20th February 2014

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The Morung Express

Dimapur VOL. IX ISSUE 48

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www.morungexpress.com

Thursday, February 20, 2014 12 pages Rs. 4

Katy Perry named Woman of the Year

ABAM commemorate ‘Golden Jubilee’ of Ao Bible translation [ PAGE 2]

World worried over deteriorating situation in Kiev

[ PAGE 11]

[ PAGE 8]

[ PAGE 9]

By Sandemo Ngullie

Kohli rises to careerbest 9th in ICC Test rankings

MUMBAI, FEBRUARY 19 (IANS): Spurred by the passing of the bill to create a separate Telangana state out of Andhra Pradesh, political parties in Maharashtra, barring Shiv Sena, again raised the demand for a separate Vidarbha here Wednesday.

Republican Party of India-A chief Ramdas Athawale announced an agitation to support the cause of a separate Vidarbha from Feb 24 in the state’s eastern region. “The central I was told students learn government should have lots of new things from field conceded the demand for trips, so I sent them to my a separate Vidarbha and paddy field. created it along with Telangana,” Athawale demanded, The Morung Express adding that his party would POLL QUESTIOn A woman from Philimi village in Zunheboto district, near Doyang valley, waits for passengers on vehicles plying meet Home Minister SushilVote on www.morungexpress.com on the highway between Wokha and Zunheboto to stop and buy her produce. Till date, it is difficult for women kumar Shinde on the issue.

He added that the reSMS your answer to 9862574165 to market small produce from their fields, and the problem is worse if she lives far from the highway, in interior villages of nagaland. (Photo by Abokali Jimomi) gion is lagging behind in Will an anti-racism law terms of development, is protect the rights of people from North East? plagued by farmers’ suino

Others

ANHTU call off agitation DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 19 (MExN): Aggrieved government Hindi teachers (20121013 appointees), Dimapur unit, demanding their pending salary, have agreed to call off their protest till March.

A press note from the All Nagaland Hindi Teachers Union (ANHTU) informed that the decision was taken in a meeting between ANHTU and the aggrieved teachers. It further stated that ANHTU has requested the concerned department to take speedy action and release the pending salaries as early as possible.

It added that if the demands are not fulfilled within the said time, further course of agitation would be taken.

Pachaspura Killing HPEC given 1 month extension

KohIMA, FEBRUARY 19 (DIPR): The Government of Nagaland has granted an extension of one month to the High Power Enquiry Committee, headed

by K.N. Chishi, to complete inquiry into the Pachaspura killing with immediate effect. This information is in continuation of the Home Department’s earlier notification dated January 4, 2014.

Thai Princess to visit NU on February 26

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KohIMA, FEBRUARY 19 (DIPR): The Pro-Vice Chancellor Nagaland University, Kohima, Professor A Lanunungsang has informed that Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand will be visiting Nagaland University, Kohima on February 26.

The Thai princess is expected to interact with students and faculties of the university.

–Karl Popper

[ PAGE 12]

telAnGAnA effect: Demand for Vidarbha

reflections

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Our knowledge can only be finite, while our ignorance must necessarily be infinite

What can common man expect if PM’s killers go free: Rahul

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CBI reluctant to take up Nido Tania’s case

NEW DELhI, FEBRUARY 19 (TNN): The Central Bureau of Investigation has reservations in taking up the investigations of the death of Nido Tania - a 19 year old youth from Arunachal Pradesh - who succumbed to injuries he suffered after being severely beaten up by some shopkeepers in Lajpat Nagar area in South Delhi late last month.

Sources said the CBI may return the file to the Centre as the agency feels that all the suspects have already been arrested by the Delhi Police and there is no mystery left in the death.

As far as probing the role of Delhi Police officers is concerned, an agency official

said a magisterial probe is already on.

The CBI can refuse investigations referred to it by central or state governments, but it is bound to investigate those cases which have been given to it by courts. The agency officials are likely to study the Nido case before a decision is taken whether it would start a probe. An understaffed CBI doesn’t want to put pressure on its resources with too many non-corruption cases, sources said.

An official said the case doesn’t have any wider conspiracy, inter-state ramifications or mysterious sequence of events. “All facts are known and the

Delhi Police has already investigated the same. There is no point in another agency starting over a fresh probe, which would delay the judicial process of filing the chargesheet,” said the official.

Nido, son of a Congress MLA from Arunachal, and a BA first year student in a private university, had an altercation with some shopkeepers at Lajpat Nagar in New Delhi on January 29 after they made fun of his hairstyle. Later, Nido was allegedly thrashed by them.

He was found dead the next day at his residence. Police have already slapped murder charges against four people in this

LLT censure CFSL Kolkata

that since July 2003, the laboratory has been running without a chemical reagent, required to proceed with examination of the DNA samples with regard to the said case.

“The hopes of the common people are belied when justice is delayed and the responsible government and authorities fiddle,” stated the LLT. It added that the “tardiness, inefficient management and non functioning on part of the CFSL (K)

defeats the directive of the Supreme Court of India for speedy trial and justice in all such criminal cases.”

The LLT further called for Government of India and the Supreme Court to take Suo Motu cognizance of the current situation and initiate necessary action and corrective measures at CFSL (K), in order to “restore the faith of the common people in the government’s machineries for true and speedy justice.”

case. Police had informed metropolitan magistrate Pawan Kumar that they had booked the accused - Farman, Sunder, Pawan and Sunny Uppal - under section 302 (murder) of IPC after the post mortem report revealed that Nido died of injuries to his head and face caused by a blunt object.

His death had sparked large scale protests across the national capital and Arunachal Pradesh with protesters describing Nido as a victim of racism. Following the outcry, former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal had recommended a magisterial inquiry into the death.

cides and faces huge power cuts daily. “If it is carved as a separate state, it will give a fillip to the development of the region which has been neglected for long and provide relief to the people there,” Athawale pointed out to media persons here.

Bharatiya Janata Party state president Devendra Fadnavis said that the party has already passed a resolution and is committed towards smaller states, including Vidarbha. Similarly, Congress state president Manikrao Thakre declared that the party would support a separate Vidarbha. However, the Shiv Sena - an ally of the BJP and RPI-A - is strongly opposed to creating Vidarbha.

tion of a separate Telangana state has almost become a reality. But there are still some formalities left to complete the entire process. If all goes well, two states — Telangana and the residuary state of Andhra Pradesh, will come into existence by month-end, say political observers.

Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill, which was passed by Lok Sabha amid pandemonium, will now go to Rajya Sabha. If any amendments to the bill are passed, it has to go again to Lok Sabha. Once approved by both the houses, the bill will go to President Pranab Mukherjee for his assent. After the President gives his assent, the legislation will be notiTelangana state fied in the central gazette. It by month-end? will come into effect from the hYDERABAD, FEBRUARY 19 date of publication of the ga(PTI): With the passage of zette or any date by the cena bill in Lok Sabha, forma- tral government.

Give preference to naga entrepreneurs, says BAn

DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 19 (MExN): The Business Association of Nagas (BAN) has appealed to the Government of Nagaland to give preference to Naga entrepreneurs while allocating shops at the upcoming shopping complex at Forest Colony here. This was stated in a press release from BAN’s information and publicity.

The BAN raised fear on its part that unless caution and consultation is exercised, this shopping complex might also turn into another Naga Shopping Arcade (super market) at Nagarjan junction.

“It is unfortunate and painful to see that super market complex with its idle location, parking space and infrastructure, turned into booze joints and cheap housing area which otherwise could have been

the pride of Nagaland and perhaps one of the best shopping complexes in the northeast. The place has been sublet over and over that it has become difficult to identify under whose name it has been leased,” informed the press release.

With “political will,” felt BAN, things can be set right. It added that the Government should take the allocation of shops seriously so that Naga youth can be self employed and benefitted through the new shopping complex. “Therefore BAN fervently appeals to the Government of Nagaland and the concern department to set up a committee for allocation of shops comprising of members from BAN, DNSU and Naga Council Dimapur so as to identify genuine Naga entrepreneurs,” it stated.

July 4, 2013 Dimapur murder From Dyslexia to Conceptual Art: Mark Medom

DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 19 (MExN): The Longkhum Lanur Telongjem (LLT) has condemned the “inefficient management and nonfunctioning” of the Central Forensic Science Laboratory, Kolkata, in connection to investigation of the July 4 Dimapur murder case. A press note from the LLT expressed concern

nsf directs BBMs to close down unrecognized classes

DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 19 (MExN): The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has directed Blooming Bud Montessori School (BBMS) Dimapur to immediately close down classes which are not approved or recognised by the Directorate of School Education and Nagaland Board of School Education.

This decision was arrived at a joint meeting of BBMS authority, students, parents, NSF and Dimapur Naga Students’ Union at IMC Hall Dimapur on Wednesday.

Contrary to the earlier claims made by the headmaster of BBMS, Dilip Deb, that the competent authority has approved running of classes till class seven, a representative of the school revealed at the meeting that the school has permission to run classes only upto class five.

For the unrecognised classes from six to ten, it was decided that the BBMS authority would refund the admission fees of the current year to the students leaving the school, within this week.

As for the class 10 students who could

not sit for the ongoing final exam, the NSF has decided to approach the concerned authority to retain the students. Regard- naga sculptor Mark Medom’s work has been featured in the Art Heritage Galing the fate of the students upto class five, lery, Delhi; he has also held three independent exhibitions in Delhi.

NSF stated that it would refer the matter Vibi Yhokha Moving on, Mark completed his to the concerned Department for necesBachelor’s and Master’s degrees, sary action.

Kohima | February 19 specializing in sculpting from the “Art was an escape for me,” says prestigious College of Arts, UniverAggrieved parents appeal Meanwhile, parents and guardians of Naga sculptor Mark Medom who, as sity of Delhi where, in his final year, the students have appealed to the School a young boy, enjoyed art more than he scored the highest in both theory Education Department, NSF and DNSU to any other subject in school. For him, and practical. So far, he has had three absorb students from class six to ten into art was an escape from being scolded exhibitions in Delhi and his work has other recognized schools in Dimapur. The as a kid when he would often flunk in been featured in the Art Heritage Gallery. Besides sculptures, Mark also aggrieved parents and guardians, in a rep- other subjects but score best in art.

As a kid, he was labeled average designs logos, sets and teaches chilresentation to the Director for School Education, stated that they were unaware of or below average. He could barely dren art.

Despite being a Naga who has the fact that BBMS was not recognized to pass class 7, and by class 8, he had failed. People would often misun- never lived in Nagaland, most of conduct classes beyond class five.

It lamented that the hard earned mon- derstand his problem and consid- Mark’s sculpting has a Naga essence. ey of the parents has been “wasted,” in the er him lazy but it was his mother, His father, Ricky Medom, Chaplain, form of admission and miscellaneous fees. knowing he had a problem, who got Naga Christian Fellowship, Delhi, inIt added that the parents are now facing him tested. He had Dyslexia – a de- troduced him to Nagaland and would “hardship to absorb their students into velopmental reading disorder and often narrate to him the rich heritage of Nagaland, its history and struggles. other schools, remitting heavy expenses.” was immediately treated.

Mark considers it an ‘outsider-insider’ perspective. “To see what is actually happening inside, you have to be outside,” he says. In his work named ‘Santa Claus and the Pig,’ a sleeping Santa can be seen lying next to a pig.

According to Mark, Santa does not have much work load during Christmas in the Naga society because it is the feast that matters the most.

Art was also a way to vent emotions. “The things I made are what affect me; personal issues, issues on women and Nagaland,” explains Mark. In his work named ‘Absence of Presence,’ Mark sculpted a hand with a woman’s body in the palm. According to him, the hand is the society and that even with her presence in the society, a woman is not whole. His other work, ‘Love Personified,’ expresses that even in her brokenness, a woman is ready to love back.

Mark’s passion lies in conceptual art. Although he does not have a role model, some of the artists who inspire him are Anish Kapoor, Auguste Rodin and his college professor, Manish Kausana. Mark is of the view that Nagas are very artistic; that they have the skills but conceptual art is yet to evolve.

Most of his works are made of bronze, of which he says, “Bronze gives you a human feel and has an antique element at the same time.

It looks soft but when you touch, it is hard. Also bronze never rusts.”

There are a lot of elements that makes Mark’s work different but what really makes his art stand out in the crowd is the concept and the attention to detail in each of his works.

For someone who has moved in life from dyslexia to an art as deep and abstract as conceptual art, Mark concludes that the hand is one of the best ways to express oneself with.

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Thursday 20 February 2014

The teams from Spirit Ablaze Ministry, South Africa, Manning Family Worship Centre, Canada and Sinai Ministry, Nagaland are seen partaking in the pilgrimage walk at Molungyimsen Village. The 18-member team from South Africa and Canada are the first foreign visitors to walk the pilgrimage walk at Molungyimsen Village. They are here in Nagaland for the ‘Healing Pool’ crusade, organized by Spirit Ablaze Ministry and Sinai Ministry and hosted by local Baptist churches. The speakers are Pastor Louw Ronquest, Spirit Ablaze Ministry, South Africa; Pastor David Humphrey; Manning Family Worship Centre, Canada; and Chris Lindberg; Evangelist; Canada. After the Molungyimsen chapter, the team will be visiting Jalukie, Mon, Phek and Kohima for the ‘Healing Pool’ crusade.

Farewell accorded to outgoing DC Phek

pheK, February 19 (Dipr): A befitting farewell was accorded to Deputy Commissioner Phek, Neposo Theluo at the DPDB Conference hall, Phek on February 18 where prominent leaders from Phek district, head of offices, administration officers, police officers, public leaders, GBs and NGOs leaders attended the function.

Speaking on the occasion, the outgoing DC expressed his happiness to his subordinate officers & staff’s, SP Phek and to the various departments for their co-operation and

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support during his stay as DC Phek. He also acknowledged various NGOs leaders, Public Leaders and business community for their cooperation and tireless support while he served as a Phek DC. CM Tsanglao (IAS) who took over as the new Deputy Commissioner, Phek in his speech said that, he feel blessed for being posted in Phek District for the second time to work with the people of Phek District and called upon people to work together in oneness to achieve for betterment of the district.

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Biodiversity conservation prog at Seithekie ‘A’ held Dimapur, February 19 (mexN): Mascotte Development Society, Dimapur organized a biodiversity conservation programme at Seithekie ‘A’ on February 17 under the theme “National Environment Awareness Campaign 2013-14” sponsored by Nagaland Pollution Control Board and Ministry of Environment & Forests, GoI., New Delhi. The programme discussed good production practices like biodiversity conservation in-situ & exsitu (from forest to my backyard); Disciplines: regulation on ground water exploitation, tree cutting, local contribution; Sustainable land husbandry, agriculture, livestock and CPRs management; Sustainable livelihoods link to the 5 capitals and the LM3; Equity–sharing social and technology innovations–creation of village level water markets. This was stated in a press release issued by Mascotte Development Society President Wekhape Letro.

DSE designates PIOs, APIOs C M Y K

Kohima, February 19 (mexN): In pursuance to the provisions of the Right to Information Act, 2005, the Directorate of School Education, Nagaland has designated four officers as Public Information Officers (PIOs) and Assistant Public Officers (APIOs) under its establishment. All the RTI applicants may be submitted to the concerned officers during office hours, according to a release issued by Kesonyu Yhome, principal director, directorate of school education. The designated officers included Y. Vihoshe Sema, joint director EL/SE- PIO, Kelhouphilie Kire, joint director HSS- PIO, Wonthungo, deputy director HSS- APIO and Ruovihulie Angami, deputy director EL/SE- APIO.

Nagaland pensioners’ association informs

Kohima, February 19 (mexN): The Nagaland Pensioners’ Association (NPA) informed all the pensioners and family pensioners that the state government had introduced issued of ID Card- ‘D’ to all Nagaland state pensioners and family pensioners for drawal of pension.

The validity of the card is to be for a period of one year and to be renewed for each subsequent year. In this, the Association requested all pensioners/family pensioners to renew their ID Card- ‘D’ for the year 2014 at an early date to avoid hardship. Further, it informed all the new pensioners/family pensioners to obtain their ID Card ‘D’ from their respective president District/Sub Unit pensioner Association. As per the prescribed procedure, possession of ID Card- ‘D’ for drawal of pension is compulsory, the Association general secretary S. Daikho said in a release today. All treasury officers/sub treasury officers/banks have been informed to ensure that the pensioner/family pensioners posses duly renewed ID Card- ‘D’ without which payment be refused, the Association said adding that ‘this is considered necessary so as to avoid release of irregular and inadmissible pension payment.’

NSCW seminar on legal awareness

Kohima, February 19 (mexN): The Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW) in collaboration with National Commission for Women is organizing a one-day seminar on legal awareness on marriage, divorce and inheritance and women & health- HIV/AIDS on February 25 at Wokha Town Hall at 10: 00 AM. The Commission requested Lotha apex leaders- Kyong Hoho, Kyong Eloe Hoho, Kyong Students’ Union and VCC to participate in the said programme. This was stated in a release issued by NSCW secretary Motsuthung Lotha.

Superintendent of Police, Phek Deepali Masirkar (IPS) spoke on behalf of HODs of Phek District while President, Chakhesang Mothers Association Zaposhelu, spoke on behalf of NGOs of Phek District. Chozuba ADC Polan John also delivered a speech on behalf of Administrative officers.

Accountant, DC Office Phek Thepuchiyi spoke on behalf of clerical staff. DC office clerical staff and Dobashis presented a special song adding more colours to the programme. Phek SDO (Civil) Holohon Yepthomi chaired the function.

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moKoKchuNg, February 19 (Dipr): The second round of Intensified Pulse Polio Immunization programme will be conducted in Mokokchung district on February 23 (Sunday) 2014 with a renewed effort to completely eradicate polio from the district. A meeting under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner, Mokokchung was held on February 13 to ensure that all children in the district between 0-5 years are covered with oral police vaccine on the occasion irrespective of their earlier polio status. Chief Medical Officer, Mokokchung in an appeal called upon parents to ensure that their children are administered 2 polio drops at the usual Polio booths. The CMO also called upon all concerned citizens to cooperate with the Health department to make this massive health exercise a success. Mobilization of health workers and volunteers are being made for the ensuing IPPI programme.

m o lu N g y i m s e N, February 19 (mexN): The Ao Baptist Arogo Mongdang (ABAM) in 2014 had launched a yearlong celebration programme to commemorate the completion of 50 years “Golden Jubilee” of Ao Bible Translation on February 16, 2014 at Molungyimsen Baptist Church The programme was chaired by Rutalin Aier, invocation was pronounced

by Mar Ozukum, Molungyimsen Pastor, welcome speech by N Tatong Aier, Deacon; introduction by I Anungba Sanglir; a brief history of Ao Bible translation by Dr. Tali Imsong; special number by Meren, Impur; Word of God by Apok Jamir, Secretary, Education & Literature, ABAM. The programme ended with the mass prayer.

A press release received here stated that this yearlong celebration will be held next at Dimapur, Kohima, Mokokchung and the grant finale celebration will be at Impur where a commemorative souvenir book will be released remembering the persons who were responsible for successful translation of the Ao Bible.

Kohima, February 19 (mexN): An advocacy programme on HIV/AIDS for the officers and staff of horticulture department was held on February 11 at the Conference Hall, Directorate of Horticulture, Kohima.

Total 70 participants from the directorate and across the state attended the programme. NSACS conducted the programme with the main objective to help the PLHIV community through schemes and programme available within the department of horticulture.

Dr. L Watikala, Joint Director, NSACS in her address highlighted on mainstreaming of HIV/AIDS with government departments and thanked the horticulture department for showing their desire to help the peo-

1919-1929 1939

Bible Chapter Matthew John Acts Matthew and John Mark 1 Corinthians James and Jude New Testament Genesis

1948-1964 Old Testament A brief history of Ao Bible Translation W. Nokdenlemba was appointed by the Ao Baptist Association to be the full-time Bible Translator in commemoration of the Association Golden Jubilee in 1947. Dr. C. E. Hunter, Field Missionary pressed him to take up the work inspite of his hesitations. His wife and himself discussed about this prayerfully and concluded, “It might be His will, and it is hard for us to refuse the call,” and surrendered their doubts to God. In 1948, he first started working with Sunday school lessons, after which Dr. Hunter asked him to translate a booklet from Psalms - “the worship of God”. Dr. Hunter

was quite satisfied with his translations. Towards the end of 1948, he was relieved from his pastoral job to devote fully to Bible Translation work.

According to I Ben Wati on September 24, 1954 he stated that, “I believe that in almost all cases the Revised Standard Version (RSV) should be the final word of reference in our translation and revision”).

Which justify that Ao Bible has been translated based on English Revised Standard Version (RSV).

Therefore in the Golden jubilee yearlong celebration a clarion call had been suggested by the speaker to publish Parallel Bible of Ao/English (RSV). Till date,

this has not been published by any Naga Tribes.

W. Nokdenlemba’s annual report of Ao Baptist association on November 9, 1962 indicated that the final galley proof had already been sent to London for Publication. Two years after he left Impur, the new Ao Bible was released to the Ao Baptist Association on November 29, 1964. Representatives from Bible societies came to Impur; Dr. A. E. Inbanathan, General Secretary, Rev. C. Arangaden, Translation Secretary, Mr. R. W. Philip, Secretary Auxiliary Bible Society, Shillong, attended the function. According to Inbanathan, the General Secretary “The greatest achievement that your churches and the

Association have made since the coming of the missionaries to the hills is to posses the word of God in your own Mother Tongue”. Rev. Arangaden in New Delhi declared, “Now for the first time the Bible has been translated into the dialect of former head hunters in Nagaland”.

In 1883, it was Dr. Clark who first translated and published the gospel of Mathew in Ao; the New Testament translation was completed in 1929 after forty six years by Longwell & Rongsennuken.

Ao Bible translation as extract from United Bible Societies publication was the first Naga language in which a portion of scripture was published.

implementing various trainings for the PLHA community which will be of short term income generation activities that will enhance their livelihood.” He appreciated NSACS for conducting and organizing such “a noble and knowledgeable program for

the staffs and officers of horticulture department.”

Achumthung Patton shared a short presentation on the mainstreaming activities with government department. This was followed by session on “HIV Scenario in the State” and

PHED will chair the func- Abhiyan rally will be organized on February 21 tion. where students from class Mokokchung: A series 5 and above, Adhoc town of programme have been committee members, chalked out by the depart- Churches, Chuchu town ment of PHED, Mokokc- students union and NGOs hung Division to be held are informed to particiduring the observance of pate in the rally. On FebruDrinking Water and Sanita- ary 22, Water Quality cum tion Awareness Week from distribution of field testFebruary 20 to 24. ing kits will be conducted According to Executive at Mongkalemba town Engineer, PHED Mokokc- for Longchem and Manghung Division, N. Yanger kolemba blocks. PHED MoPongen the Week long pro- kokchung Division will also gramme will be launched be organizing an exposure on 20th February by orga- trip for WATSAN members nizing mass social work in to Nyampong village under all wards of Mokokchung in Tuensang district on Febthe morning and a function ruary 25. will be held at Longkumer Kilem where Deputy Com- Mon: One-day workshop missioner, Murohu Chotso on national rural drinkwill address the gathering ing water and sanitation as the chief guest. awareness was conductIn Chuchuyimlang ed at council hall, Mon town, a Nirmal Bharat on February 18. The pro-

gramme was organized by the PHED Mon Division and sponsored by the WASSO, PHED Nagaland, Kohima. The resource persons S. Chuba Longchar, consultant on sanitation & hygiene imparted training on sanitation and safe drinking water while Watinaro, Chemist spoke on the importance of water quality. Er. L. Leyang Khiamniungan, Executive Engineer, Mon delivered keynote address. President of the Konyak Students Union (KSU) Loungai Wangnao was the special guest of the programme. Total 55 villages attended the training.

Longching, Pump Operator proposed the invocation and Medoseto Kiso, IEC Consultant pronounced the vote of thanks. C. Imli, Sr. Head Assistant chaired the programme.

“Basic of HIV/AIDS & Stigma and Discrimination” by Dr. Rose, State Program Officer HIV/TB, where he highlighted about the alarming rate of HIV/AIDS status in our state through unprotected sex and drug use.

Ayieno Kechu, Depu-

ty Director, (IEC) gave a presentation on the programme, activities and services available under NSACS which was followed by a brief overview on the topic of “Greater Involvement of People Living with HIV/AIDS (GIPA) by Tarepnokcha Jamir, GIPA Coordinator, NSACS. NSACS in a press release extended appreciation to Watienla Jamir, Director Horticulture, Dr. R.E Lotha (Dy Director) and Elluba (Asst Horticulture Officer) for ensuring participation of staff from across the State and for their commitment to train PLHIV on income generation activities to promote livelihood starting with the districts of Dimapur, Tuensang and Kiphire.

Nagaland to launch sanitation awareness week Training on bio pesticides and

Kohima, February 19 (mexN): Nagaland will be launching the national rural drinking water and sanitation awareness week from February 20 to 25.

The formal launching programme will take place on February 20 at the Capital Convention Centre Kohima with PHED minister Noke Wangnao as the chief guest.

Due to the low awareness in village on issues pertaining to rural drinking water, water security and water conservation, it has been decided by the ministry of drinking water and sanitation to launch this awareness week across India. R. Binchilo Thong, principal secretary PHED will also speak on the occasion. Er Kevisekho Kruse, chief engineer PHED will give the keynote address. Er KG Sumi, director WSSO,

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Translator/Reviser Translated and revised by E. W. Clark (ABMU) Translated and revised by E. W. Clark (ABMU) Translated by S. W. Rivenburg (ABMU) Revised by E. W. Clark (ABMU)

By W. F. Dowd (ABMU)

By W. F. Dowd (ABMU) & Beni Kenowar(Dr. Molungmeren)

By Mrs. E. Smith, BFBS, Calcutta Rev. R. B. Longwell and Rongsenneken completed the New Testament translation in 1929 and published by Rev. R.B. Longwell, assisted by Rongsennuken

By R. B. Longwell, BFBS Calcutta and W. Smith (ABMU)

By W Nokdenlemba, I Ben Wati; Mayangnokcha, Tsuknungpokba, Yajenlemba, Medemkaba, Tekasosang

Officers and staff of horticulture department and others during the advocacy programme on HIV/AIDS held on February 11.

ple living with HIV/AIDS. Dr. RE Lotha, Deputy Director, Horticulture, on his address highlighted the desire on the future collaboration between NSACS and horticulture department. He mentioned that horticulture department is “committed to

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ChronologiCal event of ao BiBle translation

Year 1883 1885 1902 1906 1907 1908 1914

Horti dept commits to help people living with HIV/AIDS

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its application on Feb 21-22

Kohima, February 19 (Dipr): Nagaland Science and Technology council (NASTEC) Kohima in collaboration with Indian Institute of Horticulture Research (IIHR) Bengaluru will be organising farmers training programme on Application on Biopesticides on February 21 and 22 at various locations of the state. The training programme will start on February 21 at 9:00 am at the Nagaland Science Centre, Dimapur, where Parliamentary Secretary for IT & Communication, Science and Technology and Taxes, Tovihoto Ayemi has consented to grace the inaugural programme as the chief guest.

Interested progressive farmers would be invited for the training and the reg-

istered and trained farmers will be provided with Bio pesticide (Microbial Consortia) which is formulated with indigenous microbial bio-agents.

The training schedule are as follows: Nagaland Science Centre, Dimapur on February 21 at 9:00 am; Kidima (Vegetable village) Kohima on February 21 at 3:00 pm; and Pfutsero Town on February 22 at 11:00 am. The training programme is jointly organised by NASTEC, Kohima and IIHR Bangaluru and sponsored by the Department of Science and Technology, New Delhi under the project “Popularization and Dissemination of Technology of Bio- Pesticide formulation among the farmers in North East region.”

Healing Crusade and Powerful Teaching on Healing Organized by SPIrIT AbLAzE MInISTry & SInAI MInISTry Hosted by Local Baptist Churches Speakers:

Second round of IPPI on Feb 23

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ABAM commemorate ‘Golden Jubilee’ of Ao Bible translation

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The Morung Express

Pastor Louw Ronquest Pastor David Humphrey Spirit Ablaze Ministry Manning Family Worship Centre South Africa Canada

Place

Jalukie Mon Phek Kohima

Date

21 – 23 Feb 25th – 26th Feb 28th – 02nd Mar 04th – 06th Mar st

rd

Chris Lindberg Evangelist Canada

Venue

Jalukie Town Local Baptist Church Mon Town Baptist Church Phek Town Baptist Church Phezoucha Nagamese Baptist Church

Timing- 10:00 am and 5:00 pm (Everyday)

For details, kindly contact: +19 8974010446/+91 9774049958 or email us at: thesinaiministry@gmail.com

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REgional

The Morung Express

Thursday

20 February 2014

Dimapur

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Militancy shuts many schools in Assam district SILCHAR, FebRuARy 19 (TNN): More than 30 state government-run schools, even the lower and upper primary ones, in Katlicherra block in Hailakandi district have remained closed for a couple of years due to lack of teachers who are afraid of attending the schools as they are located in militancy-prone areas.

Bru (Reang) and Mus-

lim militants enjoy a free hand here, successfully running extortion rackets for over a decade. Teachers, traders and affluent farmers of the area are their soft targets.

Most of the teachers, appointed in schools located in remote areas near the Assam-Mizoram border, used to get threat calls from militants and never attended schools, said

a source. Students, too, stopped going to schools, the source added.

"The future of our kids is doomed. At first, we used to send our wards to school regularly. Throughout the day they would play in absence of any teacher and return home in the afternoon.

So, for the last one year, our children have stopped going to schools," said a resident of Ghuguti village in

south Hailakandi, an area represented by Assm public health engineering minister Gautom Roy for the last three decades.

The district authorities refused to acknowledge that militancy was the sole reason for which the schools were shut.

Additional deputy commissioner (Hailakandi) Mukul Saikia on Tuesday said some militants

are active in the area, but it is not the reason behind the mass absence of teachers and students in some schools in Katlicherra block of the district.

The ADC, who is also in-charge of the district's education department, said lower primary and upper primary schools of Hailakandi district are facing crisis of teaching staff.

He said nearly 800 teach-

AgARTALA, FebRuARy 19 (IANS): Tripura Finance Minister Badal Chaudhury Wednesday presented a Rs.124.04 billion tax-free budget with a deficit of Rs.1.58 billion for the 2014-15 fiscal.

No new taxes have been proposed and no increase of existing taxes projected in the budget, presented on the second day of the three-week session of the assembly.

The budget, which projected the state's own tax revenue at Rs.12.78 billion, planned to cover the budgetary deficit of Rs.1.58 billion by compressing nondevelopment expenditure, stepping up of resource mobilisation, better tax enforcement and effeccting austerity measures.

"The Planning Commission has intimated that funds from the central gov-

ernment for 66 restructured centrally sponsored schemes (CSS) and flagships programmes, including the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, would be routed through the state budget from next fiscal," Chaudhury said in his hour-long budget speech in the house.

The state government would get Rs.28.29 billion under the CSS and the flagships programmes during the next financial year.

The CSS, after their restructuring, have been reduced to 66 from the previous 140.

He said the central government has taken a unilateral decision to provide the direct benefit transfer (DBT) to the beneficiaries of different social assistance programmes linked with the Aadhaar and

bank account, and urged the centre to reconsider the decision.

"The banks of the hilly state like Tripura are lacking proper infrastructure to take up such huge programmes like DBT. The banks have been asked to open 82 new branches and 170 ATMs (Automated Teller Machines) so as to reach the goal of one branch for 2,000 people in rural areas in a phased manner," the minister added.

Chaudhury said the centre has not responded positively to the state government's request for enacting a comprehensive central legislation for regulating the unauthorised non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) and chit funds to protect the interests of the depositors and investors.

"After continued per-

suasion, the CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) has agreed to take up investigation only in a few cases and primary investigation has been initiated."

"The state government

has once again requested the central government to ask the CBI to take up the probe of all cases registered by the Tripura government against the NBFCs," he added.

ers' posts have been lying vacant in these schools.

Most of the schools have no teacher at all, he added.

"Most of the teachers, appointed after qualifying Teachers Eligibility Test (TET), didn't opt for these schools given the remoteness of the area," said Saikia.

He said, of late, 1800 teachers from the district have qualified TET and

Rs.124.04 bn tax-free deficit budget in Tripura LAND

Explosion at hotel in Imphal

IMPHAL, FebRuARy 19 (NNN): One civilian was hurt in an explosion at a hotel owned by legislator Samuel Risom hailing from Naga People's Front (NPF) in Dewlahland here on Wednesday about 6:45 pm.

According to police reports, unidentified assailants triggered a bomb at Berean Lodge at Third Avenue in Dewlahland in Imphal, wounding one civilian this evening. The hotel is owned by Naga People’s Front (NPF) MLA Samuel Risom, they said, adding that the Ukhrul MLA was at his official quarter in Lamphel when the blast took place.

The wounded has been identified as Rajkumar Rai, 38, a van driver hailing from Kanglatombi in Senapati district.

He has been staying in Dewlalhland in a rented house. Police said some window panes of the hotel were shattered in the explosion which also caused some damage to the victim’s van.

Clay Khonshai, IG (LO-I), IK Muivah, DIG (Range-I), and P Sanjay, Officer-inCharge, Imphal Police Commando rushed to the site and assessed the situation.

Meanwhile, NPF, Manipur State general secretary Athuan Abonmai strongly condemned the attack saying it was a barbaric act. He said such an action was done without reason and demanded the culprits behind the attack to clarify on the incident at the earliest.

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the district administration is hopeful that the schools will get adequate faculty members. But at the same time, he expressed doubts about the number of teachers who will take up the offer to join these schools.

In October last year, two RCC buildings of Mu-

ZION HOSPITAL & RESEARCH CENTRE

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Mokokchung-798501, Nagaland

IN GRATITUDE

The Longkhum Lanur Telongjem convey our heartfelt gratitude to all the general public for bearing with us the inconvenience caused during our peaceful indefinite blockade on all roadways under Longkhum Village Jurisdiction and all the Longkhum youths who enforced the blockade, Longkhum Putu Menden, Longkhum Watsu Telen and Longkhum Students' Union and all our sympathizers for making the Blockade a success. We are also grateful to D.C. Mokokchung and his district officials, S.P. Mokokchung and his subordinate officers for ensuring a peaceful blockade from unruly blockade breakers. Our heartfelt and special gratitude to: 1. Ao Senden.

2. Ao Kaketshir Mongdang.

3. Watsu Mongdang.

4. Ongpangkong Mongdang 5. Ongpangkong Watsu Mongdang.

6. Ongpangkong Kaketshir Mongdang.

7. Mangmetong Students' Union.

8. Longkhum Union Mokokchung 9. Mangmetong Senso Union Mokokchung.

1.0. Longmisa Students' Union.

11. Mangmetong Village Council.

12. Longkhumtsur Telongjem Mokokchung.

13. Ongpangkong Senso Telongjem Alichen.

14. Settsu Youth Department.

15. Mokokchung Longkhum Students' Union.

16. Alichen Longkhum Students' Union.

17. Ungma Senso Telongjem Mokokchung.

18. Soyim Students' Union.

19. Alichen Baptist Arogotsur.

20. Settsu Watsu Telen.

21. Ungma Senso Telongjem Alichen.

22. Longkhum Baptist Arogotsur.

23. Settsu Village Council.

24. Mongsenyimti Senso Alichen Lolen Jamir President Secretary

25.

26.

27.

28.

29.

30.

31.

32.

33.

34.

35.

36.

37.

38.

39.

40.

41.

42.

43.

44.

45.

46.

Settsu Student's Union.

Mangmetong Lanur Telongjem, Mokokchung.

Hokalo, lzheto Village. lzheto Youth Department.

Maongla Alichen.

Mr & Mrs. Manglakumba Longkhum.

Mr & Mrs l. Tia Soyah Tzu pilemjem Sector Settsu.

Watsu Telen Alichen.

Mr.Fortoshi Longkhum.

Mr.lmlitemsu Longkhum.

Mr. lmkongyaba Mokokchung.

Mr.Jemti, Mr. lmo & Mr. Mar contractor NH 61.

Mr. T. Chalukumba Chungtia.

Mr.lmnuwati Longkhum.

Alichen nung alir Longkhumtsur bendanger ki-e aor telongjem.

Mr & Mrs Moa Soyah.

Mr.lmlikokba Ungma.

Mr.Panger Lkr. Mr & Mrs. Panger Ao Mokokchung.

Mr.Mayang Jamir, Settsu.

Mr. Aka & Co. Toshi Pongen Secretary

liala LP School in Katlicherra block were blown up by suspected Mizorambased miscreants.

In August last year, an assistant teacher of 593 No Baldabaldi LP School in the block was abducted from his home by suspected militants.

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PRINCIPAL IMMANUEL COLLEGE Contact: 03862-248068

C M Y K

4

businEss

Thursday

Dimapur

20 February 2014

The Morung Express

India reclaims 31 coal blocks from private firms

New Delhi/ bhubaNeShwar, February 19 (reuTerS): The coal ministry is taking back 31 coal blocks allocated to private firms including the Tata group and Jindal Steel and Power over delays in developing them, jeopardising billiondollar projects and inviting legal action.

The recalls, coupled with delays in approvals for several large projects such as steel plants by POSCO and ArcelorMittal in eastern India, renew concerns that the country will struggle to attract much needed private investment in the infrastructure sector.

The ministry, reviewing some 61 coal blocks allocated over the past decade that have not started production yet, announced on Tuesday it was reclaiming about half as companies have failed to meet milestones. The companies say delays in getting some government clearances hampered work on the blocks.

“The ministry has already sent notices to a number of companies about the de-allocation,” coal ministry spokesman N.C. Joshi said on Wednesday. “Some others will be intimated soon.”

The government periodically reviews the status of coal projects and has previously also reclaimed allocated blocks. The de-allocated blocks will be given to stateowned Coal India Ltd for the time being and may later be offered to

In this file photo, locals collect coal from an open cast coal field at Dhanbad district in Jharkhand. (REUTERS Photo)

new developers, Joshi said.

The Tata group, in partnership with South Africa’s Sasol Ltd, was planning to invest $10 billion in a project to convert low-quality coal into oil starting 2018. The joint venture (JV) was to use coal from the North of Arkhapal and Srirampur coal block in eastern Odisha state.

The JV filed a petition in the Delhi High Court on Wednesday against the de-allocation, following which the court asked

the government not to proceed with its move, a spokesman for the JV, Debasis Ray, told Reuters.

A copy of the court order could not be obtained immediately by Reuters.

“To develop the block, the JV has been awaiting the mandatory prospecting licence from the government, which has not been issued till date and without which no action can be taken on the block,” Ray said.

Jindal Steel too was working on

a similar project in Odisha and had spent about $12 million out of total planned investment of $10 billion.

The company, whose chairman Naveen Jindal is a member of parliament from the ruling Congress party, said it will also take the government to court for the decision to take back the Ramchandi block.

Jindal Steel was allocated the block in early 2009 for it to produce 80,000 barrels of oil per day.

The Tata-Sasol venture was also

planning to ramp up output to 80,000 barrels per day within a year from starting, a Sasol executive said in 2010.

“Jindal Steel opines that it is the most unfair decision. We’ll challenge this decision in a court of law,” a company spokesman told Reuters, declining to give a timeline by when the company will approach a court.

Rajani Kant Singh, the steel and mines minister of Odisha called the federal government’s move “unfortunate” as it came at a time when “procedural maintenance was underway”.

Jindal Steel’s shares closed up about 7 percent on Tuesday. Investors were relieved that a big capital-intensive project was likely to be cancelled following the de-allocation, said Angel Broking analyst Bhavesh Chauhan. The shares fell 2.8 percent on Wednesday.

The Jindal Steel spokesman declined to comment on the fate of the coal-to-liquid project. Chauhan of Angel Broking in Mumbai said that only a handful of companies whose coal blocks will be taken away have invested in the projects, which means there would not be much of an impact for investors.

Apart from the companies working on the coal-to-liquid projects, Adani Power Ltd is one of the large companies whose coal blocks will be taken back. An Adani spokesman could not be reached immediately for comment .

SBI may slow hiring in next few years

hyDerabaD, February 19 (PTi): State Bank of India, the country’s largest lender, may go slow on recruitments during the next 2-3 years. According to Managing Director A Krishna Kumar, the PSU bank will try to maintain the employee strength at current levels even as it keeps expansion programmes in mind.

“We will see the extent of people who are retiring from the bank from all levels. So to that (extent) we may look at replenishing that stock. We will not try to increase. Right now, we have 2.23 lakh people working with us,” Kumar said. By March 2014, the employee strength may fall to 2.2 lakh, he said.

“So we will try to keep the figure constant between 2.2 and 2.23 lakh over the next few years. By reducing the staff all of a sudden, the other activity does not function effectively. But at the same time I should not increase my staff so much that my productivity and my expense becomes an issue,” Kumar told reporters at a press conference.

According to SBI, the head count reduced by nearly 5,000 between March and December 2013. For the first nine months of the current financial year, SBI incurred Rs 17,225 crore towards staff expenses, up 35 per cent over the same period last year.

An RBI report last year said SBI ranks below the national average when it comes to business and profit per employee. As per data on the Indian banking sector, SBI’s business per employee in 2012-13 was Rs 9.43 crore, compared with the aggregate for all banks at Rs 12.13 crore.

Replying to a query, Kumar said corporate credit offtake in the current quarter may not be attractive given the economic conditions in the country. “There is reasonably good offtake in retail lending and housing loans. Probably even by March 2014, we don’t see much offtake in corporate. But we will see fairly good offtake in retail and agriculture,” he said.

On ATM operations, he said it is awaiting the RBI’s decision on charging customers for using ATMs of other banks.

He said ATM operations break even only after there are 100-125 transactions a day and SBI-owned ATMs record 225-250 hits on an average per day across the country.

Auto makers reduce prices after excise duty cut Google asks Internet-connected Delhi, February turer Hero MotoCorp has also eyewear fans not to be “Glassholes” New 19 (iaNS): Automobile compapassed on the excise duty benMaruti, Hyundai cut prices

SaN FraNciSco, February 19 (aFP): Google gave early adopters of its Internetconnected eyewear a bit of advice: don’t be “Glassholes.” It was the final suggestion in a recommended code of conduct posted online for software developers and others taking part in an Explorer program providing early access to Google Glass.

The California-based Internet titan appeared intent on avoiding the kinds of caustic run-ins that have seen some Glass wearers tossed from eateries, pubs or other establishments due to concerns over camera capabilities built into devices. Don’t be “creepy or rude (aka, a ‘Glasshole’),” Google said in a guide posted online on Tuesday for Explorer program members.

“Respect others and if they have questions about Glass don’t get snappy.” Google suggest Glass wearers be polite and

offer demonstrations to possibly win over the wary. Glass fans were advised it is proper to follow the same rules set down for smartphone use in businesses.

“If you’re asked to turn your phone off, turn Glass off as well,” Google said. “Breaking the rules or being rude will not get businesses excited about Glass and will ruin it for other Explorers.”

In the wake of one early adopter claiming Glass gave him headaches, Google told users not to “Glass-out” by starring into the inset prism screen for long periods at a time. Glass was designed to deliver helpful bursts of information conveniently to let wearers get back to doing things in the real world, according to the technology firm.

“If you find yourself staring off into the prism for long periods of time you’re probably looking pretty weird to the people around you,” Google said.

“So don’t read War and Peace

nies Wednesday said they will pass on to customers the benefit that would follow the excise duty cut announced in the interim budget for 2014-15.

Chennai-based Hyundai Motor India said it has reduced prices in the range of Rs.10,000-Rs.135,300 on the entire range of products. “The reduction in excise duty would substantially reduce the prices, making cars more affordable,” said Rakesh Srivastava, senior vice president, sales and marketing, HMIL. Mahindra & Mahindra also announced reduction in prices of its passenger vehicle portfolio ranging between Rs.13,000 and Rs.49,000. The company said it will also reduce the price of its premium sports utility vehicle (SUV), Rexton, by up to Rs.92,000.

“We are confident that the reduction in prices by Mahindra as well as other auto companies would provide the much

on Glass. Things like that are better done on bigger screens.”

Google also advised against wearing Glass while playing impact sports; or being foolish enough to think the eyewear won’t draw attention. The “do” list included venturing about, using voice commands, asking permission to take pictures, and employing screen locks to prevent use if Glass is lost or stolen.

Google last month unveiled a partnership with US vision insurer VSP to make prescription Glass and to reimburse some of the costs under health benefits.

That does not include the $1,500 price for Google Glass, which is in a test phase with a small number of “explorers” ahead of a wider release sometime this year. Glass connects to the Internet using Wi-Fi hot spots or, more typically, by being wirelessly tethered to mobile phones. Pictures or video are may be shared through the Google Plus social network.

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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 co ntains the digits 1 through 9.”

SUDOKU Game Number # 2797

after excise duty reduction

New Delhi, February 19 (PTi): Car makers Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) and Hyundai Motor India today cut prices after excise duty on automobiles was reduced in the Interim Budget.

While MSI’s price cuts range between Rs. 8,502 and Rs. 30,984 across its models, Hyundai has slashed prices by between Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 1,35,300. The entire benefit of the excise duty cut is being passed on to customers for the full range of models, MSI said in a statement. Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) also said customers would get the full benefit of the excise duty reduction.

The price cut applied to all the models, from Eon to Santa Fe. “The reduction in excise duty would substantially reduce the prices, making cars more affordable. The quantum of benefit will vary from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 1,35,300 across all the models,” HMIL Senior Vice-President, Sales and Marketing, Rakesh Srivastava said.

needed fillip to the auto industry. The prices of our range of commercial vehicles are also being reduced,” said Pravin Shah, chief executive, automotive division, Mahindra & Mahindra.

Other automobile manufactures such as Nissan said it will also pass on the full benefit of recent cuts to vehicle

duty which range from four to six percent. “The reduction in excise duty is a welcome move towards revival of the Indian automobile industry. We are confident this will make our products more accessible and drive growth across the range,” said Kenichiro Yomura, president, Nissan India Operations.

Two-wheeler manufac-

DAILY CROSS WORD

CROSSWORD # 2808

DIMAPUR Civil Hospital:

STD CODE: 03862

Metro Hospital: Faith Hospital: Shamrock Hospital Zion Hospital: Police Control Room Police Traffic Control East Police Station West Police Station CIHSR (Referral Hospital) Dimapur hospital Apollo Hospital Info Centre: Railway: Indian Airlines Chumukedima Fire Brigade Nikos Hospital and Research Centre Nagaland Multispecialty Health & Research Centre

Answer Number # 2796

KOHIMA

Police Control Room: North Police Station: South Police Station: Fire Brigade: Naga Hospital: Oking Hospital: Bethel Nursing Home:

efit to customers ranging from two percent-five percent. “We have decided to pass on the entire benefit of the excise duty cut to our customers. We have judiciously spread out the cut across our product portfolio ranging from 2% going up to 5% with the maximum reduction being Rs.4,500,” the company said in statement.

Luxury automobile manufactures like Mercedes-Benz and Audi have also cut prices.

Earlier, auto makers like General Motors, Tata Motors and Volkswagen Passenger Cars said they would pass on the excise rate cut benefit to customers. In the interim budget 2014-15 speech Finance Minister Chidambaram reduced the central excise on small cars, scooters/two-wheelers from 12 to 8%. He also reduced the central excise from 30% to 24% on SUVs, and medium segment sedans from 27-24% to 2420%, respectively.

232224; Emergency229529, 229474 227930, 231081 228846 228254 231864, 224117, 227337 228400 232106 227607 232181 242555/ 242533 224041, 248011 230695/9402435652 131/228404 229366 282777 232032, 231031 248302, 09856006026

STD CODE: 0370

Northeast Shuttles

100/2244279 2222222 2222111 2222952 2222916 2243339 2224202

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Obsessive COmpulsive DisOrDer

APOLOGIZE

ILLNESS

BEHAVIORAL

MELANCHOLIA

BODY CHECKING COMPULSIVE COUNTING

OBSESSIVE OCD ORGANIZED QUESTIONS

DIAGNOSED

RITUALS

DISORDER

THERAPY

EXACTNESS

THINKING

FEAR

TREATMENT

GERMAPHOBIC

WASHING

GERMS

D

I M E L A N C H O L I A G E D H

E X A C T N E S S I F E M A G I

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V A D A G N O E T W A S H I N G

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I R I T V C O R G A N I Z E D A

S I A T D G E R M A P H O B I C

S I G D N I V N R B E T Q W D T

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S H O S I L A H E H D T E O O I

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G E R M S T Z N F L D N A V Y U

ACROSS

E D O B A Q E T G I Y T O E L L

1. Early 20th-century art movement 5. Fable writer 10. Unwanted email 14. Pinnacle 15. Hush money 16. Threesome 17. Circuit 19. Small brook 20. Historic period 21. Indian monetary unit 22. Anxious 23. Prominent 25. A pinnacle of ice 27. What we sleep on 28. Presuming 31. Risk 34. A river through Paris 35. Greek god of meadows 36. Garments of goat hair 37. Kitchen appliance 38. Tibetan monk 39. Not bottom 40. Famous French writer 41. Hotel employee 42. Unexpectedly 44. Offer 45. A proofreader’s symbol 46. A cord worn around the neck 50. A small round piece of

linen 52. Cautious 54. Suffering 55. False god 56. A very small amount 58. Pout 59. Eagle’s nest 60. Craving 61. At one time (archaic) 62. Gloomy, in poetry 63. Parasitic insect

DOWN 1. Challenges 2. 3-banded armadillo 3. Sticker 4. Wood chopping tool 5. Be plentiful 6. Blow up 7. “Your majesty” 8. Neurotic 9. P 10. Brook 11. School administrator 12. Afflicts 13. Infiltrator 18. Angler’s basket 22. Not false 24. Nile bird 26. Feudal worker 28. Long times 29. What a person is called 30. Annoying insect

31. A Maori club 32. Black, in poetry 33. Voracious 34. Gurney 37. Arid 38. Gentlewoman 40. Deviate 41. A type of plastic 43. Billfold 44. Hair cutter 46. Female demon 47. Dreadful 48. Awaken 49. Greek letter 50. 10 cent coin 51. Smell 53. Employ 56. Little bit 57. Santa’s helper

Ans to CrossWord 2807

DIMAPUR: 03862-232201/101 (O) 9436601225 (OC) CHUMUKEDIMA: 03862-282777/101 (O) WOKHA: 03860-242215 (O) 9402643782 MOKOKCHUNG: 0369-2226225/101 (O) 9856872011 (OC) PHEK: 03865-223838/101 (O) 9436012949 (OC)

TUENSANG: 03861-220256/101 (O) 8974322879

08974997923

MON: 03869-290629/101 (O) 9856248962/ 9612805461 (OC)

Toll free No. 1098 childline

W

KOHIMA: 0370-2222952/101 (O) 9436062098 (OC)

ZUNHEBOTO: 03867-220444/101 (O) 9856158740 (OC)

CHILD WELFARE COMMITTEE

MOKOKCHUNG:

FIRE STATIONS

STD CODE: 0369

Police Station 1: Police Station 2 :

2226241 2226214

Civil Hospital: Woodland Nursing Home: Hotel Metsüpen (Tourist Lodge):

2226216 2226263 2226373/2229343

TAHAMzAM (formerly Senapati) STD CODE: 03871 Police Station: Fire Brigade

222246 222491

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LOCAL

The Morung Express

KHM condemns; demands apology moKoKchuNg, February 19 (mexN): The Kyong Hoho Mokokchung (KHM) has strongly condemned the February 9 incident, where late Temsusenla Jamir of Changki village was “burnt and made to suffer for 10 days without any medical attention at the residence of Tsanthungo that led to her eventual death.” A press release issued by the Hoho general secretary Mhombemo Ngullie and chairman Nyamo Z Yanthan stated, “The manner in which Lt. Temsusenla Jamir was made to suffer

was so inhuman and beyond human comprehension that no amount of human tolerance would accept such cruelty in a civilized society.”

The KHM further clarified to all concerned that “while ascertaining the identity of the so called Chubasunep Lotha and Tsanthungo Lotha, it was confirmed that neither the father nor the son had any affiliation or association with the Kyong/Lotha community in any manner.” It said Tsanthungo was neither adopted nor a bonafide member of any

Lotha village. It also added, “so called Tsanthungo Lotha was born to a Lotha mother, but his father was a Manipuri by name Mankia, hailing from Meitrain village in the state of Manipur.”

Therefore, KHM has notified to Chubasunup Lotha and Tsanthungo Lotha to apologize to Kyong/ Lotha community for “tarnishing the good image of the Lotha community within 10 days from the date of this publication, failing which action will be initiated as per the Kyong Customary Law.”

Thursday 20 February 2014

DDaDu lauds arrest made in auto driver murder case Dimapur, February 19 (mexN): Lauding the Dimapur Police for cracking the murder case of auto driver, Gulya alias Gulzan and arresting three “hardcore criminals” involved, Dimapur District Auto Drivers Union (DDADU) has said that the Police should investigate more into the crimes committed by the three persons, as many auto drivers have been killed in the same way in the past.

The Union in a press

release expressed that “such criminals do not deserve any mercy and be awarded not less than capital punishment for committing murder just for stealing an auto rickshaw.” At the same time, the Union appealed not to grant bail to the accused at any cost.

In the past three years, it informed, six auto drivers have been killed and their vehicles stolen by unidentified persons and no arrests had been made.

Mukesh Singh was killed

on July 31, 2010; Vetesezu Veyie on September 10, 2010; Baijnath Sahani on January 3, 2011; Pradip Singh on February 14, 2011; Ashadul on September 27, 2013; and Gulzan on February 8, 2014.

Further, DDADU appealed to public not to buy second-hand auto rickshaws without proper verification. “If anybody approaches to sell auto rickshaws and if they have any suspicion, they can inform the Union or police immediately,” it added.

DGU mourns accidental death GBs appointed for judicious implementation

Dimapur, February 19 (mexN): Dimapur Gorkha Union (DGU) has deeply mourned the tragic death of four members of a family on February 17, 2014 in an accident near Changki Village, Mokokchung. In a press release, DGU informed that the victims were Narmaya Pradhan, 72, wife of Til Bahadur Pradhan; Monmaya Pradhan, 33, daughter of Til Bahadur Pradhan; Tara Parajuli, 27, daughter of Til Bahadur Pradhan; and Senkalemba Ao, son-in-law of Til Bahadur Pradhan, all hailing from Bamun Pukhuri, Dimapur.

The tragic accident occurred in the wee hours of February 17, where the ill fated truck fell some 600 meters below the road.

It was very difficult to retrieve the dead bodies since the truck fell into a deep narrow gorge, the release noted. The DGU has extended its deepest gratitude to Changki Village Council, Chungtia Village Council,

Aliba Village Council, Longjangkong Village Council and the people of the respective villages for their efforts in retrieving all the bodies from such a narrow and inaccessible terrain.

The DGU also extended its gratitude to Maniraj Rai of Mokokchung Town and all the Gorkhas under the Gorkha Union Mokokchung for their presence, support, prayers and for arranging the coffins for the victims. Further, it thanked the president and members of Mokokchung District Truck Owners Association, D.G. Home Guards, Nagaland, Commandant, Home Guards, Training Centre, Toluvi Village, Dimapur, DEF, Mokokchung, Churches and the President & members of Bamun Pukhuri Unit of DGU for travelling all the way to the spot and bringing back the bodies to Dimapur.

The DGU also expressed its deepest condolences to the bereaved family members.

of schemes: Home Minister Kaito Aye

Dimapur, February 19 (mexN): G. Kaito Aye, Home Minister, Nagaland addressed the 4th session of Satoi Area GBs Union (STKK) hosted at Thsuruhumi Village, under Zunheboto district on February 15 as chief guest.

G. Kaito Aye pointed out that though traditionally, Sumi village kingship was practiced hereditarily, the state government appoints GBs and empowers the village authority through communitisation for judicious implementation of various schemes and grants allocated for the villages. He stressed that the various developmental grants provided to the villages is solely for the benefit of its citizens and not for village chiefs to misuse.

The objective of communitisation is to create sense of ownership and to uproot

Home Minister G Kaito Aye addressing the Satoi Area GBs Union session on February 15 at Thsuruhumi Village.

poverty in all terms.

The Home Minister also underlined the mindset of the GBs who act as absolute and unquestionable authority thereby neglecting the welfare of common villagers. Aye also sternly warned that the government will suspend all forms of grants and schemes against such villages, which go against the government norms. He lauded the gathering of GBs for educat-

NYK organizes convention for youth of Mon

I

magine you sat on a Sumo for a really long trip, stretching to over 8 hours, with full faith in the driver; the one and only one, controlling the engines, the stirring, the wheels, and ultimately determines whether you reach your destination on time or not. Or who knows, you don’t reach at all sometimes. The duration of travel between Kohima and Tuensang is a rigorous one, demanding hours of being on the road and a whole day is quite easily spent travelling in that long stretch. It is also a tiring one because of the deplorable road condition, and yet, people commute from the state capital to Tuensang or vice versa everyday, for reasons of their own.

It wasn’t too long ago

wang, District Employment Exchange officer, Mon called upon the youth to excel in their academic fields. He asked them to compete with the other tribes. He stated that in modern world there is cut throat competitions; the good ones are selected while those who could not excel have no place in job avenues. He stated that as a student, they should devote their time in studies to prepare for career. “Naga youth are second to none,” he asserted. “We can definitely excel only if we compound it with hard work and discipline into our lifestyles.”

He further urged the youths to put extra efforts, and change the mindset for their own advantage. Af-

that I happened to be travelling from Kohima to Tuensang on a Sumo for the first time. Maybe it was just my luck to have hopped into a Sumo, unusually packed with the exact number of passengers that the vehicle can accommodate, increasing the number of head counts to eleven, when the driver is also included. The packed Sumo wouldn’t have mattered so much if the driver, in the process of covering kilometers after kilometers managed to smoothly take us to our destination.

Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. After quite a great deal of miles and villages were behind us with few stoppages in between, the driver had changed how he drove from where we first started. Follow-

firming that each society has its own unique culture and talent, he asked the participants to be responsible in taking their own culture forward. He also encouraged them not to indulge in drug abuse and misuse God’s given gift. He asked them to be responsible citizens by performing their respective duties with sincerity and honesty.

Meren, ACT, NYK Mon delivered the keynote address. He informed that Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan is an autonomous body under Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India and was established in the year 1972. It has its district offices in more than 623

districts with 50 regional offices and 20 zonal directorates across the country.

He stated that NYK focuses on youth capacity building through 1.8 lakh youth clubs across the country.

The youth convention in Mon also saw the declaration of district Best Youth Club Award 2012-2013, which went to Young Kid’s Club, Tanhai village. The Award carried a cash prize of Rs. 10,000 and citation. Sports materials were also distributed to the youth clubs. Cultural presentations and displays by various youth clubs like AFM Chingai Ward Club, and Sacrifice Cooperation Club, Honphoi Village were some of the highlights of the convention.

ing and co-coordinating amongst themselves and assured to extend all possible help towards common needs of the area people within capacity.

A press note stated that earlier, Er. H. Kahuto Sumi, S.E Police project, exhorted the GBs to govern their respective subject with diligence. He emphasized strongly on the younger generation migrating to urban areas with or without

jobs, which need to be thoroughly introspected by each GB. He further stressed that the GBs should be proactive in peace building, maintain dignity of leadership by understanding the will of its citizens.

Host of public leaders, church leaders and government officials attended the session. Kughai Aye chaired the programme and Kaito Zhimo, GB of Thatkiye delivered vote of thanks.

WoKha, February 19 (mexN): Deputy Commissioner of Wokha, Vyasan R has said that every child has a right to get protection, care and love. He asserted this while raising issues pertaining to child rights and problems seen in rural areas during a coordination meeting of different functionaries of Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS) in Wokha.

Delivering his keynote address during the meeting initiated by the Office of the Superintendent, Observation Home Wokha, the DC urged the participants to dedicate and work sincerely in order to justify the cause that ICPS is heading towards.

A press release from Observation Home informed that Wobenthung Patton, superintendent, Observation Home welcomed the participants and briefed about its office, purpose and shared hurdles of children in the society. He stressed on the need to have children's home in Wokha because juveniles in contact with laws can-

not be sent to Observation Home, but has to be taken care by CWC (Child Welfare Committee).

Wokha CWC Chairman, K.C. Murry emphasized on creating mass awareness among different stakeholders, so that the objectives and goals set forth by ICPS are achieved. He observed that many fail to access the facilities being provided as they are unaware. He urged the district administration and Police forces mainly to assist and work hand in hand.

Various representatives of CWC, DCPU, SJPU, Observation Home also raised similar issues and emphasized on striving hard to increase the level of awareness among common people, as its project is at its initial stage.

The meeting resolved to conduct awareness programs in all schools, both private and government in Wokha district by Observation Home and District Child Protection Unit, Wokha. Altogether 24 people participated in the meeting.

Wokha ICPS emphasize on raising more awareness

Public SPace

Of reckless, drunken drivers ing a particular stop, everything about his driving took a different turn. He drove, not with the dignity of a committed, trustworthy and faithful driver, but sheer recklessness, least bothered about the safety, let alone comfort of the passengers. By then, the reason we all knew was because alcohol had ruined his good sense of driving.

With every turn, it became scarier than the first and in that moment, our lives became uncertain.

Forget about reaching Tuensang, none of us knew if we were going to survive the absolutely uncontrolled ride. And in such a situation, who could have

5

MEx FILE GPRN/NSCN informs Dimapur, February 19 (mexN): Chief Secretary, GPRN/NSCN, Khekiho Chophy has informed all the head of departments and ministries that, there will be a Secretariat staff meeting on February 22, 2014, 10:00 am at Designated Camp, Khehoi. All the Secretariat staff have been asked to attend the said meeting without fail.

Intensive mass social work on Feb 21

Dimapur, February 19 (mexN): In view of the visit of Princess of Thailand to Nagaland, there will be an “intensive mass social work” on February 21 starting 7:00 am from Purana Bazaar to Piphema village along National Highway 29. In this connection, Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur, N Hushili Sema has informed all the council chairmen of villages along National Highway 29 to take necessary initiative in their respective jurisdiction. A fine of Rs. 50,000 will be levied on the defaulting village councils, cautioned the DC in a press release.

NWHD requests to participate in sanitation rally

Dimapur, February 19 (mexN): Naga Women Hoho Dimapur (NWHD) is organizing a rally on 'sanitation program' sponsored by PHED on February 21 at 8:00 am starting from Delux Point to City Tower. Therefore, NWHD president Hukheli T Wotsa has requested all the GBs from every colony, members of Naga Council and DNSU, and all citizens of Dimapur to join the rally positively. NWHD further requested the authority concerned to submit the forensic report of July 4 murder in Dimapur at the earliest.

Phewhuo Whuorie clans’ Sekrenyi feast

Atoizu Range Student Union (ARSU) organized a one day advocacy campaign on HIV/AIDS on February 12 at Kheloshe Polytechnic: Atoizu, supported by Legislators’ Forum on AIDS, Nagaland. More than 200 participants comprising church leaders, women groups, youths, and community leaders attended the campaign.

moN, February 19 (mexN): With an objective to develop the potentials of youths in the district, a oneday district youth convention was held at NPF hall, Mon on February 15.

John Makhabo, District Youth Coordinator, Nehru Yuva Kendra (NYK), Mon stated in a press release that members of youth clubs were brought together to enhance their capacity to work as effective youth leaders in their respective areas. The programme had cultural component to ensure that the youth carry forward the good traditional values and folklores, it added. Around 111 youths attended the convention.

The chief guest, Lei-

Dimapur

argued with a seemingly angry drunken driver when he is literally in control of the fate of the vehicle.

But thank God for tender mercies, the driver parked somewhere after much pleading from the passengers. Then and there, he got down, his totally drunken face showing in full, and absolutely in no position to drive us where we intended to be. I am sure all of us were deeply angered. But it would have been meaningless to argue with a drunk, who has lost whatever good sense that is in him.

So, we were there in the middle of nowhere, not so worried about getting to

our destination on time but just grateful that we were in a safer place than enduring the uncertain ride, which could just easily fall into a gorge, a deep valley, anywhere where our lives would be hanging on thin threads. The only consolation being, the Sumo drivers also seem to have that sense of looking out for each other, which is also why, I believe, two Sumos stopped. To make a long story short, one of the Sumo drivers drove the Sumo we were in, with the drunken driver in the front seat, while one of the passengers drove the other Sumo and together we proceeded again.

By then, the drunken driver was fast asleep, and I thought, even hoped, he would feel guilty when he wakes up but when he actually did, he showed no regret whatsoever. While the other driver who took charge of our vehicle shamelessly declared that all drivers drink and that, it was unusual our driver to have gotten drunk that easily. I mean whose lives are they kidding?

Everybody understands that it is such a rigorous, painstaking job to drive for that many hours everyday. But that, they drink to forget the tiredness or for whatever else it is that they drink, is to-

Kohima, February 19 (mexN): The organizing committee of Phewhuo Whuorie clans of T. Khel Kohima village has requested all its members to attend the Sekrenyi feast cum get together on March 1 at 12:30 pm at Whuorie Nuomia Dahou, T. Khel Kohima village. In a release, organizing committee secretary Boulie Whuorie also extended special invitation on behalf of the clans to married sisters to come with the family members positively.

PTPF fellowship with HODs

pFutsero, February 19 (mexN): Pfütsero Town Pastors’ Fellowship (PTPF) had a combined fellowship with the heads of departments of government establishments of Pfütsero Town at ADC conference hall, Pfütsero on February 19, 2014. The first of its kind gathering in the town was initiated by the Pastors’ Fellowship with the objective to create a platform to build relationship and to uphold each other spiritually. The fellowship was attended by government officers, CBCC staff, Pfütsero Town Council Action Committee members, senior citizens and pastors of all churches irrespective of denominations. The programme was led by Dr. T. Kapfo and exhorted by SDO (Civil) Lovitoli Sema, Rev. Dr. N. Chiero and PTC Action Committee Convener Zhonelü Tünyi. The PTPF in a press release has expressed appreciation to all those who had supported the programme in their various capacities.

AR builds water tank for villagers

moN, February 19 (mexN): 33 Assam Rifles has constructed a five thousand litres water storage tank at Sheanghah Chingnyu village in Mon located near IndoMyanmar border. A press release from Assam Rifles expressed that the tank, constructed as part of Civic Action Programme will facilitate availability of sufficient water throughout the year in the water scarce village. The project was inaugurated and handed over to the villagers on February 13, 2014 in the presence of officials of civil administration, NGOs and village authorities.

Mangkolemba Baptist Church pastor and deacons pray during the dedication service for light and heavy vehicles in Mangkolemba town on February 16 at the church premises.

tally not justified. We came across tea stalls that had notice boards on their walls, saying, use of alcohol in that particular stall is strictly prohibited. Ironically, those are the same stalls serving alcohol to these drivers.

Seriously, whose lives are they playing with?

How dare they drink and drive as many as ten passengers in one vehicle and still confidently think they can make it home safely? If anything happens, can they claim responsibility? Can they bring back a life lost in an accident?

Drivers cannot afford to drink and drive for any reason whatsoever. They cannot take the liberty of playing with the lives of innocent citizens who commute from one place to an-

other everyday. I am sure it is not just the KohimaTuensang stretch but this one pretty much shows the picture of our drivers in Nagaland. There needs to be a mechanism that checks on this. Notwithstanding the fact that it is such a shame to call our state a dry state, drinking and driving should be absolutely prohibited.

And by that, I mean not only in letter but in spirit.

It may be a one-time experience for me. But there are hundreds of people, most of them, innocent villagers, who travel such long distances to finish much of their tasks. If we cannot ensure road safety for these people, then, we are also very far away from achieving the greater goals that our state may have.

Vishü Rita Krocha

The Morung Express is introducing “Public Space” as part of our intention to provide deliberate space for the opinions of the people to be expressed and heard through this newspaper. Nonetheless, The Morung Express points out that the opinions expressed in the contents published in the “Public Space” do not reflect the views and position of the newspaper or the editor.

6

IN-FOCUS

The Power of Truth

The Morung Express THursDAy 20 FEbruAry 2014 volumE IX IssuE 48

by Aheli moitra

The end of education

B

oard examinations were just painful. It was like having a screwdriver wedge out an organ at a time, starting with the brain. For those weak in academics, like me, it was a bit more excruciating.

The preparation itself used to be full of torment. If you had not understood anything in school, or at the tuition class, you were left with having to rote the chronology of bonds and independence type stuff. That obviously never worked except for those rare gifted ones with an ability to get things without having to understand them. For the rest of us, the story began from the ‘Hence Proved’ part of the answer. Amidst an outcry for 95% and more, it was a task to even begin to prepare.

Then the exam itself came with its many sheets. Even before you could begin to scan the questions you had no answers to, but figure out what you could feign an answer for, the random student from another school next to you had already asked for a supplement. Oh the horror! Perhaps I should be planning an escape instead of trying to attempt this paper…A jailbreak!

After a few weeks of relief from the torture of having taken the exams, there was the fright of marks. The jailbreak should have been implemented by now. The humiliation of the semi lowest score is not an easy burden to carry.

All of us made it through that drudgery—some with glorious marks, others forever marked.

Yet over one billion children (UN estimate) across the world—57 million of them out of school—living in countries affected by conflict will never face the normal circumstances of crucial examinations. In 2013, an estimated 7 million children in the world were refugees and between 11,2 and 13,7 million children were displaced within their own country due to conflict, according to the UN Refugee Agency.

These are just the larger figures—the internally displaced children of corners like neighbouring Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (Assam) are not even on the radar.

700 of the Rengma Naga children from the region face the prospect of either being forever displaced, murdered if they go back home or recruited by one of the many armed groups in the North East region of India.

30 of them are writing their class 10 board examination this year under fear. They and their families were targeted in an attempt to wipe their existence out in December 2013. A part of this—burning books, uniforms, certificates and legal identity— amounts to ending education. While it is education that could give them a small chance of taking control of the situation at home, the prospect of a future has been brought to an end through the violence perpetrated against them.

The State has not only been unable to handle the situation but, criminally, it has been unwilling to do so.

Who, then, will give them hope? From where will they begin to attempt their examinations?

Suggestions may be emailed to moitramail@yahoo.com

lEfT wiNg |

Alok Singh IANS

Atrocities in jails forced me to join politics: Sori

S

he never thought of joining politics. But 38-year-old Soni Sori, brutally tortured by police in Chhattisgarh for her alleged links with Maoists, has joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in her desperate bid to change the system.

Sori, keen to contest the Lok Sabha polls from Bastar, said she wants to fight for those jailed on false charges by the BJP government of Raman Singh in Chhattisgarh.

“I was never interested in politics. I wanted to live a normal life. But the torture and atrocities in the jails and police custody have changed my entire thought process and outlook,” a frail-looking Sori told IANS. "Now I want to contest elections and through AAP I will transform the system. I have seen so many innocents jailed on false charges. I want to work for them. "I saw life from very close quarters when I was in jail. I had never heard, seen or read anything like what happened to me and other prisoners.

It has changed me completely,” she said.

Sori and her nephew Lingaram Kodopi, a budding journalist who had ambitions of empowering the poor tribals, were accused of receiving money from a corporate house, a charge they denied. The money was supposedly meant for the Maoists.

Kodopi was arrested in September 2011 and Sori a month later.

She spent over two years in jails in Raipur and Jagdalpur in Chhattisgarh and then in Delhi’s Tihar jail. Dressed in a yellow colour salwar-suit and a jacket and accompanied by Kodopi, Sori recalled the horror which have left a lasting impression on her psyche.

“I was brutally tortured in Raipur jail. While in the custody of the Dantewada police, I was stripped naked and given electric shocks at the orders of (then) district police superintendent Ankit Garg. “I was sexually assaulted by three of his men,” she added.

Sori, a mother of two daughters and a son, was subsequently warded in the Kolkata Medical College Hospital where doctors removed stones inserted into her vagina and rectum. The former primary school teacher-turned-tribal rights activist has been staying in New Delhi for four months after the Supreme Court granted her and her nephew interim bail in November.

They were barred from entering Chhattisgarh but a recent court verdict has allowed them to visit their hometown. Sori is determined to bring an end to injustice and atrocities committed against people like her, especially in Chhattisgarh, where the Maoists have held sway for years in places like Bastar.

“I met several people inside the jail who too had been imprisoned on false charges like me,” she said. According to Sori, she got a call from AAP leader Prashant Bhushan last week offering her a Lok Sabha ticket from Bastar. She accepted the offer. "The people of Bastar don't enjoy the rights guaranteed by our country's constitution. I want to help and empower them,” Sori said. ”I want to become the voice of the people of Bastar."

Sori is at present staying with her nephew and 10-yearold younger daughter Apsara in Delhi but plans to return to village Jabeli in Dantewada district to prepare for the polls expected in April-May. “I would love to see her contesting the election. Being a student of journalism, I want to work in the field of writing,” Kodopi told IANS. Sori's elder daughter studies in Class 8 and lives with a relative while her son Jitendra studies in Class 6 and stays in a hostel.

Her husband died due to some undiagnosed neurological condition that paralysed him from waist down in Dantewada in August 2013. AAP recently announced a list of 20 candidates for the Lok Sabha election. Sori's name was finalized for the Bastar seat, as per the party sources, but there is yet to be a formal announcement.

THE EDIT PAGE

C O M M E N T A R Y

Eldar Sarajlic

The Perils Of Procedural Democracy

R

ecent unrest in Bosnia has exposed the ageold dilemma about democracy once again: is democracy procedural or substantive? In other words, are procedures required by basic democratic standards, such as political equality, freedom of speech and free elections, sufficient for democracy? Does it matter what kind of outcomes result from democratic procedures? Is democracy a matter of a particular way of doing politics, or a matter of particular content of democratic decision-making?

As political philosophers like to stress, mere procedures do not make democracy. Decisions made by democratically elected governments will be legitimate only if they reflect certain principles that derive from democracy’s conceptual content. However, procedural understanding of democracy is often taken as the dominant standard of value judgments and political assessments. It is often easier to look at institutional procedures than to judge the character of their outcomes, which are often ambiguous or complex. But, is this a good way of making judgments about democracy? Looking through this lens at recent events in Bosnia may give us an answer.

By procedural standards, Bosnia and Herzegovina is a democratic country. Its institutions are populated through free elections; there is freedom of speech, and the citizens are nominally equal to one another. There is no visible violence of institutions towards the citizens, few (if any) political prisoners, and most of the citizens are free to live their life the way they see fit. The biggest procedural problem of Bosnian democracy is the exclusion of minority citizens from political representation: groups other than the three main ethnicities (Bosniaks, Croats and Serbs), such as Jews and Roma, cannot have their representatives in the institutions. After the European Court of Human Rights ruling of 2009 to the effect that Bosnian institutions need to rectify this violation of human rights, the politicians have been in constant, yet so far unsuccessful, negotiations about changing this procedural provision.

However, the content of Bosnia’s democracy is deeply problematic: the political elite is corrupt and unaccountable; elected representatives do not care about the needs of the citizens; there are striking levels of inequality, mainly caused by poor public policies and the gigantic bureaucratic apparatus; the outcomes of political procedures are unfair – they usually benefit small groups of politicians and their friends and not the population at large.

The lack of substantive democracy is what has brought protesters in many Bosnian cities into the street over the last weeks. They did not object to the way Bosnian democracy is procedurally executed, but the way the decisions are made by the elected representatives. They wanted more fairness and social justice; they wanted better democratic outcomes.

One may still ask, however, why did they choose to hit the streets instead of polling stations; the general elections are around the corner, in October this year?

The answer to that question is simple. Namely, Bosnian procedural democracy depends on the prevalence of ethnic nationalism. Main political parties ride on the ethnic sentiment of the majority of the populace and win votes by scare tactics and exploitation of wartime memories and antagonistic narratives.

Instead of substantive issues of public policy, election campaigns focus on the power struggle between three competing ethno-nationalisms. The result of every election since the country gained its independence in the early nineties was the same: the rule of ethnic parties and the predominance of ethnic categories of political practice. Even the

T

hailand’s deep political unrest, dominated by protests in Bangkok that began in October 2013, may appear a solely national issue. It does of course reflect particular national problems. But it also resembles what is happening in domestic and international politics at the global level.

In a sense, the protest can be seen as an effort to channel the voice of millions of disaffected Thai citizens.

It could thus be seen as an embodiment of more-or-less conscious democratic spirit. Although the protesters are based mainly in Bangkok, not all of them belong to a supposedly anti-democratic elite, as much of the western media initially reported; the opposition has also gained support among the city’s working classes. A crucial point, however, is that their demands remain rather generic and not particularly constructive.

It's intriguing to note that the protesters' invitation to a press briefing was accepted only by two countries, Switzerland and...Russia. The government, meanwhile - a populist and corrupt democracy, headed by the sister of the billionaire media tycoon Thaksin Shinawatra - has been supported by the United States. The parallel with the current world order is striking: on the one hand, there are various forms of flawed democracy, often controlled by financial oligarchies; on the other, a rising tide of protests which often lack coherent political design and include authoritarian tendencies. In this context, the US’s ineffectiveness and the failures of the European Union have made a negative contribution.

An Asia-centric world During recent months, American foreign policy has overall focused mainly on economic projects and initiatives. Washington is driven by the misguided conviction that free trade and the market will bring about democracy, rights and the rule of law. Barack

The lack of substantive democracy has been bringing citizens onto the streets throughout the European Union, the Middle East, and even United States for many years now non-ethnic parties, such as SDP, very often succumb to the lure of ethnicity. The distribution of institutional power between ethnic groups is the main concern in Bosnian politics.

Bosnian citizens who wanted change did not have any other option but to go out to the streets and ask for better contents of democracy because the procedures did now allow them to shift the nature of political discourse to any other issue. In a system saturated with ethnic categories, in which elected representatives are unaccountable to those who have elected them, there is no other way to express concern and struggle for equality, justice and fairness.

There are no platforms for debates about accountable (and non-ethnic) policy-making.

On the other hand, substantive democracy alone, as many political scientists know, is not sufficient either. One cannot bring about democracy through non-democratic means. Procedures also matter.

The initial thrust of Bosnian protests tilted towards violence: several buildings were burned, including the seats of regional (cantonal) governments in the cities of Tuzla and Sarajevo. While not justified (and clearly non-democratic), the violence of Bosnian youth against government institutions is comprehensible: systematically neglected, exploited and poorly educated masses lack other means of political expression. The fault was theirs, but only indirectly. Fire was their only voice at that moment. The passion for democracy’s contents took them in the wrong direction.

But, what is particularly interesting about the protests is the reaction from the local and international political elites. For the first time in twenty years, afraid for their positions of power, local politicians resorted to amazingly colorful demagogy aimed at discrediting citizens’ claims on the basis of variety of assumptions.

Bosniak political elites claimed protests were orchestrated by Serbs to destabilize the country and bring about the secession of the Serb entity; Serb and Croat elites claimed protests were organized by Bosniaks to destroy the federal organization of the country and make it unitary; all of them together claimed that protesters have no legitimacy to demand changes in government, since they are the sole democratically elected representatives of all the citizens, and not a handful of angry hooligans who set fire to government buildings.

Not surprisingly, the representatives of the international community and the neighbouring countries, showed cold disdain for the citizens’ demands and decided to uphold the values of strict democratic proceduralism. Croatian Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic visited the town of Mostar

(the stronghold of Croat ethnic nationalism) and expressed support to the existing political establishment. The High Representative of the international community, Austrian diplomat Valentin Inzko even went so far as to warn the citizens that if unrest continues, EU military forces could arrive in Bosnia to maintain peace. Not a single expression of sympathy with the demands of Bosnian citizens for substantive values of democracy. Only the empty praise for democratic proceduralism and a perfunctory acceptance of the freedom to protest.

The perils of procedural democracy are not only a characteristic of contemporary Bosnia. Many other countries and political associations face the same problem. The lack of substantive democracy has been bringing citizens onto the streets throughout the European Union, the Middle East, and even United States for many years now.

The rising popular unrest everywhere clearly indicates the problem of a minimalist and procedural understanding of democracy and points to the need to rethink the consequences of democratic decision-making. What kinds of consequences are sufficient to justify the democratic nature of political institutions? How can we accommodate the procedural and substantive requirements of democracy? These are questions not only for Bosnians, but also for democrats everywhere.

Finding answers to these questions is difficult.

This is a task for political theorists as well as for political practitioners, since every context will be specific and will demand unique solutions. But, it is safe to say that democracy cannot, and should not, be understood in an exclusive way: both procedures and the content matter.

This is important if we wish to use democracy as a standard for making value judgments about different social movements and events that take place in the world, from Bosnia to Ukraine.

As for Bosnians on the streets, they have taken a step forward in trying to bring the two dimensions of democracy together. After the initial incidents leading to violence and demolition of government buildings, they have consolidated themselves, refrained from further violence and started organizing independent citizens’ assemblies that will serve as forums for public deliberation and formulation of substantive demands to be made on the government.

With a due respect for the democratic procedures that have brought the existing political elite to power, they will try to contribute to the development of Bosnia’s democracy by offering ideas about the content of democratic governance that should advance social justice and bring more fairness to Bosnian society.

By organizing assemblies at local levels, citizens are aiming to go beyond entrenched ethnic categories and change the nature of political discourse in the country. The main questions now are not ethnic but social. They do not ask for a better or different ethnic representation in state institutions: they ask for better social outcomes of functioning institutions. Better social standards and services, more fairness and accountability.

The solutions will take some time to emerge.

Democracy is a messy process, not a set of clearcut measures that can take effect immediately. The recent protest is one of the best learning exercises for the young Bosnian democracy. What we all should do is help Bosnians learn the lesson at their own pace and try not to hamper them by insisting that democracy is only about procedures and not about outcomes. We may be surprised to see them find answers that we all can learn from.

Democracy in the "Asian century" Ernesto Gallo & Giovanni biava

A shift of global power to the east exposes the west's domestic as well as international weaknesses Obama's administration is at present keen on fast-tracking the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a free-trade agreement of countries in the Asia-Pacific region, the negotiations for which (on the US’s side) started in 2008.

Even on this issue, however, Washington has demonstrated weak political leadership. Only Brunei, Chile, New Zealand, and Singapore are currently parties to the agreement. South Korea, on 10 January 2014, expressed its preference for a free-trade agreement with China, raising the question of whether this would mean China's exclusion from the TPP. The latter would be a big mistake: direct negotiations could provide Washington and Beijing with a real opportunity to start a dialogue on practical issues, while an intercontinental commercial deal would leave China’s leading financial and trade centres outside.

The TPP has also been heavily criticised on both sides of the Atlantic by workers’ organisations which fear social rights would be put in jeopardy; Joseph Stiglitz, recipient of economics' equivalent of the Nobel prize winner, warned the negotiators about severe risks in areas of copyright and intellectual property. In the same early weeks of 2014, China announced its intention to speed up the signing of a free-trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, which are major oil exporters and

whose trade with China is worth more than $150 billion a year. Beijing, for its part, is unleashing momentous plans in the form of two "economic silk roads" - one overland via central Asia, the other across the Indian Ocean towards the Mediterranean. China’s key interest lies in energy sources, but a by-product might be the strengthening of authoritarian regimes in all the regions involved: east Asia, central Asia, and the middle east.

The larger picture is that increasingly, "Asian" international politics is and will be controlled by Asian countries (or better, "Eurasian", if Russia is included). In itself this is a positive step, but what will be the effects on democracy? What too will be the impact on relations with countries in other world regions; are Asian states promoting their own version of a "Monroe doctrine" - effectively a politics of "Asia for the Asians"?

wRiTE-wiNg

A lost west In this respect, 2014 is be a crucial year. Nato forces are withdrawing from Afghanistan, and the foreign secretaries of Russia, China, and India have started coordinating efforts to support "peace and stability" in that country. The "three-powers' alliance" was originally proposed by the former Russian foreign minister Yevgeny Primakov, who as early as the 1990s aimed at forging a counterbalancing power

to US hegemony. Almost twenty years later, the three states have become far more powerful, but Russia has evolved in an authoritarian way, and only India, despite evident problems (including rising economic inequality) can be called a democracy. The country holds national elections by the end of May 2014: the likely victory of the rightwing Hindu nationalist party, the BJP, will intensify questions about the future of Indian democracy.

Across the world, millions of citizens are increasingly dissatisfied and angry - and ever more willing to take to the streets. This is evident in Egypt, Turkey, Ukraine, and of course Thailand. People are voicing protest against what they perceive as corrupt, oligarchic, pseudo-democratic regimes, which are in fact controlled by military, economic or financial elites. However, many protests lack a positive vision.

It may seem paradoxical, but the west might have something to learn even from authoritarian states like China and Russia. After all, western democracies in the recent past adopted socialdemocratic models in part as a response to, and in a compromise with, the Soviet Union. Where Russia is concerned, the events of 2013-14 show the strength of a planned and strongly directed foreign policy; even though its contents can be questioned, its coherence contrasts with the US’s improvisations and the EU’s tragicomic weakness. China over the last two decades has lifted tens of millions of people out of poverty; this is a social achievement which the west cannot ignore, and should try to reproduce while using in democratic forms.

A strong democracy should not fear anything and be brave enough to selectively imitate other political forms.

Perhaps European and American governments should be humble and take note; 21st-century democracy will require innovative ideas, strength, and a sense of purpose, all of which are in short supply in the west.

Letters to the Editor should be sent to: The morung Express, House No. 4, Duncan Bosti, Dimapur - 797112, Or –email: morung@gmail.com All letters (including those via email) should have the full name and Postal address of the sender.

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

PERSPECTIVE

7 letter to my daughter, Nonviolent discipline — and spanking Ason-in-law in Scotland

ThurSday

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

20 February 2014

NEWS ANALYSIS, FEATURE AND DISCOURSE

Frida Berrigan

I

Waging Nonviolence

got spanked as a kid. Not often, not hard, not in anger — but I did get whacked on the bottom. I don’t think it happened once a week, but there was a stretch there where it probably happened at least once a month. My brother and I fought all the time. We got spanked when we got caught. Spanking didn’t stop us from fighting, but it helped us get good at the whisper fight.

My dad and mom both spanked, but dad got the duty more often. He was always fair. If my brother was going to get a spanking, so was I. He always explained why we were getting the spanking, he never struck us in anger and he always assured us that “this hurts me more than it hurts you.”

One day at school, maybe in the third grade, a mom came into the classroom and spanked her son. She was yelling and whacking and chasing while he screamed and ran. She yelled “sit still and behave in class” and “come back here so I can hit you.” It was very disruptive to our learning and almost comically terrible. Even then, I could compare my whacks to his and know that I had the better deal.

But, the irony of getting spanked (a physical whack) as a consequence of fighting with my brother (many physical whacks) dawned early. The fact that my brother and I were being enjoined to be loving, peaceful, considerate young people and to break the cycle of violence between ourselves or else get whacked — by one of the country’s most prominent Catholic peace activists and pacifists — was kind of funny.

Even in disciplining of us, my father was breaking his own family’s cycle of violence. He was born before the Depression, the youngest of six boys with a domineering and mercurial father who made liberal use of the woodshed and the belt and whatever else he had on hand. He hit in anger, in rage, in despondence. Our dad did not. He talked our ears off first, and if we heeded even a third of what he said in our all-too-regular “rocking chair conferences” (reserved for when we were in trouble), we wouldn’t get spanked.

He had gone off to war, had killed and had faced death in World War II. He came back and used the flat of his hand on us in an almost ritualistic way. We cried because we knew he was disappointed in us, because crying was expected, because crying made it shorter — not because it hurt.

There is no spanking in my house now. And none in my stepdaughter’s mom’s house (where she spends half her time) either. That is a good thing, because I have definitely gotten angry enough to want to hit. It makes me appreciate the self-control of my

T

he Jaipur Literature Festival has not just grown; it has evolved into an Indian show. The global meets local will be one way of describing this transformation. The literature in Indian languages, the culture of the state of Rajasthan and even the endangered languages figured prominently in the event this year. The organizers felt if the Hindiwallahs and the Rajasthani heritage experts wanted more time, let them have it.

As a result, the subaltern got to speak.

It is called the world’s biggest free literature festival. However, despite there being no entry fee and no reserved seats, the festival has been blamed for being elitist. The dominance of the English literature and a token representation of the Indian languages came at the cost of diversity. The importance given to western voices, including those of the Indians settled in the west, devalued the other.

It is as if the festival had taken a cue from Salman Rushdie’s judgment that only the English writing in India mattered. The very idea of a white man being an arbiter of the literary tastes of Indians was questioned! This in turn had offended the festival director William Dalrymple who commented on the “racist” overtones of an article published by an English magazine. But he took note of the criticism and with the help of the Indian co-director, Namita Gokhale, gave the literature in Indian languages its due.

Making an event more “inclusive” would have been recommended by any marketing expert also. The commercial companies now know about the “fortune at the bottom of the pyramid”. The Jaipur Literature Festival’s record in the marketplace has been very creditable. Dalrymple always recalls how far the festival has come. At the first festival, he did a book reading in front of a dozen people including “some Japanese tourists who wandered into the hall because they had taken a wrong turn”. This time more than 220,000 visitors came to listen to 240 authors. The footfalls and eye-balls matter to the sponsors and advertisers. As long as huge crowds keep coming, the festival’s success story will continue.

The 2014 festival struck a fine balance between the global and the local and between English and the Indian languages. One panel debated the “global novel” and another discussed “an Indian way of thinking”. Several sessions covered Hindi and other regional literatures. The topics ranged from “the story of poetry” to “the aural tradition in a regional language”. The festival covered the vanishing Great Andamanese languages and the losing Himalayan languages.

mom and dad, who whacked without anger. Not for nothing were they clergy.

Our 6-year-old is a marvel: loving, inquisitive, generous, articulate, funny. She has a phenomenal memory (for some things), boundless energy and never misses a beat. She is also scattered, disorganized, willful, opinionated and almost attorney-like in her drive to get what she wants when she wants it. I get frustrated, offended, impatient, exasperated, hurt and just plain mad.

In response to one of my earlier columns, a dad shared: “I have found parenting a greater test of my commitment to nonviolence than anything in my activist experience. There is something about (a) my apparent need to control my nearly 4yo son, and (b) his ability to press my buttons in his challenge to my control, that leads to a lot more yelling than I’d like.

I am working hard on giving up a little of (a), and sleeping more to reduce the effects of (b)!”

Yes, indeed! Sleep and other aspects of self-care

are important components of nonviolent parenting.

I handle everything better when I am well-rested and well-caffeinated. Another good idea is trading off. When I feel myself reacting too strongly to our 6-year-old or the 7-month-old, I can ask my husband for help. I leave the room. I pass the problem on to him and take a break. I come back when I am ready to be the grown-up again, when I am cool and collected and ready to dole out consequences that match the transgression — not my anger or frustration level.

That usually means a time-out for her or a high shelf for one of her stuffed-animal friends.

Talking a problem through with other parents and care-givers is also a huge help. How do you respond to this? Does that work? What do you think about that?

But maybe the biggest help I have found is asking

why? Why is she acting this way right now? What does she need from me? Why am I getting hot under the collar? Why do I care if she does or doesn’t do x? Is it really important, or is it just about control? Why am I rushing her? Because she is being pokey and distracted, or to compensate for my own earlier disorganization or poor time management? Does my rushing her help her move faster or slow her down?

I found a book at the library, Your Six-Year-Old: Loving and Defiant, from the Gesell Institute for Child Development. There is one for every age (4: Wild and Wonderful, 5: Sunny and Serene. I can’t wait for 8: Lively and Outgoing). I was struck by the observation that 6-years-olds need attention and thrive on praise. They are discovering themselves as people capable of action and want to be recognized for that and reassured that their new discoveries and independence do not mean they are now completely on their own.

If six-year-olds do not get positive attention for their triumphs (however small and mundane they may seem to grownups), they will seek negative attention by acting out. Correcting, snapping, “Quit that right now” attention is better than no attention to a 6-year-old.

Aha! Why is she doing x that is annoying and makes me want to scream? Because I failed to appreciate her effort to help a few minutes ago.

Reading that and then seeing praise and acknowledgement do wonders for the behavior of our very own loving and defiant 6-year-old made me consider the why of my own childhood. Why did my brother and I fight? Why were we at each other’s throats? Why didn’t the threat of spanking work as a deterrent to fighting?

Looking back on it now, I think we fought because living with a bunch of peace-seeking adults was not always fun, because going to school as the peaceactivist kids was only occasionally fun, because having our parents go off to jail was not ever fun, because being together all the time was not at all fun, because life in general was stressful and fighting provided a sort of release for all of that. It gave us a chance to scream and cry at each other so that we would not scream and cry at a demonstration where our mom was hauled off in handcuffs, or in a courtroom where our dad stood in a baggy jumpsuit.

As kids, we never had the words or wherewithal to say to Mom and Dad, “We won’t fight if you stop going to jail and get all these people out of our house.” I am glad of that. They would not have been able to do it (and should not have), and we would have also missed out on lots of relationships and experiences that — looking back as an adult, anyway — I really value. I know my brother and sister — who, by the way, was almost never spanked — do too. But it is good to understand the why of our pudgy pummeling and putdowns of one another and to know that asking “Why?” makes me a more nonviolent parent now.

The subaltern can speak L K Sharma

The organizers of the 2014 festival felt - if the Hindiwallahs and the Rajasthani heritage experts wanted more time, let them have it. As a result, the subaltern got to speak Inviting the Hindi writers is a complex exercise. For the English sessions, one can invite the usual suspects as panellists and their fellow writers do not mind. The Hindi writers are more sensitive to the ideology of the organisers, to the list of invitees and to the topics selected. This literary world too has lobbies. One section would boycott a festival one year while the rival section could do so the next year. The Hindi poets lamenting the encroachment by politicians into their literary world face factionalism in their own community.

Whatever the difficulties may be, the organisers managed to Indianise a foreigner-led and Edinburgh-inspired festival. India has been doing this to the outsiders, to their belief systems and to their food items. But today the local wants to be global and the global forces keep intruding into the local domains. A Bengali writer finds that 20 years of his eminence in his own region means less than the global reach his book acquires when translated into English! How will it influence the writing of those using Indian languages? A stage may come when it would be hard to define what is Indian.

The triumphal march of the western canon of literature will continue.

Thus the Indianisation of a literary festival will be worth observing. Can this “inclusiveness” be an asset? How will the various stake-holders receive the festival if it underplays its English credentials?

Will the allocation of more time to writers of regional languages bring down the status of the festival a notch or two? Give a dominant position to the writing in Indian languages and the crowd-pulling celebrities and the elite may start giving the festival a miss. They feel proud of not being fluent in their mother-tongue and read only the books published in English.

The Hindi newspapers that criticised the dominance of English at the festival have their pages scarred with English words in the Devanagari script! When the BBC outsourced more work to its Delhi office, some Indian listeners protested saying they did not want to hear English as spoken by their countrymen.

After all, as a Hindi publisher said, the Hindi reader thinks in Hindi, dreams in

Hindi but aspires in English. It is for this reason that the walls in every town are plastered with posters promising to impart the knowledge of English in 10 days.

Will the slight weakening of the hold of English over the Jaipur Literature Festival put off the advertising agencies and sponsors who focus on a specific category of Indians prefixed in their trade lingo by an English alphabet. Will this democratisation of the festival’s programme lead to the “disintegration” of the brand?

The writers at the festival exercise their freedom of expression. At times it leads to controversies and even court cases. One time when a writer was not allowed to have his say at the festival was when some religious extremists threatened violence if Salman Rushdie was not disinvited. They succeeded. Fortunately, till now no sponsor or advertiser has tried to influence the proceedings. A young writer once criticised a sponsor’s policies as the theme of his talk had demanded. This year some writers, including the keynote speaker, Prof. Amartya Sen, highlighted the failures of the markets and the need for state intervention.

Their message on markets and morals was hardly palatable to business leaders.

One can only hope that the sponsors just keep counting the visitors and not pay attention to the content.

The organisers, not lacking commercial acumen, may have taken all this into account. A more “inclusive” festival will bring its own rewards. They have preempted the threat of a rival festival that focuses on the literature in Indian languages! They understand the importance of “diversification” for any venture. The festival covers as many genres of literary and non-literary writing as well as music and visual arts. This year it also featured a popular science lecture as a major event. It was a big hit with students who were present in large numbers.

The winning strategy is to present some thing for every body - A-grade writers from London, B-grade writers from Bollywood, music-makers of every kind, cuisine of every region, academics unfolding their minds, celebrities unfolding their bodies, politicians and publicists, the ethnic touch, the contemporary de-

sign and variety of sounds, both traditional and modern. The invitees also represent gender fluidity. Age is no bar. Two young writers were girls aged 12 and 17.

A wide variety of immigrant men and women writers are sourced from America. These include Indian, Iranian, Ethiopian, Irish, English, Hindu, Jewish and Muslim. Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are represented. The Dalai Lama has graced the festival in the past.

This year the political themes of “democracy” and “India on the crossroads” were great hits. Two senior leaders of the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party came to share their views. The white Aam Aadmi Party caps were sighted on the rostrum and among the audience.

The organisers always spice up the literary festival with the presence of celebrities and with the topic of “sex”. This year Sex and the Citadel: Intimate Life in a Changing Arab World was presented by its author, Shereen el Feki. It will be of immense interest to the American security experts busy exploring the topic since 9/11. According to them, an act of terrorism gives a sexually repressed Muslim fundamentalist an orgasmic experience.

Of course, sex was discussed seriously. Notwithstanding the unprintable words printed in the book, there was no flippant note in the questions or answers. And unlike what had happened at an event in Goa, no organiser egged on the participants to go and enjoy themselves!

Lay readers in the west are sated with the stories of sex in their own society and are interested in the exotica. An account given by a west-based native informer is considered very credible. An AmericanIranian author’s book “Reading Lolita in Tehran” sold like hot cakes in America in the aftermath of 9/11.

Salman Rushdie being invited and disinvited, Ashis Nandy insulting a certain class of Indians and a writer appearing on the stage with glass of wine – such happenings gave a lot of publicity to the festival in the previous years.

This year a local caste group’s protest against a TV Queen did not last more than a couple of minutes. Not even a non-sexual controversy materialised.

The festival may do better in this regard next year since Sir V. S. Naipaul has been invited. Naipaul was not present this time when Prof. Rukmini Bhaya Nair kept using the word “relexicalisation”.

That would have provoked Naipaul to deliver a diatribe against the academics.

Just in case Naipaul fails to turn up next year, the festival should plan to engineer a wardrobe malfunction!

Paul Salveson Dear Calum and Natasha, I have been asked by my Prime Minister, Mr Cameron, to write to you, as my daughter and sonin-law, saying how much I love you and how much I cherish England’s historic link with Scotland. As a reasonably obedient citizen, I am happy to comply with his request and ask you to consider a number of issues before casting your vote in the independence referendum on September 14th.

Scotland has always been a dynamic and progressive force within the UK, producing not only some outstanding politicians (Keir Hardie, John Wheatley and, let’s be fair, GorDavid Cameron don Brown) but writers, artists, encouraged the engineers and people of England, scientists. And, Wales and Northern let’s not forget Scotland’s greatIreland to contact est gift to the their loved ones world, whisky. in Scotland about So why leave?

Staying within the the independence UK will allow you referendum. Here a to enjoy the benfather in the north of efits of London England writes to his government, with noble history dauter and son in law astretching back to in Scotland the Act of Union in 1707. Yes, perhaps it was a reluctant marriage but no relationship is easy and it’s perhaps true that Scotland has never relished the role of subordinate partner.

But let’s be realistic, we’re a lot bigger than you and size matters. Our empire conquered much of the world, and we are grateful for the assistance of Scotland in this, not least the efforts of the doughty Scottish soldier in quelling more restive subjects of the crown, whether it was Ireland, Africa or, more recently Iraq and Afghanistan. Britain remains a powerful international player and we don’t want to weaken our military clout by losing important bases on the Clyde and other parts of Scotland. And remember, this is in your interest as much as ours in England. Instead of being left undefended by a reckless nationalist government in Edinburgh, you will have a new generation of Trident submarines to keep you safe.

But it’s not just about military fire power; it’s also about economics. England has long been a lot clearer in its commitment to the virtues of the free market.

Staying within the UK will ensure Scotland enjoys the benefits of the sort of neo-liberal policies pioneered by that great English (sorry, British) patriot Mrs Thatcher, and continued by our successive leaders, regardless of party labels.

It’s important that all subjects of what remains of the empire should be able to visit the capital. On your visits to London you will enjoy an outstanding transport system, as a result of the disproportionate investment going into the capital’s infrastructure.

Contrary to what many whingeing Northerners say, everyone benefits from this, however infrequently they may chance to visit. Building HS2 will allow you get to London much more quickly of course, even if your local bus service has been withdrawn (Scots are famous for their community spirit and I’m sure you can get a lift to the nearest railway station some 15 miles away). Whilst on HS2 you will be able to enjoy the benefits of at-seat TV screens allowing you to watch as many old films as you like, including classics such as Rob Roy. Lassie and 39 Steps to make you feel at home. The many tunnels will avoid any unpleasant views of derelict industry and decaying housing in the north of England, that may blight your view en route.

By voting for independence you will hasten the demise of ‘Great Britain’ as we know and love it.

An independent Scotland would be free to go its own way and instigate the sort of policies which have resulted in places like Norway, Sweden and Denmark becoming by-words for profligacy, welfare spending and egalitarianism. Public spending has been diverted away from defence into building new railways and improving schools and hospitals.

Everyone is forced to cycle. Is this the sort of world you want your children (and my grand-children by the way) to grow up in?

And think about the effect of Scottish independence on the rest of our United Kingdom. Wales will be next, wanting to go its own way ‘within Europe’.

Here in the North of England, the 15 million subjects of the crown may get increasingly restless and want their own government. There is already a subversive group calling itself ‘The Hannah Mitchell Foundation’ (named after a notorious suffragette and Bolshevik) which is quite openly campaigning for ‘devolution’ and something they call a ‘Federal Britain’.

A scenario could open up of this Federal Britain becoming popular amongst the more deluded people in other English regions too who feel their interests have not been given top priority by our government. But why should people in Somerset or Devon be regarded as important as London?

More people live in London; it’s a simple question of arithmetic. And as the economy of London and its south-eastern hinterland continues to expand, owing to the spirit of entrepreneurship people have down there, more sensible people in the North, Midlands and south-west will either move to London, or make a daily commute by high-speed train, thus solving the so-called ‘regional’ problem.

The alternative is a depressing scenario of a revived spirit of social democracy such as the country experienced after the last war. Academics have already shown that people in the North are closer to Scotland in their left-wing inclinations. There is a risk that they might make common cause with their commie friends in Scotland, leaving the power of London (and what remains of our great Empire) considerably reduced. Is this what you want?

If so, vote yes. If you prefer things to carry on pretty much as they are, support our Prime Minister.

Yours dad, Paul

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

8

Dimapur

NATIONAL

Thursday 20 February 2014

Andhra Pradesh CM resigns, quits Cong

hyDerabaD, February 19 (ianS): The Congress suffered a major jolt Wednesday when Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Kiran Reddy resigned and also dumped the Congress to protest against the state’s break up.

After announcing his decision to the media, Kiran Reddy drove to the Raj Bhavan and submitted his resignation to Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan. He urged the governor to make alternate arrangements at the earliest as he would not like to continue as caretaker chief minister.

Raj Bhavan sources said the governor accepted the resignation of Kiran Reddy, who was accompanied by about 10 ministers and 20 legislators from Seemandhra region. “I am resigning from the post of the chief minister, as MLA (legislator) and also from the Congress party,” he told reporters in the company of his cabinet colleagues and other legislators.

He accused the Congress of doing grave injustice to the Telugu speaking people by bifurcating Andhra Pradesh. He said farmers, students and government employees would suffer because of the division while problems would crop up between the two re-

Telangana bill not taken up in RS

Chief Minister of Indian state of Andhra Pradesh N Kiran Kumar Reddy announces his resignation from his post and Congress party during a press conference, in Hyderabad on Wednesday, February19. Reddy had earlier announced his decision to quit from the post and the party in protest against the Central Government decision to carve out a new state called ‘Telangana’ from existing Andhra Pradesh state. (AP Photo)

gions over drinking water, electricity, employment and education opportunities.

Kiran Reddy said Andhra Pradesh was formed after 50 years of struggle and sacrifices of many people and achieved progress in all sectors. “Is it proper to divide the state after 58 years?” He lashed out at the Congress for violating all constitutional

provisions and for pushing through the bill in parliament in an “undemocratic” manner.

Kiran Reddy blamed all political parties for the division. “The TDP, YSR Congress, the TRS, the BJP, the Congress, all parties divided the Telugu people for votes and seats,” he said.

Kiran Reddy, however, thanked the Congress for

new Delhi, February 19 (ianS): The Rajya Sabha could not take up the bill for the formation of Telangana Wednesday as the government and the opposition could not reach any consensus over amendments in the bill. Sources said the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has a total of 32 amendments which it wants to incorporate in the bill.

However, the government said any change in the nature of bill would mean it has to go to the Lok Sabha again, creating more trouble. As a consensus could not be reached, the bill was dropped for the day, and Deputy Chairman P.J. Kurien adjourned the upper house shortly after 5 p.m. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh also met Leader of Opposition Arun Jaitley and BJP leader M. Venkaiah Naidu so that the bill could be passed Wednesday, but the meeting yielded no results.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath was seen holding parleys with leaders from the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj party on the floor of the house. Speculations over the bill being tabled in the upper house continued through the day, and a supplementary list of business circulated after lunch also listed the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill for consideration and passing.

Even as Y.S. Chowdhary and C.M. Ramesh of the Telugu Desam Party and K.V.P. Ramachandra Rao of Congress stood near the chairman’s podium with posters demanding “united Andhra Praesh” and “save Andhra Pradesh”, the upper house passed 4 bills in a row, after an agreement among members.

making him the chief minister, a post he held for over three years. He said his family served the Congress since 1962 and fought 12 elections.

“My future is not important,” he said when asked if he would be floating a new political party. He will be meeting supporters Wednesday evening to chalk out his future course

of action. He revealed that he decided to resign in July last year when the Congress took the decision to divide the state but continued on the request of party president Sonia Gandhi.

“Had I quit then, Telangana state would have been formed six months ago. I continued to fight for united Andhra Pradesh.” He alleged that the central government

ing for so many years. Why can’t you (government) bring it?”

In his response, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath said: “I entirely agree with the members. I am ready to extend the session to get the Women’s Reservation Bill passed, if the house agrees.” The bill, introduced by the United Progressive Alliance-I government in May 2008 and passed by the Rajya Sabha in March 2010, seeks to reserve one-third of all seats for women in the Lok Sabha and legislative assemblies.

new Delhi, February 19 (nDtv): Anna Hazare and Mamata Banerjee sat next to each other, both dressed in the simple white cottons they prefer, as the Gandhian activist explained why he has chosen to end his ban on support to political parties to campaign for her. The Gandhian activist said only the West Bengal Chief Minister had responded to his charter for political parties. “I had sent my 17 points to Arvind Kejriwal as well, but he never responded,” he said of the former Delhi Chief Minister, who campaigned alongside him in his 2011 movement for the Lokpal, or anti-corruption ombudsman.

“I will neither support nor oppose Arvind,” he said, responding to a question. Anna emphasised that his support is for Mamata Banerjee, not her party. “I am supporting didi not for her party but for her sentiments towards the nation.

It’s for the first time that I have found a politician like her,” the 76-year-old anticorruption crusader said.

Ever since he announced last week that

violated the constitution, traditions and procedures since it decided to break up the state. “Nowhere in the country was a state divided despite its assembly rejecting the bill sent by the president,” he said.

Kiran Reddy said by passing the bill in the Lok Sabha against all norms, the government had shown contempt for democracy.

The Morung Express

Failure to receive signals led to blackout: Lok Sabha TV

new Delhi, February 19 (ianS): The Lok Sabha TV Wednesday said failure to receive signals from the nine automatic cameras in the lower house resulted in Tuesday’s blackout of the proceedings during the passage of the Telangana statehood bill. The report of a probe initiated Tuesday said there was no video feed from the cameras inside the Lok Sabha. There was a 90-minute blackout on Lok Sabha TV when the crucial bill was discussed and passed.

As soon as the Telangana bill was taken up for consideration around 3 p.m. Tuesday and Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde started speaking, the live telecast stopped.

“The problem occurred as the signals from the cameras were not received in the mixer room located in Room No.50 at the Parliament House, from where the channel gets live feed,” Lok Sabha TV CEO Rajiv Mishra told IANS. Mishra, who ordered the probe into the technical problem, said the glitch was rectified after an affected cable was changed Wednesday. He said the audio feed of the proceedings during the snag period will be uploaded on the websites of the Lok Sabha and Lok Sabha TV Thursday.

Death penalty to three in rape-murder case

new Delhi, February 19 (ianS): A court here Wednesday awarded death penalty to three men convicted in the rape-murder of a 19-year-old woman in 2012. The court Feb 13 convicted Ravi Kumar, Rahul and Vinod on various charges dealing with kidnapping, rape and murder. Additional Sessions Judge Virender Bhat awarded death sentence to the three men, observing that the case falls under the category of “rarest of rare”. The prosecution told the court that the victim was only 19 years old when the crime took place.

Arguing on the quantum of sentence, the prosecution said the convicts committed a barbaric act as they first kidnappedthewoman,rapedherandthenkilledher.Theythen dumped her body in a field in Rodhai village in Haryana’s Rewari district. The prosecution said the woman was kidnapped by the three men in a car from near her house in Qutub Vihar area on the night of Feb 9, 2012, while she was returning from her office. Police said the three men had assaulted the woman with a car jack and an earthen pot.

Govt ready to extend session to pass women’s bill Kejriwal didn’t respond to my letter, Mamata did: Anna

new Delhi, February 19 (ianS): The government Wednesday said it was ready to extend the ongoing parliament session, if necessary, to pass the long-pending women’s reservation bill. The winter session, the last of the 15th Lok Sabha, is to conclude on Feb 21.

The issue was raised by unattached member Jayaprada, who was supported by members of Left parties, Biju Janata Dal, Trinamool Congress and even some from the Congress, many of whom were on

their feet expressing solidarity with her demand. “If the government can make so much effort to get the Telangana bill passed, why can’t it do so for the women’s bill? What is the government’s intention,” Jayaprada asked.

Without naming the Samajwadi Party, which has expelled her, the cine star-turned-politician said: “Some parties don’t want this bill to be passed. But the government can make efforts.” Communist Party of India-Marxist leader Basudeb Acharia also said the bill has been “pend-

Bahrain King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, left, talks with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, right, and Indian President Pranab Mukherjee during his ceremonial reception at the Indian presidential palace in New Delhi, on, February 19. King Hamad is on a three-day official visit to India.

(AP Photo)

Tamil Nadu to free seven in Rajiv Gandhi case

Chennai, February 19 (ianS): Six men and a woman -- both Indians and Sri Lankans -- convicted in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case will be freed, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa announced Wednesday.

Announcing this in the assembly, Jayalalithaa said the government had decided to release V. Sriharan alias Murugan, T. Suthendraraja alias Santhan, Robert Payas and Jayakumar (Sri Lankans) and A.G. Perarivalan alias Arivu, Nalini and Ravichandran (Indians). All seven had been in prison since 1991, the year a woman Tamil Tiger suicide bomber blew up former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi at an election rally near Chennai. She said the cabinet decision to free the seven would be sent to the central government.

Even if the central government did not respond within three days, the state would release all the seven.

The development came a day after the Supreme Court commuted the death sentence awarded to Murugan, Perarivalan and Santhan citing the inordinate delay in deciding their mercy petitions.

“The UPA government should be blamed for all this delay,” K. Ragothaman, one of the officials who investigated the case, told IANS. “They have done a great disservice to Rajiv Gandhi’s soul and the others who died with him.”

Jayalalithaa said the TADA court had awarded death sentence to 26 people in the case. On appeal, the Supreme Court confirmed the death sentence to Murugan, Perarivalan,

What can common man expect if PM’s killers go free: Rahul

amethi, February 19 (ianS): Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi Wednesday said he wondered how a common man can hope for justice, if the conspirators behind a prime minister’s assassination are set free. Gandhi was reacting to a query on the Tamil Nadu government’s decision to release within three days three convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case.

In his parliamentary constituency Amethi on a one-day visit, an emotional Gandhi told a gathering that even a prime minister does not get justice in this country. “The prime minister gave up his life... (but the) prime minister does not get justice,” he said. The Congress leader told residents and party supporters that with regards to the fate of the three convicts, he neither felt angry nor sad.

“By being sad or angry, my father, who was also very close to you all, will not come back,” he said. He, however, said that he was left thinking that if such a thing can happen to the killers of a former prime minister, how can a common man hope for any justice. Gandhi also said that personally he was against capital punishment, but this issue concerned the country.

“My father will not come back but it is a national matter, not one of my family or my father. “If someone kills the prime minister and he is released, how will the common man get justice? “This is a question that needs to be looked into. There is a need to change Hindustan,” he said.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa Wednesday announced that six men and a woman - both Indians and Sri Lankans - convicted in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case are to be freed.

Santhan and Nalini but commuted the death sentences of Robert Payas, Jayakumar and Ravichandran. The remaining 19 were released. Murugan was a member of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s (LTTE) intelligence unit while Ravichandran, an Indian, allegedly headed a LTTEtrained group.

The Supreme Court dismissed the appeal of Murugan, Perarivalan, Santhan and Nalini against

their death sentence in 1999. Jayalalithaa said the four sent their mercy petition to the Tamil Nadu governor but this was rejected. The matter went to the Madras High Court which asked the governor to take the state cabinet’s advice and decide. Jayalalithaa said the DMK government recommended commutation of death sentence to Nalini, who was married to Murugan, as their daughter who was born in

prison would become an orphan if both were hanged.

But the DMK government recommended the rejection of mercy petitions filed by the other three. In April 2000, the Tamil Nadu governor agreed with the DMK government’s recommendations. She said the mercy petitions submitted by Murugan, Perarivalan and Santhan were forwarded to the president in April 2000 but no action was taken for 11 years till August 2011. That month, the union home ministry wrote to the Tamil Nadu government to convey the president’s decision to reject the three mercy petitions.

Jayalalithaa said the Tamil Nadu assembly urged the president to commute the death sentence awarded to the three. But the central government didn’t act for twoand-a-half years. The three convicts facing the gallows filed a case in the Madras High Court seeking commutation of death sentence, citing the 11 year delay in taking a decision on their mercy petition -- and the 23 years they had spent in prison, Jayalalithaa said.

The case was transferred to the Supreme Court, which finally commuted the death sentence Tuesday.

The chief minister said the state cabinet met Wednesday morning and decided to release the seven convicts, and this had been conveyed to the central government.

Jayalalithaa said if the central government did not respond in three days, the Tamil Nadu government would release all the seven convicts under the powers derived from the Code of Criminal Procedure.

India’s anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare displays his 17-point agenda as he addresses a joint press conference with West Bengal state Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, right, in New Delhi, on February 19. Hazare said he will be campaigning for the Trinamool Congress party (TMC) in the upcoming general elections after the party chief Banerjee had agreed to his agenda. (AP Photo)

he would campaign for Banerjee, Hazare has said her simplicity and austere way of life has impressed him. He reiterated that today and added, “I support her ideology. She has the ability to sacrifice. We have that in common.” The Trinamool Congress has called the press conference in Delhi to make what it calls a “mega political announcement.” it is expect-

ed to detail what Anna’s role will be in Ms Banerjee’s campaign for the national election, due by May. Anna and Banerjee had a dinner meeting and shared warm vibes on Tuesday. Earlier, Banerjee touched the activist’s feet thrice when he arrived for a meeting at the Trinamool headquarters in Delhi. Her demeanour contrasted sharply with

her criticism of Anna’s Lokpal movement. Banerjee had launched her campaign for the Lok Sabha elections last month with a call to her party to look towards Delhi. “BJP is not the alternative to Congress.

Congress is not the alternative to BJP. Trinamool is the only alternative in the country today,” she told a massive rally in Kolkata last month.

ganDhinagar, February 19 (Pti): Continuing his verbal spat with finance minister P Chidambaram, BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi on Wednesday said the Union minister is working hard to boost the country’s revenues by imposing service tax on his speeches. “The finance minister

claims to be doing a lot of hard work. Last evening I was informed on what he is working so hard...to increase India’s revenue, he has decided to impose service tax on my speeches,” Modi said.

“Even my speeches are contributing to the nation and I am happy to know this,” he said while address-

ing a seminar on ‘Financial Services - a key driver for economic growth’ at Gujarat International finance Tec-city (GIFT). The central government should concentrate on job creation, Modi said. The war of words between Modi and Chidambaram has been going on for some time now in the run up to the Lok Sabha elections.

Chidambaram ‘working hard’ to boost revenue by taxing my speeches: Modi

Women can e-mail, post complaints to Supreme Court sexual harassment cell

new Delhi, February 19 (agenCieS): The committee set up in the Supreme Court to deal with instances of sexual harassment within its precincts has decided that aggrieved women can send their complaints to it by post or e-mail.

“The aggrieved women as defined in clause 2(a) of the Gender Sensitisation and Sexual Harassment of Women at the Supreme Court of India (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Regulations, 2013 may make a complaint in writing of sexual harassment at Supreme Court of India precincts to the GSICC through its Member Secretary - Rachna Gupta, Registrar,” the circular reads, adding it has been done to sensitise the general public on gender issues.

It said the first meeting of the committee was held on December 9, 2013 to workout the modalities for the effective implementation of “The Gender Sensitisation and Sexual Harassment of Women at

the Supreme Court of India (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Regulations, 2013” and to take decision on related issues.

“The complaint shall be sent either by registered post, courier, speed post or email. It can also be handed over personally at the above said address,” the circular said, adding the confidentiality of the inquiry proceedings shall be maintained.

The aggrieved women can send their complaint on the email ID of Rachna Gupta at gupta.rachna@indianjudiciary.gov.in.

In January this year, the committee in its annual report had said it had received two complaints from two women lawyers since its inception in November 2013 and the complaints were pending disposal. Chief Justice of India P Sathasivam had formed GSICC which is headed by the Supreme Court’s woman judge, Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, and has six other women members.

InternatIonal

the Morung express

Thai court bans use of violence against protesters

BANGKOK, FeBruAry 19 (AP): A Thai court ordered the government on Wednesday not to use force against protesters who are seeking to oust the prime minister, a day after violent clashes between riot police and demonstrators left 5 people dead and dozens injured.

The Civil Court ruled that some orders issued by the prime minister and a special security command center under an emergency decree were illegal because they violate the protesters’ constitutional rights. The prohibited orders include bans on gatherings of five or more people, on entering certain buildings, and on the use of certain roads by the demonstrators.

The court also prohibited the government from using force. The court, however, rejected a protester’s request that it revoke the state of emergency, saying it was within the executive branch’s power to enforce such a law. The Cabinet declared a state of emergency in the Bangkok area on Jan. 21 after the protesters threatened to shut down the capital by blocking key intersections and occupying government offices.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s elected government has been attempting to avoid violence to keep the powerful military from

A Thai anti-government protester talks with soldiers guarding the office of Permanent Secretary for Defense, a temporary office of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on the outskirts of Bangkok, Thailand on Wednesday, February 19. Thousands of Thai antigovernment protesters surrounded the prime minister’s temporary office in Bangkok’s northern outskirts to demand her resignation Wednesday, a day after clashes with riot police left at least five people dead. (AP Photo)

stepping in. Thailand has been wracked by political unrest since 2006, when Yingluck’s brother, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, was ousted by a military coup after being accused of corruption and abuse of power.

Police have been ordered to exercise restraint and avoid using force, but deadly gunbattles erupted Tuesday after they moved into several locations around the city to remove protesters. Five people were

killed and nearly 70 injured, according to Erawan emergency medical services.

On Wednesday, thousands of protesters surrounded the prime minister’s temporary office in Bangkok’s northern outskirts to demand her resignation. The demonstrators asked officials at the Defense Ministry complex to prevent Yingluck from using it as her backup office. She has been unable to enter her regular office compound in downtown Bangkok because it is

blocked by protesters and some of its gates have been cemented shut.

The demonstrators also vowed to target businesses owned by Yingluck’s wealthy family. “Wherever she is, wherever she sleeps, we will go after her,” protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban told the crowd. “(We) must intensify our fight and we will attack Shinawatra businesses and their funding sources.” The prime minister and Cabinet ministers stayed away from their tem-

Scientists turn to garlic to kill deadly bacteria COPeNhAGeN, FeBruAry 19 (IANS): A promising research into garlic shows that a potent chemical substance in it neutralises resistant bacteria by paralysing their communication system - thus strengthening our immune system. Ajoene - the substance present in garlic - specifically prevents the bacteria from secreting the toxin rhamnolipid which destroys white blood cells in the body.

“White blood cells are indispensable because they play a crucial role in the immune defence system - not only warding off infection but also killing bacteria,” explained Tim Holm Jakobsen, from University of Co-

penhagen, Germany. When bacteria clump together in what is known as biofilm - where they surround themselves with a tough film of organic materials - they become resistant to antibiotics.

“Ajoene supports and improves treatment with conventional antibiotics. We have clearly demonstrated the effect of them together on biofilm cultivated in the laboratory and in trials involving mice,” added Jakobsen.

Combination treatment with ajoene and antibiotics kills more than 90 percent of the normally virulent biofilm.

“Garlic contains so little ajoene that you would need to eat around

50 a day to achieve the desired effect.

This means we have to pick up the ball from Mother Nature and run with it,” informed Jacobsen. “If we are to win the race against bacteria, we need to bring new antibiotics into play. Nature is a great starting point for developing medicines - two-thirds of all new pharmaceuticals are based on natural substances,” said Jakobsen.

Aggressive multi-resistant infections constitute an increasing health problem all over the world. Bacteria are developing resistance at an alarming pace, so new pharmaceuticals that can combat this threat are in great demand.

Christian missionary arrested in Pyongyang

SeOuL, FeBruAry 19 (reuterS): An Australian man has been arrested while doing missionary work in North Korea, his wife told Reuters on Wednesday, making him the second foreign Christian missionary to be held by the North.

The wife of 75-year-old John Short told Reuters her husband was arrested in Pyongyang, the North Korean capital, on Sunday and had been open about his religious work on his second trip to the isolated state.

“He won’t be intimidated by the communists,” Karen Short told Reuters from Hong Kong by telephone.

North Korea has held American missionary Kenneth Bae for more than a year and convicted him of trying to overthrow the state. A North Korean court sentenced Bae to 15

years’ hard labor and efforts by Washington to secure his release have been thwarted. “I’m not upset, we’re Christian missionaries and we have tremendous support for what we do,” Short’s wife said of her husband’s arrest.

While North Korea espouses freedom of religion it is ranked as one of the world’s most oppressive regimes in terms of freedom of religion. A United Nations report issued on Tuesday cited lack of religious freedom in a state whose human rights abuses it likened to those of Nazi Germany.

Short’s husband was making his second trip to North Korea, according to a statement by his family, and was in possession of religious materials that had been translated into Korean. His wife said the

Activity videos may boost brain power

New yOrK, FeBruAry 19 (IANS): Watching activity videos before carrying simple tasks may boost the brain’s plasticity and increase motor skills, shows research. Brain plasticity is the brain’s ability to flex and adapt, allowing for better learning. The brain loses plasticity as it ages.

“The study lends that even as an adult, your brain is able to better learn skills just by watching the activity take place. With a dramatic increase of videos available through mobile phones, computers, and other newer technology, this topic should be the focus of more research,” explained Paolo Preziosa from San Raffaele Hospital in Milan, Italy. The results might also contribute to reducing disability and improving quality of those who are impaired or who are undergoing physical rehabilitation.

The researchers put 36 right-handed healthy adults in 40-minute training sessions five times a week for two weeks. Half the group watched videos of a specific task, such as writing with a pen, cutting with scissors or handling coins, then were asked to complete the task themselves. The other half watched videos of landscapes and then were asked to complete the same tasks. The groups were tested for strength and hand skills and also underwent 3-D MRI brain scans.

Australian government, which does not have diplomatic relations with North Korea, was using its consulate in Seoul and the Swedish embassy in Pyongyang to handle the case.

Short said that on her husband’s first trip to North Korea, he had been

transparent about his faith and had openly read his bible in front of government guides when in Pyongyang.

“He’s courageous, this is my husband’s character,” said Short. “I hope things get better -- he’s in God’s hands, we both totally believe that.”

porary offices on Wednesday to prevent further tensions, the military said.

Protesters have camped out for a month at major intersections across the capital to press for Yingluck’s resignation. The demonstrators, who mostly draw their support from the urban middle and upper class and people in the south, want Yingluck to step down to make way for an appointed interim government to implement reforms they say are necessary to fight corruption and remove the Shinawatra family from politics.

In its ruling, the Civil Court said the government’s orders were “violating and affecting the rights of the protesters under the constitution.” It noted that Thailand’s Constitutional Court earlier ruled that the protesters were rallying peacefully. It said the prime minister therefore “cannot use force or arms in cracking down” on them.

“When the facts show that there have been orders to bring a large number of police officers into Bangkok to crack down on the protesters, the court, therefore, is ruling to protect the protesters’ rights to rally peacefully and without arms,” it added.

It was unclear whether the ruling would affect arrest warrants issued for protest leaders for violating the state of emergency.

Thursday 20 February 2014

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25 killed, 241 injured in Kiev clashes

KIeV, FeBruAry 19 (AP): As thick black smoke rose from the barricades encircling the protest camp in central Kiev, a tense calm descended Wednesday over the capital and the European Union threatened sanctions against Ukraine following deadly violence between riot police and protesters in which at least 25 people died and 241 were injured.

Thousands of defiant protesters faced rows of riot police who have squeezed them deeper into the Kiev’s Independence Square, known as the Maidan, which has been a bastion and symbol for the protesters, after overnight clashes that set buildings on fire and brought sharp rebuke from both the West and Russia.

The violence on Tuesday was the worst in nearly three months of anti-government protests that have paralyzed Ukraine’s capital in a struggle over the identity of a nation divided in loyalties between Russia and the West, and the worst in the country’s post-Soviet history. The Kremlin said it put the next disbursement of its bailout on hold amid uncertainty over Ukraine’s future and what it described as a “coup attempt”; it criticized

the West for the escalation of violence.

President Viktor Yanukovych on Wednesday blamed the protesters for the violence and said the opposition leaders “crossed a line when they called people to arms.”

The protests began in late November after Yanukovych turned away from a long-anticipated deal with the European Union in exchange for a $15 billion bailout from Russia. The political maneuvering continued ever since, with both Moscow and the West eager to gain influence over this former Soviet republic.

The latest bout of street violence began Tuesday when protesters attacked police lines and set fires outside parliament, accusing Yanukovych of ignoring their demands to enact constitutional reforms that would limit president’s power — a key opposition demand. Parliament, dominated by his supporters, was stalling on taking up a constitutional reform to limit presidential powers. Police responded by attacking the protest camp. Armed with water cannons, stun grenades and rubber bullets, police dismantled some barricades and took part of the Maidan.

Anti-government protesters protected themselves with shields during clashes with riot police in Kiev’s Independence Square, the epicenter of the country’s current unrest, Kiev, Ukraine, on Wednesday, February 19. The deadly clashes in Ukraine’s capital have drawn sharp reactions from Washington, generated talk of possible European Union sanctions and led to a Kremlin statement blaming Europe and the West. (AP Photo)

OFFICE OF THE

STATE RESOURCE CENTRE FOR WOMEN (Under the aegis of the Nagaland State Social Welfare Board)

NO.NSSWB/SRCW/Advt& Pub/2012-13

NOTICE

Dated: Kohima the 19th February 2014

To mark the International Women’s Week 2014, the State Resource Centre for Women, Nagaland, is organizing a special Car Rally on the 8th March 2014. Interested participants for the Car Rally may please refer to the guidelines and fill up the form below. We will appreciate it if the form is submitted to our office on or before the 28thFebruary 2014.

(Daisy Mezhur) Mission Director

(Please tear here)

Form for International Women’s Day Car Rally Date: 8th March 2014 | Theme: “Inspiring Change” Please submit forms after reading and complying with the guidelines below 1. Name: ……………………………………………………………………………………………….

2. Contact No: …………………………………………………………………………………………

3. Type of Transport: ……………………………………………………………………………..……

(Signature of Participant)

Guidelines 1. Both ladies and gentlemen are invited to participate for the Car Rally. However, only ladies will drive the mode of transport.

2. Rally Vehicles can either be four or two wheelers. Bicycles are also welcome.

3. Vehicle drivers must be 18 (Eighteen) years and above 4. This form may either be submitted at the office address: State Resource Centre for Women, Nagaland State Social Welfare Board, Below DIPR Office, Kohima OR the information emailed at nld.srcw@gmail.com 5. For further queries, kindly contact 8415903266.

10

Dimapur

SPORTS

Thursday 20 February 2014

The Morung Express

PSG win at Leverkusen in Champs League

‘PSG must finish the job’

PSG's Zlatan Ibrahimovic scores by penalty against Leverkusen goalkeeper Bernd Leno during a Champions League round of the last 16 first leg soccer match between Bayer Leverkusen and Paris Saint-Germain in Leverkusen, Germany, Tuesday Feb. 18. (AP Photo)

LEVERKUSEN, FEbRUaRy 19 (aP): Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored twice as Paris Saint-Germain all but booked its place in the Champions League quarterfinals with a 4-0 away rout of 10-man Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday.

Blaise Matuidi got the visitors off to a flying start in the first leg of their round-of-16 tie by scoring in the third minute. Ibrahimovic made it 2-0 from a penalty in the 39th, after Emir Spahic hauled down Ezequiel Lavezzi, and effectively killed the game three minutes later when he rifled a shot from outside the penalty area inside the top

far corner.

Leverkusen had Spahic sent off for a second yellow card in the 59th, and Paris substitute Yohan Cabaye completed the rout in the 88th. "We had a good game," said Ibrahimovic, who took his tally in this season's competition to 10 goals from six games. "We scored early and when you are in the lead it is much easier."

The result looks almost certain to end Leverkusen's hopes of reaching the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002, with a mountain to climb in the second leg in Paris on March 12. No team has recovered from 4-0 down in a two-legged

Champions League tie.

Barcelona won 2-0 at Manchester City in Tuesday's other game. Lionel Messi converted a penalty in the 54th after Martin Demichelis brought him down in the area — his Argentina teammate was also sent off — and Dani Alves put the Catalans in a commanding position by scoring in the final minute.

Leverkusen seemed to be feeling the effect of losing five of its last seven games. The home side looked nervous from the start, perhaps mindful of losing 5-0 to Manchester United in its previous game at home in the competition.

"We played with fear and I really don't know why," Leverkusen defender Omer Toprak said.

Leverkusen captain Simon Rolfes lost the ball to Matuidi, who combined with Ibrahimovic and Marco Verratti before tucking the latter's return pass inside the far post. "We observed them and saw their (previous) game against Schalke. We knew they were suffering and we didn't want to gift them any confidence," said Paris coach Laurent Blanc, whose side was unbeaten in its previous seven away games, with five of those ending in victory.

The visitors exuded confidence as the home side struggled to compete.

Ibrahimovic should have made it 2-0 when Leverkusen 'keeper Bernd Leno struggled to deal with an effort from Lavezzi, but he fired the rebound straight at Roberto Hilbert. The home side gradually improved. Spahic, who had been doing a good job marshaling Ibrahimovic, tried his luck from distance, though failed to trouble Paris goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu.

The penalty dented his side's hopes, however, and then Matuidi played the ball back for Ibrahimovic's

John Leicester

while, a man who followed along at her side — he wouldn't say who he was — made sure she was holding a branded pair of skis when speaking to camera and that the manufacturer's name was clearly visible.

All in all, it looked like a pretty fruitful day for Vanessa-Mae Inc. And, if you're Vanessa-Mae, an absolute hoot. "The Olympics is like the greatest show on Earth and to just share the same snow, to be able to slide down the same snow that the elite skiers carve down is just an honor and a privilege," she said. "So, you know, when I get to even train with some of them for like two runs, sometimes I'm already a little bit like, 'Ooh, that's so cool!' So imagine to be in the same race as them." But what do the Olympic Games get in return? From a competitive standpoint, absolutely nothing.

hammer shot. Leverkusen coach Sami Hyypia reacted at halftime by bringing Rolfes and the disappointing Son Heung-min off for Stefan Reinartz and the 17-year-old Julian Brandt respectively.

Striker Stefan Kiessling's penalty appeals were ignored and Leverkusen supporters were further enraged when Spahic was sent off with his second yellow card for catching Lucas with his arm in a tussle for the ball. Leverkusen defender Philipp Wollscheid's blushes were spared in the 66th, when his own goal was ruled out after Lavezzi had strayed offside.

LEVERKUSEN, FEbRUaRy 19 (aFP): Zlatan Ibrahimovic has urged Paris Saint-Germain to finish off Bayer Leverkusen after their 4-0 victory in Germany left them on the verge of the Champions League quarterfinals. The Sweden star scored two goals in three first-half minutes as the French league leaders ran riot at Leverkusen's BayArena in Tuesday's last16, first-leg clash. Bayer were reduced to ten men for the final half an hour when Ibrahimovic's marker Emir Spahic was sent off for a second yellow card.

Ibrahimovic's two goals left him as the competition's top-scorer with 10 Champions League goals in six matches, one more than Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo. This was a five-star performance from PSG, but Ibrahimovic was forthright when asked if this Parisian side was the best team he has played in.

"I've played in fantastic teams so difficult to say, you can have a great team, but not win trophies, we need to finish the job first," said the 32-year-old Ibrahimovic. Midfielder Blaise Matuidi put PSG ahead with barely two minutes gone before Ibrahimovic netted a penalty, then added a second when he unleashed a thunderbolt of a shot to make it 3-0 at the break. Replacement Yohan Cabaye then added PSG's fourth just before the final whistle to complete the rout.

"I have an embarrass-

ment of riches in my team at the moment," said PSG's contented coach Laurent Blanc. "We rediscovered the football we showed in the group stages, it was better than we played at the start of the year and I was pleased to see it. "The players did really well and I have to praise them for the performance. "We didn't want to give Bayer any self-confidence and we tried to make sure they didn't get any of the ball. "We kept trying to push forward even when they started getting physical trying to stop us."

Blanc dampened down growing expectations and said PSG will approach the return leg eager to secure another victory over Leverkusen, who have now lost six of their last eight matches. "It doesn't matter how the first leg went, we still have the second to come, obviously this is a big step towards the quarterfinals, but we want to win the return at the Parc des Princes," said Blanc. "We have ambitions in this competition. "This is just one game and we can still meet other teams who have lots of experience, but of course the hopes and expectations are growing."

Sami Hyypia-coached Leverkusen now face an unenviable task to try and salvage something from the return leg in Paris on March 12. "It's not easy to sit here after a performance like that," said ex-Liverpool defender Hyypia, whose team have lost their last three home games.

India still winless overseas, Vanessa-Mae gives All Nagaland shooting but Dhoni sees improvement little to Olympics championship underway

WELLINGTON, FEbRUaRy 19 (REUTERS): Mahendra Singh Dhoni's India left New Zealand still seeking an overseas test victory after more than two and a half years' frustration on tour.

New Zealand won the test series 1-0 on Tuesday after the second match at the Basin Reserve ended in a draw highlighted by captain Brendon McCullum's triple century. India have not won a test overseas since June 2011, when they beat West Indies in the first match in Jamaica and clinched the series after the next two games were drawn.

They have since lost nine and drawn two of their 11 overseas matches and with a team in transition after the retirement of greats Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman, are struggling to find consistency on foreign shores. The visitors did not win a single game on their shortened tour of New Zealand, losing the five-match one-day series 4-0 with one game tied, and while they had chances to win both tests, were unable to take their opportunities.

"There were instances where we could have capitalised on the kind of start we got or if we had a good partnership in the middle but we failed to do that," Dhoni told reporters in Wellington. "We saw a glimpse of that in the test match here and the last test also in the second innings, we bowled fantastically to come back into the series.

"Then when we were batting I felt we had a good partnership going then we lost wickets at the wrong time and that put pressure back on ourselves."

Of the four innings, India's bowlers played well in two and their batsmen performed well in two. Unfortunately for their passionate supporters who created a carnival atmosphere at both games, they were unable to string the performances together in the same match. Ishant Sharma took six wickets twice, including a career-best 6-51 in the first innings in Wellington, but he also went for 0-164 in the second innings

AP Sports Columnist

Don't give up the day job, Vanessa-Mae. The Sochi Games were good to the diva of violin classical pop.

She now gets to call herself an Olympian having survived — the word "compete" isn't really applicable — the giant slalom.

After gingerly completing both runs, she applied some lipstick, checked her look in a pocket mirror, strapped on a watch from a sponsor, pushed up her coat sleeve to make sure it was visible on her wrist, and then went out to bathe in the attention of the world's media.

She laughed for the microphones. She said how "really cool" it all was. She slipped in how she plans to celebrate her Olympic participation by donating "a heap of money" to animal charities. And the whole

Our Correspondent

Kohima | February 19

A three day long All Nagaland shooting championship got underway today at the firing range of New Police Reserve Phesama under the aegis of Nagaland Rifle Association (NRA).

A good number of participants are taking part in senior, junior and women category. It will go on till February 21. The championship is being conducted on three events- standing, kneeling and prone by using .22 rifle and .32 pistol as the weapon for the championship. The winners will represent the state at the forthcoming national level championship this year.

NRA is headed by chief secretary Banuo Z. Jamir, IAS as honourary president.

Participants at the ongoing All Nagaland shooting championship on February 19. (Morung Photo)

Heat prove too hot for Mavericks

India’s Cheteshwar Pujara is out for 17 off the bowling of New Zea- DaLLaS, FEbRUaRy 19 (aP): with Kevin Durant on Thursday land’s Tim Southee on the final day of the second test at the Basin LeBron James drove for an em- night in Oklahoma City. It's the Reserve in Wellington, New Zealand on Tuesday. (AP Photo) phatic dunk during a decisive last game of the Heat's second

as New Zealand compiled a record 680-8 declared.

Mohammed Shami was a bustling presence who threatened on occasion, while Zaheer Khan's pace was down, even if his control and swing were still dangerous. India's real problem in their bowling was a lack of a stand-out attacking spinner, however.

Ravindra Jadeja was given the opportunity to establish himself but his batting was more threatening than his bowling on New Zealand wickets.

India's batsmen also struggled to stamp themselves for a full match though Virat Kohli underlined his class in both the one-day series and tests.

Opener Shikhar Dhawan top-scored with 215 runs in the two tests and managed to bat his way out of a slump by grabbing his second test century in the first match and then 98 in Wellington.

"I think our bowling performance was really good, still we can improve

our batting," Dhoni added.

"I feel as a batting unit, we have done well, we have shown improvement but we have to be more consistent. "Maybe all the batsmen have one got one good innings in the last four test matches. "If we can improve that and make it two or three innings, then the situation of the team really improves."

While Dhoni was disappointed, he still felt that his side had taken a step forward in their two overseas tours to South Africa and New Zealand. "I think we have been improving and if you compare those two series with the last few that we have played there's plenty of improvement," he said. "So that's what it's all about, you want to keep improving to a stage where you start converting those good situations or good starts into better starts and start capitalising on it.

"What I wanted was for them to improve as cricketers. "I'll take that and move on to the next series."

fourth-quarter run and went skipping to the bench after a Dallas timeout. The Miami star has sure had fun against his old nemesis this season.

James scored a season-high 42 points and the Heat tuned up for a showdown with Oklahoma City by beating the Mavericks 117-106 Tuesday night. The 10-time AllStar was nearly impossible to stop in the first game after the break, topping his previous season high of 39 points in a win over Dallas in Miami in November.

This victory completed Miami's third straight season sweep of the Mavericks — six consecutive wins — since losing to them in the 2011 NBA Finals, James' first season after his celebrated signing with the Heat. "He is great and we know he is great," Dallas coach Rick Carlisle said. "He scored a bundle of points on us last time and he was even better tonight."

James scored the first eight points and 10 overall in a 14-0 run that put the Heat up 106-95 after they trailed by one entering the fourth quarter. Miami came out of the All-Star break by winning for the sixth time in seven games heading into James' duel

six-game road trip, a season high.

"I'm still tired," said James, who had 22 points in 33 minutes in Sunday's All-Star game. "But when I'm on the court, I've got to try to make things happen." Dirk Nowitzki had 22 points to lead the Mavericks, who couldn't follow up a win at Indiana, the other top team in the Eastern Conference, in their final game before the break. The deciding run started when James, who also had nine rebounds and six assists, stole a pass from Shawn Marion in the backcourt and pulled up for a tying 3-pointer. After hitting another 3 over Marion to put Miami ahead for good, James drove for a dunk following Mario Chalmers' steal of a pass from Devin Harris. James made four of eight from long range after getting warmed up with a couple of dunks in the first quarter. "When we turned it over, he was gone," Marion said.

"After his fourth open-court dunk, the basket started feeling a little bit bigger for him. He just started taking pull-up 3s." The Mavericks, who are in a tight battle with four teams for the final three playoff spots in the West, went without a field goal for 6 minutes after a Heat point Norris Cole (30) shoots against Dallas Mavericks forward four-point play by Vince Carter, Miami Brandan Wright (34) as Heat's Chris Andersen (11) watches during the second who scored 15. half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014, in Dallas. (AP Photo)

Entertainment

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India’s only male modeling hunt

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hat Next Event Private Limited is organizing a contest titled “Mr. Icon India 2014” for male models. According to a press release, the contest is aimed to identify male models of the country having combination of virtue, intelligence and presence of mind. The male models by exhibiting their talents can win attractive prizes and get chance to work with some good brands of varied sectors. All contestants will receive a certificate in addition to a high quality professional portfolio.

Male models willing to enter the contest will have to register their names online. They can register their names by sending their profile on www.mriconindia.com. Registration is open now.

rector, What Next Event Pvt. Ltd. Mr. Icon India 2014 will be covering more than 30 cities

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aty Perry has been crowned the Woman of the Year at the 2014 Elle Style Awards in London. Kylie Minogue presented the honour to the Roar singer, who was lauded for her success as a chart topper and her efforts to empower women all over the world.

Absent Thor star Tom Hiddleston was named the magazine's Man of the Year. He sent a video message expressing his gratitude. Meanwhile, Lily Allen and Tinie Tempah were named the female and male U.K. Recording Artist recipients, and Pharrell Williams picked up the International Recording Artist trophy.

Other recipients included Harry Potter star Emma Watson (Actress of the Year) and Bradley Cooper's girlfriend Suki Waterhouse (Model of the Year). Top fashion photographer David Bailey was handed a Lifetime Achievement honour.

Named Woman of

the Year

across India in following five zones: North Zone – New Delhi, Gurgaon, Faridabad, Noida, Ghaziabad, Chandigarh, Shimla, Lucknow, Kanpur, Dehradun and J&K; West Zone – Jaipur, Ahmadabad, Mumbai, Panaji, Pune and Nagpur; South Zone – Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Thiruvanantpuram and Kochi; East Zone –Patna, Kolkata, Ranchi, Bhuwneshwar and Guwahati; Central Zone – Indore, Bhopal, Gwalior, Raipur, Jabalpur and Bilaspur. The grand finale of the contest will be hosted in Mumbai, the capital of glamour and career.

eeLo Green is leaving 'The Voice' and wants to focus on ''other things'' including his music.

The 'Forget You' hitmaker has been a judge on the US version of the singing contest on the first three series, before returning on the fifth series last year, but has now decided to step back to focus on other TV projects.

Speaking on the 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' - which airs on Wednesday- he said ''I'm not coming back guys. ''I'm going to continue my relationship with NBC. I have a television show development deal with them as well and hopefully some other talk show opportunities for later in the year. ''But yeah, I'm going to miss 'The Voice' too. So I'm not coming back guys.'' Shocked

by his revelation, Ellen replied ''Oh, you're not coming back at all I did not know that!''

CeeLo is hoping to take some time to focus on his music and is excited about the release of his next album 'Girl Power', which is due out between February and March. He added ''I just want to ... I don't want to wear out my welcome there. ''You know what I'm saying. I have so many other things that I want to do. I haven't released an album in four years. I'm almost done with my album.'' 'The Voice's sixth season kicks off on February 24 with Shakira, Usher, Blake Shelton and Adam Levine on the judges panel.

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ihanna

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usic superstar Rihanna has insisted she never wanted to be famous. The Umbrella hitmaker found stardom early in her life, signing her first record deal with Def Jam at the age of 17. Now Rihanna, who turns 26 on Thursday

'I Never Wanted To Be Famous'

(20Feb14), has revealed that becoming an internationally recognised celebrity was never one of her life goals - all she cared about was the music.

She tells Vogue magazine, I did sing a lot as a child. A lot.

I practiced hard to manoeuvre my voice. I love singing. I

love it, and it doesn't feel like a chore. It's an expression. I never wanted to be famous.

I just wanted my music to be heard all over the world. Then it happened and the fame came with it. I can't ever imagine feeling used to it.

'It was the worst thing that ever We might have Michael Jackson's family happened to me' JohngTrriefavolta reveals crippling claiming violation: Prabhudheva

ohn Travolta has revealed the shattering grief he experienced after the death of his teenage son admitting he feared he would not pull through.

The Hollywood star said the death of his autistic son Jett four years ago was 'the worst thing that's ever happened in my life'. Speaking to BBC interviewer Barry Norman at London's Theatre Royal, the Saturday Night Fever star, who turns 60 on Tuesday, said: 'The truth is, I didn't know if I was going to make it. Life was no longer interesting to me, so it took a lot to get me better.'

Jett Travolta died at the age of 16 in January 2009 from a seizure when he struck his head against a bath during a family holiday in the Bahamas. Both his father and his mother Kelly Preston have since confirmed their eldest son was autistic and had a history of seizures. The couple have two other children: 13-year-old daughter Ella Bleu and three-year-old son Benjamin. It was not until after his death that Travolta acknowledged Jett was autistic, something which he and Kelly, his wife of 23 years, had always vehemently denied as Scientology does not believe autism exists.

Travolta's grief was so crippling he was accompanied by representatives from his church every day for two years in order to help him cope. He told BBC's Barry on Sunday: 'I will forever be grateful to Scientology for supporting me for two years solid,

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The re l e a s e q u o t ed Ashish Dhakad, Director, What Next Event Pvt. Ltd. as saying, “We are delighted to launch our ambitious project which aims to motivate young generation of the country. Mr. Icon India 2014 is dedicated to those male models of our country that are anxious to showcase their talents before the world.”

The contest will be judged by jury comprising of super models Zulfi Syed, Shawar Ali, Jatin Grewal and Praveen Sirohi and Bollywood actors, added Shreya Soni, Marketing Di-

CeeLo Green quits

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I mean Monday through Sunday. 'They didn't take a day off, working through different angles of the techniques to get through grief and loss, and to make me feel that finally I could get through a day.'

Travolta has previously revealed he 'didn't want to wake up' following Jett's death and that the controversial religion had 'saved his life' on more than one occasion. His 90-minute appearance saw him field questions about various aspects of his life, career and keen interest in aviation. Also addressed was the mid-career slump that followed his appearances in Saturday Night Fever and Grease, a downturn that was only arrested when Quentin Tarantino cast him as a heroin-abusing hitman in 1994's Pulp Fiction. 'It got a little complicated for

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espite a legal notice from Hollywood studio Warner Bros. claiming copyright infringement, director Prabhudheva and his producer Gordhan Tanwani are in no mood to budge from the title Action Jackson. Warner Bros' 1988 Hollywood film featuring Carl Weathers and Sharon Stone released with the same : t poR us sup name and the production Religio ett, pictured d house has given the makn a r After J e his moth u, ers of the Bollywood film betweenh sister ella Ble it as a notice to change the title father w ohn travolta w died, J d scientology as Action Jackson is regise assign ho followed him tered by them for the subw r ta rs s e e d min ht. th e ig n continent as well. d n a day it was th A letter has been sent to revealed g that ever in Baba Arts Limited Produc'worst' thned to him happe tion and Eros International, who are jointly producing a few years,' the actor ex- revealing he had openly the film. On the other hand, plained. 'A lot of things add- courted the role during an Prabhudheva says there is ed up to a five-year period informal meeting with pro- a very special reason why that wasn't so good for me.' ducer Barbara Broccoli. his film is called Action Travolta went on to thank Tarantino for facilitating his career comeback.

'There were people who were much hotter than me who wanted the role,' he said. 'But Quentin put his career on the line and refused to make the movie without me in it.' The film ended up securing Travolta his second Oscar nomination, following the best actor citation he received for Saturday Night Fever in 1978. To date, though, the actor has yet to win one of the Academy's coveted statuettes. He insisted: 'I February 22, 2014 don't feel at all ignored or not verified. You're not going to find a bitter guy in me. 'I would love to be a villain in the next James Bond film,' Travolta continued,

Jackson. We named the film 'Action Jackson' because our hero Ajay Devgan is known as 'AJ' and we thought it would be a good idea to use the initials and

extend it into the title 'Action Jackson' as Ajay is doing both action and dancing in the film, said the director.

Prabhudheva, who also changed the title of his pre-

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vious film Rambo Rajkumar to R...Rajkumar, says that he can’t keep giving in like this for every title.

It isn't like 'Rambo Rajkumar' where Rambo was a patented name by the Hollywood studio. How can anyone claim copyright over the words 'action' and 'Jackson' And since the word 'Jackson' is in my title for the dancing, we might have (late pop legend) Michael Jackson's family claiming copyright violation. We can't just keep giving in like this for every title, he said.

As for the title belonging to a Hollywood film, Prabhu defends his title. I had never heard of a Hollywood film titled 'Action Jackson'.

Didn't it come 25 years ago So many films are titled 'Romeo & Juliet'. Should Shakespeare's family sue

Deadline for Submission: February 22, 2014 Date of Publication: March 1, 2014

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Classy Barca defeats Man City Ana Ivanovic beats

tin Demichelis couldn't keep up with the speedy Messi, dragging down his fellow Argentine and conceding the penalty. Even after Messi made it 11 goals in 11 games since returning from injury, City managed to test Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes more than had it with a full complement of players.

But City couldn't equalize against the run of play and Dani Alves successfully completed a one-two with substitute Neymar in the 90th minute to score

the team's 113th goal of the season. It was an unsettling introduction to the knockout phase of the competition for City, with Barcelona's poise and panache enabling the fourtime European champions to remain in near-complete control against England's emerging force.

Rather than acknowledging the strength of the opposition, City manager Manuel Pellegrini questioned the integrity of Swedish referee Jonas Eriksson. "From the beginning I could see the ref was not impartial to both teams," Pellegrini said. And Pellegrini felt that the referee was not up to managing a game of this magnitude despite being selected by FIFA for the World Cup. A Swede lit up the night's other game. Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored twice, between goals from Blaise Matuidi and Yohan Cabaye, as Paris Saint-Germain won 4-0 at Bayer Leverkusen. The second legs of both games are on March 12, and wiping out a 2-0 deficit would seem to be beyond City at this stage. Especially if it struggles to break up Barcelona's flowing passing moves like at the Etihad.

Somehow, though, the hosts emerged unscathed from their hesitant start and even produced the first meaningful shot of the match after 25 minutes when Alvaro Negredo curled the ball at Valdes.

SOCHI, FEbRuARy 19 (PTI): India's campaign in the Sochi Winter Olympic Games came to a disappointing end with Himanshu Thakur finishing 72nd in the men's giant slalom event, on Wednesday.

20-year-old Himanshu, in his first Winter Olympics, clocked a combined timing of 3 minutes 37.55 seconds over two races to finish last among those who completed the race.

A total of 107 skiers took part in the event and as many as 35 were either disqualified or could not finish the race. Ted Ligety of United States won the gold medal with India's Himanshu Thakur passes a gate in the first run of the men's giant slalom at the Sochi a combined time of 2 min- 2014 Winter Olympics, Wednesday, Feb. 19 in Krasnaya Polyana, Russia. (AP Photo)

utes 45.29 seconds. Silver medallist Steve Missillier of France was 0.48 seconds slower with a time of 2:45.77. Alexis Pinturault of France won the bronze in 2:45.93.

Three Indians had participated in the Sochi Winter Olympics and all of them have brought up rear positions in their respective events. Cross country skier Nadeem Iqbal had finished 85th in the men's 15km classic run event out of 87 athletes, who completed the race on February 14, while luger Shiva Keshavan had ended at 37th out of 39 competitors in the men's singles event on February 9.

Manchester City's Yaya Toure, right, attempts a tackle Barcelona's Lionel Messi during their Champions League Round of 16 soccer match at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England on Feb. 18. (AP Photo)

MANCHESTER, FEbRuARy 19 (AP): Feeling they had a point to prove, Barcelona's players delivered in style leaving Manchester City bitter and bruised. Advancing to the Champions League quarterfinals should be a formality after Lionel Messi scored a penalty and Dani Alves added a late second to secure a commanding 2-0 advantage over City in the round of 16 on Tuesday. Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas felt confident enough to deliver

a message to his team's critics: "They will have to shut up for a few days."

It seems incongruous that Fabregas would have to be so defensive of Barcelona, given his team tops the Spanish standings, has reached the Copa del Rey final and is on the verge of reaching the Champions League quarterfinals for the seventh straight year.

"There's nothing else you can ask for," Fabregas said.

So much for the Catalan giants being a fading force.

This win, against a team that seeks to emulate Barcelona on and off the pitch, exposed the gulf between them. And City, which has spent heavily to reach the knockout phase for the first time, couldn't keep up with the elegant visitors. "Maybe we had to prove a point in a way and I think we did it," Fabregas said. "And I think we did it in a style."

Waves of attacks by the Spanish champions had been repelled until the start of the second half when Mar-

India's Himanshu 72nd in giant slalom

Kohli rises to career-best 9th in ICC Test rankings

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DubAI, FEbRuARy 19 (PTI): Owing to his decent performance in the just-concluded two-Test series against New Zealand, India batsman Virat Kohli rose to his career-best ninth position in the latest ICC Test rankings issued on Wednesday. Kohli, who made 214 runs in four innings, broke into top-10 for the first time in his career and joined compatriot Cheteshwar Pujara, who slipped a rung to be on seventh spot.

Kohli jumped two places following his knocks of 38 and 105 not out in the Wellington Test, which ended in a draw. Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin slipped two places to be at number 10 and is still the highestranked Indian bowler ahead of left-arm tweaker Pragyan Ojha (12th) in Test bowlers rankings.

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum's spectacular match-saving knock of 302 helped him jump eight places to a career-best 12th. McCullum, who became the first Kiwi batsman to score a triple hundred, helped draw the second and final Test yesterday, to clinch the series 1-0. McCullum's partner in a world record sixth-wicket stand worth 352, BJ Watling, has also moved up the rankings, jumping three places to 45th as a result of his knock of 124.

Two other centurions in the Wellington Test have also made upward moves in the latest table. While Ajinkya Rahane is now 46th (up by 15), New Zealand's debutant century-maker Jimmy Neesham has entered the rankings in 59th place.

New Zealand's Tim Southee moved up a place to a career-best ninth in the bowlers' list following his match haul of five for 143 in the Wellington Test against India. Meanwhile, Australia's Mitchell Johnson has continued to storm through the charts in the bowlers rankings.

Johnson jumped five places to fourth following his spectacular match-winning haul of 12 for 127 in the Centurion Test against South Africa.

Vernon Philander has ceded the number-one position in the bowlers' table to teammate Dale Steyn after a 55-day reign at the top.

Kerber in Dubai Open

Serena, Ivanovic and Wozniacki Progress in Dubai while Sania Mirza Crashes Out Ana Ivanovic of Serbia returns the ball to Angelique Kerber of Germany during the second round of Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on Feb. 18. (AP Photo)

DubAI, FEbRuARy 19 (AgENCIES): Seeded players Serena Williams, Ana Ivanovic, Venus Williams and Caroline Wozniacki progressed to the next round of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. Serena Williams took on Ekaterina Makarova for the first time after last month's loss against Ivanovic in the fourth round of the Australian open. Serena's been nursing a back injury ever since.

Russia's Makarova managed to challenge Serena in the first set whereas the American took the match 7-6, 6-0 to move further in the tournament.

"I was really telling myself to stay positive, because I was making a lot of errors that I normally don't make, and my serve just wasn't popping the way

it normally is. I was just really trying to get in the rhythm," said the last year's French and US Open champion. Serena will be looking forward to the upcoming matches since she has never won the Dubai Open before. Ivanovic might have recently beaten the world no. 1 player, but, she had to work hard to beat the sixth seed Angelique Kerber. The former world no.

1, Ivanovic, was under a lot of pressure before beating her opponent 3-6, 6-3, 7-6.

"It was a great match in the end and the support from my fans means a lot to me," Ivanovic said.

The Serbian will face Venus Williams in the next round.

Their previous encounter was in Auckland last month when Ivanovic won it following a closely-fought battle. "She's such a tough

competitor, and she retrieves lots of balls. You just have to win points over and over again," Ivanovic said of her next opponent.

In other matches played so far, 2013 Wimbledon finalist Sabine Lisicki lost in the first round to Wozniacki 6-2, 3-6, 3-6. Wozniacki has reportedly said that she's more excited about her wedding with golfer Rory McIlroy at present.

Meanwhile, Sania Mirza along with her Zimbabwean doubles partner Cara Black crashed out of the Dubai Open in the first round. The duo lost 6-7, 7-5, 9-11 to Czech Republic's Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Safarova. In her previous two appearances at the Dubai Open, Sania had reached the finals. This year, however, the luck did not continue.

“NATIONAL RURAL DRINKING WATER & SANITATION AWARENESS WEEK” FROM 20th FEBRAURY TO 25th FEBRUARY 2014.

PROGRAMME 20.02.2014 Launching Programme at Kohima and all District HQs.

21.02.14 & 22.02.14 IEC Campaign at District & Block Level through NGOs and Mass Media (Radio).

23.02.2014 -

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Message on Rural Drinking Water & Sanitation Awareness in all Churches in the Villages.

24.02.2014 Inter District Exposure Trip for WATSAN Members.

25.02.2014 Essay Competition for Schools at district HQs TOPIC: “Conservation of Drinking Water & Good Sanitary Practices.”

Increasing coverage and ensuring sustainability through People’s participation and Government efforts

Published, Printed and Edited by Aküm Longchari on behalf of Morung for Indigenous Affairs and JustPeace from House No. 4, Duncan Bosti, Dimapur at Themba Printers and Telecommunications, Padum Pukhuri Village, Dimapur, Nagaland.

RNI No : NAGENG /2005/15430. House No.4, Duncan Bosti, Dimapur 797112, Nagaland. Phone: Dimapur -(03862) 236871, Fax: (03862) 235194, Kohima - (0370) 2291952

For news email: morung@gmail.com and for advertisements and circulation contact: (03862) 236871, Fax-235194 or email : morungad@yahoo.com

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