February 3, 2017

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXVII No. 58

DIMAPUR, friday, february 3, 2017 Pages 12 ` 4.00

Insurgency on rise in Assam during BJP rule, says Gogoi

Man City thrash West Ham 4-0

If voted to power, will jail corrupt politicians: Gomes

northeast, Page 4

sports, Page 12

national, Page 5

Kohima burns as mob torch govt offices

(L-R) Historic secretariat complex set on fire by irate mob, KMC office razed to ashes and State Information Commission office set on fire on Thursday night. (NP) Correspondent

KOHIMA, FEB 2 (NPN): Kohima burned when mobs torched the more than 50year old complex which housed the office of the Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) and flames spread and engulfed the nearby Superintendent Excise Office and Regional Transport Office within no time. The mobs stoned the DC office but were prevented from doing further damage due to intervention by some people.

The crowd also stone pelted the PHED office.

However, the State Information Office and Old secretariat were burned while NPF office was reportedly vandalised and set

Neiphrezo quits as NSDMC chairman

Correspondent

KOHIMA, FEB 2 (NPN): Neiphrezo Keditsu, MLA on Thursday resigned as the chairman of NSMDC Ltd. In his resignation letter addressed to the chief minister, Neiphrezo stated that Khriesavizo Metha son of Neimhalie Metha who was killed on January 31 belonged to his village and his constituency. Neiphrezo clarified that he had no personal grudge against the chief minister, but as an elected representative from the area and under pressure from various quarters, he was compelled to tender his resignation on moral grounds. He further thanked the chief minister for giving him the privilege to be a part of the government as the chairman of NSDMC Ltd.

Mobile services hit

DIMAPUR, FEB 2 (NPN): Mobile services-- SMS and internet continues to be cutoff across Nagaland since January 30 except calls. The state government snapped the services in order to avoid spread of rumours in view of the protests against the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) election in Nagaland. Meanwhile, in Kohima all internet services both mobile and broadband including SMS have been shutdown.

This is it!

“So long there’s bandh in Dimapur, there’ll be no bandh in Lahorijan. It makes good business sense.”

K Y M C

on fire. Rampaging mobs literally took over the streets in Kohima in the face of total breakdown of the law and order machinery. The state government machinery in the state capital was totally paralysed and the Assam Rifles had to be called in to aid the civil administration in containing further worsening of the situation.

Sec. 144 CrPC imposed: In view of the prevailing tense situation in Kohima, deputy commissioner (DC) Kohima and district magistrate, Rajesh Soudararajan, has imposed Section 144 CrPC in four colonies -- Old ministers’ hill areas, Jail colony, Police headquarter junction and Raj Bhavan area starting

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February 2 from 9.30 pm till further notice.

Earlier in the morning, on day-two, an emotionally charged crowd of around 40,000 had gathered at the tri-junction below Old MLA Hostel where the coffins containing the bodies of the two slain youths were kept in order to take up the next course of action so that the burial would eventually take place. However, the decision was on whether to hold the burial or await the arrival of the governor of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, P.B.Acharya, who was expected to reach Kohima at 4 p.m. by chopper from Itanagar.

The newly floated Nagaland Tribes Action Com-

mittee (comprising of representative of all apex Naga tribes in Kohima) proposed to place the following demands before the Governor when he arrived Kohima Thursday evening: resignation of chief minister and cabinet on or before 4 pm Thursday; declaring as null and void the ULB elections and suspension of erring police personnel involved in the firing incident on February 1.

NTAC convener K.T Velie informed public of the three charters of demands of NTAC and said that funeral service will not be held till its demands are met. However, the Governor did not leave Arunachal Pradesh but through tele-

fax, accepted the demand of the NTAC to “defer the ULB election process” and have constructive dialogue with the NTAC and also to institute a judicial inquiry into the firing incident.

When the deadline of 4 p.m. arrived, the crowd became angry and demanded that the body be taken in procession to the residence of the chief minister since there was no response yet to the demands.

Much later, in a written reply, the chief minister T.R Zeliang did not mention about demands for his resignation and that of the cabinet but instead informed that the recent ULB elections have been declared null and void and also that the Police

‘Public Appeal’ by Chief Minister

he Chief Minister TR Zeliang is distressed by the unfortunate turn of events in the last few days and appeals to all not to indulge in senseless vandalism and arson destroying public properties and spreading fear and panic in the minds of the peace-loving citizens of the State. He is of the firm conviction that resorting to violent activities to convey one’s point of view is irrational and has no place in a civilised modern society which ensures freedom of speech and even freedom to differ from any view point or belief.

The Government is of the considered opinion that it has been lenient enough to give in to the demands of the agitators even though it was steadfastly abiding by the Constitution of India to which it had sworn its solemn allegiance. And making unreasonable and unconstitutional demands such as asking the entire Cabinet to tender resignation when the Ministry have undisputed, unquestionable majority and support of the entire Assembly, is simply unacceptable and nonnegotiable.

And to dispel the numerous false rumours doing the rounds, this is to state that Hon’ble MLA from 11 Northern Angami II Assembly Constituency Dr Neiphrezo Keditsu had today owing to immense pressure from various quarters, as he puts it, was compelled to tender his resignation as the Chairman of NSMDC Ltd on moral ground since one of the unfortunate deceased in the other night’s incident at Dimapur happens to be from his own village.

Apart from the above-mentioned resignation of the Hon’ble MLA, no other legislator has resigned and the present Leader of the House and Chief Minister TR Zeliang enjoys the full support of not only the NPF and Independent legislators but the BJP legislators and party as reaffirmed by the BJP today.

The Chief Minister appeals to all users of social media to be responsible and desist from spreading false, malicious rumours which only confuse the people more. As it is, the Chief Minister feels enough fallacies and untruths have been fed to the innocent public on various crucial issues facing the Naga society today by people with vested political interests.

This is not the time to lie to each other or to confuse each other, but time for the Naga people to come together, put our heads together and get to the truth of the issues.

The Chief Minister is also of the view that at such a trying time, Nagas as Christians and law-abiding citizens of the country should show more tolerance and patience. Governments come and go, and people in authority change, but public property, which belong to all of us, shall continue to belong to us and posterity. It would be sheer stupidity on our part to destroy our own property since it would be akin to cutting off our own limbs!

The Chief Minister fervently appeals to all to exercise restrain, desist from violence and arson. Let sanity and reason prevail upon the minds of the people. Let each and every one of us be the agents of peace and tranquillity, not saboteurs of social harmony.

(Issued by the Media Cell, Chief Minister’s Office, Nagaland)

Commissioner Dimapur will be transferred immediately to impartial judicial inquiry.

In his reply the chief minister also appealed to allow completion of the funeral rites of the departed souls.

AYO volunteers including APO and NTAC officials did all they could to bring the situation under control and prevented the coffins from being moved out.

Leaders of various tribes also made fervent appeals on the already agitated and section of the crowd to maintain calm and reaffirming that the two bodies would not be buried till the main demand for the resignation of the government was met.

(Cont’d on p-8)

NPF youth slams I have come to stand Rio, JCC, tribe by my people: Rio bodies, Imchen Staff Reporter DIMAPUR, FEB 2 (NPN): Naga People’s Front (NPF) Youth Wing has accused Lok Sabha MP and former chief minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio of adding fuel to fire with his press statement wherein he charged the state government of allowing the situation to become chaotic.

N P F yo u t h w i n g, through its media cell termed the statement as “unfortunate” because after Rio was elected due to massive support of the NPF, he could blame the NPF-led DAN for the ULB issue turning into a serious situation.

The NPF youth wing accused Rio of being the “master mind behind the current chaos” with a motive to impose President’s Rule ever since he failed in his attempted coup to topple the DAN government last year. In this regard, the NPF Youth Wing condemned the “irresponsible statement” of Rio which it said, has created confusion in the minds of the public. The Youth Wing also said it was unfortunate that tribal body leaders had failed to see reason and fallen prey by acting emotionally to the

DIMAPUR, FEB 2 (NPN): Lok Sabha MP of Nagaland and former chief minister, Neiphiu Rio who rushed down from Delhi to Dimapur on Thursday said “I have come to stand by my people.” With ongoing Budget session in place, Rio made it clear that his coming should not be politicized, saying-“Nagaland is my constituency. People are suffering, Nagaland is burning.”

The MP also added that he has come to pay his personal respect to the departed souls who were killed on the night of the January 31 protest in Dimapur. When asked whether the state government, marred with controversies, had failed to govern, Rio replied “I don’t know. They are governing.

They suspended me; they sidelined me so I am not participating. My press statement has said everything.”

Rio was of the opinion that the issue could have been tackled wisely, where both sides could have come to a logical conclusion.

Asked for his message to people, Rio said “Everybody should be reasonable. When justice is not done then this (Cont’d on p-8) kind of situation arises.”

Senden’s ‘clarion call’ on 11 Ao legislators Correspondent

MOKOKCHUNG, Feb 2 (NPN): The Ao Senden acting president, C. Angang Jamir and acting secretary, L. Tally Lkr has made a clarion call to all the 11 Ao legislators “to resign and come join the resolution of the Ao Senden”.

The Senden said the Ao community, for over a decade, had stood against the Municipal and Town Council Act, which was against the socio-customary laws and traditions of the Aos and Nagas.

Today, as the fight continues on the same issue over the dead bodies, the Senden said the Ao legislators “in contravention of the Ao customary rights and against the resolution of the Senden, who are being still seated in the Assembly is hereby called upon to immediately

DIMAPUR, FEB 2 (NPN): Nagaland Press Association (NPA) and Dimapur Press Club (DPC) have condemned the January 31 incident in Dimapur, where IRB personnel reportedly assaulted a staff of Nagaland Page within the office premises.

In a press release, NPA stated that due to security concerns for its employees, the publisher of Nagaland Page has decided not to publish its print edition, adding that “this is a matter of deep concern.” While the Dimapur police apologized telephonically for the incident, the NPA maintained that “this alone is not sufficient” and that necessary and tangible steps must be taken to ensure the security of those working in the fourth estate.

Observing that media persons have been made ‘soft targets’ by both state and non-state actors, the (Cont’d on p-8) NPA said it cannot remain a mute spectator to the repeated assaults made against its fraternity members.

resign and join the resolution of the Ao Senden”.

Mokokchung mourns: On Thursday, the people in Ao territory of Mokokchung under the aegis of Ao Senden observed a mourning period for the unfortunate death of the two youths.

All shops, offices and institutions remained closed, while vehicular movements were restricted. The Senden said that the mourning period would continue on Friday with the same restrictions. During such time, the Senden informed that it would not entertain/discus any other issues.

Meanwhile, during the bandh in Mokokchung on February 1, volunteers burnt the effigies of chief minister T.R. Zeliang and NPF president Dr. Shürhozelie, while deputy commissioner, election and NPF Mokokchung

Nagaland govt. has failed people: NNPGs NSCN (I-M) flays Indefinite bandh in DIMAPUR, FEB 2 (NPN): The ‘Working Group’ (WG) of the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) comprising of-- GPRN/NSCN ‘gen.’ (retd) M.B. Neokpao Konyak & N. Kitovi Zhimomi; NSCN (R), NNC parent body led by Z Royim & V. Nagi; NNC/GDRN led-by Kiumukam & Hetoi and NNC/NPGN led

by Hozheto & Tsangthungo has slammed the state government for “lack of leadership, character, integrity and statesmanship.”

In a joint statement, the group accused the present government of thriving on doublespeak, duplicity and corruption. “For long T.R. Zeliang and his cronies had played with the trust and sentiments of the Nagas and had reached a saturation point where they rejected all sensible views and suggestions of the people, who elevated him to the position,” the group stated.

However, NNPGs said that the tribes of Nagaland made it clear that they would “not just watch their future unjustly dictated by few men drunk with power, money and insatiable ego”.

Tribes of Nagaland will defend their inherent right just as the two young men from Chiechama, Aonokpu villages who lost their lives and the injured youths from Longleng, the group added.

The NNPGs said it rightly rejected “all anti-people policies being hatched by a handful of people in power”. While pointing out that the tip of the iceberg was 33% reservation issue, NNPGs said “deep beneath, there is a sinister policy to destroy the social, historical, political and religious foundations of the Nagas”.

In this regard, NNPGs said the tribes of Nagaland would not be wrong to act in the interest of their land and people.

“Tragedy befalls upon leaders who impose despotic ideas against overwhelming public opinion,” the group said, adding, it was natural “when peaceful democratic protest fails to attract the attention of the remorseless men in power, the people restores peace, often through volatile conduct as deemed fit by the common people”.

The group went on to state that the loss of precious Naga lives may not move the chief minister and his cabinet to tears, but it was also unlikely that the killing of Naga youths would stop Nagaland tribes from protesting against the inefficient and disturbing policies of the government. Further, taking a dig at the January 30 agreement, the group said that the extraordinary decision of the state government, betraying the Church and the people of Nagaland, does not bode well for the (Cont’d on p-8) future.

police action

DIMAPUR, FEB 2 (NPN): NSCN (I-M) has condemned the “high handedness” of police in Dimapur and Longleng, where lives were lost and many injured, saying such act has no place in civilized society. NSCN (I-M) MIP said it was “deeply hurt” at the demise of two young Nagas-- Khrisavizo Metha and Bendangnungsang– as a result of police firing on agitators, protesting against ULB election on January 31.

NSCN (I-M) maintained that it believed in resolving any differences of opinion “through dealing space and time for a negotiated settlement” between the state government and all the stakeholders. MIP said that imposition of unilateral will on the others without seriously respecting the views and opinions of others was “undemocratic”, which it said would end up in a state of chaos.

Considering the “volatile situation that could only burn our own houses,” MIP has strongly appealed to citizens to restrain from any act or state that could further aggravate the situation.

Meanwhile, it has conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to the injured ones.

NPA, DPC flay Jan 31 assault

Dimapur to continue

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, FEB 2 (NPN): Joint Co-ordination Committee (JCC) on Thursday informed that the indefinite bandh in Dimapur district would continue “until and unless the state government heed to the people’s demands”.

Besides the rest exempted from the purview of the bandh as informed, JCC said police personnel and district administration were not exempted starting Friday.

Addressing media persons at Tourist Lodge here on Thursday, JCC co-convenor Vekhosayi Nyekha appealed to the volunteers to adhere to the exemptions made for those during the bandh and not to resort to any unwanted incidents.

Volunteers have been asked to allow patients in ambulance or private vehicles, free movement of doctors and nurses on humanitarian grounds and media.

JCC also informed that NBCC delegates and officials travelling to Peren for the NBCC general conference have been exempted from the purview of the bandh.

The committee also congratulated MLA Neiphrezo Keditsu for resigning from his post, APO, AYO and Ao Senden for directing their legislators to resign.

(Cont’d on p-8)

(Cont’d on p-8)

More condemn Jan 31 incidents

DIMAPUR, FEB 2 (NPN): Various organizations have condemned the killing of two youths in Dimapur on January 31 night.

DVC: Diphupar Village Council (DVC) together with the entire public and organisation of Diphupar Village have vehemently condemned the IRB personnel for indiscriminately firing the unarmed public on August 31 night. “It resulted in the killing of our two brave sons, Khriesavizo Metha son of Neimhalie Metha and Bendangnungsang son of late Longriyongdang of Diphupar village,” DVC chairman Lanutoshi stated.

DVC further demanded the resignation of chief minister T.R. Zeliang, termination of IRB personnel and suspension of Dimapur Police Commissioner.

(More on p-2) K Y M C

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state

Womenfolk call for unity Correspondent

KOHIMA, FEB 2 (NPN): Womenfolk, who were mourning the death of the two youths, killed in police firing, called for unity among the Nagas, saying that such incident must not take place in future.

Interacting with the Nagaland Post, one of the women, who was among the mourners, termed January 31 incident as unfortunate and said that the two youths- late Khriesavizo (Avizo) Metha and late Bendangnungsang Longkumer, sacrificed their lives for the cause of the Nagas.

She asser ted that the situation was created because those people involved, had acted “like they did not have concern for the Nagas”.

“As being a mother,

no one can bear their own son being killed in such incident”, she said and added that scarifies of the two must unite the Nagas.

She further demanded honourable funeral of the two slain youths.

L a t e K h r i e s av i z o (Avizo) Metha (25) completed his bachelor of engineering (architect) in 2016. One of his family members said that he was planning to go for further studies after collecting his marksheet. Late Bendangnungsang Longkumer(21) studied Hindi after his matriculation and was working in a private company in Chennai. He was on a vacation when the unfortunate incident took place.

He lost his parents while he was at a young age. He was second among the six siblings and was raised by his paternal families.

MPC condoles DIMAPUR: Mokokchung Press Club has expressed sadness at the sudden demise of Taliakum Pongen, general secretary, Mokokchung Town Lanur Telongjem (MTLT) and a prominent young citizen of Mokokchung town. In a condolence message, MPC said that Pongen was an active social leader, a benevolent teacher, a warm and caring human being and above all a very spiritual and dedicated Christian youth. It stated that the deceased was always been actively involved with the press and shared a very strong relationship with the press fraternity. MPC said his untimely passing is a great loss not only for the people of Mokokchung but also for the Ao community and Nagas in general. The Club has conveyed condolences to bereaved family and joined them in sharing their grief and also paid tribute to his memory.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur friday, February 3, 2017

news in brief Bishop of Kma appeals for calm DIMAPEX-2017 at LFHSS cancelled: DIMAPEX-2017 philately exhibition scheduled for February 3 and 4 at Livingstone Higher Secondary School (LFHSS) Dimapur has been cancelled till further notice due to unavoidable circumstances.

Director postal service, Nagaland has regretted the inconvenience.

LSWO general meeting: Lazami Social Welfare Organization (LSWO), Kohima has convened its general meeting on February 5 at its banker’s house at Nagabazar at 12:30 p.m. All office bearers, advisors, Lazami Students’ Union president and general secretary and concern members of the LSWOK have been requested to attend the meeting to chalk out the yearly programme for the welfare of its members.

SVCA clarifies: Seyochung Village Citizen Association (SVCA) has clarified that its general meeting has been convened on February 16 at Seyochung village and has requested all the citizens to reach the village on February 15 and not as published.

LSTD general meeting cancelled: Longjang Senso Telongjem Dimapur general meeting on February 4 has been cancelled. LSTD said the meeting date would be notified later.

DIMAPUR, FEB 2 (NPN): Bishop of Kohima, Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil has expressed pain over the unfortunate events in the state, particularly in Kohima in the aftermath of the killing of two youths in police firing, and appealed for refrain and calm.

Bishop, who is in Bhopal attending the 29th Plenary Assembly of the Conference of Catholic Bishops’ India (CCBI), has appealed all to restrain from further escalation of harmful events.

He said at such difficult and problematic situation, the people should come together and sought the in-

tervention of the grace and power of God. “In most difficult and problematic situation we need the grace and power of God to discern and decide what is best for our people. There are no problems which cannot find solutions and no solutions beyond human effort, if only every stake holder sits down in calmness desiring to find the best solution with the discerning power of the Holy Spirit”, he said.

At this critical and crucial moment, the Bishop has asked all to surrender in docility to the plan of God and pray to the Almighty God

for discernment. He has asked all not to let emotions, very natural and legitimate, take control over reasons.

The Bishop has asked all to cultivate and cherish an atmosphere of calmness and patience, discussion and dialogue, sharing and caring, give and take always keeping mind the common goal of progress that benefit the future of our people.

Further, Bishop on behalf of the Church and in the name of God appealed all to abjure from all forms of violence and remain united and resolve “our” difference in true Christian spirit of love and reconciliation.

Lotha Hoho endorses JCC’s demand

DIMAPUR: Lotha Hoho (LH) has rewritten, section by section, to the full endorsed the demands of JCC that the satisfaction of the Naga people, before state government step down, ULB elec- any civic poll is held”, LH stated. tions held on February 1 in certain towns Meanwhile, the hoho slammed the should be declared null and void and the “childish and ludicrous behaviour” of police commissioner and commander of the state government in not honouring the “errant” IRB involved in January 31 the MoU signed between the government firing should be suspended. and JCC in the presence of NBCC on LH chairman Mhao Humtsoe and January 30, 2017, which resulted in the general secretary Mhandamo Ovung also loss of two precious lives of Naga youth. the departed soul to rest in peace. reiterated its demand that the Nagaland LH also expressed condolences to the BJP Nagaland: BJP NaMunicipal Act 2001, amended in 2006 families of the victims and prayed that galand has expressed deep shock should be reviewed and amended. the God bestow them courage to overand anguish at the sad turn of “NMA should be reviewed and come the loss. events on the night of January 31 and has strongly condemned and condole the demise of two young men late Khriesavizo Metha and late Bendangnungsang.

The BJP Nagaland has prayed for the departed souls to rest in peace and strength for the families in time of grief. It also prayed and hope for restraint and peace for normalcy to return.

NSF: Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has vehemently condemned the cowardice act of killing two youths at Dimapur and injuring many in Longleng district at the anarchical directive of the state government.

NSF president Subenthung Kithan and general secretary Boveio Poukai Duo in a release said when the whole Naga society has strongly voiced out opposing towards holding the ULB elections, the state government resorted to the most inhuman act of terror by killing two youths and injuring several persons. It said no human lives are more important or precious than election or political interest.

NSF pointed out that it was the prerogative and responsibility of the state government to maintain social harmony and peace however the government had miserably failed to uphold the tripartite agreement signed between the state government, JCC and NBCC as the mediator.

The federation condemned the treacherous act committed by the state government and said state government must own the responsibility for the present social unrest in the state.

Further, NSF has conveyed its deepest condolence to the bereaved families and prayed for speedy recovery of the injured persons.

ZPO: Zeliang People’s Organization (ZPO) has strongly Security personnel stationed at the road side leading to chief minister’s condemned the senseless and residence in Kohima on Thursday. (C/J: Akumlila Y.) barbaric killings of innocent Naga civilians and critically injuring many by armed police personnel at the dictate of atrociously brutal state government on Tuesday in Dimapur.

Media cell ZPON stated that there can be no greater lack of civility that can be imagined of a democratic government that this exposure, derived of leaderships that are depraved to the lowest ebb.

While condemning the unfortunate mayhem that had occurred in the highest abominable term, ZPO extended heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the bereaved families whose loved ones have courageously laid their precious lives at the cause of protecting Naga rights and has conveyed good wishes for speedy recovery to the injured.

ZPO reiterated its previous statements of January 6 and 11 to avert conduct of ULB election; it regretted that had the appeals and wishes of the Nagas been heeded, The broken windshield of the ambulance. the state government under the leadership of chief minister T.R Zeliang DIMAPUR: An ambu- demned the incident where rity forces or irresponsible would not have landed itself into lance belonging to Nikos an ambulance of the Nikos elements, GPAD said it this helpless catastrophe and public Hospital was reportedly Hospital was shot at while was condemnable when medical services were exabhorrence. ZPO has also acknowl- shot at during the incident on duty.

GPAD said that the empted from the purview edged the effort and conscious ac- at Dimapur on January 31 ambulance was returning of the bandh. tion of the right thinking Zeliang night.

In this regard, the from Chumukedima after The association has people who successfully prevented appealed to all not commit to conduct ULB polls in Tening General Practitioners Asso- dropping a dead body.

Whether the violent such barbaric acts against town on February 1 stating that it ciation Dimapur (GPAD) through a pres note con- act was committed by secu- medical services. will go down the Naga annals.

Organisations condemn January 31 incidents; condole

DIMAPUR: Various civil society organisations and tribal bodies have condemned January 31 incident where Khriesavizo Metha son of Neimhalie Metha and Bendangnungsang son of late Longriyongdang of Diphupar village was allegedly killed during police firing.

PPC: Phom Peoples’ Council (PPC) has strongly condemned the high handedness by police in Longlen town on January 31 injuring seven people, wherein one was reportedly in critical condition.

In a press note, PPC president Chingan Phom and general secretary Changlong Phom accused the state government led by NPF party for creating all the mess and chaos and taking people’s lives at risk.

PPC has therefore demanded immediate independent judicial inquiry, suspension of Longleng DC and the concerned police officers.

Further, on behalf of the victims, PPC resolved not to accept any ex-gratia from the government.

PPC further conveyed deepest condolences to the bereaved families of the two youth killed in Dimapur and prayed for departed souls to rest in peace and wished those injured for a speedy recovery.

IMTN: Indigenous Minority Tribes of Nagaland (IMTN) comprising of Kuki, Kachari, Garo & Karbi/Mikir Tribes – have condemned the highhandedness of the police force that led to the death of two youths, while fighting for the rights of the people.

IMTN information and press secretary, in a statement called upon every sensible person to condemn the betrayal of the voice of the people and the brutality of the state government. The tribes’ body also slammed the arrogance and mis-goverance of the present government. The four indigenous tribes of Nagaland further conveyed solace to the parents of the brave sons, who made the supreme sacrifices and prayed for speedy recovery to those injured.

IMTN also appealed to all tribes of Nagaland to work in unison and brotherhood so that to overcome such challenges which may be detrimental to the future generations.

TPO: Tenyimi People’s Organisation (TPO) in a condemnation note, has said that the prevailing situation in the state and loss of two precious lives- Bendangnungsang and Khriesavizo Metha, was the outcome of the State government inability and failure to uphold the mutual trust.

TPO president Timikha Koza and general secretary Vipopal Kintso stated that the issue could have been resolved through patience, understanding and dialogue, had the government not chosen the path of “denial, arrogance and obstinacy”. The organization also slammed the government of betraying the people and the church by taking a U-turn on the tripartite agreement leading to the fall out of the violent incidents in various parts of the state. Further, TPO conveyed solace to the family members and prayed that the departed souls rest in eternal peace.

DAYO: Dimapur Ao Youth Organization (DAYO) has strongly condemned the betrayal of the state government and action of the law enforcing agency whereby K

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lives of two young promising youths were shot dead on January 31, besides injuring five others at Dimapur. A condemnation note

by DAYO vice president, Temsumongba Sanglir and general secretary, Meyatoba stated that late Khriesavizo Metha and Bendangnungsang Longkumer were fatally shot due to the erroneous action which “revealed a lack of conviction and wisdom on the part of the government.” DAYO had demanded the elected representatives to step down on ethical ground and also demanded independent judicial inquiry to probe into the incident and immediately suspend the police officer involved in the present confrontation. DAYO further conveyed its condolence to the brave young warriors who had sacrificed their life for Naga cause and pray that almighty God grant solace to the bereaved families. Meanwhile DAYO has also condemned the incident that took place at the resident of I. Bendangliba Tzudir, director of Industry and Commerce on January 30 at Kohima where some unidentified miscreant had fired several shots at his resident without any justification. Such kind of gutless act and intimidation has no place in our culture, stated DAYO and as such it has demanded the security agency to thoroughly investigate the matter and punish the culprit as per the penal law.

CPO: Chakhroma Public Organization (CPO) has vehemently condemned the brutal act of the state government, where the security personnel fired rounds, resulting in the death of two youths, namely late Khriesavizo Metha, son of Neimhalie Metha and Bendangnugsang both from Diphupar village and inflicting injuries to several persons in Dimapur as well as Longleng. A condemnation note by CPO president, Vichutolie Mere and information and publicity incharge Khrielieviu Khro stated that its resolute stand in support of JCC resolution adopted on February 1. CPO further conveyed deepest condolence to the bereaved family members and also prayed that the departed souls rest in eternal peace. Moreover, the organization also wished speedy recovery of the injured persons undergoing medical treatment.

NGBF & DGBA: Nagaland GBs Federation (NGBF) and Dimapur District GBs Association (DGBA) have expressed grief and pain over the January 31 incident which resulted in the loss of precious lives of the youth. In a condolence note, NGBF president, Shaleem Konyak, general secretary Shikuto Zalipu and president DDGBA Tokuho Suhoi stated that it was very unfortunate that the situation could not be averted by the concerned authorities. It also requested that “at this time of trial and tribulation let us all lean on the wisdom of God and pray for Nagaland”. NGBF and DDGBA expressed deepest condolence to the bereaved families and pray for departed souls to rest in peace and speedy recovery for those injured.

KU: Konyak Union (KU) while condemning the January 31 incident has expressed its deepest condolence to the bereaved family of late Bendangningsang Longkumer and Khriesavizo Metha, gunned down by state armed forces while fighting for common Naga cause. KU in a condemna-

tion note by president, Manlip Konyak and general secretary, Honang Konyak out rightly termed the incident as “unfortunate and doctored”. Justice should not be delayed and preceding action should be initiated as per the law of the land, it stated. In solidarity with rest of the Nagas, the KU asserted that no ULB election would be declared in those towns that fall within its jurisdiction unless or until rightful justice is delivered to the Nagas.

N W H D : N a g a Wo m e n Hoho Dimapur (NWHD) has extended their support to stand strong with the rest of the Naga patriotic people and vow their total allegiance to the public demands made on February 1.

In a press release, NWHD information and publicity secretary Thethem Hangshing clarified that NWHD is not under NMA and that NWHD and NMA are two separate organizations. NWHD conveyed condolence to the bereaved family of late Thejavizo Metha and Bendangnungsang and further prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.

CHK: Chakhesang Hoho Kohima (CHK) has expressed shocked at the inexplicable act of insanity leading to loss of lives due to standoff between the state Government and the general public that took place on January 31, at Dimapur over the contentious issue of ULB election in Nagaland.

Hoho has condemned strongly the act of the government where two lives had been claimed and many injured in the process. In a condemnation note, CHK president Theja Therieh and publicity and information secretary, Pfuche Koza termed that a responsible government should have well-foresee and applied mature calculated measures in containing the mass public outcry. Hoho mentioned that the issue was of outmost public exigency, which has long overdue; needing thorough interpretation and understanding of the laid down provision in the constitution to all the stakeholders alike but instead went ahead with the ULB election hurriedly. CHK also expect that the government of the day should have taken full represented authority for resolving the issue to a logical conclusion while coming to term agreement of the MOU with the JCC and the NBCC. But because of the double-standard game and visionless mind of the government the issue had escalated and blown to such extremity. To which, the state lawmakers should own the moral responsibility. Hoho further conveyed condolence to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace. CHK further hoped that their sacrificial deeds will regenerate and transform our yearning society to a better understanding of peace, love and towards human progress.

ENPUC: Eastern Nagaland People’s Union Chumukedima (ENPUC) has strongly condemned the terrific act of Naga armed police and state government going against the voice of the Naga people where innocent boys namely late Thejavizo Metha and late Bendangnungsen have been killed. ENPUC has also extended their support the Naga people’s demand until it is fulfilled by the state government. Union further conveyed condolence to the bereaved family and prayed for

GPAD condemns attack on ambulance

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur Friday, February 3, 2017

Normal life crippled as indefinite bandh continues in Dimapur

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, FEB 2 (NPN): The commercial hub of Nagaland has become “ghost city” as unrest continues in entire state after two youths -

Khriesavizo Metha son of Neimhalie Metha and Bendangnungsang son of late Longriyongdang of Diphupar village- were allegedly killed in the police firing on January 31 night.

The town area wore a deserted look as there are hardly any pedestrian or vehicular movement due to indefinite bandh called by Dimapur Naga Youth Front, and 144 CrPc promulgated to prevent

gathering of people.

T h o u g h t h e t ow n area was empty, most part of the highway from 3rd Mile and above is blocked by volunteers, who are imposing the indefinite bandh.

IRB personnel are also stationed in different parts of the town. Large number of them are seen at 2 ½ mile -3rd Mile area where January 31 incident occurred.

The volunteers have

blocked the national highway by cutting down trees, placing huge stones and hume pipes in the middle of the road and burning tyres as sign of protest.

Travellers were also

seen walking with their luggage as public and private vehicles remain off road. Many people, who have come to Dimapur for works remained stranded for the last five days.

Raising more doubt

on the growing concern over safety of journalists and medical professionals on duty in conflict areas, an ambulance of Nikos Hospital was also hit by a bullet during the firing while on duty.

nagalandpost.com Poll Q.: Comment on Donald Tr ump’s temporar y ban on refugees from 7 jihadist conflict zones?

100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

A B C

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

A

B

C

It’s temporary and very mild 32% ban It damages American im- 38% age as a nation for all Trump should have ordered 30% complete ban as promised

Next poll

Q: What step can help

bring normalcy back to Nagaland?

The Govt should step  down and new set up installed.

Dialogue between the  apex tribes, NGOs with govt.

Impose PR for one  year.

WEATHER FORECAST February 3

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala Plenty of sunshine

28 14

Aizawl

Sunny and beautiful

Guwahati Hazy sunshine

23 8 27 11

Sunny and beautiful

26 7

Itanagar Sunny and pleasant

23 11

Shillong

Hazy sun

19 2

Kohima

Nice with plenty of sunshine 22 5

Imphal

Dimapur Sunny and pleasant

27 11

Sunny and pleasant

22 5

Mkg

Tuensang Sunny and cooler Wokha

Sunny and not as warm

Zunheboto Plenty of sunshine K

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northeast

Centre, Manipur govt, UNC to hold tripartite talks today the ongoing agitations of the UNC for the time being may come up, he added.

A seven-member delegation of the UNC led by its general secretary S Milan had already reached Delhi last night to take part in the tripartite talks.

UNC has been imposing the indefinite economic blockade on the national highways in Manipur since November 1 last year, in protest against Manipur government’s proposed declaration of Sadar Hills and Jiribam as full-fledged revenue districts of the state.

Besides the economic blockade, the Naga body is also banning implementation of all national projects including construction of Jiribam to Tupul railway line in Tamenglong district. In spite of the strong opposition, Ibobi government had on November 8 last year created seven new districts bifurcating all the

five hill districts and two valley districts.

The government decision led the UNC to intensify its blockade besides picketing of government offices in Naga dominated hill districts.

Meanwhile, around 300 loaded trucks including oil tankers have left Jiribam for Imphal along the Imphal-Jiribam section of NH-37 today early morning. The vehicles with security escorts provided

by Central security forces are likely to reach Imphal by late this evening.

A police report said that of the 300 good ferry vehicles, 16 were petrol loaded oil tankers, 22 diesel loaded tankers, and four ATF loaded tankers and 22 bullet (bulk LPG) tankers among others.

Around 600 loaded trucks including petroleum products were still stranding at various places in Jiribam, the report added.

Assam CM bats to develop Habung as tourist destination

Bangladesh hands over Silchar trader’s body

Correspondent

IMPHAL, Feb 2: Representatives of Manipur government and United Naga Council (UNC) have left for New Delhi on Thursday to take part in the tripartite talks. The talk between Government of India, Government of Manipur and UNC is scheduled to be held on Friday at New Delhi.

State additional secretary Dr Suresh Babu along with revenue commissioner K Radhakumar will represent Manipur government in the talk.

UNC president Gaidon Kamei and his publicity secretary Shangkhel Stephen have also been taken to the national capital by a flight with a team of Manipur police and personnel of the Manipur Central Jail.

During a brief interaction with media before departure for New Delhi

G u wahat i , F e b 2 (Agencies): In a bid to make the new generation aware about the ideology and contributions of the first Ahom monarch Swargadeo Chaolung Siu Ka Pha, Assam government has decided to preserve historic Habung which manifests the rich Ahom legacy, and develop it as a tourist destination. For this the government is set to spend Rs 2 crore in the first phase.

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced this while participating in the central celebration of Me-Dam-MePhi organized by the Cultural Affairs department at Habung in Dhemaji district on Tuesday.

“The foundation of a disciplined and strong society rests on its inherent ethos, rituals and art & culture. Chaolung Siu Ka Pha set the tone for a harmonius Assam by unifying the ethos and values of different communities living during his time,” said Sonowal, adding, “He faced many challenges in his pursuit for greater

at Imphal airport, UNC president Gaidon Kamei said the Naga body is still against the creation of new districts by Ibobi government.

The talk is likely to focus on lifting of economic blockade and other forms of ongoing agitations.

UNC president, however, said that UNC had already tabled its demands to the government and “I believe the talk would be focused on the demands.”

On the other hand, asserting that the more than three month old economic blockade on the national highways has made the people suffered at their limit, state representative Dr Suresh Babu said the talk would focus on lifting the blockade.

He said that the state government is confident of reaching to an agreement during the talks. If not a permanent solution, an understanding that would lift

Sarbananda Sonowal

to develop the place as a tourist destination. He also sought people’s cooperation in transforming the face of Habung.

“Five more bridges will soon be constructed over river Brahmaputra, completion of which will unleash a new era of development on the north bank,” CM informed.

Assam but adversities could never defeat him. Keeping his ideology alive will be the best tribute we can offer to this great founder of the Ahom dynasty.”

Sonowal further added the observation of Me-DamMe-Phi is the manifestation of the concept of ancestor worship, and this festival teaches people to show respect to departed ancestors and remember their contribution to society. “The blessings of our ancestors are the guiding force which keeps us moving.”

Stating that Habung is plagued with myriad problems, Sonowal promised that the government will significantly invest in upgrading its infrastructure

The Union home ministry has approved Z+ security with NSG cover for chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal. This makes him the second chief minister after Uttar Pradesh CM Akhilesh Yadav to get NSG cover.

The home ministry notification states that the NSG cover has been accorded “in view of high threat perception” after examination of his security arrangement. The move comes after the withdrawal of NSG cover for two of Sonowal’s predecessors Tarun Gogoi and Prafulla Kumar Mahanta.

Sonowal gets Z+ security cover

Mizoram CM ‘Rule of Law’ necessary for free and fair polls: TMC expresses hope Imphal, Feb 2 (PTI): Concerned over the law and order situation in pollbound Manipur, Manipur Pradesh Trinamool Congress Committee has said that establishment of “Rule of law” is the foremost necessity for holding free and fair elections scheduled on March 4 and March 8.

Senior Vice-President Th Inaocha Singh told PTI that the party is of the view that the current impasse of economic blockade “is very unfortunate” and said “both BJP and Congress are trying to take political mileage out of it”. Stating “both the parties should bear the responsibility for the hardship faced by the people,” Inaocha said “time has come to teach a big lesson to both the major political parties”. The senior leader also highlighted the January 30 killing of two labourers as

an instance of deteriorating law and order situation in the state, particularly the hill areas. Questioning which is the right party to bring an end to the three-month long economic blockade imposed by United Naga Council (UNC) along the lifeline of the state, the party is of the view that “imposition of President’s rule is the best option” to bring a solution to the blockade issue, Inaocha said.

On the scheduled February 3 tripartite talks, Inaocha said the talks “are not likely to be effective” as the demand of the UNC overlaps with the interest of other ethnic communities.

However, he said, he appreciates “all efforts to establish peace irrespective of ethnicity” but reasoned that the result should be acceptable for all stakeholders.

Woman gangraped in Tripura; 3 arrested Agartala, Feb 2 (PTI): Three persons were arrested from Adarini tea garden near here for allegedly raping a woman, police said today.

The trio allegedly raped the woman inside the tea garden yesterday. The locals, who later rescued the woman informed the police about the incident following which the accused were arrested last night, Superintendent of Police Bhanupada Chakraborty said.

The victim has been admitted to the hospital and investigation is underway, he said.

for reunification

Kolasib, Feb 2 (Agencies): Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla expressed hope that ethnic Mizos living in different states in the country and in contiguous parts of Myanmar and Bangladesh would one day “reunite under a single administrative unit”.

Lal Thanhawla said that cultural and emotional integration of all ‘Zo’ ethnic groups would help in the “reunification process”.

He was addressing a function to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the Chin-Lushai Conference on the Mizoram-Assam border in Kolasib town.

Former chief minister and Mizo National Front chief Zoramthanga urged the ‘Zo’ people to accept each other. The function, conducted by the Zo Reunification Organisation (ZoRO), an organisation spearheading the reunification of the Zos living in India, Myanmar and Bangladesh, was to commemorate the Chin-Lushai Conference held at Fort William in Kolkata on January 29, 1892.

The leaders of the organisation said the conference, held 125 years ago, was the first and only effort made by the British to unify the ethnic Mizos into a single administrative unit.

SILCHAR, Feb 2 (Agencies): Bangladesh handed over the body of an Indian national who had died in Dhaka under mysterious circumstances to Indian officials in Karimganj on Wednesday.

Jyoti Sarkar (40), a trader from Silchar, had flown from Kolkata to Dhaka on December 29 last year.

On January 29, the Bangladesh high commission called up his relatives to inform them that Sarkar had suffered a cardiac arrest and died in Dhaka on January 2.

Following intervention by the Assam home department and concerned authorities, Bangladesh made arrangements to hand over Sarkar’s body to his family.

Officials of the Indian high commission in Bangladesh and the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) handed over Sarkar’s body to officials of the BSF and Karimganj district administration at the customs ferry ghat in Karimganj.

Army officer hurt in Manipur grenade attack Correspondent

IMPHAL, Feb 2: Suspected militants have launched a grenade attack at a column of JK Light Infantry leaving a JCO (Junior Commission Officer) with splinter injuries in Manipur.

The suspects hurled the hand grenade towards the troopers of 2nd JK Light Infantry on ROP duty along Imphal-Churachandpur road from a speeding car at Nachou area in Bishnupur district late Wednesday evening, around 6.40 pm.

The injured personnel identified as JCO Mohd Arshad has been taken to Leimakhong military hospital.

Soon after the blast, the security personnel fired towards the escaping car. A team of Bishnupur police who rushed to the spot chased after the car. However, there was no report of arrest of any suspects, police said.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur friday, February 3, 2017

Insurgency on rise in Assam during BJP rule, says Gogoi

Guwahati, Feb 2 (PTI): Former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today alleged that insurgency has increased in Assam after the BJP-led government came to power in the state. “Insurgency problem has increased in the recent times. It has gone up after the new government came,” he said in the state Assembly.

Taking part in the discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the Governors address, Gogoi said, “To tackle the insurgency problem, I had initiated backward region development fund. Now, the Centre has stopped it.”

“Earlier, police modernisation was done completely on Central assistance, but it is not the case now. So, how are you going to handle the insurgent elements?” he asked.

The senior Congress leader said he does not believe that corruption has ended as the people, against whom BJP had brought serious allegations of graft, were highly decorated in the cur-

Tarun Gogoi

rent government. “Health, education and some other departments during my tenure must be very clean as the minister then, is the minister now,” Gogoi said.

He claimed that demonetisation has severely affected Assam, specially the weaker section of the society. He doubted the process of updating the NRC as speed of work has slowed down considerably. “Why is the border between India and Bangladesh not sealed fully in the last two and half years of the BJP government at the Centre? You just see how much sealing was done by the NDA and how much

by the UPA,” he said.

About withdrawal of NSG commandos from his security cover and another former chief minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, Gogoi said it was done as “we are Assamese and Assamese people are polite”.

“The Centre talks about love for Assam, so why has it not done anything concrete or announced special funds to tackle flood and erosion problems of the state? There was nothing for the state in this Union Budget also,” the Congress leader claimed.

Attacking the BJP government for its “double standards”, Gogoi alleged, “The state government always talks about its commitment towards the Assam Accord, but the Centre is planning to amend the Citizenship Act on religious lines.”

“You (Centre) talk about Ajan Fakir and Sankardeva, but evict people on religious identities. You are saying one thing and doing another. I do not know what the Governor is talking about,” he said.

Confine tripartite talks only to lifting blockade: Kuki Inpi

Tawang wins best tourist destination award

preciating, it is the earnest desire that the dialogue process should concentrate on lifting the blockade so as to avoid further escalation of social discord and breakdown of the law and order machinery in the state, the memorandum said. If the talk turns toward the territory of Manipur state, first and foremost the three main communities namely - Meetei, Kuki and Naga must be fully and equally represented in any kind of talk on the matter, it added.

While reminding that the necessity and importance of involving the three major groups was clearly mentioned in another memorandum submitted to the Union home minister on June 15, 2006, the Inpi affirmed that UNC alone, in the context of Manipur, “can never do or say anything about the land” inhabited by the three communities since time immemorial without the consent of the two other major communities – Meetei and Kuki. In case Centre yields to the demand of NSCNIM’s “Naga integration”, it will be logically concluded

I t a n aga r , F e b 2 (Agencies): Tawang won the award for the “Best Tourist Destination” of the year, while Pappu Passa Valley bagged the award for the “Emerging Destination” of the year in the recently held Arunachal Tourism Awards 2017.

Ace mountaineer Anshu Jamsenpa was chosen as the “State Tourism Icon” of the year. Tawang Festival won the award for “Best Cultural Tourism Festival”, while the awards for “Best Tourism Festival (Music)” and “Best Tourism Festival (Adventure)” went to the famed Ziro Festival of Music (ZFM) and the Orange Festival of Music & Adventure respectively.

The awards were given away in a glittering function organized by the Department of Tourism, held at Indira Gandhi Park here on January 31. The Arunachal Tourism Awards is an endeavour of the Department of Tourism to give due recognition to all the key players/ stakeholders in promoting tourism industry in the state.

Correspondent

IMPHAL, Feb 2: Ahead of the proposed tripartite talk with United Naga Council (UNC), Kuki Inpi Manipur has cautioned that no final decision should be taken on issues related to territory of Manipur without the prior information or consent of the three major communities. The Kuki body demanded that the proposed tripartite talk, involving representatives of Central and state governments, and UNC should be confined to discussions on lifting the on-going economic blockade only.

In an open memorandum addressed to the ‘members of proposed tripartite talk’, Kuki Inpi’s A Lenthang (kumpi) noted that UNC’s economic blockade has been causing tremendous hardships to the people of Manipur, besides claiming the lives of innocent civilians ever since the agitation began some three months back.

Though the initiative for holding talks to iron out differences is worth ap-

that Government is behind this movement, and all those whose land are touched will become enemies of India, the Inpi warned.

Further cautioning that Centre should not yield to the communal politics of integrating only Nagas, the memo pointed out that “Kukis have been carefully observing nefarious activities of the NSCN (IM), which will lead to no good other than triggering calamitous civil unrest.”

Before any final decision is arrived as consequent to the on-going talks with the NSCN-IM, the Centre needs to ensure that the “murderers of over 900 innocent Kukis plus other ethnic groups and uprooting 360 Kuki villages must be arrested and punished as per law of the land,” the Kuki Inpi memorandum demanded.

Moreover, all those displaced by NSCN-IM should be rehabilitated to avoid the wrath of all the ethnic groups who suffered heavily in the hands of the Naga rebel outfit, the memo maintained.

Assam: Four national parks under encroachment; 99 elephants killed in 5 yrs G u wahat i , F e b 2 (Agencies): Even as the BJP-led government in Assam has launched a drive to evict encroachers, over 141 sq km of land in the state’s national parks and wildlife sanctuaries continue to be under the grip of encroachers. Mananimal conflict meanwhile has left 99 elephants dead in five years.

Disclosing these and other forest-related figures, Assam forest and environment minister Pramila Rani Brahma told the state assembly in Guwahati on Thursday during question hour that of the 141.76 sq km of sanctuary land under encroachment, as much as 42 sq km were in four of the five national parks.

Among five the national parks, Manas had 31 sq km under encroachment, Nameri five sq km, Dibru-Saikhowa 3.17 sq km and Orang 2.35 sq km, minister Brahma said.

There was however no encroachment in Kaziranga after the authorities carried out an eviction drive in September last year.

The minister also disclosed that among the 18 wildlife sanctuaries in As-

sam, Sonai-Rupai topped the chart of encroachment, with 85 sq km of it in the grip of illegal settlers.

About 2.28 sq km of Amchang wildlife sanctuary in Guwahati, 5.08 sq km of Burachapori, three sq km of Laokhowa, four sq km of Bornadi, and 0.34 sq km of Bherjan-Borjaon-Padumoni wildlife sanctuary were under encroachment, she said.

Giving figures about man-animal conflict in the state, the forest minister said as many as 99 wild elephants have died due to incidents like electrocution, poaching, poisoning and train accidents between 2012 and 2016. Of these, electrocution accounted for the highest elephant deaths (48), followed by train accidents (27), poaching (13) and poisoning (11).

As many as 36 leopards too were killed in Assam in the last five years, of which 27 deaths were caused as a result of “retaliatory killings” after the animals had entered human habitations and caused death and injury to human beings and domestic animals.

Poaching and poison-

Man-animal conflict has left 99 elephants dead in five years in Assam. ing accounted for six and three leopard deaths respectively, Brahma said.

Assam also recorded 426 human deaths between 2012 and 2016 caused only by wild elephants.

The highest number of human deaths (118) by

wild elephants was recorded in 2015, the minister said. In 2016, elephants killed 92 people, while 84, 81 and 51 were killed in 2012, 2013 and 2014 respectively. Leopards on the other hand killed one person in 2016.

Replying to yet another question, minister Brahma said Assam lost 101 one-horned rhinos during 2016 due to “natural” reasons. Among these “natural” deaths, Kaziranga national park alone accounted for 93, she said.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur friday, February 3, 2017

Kejriwal backing perpetrators of blast in Punjab: Rahul Gandhi

5 BJP ups ante on poor UP law ‘Sarpanch’ If voted to power, will jail publicly beats up corrupt politicians: Gomes and order, slams SP regime woman in Andhra national

killed seven persons, Yadav said this is a proof how illegal practices are being promoted by the ruling party leaders and the officials concerned are forced to look the other way.

In the last one year, more than 25,000 cases have been lodged under the Arms Act and 1,400 robberies and dacoities have taken place, the BJP leader said citing police statistics.

“Under the watch of the present Samajwadi Party government, senior police officials have been killed, mafias are having a free run and women are being victimised,” Yadav added.

Even journalists, he added, are not safe in the SP regime and exhorted the people to stand up against the government and ensure that the BJP came to power after the state assembly polls.

Uttar Pradesh goes to polls spread over seven phases between February 11 and March 8.

PANAJI, FEB 2 (AGENCIES): Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) chief ministerial candidate Elvis Gomes on Thursday said that if voted to power, he will send to jail the corrupt political leaders who tricked the public.

Addressing a press conference here, Gomes said that on February 4 (the polling day), people of Goa will script “doom and the end of the road” for the corrupt politicians.

“All who tricked the people for decades through the mining scam, innumerable land grab scams and amassed huge amount of unaccounted wealth will be prosecuted and jailed once my government takes office,” Gomes told reporters. Goa will elect its new 40-seat assembly on February 4.

He also promised to ensure “fish for all” at affordable prices in Goa. He said that during door-to-door interactions with people, he realised that fish which was staple part of food for almost every Goan

died in hospital. Gandhi’s comments come as Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal earlier said in a statement that “the manner in which the bomb blasts were executed was a throwback to the days of terrorism”.

Badal said that the blast was a direct result of the AAP’s nexus with radical elements. Earlier, Kejriwal had called for Badal’s arrest, alleging that he had a role in the blasts. “To ensure peaceful elections, Sukhbir Badal should be immediately arrested. His role in yesterday’s blast must be probed.

He’ll cause more violence,” Kejriwal had tweeted.

State Congress president and chief ministerial candidate Amarinder Singh has also accused Kejriwal for “promoting extremist forces” such as the Khalistan Commando Force.

He said that Kejriwal, who had stayed at a KCF extremist’s house in Punjab, was fanning terror forces through his actions.

“Even if the AAP is not directly involved in the explosions, it was clearly promoting extremist ideology,” he said. Addressing the rally, Rahul on Thursday also promised to curb the drug menace in Punjab by bringing in new law and also vowed to give treatment to every family in the hospitals. “If we come to power, we will give free treatment to every family in Punjab.

We will also establish a state-of-art cancer hospital in Punjab, which will be well-renowned across the country,” he added.

L U C K N OW, F E B 2 (AGENCIES): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday upped the ante on law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh and charged the Akhilesh Yadav government for “completely failing to protect its people”.

Addressing a press conference here, BJP National General Secretary Bhupendra Yadav said crimes against women have gone through the roof during the Samajwadi Party (SP) regime and in most cases no FIRs are registered by the police.

“In the past five years, over a thousand attacks have taken place on policemen, and criminals, land mafias, boot loggers and goons rule the roost,” he said and promised a complete reversal of the situation if the BJP came to power in the state post assembly elections.

Referring to the underconstruction apartment building crash in Kanpur on Wednesday, which

Pak must act against Hafiz Saeed to restore trust: Cong

Mentally challenged son kills parents in Jammu and Kashmir

Mamata concerned over H-1B Protesters block highway in Banihal after woman dies of alleged medical negligence

S A N G RU R , F E B 2 (AGENCIES): Hitting out at Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi on Thursday alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader was “trying to back the perpetrators of the bomb blast in Punjab”.

“There was bomb blast a couple of days back in which six people died. And Arvind Kejriwal is backing the perpetrators of the blast.

He is allowing them to contest elections. This is very dangerous for Punjab. If these elements gain strength in Punjab, then it will hijack all the development issues,” said Gandhi during a public rally, on the last day of campaigning for the February 4 elections. Two men and a child were killed in the explosion on Tuesday evening just as a rally of Congress candidate Harminder Singh Jassi ended at Maur Mandi town, 200 km from Chandigarh. The death toll went up later as some injured

NEW DELHI, FEB 2 (AGENCIES): To restore trust, create peace and understanding between India and Pakistan, Islamabad must take action against Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JUD) chief Hafiz Saeed and dismantle the terror outfits operating in the country, the Congress said on Thursday.

“Dossiers have been given to Pakistan. If they were sincere, they would have taken action against Hafiz Saeed. Pakistan must realise that it is in its national interest and for its own credibility that action is taken,” senior Congress leader Anand Sharma told media outside the Parliament House.

“It has already been

Rahul Gandhi

delayed much and in the long run it will hurt Pakistan itself,” he said.

Sharma, former Minister of State for External Affairs, said it was important for “the restoration of some trust and understanding and to create peace in the region, action is taken against Hafiz Saeed. All the terror outfits and the terror syndicates operating from the soil of Pakistan must be dismantled.”

India had earlier said Pakistan needed to do more to curb terrorism and sought a “credible crack down” on Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed, who now has been detained at his Lahore house under an anti-terrorism act by Pakistan.

JAMMU, FEB 2 (AGENCIES): A mentally challenged youth allegedly killed his parents on Thursday and injured three other persons in the hilly Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir.

Firdous Ahmed, 25, stabbed his father and mother to death and injured three other persons in the Thathri area of Doda district of Jammu region on Thursday morning, police said.

“The accused has been arrested and investigations have been started,” police here said.

The injured persons have been shifted to hospital for treatment.

KOLKATA, FEB 2 (AGENCIES): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday raised concerns over the issue of H-1B US visas and called for a protection to IT companies and professionals.

“News about H-1B visas is concerning. We must protect our IT companies and professionals and give them full support,” she tweeted. Banerjee also said “India is proud of the worldclass talent of its IT techies.

It is our duty to secure their interests.”

The central government had already conveyed its concern to the US over a bill being introduced in the US Congress to change rules on H-1B visas which is likely to impact the Indian IT industry and Indian

techies working in the US. The High-Skilled Integrity and Fairness Act of 2017, introduced in House of Representatives by California Congressman Zoe Lofgren, proposes for doubling the minimum salary of H-1B visa holders to $130,000 from the current minimum wage of $60,000 - a move that could impact Indian techies. The bill would make it difficult for companies to use the programme to replace American employees with foreign workers, including from India, with lower wages. “India’s interests and concerns have been conveyed both to the US administration and the US Congress at senior levels,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup had said.

In boost for medium & small firms, tax slashed to 25%

Union Budget offered a further push to the country’s informal manufacturing sector by proposing a 5 percentage point cut in corporate tax.

NEW DELHI, FEB 2 (AGENCIES): Building on credit support to the medium and small enterprises announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on New Year’s eve, the Union Budget offered a further push to the country’s informal manufacturing sector by proposing a 5 percentage point cut in corporate tax to 25 per cent for businesses with a turnover of up to Rs 50 crore.

The tax cut is expected to impact 96 per cent of the country’s MSME sector — cumulatively accounting for almost half of India’s GDP and over 80 per cent of the overall employment — and could help in increasing tax compliance in the informal sector, which had borne the brunt of the government’s demonetisation move. From the Centre’s perspective, the revenue forgone estimate

for this measure is expected to be Rs 7,200 crore per annum.

Announcing the move, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley cited tax data to suggest that during financial year 2015-16, 2.85 lakh companies that recorded profits of less than Rs 1 crore paid tax at an effective rate of 30.26 per cent even as 298 companies that recorded profits of above Rs 500 crore paid

effective tax rate of 25.90 per cent. “In order to make MSME companies more viable and also to encourage firms to migrate to company format, I propose to reduce the income tax for smaller companies with annual turnover up to Rs 50 crore to 25 per cent,” Jaitley said.

As per data for Assessment Year 2015-16, there were 6.94 lakh companies filing returns of which 6.67 lakh companies would fall in this category — translating into 96 percentage of companies getting the benefit of lower taxation.

“This will make our MSME sector more competitive as compared to large companies,” Jaitley said. “The medium and small enterprises occupy bulk of economic activities and are also instrumental in providing maximum employment to people.

However, since they do not get many exemptions, they end up paying more taxes as compared to large companies,” he said.

On the proposal, Richard Rekhy, CEO, KPMG in India, said: “…96 per cent of MSMEs have been provided a tax-cut which might go a long way in increasing compliance and

help alleviate the disruption in fund-flow”.

The tax concession for small businesses comes in the wake of reports of the negative impact of the currency withdrawal move, which had hit the MSME sector badly and threatened to dent bank loan books on their exposure to this sector.

The Reser ve Bank of India, in its financial stability report released in December 2016, had warned against a sharp rise in NPAs of banks as the banking stability indicator showed elevated risk for the banking sector due to continuous deterioration in asset quality, low profitability and liquidity of companies, especially in the SME segment.

“The stress test indicated that under the baseline scenario, the GNPA (gross non-performing assets) ratio may increase from 9.1 per cent in September 2016 to 9.8 per cent by March 2017 and further to 10.1 per cent

by March 2018. If the macroeconomic conditions deteriorate, the GNPA ratio may increase further under such consequential stress scenarios,” the report noted.

VIJAYAWADA, FEB 2 (AGENCIES): In a shocking incident, a ‘sarpanch’ or village head publicly thrashed a woman in Andhra Pradesh.

The assault took place in Jallipalli village in Anantapur district three days ago but came to light after its video footage surfaced on Thursday. The police arrested Nagaraju, who was later released on bail.

The video footage shows Nagaraju publicly beating up the woman, Sudha, and repeatedly kicking her. He was angry after she raised an objection to construction of a water tank in front of her house.

Sudha, a widow, had requested the village head to build the water tank at some other place. As he went ahead with the work, there was an argument.

Nagaraju, belonging to ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP), thrashed the woman and continued kicking her even after she fell to the ground.

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as possible.

“We believe there should be no vacancies. It’s a govt policy and we have decided to fill up teachers’ vacancies according to the rules soon,” minister told the house. He assured the house that the govt will take necessary steps to fill seats reserved for certain categories.

has become unaffordable for the average family in Goa. “My government will provide fresh fish at affordable prices at outlets across the entire state of Goa.” “It will be done with a scheme delivered through fishermen’s cooperatives supported with state-of-theart supply chain of cold and dry storages in neighbourhoods across Goa,” Gomes said. “Fishermen will get better prices, people will get fish at cheaper rates and children will get the right nutrition for the development,” Gomes added.

Protesters blocking the Jammu-Srinagar highway

BANIHAL, FEB 2 (AGENCIES): Protests erupted in Banihal town of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday after a pregnant woman died at a hospital here, allegedly due to medical negligence.

Hundreds of locals and relatives of the woman, identified as Zubaida Begum (30), wife of Mushtaq Ah-

mad Magray, and resident of Ashar village of Banihal staged a protest on SrinagarJammu highway to demand action against the “erring” staff of Emergency Hospital Banihal.

The protesters blocked the highway for nearly two hours to demand booking of the entire hospitals staff

for what they said murder of the woman.

They alleged that the in-charge gynaecologist posted at the hospital did not attend the patient until she breathed her last.

Police and officials of district administration reached the spot to pacify the protesters.

Karnataka: Onlookers click pictures as accident victim bleeds to death

KOPPAL, FEB 2 (AGENCIES): In yet another incident of public apathy, an 18-year-old boy succumbed to injuries following a road accident as onlookers clicked pictures of the bleeding victim. In the incident caught on camera, the boy lay bleeding with an agonising pain for about 25 minutes before he was rushed to a hospital nearby by. The video footage has now gone viral shows the victim lying in a pool of blood crying for help while someone gave him water.

The incident happened on Wednesday morning when Anwar Ali was cycling to the market where he worked, police said on Thursday. He was hit and run over by a state transport bus going to Hubballi from

Will soon fill vacancies in educational institutions: Centre

NEW DELHI, FEB 2 (AGENCIES): Central govt said vacancies of teachers in educational institutions across the country will soon be filled. Responding to members’ concerns in the RS, HRD minister Javadekar said the govt was aware of the situation and the process was on to fill the vacant posts as early

Elvis Gomes

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Hosapete. They said Ali who was rushed to the hospital by an ambulance succumbed to his injuries around 1:30 pm, Ali’s brother Riaz said “no one came to his help they were making video and clicking pictures. If someone had cared, my brother could have been saved. More than 15 to 20 minutes were wasted there.” Police have registered a case in this connection. A person who claims to be an eyewitness to the accident said, “People at the spot were shocked and did not know how to help him as the victim was severely injured and was bleeding profusely.” Locals complain that the spot where the incident took place is an accident prone area and authorities have not taken action despite repeated incidents there.

6

opinion/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post Vol. XXVII NO. 58 Dimapur, friday, February 3, 2017

W

Not newsworthy

hile Nagaland was plunged in turmoil since January 28,2017 and resulting in the tragic deaths of two youths on February 1, the entire Indian mainstream media did not find it news worthy enough to even give a oneline mention the terrible tragedy. Nagaland has been under shutdown for four days and it was only on February 2, that the deepening crisis that spilled over to breakdown of law and order, found some mention in one electronic media. However, again, the news as projected was not fully correct. The agitation or shut down was not directly against 33% women reservation but against the government for having “betrayed” the public by going back on its promise/assurance to defer elections to town and municipal councils for two months during which period, the government, women leaders and tribe organisations were to hold consultations to arrive at some likely agreement/solution. Be that as it may, the fact that the national media did not find such tragic incidents meriting enough to be mentioned is shocking.

Such an attitude or biasness by the mainstream is not new. It may be reminded that when the then Naga hills was burning and people herded together and various inhuman atrocities were perpetrated by armed forces; the national media turned a blind and deaf ear to the crimes and the cries. On the other hand, the national media gave more importance to a road accident somewhere in a metropolitan city than to the incidents that had been taking place in Nagaland for four days.

It is unthinkable that in an age where technology and connectivity rules, the national media’s unresponsive attitude to the happenings in Nagaland for four days makes it appear as if the state was somewhere beyond the blue. The national media has been trying to reset the gross imbalance by trying to give some attention to the north east but again, these have largely been restricted to cultural events or insurgency. On any given day, a stone pelting incident in Kashmir will always get prominence over a huge protest rally in any of the north eastern states for any serious issue.

If the north east, especially the hilly states are to develop, then the problems facing the people and the root causes of under development should find regular focus so that it can enlighten the central government and also people in other parts of the country. The disinclination among the mainstream media to highlight such a grave crisis in Nagaland cannot be merely because the state is too far and not of significance to the viewers in the metro cities. It’s a question that demands thoughtfulness and introspection. it’s a question of ethical and moral obligations on the part of the national media. Now, the more important reason for N-E not getting attention in media is the “majoritarian” mindset where happenings in the north east are of very little significance and instead, world events and global happenings get the maximum highlight. Those running the mainstream media are journalists who had seemed to have realised that the north east has been for too long ignored. Indian media in general, therefore, needs to take more steps to integrate the Northeast into the Indian mainstream.

DailyDevotion The Compelling Force of the Call Woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!

—1 Corinthians 9:16 Beware of refusing to hear the call of God. Everyone who is saved is called to testify to the fact of his salvation.

That, however, is not the same as the call to preach, but is merely an illustration which can be used in preaching.

In this verse, Paul was referring to the stinging pains produced in him by the compelling force of the call to preach the gospel. Never try to apply what Paul said regarding the call to preach to those souls who are being called to God for salvation. There is nothing easier than getting saved, because it is solely God’s sovereign work— “Look to Me, and be saved…” (Isaiah 45:22). Our Lord never requires the same conditions for discipleship that he requires for salvation. We are condemned to salvation through the Cross of Christ. But discipleship has an option with it— “If anyone…” (Luke 14:26).

Paul’s words have to do with our being made servants of Jesus Christ, and our permission is never asked as to what we will do or where we will go. God makes us as broken bread and poured-out wine to please Himself. To be “separated to the gospel” means being able to hear the call of God (Romans 1:1). Once someone begins to hear that call, a suffering worthy of the name of Christ is produced. Suddenly, every ambition, every desire of life, and every outlook is completely blotted out and extinguished. Only one thing remains— “…separated to the gospel…” Woe be to the soul who tries to head in any other direction once that call has come to him. The Bible Training College exists so that each of you may know whether or not God has a man or woman here who truly cares about proclaiming His gospel and to see if God grips you for this purpose. Beware of competing calls once the call of God grips you.

Quotes

It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels.

~ Saint Augustine

Nagaland Post, Dimapur

Friday, February 3, 2017

Post-mortem

Does Naga Mothers Association Mourning Thejavizo & Bendangnunsang (NMA) represent the ‘real mothers?’ and the question of the hour T

T

hejavizo and Bendangnungsang did not die wearing the Naga army uniform or in an open battle with the Indian army. But their deaths are also connected to a wider picture of Naga sufferings and deaths where thousands have laid down their lives so that Nagas can live under their own identity in their own lands without external interference. This Naga Saga of sufferings and deaths has spanned for a period of over 70 years- 1947 to 2017. Over two hundred Nagas have died in this both tragic as well as heroic Naga Saga of suffering and deaths.

The deaths of these two Naga sons have also coincided with the 71st anniversary of the formation of the Naga National Council (NNC) which was formed on Feb. 2, 1946.

However, the formation of the NNC at Wokha on Feb.2, 1946 does not mean that the Naga nation was born only on Feb 2, 1946. Nagas were Nagas long before Feb. 2, 1946.

They were Nagas when they submitted the Naga memorandum to the Simon Commission on Jan 10, 1929. They were also Nagas when Hiuen Tsang, the Chinese diplomat wrote about them in AD 643. They were also Nagas when Claudius Ptolemy the Greek traveler and geographer wrote about them in AD 150. Nagas have always been Nagas because God created the Naga nation in the annals of world history. (See Acts 17:26)Yes, Nagas were also Nagas when they fought

T

against all their neighbor kingdoms like the Manipuris, the Ahoms and the Tripuris from the 3rd century to the end of the 19th century in recorded history.

They also fought against the British from 1832-1947 as Nagas. And finally, they have again been fighting the occupational forces of the Indian and Burmese armies from 1947 to the present when these two countries dared to invade Nagaland from the late 1940’s. And through out all these years of defensive resistance, Nagas have always been Nagas because God created the Naga nation like any other nations with their own respective national identities and geography.

(See Acts 17:26) Through out all these years of Naga existence and defense of their lands, the unique and outstanding feature of Naga history is that they have persistently remained an unconquered and independent nation.

Here, every Naga must know that the unique feature of their history is not their culture or traditions alone but more importantlytheir unconquered history.

(One of the Chief Ministers of the Indian state of Nagaland had wrongly stated that the unique feature of Naga history that India has recognized is our culture and traditions!

In the final analysis, Nagas have always been Nagas and Nagaland has always been the land of the Nagas from time immemorial. This irrefutable fact is true whether a Naga is a Christian or an animist or

even an atheist. The ultimate question before every Naga individual today is therefore, whether every Naga will stand true to their political history and geography and defend their identity or hang somewhere in thin air as both an Indian and also a Naga at one and the same time.

In this connection, a dual identity crisis was introduced into Nagaland when 19 Nagas went to Delhi in 1960 and demanded an Indian state for the Nagas. This demand however was done without the authorization of the Naga national government-the Federal Government of Nagaland-which was at that time running the affairs of the Naga independent nation. Because of this act of treachery, Nagas of today have been forced to live under an Indian state and its Constitution which is today trying to force its laws into Naga customary laws and traditions.

And this is precisely the context in which Thejavizo and Bendangnungsang have been killed opposing this move which is being forced into Naga society through some Naga collaborators of the Indian Government.

But allow me here, to make some clarifications too.

Firstly, all Naga Indian civil administrators are not traitors who have betrayed their nation. Most of these Naga civil administrators are in Indian Government service in order to earn a living for their families and not for opposing the Naga national government. In fact, in every occupational situation

by a foreign government, such things happen. Secondly, not all Naga MLA’s and Ministers of the Indian puppet state of Nagaland may not be traitors. It is only those Ministers and MLA’s who are collaborating with the occupational forces of India to suppress Naga customs and traditions, who are the real traitors to the Naga nation. In the first place too, it was these Naga politicians who dumped us into the Indian bag (Bosta) in 1960. But I believe there is still a way out of that Bosta. That way out will be: If those who had invited Indians to come and rule us under their constitution, will withdraw their invitation and resign en mass.

In conclusion, God the creator of all nations and our unblemished history defended and handed down to our generation; demand an honest answer from every Naga today as we again mourn the deaths of two of our own sons of the soil.

Here, without any prejudice or ill will towards India, the question that I want to ask every Naga is this: Will you be a Naga as God created you to be; or would you rather be an Indian whom God created differently from you? That answer will not come from God who created you a Naga. That answer can only come from you-His creation. And mark my word: No freedom or “overcoming” will ever happen as long as we try to run away from our God given Naga national identity and hide under somebody else’s identity.

Kaka D. Iralu

he present violence and unrest in Nagaland is heart wrenching to witness. No doubt the Government has failed its people, failed people’s trust and failed to protect the identity and rights of the Nagas. But are they solely responsible?

Many people have not just blamed the Government but also the Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) for the present fuss.

The sight of hundreds of women lining the streets of Nagaland, adorning their Naga identity wearing traditional attires with profound sadness and tears in their eyes, lamenting over the series of events leading to bloodshed and killing of the two Naga Son’s made me question myself; Does NMA represents the Real Mothers?I cannot help myself but to conclude that: 1. The present Naga Mother’s Association (NMA) is not a mother’s association but an association of some individuals with vested interest.

2. The Real mothers are not being Represented by Naga Mother’s Association(NMA). A Real mother would not want a situation where her child would be killed.

3. While defining the word “Mother” in the dictionary, it uses the word such as “Generate”, “Parent”, “Care”, “Protected”. Which implies that Mother is a Symbol of “Love” and “Peace”. But these words are not found in the Principles, Ethics and Conduct of present NMA, which expose the very intent of its leaders.

4. Was NMA formed to fight against their own Husband and Sons? I believe the founding members of NMA must have formed NMA to protect their Father, Mother, Husband, Son, Daughters and the rights of the Nagas’. The present war like situation would have never been their intention.

5. Sümi Hoho has rightly pointed out that, NMA “who once ambassadors of peace and voice of reason has now directly abetted division and bloodshed in the society.”

6. The Blame game must stop. NMA should own Moral Responsibility for the killing of two of our brothers who made a supreme sacrifice protecting the rights of the Nagas.

7. Angami Women Organisation decision to walk out of NMA shows the distrust of Women folks on its leaders. Possibilities are that more would leave NMA. 8. To restore the faith of the Naga people and dignity of NMA, the present leaders should resign from their respective positions and let the Real Mothers take over the functions of NMA, in line with the ethics, principle, discipline and within the definition of the word “Mother”.

E. M. Odyuo

Toxic politics versus better development in Naga society

he correlation between politics and development is changing recklessly. Today all Naga leaders and politicians are locked in bizarre, often toxic, conflicts, instead of acting on a growing development and economic consensus about how to escape a protracted period of crippling social and political mess, low and unequal development. This trend must be reversed before it structurally cripples the entire Naga society and sweeps up the emerging development politics. No matter how proper the established administrations or governments and institutions might be, if a big fish could devour a small fish at will, then that must be a patent violation of human justice. Obviously, political infighting in Naga is nothing new. But, until recently, the toxic politics reach its pinnacle in Naga society. Also, many more

radical leaders attempted to push a different agenda, powerful forces – whether moral coaxing from governments, private capital markets, or the conditionality attached to illegitimate institutions (parallel government) – would almost always ensure that the selfish profit-making approach eventually won the day.

The present Naga generation, which had risen to power on the back of domestic unease and frustration with mainstream parties – sometimes disagreed with the appropriateness and relevance of the Naga traditional ethos. Particularly, the present leaders demonstrated with a policy pivot in power hungry attitude, that consensus failed largely to prevail and continued to hold sway as recently as today. But after more than decades of unusually sluggish and strikingly noninclusive political process

across the Naga society, thus, the coherence is breaking down. The majority of the Naga citizens are frustrated with an “institution” or “establishment” – including dominant Naga political leaders, for the political misadventure, economic travails, and rampant corruption. As a result, antiestablishment movements and many acquisitive Naga leaders have been quick to seize on this frustration, using inflammatory and even combative rhetoric to win the support of innocent Naga public.

The recent Urban Local Body (ULB) polls dispute is happening for one reason, however, many tribal leaders and institutions in Nagaland feared that they would be unable to secure sufficiently their inherent tribal base in democratic institutions due to 33 percent women reservation blitzkrieg, certainly exposed the division

of Naga society. In fact, the ULB polls process itself require proper debate, whether this really infringes and invades inherent Naga’s right, which fundamentally demands time to formulate a coherent social and political strategy keeping in view the changing political discourse of Naga society.

Nevertheless, many individual and leaders pandered to anti-women reservation bill skeptics supporters with the promise of fundamental inherent tribal rights, system, and development.

The source of anti-women reservation bill and the political disruption caused by the change skeptics people and leaders – these individual, groups, parties and organisations that ended up creating deeply seated fissures and subsequently found itself in logically perplexed argument, approaches, leaderless and turmoil in the society.

Make mistake, but solid and credible policy options are available. After many years of mediocre development performance, there is widespread agreement across Naga society that a shift away from excessive dependence on unconventional political and monetary policy is needed. And yet Nagas have been. Nagaland needs a more comprehensive policy approach, involving pro-growth and developmental structural reforms, more balanced demand management (including higher fiscal spending on infrastructure and education), and better cross-tribal policy coordination and architecture. There is also a need, highlighted by the current ULB polls exposes, to address pockets of severe over-indebtedness, which can have a crushing impact extending well beyond the directly affected. It noted that rebuilding faith in the

Speech of president NNC on 71st anniversary of NNC formation day Ladies and Gentlemen, We are thankful to God for enabling us to celebrate this 71st Naga National Council Formation Day today. The year 1946 was a crucial year for the Nagas to stand for their rights. And accordingly, on Feb.2, 1946 the Naga National Council (NNC) was formed to safeguard the future of Nagaland.

Even today, the NNC is still continuing to care for the future of the country. Throughout all these years, by the grace of God, the NNC has not failed the Nagas in all difficult situations in the past seventy one years.

Unlike India, Nagaland’s history has never allowed any foreign power to dominate our people. Even with Great Britain, no treaty was ever signed for submission.

In this modern day, NNC has persistently upheld Naga National identity and the

Naga democratic traditions.

NNC is not a political party and its policy is non-violence.

This is because in Naga traditions, every problem is resolved with reason and mutual understanding. Also, unlike a political party, it is the people who make decisions and empower some leaders to serve the people.

To compare with other countries, the Nagas have all freedom in their land. But at present, some people are playing politics with Naga rights and freedom. Nagas also practice a unique form of gender equality which would be envied by other countries.

At present, women have few choices even in some developed countries.

Nagaland is still surrounded by Indian armed forces with the order of the Armed Forces Special Power Act 1958. At first the Indian Government tried to por-

tray Nagas as “secessionists”, “rebels”, “hostiles” and “terrorists” and invaded Nagaland. Besides their AFSPA, in their invading army “Top secret `Sampat of 1959’ it was stated that: The pursuit of hostiles, if they are on the run, is relentless and determined and they are not allowed to get away to fight another day”. With these cruel orders, the Indian Army hunted our people like animals. But determined as ever the Naga fighters with only a handful of weapons fought back with great courage. In the end, they brought in a Ceasefire Agreement between the Federal Government of Nagaland and the Government of India in 1964. In this period, many Nagas sacrificed their lives without outside help and our consolation is that we never surrendered to the enemy. Nagas should always

remember those unyielding sacrifices.

The dispersed Nagas were also able to return to their villages as a result of the bravery and sacrifices of these brave Naga fighters.

The conflict with India will have to be resolved. And here, Nagaland’s stand is very clear as it always was from the beginning. That stand is that the Nagas are not Indians and Nagaland is not Indian Territory. The Nagas are not demanding anything from India except to leave Nagaland and co - exist with Nagas as friendly neighbours.

Only when this happens, Nagaland can progress in their own way and achieve not, “a golden” but permanent peace and prosperity.

May God bless Nagaland. Urra Uvie.

Adinno Phizo President, NNC Peace Hall, Chedema. 2nd February, 2017

political process and leaders would be a “difficult task.”

In fact, politics framed the bargaining between different groups and social relating to individual identity, beliefs, and values that hold society together. The ULB polls conflicts and debates show how the Naga society is in an existential crisis.

All this tells us that the recent political entente remains fragile in Nagaland; our vulnerable tribal communities are affected by politicking, distracted and overwhelmed. Yet a constructive approach to toxic politics is possible. It would begin with a serious intellectual battle among Nagas and leaders on the threat, necessary responses, and technical feasibility. The tribals representatives should consult fully - not only with ruling and power elites but also with the women.

(To be concluded) Pamreihor Khashimwo

Reader’s Post

Sir,

Good exemplary leaders

It is truly devastating that two young people were mortally gunned down for the stubbornness of the government to listen to the pleadings of its people. Government should have postponed the ULB elections indefinitely while it held series of meetings with all tribes’ organizations and even to the extent of the general public. It may be a time consuming exercise but in the end it would have been worth it. Wisdom and guidance of God is most essential for any government authority. Two young people have died but this should be a lesson in future for any government to be more patient, understanding, humble and to use divine wisdom before taking hasty decisions that would only make them lose face and favour of the people. Most of all for a Christian state, the leaders need to be good exemplary Christians first.

Tinumeren Imchen, Notun Basti Dimapur

Reader’s note: Articles or letters published in any of the columns do not reflect the view of this newspaper nor that of the Editor in any manner.

spearheading the electioneering was left to her heir apparent and deputy Rahul Gandhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP chief Amit Shah a battery of Union ministers including Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar plunged into electioneering for BJP and its allies in the two states.

Punjab, where the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)BJP combine has been in power over the last decade, saw bitter exchanges between it and two other major contenders for power - Congress and AAP over drug menace, corruption and law and order.

Ar vind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party is contesting assembly elections in both the states, where BJP and Congress have been traditional political rivals, for the first time and is said to be a potential contender for power.

Apart from the drug menace, the contentious SYL canal issue and sacrilege of holy books of Sikhs were among the major issues flagged by the electoral rivals.

Prime Minister Modi held two elections rallies in Jalandhar and Kotkapura in the state where he flagged the issue of threat from Pakistan to seek votes for SAD-BJP combine, which he claim alone could provide a sta-

India signs agreement with WB to improve tech education

Chidambaram terms budget damn squib

The project aims at improving quality and equity in engineering institutes in the states (File)

NEW DELHI, FEB 2 (AGENCIES): India has signed a $201.50 million financing agreement with the World Bank to improve the quality of technical education in the country.

“Financing agreement for credit of $201.50 million for the ‘Third Technical Education Quality Improvement Programme (TEQIP III)’ was signed with the World Bank here on Tuesday,” the Finance Ministry said in a statement. The project aims at improving quality and equity in engineering insti-

tutes in the states and take initiatives to strengthen sector governance and performance, it said.

“The objective of the programme is to enhance quality and equity in participating engineering education institutes and improve the efficiency of the engineering education systems in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, the eight northeastern states and Andaman and Nicobar Islands,” the statement said.

Trinamool walks out of RS, alleges political vendetta

TMC leader Derek O’Brien speaking in Rajya Sabha in New Delhi on Thursday. (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI, FEB 2 (AGENCIES): Trinamool Congress members walked out of the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, alleging that the central government was

indulging in “politics of vendetta”.

Soon after the house met for the day at 11 a.m., Trinamool member Derek O’Brien alleged that the

NEW DELHI, FEB 2 (AGENCIES): Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the Budget would provide an impetus to infrastructure, strength to the financial system and a big boost to development.

“It is my belief that the Budget will carry forward the development agenda of the government, generate a new climate of confidence and help the nation to scale new heights,” said Modi, congratulating Finance Minister Arun Jaitley for presenting an “Uttam (excellent) Budget” which is “devoted to strengthening the hands of the poor and empowering them.”

“This is the future of our new generation. This is the future of our farmers,” he said, adding that the aim of his government is to “double the income of farmers”. He defined “future” as F for farmer, U for underprivileged, T for transparency, technology up-gradation, U for urban rejuvenation, R for rural development and E for employment, entrepreneurship.

Underlining the government’s commitment to eliminate corruption and black money, he said: “Political funding has always

tration of national capital”, he said that “they (Delhi government) can’t be treated subservient to an overriding authority of the Lt. Governor” who was sworn under the Constitution.

His stand came in the course of hearing of a batch of partitions by Delhi government challenging the Delhi High Court verdict that upheld the primacy of the Lt. Governor in Delhi’s governance.

Delhi was given an assembly with an elected government by a special provision, by incorporation into the Constitution, of Article 239 (AA) or special provisions with respect to Delhi, by its 69th Constitutional Amendment in 1991.

Conceding that it had no footprints in the area of police, law and order and land, Subramaniam said that beyond this Delhi government can aid and advise the Lt. Governor on the rest of the subjects and in case of any difference of opinion, the matter would be sent to the President for final decision.

However, the court found unpalatable his argument that the Delhi government may not have a decision making power vis-a-vis police and law and order but it could still have a view on them as it

Narendra Modi

been a matter of discussion.

Political parties are always under the scanner in this regard. The new scheme by the Finance Minister related to political funding is along the lines of the hopes and aspirations of the people in our fight against black money.” He said the comprehensive package on digital economy would curb tax evasion.

“The gover nment’s aim is to double the farmers’ income by 2022, and the policies and schemes have been designed keeping this in mind.

Maximum emphasis in this Budget is on the farmers, villages, poor, Dalit and underprivileged sections of society,” said Modi in a televised speech. He said the tax reforms and amendments would provide relief to the middle class, result in setting-up of industries, create job opportunities,

end discrimination and provide incentives for private investments. “The move to reduce personal income tax is significant as it touches the middle-class most,” he said. “This Budget is associated with our aspirations, our dreams and, in a way, depicts our future.”

Noting that the small and medium industries have been a major source of employment generation, he said the decision to bring down tax rate from 30 to 25 per cent for them would make them globally competitive.

Meanwhile, BJP chief Amit Shah said the Budget would bring a new era of progress. “It is a Budget aimed at all-round development. On the one hand, it is pro-village and pro-farmer; and on the other, it also provides new possibilities for youth willing to strike out on their own. It has given relief to the middle-class and will also help realise the dream of the poor and lower middle-class of owning a house,” he said. He said the “historic announcement” on restricting unnamed cash donations to political parties to Rs 2,000 would bring transparency and cleanliness in political funding.

Kerala govt to launch e-payment system THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, FEB 2 (AGENCIES): Moving forward to introduce cashless transactions in govt services, CPI(M)-led LDF govt in Kerala today decided to implement e-payment system in the Registration Deptt to accept registration fee.

Cabinet meeting, chaired by CM Pinarayi Vijayan, accorded sanction for the e-payment system, an official release said in Thiru-

SC seeks balance in exercising powers for national capital’s good governance

New Delhi, Feb 2 (Agencies): The Supreme Court on Thursday said that striking a balance on exercise of powers by the Delhi government and the Lt. Governor was important for good governance in the national capital as the Arvind Kejriwal government slammed the central government for saying that it had no executive powers to aid and advise the Lt. Governor.

Noting that anywhere in the world the status of the capital city was entirely different, the bench of Justice A.K. Sikri and Justice R.K. Agrawal said that from 1992 (when Delhi got its first elected assembly and the government) till this day, such a situation has not arisen.

Assailing the central government for refusing to acknowledge Delhi government’s powers under the Constitution, senior counsel Gopal Subramaniam, appearing for the Delhi government, told the court that its stand was an “inconceivable argument” and “complete mutilation” of Article 239(AA).

Telling the court that “constitution has given face and identity to Delhi government which is accountable and the centre could not have a de facto government was harassing control over the adminishis party’s members for opposing demonetistion.

“Government is indulging in politics of vendetta against the opposition. This is a very serious issue. We may have political differences on issues but this is not done,” O’Brien said.

In his reply, minister of state for parliamentary affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the agencies were investigating a chit fund scam and there was no political vendetta against anybody.

Dissatisfied with the government’s response, the Trinamool members K-0282 walked out of the house.

New Delhi, Feb 2 (Agencies): Former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram on Thursday termed the budget for 2017-18 a “damp squib” but praised Finance Minister Arun Jaitley for adopting a “tone of moderation” after the demonetisation policy.

“Our conclusion, on reading all the budget documents, was that the exercise has turned out to be a damp squib. But, there are a few positives, which we are happy with. The most important positive is that the government seems chastened after the debacle of demonetisation and has not done anything reckless or disruptive,” said Chidambaram.

Complimenting Jaitley, the Congress leader said: “It is obvious that demonetisation and its inevitable consequences have demoralised the government.” “They have retreated from reforms and have no answers to the severe challenges faced by the economy.

NEW DELHI, Feb 3 (AGENCIES): A woman pilot and another crew member of state-owned Air India were grounded for three months after they failed a pre-flight alcohol test.

The crew members, who have been taken off from flying for failing to clear the pre-flight medical test were to operate Air India’s Rajkot flight from New Delhi on January 25, sources said.

As part of the DGCA safety regulations, all pilots and cabin crew must undergo breath analyser test before and after flights.

Incidentally, airline’s head of operations, himself a senior executive pilot, is under probe by a committee for allegedly skipping the mandatory test close to a month.

“The woman pilot and cabin crew along with other operating crew were rostered for Air India flight AI-9631 on January 25 for Rajkot from New Delhi. After they reported for duty, as per norms, they were told to undertake breath analyser test.

However, the findings were positive,” a source said.

The matter was reported to the DGCA and the two crew members were taken off for flying for three months, the source said.

Air India spokesperson was not available for comments.

Aircraft rules prohibit crew members from taking any alcoholic drink 12 hours prior to the commencement of a flight, and it is mandatory for the employee to undergo an alcohol test both before and after operating a flight.

Budget 2017: PM Modi spells out ‘future’ of farmers

was concerned with the safety and security of the citizens.

He said if the views of Delhi government were at variance with that of the Lt. Governor then same could be sent to the President for decision.

At this bench observed that on one side he conceded that the police, law and order and land were excluded from Delhi government’s jurisdiction, but then he was trying to bring it back to his fold.

“What you are saying sounds that you can have a say even in the areas that are excluded” from the domain of Delhi government, observed Justice Sikri.

Ta k i n g t h e c o u r t through different phases of the administration of Delhi and comparing its special status with other existing Union Territories, Subramaniam told the court that though parliament kept to itself the authority to make laws for Delhi, but it left the executive authority with the elected government.

It is this exercise of executive authority by the Delhi government that distinguishes it from earlier administrative structures that governed Delhi including the existing Union Territories with assemblies, Subramaniam argued.

vananthpuram. As a pilot project, it would be implemented in 5 sub-registrar offices including in Chala, Sasthamangalam, Pattam, Tiruvalla and Nemom–all in the state capital, it said. On other Cabinet decisions, the release said it also sanctioned Rs 5 lakh to Jeevan, a nine-year-old boy hailing from Malayinkeezhu near Thiruvanathpuram, for his bone marrow transplant surgery.

Geelani hospitalised in Srinagar, condition stable

Syed Ali Geelani

S R I NAG A R , F E B 2 (AGENCIES): Senior hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani, who was admitted to a hospital here late last night after he complained of chest pain, is doing fine, said informed sources.

Sources close to the octogenarian separatist leader said he was admitted in the ICU of the Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura - the Valley’s only super specialty hospital - and is “now stable and doing fine according to doctors”.

“Muhammad Yasin Malik (chairman of JKLF) and Mirwaiz Umer Farooq

+

A/C & Non A/C

(chairman of moderate Hurriyat group) visited Geelani Sahab at the hospital today and rayed for his speedy recovery.

“Pakistan High Commissioner in India Abdul Basit also enquired about his health during the day and wished him speedy recovery,” said a sources in Geelani-headed Hurriyat.

For the last some years, Geelani had been spending the harsh winter months away from Valley in Delhi.

This year, he has not so far left his uptown Hyderpora residence in Srinagar where authorities have put him under house arrest.

AMBULANCE

DC-204

BJP candidate for MLA in Punjab, Anil Joshi, campaigns in Amritsar (AFP photo)

ble government that would guarantee safety and security of the state.

Rahul Gandhi took Congress’ campaign to the pocket boroughs of the ruling Badal clan, including Lambi, Majitha and Jalalabad, to target it over alleged corruption, playing dynastic politics and promoting drugs and mining mafia.

The AAP, which had won four Lok Sabha seats in 2014, has plunged into the contest whole-heartedly with Arvind Kejriwal criss-crossing large parts of the state. It has fielded candidates in all the 117 seats and is expected to fare well.

After initial dithering, Rahul Gandhi declared Patiala royal family scion Amarinder Singh the party’s chief ministerial face.

Amarinder, 74, has already announced it would be his last election.

A clutch of AAP leaders including Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, Sanjay Singh and Bhagwant Mann, a potential candidate for chief ministership if the party wins, added heft to the party’s campaign.

Interestingly, in Goa, where the BJP is facing a rival in a rebel RSS leader, the party has not projected incumbent Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar as chief ministerial face and has often hinted at a Manohar Parrikar’s return to the hot seat, apparently to cash in on his enduring popularity in the state.

AI woman pilot, cabin crew member fail alcohol test

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High-pitch campaign for assembly poll ends in Punjab, Goa

CHANDIGARH/ PANAJI, FEB 2 (AGENCIES): The high-octane campaign for the assembly elections in Punjab and Goa, billed as the first major test of the Modi government’s popularity postdemonetisation, ended on Thursday.

The gruelling campaign concluded for all the 117 seats of Punjab and 40 of the tiny coastal state of Goa on Thursday evening ahead of the February 4 single-phase polling in the two states where BJP is in power.

It was for the first time in the recent memory that Congress president Sonia Gandhi, who has not been keeping well, did not go stumping and the task of

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national

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business/State

Court discharges Maran brothers, others in Aircel-Maxis deal case New Delhi, Feb 2 (Agencies): Pronouncing its order on framing of charges against former Telecom Minister Dayanidhi Maran, his brother Kalanithi Maran and others in the Aircel-Maxis deal cases lodged by CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), a special court on Thursday acquitted them.

Special Judge O P Saini, who was scheduled to pass the order last month on framing of charges as well as on bail applications of the Maran brothers and other accused persons, deferred it to today, saying the order was not ready.

All the accused had denied the allegations against them made by the investigating agencies and had moved bail pleas.

During arguments on framing of charges, Special Public Prosecutor Anand Grover had claimed that Dayanidhi had “pressurised” Chennai-based telecom promoter C Sivasankaran to sell his stakes in Aircel and two subsidiary firms to Ma-

laysian firm Maxis Group in 2006.

The charge was strongly refuted by Dayanidhi.

CBI had filed a charge sheet against the Maran brothers, Ralph Marshall, T Ananda Krishnan, M/s Sun Direct TV (P) Ltd, M/s Astro All Asia Networks Plc, UK, M/s Maxis Communications Berhad, Malaysia, M/s South Asia Entertainment Holdings Ltd, Malaysia and then Additional Secretary (Telecom) late J S Sarma.

They were chargesheeted for alleged offences punishable under section 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of the IPC and under relevant provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act. In the money laund e r i n g c a s e, E D h a s chargesheeted the Maran brothers, Kalanithi’s wife Kavery, Managing Director of South Asia FM Ltd (SAFL) K Shanmugam, SAFL and Sun Direct TV Pvt Ltd (SDTPL) under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act

Governor appeals DIMAPUR, FEB 2 (NPN): Nagaland Governor PB Acharya, who is presently in Itanagar, has expressed concern on the prevailing situation in the state and appealed all citizens to exercise restraint.

In a letter to Nagaland Tribes Action Committee (NTCA) convenor K.T. Vilie, Governor said he was constantly monitoring the situation and has asked chief minister to address the demands of the committee.

ACAUT clarifies

DIMAPUR, JAN 31 (NPN): ACAUT on Tuesday out rightly rejected rumours that it was actively participating in the elections.

In a press note, ACAUT reaffirmed to stand by the principle of ‘Clean Election’ campaign of the NBCC and does not endorse any particular individual or candidates for the ULB polls and reiterated that such allegations were “totally erroneous and false”.

ACAUT further said it was witness to rampant usage of money and muscle power during the canvassing period for ULB polls and therefore called upon al to root out such evil practises.

(PMLA).

The court had summoned the six accused after taking cognisance of the ED’s charge sheet, saying there was “enough incriminating material” to proceed against them.

While arguing on the issue of framing of charges against him, Dayanidhi had claimed that during the time period in which the alleged crime was committed, as claimed by CBI, Sivasankaran was in talks with several companies to sell his stakes in Aircel.

It was only in October 2005, that the business transaction between Aircel and Maxis was finalised, his counsel had said.

His brother Kalanithi had also argued that CBI’s claim was false and the complainant was himself eager for the business and that he was being falsely implicated in the case.

The court had on September 24, 2016, issued open warrants of arrest against Krishnan and Marshall on CBI’s plea stating that sum-

mons issued to them could not be served.

It had also ordered that the trial against Maran brothers and two accused companies be segregated from that of those based in Malaysia -- Krishnan, Marshall, and two firms, Astro All Asia Network PLC and Maxis Communication Berhad, saying their appearance may take a long time which may lead to a delay in the proceedings.

During the arguments earlier, ED’s special prosecutor N K Matta had claimed that there were money transactions which allegedly showed that SDTPL and SAFL had received Rs 742.58 crore as “proceeds of crime” from Mauritiusbased firms in the AircelMaxis deal.

The agency had claimed that “proceeds of crime” amounting to Rs 549.03 crore and Rs 193.55 crore were received by SDTPL and SAFL, allegedly controlled by co-accused Kalanithi, through various Mauritius-based entities.

ment.

The youth wing reiterated the NPF-led DAN government would never enact laws that would be detrimental to Nagas or work against the interest of the people and instead the government worked tirelessly for the people.

The youth wing also alleged that some people with “ulterior motive” have been attempting to discredit the government by trying to thwart and disrupt all the progressive policy of the government.

It opined that in a democratic set up, people should allow the democratically elected government to carry out its responsibility independently without random interference from every quarter.

Further the youth wing said at times tribal bodies should intervene but it was uncalled for to meddle in all issues. It said ULB election was issue that did not warrant the tribal bodies to “create chaos and warlike situation in the state.” . Youth Wing maintained

(Form p-1)

Meanwhile against the backdrop of the ongoing issue, eight tribal bodies comprising of Zeliang people Organization, Kohima, Chakhesang Public Organization, Kohima, Ao Union Kohima, Rengma Public Organization, Kohima; Kohima Sumi Hoho, Kohima Lotha Hoho and E N P O Ko h i m a U n i t formed the committee.

It was also informed that the newly formed Nagaland Tribes Action Committee (NTAC) was headed

by Convener Nagaland Tribes Action Committee K.T Vilie and Secretary C.T Jamir.

Angami Yout Organisation (AYO) volunteers were deputed at Deputy Commissioner’s Office to prevent the mob from further damage.

Owing to the bandh called by the AYO, fire brigades could not be pressed and there were no possibilities of averting the fire, thereby chances are high that the adjoining offices of Kohima Municipal Council could be burned.

that it would be very difficult for the Nagas to co-exist as people if such trend continued.

The NPF youth wing has therefore appealed to all the Nagas to “come to sense” and join hands to amicably resolve the present impasse with sagacity and magnanimity.

Meanwhile, the youth wing also condemned the destruction of Mokokchung division NPF office and burning of effigies of chief minister and NPF president.

It accused supporters of Imkong L Imchen, MLA, for these acts.

It said this was second instant where the party office has been vandalised by Imkong L. Imchen and his group.

Meanwhile, NPF youth wing has expressed deep sorrow at the death of two youths, late Khriesavizo and late Bendangnungsang, in an unfortunate incident and conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and prayed that the Almighty grant them solace at this hour of grief.

Crossword

No. 8412 Yesterday’s solution No. 8411

Su doku

No. 3032 Yesterday’s solution No. 3031

KAKURO

Senden’s ‘clarion...

Kohima burns LHJAC to continue bandh from Feb 3 (From p-1) FEB 2 (NPN): medical services/patients as mob torch... DIMAPUR, offices were vandalLotha Hoho Joint Action have been exempted, while Committee (LHJAC) has medical personnel have been ized. Unknown persons

NPF youth slams Rio, JCC, tribe bodies, Imchen (From p-1) spell of some government adversaries who were still trying to dislodge the elected government.

The NPF Youth Wing also opined that the unfortunate demise of the two youths and injuries to many could have been avoided had not the Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) members “senselessly incited the innocent boys to confront the state force”.

Therefore, NPF Youth Wing has held JCC responsible for the deaths of the two youths “and not the state govt .machineries.”

The youth wing further said the tribal bodies totally failed to act with sanity and tolerance and instead attempted to bulldoze the issue with emotionally charged “chauvinistic attitude” which led to anarty and mobocracy in the state, particularly in Dimapur.

It also accused that the tribal bodies of playing the role of opposition all these days by opposing and meddling in every programme and policy of the state govern-

No. 1859 Yesterday’s solution No. 1858

Nagaland Post, Dimapur friDay, february 3, 2017

Across 1 Turning up in front of small hotel, one may see this on the door (4) 3 Military accommodation providing storage for bottles?

(8) 9 Unpredictable boy holding sailor back (7) 10 Place for a bowler further on (5) 11 Vegetable found in dishes we detest (5) 12 Doctor gets Conservative backing to reveal decay (3,3) 14 Be in charge without beginning to live (6) 16 Scrape a beard off (6) 19 Cutter, dreadfully chesty (6) 21 Don, for example – leadfree motorist (5) 24 Duke gets inadequate return for flag (5) 25 “Serve duke!” I cry (4,3) 26 Dog talked about drink (8) 27 Hands hesitate, we hear (4) Down 1 Entreaty certain to give satisfaction (8) 2 Small Indian rocks on mountain (5) 4 Shopping area – area raced around (6) 5 Willing to study on the Fourth of July (5) 6 Rome can appear in a new light as an Italian city (7) 7 Singular fuss about providing drink (4) 8 A nurse without time to be there (6) 13 City in Michigan removing old American debris (8) 15 Help mug to be heard (7) 17 Least sheltered area in French port (6) 18 Know boy turning up in Cumbrian town (6) 20 It’s bound to be recorded!

(5) 22 Instrument for girl (5) 23 Some antiquated Danish or Icelandic poems (4)

decided to continue the bandh in Wokha from February 3, 9 a.m onwards, till the state government step down as demanded by the people.

In a press note LHJAC convenor, Nchumbemo Ezung and secretary James Tungoe warned that no government offices and officials would be allowed to function. The committee also warned that government vehicles found plying would be set on fire.

LHJAC advised para military forces to restrict their movement in the district as far as possible. However, public movement, shops,

asked not to use government vehicle except ambulances on genuine duty. Further, LHJAC warned that any individual/groups trying to create problems under influence of intoxicants would be dealt with severe action.

Meanwhile, LHJAC has demanded immediate restoration internet services, saying suspension of public facility was a direct invitation for “casualties of any nature”.

The committee also extended its full support on the JCC’s demand that the chief minister T.R. Zeliang’s government should step down.

Indefinite bandh in Dimapur to continue

(From p-1) It also requested all tribal hohos to put pressure on their legislators to resign. Meanwhile, JCC has acknowledged the villages on NH to Kohima for paying homage and respect to the two departed youths while their coffins were being taken to Kohima. Nyekha also appealed the neighbouring states to bear with the inconveniences caused due to the bandh. JCC further informed it would be extending all support to the decisions of the newly formed Nagaland Tribes Action Committee (NTAC). Meanwhile, JCC refuted it did not demand transfer order of police commissioner Dimapur and termed it as “fishy decision taken by the state government to bluff the public”.

also hurled improvised explosive device inside the NPF office, however there was no casualty.

Clarifies: Ao Senden has clarified that word “Wameken Lika” published on January 31, should be read as “Wameken jurisdiction” and not as published. Meanwhile, Ao Senden on Tuesday had decided to initiate “befitting course of action” against the landowners of Tuli area namely-- Kangtsung and Merangkong village for going against the resolution of the Aos as well as the Nagas against ULB election.

Tuensang: In Tuensang hundreds of people gathered at the Clock Tower point on Thursday evening for a ‘candle light vigil’ in memory of the two youths killed in Dimapur on January 31 night.

The candle light vigil was organized by a group known as the ‘Tuensang Voice’. Watsu Mungdang: Watsu Mungdang (women’s body) during its emergency meeting on February 1, 2017 resolved to withdraw from JACWR.

NPA, DPC Nagaland govt. has failed ... p-1) group said. flay Jan 31 (FromWhile The group conveyed stating that the government looked “very condolences and expressed assault very ordinary and incapable pain over the loss of pre-

(From p-1)

The press association asserted that the government and public must henceforth realise that the media in Nagaland was the only proper outlet for public communication and dialogue and it was high time this role of the media be respected.

DPC: Dimapur Press Club (DPC) said it has noticed that even media persons were not spared during such events by various agencies not realising media houses acted as a communication platform for public.

DPC appealed to the public and government to respect the profession of media in Nagaland and avoid such incidents from occurring in future.

of protecting the people’s interest”, the group urged the state government, without any delay, to invite the tribal hohos of Nagaland and initiate a dialogue process in order to fulfil the people’s demands and to restore confidence.

Meanwhile, the working group has also appealed to tribes of Nagaland to stand united during such testing times and explore all options without resorting to violence and destruction.

It is a time to exhibit our courage and determination through oneness of purpose and restoration our inherent right, the

cious youths-- Khriesavizo Metha of Chiechama village and Bendangnungsang of Aonokpu Village at the hands of state force, and pointed out that the state government must take full responsibility for the events at Dimapur and Longleng.

They were of the firm belief that the death of the two youths would strengthen the resolve of the people against destructive policies in our land.

UK parl votes in favour of starting Brexit process

This image taken from Parliamentary Recording Unit TV shows the result of the parliamentary vote of 498 to 114 in favour of the British Government’s Brexit Bill being handed to the Speaker of the House of Commons.

LONDON, FEB 2 (PTI): Britain moved one step closer to a final separation from the EU as members of the UK parliament voted overwhelmingly in favour of allowing the government to begin Brexit negotiations.

Members of the House of Commons voted yesterday by 498 to 114 to advance the bill that would give Prime Minister Theresa May the authority to invoke Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty -- the formal process of leaving the EU. The bill now faces further scrutiny in the Commons and the House of Lords before it can become law.

Earlier, May had confirmed that she will be publishing a White Paper on her Brexit strategy.

In response to a query

by Conservative MP Maria

Scotland’s independence bid settled by 2014 vote LO N D O N, F E B 2 (AGENCIES): British Prime Minister Theresa May believes that Scotland’s bid for independence was settled by a referendum in 2014, a vote that was “legal, fair and decisive”, a spokeswoman for the leader said on Thursday.

May has repeatedly said she sees no need for a second referendum in Scotland, even after the country’s vote to stay in the European Union -- at odds with England -- spurred calls by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon for a re-run of the vote.

“We believe that this issue was settled in 2014.

Recent polls don’t suggest that there has been a big change in the views around a second referendum,” the spokeswoman told reporters.

Miller, May told the House of Commons: “I can inform my Right Hon Friend and the House that that White Paper will be published Thursday.

Under pressure from the Opposition and some of her own rebel MPs, the British PM had announced last week that she would be publishing a White Paper on the negotiating plans for Britain’s exit from the EU in due course.

“The White Paper will reflect the plan already set out by the Prime Minister in her Brexit speech,” a Downing Street spokesperson told reporters at a briefing on Wednesday morning.

The confirmation of a date for the White Paper came as MPs continued a second day of debate on the so-called Brexit Bill,

which will give May the authority to invoke Article 50 and trigger the official Brexit negotiations with the EU. “Histor y has been made,” British Foreign Minister Boris Johnson tweeted after the voting.

The government was expected to win despite the Liberal Democrats and Scottish National Party voting against it.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn had issued a threeline whip, a strong disciplinary order, to his MPs to back the bill.

However, many Labour MPs had already indicated they would defy that whip, including Indian-origin MP Virendra Sharma.

Labour rebels joined MPs from the SNP, Liberal Democrat party, the SDLP, Green MP Caroline Lucas and Tory MP Ken Clarke

US, S. Korea reaffirm Thaad deployment plan SEOUL, FEB 2 (IANS): US Defense Secretar y James Mattis on Thursday arrived in South Korea on a two-day visit and reaffirmed the allies would push ahead with the plan to deploy an advanced American missile defence system to the Korean Peninsula to counter growing military threats from North Korea.

After landing at the Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, 70 km south of Seoul, Mattis headed to the US Forces Korea (USFK) headquarters in Yongsan, Seoul, according to the Defence Ministry.

He was briefed by US Forces Korea (USFK) Commander Gen. Vincent Brooks on the security situation on the Korean Peninsula and in the region, Yonhap news agency reported.

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur Friday, february 3, 2017

Mattis then met Acting President and Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn and National Security Office chief Kim Kwan-jin and attended a dinner hosted by Defence Minister Han Min-koo.

During their talks, Kim and Mattis reiterated that the allies will strongly respond to Pyongyang’s future provocations based on their “watertight” security cooperation, the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae said.

The allies’ reaffirmation of their resolve to deploy a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defence system (Thaad) came amid continued opposition from China, Russia and some local politicians. Beijing and Moscow have argued that the system could undermine their security interests.

in an attempt to stop May invoking Article 50 and starting the process of leaving the EU. A total of 90 MPs are likely to oppose the bill, not enough to stop Theresa May moving a step closer to be able to work towards her declared timeline of wanting to invoke Article 50 by the end of March.

David Davis, minister for exiting the European Union, had opened the debate in the House of Commons with a clear message to MPs that they must implement a decision made by the people in the June 2016 referendum – with 51.9 per cent wanting to leave the EU and 48.1 per cent wanting to remain within the 28-nation economic bloc.

The Opposition Labour party will support the final vote on the bill but will try to amend it, including calling for a “meaningful vote” on the final Brexit deal.

The bill will now return to the Commons next week for the committee stage, when Opposition parties will try to push through these amendments.

The bill was tabled last week after the Supreme Court ruled that MPs and peers must have a say before Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty could be triggered. It rejected the UK government’s argument that May had sufficient executive powers to trigger Brexit without consulting Parliament.

Duterte to involve military in drugs war MANILA, FEB 2 (IANS): Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday said he will sign an executive order to involve the military in the controversial “war on drugs” that has left more than 7,000 people dead in seven months, the media reported. Duterte made the announcement in a speech in his hometown, Davao, where he also confirmed that at the moment the police will not carry out more operations related to this campaign, Efe news reported.

“I’m taking in the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and raising the issue of drugs as a national security threat so that I will call on all the armed forces to assist,” Duterte said. The President, who did not offer details of how the troops would contribute in his antidrug war, also warned of more deaths to drug traffickers and addicts.

Fillon bid for presidency in turmoil

PARIS, FEB 2 (AGENCIES): Pressure on French presidential candidate Francois Fillon to pull out of the election race intensified on Thursday as some lawmakers in his own camp urged him to abandon his scandal-tainted bid to save the conservatives from defeat.

The scandal, which erupted last week when a newspaper reported the 62-year-old ex-prime minister had paid his wife hundreds of thousands of euros for work she may not have done, has thrown Fillon’s campaign off track.

Fillon denies wrongdoing, but opinion polls show support for Fillon eroding fast to the benefit of far right leader Marine Le Pen and a former investment banker, Emmanuel Macron, who is running as an independent.

“I think our candidate must stop,” Alain Houpert, a conservative senator close to Fillon’s former rival for the conservative ticket, Nicolas Sarkozy, told Public Senat television late on Wednesday.

In a new blow to Fillon’s campaign, French investigators widened their probe to include two of his children, a source told Reuters.

And in what may prove a further damaging revelation, France 2 television said it would broadcast extracts of a 2007 interview of Fillon’s Welshborn wife Penelope telling British media that she had never worked as his assistant.

Trump blasts Aussie PM Turnbull over refugee deal in ‘worst’ phone call

President Donald Trump, seated at his desk with National Security Advisor Michael Flynn and senior advisor Steve Bannon, spoke to Austrlian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull Saturday.

WASHINGTON, FEB 2 (IANS): US President Donald Trump has sparked a fresh diplomatic row -- this time with Australia -- by branding a refugee deal with the country as “dumb”, days after holding a heated conversation with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

Senior US officials said on Wednesday that during the call on January 28, Trump blasted Turnbull over the refu­gee agreement and boasted about the magnitude of his Electoral College win. Then, 25 minutes into what was expected to be an hour-long call, Trump abruptly ended it, the Washington Post reported.

Trump also told Turnbull that he had spoken with four other world leaders that day, including Russian President Vladi­mir Putin, and that “this was the worst call by far”.

Australian government officials, who said the Post’s account of the call was “substantially accurate”, described the conversation as “robust” and admitted it was “shorter than expected”,

ABC News reported.

“This is the worst deal ever,” Trump fumed during the call, as Turnbull attempted to confirm that the US would honour a deal made with the Obama administration to take in 1,250 refugees from an Australian detention centre off the country’s coast at Nauru and Manus Island in Papua New Guinea, according to the Post.

Trump, who on January 27 signed an executive order temporarily barring the admissions of refugees and citizens from seven Muslim majority countries, complained that he was “going to get killed” politically and accused Australia of seeking to export the “next Boston bombers”.

During the call, Trump was joined by chief strategist Steve Bannon, National Security Adviser Michael Flynn and White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer.

At one point, Turnbull suggested that the two leaders move on from their impasse over refugees to discuss the conflict in Syria and other pressing foreign is-

sues.

But Trump kept his focus on the issue and said: “I don’t want these people.”

He also repeatedly misstated the number of refugees called for in the agreement as 2,000 rather than 1,250, according to the officials.

Finally, Trump ended the call, making it far shorter than his conversations with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, German Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany and French President Francois Hollande, according to the report.

The US President returned to the topic late Wednesday night, writing in a message on Twitter: “Do you believe it? The Obama Administration agreed to take thousands of illegal immigrants from Australia.

Why? I will study this dumb deal!”

Australia, according to the report, is one of America’s staunchest allies. They share intelligence and have fought together in a number of wars, including in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Israeli police clear West Bank settler outpost

AMONA (WEST BANK), FEB 2 (AGENCIES): Israeli police on Thursday broke into a synagogue where about 200 Israeli protesters had barricaded themselves in the West Bank outpost of Amona, as authorities sought to complete a court-ordered evacuation of the unauthorized settlement.

The evacuation began Wednesday but is not yet complete. On Thursday, several hundred Israeli forces surrounded the synagogue, and officers wearing goggles and wielding plastic shields broke through the doors and sprayed water to push back defiant protesters.

The police later began dragging young protesters out of the building.

Speaking to Israel Radio from inside the synagogue, the rabbi of Amona said the protesters were

Israeli police evict settlers from the West Bank outpost of Amona, Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017. (AP/PTI)

peacefully resisting the uprooting of the outpost. He spoke above loud noises and shouting in the background.

Earlier Thursday, police removed protesters holed up in a small home nearby.

Police say protesters have lightly injured at least

24 officers throughout the evacuation, and 13 young protesters have been arrested.

A symbol of settler defiance, Amona is the largest of about 100 unauthorized outposts erected in the West Bank without formal permission but with tacit Israeli government

support. The outpost was found to be built on private Palestinian land and the Israeli Supreme Court ordered it demolished.

The evacuation came amid bold new settlement moves by Israel’s government, which has been buoyed by the election of President Donald Trump.

Romanian minister resigns after anti-graft protest ‘Russia a key partner for Arab countries’ actions he does not believe in, or that he chose to walk away from a story that isn’t his?”

Prime Minister Sorin Grindeanu has shown no sign of giving ground, but a vice-president of the ruling Social Democrat Party (PSD), Mihai Chirica, urged the government on Thurs-

day to withdraw the decree.

President Klaus Iohannis, a former leader of the opposition centre-right Liberal Party, followed Romania’s top judicial watchdog in filing a legal challenge to the decree with the Constitutional Court. The court has yet to say when it will consider the challenge.

Investigation

Riot police stand guard as demonstrators gather in front of the government headquarters in Bucharest, on Feb. 1.

BU C H A R E S T, F E B 2 (AGENCIES): A Romanian cabinet minister resigned on Thursday, testing the stability of the monthold leftist-led government after 250,000 people came out in protest over a decree that could effectively amnesty dozens of officials accused of corruption.

The government order, hastily adopted late on Tues-

day, has triggered the biggest nationwide protests since the fall of communism in 1989. Critics say decriminalising a number of graft offences marks the most significant retreat on anti-corruption reforms since Romania joined the European Union in 2007.

Florin Jianu, Romania’s minister of business, trade and entrepreneurship,

announced via Facebook that he was resigning.

It is the “ethical thing to do,” he said, “not for my professional honesty, my conscience is clean on that front, but for my child”.

“How am I going to look him in the eye and what am I going to tell him over the years?” he wrote. “Am I going to tell him his father was a coward and supported

The decree is due to take effect in a little over one week. The government says the order, and a draft bill on jail pardons, are needed to ease prison over-crowding and bring the criminal code into line with recent constitutional court rulings. Critics said it is tailor-made to benefit dozens of public officials under investigation or on trial for corruption, including PSD leader Liviu Dragnea. The government denies this.

Anti-corruption prosecutors, currently investigating more than 2,000 abuse-of-power cases, said on Thursday they had received a complaint about how the decree was drafted and were investigating. Romania’s leu currency steadied at 4.5350, off 7-month lows hit on Wednesday, but debt yields continued to rise.

The Social Democrats were driven from power by protests in late 2015 after a nightclub fire killed 64 people and triggered widespread anger over corruption and impunity when it emerged the venue lacked emergency exits and safety permits. They regained power in a December election on promises to raise wages and pensions. On Wednesday, Prime Minister Grindeanu wrote to the head of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, detailing the reasons why his cabinet chose to pass the decree.

A BU D H A B I , F E B 2 (IANS/WAM): Russia is a key political and economic partner in the endeavour to realise the comprehensive development of the Middle East and support its stability, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said at a meeting here.

Sheikh Abdullah also emphasised the importance of strengthening joint ArabRussian cooperation and taking it to a new level of building a true and meaningful partnership at the 4th session of the Russian-Arab Cooperation Forum in Abu Dhabi, which he presided over on Wednesday.

Russian Foreign minister Sergey Lavrov, Arab League Secretary General Abul Al Gheit, Arab Foreign Ministers and several other delegates attended the Forum.

The UAE minister said trade between the two sides rose to about $15 billion as he thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for his keen interest in deepening

ties with Arab countries.

In his speech, Sheikh Abdullah also referred to Iran’s adoption of a sectarian approach and its support of terrorist and extremist groups, while endangering stability in the Arab world by interfering in its affairs.

He said that terrorism and extremism have become a global plague that endangers the age old Arab values, including respect for diversity and tolerance.

“This is further aggravated by the Iranian intervention in Arab affairs and the dangers it poses on regional security and peace,” he said.

Sheikh Abdullah added that such an intervention needs to be addressed to prevent its expansion into the Arab region. “This is clearly evident in Iran’s continuing occupation of the UAE’s three islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa,” he said.

The Foreign Minister also lamented the international community’s failure to address the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian

territories and its flagrant violation of the rights of the Palestinian people.

On the situation in Yemen, he stressed the importance of committing to supporting its legitimacy and maintain the country’s unity.

He offered his support for a political solution in Yemen based on GCC directives and Yemeni dialogue.

Sheikh Abdullah also referred to the dangerous situation in Syria and Iran’s intervention which undermined the political solution for the Syrian crisis.

He also welcomed the Libyan political agreement, which was reached in Skhirat, saying there was no alternative to dialogue to address difficulties facing implementation of the agreement.

During the session, the Russian Foreign Minister also highlighted the need to cooperate to counter terrorism and to prevent funding of terrorist activities and expressed sincere gratitude to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for hosting the Forum.

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Infotainment

‘Raees’ director Rahul Dholakia Jackie Chan key to tap Chinese “heartbroken” over film’s online leak film market: Sonu Sood

H

ollywood has been trying hard to find a foothold in China for quite sometime now and actor Sonu Sood says that international film studios want to work with his ‘Kung Fu Yoga’ co-star Jackie Chan because of his standing in the Chinese cinema market.

The 43-year-old actor, who is also the distributor of the Stanley Tong-directed film in India where he is releasing the film on 1200 screens, says China has a great cinema loving audience.

“I was shooting with Jackie and there are couple of actors who work with him on a regular basis and they were telling me that Hollywood stars want to work with Jackie and are ready to adjust their dates and price because they know that they will have access to a big cinema audience.”

“If you are able to tap the Chinese market, you have around 43,000 screens at your disposal... then, you can certainly hope for getting huge numbers at the box office worldwide,” Sonu said.

Beyonce expecting twins, posts first pic of baby bump

The ‘Dabangg’ actor also said that collaborating with Chinese artistes and technicians is a great step in strengthening ties between the two countries.

Jackie was in India to promote the movie on January 23 and when asked how it felt bringing in in the country for a quick promotional trip, Sonu says it was quite a learning experience.

“Initially, when we were shooting in Beijing, I used to tell Jackie that we’ll go to India and promote the film for 4-5 days. All those talks were on, but when the time actually came, it seemed impossible due to time constraints.”

But the actor quips that he knew he had to give it all as he was getting one of the most loved stars in the world to India.

Sonu says, “Bringing Jackie to India was a real learning experience for me.

When he finally landed, I told him, ‘Please give me these ten hours of your life and you’ll remember them for your life’ and Jackie said, ‘I’m all yours’.”

S

h a h Ru k h K h a n’s crime-drama ‘Raees’ is the latest Bollywood release to fall prey to illegal piracy of films. After reports stated that the film had been leaked on several online sites, it has now come to director Rahul Dholakia’s notice that copies of the movie are now being downloaded and circulated on mobile phones.

The director took to his social networking handle to express his dismay. Rahul also went ahead to thank the thousands who religiously flocked to single screens and multiplexes to catch the film multiple times.

Despite the entire film being illegally leaked, ‘Raees’ has managed to make its mark at the box-of-

Nagaland Post, Dimapur Friday, February 3, 2017

Very excited for ‘Baahubali 2’: Tamannaah Bhatia

fice by collecting an impressive Rs 109.01 crore in the domestic box office, within seven days of its release.

In the recent past, films like ‘Sultan’, ‘Udta Punjab’, ‘Great Grand Masti’ and ‘Raaz Reboot’ had also fallen prey to the growing piracy industry.

‘Lion’ was shot extensively in India and Australia, and is based on Saroo Brierley who penned his life story in a non-fiction novel called ‘A Long Way Home’.

The book is a moving tale of a five-year-old Saroo who loses his way from home far away in Kolkata, and finds ctress Tamannaah himself to be adopted by an Bhatia is looking Australian family. 25 years forward to the relater, Saroo embarks on a quest using Google Earth to lease of “Baahubali 2” in find his way back home.

April.

A

Deep Purple’s ‘InFinite’ Album Details Revealed

Keanu Reeves to star in ‘Siberia’

A B

eyonce is pregnant, and this time, she’s expecting twins with her husband, rap mogul Jay Z. The pop superstar, who already has a fiveyear-old daughter, Blue Ivy, with Jay Z, announced the news to her more than 92 million followers on Instagram on Wednesday.

Clad in panties and a bra under a flowing veil, Beyonce posted a picture

of herself kneeling beside a human-size floral arrangement, her hands cradling her rounded belly.

“We would like to share our love and happiness. We have been blessed two times over,” the 35year-old singer wrote.

“We are incredibly grateful that our family will be growing by two, and we thank you for all your well wishes,” she added, signing with Jay Z.

T

he track listing for Deep Purple’s forthcoming album “InFinite” was revealed by UK edition of online retail giant Amazon via the record’s presale page on the site.

They once again worked with iconic producer Bob Ezrin on the ten track album, which is scheduled to be released

on April 7th and follows the legendary band’s 2013 effort “Now What?!”

“InFinite” will reportedly contain the following tracks: “Time for Bedlam”, “Hip Boots”, “All I’ve Got Is You”, “One Night in Vegas”, “Get Me Outta Here”, “The Surprising”, “Johnny’s Band’, “On Top of the World”, “Birds of

Prey” and “Roadhouse Blues”.

The band had previously released an online stream of the opening song “Time For Bedlam”. As we reported earlier this week, Deep Purple will be teaming up with Alice Cooper for a North American co-headlining tour this summer.

Guns N’ Roses Dominate ‘Lion’ India premiere sees little Sunny Pawar Billboard Boxscore Chart rub shoulders with Bollywood biggies

ctor Keanu Reeves has been roped in to star in the upcoming romantic thriller “Siberia” that will be directed by Matthew Ross. The film will go on floors later this year, reports variety.com. Reeves will portray an American diamond trader trying to sell blue diamonds of dubious origin to buyers in Russia.

As the deal begins to collapse, he falls into an obsessive relationship with a Russian cafe owner in a small Siberian town while colliding with the treacherous world of the diamond trade from which he is unable to extricate himself.

Reeves will next be seen in “John Wick: Chapter 2”, which will release on February 10.

“I am very excited for ‘Baahubali 2’, which is coming out in April.

The first part has already garnered so much interest,

Ranbir Kapoor’s next with Alia Bhatt not a superhero film

F

ilmmaker Ayan Mukerji has refuted media reports that his upcoming movie with best friend Ranbir Kapoor is a superhero drama.

Ranbir and actress Alia Bhatt are coming together for the first time in Ayan’s next directorial venture, which has been touted to be the remake of Hollywood superhero comedy, ‘Deadpool’.

“A lot of people have been saying that it is a superhero film. But it’s not. It’s in fact, a modern-day romantic fantasy,” Ayan told reporters here.

The filmmaker also revealed that he will be shooting the movie in August, once Ranbir is done working on Sanjay Dutt biopic.

G

uns N’ Roses dominate Billboard Magazine’s latest Boxscore Chart but not only topping the chart but holding 11 out of the top 15 spots including the top 4.

The trade magazine’s current chart (as of Feb 1st) shows the various stops of the Guns N’ Roses recent South American leg of their Not In This Lifetime reunion tour blowing away the competition.

They topped the chart K

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with their concerts at the Estadio River Plate in Buenos Aires on November 4th and 5th which grossed $11, 042,300 with 105,026 fans in attendance.

The band also held the second, third, fourth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, eleventh, twelfth and thirteenth spots in the top 15 with Aerosmith claiming No. 5, 10 and 14th.

The group, featuring the reunited Axl Rose, Slash and Duff McKagan, recently wrapped up the

Japanese leg of their world wide reunion trek and will be launching the New Zealand and Australian portion of the tour tonight in Wellington at the Westpac Stadium.

They will next visit Singapore, followed by Bangkok, Dubai, Europe and Israel before returning stateside for another North American tour leg that will be kicking off on July 27th in St. Louis, Mo. Visit their official site for all of the upcoming dates.

I

n contention for six Oscars, and winner of multiple-awards, the Hollywood film ‘Lion’ saw its India premiere in Mumbai on Wednesday evening. The film’s director Garth Davis articulated the passion with which they shot the film.

Saroo Brierley, on who’s life the film is based, showed up for the premiere.

Garth Davis said, “I hope India likes the film. It’s made with a lot of passion and heart. India has had a huge contribution in making this film and I couldn’t be happier to be present here at the Indian premiere.

Working on ‘Lion’ has been a great journey”.

In attendance for the premiere were members of the Indian cast - child actor Sunny Pawar, Priyanka Bose and Tanishtha Chatterjee. Numerous B-town celebrities showed up to the event, including acclaimed directors Vikramaditya Motwane, Shakun Batra, Ayan Mukherji, Kabir Khan who walked in with his wife Mini Mathur and several actors including Radhika Apte, Ali Fazal, Anupam Kher, Arshad Warsi, Monica Dogra and Maria Goretti among others.

“Ranbir won’t do this film and Dutt simultan e o u s l y.

He has already begun shooting for Dutt and it should be done by August.

That’s when I will start with him and Alia Bhatt.”

Ayan was speaking at the premiere of Oscar-nominated film, ‘Lion’.

At the event, the filmmaker was also asked for his reaction to the attack on director Sanjay Leela Bhansali allegedly by members of Karni Sena, who have a problem with the film’s script.

Ayan said that as someone who looks up to Bhansali, the incident came as a rude shock.

“As a young filmmaker and someone, who really respects Sanjay Bhansali, I feel it’s sad and shocking. It shouldn’t have happened. It was really unfortunate.”

89th SERAMPORE COLLEGE (UNIVERSITY) CONVOCATION - 2017

Date - 4th February

Lion’ actor Sunny Pawar

love and appreciation. I am looking forward to seeing the audience’s reaction this time too,” the “Himmatwala” star said.

The Indian epic historical fiction film directed

by S.S. Rajamouli, stars Prabhas in the lead. The film is scheduled for worldwide release on April 28.

Tamannaah spoke on the sidelines of the Lakme Fashion Week Summer/ Re s o r t 2 0 1 7 h e r e o n Wednesday.

Talking about fashion, she said: “In Mumbai, we all sweat a lot in summer.

So, the fabric that you wear is what really matters. I would say one should wear cotton and Indian fabrics which are suitable for this weather, and you will feel comfortable.

“However, if you really want to look smashing, then go for that dress you want to wear.”

For Tamannaah, fashion has become a part of life.

“I enjoy fashion now...

It’s like waking up and living with it. I love to attend fashion shows,” the 27year-old actress said.

Time 3:15 p.m.

Speaker : Rev. Christopher Mackie Ferguson General Secretary World Communion of Reformed Churches

Rt. Rev. Dr. John S. Sadananda Master, Serampore College Host: Trinity Theological College Thahekhu, Dimapur DP-1043

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Haven’t thought about 2020 Olympics, focussed on comeback: Sharapova

Maria Sharapova

Moscow, Feb 2 (IANS): Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova has said it was still too early to think about taking part the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

R u s s i a n Te n n i s Federation (RTF) President Shamil Tarpishchev earlier said Sharapova was capable of winning at the 2020 Olympics, reports Tass.

“I have no such long-

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sports

Nagaland Post, Dimapur friday, february 3, 2017

term plans yet as I was simply not thinking about it,” Sharapova said on Wednesday.

“A s o f n ow I a m focused on the tournament in Stuttgart and on my comeback. It is a big question of what will be in Tokyo and whether I will be playing there. I have not discussed this issue with anyone yet.”

Sharapova is set to make

her comeback following a doping suspension this year on April 26 at a tennis tournament in Stuttgart.

“I would really love to play (at the 2020 Olympics) if my physical condition permits it. However, I do not know how my body would react and what is coming next in my life.

This is why it is still early for raising the issue of whether I would be playing for the national team.” She has been serving a two-year suspension for the violation of anti-doping regulations since January 26 last year.

However, the Swiss-based Court of Arbitration for Spor t (CAS) r uled on October 4, 2016, to reduce her suspension term from 24 to 15 months. Sharapova is officially eligible to make her comeback on April 26 this year.

Last March, Sharapova announced that her doping tests revealed the presence of banned performance enhancing drug meldonium in the body system. Following the announcement, the former World No.1 was provisionally suspended from all tennis-related activities, including from the 2016 Rio Olympics.

“It was very difficult for me to see everyone competing at the Olympics, while I was unable to be playing there. I did not pay much attention to the fact that I was skipping Grand Slam series and other

tournaments,” she added.

Asked whether she was thinking of wrapping up with her sports career, the 29-year-old tennis star said: “I used to think about it.”

“Last year I had a sore wrist, I was constantly consulting with doctors and I was even unable to play for the national team, although I a r r ive d i n M o s c ow.

It was difficult from the psychological stance and I faced the moment when I began asking myself questions about how long my body would endure.”

Sharapova also said that she had no plans getting involved in coaching work after she wraps up with her sports career.

“I do not think that I will be working as a coach.

As you may well know, I run my own business and it skyrocketed over the recent years. I am greatly interested in it (business), but I simply had no time for it in the past,” the 29-year-added. “ I w i l l h ave n o problems with finding time after I wrap up my with my (tennis) career.”

Sharapova is Russia’s most decorated tennis player having won five Grand Slam tournaments, the Australian Open in 2008, French Open in 2012 and 2014, Wimbledon in 2004 and US Open in 2006. She is also a silver medal winner of the 2012 London Olympics and the 2008 Federation Cup champion.

Ivanovic completes Zenit switch Lo n d o n, F e b 2 (Agencies): Branislav Ivanovic has completed his move from Chelsea to Zenit St Petersburg.

Ivanovic made 376 appearances for Chelsea since making the move to Stamford Bridge from Lokomotiv Moscow in 2008 but he has struggled for game time this season.

His contract had been due to expire at the end of the season and he has brought his nine-year association with the Blues to an end by signing a twoand-a-half year deal with the Russian club.

“I can say I’m very happy to come here, and to be at a big club like Zenit, I hope together we’ll have success,” he told the club’s official website.

“I had a very big hope to come back to Russia and to play here. I am motivated and I think that I can play for many more seasons at the top level. I can say that I am excited to be here and everything went smoothly.”

“I am happy just to play. I am happy in the centre or on the right. That’s probably a question for the manager but I am happy to play in any position.”

During his time in England, Ivanovic won the Premier League title twice, the FA Cup three times, the Champions League and the Europa League with the Blues, although suspension ruled him out of Chelsea’s 2012 Champions League final success.

Celtics down Raptors to seize division lead

Celtics’ Isaiah Thomas takes a shot against Raptors’ DeMarre Carroll and Lucas Nogueira during the fourth quarter.

LOS ANGELES, Feb 2 (Agencies): Isaiah Thomas worked his fourthquarter magic yet again on Wednesday as the Boston Celtics erased an 18-point third-quarter deficit en route to a 109-104 NBA victory over the Toronto Raptors.

Thomas scored 19 of his 44 points in the final period, including a goahead three-pointer with 48.1 seconds remaining.

He had scored nine straight points to give Boston their first lead of the contest, 95-94, with 4:39 to play.

The lead changed hands half a dozen times after that, until his threepointer from the left wing lifted the Celtics to a 103-101 advantage they wouldn’t relinquish.

The win over a Raptors team playing the second game of a backto-back without injured All-Star DeMar DeRozan, gave Boston a 1 1/2-game lead over Toronto atop the Atlantic Division.

If they’re in front when the week ends on Sunday, Celtics coach Brad Stevens will coach the Eastern Conference team at the NBA All-Star Game in New Orleans on February 19.

It was the Celtics’ first win over Toronto in three games this season.

“You know what’s crazy is I thought we played better in the first two games,” said Stevens, who let his team know at half time that he thought they were under-performing. “ H o n e s t l y, B r a d

(coach Stevens) killed us at halftime,” Thomas said.

“He yelled at us, that was probably the most mad I’ve seen him.”

Thomas responded with the kind of fourthquarter fireworks that are becoming his trademark.

He leads the league in fourth-quarter scoring.

He came into the contest averaging 10.3 fourthquarter points per game. “ Yo u g o t t a t r a p him, get the ball out of his hands,” Raptors AllStar Kyle Lowry said of Thomas. “He got three wide open looks in the fourth.

That can’t happen.”

Lowry did all he could to hold off Thomas and the Celtics. He scored 12 of his 32 points in the final period en route to his fourth straight 30-point game.

Myneni out; Vardhan in for NZ-Australia ODI abandoned due to rain Usain Bolt rules out 2018 Commonwealth Games swansong Davis Cup tie against NZ

Usain Bolt

MELBOURNE, Feb 2 (Agencies): Jamaican sprint great Usain Bolt has no plans to extend his career beyond this year’s world championships in London and has ruled out a return to Australia for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Bolt, who completed a

‘treble treble’ of 100m, 200m and 4x100m Olympic titles at the 2016 Rio Games, had his 2008 relay gold stripped last month after Carter’s retested sample showed traces of a banned substance.

The 30-year-old Bolt also anchored the Jamaican relay team to his only Commonwealth Games gold in Glasgow in 2014 and organisers had hoped that he might extend his career to the next edition on the Gold Coast in April 2018. “To come out here next season, to really train as hard as I need to get to the level I need to win, it’s not going to happen,” Bolt told reporters. Bolt will lead an international

team of “All Stars” in the Nitro Athletics series in Melbourne against four other teams representing E n g l a n d , C h i n a , N ew Zealand and Japan.

The first meeting is on Saturday, with a further two on February 9 and 11. “It is going to be great, going to be something different. Like cricket and Twenty20, it’s going to be different,” Bolt added.

“I feel it will catch on - it’s going to bring a lot of excitement to the sport. It is going to be something different, not going to be normal - a lot more exciting.

I feel personally it is a great idea. This is why I am a part of it.”

Hooligans to be barred from Russia for FIFA tourneys

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ranked 338th in doubles, has been brought in as Myneni’s replacement and will partner Paes. In the singles, India will field Yuki Bhambri and Ramkumar Ramanathan, while Prajnesh Gunneswaran will serve as the reserve player.

Myneni was the highest-ranked singles player (205) on both sides and was expected to carry India’s campaign on his shoulders, playing both in singles and doubles. The AITA had reportedly contacted India’s highest-ranked doubles player, Rohan Bopanna, t o s e r ve a s M y n e n i ’s replacement.

However, Bopanna told The Indian Express that he was hearing of the development for the first time.

Lt Zhevishe Awomi 1st June 1920 – 3rd Feb. 1992

LATE T. AMENLA AIER Dear Mom

preparing the surface while the players started warming up with a 37-over game scheduled to begin at 4.45pm.

However, the warm-ups caused water to seep to the surface, with Australia captain Aaron Finch unearthing a large divot with minimal effort, forcing Dharmasena and Brown to deem conditions still unsuitable for play. After two further inspections, the large crowd grew increasingly restless and broke into an ironic slow handclap with cries of “hurry up” when there was no official announcement on when play was likely to begin.

A final inspection was made at 6.30pm and the decision to abandon the contest was confirmed 15 minutes later.

The third and final match of the series is at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Sunday.

of

Remembering You

Europe, Mutko continued, worked out a special convention, which would have black lists of football hooligans.

“The Council of Europe worked out a special convention and will have lists of hooligans, who will be barred from going to matches in Russia and other countries,” Mutko added.

3/2/2015

Two years have passed since you left us for your eternal home, but your good deeds and undying love for us has been incomparable and will always be treasured in our hearts.

DP-993

Loved ones

CAKSU CONDOLES

Chakhro Angami Kuda Students' Union (CAKSU) express our anguish over the unfortunate incident that took place in Dimapur & Longleng on 31st January 2017 where two civilians were killed and several injured, and expresses great loss of two precious souls of Lt. Khriesavizo & Lt. Bendangnungsang.

The Union also shares their grievances with the deceased family. The Union further appeals for calm and early solution.

DP-1044

(1) Captain in Naga Army (2) Rtd. Dy. S.P (3) Ashok Chakra II (4) Personal Security to Chief Minister Dr. Hokishe Sema

Who left behind him 14 children, 50 grand children, 5 great grand children, 5 son-in-law, 7 daughter in-law.

You left us soon, but your root shall grow and bud shall bloom. You feed deep thought and great dreams to your generations. Your stream of love and dream shall grow generation to generation.

1ST DEATH ANNIVERSARY of our beloved mother

Lt Asangla Lkr (Nokpu) Dearest Ojala, We deeply missed and remembered you with silent tears.

DP-989

Moscow, Feb 2 (IANS): Football hooligans will be barred from entering Russia for matches of the 2017 Confederations Cup and 2018 World Cup, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Mutko has said.

“Those having no desire to support their national teams and seeking to come to our country for some other purposes, will not be allowed to enter Russia,” Mutko, also the president of the Russian Football Union (RFU), said on Wednesday, reports Tass.

The deputy PM stated that security measures during the world championship would be organised at the highest possible level.

“The security concept of the tournament was approved by the president of Russia,” according to Mutko. “Special security headquarters were set up ahead of the tournament.”

“I hope that our law e n f o r c e r s ’ ex p e r i e n c e gained during the previous tournaments, including the (2014) Olympic Games in Sochi, will help us to organise a safe tournament,” he added.

The Council of

New Delhi, Feb 2 ( Ag e n c i e s ) : S a k e t h Mayneni has suffered an injury during a practice session, which will see him miss the Davis Cup tie against New Zealand starting on Friday, reported the The Indian Express.

Myneni was seen limping off the court after a practice session. The 29-year-old, ranked 209th in doubles, was due to play with Leander Paes.

“He is injured and will not play the tie,” Hiranmoy C h a t t e r j e e, s e c r e t a r y general of the All India Tennis Association, told the English daily. “Right now, we are looking for options, but strictly for doubles,” he added. However, the newspaper also reported t h a t Vi s h nu Va r d h a n ,

Na p i e r , F e b 2 ( Ag e n c i e s ) : Australia’s chances of winning their one-day international series against New Zealand were ended by the weather as the second one-day international in Napier was abandoned.

Umpires Kumar Dharmasena and Chris Brown held a series of inspections, but the ground failed to dry out and when the rain returned at 6.45pm local time the game was called off without the toss having taken place. The decision was met with resigned frustration from the large crowd, who had sat patiently for hours hoping to see some action, particularly since the rain had actually stopped about 15 minutes before the scheduled start of play at 2pm.

Ground staff removed the covers from the square about an hour later and begun

Loving husband, children, in-laws & grand children

From, Family members 03/02/2016

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Man City thrash West Ham 4-0

Manchester City players celebrate their second goal in the Premier League fixture against West Ham on Wednesday.

Lo n d o n, F e b 2 (Agencies): 19-yearold Brazil international Gabriel Jesus shone on his full debut, as Manchester City beat West Ham 4-0 at the London Stadium.

Just 26 days ago, City condemned West Ham to their biggest home defeat since May 1967 with a 5-0 FA Cup win, and it was deja vu all over again as a livewire City tore Slaven Bilic’s side apart in Wednesday’s Premier League fixture.

The win sees Pe p G u a r d i o l a ’s s i d e g o level with fourth-placed Liverpool on 46 points, while West Ham stay 11th.

We s t H a m g i f t e d City the opener on 17 minutes, with Jesus taking

advantage of an Aaron Cresswell error down the left to square the ball for Kevin de Bruyne to net his second goal in successive matches, following a run of 15 games without scoring.

City, handed so much time and space down the flanks, made it 2-0 just four minutes later, with David Silva scoring following a brilliant Leroy Sane nutmeg on Sam Byram and cross to the far post.

Cresswell missed a great chance to atone for his earlier mistake on 32 minutes, but he blazed over when set free one-onone with City goalkeeper Willy Caballero by Andy Carroll’s crossfield pass.

And seven minutes later, City added a third

as Jesus netted his first goal in English football from a Raheem Sterling pass, with West Ham again architects of their own downfall as Pedro Obiang lost possession to Sane in midfield.

Yaya To u r e, w h o scored in the 5-0 win over City last month, made it 4-0 from the penalty spot midway through the second half following debutant Jose Fonte’s foul on Sterling.

T h e I vo r i a n n ow has a perfect record of 11 goals from 11 penalties in the Premier League, the best 100% record in the competition.

Crouch nets 100th PL goal

Peter Crouch netted his 100th Premier League goal in Stoke City’s 1-1

draw with Everton.

The 36-year-old became the oldest player to reach the milestone with a seventh-minute tap-in from Marko Arnautovic’s low cross, and celebrated in style with his ‘robot’ dance.

Everton levelled on 39 minutes when Ryan Shawcross put Seamus Coleman’s centre from the right flank into his own net, and the Toffees had two great chances to nick all three points in the second half, but Stoke goalkeeper Lee Grant.denied first Morgan Schneiderlin and then Tom Davies with sharp saves.

The point sees Stoke move up a place in the Premier League table to ninth, while Everton stay seventh.

Hull City recorded their first Premier League point on the road since 10 September, as they held Manchester United to a goalless draw at Old Trafford.

The result lifts Marco Silva’s side off the bottom of the table, and the Tigers could even have nicked all three points had Lazar Markovic’s 85th-minute shot gone in rather than hit the post.

United’s third successive Premier League draw leaves Jose Mourinho’s side in sixth place, four points behind fourth-placed Liverpool.

Liverpool’s Firmino fined, IPL 2017 preparations banned for drink-driving get COA green signal

Roberto Firmino

London, Feb 2 (IANS): Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino has been fined 25,000 pounds ($25,200) and banned from driving for one year after admitting to driving under the influence of alcohol. The 25-year-old Brazilian was pulled over in Liverpool city centre on Christmas Eve as he was driving in the opposite direction after having dinner

Nagaland Post, Dimapur friday, february 3, 2017

sports

with friends, reports Efe. After hearing the verdict at Liverpool Magistrates Court, Firmino said in a statementon Wednesday, “What I have done is wrong and sets a bad example.”

“I promise to everyone in the LFC family that I will learn from this mistake, learn from this experience, and not repeat it in the future,” he added.

If he completes a rehabilitation program, there is a chance that his sentence could be reduced.

A spokesperson for Liverpool said, “The player has been disciplined by the club for his actions and reminded of his responsibilities for the present and future.”

MUMBAI, Feb 2 (Agencies): After being left in the cold storage for more than four months, the BCCI has been given the green signal begin preparations for the 2017 Indian Premier League (IPL). The newly-appointed four-member committee of administrators (COA) - led by ex-CAG Vinod Rai - gave the go ahead to the Board. The tournament will commence on April 5.

A statement issued by the BCCI read, “The COA met the concerned (BCCI) officials today to take stock of the urgent and important matters mainly concerning the successful conduct of IPL 2017.” With a lot of time having been wasted already, Board representatives, in absence of CEO Rahul Johri, convinced the panel to continue with the prevailing procedures for organising the cashrich event. The statement further read: “The COA has issued directions that the existing processes for availing the services and the appointment of the vendors for IPL will continue for this season.”

On its part, COA has further assured IPL franchisees and all other stakeholders that all preparations will be promptly dealt under the supervision and directions of the COA by the BCCIIPL management team. February 3 is the last date for registration of players for the auction, following which a date for the auction will be announced.

Kohli maintains top slot in ICC T20 rankings DUBAI, Feb 2 (PTI): Virat Kohli maintained his top spot in the latest ICC rankings of T20 batsmen while India have gained a spot by virtue of their series win against England to climb to the second spot in the team rankings.

Kohli leads numbertwo ranked Aaron Finch of Australia by 28 points, while Glenn Maxwell of Australia is third.

Kohli is ranked second in Tests and third in ODIs which makes him the only Indian batsman in top five across all formats.

Jasprit Bumrah also maintained his second position in the bowlers’ table with a four-point difference between him and Imran Tahir. R. Ashwin is 8th in the list while Ashish Nehra is 24th.

England’s Joe Root and India wrist-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal have made impressive gains after rankings released on Thursday following the three-match series, which concluded on Wednesday.

Root finished as the leading run-scorer in the series with 126 runs for which he has been rewarded with a two-place jump putting him in fifth position.

Among Indian batsmen, next best is KL Rahul, who gained 15 places to be at 15th and bowler Chahal, has rocketed 92 places to claim 86th position.

Lampard retires from football Lo n d o n, F e b 2 (Agencies): Chelsea great Frank Lampard has announced his retirement from professional football.

The 38-year-old, who left New York City at the end of last year, has decided to “begin the next chapter” after a 21-year career despite offers of a contract from Premier League clubs.

Lampard retires having won 106 England caps and scored more than 300 career goals - 211 of them during a 13-year spell with Chelsea that saw him become the club’s record scorer. The midfielder also had spells with West Ham and Manchester City in England before leaving for the United States in January 2016.

Announcing his decision on Instagram, Lampard said, “After 21 incredible years, I have decided that now is the right time to finish my career as a professional footballer.

Whilst I have received a number of exciting offers to continue playing at home and abroad, at 38 I feel now is the time to begin the next chapter in my life.”

“I’m immensely proud of the trophies I’ve won, of representing my country over 100 times and of scoring more than 300 career goals.”

Lampard thanked We s t H a m , C i t y a n d New York but reserved his warmest words for Chelsea, where his haul of

Frank Lampard

11 major trophies included three Premier League titles and the 2012 Champions L e a g u e. H e wa s a l s o named Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year in 2005 when Jose Mourinho’s first Chelsea side ended the club’s 50year wait for a second English title.

“The largest part of my heart belongs to Chelsea, a club which has given me so many great memories,” he said. “I will never forget the opportunity they gave me and the success that we managed to achieve together.

“It is impossible to give thanks individually to

all the people that helped and supported me in my 13 years playing there. All I can say is from the day I signed until now and going forward, I’m eter nally grateful for everything and to everyone.”

“Chelsea fans gave myself and my team-mates such incredible support.

Their passion and hunger drove me on personally to give my best year after year. I couldn’t have done it without them.”

Lampard is studying for his coaching badges and added, “I look forward to pursuing the off-field opportunities that this decision opens.”

YKK running volleyball trophy held D i m apu r , F e b 2 (NPN): The Yeza Kughuko Kuqhakulu (YKK) first running volleyball trophy ( m e n’s a n d wo m e n’s ) wa s h e l d o n Ja nu a r y 27 and 28 at Yezami village. Lashito, Head GB, Lukikhe village and Hovishe Arkha, principal, Olympic Higher Secondary School, Zunheboto graced the occasion as the chief guest and guest of honour respectively.

In men’s category, Kelto village team emerged as the champion after defeating Lukhuyi village (Team B). Lukhuyi village (Team A) bagged the third position.

In women’s category, Baimho village teams bagged the first and second position while Yezami

Players during the Yeza Kughuko Kuqhakulu first running volleyball trophy.

village stood third.

Puloto of Luthsumi village and Avitoli of B a i m h o v i l l a ge we r e adjudged the best player in their respective categories and Baimho village received the best discipline

village trophy.

The champions of the tournament walked away with the trophy and prize money of Rs. 15,000 each while 2nd and 3rd positions were awarded Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 5,000 respectively.

Altogether 22 teams from seven villages participated in the tournament.

The 2ndYKK running volleyball tournament will be held at Luthsumi village next year.

Suarez, Messi give Barca edge in King’s Cup semis

Suarez wheels away in celebration after breaking the deadlock in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg.

Barcelona, Feb 2 (IANS): First half goals from Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi gave FC Barcelona a 2-1 win away

to Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their King’s Cup semi-final at the Vicente Calderon Stadium here.

Barcelona dominated

the first half of the game here on Wednesday, but rode their luck in the second half as Atletico pressed for an equalising

goal after Antoine Griezmann had headed them back into the tie with 30 minutes remaining, reports Xinhua.

Both sides fielded arguably their strongest team but the inclusion of Juanfran on the right of the Atletico midfield implied coach Diego Simeone was cautious of the threat posed by Messi, Suarez and Neymar.

His caution was to no effect because Barcelona needed only six minutes to open the scoring.

Javier Mascherano won possession in midfield and found Suarez, who slipped the ball past Stefan Savic before beating Moya with low finish.

Suarez and Neymar then contrived to miss a guilt edge chance on the break, before Messi doubled their lead on 33 minutes with a typical piece of brilliance as he fired home a 25 shot which went in off the post.

It was all Barcelona from then on and Atletico’s only chance before the break came when Koke shot over the bar from the edge of the Barcelona penalty area.

Simeone reacted by replacing right back Sime Vrsaljko with striker

Fer nando Tor res and Atletico looked more aggressive at the start of the second half, getting their reward just before the hour when Griezmann nodded home after Godin had set him up with a smart header following a free kick.

Three minutes later only a point blank save from Barcelona keeper Jasper Cillessen denied Griezmann his second after a low cross from Felipe Luis.

The game was gaining intensity and Neymar saw a yellow card, ruling him out of the return leg, shortly before Griezmann was also booked for a poor challenge on Barcelona substitute Rafinha.

Messi stepped up and his free kick was bound for the top corner before Moya produced a flying save to keep his side in the game.

At the other end Kevin Gameiro missed an overhead kick, while Torres’ flick went agonisingly wide of the post.

Torres then shot wide after Gabi had robbed Mascherano on the edge of the Barcelona area as Atletico continued to press for the equalising goal, which despite several near misses failed to arrive.

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