The Morung Express by The Morung Express

C M Y K

The Morung Express

A Daily Publication of Morung for Indigenous Affairs & JustPeace

Dimapur VOL. III ISSUE 296

“

www.morungexpress.com

The one who plants the tree is not the one who will enjoy its shade

”

Saturday, October 25, 2008 12 pages Rs. 3 -Chinese Proverb

Exposed: ‘Shameful Crime Against Humanity’ NUN ACCUSES POLICE OF COMPLICITY IN ATTACK

NEW DELHI, OCTOBER 24 (REUTERS): A nun in eastern India has spoken out for the first time on live television about allegations she was gang-raped by more than 40 men in August, accusing police of complicity in Hindu attacks on Christians. A string of attacks on Christians by Hindus over the controversial issue of conversions in poor tribal areas has killed at least 37 people in the past two months, mainly in Orissa state where most of the violence is concentrated. “State police failed to stop the crimes, failed to protect me from the attackers, they were friendly with the attackers,” Sister Meena told a news conference on Friday. The nun’s case became part of the wider controversy surrounding the violence, which sparked an international outcry and drew strong condemnation from Pope Benedict. Her face covered by a black scarf, and scarcely looking at the cameras, she gave a blowby-blow account of a case that has become emblematic of the religious violence that has rocked three states. The nun’s statement came two days after the Supreme Court denied her appeal to order a federal police probe into the case. Nine people have been arrested so far, and an identity parade is ready to be set up, but the nun has refused to cooperate with Orissa police, saying she

“Do you know what will be the consequences” Following is the first person account of the nun who was allegedly raped during the recent communal violence in Orissa:

Media personnel surround a nun, name withheld, during a press conference, in New Delhi on Friday. A nun who was brutally raped during an attack on Christians by an enraged Hindu mob in eastern India said Friday she would not cooperate with local police, whom she accused Friday of sitting idly while she was attacked. (AP Photo)

does not have faith in them. One officer has already been suspended in the case for dereliction of duty. In her statement, Sister Meena said she was dragged out of the house where she was sheltering by armed men who first threatened to decapitate her or burn her alive. She was then taken

to a deserted building nearby. “They pulled out my saree and one of them stepped on my right hand and another on my left hand and then a third person raped me on the verandah,” she said. After she was paraded to a nearby market she pleaded the police to help, but “they did not move”,

and later tried to stop her writing a full police complaint, asking her if she knew “what will be the consequence” of filing it. Both India’s central government and Christian leaders have accused the Orissa state government of turning a blind eye. Orissa police came under

fire for ignoring a medical report into the case that authorities said confirmed a rape took place. Human rights groups and government ministers suspect militant Hindu groups were responsible for stoking the religious violence to shore up their vote base ahead of elections in 2009.

“ON AUGUST 24 around 4:30 pm, hearing the shouting of a large crowd at the gate of Divyajyoti Pastoral Centre, I ran out through the back door and escaped to the forest along with others. We saw our house going up in flames. Around 8:30 pm we came out of the forest and went to the house of a Hindu gentleman who gave us shelter. On August 25, around 1:30 pm, the mob entered the room where I was staying in that house, one of them slapped me on my face, caught my hair and pulled me out of the house. Two of them were holding my neck to cut off my head with axe. Others told them to take me out to the road, I saw Father Chellan also being taken out and being beaten. The mob consisting of 4050 men was armed with lathis, axes, spades, crowbars, iron rods, sickles etc. They took both of us to the main road. Then they led us to the burnt down Janavikas building saying that they were going to throw us into the smouldering fire. When we reached the Janavikas building, they threw me to the verandah on the way to the dining room which was full of ashes and broken glass pieces. One of them tore my blouse and others my undergarments. Father Chellan protested and they beat him and pulled him out from there. They pulled out my saree and one of them stepped on my right hand and another on my left hand and then a third person raped me on the verandah mentioned above.

‘No health snag in Uranium mining’

Thannganing Hungyo

C M Y K

How much of exposure is harmful?

Shillong | October 24

Dimapur bans ‘Talab’ and ﬁrecrackers DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 24 (MExN): The Dimapur administration has banned with immediate effect, sale of Gutkha (tobacco products) like ‘Talab’, ‘1000’ and ‘Tej’ as well as firecrackers in the city. Two separate orders were received here today from Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur Maong Aier. On the tobacco spices, the order referred to a ‘series of objection’ from the students’ community and All Nagaland Private Schools Association on the evil effects of the spices. The sale of ‘Talab’, ‘Tej’ and ‘1000’ and such related items are prohibited for sale in Dimapur with immediate effect. Further, in view of the law and order problem in the district and series of blasts in the neighboring states, the sale of crackers and fire works has been banned in the district with immediate effect. Any one found violating the orders will be prosecuted as per provisions of law, the administration warned.

NSACS Naga Idol 3.08’ Road Show begins DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 24 (MExN): The first road show for NSACS Naga Idol 3.08’ will get started today at Dimapur where all 12 finalist will be performing live on stage at DDSC stadium starting from 5:00 in the evening. The next road show will be at Kohima followed by Wokha in the month of November and finally at Mokokchung.

THE EXPERTS have spoken. Uranium mining in Meghalaya will not be detrimental to human health, according to renowned technocrats who spoke during a recent national seminar on “toxicity of chemicals and their hazards with special reference to heavy metals”, held over a two-day period at St. Edmund’s College, Shillong. According to Dr. S K Malhotra, head of the Public Awareness Division, Bhabha Atomic Resource Centre, the opposition to mining the ore is “other than scientific perception.” He was referring to the involvement of politics, though he did admit that as a government servant it was not appropriate for him to make such a statement. On Jaduguda, located in Jharkhand, where the film ‘The

The dose of radiation that is ingested by humans is calculated in milli sievert (mSv/year). The exposure for an average person is about 3.6 mSv/year, 80 percent of which comes from natural sources of radiation. 1000 mSv per single dose causes nausea. 10,000 mSv is fatal within minutes. According to ﬁndings, the background radiation should not be more than 4.60 (3.60 + 1.00) mSv/ year for the general public in the Domiasiat area, where mining is proposed to be undertaken. Why nuclear power? • Nuclear fuel is available for multiple centuries • The safety record, backed by

studies, is superior among major energy sources • Virtually pollution free • Its use will help in preserving precious fossil resources for future generations • Despite popular belief, its costs are competitive and declining • Waste can be securely managed over the long term

How is nuclear fuel converted into electricity? A nuclear power plant uses nuclear fuel to generate heat in a nuclear reactor, which produces steam to run a turbine generator. The mechanism is similar to what goes on in a thermal power plant, excepting the difference that the reactor takes the place of the boiler.

Buddha weeps at Jaduguda’ further inflated the hue and cry over the mining of uranium by the Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL), he said, “The realities are different … the facts are available on websites and printed matter. All surroundings are monitored.” Delivering a special guest lecture on the topic “Nuclear Power – a safe, environmentally being economically viable source of electricity”, Malhotra presented a slide show and elaborated on why nuclear power was the need of the hour (see box). Insisting that the word ‘cooperation’ in nuclear cooperation should be replaced by commerce, he prided on the fact that India has the required technology to process nuclear fuel. The country has 17 nuclear reactors under the control of the Department of Atomic Energy. Continued on page 5

The nun, name withheld, reacts during a press conference, in New Delhi on Friday. She was brutally raped during an attack on Christians by an enraged Hindu mob in Orissa. (AP Photo)

When it was over, I managed to get up and put my petticoat and saree. Then another young man caught me and took me to a room near the staircase. He opened his pants and was attempting to rape me when they reached there. Continued on page 5

Indian troops drinking too much

NEW DELHI, OCTOBER 24 (AFP): India’s million-plus army is consuming much more alcohol than permitted, causing huge financial losses to the state and raising suspicions of widespread black marketeering, a report said Thursday. Among the biggest culprits is the Indian army’s most prestigious hospital in New Delhi and a military spy unit attached to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s office, the Midday evening newspaper said. When contacted by AFP, defence ministry and army sources confirmed there was a serious problem. Indian soldiers are allowed a certain amount of heavily-subsidised liquor for personal con-

sumption, but the report said the limit was being widely flouted. It said 43 army units had inflicted a loss of around 100 million rupees (at least two million dollars) on the government over the past 18 months, the paper said. “We suspect some of it is finding its way into the civilian market and we are trying to plug it,” a colonel from the army’s Central Stores Department told AFP. A major-general was arrested in 2005 after he smuggled two truck-loads of liquor to the open market, where military alcohol can be sold for double the price soldiers pay. The army recently issued smart cards to its 1.23 million troopers keep tabs on consumption.

Naga students for Naga designer Imcha opens Lakme Fashion Week Day 4 Japan-East Asian GenX adds colours on the Runway solidarity exchange “MANGKO AKIR” Alem Ao (The Asian Age) Mumbai | October 24

Our Correspondent Kohima | October 24

A GOOD NUMBER of students from Nagaland will have the opportunity to access Japan-East Asian Network of Exchange for Students and Youth Programme (JENESYS) under the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Department of School and Literacy, Government of India. The state of Nagaland is being requested by the ministry to suggest names of students for a number of about 30, half of them girls. They are to be accompanied by a male and a female teacher to accompany them. They will comprise the JENESYS program out of 270 Indian High School students (studying in Class IX to XII) in four batches for the said purpose. The first batch is for December 9 to 18, 2008, the second is for 12 to 21 May 2009, the third for 19 to 28 May, 2009 while the fourth batch

is for 9 June to 18, 2009. The objective of the program is to establish a basis for Asia’s solitary through various exchange programmes. It is also meant to deepen mutual understanding among young people who will assume important roles in the next generation in the country. Interested students, who already have Indian passports may apply by downloading entry and visa forms from the Ministry’s website ( www.education.nic.in) and submit it to the Director of School Education, Kohima for onward submission or may contact the department for details. Those who do not have Indian passports as yet may also try after obtaining passport in 2009’s 2nd, 3rd and 4th batches. However, it is to inform that the selection is at the discretion of the Government of India, said Petelhouvi-u Vese, Joint Director of School Education.

FROM THE WEAVERS and folklore of Nagaland, the khadi and handloom fabrics alongwith silks from Punjab to the Buddhist mystic forces, Day 4 opened to a spectacular showing by Gen Next. Imcha Imchen opened the day with a collection inspired by head-hunters in a black, red and white line for men and women that had sharply cut jackets, trousers and blouses — many of them teamed with checked pants or tops. Quilting was discreetly done for the jackets to give the garments a rustic yet modern touch. “The textiles and fabrics that I’ve used are from the tribal hills. My clothes are more about telling a story. A lot of my fabrics are woven on a shuttle and strap loom, like the suspenders I showed which took days to develop especially since it was made on a strap loom. I have a lot more coming up and am thankful that people have been really positive about my show,” said Imcha.

GenNext Colors of the Warriors: Models display creations by Naga fashion designer Imcha Imchen during the Lakme Fashion Week.

With a show that saw the governor of Maharashtra S.C. Jamir grace the front row, Gen Next took of to a roaring start with Anand

Bushan’s White Noise a mélange of duchess satin, lame, silk, chiffon and taffeta in a soft colour palette of ivory. With ten young

new designers opening the show — Harangad Singh Kiran Jaisinghani, Meghna Agarwal, Nidhi Gambhir, Rimi Nayak, Manoj Dubey,

Ritesh Kumar and Sanjay Hingu — it seemed like a good start until the next shows started rolling. Couturewala by Ayan and Preetika, Koga by Jasleen and Jenjum and Sailex had more hues than dresses going on for them with a display of men and womenswear. “This is the first time I’m showing at the Lakme Fashion Week and what I’ve tried to bring out is the pristine feel of just being alive and the focus of living. The line was inspired by a lot of the culture of a Calcutta street with Spanish motifs and architectural design which you see in my usage of texture and colours,” said Ayan. Architectural design seemed to be the toast of the day as Sailex took on to Spanish architecture and Roman mythology for his collection. Steering clear, Jasleen and Jenjum chose comfort over style. “What we’ve focused on this line is simply style with comfort, the latter taking precedence. It’s a very versatile collection and the emphasis is always on comfort. Continued on page 5

By buying this Newspaper, you are contributing to the process of positive Social Change and supporting the non-proﬁt activities of the Morung Foundation

C M Y K

Dimapur

LOCAL

Saturday 25 October 2008

‘HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns to touch all wards’ Our Correspondent Kohima | October 24

Goanburas of Lotha Tribe of Wokha, Nagaland are seen at the Photo Exhibition setup by Field Exhibition ofﬁce of DAVP ,Kohima on the occassion of the Public Information Campaign on Bharat Nirman at Wokha district of Nagaland fron 23rd October to 25 October. (UB Photos)

MEx File Expired drugs, foodstuff conﬁscated MOKOKCHUNG, OCTOBER 24 (DIPR): The Chief Medical Officer, Mokokchung, Dr. Akok, on October 23 conducted surprise inspection of pharmacies and shops dealing in edible food items under Mokokchung town. He was accompanied by the Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Drugs Inspector and the Food Inspector. The inspection team confiscated expired medicine and food items from certain shops and destroyed them on the spot. The Office of the CMO Mokokchung has issued a notification that in future, shops found stocking or retailing expired items would invite punishment as per order laid down by the authority.

Changtongya farmers trained in soil management CHANGTONGYA, OCTOBER 24 (DIPR): A training for farmers on soil and water management under Changtongya Sub-division was held on October 24 at the Town Hall, organised by the Soil & Water Conservation Department. The resource persons at the training were Soil Conservation Officer, Mokokchung, Imtiyongdang, Horticulture Officer, Mokokchung, Kilensangba, and Vet. Asstt. Surgeon, Changtongya, Dr. Chubala Pernard. The training was chaired by SDO (Soil) Changtongya, Lily Tep, while vote of thanks was delivered by Junior Soil Conservation Officer, Changtongya, Taliwati. More than 60 farmers attended the training.

91 aspirants clear physicals in IR recruitment C M Y K

The Morung Express

PEREN, OCTOBER 24 (DIPR): The 14th IR Battalion recruitment rally for Peren started off with a physical test on October 23 at the New Reserve Police Parade ground, Peren. A total of 199 candidates appeared for the physical test out of which only 91 persons qualified. The written exam and viva-voce will be held on October 26. Of the 31 seats allotted to Peren district, 10 seats are reserved for Kukis of Peren district. The officers supervising the recruitment rally are L Singsit, DIG (R) Kohima, K Elias, SP Peren, Neiba Newmai, Commandant 10 IR Battalion, Chumukedima, and Gregory Thejawelie, SDO (C) Peren.

Phek district medical board to meet DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 24 (MExN): A district level Medical Board is to meet at the office chamber of the Chief Medical Officer, Phek at 10:00 am on November 4. Mhonchan Tungoe, District Media Officer of the department of Health & Family Welfare Phek, has in notification to all heads of department in Phek district, informed that the Medical Board will be held for service confirmation, invalidation, regularisation, and for pension commutation for grade III and IV employees. In this regard, all heads of department are to send their candidate(s) to face the board on the said date.

2 arrested for stealing railway links DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 24 (MExN): At 10:20 pm on Thursday, while conducting surprise checking at Deluxe Point, Bata Char Ali Road, the police intercepted two light vehicles, bearing registration numbers NL072758 (Maruti Zen) and NL01-1774 (Maruti car) carrying stolen railway links. Police recovered 18 pieces of railway links, which had been cut to four feet, each weighing 35 to 40 kilos, from the illegal possession of the two drivers, Vihokha Sumi (25) and Akato Chophy (29). The two have been arrested and booked for theft under the IPC and Railway Property Unlawful Possession Act, and remanded to police custody.

Mokokchung DC inaugurates LFC MOKOKCHUNG, OCTOBER 24 (DIPR): The inaugural function of Life Fountain Centre (LFC) under the aegis of Alempang Baptist Church, Mokokchung, was held on October 23 at the Church conference hall. Deputy Commissioner, Mokokchung, Bendangkokba graced the function as the chief guest. He said that it was encouraging to see the church coming forward to address social issues especially with regard to HIV/AIDS. While lamenting that some NGOs were merely using such platforms for self-interest without any social concern, he strongly believed that the centre, with the involvement of the church, would be a role model for others to follow. The Director of LFC and Pastor of Alempang Baptist Church shared the vision of the centre, while President, NMP+, shared the vision and mission of the Network of Mokokchung People with HIV (NMP+).

RSUD students’ meet on Oct 25 DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 24 (MExN): The Rongmei Students’ Union Dimapur (RSUD) students’ meet 2008 will be held on October 25 at Ronglaidai, Diphupar, with Ningkhoun Gonmei, DMC member, as the chief guest. The Union in a release issued by its general secretary Meihomlung Kamson has requested its member students and well-wishers to come “clad with at least one traditional attire.” The notified pick up points will be Zeliangrong Village at 7:00 am, Burma Camp at 7:45 am, and Patkai/Chumukedima at 8:30 am.

VIEWING THE ADVERSE effect of HIV/AIDS with seriousness, a massive awareness campaign on HIV/ AIDS will be carried out in all wards of Kohima city soon. The decision to conduct such campaigns has been arrived at the one-day advocacy workshop on ‘Role of Panchayats and community response towards HIV/ AIDS’ here this morning in the presence of NLA speaker Kiyanilie Peseyie, MLA Dr. Nicky Kire, Kohima Deputy Commissioner Sachopra Vero, Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) chairperson Vipopal Kintso and several other dignitaries. Necessary routine for the related purpose is to be framed at the earliest. Resource persons will be drawn from the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society and NGOs. Addressing the

NPF teases NPCC leaders as being ‘child-like’

workshop, NLA speaker Kiyanilie Peseyie urged upon the members of Panchayat and leaders of local bodies to focus public attention with a view to educate them and raise awareness on HIV/ AIDS in their respective colonies. He also urged upon them to identify the exact nature of the disease and problems being confronted and to evolve a specific role to combat the menace. “We all know the adverse effect of HIV/AIDS which is considered as a dreaded disease. It is pertinent to note that the Panchayat and the community have a great role in the welfare and the health of the people living in their respective jurisdiction. Thus you have a new mission to fulfill now,” he told the gathering. He said that the objective of the workshop was to increase awareness among the members of Panchayat with a view to impart the information about the ill effects

of HIV/AIDS on the society to all sections of the people in the respective areas. He also urged upon the Panchayat and local bodies to play a great role “since they have very close association with the common people.” “It is one of the biggest challenges before the world today to contain this dreaded disease and efforts are on infinitely to emancipate the society from the fatal effects of this virus,” Peseyie said. A number of legislative measures have been taken to prevent spread of the disease which is the only remedy available since no effective medicine is invented to cure this disease as of now, he said. Peseyie also appealed to the Panchayat and members of other local bodies to make every effort for educating the people about the obnoxious effect of this communicable disease. MLA Dr. Nicky Kire, chairman of Khadi & Vil-

DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 24 (MExN): In its continued agitation against the government regarding the new recruitment policy for teachers, the Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) will begin its third phase of agitation from Tuesday, October 28. “Despite repeated representations and reminders, staged sit-in dharnas and picketing, the government has turned a deaf ear to the federation’s demand,” a press release issued by ENSF President, Y P Chillio, stated. The ENSF has demanded to know if the department concerned “wants to kill and suppress our future taking advantage of our backwardness,” and pointed out that such tactics “will not be tolerated anymore.” The federation also questioned what kind of pills made the government and department “so sleepy.” ENSF has further challenged that it

ENGOA extends solidarity to ENSF

but added “they have unfortunately fallen short of expectations.” Further, the NPF stated that the party had taken note of the judgment of the Guwahati High Court in regard to the writ petition filed by MLA Yitachu against the imposition of Presidents’ Rule in Nagaland, while claiming that “the verdict is arbitrary and has malafide intentions,” pointing out that the case is “one of infringement on the powers and jurisdiction of the legislators,” and hence could not be condoned. The NPF has gone further to state that as a gesture of resentment, “the NPF and allied parties of DAN may boycott or may even prevent the celebration of the diamond jubilee of the Guwahati High Court in the state of Nagaland until rectification is effected to the judgment order.”

Centre to monitor state’s expenditure on schemes

Team ‘Freedom’ gives Hope to Dimapur

DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 24 (MExN): The Eastern Nagaland Gazetted Officers’ Association (ENGOA) has expressed solidarity in the ongoing ENSF agitation for the relaxation of ten years for teachers of the four districts in the purview of the new recruitment policy. A press statement issued by ENGOA general secretary, Anungla Imdong Phom, stated the association “feels the demand is genuine because

there is not a single B.Ed training institute in any of the four districts,” and that it is “unreasonable” for the government to set an unrealistic benchmark for teachers from these areas as it was not financially viable for every teacher to undergo training at Kohima or other places. The ENGAO further pointed out that even if recruitments were to be made on the basis of the government’s new guidelines, “it is very unlikely that

apart from local teachers, teachers from other tribes equipped with B.Ed degree will go to serve in far flung areas.” Accordingly, ENGOA feels that the government must give relaxation to the local teachers as demanded by the ENSF and further initiate steps to establish B.Ed training institutes in all the four districts so that there are equal employment opportunities from the government.

is ready to face any kind of consequences during the third phase agitation and cautioned the department concerned that the department would be held solely responsible for any untow-

ard incidents that occur beyond the expiry of its third phase agitation. “Our patience is almost lost and with no option for future course of action, will resort to violent means

only,” the federation stated. Meanwhile, the third phase agitation will involve the picketing of all the government offices within the ENSF’s jurisdiction from October 28 to 30.

Mkg DC on revision of Electoral Rolls MOKOKCHUNG, OCTOBER 24 (DIPR): The Deputy Commissioner and Electoral Registration Officer, Mokokchung, has notified to all administrative officers, presidents of political parties in Mokokchung district and the public that the Election Commission of India had ordered for a special summary Revision of Electoral Rolls w.r.t. 01-01-09 as the qualifying date. The relevant schedules are as follows: 1. Draft publication of Rolls : 10 Nov ’08. (Monday) 2. Period for filing claims and objections: 10 Nov ’08 (Monday) to 24 Nov ’08 (Monday) 3. Special campaign dates with booth level agents of political parties for receiving claims and objections : 16 Nov ’08 (Sunday) and 23 Nov ’08 (Sunday) 4. Disposal of claims and objection : 24 Dec ’08 (Wednesday) 5. Final publication of Electoral Rolls: 10 Jan ’09 (Saturday)

The ten-member team ‘Freedom’ enthralls the young enthusiastic crowd during a night of praise and worship at the IMC Hall, Dimapur. Morung Express News Dimapur| October 24

‘FREEDOM,’ A TEAM of young believers from Kohima today brought their message of ‘Hope’ to the people of Dimapur. A conglomeration of members of different churches in Kohima, regardless of denomination, team Freedom is

NIRD off-campus training held

KOHIMA, OCTOBER 24 (MExN): The State Institute of Rural Development, in collaboration with NIRD, Hyderabad, has conducted the NIRD off-campus training on ‘Planning and implementation of NREGS and NREGS convergence program’ from October 13 to 18, 2008 at SIRD, Kohima. The Course Director, Dr. Suresh Babu, Assistant Professor, NIRD Hyderabad, was one of the resource persons at the training. The other resource persons from NIRD Hyderabad were Prof. K Hanumantha Rao, Prof. and Head, ‘Centre for wage employment and poverty alleviation’, Hyderabad, and Mr. P K Nath, Assistant Professor, NIRD Hyderabad. Local resource persons from RD, NIC and SIRD were also involved.

Coordinator, LFA/UNAID. Dr. Limaakum Jamir, joint project director, Nagaland State AIDS Control Society, talked on the HIV/AIDS scenario of Kohima and its vulnerability. He also reminded the house that the 2nd Friday of every month has been set as voluntary blood donation day and asked the people to come forward and donate blood. Touching on the topic ‘Community involvement and ownership’, Dr. Viu Meru, consultant HIV/ TB highlighted the various prevention, support and treatment facilities available in Kohima district. He called upon the members of panchayat to educate the community and encourage those under treatment to complete their treatment. The workshop was organised by the Legislators’ Forum for AIDS/UNAID, in association with the Kuknalim Foundation.

ENSF to continue agitation

DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 24 (MExN): The Nagaland People’s Front has described the recent onslaught of the NPCC (Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee) leaders on the DAN (Democratic Alliance of Nagaland) government as “the child-like enthusiasm and excitement of the new team in the NPCC and Congress leaders in trying out their skills in their newly acquired position,” further describing the excitement as “a natural phenomenon.” The party even went on to say that, perhaps “they deserve a pat on their shoulders from the Congress big-wigs whom they are obviously trying to impress, if not being misled.” A press note by the NPF stated that such surge of zeal and energy, “if directed towards the peace process and the related campaigns, would be of immense benefit to all the parties concerned,”

KOHIMA, OCTOBER 24 (DIPR): The state’s Department of Finance has stated that the Planning Commission of India has developed a system to monitor the expenditure on Central/State Plan/Sector Schemes made outside the state government budget to the DRDAs/ Societies/NGOs, etc., which are received directly from the Ministries of the government of India. The Accountant General, Nagaland, is to submit a detailed report of the sanctions, release of fund, opening balance, expenditure and closing balance on monthly basis to the Government of India. In this regard, the Department of Finance has directed all the departments to furnish the information in the prescribed Format-A and Format-B to the Finance Department for the period from April 1 to October 31, 2008, on or before November 15, 2008, and subsequent months by the 15th of the next month for onward submission to the Accountant General, Nagaland, Kohima.

lage Industry, in his speech challenged the gathering to make a decision and resolve that from today they will take initiative to combat the menace and help the unfortunate brothers and sisters to recover. He also urged upon the Panchayat, leaders of the community and local bodies to act as link worker between patient and various centres. He asked them to help them to get counseling, treatment and help people to get tested. Stating that the medical department cannot do the work alone, he called upon the gathering to join hands to prevent further spread of HIV/AIDS in the state. He also stressed on the need to arrange seminar, games and vocational training for youths in their respective colonies so that they would move towards correct path. “The threat of HIV/ AIDS is real and alarming. It is time for action,” said Dr. Vinito L. Chishi, State

The participants were from RD and line departments. The training was mainly based on the planning and implementation of NREGS and convergence of NREGS with other programs of line departments. The participants were also taken to Chedema village under Kohima Block to get firsthand information on planning and implementation of NREGS. The participants and villagers together verified the work implemented under NREGS and viewed the facility provided at the worksite. Velu-O Shijo, Joint Director, in a release informed that Rokozalie, BDO, Kohima Block, was felicitated for the success of the field study. Moreover, the villagers were found to be successfully implementing the NREGS scheme.

holding two nights of praise and worship at the IMC Hall, Dimapur, on October 24 and 25. Team leader Temjen said that Dimapur, this year, has experienced a lot of bloodshed and this programme is meant to give Dimapurians a sense of hope. “We want to remind everyone that there is hope in Christ,” Temjen

said. Their purpose is also to unite churches and send out a message to different churches that the need of the hour is “to unite and not compete with one another.” With a God-given vision, Temjen and his team have come to Dimapur as complete strangers to embark on a journey shown by the Lord.

The DC and ERO have also informed that training for all the Supervisory Officers and Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will be conducted on November 3 next at 11 am, in the DC’s conference hall, Mokokchung. All the supervisory/administrative officers are to inform the BLOs under their respective jurisdiction of the above revised programme and to attend the training positively. In case of any existing BLO found to have been transferred outside the district, the name and designation of the Relieving Officer or any other officer should be submitted to the DC’s office on or before 24.10.08 positively for necessary replacement. Further, all the supervisory/administrative officers and BLOs are to remain stationed at their respective places of posting to ensure that the revision works are carried out smoothly and effectively.

State gets Tata Green batteries distributorship Morung Express News Dimapur | October 24

THE TATA GROUP recently introduced eco-friendly Tata Green batteries for the first time in the country. Tata Green batteries have been manufactured in collaboration with GSYUASA Japan, a world leader in battery technology. Here in Dimapur, JT Enterprise, the sole distributor of these batteries in the state, has initiated the introduction of these batteries keeping in mind the evergrowing environmental pollution and the burning need for every person to protect the environment in every possible way. A note issued by the Enterprise states, “The Tata Green batteries are not only eco-friendly but also economical and very beneficial for the consumers in terms of both main-

tenance and performance. Tata Green batteries are the first to use calcium rods, which are hazard free and 90% recyclable, instead of antimony rods which are non-recyclable and are used in all other batteries.” It

continued that Tata Green battery also comes fitted with a unique electronic water level and charging level sensor. “This technology is also being introduced for the first time in such batteries. It also comes fitted with 2 extra plates in all its models compared

to other batteries for longer and efficient life,” the note stated, adding, “These batteries are ready to use (no charging), maintenance free and no top-up required for 100000 kilometers. It gives superb performance in all weather conditions and the offer just gets better because it comes with a warranty for up to 60 months.” The proprietors of JT Enterprise opined that it is in the interest of all countries for each one of them to gear public policy towards developing an informed citizenry. “The goal should be an engaged, educated public that can act as a powerful antidote to environmental destruction. Global environmental management requires global co-operation and we all can be a part of that by adopting the new environment and user-friendly technology that can provide us with hazard free and effective energy,” the proprietors added.

LOCAL

The Morung Express

Saturday

25 October 2008

NPCC criticize ‘Fair Price supplies in Imchen’s remark Zunheboto misused’

DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 24 (MExN): Fair price shops in Zunheboto have complained to the chief minister over a number of irregularities, including misuse and inadequate supply of commodities. Under the advice and guidance of Rajya Sabha MP Khekiho Zhimomi an undertaking was agreed upon which said that GBs would be entitled 800 liters of K-Oil on cash payment from the AOC. “This step was done with a good healthy understanding,” the “Fair Price Shops’ Association” of Zunheboto today said in a letter to the CM. “It’s been more than 10 years, which we the Fair Price Shop holders have been suffering due to the non-availability of essential commodities. Though we follow government norms, we are totally neglected and on the verge of closing down our shops,” the association explained. The holders said ‘public

IDA Condoles DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 24 (MExN): The Indian Dental Association Nagaland branch in a condolence message by its secreretary Dr. K Alex Kithan today expressed profound grief and sorrow at the sudden and untimely demse of Lt. Dr. Potso Kin who passed away on October 23 last at the International Hospital Guwahati. Dr.Kikon said Late Dr. Kin was an outstanding and primer member of the Association, a very sincere and dedicated professional and his death had caused an irrepairable loss to the Association. IDA also conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and prayed to the almighty for his soul to rest in peace. The IDA Nagaland branch further requested its members to close down their clinics on October 25 as a mark of respect to the departed soul.

ENWO to host ‘indigenous dinner’ DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 24 (MExN): The Eastern Nagaland Women’s Organisation (ENWO) is to host an “Indigenous Dinner” on October 25 at the DUDA Guest House, Kohima, to promote indigenous dish recipes. Outgoing ENPO president, Tongtham Khiamniungan, is to be the guest of honour during this event. Meanwhile, the ENWO, through its president, Asangla Cholong, extended felicitations to the new team of office bearers of ENPO led by Y Mangko Phom as president. The apex body for the women of the six tribes conveyed confidence that the new team would continue to work earnestly for the people of Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire and Longleng and also wished the new team much success.

harassment’ has prevented the FPS in meeting the demand for the supply of rations. “We have jointly approached the deputy commissioner on several occasions, in letter and through meetings. But, it’s unfortunate that no steps for regular supply of essential commodities have been initiated and have been given a deaf ear. Please do kindly take up some steps towards the improvement of the supply of essential public commodities,” the association stated. The fair price shop holders said that the state government through the department of Civil Supplies has been dispatching all the essential commodities for public distribution to various districts of Nagaland. Unfortunately, the FPS holders said, supplies meant for Zunheboto are being misused and given to the wrong persons against all government norms.

“This illegal transaction has really hampered the supplies to Zunheboto leading to great shortage. It has come to our knowledge that under the advice of the deputy commissioner, the GBs have been directed to collect a commission of Rs. 2 from the AOC, instead of taking their quota. This has only helped to boost illegal transaction of K-Oil in our district and is totally against the government order passed in the year 1993,” the fair price shops’ association lamented. The order, the FPSA said, states that K-Oil license holders are to collect their quota from the AOC on payment for public distribution and no license-holder will be permitted to collect commission. “If anyone defaults his license shall stand as cancelled. But now with the help of the deputy commissioner’s advice, GBs are collecting monthly commission leading to black mar-

Release pending ‘Footpath vendors causing bills – NCSU to Rio menace to pedestrians’

DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 24 (MExN): The Nagaland Contractors & Suppliers Union have written again to the Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio demanding the state government to release pending liabilities of Rs. 8, 12, 96, 000 crore to NCSU-registered members. A representation signed by president Pele Khezhie and secretary N. Neilo Koza of the NCSU stated that the pending bills amounting to 26, 60, 98,000 crores had been submitted to the government during September 2007 for payment to the union. The state government had released a sum of 18, 48, 02, 000 crores to NCSU for which the union was grateful. However, the contractors said while the chief minister

had further assured that all liabilities would be cleared by the Finance department, it had released only the said amount during the year 2007. The NCSU has requested Rio to look into this grievance seriously and release the remaining balance amount of Rs. 8, 12, 96, 000 crore to its registered members. In view of the fact that state government is ‘that of a Christian state’ and keeping the forthcoming Christmas celebrations in mind, the union has requested for “immediate release of payments” especially to its registered members who represents the bulk of the profession. This would enable the ‘people’ to get themselves prepared for “Merry Christmas” well ahead, stated the NCSU.

CBCK and CYE annual fellowship day KOHIMA, OCTOBER 24 (MExN): The Chakhesang Baptist Church Kohima, Christian Youth Endeavor will hold its annual fellowship day from October 25 to 26 under the theme “Beyond Amazing” at the local church. The annual fellowship day will be marked by competition on solo, duet, quartet (indigenous tune) and group (Choir). The choir competition song will be “Puo La Vor Zotieya.” Preachers for the occasion will be C. Cho-o and Zhopota Rhakho, self rejuvenation by Athine Theluo and communicative skills by Rozele Mero.

WSBAK Prayer Service on Oct 25 DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 24 (MExN): The Western Sumi Baptist Akukuhou Kuqhakulu (WSBAK) has convened a prayer service on October 25 at 8:00 am at WSBAK Centre, Akuvuto, in connection with the forthcoming WSBAK Golden Jubilee. Executive Secretary WSBAK, Rev. Vitoshe Swu, in a release has informed all the WSBAK Council members, youth and women executive members, Christian education board members and mission board members to attend the prayer service “without fail as there will also be a photo session of all the members” for the WSBAK Golden Jubilee Souvenir.

Kyong Naga Cultural Society informs KOHIMA, OCTOBER 24 (MExN): All the bonafied members of Kyong Naga Cultural Society have been notified to gather positively at the residence of Dr. P. Ngullie, Managing Director, CMC, near Assamese Church Kohima on October 25 at 10:00 am sharp. All contestants of Mr and Miss Tokhu have also been requested to be there for photo session. KNCS further informed that last date for submission of forms for Mr & Miss Tokhu has been postponed to November 24.

Transfer and Posting of IAS/NCS/NSS ofﬁcers

KOHIMA, OCTOBER 24 (DIPR): The Government of Nagaland has ordered transfer and posting of the following IAS/NCS/NSS Officers with immediate effect. Handing and taking over are to be completed by 7th November 2008. 1. M. Kithan, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary, Works & Housing is transferred and posted as Commissioner & Secretary, Transport & Communication 2. Achum Ngullie, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary, Sericulture is transferred and posted as Commissioner & Secretary, Land Revenue and Excise 3. A. Jami, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary, Irrigation & Flood Control is transferred and posted as Commissioner & Secretary, Works & Housing 4. L. H. Thangi Mannen, Commissioner & Secretary, Transport & Communication is transferred and posted as Commissioner & Secretary, Sericulture 5. K. T. Sukhalu, IAS, Secretary, Youth Resources & Sports and Science & Tech-

keting and shortage,” the association lamented to the CM. Another grievance, the association pointed out, is supply of APL rice for government servants never being given to the FPS on a regular basis. “We have lodged several complains to the deputy commissioner who has directed us to make cash payment once the APL reaches Zunheboto. We are ready with the cash to pay for the APL to the suppliers, but Zunheboto district only gets 5 to 6 truck loads of APL rice per year. Our town has 11 wards; besides, this small amount is not enough for the whole district. Only Atoizu gets 11 truck load while the other Sub division don’t get APL,” it explained. The Fair Price Shops’ Association has requested the CM’s personal intervention into the said matters ‘as we are aware of your true leadership which has always aimed at public welfare and progress’.

DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 24 (MExN): The ‘admission’ of the Home Minister Imkong L Imchen over the “yellow journalism” remarks is most ‘unfortunate and humiliating to the people of Nagaland’, the Congress today said. The opposition gave its rationale that Imchen himself admitting to “my foot-inthe-mouth syndrome” itself points to a basis that his irresponsible utterances were made deliberately. “The admission of the Hon’ble Home Minister, Imkong L. Imchen is most unfortunate and humiliating to the people of Nagaland. He had stooped so low as to admit his foot-in-the-mouth syndrome repeatedly which he said, he was aware of. That shows that he had made the irresponsible utterances deliberately. Since a syndrome is a disease, there is no guarantee that the same foolish

nology shall hold additional charge of Fisheries 6. B. Thawang Konyak, IAS, Secretary, Fisheries is transferred and posted as Secretary, Irrigation & Flood Control 7. Daniel Longchar, IAS, Additional Secretary attached to P & AR Department is transferred and posted as Additional Secretary, Economics & Statistics 8. K. N. Ngullie, Secretary, Urban Development is transferred and posted as Additional Commissioner in the Office of the Commissioner, Nagaland 9. Abhijit Sinha, IAS,

Additional Secretary, Rural Development Department is transferred and posted as Director, Administrative Training Institute. F. P. Solo is relieved of the charge of Director, ATI 10. B. P. Chetri, NCS, Additional Secretary, Forest & Environment is transferred and posted as Additional Secretary, Horticulture 11. Wepretso Mero, NCS, Joint Secretary, Excise is transferred and posted as Joint Secretary, School Education 12. Seikholun Singsit, Joint Secretary, Co-operation is transferred and posted as Joint Secretary, Finance Department

WANTED SOUND SYSTEM OPERATOR FOR CHAKHESANG BAPTIST CHURCH MINISTER’ HILL, KOHIMA Interested candidates may submit application with relevant document to the undersigned for interview on 3rd November 2008 at the Church Ofﬁce between 09:00 am-11:00 am. Preferably one who has a driving knowledge. Free accommodation and salary negotiable. Church Secretary Contact No. 9436001015

Our Correspondent Kohima | October 24

THE KOHIMA Municipal Council (KMC) today stated that the footpath vendors were causing a menace to the pedestrians and their activity was also hampering the cleanliness drive of the Council. In this respect, the KMC in collaboration with the police has decided to put a stop to “footpath vending,” said KMC deputy chairperson Khriehu Liezietsu adding that “anyone found violating this order shall be persecuted by the law.” “Kohima is a beautiful city. It belongs to all of us.

LOST NOTICE I, Vekuzo Veswuh am applying for a duplicate copy to Admit Card as I have lost it. Name: Mr. Vekuzo Veswuh S/F: Mr. Besuhru Veswuh Year: 2008 Roll No.: 0850755 D.O.B: 17-07-1989 Centre: Chozuba

With this in mind, the Kohima Municipal Council is trying its best to make Kohima a clean city and a better place to live in,” said Liezietsu. Also stating that the KMC has constructed market sheds at different locations for the welfare of the people at Kezieke Market, Miachieo Market, Hospital Road Market and Jail Market, the KMC directed all footpath vendors to sell their goods at the designated locations. “Co-operation from all concerned is solicited,” the deputy chairperson added.

STARTING LINE-UP

Your daily Meetings, Appointments, Information and Reminder column

ASUD Excellency Award October 25

act shall not be repeated in future,” the NPCC remarked in a note from Media cell member Dr. K Hoshi. This is not the first time, the Congress reminded, that Imchen had ‘venomously’ spoken out against the Fourth Estate. “Though he had admitted his mistake publicly, he must be thinking and satisfied that his purpose had been served”, the congress stated. Giving the gravity of the law and order situation in Nagaland, the NPCC stated, it is very risky for the state to be headed by a ‘paranoid’ Home minister. “He had brought shame to the whole state of Nagaland. He should resign for distressing the hon’ble chair of Home Minister. His often off-board utterances also show that the chief minister is not keeping his house in order,” the congress said.

Ao Students Union Dimapur will hold its ‘Excellency Award’ programme on October 25 at Town Hall from 10:00 am with Dr. Ngangshi K. Ao as the Chief Guest. All its members, seniors and well wishers are therefore invited to attend the programme.

Notice on recruitment of army havildar

NOTICE

CCPO meeting October 25 The Centre Chakhesang Public Organization (CCPO) will hold an executive meeting at its president’s residence, Kohima on October 25 at 4: 30 PM. All the executive members are requested to attend the meeting positively.

EHSS Alumni Meet October 25 Eden Higher Secondary School Alumni General Meeting will be held on October 25 at 10:00 am at the School Chapel Hall prior to Silver Jubilee. All the Alumni are therefore requested to attend the said meeting positively.

Bomb Hoax

DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 24, (MExN): Reports of a bomb explosion in Dimapur made news Friday evening that sent the people of Dimapur to panic. Police officials later disclosed that it turned out to be a hoax much to the relief of the police and the denizens. It was suspected that the explosion might have been a ‘diwali bomb’.

One arrested

In a late report Police informed that one Akbar Ali s/o Katchanudin from Golpara village in Assam was today arrested at 1:00pm from Bata Charali deluxe point while extorting money from a shop in the guise of NNC-non Accordist. Police recovered a receipt book of NNC from his possession. He is now under police custody and further investigations are on, police disclosed.

This is for kind information to dear customer’s of NRL C.T. Reﬁll’s Dimapur that the Pump will remain closed for the repairing work from Sunday (26-10-08) to Tuesday (28-10-08). Inconvenience regretted.

MOKOKCHUNG, OCTOBER 24 (DIPR): The recruitment to Havildar Education in the Army Education groups ‘X’ & ‘Y’, organised by the Army Recruiting Officer Rangapahar, is to be conducted soon. In this regard, interested candidates are to contact the nearest Army Recruiting Office Rangapahar at telephone no. 03862-256916. The last date for receipt of applications is October 31, 2008.

Management NRL C.T. REFILLS

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE EX-SERVICEMEN CONTRIBUTORY HEALTH SCHEME ECHS CELL STATION HQ DIMAPUR (NAGALAND)

NOTICE FOR TENDER

Sealed tenders (On behalf of President of India) are invited by Presiding Officer for Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme, ECHS Cell, Station Headquarters Dimapur from the owners for outright sale of 700 square yards of land free from all encumbrances within the precincts of Dimapur city, in proximity to city bus stop and railway station. Owners having clear title to the property may send their offer in two parts in separately sealed envelops marked Technical Bid and Financial Bid, respectively. The envelope marked Technical Bid should contain land area, dimensions, location details, sketch plan, etc. The envelope marked Financial Bid should contain the financial offer. The offers may be sent within a period of 15 (fifteen) days from the date of publication of this advertisement. The presiding officer of board of officer for Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme, ECHS Cell, Station Headquarters Dimapur reserves the right to accept or reject one or all application without assigning any reason whatsoever and no correspondence will be entertained in this regard. Any offer received through brokers, third parties or materially incomplete in any respect will be rejected. The tenders will be deposited at HQ 3 Corps (ST Branch), Rangapahar, Dimapur in double envelope consisting of the Technical details and the second envelope consisting of the Financial offer on any working day from 0900 hrs to 1330 hrs or can be send by post at this address: HQ 3 Corps (ST Branch) PIN-908503 C/O 99 APO The last date of submission/receipt will be 10th Nov.2008 by 1200 hrs. OIC ECHS Cell

EXCEL COACHING AND COMPUTER CENTRE

Mission Road, near-North Police Station-Kohima

Coaching for: 1. NPSC, UPSC, NCS (Prelim-2009), SCC and other Competitive Exam 2. Intensive Coaching for-2009 Exam Cl-10 (All subjects or Maths and Science only) Cl-12 (Science, Arts & Commerce) 3. Spoken English & Computer Course (Hardware and Software) 4. JEE & NERIST Entrance for 2009. Contact : Ph. 0370-2290672, 9436071373, 9863143388

LEARN PHONETICS THIS WINTER

Dimapur

WALK-IN-INTERVIEW

‘Improve the way you speak English’ College, School Students, Teachers & Lecturers

URGENTLY REQUIRED FOR DPS DIMAPUR

CRASH COURSE OF 1 MONTH

1. Heavy Vehicle Driver (For School Bus): Candidates must have an experience of 6 yrs in driving heavy vehicle. 2. Handyman Interviews will be held at DPS Dimapur on 30th October 2008 at 11:00 am. Candidates need to come with their original driving license along with a passport size phorograph. Contact Address: DPS Dimapur, 2 ½ Mile, Darogapathar Village, Dimapur- 797115 Contact: 03862- 235930 PRINCIPAL

Free Teaching Aids

15% Discount for Students Registration closes on October 30, 2008 Contact: Dimensions- School Of Phonetics & Spoken English Circular Road, Near Bishop’s House, Dimapur Phone: 09615148711, 03862-229898

Great Commission Kids Academy Naga United Village, Dimapur

Issues Entry Form for Classes A-7 (Day Students) Classes 1-4 (Boarding) from 1 November 2008 between 9:00- 12:00.

Sd/Administrator

Craft BAZAR FROM 22Nd Oct. to 31st Oct.2008 At Wokha Public Ground

Organised by : Heto MPCS Ltd. Natsumi Sponsored by : O/o the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India New Delhi-6

SALES CUM DISPLAY Open from 9:00 A.M onwards

All are Welcome

EntryFree

WELCOME TO

Special Handloom Expo At

Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Youth Resource Sports Hall Mokokchung.

From 22nd October 2008 Time: 11:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M

Come celebrate!!! & Be a part of it !!! Organised by

Sponsored by

Nagaland Handloom & Handicraft Development Corporation Limited, Half Nagarjan, Dimapur: Nagaland. Development Commissioner for Handloom, Govt. of India, Ministry of Textiles, New Delhi Smt. N. Hushili Sema Managing Director

C M Y K

Dimapur

Saturday

BUSINESS/PUBLIC DISCOURSE BIG TV emerge as fastest growing DTH player in India

25 October 2008

Stock traders on the Tokyo Stock Exchange gaze at digital indicator as Japan’s key stock index nose-dived 9.6 percent on a rising yen and growing recession fears in Tokyo Friday, October 24. The benchmark Nikkei 225 stock average plummeted 811.90 points to close at 7,649.08 on Friday, bucking modest gains on Wall Street Thursday. The Japanese index closed below the 8,000-level for the ﬁrst time since May 2003. (AP Photo)

GUWAHATI, OCTOBER 24, (AGENCIES): BIG TV, the DTH arm of Reliance Communications, today announced that they had touched the magic figure of 500,000 subscribers within two months of its launch. This has put BIG TV DTH in the unique position of being the fastest growing DTH player in the country. “Crossing the 5-lakh customer milestone within two months is indeed a testimony to the superior value proposition offered by BIG TV and its success in accelerating the growth momentum of DTH sector in India,” said Mr. Arun. K .Kapoor, President – BIG TV at the conference. “Our plans of defining the future of TV viewing in India are on desired course, and we are fully-geared to add over 400,000 subscribers every month with an on-ground infrastructure spanning 6500 Indian towns,” he added. This is the first time in the global DTH scenario that an operator managed to cross the landmark half million subscriber milestone within two months of launch. BIG TV’s exceptional milestone has not only made it the undispu-

table leader in Indian DTH sector, but has also resulted in the expansion of the overall DTH market in India. On an average, the entire DTH market in India adds approximately 350,000 subscribers every month. BIG TV’s aggressive subscriber acquisition strategy has grown the monthly average subscriber additions to 650,000. “BIG TV’s half-million subscriber milestone is equivalent to 40 per cent of the industry’s gross additions during the last two months. This is a true leadership statement from BIG TV DTH,” avers Mr Kapoor. Mr. Kapoor further added, “Besides value-driven pricing, BIG TV DTH offers superior product proposition & service quality based on the world’s latest MPEG4 Technology platform which offers fully Digital Picture and Sound. Our superior content across the 200 channel bouquet helps us service multiple needs of all customer segments. We are glad that our plans are also benefitting customers of other DTH operators, who are striving hard to come close to the BIG TV’s unmatchable value proposition” BIG TV’s channel bouquet comprises of TV, Audio

& Movie channels. BIG TV DTH is targeting 5 million subscribers within first year of operations. It will also double its channel bouquet to 400 by next year. Leading the value proposition in DTH sector, BIG TV, recently announced a 3-month free subscription offer on its Rs 1490 entry price as part of a slew of innovative offers during the current festive season. The current 3-months free subscription offer makes BIG TV 33 per cent more affordable than any other comparative offer available in the market today. BIG TV has already tied up with Thomson Headend Systems for a complete head-end system to boost its number of channels to about 400 during the next year. To augment its growth plans, BIG TV has already booked four more transponders of the MEASAT satellite, which would take its total transponder capacity to 12. The worlds latest MPEG4 technology platform deployed by BIG TV enables it to offer double the number of channels in same transponder capacity as against established DTH players.

The Morung Express

NNC clariﬁes This is to clarify to all concerned that there is no “Nagi Faction” of NNC in the Naga Homeland as stated by one Brig. Tokugha Zhimo of NNC/FGN in the Media. Regarding Vizheto Chishi s/o Late Chihovi from Ghoshito village took Oath of Allegiance on 26-5-2008 to work and serve NNC as an only NNC member and no responsibility was given to him and also S.Hekuto Sumi s/o N.Sazheto from Siikhai village as an NNC member both from Sumi Region and no designation as such.But the Office of the NNC do not know secretary Hukheto Chishi defected as mentioned. Therefore, Tokugha Zhimo of FGN should not create confusion in the minds of the people as stated above that there is no faction as such and also should be very clear about the name and designation of habitual defectors. The NNC as the Naga Political Institution being the Parent Body is headed by Dr. Senka (President), K.Yimchungrii (Vice President) and V. Nagi (General Secretary) as elected will not be weaken by few defectors rather the NNC will function better without such defectors. Along Jamir, Secretary, Information & Publicity Wing, Naga National Council

$800m ADB loan to tap NEW NOKIA N85: The Music, Himalayan hydropower Multimedia & Gaming Smartphone

A South Korean man uses his mobile phone in front of Samsung’s advertisement at an electronic shop in Seoul, South Korea, Friday, October 24. Samsung Electronics Co. said Friday that its third-quarter net proﬁt fell sharply amid the global economic downturn and lower prices for its mainstay semiconductors and ﬂat screens. (AP Photo)

MANILA, OCTOBER 24 (AFP): The Asian Development Bank said on Friday that it had approved an $800m loan to help the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh expand hydropower generation with a series of projects in the western Himalayas. With the help of the eight-year loan package, Himachal Pradesh plans to harness five major rivers to build hydropower plants that will provide a combined capacity of 808 megawatts, the Manila-based bank said in a statement. The ADB and the state government have identified two projects ready for financing through the first loan tranche of $150m, building the 111MW Sawra

Kuddu project on the Pabber river, and civil works for the 65MW Kashang I project. “Himachal Pradesh’s focus on hydropower development will provide jobs to state residents and will further the state’s and the country’s goal of maximising this clean, indigenous resource to help meet its energy needs,” said ADB energy economist Andrew Jeffries. The mountainous area’s power generation potential is 20,415MW --about 25% of India’s total hydropower potential -- out of which only 6,150MW has been developed, the bank said. India is critically short of energy to fuel its economy and imports more than 70% of its energy needs.

Best tech bargains this Diwali!

C M Y K

A clothing vendor waits for customers at Namdaemoon market in Seoul, South Korea, Friday, October 24. South Korea’s economy slowed in the third quarter, the central bank said Friday, as growth in exports, manufacturing and services weakened while construction contracted. (AP Photo)

iwali is seen as a time of celebrations and with it of attractive discounts and offers. In fact customers many regard Diwali time as best to buy electronic products. However, this time the global economic situation seems to have taken a toll on the so-very-familiar Diwali bargains. The weakening of the rupee leading to higher import costs, and the higher prices of components due to inflation seem to have eaten away most discounts. But take heart, not all Diwali offers have dried up. There are still some attractive bargains being offered by leading technology vendors. Here’s a look into some of the hot bargains being offered this Diwali.

imaging products to its portfolio in India, has introduced a festive offer for its customers. Introducing scratch and win offers, Canon gives its customers a chance to win prizes upto Rs 3,050. Customers can win a TCL wireless headphone or Reebok Tee shirts from scratch card. Also, on the purchase of select DVD Camcorders, consumers are entitled to a free LG DVD Player. In addition to these, Canon is also offering interest free EMI schemes for customers. The offer is valid till 10 November 2008 across India.

Microsoft The software giant Microsoft too has a Diwali offer for its customers. The company announced that it will be selling the Home & Student edition of Office 2007 for Rs 3,699 during the festive season. Microsoft has dropped around Rs 900 from the retail price-tag since the productivity software package Canon Canon India, which recently actually retails for around Rs 4,600 added as many as 85 new digital in the Indian market. The Home &

D S

T D N B X E L A R O M M

H O A R V S S H C L U M

W L E I A P Y P M U J

E N M M O C E P B K J W

F T O O L W C R H U T B

P O S V E O I E L N R M

R W T E N H A V E A L B

E N A U T S L I C I E D

S C C H R O C E F C C N

E A T X W N L W K Y N I

N G O E A E I O W E A M

T E R R T Q N P M A H E

F E S T I V A L M R C R

ACTORS ALMOST ANCIENT BECKON BRACELET CAGE CHANCE DOWNTOWN FESTIVAL FILM HAVE HOAR INTERNATIONAL JUMP LOWER MORAL

Student edition is aimed at home users, self-employed professionals and students. The package includes Word 2007, Excel 2007, PowerPoint 2007 and OneNote 2007 but leaves out Outlook 2007, which is available in higher Office 2007 packages. Sony The Japanese electronic giant has a promotional offer called `Bond With Sony’ based on the new Bond film `Quantum of Solace’. The scheme is available on select products, including Vaio laptops, Handycam, MP3 Walkman, Bravia LCD TV, PlayStation etc. The grand prize on offer for 10 couples, through a lucky draw, is an all-expense paid businessclass trip to the Sony Pictures studio in Hollywood. Apart from this, 50 Vaio notebooks and 100 Sony Ericsson mobile phones with Bond applications as well as a twin DVD set containing exclusive footage from Quantum of Solace and the DVD of Casino Royale, the previous Bond film which was released last year.

that can display 16 million colors in today’s high-end smartphones. The exceptional thing of the N85 display is the OLED technology. Organic light emitting diode (OLED) technology composes colors from red, green, blue and white light. Background light or other light sources are not required. An OLED display provides bright and clear image to almost any viewing angle. Low power consumption makes it particularly suitable for battery-powered devices. Naturally, a new breakthrough technology has its price tag that’s paid in the product price. The Nokia N85 keypad slides into two directions. When pushed down, an ordinary numeric keypad is revealed. When pushed up, playback keys appear above the screen. This keypad is functionspecific. If music or video is playing, play/stop and forward/rewind keys can be used. If an N-Gage game is running, game control keys are active. The keys show their status with lights. You can only see the keys that can be used, others are hidden. The N85 is compatible with new N-Gage games. You can check out the latest at N-Gage pages where you can download games for free for a trial period. Nokia Nokia India too is giving an assured-win offer this Diwali. Nokia consumers can take home an assured gift with every purchase. This includes Nokia branded leatherite pouches, Nokia mobile jewellery, Kolkata Knight Riders T-shirts and 2-in-1 DVD packs, all redeemable over the counter. In addition to this, 500 lucky winners could also win Tanishq Gold gift vouchers worth Rs 5,000, while four lucky consumers could win travel vouchers worth Rs 2, 00,000 each. Wondering what you need to do to avail this offer: Just purchase any Nokia handset worth Rs 5,500 or more. Consumers could also avail the scheme by exchanging their old Nokia handsets for new handsets worth Rs 5,500 or more. As part of its festive scheme, Nokia is also offering special limited edition combo-packs of the new Nokia E71, Nokia 3600 Slide and Nokia 5320 XpressMusic handsets with a BH-102 Bluetooth headset.

DAILY CROSS WORD

LEISURE W

f you are one of those people who is longing for the fabulous old NGage games, but is avoiding the N-Gage device, the new Nokia N-series smartphones may have something for you. The Nokia N85, for instance, lets you play new NGage games. It can also replace your iPod as an MP3 player, or you can use its 5 megapixel camera to take photos. The N85 is a GSM and 3G phone, but its numerous features aside, its highlight is the crisp OLED display. The Nokia N85 is a high-end multimedia smartphone designed for media and gaming. It has so many features that they have been listed at the bottom of this page. However, we’ll highlight a couple of features; the display built on new OLED technology and playback keys. There’s nothing exceptional in a 2.6-inch display in 320 x 240-pixel resolution

MULCH PRESENT PREVIEW REMIND REMOVE ROOM RUBY SHOWCASE SPECIAL TEST THIEF TOOL TURNIP VEAL VIOLENT YEAR

SUDOKU

CROSSWORD # 1139

The Morung Express number game

Sudoku # 1124

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)

RPG Cellucom RPG Cellucom has a `Mobility’ offer this Diwali for its customers. Under this scheme, buyers of certain brands will get assured gifts like Gitanjali diamond jewellery, movie tickets and audio CDS of the forthcoming movie Fashion. RPG Cellucom recently entered into a distribution arrangement with Apple, wherein it will set up 100 shop-in-shops within RPG Cellucom stores for selling iPhones and iPods. Hotspot Hotspot, the multi-brand technology retail chain of BK Modi Group’s Spice Televentures, is also has some hot Diwali offers for its customers. With every purchase of products between Rs 4000 and Rs 8,000, its customers will be entitled to 10 grams of silver. Purchasing products between Rs 12, 00 will entitle them to 0.1 gram of gold, while a purchase of more than Rs 1200 will bring them 1 gram of gold.

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 CAR PRICE LIST

CAR MODEL

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.”

ACROSS

Yesterdays answer Sudoku #1123

2. Sticky tree ﬂuid 5. Wander around 6. 2, 4, 6, 8, ... 7. Utilise 8. Iceberg (abbrev) 10. Acreage 13. Mental faculties 16. Horse kept for breeding 18. Regret 19. Bring to ruin 20. Pallid 21. Family’s animal

SPARK 1.0 BASE SPARK 1.0 PS SPARK 1.0 LS SPARK 1.0 LT U-VA 1.2 BASE U-VA 1.2 LS U-VA 1.2 LT DOWN SRV 1.6 OPT. PACK 1. Round roof AVEO 1.4 BASE 2. Conceited AVEO 1.4 LTD EDI AVEO 1.4 LT OPT.PACK 3. Strip off a rind 4. Houseplant with feathery TAVERA 2.5 LT 9S BS3 TAVERA 2.5 SSD1 7S (C) BS3 leaves OPTRA ROYAL 1.6 LT (PETROL) 8. Loafer OPTRA MAGNUM 2.0 LT ACC (DIESEL) 9. Harry Potter’s best friend CAPTIVA 2.0 LT VCDI 11. Painting, sculpture, etc. 12. Thing that fails to work 14. Small hotels 15. Let fall 16. September (abbrev) 17. Repulsive to look at

Answers to CROSSWORD #1138

Across: 1.says, 3.ball, 6.drum, 9.crab, 11.our, 12.runt, 13.oust, 14.how, 15.adds, 17.none, 20.Ted’s, 21.teen Down:1.sad, 2.you, 4.air, 5.lab, 7.round, 8.moths, 9.crown, 10.arson, 15.ALT, 16.dad, 18.one, 19.eon

PRICE

268,648 289,992 304,641 334,123 401,639 444,184 483,975 790,100 606,461 661,631 754,930 877,748 993,249 967,686 1,074,547 1,812,688

For details contact: Urban Station, Near NSC Petrol Pump, 6th Mile Dimapur. Ph No : 240994 CURRENCY EXCHANGE

CURRENCY NOTES US Dollars Sterling Pound Hong Kong Dollar Japanese Yen /1000 Malaysian Ringtt Singapore Dollar Thai Bhat / 100 U.A.E. Dirhams Euro

BUY(Rs) 48.16 79.25 5.36 468.43 12.40 30.27 136.70 12.34 62.30

SELL(Rs) 50.61 83.49 7.34 517.54 15.36 35.37 148.20 14.41 65.48

REGIONAL

The Morung Express

Saturday 25 October 2008

Dimapur

denies vaccine Matrilineal society impresses Patil toAssam blame for infant deaths

SHILLONG, OCTOBER 24 (THE ASSAM TRIBUNE): The Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed force who retained her surname even after her marriage to Dr Devisingh Ramsingh Shekhawat, President Prathibha Devisingh Patil was today “highly impressed” by the matrilineal society of Meghalaya. “This structure arises out of feeling that mother is the source of their race, who gives the very best that life needs to grow and prosper,” the President commented about the unique matrilineal society of Meghalaya. After assuming office she has brought in a “touch of feminine care and motherhood” to the Rashtrapathi Bhavan that was never there before, a member of the President’s elite entourage said. The first Indian citizen said that matrilineal societies have given women a “place of primacy.” Patil stressed the importance of women’s education for the “overall development” of the nation-state. She said women empowerment will take the country to

a fast-pace development. In Shillong, there is a buzz about the woman-President’s visit. Women of all ages patiently queued up all along the street yesterday to have a glimpse of the first woman President of India. One of them a school teacher at Mawphlang, Geradol Nora Malngiang, said:” We are from a matrilineal society where women are supposed to be powerful. Ironically, we don’t have any women in a power position like her in the state.” Ampareen Lyngdoh, the lone legislator in the 60member House, echoed the school teacher: “yes, her visit would surely encourage the women folk in Meghalaya to be active participants in key decision making process in the state and country.” “If Pratibha Patil, a woman from the patrilineal society can become India’s President, why not women folks in Meghalaya’s matrilineal society scale equal heights,” Lyngdoh said. Lyngdoh added that she had requested the President

on the need to provide more platforms for “political empowerment of women” and setting up of women study centre in the North Eastern Hills University.” Meghalaya being a matrilineal society, never had more than three women legislators in one term and this time the 60-member is being represented by the lone Ampareen Lyngdoh. However, Meghalaya has also sent its youngest woman Member of Parliament Agatha K Sangma in the last Tura Lok Sabha by-election. Meanwhile, the deputy press secretary of the President Nitin Wakankar told The Assam Tribune that the President is “very passionate about “women’s empowerment and education.” “President Patil would probably be known for her passion for women empowerment, education and children welfare much as what former President Abdul Kalam’s is known today for his 20-20 vision and youth,” Wakankar opined.

“Do you know what will be the consequences”

From page 1 I hid myself under the staircase. The crowd was shouting ‘where is that sister, come let us rape her, at least 100 people should rape’. They found me under the staircase and took me out to the road. There I saw Father Chellan was kneeling down and the crowd was beating him. They were searching for a rope to tie us both together to burn us in the fire. Someone suggested to make us parade naked. They made us to walk on the road till Nuagaon market which was half kilometre from there. They made to fold our hands and walk. I was with petticoat and saree as they had already torn away my blouse and undergarments. They tried to strip even there and I resisted and they went on beating me with hands on my cheeks and head, and with sticks on my back several times. When we reached the market place, about a dozen of Orissa State Armed Police (OSAP) policemen were there. I went to them asking to protect me and I sat between two policemen but they did not move. One from the crowd again pulled out from there and they wanted to look us in their temple mandap. The crowd led me and Father Chellan to the Nuagaon block building saying that they will hand us over to the BDO. From there, along with the block officer the mob took us to police outpost Nuagaon, other policemen remained far. The mob said that they will come back after eating and one of them who attacked me remained at the police outpost. Policemen then came to police outpost. They were talking very friendly

Maoist and RPF forge alliance IMPHAL, OCTOBER 24 (AGENCIES): In a significant development that could have far reaching consequences on insurgency and left-wing extremism in the country, the CPI (Maoist) operating in heartland India have joined hands with Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF) of Manipur. The RPF and its armed wing People’s Liberation Army is one of the main armed opposition groups operating in Manipur against what it calls “Indian occupation.” A joint declaration by the two groups released here today said the decision to jointly fight the Indian government was taken unanimously in a meeting held at the Council HQ of RPF of 21-22 October 2008. The declaration is jointly signed by political bureau member Alok on behalf of CPI(Maoist) and by secretary general of the RPF, S Gunen. The joint declarations says both sides have agreed to mutually honour and support the sovereignty of “India and Manipur”, to extend full moral and political support to each other in the struggle to overthrow the “common enemy” and lastly to recognise and honour the historically endorsed territorial integrity of the two “countries”, India and Manipur.

with the man who had attacked me and stayed back. In police outpost, we remained until the inspector incharge of Balliguda with his police team came and took us straight to Balliguda. They were afraid to take us straight to the police station and they kept us sometimes in jeep in the garage, from there they brought us to the station. The inspector incharge and other two government officers took me privately and asked whatever happened to me. I narrated everything in detail to the police, how I was attacked, raped, taken away from policemen, paraded half-naked and how the policemen did not help me when I asked for help while weeping bitterly. I saw the inspector writing down. The inspector asked me “are you interested in filing FIR? Do you know what will be the consequences?” At about 10 pm, I was taken for medical check-up accompanied by a lady police officer to Balliguda Hospital. They were afraid to keep us in police station, saying that the mob may attack police station. So the police took us to the IB (Inspection Bungalow) where CRPF men were camping. On 26/8/08 around 9 AM, we were taken to Balliguda police station. When I was writing the FIR, the Inspector incharge asked me to hurry up and not to write in detail. When I started writing about the police the inspector told me this is not the way to write FIR, “Make it short.” So I rewrote it for the third time in one and a half page. I filed the FIR but I was not given a copy of it.” Source: PTI

Prez inaugurates airport at Tura

GUWAHATI, OCTOBER 24 (AGENCIES): President Pratibha Devisingh Patil on Thursday inaugurated and dedicated the second airport of Meghalaya — the Baljek airport at Tura in West Garo Hills district, to people of the State and nation. She congratulated the Meghalaya government for building the airport and hoped that it would provide connectivity to that part of the State and rest of the nation. “The opening of this airport should encourage tourism which is an important engine for growth. This will help people from other parts of the country to visit the beautiful Garo Hills to enjoy its great scenic beauty, its cultural heritage and interact with the local population, which is known for its friendly attitude,” said Ms. Patil in her speech delivered at the inaugural ceremony. She said the airport should also make it possible to send some of the local produce outside. “I hope that perishable goods, will now reach new markets faster. I am told that the flowers — orchids and Anthuriums, some of my favourites, grow well in this part of Meghalaya. We would see these flowers from here going to different parts of In-

‘No health snag in Uranium mining’ From page 1 He did, without taking names, raise opposition to the Left and BJP parties attempting to block or stall, respectively, the recent nuclear deal. “We are not mining (uranium) at the speed we want.” India is blessed with modest quantities of uranium but has large reserves of thorium, which, unfortunately, cannot be fed directly to reactors. Giving a detailed presentation, by taking into comparison areas which emit much higher levels of radiation, Dr. R Mohanty, Regional Director of Atomic Minerals Directorate (AMD) stationed in Shillong, said the radiation level in Meghalaya was well within prescribed limits after comparing data with World Health Organization (WHO) parameters. The “guys” at the regional centre of the AMD had discovered high quality uranium in Meghalaya in 1984. Those against mining are still skeptical over whether the UCIL will hold good its promise of digging the ore scientifically. Health concerns still abound.

‘Hydrogen is the future transport fuel’

Scientists are burning the midnight lamp to effectively produce hydrogen as the fuel for transportation, according to S K Malhotra, head of the Public Awareness Division, Bhabha Atomic Resource Centre. The conversion of hydrogen into fuel is a two-step cycle, unlike that of carbon which levies a heavy toll on Mother Nature, he explained. Hydrogen and oxygen can be disassociated from water and hydrogen fuel can be burned back to water, thus making it a recyclable fuel.

Govt. of India Central Hindi Directorate Attention Authors/Publishers Purchase of Hindi Books & Magazines Central Hindi Directorate distributes Hindi books and magazines free of cost to educational institutions and voluntary Hindi organisations situated in the Non-Hindi speaking areas of the country. For this purpose, Central Hindi Directorate has decided to purchase standard Hindi Magazines and popular books, original as well as translation pertaining to literature, humanities and science. (1. Narrative literature (Novel or Story), 2. Play and Poetry, 3. Essay, Rekha Chitra & Traveling Memories, 4. Biography and Autobiography, 5. Books based on popular science, general knowledge and environment, 6. Critique, 7. Games). The books should be presentable and of attractive get-up. Under this scheme, entries are invited from Writers & Publishers for the year 2008-09. Main terms and conditions of Book/Magazine purchase are as under: 1. One copy each of latest two different issues of magazine and one copy of book should be sent free of cost for consideration, which will not be returned. 2. Each publisher can submit up to 8 books published by them and writer can submit upto 3 books. 3. Each submitted books should bear ISBN and it will not be applicable to the writers. 4. Books must have been published during the last five years but not published by the grant taken from some Govt. Institution/N.G.O. 5. The following information regarding the book should be written on a separate sheet pasted on the inner page of the book, an additional copy of below mentioned detail should be submitted to Central Hindi Directorate along with the book. (i) Title (ii) Subject (iii) Name of genre (vidha) (iv) Publishers name and address ISBN (v) Publication year (vi) Printed Price (vii) Discount (viii) Name & Address of author of the book if submitted to the author. (ix) A certificate duly signed to the effect that the book has not been purchased by CENTRAL HINDI DIRECTORATE so far and it is their own publication but not published by the grant taken from some Govt. Institution/N.G.O. (x) In case of magazine, yearly subscription and the periodicity should be given. 6. Only printed price on the body of the book will be accepted and written/pasted/ stamped or price printed on the jacket/catalogue will not be considered. 7. (a) In case of books, a Minimum/Maximum of 25% discount will be accepted. However, suitable books with a higher discount will be preferred. (b) In case of magazine, discount is not accepted. However, packing and postage charges etc are to be borne by the publishers. 8. The title of the book should be printed on each page of the book. 9. Last date of receipt of Books/Magazines is within one month from the date of publication of advertisement. Books, under any circumstances, received after the last date, will not be considered. Note: The decision of Government of India regarding the selection and purchase of books and magazines will be final and binding. PAN of publishers will be required at the time of submission of books selected by the books selection committee. Intimation regarding books and magazines selected for purchase will be given. No Correspondence will be entertained in respect of other books. Only Authors/publishers can submit their own books. Canvassing in any form in this regard will not be entertained. Books/Magazines for consideration may be submitted to Assistant Director (Distribution) Central Hindi Directorate, Min of Human Resource Development, (Department of Higher Education), West Block No-7, R.K. Puram, New Delhi- 110066 It has been noted that certain publishers are submitting books under different banners to circumvent prescribed conditions and also conceal the facts. This is not acceptable and wherever such instances are detected the firms will be blacklisted and no further purchase will be made from them. davp 21252/11/0003/0809

dia and also overseas, once flights start operating. I hope that the airport will contribute to the growth and prosperity of the State and its people,” she added. Earlier in her speech at a civic reception at Tura, Ms. Patil said she had been deeply impressed by the beauty of Meghalaya, its undulating hills, meandering rivers and its lush green forests and had been touched by the hospitability and the warmth of the charming and friendly people of the State. She said in order to have growth that is sustainable, it would be important to build infrastructure in a manner that overcomes the obstacles of low connectivity and difficult hilly terrain. Equal focus should be on building the skills and capacity of the people who would be the drivers as well as the beneficiaries of growth. It is important that growth is inclusive and is responsive to the needs of all, particularly the weaker sections. Meghalaya’s future economic growth must pursue agriculture, agro-industries, employment opportunities, environment protection, building infrastructure networks and industrial progress in a sustainable manner, she said.

GUWAHATI, OCTOBER 24 (AGENCIES): A day after the death of four infants soon after being administered the measles vaccine in Baska district in Lower Assam, the state Government has dismissed allegations that the deaths were caused by the vaccine. “Measles vaccines are prepared by the Human Biological Institute at Hyderabad, and they have no past history of causing death to human beings,” Assam health minister Himanta Biswa Sharma said here on Thursday. The infants have been identified as Prabin Barman (1 year), December Barla (11 months), Bhagyashri Swargiari (9 months) and Bikash Dorjee (1 year). All of them belonged to four different villages that are under jurisdiction of the Nimua PHC. Sharma indicated that the deaths could be related to the high infant mortality rate (IMR) prevalent in the state. “Assam has a mortality rate of 66 per 1,000 live births. These kinds of deaths will continue to occur until the IMR is brought down drastically to three or four,” the minister said. Assam’s infant mortality rate has been pegged as the fourth highest in the country by the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) III while the Sample Registration Survey (SRS) of 2007 put it at 66 against a national av-

erage of 55 per 1,000 live births. The IMR in rural Assam is even higher at 70. A UNICEF estimate released here last week, on the other hand, had said that as many as 132 infants die in Assam daily. Coupled with the estimate of 175 children below five also dying every day, the total number of children who die in Assam comes to an alarming 307 per day. “The government is 100 per cent sure that the deaths were not caused by the measles vaccine,” health minister Sharma said. “I have consulted at least 50 pediatricians including the head of the department in the Guwahati Medical College, and everybody is of the same opinion that vaccines do not cause deaths,” he said. Over 5,000 infants had been administered the vaccine in health centres across the state. “If it had some problem, then there would have been more deaths,” he added. Meanwhile, a five-member team dispatched by the Union Health Ministry that arrived on Thursday went to Baska and made an assessment of the situation apart from taking statements of doctors, nurses and other healthcare staff in all the subcentres under Nimua PHC. The state government has also sent a three-member team to the district. The state government announced an ex gratia of Rs one lakh to the parents of the infants.

adds colours Manipur blast causes public anger GenX on the Runway IMPHAL, OCTOBER 24 (NDTV): Seventeen people were killed when a powerful bomb went off in Imphal on Tuesday night. It was one of the worst terror strikes Manipur has seen in recent times. A day after the powerful blast hit Imphal it was life as usual but there’s anguish against militants and the government at the same time. “We don’t want security forces, they can’t protect us. Let us be alone,” said a victim’s relative. In the last one year the civil society in Manipur has been very vocal in its protest against militant threats and diktats. “Last night’s blast was an attempt to scare away the common peoples’ protest against insurgency. But for someone who’s seen this for 40 years I can tell you people won’t be scared,” said Professor Gangumei, resident, Imphal.

Militancy a way of life in Imphal

IMPHAL, OCTOBER 24 (NDTV): Militancy and underground activities have become a way of life in Manipur. However, that compromises security, which is the basic right of a citizen. Following Monday’s evening’s blast, which killed 17 people, a combined army and police search operation was conducted in a hotel in Imphal. Militant strikes on one hand and military operations on the other are part of Manipur’s daily life. Dr Mohen Singh, who runs the biggest hospital in the state, has been attacked five times and threatened several times more. “Fortunately our society resumes normalcy the next day. People are habituated. We are accustomed to it but it is upon the government to prevent such strikes. Of course people are anguished and disgusted, said Dr Singh. Ironically, security forces claim the situation is under control. “In spite of a large number of groups here in Manipur, almost 17 to 18 and large number of underground activities going on, if you see the number of casualties, it is very marginal. The other security norms, the functioning, the administration has to improve to a great extent,” said A K Choudhary, IG, Assam Rifles (south). Fear is an everyday emotion in the region. The basic right of security to a citizen has been completely denied and there has been no semblance of governance or law and order in Manipur for decades. If a road is to be drawn for the state, it has to take into account that there cannot be a template for countering insurgency across the country. Counter Insurgency has to be area specific or region specific.

From page 1 You can wear the clothes with whatever you want,” said Jasleen. And in what seemed like a complete turnaround from the Spring/ Summer collection, Abdul Halder and Swati Bhimte took it on their own hands to create a season way ahead or before its time. With woolen pants, sweaters and leggings, the audience pretty much had a lot of doubt in their minds when it cam to seasons and its showing. “I had an association with Levis and they wanted me to come up with a Autumn/ winter collection so did,” said Swati Bhimte. While Abdul Halder stuck to very gnarly and a gash of shocking shades of orange red and blue with heavy glittery embellishments, Swapnil Shinde went back to architectural designs.

IN-FOCUS

The Power of Truth

The Morung Express SATURDAY 25 OCTOBER 2008 VOL. III ISSUE 296

Imagination

t continues to be the deep felt anguish and yearning of the Nagas to move from a point of uncertainty to stability and from fragile peace to one where sustainable peace is with dignity. The challenge of course is to invoke the spirit of critical imagination so that Nagas become confident as a people to creatively explore a strategic praxis of transformation. While it is crucial that Nagas are hopeful in their pursuit for peace with dignity, hope should however not be confused with strategic planning to achieve their goals. Hope can be said to be the collective optimism and belief to fulfill a stipulated destination. Hope is fundamental in enabling a people to propel themselves towards their destiny with self-confidence and resolve. Hope therefore is a state of consciousness that realizes the imperativeness to move from inaction to action. Yet, hope cannot and is not to be misinterpreted as a substitute to strategic planning. After all, hope is not an end; it is simply a condition of heightened consciousness and realization which has moved the human spirit to do the extraordinary. It will be fair to say that hope is therefore an essential virtue for the Nagas in their efforts to transcend the prevailing dogmatic status quo. Indeed it is hope that has heightened the collective yearning to want a fuller humanity. Nonetheless, just hope in itself is incomplete. In actuality, it is in the very nature of hope to be accompanied by an imaginative process of creation that demands a strategic process of moving from the present to the future. It is in the area of strategic planning that Nagas as a people have collectively failed; only to have its hopes belied by the conditions of time. Only an unimaginative mind unwilling to engage in critical dialogue will function on the erroneous assumption that hope will carry the people through to the destination. But it is not too late to salvage the process of creating an initiative that would help put together an imaginative and strategic framework that would once again give the Nagas some sense of hope to construct a pathway towards a shared humanity. Pertinent to this process is the need to engaged in critical dialogue and collectively identify the various ingredients required for Nagas to move forward. Essentially, there is no doubt that Nagas need to move from the prevailing monologue to a democratic space of dialogue where the diverse voices that make up the Naga realm are engaged in a serious process of self-criticism that would lead to remedial procedures, which should ensure the re-establishment of the Naga ethos of life. This demands working at different levels of society on multiple issues. For instance, just limiting initiatives to resolution and reconciliation is not sufficient. In fact to sustain the initiative towards both these two objectives, the need for reconstruction is of vital necessity. It is not hope that will transport us to resolution, reconciliation and reconstruction of Naga society and ethos of life. What is required is strategic planning by way of critical dialogue and prophetic imagination. But yes, to make this dialogue possible within and without the society, it is important that the spirit of hope guides this process which is meant to lead us to the future. Let us begin with some imagination!

LEFT WING |

Diana Bletter

Talking to the Other

t was a few days after the recent riots in Acre, Israel - a 10minute drive from my house - and my youngest son and I were walking through the winding alleys of the souk in this ancient city. There were several reasons why this was not such a smart idea. The riots pitched Arabs against Jews, the souk is predominantly Arab, and neither Ari nor I look the part. But I wanted to go to eat humus at Said’s Restaurant, the souk’s most famous eatery. More crucially, I wanted to step over the invisible divide that has cleaved the city in two. The riots began on Oct. 8 after Yom Kippur services had just ended. People and children were milling about on streets in Acre that had become pedestrian zones for the night. An Arab man drove through a Jewish neighborhood - witnesses say he was driving recklessly - and Jews surrounded his car and threw rocks. Perhaps the Jews overreacted, but people were wary: Last year on Yom Kippur an Arab driver deliberately drove his vehicle through a similar crowd in a nearby town and killed a nine-year-old girl. The latest incident left the driver unhurt but a rumor spread that he had been killed and Arab-instigated riots began. The first night, Arabs shouted “Death to the Jews,” and smashed cars and store windows. The following two nights, Jews shouted “Death to the Arabs,” and threw Molotov cocktails into several Arab homes. As a well-seasoned peace protestor who grew up listening to John Lennon’s “Imagine,” I felt heartsick. I moved to Israel in 1991 thinking we can overcome, and yet I’m confronted daily with how much hatred and hurt there still is to overcome. Jewish friends in Acre complain that their daughters cannot walk alone down the streets because Arab teenagers harass them (I’ve seen it happen). Arabs friends say that religious Jewish families are moving into Acre not so much for the real estate or for reconciliation but as a political move with no sensitivity toward their neighbors (I’ve seen that happen, too). What could I do? I attended an emergency meeting of my Acre peace group consisting of Jewish, Muslim, Christian and Druze women and we talked about rising religious extremism and fanaticism. We made plans to organize more meetings and workshops to bring both sides together. And the only other thing I could think of doing was...to eat humus. There had been calls during the riots for Jews to boycott Arab businesses. Going to the souk, therefore, was not only a culinary outing but also an act of good will, an attempt to start the reconciliation process all over again. As we walked through the passageway, normally crowded with noise and sounds and jostling but now eerily empty, I felt that my son Ari and I were goodwill ambassadors. He’s also aware that people’s lives in this country are intertwined. I’ve tried to teach him and his siblings tolerance and the importance of communicating with “the other,” which is why Ari began studying Arabic. Not for use in the military (he just finished his three-year service in the Israel Defense Forces), but because he wanted to speak the language of his fellow countrymen. So there we were, eating humus at Said’s. On an ordinary day, we’d have to wait a long while for a table but now we sat right down among Said’s diverse crowd of Arabs and Jews. Ari talked and joked in Arabic to the waiters and to Sultan, the owner’s son (who sometimes plays soccer with my oldest son and stepson), and I was kvelling over the linguistic skills of my nice Americanborn Jewish son. After we left, we stepped into another store to buy a can opener. Ari spoke in Arabic to the store owner, who began searching for the opener. Then I stopped dead in my tracks. In front of me was a map that looked like Israel with Arabic writing and the date 1948. To me, that date represents the birth of Israel, my adopted country. But it was obvious that the map showed the land without Israel, thereby erasing our existence from reality. This wasn’t a map of nostalgia, I realized, it was a map of negation. So there I stood listening to my son chat away with the owner who said he didn’t have a can opener but he’d be happy to order us one. I stood there trying my utmost to hold onto my naïve belief that we can work it out while feeling deep down that our predicament is far too overwhelming for a couple of well-meaning folks to tackle.

THE EDIT PAGE

C O M M E N T A R Y

Matt Crook

East Timor tries to buy some time

he streets of Dili are quiet - for now. Clashes between rival gangs have subsided and thousands have finally returned to their homes after fleeing the fighting that erupted in East Timor in 2006. But behind the veneer of calm, the entrenched conflicts that sparked that street violence simmer. The opposition Revolutionary Front for an Independent East Timor (FRETILIN) is engaged in a war of words with East Timor’s Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao. For weeks, FRETILIN members have promised - without announcing a date - to hold a “peace march” in Dili, which many fear could instigate new clashes. Fueling the fire, Gusmao threatened on Monday to arrest any antigovernment protesters who joined such a march. United Nations troops are preparing to pull out of East Timor, but there are rising concerns that the new island country’s national police force, the Policia Nacional de Timor-Leste (PNTL), is woefully ill-prepared to take over their security responsibilities, despite a series of UN training programs. East Timor is once again at a potential tipping point, with fears that political friction, police factionalism, an eastwest divide, police-military animosity and high unemployment could lead to a repeat of the 2006 violence, when 37 people were killed and up to 150,000 fled their homes. East Timor’s history has been plagued with infighting, which until 1999 was directed mainly at Indonesian occupiers. FRETILIN is still irked: after winning the popular vote in the 2007 parliamentary election the party watched rival Jose Ramos-Horta form a coalition government led by the second placing party, the National Congress for Timorese Reconstruction (CNRT). FRETILIN secretary general Mari Alkatiri said in an interview, “We never recognize the government because we won the election and the president of the parliament decided to invite the secondmost-voted party to form the government. We want to have a government that can rule our country without corruption, without nepotism and with competency.” The purpose of the FRETILIN-proposed peace march is to push for new

elections, as well as to “show clearly who is who in this country and who has the most support from the people and to prove that this government has no legitimacy,” Alkatiri said. FRETILIN’s has little to gain should its proposed march devolve into anarchy, but there are other worrisome factors that could lead to new rounds of violence. Much rides on the PNTL’s ability to handle a demonstration and the possibility of riots, analysts say. PNTL Operational Commander Mateus Fernandes said in an interview that his men are “100% ready to hold security”. The PNTL, which has 3,194 officers and about 500 based in Dili, has found it difficult to handle even minor public disturbances. At a student protest in June, PNTL officers fired tear gas and made 51 arrests. At a job fair held earlier this month, warning shots were fired as a group of jobseekers broke through a barricade. Later, at a pop concert on October 15, PNTL officers struggled to deal with a heaving crowd of young men, occasionally beating them back with batons. The PNTL was established in 2002 by the UN, at the time the new country’s transitional governing authority. Supporting the PNTL now are 2,600 UN Police (UNPOL) and International Stabilization Force (ISF) troops stationed throughout the country. But even with that aid and armed presence, the PTNL has been strained to maintain law and order during volatile situations. Some security experts point to alleged shortcomings of the UN’s training of the PNTL, which aimed to build it rapidly into a credible, professional force. The UN has a mandate until mid-February, although the handover of power to local forces is unlikely to take place until mid-2009. There is an alphabet soup of factions within the PNTL, including the UIR, URP, UPF, SIP, CSP, NID, each wearing a different uniform and resulting in parallel policing with different police groups operating independently. Some believe divisions between these factions would make it difficult for the PNTL to launch a cohesive response to major future disturbances. “PNTL do their own thing. Some of them work with UNPOL, some of them don’t. Even with UNPOL

here, there were still weeks when it was complete anarchy,” said a security expert from a non-governmental organization based in Dili. “The PNTL and the military have pointed weapons at UNPOL on many occasions and told them to get lost. Once those things start to happen, you can’t go back and reverse it.” East-west divide The problems don’t end there, however. Tensions have recently intensified in Dili with the circulation of an anonymous leaflet threatening violence against the government if someone from the eastern region of the country is appointed as the new police commander in November. The leaflet also airs perennial complaints about discrimination in the government structure favoring those who hail from the east side of the country over those from the west. Nobody has claimed responsibility for the letter and the government has been cagey about its relevance. State Secretary for Security Francisco Gutteres said, “I don’t believe the leaflet is a concern, although we still have no idea who wrote it.” The east-west regional divide was highlighted in 2006 when Brigadier-General Taur Matan Ruak fired 600 mostly western soldiers, known as the Petitioners, after they abandoned their posts to protest against alleged discrimination in rank promotions. The controversial move was known to be supported by Alkatiri. That pique played a large part in the violence that later erupted, where clashes between the police, army, youth groups and others spilled onto the streets and international peacekeepers were called on to help restore order. Ramos-Horta and Gusmao were at the time both engaged in a political battle with Alkatiri and both played the Petitioner’s grievances to their political advantage, including through organized protests and a nationally televised address criticizing the military’s move. East Timor’s armed forces, the Falintil-Forcas de Defesa de Timor Leste (F-FDTL), now comprises soldiers mostly from the country’s eastern region, where Ruak is known to have considerable support. At the same time, he faces possible prosecution for his role in arming civilians during the 2006 riots.

A UN-commissioned report found that Ruak provided weapons to former freedom fighters that had been part of the Forcas Armadas da Libertacao Nacional de Timor-Leste (Falintil), FRETILIN’s former military wing. Whether Ruak will ever be prosecuted is up in the air, with fears that if there were tension between the army and the police could lead to new clashes. Two years later, the grievances of the Petitioners have yet to be resolved. Those who were fired by the government have received lump-sum payoffs, which have kept them quiet, although the issue of discrimination was never addressed. Meanwhile, military members who stayed loyal to their posts are left disillusioned that the soldiers they see as traitors have received handsome payouts. Ramos-Horta’s and Gusmao’s government has increasingly taken to paying people in a bid to smooth tensions. For instance, displaced citizens have received funds in the form of government-provided recovery packages, usually between $500 and $4,500 per family. However, deals still need to be made with the people who have been squatting in the houses of the displaced on their return. Just as crucial to Dili’s stability are the Timorese gangs and martial arts groups that played a significant role in the 2006 violence. Unemployment in Dili is staggering, with more than 40% for the 20-24 year-old demographic jobless. Their prospects are constrained by low education levels, as less than 50% of the country’s children make it through six years of learning. The education gap is open to manipulation and youthful frustrations have previously been expressed through violence. Peace negotiations between rivals gangs and the introduction of a PNTL special task force in 2007 has so far held a tenuous peace, but with such a large group of disenfranchised youth, the issues that drove them to the streets two years ago are still in place. It’s unclear whether FRETILIN has the support or funds to stage a mass protest to mobilize these groups to its cause, but with so much else bubbling beneath the surface, East Timor’s future as a stable, independent nation is still very much in doubt.

THE NEXT PRIME MINISTER? Khushwant Singh

anmohan Singh did well in saying that it was not yet time to decide whether or not he would run for a second term. There are still a few months to go before the next general election and the political scenario may change. He did even better by saying that there were others in his party as well, if not better-qualified than he to be Prime Ministers. He is a modest man not given to boasting. There are Pranab Mukherjee, Chidambaram, Kamal Nath, Arjun Singh and Kapil Sibal who have as much right to stake their claims to the top post as he. There are also outsiders like Digvijay Singh who have to be taken into reckoning. We are all aware that the final decision will rest with the President of the Congress Party. She knows our countrymen are not yet willing to have a foreign-born Indian at the helm of affairs. This is unfortunate but true. It is more than likely that she will choose Manmohan Singh for a second term because she can trust him and values his construction to the country. She will have to find him a safe constituency from where he can be elected to the Lok Sabha. Manmohan Singh has his plus and minus points. A comparison with Pandit Nehru, our first and best Prime Minister, are pertinent. Nehru had a rich father who sent him to Harrow and Cambridge university. Manmohan comes from a poor family and won his way to Cambridge on scholarships and got the highest academic distinction. Nehru had no experience of administration. Manmohan Singh is a distinguished economist, has been a teacher, worked for the World Bank, was Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, head of the Planning Commission and Finance Min-

ister. Nehru made some miscalculations in planning his economic policies. Manmohan had a clear vision of what the country needed and put them into effect. Nehru indulged in nepotism and cronyism. He imposed men like Krishna Menon on the country, appointed his sister Vijaylakshmi Pandit as governor and ambassador. He appointed Padmaja Naidu as governor. Manmohan has shown no favour to his relations or friends; he has no cronies. Most people don’t even know that he has three daughters, all highly educated. There is not a breath of scandal of financial skulduggery associated with his name. Singh’s minus points should also be kept in mind. He has no constituency or political base. He will have to rely heavily on Sonia and Rahul Gandhi to win votes for the Congress Party to put him back in the Prime Ministerial chair. He has little charisma. He is not the paradigm of a martial sardar. He is not a great orator. He is very measured in his speech, never shoots his mouth, shouts slogans or inWRITE dulges in rhetoric as most politicians do. The principal contender for the post of the Prime Minister will be ex-Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani of the BJP. Since the time his party lost the last election, he has been prophesying Manmohan Singh’s imminent downfall, called him nikamma (useless). His record as far as money-making and kunbaprasthi (nepotism) is concerned is above reproach. He is also a good debater. The one thing I have against him is fouling the communal atmosphere in the country. He was the principal architect of the destruction of the Babri Masjid. All that has followed — bomb blasts in public places, attacks in trains, the pogrom of Muslims in Gujarat can be traced back to the horrendous crime committed in Ayodhya, and the

fact that none of those who took part in it were punished. I have said many times and say it again: crime unpunished breeds criminals. The fall of the Babri Masjid has bred criminals, both Hindu and Muslim. Advani has to atone for his sins. Of the BJP leaders the only other possible contenders for the post of Prime Minister that I can think of are Narendra Modi, Arun Jaitley, Vasundhara Raje, Jaswant Singh and Yashwant Sinha. All of them will have to cope with the minority animosity against Advani. The Left parties are not likely to have a candidate of their own, but in combination with other parties may pick on Somnath Chatterjee, as the most acceptable candidate. And finally there are the two ladies, Mayawati and Jayalalitha, with ambitions and firm political bases. Both ladies have ego problems and lack national vision: their willingness to be deified may be their undoing. At the moment, it seems the cards are stacked in favour of Manmohan Singh to pre-eminence and his performance as the -WING leader of the nation, one rarely hears sardarji jokes which portrayed them as simpleminded buffoons and the only culture they knew was agriculture or soldiering. In his own quiet and unassuming manner he has gained respect for his community as well. Bomb terror and mob terror How long and how many lives will be lost In one after the other serial bomb blast? Will it be till our towns and cities vanish, Asks a nation dazed and aghast. How long shall we out of fear die? How long shall we go on blaming the ISI? How long will the State its duty skirt? How many times shall we declare high alert? And who will answer this uneasy question: Have Gujarat riots and Babri demolition

No connection with our young and bright jehadis’ perception, Their underground wrath, their evil intention, Of unleashing death and destruction? And with churches all across the country burnt, Has the Parivar any lesson learnt? (Courtesy: Kuldip Salil, Delhi) Deafness Teacher: “What do you call a person who cannot hear anything? Student: You can call him anything and even abuse him, because he cannot hear you.”

Letters to the Editor D.C lauded for settlement of twenty years land dispute •Sir- Dimapur District GB’s Association appreciates Dimapur D.C Maongwati Aier for his dynamic administrations for peaceful and amicable settlement of last 20 (twenty) years land dispute case pending between Aoyimkum Village and Dikoi Village, whereas Aoyimkum Village and Dikoi Village also agreed the decision of good well gesture and to live co-existence peacefully between two villages. We wish D.C Dimapur to continue his wisdom and also convey Aoyimkum Village and Dikoi Village to live as peacefull neighbour. M.Y Ngullie President, Dimapur District GB’S Association T. Onen Jamir, General Secretary, Dimapur District GB’s Association

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

SATURDAY

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

25 OCTOBER 2008

PERSPECTIVE NEWS ANALYSIS, FEATURE AND DISCOURSE

The issues of Climate and Global Warming have today become the greatest challenge to the human strive for its continued and dignified existence. Together, they impact every aspect of life on earth and constitute a threat like never before in human history. Therefore in our humble attempt to create public awareness that will result in public action, the Morung for Indigenous Affairs and JustPeace in partnership with LEAD, is introducing the weekly Climate Change Corner, which will be published every Saturday. Hope you will find it useful.

Community and Climate Change Ella Mary, Climate Change LEADer

Tata Does Ethical U-Turn Praful Bidwai

Inter Press Service

ata Motors' decision to shift the production site of its low-cost, iconic Nano car from communist-ruled West Bengal state to Gujarat - scene of the 2002 anti-Muslim pogrom - has caused consternation and dismay among liberals and secularminded people all over India. The decision was taken personally by Ratan Tata, the company's chairman and one of India's best-known and most well regarded industrialists. Tata Motors hit world headlines in June when it acquired the British luxury automobile manufacturer Jaguar Cars and Land Rover from Ford. Six years ago, Gujarat was the scene of the worst massacre of a religious minority in India since its independence in 1947, which was allegedly conducted with state complicity and collusion. Over 2,000 Muslims were burned, stabbed or hacked to death and many more raped in an orgy of violence which spread across several cities in Gujarat. The violence was purportedly carried out in revenge for the deaths of 59 Hindu activists in a fire on a railway coach at Godhra in central Gujarat at the end of February, 2002. Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi, from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), justified the butchery as a natural "reaction" to the original action, which he claimed was a planned act of "terrorism" and a Muslim conspiracy. An expert commission appointed by the railways later found the fire was accidental. Modi's police refused to save the lives of Muslims who begged for help. Some of his ministers and BJP legislators also allegedly participated in the campaign of looting, arson and physical violence against Muslims or directed the killing and incited militant Hindu-chauvinist activists to take part in it. Modi, who came to be characterized as India's own Slobodan Milosevic - the former Yugoslav president - has been roundly condemned by secular and

democratically minded governments, and people all over the world. He has repeatedly been denied a visa by the United States, most recently this year. Many are dismayed at the Tata Group's move to Gujarat because it is reputed to be an enlightened, liberal-minded, secular and ethical firm, not driven by profit alone. The main reason cited by the Tata Group for its decision to relocate the Nano factory was a land dispute over 1,000 acres (404 hectare) needed for its plant, which was led by opposition leader Mamata Banerjee. The decision followed a month of violent demonstrations by activists and evicted farmers who complained they were forced to give up their land for a pittance to make room for the factory. "But that alone cannot explain the move," said Zakia Jowher, from the Bharatiya Muslim Mahila Andolan, an organization for Muslim women campaigning against religious-chauvinist politics, which has long been active amongst the victims of the 2002 violence. "The West Bengal government was extremely keen on the Nano project,''Johwer said. ''Some alternative land acquisition formulas were proposed, which would have marginally raised project costs, but increased the compensation to farmers/sharecroppers. Tata Motors summarily rejected these." Ratan Tata said Gujarat offered him incentives and concessions that were even better than those given by West Bengal, said Jowher. The favorable treatment given to the Tata Group by West Bengal's communist-led government attracted criticism from its own supporters and sympathizers, like former finance minister and eminent economist Ashok Mitra. The car project was offered full exemption from excise duty for 10 years and from income tax for five years, and land at virtually throwaway prices. Mitra estimates that these concessions totaled the equivalent of US$171 million, or roughly half the cost of the project. Yet, while moving the factory, Ratan Tata eloquently made a distinction between the "Bad M" (Mamata) and the "Good M" (Modi). The Tata Group has effectively endorsed Narendra Modi's pur-

ported image as a dynamic, no-nonsense leader, and validated what the BJP calls the "Gujarat Model" of development. Critics regard the model as growth based on haphazard industrial expansion, at the expense of human rights violations and environmental destruction. "The Tatas were probably confident that Modi's ruthlessness, repressive labor policies, and despotically imposed 'stability' would ensure the project's smooth implementation,'' Jowher said. Secular activists like Jowher are upset that Tata has lent legitimacy to Modi's brand of politics. Last year, Ratan Tata had famously told businessmen: "You're stupid if you're not in Gujarat." Now, he has given Modi's "leadership" the stamp of approval. Social scientist Dilip Simeon, a senior fellow at the prestigious Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, said: "Tata has behaved like any other businessman - looking for low-risk investments and high profits. Within the logic of profit maximization, it is hard to fault him. But the Tatas are meant to be ethical and socially responsible. That's why people are shocked." The Tata Group's admirers attach a mystical value to the Nano as a great managerial/technological achievement, priced at just 100,000 rupees (about US$2,000) it is destined to become a middle class "dream machine". They believe Tata "can do no wrong". But this premise involves three propositions: Tata pioneered Indian industrialization by building a textile mill and India's first indigenous steel plant; it has an unblemished labor relations and environmental record; and it offers a model of corporate social responsibility. Tata has established textile and steel as nationalist enterprises, and it set up other industries. While the group's inhouse innovation has stagnated, it has expanded through aggressive acquisitions, like the $13 billion takeover of the Anglo-Dutch steelmaker Corus in 2006. Ever since he became the Tata chairman, Ratan Tata has tightened his family trust's hold on group companies. Under JRD Tata, holding company Tata Sons owned just 3% of their equity. Now,

it holds a controlling share. But the Tata Group's labor record is far from glorious, according to Simeon, who has documented it in his book, The Politics of Labor under Late Colonialism. In the 1920s and 1930s, "The Tata Steel management consciously used violence and intimidation to break up trade unions. It also promoted religious-identity based anti-union groups. This eventually disgusted nationalist leaders like Subhash Chandra Bose who had earlier supported the Tatas," said Simeon. In recent years, many Tata projects have been involved in environmental conflicts in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Jharkhand and Orissa. Ratan Tata has recently lobbied for Dow Chemical being allowed to escape its responsibility for the aftermath of the Bhopal disaster, an industrial incident which claimed as many as 8,000 lives, as the heir of Union Carbide. He wants Dow to be freed of its legal liability to clean up the contaminated plant site, which has poisoned water and affected 25,000 people. Implicit in the Nano factory's move to Gujarat is an endorsement of Modi's style of governance, and above all, sanctification of his vicious communal politics. The decision will be interpreted as an excuse to forget the reality of the massacre in 2002. The victims of the carnage continue to be denied justice, live in insecurity, and face all manner of harassment, including trumped-up charges, arbitrary arrest and detention. Tata's endorsement of Modi is in line with a long process of the Indian industrialist class "normalizing" Hindu communalism, and helping erase the memory of the pogrom. This is happening at a dangerous moment in India's evolution. Hindu-supremacist attacks on religious minorities are rising in the states of Orissa, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Muslims are also, according to widespread news reports, being victimized in the name of fighting terrorism. The Indian state has been criticized for showing little political will to stop this and bring the culprits to book despite India's survival as a pluralist, secular democracy hinging on this.

PEACE AND RECONCILIATION

hese two things are like husband and wife. They both coexist. God brought down Peace from Heaven in and through its Son-The Prince of peace (Isa.9:6.). At the same time lie had to have Reconciliation with the man through Christ-(Rom 5:10; 11:15; Efesa 2:16; 2 Korint 5:19). Peace comes from the heart. This Peace can come only from the Lord Jesus. No genuine peace can come from any other source. Infact, only a person who has the Grace and love of God can have the peace of God. In the human history no man or human organization has ever given Peace to any one, never, ever. The countries of the World, the churches or the societies or The UNO-have given no Peace to the nations of the World. Today’s predicament is, the politics has totally lost its essence; immorality; vices, and corruptions have dethroned it from its glory. The bedrocks of liberty and political democracy is the direct product of Peace and Reconciliation. The saddest thing, however, is that the politics is becoming an unstoppable threat to these bedrocks of liberty and democracy. The present political predicament has assumed all activities of conflicts, relating to leadership, the development and distribution of resources which has become inescapably political, ministerial, administrative, providing employments-at all levels. In these affairs, the haves and have nots-the winners and the loser will end up in disputes, and hence, Peace is distributed, often murdered. There are hardly any politician to pursue fairness and justice in public interest, to sink petty differences to promote Peace. In Nagaland, the people do not get there legitimate shares of the economic resources and the equitable employment opportunities, rather the political scoun-

drels take away everything from them even from their mouths, nay for the political conflicts they lose their innocent and precious lives. This kind of politics, devoid of ideology and principal, create injustice and inequality and exploitative situations resulting in conflicts which disturb peace. The politicians’ have to contain the vicious monster of greed for power and amassing wealth over-night. This is the first political predicament. The wide-spread and ever growing unemployment of the school drop-outs and the educated unemployed youth is becoming an alarming socio-economic crisis but the question of employment, especially in the Government services is totally monopolized by the politicians and the administrators-they own the employment markets! Thus the opportunity for employment and other economic facilities is fast shrinking. Turning to India, the founders of modern India-Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru made secular nationalism as the basic of Constitutional democracy. But the RSS, the founder of the Jang Sangh party which was changed to Bharatia Janata Party, the political wing of the RSS advocated a Communal Identity-their political ideology is to create a Hindu Rashtra-a theocratic Hindu Raj-a Hindu nation. There is a serious attempt being made by the Hindutva fundamentalists to globalize their extremism. This mischievous, cunning, devilish and diabolical Hindutva politics will surely tear apart India, its peace and amity. In a multi-racial, national, cultural and multi-religious nation, equal treatment is a must hence secularism. The Hindutva religious nationalism is incompatible with secular democracy. The exclusivity of being Hindu nation is absolutely absurd and untenable. This

kind of communalization of politics will give rise to secessationalist communalism which will be the foundation crack of India’s disintegration and degeneration of democratic and secular way of life. The psychological susceptibilities of the pluralistic societies, and the irreconcilible local realities o not, and cannot warrant, a unified Hindu theocratic polity, one culture, one common civil law, one language and one religion as advocated by the Hind fundamentalists-namely-The RSS,the VHP,Bajrang Dal, the BJP.The Hindutva’s theocratic ideology is incompatible with secular nationalism and democratic polity. The Indian nation is besieged today by the evil forces of the Hindu fundamentalists. They are destroying the multiracial, multi-national, multi-lingual, multi-ethical and multi-cultural fabrics of Indian society knitted/together with democratic secularism. The shadow of struggle for religious political identity is ever increasing in greater intensity. The Sangh Parivar forces,RSS,VHP,Bajrang Dal and BJP are rising to higher ascendancy to pull down the walls of Secular India by mounting severe repressions, persecutions, atrocities,killings,raping Christian women, burning Christians homes, churches and prayer housesthey are determined to annihilate the Christians. Shri Mohan Joshi, National Secretary of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad said that the anti-Conversation laws of the Christians are not stringent enough. The Acts/Laws passed by the BJP to ban conversion to Christianity are illegal and unconstitutional, and yet India would rather silently watch her Secular India being butchered and buried. All the diabolic designs of the Hindu fundamentalists directed against the Christians are unfounded, false, absurd, sinister

and unconstitutional. The wicked and illconceived divisive designs on which the Hindu fundamentalists are bent upon to incite hatred, bitterness, and hurts, in the minds of the Christian communities against the Christians are all founded on blatant lies. The Christians do have the good, love, sympathy, fellow, feelings and welfare of all the people of India in their hearts. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is love which seeks every man for Him. If the Free Gift of peace from God is accepted then the Reconciliation among different communities and between individuals will be possible. R C Chiten Jamir Dimapur.

Dear Achet, As u celebrates your special day, we want to wish you happiness and tell you too that one of the life greatest blessings, is having an exceptionally dear sister like you. Happy birthday with love. From Aien, Toshi & Asen

Hi Achet (Teeaya) October has come to wish you your Birthday, we have been waiting this whole year on this special day we want to appreciate you and express sentiment and feelings that so often go unspoken, compliment that remain unsaid… hope your day is illuminated with all happiness bright and touch’s your heart with a delight. From your dear ones who love you so much.

Good Morning, Nagaland! The cool morning reminds me of the ‘best season of the year’ in Nagaland - the Christmas season is here, The Hornbill Festival - Everybody is talking Nagaland! Nagaland is awarded for its “Communitization” and now for sanitation also, in its villages. Nagaland has gone on the world record for its ‘Naga Bhoot jalukia’ or the good old ‘raja mircha’, the tallest rice plant……the list goes on. Nagas are known for their pride and now also for these novel achievements. The Hornbill Festival is knocking at the door ‘if you are not there, you are nowhere’. But wait, the only time I saw a REAL Hornbill is when a lone Hornbill was displayed for the visitors (privileged ones!) at the entrance of the festival gates! I say ‘lone’ because this one may be the last of its tribe. A stall at the festival was selling Hornbill feather –used in many of our male head gear at Rs. 1000 a piece! The near extinction of birds and animals could be partially attributed to our Naga taste buds! and the receding forests to feed our kitchen. ‘Most of us cut trees for firewood, building houses and furniture. ‘Sometimes trees are felled illegally for logging’ explains Paul – a young villager in the Nagaland-Manipur border where logging was one of the main sources of livelihood. “But now we are imposing a fine of Rs 5000/- to anyone who cuts trees from the forest area. The youth are also planting new saplings to regenerate the forest”, he says. While conducting a community resource mapping, most of the village elders identified types of trees, their uses and the present status of the natural resources. Some of the ponds carry names like ‘Tiger pond’, ‘Elephant pond’ – since these animals come to these ponds to drink. Regeneration of forest life is assisted by wind, water, animals and birds. However, the change or the absence of any of these medium will fail to replenish. There are some model villages like the well known Khonoma village - ‘The Green Village’, where simple and enlightened villagers decided to come together and act together. A young man from Khuzama village told me that the sign board which is half hidden by the shrubs on the way to Mao –‘Hunting is not allowed from April – October’- the reason he says is because this is the breeding season for the animals and anyone found hunting during this period will be fined. Who put up these restrictions? Why? Who checks on the law breakers? – The villagers themselves! Lets talk about Mimi near the Indo-Burma border, many of us might not have been there but there are definitely some non-Naga families running shops for us. I happen to meet up with a youth member who shared that the youth and village elders from six villages under Mimi area – Mimi, Khongka, Lopfukhong, khongjiri, Hakkomute and Mutinkhong have passed a resolution to ‘restricted area’ status for Tragopan, Hollock Gibbon and Stag by Mimi Area Public Organization (MAPO) and Salvatus Youth Welfare Society. We have villages in Phek district who are directly or indirectly quiet players in the global carbon credit market through farming practices or plantations – busily absorbing carbon from the atmosphere. What impresses me most about these efforts is that our very own villages have donned the role of being agents of change. There is an urgent need to transform the way trees are looked at. We have always looked at trees in terms of timber, firewood or as a source of fruit or bark. Growing of trees halts soil erosion and degradation, protects and generates water sources for consumption and agricultural purposes. The deteriorating quality of air will also have serious impacts on health. Climate change raises the risk of increase in diseases such as malaria, dengue, yellow fever and other air-borne and water borne diseases. There is always the chain reaction produced by climate change affecting our basic existence particularly the poor in the rural areas. For example, to ensure that all children get a primary education, but if we do not have crops to sell, because of drought, you can’t afford to send the children to school. And if you want to stop HIV and AIDS, you need to ensure that men, women and children are not forced to abandon their drought affected land and make their living as migrants, making them vulnerable targets to exploitation. The World Bank thinks ‘this will be a model for sustainable sourcing natural resources for rapidly growing economies’. But it is time consuming, arduous and complex. Al Gore – the former US Vice President brought a passionate warning about the consequences of global warming to the big screen - “An Inconvenient Truth” (Village elders in a village in Meghalaya have given him an award for the movie). He warns that Climate change “is by far the most urgent and dangerous crisis ever faced by the world. Intrigued by the scientist Professor Roger Revelle’s (Harvard) measure of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, Al Gore initiated the first Congressional hearing on global warming, bringing climate change before the politicians. “I thought Congress will be startled”, he says in the movie, “but they weren’t”. In the face of climate change (or for any change), sustainability is the watchword. The threat is not only about climate change or whether it is man-made – the rapidity at which climate change is taking place is alarming. Some leading scientists are now saying that we may have less than ten years in which to act. Urgent action is needed, otherwise ecological disaster and death threatens everyone, particularly the poor. Climate change has become very unpredictable. Talk to farmers, they will tell you that they could previously predict the season quite accurately. They knew when to plant, when to prepare seeds, when to harvest – but not any longer. Those villages who have already taken the path preparing for climate change (although they may not know climate change) are role models for change and given a chance and recognition, they will take it with zeal thereby encouraging others. This is “Peoples’ Power”. They are the same as you I with the difference that some of them are going to get out there and DO IT. But do we, the community have the knowledge and experience to address climate change? The adaptation of climate change is beginning to gain momentum. We need to localize the issue to prioritize our needs, encourage local dynamism, build capacity of various sections of the society so that they are capable and efficient to tackle the task and complete it. Here, the community talks to the community passing on vital information about scarcity of water, soil conservation, forest management and plans for the uncertain. Like minded individuals and society can discuss, brainstorm and plan on the issue. There can be networking of individuals or groups/organizations from the civil society to plan and promote, in order to provide new skills or upgrade the existing skills and knowledge. There is much to be done in regard to Climate Change mitigation in the local context. “By focusing on different people’s right and responsibility by mediating between powerful vested interests and local communities, that it is possible to tackle the corruption and poor governance that drives so much forest degradation and rural poverty” – Mike Harrison (Multistakeholder Forestry Program) [source:www.mfp.or.id]. The Climate Change Leaders (CCL) programme is sponsored by EHDRC, LEAD India (www.leadindia.org ). There are 8 CCL’s in Nagaland and 30 in the North East Region. The Nagaland CCL’s invite you to respond to this article online at www.morungexpress.com or email ccl.nagaland@gmail.com

Readers may please note that, the contents of the articles published on this page do not reﬂect the outlook of this paper nor of the Editor in any form.

C M Y K

Dimapur

NATIONAL

Saturday 25 October 2008

PM meets Gilani; calls terrorism Nun’s Rape Orissa may move court common enemy of India, Pak for identiﬁcation parade

BEIJING, OCTOBER 24 (PTI): Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday discussed the issue of terrorism with his Pakistani counterpart Yousuf Raza Gilani, who assured him that his country was "seriously committed" to working with India to deal with the menace. Singh met Gilani on the sidelines of the AsiaEurope (ASEM) summit in the Chinese capital and reviewed the state of the bilateral ties. "I had a very good meeting with Pakistan Prime Minister Gilani, we reviewed the state of our relationship. We expressed happiness at the resumption of trade on the two routes in J and K," Singh told media persons after his 20-minute meting with Gilani. On October 21, India and Pakistan restored the cross-LoC trade by launching truck services on the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad and PoonchRawalkote roads after a gap of over 60 years, scripting a new chapter in bilateral ties. Singh, who arrived arrived here yesterday to attend the ASEM summit after a three-day visit to Japan, said that during their meeting Gilani told him about his county's commitment to the success of the joint anti-terror mechanism. "He (Gilani) assured me that they are very seriously committed to working with us to control terror. Terror is the common enemy of both India and Pakistan," the Prime Minister said. Singh and Gilani also discussed ways to enhance trade between the two countries during the meeting, the second between the two leaders within three months. "We ... discussed possibilities of increased trade between out two countries, the visa regime," said the Prime Minister, who had earlier met Gilani in Colombo during the SAARC summit in August. Today's Singh-Gilani meeting comes a month after the Prime Minister met Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari in New York on the margins of the UN General Assembly. During their talks, Singh and Zardari had vowed to take terrorism head-on. Replying to a question on the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, Singh said the implementation of the treaty "in letter and substance is a commitment which we take seriously." Asked about problems regarding the Baghlihar project in Jammu and Kashmir over which Pakistan has raised objections, he said "we will not allow that situation to develop. We are committed to honour all our commitments."

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh shakes hands with his Pakistani counterpart Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani at a meeting at the The Great Hall of People in Beijing on Friday. (PTI Photo)

PM hopes ASEM will provide a solution to recession BEIJING, OCTOBER 24 (NDTV): Prime Minister Manmohan Singh arrived in Beijing to attend the seventh Asia-Europe Meeting Summit (ASEM). ASEM has 45 partners, including 17 from Asia and 28 from Europe. The Prime minister said he hoped that the two-day ASEM summit would provide a broad solution to the raging global financial crises. With the participation of Singh, India would be making its debut at the highest level at the ASEM summit, which begins in Beijing today. "This is the first time I am attending the Asia-European summit ... I sincerely hope that this meeting of minds between Europe and Asia will produce a solution to many global problems including the international financial crisis," he said after his arrival here from Tokyo, where he was on a three-day official visit.

On the sidelines of the seventh ASEM summit, Singh would have meetings with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Chinese President Hu Jintao. He would also meet Presidents of Mongolia and Bulgaria Nambaryn Enkhbayar and Georgi Parvarov; and Italian and Vietnamese Prime Ministers Romano Prodi and Nguyen Tan Dung in a bid to promote bilateral ties and exchange views on issues of common interests. There is no official word yet as to whether Singh would formally meet Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, who is also here to attend the summit. India would be attending the ASEM summit at the Head of Government level for the first time. In May 2007, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee had attended the Ministerial meeting of the ASEM in Hamburg, Germany.

UP varsity cancels Rahul Gandhi function

C M Y K

The Morung Express

KANPUR, OCTOBER 24 (PTI): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati on Friday opened a new front with the Congress when the administration cancelled an interaction by Rahul Gandhi with students of the Chandrashekhar Azad University in Kanpur on Friday morning. Gandhi drove straight from the Airport to the University where he found the doors of the auditorium, where he was scheduled to hold the interaction, locked. Sources said the Vice Chancellor of the university had given instructions to cancel the programme. However, Rahul went ahead with his programme of meeting with the students at the university cafetaria. Reacting to the development, the Congress party termed the state government's action as "undemocratic". "Meetings are always allowed in states in a democratic set-up. But in UP, Mayawati is trying to scuttle such meetings which

is undemocratic," senior Congress leader Motilal Vora told reporters. UPPCC President Rita Bahuguna Joshi alleged that the cancellation was done under pressure from Chief Minister Mayawati, who a fortnight ago took on Congress president Sonia Gandhi cancelling the land allotment for a rail coach factory in Rae Bareli Lok Sabha constituency.

Lalu lambasts Mayawati over episode NEW DELHI: Railway Minister Lalu Prasad on Friday condemned the Mayawati government for stopping Rahul Gandhi from interacting with students of a university in Kanpur, saying the action was "absolutely wrong". "This is absolutely wrong and not acceptable in a democratic system. This act of Mayawati is self-destructing. No government should impose such sanctions

for achieving their political motives," said Prasad. Citing the example of late parliamentarian Raj Narain who was locked in a legal dispute with former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Prasad said, "Raj Narain was never stopped from holding meetings, rallies or any other types of interactions with public despite his differences with the then Prime Minister." "In this democratic system, freedom of speech is a fundamental right. Mayawati cannot deprive any person of this privilege. Mayawati's actions would lead her to nowhere." Rahul had gone to the Chandrasekhar Azad University where he found the doors of the auditorium, where he was scheduled to hold the interaction, locked. Sources said the Vice Chancellor of the university had given instructions to cancel Friday's programme. However, Rahul went ahead with his programme of meeting the students at the university cafeteria.

BHUBANESWAR, OCTOBER 24 (AGENCIES): Orissa may move the court soon to seek a date to conduct a test identification parade of the suspects in the alleged rape of a nun in Kandhamal district, officials said on Friday. After obtaining a date from the court, the crime branch will request the nun to appear on the day to identify the culprits, a crime branch official told IANS. The victim has been untraceable after she filed a written complaint in the district on Aug 26, two days after the incident. In her complaint, she said that a mob of about 40 to 50 armed men attacked a house at K. Nuagaon village where she along with a priest, Father Thomas Chellantharayil, had taken shelter after their centre was attacked. The mob dragged her and the priest and took them to the deserted office of an NGO where she was allegedly stripped and raped. The priest was doused with petrol and beaten up. They also paraded her naked on the streets, she alleged, saying that the incident occurred in the presence of a dozen policemen. Cuttack Archbishop Raphael Cheenath had recently moved the Supreme Court seeking a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), saying that the nun had lost faith in the state police. The apex court Wednesday rejected the plea and asked the victim to cooperate with the state's investigating agency in identifying the accused during the test identification parade. The crime branch police had served a notice ear-

Tribal women from Kandhamal participate in a peace rally in Bhubaneshwar, Friday, October 24. There has been widespread trouble in Orissa's Kandhamal district after the Auguat 24 killing of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati, a hard-line Hindu leader who rose to prominence in the area by advocating that Christian converts return to Hinduism. Police blamed Maoist guerrillas for the killing but Hindu militants quickly turned on local Christians, setting ﬁre to a Christian orphanage and attacking churches and Christian-owned shops and homes. (AP Photo)

lier this month to Cheenath requesting him to provide details on the whereabouts of the nun. "Cheenath could not provide information. Crime branch teams went to Kerala and Delhi to trace the nun but did not find her," the official said. "We have arrested nine people and as per legal provisions, a test identification parade is required. Since the nun is not coming forward despite our assurance of full protection, we will request for a date and will publicise that," he added. "We will serve notice to the nun and other people, including Father Thomas Chellantharayil. Besides, we will take help of the media to reach

Amarnath land, the bone of contention in Jammu polls

Governor notiﬁes for assembly polls

Privilege notice against PM rejected

Policemen chase away Kashmiri protesters during a protest against Indian rule in Kashmir, in Srinagar, Friday. Shops, business and schools remained closed following a strike call by separatists to demand implementation of a UN resolution requesting a referendum over the disputed Himalayan region. (AP Photo)

NEW DELHI, OCTOBER 24 (AGENCIES): Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee on Friday disallowed a Breach of Privilege notice against Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the issue of Indo-US nuclear deal. Soon after a war of words broke out between him and two members of Left parties, forcing him to leave the House mid way in a huff. Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha Charanjit Singh Atwal took charge immediately after the veteran Marxist leader left the House. However, few minutes later, the Lok Sabha was adjourned due to uproar during debate over communal violence in Orissa and Karna-

JAMMU, OCTOBER 24 (CNN-IBN): With elections in J-K due in November, it's the Amarnath land row that's going to be the primary political weapon. It has already taken centrestage for many parties looking to weave their strategies around it, some even roping in the faces of the agitation to strengthen their poll campaign. Housewife turned active BJP member, Shilpi Verma is full of political plans. "We are sure to succeed and we shall move ahead!" Shilpi said. Shilpi has become the new face of BJP's poll campaign in Jammu. She is the widow of Kuldeep Verma, the man who allegedly committed suicide over the Amarnath land agitation. 30-year-old Shilpi will lead BJP's campaign in the coming polls, a clear indication of what is to be the trump card. "We were a part of the Amarnath Sangharsh Samiti and it's our issue. It will stay as an issue," said co-incharge of

taka. Senior CPI leader Gurudas Dasgupta and CPI (M) leader Basudev Acharya made Chatterjee furious when they questioned his ruling in the matter of Breach of Privilege notice against the PM. The Speaker found the act of challenging his ruling a way to achieve political benefits. He said that the Left leaders were deliberately making allegations against the Chair. Chatterjee left the proceedings despite Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav’s requestinh him not to. Left parties had given notices of Breach of Privilege against the PM in both the Houses of Parliament on the issue of Indo-US nuclear deal on October 17.

CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury had claimed that the PM had assured the Lok Sabha during the reply to the confidence vote that his government should be allowed to go to the International Atomic Energy Agency and Nuclear Suppliers Group and after that he will come back to Parliament. Singh had assured that he would abide by what Parliament says before operationalising the deal, Yechury said. "But he has not done that... with signing of the deal between External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, the nuclear deal has been operationalised," he said.

"This is a serious breach of Parliament's privilege. The Prime Minister has violated his own assurances to the House," the CPI(M) leader said, adding that "we want to the matter to be taken up immediately." This is not the first time Somnath has expressed anger over ‘ill-behaviour’ of parliamentarians in the House. He had said yesterday, “This is the worst period of my life... I am going back with a lot of pain and agony from this House." His remarks came when CPI(M) leader Basudev Acharya rose to ask the fate of the notice for an adjournment motion given by him on the issue of attacks on minorities.

out to her," the official said. Kandhamal district has seen large-scale communal violence, mostly attacks on Christians and their places of worship, after the Aug 23 killing of VHP leader Swami Laxmanananda and four of his aides Aug 23. Though Maoist rebels have claimed responsibility for the killings, radical Hindu groups hold Christians responsible for the crime. At least 37 people have died in the violence that has left more than 20,000 people homeless. Officials Friday said that normalcy is returning to the region as there have been no major incidents of violence over the past three weeks.

BJP's J&K affairs, RP Singh. Members of the Amarnath Sangharsh Samiti who spearheaded the 60-day campaign in Jammu, are being roped in. The samiti which had always claimed that it was apolitical too has a changed stance. "Officially, it is a non-political organization but obviously and certainly it will sponsor and endorse candidates who follow the agenda of the Sangrash Samiti," spokesperson of the ASS, Dr Jitender Singh said. Given the fact that the land row agitation had polarised the state, the National Conference is now looking to bridge the regional divide. "Time is the best and biggest healer. As a responsible party, we will ensure that nothing we speak will increase the divide," said NC leader Omar Abdullah. Even as the Amaranth land row is overtly settled for now, the sentiment will be revisited time and again.

SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 24 (PTI): Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra today issued notification for holding elections in 10 of the 87 assembly constituencies in the border state in the first phase of the sevenstage poll on November 17. The Governor, in exercise of powers vested in him under Jammu and Kashmir Representation of People Act, 1957 and as recommended by the Election Commission, has issued the notification for holding the elections in 10 constituencies of in the first phase, an official spokesman said here. The constituencies going to polls on November 17 are Gurez, Sonawari and Bandipora in north Kashmir, Nobra, Leh, Kargil and Zanskar in Ladakh region and Surankote, Mendhar and Poonch-Haveli in Poonch district. While October 31 will be the last date for filing of nominations, scrutiny of the papers will be held on November one and the last date for withdrawal of candidature is November 10. The electorate comprises over 4.10 lakh, including 2.53 lakh women. As many as 1,066 polling stations would be set up in the 10 assembly constituencies. Although the campaigning has not fully picked up as yet with People's Democratic Party (PDP) maintaining a studied silence on the poll process, other parties, including National Conference and Congress, are expected to shortly start focussing on these 10 constituencies.

Bajrang Dal workers trained in bomb-making: Cops Fresh guidelines to protect child artists

KANPUR, OCTOBER 24 (CNNIBN): Venkatesh Panse’s son was killed by a bomb blast on April 6, 2006, and he talks of it with pride. The incident happened in Patbhandare Nagar, and killed his son Himanshu, a member of the Bajrang Dal. Another man, Naresh Kondwar, was also killed, and three RSS/ Bajrang Dal members injured. The police say the men were making a bomb which went off accidentally. The Maharashtra Anti Terror Squad (ATS) chargesheet reveals that as many as 36 Bajrang Dal workers from Maharashtra received systematic training from bomb-making experts, which was then put to use. The chargesheet alleges that Bajrang Dal cadres took part in the Mohammadiya Masjid blast in Parbhani in November 2003, the Quadriya Masjid blast in Jalna in August 2004, and in the same month at the Meraj-ulUloom Masjid blast in Purna. On August 24, 2008, two Bajrang Dal members, Bhupinder Singh and Rajiv Mishra died in an explosion in Kanpur. The police say they were trying to make a bomb at a private hostel, which went off by accident. The police

found ammonium nitrate, grenades and timers at the hostel. These arrested men stand accused by the Maharashtra Police for bombing a theatre in Thane in June this year. Despite investigations by ATS in Maharashtra and UP revealing the Bajrang Dal's bomb making activities, the group's leadership remains in denial. “Its wrong to judge organisations on the basis of people’s opinions, Bajrang Dal had no role whatsoever in Kanpur blasts,” says, National Convenor, Bajrang Dal, Pradeep Sharma. The Sanstha had objected to the staging of a Marathi play at the theatre, which it said depicted Hindu gods in bad light.

Bajrang Bombs, Hindu Terror? • Nov 2003: Bomb blast at the Mohammadiya Masjid in Parbhani, Maharashtra. • Aug 2004: Bomb blast at the Quadriya Masjid in Jalna, Maharashtra. • Aug 2004: Bomb blast at Merajul-Uloom Madrassa in Purna,

Maharashtra. • Apr 2006: 2 Bajrang Dal activists died while making bombs in Nanded, Maharashtra. The house where the bombs were manufactured belonged to an RSS worker. • Jan 2008: Bomb blast at RSS office at Tenkasi, Tamil Nadu. Seven people belonging to Sangh Parivar were arrested. • June 2008: Bombs explosions at the Gadkari Auditorium, Thane. Six members of the Hindu Janjagaran Samiti arrested. • Aug 2008:Two Bajrang Dal workers died while making bombs in Kanpur.

Sadhvi linked to Malegaon blasts MUMBAI, OCTOBER 24 (NDTV): More evidence has emerged pointing to the hand of a Hindu extremist group in the Malegaon blasts which killed five in September this year. Among the three people arrested by the Maharashtra ATS is a sadhvi called Pragya Singh Thakur. Earlier, the Maharashtra Anti-Ter-

ror Squad's claim that extremist Hindu groups were behind the Malegaon blasts triggered a political war of words. The BJP said Hindu groups couldn't possibly be involved in acts of terror, while the Congress said the matter should be investigated. The ATS breakthrough was the motorcycle used in the blast, which led to the owner in Surat said to have Hindutva links. The ATS said that this group could also be behind the blast in Modasa in Gujarat the same day. Commenting on the development, the BJP strongly denied that Hindu groups were behind bomb making. "Hindu groups cannot be involved in blasts," said party general secretary Gopinath Munde. But CPI-M Politburo member Brinda Karat said, "Bajrang Dal and similar groups are now seen to be seen to be involved in Bomb blasts. ATS reports prove that. Why is it that no action is been taken against them?" Union minister Kapil Sibal's reaction was, "Reports in newspapers say some people were involved in the violence in Malegaon. According to me they are ordinary criminals and they should be prosecuted under the Indian Penal Code."

NEW DELHI, OCTOBER 24 (NDTV): The projection of children in films and television and the working environment for child artists need a dramatic overhaul. After the Shrinjini case, where a child performer had gone into depression over some harsh remarks by a judge on a reality show, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights is now coming out with fresh guidelines. The guidelines have already been discussed with the Information and Broadcasting Ministry and the commission will now be meeting the producers' guild in Mumbai to bring them around as well. When he is not inaugurating gaming stores, he is walking the ramp. Darsheel Safary is a star, but despite all the money and the fame, Darsheel is still a child. "I hate doing ads etc and all this fuss. I really like to play video games," said Darsheel. Success like Darsheel's is rare. For most child artists, it is a tough life. As per the guidelines by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, parents of child artists and producers of shows and films will have to ensure:

• Child artists to work only during the day. • A doctor and a child counsellor will have to be present on the sets, especially in reality shows. • Producers will not be allowed to make children wait endlessly for hours on shoots. • Payments through educational bonds and fixed deposits. "When a child is studying, a mother comes 20 times to check on them if they've had milk, almonds, fruits, Complan, etc. But when they are on the set, it is a different environment. The producers often have studios on hire and want to get the max out of these children," said Sandhya Bajaj, member, NCPCR. The competitive world of films and television is stressful enough for adults but for child artists it can be tougher. Let children remain children till age permits is the message of the child commission who with these new guidelines are hoping to ensure that the work environment is suitable for child artists.

INTERNATIONAL

The Morung Express

Saturday 25 October 2008

Dimapur

“I don’t make the same mistake twice”

HONOLULU, OCTOBER 24 (AFP): Barack Obama rushed to the side of his gravely ill 85-year-old grandmother in Hawaii, leaving the White House trail behind in a highly unusual move just 11 days before the election. The Democratic nominee held a mass open air rally before 35,000 people in midwestern Indiana, before taking a nine-hour flight to his native state, where his grandmother Madelyn Dunham brought him up for much of his childhood. Wearing a suit with no tie, Obama disembarked from his campaign plane early Thursday evening Hawaii time and motorcaded straight to the apartment complex where his grandmother, who he knows affectionately as "Toot," lives. Dunham, who broke her hip earlier this month and suffers from osteoporosis is the US presidential hopeful's sole remaining link with his tight-knit immediate elder family after his mother died of cancer more than a decade ago. Obama was due to spend Friday with Dunham, for what could be a poignant farewell visit, before hitting the campaign trail again in Nevada on Saturday. His compassionate leave comes with Republican John McCain searching for a sudden shift in momentum and new polls showing the Democrat well positioned in the vital battleground states set to decide the November 4 election. He told CBS television he decided to make the exhausting journey half-way across the Pacific to see Dunham despite the crush of campaign events as he "got there too late" when his mother Ann Dunham died. "We knew that she wasn't doing well but, you know, the diagnosis was such where we thought we had a little more time and we didn't. And so I want to make sure that I don't -- I don't make the same mistake twice," Obama said. "My grandmother's the last one left. She has really been the rock of the family, the foundation of the family. Whatever strength, discipline that I have, it comes from her." The Democrat's absence -- unprecedented this close to election day -- gives McCain the chance to grab the limelight as he searches for a way to regain ground in a race that seems to be slipping away. Obama's place will be filled by wife Michelle and the campaign will use some of its mammoth multi-

Obama rushes to visit sick grandmother ‘No signs of Qaeda election threat’

million dollar financial advantage over McCain to saturate the airwaves with Obama ads. He left the campaign trail as a new CBS/New York Times survey found Obama leading McCain 52 to 39 percent nationwide, barely changed from a week ago. A new sheaf of polls in battleground states by Quinnipiac University suggested Obama maintains a strong lead. Obama led the Republican in Florida by 49 to 44 percent, compared to a 51-43 percent lead in the last survey October 1, and in another key state Pennsylvania by 53-40 percent, compared to 54-39 percent last time. McCain lost ground in Ohio, often the decisive state in presidential elections, where Obama leads 52-38 percent, expanding his lead of 50-42 percent at the beginning of this month. No candidate has been elected president since 1960 without taking two of these three states in the US electoral college that ultimately decides who the next president will be. McCain set off on a bus tour through key parts of Florida on Thursday dedicated to Joe the Plumber, the Ohio tradesman who has become an emblem for his claims that Obama wants to use higher taxes on small business to "redistribute wealth." "Senator Obama says he's trying to soak the rich but it's the middle class who are Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., steps off the plane to visit his going to get wet," McCain told a rally ailing grandmother, in Honolulu Thursday, October 23. (AP Photo) in Sarasota. "The answer to a slowing economy is not higher taxes, but that's exactly what will happen when the Democrats have total control of Congress," McCain said, adding: "I'm not NEW YORK, OCTOBER 24 (REUTERS): The New York Times endorsed Democrat Barack going to let that happen." Obama for U.S. president on Thursday, saying he had "met challenge after challenge, growing McCain said Obama's tax plans as a leader and putting real flesh on his early promises of hope and change." The Times posted and health care policy will "kill jobs," its endorsement on its Internet site on Thursday evening and was to publish it in Friday ediand noted that small businesses had tions of the newspaper. managed to create around 300,000 Earlier this year, the newspaper endorsed New York Sen. Hillary Clinton for the Demojobs, even as the broader economy lost cratic presidential nomination, but it said Obama had long ago erased the reservations that led more than 700,000 jobs so far this year. it to make that decision. "He has drawn in legions of new voters with powerful messages of hope "In this country we believe in spreadand possibility and calls for shared sacrifice and social responsibility," the Times said. "He has ing opportunity for those whose create shown a cool head and sound judgment. We believe he has the will and the ability to forge the jobs and those who need them." But broad political consensus that is essential to finding solutions to this nation's problems." Obama charged in Indianapolis that The newspaper declared that the choice between Obama and Republican John McCain McCain wanted to offer tax breaks to was easy. "Mr. McCain, whom we chose as the best Republican nominee in the primaries, has huge US corporations he blamed for spent the last coins of his reputation for principle and sound judgment to placate the limitless shipping jobs overseas. "My opponent demands and narrow vision of the far-right wing," it said. The endorsement was not unexmay call that "fundamental econompected. The Times endorsed Democrats John Kerry in 2004 and Al Gore in 2000. ics" but we know that's just another According to Editor & Publisher magazine, Obama is outpacing McCain in newspaper name for the Wall Street first, Main endorsements by about three to one, even winning the nod of the Chicago Tribune, the first Street last economic philosophy we've time it has endorsed a Democrat for president. However such endorsements are considered to had for the past eight years -- and that's have little influence on voters, especially in presidential races. fundamentally wrong."

New York Times endorses Obama

WASHINGTON, OCTOBER 24 (REUTERS): Al Qaeda has shown no signs it plans to attack the United States during the presidential election, but the government must keep guard during the 2-1/2-month transition to a new president, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said on Thursday. Chertoff added the global economic turmoil had yet to cause any visible change in al Qaeda's strategy, although the financial crisis could reduce state and local spending on security. He also cautioned about heated political rhetoric in "an intemperate time," saying it could fuel violence among Americans. "I have not seen evidence that a major element of al Qaeda's planning is our anniversaries or our elections," Chertoff told Reuters in an interview. "Terrorist operations are undertaken when they are operationally ready. They don't wait for something that's an external event, and they don't rush it." But he said, "In a transition, as people leave and new people come in, it's human nature to have some distraction, and therefore it's important to be extra-focused during that period so that distraction does not become a vulnerability." The new president takes office on Jan. 20. Al Qaeda attacks around the time of elections in Spain, Britain and Pakistan have caused some experts to warn the United States is potentially vulnerable before the Nov. 4 vote. "The remaining ... days of before the elections should be seen as a time of high threat," Los Angeles Police Commissioner William Bratton and former National Security Council official R.P Eddy said in a New York Daily News opinion column on Wednesday. Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden also issued a videotape in late October 2004 shortly before the U.S. presidential election that was seen as an attempt to tilt the outcome toward U.S. President George W. Bush. That year's Democratic presidential challenger, John Kerry, blamed the video in part for his defeat. Chertoff did not rule out the possibility al Qaeda would issue election-season statements, but said, "I don't regard an election, or

a milestone like that, as in and of itself a significant indicator" of attack plans. Asked about the potential for domestic violence, Chertoff warned that hot rhetoric could trigger a "disturbed individual," something the United States has long lived with. "We live in an intemperate time, when a lot of people take political positions which they express not just with vigor but so often with animosity and anger, and there is always a danger that someone reading that or listening to that suddenly decides now they want to act out. That's why we have the Secret Service." The presidential campaigns of Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain have each accused the other side's supporters of inflamed comments. Chertoff said he had seen no signs a global financial crisis was enticing al Qaeda to plan attacks to take advantage of a perceived new weakness. But he remained concerned al Qaeda had taken advantage of safe locations in Pakistan's border with Afghanistan to train Europeans and dispatch attackers. "The question is whether that will translate into something that's imminent." The U.S. financial system was relatively well protected against computer attacks, such as crippled Georgia during last summer's incursion by neighbor Russia, and against physical attacks, he said. But the financial crisis may affect security. Some state and local governments, facing tight budgets due to an economic slowdown, have already tried to shift federal homeland security money for other purposes, with stretched justifications that Chertoff characterized as treating "muggers as terrorists." Chertoff encouraged the Obama and McCain campaigns to identify early top homeland security aides so they could begin working with outgoing counterparts. He said he intended to leave around the presidential inauguration to go into the private sector. He said his successor needed a background in law enforcement or emergency management, and should lack a grander political ambition, because of the many feathers ruffled by the sprawling new department.

Nepal king faces blackout over unpaid power bills

KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 24 (AFP): Nepal's deposed king and his family will have power to their homes cut if they do not clear nearly one million dollars of overdue electricity bills, an official said. Gyanendra has been living as a commoner in a former hunting lodge on the outskirts of Kathmandu since May, when his 240-year-old dynasty was ended by a former rebel Maoist-dominated assembly. "The royal family owes 980,000 dollars and we will stop supply within 15 days if the bills are not paid," Arjun Bahadur Karki, managing director of Nepal Electricity Authority, told AFP. The cash is owed from 22 palaces around the country, most of which have now been nationa-

lised by the Maoist-led government, the official said. Gyanendra's sisters, daughters and cousins also owe money to the electricity authority, said Karki. "We have sent separate notices to royal family members to pay the bills but have had no response," the electricity official said. In June, Gyanendra left Narayanhiti Palace -- the sprawling pink building in the heart of Kathmandu that was the location of the 2001 palace massacre that elevated him to the throne -- to live in a government-owned lodge. The palace is due to be opened as a museum and the former king's current home is on the list of places that will face a black out if the bills are not paid, the official said. The ex king and his relatives have

not paid their electricity bills since Gyanendra sacked the government and took direct control of the nation in 2005, the official said. The royal takeover pushed rebel Maoists and sidelined mainstream political parties into the alliance that ended his reign as the world's last Hindu monarch earlier this year. Nepal's fiercely anti-monarchist Maoists are the country's most potent political force after ending their decade-long "people's war" that killed at least 13,000 people in 2006. In April they won landmark polls to the body that made the impoverished country the world's newest republic in May and led to their former guerilla leader becoming prime minister.

US space tourist returns to Earth

In this undated photo released by "The New Yorker" magazine Elsheba Khan embraces the marker on her son, Spc. Kareem Rashad Sultan Khan's grave, at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. Former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell referenced the photo on NBC's "Meet the Press," Sunday, October 19, while endorsing Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama. (AP Photo)

Indonesia to execute Bali bombers

JAKARTA, OCTOBER 24 (REUTERS): Indonesia will execute the Bali bombers on death row in early November, the spokesman of the Indonesian attorney general's office said on Friday. The three men -- Imam Samudra, Amrozi and Mukhlas, also known as Ali Ghufron -- were sentenced to death in 2003 for their roles in the 2002 Bali nightclub bombings that killed 202 people. The attacks by the Southeast Asian militant group Jemaah Islamiah (JI) were intended to scare away foreigners as part of their drive to make Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim nation, part of a larger Islamic caliphate. "The Indonesian attorney general office decided that the plan to execute Amrozi, Imam Samudra and Ali Gufron will be conducted in early November 2008,"Jasman Pandjaitan, spokesman for the attorney general's office, told reporters. The men are currently held in a maximum security prison island, Nusakambangan, where officials said the executions will take place. The three, who

were convicted for playing key roles in the bombings, have refused to seek clemency from Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono after the Supreme Court rejected their final appeals, saying they want to die as martyrs. In an interview with Reuters late last year, the militants said they had no regrets, except for the fact that some Muslims had died in the blasts. The two blasts on Bali's Kuta strip on October 12, 2002 -- one at Paddy's Bar and the other at the Sari Club -- killed 202 people including 88 Australians and 38 Indonesian citizens, and dealt a severe blow to the island's tourist industry. In an earlier statement from their lawyers, the men said their blood would "become the light for the faithful ones and burning hell fire for the infidels and hypocrites." Instead of pushing Indonesia to cut ties with countries such as the United States and Australia, the attacks seem to have deepened them. The Bali bombings and other attacks in the resort island and the capital Jakarta helped push Indone-

sia into a closer security relationship with Washington and Canberra as the government sought help in tackling Islamic militants. Although there have been no major bomb attacks since 2005, Indonesia is still considered at risk. In his annual address to parliament on August 15, President Yudhoyono warned that the "country is still unsafe from terrorist acts." The Indonesian anti-terrorist unit, Detachment 88, was involved in a series of raids last year that authorities say netted the heads of JI and its military wing. Raids in July also detained 10 suspected militants in Sumatra and a large cache of bombs. Police are still seeking Noordin Top, a Malaysian considered a key figure behind a series of bombings, including a second set of blasts in Bali in 2005 that killed more than 20 people. Some analysts say Top might have set up a splinter group. Some other top JI figures are also believed to be in the southern Philippines, including Umar Patek and Dulmatin, suspects in the 2002 Bali bombs.

NEAR ARKALYK, OCTOBER 24 (REUTERS): A Soyuz capsule carrying a U.S. space tourist and two Russians bumped down safely in Kazakhstan on Friday, ending a string of mishaps on previous landings that have raised concerns about its safety. "I feel great. I feel very good. Reentry was perfectly smooth," a smiling Richard Garriott, who paid $35 million for his 12-day journey into space, told Reuters after a Russian recovery team extracted him from the capsule. Charred black from its fiery re-entry into Earth's atmosphere, the craft slowed its descent with a large parachute and fired special gunpowder engines to cushion its landing. It came to rest in a puff of dust in a field 80 km north of the town of Arkalyk at 0336 GMT as planned. A NASA Television live feed from a mission control centre in Moscow described it as a flawless on-target landing. Its success was a relief for Russian and U.S. officials who have been worried about the landings after the capsule malfunctioned twice over the past year, subjecting crews to dangerous "ballistic" re-entries. A ballistic landing is steeper than a normal one and subjects crews to massive gravitational forces. A South Korean astronaut said she feared death during such a landing in April. "I don't recall such a perfect landing as this one," Anatoly Perminov, head of Russia's space agency Roskosmos, told reporters in Moscow. "We did everything that

Ground crew members helps U.S. space tourist Richard Garriott shortly after the landing of the Russian Soyuz space capsule near Arkalyk, in north-central Kazakhstan Friday, October 24. A Soyuz capsule carrying a Russian-American crew has touched down on target in Kazakhstan after a descent from the international space station, safely delivering the ﬁrst two men to follow their fathers into space. (AP Photo)

was possible and more, and the landing was just ideal. The crew feel fine." After the touch down, recovery teams surrounded the capsule, opened the hatch and extracted the cosmonauts as the first rays of the morning sun lit up the barren steppes of Kazakhstan. Garriott, a U.S. video game magnate, came back from the International Space Station alongside Russian cosmonauts Sergei Volkov and Oleg Kononenko. The American, son of NASA astronaut Owen Garriott, and

Volkov, whose father Alexander was in space when the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, are the first secondgeneration spacemen to fly together -- a symbolic act at a time when U.S-Russia relations are particularly tense. "This was a pinnacle experience and the ride up on Soyuz was phenomenal -- what a beautiful machine," said Garriott, as his father came over and shook his hand at the capsule. "Of course the International Space Station is astounding and the ride home was every-

thing you know it was advertised to be." The crew, wrapped in blankets against freezing temperatures, were carried in special reclining chairs to an inflated medical tent for a scheduled check-up as they acclimatised to Earth's gravity. NASA said all three were in "excellent shape". "How come you look so fresh and ready to go again?" asked Owen Garriott as father and son exchanged warm greetings. Richard replied: "Because I am fresh and ready to go again."

Dimapur

SPORTS

Saturday 25 October 2008

The Morung Express

Beck Milan option only temporary

MIAMI, OCTOBER 24 (REUTERS): David Beckham's potential move to AC Milan is still at an "exploratory" stage, a senior Major League Soccer official told Reuters on Thursday, insisting the player will need to return for the start of the 2009 MLS season. MLS Deputy Commissioner Ivan Gazidis, who has the final say on all player transactions including loans, said the deal will not go ahead unless the Galaxy are sure that Beckham will return for the opening of the season in March. "We are in exploratory talks to look at whether the opportunity makes sense for the Galaxy and David. If it does - and only if it does then things will go forward," Gazidis told Reuters. "I don't think the Galaxy have any interest in him missing regular season games," he added. With the European transfer window only opening in January, Beckham would have less than three months to play with Milan before he needed to be back in the States. "He would need to be back (for the MLS start), we are talking about a short term loan," said Gazidis, who compared the potential move to Swedish striker Henrik Larsson's brief spell with Manchester United. Larsson spent three months with United, on loan from Helsingborg, during the Swedish off-season last year. Gazidis said reports that the loan could mark the beginning of the end for Beckham's American adventure that started when he joined Los Angeles Galaxy's David Beckham leaves the ﬁeld after a soccer training session at the Home Depot Center in Carson, from Real Madrid in 2007 Calif. on Wednesday, October 22, AC Milan is close to signing Beckham in a loan deal that would allow the Galaxy midﬁelder were without foundation. and former England captain to play in Italy's Serie A for a few months starting in January. (AP Photo) "There is absolutely no sug-

Medziphema wins Football match in CSA’s “Sports Meet” DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 24, (MExN): In the final match of Chakroma Sports Association (CSA) Medziphema town won through a tie-break with 4 goals against Chumukedima town. Dr. Kevingulie Khro, Medical Superintendent, District Hospital, Phek who was acting as a chief guest for the closing function said that sports can discipline a person who is truthful and hardworking. It is a sport that connects relationship and understandings, which brings care, love and peace in the society. He urged that these types of sports should be organized so that youth can channelize the energy in the rightful way. Meanwhile, man of the tournament went to Asi-ü from Medziphema town. Best goal keeper was Asielie Savino, Medziphema town. Top scorer goes to Dzieseneituo Shatouphe also from Medziphema town with 13 goals. Best defender Kedokhotso from Khanakura. 4 head trick ketolhoukho Medziphema village, Dzieseneituo Shatouphe from Medziphema town, Vidikholie from Sovima, Asa Seyie from Chumukedima town. The match officials were from Dimapur District Referee Association (DDRA).

Loyem Memorial Soccer Championship concludes TUENSANG, OCTOBER 24 (DIPR): The XVI Loyem Memorial Senior Soccer open championship 2008, Organised by Confederation of Chang Students Union, which began on 25th September 2008, concluded on 23rd October 2008 with a closing function at parade ground Tuensang. The championship trophy was held under the theme ‘Kick in football, Kick off HIV/ AIDS’. Deputy Commissioner, Tuensang, Y.L. Jami was the chief guest at the closing ceremony. Addressing the players and gathering in the function, the chief guest pointed out some weaknesses of the people and encouraged the people to change from those. He said that any tournament organizer should make the tournament beneficial to the people. He also stressed on the value of game and sports and appealed to the gathering to maintain peace, unity and cooperation in the district through Loyem Memorial Senior Soccer open championship. The chief guest donated two sets of PA equipments towards Loyem Memorial Senior Soccer. The final game was played between Charlie XI (11th IRB) Vrs Freeland Boys (Chang Student Union Tuensang Town), where the latter prevailed with a 3-1 score. The Championship team received cash award Rs 60,000/- and certificates while runners up Charlie XI (11th IRB) team received cash award Rs 35,000/- with certificates. It might be mentioned that seven teams participated in the soccer championship. Mongko from Freeland Boys team was selected the best player. Citation was delivered by President, CCSU, Mongko. L. Jonah, Joshep Imlong and Bedimonyu were the moderators. Vote of thanks was proposed by Chairman, Organising Committee, Namangchuba. Prizes were given away by the chief guest.

gestion on anyone's part that David will not play for the full five years of his contract." The former England captain has been keen to keep his international career alive and won his 107th cap as a late substitute in last week's World Cup qualifier win over Belarus. Last year he trained with English Premier League side Arsenal in a bid to keep fit for England and his switch to Milan is seen as achieving the same goal - but this time he would be free to play league games for the Italian club. "We have always been very supportive of David's desire to be part of the England set-up and we will continue to be so," said Gazidis. Galaxy general manager and head coach Bruce Arena was cited by local media as considering the move "odd" but Gazidis said there could be benefits for the club. "To have David playing at a high-level, match-fit and returning highly tuned, would be positive for the Galaxy and MLS," he said. Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani confirmed on Thursday that there were still details to be finalised before the move went through. "The deal isn't completed yet. We have to decide on it all with his lawyers and with Galaxy," La Gazzetta dello Sport's website (www.gazzetta.it) quoted Galliani as telling Conto TV before Milan's 3-1 win at Heerenveen in the UEFA Cup. "I am confident but it is absolutely not finalised. We have time over the next few weeks to settle the deal in full agreement with Galaxy, as we don't want to wrong the Californian club in any way."

Pak dismiss Lawson as coach

KARACHI, OCTOBER 24 (REUTERS): Australian Geoff Lawson has been dismissed as coach of Pakistan, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said on Friday. A spokesman for the board said the former test bowler had been released from his contract and given three months' pay as compensation. But Lawson said he had not been informed of his dismissal. "I have not been told anything even though I had a meeting with the PCB chairman today," Lawson said. The decision to sack Lawson came hours after the Australian had met with Chairman Ejaz Butt to discuss cricket matters. "The decision to release Lawson and (chief operating officer Shafqat) Naghmi was taken

by the chairman," the spokesman said. "Lawson has been informed about the decision." Lawson was appointed in August 2007 after the death of Bob Woolmer during the World Cup. His twoyear contract was due to end in 2009. Butt had said on Monday that Lawson was "useless" but that he would see out the remainder of his contract. Former board chairman Tauqir Zia told Reuters the abrupt decision to sack Lawson would mean no foreigner would be willing to come to work for Pakistan. "I think the board should have discussed this at the governing body level before reaching a decision," he added. Naghmi will be replaced by Saleem Altaf, the PCB spokesman said.

about it last season." The Portugal winger pushed for a move during the summer and the Spanish champion repeatedly expressed its interest, but United refused to sell the player who scored 42 goals during last season's European and English title triumphs. "Manchester decided not to sell the player and we don't want to do anything against a club like Manchester," Calderon said. "The player decided to stay

In this March 11, 2008 file photo Pakistan's cricket team coach Geoff Lawson talks to reporters in Karachi, Pakistan. Lawson was sacked as Pakistan's cricket coach with immediate effect Friday, October 24, an official of the Pakistan Cricket Board said. (AP Photo/file)

'FIFA secure in world ﬁnancial crisis' ZURICH, OCTOBER 24 (AP): FIFA president Sepp Blatter said Friday his organization's finances are not at risk in the world financial crisis. Blatter described the world governing body's financial position as "somewhere between privileged and comfortable." "For the time being, we have not lost money," Blatter said. "We are well organized and well equipped to face up to the present crisis." FIFA relies on the fouryearly World Cup for 90 percent of its revenue, and expects to earn US$3.2 billion (euro2.5 billion) in television and marketing revenue from the 2010 tournament in South Africa. Blatter said 95 per cent of FIFA's budget for the

current World Cup cycle is under contract with broadcasters and sponsors. However, it has taken out insurance policies on the 2010 event and the 2014 edition in Brazil that will pay $650 million if a tournament has to be moved. "If ever there were any catastrophe that would not allow us to hold a World Cup, we would prefer to buy insurance cover," Blatter said. He said FIFA was cautiously optimistic about football's future popularity. "Football is still a very attractive product," he said. "We have between 10 and 12 national associations which are wanting to host the World Cup in 2018 and 2022."

FIFA president Joseph S. Blatter speaks during a news conference after the FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association) executive meeting in Zurich, Switzerland, Friday, October 24. (AP Photo)

... and we accept it." United manager Alex Ferguson had insisted Ronaldo stayed at Old Trafford. "The summer has passed and, what I had to say, I said it," Ronaldo was quoted as telling La Gazzetta dello Sport on Friday. "I am at Manchester and I want to win again with Manchester." Calderon also said that Madrid planned to stay out of the January transfer window, while adding that glob-

al economic turmoil was not a factor in its reluctance to add to Bernd Schuster's squad. "There is no interest in January, because we don't think we need it," Calderon said. "It is not a problem of money, but the coach thinks we are quite competitive squad now with 24 very good players and there is no need to sign any more." Calderon said Madrid, which he called the "biggest club in the world," did not fear the credit crunch.

Ferguson not surprised at Beckham's proposed move MANCHESTER, OCTOBER 24 (AP): Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson isn't surprised that David Beckham could return to European football on a loan deal with AC Milan as he believes the former England captain is used to a better a standard than Major League Soccer. Beckham could move to Milan from the Los Angeles Galaxy in January, although the MLS team wants him back before its season starts in March. There is speculation, however, that Milan may try and turn the loan deal into a full transfer. "It is hardly a surprise," said Ferguson, who sold Beckham to Real Madrid five years ago. "Going to the United States does not get you the kind of football he is used to. It is not the right level of football, therefore coming back into the mainstream of the game is not a surprise. People have been edging towards that quite a while now." Beckham has played for the Galaxy for two seasons and the team has failed each time to reach the MLS playoffs. With the MLS season coming to an end, Beckham needs to continue playing competitive football or he will lose his place in the England squad. England coach Fabio Capello, who used to be at Milan, sent Beckham on as a late substitute in the team's four World Cup qualifying victories and is adamant that he will only select players who are in competitive action. Real Madrid president Roman Calderon, who sold Beckham to the Galaxy in 2007, said the player can still be influential. "He is a very well-known player," Calderon said in London. "He is a player who can give a lot to the club he signs for. We wish David Beckham all the best. He performed fantastically. He decided to leave and now he has a new offer and it is up to him. "He is a fantastic player, a nice person and we have a lot of good memories. The Real Madrid fans like him very much, and he is always welcome at Real Madrid in any sense."

ANCSU informs

Real Madrid says Ronaldo deal unlikely in future

LONDON, OCTOBER 24 (AP): Real Madrid has given up on its pursuit of Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United. "It is forgotten not only for January (transfer window) but I think for ever," Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon said on the sidelines of the Global Sport Summit in London. "Only if Manchester some time decides to sell we will be talking about it, but the matter is over. We talked

A photo on the board depicting the logo for the Champions League soccer ﬁnal at a presentation at the Capitol Hill, in Rome, Friday, Oct. 24, 2008. The Champions League ﬁnal will be held in Rome's Olympic Stadium on May 27. (AP Photo)

"We don't really know what is going to happen and it is clearly going to affect football no doubt but we are well organized and I don't think we will be in trouble - fortunately," Calderon said. "We have noticed that in some areas we have had some problems selling products and reduction of sales by 12 percent, but it is not really worrying." While Madrid sold Robinho to Manchester City for a British record 32.5 million

pounds (US$58.5 million; euro40 million), Calderon doesn't envisage the Premier League club using its new Abu Dhabi wealth to become a major challenger imminently. "Manchester United has a long tradition and a lot of success and trophies," Calderon said. "Manchester City are starting to sign good players and trying to be a good team. Maybe in the future but it has to last a few years."

KOHIMA, OCTOBER 24 (MExN): The All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) has informed all college presidents/general secretaries that the fixture for the football and volleyball will be drawn on October 27 at the NSF conference Hall, Kohima at 12:00 noon. All the concerned colleges who have submitted the forms have been requested to send representative each for the said purpose.

MDFA 2008 results

Friday’s Results Brotherhood FC-2 goals. Fiorentina club-0. Arkong SC-1 Alter Ego FA-1 Saturday’s Fixture 1:00 pm. Young club vs. MMSC Marepkong YA vs. Exodus

Nalbandian, del Potro reach Swiss Indoors semis BASEL, OCTOBER 24 (AP): Second-seeded David Nalbandian beat Benjamin Becker of Germany 7-6 (4), 6-4 Friday to reach the semifinals of the Swiss Indoors He will next play fellow Argentine Juan Martin del Potro, who dispatched Russia's Igor Andreev 6-4, 7-5. The 26year-old Nalbandian, who won here in 2002 and reached two more finals since, broke Becker to lead 3-2 in the second set. Many German fans had come over the nearby border to cheer the 137th-ranked Becker at his second Swiss Indoors appearance. The lanky Del Potro profited from Andreev's many errors, breaking the Russian to go up 6-5 in the second set and then sealed the match with a backhand winner. Later, fourth-seeded James Blake of the United States faced Feliciano Lopez of Spain, and Roger Federer played Simone Bolelli of Italy.

‘Hamilton has learned after all’ LONDON, OCTOBER 24 (REUTERS): Renault Formula One team boss Flavio Briatore performed a neat Uturn on Thursday when he said McLaren's championship leader Lewis Hamilton had learned from last year after all. Hamilton allowed the title to slip through his fingers as a rookie last season, when Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen made up a 17 point deficit in the last two races, and Briatore was quoted last week as saying he could see the 23-year-old losing out again. "In my opinion Hamilton will try to throw the title away again," he told Italy's Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper after the Briton failed to score a point from pole position at the Japanese Grand Prix. "Hamilton has learnt nothing. We saw that in Japan." Hamilton then won in China on Sunday from pole position, to restore his championship lead over Ferrari's Brazilian Felipe Massa to seven points heading into next week's season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix in Sao Paulo. On Thursday, Briatore appeared to eat his words. "He (Hamilton) has learnt from last year for this year," he told the autosport.com website. "There is still one race to go. Normally if I need to put money on anyone, then for sure I will put it on Hamilton. He has much more chance than anybody. "But if I am asked to gamble, then I will gamble on Massa because that will pay me more if I win."

C M Y K

Ent/Tabloid

11 Oprah Winfrey ‘to be US PRIME TIME

The Morung Express

Saturday

25 October 2008

Angelina Jolie: ‘I may stop making movies and marry Brad’ ambassador to Britain’

ngelina Jolie says she may stop making films – and hinted she might marry Brad Pitt because of pressure from their kids. The actress said her priorities have changed since giving birth to twins in July. 'The kids are my priority, so it's possible that from now on I will make fewer movies. I may even stop altogether,' Jolie told the Italian edition of Vanity Fair. 'I no longer have the ambition I had in my 20s.' She added: 'In reality my life is a lot more chaotic and adventurous now. Brad [Pitt] and I pilot airplanes, we travel non-stop, we go to difficult places and we have chosen to do it taking all of the kids with us. I feel a lot braver now than when I was an angry young woman.' Asked about the possibility of marrying Pitt, she said their children may have something to do with it. The 33-year-old said: 'Usually people fall in love and everything revolves around the ritual of marriage, children are an

afterthought. We did everything backwards. 'But sooner or later it will be the kids who ask us [to get married].

Jolie, who is promoting new film Changeling, also spoke about her past. She said that, when she was younger, she 'knew little about the world' and was 'completely self-absorbed'. 'It was only when I came out of my shell and started taking care of others that I found the real Angelina,' she said. And she believes her children have inherited her taste for globetrotting. 'Sure I am still restless, but do you know that my kids are the same way? We were in France these last few months and after a while they started asking when we could get back on a plane.' Jolie said she wanted them to keep that world-wise view. She added: 'I want them to be able to walk through a marketplace in Adis Ababa and not bat an eye, not think it is dirty and ugly, but that it just represents another part of the world and humanity.' The cover of Angelina's You know, they see films and interview with Italian Vanstart asking questions. Such ity Fair was first carried on as, "Why are Shrek and Fio- American media industry na married and you're not?"' website coverawards.com.

alk show queen Oprah Winfrey could be appointed as U.S. ambassador to Britain, according to rumours stoked by a former senior British diplomat. Journalist Peter Jay said today she would be a 'sensible choice' for the role under an Obama administration. Mr Jay, who was British ambassador to the U.S. during Jimmy Carter's presidency, spoke as polls suggest Barack Obama is extending his lead in

JLo's love 'challenge'

ennifer Lopez says she has been in a "few challenging" relationships. The 39-year-old star - who has previously dated P. Diddy and Ben Affleck - admits she lost touch with herself during past romantic dalliances. Speaking at The Women's Conference in Long Beach, California, yesterday (22.10.08), Jennifer said: "I have been in a few challenging relationships. I have been in relationships that can make you doubt who you are and what you are capable of, and doubt what you deserve. It took me a bit little longer to get it right." However, Jennifer - who has eight-month-old twins Max and Emme with husband Marc Anthony - also said raising children has enabled her to explore a different side of herself. She added: "Becoming a mother can make you more aware and more loving, and make you aware there's nothing they don't deserve. Your eyes open. Your heart opens." The conference Jennifer spoke at was attended by over 14,000 women, including Arnold Schwarzenegger's wife, and California First Lady, Maria Shriver.

the race for the White House. 'It could be a perfectly sensible appointment,' Mr Jay told The Times in comments that will lend weight to suggestions that Miss Winfrey's name is being mooted for the position. He added: 'You need someone who is close enough to the President to interpret events and get a message back to Washington. It would send a clear message about the new administration.' Rumours are growing that Miss Winfrey, a leading supporter of Mr Obama, would be willing to enter public service, abandoning a broadcast career that has seen her dubbed the most powerful woman in television, with her shows drawing eight million viewers on average last year. The 54-year-old has come under fire for her high-profile support of Senator Obama. She was accused of putting her race before her gender by backing Mr Obama during his campaign against Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination. She subsequently stepped down her involvement in his campaign. Many commentators have suggested that a more likely candidate for ambassador to Britain would be Caroline Kennedy, the only surviving child of assassinated US president John F Kennedy. Miss Kennedy, 50, has publicly endorsed Senator Obama and spoke at the recent Democratic convention in Denver.

Mommy is ‘My Princess’

t is supposed to be the moms who boast about their kids, but with Liv Tyler and her 3-year old son Milo, the compliments flow in the opposite direction. "He likes to call me his princess," says Tyler, whose The Incredible Hulk and The Strangers both came out on DVD Tuesday. "He says, 'Oh, mommy, you're so cute. You're my precious, precious mommy.' " The single mom, who split last spring from her rocker husband Royston Langdon, appreciates the positive af-

firmation – even if it comes at a price. "He's at that age now where he's so sweet and so loving and says the sweetest things to me," the actress, 31, tells PEOPLE. "Of course I still get karate chops and all those sorts of things too." Milo also isn't beyond fixing his mom up, albeit with her green-skinned, computer generated costar. "One day he went on a play date, and he said to this other child who was playing with a Hulk toy, 'My mommy loves the Hulk,' " said Tyler.

06:00 - Seinfeld; 06:30 - The Simpsons; 07:00 - Last Comic Standing; 08:00 - Beauty And The Geek; 09:00 - How I Met Your Mother; 09:30 - Samantha Who ?; 10:00 - Jimmy Kimmel; 11:00 - Are U Smarter Than 5th Grader; 12:00 - Blood Ties; 13:00 - The Unit; 14:00 - Beauty And The Geek; 15:00 - Last Comic Standing; 16:00 - Ncis; 17:00 - Most Daring; 18:00 - Jimmy Kimmel; 19:00 - Smallville; 20:00 - Prison Break; 21:00 - Bones; 22:00 Criminal Minds; 23:00 - Most Daring; 00:00 - Ncis; 01:00 - Smallville; 02:00 - Prison Break; 03:00 - Bones; 04:00 - Criminal Minds; 05:00 - Stacked; 05:30 - How I Met Your Mother 06:00 - Wild South America; 07:00 Teleshopping; 08:00 - Lords Of The Animals; 08:30 - All New Planet’s Funniest Animals; 09:00 - Corwin’s Quest; 10:00 - All New Planet’s Funniest Animals; 10:30 - Young And Wild; 11:00 - O’shea’s Big Adventure; 12:00 - Big Cat Diary I; 13:00 - In Search Of The King Cobra; 14:00 - Wild South America; 15:00 - Max’s Big Tracks; 16:00 - Natural Born Sinners; 17:00 Corwin’s Quest; 18:00 - Lords Of The Animals; 18:30 - All New Planet’s Funniest Animals; 19:00 - O’shea’s Big ADventure; 20:00 - Big Cat Diary I; 21:00 - Max’s Big Tracks; 22:00 - Secrets Of The Crocodile; 23:00 - Way Of The Warrior; 00:00 - Lords Of The Animals; 00:30 - Planet’s Funniest Animals; 01:00 - Teleshopping; 02:00 - Petsburgh Usa; 03:00 - Monkey Business; 04:00 - Petsburgh Usa; 05:00 - Monkey Business

06:00 - Inner World Of Shahrukh Khan; 07:00 - Half Hour Special; 07:30 - Tere Mere Sapne; 10:55 - Star Box Office. Com; 11:00 - Bal Ganesh; 13:30 Kishan Arjun; 17:00 - Kurukshetra; 20:00 - The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen; 22:25 - Star Box Office.Com; 22:30 - Aces Go Places 2; 00:35 - Tezaab Riend About ‘Tezaab’; 04:00 – Thanedaar 06:00 - Telebrands; 07:00 - Planet Food; 08:00 - Wild Africa; 09:00 - A Baby Story; 09:30 - Amazing Baby Videos; 10:00 - Nextworld; 11:00 A Haunting; 12:00 - Dirty Jobs; 13:00 - Hunters; 14:00 - Dragons: A Fantasy Made Real; 16:00 - Wild Africa; 17:00 - A Haunting; 18:00 - Man Vs. Wild; 19:00 - Wild Africa; 20:00 - Natural World; 21:00 - Revealed; 22:00 - Man Vs. Wild; 23:00 - Man Made Marvels; 00:00 - Planet Earth; 01:00 Telebrands; 02:00 - Man Made Marvels; 03:00 - Extreme Machines - Reversions; 04:00 - Man Vs. Wild; 05:00 - Man Made Marvels 06:00 - Seva Ganga; 06:30 - Vignan Shashwat Sukh Ka; 07:00 - Sangam; 07:30 - Raja Ki Ayegi; 08:00 - Kyunki Saas Bhi; 08:30 - Baa Bahoo Aur Baby; 09:00 - Shararat; 09:30 Prithviraj Chauhan; 11:00 - Jai Maa Vaishnav Devi; 13:00 - Ab Tak Ka Safar; 13:30 - Bidaai; 15:30 - Hulchul; 19:00 - Jai Maa Durga; 20:00 - Aaja Mahi Ve; 21:00 - Prithviraj Chauhan; 21:30 - Baa Bahoo Aur Baby; 22:00 - Star Voice Of India; 23:00 - Ab Tak Ka Safar; 23:30 - Shararat; 00:00 - Kasturi; 00:30 - Ab Tak Ka Safar; 01:00 - Bidaai; 01:30 - Kis Desh Mein; 02:00 - Shararat; 02:30 Kayamath; 03:00 - Ab Tak Ka Safar; 03:30 - Kahaani Ghar; 04:00 Kyunki Saas Bhi; 04:30 - Raja Ki Ayegi; 05:00 - Jai Maa Durga 05:45 - Blown Away; 08:05 - Vip Access; 08:35 - The Lost Room; 10:25 - Eragon; 12:30 - Next Stop Wonderland; 14:30 - Casino Royale; 17:15 - Premonition; 19:15 - Epic Movie; 21:00 - Scream 3; 23:20 - Scary Movie 4; 01:00 - Shaolin Kung Fu; 02:30 - The Rape Of The Red Temple; 04:10 - Journey To The End Of The Night; 05:35 - Fx 0:30 - Wwe: Smackdown; 2:30 Us Pga Tournament - Fry Com Open - Day 2; 4:30 - Gillette World Of Sports; 5:00 - Simply The Best : Mushtaq Ahmed & Danish Kaneria; 5:30 - Fifa: Futbol Mundial; 6:00 - Inside The Pga Tour 2008; 6:30 - Uefa Champions League 08/09 H/L’s; 7:30 - Jk Tyre National Racing Championship 2008; 8:00 - Winning Post; 8:30 - Uefa Champions League Magazine Show 08; 9:00 - Icl Hls - Delhi V Chandigarh; 10:00 - Wwe: Ecw; 11:00 - Wwe: Smackdown; 13:00 - Gillette World Of Sports; 13:30 - Simply The Best; 14:00 -Winning Post; 14:30 - Icl Hls - Delhi V Chandigarh; 15:30 - Fifa: Futbol Mundial; 16:00 - Uefa Champions League 08/09 H/L’s; 17:00 - Wwe:vintage Collection; 18:00 - Gillette World Of Sports; 18:30 - Icl 20-20 - Preview: Kolkatta V Dhaka; 19:30 - Icl 20-20 : Kolkatta V Dhaka; 22:30 - Icl 20-20 - Review: Kolkatta V Dhaka; 23:00 - Wwe:vintage Collection 06:00 - Justice League Of America; 07:45 - Once Upon A Time In China V; 09:45 The Lake House; 11:45 - The Associate; 14:00 - Fortress 2; 15:45 - Hollywood One On One 12; 16:15 - Kiss Kiss Bang Bang; 18:15 - The Making Of Ghost Rider; 18:30 - The 6th Day; 21:00 Ghost Rider; 23:15 - Film Queen Of The Damned; 01:15 - Big Love; 02:15 - Vampire Bats; 04:00 - Hero Of Hong Kong 1949

Members of Dorains Society Dimapur along with some of NSACS Naga Idol 3.08’ﬁnalist at Circuit House, Dimapur on October 24 after a brief press meet. The Dorians are organizing NSACS Naga Idol 3.08 Road Show in aid of the victims of communal violence in Orissa. The Dorians are in a mission ‘practically’ working against communalism as well as nurturing young talents. Dr. L Yanthan, Additional Project Director, NSACS, who was also present for the press meet expressed hope that Naga Idol will be the ‘AMBASSADOR’ in giving out information not only about HIV/AIDS prevention but also educate people about the facilities that given by NSACS. (Morung Photo)

NSACS Naga Idol...Season 3 Personal review and favorite! Wapangla Imchen

YIPPEE!!!……. another reason to stay glued to the television, yes! IDOL MANIA is catching up with me after a long break. Being a music lover and a terrible, huge, ardent and, should I say, mad fan of American Idol (of course, Indian Idol has got my attention too, though I don’t understand hindi much, lol… ’lil Remo got me hooked), last night was the first time that I got to watch the second round of Naga Idol and man, it was awesome. We Nagas are a talented lot, although we lack the platform and opportunities to reveal our gifts, but with a little bit of grooming in voice modulation, why worry, with Naga Idol around as the perfect ground to showcase the talents! Luckily, I got to watch a few available CDs of the first season of Naga Idol, which didn’t impress me much… But this season got my attention what with the great changes, especially with the Big Stage on which to perform (I wish there was a live band so that the contestants do not feel alone ) – amazing work on the lights, sound system and the background visuals which make the show look more professional. And I applaud the team who has worked on the physical grooming of the contestants (they’re the future stars, so of course, grooming is necessary!). Let’s not forget the judges who

Dimapur

have done justice to the contestants; and I truly applaud Nise for his constructive feedbacks! Here is the list of the 12 contestants who belted out their numbers last night (starting with my personal favourites in descending order): Toshinaro – my very favorite contestant. She sang ‘Tattoo’ by Jordin Sparks (2007 American Idol winner). Interesting choice of song I must say, though I would rather prefer her singing Alicia Keys! (What say?) With her big rich voice and good song choice with a ’lil personality… she will sail smoothly till the final. I technically place her first on my list for her voice alone. Kenei – the first contestant to per-

form, she sang Christina Aguilera’s ‘Beautiful’. Excellent choice of song and also one of the most difficult (Christina A is famous for her different ranges in a single song)… but she did it without much struggle. She is what I call originality in the stage. Imnatola – the most fashionable, with a husky sexy voice (mind it, she is the elder sis of the first season’s lil lady whom many called Avril Lavigne), she belted out Fergie’s ‘Big girls don’t cry’. The best performer on the stage, confident, good to look at, she nailed the show (she should improve her pronunciation, though), and being the last contestant to close the second round, she did so with a

capital ‘A+’! Mhathung – the only one from among the boys who got my attention; sang ‘Honestly’ by Harem Scarem. One of the few contestants who didn’t try to imitate the exact song cover, has a good sincere voice, and originality. (At last, a guy who is head to head with the talented girls… am not being a feminist here!!) Inatoli – an interesting voice, she sang ‘Don’t speak’ by No Doubt. Good choice of song but her accent and pronunciation took away the appeal. With such a clear sharp voice, I feel she will nail the title if she sings covers of Faith Hill or any other country songs. Shenieta Curhah – Good voice and good stage presence; sang ‘Loving each day’ By Ronan Keating. He got my vote basically for his personality. Better choose a good song for the next performance. Leden – sang ‘Drift Away’ by Uncle Kracker, which was sincerely good. He’s got the personality with an equally good voice; although need to watch out for certain words, especially while stretching certain words in the song.

Tiatemsu – the looker among the guys; chose the worst song any contestant could have, ‘It’s his kiss’ by Cher. Strong voice, but this time his voice was covered up by a too strong background song and music. Would his good looks be enough for him to get through this round? Bakup Phom – One of the contestants with the strongest voice chose a bad song which could not show his voice essence; sang ‘Save Me’ by Magdalene. Good luck! Tinu – sang ‘I’m yours’ by Jason Mraz, the modern genre musician. It was okay for me, because to sing Mraz’s cover, one should have a strong personality to nail it. Senkathung – may not be so lucky with his mediocre song ‘I see you smile’ by Bad English. His high pitch almost made him sound like he was shouting. Meribeni – had the worst night, I feel, by covering Rihanna’s ‘Unfaithful’ as it was pure imitation, although an interesting song choice. I really feel that if she had sung in her original voice without trying to sound like Rihanna, she would have pulled it through. The only conclusion I can pen down after the show… Guys!! Pull up your socks and belt it out. For me, this year looks like it is gonna be the battle of the ladies! Thus, as the host of the show, Arenla, said, “Get your lazy ass up and vote” … do so if you don’t want your favorite contestant to be voted out… I did vote! Peace!

06:00 - Global Telemall; 07:00 - Enjoying Everyday Life; 07:25 - Exposure Ek Nazar; 07:30 - Jagran; 07:55 - Exposure Jhalak; 08:00 - Teleshopping; 08:25 - Exposure Ek Nazar; 09:00 - Saat Phere; 12:00 - Movie; 20:00 - Ek Se Badhkar Ek - Chota Packet Bada Dhamaka; 21:00 - Naaginn; 21:30 - Aladdin; 22:00 - Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2009; 23:55 - Exposure Ek Nazar; 00:00 - Asian Sky Shop; 00:55 - Exposure; 01:00 - Asian Sky Shop; 02:00 Shabhash India - Childrens Special; 02:30 - Rakhi; 04:30 - Urja; 05:00 - RAmayan; 05:30 - Narseva Narayan Seva 06:00 - Dream Hotels; 06:30 Indian Rendezvous; 07:00 Europe’s Richest People; 08:00 Globe Trekker 10; 09:00 - A Matter Of Taste With Vir Sanghvi; 09:30 Chhattisgarh - The Tribal Planet ; 10:00 - Trinny And Susannah Undress; 11:00 - Monster House ; 12:00 - Biker Build-Off - The Series ; 13:00 - Nigella Express; 13:30 - Cooking It; 14:00 - 1000 Places To See Before You Die ; 15:00 - Dream Hotels; 15:30 - I Do, Let’s Eat!; 16:00 - Europe’s Richest People; 17:00 - Nigella Express; 17:30 - Samantha BrowN: Passport To Great Weekends; 18:00 - A Model Life With Petra Nemcova ; 19:00 - Adventures Of The Ladies Tailor; 19:30 - Feast India; 20:00 - Nigella Feasts; 20:30 - British Biker Build Off; 21:00 - Jet Set; 22:00 - Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations ; 23:00 - La Ink; 00:00 - Beach Towns With Attitude; 01:00 - Jet Set; 02:00 - Globe Trekker 10; 03:00 - Nigella Feasts; 03:30 - Madhur Jaffrey’s Flavours Of India; 04:00 - Trinny And Susannah Undress; 05:00 - While You Were Out 3 06:00 - Mile Jab Hum Tum; 06:30 Exotica; 07:00 - Body And Soul; 07:30 - Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai; 08:30 Instant Khichdi; 09:00 - Shaka Laka Boom Boom; 09:30 - Son Pari; 10:00 - Mum Tum Aur Hum; 10:30 Shararat; 11:00 - Ssshhhh Phir Koi Hai; 13:00 - Dill Mill Gayye; 14:00 - Mile Jab Hum Tum ; 15:00 - Zara Nachke Dikha; 18:30 Mile Jab Hum Tum; 19:00 - Dill Mill Gayye; 20:00 - Mile Jab Hum Tum; 21:00 - Paani Puri; 22:00 - Ssshhhh Phir Koi Hai; 23:00 - Mile Jab Hum Tum; 00:00 - Siddhanth; 01:00 - Ssshhhh Phir Koi Hai; 04:00 - Paani Puri; 05:00 - Mile Jab Hum Tum; 05:30 - Paani Puri 06:00 - Awakening With Brahma Kumaris; 06:30 - Boogie Woogie; 07:00 - Telebrands; 07:30 Teleshopping; 08:50box Office Muzic Hitz; 09:00 - Arslaan; 10:00 - Indian Idol 4; 14:00 - Tere Naam; 17:00 - Boogie Woogie; 18:00 - Khushi Ki Duniya; 18:30 - Hum Ladkiyan; 19:00 Comedy Circus; 20:00 - Boogie Woogie; 21:00 - Indian Idol 4; 22:45comedy Circus; 00:00 Telebrands; 00:30 - Teleshopping; 01:00 - Boogie Woogie; 02:00 Arslaan; 03:00 - Comedy Circus; 04:00 - Aahat - 3; 05:00 - Cid 6:00 - Numb3rs; 7:00 - The Azing Race; 8:00 - 2007 Lg Action Sports Chpionships; 9:00 The Contender Asia; 11:00 - Magic Asia: India; 12:00 - Numb3rs; 1:00 - House; 2:00 - Cashmere Mafia; 3:00 - Are We There Yet?; 5:00 - Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles; 6:00 Afterworld; 6:30 - Ultimate Guinness World Records; 7:00 - The Azing Race; 8:00 - Along Ce Polly; 10:00 - Keith Barry: The Escape; 11:00 - 24; 12:00 - Moonlight; 1:00 - Cashmere Mafia; 2:00 - House; 3:00 - Terminator: The Sarah Connor ChronIcles; 4:00 - 24; 5:00 - Moonlight 05:00 - Beach Head; 06:30 - Charlie Chaplin; 07:00 - Infomercial; 08:00 Charlie Chaplin; 08:30 - Troy; 12:00 Turner and Hooch; 14:15 - Batman and Robin; 17:00 - Charlie Chaplin; 17:30 Flight Plan; 19:45 - Hollywood Reporter; 20:15 - Ruthless People; 22:30 - In Custody; 01:15 - Paris Je Taime; 03:15 - Beach Red; 04:45 Asterix And Obelix - Versus Caesar

C M Y K

dle

C M Y K

The

Morung

SPORTS

P 12

Gilly kicks up some cricketing Storm Gilchrist questions 'Gilchrist called to explain book' Tendulkar's honesty

MELBOURNE, OCTOBER24(AGENCIES):While efforts are being made by both Indian and Australian players to keep emotions under control in the current Test series, former Australian stumper Adam Gilchrist questioning Sachin Tendulkar's honesty during the spiteful Sydney Test could open fresh wounds. In his autobiography, an extract of which will appear in a magazine, Gilchrist has hinted that Tendulkar was a sore loser and questioned his honesty in the "Monkeygate" affair that threatened to go out of hand during India's tour Down Under. Terming Tendulkar's testimony during Harbhajan Singh's appeal as a "joke", Gilchrist noted, "The Indians got him (Harbhajan) off the hook when they, of all people, should have been treating the matter of racial vilification with the utmost

seriousness." Gilchrist was particularly disappointed with Tendulkar's behaviour who, according to him, had initially told the hearing that he could not hear what was said, he was "certain he was telling the truth" because he was "a fair way away". But during the appeal which followed, Tendulkar said that Harbhajan used a Hindi term that sounded like "monkey" to Australian ears. The stumper was convinced that the Harbhajan was guilty and considered India's threat to abandon the tour was "a disgraceful act, holding the game to ransom unless they got their way", ' The Age ' reported. He also wrote that there was vast difference in the manner the teams approached the game. "In the Australian mentality, we play it hard and are then quick to shake hands and leave it all on the field. Some of our opponents don't do it that

way. Sachin Tendulkar, for instance, can be hard to find for a changing room handshake after we have beaten India. Harbhajan can also be hard to find. "I guess it's a case of different strokes for different folks." Meanwhile, India's media manager during the Australian tour -- MV Sridhar, who was present at both the hearings of the name calling incident said that Gilly's comments are uncalled for. He added, "Why do you have to mention words in the middle of the series. This comment is highly uncalled for and I think this is quiet sad that such comments are being made." Australian Journalist Jon Pierik is of the opinion that Gilly's comment about Tendulkar might inflame tensions between the two sides. He said, "Sachin is regarded as a great man in the cricketing world and since Gilly does not play anymore, not much of an action will be taken. The issue may not be as explosive as its made to be." Infact one of the witness of the name calling row, Matthew Hayden has said that everyone involved in that incident has moved on and has gone onto praise Harbhajan Singh saying that the off-spinner is a true star in terms of spirit of the game. He said, "I admire Harbhajan Singh and the way he has played in this series. It has been an absolute pleasure to watch him play and has been a great challenge for the batsmen. Everyone has however, moved on from the last summer."

NEW DELHI, OCTOBER 24 (AFP): India's Sachin Tendulkar on Friday said Australian star Adam Gilchrist had phoned him to clarify his controversial comments about the batting great in a new book. The World Cup-winning wicketkeeper-batsman, who retired from the game earlier this year, said in his autobiography that Tendulkar was "hard to find for a changing room handshake after we have beaten India". Gilchrist also questioned Tendulkar's honesty throughout the acrimonious Harbhajan Singh-Andrew Symonds incident during the Test series between the two cricketing powers in Australia last summer. Australia claimed Harbhajan called him a monkey during a match but an independent tribunal later cleared the India off-spinner of the racial charge. As tensions mounted over the book and ahead of the next Test between Australia and India, Tendulkar said the former wicketkeeper and batsman had made contact to explain the comments. "Gilchrist called me up and clarified this issue," he told Times Now newschannel in India's western Pune. "He said his comments have been taken out of context," he said without elaborating further. Gilchrist's comments in the book, which is set to be released next week, sparked angry reaction from Indian cricket officials earlier Friday. Former national selec-

tor Dilip Vengsarkar branded them a gimmick to sell more copies. "It is very unfortunate that Gilchrist has made such comments," he told CNN-IBN newschannel. "You get a lot of money to write a book in Australia and England. But you have to write something sensational to sell your book. It is a marketing strategy to sell his book," said the former Test batsman. The Indian cricket board said Gilchrist's comments were off the mark. "Gilchrist should have thought twice before making such comments about Tendulkar, who is a great batsman and widely respected all over the cricketing world," the board's media committee chairman Rajiv Shukla said. "If there is any person who will lose respect after this incident it is Gilchrist himself." Gilchrist's autobiography, extracts of which will be printed in this weekend's press, centres on the hostilities between the two teams in Australia last summer, which saw India threaten to boycott the tour. The book is bound to ruffle a few feathers with the teams seeking supremacy in the ongoing four-Test series which the Australians currently trail 1-0. The series has been peppered with verbal sparring, culminating in Indian paceman Zaheer Khan being fined 80 percent of his match fee for his reaction to Matthew Hayden's dismissal in the second Test in Mohali earlier this week. Hayden

said it was intense competition between the two sides that sparked the tension. "We always have some tension," he told reporters Thursday. "That is exactly why we want to see our athletes play-

ing the game. That tension is mounted over five days, mounted over a window of 13 days, in so far as what we have seen in these two Test matches. "That is why I also, as a spectator, want to see that ability to gnash teeth. I want

to see that competitive edge. Two hungry dogs, if you can use the metaphor, that circle each other in a ring." The third Test begins here on October 29 followed by the fourth and final in Nagpur from November 6-10.

9TH NSF MARTYRS’ MEMORIAL TROPHY 2008

Nagaland Police to clash with Tribal Spirit in ﬁnals today

Our Correspondent Kohima | October 24

NAGALAND POLICE will clash with Tribal Spirit in the finals of 9th edition of NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy 2008 (Lt Kekuojalie and Lt. Vikhozo) here in the Kohima Local Ground at 1:30 PM on October 25 under the aegis of Angami Students’ Union. The champion will fetch prize money amounting to Rs. 70,000 while the runnersup will be awarded with Rs. 35,000.

There will also be individual prizes for best goal keeper, best player and highest scorer of the tournament. Sentiyanger, IAS, commissioner and secretary, Horticulture & Information and Public Relations will grace the valedictory function as the guest of honour. Rokoketou Sechu, Convenor, Organizing Committee will said introductory note while Neivilieo Zuyie, Youth Director, ABCC will said invocation prayer. The programme will also feature Emilo Patton as special appearance.

TOURNAMENT’S SNIPPET

*Out of 40 matches played in the preliminary round, 8 matches were decided through tie breaker. *The highest goal scored in match is 9-0 in the match played between Excel United and Kevi Friends Club where the goal went in favour of Excel United. *The fastest goal scored in record time of 50 second scored by Khriebei of Phezou Boys Club. *8 hat-tricks witnessed in the tournament: L. Boipu- Tribal Spirit, Anthony Nakhro- Phezou Boys Club, Kobu- New Market, Benry- Excel United, Umakanta- Tribal Spirit, Menuolelhou- Apex Sporting Club, Benlo Kemp- Life Sports, Dimori Cove and Kikrusato- Kingdom Stewards. *170 goals witnessed till semi-finals. *44 Yellow Card shown till semi-finals *1 Red Card till semi-finals

Mokokchung Boys are the Champions

The players seen in the action in the ﬁnal match played between Mokokchung and Dimapur at State Stadium, Dimapur on October 24, 2008. And Mokokchung won the “14th Inter district Volleyball Tournament” by 25/22, 25/15 and 25/16. It is pertinent to note that Mokokchung has been the Champion for the last six consecutive years in the state tournament. (Morung Photos) Morung Express News On sideline of the tourDimapur | October 24

nament, general secretary, Nagaland Volleyball Association (NVA), C. Bendang Jamir, told the Morung Express that due to shortage of fund many interested districts are not coming forward to organize the event, though “Kohima will host for next year’s Tournament”. But he lauded the state players for their efforts at this juncture. The Tourney was being played for the last three days at the State Stadium, Dimapur. And a large crowd was seen during the finals representing from various districts.

THE DEFENDING champion from Mokokchung won the finals under boys in the “14th Inter district Volleyball Tournament” by 25/22, 25/15 and 25/16 against Dimapur. Kohima district became the girl’s champ by defeating Peren on October 24, 2008. Mokokchung today gave a tough time as the host Dimapur fought with its best players but finally luck went to the favour of Mokokchung. The third for girls went to Phek district C by beating Longleng in the M finals. Y 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. K 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 For advertisements and circulation, please contact: (03862) 236871, Fax-235194 or email : morungad@yahoo.com

PO Reg No. NE/RN-722