

against the Koodankulam nuclear power plants because of genuine safety concerns. The state crushes all of these, dubbing them as “anti-development NGOs” working against the national interest. But this same government woos foreign capital in crucial sectors such as water, power and education. In a sector as sensitive as defense, the state has done away with any cap on foreign direct investment.

Every Indian NGO that criticizes genetically modified foods is targeted, their credentials questioned, and their motives misinterpreted as an opposition to progress and scientific development.

Yet, companies like Monsanto, which promotes genetically engineered seeds (with state encouragement) and has been accused of damaging Indian cotton farming, are never held accountable.

Only a few of the hundreds of allegations against Monsanto are even investigated.

Private companies from abroad fund a significant portion of national development policies, but when Indian NGOs promote equitable alternatives with foreign support, the government suspects political manipulation by “foreign hands”.

In reality, the impact of foreign funding for Indian civil society is miniscule compared to that of foreign (and domestic) investor lobbies on issues such as education, water and mining. Investors loot the country’s natural resources aided by growthhungry legislation that creates sufficient loopholes for companies to bypass people’s legitimate rights and environmental needs.

In India, moreover, this kind of private sector lobbying is never an open affair; instead, it involves closed-door dealings, nepotism and corruption. These efforts leave a much larger imprint and cause more damage than foreign aid to NGOs, but very little of their influence is reported or known to the public.

The dice in India is loaded in favor of the rapacious corporate sector, both local and foreign, which is invited to destroy our forests and plunder our environment. In return, they get huge profits with tax breaks, cheap land and displaced people. The state regards any attempt to question these plans as “anti-national”.

The state is hypocritical; this much is clear. But if the rulers also scuttle debates and strangle people’s voices, aren't they also engaged in fascism?

I

t was the year 1998, on a cold Kohima evening my father took me and my brother to a concert called Save A Life at Khuociezhie. I was eight years old then and I remember it more clearly because it was the first concert I attended. Little did I know that, Save a Life will be Methaneilie’s last ‘Big’ concerts, the others that followed suit were small gigs.

No other musician in Kohima will ever draw a crowd as big as the one I saw that night. I remember the crowd (even people in suits) calling out for Methaneilie, hurling stones and shouting, ‘We want Methaneilie!!’ My father was worried that it might be inappropriate for kids to be at such concerts. But I remember that I did enjoy. The atmosphere was electric. Even as a kid, you could really feel the people’s madness for one man- the legendary Methaneilie. I still remember the catchy tune of ‘Save a Life’, the girls dancing at the sides of the singer with glittery dresses and pom-poms and god, did I envy them! And I do remember how, days after the concert, people in Kohima will still hum or play the song in their homes and shops.

But for the legend, Save A Life was the best and the worst concert. Despite being high on the atmosphere, that was also one of his worst performances since the people in charge of the sound system came drunk, he recalls. My childhood memory will not remember the gunshots or the people breaking down the barricades to watch the legendary singer. The next day, he says, there were not just wine bottles but underwears too which disturbed him.

Later during my teenage years, I would be embarrassed by his songs. A westoxicated teenager that I was like the rest in Kohima, we would often shy away from his songs and feel embarrassed when our parents will hum to his popular tunes. We were obsessed with Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, Westlife and all that jazz. His songs may sound funny and strange to foreign ears and to be honest it may not be so appealing among today’s young generation.

But coming of age, now I realize there is something about this musician that makes him a legend in Kohima if not Nagaland. Drawing inspiration from Kishore Kumar, Jim Reeves etc (I know, it sounds pretty lame for the cool kids today) his music is one of a kind and there is so much truth in his poetic lyrics. One of my favorite songs ultimately is ‘Nagaland City Kuribole’.

Despite the stereotypical labels, I feel there is truth in what he says. It gives us a chance to make fun of ourselves on a lighter note. I always find myself laughing when I listen to his song, ‘Mene baho’, you know, you can really identify those flirtatious slangs which was so popularly used once.

Even today, a Naga conversation is never complete without the mention of Methaneilie’s name and poetry. A fun (local) party in Kohima is never complete without singing at least one of his songs.

Young kids will not believe that a lot of their mothers were all die-hard fans of Methaneilie once and still is (ask your mom). And you know, your parents become young again when they begin to sing Methaneilie’s song.

But what really makes him a legend at least for me is that till today, I know of no other musician in Kohima (or perhaps Nagaland) who will capture the hearts of both a farmer in the village and a doctor in the town. I know of no one who will capture the hearts of both the young and the old.

I know of no one who will capture the hearts of both the poor and the elites. I know of no one who would be secure and so accepting of his disability. I know of no one who would win a thousand fans despite limited resources (forget FB and Twitter, internet itself was non-existent). I know of no one who despite all the fame and fans still remain unglamorously and admiringly humble and rooted in simplicity and modesty, And I know of no other musician who writes with so much depth, understanding and wisdom. He understands the situation, the changes and the gravity of all these changes Naga society goes through.

In the 1990s when India was booming, Nagaland had just come out of the storm. Nagas had been damaged big time for which we are still paying the price. And with all the turbulent phases that Naga society was going through people could really relate to his songs. I hope it’s not too much of an exaggeration to say that we all found joy and comfort through his music in the midst of social and political turmoil because that is what an eight year old understood on a cold Kohima evening at Khuociezie in a concert called Save a Life.

(This note does not target henpecked husbands, boyfriends and brothers. We feel for you. And it also does not target our men who are advocating equality for women. You know we love you. ) This column will appear on the first Thursday of every month

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 4 September 2014

The Morung Express

‘Modi visit, Tokyo Declaration give new dynamism to India-Japan ties’

New Delhi, September 2 (iANS): The Tokyo Declaration taking India-Japan relations to the next level - a Special Strategic Global Partnership - has lent “new dynamism” to the close ties between the two nations, especially with its emphasis on increased economic and defence cooperation, even though Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe failed to tie up the civil nuclear deal during this visit, say experts.

Former foreign secretary Kanwal Sibal termed the visit “largely successful” with important decisions taken in the economic side, especially Japan’s promise of $33.58 billion over the next five years under the India-Japan Investment Promotion Partnership, that would include development of economic corridors, infrastructure, transport system and smart cities.

Japan has also offered financial, technical and operational support to India for the Shinkansen system or the bullet trains.

Sibal termed the agreements in the defence sector as significant, especially Japan’s decision to remove six Indian entities from the ‘foreign end users list’ and the progress in talks for

Glad to know my visit generated optimism in India about ties with Japan: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi beating a traditional Taiko drum during inauguration of the Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) Japan Technology and Culture Academy in Tokyo on Tuesday, September 3. (PTI Photo)

purchase by India of the US-2 amphibian aircraft from Japan as well as the decision to regularize the India-US-Japan Malabar maritime exercise.

However, he said it was disappointing that the civil nuclear deal could not be signed. Former ambassador G. Parthasarathy said Modi’s Japan visit has “certainly given new dynamism to bilateral relations, which were good in any case”, in the wake of substantive involvement of Japan in India’s economic

development and the enhanced military-to-military relations.

Japan’s participation in the trilateral Malabar exercises with the US and India were important and would help work towards creating “stable, balanced power in Asia”, he said.

Former Indian envoy Sheel Kant Sharma said Modi’s visit has “highly successful outcomes and Japan’s response to Modi’s overtures were overwhelmingly positive, though in certain areas

work needs to be done”.

Referring to Modi’s swipe at China where he deplored the “expansionist” tendencies of some countries which “encroach” on the seas of others, the former envoy said Modi had made “very delicate reference to problems in Asia”.

He termed the reference to the trilateral Malabar naval exercises as a “very positive arrangement” but added that both sides need to “come out with clear interests”.

Sharma termed as “dynamic and very positive” Japan’s support for India to become a full member in the four international export control regimes: Nuclear Suppliers Group, Missile Technology Control Regime, Wassenaar Arrangement and Australia Group.

China expert Srikanth Kondapalli said the Tokyo Declaration was “explicit” on the political, economic and defence fields and both sides have exhibited substantial cooperation in

New Delhi, September 3 (AgeNcieS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived back in India after his trip to Japan on Wednesday, said that he was happy to know that his visit had generated a lot of ‘positivity and optimism’ about ties between the two countries.

Modi who was received at the airport by the Union External Affairs Minister posted on the micro-blogging site Twitter - “Sushma Swaraj ji told me that the visit has generated lot of positivity and optimism in India about our ties with Japan. Glad to know.”

He also posted a tweet in Japanese which apparently says that he wanted to thank everyone for the affection, warmth and great hospitality of the Japanese people. It was reported that Swaraj had decided to go to the Indira Gandhi International Airport airport to meet the PM as a special gesture because she wanted the defence fields.

Referring to the clause where both countries agree to work towards closer and stronger strategic partnership “for a prosperous future for their two countries and for advancing peace, stability and prosperity in the world, in particular, in the inter-connected Asia, Pacific and Indian Ocean Regions”, he said this was aimed at the direction of countering China.

Another major point in the declaration is the

to convey her happiness over the success of the Japan visit.

Normally, for the past several years, no minister receives the PM at the airport when he returns from a foreign tour. The two were caught by the television cameras sharing a laugh as soon as Modi came came down from the special plane.

Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe shared a good rapport while the PM was in Japan and Modi had tweeted that he was ‘overwhelmed’ by the reception that he had received.

The two countries signed key agreements at the summit talks in Tokyo and decided to enhance cooperation in defence and other strategic areas and also signed five pacts covering defence exchanges, cooperation in clean energy, roads and highways, healthcare and women while vowing to take their relationship to newer level, as per PTI.

reference to unhindered maritime and air flight access. Both sides “affirmed their shared commitment to maritime security, freedom of navigation and overflight, civil aviation safety, unimpeded lawful commerce, and peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law”, the statement says.

This clause, Kondapalli said, was significant in view of the recent quarrel between China and the US following a narrowly-

avoided midair incident between a US spy plane and a Chinese fighter jet near Hainan island. China has set up Air Defence Identification Zones over the South and East China Seas, intercepting overflights.

The clause in the India-Japan statement was meant to emphasize that India concurs with Japan on unhindered maritime freedom and freedom of overflights, which are of “dissonance” with China’s viewpoint, he noted.

PMO encourages people to Six killed in Kashmir floods, many evacuated contribute to national relief fund

SriNAgAr, September 3 (iANS): Six people, including a BSF inspector, were killed Wednesday due to landslides and flash floods in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

Dozens of families were rescued and shifted to safer places.

Five people died due to landslides triggered by heavy rain in a mountainous area in Chungra Kalla Jarh village in Reasi district. Abdul Rashid, an inspector with the 154 battalion of the Border Security Force (BSF), died when a bunker collapsed in Poonch district.

“More than three dozen members of other families were shifted to safer places from flood-prone areas,” a police officer told IANS in Jammu. High alert has been sounded in the entire Jammu region where incessant heavy rain has led to rise in water levels in almost all the rivers and streams.

In Poonch and Rajouri districts, flash floods have washed away 40 houses besides breaching roads and snapping electricity supply in many areas. A police post in the remote Behram Galla village in Surankote region of Poonch was also washed away by flash floods Wednesday although there was no loss of life, police said.

Police in Kulgam district launched a rescue operation when an entire village in Banjarpora, Aakhran was inundated with flood waters and more than 35 families including 25 members of nomadic goatherds called Bakarwals along with their flock were trapped.

“Rafts from Pahalgam were called in by police and the district administration to evacuate the trapped people, including 26

children. The rescue operation is still on,” officials said. Eight families comprising 37 members were rescued by police when they were trapped in the flood in Birigam, Devsar in the same district.

The rescued families were relocated to the Panchayat Ghar temporarily. In Anantnag district, police launched a rescue operation in Fathepora village where five people were trapped in flood waters. At Ganjiwara, Anantnag, police rescued a woman who was swept away in flood water of the Jhelum river.

A youth who was also swept away by the gushing waters in Ganderbal district was rescued by police with the assistance of the army.

Reports of villages getting inundated by flood waters have also come in from Baramulla and Pulwama districts.

State chief secretary Muhammad Iqbal Khandey held two video conferences with district magistrates of the flood-affected districts.

The Srinagar-Leh national highway connecting the cold desert of Ladakh with the rest of India was closed following landslides and heavy rain in the Zojilla Pass area.

Sonam Lotus, director of the local Met office, said there would be moderate to rather heavy rain at many places across the state in the next two days. He issued an advisory asking people living in higher reaches and close to rivers to exercise caution and remain alert.

“The present weather conditions would continue till Friday evening although we are expecting periods of relief from incessant rain that is presently lashing Jammu and Kashmir,” he told IANS.

New Delhi, September 3 (pti): The Prime Minister’s Office has asked government departments to publicise the scheme of 100 percent tax exemption for contributions to the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) in an exercise aimed at encouraging donations which can be used to help the needy.

“All donations towards PMNRF are notified for 100 percent deduction from taxable income under Section 80G of Income Tax Act, 1961,” the PMO said in an official order. It has asked the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) to make arrangements for display of the message on its website along with those of other departments.

PMNRF was constituted in January, 1948, to assist displaced persons from Pakistan. The resources of PMNRF are now utilised mainly to render immediate relief to the affected families of those killed or injured in natural calamities like floods, cyclones, earthquakes, etc., or in major accidents or riots.

The fund is also used to provide financial aid for medical treatment like heart surgeries, kidney transplantation, cancer treatment, etc. “The fund consists entirely of voluntary public contributions and does not get any budgetary support,” said the PMO order.

The Prime Minister is the chairman of the fund.

Children play outside their homes at a slum in New Delhi on Wednesday, September 3. (AP Photo)

Australia to sign uranium trade deal with India

cANberrA, September 3 (Ap): Australia’s prime minister said Wednesday that he will sign a uranium export deal with India for peaceful power generation this week, but added that exports of the nuclear fuel to Russia have been banned until further notice.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott told Parliament he would sign a nuclear cooperation agreement with newly elected Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a threeday visit to Mumbai and New Delhi which officially starts Thursday.

“My hope ... is to deepen the friendship between Australia and India at a time of

renewed optimism in India under the new government of Prime Minister Modi,” Abbot told Parliament ahead of his first visit to India as prime minister.

Abbott declared an official end to the uranium trade with Russia in response to a call from the minor Greens party for uranium to be included in trade sanctions triggered by Russian military intervention in Ukraine.

“There will be no Australian uranium sales to Russia until further notice,” Abbott said.

“Australia has no intention of selling uranium to a country which is so obviously in breach of international law

as Russia currently is,” he said.

The uranium export ban on Russian will have no immediate effect, although it bolsters opponents’ argument that the deal had always been a mistake.

A previous Australian government struck a trade deal with Russia, but only a single shipment was made in 2012. That was five years after an initial trade agreement was reached between Moscow and Canberra. For commercial reasons, there have been no further shipments on the horizon.

Australia, which holds almost a third of the world’s known uranium reserves, imposes strict conditions on

uranium export contracts and India’s failure to sign the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty had long been a barrier to any trade deal.

But the countries have been negotiating a so-called nuclear safeguards agreement with verification mechanisms since 2012 when a former Australian government agreed on civil nuclear energy cooperation with India that would eventually allow the export of Australian uranium to the energy-starved nation.

Abbott had argued that India was more worthy of such a trade deal — which prohibits use of Australian uranium in weapons or to

power nuclear submarines— than Russia.

“If we are prepared to sell uranium to Russia, and we’ve been prepared to do that in the past, surely we ought to be prepared to provide uranium to India under suitable safeguards,” Abbott told Australian Broadcasting Corp. late Tuesday.

Greens leader Christine Milne also criticized Abbott for using the Russian trade deal as justification for uranium exports to India.

“The prime minister is cavalier in his disregard of international law and agreements when it comes to the proliferation of nuclear weapons,” she told reporters.

Massive surge in cancer cases nationwide but where are the doctors?

New Delhi, September 3 (AgeNcieS): There are less than 1,600 cancer specialists in the country to treat an estimated one crore cancer patients, and the situation is likely to worsen with an expected 20 per cent jump in the number of cancer cases by the end of this decade, according to government data and prominent doctors’ associations.

The doctor-patient ratio gap is unlikely to be corrected any time soon unless dramatic measures are taken since many of these specialities are relatively new and the number of seats in these superspecialities is limited. Gynaecological oncology for example sees only one new specialist

every year. There are only four seats in DM paediatric oncology approved by the Medical Council of India and six seats in DNB paediatric hemato oncology run by the National Board of Examinations (NBE).

The statistics are particularly alarming given that the National Health Profile released recently by the Union Health Ministry predicts that by 2020, India will have a more than 20 per cent spike in cancer cases, with the increase being higher in women than in men. The National Health Profile predicts that the total number of male cancer patients will jump to 6,22,203 in 2020 from the current 5,22,164. The number of female cancer

patients will touch 6,98,725 by 2020 from the present 5,64,619.

While India has a shortage of medical personnel in general, the gap in the number of oncologists, experts say, is relatively bigger and India has a tough battle on its hands if it needs to meet the optimum of one cancer specialist for every 100,000 population.

“It is true that the shortage of cancer doctors is out of proportion with the shortage in medical manpower in other specialities.

There are some 1,500 oncologists in India (medical, radiation and surgical). There are 50 pediatric oncologists and 30 gynaecological oncologists.

Though they are not all

concentrated in the metros — Nashik has four medical oncologists, Indore has five — there is no denying that there is a problem that we can only manage if we look for innovative solutions,” says Dr Purvish Parikh, director, precision oncology, at Asian Institute of Oncology, Somaiya Hospital and president of the Indian Society of Paediatric and Medical Oncology.

Even premier cancer treatment centres in India do not have the kind of doctor-patient ratio that their western counterparts do.

For instance, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, USA sees the same number of new cancer patients as Mumbai’s Tata Memorial Hospital. Yet it

has 250 medical oncologists in the breast cancer department whereas there are only three medical oncologists at TMH. The challenge for India also is the fact that many of the cancer-related specialities are too new. Surgical oncology started off in 1984 at the Adyar Cancer Institute with 24 students and it was only recently that gynaecological oncology branched out as a separate discipline of its own.

“The facilities for training surgical oncologists are concentrated in a few cities — Chennai has two, Thiruvananthapuram has two, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad have one each and then of course there are Mumbai and Delhi. There

are 15 centres in all and naturally treatment facilities are concentrated in these cities. It is too new a speciality, therefore, will take time to penetrate into the smaller cities,” says Dr R Rajaraman, consultant surgical oncologist at Apollo Hospital Chennai and president of the Indian Association of Surgical Oncologists.

An additional fallout of the limited training facilities in India for cancer specialists has been that many are forced to train abroad and subsequently choose to practice and settle there.

Dr Vipin Batra, executive director of NBE, admits there is an emergent need to massively scale up training opportunities and India wasted too much time

waiting for a miracle that has not happened.

“There is not even a consolidated national cancer registry. A lot of cases go unreported because of lack of surveillance, making population based interventions difficult to plan.

There are hotspots for cancer care in cities like Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune, Bangalore, Delhi and Mumbai but for the rest of the country, where doctors are not so easily available, preventive oncology is the only thing that can make things better,” Dr Batra says.

India has an existing programme against noncommunicable diseases — the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Car-

diovascular Diseases and Stroke — that has an element of screening for cancer but the latter has been a virtual non-starter because of lack of trained personnel, say officials in the Health Ministry.

Among the innovative solutions that cancer specialists say India needs to adopt immediately are the western practice of nurse practitioners who have been trained to take a call on treatment in the absence of a qualified doctor and training the rural health workers in cancer treatment so that once a patient has undergone radiotherapy and chemotherapy at a bigger centre, care in the later phase can happen at respective homes.

InternatIonal

the Morung express

Thursday 4 September 2014

Dimapur

9

Second Syria beheading raises stakes for US

BEIRUT, SEpTEmBER 3 (Ap): Islamic State extremists have released a video purportedly showing the beheading of a second American journalist, Steven Sotloff, and warned President Barack Obama that continuing airstrikes against the group in Iraq will be met with the killing of more Western captives.

The footage — depicting what the U.S. called a sickening act of brutality — was posted late Tuesday, two weeks after the release of video showing the killing of James Foley and just days after Sotloff’s mother pleaded for his life.

Barak Barfi, a spokesman for the family, said the Sotloffs had seen the video but that authorities have not established its authenticity. “The family knows of this horrific tragedy and is grieving privately. There will be no public comment from the family during this difficult time,” Barfi said.

Sotloff, a 31-year-old Miami-area native who freelanced for Time and Foreign Policy magazines, vanished in Syria in August 2013 and was not seen again until he appeared in a video released last month that showed Foley’s beheading. Dressed in an orange jumpsuit against an arid Syrian landscape, Sotloff was threatened in that video with death unless the U.S. stopped airstrikes on the Islamic State.

In the video distributed Tuesday and titled “A Second Message to America,” Sotloff appears in a similar jumpsuit before he is

apparently beheaded by a fighter with the Islamic State, the extremist group that has conquered wide swaths of territory across Syria and Iraq and declared itself a caliphate.

In the video, the organization threatens to kill another hostage, this one identified as a British citizen. Britain and France called the killing “barbaric.”

British Prime Minister David Cameron said in a statement that he would chair an emergency response meeting with his Cabinet on Wednesday to review the latest developments.

In Washington, State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said U.S. intelligence analysts will work as quickly as possible to determine if the video is authentic. “If the video is genuine, we are sickened by this brutal act, taking the life of another innocent American citizen,” Psaki said. “Our hearts go out to the Sotloff family.”

Psaki said it is believed that “a few” Americans are still being held by the Islamic State group. Psaki would not give any specifics, but one is a 26-year-old woman kidnapped while doing humanitarian aid work in Syria, according to a family representative who asked that the hostage not be identified out of fear for her safety. The fighter who apparently beheads Sotloff in the video calls it retribution for Obama’s continued airstrikes against the group.

“I’m back, Obama, and I’m back because of your arrogant foreign policy to-

ward the Islamic State ... despite our serious warnings,” the fighter says. “So just as your missiles continue to strike our people, our knife will continue to strike the necks of your people.”

The killer specifically mentions the recent U.S. airstrikes around the Mosul dam and the beleaguered Iraqi town of Amirli, making it unlikely that Sotloff was killed at the same time as Foley, as some analysts had speculated. Over the weekend, Iraqi government forces with help from U.S. airstrikes broke the

Islamic State group’s twomonth siege of Amirli, a town where some 15,000 Shiite Turkmens had been stranded.

In a statement Tuesday evening from U.S. Central Command, military officials said an airstrike conducted Monday against Islamic State militants near the Mosul Dam damaged or destroyed 16 armed vehicles. The SITE Intelligence Group, a U.S. terrorism watchdog, first reported the video’s existence.

As the Islamic State group has moved to expand

its proto-state over the past year, it has frequently published graphic photos and gruesome videos of bombings, beheadings and mass killings.

Last week, Sotloff ’s mother, Shirley Sotloff, pleaded with his captors for mercy, saying in a video that her son was “an innocent journalist” and “an honorable man” who “has always tried to help the weak.” Sotloff grew up in the Miami area, and graduated from Kimball Union Academy, a prep school in New Hampshire.

As a student at Kimball, Sotloff “developed a passion for reporting and writing, a gift that he shared with people around the world, and this unthinkable act of terror has taken him from us far too soon,” New Hampshire Gov. Maggie Hassan said in a statement. Sotloff then attended the University of Central Florida, which said he majored in journalism from 2002 to 2004 but apparently left without graduating.

Just how Sotloff made his way from Florida to Middle East hotspots is not clear.

Chairman Rep. Ed Royce, a California Republican, said the new video demonstrates the Islamic State group’s “barbarity” and said the U.S. and allies need to step up military action against it.

At Sotloff ’s parents’ home in Pinecrest, Florida., two police vehicles blocked the driveway Tuesday, and officers advised journalists to stay away. Friends of the family could be seen coming and going. “Everyone’s been concerned. Everyone is grieving,” neighbor Pepe Cazas said. “It’s terrible.

I’ve been praying for him.”

Despite dangers, Sotloff was determined to report

WASHINGTON, SEpTEmBER 3 (REUTERS): Even for a freelance journalist covering the tumult in the Arab world, Steven Sotloff’s travels seemed nonstop. In October 2012, the American reporter was in Benghazi, Libya, covering the aftermath of the deadly raid on the U.S. diplomatic compound there. In December, he was in northern Syria, writing about the lives of destitute, displaced Syrians and the war, according to his published reports and his communications with colleagues and editors.

“I’ve been here over a week and no one wants freelance because of the kidnappings.

It’s pretty bad here,” he e-mailed another journalist. “I’ve been sleeping at a front, hiding from tanks the past few nights, drinking rain water.” In August 2013, telling colleagues he understood the dangers, Sotloff returned to Syria, slipping across the border from Turkey. He was quickly kidnapped and fell into the hands of Islamic State, the violent militant group that wants to establish a jihadist hub in the heart of the Arab world.

Colleagues and acquaintances recalled This image made from video released by Islamic State militants on Aug. 19, 2014 purSotloff as a generous man fascinated by ports to show journalist Steven Sotloff being held by the militant group. On Tuesday, September 2, an Internet video purports to show the beheading of Sotloff by the Is- journalism and the changes gripping the Middle East, and determined to tell stories lamic State group. (AP Photo)

Ukraine president says ThE impacT of moDErn Economy cease-fire deal agreed Human greed driving species towards extinction, study says

KIEV, SEpTEmBER 3 (Ap): The office of Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin have reached agreement on a cease-fire in eastern Ukraine.

The brief statement on Wednesday said “mutual understanding was reached regarding the steps that will contribute to the establishment of peace” but gave no details.

“The result of the conversation was agreement on a permanent cease-fire in the Donbass,” the collective term for the eastern Ukraine regions.

There was no immediate reaction from the Russiabacked separatists whom Ukrainian forces have been fighting since April. The rebels ignored a 10-day unilateral cease-fire that Poroshenko had called in June. Russian markets jumped on the news.

The MICEX benchmark was 3 percent higher while the ruble rose 1.2 percent against the U.S. dollar.

Putin’s spokesman said earlier that the Russian president and Poroshenko had found in a recent discus-

He published articles from Syria, Egypt and Libya in a variety of publications. Several focus on the plight of ordinary people in war-torn places. In a statement, Foreign Policy magazine called him a “brave and talented journalist” whose reporting “showed a deep concern for the civilians caught in the middle of a brutal war.”

Time Editor Nancy Gibbs said Sotloff “gave his life so readers would have access to information from some of the most dangerous places in the world.”

House Foreign Affairs

sion that they “largely share views” on ways out of the crisis. Ukraine and the West have accused Russia of sending its troops and weapons to support pro-Russian insurgents who have been fighting government troops in eastern Ukraine since mid-April. Moscow has vehemently denied this charge.

That denial leaves unclear how effective the truce announced Wednesday would prove to be. After a meeting with Poroshenko last week, Putin had said no cease-fire was discussed because Russia was not a party to the conflict.

Over the weekend, the European Union leaders agreed to prepare a new round of sanctions that could be enacted in a week, after NATO accused Russia of sending tanks and troops into southeastern Ukraine. A NATO summit in Wales on Thursday is also expected to approve measures designed to counter Russia’s aggressive actions in Ukraine.

Fighting in eastern Ukraine has killed nearly 2,600 people and forced over 340,000 to flee their homes, according to the U.N.

WASHINGTON, SEpTEmBER 3 (IANS): In a disturbing trend, scientists have reported that species are becoming extinct as much as 1,000 times more frequently - 10 times worse than the previous estimates - owing to human population growth and increasing per capita consumption.

Extinctions are more frequent now than in the 60 million years before people came along. “This reinforces the urgency to conserve what is left and to try to reduce our impact. It was very, very different before humans entered the scene,” said Jurriaan de Vos, a post-doctoral researcher at Brown University.

The current extinction rate is more on the order of 100 extinctions per million species per year - revising the earlier figure of one extinction per million species per year. The new study examined evidence from the evolutionary family trees - phylogenies - of numerous plant and animal species. Phylogenies, constructed by studying DNA, trace how groups of species have changed over time, adding new genetic lineages and losing unsuccessful ones.

By comparing that rise of the number of species from the as yet

unchecked speciation rate with the historical trend evident in the phylogenies, researchers created a predictive model of what the counteracting historical extinction rate must have been. “In most cases, the main cause of extinction is human population growth and per capita consumption although the paper also notes how humans have been able to promote conservation,” said senior author Stuart Pimm, a Duke University professor.

Economic growth to blame for disappearing languages London, September 3 (IANS): Economic growth is the main driver of language extinction, says a study that also identified the global “hotspots” where languages are under threat.

Levels of GDP (Gross Domestic Product) per capita - GDP divided by mid-year population - correlated with the loss of language diversity, the findings showed. The more successful a country was economically, the more rapidly language diversity was disappearing.

Using the same criteria adopted for defining endangered species, the researchers measured the rate and prevalence of language

loss and found that conservation efforts should be focused on north Australia and the north-western corners of the US and Canada.

They also point to areas in the tropics and the Himalayan regions which are undergoing rapid economic growth as future “hotspots” for language extinction, such as Brazil and Nepal.

“As economies develop, one language often comes to dominate a nation’s political and educational spheres,” said study co-author Tatsuya Amato from the University of Cambridge in Britain. “People are forced to adopt the dominant language or risked being left out in the cold - economically and politically,” Amato added.

“Languages are now rapidly being lost at a rate of extinction exceeding the well known catastrophic loss of bio-diversity,” the researchers said. “Of course everyone has the right to choose the language they speak, but preserving dying language is important to maintaining human cultural diversity in an increasingly globalised world,” Amato noted. The study appeared in the journal Proceedings of Royal Society B: Biological Sciences.

from the perspective of average people, not army movements on the battlefield.

“He struck me as a very, very decent guy ... he wasn’t chasing headlines, he wasn’t hyping a pitch,” said James Denton, publisher and editor of the Washington-based journal World Affairs, one of several publications that hired him for freelance work.

Others included TIME and Foreign Policy.

“He wanted to get the story, he wanted to peel away the layers,” said Denton, who met Sotloff over coffee in Washington in May 2013, and published two of his dispatches from Cairo the following July.

The precise circumstances of Sotloff’s abduction in the first week of August 2013 remain unclear, as does the identity of his original kidnappers. One individual familiar with the case said the family’s theory had been that Sotloff was grabbed by a criminal gang, and later transferred or “sold” to Islamic State. His plight burst into the open on Aug. 19, when he appeared at the end of an Internet video depicting the execution of fellow American journalist and hostage James Foley.

Colleagues said Sotlof f was well aware of the dangers of reporting from Syria but was determined to return there nonetheless.

Macau poll reveals democracy urges

HONG KONG SEpTEmBER 3 (REUTERS): An unofficial referendum on democracy in the southern Chinese gambling hub of Macau showed 89 percent of nearly 9,000 people who took part don’t trust their leader, who was re-elected on Sunday as the sole candidate.

An official panel elects Macau’s leader, similar to neighbouring Hong Kong where a committee of largely pro-Beijing loyalists chooses who gets on the ballot, effectively rendering the ability to vote meaningless.

Fernando Chui was returned to office by a panel of 400 largely pro-China loyalists in Macau, a former Portuguese colony. Data released on the poll’s online site showed that 7,762 of 8,688 voters did not have confidence in Chui, while 95% of the voters said they supported universal suffrage by 2019.

Authorities were quick to disrupt the unofficial poll, shutting polling booths and arresting five people for breaching privacy laws.. “We are still very vulnerable to police harassment,” Jason Chao, 27, one of the organisers, said.

“The Chinese government was the one who ordered the rampant suppression of the civil referendum initiatives. Now the Chinese government wants to be tougher against civil movements in Macau and Hong Kong.”

Activist groups in Macau had staged the unofficial referendum among the 600,000 residents to coincide with Sunday’s re-election, following a similar informal vote in the former British colony of nearby Hong Kong.

Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule in 1997, followed two years later by Macau, now the world’s biggest gambling centre. Both enjoy wide-ranging autonomy and free speech not permitted on the mainland, but Communist Party leaders in Beijing fear calls for democracy in the “special administrative regions”, as Hong Kong and Macau are known, could spread to cities on the mainland.

‘World is losing battle against Ebola’

Health workers spray the body of an amputee suspected of dying from the Ebola virus with disinfectant, in a busy street in Monrovia, Liberia on September 2, 2014. Food in countries hit by Ebola is getting more expensive and will become scarcer because many farmers won’t be able to access fields, a U.N. food agency warned Tuesday. An Ebola outbreak in West Africa has killed more than 1,500 people, and authorities have cordoned off entire towns in an effort to halt the virus’ spread. (AP Photo)

UNITED NATIONS, SEpTEmBER 3 (Ap): The international group Doctors Without Borders warned Tuesday that the world is losing the battle against Ebola and lamented that treatment centers in West Africa have been “reduced to places where people go to die alone.”

In separate remarks after a United Nations meeting on the crisis, the World Health Organization chief said everyone involved had underestimated the outbreak, which has now killed more than 1,500 people in Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria. U.N. officials implored

governments worldwide to send medical workers and material contributions.

Meanwhile in Liberia, a missionary organization announced that another American doctor has become infected.

Doctors Without Borders, which has treated more than 1,000 Ebola pa-

tients in West Africa since March, is completely overwhelmed by the disease, said Joanne Liu, the organization’s president. She called on other countries to contribute civilian and military medical personnel familiar with biological disasters.

“Six months into the worst Ebola epidemic in history, the world is losing the battle to contain it,” Liu said at a U.N. forum on the outbreak. “Ebola treatment centers are reduced to places where people go to die alone, where little more than palliative care is offered.”

In Sierra Leone, she said, infectious bodies are rotting in the streets. Liberia had to build a new crematorium instead of new Ebola care centers.

At the U.N. meeting, WHO Director Margaret Chan thanked countries that have helped but said: “We need more from you.

And we also need those countries that have not come on board.”

Later at a news conference, she warned that the outbreak will get worse before it gets better.

President Barack Obama urged West Africans on Tuesday to wear gloves and masks when caring for Ebola patients or burying anyone who died of the disease. He discouraged the burial practice of directly touching the body of Ebola victims, which is one way the disease has been spreading.

“You can respect your traditions and honor your loved ones without risking the lives of the living,” Obama said in the brief video message.

Dr. Tom Frieden, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said the situation is now the world’s first Ebola epidemic, given how widely it is spreading.

The latest missionary to come down with the disease, a male obstetrician, was not immediately identified by the group Serving In Mission. The group did

not specify how he contracted the disease, but it can be spread through vaginal fluids. He did not work in an Ebola ward.

A Liberian doctor on the missionary’s treatment team said it was too soon to tell whether he will be evacuated. The doctor would speak only on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the matter with reporters.

Last month, two Americans, including one from the same missionary group, were evacuated to the United States for treatment after contracting Ebola in Liberia. The two recovered after receiving an experimental drug known as ZMapp.

The manufacturer says it has run out of supplies of the drug and it will take months to produce more.

U.S. health officials on Tuesday announced a $24.9 million, 18-month contract with Mapp Biopharmaceutical Inc. to speed development of ZMapp. As part of the project, Mapp is to make a

small amount of the drug for early-stage safety testing, while working with the Department of Health and Human Services to accelerate the manufacturing process.

The outbreak has taken a particularly high toll on health care workers, and nurses in Liberia and Sierra Leone have repeatedly gone on strike to demand hazard pay and better protective gear.

On Monday, nurses at a major hospital in the Liberian capital went on strike, according to spokesman Jerald P. Dennis III. While JFK hospital is treating Ebola patients, the striking nurses were all from nonEbola wards.

Information Minister Lewis Brown said late Tuesday that the dispute had been resolved, but Dennis said discussions were ongoing.

Meanwhile, the Sierra Leone government said nurses were back at work Tuesday after a strike at a Freetown hospital this

weekend. The government has said it will pay out all accrued hazard pay and double the allowance going forward.

Also Tuesday, the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization warned that food in countries hit by Ebola is becoming more expensive and will become scarcer because some farmers can’t reach their fields.

Authorities have cordoned off entire towns in an effort to halt the virus’ spread. Surrounding countries have closed land borders, and airlines have suspended flights to and from the affected countries.

Seaports are losing traffic, restricting food imports to the hardest-hit countries.

Those countries — Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone — all rely on grain from abroad to feed their people, according to the U.N. food agency. For instance, the price of cassava root, a staple in many West African diets, has gone up 150 percent in one market in Liberia’s capital, Monrovia.

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Dimapur

SPORTS

Thursday 4 September 2014

Gift Raikhan earns AFC-A certificate

Dimapur, September 3 (mexN): Gift Raikhan, the current assistant coach of Pune FC, has earned the prestigious Asian Football Confederation (AFC) ‘A’ certificate. The certificate course, organised by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), was held from May 5-30 at Madgoan, Goa. With this achievement, Raikhan, a Tangkhul, has become the first Naga to clear the AFC-A license course.

Despite his humble beginnings, Gift’s interest in football from an early age has contributed to this achievement. Born in 1981 to Surrender and Pheomila Raikhan, a young Gift start-

ed playing for various state teams and was among the under-21 National Squad.

He has also played for Bengal, Mumbai, Churchill Brothers and HAL Bangalore in I-league. In 2006, he won the All India Kashmir Gold cup. He last played for Pune Football Club in 2007-2008 in the second division and later began his coaching profession clearing the AFC-C certificate course and subsequently AFC-B certificate course.

He has been head coach of Pune FC’s under – 15, under-17 and under -19 teams. He was made assistant coach of Pune FC in 2013.

McGrath to coach at MRF academy

NeW DeLhi, September 3 (ap): Former Australia test paceman great Glenn McGrath will have a hand in coaching India's promising fast bowlers after the Indian cricket board signed an agreement with his Chennai-based bowling academy.

"It has been a wonderful couple of years for me at the MRF Pace Foundation," McGrath said in a statement.

"I now eagerly look forward to working with India's best at the foundation." The

44-year-old McGrath, who took over as director of the academy from fellow-Australian bowling great Dennis Lillee in 2012, holds three two-week camps each year in which he coaches young pace bowlers from around the country. He will now also oversee the progress of several fringe and upcoming pace bowlers for India's national team including Varun Aaron and Ashok Dinda. "Our facilities compare favorably with the best in the world and I am eagerly

looking forward to this challenge," McGrath said.

McGrath, who retired in 2007 after taking 563 wickets in 124 tests and 381 in 250 ODIs, said Indian pace bowlers could do better if they were provided with lively wickets in domestic games. "If you keep bowling on docile pitches here, you cannot expect your fast bowlers to adapt straightaway to the tracks abroad," he was quoted as saying by The Hindu newspaper on Wednesday.

Nagaland NSS volunteers at Youth Festival 2014 Kohima, September 3 (Dipr): 32 National Service Scheme (NSS) Volunteers from Nagaland led by Programme Officer, DBHSS, R. Daikho Daniel participated in the Seven North East Youth Festival held at Khuman Lampak, Imphal, Manipur, from August 21-25.

The festival was a cultural extravaganza where youths from North East displayed their talents and skills. The Nagaland contingent from Jafu Christian College and Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Kohima, participated in Cultural Dance, Folk Songs, Traditional

Fashion Show, besides games and sports. The NSS Volunteers have expressed their gratitude to the Directorate of Youth Resources & Sports, Govt. of Nagaland and C. Theyo, State Liaison Officer (SLO) for the initiative taken to send them to the said programme.

The Morung Express

ManU offloads youth to signal shift in policy

maNCheSter, September 3 (ap): Manchester United was minutes away from announcing a blockbuster move for Radamel Falcao in the final hours of the transfer window when the club released a statement that went largely unnoticed. One of the team's promising youngsters, striker Tom Lawrence, had been sold to fellow Premier League side Leicester.

The 20-year-old Lawrence made his senior debut for United in one of the final games of last season, a 3-1 win over Hull in the Premier League when Ryan Giggs was interim manager. It was to be his only match in the famous red shirt.

Lawrence was one of four young British players to leave Old Trafford on deadline day, the same day United completed the signings of established internationals from Colombia and the Netherlands to take the summer spending of new manager Louis van Gaal to 150 million pounds ($250 million).

Long held up as a breeding ground for homegrown talent — the "Class of 92" that came through the ranks included Giggs, David Beckham, the Nev-

FILE - This is a Tuesday Aug. 12, 2014 file photo of Manchester United's Javier Hernandez as he fires a shot past Valencia's Javi Fuego during a pre season friendly soccer match at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England. Real Madrid has signed Mexico striker Javier Hernandez on a season-long loan from Manchester United. Madrid announced the deal hours before the close of the summer transfer window on September 1. (AP Photo)

ille brothers and Paul Scholes — United this time has resembled Real Madrid of a few years ago, seeking short-term gain by signing "galacticos" like Falcao and Angel Di Maria.

"What will happen in the future now, nobody knows," Mike Phelan, a

one-time assistant to former manager Alex Ferguson, said Tuesday. "But that thread has been broken now." Following Lawrence out of United on Monday was 21-year-old defender Michael Keane on loan to Burnley, 20-year-old midfielder Nick Powell

to Leicester and, perhaps most tellingly, 23-year-old England forward Danny Welbeck.

Beckham is among those to bemoan his departure. "He has been there since he was 8, his heart was in Manchester," Beckham told the BBC

on Tuesday. "I am sure he is obviously sad to leave Manchester United. "Arsenal have a very good, young, talented English player but to see him leave Manchester United — as a Manchester United fan — is obviously sad."

There is unlikely to be an academy graduate in United's first-choice lineup this year for the first time in a generation. Giggs' retirement last season ended two decades of unbroken involvement of that "Class of 92," which blossomed under Ferguson and inspired United to a haul of trophies and the top of English football. Under Van Gaal, and probably the coaches that succeed him, a new route is being taken with instant success imperative. That could mean youth development is eschewed, although 20-yearold Tyler Blackett has started matches in defense this season because of injuries and unavailabilities.

"Maybe this is the start of a new way of doing things at Manchester United and maybe that is the way football is going," Phelan said. "Is it better to look at the instant rather than the future? "It is a difficult one because youth is always the future."

LOCAL NEWS...

Legal awareness program held at Pfütsero

pfütSero, September 3 Phek District chaired by Ashu Key- the seminar. In both the sessions, source persons were on subjects like: (mexN): The (DLSA) District Legal ho, Penal Advocate & President Phek the participants showed their ea- Protection of Environment, Gender gerness by raising various interest- Equality, The Protection of Women Services Authority under Phek, Na- District Bar Association.

The main resources persons ed questions on such as panchayat from Domestic Violence Act of 2005, galand conducted a two day seminar on Legal Awareness at Pfütsero of the seminar were Mayang Lima systems, article 371A etc during the Lok Adalat, Legal Aid and Legal Services Authorities and the powers & Town on August 29 and 30. The first NJS Member Secretary NSLSA, Azi interaction hour.

T.N Odyuo, ADC Pfütsero of- duties of (PLV) Para-Legal Volunsession was held with the students Therie Judicial Magistrate, Vezokho from Pfütsero Government College Nyekha Penal Lawyer, Ashu Keyho, ficially inaugurated a Legal Clinic teers. Besides, SDPO T.R Chang in whereas the second session took Penal Advocate & President, Phek within his premises where he in- charge of Pfütsero Sub Division has place at ADC Office complex with District Bar Association and Alem formed the public that any individ- also showed his concerns by sharing ual or group can approach the Legal his various experiences in regards to Wapang, Lawyer & PLV Trainer. the public leaders.

A host of VCCs, GBs, Youth Clinic whenever they feel that they legal activities of police. Earlier, inMedowe Kapfo, Press Secretary, Para Legal Volunteers Pfütsero Unit Presidents, and Colony Chairmen, are being deprived of their basic vocation prayer was pronounced by stated in a press release that in both SHG representatives, Consumer rights. In turn, PLVs will fully assist Rev. Dr. N. Chiero, Pastor PTBC and ship, Keneizou Hill, KoGeneral Secy further inKohima, Septemthe sessions, an opening remark and Forum and ACAUT members of them in getting justice free of cost. Rev. Ngupelhi Lomi, Pastor CBC and ber 3 (mexN): The Tes- hima on September 7 at 1 formed all the members brief introduction to law was deliv- not less than 200 under the JurisSome of the important topics vote of thanks by Duvelü Sashi and ophenyu Group Union, pm. Therefore all the ex- that a one day general ered by Ramlia District Judge for diction of Pfütsero ADC attended discussed and presented by the re- Pfükrulhi Khupfü respectively.

Kohima (TGUK) has ecutives and responsible prayer and fasting shall be convened a coordina- members are requested to observed on September 20 tion meeting relating for attend the meeting posi- at Rengma Baptist Church, the forth coming general tively as no separate circu- Kohima (RBCK) from 7 am meeting and TGUK Sil- lar would be served to any onwards. All members are Kohima, September 3 (mexN): sound health itself is a big achievement. ver Jubilee Program at the individual. A press note requested to be a part of The department of Agriculture Kohima He added that the outgoing Director’s serDimapur, September 3 (mexN): As the biggest organized a farewell programme in hon- vices would always be remembered.

Group's Union Fellow- issued by Gweni Kemp, the observation N. Tekatushi delivering a short farewell festival of Kerala – Onam – arrives, the Malayali Comour of retiring Director, N. Tekatushi Ao at munity of Dimapur celebrated the Onam Sports comConference Hall, Directorate of Agricul- speech, in the presence of Departmental petition on August 31 at Holy Cross Higher Secondary officers, Staffs, friends and well wishers exture, on September 2. A press release from School Ground Dimapur. Rev. Fr. Sunil, Principal of Holy the Publicity and information wing of the pressed happiness and thanked God and Cross Higher Secondary School Dimapur, inaugurated the Department for giving their fullest supDirectorate of Agriculture informed. the Onam sports organized by Kerala Samajam DimaL. Mero, Director of Agriculture, ex- port and cooperation which enabled him to pur. Fr. Sunil congratulated Kerala Samajam Dimapur complete 35 years without any difficulties. pressed happiness and congratulated the for organizing the event and wished all the Malayalis of outgoing Director for successfully complet- He also mentioned that many good experi- Dimapur a happy and prosperous Onam. ing 35 years of continuous service rendered ences has been gained and learned which Many traditional games were played with great ento the Department. He lauded the outgo- will never fade away, the release stated.

The retiring Director also said that for de- thusiasm and participation from children, women, and ing director for his valuable contribution the men folk. The highlight of this year’s Onam sports was towards the Department, the release stated. partmental programme to succeed, vision an exhibition Kabbadi Match. Reji Abraham, President Bendangyanger, Additional Direc- and planning is required, the release men- Kerala Samajam welcomed the gathering and Reji Kuriator Agriculture, delivering his farewell tioned. He also urged the department to open kose, General Secretary, expressed the vote of thanks. All speech on behalf of the Department said up avenues for research so that the research the winners of different competitions were awarded with that completing 35 years in service and findings can be adopted by farmers. He fur- certificate and medals. Sr. Maria of Bethany Sisters Dimahaving served in various capacities for the ther encouraged the Department officers pur gave the prizes away.

Guardian Angel with support from Legislators’ Forum on AIDS conducted one day Advocacy state, reaching the pinnacle in good and and staffs to work hard, the release stated.

Tesophenyu Group Union Kohima informs

Agri dept bids farewell to outgoing director

Campaign on HIV/AIDS at Toluvi Council Hall, Dimapur with Village Council Board, Gaon Buras, Women Groups, and Church Leaders from Toluvi Village, Baman Pukhuri A, Baman Pukhuri B, Puruna Bazaar B, Samaguri Village and Zani Village on August 30.

Kerala Samajam Dimapur organise Onam Sports

invites participants Dist level verification committee NBDA for essay competition constituted to assist DCs Dimapur, September 3 (Dipr): Member, Na-

Kohima, September 3 (Dipr): In pursuance of the decision of the State Cabinet detailed guidelines for constitution of District Level Verification Committees for verification of work-charged and casual employees of all departments have already been issued vide this Commission's OM of even number dated 22.8.2014. As mentioned in para-(iii) of the said O.M., it was also decided to designate officers in the rank of Commissioner and Secretary/Secretary to the Government for each district to provide administrative support to the Deputy Commissioners. Accordingly, following officers are hereby designated for different district as indicated against each: 1.

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Imkonglemba (C&Secy. Agri & APC) Shashank Shekhar (C & Secy) Neihu C. Thur (C & Secy.TPT) T. Kiheto Sema (Secy. F&CS) Metsuthung Patton (C & Secy. School Ed.) Bendangkokba (C & Secy. V & A.H.) B.P. Chetri (C & Secy. Co-op) Lithrongla G. Chishi (Secy. Home) Beiu Angami (Secy. S. Welfare) Kikheto Sema (Secy. Finance) Ramungo Lotha (Secy. Excise and Women Welfare)

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Dimapur Zunheboto Mokokchung Kohima Tuensang Phek Wokha Peren Longleng Mon Kiphire

The Kuda Youth Club (KYC) conducted surprise checking on sale of liquor and drugs in They are advised to keep in touch with the respective Deputy Commissioners who Kuda Village area on August 31. KYC caught some people violating Kuda Village rules and issued warning and penalty. The KYC has warned that if any person is found selling illegal will be heading the District Level Verification Committees and provide all necessary and abusive substance in the Village premises, stern action will be taken and will be expelled administrative support in the course of the verification. on further violation or both. (Photo Courtesy: Sanyü Yhoshü)

Unity College conducts co-curricular activities

Dimapur, September 3 (mexN): Considering the importance of co-curricular activities, Unity College, Dimapur conducted various programs to supplement scholastic curricula, and enhance interaction, nurture creativity and develop leadership qualities from August 20 to 30.

Dhritiman Bhattacharya, Techno Sales Executive, NIIT Ltd. Kolkata held an interactive session with the students on August 20. He educated the students on ‘New Age Career’ in the field of Banking, Software Development, Accounts and Marketing.

On August 26, a painting and sketching competition was organized on the theme “Save the Environment” with Dr. S.K. Chhabra, Principal of Unity College, Team Metamorphosis of Wokha with new members after a simple induction function in Wokha. inaugurating the exhibition of the art

works. Sashinokcha of B.A. 3rd Semester bagged the first place in painting, while Karishma B.Com 3rd Semester and Arentula B.A. 3rd Semester bagged the second and third positions respectively. In sketching, Ngangalak of B.A. 3rd Semester was adjudged as the winner, with consolation prizes awarded to Alotoli of B.A. 3rd Semester and Thungpai of B.A. 3rd Semester.

A photography workshop was conducted on August 29, with Shuk Shishak, an eminent professional photographer as the resource person.

Highlighting Mental Health issues confronting the youth, counsellors from Serendip Guardians, conducted an awareness program on “Mental-Health” for the B.A./B.Com 1st Semester students.

galand Bamboo Mission, M.Kichung Phom has inform that the Nagaland Bamboo Mission invites participants for Nagaland State Level open Essay Competition on the Topic “Potentials and Challenges in the Development of Bamboo in Nagaland” in commemoration of World Bamboo Day 2014. The Word limit is 1500 to 2000 words, submissions may be made through E-mail, Post or in person with detail contact number and address. Prizes will be distributed on the 18th of September 2014 during the programme. Prize money of Rs.15000/-, Rs.10000/- and Rs.5000/- along with Certificates will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd position respectively. Entry closes on 12th September 2014. For details and submission, please contact Nagaland Bamboo Resource Centre 6th Mile, Dimapur-797112, Nagaland, Phone No. +91-3862-241305, Email:nagaland_bda@yahoo.com

Dist administration Peren bid farewell pereN, September 3 (Dipr): The District Administration Peren bid farewell to both Albert Ezung SDO (Sadar) who was transferred and Biren Sharma (Peon) who retired on superannuation on September 1 at DC’s Conference Hall. Speaking on the day, DC Peren, Peter Lichamo stated that transfer, posting and retirement are part and parcel of government servant. He reflected the disciplined officers’ work in carrying in various assigned duties. As the longest serving officer in headquarter, the DC stated that Albert specially guided the administration for smooth conduct of the last MP election in the district. He wished both the transferee and the retiree good health.

DC headquarter Dr. Kadambari spoke on behalf of the administration. She lauded the efforts of the outgoing officer in carrying out various responsibilities with ease.

Sipeule representing the ZPO praised the officer for taking various problems and helping the district in various field in his short stay. Albert Ezung SDO (Sadar) who was transferred expressed his gratitude for holding a one sent off programme. He also appreciated the guidance of the senior officers and the cooperation of the staffs during his tenure as SDO (Sadara) in the district headquarters. He stated that he is leaving the district with fond memories.

Biren Sharma expressed his thankfulness to all the staff for their love and guidance during his tenure.

Entertainment

The Morung Express C M Y K

New One direction album is 'fantastic' B

Thursday 4 September 2014

Dimapur

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Benedict Cumberbatch named 'actor of year' at

enedict Cumberbatch swooped the 'actor of the year' at GQ awards 2014, it has been reported. While Tony blair won the 'philanthropist of the year,' following with Iggy Pop receiving the 'icon of the year' and Kim Kardashian West bagged the 'woman of the year' award at the ceremony, the Mirror reported. Kardashian wore

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awards

her most revealing dress to date. Cara Delevingne wowed in a sheer black gown and a pair of black pants. And Daisy Lowe took the word sideboob to a whole new level.

GQ winner's 2014 list includes:-

new album is ''fantastic'', according to Simon Cowell. The record label boss believes the 'You & I' heartthrobs have at least six songs that could light up the charts on their upcoming fourth studio album which is due for release later this year.

Speaking to Capital FM,

he enthused: ''The album's fantastic. There's probably five or six tracks I've already heard that could be singles. ''There's some very different kinds of songs than what we've done before, they've taken a few more risks. Most importantly, the boys love writing, they love recording.''

Simon also insisted the boy band - consisting of

Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, Liam Payne and Louis Tomlinson aren't going to split up any time soon and he foresees them sticking together for the long haul.

He added: ''I went on Twitter recently to say I don't think they're going to split up, they're having too good a time! I think they could be doing this five, 10,

20 years if they wanted to!''

Music producer Naughty Boy recently hinted a track he produced with Emeli Sandé, titled 'One Chance to Dance', could be One Direction's next single.

He said: ''We wrote it with Emeli Sandé and it's a real progression for them. I've been told there's a big chance it's going to be the first single from their next album.''

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Comedian - John Bishop Editor's Special - Liam Neeson Chef - Tom Kerridge Designer - Christopher Bailey Writer - Michael Lewis Breakthrough Fashion Designers - Agi and Sam Hugo Boss Most Stylish Man - Douglas Booth International Man - Jonah Hill Philanthropist - Tony Blair TV Personality - Peter Capaldi Innovator - Ewan Venters Inspiration - New Order Sportsman - Lewis Hamilton Entrepreneur - Andre Balazs Special Achievement - Paolo Nutini Vertu Breakthrough - Jamie Dornan Solo Artist - Pharrell Williams Leading Man - Colin Firth Humanitarian - Ringo Starr Actor - Benedict Cumberbatch Legend - Van Morrison Woman - Kim Kardashian West Icon - Iggy Pop

Justin BieBer charged with

Kate Hudson slams

assault over photo incident

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anadian pop star Justin Bieber faces new charges after he was arrested for dangerous driving and assault following a collision between a minivan and an ATV that led to a physical altercation involving a photographer, his lawyer said Tuesday.

Ontario Provincial Police said Bieber, who was driving the ATV, and an occupant

eating disorder rumour A

s a mother-of-two, she knows the importance of healthy eating. And now Kate Hudson has spoken out to silence claims she has an eating disorder. 'If there is one thing I will never have, it is an eating disorder,' she insists. 'I won’t have girls – even if it is just one or two who care – thinking that,' the 35-year-old actress said in the October issue of UK Red magazine, in which she graces the cover.

The Almost Famous star went on to explain: 'It’s a serious sickness, not something to plaster on the cover of a magazine. And I am the opposite.' Kate famously gained 70 pounds during her first pregnancy with her son Ryder, ten.

But she isn't ashamed of the weight gain, instead addressing it as a perfectly acceptable thing.

'The whole point is I want girls to love themselves. I want them to feel good about who they are,' the blonde beauty adamantly said. 'The thing is, I’m lucky because I was loved. But I have seen so many young women who can’t feel good about themselves because they just don’t have… that love.'

The star has certainly been lucky in love, as she is now engaged to Matthew Bellamy, the father of her son Bingham, three.

The How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days star 'didn't think she'd ever date a musician again' after splitting from her ex Chris Robinson, but that hasn't been the case. 'That [Rock 'N' Roll] world is

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difficult. But it is what it is, right? I like people with musicality… I find it attractive,' Kate said. Kate was married to Chris, who is the father of her son Ryder, from 2000 to 2007.

And in order to maintain her strong support system now, the star insists she has a healthy relationship with her ex and his wife Allison Bridges. 'We’re family, right? Ryder has a sister and a brother and if you separate those things, your kids don’t feel good.' Meanwhile, Kate isn't in a rush to walk down the aisle again any time soon. 'I’m not in a rush. We are basically married. It’s really about when are we going to take the time to plan a wedding,' she said of her relationship with Matthew. Kate even opened up about how she isn't glued to her engagement ring, 'because it can be… a little much.' 'I like to wear my push gift [another ring]… For pushing out Bing!' she added.

As far as her own upbringing, Kate revealed her mother Goldie Hawn was actually quite strict. 'Oh, if there were drugs being smoked in our house I would have got a wooden spoon upside my head. They were tough,' she explained. 'They were fun, they were cool, but they were not hippy-dippy parents.

If I’d come home with a tattoo, they’d have told me to find an apartment. But cut to years later, we all have a tattoo!'

The October issue of Red releases to newsstands on September 4th.

of the minivan "engaged in a physical altercation," Friday afternoon near Bieber's hometown of Stratford.

"Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez's peaceful retreat in Stratford this weekend was unfortunately disrupted by the unwelcome presence of the paparazzi," Brian Greenspan, Bieber's Toronto lawyer, said Tuesday.

"This has regrettably resulted in charges of dangerous driving and assault. Mr. Bieber and Ms. Gomez have fully cooperated in the police investigation. We are hopeful that this matter will be quickly resolved."

Bieber, 20, turned himself in to a police sta-

tion Monday and was arrested, then released on a promise to appear in court Sept. 29, Constable Kees Wijnands said.

Wijnands said there were no injuries as a result of the collision, but could not say whether there were any injuries from the altercation.

"It wasn't a big deal for us. We knew he was here.

He's a local boy. We weren't

going to make a big deal of it," Wijnands said, adding that Beiber was riding with a passenger.

Bieber was photographed Friday riding on an ATV vehicle with on-and-off again girlfriend actress and a singer Selena Gomez.

Just a few days before the incident, Bieber's car was hit from behind by a vehicle driven by a photographer in Hollywood and the Grammy Award-nominated singer tweeted: "There should be laws against what I just experienced. We should have learned from the death of Princess Diana..."

He also tweeted: "I don't have a problem with

Paparazzi but when they act recklessly they put us all in danger."

Earlier this month, Bieber pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of careless driving and resisting arrest seven months after his arrest in Miami Beach following what police initially called an illegal street drag race.

Bieber is also charged in Toronto with assaulting a limousine driver in late December. Police allege Bieber hit a limousine driver several times in the back of the head after he and five others were picked up in the early hours of Dec. 30.

His lawyers have said he is not guilty in that case.

There is a court hearing in that case scheduled for Sept.

8, but Greenspan said Bieber won't attend.

Also in Miami, Bieber faces a lawsuit by a photographer who alleges he was roughed up while shooting pictures of the singer outside a recording studio.

In July, Bieber pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor vandalism charge for throwing eggs at a neighbor's house in Los Angeles.

He agreed to pay more than $80,000 in damages, meet a number of other conditions and was sentenced to two years' probation.

Bieber rocketed to fame at age 15. He was nominated for two Grammy Awards for his 2010 full-length album debut "My World 2.0," but sales of his latest records have fallen off.

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Cliff Richard wins police apology over raid leak

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Luke Bryan takes another tumble during Gig C M Y K

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ountry star Luke Bryan fell off stage for the third time in a year during a gig in Indiana on Saturday (30Aug14). The Drunk On You hitmaker brought his That's My Kinda Night tour to Nobles-

ville, but the show failed to go off without a hitch.

Photos and videos posted on social media captured Bryan in the middle of singing, but he suddenly missteps and falls directly into a crowd of eager fans below.

Bryan seems to laugh off the tumble in the video as he is helped back up to the stage by security guards.

The singer insists he wasn't injured after the fall, and later wrote on Twitter.com, "All good here. No

bumps or bruises. Our stage is different in every amp. Little stage variations. Hell, I gotta just pay more attention."

Bryan previously had similar falls in Florida and North Carolina, where he required stitches for an injury.

ir Cliff Richard has won an apology from a police chief after officials admitted leaking news of a raid on his home. The Living Doll star hit headlines last month (Aug14) when cops swooped on his home in Berkshire, England as part of an investigation into an allegation of sexual abuse on a boy under the age of 16 dating back to the 1980s.

The news was first reported by the Bbc, and police officials later admitted they had tipped off journalists at the corporation ahead of the raid.

David Crompton, chief constable of South Yorkshire Police, testified about the incident before a House Commons select committee on Tuesday (02Sep14)

and he offered an apology to the star, saying, "We had a job to do but I do apologise to Sir Cliff if we were insensitive about the way that we did that.

"We had a job to do, and we have an investigation. The problem is that investigation could never be done in a low-profile way because it was fatally compromised from the outset...

We were placed in a very difficult position because of the original leak and the Bbc came to us knowing everything that we knew, as far as the investigation...

I'm confident that we made the right decision in difficult and unusual circumstances."

Richard vehemently denies the allegation which sparked the police probe.

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Wozniacki to face Peng in Semi-final Roger Federer, Monfils to clash in quarterfinal

Peng Shuai, of China, returns a shot against Belinda Bencic, of Switzerland, during the quarterfinals of the 2014 U.S. Open tennis tournament, Tuesday, Sept. 2 in New York. (AP Photo)

NEW YORK, SEptEmbER 3 (AFp): Former world number one Caroline Wozniacki and firsttime Grand Slam semifinalist Peng Shuai will meet for a place in the US Open title match after dominant victories on Tuesday. Wozniacki, the runner-up at Flushing Meadows in 2009, dismissed 13th-seeded Italian Sara Errani 6-0, 6-1 and is back in the semifinals of a major for the first time since the 2011 US Open.

China's Peng, in the quarterfinals of a major for the first time in her 37th attempt, made similarly short work of Swiss teen Belinda Bencic 6-2, 6-1. Peng joined two-time Grand Slam champion Li Na and Zheng Jie as the only Chinese to reach the last four of a Grand Slam.

"Thirty-seven times Grand Slam," Peng said, then had to stop the thought as she struggled to

contain her emotions after taking apart Bencic in just 64 minutes. "It's a little bit too exciting," she said. "I love tennis, I love to play, but it's a long time, the career. It's tough. Sometimes I've thought to give up and stop playing because I don't know if I can make it or not. "My coach and my parents always told me to fight and not give up – that today was coming."

Wozniacki was similarly convincing on a windy night on Arthur Ashe Stadium court, where towels from the players' chairs and stray plastic bags had to be corraled. In a match between two players with an uncanny ability to extend rallies, Wozniacki's 26 outright winners to the 12 of Errani made the difference.

Errani, who boasts a top-speed serve of less than 90 mph (144.84 Km/h) couldn't hold once in six service games. She was un-

able to capitalize on any of four break points in the opening game of the match and after fighting for that hold Wozniacki was rolling.

"It was really tricky conditions with the wind but I tried to stay aggressive," Wozniacki said, calling the opening game "very important".

Errani did break Wozniacki to open the second set, but with the Italian unable to protect her own serve it was immaterial, and the Dane wrapped things up in 65 minutes. "It means so much to me," said Wozniacki, who has struggled to find consistency this season and coped with the abrupt and highly publicized end of her engagement to golfer Rory McIlroy. "It's been a pretty up and down year for me, and to be here in the semi-finals of the US Open again is just incredible." Wozniacki toppled former champion Ma-

ria Sharapova in the fourth round, while Errani's run had included a thirdround win over seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams as upsets saw only two of the top 10 seeds reach the last eight.

Peng, ranked 39th, ploughed through three seeded players to reach the quarters, including fourthseeded Pole Agnieszka Radwanska. She is the only woman besides two-time defending champion Serena Williams who has yet to drop a set in a tournament in which Williams and 10th-seeded Wozniacki are the only players remaining from the top 10 seeds. Peng took control early against Bencic, the youngest US Open quarter-finalist since Martina Hingis won the title at 16 in 1997. "I think she has a dangerous game with both hands and the ball is really coming different from her racquet," Bencic said.

NEW YORK, SEptEmbER 3 (REutERS): Roger Federer rolled into the quarter-finals of the U.S. Open for the 10th time in 11 years on Tuesday, while experience finally got the better of youth at the year's final grand slam. Fivetimes champion Federer powered his way past Spain's Roberto Bautista 6-4 6-3 6-2, the 33-yearold raising his record on Arthur Ashe Stadium court to a dazzling 25-1.

On another sweltering day at the U.S. National Tennis Center, three emerging talents and potential grand slam winners of the future were finally ushered to the Flushing Meadows exit. Chinese doubles specialist Peng Shuai routed 17-year-old Belinda Bencic 6-2 6-1, Tomas Berdych thrashed 20-year-old Austrian Dominic Thiem 6-1 6-2 6-4, and Frenchman Gael Monfils schooled 23-year Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov 7-5 7-6(6) 7-5.

Monfils put aside his showman antics for a more workmanlike approach to his fourth round match and it resulted in victory over the player dubbed "Baby Fed" for his all-around game that resembles Swiss maestro Federer's.

Frenchman Monfils, seeded 20th, returns to the quarter-finals for the first time since 2010 for a date with Federer. "He's got easy top 10 potential," said Federer of Monfils, who has yet to drop a set.

"He's a great mover. He's got a wonderful serve, really, which nobody really talks about because of his athletic movement which stands out so much."

Sania-Cara enter US Open semis

NEW YORK, SEptEmbER 3 (IANS): Indian tennis player Sania Mirza moved into the women's doubles semi-finals of the US Open with Zimbabwe partner Cara Black after rivals Zarina Diyas and Yi-Fan Xu retired in the quarters. Third seeds Sania and Cara took the first set 6-1 in 40 minutes and won a game in the second set when Kazakh Zarina and her Chinese partner Yi-Fan retired at the Flushing Meadows here Tuesday.

Sania has now equalled her best performance here. She had also reached the semis last year with Chinese partner Zheng Jie. Sania and Cara will face Martina Hingis of Switzer-

land and Flavia Pennetta of Italy in the semi-final.

The Swiss-Italian pair registered a 6-4, 6-3 win over fifth seeds Kveta Peschke of Czech Republic and Katarina Srebotnik of Slovakia.

In the mixed doubles semi-final, top seeded Sania and her Brazilian partner Bruno Soares will face Yung-Jan Chan of Chinese Taipei and Ross Hutchins of Britain Wednesday.

Alastair Cook won't quit England captaincy

bIRmINghAm, SEptEmbER 3 (IANS): Amidst criticisms from all quarters, England captain Alastair Cook has said he will not step down from his post but said the management was free to sack him.

Cook said he was hungry for success in ODIs and wants to carry on with the job. His comments came in the wake of England suffering three consecutive heavy defeats against India, the latest being the nine-wicket loss here at

Edgbaston Tuesday night.

England also lost the ODI series 3-0 with a match yet to go.

“At this precise moment, I’m still hungry to do it. If the management say they don’t want me, that’s a decision they make,” the 29-year-old Cook told BBC Test Match Special shortly after Tuesday’s ODI loss.

What frustrates Cook is the fact that questions are always raised about his place in both the Test and the ODI teams.

“The frustrating thing is that every side I seem to play in for England, there’s a question about my place. That’s a hard place to work from. I went from 0—1 down to 3-1. It changes very quickly in sport. My credibility is not for me to comment on,” said the opening batsman.

Cook was appointed the ODI captain in 2011 and led England to the top of the ODI world rankings in 2012. However, since 2012, England have won only one series against

another Test-playing nation since 2012 and have lost their last four at home.

They also reached the final of the Champions Trophy on home soil in 2013.

His batting average has also dropped since 2012.

Overall he averages 40.29 as ODI skipper, it has to 29.83 since 2012.

“I know I have to score more runs. I’ve done that in the past and I will in the future. I’ve had threeand-a-half years of oneday captaincy experience.

We’ve done some really

good stuff in that time, but we’re having a heavy blip at the moment,” he said.

Cook said his boys have the ability to turn it around but haven’t played to their potential. “We haven’t played very well, nowhere near our potential. That’s the most frustrating thing.

The players have to look at themselves and turn it around. The guys are hungry to succeed, we’re just not delivering at the moment. If anyone thinks their place is safe, then they are wrong,” he said.

CLASSIC CUP: Nagaland Police enters final

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Match in progress between Nagaland Police (Blue) vs Head Hunters (White) on September 3. Morung Photo Our Correspondent Kohima | September 3

Nagaland Police today downed Head Hunters 3-1 to enter the finals of the ongoing 20th Classic Cup 2014 here at the Kohima Local Ground.

Lima Meren, Director Soil &

Water Conservation acted as the match patron.

The match remained goalless in the first half.

Khekiho netted a goal for the Head Hunter to break the deadlock in the second half but Nagaland Police came back with an equalizer

through midfielder Mantok.

Nagaland Police then took the lead through Saku Temjen and further stretched the lead after Lipok Jamir converted a penalty.

Meanwhile, the organizers have informed that there will be a lucky draw

on entry tickets and ticket holders from August 18 till finals is eligible for the draw. The first prize for the lucky draw is Rs. 20,000, while the second and the third prizes are Rs. 15,000 and Rs. 10,000 respectively.

Minister for Rural De-

velopment & REPA C.L. John will grace the closing function as the chief guest on September 6.

SEPTEMBER 4 MATCH 2nd SEMI FINALS HQ IGAR (N) Vs Barak FC- 2:30 PM

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