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WednesdAY 27•04•2016
SportS
THE MORUNG EXPRESS
Tottenham title hopes in tatters following West brom draw LONDON, ApriL 26 (reuters): Tottenham's Hotspur's Premier League title hopes are hanging by a thread after a 1-1 draw at home to West Bromwich Albion on Monday left Leicester City tantalisingly close to being crowned champions of England for the first time. Craig Dawson's 32ndminute own goal put Tottenham in front as they sought to cut Leicester's lead back to five points. But Tottenham produced a nervy second-half display and Dawson redeemed himself when he headed his side level after 72 minutes to deflate the home crowd and no doubt kickstart a party in the east Midlands. Tottenham struck the woodwork three times on a frustrating night and Leicester can now clinch the title if they beat Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday. With three matches remaining Leicester have 76 points with Tottenham, the only side who can deny them the title, on 69. Manchester City and Arsenal have 64. Tottenham bossed the opening period and West Brom barely got out of their own half in the opening 15 minutes. West Brom were well
West Bromwich Albion's English defender Craig Dawson (3rd R) scores his team's first goal during the English Premier League football match against West Bromwich Albion at White Hart Lane in London, on April 25. (AFP Photo)
organised and had managed to blunt Tottenham's attack until the opener arrived in unusual circumstances. Eriksen's dangerous free kick was aimed towards Jan Vertonghen but Dawson, in his desperation to intercept it, stumbled and saw the ball go into the net off his arm. There was relief all around a chilly White Hart Lane as the home fans again began to dream of a first title since 1961. But the second half did
not go to plan. West Brom were far more ambitious, causing Tottenham problems with a barrage of high balls into the area. Even so Tottenham still should have doubled their lead when Eriksen and Dele Alli combined to tee up Erik Lamela but his close-range shot spun against the foot of the post. Eriksen curled another effort just wide but the second goal would not arrive and the nerves began to jangle.
Salomon Rondon headed wide when unmarked and had another shot tipped over by Hugo Lloris. From the resulting corner the ball was whipped in and Dawson rose above Eric Dier to head past a flatfooted Lloris. To t t e n h a m w e r e stunned and never really looked like snatching a late winner that would have kept the pressure firmly on Leicester. While Pochettino refused to admit defeat, his side's priority now will be to consolidate second place.
Atletico get chance for revenge against Bayern 42 years on bArCeLONA, ApriL 26 (reuters): Bayern Munich destroyed Atletico Madrid’s dreams of winning the European Cup in 1974 and are out to wreck their hopes of reaching a second Champions League final in three years when they visit the Spanish capital for the semi-final first leg. the final in Heysel 42 years ago, an equaliser from defender Hans-Georg Schwarzenbeck in the final minute of extra time cancelled out Luis Aragones’ opening goal and forced a replay, in which Bayern ran out 4-0 winners. That outcome led to contrasting fortunes for both clubs -- Bayern went on to win three consecutive European Cups and are now bidding for their sixth triumph in manager
Pep Guardiola’s last season in charge before taking over at Manchester City. Atletico are still haunted by the memory of Schwarzenbeck’s goal, which prompted the nickname "el pupas" (the cursed ones). History repeated itself 40 years later when Atletico led Real Madrid 1-0 in the Champions League final and Sergio Ramos headed in a 93rd-minute equaliser to force extra time before going on to thrash the Rojiblancos 4-1. Four decades after Schwarzenbeck robbed them of glory, Atletico are still chasing their first European Cup, yet are emboldened in their bid to go all the way this year after knocking out holders and favourites Barcelona in the quarter finals.
They beat Malaga 1-0 on Saturday thanks to substitute Angel Correa’s secondhalf strike to stay level on points with Barcelona, who top La Liga due to their superior head-to-head record. Bayern maintained their seven-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga by winning 2-0 at Hertha Berlin with second-half goals from Arturo Vidal and Douglas Costa. A victory at home to Borussia Monchengladbach next week will see Bayern clinch a third successive title under Guardiola. Bayern have also reached the German Cup final yet many believe the former Barcelona coach will have under-achieved at the club should he fail to win the Champions League. Midfielder Xabi Alonso
rejected that suggestion, however, highlighting the Catalan’s positive influence. “I’ve no doubt his time here will leave an important base, independently of whether we have a fantastic end to the season or not. Our memories of him will be brilliant, and he won’t be a failure if we didn’t win the Champions League,” said Alonso. Atletico are the third Spanish team Bayern have met in as many years in the semi-finals, having been knocked out by Real Madrid in 2014 and Barcelona last year. Atletico are without influential centre back Diego Godin due to a hamstring injury, while Bayern will be missing forward Arjen Robben and defender Jerome Boateng.
ICC to elect independent chairman in May
Dub Ai, ApriL 26 (iANs): The International Cricket Council (ICC) has decided that its chairman will be an independent one, who will be elected by a secret ballot in May and will not be allowed to hold any national or provincial position with any member board. “Following on from the February 2016 meeting decision to urgently re-establish the ‘independent’ position of ICC chairman, the board agreed that the election of the ICC chairman by the board will be held through a secret ballot in late May after all constitutional amendments have been approved by the full council in the coming weeks,” ICC said in a release on Monday. Currently, Shashank Manohar is the ICC chairman as well as the president of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). “The election process will be overseen by the ICC’s independent Audit Committee chairman and all present and past ICC directors will be eligible to contest the election. “However, candidates can only be nominated by a fellow ICC director who, in turn, will be allowed to provide no more than one
ICC blasts Windies for World T20 outburst
MeLbOurNe, ApriL 26 (reuters): The International Cricket Council has criticised West Indies for using their victory speech at the World Twenty20 tournament to complain about their cricket board after a long drawn-out pay dispute. During the televised broadcast, West Indies captain Darren Sammy referred to the dispute which saw the team threaten to withdraw from the tournament in India before a last-minute deal was brokered with the board. All-rounder Dwayne Bravo later criticised the West Indies Cricket Board in an interview with a local broadcaster. The ICC said in a media release that the players comments were "inappropriate". "The (ICC) Board considered the behaviour of some of the West Indies nominee. Any nominee with the support of at least two full member ICC directors will be put forward as a candidate for election,” the release said. “The elected independent chairman will not be allowed to hold any national or provincial position with any member board,” it stated. It was also announced that a number of day/night Tests were being considered for the forthcoming year. “Members confirmed
players in the immediate aftermath of the final, and unanimously agreed that certain comments and actions were inappropriate, disrespectful and brought the event into disrepute," the ICC said. "The Board acknowledged an apology by the WICB but was disappointed to note that such behaviour had detracted from the success of what was otherwise a magnificent tournament and final." The ICC added that "serious consideration" had been given to bringing code of conduct charges against the players. After West Indies' four-wicket win over England in Kolkata, skipper Sammy said in an interview: "People were wondering whether we would play this tournament. "We had a lot of issues, we felt disrespected by our board ... I'm yet to hear from (them). That is very disappointing."
their support for day-night Tests and it was noted that a number of day/night Tests were being considered for the forthcoming year. It was reiterated that administrators must embrace innovation and understand the demands and expectations of the spectators and fans, keeping alive and growing interest in the traditional format of the game,” ICC said. The cricket governing body also took a step closer towards potential par-
ticipation in the Olympics and/or Commonwealth Games. “On cricket’s potential participation in the Olympics and/or Commonwealth Games, the ICC Board received an update from the management and agreed that further discussions were required with the Members and the other stakeholders, including the IOC and Commonwealth Games Federation before a final position could be adopted,” the release said.
Boxing: Vijender accepts Amir All test nations want day-night Khan’s challenge to fight in India matches, says Australia
MANChester, ApriL 26 (pti): Indian boxing star Vijender Singh is ready to compete with British professional Amir Khan and accepted his challenge to fight in India, saying it will prove to be a big boost to the sport in the country. Two-time former world champion, Amir, who has been training intensively for his much-anticipated WBC title contest against Mexico’s Saul ‘Canelo Alvarez want to fight against Vijender soon in India. Commenting on Amir Khan’s challenge, Vijender said: “I accept the challenge of Amir Khan and I am sure this fight will be a big boost to boxing in our country. “As we both fight in different weight categories so will have to see whether Amir gains or I have to lose weight. I have started my professional boxing career last year only and have made only 4 appearances
in the pro ring. “It might take me just one more year when I will be ready to fight against Amir Khan. I am sure this fight will attract international limelight and attention. Currently I am focusing on my next fight scheduled for April 30 against Matiouze Royer at Copper Box Arena,” he added. Neerav Tomar, CEO and MD of IOS Boxing Promotions, said “Technically Amir Khan boxes in middleweight (72.5kg) while Vijender in super middleweight (76kg). “Of course a fight is definitely possible but may be next year or 2018. Either Amir has to gain weight or Vijender needs to lose some. For Amir with his body structure I am not sure whether he can. Ditto Vijender. Thus, it is very much possible, but the technicalities exist.”
MeLbOurNe, ApriL 26 (reuters): The cricket boards of all major test-playing nations have thrown their support behind day-night matches and nearly half intend to host a game under lights in the next 12 months, according to Cricket Australia boss James Sutherland. Australia hosted the first day-night test against New Zealand in Adelaide last year and will play Pakistan in another match under lights in Brisbane in December. South Africa's players have balked at an invitation to play Australia in a daynight match in November, however, citing concerns about the specially developed pink ball and their relative inexperience playing it. Sutherland, who met with South African officials during an International Cricket Council meeting in Dubai on Sunday, said no final decision on the Adelaide test could be ex-
pected until Proteas players returned home from the Indian Premier League tournament. But he said day-night tests in general had unanimous support from the top nations' boards. "What I heard from (ICC) full member country CEO's in meeting was a very broad-ranging commitment to day-night test cricket and indeed three or four full member countries are planning on hosting test cricket under lights in the course of the next 12 months, which is very encouraging," Sutherland told reporters at CA's Melbourne headquarters on Tuesday. "Certainly India, Pakistan are very keen to play day-night test cricket, I know New Zealand are also keen. "To a person, full member countries and their CEOs stated their absolute support of test cricket being played under lights."
public discourse
Are Nagaland’s resources sufficient for the State to prosper? Human beings are clay
T
he term ‘resource curse’ is used when a State with abundant natural resources performs poorly in economic development compared to other states with poor-resources due to implementation of flawed policies regarding the extraction of the natural resources. Several richresource states suffer from the malady of this ‘curse’ resulting in poor economic development, rampant corruption, human rights violations, armed conflict and failure of democratic institutions. Examining this in the context of Nagaland state, I seek not to determine whether the state is suffering from the maladies of the curse, but instead to delineate the effects that will be faced by the state ‘when and if’ defective policies are implemented while extracting natural resources and if the state government relies too much on natural resources for economic development. The State is blessed with abundant natural resources ranging from mineral resources to forest products. In the annual report of Economic Survey 201213, the Government of Nagaland indicated that 52% of the state is forest area. In
the report of Energy Statistic 2014, the Government of India has specified an estimated reserve of 2.69 million tonnes of crude petroleum in the state and 0.12 billion cubic meters of natural gas. The report of the Ministry of Coal, Government of India, in September 2014 identified coal reserve of 315 million tonnes in the state. However over the past few years, through several rules passed in the State Legislative Assembly, viz. Nagaland Coal Policy (NCP) and Nagaland Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulations (NPNGR), and although the High Court has issued a stay order on latter, exploitation of natural resources has been continuing rampantly in several places such as, Mokokchung, Mon, Peren, Longleng and Wokha without proper regulation. This work is endangering the environment and human lives. If such trends continue, damaging consequences will follow, impacting the state economy. One foremost effect is ‘Dutch disease’. This term originated in the Netherlands in the 1950s, where, upon discovery of a large gas field, gas exports soared, but the economy was negatively impacted
due to a sharp inflow of foreign currency. Consequently, unemployment rose from 1.1% to 5.5% between 1970 and 1977. As recognized by economists, Jeffery D. Sachs and Andrew M Warner, states suffer from such a symptom when they concentrate more on natural resources, including agriculture, neglecting the manufacturing sector. In order to escape from such a symptom, economist Thorvaldur Gylfason suggests one important means. He advocated that rich-resource states should give utmost attention to education. When states give more attention to natural resource based industries, including agriculture, both of them requiring low skills, then benefits from primary production are less relative to high-skill labour manufacturing industries and consequently put constraints on economic growth. But if rich-resource states give adequate attention and investment to education, then output will shift away from primary production towards manufacturing and service sectors thereby accelerating the growth rate. Presently, several richresource countries are facing economic constraints
due to negligence of highskill labour manufacturing industries. India is no exception in this case and therefore in late 2014, the government of India took the initiative of ‘Make in India’ focusing on the manufacturing sector. For the state of Nagaland, however, in order to generate revenue and create employment opportunities, the policies for the past few years are mainly focused on tapping natural resources. Against preventive measures shown by economists on how the state needs to stay attentive in the wake of exploiting natural resources, several pertinent questions arise, such as where should the revenue from natural resources be invested? Should the government invest the revenue generated from natural resources in the education sector such as establishing technical institutes, so that it will eventually help in manufacturing goods locally? Should government officials invest in the health sector for HIV, tropical neglected diseases, etc. which are endemic in the state? Should the state government have the proclivity to improve roads and public transportation, supply of drinking water, and sanitation from the gener-
ated revenue? No doubt, tapping natural resources will generate revenue. But in the long term it brings a negative impact to the state economy if the revenue generated from those resources is not properly invested. One must keep in mind that once non-renewable resources are extracted from the ground and sold, they cannot be replaced. If the revenue generated from the resources is not invested in a sustainable manner locally, it will only lead the state to an economic catastrophe. In the current scenario, with the state creating few new jobs, having a decent job has become everyday talk, particularly among the youth. As had been reported by NSSO survey, among all the North Eastern states, Nagaland has the highest in the unemployment rate. The condition of the state economy can be well understood from the budget, 2016-17 presented by the Chief Minister in March, 2016, which is marked by a current deficit of Rs.1419.35 crores, and the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General in April 2016, where the state’s returns were ‘nil’ in 2014-15 from investment of 278.44 crores. In the re-
cently concluded budget session the Chief Minister of Nagaland highlighted several measures to be undertaken in order to revive the state economy. However, in order for the state to escape from economic constraint it is currently experiencing, one important fundamental key is that the state should not ignore the state’s manufacturing industries sector. Indeed, there is no denying that over the years the state government is implementing several schemes in industries and commerce. But in ground reality, the picture is not rosy. Blessed with rich varieties of natural resources, the state government and the citizens of Nagaland should not feel over-confident and consider natural resources as the most important asset and thereby fails to implement good economic policies. Rather, both the state government officials and the citizens need to retrospect deeply and develop the right policies in order to benefit all people and help the state prosper. Opangmeren Jamir holds PhD from the Centre for International Politics, Organisation and Disarmament, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.
in the hand of the potter
T
here is a saying, “Man proposes but God disposes.” Man proposes according to his own desire but God disposes according to His own will. Change takes place against our will because it may be God’s intervention. In 1956 nobody dreamt of another Naga Group known as NSCN (I–M) representing the Nagas in the talk with GoI for settlement in place of NNC/ FGN. But it happened beyond expectation. NNC/FGN to which I belonged and I was proud of when Ceasefire Agreement was signed on September 6, 1964, Naga Army men were so arrogant as if the Nagas already got independence. Domestic animals were killed by force for their own meat. In case Rüna Peyus delayed in arranging labourers to carry their luggages, they themselves caught men to carry their luggages. Once a young man was caught by a Sema group as they were to proceed to Dihoma. He refused but his necklace was cut off in catching him. Seeing it, I offered myself and carried their load to Dihoma village about 6/7 miles crossing Dzülu Riv-
er. On reaching the village I heard that a man was seriously ill, so I visited the patient and prayed for him and came back to my village. They did not say, “Thank you.” NNC/FGN which we held dear is no longer leading the talk. This may be God’s doing, so we have to introspect ourselves instead of blaming others. Now, NSCN (I–M) has been leading the talk. If the cadres of NSCN (I – M) are haughty and do not maintain the spirit of soberness and magnanimity, we have God Almighty who is not respecter of persons and rewards according to the deeds. Much has been talked about the Framework of solution. The content is now seen by all. Originally the Nagas expected that ultimately independence will be handed over to the Nagas as a package by India. Now relationship between the GoI and the Nagas is being worked out to bring about a mutually acceptable and honourable settlement. It indicated that both sides out of their best considered opinions and most practicability the goods is being delivered out.
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.
Rev. L. Suohie Mhasi