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The Morung Express
A Daily Publication of Morung for Indigenous Affairs & JustPeace
Dimapur VOL. III ISSUE 325
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Students steal Q papers
DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 22 (MExN): A group of students have been nabbed by the police for breaking into a school, in Kohima, the night of November 21 and stealing question papers. Yesterday night, the Nagaland Board of School Education said, a group of students broke into the office of the headmaster of Holy Family School in Kohima and stole some question papers of class IX final examinations as well as those for class VIII (ESL) . The police promptly detected the culprits and recovered the question papers. The NBSE and the SCERT have expressed gratitude to the police for their prompt action. The two examinations will be held according to the schedule, NBSE chairman Nini Meru said. “The examinations of the students involved in this case are cancelled and they are debarred from appearing the examinations. Further, departmental and legal actions are being taken against the guilty students” the NBSE added.
Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you
If we remain in the past, we become the slaves of the present
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Them Clones to play Dimapur DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 22 (MExN): In a drive to strengthen the organization, the Naga Students’ Union of Delhi is holding a concert by the Them Clones, one of Delhi’s leading alternative rock outfits. Them Clones is to performonDecember13attheDimapur District Sports Council stadium, from 3:00 PM. The Naga Students’ Union, Delhi today made an appeal in a note ‘to the noble conscience of the Naga public’ for active participation and support to the rock concert which to be in aid of the NSUD’s fund. “NSUD believes, with the co-operation of the Naga home ground, the union will be greatly strengthened in the utmost capacity to represent the Nagas in the national capital region of India” said the union. “Also, however little contribution we receive through this concert will enable to shoulder every responsibility for the welfare of the Nagas in Delhi” NSUD said, adding that the success of the concert will “remain deeply credited to our beloved citizens of Nagas”. The theme for the concert, NSUD said, is “Endeavoring One Hope” Fronted by vocalist Prithwish Dev, Them Clones is guitarists Joseph L and Gucci Singh, bass guitarist Clarence Gonsalves and drummer Surojit Dev. Them Clones is based in New Delhi and over the last several years have released a number of “singles” including the ‘debut’ number “Black, White and Grey,” followed by other efforts like “Wait for me,” “Awaken” and “Zoopertrip”. One of the most visible alternative outfits in the capital today, Them Clones has won most major competitive events across the country. They have also performed for Channel V’s Launchpad and the Jack Daniel’s Rock Awards.
“We are steadfast for unity”
Khaplang appeals all to forgive and forget Morung Express News Dimapur | November 22
Azheto Chophy, kilo kilonser of the “GPRN/NSCN” addressing the first anniversary function of the “unification of Nagas”, at its designated camp at Khehoi in Dimapur today.
Dimapur | November 22
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‘Nagas need only one Sovereignty’
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Sunday, November 23, 2008 12 pages Rs. 3
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RECONCILIATION, UNITY and peace, is the need and aspiration of the Naga people. These were the three strong words, stressed upon by different speakers today at the 1st anniversary of the “unification of Nagas” of the “GPRN/ NSCN” at its Khehoi designated camp in Dimapur. “This programme is a tribute to the indomitable spirit of entire Naga people, whose firm insistence on unity and reconciliation of the Nagas has removed all mental barricades in the quest
of common vision.” This was written at the rear of the ‘programme leaflet.’ Azheto Chophy, kilo kilonser of the “GPRN/NSCN” while giving a brief account on the initiation of “all Naga unification,” said “if we cannot unify today, it will be difficult to unify tomorrow” and that misunderstanding among leaders of the different groups should be sorted out with “proper discussion within ourselves”. He said leaders should not misinterpret but rather it was the responsibility of the leaders to work for Naga reconciliation with prayer support from the common peo-
Tenyimis demand answers from KLO/KLA DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 22 (MExN): A fiercely livid statement from the Tenyimi People’s Organization today, has demanded “justifications” from the proscribed Kuki militant outfit KLO/ KLA for the death of two Tenyimi citizens on October 23. Calling the KLO/KLA a “nomadic” band of terrorists, who “are surviving on generosity and hospitality” of others, the TPO has demanded clarifications from the outfit. The TPO said the KLO/ KLA had claimed responsibility for burning the bus which took the lives of two Tenyimi citizens, one Robert Gonmie and a Ginthailu Gonmei on October 23. However, the TPO said, the group is silent on the murder of the two innocents. “From the past experiences, this incident is not an
exceptional one as our Tenyimi were often targeted by this nomadic Kuki organization instead of being grateful to the generosity and hospitality of the Tenyimi who allow them to shelter in their land for the past many years” the TPO stated. The Tenyimi organization also said these ‘guests’ have turned against their own hosts and ‘master’, even to the extend of taking several innocent lives as well as serving quit notices to several Tenyimi villages. “Our innocent brother late Robert Gonmie and sister late Ginthailu Gonmei are but another victims of the lecherous act of the KLO/KLA of Kukis, merely just because they are Tenyimi. The TPO therefore, demand justifications from the KLO/KLA for their cowardly act in this incident” the TPO demanded.
ple, for its success. Referring to the vexed Naga political problem, Chophy said “Nagas need only one sovereignty, but there are three to four organisations, so Government of India is very happy to separate Nagas.” “Everybody is talking about peace and unity, but unless we are united violence cannot be stopped,” he said. “Last year, in this day, when we decided to make unification, we were slammed with different allegations” he claimed. Unless Nagas are united there will be no solution, he added. Continued on page 3
SENIOR NAGA LEADER SS Khaplang, “president” of the Government of the People’s Republic of Nagaland (GPRN/NSCN) used the occasion of the 1st anniversary of the “all Naga unification” to drum home the point the enduring desire of the Nagas to “concertedly expedite a final solution to the protracted Indo-Naga-Burma political imbroglio persisted” and that they remain steadfast to Naga unity. “We are to resolve to unify ourselves and rescue our cause from degenerating into the dark depths of the basset of human nature”, stated Khaplang in his message, which was read out by ‘MIP kilonser’ Alezo Venuh. Stating it to be “tremendous changes” taking place in the Naga political context, Khaplang recollected that it was on this day the 22nd of November 2007 that “unification of the Naga people materialized”, marking a significant land-mark in the political history of the Nagas. “It is the realization of the Naga people, irrespective of tribal affiliations or across artificially imposed boundaries, with a common aspiration to defend our inalienable rights as a people-nation in unity”, he stated. In a significant gesture, Khaplang using the “momentous occasion of the 1st anniversary of Naga unification inception”, appealed “upon all and sundry to forgive and forget all past happenings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ”. “In the course of our national movement, unfortunately, many people may have experienced harsh and painful moments at different stages while the national workers were executing their revolutionary
duties”, Khaplang stated. Pointing out that the “past cannot be rectified but our future can be moulded if we cultivate a collective vision in its correct perspective”. “Hence, I call upon all responsible Nagas to come forward and dispense each and every person’s respective duties and contribute constructively so that our goals are achieved”. Khaplang cautioned that Naga peoples’ unity and freedom cannot be “obstinately bartered away with individual ideology or principles” and that “peoples’ wishes and desire cannot be crucified on the altar of inhumanity”. He pointed out that the “commitment of one’s patriotism should transcend sectarian or individual interests but be focused on promoting the desire, wishes and aspiration of the general Naga people”. In this regard, he stated that the “NSCN/GPRN” was “obligated to take up the cudgels of pragmatic and constructive approaches collectively, so that the ugly past does not recur and our aspiration salvaged”. Extending greetings, and with Christmas seasons in the offing, Khaplang also took the opportunity to salute the “Nagas through whose indomitable spirit in upholding the time-tested conviction to unite, so that an era of peaceful dialogue process to the Indo-Naga-Burma political imbroglio could transpire”. He also thanked the Naga civil society , NGOs, churches, public leaders, intellectuals and the Naga public for having reposed their faith ‘upon the “NSCN/GPRN”’ and also for their support, help and prayers “which have enabled us to attain unity and towards subsequent exploration for a final solution to the vexed IndoNaga political imbroglio”. Khaplang called upon all the Nagas to rededicate to the task ahead so that “we can build and bequeath the legacy of an assured future for our upcoming generations”.
Tibetans decide to stick to “Middle Way” DHARAMSALA, NOVEMBER 22 (REUTERS): Tibetan exiles have decided to continue with the Dalai Lama’s “Middle Way” approach to China, the Tibetan government-in-exile said on Saturday. The decision came after hundreds of Tibetans met this week in Dharamsala, the seat of Tibet’s government-in-exile, to chart a course for their movement after eight rounds of official talks with Beijing failed to make any progress. The “Middle Way” approach abandoned the dream of an independent Tibet in favour of seeking greater autonomy within China through dialogue. “We will continue with the Middle Way approach, and if there is no progress within a short period we will consider other options, including independence,” Karma Choephel,
An exile Tibetan prays near the Tsangpa Monastery in Dharmsala on Saturday. (AP Photo)
speaker of the Tibet’s parliament-in-exile, told a gathering of Tibetan exiles. The exiled government’s cabinet consulted thousands of Tibetans inside Tibet before a global conclave of exiles met this week to take a stand. Analysts and many Tibetans
think the 73-year-old Dalai Lama called the meeting partly to unite the Tibetan exile movement around a common approach and prepare the way for his gradual retirement, especially if his health starts to fail. Others said the meeting would help to em-
power a political leadership to carry on the struggle. There is an acknowledgement that the Middle Way has also failed and, unhappy at lack of progress. “Our clear goal is the Middle Way approach. We always want to adopt non-violence, Samdhong Rimpoche, the prime minister of the Tibetan government-in-exile, said. “A small section of people do not agree but their views have also been heard.” Through the week, hundreds of Tibetans split into 15 groups of 40 each to brainstorm ideas before presenting their conclusions to the government-in-exile. Some groups at the meeting wanted to give China two years to resolve the Tibetan issue or face more radical protests. But an overwhelming majority said they wanted to stick to the non-violent path.
Full text on page 4
Official: RJD leaders join NPF DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 22 (MExN): Twenty RJD leaders, led by its chief TN Mannen have officially declared their joining the NPF today, in Kohima. “I have welcomed them in a function held at Kohima this morning. These leaders include 9 RJD official candidates of the 11th general election in Nagaland; three vice-presidents, four general secretaries and one state council member, president and vice president of Dimapur district unit” NPF president Dr. Shurhozelie said. The NPF said the RJD “ranked third” in the last general elections as far as total votes polled by them is concerned. “I take it to be my proud privilege to receive them into the party’s fold. This is indeed a big step forward for the party” Dr. Shurhozelie said.
Harnessing traditional healing—the Naga way I Do – Two simple
Akangjungla Longchar Dimapur | November 22
THE PRACTICE of harnessing herbal and traditional medicines and the natural treatment it offers for various ailments has led to even the World Health Organization (WHO) calling for its member states to integrate traditional medicine into their national health systems. While the role of traditional medicine in healthcare systems is something that the government must recognize and take forward, Nagas are by tradition and practice, already well accustomed to using valuable herbal plants, rare plant species for making traditional medicine. One such advocate of traditional healing is the Dimapur-based Retired NCS officer N. Imti Ao who is also a former general secretary of the Naga Council. Imtisangba, as he is popularly known, is popularizing the use of herbal medicine. While his accomplishments may not be making waves in the public’s eye, yet for close friends and well wishers, Imtisangba is now a known name when it comes to his herbal treatments for patients suffering from various ailments. N. Imti treats patients with indigestion, chronic dysentery, diabetes
N. Imti Ao (NCS. Retd) displays the herbal plant items all stored in containers and kept intact before final production. (Morung Photos)
and even some with kidney and bladder problems. “If you take my medicine, I can assure positive result; one will hardly suffer from food poisoning,” he says. Besides working as an Advocate, N. Imti is promoting herbal treatment as he believes “it is the most ancient form of treatment and even our forefathers has been practicing it without any side effect.” Hailing from Lirmen village in
Mokokchung District Imtisangba served as the Deputy Resident Commissioner of Nagaland House in New Delhi. He started taking keen interest in herbal medicine, especially inspired by his Bengali friends and other doctor friends while working together in Delhi. However, he got seriously involved in traditional medicine and cure when his late wife was diagnosed with a heart problem. “I had no option
but to create interest in medicine. I got involved in medicine because of my situation,” Imtisangba recollects. He started reading books including ‘Plants that heals’ by Dr. J. C Kurian to gain knowledge about plants and their medicinal value. Today he has a vast collection of herbal plant items at his private residence which are used to make medicines. His production are generally for own use and ‘hardly for commercial purposes though there is demand in the market.’ N Imti Ao has completed 10 years practicing herbal treatment with his ‘secret mission—to do something for someone’ and he hopes that the upcoming generation will not lose touch with the indigenous knowledge of herbal treatment but find ways to identify herbal plants, preserve it and put it to use. Interestingly as mentioned earlier, the WHO has taken a formal declaration on the role of traditional medicine in formal healthcare systems and highlighted the progress, challenges and future direction of its development. It also recognized traditional medicine as one of the resources of primary healthcare services to increase availability and affordability, as well its contributions in improving the health of those targeted in the UN’s millennium development goals.
but difficult words
Thannganing Hungyo
Shillong | November 22
“I DO.” TWO SIMPLE words. Two difficult words. Before you enter into the institution called marriage, you have to be ready, willing and able to tread the journey, is Ernest Underwood’s message from experience. Underwood, 74, counseled a group of young people at the Don Bosco Youth Centre in Shillong on Saturday afternoon, as Shirley, his wife of more than 51 years, crinkled into smiles every time her friend for life broke into good humor. Two out of three marriages in the US of A end up in divorce, and so Underwood is concerned over the only superpower taking a “great downturn in social and moral rottenness” that rottenness may go on for “four more years.” But his message was purely politics aside. Rather, it was based on the Holy Book. Dead against
gay marriages and live-in relationships, the Florida native who can be termed a staunch conservative by the liberal media, advocated that same-sex marriages do not have heaven’s consent. Neither do live-ins not consummated into matrimony. You’ve seen it for the umpteenth time on the idiot box: after a quarrel, the wife looks for sanctum in her mother’s arms and the husband slams the door shut in search of a drinking binge. Underwood advises that the agreement called marriage is not something that can be taught by the tube. His mantra: mature and responsible couples have the ability to control emotions, are independent of their parents and can make decisions, have a willingness to try and make one’s companion happy, show gratitude instead of self-pity and are able to set goals, and work toward reaching them. Continued on page 3
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Sunday 23 November 2008
The Morung Express
Call to protect, safeguard Intanki Reserve Forest
An alert soldier of the Naga army stands vigil during the “1st Anniversary of the Unification of Nagas” program organized by the “GPRN/NSCN” which was held today at Khehoi Designated Camp. (Morung Photo)
MEx File
Rengma Gaon to host Ngada festival on November 28
DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 22 (MExN): Tenyimi Union, Jalukie celebrated its 33rd Foundation Day along with the community Hall inauguration programme on November 15, 2008 at its compound. The Programme was graced by Z.M. Sekhose, president Tenyimi People Organization (TPO) as Chief Guest. While delivering his speech, he mentioned that Tenyimi are originated from a particular place called ‘Mekhrora’ in Tenyidi and 'Maikhremai' in Mao. Officially this place is known as 'Makhel' till date. He appealed all the Tenyimi to live peacefully with one another irrespective of tribes and religions because ‘we are one by blood.’ He further encouraged the Tenyimi to protect and safeguard the fertile land and its rich natural resources especially the Intanki reserved forest which God has given to the Tenyimi. In regard to this, he even appealed the Nagaland Government to protect and preserve it from any further destruction and occupation by the land mongers. “If the state Government cannot check and protect
illegal occupation and destruction of the reserved forest then it should be handed over to the land owner, the Tenyimi,” Sekhose stated. The programme was chaired by Hepuni Hraiwo Poumai while invocation was pronounced by Sazoto pastor TUBC, Jalukie Krohol, Angami president gave his presidential address followed by exhortation from Rev. Dr. Father God Fred, Vilasal. Short speeches were also given by Akhang Kamei, President Zeliangrong Baudi and Bangdi Iheilung Former Minister on the occasion. The meeting was well represented by the chairman of surrounding villages besides the Town, council members, public leaders and government officials. The Tenyimi Union office bearers, Jalukie through a release has expressed heartfelt gratitude to Z.M. Sekhose, President TPO, Keku Zeliang Vice President and P. Sani Mao, Secretary for their participation in the programme. The Chief Guest donated a sum of Rs. 10,000/- (Rupees Ten Thousand) to the union.
DAN for effective administrative system: BJP DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 22 (MExN): The State BJP while appreciating the mammoth job of elevating administrative Headquarters and establishing new ones by the DAN Government to bring about effective administrative system in all areas of Nagaland said that it is truly a step that spells pragmatism towards impartial and fructiferous governance. BJP Nagaland Head office has also represented the state party during the occasion. K. Medom Angami Vice President, BJP and T.L. Merry General Secretary (Admn) BJP in a press release said that ‘the deserving need for an administrative centre of the largely populated Englan Range, comprising of seven villages including Doyang (DHEP) which was neglected for many decades, until the inauguration of the EAC Head quarters, is a historic achievement and fulfillment of the people’s yearning towards progress and development.’ The party has acknowledged all those who made invaluable contributions towards the said achievement under the leadership of Y. Patton, the elected BJP Legislator hailing from Englan Range.
C Khel Kuda Village establishment monolith unveiled
DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 22 (MExN): The Chairman and GB of Rengma Gaon Bor Lengri, Karbi Anglong inform that it is going to host the Rengma Ngada festival on November 28 with Mongol Sing Engti, chief executive member, KAAC, as chief guest and Langki Timung, executive member, KAAC, as the guest of honor. Rengma Gaon on the occasion has invited everyone especially the Rengmas to be a part of the festival.
PMEGP Peren applicants informed DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 22 (MExN): The application forms of Prime Minster Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) issued by the NKVIB Peren District are informed to submit their application forms without project report at NKVIB (DC Office) peren on November 25 and 26, 2008 positively.
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New office bearers for 2008-09 take over ENSUG
The women of C Khel Kuda village presenting a song on the occasion of unveiling the monolith that was erected in commemorating the establishment of C Khel Kuda Village on Saturday, November 22, 2008. (Photo: Caisii Mao)
DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 22 (MExN): The Eastern Nagaland Students Union Guwahati (ENSUG) new office bearers’ for the tenure 2008-09 took over on November 15, a press release from the union informed. The new executive council for the next session is led by I Oungbou Chang as president, Chichem T Sangtam as general secretary and four other executives. The union has meanwhile expressed gratitude to the outgoing members and former office bearers’ for their selfless contribution and determination in the uplift of the union. The union has further informed all eastern Nagas to avail the services of the union anytime they are in Guwahati.
DIMAPUR,NOVEMBER22(MExN): A monolith was unveiled Saturday, November 22, 2008 by Rev. Miazielie Sakhrie, pastor Kuda Village Baptist Church (KVBC) to commemorate the establishment of C Khel Kuda Village. The erstwhile Nagarjan now Kuda Village probably one among the oldest village in Dimapur was established in the year 1941 by Rev. Pehielie Sekhose, a former headmaster of Clark Memorial Mission School, Impur who was also the first president of Kohima Village Panchayat now Kohima Village Council. Today,
HIV/AIDS, STI awareness programme held DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 22 (MExN): Turning Point Organization organized an awareness programme on HIV/AIDS, STI and Immunization, in collaboration with the District AIDS Committee (DAC), Mon on November 20, a press release from the organization informed. The main objective of the programme was to sensitize the community on HIV/AIDS, STI, its routes of transmission and preventive method and immunization for healthy lives, the release stated. Resource person, Dr. Wanau provided information on HIV/AIDS and its related issues including Tuberculosis, and the availability of services. A total of 21 participants including staff attended the program. The programme was graced by Lungheising, Sub-divisional Officer (Civil) as chief guest.
Delhi Public School celebrates “communal harmony week” DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 22 (MExN): Marking the birth anniversary of the first Indian women Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, the “communal harmony week” was celebrated across the country. Joining this, Delhi Public School, Dimapur on November 20 celebrated the same, DPS informed though a press note. A special assembly on the theme “communal harmony” was conducted by the principal. To mark the occasion more significantly, informative plays were enacted based on the theme. Speaking on the sidelines of the occasion, the school principal called on the students to raise their voices for a cause and betterment of the society and be united in peace and harmony. The programme was also marked by taking a commitment to protect the motherland and live in peace and harmony.
Rev. Miazielie Sakhrie, pastor KVBC unveiling the monolith that was erected in commemorating the establishment of C Khel Kuda Village on Saturday, November 22, 2008. Kuda village was established in 1941 by Rev. Pehielie Sekhose. (Photo: Caisii Mao)
Special inspection for local taxis underway Our Correspondent
Kohima | November 22
Kohima local taxis during special inspection in Kohima on Saturday
A SPECIAL inspection for Kohima local taxis got start here today at the Old MLA Hostel. The inspection will resume on November 24 till 28 from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM. Earlier, the Regional Transport Officer, Kohima in a release asked the local taxi operators to produce only those vehicles which are very well maintained and in very good condition. Relevant documents pertaining to registration, road permit and insurance certificate are to be produced in original at the time of inspection.
450 cattle avails Animal Health Care-cum-Vaccination
AR establishes Computer Centre at Phek Town DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 22 (MExN): As part of its on going efforts to provide necessary infrastructure to promote better educational facilities for the people of Nagaland, 33 Assam Rifles under the aegis of HQ 5 Sect AR, HQ IGAR (N) established a Computer Centre at Phek Town. The Computer Centre was inaugurated by Commandant 33 Assam Rifles at a simple and solemn function organized by Phek Town Council Phek Area Public Organization and Chakhesang Students Union on November 22, 2008. Speaking on the occasion, Commandant 33 Assam Rifles assured the people gathered that Assam Rifles will continue to undertake many such projects in the Area for the development and betterment of locals. He also exhorted the students to draw maximum benefit out of the provided facility and expressed hope that it would surely help them shape their careers towards a prosperous and better tomorrow. AR in a press release said that the locals expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Assam Rifles for the Centre.
Cattle farmers seen along with their cattle during the Animal Health Care-cum-Vaccination jointly organized by ICAR, Jharnapani & Vety Hospital Dimapur under ASCAD at Niuland Town.
DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 22 (MExN): A day long Animal Health Care-cum-Vaccination jointly organized by ICAR, Jharnapani & Vety Hospital Dimapur under ASCAD was held on November 22 at Niuland Town. The medical team included Dr. L G Zhimomi, Dr. W. R Singh, ICAR (3), Dr. Asenuo and Dr. Doren and staff of Vety Hospital Dimapur.
450 numbers of cattle, buffaloes vaccination of HS & BQ, FMD, 150 numbers of SF, 200 doses of RD, F1, Castration, treatment of various diseases and supply of free medicines to the farmers. Deputy Director, VHD in a press release informed that through mass vaccination only diseases epidemic in animals is controlled, he, therefore, request-
ed the village to contact DVO Dimapur Dy. Director, VHD to enable vaccination of animals. Meanwhile, the vaccination team has thanked Kughaho Sumi, Vice Chairman, Niuland Town for initiating the programme and contacting the neighboring village GBs to enable the Cattle farmers to avail the animal health care camp.
"Kuda Village has a proud traditional of impartial justice and maintaining law and order which create a congenial atmosphere for progress… unity and a strong feeling of peaceful co-existence," a souvenir released on the occasion stated. The Reverend Miazielie Sakhrie who was the chief guest on the occasion blessed the gathering with the "Priestly Blessing." Earlier, in the programme a brief history of the village and the elderly blessing was said by Pfürovi Khate, pastor Toulazouma Baptist Church, songs was presented by the C Khel Kuda Vil-
lage women, speeches by Zakielietuo Kire, general secretary Indian Red Cross Society, Nagaland, a report was read by Zakiesielie Yhor, secretary C Khel Kuda Village, vote of thanks was proposed by Abou Sote while Sato Khate, deacon KVBC offered invocation and Mrs. Mano Peseyie said the closing prayer. The programme was chaired by Noune Khate, chairman C Khel Kuda Village. Among others who attended the programme included Khriengulie Linyü, president Angami Public Organization, Savi Liegiese president Naga Council.
VC laments scarcity of quality students
Prof. K. Kannan, Vice Chancellor, Nagaland University (2nd from left) with the newly crowned Mr & Miss Fresher of Modern College, Kohima.
KOHIMA, NOVEMBER 22 (MExN): The Modern College, Kohima held its 11th Annual Freshers’ Social on November 22, 2008 at State Academy Hall with Prof. K. Kannan, Vice Chancellor, Nagaland University as the chief Guest and Baptist Lobo, Senior Branch Manager, Vijaya Bank, Kohima as the Guest of Honour. Prof. K. Kannan, Vice Chancellor, Nagaland University spoke to the students about the virtue of honesty and hardworking. He praised the beautiful educational environment of Nagaland but lamented the scarcity of quality students in newly established institutions. This, he says, further contributed to hamper the establishment of new technical and engineering institutions, which has become the need of an hour. Further Prof. Kannan, encourage the students to make vibrant use of indigenous educational institutions instead of opting out side the state. Baptist Lobo, Senior Branch Manager, Vijaya Bank Kohima exhorted the students about the importance of co-curriculum activities side by side with academic education. He informed about the various avenues of educational loans and incentives offered by Vijaya Bank and other Banks. The formal programme was concluded with a word of thanks by Vunghanlam, Ex- General Secretary MCSU followed by Benediction pronounced by Imtimongla, Prayer Secretary E.U, MCK. The programme
was compered by Adeno Hibo, Lecturer, Deptt. of English and Watinaro, Lecturer, Deptt. of Chemistry. Other special dignitaries included Major. Chaughan, 26 Assam Rifles & Major Pallab Choudhury, Public Relation Officer IGAR (N), Dr. Hekha Moa, the founder of the College and Madam A. Kaisa, Chairperson, Managing Board of the College. The programme started with an Invocation Prayer, by Herzhiah, General Secretary E.U, Modern College. The students of B.A.-II year welcomed the gathering with an enchanting song followed by welcome speech by Y. Oying, General Secretary MCSU. The highlight of the programme includes awards in different categories like academic, best hostel, best hosteller, Quiz, Essay Competition etc. The best academic awards was given to Mr. Pannyim Konyak, Gold Medalist of H.S.S.L.C of 2007-08 under N.B.S.E, The best professional lectures awards were given to Madam Lily Murry, Deptt. of History, Madam Abenla, Deptt. of English and Sir. Anthony, Deptt. of Political Science. Hitoka of class 11 Arts and Rishemenla of class 11 Arts, were crowned Mr. and Ms. Freshers 2008 respectively. The second session was an informal programme, which included a variety of enchanting items. The highlight of the programme includes songs, dance, drama cultural events etc. presented by students of different classes.
LOCAL
The Morung Express
Sunday
23 November 2008
Dimapur
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‘Nagas need only one Sovereignty’ STARTING LINE-UP
Your daily Meetings, Appointments, Information and Reminder column
From page 1
Speaking about factional killings, he said there has been increase in the number of Naga widows and orphans due to factional killings amongst Nagas and maintained that “unless we unify, Naga people will vanish killing each other”. He said that many hohos, organizations and NGOs are working for the unity of Nagas and to bring about a final solution. He expressed regret that killings amongst brothers are taking place under the banner of ‘Nagaland for Christ’. Keviletuo Kiewhuo, president of the Naga Hoho, said the apex Naga tribal body will display solidarity with all-out sincere effort to unify, protect, promote and uphold the rights of Nagas. He said there is a feeling of skepticism, mistrust and rumours duirng the initial stage of the formation of the outfit. However, he said that unity should have purpose and each and every identity should be respected. He also appealed to the different groups to stop hostility and the media war but give chance to peace, unity and reconciliation. Expounding on the role of the common people, Kiewhuo said people have to come together with one
voice . As long as the people are divided there is a less chance to reconcile. “If we cannot accommodate all sections of the people, reconciliation is not possible,” he reminded. He also reminded that the foremost objective will be for the people to come together as one with a common voice. Today the national workers are not the cause of division but the public with tacit support for one or the other group, are the main reason for the source of division, he said. The Naga Hoho president also made an appeal on streamlining the so-called “taxation policy” of all the Naga groups which remains the contentious ground for killings over competition for resources. “Please streamline your taxation policy,” he appealed to the leaders of the groups and that reconciliation and unification should go simultaneously. A Taku Longkumer, convener of the GBs and DBs Forum, Nagaland, who could not attend the programme in his speech, stated that “peace and unification of Nagas without discrimination of any tribes or places is the wish and desire of all Nagas.” “The GBs and DBs are highly appreciated that all groups of Naga national workers have accepted our
‘Have courage to face life’s adversities’
5 points Resolution arrived on 6th June 2007 Kohima, both in principle and in written to stop bloodshed and fratricidal killings amongst the Naga national workers groups and to maintain peace and unity amongst all. So we remind all groups to honour your own commitments,” stated the speech. The forum further appealed to all groups to revoke the quit notice, ex-communication and bans served by different groups, to eradicate intransigent and vengeance to allow peace, unity and reconciliation amongst all, to achieve the Nagas’ common goal. Rev. Dr. Wati Aier, convener of Forum for Naga Reconciliation, while expressing hope that reconciliation, unity and peace should be upheld, said “Let this become the movement of the people for Naga reconciliation, unity and peace.” He also appealed to the people to work for the future. The people have been demoralized by the past incidents of violence, he reminded. “We cannot do alone, we need support of each and everyone,” he stressed while expressing happiness that all political groups have expressed support for the reconciliation process. Dr Aier remarked “If we remain in the past, we become the slaves of the present but the past and
the future should mutually interpret the present.” In conclusion he appealed to the gathering to make the current ongoing initiative transform into a genuine people’s movement for the Naga people for reconciliation unity and peace. The secretary general of the NPMHR N. Venuh, said sincerity was the prerequisite for peace, unity and reconciliation. “Even our national workers fight for material and wealth,” he said, adding “Let’s all change our attitude and reconcile ourselves.” He appealed to all for a change of attitude and to work judiciously towards achieving the common vision for unification of land and people, for which NPMHR has consistently worked for and assuring support for any initiative towards realizing it. Imchatoba, President of the NSF, said “until we get political redemption we cannot have peace.” “At this hour, if we cannot maintain and achieve unity and reconciliation, a time will come when plenty of students will go for anti-social activities,” he cautioned. He also called upon the gathering for serious moments of retrospection. He shared that during the recent tour undertaken by the NSF to all Naga areas, the masses expressed
demands for peace and honourable solution. The younger generation needs to be given hope free from the present trend of killings, hatred, corruption, he stated. Without a just and lasting settlement, Nagas are in for a new breed of sophisticated antisocials in the society. Young people desire and want a vibrant future, he cautioned. Pohwang Konyak, advisor of ENPO said without unity and peace, solution will not come. All organization should work towards building peace and unity. Pointing out that without unity and reconciliation, Nagas are in for selfdestruction, Pohwang said unless Nagas unite, the Government of India will continue to make “dancing monkeys out of us while they harvest our division at our people’s expense”. Toshi Wungthung, general secretary of the ENPO while stating that ‘bad things’ should be avoided, advised “do not repeat the past mistakes.” He call for reformative, corrective and transformative changes if Nagas are to reconcile. Others who spoke at the occasion included Rev. Vesupra Tetseo of the NBCC and S Zalipu, president of the Western Sumi Kukami Hoho.
Armed forces officers pay homage to war heroes KOHIMA, NOVEMBER 22: (MExN): Elite Officers of the Indian Armed Forces attending the prestigious Higher Command Course at Mhow (Madhya Pradesh) reached Kohima Thursday during their tour of the North East and paid homage to the World War II heroes at the Kohima War Cemetery. This is a regular visit of the senior Officers to understand and get acquainted with the operational issues as specific to the region, but more importantly, the cultural values of the people of
the state, a release received here stated. Appreciating the way that the Cemetery has been maintained by the District Administration, the leader of the contingent, Brigadier Hemant Mahajan said that Nagaland is doing a great honour to our brave soldiers who gave the supreme sacrifice for our today, and it is for the entire country to emulate. He said that even the Indian Army is committed and has constructed a number of War Memorials across the length and breadth of the country to
honour its brave soldiers who have laid down their lives to safeguard the territorial integrity of our nation. Approximately 25 to 30 Officers and 350 to 400 soldiers become Battle Casualties every year, who deserve to be remembered and revered, forever and always by one and all. All the visiting Officers were highly impressed when DGAR (North), Brigadier Bhupinder Singh briefed them about the rich cultural heritage which is prevalent all over, in the state of Nagaland.
State Excise seize liquor
Students rendering a special number at the parting social of FA college in Mokokchung on Friday.
MOKOKCHUNG, NOVEMBER 22 (MExN): The 49th Parting Social program of the Fazl Ali College (FAC) in Mokokchung was held yesterday at the college auditorium. The Principal of the college, Kuholi Chishi, addressing the out-going students of the college encouraged them to listen
to their conscience and to have courage to face adversities in life. The program was held under the theme ‘Move on with a vision’. Special presentations and speech on behalf of the outgoing students were the other highlights of the day. The program was followed by refreshment and an entertainment session.
KOHIMA, NOVEMBER 22 (MExN): The Nagaland State Excise Kohima led by Deputy Superintendent of excise Chotingse with inspectors V. Manna, Visanyu, Venezolu, AIE Tueng Konyak and head constable Perheizetuo along with constables Visathrong, Zaselatuo, Vantok and Chingmak on November 19 detected 5400 bottles of 750ml IMFL on NH 39 from the possession of Kakuto Chishi son of Vikaho Chishi of Sasta village PO/PS VK Town under Zunheboto district and Inato Chishi son of Amento Chishi of Longmatra Town under Kiphire district.
Weather forecast from 22nd to 26th Nov 2008 Districts
Rainfall
Mon
Temp
No rainfall Normal
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-do-
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Tuensang
-do-
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Zunheboto
-do-
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Phek
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Wokha
-do-
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Kohima
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Dimapur
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Agro advisories for the farmers • Farmers are advised to spray 1% urea solution in Tomato and Onion for good growth. • Spraying of need based fungicide and pesticide if the incidence of pest and diseases exceeds threshold level of crops. • Ensure good crop stands of already sown crops by taking proper soil moisture conservation practices. • Relative humidity ranging from 50-90% is highly
Cloud cover
Partly cloudy sky on 22nd Nov Partly cloudy sky on 22nd Nov Partly cloudy sky on 22nd & 26th Nov Partly cloudy sky on 22nd Nov Partly cloudy sky on 22nd Nov Partly cloudy sky on 22nd Nov Partly cloudy sky on 22nd Nov Partly cloudy sky on 22nd Nov
Relative humidity Max% Min% 91
50
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47
3-4
96
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92
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93
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Southernly to Easternly South to easternly Southernly to southeasternly Northeasternly to easternly Easternly
favorable for most of the diseases. Therefore proper sanitation should be maintained, remove the infested leafs and burn it. • In onion and garlic, irrigation should be stopped three weeks before harvesting to ensure better keeping quality. Delay in harvesting of onion and garlic reduces their storage quality. • Excessive irrigation and fertilization causes hollowheart in potato. Imtisenla Walling Agro met Field Unit ICAR, Medziphema
GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND
OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF PRISONS NAGALAND: KOHIMA
Memo No. PRI/HQ/Ration-31/2008
Wind speed Wind direction km/hr
Dated Kma, the 22nd Nov’ 2008
TENDERS NOTICE Sealed tenders are hereby invited for supply of Ration and Allied articles for various groups to Jail in Nagaland during 2009-2010. Last date is fixed on 27.11. 2008 for submission of the tenders and the tenders will be opened on the same day at 2:00 PM. Tender documents may be collected from the office of the Prison Headquarter during office hours from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM on payment of Rs. 150. Sd/O. Alem, IPS Director General of Prisons, Nagaland; Kohima.
Southernly to easternly Southeasternly
DIMAPUR
The District Excise enforcement personnel under the command of Inspector of Excise, S Chanlei and Kevito conducted surprise checking at booze joints at Supermarket area, opposite Circuit House of Dimapur, and seized a total of 23 bottles of rum and beer and 77 liters of country liquor, Zu and Rohi. In this connection, 11 accused persons were arrested and panelized as per NE Act 1967 and NLTP Act 1989. The arrested persons were identified as Rina, Atoli, Poja Behari, Asha, Monamoti, Sa-
toli, Ali Sangtam, Vinili, Zohili, Kihoi and Gurung. “It is to be stated that the raids was conducted basing on xcomplaints received from several quarters that this booze joints has been creating nuisance in the area which is located just opposite the Circuit House where many tourist and VVIP frequently visits. The department contemplates to conduct such raids from time to time even in the near future,” stated Pitongse Sangtam, Superintendent of Excise and Prohibition, Dimapur in a press note.
NCSU invites registration
DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 22 (MExN): The Nagaland Contractors & Suppliers Union (NCSU) has informed for the benefit of interested persons, or groups, that they may register their names with the NCSU “with effect from November 24.” Also inviting the class-I contractors who had not registered their names with the union, the NCSU encouraged them to register “during the stipulated time.” The Union further reminded the present NCSU cardholders regarding the re-
newal of their identity cards at “the period of opening.” Meanwhile, the NCSU has requested all heads of department to check and verify the NCSU cardholders before awarding them contract and supply works on any opened tender. “Non-compliance with the government memorandum by any official will be doing so at his/her own risk,” the NCSU cautioned, adding that any such irregularities detected by the NCASU members would entail legal action “taken against those responsible.”
NAGALAND HANDLOOM & HANDICRAFT DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION LTD, DIMAPUR
You are cordially invite d to the
District Level Event Ngada Festival Exhibition – Cum - Sale To be inaugurated by: Shri.Wezope Kenye Additional Deputy Commissioner,
Tseminyu On 24th Nov. 2008 at 10:30 A.M At Tseminyu Town, Nagaland.
Sponsored by : Development Commissioner for Handloom Ministry of Textiles, Govt.of India, New Delhi. R.S.V.P 03862-224591/ 230130/
Smt.N.HUSHILI SEMA Managing Director
I Do – Two simple but difficult words
PSUD emergency meeting today
Poumai Students’ Union Dimapur has convened an emergency meeting on November 23 at 1:00 pm at 5th mile Poumai Baptist Church Community Model Village. All executive and senior leaders are requested to attend the meeting without fail. TYA Kohima emergency meeting today
The Thuvopisumi Youth Association Kohima will hold an emergency meeting on November 23 at 1:00 pm at the residence of TseibouKhesohnearKitsubozouPanchayatHall.Allmembersof the Association are requested to attend the meeting compulsorily and further noted that any member found absent in the meeting shall be seriously viewed and may invite disciplinary action.
Combined fellowship service at CBCD DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 22 (MExN): The Baptist Youth Fellowship Dimapur combined service will be held on November 23 at the Chakhesang Baptist Church, Dimapur, Chakhesang colony at 3:00 pm. The youth department of CBCD invites and warmly welcomes everyone to this fellowship and be a part of the fellowship.
STKK prayer fellowship KOHIMA, NOVEMBER 22 (MExN): The Suruhuto Tokukujo Kuqhakulu Kohima Prayer Fellowship will be held on November 24 at 4:30 pm in the residence of its banker Er. Vetokhu Sumi. All office bearers, executive members, advisor and elders of STKK have been requested to make it convenient to attend the fellowship.
KDPA informs on inauguration
From page 1
And according to the Word, only three kinds of persons can take the vows: those who have never been married – to one who is eligible to marry, those whose companion has died, and the innocent person in a marriage that has been destroyed by the unfaithfulness of the other partner. So Underwood’s underlying connotation is not to have mistaken views of the marriage vows – do not marry for money or social standing, for sexual gratification, or for the wrong notion that it is the union of two angels (which ultimately brings disappointment). The pre-conceived thought that the marriage will not work because it is the joining of two imperfect persons also has to be discarded.
KOHIMA, NOVEMBER 22 (MExN): The inauguration of Kohima District Pensioners’ Association (KDPA) Rest House will be held on November 25 at 10:00 am with MLA Dr. Neikesalie Nicky Kire, Chairman of Nagaland Khadi & Village Industries Board, as the chief guest at One mile Ladies Road, Kohima. All pensioners are to attend the same positively, a notification from the Association read.
Mokokchung youth festival held DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 22 (MExN): The Mokokchung district youth festival was held on November 21 at sports hall Mokokchung. District sports officer, Mokokchung informed this in a release, further informing that the following music groups and individuals are selected to represent the district at the forthcoming state level youth festival to be held in Kohima from December 16 to 17 next in the following disciplines. 1. Folk dance- Watemtong Cultural Club Mkg, 2. Folk song- Aongruju Association Mepongchuket, 3. Guitar recital- Senti, and 4. Elocution- Nekme.
DBCPF condemns DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 22 (MExN): The Diphupar Baptist Churches Pastors’ Fellowship (DBCPF) has condemned and expressed concern over ‘the uncivilized act’ of robbing Executive Secretary, CBCC Pastor and Deacon at Diphupar Village on October 31. R. L Tsory, Chairperson DBCPF Dimapur in a press release has urged ‘not to create such crimes to God’s servants and mankind.’
GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND
OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER: NAGALAND: KOHIMA (C.A.W.D)
NO.CAWD/HUDCO/2008-09 (KPE)
DT.KOHIMA, THE 21ST NOV ‘08
SHORT NOTICE INVITING TENDER Sealed Tenders in F-2 Forms of Public Works Department, Nagaland are hereby invited on behalf of the Governor of Nagaland from the reputed and approved Registered Class-I Contractors of Nagaland PWD/CPWD/MES for the following works on percentage basis above/below the Scheduled of Rate, 2008 NPWD and the same will be received in the office of the Executive Engineer (CAWD) Commissioner’s Office, Kohima, Nagaland up to 1:00 PM on 28/11/2008 and open on the same day at 2:00 PM in presence of the intending tenderers. The item rates will be quoted above/below the Nagaland PWD building Schedule of rate 2008 Kiphire area. (Rs. in lakhs) Sl. No
1
NAME OF WORK
TENDER AMOUNT
EARNEST MONEY
TIME
TRIBAL NON-TRIBAL
Construction of G.A Rest Rs 1,22,10,054/- 1% House at Pungro in Kiphire
2%
24 (twenty four) months
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1. The earnest money shall be in the form of DAC in favour of the Executive Engineer (CADW) Commissioner’s Office, Nagaland, Kohima from any Nationalized Bank. No Tenders shall be considered without the required earnest money and Court Fee Stamps (non-schedule) worth of Rs 7.50 (Rupees Seven and fifty paisa) only. 2. Tender document consisting of the detailed drawing and specifications of work may be obtained on payment of Rs 4000/- (Rupees four thousand) only in cash/Postal Order (non-refundable) from the Executive Engineer (CAWD) Commissioner’s Office, Kohima during office hours in any working day from 24/11/2008 to 28/11/2008. 3. The tenderers should have sound technical knowledge and experiences with financial capabilities. 4. Tender documents shall be issued to the qualified Contractors only on producing the above required document. Tender papers once sold to one should not be transferred to others. 5. All works shall have to be carry out as per specifications contained in the approved estimate/project and materials for the works should be as per the NPWD Specification. 6. No Tools & Plants, machineries shall normally be supplied by the department. 7. All the materials will have to be arranged by the contractors from their own resources. 8. The contract work must not be sub-let without the permission of the competent authority. 9. Nagaland Sales Tax and Work Tax will be applicable as per the Government directive/notification. 10. Any conditions given by the Tenderers shall not be acceptable and shall be liable for rejection without assigning any reason. 11. If any information furnished by the Tender is found incorrect at the later stage, he shall be liable to disbarred from tendering/taking up work in the department. The department reserves the right to verify the particulars furnishing by the tender independently. 12. The Department reserves the right to reject any or all the tenders without assigning any reason. Acceptance of the lowest tender is not obligatory. (Er. VEKHO SWURO) Executive Engineer (CAWD) Office of the Commissioner, Nagaland: Kohima
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BUSINESS/PUBLICDISCOURSE
23 November 2008
Patel asks airlines to cut fares; Jet says only when profitable
A farmer cuts paddy crop in Panwara village, about 60 kilometers north of Allahabad, Saturday, November 22. Indian finance minister Tuesday said that agriculture continues to grow at a robust pace and forecasted a bumper winter crop this year with record planting. (AP Photo)
Yashwant Sinha calls Chidambaram ‘conceited’
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NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 22 (PTI): The war of words between UPA government and the main Opposition BJP over the economic situation today saw BJP leader Yashwant Sinha calling Finance Minister P Chidambaram a “conceited person” for labelling L K Advani “our own John McCain”. “I think this kind of facetious and casual statement could only have come from a conceited person like Mr Chidambaram. I don’t think he has the stature to make a remark about the meeting that Advaniji called,” Sinha, a former finance minister, said to news channel. Advani, Leader of Opposition and BJP’s Prime Ministerial candidate, had called a meeting of 15 top captains of Indian industry on Thursday to discuss the issues plaguing the Indian economy in the wake of the global meltdown. Reacting to this move by Advani, Chidambaram had said, “I think Mr Advani is our own John McCain (Republican candidate for US Presidential elections). If he wants to instruct himself on the matters relating to economics and business, why should one grudge it.” McCain had drawn flak during the US Presidential campaign for his lack of knowledge on economics.
NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 22 (PTI): Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel on Saturday asked air carriers including, Jet Airways and Kingfisher Airlines, to cut fares in response to the government’s support to the industry, though Jet said it would do so only after becoming profitable. “Perceptionally, the government is trying to help you (aviation industry) to tide over the situation...It has taken the onus to help you. Now with the fuel prices coming down, you must match the perception that fares are coming down,” Patel said while addressing the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit. He said the government also has a responsibility towards people and if there were no reciprocal gestures from the airlines to the steps taken by it to support them, it would fail in public eyes. Responding to the call
by the minister, Jet Airways Chairman Naresh Goyal said: “We have a responsibility to our shareholders, we need to protect our bottomline. I certainly would not like to close down the company. “We will do whatever the government wants us to do, provided we are profitable.” The Ministry had brokered a deal in October between carriers, who were reeling under heavy aviation turbine fuel costs, and oil marketing PSUs to extend credit period and clear dues amounting about Rs 3,000 crore by March next year. Patel, when queried if he would ask state-owned carrier Air India to cut prices, said: “We have never dictated what Air India (AI) should do in terms of pricing or routes or capacity, but AI as a responsible government carrier will also understand that if the oil prices are coming down so should the fares.”
Intellectuals, countrymen and comrades At the outset, I thank our Almighty Lord for sustaining the ‘All Naga Unification’ (ANU) course thus far. On the occasion of the first anniversary of ANU and with Christmas seasons in the offing, I convey my best wishes and warmest greetings to you all. I take this opportunity to salute the Nagas through whose indomitable spirit in upholding the time tested conviction to unite, so that an era of peaceful dialogue process to the Indo-Naga-Burma political imbroglio could transpire. On this auspicious occasion, I also thank the Naga Civil Societies, NGOs, Churches, Public leaders, intellectuals and general Naga public for having reposed their faith upon the NSCN/GPRN; their tireless support, help and ceaseless prayers which have enabled us to attain unity and towards subsequent exploration for a final solution to the vexed Indo-Naga political imbroglio. The Naga people have traversed across various unfortunate hurdles in the course of its national struggle, hitherto. But by the Grace of God, a milestone achievement took place in the history of the Naga national move-
ment with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the NSCN and the NNC/FGN, in April 1997. Following this event killing in between halted. Today, bloodshed has become a ‘once upon a time’ subject between us (NSCN and NNC/FGN). Though our nomenclatures differ, we remain committed to peace, and respect our brother-hood. Today, tremendous changes have taken place in the Naga political context. The endured desire of the Nagas to concertedly expedite a final solution to the protracted Indo-NagaBurma political imbroglio persisted. It was on this day the 22nd November 2007 that unification of all the Naga people materialized, marking a significant land-mark in the political history of the Nagas. It is the realization of the Naga people, irrespective of tribal affiliations or across artificially imposed boundaries, with a common aspiration to defend our inalienable rights as a people-nation in unity. In the course of our national movement, unfortunately, many people may have experienced harsh and painful moments at different stages while the national workers were executing their revolutionary duties. On this momentous occasion of the 1st anniversary of Naga unification inception, I appeal upon all and sundry to forgive and forget all past happenings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. The past cannot be rectified but our future can be moulded if we cultivate a collective vision in its correct perspective. Hence, I call upon all responsible Nagas to come forward and dispense each and every person’s respective duties and contribute constructively so that our goals are achieved. We have to openly identify
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NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 22 (AGENCIES): Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday said the India growth story would continue despite the pulls and pressures of the global economic crisis. In a speech, delivered at an event organised by a media group in the Capital, the PM expressed confidence that “despite the adverse international environment”, India had the ability to “sustain a growth rate of 8%”. He also emphasised that the government would use all possible measures to keep up growth and development and reassured Industry that government would do its best to promote entrepreneurship, especially in the SME sector. “No instrument of public policy will be spared—fiscal, monetary, exchange rate or public investment will all be deployed to ensure an environment conducive to growth and entrepreneurship,” Mr Singh said. Talking of spending on developmental schemes, he said the government had factored in the global financial condition even while framing the budget. In this context, he talked of spending on social schemes
and isolate destructive and obstructive elements and their views which are up against Naga people’s reconciliation and unification. We have to pronounce a spade as a spade without any reservations. The Nagas can not be shackled to the yoke of uncompromising philosophies or principles; used as guinea-pigs according to their (reactionary) whims or egotism. The Nagas are today determined to emancipate ourselves from the vortex of fratricides, threats and intimidations by uniting and pursuing our aspiration against all odds. The present outcry of Naga people (Civil Societies, NGOs, Churches, Public leaders, intellectuals, etc.) in one voice to reconcile and unite amongst brethrens has been clearly demonstrated through tireless mediations for peace and reconciliation meets as well as friendly football matches organized with hopes for peace to dawn. But to the dismay of one and all, with every peace and unity initiative organized by the Nagas, the Quakers from Great Britain and Canada, the American Baptist Churches or well-wishers, Mr.Th. Muivah and his stooges have been callously reciprocating good-will gestures with aggressive and provocative killings, for reasons best known to the former and Heaven above. Accepting the fact, Muivah’s talks with the GoI for more than a decade has yielded no results except drained and suffocated the economy of the Nagas. His failure can be attributed to orchestrated mandate and consensus of the Nagas, misrepresenting the true spirit, desire and wish of the people in concern. There prevail elements that are out to exploit the situation of Naga unifica-
such as the NREGA, benefits for farmers, expansion of the public sector and infrastructure projects. However, he repeatedly cautioned that the “world was in a deep crisis”. He also underlined that it was crisis “made elsewhere” and said that given the interdependence of world economies, India too was “in the same boat”. Referring to the recent G20 Summit in Washington on the global economic crisis, which he attended at the invitation of US President George Bush, Mr Singh said his message there was that “the voice of the developing world must be heard in the high councils of global decision-making”. Interweaving the global economic crisis, its impact on India and domestic politics, Mr Singh also asserted that these difficult times required a “coming together” of people. “Competitive politics must not be allowed to divide our people on the basis of religion, caste or region. At home and globally we seek an inclusive growth process.... No nation is an island unto itself,” Mr Singh said. In the context of the current debate on terrorism in the country, Mr Singh
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tion process for their selfish ends, for which we are to remain precautious and aware. The antagonist forces have been all out trying to fracture the Naga unification but in vain. The Naga peoples’ unity and freedom can not be obstinately bartered away with individual ideology or principles. The peoples’ wishes and desire can not be crucified on the altar of inhumanity. The commitment of one’s patriotism should transcend across sectarian or individual interests and focused on promoting the desire, wishes and aspiration of the general Naga people. Today we are anchored at the cross-road where acknowledgement of the ground reality has become indispensable. As the Holy Scriptures also brings to light that similar to a paddy field, where paddy is grown, tares crops up. Accordingly, in every human society there exist few opposing views against the mass majority of people. But, we should not be discouraged by negative espousers. In every sincere endeavour aimed for the welfare, peaceful co-existence and lasting solution, despite obstacles, the truth will ultimately reign. We are obligated to take up the cudgels of pragmatic and constructive approaches collectively, so that the ugly past does not recur and our aspiration salvaged. We are to resolve to unify ourselves and rescue our cause from degenerating into the dark depths of the basset of human nature. Last but not the least, I call upon all the Nagas to rededicate ourselves to the task ahead so that we can build and bequeath the legacy of an assured future for our upcoming generations. KUKNALIM S.S. Khaplang, President GPRN/NSCN
DAILY CROSS WORD
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India to grow at 8%, says confident PM
“The past cannot be rectified but our future can be moulded”
The Naga Hoho and its constituent Apex Tribal bodies, Eastern Naga Peoples Organization (ENPO), Churches, All Nagaland G.Bs and Dubashis Joint Forum, Naga Mother’s Association (NMA), Naga Students Federation (NSF), Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), Eastern Naga Students Federation (ENSF), Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR), Dignitaries, Naga Public Leaders, Bureaucrats,
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Nowadays Often Overweight People Possible Problems Really Recently Starving Tall Thought Tomatoes Vegetables Warns Weighed
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SUDOKU
The Morung Express
CROSSWORD # 1160
The Morung Express number game
Sudoku # 1143
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
said that “extremist ideologies, political or economic” had harmful consequences. However, he did not venture into outright political speechmaking, choosing not to name opponents or individuals such as MNS’ Raj Thackeray at whom the reference on “competitive politics” might have been directed.
Prices of petrol, diesel should come down: Congress NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 21 (AGENCIES): With crude oil prices falling below USD 50 per barrel, the Congress on Friday said that the prices of petrol and diesel should come down along with the prices of other commodities. “We want the prices of petroleum and other commodities to come down,” Congress spokesman Shakeel Ahmed said. He, however, refused to demand a cut in the prices from the government. Even as the crude oil price has been falling in the international market, Ahmed said that the government has to balance out between the falling value of the rupee and the oil price fall. “Both the factors should be considered by the government,” the spokesman said, adding, that the party hoped a decision to this effect would be taken soon. Party sources, however, said that no reduction is possible in the midst of assembly elections as it violates the model code of conduct. “It could be possible only after December 4 when the elections end,” said a party source.
Maruti to roll out India car in FY11 KOLKATA, NOVEMBER 22 (AGENCIES): Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger carmaker, will unveil its first `Made in India’ compact car in 201011. A battery Maruti A-Star More pics of Maruti A-Star of engineers and technocrats at the company’s R&D centre in Gurgaon are working round the clock on the design and associated specifics of this fully-indigenised passenger car from the Maruti stable. The company is in the process of hiring 1,000 engineers more to hasten the design process of this new vehicle. “We will launch the compact car by 2010-11, which will be fully made in India. Engineers at the R&D centre are working nights. We are also coordinating with key vendors,” Maruti’s managing executive officer (production) MM Singh told ET. While Maruti Suzuki is working overtime to launch its new compact car, it has gone for a 5% acrossthe-board cut in production costs for all its cars to tide over the economic meltdown and maintain the 2.5% growth it witnessed in the first half of FY09. At present, the company’s Gurgaon works can manufacture 7 lakh cars while the Manesar plant rolls out another 2.4 lakh cars every year. Along with this initiative, the company is also partnering with vendors to bring down supplier costs significantly.
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 #1142
ACROSS 1. Deduct (8) 5. Necessity (4) 7. Ladder-step (4) 8. Trickster (8) 9. Circus tent (3,3) 12. Joy - - -’ Born Free author (7) 15. Where the Flinstones live! (7) 19. Celestial body (6) 21. Schooling (8) 22. Singer, - - - Stansfield (4) 23. Crave (4) 24. Habitual loafer (8)
DOWN 1. Flashing light (6) 2. Close-fitting (5) 3 Greek who wrote fables (5) 4. Laboured (6) 5. Spiritualist (6) 6. Sikh’s head-dress (6) 10. Precious metal (4) 11. Pemod-iike Greek drink (4) 12. Invite (3) 13. Blue dye (4) 14. Pelt (4) 15. Confer (6) 16. Oppose (6) 17. Moonlighting actress, - -Shepherd (6) 18. Narrow water passage (6) 19. Famous Muppets ‘Miss’! (5) 20. Improvise (2-3)
Answers to CROSSWORD #1159 Across: 1. Gathers, 5. Opec, 9. Dallas, 10. Serum, 12. Evoke, 13. Utensil, 14. Honest; 16. Gaelic, 19. Dutiful, 21. Pecan, 23. Cross, 24. Glider, 25. Luke, 26. Lecture. Down:2. Alamo, 3. Hotness, 4. Rescue, 6. Parasol, 7. Complacent, 8.Isle, 11. Methodical, I5. Network, 17. Appoint, 18. Plague, 20. Fuss, 22. Clear.
CAR MODEL
PRICE
SPARK 1.0 BASE
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SPARK 1.0 PS
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SPARK 1.0 LS
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SPARK 1.0 LT
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401,753
U-VA 1.2 LS
444,299
U-VA 1.2 LT
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TAVERA 2.5 SSD1 7S (C) BS3
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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) 47.60 71.40 5.90 490.00 12.25 30.60 134.30 12.75 59.70
SELL(Rs) 50.90 76.90 6.60 524.00 14.30 34.10 145.80 14.00 63.95
Sunday
REGIONAL
The Morung Express
23 November 2008
Dimapur
Govt moves to curb influx GUWAHATI, NOVEMBER 22(THE TELEGRAPH): Dispur today announced a slew of measures to stem the flow of illegal immigrants into the state. The move comes in the wake of a renewed attack on the government for its alleged weak-kneed approach towards resolving the illegal migrants’ issue, which, according to its detractors, has allowed jihadi elements to bare their fangs in the state as was evident from the October 30 serial blasts. It also comes days after a review of the border areas by officials of the home and external affairs ministries on November 17 and 18 in Guwahati and Karimganj. Chief minister Tarun Gogoi said two detention camps to hold those who have been declared foreigners by the tribunals would be set up in Mancachar in Dhubri district and Mahisashan in Karimganj district, which share their borders with Bangladesh.
The chief minister said people taken into custody and pushed back entering the state from Bangladesh with the help of the BSF and BDR would henceforth be required to sub- but in most cases, those declared mit their local address, photographs foreigners do the vanishing act and and provide fingerprints at the those pushed back also return and checkpoints. He also said two bat- stay in a new place. These detention talions of the India Reserve Battalion camps would to a large extent check would be deployed along the border disappearance of such foreigners but to supplethis is by no ment the means the Detention camps to monitor BSF as ultimate the sec- ‘aliens’, IRB men to be deployed; solution,” ond line an official o f d e - extortion angle in Barpeta blast explained. fence. He said the Gogoi mooted fencing along the Centre has given its approval on the Bhutan and Myanmar borders. The matter, as the ground situation in detention camps would not only help Assam is different from elsewhere in keep track of those declared foreign- the country. ers but also check influx along with Revealing that there were reports intensified measures to fence the As- of Ulfa carrying out similar blasts in sam-Bangladesh border. “At present, the state, Gogoi said investigations an alien is given seven days’ time by had identified all the persons directthe foreigners’ tribunal to leave the ly involved in the serial blasts except country. If they don’t leave, they are in Kokrajhar. “Most of them are
M’laya flexes muscle on Assam boundary SHILLONG, NOVEMBER 22 (PTI): The tug-of-war between Assam and Meghalaya over the disputed Langpih area has intensified, with the latter announcing the setting up of a police outpost in the area along the boundary. Though officials of both the states had decided two days ago to maintain status quo on the boundary, Meghalaya Home Minister H S Lyngdoh made a U-turn, saying the government would go ahead with its plans to set up a police outpost at Langpih, located on the borders of Assam's Kamrup district and Meghalaya's West Khasi Hills district. "We will set up outpost there (Langpih) with two platoons of police personnel for the security of the local people of Meghalaya," Lyngdoh told reporters here last night. During the chief-secretarial meeting on Thursday, Assam had ruled out the possibility of allowing Meghalaya to set up a police outpost at Langpih. Assam has a police out-
post at Langpih, while Meghalaya has one at Lejadubi, about 1.5 km from there. "Once a 5 km road to Langpih from Ktiehthawiar is completed, the temporary outpost from Lejadubi would be shifted to Langpih," Lyngdoh, who had informed the assembly recently about the decision to set up the outpost, said. He claimed that Assam had encroached the area over two decades back and was pushing settlers to the state. Langpih shot to limelight in May, when Assam laid foundation stones of some office quarters there, prompting protests from Meghalaya. Chief ministers of both the states then set up a coordination committee to resolve the dispute. There are 12 areas of difference between the two states. Assam stakes claim over the areas based on the Y V Chandrachur committee report, 1988, while Meghalaya says the areas belong to it as per the provisions of the Sixth Schedule.
NDFB cadres and some are actively involved”, he said. He, however, did not say how many Ulfa cadres were involved. He also said that since the blasts were suspected to have been masterminded in Bangladesh, the Centre would have to take up the matter with Dhaka. He said the ceasefire with the NDFB would be reviewed and there would be strict enforcement of ground rules. Gogoi ruled out any truck with the AUDF in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections, as there was no place for “divisive politics” in the state. He asserted that things were returning to normal after the recent Udalguri riots and the October 30 serial blasts. However, Gogoi said the riot-affected people who continue to be in a state of fear are being rehabilitated while security in the vulnerable areas have been beefed up by the administration.
Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuva Chatra Parishad, TEZPUR Unit burn the effigy of Prime Minster of India Manmohan Singh in Tezpur, Assam on November 22 protesting against the Center’s decision to scrap 4-lane National Highway from Nagaon to Dibrugarh. Photo: UB Photos.
Another journalist shot dead Newmai News Network Guwahati | November 22
TWO MOTORCYCLE borne unidentified gunmen shot a journalist dead on Saturday afternoon at Lower Assam’s Kokrajhar district. The deceased— Jagajit Saikia (30) has been working as the Kokrajhar district correspondent of a popular Assamese news daily Amar Asom. Police said that Saikia was talking to some people outside his office located in Kokrajhar town in the afternoon when the unidentified militants came and shot six bullets at him from a very close range. “Although we rushed him to the nearby hospital immediately, the doctors declared him as brought dead,” said an eyewitness of the incident while adding that the miscreants flee the place immediately after the incident. “The miscreants were unidentified and we have stepped up the security in and around the area. Search is also on to trace the culprits,” said police who have not been able to establish any motive behind the incident. Kokrajhar district has been witnessing a spate in killings since January last. The local people blame it on the clash between the two militant outfits—the Bodo Liberation Tigers (a defunct outfit now), who is running the
Media fraternity condemns Manipur scribe’s murder
NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 22(PTI): National media organisations have condemned the ghastly killing of a budding journalist of Imphal Free Press, an English daily published in Manipur. The Editors Guild of India in a memorandum submitted to the Prime Minister on Friday said if necessary, a CBI inquiry should be instituted into the killing of Konsam Rishikanta Singh, a junior sub-editor of the daily. In the memorandum, Guild President Rajdeep Sardesai demanded adequate security cover for all journalists working in the strife-torn state of the North-East. Indian Federation of Working Journalist while condemning the killing of the 22-year-old journalist said the government should provide 'risk insurance cover' to all journalists and demanded adequate monetary compensation to the family of the deceased.
The Delhi Journalist Association said it will take up the issue with the Union Ministry and the National Human Rights Commission. It also said a petition will be filed with the Chief Justice of India in connection with the incident. Rishikanta was gunned down on November 17 at Langol in Manipur's Imphal West district. Following Rishikanta's killing, all newspapers published in the state under the All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) have ceased their publications demanding a judicial inquiry into the incident and immediate arrest of the perpetrators. In a representation submitted to the state Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, AMWJU said the newspapers will continue to be off the stands till the demands are met. Rishikanta is the fifth scribe gunned down in the state by unidentified persons who are yet to be brought to book.
Bodo autonomous council in four Bodo dominated areas and the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) On Monday, unidentified assail-
ants shot dead K Rishikanta Sing (22), a sub-editor working for the Imphal Free Press, an English daily published from Manipur’s capital Imphal.
Citizens appeal to nameless bank
Newmai News Network Aizawl | November 22
A FORUM of collectors and depositors of Mizoram fake bank locally known as Chiahpuam or ‘nameless bank’ has appealed the profiteers of the bank to return the interest made from the controversial bank to the police. Large number of people in Mizoram had deposited their money in the Chiahpuam bank or ‘nameless bank’ in the recent past because of the big interest rate the bank had paid back. However, after huge numView of Agriculture Department stall at Assam Pavilion, IITF-2008, Pragati Maidan, New ber of people had deposited Delhi on November 22. (UB Photos)
Opposition parties demand dismissal of Assam Govt. GUWAHATI, NOVEMBER 22 (PTI): Opposition parties in Assam, led by Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), on Saturday staged a sit-in in front of Raj Bhawan here demanding the dismissal of the Congress government for its alleged failure in preventing the October 30 blasts here that claimed 88 lives. Besides AGP, other parties which participated in the three-hour demonstration include BJP, ASDC, BPPF and SP. Speaking on the occasion, AGP president Chandramohan Patowary said the Congress government has no moral right to continue in office after the devastating blasts. “It is nearly a month now
but the state government is yet to come out with specific details on who is actually involved in the blasts,” he added. BJP state unit president Ramen Deka alleged the state government was trying to mislead the people about the role of the jehadis in the blast in a bid to play vote-bank politics. The ruling Congress government’s role in tackling terrorism and fundamentalism in Assam has threatened the unity and integrity of the country, he alleged. The parties demanded the dismissal of the Tarun Gogoi government for failing to fight militancy and fundamentalism and protect life and property of the people.
their money in the bank, the people behind the show had disappeared. However, Mizoram police managed to arrest the persons behind this bank. The police also arrested the kingpin of the bank in Assam few days ago. Altogether 28 persons have been arrested so far in this regard. The forum formed by the depositors and collectors of this bank today said that the people profited from this bank should now return the interest gained from the ‘show’. The money should be deposited to the police for the safety measure. With the appeal made by the forum, so far Rs 5 lakh and 23
responses to DoT by December 8. Both infrastructure and telecom service providers will get subsidy from the Universal Service Obligation (USO) Fund. Recently, a scheme was launched by the USO Fund to provide subsidy support for setting up and managing around 8,000 towers across rural India. The USO Fund is a subsidy meant for operators going into rural areas. So far, private players have mainly focused on urban areas, but
thousand have been returned so far to the police by the people profited from the bank. The drive of the forum is a step to give back the money to the people who had incurred huge loss as they had fallen victims to this fake bank. The police have also, so far recovered/seized Rs 42 lakh 55 thousand and three hundred forty till date. Over 15533 FIRs have been filed against this fake bank by the depositors so far. The depositors forum has asked the police and the government to take drastic and extreme steps against the culprits of the episode.
Assam: Powerful bomb recovered RANGIYA (ASSAM), NOVEMBER 22 (AGENCIES): A major disaster was averted in Assam on Saturday with the recovery of a powerful plastic bomb near Rangiya wholesale market on the eve of the bi-weekly market in Kamrup (rural) district. An anonymous caller rang up the Army’s 107 engineering regiment around 6:30 am saying that a bomb was planted in the market, defence sources said. A search operation was launched by the Army with the help of police and the improvised explosive devise was recovered from inside a water pipe near the storeroom of the water resource department, Borolia division adjacent to the market, the sources said. The bomb was targeted at tomorrow’s market where thousands of buyers and sellers converge from the district and neighbouring Baksa district, besides bordering areas of Bhutan, they said, adding the bomb was later defused. Buyers and sellers trade grocery items, clothes and vegetables at the bi-weekly market. A bomb had exploded in the market on January 26 last year killing one person and injuring 11 others.
Legendary freedom fighter passes away in Assam MORIGAON, NOVEMBER 22 (PTI): A living legend of the freedom movement who had derailed a British army train in 1942 scripting history for posterity, Bhogram Deka, died today in Assam’s Morigaon district. He was 98 and is survived by three sons and a daughter. The last of the volunteers of the Congress’ legendary ‘Mritu Bahini’ in Morigaon which he formed in 1942 he was honoured with the Tamra Patra, passed away at his home in Monoha, his family said. The Congress leader formed the Bahini along with 12 volunteers and derailed a train carrying British army personnel at Panikhaiti near Guwahati in 1942. The Panikhaiti incident had prompted eminent Assamese author Dr Birendra Kumar Bhattacharya to write a Gyanpith award winning novel ‘Mritunjay’ in 1972.
Seven militants killed in Manipur MAYANG, NOVEMBER 22 (AGENCIES): Seven militants have been killed in three separate encounters with security forces in two districts of Manipur on Saturday, official sources said. A combined team of police commandos and Maratha Light Infantry personnel gunned down two militants at Mayang Imphal Charoibung area in Imphal West district. In another incident, police commandos and Assam Rifles personnel of 23rd Battalion during a combing operation shot dead three militants at Lamlia area in Imphal East district, the sources said. In another encounter, two militants were killed by security personnel at about 8:00 am at Leimapan area in Imphal East district. The sources said two 9 mm pistols and one M-16 rifle were found from Mayang Imphal and Lamlia areas respectively.
Rahul Gandhi launches campaign for Congress in Mizoram
AIZAWL, NOVEMBER 21 (AGENCIES): Congress party general secretary Rahul Gandhi Friday accused the Mizo National Front (MNF) government of siphoning off central projects funds in Mizoram. ‘The MNF-led Mizoram government misutilised millions of central funds meant for various schemes and projects, including NREGA (National Rural Employment Guarantee Act), water supply besides central assistance for controlling rodents,’ Gandhi said. Gandhi was on a daylong visit to the poll-bound northeastern state of Mizoram and addressed three public rallies in capital Aizawl, Serchhip and Saithal in western Mizoram. ‘The Congressled United Progressive Alli-
ance government at the centre would never allow Mizos to go hungry and would do everything to prevent them from starvation,’ Gandhi said while referring to the recent devastation of crops by rodents following bamboo flowering. Over half a million people of the mountainous state are gripped by a famine-like situation following the flowering of bamboo and subsequent increase in rodent numbers. Rodents multiply rapidly after eating the protein-rich seeds that appear soon after bamboo flowers. ‘The MNF government has failed to tackle the famine despite huge central funds allocated to deal with the crisis,’ the Congress leader said. ‘If the central funds were properly utilised, the famine
situation in the rural areas would not have happened,’ he added. Accompanied by the Mizoram Pradesh Congress president Lalthanhawla, Gandhi urged the people to vote for the Congress for allround development of the state. Before returning to New Delhi, the Congress leader told reporters that the central government has allocated Rs.1.25 billion to tackle the famine. ‘Despite the adequate flow of funds to the state, hunger and shortage of food remain in vast parts of the northeastern state,’ Gandhi added. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is expected to visit Mizoram Nov 25 and Congress President Sonia Gandhi Nov 28 to drum up support for the party.
Government wants village phones to ring louder
NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 22 (AGENCIES): With general elections well within sight, the government is in a hurry to expand the coverage of rural mobile telephony. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has sought expression of interest from infrastructure providers and telecom players for setting up 11,000 additional towers to reach out to the uncovered areas in rural and remote areas. The applicants have to submit their
5
a shift in the trend is now visible. The government also wants to provide subsidy support for broadband connectivity in rural and remote areas of the country in a phased manner, by utilising the infrastructure created for provision of mobile services. While the overall teledensity in India is over 30%, that in rural areas is still in single digit. With over 310 million mobile subscribers, India
is the second-largest, after China, in terms of mobile phone subscribers. DoT secretary Siddhartha Behura had recently said that the government’s entire energy is now on providing telecom connectivity in rural areas and bridging the urbanrural divide. The initiatives taken by the government were paying off and the target of providing one phone per two rural households would be reached be-
fore the 2010 target, he had claimed. Of the next 250 million Indian wireless users, approximately 100 million (40%) are likely to be from rural areas, according to an Ernst & Young study. The resources for implementation of USO are raised through a Universal Service Levy, which is fixed at 5% of the adjusted gross revenue of all telecom service providers. In addition, the Centre also gives grants and loans for it.
Zoramthanga pitted against woman church leader
AIZWAL, NOVEMBER 22 (AGENCIES): Nestled among the blue mountains, the two picturesque constituencies of Champhai will witness a fight between Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga who is seeking a third term, Zosiama Poachuau of Mizoram Peoples Conference (MPC) and Lalhmingthangi Hmar, a woman Presbyterian church leader. After delimitation of constituencies, Champhai has been divided into Champhai North and Champhai South. Zoramthanga, a former guerrilla leader-turned-chief minister and a MNF stalwart is seeking a mandate from both these constituencies. Zoramthanga, who won from Champhai for five times in succession since 1997, will be banking on his record and the massive development work taken up by his government. In Champhai North, Zoramthanga will face former minister and MPC nominee Poachuau after a portion of his Ngopa constituency from where he had won earlier was
included in North seat after delimitation. In Champhai South, Hmar, of the local Zoram Nationalist Party (United Democratic Alliance), a first timer who resigned as secretary of the Presbyterian Woman Fellowship has joined the fray to take on Zoramthanga. She has gone public in saying she was ‘called by god to serve the people’ which will have an impact on the 14,837 electorate of which 7548 are women. The two seats bordering Myanmar are famous for wine production using the local Bangalore Blue grape variety regarded as the best for brewing. Women voters outnumber men in both the constituencies. Ruati a woman voter of Champhai South said the people are aware of the performance of the government and with restriction on campaigning the popularity of the candidates will matter. 55-year-old Mawia, a voter of Champhai North, said that popularity factor will weigh much despite the visit of top central leaders to campaign.
Shillong to host Indian Science Congress KOLKATA, NOVEMBER 22 (PTI): The Shillong session of the 96th Indian Science Congress, beginning on January 3 next year, offers scope for discussion on local action for stimulating science education and seeking excellence in research. “It also plans discussion on technology and societal responses to the global concerns on climate change,” a spokesman of the Indian Science Congress here said. The 5-day session, to be inaugurated by Prime Min-
ister Manmohan Singh at the North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), aims at preparing the Association for its journey to the centenary period for the premier body of scientists. It will be for the first time that the Science Congress will be held in the North-East. With its focal theme “Science Education and Attraction of Talent for Excellence in Research”, the Science Congress session will focus on action for meeting the dreams of the
future India. Nearly 250 top Indian and foreign scientists have already confirmed their participation at the session. “We are expecting some Nobel laureates to attend the session,” the spokesman said. Besides dwelling on the Industry-Science partnership, the session will gather best of minds from Industry, Scientific fraternity, policy makers and academia together on a common platform to ponder over issues of national importance.
SUNDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2008
6
EXPRESS
Review
THE MORUNG EXPRESS
Faith in India’s army shaken by blasts
Sudha Ramachandran
I
nvestigations into recent bomb blasts in India have led to the arrest of several Hindus and for the first time ever, a serving officer of the Indian army. The arrests have triggered heated debate on whether the arrests indicate the existence of “Hindu terrorism”. More worryingly, the probes point to the possibility of the hitherto secular and apolitical Indian army being infected by the communal virus. Six people were killed and over 80 injured in blasts on September 29 in the Muslim-dominated town of Malegaon, about 260 kilometers from Mumbai. A few hours later, a bomb went off near a mosque in Modasa town in Gujarat, where Muslims were offering special Ramadan prayers, killing two people. Investigations have led to the arrest of about 10 people, including Ajay Rahirkar, Sameer Kulkarni, Rakesh Dhawade (all members of the Hindu extremist organization, the Abhinav Bharat), Dayanand Pandey (a selfstyled Hindu “guru”) Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur (an “ascetic” who is a member of the Durga Vahini - the women’s wing of the Vishva Hindu Parishad - and the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad - the students’ wing of the Bharatiya Janata Party - BJP). These were not members of fringe, underground outfits but people with links to the BJP and its fraternal organizations. Thakur, for instance, is known to be close to BJP president Rajnath Singh and Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan. There are photographs of her with these BJP bigwigs. Investigations are revealing that their activities might have been funded by business houses as well. Neither Hindu extremism nor the involvement of Sangh Parivar (a group of organizations that espouse Hindutva or Hindu supremacy) activists in acts of terrorism is news. Activists of Bajrang Dal and the VHP have engaged in attacks in the past that should have been described as terrorism. They were not. On several occasions in the past couple of years when bombs went off in mosques and Muslim-dominated areas, in shrines and trains, the needle of suspicion did point in the direction of Hindu terror outfits. But investigations into these blasts never led to the arrest of Hindus. That has now changed with the investigations into the Malegaon blasts. The hand of Hindu right-wing organizations in terrorist attacks in India has now been laid bare. But even as Indians are heatedly debating whether “Hindu terrorism” exists, another worrying issue has been thrown up
by the investigations. Three men arrested in connection with the Malegaon blasts are from the armed forces. They include one serving officer, Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Shrikant Purohit, and two retired officers, Major Ramesh Upadhyay and Colonel Shailesh Raikar. Thirty-eight-year-old Purohit has the dubious distinction of being the first serving officer of the Indian army to be arrested in connection with a terrorist attack. He has been described as the “mastermind” of the Malegaon blasts. He allegedly procured the explosives (he is said to have provided RDX from the army depot) and funding for the blasts, provided training and co-ordinated the blasts. He is said to have arranged for fake military ID cards providing access for Abhinav Bharat activists to army bases. Purohit is said to have worked several stints in military intelligence. His role in several other terrorist attacks over the past few years, including the February 2007 bombing of the Samjhauta Express or Friendship Train linking Delhi with Lahore in Pakistan, is now under the scanner.
Upadhyay, the head of the Abhinav Bharat’s political wing, was Purohit’s link with the organization. He is said to have provided training in bomb-making to the blast suspects. As for Raikar, he is said to have allowed the Abhinav Bharat and other Hindu extremist groups to hold training camps on the campus of the Bhonsala Military School in Nashik of which he was commandant. Reports in the media suggest that more serving military officers could be detained in the coming days. A senior officer is believed to have had prior knowledge of the Malegaon blasts. The arrest of serving and retired army officers in connection with terrorist attacks has triggered a spate of worrying questions. Have Hindu supremacist and extremist ideologies penetrated the hitherto secular Indian army? Are Purohit and others an aberration or do they point to a growing trend in the Indian armed forces? Serving and retired army officers - irrespective of their religious backgrounds - fiercely defend the army’s secular credentials. “There is no communalism in the army. In my 37 to 38
years of service, I came across just one or two odd individuals who had a communal mindset,” retired Major General Afsir Karim recalled in a recent interview. He drew attention to the fact that Indian army regiments are organized along ethnic lines not based on religion and that in the army you are identified by the regiment to which you belong. “Who are you? I will say I am Kumaon. That’s the ethos that prevails in army, even now,” he said. “The terrorism-related activities of three army men cannot be taken to be reflective of the entire armed forces or even of a sizeable section,” a serving officer in the Northern Command told Asia Times Online. “Soldiers do practice their faith and visit places of worship but their faith is their personal business. The army allows practice of religion but discourages communal sentiments,” he said. This view is echoed by Maroof Raza, an ex-army officer. While the officers’ corps has become more representative of the middle class and therefore more “easily influenced by hardline religious propagandists, right-wing sentiments are certainly
never aired,” he writes in the newsmagazine Outlook. “Those that fall prey to propaganda of the Sangh Parivar and its jingoistic outfits are still ... few and far between in our uniformed forces. ... To paint, therefore, the entire olive green force with a saffron [the color of the Hindu right-wing organizations] brush is rather unfair.” Indeed, the actions of a fringe should not be seen to be reflective of the institution itself. The army has a long and proud tradition of being a secular and apolitical force. Unlike other armed forces in the region, it has stayed away from assuming a political role and its soldiers are known for their professionalism. And unlike the country’s police, who are known to have supported the majority Hindus in communal riot situations, the armed forces have always acted as a neutral force, especially in communally polarized situations. Could the presence of officers with links to Hindu extremist outfits - however few these might be - change this? There have been instances in the past when soldiers reacted to issues as members of their religious com-
munity rather than as Indians. The army’s storming of the Golden Temple in Amritsar in 1984 to flush the Sikh holy shrine of terrorists who had set up base there triggered an angry response from a section of Sikh soldiers in the army. Their religious sentiments hurt by the army’s destruction of their shrine, some of them mutinied. Some are even said to have joined the ranks of the Sikh militants. But even that serious breakdown of discipline did not have long-term implications for the armed forces. That seems to have changed in the 1990s. That was the decade which saw India plunged into serious communal polarization, riots and terrorist violence. That was also the decade that saw a spectacular rise in the political fortunes of the BJP. There are any number of examples from the 1998 to 2004 period (when the BJP led the coalition government) of the army being involved in the BJP’s political/religious activity. A report in the Outlook points out that in 1999, for instance, the 3rd Division of the army “worked overtime to facilitate the Sindhu yatra, an event that was planned and executed by the Dharma Yatra Sangh, an arm of the VHP”. Not only did the BJP draw the armed forces into its politico-religious activities, but in the years since several retired officers have joined the BJP. The presence of ex-army officers in extremist outfits linked to this party was to be expected. But what of serving army officers? Armed forces the world over are conservative institutions. Their personnel are drawn to right-wing ideas, however apolitical the army as an institution might be. In India, the BJP’s “muscular approach” strikes a chord among a section of the soldiers. The communal and hate politics practiced by politicians in India was bound to have its impact on at least a few soldiers. To expect the armed forces to remain completely impervious to the virus of communal politics is rather unrealistic. Investigations into the Malegaon blasts have revealed the involvement of a handful of serving and former army officers. But to brush this aside as an aberration would be a blunder. Criticism of the armed forces’ violation of human rights in insurgencywridden areas and of their corruption has often been frowned on in the country. “It will weaken the morale of the armed forces,” is a cry that is raised to silence criticism. In the process, rot has been allowed to set in. The investigations into the Malegaon blasts reveal that the armed forces are vulnerable to communal and extremist ideologies. To ignore this would be disastrous not just for the armed forces but also for India as a secular democracy.
As the economy grows, so too does hunger Devinder Sharma
I
f successive governments had devoted just a fraction of the effort that has gone into propping up trade and industry into fighting hunger and malnutrition, India would not be ranked a dismal 66th in the 2008 Global Hunger Index Poverty and Hunger Hunger is keeping pace with economic growth. At a time when the economy is growing at an average of 7 to 8%, hunger too is on the rise. The National Sample Survey Organisation’s (NSSO’s) 2006-07 report shows the stark truth. The correlation between hunger and economic growth is robustly positive -- the greater the economic growth, the greater the number of people going to bed hungry. This challenges the widely held view that economic growth pulls the poor out of poverty and hunger. The disturbing report, which should have shocked the nation and offered lessons for the global economic community, has been conveniently pushed under the carpet. While all efforts are aimed at minimising the impact of the financial meltdown, this damning indictment of the country’s failure to feed its population is receiving little attention. It is obvious that the definition of ‘welfare state’, which India’s founding fathers wanted the country to adhere to, is now being interpreted to mean only corporate welfare. The poor and hungry have simply disappeared off the economic radar screens. Except for setting up a panel on nutrition, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is busy battling the economic downturn. Like his predecessors, barely a day passes when he is not seen hobnobbing with the industrialists. If successive governments had devoted just a fraction of the effort that has gone into propping up trade and industry into fighting hunger and malnutrition, India would not be showing such a dismal ranking in the 2008 Global
Hunger Index -- a shameful 66th from among 88 hungry countries, much below sub-Saharan Africa. Although the Global Hunger Index, prepared by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), puts the number of hungry in India at 200 million -- the largest population of hungry in the world -- this is a gross underestimation. The National Commission on Enterprise in Unorganised Sector had earlier computed that 837 million people spend a paltry Rs 20 (less than 50 cents) a day. Surely Rs 20 a day cannot buy a person two square meals! In other words, 77% of the country’s population is living on the edge, somehow managing to survive. Another alarming aspect is that since economic liberalisation was launched in 1991, NSSO tells us that cereal consumption has steadily declined, with no corresponding increase in the intake of more nutritious eggs, vegetables, fruits and milk. That means hunger is now more widespread and better entrenched than ever. So far the belief has been that with changing food habits people have moved from cereals to nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables and milk. This assumption does not hold good anymore. The decline in cereal consumption follows a steady pattern, more or less, in both rural and urban areas; of course it’s much faster in rural areas. Per capita cereal consumption per month in rural areas across the country fell from 13.4 kg in 1993-94 to 11.7 kg in 2006-07. The decline was sharper between 2004 and 2007 when, in just three years, cereal consumption fell from 12.1 kg to 11.7 kg. In urban centres, the decline was from 10.6 kg in 1993-94 to 9.6 kg in 2006-07. In a largely vegetarian society, cereal constitutes the single most important source of nutrition. But this is still not the real picture. The NSSO survey does not cover the period 2007-08 when the world faced an unprecedented rise on global food
prices. In any case, average household expenditure on food may show an increasing trend but this does not translate into greater food consumption. It only means that food prices have gone up and that the poor find it more difficult to fill their bellies. The recent price rise made things harder for the poor. Cereal consumption is expected to fall still further in 2007-08. The impact this could have on the poor and hungry can well be imagined. India is fast sinking into a quagmire of deprivation and despair. Ignoring the premise that economic growth does not automatically translate into human development, successive prime ministers have been repeatedly asserting that opening up markets is the key to attracting foreign investments and accelerating growth. Sadly, in the absence of any plausible understanding of the politico-economic system that a country like India must follow, and with our sights firmly fixed on treating GDP as the benchmark of economic policy, we are going down a path that’s laden with acute poverty and chronic malnutrition. Isn’t it strange that such widespread and extreme inhuman conditions are not even remotely reflected in the country’s growth projections? That means there is something terribly wrong with the way economic growth is computed. The net economic worth of 36 billionaires constitutes one-third of India’s GDP, conveniently hiding the poverty and squalor in which 837 million Indians live. Even if we were to accept the Global Hunger Index compilation, the faces of 200 million hungry people remain hidden under the growth projections. They are the real face of India. I have often quoted the former finance minister of Pakistan and author of the UNDP’s Human Development Report, the late Mahbub-ulHaq, who once remarked: “We were wrongly taught that we should take care of GDP and it will automatically take care of poverty. Let us reverse it.
Venecia Lonis, 4, who suffers from malnutrition, is held before being weighed at the Doctors Without Borders hospital in Port-au-Prince, Wednesday, November 19. Aid workers fear hunger is worsening in rural Haiti after at least 26 children died of conditions exacerbated by a lack of nutrition, raising concerns that a grave food crisis may be brewing following four devastating tropical storms. (AP Photo) We need to take care of poverty and it will automatically take care of GDP.” As Pakistan’s finance minister in the 1960s, he was able to generate a GDP growth rate of 7%. “And still people voted us out,” he told me once, adding, “It was a rude awakening for me. I realised that economic growth is no indicator of human development.”
Is there a way out, in the shortterm? Yes there is, provided what the BJP and the Congress are promising in the ensuing state assembly elections in Chhattisgarh becomes the official agenda. The Congress Party has promised to provide rice at Rs 2 per kg, and the BJP, wanting to outdo the Congress, has come up with a pledge
to provide the staple food at Re 1 for 7.8 lakh Antyodaya families, and at Rs 2 for the 34 lakh other identified poor. This scheme, whatever the financial implications, must be expanded to cover the entire country. The hungry need food now, not the promise of a “trickle-down” through economic growth.
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SUNDAY
THE MORUNG EXPRESS
23 NOVEMBER 2008
PERSPECTIVE NEWS ANALYSIS, FEATURE AND DISCOURSE
Simplicity & Divine Darkness: Jesus, the Beautiful Love
T Tia Jamir
he embodied heart of the Scriptures is Christ. Scripture readings that do not finally point to Christ misconstrue the very purpose of Scripture. Contemplating Christ/Bible is like contemplating a beautiful object. Christ, a sublime piece of music, a beautiful painting, and in fact, all aesthetic experience engages us on multiple levels simultaneously; and if eros (love) is involved, the experience is even more penetrating. The whole person responds to Christ just as the whole person responds to a beautiful dawn or dusk. As we enjoy the Sun’s visual displays—the sunkissed dawn of a new day or the dying of the day—we do not totally understand the mysteries involved in the beams of light that capture our eyes. Many of us merely enjoy the dazzling displays of lights, but we know some one has to study these beams to make sense of our physical world. Likewise, the Bible captures our heart so that our mind may “wrestle” with it. And unlike the physics of light, the disciples are not excused from wrestling with Christ. God makes himself comprehensible to us in his most revelatory act, the incarnation (God becoming human). This is the humiliation of the Logos for love’s sake. Christ’s humility constitutes a simplicity that seems easy to imitate, but is in fact profoundly difficult to imitate, for it is the simplicity of a child that escapes our grasp precisely because we are no longer children—we are beings who are complex, introspective, and with memories. And yet, this childlike simplicity and questions compel us all the same. Only Jesus understands and lives this simplicity because he does so on the basis of God’s simplicity, in which he uniquely participates. The ability to perceive God in Christ comes not from us, but from Christ himself, the object of our perception. Yet, he is also impenetrable (or unfathomable). The accessible and the divine darkness makes our Christian living a wrestling, and we wrestle on many levels. We are bearers of God’s image but not divine. Our humanity inevitably eclipses our abilities to mirror the divine. Jesus on the other hand, harmonizes the human and the divine perfectly. This harmony in Christ is “in tune” with all the unity there is. Christ’s existence and mission are “in tune” because nothing Christ says or does interferes with his doing the Father’s will. Christ always does the Father’s will, rather than his own, in a spirit of obedient acceptance. Jesus is the rightness between God and man and the norm for what Paul calls justitia Dei, the justice of God. The prism through which we see God’s justice is the Cross. The Christ event—birth, death, and resurrection—is an extended discourse on love: This symphony of love is perfectly “in tune.” Jesus’s love takes the form of service to others, to the ultimate altar. Jesus did not simply teach “the way” to his disciples as an idea, he modeled it through his own life. His love is his claim to authority. His authority is not a mastering, dominating force, but a force of love that takes effect in the sphere of powerlessness, and even more radically, in Jesus’s handing over his entire existence to God. His authoritative acts did not seek to crush human agency and initiative that is genuinely directed toward God. He never
sought to relieve others of their burden of struggling against injustice and inhumanity and establishing a just human order. Rather he opened the space for others. His authority is exercised in an expressive context characterized by intentional poverty. Jesus’s attitude to poverty not only keeps his authority from becoming oppressive, it also situates his claim to au-
thority with a broader context of love. He empties himself so that he can become a pure vessel for God’s love flowing out of him and into the world to those in need. Jesus carved out an existence, a vulnerability that demands complete dependence on God. For Jesus, leaving all things behind is necessary to be ready to take up discipleship, a discipleship that is not merely a preparation for the future kingdom, but is also a substantial call to spiritual work in the present: a call to be sent out like sheep among the wolves. The Lord’s Prayer models Jesus’s life well: We pray for God’s power to prevail where humans are powerless; one begs for the bread necessary for life, not as something that is stored up, but as that which is minimally required for existence lived day-to-day. We also beg for the forgiveness of sins, an attitude which assumes a poverty of righteousness because forgiving our debtors waives justice. We also pray for safe passage from temptation; implicit here is the assumption that only God’s power allows us to endure temptation. In all of these aspects, both material and spiritual, it is a prayer of total dependence on God. In brief, this displays beautiful living. The love presented by Christ is a life-long process. In the drama of suffering culminating in violent death shows the self-imposed responsibility. The Cross is a scandal, a political statement of Roman power and diminishing of the
outsider, serves as a revelation of God’s glory. God in Jesus transforms everything. Therefore, in spite of its apparent ugliness, contemplation of the Cross is an experience of the sublime; because in the Cross, Christians can contemplate the wisdom, truth, and beauty inherent in the self-emptying of divine love. The Paschal mystery (i.e. the Passover Lamb or Easter) is a good illustration of how
God is in the business of transforming everyday events to display a better way. The brilliant glory of God’s love in the Paschal mystery is in contrast with the ugly darkness of human sin. When humanity hands over the Prince of Peace to the Prince of lie, it is not the final note in a symphony of despair; it is but a prelude to a triumphant and glorious finale. The ugliness of rejection and abandonment that appears in the handing over is but a foil for the triumphant beauty of God’s mercy, which will be poured out on humankind forthwith. What is the proper response to this beautiful drama? We might dismiss it entirely. On the other hand, because love is inherently beautiful, she might allow herself to be become enraptured. In such a case, a dynamic process of spiritual and moral formation would be initiated, one in which Christ’s form comes to inform her form, transforming her from the inside-out. As she becomes spiritually “attuned” to God, both her will and intellect are transformed: she develops a taste for God and an understanding of God’s own taste, and her capacity for correct ethical discernment is thereby enhanced. In particular, God’s love awakens her own love, and invokes a loving response to both God and neighbor. As a result, of her attunement to God her spiritual and moral experience necessarily participates in Christ’s ex-
perience. Accordingly, her response of love takes the character of self-sacrifice, obedience, and “making space” for the Father. In a sense rapture is the way that human beings properly respond to all experiences of sublime beauty. We are taken up into the beautiful, captured by it. And the more intense the experience—the more one allows oneself to be moved, even possessed by it—the more one forgets about oneself. Indeed, we could go so far as to say that one becomes somewhat “detached” from oneself, from the usual preoccupation with one’s own thoughts, acts, and sense impressions has significantly decreased. This escape from the self is not a momentary distraction but a profound transformation. The concept of submission is appropriate here, because an experience of sublime beauty is overwhelming, enrapturing, even crushing. The logic of love is also the logic of self-realization: I give myself, therefore I am. In this respect, divine-human love is genuinely similar to human-human love. Assisted by God’s grace, a person comes to recognize God’s love as beautiful. She understands it, but it also remains beyond her understanding. Furthermore, in allowing God’s love to awaken her own love, she is transformed, not into another being, but into the same person that she was always meant to become. God, who is absolute love, loves the believer, and this love has a kind of shaping effect: it transforms the believer into love. By being the body of Christ, we practice the art of reading based on virtue. It is attained externally by following Christ and internally becoming like Christ. Why must we continue to Wrestle? To look at this amazing mirror (Bible) requires the right posture and state of being. We must not necessarily approach the mirror as a source for data, but as a means of communication and persuasion. This is often termed as the “art” of interpretation. How are we going to do this? On the one hand, our reading is a witness to the revelation of God, while on the other hand our aim is to deepen our life of faith/loyalty to Christ. Perhaps, it is not so odd to think that we have bodies for assisting us to contemplate God. This is our means of returning to the ardor of divine love, lost in the fall (Genesis 3). Christ is our means—first in his incarnation and now again through his presence in a sort of analogous incarnation in Scripture. Put differently, the world and everything in it now exist to be a training ground for souls. Finally, we as believers should learn the art of interpretation through apprenticeship that is learning from those who had become masters. After all, we are not the first one to be picking up the Bible to read it. We need to cultivate diversity and flexibility in our reading as we echo those that have gone before us. Our great spiritual ancestors (teachers from many lands and nationalities) understood that the careful reading of Scripture generates new questions and often yields a range of understandings rather than a single meaning or answer. This art is worthy of imitation today. If reading Scripture is an art, and if we must come to read Scripture imaginatively and well, then it is essential that we learn from those who have gone before us; those who have performed well in their lives of embodied fidelity, through their beautiful interpretations of Scripture. These are the signs of a vibrant church people.
RE-ROOTING OURSELVES IN GOD
Being vessels of that perfect love that casts out fear Julie Polter
W
ith many more Americans struggling to pay for food and housing, the upcoming commercial holiday season may by necessity be a time for soul-searching and creative generosity. For the past few decades, the day after Thanksgiving has been promoted as Black Friday, a one-day ritual of shopping frenzy. Underlying the news stories of people lined up outside big box stores hours before opening was the suggestion that if enough of us believed and bought and made a flagrant offering of our credit cards, retailers’ account books would mystically turn from red to black. Our faithfulness would be rewarded with the implicit promise of stuff enough for all and forever. Since the 1990s, Adbusters magazine and others have waged a guerrilla campaign to change Black Friday into Buy Nothing Day. But after months of economic turmoil, buying nothing is a given for many people. Loading up a shopping cart with electronics isn’t an option, much less a temptation. When financial institutions crack at the foundation and temples to false gods
crumble, the fleeting nature of materialism’s comfort that the Buy Nothing folks warn about is made manifest. Even if our own situation seems secure, how can we not feel some fear and despair for those who are suffering—especially the poorest of the world’s poor, who risk starvation and bury far too many of their children even when our times are good? While we’re told wealth will trickle down, scarcity seems much more responsive to gravity, as the financial crisis among the rich nations threatens promised aid to developing countries. Some estimates are that the ranks of the hungry may grow by as many as 100 million people due to continuing record food and energy prices. SO HOW DO WE re-root ourselves in God to be vessels of perfect love that casts out fear (1 John 4:18)? We could start with Thanksgiving, parting the thicket of harvest décor and gluttony and claiming the noble, even liturgical impulse at its core: Count your blessings and acknowledge from whom they flow. If this seems like just another forced Hallmark moment, don’t relinquish the basics: If you are reading this, at least two blessings are at hand—this breath
and this moment. This isn’t a sentimental exercise in denial, but rather an investment in God’s currency of grace. Reacquaint yourself with what poet Marge Piercy calls the “discipline of blessings” and “taste each moment, the bitter, the sour, the sweet, and the salty, and be glad for what does not hurt.” If we let it, the momentum of gratitude might tumble us into generosity. If you have resources, look for ways to get gas cards and groceries to those who need them in your community. Or make an interest-free loan to someone who needs a leg up. To reach out to global neighbors, many aid and development organizations allow you to “buy,” through your donation, livestock, seed, mosquito nets, school and medical supplies, and much more for people in need. They will welcome your support as charitable giving tightens. If your own budget is strained, don’t discount the wealth that is your time, talent, and presence. Make a volunteer commitment (to continue after holiday volunteers fade away) to your local food bank or homeless ministry. Make time to listen to the worries of others and to pray with them—and to share your own worries and be prayed
with. Negotiate shared babysitting, help with home repairs, tutoring, or regular meals and companionship with another stressed family in your neighborhood. If you have practical skills for hard times, such as budgeting, résumé-writing, or cooking well with low-cost staples, join with others to lead workshops in your church. Seek ways to make change—simplify your life; recommit to the way of Christ; find common cause with those working for food security, the rights of the poor, just trade policies, or increased aid to the world’s poorest countries. Take it one day at a time for, as Piercy writes, “there is no justice we don’t make daily/like bread and love.” And let Advent be an opportunity to reacquaint ourselves with all the promises that a 401(k) can’t deliver. Prepare the way for the one who came to make all things new.
DABA English Service Speaker: Bendang Longkumer Venue: DABA Duncan Date: November 23, 2008 Time: 4:00 pm
Explicit Exposition of John 3:16. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life”. According to Hy.Pickering, the best text in the Bible is the 16th Verse of St. John chapter three. According to him, of the 3:373 verses in the Bible, John 3:16 is the verse that leads sinners to the Lord Jesus most. If we study this verse we discover 7 things:1. Source of love is the Almighty God; 2. His mightiest motive is the whole World; 3. His greatest gift is His Son; 4. The widest welcome is whosoever believes; 5. The easiest escape is believing in Jesus; 6. The Divine deliverance is not one to perish in sin. 7. The priceless possession is Everlasting life. Outlines of John 3:16:1. Author-God-Loftiest source is His love. 2. The Measure- Love’s widest range-The World. 3. The Object-Deepest manifestation –His Son was given. 4. The purpose- The highest purpose not to let mankind perish in sin. 5. The End of His love- to give Eternal life to the saved sinners. 10 points of Salvation in John 3:16:1. Source of Salvation-God. 2. Superlativeness of Salvation-so loved. 3. Subjects of salvation –the whole World 4. Spontaniety of Salvation-He willingly gave His Son. 5. Securer of salvation-His only begotten Son. 6. Scope of salvation-whosoever believes in Jesus. 7. Simplicity of salvation-simply believing in Jesus. 8. Solace of salvation-should not perish. 9. Sureness of salvation-but have; 10. Stability of salvation-Everlasting life. John 3:16 reveals The greatest Gift of God in the World: 1. Author of Gift-God. 2. Incentive of Gift-God’s love. 3. Content of the Gift-His son (Jesus). 4. Universality of the Gift-Whosoever. 5. Means of appropriation of the Gift-to believeth. 6. Benefits of the Gifts-not to perish. 7. The object of the Gift is Everlasting life. John 3:16 Explicitly exposes Love as the most wonderful thing in the World. 1. Object of God’s love (a).The World, (b).Men of all races, (c). Men of all classes. 2. Character of God’s Love-(a). Pardoning love, Isa 55:7, (b). A chastening love-Heb.12:16; (c) Sympathising love, Isa 63:9; (d). A long suffering love- 2Pet.3:9; (e). Self-sacrificing love-John 3:16. 3. Our Treat of God’s love: (a).Accepting His love-Eternal life; (b).Rejecting His love-Perishing (i).awful guilt, (ii). Lose of eternal life-John 5:40. (iii).awful punishment-Heb.9:27. Outlines of John 3:16: The Gift of God: 1. Motives-God’s love for the sinners. 2. Preciousness of the Gift-Jesus. 3. Intention- to deliver from perishment and to give eternal life. 4. Condition-to believe in Jesus. This verse enunciates The Divine Love, The Divine Gift and the Divine Design. John 3:16 declares God’s pardoning love; 1. The great Gospel-God loves, gives His Son. 2. The great Gospel’s duty-to declare to the World that “whosoever believeth in Jesus shall not perish but have everlasting life. 3. To declare the great Gospel benefit-believers are saved from the miseries of hell and are entitled to the joys of Heaven. The Superlatives of John 3:16:1. God is the greatest Lover; 2. The greatest degree of God’s love is His love. 3. The greatest company is the World. 4. Greatest act is He gave is Son. 5. Greatest gift is His Son. 6. Greatest opportunity is whosoever. 7. Greatest escape is simply to believe. 8. Greatest promise-not to perish. 9. Greatest heritage-Eternal life. The World history bears witness that Germany became the leading nation of Europe. It was said that the great reformation that swept Germany was based on the teachings of the Bible. It was also true that Germany went into oblivion when it denied the authority of the Bible. One thing is very sure, what is true of a nation is also true of an individual, God will surely use John 3:16 as the tape that will measure the church and the individual Christian on the day of judgement To God, all men are sinners- Ro.3:23. He condemns all sinners to deathRo.6:23. He hates sin and He will punish man for it- Ro.6:23. But He loves the man He has created. Therefore, He has given His Son Jesus to die on the Cross for the Sinners. John 3:16 is the Everlasting Promise of God to forgive man’s sins and to provide everlasting Salvation- Eternal life to man. God offers the Free Gift of Life in Jesus- it is for us either to accept it or reject it. Every moment of our life-God confronts us with Life and Death, good and evil, blessings and curse. The Choice is ours. We cannot avoid it, nor can we dismiss it. God suggest us to choose life. God has already given us life. This life is His Son, Jesus. He who has Jesus has life. He who has not Jesus has no life- 1 John 5:11, 12. This is a clear rejection of John 3:16- it is for us to open our hearts and receive the Lord Jesus as our own personal Saviours and Lord of our life. R.C.CHITEN JAMIR,Former Deputy Chief Minister, Member, S.C&S.T
Holy Insecurity
Honest preaching in difficult days Diana Butler Bass
For Catholics and mainline Protestants, the weekly Sunday texts are assigned through a lectionary, with readings arranged in a three-year cycle. Thus, on any given Sunday, millions of Christians hear the same passages of scripture in their congregations. Although some Christians find this a constricting spiritual practice, I am often surprised at how relevant the texts can be—even in a moment of crisis. In September, a few days after Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson first started crafting a bailout for the spiraling Wall Street crisis, the assigned texts were Exodus 16:2-15 (God giving manna in the wilderness to Israel) and Matthew 20:116 (the parable of the generous landowner). As they were read from the pulpit, I literally gasped as the stories told of a God who provides for God’s people in the most trying of circumstances, giving food enough for the day. As I glanced around the suburban parish, I saw plenty of worry on people’s faces. On the surface, these were comfortable churchgoers. But, after the last several months of economic battering, I knew that there was anxiety enough to go around. Soaring gas prices have cut into our paychecks, falling home prices cause us concern about equity nest eggs to pay college tuition bills, and never-ceasing cutbacks in insurance coverage are surely at the basis of our prayers for good health. Now the stock market collapse threatens whatever money these nice Episcopalians have saved for retirement. I know how easy it can be to poke fun at suburbanites. But these are the people whom my grandmother always called “good Christian folks,” those who have played by the rules and lived with integrity. Now they are watching their security and future disappear. I leaned over to my husband and said, “I am really glad I’m not preaching today.” The pastor faced the questions straight on. “These are difficult days,” he affirmed. He reminded us of God’s provision of quail and manna, of God’s generosity with the daily wage. But then he pointed out that God does not just provide for us as individuals: God provides for the whole community. All of Israel was blessed with food; all the laborers were paid—not only those who deserved it or worked particularly hard. “We are in this together in suffering and reward,” he proclaimed. “We are not alone. We are a community who welcomes God’s provision.” We care for one another, we work side by side, and we share in the bounty of grace. It was a profoundly political sermon. Not in the sense that the preacher told the congregation whom we should vote for. But he reminded us that we are God’s polis, a holy city—one not governed by the stock market or housing prices, but by grace, generosity, and goodness. This alternate city, the community of grace, is ultimately strengthened by worldly hardship because it reminds us that our spiritual investment is in a realm not seen. Our community is one marked by holy insecurity—the sure knowledge that our wisdom is not an economic strategy; our power is not financial; and our trust is not in princes. I can’t say that I welcome any of the recent developments in our national economic life. But I can say that I left church that Sunday feeling part of a larger community of faith—knowing that so many Christians across the country had read and listened to the same texts. We are all laborers in God’s vineyard, working side by side in the scorching heat of these blistering days, as we cultivate God’s mercy and justice. And, for the moment, that is oddly comforting.
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
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Dimapur
NATIONAL
Sunday 23 November 2008
The Morung Express
Patil rules out another law like POTA NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 22 (AGENCIES): Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil on Saturday said that his government will not bring in any ‘draconian’ law like POTA. Speaking at the annual Directors General and Inspectors General of Police conference here, Patil asked all terror-stricken states to raise special counter-terrorism forces to tackle the menace. The two-day conference acquires greater relevance in view of startling revelations in the Malegaon blast probe regarding the existence of new terror outfits having support of hardline Hindu leaders, and involvement of Army officers and well- known religious faces. On the first day, the minister, however, cautioned investigative agencies to prevent leakage of facts before the completion of probe. Warning that terror groups might use “nuclear, biological and chemical devices”, the minister said, “Terrorists have begun to use military tactics. At present, terrorists are using sophisticated small weapons and explosive devices to perpetrate terror. “In future, they are likely to use nuclear, biological and chemical devices and other mechanical and psychological devices,” Patil said while inaugurating a two-day conference.
The Home Minister said that for creating a fear psychosis, terrorists choose targets which can lead to disturbance of bigger and more complicated nature. “That is why they appear to be attacking the places of religious nature, so that conflicts between the people belonging to different religions or communities can be created,” he said. In an apparent reference to terror strikes at places of worship, he said terrorists wanted to use the psychology of unsuspecting and innocent persons to flare up communal disturbances. The conference, attended by police chiefs of all states, paramilitary forces and intelligence agencies, will work to formulate a joint strategy on countering threats from militant and fundamentalist groups. The meet will also focus on recent serial blasts and communal violence in various parts of the country. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will attend the conference tomorrow. Police heads of states are also expected to express their views on setting up a federal agency. A Home Ministry official informed that the top cops could also be asked for an alternative if states express their unwillingness to set up such an agency.
‘India helped UK transform ‘Terror groups may use into a real multi-cultural entity’
nuclear, biological devices’ NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 22 (PTI): With the face of terrorism changing over time, the government today warned that terror groups might use “nuclear, biological and chemical devices” and favoured a multi-pronged approach to deal with the menace. “Terrorists have begun to use military tactics...At present, terrorists are using sophisticated small weapons and explosive devices to perpetrate terror. “In future, they are likely to use nuclear, biological and chemical devices and other mechanical and psychological devices,” Home Minister Shivraj Patil said while inaugurating a two-day conference of police DGs and IGs organised by the Intelligence Bureau. The Home Minister said for creating a fear psychosis, terrorists choose targets which can lead to disturbance of bigger and
more complicated nature. “That is why they appear to be attacking the places of religious nature, so that conflicts between the people belonging to different religions or communities can be created,” he said. In an apparent reference to terror strikes at places of worship, he said terrorists wanted to use the psychology of unsuspecting and innocent persons to flare up communal disturbances. Expressing concern over inter-state ramification over terrorism, he strongly favoured a central agency by amending laws but said that it was not possible till all the states cooperated. “Let us hope that it would become available sooner than later.” Ruling out a POTA-like law, he said the relevant provisions of the repealed act had been introduced in the unlawful activities act.
NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 22 (AGENCIES): Describing India as a country that shares the democratic values of Britain, Cherie Blair on Saturday credited the nation for helping UK -- through its migrants -- transform into a real multi-cultural entity. Blair, wife of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, lauded the role of the British-Indian community in heralding a change in the nation’s fabric. “Tony’s (Blair) emphasis throughout his tenure was to ensure that Britain becomes a truly multi-cultural nation. “People from the Indian subcontinent in general and the Indian community in particular has played a huge role in changing UK into an all assimilating society,” she said at a function in the capital to promote her autobiography ‘Speaking For Myself ’. Recalling how the Britain of the late 1970s was different from
the one today, Blair cited her visiting a South Indian restaurant there accompanied by an Indian friend’s father. “Going by the glares of the people, I realised for the first time that my countrymen did not approve a white Britisher accompanying an Indian man,” she said. Speaking about her book, that had raised a number of controversies at the time of its release, Blair, a renowned barrister, said it is not a political account, but the story of a woman in the backdrop of a transforming country. “If you want to read a political account of my husband’s policies and days as the Prime Minister, wait for his book,” she said. Blair, who has been associated with a number of philanthropic activities in India, said women in developing nations are today facing the same struggles that were faced by women of her mother’s generation in receiving education and making a
Delhi doc in Malegaon blast net
NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 22 (CNN-IBN): The stains of saffron terror have now reached the doors of a Delhi-based diabetes specialist, who is practicing at a leading private hospital. This is a new twist in the Malegaon blast investigation. Sources say that there is no evidence of the direct involvement but what is under probe by the ATS is that Dr RP Singh, who is associated with World Hindu Federation might also be closely involved with Abhinav Bharat. Abhinav Bharat is the alleged extremist organisation founded by the members like terror suspect Lt Col Shrikant Purohit. It is this association with Abhinav Bharat that is causing investigators to consider that Dr R P Singh may have known about the Malegaon plot. However, while talking to CNN-IBN he denied all these allegations and said that he knows nothKashmiris remove debris after an accidental explosion inside a factory in the outskirts of ing about the ideology of Abhinav Srinagar, November 22. Two people died and two others were wounded after an oxygen Bharat. “I don’t know the ideolody of Abhinav Bharat,” says RP Singh. cylinder exploded inside a factory, police said. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin)
C M Y K
91 candidates have criminal background
DELHI, NOVEMBER 22 (AGENCIES): It’s not just in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar that people with criminal backgrounds contest assembly polls. Delhi is catching up. Of the 863 candidates contesting here, 91 have criminal cases pending against them. Both the Congress and the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) have 19 candidates each with criminal backgrounds while the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has 15 such candidates. The rest 38 are either contesting as Independents or for smaller parties. Delhi Election Watch, an independent body of non-government and apolitical organisations, compiled these facts. They examined 645 of 875 affidavits filed by candidates. The three facing murder charges are Amit Kumar of Loktantrik Janshakti Party (Nerela), Suresh
Chand of BJP (Ambedkar Nagar) and Hazi Afzal of BSP (Seelampur), the report said. Afzal has the dubious distinction of having the most number of cases against him - 20. Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee president Jai Prakash Aggarwal said the party ensured no one with a criminal background got a ticket. “No candidate has charges of any heinous crime like murder or attempt to murder against him,” he said. BJP Delhi state president Dr Harsh Vardhan said: “There is not even a single candidate with criminal background. Our topmost lawyers studied each and every case against our candidates.” BSP state president Suman Saini said the party’s lawyers checked the details of each candidate before giving them a ticket. “Most cases are of minor nature,” Saini said.
RSS brass on Malegaon suspects’ hit list: ATS
MUMBAI NOVEMBER 22 (CNN-IBN): The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad claims that top brass of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) was on the hit list of Malegaon blast suspects retired Major Ramesh Upadhyay and self-styled spiritual leader Swami Dyanand Pandey. These revelations - that the ATS claims have been made by another suspect Lt Col S Prasad Purohit - could put the brakes on the Sangh Parivar’s campaign of support for the blast accused. The ATS claims Purohit said the men were on the hitlist for allegedly “easing up” on the Hindutva agenda. RSS general secretary Mohan Bhagwat and RSS Muslim wing head Indraeesh were on the group’s radar. The ATS claims that Purohit met RSS leaders and complained about Indraeesh. In August, after meeting top RSS office bearers in
Mumbai, he got instructions to terminate all operations of Abhinav Bharat – the umbrella organisation - in Madhya Pradesh. The ATS says details of this plan were found on Pandey’s laptop. “We are gathering evidence and will submit them to the court when required,” said Maharashtra ATS chief Hemant Karkare. Importantly, this information is not a part of the ongoing Malegaon blast case and this is why the ATS has complied this information into a report and submitted to the Centre and Intelligence bureau. In New Delhi, the National Security Advisor and the Intelligence Bureau chief met leader of opposition L K Advani after he raised with the Prime Minister the issue of Sadhvi Pragya’s allegations of custodial torture. The ATS also got police remand Sudhakar Chaturvedi, the 11th accused in the case, from the MCOCA court. Meanwhile, Dayanand Pandey was put through a narco analysis test in Bangalore on Friday.
career for themselves. “The experiences of the women of my mother’s generation in Britain and to some extent those of mine are the same that women here jave to go through,” Blair said. The book, was therefore, a saga of hope that change would soon come about here as it happened in UK, or for that matter Europe or the US not so long ago, she said citing struggles of women in the midst of poverty, honour killings, lack of opportunity and ostracism of widows. Asked if she still nursed some unfulfilled ambitions, the mother of four, who has struck a remarkable balance between her professional and personal life, said “I will be on my deathbed with unfulfilled ambitions”. Helping women in this part of the world to achieve more economic independence and a better life was one of her ambitions, Blair said.
Two killed in Kashmir firing by security forces SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 22 (PTI): Two persons were killed and five others injured when security forces allegedly opened fire at anti-election protesters in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla town today, official sources said. Manzoor Ahmad Kumar, a resident of Khanpora, was killed when the Personal Security Officer (PSO) of the Congress nominee from the constituency, who was campaigning in the area, allegedly opened fire at the anti-poll protesters, the sources said. As soon as the news of death of Kumar spread, protests intensified in the town with more people coming out to the streets, the sources said, adding that security forces opened fire to disperse the protestors in which another youth, Tanvir Shaikh, was killed. Police fired tear smoke shells and several warning shots to chase away the protestors but in vain, the sources said, adding that at least five persons were injured in the action by security forces. Meanwhile, Section 144 has been imposed in Baramulla town to bring the situation under control, officials said. “Two persons died in the hospital while four others with bullet injuries were admitted. One of the injured has been referred to Srinagar hospital for specialised treatment,” Medical Superintendent of Baramulla District hospital Dr Mohammad Shafi said.
‘UN Security Council sans India an anachronism’
NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 22 (AGENCIES): A UN Security Council (UNSC) without India as a permanent member is an “anachronism” as are bodies like the International monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank (WB), former British Prime Minister Tony Blair said on Saturday and then added a caveat -- “with power comes responsibility”. “A UNSC without India as a permanent member is an anachronism. An IMF or a World Bank without a proper role for India will no longer do,” Blair said while addressing the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit here on ‘Leadership in a Globalised World’. “India will demand and India will receive the position due to one of the world’s major powers,” he added. Blair then sounded a word of caution. “But, beware one thing -- with the
power will come the responsibility. Of a sudden, you will find the expectation that you will, in partnership with others, lead the world; so you will be able to solve its problems. opinions, but to hear answers,” Blair noted, adding, “It is an exciting prospect, but also a daunting one. Ask America, or increasingly, China.” Even so, Blair was optimistic that India would rise to the challenge. “The world’s largest democracy that over 60 years has come so far and done so much has a spring in its step. The poverty for millions remains. But those that have escaped it, and can lead others to do so, those who here and round the world are evidence of the dynamism, enterprise and ingenuity of the Indian people, show what the true spirit of India can do.” “Such a spirit will design
your future. And that future will shine bright,” Blair noted. He added that India and Britain need to move ahead and not live in the past. “Neither of us can live in the past. In the eyes of the future, the old days of Britain are much less interesting than the new days of India,” he said while addressing the summit. Britain, too, was searching “for its place in these new times”, he added. “Today, as the British come to terms with being a small island of 60 million people off mainland Europe; when we know that (in another 50 years) India and China will have bigger economies than Europe or America and each will have a population bigger than both combined, we must think our way through these times not with nostalgic regret but with Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair speaks at the Hinunsentimental rigour,” Blair dustan Times Leadership Summit in New Delhi, November maintained. He began his ad- 22. (AP Photo/Gurinder Osan)
dress on a nostalgic note, recalling that his “fascination and love” for India began not when he visited this “extraordinary and beautiful country” almost two decades ago but at Oxford, where an Indian postgraduate student shaped his first political thoughts “and planted the intellectual seeds that later grew into New Labour”. Pointing out that he had made it a “priority” of his premiership to “revitalise and renew the Britain-India relationship for the modern era”, Blair added, “I am proud of the state of that relationship today.” “And now, shorn of office, I have a new Indian connection. My youngest son Leo, aged 8, has a best friend whose father is Indian.” “I have an uneasy feeling these may be deeply, politically incorrect; so I won’t repeat any,” Blair said amidst much laughter.
Fleeing students bring tales of Tibet repression ‘Rahul Raj was not DHARAMSALA, NOVEMBER 22 (REUTERS): Tibetans are regularly beaten up, their homes raided at night and hundreds have gone missing as a brutal Chinese crackdown continues inside Tibet, a group of Tibetan students who escaped into India this week said. Most Tibetan towns are “swarming” with soldiers who have been arresting people even for mentioning the name of their spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, who fled Tibet in 1959 and now lives in the northern Indian town of Dharamsala. “Soldiers picked up my uncle from his house, dragged him by his hair and kicked him in the face and stomach,” Tsomo, a 30-year-old woman using only one name, told Reuters on Saturday. “Later we learnt that he died in a lock-up.” Tsomo was among 20 Tibetans who escaped from Tibet after trekking across freezing Himalayan mountains for weeks, dodging soldiers and checkpoints to reach Dharamsala, the headquarters of the Tibetan government-in-exile. India hosts about 150,000 Tibetan exiles, most of whom have arrived after similar journeys over the past few decades. The students’ group plans to meet the Dalai Lama to tell
A Tibetan child looks out from his dormitory window at Tibetan Children Village in Dharmsala, November 22. (AP Photo)
him about the torture and what they said was the illegal detention of hundreds of Tibetans for protesting against China. Tibetans are meeting this week in Dharamsala to chart a future course for their movement after eight rounds of official talks on autonomy with Beijing failed to
make any headway. The escaping students say “Chinese atrocities” have increased since the March 14 Tibetan uprising in Lhasa, which China blamed on the Dalai Lama and his “clique”. The riots later spilled over into the rest of Tibet and neighbouring Chinese
provinces with Tibetan populations, drawing global attention. Since then, hundreds of Tibetans have been interrogated and detained while many have disappeared without a trace, says Kate Swanders of the International Campaign for Tibet, a global advocacy group for the Tibetan
cause. “We presume many could be dead. Some of whom we come to know about are subjected to hard labour and brutal torture,” Swanders told Reuters. She said Chinese authorities had “dramatically stepped up” security and about 900 Tibetans had been jailed since the March riots. China denies torturing or detaining Tibetans without reason, but says strong action will be taken against those trying to protest against Chinese rule or escape from Tibet. “These days we speak in hushed tones about Dharamsala and his holiness in Tibet. The authorities do not allow us to even carry a photograph of our leader,” Gyaltsen, 17, another escapee, said. “We were not happy in Tibet. Life there is miserable as we have to constantly live in fear of being arrested,” Tsomo said. Parents encourage children to escape as they do not want them to be indoctrinated in Chinese schools vilifying the Dalai Lama, said Tenzin Losel, an ICT coordinator in India. “We escaped because we wanted to be with our saviour, the Dalai Lama. Only he can save us and free Tibet,” said Tenzin Ngodrup, another escapee dressed in a “Chupa” or Tibetan gown.
shot from close range’
MUMBAI, NOVEMBER 22 (AGENCIES): Rahul Raj, the youth who was killed in a shootout aboard a BEST bus, was not shot from close range but from at least four metres away, the forensic science report has said. “The report was submitted to the city police yesterday. Its findings state that the bullets were fired at Raj from beyond four metres,” sources quoting the report said today. The bullets were not fired at from point blank range and could be classified as a long distance firing, the sources said. Earlier, a doctor, who was involved in Raj’s autopsy, had said one of the bullets that hit him may have been fired at from a close range. Raj, a resident of Patna, was killed in a shootout with the police after he held a bus with 12 passengers hostage in suburban Kurla on October 27. The killing sparked a furore with several parties demanding a judicial probe into the incident. The doctor had said that some blackening found around a bullet wound could indicate that bullets
were fired at him from a close range. The doctor subsequently retracted his statement and police said there was no such report of blackening in the post-mortem report. “Samples of skin from around the bullet wounds were sent to the Kalina Forensic Science Laboratory in order to assess the distance from which the bullets were fired,” the sources said. Following the examination of these samples, conclusion was reached that the bullets were fired from a long distance, they said. Maharashtra Chief Secretary and Crime Branch of the city police are conducting independent inquiries into the incident, which had created a furore with Bihar politicians strongly condemning the police action. They had contended that Raj could have been captured by the police instead of being shot dead. Maharashtra government had defended the encounter. The incident had taken place in the backdrop of violent agitation against north Indian migrants by Raj Thackerayled Maharashtra Navnirman Sena.
BEST shootout case
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Sunday 23 November 2008
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Somali pirates vow to resist any rescue efforts
MOGADISHU, NOVEMBER 22 (AFP): Somali pirates holding an oil-laden Saudi super-tanker will fight back should any military intervention to free the ship be attempted, a member of the pirate group told AFP Saturday from the coastal village of Harardhere. "I hope the owner of the tanker is wise enough and won't allow any military option because that would be disastrous for everybody. We are here to defend the tanker if attacked," Abdiyare Moalim said. The pirates have been building up their defences around the captured Saudi Arabian vessel and have demanded a 25 million dollar ransom. As foreign navies sent warships to Somalia's dangerous waters and shipping companies sought alternative routes, extra clan militia and other fighters were brought in at the pirate lair of Harardhere, residents said. "Some of them are inside the town and others are taking shelter in a nearby village and can be called if need be," local resident Mohamed Awale told AFP. He said the fighters had come from neighbouring Gulgudud and Mudug regions. Local militia and hardline Shebab fighters also ar-
rived in Harardhere in what some residents said was a move to position themselves for a share of any ransom paid. "There are two armed vehicles belonging to al Shebab. They have reached the town of Harardhere but there are no intentions of attacking the ship from here," a Harardhere Islamist official told AFP by phone. "There are many militiamen who have arrived in the town and they want to get a share from the pirates if the ransom is paid," said Ahmed Abdullahi, a local elder. The Sirius Star, the biggest ship ever hijacked, and its 100 million dollar load of oil was seized last Saturday and taken to Harardhere, 300 kilometres north of lawless Somalia's capital Mogadishu. The pirates on Thursday gave the owners 10 days to pay a 25 million dollar ransom, said a pirate who identified himself as Mohamed Said, threatening "disastrous" consequences if Vela International, shipping arm of the Saudi oil giant Saudi Aramco, fail to comply. "The Saudis have 10 days to comply, otherwise we will take action that could be disastrous," he said. He did not specify the threatened action but the
Armed Puntland police guard captured Somali pirates in Bassaso, Somalia, Friday, November 21. Ministers of Puntland state, a self-declared autonomous area, told journalists that they have many Somali pirates in their detention centers. A multinational effort is being mobilized to provide security in the area to fight the pirates off Somalia, involving the European Union, NATO countries, Russia, India and others nations. (AP Photo)
330-metre (1,000-foot) long tanker is carrying two million barrels of crude oil. Environmental groups have
warned of a huge catastrophe if oil from the super-tanker was released. An upsurge in piracy in Somali waters has
made getting help to the country's poor a dangerous business. Some experts have told AFP that the MV Faina,
a Ukrainian ship seized by the same pirates in September with a cargo of tanks and other weaponry, was booby-
trapped by the hijackers. With close to 100 attacks on ships in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean this year, the pirates now pose a growing threat to international trade. Pirates with no confirmed links to bigger organisations and relatively modest means have seized ships of all sizes and in an ever-growing area. Two speedboats with pirates armed with Kalashnikov rifles and rocket-launchers seized the Saudi tanker in 16 minutes on Saturday, according to a military report obtained by AFP. The United States said it would seek support at the United Nations for a resolution to tighten international measures against Somali pirates. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal said he was opposed to any negotiations with pirates. "Like terrorism, it is an evil that has to be eradicated," Prince Saud told reporters in Oslo. Kenyan Foreign Minister Moses Wetangula said Somali pirates had been paid 150 million dollars in ransom over the past 12 months, adding that this was fueling a global criminal enterprise. "We are advised that in the last 12 months, ransom to the excess of 150 million dollars has been paid to these
criminals and that is why they are becoming more and more audacious in their activities," Wetangula said. The Indian frigate INS Tabar, one of dozens of warships from several countries protecting commercial shipping lanes in the Gulf of Aden, sank a Somali pirate ship Tuesday after coming under fire. Russia announced it would send more warships to combat piracy and also called for an international ground military operation to crush piracy. Meanwhile, pirates on Friday freed Greek-owned MV Genius chemical tanker and its 19 Romanian crew hijacked on September 25, a Kenyan maritime official said. After the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) said the pirates were now "out of control," Arab nations bordering the Red Sea meting in Cairo on Thursday and pledged cooperation to end the threat -but offered few specifics. Oslo-based Frontline Ltd, the world's biggest oil tanker company, said that a more aggressive military approach was needed. Other maritime groups have decided to steer clear of Somalia's treacherous waters by diverting ships to the Cape of Good Hope, despite the extra delays and costs.
Clinton accepts Annan and Carter barred from Zimbabwe Obama’s offer
JOHANNESBURG, NOVEMBER 22 (REUTERS): Zimbabwe has barred former U.N. secretary general Kofi Annan, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and other prominent figures from visiting the country to assess the humanitarian crisis, the group said on Saturday. They were denied travel visas to Zimbabwe despite the intervention of former South African president Thabo Mbeki, who is mediating the political conflict between President Robert Mugabe's ZANU-PF party and the opposition Movement for Democratic Change. "We had hoped to go to Zimbabwe this morning but we had to cancel because the government has made it clear they will not co-operate," Annan told a press briefing in Johannesburg. Annan, Carter and Nelson Mandela's wife, Graca Machel are part of a group of prominent figures and former statesmen called The Elders. "Our purpose in coming here was never to be involved in the political issues that have been so controversial in the establishment of a new government in Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., looks up during a Zimbabwe, but only to help with the memorial ceremony for the late Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll in the Capitol rotunda in Harrisburg, Pa., Friday, November 21. (AP Photo)
WASHINGTON, NOVEMBER 22 (REUTERS): New York Sen. Hillary Clinton has accepted an offer from President-elect Barack Obama to become U.S. secretary of state, joining her former Democratic rival to help guide U.S. foreign policy, the New York Times said on Friday. The newspaper quoted two Clinton associates who said she came to her decision after additional discussions with Obama about the nature of her role as the top U.S. diplomat and his foreign policy plans. "She's ready," one of the sources told the newspaper, which posted the report on its website. Clinton emerged as a frontrunner for the secretary of state job late last week, transfixing a country which had seen her compete hard against Obama to win the Democratic nomination for the presidency. Obama clinched that nomination in June and then beat Republican John McCain in the Nov. 4 election. Democratic
Party sources have recently said Clinton, was on track to be nominated, with an official announcement expected after the Nov. 27 Thanksgiving holiday. NBC news meanwhile also reported two other key Obama appointments: New York Federal Reserve President Timothy Geithner as treasury secretary, and New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson as commerce secretary. NBC said official announcements on the appointments were expected on Monday. Officials with the Obama transition team had no immediate comment. Clinton has a global profile both as a political leader in her own right and as the wife of former U.S. President Bill Clinton. Policy analysts say her selection as secretary of state could mean a more hawkish U.S. stance, noting that she has been more reluctant than Obama to commit to a firm timetable for withdrawing U.S. troops from Iraq.
Former US President Jimmy Carter, former UN head Kofi Annan, and Graca Machel, wife of former South African President Nelson Mandela, seen here at a news conference in Johannesburg, Staurday, November 22. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter says he and others have been refused entry to Zimbabwe for a humanitarian mission. Carter says he and other members of The Elders group were informed Friday night by former South African President Thabo Mbeki that efforts to secure travel visas had failed. The Elders group was formed by Nelson Mandela and includes former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan and Mandela's wife Graca Machel, an international advocate for women's and children's rights. (AP Photo)
Papua plans to tag AIDS affected JAYAPURA, NOVEMBER 22 (REUTERS): Indonesia's Papua province is set to pass a bylaw that requires some HIV/ AIDS patients to be implanted with microchips in a bid to prevent them infecting others, a lawmaker said on Saturday. Under the bylaw, which has caused uproar among human rights activists, patients who had shown "actively sexual behaviour" could be implanted with a microchip to monitor their activity, lawmaker John Manangsang said. "It's a simple technology. A signal from the microchip will track their movements and this will be received by monitoring authorities," Manangsang said. If a patient with HIV/AIDS was found to have infected a healthy person, there would be a penalty, he said without elaborating. The Jakarta Post newspaper on Saturday quoted Constan Karma, the head of Papua's National AIDS Commission, as saying the plan violated human rights. The local parliament was expected to introduce the controversial legislation in Papua, which lies in Indonesia's easternmost fringe, by end of this month, Manangsang said. The number of HIV/AIDS cases per 100,000 people in Papua is nearly 20 times the national average in Indonesia, according to a government study in 2007. Health experts say the disease has been spreading rapidly from prostitutes to housewives in the past years. High rates of promiscuity, rituals in some Papuan tribes where partner swapping takes place, poor education about AIDS and lack of condoms are among factors that cause the spread of the disease there.
humanitarian issue and we will continue to do that," Carter said. A statement by The Elders said they would stay in South Africa to gather more information on the situation in Zimbabwe and neighbouring countries. They will also speak to humanitarian agency representatives, civil groups, businesspeople and officials from Zimbabwe. A September 15 power-sharing agreement facilitated by Mbeki had raised hopes that a new leadership would get on with the task of rescuing Zimbabwe's ruined economy. But a stalemate over the allocation of key ministries in the new government has stalled a final agreement. Critics accuse Mugabe, in power since independence from Britain in 1980, of ruining the country but the 84-year-old leader says the economy has been sabotaged by forces opposed to his nationalist stance. Inflation is rampant, food and fuel in short supply, and the Zimbabwean dollar is virtually worthless in a country once seen as southern Africa's breadbasket.
Terror plot mastermind killed by US missile in Pak
ISLAMABAD, NOVEMBER 22 (AFP): The alleged Al-Qaeda mastermind of a 2006 transatlantic airplane bombing plot was killed in a US missile attack in northwest Pakistan early Saturday, officials said. Rashid Rauf died when a missile hit a tribesman's house in the village of Alikhel, part of a border district known as a stronghold for AlQaeda and the Taliban militants. Also among the five killed in the early morning incident was Egyptian Abu Zubair al-Misri, another wanted Al-Qaeda operative, a senior Pakistani security official said on condition of anonymity. "The transatlantic bombing plot alleged mastermind Rashid Rauf was killed along with an Egyptian Al-Qaeda operative in the US missile strike in North Waziristan early Saturday," a senior security official told AFP. A Western diplomatic source told AFP the missile was fired from a jet across the border in Afghanistan. British-Pakistani Rauf was arrested in 2006 in Pakistan over the bomb plot, sparking a worldwide security alert, and 24 people were detained in Britain in a major swoop. A day later a massive security operation at London's Heathrow Airport resulted in mass cancellations of flights for several days over fears of a terrorist attack using liquid explosives on flights from London to the US. The British government had requested Pakistan extradite Rauf to London, where he was wanted by police in connection with the murder of his uncle in 2002. But four years later an anti-terrorism court in Pakistan dropped terrorism charges against Rauf relating to the conspiracy, although its order was suspended when the Punjab government lodged an appeal. Rauf had then faced charges including impersonation, carrying a fake identity card and fake documents, which he denied. He had been in custody under the Security of Pakistan Act when he escaped in December 2007 from Pakistani police custody, although all charges relating to terrorism had been dropped. The missile strike which killed him came days after a US drone attack killed six rebels, including an Arab Al-Qaeda Demonstrators dressed as Guantanamo prisoners protest the arrival of President George W. Bush in Lima, Friday, operative. That attack prompted Taliban militants based in the rugged tribNovember 21. President Bush is attending the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation, APEC, summit. (AP Photo)
Rashid Rauf seen here in this December 22, 2006 file photo. There were unconfirmed reports on Saturday, November 22, that Rauf, a British suspect in a foiled plot to down trans-Atlantic jetliners who escaped from Pakistani custody last year, was killed along with other foreign militants by a suspected U.S. missile strike in the Pakistan's North Waziristan tribal region. (AP Photo)
al territory bordering Afghanistan to warn of reprisal attacks across Pakistan if there were more strikes by the US. Terror network chief Osama bin Laden is widely believed to be hiding in the tribal territory, although there is no clear information about his whereabouts. Washington has apparently stepped up its missile strikes against suspected AlQaeda and Taliban hideouts in tribal areas, however the Saturday morning attack appeared to be the first that was not fired by an unmanned CIA drone. Those
strikes have come despite warnings from Pakistan that such attacks violate international law and could deepen resentment of the United States in the world's second-largest Islamic nation. Pakistan has officially protested to the United States that strikes violate its sovereign territory, although some officials say there was a tacit understanding between the two militaries to allow such action. President Asif Ali Zardari recently promised zero tolerance against violations of his country's sovereignty.
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Sunday 23 November 2008
New Zealand wins
Rugby League World Cup
The Morung Express
Tokyo 2016 bid to withstand downturn TOKYO, NOVEMBER 22 (AP): Tokyo’s bid committee for the 2016 Olympics says the Japanese government’s $100 billion loan to the International Monetary Fund demonstrates the resilience of the country and the bid against the global economic downturn. “Japan’s loan to the IMF and its strong banking sector demonstrates the county’s ability to withstand the current global economic situation,” Tokyo’s bid committee said in a statement released Friday. Tokyo is competing with Chicago, Madrid and Rio de Janeiro to host the 2016 Summer Games. Tokyo has proposed a compact Games, using many facilities that were built for the 1964 Olympics. Five new venues will be built, each with a sustainable post-Games business plan, the statement said. “Tokyo’s contribution to the IMF is evidence of the strength of the Japanese economy to overcome the current financial difficulties,” said Tokyo 2016 bid chairman Ichiro Kono. “I believe Tokyo 2016 and the Olympic movement will benefit from the country’s strong financial position.” Japan pledged $100 billion to the IMF’s measures for tackle the current financial crisis. Tokyo’s bid topped the International Olympic Committee’s technical evaluation in June but Barack Obama’s victory in this month’s U.S. presidential election appears to have given his home city of Chicago a boost in the bidding race. The IOC will vote on the host city on Oct. 2 next year.
Marksaeng takes lead at Dunlop Phoenix MIYAZAKI, NOVEMBER 22 (AP): Thailand’s Prayad Marksaeng shot a 4-under 67 on Saturday to grab a twostroke lead at the Dunlop Phoenix tournament. Marksaeng birdied the first and last holes at the par-71 Phoenix Country Club, and added three birdies and a lone bogey in between to finish the third round at 8-under 205, two strokes ahead of overnight leader Tomohiro Kondo of Japan. Kondo fired a 70 and is two strokes ahead of American Brandt Snedeker (70), and compatriots Ryo Ishikawa (70), and Masaya Tomida (69). Defending champion Ian Poulter of Britain had the day’s best score of 66 to move into a tie for 14th at 1-under 212. The $2.1 million event is one of the richer tournament’s on the Japanese men’s tour. Recent winners include Tiger Woods (2004 and 2005) and Padraig Harrington (2006).
New Zealand celebrates after they won the Rugby League World Cup Final game between Australia and New Zealand in Brisbane, Australia on November 22. (AP Photo) BRISBANE, NOVEMBER 22 (AP): New Zealand overcame staggering odds to beat heavily favored Australia 34-20 in the Rugby League World Cup final Saturday. Australia, looking to win its seventh straight World Cup, went through the tournament undefeated to reach the final and allowed its opponents only 16 points in five previous matches. That included an earlier 30-6 win over New Zealand in its opening pool match, a 52-4 win over England and
52-0 victory over Fiji in the semifinals. But it was a different story in the final, as New Zealand, with former Australian coach Wayne Bennett serving as an assistant, dominated the second half. The Kiwis' win was sealed with 10 minutes to go with a rare penalty try, after fullback Lance Hohaia was held back by winger Joel Monaghan as he chased a Nathan Fien kick. England video referee Steve Ganson ruled in New Zealand's favor and Benji
Marshall's conversion gave New Zealand a 28-20 lead. Prop Adam Blair's try, New Zealand's sixth, four minutes from fulltime finished the scoring before 50,559 fans at Suncorp Stadium. Australia had won the past six World Cups going back to 1975 and had not lost a World Cup match against New Zealand in 13 previous meetings. Australia captain Darren Lockyer scored his second try of the match to give Australia a 16-12 halftime lead.
But it wasn't enough as New Zealand become the first side other than Australia to win a World Cup since Britain's victory in 1972. New Zealand captain Nathan Cayless rated the win as the greatest moment of his career. "I've had a few chances in big games and this is the biggest for me," Cayless said. "I just thank the boys, they've been outstanding. We had a few players that couldn't be here, but the boys that were here took their opportunities, it's just unbelievable.
"We knew we could play a lot better than we did in the first game. We really deserved this, we worked hard for it and we're really going to enjoy it." New Zealand five-eighth Benji Marshall, who fought back from multiple shoulder surgeries in recent seasons, said the feeling was on a par with his National Rugby League grand final win with Wests Tigers in 2005. "It's up there mate, probably equal. From where I've come from, all the injuries and setbacks
I've had, to get here and pull that off, it's just great." Head coach Stephen Kearney said his team always believed it could upset Australia after a heavy defeat in the opening match. "We knew we would get opportunities," Kearney said. "The first 15 minutes of that second half was really important... I'm just overwhelmed." Lockyer said it was a huge missed opportunity for his side. "Congratulations to New Zealand on a great game tonight," he said "It wasn't to be."
Lakers make it best start for 7 years
Indian cricket player Sachin Tendulkar looks on during a practice session on the eve of the fourth one-day international test cricket match between India and England, in Bangalore on November 22. (AP Photo)
Ama, Hakuho both win at Kyushu sumo
Mongolian sekiwake Ama, top, throws down compatriot grand champion Hakuho, to win their bout on the 12th day of the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka, southwestern Japan on November 20. (AP Photo)
FUKUOKA, NOVEMBER 22 (AP): Ama and Mongolian compatriot Hakuho both won Saturday to ensure the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament will go down to the final day. Sekiwake Ama used an arm throw at the center of the ring to send ozeki Kotomitsuki sprawling to the dirt surface while improving to 12-2 in the 15-day tournament at Fukuoka Kokusai Center. Ama, seeking his first Emperor's Cup, all but wrapped up promotion to ozeki - sumo's second highest rank - with the win. Grand champion Hakuho, who is bidding for his ninth Emperor's Cup, shoved ozeki Chiyotaikai (8-5) out in the day's final bout to keep pace at 12-2. Hakuho will take on
Kotomitsuki on the final day Sunday while Ama faces Baruto. If both wrestlers win, they will face each other in a playoff. In other major bouts, No. 7 maegashira Miyabiyama improved to 10-4 when he swatted down No. 3 maegashira Kotoshogiku, who fell to 8-6. Bulgarian ozeki Kotooshu moved a step closer to securing a winning record when he shoved out Mongolian Kyokutenho to even his record at 7-7. Kyokutenho, a sixthranked maegashira, fell to 9-5. Estonian sekiwake Baruto got a two-hand grip on the back of Dejima's belt and hoisted the No. 5 maegashira out to improve to 9-5. Dejima dropped to 6-8 and will finish the Kyushu meet with a losing record.
LOS ANGELES, NOVEMBER 22 (AP): The Los Angeles Lakers moved to their best start to an NBA season for seven years with a 104-90 win over the Denver Nuggets on Friday. Kobe Bryant scored 11 of his 29 points in the third quarter before sitting out the fourth and Andrew Bynum finished with 13 points and 13 rebounds. The defending Western Conference champion Lakers are off to their best start through 11 games since the 2001-02 championship season, when they won 16 of their first 17. Celtics 95, Timberwolves 78 In Minneapolis, Kevin Garnett scored 17 points for Boston in his first game back at his old team Minnesota. The Celtics outscored Minnesota 35-10 in the decisive third quarter, with Garnett putting away two alley-oop passes and throwing down two more dunks to the delight of fans wearing his No. 5 Celtics jersey and still more sporting his old blue No. 21. Garnett was injured in Boston's only game here last season., keeping him from playing in the arena he called home for 12 seasons. Magic 100, Pacers 98, OT In Indianapolis, Dwight Howard had 24 points, 17 rebounds and five blocks as Orlando pipped Indiana in overtime. Howard blocked a potential game-winning shot at the end of regulation time, and then helped prevent what would have been a game-tying shot in the closing seconds of overtime. Rashard Lewis made what turned out to be the game-winning basket with 23 seconds left in overtime. Spurs 119, Jazz 94 In San Antonio, the home team landed 15 3-pointers in cruising past Utah. Roger Mason scored 29 points for the Spurs, who managed to hit eight of their first nine 3-point attempts despite missing their regular backcourt of Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. Trail Blazers 117, Kings 94 In Sacramento, California, Portland pulled away in the third quarter to trounce Sacramento.
Steve Blake made six 3-pointers and scored 20 points for the Blazers who scored the final 10 points of the third quarter to open a 94-69 lead that was never cut below 20 in the fourth. Bucks 104, Knicks 87 In Milwaukee, the home team broke a three-game losing trot with a comfortable win over New York. Milwaukee's Charlie Villanueva tied a season high with 20 points in his return from injury. The Knicks had a league-minimum eight players after trading away three players in a pair of deals earlier Friday. Out the door went New York's top two scorers, Zach Randolph and Jamal Crawford, along with guard Mardy Collins. Bulls 115, Warriors 110 In Oakland, California, Larry Hughes made five 3-pointers and finished with 26 points as Chicago beat Golden State. Chicago rookie Derrick Rose scored 23 of his 25 points in the second half for the Bulls, who won for the first time on theirdemanding sevengame road trip stretching across the country. Hughes, a longtime Warriors guard, kept Chicago in a fast-paced game until Rose took charge of the final minutes before leaving with an injury with a minute to play. Nets 129, Raptors 127, OT In Toronto, New Jersey rallied from an 18-point third-quarter deficit to pinch the game from Toronto. Vince Carter scored 39 points against his former team, and sent the game into overtime by hitting a 3-pointer with 0.8 seconds remaining in regulation time, capping a stretch that saw him score 12 consecutive points for the Nets. Hawks 88, Bobcats 83 In Atlanta, the home team pulled away in the closing minutes for a sloppy win over Charlotte. Joe Johnson scored 30 points and Marvin Williams added 22 for the Hawks. The Bobcats shot only 42 percent (33 of 78) from the field. Mavericks 91, Grizzlies 76 In Dallas, the home team had its first home win
Gallas said stripped of Arsenal captaincy LONDON, NOVEMBER 22 (REUTERS): France defender William Gallas has been stripped of the Arsenal captaincy after criticising his team mates, French media reported on Friday. France Football magazine’s website (www.francefootball.fr) said Gallas had also been left out of the squad for Saturday’s Premier League match at Manchester City. Arsenal declined to comment on whether Gallas had been removed as club captain. Gallas was quoted in Friday’s British newspapers questioning the determination of some of the squad after Arsenal’s inconsistent start to the season, which has already resulted in four league defeats. He also referred to an incident at halftime during the recent 4-4 draw at home to Tottenham Hotspur and said on another occasion players had been insulted by an unnamed team mate. “There was a problem at halftime of the 4-4 draw with Tottenham. The only thing that I could say at halftime was, ‘Guys, we resolve these problems after the match, not at halftime,’” Gallas was quoted as saying. “When as captain some players come up to you and talk to you about a player... complaining about him... and then during the match you speak to this player and the player in question insults us, there comes a time where we can no longer comprehend how this can happen.” Referring to the club’s poor form, which has included defeats by Hull City and Stoke City, two clubs promoted from the Championship (second division), the 31-year-old said: “We are not brave enough in battle. “I think we need to be soldiers. To be champions, you have to play big matches every weekend and fight. “We are coming up against teams who are not scared to play football against us, who are not scared to take us on at our place, and this is becoming dangerous for Arsenal.” In October, Gallas incurred the wrath of manager Arsene Wenger when he was photographed leaving a nightclub with a cigarette in his mouth. “He has a responsibility as captain of Arsenal football club and that cannot be accepted,” Wenger said at the time. Gallas became club captain at the beginning of last season after Thierry Henry was sold to Barcelona.
Calderon offers Madrid win bonus
Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant dunks during an NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns on November 20, in Phoenix. The Lakers won 105-92. (AP Photo)
of the season, cruising past Memphis. Dirk Nowitzki had 25 points and 10 rebounds while Jason Kidd had 18 points and 13 rebounds for the Mavericks, who had been 0-4 at home, previously losing to playoff contenders Houston, Cleveland, the Los Angeles Lakers and Orlando. The Grizzlies have lost 12 straight to the Mavericks and are 7-45 all-time against Dallas. Rockets 103, Wizards 91 In Washington, Houston won its seventh straight against Washington, deepening the Wizards' woeful start. Tracy McGrady scored 14 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter and Yao Ming added 18. The Wizards' 1-9 record is the franchise's worst start since the 1966 Baltimore Bullets opened 1-10. Washington shot just 3-for-15 from 3-point range.
76ers 89, Clippers 88 In Philadelphia, Elton Brand hit a 15-footer with 57 seconds left, giving Philadelphia a nervy win over Los Angeles.Brand finished with 17 points in his first game against the Clippers, who lost shortly after acquiring forward Zach Randolph and guard Mardy Collins from the New York Knicks for Cuttino Mobley and Tim Thomas. Hornets 105, Thunder 80 In Oklahoma City, New Orleands made a successful return to their once temporary home by thrashing Oklahoma City. David West scored 19 points and Chris Paul added 17 for the Hornets, who spent two seasons in Oklahoma City after Hurricane Katrina displaced them in 2005. The Thunder committed a season-high 26 turnovers and shot only 37 percent.
MADRID, NOVEMBER 22 (AP): Real Madrid’s desperation to turn around a poor run of form has led president Ramon Calderon to offer his players a cash bonus if they can win five games in a row. Calderon has reportedly offered each player an incentive bonus of 120,000 euros ($150,175) - for a grand total of about 2.5 million euros ($3.1 million) - if the two-time defending Spanish champion can string together five wins. “Last season we were the team with the most goals scored, the fewest goals allowed and we set a new record for points. And all of this happened only a couple of months ago, not 10 years,” Calderon told Madrid’s players and coaching staff at a team function on Friday, according to various media outlets. Calderon is counting on league victories over Recreativo Huelva, Getafe and Sevilla and Champions League wins against Zenit St. Petersburg and BATE Borisov. Calderon stopped short of six straight wins with victory against leader Barcelona at the Camp Nou necessary to achieve that. Calderon gave Madrid players a hefty bonus last December following a 1-0 win over its classic rival, which it trails by five points in the table. “It was an important lunch because there was tension,” defender Michel Salgado said. “We need to relax and be united like we had been the past two years. This team is strong.” Madrid is winless in three league matches, with speculation continuing that coach Bernd Schuster could be fired if Madrid loses to Recreativo at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium on Saturday.
Jimmy Connors arrested in Santa Barbara SANTA BARBARA, NOVEMBER 22 (AP): Tennis star Jimmy Connors was arrested outside the campus arena where UC Santa Barbara and North Carolina were playing a men’s basketball game. Campus police say in a statement the eight-time Grand Slam champion was taken into custody Friday night after refusing to comply with an order to leave an area near the entrance of the Thunderdome following a confrontation. A police dispatcher says Connors was arrested at the beginning of the game. No other details of the arrest were made available. Connors was ranked No. 1 for five consecutive years in the 1970s, and had a fiery temperament on the court. Earlier this year, he resigned as Andy Roddick’s coach after working together for nearly two years.
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Ent/Tabloid
The Morung Express
11 PRIME TIME Sunday
23 November 2008
The Mother of all Rock Concerts
Dimapur
06:00 - Hope And Faith; 06:30 Friends; 09:00 - Koffee With Karan ; 11:00 - Seinfeld; 13:00 - Friends; 15:30 - Life With Bonnie; 16:00 - According To Jim; 16:30 - How I Met Your Mother ; 19:00 - Seinfeld; 20:00 - Ugly Betty; 21:00 - Brothers And Sisters; 22:00 - Boston Legal; 23:00 - Blood Ties This Programme Has A 3 Star Rating; 00:00 - America’s Got Talent ; 01:00 - Seinfeld; 02:00 - Ugly Betty; 03:00 - Brothers And Sisters; 04:00 - Boston Legal; 05:00 - The Simpsons; 05:30 - Kenneth Copeland 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
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his show is billed as the “mother of all concert in the country”, this is the first time when two internationally acclaimed bands ‘White Lion’ and ‘FireHouse’ will perform together at the rock capital on the same plate form and same place J.N. Stadium, Shillong. Mike Tramp the lead vocalist of the band White Lion told that they chose Shillong for their maiden rock concert in India because they have heard from friends like Eric Martin of Mr. Big that Shillong is the rock capital of India. The pricing has been kept at a flat rate of Rs 400 which makes it affordable for all the genuine rock lovers and fans alike. This is the second coming for the band Firehouse to Shillong as they had played in the same venue 4 years ago at the same date (13th December) in front of a record 35,000 fans. White lion and Firehouse are no stranger to the North-eastern people with their Evergreen hit songs such as ‘When the children cry’, ‘You are all I need’, ‘Cry for freedom’, ‘When I looked into your eyes’ and ‘love of a lifetime’ getting regular airtime in Radio and local concerts and festivals. As a matter
of fact a lot of their songs have been re-sung in the local dialects says ‘Angelina Diengdoh an avid White Lion fan. She further adds that to see her heroes in person will be a dream come true and a chance of a lifetime. “I can’t believe that White Lion will be here” says Ranjeev
posed to my wife Brenda so this place is very close to my heart”. Part of the proceeds of the show will also be in Aid of clean drinking water and enhanced nutrition for the children of the providence school in Shillong. This school
Fire House and White Lion together under one roof Barua who insists that he will be coming to Shillong for sure I grew up listening to when the children cry and their other hits and now I can see them live, it’s a dream come true” Already there is a group in the social networking community Face book under White Lion and Firehouse to rock Shillong and the numbers of members are increasing day by day. According to C.J. Snare of Firehouse “there is no place to rock in India but in Shillong, besides very few people know that after our show in Shillong I pro-
Nicole Dismisses New ‘Baby Bump’ Rumors
is run by Brother Dsouza who himself has a legendary status in the St Edmunds school. Reliance Telecom has been kind enough to sponsor this show and hopes that such shows will go a long way in promoting the music loving image of the region. According to the organiser Rajoo Sharma the managing editor of TNT –The Northeast Today magazine which is also the premier monthly magazine from Northeast events will also go a long way in promoting local talent, he further adds ‘colours a local band will
be opening for these two huge bands now that will be a big platform for these local bands’ It may be noted that the publisher and editor of the TNT –the northeast today Magazine is also the present King of Tripura ,Pradyot Bikram Kishore who himself is an avid fan of rock music ,he has also been involved with shows such as Mr Big ,Firehouse and MLTR before. Lately he has also been seen supporting the new singing sensation from Tripura Sourabhee Deb Burman in the Indian Idol. We grew up in an era when rock was the only way to express our point of view ,and who says that royalty should only cater to a specific genre of music .Music has no barriers and we indigenous people ar genuinely fond and inclined to this genre of music’ the maharaja retariates. Whatever may be the cause, one thing is sure if you want to a chance of a lifetime then your destination should be Shillong for all the rock fans who have dared to dream hold on to the 13th of December because you are going to get two legendary bands under one venue ….now it does not get bigger and louder than this.
SRK beats Hollywood, bags 18 lac-a night suite
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The Oscar winner also gushed about her new daughter, Sunday Rose, with husband Keith Urban. "I'm just completely besotted with her," Kidman said. "She was singing up a storm this morning .... She's just discovered her voice. She's high and low. Other people may call it screaming – but not to me!" Kidman also sent her best wishes to her Australia costar, Hugh Jackman, who was recently named PEOPLE's Sexiest Man Alive. "Isn't that fantastic?" she queried. "He really is so nice and really, really genuinely is one of the easiest guys to be around," added the actress, who has a Manhattan apartment in the same building as Jackman and his wife, Deborra-Lee Furness. "And he always manages to see what's good."
ollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan bagged the most exclusive suite at the opening party of Dubai's Atlantis Palm Jumeirah, leaving behind a host of Hollywood celebrities. The over Rs 18 lakh-a night exclusive suite, suspended between the resort's two towers, was initially slated for talk show queen Oprah Winfrey but when she pulled out from the party, it went to King Khan, the ‘Daily Mail’ reported. Shah Rukh is the most famous film star in Middle East. Hollywood legend Robert De Niro a partner in the Nobu restaurant chain which has a site in the resort - had to make do with an over 11 lakh-a night presidential suite. While film stars Lindsay Lohan and Charlize Theron bagged Rs seven lakh-a night suite in Lost Chambers submerged, alongside one of the world's largest aquariums in the depths of the Atlantis resort with a bedroom view of 65,000 sharks, rays and fish, the paper said. The opening of Dubai's Atlantis Palm Jumeirah, a man-made island shaped like palm tree, was attended by over two thousand film stars, pop stars, supermodels and billionaires from around the world. The highlight of the ceremony was a performance by Australian singer Kylie Minogue and her 113-strong dance troupe on the beach. Minogue's performance was followed by a one-million-rocket firework display with 100 computer-guided rockets, seven times bigger than Beijing Olympics, which is the largest firework display till date. Guests included film stars such as Robert De Niro, Charlize Theron, Denzil Washington, Mischa Barton and Lindsay Lohan, supermodels Agyness Deyn, Petra Nemcova and Yasmin Le Bon, musicans Janet Jackson, Lily Allen and Shirley Bassey, sports legends like Michael Jordan and Boris Becker and some local royalty - the Royal Family of Dubai among others.
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06:00 - The Making Of Gladiator; 06:45 Catch And Release ; 09:00 - Charlottes Web ; 11:00 - Happy Feet ; 13:15 - The Making Of Happy Feet ; 13:30 - Hollywood’s 10 Best; 14:00 - Entourage; 14:30 Entourage; 15:00 - Mumbai Calling ; 15:30 - The Making Of Gladiator ; 16:15 - The Pursuit Of Happyness ; 18:30 - The Making Of Charlie’s Angels ; 19:00 - Charlie’s Angels ; 21:00 - Robin Hood: Men In Tights ; 23:00 - The Bourne Ultimatum ; 00:00 - The Bourne Ultimatum ; 01:15 - Death Wish 4: The Crackdown ; 03:15 - The Making Of The Return ; 03:30 - One True Thing 06:00 - Gift Of Jesus; 06:30 - Bhagwat Katha; 07:00 - Hillsong; 07:25 - Ek Nazar ; 07:30 Enjoying Everyday Life; 07:55 - Exposure Jhalak; 08:00 - Ek Ke Baad Ek (Music) ; 08:25 - Ek Nazar; 08:30 - Jai Jai Tridev; 09:00 Namaste Cinema; 09:30 - Shabhash India Childrens Special; 10:00 - Khana Khazana (Cookery) ; 10:30 - Kahani Ab Tak ; 11:00 Movie; 13:00 - Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 200 - 9; 16:00 - Movie; 20:00 - Ek Se Badhkar Ek - Chota Packet Bada Dhamaka; 21:00 - Naaginn ; 21:30 - Aladdin; 22:00 - EvEnts; 23:55ek Nazar; 00:00 - Asian Sky Shop ; 00:55exposure; 01:00 - Asian Sky Shop ; 02:00 - Teen Bahuraaniyaan ; 02:30 - Kasamh Se ; 03:00 - Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 200 - 9; 04:00 - Vivaah ; 04:30 - Urja; 05:00 Parrivaar ; 05:30 - Narseva Narayan Seva
rent state of mind regarding the split, Jodie says, "I'm sad it didn't work out but I'm moving forward with my life." Jodie and Cody were married in July 2007. In April 2008, she gave birth to Zoie and subsequently blogged for OK! about the ordeals of being a new mom and keeping her resurgent career back on track. She recently wrapped filming on her first feature film and is currently working on a tell-all book about her life for Simon & Schuster.
New Guns N' Roses album hits stores, a little late
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he day many rock fans never expected to see in their lifetimes is nigh. Guns N' Roses, the rock band that ruled the music world in the early 1990s and then self-destructed in a slowmotion death march, will release its first album of new material in more than 17 years worldwide on Sunday. Some equate "Chinese Democracy" to the Second Coming, or at least to the resurrection of Elvis Presley. "It's just a remarkable moment in popular culture," said Blender magazine editor-in-chief Joe Levy, without a trace of hyperbole. "It really is. We never thought we would get here." Others are hedging their bets. Reclusive singer Axl Rose, 46, is the only original member left. His volatile behaviour drove out key members such as top-hatted guitarist Slash years ago. Some purists say he should not have used the Guns N' Roses name with this new project. Either way, "Chinese Democ-
racy" has assumed mythical proportions over the years. Fans and skeptics alike are driven by sheer curiosity to see whether the album justifies its status as a lost masterpiece, or whether it turns out to be the anti-climactic equivalent of "The Godfather III." "Chinese Democracy" was originally envisaged as a 1995 release, the follow-up to the pair of "Use Your Illusion" albums that came out simultaneously in September 1991. But as work proceeded at a snail's pace, Rose took control of the group, and parted ways not only with all his original bandmates but with several of their replacements. He tinkered on the project with a succession of producers at his Malibu hideaway. Release dates came and went, along with presidential administrations and bull markets. By 2005, the cost of the project was estimated at more than $13 million. The band's Geffen Records label declined to
discuss financials. But fans never forgot about Guns N' Roses. This year alone, a hits record released in 2004 has sold 388,000 copies in the United States, and 4.3 million to date, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The band's 1987 full-length debut "Appetite for Destruction" has sold 106,000 copies this year. It is the biggest debut of all time, with U.S. shipments of more than 18 million copies. The band's worldwide sales are estimated at more than 90 million, according to its Geffen Records label. Electronics retailer Best Buy Co Inc (BBY.N: Quote, Profile, Research) will release "Chinese Democracy" exclusively in the United States, pricing it cheaply at $11.99. It will go on sale internationally through traditional retailers. Best Buy Senior Entertainment Officer Gary Arnold was confident consumers would cast their ballots for "Chinese Democracy," predicting
it would be the week's top seller, ahead of a new album by hip-hop star Kanye West, whose last release kicked off with 957,000 copies last September. But is the record any good? Rolling Stone magazine declared it "audacious, unhinged and uncompromising," while Blender's Levy said the ballads were "completely killer." Arnold said the album was on par with such classics as the Beach Boys' "Pet Sounds" and the Rolling Stones' "Exile on Main Street." The enthusiasm seemed a little more restrained at a listening event in Los Angeles on Tuesday, one of six that Best Buy organized nationwide for fans. About 400 people packed the Roxy on the Sunset Strip and awkwardly faced the stage, perhaps expecting a surprise appearance by the band itself. The music was piped in at ear-splitting volume through the public address system.
06:00 - Seva Ganga; 06:30 - Vignan Shashwat Sukh Ka; 07:00 Sangam; 07:30 - Raja Ki Ayegi Baraat; 08:00 - Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi; 08:30 - Baa Bahoo Aur Baby; 09:00 - Krishna Kathaiyen; 10:00 - Jai Maa Durga; 11:00 - Star Voice Of India; 14:00 - Aaja Mahi Ve; 16:00 - Plus Superhit; 19:30 - Ab Tak Ka Safar; 20:00 - Saibaba; 21:00 - Prithviraj Chauhan; 21:30 - Baa Bahoo Aur Baby; 22:00 - Plus Superhit; 00:00 - Kasturi; 00:30 Kumkum; 01:00 - Bidaai; 01:30 - Kis Desh Mein Hai Meraa Dil ; 02:00 - GrihAsti ; 02:30 - Kayamath; 03:00 - Hamari Devrani; 03:30 - Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii; 04:00 - Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi; 04:30 - Raja Ki Ayegi Baraat ; 05:00 - Disney Time
0:00 - Fifa: Futbol Mundial; 0:30 Uefa Champions League Magazine Show 08; 1:00 - Simply The Best; 1:30 - Rugby League World Cup Live: Final; 3:30 - Zim V Sl - 1st Odi H/L’s; 5:30 - Icl World Series Hls - Pakistan V World; 7:30 - Wwe:vintage Collection; 8:30 - Winning Post; 9:00 - Icl World Series Hls - Pakistan V World; 11:00 - Wwe:experience; 12:00 - Rugby League World Cup Live: Final; 14:00 - Icl World Series - World V Bangladesh; 22:30 - Wwe:experience; 23:30 Dutch Football
Jodie Sweetin Opens Up About Split ollowing the surprising news this afternoon that former Full House star Jodie Sweetin had filed for legal separation from Cody Herpin, her husband of 16 months and the father of their adorable baby daughter Zoie, OK! talked exclusively to Jodie to find out what happened. "We separated," she confirmed in a conversation with OK!, adding that she's "going to handle this as best as possible for Zoie." Explaining her cur-
06:00 - Telebrands; 06:30telebrands; 07:00 - Body Basics ; 08:00 - Planet Earth; 09:00 - Discover India; 10:00 India With Sanjeev Bhaskar; 11:00 Futureweapons (Season 3); 12:00 Mega Builders 2; 13:00 - Wild Africa; 14:00 - Planet Food; 15:00 - The Alaska Experiment; 16:00 - Planet Earth; 17:00 - Man Vs. Wild; 18:00 - Extreme Engineering; 19:00 - Planet Earth; 20:00 - Wildlife Specials; 21:00 - Discovery’s Biggest Shows; 22:00 - Discovery’s Biggest Shows; 23:00 - Futureweapons (Season 2); 00:00 - HuntErs; 01:00 - Telebrands; 01:30telebrands; 02:00 - Futureweapons (Season 2); 03:00 - Man Vs. Wild; 04:00 - Into Alaska With Jeff Corwin; 05:00 - Futureweapons
06:00 - The Brothers Grimm; 08:20 Spy Kids 2 - The Island Of Lost Dreams; 10:20 - Chestnut; 12:05 - A Walk On The Moon; 14:10 - The Hoax; 16:25 - The Talented Mr. Ripley ; 19:00 - Sky High; 21:00 - Proof; 23:00 - Match Point; 01:25 Ronin ; 03:25 - The Talented Mr. Ripley ; 05:45 - The Hoax
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icole Kidman hinted recently that she may scale back her movie career to focus on having more kids. Is baby number two already a work-in-progress? "No, I just have a little tummy," says the 41-yer-old actress – whose form-fitting dress had some bloggers speculating about a possible "baby bump" at Tuesday's premiere of her new film, Australia. She laughingly adds, "My god, I just had a baby four months ago – give me a break!" Kidman made the declaration, when she called in to the "Kyle and Jackie O Show" on Sydney's 2DAY F.M. "I think I've always had a little tummy, though, it runs in the family," says the notoriously slim star. "My sister does, my mum does, my grandmother did .... We affectionately refer to it as the 'little tummy.' "
06:00 - Caught In The Moment; 07:00 Teleshopping; 07:30 - Teleshopping; 08:00 Baby Planet; 09:00 - Incredible Journeys With Steve Leonard; 10:00 - Lords Of The Animals; 10:30 - All New Planet’s Funniest Animals; 11:00 - Groomer Has It (Series); 12:00 - Eye Of The Hunter; 13:00 - Corwin’s Quest; 14:00 Caught In The Moment; 15:00 - Planet Wild; 15:30 - Up Close And Dangerous (Season 1); 16:00 - Wild Africa; 17:00 - Incredible Journeys With Steve Leonard; 18:00 - Baby Planet; 19:00 - Groomer Has It (SerIes); 20:00 - Eye Of The Hunter; 21:00 - Planet Wild; 21:30 Up Close And Dangerous (Season 1); 22:00 - Animal Planet Safari; 23:00 - Wild Africa; 00:00 - Baby Planet; 01:00 Teleshopping; 01:30 - Teleshopping; 02:00 - Petsburgh Usa (Ii); 02:30 - Petsburgh Usa (Ii); 03:00 - Monkey Business 7; 03:30 Monkey Business 7; 04:00 - Petsburgh Usa (Ii); 04:30 - Petsburgh Usa (Ii); 05:00 - Monkey Business
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 06:00 - Out Of Reach; 07:30 - nfomercial; 08:00 - The Groomsemen; 10:10 - Flight Plan; 12:20 - Beaches; 15:00 - Cocktail; 17:00 - Get Shorty; 17:30 - The Mystic Masseur; 20:30 - Debs; 22:30 - Ocean’s Eleven; 00:00 - Ocean’s Eleven; 01:00 Air Rage; 02:30 - Rhapsody In August; 04:00 - Shore Ditch; 05:30 - The Contract 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 - Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai; 08:30 - Instant Khichdi; 09:00 - Yatra; 10:00 - Jai Ganga Mai; 11:00 - Ssshhhh Phir Koi Hai; 13:00 - The Great Indian Laughter Challenge Iv ; 15:00 - Movie; 18:30 - Mile Jab Hum Tum; 19:00 The Great Indian Laughter Challenge ; 20:00 - Movie; 23:30 - Mile Jab Hum Tum; 00:00 - Siddhanth ; 01:00 - Tony B 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
6:00 - Csi: Crime Scene Investigation; 7:00 - 2007 Lg Action Sports Championships; 8:00 - Csi: Ny; 9:00 So You Think You Can Dance; 11:00 - Mondo Magic Singapore; 11:30 - Ebuzz; 12:00 - Csi: Crime Scene Investigation; 1:00 Csi: Miami; 2:00 - Csi: Ny; 3:00 - The Jackal; 5:30 - Ebuzz; 6:00 - So You Think You Can Dance; 7:00 - The Amazing Race Asia; 8:00 - Stealth; 10:30 - Ebuzz; 11:00 - Buffy The Vampire Slayer; 1:00 - Csi: Crime Scene Investigation; 2:00 - Csi: Miami; 3:00 - Csi: Ny; 4:00 - Buffy The VaMpire Slayer
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England will bounce back “Dhoni offered to resign as captain”
BANGALORE, NOVEMBER 22 (AP): England coach Peter Moores said Saturday his team was capable of bouncing back against India in the seven-match series after losing the first three limited-overs internationals. Moores said the loss in the third-onedayer at Kanpur had left the visitors frustrated as the closely-contested match was curtailed by fading light and decided by the Duckworth-Lewis method. India earlier won the first one-dayer by 158 runs and the second match by 54 runs. England's players know they have to turn the tide in Sunday's day-night contest at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. "We've got to do it here in Bangalore. If you lose this game, you lose the series," Moores said. "From now on, every game is a final." England are getting closer to India with every outing in the one-day series, he added. "We need a win to get belief in ourselves," Moores said. England's selection options became fewer Saturday as it lost seamer Ryan Sidebottom for the rest of the series with a side-strain. Sidebottom has not featured in any of the previous matches on this tour. He arrived in India with an Achilles injury picked up during last month's Stanford twenty20 competition in the West.
BANGALORE, NOVEMBER 22 (PTI): Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has reportedly offered to resign from the high-profile post following paceman Rudra Pratap Singh's exclusion from the ODI team but the BCCI vehemently denied the development. According to television reports, Dhoni had a disagreement with the selectors during the meeting on Thursday to pick the team for the fourth and fifth matches of the ongoing series against England. Dhoni was unhappy that the selectors decided to drop R P Singh and include Irfan Pathan in his place and offered to resign, the television reports claimed, quoting an unnamed source close to one of the selectors. The BBCI, however, was quick to rubbish the reports. "I can't respond to something that is being floated around by somebody", BCCI secretary N Srinivisan said. The Indian players are currently here to play the fourth match and the team management could not be immediately reached for their comments. Dhoni's customary pre-match press conference is scheduled to be held later in the afternoon. The reports said BCCI President Shashank Manohar was forced to interfere and sort out the issue. The newly formed selection committee, headed by former Indian captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth had met on Thursday for the team selection when the differences apparently cropped up. Last year, Rahul Dravid too had relinquished captaincy. Lack of say in selection matters was widely touted as the reason behind Dravid's abrupt decision.
England captain Kevin Pietersen looks on during the third one-day international cricket game between India and England in Kanpur on November 20. (AP Photo/File)
Sir Alex Ferguson looks at bringing Giuseppe Rossi back to Man United
Mark Webber suffers broken leg
Man United head for Villarreal on Tuesday intent on taking control of their Champions League group - and assessing the possibility of bringing Giuseppe Rossi back to Old Trafford.
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FERGUSON revealed he is interested in exercising his option to re-sign the American-born Italian striker, who joined Villarreal for £6.7m last year. Ferguson reluctantly allowed Rossi to leave but insisted on a buy-back clause in the transfer deal, giving United first refusal if the Spanish club decide to sell him. Rossi, granted the regular first-team football Ferguson was unable to promise him, has responded by leading Villarreal's challenge to the traditionally dominant forces of Spain, Real Madrid and Barcelona. ''We would be interested in bringing him back,'' Ferguson said of the 21-year-
old Rossi. ''When Villarreal offered the money they did, we put in a buy-back clause. You always keep your options open. ''It was difficult to let him go. It was based on the fact that he wanted first-team football and we couldn't guarantee it. Simple as that. He's doing very well now. He's an excellent player.'' Ferguson's admission appears to cast more doubt on Carlos Tevez's future. The Argentine forward is still on loan at Old Trafford and the United boss said there had been no developments in negotiations to secure a permanent transfer. Tevez is frustrated at being cast as the 'third man',
behind Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov, in United's attacking options. Presumably, Rossi would again be confronted with that problem, but as an out-and-out front player he might give Ferguson a different choice. Ferguson yearns for a return to his 1999 scenario, when he had four senior strikers, all of whom played significant roles in United's treble success. He has already indicated he may recall Fraizer Campbell from Tottenham in January and has no intention of releasing 17-year-old Danny Welbeck on loan. United still have the four regular trophies on
their radar and Ferguson is adamant they want to be the first British team to win the revamped and expanded Club World Cup, to be contested in Japan next month. He knows strength in depth and consistency of performance will determine the credibility of that ambition. Ferguson will be without Berbatov and possibly Rio Ferdinand in Spain, the first of two away trips in the coming week that could seriously influence the course of United's season. They seek a score-draw or better against Villarreal to make them favourites to top their group and then face Manchester City at Eastlands in the League.
''After City we will have played all of last season's top 10 clubs away from home,'' Ferguson said. ''It's a hard run. These next few days will be an important spell for us.'' Berbatov was injured on friendly duty with Bulgaria last week and talked of quitting international football to prolong his club career as the issue of burn-out again became a debating point in the game. ''It's up to the individual to decide how he views international football, but there's definitely a threat of burn-out with the number of games we're playing today,'' Ferguson said. ''What has to give is normally the human being. "There were one or two competitive games the other night. The tackles were flying in during the ScotlandArgentina match. It's the intensity of international football that is the problem and Fifa won't change it. And of course it's intense at club level. It's a miracle we still manage to turn out players with the right attitude, character and enthusiasm to keep playing every week. ''No game is easy for Manchester United. Everyone wants to pay against us, everyone wants to beat us. The level of performance has to be 100 per cent. It's fantastic that they can go through all that and still involve themselves in internationals. How can clubs take a stand?'' Source: telegraph.co.uk
Mark Webber receives medical attention after a collision with a car during the Mark Webber Pure Tasmania Challenge (Photo: AP Photo)
THE 32-YEAR-OLD, who drives for the Red Bull racing team, was competing in his own charity event on the Australian island of Tasmania when he collided head-on with a car. Tasmania police said Webber was airlifted to hospital where he is being treated for a broken leg and other injuries. His condition is believed to be serious but not lifethreatening. The accident happened on a remote road south east of the capital city Hobart at about 12.40pm local time, police said. Webber was taking part in the Mark Webber Pure Tasmania Challenge, a 250kilometre endurance event consisting of mountain bike riding, kayaking and trekking. Sergeant Jon Ford, of Tasmania Police, said: "At 12.40pm we received reports of a collision between a bicycle and a motor vehicle on the Fortescue Bay Road on the Tasman Peninsula. "The collision was initially attended by paramedics attached to the event. "He was airlifted from
the scene by helicopter and taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital where he is now being treated for serious but not life-threatening injuries. "He suffered a broken leg and other injuries and is reported to be in a stable condition." A Red Bull Racing statement said: "Mark will remain in Tasmania for a few days before continuing his recovery in the UK. "While it looks like he's out of the winter testing programme, we fully ex-
pect Mark to make the starting grid in Melbourne next March. "Mark has said he's relieved to know the driver of the motor vehicle was uninjured and expressed his thanks to the many well wishes from family, friends and supporters. "Everyone at Red Bull Racing would like to add their best wishes to Mark and hope for his speedy recovery." Webber finished 11th in the Formula One drivers' world championship standings this year. Source: telegraph.co.uk
State wrestlers to vie for National C’ship
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KOHIMA, NOVEMBER 22 (MExN): The 3rd and final phase of the coaching camp being conducted by the Nagaland Wrestling Association at the Indira Gandhi Stadium is entering its final days. The selected wrestlers will depart for Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh on
December 2 for the Senior National Championship to be held from December 4 to 7. This is the qualifying tournament for the National Games scheduled to be held in Jharkhand in 2009. The selected wrestlers are; Dzuthoshelu Venuh, Chizovolu Rhakho, Neiphr-
ezonuo Keyiencu, Solengunu We-o, Khrunezolu Rhakho, Thepunituo Tase, Megosier Khate, Shurhoneyi Soho, Kadalo Kapfo, Rokuosilie Khawakhrie, Gitarani and Visakrol Vitsu. This was stated in a release issued by NWA president Heirang Lungalang.
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