September 6th 2014

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www.morungexpress.com

Dimapur VOL. IX ISSUE 245

The Morung Express “

www.morungexpress.com

Saturday, September 6, 2014 12 pages Rs. 4

Society is always taken by surprise at any new example of common sense

India needs more dedicated teachers: President

Teachers’ Day celebrated across State

Comedian Joan Rivers dead at 81

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UN: one-fifth of murder victims are under 20

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sePteMBer 6 BlAcK DAY: Matikhrü’s tormented past

reflections

By Sandemo Ngullie

Imkong Walling

Dimapur | September 5

“We cannot change the past but the least the Government of India could do was acknowledge the excesses of its military” I`ve got to clean up my act, or I am going to lose.

Nagaland CM hopes on 14th FC

Dimapur, September 5 (mexN): Chief Minister T.R. Zeliang today met the Chairman and all members of the 14th Finance Commission in New Delhi. According to a press note issued by Kuolie Mere, PRO, Nagaland House, New Delhi, the CM reminded the Chairman and members of the Commission about the “dark period” of the 13th Finance Commission Awards, the “unreasonable and unrealistic” assessments of the 13th Finance Commission, and its adverse impact on the finances of the State during the last 4 and half years. The Chief Minister emphasized on the unique history and situation of Nagaland, and how it deserves a special treatment even amongst the Special Category States. He expressed hope that the State will see a new dawn of light with the award of the 14th Finance Commission. The Chairman assured that the Commission will look into the special problems and needs of the State and take into account all the points made by the Chief Minister, it was informed.

The Commission is expected to submit its report and recommendation to the Government of India during October 2014, the release said, adding that the 14th Finance Commission’s report of Grants to the State will determine the fate of the State for another five years w.e.f. 2015-16 to 201920. The Chief Minister was assisted during the discussion by Lalthara, Adviser to Chief Minister and Y. Kikheto, Secretary, Finance.

Parl Secy assures SSA salary within 1 month Kohima, September 5 (mexN): Parliamentary Secretary for School Education Yitachu today announced that “the pending salaries of the SSA teachers will be released within one month’s time.” Yitachu made the announcement while addressing the State level Teachers’ Day celebration held at NBCC Convention Centre, Kohima.

Justice Dattu to be next CJI

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NeW DeLhi, September 5 (iaNS): Supreme Court judge H.L. Dattu will be the next Chief Justice of India, it was announced Friday. “In exercise of the powers conferred by clause (2) of article 124 of the constitution of India, the president is pleased to appoint Justice Handyala Lakshminarayanaswamy Dattu, judge of the Supreme Court, to be the Chief Justice of India with effect from Sep 28, 2014,” added the statement. Justice Dattu will succeed Chief Justice R.M. Lodha who held the post from April 27.

–Ralph Waldo Emerson

Federer pulls off great escape to reach semi-finals

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Rickshaw drivers transport commuters through floodwaters in Guwahati, September 5. Heavy monsoon showers flooded some areas in the city on September 5. (AP Photo)

‘Govt mulls dilution of tribal forest rights’ NeW DeLhi, September 5 (thomSoN reuterS FouNDatioN): A landmark law recognising the rights of India’s tribes over forest land may be diluted to clear the way for infrastructure projects, Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram has said.

The government is mulling a proposal to amend the Forest Rights Act and exempt certain projects from the need for a village council vote as laid out by law, Oram told Thomson Reuters Foundation. “Projects such as roads, railways and electricity and irrigation will help the tribal people too.

So regarding these types of projects, there is a discussion underway,” Oram said in an interview on Thursday.

“If there are projects (that) are benefiting the tribals also, then what is the problem in amending the Forest Rights Act to include exemptions?”

No decision has yet been made, Oram said, and even if approved by cabinet, any amendments would still need to be passed by parliament.

Activists say the move indicates

how the pro-business policies of recently elected Prime Minister Narendra Modi could hurt the environment and poor communities, including indigenous people.

Landmark Law India’s tribes make up more than 8 percent of its 1.2 billion population.

Yet many live on the margins of society. Social indicators in these communities, including literacy, child malnutrition and maternal mortality, are among the worst in the country.

But the biggest threat has always been to their land. A lack of documents proving land ownership has meant that tribal people are often treated as criminals, exploited by wealthy land owners and money lenders, or face extortion by officials.

In 2008, India passed the Forest Rights Act which recognised the right of tribal people to inhabit the land their forefathers settled on centuries before. The law also stipulates that approval for all projects must be

granted by gram sabhas, or village councils.

Govern For Development, Not Destruction Social activists say one of the most worrisome trends displayed by the new government led by the BJP is a policy to expedite environmental approval for industrial projects.

Wada Na Todo Abhiyan, a coalition of more than 4,000 civil society groups, said on Tuesday that Modi’s government had exempted the expansion of coal mines from public hearings, and would allow mid-sized polluting industries to operate within 5 km of national parks as opposed to 10 km, as directed by the courts.

“Thegovernment’sapproachtopreserving forests, natural resources and environment in general is of concern,” said a report from the groups. “There is particularly apprehension, in light of the undermining of consent from communities,thatlandacquisitionwouldbe solely in the interests of business.”

Times change, yet memories linger. September 6, to the majority of the people is like any other day; a date coming after a celebratory September 5 when the entire nation pays tribute to the teaching profession, while honouring one of India’s most revered president and educationist – S. Radhakrishnan.

To the people of Meluri, an administrative sub-division in Phek district of the State of Nagaland, September 6 is no ordinary day. It’s a day that evokes sombre memories – people recollecting a dark phase in the turbulent history of the Nagas. It is a day of mourning, of lives lost to the excesses of the military.

Matikhrü, a small Pochury village in Meluri was among one of the many villages that was affected during the violent phase. It was 54 years ago, September 6, 1960 when a unit of the Indian Army laid siege to the village of 15 households with a population of barely 50. All able-bodied men found in the village were rounded up and by the end of the day nine were killed, including the village chief.

The siege was part of an operation launched in retaliation to the shooting down of an Indian Air Force cargo plane three weeks before, during a relief sortie.

The crew of the downed plane captured

by NNC fighters were eventually released.

But, the immediate aftermath of the incident witnessed helpless villages falling victims to the resultant military action.

Documents quoting survivors of the Matikhrü incident describe how nine Naga men of the village were executed; while the rest of the villagers were displaced. The displaced could return to rebuild the village after three years of

surviving in the forests. In the days preceding, other Pochury villages met similar fates.

Today, Matikhrü has limped back to life, yet for the survivors, the gruesome event is too vivid with images of the day firmly etched in their memories. The generation that followed, the pain though subdued, cannot help but react with bitterness.

“We cannot change the past but the least the Government of India could do was acknowledge the excesses of its military... sadly, it has failed to do so,” T. Katiry of Matikhrü notes. Katiry, in his forties, acknowledged the pain is a little less for the younger lot. “But when we hear of the incident, we cannot help but get sad and angry.” For the survivors who remain, Katiry says, the trauma is still evident.

Fifty years on, all that could be done to soothe the pain is mourn. After rebuilding the village, the villagers started the tradition of observing September 6 as a day of mourning. It was initially confined to Mathikrü but in the late 1980’s, the Pochury Students Union broadened its scope declaring September 6 as a day of mourning for all Pochury and beginning what is today known as ‘Black Day’.

A monument park remembering the nine lives lost stands today in Matikhrü where a memorial service is held each year. Ironically, a unit of the Assam Rifles (AR) is stationed adjacent to the park.

According to Anthony Pochury, village council chairman of Matikhrü, when the AR unit first set up the camp about three years ago, one officer reacted apologetically to the message engraved on the monolith and expressed regret.

For the people of Matikhrü, ‘Black Day’ is ritualistically observed. The villagers observe fast till noon, black flag is hoisted in each household; while no member of the village works on the day.

The observance of the day has also not been without opposition. A Meluri resident cited one particular incident in 2002 when military personnel removed banners hoisted in the town square to mark September 6. This year, Meluri town will host the main memorial service.

Teachers making less impact on society? Clarify ceasefire coverage: NSCN (IM) to GoI Morung Express News Dimapur | September 5

After 18 years of formal education, Apok Jamir (24) cannot name a single teacher who has made any substantial impact on her life. She studied 15 years in a private school in Nagaland until class XII. “When we were studying in school, about 70 students were cramped in one classroom,” she recollects.

“It was impossible for the teachers to individually connect with the students.”

When teachers are considered the backbone of society, this instance raises questions on the education system as well as the roles teachers play in the development of Naga society.

“The destinies of the young people or even older adults are shaped for good or bad by the way teachers either did or did not do their jobs,” states Eyingbeni Humtsoe, Faculty of Theology, Clark Theological College. “Our failure in the teaching profession can lead to a long term consequence on our Naga society.” Teachers who have done their jobs well have contributed to the maturity of Naga leaders, on the other hand, she contends, teachers have also failed to a great extent because there are many educated people who only hold degrees. Education which empowers a person does not reflect in them, she adds.

Lack of passion and

commitment among the teachers is also a concern.

Good section of teachers, as Nellayappan, Principal, Govt. Higher Secondary School, Bhandari points out, consider teaching job as a “stopgap” arrangement. This is true especially in private schools, but even in government sector, for many, teaching is only a “job” to earn money. Thus, it has been long marred by the issues of “proxy system” and “absenteeism”.

“These days a lot of people take up teaching job not because they want to be teachers, but because they need a job,” laments Neichute Doulo, CEO of Entrepreneurs Associates. “It’s important that teachers know or reorient themselves on the noble cause of teachers... because anybody can have a job but a teacher’s job is not just like any secretarial job.”

Meanwhile, there is also a vast difference in the performances of private and government school teachers; the former has always outperformed the latter in terms of exam results.

Nellayappan blames “corruption and nepotism” for issues like absenteeism and proxy system in the government sector. Pointing out that the government schools have worst infrastructure and poor performance, he states “till now there is not a single case of any action taken against the proxy teachers

in Nagaland.” Expressing that society plays no role in voicing out against malpractices, he adds, “When people have no concern for the development of the school then how do you expect the society to develop.”

The government teachers also often attribute the background of the students for their poor performance. However, Nellayappan disagrees, “We cannot wash our hands just by saying we are getting very underprivileged students and students are doing domestic work, parents are not taking care... I feel that is their (teachers) lame excuses.”

Meanwhile, Eyingbeni suggests to teachers: “Attend class regularly, make the process of education interesting, connect with the students, identify the potentials in each student and develop them in order to empower the students to become indispensible citizens of the state.”

Besides, it is imperative to review the education system, which is more exam-centric, and recruit teachers who would teach not only to read and write, but help in overall development of individuals.

Until such time teachers affirm their commitment to motivate, inspire, and change lives, they will be doing injustice to the noble profession of teaching and students, who are the future of Naga society.

No official and bilateral agreement to show that the three words “without territorial limits” have been “deleted” or “non-existent” Dimapur, September 5 (mexN): The NSCN (IM) today said it was time for the Government of India to “give a clear cut clarification on the issue of ceasefire coverage” in view of what it termed as “repeated and unprovoked statements on the ceasefire area coverage” by the Cease-Fire Monitoring Group (CFMG) Chairman Lieutenant General (Rtd) NK Singh, Manipur CM Ibobi and its Home Minister Gaikhangam.

“The NSCN/ GPRN is constrained to state that unless the cease-fire area

coverage is clarified there is going to be a serious problem,” stated a press note issued by its MIP. In this regard, the NSCN (IM) has reminded about the ceasefire coverage as agreed upon in the June 14, 2001 Bangkok agreement which states that, “the cease-fire agreement is between the Government of India and the NSCN as two entities without territorial limits.”

While stating that “the cease-fire agreement is between the Government of India and the NSCN as two entities without territorial limits,” the NSCN (IM) reiterated “there is no official and bilateral agreement which shows that the three words ‘without territorial limits’ have been ‘deleted’ or ‘non-existent’.”

The Government of India has been told to issue a clarification “in order to prevent recurrence of conflict and also to avert the damaging ramifications it will have on the cur-

rent Indo-Naga peace process.”

NSCN (IM) stated, “Nothing can be more shocking than such rashness of disrespect to the bilateral agreement of the Government of India and the NSCN on cease-fire made on June 14 2001, in Bangkok by the person who has been appointed to effectively implement cease-fire as a Chairman.”

As such, the NSCN (IM) affirmed it was taking a serious view and strong exception to the statement of the Chairman of the CFMG that “ceasefire with the NSCN does not extend outside Nagaland.” “Does he mean that fighting should start in the present state of Manipur or elsewhere?”

The NSCN (IM) further reminded that former Prime Minister of India, A.B. Vajpayee had clarified at Osaka, Japan that, “wherever there is fighting, there is cease-fire.”

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Alleged threat sparks ‘illegal immigrants’ debate Morung Express News Dimapur | September 5

A Naga customer has reportedly been threatened by shop owner at a footwear store in Dimapur. The incident has evoked the issue of “illegal immigrants” among citizens in light of the recent series of crimes committed by alleged “illegal immigrants”.

James, Pastor of Dunamis Life Church, Burma Camp and President of Watchman informed that he had gone to a footwear shop in New Market along with his wife and niece.

As they were checking the durability and quality of a shoe by examining minute details and bending it, the

shopkeeper, identified as Abdul Basit, looked at them sternly and shouted they will have to pay if the shoe is broken. To their utter shock, the shopkeeper further warned, “Moikhan manu ke namare, moikhan manuke murai de” (We don’t beat people, we kill them).

In this connection, many friends, relatives and denizens of Dimapur gathered at East Police Station today to file an FIR. Joel Nilo Kath from ACAUT Nagaland, who was also present, stated, “It’s high time Nagas do away with compromise culture.” He asserted that the police should take the case seriously and probe whether the shopkeeper “could also be a suspected

illegal immigrant.”

Some members of Sumi Kukuputsa, a Facebook group with over 8000 members, were also present and condemned the threat by a “suspected illegal migrant.” The group appealed to all the Nagas to “wake up and stop patronizing these people in the form of letting out their houses, collaborating in businesses or in any other form.” It also requested all Nagas to view the incident seriously and proactively act as “our land and future is at stake.”

A young Naga entrepreneur present at the venue wished that students’ bodies would practically get involved in solving the illegal migrants’ issue. He encour-

aged fellow Naga business people to be humble and provide good customer service. Meanwhile, a woman social activist asserted that she would “rather die fighting against illegal immigrants” than “watch helplessly” her children “being slaves” when she grows old.

Meanwhile, Wati Jamir, Additional SP and PRO, stated that the shopkeeper has been taken into custody and a case has been registered. He added that investigations are ongoing.

On the allegations that the accused is an illegal immigrant, the PRO informed that Basit gave his address as Karimganj in Assam and that investigations are on to confirm his identity.

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Dimapur

Saturday

government set up schools, facilities of SSA, RMSA, RTE, communitisation, mid-day meal should be meticulously and judiciously implemented with transparency.

Appreciating the contribution of private school in producing good academic result with quality education by dealing with more elite students, Parliamentary said that all parents cannot send their children to private schools. Therefore, he was of the view that government schools dealing with another set of students from economically poor background and less educated families should not be simply ignored. He said that to encourage both government and private schools equally, the department is trying to provide one Maths and Science teachers to private high schools in the State.

Teachers urged to uphold sanctity of their profession

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Dimapur, September 5 (mexN): Purana Bazar Dayanand Vidyaniketan, Dimapur celebrated Teachers day with gaiety at its school campus. NPF Minority cell president Bishnu Bhattacharjee graced the programme as chief guest and Arvind Khandelwal as guest of honour. Speaking on the occasion, the chief guest encouraged teachers for upholding the sanctity of the teaching profession and be role models. Calling the teachers as the “architects of humanity”, he appreciated the sacrifices and tireless efforts of teachers while moulding the children to cultivate moral values and strengthen character formation, preserving own tradition and culture. Imti Ao, Headmaster, Dayanand Vidyaniketan, Purana Bazar, Dimapur in a press release stated that felicitation to teachers and entertainments like special numbers, dances, quiz competition etc., marked the celebrations.

moKoKchuNg, September 5 (Dipr): With the rest of the country, the 53rd Teachers Day was celebrated at Mokokchung Town Hall with Parliamentary Secretary, DAN & NHL, S. Chuba Longkumer as the chief guest and Executive Engineer Irrigation and Flood Control, Mokokchung, J. Lanu Longchar as the Guest of Honour. The programme was organized by the Ao Kaketshir Mungdang where rich tributes were paid to the teaching community for their dedicated service and sacrifice in shaping students to make them responsible citizens and leaders of tomorrow on the occasion.

On the occasion, 10 (Ten) Teachers were honoured by presenting district Award and sub-divisional award were also presented to 7 (Seven) Teachers in recognition of their devoPhek District Legal Services Authority: The Phek District Legal Services Authority celebrated Teacher’s Day at Kiddies Corner School Phek. Acknowledging the teachers for their contribution towards the future of the student, Somet C. Chang Magistrate/member secretary, Phek District Legal Services Authority graces the programmed and spoke on child right and juvenile justice act. Rukuvolu Vero spoke on the importance of Legal Services. Parviz chaired the programme and the gathering was enlightened with vari-

He called the teachers to be the role models for their students not only leading towards academic knowledge but also imparting moral education and enriching the personality of the students, which has be-

come the need of the hour.

Parliamentary Secretary stated that the department is in the process of Rationalisation of teachers for all the schools in the State and undertaking the Restructuring process of the de-

partment favourable to the teachers by opening more opportunities to reach the higher position. He said while government is in the process of facilitating opportunities and privilege for the teachers, the teach-

Our Correspondent

Pfutsero | September 5

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In honour of Teachers’ Day, parliamentary secretary for planning & coordination and monitoring cell Neiba Kronu today initiated a corpus fund of Rs. 2 lakh for the teachers and the students of 15 educational institutions in Pfutsero town. Kronu said that this corpus fund will be used for conferring award to the best teacher and the best student (one each from 15 schools in Pfutsero). It will start from this year and will become an annual feature.

He said the objective of the corpus fund is to encourage the teachers for their invaluable contribution and at the same time to push forward those stu-

ers in turn should give their best to the students for better education in the state.

ENSF General Secretary, Honang Jessuha gave greetings to all the teachers for their valuable contribution in various human-

ity. He urged the teachers to play a vital role to be the change in the society for the future generation of the children. President ANPSA, Bithungo Kikon who also spoke on the occasion congratulated all the recipients

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of State Teachers Award and urged them to rededicate themselves to remain true to their profession. The chief guest also presented the awards to the teachers selected for State Award 2014. Financial Assistance for teachers was handed over by Parliamentary Secretary Sericulture & Cooperation, Pukhayi Sumi.

Various schools from Kohima and Dimapur participated in the State level Teachers Day celebration. The programme was chaired by Commissioner & Secretary School Education & SCERT, M. Patton IAS. Principal Director School Education, Kesonyu Yhome IAS gave the welcome address while President KTPF, Rev. Dr. Vevo Phesao invoked the function. President ANSTA Ponchulo Wanth proposed the vote of thanks.

‘Teachers are real architect of Nation’ ‘Be role models and not job oriented’ Our Correspondent

Kiphire | September 5

The 53rd Teachers’ Day celebration was held at Loyola Higher Secondary School Kiphire where thousands of students along with the teachers attended the programme.

District Education Office and Sub-Divisional Education Office Kiphire jointly organized the programme.

Saluting the teachers for their tireless effort in building the nation, the chief guest, A. Chumremo Odyuo Deputy Commissioner of Kiphire acknowledged the teachers as the real architect of the Nation. He said that it is the day of celebrating Teachers’ Dedica-

tion, sincerity and devotion in building the nation with their sacrifice. A. Chumremo Odyuo addressing the gathering for the first time after posting as DC Kiphire said that teachers are more important than the subject they teaches and therefore deserved to be honour and be salute. He however appeal the teachers to continue with their silent sacrifice made to the student.

While lamenting on some teachers for not attending the schools and drawing their salaries, the deputy commissioner appeal the teachers to rededicate their talent and come forward with their professionalism for the better generation.

The DC Kiphire also appeals

the students to cultivate good character and to obey rules and regulation of the school, as these are the primary duty of the students.

Altogether eight teachers were awarded district teachers awards. Nitoli Khulo SDEO Kiphire delivered welcome address and Deenabandhu Panda DEO Kiphire pronounced vote of thanks. Sara, Trinity School Kiphire, chaired the programme. Choreography by Agape School Kiphire, Tiny tots dance by El-Beth High School and Folk Song by Cambridge High School Kiphire are the highlights of the programme. Roseba of GHSS Kiphire delivered speech on behalf of the students.

Dimapur, September 5 (mexN): The students of Bethesda Higher Secondary School, Watford, Dimapur celebrated Teachers' Day at Bethesda Hr. Sec. School campus with Rev. Moses Murry, Chairman, Bethesda Ministries as the chief guest. While preteachers' day was celebrated on September 4 for students of Nursery to Class-6 and the main function for students of classes 7 to 12 was organised on September 5.

In his address, Rev. Moses Murry urged the teachers to be role models and not job oriented. Calling the teachers as the architects of

humanity, the Reverend appreciated the sacrifices and tireless efforts of teachers while moulding the children and asked the teachers to uphold the sanctity of teaching profession. He shared the word of God and mentioned that Jesus the greatest of all teachers should be the inspiration for all teachers. He expressed that teaching is a noble and blessed profession and asked the teachers to be like shepherds who save their sheep. He quoted, Prime Minister Narendra Modi who stated that teaching is not a profession but a way of life. Concluding his words of

encouragement, Rev. Moses Murry said the prayer of blessing for the teachers.

Earlier, Arup Roy and Kebosenti of Class 12 chaired the function and Pastor Waiposong led invocation prayer, Kebosenti of Class-12 also spoke on the significance of Teachers' Day. Presentations to teachers, entertainments like special numbers, dances, skit and variety of items by the students marked the celebrations. The Principal, Bethesda Higher Secondary School, extended vote of thanks while Esther Murry, Administrator, did benediction.

Teachers are part of human development

ZuNheboto, September 5 (Dipr): Zunheboto district celebrated Teachers Day on September 5 with, District Soil Conservation Officer, Zunheboto, Zhekheto Awomi as the chief guest.

In his speech, the chief guest said that teaching is a noble profession and that the teachers should be sincere as they are part of human development in a society and that children should be treated with hu-

mility as they are the future of the country. Further he encouraged the teachers and students to work hard so that they can compete with other districts of Nagaland. The chief guest also congratulated the 18 district awardees and 7 sub divisional awardees.

The programme was chaired by, Ghokiho Zhimomi SDEO Zunheboto, welcome address was delivered by Hoshito Sema, DDEO Zunheboto, wel-

A section of the gathering attending the Teachers Day was celebrated at Mokokchung Town Hall on September 5. (DIPR Photo)

tion and dedication in their profession. Besides Achievers Award of Education Forum of Mokokchung were given during the function Speaking as the chief guest, S. Chuba Longkumer owed respect and honor to the teachers for their contribution in the task of human resource develop-

ment. While paying tributes S. Chuba Longkumer said that our society ‘can never thank our teachers sufficiently for their hard work in the wholesome development and progress.

He made a fervent appeal to the teachers recollect their weaknesses and rededicated themselves to be

more ‘sincere and devoted teachers’ adding that the purpose of a good teacher is not to create students in his own image but to develop them to create their image. He also compared teachers with candle light as it consumes itself to light the way for others.

Students from different

schools presented plays showing their respect with a message “a true teacher sees tomorrow in every student”. The function was followed by Teachers Orientation programme where Limatola Zulu, Vice Principal, Fazl Ali College spoke on the topic ‘the concept of teachers’.

ous items presented by the student. Vekho delivered the vote of thank and was summed up with benediction by Kunungolu.

inculcate sense of respect for their teachers. On the occasion 6(six) teachers under Aghunato were given sub divisional awards. Dances and songs presented by various schools were highlights of the day. Invocation was pronounced by Pilato MSS Aghunato, while vote of thanks was delivered by Vitoshe.

Neiba Kronu and ADC Pfutsero T. Nchumbemo Odyuo as the chief guest and guest of honour respectively.

activities. He also encouraged the teachers to equip themselves with modern technology. He further said that teachers are responsible and accountable for the success and failure of the students. He congratulated all the teachers award recipient under SDEO Changtongya and encouraged them to dedicate themselves on their profession and set an example to others. Limaakum ANSTA President SubUnit Changtongya delivered short speech. Alemmeren JEO pronounced invocation and Toshiwati, TOT., chaired the programme.

Aghunato: Along with the rest of the country, the Teachers Day was celebrated on 5th Sept 2014 at public ground Aghunato with Principal GHSS Aghunato, Kughazhe Sumi as the chief guest. While encouraging the teachers for dedication in their profession, the chief guest said that a good teacher is a source of information, guide and a motivator and called upon the students to

Pfutsero: Along with the rest of the State, the Schools under Pfutsero sub-division celebrated Teachers Day on September 6 at local ground Pfutsero with Parliamentary Secretary for Planning & Monitoring Evaluation Cell,

Changtongya: The Teachers Day was celebrated at SDEO Office, Changtongya on September 5. Speaking on the occasion, the SDEO Changtongya, S.T. Noktang said that teacher’s job is a noble profession as children are the future leader of the nation.

He said that the students need quality education for progress and development so every teacher has to teach the children with new technique, innovative and

dents excelling in their academic career.

Addressing a combined Teachers’ Day celebration here this morning under the aegis of Pfutsero Town School Association, Kronu also assured to take up the construction of the auditorium hall for GHSS Pfutsero.

He also assured to take care of the required infrastructure of the educational institution within Pfutsero so that teachers can have a good working atmosphere. Stating that Pfutsero is doing well in the field of education, he said there is possibility of Pfutsero becoming a centre of learning and called upon each and every individual to put a collective effort. “Without human resource development we cannot do anything,” he

Kronu and others with two awardees of Sub Divisional Level Teachers Award during combined Teachers’ Day celebration at Pfutsero on September 5. (Morung Photo)

said adding that the society can never progress without teachers. The parliamentary secretary also stated that he would pursue for gallery roofing construction of the Pfutsero Local Ground.

Further, Kronu handed over Sub-Divisional Level

Teachers Award to Dinesh Thakur, senior Graduate teacher, GHS Pholami and Margaret Solo, assistant teacher Sacred Heart Higher Secondary School Chizami.

Pfutsero Additional Deputy Commissioner T. Nchumbemo Odyuo in his speech

called upon the teachers to come forward and give their best in building a better society. Greetings was shared

by Watijungshi Jamir, principal Pfutsero Govt. College.

The function was chaired by Vechikhoyi Lohe, principal GHSS Pfutsero.

tueNSaNg, September 5 (Dipr): Teacher’s Day Celebration was held at Government Higher Secondary School, Tuensang on September 5. Deputy Commissioner, Tuensang Mhabemo Yanthan as the chief guest, graced the celebration programme.

The chief guest in his speech reflected the ancient Indian selection of teacher’s, selecting a person with most intelligent and respected one as they taught the prince and princess in the palace. In his speech, he specially focused in the scripture Chronicles 25,

Eccl. 12:10 Isa 30:20 as a source of wisdom. Encouraging the teachers to “grow where they were planted” and that God planted them in different schools and institutions to be fruitful in their services. Advising the teachers to bring up the students to face the competitive world which required 99% or 100% of marks.

Celebrating this auspicious occasion every year, the chief guest challenged all the teachers stating that “It is a time to introspect and retrospect one’s individual contribution towards exploiting the valu-

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come song by Love Dale Higher Secondary school, A Tribute to my teacher by SMGHS Zunheboto and Woodland Higher Secondary school, entertainment

by Immanuel school Zunheboto, special prayer for teachers by Father George, Principal St Anthony School Zunheboto, special number by Kids World Montessori Zunheboto and vote of thanks was delivered by President ANPSA Zunheboto.

Teachers are source of wisdom

Kronu initiates corpus fund for teachers, students

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Parliamentary Secretary Yitachu addressing the State level Teachers Day celebration held at the NBCC Convention Centre, Kohima on September 5. (DIPR Photo)

Tributes paid to teaching community

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The Morung Express

Teachers' Day celebrated across State

Kohima, September 5 (Dipr): The State level Teachers Day celebration was held at the NBCC Convention Centre, Kohima on September 5 with Parliamentary Secretary for School Education Yitachu as the chief guest.

Addressing the teachers and students, Yitachu urged the teaching community to take a resolute step to live upto certain height in their profession by following the suggested guidelines as enshrined in the message to the teachers by the NCERT New Delhi. He advised the teachers to maintain gender equity and social equality while dealing with the students and to be watchful of cyber crime, sexual harassment, use of intoxicants, drug abuse, ragging which can be done away with counseling approaches but not through corporal punishment. He also reminded the

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6 September 2014

able human resources for greater acceleration and progress of our society”.

Tzutilepzuk Principal Thangjam GHSS Tuensang chaired the programme, and Sashi AO Dy. DEO Tuensang delivered welcome address. The programme highlights included special no. presented by GHSS Tuensang School Choir, Short speech from students by Akum Imlong School, Tuensang, honouring of teachers from Thangjam GHSS Tuensang. Finally vote of thanks was proposed by Jongshi Mongla SDEO Tuensang.

C M Y K

Teachers have special God given responsibility

moN, September 5 (Dipr): Teachers Day was celebrated with S. Manlip Konyak President, Konyak Union as special guest on at council hall, Mon. Speaking on the occasion, Manlip said since time immemorial, teachers have been the agent behind every civilization and development in the world. Even in the context of Konyak traditional system, he said the elders were the mentor and trained the youths in the Morung, guide them, and mould them for better future. He asserted that till the modern civilization Konyaks were living under darkness but the Christian Missionaries who brought modern education system along with Christianity could disperse the darkness from the Konyak soil.

Stressing on the noble profession of the teachers he said, unlike other profession, Teachers has a special God given respon-

sibility to mould and shape the nation. Citing that greatness and weakness of a nation depends largely on the quality of teachers, Manlip appealed to every teacher on the occasion to introspect and renewed their commitment for the well being of the students and contribute in the nation building. ‘Youths are the backbone of the Great Nation and to generate progressive and pro-active youth depends on teachers’, he added.

Manlip also thanked the teachers across the country working in the district who has committed themselves for the service of the Konyaks leaving aside their religions, caste, sect and traditional barrier. Noting with great regret that Mon district is far behind with low literacy rate, he called upon the teachers to remove the educational backwardness from the district by imparting quality education to the

students.

Speech on behalf of the Awardees was proposed

by C. Homang Peter, G/T, GHS Tobu. Altogether nine teachers were awarded with the District Level Teachers Award.

Earlier, the programme started with invocation by Menuolhoulie Sekhose, Pastor, Tenyimi Church, Mon and welcome song by GHS Mon Town-C. Significance of Teachers Day was proposed by Monyu, GHSS Mon. The highlights of the celebration were: Introduction of the District Level Awardees and presentation to the Awardees and teachers, Special number by St. Joseph School and Ahnjong Mission High School.

Dance by Sacred Heart School and Don Bosco School. St. Mary School bagged the first prize in Banner Competition. Razouseyi Vese, Dy. DEO Mon, chaired the function.

C M Y K

REgional

The Morung Express

‘Bureaucratic-driven political economy’ burdens NE States NSA organizes talk on ‘Rethinking development strategy for NE India’

New Delhi, September 5 (mexN): The economic and political discourse on the development of North East India fails to go beyond “Neglect theory” said Prof. Gulshan Sachdeva of Jawaharlal Nehru University’s School of International Studies and an expert on developmental issues of the NE. He spoke on a lecture titled ‘Rethinking Development Strategy for the North East India’ organised by the Naga Scholars’ Association (NSA) last week.

Focusing on ascertaining why the region has relatively low economic growth and development in comparison to the rest of the country, he said, the economy of the NE is a “bureaucratic-driven political economy” with an inflated government sector. Therefore, the economy is grossly dependent on major “financial packages” by the Centre. Consequently, more than

anything else, this ensures “political patronage” between Centre and the region.

Prof. Sachdeva was of the opinion that the developmental models devised by the Centre especially for the NE and implemented through agencies like North East Council (NEC) and Development of North East Region (DoNER) has failed to ensure economic growth in the region and a review is needed.

On one hand, Prof. Sachdeva implicitly pointed out the impact of “insurgent groups” on the development of the NE but asserted that “insurgency” cannot be the only factor. Secondly, NE is not ‘neglected’ by the Center as far as allocation of funds is concerned.

Therefore, the political and economic discourses have to develop more dialogues beyond these two factors and find out other reasons and remedial measures for devel-

opment of NE. Prof. Sachdeva also pointed out that high labor cost, inefficiency of labour, low productivity and barriers of market entry are some of the chief reasons which discourage the private players from investing in the region. In certain cases, the rigidity of land ownership pattern in the region also acts as a detrimental factor as availability of land for developmental purposes becomes limited as the natives are either reluctant to part with their land or protected by certain laws.

In this case, conventions with respect to land ownership need to be relaxed gradually because development has to happen with respect to lands, he argued.

In the interactive session, the gathering discussed about preservation of ‘tribal culture’ protected under 6th Schedule of the Indian Constitution vis-à-vis develop-

ment; and whether the apparent dissent in the region was connected only with alleged economic neglect.

Dr. Walunir of Amity University, in his concluding remarks, said, “there are problems of context based development as it is difficult to have a ‘happy marriage’ of culture and development.” He added that there is serious “gap in policy and implementation” at the level of states, especially Nagaland and that the serious “drips in the financial pipeline” flowing from Center to the states and thereafter to the grassroots need to be checked.

Meanwhile, convenor of NSA, Dr. Zuchamo Patton said that after seeing the positive response from the talk, the Association requested the professor to do a detailed study of the development pattern in the region particularly concentrating on the state of Nagaland and Manipur.

Saturday

6 September 2014

Imphal | September 5

Manipur Government has decided to relax the prohibitory orders imposed in Ukhrul district from 6 am to 6 pm starting tomorrow, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam said Friday.

Briefing media persons after a series of security review meetings with a high-level team of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) here, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam informed that the 144 CrPC enforced in Ukhrul will be relaxed from 6 am to 6 pm starting tomorrow.

Gaikhangam said the relaxation will depend on the law and order situation, adding the authority can withdraw the relaxation any time.

The 144 CrPC has been imposed in the district in the wake of the killing of an

ADC, Ukhrul Member on July 12 apparently by armed militants, he said, adding the Government needs to protect the life and properties of the people.

The Deputy Chief Minister said the rally held in Ukhrul on September 30 that claimed two lives was not a peaceful one because the protestors went rampage attacking the police personnel with stones, seizing their service weapons and hurting many of them.

He said the Government is yet to ascertain who killed the two civilians since reports were received that several protestors were armed with guns during the rally spearheaded by the United Naga Council (UNC). But the Government will carry out probe into the killing, he said.

Gaikhangam said the NSCN-IM so far has committed 250 crime cases during which the Naga outfit killed many political

leaders and security personnel. The outfit has also attempted to assassinate many more, he said and informed that the state Government has apprised the MHA team of the crimes committed by NSCN-IM at a meeting held today.

MHA team reviews Mnp situation A high-level team of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Friday reviewed the security situation in Manipur in the wake of the indefinite national and state highways blockade call given by the United Naga Council (UNC), the apex Naga body.

Official sources said the MHA team led by Prakash Mishra, Special Secretary (Internal Security) and Rajiv Gouba, Additional Secretary arrived in Imphal on Friday. Joint Secretary, in-charge of North East affairs, Shambu Singh, who is also part of the team, arrived here

Prices of essentials soar in Manipur

imphal, September 5 (pti): Prices of essential items have gone up due to indefinite economic blockade on two national highways in Manipur which entered the second day on Friday. Potatoes and onions which were being sold at Rs 35 per kg are now being sold at Rs 40 while prices of other essentials have also soared, police said.

Various social organisations including All Manipur Students Union have asked

traders not to rise the prices of essential items because of the economic blockade called by hill-based United Naga Council (UNC) to protest killing of two persons in alleged police firing at Ukhrul district on August 30.

Hundreds of vehicles including passenger buses and trucks loaded with essential items were stranded in Mao in Nagaland, Mao Nagaland-Manipur border and Jiri area in Manipur on the Manipur-Assam bor-

der while no vehicles plied on the two national highways, Imphal-Jiribam-Silchar (NH 37) and ImphalMao-Dimapur-Guwahati (NH 2) today.

Despite government's assurance of providing security to the vehicles, no security was provided to transporters who decided not to ply vehicles along national and state highways, official reports from the districts said. All ticket booking counters in

Imphal for passengers to travel to other parts of the country were closed for the second day today.

UNC has called the blockade in all Naga-majority hill districts of Ukhrul, Senapati, Tamenglong, and Chandel where villagers alleged there was severe shortage of essential items.

Long queue was seen in front of selected petrol stations where the government had decided to supply petrol to the public.

Dimapur, September 5 (mexN): The Rongmei Naga People Organization has slammed the Government of Manipur for what it called the “brutal militarization” of Ukhrul.

A press release from the Media Cell Rongmei Naga People Organization stating that the warlike situation created in Ukhrul district depicts the failure of the Government to serve its people and shows the lack of will and interest to understand the aspiration and suffering of the people, expressed concern and disapproval of the “inhumane incidence” which occurred in Ukhrul.

“It is an act of inciting a state of communal contention and dissension in the state posing greater divisive feeling and alienation among the people of the state,” it stated and added that the responsibility lies with the state

PDA serves charter of demand to Modi

imphal, September 5 (NNN): Alleging that the Government of India has remained as mute spectator when issues like state sponsored terrorism and torture of Nagas have been going on, the People’s Democratic Aliance (PDA) and Naga tribals in general have today served a fourpoint charters of demand regarding the cause of Nagas before Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.

President of PDA, L. Seth told that even though the Indo-Naga peace talks have been going on for the last 17 years based on “unique history of Nagas and its position,” the Government of Manipur has intensely opposed and does everything in its power to derail and sabotage the Naga peace process.

“The decision and action of the Government of Manipur are highly communal, anti peace, violated and suppressed the democratic rights of the Naga people,” stated the memorandum. “It is not possible for Nagas of Manipur to protect our land, history, culture, identity and time honoured traditional institution under the Government of Manipur,” it added.

Recalling the unfortunate incident of August 30 which rocked Ukhrul town, the PDA president stated that the present situation in the district is an artificial creation of the State Government and not by the people. While carrying out the peaceful mass rally in Ukhrul headquarters, the police commandos and Indian Reserved Batallions (IRBs) blankly

fired at the rallyists killing two and seriously injuring several others. The PDA told that it once again proved that force and violence are the only response of the state government to the Naga people and also the very purpose for revoking 144 CrPC and unwarranted militarization despite the strong protest of the people.

Regarding the issues faced by Nagas, the PDA has thus served certain demands which include early settlement of Indo-Naga issue, placing the state under Article 356 of the Indian Constitution, immediate revocation of 144 CrPC from Ukhrul and withdrawal of the state police commandos and IRBs from the Naga areas particularly from Ukhrul district at the earliest.

yesterday.

Shortly after arrival, the visiting Central team met the outgoing Governor VK Duggal in the morning and held security review meetings at the Chief Minister’s conference hall and the Chief Secretary’s hall, Old Secretariat.

The Central team further met DGP of Manipur Police Shahid Ahmed and other top officials of police and paramilitary forces at the Raj Bhavan to assess the security situation and to evolve strategies to deal with the blockade. Governor Duggal, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh his deputy Gaikhangam were also present at the meeting.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had earlier on September 3 reviewed the situation in Manipur following the highways blockade call given by UNC and assured full assistance to the state government to ensure normal life.

NEHUTA condemns security lapses in campus

ShilloNg, September 5 (mexN): The North Eastern Hill University Teachers’ Association (NEHUTA) has expressed serious concern at the incidents of security lapses in NEHU. It may be recalled that miscreants, numbering around 200, had barged into the NEHU campus on the night of August 30 and clashed with students and resulting in injuries to the students. The following afternoon, around 30 people barged into the university campus and clashed with the students leaving several injured.

In this regard, the NEHUTA has sent a representation to the NEHU Vice chancellor condemning the incident and demanding immediate actions.

The representation was also copied to the Governor, Chief Minister, Home Minister and DGP of Meghalaya.

The representation, signed by NEHUTA President Prof. X. P. Mao and General Secretary Dr. M.S.N. Rahman, alleged slackness in action from police in allowing the

HESNER: Critical issues & challenges in Health Care discussed

guwahati, September 5 (mexN): Critical issues and challenges in Health Care System from a North East perspective were discussed during Day One of the first Healthcare Expansion Summit North East Region (HESNER), which began today at Radisson Blu, Guwahati.

The Summit is being organized by Alaphra Group.

A press release from Ricky Ozukum, Managing Director, Alaphra Group, informed that the Summit, which is a two-day programme, featured panel discussions which were also followed with interaction round among the participants.

Ozukum in his welcome speech stated that the Sum-

mit is designed to create platform for national and regional decision makers to meet and determine the future of the healthcare sector in North East India. He also expressed hope that this Summit would give a good assessment on the issues which needs to be addressed. “I am sure, this summit will explore the key aspects, issues related to healthcare sector, their best practices and their applications as business drivers for innovation and growth, but most importantly affordable healthcare for the Northeast,” he stated.

Terming the event as ‘historical’, Dr. Bamin Tada, Adviser Health, North East Council, Ministry of DONER, Government of India,

felt that the Summit under the theme “Better Health for North East India” was indeed an appropriate one, but very challenging too. In a keynote address, he spoke on critical issues and challenges in Health Care from North Eastern perspective. He listed the following as issues pertaining to North East India: social determinants, culture and tradition, demographic profile, communication bottleneck, environmental degradation and global warming, major health related issues, quality health infrastructure, High Tech Health industry and Medical Tourism, lack of qualified manpower, lack of super specialty hospitals, medical equipment, lack of

accredited diagnostic medical laboratories, financial burden on common people, regulatory policies etc.

Dr. Bamin also stated that the people of North Eastern India want a change for the better. Adding, “We must redefine our aims and goals.” He also felt that finding practical solutions to the major critical issues and challenges in the present health care system will call for in depth understanding, analysis, imagination, and creative imagination. The role of all stakeholders will also need proper collaboration and be properly defined, he further stated.

Panel discussions were held on topics like “Human Resources for Health-

care: Demand and Supply in the Northeast”, “Modern health care delivery systems, care coordination and the role of hospitals” , “Government Legislation and role of healthcare Institutions”.

A roster of notable speakers and honorees from the fields of healthcare, entrepreneurship, business, and experienced professionals participated in the day long Summit.

Day two will commence on September 6 with panel discussions on the topics, “Strategic planning for setting up of small and mid-sized hospitals”, “ReEnvisioning the delivery of sustainable healthcare”, “Quality and its impact on patient safety”.

3

RNPO slam Manipur Government for ‘brutal militarization’ in Ukhrul

144 CrPC imposed in Ukhrul town to be partly relaxed Newmai News Network

Dimapur

culprits to go scot-free. It stated, “This raises many questions and encourages chances of frequent conflicts and incidents that have caused continued tension between groups of students on the campus.”

The NEHUTA in the representation suggested that the boundary walls of the campus be completed as soon as possible. It also suggested installing CCTV cameras and to maintain a register listing the entrance of visitors. The representation further urged that effective 24 hours security service be provided on campus.

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Dimapur- 08253830150/ 07670005697

government. “The Govt. is expected to maturely sort out the cause, resolve the conflicting issue and to work out possible solution and settlement through decent talk and negotiation respecting the rights and dignity of human persons,” it stated.

The RNPO questioning if militarization was the last and only option to govern the people remarked, “The return of brute culture of the long past is seen in the present government of Manipur.” It added that the opening of fire by IRB and police forces during a peaceful rally in Ukhrul was proof of the return of brute culture.

The RNPO recalling the incident which claimed two lives and critically injuring several others, stated “The brutal incident has claimed two precious lives and critically injuring many protestors for no reasons of

their own but for demonstrating their democratic will and rights of the people.” It further questioned, “If and when the people stand up to address their plights and their just right to live in dignity and equal status with the rest of the people, should the responsible Govt. stop and silence them from their action? Is this not a criminal act?”

The RNPO demanded that the concerned Government exercise utmost responsibility for immediate restoration of normalcy through needful and timely approach for lasting and peaceful settlement of the problems.

The RNPO further expressing solidarity with the people in Ukhrul stated, “The Rongmei people extend their solidarity, support and concern sentiment of love and caring for the aggrieved and suffering people in the District.”

Two schoolgirls hung from same rope in Assam

Silchar, September 5 (iaNS): Two schoolgirls were hung from the two ends of the same rope from a tree in Assam's Karimganj district, a killing reminiscent of the Badaun gang-rape and murder in Uttar Pradesh. Both the girls, one a Class 10 and the other a Class nine student, of a school in Nilambazar area had been missing since Wednesday evening, police said Friday.

The family members frantically looked for them, but failed to locate them. The next morning, a relative of one of the girls spotted the bodies hanging from a tree. The tree is located barely two km from the India-Bangladesh border. Locals suspect that the girls were first raped and then killed to cover up the crime. Police said that the girls were hanged with two ends of one rope. Karimganj Additional Superintendent of Police (HQ) Nabin Singh said that postmortem report is being awaited.

AFFIDAVIT CHANGE OF NAME Regd: 846/2014

Dated: 05/9/2014

By this deed, I Sentichuba Longchar (New name) previously called Sentichuba (Old name) S/o. Walter Longchar residing at Alcove Kashiram post box 320, house No. 69A, Kashiram village, Dimapur-797112 Nagaland solemnly declare: 1. That for the purpose of evidencing such my determination declare that I shall at all time hereafter in all records, deed and writing and in all proceedings, dealings and transactions, private as well as upon all occasions whatsoever use and sign the name of Sentichuba Longchar (New name) as his name/ surname in place and in substitution of my former name/surname.

2. That I expressly authorise and request all persons in general and relatives and friends in particular, at all times hereafter to designate and address me, my wife, children and remitter issue by such assumed name/surname of Sentichuba Longchar (New name) accordingly.

3. In witness whereof I have here unto subscribe my former name and adopted name/surname of Sentichuba (Old name) affix Sentichuba Longchar (New name).

DEPONENT Solemnly sworn before me by the deponent on this day 5th September 2014 Notary Public, Govt. of Nagaland

FELICITATION

The NPF Women Wing Central President along with her Colleagues extend heartiest congratulation to Shri. K. G. Kenye, who is the veteran, seasoned and young dynamic leader having extensive experiences in politics, on appointment to the post of Political Adviser to the Chief Minister, in cabinet status.

The Women Wing also express gratitude to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Nagaland, Shri. T. R. Zeliang for choosing the right and capable leader to be the political Adviser. Wishing all the success in future endeavour together.

Aphien Vice President Women Wing NPF, Nagaland

4

Dimapur

public discoursE

Saturday 6 September 2014

NSCN (IM) position on Ceasefire with GoI

Back To The Soil…

“Country Roads, Take me Home, to the place I belong…”

- John Denver any are not lucky to be born in New York, London, Paris, Tokyo and New Delhi. Many are born in their native place. There is one thing one cannot change in life and that is the place of your birth. I am proud to be born in my native place. My older relatives do not speak English or Nagamese. They still sing flowery folk songs passed on to them by their forefathers and followed the traditions carefully. But this does not matter anymore for the new generation. They are leaving the villages. They have over powered the urban areas with their sheer numbers-with their hunger to be something and to do something. But how long before the tide turns? As economists say the more input you put the more diminishing you get.

Therefore, more the influx into urban areas, more is the scarcity of essential commodities leading to escalating prices.

Over the ages, sons of the soil have devised ways to farm hills and produce abundance from the rain forests without destroying the delicate balance that maintains the eco systems.

But the prevailing attitude has been that western science with its powerful analytical tools has reduced the tribal wisdom to nothing. The young natives who have the glimpses of a society their parents never encountered have embraced the view that traditional ways are irrelevant. For the elders too it is difficult to persuade young people not to go for the fruits of civilization which might translate sadly, into a menial job even in a teeming urban town or city.

Often they visit their native villages just to show off their status.

They get themselves exempted from the back breaking howling job of their fathers and mothers. These further influences the young persons to migrate from the villages.

Today one can get almost everything in urban Nagaland – rice and fish from Andhra Pradesh, meat from Bihar and Assam, vegetables, timber, firewood, bamboo, bamboo shoots from Karbi Anglong (As-

M

als adversely affect the nonagricultural population and at least 70% of peasants are today, buyers and not sellers of the cereals. The land owned and cultivated by the small and poor peasants with limited growth potentials itself is bound to be thwarted due to import from outside the state because there is no increasing pattern of growth in the farming sector.

The demand for food commodities will only increase because local production is not able to support a significant increase in demand. This is the likely future if the present pattern of growth continues.

The state has no potential cultivators. Only the older generation and the one who is not agile enough to leave the village are engaged in cultivation.

They are not able to produce enough for themselves and therefore, the question of domestic food security does not arise. The numbers of cultivators are shrinking in the state.

This is pathetic.

The low productivity in Nagaland maybe due to :Small un-economic and fragmented cultivation which make the use of modern method of cultivation difficult.

Subsistence type of cultivation which leads to deficit production Uncertain rainfall, pests and diseases of crops that reduces crop yields.

Deforestation and soil erosion leading to loss of soil, and fertility, Poor organization and lack of enlightened entrepreneurship in agricultural profession.

Nagaland is endowed with great natural resources and there is tremendous potential for growth in rural economy.

This will remove age-old stagnation, stimulate growth and end entrenched disparities.

After all, development is an exercise in social engineering designed not for the benefit of the few but for uplifting the condition of the masses. The people of Nagaland do not want competition and slogans. They no longer believe in mere statistical fulfillment report. Really speaking, planning and development in government are

sam), betal nut and betal leaves from Assam, sweet and aromatic betal leaves from West Bengal, dried fish fermented and non-fermented of different varieties from outside the state, export reject and second–hand garments from Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. Since these rejected garments come from developed countries, they are cheaper, colorful, fashionable and well cut. Whether they fit you or not are not the question but they are foreign make and that is important!

Urban setting seems to be so alluring and romantic which shows that the people of Nagaland are over dependent on others. They have been reduced to a state of hibernation out of the proud, patriotic and self reliant Nagas of the past.

Those living in the mountain long to see the sea, while the ones in the sea coast dreams of the hills. This is the way of nature. But where ever your dreams take you to, let there be productivity.

Dependence of supply from outside exposes the state to the risk of importing inflation.

Soaring of prices are mainly caused by import from outside and dictated by them may well be beyond our control. Self reliance in food production can only curb price rise in commodities and can ensure economic stability and growth.

No human can live without food. The food that comes from the soil only can sustain human lives. No nation can progress by ignoring the factors of food production. Since an overwhelming majority of the poor still lives in villages the expansion and modernization of agriculture is urgently required for increased production and employment opportunities.

State level planning cannot be merely urban centered. Nagaland has to lay considerable emphasis on massive agricultural production. The key to the future of our urban towns lies in the villages. If agriculture is prosperous and the rural economy is strengthened, then that will help in the development of industries and markets in the urban areas and will also prevent the influx of villagers into urban towns in search of job and food.

The high prices for cere-

The Morung Express

not a game of numbers. In fact, removal of poverty, social justice and economic self reliance cannot be achieved unless the people assume a decisive role in the economy.

Salaried government job is a scarce commodity. It is up to the younger generation to have a vision and plan towards achieving self entrepreneurship. Today nobody is bothered about how to develop and how to achieve.

Just constructing a small house, marrying a beautiful girl and by sending the children to English medium school are regarded as an achievement. No, its actually just survival.

This lethargic environment can only be reversed provided young and educated persons take interest in going back to the soil. Economy here is still virgin and untapped. A hard working and intelligent farmer can cultivate fortunes in farming sectors. Valleys and foothills can be converted into farming by leaving the hill top for forestry. Apart from rice, vegetables and cereal cultivation one can go for pisciculture, poultry, piggery and dairy farming. It is easier to develop and harvest surface water by cutting irrigation canals in the valleys and foothills to improve production and multiple cropping patterns. A compact area approach can be adopted since most of the participants here will be small and marginal farmers. Along with it, a certain area can be developed into tea, coffee, rubber, horticulture, plantation and cold storages.

In such a scheme the role of the state government is extremely important. At the outset the state must provide minimum infrastructure – roads linking foothills and valleys, electricity and other necessary technical back up support. An effective plan of action with peoples’ participation can only help in the expeditious realization of egalitarian goals. Such plan of action should facilitate the establishment of a social order in which the ideals of economic growth, social justice and self reliance are realized and harmonized.

I

n view of the repeated and unprovoked statements on the ceasefire area coverage in the current peace process between the Government of India (GoI) and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) by the Cease-Fire Monitoring Group (CFMG) Chairman Lieutenant General (Rtd) NK Singh, Manipur CM Ibobi and Home Minister Gaikhangam, the NSCN/ GPRN is constrained to state that unless the cease-fire area coverage is clarified there is going to be a serious problem.

We are utterly shocked at the audacity of such officer as General (Rtd) NK Singh to show public contempt of the commitment of Indian Prime Ministers on Cease-fire area coverage.

Nothing can be more shocking than such rashness of disrespect to the bilateral agreement of the Government of India and the NSCN on cease-fire made on June 14 2001, in Bangkok by the person who has been appointed to effectively implement cease-fire as a Chairman.

It will do well to remind General (Rtd) NK Singh that this joint agreement was agreed upon officially and it states that “the cease-fire agreement is between the Government of India and the NSCN as two entities without territorial limits”. We reiterate that there is no official and bilateral agreement which shows that the three words “without territorial limits” have been “deleted” or “non-existent” as wildly claimed by Gen-

eral (Rtd) NK Singh.

We, therefore, have taken a serious view and strong exception to the irresponsible statement of General (Rtd) NK Singh, Chairman of the CFMG that “cease-fire with the NSCN does not extend outside Nagaland”. Does he mean that fighting should start in the present state of Manipur or elsewhere?

The unchecked statements by GoI’s officials appointed to monitor the effective implementation of cease-fire will surely lead to escalation of fighting between the forces of the GoI and the NSCN. For the past 17 years since the beginning of cease-fire in 1997 we have earnestly given our sincere efforts at working out an amicable political settlement acceptable to both the parties. We also have high regards for the commitments given by India’s Prime Ministers to resolve the Indo-Naga issue politically and through peaceful means. However, today if we have to go by the statements of General (Rtd) NK Singh, Mr. Ibobi and Mr. Gaikhangam then, are we to conclude that fighting have been licensed between the forces of the NSCN and the GoI? The NSCN/ GPRN condemn the immature and reckless selfstyle statement of General (Rtd) NK Singh that the three words were “non-existent”. We question the mandate of such utterance. Is he ignorant of the 17 years of cease-fire that has been in principle observed by both

T

he NBCC’s lavish glorification of 6th September 1964 appears to be overrated and to some extent misleading. While honoring the day as an important event in the history of peacemaking in Nagaland, it is a grim reality that the aura of peace ushered in on that day had already died down long ago. In fact, peace has eluded the Nagas for the last seven decades and therefore,it hardly makes sense that we should be celebrating peace day. On the other hand, the scar of the ugly event that took place the same day four years before the ceasefire declaration is too enormous to be erased.

Posterity will condemn us if we forget the fact that Indian army unleashed reign of terror in Pochury area in September 1960 and finally butchered nine public leaders of Matikhrii village on September 6. Pochury people’s commemoration of this event as “Black Day” calls for respectful and empathetic reciprocaMapu Jamir I.A.S. (Retd.) tion from all Nagas. The Government of India 190, Duncan, should tender unconditional apologies to the Dimapur, Nagaland Naga people for the enumerable war crimes

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

SUDOKU Game Number # 2987

MIP NSCN/GPRN

The other Side of September 6

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.

LEISURE

the parties universally?

Considering the patience we have exercised does the position taken by people like General (Rtd) NK Singh imply that fighting should start outside the present Nagaland state? And if our patience is interpreted as a sign of weakness the constant extreme provocation from such persons and the state forces will compel the NSCN to take the extreme steps. If fighting starts between the forces of the GoI and the NSCN on account of such irresponsible statements, the GoI and its negligent officials shall be held solely responsible.

It is time for the GoI to give a clear cut clarification on the issue of ceasefire coverage as agreed upon in the June 14, 2001 Bangkok agreement which states that, “the cease-fire agreement is between the Government of India and the NSCN as two entities without territorial limits” in order to prevent recurrence of conflict and also to avert the damaging ramifications it will have on the current Indo-Naga peace process.

In order to jog the memories of General (Rtd) NK Singh and others, the Prime Minister of India, A.B. Vajpayee clarified at Osaka, Japan that, “wherever there is fighting, there is ceasefire”.

This statement is given with the best of intention to avoid unwanted circumstances.

KUKNALIM

T

DAILY CROSS WORD

CROSSWORD # 2994

Answer Number # 2986

committed by her security forces.

History often tickles with human emotions.

While some people tend to indulge in nostalgic revelry or rage for revenge, some others are constantly haunted by horrifying events from the past. Between these extremities, exists a channel or a medium through which the present generation should be connected with its past and come to term with the reality. History should never be twisted or fabricated at the whims and fancy of people in position. The truth must always be told.

This, I believe is the tenet of healing and reconciliation process. The bottom-line is, we cannot change the past, no matter how desirable or undesirable it may be. But it is best we move ahead with the lesson from history and shape a better, brighter future. May good sense prevail among our leaders.

Thanking you.

Yurkhan Kapai Purana Bazaar, Dimapur

Naga Hoho clarifies

he Naga Hoho is constrained to bring a short clarification in connection with the recent write up by some writers about the indifferent attitude of Naga Hoho toward issues in Nagaland. While welcoming any constructive criticism on any lapses Naga Hoho might have overlooked, we would also like to remind our Nagas that as the apex organisation of the Naga People we are committed to the cause of Nagas irrespective of geographical location.

Whenever, any Naga or group of Nagas are suppressed of their rights or for that matter justice denied and brought to the notice of the Naga Hoho, we obviously condemn such act and express our solidarity with our people. As have our predecessors stood decisively for the cause and unity of our people and so do we continue to maintain the same spirit and vitality for our Nagas.

We would like to reiterate that, Naga Hoho remains committed for upholding the cause and unity of the Nagas irrespective of our geographical location. Whenever, any Naga or group of Nagas are unjustly treated within or by external forces, Naga Hoho would not shy away from expressing our solidarity with them. Hence, we would like to urge every Naga who happens to be a member of the Organisation by default to actively participate for further growth of our just cause and unity.

Media cell, Naga Hoho

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LANCER WARTHOG STRATOFORTRESS NIGHTHAWK EAGLE FALCON PEACEKEEPER GALAXY SPECTRE SPIRIT HERCULES GLOBEMASTER SKYTRAIN OSPREY SENTRY RAPTOR STRATOTANKER PREDATOR REAPER GLOBALHAWK

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T T I T A U B E A B N Y T D H

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Namo – the physician!

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P F A L C O N E Y E R P S O F

ACROSS 1. Not barefoot 5. Thug 10. Small island 14. Tropical tuber 15. Fertile area in a desert 16. Found on a finger 17. Tending to vanish like vapor 19. Stars 20. Damp 21. Utilizers 22. Burn slightly 23. Smiled contemptuously 25. Excrete 27. 16 1/2 feet 28. Conspirators 31. Pandemonium 34. Posts 35. Caviar 36. Dregs 37. Garden tools 38. Plateau 39. Arrive (abbrev.)

40. Broadcast 41. Carnival attractions 42. Day of reckoning 44. Female sib 45. Cooks in an oven 46. A condiment 50. Splines 52. Absurd

54. 52 in Roman numerals 55. A Maori club 56. Impasse 58. Arab chieftain 59. Old photo color 60. Cain’s brother 61. Small European freshwater fish 62. An analytic literary composition 63. Neat

DOWN 1. Seethes 2. Shelter 3. Give a speech 4. Put clothing on 5. Directed 6. Sped 7. End ___ 8. Decorated 9. Eastern Standard Time 10. Be emphatic 11. Strolled 12. Water chestnut 13. If not 18. European currency 22. Collections 24. God of love 26. “Comes and ____” 28. Prison 29. Thorny flower 30. Oceans

31. Attired 32. Protagonist 33. Pertaining to airplane tricks 34. Leeches 37. Go on horseback 38. Fog 40. Requests 41. Ascends 43. Ripe 44. Day before Monday 46. Craze 47. Excuse 48. Angered 49. Lulu 50. Hurried 51. Tibetan monk 53. Short sleeps 56. South southeast 57. Make lace Ans to CrossWord 2993

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he Prime Minister gave practical lessons to Chief Minister, Nagaland on haw to heal his chronic throat problem When the Chief Minister of Nagaland, accompanied by his Home Minister, met the Prime Minister on the 4th Sept.

2014 at his 7-Race Course residence to congratulate him on his successful Japan visit, he was pleasantly surprised by the Prime Minister first asking him about his health condition.

The Chief Minister then explained about his chronic throat problem, which got so worse during the last few days, that he had to cancel many of his public functions and meeting programmes. Then the Prime Minister suddenly stood up from his chair, beckoned the Chief Minister to stand right in front of him, and gave him practical lessons on throat and voice exercise, making various pitches of “oom” sounds, and asking the Chief Minister to imitate those sounds. This went on for a few minutes. The Prime Minister then advised the Chief Minister to do this exercise every morning regularly for curing his chronic throat problem. The Prime Minister said that he himself does this exercise every morning, and that is how he had managed to keep his voice in working order during the most hectic public addresses made by him during the last Lok Sabha election campaign. “For Politicians, our voice is our most valuable weapon and instrument, and we cannot afford to lose it”, he added humorously.

Let’s hope our Chief Minister had learnt his lesson well, and would find a permanent cure for his chronic throat problem! This incident shows that our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi is a practical man, and a man of action, who does not bother too much about protocol niceties and formalities.

Lalthara Advisor & Sr. Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Camp: New Delhi

local/Public SPace

The Morung Express

Saturday 6 September 2014

Dimapur

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The legality and historical rights of the Rongmeis W

hen rights and reasons are not implored and observed in the society, social dissension and contention disturb the Peace and conscience of the people.

Civic sense demands that we live together with respect to others’ interest and sentiment, recognizing each other rights as equal citizens of the land.

It is pertinent to state that, many undue allegations, resentment and wrong propagations against the Rongmeis in local papers with the intention to reject and deny the vivid account of their existence in the state. The fact is unfortunate and regretted to have happen that has only serve to deface and degrade the good image, prestige and reputation of the Nagas within and without the state. Hence it has necessitated for the Rongmei people to clarify and make the record straight to all concerned averting further wrong apprehension, misreading and confusion about the existence and status of the Rongmei in the state.

It is an undeniable and proven reality that, The Rong-

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he Nagaland Senior Government Employees’ Welfare Association (NSGEWA) appreciates the Nagaland Government Senior Employees Forum (NGSEF) for observing the Retirement from Public Employment Act, 2009 and urging the Government to review the Act. However, NSGEWA regrets that NGSEF woke up too late from its deep slumber. The so called Nagaland Government Senior Employees were sleeping soundly and keeping very quiet and not even extended moral support while NSGEWA was fighting hard in the Courts to protect all government employees from forced retirement and harassment and as well fighting in the interest of the

mei Naga are one of the most scattered and adventurous Naga tribe settling in the then Naga hills and surrounding areas and region in the Northeast India. One historical reason indicates that, before and after the entry of British India into Nagas’ country, the Rongmeis have been in existence in and around the Naga Hills. The Naga revolt motioned in the south-west region of the then Naga hills before and during Jadonang’s movement of resistance has created much difficulty and hindrances for the British Colonial forces of invasion. Therefore, the Rongmeis has to pay the cost heavily for revolting the British India. The Rongmei suffered heavily under British oppression. Many Rongmeis (Kabui) were put to jail, punished, enslaved as porters, sweepers, helpers and keepers of the houses etc by the British. Some of them were taken to distance and different places as porters and helpers in Silchar, Dimapur, Kohima and as far as to France, Britain and Mesopotamia region since the first world war. Rogmeis have

been settled in Imphal. Silchar, Kohima and Dimapur much before the birth of India’s independence. Their presence in the present three states of Nagaland Assam, and Manipur before the birth of Indian constitution and respective states’ Art. 371(A) Nagaland, Art.371 (B) Assam and Art.371(C) guaranteed as special provision to protect and safeguard the rights of the tribal people.

The birth of Nagaland state was impregnated in the mind of Indian bureaucrats and politicians with a sense and strategy attempted to put the Naga insurgency an end. With deep anguish and agony, the Nagas had undergone the trial of Indian affliction upon the Nagas. After much resistances and sacrifices of the Nagas, the worn out Indian resorted to think of giving a state for the Nagas (for all Nagas living in the contiguous Naga inhabited areas). It is noteworthy to state that, the Rongmei were one of the most suffered Naga tribes under British India and Modern India. Some of the few documents left available from the remnant Rongmei Naga

National Workers who suffered under Indian draconian military oppression could be furnished for information. No. of Naga National workers (NNC) from Rongmei Tribe recorded found available from the record maintained by the Zeliangrong Region NNC as follows: No of Naga army joined during 19561964 were 751. No. of killed; 189. No. of tortured by 3rd degree; 247, No. of imprisoned; 209, No. of raped; 19, No. of burned alive, 28, No. of granaries burnt down; 28, No. of deserted village; 6. Attempts are being made to unearth and surface many more hidden account of the atrocities and sacrifices made on the altar of Naga struggle for freedom by researchers.

Thousands of Nagas who sacrificed their lives for Naga Independence were left unaccounted and not valued except a puppet Indian state was given as an appeasement piece of meal. The NNC/Federal Govt. under the leadership of A.Z. Phizo, gave strong directive not to accept the Indian offered state. Accordingly, Rongmeis

and other Naga tribes from Manipur had responded to the directive. Some of the Naga tribes like the Angamis also responded to the call and directive of the Naga Nation. The Angamis and some other Naga tribes of the present Nagaland state too responded and deferred to participate in the state services.

Acceptance of the Indian state by the Nagas was a big political blunder committed. Had the offer been denied and delayed, a final and accommodative solution for all Nagas could have been arrived at. The continued and unresolved Naga struggle resulting factional fratricidal killings and many events of sufferings and confusions because of the acceptance of the State (supposed solution).

Concerned that, the Rongmei Naga living in the state of Nagaland have long been denied and deprived of their basis rights until lately the Govt. of Nagaland recognize the legitimate status as one of the Naga tribes of Nagaland under the given Govt. criteria for qualification as indigenous inhabitants of Nagaland. The given

criteria did not mention or include land/territory or landed property or such term as aborigine as qualifications of the Govt. What matter most is not the land/territory or properties possessed but the “Peoples”. Counting the Number of tribe and people is compulsory for the Central and state Govt. for all official purposes. Here Land/territory does not come into as criteria. Hence the Govt. duly recognized the Rongmeis based on their existence and fulfillment of the given criteria and constitution.

Unfortunate to know that some have attempted to distort and insinuate the general public through media, protest Rally and poster campaign against the order of the Govt. for revoking the Rongmei tribe’s recognition. The Rongmeis are neither begging for mercy, nor craving or demanding undue share or for the matter disturbs the rest of the Nagas’ rights in any manner but justly asserting their rights within and under the given criteria. The Rongmeis are not demanding or claiming to be at par with the

14 Naga tribes with respect to land and territory.

The Rongmeis are not tribleless people, or Non Naga or cannot be included under the names; Kuki, Mikir, Kachari, Garo etc but it has to be included under the name NAGAS in the schedule of the Govt.

Appealed to all concerned and general Naga society to promote and exercise respect, the rights and dignity of human persons and the co-existing tribal brotherhood. Further appealed to refrain from implicating wrong notion and allegations against each other’s tribes which may create inter-tribal contention among the Nagas.

As responsible citizens, we shall promote a decent and egalitarian society whereby social justice and harmony and peaceful co-existence is realized in the Naga society. Knowing well that we Nagas are still struggling people asserting our common rights to self determination and aspiration to live together as one people.

NSGEWA on review of the Retirement Act 2009 public. The reasons might be they were short-sighted or wanted immediate promotion. What might be the reasons, the individual benefit and interest had overshadowed the common interest.

In course of time, many of them have been promoted to higher grades, some were given triple promotion in a year’s time. Now, so comfortable with their positions that many are not willing to retire and thereby, urging the Government to reviewthe Act by removing 35 years length of service or increasing the length of service to 38 years keeping 60 years of age superannuation. This indi-

cates that NGSEF is still confused with the Act as it is contrary to their observations noted above. Further, the Forum also opined that the Act might have been introduced with a view to do away with those employees who had tempered their date of birth/ joining of service since the Government was unable to check those cases individually. To this, NSGEWA raises whether NGSEF would be able to support their view with documentary proof?

Whatever may be the case, we could not jointly strike the iron while it was burning hot on the anvil. It is exceptionally true that united we

stand but divided we fall and so, it may not be wise to cry over spilt milk.

The Nagaland Students Federation (NSF), the Guide of the Government, spearheaded the issue demanding fixation of length of service for retirement on the ground of educated unemployment problem in the State. This highest student body was also keeping quite when the retirement age was enhanced from 57 years to 60 years in November, 2007 but in dead earnest persuaded to fix the length of service at 35 years just 10(ten) months after the enhancement of

age to solve the unemployment problem. As such, NSF should stand firm not to review the Act till unemployment problem is solved. Hope your memory would not be short-lived as the Act is still at the initial stage and fresh not even completed 5(five) years.

Don’t succumb to pressure and don’t let your lofty ideals be swept away by torrential rain pouring down from above. In addition to these, NSGEWA would also like to know how many educated youths have been employed through fair means and open interviews against the retire-

ment vacancies till date.

The Court’s Judgement: The honourable Court had given judgment based on the counter affidavit submitted to the Court by the Government: 1. A large number of educated unemployed youths in Nagaland are in search of white collared jobs under the Government sectors; whereas such job opportunities are already saturated and the State Government, being a welfare State, considers it necessary that job opportunities should be shared by the citizens in a more equitable manner and that this objective can

be better achieved by fixing the upper age limit as well as by setting a limit on the maximum number of years of service. Here, a question may be asked, whether the Government and the NSF have provided job toevery Naga household in the State?

2. The Government in its affidavit stated that unless job opportunities are given to the educated unemployed youths, they are joining Underground movements. The apex Court clearly says that the impugned provision is aimed to combat unrest amongst educated unemployed youths

Gwangphun Gen. Secretary Rongmei Naga People's Organization

and to ensure that they do not join underground movement. It may, therefore, be asked, how many such unemployed educated youths have joinedunderground and how many have been prevented from joining the underground movement before and after implementation of the Act? Now, the NSGEWA urges the Government not to review the Retirement Act 2009 until and unless these two problems are solved. If reviewed immediately, it might open another Pandora box.

P. Vese Joint Secretary NSGEWA Imkongyabang Vice Chairman NSGEWA

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.

Combined Teachers’ Day celebrated in Dimapur Noke inaugurates water TEACHERS SELECTED FOR THE DISTRICT supply project at Rüsoma TEACHERS AWARD FOR 2014

Awardees along with Chief Guest ADC Dimapur Elizabeth Ngully and other dignitaries.

DIMAPUR, SePteMbeR 5 (MexN): A combined Teachers’ Day celebration for schools in Dimapur was held at covenant hall, Christian Higher Secondary School, with additional deputy commissioner (ADC) Dimapur, Elizabeth Ngully, as the chief guest.

Greeting the teachers of the auspicious day, the ADC in her address said teachers should love their career in order to pass on their teachings to the students and that they should

be one step ahead in order to inspire and ignite the minds of students.

“The mediocre teacher tells, the good teacher explains, the superior teacher demonstrates and the great teacher inspires”, Elizabeth echoed the lines of William Arthur Ward.

On Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s video conference with students on the occasion, she said this preparation by the Prime Minister shows the significance of the day.

Quoting William But-

NFHRCC meeting today

ler Yeats’ “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire”, the ADC called upon the teachers to always update themselves as one is never too old to learn and that education is a lifelong process.

Sub Division Education Officer (SDEO) Dimapur, Atomi Swu, in his address said teachers should be the best minds of the country as they are an inspiration to the entire populace.

Ms. Vinoli, a teacher of GHSS Niuland, spoke on behalf of the awardees.

Kheshili Shohe G/T GHSS Dimapur Vinoli PGT GHSS Niuland Mapulemba G/T GHS Kushiabill Watinungla A/T GHS Sarbura Khuplum Kuki D/T GHS Moava Imkongakum LKR G/T GHS Diphupar Letthang D/T GHS Molvom A. Edward G/T GHS Nihoto Kihoto Sema PIT GHS Zuheshe K.Kiyeli Achumi PIT GPS Huvukhu Imtisangla Aier PIT GPS Sarbura Y.Shivito Awomi PIT GPS Viyito Talirenlaaonok GMS (AO) Notun Bosti Imnatula PIT GMS Town Primary T.Merangkalajamir PIT GMS Duncan (Ao) Tovili.K.Sema GMS Lhomithi Colony Elsamma PI-IILlP G/T GMS Sovima Keveteu Nuh PIT Bethesda Hr.Sec School Walford Sushil KR. Pandey St.Mary's Hr.Sec.School Sentisangla Cornerstone Hr.Sec.School Karam Sanayaima Pilgrim School Ashim Kumar Dutta Ram Janaki P.Athi Sivakrishnam -St.Paul Hr.Sec.School Rajesh Chetri Little Star Hr.Sec School Dimapur A.M Sheila Ozukum H/T Vision Home Hr.Sec School Kiholi G/T GPS Luzheto L. Nilo Sema PIT GMS Darogajan Kakheli Yepthomi G/T GMS Rangapahar

Peace Count workshop held at CTC

DIMAPUR, SePteMbeR 5 (MexN): NFHRCC General Secretary, WY Kithan has informed in a press release said that there would be NFHRCC meeting at 3:00 pm at Treasurer's Residence on September 6 (Sat). All the Committee Members are requested to make it convenient to attend.

KUK meeting today kohIMA, SePteMbeR 5 (MexN): Konyak Union Kohima (KUK) has convened general meeting on September 6, 10:00 am at Konyak community hall, Midland. All members have been requested to attend the meeting. This was informed in a press release issued by KUK Vice President, Er. K. Tingten.

Sumi council emergency meeting DIMAPUR, SePteMbeR 5 (MexN): The Sumi Council, Dimapur will have an emergency meeting in the residence of Y Zhimomi, at Y Zhimomi colony, near Signal Basti bazaar on September 6 at 3:00 pm to discuss some important issues pertaining to its activities, which requires urgent attention. Sumi Council Dimapur Chairman Kuhoi Zhimo in a press release has requested all office bearers, executive members, Sumi GBs and chairmen of all colonies and all concerned are requested to attend the same positively without fail.

Particpants with resource persons at the Peace Count Workshop held at CTC.

MokokchUNg, SePteMbeR 5 (MexN): The Peace Count Workshop was held at Clark Theological College from September 2-3. Altogether 54 students and a faculty participated in the workshop.

The facilitators were Dr. Leban Serton (Berghof Foundation, Germany), Anand Ingty John (Shillong), Mhonyamo Lotha

Lecturer, CTC and Zulu Lemtur Program Coordinator, Clark Centre for Peace Research and Action, CTC. The Workshop highlights important topics like, Vision of Peace, Conflict Escalation and De-escalation, Conflict Management, Paths in and out of Violence, Conflict Resolution, and Peace Building Mechanism.

Rev. Dr. Takatemjen, Principal, who also offered the Pastoral prayer for the participants, awarded the participants certificates and Rev. Dr. Temjen, Academic Dean, delivered the exhortation.

The participants also undertook pledge to be the agents of change and active peacemakers in the region and worldwide.

PHED minister Noke Wangnao and others during the inauguration of Deep Tube Well water supply project at Rüsoma village on September 5. (Morung Photo) Our Correspondent ticularly in operation and which 3 were successful, 3 Kohima | September 5

Minister for PHED Noke Wangnao today inaugurated a Deep Tube Well water supply project at Rüsoma village under Kohima district.

Speaking on the occasion, Noke said the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, GOI, under the program National Rural Drinking Water Program (NRDWP) set the national objective to provide every rural person with adequate safe water for drinking, cooking and other domestic basic needs on a sustainable basis by 2019.

He also said that, the efforts to provide all rural habitation with safe drinking water where there is no gravity water source, the PHE department is resorting to other methods and technologies like supply of Pumping, Tube Wells, Rain water Harvesting and Traditional Wells.

He also urged upon the villagers to continue to extend support par-

maintenance through WATSAN to have a sustainable clean drinking water uninterrupted.

A brief technical report on the scheme was delivered by Er. Kevisekho Kruse, Chief Engineer PHED. He said Rüsoma village under Chiephobozou RD Block is a water scarce village with no economically feasible and dependable gravity source.

Piped water supply was provided in the past when the village was having a smaller population, however the system could not deliver the required service due to depletion of water at the source as well as rapid increase in population.

In the meantime, the villagers are relying on traditional wells for their drinking water needs.

Kruse giving a summary of the scheme informed that the total estimated cost is Rs.145.04 lakh, number of bore wells drilled is 4 but out of

nos of Iron Removal Plant (IRP) with slow sand filter to clear water reservoir and aerator tray assembly constructed, 5 nos of public fountain, 1nos of distribution reservoir, combined average discharge for 3 units in 1 hour of pumping is 12900 litres and a minimum of 6 hours pumping per day of all the three units is advised in order to provide at least 40 litres per capita per day for Rüsoma village.

Earlier, the function was chaired by Asenla S. Longchari, IAS, Secretary, Govt. of Nagaland, PHED. Welcome speech was delivered by Kruzolie Zhale, Chairman, Rüsoma village. Folk song was presented by Rüsoma village.

The function also witnessed short speech from Zeneivi Chase, president, Kohima District GB Association and Bodeno S. Colo, Addl. Deputy Commissioner, Chiephobozou.

Vote of thanks was proposed by Er. Y. Tep, SE, PHED, Kohima Circle.

6

People, life, etc...

Saturday | 6 September, 2014

Thailand and its surrogate mothers Jocelyn Gecker and Thanyarat Doksone

thailand's surrogacy scandals and laws

associated press

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hen the young Thai woman saw an online ad seeking surrogate mothers, it seemed like a life-altering deal: $10,000 to help a foreign couple that wanted a child but couldn't conceive.

Wassana, a lifetime resident of the slums, viewed it as a nine-month solution to her family's debt. She didn't ask many questions.

In reality, there was no couple. There was instead a young man from Japan named Mitsutoki Shigeta, whom she met twice but who never spoke a word to her. This same man — reportedly the son of a Japanese billionaire — would go on to make surrogate babies with 10 other women in Thailand, police say, spending more than half a million dollars to father at least 16 children for reasons still unclear.

The mystery surrounding Shigeta has riveted Thailand and become the focal point of a growing scandal over commercial surrogacy. The industry that catered to foreigners has thrived on semi-secrecy, deception and legal loopholes, and Thailand's military government is vowing to shut it down.

Wassana's story, which she shared with The Associated Press on condition that her last name not be used to protect her family and 8-year-old son from embarrassment, offers clues into an extraordinarily complex puzzle that boils down to two questions: Who is Shigeta and why did he want so many babies?

Shigeta is being investigated for human trafficking and child exploitation, but Thai police say they haven't found evidence of either.

The 24-year-old, now the focus of an Asia-wide investigation, has said through a lawyer that he simply wanted a big family.

He has not been charged with any crime and is trying to get his children back — 12 are currently in Thailand being cared for by social services. His whereabouts are unknown; he left Bangkok after police raided his condominium Aug. 5 and discovered nine babies living with nine nannies. Police say he sent DNA samples from Japan that prove he is the babies' father.

Key to unraveling all of this are the women Shigeta paid to bear his children. And Wassana, whose account has been corroborated by police, was his first.

An Answer To Eviction Wassana's Bangkok is not the city of skyscrapers and spas that most visitors see. The petite, soft-spoken 32-year-old with a ninth grade education has spent her life in a trash-strewn slum, scraping by selling traditional Thai sweets from a food cart and sharing a

I

mildew-stained tenement with seven relatives. At $6 a day, it was affordable until her late father's medical bills drained the family's savings. They couldn't pay rent for a year and faced eviction.

So when her sister stumbled upon an ad seeking surrogates in 2012, Wassana didn't hesitate. "I thought that any parents who would spend so much money to get a baby must want him desperately," she says. "The agent told me it was for a foreign couple."

She assumed it was customary to keep the biological parents' identities confidential. In a country where deference to authority is expected — especially for poor, uneducated women — she didn't probe.

She wondered, though, who the baby's mother was. "I don't know if the doctor used my eggs or another woman's," she says.

"Nobody told me."

During the pregnancy, she developed pre-eclampsia, a condition that causes dangerously high blood pressure. She was rushed into the delivery room two months early and on June 20, 2013, she underwent a cesarean section, giving birth to a boy. Wassana's family came to visit, but, she says, Shigeta did not.

The infant was placed in an incubator and after six days, Wassana returned home. She's not sure when the baby was released from the hospital to Shigeta's custody. Two months later, she finally met Shigeta for the first time at the New Life fertility clinic, which had posted the Internet ad.

He was tall, with shaggy, shoulder-length hair, and was dressed casually in jeans and a wrinkled, button-down shirt he left untucked. His lawyer had accompanied him to the meeting, where he and Wassana signed a document granting him sole custody. He wasn't personable. There was no "thank you" for carrying his child, she says. There was, in fact, no communication at all.

"He didn't say anything to me," she says. "He never introduced himself. He only smiled and nodded. His lawyer did the talking."

Perjury Allegations A month later, the same lawyer, Ratpratan Tulatorn, called and told her to go to the Juvenile and Family Court to finalize the custody transfer. Under Thai law, a woman who gives birth is the legal mother, and, if she is married, her husband is the legal father. A court approval is required to transfer custody, which experts say often involves perjury.

Police Col. Decha Promsuwan, who has questioned five of Shigeta's surrogates, said several of the women told police Ratpratan had instructed

want to pen down something about our Christian Bible. I hope readers will not misunderstand as I knowingly don’t reflect to any particular sect and being children of God, readers will think positively.

In Olden days “Headhunting”, was our means of war and now in the present situation, we have become one’s brothers and sisters realizing that ‘Head-hunting’ is the worse for us as we have become Christian.

Now all the people living in Nagaland share the words of God together and inviting each other and come across to know each tribe and District with enthusiasm. When the officer posted/transferred

Jocelyn Gecker

A

associated press

string of recent scandals has lifted a lid on Thailand's largely unregulated commercial surrogacy industry, which has been around for over a decade. Here's a look at the controversies, some of the ethical dilemmas they have raised and the Thai military government's new draft law that is expected to outlaw the business of surrogacy.

In this Tuesday, 12 August. photo, Thai police display pictures of surrogate babies born to a Japanese man who is at the center of a surrogacy scandal during a press conference at the police headquarters in Chonburi, Thailand. Interpol said Friday it has launched a multinational investigation into what Thailand has dubbed the “Baby Factory” case: the 24-yearold Japanese businessman who has 16 surrogate babies and an alleged desire to father hundreds more. Police raided a Bangkok condominium earlier this month and found nine babies and nine nannies living in a few unfurnished rooms filled with baby bottles, bouncy chairs, play pens and diapers. They have since identified Mitsutoki Shigeta as the father of those babies - and seven others. (AP Photo)

9 steps a man took to 16 surrogate babies

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olice say Japanese businessman Mitsutoki Shigeta followed nine key steps on his path to fathering 16 surrogate babies in Thailand, born starting in June 2013. It's unclear whether he went through all of the steps for every baby; four are in Cambodia and the rest remain in Thailand. Here's how he did it: 1. Shigeta hired surrogacy scouts and a fertility doctor in Bangkok.

2. The doctor's fertility clinic handled implantation of the

them to tell the court they'd had an affair with Shigeta, resulting in a child their husbands did not want.

Ratpratan said he is no longer Shigeta's attorney and declined to comment on the women's statements, saying, "I don't want to touch that point because it's a legal matter."

During the hearing, Shigeta told the judge he owned a finance company in Japan. His story is being intensely followed in Japan despite legal threats against the press. After his case made headlines, a group of prominent lawyers sent letters warning Japan's mainstream media not to report Shigeta's name or the names of his family members, according to news organizations that received the letter.

However, several Japanese magazines and online publications have identified him as a son of Japanese tycoon Yasumitsu Shigeta, founder of mobile phone distributor Hikari Tsushin.

Yet even his heritage is shrouded in mystery.

The company says it can neither confirm nor deny the father-son relationship, calling it "a personal matter," and Thai police and Interpol say they are investigating his family ties. Multiple stock filings, meanwhile, show the elder Shigeta has a son named

in different District they were very much exited to be there, as we credo ‘Head-hunting’ is no more in naga society. Even I want to travel in different places of our Nagaland state and see the beautiful natural flora and fauna.

When we talk about ‘War and Peace’. Let me start by saying Jesus story. Once Jesus spoke to his followers about peacemaking during his sermon on the mount. Blessed are the peacemakers he said, for they will be called sons of God (Mathew 5:19). Later in that sermon, he said; ‘if someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also (Mathew 5:39) When in the Middle Ages, many Christian thought it was

embryos.

3. The clinic handled prenatal care and deliveries of the babies spread out at nine Bangkok hospitals. The babies, all born via cesarean section, include four sets of twins.

4. Newborns were taken to a Bangkok condominium owned

by Shigeta, where nannies cared for them.

5. Birth certificates were issued from at least five district offices in Bangkok.

6. The babies' names were reg-

Mitsutoki and his company has a shareholder with the same name. The stock papers show that Yasumitsu's child was born Feb 9, 1990, the same birthdate as the Mitsutoki Shigeta at the center of the surrogacy scandal, according to Thai media that published his passport page.

Yasumitsu Shigeta did not respond to a request for an interview and Mitsutoki Shigeta's current lawyer did not respond to requests for interviews with his client, who has multiple addresses throughout Asia. Phone calls to a Hong Kong mobile number listed for the younger Shigeta went straight to voicemail, and he did not answer text messages. No one answered the bell at his Hong Kong condo, and the doorman said he could not recall ever seeing him there.

'10 to 15 babies a year' In early August, barely a year after Wassana's court date with Shigeta, she saw his face again — this time, on television. She almost didn't recognize him; his hair was now neatly trimmed. The Thai media was calling it the "serial surrogacy" case, and it had broken just after another scandal involving an Australian couple who paid a Thai surrogate to carry twins, then left behind the

istered at the address of Shigeta's Bangkok condominium.

7. Shigeta went to juvenile and family court to get custody from the surrogate mothers, some of whom told police they were instructed to lie about having an affair with Shigeta to facilitate the transfer of custody.

8. District offices issued documents stating that he is the biological father and has custody.

9. Those documents were used to issue the babies' passports.

one with Down syndrome.

Wassana was floored.

What was happening? Police wondered the same thing. So intricate was Shigeta's quest for children that they crafted a flowchart to keep track of how he did it.

The 9-step diagram starts with Shigeta's picture and traces the steps he took to get his babies, from hiring surrogacy clinics and nannies, to registering apartments in the infants' names and completing legal paperwork required for birth certificates and passports. The deliveries were spread out at nine Bangkok hospitals.

Shigeta's acquaintances offer varying accounts of his motives. The New Life clinic, which is currently closed pending investigation, stopped working with Shigeta after two surrogates got pregnant and he requested more, said founder Mariam Kukunashvili.

Shigeta told New Life "he wanted to win elections and could use his big family for voting," Kukunashvili said. "He said he wanted 10 to 15 babies a year, and that he wanted to continue the baby-making process until he's dead."

Kukunashvili said she reported his requests to Interpol in an April 8, 2013 fax to its French headquarters, but never heard back.

Thailand's Interpol office said it never saw the warn-

ing. She rejected Wassana's account that the New Life agent had portrayed the parents as a couple and withheld Shigeta's identity.

"At New Life, surrogates are always informed fully and never treated this way," she said. The Medical Council of Thailand, meanwhile, spoke with Wassana's doctor, Pisit Tantiwattanakul, before he closed his All IVF fertility clinic and emptied it of all patient files after the scandal broke. His whereabouts are unknown, but he has vowed to present himself for a police interview in early September.

Pisit told the council Shigeta said he had businesses overseas and wanted a large family because he only trusted his own children to take care of them. Interpol has asked its regional offices in Japan, Thailand, Cambodia, Hong Kong and India to probe Shigeta's background. Police say he appears to have businesses or apartments in those countries.

Japan has no law banning surrogacy, but the medical industry has issued orders against it that are strictly followed, which could explain why Shigeta flew to one of the few places in Asia where it is openly practiced. Since 2010, he has made 41 trips to Thailand and police say he traveled regularly to Cambodia, where he holds a

WAR AND PEACE right to join the crusades and fight to capture the ‘Holy land’.

And in 1939, when Hitler was ruling Germany and invading other neighbouring countries on that time many Christian thought he was so evil that it was necessary to go war. This war sometimes called ‘A Just War’.

The idea of ‘Just War’ goes back to the time of st Agustine, the bishop of Hippo in North Africa. When his area was threatened by invaders, he said that pacifism was not enough. It was better to fight an invader than to give in if that invader was going to destroy your freedom, including

your freedom to worship God. Before a war can be just, it is said that seven things must be true: 1) What you are fighting for must itself be good or just.

2) That must be the case for as long as the war lasts.

3) The war must lead to something that is good or it must destroy an evil.

4) It must be fought by fair means.

5) It must take place only when all other attempts to put things right have failed.

6) You must be certain you can win the war.

7) The war must aim to

bring about peace and justice.

Nevertheless, we have our own ‘Bible’ in different dialect.

In the year 1794, a little Girl name Mary Jones who was at the age of ten was very eager to read the Bible in her own language. One day she heard that Bible was being sold in a town which was several miles from her places. Though it was far, she made a long walk over the mountains and when she reached that town, the Bible had all been sold out, but eventually she got one.

People of London heard her story; in 1804 they started

THREE SCANDALS: In late July, Thai media reported that an Australian couple who had paid a Thai surrogate to carry twins, returned home with a healthy baby girl but left behind her twin brother who had Down syndrome. The case sparked a national outcry and pleas of help for the surrogate who later said she kept the baby because she feared he would end up in a state institution.

Shortly after, police received a tip that uncovered a bizarre new case: a 24-year-old Japanese man who fathered at least 16 babies via Thai surrogates. Police are still investigating why the man, Mistutoki Shigeta, wanted so many children and are trying to confirm reports that he is the son of a Japanese billionaire.

A third case emerged this week: An Australian man charged with sexually abusing twin girls he fathered several years ago with a Thai surrogate. The man was charged in an Australian court last year for committing indecent acts with a child. Court documents show that the father has also been charged with possessing child pornography materials found in a raid on his home, Australian Broadcasting Corp. reported. He goes on trial in December and is currently free on bail.

THAILAND'S CURRENT RULES ON SURROGACY: Thailand is one of the few countries in Asia where commercial surrogacy is not specifically banned by law. The Medical Council of Thailand has a regulation stating that doctors cannot perform surrogacy for pay or risk losing their license.

But that penalty has rarely been enforced and there are no rules covering surrogacy agencies or surrogate mothers, leaving room for commercial surrogacy to occur without oversight. Thailand has become a go-to destination for couples from Australia, Hong Kong and Taiwan and a low-cost alternative to the United States. The cost of a baby by surrogate in Thailand is less than $50,000, compared to about $150,000 in the U.S. DRAFT LAW ON SURROGACY: In response to the recent global attention, Thailand's military government has vowed to shut down the commercial surrogacy industry. A draft law expected to pass the junta-appointed legislature sometime this year prohibits commercial surrogacy and would penalize offenders with up to 10 years in prison. Agencies, advertisers or recruiters of surrogate mothers will face up to five years in jail and a fine of up to 100,000 baht ($3,000). Experts say they fear the law will not end commercial surrogacy in Thailand and instead push it underground.

AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Australia says the crackdown has left dozens of couples in legal limbo and is negotiating with Thailand to ease the transition period before the new law takes effect. Several couples have been prevented from leaving Thailand with their new babies born through surrogacy, due to a clampdown on departure measures that require a court approval that is a lengthy and costly process. Others fear the fate of their unborn children currently being carried by Thai surrogates, many of whom have gone into hiding and stopped going for pre-natal checkups fearing they will be penalized for breaking the new law. passport and brought four of the babies. Cambodian police have refused to comment on the case.

One of the babies in Cambodia might be Wassana's — a prospect that leaves her riddled with guilt.

"What if they've done something bad to the baby?" she says. "Did I deliver him to some terrible fate?"

Today, her own fate is uncertain. The money she received for bearing Shige-

the British and foreign Bible society, now called the Bible society. The Bible society has distributed millions of copies of the Bible around the world in all the main language of the world in 200 years. For which it was partly thanks to Mary Jones for making the Bible available for the whole people of the world. Because of her, we are going through the Bible and everyone knows what is Bible?.

However, the ‘Book Bible’ is not just one book but a whole library of books written over a period of a thousand years.

We read Bible believing that is a ‘Message ‘from God and we too have faith in God by simply mean- ‘we hope there is a God or we know there is a God, because we feel or have experi-

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.

ta's child cleared the family debt but was not enough to drag them out of the slums.

She still lives in the same derelict tenement. She has held the boy just once, when Shigeta handed him to her briefly in court. But she told police that she would be willing to raise him if he is being mistreated.

"I thought he would be with a good family that would love him," she says.

"That's what I thought."

enced the love and help of God in our lives and certain that God is real, we even worship Him and celebrate Christian festival like the Advent Christmas, merry Christmas and Easter etc.

How many time/years do we celebrate this Christian festival like this, it has been more than a decade ago but still no sign of true righteousness exist in our society.

If we should respect the Bible for what it teaches to us and in how much we can interpret its teachings to deal with present day knowledge and understanding. Thank you May god bless Nagaland and Assam.

K. Lenangh Angh Economics Honours Kohima College

Saturday

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

6 September, 2014

Morung Youth Express

7

Syria's Generation in Waiting For many young Syrians displaced by war, there's no going back to school Lauren E. Bohn | The Atlantic

S

yria’s protracted political crisis— more than three years of debilitating ruin and elusive compromise—has ripped families from their homes, their country, and each other. There are now more than 3 million Syrian refugees registered in the region, with around 100,000 more added each month. The number of refugees in neighboring Lebanon, more than 1.1 million, exceeds a quarter of the country’s own pre-war population. Lebanon now has the highest per-capita concentration of refugees worldwide, many of them having fled their homes with little more than the clothes on their backs.

For Syria’s displaced youth, often described as a "lost generation," education has become a pipe dream.

Public schools in already choked host countries often lack the capacity and resources to accommodate the teeming refugee population, around half of which is under the age of 18. According to UNICEF, two-thirds of Syrian refugee children are out of school.

Many who had been enrolled in a Syrian university when they left the country fall behind and can’t find the means to catch up.

“Each day out of Syria gets both easier and harder,” says Hani, a gifted 21-year-old Syrian refugee living in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, whom I spoke to along with a number of other young Syrian refugees in July. “Easier because you get used to living outside of Syria ... but harder because you don’t want to accept that.”

In the midst of one of modern history’s worst humanitarian disasters, one that has turned people into numbers, meet Syria’s generation in waiting—waiting for normalcy, waiting for a green light, waiting for any light.

They’re not a lost generation; they know where they are. They just can’t go home.

When shrapnel tore through Mostafa’s home in the city of Homs two years ago, he couldn’t move for minutes, he says, maybe even hours. Time froze. Before even opening his eyes, he knew life would never be the same.

“I didn’t want to see what I knew had happened,” he says, blinking anxiously as he recounts a living nightmare.

When he finally opened them, he saw what can never be unseen: the bodies of his mother and young brother lying lifeless, almost unrecognizable. He and his father, along with his younger brother, had survived the shelling.

With barely any time to arrange a proper burial, the family fled to Lebanon. Once a promising engineering student at Aleppo University, Mostafa now works odd jobs (“I’ve cleaned, I’ve cooked, I’ve played music, I’ve taught ... everything and anything”), struggling to find a way to continue his education. Most engineering programs at Lebanese universities are simply too expensive.

His father, still enveloped in grief, is barely able to get up some mornings. Mostafa has become a second father to his younger brother, nudging him to do his homework and scolding him when he watches too much SpongeBob SquarePants on a small television set they got second-hand from a Lebanese neighbor.

To “make better use” of his time— the only thing Mostafa really has—he began volunteering at a school run by Jusoor, a non-governmental organization started by Syrian expatriates to educate the country’s displaced youth. He sings and dances with the children, who follow him around with perma-smiles. On his breaks, he practices his English through an app he downloaded on his Droid, a device he long saved up for and calls his “best friend.”

Spending time with the children has served as a kind of therapy for Mostafa, exposing him to a world outside his own of unbearable loss.

“These are my people,” he says, walking into a room of young Syrian refugees, all huddled in a circle, vibrating with energy even before Mostafa picks up his drum.

“When I look into their eyes, I see my pain,” he says, grabbing the hand of a five-year-old boy who lost his father in Syria last year. “But I also see my country.”

In what she describes as a “dark flash,” Bayan fled the city of Aleppo with her family two years ago. She still remembers the gray, foggy morning they left. They were woken up at 5 a.m. by neighbors notifying them of a ceasefire in their restive neighborhood—a chance to escape after being under siege for weeks with barely enough to eat. They quickly packed some belongings—a few days’ worth of clothes, some books, and an old

The Naga Blog is a forum on facebook where Nagas from Nagaland and around the world network, share ideas and discuss a wide range of topics from politics and philosophy to music and current events in Nagaland and beyond. The blog is not owned by any individual, nor is it affiliated to or associated with any political party or religion. The only movement it hopes to stir is the one raised by the voices of the Nagas every step of the way, amassing perhaps to mass consciousness one day. www.facebook.com/groups/thenagablog

Uniform for labourers is a bad idea by KMC?

A Lebanese instructor teaches English to Syrian primary-school students in southern Lebanon.

family Koran—and fled. On their way out of Aleppo, the Syrian army held them for two hours at a checkpoint and took all their suitcases.

Bayan’s face folds into tears when she recalls how the soldiers took her schoolbooks. “They were just books,” she says. “I’m just a student.”

Adjusting to life in Lebanon has been impossible, she says. She and her younger sister Rawan complain of harassment from Lebanese teachers and students; one of her schoolmates, she says, taunts her by repeating “Bashar,” the name of the embattled Syrian president. Bayan’s new home, a small two-room apartment in northern Lebanon, is caked in dust and squalor, lit by a single blade of sun peeking in through the apartment’s only window. Her father, once a successful tailor in Syria, can barely find enough work to pay their monthly rent, the equivalent of around $200.

“We’re hanging on by a thread,” her mother says, nursing Rawan’s baby brother. Before she’s able to set the baby down for a nap, the apartment goes black. They weren’t able to pay the electricity bill this month.

It’s not the first time and it probably won’t be the last. As she does most months, Rawan rushes outside to lift the lock that the electricity company has placed on their fuse box to prevent them from switching the power back on. The tactic has worked in the past, but this time the lock is too tight.

Rawan gives up and hurries back upstairs to flip through her journal, adorned with images of flowers and rainbows, the stuff childhood is supposed to be made of. On the first page, she has sketched out verses from a song she says she heard long ago, but only now understands: “To live through the pain of alienation that no one knows until they’ve lived through it.”

Almost every day, and often in the same powder-blue trench coat, Manal (18) takes a 20-minute bus ride to a small community center for Syrian refugees in southern Lebanon. She brings nothing but two journals. In their pages are crushed flower petals, now browned, from her favorite garden back in Damascus. “It’s quiet here ... I can think,” she says, sitting in a corner of the center. “There’s too much noise at home, too much noise everywhere.”

Manal and her family fled their Damascus suburb two years ago after two of her relatives were thrown into prison and brutally beaten. She had planned to enter university and study business, but like most young Syrian refugees, she’s been struggling to find a way to finance her studies in Lebanon. She and her family work as grocers at a local market, living paycheck to paycheck.

People at the center say she’s mysterious. She lingers around the doorway before she enters a room. And when she talks, she pauses between sentences as if she’s traversing dim corridors in her mind.

“She’s sensitive, very childlike,” says an English teacher at the center.

“She has experienced a world of trauma.”

But it’s not only a brutal war that has worn her down. In the midst of adapting to an undersized life in Lebanon, Manal says she decided it was finally time to lift “the dark cloud that has always been over my eyes.”

A few months ago, she disclosed to her mother and a psychologist at the center that for most of her childhood, male relatives raped her. She and her mother have been undergoing therapy, but her father still doesn’t know.

Her dream is to write a book about

her experience and to counsel other women around the region.

“I want to be a bridge of hope over a sea of desperation,” she says, reciting poetry she’s written in her journals. “I want to help other women who’ve been through the same horror. They need to know it’s not their fault ... please tell them I said it’s not their fault.”

Staffers at the center say she’s progressed dramatically, but it’s a wound that’s slow to heal and is compounded by displacement from war. Manal says she has sought solace through writings by Gandhi and Mandela, learning that everyone has a power inside of them, and that life is ultimately about sharing that power.

“I’ve learned that no situation is permanent ... the sexual abuse, even the war, none of it is permanent,” she says. “After every darkness, there is a sun.”

But even in the darkness, she quickly clarifies, “There’s a moon.

And sometimes there are even stars.”

Hani (21) is something of a rockstar refugee. His near-perfect English (which he taught himself in part with translated Paulo Coehlo books) and unflappable charisma have made him a go-to for humanitarian aid agencies. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees even visited his family’s makeshift home, barely more than tarp draped across a wooden frame, in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley last spring.

“I don’t mind the attention ... it’s good for me to remind people that I’m here, I still exist ... I still dream,” he says, squinting uncomfortably. He suffers from a congenital cornea defect and is barely able to open his eyes outdoors. “But there’s only so much you can talk about your past. I’m no longer Syria Hani ... I’m figuring-it-out Hani.”

Back in Homs, Hani was a star student whom his teachers and classmates affectionately called “the robot” for his ability to answer questions quickly and almost always correctly. He won several writing and chess competitions, and played in a band called The Dreamers. A voracious reader, he’s read almost all of Da Vinci Code author Dan Brown’s books (“I could eat them”) and has even incorporated the word “code” into his email address and online user names.

He had plans to study engineering at a top Syrian university on a full scholarship. That was before his home was looted and burned, and before his cousins were murdered, their throats slit.

“Hani was and is our dream child,” his father says, covering his face in his hands. “His destiny is so much more than this.” Hani’s parents are desperately trying to procure enough funding, through either their salaries or scholarships, for him to study engineering at a private Lebanese university, but they can barely afford to maintain their home in a tented settlement. Still, the boundlessly jovial 21-year-old refuses to wallow in the widening gap between himself and the person he was meant to be.

“I have so much energy, so much life ... I know I’m a star,” he says. “Even if my light is dim right now, I’m still in the sky.”

In an abandoned onion-processing plant in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, newlyweds Mohammed (23) and Hanaa sit on the floor of what they jokingly call the “best mansion in the land.”

Their two-room makeshift apartment in what is now an impromptu garlicstorage and sales facility is a source of pride for the couple. Before their marriage last month, Mohammed gathered his life-savings, the equivalent of

some $300, to rent the best accommodation for them. Most of their friends and relatives live in tents.

Mohammed and Hanaa arrived last year from Raqaa, Syria, now a stronghold of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. “They stole our country,” says Hanaa. “But none of the sides are thinking about the Syrian people, so none of them will win what’s left of it.”

Mohammed had been studying social sciences at Aleppo University, where he was on track to begin his Ph.D. Hanaa had been studying humanities at Raqaa University, with plans to become a history teacher.

“I want to teach young people about Syria’s rich past,” she says. “The present is so ugly, but the past ... the past has beauty.”

The couple hopes to open an informal school in their settlement, but for now their days are filled with oftenfailed attempts to find well-paid day labor to maintain their home and save up for something better.

“Every day, we die a hundred deaths here. Just look at my face,” Hanaa exclaims, before heading out to work the potato fields with a gaggle of refugee women. “I didn’t always look so tired. I’m only 18!”

Her older sister, Zainab, lovingly pokes her. “You’re so dramatic,” she teases. “Don’t be lazy.”

“I never thought I’d spend my days picking potatoes,” Hanaa retorts, laughing uneasily. “This is my new life ... the Syrian Queen of Potatoes.”

She covers her hair, squeezes Mohammed’s hand, and sets off into the fields.

“Four,” Asma answers, staring blankly into the dusty distance. Since fleeing to Lebanon from the city of Idlib two years ago, Asma and her family of eight have lived in four different locations. She can’t even bring herself to call them homes. The family is currently nestled in northern Lebanon in a tiny three-room shed where her father has found semi-consistent work at a small cement business.

She has settled into her corner of the musty space as best she can, arranging the few belongings she owns—a pink brush, a red-beaded bracelet, and a few neon notebooks.

But settling in is something to be avoided. Her father just received word from his boss that the family must move again by the end of the year. They have no idea where they’ll go.

Asma has always been a top student. Back in Idlib, her uncles and cousins were engineers and doctors.

Many of them have died in the fighting.

“If I continue my studies, I can find a way to help rebuild my country,” she says. “That’s why I stay up late ... to practice my writing, to practice anything.”

But since fleeing to Lebanon, she’s barely been able to stay in school.

For the past five months she’s been enrolled in a UNHCR-funded school, but she fears the education won’t be enough to get her back to where she was: “able to think normally, to dream normally.”

For a recent homework assignment, her teacher asked her to write about a favorite film or friend. She says she wrote instead about the only thing she really knows—her home on a hill back in Syria, surrounded by white flowers and tall trees.

“Our home in Syria is an abandoned castle,” she says in a near whisper, reciting lines from memory.

“We lived in it like kings. Now we’re abandoned and humiliated. We have no crowns, but our hearts still wear them.”

Hoka Tsungdi: Why the KMC is forcing labourers and workers to wear uniform? Where in this whole wide world does workers wear uniform?? Workers are required to wear helmets and shoes for safety or a vest but I have never seen such a practice where workers are supposed to wear uniform.

Is KMC providing the uniform for the poor daily charge workers?

No but KMC are charging around Rs.2000 to Rs.3000 from these poor workers to pay for the compulsory uniform which is actually a lot of money for workers.

Workers are leaving Kohima because of such a foolish idea and rate of workers will go up and because of this, public will suffer. What is the reason and benefit for compulsory uniform? How will KMC or the workers or the public get by this stupid idea? Will they start working hard? Or will it provide safety? Or is this just because of business by taking percentage from the people who are given contract to stitch the uniform? Such brainless ideas will come out only in Nagaland I think. Roads are pathetic, cost of materials and everything is shooting up and now instead of bringing good ideas to benefit public, only idiotic ideas are ruling the state.

Imna Asen: That is ridiculous! How can KMC be charging 2k+ for registration from laborers and then ask them for monthly fee for a set of uniforms? Let me remind you, manual labor does not mean going to work and sitting at a desk and chair office. They have to do hard manual work. How long do you think the uniforms will last on a person if he wears that uniform everyday while carrying bricks, digging land, etc? The uniforms for auto drivers is one thing, but for laborers? That's just utter nonsense. And you say, it's a clever solution to getting rid of IBIs? This will only result in chaos, we need proper plans to keep illegal immigration in check. Some laborers can't even send their children to school and making it compulsory to pay for a uniform that won't last too long is just ridiculously stupid. Our state doesn't even have resources, we are fully dependent on the central government and still we are aiming to raise the cost of living and not focus on the more important issues like infrastructure and road development? To keep the immigrants in check, wouldn't it be better to form a committee that will deport all the immigrants residing illegally without proper papers?

Love is not Blind

Avi Angami Naga: Most people think that love is blind, but it is not blind. According to me, it is a character not an emotion, it is that emotion in love that makes us blind. Love should be an active feeling not a passive feeling. Today the very word LOVE is being misused and abused by many of us youths. I Myself being a youth, can observe that nowadays most girls play with sex as a means of getting love whereas boys play with love as a means of getting sex. "LOVE THEM AND LEAVE THEM", That’s most guys philosophy. Friends, we are living in a very fast world where we get things done immediately and easily. But do not let this influence you. "DON'T RUSH INTO FALLING IN LOVE, LOVE NEVER RUNS OUT". "IF YOU ARE SINGLE STAY HAPPY AND KEEP ON WAITING BECAUSE GOD IS STILL BUSY WRITTING THE BEST LOVE STORY FOR YOU."

Quantity Polytechnics Not Quality Polytechnics: Govt Of Nagaland

Atohoto Zhimo Naga: The Government of Nagaland is setting up more Polytechnics in the state and that is a good thing at a first thought. I am not aware of the courses which will be offered though.

At present, there are three Polytechnics in Nagaland, viz. Khelhoshe Polytechnic Atoizu (KPA), Institute of Communication and Information Technology (ICIT) and Government Polytechnic Kohima (GPK). All under Directorate of Technical Education, Govt. of Nagaland. KPA, being the oldest among the 3, was established in the year 1972. It offers Diploma in 4 Engineering Courses. These courses are practical based and practical oriented courses. Yet, there is a lack of equipments required to conduct practicals. There are no proper laboratory, no sufficient funds for carrying out project works and pathetic infrastructure.

KPA is 42 years old now, almost hitting 50 years within a decade.

The Govt. of Nagaland, instead of upgrading these polytechnics, are setting up more polytechnics. Let me remind you that i'm not against development. Development is ofcourse required but why set up more polytechnics when they cannot handle the already existing 3 polytechnics. Instead, the GoN should focus on providing better facilities, study materials, infrastructure, better opportunities etc. to the existing ones.

As per the students enrollment in KPA, ICIT & GPK there are around 410, 80 & 55 students respectively (Ofcourse number of seats differ). In KPA, the enrollment of students is quite satisfactory but in ICIT and GPK, the students get lesser and lesser. The reason behind this is lack (or even nil) of job opportunities in their field in Nagaland (Public Sector). The students don't see the scope by studying in ICIT and GPK. The GoN however does not look into this matter and are concerned more about setting up new polytechnics. I suppose those new polytechnics won't be any better than already existing ones.

If the GoN really wants to produce good engineers, technocrats or designers they should bring about quality education, upgrade polytechnics into degree colleges, create jobs for students in private or public sectors.

I know that this article won't make the GoN to stop setting up of Polytechnics in other districts but what I want to tell the students is that, you are going to fall into more polytechnics with no good facilities and dirt everywhere. We know the reality here. Nobody bothers about us, not even Students' Union. We are on our own at polytechnics.

(The Naga Blog was created in 2008 by Yanpvuo Kikon. This column in The Morung Express will be a weekly feature every Saturday)

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

Saturday 6 September 2014

NATIONAL

Modi reaches out to 500-millionplus audience on Teachers’ Day

New Delhi, September 5 (iANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi once again demonstrated that he is a man of the masses as he addressed millions of students and teachers across the nation and took questions from them in a first-of-its-kind live mass contact event on Teachers’ Day, striking a chord with them as he laughed and chatted and recounted events from his childhood.

Addressing an estimated 500 million students and others assembled in schools -- almost half the population of the country and comprising children aged below 18, along with thousands of their teachers and parents -Modi spoke of how the value of a teacher has lost its sheen over the years and said that India could be a provider of good teachers to the world. Speaking in Hindi in his usual chatty and conversational fashion, Modi addressed students for half an hour after which he took questions from them, including pointed ones on what his thoughts were on becoming PM and was he like a headmaster which people often said.

The event, which lasted from 3 p.m. to 4.45 p.m., was telecast through satellite link and live telecast on Doordarshan and the human resource development ministry website. Modi had introduced this practice in Gujarat several years ago and this was his attempt to bring another ‘Gujarat model’ on the national stage. Besides breaking ice with students and teachers, the event also had Modi reaching out to their parents and families as he exhorted the children to play and sweat a lot, read biographies of great personalities, save electricity in many small ways and spoke of building toilets in every school to prevent girl students from dropping out. His captive audience on a busy weekday afternoon would be an estimated half the population of India.

His quotable quotes - “You should play and sweat a lot, at least four times a day. Promise you will do it,”; “Yes, I am a taskmaster. It is not that I do not work and (only) take work from others”; “Now that I am a prime minister, I have to watch my words” - had the children laughing along with him. In effect, with his outreach the prime minister managed to overcome whatever negative feelings some school administrations had been harbouring for having to summon students and teachers in the afternoon for the address. Nearly all the schools invited at the Manekshaw Centre, in Delhi Cantt, where Modi spoke and those whose students rose to speak or ask questions were from government schools.

While many of the students, who were noticeably the pick of the school, addressed Modi in English, the prime minister invariably answered in Hindi.

Two visually impaired students also spoke at the event, including asking a question to Modi. Modi interacted through video conferencing with students at National Information Centres in Leh, Port Blair, Silchar (Assam), Imphal, Bhuj (Gujarat), Dantewada (Chhattisgarh) and Thiruvannamalai (Tamil Nadu).

Though Human Resource Development Minister Smriti Irani had assured that attendance of students in their schools for the event would be “completely voluntary”, the Delhi government education directorate had told schools that any “laxity in the arrangements shall be viewed seriously”.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and state education departments had sent notices to schools asking them to make necessary arrangements for children to view the prime minister’s address.

The CBSE, which has 12 million students across 12,504

Indian school children and teachers watch a live telecast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech from New Delhi, at their school in Bangalore on September 5. Modi addressed children and interacted with them through video conferencing Friday, a day marked as Teachers’ Day in the country. (AP Photo)

schools, including 1,002 Kendriya Vidyalayas, 1,944 government schools and 8,966 independent schools, had in its notice said that suitable arrangements will need to be made to enable children to stay from 2.30 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the school Sep 5.

Schools have been asked to report back (through a Google form) on the arrangements made, and also on how it went off, after the show is over. Many morning

schools had changed their schedule to later in the day to accommodate the address.

While students from remote schools as far apart as Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur, Chhattisgarh and Tamil Nadu were linked up with Modi and their students asked him questions, West Bengal was the lone exception as the state government said it had its own programme for the day and could not make the arrangements.

New Delhi, September 5 (iANS): India needs more competent and dedicated teachers, President Pranab Mukherjee said on Teachers’ Day Friday, adding that students need to be taught values like tolerance, integrity and secularism. “India today needs many more competent and willing teachers to dedicate themselves to improving the standard and quality of education.

Teachers have a vital role to play in upgrading the quality of education,” the president said after giving away the National Awards for teachers here.

“The world today faces challenges of violence, terrorism, intolerance and environmental degradation. The values of truth, tolerance, integrity, secularism and inclusiveness need to be imparted to our children to make the world a safer and better place to live in,” he said. Teachers should use information and communication technology and keep pace with rapidly changing technologies, he stressed.

“It is vital for teachers to be comfortable in using ICT and to ensure that students get full benefit of ICT and emerge as citizens knowledgeable in the use of the information technology with the aim of pursuing higher education or entering the job market with relevant IT skills,” the president said.

Mukherjee said India is now investing substantially in the education system. He highlighted the fact that the budget this year has allocated almost Rs.29,000 crore for the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan for primary education and approximately another Rs.5,000 crore for the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan for secondary education.

He added that while teachers have been working under “diverse contexts and conditions”, there is improvement now. “We are aware that our teachers are working under diverse contexts and conditions. We also know that the working conditions of teachers in many places are sub-optimal. However, over time there have been substantial improvements in salary scales and in the construction of proper school buildings with toilets and drinking water,” he said.

Speaking on the occasion, Human Resource Development Minister Smriti Irani said the central government would soon launch an online library to make study material available to all. “Use of ICT (information and communication technology) in education has great potential in the education sector,” she said. “We shall soon launch a national e-library which will make material available to every one,” she said.

India needs more dedicated teachers: President

The Morung Express

Indian girls most likely face violence from mothers: UNICEF New York, September 5 (iANS): Indian mothers and step-mothers are those mostly likely to subject their daughters to “physical violence,” according to a Unicef report that raises the issues of corporal punishment and discipline. Among Indian girls 15 to 19 years of age, 41 percent experienced physical violence at the hands of their mothers or step-mothers, while only 18 percent from their fathers or step-fathers, said the report.

The report, “Hidden in Plain Sight: A Statistical Analysis of Violence Against Children”, released Thursday, was based on surveys among children and covered 190 countries. The reason for the controversial statistic about mothers is that physical violence is defined to include corporal punishment, “however light.” Even forcing a child to eat or stay in uncomfortable positions comes under its description of “physical violence” along with “all other forms of torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment”. The broad statistics about Indian parents do not give a breakdown of the severity of the violence or what proportion of the action involved disciplining children.

Among Indian girls, 15 to 19 years, 25 percent were subjected to “physical violence” by brothers and sisters, the report said. Among married girls or those in a union in that age group, 33 percent reported being subject to physical violence by their husbands or partners, but only one percent faced violence from mothers-in-law. The report said that while “teaching children self-control and acceptable behaviours (are) an integral part of child discipline in all cultures,” all too often “methods that rely on physical force or verbal intimidation to punish unwanted behaviours and encourage desired ones” are used due to “parents’ anger and frustration, or lack of knowledge of non-violent responses”.

Such methods of disciplining, the report said, can harm children’s physical, cognitive, emotional and social growth and increase their tendency to delinquency and criminal behavior as adults. As for sexual violence against Indian girls in the 15-19 age-group, 77 percent of the perpetrators were husbands or partners, 3 percent boyfriends and only 3 percent strangers. On a positive note, the report cited a media campaign called “Time to Sound the Red Siren” that was launched last year. “It addresses sexual violence against children, particularly girls by challenging social norms that encourage such violence and encouraging the reporting of such cases,” it said.

The report, which covered 190 countries, said that globally, around 120 million girls under the age of 20 worldwide - or about one in ten - have experienced forced sexual acts. Moreover, one in three girls aged 15 to 19 who are married or had been married have been victims of emotional, physical or sexual violence committed by their husbands or partners. m“These are uncomfortable facts - no government or parent will want to see them,” said Unicef executive director Anthony Lake. “But unless we confront the reality each infuriating statistic represents - the life of a child whose right to a safe, protected childhood has been violated - we will never change the mind-set that violence against children is normal and permissible. It is neither.”

India and Australia seal nuclear deal, Abbott meets Modi

‘Rape is a crime, not medical diagnosis’

New Delhi, September 5 (iANS): A Delhi court has ruled that rape is a crime in legal terms and not a diagnosis to be made by the medical officer treating the victim.. Additional Sessions Judge Mahesh Chander Gupta made the observation while acquitting a man accused of sexual assault. Ajay was facing trial for the alleged rape of a 22-year-old woman three years ago.

“It is well settled that rape is a crime and not a medical condition. Rape is a legal term and not a diagnosis to be made by the medical officer treating the victim,” said Judge Gupta in an order delivered last week.

The court cited the opinion expressed by Dr. Jaising P. Modi in Medical Jurisprudence and Toxicology, a highly recommended book on the subject of medical jurisprudence which has been the key reference tool for medical

and legal professionals. According to police, Ajay kidnapped the young woman and took her to different places - Jaipur, Kashmir, Dehradun, Punjab, Bangalore and Varanasi - and had established physical relations with her without her consent from Feb 9, 2011, to Mar 31, 2011.

From the evidence collected during medical and gynaecological examination, it was proved that the accused had established physical relations with the woman.

However, it was observed that the woman while testifying as prosecution witness in the case had confirmed that sexual relationship with the accused was established with her consent. “On careful perusal and analysis of the entire evidence on record, I find that the prosecution has failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt against accused Ajay,” the court said.

The court said the hostility of the victim has knocked out the bottom of the case of the prosecution. “There is nothing on record to indicate that on Feb 9, 2011, at about 11.30 a.m. she was kidnapped from Balmiki Chowk, Mangolpuri, Delhi, by accused Ajay or that accused Ajay from Feb 9, 2011, to March 31, 2011, at different places i.e.

Kashmir, Dehradun, Punjab, Bangalore, Varanasi etc. in India had established physical relations with her without her consent,” the court said.

The prosecution examined 12 witnesses to support its case. The court turned down the submission of the public prosecutor that the testimonies of the prosecution witnesses are cogent and consistent and the contradictions and discrepancies as pointed out are minor and do not affect the credibility of the witnesses.

14 killed, thousands flee homes in flood-ravaged Kashmir

Rescue workers travel in a vehicle past floodwaters in Srinagar, India on September 5. The death toll from severe flooding in Indian-controlled Kashmir rose to dozens on Friday, as overwhelmed local authorities requested help from federal rescue officials. Rain continued to fall in much of the Himalayan region, forcing thousands to abandon their homes. (AP Photo)

SriNAgAr, September 5 (iANS): Jammu and Kashmir continued to reel under incessant downpour which continued for the fourth successive day Friday across both Jammu region and the Kashmir Valley, lead-

ing to at least 14 more deaths in Rajouri while thousands abandoned their homes and fled to safety.

However, weather officials offered hope, saying the rains could end Saturday and fair weather was expected next week, while the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) despatched two teams for relief and rescue operations in the flood-affected areas, while two more were on their way. As many as 40 people went missing after a landslide in Thanamandi area of Rajouri district in Jammu region, said officials. 14 bodies had been recovered so far. With the latest accident, the toll has reached 74 and is feared to rise further.

Meanwhile, the pilgrimage to the revered Mata Vaishno Devi temple in Reasi district has been suspended due to threat of landslides on the 14-km path to the hilltop shrine, said Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board CEO M.K. Bhandari. At least 25,000 pilgrims are stranded in the base town of Katra, he added. In Jammu district, authorities have declared the bridge over the Chenab in Akhnoor unsafe for traffic due to rising water levels. In the Valley, the flood situation became serious with unprecedented heavy downpour continuing and the administration finding it difficult to reach the inundated areas.

Reports from all the 10 districts of the Kashmir Valley indicate thousands have abandoned their homes in inundated areas to shift to safer places. Electric supply in most areas of south Kashmir remained suspended because of uprooted electric poles and apprehensions of accidents due to short circuits in water-logged villages and towns. Drinking water facilities in more than 500 water supply schemes have also been disabled because of water logging and electricity failures across the valley. Sonam Lotus, director of the Met Office in Srinagar, however told IANS that the weather would start improving from Saturday Heavy rain in the catchment areas of Jhelum river has so far submerged more than 100 villages in the south Kashmir districts of Anantnag, Kulgam, Shopian, Pulwama, where the river was still rising, as well as the north Kashmir districts of Ganderbal, Srinagar and Badgam.

In Srinagar district alone, over 70,000 residents in low-lying areas have been affected as flood waters have entered their homes and agricultural fields. However, the water level of the Jhelum there was now constant.

Flood waters have already entered Mehjoor Nagar, Bemina, Barzalla, Gulshan Nagar, Natipora, Channapora, Sant Nagar, Shah Hamadan colony and some other residential areas in Srinagar city. Both the Lidder stream in south Kashmir and the Sindhi stream in the north were also flowing above the danger mark, inundating dozens of villages. The floods are believed to be the worst to hit the valley during the last 50 years.

“We had a very serious flood in the valley in 1992, but given the sheer magnitude of the damage done by the present flood and the rise of water levels in Jhelum river and its tributaries, the present flood has revived the horrors of 1959 flood in Kashmir,” said Master Ghulam Nabi, 71, who lives in Ganderbal district. All educational institutions have been closed till Monday by the authorities who have also suspended Haj flights from Kashmir to Saudi Arabia till Sep 8. The Srinagar-Jammu and SrinagarLeh national highways and the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road have been closed to traffic.

Kashmir Divisional Commissioner Rohit Kansal told IANS that Radio Kashmir has suspended all routine broadcasts and is now continuously airing only flood related news and messages. The top priority of the state government now is to prevent loss of human lives, he added.

President Pranab Mukherjee condoled the deaths caused by floods and landslides across the state. In a message to Governor N.N. Vohra, Mukherjee said he had “deeply saddened” about the “loss of lives, injuries and damage to property” and called on the state government and other authorities to provide “all possible aid” and medical assistance to the affected people.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh held a telephonic conversation with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, while the ministry announced two NDRF teams from Bathinda have been air-lifted to Srinagar and two more teams from Bathinda were on the way.

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott inspects a guard of honor during a ceremonial reception in New Delhi, India on Septemper 5. Abbott is on a two-day visit to India. (AP Photo)

New Delhi, September 5 (tNN): India and Australia sealed the long-awaited nuclear energy deal on Friday even as Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said he wanted first-rank relations with India. Abbott met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi and finalized the deal to allow the export of uranium to India. Abbott said India and Australia were bound by “strongly convergent” trade and strategic interests on the last day of his visit, which culminated with the deal to supply uranium to the energy-hungry country. During the meeting, PM Abbott gifted a ‘Nehru jacket’ made of Australian wool to PM Modi, who in return presented him a copy of the Gita.

India and Australia kick-started negotiations on uranium sales in 2012 after Canberra lifted a long-time ban on exporting the valuable ore to Delhi to meet its ambitious nuclear energy programme. Australia, the world’s third biggest uranium producer, had previously ruled out such exports to nuclear-armed India because it has not signed the global non-proliferation treaty. Both India and Pakistan are nuclear-armed, and along with Israel and North Korea are the only countries not signed up to the non-proliferation treaty to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.

But Abbott said on Thursday that he was assured of India’s commitment to peaceful power generation.

“India has an absolutely impeccable non-proliferation record and India has been a model international citizen,” he told reporters in Mumbai. Australia’s decision to overturn its ban followed a landmark US agreement in 2008 to support India’s civilian nuclear programme. India is struggling to produce enough power to meet rising demand amid its 1.2-billion strong population as its economy and vast middle-class expand. Nearly 400 million still without access to electricity, according to the World Bank, and crippling power cuts are common.

The agreement will allow India to ramp up plans for more nuclear power stations, with only 20 small plants at present and a heavy dependency on coal. Asked about India’s management of its nuclear power industry and safety standards, Abbott said it was “not our job to tell India how to conduct its internal affairs”. “Our job is to try to ensure we act in accordance with our own standards of decency and that’s what we intend to do,” he said, adding that India’s “standards are improving all the time”.

the Morung express

InternatIonal

Saturday 6 September 2014

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9

UN: one-fifth of murder victims are under 20

UNITED NATIONS, SEpTEmbEr 5 (Ap): About 120 million girls worldwide have been forced to have sex and one fifth of homicide victims globally are under 20 years old, resulting in 95,000 deaths in 2012, according to a United Nations report released Thursday.

Drawing on data from 190 countries, the report from the U.N. children’s agency, UNICEF, notes that children around the world are routinely exposed to physical, sexual and emotional violence ranging from murder and forced sexual acts to bullying and abusive discipline.

The violence “cuts across boundaries of age, geography, religion, ethnicity and income brackets,” UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake said in a statement. “It occurs in places where children should be safe, their homes, schools and communities. Increasingly, it happens over the Internet, and it’s perpetrated by family members and teachers, neighbors and strangers and other children.”

UNICEF found that homicide is the leading cause of death among males between the ages of 10 and 19 in several countries in Central and South America, including Panama, Venezuela, El Salvador, Brazil, and Guatemala.

Nigeria, where the Boko Haram terrorist group abducted more than 200 schoolgirls in April and threatened to marry them off, had the largest number of young murder victims, with almost 13,000 deaths in 2012, followed

by Brazil with about 11,000, the study found. Among countries in Western Europe and North America, the United States has the highest child homicide rate, it said.

Sexual violence is widespread. According to the report, about one in 10 girls around the world under 20 years old, an estimated 120 million, have been forced into sex acts, and one in three married adolescent girls, about 84 million, have been victims of emotional, physical or sexual violence committed by their husbands or partners.

UNICEF said the prevalence of partner violence is 70 percent or higher in Congo and Equatorial Guinea and approaches or exceeds 50 percent in Uganda, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. In Switzerland, it said a 2009 study found 22 percent of girls and 8 percent of boys aged 15 to 17 had experienced at least one incident of sexual violence, most commonly stemming from interactions on the Internet.

The report showed the impact of violence on children has grown over the last decade and cited a number of reasons why the phenomenon remains largely ignored.

Violence against children in some countries is socially accepted, tacitly condoned or not seen as being abusive,

Some Christians arm as Mideast perils mount QAA, SEpTEmbEr 5(Ap): Every day around sunset, dozens of residents of this small Lebanese Christian village on the border carry their automatic rifles and deploy on surrounding hills, taking up positions and laying ambushes in case Muslim extremists from neighboring Syria attack. “We all know that if they come, they will slit our throats for no reason,” said one villager as he drove through the streets of Qaa, an assault rifle resting next to him. For months, Lebanese Christians have watched with dread as other Christians flee Islamic extremists in Syria and Iraq, fearing their turn will come next. Fears multiplied after militants from Syria overran a border town last month, clashing with security forces for days and killing and kidnapping Lebanese soldiers and policemen.

Now, for the first time since the Lebanese civil war ended in 1990, Lebanese Christians are rearming and setting up self-defense units to protect themselves, an indication of the growing anxiety over the expanding reach of radical Islamic groups. Across the Middle East, Christian communities as old as the religion itself feel their very survival is now at stake, threatened by militants of the Islamic State group rampaging across Iraq and Syria. In Iraq, thousands of Christians have fled their homes after they were made to choose between leaving, converting to Islam or facing death. For the first time in centuries, Iraq’s Ninevah region and the provincial capital of Mosul have been emptied of Christians. After they left, the militants spray-painted their houses with the letter “N’’ for “Nasrani” — an archaic term used to refer to Christians — marking the homes as Islamic State property.

In Syria, thousands of Christians have been displaced during its three-year conflict. Christian towns and villages have come under attack by jihadists, most recently the historic central town of Mahradeh. Islamic fighters in Syria rampaged through the ancient Christian town of Maaloula near Damascus earlier this year, destroying historic churches and icons. Christians in the militant stronghold of Raqqa were forced to pay an Islamic tax for protection. Christian refugees from Iraq and Syria are now sheltering in Lebanon, sensing safety in a pluralistic country which has the largest percentage of Christians in the Middle East. Lebanon is also the only Arab country with a Christian head of state. But the fear has spread to Lebanon as well. This week, after a video was posted online showing a group of boys burning an Islamic State flag in a Christian neighborhood of Beirut, vandals spray-painted the outer walls of several churches in northern Lebanon with the words: “The Islamic State is coming.”

The sale of weapons on the black market has climbed sharply. The arming effort is backed by some leftist and communist Lebanese militias who have long had weapons.

The Shiite armed group Hezbollah has also indirectly supported such efforts, seeing the communities as a first line of defense for Shiite towns and villages in Lebanon’s eastern Bekaa region. Sitting in his house few kilometers (miles) away from areas controlled by jihadi fighters in Syria, Suleiman Semaan, a political activist in Ras Baalbek, said the mobilization in the village was purely for self-defense. But the rearming of Christians could raise tensions in Lebanon, which is already bitterly split over the Syrian conflict.

Now, as vast swaths of both countries have fallen out of government control, many Christians are looking elsewhere for safety. Amir, a 41-year-old Christian, came to Lebanon last year from the northeastern Syrian region of Hassakeh, where Arabs, Kurds, Assyrians, Syriacs and Armenians traditionally lived together in peace. He is now looking for work in Lebanon, staying with his brother in a Christian area north of Beirut, and considering whether to apply for immigration. “I don’t want to give up on Syria, but I want my children to grow up feeling safe. I want them to grow up in a place where they can proudly make the sign of the cross without fear,” he said.

Umm Milad, a 27-year-old Iraqi housewife, came to Lebanon with her husband and two sons after Islamic State fighters put the “N’’ sign on their home in Mosul’s Al-Arabi neighborhood in July. They were given 24 hours to leave. “We are scared,” she said while waiting to collect aid at a Chaldean church in Beirut. “We don’t want to go back. We want to go anywhere else. Canada or America.”

But for Sahira Hakim, a housewife from Baghdad who is now in Lebanon applying to immigrate to a third country, there is no going back to Iraq, and her native country will never be the same. “We Christians are like roses. If you remove them from a garden, it will not be beautiful anymore,” she said.

UNICEF: Two thirds of children worldwide are physically abused

UNITED NATIONS, SEpTEmbEr 5 (IANS): About two thirds of children worldwide are physically abused by their caretakers on a regular basis, said a report published by the UNICEF. The report, “Hidden in plain sight: A statistical analysis of violence against children”, has compiled data from 190 countries based on child abuse.

“If there is one common aspect of human society right now, it is the fact that tremendous violence is committed against children,” UNICEF’s Child Protection chief Susan Bissell was quoted as saying. “It is important that we don’t simply go away with the message that violence is everywhere, there are tried, true, measured, evaluated solutions,” Bissell added.

According to the report, one fifth of homicide victims globally are children and adolescents under the age of 20, resulting in about 95,000 deaths in 2012, and slightly more than one in three students between the ages of 13 and 15 worldwide are regularly bullied in school.

UNICEF points to six strategies to prevent and reduce violence against children. The strategies include supporting parents and equipping children with life skills; changing attitudes; strengthening judicial, criminal and Syrian refugee children sit in an open tent and raise their graduation certificates during the graduation ceremony social systems and services; and generating evidence and from the Norwegian Learning Center, which was organized by the Norwegian Refugee Council and UNICEF, at Zaa- awareness about violence and its human and socio-ecotari Refugee Camp in Mafraq, Jordan on September 4. (AP photo) nomic costs.

UNICEF said. Victims are too young or too vulnerable to report the crimes, the legal system can’t adequately respond, and child protection services are also scarce.

Susan Bissell, chief of the child protection unit at UNICEF, said “the horrific atrocities that children experience on a daily basis everywhere in the world” demonstrate the urgent need for all countries to put a spotlight on the problem. Much of the violence against children is perpetrated by the people tasked with taking care of them: Caregivers, peers and partners. On average, about six in 10 children worldwide, or almost 1 billion, between

the ages of two and 14 are regularly subjected to physical punishment. “We’re not talking about a little smack on the bottom,” Bissell said in an interview in her office.

“We’re talking about a blunt instrument, and repeated.”

Only 39 countries worldwide protect children legally from corporal punishment, the report found. Often, the violence goes unreported. One of the reasons for this is that violence seems normal. Nearly half of all girls worldwide, between 15 and 19, think a husband is sometimes justified in hitting or beating his wife, the report found.

According to UNICEF, slightly more than one-third

of students between the ages of 13 and 15 worldwide are regularly bullied in school — and in Samoa, the proportion rises to three-quarters. In Europe and North America, almost one-third of students aged 11 to 15 report bullying others — and in Latvia and Romania the number rose to nearly 60 percent, UNICEF said.

A separate UNICEF report, also released on Thursday, lays out six strategies to prevent and respond to violence against children. The steps include providing support for families and caregivers in hopes of reducing the risk of violence within the home.

Why some people bounce back and others give up New York, September 5 (IANS): How can similar setbacks produce different reactions for two people? It may come down to how much control we feel we have over what happened, according to research.

When setbacks occur in life, the level of control we perceive may even determine which of two distinct parts of the brain will handle the crisis. Think of the student who failed an exam. He might feel he would not have failed if he had studied harder, studied differently - something under his control.

“That student resolves to try new study habits and work hard toward acing the next exam,” said Jamil Bhanji, a postdoctoral fellow at Rutgers University-Newark.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) used in the study showed activity in a part of the brain called the ventral striatum - which has been shown to guide goals based on prior experiences.

A different student might have failed the same test, but believes it happened because the questions were unfair or the professor was mean, things that he could not control.

The negative emotions produced by this uncontrollable setback may cause the student to drop the course.

“In cases like this, fMRI revealed that activity in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), a part of the brain that regulates emotions in more flexible ways, is neces-

sary to promote persistence,” Bhanji added.

“People whose jobs include delivering bad news should pay attention to these results, because their actions might influence how the news is received,” noted Mauricio Delgado, an associate professor of psychology.

Lessons from the study may even guide certain people toward giving up too soon on careers where they could do well. “We wonder why there are fewer women and minorities in the sciences, for example. Maybe in cases like that it is fair to say there are things we can do to promote reactions to negative feedback that encourage persistence,” Bhanji explained. The study was published in the journal Neuron.

Jittery Israel gears up for war crimes battle

In this August 2 photo, a Palestinian looks for his belongings after his house was destroyed in an Israeli strike in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip. With a 50-day war in Gaza behind it, the Israeli military is gearing up for what could become its next big battle: the possibility that a U.N. investigation could result in war-crimes allegations. The army has beefed up its legal staff, is conducting internal investigations of its wartime actions and has prepared a detailed PR campaign of satellite photos and video clips_ all with the goal of explaining why its campaign was justified and necessary. (AP File Photo)

TEL AVIV, SEpTEmbEr 5 (Ap): A jittery Israeli military is gearing up for what could become its next big battle: dealing with U.N. investigations that could result in war-crimes allegations. The army has beefed up its legal staff, is conducting internal investigations of its wartime actions and has prepared a detailed PR campaign of satellite photos and video clips— hoping to persuade the world that its war against Hamas was justified. “We take our business seriously, and as such we operate within the rules and regulations under the laws of war,” said Lt. Col. Peter Lerner, a military spokesman.

Israel launched the war on July 8 with a massive aerial bombardment of Gaza in response to weeks of heavy rocket fire. It later sent in ground troops to destroy a network of tunnels used by Hamas militants. Hamas and other militant groups fired thousands of rockets and mortars into Israel.

More than 2,100 Palestinians were killed in the 50 days of fighting, most of them civilians, according to U.N. and Palestinian estimates. Thousands of buildings were destroyed and tens of thousands of people were left homeless. Seventy-two people were killed on the Israeli side, including six civilians.

Israel argues that the heavy civilian death toll is Hamas’ fault, accusing the militant group of launching rockets — and drawing retaliation — from school yards, residential areas and mosques. This claim will be central to any defense of the military’s conduct.

“What the military has been doing throughout the entire operation is showing Hamas as it truly is, an organization that hides behind civilians and intentionally locates its weapons in houses, schools and mosques,” Lerner said. The argument will be weighed against the principle of proportionality — which is essentially a judgment call

on whether the force applied was reasonable.

Mushir al-Masri, a Hamas official in Gaza, dismissed the Israeli allegations, saying the claims that Hamas used houses and mosques for attacks are “to cover the brutal crimes they committed” in Gaza. “The war on Gaza was live on TV screens and the world saw who was under the rubble of the houses and who was killed in the schools,” he said.

The threat of international action against Israel is real.

Following a similar military operation in 2009, a U.N. factfinding mission headed by South African jurist Richard Goldstone found strong evidence that both Israel and Hamas had committed war crimes — Israel by deliberately or recklessly targeting Gaza civilians, and Hamas by launching indiscriminate rocket attacks at Israeli cities.

While Goldstone later backtracked from his main conclusions, the report was never changed.

The U.N. Human Rights Council, which has a long history of criticizing Israel, has already appointed a commission of inquiry to look into the latest fighting. The commission’s report is expected next March.

Western-backed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is also threatening to seek membership in the International Criminal Court in order to press charges against Israel. Officials say he will do so if he fails to persuade the U.N. Security Council this month to impose a deadline for Israel to withdraw from occupied lands and establish a Palestinian state. The U.S., which wields veto power in the council, has already reacted coolly to the Palestinian plan.

Turning to the ICC will be risky: Israel could retaliate, and Abbas could lose Western support and expose Hamas — with which he has been trying to reconcile — to the same charges. Israel has long complained that it is unfairly singled out by what it sees as biased U.N. institu-

tions and international bodies. It says that if standards were applied consistently, countries like the U.S., Britain, or Russia would also be called to task for their actions in places like Iraq and Ukraine.

Still, unlike in 2009, Israel appears to have decided not to boycott the Human Rights Council. Instead, it is vigorously mounting a defense, though it remains unclear to what extent it will cooperate with the probe. “Now that the dust has cleared, we are doing the important work to document exactly what happened,” said government spokesman Mark Regev.

Evidence collected includes video clips claiming to show rocket launches next to schools and mosques, “sensitive sites” that Israel decided not to attack and a Hamas training manual, allegedly captured in the fighting, instructing militants how to hide in civilian areas. The authenticity of the manual could not be independently verified. Even during the fighting, the army says it had a team of legal experts reviewing operations, and often approving attacks after determining they met international laws of war.

The military has launched an investigation into its wartime conduct headed by a major general and has brought in legal and military experts — who did not participate in the war themselves. In a briefing with reporters this week, a senior intelligence official compared Hamas to a well-trained army, with some 16,000 soldiers and thousands of sophisticated weapons. He said he was impressed by its tactics and organization.

The official said that Israel is conducting a painstaking process of trying to identify how many militants and how many civilians were killed. While Palestinians say roughly three-quarters of the dead were civilians, Israel says the balance is closer to half and half.

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Friday 6 September 2014

The Morung Express

Conte tops Hiddink as France coasts to win over Spain Italy beats Netherlands

Italy coach Antonio Conte, right, shouts instructions at Italy's Ciro Immobile (9) during a friendly soccer match between Italy and The Netherlands in Bari, Italy, Thursday, September 4. (AP Photo)

bARI, SePtembeR 5 (AP): Italy scored twice in the opening 10 minutes and Antonio Conte got the better of Guus Hiddink in their coaching debuts as a 10-man Netherlands was beaten 2-0 in a friendly on Thursday.

Ciro Immobile scored his first international goal three minutes in, and Daniele De Rossi added a penalty in the 10th. The opening goal was set up by a long, vertical pass from defender Leonardo Bonucci, which Immobile controlled expertly then dribbled around goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen before slotting into an empty net.

The penalty was awarded after Bruno Martins Indi was sent off for pushing down Simone Zaza, and De Rossi converted a soft shot into the left corner as Cillessen dove the other way. The Netherlands rarely threatened at San Nicola Stadium.

Conte replaced Cesare Prandelli, who resigned immediately after Italy's firstround elimination from the World Cup. The well-

traveled Hiddink began his second stint in charge of the Netherlands, building on the work of Louis van Gaal, who steered the Dutch to third in Brazil.

"Besides the result, I was interested to see how the lads responded. It was definitely a positive response," Conte said. "We've only worked together for four days and we have a long road ahead of us."

Both sides were missing key players.

Conte caused a stir when he left out star striker Mario Balotelli from his squad. Also, Andrea Pirlo was out injured and Gianluigi Buffon was rested. However, Immobile, who led Serie A with 22 goals for Torino last season before transferring to Borussia Dortmund, and Zaza, who plays for unsung Sassuolo, made it so Balotelli was not missed. "We played well together right away," Zaza said. "There's room for improvement."

The Dutch had Arjen Robben, Klaas Jan Huntelaar, Rafael van der Vaart, Jordy Clasie and Ron Vlaar

out injured. It marked the first time in 16 years that an Italy coach won on debut.

After Dino Zoff guided the Azzurri to a 2-0 win over Wales in 1998, Giovanni Trapattoni, Marcello Lippi, Roberto Donadoni and Prandelli each failed to start with a victory.

Conte led Juventus to three consecutive Serie A titles and is known as a hardline disciplinarian. "He's a hammer," Immobile said.

"He expects a lot from every player and that's the way it should be." Zaza nearly made it 3-0 in the 20th but failed to take advantage of a 3-on-1 opportunity when he couldn't get his shot past Cillessen after Immobile passed to him unselfishly.

"Sometimes I miss the easy ones," Zaza said.

The Netherlands didn't produce a chance until Robin van Persie shot wide from a sharp angle in the 49th. On Tuesday, Italy opens European Championship qualifying at Norway, and the Netherlands visits the Czech Republic.

"I always say winning helps you win," Conte said.

PARIS, SePtembeR 5 (AP): Spain's rebuilding following its shambolic World Cup got off to a bad start, failing even to manage a shot on target as France coasted to a 1-0 win in their friendly on Thursday.

France had an effort from Karim Benzema ruled out for offside early in the second half and scored in the 72nd minute when winger Mathieu Valbuena set up substitute Loic Remy for his sixth international goal.

With all-time leading scorer David Villa among the big names to have retired from international football, Spain looked tame in attack against World Cup quarterfinalist France, which fielded a strong side.

"It's a regeneration process, and that is what we're aspiring to," Spain coach Vicente del Bosque said. "You can't always look back in football, and I was pleased with the attitude of the players. It's true we didn't create a clear chance, but we got ourselves into some dangerous positions." Yet Spain didn't threaten until the 83rd as David Silva's shot drifted just wide.

Breaking into Spain during a sustained period of success which saw it win two European Championships and a World Cup from 2008-2012 was a task in itself, and it is paying the price for heavy reliance on core players.

This was underlined by Raul Garcia making his international debut in midfield at the ripe age of 28, and Athletic Bilbao center half Mikel San Jose making his at 25.

Altogether, five Spaniards made their debuts at Stade de France, including Athletic Bilbao defensive midfielder Ander Iturraspe and Valencia forward Paco Alcacer in the second half.

Goalkeeper David de Gea made only his third appearance despite having played for Atletico

France's Mathieu Debuchy, right, jumps for the ball, as France's Moussa Sissoko, center, and Spain's David Azpilicueta look on during their international friendly soccer match at the Stade de France in Saint Denis, outside Paris, Thursday, September 4. (AP Photo)

and Manchester United for five years. Only three prominent players from Spain's golden era started: Midfielders Cesc Fabregas and Sergio Busquets, and center half Sergio Ramos — meaning Spain looked fragile. Fabregas did some damage, particularly when running at the heart of France's defense, but lacked support.

One of the biggest challenges facing Del Bosque is filling the midfield void left by the retirements of Xavi Hernandez and Xabi Alonso, who combined for nearly 250 caps.

"They used to play with their eyes shut with movement, precision, understanding," France coach Didier Deschamps said. "Del Bosque's a very good coach but he's no more of a magician than anyone else."

Spain passed with its usual crispness and there was the occasional intricate move once so commonplace, but largely the approach play lacked penetration, and midfielder Santi Cazorla was a peripheral figure wide on the left.

Garcia played high up to give striker Diego Costa support but made

little impression, while Busquets had to sit very deep to protect his back four. De Gea was finally beaten when Remy curled a powerful shot into the left corner from about 12 yards out. Del Bosque must get his newlook side up to speed quickly, as Spain opens its 2016 European Championship qualifying campaign against Macedonia at home on Monday. "Independently of our World Cup result, even if we had done well we would have followed this same process," Del Bosque said.

Ibrahimovic breaks 82-year record in Sweden win

StOCKHOLm, SePtembeR 5 (ReuteRS): Captain Zlatan Ibrahimovic struck twice in a 2-0 friendly win over Estonia on Thursday to become Sweden's alltime leading scorer with 50 goals.

The Paris St Germain striker netted a thumping left-foot volley from a

corner after three minutes before surpassing Sven Rydell's tally of 49 goals, which had stood since 1932, thanks to a clever effort with his heel in the 24th minute.

Ibrahimovic, who swept home Seb Larsson's cross for his second goal, was making his 99th appearance for Sweden. The

32-year-old, who had been doubtful for the match because of a throat problem, was given a rapturous ovation by a 15,421 crowd in the Friends Arena when he left the field just after the hour mark.

"That it was with a back-heel was probably a little lucky but it was the only way I could score," a

beaming Ibrahimovic told reporters. Asked which of the 50 goals was his favourite, Ibrahimovic chose his stunning scissors-kick from 30 metres against England in a friendly in November 2012. "The most beautiful was against England, no one's going to beat that, but all goals are important," he said.

Ibrahimovic credited Russia coach Fabio Capello with turning him from a player with potential into a top marksman during their time together at Juventus. "When I met Capello that's when I became a goal-scorer. Before that I played to play well, then I realised that goals are important," he added.

LOCAL NEWS...

Phek district beauty pageant pre-poned

KOHImA, SePtembeR 5 (mexN): The Phek District Beauty Pageant 2014 earlier scheduled on September 18 under the aegis of Elite Club, Phek is preponed to September 16 at Phek town hall from 5:30 a.m. onwards. Miss Phek title winner will win Rs. 70,000 alongwith gift hampers while the first and second runner-up will receive Rs. 50,000 and Rs. 30,000 respectively. Sub-title winners will get Rs. 5000 each.

Gift hampers will be given to all the contestants. Minister for PWD (Roads & Bridge) and Parliamentary Affairs Kuzholuzo Nienu will be the special guest while Minister for Forest, Environment and Wildlife Dr. Neikiesalie Kire as special appearance. Sekuzo Sovenyi will be the show designer while fashion designer Rosou Rhi will be the chief judge. Choreographer will be Dovine Venuh (Former Miss Nagaland 1st runner- up), Velukho Nakhro as photographer and Vevozolu Nienu as director of the show.

For information contact: 9436204877/ 8732892402 or elitephek@gmail.com

SUC observes Mongmong Festival cum Silver Jubilee

DImAPuR, SePtembeR 5 (mexN): The Sangtam Union, Chumukedima observed its Silver Jubilee celebration cum Mongmong Festival on September 3 at Sangtam Baptist Lithro, Chumukedima premises with Hopongchum S. Thonger as Chief Guest. A press release from Kyupise Sangtam, Planning Committee Secretary, Sangtam Union Chumukedima, informed.

The Jubliee celebration was marked with a silent prayer initiated by Chopimong Pastor in remembrance of community members who lost their life and remember their good deeds done for the Union.

Tingnyu Konyak, President Eastern Nagaland Peoples Union, Chumukedima, and Shingjing Sangtam, Advisor, Sangtam Union, Chumukedima, took the stage and exhorted the gathering to celebrate in the true spirit of oneness and unity among the community, the release informed.

Hopongchum S. Thonger speaking on the occasion as Chief Guest

Lithrolaru female group performing a Sangtam folk song (HAHO) during the Silver Jubilee cum Mongmong Festival celebration.

stressed on unity and forgiveness among members. He emphasized on the need to show examples of good deeds. He added that the Union could reach the zenith by involving all the members and departments as we have seen that the growing society like this can always mould and lead forward our youngsters.

The release further informed that the chief guest donated Rs. 50,000/- to the Union, Rs. 5000/- towards

the Traditional Female folk song group, Rs. 3000/- towards BYE, Rs. 5000/- towards Sangtam Students Union Chumukedima and Oldest man and Women Rs. 1000/- each.

Earlier, the function started with the invoking of God’s blessing by Rev. Manen Ao, Pastor, Police Baptist Church, Chumukedima followed by a welcome address from the Union President, Sepongchum Sangtam.

Seochem Yingphire, Convener Planning Committee, in his vote of thanks acknowledged all the participants and well wishers for making the celebration a grand success. Tsali, Associate Pastor, Sangtam Lithro Chumukedima, deliver the benediction.

After the Jubilee celebration, the biggest festival of the Sangtams – Mongmong – was observed in the same compound with many varieties of tradition-

Tohanba inspects construction works in CRPF camps

DImAPuR, SePtembeR 5 (mexN): Parliamentary secretary for CAWD and Economics & Statistics, R Tohanba, undertook a two-day inspection of construction works carried out by CAWD in CRPF camps in Dimapur.

On Thursday, the parliamentary secretary accompanied by executive engineer (CAWD), Er. Sungti Amer and others, visited the 173 CRPF battalion camp near Dimapur Airport and inspected construction of barracks and officers’ mess undertaken by CAWD under Security Related Expenditure (SRE) of the Ministry of Home Affairs. On Friday, Tohanba and CAWD officials also inspected Parliamentary secretary for CAWD, R Tohanba (centre), along with CAWD and ongoing construction of barCRPF officials inspecting the ongoing construction works inside the CPRF transit racks inside the CRPF transit camp near DC office. camp near DC office, Friday. (Morung Photo)

During the inspection, CRPF officials led by their commandant Col. Anupam Sharma, also briefed the parliamentary secretary on the condition of the transit camp and the progress of the ongoing works.

Meanwhile, the Tohanba expressed concern that many construction works in CRPF camps could not be done due to lack of fund as the state did not receive fund SRE routed through Ministry of Home Affairs for four consecutive years since 2011.

The parliamentary secretary also informed that he would be visiting CPRF camps in Kohima and Mokokchung to see the condition of barracks and other infrastructure and to assess the priority works to be undertaken by CAWD.

al games and sports which among others, included traditional fire making competition and Naga Dao display competition, the release informed.

Meanwhile, the Planning committee has acknowledged members for their mass participation especially all the dignitaries led by the Chief Guest Hopongchum, Thripongse (IPS) IGP, Hodongse Public Leader, Sangtam Peoples Forum Dimapur officials.

HIV/AIDS North East Conclave-II concludes

KOHImA, SePtembeR 5 (mexN): Nagaland Health Minister H&FW P. Longon, addressing the concluding program of the three-day NE Conclave-II, stressed upon State specific strategies, keeping in mind the unique social structure, for effective implementation of HIV programme in the NE States.

Longon expressed his concern on the rising trend of HIV infection in NE States – sexual route being one of the main routes of HIV transmission – and stressed upon the need to intensify Inter Personal Communication (IPC) activities in the rural areas, and also requested NACO to scale up IEC funding in the State. He thanked NACO for having special focus in the NE areas, and requested for more efforts in delivering quality services and treatment. He further applauded NSACS and NACO for the successful implementation of Oral Substitution Therapy (OST) programmes in the State; at present there are

28 OST centres functioning in Nagaland.

K. B. Agarwal, Joint Secretary, NACO In his speech also suggested developing area specific strategy to reach out to the people at their door steps with programmatic service delivery. He mentioned that funding issues were being addressed to overcome the financial barriers.

Earlier, Dr. L. Watikala, Project Director, NSACS welcomed the members present, and stated that the three day Conclave has enabled a pleasant discussions and deliberations of HIV programmes, and effective review of each program by respective program heads of NACO and NERO. Dr Neeraj Dhingra, Deputy Director General (TI), shared the overview of the NE Conclave II. He mentioned that through the three-day Conclave, some of the best practices were shared, State specific issues were discussed, and different approaches were drawn to resolve and address them.

NSF officials seen on Friday evening before the sending off of the second batch of students who will be undergoing free education for higher studies in medicinal, higher technical and other courses in Hyderabad. The NSF has collaborated with Dr. YSR Educational & Welfare Foundation Group of Institutions for the free education. (Morung photo)

Entertainment

The Morung Express C M Y K

Saturday 6 September 2014

Dimapur

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Idina Menzel Comedian Joan Rivers dead at 81 to release holiday album

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inter is fast becoming singer/actress Idina Menzel’s favourite season after hitting the high notes as ice queen Queen Elsa in Frozen, she’s set to release a Christmas album. Holiday Wishes will feature festive favourites, A Holly Jolly Christmas and Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, and less obvious seasonal hits like a cover of Joni Mitchell’s River.

The full track-listing and special guests will be revealed in the coming weeks.

The album will be released in October (14). Menzel isn’t the only star who will be competing for the top spot in the Christmas charts - Leann Rimes and Seth MACFarlane have also recorded festive-themed albums. In Frozen, the singer’s animated character turned her kingdom into a winter wonderland.

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oan Rivers, the pioneering comedian known for her acerbic wit, classic put-downs and for asking “Can we talk?,” died on Thursday at the age of 81 in a New York hospital a week after her heart stopped during an outpatient medical procedure. Melissa Rivers, the comedian’s only child, said her mother died peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, at 1:17 p.m. EDT (1717 GMT).

“My mother’s greatest joy in life was to make people laugh. Although that is difficult to do right now, I know her final wish would be that we return to laughing soon,” Melissa Rivers added in a statement. There were no immediate details about a funeral or memorial service.

Rivers was the second leading American comedian to die in less than a month. Groundbreaking comedy star and actor Robin Williams, 63, hanged himself on Aug. 13 in California.

As news of her death spread, photographers, reporters and television crews gathered outside the hospital where Rivers died, and fans placed bouquets of flowers at the entrance to her apartment on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.

The Brooklyn-born comedian, who once described herself as “the plastic surgery poster girl” and often joked about her numerous cosmetic enhancements, suffered cardiac arrest during a procedure on her vocal cords at a Manhattan clinic on Aug. 28. She was rushed to Mount Sinai Hospital, where she was put on life support.

A spokeswoman for the Medical Examiner’s Office in New York said it is investigating the cause and manner of Rivers’s death on Thursday. She did not specify when the autopsy on Rivers would take place and when results would be released. Friends and fellow comedians on Thursday expressed their grief and sadness and praised Rivers.

“No one loved life, laughter, and a good time more than Joan. We would have dinner and laugh and gossip and I always left the table smiling,” said journalist Barbara Walters. “She was a brassy, often outrageous, and hilarious performer,” she added in a statement.

Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu ex-

pressed his condolences to Rivers’s family and said she would be deeply missed. “Joan Rivers brought laughter to millions around the world and was proud of her Jewish heritage and a vocal supporter of the State of Israel,” he said in a statement. The New York State Department of Health also said Thursday it is investigating the comedian’s death. A telephone message seeking comment from the clinic where Rivers was treated was not immediately returned.

Earlier this week, a representative for Rivers said media reports that her family was planning to sue the clinic were not true. Among others praising and remembering Rivers was actress Liza Minnelli who described her as a dear friend. “I will always remember the laughter and friendship she brought into my life,” she said in a posting on Facebook.

Comedian Louis C.K. praised Rivers’s talent and genius. “I never saw someone attack a stage with so much energy. She was a controlled lightning bolt,” he said in a statement. Property mogul Donald Trump, who hosted the reality TV competition show “The Apprentice,” which Rivers won in 2009, described her as “an amazing woman and a great

friend.” “Her energy and talent were boundless.

She will be greatly missed,” he added on Twitter.

Joan Alexandra Molinsky was born on June 8, 1933, in Brooklyn and grew up there and in a nearby town, the daughter of a doctor and a housewife. The Barnard College graduate began pursuing an entertainment career with the last name Rivers, which she borrowed from her agent. Her lengthy career included standup comedy, television, writing and an Emmy Award-winning daytime talk show, “The Joan Rivers Show.” But she originally wanted to be an actress. She got into comedy after writing sketches for television’s “The Ed Sullivan Show.” A career in stand-up followed. She later worked as a regular guest host for Johnny Carson on NBC’s “The Tonight Show.”

When she started her own late-night talk

Noted guitarist and music producer, Temjen Jamir is scheduled to release his new single titled ‘Angry Skies’ on Saturday, August 6 at 5:00 pm. Temjen Jamir is also the guitarist and producer for Polar Lights, who have been creating massive waves in the local music scene, drawing nationwide and international attention. In addition to Polar Lights, Jamir has been actively pursuing his solo career; producing guitar dominated instrumental hard rock. The new single will be available on Indihut for free download and will also be put up on Youtube.

show in 1986, on the rival Fox network, it caused a falling-out with Carson that lasted until he died in 2005. Rivers’s show was canceled after seven months due to low ratings.

A few months later, her husband and manager, Edgar Rosenberg, committed suicide and Rivers fell into depression. Later in her career, Rivers and her daughter starred in the reality TV show “Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best?”, with Rivers living with her grown child.

Most recently, Rivers was the host of cable television channel E!’s “Fashion Police,” commenting on the unfortunate red carpet choices of Hollywood celebrities. mActress Anna Kendrick, a target of the comedian’s barbed comments, said she will be truly missed. “RIP Joan Rivers. Being publicly told that my dress is hideous will never feel quite as awesome,” she tweeted.

The child stars of The Little Rascals reunite to recreate their iconic poster

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hey were the adorable ragtag group of kids who shot to fame in 1994’s The Little Rascals, a generation of children around the world enthralled by the exploits of the HeMan Woman Haters Club. And now, 20 years later, the beloved cast have reunited for the milestone anniversary celebration, recreating both the movie poster and their individual characters’ most-loved and iconic scenes. Bug Hall (Alfalfa), Brittany Ashton Holmes (Darla), Blake McIver (Waldo), Kevin Jamal Woods (Stymie), Travis Tedford (Spanky), Zachary Mabry (Porky), Ross Bagley (Buckwheat), Sam Saletta (Butch) and Blake Jeremy Collins (Woim) may not be quite as sweet and innocent two decades on, but they certainly proved they’re still Little Rascals at heart in the hilarious photo shoot.

Of course, as fans will fondly remember, the He-Man Womun Haters Club - woman incorrectly spelled with a ‘u’ - was all but torn apart

when Alfalfa fell for the charms of sweet little Darla, with his band of brothers pulling out all the stops to derail their budding romance. Posing together for a photo, Bug Hall and Brittany Ashton Holmes, who played the lovebirds, are barely recognisable, now 29 and 25 respectively. Though they certainly still have that mischievous glimmer in

their eyes and Brittany those rosy cheeks and gorgeous smile.

Bug and Travis Tedford bravely don pink leotards and tutus as they recreate Alfalfa and Spanky’s infamous scene, complete with huge curly wigs, angel wings and halos. Of course, with 26-year-old Travis now sporting a full moustache and beard and a shiny chrome dome, the results are just as hilarious as one would imagine. Ross Bagley, who went from playing Buckwheat to starring alongside Will Smith as Nicky Banks in The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air, got together with Zachary Mabry (Porky) as they reenacted their hilarious ‘We got a dollar hey, hey, hey, hey’ song.

Heather Karasek (Jane) and Juliette Brewer (Mary Ann) also got in on the action, posing with Brittany with cheeky grins on their faces as they hold up a pink sign that read: ‘Why are boys such jerks?’

Video production company Vision 22 is to thank for the amazing reunion pics.

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K-Pop Star EunB dead after tragic car crash

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unB, 22, was reportedly riding in a van with her four fellow group mates, Rise, SoJung, Zuny and Ashley, in South Korea when the van’s wheel fell off. EunB passed away in the accident and two other group members were hospitalized with injuries, according to multiple reports. How very sad. Popular K-Pop group Ladies’ Code has lost one of its members, according to E! Online.

EunB was killed in the crash, which occurred while the group was traveling to Seoul, South Korea.

Rise was taken to the hospital in critical condition and SoJung was also hospitalized for unspecified injuries. The report says members Ashley and Zuny, as well as the band’s team (who were also in the van), did not suffer any injuries. Polaris Entertainment, Ladies’ Code’s record label, released the following statement to Yahoo! Philippines after the accident: After a schedule in Daegu on September 2, LADIES CODE was headed back

to Seoul. Around 1:30 AM in Suwon, an issue occured with the cars back wheel coming off.

With the rainy road and wheel coming off, the vehicle spun several times, hitting a guardrail. Due to this, Eun Bi unfortunately passed away. The other members, Rise is in critical condition while So Jung is injured and hospitalized, currently receiving treatment. The other members, manager, and stylists, who were in the car, did not receive serious injuries.

Our staff is also unable to recover from the shock and are in great sorrow right now.

We want to apologize to all the fans and everyone who have received much shock, and we ask for everyone to pray for the quick recovery of the members.

An update has been given to the public about Rise’s current condition. According to Metro UK, the singer had emergency brain surgery on Sept. 3, but is now resting. Polaris Entertainment said the following to Metro UK:

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India lose to England but win series 3-1

India's Ravindra Jadeja, left, shakes hands with England captain Alastair Cook after England beat India by 41 runs but lose the series 3-1 during the fifth One Day International match between England and India at Headingley cricket ground, Leeds, England on September 5. (AP Photo)

LoNdoN, September 5 (ageNcieS): Ravindra Jadeja’s heroics went in vain as England beat India by in the fifth One-Day International (ODI) of the five-match series at Headingley in Leeds on Friday.

However, the 43-run win happened to be only a consolation for the home side as they lost the series 1-3 with the first match at Bristol getting abandoned due to rain. This is India’s first bilateral series win in England since 1990.

Chasing a target of 295, India’s chase got off to the possible start as they lost the wicket of Ajinkya Rahane, who had scored a century in the last match, in the very first over. The innings never stabilized thereafter.

There were a couple of halfcenturies from Ambati Ra-

yudu and Ravindra Jadeja, but it was all about delaying the inevitable. In the process, Jadeja registered his highest ODI score as he smashed his way to a 68ball 87 which included nine boundaries and two sixes.

Earlier, Joe Root‘s century and handy knocks by Alastair Cook and Jos Buttler helped England reach 294 for seven in 50 overs Root’s 113 was only his second century in ODIs and first against India.

For once in the series, England batting looked at home, seemed like it was a contest between two international sides. Even though the result of the match holds only academic interest, there is a lot for the current England ODI outfit to prove to their critics.

Joe Root and Jos Buttler‘s

innings had enough matter to answer to the detractors. There was purpose to their batting and for once England weren’t making a mockery of themselves.

Buttler scored a qucikfire 40-ball 49 not only lifted England’s run rate, but also pushed Root to push a gear up. The Yorkshire batsman had started slowly, initially resurrecting England’s innings after two early wickets. His innings included as many uncharacteristic slogs as there were exquisite straight drives. He was unbeaten on 113 at the end of 45 overs. In between all the cricket, there were also a few heated words exchanged between Root and Virat Kohli at the end of the 43rd over.

Earlier in the day, Mahendra Singh Dhoni had won the toss and elected to

field for the third consecutive match. There was a bit of moisture in the grass and the pitch offered good help to the batsmen. The conditions were good with clear skies.

Yet again, the England openers looked comfortable against the early movement. Unlike the previous matches, England skipper Alastair Cook came out with the intention of attacking. The hosts got off to a good start, but often got carried away.

Umesh Yadav, who got a chance in the starting XI bowled with a lot of pace and aggression, generating good bounce off the pitch. Alex Hales was dismissed trying to pull a short pitched delivery which came much quicker to the bat than the English opener would’ve expected.

Moeen Ali, after a good performance with the bat in the previous match, was promoted to number three in the batting order. His stay wasn’t for too long after he gifted his wicket away to Bhuvneshwar Kumar trying to get too flashy. It was eventually upto Cook and Root to resurrect the English innings, which again left in tatters. The duo put on a good half-century stand to put England in a good position.

Co ok, e sp e cia l ly , showed signs of regaining form as he struck eyepleasing straight drives and cover drives. However, the tide of the match turned as soon as Dhoni introduced spin into the attack. Cook looked at seas against the slowness of Ravichandran Ashwin and Suresh Raina before eventually losing his wicket against the latter.

Nicaraguan challenger Roman Gonzalez, right, hits his right on the face of Japanese champion Akira Yaegashi in the fifth round of their WBC flyweight boxing title match in Tokyo, Friday, September 5. Gonzalez won the title after defeating Yaegashi by a technical knockout in the 10th round. (AP Photo)

Federer pulls off great escape to reach semi-finals

NeW YorK, September 5 (reuterS): Roger Federer pulled off a great escape by fighting off two match points to beat Frenchman Gael Monfils and reach the semi-finals of the U.S. Open on Thursday, keeping his bid for an 18th grand slam on track.

The stirring 4-6 3-6 6-4 7-5 6-2 comeback win marks the ninth time in his career Federer has rallied from two sets down to snatch victory, setting up a final-four meeting with 14th seed Marin Cilic. Sixth seeded Tomas Berdych had no chance of conjuring a similar escape and lost 6-2 6-4 7-6(4) to big-serving Croat Cilic, who is making his return to Flushing Meadows after missing last year's grand slam due to a doping suspension.

Labelled one of the game's great natural talents, Monfils can be wildly entertaining or maddening, depending on his mood and the near capacity crowd saw both sides of the 28-year-old Frenchman during a riveting the Players of Kohima Press Club & Classic Club Kohima with match patron Vizopal Chaya, president Kohima District Football three hour, 20 minute enReferee Association and match officials during Challenger Cup 2014 played at the Kohima Local Ground as part of the on- counter. Monfils added going Classic Cup. Classic Club defeated Kohima Press Club 3-1. Morung Photo several highlight reel shots

Roger Federer, of Switzerland, reacts after saving a match point in the fourth set against Gael Monfils, of France, in the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open tennis tournament, Thursday, September 4 in New York. (AP Photo)

to his collection in winning the first two sets, and after Federer won the third he carved out two match points in the fourth. But with Federer on the ropes the 20th seeded Frenchman could not deliver the knockout punch. "When I was down two match points, I wasn’t feeling so great ... I thought 'this is it, this is the last point, man," said Federer. "Just go down fighting, don’t miss an easy shot and let him have it."

Misfiring most of the

night, Federer slowly began to find his mark and seized his chance when it arrived, holding serve for 5-5 to close out the fourth set and then breaking Monfils in the first game of the fifth.

"It was one of those moments where you got the back against the wall and hope to get a bit lucky and you hope to play exactly the right shots that you need or that he completely just messes it up," said the 33-year-old Swiss.

"I'm not sure I have ever

saved match point before in a slam. If that hasn't happened, I'm unbelievably happy that it was today."

Cilic, who pounded out 19 aces, had Berdych under pressure right from the start, breaking the Czech at the first opportunity in the first two sets to grab a 2-0 lead.

Berdych turned the tables on Cilic in the third and raced out to a 3-0 lead but the Croatian, relying on his booming serve, broke back and forced a tiebreak before clinching the match with a thundering ace and forehand winner on the final two points. It has been a turbulent few years since Cilic's last grand slam semifinal at the 2010 Australian Open. His problems came to a head last year when he was handed a nine months drug suspension for taking a banned stimulant which was later reduced to four months but he was still unable to compete at last year's U.S. Open. "I mean, it was a difficult period. I didn't know when I'm going to start back," said Cilic, who becomes the first Croatian to reach the U.S. Open semifinals since his coach Goran Ivanisevic in 1996.

5th Horsepower Challenge grand finale today

Our Correspondent

Kohima | September 5

The grand finale of 5th Horsepower Challenge (Autocross- 4X4 off road-Motocross) under the aegis of Nagaland Adventure Club (NAC) and supported by Department of Youth Resources & Sports Nagaland will take place on September 6 at NFA Ground, near NU Campus Meriema. Saturday’s event (September 6)- Motocross (Final) and 4X4 Off road (Final) will start from 10 a.m. onwards. Parliamentary Secretary for Youth Resources & Sports, Music Task Force and New & Renewable Energy, Khriehu Liezietsu, will grace the closing ceremony as the chief guest at 4 p.m. The programme will be chaired by Bharat Prasad while special number will be presented by Purkumzuk Ao. Declaration of final results will be made by Paul Rutsa while vote of thanks will be proposed by NAC general secretary Akum Longkumer.

C M Y K

A participant at the 5th Horsepower Challenge 2014.

Morung Photo

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Classic Cup 2014 grand finale today

M Y K

Kohima, September 5 (mexN): The grand finale of the 20th edition of Classic Cup 2014 under the aegis of Classic Club Kohima will take place on September 6 at 2:30 p.m. Nagaland Police will clash with Barak FC in the finals. Minister for rural development & REPA C.L. John will grace the function as the chief guest. The Champion will win a cash prize of Rs. 1,50,000 while the runners- up will win a cash prize of Rs. 70,000.

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