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The Morung Express
A Daily Publication of Morung for Indigenous Affairs & JustPeace
Dimapur VOL. III ISSUE 324
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Saturday, November 22, 2008 12 pages Rs. 3 - Saint Augustine
PM against Caste, Kesangu-ü is Miss Kohima Religious divisions NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 21 (AFP): Prime Minister Manmohan Singh urged Indians on Friday to reject centuries of ethnic and religious divisions, warning they would be manipulated by politicians to fracture the country. His comments follow a rise in communal and ethnic tensions among India’s masses in the form of politically motivated violence, sectarian riots and bomb attacks. “Competitive politics must not be allowed to divide our people on the basis of religion, caste or region,” Singh told a gathering of prominent Indians in New Delhi. “Stop identifying yourself in terms of how the past has shaped you,” he said. “Who looks at our nuclear scientists or space engineers in terms of their narrow social identities or their religious beliefs?” Singh asked the audience. “Who asks them what their caste is or religion is? Who asks what their language is or region is? We only ask what their achievement is. It is their work that defines them.” Singh’s remarks come as Indian police were investigating whether Hindu militants along with a senior army officer have been involved in a series of terror strikes in the country that began last year. The probe has been rejected by India’s main Hindu nationalist opposition Bharatiya Janata Party as “politically motivated”. In September, India was slammed for anti-Christian attacks in the country’s east, where more than 30 Christians have been killed by militant Hindus. The country has also seen several attacks on migrant workers from poorer states in the western state of Maharashtra while a spate of unsolved bombings across India has claimed around 200 lives this year alone. In his speech, Singh listed education, health care and basic amenities coupled with poverty eradication as the challenges before India today as he urged people to shun “extremist ideologies, political or economic”. In a message directed at the political leadership, Singh said people were seeking “well-being and sustainable livelihoods but they also seek fundamental freedoms... Continued on page 5
Central wage board to visit state C M Y K
DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 21 (MExN): A central team led by KM Sahni, IAS (Retd) & Member Secretary of the National Wage Boards, will visit Nagaland from November 24 to the 27th to discuss matters relating to the working of the Justice Narayana Kurup Wage Boards. The team, along with officials of the state Labor department, will hold meetings separately with employees (working Journalists and non-Journalist employees of newspaper establishments). This will be followed by a meeting with the managements of newspapers establishments on November 25 at Hotel Saramati in Dimapur, starting from 11:00 AM. All employees and employees of newspaper establishments are requested to attend the meetings without fail. The meetings of the team with the state chief minister and the chief secretary are also tentatively fixed for November 26.
Sonia Gandhi wants poor protected from greedy rich
NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 21 (REUTERS): Setting out her priorities as elections approach, the head of the ruling Congress party said on Friday the poor must be protected from the fallout of a global financial crisis and the “greed of the rich”. Sonia Gandhi’s comments underline her leftof-centre stance ahead of elections due by next May, and her cautious approach towards economic liberalisation. “As a free society, we believe in the freedom to pursue prosperity. But not at the expense of social justice,” she said. “Liberalisation must be pursued within a framework of sensible but not heavy-handed regulation,” Gandhi added. Investors have been disappointed at the pace of reform under the Congress-led coalition government, which took power in 2004 and must face the electorate in 2009. Blame is often put on its former communist allies who opposed reforms to liberalise the economy, but Gandhi’s comments underscored the cautious attitude to reforms at the top of
Morung Express News Dimapur | November 21
ANNUALLY, MORE THAN 86,000 Nagaland youths are facing acute unemployment problems, following their graduation from colleges every year. This startling, but not surprising information was revealed during a two-day workshop on unemployed youths in the region, which was organized by YES campaign, Smile centre (Guwahati) and Youth Collective (New Delhi) at Diphupar on November 21. Setting up own business units and becoming self-employed entrepreneurs is the only remedy to solve some problem of un-
Miss Kohima 2008 Kesangu-ü Suokhrie, flanked by first runners-up Mhaletuonuo Keditsu and second runners-up Vitsizonuo Keyhuo after the Miss Kohima crowning ceremony today.
KOHIMA, NOVEMBER 21 (MExN): Charming and attractive Kesangu-ü Suokhrie was crowned the coveted title of Miss Kohima 2008 at an impressive Miss Kohima beauty pageant held here this evening at the State Academy Hall under the aegis of Hill Fusion. Kesangu-ü Suokhrie is 21 years old. Standing at 5’4, she likes reading and listening to music. She aspires to become a lecturer. Mhaletuonuo Keditsu and Vitsizonuo Keyhuo were crowned 1st and 2nd
runners- up respectively. In the sub-titles, Keneisenuo Rame was adjudged Miss Perfect Ten, Naomi Ringa with Miss Beautiful Hair while Keneizakienuo Belho was crowned Miss Photogenic. The judges for today’s beauty pageant were Sentila, Watila Mollier, Amen Longkumer and Sentiakum Aier. A fashion show and music later were the additional attractions of the pageant. Altogether, eleven contestants vied for the coveted title.
employment, the workshop cautioned. That, resource activities like workshops would be meaningful only when the public put them into action, various resource persons stressed on the need to set up individual self-help groups (SHG). On the recent unrest being seen among youths in India in general, and particularly Nagaland, the resource persons emphasized on the intervention of government departments and the Centre. They ought to provide grants to eligible candidates who have work and are satisfied with their performances in respective fields, the resource persons said. Many success stories from young SHGs of Nagaland were also
shared during the program. The workshop is a part of the ongoing Global Entrepreneurship Week, which has been on from November 17 and scheduled up to the 23rd. The week is being observed in different districts of the state. Earlier, ‘The Entreprising Youth Centre’ was inaugurated by Dr. T. Lima Jamir, former NDO chairman and co-director of MMI, Texas, USA. Dr. Lima urged accessing own strength with a definite goal to achieve success. He said that ‘we should nurture relationship and develop discipline to use our time very wisely’. Various student leaders also spoke on the topic of entrepreneurship during the occasion.
DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 21 (MExN): The NSCN (IM) has rebutted claims made by the “GPRN/ NSCN” on an incident reported to have taken place on November 19 wherein one “GPRN/NSCN” cadre, identified as one Vekhoto of Yoruba village, was shot dead by NSCN (IM), about 2 km from Chizami town in Phek district. The MIP stated that the “treacherous game plan under the shadow of reconciliation and unity process can never be condoned with” and that the “NSCN never fail to react when placed under such situation”. “Distorting the head and the tail of the incident, the socall publicity cell of K-group (with confusion identity) is desperately trying to mislead
the public by its habitual indulgence in false propaganda just for the pleasure of scoring a point over NSCN in the eye of the people. But the Naga people should know the substance of the story in order to pass correction assessment without prejudice”, stated a press note issued by the outfit’s ‘MIP’. Pointing out that the Naga people cannot be misled, the MIP note clarified that on November 19 “self style capt. Vekheto of K-group made a telephone contact with Ihoshe battalion commanding officer about his desire to come over to NSCN mainstream along with one NNC member with three arms and ammunition”. Accordingly, one “maj” Thswetso was dispatched by
one “lt. col” David, “CO” Ihoshe battalion, on November 19 to welcome the ‘home comers’ in the presence of the village council of Chizami, after the formality was done, the MIP stated. “But no sooner had they started the drive towards Ihoshe battalion along with the home comers Capt. Vekhoto took out his 9mm, pointing towards Maj. Thswetso and forced the driver to take the vehicle back to Phek town. But in the quick turn of event, Maj. Thswetso outsmarted him when he took out his own pistol kept in readiness to face any act of treachery, and shot dead Capt. Vekhoto on the spot at Ehlumi Village at 5:30 pm”, the MIP note narrated. The other NNC member was also
overpowered but made good his escape in the confusion that followed. Three arms, SLR A/No. 16258765 with one magazine and 97 bullets, one M21 A/008840 and one 9mm handmade with 4 bullets were capture from the deceased, the MIP note informed. The whole incident was witnessed and testified by the villagers and village council of Chizami and the car driver hired by Vekhoto, it further stated pointing out that “there is no doubt of the game plan to enact ‘home coming drama’ to NSCN and kidnap Maj. Thswetso”. The plan however, went awry as everything boomeranged into a bloody ending, the MIP stated. Continued on page 3
Karmariders on cycle tour of Nagaland Nagaland CM pushes GERMAN YOUTHS RIDING ON MESSAGE OF FRIENDSHIP
Dimapur | November 21
DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 21 (MExN): The electrical department has informed of a phase of load-shedding on November 22 from 9:30 AM till 11:30 AM under SDO (E)-1&3 Dimapur electrical sub-division. The load-shedding is for maintenance works, informed Albert Ovung, SDO (E)-1 for Dimapur. The department regrets the inconveniences that may be caused by the load-shedding.
ance’s four-and-half year rule, analysts say. “The difference is explainable in terms of the PM not wanting to disappoint Indian industry, whereas Sonia Gandhi has no particular need to be solicitous towards them,” said political columnist Pran Chopra. Singh, a reformminded economist and former finance minister, was given the job of prime minister by Gandhi after the 2004 election, but she is often thought to call the shots. “Sonia Gandhi is now saying don’t do anything that makes the poor suffer, and rather she is emphasising direct attack on the problem with employment generation and increasing the purchasing power of the poor,” said political analyst Prem Shankar Jha. “The Prime Minister, nonetheless, wants to go the industry way of cutting interest rates and making credit available.” The challenge, analysts say, is to strike a balance ahead of general elections due next May. “They are addressing two different constituencies,” said Chopra. “There has to be convergence, eventually.”
86, 000+ Nagaland youths unemployed NSCN (IM) clarifies on Nov 19 incident
Morung Express News
Load-shedding for city
the party itself. Any response to the global economic turmoil should protect the vulnerable sections of the society, she said. “They have nothing to do with the fancy-sounding financial instruments,” she told a conference. “Should they become the victims of the unchecked greed of bankers and businessmen?” “Should the avarice of a few be allowed to inflict misery on the many?” Gandhi’s speech came immediately after party colleague and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh offered a more pro-industry vision at the same conference, saying his government would use every instrument of public policy to ensure growth and enterprise. In contrast, Gandhi credited the public sector for giving the Indian economy stability in times of crisis, referring to the decision of her mother-in-law and former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to nationalise banks. “Every passing day bears out the wisdom of that decision,” she said. The difference of nuance in Gandhi and Singh’s political beliefs has coloured the Congress-led alli-
THE KARMARIDERS - a team of young people from Germany - have been preparing for over a year now to cycle 5000 Km in Europe and Asia, carrying with them the message of solidarity, friendship, self-reliance and adventure, especially to the youth of the world. As part of their journey, the Karmariders will arrive in Dimapur on November 27 followed by Kohima on November 30 where they will visit the Hornbill Festival and then proceed to Imphal, Manipur via Jakhama, Kuzama and Maram. It may be mentioned that the first leg of their expedition
– 2500 Km in all the 16 states of Germany – was flagged off in early September 2008, with the support of the German National Cyclists Organization, German Railways, German National TV, the Indian Consulate in Germany and thousands of fans and well wishers, with hundreds of young people cycling with them along stretches of the route. The dream is to cycle the next 2500 Km across 5 states of the North East, which started in mid-October in Guwahati, Assam, moving on to Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and ending at Imphal in Manipur. During their trip across the North East they have been staying with the people of the towns and villages, and interacting with the young and the old. “They want to savour the captivating natural beauty, and learn first-hand the rich cultural heritage of the diverse peoples of the region. And, they hope to project back to their fans and sponsors in Germany, the North East, with its immense human and natural resources potential as well as every day
for Eco-Territorial Army Chizokho Vero
Kohima | November 21
THE KARMARIDERS: The ‘tourists-with-message’, will be in Nagaland soon with their message of solidarity, friendship, self-reliance and adventure. challenges”, states Fr Tony Pellissery SDB who is Executive Director of AIDA. In Germany, the trip is coordinated by Dr Martin Kasper, a former managing partner of Accenture and founder of the ChildAid Network. The Don Bosco Organisations in the North East will oversee the arrangements for
the Indian leg of the expedition, it was informed. The Coordinating Committee in Dimapur will be Don Bosco Alumni unit. They have invited the public to participate and interact with the young, adventurous and enthusiastic team of ‘tourists-with-message’ and make their expedition complete and colorful.
“We hope, together, we can make of this event an opportunity to showcase the North East, forge friendships and alliances, and inspire our youth set their goals high and bring determination and perseverance to achieve them”, stated the coordinating committee. Conitnued on page 3
CHIEF MINISTER NEIPHIU RIO today said that the state government will take up the matter with the centre of raising a territorial army (ecological) in Nagaland. Rio has given this signal in view of related matters which figured in the discussion hour of the annual meeting of the Rajya Sainik Board (RSB) held here this morning at Raj Bhavan. The meeting was presided over by Governor K. Sankaranarayanan, who is also convenor of the RSB. It is pertinent to mention that the state government has already communicated to the centre on the need to raise a ecological territorial army in the state. However, it is yet to materialize. Rio told the meeting that the government will take up the matter. Referring to 164 INF (BN) TA (H&H) Naga, where 800 Naga youth are there at present, Rio said “We want another TA battalion so as to give more opportunity to the Naga youth.” Touching on vacancies in the paramili-
tary forces, Rio stressed on the need to initiate coaching camp for inspiring candidates. Saying that the lack of coaching classes posed a drawback for aspiring candidates to qualify for various vacancies, he stressed on the need to provide proper training to Naga youth ahead of recruitment rallies so they do not miss opportunities. Referring to today’s meeting, he termed it as significant ‘as it provides the platform to show concern for ex-servicemen, widows and dependent where problems and welfare schemes are deliberated upon’. Rio also said that the cabinet has approved for formation of a Nagaland private security agency rule. He hoped that it will create avenues for exservicemen as well. Rio also expressed happiness that ‘tremendous progress has been witnessed’ within the house of the Rajya Sainik Board in Nagaland within a five-years time. The chief minister also stressed on the need to take up more welfare scheme for ex-servicemen. Continued on page 3
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Dimapur
LOCAL
Saturday 22 November 2008
Wangala festival celebrated with splendour
Morung Express News Dimapur | November 21
WITH MUCH splendour and fun, the Garo community of Dimapur today celebrated Wangala, the post harvest festival of the tribe at Ekranipathar village. The festival, organised by the Garo Students’ Union Nagaland (GSUN) in coordination with the All India Garo Union, Nagaland Regional Unit (AIGUN), was graced by Albert Marak, vice-president of the All India Garo Union (AIGU) as the chief guest, and S K Khemprai, president of the Kachari Tribal Council, Nagaland (KTCN), as the guest of honour. Marak, in his speech, stressed on the need to preserve and promote Garo customs and traditions and encouraged the younger generation to uphold the rich traditions at any cost. He added that ‘culture is identity’ so Garo people should follow their culture strictly. Referring to the Wangala festival, the AIGU vice president said that the festival was celebrated by Garo people to convey their gratitude, and to receive blessings from God, for the rich harvest.
Young Garo girls present their traditional dance at the Wangala festival celebrations at Ekranipathar village in Dimapur, on November 21. (Morung Photo/Zakir Hussain)
MEx File
KOHIMA, NOVEMBER 21 (MExN): The General Manager of the District Industries Centre, Kohima, has informed all the applicants of Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) for 2008-09, under Kohima district, that the last date for submission of application along with requisite documents has been set at November 25. No application will be received/entertained under any circumstance after expiry of the said date, a release received here said. Interview will be conducted at the official chambers of the Deputy Commissioner of Kohima on November 28 and 29 from 10:00 am onwards, while no separate calling letter for the said interview would be sent, the release informed.
Ban on transport of dead/killed pigs KOHIMA, NOVEMBER 21 (DIPR): The Additional Deputy Commissioner of Chiephobozou, Rovilato Mor, has banned the transport of dead/killed pigs from one village/town to another village/town with immediate effect. In an order issued on November 12, 2008, the ADC has informed that there had been reports of spread of swine fever under the sub-division, and that there were chances of the epidemic/ill effect escalating to human beings through the “disposal of the infected pig from one place to another.” He assured that the Veterinary Department was engaged in preventive measures to control the problem.
Lok Adalat to be held at Mokokchung MOKOKCHUNG, NOVEMBER 21 (DIPR): The Lok Adalat for free disposal of cases will be held in the Court premises of the Additional District & Sessions Judge, Mokokchung, from November 26 to 27, 2008, from 10 am onwards. The Lok Adalat will be held at the District Jail Mokokchung on November 26, and on November 27, 2008, at the Court premises of the Additional District & Session Judges, Mokokchung. All citizens have been informed to bring their cases to the Lok Adalat on the above-mentioned dates
MSA signed KOHIMA, NOVEMBER 21 (DIPR): In the presence of the Board of Governors and the executive committee of the Nagaland State e-Governance Society (NSeGS), and after a thorough overview of the Common Service Centers (NeS) across the country and its implementation plan of CSC in Nagaland, the Government of Nagaland has signed the Master Service Agreement (MSA) on November 20, 2008. The signing of the Agreement, which was chaired by the Chief Secretary of Nagaland, Lalhuma, was held at the Conference room of the Chief Secretary.
Acknowledgement We express our heartfelt gratitude to each and every Individual, Churches, Unions, Neighbours, various Organisations and those who tendered selfless support, Physically, Financially, Materially and Spiritually at the demise of our beloved. Late L. Imtiyanger Sangtam Deputy Commissioner of Excise (Retd) on 17.11.08 Loving Wife, Children and Relatives
DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 21 (MExN): With the inauguration of the Nagaland Zoological Park at Rangapahar, Dimapur, “a sense of awareness on conservation issues has been created with many people coming forward to be part of these conservation efforts by the government.” According to Obed Bohovi Swu, Officerin-Charge at the Nagaland Zoological Park, Rangapahar, the top legislators of the state including Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Minister of Forest M C Konyak, Deputy Speaker of NLA, Ralanthung Yanthan, and former Minister of Forest, Kheto Kinimi, are taking the lead in wildlife conservation. “To name a few, they have taken the task upon themselves to lead the people of the state in conserving the wildlife resources. Several other officials and well-meaning individuals have come forward to assist the depart-
KOHIMA, NOVEMBER 21 (MExN): The second National Seminar on ‘Rural Development in India: Prospects and Retrospect’ organised by the Department of Economics, St. Joseph’s College, was inaugurated today by Prof. K Kannan, ViceChancellor of Nagaland University, Kohima, at St. Joseph’s College, Jakhama. More than 40 participants from different parts of the country, staff members and students of the Department attended the seminar. In his inaugural address, Prof. Kannan stressed that the vision for rural development in Northeast India should be based on the Vision 2020. He, however, emphasised that a mere vision is not enough but an action plan is also needed. He
ment in rescue and rehabilitation of wild animals,” the Officer-in-charge stated in a press release. To date, a pair of Hornbills, green pigeons, Plam Civet, a pair of porcupines, one eagle, one Himalayan Black Bear and one python have been donated by the legislators. “It is very encouraging to see that more and more people are coming forward to assist the Government in its effort in conservation of our wildlife resources,” Obed added. While appreciating the encouraging support from the people, the Officer-inCharge added, “The Wildlife Wing of the department of forest is making all efforts to effectively control hunting and killing of wildlife and selling of our precious resources in the open market, and urge the people of the state to help the government in our noble effort.”
asked the academic community and students present to study this important document and develop a model for rural development based on technological innovation and quality while at the same time being rooted in one’s culture. Prof. Kannan also released the book ‘Village Development in Northeast India’, edited by Komol Singha and published by Concept Publications, New Delhi. The book contains the papers presented at the first national seminar conducted by the College in 2007. In his keynote address, Professor S K Mishra, Department of Economics, North Eastern Hill University, Shillong, said that our discussion on rural development should be based on our
eral Convention was “nothing but a mere reiteration of his pet political concept ‘equi-closeness’, which had bolstered chasm and hegemony amongst the section of our society today.” The CM’s remark “truly reflected his mind because out of what is in the mind is spoken out by a person” and this further “reflected his bitterness on a section of people whom he thinks are not co-operating with him or works according to his thinking line of equi-closeness,” the NPCC persisted. “Therefore, in the light of his actual state of mind and subsequent ground implementation for the last few years, sharp division and bitterness had come to fore in our society. Hence, the rhetoric of NPF leaders for peace, unity and solution of Naga political problem impregnated with such sinister state of mind/design is a sheer farce and self contradictory in every aspect,” the NPCC added in the statement. Further, the statement that the NPF had made in calling National workers as militants was there for all to see and read, the NPCC reminded, explaining that “after the Government of India had recognised the Naga cause as ‘political in nature’, to call National workers as militants again was unfortunate as it would only complicate the already complex problem.”
Nagaland’s Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Kuzholuzo Neinu (right) and Rev. K Lasuh, Principal of Baptist Theological College (BTC), Pfütsero, are seen here enjoying the local maize tea with 'Naga dal chutney' in a locally made banana leaf cup (known as 'Thizhihe') and bamboo cup ('kurahe') during the college’s 19th Cultural Day function held at the BTC campus on November 20. (Morung Photo/Kuzhovesa Soho)
Vice-Chancellor of NU, Prof. K Kannan, releasing the book ‘Village Development in Northeast India’ at the National Seminar in Kohima, on November 21. (Morung Photo)
‘Young people must exploit new avenues’ Dimapur District Youth Festival Held
DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 21 (MExN): The Dimapur ‘District Youth Festival’ was held here today under the aegis of the Directorate of Youth Resources & Sports, Kohima, at the Dimapur Town Hall. Various competitions were held at the one-day Festival, the winners of which will represent the district at the state festival to be held in December this year. Speaking as the chief guest, President of Naga Council Dimapur, Savi Liegise, said that youths in the National level comprise of 41.07% of the population, while in the eastern sector of the country, the youth comprise 47% whereas in our state, youths comprised 45.68%, with a population of 9 lakhs, out of which 7.39 lakhs were based in rural areas and 1.69 lakhs in urban areas. He also informed that the percentage of literacy in the state was 69.63, where 66% comprised of literacy in rural areas and 85% in urban areas. The majority of the state population comprises of youths; therefore,
A Musical Evening Featuring
Ministers’ Hill Baptist Church Youth Choir Venue: MHBC, Kohima
the Naga Council President said, a major challenge lies ahead of our state where we need to wholly develop our state into a selfsufficient state as we have immense human and natural resources. Liegise also stressed that to make the state into an active and vibrant state, the youths need to take the challenges and be more competitive to exploit new avenues to make our economy grow. He further reminded the participants that we are now living in a global village and in a competitive world where one has to be good and be ahead of everyone to make a difference. The Tragopan cultural troupe emerged as winners in the folkdance competition, while Medziphima town bagged the first prize for folksong. In the extempore speech competition, Siddarth Singh Golcha from SD Jain HSS, Renthungo Odyuo from DPS, and Sibananda Paul from SD Jain HSS, bagged the first, second and third prizes respectively.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT We the family members of Lt.VISANUO VIVIANA YHOME express our sincere gratitude to all our well wishers during the untimely demise of our beloved mother on 17th Nov’08. Words are inadequate to say thank you for your support rendered to us financially, materially and above all your valuable prayers and presence in need of the hour. 1.
Time: 3:30 pm
DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 21 (MExN): Slamming the statement issued by the NPF party as “misleading and contradictory”, the NPCC termed as “sheer farce” the NPF leaders’ rhetoric on ‘peace, unity and solution of Naga political problem’. In an immediate rejoinder to the NPF’s statement that was published by local dailies on November 21, the NPCC reiterated that “despite the confusion and mess created by the NPF party,” the statement made by the Chief Minister, who had said, ‘A section that is not part of the solution cannot deny that they are part of the problem’, was “contradictory and discriminatory in nature.” “It is obvious fact that the Chief Minister took initiative in propounding the concept of equi-closeness which had created lots of commotions in the DAN conglomeration even in the past. But in spite of such dissension in the DAN fraternity and even within NPF’s family the equi-closeness policy was vigorously implemented which ultimately brought some section of people too close to NPF/DAN while distancing from other section of the people,” R Paphino, Chairman, of the NPCC Media Cell, stated. The NPCC added that the Chief Minister’s statement in the NPF Gen-
Kohima hosts National Seminar on rural development
Jesus, the answer to life
Date: 23rd Nov ’08
He maintained that through Wangala, Garo people come together every year and renew their bonds and also develop the spirit of oneness. “It is also a festival of dance,” he added. Marak further greeted the Garo people of Dimapur on the eve of Wangala, which is one of the premier festivals of the Garo tribe. Guest of honour S K Khemprai, while greeting the Garo people on the occasion, appealed to the elders and youngsters to preserve and protect the rich cultures and traditions of the tribe in the State. The programme was chaired by B Momin, general secretary of GSUN. Pastor Elpish Sangma invoked God’s blessings, while Rolina K Sangma, president of AIGUN, welcomed the gathering. Nikhil and his group presented the welcome song, followed by a brief speech on Wangala festival read out by Dinesh K Sangma. The vote of thanks was proposed by Budok K Sangma, vice-president of AIGUN. Pastor Barnard Momin pronounced the thanksgiving prayer. Other highlights of the programme included cultural songs and dances presented by the GSUN.
NPCC takes a dig at CM’s ‘pet political concept’
Legislators lead the way in wildlife conservation
DIC Kohima on PMEGP
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The Morung Express
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Angami Public Organization & all its Frontal Organizations. Naga Students’ Federation & its Federating Units Parish Priest & Community Christ King Church, Kohima Village Different Organizations & Denominations Dr. Khriesatalie Yhome Dr. Petekuolie Yhome Neighbours and all individuals
May the Almighty God bless you abundantly for your good deeds. Mr. Rübelhie Yhome & Family
own experiences of rural India. “We should develop our own theories and literature on rural development without neglecting the others; the past can offer us some guidelines,” he said. The real problem in rural development is not liberalisation or globalisation, but what impact these processes have on rural India, he said, adding that the challenge is to see how they can help to release the captive energy that lies dormant in our villages so as to change the face of India. The Principal promised that the College would continue to organise such seminars in the coming years and thus contribute to the discussion on topics that are relevant for our region and the country at large.
National Children’s Science Congress
A PROFILE
The National Children’s Science Congress (NCSC) became a nationwide activity since 1993, with the holding of the first NCSC in Delhi. Since then, the NCSC is held during the last five days of December (27-31) every year. The primary objective of the Children’s Science Congress is to make a forum available to children in the age group of 10-17 years, both from the formal school system as well as out of school, to exhibit their creativity and innovativeness and more particularly their ability to solve a societal problem experienced locally, using the methods of science. The Children’s Science Congress (CSC) prompts children to think of some significant societal problem, ponder over its causes, and subsequently try and solve the same, using the scientific process. It encourages a sense of discovery and emboldens the participants to question many aspects of our progress and development and express their findings in vernacular. Eligibility: The forum is open to young scientists in the age group of 10-17 years as on 31st December of the calendar year. NCSC is not restricted to the schoolgoing children only, but is also open for the non-school children from the marginalised sections of the society.
Areas of research: Every year a focal theme is announced for CSC and the children are expected to carry out the projects related to the focal theme and the identified sub-themes. A group of children not exceeding five can do the project with the help of scientists, schoolteachers, coordinators of school science clubs, activists of sciencebased voluntary organisations, etc. The teachers/ guides receive special orientation on the theme of CSC every year. The child scientists must also prove their communication skills to make others listen and understand their findings. What are good projects: As per past experience, it has been found that projects rated very good, had the following elements: • Proper understanding and definition of the project undertaken. • Quality and quantity of work, including team work, learning process, subject understanding and efforts to validate the data collected. • Relevance of the proposal to the community/school problem and impact of the project on schoolmates, neighbourhood community. • Originality, innovation and creativity to understand the methodology and experiment design. Organisers: The Con-
gress is organised by the NCSTC–Network, a registered society comprising a network of 65 organisations (governmental and non-governmental) working for science popularisation, and facilitated from 1991 onwards by the National Council for science and Technology Communication, Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India. Every State has a coordinating body and in Nagaland, the Nagaland Institute of Health, Environment and Social Welfare (NIHESW) coordinates the programme. Nagaland will be hosting the 16th National Children’s Science Congress, at Dimapur from December 27 to 31, 2008. Hundreds of child scientists from across the country will take part in the sixday event to be held at the Livingstone Foundation Higher Secondary School, Dimapur. The qualitative and quantitative expansion of NCSC has drawn the attention of different countries, and in the previous years, observers from Germany, Bangladesh, etc. attended the NCSC. Eight child scientists will represent Nagaland State during the first ever Congress to be hosted by the Govt. of Nagaland in collaboration with NIHESW. Lolano P. Khuvung DIPR
LOCAL 3 Real Life Reel: Hard Legal Counsels note STARTING LINE-UP rape case aspersion Saturday
The Morung Express
22 November 2008
Realities on Screen
Morung Express News Dimapur | November 21
NORTH EAST Network (NEN) with Breakthrough and The Morung Express today screened four short films focusing on Human Rights, at the Go-Karting conference hall in Dimapur. Hard-hitting, award-winning films focusing on Human Rights violation in places like Darfur, China and Iran as well as the inter-communal phobia in India were showcased in the light of similar situations prevailing around the world. A documentary film ‘China Blue,’ followed a pair of denim jeans from birth to sale, highlighting the deplorable working conditions of factory workers in China as a result of economic pressure from western clients and subsequently
leading to human rights violation. While a film like ‘Froth,’ based on the inter-communal phobias, portrayed ‘Islamophobia’. NEN, while interacting with viewers, related ‘Froth’ to the reality surrounding inter-communal insecurities around the world. The horror of mixing religion, terror and politics goes into making the film a contemporary stereotype mindset about a particular religion. The film also brought out the message of detaching any religion with terror. For NEN, the purpose of screening the movies was to bring awareness and sensitivity to the people especially in deescalated areas and where situations of violent conflicts prevail. NEN felt that in areas where people have no or less medium to express their views, civil-political rights
Nagaland CM pushes for EcoTerritorial Army From page 1
Among the many agendas figured in the meeting includes, formation of Serving Soldiers Welfare Board, construction of dwelling units for serving soldiers and ex- servicemen in Nagaland, deployment of 164 INF (BN) TA (H&H) Naga, re-organization of Rajya Sainik Board, welfare schemes and concession measures and resettlement schemes for ex-servicemen, widows of ex-servicemen and families of soldiers serving soldiers etc. Minister for Home Imkong L. Imchen, chief secretary Lalhuma, additional chief secretary Lalthara, representatives from Ministry of Defence, top army officials and government officials attended the meeting.
NSCN (IM) clarifies on Nov 19 incident From page 1
The MIP statement remarked that “resorting to treacherous game plan does not fit into the Reconciliation process, and the option for the NSCN in the face of such foolhardiness is to exercise quick presence of mind”. “What is the meaning of Kgroup offering its best possible co-operation in the interest of the Naga people and for the coming generation? Deceitfulness is now seen to be the only political philosophy of K-group and they love to dance with words they know no meaning when measured in the practical sense of its application. It is better not to make an issue out of nothing just to make cheap propaganda campaign against NSCN”, the MIP note stated.
Sendenyu Tegwenkinyu Union informs KOHIMA, NOVEMBER 21 (MExN): The general meeting of Sendenyu, New Sendenyu and Thongsunyu villages will be held on November 23 at Sendenyu village Panchayat hall at 11:00 am. All public of the three villages have been informed to attend the meeting positively. In this connection, an emergency meeting of the Sendenyu Tegwekinyu Union will be held on November 22 at Chogin Range Community building construction site at High School Area, Kohima. The presidents of Kohima, Dimapur and Tseminyu units have been requested to inform all member of their respective unit to attend the meeting without fail. Failure to comply will be seriously viewed, a release received here said. For more information, contact-9856170441.
are violated “unnoticed,” and felt these movies could bridge views on human rights around the world, and help people see human rights in “totality.” Accordingly, that “violence is portrayed one-sided” and people, despite state laws, are still not aware about their own rights, NEN felt such exposure and hard realities through the media will bring awareness in citizens to fight state repression and violence against or around them. NEN and Breakthrough have screened these short films in other northeast states like Guwahati and Shillong as well. NEN said it has received good feedbacks on the films screened here in Dimapur and will be screening the same at Kohima on November 22 at Ura Academy Auditorium.
Your daily Meetings, Appointments, Information and Reminder column
DSC general meeting November 22
DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 21(MExN): Responding to a news item today in the local dailies regarding bail granted to a rape-accused in Kohima, as stated to the media by the executives of one Zuketsa Area Welfare Union, counsels of the accused today made a number of clarifications. Among other points raised by the counsels include a caution that “pointing fingers at the learned judge as done by the said learned leaders” has already attracted the attention of the Indian Penal Code. One Vilasezo, accused of attempted rape of a mother of three on September 9 at Kohima’s blue hill bus station, was granted bail, the union had stated earlier. Advocates N. Krose and Keviphotsu, counsel for the accused, in a rejoinder today responded to the statement published earlier by the union. The counsels expressed surprise that “the facts were partially and biasedly (sic) presented by some learned public leaders to public”.
east region”. “Northeast is one of the most beautiful and ethnically and linguistically diverse regions of the country. Unfortunately the region has been troubled by insurgency for the last few decades. While other regions of the country are progressing and prospering because of the atmosphere of peace, insurgency and violence are adversely affecting the progress of the Northeast region,”he said. In this connection, Jamir called upon artists from the Northeast to convey the message of peace to the people. Octave is a five-day festival showcasing the culture
and literature, theatre and visual arts and handicraft of the northeast. It is organized by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, the South Central Zone Cultural Centre, Nagpur and the Directorate of Culture, Government of Maharashtra. The governor said Indians should know India better. They can know the country by knowing its rich culture and traditions, Jamir explained. “Festivals such as the Northeastern cultural festival enable different people of the country to know each other better and create emotional integration of the nation,” he said and appealed
DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 21 (MExN): The NPF office of the 9th Kohima Town A/C along with MLA Dr. Nicky Kire expressed pain at the untimely demise of KMC Govt. Nominee member late Vishül Rhetso who passed away on November 17 at AIIMS, New Delhi. In a condolence message issued by Medo-u Angami, press secretary, the office stated, late. Rhetso “was a strong NPF supporter and actively imparting his responsibilities as a Govt. Nominee member to the Council till his last breathe.” And in his death we have lose a dedicated and strong supporter, it added. “The vacuum he left behind will be difficult to fill up in the near future but his good deeds will continue to live in our memories forever.” The NPF 9th Kohima Town A/C office prayed for strength for the bereaved family and for peace to the departed soul.
Addl. Chief Secretary & Development Commissioner, Nagaland, Alemtemshi Jamir addressing the delegates at the Yi (Young Indians) Annual Retreat 2008 at Touphema Tourist Village today, November 21. (DIPR Photo)
Urgent Climate Change step for NE felt dams on this biodiversity rich river. But the corporate sector divides the people and prevents any serious discussion on the project that can destroy biodiversity and contribute to climate change. Chandra Rajbangkshi spoke of the danger of building a dam on the Pagladia River that keeps changing its course. Based on these and other inputs the participants reflected on the role of the media and of civil society in spreading the message of climate change in the Northeast where awareness of the issue is low. Arup Jyoti Das of Panos spoke of the responsibility of the media to society and its obligation to join in the campaign on the theme that has serious implications for the region. Nayan Jyothi Bhuyan of Pratidin said that ethno-politics has a serious impact on climate change. So civil society should bring these issues to the fore and take the media beyond its agenda set by the corporate sector and bring people’s issues to the fore. Ranjan Baruah felt that climate change is of special
to the people of Maharashtra to watch the beautiful artistic traditions of the Northeast to know the region better. Jamir had earlier inaugurated the festival by beating the traditional drum and later witnessed the choreographed dance and music ensembles. Alemla Jamir, Ram Pradhan, former Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, Ashok Chavan, Minister of Culture, Government of Maharashtra, Dr Vijaya Mehta, Director of National Centre for Performing Arts and Directors of Zonal Cultural Centres and a large number of people were present at the occasion.
NPF 9th Kohima Town A/C condoles Karma Riders in cycle tour... From page 1
The Coordinating Committee has cordially invited mass participation at the reception at Nagaland Gate on NH-39 at 3.30 pm on Thursday, November 27 and further encouraged them in their endeavor to achieve their target as they Cycle around the City on Friday, November 28 between 9.00 am to 11.30 am. Young people who have bicycles and wish to cycle along with them on 28.11.08 may register themselves with the coordinating Committee by e-mailing their bio-datas (name, age, sex, address, education standard and contact no.) and recent passport photo to be attached at dba_dmr@ gmail.com or dbadimapur@gmail.com. They may also contact Mr. Agay Joseph, Teacher, Don Bodsco Higher Secondary School, Dimapur (Mbl. No. 9436015635). 60 cyclists who register first on or before 25.11.08 will be chosen.
TEACHERS WANTED
ANTA informs
DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 21 (MExN): Environmental and development researchers and media groups met on November 21 to discuss climate change and has decided to work together to spread awareness of this issue in the Northeast. This seminar organised by North Eastern Social Research Centre (NESRC) and Indian Network on Ethics and Climate Change (INECC) reflected on the impact of climate change on the Northeast. Dr. Nafisa Goga D’Souza, convener of INECC presented the overall scenario and intergovernmental negotiations that show that most decisionmakers are not ready to take the steps required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ensure global justice. Dr. Walter Fernandes, Director, NESRC spoke of the impacts of climate change on the biodiversity rich Northeast and the danger that initiatives like large dams pose to the region. Kashyap Sutradhar of the Subansiri Dam Movement spoke about the special features of Subansiri and the negative result of building
“The honorable court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Kohima was pleased to grant bail to the accused on 18th November, 2008 because among other valid grounds, the judicial remand of the accused was already expired on 14th November, 2008 and further remand for judicial custody for the accused not sought by the Investigation Officer (IO) concerned thereby the accused illegally detained for four days,” the counsel clarified. They also pointed out that any honorable court throughout the territory of India would have no option but to grant bail to the accused under similar circumstances as provided under section 167 Cr PC. “Therefore, pointing fingers at the learned judge as done by the said learned leaders has already attracted the attention of the Indian Penal Code. It is appeal that the proceeding of this case in question is not unnecessarily interfered in the interest of justice,” the counsels added.
‘End Insurgency for progress and prosperity’ DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 21 (MExN): The Governor of Maharashtra Dr. SC Jamir today reminded insurgency in the north east must end if at all progress and prosperity is to be brought about. Addressing the inauguration of the cultural festival of northeastern states, ‘Octave’ in Mumbai on Thursday evening, Jamir said the north east region is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich regions in the country. But, he lamented, insurgency has taken its toll that while other regions are progressing and prospering “insurgency and violence are adversely affecting the progress of the North-
relevance to the youth because they are the ones who will feel its impact. A. K. Goldsmith of CASA spoke of the role of religious groups in awareness building and the need for networking. Pranab Jyothi Neog spoke of the need to involve students and editors in a better understanding of the issue. Gita Bharali spoke of the paucity of knowledge of climate change in the Northeast and the need to create it. This can help persons interested in social change to come together to influence policy. The participants decided that they will produce new material or translate existing documents including the National Plan of Action on Climate Change in Assamese and other languages of the Northeast. Some of them are already involved in experiments meant to reduce the impact and even the causes of climate change. They will continue to work together on these experiments and will try to influence policies in favour of the poor particularly women who are the worst victims of climate change.
Dimapur
KOHIMA, NOVEMBER 21 (MExN): The All Nagaland Taxi Association, Kohima through a circular issued by its joint secretary has informed all taxi owners under Kohima unit of a special inspection for all local taxis plying in Kohima on November 22 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and November 24 to 28 from 7:00 am to 9:00 am at old MLA hostel. Informing this, the association requested all local taxis to cooperate with the department by sending their taxis in time with all required documents.
GILGAL SCHOOL
1 Post 1 Post 1 Post 1 Post
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Padumpukhuri: Dimapur Science teacher preferably M. Sc Mathematics teacher preferably B. Sc English teacher preferably English Honours Teacher B.Ed (Any Discipline) Contact: 9862777498/9436727567
Contact before 15th Dec’08
EXCEL COACHING AND COMPUTER CENTRE Mission Road, Near North Police Station- Kohima
Coaching for:
1. INTENSIVE COACHING for Cl-10 & Cl-12 (Science, Arts & Commerce- 2009 Batch 2. NPSC, UPSC, NCS (Prelim-2009), SSC and other Competitive Exam 3. JEE & NERIST Entrance for- 2009 4. Spoken English & Computer Courses 5. Coaching for Sainik School Entrance. Contact: Ph 0370-2290672, 9436071373, 9863143388
Hostel available for both Boys & Girls
IN THE COURT OF DEPUTY COMMISSIONER DIMAPUR District: Nagaland
NOTICE
No.M-960/08/7657-58 Dt. Kohima the 21st Nov’08 Notice is hereby given that Esther Vrs Mhademo Lotha under section 50-51-52 Assam Land Revenue Regulation Act 1886 applied/claims/ objections concerning to the said land or any should be submitted to his/her court in written on or before 21/12/08. Schedule of Land and Boundary Name of the Patta Holder : Esther Village/Block No : 10, Patta No: 470 Dag No: 109/543, Area: 01B-04K-05ls Sd/- Deputy Commissioner: Dimapur
Dimapur Surumi Community (DSC) general meeting will be held on November 22 at 9:30 am at Tourist Lodge, Dimapur. DSC Cultural programme and election of DSC office bearers for the next tenure will be the main agenda of the meeting. Z. Hotovi Awomi general secretary, DSC requested all ‘Surumi’ residing in and around Dimapur to attend the meeting without fail. For further information contact- 9856156567. DYU meeting on Nov 22
A general meeting of Dimapur Yachem Union has been convened on November 22 at 9:30 am at the treasurer residence. All members are requested to attend the meeting without fail and absentees will be penalize according to resolution. LLVSU informs its members
The Lio-Longchum Village Students Union (LLVSU) has informed all its unit members in village or at town that it is collecting its primary membership for the current year. As such the Union has requested all its members to clear their membership fees by the end of November 2008. Koio Students Union informs
Koio Students Union has informed all its bonafide villagers residing at villages, towns and cities that the union would be collecting its primary membership for the year 2008. Therefore, all the students are requested to pay its membership before December 2008.
Modern College freshers’ social
KOHIMA, NOVEMBER 21 (MExN): The Modern College Kohima will hold its 11th freshers’ social on November 22 at the State Academy Hall, Kohima at 9:00 am. Prof. K. Kannan, vice chancellor, Nagaland University and Baptist Lobo, senior branch manger, Vijaya Bank Kohima will grace the occasion as the chief guest and guest of honour respectively.
Lost Notice I, Henry Matiso am applying for duplicate copy of HSLC and PU (Sc) passed certificates as I have lost it. Name: Henry Matiso Sibo F/Name : S. Sibo M/Name : Meselhipeu N/School : C.H.S.S (HSLC) Roll.No : 422984 N/School : Model Hr.Sec (PU. Sc) Roll No : 727144 D.O.B : 10.03.1988
Gratitude
The Dimapur Press Club (DPC) would like to express its appreciation and thanks to Chief Minister, Mr. Neiphiu Rio for donating Rs 50,000 towards the Club fund on National Press Day. The DPC also thanks Additional Chief Secretary & Development Commissioner, Mr Alemtemshi Jamir (IAS), for gracing the occasion as chief guest and donating Rs 25,000 to the Club. Dilip Sharma President Dimapur Press Club
82nd
Birth Celebration of Sri Sathya Sai
All Devotees are warmly welcomed on the Birth Celebration of Sri Sathya Sai on 23rd November from 9:00 AM onwards at the Sri Sathya Sai Mandir Premises, Signal Basti, Opp Urban Police Station. R.S.V.P Contact No: 245869, 9436004853 NPF Zunheboto Division congratulates The NPF Zunheboto Divisional Unit, Divisional Frontal Wings and all ranks and files of the NPF, extends warm greetings to Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietse on being re-elected as the President for the second consecutive term. Dr. Shurhozelie, one of the senior most veteran regional political leader among the Nagas have come a long way in leading the dedicated partyman, his matured statesmanship shall be revered with optimism, in the days to come. The Divisional Unit also welcomes, the appointment of Shri Apong Pongener as the working President and Shri K.G. Kenye as Secretary General of the NPF Nagaland. The party looks forward, to their untiring endeavour for the welfare of the Naga people in general and the partyman in particular. While appreciating and congratulating all the newly inducted officials of the NPF Nagaland. The NPF Zunheboto Divisional Unit would like to specially mention the appointment of Shri Huskha Yepthomi as Vice-President No.1 and Shri Kakuto Shohe as the President Youth Wing for the second consecutive term. Eversince the inception of the Naga Peoples Movement for Political Regionalism in the 1970, thepeople of Zunheboto District have been supporting the regional party ideologies in large numbers. And in this context, Shri Huskha Yepthomi and Shri Kakuto Shohe being a staunch regional partyman, had never been associated with any other political party,other then regional parties. As such, being made regional party leaders is to be complimented. The NPF Zunheboto Divisional Unit once again reaffirmed its fullest cooperation and support to the maturity of Dr Shurhozelie in leading the party and Shri Neiphiu Rio, the dynamic Chief Minister of Nagaland in leading the DAN coglomeration for the second consecutive term. I. Nikheto Jimomi President
P. Kiyelu Awomi General Secretary (Adm)
OFFICE OF THE
SR. DEPUTY ACCOUNTANT GENERAL (A&E) NAGALAND: KOHIMA
SALE NOTICE
In reference to our Notice inviting Tender No.IFC/ TECH/FC-6/2008-08, Dated Kohima the 17th November 2008, the column 3 (three of the table) (Estimate Cost) of the NIT is inclusive of 100% on expected escalation for items of works 1996 NPWD (R&B) schedule of Rate.
OFFICE OFTHE SENIOR DEPUTYACCOUNTANT GENERAL (A&E), NAGALAND, KOHIMA IS GOING TO DISPOSE OFF 1 (ONE) MARUTI GYPSY KING SOFT TOP (Model-1998 BEARING REGD.NO.NL10-2253) BY ADVERTISED SALE TENDER WITH RESERVE PRICE OF Rs 1,15,000/-. Interested persons are requested to submit their tenders under sealed cover by quoting their rate to the undersigned by 1st December 2008, during working hours in all working days. The vehicle is available for inspection at the office of the Sr.Dy.Accountant General (A&E), Kohima. The intended persons may contact the undersigned for necessary information.
Sd/- (Er.MEZAKROL) Chief Engineer Irrigation & Flood Control Nagaland: Kohima
ACCOUNTS OFFICER (ADMN)
GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF ENGINEER IRRIGATION & FLOOD CONTROL NAGALAND: KOHIMA
NO.IFC/TECH/FC-6/2007-08/3526-28
Dated Kohima the 21st November 2008
ADDENDUM
Contact No.0370-2240794
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BUSINESS
22 November 2008
‘India can and will survive global crisis’
NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 21 (PTI): India will sustain a growth rate of eight per cent despite the adverse impact of the global financial crisis, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Friday. “We have the ability to sustain a growth rate of about eight per cent. And we will do so,” he said at a conference in the capital. Exuding confidence that India had the “resources and the wisdom to grapple and deal” with the crisis, Singh said all instruments of public policy — monetary, fiscal, public investment and exchange rate — “will be deployed” to tackle it. Noting that the global economy was going through “choppy waters”, the Prime Minister said “we can and we will survive this crisis”.Replying to questions after delivering the inaugural address at the Leadership Summit, Singh said the government had “anticipated the global slowdown” and taken measures in the budget. Observing that the global economy was passing through a “deep crisis”, the economist-turned-politician said “we cannot pretend that we are not affected by it. “The crisis was not made in our country but elsewhere. ... Due to the interdependency (of the world economies), we are in the same boat,” the Prime Minister said. Noting that global problems required global solutions, he said there was a need for a global safety net. Maintaining that he had urged the G-20 to create a global safety net, the Prime Minister said this was required to ensure that the poor
Gandhi says wants India poor protected from greedy rich NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 21 (REUTERS): Setting out her priorities as elections approach, the head of the ruling Congress party said on Friday the poor must be protected from the fallout of a global financial crisis and the “greed of the rich”. Sonia Gandhi’s comments underline her left-of-centre stance ahead of elections due by next May, and her cautious approach towards economic liberalisation. “As a free society, we believe in the freedom to pursue prosperity. But not at the expense of social justice,” she said. “Liberalisation must be pursued within a framework of sensible but not heavy-handed regulation,” Gandhi added. Investors have been disappointed at the pace of reform under the Congress-led coalition government, which took power in 2004 and must face the electorate in 2009. Blame is often put on its former communist allies who opposed reforms to liberalise the economy, but Gandhi’s comments underscored the cautious attitude to reforms at the top of the party itself. Any response to the global economic turmoil should protect the vulnerable sections of the society, she said. “They have nothing to do with the fancysounding financial instruments,” she told a conference. “Should they become the victims of the unchecked greed of bankers and businessmen?” “Should the avarice of a few be allowed to inflict misery on the many?” Gandhi’s speech came immediately after party colleague and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh offered a more pro-industry did not pay the price for the “delinquency” of the rich. With communal violence in some states weighing heavily on his mind, Singh said, “competitive politics must not be allowed to divide the people on the basis of religion, caste or
vision at the same conference, saying his government would use every instrument of public policy to ensure growth and enterprise. In contrast, Gandhi credited the public sector for giving the Indian economy stability in times of crisis, referring to the decision of her mother-in-law and former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to nationalise banks. “Every passing day bears out the wisdom of that decision,” she said. The difference of nuance in Gandhi and Singh’s political beliefs has coloured the Congress-led alliance’s four-and-half year rule, analysts say. “The difference is explainable in terms of the PM not wanting to disappoint Indian industry, whereas Sonia Gandhi has no particular need to be solicitous towards them,” said political columnist Pran Chopra. Singh, a reform-minded economist and former finance minister, was given the job of prime minister by Gandhi after the 2004 election, but she is often thought to call the shots. “Sonia Gandhi is now saying don’t do anything that makes the poor suffer, and rather she is emphasising direct attack on the problem with employment generation and increasing the purchasing power of the poor,” said political analyst Prem Shankar Jha. “The Prime Minister, nonetheless, wants to go the industry way of cutting interest rates and making credit available.” The challenge, analysts say, is to strike a balance ahead of general elections due next May. “They are addressing two different constituencies,” said Chopra. “There has to be convergence, eventually.”
region.” He said cooperative pluralism and respect for diversity was the basis of democracy. With the term of the UPA government coming to an end, the Prime Minister said his ambition for the 21st century was a fully educated and em-
powered India. “The light of knowledge should touch every child,” Singh said as he recalled his rise from a “dusty village” in Punjab to the top office only because of education. “My dream for myself was realised in my own lifetime.”
The Morung Express
IIJT introduces UDAAN with 100% job placement assistance DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 21 (MExN): The Indian Institute of Job Orientation Training (IIJT) Dimapur is introducing Ultimate Destination in Accounting Arena (UDAAN) Scholarship for the students who want to peruse professional course. The Institute will provide 100% job placement assistance after completion of the course. The programme is done for generating opportunity to all those students who are seeking for professional career course in accounting field. Basing on this IIJT Dimapur has invited all those interested students having minimum qualification of graduates or pursuing graduation in any stream and a minimum age of 30 years. For registration contact the Institute (IIJT Dimapur, IMC Complex, 1st Floor, Circular Road, Dimapur) on or before of November 27, 2008, after which no application will be entertained. The examination date has been scheduled on November 29, 2008 at 10:00 am at the Institute.
A Yugo car, center, is seen at a dumping ground in Belgrade, Serbia, Thursday, November 20. Zastava car factory is finally stopping the production of Yugo because its new owners, Italy’s Fiat, plans to start the assembly of its own compact, the Punto. Over 100,000 Yugo GVs, standing for Great Value, were sold in the U.S. before Yugo America, the company that imported it, went bankrupt and Washington imposed economic sanctions on Belgrade for fomenting ethnic wars in the Balkans in 1992. Yugo, the cheap and much-maligned boxy subcompact, held the infamous title of being one of the worst cars ever imported in the United States. (AP Photo)
G8 should include China, India, others, panel says
WASHINGTON, NOVEMBER 21 (REUTERS): The Group of Eight major industrialized countries should be doubled to include Brazil, China and India and other nations to better tackle global challenges like climate change and economic stability, a blue chip panel said on Thursday. The panel, which included European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana, former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and former World Bank Pres-
ident James Wolfensohn, argued that the G8 has become “outdated.” “The leadership and mandates of key international institutions, from the G8 to the U.N. Security Council, have not kept pace with the new powerholders and dynamic threats of a changed world,” the Managing Global Insecurity Project said in a report. “Traditional powers cannot achieve sustainable solutions on issues from economic stability to climate change without the emerging powers at the nego-
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Fiat India to launch Linea sedan in Dec MUMBAI, NOVEMBER 21 (AGENCIES): The Indian unit of Italy’s Fiat plans to launch its mid-sized sedan Linea in India in December, the company said on Friday. Fiat India Automobiles Ltd, an equal joint venture between Fiat and India’s Tata Motors, said in a statement it started production of the sedan on Friday. Linea will be followed by the launch of the hatch back Grande Punto, which will also be manufactured in the Indian plant which has a total capacity of up to 200,000 cars, it said.
NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 21 (REUTERS): India must undertake financial sector reforms to achieve 7.5-8.0 percent this fiscal year and look to the Middle East for funds to boost expansion in the face of the global economic crisis, a top official said on Friday. The $1 trillion economy is facing a slowdown in demand as it grapples with the impact of the global financial crisis and this is likely to shave some growth from the scorching 9.0 percent levels of the past. “If we accelerate the reforms two things will happen. One, I think we can still have 7.5-8.0 percent growth in the current year,” Arvind Virmani, chief economic adviser to the finance ministry, told Reuters in an interview. “And secondly that we can still ensure, conditional on this policy reform, that the growth rate next year is higher than the current year.” Virmani said reforms in sectors such as insurance and corporate debt must be accelerated but authorities needed to be careful about regulation at least for the next few years. He said a careful watch on liquidity must be maintained and in such an environment the overall approach of monetary policy clearly had to change towards supporting output and growth. “So when inflation is on the way down and also there are greater concerns as represented for example by the index of industrial production numbers, the monetary policy has to shift accordingly,” Virmani said. He said he expected wholesale price inflation to A Muslim woman is silhouetted against a tourism advertisement Friday, November 21, 2008 in Singapore. The Singa- fall to normal levels by March 2009 from the current 8.90 perpore government reported that tourism numbers have decreased due to the global economic slow down. (AP Photo) cent. He said normal should around 5.0-6.0 percent.
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former U.S. undersecretary of state for political affairs, said some nations might resist seeing their own influence diluted but said solving some problems required a broader range of actors. “Rather than to argue about the size of the table and the number of people present, it would be much better to take the view that if a country has a substantial contribution to make to the resolution of the problem ... then they probably ought to be at the table,” he said.
Eco adviser says reforms needed to sustain growth
‘Only in India is ATF cheaper than petrol’ MUMBAI NOVEMBER 21 (PTI): Ram NaikFormer Petroleum Minister Ram Naik has flayed the UPA government lowering prices of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), saying India is the only country where ATF is cheaper than petrol. “This is the eighth wonder of the world. In no other country will you find that ATF is cheaper than petrol”, Naik said here today. The senior BJP leader has put up hoardings decrying the government over the move in the North Mumbai Lok Sabha constituency, where he lost to Bollywood actor Govinda in the 2004 elections. “ATF is sold at Rs 40 per litre to the airlines, whereas petrol which is consumed by the common man, the mobike riders, taxi and autorickshaw users costs Rs 57 per litre,” he said. “The government is leaning towards the affluent and rich people, that is why it reduced ATF prices but did not reduce price of diesel and petrol despite substantial fall in their international prices,” Naik said.
tiating table,” said the group, formed by the Brookings Institution think tank and by research centers at New York University and Stanford University. The report recommended expanding the G8, which is comprised of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia and the United States, to include Brazil, China, India, Mexico and South Africa. It also proposed adding Indonesia, Turkey, Egypt or Nigeria to create a Group of 16. Thomas Pickering, a
SUDOKU
CROSSWORD # 1159
The Morung Express number game
Sudoku # 1142
DIMAPUR
Civil Hospital: Metro Hospital: Faith Hospital: Shamrock Hospital Zion Hospital: Fire Service: Police Control Room Police Traffic Control East Police Station West Police Station CIHSR (Referral Hospital)
STD CODE: 03862
232224; Emergency- 229529, 229474 227930, 231081 233044, 228846 228254 231864, 230889 232201 228400 232106 227607, 228400 232181 242555/ 242531
KOHIMA Police Control Room: North Police Station: South Police Station: Fire Brigade: Naga Hospital: Oking Hospital: Bethel Nursing Home:
STD CODE: 0370 2244279 2244923 2242897 2222952 2222916 2243339 2224202
CHEVROLET CARS PRICE LIST NOVEMBER’ 2008
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.”
Yesterdays answer Sudoku #1141
ACROSS 1. Collects (7) 5. Oil-producing cartel (4) 9. City in Texas (6) 10. Antitoxin (5) 12. Elicit (5) 13. Tool (7) 14. Trushvoy(6) 16. Scottish Highland dialect (6) 19. Obedient (7) 21. Hickory nut (5) 23. Angry (5) 24. Powerless aircraft (6) 25. Cool Hand - - -’ Paul Newman film (4) 26. Instructional talk (7)
DOWN 2. Famous battle in Texas (5) 3. Bob - - -’ Blockbusters presenter (7) 4. Save (6) 6. Sunshade (7) 7. Smug (10) 8. Capri, Skye, e.g. (4) 11. Systematic (10) 15. Kent row [anag] (7) 17. Select (7) 18. Pester (6) 20. Ado (4) 22. Clarify (5)
Answers to CROSSWORD #1158 Across: 1. Taciturn, 5. Paid, 7. Obote, 8. Sporran, 9. Timetable, 13. Yard, 16.Ire, 17. All, 18. Epee, 21. Committee, 24.. Tornado, 26. Alice, 27. Hive; 28.Butress. Down: 1. Trophy, 2. Clover, 3. Trent, 4. Nip, 5. Portable, 6. Dunce, 8. Sum, 11. Inept, 11. Evade, 12. Live, 14. Afro, 15. Diamante, 19. Praise, 20. Enters, 1: Catch, 22. Two, 23. Exact, 25. Dab.
CAR MODEL
PRICE
SPARK 1.0 BASE
268,648
SPARK 1.0 PS
289,992
SPARK 1.0 LS
304,641
SPARK 1.0 LT
334,123
U-VA 1.2 BASE
401,753
U-VA 1.2 LS
444,299
U-VA 1.2 LT
484,090
SRV 1.6 OPT. PACK
790,100
AVEO 1.4 BASE
606,461
AVEO 1.4 LTD EDI
661,631
AVEO 1.4 LT OPT.PACK
754,930
TAVERA 2.5 LT 9S BS3
877,748
TAVERA 2.5 SSD1 7S (C) BS3
993,249
OPTRA ROYAL 1.6 LT (PETROL)
967,686
OPTRA MAGNUM 2.0 LT ACC (DIESEL)
1,074,547
CAPTIVA 2.0 LT VCDI
1,812,688
For details contact: Urban Station, Near NSC Petrol Pump, 6th Mile Dimapur. Ph No : 240994 CURRENCY EXCHANGE
CURRENCY NOTES US Dollars Sterling Pound Hong Kong Dollar Japanese Yen /1000 Malaysian Ringtt Singapore Dollar Thai Bhat / 100 U.A.E. Dirhams Euro
BUY(Rs) 49.18 72.54 5.47 508.44 12.34 30.12 136.70 12.60 61.29
SELL(Rs) 51.79 76.58 7.51 563.01 15.31 35.28 148.20 14.76 64.55
Saturday
REGIONAL
The Morung Express
22 November 2008
Assam blast suspects to undergo narco test
GUWAHATI, NOVEMBER 21 (AGENCIES): The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the serial explosions in Assam is likely to carry out narco-analysis tests on two blast suspects, officials said Friday. A police spokesman said the two blasts suspects on whom the narco tests are expected to be carried out on are Bimal Mushahary and Phungkha Brahma, both members of the outlawed National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB). ‘We would be undertaking narco tests on the two accused, although there are certain legal formalities to be completed,’ a senior police disclosed requesting anonymity. The serial explosions on October 30 in Assam killed 90 people and wounded more than 300. The Assam government earlier this month formally blamed the NDFB for the terror strikes and said, they were carried out in collaboration with the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA). According to the SIT, Bimal Mushahary is a prime suspect in the blast at Guwahati’s Ganeshguri area. Mushahary, hailing from Barama in Baksa district of western Asasm, is now in police remand. ‘Mushahary is an explosives expert and supplied explosives for
the Ganeshguri blasts. In his confessional statement before police, he revealed plans by the NDFB to assassinate two top political leaders of Assam after executing the serial bombings in the state,’ the official said. The other prime suspect Phungkha Brahma is now in judicial remand after serving 12 days in police custody. Police said that all the three Maruti cars used as car-bombs in Guwahati were in possession of Brahma the day before the serial blasts. Police sources said interrogations of the arrested revealed that Brahma was involved in the movement of the cars and providing logistics to the perpetrators of the terror attacks. ‘We shall have to carry out the narco tests outside Assam as we don’t have the facilities available here,’ the official said. Meanwhile, another blast suspect Ranjit Ramchiary, arrested in connection with the explosion at Barpeta Road on October 30, has agreed to become a government approver. Ramchiary’s motorcycle was used in the blast although he claimed it was forcibly taken away by some NDFB militants. At least a dozen arrests have been made by the SIT. The NDFB earlier denied involvement in the explosions.
Dimapur
5
‘Bangla Govt supports brain behind Assam blasts’
GUWAHATI, NOVEMBER 21 (AGENCIES): Forces inimical to India’s interests in Bangladesh, including the present government, were supporting the brains suspected to be behind the October 30 serial blasts in Assam, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi claimed on Friday. “The main brains or sources behind the blasts here are suspected to be based in Bangladesh. Forces inimical to India’s interest are responsible. The present Bangladesh government also,” Gogoi told the media. Asked why Bangladesh would create trouble in India, he replied, “They must be serving Bangladesh’s interest. Otherwise why will they safeguard these people?” “The Bangladesh part is being taken up with that government through the Government of India,” he said. The Chief Minister claimed that the ULFA, NDFB, KNLF all had bases in Bangladesh. Stating that investigations into the serial blasts in the state which left 88 persons dead was progressing, he said, 15 NDFB and ULFA insurgents had been arrested for the explosions in Guwahati, Bongaigaon and Barpeta. These persons were identified to be directly involved in the blasts, though the brains behind them were different, the Chief Minister said.
Governor of Arunachal Pradesh General J. J. Singh(Rtd) being given civic reception at General Ground in Seppa, East Kameng District during the concluding function of Bharat Nirman Campaign on November 20 organized by Press Information Bureau and Ball of Fire Division. (UB PHOTOS)
PM against Caste, Religious divisions
From page 1 “People seek freedom from tyranny in all its manifestations. They wish to be governed by the rule of law,” he said. He warned the world
was watching India’s efforts to rid itself of “chronic poverty, ignorance and disease within the framework of a democratic polity”. India’s success in improving the lives of its billion-
plus population “as a liberal and plural democracy, a free society and a free economy, will provide hope for millions around the world”, he said. “The idea of India, based on
the rejection of extremes, respect for diversity and pluralism and the acceptance of the middle path, offers new pathways to progress for humanity in distress,” he added.
Cooperative movement North East stalls at 27th IITF draw huge crowds needed to reach rural people Newmai News Network
New Delhi | November 21
The North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd. (NEDFi) is participating at the ongoing 27th India International Trade Fair at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi with a contingent of 35 entrepreneurs. This is the 6th consecutive year that NEDFi has participated in IITF. It has 12 stalls from Assam, 3 from Manipur, 4 from Mizoram, 4 from Sikkim, 4 from Nagaland, 2 from Arunachal Pradesh, 2 from Meghalaya and 4 from Tripura. The pavilion is aptly named ‘NEDFi Haat’ in consonance with
its permanent exhibition space at Guwahati. 13 new firms have participated this year. NEDFi has brought in select handicraft and handloom items based on local material and craft endowment of North East. There is a conscious effort to improve upon the design and quality keeping in tune with the taste of buyers. The pavilion located prominently, at hall no. 6 is drawing huge crowd due to the appeal of its exotic and exquisite products. The pavilion has been designed with bamboo to give a distinct identity and an authentic look. The eye catching items
are bamboo and cane products from Mizoram; handcraft items and Lacardong turmeric from Women’s Group & Handicraft Multipurpose Co-operative Society Ltd., Jowai, Meghalaya; Kauna craft items from Organisation for Rural Improvement, Bishnupur; stoles and shawls from National Hill Women Welfare Association, Mechuka, West Siang; Sital Patti products from Suniti Sital Pati Industry, Bokajan, Karbi Along made by master crafts-person Bhakta Ranjan Mandal. The dry flowers from Nagaland are a craze especially with the women of
Delhi. Muga and Eri products from Assam have always been respected by the buyers for its durability and exclusivity. NEDFi is a development finance corporation which has a wide range of products and services to cater from the micro entrepreneur to big companies. The corporation is also a partner in the Aggressive International Marketing Products for NER being implemented by a consortium of EPCH Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), Ministry of Development of North Eastern region (MDONER) and Development Com-
missioner for Handicrafts. This project infuses internationally accepted designs on North Eastern Region (NER) material. Thanks to this project, many of the former participants at IITF are now exporters. The main problem with the North Eastern handicrafts produces is the lack of market. IITF brings them in direct contact with more than a million buyers. Exhibitors learn design and product pricing inputs directly from the end users. NEDFi’s assistance in terms of traveling and other allowances and logistic support provides the requisite fillip to the entrepreneurs.
ITANAGAR, NOVEMBER 21 (AGENCIES): A cooperative movement is imperative to reach the grass-roots to meet its objective of economically uplifting the rural masses, asserted Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women (APSCW) Chairperson Komoli Mosang. Addressing the valedictory function of week-long celebration of cooperative week at Naharlagun, yesterday Mosang suggested taking forward the movement in tune with the present times. Stating, that the cooperative movement at pres-
ent was urban centric, the APSWC chief stressed on spreading publicity and training programmes in rural areas. Mosang while lauding the contribution of women in cooperatives, advocated for greater participation of women for the success of the cooperative movement. No scheme or project will be successful without involving women, she asserted while calling the Arunachal Pradesh Cooperative Union (APSCU) for facilitating more exposure trips to other states particularly in N E States, which
have similar enterprises. She further hoped to diversify to more feasible business, keeping in mind the market demands and added that updating skills and orientation at various levels including of officials was important to keep up with the changing needs. Agreeing that sufficient funding was required for gearing up the activities of the sector, Mosang assured to take up the matter with the authority concerned. She said through cooperative society, the SHG movement could be further propagated in the state.
to set up police outpost Manipur journalist to intensify agitation M’laya despite Assam’s opposition
Women folk of Khwairaban keithel women sit in protest against the killing of Junior Sub-Editor of Imphal Free Press Konsam Rishikanta Singh on November 21 at Khwairaban Keithel ,Imphal. (UB PHOTOS) Newmai News Network
positive response with regards to the probe into the murder Imphal | November 21 of Rishikanta, a sub-editor of With the failure of the the Imphal Free Press, the All state government to give any Manipur Working Journal-
ists’ Union (AMWJU) has reaffirmed its stand to go ahead with the ongoing indefinite ceasework strike and non publication of newspapers in-
cluding the electronic media. Further, while deciding to intensify the ongoing indefinite cease work agitation, the journalist union even mooted to pressurize the Prime Minister and the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson, Mrs. Sonia Gandhi on the matter. During a general body meeting of AMWJU held at the Manipur Press Club, Imphal on Friday the union not only re-affirmed its stand to proceed with the ongoing indefinite cease work strike but also cease publication of all newspapers including broadcasting of new on Information Service Television (ISTV), a private television channel of the state. The meeting also resolved to submit a memorandum to the Governor of Manipur, Gurbachand Singh to intervene into the matter which was later submitted to the Raj Bhavan, Imphal. The memorandum while
relating the governor of the incident of the killing Rishikanta on November 17 near Sangai Second Home, Langol in Imphal West stated that the location was considered a secured area with personnel of the state forces manning all the three entry points. In this regard, the memo also sated that the AMWJU has reasons to suspect involvement of state security forces personnel in the crime and even suspect that a cover up operation was in process. While informing the Governor of the ongoing cease work strike and suspension of all publications, the union called upon the Governor to constitute a judicial inquiry. The memo also demanded award compensation to the bereaved family as per Centre’s scheme for victims of terrorist violence and urged the governor to ensure and take necessary measures for the safety and protection of
the working journalists. Meanwhile, in support of the ongoing strike, the Khwairamband Nupi Keithel Semgat Sagat Lup, Kwairamband Nupi Keithel Senfam and Saktam Kanba Lup organised a sit-in-protest by closing all vegetables, sweets and handlooms shops under their associations. Condemning the killing, Paonam Ibemu Devi, secretary of the Nupi Lup demanded the government to book the culprit and bring forth the culprit infront of the people. She also appealed to the state government and the militants of the state not to disturb the media. Meanwhile, family members of Rishikanta and AMWJU including members of the Manipur Hills Journalists’ Union (MHJU) continued with their sit-inprotest for the 3rd day infront of the electricity department, Keishampat in Imphal West.
Newmai News Network Shillong | November 21
NOTWITHSTANDING Assam's opposition to Meghalaya's propose setting up of a police outpost in the disputed Langpih area, Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Hopingstone Lyngdoh said that the setting up of the police outpost will go ahead. On Thursday, Meghalaya chief secretary Ranjan Chatterjee made a strong point before his counterpart P.S Sarma for a creation of the police outpost, but the proposal was turned down. However, Lyngdoh told newsmen today that Meghalaya wishes to set up an outpost in its legitimate rights on a place that Assam encroaches. “I have ordered the police higher ups to place a police contingent in Lejadubi and those are the men that will man the police outpost that will be created
in few months time”, stated the Deputy Chief Minister, even as he said that the completion of the construction of road connecting Langpih will be followed by movement of our police personal. During the claims and counter claims made by the two chief secretaries on Thursday high level talk, Assam strongly built its arguments on the Chandrachud committee report, but Lyngdoh contradicted by stating that Langpih was transferred to Kamrup district in 1870 by the British for law and order and judicial convenience. He stated that as per records, Lanpih falls under the Khasi chiefdom known as raid Umsaw The Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister's stand vindicated the resolution of the chief secretaries Assam and Meghalaya that both states will not indulge in activities that will pave a way to complain against each other.
My understanding of Mizoram politics Kishalay Bhattacharjee Bureau Chief, Northeast, NDTV
AFTER EIGHT years of serious travelling across India’s North East I am still a newcomer to Mizoram. From North East’s capital, Guwahati it is a long and arduous road journey, which can take more than 18 hours and the alternative air route is uncertain. As I touched down at Lengpui airport in a small ATR aircraft I entered a modern airport but far removed from the usual. The landscape, stunning. An hour’s drive takes us to Aizwal through a zig zag hilly road. Barely a few days left for elections but the capital town has no flags, banners or wall writings. No vehicles with party colours crossed our path. Even by North East standards it’s the most low profile polls I was about to cover. I was rattled by the re-
luctance of the place to tell me its stories. It is not easy to dig in to a electoral battle when there is none visible. So, I started by meeting people. A majority of them prefer to speak in their own language so my resources were meagre. In most places my trusted guides are the drivers. Dika, a former policeman, drives a rickety Maruti 800 and wears a happy smile. Maruti 800 is almost the designated mode of public conveyance in the state and has been in use as a public transport since the eighties. The speed with which it manoeuvres the hilly terrain makes it appear like a convertible. It’s warm in November. Unusual, I’m told. The lackluster election preparation is also unusual. Mizoram is a young state but elections follow the great Indian ‘chunav tamasha’ and is accompanied by feasting and
music. The music though is hard rock and choir music. The badakhana is a traditional Mizo delicacy. But I will miss all that because a conscience keeper, Mizoram Peoples Forum, has issued a diktat to political parties that this election must be a low budget, low key election. Welcome to Mizoram. A whole new world of conscience keepers and youth forums run parallel governments in this state. The guardian angel of these groups is the Church. A physical reality which peeps from every bent of the road. The Church is the final destination in Mizoram. So, naturally I started walking towards a Church. Church elders are very sophisticated and well read people. They were accommodating and had no reluctance in answering my uncomfortable questions. They knew
where my questions came from and accepted that it’s this one institution which matters in Mizoram - one place where religion and politics apparently has had a healthy fusion. But step out and meet people and you hear that the Church is becoming ‘dysfunctional’. Their diktat on prohibition on liquor doesn’t have many takers today and individuals feel the Church has trespassed its limits. So have all the other NGOs collecting fees in the name of serving citizens. Voluntary service which comes at a cost. Curtailment of liberty is one cost that most are not willing to pay anymore. Many of course feel otherwise. North East had taught me to expect almost nothing and be surprised by the unexpected. But Mizoram was getting intriguing. The bellboy of my hotel leading
me up to a winding fifth floor room was the most depressing moment. Clean linen but a damp room with a bad odour. They call it a suite because of a large terrace overlooking a picturesque Aizwal city. Hospitality industry hasn’t even taken off in this state. Hotels are scarce and facilities next to none. But if you look away from the clutter of the town, it is high fashion. Almost every lady in town is in a pair of tight black jeans in a coordinated dress code. Fashion accessories are very chic. In sharp contrast to Manipur or Nagaland or some other North Eastern towns, Aizwal is safe. It is not a police state but the strangeness is uncomfortable. At the end of my first day I was still clueless. It requires a different template to under- ULFA Cadres are seen with their arms at vegetable field at the 28 Battalion ULFA Desigstand Mizoram’s politics. nated Camp at Kakopather, Tinsukia District on November 21. (UB Photos)
6
IN-FOCUS
The Power of Truth
The Morung Express SATURDAY 22 NOVEMBER 2008 VOL. III ISSUE 324
S
Butterfly Effect
cientists around the world have often spoken about the principle of the “Butterfly Effect.” They tell us that the world of nature is so small and interdependent that a butterfly flapping its wings in the Amazon rainforest can generate a violent storm on the other side of the world. In today’s world, the principle of the “Butterfly Effect” is most evident and continues to demonstrate itself in different ways. Take for instance, the global financial crisis. The consequences of the crisis are felt in every corner of the world, and no society has been left untouched. The world of human activity can no longer afford to ignore this principle. It has shown how an act as insignificant as the flapping of the butterfly’s wing has life changing consequences – both good and bad. Today, it would be good for us not to forget two recent happenings in the Naga society, which one hopes will have a “Butterfly Effect” for the healing of the Naga people. In the first happening, on November 17, Naga widows while interacting with The Morung Express spoke of their encounter with forgiveness, and their willingness to forgive those who had robbed them of a full life. This by itself is of great significance, primarily because the act of forgiveness challenges the core of the human heart more than any other virtue; and contextually, because they are women whose husbands had been violently killed in factional violence between Naga groups. The strength the widows’ demonstrate and the generosity they have extended must be acknowledged and valued. Zara (name changed), a widow of factional violence declared, “I have forgiven my husband’s killers.” This amplifies the painful and liberating tryst with forgiveness and captures the essence of human contradiction and the generous ability of the human heart to do the unexpected and the irrational; because forgiveness itself is an irrational act. It can neither be completely comprehended nor fully understood; and yet, it is the key to healing and has the power to enable hope to rise above despair. The power of forgiveness in human affairs has been aptly summarized by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, when he pointed out that, “There is no future without forgiveness.” If forgiveness then is the key to the future of humankind, it has become necessary for Nagas to grabble with issues of forgiveness, no matter how irrational it may sound because it implies a change of heart. The second happening occurred on November 20, when leaders of the Tangkhul Naga Long met with the GPRN/NSCN. Again the poignant spirit of forgiveness dawned on the meeting as the two sides in the presence of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation shared their opinions with sincerity and in a transformative manner. Their ability to acknowledge “the paramount need for Nagas to be united in common hope and in the interest of a better Naga future,” indicates an inclusive and humane approach which is willing to “positively overcome differences and to address difficulties in the spirit of forgiveness, so that the yearning for Naga reconciliation is achieved.” History has shown that war has never been the way to justpeace and yet time and time again humankind has looked and turned to war in the quest for the illusive justpeace. At this moment in history, the spirit of forgiveness has opened a window of opportunity for the Nagas to discern the journey towards reconciliation; so that through this reconciliation, the pathway to justpeace is by peaceful means. And with this renewed hope of optimism, one prays that the spirit of forgiveness will hold on to the butterfly effect in the hearts of every Naga woman, child and man.
LEFT WING |
Bill Frelick
The EU’s failed asylum rules
I
t’s easy to see why Iraqis overwhelmingly sought asylum in Sweden last year. The country had granted 91 percent of their asylum requests the year before. But why would the next-largest number apply in Greece, which had a zero approval rate for Iraqis? And why did relatively few Iraqis, the largest group of asylum seekers in the European Union, seek asylum in Britain, with troops on the ground in Iraq - or Germany, with Europe’s largest population and strongest economy, or other EU countries? EU asylum rules provide the answer: Many Iraqis lodged their asylum claims in Greece because they had no other choice. Because of its location, Greece is the most favorable entry point to the EU for Iraqis. And the EU system, known as Dublin II, dictates that claims are generally assessed in the first EU state a person enters. An Iraqi Kurd from Kirkuk told me of his predicament: “I wanted to go to another country to seek asylum, but a friend told me that because they took my fingerprints, they would send me back to Athens. I have now been here a month without papers. Now I am in a hole. I can’t go out. I can’t stay. Every day I think I made a mistake to leave my country. I want to go back, but how can I? I would be killed if I go back. But they treat you like a dog here. I have nothing. No rights. No friends.” The Dublin system fails to consider the legitimate interest asylum seekers have in choosing where to apply and unfairly allocates the burden of processing claims to the states on the EU’s external frontiers. Left nearly alone to bear the Iraqi refugee burden in Europe, both Sweden and Greece have reacted in ways that are as unfortunate as they are predictable. Sweden has become much less generous in offering asylum. By the first trimester of 2008, it was granting only 25 percent of requests. The result? The number of Iraqi asylum applicants in Sweden fell by half in the first half of 2008. Greece has taken the approach, documented in a Human Rights Watch report to be released next week, of systematically rounding up and detaining migrants in dirty, overcrowded conditions in the border region with Turkey and forcibly and secretly expelling them to Turkey. Coast Guard officials push migrants from Greek territorial waters, sometimes puncturing inflatable boats or otherwise disabling their vessels. For those managing to gain a foothold in Greece, the authorities block access to asylum procedures and deny nearly all asylum claims. A 34-year-old Iraqi Turkoman from Kirkuk who said that he made 10 attempts to cross into Greece before succeeding provides a typical example among the scores of interviews collected by Human Rights Watch: “One time I crossed the river into Greece and arrived in Komotini. They put us in jail for five days and then took us to the river and pushed us back. We were 60 persons. They put us in a small river boat with a motor in groups of 10. They did it in the middle of the night. It was raining hard and the Greek police started beating us to make us move more quickly. I saw one man who tried to refuse to go on the boat, and they beat him and threw him in the river. They beat us with police clubs to get us to go on the boat.” The Turkish border authorities likewise abuse migrants, detaining those pushed back by Greece in degrading conditions. These migrants have no real opportunity to seek asylum in Turkey and are often detained indefinitely. Turkey continues to return Iraqis to Iraq without giving them a genuine chance to seek protection. As the UN High Commissioner for Refugees has urged, EU states should suspend transfers of asylum seekers back to Greece and examine their claims themselves. They should resume such transfers only when Greece meets EU standards on detention, police conduct and asylum access, and when Greece stops forcibly returning people who would face inhuman and degrading treatment in Turkey or persecution in their countries of origin. A more equitable and better-managed approach by the EU would reduce the burden on Sweden and Greece and better protect Iraqi refugees. But the EU’s failures in equitable burdensharing do not relieve Greece of its responsibility to treat people humanely and its obligation not to return refugees and asylum seekers to a risk of degrading treatment, persecution, or worse. Bill Frelick is the refugee policy director at Human Rights Watch and author of “Stuck in a Revolving Door: Iraqis and Other Asylum Seekers and Migrants at the Greek/Turkey Entrance to the European Union.”
THE EDIT PAGE
C O M M E N T A R Y
Robert Fisk
Once More Fear Stalks the Streets of Kandahar
T
here is a little girl in the Meir Wais hospital with livid scars and dead skin across her face, an obscene map of brown and pink tissue. Then there is another girl, a beautiful child, Khorea Horay, grimacing in pain, her leg amputated, her life destroyed after her foot was torn to pieces. In another ward, two girls lie on their backs, a tent above their limbs. One has lost an arm, another – a 16-year-old – a leg. Then there is the grim young man with the beard, also in the darkest pain, who looks at me with suspicion and puzzlement. He has a bullet wound in the abdomen, a great incision sutured up after the doctors found it infected. Two other young men, also bearded, cowled in brown “patu” shawls, sit beside this suffering warrior. They, too, stare at me as if I am a visitor from Mars. Perhaps that’s what I am in Kandahar. Better to be a Martian than a Westerner in a city which in all but name has fallen to the Taliban. The black turbans are everywhere. So are the blue burkhas which we Westerners confidently – stupidly – believed would vanish from Afghan society. But the Taliban insist they were not responsible for throwing acid in the face of the little girl in the second-floor ward at Meir Wais hospital. You know what she is thinking. You know what her parents are thinking. Who will marry this girl now, with her patchwork face of pain? Four men on a motorcycle threw acid at her and 13 of her friends on their way to school. Four were brought here, two dispatched immediately to the eye department. The Taliban deny any involvement. But they would, wouldn’t they? Khorea Horay is a victim of that other tormentor of southern Afghanistan, the forces of Western “civilisation” who dispense “collateral damage” to the poor and the illiterate of Kandahar province in their determination to bring “freedom” and “democracy” to the land that defeated both Alexander the Great and Ghengis Khan. The Americans air-raided her village of Shahrwali Kut in their battle against “terrorism”; a Taliban on a nearby hilltop appears to have fired a missile at Nato troops before our Western technology arrived to crush Khorea’s village. “I looked downwards and my foot was in little pieces,” she said. “They came from the sky and from the ground. It started in the afternoon and went on into the night.” In all, 36 members of a wedding party were killed in Shahrwali Kut on 5 November. That’s why she is one of the lucky ones. But luck is rela-
tive. Nato forces in southern Afghanistan have promised an inquiry. Needless to say, not a single Western soldier has visited Khorea’s hospital ward to say sorry, even to offer a little compassion. The two girls with amputations are very definitely victims of the Taliban. They were walking in the very centre of Kandahar when a suicide bomber exploded an oil tanker packed with explosives outside the council office which still – theoretically – belongs to the government. The tar-
Switzerland, France, Ivory Coast, Hungary, New Zealand, Australia and other nations – and walk a tightrope in this terribly dangerous city. Anyone who still chastises the ICRC for its pusillanimous role in confronting the Nazi Holocaust of the Second World War should meet the brave men and women who work here. A little girl is brought into the hospital in a green dress. “Isn’t she beautiful?” Nola Henrya nurse from Australia asked us. “She fractured a bone, but it got infect-
get was Wali Karzai, governor of Kandahar, brother of President Hamid Karzai, a man still desperately denying that he is a local drugs warlord. He escaped. Six died. Of the 45 wounded brought to the Meir Wais hospital, almost all were women and children, many of them crushed by falling walls after the explosion. The doctors lost only one of their patients, a senior police officer, while two bodies were brought to the hospital morgue, one of them a woman. The Taliban happily claimed responsibility for the bomb which tore their own people apart – and which allowed the Nato commander, US General David McKiernan, to pump out some familiar warspeak. “These cowardly acts reflect how dishonourable the insurgents truly are,” he said. “No one can honestly say they are fighting for the people ...”. But who is “fighting for the people” of Kandahar? To its immense credit, the International Committee of the Red Cross is donating £1m a year to the Meir Wais hospital and 11 of its international staff are – incredibly – working full-time in Kandahar. Every other NGO has fled the Taliban city but the ICRC – in contact with “all parties”, as the ubiquitous codicil goes – are dispensing medicines, surgical help and courage. They come from
ed. Now we will see if we can save her leg.” Green-eyed, her tousled black hair falling over her face, the three-year-old sits on the cold concrete floor, eyeing us, half suspicious, half-mischievous, conscious of being the centre of our attention. They often arrive like this, too late for surgery or for cure. Many families arrive from the villages with children dying in their arms. “We are an uneducated people,” an Afghan doctor told me with painful if unnecessary humility. “These people do not know what is wrong with their children and they wait till it’s bad before they bring them here. By then, it is very bad.” I look at one-year-old Nourallah. He is a skeletal creature as light as a pillow, his eyes glazing over at us within circles of skin. And it is all too clear what is wrong with many of these children. They are dying of hunger. There is a mini-famine in the desolation of the deserts of Kandahar and Helmand. Malnutrition here is a kind of disease. So is fear. I talk to a young Afghan woman hospital worker, dressed in a burkha, educated in Pakistan, fluent in English. “I am afraid,” she said. “We are all afraid. We all feel threatened. It’s not just ‘them’ [she means the Taliban] but it’s my own relatives, my aunt, my cousin. I do not tell them what I do. I just
say I work in a hospital.” Across Kandahar, there is great anger. At the government’s corruption, at the Nato occupation and their killings. Little is said of the Taliban. But who condemns those who are winning the war? Taliban officials now speak with nearcourtesy of the Tadjiks and Uzbeks and Hazaras who were their sectarian enemies in the awful years of Taliban rule. “If they are against the occupation, they are all friends now,” one of the wisest local residents said. There is a new vein of nationalism within the Taliban. “Twenty per cent of the population here are Shias and their mosques were turned into Sunni places of worship by the Taliban during their rule. But now the Shias are asking their mullahs what they should do if America attacks Iran, and their mullahs told them that if this happens, they should support the Islamic Republic and attack all American and Nato interests in Kandahar.” Beside the vast American airbase 20 miles away, a Nato metropolis adjacent to the most Islamist city in Afghanistan, the “international” airport sits in a slough of despond, its chain-smoking Afghan soldiers scarcely bothering to carry out security procedures on passengers, its echoing, empty departure lounges adorned with crude advertisements for tourist agencies that no longer exist and for an Afghan army which disappears from the roads after 4pm every day. I stood beside the runway yesterday, watching the armada of US air fleets roaring into the pale blue wintry sky, Russian-built transports and high-flying US reconnaissance jets and Kiowa helicopters and the softly landing Predators and Raptors, the hitech, broad-winged pilotless spotters and killers. The Predators look for the targets. The Raptors fire Hellfire missiles – manufacturers, Boeing and Lockheed Martin. One Raptor returned with its missiles still locked to its wings. Was its mission aborted over Pakistan? Or Helmand? Another took off. Two minutes later – I could still just see it – at 1,500 feet, US personnel at Tampa, Florida, would have taken over its flight path. It was 11.30 in the morning, a computer guiding its progress at 2am US Eastern Standard Time. Does the guiding hand on the other side of the world have any idea of the political direction in which this machine is flying? Or of the people it threatens. Barack Obama wants to send 7,000 more American troops to this disaster zone. Does he have the slightest idea what is going on in Afghanistan? For if he did, he would send 7,000 doctors.
What’s so special about a team of rivals? James Oakes
I
nspired by the wisdom of Abraham Lincoln, President-elect Barack Obama is considering appointing a “team of rivals” to his cabinet - if rumors about the nomination of Hillary Clinton to be secretary of state are true. But there’s more mythology than history in the idea that Lincoln showed exceptional political skill in offering cabinet positions to the men he had beaten in the race for the 1860 Republican nomination. For one thing, there was nothing new in what Lincoln did. By tradition, presidents-elect reserved a cabinet position, often secretary of state, for the leading rival in their party. John Quincy Adams inaugurated the practice by appointing one of his presidential rivals, Henry Clay, to that post. It was a controversial move in 1824; enemies of Adams denounced the appointment as a corrupt bargain. By the 1850s, the practice had become a tradition. In that decade, Presidents Millard Fillmore, Franklin Pierce and James Buchanan installed in their cabinets men who had been major rivals for their party’s nomination. Daniel Webster, who lost the Whig Party nod in 1848, became Fillmore’s secretary of state. William Marcy, after failing to win the 1852 Democratic nomination, took the same position in Pierce’s cabinet. Lewis Cass, the Democratic nominee in 1848 and a man whose presidential dreams never diminished, was appointed Buchanan’s secretary of state in 1857. These were not notably successful administrations. Most historians agree that Pierce and Buchanan rank among the worst presidents in American history. There was nothing particularly unusual, or even impressive, when Lincoln followed this well-established practice. Nor is it quite correct to say that Lincoln installed his “enemies” in the cabinet. Rivals for his own party’s nomina-
tion are not the same thing as political “enemies.” It would have been inconceivable, for example, for Lincoln to offer a cabinet appointment to his Democratic opponent, Stephen Douglas. In the months after his election, Lincoln tried to find a Southerner as a symbol of national unity. But he drew sharp limits. He would appoint no one who did not endorse the Republican platform. What was the point, Lincoln asked, in naming someone who did not share the president’s basic principles? “Does he surrender to Lincoln,” the presidentelect wondered, “or Lincoln to him?” Limiting his appointments to likeminded Republican rivals was no guarantee of a harmonious administration either. The worst of Lincoln’s cabinet appointments was Simon Cameron, a senator from Pennsylvania. Cameron had been one of Lincoln’s major rivals for the Republican nomination. He eventu-
ally threw his support to Lincoln at the convention and fully expected to be paid back with a cabinet position. Cameron had a reputation as corrupt, and he had made a lot of enemies over the years. Nevertheless, against his better judgment Lincoln appointed him secretary of war. Soon enough, charges of irregularity in the awarding of military contracts were flying. Within a year Lincoln had to get rid of his former rival by offering him a diplomatic post in Russia. The rest of the “team of rivals” spent the war years scheming and squabbling among themselves. The cabinet never really functioned as a cohesive group. Lincoln replaced Cameron with Edwin M. Stanton, a former Democrat who had never been one of his political rivals. But Stanton quickly grew so suspicious of leaks by his fellow cabinet officers that he stopped bringing important questions to the table, reserving such discussions
for private audiences with Lincoln. He was not the only cabinet secretary who preferred back-channel communication to full discussion with the cabinet. Secretary of State William Seward, Lincoln’s main rival for the nomination, eventually gained so much private access to Lincoln that he didn’t bother attending most cabinet meetings. Most of the other cabinet secretaries became jealous of Seward’s close relationship with the president. No one was more suspicious of Seward than Treasury Secretary Salmon Chase, another rival for the Republican nomination. Chase was competent but never really loyal to Lincoln. His double-dealing eventually provoked a “cabinet crisis” that left Chase humiliated. He grew so disgusted that he rarely attended regular cabinet meetings. But Chase kept scheming, and in 1864 he ran a barely concealed campaign to deprive Lincoln of the party’s re-nomination. As soon as Lincoln had secured the Republican nod he accepted Chase’s resignation. Attorney General Edward Bates, another of the rivals Lincoln appointed, grumbled throughout his tenure about Lincoln’s incompetent handling of the cabinet. Envious of his more influential colleagues, Bates resigned in 1864, still complaining that Lincoln never really relied on his cabinet for its collective wisdom. There was something to Bates’ complaint. The most momentous decision of Lincoln’s presidency was whether to issue an Emancipation Proclamation. But Lincoln made the decision pretty much on his own, and he presented it to his cabinet as a fait accompli. There is little doubt that Abraham Lincoln was a great president. But not much of what made him great can be discerned in his appointment of a contentious, envious and often dysfunctional collection of prima donnas to his cabinet. James Oakes, a professor of history at the CUNY Graduate Center, is the author of “The Radical and the Republican: Frederick Douglass, Abraham Lincoln and the Triumph of Antislavery Politics.”
Letters to the Editor should be sent to: The Morung Express, House No. 4, Duncan Bosti, Dimapur - 797112, Or –email: editor@morungexpress.com. All letters (including those via email) should have the full name and Postal address of the sender. Readers may please note that the contents of the articles, letters and opinions published do not reflect the outlook of this paper nor of the Editor in any form.
SATURDAY
THE MORUNG EXPRESS
22 NOVEMBER 2008
7
PERSPECTIVE NEWS ANALYSIS, FEATURE AND DISCOURSE
“CHILD RIGHTS IS HUMAN RIGHTS”
The issues of Climate and Global Warming have today become the greatest challenge to the human strive for its continued and dignified existence. Together, they impact every aspect of life on earth and constitute a threat like never before in human history. Therefore in our humble attempt to create public awareness that will result in public action, the Morung for Indigenous Affairs and JustPeace in partnership with LEAD, is introducing the weekly Climate Change Corner, which will be published every Saturday. Hope you will find it useful.
The Making of a Climate Warrior – LEAD style Kesochie Chakhesang | Climate Change LEADer, Nagaland
Neingulo Krome
“The ‘best interests of the child’ are universal. They include the right to survival, to healthy development, and to protection from abuse. These things are agreed. They are international standards. But what value do they have in a world which turns its back on hunger and want, on torture, rape, and the exploitation of children? Children’s lives cannot be put on hold while adult society mulls over its obligation towards them”, says an extract from Children’s Rights and squandered opportunities. Another extract from a statement to the Children’s World Conference on Human Rights says; “The children of the world are young and innocent but they possess something many adults forget at times. And that is, they act through their hearts and emotions which means that they come into this world without prejudice. It is only as they grow older and through the teachings of their parents that they begin to hate”. Ladies and Gentlemen, the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the 20th of November 1989, exactly 20 years ago on this day, as the first legally binding instrument to incorporate the full range of human rights – civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights, to say that children have human rights too. This Convention sets out these rights in 54 articles and two Optional Protocols, spelling out the basic human rights that children everywhere have, based on the universal belief that “respect for the rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world”. However, I am not going to discuss what these international standards says about the rights of the child as an integral part of the Universal declaration of human rights, which I am sure, will be addressed in the Technical session that follows. In any case, there
is absolutely no dispute that the Child’s Rights is Human Rights, notwithstanding the rationale that the Child deserves more rights than the adult, so to say. I just want to say that most importantly; I am impressed and encouraged to know that we have The Nagaland Child Rights Committee, which is organizing this oneday seminar to say that children have human rights too, as an organized initiative towards this very particular issue of concern. According to UNICEF, there are two clear identifiable types of emergencies that demands equal attention. They are; ‘loud’ emergencies encompassing natural disasters and armed conflicts, which displace and disable millions of children. And the other is the ‘silent’ emergencies, resulting from entrenched poverty, sickness, lack of knowledge and inadequate services, which cause many more deaths than from famine, flood or war, but which seldom make the headlines. And so how relevant some of these or even all of them are, to our context, could well be the issues to note while seeking to address those problems according to their perspectives. However, keeping aside all these procedural terminologies, I want to briefly recollect what childhood use to be in the context of our own selves? And Am sure if we search our hearts, every one of us will agree that we too had undergone frustrating childhood at one point of time or the other. To me, it was like a life-time of frustration, in a sense where we could not live or act through our hearts and emotions. And that every day of our life was conditioned by the circumstances surrounding us. But no matter what, the past cannot be re-lived as a matter of fact. Nevertheless, life in itself provides opportunities in many ways and many means. Therefore, if we as adults desire to re-live our lives to fulfill those we have missed in our childhood, I think we have this opportunity through the Child in our own time. Why don’t we in that case, give our children what we wanted and could not have, according to their needs of their time? Even in our individual and personal lives, we certainly
can do that if we really want to translate the cause we profess to espouse into practice. Collectively, we also have the moral responsibility as a socio-political structure to give them their dues what we have borrowed as their preceding generation. It is also true that while children are the worst victims in any conflict situation, all of us grew up in a conflict situation all our lives, given the fact that our political conflict is more than 60 years now, and almost everyone of us sitting here are much younger than the conflict in terms of the number of years. And what we have learned from this history of our own life-span is hatred, anger, pain and one that deny us to be ourselves. Today our children lives in the midst of internal contradictions filled with agonizing fears from within our own families that can’t differentiate between the enemy and the friend. To illustrate an unusual, yet self-awakening experience of storytelling; I want to share what I did in the United States last year in March, 2007. And as you may be aware, America is now faced with the problems of immigration particularly from the borders of Mexico. So when we were interacting with the students of Sante Fe High School at Sante Fe the Capital City of the State of New Mexico, the students started talking with so much hatred and violent anger against children of those immigrants, who did odd jobs and studied in different schools of Sante Fe. My job as an International Visitor to the U.S. on Conflict Resolution was to share my experiences in conflict situations as well. So I started narrating about how we Nagas have suffered for 60 years under military occupation, and how every Naga villages were burnt to ashes, innocent civilians tortured and killed, women raped and so and so forth…. But I ended up by saying, that now we are trying to resolves this decades of political conflict through peace talks that have now taken almost 10 (ten) years at that time, because, both the Naga people, who suffered untold miseries and deaths in hundred thousands, and the Indian soldiers who invaded our lands and perpetrated all
kinds of atrocities, were both/all victims of circumstances. In a sense that even the Indian soldiers did not like doing what they did just as much as the Nagas who did not enjoy dying and suffering, but that all these things happened because of compelling circumstances, making both the oppressors and the oppressed - victims. Perhaps, if we come back to the ground situation, this notion would be more far from the truth as far as we know. And I just don’t know how those thoughts came to occupy my mind at that point of time. And if I were to say them again, I guess it will be not only difficult but even impossible to say them again in another situation. But this was to tell them that they too must learn to love those children by trying to help them to understand the compelling circumstances which drive people out of their homes for their basic need to survive. All said and done, coming to our own situation and context, we have to teach our children to stop hating, for reasons that are beyond their control and which are neither their creations. But to convince them, we must acknowledge our own shortcomings where we have been wrong because of our insensitiveness to the sentiments of fellow human beings, whether it is in the case of the larger political conflicts, or in the internal contradictions both of which we are now battling with. Therefore, to talk about the Child’s rights as human rights as a subject for discussion, we can go on and on. But to live and let live the rights of the Child only need to begin from you and me, as an adult, a parent and as responsible citizens of the society. And let me end on another abstract that says; “When the adults begin to act as children and love one another, then and only then will this world be exactly what the creator intended it to be”. Thank You. Member, Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights, Dated the 20th of November, 2008, Zonal Council Hall, Kohima, Nagaland.
HOW CHILD FRIENDLY IS AFRICA
Sanjay Suri
Inter Press Service
F
orget all those Gross Domestic Product rankings for a moment. Think, as a new survey in Africa sets out, of ranking countries by how friendly they are to children. It just might matter more. The report released on the Universal Day of the Child Nov. 20 ranks 52 African countries using an index of more than 40 indicators. And it finds that some of the poorest nations are the most child-friendly. And some of the wealthier African nations fail to protect their children against exploitation and harmful traditional practices. In some of these wealthy countries, the minimum ages -- particularly for marriage and criminal responsibility -- are too low and in some cases also discriminatory, says The Africa Child Policy Forum based in Addis Ababa, an independent pan-African policy and advocacy organisation that carried out the study. Mauritius and Namibia are rated the most child friendly nations in Africa. The other most child-friendly governments on the index include both relatively rich countries -- Tunisia, Libya, Morocco, South Africa and Algeria -- and relatively poor countries -- Kenya, Malawi and Cape Verde. Rwanda and Burkina Faso are in 11th and 12th position despite their economic status. The least child-friendly governments are Guinea Bissau, Eritrea, Central African Republic, Gambia, Sao Tome and Principe, Liberia, Chad, Swaziland, Comoros and Guinea. "Many of these countries have not ratified the relevant child rights treaties, do not have adequate legal provisions to protect children against abuse and harmful traditional practices like early marriage, do not have juvenile justice systems, do not prohibit corporal punishment and do not exert the maximum effort to provide for children's basic needs," the report says. "From the point of view of policy instruments and child outcomes, the dif-
ferences are quite significant," Dr Assefa Bequele, executive director of the ACPF told IPS in a telephone interview from Nairobi. "The countries at the bottom have not initiated a legal regime that is protective of, or promotes the right of children. Secondly, they have also not implemented a budgetary policy or programme that favours children." The fact that those who have done well include rich and poor nations alike "seems to suggest that government friendliness to children is not related to economic status," Bequele said. "What is critical is the political commitment of the government." The 'African Report on Child Wellbeing: How child-friendly are African governments' has devised 'child friendly index' among African governments, excluding Somalia and the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic (Western Sahara). The 'top 10' most child friendly governments are Mauritius (1), Namibia (2), Tunisia (3), Libya (4), Morocco (5), Kenya (6), South Africa (7), Malawi (8), Algeria (9)and Cape Verde (10). "These countries have put in place child-friendly laws and policies, use a large share of their resources to provide for the basic needs of children, and have improved the use of health and education services," the report says. The least child-friendly governments are Guinea-Bissau (52), Eritrea (51), Central African Republic (50), Gambia (49), Sao Tome and Principe (48), Liberia (47), Chad (46), Swaziland (45), Guinea (44) and Comoros (43). Immediately above are those governments ranked as less child-friendly, namely those of Ethiopia (ranked 42), Benin (41), Sierra Leone (40), Sudan (39), Equatorial Guinea (38), Zimbabwe (37), Côte d'Ivoire (36), Angola (35), Congo (Brazzaville) (34) and Cameroon (33). The report finds that the top investors in children's health are four low-income countries -- Burkina Faso (15.3 percent), Rwanda (16.5 percent), Liberia (20.1 percent) and Malawi (28.8 percent). In all, 16 countries are ten or more places lower in their child-friendliness
than in their gross domestic product (GDP) ranking. Sixteen countries are ten or more places higher in childfriendliness than their GDP ranking. The indicators used in the child-friendliness index cover three key dimensions -- protection through law and policy, budgeting, and outcomes. "Kenya is ranked top of the index on this dimension because it has developed appropriate laws to protect children from harmful traditional practices, trafficking and sexual exploitation," the report says. "It is one of the few countries where corporal punishment is banned in schools and penal systems; a juvenile justice system has been set up; and there is a policy of free primary education." Following Kenya, other governments that have done well in putting in place appropriate legal and policy foundation on child rights and policies are Madagascar, Burundi, Morocco, Namibia, Rwanda, Mali, Burkina Faso, Nigeria and Libya, the report says. "They have ratified most of the international child rights treaties, and their national laws criminalise, among others, child trafficking and sexual exploitation." The report finds: • Ten out of 51 countries had not ratified the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC) as of June 2007 • A third did not have legal provisions for protection against child trafficking • A quarter had no legislation prohibiting harmful traditional practices such as female genital cutting • Some 10 countries had a minimum age of criminal responsibility of just seven years, and eight out of 52 countries had between eight and 10 years (lower than the recommended minimum of 12) • More than half of the 52 countries reviewed have not yet banned corporal punishment in schools or in the penal system • Less than half the governments had policies that provided for free primary
education • Twenty of the 52 countries have not set up specialised juvenile courts, so children's cases are dealt with in adult courts. The report recommends African governments do the following: • Budgets: Develop child-friendly budgeting throughout Africa • Health: government should dedicate as much as 20 percent of their budgets to health, but at least nine percent as a first step for those at the lower end of the budget index • Education: governments should dedicate 13 percent of GDP to education, at least 4.3 as a standing measure percent for those trailing behind • Child protection: review national laws to comply with international standards, particularly the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, ratify international and regional treaties on children and strengthen government implementation, monitoring and enforcement bodies. There is no indication how the child friendliness of African governments compares with that in Asia or Latin America. "This kind of survey has not been carried out in other countries; this way of determining child friendliness is the first of its kind in methodology and approach," says Bequele. "But it is likely that Asian and Latin American countries will be similar in that child friendliness is determined not by economic status but by political commitment." Bequele is realistic but optimistic about what difference this study might make. "It is difficult to effect a cause and effect relationship between advocacy activities and the policy of governments, it takes a long time before one impacts the other," he says. "But we hope a lot of child welfare organisations can use this as a tool with their governments. The response so far has been far, far beyond our expectations. We are optimistic that it will trigger interest among governments, and lead to a change in policies."
Three grueling days of intensive learning and skill building. Perhaps, that’s what the resource persons and coordinators had in mind while designing the Climate Change Leaders Training Programme held at the IORA Resort in Kaziranga from the 17th to the 19th, November, 2008. An understatement. The excitement of meeting and training with the other CCLs from the North-Eastern Region and West Bengal, and the idea of staying in Kaziranga and getting to see the beauty of nature including the world famous one-horned rhino (which is now off the endangered list) was a real motivation for the 8 CCLs of Nagaland. However, we weren’t prepared for the pace of the Training Programme although we had been subtly forewarned. Getting trained in the true LEAD style by LEAD Fellows who are distinguished and accomplished personalities in their respective professions was of huge value. I doubt that even the tea and lunch breaks were really breaks and even if they were, we found ourselves taking our learning outside the conference hall to the banquet hall, to the lawns and to our respective rooms late into the night. Building trust among the 26 CCLs (4 couldn’t make it and as per LEAD norms, have been dropped from the project) and thereby a network across the region is what really captivated me. We are now 25 people from different backgrounds like academia, NGOs, Government, media, business, corporate, etc., who can give and turn to each other for help and information in their respective places and areas of specialty. I have more than 25 friends across this region I can call on, if and when I visit their places. We being CCLs does not mean that we had a limited understanding of Climate Change. However, the training programme has enhanced our understanding of the problem and adaptive strategies many fold, while imbibing the skills required for leadership in a Climate Change regime. For instance, I did not know that by early as 2035, we could have a trend of a 2°C rise in global average temperatures. In the longer term, there is a more than 50% chance that the temperature would exceed 5°C - equivalent to the change in average temperatures from the last ice age to today. Such change could have drastic consequences on global ecosystems and livelihoods. However, this need not be a ‘Doomsday Prophecy’ if we choose so. The ‘Stern Report’ says that there is still time to reduce the worst impacts of Climate Change. The economics involved in mitigation is estimated to be about 1% of the global GDP. However, if we don’t act now, the overall costs and risks could be equivalent to losing 5% of the global GDP each year. I just couldn’t resist mentioning these statistics and the underlying warning that WE must act now. Now before I really get carried away from the topic, Team Building was another very interesting topic in the Training Programme. Learning how to overcome various barriers like miscommunication, differences in mindsets and personal values - their extents and limits, etc.; to build a common goal with each member contributing to achieving that common goal, while respecting the differences in strengths and weaknesses of the other team members. One thing that really hit me is that a Team is like a machine. Each individual has an assigned equity as part of a larger mechanism, functioning for a particular purpose. There is no such thing as an ‘I’ or a ‘you’ in a Team. It is all about the ‘we’ - We succeed or we fail. I’m sure many of us have come across a situation where someone raises a simple stupid-seeming question with a simple answer but leads to another and another and another. In problem solving, the CCLs were given a heavy dose of Systems Thinking through causal loops and root cause analysis. A simple question in the right context might lead to solutions to complex problems or how simple problems might actually be only the tip of the iceberg. This is one of the components of the programme which might take the CCLs awhile to sync into but I firmly believe that those of us who can eventually understand the concept, will improve their efficiency a hundredfold. There were many other things we learnt during the Programme but from amongst the technical ones I want to mention, I have saved this topic for the end because it is what I feel is the cause of the majority of problems in the world today –‘Communication’. Developing ‘Communication Skills’ had a prominent place in the Programme right from the beginning till the end. In the formal session, the CCLs were taken through the different processes involved. Starting from the way a person is brought up influencing his/her perceptions and judgments to the preconceptions, misconceptions, the various subconscious mental filters, the broken links, etc. I had always ‘imagined’ that I was a good communicator or maybe above the average person. It is only after these lessons have begun to sink in that I’m beginning to realize the processes involved in what I thought and why and perhaps I was mistaken. It has made me conscious of the psychological baggage every person carries in the mind which influences approaches, understanding and decisions. For a leader, communication gains a higher priority if not the highest. To make things short and to see how easily communication can be distorted, I remember a funny and interesting exercise called Chinese Whispers. The group formed a ring and the first member whispered a word (any random word which comes to mind) ‘xinxang’. The next person must tell what he/she heard and I was third. I heard ‘sing sang’ and passed it on. Halfway through the circle, it had transformed from ‘I don’t know’ to ‘how are you’!! Imagine what if he had started out with ‘nice to meet you’. The group activities and exercises were tremendous catalysts of fun and learning. In a matter of hours of meeting initially, we were already opening up towards each other building a bond with each one I know each of us will cherish for the rest of our lives. The LEAD team gets the highest points amongst all the trainings I have ever been to. The difficult (an understatement I believe) task of packing information, motivation and skills into our mangled minds leading to our changed perceptions and attitudes within a matter of 3 days surely deserves a paragraph of tribute. Reflecting back, it is hard to imagine how the resource persons and coordinators could deliver and achieve what they did in this short span considering the available resources and the LEAD standards to be met. Mr. Apok Jamir, invited to the Leadership panel, also deserves an accolade here for his disarming personality and no-holds-barred forthright views on leadership and its challenges. To sum up, each CCL is a leader because we chose to be so and the Training Programme has enhanced our capacity in a manner which multiplies within ourselves, if you get what I mean. As CCLs, each one of us is so different, and yet with a common goal of Climate Change, we become a special team. A potpourri of culture, faces, personality and even a couple of differences being shared made the entire programme worth it. By the end of the programme, some of us were getting withdrawal symptoms – I wish we had more time then, and more space now…… The Climate Change Leaders (CCL) programme is sponsored by EHDRC, LEAD India (www.leadindia.org ). There are 8 CCL’s in Nagaland and 30 in the North East Region. The Nagaland CCL’s invite you to respond to this article online at www.morungexpress.com or email ccl.nagaland@gmail.com
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.
C M Y K
8
Dimapur
NATIONAL
Saturday 22 November 2008
NEWS FILE 4,000 Bangladeshi students visit India every year: Envoy DHAKA, NOVEMBER 21 (AGENCIES): Indian High Commission in Dhaka Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty has said some 4,000 Bangladeshi students go to India every year to pursue studies at different levels. “We value our traditionally warm and shared civilisational heritage with Bangladesh... (Bangladeshi students who studied in India) are very important links in the bonds of friendship between the two countries,” he said at a reception hosted by the High Commission to mark the ICCR Alumni Day, International Students Day and Education Day on Friday evening. Chanravarty said India offers 100 scholarships to Bangladeshi students every year while the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) facilitates admission to students from Bangladesh under self financing schemes. Several hundred Bangladeshis, who studied at different times in India since 1972 and now representing various professions, joined the reception which was followed by a musical soiree.
The Morung Express
seeks swift justice for Malegaon blast suspects India victims of sexual violence wanted to kill RSS leaders: ATS
MUMBAI, NOVEMBER 21 (AGENCIES): In a major twist in the ongoing Malegaon blast probe, the Maharashtra ATS has confirmed newspaper reports on Friday that radical Hindu organisation Ahinav Bharat had planned to kill prominent RSS leaders for not doing much for the Hindutva cause. The revelation is sure to send shock waves across the pro-Hindutva lobby including the Bhartiya Janata Party, which has so far vociferously supported all those who have come under the scanner in relation with the Malegaon blast case. As per the ATS report that appeared in the media, ATS investigations had brought to light the sinister plans of the rightwing organisation. Members of Abhinav Bharat – Dayanand Pandey, retired Major Ramesh Upadhyay, S Apte and Lt Col Prasad Purohit - were planning to kill RSS general secretary Mohan Bhagwat and Rashtriya Muslim Manch’s (RSS outfit) senior leader Indraeesh. The report was prepared by the state Home Department which shared it with Union Home Ministry in addition with central in-
telligence agencies. The plot was unravelled after data from Dayanand Pandey’s laptop was retrieved by ATS after detailed forensic examination. As per the report, the blueprint of the plot is supposed to have been prepared by the 70-year-old RSS worker from Pune S Apte, who was discontented with the functioning of RSS. He was later also joined by retired Major Ramesh Pandey – referred to as ‘Dr Singh’ – who also shared a similar opinion about RSS. Incidentally, Pandey is also a prominent New Delhi based doctor. According to the ATS, both Pandey and Apte approached Lt Col Prasad Purohit seeking his help in executing their plan. As per the ATS, Apte paid Rs 10 lakh to Purohit for the favour. In August, when the group came to knew about Indraneesh and Bhagwat’s Pune visit, Apte did a reckee of various spots in Pune, where the duo could be targeted. Investigations further show that Pandey had even arranged a 9mm foreign made pistol, which was later delivered to one of his close associate in Faridabad.
Lawyers to provide legal assistance to Malegaon accused
SONEPAT, NOVEMBER 21 (AGENCIES): Throwing its weight behind the Malegaon blast accused, including sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, a group of advocates here have set up a 17-member lawyers committee for providing legal assistance to them. Stating that the Hindu Unification Movement Legal and Welfare Association (HMLA) will provide legal assistance to the sadhvi and other accused, Bhupeshwar Dayal Gaur, a founder member of the association, said here today the committee comprises 12 lawyers from the town alone. He said the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) of the Maharashtra police, conducting a probe into the September 29 blast, has already collected information about the association and he, too, was interrogated by in Delhi recently. Dayal alleged that he was pressurised by the ATS officials to not provide any legal assistance to Pragya and other accused. He said that the members of the association were committed to providing free legal assistance to any Hindu who was harassed by police and falsely implicated in the criminal cases.
UNITED NATIONS, NOVEMBER 21 (PTI): Condemning violence against women and children especially in conflict zones, India has sought an end to culture of impunity for the perpetrators for such crimes and swift justice for the victims. Stating that sexual violence against women and children is an “unacceptable” crime, Indian delegate P V Joshi called for sensitising troops involved in peacekeeping and peacebuilding on gender issues and association of more women in the decision-making process in conflict zones. Participating on the debate on the issue in a key UN General Assembly’s committee yesterday, he asked for stronger international effort to root out the crime, noting that sexual violence against civilians continues to rise despite repeated warning by the Security Council and its forthright condemnation. “It is a matter of great shame
that in this... Age, women and girls remain victims of sexual violence, and are often targeted for such violence as part of an effort to humiliate, dominate, instill fear in, and eventually as a means to instigate forcible relocation of peoples,” he told the delegates. Joshi said the violence against women persist not because of lack of international legal agreements and domestic statutory laws. What is lacking is the implementation of these measures to punish the perpetrators, he added. In this context, he called for giving adequate training to troops, including through the extension of training to inculcate sensitivity to such issues, especially those involved in peacekeeping and peacemaking efforts. “Governments must also ensure the application of appropriate disciplinary measures whenever these are necessary,” he added.
Involve Kashmiris in India, Pak dialogue: Pak delegation
In this file photo dated November 10, Dabbawallas, or home-to-office lunch box delivery men, are seen in Mumbai, India. Some 5,000 of the city's famed dabbawallas have traded their loose shirt-and-trouser uniforms for T-shirts advertising a mutual fund. (AP Photo)
Chinese youth for greater peopleto-people contact with India
C M Y K
NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 21 (PTI): The two ancient civilisations of India and China, both of them a billion-strong, are largely oblivious to economic and social changes happening in their neighbouring country, say visiting Chinese students, favouring greater peopleto-people contact between the two nations. “We do not know much about the Indian history so we could not relate much to Jaipur and Agra, but Mumbai impressed us a lot. It is very modern. It is truly a world class city,” said Shao Guo, Deputy Secretary-General of Guangdong Youth Federation, after the 100-member delegation from the communist giant visited several parts of the country. It was Guo’s first visit to the country and he said it was too short a time to explore a country like India. “But the bits and pieces that I have gathered from my short visit have convinced me that India has a great culture, offering a variety of experiences,” he added. About their impressions before visiting the country, a young student said, “I knew just that India was all about religion and mystics but I was amazed by the economic development.” The delegation members said they were impressed with the hospitality of the Indian people. The group also expressed a desire to know more about the religious and cultural heritage of the country. The trip was part of the youth exchange programme agreed by the leaders of both countries during Chinese President Hu Jintao’s visit to India in November 2006, with an aim to cementing understanding and friendly exchanges between young people and carry forward Sino-Indo friendship in future.
Lt Gen to face court martial for ration irregularities NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 21 (AGENCIES): A Lieutenant General will face a court martial on November 26 for alleged irregularities in procuring ration for the troops in 2005, a senior official said here Friday. Lieutenant General is the second highest rank in the Indian Army, and this is the first time that such a senior officer is facing a court martial. A court of inquiry constituted in 2005 against Lt Gen S K Sahni, the then Director General of Army Service Corps and Transport, has found enough evidence against him to prosecute him for alleged irregularities in the procurement of frozen meat for troops based in the northern sector. “A court of inquiry in Jalandhar (Punjab) has found that there is enough evidence of omission and commission by the lieutenant general in the operation of the contract for the dry ration for the troops,” the senior army official told a media service on condition of anonymity. A year after an inquiry was constituted against Sahni, he retired from the army. He then approached a civilian court against the court of inquiry. The court stayed the proceedings and sought all the evidences against Sahni following which it gave a goahead to the inquiry proceedings. The court of inquiry has ordered the court martial of the lieutenant general, the second highest rank in the Indian Army’s hierarchy, preceded only by the army chief. “The officer will be court martialled November 26,” the official said.
Rizwanur case: SC stays cops’ arrest NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 21 (AGENCIES): The Supreme Court on Friday stayed the Kolkata High Court’s order to arrest the three police officers accused in the Rizwanur Rahman death case. The Supreme Court announced its decision while responding to a petition moved by the trio, which challenges the cancellation of their interim bail by the Kolkata High Court. A local court had earlier ordered the three officers Ajoy Kumar, Sukanti Chakraborty and Krishnendu Das to surrender by November 21 before the metropolitan magistrate’s court. The court had also directed the CBI to arrest and produce Rizwanur’s industrialist father in-law Ashok Todi, his brother Pradip Todi and brother in-law Anil Saraogi by December three. They have been evading arrest and have not appeared in the court despite summons, CBI counsel Partha Tapaswi said. The magistrate also extended the judicial custody of Moinuddin alias Pappu, who has been accused of taking Rs 11 lakh from the Todis to ensure the separation of Rizwanur from Ashok Todi’s daughter Priyanka. The Todis, yesterday approached the High Court challenging the Regional Passport Officer’s decision to cancel their passports.
NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 21 (AGENCIES): India and Pakistan should involve Kashmiris as the third party in their dialogue to ensure a solution that is “durable” and “acceptable” to all, a group of Pakistani Parliamentarians said here. The lawmakers said the negotiations to resolve Kashmir and all other outstanding issues and efforts to enhance trade and other aspects of the Indo-Pak relations should be undertaken in tandem. The delegation, which is here as part of efforts to increase contact between people’s representatives of the two countries and learn from each other, feels there is ample warmth and desire in both countries to see improvement in ties as that will augur well for the entire region. “If two big countries of South Asia (India and Pakistan) solve their issues, there will be peace in the region,” said the delegation head Farzana Raja, who is Chairperson of Benazir Income Support Programme with the status of Federal Minister. Referring to the Kashmir issue, she said people of the state are the “main stake-
holders” to it besides India and Pakistan and should be involved as the third party in the negotiations. “The people of Kashmir should be involved as the third party to the issue for a solution that is durable and acceptable to all,” the PPP leader said. She also spoke about the need to keep in view the UN resolutions and “contemporary situation” while resolving the Kashmir issue. Farzana insisted that the two countries should address Kashmir and all other issues through talks for the benefit of the people of the two countries and enable the two nations to meet bigger global problems like climate change. Efforts to resolve the Kashmir and other issues and strengthening trading and other ties should go simultaneously, she said while noting that Pakistani political spectrum and people were strongly in favour of better relations between the two countries. She expressed happiness over the increasing trade, including the cross-LoC commerce, between the two countries and said such measures needed to be pushed forward. “Till we solve all the outstanding is-
sues, we cannot address big issues of global level,” the PPP leader said. Similar efforts can be made at the SAARC level too, Farzana said. On the issue of terrorism, she said the two countries should work together to address the problem and defeat the elements who work against humanity and try to create “misunderstandings” between the two countries. When referred to reports here about ‘Hindu terrorism’ being behind the cross-border Samjhauta Express blast last year, the Pakistani leader said, “Terrorism has no religion. There can be no Christian terrorism, Hindu terrorism or Muslim terrorism. “A terrorist is one who works against the humanity, one who is the enemy of the humanity. Terrorists have their own agenda. Their aim is to destabilise the country they are working in or create misunderstandings between the two countries.” India and Pakistan should be together on one platform and fight terrorism together, she said. The visit of the Pakistani delegation was also aimed at sharing experiences and
ideas about the social development being undertaken in the respective countries. Farzana, who met Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia, said the Pakistani side was appreciative of the social and rural development schemes being undertaken by India. In particular, appreciated was the National Health Insurance scheme for unorganised workers, she said and added that a similar programme would be undertaken in her country as well. Farzana, who is heading a programme for uplift of the under-privileged sections of the Pakistani society, said the work being undertaken by her institution was appreciated by the Indian side. The Benazir Income Support Programme provides a sustenance allowance of Rs 1000 to each of the underprivileged family. About 35 lakh such families are to be covered under first phase of this initiative launched about a month ago and the target population would be doubled in the second phase of the programme. “This is targeted subsidy,” Farzana said.
Cherie Blair, wife of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, speaks on the topic ‘Educating Girls and Better World for All’ at the Hindustan Times Leadership summit, in New Delhi, November 20. (AP Photo)
votes for Rahul, ‘Sonia should be next PM of India’ Lalu says he’s like Mahatma
NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 21 (AGENCIES): Describing UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi as a “great lady”, Rashitrya Janta Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav on Friday, said that she should be the next Prime Minister of the country. Speaking at the HT Leadership Summit, the RJD supremo also lauded Sonia Gandhi for turning down the offer to be the Prime Minister of India, instead made a Sikh the leader of the country. And, the Congress-led UPA alliance is now working under the able guidance of Sonia Gandhi, he added. The RJD leader, while
shifting his focus to the coalition form of government batted in its favour and claimed that they are in the best interest of the nation. Demanding more powers for the states, Lalu said that the decentralisation of power will deliver the fruits of development to all those who have been ignored and sidelined in the process. Taking his point further, Lalu said that North Eastern states of India are again back in the mainstream, as the UPA government led by Dr Manmohan Singh has given special attention to the fast paced development of these regions. He also complimented
the UPA government over its highly successful nuclear deal with the US, which has elated India’s status as a nuclear weapon state. He also cited the famous lines of Loknayak Jai Prakash Narayan, who had once suggested that there should be a provision to recall errant politicians who fail to live up to the expectations of those who voted them to power. Highlighting the achievements of his present portfolio as Railway Minister, Lalu, in a self congratulatory vein said that despite global meltdown the Indian Railways targets to generate revenue worth Rs 1 lakh crore in this fiscal.
NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 21 (CNN-IBN): Union Railways Minister Lalu Prasad on Friday took on Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief raj Thackeray over the Maharashtrian-north Indian issue. Speaking at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit, Lalu said Raj shouldn’t be given undue importance. “We are Indians and every Indian has the right to stay in whichever state he or she wants to. Maharashtra is my state too. Stop showing the circus of Raj Thackeray on TV and Raj will vanish (sic),” he said. That’s not all, Lalu also paid Gandhi scion Rahul Gandhi a big compliment, likening him to Mahatma Gandhi. “Rahul is like Mahatma, doing what MK Gandhi did. Coming back to India from a foreign land to help the Indian people,” he said. He also left the audience in splits when he rooted for Sonia Gandhi as Prime Minister. “There are upcoming parUnited Progressive Alliance Chairperson Sonia Gandhi addresses the Hin- ties who do not respect the constitution of India. Sonia dustan Times Leadership Summit in is the daughter-in-law of the country and we want to make Sonia the PM,” he said. New Delhi, November 20. (AP Photo)
‘Heavy voting a trendsetter in Kashmir’
RAJOURI, NOVEMBER 21 (AGENCIES): The heavy turnout of voters in the first round of balloting in Jammu and Kashmir will set the trend for the rest of the staggered polls, says former chief minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed. “Definitely this is a trendsetter for the rest of the (six) phases,” Sayeed told a news service while campaigning in this mountainous district of Jammu region. “I expected people to come out but not in such large numbers. It is a surprise to me as well. “I believe that people had strong faith in the electoral process which appears to have become stronger. After the free and fair polls of 2002 in Jammu and Kashmir, people have started believing that this assembly and its representatives can facilitate a resolution of the Kashmir issue.” Despite calls for boycott by Islamic separatists, 64 percent of the electorate voted November 17 in the first round of polling in Jammu and Kashmir covering the Kashmir Valley, the Jammu region and Ladakh. The Muslim-majori-
A child rides a cycle on a deserted street in Srinagar, November 21. A curfew-like situation prevailed in the Kashmir valley as authorities deployed thousands of troops to prevent an attempt by separatists to stage a protest march to Jamia Masjid Friday. (AP Photo)
ty valley saw winding queues of voters in the Bandipora, Sonawari and Gurez constituencies, surprising officials and political activists alike. Sayeed’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had in fact opposed the holding of the elections at this time citing “unfavourable situation”.
The PDP patron, who was chief minister from 2002 to 2005 with the backing of the Congress, was asked why the separatist election boycott call did not click. “People seem to be committed and have faith in the electoral process. This faith is also an outcome of free and fair
elections that were conducted in year 2002,” he replied. Sayeed said the current elections, which end Dec 24, would prove to be historic. “We are on the crossroads. If meaningful representatives are elected who can prevail upon different quarters, then we are sure to achieve a reso-
lution of the Kashmir issue. “But we all, including India and Pakistan, have to move from stated positions. The (new) assembly in this case will play a vital role. We are the stakeholders. We have great hope and are optimistic that a resolution (of the Kashmir dispute) will be there in another six years.” The former Indian home minister also felt that the voting in the first round proved that mainstream political parties were back in the limelight. “We want to resolve problems through democratic process as there is no other way to resolve the Kashmir issue,” he explained. “The assembly can be a facilitator for this.” He said that when he was chief minister, “we facilitated free movement of people across the LoC (Line of Control). Now you see the atmosphere of suspicion and doubt has gone. There is hope and peace around while people are coming and going. “Gun is no solution and we have had a bitter experience of it. America has used it in Iraq and Afghanistan and the outcome is before ev-
eryone.” What more, according to him, needs to be done between India and Pakistan? “We have made good progress but I still feel that Pakistan should have accepted the offer for joint management after the earthquake in (Kashmir) in 2005 when the Indian government offered its help. “Again it’s a great sign when the Indian prime minister told me that he is ready to offer help to Pakistan in its financial crisis.” Sayeed was asked if the vocal and violent street protests for and against the allotment of land to the Hindu Amarnath shrine had deeply polarised the Jammu region and the Kashmir Valley on religious lines. “Though there were attempts to communalise the issue, people have come out of it. (I have told Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that) the state comprises of three regions which have their own grievances and problems. All these three regions should get their share of power. There should be devolution of power. In this case regional councils are required.”
INTERNATIONAL
The Morung Express
Saturday 22 November 2008
Dimapur
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‘Obama plans to nominate Clinton’ WASHINGTON, NOVEMBER 21 (AP): President-elect Barack Obama plans to nominate Hillary Rodham Clinton as secretary of state after Thanksgiving, a new milestone for a former first lady and a convergence of two political forces who contested mightily for the presidency. Obama transition aides described a process Thursday that appears on track to make Clinton the top diplomat in an Obama administration, just one week after the two first met in secrecy to discuss the idea. The nomination would be a remarkable union between the former first lady who was an early favorite to win the presidency and the first-term senator who upset her in the primary and cruised to a general election victory. Such a high-profile seat in the Cabinet for Clinton also would be another achievement for the most accomplished former first lady in U.S. history, who has been the first presidential spouse to serve in the Senate and run for the White House herself. Some Democrats and government insiders have questioned whether Clinton is too independent and politically ambitious to be an effective secretary of state. But a senior Obama adviser said the president-elect has been enthusiastic about naming Clinton as secretary of state from the start, believing she would bring instant stature and credibility to U.S. diplomatic relations and that the advantages to her serving far outweighed potential downsides. The advisers who explained Obama's plans and thinking did so on a condition of anonymity because he was not ready to formally announce his plans. But transition aides told The Associated Press that the two camps have worked out financial disclosure issues involving Clinton's husband, former President Bill Clinton, and the complicated international funding of his foundation that operates in more than 40 countries. The aides said Obama and Hillary Clinton have had substantive conversations about the secretary of state job. Clinton has been mulling the post for several days, but the comments from the transition aides suggested that Obama's team does not feel she is inclined to turn it down. Clinton spokesman
Philippe Reines would not comment, except to say that anything about Cabinet appointments is for Obama's transition team to address. Clinton would have to surrender her New York Senate seat, which she has held for eight years, to take the job. The president-elect also is likely to choose Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano to be secretary of homeland security, top Obama advisers and several Democrats said Thursday as the shape of Obama's Cabinet begins to emerge. The Obama advisers cautioned that no final decision has been made on putting Napolitano in charge of the Homeland Security Department, the massive agency created by Congress after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. But the advisers said she was easily the top contender. Thus far, Obama has informally selected Washington lawyer Eric Holder as attorney general and former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle as health secretary. The plans could be sidetracked by unexpected glitches in the final vetting process, officials note. Among other Cabinet posts: Senior Democrats say there is a strong possibility that Defense Secretary Robert Gates would stay temporarily and later give way to former Navy Secretary Richard Danzig. Even so, Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel of Nebraska and Democratic Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island also are said to be under consideration. Democrats also say that several people remain in the running for treasury secretary, including Timothy Geithner, president of Federal Reserve Bank of New York; Lawrence Summers, former treasury secretary and one-time Harvard University president; and former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker. Several news organizations reported Thursday that Chicago businesswoman Penny Pritzker, who was Obama's national campaign finance chairman, was his leading choice to become commerce secretary. However, Pritzker issued a statement Thursday saying she is not a contender for the post. Officials say Laura D'Andrea Tyson, the former chair of White House Council of Econom- In a Jun 27, file photo Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., takes the stage with Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., at a campaign event in Unity, ic Advisers in the Clinton administration, is in N.H., President-elect Barack Obama plans to nominate Clinton as secretary of state after Thanksgiving, an aide to his transition said Thursday, November 20. (AP Photo) the running for the Commerce job.
e=mc2: 103 years later, Einstein’s proven right
People walk past a giant sculpture featuring Albert Einstein's formula "E=mc2" in front of Berlin's Altes Museum in 2006. It's taken more than a century, but Einstein's celebrated formula e=mc2 has finally been corroborated, thanks to a heroic computational effort by French, German and Hungarian physicists. (AFP File)
PARIS, NOVEMBER 21 (AFP): It's taken more than a century, but Einstein's celebrated formula e=mc2 has finally been corroborated, thanks to a heroic computational effort by French, German and Hungarian physicists. A brainpower consortium led by Laurent Lellouch of France's Centre for Theoretical Physics, using some of the world's mightiest supercomputers, have set down the calculations for estimating the mass of protons and neutrons, the particles at the nucleus of atoms. According to the conventional model of particle physics, protons and neutrons comprise smaller particles known as quarks, which in turn are bound by gluons. The odd thing is this: the mass of gluons is zero and the mass of quarks is only five percent. Where, therefore, is the missing 95 percent? The answer, according to the study published in the US journal Science on Thursday, comes from the energy from the movements and interactions of quarks and gluons. In
other words, energy and mass are equivalent, as Einstein proposed in his Special Theory of Relativity in 1905. The e=mc2 formula shows that mass can be converted into energy, and energy can be converted into mass. By showing how much energy would be released if a certain amount of mass were to be converted into energy, the equation has been used many times, most famously as the inspirational basis for building atomic weapons. But resolving e=mc2 at the scale of sub-atomic particles – in equations called quantum chromodynamics – has been fiendishly difficult. "Until now, this has been a hypothesis," France's National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) said proudly in a press release. "It has now been corroborated for the first time." For those keen to know more: the computations involve "envisioning space and time as part of a four-dimensional crystal lattice, with discrete points spaced along columns and rows."
“Cursed” Congo still shocks and fascinates DAKAR, NOVEMBER 21 (REUTERS): Reports of massacres, rapes, looting and child soldiers have put Democratic Republic of Congo back on the world news agenda this month as Tutsi rebels battled government troops and militias in the east. The fighting may be new, but the image of Congo it projects is not, communications experts and writers said on Friday. In the West, description, discourse and even decisions about Congo are still shaped by Joseph Conrad's 1902 novel 'Heart of Darkness,' which some believe has encouraged a view of the country as being beyond anyone's help. "Conrad's novel helped fix in the European mind the idea of Congo as ... a moral void in which barbarism is the only law," said writer Ronan Bennett, whose 1997 novel 'The Catastrophist' is also set in the central African country. Conrad's book follows seaman Marlow on his journey up a mighty African river through "a place of darkness" to retrieve ivory trader Kurtz, whose madness and whose dying words "the horror, the horror" have come to represent Congo. There is much to horrify the observer today. Experts on conflict-linked mortality estimate that even before the latest Congo fighting, which pits renegade General Laurent Nkunda's rebels against the army, more than 1,000 Congolese were dying daily through violence, hunger and disease. This continues to swell the staggering 5.4 million estimated killed by Congo's 1998-2003 war and its aftermath -- the deadliest
conflict since World War Two, according to the International Rescue Committee (IRC) aid agency. With some of the highest levels of killings, rapes and child soldiers anywhere on the planet, small wonder that UNICEF calls east Congo "the worst place in the world to be a child" and women's groups say the same for women there. The U.N. Security Council voted on Thursday to send 3,000 more peacekeepers to Congo to help protect civilians and end weeks of conflict in the east, but countries will first need to offer the troops and it could take them two months to get there. The idea of a dark, savage place resonates deeply in the Western psyche, to the point at which violence has become the expected national trait of Congo, and the country a canvas upon which the worst excesses of depravity have been painted. "Ever since white outsiders have been there, it has thrown up the darker side of human behaviour," said Tim Butcher, whose 2007 book 'Blood River' retraces the eventful voyage along the Congo River of Victorian explorer Henry Morton Stanley. "It's a dazzling place, it blinds you, but its problems are so immense, people get spooked by the scale of it and the nature of the people. There is a propensity to violence," said Butcher. "It's a curse for the Congo," he added. Conrad's book was heavily influenced by what he saw of Belgian imperialism. At the time 'Heart of Darkness' was written, Congo was a personal fiefdom of Belgium's King Leopold II, living under a brutal enslave-
ment regime in which soldiers cut off natives' hands to ensure rubber quotas were met. "Conrad also identified it as a great, portentous place," said Butcher. "It has a bloody sense about it." Zimbabwean Winston Mano, Senior Lecturer in Communication at the University of Westminster in London, who specialises in analysing how Africa is presented by the media said words like 'violence,' 'war,' 'disease' and 'banditry' are the ones Westerners most readily associate with Congo. Mano says that emphasis on the ethnic conflict between Hutus and Tutsis, stemming from the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, as being behind the latest violence reinforces the perception of Congo as riven by insoluble tribal enmities. This in turn deflected attention from economic reasons why fighting rumbles on despite numerous peace attempts. "It presents Africans as people who are savages, who are killing each other over tribal distinctions," he said. Mano said Congo's rich deposits of copper, cobalt, coltan, gold and diamonds were as much a catalyst of conflict as ethnic enmities. "As a result the country is looked at as a source of minerals rather than a place where people live," he said. Novelist Bennett said Conrad's bleak book had legitimised a Western view of Congo as beyond salvation. "Congo is so irreducibly tragic, unknowable and savage that nothing can be done; and since nothing can be done, no serious effort is expended," he said.
‘Use of nuclear weapons more likely in future’ WASHINGTON, NOVEMBER 21 (AFP): The use of nuclear weapons will grow increasingly likely by 2025, according to a bleak US intelligence report that warns that US global dominance is likely to weaken over the next two decades. "The world of the near future will be subject to an increased likelihood of conflict over scarce resources, including food and water, and will be haunted by the persistence of rogue states and terrorist groups with greater access to nuclear weapons," said the report. "Widening gaps in birth rates and wealth-to-poverty ratios, and the uneven impact of climate change, could further exacerbate tensions." Called "Global Trends 2025 -- a Transformed World," the 121-page report was produced by the National Intelligence Council, a body of analysts from across the US intelligence community. Officials said it was being briefed to the incoming administration of president-elect Barack Obama. A year in the making, it does not take into account the recent global financial crisis. "In one sense, a bad sense, the pace of change that we are looking at in 2025 occurred more rapidly
than we had anticipated," said Thomas Fingar, deputy director of National Intelligence. One overarching conclusion of the report is that "the unipolar world is over, (or) certainly will be by 2025," Fingar said. But with the "rise of the rest," managing crises and avoiding conflicts will be more difficult, particularly with an antiquated post-World War II international system. "The potential for conflict will be different than and in some ways greater than it has been for a very long time," Fingar said. The report has good news for some countries: -- A technology to replace oil may be underway or in place by 2025; -- Multiple financial centers will serve as "shock absorbers" of the world financial system; -- India, China and Brazil will rise, the Korean peninsula will be unified in some form, and new powers are likely to emerge from the Muslim non-Arab world. But the report also says some African and South Asian states may wither away altogether, organized crime could take over at least one state in central Europe; and
the spread of nuclear weapons will heighten the risk they will be used. "The likelihood that nuclear weapons will be used will increase with expanded access to technology and a widening range of options for limited strikes," it said. The report highlighted the risk of a nuclear arms race in the Middle East where a number of countries are thinking about developing or acquiring technologies that would be useful to make nuclear weapons. "Over the next 15-20 years, reactions to the decisions Iran makes about its nuclear program could cause a number of regional states to intensify these efforts and consider actively pursuing nuclear weapons," the report said. "This will add a new and more dangerous dimension to what is likely to be increasing competition for influence within the region," it said. The report said it was not certain that the kind of deterrent relationships that existed for most of the Cold War would emerge in a nuclear armed Middle East. Instead, the possession of nuclear weapons may be perceived as "making it safe" to engage in low intensity conflicts, terrorism or even
larger conventional attacks, the report said. The report said terrorism would likely be a factor in 2025 but suggested that Al-Qaeda's "terrorist wave" might be breaking up. "Al-Qaeda's weaknesses -- unachievable strategic objectives, inability to attract broad-based support, and selfdestructive actions -- might cause it to decay sooner than many people think," it said. "Because history suggests that the global Islamic terrorist movement will outlast Al-Qaeda as a group, strategic counterterrorism efforts will need to focus on how and why a successor terrorist group might evolve during the remaining years of the 'Islamic terrorist wave.'" The report was vague about the outcome of current conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan and nuclear armed Pakistan. In 2025, the government in Baghdad could still be "an object of competition" among various factions seeking foreign aid or pride of place. Afghanistan "may still evince significant patterns of tribal competition and conflict." "The future of Pakistan is a wildcard in considering the trajectory of neighboring Afghanistan," it said.
Military ‘only solution’ to piracy
SINGAPORE, NOVEMBER 21(AFP): A more aggressive military approach is the only answer to an escalation of piracy off Somalia, the world's biggest oil tanker company said Friday. "I think that's the only solution," Martin Jensen, acting chief executive officer of Oslo-based Frontline, told AFP. He said Frontline, which has 80 tankers, is considering whether to divert its ships from Somalia and the treacherous Gulf of Aden, "if there's no quick international force or situation being applied". Jensen, whose company has an office in Singapore, said Frontline was holding serious internal talks about whether to avoid the Gulf of Aden but the matter would have to be discussed with owners of the cargo. "The main consideration, that's the safety of the crew and the ship," he said. But Jensen added that piracy was not a problem that one company could solve alone, and his preference was for a military approach. "It doesn't solve anything by diverting," he said. Last weekend pirates seized their biggest prize so far, the Saudi Arabian oil tanker Sirius Star. It was loaded with two million barrels of oil when they attacked it hundreds of kilometres off the coast of Kenya. The pirates have demanded a ransom of 25 million dollars, while more than a dozen other vessels are being held in Somali waters by pirates. In the face of their audacity, Russia's NATO en-
Local residents observe as the Norwegian-flagged tanker “Torm Kristina” passes through the Suez canal in Ismailia, Egypt, Thursday, November 20. Major shipping companies said that they are considering other options including avoiding the passage through the Suez Canal to avoid having to go through the Gulf of Aden due to increasing piracy risks - meaning longer, costlier trips around the southern tip of Africa. (AP Photo)
voy, Dmitry Rogozin, called for a land military force to confront the pirates on their home turf. NATO sent four warships into the Gulf of Aden last month on anti-piracy duties and to escort aid vessels, while a European Union anti-piracy operation off the coast of Somalia is to begin on December 8. But the world's
navies are struggling to find the right deterrent and any use of force might have little effect, experts say. Jensen said his ships travelled near pirate-infested Somalia every week and one of them, the Front Voyager, recently had a narrow escape. "A pirate boat approached but before they got too close the ship was able to get naval
assistance," he said, adding that the problem was escalating. One of the world's biggest shipping lines, Denmark's A.P. Moeller-Maersk, said Thursday it would divert some of its vessels around the tip of South Africa to avoid pirates in the Gulf of Aden. In a statement, it said ships that are too slow -- or with decks low enough for pirates to scramble aboard -- would "seek alternative routing" around the Cape of Good Hope and Madagascar. Alternatively, they could join a naval convoy through the Gulf of Aden, if one were available. Norwegian shipping company Odfjell said on Monday it, too, would choose the longer, more expensive but also safer route around the Cape of Good Hope. An upsurge in piracy in Somali waters has made getting help to the country's poor a dangerous business. Jensen said the southern route was about 40 percent longer, "so of course that would be quite a cost". One of the world's largest container shipping firms, Neptune Orient Lines, said it was "closely monitoring events" in the Gulf of Aden but was not planning to reroute ships. "The relative risk of attack is lower for fast high-decked container ships than it is for slower low-decked vessels such as bulk carriers or tankers," said NOL spokesman Paul Barrett. He said Singapore-based NOL has comprehensive -- but confidential -- measures in place to protect its crews.
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Saturday 22 November 2008
The Morung Express
Gallas faces fight for Arsenal captaincy after rant
Andy Roddick hires Stefanki as new coach PARIS, NOVEMBER 21(AGENCIES): Former world number one Andy Roddick has hired fellow American Larry Stefanki as his new coach, the player announced on his personal website. Stefanki has previously coached John McEnroe, Marcelo Rios, Yevgeny Kafelnikov, Tim Henman and most recently Fernando Gonzalez. Under his guidance both Rios and Kafelnikov reached the world number one ranking. Roddick, 26, the 2003 US Open champion, is now at number six in the world rankings and suffered a miserable end of season when injury forced him to quit the Masters Cup in Shanghai. "The timing of this exciting new partnership provides the duo (Roddick and Stefanki) the majority of the off-season to prepare for 2009," said a statement on Roddick’s website. Roddick had been working previously with Jimmy Connors.
Minor irritants' should not have bothered Aussies: Ramiz NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 21 (PTI): Australia's attempts to blame the conditions and movements in front of sightscreen for the Test debacle against India came in for a scathing attack today from former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja who said such "minor irritants" could not be the reason for the defeat. Raja said Australia should first realise that they no longer have the resources to be an invincible team and should concentrate on getting their acts together rather than dish out such excuses. "I don't think that conditions or a little movement in front of sightscreen is the reason for Australia's defeat. When teams come to India, they are mentally prepared for a little bit of delay here and there. It is part and parcel of the game, that cannot be the reason for the defeat," Raja told PTI in a telephonic interview. Raja said a champion team like Australia should have coped with such "minor irritants", if there were any, instead of making it an issue after the series was over. "It is difficult to tell the mind of these Australian players. They have a different social fabric. But they knew the conditions they will face in India. Because of the huge crowds, delays are a run of the mill affairs in India," he said.
Int'l Manchuria Kung-fu informs In this Tuesday, January 22, 2008 file photo, Arsenal's captain William Gallas, right, tries to separate team-mate Nicklas Bendtner, left, and Emmanuel Adebayor from confronting each other during their English League Cup semi-final, second leg, soccer match against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane, London. Arsenal captain William Gallas has called for the team's coveted young stars to toughen up and accept that having the stomach for a fight is just as important as silky skill if they want to win the Premier League title. In an interview with The Associated Press, Gallas raised concerns that Arsenal's highly rated youngsters may not always have shown the necessary bite when it mattered this season. He also revealed there have been recent arguments among team members on and off the pitch. (AP Photo/File)
LONDON, NOVEMBER 21 (AFP): William Gallas faces a fight to hold onto the Arsenal captaincy after the France defender came under-fire for his shock blast at his young team-mates. Gallas lifted the lid on the simmering
discontent in the Arsenal dressing room in a remarkably candid interview on Thursday. The 31-year-old accused the club's youngsters of lacking the stomach to fight for the Premier League title, claimed he had to seperate arguing
team-mates during halftime of his side's 4-4 draw against Tottenham and insisted an unnamed Gunners star insulted him and several colleagues. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was furious with Gallas's outburst and
reportedly summoned the centre-back to a meeting at the club's London Colney training ground on Thursday. Wenger has gone out of his way to defend Gallas against accusations that he lacks leadership skills ever since the defender was
criticised for his on-pitch tantrum at the end of Arsenal's draw at Birmingham last season. But the former Chelsea star's latest rant could prove the final straw for Wenger. Although the French coach won't rush into a
decision before Saturday's game at Manchester City, the Times claims he could hand the captain's armband to Cesc Fabregas or Gael Clichy if the rest of Arsenal's squad express unhappiness with Gallas's comments.
KOHIMA, NOVEMBER 21 (MExN): The International Manchuria Kung-fu Nagaland branch, Kohima district had recently conducted belt exam at the KMC office compound on November 19 under master Kangkang Lunglang. Under the exam, the following students were promoted with certificate and degree. Brown beltDachulung Lunglang; Blue belt- Nazir Hussain, Mhathung Kikon, Talamheing Lunglang; Green belt-Visato Chuzho, Chiephobozou, Kikhongalu; Yellow Belt- Lungrang Iralu, Zhevihe Shohe, Dibas; White Belt- Vehuvo Chuzho and Razzaq Atia. Meanwhile, master Kangkang has also advised the students to maintain discipline for brighter future.
‘I could have been 'Ultra-impressive' Ishant denied us Perth win: Ponting a good F1 driver’
MELBOURNE , NO VEMBER 21 (PTI): Australia captain Ricky Ponting feels his team could have won the crucial third Test at Perth but for that awesome spell by India pacer Ishant Sharma during the hosts second innings and said he was lucky to be part of a great sporting duel. "I will always reckon that if I could have got through just one more over in our second innings, then we might still have won," Ponting wrote in his 'Captain's Diary 2008'. "Tall, lean, ultra-imVeteran tennis stars Bjorn Borg of Sweden, right, and John McEnroe of the United States, left, walk together after arriving at Suvarnabhumi international airport Friday, Nov. 21, 2008 pressive Ishant Sharma, in Bangkok, Thailand. The two tennis aces will play in an exhibition match in Bangkok on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2008. (AP Photo/Apichart Weerawong)
Germany's Ballack dependency all too obvious
BERLIN, NOVEMBER 21 (REUTERS): Germany's chronic case of Ballack dependency must have made Wednesday's 2-1 defeat by England uncomfortable viewing for coach Joachim Loew. Loew won a trial of strength with his captain last month when Michael Ballack was forced to apologise for a newspaper interview in which he criticised the coach. Ballack's main concern seemed to be that German coaches are too ready to discard senior players, and particularly since the defeat by Spain in the final of Euro 2008. Loew makes no apology for judging his players on form rather than reputation
but in that sense there will have been plenty to worry him in the match against England. It is unwise to read much into the results of international friendlies, and this match was only decided by a John Terry header six minutes from time, but Loew must wish he had the sort of strength in depth available to Fabio Capello. In place of the central midfield pairing of Ballack and Torsten Frings, Loew chose Simon Rolfes and Jermaine Jones but the results were not good, as a more skilful and more patient England team took control in the centre of the pitch. Bastian Schweinsteiger, only 24 but winning his 62nd cap, made
no impact at all, while young goalkeeper Rene Adler made a bad mistake on the first goal and Heiko Westermann, Piotr Trochowski and Marvin Compper played well below their club form. "We will learn from this game," Loew told reporters. "For each player that played here against such strong opponents, it is good experience for the future." That is certainly true, and Loew will have no trouble sleeping with his team leading their qualifying group for the 2010 World Cup. The worry will remain, however, that without Ballack, Germany look a second-rate team. Just as well the two men managed to smooth things over.
playing just his fourth Test and still eight-anda-half months short of his 20th birthday, had bowled an awesome spell to me: seven overs when he was fast, aggressive and relentless, where I never felt as if I was truly 'in'," he said. Ponting lamented that Australia, who had never lost a Test to a team from the sub-continent at the difficult WACA track, went down to India by 72 runs in January this year. "But even with his heroics, we were 2-117 seeking 413, I was 45 not out, Mike Hussey was 26 not out and I sensed Sharma
was about to be taken off. However, ...Kumble gave his teenage quick one more over. "First ball, I pushed forward at a delivery that fizzed through and edged a straightforward catch to Dravid at first slip. From then on, whenever we seemed we might be a chance to reach our imposing target, we faltered," he added. Ponting, however, said he cherished his duel with the Delhi speedster as it was a great cricketing moment which put the bitterness of Sydney Test behind.
India's cricket tour of Pak appears to be in trouble NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 21 (PTI): The Indian cricket tour of Pakistan in January appears to be in trouble, with the government here being apprehensive on account of security of the team and wondering whether it was worth risking the lives of players like Sachin Tendulkar. The final decision on the tour, scheduled from
January 6 to February 19, will be taken within two weeks on the basis of the assessment by a high-level team of officials that will be going to Pakistan shortly. Sources today said the risk of undertaking the tour is high considering the prevailing security situation in Pakistan and "no sensible government" would take it.
To press the argument, the sources said if even a "scratch" comes to Sachin, what would happen to the bilateral relations. "The risk is not worth running," they said. The sources cited the recent terror attack on a national sporting event in Peshawar to cite the example of the security situation in Pakistan.
Sawa named AFC's women's player of the year TOKYO, NOVEMBER 21(AGENCIES): Japan midfielder Homare Sawa was named women's Player of the Year by the Asian Football Confederation, winning the award for the second time in her career. Sawa, a key member
of the Japan team that finished fourth at the Beijing Olympics, also won the award when Japan reached the quarterfinal of the 2004 Athens Olympics. "Japan played well this year and I put in some good performances," Sawa said.
"I guess that's why they gave me the award.” "The 30-year-old Sawa has played in more than 130 matches and scored more than 60 goals in her 15-year career spanning four Women's World Cups and three Olympic Games.
Wenger calls on FIFA to probe player withdrawals
LONDON, NOVEMBER 21 (REUTERS): Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger wants FIFA and UEFA to investigate if players who missed this week's international friendlies line up for their clubs this weekend or in Champions League games next week. "Theoretically, if you do not play in the national team, you cannot play in the game after in the championship - that is the rule," Wenger
told reporters on Thursday. "It would be very interesting for FIFA and UEFA to make a study of any players who have not played in any national team, and who will play on Saturday or on Tuesday and Wednesday in the Champions League." England were hit by the withdrawal of a host of key players, including injured duo Frank Lampard and Steve Gerrard, before their friendly with Germany
in Berlin on Wednesday. The timing of this week's plethora of friendlies has continued the club versus country debate, with many managers fearing that key players will pick up injuries at a hectic stage of the season. "The sad situation in that friendly game, midNovember, before games five and six in the Champions League and before important fixtures in the Leagues, is that many play-
ers have pulled out because this friendly is very badly positioned," added Wenger. "We never withdraw any player. Our players, unless they have a big injury, we send them. We ask them to be cautious with them, especially in friendly games, and this usually happens with national teams, because they are not crazy. "But this game was not well positioned because it doesn't prepare them.
There is no official game before March now and it is just in front of very important games for the clubs." Arsenal winger Theo Walcott will not return to action until next year after dislocating his shoulder during training with England on Tuesday. Walcott was originally expected to miss three months, but after undergoing surgery on Thursday morning, Arsenal Wenger
believes he could face an even longer spell on the sidelines. "I do not blame the FA for that. It was an accident in training and I accept that," he said. "Theo will be out for three months, but it is not the first game where he comes back. That is difficult to predict because we have had experience of a player coming back from such an injury. It takes some time to get used to that."
Moto GP world Champion Valentino Rossi, of Italy, is seen prior to testing the Ferrari Formula one racer, at the Mugello track, near Florence on November 20. (AP Photo)
MUGELLO, NOVEMBER 21 (REUTERS): MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi said on Thursday he could have been a good Formula One driver if he had made the switch three years ago. Rossi tried out Ferrari's 2008 F1 car at the Mugello circuit as a gift from the Italian team after his eighth motorcycling world title. He had serious tests for Ferrari in 2005 and 2006 but decided to stick with two wheels. "With a lot of work I could have become a good F1 driver. It is hard to say if I would have become a winner or not, but the potential was there," he told reporters after a strong test. Rossi managed a fastest lap of one minute 22.5 seconds, less than two seconds behind recent times recorded by Ferrari drivers Felipe Massa and Kimi Rai-
kkonen on the same track. Wearing his distinctively-coloured helmet, he was roared on by around 1,000 fans and could have gone faster had his 51-lap run not been cut short by an approaching thunderstorm. The chances of Rossi ending up in Formula One look to have gone but the 29-yearold has talked about the possibility of moving into rallying permanently when he finishes with MotoGP. The Italian was second in the Monza rally last weekend and is due to race in the British round of the world championship next month. Ferrari's seven-times champion Michael Schumacher has entered occasional motorcycle races since retiring in 2006 while rally champion Sebastien Loeb tested for the Red Bull Formula One team in Spain this week.
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The Morung Express
11 PRIME TIME Saturday
22 November 2008
Sonal Chauhan to share stage with Bryan Adams
06:00 - Seinfeld; 06:30 - The Simpsons; 07:00 - Last Comic Standing ; 08:00 - Beauty And The Geek; 09:00 - How I Met Your Mother; 09:30 - How I Met Your Mother; 10:00 - Jimmy Kimmel; 11:00 - The Moment Of Truth; 12:00 - Blood Ties; 13:00 - The Unit (Entertainment); 14:00 - Beauty And The Geek; 15:00 - Last Comic Standing; 16:00 - Who Wants To Be A Superhero ?; 17:00 Most Daring; 18:00 - Jimmy Kimmel; 19:00 - Smallville; 20:00 - Prison Break; 21:00 - Shark (Comedy); 22:00 - Criminal Minds; 23:00 - Most DAring; 00:00 - Who Wants To Be A Superhero ?; 01:00 - Smallville; 02:00 - Prison Break; 03:00 - Shark (Comedy); 04:00 - Criminal Minds; 05:00 - My Name Is Earl (Sitcom); 05:30 - According To Jim
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ingg has still not entirely faded from public memory, the sexy Jannat actress Sonal Chauhan will be sharing the stage and performing with none other that Canadian rocker Bryan Adams for a performance which will take place in India in January at a gala event. Adams is being brought down for a gig by a jewellery company. In an unusual collaboration, this is a first time an actress will be sharing the stage with a major international rockstar and needless to say, she’s excited about having been chosen by the event organisers for this. Additionally, not many know that she also has a reasonably good singing voice. While currently on a break from shooting, Sonal says, “I am really very excited with this collaboration. I am looking forward for performing with him on stage. Ever since my college days I have been a big fan and now, getting the opportunity of being with him on the same stage is like a dream come true. I am not sure for how long the performance will be, but it doesn’t matter to me even if it is just for a minute, I am already on Cloud 9!” The latter is, incidentally, the name of a Bryan Adams hit. Her favourite Bryan Adams songs include When You Really Love A Woman, Run To You and of course, the unavoidable Summer of ’69. Meanwhile, the actress is busy brushing up her vocal chords and dance moves and getting ready for the big event.
Jacko 'embraces Islam; changes name to Mikaeel'
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ichael Jackson has converted to Islam - and has changed his name to Mikaeel, according to reports. According to the Sun, the 50-year-old singer wore traditional Islamic dress as he pledged his allegiance to the Koran at a friend's home in Los Angeles. Mikaeel is the name of one of Allah's angels. Jackson, who was raised a Jehovah's Witness, reportedly decided to convert after discussing religion with a music producer and songwriter on his new album - both of whom were converts to Islam, says reports. "They began talking to him about their beliefs, and how they thought they had become better people after they converted. Michael soon began warming to the idea," a source said. "An Imam was summoned from the mosque
05:15 - Itihaas; 09:15 - Jai Santoshi Maa - 12:30 - Sabsey Favourite Kaun; 13:00 - Indra - The Tiger; 17:00 - Love Ke Liye Kuchh Bhi Karega - 20:00 - The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen - 23:15 City Hunter; 02:00 - Jeena Teri Gali Mein; 04:40 - Taxi No. 9211 06:00 - Animal Planet Safari; 07:00 Teleshopping ; 07:30 - Teleshopping ; 08:00 Lords Of The Animals ; 08:30 - All New Planet’s Funniest Animals; 09:00 - Corwin’s Quest ; 10:00 - All New Planet’s Funniest Animals; 10:30 - Young And Wild (S.2); 11:00 - O’shea’s Big Adventure; 12:00 - Big Cat Diary 4; 12:30 Big Cat Diary 4; 13:00 - Animal Planet Personalities; 14:00 - Animal Planet Safari; 15:00 - Max’s Big Tracks; 16:00 - Eye Of The Hunter; 17:00 - Corwin’s Quest ; 18:00 - Lords Of The Animals ; 18:30 - The Planet’s Funniest Animals ; 19:00 - O’shea’s Big Adventure; 20:00 - Big Cat Diary 4; 20:30 - Big Cat Diary 4; 21:00 - Max’s Big Tracks; 22:00 - Animal Planet Safari; 23:00 - Predation! ; 00:00 - Lords Of The Animals ; 00:30 - All New Planet’s Funniest Animals; 01:00 - Teleshopping ; 01:30 - Teleshopping ; 02:00 Petsburgh Usa (Ii) ; 02:30 - Petsburgh Usa (Ii) ; 03:00 - Monkey Business 8 ; 03:30 - Monkey Business 8 ; 04:00 - Petsburgh Usa (Ii) ; 04:30 - Petsburgh Usa (Ii) ; 05:00 - Monkey Business
John Mayer Meets Jennifer Aniston’s Dad?
and Michael went through the shahada, which is the Muslim declaration of belief. Jacko rejected an alternative name, Mustafa - meaning "the chosen one," the source added. Brit singer Yousef Islam, 60 - who was called Cat Stevens until he famously converted - turned up to help Jacko celebrate. Meanwhile, Jackson is due to give evidence in court next week after being sued by Sheikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa, second son of the King of Bahrain. Sheikh Abdulla, who is seeking 7 million dollars, claims he helped support the cash-strapped Jackson in the aftermath of his child molestation trial. Abdulla claims Jackson promised to pay back the money, while Jackson says he thought it was a gift. Jackson is expected to give evidence to a London court via video link from LA.
05:00 - Mr Bean’s Holiday; 06:45 - Inside Man; 09:15 - Hollywood Spotlight; 09:45 The Challenge; 11:45 - The Making Of The Bourne Ultimatum; 12:15 - Deadly Isolation; 14:00 - Final Destination; 15:45 - Hidden Camera; 17:30 - The Making Of The Pursuit Of Happyness; 17:45 - Hollywood One On One 16 (Entertainment) ; 18:15 - The Bourne Ultimatum; 20:30 - Mumbai Calling; 21:00 - I Now Pronounce You Chuck And Larry; 23:15 - The Avengers; 01:00 - Jennifer Eight; 03:30 - Film Marie Antoinette
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The couple have an eightyear-old son, Rocco, and a three-year-old son adopted in Malawi, David Banda.
ounds like things are getting serious between Jennifer Aniston and John Mayer. According to Star magazine, Jen introduced Mayer to her dad, John Aniston, last night during dinner at the Polo Lounge. And their snitch must have been sitting at the table next to them, because they've got quotes and some serious details from the evening, including a back rub and even Jen feeding her man a bite of veggies. Mayer was reportedly Madonna also has a daugh- "very nervous" about the enter, 12-year-old Lourdes, by counter. So how'd he do with her former fitness trainer Jen's dad? "Jen's dad seemed very impressed with John Carlos Leon.
and the two got on real well," an onlooker tells Star. Jen's stepmom (who the Friend reportedly called "Mom") was also there for the family fun, even cracking jokes when Mayer asked the table how he was doing. "Should we get our score cards out? Like on Dancing with the Stars?" she quipped. "Exactly. It feels like Dancing with the Stars," the rocker replied. It doesn't look like he'll be booted from Jen's life anytime soon after this. The Polo Lounge wouldn't confirm the reported dinner, while Mayer's rep had no comment.
Ben Affleck keeps faith with the displaced people of the Congo
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lthough his wife Jennifer Garner is expecting the couple's second child any day now, that hasn't stopped Ben Affleck fulfilling his personal commitment to the people of the Congo. The Good Will Hunting actor, who filmed a special report on the humanitarian crisis in the country for US TV this summer, was this week back highlighting the plight of the victims of its Civil War. The trip is the fourth the 35-year-old father of one - he and Jennifer have a daughter Violet - has made to the country in a year. Speaking on his last visit Ben explained: "It's fairly clear that in the modern age there is a currency to celeb-
rity... "I really started thinking long and hard about how to use that currency as long as I had it." During his most recent trip Ben met with parents and children who've been forced to make their homes at a refugee camp in the eastern Congo. By continuing to simpy draw attention to the people's suffering, as he did with his Nightline report, Ben says he hopes the more fortunate will be moved to help. "I don't think people respond particularly well to being hectored, or being made to feel guilty, or being made to feel as though they're kind of callow or insensitive for the life they've been leading up until then," he explains.
06:00 - Seva Ganga; 06:30 - Vignan Shashwat Sukh Ka; 07:00 Sangam; 07:30 - Raja Ki Ayegi; 08:00 - Kyunki Saas Bhi; 08:30 Kayamath; 09:00 - Kumkum; 09:30 - Kahaani Ghar; 10:00 - Kis Desh Mein Hai; 10:30 - Hamari Devrani; 11:00 - Grihasti; 11:30 - Raja Ki Ayegi; 12:00 - Bidaai; 12:30 - Kis Desh Mein Hai; 13:00 - Kumkum; 13:30 - Hamari Devrani; 14:00 - Karam; 14:30 - Grihasti; 15:00 Kyunki Saas Bhi; 15:30 - Kayamath; 16:00 - Sangam; 16:30 Santaan; 17:00 - Kasturi; 17:30 - Raja Ki Ayegi; 18:00 - Bidaai; 18:30 - Hamari Devrani; 19:00 - Sangam; 19:30 - Santaan; 20:00 - Raja Ki Ayegi; 20:30 - Kis Desh Mein Hai; 21:00 - Bidaai; 21:30 - Kasturi; 22:00 - Kahaani Ghar; 22:30 - Kyunki Saas Bhi; 23:00 Kayamath; 23:30 - Karam; 00:00 - Kasturi; 00:30 - Kumkum; 01:00 - Bidaai; 01:30 - Kis Desh Mein Hai; 02:00 - Grihasti; 02:30 Kayamath; 03:00 - Hamari Devrani; 03:30 - Kahaani Ghar; 04:00 - Kyunki Saas Bhi; 04:30 - Raja Ki Ayegi; 05:00 - Disney Time
0:00 - Wwe: Smackdown; 2:00 Sportsnight; 2:30 - Zim V Sl - 1st Odi H/L’s; 4:30 - Gillette World Of Sports; 5:00 - Uae Motor Racing Championship- Hl’s: Race Day 2; 5:30 - Icl World Series - Hls - India V Bangladesh; 7:30 - Fifa: Futbol Mundial; 8:00 - Winning Post; 8:30 - Uefa Champions League Magazine Show 08; 9:00 - Icl World Series - Hls - India V Bangladesh; 11:00 - Wwe: Ecw; 12:00 - Wwe: Smackdown; 14:00 - Icl World Series - Pakistan V World; 22:30 - Wwe:vintage Collection; 23:30 - Winning Post
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to divorce nearly eight years after they married in a lavish ceremony at a Scottish castle in December 2000.
06:00 - Telebrands; 06:30telebrands; 07:00 - Planet Food; 08:00 - Wild Africa; 09:00 - A Baby Story (Season 10); 09:30amazing Baby Videos; 10:00 - The Alaska Experiment; 11:00 - Call 911; 11:30call 911; 12:00 - Dirty Jobs - Season Ii; 13:00 - The Beauty Of Snakes; 14:00 - Discovery’s Biggest Shows; 16:00 - Wild Africa; 17:00 - A Haunting (Season 3); 18:00 - Man Vs. Wild; 19:00 - Wild Africa; 20:00 - Wild India; 21:00 - Discover India; 22:00 - Man Vs. Wild; 23:00 - Man Made Marvels; 00:00 - Planet Earth; 01:00 - Telebrands; 01:30telebrands; 02:00 - Man Made Marvels; 03:00 - Extreme Machines Ii; 04:00 - Man Vs. Wild; 05:00 - Man Made Marvels
04:25 - She’s All That; 06:10 - The Hot Chick; 08:15 - Mrs. Parker And Vicious Circle; 10:40 - Ladder 49; 12:55 - 54; 14:50 - Leonard Cohen I’m Your Man; 16:55 - Bounce; 19:05 - The Stranger I Married; 21:00 - Zatôichi; 23:15 - Dead Fish; 00:55 - Ladder 49; 02:55 - Mrs. Parker And Vicious Circle; 05:05 - Leonard Cohen - I’m Your Man
Madonna and Ritchie granted divorce
judge granted pop megastar Madonna and her filmmaker husband Guy Ritchie a divorce Friday, barely a month after they announced the end of their eight-year marriage. District Judge Caroline Reid pronounced the decree nisi in the "quickie," or uncontested, divorce at the family division of the High Court in London. The case, listed as Ciccone M L v Ritchie G S, was among 17 cases read out by a court clerk. Judge Reid then asked if anyone wished to show cause against the decrees, or raise the question of costs, before saying: "I therefore pronounce the decrees." Neither Madonna nor Ritchie attended the hearing, which lasted barely a minute, something they are not required to do under law. Madonna, 50, and Ritchie, 40, announced in mid-October that they were
Dimapur
06:00 - Shakti Yug; 06:30 - The Faith Show; 07:00 - Enjoying Everyday Life; 07:25 - Ek Nazar; 07:30 - Sales Slot; 07:55 - Exposure Jhalak; 08:00 Teleshopping; 08:25 - Ek Nazar; 08:30 - Jai Ganesh; 09:00 - Ramayan; 09:30 - Naaginn; 10:00 - Vivaah; 10:30 - Betiyann; 11:00 - Maayka ; 11:30 - Saat Phere; 12:00 - Dulhann; 12:30 Kasamh Se; 13:00 - Parrivaar; 13:30 - Rakhi; 14:00 - Teen Bahuraaniyaan; 14:30 - Ranbir Rano; 15:00 - Dulhann; 15:30 - Maayka; 16:00 - Saat Phere; 16:30 - Naaginn; 17:00 - Teen BahUraaniyaan; 17:30 - Betiyann; 18:00 - Kasamh Se; 18:30 - Saat Phere; 19:00 - Vivaah; 19:30 - Shrii; 20:00 - Dulhann; 20:30 - Maayka; 21:00 - Kasamh Se; 21:30 - Saat Phere; 22:00 - Betiyann; 22:30 Ranbir Rano; 23:00 - Waaris; 23:30 - Kasamh Se; 23:55 - Ek Nazar; 00:00 - Asian Sky Shop; 00:55 - Exposure; 01:00 - Asian Sky Shop; 02:00 - Teen Bahuraaniyaan; 02:30 - Kasamh Se; 03:00 - Ek Se Badhkar Ek - Chota Packet Bada Dhamaka; 04:00 - Vivaah; 04:30 Urja; 05:00 - Parrivaar; 05:30 - Narseva Narayan Seva 06:00 - Mann Mein Hai Visshwas; 07:00 Telebrands; 07:30 - Teleshopping; 08:50 - Box Office Muzic Hitz; 09:00 - Cid; 10:00 - Indian Idol 4; 14:00 - Film Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar; 18:00 Khushi Ki Duniya; 18:30 - Comedy Circus; 20:00 - Boogie Woogie; 21:00 - Indian Idol 4; 22:00 Comedy Circus; 23:00 - Boogie Woogie; 00:00 - Telebrands; 00:30 - Teleshopping; 01:00 Boogie Woogie; 02:00 - Comedy Circus; 03:00 - Aahat - 3; 04:00 Cid; 05:00 - Boogie Woogie 04:40 - Film Dont Move; 06:30 - Hollywood On Set; 07:00 - Charlie Chaplin ; 07:30 Infomercial ; 08:00 - The Motorcycle Diaries ; 10:40 - The Groomsemen; 12:50 - Double Team; 14:50 - Flight Plan; 17:00 - Erin Brockovich; 20:00 - The Hollywood Reporter ; 20:30 - Cocktail; 22:30 - The Mystic Masseur ; 00:00 - The Mystic Masseur; 01:30 - Double Team; 03:00 - The Contract (Film) ;; 04:30 - Arahan 06:00 - Dream Hotels; 06:30 Indian Rendezvous; 07:00 Europe’s Richest People; 08:00 Globe Trekker 10; 09:00 - A Matter Of Taste With Vir Sanghvi; 09:30 - Hairy Biker’s Ride Again; 10:00 - Trinny And Susannah Undress; 11:00 - Monster House; 12:00 - Biker Build-Off - The Series; 13:00 - Cooking It; 13:30 - Take Home Chef 2; 14:00 - 100 - 0 Places To See Before You Die; 15:00 - Hotel By The Bay; 15:30 - I Do, Let’s Eat!; 16:00 - Europe’s Richest People; 17:00 - Nigella Express; 17:30 - Samantha Brown: PAssport To Great Weekends; 18:00 - A Model Life With Petra Nemcova; 19:00 - Adventures Of The Ladies Tailor; 19:30 - Feast India; 20:00 - Nigella Feasts; 20:30 - British Biker Build Off; 21:00 - Highlife Unlimited; 22:00 Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations; 23:00 - La Ink; 00:00 - Beach Blast; 01:00 - Highlife Unlimited; 02:00 - Globe Trekker 10; 03:00 - Nigella Feasts; 03:30 - Madhur Jaffrey’s Flavours Of India; 04:00 - Trinny And Susannah Undress; 05:00 - While You Were Out 3 06:00 - Global Tele Mall; 07:00 - Body And Soul; 07:30 - Tvc Sky Shop; 08:30 - Instant Khichdi; 09:00 - Hatim; 10:00 - Shaka Laka Boom Boom; 10:30 - Son Pari (Kids Drama); 11:00 - Mum Tum Aur Hum (Game Show); 11:30 Shararat; 12:00 - The Great Indian Laughter Challenge IV; 13:00 Ssshhhh Phir Koi Hai; 14:00 - Dill Mill Gayye; 14:30 - Mile Jab Hum Tum; 15:00 - Movie; 18:30 - Anu Ki Ho Gayi Wah Bhai Wah; 19:00 Dill Mill Gayye; 19:30 - Mile Jab Hum Tum; 20:00 - Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai; 20:30 - Dill Mill Gayye; 21:00 - Mile Jab Hum Tum; 21:30 The Great Indian Laughter Challenge IV; 22:30 - Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai; 23:00 - Dill Mill Gayye; 23:30 - Mile Jab Hum Tum; 00:00 Siddhanth; 01:00 - Tony B Show (Chat Show); 01:30 - Ankhiyon Ke Jharokhon Se; 02:30 - Dill Mill Gayye; 03:00 - Mile Jab Hum Tum; 03:30 - The Great Indian Laughter Challenge; 04:30 - Dill Mill Gayye; 05:00 - Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai; 05:30 - Mum Tum Aur Hum
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Can't afford a scratch on Sachin: Govt sources NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 21 (AGENCIES): Amidst growing uncertainty over India's impending tour of Pakistan, the government sources reiterated on Friday that a security team would make an assessment in the next two weeks before making any final decision. "The security team will make an assessment in the next two weeks whether the Indian team can go to Pakistan," government sources told NDTV. "We can't afford a scratch on Sachin Tendulkar," an official was quoted as saying. The statement follows today's developments in Pakistan as another blast took place at the funeral of a Shiite Muslim cleric in the northwest, claiming at least six lives. Earlier, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had sought security clearance from the government to go ahead with the tour. "The tour will be finalised once we get the clearance from the government," Board President Shashank
Manohar had told local media. "Nothing can be confirmed before that." India are scheduled to play three Tests, five oneday internationals and a Twenty20 match during the five-week tour from January 13 to February 19. It will be the fifth bilateral series between the two countries since 2004, when cricket ties resumed after a 15-year gap due to political tensions between the warring neighbours. The tour was put in doubt after the Indian government denied permission to the national junior hockey team to visit Pakistan earlier this month. Australia cancelled a Test tour of Pakistan in March and the International Cricket Council put off the high-profile Champions Trophy there in September due to security concerns. Recent media reports have suggested that the series could be held in India or at a neutral venue if the Indian government denies permission to play in Pakistan.
MOKOKCHUNG, NOVEMBER 21 (MExN): All the organizing committee members and Motor Rally enthusiasts are informed that the Mokokchung Motor Rally "Tour De Hills – 2" scheduled to be held on November 28 & 29, 2008 has been deferred to November 29 and 30, January 2009 due to some inconveniences in the organizational matter. Bendangkokba, DC & President MDSC, Mokokchung in a release said that the competition will be held on 'Extreme Category' for 4 wheelers only. Apart from this, the organizers invite tour adventure groups to join the rally to discover the scenic beauty of Mokokchung.
Man Utd suffer Brown injury blow
LONDON, NOVEMBER 21 (AGENCIES): Manchester United defender Wes Brown has been ruled out for up to five weeks, while striker Dimitar Berbatov will miss two matches. Brown, 29, last played in the 1-1 draw against Everton at Goodison Park on 25 October and is recovering from an exploratory ankle operation. United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said the news was "really disappointing". Berbatov was substituted with cramp during Bulgaria's 6-1 defeat by Serbia
and has a slight hamstring strain. Brown has endured a long list of injury problems. After establishing himself at Old Trafford during the Treble-winning season of 1998-1999 he missed the whole of the following campaign with a cruciate knee injury. Despite another knee injury, he recovered to make England's World Cup squad in 2002, before breaking an ankle for United playing in the Champions League in the same year. Brown has gone on to impress Ferguson and earlier this year agreed a new
Confederations Cup draw
JOHANNESBURG, NOVEMBER 21 (AGENCIES): Miss World contestants will bring charm and glamour as they assist during tomorrow's draw for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup in Johannesburg, organisers said in a statement today. "The eight Miss World candidates from the respective participating countries and continents -Brazil, Egypt, Italy, New Zealand, South Africa, Spain, United States and reigning Miss World -- will lend a helping hand during the draw to determine the two groups for the eight-team competition," it said. Miss World Zilin Zhang, who is from China, will represent Asian Champions Iraq at the draw, the statement said. The eight beauty queens will assist FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke during the draw, also to be witnessed by the body's vice president Jack Warner and CAF president Issa Hayatou, it said. The 58th Miss World pageant will be held in Johannesburg on December 13. "Hosting as prestigious as event as the Miss World competition again underlines South Africa's ability to stage major global events. And as for the beautiful contestants assisting me on Saturday, it is certainly a draw I will be looking forward to more than most," Valcke said in the statement. The Confederations Cup has traditionally been used to test a host country's state of preparedness for the World Cup. The World Cup, which will be played in Africa for the first time, will be staged from June 11 to July 11, 2010. Its final draw will be held on December 4 in Cape Town. The June 14 to 28 Confederations Cup, to be staged in four South African stadia, is expected to bring together continental football champions ahead of the 2010 World Cup.
New Zealand officials sorry for slogan
Shoaib Akhtar is finished: Ex-PCB chief "Tour De Hills – 2" postponed to Jan 2009 ISLAMABAD, NO - three matches of the One- all respect for Mr Tauqir
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Miss World to spice up
contract to keep him at United until at least 2012. Ferguson added: "Fortunately we have plenty of cover at right-back, with Gary Neville, Rafael Da Silva and John O'Shea available to come in." Berbabtov will definitely miss Saturday's visit to Aston Villa and Tuesday's Champions League game at Villarreal. Commenting on his striker's injury, Ferguson said: "It's not a tear. It's a slight strain but with hamstrings you don't take any chances. There's no point in making it worse."
VEMBER 21 (AGENCIES): Former Pakistan cricket chief Lt Gen (retd) Tauqir Zia believes Shoaib Akhtar's international career is over and has advised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to show the door to the controversial fast bowler by giving him one last farewell match. Zia, who was accused of pampering Shoaib during his tenure as PCB chairman that ended in 2004, said the ageing bowler lacks proper fitness to play international cricket. He said it is time Shoaib retired from the Pakistan duty. Shoaib, 33, missed all
day International series against the West Indies in Abu Dhabi because of fitness problems. Known in the cricket world as the Rawalpindi Express, Shoaib has spent the best part of the last 12 months sitting out either due to injury or suspension. He last played for Pakistan in an ODI against India last November in Gwalior. However, the current PCB chief Ijaz Butt insists Shoaib can still deliver the goods for Pakistan for a few more years. When asked to comment on Zia's assessment of Shoaib, Butt said: "I've
Zia but I don't believe that Shoaib's career is over. I'm of the view that he (Shoaib) has almost regained full fitness and can still be an asset for Pakistan for quite some time." Butt, a former Pakistan Test opener, said Shoaib was fit for the third onedayer against the West Indies in Abu Dhabi Nov 16 but the team management decided against including him in the line-up as it wanted the pacer to attain prime fitness ahead of the important home series against India early next year. Pakistan defeated the West Indies 3-0 in the series.
WELLINGTON, NOVEMBER 21 (AGENCIES): Embarrassed cricket bosses in the southern New Zealand city of Dunedin have apologised for promoting a Test against the West Indies with the slogan, "It's all white here." The West Indies are due to play a Test against New Zealand in Dunedin next month and the regional Otago Cricket Association came up with the slogan in reference to the colour of the players' uniforms. "We just wanted a catchy phrase to help sell the game. It was all based around the association of the colour with cricket," the association's chief executive Ross Dykes was quoted as saying by the Otago Daily Times newspaper Friday. Dykes said he had contacted the West Indies team manager and the West Indies Cricket Board to explain the slogan, adding he would be "mortified" if anyone interpreted it as a racial slur. "I respect the opinions of others who may well think that it is insensitive. To those people, I apologise," he said. Former West Indies and New Zealand Test player Sam Guillen, 84, told the Press newspaper the promotion was "a ridiculous idea." "I know exactly how the (West Indies) players will feel," he said. "The first thing that will go through their mind is it's white against black, which should never come into sport."
Concept of Marathon to harness talented youths
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KOHIMA, NOVEMBER 21 (MExN): As part of the Year of Capacity Building the department felt the need to explore the potential of the Naga youth in the long distance running rather than the short distance competitions. Therefore, in order to harness the vast pool of talented youths the concept of Marathon was proposed which was readily agreed by the Chief Minister. Since it is first of its kind in the State it was decided to conduct half marathon in all district headquarters, culminating in the State level open marathon which will be held on the 7th December coinciding with the Hornbill Festival 2008. The Run will be held on December 7, 2008. It will start at 7:00 a.m from Khouciezie ground (local ground). All the participants shall be from the age group of 18 to 35 years. Only indigenous Nagas shall be eligible to take part in the competition. The participants shall be registered and chest nos. shall be issued to all participants. The Route map will be prepared showing all the
check points and a copy shall be endorsed to DC/ SP Kohima for necessary security arrangements. Road clearance/ warning vehicles along the Route and two motor cycles with riders shall be arranged. Traffic shall be brought to a complete halt during the Run. The Route for the marathon will be as follows: * Khouciezie (Local Ground) to PHQ Point. * It will turn back and come to go Indira Gandhi Stadium (IGS) then to Assembly Sectt. Junction * From there, it will turn back and culminate at Khouciezie. Kohima Municipal has been requested to remove all the construction materials, obstacles for the runners along the Route. The department of Health & family Welfare will provide two Ambulances with sufficient Medical team and equipments. One will move along the Route and the other to remain static at Khouciezie (Local Ground). The department will arrange sufficient numbers of volunteers along the Route in order to avoid
any discrepancy during the competition. A printed format shall be issued to all the volunteers manning the check points to record the timings of the runners and ensure authenticity of each competitor. The department will give Certificates to all participants who complete the entire stretch of the Route. All concerned citizens and VIP’s who are interested in encouraging the runners can also participate in the marathon. K.T. Sukhalu, Secretary to the Govt. of Nagaland Department of Youth Resources & Sports, Kohima in a press release said that the Classic Club, Royal Club and Kohima Municipal Council have been requested to provide refreshments to the participants along the Route. The Winners of the marathon will receive the prize money during the Hornbill Rock contest on December 7, 2008. First prize of Rs. 1,00,000/-; second prize Rs. 50,000/- and third prize Rs. 25,000/Naiba Konyak, Parliamentary Secretary, Youth Resources & Sports will flag off the marathon.
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