The Morung Express by The Morung Express

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The Morung Express

A Daily Publication of Morung for Indigenous Affairs & JustPeace

Dimapur VOL. III ISSUE 328

“

Wednesday, November 26, 2008 12 pages Rs. 3

www.morungexpress.com

You have made us for Yourself O God, and our hearts are restless until they ﬁnd their rest in You

”

- Saint Augustine

MUSICPRESENTS FESTIVAL

VJ ISAK & ILAC

EVENT MANAGED BY

BELIEVE!

SPECIAL APPEARANCE BY

"//-!2!.' -):/2!- s 4(% .!'!,!.$ #(!-"%2 #(/)2 s !)3,% "!.$ .!'!,!.$ s -!.)052 37/2$ $!.#% SECRETARIAT PLAZA | 2nd DECEMBER | 4 p.m. KOHIMA - NAGALAND

Govt set to cut fuel prices after Dec 24

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NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 25 (PTI): The government will cut petrol and diesel prices after Assembly elections are over on December 24, Petroleum Minister Murli Deora said today. “The international prices have fallen and there is an expectation that prices need to be reduced. I am also of the opinion that they should be reduced and that will happen after December 24,” Deora said. Based on the average international oil prices in the first fortnight of November, state-run firms are earning a margin of Rs 16 crore per day on petrol and Rs 5 crore a day on diesel. However, they continue to lose on kerosene sold through ration shops and domestic LPG. Kerosene is being sold at a loss of Rs 22.40 a litre and LPG at Rs 343.49 per cylinder. The fall in international oil prices will result in lower revenue loss on fuel sales this fiscal. Petroleum Secretary R S Pandey said the ministry would go to the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) with a comprehensive proposal highlighting the situation and the remedial steps that can be taken. The issues to be highlighted are that prices of petrol and diesel can be revised in view of the profits made by the state-run oil firms on petrol and diesel since November 1, 2008. However, the combined net loss of over Rs 14,000 crore incurred by oil companies on fuel sales also needs to be taken into account. “Thirdly, as per our calculations, there will be an under recovery of Rs 1,10,000 crore on sale of fuel this fiscal. In what form these need to be covered will also be flagged with the CCEA,” Pandey said.

PM concerned over attacks on journalists NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 25 (PTI): Concerned over killings of journalists in Assam and Manipur, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has asked chief ministers of the two states to take “adequate measures” to protect mediapersons. As unidentified gunmen shot dead two journalists in Assam and Manipur, Singh spoke to Chief Ministers Tarun Gogoi and Ibobi Singh respectively and advised them to take immediate steps for prompt and fair investigations into the killings. The Prime Minister also asked the chief ministers to take adequate measures to ensure the security and safety of all journalists and newsmen in their states, a PMO statement said. Unidentified gunmen on Saturday shot journalist Jagajit Saikia in Kokrajhar town in Assam and earlier in the week assailants had gunned down sub editor Konsam Rishikanta in Imphal, Manipur.

‘Peace for tourism, Creativity Gone Wayward? Tourism for Peace’ Chizokho Vero Aizuto | November 25

PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY for Tourism, Art & Culture Yitachu today stressed on the need to create a peaceful atmosphere for tourists and the tourism industry to flourish in the state. Inaugurating Aizuto tourist destination here, Yitachu said the government has created the infrastructure and it is up to the public to maintain it and create a congenial environment to attract tourists to the destination. Aizuto is 30 kilometers from Zunheboto and 150 kilometers away from Kohima. It takes around an hour’s drive from Mokokchung. Saying viable communication facilities, availability of handloom and handicrafts, and dissemination of ‘correct information’ have now become important components in this newly-created tourist destination, he stressed on the need to train local youths in ‘songs and dances’ so they will be available whenever called for. Such programmes will be an added attraction for tourists, he said. Appreciating the people’s movement for conservation of bio-diversity within the area, the parliamentary secretary hoped that the initiative would help reduce the effect of global warming. Stat-

ing that he had a small vision of having ‘religious tourism’ in the state the day the tourism portfolio was assigned to him, Yitachu said religious tourism with eco-tourism, cultural tourism and adventure will be the answer to such a destination like Aizuto. He said such a move will add value to life and help eradicate social menaces in the society. He also stressed on the need to incorporate faith-healing in the premises of Aizuto Mission Centre where the tourist destination is situated. At the same time, Yitachu felt that dramas and plays, with religious ‘connotation’, should be part of the curriculum in Anderson Theological College, which is also within the tourist destination. This, Yitachu said, will send a strong message to the people. Urging the people to extend their cooperation, he appealed to make full use of the opportunities created by the Government for promotion of tourism-related activities to earn optimum benefit out of it. Commissioner and Secretary for Tourism and Art & Culture Khekiye K. Sema said tourist destinations here were granted not merely on the ground of building infrastructure but also given by the centre as a due emphasis on conservation of the rich bio-diversity of the area. Continued on page 3

An Italian Carabinieri paramilitary police ofﬁcer shows a gun, disguised as a mobile phone, which was seized along with other weapons and drugs in a Camorra bunker in Torre Annunziata, near Naples, southern Italy, Monday, November 24. According to investigators the gun disguised as mobile phone can ﬁre up to four bullets. (AP Photo)

NSCN (IM) questions “Naga uniﬁcation day” Superannuation: Govt passes DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 25 (MExN): The celebration of the so-called first anniversary of “Naga unification” at Khehoi Camp of the “GPRN/NSCN” is a “a cold comfort for the Nagas as this is the grim reminder to the Nagas of the ‘counterfeit Naga unification’ masterminded by RAW’, the NSCN (IM) stated in a note today. An MIP note said the “Naga unification day” was made to appear before the Nagas under the “flattering wave represented by Azheto Chophy and his company”. It asserted that the Naga people cannot help but treat the “celebration” as “wild adventurism” and affront to the Nagas. “The language of discrimination only changed color when pressurized by the Naga civil societies to give the exact definition of Naga unification in order to avoid ambiguity but the crime wave that followed only produce chasm.

And the face of ‘unity bungle’ as the inevitable consequences of going for dubious means only met the Naga people” the MIP said. According to the MIP, the “joint council meeting” of the NSCN (IM) at Hebron on November 24 was “abashed at the deceitfulness of K-group and going the way of a demagogue”. “It has taken a contemptuous observation of the celebration of “first anniversary’ of ‘unification of Nagas’ by glorifying themselves in such manner that is bereft of any moral sanctity. NSCN out rightly rejected such act of defying ground reality. The NSCN and the Naga people have no choice but to treat such immoral show off with derision as ‘traitors’ and ‘deserters’ never represents the aspiration of the Naga peoples” the NSCN (IM) said. The outfit also said many civil society groups “with dubious char-

acter, tried desperately to preach Naga unification with evangelical fervor by projecting this group as the face of Naga unification leader”. “But everything went disastrous, and many innocent national workers and civilians died in the process” it added. “Nevertheless, respecting the sentiments of the Naga people represented by Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) NSCN is not showing any disinclination for Naga unity, rather it has been quite open to pinpoint the road blocks to Naga unification. What really matters now is the sincerity and commitment in doing away with those road blocks by the group in question. However, the Nagas will be watching very keenly how this group members free themselves from being the prisoners of their conscience” the MIP added.

buck to judgment of Court DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 25 (MExN): Waking to the Naga Students’ Federation’s demanding a review of the length of service, the state government today said it has “agreed in principle” to “fix the maximum length of service for government employees – but depending on the judgment of the court of law. The government rolled the ball into the court of the court – the state will do whatever it can, but any review of the maximum length of service for state government employees is “subject to favorable judgments” by learned “courts”. Curiously, the letter addressed to the NSF president emphasized the word “court’ in capital letters. The letter, from Nagaland Chief Secretary Lalhuma said the state government has “agreed in principle” but made abundantly clear that any official review and subsequent action would depend only on “favorable judgments”. The government said the court would be approached for a go on the review and if any “adverse judgment” is given, then the Supreme Court would be approached. So basically, what the government implied, was a review “subject

to favorable judgments”. The government assured the NSF that “the state government will file a review petition before the division bench of the Guwahati High court within a period of one week, along with a petition for condonation (sic) of the delay, praying for review of its earlier judgment and order dated 18.1.1993 in WP civil Rule No. 364 if 1992”. “In the event” the letter continued, “of the Guwahati High Court giving an adverse judgment/order to the review petition, the state government is committed to go in appeal to the Supreme Court, on the basic of the Supreme Court’s judgment dated 14.1.1993 in civil Appeal No.127, 128 & 129 of 1993 in YS Kothari Vrs State bank of India & ors”. The state said it has “agreed in principle to fix the maximum length of service for state government employees subject to favorable judgment being given by the learned courts”. Highlighting these “assurances” the government requested the NSF to withdraw the students’ organization’s ongoing agitation over the issue of reviewing the length of service.

CMCF should be based on merit DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 25 (MExN): In a meeting envisaged to make the Chief Minister’s Corpus Fund more transparent, a meeting was called today by MLA and chairman of the CMCF Dr. Nicky Kire for Kohima. Various technical issues for a review of the CMCF system were disused for a more systematic and transparent board, the Angami Students’ Union, which attended the meeting, said. The ASU proposed having its representative in the selection board, with “equal rights and voice” honoring “both sides and views and opinion”. The ASU said interviews should be strictly based on merit. Further, all political recommendation would not carry any weight, “if it is not found genuine” said an ASU note received here, informing of the proposals made in the meeting. Taking into con-

sidering the cosmopolitan nature of Kohima, the ASU also sought additional funds to accommodate what it stated are “larger beneficiaries”. The meeting was attended, among others, Deputy Commissioner of Kohima Sachopra Vero, ADC Zenietuo Yano and government representatives as well as ASU and Angami Youth organization executives.

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Dimapur

LOCAL

Wednesday 26 November 2008

The Morung Express

strengthens cause ‘Government jobs not the only career option’ NVCO for consumer protection The names of the awardees are as follows: Student (Rs.5000) 1. Shesalü Vadeo (Painting) 2.Avung Hungi (Drawing) Professional (Rs.8000) 1. Pangeronen Aier (Painting) 2. Neivotuo Keyho (Sculpture) 3.Menulhoutuo (Graphics)

Commissioner and Secretary for Urban Development, Temjen Toy, IAS, addressing the gathering at the 23rd Nagaland State Art Exhibition and Craftsmen’s Workshop at the State Academy Hall, Kohima on November 25. (Right) Some of the art on display. (DIPR)

KOHIMA, NOVEMBER 25 (DIPR): The inaugural function of the 23rd Nagaland State Art Exhibition-cumcraftsmen workshop was held at the State Academy Hall Kohima on November

25 with Commissioner and Secretary for Urban Development, Nagaland, Temjen Toy, IAS, as the chief guest. In his address, Temjen Toy congratulated the awardees and thanked all the partici-

pants for attending the programme. He stated that this exhibition of Art and Crafts was an eye-opener for all, especially our youths who should exploit their capabilities and talents in arts and crafts. Stat-

ing that government jobs are not the only source of one’s career, but that art and crafts also promotes self-employment, the Commissioner urged the youth to take it as a career builder, as arts and crafts are

job-oriented. The chief guest also released a catalog of paintings on the occasion, which is organised by the Department of Art and Culture in collaboration with the Nagaland Art

TTYO to deal sternly with ‘defaulters’ KOHIMA, NOVEMBER 25 (MExN): The Tsiepfii Tsiepfhe Youth Organisation (AG Colony) Kohima has declared that any individual or group found stealing or involved in theft of vehicles, properties, etc., would be sternly dealt with. No individual, party or group shall disturb the tranquillity of the colony by playing loud music after 7:00 pm, keeping in mind the forthcoming examination, the TTYO added in a notification issued by its president, Atsato. The Organisation also reiterated that no individual or group should indulge in any form of “gambling in ho-

tels, restaurants and booze joints.” They further directed the government established departments and house owners within the jurisdiction to strictly adhere to the resolution, as those in concern would be liable for any action along with the defaulters. Also informing on a ‘surprise checking’ to be conducted especially relating to essential commodities, exorbitant price rate, expiry products, etc., the TTYO warned that defaulters would be penalised “with heavy fine, cease of trade license, etc.” The resolutions were adopted during an executive meeting of TTYO held on November 21, the notice added.

Consolation (Rs.2000) 1.Merimvü Doulo (Painting) 2. Tato V. Swu (Painting) 3. Asanuo Sapuh (Drawing) 4. K o z o t a Shijo (Crafts) 5. A l e m Pongen (Crafts) Society, Kohima. Earlier, the introductory speech was delivered by art executive, chairman Vilalhou Noudi, followed by welcome address by Additional Director for Art & Culture, Alem Longkumer.

DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 25 (MExN): The Nagaland Voluntary Consumer Organisation (NVCO) has once again reminded the State government to strictly maintain proper prices of goods and services during the Hornbill Festival to be celebrated from December 1, 2008, onwards at Kisama. The NVCO also appealed to the business community to maintain correct prices in goods and services during the Christmas season. Comparing other traders with those in Nagaland, the Organisation assumed that in Nagaland many traders tend to sell their goods at higher prices during the festival season while other traders give discounts on the prices promoting their business and also letting consumers buy their goods. Kezhokhoto Savi, President NVCO, in a press release said that one of the main grievances faced by consumers is that there is no uniformity of prices but the government is least bothered. “The state government is required to set up a competent price control body and even the department of Consumer Protection should be properly set up not like the present arrangement kept or clubbed up to a certain department just for name sake,” the NVCO stated.

Representing the problem faced by the consumers due to “acute supply of gas cooking cylinders in the entire state,” NVCO added, “The state government, particularly the District administration in each district headquarter, should take up this problem and find out as to where and why so much shortage of supply is in this sector.” Further, the Organisation reminded the consumers to be vigilant while buying goods and availing services by taking proper care to check weight, read and understand the information provided on the goods, check the price, and obtain cash memo/receipt, date of manufacturing, date of expiry, quality and quantity, ISI mark, Agmark, MRP, etc. The NVCO has also expressed gratitude to the Consumer Society Dimapur (CSD) for their initiative in filing RTI application to the department of Legal Metrology & Consumer Protection to ensure accountability and transparency in the concerned department. It also added that the NVCO would give full support to CSD and, in case of not furnishing information or documents in time, the NVCO and CSD will jointly initiate for appeal and further actions.

ABCC condemns crime against church workers DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 25 (MExN): The Executive of the Angami Baptist Church Council (ABCC), in its sitting on November 11 last, took note of the robbing of church workers on October 31, 2008, at Diphupar gate. Rev. Lhouzoviu Shüya, President ABCC, while condemning the act stated, “The Church is firm in its Biblical stand that it is inhuman, not to speak of un-Christian, to threaten to rob, to extort, and to kill any other human being whether by individuals, groups or organizations. The Church is also of the opinion that the State government and her law-enforcing agencies could do much better and much more to make the law-abiding citizens safe.” The Church, therefore, while appealing to the State government to do more to make its citizens safer, prayed that better sense would prevail in the land. On the morning of October 31 at Diphupar gate, some armed men had robbed Kezhalhoutuo Dzüvichü, Executive Secretary of Chakhro Baptist Church Council, Pastor Sakho-o Theünuo, Diphupar Angami Baptist Church, and Kelhoubalie, Deacon at Diphupar Angami Baptist Church, at gunpoint and taken away cash and other belongings.

Mokokchung Pensioners to meet

Newly-crowned Miss Dimapur, Moakala Phom, celebrating her win with the family of Ebenezer Orphanage Home, Dimapur. In a warm humanitarian gesture, Moakala shared her blessings by visiting the Home and making donations towards the orphanage.

MOKOKCHUNG, NOVEMBER 25 (DIPR): The 19th general body meeting of the Mokokchung District Pensioners Association (MDPA) will be held on November 27 next at the Mokokchung town hall at 9 am. The president of the Association will deliver the presidential address and pay homage to its members who had passed away since the last general meeting. Presentation of reports of audit, secretary’s report, nomination committee, agenda and other related matters, induction of new office bearers and executive members, besides adoption of new resolutions, will be the highlights of the meeting. All village/ward units have been directed to send not less than two delegates along with the unit secretary from each unit. The Association further requested that all pensioners of Mokokchung town attend the programme.

Voice of Liberation launched

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The voices behind ‘Liberation’: (from left to right) Sükhali, Esther, Katoli, Kahuli, Augustoli, Qhetoni, Heshini, & Piholi. DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 25 (MExN): Voice of Liberation, a musical group, was formally launched at NCRC Sümi, Kohima, on November 23. Dedicatory prayers were offered by Pastor Yehoto Swu. In his speech, while appreciating the young mothers for their desire to work for the Lord, Pastor Swu lamented

CONCEPT NOTE The Northeast – a land of diverse cultures, scenic landscapes, warm peoples and a land of youth and energy cannot but be attracted to idealized beauty and feminine charm. The glow of youth which radiates from a people infatuated with its own youthfulness expresses itself most effectively in beauty pageants. And such events seek to ﬁnd the one young lady from among the many who possesses not only beauty, but wit, charm, intelligence and talent. She must represent raw but wholesome cultural, personal and family values. As such, she is more than just a beauty; she is a symbol of the complete woman. The Seven Sisters Miss Barak 2008 contest with the theme “Peace Through Culture and Identity “is an all inclusive attempt not only to showcase the beautiful people of the Northeast but also

to ﬁnd out ‘the’ lady from among the bevy of delightful women, representing all the states in the region. The challenge here will be to applaud beauty of the rare kind that lightens the mind, refreshes the eyes but most importantly one that deﬁnes the identity, culture, beauty and charm in all its aspects of the people of the Northeast. We believe that it is through a comprehensive understanding of this beauty that will create a sense of togetherness among the people in the region. In the midst of all kinds of turmoil and insecurities, this event is also an endeavor to highlight ‘beauty from ashes’. Beauty is radiance: it sends forth light and dispels the darkness of confusion, indecision, hatred and chaos. Beauty promotes peace. The Seven Sisters Miss Barak 2008 contest, will, therefore, put forth,

the fact that though Nagaland is basically a Christian state which boasts of having a majority of its population practising Christianity, a lot was left to be desired. The Pastor said that apart from rock music, pop culture, entertainment and other issues, the church ministry as well as the common people’s attitude (in-

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT both, a proposal and an agenda for peace among all the people in the region. The Northeast has more than often been described as a region of ‘fear’. To the outside world, through this Pageant, we want to press home the message that ours is a land of serenity seen through the prism of the hearts of the people. It is a region that radiates joy in its very being and like an eagle spreading its auburn wings of spring; the land opens out its arms to all people of the world welcoming them into an experience that is archaic, undemanding yet heartwarming. Just as the Barak River murmuring through and sustaining the heart and souls of many a people in the Northeast, this event seeks to uphold the virtues by which the rich diversity of the land is bound. All are welcome.

We the Family Members of Late Keduovisie Kiso (Adovi) would like to express our gratitude to one and all who stood by us during the time of his illness and sudden demise of our beloved on 20th Nov’08. We convey our special thanks to: 1. Baptist Mission Church (BMC) Kohima. 2. Lirie Baptist Church (LBC) Kohima. 3. Ofﬁcers & Staff, Directorate of Veterinary & A.H. 4. Editor & Staff, Nagaland Post. 5. Tsiepfu Tsiepfe Council & Youth Organization. 6. Dziikhu Krotho, upper A.G. Colony. 7. Kigwema Kewhira Kebako Krotho. 8. Dzedo Krotho, Kohima. 9. Chairperson & Staff Kohima Municipal Council. 10. Principal & Staff, Oriental College, Kohima. 11. Angami Hublian Krotho, Karnataka. 12. Lirie Thepfu Krotho, Kohima. 13. Classic Club, Kohima. 14. Neighbors, Friends and all Well Wishers. It is regretted that, we are unable to thank each & everyone of you individually, but pray that, Almighty bless you all in abundant for Comforting & Supporting us through your Prayer, Presence, Monetarily & Materially to the Family during the Saddest moment in our life.

Loving Father, Mother, Children’s, Brothers, Sisters & Relatives.

cluding media) towards popularising Christian activities and Gospel values were found wanting. While encouraging the congregation, he was of the view that not just the church but Naga people from all the quarters needed to work together by using God’s gift in different areas to work for God’s glory

Angangba Village Guard completes 50 years LONGKHIM, NOVEMBER 25 (DIPR): The Angangba Village Guard celebrated its Golden Jubilee on November 22, 2008, with MLA Konngam Konyak as the chief guest. Speaking on the occasion, the MLA called upon the people to usher in a golden age of excellence. As a mark of the occasion, he gave away the Ashok Chakra–II to Dobashi-cumArea Post Commander, late Mükhimong, Governor’s Commendation awards to late Subedar Major Z Ongto and M Thsikumkyu, and Commissioner Award to C Threnso for their distinguished services. Recalling the history of heroic deeds done by the predecessors, Konyak exhorted the Angangba VGs to strive harder and march ahead for higher excellence. Stating that the service of the Village Guards had become indis-

pensable in our society, the MLA suggested the creation of a separate Directorate for the Village Guards. Comparing Naga society with the history of Israel, he said all the evils prevailing in our society were a result of forsaking God’s commandments, and stressed that it was high time to realise our past mistakes and march ahead for a better society. Exhortations were delivered by ADC Longkhim, Y Y Sangtam, Commandant of VG Tuensang, Rev. James T Sangtam, Special Head DB, Longkhim, M Khumpise, and Head GB of Angangba village, Hothrongba. Other highlights of the occasion included special number by the Blooming Voice Band, parade contingents led by Band Platoon, 3rd NAP Tuensang, and performances by cultural troupes from different villages.

LOCAL

The Morung Express

Wednesday

26 November 2008

37 AR apprehend Korea craze to ULFA cadre in Mon feather Hornbill

DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 25 (MExN): After the successful operations conducted in Bihupar village in Assam and Nagnimora in Mon district of Nagaland that led to the recovery of huge quantity of explosives, the Assam Rifles are on a high alert and are maintaining strict vigil within the state. Having received reliable information from its sources that ULFA cadres were trying to sneak from Myanmar into Nagaland through Lungwa village to further gain entry into Assam, AR intensified its round the clock surveillance. On the noon of November 25 at 12:30 pm AR personnel at a check post at LungwaPhomching road noticed suspicious movement of civilians. On being confronted by the AR personnel, one person from amongst the civilians started running to avoid the security web laid by AR. However he was apprehended and a .303 rifle along with one magazine and 10 live rounds besides

other incriminating documents were recovered from his possession. After further interrogation he was identified as one Dhanti Dutta, s/o Mohan Dutta of Sonari, Assam belonging to 28BN, B Coy ULFA. The apprehended ULFA cadre was being shifted to Mon when reports last came in. In its continued effort to thwart any attempt by militant groups to use Nagaland as a corridor of transit or as safe haven AR units all over the state are on high alert maintaining close watch on all movements especially in border districts. AR units have further been issued directions to take stern action against any attempts by banned outfits and round the clock patrolling, MVCP's, frisking of suspected vehicles and personnel are in vogue. AR appeals to the local populace of Nagaland for their cooperation and to report any suspected presence of militants or movement in civilian areas.

NPF Zbto meeting today DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 25 (MExN): The NPF Zunheboto Division has called an emergency executive meeting on November 26 next at 10:00 am at its divisional office. P Kiyelu Awomi, general secretary of administration in a press release informed all respective president and

general secretary of area units, district executives to attend the meeting without fail. “The final list of District executives, area unit’s executives and active members of the district members shall be finalised. To be submitted to the central office for N/approval,” it concluded.

“Promoting local talent”

‘Peace for tourism, Tourism for Peace’

‘Jumping Bean’ café opens

Morung Express News Dimapur, | November 25

‘JUMPING BEAN’ CAFÉ opened for the public Tuesday November 25 with various local artists performing live at the grand opening. The cafe aims to promote local singers, bands of various genres, comedians and the like. To promote local talent Jumping Bean will remunerate the artists performing at the cafe. In an informal tête - à - tête with this correspondent, Sarah Pongen, one of the partners of the café said that ‘Dimapur is a new upcoming market where we have to compete with other metros and opening such a café was to make it an entertaining zone for every one, including the kids’. She also welcomes other local entrepreneurs to start such venture to create more avenues for the local youths. Sarah said that the café focuses on kids and on that note they are planning to create a “Book

KOHIMA, NOVEMBER 25 (MExN): Ninth edition of the Hornbill Festival – as the festival gets bigger and better each year – this year, the Korea-India Music festival scheduled for December 2 has brought in more hype especially for teenagers. The event will be held at the New Secretariat Plaza in Kohima, coinciding with the Hornbill Festival. Korean music, food, movies, fashion and even the language itself, in recent years, has proven much ‘influential’ among most Naga youngsters. Last year’s inclusion of the Korea-Nagaland pavilion attracted a lot of youngsters during the Hornbill Festival, and with the event expanding each year, the announcement of the Korea-India Music Festival is expected to attract much more than last year’s crowd. Out of the fifteen confirmed Korean delegates from Arirang TV, renowned singer Ilac and celebrity singer and dancer VJ Isak from Seoul, are the main attractions. Apart from a performance by the duo, the event will also witness performances by Mizoram band ‘Boomarang’, Nagaland Chamber Choir and a band, Aisle, and a Manipuri ‘sword dance’. A solo Korean song competition for Naga singers, for which prizes will be given by Arirang TV, is another interesting addition to the event. It has been informed that Ilac and VJ Isak will touch down at Dimapur Airport on December 1 afternoon and head straight for Kohima the same day. The organizers for the event are said to be expecting a crowd of more than ‘ten thousand’. Entry passes at a nominal rate of Rs.20 per person will be charged and available soon. The show is managed by XL group.

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Reading Club” on Saturdays with various activities changing from time to time for them. She informed that they have no plans to franchise the café in Nagaland and the café has been initiated by two persons as partners. The minds of the youths should change besides only pursuing after government jobs, but be more creative in ones own ideas so as to create a right platform to start a good business was a heartening message left behind by the partners of the Jumping Bean Cafe. The café offers great coffee besides soft drinks and food. It furthers boasts of the services of a highly trained chef. ‘Jumping Bean’ would also be open for hire for seminars, conferences, and also special occasions like birthdays, etc. The café would be open on all days. Around 6 artists performed for the evening program and is likely to see more local artists in the future.

He maintained that the newly created tourist destination will ‘open the eyes of the visitors’ to feel the impact of the God-gifted natural wealth to Nagas. He was hopeful that the destinations will enable the people to interact with one other and help build better relationships and at the same time, bring ‘integration attitude’ among the populace. Terming the setting up of the tourist destination here as a blessing, Parliamentary Secretary Y. Patton hoped that the community will be able to improve their living standards and economic conditions by trading agriculture produce and handicrafts to the tourists. Talking to this correspondent, Neisatuo Keditsu, president of Nagaland Tourism Association was all praise for the initiative, saying this area has the potential to promote eco-tourism in the state. Several dignitaries including MLA Shetoi also attended the function.

PROFILE

Mon

Rainfall

Temp

No rainfall

Normal

Mokokchung

-do-

Normal

Tuensang

-do-

Normal

Zunheboto

-do-

Normal

Phek

-do-

Normal

Wokha

-do-

Normal

Kohima

-do-

Normal

Dimapur

-do-

Normal

Cloud cover

Partly cloudy sky on 29th Nov Partly cloudy sky on 29th Nov Partly cloudy sky on 29th & mainly clear sky on 26th & 30th Nov Partly cloudy sky on 29th Nov Partly cloudy sky on 29th & mainly clear sky on 26th Nov Partly cloudy sky on 29th Nov Mainly cloudy sky on 29th and partly cloudy sky on 26th Nov Partly cloudy sky on 29th Nov

Agro advisories for the farmers • Sowing should be done across the slope and along the contours to minimize soil and water losses, particularly in hill slopes / terraced lands. • Vegetable crops are at vegetative growth. Take up weeding and hoeing. • Potato should be harvested in dry weather. If tubers have even little moisture on their surface that could lead to infection and rotting during storage. • The groundnut produce which is harvested should be kept at a safer place for drying and if necessary for processing. • For improving the soil health, FYM, biofertilizer, vermicompost and green manuring should be applied or used as per agronomic practices. • Stores and bins should be cleaned and repaired to store the different seeds of Kharif crops after proper sun drying. • Remove and destroy Parthenium hysterophorus, Congress plant especially in and around mango orchard as it plays host to mango mealy bug. Imtisenla Walling Agro met Field Unit ICAR, Medziphema

Relative humidity Max% Min%

Wind speed km/hr

3-4

1-2

VJ Isak

Ilac

VJ Isak is the host for the very popular music show Pops in Seoul of Arirang TV. She has two hit songs ‘One’ and ‘Tell me baby’. Nickname : Bright eyes, Little Miss Nono, Cider Date of Birth: May 25, 1985 Religion : Christian Special talents: Jazz dancing, Hip-hop

KARMARIDERS WOULD reach Dimapur through NH-39 on November 27 at around 3:30 pm. “Solidarity, Peace and Friendship” is the aim of the Karmariders and as they interact with the youths they intend to challenge the youths “to be determined”. Stating this in a hurried press conference called by organizers of the Northeast leg , it was clarified that the organisers were playing the role of facilitators. Karmariders comprises of five German University students from Germany and have so far covered a distance of more than 25000 km. Cycling across many countries the riders are spreading the message of solidarity across different cultures and have covered a majority of the European nations. The Organizers informed that the basic aim for Karmariders is to interact with the local populace and know about their lives and culture. Don Bosco Allumni, Dimapur unit (DBADU) is coordinating the Dimapur leg, while for the Chumukedima area it will be ably supported by Rotaract Club, Chu-

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Easternly to south easternly Easternly to south easternly

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Southeasternly

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Easternly

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The Organising Committee of Dimapur District Village Council Chairman Association has convened its 2nd meeting on November 26 at Town Hall Dimapur at 10:00 am. All concerned chairman of recognized village are hereby informed to attend the said meeting without fail.

Nagaland Contractors & Suppliers Union Kohima has informed that Peren District Unit election shall be held on November 28 at 11:00 am. Therefore, all registered members of Peren District Unit NCSU are requested to attend the meeting positively.

Dimapur | November 25

DDC Chairmen Association informs

NCSU Kohima informs

John Yengkhom

Easternly to South easternly Southeasternly to southernly Easternly to south easternly

STARTING LINE-UP

Your daily Meetings, Appointments, Information and Reminder column

All the Frontal Organisation presidents and secretaries under Peren Division NPF Party are informed of an emergency meeting to be held on November 27 at Jalukie Town Council at 11:00 am for election of division ofﬁce bearers and its Frontal Organisation Ofﬁce Bearers (Division Level). All president and general secretary of both A/C and CEC members are therefore requested to attend the meeting without fail.

CANSSEA GBM

Occupation: Singer Date of Birth: June 22, 1981 Education: Attending Gyeong – Gi University Hobby: Extreme sports, Interior Experiences: 1999-2002Played vocal in college band called “Rock” a “Billy” 2004- Feb-April MTV Debut as singer “Ilac world” activities 2004- First Album issued “I’ll be ready for you” 2006-August Second Album issued “Sorrow” 2006 –October entered “One Korea Festival” in Osaka, Japan. 2008 March, Ilac, Monday Kiz & VOS Single Album “Friendship issued”

KOHIMA, NOVEMBER 25 (MExN): The Central Office CANSSEA has resolved to hold a general body meeting at the Town Hall of Wokha on November 27 next at 11:00 am to discuss important issuers pertaining to CANSSEA. A press note issued by its joint treasurer, N.C Boruah informed all government employees working within the district to attend the meeting without fail.

IRCSN to auction vehicle KOHIMA, NOVEMBER 25 (MExN): The Indian Red Cross Society, Nagaland State branch will auction a Tata Sumo vehicle at a minimum price of Rs. 50, 000 and it will be given to the highest bidder. “Interested person or party are invited for bidding on November 27 next at 1 pm at the office of the Red Cross,” stated a press note issued by Zakie Kire, general secretary of IRCSN.

‘Solidarity, Peace and Friendship’ : Karmariders

Wind direction

NPF Peren Division informs for meeting

mukedima. DBADU informed today that Dimapur District Commissioner, Moangwati Aier would flag off the Karmariders for Dimapur town on November 28 from Don Bosco, AIDA Complex at 9:00 am and DMC Chairman, K Khekaho Assumi will greet the team on November 27 at Nagaland Gate where a reception program would be conducted. They have also informed that there will be a public interaction at Circuit House on November 28 where there would be a program to highlight environmental issues through power point presentations. No lack of security would arise and arrangement for entire three days would be backed up by tight vigil round the clock, they reiterated. 20 motorcyclists have so far confirmed participation as escorts from Nagaland gate on November 27. And around 100 cyclists are expected to go with the Karmariders on November 28. The Karmariders would be heading to Kohima and later at Manipur where they would be taking a flight from Imphal. For further information, contact Kevi Angami on 9436261298.

Weather forecast from 26th to 30th Nov 2008 NSF to picket secretariat today Districts

Dimapur

DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 25 (MExN): The Naga Students’ Federation has requested all educational institutions in and around Kohima to make compulsory for all the students to actively participate in the “proposed agitation to picketing the secretariat office” on November 26. However those students who are appearing their examinations will be exempted from participation. Hetoi Chishi, general secretary of NSF in a release informed all volunteers to reach the High School junction at 8:00 am. NSF has also requested all the secretarial staff to stay away from office on November 26 and cautioned “any action of the government, group or individual leading to jeopardize the interest of the NSF will be treated as anti to the

BHARAT SANCHAR NIGAM LIMITED (A Government Of India Enterprise)

FREE INTERNET ACCESS SERVICE FOR ANOTHER TWO MONTHS BSNL Nagaland Telecom is pleased to announce that the customers can avail now free dialup internet access extended for two months up to 3112-2008. All the customers of the BSNL Nagaland Telecom District, are requested to avail this facility at the fullest utilization at the cost of

TELEPHONE ACCESS CHARGES ONLY.

future to the Nagas.” “Any action of the secretarial staffs attempted to ignore the request of the Federation will be of their own risk,” the note further cautioned.

Corrigendum Apropos to the news item published on November 25, 2008, Henveth Phom, secretary Confederation of Community Based Organisations of India has corrected the name of Chairman Arenla Toshi as Arenla Doshy, Chairman CCBOs, Nagaland.

RJD members join NPF DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 25 (MExN): The 45th Tehok ARJD dissolved and joined the NPF party in block with the RJD party leader and W Chen – Nyeim Konyak, exRJD candidate along with ARJD office bearers, executives and DRJD youth wing in favour of CL John, MLA, to work sincerely under the leadership of Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio and Dr. Shurozulhie, president of NPF. This was stated in a press note issued by K Chingkai Konyak, president of 45 A/C Tehok, ARJD, Mon.

Government of Nagaland

OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER No. Jud-11/2007-08/ 1575

Kiphire, Nagaland

Dated Kiphire 19th November 2008

NOTICE

Where as Smti LOTSACHI w/o Lt YOUNGKHIANMONG V.G. Moya village has applied for issue of succession certificate under the Indian Succession Act 1925 in order to draw/ receive the payment of the movable/ immovable property of Late YOUNGKHIANMONG V.G under the establishment of Deputy Commandant (V.G) Kiphire, who expire on 27th 02-2008. Description of the property 1. GPF 2. GIS From the office of the Deputy Commandant VG Kiphire 3. FBF 4. Pension case 5. Any other dues etc Publics are hereby asked to file objection /claim if any within thirty days from the date of issue of this order. Sd/(L.YANTSOWO LOTHA) Deputy Commissioner Kiphire, Nagaland.

Government of Nagaland OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER No. Jud-11/2007-08/ 1576

Kiphire, Nagaland Dated Kiphire 19th November 2008

NOTICE

Where as Smti AMONGLA w/o Lt CHINGKITHONG Rtd.Naik, NAP has applied for issue of succession certiﬁcate under the Indian Succession Act 1925 in order to draw/ receive the payment of the movable/ immovable property of Lt CHINGKITHONG Rtd.Naik, NAP Phelunger Village District Kiphihre who expire on 27-10-2008 . Description of the property P.P.O. NL/4181 and S.B.I. A/C No 11853350805 Publics are hereby asked to ﬁle objection /claim if any within thirty days from the date of issue of this order. Sd/(L.YANTSOWO LOTHA) Deputy Commissioner Kiphire, Nagaland.

CONGRATULATION As a leader from the area, I, on behalf of myself and on behalf of the area people extend hearty congratulations to Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu Hon’ble Minister, Urban Development, Higher Education, for his able and efﬁciency in leading the Nagas and for being re-elected as the President for another term. The Peace, Progress and Development in the state are the face of such a worthy leader. I further congratulate Apong Pongener, Padma Shree Chubala and Kughuto Shohe for electing as the working President, President Women Wing and President Youth Wing respectively along with the host of leaders elected into different post of the party fold. The most important among it to congratulate is the Hon’ble Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for his able and dynamic leadership and repost faith and support of the people which shows that his leadership among the Nagas shall last a long way. (H.Wongto Chang) Ex-Candidate 54 A/C Tuensang Sadar-II

Government of Nagaland

OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE Nagaland: Kohima

NO.PHQ (B-1)1/14th NAP (IR) BN/2008/169

Dated Kohima, the 25th Nov’2008

ADVERTISEMENT The following posts are hereby advertised to be ﬁlled up from among the eligible Naga Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland. 1) ABSI 2) Havildar 3) Pharmacists

- 21 (twenty one) posts - Scale of pay Rs.4500-125-7000 p.m. Males only. - 60 (sixty) posts – Scale of pay Rs.3200–85-4900 / p.m. Males only. - 04 (four) posts – Scale of pay Rs.4125-100-4725-1256475/-p.m.

4) District LDA cum Computer Assistant – 08(eight) posts – Scale of pay Rs.3050-75-3950-804590/-p.m. 5) Constable (Signal) – 36 (thirty six) posts – Scale of pay Rs. 2750-70-3800-754400/-p.m. Males only. 6) Constable (Driver) – 55 (ﬁfty ﬁve) – posts – Scale of pay Rs.2750-70-3800-754400/-p.m. Males only. The Copy of full advertisement available with Asst. Inspector General of Police (Admn.), Police Headquarters, Kohima. Interested candidates may collect a copy of the same from the Asst. Inspector General of Police (Admn) on any working day. The last date for submission of application is 06.01.2009. (K.Kire) IPS Addl. Director General of Police (Admn) Nagaland: Kohima

C M Y K

Wednesday

Dimapur

BUSINESS

26 November 2008

Obama vows global action on growing economic crisis

WASHINGTON, NOVEMBER 25 (AFP): US president-elect Barack Obama has pledged to work with global leaders to stem the ever-widening financial crisis, as Washington and Britain moved to shore up their ailing economies. “The reality is that the economic crisis we face is no longer just an American crisis, it is a global crisis -and we will need to reach out to countries around the world to craft a global response,” Obama said Monday, unveiling his economic team for his administration, which begins January 20. Obama confirmed the well-traveled Timothy Geithner as his nominee for Treasury secretary, and the internationally respected former Treasury boss Larry Summers as his top economic adviser in the White House. Underlining the ongoing woes of the financial sector, Citigroup, once the world’s biggest banking group, was given a new 20-billion-dollar capital

injection lifeline from the US government. The rescue plan announced late Sunday also saw the government offer guarantees for 306 billion dollars of Citigroup debt, as well as injecting more capital into the struggling bank after a previous 25-billiondollar infusion. Citigroup’s shares had slumped last week over fears it could follow other banks into the financial void, but surged when trading opened on Monday. The bailout plan sparked a frenzy on the markets, with Wall Street and European stock markets soaring as investors cheered the news. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lept 4.93 percent to close at 8,443.39 while the Nasdaq composite soared 6.33 percent to 1,472.02. In Britain, finance minister Alistair Darling, who forecast a sharp economic contraction in 2009, launched a tax and spending plan worth 20 billion pounds (23 billion euros, 30 billion dollars). “We need action now to

boost economic activity ... to help us emerge quicker and emerge stronger from these difficult times,” Darling told lawmakers. Britain’s FTSE index of leading shares rejoiced in the news and jumped 9.84 percent as a stimulus package added to the early momentum on the Citigroup announcement. An increasing number of countries are devising stimulus packages to boost their businesses and consumers. Obama may unveil more details of a proposed planned stimulus package at another press conference on Tuesday, with Democrats vowing to draw it up as soon as possible. The package, should be approved “right now,” he said, adding it should be the first order of business for the new Congress in January. “I think the most important thing to recognize is that we have a consensus, which is rare, between conservative economists and liberal economists, that we need a big stimulus package that will jolt the

economy back into shape.” Outgoing US President George W. Bush again pledged that his administration was ready to take all necessary measures to shore up the struggling US economy. “This is a tough situation for America. We’ll recover from it. The first step to recovery is to safeguard our financial system,” Bush said after late night talks with Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson. “And if need be, we’re going to make these kind of decisions to safeguard our financial system in the future,” Bush told reporters. A top New York official warned as many as 225,000 jobs could be lost in New York city and state due to the Wall Street crisis. The US Treasury also announced it was extending a temporary guarantee program for money market funds announced in September until April 30, “to support ongoing stability in this market.” In Asian trading on Tuesday, Hong Kong shares opened 4.3 per-

How your Gmail can get hacked

Indiatimes Infotech All those Gmail fans out there, here’s an important piece of security news for you. A blogger, Brandon Partridge, on Geek Condition has reported that a security vulnerability in Gmail may allow an attacker to hack into Gmail users accounts. Read on to find what it does and how it works...

Gmail allows a hacker to forward GoDaddy account reset information by the victim without his/ her knowledge or consent. This is done by creating a filter that forwards GoDaddy’s `change of password’ mail to the hacker and deletes it from users’ inbox.

How hacker creates ﬁlters Wondering is it possible to create a malicious filter without having access to a user’s Gmail username and password? No, it is not. However, hackers can force users to create the filter without their knowledge. When a user creates a filter in Gmail account, a request is sent to Google servers to get it cleared. The request is in form of a URL with many variables that the browser doesn’t display. However, web browser FireFox and a plugin called Live HTTP Headers, displays exactly what variables are sent to Google servers. Through a process of elimination, the role of each variable can be ascertained. A particular variable is equivalent to the username which is permanent. Other variable can be determined by tricking the user to visit a web page that has a malicious code. This malicious code steals the cookie from the user and creates an iframe with a URL containing the variables

What exactly it is According to the blog, the security vulnerability may allow an attacker to set up filters on users’ email accounts without their knowledge. Web developer Partridge warned that an attacker can force unsuspecting Gmail users to create malicious message filter without their knowledge. Through this, the attacker can hijack messages sent to the victim’s Gmail account by redirecting specific messages into the trash and forwarding a copy to the attacker, or so Partridge claims.

C M Y K

The Morung Express

Victim can lose his domain In the post on Geek Condition Brandon writes that the vulnerability has caused many people to lose their domain names registered through GoDaddy.com. GoDaddy is one of the largest domain name registrar and is the flagship company of The Go Daddy Group Inc. The security flaw in

India GDP at 7-7.5 pct in Q2 - chief statistician

that authorise Gmail to create NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 25 (AGENCIES)): India’s econfilter for the user’s account. omy is likely to have grown between 7.0 and 7.5 percent annually in the July-September quarter and that should be roughly the rate How can you prevent it In order to prevent hackers to of expansion for the current fiscal year as a whole, its chief statisexploit this loophole, frequently tician said. Pronab Sen, secretary at the ministry of statistics and monitor your filters. In case you programme implementation, told Reuters gross domestic product find something suspicious, re- (GDP) expansion may ease below trend expansion of about 7.3-7.4 port it immediately. Firefox us- percent in fiscal 2009/10. Asia’s third-largest economy has grow at ers can download an extension 9 percent or higher in the past three fiscal years. It grew 7.9 percent called NoScript that helps pre- in the June quarter from a year earlier, its slowest annual rate in 3-½ vent such hacks, suggests Bran- years. September quarter data is due on Friday. Annual inflation, don. And always remember be- as measured by wholesale prices, has fallen from a peak of nearly 13 ing cautious can help you save percent in August to 8.9 percent in early November. Since the global from many such attacks. Also, to credit crunch spilled into India’s money markets in September and avoid becoming a victim to such October, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has lowered its key lendattacks, Gmail users should log ing rate by 150 basis points to 7.5 percent and slashed banks cash out of their accounts when they reserve ratio (CRR) by 350 basis points to 5.5 percent. are not in use, as well as avoid visiting websites you don’t trust. How Google can help To avoid such vulnerabilities, Brandon says that Google needs to device a mechanism which makes variables or session authorisation Key expire after each request than expiring after each session. Meanwhile, a Google spokesperson reportedly told media that the company was trying to contact Brandon for specifics on his proof of concept. The company representative said that Google is trying to reach the blogger making this claim for more details, but we haven’t seen evidence that this would be specific to Gmail.

B H D P P B J H R R F G L T E A I K Y DM S L L CWZ N E L M I A N V L Y A N R D E D F A QR I Z Z T H E X U K G Z R U

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R R S C X X NW V H L I N D R G K PW T WN E S E X A U WR E C Y G E U L X Z P CWR D H OWD P H S J H M U E F E N N I X QM N V J H D B B E K G D X B I J V

C Z E I M R M N K J O A N A I T I H E O L X A N HW U U E G A E L N E G WE E R

E L A E N Q V J K R N M E K N E T M N X N

S G N I Y S U O I V N E N I L O A S E S

K E Z S Z F Y I T F I R H S T G O S Q I

WE V R G A AW M T A B M B N G Z K P O WH S C U G A D I B R M A O MM K U R E

O J A H Z G O N D R A Z T U T R C K K T

K G N I D R O C C A I R Y E I F J O M N

V A L Y A Y D S M I J C N S WS C J MW V Y G R J V S S S S WX A F H V T L I U

J S D S R E I L L O C P T N L Y P P A H

Humor

Accustomed

Importuned Inherit

Bliss

Masks

MUMBAI, NOVEMBER 25 (AP): Staterun Oil & Natural Gas Corporation has made a ``significant’’ oil discovery in the Bay of Bengal, off India’s eastern coast, the company said on Tuesday. The discovery, in Krishna Godavari basin, 15 kilometres off the coast of Andhra Pradesh, “augurs well as it marks the ONGC’s determined efforts to put the KG Offshore to new and higher levels of oil production,’’ the company said in a statement. ONGC, the nation’s largest oil and gas exploration company, did not reveal the total size of the find. The title of its statement said: “ONGC announces significant discovery in Krishna Godavari Offshore.’’The company said production,

NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 25 (PTI): Infosys co-Chairman Nandan Nilekani feels India can do a lot better with the use of Information Technology as it has a vibrant and growing democracy than its most talked about rival China. “Technology is extremely powerful as a liberal force in its ability to empower citizens and minimise sway of the state. It would strengthen India’s advantage as an open, democratic society and would ensure that information knowledge and services flow unimpeded,” says Nilekani in his book ‘Imagining India, Ideas for the New Century’, which was released yesterday. Nilekani’s China reference though not direct is evident from his frequent use of the world ‘open society’. He has quoted Tom Friedman, noted ‘The New York Times’ columnist and Pulitzer Prize winning

author, who says, “I don’t think that this century can belong to a country that censors Google.” Friedman was replying to a question if he saw China as the emerging superpower of the century. Nilekani says this speaks “multitudes of how critical information technologies have become to a country’s economic strength and how India’s particular advantage -- its combination of open society and its positive attitudes to IT -- can transform our country in the coming years”. “India’s potential here to become an open, wired economy, unregulated by any kind of ‘intellectual licence permit raj’ can be a strength difficult to beat in today’s information age,” says the best-known global face of Indian IT industry. But there are conditions, according to Nilekani, to achieve this success rate from the usage of IT.

DAILY CROSS WORD

According Airy

ONGC announces “signiﬁcant” oil discovery in Bay of Bengal

in conjunction with several nearby blocks, would start at 20,000 barrels a day by 2013 and peak at 150,000 barrels a day by 2017. At $40 a barrel, that volume could add $1.8 billion to ONGC’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation, Credit Suisse said in a Tuesday note. Credit Suisse called the new find ``a significant quantity,’’ which allays concerns about declining domestic production elsewhere. Credit Suisse also said the discovery reaffirms hydrocarbon prospects in the shallow waters of the Krishna Godavari basin, where Reliance Industries Ltd. and Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation Ltd. also have interests.

‘Indian can embrace IT better’ ‘Agricultural growth rate

LEISURE W O

cent higher, Philippine share prices opened 3.6 percent up, Singapore shares were 3.06 percent higher in early trade, and Japan’s Nikkei stock index soared 4.24 percent by the lunch, all reacting to the strong Wall Street rallly. In Europe, German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned the European Union Monday not to rush out its multibillion-euro package to steer the 27-nation bloc through the global slowdown. Following talks with French President Nicolas Sarkozy, Merkel also said France and Germany would not follow Britain’s lead by slashing value-added tax (VAT) to stimulate spending as a way to fight the economic downturn. The European Commission was set to unveil proposals for a Europe-wide government spending and tax relief plan on Wednesday. The CAC 40 index in Paris surged 10.09 percent, its second biggest ever single day gain, and A Bangladeshi woman sits at her roadside cigarette stall in Dhaka, Bangladesh on Monday. Natin Frankfurt the DAX ad- ural disasters and a spike in food prices have been setbacks for impoverished Bangladesh’s “encouraging” progress toward halving poverty by 2015, the World Bank said. (AP Photo) vanced 10.34 percent.

SUDOKU

CROSSWORD # 1163

The Morung Express number game

Sudoku # 1146

doubled to 4% on an average’

NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 25 (AGENCIES): Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia while addressing the Economic editors’ Conference 2008 on Tuesday said that agricultural growth rate has doubled to four percent on an average. He also said that the current crisis may impact growth in the first two years. Montek also said that if public investment is boosted, than the original economic growth rate target of nine per cent need not be revised. The conference started on Sunday after inauguration by Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram.

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 #1145

CAR MODEL

PRICE

SPARK 1.0 BASE

268,648

SPARK 1.0 PS

289,992

SPARK 1.0 LS

304,641

SPARK 1.0 LT

334,123

U-VA 1.2 BASE

401,753

U-VA 1.2 LS

444,299

U-VA 1.2 LT

484,090

SRV 1.6 OPT. PACK

790,100

AVEO 1.4 BASE

606,461

AVEO 1.4 LTD EDI

661,631 754,930

Broken

Mistempered

AVEO 1.4 LT OPT.PACK

Cankered

Proof

TAVERA 2.5 LT 9S BS3

877,748

TAVERA 2.5 SSD1 7S (C) BS3

993,249

OPTRA ROYAL 1.6 LT (PETROL)

967,686

OPTRA MAGNUM 2.0 LT ACC (DIESEL)

1,074,547

CAPTIVA 2.0 LT VCDI

1,812,688

Collar

Propagate

Colliers

Reckoning

Coz

Sadness

Discreet

Shrift

Envious

Stay

Fennel

Still

Find

Swashing

Happy

View

Heavy

Ware

ACROSS 1. ___ and lemons (7) 4. Game, set and ___ (5) 7. Aided and ___ (7) 9. Back to square ___ (3) 10. There are two ___ to every story (5) 11. The ___ of justice (6) 13. Given the 3rd ___ (6) 17. A close ___ (5) 19. ___ the knot (3) 20. History ___ itself (7) 21. It’s ___ under the bridge (5) 22. Cups and ___ (7)

DOWN

1. Keep your ___ open (7) 2. Wide ___ (5) 3. Baby-___ (6) 4. The ___ touch (5) 5. ___ and lightning (7) 6. All ___ on deck! (5) 8. The ___ has landed (5) 12. For and ___ (7) 14. An optional ___ (5) 15. With friends like these, who needs ___? (7) 16. Sour ___ (6) 17. The last ___ (5) 18. Trial and ___ (5) 19. Touch, smell, sight, hearing, ___ (5)

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) 48.70 73.60 5.42 491.54 12.25 30.15 135.25 12.48 62.59

SELL(Rs) 51.17 77.51 7.42 542.85 15.17 35.22 146.75 14.58 65.76

The Morung Express

India-Myanmar to expand security cooperation

NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 25 (AGENCIES): India has urged Myanmar, a gas-rich southeast Asian country, to push the democratic process even as the two nations agreed to expand security cooperation to combat insurgent groups and arms smuggling.“Both countries stressed the need for greater vigilance at the border and agreed to enhance security cooperation to combat insurgent groups and arms smuggling,” the external affairs ministry said in a statement here Monday, after the two-day Foreign Office consultations between the two countries. Fo r e i g n S e c r e t a r y Shivshankar Menon held two-day talks with Myanmar’s Deputy Foreign Minister U. Kyaw Thu at Yangon that ended Sunday. The talks covered a broad spectrum of

bilateral issues, including security and border issues, trade and economic cooperation and cooperation in cross-border developmental projects, IT, energy, power and education and training. They also reinforced the decisions taken at a joint trade committee held in October that included converting India-Myanmar border trade into normal trade, opening of a border trade point at Avakhung in Nagaland, and expanding the existing border trade items from 22 to 40. India has also announced the waiver of the ban on wheat export to Myanmar for 950 tonnes. “Both sides expressed willingness to enter into an arrangement for long-term purchase of pulses from Myanmar,” the external affairs ministry said. Under increasing international pressure to use its influence

Wednesday

REGIONAL

26 November 2008

Dimapur

Film examines problem of displacement in Tripura

to persuade the junta rulers in Myanmar to pursue democratic reforms, the Indian side also pushed for expediting the process of national reconciliation in Myanmar, official sources said. India is encouraging Myanmar to pursue political reforms according to the roadmap unveiled by the Myanmarese leadership years ago. India’s energy ties with Myanmar are growing. The two countries recently signed an agreement on the development of Tamanthi and Shwezay hydropower projects on the Chindwin River in Myanmar. Other energy projects include the renovation of the Tahtaychaung Hydropower Project, construction of transmission lines, replacement of transformers damaged during Cyclone Nargis, supply of biomass Tanmoy, a 10 year old boy holds a ﬁsh near the River Brahmaputra in Gauhati on November 25. (AP Photo) gasifiers and solar lamps.

PANAJI, NOVEMBER 25 (REUTERS): A new film, one of the first to be made in the Kokborok language of Tripura, puts the spotlight on tribal displacement in the northeastern state. ‘Yarwng’, screened at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) on Monday, tells the story of a man and woman displaced when their village is flooded just hours before they were to get married. “The film deals with the real problem of displacement that has occurred in Tripura due to the building of the Dumbur dam,” director Joseph Pullinthananth told reporters at the film festival in Goa, where ‘Yarwng’ was the opening film in the Indian Panorama section. “We estimate that at least 30,000 to 40,000 people have been displaced and we made this film for every person who has ever been dispossessed.” Interestingly, the film’s director and his crew are from Kerala while the actors in ‘Yarwng’ were locals from Tripura. But language was the least of their worries during the making of the film. “We camped in the deepest interiors and the most backward tribal district of Tripura, which are most affected by the dam,” Pullinthananth said. Shooting for the film, partially funded by the Catholic Church in India, was completed in a month.

A storm brews in this ‘Orange Bowl’ constituency Mizo women battle the bias this election AIZAWL, NOVEMBER 25 (PTI): Regarded as the orange bowl of Mizoram, the prestigious Aizawl South III constituency will witness an interesting tussle between state home minister Tawnluia and number two in the cabinet and Congress nominee and former student leader K S Thanga. Tawnluia, the former Mizo National Front (MNF) Army chief prior to the Mizo accord, has his presence felt through the few posters he has been allowed to display by the Mizo Peoples Forum (MPF) in this tiny constituency, covering 28 villages and hamlets, bordering the capital town of Aizawl. A visiting PTI correspondent found the campaign at a All Assam Students' Union (AASU) members staging a sit-in protest on November 25 at Sivasagar, Assam against the withdrawl of four lane National Highway project from Na- very low-key due to the MPF diktat, which the candidates gaon to Lido via Dibrugarh . (UB PHOTOS)

Legislator offers to quit over skirmish with PSO SHILLONG, NOVEMBER 25 (AGENCIES): A “hazy” skirmish over a bottle of whisky between a Meghalaya legislator and his personal security officer during a dinner party on November 12 reached a crescendo yesterday with the MLA threatening to quit. NCP legislator Adolf Lu Hitler Marak, also the government’s chief whip, today offered to give up his post if police were able to prove that he had assaulted his personal security officer during the party as alleged. S. Lyngdoh, the PSO, filed an FIR with sadar police station in Shillong saying Marak had assaulted him at his official residence. The NCP legislator, however, claimed before the media today that he had only rebuked Lyngdoh for forcibly taking away a bottle of whisky after storming into a party he was hosting for some of his friends. Marak said he did not understand why his PSO filed the case against him. This was how the legislator framed his version of the event: On November 12, he hosted a meeting-cum-dinner at his official residence. Around 9pm, he noticed his PSO emerging from a room with a bottle of whisky in his hands. “Being in an inebriated condition, the PSO was unable to walk properly and this made me angry. I sent him out of the room immediately,” Marak said.

The legislator said had only scolded Lyngdoh for indiscipline and did not assault him as alleged. He said his colleagues and other friends were witness to it. Marak claimed he had even thought of taking the Lyngdoh for a medical examination. “But some of my friends dissuaded me from doing so and hence he was asked to leave the official residence,” Marak said. The NCP leader was also surprised over the stand taken by the police, who summoned his personal assistant to sadar police station while he was away in Garo hills. Lyngdoh has since been removed from duty at Marak’s house and confined to the police reserve. He was not available for comment. Referring to an earlier case in 2003, when he was arrested for “links” with the Achik National Volunteers’ Council, Marak said they were false allegations and till date no chargesheet has been filed. “The motive of the previous arrest was political, carried out by my political adversaries to defame me,” he said. The officer incharge of sadar police station, K. Prasad, said investigation was on. “We will have to take a detailed statement of the PSO and others before questioning the legislator,” he said. Lyngdoh will be summoned for questioning within a day or two.

have religiously followed. The MPF decision has also affected the more than 16000 voters of this constituency as most of whom when approached were not in a mood to elaborate on the fate of the hopefuls. At a funeral yesterday, 56 year-old L R Liana who was among those who visited the bereaved family, only said some of the candidates had visited Melriat village. “We have seen F Lalnummawia (United Democratic Alliance candidate) attending the funeral while Tawnluia visited the bereaved family in the morning,” Liana told this correspondent. Thanga, the Congress nominee and a student leader, felt that at the nearby village Kelsih, which has about

140 households, the battle will be evenly poised between the Congress and the MNF. Thanga is, however, hoping to be third time lucky as his earlier two efforts to find a place in the state assembly were unsuccessful. Aizawl South-III, though included in the city constituencies comprised villages outside it and is one of the three constituencies to have more men voters than women voters. The independent candidate F Lalnummawia, an energetic 35-year old lecturer in the Mizo University has drawn attention during his visit to the constituency. He is expected to garner support from Samtlang village in the constituency, where he was brought up.

MIZORAM, NOVEMBER 25 (CNN-IBN): The women of Mizoram have been carrying the burden of bias that show up every time there is an election in this state. The 3,08,000 women of Mizoram out number men by 6,000. Yet there are only nine women candidates out of the 205 asking for votes. However, there aren’t any answers as to why the numerically strong women voters are rarely seen as candidates taking on the men and contesting the polls. Forty out of every 100 government officers in Mizoram are women. The number puzzle of almost no women candidates is a mystery. Kate Hansiyami who won convincingly from Aizwal west constituency in 1984 rewinds to her time. “At that time men voters refused me, saying we don’t like women

candidates. I tried very hard but they insisted we don’t like women candidates,” recalls Hansiyami. A first time in elections Mi Pui is taking on the chief minister as a candidate for United Democratic Alliance. She is determined to fight this bias. “Women are the weaker section of the society and they don’t have ability. And they don’t have the strength to stand on equal grounds with men. That is is attitude of the society. So may be that is the reason that women themselves feel weaker and have a complex,” says Mi Pui. Come December 7, and it’s not just going to be about the elections, but also the silent battle of the sexes that the women in Mizoram society are slowly but surely fighting.

SDSA economic blockade suspended

Newmai News Network Imphal | November 25

THE STATE OF Manipur can breathe a sigh of relief following the suspension of the indefinite economic blockade imposed along the National Highway-39 by the Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA) with effect from November 24. The indefinite economic blockade imposed along the NH-39 has been suspended by the SDSA with effect from November 24 following a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with the state government on Monday. Works Minister K. Ranjit alongwith DD Thaisii, minister of Tribal Development (TD) and members of legislative assembly (MLAs) K. Raina and M. Thorii met the representatives of the SDSA at the conference hall, mini secre-

tariat in Senapati where the MoU was signed. The SDSA had called the indefinite economic blockade along the NH 39 from November 1 following the bad condition of the road and the failure of the government to repair it. The blockade was reportedly supported by the various truck drivers’ and owners’ associations of the state terming the blockade as reasonable. This blockade adversely affected the people of the state especially with the increase in the cost of the essential commodities of the state especially oil and basic essentials. Nevertheless, goods laden trucks including oil tankers were let into the state capital on certain occasions on goodwill terms by the student body. However, the SDSA decided to relax the blockade for a period of six days on November 14 following an agreement with the Works minister to repair

the road within the given six days and show signs of improvement. Interestingly, the student body also warned the minister that they would resume the blockade if the repair work were not satisfactory. And though the relaxation of six days was termed too short to show any sign of improvement for the reparation of the road by the Works minister, the SDSA resumed the economic blockade from the midnight of November 19 terming the repairing work which was underway as unsatisfactory. However, following a MoU signed between Works minister, K. Ranjit alongwith TD minister DD Thaisii and MLAs Raina and Thorii and representative of the SDSA, Kuba Peter, president (SDSA) and Kaba Ropfinamei, general secretary (SDSA), the blockade has been suspended indefinitely from Monday. The memorandum of un-

Women blocking the vehicle of Minithong Imphal, East during the 12 hour general strike called by JAC against the Ragailong bomb blast at Imphal on November 25. (UB PHOTOS)

derstanding stated that the state government agreed to clear up the old sanctions of the NH-39 by December 2008 and

handover the same to the Border Road Task Force (BRTF) or any other private at the earliest. It also stated that NH-39

stretch from Mount Everest College to Mount Zion School, Senapati shall be repaired with black topping at the earliest.

Riot of colour, music at PM’s Mizoram rally Tripura passes Bill to curb corruption

AIZAWL, NOVEMBER 25 (AGENCIES): There was a virtual riot of colours as thousands of people flocked to the rally ground and waved colourful party flags during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to Aizawl. Colour and music, the traditional medium of poll campaigns in Mizoram, were in abundance during the rally prompting Singh to say that Mizoram was the most beautiful state in the country, a remark which drew huge applause.

Dressed in a white kurtapyjama, the PM said being elected from the NE he felt he was the 'adopted son' of the region. "I am happy to be with you here today, always a proud moment for me to reaffirm my love and affection to the people of Mizoram," said Singh. "Rajiv Gandhi was instrumental in ending years of insurgency and violence in the state. The people of Mizoram responded magnificently to Rajivji's call and joined the mainstream in the task of na-

tion building. Sonia Gandhi has similar love and affection for the Mizo people as Rajiv Gandhi," he said. Addressing the crowd as his 'brothers and sisters', he said, "We expect high standards from you for your educational awareness and perfect knowledge of English. Use your votes with great care." Singh ended his over one-hour-long speech, which was heard with rapt attention by the crowd, by saying 'Ka Lawm E' or thank you.

AGARTALA, NOVEMBER 25 (AGENCIES): The Left Front government in Tripura on Monday passed a Bill in the State Assembly to check corruption and maintain transparency among the elected representatives and public functionaries. The Assembly passed the Lokayukta (State Vigilance) Bill unanimously. “Under the Bill, the Lokayukta will have the power to enquire and investigate charges of corrupt practices against public functionaries and rec-

ommend suitable action if found guilty,” said Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar. The elected representatives and public functionaries include Chief Minister, ministers, member of State Assembly and elected representatives of local government bodies. “The Bill enables the citizens to make complaints to the Lokayukta against any public functionaries for corrupt practices,” Sarkar told the house. According to the Bill, a sitting or retired judge

of a high court will be appointed by the governor in consultation with the chief minister, the speaker, and leader of opposition to head the Lokayukta. According to the Bill, if anybody makes any false complaint against public functionaries, he would be punished with imprisonment for a maximum term of one year and a fine of Rs 5,000. The Bill will now be sent to President Pratibha Patil for her assent.

MTDF to develop circuits to promote Rural Tourism

SHILLONG, NOVEMBER 25 (AGENCIES): Meghalaya Tourism Development Forum is on a drive to develop infrastructure in lesser known Rural Tourism destinations and circuits in Meghalaya. The Forum in order to promote community-based tourism products has already developed a few tourism circuits, while plans are being drafted for other identified projects. “We recently developed the Mawlynnong Circuit, thus boosting the rural economy. Although we have sought private sector cooperation to a large extent, we are trying to project nature and ethnicity of the locals through these destinations. Funding is mostly As per decision of ‘International Transport workers Federation’ (ITF), ladies wing of N.F.Railway Mazdoor Union observed "Elimination of violence against Women" by organizing a Procession with placards at the done by the private sector, alN.F.Railway Head quarter at Maligaon November 25. Every year 25th November is observed as the ‘Anti- though we are not encouraging the urban hospitality set-ups as Humiliation Day’ throughout the world. (UB PHOTOS)

part of our infrastructure development,” said Robert G Lyngdoh, Chairman, MTDF. The Mawlynnong Circuit and nearby destinations were recently provided with facilities like guest houses, eating facilities and communication systems. “It took us about two years to finish the development work. Currently, we want to give the Circuit maximum exposure by including it in the itineraries provided by leading tour operators in NE. We are keen on developing destinations near the border area of Bangladesh, which showcase the living roots bridges. So far, the living roots bridges have become popular as Adventure Tourism or Ecotourism destinations, but we are introducing Rural Tourism as one of the major tourism products of these places. We

aim to achieve more international traffic after developing these destinations fully,” added Lyngdoh. The circuits that have been identified in the state for development are South Garo Hill Circuit, War Circuit comprising the bridge connecting Cherrapunjee to the nearby ethnic villages, the other part of Mawlynnong Circuit and Ri Bhoi district. “By developing the South Garo Hill Circuit, we will highlight the already existing natural exhibitions like Balpakram National Park and the Siju Bird Sanctuary. The circuit under Ri Bhoi district will be developed for ethnic rural destinations featuring home stays and operations of small scale agriculture firms present in the villages. We are yet to start development work for this project, while the other projects

have already taken off,” informed Lyngdoh. MTDF will develop the Bed and Breakfast scheme facility as hospitality units instead of hotels. For the same MTDF is arranging for a large number of exposure trips within and outside the state for the locals to provide them training and professional courses in the service sector. MTDF is also exploring the possibilities of lesser known trekking routes, mountain biking routes and adventure sports like white water rafting. “Now, we are looking at Adventure Tourism of whole-new standards. We are in talk with professionals all over the country, while in-state organisations like Meghalaya Adventurers Association (MAA) have also lent their support,” concluded Lyngdoh.

IN-FOCUS

The Power of Truth

The Morung Express WEDNESDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2008 VOL. III ISSUE 328

Journalist’s Hazard

he recent news about the killing of journalists in different parts of the country is a matter of concern. What is all the more distressing is that the nature of incidents as reported, appear to be directly related to the work being done by the journalists. Both the killings—a sub-editor of the leading Manipur based Imphal Free Press and a senior field Reporter of a Assamese local newspaper—appear to be pre-planned and the victims were specifically targeted for obvious reasons. Another similar incident was the mysterious killing of a women journalist working with a news channel very recently in New Delhi. One of the fundamental duties of a journalist is to report to the public through the medium of either a newspaper or the television. While this basic function of a journalist may appear to be simple and straight forward, yet there is an inherent risk involved and this is something which a journalist will always have to carry with him or her. As much as the fundamental duty of a journalist is to report the truth (objectively), there will be those who will do everything possible to hide the truth. It is for this reason that journalists are easy target especially if they are in the knowhow of sensitive information, documents or facts, which may be damaging to certain vested interest people. Therefore, the recent killings and other form of violence against journalists should not be easily brushed aside simply as a mere aberration but one which goes to show that there are elements who are out to seriously jeopardize the freedom of expression for the mere pretext of silencing the truth. In Nagaland as well, newspapers, their staff, editors and publishers have to work under a climate of intimidation of various degree such as political pressure, threats or bullying tactic. The hazards of the job being what it is, a journalist will have to remain ever vigilant and to remain on guard at all times. Any information that is gathered—especially if it is sensitive—will have to be cross checked. Self-imposed censorship may even be demanded of journalist. This is necessarily not a good thing but it is better to avoid any possible threat to one’s life and property. The latter is as much a fundamental right of an individual and in that sense, one’s professional ethics should not be allowed to take away this basic human right. With regard to the recent killings in Manipur and Assam, appropriate investigations should be carried so that such incidents are not repeated. Failure to bring those responsible to justice could encourage the perpetrators to continue thus leading to further harassment against the media. The State governments including in Nagaland must also step in and take precautionary measures so that journalists are allowed to travel and work without any constraints. For this, it will demand a change of attitude of the government. The reasons are simple. At present skepticism is there among journalists especially in the northeast about the ability or willingness of the authorities to protect members of the press, and to safeguard their right to carry out their work. Press accreditation must go beyond merely doling out cash incentives. While Governments must give due recognition to the media commensurate with their importance as the fourth pillar of democracy, yet it will be an eye wash if journalists are made to continue working under a climate of fear and insecurity. This will be tantamount to official apathy — encouraging the feeling that journalists can be threatened, injured, or killed without consequence.

LEFT WING |

James Carroll

What the pirates say

he word “pirate” has come into the news for the first time in memory, as raiders armed with grenade launchers and grappling hooks take over vessels headed through waters off Somalia for the Suez Canal. Last week, four ships were captured, including a massive Saudi oil tanker, the Sirius Star. More than 3 million barrels of oil pass through those waters every day en route to markets in Europe and the United States. On Thursday, the pirates announced that they wanted $25 million for ransom for the Saudi tanker. For more than a month, pirates have held a Ukrainian freighter, the cargo of which is a vast store of weapons, including tanks and artillery. The arms were headed for Kenya or Sudan. Oil and weapons. The pirates have enriched themselves and now build villas on the Somali coast, but the high-seas drama moves away from mundane thievery to take on the character of a morality tale. A legion of impoverished people were castaways of the world economy, condemned to stand on their forlorn shore and watch passing ships loaded with fuel that creates wealth and arms that protect it. They decided to stop being mere spectators of their own desperation and became desperados instead. The invisible poor are being seen, and their complaint is heard. Consider: The anarchy that permits piracy dates to the collapse of the Somali government in 1991. In 1992, the United States led the infamous “humanitarian intervention” that ended in the American humiliation at Mogadishu. Somalia has been a failed state ever since. According to UN figures, of the $2 billion spent in that intervention, 90 percent went to a military effort, with the paltry rest going to economic reconstruction. Imported weapons empower the warlords to this day. America’s continuing overreliance on weapons is one of the pillars of the problem. Last month, the U.S. Africa Command became fully operational, headquartered in Germany, in part because no African nation wants to be host. The United States no longer pretends that its main way of relating to the continent is through the State Department or the Agency of International Development, and not through the Pentagon - through force of arms instead of foreign aid. It figures. As the captured Ukrainian freighter makes clear, Africa is the world’s weapons dump. The pirates, in effect, protest. Somali piracy began when the nation’s failed government lost the ability to protect the rights of fishermen. Tuna abound in Somali waters, and in the 1990s vessels from other countries illegally moved in, prompting Somali fishermen to arm themselves and confront the poachers. Soon they confronted everyone. Piracy is not justifiable, but it did not begin as such, and that matters. There is more than one kind of piracy. Drug companies, marketing cures from the flora of the tropical world, including Africa, engage in what the Nobel economist Joseph Stiglitz calls “biopiracy.” While the developed world exploits African resources, including oil; while government subsidies for U.S. farmers destroy the ability of African farmers to compete; while high-tech and green revolutions pass by; while their continent is looted, the extreme poverty of Africans only grows. Due east of Somalia, in the far Indian Ocean, are the Maldives, an island nation of more than 300,000 people. As I learned reading Stiglitz, the Maldives will be underwater in 50 years because of rising sea levels due to global warming. Who speaks for those people? Or the billions of others in vulnerable coastal regions the soon-to-be victims of all those oil tankers, which might as well be warships. Pirates may not consciously be mounting protests to the coming catastrophe, but their actions are not unconnected to it. The worldwide distress of financial meltdown is one sign of corporate disregard for the common good. CEOs, regulators, investors and governments chose short-term self-interest over long-term fairness. It did not work. A reform of the globalized economy is urgently needed. But piracy off the coast of Somalia is equally a sign of needed global reform. The gross inequity that simply writes off a majority of the world’s population flows back on the affluent minority, like an offshore tide carrying the raider flotilla, with grappling hooks and grenades. Ahoy!

THE EDIT PAGE

C O M M E N T A R Y

Shawn W Crispin

Judicial Coup Murmurs in Thailand

hen Thailand’s Constitution Court finally rules on whether or not to dissolve the ruling People’s Power Party (PPP) and two of its junior coalition partners on electoral fraud charges, there is a chance that the long-awaited decision sets in motion a concatenation of courtendorsed events that overhauls the country’s politics and bids to bring its dangerously escalating political conflict to a conclusive end. The Constitution Court reviewed evidence from the three parties’ defense teams on Thursday and has called for a meeting of party representatives on November 26. A final verdict is expected soon thereafter. Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat has advised his PPP members to prepare to jump ship to the Puea Thai party in the eventuality the PPP is disbanded and the party’s top executives are banned from politics. The move would be aimed to circumvent a dissolution decision and allow former PPP members to form a new government as Puea Thai members rather than having to dissolve parliament and hold new elections. Most Bangkokbased analysts have that as their baseline case scenario, with a Puea Thai party-led government lasting long enough to disperse the 2009 budget and other spending measures to help coalition parties build up their financial war chests for a new round of elections in either late 2009 or early 2010. However, a top leader within the anti-government People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protest movement, which for the past three months has laid siege to Government House in a bid to topple the PPP-led government, predicts a wholly different scenario after the widely expected guilty verdict, one that exploits a perceived loophole in the Thai constitution and would amount to a sort of judicial coup. The Thai charter allows politicians from disbanded political parties 60 days to regroup under a new party banner. However, the charter fails to indicate explicitly who or what agency would have the legitimacy to govern in that interim period. The PAD source claims that Constitution Court, Supreme Court and Administrative Court judges have discussed establishing a “Supreme Council”, consisting symbolically of nine members, to fill the political vacuum. The proposed authority - which the PAD source likened to China’s State Council or cabinet - would be empowered to appoint an interim prime minister and cabinet, and also pass legislation

by decree. The same source indicated that the planning had come far enough along that behind-the-scenes 2006 coupmaker and former spy chief Squadron Leader Prasong Soonsiri is the top candidate to chair the proposed council, and that Privy Councilor and palace favorite Palakorn Suwanarat would likely be appointed interim premier.

ization” of Thai politics, an apparently royally endorsed concept where high courts and esteemed judges fill the role the monarchy has traditionally played in mediating complex political disputes.

Once and if the said council is formed, it would presumably move quickly to push through the controversial political changes the PAD has advocated through its protests, including a move towards a part-appointed, part-elected Lower House of parliament, where conservative institutions, including the military and courts, would hold sway over the appointment process. Such a move would intentionally diminish the popular voice and by association former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s and the PPPcum-Puea Thai’s democratically delivered political power. It would also mirror the military-drafted 2007 charter’s rollback of a fully elected Senate, which was enshrined in the progressive and now annulled 1997 charter. Prasong led the military-appointed National Legislative Assembly in 2006 and 2007 and oversaw the passage of reams of reactionary legislation. The PAD-favored scenario would allow the conservative forces that have aligned behind its movement - including segments of the military, bureaucracy, opposition Democrat Party and, at least symbolically, the monarchy - to overhaul the country’s politics in the name of the rule of law and without resorting to what would likely be an unpopular military putsch. It would also be consistent with the recent trend towards the “judicial-

or the actual hidden agenda of conservative forces to forge a final, non-violent solution to the country’s debilitating political crisis while in the process guaranteeing the future centrality of the monarchy in Thai society after the highly revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej eventually passes from the scene. The legality of a judicial coup - as with the PAD’s earlier calls on the military and monarch to intervene in Thai politics - would be questionable, experts and analysts say. At the same time, the Thai judiciary earned a ringing international endorsement this month when the United Kingdom canceled the exiled Thaksin’s visa in light of the recent criminal conviction, including a two-year jail sentence, recently handed down by the Supreme Court against the fugitive former premier. Thaksin’s supporters argue the courts have already launched a sort of judicial coup through the string of recent decisions that have gone against Thaksin, his family and political allies. It all started, they say, with the the May 2007 Constitution Tribune’s decision to disband the former ruling Thai Rak Thai party and bar 111 of its executive members, including Thaksin, from politics for five years on electoral fraud charges. The opposition Democrat Party, which faced similar charges, escaped unscathed, they note.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Reconciliation vis-à-vis the Justice of Christ

Conservative Agenda It’s unclear for now whether a judicial coup is mere wishful PAD thinking

Time for him to go

Gail Collins

A Dimensional Shift Reconciliation is a dimensional shift. And our people vis-à-vis have taken the right dimension. We have struck upon a key cord that is braided into the tapestry of moral and ethical values which the post-modern world needs much. This dimensional engagement has proved that the justice of Christ is the only justice above all that can bring about a regeneration on the inside. God is for us. Allow me to illustrate as best and briefly as I can. Apologetics The recent tears enabled instrumentally by the FNR can be attributed only to the person of Jesus Christ. Khrishna cannot do it because re-incarnation conflicts with grace. Buddha would simply try to ignore the suffering. Mohammed would keep on saying ‘insha Allah’ and no more. This is why I am convinced that people from all religions including, I think the atheist Albanian president, turned up for Mother Teresa’s funeral. What did she do? Nothing but to let the justice of Christ flow into the lives of anyone whom she came across. This is how powerful and real the justice of Christ is. Our people have recently come face to face with it and tasted the reality. My prayer, therefore, is that our people shall be an exemplary testimony to stand out as the justice of Christ to all those who are going through similar struggles all over the world. This in my view is what the core of reconciliation is – the justice of Christ. Philip Yancey and FNR Just recently I had the opportunity to meet Philip Yancey, a very renowned Christian writer and a journalist. He has written books like “The Jesus I Never Knew”, “Where Is God When It Hurts?”, “What’s So Amazing About Grace?” and many others. Billy Graham said of him: “There is no writer in the evangelical world that I admire and appreciate more.” He had delivered a Biblically insightful talk on reconciliation the other night. So, I wanted to learn more as well as share what is going on in our land. It was a two-minute personal interaction and very forthcoming. He was very encouraged to hear of our reconciliation. When I told him we are playing football, he gave an inquisitive look as if he was asking me ‘where did you get this idea!’ He said that starting with ‘small’ things like football is the right way. He talked about forgiveness too. After that short interaction he summed up, “Amazing!” So, that word amazing is from his mouth. And it is also my view that we are doing an amazing job. KUKNALIM! Taliakum

A Supreme Court ruling in July this year ousted Thaksin ally Yongyuth Tiyapairat from his position as House speaker, while two months later the Constitution Court disqualified PPP premier Samak Sundaravej on conflict of interest charges related to his hosting a televised cooking program. In August, Thaksin’s now former wife Potjaman was sentenced to three years in prison on tax evasion charges. And state prosecutors are now moving to permanently seize on corruption-related charges 76 billion baht (US$2.2 billion) worth of Thaksin’s assets, believed to be the bulk of his personal holdings. A guilty verdict that orders the dissolution of the PPP and paves the legal way for a courtappointed interim ruling council would no doubt further inflame the passions of Thaksin supporters, some of whom back the former premier’s claim that the courts have taken political sides. One government insider recently showed this correspondent a preliminary draft of a polemical brochure they plan to distribute to the general public accusing the judiciary of joining forces with the conservative establishment to overthrow Thai democracy. At least two senior judges have had their residences targeted by small explosives in recent weeks. Meanwhile, violence is dangerously escalating again on the streets of Bangkok, witnessed in a deadly grenade attack against the PAD’s rally site on Thursday. Anonymous assailants have hurled several explosive devices at PAD guards in recent weeks, coinciding with Thaksin’s November 1 call to a stadium full of his supporters that only a royal pardon or people’s power movement would allow for his return to Thailand. (No suspects have been held accountable for the attacks.) It’s not apparent to most that any royal pardon is forthcoming, even as the country more eagerly than usual anticipates King Bhumibol’s nationally televised annual birthday address on December 4. A court decision handed down against the PPP and the formation of an interim Supreme Council in the coming days could be timed to receive the respected monarch’s endorsement during that influential speech, one insider suggests. Even if so, it’s still a wildcard how an increasingly desperate and feisty in-exile Thaksin and his in-country supporters might react to yet another guilty verdict handed down against them by increasingly assertive courts. And it’s equally as worrying the prospect Thailand’s now simmering street violence between Thaksin’s supporters and his PAD detractors explodes into full-blown civil strife without some sort of perceived neutral intervention from above.

hanksgiving is this week, and President Bush could make it a really special holiday by resigning. Seriously. We have an economy that’s crashing and a vacuum at the top. Bush - who just took a trip to Peru to meet with Asian leaders who no longer care what he thinks hasn’t got the clout, or possibly even the energy, to do anything useful. His most recent contribution to resolving the fiscal crisis was lecturing representatives of the world’s most important economies on the glories of free-market capitalism. Putting President-elect Barack Obama in charge immediately isn’t impossible. Vice President Dick Cheney, obviously, would have to quit as well as Bush. In fact, just to be on the safe side, the vice president ought to turn in his resignation first. (We’re desperate, but not crazy.) Then House Speaker Nancy Pelosi would become president until Jan. 20. Obviously, she’d defer to her party’s incoming chief executive, and Obama could begin governing. As a bonus, the Pelosi presidency would put a woman in the White House this year after all. On the downside, a few right-wing talk-show hosts might succumb to apoplexy. That would, of course, be terrible, but I’m afraid we might have to take the risk in the name of a greater good. Can I see a show of hands? How many people want George W. out and Barack in? A great many Americans have been counting the days all year on their 2008 George W. Bush Out of Office Countdown calendars. I know a lot of this has been going on because so many people congratulated me when the Feb. 1 Bush quote turned out to be from one of my old columns. (“I think we need not only to eliminate the tollbooth from the middle class, I think we should knock down the tollbooth.”) This was not nearly as good as Feb. 5 (“We ought to make the pie higher”) or Feb. 21 (“I understand small business growth. I was one.”) But we do what we can. In the past, presidents have not taken well to suggestions that they hand over the reins before the last possible minute. Senator J. William Fulbright suggested a plan along those lines when Harry Truman was coming to the end of a term in a state of deep unpopularity, and Truman called him “Halfbright” for the rest of his life. Bush might not love the idea of quitting before he has a chance to light the Christmas tree or com-

mute the execution of one last presidential turkey. After all, he still has a couple more trips planned. And last-minute regulations to issue. (So many national parks to despoil, so many endangered species to exterminate ...) And then there’s all the packing. On the other hand, he might want to consider his legacy, such as it is. In happier days, Bush may have nurtured hopes of making it into the list of America’s mediocre presidents, but somewhere between Iraq and Katrina, that goal became a mountain too high. However, he might still have a chance to avoid the absolute bottom of the barrel, a spot currently occupied by James Buchanan, at least in my opinion. Buchanan nailed down The Worst President title in the days between Abraham Lincoln’s election and inauguration, when the Southern states began seceding and Buchanan, after a little flailing about, did absolutely nothing. “Doing nothing is almost the worst thing a president can do,” said the historian Michael Beschloss. If Bush gives up doing nothing by giving up his job, it’s possible that someday history might elevate him to the ranks of the below average. Better than Franklin Pierce! Smarter than Warren Harding! And healthier than William Henry Harrison! The person who would like this plan least probably would be Barack Obama. Who would want to be saddled with the auto industry’s problems ahead of schedule? The heads of America’s great carmaking corporations are so dim that they couldn’t even survive hearings run by members of Congress who actually wanted to help them. Really, when somebody asks you exactly how much money you need, the answer should not be something along the line of “a whole bunch.” An instantaneous takeover would also ruin the Obama team’s plan to have the tidiest, best-organized presidential transition in history. Cutting it short and leaping into governing would turn their measured march toward power into a mad scramble. A lot of their Cabinet picks are still working on those 62-page questionnaires. But while there’s been no drama with Obama, we’ve been living a Technicolor version of “The Perils of Pauline.” Detroit is tied to the railroad tracks and the train is coming! California’s state government is falling into the sea! The way we’re going now, by the time the inauguration rolls around, unemployment will be at 10 percent and the Dow will be at 10.

WRITE-WING

Time for a change.

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

WEDNESDAY

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

26 NOVEMBER 2008

PERSPECTIVE NEWS ANALYSIS, FEATURE AND DISCOURSE

Violence against Women a threat to Security As the Violence Against Women fortnight kicks off internationally on November 25, Swarna Rajagopalan analyses why women’s physical survival and safety must be viewed as a security issue and why violence against women is as much a social concern as war, famine or terrorism

Swarna Rajagopalan

ince the fall of the Berlin Wall, there is consensus that something important has shifted in the real world that necessitates a shift in security thinking. It is now acknowledged that more wars take place within States than across them. State-building has been identified as a leading source of insecurity (for States by some, for everyone by others). Famine on a large scale challenges the survival of societies; as do disasters that can disrupt the fabric of social relationships. Climate change threatens small island-states like the Maldives, whose new president is now shopping for land to resettle his people in anticipation that the atoll-state will be consumed by rising sea-levels. Those who write on non-traditional security admit migration and trafficking into their research agendas, understanding that these challenge the very foundations of the nation-state system. Struggles over land, livelihood and food are also now recognised as admissible into this agenda in the same way as militancy is. The reconstruction of society after a conflict, somewhere at the conjunction of the old nationbuilding and development agendas, is also accepted as a security subject. This catholic embrace stops short of women’s bodies. Violence against women is still not quite a security issue, unless it occurs in the context of one of the above situations or a traditional security crisis. Common, garden variety threats to the physical survival and safety of women are where the line is drawn, either out of an ingrained sense that home and person are not appropriate objects of interest for this field or as a compromise in the face of the protest that no field can include everything. As a prelude to analysing this discourse that excludes women’s physical survival and safety, let us take a quick look at some of the things we include under the ‘violence against women’ (henceforth, VAW) rubric. Women experience physical insecurity both by virtue of their position within a given socio-economic structure and by virtue of where they find themselves physically. Patriarchal societies value women first and foremost as mothers. Maternal health is therefore a useful point of departure for this review. A Unicef report states that one woman dies every five minutes of a pregnancy-related complication. One in every 70 women is at risk of dying from pregnancy-related causes and the risk is even greater for women below 24. The Maternal

Mortality Ratio for Indian women is estimated at anywhere between 300 and 500 per 100,000 live births, depending on the source you consult. Debates over the woman’s right to choose versus the foetus’s right to be born are entering Indian discourse, obscuring the continuum between a prenatal death sentence by virtue of sex and the woman’s lack of reproductive autonomy. In India, statistics about sex selective abortions begin with the dramatic figure of about 10 million such abortions being performed over the last quarter-century and end with the horrific count of 3 million female foetuses being aborted annually. Both the right of the girl-child to be born and the long-term consequences for women and society are the issue here. Discrimination in matters of nutrition, healthcare and schooling apart, girls in situations of poverty are at risk of trafficking and early marriage. A majority of girls become victims of trafficking at a very early age, and about 35% of them blamed their families for their fate. Families are also responsible for forcing girls into early marriages. More than half of India’s girls marry before 18, and experience much greater risk of pregnancy-related complications as well as domestic violence. Add to this the threat of child sexual abuse, mostly at the hands of family members, and Indian girls do not seem to lead very secure lives. A serious impediment to simple improvements in a girl’s life is the threat of street sexual harassment. Being followed on the way to school, cat-calls at the bus-stop, being groped or pinched on a bus or being stalked foreshadow sexual violence. The threat of being harassed intimidates girls and, in a society that places a premium on virginity, persuades parents to stop their schooling at puberty. Lacking education, confidence or self-esteem, the girl has no inner defences against exploitation and society provides no external protections either. Marriage is seen as a solution to the problem of protecting a girl from the dangers of the public arena. Dowry, however, is one of the core causes of male-child preference. The practice of demanding and giving dowries has been spreading to communities where it was hitherto unknown. Dissatisfaction and avarice have combined to create social conditions where over 6,000 girls lose their lives annually in dowry-related deaths, according to the NCRB. Strict laws do not seem to deter families from demanding nor from feeling like their prestige is attached to giving. A shamefully large percentage of Indian wom-

A man lights a candle during a ceremony prior to the commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women in Guatemala City, Monday, November 24. More than 600 women were murdered throughout 2008 in Guatemala, according to human rights organizations. (AP Photo)

en experience domestic violence. Nearly 37% of married women have experienced violence at some point and, perhaps more alarming, 54% of Indian women believe husbands have the right to beat their wives, according to the National Family Health Survey. Social and economic compulsions keep women in abusive marriages and, given the magnitude of the problem, there are still too few helplines and shelters. Infamous advice from India’s mythical lawgiver, Manu, enjoins women to seek the protection of their fathers, husbands and sons. Where fathers and husbands fail women, sons often do so as well. The abandoned widows of Brindavan and Varanasi are only the most dramatic instance of the cruelty of Indian society towards its elders. In homes around the country, senior citizens, particularly elderly, widowed women, are often subject to neglect and emotional abuse. Where cultural mores still constrain many from actually abandoning their ageing parents, what seniors surveyed described as ‘disrespect’ in fact borders on physical abuse. This random review illustrates how unsafe women are in a variety of settings and roles. Considering that they constitute almost half a population of 1 billion, why does the survival and well-being of nearly 500 million citizens not find a place in security agendas? One reason is the binary view of the public and private spheres which security as a field inherits from traditional political philosophy. On the contrary, feminists argue that the personal is political. The contemporary exercise (reflected in this series of articles) of redefining security is the search for a middle ground between these positions. Somewhere between a social perspective that will not cross the threshold of a home or a relationship and one that would dismiss the distance between the two sides of the threshold, is an older political debate relating to personal freedom and privacy. How do we define where the limits lie in the relationship between the individual and the collective? Once crossed, what is an appropriate issue for intervention and what is off-limits? New security thinking has added a plethora of new referents for ‘security’ (a confounding plethora, traditionalists might say). That is, when we ask the question ‘whose security,’ we now answer with a much longer list than ‘State’ or ‘nation-state.’ Moreover, when we ask who creates insecurity, security scholars or policymakers shy away less from adding the State itself to the list. However, our view of who should create security still somehow ends up being State-centric.

This blindsides us. Where we will not let the State step in, whether from a minimalist State perspective or otherwise, we still challenge its inaction (and its inability to act). Can the State enter kitchens in an anticipatory exercise to prevent kerosene from being poured over new brides? Can the State be a presence in the bedroom when a wife is repeatedly raped by her husband? Should the State uphold the mother’s right to choose to have a child or should it allow her to decide not to have a girl-child? Some of these questions have been resolved in practice. The Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Regulation and Prevention of Misuse) Act, 1994 is an example, as is the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2006. But their failure to completely stop the practices they condemn suggests that even a State with tremendous reach, awesome enforcement capability and reasonable political will cannot stop individuals from perpetrating violent acts sanguinely. Neighbours, extended family and alert local civil society organisations can go much further than a battery of laws and a police force. Social pressure and ostracism are greater deterrents than the likelihood that the victim or her supporters will term their experience as ‘abuse’ and report it to the police. Those who mistreat women must take comfort in the lack of social support options available to them, so that they must return to the site of abuse sooner or later. The next frontier in this exercise of re-imagining security then is to explore the role of civil society in creating security (and insecurity). Citizen-driven initiatives are the order of the day with regard to most other issues, be it mohalla committees to preserve communal harmony or neighbourhood environmental groups like EXNORA. What is the scope for citizen action to create security for women within and outside the home? What ethical and political issues are involved with initiating such action? Realistic assessments of what can be achieved are also needed, for which documentation of existing civil society efforts is important. There is another factor: cultural relativism and the reluctance of contemporary State and society in an age of political correctness. Patriarchal politics makes of women’s bodies easy shorthand for the politics of group identity. Women then carry the burden of socialisation, cultural preservation and physically standing for the community’s integrity and survival. If attacks on women are an easy way of expressing hostility towards a community, restrictions on women are a way for the community to articulate its borders—“We are X-Y-Z and there-

fore we require this or that of our women.” The rationale is ‘protection’—of the women, ergo, the community. A strange liberal inhibition prevents us from completely challenging these for fear of offending others or limiting the right of each community to define itself uniquely. Eggshellwalking and dogma are both inimical to an idea of security that is equitable as well as liberal. Why would we want to include violence against women in the security agenda? The most obvious reason is a political argument that anything that affects the survival of such a large part of society belongs in any discussion about survival and well-being. Second, using the term ‘security’ adds political leverage to any issue—visibility is greater, resources flow more easily and a sense of urgency is generated that may otherwise be lacking. Third, where violence is involved, collective attention and consideration are a must, and whether it is the State or society, it is imperative that one kind of violence merits the same attention as another. We cannot choose to which category of violence we will pay attention on the basis of motivation or victim identity. Arguments can also be made that link violence against women to larger consequences for society and State. Unbalanced sex ratios increase the likelihood of violence in society. Violence against women has epidemic qualities that place a large burden on the public health system. Fewer adults able to work optimally and children desensitised to violence are other consequences. However, these instrumental arguments—take care of this so you can move on and do other things—are less persuasive than the argument that the security of female citizens is intrinsically a good thing and as much a social concern as war, famine or terrorism. From intellectual and political standpoints, a discussion about violence against women as insecurity raises very interesting questions. Are there drawbacks to ‘securitising’ violence against women? Who will act to assure their security? What can we say about the relationship between State, society and female citizens based on the level of willingness to take action on this issue? Violence against women and women’s security also provides another instance for debating the freedom versus security, private versus public, universal versus relativist and minimalist versus pro-active State binaries that are actually among the oldest questions in politics. Thus, what we have been calling an exercise of redefinition or re-imagining ‘security’ is in fact also an exercise of remembering those fundamental political questions revisiting which is a pre-requisite to alert, vigilant citizenship.

MIDDLE EAST: WILL CHANGE COME? W Gene Stoltzfus

hen President elect Obama takes office in January the clamour of voices in the Middle East and here for more peaceful relationships based less on threats, harsh pronouncements, and more on persistent talking may have a chance. That chance is elevated significantly if people like you and I bring our concerns to the table persistently and persuasively. Obama knows how to listen; it’s important that we speak. This is not the time to withdraw into our cocoons to practice impatient or irritated advocacy. At least two themes that have been present in the campaign virtually from the beginning can help sustain our energy. Talking to adversaries was particularly emphasized early on although it was less prominent as the campaign gathered momentum. Sometimes this is referred to as soft diplomacy, a term that power brokers are reluctant to use because it can imply weakness. People in power dare never look weak in a democracy like the United States, a super power and financially strapped empire. The other theme that characterized the campaign from its earliest stage was change. The language of change has been included in every campaign, cause or movement that I have been part of. In the world where I have worked it is almost a rule that change comes from the bottom. You think you are part of something real when the word “change” is thrown around. Change is part of the adrenaline. But using the term without a thoughtful strategy is like trying to drive a two-wheel drive vehicle through a bank of snow. You get stuck. I believe that in the Obama campaign the heavy reliance on the change theme arises directly from community organizing experience and the Black church which he embraced until his harsh critics wedged him away

from his pastor of so many years. You can see his willingness to distance himself from his church as a lapse in judgement or you can see it as a generic characteristic of a good organizer whose allies and enemies are always ready to use, misuse or exploit the emerging moments when success (in this case getting elected President) appears plausible. Change is one of those words that can be used to cover and uncover good and bad. For community organizers the process of change means identifying the issue after lots of direct conversation with people. The next step is crucial, figuring out the avenues for grass roots people to be involved in the process. Without this step there is no change because economics, media, political and sometimes ecclesiastical policy is stuck in the way things have always been. This is when change gets messy and tempers flare. Change oriented people including pastors and community organizers are called bad names. Long held images of class, race and religion are invoked to keep things as they always have been. In the process of change friends and enemies are disturbed because both rely upon the status quo for continuity and safety. I believe honest talk and confidence that real change can happen, are deeply rooted in Obama because he has seen it work. I don’t believe that just talk alone assures success for repair of the tangled conditions in the Middle East but I do believe that Obama, the community organizer, now on a world stage may have integrated some lessons from the grass roots that can help. Most of us will be frustrated and impatient as we see the same old names marching to cabinet and staff appointments. We are assured that they know how to get things done in Washington. We’ll see. The habit of the new President of seeking advice from various voices, also a characteristic

of a good organizer, will help. It is within our power to consistently remind this new administration of the core values from which it sprang and remember that change comes usually uncredited from the grass roots. In other words let’s gear up for the long march, a march that starts from the bottom. Obama has already courted the Is-

China. He knows that the core belief in fairness must be lived out and that the process requires unexpected partners who can be cultivated over time. A new conservative government in Israel may empower the neo conservative voices in North America, but their influence is on the wane at least for now. Peace from the Mediterranean to Pakistan, sometimes

raeli lobby and has made several unequivocal pronouncements of support for Israel. His appointment of a chief of staff with long family roots in militant Zionism may disappoint us but need not. These are not the only people Obama has talked to over the last 25 years about Palestinian and Israeli blood and US complicity. He knows as much as any of these insiders that the passing of years makes a real solution even more difficult and that the fair exercise of US words and power can move things along. He knows that a father of anti communism, Richard Nixon, was the one who led the breakthrough with

incorrectly lumped together and called the Middle East, will be heavily influenced by what occurs in Jerusalem. Obama knows that his promise to bring home the combat troops from Iraq in 16 months - from population centers by mid 2009 and completely by 2011 must be honored or he will pay dearly. As the Iraqi government becomes more authoritarian either with civilian or military leaders or both, the grand Baghdad experiment will be increasingly criticized from all sides not the least from those neo colonial voices urging the US to stay and “finish” the job. This is why the strategy of talking with adversaries,

so emblazoned on the early rhetoric of the Obama campaign, must be initiated from day one. Talking does not mean that those of us who want to support Obama will always learn about the conversations. I really don’t care if the conversations are confidential, in fact I assume they will be. I just want them to happen after a full review of what can be done to loosen up the stalemate. This is where the discussions about nuclear bombs, deterrents and delivery systems needs new thinking - from the context of the entire region, Israel, Pakistan and Iran. Has anyone noticed that Iran may have legitimate fears? Most of us have forgotten or perhaps never knew that Iranians cheered the exit of Saddam as well as the end of Taliban rule (at least for a time) in Afghanistan, though the subdued nature of their cheering and reasons for cheers were not like we may have witnessed in the US. I suspect that the 70% of the Iranian population less than 30 years of age will be curious about this new American president and how he will relate to their own aging religious leadership and themselves. Breaking through the language of enemy and evil will require fresh initiatives from the new President early in the life of the new administration. Our voices, occasional delegations to Iran and other grass roots efforts will help make that new thinking crisp for what could be a new era. This brings us to the third pillar of conflict of the region, Afghanistan. I really don’t know if Obama believes he will be able to chase down Bin Laden in Pakistan or if he did, anything would change. Things get said in campaigns that don’t last beyond campaigns and I hope that this is one of them. One President had to eat words like that. I hope Obama knows better. The Russians once were convinced that more troops would bring victory in Afghanistan. They lost their empire along the way and left behind a

government that crumbled into corruption in the face of war lords and then the Taliban. The players from that era are still around and corruption in the modern Afghan state is mounting again. A community organizer knows that those are the people who will have to be talked to and the solution may not look pretty. This will mean a major redrawing of the lines and strategies regarding world wide terrorism, a movement that is now older, a little tired and much better understood than ten years ago. People like me are sometimes chastised for failing to “stand up” against violent terrorists. In real politics I know that states must protect their populations from terror; not doing so is a violation of the myth of national existence. I have seen first hand how the experience of terror across the Middle East has touched so many. Terrorism comes from people who think they can make things better through violence and somewhere along the way their struggle becomes a holy and righteous war, a freedom struggle, something worth dying for. Let us be honest, people at the bottom have experienced terrorism by every army, armed group above ground and underground in the region. One nation’s defence of a way of life is another nation’s experience of terror. The use of house raids, smart bombs, predator (drone) aircraft armed with Hellfire missiles, and any weapons of mass destruction threatens all of us. Empires and great powers rarely change their ways without significant pressure. Our work may begin with just a few words. We can change one piece of the complicated equation in the Middle East, the part that the US directs. Words are completed with action. One action that we may need to prepare ourselves for is the development of pastoral teams to visit the victims of terror be they in Gaza, Fallujah, Mossul (ancient Nineveh), or the mountains of the Frontier Territories of Pakistan.

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

Dimapur

26 November 2008

The Morung Express

Heavy poll turnout pushes Kashmir separatists into a corner

SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 25 (AGENCIES): Where do the unexpectedly high voting percentages in the first two phases of elections in Jammu and Kashmir leave the separatist leadership that had called for a boycott? That question could get increasingly important for separatists in the Kashmir valley if the next few phases of the assembly elections go the way of the first two. It may be too early to predict the turnout across the state as the elections will go on till Dec 24, but it is clear that many Kashmiris in this state of over 7.5 million people who are in the vortex of a sovereignty dispute for the last six decades till now have defied the separatists and voted for better governance and a solution to their daily problems. Better roads, jobs and civic amenities are what they want. The second phase Sunday in two

constituencies in the valley and four in Jammu saw a voter turnout of over 65 percent, one percent more than the first round percentage of 64. Analysts say the figures have come as a shock to separatist forces, raising many a query for them to comprehend and answer. "Even neutral observers and journalists, who had predicted a lacklustre election process after the summer agitation against India, are surprised by the voters' enthusiasm," said Raouf Rasool, who teaches conflict studies in the Islamic University of Science and Technology. "It is time the separatist leadership understood certain realities," Rasool told IANS. "The concepts of freedom and sub-nationalism are obviously very inspiring propositions for all, and people of Kashmir are certainly no exception," he added, pointing out that separatists had been

Landmine blast kills 5 cops in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar district NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 25 (AGENCIES): Suspected Maoist rebels blew up a bridge in Bastar district in Chhattisgarh on Tuesday, killing five police officers who were escorting election officials, police said. The election officials were not harmed in the blast, which also left one police officer wounded, said Amarnath Upadhyaya, an Inspector-General of Police. Officials from Election Commission are in the region to hold polls for the state legislature. The rebels triggered the land mine as the police were walking across the bridge in Bastar district in Chattisgarh state, said Upadhyaya. The rebels then escaped into a forested area.

Maoist shot dead in Jharkhand GIRIDIH, NOVEMBER 25 (PTI): A self-styled ‘area commander’ of the banned CPI (Maoist), wanted in connection with several cases, was shot dead by security forces at Jamdaha village in Giridih district on Tuesday, the police said. CRPF and state police personnel surrounded the house of the Maoist after getting specific information that he was visiting his house, superintendent of police M L Meena said. The police officer said the Maoist, identified as one Kawang, was killed in the retaliatory fire by the security forces. The police recovered two pistols and cartridges from his possession, he said.

Modi denied permission to hold rally in Delhi C M Y K

NATIONAL

Wednesday

NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 25 (AGENCIES): In a decision which will further intensify the war of words between the Congress and the BJP, the Delhi Police on Tuesday denied permission to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi to hold a rally in the national capital. The firebrand BJP leader was to hold a campaign rally at Panchkuiyan Road near Connaught Place today. According to police sources, the permission was denied as a rally by such a big leader would have led to traffic related problems in the busy area. Furious at the decision, the BJP accused the police of working under the pressure of the Congress. Questioning the basis of denying the permission, the saffron party said that big leaders of other parties hold rallies too. So why has the question of traffic jams cropped up now? The saffron party further said that they had informed the authorities well in advance about the rally. Modi, has now decided to hold a road show instead of a rally.

unable to make freedom an attainable dream. The separatist leadership, said retired schoolteacher MY Qadiri, had gone the whole hog to oppose the elections by confusing the voting with its larger objective – "the political solution to the Kashmir dispute". "They don't understand that Kashmiris, particularly from the rural areas, are voting to ensure basic amenities for them, which separatists cannot guarantee," Qadiri said. "The separatist leaders have confused and blurred the demarcation between civic amenities and larger political ambitions," agreed political science scholar Irshad Ahmed Shah. "By playing mere poll politics, separatists have invited unnecessary defeat. If they really mean business, they must lie back and try to iron out their confusions," is how Aijaz Khan, a former militant who gave up arms

to become a businessman, put it. Separatist leaders – many of them jailed – have been urging the people to stay away from the election process in defiance against Indian rule in the state. They view the turnout issue differently. "It is too early to rush to any conclusion. Five more phases are yet to go," Sajjad Gani Lone of the Peoples Conference said. "India portrays these elections as a substitute for the resolution of the Kashmir issue. Participating in the electoral process impedes a resolution, but this is not the verdict favouring the status quo on Kashmir." Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, chairman of the Hurriyat Conference, said that the elections were held under "occupation, detentions, curfews and crackdowns". "These are illegitimate (elec- A Kashmiri walks with his horses on a ﬁeld on a foggy day in Srinagar, November 25. tions)," he said. (AP Photo)

has high Court to look into Sadhvi’s allegations India child mortality rate

MUMBAI, NOVEMBER 25 (AGENCIES): A MCOCA court in Mumbai is expected to pass an order on Tuesday in connection with the allegations levelled by Malegaon blast accused Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur. While being produced before the special court yesterday, Sadhvi Pragya, Lt Col Prasad Purohit and Ajay Rahirkar had accused Maharashtra ATS officials of physically torturing them and threatening to strip and kill them. Following the allegations, the MCOCA court rejected the Anti-Terror Squad’s plea for granting it the custody of the three accused. ATS officials are also expected to respond to the allegations made by the three accused, in the court today. The ATS yesterday sought the custody of the trio contending their interrogation was needed to find out the “sinister design of Hindu radical group Abhinav Bharat, which appears to

be instrumental in promoting, advocating and inciting unlawful and terrorist activities”. However, Special MCOCA Judge Y D Shinde rejected the ATS plea and instead sent them as also four other accused in judicial custody till December 3. All the seven accused produced before the court yesterday alleged they were physically and mentally tortured by ATS while they were in its custody. Sadhvi Pragya told the court that she has been mentally and physically harassed by ATS. “ATS officials threatened to strip me and hang me upside down if I did not confess about my involvement in the blast. I am mentally disturbed and not able to eat anything,” Sadhvi told the judge. Purohit said he had been hung upside down from a rod and his hands were tied to two poles due to which he has lost sensation from his wrist to his fingers. “ATS while question-

ing me said that it would plant RDX in my house and that it would be very easy for it to kill me in an encounter,” Purohit told the court. Another accused and retired Army officer Ramesh Upadhyay alleged he was tortured by Additional Commissioner of Police (ATS) Parambir Singh and Sukhwinder Singh in custody. “Parambir and Sukhwinder physically abused me and then threatened to parade my wife and daughter naked in the police station and get them raped by all the officers here,” Upadhyay said.

Petition against ATS for illegal detention

A Habeas Corpus petition has been filed in Madhya Pradesh High Court here alleging that the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) illegally picked up a person in the second week of this month from the city.

The petition filed by Ramswaroop Patidhar on Monday stated that the ATS picked up his brother Dilip Patidhar, living in Shanti Vihar Colony, illegally on the intervening night of November 10 and 11 saying that he should be produced before the court. Patidhar was a tenant of Ramji – one of the alleged accused in the Malegaon bomb blasts – who is absconding. Advocate of Ramswaroop, Dipak Rawal said that Dilip was an electrician and his family members were anxious with his missing and had even tried to lodge complaint with the local Kajrana police station. Ramswaroop said that he had come to know from the police station that Mumbai ATS has taken away Dilip. Rawal said family members of missing person had even petitioned the state top police officials in connection with the missing of Dilip, but to no avail.

India backs home-grown peace process in Nepal KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 25 (PTI): India today told Nepal that it had "no objection" to a peace process in the Himalayan country that was of "Nepalese origin and orientation". Favouring building of political consensus for drafting the country's first-ever Constitution, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, said all political parties should be involved in the framing of the document. Mukherjee, the first highlevel Indian leader to visit the land-locked country after its recent transition to democracy, held a "very productive" meeting with Nepal Prime Minister Prachanda today during which issues of bilateral concern, including repair of the Kosi embankment and maintenance of the East West highway figured. "We have no objection

in a peace process that has Nepalese origin and orientation," Special Adviser to Nepal Prime Minister Hira Bahadur Thapa quoted Mukherjee as telling Prachanda. Thapa also said that the major issue of review of the Indo-Nepal Trade and Transit Treaty of 1950 did not figure in talks on the second day of Mukherjee's three-day visit. Steering clear of any direct involvement, Mukherjee impressed upon Prachanda the need for building consensus among political parties in framing the new Constitution. Mukherjee's visit comes as the ruling Maoists are in the midst of a crucial debate regarding the future political system in the country – whether to continue with multi-party system or opt for a single party Communist rule.

Indian Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee, right, shakes hands with Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, as Koirala's daughter Sujata looks on, in Katmandu, Nepal, November 25. Mukherjee is the highest-ranking Indian ofﬁcial to visit the Himalayan nation since it abolished the centuries-old monarchy and became a republic in May. (AP Photo/Binod Joshi)

NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 25 (PTI): Even as India is doing well in reducing its drop-out rates of children in schools at primary level, high rate of child malnutrition remains a major area of concern, a UN report said today. UNESCO’s report ‘EFA Global Monitoring Report – Overcoming inequality: Why governance matters’, released today, said India would achieve net enrollment ratio of 99 per cent by 2015. But the country has to seriously look into the problem of child malnutrition, which would affect children’s achievements. It projected that the number of drop-out students in India may fall from 7.2 million in 2006 to 0.6 million in 2015. There may be at least 29 million out-of-school children in 2015. Pakistan is projected to have 3.7 million children out of school that year. However, India, despite its higher economic growth, has failed to make significant progress in arresting the child mortality rate and malnutrition of children. Bangladesh and Nepal have outperformed India in reducing child mortality rate, the report said. Child malnutrition is a major barrier to Universalisation of Primary Education (UPE), affecting one third of all children under five and accounting for around 3.5 million deaths annually. Had India reduced child mortality to Bangladesh level, it would have had two lakh fewer deaths in 2000, the report said.

Security, terrorism on Indo-Pak Home Secretary-level talks agenda ISLAMABAD, NOVEMBER 25 (ANI): Home Secretary-level talks between Pakistan and India began in Islamabad on Tuesday, with Pakistan''s Secretary Interior Syed Kamal Shah and India's Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta leading their respective delegations. According to Interior Ministry officials the issues that were on the agenda for discussion included counter terrorism, drug trafficking and issues pertaining to civilian prisoners – especially fishermen – of both countries lodged in each other''s jails. An APP report said that visa regulations were also likely to be discussed another important issue that was going to be considered was

how to increase co-operation between India''s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Pakistan''s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), it quoted officials, as saying. The talks are a part of the fifth Round of the Composite Dialogue between the nuclear-armed rivals which covers eight areas, including the divided Himalayan region of Kashmir, border disputes, terrorism and economic cooperation. The neighbors launched peace efforts in 2004 after nearly going to war a fourth time over Islamist militant attacks in India linked to a nearly two decades revolt against Indian rule in Kashmir which Pakistan supports politically.

Hijack ordeal unimaginable: Stolt Valor Capt Advani best for BJP but not for the country: Govindacharya

NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 25 (AGENCIES): Hours after returning home, Captain Prabhat K Goyal of MT Stolt Valor, which was hijacked by Somali Pirates more than two-months ago and released only last week after ransom was paid, on Tuesday described the ordeal as unimaginable and called for an end to piracy. Captain Goyal returned to Delhi along with six other Indian crew members of MT Stolt Valor early this morning. Addressing a press conference here, Captain Goyal thanked one and all, including the media, for extending support to Stolt Valor’s crew during the two-month long ordeal. He made special mention of his wife Seema Goyal, who approached ministers and bureaucrats to seek help in getting the hijacked crew released. Describing piracy as a serious issue, Goyal said that the Gulf of Aden – where Somali pirates were striking – could not be closed down as it would have serious economic implications for the entire world. “About 8,000 ships pass through the area every year… A bulk of the world’s cargo is transported through the route,” he told reporters. Goyal further noted that there were a number of vessels in pirates’ custody when he and his crew set sail for home after being freed by the pirates. “The world doesn’t know about it but there are vessels which have been abandoned by their owners,” he said. According to the Stolt Valor Captain, the problem of piracy in the Gulf of Aden started in October 2007 and the Somali pirates’ area of operation has now

Japanese owned vessel Stolt Valor's Captain Prabhat Goyal, front left, reacts as he sits with family members at a press conference in New Delhi, November 25. Indian crew members released by Somali pirates said Monday they lived in fear of being killed by the marauders who kept guns pointed at them. (AP Photo)

expanded to between 500 to 600 nautical miles off the Somali coast. The issue got highlighted only after the hijack of Stolt Valor, he added. When asked about the solution to the problem, Goyal said that there is a pressing need to have an effective government in Somalia which is currently lawless. Past efforts by Russia, the US and the UN to install a government there have failed, he noted. So the only temporary solution to the problem is “hot pursuit” by Navies from around the world, he added. On the Indian government’s lacklustre response to Stolt Valor’s hijack, something that got highlighted after Goyal’s wife knocked in vain at ministers’ doors for help, the Captain expressed belief in the government. “My wife has her opinion and everybody has the right to

express his/her opinion. What the Indian government has done or is doing is there for everybody to see,” he said. When asked whether he would go to the Gulf of Aden again, Goyal said, “I am an Indian. I am not a Captain who is afraid of pirates. I will pass through that route again and again.” Goyal had earlier said, “The experience was very bad. They tortured us mentally. But at the end, we are happy to be back safe.” Twelve of the 18 Indian crew members on board the Japanese ship have now returned after their two-month ordeal. The ship was hijacked by Somali pirates on September 15 and the crew kept hostage at the port of Eyl in Somalia for nearly two months until an undisclosed ransom was paid by the owners of the vessel.

NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 25 (AGENCIES): LK Advani was chosen as the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) prime ministerial nominee because of a lack of talent in the party, says former BJP general secretary KN Govindacharya. He says Advani is not the “natural leader” of the Hindutva movement and blamed former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for the “economic mess” today. “The choice of Advani is the best available for the party, but not necessarily for the country. The reservoir from which to pick up is so poor that he emerges as the best,” Govindacharya, once a blue-eyed boy of Advani, said during the course of an interview. He had quit the BJP in 2000 to go on study leave and recently re-entered politics by accepting to become the ‘sarvesarva’ (overall in charge) of Uma Bharati’s Bharatiya Jan Shakti (BJS) party on the eve of the Madhya Pradesh elections. Advani was “not the natural leader of the Hindutva movement”, said Govindacharya, adding: “He became the wrong leader of the right movement. His convictions and moorings are different. ‘Bharat’ for him starts with the Constituent assembly debates. He was influenced by the concept of nation states of Europe and the West, and not by the concept of geo-culture.” The biggest dilemma of the BJP today, Govindacharya elaborated, was that Advani wanted to move in one direction, adopt a different line and cut away from

the past, but was not able to do so because he needed the Sangh Parivar. “If he had had the courage, he could have split the party and stuck to his line, come what may. At the time of the Jinnah controversy, I had sent him a message – have the courage to follow your convictions and take the issue to the people,” said Govindacharya referring to Advani’s controversial endorsement of the secularism of Mohammed Ali Jinnah during his 2005 visit to Pakistan. Announcing his return to active politics last week, Govindacharya had said he intended to forge a new political platform which is “pro-Bharat” and “propoor” and try to bring ideology and idealism back into political functioning. Govindacharya hit out at the Gen X leaders in the BJP and said that “pragmatism and careerism” characterised them. “As far as ideology and idealism are concerned, these will not just be put on the backburner (by them), they will be nowhere. (Under them), it will not be politics of conviction but of convenience. And it will be a no-holds-barred battle between them, each using their unique weapon to fight.” He described Vajpayee as “irrelevant” today. “He did what he could to retain power at any cost. Barring Pokhran, what more can be attributed to him? In that (Pokhran) he picked up courage; otherwise be it Kargil or any other thing, he did not act. He opened the floodgates for foreign investment. He is equally responsible for the eco-

nomic mess we see today – the rise of unemployment, disparities and a consumerist culture,” Govindacharya said, without mincing his words. He continues to be a swayamsevak (worker) of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Asked if he had the Sangh’s blessings in what he was doing, Govindacharya replied: “I don’t know. I haven’t asked. But I have always kept them informed about what I am doing.” Govindacharya said he saw no difference between the Congress and the BJP. “I call the Congress the ‘tiranga’ party and the BJP ‘doranga’ Congress. That is why they favour bipolar polity, so that they can rule by turn.” When it came to power in 1998, the BJP had aroused hopes that it could deliver, he said. But it had traversed the same road as the Congress. This has led to “a deep sense of disappointment” in the country and to “failing systems and a failing state”. If the situation was not addressed, “we will see anarchy grow”. “That, I feel, is the BJP’s biggest negative contribution which it does not understand. It is not just about the internal damage to the party.” He did not see the BJP coming to power in 2009. “Today the Congress and the BJP between them have 282 seats (in the Lok Sabha). It will come down to 250. The government (in 2009) will be more unstable, opportunistic and corrupt. We will see a difference between the pre-poll alliances and the post-poll alliances, with bids being made by

parties and individuals.” Asked if the BJS could join hands with the BJP again, Govindacharya said: “That does not seem likely. Dekha jayega (We’ll see). Values and issues would be a deciding factor. They will not listen to us about values and issues. How pro-poor will they be on, say, land rights for tribals. Agar aajayenge bhi, tho bahut kashta denge (Even if we join hands, we will give them pain).” Speaking of the probe into the September 29 Malegaon blasts pointing to the involvement of Sangh leaders, Govindacharya said, “There is no question of the Sangh being involved... It is a bit like America making a case for attack on Iraq by talking repeatedly about it having weapons of mass destruction. They never found the weapons but they captured the country. We are playing with fire, at the cost of national solidarity.” Govindacharya said he agreed with BJP president Rajnath Singh when he had said that a Hindu could not be a terrorist. “A white crow or a black swan – this itself is contradictory. The issue is entirely different. As a society, it (the Hindus) acts in self-defence. The total society is pitted against an intolerant faith, and it does not know how to tackle it. That is the crisis today. The state does not come to its rescue, it is into petty politics. The proselytizing religions are a danger to the (Hindu) cultural identity...Minorityism... will never result in the upliftment of minorities. For that a more sincere effort is needed.”

INTERNATIONAL

The Morung Express

Wednesday 26 November 2008

Dimapur

Thai protestors besiege PMs ofﬁces

Thai protesters ﬁre on government supporters

Anti-government protesters cheer as they listen to a leader’s speech at Don Muang airport terminal building, a temporary prime minister’s ofﬁce, on Tuesday, November 25, in Bangkok, Thailand. The Thai government insisted Tuesday it was “fully functional” but refused to disclose where ofﬁcials were working to avoid provoking more protests with anti-government activists who have vowed to bring the administration to a standstill. Spokesman Nattawut Saikau indicated the Thai government had effectively gone into hiding to avoid thousands of protesters who surrounded the prime minister’s temporary headquarters at Bangkok’s domestic airport and embarked on a cat-andmouse chase to block their meetings .(AP Photo)

BANGKOK, NOVEMBER 25 (REUTERS): Thai anti-government protesters blockading a highway leading to Bangkok's old airport opened fire on a group of government supporters on Tuesday, television footage showed. The footage, aired by public broadcaster TPBS, showed at least two security guards from the anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) firing half a dozen rounds from handguns at the government supporters. It was the latest twist in an increasingly desperate six-month campaign by the PAD to unseat the elected administration. The protesters surrounded Bangkok's old Don Muang airport, north of the city, where ministers have been running the country since the PAD invaded Government House in August. "It is time to make a clear-cut choice between good and evil, between those who are loyal and traitors," PAD leader Somsak Kosaisuk told 10,000 yellow-shirted supporters waving hand clappers and shouting anti-government slogans. Domestic flights were operating as usual from Don Muang, and there was no disruption to road or rail services despite a strike called by state sector unions in support of the PAD. Channel 3 television said PAD protesters also obstructed all but one lane of the multi-lane expressway to the new Suvarnabhumi airport,

the main gateway for 13 million tourists who visit each year. Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat, who has rejected PAD demands he resign, is due to return on Wednesday from an Asia-Pacific summit in Peru. Any serious labour disruption would deepen the economic impact of the long-running political crisis, which has stymied government decision-making and raised fears about the exportdriven economy's ability to cope with a global crisis. The government forecast this week that the economy would grow just 4.5 percent this year, its slowest rate in seven years. However, Thai shares and the baht shrugged off the protests, with the main stock index up 1.6 percent as Asian bourses rose after the U.S. bailout of Citigroup. The PAD, which billed this week's action as the "final battle", forced the government to postpone to next month a joint parliamentary session to approve international agreements for a regional summit starting in mid-December. But these latest protests are unlikely to deliver a knock-out blow to the People Power Party (PPP) government. Opinion polls show waning public support for the unelected coalition of royalist businessmen, academics and activists who accuse Somchai of being a puppet of his brother-in-law, Thaksin Shinawatra, ousted as prime minister by

the military in 2006. Some analysts say the PAD's powerful backers in the Bangkok establishment are getting cold feet about the damage the political strife is inflicting on the economy. "The people who've been backing PAD in the background have got frightened that it's getting out of control. It's a threat to public order and even the structure of the state itself," historian and political analyst Chris Baker said. Despite his ties to Thaksin, Somchai's bland, inoffensive personality has proved a hard target for the PAD. Police are eager to avoid a repeat of Oct. 7, when two protesters were killed and hundreds injured in street battles, the worst violence in Bangkok since the army opened fire on democracy protesters in 1992. Riot police have been carrying only shields and melting away when faced with PAD youths armed with iron bars, golf clubs and stakes. Bloodshed could trigger another coup only two years after the army removed Thaksin, but army chief Anupong Paochinda reiterated on Tuesday that a putsch would do nothing to resolve fundamental political rifts. The PAD enjoys the backing of Bangkok's urban middle classes and elite, including Queen Sirikit. Thaksin and the government claim their support from the rural voters who returned the PPP in a December election.

BANGKOK, NOVEMBER 25 (AFP): Thousands of Thai protesters besieged the prime minister's temporary offices at an abandoned Bangkok airport Tuesday, on the second day of marches aimed at toppling the elected government. Yellow-clad activists took trucks, buses and cars to the old Don Mueang international airport -- where premier Somchai Wongsawat set up shop after activists captured the capital's main government offices in August. The show of force came a day after thousands of demonstrators descended on parliament in what they have called

Protest leaders asked supporters not to occupy Somchai's office itself -- but some went in and out of the building to use the toilets. The PAD meanwhile set up counters to distribute free food and drinks to protesters. Somchai is due to fly home early Wednesday from an APEC summit in Peru, and the PAD said it was moving people to the military headquarters where he and his cabinet are expected to hold a meeting. "Our guerrillas will chase them," said Somsak Kosaisuk, another core PAD leader. "If tomorrow Somchai gets off the airplane and wants to hold a meeting at the armed

forces headquarters, we will walk there to prevent it." The government said the regular Tuesday cabinet meeting had been put back to Wednesday after the prime minister returns, but said the move had nothing to do with the protests. "They wanted to blockade the government, they want to step up pressure on us but the government still adheres to peaceful means of negotiation," government spokesman Nattawut Saikuar said. Meanwhile government-run corporations said there was no response to a strike call by Thailand's main public sector union, the State Enterprise Workers Relations Con-

federation, which has 190,000 members. Multi-millionaire Thaksin fled the country in August this year to avoid corruption charges. His populist policies won electoral support, especially among the rural poor, but he is loathed by Thailand's old guard. The PAD has claimed the support of Queen Sirikit ever since she donated money towards medical expenses and attended the funeral of one of those killed in October's clashes. The protests have meanwhile partly paralysed policymaking and affected the economy in Thailand, which was the country at the centre of the 1997 Asian financial crisis.

the "final battle" against the administration, forcing lawmakers to postpone a joint session. "There are more than 10,000 of us here and we are prepared for a long siege like at Government House (in central Bangkok)," said Sawit Kaoewan, a leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD). Police confirmed the figure. The PAD, which is backed by the old power elite in the military, palace and bureaucracy, accuses the government of being a corrupt puppet of exiled former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a 2006 coup. The alliance has called on the army to intervene and says

it wants to change the one-man one-vote electoral system that has delivered victories for Thaksin -- who is Somchai's brother-in-law -- and his allies since 2001. Police largely withdrew from the airport site overnight and were hardly visible on Tuesday morning, amid fears of a repeat of violent clashes during rallies on October 7 that left two dead and 500 injured. They waved Thai flags and rattled the anti-government movement's signature plastic hand clappers, while most wore yellow clothes that symbolise loyalty to the country's deeply revered king, AFP correspondents said.

Bush insists vision of “Dim ray of hope” for peace Palestinian state lives

WASHINGTON, NOVEMBER 25 (REUTERS): U.S. President George W. Bush declared in farewell talks with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Monday that the vision of a Palestinian state remained alive, despite failure to achieve their goal of a peace deal this year. With two months left in office, Bush reiterated that the eventual creation of a democratic Palestinian state alongside Israel -- an objective he now leaves to President-elect Barack Obama -- would help end decades of Middle East conflict. "I believe that vision is alive and needs to be worked on," Bush told reporters as he and Olmert, who will also step down early next year, held a final meeting at the White House. The United States, Israel and the Palestinians have all acknowledged they will not have a peace accord in place before Bush vacates the White House on Jan. 20, missing a target date set at an Annapolis peace conference a year ago. Most analysts were skeptical from the start, saying Bush's peace bid was too little, too late, after much of his two terms largely disengaged from Israeli-Palestinian diplomacy. Despite that, Olmert -- who will leave under a cloud of corruption charges after a Feb. 10 parliamentary election -- showered Bush with praise for setting the Annapolis process in motion and reaffirmed a two-state solution as the "only possible way" to achieve peace. Obama, who visited Israel and the occupied West Bank in July, pledged at the time -- in an apparent swipe at Bush's last-minute peace efforts -- not to "wait a few years into my term or my second term if I'm elected" to press for

a deal. Although Olmert has vowed to pursue peace until his last day in office, little progress has been made in negotiations and public interest in Israel in the lame-duck leader's policies is waning as an election campaign gathers speed. Opinion polls in Israel show former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party leading the ruling centrist Kadima faction in the election. Netanyahu has said he would focus peace efforts on shoring up the Palestinian economy rather than on territorial issues, a policy that could spell the end of the Annapolis process. Olmert has been increasingly vocal about what he sees as the need for Israel to relinquish nearly all the land it occupied in the 1967 Middle East war in return for peace, while retaining major Jewish settlement blocs. Palestinian officials said the commitment came too late and Olmert's successor as Kadima leader, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, has not voiced support for his position. "It's not easy to try to change the paradigm," Bush said, alluding to the obstacles to Israeli-Palestinan peace. Bush had been looking for an end-of-term foreign policy success to boost a legacy burdened by the unpopular Iraq war. But peace talks launched after Annapolis have been hobbled by Israeli political upheaval, disputes over Israeli settlement expansion and violent flare-ups in and around the Gaza Strip. Iran's nuclear program was also on the agenda, but neither leader mentioned it when reporters were allowed briefly into the Oval Office at the start of the meeting.

KABUL, NOVEMBER 25 (REUTERS): Afghan President Hamid Karzai said the emergence of a democratic government in Pakistan offered a "dim ray of hope" that regional cooperation, including India, could help bring an end to Taliban and al Qaeda violence. Afghan officials have long accused Pakistan's intelligence service of secretly backing Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan to keep the country weak and achieve "strategic depth", allowing the Pakistani army to concentrate on defending the border with India. Pakistan has always denied the charge, but analysts say the policy backfired with Taliban militants in the tribal regions along the rugged Afghan border now threatening stability in Pakistan with dozens of suicide bombs that have killed hundreds in the last two years. But the emergence of a democratic government in Pakistan and the election of Asif Ali Zardari as president there in September offered a chance for change, Karzai said. "Democratic change in Pakistan is good news for Afghans, Pakistanis and, by extension, many oth-

ers across the world," Karzai wrote in an opinion piece in The Australian newspaper. The United States and its NATO allies with troops fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan have been keen to foster dialogue and good relations between Karzai and Zardari to replace the often acrimonious mud-slinging of the past. "I visited Pakistan for President Zardari's inauguration and for the first time I saw a dim ray of hope," Karzai said. "If we can all work together -- Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, the U.S. and our allies -- I see a possibility of moving beyond the days when a government thinks it needs extremism as an instrument of policy," he said. "When all governments in the region reject extremism, there will be no place for extremists, and terrorism will wither away." U.S. President-elect Barack Obama has said the U.S.-led war against the Taliban in Afghanistan might be made easier if Washington worked to improve trust between India and Pakistan. "A lot of what drives, it appears, motivations on the Pakistan side of the border, still has to do

with their concerns and suspicions about India," Obama said after a visit to Afghanistan in July. Karzai said that after the rapid overthrow of the Taliban following the Sept. 11 attacks, the international community made a mistake by concentrating on Afghanistan as the battlefield against militancy instead of adopting a regional approach. After being driven from power in Kabul, Taliban leaders sought refuge along the Pakistani border and were able to regroup and launch a largescale insurgency in mid-2005 against Karzai's government and Western forces inside the country. That insurgency has grown steadily since then and has spread to areas close to the capital with a campaign of guerrilla warfare in the countryside backed by suicide bombs in the cities. The failure of more than 60,000 foreign troops to stem the tide of violence has led U.S. commanders to call for a troop surge in Afghanistan ahead of a presidential election next year and the commissioning of a major review of military strategy.

Greenlanders to have plebiscite on self-rule

NUUK, NOVEMBER 25 (AFP): Some 39,000 people in Greenland vote on Tuesday in a referendum on self-rule for the Danish territory, a move that could pave the way for total independence for the Arctic island. Public opinion polls in the run-up to the referendum have suggested that a large majority plan to vote in favour of greater autonomy for Greenland, which was granted semi-autonomy from Denmark in 1979. Polling stations open at 9:00 am (1200 GMT) and close at 8:00 pm (2300 GMT). The result is expected around midnight (0300 GMT Wednesday). According to a poll published on the eve of the plebiscite, 61 percent of voters said they would vote "yes" to self-rule and 15 percent said they would vote "no." A total of 19 percent said they were undecided and five percent did not plan to vote at all. The poll was published in the online edition of the island's biggest daily Sermitsiaq. If the "yes" side wins, the local Greenland government has the chance to take control of new areas such as natural resource management, justice and police affairs and to a certain extent foreign affairs. There are potentially lucrative revenues from the natural resources under Greenland's seabed, which according to international experts is home to large oil deposits. Greenlandic would also be recognised as the island's official language. The referendum is officially non-binding, but

Member of the Danish Parliament and representative for Greenland, Juliane Henningsen, third from left, holding bag, hands out bracelets with the text Namminersorneq ('self rule') in the streets of Nuuk, Greenland, Monday November 24. Greenland voters are expected to decide in a referendum Tuesday to extend the glacial island's self rule in what many see as a key step toward independence from Denmark. (AP Photo)

the local government has vowed to respect the outcome even if it goes against greater autonomy. If the selfrule supporters win, the new status would take effect on June 21, 2009. Local government chief Hans Enoksen stressed in a radio inter-

view in the final days of the campaign that the referendum "is not about independence." "Agreeing on self-rule is the only road forward," he said, adding however that he hoped for full independence in the not too distant future. Like most of

the parties in the local parliament, as well as the Greenlandic media, the Social Democratic prime minister has called on voters to "take advantage of this opportunity." Lars-Emil Johansen, one of two Greenlandic members of the Danish

parliament, says he dreams full independence will come by 2021, in time for the 300th anniversary of Denmark's colonisation of Greenland. "Of course we can be the masters of our own destiny and fly on our own wings," he told AFP. Not all Greenlanders dream of breaking loose from Denmark however. A fringe movement, backed by a single political party, the Democrats, has emerged as an outspoken critic of the proposal. "Greenland will never be an independent state," Finn Lynge recently stated, much to the dismay of his Siumut party, which is a leading member of the government coalition and strongly in favour of a "yes" vote in the referendum. "There are only between 50,000 and 60,000 of us living here in geographically and climatically extreme conditions. With such a tiny population it is impossible to provide the human contributions needed to turn Greenland into a modern and independent state," he said. With its 2.1-million square kilometre surface, 80 percent of which is covered by ice, Greenland is the world's largest island. It counts 57,000 inhabitants, 50,000 of whom are native Inuits. In 2007, the territory received subsidies of 3.2 billion kroner (540 million dollars) from Denmark, or about 30 percent of its gross domestic product. In 1982, it voted by referendum to leave the European Union, of which Denmark remains a member.

Congo leader urged to talk to rebel chief

A displaced Congolese who ﬂed to the south east of Rutshuru, near the border with Uganda, waits for aid in Ntamugenga, eastern Congo, Monday November 24. Over 2, 500 families received water containers, blankets and buckets and soap from the Catholic Agency For Overseas Development. (AP Photo)

UNITED NATIONS, NOVEMBER 25 (REUTERS): Nigerian former President Olusegun Obasanjo urged Congo's president to talk with Tutsi rebel leader Gen. Laurent Nkunda to prevent the conflict in eastern Congo from escalating into a new war. Obasanjo, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's special peace envoy for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, spoke to reporters after briefing Ban on his mediation efforts. He said Nkunda had presented three main demands -- direct talks with the Congolese government, protection of minorities, and integration of his soldiers and administrators in rebel-controlled areas into the Congolese army and government. "He has made demands that I do not consider outrageous," Obasanjo said, adding that Congolese President Joseph Kabila's government could meet Nkunda to "iron out" details. "The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is not averse to such a dialogue," he said. After weeks of fighting, Nkunda's Tutsi rebels last week pulled back from some positions in North Kivu province. Nkunda declared a truce in late October, when he halted his advance on the provincial capital, Goma, leading to relative calm. Obasanjo, who has met with Nkunda, Kabila and leaders of Angola and Rwanda, was asked by reporters if the Congolese president had withdrawn his objections to holding any kind of direct talks with the Tutsi rebel leader. "He did not say he will not talk," Obasanjo said. The former Nigerian president said his next round of talks with key players in the Congo crisis would focus on arranging a meeting between the Congolese government and Nkunda's rebels. Separately, Ban's office said in a new report obtained by Re-

uters that government soldiers and rebels in Congo had committed serious human right abuses, calling the situation in the vast central African state "a cause for grave concern." Details of the report, prepared for the U.N. Security Council, emerged as New York-based Human Rights Watch said abuses against civilians were continuing on both sides of the east Congo front lines despite a lull in fighting that had displaced a quarter of a million people. Ban's report said elements of the Congolese army and national police were responsible for many serious violations like arbitrary executions, rape, torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment earlier this year. Last week, the council approved an increase of 3,000 troops and police in the U.N. peacekeeping mission in Congo, bringing the biggest such U.N. force in the world to 20,000. The aim is to prevent the North Kivu conflict from escalating into a wider war. The U.N. report said rebels, including Nkunda's National Congress for the Defence of the People, and Rwandan Hutu fighters accused of participating in Rwanda's 1994 genocide, had "perpetrated serious human rights abuses with impunity." Abuses included "mass killings, torture, abductions, forced recruitment of children, forced displacement and destruction of (refugee) camps, forced labor, sexual violence." It also accused Congolese national civilian and military intelligence services of arbitrary arrests and detentions followed by "torture and extortion." It said members of Congo's security forces, politicians and government officials had targeted journalists and human rights activists, some of whom were threatened and arrested.

Dimapur

SPORTS

Wednesday 26 November 2008

The Morung Express

Gallas back but Fabregas takes over Arsenal captaincy LONDON, NOVEMBER 25 (AFP): William Gallas will play for Arsenal against Dynamo Kiev in the Champions League at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday but manager Arsene Wenger said the captaincy had now passed permanently to Cesc Fabregas. France defender Gallas was stripped of the club captaincy, fined two weeks' wages and dropped from the squad that lost 3-0 at Manchester City last weekend after publicly criticising his team-mates. Wenger's decision to restore Gallas to the team just three days after sending the centre-back into exile was due in part to Arsenal's woeful defensive showing at Eastlands on Saturday. After three defeats in four matches the Gunners cannot afford another loss on Tuesday, so Wenger has little choice but to turn back to his most talented defender. But handing the captain's armband to Fabregas showed that he wasn't prepared to let Gallas get away with his rant without a substantial punishment. "He (Gallas) will play against Kiev. The captain will be Fabregas. It is a permanent thing," Wenger said at a press conference ahead of the Dynamo match. Despite Gallas's demotion, Wenger insisted he hadn't lost respect for the former Marseille star after his outburst and claimed the player still has a future at the club. "William is a player that I rate and a man I rate,"

Wenger said. "I have a big respect for him. He was working as captain in a very difficult media environment. "He was under big pressure from the press and at some stage you do not want that high pressure to affect him or the team. But for the man and player I have a big respect. "I cannot stop suggestions. For me he is a player who is committed to the club and can be even stronger as a player. "He took all the problems of the team to his heart. It can be a new start for him and make him stronger." Fabregas, 21, is only a few months older than Tony Adams was when he became Arsenal's youngest skipper in the 1980s. But the Spanish midfielder has already become a strong voice in the Arsenal dressing room and made his desire to be captain clear in pre-season, so Wenger has no concerns about his ability to do the job at such a tender age. "He is one of the leaders of the team but I don't believe in one man who sorts out all the problems," Wenger said. "A successful team sorts out everything together. It is important to share that leadership in the dressing room. "I believe personally for me the captain is the voice of the club towards the outside. "To be a top player in a top club you need to be mentally very strong and that means you have to be able to deal with that sort of situation." While the public perception of Arsenal is of a squad on the

brink of imploding, Wenger retains total confident in his young charges. "How can you break this squad? They are a young team with 15 years in front of them," he said. "They played already at the top at 21 years old and some at 19. They have a fantastic future despite all the attempts around the club to break them. It will not happen. "This team can be one of the important forces in Europe for many years. "My belief and trust in my players has not been affected. I have to stand up for them. We are a strong team and that will come out. "They are completely concentrated. We have a good way to protect the players here. They know how much we believe in them." For one of the only times during his 12-year reign, Wenger has come under fire from fans and pundits over his decision to give Gallas the captaincy in the first place, but he was defiant when asked if he is feeling the pressure. "It is part of management that you go through a period when it is more difficult but not more than that," he said. "I am strong enough to let people have opinions and do what I think is right." Things are never easy for Wenger however. With the captaincy situation resolved, he then discovered he will be without French midfielders Samir Nasri and Abou Diaby against Dynamo after the duo suffered injuries in training on Monday.

Flintoff hints that IPL cricket may help curtail England's woes

LONDON, NOVEMBER 25 (AGENCIES): It used to be fatigue that prevented England from fulfilling their one-day potential when series used to take place at the end of tours. This time, with the onedayers at the start, Andrew Flintoff says it is because the team do not play enough Twenty20 – a claim that could be seen as a thinly disguised ultimatum to the England and Wales Cricket Board to allow him and a few team mates to play a major part in the Indian Premier League. "In playing the shorter form of the game, which most of them have in IPL, I think India's players developed a lot of new skills with bat and ball," Flintoff said after the team arrived in Bhubaneshwar for Wednesday's fifth one-day international. "I definitely think they've benefited their one-day game from playing Twenty20," said Flintoff, easily England's best player in this series. "Look at the way they hit the ball and the positions the batsmen get into. Look, too, at Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma with those yorkers. Playing the shorter form of the game has helped them develop those skills." England have looked staid this series but would a spell in IPL really help them adapt better and be more dynamic in the 50over game? Or is it just an excuse to pressure the ECB into letting their players earn some freelance money at the expense of much needed rest ahead of the Ashes and Twenty20 World Championship next summer? "A few of the players are keen to go to the IPL," con-

firmed Flintoff a day after Steve Harmison had made similar noises. "Obviously the thing that's been mentioned is financial reward but I think you should look at it as part of a player's development. "It is not only the Indians that have progressed having played a lot of Twenty20. Players like Chris Gayle have also brought their game forward. We have a Twenty20 World Cup and lot more one-day cricket to play in the next year, so I think it would be good if the lads had a chance to go and have a dig in IPL. I'd certainly be keen to play. The schedule we've got is not that hectic." The ECB have already said that players will be given the opportunity to play in IPL, just not for very long. With England only finishing their tour of the Caribbean on April 4, and with a Test series scheduled to begin at home for the first week in May, a fortnight at IPL is about the best on offer at present for those hoping to attract serious bids from franchise owners. Flintoff is right to praise India for their cricket in this series, which has been dynamic and decisive. So far they have outplayed England thoroughly in all departments, yet their players have not been particularly innovative. Twenty20 might have broken down the mental barrier which once persuaded batsmen that 11-runs-anover was impossible to chase over more than a few overs, but it has not re-invented the wheel contrary to the claims of its supporters. Techniques like clearing your front leg in order to hit sixes and bowling yorkers and

slower balls to keep batsmen in check have been around for decades. Needs must though and when you have to use them more often, as players do in Twenty20, they become common currency. Watching batsmen like Yuvraj Singh and Virender Sehwag, is not to see a cornucopia of trick shots, just classic ones played with enough of a twist of those flexible wrists to elude the field. You can count the number of reverse sweeps India have played so far this series on one hand. Of course, England's spinners are as child's play to them so they've had no need to take the difficult option when the simple one will do. England's batsmen have looked predictable and clunky in comparison but on pitches that require flair to score freely, that was always likely to be the case. You only have to take a 10-minute ride in a tuk-tuk here to see how virtuosity and the ability to react quickly and improvise, as thousands of scooters, lorries, buses, cars, bicycles, rickshaws and cows compete for road space, are embedded in India's DNA. Coping with a cricket ball as the sole moving object is a cinch after that. With a World Cup here, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in 2010, what are England going to do about coping better? IPL is obviously the route favoured by Flintoff and the players but the fact that England's Performance squad, here again after a stint before Xmas last year, is a sign the ECB are trying to expose the next generation of England players to India as much as possible.

organisation's headquarters in the Paraguayan capital. The announcement marked a new low for Peruvian football which has been in steady decline since reaching its heyday during the 1970s. The Peruvian government's Institute of Sports (IPD) does not recognise FPF president Manuel Burga, claiming his election was irregular. "If Burga's position is going to remain the same as before ... this is a dialogue of the deaf," IPD president Arturo Woodman told Reuters in Lima. "There is abso-

lutely no intervention by the government. What there is, is respect for Peruvian law. He (Burga) cannot be a director." Burga said, "I want to apologise for the Peruvian people for the situation which we are going through.” "The principal problem is that the Peruvian law is not compatible with the FIFA statutes, and so anyone who was in my place would be in the same situation." De Luca said FIFA would deal with Peru's membership at its next executive committee meeting in Tokyo

ISLAMABAD, NOVEMBER 25 (AP): Rawalpindi will not host its scheduled matches during India’s tour of Pakistan in January due to delays in renovations at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. “We will not be able to finish the renovation work that includes the relaying of the outfield,” PCB chairman Ejaz Butt said Tuesday. Rawalpindi was originally to host the second test and third limited-overs international of India’s Jan. 4 to Feb. 19 tour, which includes three test matches, five one-day internationals and a Twenty20 international. “We have couple of other venues in mind and will shift Rawalpindi matches there,” Butt said. Faisalabad and Multan, which are slated to host oneday internationals during the India series, are the likely venues for the second test. Rawalpindi was to host Champions Trophy matches in September before the International Cricket Council reduced the biennial event to two cities - Lahore and Karachi. The limited-overs tournament was eventually postponed until next year after five participating countries expressed security reservations. Butt hoped the arrival of the Indian cricket team in January will mark a return of international cricket to Pakistan. January’s tour of Pakistan is still not a certainty after the Indian government barred its field hockey team from a scheduled five-match visit earlier this month due to security concerns. Butt said he will travel to meet with Board of Control for Cricket in India officials early next month to reassure them ahead of the tour. The BCCI has also sought clearance from its government for the tour, and Butt said that PCB has not set any cutoff time. “When we want the series to go as planned why should we set any cut off time?” Butt said. The PCB has lined up the neutral venues of Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Dubai, UAE for the India series should the team fail to receive government clearance to travel to Pakistan. Butt met with the Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad on Tuesday, but refused to give details. It was the second meeting between the pair this month. “No comments,” Butt said when asked what the meeting was about. Pakistan assistant coach Aaqib Javed said the series against India should go as planned. “First priority should be that they should come to Pakistan as per schedule,” the former test fast bowler said. “But if there are some problems, cricket should not suffer and we should look for alternatives.”

Liverpool set to earn more from boxes than seats

JOHANNESBURG, NOVEMBER 25 (AGENCIES): Liverpool will make more money from corporate boxes than new supporters when they finally move to their new 60,000seater stadium in Stanley Park, the club said on Tuesday. Ian Ayre, Liverpool’s commercial director, said it was estimated more than 50 percent of income on match days will come from the sale of seats in corporate boxes rather than the increased numbers in mainstream seating. The new stadium will increase corporate seating from 3,000 currently at Anfield to 10,000. Liverpool has 40,000 season ticket holders with a waiting list of a further 65,000. “The new stadium is clearly a business opportunity. But it will be important to maintain the integrity of the Liverpool brand and fan experience at Anfield,” Ayre said during a seminar on stadium commercial opportunities in Johannesburg. Central to the new stadium is the preservation of the famous Kop, packed each week by home fans. “It will increase from 12,000 seats to 20,000, around the same number the Kop attracted when it was standing room only.” Ayre stood by the club’s decision to delay the construction of the stadium until the global credit crunch eases. “It’s been a strange period but our decision to delay construction was certainly the right one,” he added. “We have since seen the costs come down.”

Moles to rebuild Kiwi cricket team

Dynamo Kiev manager Yuri Semin, centre, talks to his squad during a team training session at The Emirates Stadium London, Monday November 24. Arsenal will face Dynamo Kiev in a Champions League group G soccer match at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, November 25. (AP Photo)

WELLINGTON, NOVEMBER 25 (REUTERS): Englishman Andy Moles pledged to develop a young and inexperienced New Zealand team after being named as coach on Tuesday. Moles, coach of the Northern Districts provincial side for the past two years, will replace John Bracewell next week before the team’s tour of West Indies. “We’ve lost a lot of senior players over the last two years and it is a rebuilding phase,” Moles told Television NZ. He said he would not accept excuses for underperformance. “We’ve got to get a plan, move forward, set our goals, become number four or five in test cricket in a year’s time, and move on from there.” New Zealand are seventh in the ICC test rankings and need at least a draw in the second test against Australia in Adelaide this week to retain that position after losing the first match of the series. Moles had a 12-year playing career as an opening batsman with English county Warwickshire from 1986 to 1998. He has also coached the England Under-19 team and worked in South Africa, Kenya and Scotland. “Andy will be well placed to develop this Blackcaps side which has tremendous potential and is still growing in experience,” NZ Cricket chief executive Justin Vaughan said in a statement. Bracewell, 50, is returning to coach English county side Gloucestershire next year.

Sir Alex Ferguson: Abuse of Ronaldo like taking a beating

Real Madrid's players run on the ﬁeld at the Dinamo stadium in Minsk during a practice session on Monday, November 24. Real Madrid will play a Champions League Group H match against FC BATE Borisov on November 25. (AP Photo)

FIFA bans Peru from international competition

ASUNCION, NOVEMBER 25 (AGENCIES): FIFA has banned Peru from international competition, a leading official at the South American Football Confederation (CSF) said. Sepp Blatter, president of world soccer's ruling body, warned last week Peru had until Monday to end a longrunning feud between their football federation (FPF) and government or face an immediate international ban. "FIFA has suspended Peru from all activity," CSF secretary general Eduardo de Luca told reporters at his

Rawalpindi dropped from Indian tour itinerary

next month but added the CSF was confident the row could be resolved. Peru have already been stripped of the right to host next year's South American under-20 championship because of the dispute. The participation of Peru in the 2010 World Cup qualifiers, which are just past the halfway stage in South America, is now in doubt as are their entries for the Libertadores Cup, the region's European Champions League equivalent. When the draw is made on Tuesday for the 2009 Liber-

tadores there will be blanks where Peruvian club names would normally be placed, de Luca said. Peru, who have not reached the World Cup finals since 1982, are bottom of the 10-nation South American group with seven points from 10 matches. Their next qualifier is not until March. FIFA, which prohibits government intervention in football affairs, was not immediately available for comment. The dispute has caused an outcry in Peru where the public and media are already

exasperated at the failings of the national side. Peru banned four leading players last year, including strikers Claudio Pizarro and Jefferson Farfan, for alleged indiscipline at the team hotel following a match. Pizarro and Farfan, who denied the claims, later had their suspensions reduced but have not been recalled by coach Jose Del Solar. Peruvian players are often accused of indiscipline but in turn complain of harassment by the country's tabloid newspapers and television stations.

MADRID, NOVEMBER 25 (AP): Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson described the abuse that Cristiano Ronaldo has to deal with as like being “hit over the head with a bat.” Ferguson defended the Portugal winger after he pointed one finger to the sky and another toward the No. 7 on his uniform - which some interpreted as a gesture to say he was the best player on the field - following a 0-0 draw with Aston Villa at the weekend. “Some criticize him, say that he couldn’t take it on Saturday, but I wonder how many people can take it if you’re walking down the street and someone hits you over the head with a bat,” Ferguson said Monday. “That’s the mantle you carry when you’re a great player. He knows that and he gets on with it. Ronaldo limped off and was replaced Saturday at Villa Park as Man United failed to bridge the eight-point gap on Premier League leaders Chelsea and Liverpool. “I thought he showed admirable courage on Saturday. He always does. He was tackled many, many times, most of the time fairly, but there were a few occasions when he didn’t get the right (protection),” Ferguson

said. “Tell me someone who likes getting abused? Will you please point them out to me?” Due to numerous injuries, Ferguson is ready to gamble on him Tuesday against Villarreal in a Champions League match likely to determine which team finishes on top in Group E. “I’d rather leave him out but he wants to play. When a player shows that kind of enthusiasm you don’t curtail it, you encourage it,” the Scot said of Ronaldo, who is likely to win FIFA’s Player of the Year award next week. Rafael, the 18-year-old Brazilian right back who scored a spectacular goal against Arsenal earlier this month, is also likely to feature after continuing to impress. “He’s one of the players that excites us and gives us renewed faith that no matter their age, a player can come into Manchester United’s first team and excel. Sometimes even in training sessions, players marvel at his enthusiasm and ability to play all the time,” Ferguson said. Ferguson praised Villarreal coach Manuel Pellegrini and the squad he has assembled, but believes Barcelona is the biggest Spanish threat to win the Champions League.

C M Y K

E n t / Ta b l o i d

The Morung Express

Wednesday 26 November 2008

Dimapur

Nicole Hopes Sunday Has a Southern Accent ‘The Most Fabulous Woman Ever’

ince moving to Tennessee with her husband and daughter, Nicole Kidman has had a taste of Southern charm and she likes what she sees – and hears. "I'm glad that [Sunday] is able to say she's born and bred in Nashville and Tennessee," Kidman tells Nashville’s Tennessean, of the place she calls home with her husband, Keith Urban, and daughter, Sunday Rose – "I hope she has a Southern

accent." Kidman and Urban, both 41, have settled in rural Leiper’s Fork, just outside of Nashville, to raise their daughter. The couple’s low-key lifestyle means exchanging lavish big-city restaurants in favor of Starbuck’s and Bread & Co. "We are pretty simple," Kidman says. "We just like good food. I suppose a lot of it is we like spending time with

our baby, so we grab something or stay at home and cook." The couple also enjoys slipping into the Nashville crowd unnoticed. Even when she knocked on strangers’ doors to deliver Meals on Wheels at 8½ months pregnant, residents didn’t recognize the Oscar-winning actress. "Or if they did, they didn't say, and that is lovely," she says. "We never get bothered, and the people are incredibly friendly and easygoing. It really has been a perfect match for me," she continues. "I don't want to go on too much about it to the rest of the world because then more people will come here. It's a secret. Keith keeps saying, 'Shush, shush, keep this a secret,' because it's so beautiful." And it was the perfect place to give birth to Sunday Rose last July, she says. "I think there is nothing more to say other than it was peaceful and that I think that is the most important thing," she says. "It was very simple and people allowed us that very, very special moment to, I suppose, fuse together more and also bond with our baby." Kidman's older children (with ex-husband Tom Cruise) Isabella, 15, and Connor, 13, also like to visit Mom in Nashville, but "They are city kids right now," she says. But Kidman herself is not only embracing her quiet time in Tennessee, she's also contemplating the idea of more children. "I am in a place in my life where ... I've had some great opportunities and I may just choose to have more children," she told reporters recently, while promoting her new film, Australia. "I've no idea what is in my future but I am very at peace with where I want to be."

tep aside, Jennifer Aniston. You're no longer Alec Baldwin's favorite 30 Rock guest star. That honor belongs to Salma Hayek, who played the actor's love interest for five episodes. "She was literally the most fabulous woman that I've ever worked with," Baldwin recently told PEOPLE. And at last night's CNN "Heroes" tribute award show, Hayek was quick to return the praise. "We had such a great time!" she told PEOPLE, "I love Alec to death. He energizes me ... because he's so talented. He really, truly inspires me." The 42-year-old Hayek – who has a one-year-old daughter Valentina Paloma and has been cozying up to her billionaire ex in real life – arrived at the event in a jaw-droppingly low-cut turquoise dress and a black pashmina. "This is the gift that Alec gave me," she said of the wrap, "just for being his girlfriend for five episodes. I feel like he's coming with me tonight!"

‘I Like Being in Love’

‘Life’s tough and Cowell's diva I am feeling sad’ demand

e's just come through a notoriously messy divorce. So who can blame Paul McCartney for taking things slow with new girlfriend, Nancy Shevell? But the new Beatle is – finally! – breaking his silence about their budding relationship. "I just like being in love," he told the U.K.'s Sunday Times. (Alas, that's all he'd say on the subject.) For her part, Shevell – an American businesswoman who's amicably separated from her husband – insists she isn't stressed by his mega-fame. "I'm a cancer survivor, I run a trucking company and I've got a 16year-old to raise," she told

imon Cowell wants Leona Lewis to behave more like a "diva". The music mogul - who discovered Leona on UK TV talent show 'The X Factor' has asked the singer to make more requests when she performs, but she has so far ignored his advice. Leona said: "I remember Simon telling me that now I'd finished my first album he wanted to hear more demands from me when I work. I thought it was funny - I don't need anything special to be happy. I have everything I need. I don't need to order people around." The 23-year-old 'Run' star added she loves the new lifestyle her fame has brought her, but is not so keen on the constant intrusion into her life by the paparazzi. She said: "Being pictured in my bikini was a nightmare - especially for someone like me. I'm a normal-sized girl and it's embarrassing. Nobody wants to see rough-looking shots of themselves from every dodgy angle."

adonna has broken her silence over her split from Guy Ritchie saying the divorce has left her feeling 'sad' - but that she's grateful that her heavy workload 'provides a distraction' to keep her going. Speaking for the first time about the divorce, the singer admitted the breakup has taken its toll on her - but says she copes by keeping busy. She said: 'I'm sad about my personal life, but I feel very blessed and very lucky that I have the opportunity to do what I do in my professional life.' As she continues on her Sticky & Sweet tour, the exercise-mad mum-of-three, who has relocated to New York, said her heavy workload 'provides a distraction that keeps me going'. She added: 'It would be horrible if I was just

thinking about getting a divorce and had nothing to do.' Ritchie is also staying busy filming new movie Sherlock Holmes in London. The two were granted a preliminary quickie divorce in court on Friday, although their split will be finalised in six weeks and a day. Their son Rocco, 8, and David, 3, will split time between the US and London, while Lourdes, whose father is Carlos Leon, will live with her mother. The Material Girl will also keep the bulk of her estimated £300 million fortune. Among her current projects is promoting her documentary I Am Because We Are, which explores the impoverished African nation of Malawi, where more than one million children are orphaned by AIDS. The film has its TV premiere on Sundance Channel December 1.

the paper. "That's stress." McCartney and Shevell were first spotted together a year ago. Since his divorce from Heather Mills was finalized, they have been spotted together more f r e q u e n t l y. Recently, she accompanied him on his high-profile trip to Israel.

Tom Cruise reveals his LOVE for paparazzi snaps of his daughter

ost stars have a stormy relationship with the paparazzi especially when it is their children being snapped. But Hollywood megastar Tom Cruise has spoken about how much he admires the constant shots taken of his daughter Suri. Two-year-old Suri Cruise, who has just been named the world's most influential tot by Forbes magazine, is regularly snapped out and about town in New York with mum Katie Holmes. And in her short life she's also been photographed in London, Berlin and Los Angeles and wherever else her superstar parents happen to be visiting. Speaking to Australian magazine Grazia, proud Tom said: 'I have to say some of those paparazzi shots of my daughter are incredible. As a parent you protect your children but Suri is a very open and warm child and she will just wave to people on the street. She is such happy, fun girl. It is certainly different these days with the media, but people have been very good to us and do give us space so I am not going to be difficult.' In the interview the 46-year-old talked about his life with Kate and Suri and even chatted about his two children with former wife Nicole Kidman - Connor and Isabella - who he rarely speaks about in public. But the Top Gun star denied the pair were expecting another child. He said: 'We have already heard she's pregnant but it's not true. But yes, we will have more children. When Suri was born we just shut down everything for months to be with her and Connor and Bella and all the family and have that precious time to enjoy together. But now I'm making movies and Kate is loving being on Broadway because it has been a dream of hers, so we are enjoying this time too.' shot: Tom, Katie and Suri pictured in Hyde Park in December last year Suri is often spotted in designer outfits but Tom said neither he nor Kate were responsible, insisting she picks her own wardrobe. 'Suri is very determined just like her mother. I'd put a pair of pants on her and the next minute and turn around and the pants are off and a dress is on. Kate showed her these nice gold sneakers and said: 'They're nice mommy but they're boy's shoes.' So she's very much a real girl. In fact yesterday Kate finally did get her into pants for the first time.' Tom admitted his relationship with the media has not always been so rosy and said he was shocked about the reaction to his infamous 2005 jump on Oprah Winfrey's couch. He said: 'It did get extreme with us but Kate is a very sure and confident woman and she got through it.'

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06:00 - Telebrands 07:00 - Life In Cold Blood 08:00 - Wild Discovery 09:00 -Dirty Jobs 10:00 - Extreme Engineering 4 11:00 - Futureweapons 12:00 - Planet Food 13:00 - Wild Discovery 14:00 - Man Vs. Wild 15:00 - Dirty Jobs

16:00 - Hunters 17:00 - Futureweapons 18:00 - Discover India 19:00 - Wild Discovery 20:00 - India With Sanjeev Bhaskar 21:00 - Michael Wood: The Story of India 22:00 - Futureweapons 23:00 - Mega Builders 00:00 - Hunters 01:00 - Telebrands 02:00 - Mega Builders 03:00 - Discover India 04:00 - Futureweapons 05:00 - Mega Builders

06:00 - Global Tele Mall 07:00 - Body And Soul 07:30 - Tvc Sky Shop 08:30 - Instant Khichdi 09:00 - Hatim 10:00 - Shaka Laka Boom Boom 10:30 - Son Pari 11:00 - Mum Tum Aur Hum 11:30 - Shararat 12:00 - Ssshhhh Phir Koi Hai 13:00 - The Great Indian Laughter Challenge 14:00 - Dill Mill Gayye 14:30 - Mile Jab Hum Tum 15:00 - Movie 18:30 - Anu Ki Ho Gayi Wah Bhai Wah 19:00 - Dill Mill Gayye 19:30 - Mile Jab Hum Tum 20:00 - Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai 20:30 - Dill Mill Gayye 21:00 - Mile Jab Hum Tum 21:30 - The Great Indian Laughter Challenge 22:30 - Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai 23:00 - Dill Mill Gayye 23:30 - Mile Jab Hum Tum 00 - :00 - Siddhanth (Drama) 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 - ll Gayye 05:00 - Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai Mum Tum Aur Hum

06:00 - Seva Ganga 06:30 - Vignan Shashwat Sukh Ka 07:00 - Sangam (Drama) 07:30 - Raja Ki Ayegi Baraat 08:00 - Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 08:30 - Kayamath 09:00 - Kumkum 09:30 - Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii 10:00 - Kis Desh Mein Hai Meraa Dil 10:30 - Hamari Devrani 11:00 - Grihasti 11:30 - Raja Ki Ayegi Baraat 12:00 - Bidaai 12:30 - Kis Desh Mein Hai Meraa Dil 13:00 - Kumkum 13:30 - Hamari Devrani 14:00 - Karam Apnaa Apnaa 14:30 - Grihasti 15:00 - Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 15:30 - Kayamath 16:00 - Sangam 16:30 - Santaan 17:00 - Kasturi 17:30 - Raja Ki Ayegi Baraat 18:00 - Bidaai 18:30 - Hamari Devrani 19:00 - Sangam 19:30 - Santaan 20:00 - Raja Ki Ayegi Baraat 20:30 - Kis Desh Mein Hai Meraa Dil 21:00 - Bidaai 21:30 - Kasturi 22:00 - Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii 22:30 - Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 23:00 - Kayamath 23:30 - Karam Apnaa Apnaa 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

06:00 - Fashion House 07:00 - Friday Night Lights 08:00 - Seinfeld 08:30 - Friends 09:00 - 30 - Rock 09:30 - Scrubs 10:00 - Grey’s Anatomy 11:00 - Friday Night Lights 12:00 - Jimmy Kimmel 13:00 - Prison Break 14:00 - The Ellen Degeneres Show 15:00 - Fashion House 16:00 - Cold Case 17:00 - Grey’s Anatomy 18:00 - Friday Night Lights 19:00 - The Ellen Degeneres Show 20:00 - Seinfeld 20:30 - Friends 21:00 - 30 - Rock 21:30 - Scrubs 22:00 - Shark 23:00 - Jimmy Kimmel 00:00 - Friends 00:30 - Seinfeld 01:00 - The Simpsons 01:30 - My Wife And Kids 02:00 - Grey’s Anatomy 03:00 - The Ellen Degeneres Show 04:00 - Cold Case 05:00 - The Simpsons

0:00 - Sportsnight 0:30 - UEFA Champions League 3:15 - UEFA Champions League 7:30 - WWE: Bottom Line 8:30 - Zim v SL 3rd ODI HL’s 10:30 - Hockey Classics 2007 11:00 - WWE Specials: Survivor Series 14:00 - ICL World Series - India v World 22:00 - Sportsnight 22:30 - WWE:Vintage Collection 23:30 - Sportsnight

06:00 - Indian Rendezvous 06:30 - Adventures Of The Ladies Tailor 07:00 - Monster Garage 08:00 - The Presidential Tour 09:00 - Madhur Jaffrey’s Flavours of India 09:30 - Hairy Biker’s Ride Again 10:00 - Cover Shot 10:30 - Beautiﬁcation With Ruby And Millie 11:00 - While You Were Out 3 12:00 - Biker Build-Off - The Series 13:00 - Kylie Kwong: My China 13:30 - Take Home Chef 2 14:00 - Feast Bazaar Year 200 - 6 14:30 - The Hairy Bikers Cookbook 15:00 - Cheese Slices 15:30 - Living With The Future 16:00 - Monster Garage 17:00 - Kylie Kwong: My China 17:30 - Lawrence Of America 18:00 - Beach Blast 19:00 - Chhattisgarh - The Tribal Planet 19:30 - Madhur Jaffrey’s Flavours of India 20:00 - Monster House - Season 3 21:00 - Anthony Bourdain No Res-

ervations Season 2 22:00 - La Ink 23:00 - Project Runway 2 00:00 - Three Sheets 00:30 - Thirsty Traveler 4 01:00 - Food Paradise 02:00 - Around The World 03:00 - I Do, Let’s Eat! 03:30 - Nigella Express 04:00 - Beautiﬁcation With Ruby And Millie 04:30 - Cover Shot

05:30 - What Did You Do In The War Daddy 07:30 - Infomercial 08:00 - The Color of Money 10:45 - Asterix And Obelix 13:10 - Americano 14:50 - The Battle of El Alamein 17:00 - Bringing Out The Dead 19:45 - Beaches 22:30 - Raising Helen 01:00 - Dont Move 02:50 - Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple 04:20 - Out Of Season

05:45 - Daniel Defoe’s:robinson Crusoe 07:40 - Bridge to Terabithia 09:40 - Déjà Vu 12:10 - The Siege 14:30 - Miss Potter 16:25 - Terminator 2: Judgment Day 19:00 - Three Men and a Baby 21:00 - The Journey of August King 22:55 - Beautiful Girls 00:00 - Film Beautiful Girls 01:10 - Partition 03:05 - Miss Potter 04:40 - Little Fish

00 - Sujata 06:30 - Jai Hanuman 07:00 - Telebrands 07:30 - Teleshopping 08:30 - Deewaar 12:00 - Babul Ka Aangann Chootey Na 12:30 - Aathvaan Vachan 13:00 - Boogie Woogie 13:30 - Sujata 14:00 - Ustaadon Ke Ustaad 15:00 - Aathvaan Vachan 15:30 - Boogie Woogie 16:00 - Babul Ka Aangann Chootey Na 16:30 - Comedy Circus 17:30 - Aathvaan Vachan 18:00 - Comedy Circus 18:30 - Babul Ka Aangann Chootey Na 19:00 - Jai Hanuman 19:25 - Idol Hot And Fever Capsule 19:30 - Sujata 20:00 - Ustaadon Ke Ustaad 21:00 - Aathvaan Vachan 21:30 - Babul Ka Aangann Chootey Na 22:00 - Yeh Shaam Mastani 23:00 - Comedy Circus 00:00 - Telebrands 00:30 - Teleshopping 01:00 - Sujata 01:30 - Comedy Circus 02:00 - Babul Ka Aangann Chootey Na 02:30 - Aathvaan Vachan 03:00 - Ustaadon Ke Ustaad 04:00 - Devi 04:30 - Jai Hanuman 05:00 - Babul Ka Aangann Chootey Na 05:30 - Aathvaan Vachan

C M Y K

The

Morung

SPORTS

India to try out young guns

CUTTACK, NOVEMBER 25 (PTI): With the series already in their pocket, India will now aim for a 7-0 whitewash in the one-day cricket series against England as they go into the fifth game here tomorrow with the intention of giving some of the bench players the chance to prove their worth. The hosts have taken an unassailable 4-0 lead but Mahendra Singh Dhoni's bravehearts are not likely to show any mercy on the visitors in the day-night contest at the Barabati stadium. Outplayed, outpaced and outthought, England ran for covers in all the four matches they lost though they were a trifle unlucky when Duckworth and Lewis method favoured the hosts twice. England will play to salvage some pride, trying to start it afresh here while for India it will be time for some experiments as they plan to give an opportunity to the reserve players, who have not played a single match yet. Delhi's Virat Kohli is expected to get a berth in the playing eleven, having played his last ODI at Dambulla in Sri Lanka series. Replaced with Rudra Pratap Singh, Irfan Pathan is also tipped for a comeback while Pragyan Ojha will be relishing at the prospect of getting a call to bowl his left-arm spin against the English batsmen on his home ground. With seven victories in their last eight one-dayers -- three against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka and four against the visitors, Dhoni has Indian cricketer Ishant Sharma, left, eyes a ball as fellow team members Virat Kohli, center, and Pragyan Ojha, right, look on during a practice session done nothing wrong so far. on the eve of the ﬁfth one-day international cricket match between India and England in Cuttack on November 25. (AP Photo)

Andy Moles named New Zealand cricket coach

dle

Andy Moles

WELLINGTON, NOVEMBER 25 (AP): Englishman Andy Moles was named Tuesday to succeed John Bracewell as New Zealand cricket coach. Moles, 47, has previous-

Ronaldo abuse is like being hit with a baton, says Ferguson LONDON, NOVEMBER 25 (AGENCIES): Manchester United have paid for petulance in Villarreal before but that did not deter Sir Alex Ferguson from defending Cristiano Ronaldo's right to respond to his detractors on their return last night. Aggrieved at criticism of the prospective World Player of the Year for gesturing to the crowd at Villa Park, the United manager claimed Ronaldo was entitled to react to football's equivalent of being "hit over the head with a baton". The Portugal international trained and travelled with United to Valencia yesterday, where the European champions are based before tonight's Group E game with the Yellow Submarine, despite a bruising encounter against Aston Villa on Saturday. Withdrawn against Martin O'Neill's side as a consequence, Ronaldo raised further questions over his ability to ignore abuse by signalling to home supporters as he left the pitch. The 23-year-old also aimed sarcastic applause to Stoke City fans this month. But Ferguson insisted he has no concerns over the winger's self-control. C M Y K

ly coached Kenya and Scotland and has been coach of the New Zealand provincial side Northern Districts for the past two seasons. His appointment, announced by New Zealand Cricket chief executive Justin Vaughan, followed news earlier Tuesday that Australian Matthew Mott, the leading contender for the role, had withdrawn. Mott decided to sign a new two-year contract with the Australian state side New South Wales, leaving Moles and former New Zealand allrounder Dipak Patel the only candidates for the position Bracewell will vacate in April. At a hastily-convened

news conference Tuesday, Vaughan hailed Moles' coaching credentials. "He has made a real impact at Northern Districts over the past two seasons and also brings more than 15 years' experience coaching," Vaughan said. Moles will take over when Bracewell's contract expires in April. "I have no doubt that I am the right person for the job right now to move things forward with this team," he said. Moles was a top-order batsman for the English country Warwickshire until injury forced his retirement in 1998. He also coached in Hong Kong and South Af-

rica as well as guiding the Kenyan and Scottish national team. In his first season in charge of Northern Districts – home province of New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori - he won the New Zealand first-class championship but Northern dropped to next-to-last place. Moles takes over the New Zealand team at a difficult time. It recently dropped to seventh place on the rankings of test-playing nations and could drop to eighth - effectively last among major nations - if it loses the second test against Australia which starts on Friday in Adelaide.

P 12

Bindra 'courts' controversy

MUMBAI, NOVEMBER 25 (AGENCIES): India’s ace shooter Abhinav Bindra, who won a billion hearts with his gold medal winning feat at the Beijing Olympics 2008, might taste the first controversy of his career owing to a contract problem. Bindra’s agent has said that her company was looking to sue the shooter for breach of contract. Latika Khaneja, his agent from a long time, has told a leading newspaper that she would take her case to the court as her company had been supposedly wronged by the Olympian. She told the newspaper they were looking for the court’s arbitration for wrongful termination of contract. Justifying the termination of the contract, AS Bindra, Abhinav’s father, said that they had done noth-

ing wrong and there was a clause in the contract that gave them the liberty to terminate it on the basis of lack of performance. Speculations are rife that the real cause of this dispute is the money involved for both the parties as the agency gets a 30% share of any endorsement the shooter does and his popularity with big brands has increased since his feat at the Olympics.

FSC lifts MAKA Trophy DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 25 (MExN): Francis Sporting Club of Dimapur (FSC) thrashed Elevan Star Club of Moirabari, Assam by 2-0 goals to lift the Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad Trophy, held at Moirabari in Assam. The tournament was held from October 26 to November 14. Inato and Lachit were adjudged the man of the match in the final and highest scorer respectively. The Club also defeated 9th Battalion, Barumpur to lift another trophy, where Gandhi of FSC was adjudged the best player.

Volley Ball match between senior bureaucrats and legislators KOHIMA, NOVEMBER 25 (DIPR): A basketball court constructed by the army at the Civil Secretariat Plaza, Kohima will be inaugurated by Parliamentary Secretary for Youth Resources & Sports Naiba Konyak on November 26 at 1:30 p.m. The inauguration will be followed by an exhibition volleyball match between the senior bureaucrats of the state government and Legislators.

‘KARMA RIDERS’ THE GERMAN CYLCE EXPEDITION TOURS

COME, RIDE WITH US!! DIMAPURIANS WHO HAVE CYCLES JOIN THE DIMAPUR TOUR AT 9.00 AM FROM AIDA COMPLEX (DON BOSCO) WITH THE MESSAGE OF SOLIDARITY, FRIENDSHIP, SELF-RELIANCE AND ADVENTURE CYCLING 5000 KM - AN EXHIBIT OF THE POWER OF YOUTH DETERMINATION AND PERSEVERANCE!

COME, CHEER AND ENCOURAGE THEM AS THEY CYCLE THROUGH OUR STREETS BETWEEN 9.00 AM TO 11.30.AM ALONG WITH DIMAPURIANS ON 28.11.2008! PROGRAMME 27.11.2008 3.30 PM - RECEPTION AT NAGALAND GATE ON NH-39 28.11.2008 9.00 AM - FLAG-OFF OF DIMAPUR TOUR ON CYCLE 10.00 AM - INTERACTION WITH DIMAPURIANS AT CIRCUIT HOUSE DIMAPUR QUERIES? Contact Don Bosco Alumni Dimapur at dba_dmr@gmail.com dbadimapur@gmail.com

Published, Printed and Edited by Aküm Longchari on behalf of Morung for Indigenous Affairs and JustPeace from House No. 4, Duncan Bosti, Dimapur at Themba Printers and Telecommunications, Padum Pukhuri Village, Dimapur, Nagaland. Email : editor@morungexpress.com/newsdesk@morungexpress.com, morung@gmail.com. RNI No : NAGENG /2005/15430. House No.4, Duncan Bosti, Dimapur 797112, Nagaland. Phone: Dimapur -(03862) News Desk- 281043, Admin -236871, Fax: (03862) 235194, Kohima - (0370) 2291952

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