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www.morungexpress.com
The Morung Express
Dimapur Vol. X issuE 86
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www.morungexpress.com
[ PAGE 8]
reflections
By Sandemo Ngullie
Who says you need a degree to have a lucrative career? Our chief quest dropped out @cl-8.became sidekick of some dokaan waala, now look at him.
The Morung Express Poll QuEsTion
Vote on www.morungexpress.com sMs your answer to 9862574165 Is there widening gap between the younger Naga generation and present Naga apex organizations (Church and Civil Society groups)? Yes
no
others
Is social media contributing towards positive social change in Nagaland? Yes
79% 10%
no others
11%
Details on page 7
No toilets constructed due to financial crunch Dimapur, march 29 (mExN): Nagaland Director for WSSO and PHED has clarified that the Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation, Government of India, sanctioned Rs. 2087.22 Lakh for implementing Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) Programme in the State for the year 2014-15, to the Nagaland State Government on September 26, 2014. However, stated a press note from the Director, K. Ghushito Sumi, “due to financial crunch faced by the State Government, no fund was released to the department till February 2015. Hence, no toilets could be constructed.” With regards to the procurement of commodes, as alleged by ACAUT, “so far no supply order has been issued, till date,” noted the release.
‘Facebook Generation’ happier than teenagers a decade ago
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Monday, March 30, 2015 12 pages Rs. 4
When lost in the woods, if the map doesn’t agree with the terrain, in all cases believe the terrain Modi’s popularity punctured by discontent, suicides
LoNDoN, march 29 (iaNS): Today’s “Facebook Generation” is happier and healthier than teenagers a decade ago, finds a new study. The findings, published online by the European Journal of Public Health, claimed a growing proportion of 11 to 15-yearolds, dubbed the “Facebook Generation”, are less likely than their predecessors to do drugs, drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes and be bullied. “We have seen a decline in young people experiencing bullying, drinking alcohol weekly, and increasing numbers living free from tobacco and cannabis,” said study coordinator professor Candace Currie from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. However, in what researchers called the “Facebook effect”, teenagers today are more likely to stay in the rooms and play with gadgets than go out and be with their friends.
In Thailand, a mercurial junta leader known for sharp tongue
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NVCO points out “unfair means” used by butchers [ PAGE 2]
PHOM MONYIU FESTIVAL
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– Swiss Army Survival Guide
Australia’s 5th World Cup title [ PAGE 12]
[ PAGE 11]
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is AAP unraveling? ‘Will work for peace &
NEW DELhi, march 29 (ap): Just a few weeks ago, the upstart Aam Aadmi Party, or Common Man’s Party, was seen by many as a breath of fresh air in the chaotic, corruption-tainted world of Indian politics, promising to root out graft and display complete transparency. Now, however, with its top leaders spending the weekend slugging it out in public, it seems the party that promised to transform India’s political landscape is more likely to bring disappointment to millions of Indians despairing of their politicians. “To think that commentators were actually advising older political parties to be more like #AAP seems #AAP has decided to be more like us (smiley face),” Omar Abdullah, a former chief minister of Indian-controlled Kashmir, tweeted Saturday. The Common Man’s Party, formed in late 2012, emerged out of hugely popular street protests against the deeply entrenched culture of graft in this nation of 1.2 billion. The party chose former tax official and longtime anti-corruption activist Arvind Kejriwal as its leader. After some initial hiccups, the AAP appeared to hit its stride last month when it was swept to power in local elections in India’s capital, crushing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharati-
national reconciliation’
FILE- In this Feb. 10, 2015 file photo, supporters of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) hold cutouts of their leader Arvind Kejriwal and their party symbol, the broom, as they celebrate the party’s victory in New Delhi, India. The party that promised to transform India’s political landscape is faced with internal divisions. (AP Photo)
ya Janata Party. It won all but three seats in Delhi’s 70-member legislature. In that moment of ecstatic victory, it seemed that the party had the potential to one day parlay that success to being a serious player in national politics. But the cracks in the party’s leadership appeared quickly. Over the last few weeks, sharp differences began to emerge between Kejriwal, now Delhi’s chief minister, and two top leaders of his party who had been his allies since the AAP’s inception. This past week, a secret
recording of Kejriwal accusing the two men, Prashant Bhushan and Yogendra Yadav, of working against the party made the rounds of several television stations. On the tape, Kejriwal threatens to walk out of the party with the lawmakers who support him if the two rival leaders aren’t thrown out. The two men then came out in the open and denied Kejriwal’s charge, and led a bitter attack against what they have described as his autocratic way of leading the party. As the Common Man’s Party has unraveled under
the constant media spotlight, it is now open season for India’s older political parties to mock the party that once held the promise of being a serious threat to them. Congress party spokesman Abhishek Singhvi took to Twitter to call the party “corrupt” and “immoral.” BJP spokesman Nalin Kohli said the Common Man’s Party “on a daily basis tries to level false allegations against somebody else to cover up for its own nonperformance or quest for power. Now, they are making accusations against each other within the party.”
Dimapur, march 29 (mExN): Expelled senior leaders of NSCN (K), Y Wangtin Naga and P Tikhak, have stated today that they will officially declare a new party in the next couple of days which will “work for peace and national reconciliation and build a better society for the Naga people.” The two senior leaders stated in a press release today that since SS Khaplang has expelled them from NSCN (K), “We feel that, we had been freed to join the Naga people through the Reconciliation process. We feel that, we are free to give however small contribution it may be in building a new and better Naga society.” They explained how for almost about two decades, “we got ourselves associated with the NSCN led by chairman S.S. Khaplang” because “he is one of our own” and they felt that “he is one of the tallest and outstanding leader and therefore we chose him to serve for the cause of the people.” The two leaders stated that they gave their youthful days to the Nation right after coming out of college,
as “We felt it was our necessity to assist Khaplang in all good times and bad times.” “Even when almost all the National workers from the Indian side decided to leave him during the 2011 split, we, both of us were with him and had a very difficult time to get the ceasefire back on track with the NSCN (K) keeping in mind the interest of the people and thus, we stood by him
the NSCN, including the signing of ceasefire agreement with the Union of Myanmar. We never wanted any plum portfolio, we were never after money. At any point of time if we have shared any of our opinion, it was only because of our humble attempt to rebuild the past and lost glory of NSCN (K). Unfortunately, Chairman Khaplang was always misguided, mis-represented and misled by handful of people,” maintained Wangtin Naga and P Tikhak. The two leaders said that they always considered themselves as the “last link after the incumbent Gen. Khole and former Ato-Kilonser part ways with him (Khaplang).” They thought the two leaders would remain a “bridge among the Nagas of both the sides where we can envisioned for a shared future. He has failed to read our nerves. He has fallen prey to a handful of people whose only agenda is to mint money in the name of political movement and not actually work for the cause of the people.” In this regard, the two leaders stated that they will declare a new party soon.
Wangtin Naga and P Tikhak to officially declare new party in the next couple of days at all odds,” they stated. Further, they said that immediately after the re-arrangement of ceasefire pact with the Government of India, some national workers came back to join the NSCN (K). They were “readily accepted” as it was felt that “they must have come back with a good intention but, immediately they started developing many controversies among us.” “The situation has come thus far that, those few power monger and money monger has fed the ears of Khaplang so much so that he simply forgot all our contribution for the people of eastern Nagaland and for
80,000 people killed in 10 years BJP Nagaland urges State Govt to contain Tsg issue
iSLamaBaD, march 29 (pTi): More than 80,000 Pakistanis, including over 48,000 civilians, have been killed in the decade-long US-led war against terror in the country, according to a new report. The report titled “Body Count: Casualty Figures after 10 Years of the War on Terror” was released by the Nobel Prize-winning International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War along with Physicians for Social Responsibility and Physicians for Global Survival, The Express Tribune reported today. The report, dealing with the conflict from 2004 until the end of 2013, shows that
a total of 81,325 to 81,860 persons - including 48,504 civilians, 45 journalists, 416-951 civilians killed by drones, 5,498 security personnel and 26,862 militants - lost their lives in the US-led war on terror. It also said that around 1.3 million people were di-
mately 10 times greater than that of which the public, experts and decision makers are aware,” the authors of the study said. “And this is only a conservative estimate. The total number of deaths in the three countries could also be in excess of 2 million,” they said. The report scoured the results of individual studies and data published by United Nations organisations, government agencies and non-governmental organisations. Pakistan government, however, has officially maintained that around 60,000 civilians and security personnel have been killed in the war on terror.
Body Count of US’ war on terror in Pak rectly and indirectly killed in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan as a result of USled wars in the regions during the same period. One million people were killed in Iraq and 220,000 in Afghanistan as a result of the war, it said. “The figure is approxi-
Dimapur, march 29 (mExN): The BJP Nagaland Unit has strongly urged the Nagaland State Government to take immediate and appropriate steps in order to contain the Tuensang “tribal issue” before the situation goes out of hand. In an emergency meeting held on Sunday, the BJP Nagaland stated that it has “first hand experience of how the people of Tuensang are suffering in wake of the inter tribal violence.” It urged the State Government to depute the respective elected members to try to solve the issue amicably as soon as possible. Condemning the sorry state of affairs and the deteriorating law and order situation in the media by concerned authority does
not suffice, noted the BJP Nagaland in a press release today. “The Chief Minister and the home minister have to own the responsibility and act before the event turns uglier, which can cause immense harm to the State as a whole,” it stated. The BJP brought to fore the need for an inter tribe consultation in this regard. The involvement of various Hohos and civil organisations is required to stop the present existing tension in the area, it maintained. “At least 1000 people or more of one particular tribe have left the district headquarter Tuensang due to the tension still existing in the area. Such a huge exodus of people from a population of about 5-6 thousand town have serious reper-
cussion and implication in various fields,” it said. In the aspect of economy, because of the continuous tension prevailing in the area, business has been severely affected. “There are reports and feed backs of denying a particular tribe from purchasing essential commodities even from the whole sellers. The affected people have to purchase the goods from neighbouring district headquarters and towns. If this practice continues, there can never be peace in the area,” stated the BJP Nagaland. The BJP Nagaland also listed that when there is a big exodus of people belonging to a particular tribe, “the existing electrol of a particular assembly constituency or constituen-
cies have serious impact in terms of votes.” The interests and aspirations of a particular tribe in a constituency “has been hampered.” “The present violence between the Changs and Yimchungers has been going on for quite sometime, however despite the various steps taken by the state government, it has not been enough to contained the situation,” stated the national party. Therefore, it urged for concerted steps to contain the “inter tribe clashes.” BJP Nagaland reiterated that Chief Minister TR Zeliang and Home Minister Y Patton need to “take sole responsibility and content at the earliest. Such inter tribes clash is not content will have long and painful situation in the future.”
Blackout in Mon ‘Far from the madding crowd’ Morung Express news Dimapur | March 29
Mon district is reeling under total power blackout for the past more than one week after the TuliNaginimora-Tizit-Mon 66Kv transmission line got damaged on March 21 last. The Power department, while informing that restoration work is afoot, stated that the transmission line was affected by jungle fire between Tuli and Naginimora. The Executive Engineer, Mokokchung Transmission Division, informed on Sunday that supply is expected to be restored by March 30 evening. The material for restoring the line was transported from Dimapur on March 28, which is expected to reach the
affected site by Monday morning. According to the official, “the cross arm (of the tower) which supported the conductor got damaged and fell off” after being exposed to heat generated by the jungle fire. Queried on the extended restoration time, the official replied that “cross arms” are not readily available as its specifications vary from tower to tower. It had to be designed, fabricated and transported to the site, which is located in a jungle terrain a little beyond Anaki village, 8 km short of Naginimora, the official informed. The material could be readied only on Saturday and transported. Mon district, according to the department, requires around 3 MW of electricity.
Morung Express Feature Yimchalu (Mkg) | March 29
Here is a story of a young man – educated, well known and daring – investing in what he likes best. Here is a young man who, in his own words, is a hopeless romanticist and loves to be among the trees ‘far from the madding crowd.’ For Adang Jamir, a young graduate with English honors, his farm at Yimchalu village (about fifteen kilometers from Mokokchung town) is an escape from hectic life in the town. Adang Jamir is also a well known choreographer. He had organized events like Miss Mokokchung during his college days, choreographed beauty pageant contestants at Miss Dimapur, Miss Nagaland etc. His
latest stints as a choreographer were the Miss Mokokchung 2014 and Miss Ukhrul. “So, what are you doing here?” asked The Morung Express during an informal interaction at his farm. “I have spent most of my life in the cities and the towns. And I want to find some quietness and so invested in this farm,” said the outgoing choreographer. “You see money is not about everything. You have to do what you like best and be happy at what you do.” His farm is, in fact, an upcoming resort at Yimchalu village under Sungratsu village. He has christened his abode as ‘The Woods’; he says that ‘The Woods’ is simply ‘the
woods’, neither a farm nor a resort, but a getaway place for people, especially families, who want to spend a
Adang Jamir
quiet afternoon or a picnic together. “You see, there are not many hangout places in Mokokchung, not many
spots where families can relax and the like. I want to provide just that place for those people. After all, these days we are too busy, and people especially the young families, want to hangout. So, why not someone provides that spot, they can relax here,” informs Adang. The most striking feature of ‘The Woods’ is the modern swimming pool clustered amidst the green hills overlooking the valley. It has become the most popular spot for young people. He teaches the visitors how to swim too. “I invested in the swimming pool because I love swimming. When I was in Delhi or Mumbai, my friends used to call me a duck.” Adang adds, “Our people are in-
terested in swimming; it’s not only a good way to relax but also a great exercise. I have already taught more than twenty-five people how to swim here.” He said that that he has invested at ‘The Woods’ from his own resources and has not received any outside help. And like many of the young upcoming entrepreneurs, Adang has further plans for his venture. “Just wait, let time bring,” said Adang when pestered about his future plans. For those who want to spend a good time swimming and relaxing ‘far from the madding crowd’ then perhaps ‘The Woods’ might be the perfect place. If you are visiting The Woods, do remember to take your bathing suit, the water might be too tempting to resist.
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The Morung Express 2 LocaL Catholic Church celebrates Palm Sunday NVCO points out “unfair Dimapur
Monday
30 March 2015
Kohima, march 29 (mExN): The Catholic Church in Nagaland today celebrated Palm Sunday or Passion Sunday that initiates the Christians to the Holy Week. The celebration in the Cathedral Church, Kohima, which was participated by over three thousand Catholic faithful, was presided over by Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima. Frs. Carolus, Richard, John, Lawrence and Thomas concelebrated with the Bishop. A press release from Bishop’s Secretary, Kohima informed that the liturgy of the day had two parts. During the first part, the Parishners gathered at the junction of Police Headquarters, Kohima, where the Bishop prayed and blessed the palm leaves, after which, the community proceeded to the Cathedral, singing hymns with palm leaves in their hands. In the second part, Passion narrative from the gospel of Mark was read at the Cathedral Church. The Bishop in his homily stressed on the need to be faithful to God heroically like Jesus in contrast to the crowd who at one moment acclaimed Jesus as King and at the next moment clamored for his
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means” used by butchers Kohima, march 29 (mExN): The Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organization (NVCO) today informed that it has been receiving complaints against butchers for “unfair means of practice in their measuring balances, charging above KMC rates, selling the previous day left over smelling meat, ill treatment, not allowing consumer to choose their choice of meat portion, etc., particularly the butcher shop at Lower Chandmari AG Bridge, Kohima.” A press release from NVCO press & media cell in-
formed that following the verbal complaints, the president of NVCO Kezhokhoto Savi personally went to verify the butcher shop situated at AG Bridge, Lower Chandmari, Kohima, at 5:45 am on March 28. Savi, according to the release, found that the pork was previous day’s meat and the intestines “were almost smelling,” and also found the balance inaccurate. The shopkeeper said he did not have any idea about trade license stating the house owner could be having the license at home, the release added. Further, it said that the seller admitted
that the meat was leftover of the previous day and tried to justify the balance by adding another stone covered with polythene bag. The NVCO condemned such act of “unfair means” in dealing with the health of Kohima consumers and also informed every consumer to be more alert and check necessary things before buying. It urged for checking the balance before measurement, asking the butcher to empty the balance and seeing that the balance remains or stands accurate, and also enquiring whether the meat is fresh or leftover from pre-
vious day. For further queries, citizens have been requested to call Nagaland State Consumer Helpline through toll free No. 1800-345-3701 during office hours or visit the office situated at Old Assembly Secretariat (Ist floor of KMC office building), which is a joint venture of NVCO & Dept. of LMCP, Govt. of Nagaland. The NVCO also appealed to the Kohima District Administration and KMC to conduct surprise check to avoid such unfair means of trade practices in the State capital.
NSUC parting social cum general meeting held
Catholic faithful participate in observance of Palm Sunday in Kohima on March 29.
crucifixion. He said that the Holy week gives an opportunity to look at one’s own commitment and loyalty to Christ and his Gospel. “Holy Week challenges us to remember and relive the events which brought about our redemption and salvation, to appreciate gratefully the price Jesus paid for our salvation, and to return God’s love for us expressed through the suf-
fering and death of Jesus, by loving others,” he stated. The Bishop further exhorted the faithful to maintain the spirit of silence and reflection because “God speaks louder at the most silent, most difficult and most challenging moments of our life.” Rev. Fr. Carolus Neisalhou, Vicar General of the Diocese and the Parish Priest of the Cathedral Church also announced
about the Chrism Mass to be celebrated on Tuesday, March 31 at 3:30 pm in Cathedral Church during which the Bishop along with all the priests working in the diocese celebrate the priesthood day, thus showing the unity in priesthood and bless the sacred oils – oil of Chrism, oil of the catechumens, and oil of the sick. He invited all the faithful to take part in it.
chENNai, march 29 (mExN): The Naga Student’s Union Chennai (NSUC) celebrated its 36th Parting Social cum General Meeting on March 28 at Anita Methodist Matriculation School Hall, Chennai with the theme “There’s never a good time to say goodbye”. The chief guest of the programme was Dr. Mapu Temjen, a medical officer by profession. He encouraged the students to strive hard always and never give up their dreams, a press release received here informed. Led by Lampila, the
The new and outgoing executive members of NSUC.
programme had welcome speech by Nzan Odyuo, President NSUC, special song by Imtisenla, and vote of thanks delivered by Timothy, Vice President NSUC. A new team of NSUC
executive members for the tenure 2015-2016 was also elected during the programme: President - N Nokman; Vice President - Vizolie Viluo; General Secretary - MS Chürai; As-
sistant general secretary – Longshibemo. Pastor Wapangtoshi of NCF Chennai further blessed the outgoing and incoming executive members with a prayer.
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A talent display was organized during the Manipur Baptist Convention’s Quinquennial Congress on March 28 at Tangkhul Naga Long Ground, Ukhrul. Seen here are artists presenting dance and song. Photo Credit: Rashingam Ngoruh
SBI Life Dimapur donates to Love Care Home Noke calls CEC meeting Morung Express News Dimapur | March 29 C M Y K
State Bank of India, Life Insurance (SBI Life) Dimapur, on March 27 donated a PC set, bookshelf, study desk to Love Care Home (LCH), Darogapathar, as part of its corporate social responsibility. The visit is part of SBI’s CSR policy for the financial year 2014-15 “Education and healthcare needs of children.” During the visit, staff of SBI Life Dimapur led by senior divisional manager, L Daiho Rajina, also distributed sweets and interacted with the children of the children’s home. The founder and chairman of LCH, NK Kenny,
along with the children gave a warm reception to the SBI Life staff. Kenny also shared her experience with the visiting team on how LCH, a voluntary, non profitable and charity organization aimed at giving solace to the underprivileged and destitute women, youth and orphaned children and those in need, was founded 12 years ago. The special home has at present 18 orphan children and four helpers. All the children are admitted to different schools and the Home looks after their admission and monthly fees, books uniforms and stationeries. Elders and retired bureaucrats and engineers and school teachStaff of SBI Life Dimapur along with inmates of Love Care Home pose for lens after SBI Life ers residing in the colony also attended the occasion. donated materials to the Home as part of its CSR.
Dimapur, march 29 (mExN): By the powers conferred on him vide Article V Clause 10 read with Article IV Clause 3(c)(ii) of the NPF Party Constitution, Noke Wangnao, President NPF, has convened an emergency meeting of the Central Executive Council (CEC) on March 31 at Nousi Auditorium, Niathu Resort, Chumukedima, Dimapur. Noke in a release has requested all the members to attend the meeting without fail.
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A mass social work was organized to repair the main road from Lhomithi junction to Thahekhu Village gate on March 28.
Atsa Lang Roths and Asa Vero to open for Neil Zaza
Hillsong London performing on the last day of “The Sound of the New Generation” programme at Kohima Local Ground on March 29. (Morung Photo)
‘Teachers are Peace builders’ – Workshop for teachers
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Kohima, march 29 (mExN): A one day Peace Channel teachers’ workshop was organised by Peace Channel of Kohima District on March 28 at Don Bosco Hr. Sec. School here under the theme “Teachers are Peace builders”. Teachers from 10 institutional peace clubs participated in the workshop. Menguzenuo Sachu, MSW in Child and Family Welfare, speaking on the theme, pointed out that teachers deal with students who come from different family backgrounds and mentality, therefore, it is essential to understand the child’s psychology first and deal with them accordingly. As a peace club teacher, she said, essence of solidarity and interpersonal relationship should be promoted among the students which is vital
for peace building. Maintaining that students always want the attention of teachers, she said teachers should be able to identify and promote students’ interest and ability. “Peace education not only teaches peace attitudes in a person but it can also avoid future conflicts,” she added. She observed that students spend more time with their teachers than their parents in many cases and always look up to them for examples and inspiration and consider their teachers to be always right. Therefore, she stated, teachers can play an effective role in inculcating social, moral and cultural values and senses in the minds of the students. Sachu further emphasized that peace is never the absence of war alone and has a broader definition which concerns with relationships
with oneself and others where one’s inner peace is an inevitable possession, without which, peace cannot be shared or given to others. She concluded stating that religious and cultural tolerance can really pave the way towards a peaceful co-existence among diverse group of people. Meanwhile, Fr. Anto, Director, Peace Channel also exhorted the teachers. He remarked that positive conflicts are constructive as it enhances relationships to be stronger and develops an attitude for critical thinking. He saluted the teachers for all their sacrificial services rendered towards promoting peace without expecting any monetary benefits. According to him, the best teacher is one who can touch the lives of their students. He opined that a teacher’s role is
all about catering to the needs of the students, especially the weaker section of the students who need more attention and overall improvement. Disclosing that youth who are in the path of violence are the ones who usually did not avail proper education in their life, he stated ‘Education of the heart is education of peace’. Therefore, communication and articulation skills are inevitable tools for any teacher to be an efficient teacher, he added. He also suggested the teachers to apply experience learning methodology in classrooms which can truly make the classroom, school, and even community a place of peace. The whole programme was facilitated by Victor Yhome, Convener, People’s Forum for Peace (PFP) Kohima district.
Dimapur, march 29 (mExN): Atsa Lang Roths and Asa Vero will open for Neil Zaza’s concert scheduled to be held on Arpil 10 at IMC hall in Dimapur. A press release informed that Asa Vero is a teacher and a trainee at Guitar Academy, Naga United Village, Dimapur. He was one of the finalists of Guitar Prodigy in 2014. He also performed during hornbill, 2014. One of his biggest influences in his musical journey is Neil Zaza. Considered to be an upcoming guitar whizz, Vero is one of the first and only Naga gutarists who will be a supporting artist with a well known international guitarist for the whole tour. Meanwhile, Atsa Lang Roths is a self tutored musician and has won accolades since 2005. He picked up the instrument at the age of 17; he formed his first
(Left) Asa Vero and (Right) Atsa Lang Roths.
band Frequency in the year 2005, which went on to win the Summer Jam. He then teamed up with XTC band as a guitarist during which they won the second runner up at the Hornbill National Rock Contest 2007. In 2008, he won the zakk wylde epiphone guitar contest. Currently, he is the guitarist for contemporary rock band ‘INCIPIT’ from Nagaland.
“INCIPIT” was judged as the second runner up during the Hornbill National Rock Contest 2010; it also won the Rock Kohima 2010. Atsa Lang Roths is also involved with another side project band called HelloRadio. He is currently based in Dimapur and is freelancing as a session guitarist and is also a part time guitar instructor/music teacher.
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REgional
The Morung Express
Monday
30 March 2015
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govt yet to Hectic preparation on Mizoram vows firm action; funeral held for slain policemen Mizo decide on Tripathi's swearing in as Gov for ADC polls in Manipur IMPHAL, MArcH 29 (MExN): All major political parties in Manipur have begun hectic preparations for the upcoming ADC polls to be held on May 30 for 140 seats spread across the five hill districts of the State. Last polls to the Autonomous District Councils (ADC) were held in 2011. Incidents of violence and candidates being harassed by militant outfits were reported during the last ADC polls in Manipur. Naga Peoples’ Front (NPF) considers the scheduled ADC polls as a crucial fight for the party as well as the Nagas in Manipur. There are also speculations doing the rounds that the party is planning to forge alliance with the Manipur BJP to fight the polls. NPF is a partner to the BJP-led NDA Government at the Centre.
NPF has pledged to contest the ensuing polls in the greater interests of the tribal people and their rights. The last date of filling of nomination papers is May 6. Scrutiny will be held on May 7. Withdrawal of nomination is May 11. Results will be announced on June 8. Counting of vote will also take place on June 8. The Manipur unit of BJP has already announced to field its candidates for all the ADC seats. State BJP chief Th Chaoba has said he is confident of winning maximum seats by his party in the polls. A close fight between BJP-NPF alliance and Congress is speculated in the polls. Many political parties in Manipur had in the past accused the Congress Government headed by Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh of indulging in vote
Northeast Briefs
Opportunity for teachers to get trained in the US
KoLKATA, MArcH 29 (MExN): United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) has announced the 2015 International Leaders in Education Program (ILEP) for full time school teachers (grades 6 to 12) teaching English, Social Studies, Mathematics, Science and Special Education at schools in the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura and West Bengal. A press release informed that this competition is open only to teachers from the states mentioned above and not the rest of India. This U.S. Government sponsored program provides international teachers with unique opportunities to develop expertise in their subject areas, enhance their teaching skills, and increase their knowledge about the United States, according to the release. The U.S. based academic program will include semester-long non-degree, non-credit academic program at a U.S. University including seminars on new teaching methodologies, curriculum development, lesson planning, and teaching strategies. As part of the academic program, participants will work in groups to develop a unique teacher professional development module. Participants will also audit two courses in the host university’s School or Department of Education and participate in a field experience in a U.S. secondary school near the host university. Cultural enrichment, mentoring, and support will be provided throughout the program. ILEP will commence in January 2016 and conclude in May 2016. Selected Indian teachers will receive round-trip transportation, room and board and applicable allowances and will travel on J 1 visas, the release stated. Application deadline for Indian candidates is April 15, 2015. Interested applicants can obtain details including application materials from USIEF Regional Office in Kolkata or USIEF website www.usief.org.in. The complete URL is: http://www.usief.org.in/Fellowships/FIC-International-Leaders-in-Education-Program.aspx .
Advanced airfield in Tawang may not be feasible TAwANg, MArcH 29 (PTI): An advanced airfield for military and commercial use in strategically important Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh may not be feasible due to topographic constraints and weather, a preliminary evaluation of a proposal by the government has shown. Government had identified a place called Sogyatse in Tawang district to develop an Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) in the region which is only connected with the rest of the country through a treacherous road network. "...I am yet to get a complete technical report on the project. However other than Tawang, work on other landing grounds in Arunachal Pradesh Mechuka, Ziro Passighat, Tuting, Vijaynagar, Walong and Aalo is on in full swing. I think the maximum number of advanced landing grounds in the country are being built in Arunachal," Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju told PTI when asked about the report. Tawang which borders Tibet is strategically important for India as China's People's Liberation Army had reached Tezpur in 1962 through this route. Poor connectivity is a major problem as it takes nearly 16 hours to reach Guwahati after 600 kilometres of arduous route. Journey from Tawang, which is 448 kms away from state capital Itanagar, takes 10 hours and it takes the same time to reach Tezpur in Assam which is the closest railway station.
rigging in elections. The BJP has alleged that the Congress use muscle power, bribe electors to win elections. Of Manipur's nine districts, five are hill districts — Senapati, Chandel, Ukhrul, Tamenglong are all Naga-dominated areas and Churachandpur is a Kuki majority area. On April10, 2010, the All Naga Students’ Association of Manipur (ANSAM) enforced an indefinite economic blockade on National Highway-2 (ImphalDimapur) and National Highway-53 (Imphal-Silchar) protesting against the Manipur Government’s decision to hold the ADC polls in the hill districts. ANSAM had contended that the ADC Act suppresses tribal rights. United Naga Council backed the blockade which lasted for 68 days— from April 10 to June 10.
ED to probe 3000cr ‘fraud’ by Assam dept guwAHATI, MArcH 29 (TNN): The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has registered a case of alleged embezzlement of central funds to the tune of Rs 3,000 cr by the state agriculture directorate. This is perhaps one of the biggest financial scams to be probed by a central investigating agency in the state after the NIA probe into the scam in the Dima Hasao district involving Rs 1,000-cr in 2009 and the letter-of-credit scam in the veterinary department in 1996 amounting to Rs 400 cr. The Guwahati Zonal Office of ED took over the two cases from the state CID, which had earlier registered the cases based on FIRs filed by a voluntary organization, Assam Public Works (APW), in September last year. Assistant director, ED's Guwahati Zonal Office, Debojit Bora, who is also the investigating officer, told TOI ED registered a case on Friday (No 02/15). "There were two FIRs with the CID alleging embezzlement of central funds by the agriculture directorate. We took over the cases under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act," said Bora, adding that the CID had identified embezzlement of about Rs 700 cr based on the two FIRs but there are media reports and other sources saying the funds misappropriation could be about Rs 3,000 cr. APW lodged an FIR with CID in September 2014 against the nodal director of the Rashtriya Krishi Vikash Yojana (RKVY) and Bringing green revolution to Eastern India (BGREI) schemes alleging misappropriation of funds allocated to these schemes. In its FIR lodged with the ADGP, CID, APW alleged that during 2010-11, 201112, 2012-13 and 2013-14, though the state received funds worth over Rs 700 crore for the implementation of the schemes, the agriculture directorate did not implement the schemes. However, orders were issued for the supply of items for the two schemes.
State funeral given to late PR Kyndiah SHILLoNg, MArcH 29 (PTI): The mortal remains of veteran Congress leader Paty Ripple Kyndiah was accorded state funeral at St. Anthony's Ground, Laitumkhrah, before being laid to rest at All Saints' Cathedral Cemetery, here today. Floral wreathes were laid by dignitaries of the state at the casket bearing the former union minister's body draped with the Tricolor, while the Meghalaya Police accorded gun salute as a mark of respect to the departed leader. Paying tribute to Kyndiah, Chief Adviser to the state government DD Lapang recalled him as a "man of passion, mission and determination" and said his passing away was a great loss to the family, the state and the na-
tion as a whole. On behalf of all the members of the Assembly, Speaker AT Mondal offered his tributes to the late leader saying it was one of the saddest moments in the history of Meghalaya. "Late Kyndiah never lost an election in his lifetime and this only shows the amount of faith the people had in him," he said, adding that he had been a guiding force to all the members in the Assembly especially to the new members. Home Minister Roshan Warjri recalled the services of Kyndiah to the state and the nation in various capacities, saying she would greatly miss his "towering presence". LK Kyndiah, one of the sons of late Kyndiah, ex-
pressed his gratitude to the state Government for giving the honour to their late father and said besides being a great leader, he was a caring father and the closest friend. Among others, floral tribute to the departed leader on behalf of Governor KN Tripathi was paid by Principal Secretary MS Rao, while the tribute on behalf of the Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma was paid by his wife and Chairperson of Meghalaya Resource Mobilization & Employment Generation Council, Dikkanchi D Shira on the occasion. Despite the inclement weather, the state funeral function for Late Kyndiah was attended by ministers, officials, family members, relatives, friends and well-wishers.
AIzAwL, MArcH 29 (PTI): Mizoram government on Sunday vowed to take firm action against Hmar People's Convention-Democrats as a funeral was held here with full police honours for the three Mizoram policemen gunned down by suspected extremists of the Manipur-based outfit in an ambush yesterday. Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla, his cabinet colleagues, legislators, chief secretary Lalmalsawma and senior officials paid their last respects by laying wreaths on the coffins of the slain policemen - Sub Inspector Zoramthara Khawlhring, Constable Hman-
gaihmawia and driver Chuailova. Lal Thanhawla said that the state government would give appropriate reply to the challenge thrown by the HPC(D) which had ambushed the team of legislators and the guards. Accusing the HPC(D) of violating the Suspension of Operation (SoO) signed with the Union Home Ministry and the Manipur government, he said that the ambush took place while the outfit was approaching the state government for holding talks. He said that Rs 7 lakh each would be given as ex-gratia to the kin of the slain policemen and the expenses of those injured in the incident would
be paid by the government. State home minister R Lalzirliana warned of firm action against the Hmar militants and said that the government would never allow "further balkanisation" of the state. Director General of Police Dharmendra Kumar said that an action plan has been put in place to ensure that the perpetrators of the crime do not remain unpunished. The HPC(D) led by its chairman H. Zosangbera and Lalropuia had been demanding a separate autonomous district council for the Hmar community living in the north eastern part of the state adjoining Manipur.
WAD organized health camp screens 159 patients in Manipur IMPHAL, MArcH 29 (MExN): Women Action for Development (WAD) organized a one day free medical camp at Langathel Shining Academy in Langathel village under Thoubal district on March 29. The camp was held to disseminate the importance of the project “Humanitarian Support to People Affected by Conflict in Manipur”, which is supported by ECHO and Action Aid. A press release from WAD Secretary Sobita Mangsatabam informed that a day before the health camp, caregivers and volunteer made an announcement through public address system about the health camp. WAD mobilized at least 159 patients, including 94 women from Langathel, Phundrei and other adjourning villages. Caregivers of WAD screened many patients,
Patients wait in queue during the health camp organized by Women Action for Development.
who might have psychosocial problems, mental illness etc., it added. A team of medical officers, namely Dr. M. Gambhini (Medical Officer-inCharge), Dr. Bikramjit, and Dr. Brojen and three staff nurse from Primary Health Centre (CHC), Khongjom
rendered their service during the camp. According to the release, varieties of medicines were provided to the patients free of cost. Ayurvedic medicines for H1N1 commonly known as swine flu were also distributed. The health camp also
MBC Quinquennial Congress concludes Morung Express News Ukhrul | March 29
The Manipur Baptist Convention’s (MBC) Quinquennial Congress being held at the Tangkhul Naga Long Ground, Ukhrul concluded on Sunday. Hosted by the Tangkhul Baptist Churches Association, the four-day event began on March 26 with the theme, "Called to Holiness." Speakers for the quinquennial were Rev. Dr. Benjamin L. Chang, Area Director, East Asia & India, International Ministries, American Baptist Church, USA; Rev. Bonny Resu, General Secretary, ABPF; Rev. Dr. Solomon Rongpi, General Secretary, Council of Baptist Churches in North East India (CBCNEI); Rev. Dr. Anthony Yeoh, Council Chairman, Singapore Baptist Convention; Rev. Dr. Andrew Kim,
Director, Global Connections for Advancement, Seoul, South Korea. Approximately 9000 delegates from 26 church associations from all over Manipur registered for the quinquennial, which, apart from the many sessions of sermons also included workshops, talent displays, cultural displays, song competitions etc. In the morning session of the last day, Rev. Dr. Solomon Rongpi spoke on the theme “Called to Holiness – Professional life/Workplace.” Rev. Rongpi lamented that churches are no longer holy and challenged Christians to live a “different lifestyle.” Mentioning the popular idiom, “actions speak louder than words,” the reverend pointed to the March 5 incident in Dimapur, the many ethnic clashes of the past, the tensions prevail-
ing at present between brother-communities, and questioned if Christians were headed back to the days of “headhunting.” “Christians are called to live a life of holiness in our church and our workplace,” Rev. Rongpi stated. “We are not supposed to compromise on our Christian values.” Later in the evening session, Rev. Dr. Benjamin L. Chan spoke on the theme “Called to Holiness – The Lord’s return.” Rev. Chan, in his sermon, noted the existence of many false teachings on the “Lord’s return” and stated, “The Church has the responsibility to teach the right teaching so that we are not confused.” The noon session on the final day comprised song competition and display of the various cultures from the participating Churches/associations.
Tripura CM urges to donate eyes & body after death AgArTALA, MArcH 29 (ANI): Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar has urged the people of the state to donate body and eyes after death for helping the students engaged in studying medical science. Sarkar said this while speaking at a blood donation camp organised by the Agartala Press Club. Sarkar, who was present as the chief guest on the occasion, said that the journalists should also come forward to donate their eyes and body after death to overcome the taboo associated with it and asked the people to come forward
for the same. He informed that his government has taken the initiative to inspire the people to donate parts of the body and eyes. Tripura is among the top states in the country with people offering 94 percent of voluntary blood donation. The blood donation camp witnessed more than 30 journalists and their family members donating blood. The camp was organised with the support of the Society of Voluntary Blood Donors, Tripura unit and All Tripura Diabetics Forum. A free check-up for diabetics was also organised in the camp.
OFFICE OF THE KEVIJAU VILLAGE COUNCIL KEVIJAU, DIMAPUR: NAGALAND (Regd. No Rey.SB/1970/13267-6B)
NO. KVC-22/2014-15/ 8-12
Dated, Dimapur the 29th March’2015.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT The Kevijau Village Council expresses its gratitude to God for the grand success of the Mass Social Work conducted on 28/03/15. The KVC especially extends profound thank to the following individuals; 1. Kevijau Village Womem Organization for organizing the Mass Social Work 2. Kevijau Village Public 3. Kevijau Village Youth Organization 4. Shri. Adani Mahrili, Manager FCI Depot 5. Shri. Huwuto Sema, SDM I.O.C The KVC would also like to thank the General Public for bearing with the inconvenience caused by the road block and co-operation extended. Sd/(ER. M. TIA JAMIR) Chairman Kevijau Village Council Dimapur : Nagaland
Sd/(ER. NEIZA TEP) Secretary Kevijau Village Council Dimapur : Nagaland
provided general awareness about psychosocial problems, mental illness and their treatments and methods of prevention. WAD aims to organize several health camps in different villages of Thoubal District in near future, informed the release.
AIzAwL, MArcH 29 (PTI): Mizoram government is yet to decide when the West Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi, appointed by the President to take additional charge of Mizoram, will be sworn-in here. State Protocol Officer David L Pachuau said that the state government was likely to take up the matter by tomorrow (March 30). State Governor Dr Aziz Qureshi was sacked by the Centre yesterday and Tripathi appointed to take additional charge of the governor until further appointment of another governor for the state, a Rashtrapati Bhavan communique said. Raj Bhavan officials in Aizawl today said that the official letter that Qureshi ceased to be the governor of Mizoram was received from the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Meanwhile, Qureshi, who was in Delhi since March 21 returned to Aizawl this morning, the officials said. The 74 year-old governor was transferred from Uttarkhand to Mizoram on December 30 last and assumed office in Aizawl on January nine. With the latest sacking, the state has seen the departure of six Governors in about nine months since the NDA regime assumed office.
Kyong (Lotha) Academy in collaboration with
Mt. Tiyi College A Seminar on
Lotha Jüli Yancholan (Researching Lotha Culture)
Time: 10:00 AM Date: Friday, April 10, 2015 Venue: Don Bosco Youth Center, Wokha
Registration : Others :
Students: Free Rs. 50/-
All are Welcome! GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER KIPHIRE: NAGALAND NO.DC/KPE/JUD-11/2012-13/1852
Dated Kiphire the 26th March 2015
NOTICE Whereas Smti. Pisala Sangtam Daughter of Late.H.Ilemchu Sangtam of Angangba village has applied for issue of succession certificate under the Indian succession Act.1925 in order to draw/receive the payment of movable/immovable properties of Late.H.Ilemchu Sangtam Pensioner who expired on 28/11/2012. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPERTY
1. PPO.No.PEN/COM/NIJS/8264 : From the Office of the Treasury Office Kiphire. 2. Any other dues etc Public are hereby asked to file objection/claim if any within 30(thirty) days from the date of issue of this notice. If no objection/claim is received within the stipulated time, Succession Certificate will be issued in favour of the applicant. Sd/(A.CHUMREMO ODYUO) Deputy Commissioner Kiphire::Nagaland
IN THE GAUHATI HIGH COURT (THE HIGH COURT OF ASSAM, NAGALAND, MIZORAM AND ARUNACHAL PRADESH) KOHIMA BENCH WRIT PEI ITION (C) NO. 29(K)/15. M/s. North East Construction. ... Petitioner. -VersusThe State of Nagaland & ors. To,
...Respondents.
M/s. J Nased, Government Registered Contractor & Supplier, Regd. No. NPW Class-1/896, Regd. No. 3745, Mobile No. 8575430443.
WHEREAS the petitioner, M/s, North East Construction has instituted a writ petition jointly and severally against you for setting aside the Government of Nagaland, Tourism Department, letter NO.TOUR/ENGG-637/201415/69 dated 20.01.2015, allotting work to you for construction of Tourist Reception Centre at Chuchuyimpang, Mokokchung. You are hereby summoned to appear in the Court in person or by a pleader duly instructed and able to answer all material questions relating to the writ petition on the day of 20th April, 2015 without fail. Take notice that in default of your appearance on the day before mentioned the writ petition shall be heard and determined in your absence. By order of the Court Deputy Registrar (Judicial) Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench
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India’s boardroom diversity drive has weird result Una Galani Reuters
I
ndia’s effort to break the old boys’ club is producing bizarre outcomes. Tycoons have responded to a requirement that they have at least one female board member by April 1 by appointing their wives and even stepmothers as directors. India’s corporate governance has room for improvement and gender diversity at the top can improve financial returns. But mandating change isn’t the answer. Though a handful of women have risen to prominent positions in India’s financial sector there is a shortage of supply in most industries. A report by Credit Suisse published in September found that women held just 7.1 percent of senior management positions in India in 2013. That’s less than one third of the level in Malaysia which has set a quota
for 30 percent of boardroom representatives to be female by 2016. Some Indian companies have broken the spirit of the rule by making token appointments. Reliance Industries, the country’s largest conglomerate by market value, has installed the wife of Chairman Mukesh Ambani as a director. The stepmother of tycoon Vijay Mallya now sits on the board of a company in which he has a large stake. Meanwhile highly qualified women – such as Ramni Nirula, the former CEO of ICICI Securities – are in such demand that they sit on up to seven different boards, the maximum allowed for an independent director. These efforts will complicate any attempt by the Securities and Exchange Board of India to impose penalties on companies that fail to fill the quota. More than 30
percent of the 1479 companies listed on the National Stock Exchange of India were yet to appoint a woman to their board as of March 15, according to data compiled by PRIME Database. A global trend towards gender quotas has
raised awareness about the under-representation of women but it remains unclear if the benefits trickle down. Norway, for example, introduced a 40 percent female quota for boards back in 2003. Yet a detailed study published last year called “Breaking
the Glass Ceiling?” found no evidence that the gains at the top led to increased female representation in other senior positions, or that it closed the pay gap for women beyond the board. At this rate, India’s diversity drive may be even less impressive.
The Morung Express
Black money: Swiss banks seek fresh undertakings from Indians ‘The latest development comes at a time when India is aggressively making efforts to bring back illicit money parked by its citizens overseas’ New Delhi, March 29 (PTi): Seeking to come clean on illicit funds amid intense government pressure, Swiss banks have asked their Indian clients to provide fresh undertakings to ensure that untaxed money is not stashed in their accounts. Swiss banks, long perceived to be safe havens for parking unaccounted funds, have also started asking for auditor certificates from high net worth individuals and corporate clients to vouch for the “clean status” of their money. The latest development comes at a time when India is aggressively making efforts to bring back illicit money parked by its citizens overseas and Switzerland has also agreed to co-
operate on the issue. Sources said that Swiss banks are asking their Indian customers to provide fresh undertakings that all taxes have been paid on funds deposited by them in these accounts. According to them, banks are also asking both corporate and individual clients to furnish auditor certificates certifying “clean status” of funds, assets and income related to their accounts. Such directives are believed to have been issued to high net worth individuals, wealth management and portfolio management clients, they added. Queries sent to banking majors, including HSBC and Credit Suisse, related to the issue, did not elicit immediate response. Indian authorities are already pursuing cases related to its citizens who had kept unaccounted funds in HSBC Switzerland, after receiving a list of names from the French government few years back. According to sources, HSBC has been asked by Indian authori-
ties to show cause why action should not be initiated against it in case of noncooperation with regard to “suspected tax evaders and offenders of tax crimes”. Besides, HSBC has come under regulatory cross hairs in multiple jurisdictions including India, following an expose that revealed thousands of entities allegedly parked their illicit funds at its Swiss branch. To curb the black money menace, a Supreme Court constituted special investigation team is probing various cases while the government would soon be coming out with a stringent that provides for hefty penalties as well as imprisonment for stashing away unaccounted money. Recently, finance minister Arun Jaitley had said that all efforts are being made to bring to book those who have been named in the HSBC bank list of black money holders and there are evidence against them. There were as many as 628 names in the HSBC list.
Top 10 blue-chip cos shed over Rs 1 trillion in M-cap Disappointing first quarter for tinsel town New Delhi, March 29 (PTi): The top 10 most valued companies saw a combined erosion of over Rs 1 lakh crore to their market capitalisation over the past week, amid a steep fall in the broader market. The benchmark index, Sensex, slipped below the key 28,000 mark and all the top ten most valued com-
panies witnessed a decline in their market worth. The biggest loser among the bluechip firms was TCS, whose market capitalisation saw an erosion of Rs 18,304.32 crore, following which its M-cap stood at Rs 4,92,855.13 crore. Apart from TCS, RIL and Coal India witnessed hefty m-cap losses during
the week ended March 27, with a combined over Rs 13,000 crore loss in investor wealth. HDFC Bank’s m-cap slumped from Rs 10,451.4 crore to Rs 2,53,995.7 crore, Infosys Rs 6,546.29 crore to Rs 2,52,887.87 crore; and Sun Pharma Rs 3,406.97 crore to Rs 2,09,316.13 crore. HDFC’s m-cap slipped
Rs 11,930.99 crore to Rs 1,98,686.7 crore and SBI’ slid Rs 11,049.28 crore to Rs 1,96,759.34 crore.TCS retained the number 1 spot in the ranking of the top most valued 10 Sensex cos, followed by Reliance Industries, ONGC, ITC, HDFC Bank, Infosys, Coal India, Sun Pharma, HDFC and SBI.
Mobile commerce may overtake e-commerce soon New Delhi, March 29 (PTi): Mobile commerce is likely to overtake e-commerce in the next few years, spurred by the continued uptrend in online shopping and increasing use of mobile apps, says an industry report. “It is estimated that the mobile app download would grow sixfold by the end of this year to 9 billion apps,” said a KPMG report, adding the country has been the fastest growing mobile app market in both 2014 and 2013. India contributed to 7% of the global app downloads, ranking fourth behind Indonesia, China and the US, the report said. The optimism comes from the
fact that people accessing the Internet through their mobiles had jumped 33% in 2014 to 173 mn and is expected to grow 21% year-on-year till 2019 to touch 457 mn. “With online shopping platforms seeing an impressive growth in the number of transactions executed through mobile apps, it is not surprising that major e-commerce portals are contemplating discontinuing their full-version websites altogether, to focus solely on the mobile platform,” it said. Mobile apps are particularly seen as a significant new avenue to target consumers. The report indicated that in keeping with the trend of increas-
ing mobile app usage,there has also been a considerable cut in the usage of on-deck services that can be directly accessed through the handset screen offered by the telecom operator portals. However, despite growth in the number of apps developed and downloaded, companies are finding it difficult to encourage users to switch to paid versions. This has been a critical challenge, said the report.“As much as 90% of the apps downloaded in the country are free,” noted the report, adding nearly 98% of Google Play’s global revenue from apps and games is coming from the ‘freemium’ apps.
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LEISURE
Simple Rules - There is just one simple rule: “Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9.”
SUDOKU Game Number # 3180
MuMbai, March 29 (iaNS): With no blockbusters, and a majority of debacles, the first quarter of 2015 has been disappointing for Bollywood box office, say trade gurus, who believe that small fries like “NH10” and “Badlapur” have managed to earn plaudits and profits. “It has not been a great period. The first quarter has not been fruitful, especially when you compare it with the previous year, it has been quite bad. We had a major release like ‘Jai Ho’ last year. This year, there was was no such major film,” trade analyst Taran Adarsh told IANS. Komal Nahta, another film trade expert, said: “Only three or four films have worked.” It was only movies like “Baby”, “Dum Laga Ke Haisha”, “Badlapur” and “NH10”, which performed well. While Neeraj Pandey’s “Baby” collected close to Rs.80 crore, Sharat Katariya’s “Dum Laga Ke Haisha” collected around Rs.27 crore
Some of Bollywood movies that manage to do decent business at the Box Office in the 1st quarter of 2015. Trading Analyst says 2015 has been disappointing for Bollywood box office so far and the 2nd quarter also does not look positive.
and still seems to be going steady at the box office. Sriram Raghavan’s “Badlapur” managed Rs.50 crore, and Anushka Sharma’s debut production “NH10” drew crowds and garnered around Rs.27 crore so far. Rajasthan-based distributor Sunil Bansal says this year has put distributors in loss. He told IANS: “Small budget films have done fairly well this year, but their performance has not been exceptionally great. Many distributors have faced a huge loss this year as shows were going
DAILY CROSS WORD
CROSSWORD # 3190
Answer Number # 3179
empty and we had to pull down many shows. However, films these four films (mentioned earlier) have been saviours.” Analysing the trend, Adarsh said: “The examination period, and most importantly, the Cricket World Cup was going on. I do feel all these factors have affected the business drastically. We also need to pull up our socks in terms of content.” What’s dismal is that the second quarter also doesn’t seem to be positive, say the trade gurus. DIMAPUR Civil Hospital:
Nahta said: “There aren’t too many promising films on the horizon. Good times will begin from June and July. Having said that, there is a film like ‘Gabbar Is Back’ which could do well. It’s not that we are flooded with promising films.” Adding to this, Adarsh said: “I am a born optimist, so I expect a lot and vacations will begin from April, so that will be a benefit for the films. Unfortunately, we don’t have a single film so far that has hit the Rs.100 crore so far. So, fingers crossed.”
STD CODE: 03862 232224; Emergency229529, 229474
Metro Hospital:
227930, 231081
Faith Hospital:
228846
Shamrock Hospital
228254
Zion Hospital:
231864, 224117, 227337
Police Control Room
228400
Police Traffic Control
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East Police Station West Police Station
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CIHSR (Referral Hospital)
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Dimapur hospital
224041, 248011
Apollo Hospital Info Centre:
230695/ 9402435652
Railway:
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Nagaland Multispe- 248302, cialty Health & 09856006026 Research Centre
W
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ENTERPRISE PICARD KIRK JANEWAY SISKO ARCHER ROMULAN VULCAN VOYAGER DEFIANT ANDORIAN KLINGON EARTH FEDERATION STARFLEET ACADEMY DELTAQUADRANT XINDI CHAKOTAY SPOCK UHURA CHEKOV SULU MCCOY SCOTT TRANSPORTER COMMUNICATOR TRICORDER
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1.Mountain crest 6. Disable 10. Aquatic plant 14. Steam 15. Beige 16. Ranch 17. Scallion 18. Boats 19. Tall woody plant 20. Evil 22. Not odd 23. Bristle 24. A task requiring a trip 26. Shopping place 30. A tree fruit 31. A parcel of land 32. Margarine 33. Portent 35. Anagram of “Balsa” 39. Mollify 41. Impressive 43. French for “Our” 44. Arid 46. Identical or fraternal 47. A gesture of assent 49. Genus of macaws 50. Terminates 51. Compassionate 54. Rant
56. “Smallest” particle 57. Self-denial 63. Go on horseback 64. Small salmon 65. Wear away 66. Dash 67. Smell 68. Deadens the sound 69. Defrost 70. Catches 71. It makes dough rise
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1. Affirm 2. Hindu princess 3. Sweeping story 4. Swiped 5. Sea eagles 6. Time intervals 7. Land 8. Bothers 9. Bivalve mollusk 10. A delayed flavor sensation 11. Stage between egg and pupa 12. The color of grass 13. Alter 21. Free from mist 25. Gown 26. Groan
27. As well 28. A musical pause 29. A sporting competition 34. Storytellers 36. Scattered 37. Among 38. Focusing glass 40. Many millennia 42. Interlace 45. Hearing range 48. Church official 51. Seraglio 52. Practical 53. Relating to form 55. Foe 58. Portend 59. Not false 60. Greek letter 61. Poems 62. Where a bird lives Ans to CrossWord 3189
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CHUMUKEDIMA: 03862 282777/101 (O) 9856158740 (OC)
MOKOKCHUNG: 0369 2226225/ 101 (O) 9436012949 (OC) PHEK: 8414853765 (O) 9862130954(OC) ZUNHEBOTO: 03867 280304/ 101 (O) 9856156876 (OC)
MON: 03869 251222/ 101 (O) 9436208480 (OC) KipHire: 8414853767 (O) 8974304572 (OC)
Toll free No. 1098 childline
Police Station 1:
DIMAPUR: 03862 232201/ 101 (O) 9436017479 (OC)
TUENSANG: 8414853766 (O) 8414853519
CHILD WELFARE COMMITTEE
MOKOKCHUNG:
KOHIMA: 0370 2222952/ 101 (O) 9402003086 (OC)
WOKHA: 03860 242215/101 (O) 9862039399 (OC)
Chumukedima Fire 282777 Brigade Nikos Hospital and 232032, 231031 Research Centre
KOHIMA
FIRE STATIONS
STD CODE: 0369
2226241
Police Station 2 :
2226214
Civil Hospital: Woodland Nursing Home:
2226216 2226263
Hotel Metsüpen (Tourist Lodge):
2226373/2229343
TAHAMZAM (formerly Senapati) STD CODE: 03871 Police Station: Fire Brigade
CURRENCY NOTES
222246 222491
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Euro
65.64
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Thai Baht Korean Won New Zealand Dollar Chinese Yuan
1.81
2.03
0.0532
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LOCAL
The Morung Express
Traffic awareness week in Kohima kicks-off today
Monday 30 March 2015
NSCN (IM) flays AR 'ransacking' Dimapur, march 29 (mExN): The NSCN (IM) has expressed its shocked over the ‘ransacking’ of the house of A Paul (PRO) Jalukie B, by the 18th Assam Rifle this morning. It further alleged that an amount of Rs.22000 along with his official documents was looted during the ransacking, “reducing their status into regiments of hoodlums.” Condemning the incident,
Kohima, march 29 (mExN) : The declaration of the traffic awareness week will take place on March 30 at 9:00 AM in front
of WHQ office below PHQ Kohima. LL Doungel, DGP Nagaland will grace the occasion as the chief guest. The programme
MEx FILE PHK meeting Kohima, march 29 (mExN): The Pochury Hoho Kohima (PHK) will be having a general consultative meeting on April 4 at the Pochury Community Building, Officer's Hill Kohima from 10:00 am. A press note from president of PHK, Thsela Thupitor requested all the concerned citizens to attend the meeting positively.
CDPO office Tobu inaugurated Tobu, march 29 (mExN): EAC Tobu, Temsuchuba Jamir, inaugurated the newly constructed CDPO office in Tobu on March 27. Addressing the gathering, he termed the day as great moment for the department, stating that the long cherished desire of the department to function under one roof was accomplished. He also called upon the staff of the department to make best use of the building to help the people in need. Earlier, Temsuchuba Jamir unveiled the monolith and the dedicatory prayer was pronounced by Chinyak Konyak, Pastor, TTBC. CDPO Tobu, Imliyanger said the welcome address.
Workshop on Mission Indradhanush in Mon
will be chaired by DYSP (T) Kohima while opening remarks will be given by Joseph Hesso, Sr. SP Kohima.
pErEN, march 29 (mExN): All the electors of Peren district have been asked to submit their EPIC & AADHAR details to their respective Booth Level Officers for the ongoing NERPAP. A press release from ADC and ERO, Peren, Dr. Kadambari Bhagat also informed that any correction of errors or any relevant entry pertaining to electors’ voluntary disclosure be done by the elector concerned. It was also informed that matters pertaining to multiple entries in e-roll would also be carried out during the programme. The ADC further requested all the electors, political parties, NGOs and media to extend their co-operation for the success of NERPAP.
Dimapur, march 29 (mExN): Foundation for Church and Society (FCS), an initiative of Oriental Theological Seminary (OTS), was formally launched today by Rev. Dr Wati Aier and Richard Masih at Life Spring Corner (Dimapur). Speaking at the occasion, Dr. Aier noted that “the FCS is an initiative for encouraging every Christian to faithfully engage in the public square.” He observed that the FCS which is pursued in collaboration with individuals, churches and faith-based organizations, is an attempt to take the gospel to the world and let the Word of God and Christian witness come alive in specific historical contexts.
Rev. Dr. C. Cho-o, the Director of FCS, explained that “the vision of FCS is to work towards the renewal of the church and transformation of the society.” According to him, the mission of FCS is “to engage in mutual learning and to partner together with people from various callings for addressing contemporary challenges of development, initiating peace work and promoting effective ministry and Christian living in the church and society.” It would be conducting a program for the clergy during the summer 2015 under the theme “Empowering Leaders in Ministry for Church Renewal,’ informed the FCS Director.
Dimapur, march 29 (mExN): Mount Mary College (MMC), Chumukedima had its Commerce Festival under the theme ‘Arthayukti’, which means ‘profit’ in Sanskrit, on March 28. Sant Kumar Gupta from SD Jain Girl’s College Dimapur was the resource person. He stressed on the all round development of the students in order to be successful and develop oneself into an ideal students. A press release from Nukshi Esther Imsong, School Psychologist, Department of Counselling, MMC, informed that the Fest gave a platform to the students to exercise their skill and qualities and show the practical values and uses of what they have learned from the teachers. Competition was conducted for quiz, debate, extemporary speech, business plan presentation, preparation of financial statement, job application cum resume writing, the release informed.
St. Francis Xavier’s Church Kidima Palm Sunday Kohima, march 29 (mExN): Along with the rest of the world, the Palm Sunday was observed today at St. Francis Xavier’s Church, Kidima with a procession beginning from Thokhwezu village view to Church. The Parish Priest Reverend Father Thomas Muttathil who led the procession, in his introductory
stated that the Palm Sunday is celebration of Jesus Christ’s good deeds and miracles by the people of Jerusalem. “The triumphant entry to Jerusalem was the rejoice and joy for the great celebration for Jesus on Palm Sunday for the salvation for all men,” Muttathil said. The Parish Priest also
added that Jesus knew everything the aftermath of the events in Jerusalem, and Peter and Judas Iscariot amongst Apostle were full of confidence to their Master Jesus with proud and pride; but later denied him thrice and sold due “crazy of money to Pharisee and Sadducees.” R e v e re n d Fa t h e r
CNCCI express solidarity
RCN condoles Dimapur, march 29 (mExN): Rongmei Council Nagaland (RCN) has expressed its deep sadness over the demise of Bangdi Iheilung on March 27 at Jalukie. Saluting his contributions towards the welfare of the people of Nagaland in general and Peren district in particular, the RCN in a press condolence issued by its president, Chingkhiulung Gonmei and General Secretary, Mathew Rongmei stated, he had left behind an “indelible mark” for the society. “Our hearts go out to the bereaved family of Late Bangdi Iheilung at this time of sorrow and remembrance for a great leader. May they be comforted by the Almighty God. Rest in peace,” the press note added.
The Department of Veterinary & AH Tseminyu led by Dr Salangtemjen (SDVO) and Dr Rebecca Khing, VAS Tseminyu conducted mass vaccination of livestock and poultry, anti-rabies vaccination of dobs, deworming and treatment of animals on March 25.
needed boost for Financial Inclusion and bring the financially excluded population under the umbrella of banks,” the press note added. During the programme, the resource persons, Vizo Kere, Branch Manager, NStCB, Kohima Main branch and Bendang Aier, AGM, NABARD, sensitized the participants about the mission mode initiative of Government of India (GoI) to enable greater financial inclusion. They also spoke about the importance of practising financial discipline and financial planning for developing long term relationship with bank and to achieve financial goals respectively. An interactive session followed where speakers answered the queries of the participants and the villagers
NRLM sensitization prog held at Seluophe village
Dimapur, march 29 (mExN): District Rural Development Agency (DRDA), Dimapur organized a sensitization programme on National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) at Seluophe village ground on Saturday. Delivering keynote address, Asangla T Aier, Project Director, DRDA Dimapur said village development board and village council should work as one, playing own roles for the development and progress of the village. She pointed out that there is always a conflict in the village, where there is no cooperation between the village council and VDB. She also urged the public to cooperate with the VDB and village council. Encouraging the villagers to take advantage of the facilities, Asangla said NRLM has been brought at their doorsteps which villagers must utilize appropriately for development. Seluophe village being MP adopted village under the Sansad Adarsh Gram
Yojana (SAGY) as announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the project director said the village should be a model for others to draw example. Speech on sensitization of NRLM was presented by M Yimok Phom, BPM, NSRLM, RD Block Chumukedima. She highlighted the vision of NRLM to eradicate poverty by reaching out to the “poorest of the poor”. Other DRDA officials who spoke on the occasion included Zitho Nythe, DPO-I, DRDA Dimapur and P Koza, DPO-II, DRDA Dimapur. NRLM launched by the ministry of rural development (MoRD) in June 2011, which is aided in part through investment support by the World Bank, aims at creating efficient and effective institutional platforms of the rural poor enabling them to increase household income through sustainable livelihood enhancements and improved access to financial services.
YES BANK and District Tobacco Control Cell, Dimapur jointly organised essay competition on tobacco and health on March 28 at St Joseph School, Chumukedima. 22 students from 11 schools in Chumukedima area participated in the competition. Dishant Sethi of YES BANK gave away prizes to the winners. Dr C Tetseo, DNO, NTCP appealed to other organisations in the district to come forward for partnership under CSR. Training on tobacco free school for teachers in Chumukedima area was also held in the same school.
Nise Meruno and Zowe Madrigal performed at a charity event for victims of child abuse on Saturday evening organised by UTSAH, Guwahati. Seen here are Nise Meruno and Zowe Madrigal with other artists.
Thomas Muttathil in his homily maintained that Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem would reflect our own personal day to day. The Procession with palm leaf also witnessed singing hymn of praise and special prayer for the faithful and Eucharist, followed by a the fellowship meal, informed a press note reOne day orientation programme for Red Ribbon Club was ceived here.
Financial literacy programme at Tsiemekhu Basa
Dimapur, march 29 (mExN): The Signal Angami Village Council (SAVC) in its general meeting held on February 17 elected its new executive members for the tenure 2015-2020 as per the village administrative rules. The executive council members will be led by chairman- Keneichosül Sophie, secretaryMelevi Natso, council treasuer-cum VDB treasurerNeichüvotuo Kiso, VDB secretary- K Bao Tetso, head GB- Pfulhouzo, and advisor- Eliho Angami. SAVC in a press release further informed that the new team of officials with immediate effect would execute all matters relating to the village.
News iN Picture
OTS launches ‘Foundation MMC celebrates Commerce Festival for Church and Society’
moN, march 29 (mExN): A workshop on Mission Indradhanush took place in Mon district on March 26 at CMO office as the district has been marked among the identified 201 high focus districts in the country, which has nearly 50% of all unvaccinated or partially vaccinated children. During the session, SMO, WHO, Dr. Sheila Lkr presented an overview of immunization programme at national and state level. Strategy of micro planning for mission Indradhanush, work of conducting head-counts and preparing due lists were trained to the medical officers, ANMs and BPMs. Speaking on the mission, Dr Sheila urged all the Medical Officers and the medical staff to focus and work together to make the programme a successful one and asked for the training, monitoring and supervision be Kohima, march 29 (mExN): held at the block level. On receipt of specific request, the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and Nagaland State Cooperative Bank (NStCB) Kohima, march 29 (mExN): The Confederation conducted a Financial Literacy Proof Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry gramme (FLP) at Panchayat Hall, (CNCCI) has expressed solidarity with the business Tsiemekhu Basa village under Botsa community of Wokha “who are undergoing sense block, Kohima district on March 27. of insecurity due to mindless bombing of shop” on The programme was conducted with March 26 and also expressed sympathy to the person support from Financial Inclusion whose shop was damaged. “CNCCI feels the pain that Fund (FIF), managed by NABARD. the victims and the family members are undergoing According to a press note from the due to dastardly act of mindless bombing the very act Assistant General Manager of NABof terrorism targeting our women not even sparing ARD, Bendang Aier forty six participants a minor,” CNCCI Media Cell stated in a release. “It is showed keen interest to take up Income beyond comprehension that a Christian state has to Generating Activities (IGAs) through experience such a mindless act of terrorism which is the group approach i.e. Self Help Group not only barbaric, inhuman but also alien to peace lov- (SHG) and Joint Liability Group (JLG). ing Naga society,” it added. Meanwhile, CNCCI lauded “It is expected that conducting Wokha Chamber of Commerce (WCCI) for “working such programmes will give the much tirelessly for the welfare of the business community especially in times of crises” and at the same time appealed to the law enforcers to bring the perpetrators to justice.
SAVC new executive member
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the MIP-NSCN/GPRN in a press note, reminded the Chairman of CFMG to monitor sincerely the alarming rise of Indian Army “high handedness” which might culminate into a full blown confrontation some day, an event not required at this juncture. The NSCN (IM) further demanded that the immediate return of the ‘looted amount’ as well as the document “without any condition.”
Voters in Peren informed Ahead of traffic awareness week, starting from March 30, a huge billboard showing different traffic signs put up by traffic police at PHQ junction in Kohima. (Morung Photo)
Dimapur
were also advised to keep in touch with other development agencies including Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Kohima at Tesophenyu, Tseminyu block, Kohima district for all round development of the village, they were also asked to It was the programme for the newly instituted Financial Literacy Centre (FLC) of NStCB, Kohima Main branch, March 26 by V. Chelladurai, General Manager, NABARD, the press note informed adding that a total of thirty (30) applications for opening Savings Bank account under PMJDY (Prime Minister Jan Dhan Yojana) were also sourced. The invocation prayer and welcome address was pronounced by Sielhou Thepa, Pastor, Baptist Church and Keviso Metha, Chairman, Village Council, Tsiemekhu Basa respectively.
held at Wangkhao College, Mon on March 11. Resource person for the programme were Mongnyei Konyak, District ICTC Supervisor and Longnyim Tzudir, DPO, DAPCU. Keynote address was delivered by Tenoseno Natso, Nodal Officer, Wangkhao College, Mon.
Indian Evangelical Mission, Kupukini Women Society, and Royal Preschool organized a seminar titled ‘Equipping the Godly Woman in the 21st Century’ at ICHTUS Resource Center, Dimapur. The speakers in the seminar were Ruth Murru, Deputy Commandent, 13th NAP (IR); Hotoli Kinimi, Psycho-therapeutic Counselor; Pastor Qheboto Chishi, New Life Fellowship Church; Athunglo Kikon, Nagaland Women Co-ordinator, IEM; Lovily Vito Chishi, Principal, Royal Preschool.
SHGs encouraged to bring economic growth Sentinaro Longchar, BTM, ATMA demonstrating making of pickles
Director SAMETI, Nguzonyi Wetsah and Resource Persons Dr. AK Bhattacharya Professor EEI (NER) AAU, Jorhat with participants after completion of the training on ‘Managerial Skills, Team work and Leadership DeDimapur, march 29 (mExN): ATMA velopment’ held from March 23 to 26 organized by EEI, Niuland Block on March 25 held a pro- Jorhat in collaboration with SAMETI, Nagaland at SAMEgramme at Tokishe village, where resource TI training hall, Medziphema.
person Sentinaro Longchar, BTM, Dhansiripar Block, ATMA performed detail procedures on the topic ‘Value addition on vegetables.’ She demonstrated making of mixed pickle and green chilly pickle and explained on correct addition of different types of ingredients and preservatives. She encouraged the SHGs to take up such activities for home use as well as for economic growth through their group activity. Nokener Ozukum, FD, CEO FFDA discussed on ‘Pond Management’ and illustrated on pro-stocking, stocking and poststocking management. He informed that cow-dung is used as manure for fishery pond; aquatic weeds should be removed and liming should be done usually after two days of manuring.
The council hall of Ndunglwa Village under Peren district was inaugurated by NR Zeliang, Class-1 government contractor and vice president of NPF Central. Seen here are Zeliang and his colleagues after unveiling the commemorative plaque.
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IN-FOCUS
The Power of Truth
The Morung Express MonDAy 30 MArcH 2015 voluME X IssuE 86
Along Longkumer consulting Editor
‘Partyless Govt’
A
ddressing a press conference after a session of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA), Chief Minister TR Zeliang spoke about a “partyless government”. He was responding to queries from mediapersons about the inclusion of the Congress party into his ministry. The NPF led DAN government already consists of the NPF, BJP, NCP, JD (U) and Independents while the Indian National Congress (INC) has been playing the vital role as the main Opposition party in the State. It is therefore somewhat bizarre to imagine the main opposition also joining the government and demanding ministerial berths. In any normal circumstance, such a development of having a government without opposition will be considered harmful to democracy as there will be no checks and balances besides the abuse of power. Also in the case of Nagaland, the last elections gave a huge mandate to the NPF to rule and the Congress was reduced to just eight seats— to sit in the Opposition. In fact the Congress in Nagaland has been out of power for more than a decade and the rank and file of the party must have been demoralized. And with just eight MLAs in the NLA and the overwhelming majority of the NPF led government, there was no opportunity for the Congress and it was just about staying afloat to fulfill its constitutional role. It is against this backdrop that the infighting started within the ruling NPF for the chair of Chief Minister and with this the relevance of the Congress. By extending crucial support to the TR Zeliang government, Nagaland Congress has got a fresh lease of life and seized the opportunity to join the Zeliang Ministry. If at all, it is the infighting within the NPF which is to be blamed for this strange political situation that Nagaland is faced with—the prospect of a partyless government. If indeed a partyless government is the way forward, then we should use this occasion to good effect—to work towards an early solution to the Naga political issue. A partyless government, which in essence is a national unity government, is perhaps just what the Naga people require at this juncture. Just consider the following. As per reports in the media, which by the way has not been denied either by the Government of India or the National Socialist Council of Nagalim, a political settlement will be arrived at by the end of this year itself. Then we have a recent statement ‘Taking Responsibility for Nation Building’, an outcome of the meeting between participants of the Church, Civil Society leaders, and Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) from March 9-11, 2015, which was later endorsed by the Naga Political Groups (NPG) who are signatory to the Covenant of Reconciliation under the FNR. The FNR has also been working on the modalities for a Naga National Government of the NPGs so that a political settlement with India can become a practical reality. A unity government of the State political parties should therefore be seen as complementary towards an early solution to the Naga issue. All section of the Naga people should start to work in unison towards peace, reconciliation and a new political reality that will come about through an honorable political settlement with India. A partyless government may not be the best for democracy but if our leaders can rise to the occasion to deliver corrupt free government, fast track development and create an enabling, peaceful and inclusive environment in the transition towards a political settlement, we should welcome this bold experiment. (Feedback can be sent to consultingeditormex@gmail.com)
lEfT wiNg |
Mazie Nakhro, Ph.D
Applying Christian Work Ethics in Workplaces Thought-Provoking Question: It is said, “If you think you are a secular worker, you will act like one.” Is this descriptive of you? What does God say? Read 1 Peter 2:11-18 The apostle Peter instructed believers who were scattered in the Roman Empire with these words: “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king…or to governors…. Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh” (1 Pet. 2:13-18). In other words, believers in Christ are commanded to submit to all legitimate authorities, whether or not the persons exercising authorities are believers. Similarly, the apostle Paul instructed Titus, his son in the faith, with these words: “Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men” (Titus 3:1-2). The hallmark of Christian employees should be submission, not insubordination, to whoever their bosses may be--whether that happens to be individual employers, private companies, or civil governments. Conversely, when a Christian disobeys a duly constituted authority he disobeys God (Rom. 13:2). Sometimes the system of employment may be less than desirable. For example, Jesus submitted Himself to the authority of the Roman government, although He broke no laws. Likewise, the apostles Paul and Peter submitted to the authority of the Roman government even when they were unjustly treated because of their faith. Slavery was always wrong, but until it was outlawed by the government the early Christian slaves were instructed to submit to their earthly masters for the sake of the Lord Jesus (1 Pet. 2:18-21). And they were to serve in all sincerity of heart, as if serving the Lord, not men (Eph. 6:5-7; Col. 3:22-23; Titus 2:9-10). And along with submission and sincerity, Christian employees are to exhibit character qualities such as obedience, respect, humility, consideration of others, non-complaining, peace-loving, and readiness to whatever is good… all for the sake of the Lord. These are biblical standards of Christian work ethic. Okay, so now what? Could your employer say that you are a Christian by seeing your work ethic? Or, what do you think about yourself: a Christian employee or just a job-holder? Prayer: Lord, may the work I do make You look good. I will do everything with my whole heart because I am working to please You and not men. Amen. Taken from the book “Breakfast with the King: The 100-Day Devotional” by Mazie Nakhro
C O M M E N T A R Y
THE EDIT PAGE
James K Rowe Open Democracy
Zen and the art of social movement maintenance
A
ngela Davis, revolutionary activist and philosopher, is a committed yogi. She began practicing in prison when a doctor working with the Black Panther Party passed along a book on yoga to help her deal with chronic headaches. The poses worked, and many years later Davis continues with her sun salutations. She currently practices under the guidance of Oakland-based yoga teacher Naushon Kabat-Zinn, daughter of medical researcher and mindfulness popularizer Jon Kabat-Zinn. Kabat-Zinn, the elder, defines mindfulness as “paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally.” The most common form mindfulness practice takes is sitting meditation. Mindfulness can be applied more broadly, however, as the recent spate of books on everything from mindful sex to mindful politics suggests. In January, Angela Davis shared an Oakland stage with Kabat-Zinn as part of a sold-out fundraiser for the East Bay Meditation Center, or EBMC, which is a leader in efforts to integrate mindfulness practices and social justice. Kabat-Zinn is no stranger to social justice, having been an activist in the anti-war movement at MIT in the late 1960s, and being the son-in-law of the late social movement historian Howard Zinn, author of “A People’s History of the United States.” Kabat-Zinn is also a spiritual friend to Silicon Valley giants, regularly giving talks to Google and Facebook. He is on the vanguard of what Time recently called the “Mindful Revolution,” a mainstreaming of mindfulness practices being powered by new research illuminating the health and cognitive benefits. Kabat-Zinn’s “Mindfulnness-based stress reduction,” a secular training program based on Buddhist principles, is currently being taught to school children, U.S. marines and corporate employees. Angela Davis’ Marxism, and Kabat-Zinn’s cheerful embrace of corporate America, are not an easy match. Indeed, Kabat-Zinn’s work appears to vindicate Marxist philosopher Slavoj Žižek’s critique of Western Buddhism as a supplement to neoliberal capitalism: “It enables you to fully participate in the frantic pace of the capitalist game while sustaining the perception that you are not really in it.” But Davis has seen the benefits of mind/body practices and is not so swift to dismiss them. How can mindfulness genuinely support social justice? This was the basic question she kept returning to in Oakland. “In a racially unjust world,” Davis earnestly asked Kabat-Zinn, “what good is mindfulness?” He responded by noting how the heightened awareness enabled by mindfulness practice can progressively uproot the greed, hatred and delusion that cause so much collective suffering. Davis, however, was not satisfied with his response, emphasizing that racism is not simply a set of personal attitudes, but a whole system. How can practices focused on personal habits of mind generate lasting systemicchange? Near the end of the evening, Davis offered an answer to her own question. She noted how mindfulness might become a revolutionary force if embedded in social movements that target oppressive systems. But what forms can that integration take? What does a true mindful revolution look like? While the brief discussion between Davis and Kabat-Zinn remained abstract, actually existing experiments at the intersection of mindfulness and social change are blossoming. Several organizations are now focusing their efforts on the fold between subjective and social change: the Center for Transformative Change, Generative Somatics and the Movement Strategy Center are three leaders. At the U.S. Social Forum in Detroit in 2010, activists from these groups passed a resolution that read: “We acknowledge that we as agents of change, having been deeply affected by our conditions of oppression, need a deep and abiding commitment to embody the revolutionary change we seek … Revolutionary, systemic change is needed internally, in our relations and in our external conditions.” Embodied practices from singing and dancing, along with spiritual forms like prayer and ceremony, have been central to all successful social movements. But the integration of mind/body practices like meditation and yoga into secular and multi-faith movements in the West, is a recent and growing trend. This trend was exemplified during the Occupy Wall Street explosion of 2011. Practices like yoga and meditation were woven throughout Occupy, and were integral to its endurance and impact; they were not a sideshow. This is a part of the Occupy story that remains untold, and yet holds vital lessons for the growing body of activists and mind/body practitioners wondering what good mindfulness can do in an unjust world. Strategic meditation Meditation and yoga came to Occupy through multiple sources. Meditation Flash Mob, or MedMob, a grassroots organization that began in 2011, had conducted their own public meditations in the financial district in the summer months prior to Occupy. Meditation flash mobs are a form of culture jamming that aim to constructively interrupt daily life in urban centers, and perform the benefits of mindful awareness. Once Occupy began, many MedMob participants joined the encampment, naming a tree in the northwest corner of the park “The Tree of Life,” which quickly became a focal point for spiritual practices of all kinds. Along with members from MedMob, the Interdependence Project, or IDP, an organization that offers secular Buddhist study and practice, helped facilitate daily meditations in Zuccotti Park. Adreanna Limbach was coordinating the activism branch of IDP at the time, and was eager to support the new movement. The initial intent of Limbach and IDP was to provide a service to Occupiers, to offer space and time for centering amidst the bustle of the park. But during her engagement with Occupy, Limbach noticed how divisions along the axes of race and class that the movement was seeking to transform were being replicated in the very geography and in-
“In a racially unjust world,” revolutionary activist Angela Davis asked mindfulness popularizer Jon Kabat-Zinn, “what good is mindfulness?”
teractions of the encampment itself. For example, the northeast side of the park was primarily inhabited by middle class white people, and came to be called “The Upper East Side Sacks.” The southwest side, however, was largely black and Latino. “About three weeks into my experience at Occupy,” Limbach explained, “I began to think of meditation practice less as a service, and more a strategy, since we are bound to recreate structures of injustice in our daily interactions if we are not working with internal belief systems, and how they are shaped by power, privilege and positionality.” Meditation and yoga, however, do not automatically nurture an anti-racist and egalitarian ethos. If they did, Western practice communities would be sanctuaries from what bell hooks calls “imperialist white supremacist capitalist heteropatriarchy.” As hooks has noted, based on her experience as a Buddhist and a woman of color, exclusions along multiple axes of oppression — such as race and class — continue to shape the dissemination of meditation and yoga in the West. These exclusions were apparent during Occupy itself. Tashy Endres, who offered training in nonviolent communication during the encampment, told me a troubling story about how a difficult conversation regarding race got railroaded. It happened during a meeting where everyone was asked to join in a collective chant of “Om,” which effectively drowned out a black woman who was sharing her frustrations with the group. Endres remains committed to mind/ body practices as supplements to social justice work, and integrates body awareness exercises into her nonviolent communications work. She does not, however, see them as guarantees of compassionate or just action. “It is important to combine structural analysis with spiritual practice,” she said. “Otherwise, you are likely to replicate oppressions and exclusions no matter how many hours you meditate.” When embodied practices are combined with social justice work, Endres explained, they can allow for a deeper incorporation of radically egalitarian values than is possible through solely intellectual exercises, like education and debate. “For me, when struggle and mindfulness are combined, both can flourish.” In an essay called “Buddhism and the Politics of Domination,” bell hooks provocatively notes how mindful awareness can be skillfully used to “release the attachment to dominator thinking and practice.” Other activists agree that the integration of mind/ body practice and anti-oppression work is rich with potential. Joshua Stephens, an activist and author who blogged from Occupy Wall Street for the Buddhist Peace Fellowship, explained, “If you look at the general mechanics of anti-oppression discourse and training, it is observing how socialization and social structure speak through us, and then finding points of intervention so that we can make deliberate decisions about our agency rather than just moving through racist, patriarchal, colonial inertia. It is a form of meditation.” Similarly, angel Kyodo williams, author of “Being Black: Zen and the Art of Living with Fearlessness and Grace,” spoke with me about how meditation can help people notice transphobic, racist or sexist thoughts as they may move through our bodies. According to williams, this observing and examination of our own unconscious prejudices, can start to rewrite the oppressive scripts circulating in our cultures and communities. Furthermore, as williams explained, mind/body practices can also help heal the embodied wounds to dignity inflicted by systems of domination. Meditation, yoga and other somatic techniques can nurture self-acceptance from an internal and primal place, untouched by the systems of domination that work to belittle particular humans in the service of privileging others. “There is a place that we find when we look deeply into ourselves,” williams writes in “Being Black,” “that allows us to be completely free of our histories, our stories, our hang-ups … We actually have a freedom spot in our brains.” Time spent connecting to this freedom spot through mindfulness practices can be profoundly healing for those of us who have been systematically pushed to doubt our dignity. Organizations that do anti-oppressive training to build movement power, like the Catalyst Project based in San Francisco, have begun integrating embodied awareness and mindfulness practices into their organizing work. In general, however, the tactical integration of mind/body and anti-oppression work is underdeveloped; it remains a site of great transformative potential. The General Assembly: Touching Occupy’s heart Occupy Wall Street’s radically democratic vision was most clearly enacted through the General Assembly decision-making process, a forum in which everyone could participate. Because the assembly operated by consensus, participants needed to work through objections to any proposal until the entire group could agree. The process could become challenging and tedious. During conversations with Occupy activists, I learned that, while short meditations like moments of silence were used by assembly facilitators in the early days of the camp, the practice became more common as the occupation continued, and challenges intensified. “As decision-making processes began breaking down,” facilitator Marisa Holmes explained to me, “with more disruption coming from within the camp, from the state, from all angles, we used these practices more and more.”
Why did facilitators turn to mindfulness-based activities in response to intensifying conflict? I asked Leslie Booker, who explained the transformative potential of these practices in the context of Occupy’s general assemblies. Booker, who had worked with a New York-based group called the Lineage Project to teach yoga and meditation to incarcerated youth, was completing mindful yoga training at Spirit Rock Meditation Center in California when Occupy began. She returned to New York and became a core organizer of the daily meditations. Based on her work organizing daily sits in the park, Booker was invited to a facilitators meeting. “I had been to almost every general assembly,” she explained, “and they could be really violent and aggressive.” Booker instructed facilitators on how to start all assemblies with grounding exercises. (She was careful not to call these practices “meditations” because she believed that word might have religious or spiritual connotations that could potentially alienate participants.) These practices were brief — under 10 minutes — and had participants focus attention on their breath prior to setting a collective intention for the meeting. “Setting an intention before we started really shifted things,” Booker reflected. She reported how consensus process became less aggressive after regular grounding exercises were introduced. A number of individual working groups — smaller teams of activists focused on aspects of the occupation like facilitation — began incorporating their own grounding practices. “It was cool to see people do it in a way that makes sense for them,” Booker noted. “We don’t have to get into dogma or into dharma, it was just as simple as how can I take a moment to ground myself.”
Occupy Manifest: Retreating to advance While grounding exercises helped ease aggression and facilitate communication among Occupiers, they could not stop the violent eviction executed by the New York Police Department in November 2011. They were also unable to transform debilitating internal conflicts that weakened the occupation. At the root of these conflicts, many activists believed, was the fundamental disagreement over whether and how Occupiers should engage with structures of power, including more established institutions on the left, like unions. According to activists I interviewed, this failure to find a place between uncritical engagement, and a blanket refusal to engage more established institutions for fear of cooptation, was a fundamental barrier to the movement’s progress. “I think a lot of mistakes resulted from the inability to engage with power, interact with it and build strategies around how to shift it,” said journalist Nathan Schneider, who is an editor-at-large for Waging Nonviolence and the author of “Thank You, Anarchy: Notes from the Occupy Apocalypse.” The ability to engage strategically with power structures, some activists came to see, required that they first develop a strong internal set of values. “My hypothesis is that a lot of fears around movement cooptation were actually fears about personal cooptation,” said Brooke Lehman, a veteran in the New York activist scene who offered direct democracy training during the encampment. Many Occupiers were new to political organizing, and had not yet deeply rooted themselves in their values. If Occupiers could gain a firmer sense of their politics and life purpose, Lehman believed, they might reduce their fear of being coopted and therefore feel more comfortable working with people with different political beliefs. Lehman’s theory attracted her to work that fellow activists Kobi and Michael Badger were doing to organize leadership trainings for Occupiers called Occupy Manifest. The trainings involved multiple weekend retreats, a number of which were held at the Watershed Center, a retreat space Lehman helped create for activists, located on a farm two hours north of New York City. A key goal of the Occupy Manifest gatherings, which began shortly after the encampment ended, was to provide activists with the space to collectively reflect on their deepest values, and to use tools like meditation to begin embodying those values as fully as possible. Many of the participants in Occupy Manifest became leaders in the Occupy Sandy relief effort after the superstorm hit New York on Oct. 29, 2012. Occupy Sandy was tremendously successful in its response, using social media to quickly raise over $1 million and mobilize 60,000 volunteers — four times the number of volunteers engaged by the Red Cross. A key element of Occupy Sandy’s success was participants’ willingness to work across political differences, coordinating activities with churches, FEMA and other relief organizations that didn’t necessarily share Occupy’s values and horizontalist style of organizing. According to Kobi, who was involved in both Occupy Manifest and Occupy Sandy, the training provided activists with the tools needed to cooperate across political differences without giving up non-negotiable principles. For Kobi, the deeper trust in self that the trainings facilitated for activists was integral to Occupy Sandy’s flexibility, openness and overall success. Planting seeds for collective liberation Occupy Wall Street is not a complete answer to Angela Davis’ question of “What good is mindfulness in a racially unjust world?” But it revealed important ways mind/body practice can support collective struggle: from improving anti-oppression training to facilitating alliance formation across political differences. The intersection of personal and political transformation remains pregnant with potential. During their dialogue, Jon Kabat-Zinn noted his original skepticism towards Davis’s radical stance on prison abolition. “But then you gave me your book, ‘Are Prisons Obsolete,’ and I’ve changed my mind. I think it’s a fantastic idea.” Mindfulness alone will not spark a political revolution, but when joined by actual revolutionaries, it might expand all of our possibilities for freedom.
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Monday
THE MORUNG EXPRESS
30 March 2015
PERSPECTIVE NEWS ANALYSIS, FEATURE AND DISCOURSE
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his Cockerel had been crowing in intervals for hours now and the bird was flapping its wings with more energy, evidently impatient of proclaiming it was time for humans to rise and build the nation. I recall hearing my Grandmother, Dana Josephina Ongecha Nyo’Tenda, strike a match. From the living room where I slept, I saw the faint light of the Nyangile light up the grass thatched roof. As usual, I admired for a moment the architecture of the palings meeting at the heart of the osuri as well as the beautiful pattern of the grass thatched roof. I knew the drill at dawn: wake up and fold my mat and blankets; step outside and empty my bladder as well as enjoy the gust of fresh oxygen from the valleys of the Bantus of our land; with a calabash, draw some water from the water pot and clean my face; pick the chewing stick to clean my teeth; wait for Danato declare it was time to roll down the valley; cross river Dhene at the shallow point; climb the valley again; and, finally, settle down to the core business of being producers of food, inventors of culture and makers of history. Dana and I would begin ploughing at different paces but, with time, our movements would synchronize. I enjoyed the rhythm. I purposed to listen to Dana’s hoe crack the earth and I would then follow, keeping the rhythm. And, she would reciprocate. Tilling the land became a beautiful dance. But let no one lie to you: cultivating land is hard work.As the sun rays began cracking through the clouds, I was already plotting on ways to distract my beloved Grandmother and catch some rest. I began by telling Dana that I thought my hoe had a problem. “You see Dana,” I told her with the confidence of a Nairobian, “the people who made this hoe did not make it properly, the joint between the wood handle the metal is not tight enough.” The daughter of Ebusubi examined my hoe, knocked on the joint several times with her own hoe and told me in a calm voice that my hoe was fine for the task of the day and that I should continue digging. Within a couple of minutes, I told Dana that I had
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he first time I met Don was at an Indian curry parlor in Brick Lane, London. We each had a plate of Prawn Vindaloo and it was mother-in-law hot. We spent the rest of the evening cooling down on pints of John Courage. The combination of warm beer along with fire-engine red fish curry had a dire effect. But in between refills of the Directors Bitter and trips to the can, Don recruited me to come to America. That was August of 1978. I was twenty-three years of age. I was then part of a newly formed anti-apartheid organization of white South African War Resisters in the city of London. Don, who lived in Brooklyn, New York, had close ties to the leadership of our group, Terry Shott and Bill Anderson. He was eager to get something similar off the ground in the States. Such an enterprise entailed outreach and publicity à la planting the flag. The idea was that I would come over the Atlantic to help Don, and that we would both embark on a speaking tour across the country, talking about the role of South Africa’s war machine, its backers, and ways to oppose it. My plan was to spend about eight weeks in the U.S. I’m still here. Don could be fairly persuasive. By the end of September, 1978 I arrived in New York, and soon thereafter Don and I began the great adventure. Suddenly, I was the character in the Johnny Cash song, “I’ve Been Everywhere”. From palaces like the U.N. to ramshackle churches in Sioux City, Iowa, from the lakefront of Chicago, across the prairies of Nebraska, over the Rocky Mountains, through the deserts of the West to the cities stacked along the Pacific Ocean, down through the bayous of the South, we covered the length and breadth of this country, talking up the cause, all in the space of two months. Woody Guthrie would have been proud of us. My limited knowledge of America then revolved around three avenues, books, films and a jigsaw puzzle I had as a kid, where each piece was a different state. So I was very much in Don’s hands. After all, he had arranged the whole affair. I gotta say, Don had a fair amount of people stashed around the country that he knew…renegade priests, dissident professors, Vietnam veterans, workers organizers, black nationalists, Southern African exiles, journalists, feminists, movement lawyers, student activists, a wealthy benefactor or two, the whole gamut. It was an impressive array, a mini-rainbow nation of leftists and supporters of one stripe or another. We were on the telly and the radio (we were interviewed by the author Studs Terkel in Chicago), we held press conferences, we spoke in town halls and on college campuses, at high
Mirembe! by Babu Ayindo
For my Grandmother, it can never be your turn to eat a little stomach ache. I rendered my diagnosis: it must be sorghum mixed with millet that we ate last night. Dana promptly opened her reed basket and served me the cool waters from the gourd. Like an over-qualified nurse, she told me that the water was medicine enough for my stomach ache and that I should continue ploughing since such aches fade away, of themselves and by themselves, when one is working. At this point, it was quite obvious to my adolesecent spirit that I was not going to get the break that I thought I deserved. You see, it was not just because cultivating the land was hard work, there was another equally important reason as well: blisters. So, you might wonder, why would blisters be a problem? Let me tell you, back in the day, blisters would be a matter of life death for an adolescent. You see, I had noticed that whenever I returned to Nairobi after my four weeks in rural Gem, my close friends (especially the girls, haya semeni ile munasema) raised in or around supermarkets would use my rough palms as the core material for their banter, jokes and mockery. Unfortunately, many of us had been mis-educated into be-
lieving that working on the farm was “backward.” And, therefore, since blisters were evidence enough that I was a “mshamba” [a villager] my self-esteem and my net market value would significantly drop upon return from Gem! But let me not digress. So, back to Grandmother...I began plotting a persuasive argument, a disputation as it were, that my Grandmother would have no option but accept and let me return home and catch some rest. My case was simple and straightforward: I had noticed how the pattern of the harvest cycle dangerously collided with my visits to Gem during the school holidays. Since we had two rainy seasons in Gem, I had noticed that I usually visited during April school holidays when doyo [weeding] was in progress and then in August when the harvest had already taken place and people were preparing the land for cultivation. Therefore, it was ONLY in December that my visit to Gem would coincided with a real harvest of fresh maize. So, why, in the name of God and religion, should Dana make me work for hours in April and August when it was obvious I would not partake of the fruits of my labor?
Walking with the angels Remembering Anti-Apartheid Organizer Don Morton Mike Morgan Counter Punch school assemblies, in union halls, at church bingo sessions, wherever we could get an audience. Remember, this was prior to the age of faxes, texts, emails and the internet. It was a hell of an organizing job and Don pretty much single handedly pulled it off. We travelled around in an old four-cylinder Dodge Dart station wagon that had seen better days. The brakes went in Springfield, Massachusetts. We spent three days there mostly in a bowling alley with cheap booze and that’s when Don threw out his back. Finally the old crate died in Montgomery, Alabama. No angel from Montgomery for us. Stuck in Alabama, Don leaned on one of his money people who bailed us out with a Lee Iacocca rental special, a giant boat of car with a name like a Plymouth Behemoth or a Chrysler Man-of-War. We tooled up the eastern seaboard in this state-of-the-art cruiser, stopping off at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina to speak to a student gathering and to catch the second half of a Jimmy Cliff concert at the college union hall. By the beginning of December 1978, we were back in Brooklyn. I don’t want to dwell on what we were trying to do, but I think the vision deserves a say and a wee tubthump. I owe this to Don, because he was my primary teacher. We believed that white South Africans had to earn the right to live as equals. The road to humanity lay in us actively refusing to go along with the system of apartheid and all of its impedimenta and by throwing our lot in with the aspirations of the oppressed black majority. Racism in South Africa was a white people’s creation. Therefore whites had a particular responsibility to help undo it. This required more than just repudiating the program and its material benefits, but explor-
ing and enacting ways to undermine it, such as refusing to comply with compulsory army service. The choice might have been clear but it was not without the risks of obvious alienation and punitive retribution from the establishment and its loyalists – either stand with the liberation effort or be condemned to rot on the dung heap of world history, alongside the skeletons and cadavers of good Germans, apologists, opportunists and other assorted bloodsuckers who already littered that stack. The price, though steep, seemed worthwhile, for much was at stake. This was the task confronting whites who called themselves South Africans. We both held this to be true then and, if Don were alive today, we would still both hold it to be true. This position not only applies to South Africa but to any society that is riddled with racism and the inequality of white skin privilege. Now back to the yarn. Don then went to work on me to stay in America. He didn’t need the rack, the thumbscrews or the lash because, in my own head, I had already signed on. Like Lou Reed sang, “I wanted to play football for the coach.” Thus began the long march, the great trek, the grind and drama of building what we hoped would become an effective deterrent to the forces of darkness. There were too many adventures to explain here, but once on this road, there was no going back. It was a bit like living out an old Eric Ambler political thriller, either “Journey Into Fear” or “Background to Danger,” those late 1930s novels set in pre-war Europe that reeked of peril and intrigue. We worked with communists (real or imaginary), radicals (real or imaginary) and revolutionaries (real or imaginary). We befriended sympathetic journalists, and were courted by phony South African ones who were Bureau of State Security (BOSS) agents. We
The Morung Express
“I am the one who is always digging and digging” I planned to tell her, “only for other people to eat and eat.” This was grave injustice, I whispered to myself. Surely the Grandmother I know would not tolerate such injustice to an innocent but hard working child! Now, academically comfortable, I was ready for the big moment. To attract attention, I stopped digging so that Dana would take notice. Then, I waited for that moment when she would ask “en ang’o kendo?” [what is it again?]. And, sure enough, Dana fell into my trap. I took the opportunity to lay out my argument, slowly, selfassuredly and beautifully. First, I reviewed the history of my visits and demonstrated how my contributions, by way of labor, were not commensurate with what I consumed from the land. Second, I spoke deliberately slowly and in a low tone because I wanted as aggrieved as possible. And, third, I named examples of people in the family who hardly went to the farm but frequently out-eated everyone. Dana Josephina Ongecha Nyo’Tenda listened intently while I concluded my case: that I, as an accomplished city dweller, did not need to be subjected to rural oppression. Dana kept quiet for quite a while. She then dropped her hoe and walked closer to me. For the first time, she demanded that I look at her when she spoke (In the Luo Nation, we do not look at our elders and elderesses straight in the eye). In Dho’Luo, Dana uttered a simple paragraph, in a timbre I will never forget: [this is a rough translation from Dho’Luo]: “Whenever you cultivate the land, do not cultivate so that YOU will eat from what the earth blesses us with; plough hard so that THOSE who will be alive when the harvest is ready will have food.” Silence. Dana, then ordered me to take a break, carry my hoe and head back home. As I descended the valley and approached the shallow crossing point of river Dhene, I squatted and splashed water on my face. I looked at my image in the water and felt Dana’s words being alchemized in my soul. even had our own organization infiltrated by a South African Police informer, who went public on his return to South Africa. It was high-jinx of the thunder and lightning variety. We made lots of mistakes, but we had some successes and tried to do the right thing. It wasn’t always a bed of roses, but neither was it always a bed of nails. It was the struggle. Above all, we remained a thorn in the side of the regime. In retrospect, I have few regrets. Don was a heavy hitter and he pulled off some important coups. He originally leaked the Frankfurt documents, the paper trail that exposed illegal secret bank loans to the South African government. This resulted in the formation of a group called ELTSA (End Loans to South Africa), a prominent and influential London based organization back in the day. The founder and main mover and shaker of that outfit (he is now a decorated MBE in the U.K.) has attested to Don’s role in this affair. Don also obtained vital information about illegal fuel shipments through the ports of Mozambique by rail and tanker trucks to Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) in contravention of the oil embargo, and he supplied the investigative journalists the necessary dope to lay bare this cover-up. These British writers were awarded for this exposé. Both Don and I testified at the United Nations on the role of foreign mercenaries in Rhodesia, Angola and Namibia, fighting to maintain white supremacist rule. That’s when we made some definitely nasty enemies in places like Boulder, Colorado (headquarters of the Soldier of Fortune magazine, the mercenary recruitment rag). Don also spoke out at the U.N. about South Africa’s covert quest and attainment of nuclear weapons. This kind of work was significant, and it seriously messed with the Boers’ war effort and duplicitous international public relations campaign. Don was a confidant of Breyten Breytenbach, the formerly imprisoned Afrikaner author. In fact, Don and Breyten were in the same clandestine group of white South African rebels named Okhela (the Zulu word for “spark”), which was before my time with him. These were no small feats. He needs to be remembered for them. The American songwriter Bruce Springsteen once said that in every town and on every block there are angels and there are rotters. Don was one of the angels, in fact a larger than life angel. The side of the street that he walked on was the sunny one, or at least he tried to make it sunny. This too should never be forgotten. Mike Morgan served a year in the apartheid military in South Africa, then left and became a founding member of a war resister anti-apartheid group in the USA, SAMRAF, and Brooklynites Against Apartheid. He is a founding editor of Lurch Magazine, and has published extensively on Smokebox.
POLL rESuLTS
Is social media contributing towards positive social change in Nagaland? Some of those who voted YES had this to say: • Yes!! Definitely it does contribute a lot specially to our Naga society. I believe, if it is used in a proper and positive way, it can continue to motivate and ignite young minds as they come together and discuss the issues related to our Naga society and to bring a change. • Yes but both positive and negative. Those who got positive changes silently enjoys the benefits while those who're negatively effected creates social disturbances. • Yes but it is being overshadowed by the negative aspects which is doing more damage. • Yes social media is contributing positive changes in our society. People overlook the good ones but always try to stress on the one or two bad ones which is bad. Look at the our socials sites especially on facebook where we have groups like The Naga Blog and Naga Spear where so many good things are being discussed and being done. I think it is the mentality of our people that needs to change and focus mostly on the good works being done instead of stressing so much on the one or two bad things that mostly overshadows the hundreds of good works. • Yes in good ways if we know how to use it as good tools not as weapons • Yes. Social media has some of the strongest and most potential platforms to reach out to the youths to create awareness and bring change in society. • Yes. Opinions of people are diverse and so are the opinions on social media. But social media is a very accessible platform unlike any other, for anyone to
share views on, interact and discuss. People feel free to discuss, even on concerns which otherwise would not be discussed in person. So yes. • A big YES Without SM the pressures in our society will spill over into greater violence. • Yes. Those with the negative opinion may stop using it ASAP. • Yes, positive social change in social networking sites but not on ground.
79%
They are a confused lot. So in this case the social media is only causing negative impact on society. • 99% wrong but 100% rite • Absolutely a big NO • Maybe only in a little sense as far as we know through social media, we Nagas have known for not even a single reason. Yes, we the public feel free to speak out but our voices are never heard, if I’m wrong give me an example the only way social media did for Nagaland is the Lynching of the rape accused and why? It is all over the world just because of Social Media. We Nagas never realized the outcome like some of my fellow commenter’s but dear friends it’s not the starting the end that matters. Think Thrice before you lay your hands on it. Kuknalim • Yes. More of negativity and less of positivity.
Some of those who voted no had this to say: • Social media is a powerful tool to bring about social change if it is used in a responsible manner. Sadly, this is not the case in Nagaland. The users in the various social media Some of those who voted seem to be immature OTHERS had this to say and have very shal• The man in power do not YES no OTHER low understanding of regards the voice of the comthe issue. The worst part is that most of the users mon peoples. Whatever social media provides does don’t even know their own Naga history and facts. not have much effect as expected. But it does not
10%
11%
mean that social media is ineffective. Point is the man in power should have the burden to serve the people rather than their selfish interest only. • It's a sensitive.... When ill of something goes word out and on the other hand is a source of knowledge and awareness, we are able to know what is going on around ... and of the governmental policies and even they to prefers social Media as to carry out what's best for the general... I might not be right but this is how I see it. • We respect the media for their tireless effort, but they also verify the facts when its shared so that there is no negative impact • Social media can be either contributing positive or negative depending on the mindset and civilization of the people. Immature and narrow mindset comment are often seen in many social media which are not healthy contributions. Positive criticism but not allegations on the basis of personal observation, is important. In some media, many young generation comments on personal observation of allegations, such comment should not have allow to be posted. Without proper analysis and understanding the human value and developmental system in governing, society and environment; many of them comment on their own views. Especially the administration and the media journalist must be very careful and calculative, so that proper mindset of human value, socio-economic development and environmental peace should be prevailed and influence the mindset of the common people.
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Dimapur
NATIONAL
Monday 30 March 2015
The Morung Express
Modi's popularity punctured by discontent, suicides
VAIDI, MArch 29 (reuters): Over a dozen debt-laden farmers have committed suicide in recent weeks in India, and discontent in many rural areas against government policies is turning into anger against Prime Minister Narendra Modi less than a year after he swept into office. The farmer suicides in the most politically sensitive region are the latest in several setbacks for Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is hoping to consolidate power by winning local elections in large, predominantly rural states over the next two years. The government has delayed a comprehensive health plan as it shifts focus from subsidies to investment, while religious tensions have made minorities uneasy. Nevertheless, Modi has made progress with economic reform in his first year - although not as rapidly as some investors would like - and has reined in inflation. In a village in Uttar Pradesh, Dharmendra Singh mourned his brother Babu Singh, who committed suicide after rain de-
Angered by low farmgate prices and the lack of state compensation for crop damage, some villagers said they have ostracised local members of the BJP and barred them from attending weddings. Parties crushed by the BJP in last year's general election have coupled the discontent with street protests against a land acquisition bill that will make it easier for businesses to buy farmland, a potent issue in the countryside. For the BJP, the next major election will be in November in the large, mostly rural state of Bihar, and a poor performance will be a huge setback. The states send representatives to the Rajya Sabha in parliament, where the BJP is struggling to form a majority to match its domination of the Lok Sabha. Couldn't Live
A farmer shows wheat crop damaged by unseasonal rains in his wheat field at Sisola Khurd village in Uttar Pradesh, March With Dignity 24. (REUTERS Photo) With global food pric-
stroyed wheat growing on the five-acre farm he leased from a landlord. Babu Singh, who had run up debts amounting to $13,000, soaked himself in kerosene and set himself on fire on March 19. He
India to airlift its nationals from Yemen New DelhI, MArch 29 (PtI): India will be airlifting its nationals from strife-torn Yemen after getting permission from authorities to fly from Sana’a for three hours a day. “Today we got permission to fly from Sana’a for three hours a day. We will use the slot for evacuating our citizens everyday,” External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said a day after 80 Indians left the city for Djibouti. According to official sources, the government will chalk out a schedule for Air India sorties to evacuate the nationals. Ms. Swaraj also tweeted that India was in the process of sending a ship with a capacity of 1,500 passengers. On Saturday, as many as 80 Indians left Sana’a for Djibouti where Indian mission will assist them in returning home. The Ministry has also set up a 24-hour Control Room to monitor the situation in Yemen where all the airports have been shut down. There are about 3,500 Indians, most of whom are nurses, in various provinces of Yemen including Sana’a.
Indian MPs maiden entry to committees of IPU New DelhI, MArch 29 (IANs): Two Indian parliamentarians have been elected to the standing committees of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) for the first time, an official said here on Sunday. The elections took place during the 132nd assembly of IPU being held in Hanoi, Vietnam, the release said. The Indian delegation, led by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, attended the meeting of the Asia-Pacific geo-political group of IPU of which India is a member. During the meeting, the speaker proposed candidatures of Lok Sabha members Raj Kumar Singh on the bureau of the first standing committee of IPU on peace and international security and Nagendra Singh on the bureau of the second standing committee of IPU on sustainable development, finance and trade. Both the BJP MPs were elected unanimously. They will serve for a period of four years up to 2018 and will be contributing in shaping the agenda and functioning of the committees. This is for the first time, during India's participation in the IPU statutory assemblies, that two of its nominees have been elected unopposed.
Centre calls for studies on cell phones' health hazards New DelhI, MArch 29 (IANs): In the backdrop of the recently concluded spectrum auctions, the science and technology ministry has commissioned research studies on health aspects of mobile phone radiations from 16 scientific institutions, the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) said on Sunday. "This is the first time the government of India is going for a massive evaluation and project proposals received from institutions have been identified for financial support from the Department of Science and Technology following an inter-ministerial committee directive in 2011," COAI said in a statement here. Among the prestigious institutions to be conducting studies are All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in the national capital, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in Bengaluru and the Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar. The key focus of these studies will be on the impact of electromagnetic fields, brain-related effects, biochemical studies, reproduction pattern, comparison of animal and human models and remedial measures, among others, COAI said. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is currently engaged in a study on these lines as recommended by the inter-ministerial committee of 2011, with a target group of 4,500 people in Delhi, while the Tata Memorial Centre is doing research in Mumbai, the statement said. "In compliance with the direction of the Allahabad High Court, a committee was set up by the government in 2012, which submitted its report in 2014 on issues relating to radiations from cell phone tower and handsets." "In this report, it was recommended that the Department of Science and Technology and Indian Council of Medical Research should carry out extensive studies on the Indian conditions," it added.
succumbed to burn injuries six days later. "My brother was banking on the crop so the loss came as the last straw," Dharmendra Singh said in his village, Vaidi, 185 km southeast of Delhi.
"For God's sake why hasn't the government reached out to us? We overwhelmingly voted for Modi as he promised to take care of us but he has stabbed us in the back." In more than a dozen
villages visited by Reuters this week across the state that sends the most lawmakers to parliament, farmers said there was a "crisis" in the countryside, where 70 percent of India's 1.2 billion people live.
es low, an anti-inflation policy that has hit rural incomes and the shift from subsidy to investment spending, debt-laden farmers were already suffering when rain devastated standing winter crops
across north India. Over 10 million hectares of crops were damaged, but the government says there is no clear link to the suicides. "Only the state governments can figure out cases of farmers' suicides," said a senior federal farm ministry official, who did not wish to be identified. "We'll work closely with the affected states if they ask for any specific help." In the case of Singh at least, his family says there is no doubt why he died. The rains earlier this month washed out his entire crop. The fields would have paid for his son's education and daughter's wedding, relatives said. "He knew that he couldn't pay his debt and live with dignity after the crop loss. A little help from the government could have saved my brother," Dharmendra Singh said. It is not unusual for central and state government compensation for crop damage to trickle down slowly, but farmers said they expected more from Modi, who came to power promising efficient and responsive government. Modi tried to address
the issue in a radio address last week, arguing that the land bill would help create rural jobs. But in the villages of Uttar Pradesh, farmers were not impressed. "Instead of ensuring some concrete help to farmers, especially after rains this month, Modi and his government are spending time and energy on the land bill," said Buddha Singh, a district chief of the Bharatiya Kisan Union, a leading farmers' body. The turnaround is dramatic - Modi swept Uttar Pradesh last year, winning 73 of 80 seats with rural voters swayed by a promise to pay high crop prices along with religious tensions that favoured his Hindu nationalist party. Now the same farmers say they regret their support. "Modi has let us down. We have decided to socially boycott BJP politicians, including lawmakers we elected," said Jitendra Kumar, a farmer in Sisola Khurd village. "Some of us had joined BJP as part of its membership drive but we are now going to surrender it."
'If governments discharge duties New healthcare system responsibly, PILs won't be needed' for pregnant mothers
JoDhPur, MArch 29 (PtI): If governments discharge their duties responsibly, there would not be any need of public interest litigations, a senior judge of the Supreme Court has said. Justice T S Thakur of the apex court, said this while delivering a lecture here, and held "lacunae in system" responsible for piling cases in the courts. He was addressing a legal fraternity at the 'Second Marudhar Mridul Memorial Lecture' last night on the topic 'Widening Horizons of Public Interest litigation'. "If the governments discharge their duties responsibly, there would not be any need of PILs," Thakur said.
"If so happens, the judiciary would not have any need to intervene in the functioning of the governments by way of PILs or any other means", he said. While throwing light on the PILs in Indian judicial system, he also said that the "PILs strengthen the democracy". "Earlier, a person could file a petition for his or her personal rights but the issues pertaining to public interest could now be raised through PIL", he said, while reiterating the need in the judiciary to hear them (PILs) with sensitivity. Endorsing Thakur's view point, Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court Sunil Ambwani said that PILs have important role to play, specially
in social and environmental security, and stressed on the need of a litigant to be fully prepared with substantial material, before filing a PIL. Ambwani said that the courts play their role but it is the governments, which has to "finally act". "We can issue orders, directions or guidelines but the actual work would have to be done by the government itself so the people do not have to come to the court against the government", he said. The Rajasthan High Court Chief Justice also said that PILs were "the result of faulty systems", following which, affected persons seek their refuge in the courts, in the form of such litigations.
MuMbAI, MArch 29 (IANs): The cumbersome days of stressful, manual, wired monitoring of the unborn child in pregnant mothers will soon end - thanks to a new system unveiled at a hospital here. The Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital, known as the Sion Hospital, has introduced India's first Wireless Foetal Monitoring System, a state-of-the-art product invented and developed by the University of Nottingham. The Monitoring and Care (MONICA) system has been made available through a donation by Steel Chambers Charitable Foundation of India. The Sion Hospital holds the record for conducting around 14,000 child deliveries a year, the highest in India, said its dean Suleman Merchant. "For the first time in the country,
underprivileged mothers can avail the sophisticated MONICA, developed specially for us," Merchant told IANS. "It uses ECG-like leads placed on the expectant mother's abdomen for live monitoring of foetal ECG, maternal heart rate and uterine contractions. Traditional transducer belts and connecting wires have been done away with completely," he said. Since no belts are used, there is freedom for natural birthing positions, to move around and extra space around the bed for the clinician, thus enhancing the birthing experience, he said. It is sensitive to foetal and maternal heart rates, without causing confusion between the two, works well in obese mothers and drastically reduces the clinician's monitoring time per patient, he added.
Reddy as re-elected CPI General Secretary PuDucherrY, MArch 29 (PtI): CPI today re-elected S Sudhakar Reddy as the general secretary for the second three-year term and elected senior leader Gurudas Dasgupta as deputy general secretary on the concluding day of its 22nd Congress here. Veteran communist leader A B Bardhan was unanimously elected Chairman of a newly-created Permanent Programme Committee which would review the party's programme regularly on the basis of the emerging national economic and political scenario. The party also elected a ninemember central secretariat, comprising Reddy, Dasgupta, D Raja, Shameem Faizee, Amarjeet Kaur, Atul Kumar Anjaan, Ramendrakumar, Pannian Ravindran and K Narayana. The 22nd Congress elected a 32-member national executive and a 124-member national council during
the Congress. A Party Congress is held every three years. More than 20 per cent of the members of the National Council and the National Executive were new faces, party National Council Secretary Shameem Faizee told reporters at the conclusion of its five-day 22nd Party Congress here. The party elected a nine-member central control commission with leaders like E Nageshwara Rao from Andhra Pradesh, Manohar Deshkar from Maharashtra and C A Kurian from Kerala. Reddy, after being elected as the General Secretary for the second term, said there were lively discussions at the meet and the party had decided to reestablish its "independent image" as champion of the downtrodden sections.He underscored the need for Left unity to defend secularism, constitutional right to speech, democracy and An Indian Christian devotee makes a cross with palm leaves after she arrived for the Palm Sunday mass at a Church in Mumbai on Sunday, March 29. Christians comprise 2 percent of India's more cultural independence. than 1.2 billion people. (AP Photo)
Taj Corridor now an animal graveyard, garbage dump Brij Khandelwal
T
IANS
he Taj Corridor, a vast wasteland situated along the Yamuna river and lying between two world heritage monuments, the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort, has now been reduced to a dumping ground for garbage and an unofficial burial ground for animals. Foreign tourists have taken numerous images of bloated camels, swollen and stinking donkeys, dead dogs and heaps of fish bones along a stretch that is now a visually ugly sight and mars the scenery between the two great monuments visited by millions round the year. "The Taj Corridor is an example of how we hardly care for our heritage and the tourism," a bitter Surendra Sharma, president of the Braj Mandal Heritage Conservation Society, told IANS. "Such an ugly sight near the world's most beautiful monument can be repulsive and nauseating," NRI Rajesh Kumar told
IANS. Despite the 2006 Supreme Court directive to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to green the wasteland, neither the Uttar Pradesh forest department nor the ASI has made any move to clear the debris and turn the area into a green lung. Once at the centre of a huge political furore, the ill-conceived Taj Corridor brought down the Mayawati government in 2003 on charges of corruption. The Supreme Court in the same year stayed construction on the site. Agra Development Foundation President and eminent lawyer K.C. Jain told IANS: "In December 2005, the apex court constituted a committee of experts to give its recommendations. In February 2006, on the basis of this report, the Supreme Court directed the ASI to present a plan of action. Since then the matter has been hanging, despite promises by former tourism minister Ram Naik and present Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma." "It is not our responsibility to
clean up the area. We will ask the municipal authorities and send them a notice," the regional office of the UP Pollution Control Board said. A district official told IANS: "The Taj Corridor is court property and we cannot interfere till the stay is lifted." The Agra Development Authority officials said they had put up an iron gate to regulate the movement of undesirable elements. The gate, however, always remains open and there is no one there to look after the incomplete corridor which has become a dumping ground of municipal waste. "The real fear is that dreaded diseases could break out as carcasses are lying scattered around, inviting mosquitoes and parasites," tourist guide Ved Gautam told IANS. The Rs.175 crore ($3.5 million) project was to be built on a platform, raised from scoopedup silt of the river, and was to comprise an amusement park, malls and commercial shops,
also walkways through the dense wilderness to let tourists take a leisurely stroll on moonlit nights, according to the National Projects Corp Ltd., which was assigned the task. The corridor was to begin from Khan-e-Alam, close to the Taj Mahal, and end two kilometres towards the city behind Agra Fort. It was to be later extended to allow tourists to reach Etmaddaula and Ram Bagh across the river. For three months, hundreds of tractors, earthmovers and other machines worked round the clock to dig out silt and deposit it on the riverbank to create a new platform. Conservationists raised a hue and cry, saying that the corridor would endanger the monument. Allegations of large-scale corruption surfaced, and the central government ordered the work to be suspended in 2003. The scandal involved the allotment of large tracts of state government land along the proposed corridor to a private builder for a song. Some people in Agra still feel
the project was a victim of politics. Some say the project could genuinely boost tourism as it was strategically located between the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. "The previous NDA (National Democratic Alliance) government used it as an excuse to settle scores with Mayawati in 2003," activist Shravan Kumar Singh told IANS. "It might even help save the dying Yamuna river once people start coming to the lush green lawns of the corridor. A rethink with an open mind is called for," environmental activist Rajan Kishore told IANS. "Now that a platform has already come up, it can be cleaned up and used for various social and cultural activities. Even a night bazaar could come up. Hotels can be roped in as well. The army unit stationed nearby and in the fort can be asked to supervise things. We need to innovate and improvise rather than keep complaining," Kishore added. Be that as it may, the last word has yet to be said on the corridor.
InternatIonal
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Monday 30 March 2015
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In Thailand, a mercurial junta leader known for sharp tongue lowing the coup, Prayuth said: “I’m not here to argue with anyone. I want to bring everything out in the open and fix it ... Everyone must help me. (But) do not criticize, do not create new problems. It’s no use.” On Bikinis Sept. 17, 2014 — After two British tourists were murdered on the Thai island of Koh Tao, Prayuth triggered an uproar by insinuating that foreign visitors — attractive ones, at least — were endangering themselves by dressing skimpily. “I’m asking if they wear bikinis in Thailand, will they be safe? In this Monday, Feb. 9, 2015 photo, Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha Only if they are not beausmiles during a welcome luncheon hosted by Japan Business Federation in Tokyo. tiful.” Since leading a putsch that ousted Thailand’s elected government last May, generalturned-prime minister Prayuth Chan-ocha has been thrust from the relative privacy of army life into the public arena of the politician. (AP File Photo)
BANGKOK, MArch 29 (AP): Ear tugs. A flying banana peel. Sarcastic remarks about getting smacked, or punched — or even executed. Such is life for the press corps covering Thailand’s notoriously testy military ruler. Since leading a putsch that ousted Thailand’s elected government last May, general-turnedprime minister Prayuth Chan-ocha has been thrust from the relative privacy of army life into the public arena of the politician. He has pounded on the
podium during news conferences, lambasted his questioners, and simply stomped away. In one case, he summoned two journalists for asking “inappropriate” questions about when and whether elections would be held. His government, meanwhile, has engaged in censorship and leaned on media outlets to censor themselves. But the mercurial junta leader has also presided over light-hearted press briefings filled with humor — even song — in which journalists have joked
Freedom Of Expression Sept. 23, 2014 — Speaking after the junta forced the cancellation of a university seminar on the demise of foreign dictatorships, Prayuth was asked whether the junta would open a channel for critics to express their views. “I’m opening one right now. You’re yapping right now. I never stopped you, did I?”
back. The media found it less funny Wednesday when Prayuth sardonically suggested he might execute journalists deemed overly critical. Manop Thip-osod, a spokesman for the Thai Journalists Association, said earlier this month that the way Prayuth communicates “has to change.” Some of Prayuth’s most memorable comments and Podium Smack interactions with the media Sept. 24, 2014 — After since he seized power: a reporter jokingly asked if he would only ever seek Don’t Argue the premiership through May 26, 2014 — In his a coup, Prayuth shot back first official speech fol- by threatening, in jest:
“I’ll smack you” with the homemade bombs exploded outside a luxury podium. shopping mall in Bangkok, slightly injuring one person, Multiple Personalities Nov. 3, 2014 — “I’m well Prayuth was asked if the aware that I have a short perpetrators were trying to temper,” Prayuth told the discredit the government. press. “Today I’ve calmed “Everybody knows that,” he down a lot. ... I have to snapped. “Otherwise they thank you for the warn- would have exploded the ings and suggestions. And I bombs in the jungle. Why won’t change my personal- the hell are you asking this?” ity, because I already have Noodles And Big Brother several personalities.” Feb. 12, 2015 — Asked about security forces the Ear Massage Nov. 20, 2014 — A vid- junta has deployed to coneo posted on Facebook by trol ousted Prime Minisa Bangkok Post reporter ter Yingluck Shinawatra’s in the northeastern city of movements, Prayuth said: Khon Kaen showed Pra- “If she wants to go to eat yuth patting the baseball some noodles, or go anycap-clad head of a camera- where, then she can go. But man in front of him. He then when they don’t allow her began nonchalantly tugging to go, then she cannot eat.” and twisting the man’s ear as he fielded questions. A On Power Feb. 19, 2015 — “It all government spokesman later said the gesture was falls on me because I’m the prime minister. Let’s good-natured teasing. say I exercise every power (I have), do you want that? The Banana Peel Dec. 24, 2014 — When ... Do you want me to shut journalists kept asking Pra- down the media? .... If my yuth to face the camera dur- powers were that vast, I ing a public event they were could just have people execovering, the junta leader cuted if they do something took the peel of a banana wrong, but I haven’t done he was eating and hurled anything like that.” it at one of their heads. The act drew surprised laughter Punch In The Face from officials and the press. March 6, 2015 — “The other day I was asked by a reporter what kind of job the Don’t Ask Dumb government has done. I alQuestions Feb. 3, 2015 — After two most punched that person
in the face. (We’ve) done so sponding to allegations of abuse and slavery involving much. Can’t you see?” the fishing industry, Prayuth asked the media not Birthday Plans March 16, 2015 — “I’m to report the issue without staying home. In the bar- considering how it might racks,” he said, a few days affect the country’s reputabefore turning 61 on March tion. “If they aren’t buying 21. “Do not bother me. I the (seafood), you must be responsible — you who like was born alone.” to fan the news.” Philosophy On Gardening March 19, 2015 — When Execution, Maybe? March 25, 2015 — In an the Supreme Court indicted Yingluck on charges of exchange regarding the limneglect for a money-losing itations of reporting about rice subsidy program, Pra- the junta, Prayuth said: “A yuth took questions from little criticism, that’s acceptreporters, then paused able. But if you’re saying evshortly after to pluck gar- erything is a failure ... how denias from a pot outside the heck could that be? The his office. “Some wither- past was worse.” He warned there would ing flowers have to be discarded,” he said pensively. be consequences for go“These plants, we have to ing too far, and a reporter take care of them every day. asked him to clarify what This flower is old. Don’t pay those might be. The reply: “Execution, maybe? You’re attention to it.” asking a silly question. Just don’t do it.” Too Much Democracy March 23, 2015 — “In Later, as he prepared the past, our society expe- to depart on an official rienced many problems visit to Brunei, reporters because we were too dem- joked that the death threat ocratic,” Prayuth declared had killed their need to in a speech. Still, Thailand ask questions. “I’ll use the remains “99 percent” free, guillotine,” Prayuth shot he said, because if it wasn’t back. “I’ll deal with the “we’d jail (our opponents) media a little bit. We love and put them before the fir- each other already. I’m ing squad. Then it would all asking you to help a litbe over and I wouldn’t have tle, not to defend me, but to lie awake at night.” to create love and unity. We’ve come to this point Importance Of Seafood anyway, so let’s turn a criMarch 25, 2015 — Re- sis into an opportunity.”
Pope, on Palm Sunday, pays tribute to “today’s martyrs” VA T I c A N c I T Y, MArch 29 (rEuTErS): Pope Francis led the world’s Roman Catholics in Palm Sunday celebrations by paying tribute to those killed for their faith, a reference to the victims of Islamic State militants. Francis, who earlier this month began the third year
of his papacy, presided at a colourful procession in St. Peter’s Square commemorating the day the Bible says people of Jerusalem welcomed Jesus days before he was crucified. Thousands of people, including the 78-year-old Argentine pope and prelates dressed in red vest-
ments, carried palm fronds and branches in St. Peter’s Square on the day that marks the start of Holy Week, which ends on Easter Sunday. In his homily during the Mass that followed, Francis, who last month denounced the killing of 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians by Islamic State militants in
Pope Francis blesses the crowd as he leaves after a Palm Sunday Mass he celebrated in St. Peter’s Square, at the Vatican on Sunday, March 29. Pope Francis walked solemnly through St. Peter’s Square in a Palm Sunday procession to usher in Holy Week ahead of Easter. Francis clutched a palm frond for the religious service, celebrated outside St. Peter’s Basilica. (AP Photo)
Libya, paid tribute to those he said were being killed for their faith today. “We think too of the humiliation endured by all those who, for their lives of fidelity to the Gospel, encounter discrimination and pay a personal price,” he said, speaking in Italian. “We think too of our brothers and sisters who are persecuted because they are Christians, the martyrs of our own time. There are many of them. They refuse to deny Jesus and they endure insult and injury with dignity,” he said. Francis has at times expressed alarm over the rise of Islamic State militants and the plight of Christians in the Middle East. He has said that the international community would be justified in using military force as a last resort to stop “unjust aggression” but that it should not be up to a single nation to decide how to intervene in the conflict. The coming week is one of the busiest in the liturgical calendar for the leader of the world’s 1.2 billion Roman Catholics.
A Sunday, March 29, 2015 photo provided by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada shows a Air Canada Airbus A-320 at Halifax International Airport after an “abrupt” landing. The Airbus 320 skidded off the runway at the Halifax airport in bad weather, and officials said Sunday 23 people were taken to a hospital for observation and treatment of minor injuries. None of the injuries were considered life threatening, Air Canada said. (AP Photo)
Multi-tasking can hamper your brain NEw YOrK, MArch 29 (IANS): Multi-tasking can hamper your performance and may even damage your brain, claim researchers from Stanford University. The team found that people who are involved with multi-tasking cannot pay attention and recall information than those who complete one task at a time. The Stanford team compared groups of people based on their tendency to multitask and their belief
that it helps their performance. They found that heavy multi-taskers were actually worse at multitasking than those who like to do a single thing at a time. The frequent multi-taskers performed worse because they had more trouble organising their thoughts and filtering out irrelevant information. They were also slower at switching from one task to another.The team also showed that in addition to slowing you down, multi-tasking lowers
your IQ, entrepreneur.com reported. Another study from University of London found that participants who multi-tasked during cognitive tasks experienced IQ score declines. The IQ drops of 15 points for multitasking men lowered their scores to the average range of an eight-year-old child. While more research is needed to determine if multi-tasking is physically damaging the brain, it is clear that multi-tasking has negative effects.
Lee eulogized at funeral as architect of Singapore SINGAPOrE, MArch 29 (AP): Singaporeans bid farewell to longtime leader Lee Kuan Yew on Sunday with an elaborate procession and a three-hour state funeral at which his son, the current prime minister, eulogized the statesman and declared that the wealthy city-state he helped build is his monument. Undeterred by heavy rain, tens of thousands of people lined a 15-kilometer (9-mile) route through the city to catch a glimpse of the funeral cortege. Lee’s coffin, draped in Singapore’s red and white flag and protected from the downpour by a glass casing, lay atop a ceremonial gun carriage that was solemnly led past city landmarks from Parliament to a cultural center where the state funeral was held. Along the way, crowds of people chanted “Lee Kuan Yew,” snapped photos with smartphones and waved Singapore’s flag. Four howitzers were fired in a nearby field, air force fighter jets streaked over the island, with one peel-
ing off in a “missing man” formation, and navy patrol ships blasted horns. “To those who seek Mr. Lee Kuan Yew’s monument, Singaporeans can reply proudly: Look around you,” Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in the first of 10 eulogies at the funeral, which was attended by more than 2,000 people, including schoolchildren, Singapore’s elite, world leaders and royalty. Occasionally drawing tears and laughter, Lee said an important part of his father’s legacy is that “Singapore’s voice is heard and we enjoy far more influence on the international stage than we have any reason to expect.” As the service neared its conclusion, civil defense sirens blared across the island to signal a minute’s silence. The government had asked trains and buses to stand still. People flocked to a crematorium where a private cremation will be held for a final glimpse of the cortege. During a week of national mourning that began last Monday after Lee’s death at
age 91, some 450,000 people lined up for hours to briefly view the statesman’s coffin at Parliament House. A million people visited tribute sites at community centers around the city. The expansive show of emotion is a rare event for Singapore and its 5.5 million people. The island nation, about four times the size of Washington, D.C., is known around the world as a wealthy trade and finance center with a strict social order that includes a ban on chewing gum and caning for some crimes. Lee was Singapore’s prime minister for more than three decades, ruling with an iron grip until 1990. He is regarded by Singaporeans as the architect of their nation’s prosperity and harmonious relations among ethnic Chinese, Malay and Indian populations. But his authoritarian rule and crushing of dissent has also left a legacy of restrictions on free speech, a tame media and a stunted democracy. Earlier this week, lawmakers paid a teary tribute to Lee in a special sitting of
Lee among tallest leaders: Narendra Modi
The family of the late Lee Kuan Yew arrives at the start of the state funeral at the University Cultural Center on Sunday, March 29, in Singapore. During a week of national mourning that began Monday after Lee’s death at age 91, some 450,000 people queued for hours for a glimpse of Lee’s coffin at Parliament House. A million people visited tribute sites at community centers across the island and leaders and dignitaries from more than two dozen countries attended the state funeral. (AP Photo)
Parliament. Low Thia Khiang, the leader of Singapore’s tiny political opposition, acknowledged Lee’s role in nation-building in a brief speech, but said he did not believe one-party rule was the key to the country’s economic development.
“Many Singaporeans were sacrificed during the process of nation-building and policymaking, and our society has paid a price for it,” he said. Leaders and dignitaries from more than two dozen countries attended the funeral. The U.S.
delegation was led by former President Bill Clinton. Others included the prime ministers of India, Japan and Australia. Abroad, India declared a national day of mourning and New Zealand government flags were at half-staff.
SINGAPOrE, MArch 29 (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Singapore’s founder leader Lee Kuan Yew, who was cremated on Sunday, as “among the tallest leaders of our times” and a friend of India. Shortly after arriving here to attend the funeral of Lee who died on March 23, Modi said that Lee believed in India’s potential “more than many of us did”. Modi was among the world leaders who gathered here to pay their last respects to Lee. “The passing away of Lee Kuan Yew marks the end of an era. He was among the tallest leaders of our times,” Modi told the media. “He was a global thinker who saw things ahead of others. He was an advocate of economic progress, but also made tireless efforts to advance peace and stability in our region,” he added. Stating that Lee’s personal life was an “inspiration for many like me”, the prime minister wrote in the condolence book: “He (Lee) was a torchbearer of hope, not just for Singapore, but for all of Asia. “Today, the flame is no more, but this was a torch that lit the lamp of hope in many new nations. As long as these lamps flicker, he will continue to inspire, eternally. “...I bow to this committed Karma Yogi, this great man. On behalf of all Indians, I pay homage to him.” Modi said Lee believed in India’s potential “more than many of us did”, adding “India’s relations with Singapore is one of our strongest relationships in the world and Singapore is a key pillar of India’s Act East Policy”. Modi declared that India was with Singapore in this moment of grief by observing a day of public mourning on Sunday.
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Monday 30 March 2015
The Morung Express
Brazil beats Chile in friendly match
WBC featherweight champion Jhonny Gonzalez, left, of Mexico, takes a punch from Gary Russell Jr., of the United States, during their title fight in Las Vegas on Saturday, March 28. Russell took the title with a fourth-round win. (AP Photo)
Mitchell starc: bowler who dominated the batsman's game
MELbOUrNE, March 29 (IaNS): Who could have imagined at the start of the World Cup that in a batsman-dominated game, the player of the tournament would eventually be a fast bowler? Australia's Mitchell Starc showed that a bowler with the right pace and control can make a mark in cricket's biggest stage, even in conditions favouring willowers. Consistently delivering at 145 km and swinging it both ways, Starc turned out to be a big tormentor of the top batting guns. Sending the World Cup's biggest hitter, New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum, packing in the fifth ball of the final exemplifies this, and that could have laid the foundation for Australia's ultimate triumph at the Melbourne
Cricket Ground. "He was a bit too good for me today, that's for sure. Yeah, look, he deserves the Man of the Tournament for me. He was outstanding, bowled at good pace, he swung the ball late, and he was incredibly accurate all the way along, as well," McCullum said after the match. Australia chased down the 184-run target with 101 balls remaining and seven wickets in hand, thus clinching their fifth world title on Sunday. Asked at the final postmatch presentation ceremony if he was the best bowler in the world, Starc said: "I wouldn't say that." The 25-year-old left arm pacer finished this World Cup with striking figures of 22 wickets at an average of 10.18, with an economy rate of 3.5.
In a tournament that saw two double-hundreds, two batsman get past 500 runs overall and 35 centuries scored, Starc's figures of 6/28 in Australia's first match against New Zealand at the Eden Park in Auckland gave an indication of the promising career ahead for the Sydneyborn cricketer. Making his One-DayInternational (ODI) debut against India at Visakhapatnam in October 20, 2010, he has till date played 41 ODIs claiming 83 wickets with a very good economy rate of 4.7. Many feel Starc is surely on the right path in emulating the likes of Pakistan bowling great Wasim Akram and teammate Mitchell Johnson as one of the most feared leftarmers in cricket history. "I think Starcky de-
serves the Man of the Series award. I think he's been exceptional," Australia's retiring captain Michael Clarke said after the seven-wicket victory in the final. Starc feels he has reaped the fruits of his hard work. "I've worked really hard at it for a number of months with Craig McDermott (Australian bowling coach). A few series ago, we sat down and to see it come to fruition... It's been phenomenal," he said. Starc has been far from consistent as a Test player, being in and out of the team during his short 15-match career. But in ODIs, he has been a completely changed bowler, standing by the skipper and delivering when the situation demanded the most.
LONDON, March 29 (aP): Substitute Roberto Firmino scored a secondhalf winner as Brazil beat Chile 1-0 in an ill-tempered friendly on Sunday for its eighth straight victory in Dunga's second spell as coach. Firmino lit up a physical game at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium with a rare moment of class, running onto Danilo's through-ball and rounding the goalkeeper before slotting the ball into an empty net in the 72nd minute. It was one of Brazil's few sights on goal in a scrappy performance in the last match of its global tour before the Copa America, which is played in Chile over June and July. However, the feel-good factor is back in Brazil's national team following the humiliating end to its home World Cup, when it lost 7-1 to Germany in the semifinals and 3-0 to the Netherlands in the thirdplace playoff. Dunga, who was also in charge from 2006-10, has started his second stint with a run of victories in locations ranging from Miami to Istanbul, Beijing and Paris — and the goals have flowed, too. But in London, Chile proved a tough proposition. Looking to gain a measure of revenge after their penalty-shootout elimination by Brazil at the World
Brazil’s Neymar, left, challenges for the ball with Chile’s Roberto Gutierrez during the international friendly soccer match between Brazil and Chile, at the Emirates stadium, in London, Sunday, March 29. (AP Photo)
Cup in the last 16, the Chileans hounded and harried their opponents. Neymar, in particular, was targeted. Hacked at twice by Miiko Albornoz in the opening 11 minutes, the Barcelona forward was then trodden on by central defender Gary Medel in a 22nd-minute incident missed by English referee Martin Atkinson. So frustrated was Neymar by the
end of the first half that he was booked for an accumulation of fouls made in retribution. Brazil started with a much-changed side from the one that beat France 3-1 on Thursday and carved out just one chance in the opening half, with Douglas Costa slashing a shot wide from the angle. Chile looked dangerous on the counter-attack, especially Alexis San-
chez on the ground where he plays his club football, but Brazil goalkeeper Jefferson wasn't called up to make a genuine save until the second half. And even then, they were fairly routine stops from free kicks from Sanchez. Firmino was one of four substitutes introduced by Dunga in the 61st minute and they helped give the Brazilians a foothold in the match.
Argentina manage without Messi in win over El Salvador
WaShINGTON, March 29 (rEUTErS): Argentina rested superstar Lionel Messi but were still too powerful for El Salvador in a 2-0 friendly win over the Central American minnows at Fedex Field on Saturday. A deflected Ever Banega strike on 54 minutes and a curling free-kick from debutant Federico Mancuello three minutes from time secured a straightforward win for the World Cup finalists as they build towards June's Copa America in Chile. Although Argentina football officials said early this week that tests showed Messi suffered no serious injury to his right foot when he took a knock in Barcelona's 2-1 win over Real Madrid
last Sunday, he missed training with the team in Washington on Thursday. Argentina boss Gerardo Martino opted not to take any risks for Saturday's encounter at the home of the Washington Redskins with another friendly against Ecuador on the horizon on Wednesday in suburban New York. Martino said that even though the tests showed no cause for concern, Messi continued to feel discomfort. "In training on Friday he tried to work out and could not," he said. "Therefore we prefer not to play him. We're not going to risk a player. In the same way, I cannot guarantee you he will face Ecuador in three days." Messi's Barca team-mate Javi-
er Mascherano was also omitted from the starting line-up. Even so, Argentina dominated the match against the central American side ranked 87th in the world by FIFA. They saw a clear chance go begging in the second half, with in-form Juventus star Carlos Tevez firing wide two minutes before Banega's long range effort struck El Salvador's Nestor Renderos and flew past Salvadoran keeper Derby Carrillo to give the World Cup runners-up the lead. Mancuello, who replaced struggling Manchester United star Angel Di Maria with 17 minutes to play, made a quick impact with his swinging effort that dropped into the far corner.
public discourse
Transformative changes is never late
Democracy - its value and practice in Nagaland
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he powerhouse in democratic system of governance is people’s rights, opinions and expressions, which are enshrined in Article 19 of the Constitution of India. The era of Kingship and Monarchy, are the matters of bygone days and remain as history. There is nothing much to adopt from these system of governance. The monarchy in England is merely surviving as a Titular Head with a slogan ‘Long live King. King never dies!!’ Parliamentary democracy through people’s participation and representative system of governance is a cohesive force, which can deliver progressive, judicious and responsive government. The Kingship in our neighbouring Nepal had discontinued few years back and it is striving for stronger popularly elected government though Maoism/Communism still holds influence. Therefore, without going further, it is undisputed that in the present World order, people’s desire to have a government of their choice with their participation is the best and most suitable for the present Nations political system. The democratic system of governance through people’s representation is by way of periodical Election through voting mode by the eligible citizens. According to Black’s Law Dictionary- Democracy means ‘Government of the people, either directly or through representative’. Government means- ‘the structures of principles and rules determining how a State or organisation is regulated, the sovereign power in a State or Nation, an organisation through which a body of people exercises political authority, the machinery by which sovereign power is expressed’. According to Britannica Encyclopedia Democracy means ‘Form of government in which supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving free election. In a direct democracy, the public participates directly like in GREEK CITY STATES. Most democracies today are representative. The concept of representative democracy arose largely from ideas and institutions during the European Middle Ages and the enlightenment and in the American and French Revolutions. Democracy has come to imply universal suffrage, competition for office, freedom of speech and
the press and the rule of law. According to Britannica Encyclopedia - Government means ‘political system by which a body of people is administered and regulated. Different levels of government typically have different responsibilities the level closet to those governed is local government (village councils, municipal bodies) Regional government comprise a group of individual communities. National government control all the territory within internationally recognised borders and have responsibilities not shared by their sub national counterparts. Most governments exercises executive, legislative and judicial powers’. The definition of Democracy was given by many political philosophers, thinkers and writers but amongst them it was Abraham Linclon’s Gettysburgh Address made on November 19th 1863 which is much inspiring and convincing; “ Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceives in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation, so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this. But in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot allow this ground. The brave man, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us- that from these honoured dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”
The preamble of the Constitution of India says WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a (SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC) and to secure to all its citizens; JUSTICE, social economic and political: LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith
and worship: EQUALITY of status and opportunity: FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the nation : IN OUR CONSTITUIENT ASSEMBLY this twenty-sixth of November, 1949, DO HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION. The present State of Nagaland came into being as a 16th State in the Union of Union of India out of a Political Agreement popularly known as SIXTEEN POINT and it was formally declared by the President of India on 1st December, 1963. The special provision made in the Constitution of India for the State of Nagaland is Article 371 (A) which speaks about the protection of our customary practices and procedure rights, ownership & transfer of land and natural resources, social and religious practices. In this regard, the Nagaland Legislative Assembly has been constitutionally empowered to make necessary legislation as deem fit and proper for the State of Nagaland.
der any law made by Parliament.’ Corresponding to this constitutional provision, the relevant statute The Representation of the People Act, 1951 that is also quoted as follows: Sec.3. Qualifications for membership of the Council of States – A person shall not be qualified to be chosen as a representative of any State or Union territory in the Council of States unless he is an elector for a Parliamentary constituency. Sec. 4. Qualification for membership of the House of the People- A person shall not be qualified to be chosen to fill a seat in the House of the People unless – (a) in the case of a seat reserved for the Scheduled Castes in any State, he is a member of any of the Scheduled Castes, whether of that State or of any other State and is an elector for any Parliamentary constituency. (b) In the case of a seat reserved for the Scheduled Tribes in any State (other than those in the autonomous districts in Assam), he is a member of any of the Scheduled Tribes whether of that State (excluding the tribal areas of Assam), or of any other State and is an elector for any Parliamentary constituency. Others are not relevant for the State of Nagaland. Sec.5 Qualifications for membership of a Legislative Assembly- A person shall not be qualified to be chosen to fill a seat in the Legislative Assembly of a State unless(a) in the case of a seat reserved for the Scheduled Castes or for the Scheduled Tribes of that State, he is a member of any of those castes or of those tribes, as the case may be, and is an elector for any Assembly constituency in that State. (b) in case of a seat reserved for an autonomous district of Assam, he is a member of a Scheduled Tribe of any autonomous district and is an elector for the Assembly constituency in which such seat or any other seat is reserved for that district and (c) in the case of any other seat, he is an elector for any Assembly constituency in that State. In view of the above constitutional and statutory provision that prescribes for eligibilities and qualifications of the people’s representatives like MP/MLA in India, imposition of any other condition/criteria by any authority/forum other than the Parliament would be unconstitutional and ad inito void. Besides, it would be also treacherous and looting of the very essence of the people’s rights.
Qualifications for Member of Parliament and member of state legislature in India The Constitution of India by Article 84 provides for qualification for membership of Parliament (Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha) which is quoted as follows; ‘ A person shall not be qualified to be chosen to fill a seat in Parliament unless he: (a) Is a citizen of India and makes and subscribes before some persons authorised in that behalf by the Election Commission on oath or affirmation according to the form set out for the purpose in the Third Schedule. (b) is, in the case of a seat in the Council of State (i.e Rajya Sabha) not less than thirty years of age and in the case of a seat in the House of the People (i.e Lok Sabha) not less than twenty five years of age and (c) Possesses such other qualifications as may be prescribed in that behalf by or under any law made by Parliament.’ The Constitution of India by Article 173 provides for qualification for membership of the State Legislature which is quoted as follows; ‘ A person shall not be qualified to be chosen to fill a seat in the Legislature of a State unless he ;(A) is a citizen of India and makes and subscribes before some persons authorised in that behalf by the Election Commission on oath or affirmation according to the form set out for the purpose in the Third Schedule. (B) is, in the case of a seat in the Legislative Assembly not less than twenty five years of age The Present Practice Of Democracy In Nagaland and in the case of a seat in the Legislative 1. The selection of candidates is like putting Council not less than thirty years of age and the cart before the horse. Candidates are (C) Possesses such other qualifications as proposed (by clans/villages) and in some may be prescribed in that behalf by or uncases force to contest without assessing
their calibre, capability and efficiency of the person to be as a Law maker. That who have crores in hand are the most preferred ones. This practice, if adaptable in Indian Democracy, only Ambanis, Tatas, Mittals and other top business tycoons can occupy the peoples’s seat of MP/MLA. 2. Those persons in public employment may be IAS officers,NCS officers HODs, Engineers or else are all public servants. Their acumen in management of the organs of the State administration and agencies may be quite excellent but their inherent talent and acquired capacity may not be accurate and adequate to prudently dispense the tasks of ‘by the people, of the people, and, for the people’. Therefore, it would be just, fair and reasonable to have them as our great pillars for effective and vibrant governance. 3. The proposals and setting up of candidates by clans and village authorities deserves to be discouraged as this practice is a mockery in democracy, unconstitutional and irrational. The relevant statute, Nagaland Village Council Act nor Article 371A of Indian Constitution never empowers for setting up of consensus candidate by a village authority. This practice is very unhealthy which negates the entire principles of democratic norms and practices. 4. The voters of Nagaland are totally ignorant about our democratic rights of Right to exercise our precious vote to elect our representative i.e. MP/MLA. In total contrast, the voters are none better than demon to rob the candidates to meet their lusts. If this trend is to be continued as a desire of the people, we should not murmur about bad road, poor electricity, no water, decimal infrastructure, decaying public services. Our Hon’be Ministers/so called parliamentary Secretaries/MLAs takes Oath of allegiance with sacks of debts on their back and eventually they are compel to defy the Oath taken in the name of God. They cannot deliver governance as people’s representative but functions entrepreneurs and commissioned agents with people’s power. Let us retrieve our great gift of honesty, boldness and truth to bring transformative changes in our political system of governance by proper and fair adaptation of democratic principles. NAGALAND is a part of World and we have the potentialities and efficiencies to tell to the World by reaffirming our motto NAGALAND FOR CHRIST before we grumble in complete isolation of dark-wall. N. Mangyangtemjen Jamir Advocate
Readers may please note that the contents of the articles, letters and opinions published do not reflect the outlook of this paper nor of the Editor in any form.
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PHOM MONYIU FESTIVAL Issued by Phom Monyiu 2015 Organising Committee Dimapur Phom Union
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he Dimapur Phom Union is all set to celebrate the Phom Monyiu Festival on 2nd April, 2015 at Dimapur District Sports Complex (DDSC). The daylong celebration covering two sessions would showcase log drum beating, folk dances, modern folk songs, indigenous games, lenglengkhongkhong (bamboo dance), traditional attire etc.
The people of the Phom-Naga community celebrate Monyiu, their biggest traditional festival from April 01 - 06 every year. This is a spring festival normally observed after the sowing is done in their paddy fields. This is to invoke God’s blessing to have a bountiful harvest. Monyiu also marks the end of winter and the onset of the monsoon season. The traditional Phom belief has it, that the souls of the departed members leave for their permanent abode only after the celebration of the Monyiu festival. Therefore, Monyiu is also the time to bid adieu to the souls of dear and near ones died in the foregoing year. It is also to be noted that in the ancient past, summer was the time when maximum number of death due to sickness occurred in their community. They, therefore, considered Monyiu as a dividing line between the dead and the livings. As such, as future is uncertain, great love and concern would be shared with
friends, relatives and members of the community by the exchange of gifts, rice-beer, meat and various food items and also by making merriment. Monyiu is also the time of great romance, specially for the young lovers. Thus, many young boys would take the risk to climb up lofty cliff, tall trees or swim over still water or strong current in search of beautiful flowers like Minchu (Orchid), Monyiuchu (Lily) etc. to give as gifts to their sweethearts. It is also seen that Monyiu is the time when sisters and daughters who are married are reminded that they are still honoured and cared for. For, they would be invited to their parent’s or brother’s house to celebrate the feast together. And many gifts, food items and thigh of the animal killed in the family would be given to
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them. Wealthy ones and warriors also exhibit their social status by dressing themselves and their family members with unique attires during Monyiu. The skull of the enemy killed in the war were to be displayed by performing rituals during the festival. Their houses would be peculiarly decorated during such occasion. Monyiu is also the time when young boys and girls would be taught their customary practices. Folk songs and dances would be taught during Monyiu. It is also the time when young boys renew their cordial relationship with their close friends by inviting them to have feast, which is called ‘Mongchembahahying’. Infact, number six, being one of the Phoms traditional numbers, Monyiu celebration also stretches over six days.
Near Patkai bridge
Old NST fly over
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Day – 1 : The first day is called ShongtenLaiphen. On this day, plantain leaves and bamboos for steaming food items are collected. It is interesting to know that on this particular day, those who do not own any farm are at liberty to collect these materials from anyone else’ farm without permission. And they will not be fined for that.
Day – 2 : The second day of Monyiu is called ‘AEIHA OKSHOK’. With all the essential stuffs like bamboo, plantain leaves, firewood, water etc. necessary for use during Monyiu festival already collected the previous day, the slaughtering of pigs/animals begins from the second day. Infact, feasting and merry making begins from the second day onwards. The meaning of Aeiha means peer group. Every member of the family both young and old belongs to certain peer groups of the village and so Aeiha Okshok is the feast of the respective peer group. It is interesting to note that this system of peer group played an important role in the social life of the traditional society. The peer group always stood together through the thick and thin of time. When one of them could not finish his/her paddy work in time, the whole peer group (aeiha) would go and help out in completing the paddy work. Such are the instances of their strong bonding. Monyiu festival was an occasion when each peer group would look forward to meet one’s peer and make merry. So the second day of Monyiu, AeihaOkshok is particularly set aside for each peer group to flock together, recount tales of how they have fared well in preceding years and dance together to the melodious tune of their folk songs. Day – 3 : The weeklong celebration of monyiu festival continues for the third consecutive day. The third day is termed as ‘CHINGI OKSHOK’. Traditionally, every family rears domestic animals such as mithun, cow, buffalo and pig especially for Monyiu feast. So the third day is set aside for slaughtering of these animals. Every family that has reared animal to be slaughtered for the festival does it on the third day. It is also a day for the families to get together and feast. Our custom says that in the past, from the commencement of Monyiu, there would be beating of log drum during the nights in every Morung of the village for two to three hours. The purpose was to invoke blessings from God as well as to signal the celebration of Monyiu to other neighbouring villages.
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Day – 4 : The fourth day of Monyiu is termed as ‘YEINDHÜ’. It is on this day that relatives and friends (guests) from far and near come together. The purpose of their gathering is three-fold. Firstly, they come together to share the blessing of Monyiu. Secondly, as stated in the introductory part of this write up, the traditional Phom belief has it, that the souls of the departed member leave for their permanent abode only after the celebration of Monyiu festival. Therefore, Monyiu is not only a time of merry making and feasting, but it is also a time of remembering the ones that we have lost in the foregoing year. It is during Monyiu that relatives and friends from other villages come and join the family in paying their last respect and bid adieu to the departed souls. Thirdly, relatives and friends from far and near villages get together to strengthen their bond and friendship. So the fourth day of Monyiu is arrival of Yein (guests) from other villages.
At clock tower
Day – 5 : The fifth day of Monyiu is called, ‘CHINGTHEM’. It is the heart of Monyiu when the community as a whole celebrate by singing, dancing folk dances, drinking rice beer, playing traditional games and so on. Both men and women, young and old adorn themselves with their beautiful traditional attires, even the small children, clad in their colourful traditional attires joins the community feast. The menu of the day includes meat, rice, sticky rice and anphet, the most special of all, as it is steamed in the bamboo. It is also a day of sharing and giving out whatever we have prepared for Monyiu with our family members, relatives, friends and neighbours to show that we love, respect and appreciate them. The tradition still continues in the present day and so during Monyiu, we invite our friends, relatives and neighbours to our homes, or we give them gifts in the form of meat or anphet. The elderly ones would also enjoy the feast by exchanging a mug of pure rice beer and cooked meat. The young boys and girls would stroll out in the outskirt of the village to play games and swing. Monyiu is also an occasion for the young boys to exhibit their bravery by climbing lofty cliff and tall trees. It is to be noted that women in Phom society were honoured and respected since the time of our ancestors. It is exemplified by the love and affection the parents and brothers showers upon the daughters and sisters during Monyiu. They would be invited to their parent’s or brother’s house to celebrate the feast together. The family members would present her with many gifts like food items and, it is customary to give a thigh of the animal killed in the family. The celebration goes on till evening when all the men folk would come out clad in traditional dress and go along the street dancing and singing folk song. The rich and wealthy families would relish them with more wine and cooked meat as they pass through their homes and the families would ask the men folk to bless their homes. Each peer group (Aeiha) would also flock together and make merry. Dancing and singing would continue till late night. This get together during the night is called ‘Pangponghah’.
Day – 6 : The sixth day, ‘YEINYAN’, as the name suggests is a closing and dispersal day. There would be last beating of log drum in all the morungs signifying farewell to the guests as well as the ending of Monyiu. It is observed that as per our custom, all invited guests should leave the village before the log drum beating sound is heard on the sixth day of Monyiu so that no bad luck would befall on them. After the celebration is over the remaining meat and food items are properly preserved, used plantain leaves and bamboo vessels are discarded, the house is swept and clean once more. In this way, Monyiu festival is celebrated with great significance. Each day is as important as the other. However, with the advent of Christianity followed by mass conversion into Christianity, the Phoms did not give much importance to their traditional festival then as they considered their traditional beliefs and practices as the devilish and out dated. This wrong understanding and conception led to the loss of many valuable culture. But today, with the dawn of new understanding that Christianity can also be adapted to the Phom culture and that Phom traditional values can also be incorporated into the process of modernization, Phoms today is making every effort to rediscover and preserve their rich culture and heritage. (An extract from the book, ‘Socio-Cultural Issues in Nagaland’ by Dr. B. Henshet Phom)
HAND CRAFTED LOG DRUM FOR UPCOMING PHOM MONYIU
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MORUNG CONTRUCTION AND STAGE PREPARATION FOR UPCOMING PHOM MONYIU
PHOM MONYIU NANG SHAHYAN (Organising Committee) 1) Dimapur kü nyupü Phom jat nanglak beü Phom Monyiü kü mongongshi nyüknyüba. Hükao neami omküte. 2) Mo shing-ei peihen shingvaishi shing laolao kü Bus service hapakei chongkahen; (1) Chumukedima Second Gate : 9 A.M. (2) Diphupar Green Park : 9 A.M./ Central Jail Junction : 9 : 15 A.M./ Nagarjan Mao Colony Junction : 9 : 40 A.M (3) Diphupar Gate : 9 A.M/ T.K. Maruti Service : 9 : 15 A.M/ Purana Bazar Junction 9 : 30 A.M (4) Signal Phom Colony : 9 A.M/ Notun Bosti Junction : 9 : 30 A.M (5) Sub Jail Tin Ali 9 A.M/ ADC Court Junction : 9 : 15 A.M/PWD Junction : 9 : 40 A.M. 3) Dimapur kü nyupü Phom jat YIÜKHA kemei kü jenei Monyiu kü om kahen shingvaishi mongongshi nyüknyüba. 4) Nanglak beü jat o wow-ei peihen danhünyeih. 5) Ching chingi shem (Log Drum) konghen. Ching beüi hean yahhen khetuh.
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AuStrAliA'S 5th World CuP title, A tribute to hughes: Michael Clarke's odi swansong
Australian captain Michael Clarke holds the trophy aloft as he celebrates their seven wicket victory over New Zealand to win the Cricket World Cup final in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, March 29. (AP Photo)
Former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, left, presents the player of the tournament Australia's Mitchell Starc with his trophy during the Cricket World Cup final in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, March 29. (AP Photo)
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List oF WorLd Cup Winners
Melbourne | March 29 (AFP)
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ichael Clarke hit 74 in his last oneday international to lead Australia to their fifth World Cup title with a seven-wicket win over New Zealand in a disappointing final on Sunday. A record crowd of 93,013 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground saw powerpacked Australia bowl out the Black Caps for 183 and then gallop to victory in the 34th over. Clarke, who announced his retirement from the one-day format on the eve of the final, added 112 runs for the third wicket with his likely successor Steve Smith, who returned unbeaten on 56. Clarke shrugged off fitness fears, talk of rifts with team-mates, coach and selectors to spearhead Australia to a fifth World Cup crown. It was a fitting finale for 33-year-old Clarke, who played his 245th and scored 7,981 runs -- after being largely a peripheral figure for the Australian team in the tournament scoring two half-centuries in six knocks although his leadership and on-field strategy have not been questioned. "I think I'm doing all right. I think my record is pretty good up against anybody in the world. I think my record holds its place. I'm not concerned at all," retorted Clarke. Yet his last ODI century came against England in Manchester in September 2013 and up to the World Cup Clarke had played in only six ODIs in the previous year. Speculation over the state of his fitness also annoyed him after recent battles with hamstring and back problems. "I think everybody is sick of talking about my injury, my old injury, I should say," said Clarke. While Clarke was on the sidelines, Smith successfully filled in as captain to lead Australia to a 2-0 Test series victory in the three remaining Tests against India and is expected to take over the ODI role full-time. Reports at the time suggested the team had taken to Smith's style, while speculation that Clarke wanted to have a strong say in when he was ready to return to the team from injury had caused friction with Cricket Australia. "It seems like some people in particular are going to write what they want to write," he scowled. "I'm really happy and comfortable with my relationship with Cricket Australia firstly, certainly with my teammates. "It's water off a duck's back for me, I've copped it my whole career. It's another day, another newspaper sold. I don't really care." There was even talk of a fall-out with coach Darren Lehmann and chief selector Rod Marsh over a deadline imposed on him to confirm his place in the World cup squad. "You won't get headlines out of me," Clarke told reporters. Sunday's World Cup final triumph was a career pinnacle for Clarke, who won 50 of his 74 ODIs as
The following is the list of the cricket World Cup winners since the quadrennial tournament's inception in 1975 1975: West Indies beat Australia by 17 runs in final 1979: West Indies beat England by 92 runs in final 1983: India beat West Indies by 43 runs in final 1987: Australia beat England by 7 runs in final 1992: Pakistan beat England by 22 runs in final 1996: Sri Lanka beat Australia by 7 wickets in final 1999: Australia beat Pakistan by 8 wickets in final 2003: Australia beat India by 125 runs in final 2007: Australia beat Sri Lanka by 52 runs in final 2011: India beat Sri Lanka by 6 wickets in final 2015: Australia beat New Zealand by 7 wickets in final ing Australia team tonight who continue to set the way in world cricket. Michael Clarke deserves to bow out as world champion," said McCullum.
Australian captain Michael Clarke holds the trophy aloft with his teammates as they celebrate their seven wicket win over New Zealand in the Cricket World Cup final in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, March 29. (AP Photo)
Australia's skipper. "It's been an honour and a privilege to represent my country, the time is right for to walk away from one-day cricket," Clarke. But he isn't finished. He will continue to play Test cricket looking to add to his 108 matches so far which have yielded 8,432 runs and a highest score of an undefeated 329. TribuTe To HugHes "I'm sure everybody standing on this stage will say we played this World Cup with 16 players," said Clarke in reference to close friend and former teammate Phillip Hughes who died in November last year after being hit on the head by a bouncer in a first-class match in Sydney. "This victory is dedicated to our little brother Phillip Hughes. Hughesy used to party as good as any of them so I guarantee we'll celebrate hard tonight." respecT for THe rival, TeammaTes Clarke also praised New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum and his team who came up short in the final after winning all their eight games in the tournament heading into the final. "The New Zealand team deserve a lot of credit -- they're always a tough team to beat. Congratulations to Brendon and the team on a great tournament," said Clarke. "Thanks to all the supporters out there, and most importantly, thanks to our amazing team -- the way they've stood up and played tonight, they de-
serve to be here. "We played really well tonight. The guys were ready. It's been an honour and a privilege to represent my country in both Test and ODI cricket. "But the time is right for me to step down from ODI cricket," added Clarke, who was out with just nine runs needed for victory. As he walked off, he was given a standing ovation by the record 93,013 crowd inside the Melbourne Cricket Ground. pace baTTery Australia's emphatic win was set up by the left-arm fast bowling trio of Mitchell Starc, James Faulkner and Mitchell Johnson who shared eight wickets after the Kiwis elected to bat on a good pitch. New Zealand messed up their maiden appearance in the title clash of cricket's showpiece event, falling like nine pins against the hostile Australian bowling. Inspirational captain McCullum fell off the fifth ball of the innings for a duck and two other frontline batsmen, Corey Anderson and Luke Ronchi, also failed to score. South Africa-born Grant Elliott top-scored with 83, sharing a fourth-wicket stand of 111 with Ross Taylor (40) after New Zealand had been reduced to 39 for three in the 13th over. The massive crowd, which broke the MCG record of 91,112 on the opening day of the Boxing Day Test against England in 2013, saw New Zealand lose their last seven wickets for 33 runs. "We played some outstanding cricket in the tournament, but we ran into an outstand-
Saina, Srikanth win india open titles
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neW DeLhI, March 29 (IanS): Saina Nehwal and Kidambi Srikanth rounded up a brilliant Sunday for Indian badminton winning their respective $275,000 India Open Superseries titles at the Siri Fort Sports Complex here. Wo m e n ’s s i n g l e s top seed Saina Nehwal trumped former World Champion Ratchanok Intanon in the final to win 21-16, 21-14 in 49 minutes. Later, 22-year-old Srikanth had a contrasting victory but made sure that he made it a double for Indian badminton by defeating Danish World No.6 Viktor Axelsen 18-21, 21-13, 2112 in 55 minutes. With the victory, Saina took a 6-3 lead in career meetings over the World No.8, who won here in 2013. This is the Hyderabadi’s second title of the year after winning the India Grand Prix Gold in January in Lucknow. She had also reached the All England final earlier this month where she lost to reigning World Champion Carolina Marin of Spain. The 25-year-old Indian was super confident while taking her shots against her Thai opponent, making the third seed run helter-skelter on the court and forcing her to commit errors. In the first game, Saina raced away to a 12-5 lead with supreme agility and speed, something Ratchanok could not match. Though the 20-year-old tried closing the game,
crumbled New Zealand crumbled, though they had raised hopes of repeating their amazing win in the league when they removed Aaron Finch for a duck in the second over; Trent Boult took an easy return catch as the ball lobbed off the batsman's bat and pad. Australia's previous titles came in 1987, 1999, 2003 and 2007 with coach Darren Lehmann, a two-time World Cup winner as a player, celebrating another success off the field. Left-hander David Warner slammed seven boundaries in his 45 off 46 balls, adding 61 for the second wicket with Smith. But the pugnacious opener was unable to build on his fine start as he pulled seamer Matt Henry down Elliott's throat at deep square-leg. Smith, who scored a century in the semi-final against India in Sydney last Thursday, continued his good form to help Clarke take charge of the match. Clarke was bowled by Henry when just nine runs remained for victory and was given a standing ovation by team-mates and fans as he returned with his bat raised. Smith sealed victory by pulling Henry for a boundary, sparking jubilant scenes in the stands as Clarke and the rest of the team ran on to the field to embrace Smith. Starc's two wickets in the innings took his tally to 22, enabling him to emerge with Boult as the joint highest wicket-takers in the tournament. Martin Guptill surpassed Sri Lankan Kumar Sangakkara's 541 runs to become the tournament's leading run-getter when he reached 10, but he managed to add just five runs more. The tall opener, who hit a World Cup record score of 237 not out against the West Indies in the quarter-finals, was bowled trying to cut Glenn Maxwell's second delivery. Taylor and Elliott settled in to build a strong partnership and had taken the total to 150-3 when the batting powerplay began after the 35th over. Both sides fielded unchanged teams from their semifinal wins where Australia beat India and New Zealand downed South Africa in a penultimate-ball thriller.
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2ND 10TH NORTHERN ANGAMI -1 T20 BASH 2015 Kohima Village Ground Ziekiezou
March 30 (Starts 7:00 am) 1st Match– North Block Warriors vs Zienuobadze High Flyers 2nd Match– Lower L. Khel Vikings vs D. Khel United 3rd Match – Peraciezie Royals vs Middle Bayavü Lions
Sebastian Vettel wins Malaysian Grand Prix
India's K. Srikanth displays his gold medal after winning against Denmark's Viktor Axelsen at the men's singles final of Yonex Sunrise India Open Badminton in New Delhi, Sunday, March 29. (AP Photo)
India's Saina Nehwal displays her gold medal after defeating Thailand's Ratchanok Intanon in the women's singles final of Yonex Sunrise India Open Badminton in New Delhi, Sunday, March 29. (AP Photo)
Saina remained in command and sealed the game in her favour. The second game was more or less a repetition of the first, seeing the points flow. The top seed once again stamped her authority on Ratchanok, who looked a pale shadow of her prime. Saina, currently ranked World No.2, sealed
Dane. However, the Gunturborn lad showed his true colours when he totally dominated Axelsen to easily win the second game and push the match into the decider. It remained an even contest till the time Axelsen was leading 12-10. But Srikanth suddenly found legs to clinch an incredible 11
the deal on her first matchpoint to close a brilliant week when she also assured herself of the World No.1 spot when the Badminton World Federation (BWF) revises its rankings on Thursday. Later, World No.4 Srikanth did not start well in his men’s singles final against the sixth seed, losing the first game to the
successive points to win the game without breaking a sweat. This is second seed Srikanth’s second win over Axelsen in as many meetings after beating the Dane in the Swiss Open Grand Prix Gold final earlier this month. Both Saina and Srikanth took home $20,625 each for the title wins.
Sepang, March 29 (IanS): Germany's Sebastian Vettel scored his and Ferrari’s first win since 2013 as a superb drive for the Italian team took him to victory podium in the Formula 1 Malaysia Grand Prix here on Sunday. Starting second off the grid, Vettel moved into early lead when his rivals pitted under safety car. The German never looked back and used a two-stop strategy to beat the three-stopping Mercedes of pole-sitter Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg at the Sepang International Circuit. It was the 40th career victory for Vettel and his fourth in Malaysia. The 27-year-old had last won a race in November 2013 at the season-ending Brazilian GP. Meanwhile, this was Ferrari's first win since the Spanish GP in May 2013 when Fernando Alonso won his home race. Finnish Kimi Raikkonen confirmed Ferrari’s resurgence, recovering from an 11th-place start and an early puncture, to finish an impressive fourth, ahead of the battling Wil-
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Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany celebrates with his trophy after winning the Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit in Sepang, Malaysia, Sunday, March 29. (AP Photo)
liams duo of Valtteri Bottas and Felipe Massa. Max Verstappen, 17, became the youngest points scorer in the sport's history as he took seventh place for Toro Rosso, just ahead of teammate Carlos Sainz, both beating the Red Bulls of Daniil Kvyat and Daniel Ricciardo, who completed
the top-10. The McLarens of Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button retired mid race with technical problems. Marcus Ericsson was the first to go out when he spun his Sauber into the gravel on Lap 4 while Lotus’ Pastor Maldonado succumbed to mechanical gremlins later.
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