January 13th, 2016

C M Y K

www.morungexpress.com

wednesdAY • JAnuArY 13 • 2016

DIMAPUR • Vol. XI • Issue 11 • 12 PAGes • 5

T H e

ESTD. 2005

P o W e R

o F

T R u T H

We may go to the moon, but that’s not very far. The greatest distance we have to cover still lies within us —Charles de Gaulle Soul-searching by Mumbai police over lapses in Salman Khan case

Messi wins Ballon d’Or for fifth time

Mkg admin honour National Awardee Katibenla

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Myanmar: suu Kyi calls for all insurgents to take part in talks

At Washelo village in Meluri sub division under Phek district, children make their way to the forest to collect firewood and animal fodder. In this interior part of Nagaland, children are introduced to manual work from an early age to help contribute in sustaining the family. (Photo: Lipichem)

nagaland roads not worthy to serve common man: BJP national secretary

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 12 (MExN): The wretched road conditions of Nagaland caught the attention of BJP national secretary Farooq Khan after he landed in Dimapur to attend a party related function.

Khan on Tuesday commented that the roads in Nagaland were not worthy to serve the common man, according to press note received from BJP Nagaland secretary, Jaangsillung Gonmei.

“Only the national highways are visible and none other roads were worthy to serve the needs of the common man,” the former Inspector General of Police (IGP) from Jammu and Kashmir is learnt to have said during a function organized to welcome the

reflections

By Sandemo Ngullie

Scientists will say anything, if there’s global warming how come it’s getting colder?

SC hearing on women reservation on Jan 19

C M Y K

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 12 (MExN): The final hearing on the issue of women reservation in the Nagaland Municipal election could not take place on Tuesday’s Supreme Court hearing because of paucity of time. A press note from Joint Action Committee on Women Reservation (JACWR) said the item was listed at no-19 at the Supreme Court hearing today, however the court managed to reach only till item no-3.

Therefore, the rest of the listed matters including this case will be heard before the same bench of judges next Tuesday (January 19) as decided by the bench. The petitioners and their advocates as well as the State Government counsels were present throughout the day in the Supreme Court, the press note added.

newly appointed State BJP president Visasolie Lhoungnu in Dimapur.

Maintaining that the condition of Dimapur city roads was a clear indication of the indication of the neglect of the public needs, Khan lamented that poor infrastructure in Nagaland have affected the lives of the common person. Bringing this into fore, Khan urged the State BJP party workers under the leadership of its new president, Visasolie to work towards bringing positive changes by focusing on the development of public infrastructures.

Visasolie Lhoungnu, the newly elected president in his address assured the party workers that he would strive hard for the betterment and up-

lift of the party on all fronts with focus on the next assembly election due on 2018. He also thanked the party leaders, national and state, for reposing faith in him to hold the reins of the State.

Outgoing president Dr M Chuba Ao congratulated the newly elected president and formally handed over the reins of the State president office.

He thanked the party members who had stood by him through thick and thin during his tenure. Ao also encouraged party workers to be loyal to the party programmes and work towards strengthening the party and the State.

BJP general secretary (org) Prashant Arora, also congratulated and welcomed the new president.

NAYPYITAW, JANUARY 12 (REUTERS): More of Myanmar’s ethnic minority rebel groups should be brought into peace talks and the effort to end conflict should not divide groups that are involved in negotiations and those that have shunned the process, Aung San Suu Kyi said on Tuesday.

Hundreds of representatives of guerrilla groups, the military and members of parliament, gathered in the capital, Naypyitaw, for the second stage of talks aimed at ending insurgencies that have plagued the country for decades.

The outgoing semi-civilian government of President Thein Sein signed what it called a nationwide ceasefire agreement in October, but seven of 15 rebel groups invited to participate declined to sign, including some of the most powerful.

Other groups were not invited to take part or showed little interest in the process.

Since the signing, fighting has erupted between the military and groups that did not sign the ceasefire and groups that did not take part in the negotiations, as well as between groups that signed and others that did not, further complicating the already daunting task of reaching sustainable peace.

“We need to work for all the ethnic armed groups to be participate in the NCA,” Suu Kyi said referring to the nationwide ceasefire

In this AP file photo, Kachin Independence Army troops are seen resting in a township.

Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi during talks between the government, army and representatives of ethnic armed groups over a ceasefire called for an end to insurgencies, in Naypyitaw January 12. (REUTERS)

agreement.

“It is important not to have conflicts between the ethnic armed groups which have signed the NCA and the groups which are still not involved in the agreement.”

Ethnic minority guerrillas have been fighting the central government for greater autonomy and rights since shortly after the country gained independence from Britain in 1948.

The military, which still wields huge influence under a constitution it drafted in 2008, has long portrayed itself as the sole power holding the ethnically diverse country together and it is widely seen as loath to give ground on minority demands for autonomy under a federal system.

‘HIGH EXPECTATIONS” Suu Kyi, whose National League for Democracy (NLD) swept a November election, said in an Independence Day speech last week that the peace process would be the first priority of her new government, which is due to take power in March.

But she and the NLD have said little publicly about how they intend to push the process forward.

Groups that chose not to sign the ceasefire have been invited to attend the latest talks, which could lay the groundwork for further negotiations once the NLD takes power.

Several of the insurgent groups are hoping that Suu Kyi’s standing and mandate will help her in bridg-

ing differences with the military.

“We have high expectations for Aung San Suu Kyi and her government to negotiate with the army chief - without the military’s involvement it will be impossible to end the fighting across the country,” said Saw Thamein Tun, a leader of the Karen National Union.

The gathering in Naypyitaw was also attended by President Thein Sein and the powerful army chief Min Aung Hlaing. The appearance of the two alongside Suu Kyi reflected what has been a smooth transfer of power.

Myanmar’s generals ran the country for 49 years, until 2011, when a hybrid civilian-military government was installed.

Replace transformer or face bandh; CRPO to power dept India now in ‘Big Three’ of porn consumption: Survey

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 12 (MExN): Chizami Range Public Organisation (CRPO) is set to impose bandh on vehicular movement barring medical and para-military on January 21 within Chizami range to protest against the non-replacement of the IMVA-33/11 KV power transformer at Pfutsero.

A joint press statement received from CRPO and appended by Thetsumi village Council, Chizami Town Adhoc, Mesulumi Village Council, Sumi Village Council and Enhulumi Village Council said the transformer had broken down on January 3, 2016 and was yet to be replaced despite repeated appeals.

The last break down of the transformer occurred on January 3, 2016,

which happens to be the third break down in seven months, thus depriving the populace of electricity for more than three months, the press statement informed.

It also pointed out that continuous black out of electricity has partially halted banking, communication, office works and other activities thereby affecting the common people, students who are preparing for the coming examination as well as workers in innumerable ways. It has also caused huge loss to business sector and others depending on power supply.

In this connection, the CRPO along with the executives of the range held a consultative meeting on January 7 to deliberate on the issue and resolved that the sub-station trans-

former which is presently installed at Pfutsero must be shifted and installed at Chizami Sub-Division along with the requirements number of officers and staff at the earliest.

Furthermore, the CRPO resolved to express its frustration in the form of total bandh of vehicular movements within Chizami Range on January 21 from 6am to 6pm if the power department failed to restore power on or before January 20, the press statement informed.

This would be the first phase agitation and would be followed by 2nd phase agitation should the concerned department fail to execute their demand. The general public has been requested to bear with the inconvenience.

‘1 in 4 children in conflict zones risk losing their future’ LONDON, JANUARY 12 (ThOMSON REUTERS FOUNDATION): Nearly one in four children growing up in conflict zones are missing out on education, with South Sudan, Niger, Sudan and Afghanistan the worstaffected countries, the U.N. children’s agency (UNICEF) said on Tuesday.

An estimated 24 million children of school-going age are out of school in 22 countries affected by conflict, according to the agency’s research.

South Sudan has the largest proportion of children out of school, 51 percent, followed by 47 percent in Niger, 41 percent in Sudan and 40 percent in Afghanistan.

“When children are not in school, they are at an increased danger of abuse, exploitation and recruitment into armed groups,” said UNICEF’s head of education, Jo Bourne. “School equips children with the knowledge and skills they need to rebuild their communities once the conflict is over, and in the short-term it provides them with the stability and structure required to cope with the trauma they have experienced,” said Bourne.

If children grow up without an education, their future prospects are bleak, UNICEF said. “Unable to learn

A boy reacts in a site hit by what activists said were airstrikes carried out by the Russian air force in the town of Douma, in Damascus, Syria January 10. (REUTERS)

even the basic reading and writing skills, they are at risk of losing their futures and missing out on the opportunity to contribute to their economies and societies when they reach adulthood,” said Bourne.

Education is one of the least funded sectors in humanitarian appeals.

In 2014, it received 2 percent of humanitarian aid, the United Nations cultural agency UNESCO said in June.

UNESCO said 10 times as much - an additional $2.3 billion - is needed for education in conflict zones.

U.N. Special Envoy for Global Education Gordon Brown, UNICEF and others have called for a multi-million dollar humanitarian fund for education in emergencies to be set up, that can be mobilised quickly in a conflict, natural disaster or other humanitarian emergency.

NEW YORK, JANUARY 12 (IANS): The verdict is out. Ban or no ban, India is watching more porn than ever. In 2015, India knocked out Canada to grab the third position - after the US and Britain - in visiting one of the world’s largest adult websites Pornhub.

In its annual review of how people around the world watch porn, Pornhub found that while the US added 11 seconds to their average time spent on watching porn, India - at 9 minutes 30 seconds - re-

corded a higher average time with a oneminute increase in the duration of each visit. “More and more, we are finding that our users are opting for mobile devices like smartphones and tablets when they visit Pornhub,” the website noted.

PornHub received 21.2 billion visits in 2015 - 40,000 visits every minute or 2.4 million per hour. “In fact, visits from smartphones alone now account for 53 percent of traffic shares, up from just 45 percent last year,” the review noted.

cong opposes centre’s talks over Manipur bills

IMPhAL, JANUARY 12 (IANS): The central representatives’ participation in the talks over the three pending bills related to implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Manipur is not “acceptable”, Congress legislator R.K. Anand said here on Tuesday.

A trouble shooter of the chief minister, Anand was associated with the protracted talks with the ILP campaigners. He said the three bills meant to regulate the entry and stay of non-Manipuris were passed by the Manipur assembly on August 31 last year after detailed discussions by the members of parliament and legislative assembly from Manipur.

“If the bills are now to be discussed under the supervision of the central representatives, it will send a wrong message and this is unacceptable,” he said echoing the stand of Chief Minister Okram Ibobi on the issue. The chief minister is not happy that some tribal groups took out a “coffin procession” in Delhi recently and it sent a misleading message of the tribals being exploited in Manipur.

Nine tribal youths were killed in Churachandpur district during anti-ILP campaign. The bodies are still lying in the district morgue all these months, as the activists have refused to claim the bodies and conduct their last rites, saying first the “anti-tribal bills should be withdrawn”. These bills, passed unanimously in the Manipur assembly have been sent to the President by the governor in view of the serious is-

sues associated with them.

Anand said: “The non-tribals in Manipur do not enjoy any constitutional protection and they are nearing extinction.”

Meanwhile, Ratan Khomdram, who is the convener of the Joint Committee on the Inner Line Permit System, said the next phase of the ILP campaign would be announced shortly. The deadline for giving assent to the three bills was January 3. He explained that the campaign was not announced because of the earthquake that struck the state recently.

So far, there is no meeting point between the anti- and pro-ILP groups in Manipur and there is growing fear of a communal flare-up if the “anti-tribal bills” are given assent, officials say. During a meeting with the tribal activists last month, Chief Minister Ibobi made it clear that the impasse should be sorted out bilaterally. He reiterated that the bills were not anti-tribal and if there was anything to the contrary, the government would make amends if the issues were pointed out.

Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam says: “Some scheming persons skim read the bills to mislead the people with tendentious interpretations”. While the tribal groups insist on withdrawal of the bills, the non-tribals say there should be no further delay in giving assent to these bills. All these months the Centre has been staying at a safe distance and there has been no comment on the proposal for the central participation in the negotiations.

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wednesdAY 13•01•2016

NAGALAND

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Mkg admin honour National Awardee Katibenla

DC Sushil Kumer Patel IAS, ADC Bendanglila, Civil SDO along with Katibenla, her parents and Imchawati Kichu Managing Director Care and support Society with staff in Deputy Commissioner Office.

Mokokchung, January 12 (MExn): The District Administration Mokokchung has extended to provide “all needed support to Katibenla”, who recently won the National Award in public recogni-

tion of her outstanding performance as Best Creative Child with disabilities.

She was awarded a Certificate, medal along with cash award of rupees fifty thousand on December 3, 2015 on World Disability

Day at New Delhi.

A press release issued by the Care and support Society, Mokokchung said that Katibenla has not only brought laurel to the district of Mokokchung but for the state of Nagaland by re-

ceiving the prestigious national Award in public recognition of her outstanding performance as Best Creative Child with disabilities.

The society also stated that during the interaction, Katibenla expressed that her biggest dream and challenge is to work by herself. “We are hopeful that one day she will overcome and win over all other challenges and be able to stand on her feet,” the note added.

Katibenla (Locomotors) is a member of Disable people Organisation, Khensa under CBR (community Based Rehabilitation) for Person’s with disability programme implemented by Care and support Society Mokokchung. She sings and recites poems and she has also release her video CD album Trees flower without leaves with bare mountains at the background in Avakhung, the last village of Nagaland. Avakhung “Ku Salang”.

Village is located at Meluri subdivision in Phek District. (Morung Photo)

Peren District Task Force Kohima dist co-ordination meeting conducted meeting on MI and IPPI held kohIMa, January 12 (DIPr): A co-ordination meeting in connection with work distribution and ground arrangements etc for the ensuing Republic Day celebration on January 26 was held at DC’s Conference hall Kohima under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Kohima, Rovilatuo Mor, IAS on January 12.

The meeting reviewed the meeting minutes of the State Level meeting held on December 16 and

made confirmation on the participation of the parade contingents for the occasion. The meeting also appraised the concerned Departments, organisations on their assigned works and made confirmation for their participation.

Regarding the visitation of institution on the occasion, the following Clubs & NGOs were made confirmed to visit various Homes and Institutions as follows:- Old Age Home (Near RIELIT) by Gorkha

Panchayat; Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) by Nagaland Women Voluntary Association; Kohima Orphanage & Destitude Home-Kohima-Dimapur Highway

by Kohima Baptist Pastors Fellowship; District Jail, Kohima by KCCI; Leprosy Hospital- Naga Bazar by classic club; State Mental Health Institute- Aradura Hill by Puliebadze Club; District TB & Chest Disease Hospital, Khuzama by Indian Red cross Society (Nagaland State

Branch); Eden Garden OrphanageKhuzama by Nagaland Adventure club; KRIPA Centre by Lions club; SPASTIC Society by Nagaland Institute of Health Environment & Social welfare; AIDs Hospice, Mt. Gilead Home by Press club Kohima; Bright Morning Star Orphanage Perizie (Near IG Stadium) by NAAME Nagaland; Youth MissionSeikhazou by NCSU and Distribution of sweets at the parade ground

by Hindu Kalyan Samiti.

Coordination Meeting DC Dimapur seek support held at Zunheboto for R- Day celebration

DC along with the district officials during the district task force meeting on Mission Indradanush and IPPI Peren district held on January 12.

PErEn, January 12 (MExn): The District Task Force meeting on Mission Indradanush (4th round) and IPPI 1st Round Peren District was held on January 12 at Deputy Commissioner Chamber.

The programme was chaired by Peter Lichamo, Deputy Commissioner also Chairman, District Task Force Committee. Officials of various Departments from Chief Medical Office, School Education, Social Welfare, District Public Relations Office, Rural Development and Administration attended the meeting.

DC welcomes and expressed his appreciation to all the members for attending the meeting.

Dr. Khrielasanuo, DPO, RCH/UIP highlighted about the last month performance on MI carried out in the District. She informed about the upcoming Intensive Pulse Polio Immunization (IPPI) 1st Round which will be held on the January 17. She also highlighted on how and what is to be done during the IPPI. She informed that the Police Department and the Assam Rifles under Peren District will also be ac-

tively involved during the IPPI. She also urged the Anganwadi workers for their support in helping out during the IPPI. The final report on MI of all the 4 rounds will be presented during the next District Task Force Meeting which is schedule on February 6.

The meeting concluded with the Chairman’s remark that intensive awareness and timely meetings to be conducted for the success of the programme.

Information was also given that Healthy Lifestyle Camp will be held on January 13 at CHC Jalukie at 9:00am.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Born: 15 June 1942

- Died: 9 Jan 2016

W

e the bereaved family members of Capt. (Rtd) T. A. Rongmei of Zeliangrong Village Dimapur express our deepest gratitude to all the individuals, groups, families, Churches, Doctors and nurses, his friends and family friends, organizations and particularly NSCN/GPRN, who stood by us through physically, financially, spiritually, materially and morally during the dark period of the prolong illness and at the demise of our beloved father who left us on 9th Jan.2016 at his resident.

Your immeasurable love, prayer support, co-operation and concern to our father during his lifetime and your invaluable support extended to us during his funeral service, have humbled and filled us with gratitude that nothing of this world nor words can express adequately.

We convey our special thanks to: 1. Collective Leadership NSCN/GPRN 12. Zeliangrong Baudi ( AMN ) 2. General Secretary and Team CNC ( 13. Rongmei Naga People’s Organisation Council of Nagalim Churches ) (AMN ) 3. Convenor, Steering Committee 14. Rongmei Council Nagaland 4. Kilo Kilonser In-charge 15. Dimapur Rongmei Baptist Church, 5. Host of Kilonsers, members Steering Sachu Colony Committee and Tatars 16. Zeliangrong Baptist Church, Sewak 6. Zeilad Zeliangrong Region NSCN/ Road GPRN 17. Zeliangrong Village Council and GB’s 7. Makuilongdi Zeliangrong Region 18. Zeliangrong Youth Club NSCN/GPRN 19. Zeliangrong Baptist Church Women 8. Asalu Zeliangrong Region NSCN/ Society GPRN 20. Rongmei Welfare Society 9. Kuki Tribal Union NSCN/GPRN 21. Ephraim Church, Sachu Colony 10. Town Command Dimapur Dhobinala 22. Champou Phuam Society area 23. Merry Union Dimapur 11. Ministry of Forest and Environment 24. Family, in-laws, Relatives, Friends, NSCN/GPRN Neighbors and well-wishers We deeply regret in our inability to thank each and everyone by name, but it is our humble prayer that Almighty God blesses you all abundantly.

Loving Wife, Childre n, In-laws, Grand-Childre n and near and dear ones.

ZunhEboto, January 12 (DIPr): A coordination meeting in view of the forthcoming Republic Day celebration was held on January 12 at DC Conference Hall, Zunheboto. The meeting was chaired by SDO (Civil) HQ, Shanavas IAS and deliberated on the work distribution allotted to the departments for the upcoming Republic Day. The chairman informed that work distribution will be dispatched to all departments shortly and asked all to cooperate for the smooth celebration of the said event. The meeting was attended by Heads of Offices, Commandant, 5th Assam Rifles, SP Zunheboto, Dy. Commandant 8th NAP, Asst. Commandant 111 BSF Satakha, GBs, Principals and Headmasters of Government and private institutions.

DC Kohima inform GBs kohIMa, January 12 (DIPr): The Office of the Deputy Commissioner Kohima has informed all the concerned GBs under Kohima Sadar Administrative circle (KMC Areas/Kohima/ Chedema/Chedema Model Village) to submit the Annual House Tax for the year 20152016 to SDO (Sadar) Kohima, Kethosituo Sekhose on or before February 25. It also informed that the House Tax to be collected by the concerned GBs and submitted for the whole village/ Ward through the Village Council Chairman/ Ward Chairman. It further informed that failure to submit the House Tax within the stipulated time will entail forfeiture of the House Tax Commission and Red Blankets to the erring GBs.

Meeting of HODs, administrative officers, Police and army officials of Dimapur district held at the DC’s conference hall, Dimapur on January 12. (DIPR Photo)

DIMaPur, January 12 (DIPr): A meeting of HODs, administrative officers, Police and army officials of Dimapur district was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Dimapur Kesonyu Yhome on January 12 at the DC’s conference hall, Dimapur.

Addressing the first official meeting of the year,

Kesonyu firstly extended New Year greetings to the members present. The main agenda discussed in the meeting centered with work distribution and preparations for the ensuing Republic Day celebration at Dimapur on January 26. The meeting also decided that parade rehearsals would commence from January 19 to 23. DC

Dimapur sought cooperation and requested the members present to put in their best services for the success of the ensuing National programme.

Meanwhile DC Dimapur also directed all the HODs of the district to conduct programme in their respective offices on 25th January 2016 to commemorate the National Voters Day.

Pughoboto SDPDB meet deliberates on R-Day DC Tuensang informs on Pughoboto, January 12 (DIPr): The first SDPDB meeting for the year 2016 for Pughoboto sub-division was held at the office chamber of ADC Pughoboto on January 12 which also discussed the forthcoming Republic Day 2016 celebrations. The meeting was chaired by SDO (C) Namang Chang. He welcomed the new SDPDB members Mhathung Ngullie, APRO and Deepak Kumar from SIB. The board decided to organize social work in all the respective offices and areas on January 23 at 8:00 and also chalked out the work distribution for Republic Day celebration 2016 at Pughoboto. The meeting entrusted Agri, Rural Development, Industries & Commerce and other related departments for opening up stalls during the celebrations. Earlier the members observed silence in honour of one of its members, Thehako Pucho, Bank Man- SDO (C) Namang Chang addresses the ager of Nagaland Rural Bank who expired on first SDPDB meeting for the year 2016 for Pughoboto sub-division. (DIPR Photo) December 18, 2015.

Village Council Members

tuEnsang, January 12 (MExn): All recognized villages under Tuensang district are directed to select/elect new Village Council Members (VCMs) for reconstitution of the Village Councils within 15 days from the date of issue of this notification in accordance with the prevailing customary practices and usages.

Alem Jongshi, Deputy Commissioner, Tuensang in the general interest of the people stated that in view of the selection/election of VCMs in all recognized villages under Tu-

ensang district, the ADCs, SDOs(C) and EACs under Tuensang district are directed to monitor the selection/election process in their respective administrative jurisdiction and submit the VCM lists on or before January 30, 2016 for onward submission to the government.

The directive has been issued in pursuance to the Commissioner, Nagaland and in exercise of power conferred by Rule 3 of the Nagaland Village Council and Tribal Council Rules, 1979.

HigHligHts of tHe book

• A first of its kind book on the Indo-Naga peace process with focus on the proposed ‘Naga peace accord.’

• The book explores some of the important questions in the peace process between India and the Nagas such as Shared Sovereignty, Special Federal Relationship, Pan-Naga Body.

• Possible formulations presented on the two core issues of sovereignty and integration.

• The book explores the idea of a ‘quasi-sovereign’ status for the Nagas, relation with India to be in the nature of an ‘associate state’ on the lines of the United States and Puerto Rico.

• On the complex issue of integration, the book explores the idea of a ‘cross-border’ arrangement to bring together the Naga inhabited areas.

• Possibilities to bring the Naga Political Groups (NPGs) into some kind of a power-sharing arrangement have also been suggested.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi according to the book, “is not constrained or entangled by compulsions of coalition politics” and “therefore for the Nagas too, this is the best time to come to some kind of settlement with India with Mr Modi at the helm of affairs.

ALSO SOLD ON FLIPKART & AMAZON Books available in following places In Kohima • Starmart, Jail Colony • PAGES, Christian Literature House, near UBC, Supermarket • Crossword, Porter Lane, NH-29 In Dimapur • Signet book shop, Notun Bosti junction • Modern Book Depot, Church Road

• •

Om Books, City Tower Junction Isa Gospel Book Shop, Chumukedima

In Mokokchung • Student Book Centre, Mokokchung In Senapati • Hills Hornbill Express, Logos Printing, PNBA Building, Senapati, Manipur

WednesdAY 13 •01•2016

NORTH-EAST

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

'PMO overseeing India-Bangladesh rail project' AgArtAlA, JAnuAry 12 (IAnS): The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) was directly supervising the new India-Bangladesh railway project in Tripura, Minister of State for Railways Manoj Sinha said here on Tuesday.

"Funding for the IndiaBangladesh railway project would not be a problem as the PMO is directly overseeing the much expected project," Sinha told reporters in Nishintipur village in Tripura along the IndiaBangladesh border.

"The Indian government is according highest priority to the AgartalaAkhaura railway project that would automatically connect the rail network of both the countries.

Land acquisition for laying the track between Agartala railway station and

Akhaura railway junction has been completed."

Accompanied by Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) general manager H.K. Jaggi and other officials of the ministry and IRCON (Indian Railway Construction Company), Sinha arrived here on Tuesday on a two-day visit to the northeastern state to supervise ongoing railway projects.

He met Chief Minister Manik Sarkar and discussed progress of various railway projects.

"Once completed, the Agartala-Akhaura railway project would provide a major boost to development and economy of the northeastern region of India and eastern Bangladesh. The project would boost Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Act East'

policy," he said.

"We expect that the work for the new railway project would start early next financial year, beginning April," he added.

The Agartala-Akhaura railway project was finalised in January 2010 when Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina met her then Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh during her visit to New Delhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the Rs.575-crore railway project with Hasina during his visit to Dhaka in June last year.

"No funds have been allocated so far for the Agartala-Akhaura rail project. We will begin work immediately after the sanction of funds," said an NFR official, who accompanied the minister.

"Earlier, the DoNER ministry had committed to provide funds to lay tracks on the Indian side. But recently, it expressed its inability to give funds.

"The railway ministry was earlier considering providing funds for the Tripura part of the project, but has not taken a final decision yet," the NFR official said on condition of anonymity.

The 1,650-km distance between Agartala and Kolkata would be reduced to only 550 km once the new rail track is linked through Bangladesh.

The Indian government had announced it will bear the entire cost of the 15-km railway project. Of the 15 km, 5 km fall in the Indian territory and the remaining in Bangladesh.

"The NITI Aayog had decided in a meeting in Delhi on June 18 to put in place the vital railway project between India and Bangladesh by December 2017," Tripura's transport secretary Samarjit Bhowmik told IANS. Bhowmik, who attended the NITI Aayog meeting, said: "The alignment and other technicalities of laying the track to link the Agartala railway station with Bangladesh's Akhaura railway station have been changed recently. A final report on the new alignment was also submitted for sanction of funds."

Tripura's Transport Minister Manik Dey recently held a meeting with Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu in Delhi and urged him to expedite issues re-

lated to the project.

"The railway minister told me that he would personnaly talk to the Railway Board and external affairs ministry about the funding of the project," Dey told IANS. "On the Indian side, some portion of the track is likely to be elevated," the minister said.

The project's cost was earlier estimated at Rs.271 crore. In addition, Rs.302 crore was needed to acquire around 97.6 acres of land in Tripura for laying the track.

"After the latest alignment of the project, now 72 acres of land would be required. Hence, to acquire land, the requirement of funds would be reduced to Rs.98 crore from Rs.302 crore," Dey added.

Garos of Goalpara, Kamrup should Fishermen blame poachers for have Autonomous Council: GNU destroying Manipur's fauna guwAhAtI, JAnuAry 12 (ptI): The Garo National Union (GNU) has asserted that the indigenous Garo Scheduled Tribe of Goalpara and Kamrup districts in Assam have legitimate right to have their Garo Autonomous Council as opposed by several Rabha organisations, including the All Rabha Students' Union (ARSU).

GNU president Obinash D Sangma in a press release today said the Assam government's decision to accord Garo Autonomous Council to the "most underprivileged and down trodden backward Garos was just, legal and fair for protection and preservation of their social and cultural identity, ethnicity, language, besides for their education and economic development."

"The statements of the Rabha Union and ARSU opposing the government's decision have no legal basis and cannot be sustained legally and Constitutionally as Garos and Rabhas are the equal citizens of the country and governed by the Constitution," Sangma said.

"The Rabhas in 1995 were accorded

Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council (RHAC) including the Garo settled areas of the two districts in violation of the rule of law of audi alteram partem (listen to the other side) as enshrined in Article 14", he claimed. "The Rabhas have no right now to raise any opposition or protest that Assam government should not accord Autonomous Council to Garos without consulting Rabhas."

As six tribes - Mising, Rabha, Tiwa, Deori, Sonowal Kachari and Tengal Kachari were accorded Autonomous Councils, the Garos in Goalpara and Kamrup districts have the legitimate right to have their Garo Autonomous Council in line with that of RHAC, the release said.

Several organisations, including the ARSU, have threatened to launch agitation programmes from January 20 if the proposed Garo Autonomous Council was created from the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council area as further division of the RHAC would lead to tensions between various ethnic groups there.

Sarbananda Sonowal a frontrunner as BJP’s CM face for Assam polls nEw DElhI, JAnuAry 12 (tnn): Union Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal could be BJP's face for the Assam assembly elections. Sonowal, who joined BJP shortly before the 2014 elections after having spent most of his political career as a prominent member of the Assam Gana Parishad (AGP), is the frontrunner for the party's chief ministerial candidate, according to BJP sources.

Unlike in Bihar, where the party had many contending leaders and hence

it went into the elections without a chief ministerial face to avoid infighting, BJP does not have the problem of projecting a face in Assam, sources said.

The assembly polls in the state are slated within the next three months along with West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry and BJP's biggest hopes among the five election-bound states lie in Assam. The party is hoping to take on the incumbent Congress government led

by CM Tarun Gogoi, with

THE GAUHATI HIGH COURT Notice No. HC (K) 01/2016/ecourts-PhaseII/01 Dated Kohima 13th January 2016

SHORT NOTICE

1. The Commander 15 BRTF, PIN-930 015, C/O 99 APO on behalf of President of India invites tender(s) from the eligible contractors for the following work(s)

Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) has called a ban on railway line construction work in Manipur’s Tamenglong and Jiribam beginning Tuesday midnight protesting against the government for failing to clear the backlog over payment of land compensation to affected people.

The decision was taken by the student body after the concerned authorities neglected the repeated appeals for clearing the compensation to be paid to the remaining affected people, KSO Tamenglong and Jiribam general secretary J Thangboi said.

Work on the rail project will be banned from Tuesday midnight to pressurise the government to fulfil the demand, Thangboi said. He said the stir will continue till January 17 midnight.

The rail project connecting Jiribam subdivision and Tupul in Tamenglong district is likely to be completed within three years at an estimated cost of around Rs 4,445 crore. The Northeast Frontier Railway (NEFR) undertaken project is targeted for completion by 2018.

Cong govt in Mizoram have declared development holiday: Zoramthanga AIzAwl, JAnuAry 12 (ptI): Former chief minister and opposition Mizo National front (MNF) president Zoramthanga today launched a scathing attack against the state government saying it is suffering from acute financial anaemia due to gross fiscal mismanagement during the past seven years.

Zoramthanga alleged the financial crisis under the regime of the Congress led by Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla was irreversible. "The financial anaemia is like a human being without blood and could not be cured," he said.

Alleging that there was no development during the Congress regime, he said the state government has declared a "development holiday" during its seven year rule.

State finance minister Lalsawta's words of consolation to the people in regards to the financial mess was that he would be able to arrange fund for payment of the salaries of regular employees under the government for December, 2015, Zoramthanga alleged.

No proposal for setting up Bru Development Area: Mizoram CM AIzAwl, JAnuAry 12 (ptI): Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla today said the state government will never allow division of the state on communal or ethnic lines and there is no proposal for setting up a Reang (Bru) Development Area. Addressing party workers at the Congress Bhavan, he said that a mistake in an official press statement recently snowballed into a controversy.

"A fund earmarked for development of people living in remote areas was mistakenly projected as for Reang Development Area development fund," he said. The Congress government would never take steps towards further division of the state on ethnic lines and the political parties should ensure that intra-ethnic squabbles are avoided, he added.

KOHIMA VILLAGE GAZETTED OFFICERS’ ASSOCIATION NOTICE

Dr. V. Rutsa General Secretary

NAGALAND BOARD Of SCHOOL EDUCATION

Advertisement No.02/2015

NOTIFICATION

Applications are invited froth the eligible candidates for the recruitment to the following post(s) at ICAR - National Research Centre on Mithun, Jharnapani, Nagaland or its centre situated at Porba, Dist. Phek, Nagaland as per the details given below:

OffICE Of THE SHEyIPU COMMUNITy WELfARE SOCIETy DIMAPUR, NAGALAND Motto: “United We Progress”

Davp 37102/11/0500/1516

EE (Civ) SW, For Commander

Imphal | January 12

National Research Centre on Mithun (I.C.A.R.) Jharnapani, Medziphema, Nagaland - 797 106

(Mrs. Asano Sekhose) Chairman

Details of tender documents (a) Cost of tender : `1,000/(b) Availability :On or after 13 Jan 2016 (c) Submission : Up to 1200 on 30 Jan 2016

Our Correspondent

Mezhü-o Solo President

NO.NBE-14/Ex-Misc(12)/2015-16 :: It is hereby notified that a meeting has been convened for all the Centre Superintendents of HSSLC & HSLC Examinations 2016 on 29th January 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the NBSE Conference Hall.

All the Centre Superintendents are to attend the meeting compulsorily.

Admit cards for HSSLC & HSLC Examinations 2016 will be issued to the Centre Superintendents after the meeting.

Further, all registered institutions are informed that the Academic Calendars 2016 for secondary and higher secondary level are also available on the Board’s website: http//www.nbsenagaland.com

BORDER ROADS ORGANISATION NOTICE INVITING TENDER (NATIONAL COMPETITIVE BIDDING)

Tender No.17 of 2015-16 Supply and stacking of different size of stone Aggregate and Sand at HMP at Km 132.00 on DimapurKohima-Mao (NH 29 & 02) Road for resurfacing (BM & BC) works between Km 147.80 to Km 179.00 on Dimapur-KohimaMao Road (NH-29 & 02) under 89 RCC/15 BRTF/Project Sewak in Nagaland State Note: Full notice of tender, any change in above details, tender document (including eligibility criteria) and other details may be obtained from BRO Website www.bro. nic.in (link: Tender) or Central public procurement portal www.eprocure.gov.in for any queries, please contract on telephone 0370-2260542.

WANTED

Dated Kohima, the 11th January, 2016

MRS. MEZIVOLU T. THERIEH, NJS Central Project Coordinator, eCourts Project, Gauhati High Court Kohima Bench

to be run on a shoestring budget. The cash-strapped wildlife wing of the state forest department does not even have funds to fence off areas rich in fauna or construct a drain etc.

The Loktak Development Authority burnt most of the shacks belonging to fishermen on the floating biomass in the Loktak lake, but over 300 huts have come up again.

Asked to explain the sale of live and dead birds in villages on the fringes of the national park, a wildlife official said: "We have a skeletal and unarmed wildlife staff at the national park.

"Hardcore poachers and bird hunters are armed and do not care about wildlife guards. Likewise, sale of bush meat in all hill districts cannot be stopped as it will be against tribal food habits."

KSO calls for ban on Manipur railway line construction

The Kohima Village Gazetted Officers’ Association is holding its Biennial Conference on 15th January 2016 at 2:00pm in Kohima Village Council Hall.

All registered members and newly appointed/promoted gazette officers of Kohima Village are requested to attend the conference and contribute for ‘Ramia Dzevi’.

KOHIMA

Quotations are invited from interested parties for supply, installation & maintenance of Desktop Computers and provisioning LAN in various Court complexes of Nagaland. Details maybe downloaded from https://naglandtenders.gov.in

Cost &Time of work (a) Cost : `84.83 lakh (b) Period of completion : upto 31 Mar 2016 (c) Earnest on money : `1,52,245/-

censed guns and shoot birds. There is nobody to restrain them."

He said he retrieved two dead migratory birds from the lake on Monday, which were handed over to wildlife officials on Tuesday.

On Monday, birdwatcher Elangbam Sarat rescued a migratory duck from a bird hunter by paying him Rs.200. It will be sent to the zoological garden in Imphal.

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar on Sunday assured that the Centre will extend all help to protect the brow antlered deer that inhabit the 40 square km Keibul Lamjao national park, a part of the Loktak lake, since there were only 204 such animals left in the wild.

The minister for forest, environment and climate change visited the national park on January 9.

Meanwhile, wildlife staff and other officials are facing an uphill task in protecting the avian and other fauna in the area due to a number of reasons.

The national park is said

A sale girl for furniture showroom at Kohima.

Timing: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Contact: 09856793591

(The High Court of Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh) Kohima Bench

Particular of work

the target of ousting him and forming the party's first government in the state.

BJP's poll campaign will virtually begin from January 19, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address a youth rally in Guwahati. The party is also in talks for some alliances with smaller parties like the Bodo parties and even AGP which suffered after Sonowal and other leaders crossed over to BJP.

ImphAl, JAnuAry 12 (IAnS): As nature lovers in the region appealed to local fishermen not to use poison to kill fish and migratory birds in the Loktak lake, those eking out a living by fishing in the freshwater lake denied any wrongdoing.

They instead blamed hardcore poachers and those belonging to rich families for trapping or shooting avian fauna and other wildlife in the area.

The fishermen also denied that they polluted the largest freshwater body in the north-east region and pointed out that 30 streams carried rubbish into it.

"A wrong impression has been created that fishermen kill migratory birds by using poison or snaring them. For generations, this lake has been a source of livelihood for us. Since the times of our forefathers, we have done nothing to harm nature," fisherman Lukhoi told IANS. Another fisherman Ahanjao said," People from rich families often come to the lake with li-

3

11-U SHEYIPU GHAMI KUQHAKULU DIMAPUR Pithi Tsa

Sheyipu ghami mpetsü hoho eno ampe kithe ikhikulu gholono xuwonikeu lokivipu tsa kuputsa moayesa kepu akhoto ani.

Tighenguno Sheyipu Ghami Dimapur eno sukumuxa lo xuakemi kumtsü baghi hoho hipau vezumono ighitsü penike pithi ani.

A-a : Dr. Kheshito Farm (Vihokhu Village) Atsala : 16/01/2016 Ado : 10 Am P. Aloto Zhimomi Joint Secretary

Sd/Dr. Kheshito Zhimo President

1. Name of the post 2. Pay Band

- Lower Division Clerk (LDC) - Pay Band -1: Rs.5200-20200/+ G.P.Rs.1900/3. No. of post & category - 01 (unreserved) 4. Age limit - 18-27 years 5. Qualification - Essential: i) 12th Class pass or equivalent qualification from a recognized Board or University ii) Proficiency in typewriting at a minimum speed of 35 w.p.m. in English or 30 w.p.m. in Hindi on Computer (35 w.p.m and 30 w.p.m correspond to 10500 KDPH on an average of 5 key depressions for each word). Candidates who passed the written examination would be required to qualify the requisite typewriting test.

Desirable: i) Candidates having computer proficiency will be preferred.

Note: For further instructions, application format etc., please visit our website www.nremithun.res.in. The last date for submission of application is on or before 16th February 2016 Sd/Director, ICAR - NRC on Mithun, Jharnapani, Medziphema, Nagaland.

Phone :(03862)-247327/247341,Fax:03862-247341/ email: nrcmithun@mailcity.com , web: nrcmithun.res.in

4

WednesdAY 13•01•2016

Business

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

India named world’s biggest outsourcing destination in 2016 Singapore, January 12 (pTi): India is the world’s biggest outsourcing destination in terms of financial attractiveness and business environment, according to a study published on Tuesday by a London-based global management consulting firm. A T Kearney’s 2016 Global Services Location Index (GSLI) rated India as number one out of the total 55 countries analysed.

China, Malaysia, Brazil, Indonesia, Thailand, The Philippines, Mexico, Chile and Poland respectively made up the top 10 list. Offshoring to India remains a high attractive proposition for many companies, said the study which also takes a deeper

dive into optimal cities for offshoring within the ranked countries.

“While India and the Philippines are still top of mind when it comes to offshoring, the hunt for new talent is now taking companies beyond these countries’ capitals and major cites to tier 3 locations such as Surat, Nagpur, and Lucknow in India and Bacolod and Iloilo City in the Philippines,” said Nikolai Dobberstien, partner with A T Kearney’s Communications, Media and Technology practice.

Also read: Indian healthcare BPOs facing competition from US, Philippines: ASSOCHAM - EY study One advantage of tier

3 cities is the relative affordability of real estate as facilities in Nagpur and Ahmedabad are 25% to 30% cheaper than Kolkata and Delhi, the report said.

Another advantage is the relative availability of labour, its lower cost and lower attrition rates.

Many of these cities have highly developed educational infrastructure, ensuring fresh crops of qualified graduates for the foreseeable future, GSLI said.

“Even though the top six or seven countries are landing in the same order this year as 2014, looking forward, this could all change radically because the very nature of what’s being outsourced is changing,” said Arjun

Sethi, global leader of A T Kearney’s strategic IT practice.

“For the first time, we have a trend automation - that could displace the leadership of the likes of India and China in outsourcing. Technology’s relentless progress continues to transform in unanticipated and fundamentally different ways not only where work is moving to, but how and by whom - or by what - it is being done,” Sethi said.

He said the new business model associated with this automation threatens established concepts of offshoring, while expanding the market.

India’s undisputed industry leadership now faces a challenge from China

which has become attractive with its recent devaluation of Renminbi and gains in educational skills and cultural adaptability.

“The implications on accessibility of services and employment in these countries are massive. On the client or receiver end, Business Process as a Service (BPaaS) dramatically lowers the entry barriers to business data management, opening the floodgates to smaller and newer companies,” said Sethi, principal author of the study.

The GSLI, launched in 2004, helps companies make key location decisions for offshoring and industry development projects with objective guidance.

Labourers unload sacks of rice from a handcart at a wholesale market in Kolkata, December 14, 2015. India’s annual consumer price inflation edged up for the fifth straight month in December to 5.61 percent on rising food prices, from a year ago period, government data showed on Tuesday. Economists surveyed by Reuters had predicted retail inflation would accelerate to 5.6 percent in December compared with 5.41 percent in November.

Retail food inflation in December came in at 6.40 percent, higher than 6.07 percent recorded in the previous month. (REUTERS Photo)

Potato farmers in Odisha to get compensation Jeep ready to start sales in India: Brand CEO Berhampur, January 12 (pTi): The amount will be transferred to the bank account of each beneficiary, said the official from the department of Horticulture. Potato growers in Odisha's Kandhamal district who suffered losses due to wilting of crops during the last Kharif season will get compensation. Officials said the state government sanctioned a compensation amount of Rs 23,100 per hectare recently.

"The amount will be transferred to the bank account of each beneficiary.

The potato growers have been asked to provide their bank account details," said Deputy Director of Horticulture (DDH), Sukanta Subudhi.

As many as 497 farmers of around 100 villages in Daringibadi and Tumudibandh blocks had cultivated the tuber on 137 hectares. They had raised potato on an experimental basis under the state government's Mission Potato.

The farmers had got input subsidies and technical support from the horticulture directorate, officials said. In a major jolt to the

DeTroiT, January 12 (reuTerS): Fiat Chrysler’s Jeep Chief Executive Mike Manley on Monday said the SUV brand will announce next month its first sales in India, where volumes will be low for the first few years.

Manley had previously said the initial models to be sold to India will be the Grand Cherokee and Wrangler. Sales will start slow, and will reach 1,500 to 2,000 vehicles in 2017, Manley said. First sales will be in the end of the second

quarter 2016, he said.

Manely said a dealer network for Jeep in India needs to be developed.

By the end of this year, he hopes that Jeeps will be sold from 15 to 30 existing Fiat dealerships in the 10 to 15 largest cities. “The real issue for us is we’ve got to get the brand established,” said Manley, who said consumers in India are familiar with the Jeep name. He said that India is one of the countries where the SUV segment of the auto market is known

as “Jeep”, in the same way facial tissues are called by the brand Kleenex.

“There are a lot of very low-cost SUVs ... so this whole year will be about showing the Indian market what the true SUV is, and what it is capable of.” “We are going to play at a very premium end of the (SUV) segment,” said Manley. “Although India always promises ‘the market’s going to develop,’ most off that activity is in price ranges way, way below where we are going to be.

“We will be a very niche play to begin with and then we’re going to develop the business from there,” Manley said.

Jeep’s global sales in 2015 totalled 1.24 million vehicles, up 22% from the previous year. It was the sixth consecutive year of increases for Jeep sales. In 2009, the year the former Fiat, now Fiat Chrysler, sales were about 300,000, nearly all in the U.S. market. Last year, U.S. sales were 865,028, or about 70% of global sales.

Oil in India now officially cheaper than mineral water The Odisha government has set a target to produce 5.28 lakh tonne potatoes and 4.50 lakh tonne onions during 2015-16. (REUTERS Photo)

mission, almost entire crops in these two blocks had wilted within a month of the cultivation due to suspected sub-standard seeds, which had been procured from the National Seeds Corporation.

Even though the farmers applied pesticides according to the advice of experts, the crops could not be revived. The farmers had demanded compensation. The district ad-

ministration had taken up the matter with the government with Kandhamal Collector Yamini Sarangi seeking compensation to the potato growers.

After prolonged discussion, the government released the amount. "We hope the amount will compensate the farmers' loss," said the DDH. The farmers raised the crops taking loans from Primary Agriculture Co-

operative Societies (PACSs). The administration had provided subsidised seeds at Rs 1,150 per quintal through PACSs, official sources said.

The amount needs to be raised to at least Rs 25,000 per hectare, said a farmer of Bhramarabadi in Daringibadi block. He had cultivated potato on one acre but suffered a huge loss as the crop withered away.

_

LEISURE

Simple Rules - There is just one simple rule: “Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9.”

SUDOKU Game Number # 3459

new Delhi, January 12 (agencieS): The continued softness in global crude prices and the relative stability in the rupee-dollar exchange rate means oil in India now costs less than a bottle of mineral water. However, the drop in domestic petrol and diesel prices has not kept pace with global prices because the government has repeatedly hiked excise duty on petrol and diesel to increase its revenues. Earlier this month, excise duty on petrol and diesel was hiked for the third time in the current fiscal year.

The government last week said that the price of Indian crude basket has fallen to $29.24 per barrel or Rs

1,956.45 per barrel at Rs 66.91 per dollar as on January 7, 2016. An oil barrel is 159 litres, so the price of one litre of crude oil comes to Rs 12 per litre, which is 20% lower than a litre of mineral water priced at Rs 15.

The current situation aptly sums up the spectacular drop in global crude oil prices. Oil prices have already fallen over 70 per cent since the downturn began in mid-2014.

Goldman Sachs says oil could hit $20 a barrel.

The crash in global crude prices has however moderately benefitted Indian consumers as pump prices have fallen by just 20% as compared to the 70% drop in global prices.

DAILY CROSS WORD

CROSSWORD # 3471

Answer Number # 3458

Basic excise duty on petrol has gone up by Rs 7.73 per litre in fiscal year 2015-16 while on diesel it has risen to Rs 7.83 per litre. The government had in four instalments raised excise duty on petrol and diesel between November 2014 and January 2015 to lessen the reduction in retail rates, which followed falling international oil rates.

If the government would not have raised these duties, consumer price of petrol and diesel should have been lower by Rs 10.02 a litre and Rs 9.97 per litre, respectively.

Petrol currently costs Rs 59.35 per litre in Delhi while diesel is priced at Rs 45 a litre.

DIMAPUR Civil Hospital:

STD CODE: 03862 232224; Emergency229529, 229474

Metro Hospital: Faith Hospital:

227930, 231081 228846

Shamrock Hospital

228254

Zion Hospital:

231864, 224117, 227337

Police Control Room

228400

Police Traffic Control

232106

East Police Station West Police Station

227607 232181

CIHSR (Referral Hospital)

242555/ 242533

Dimapur hospital

224041, 248011

Apollo Hospital Info Centre:

230695/ 9402435652

Railway:

131/228404

Indian Airlines

229366

Nagaland Multispe- 248302, cialty Health & 09856006026 Research Centre

W

O

The AlAmO CROCKETT HOUSTON AUSTIN SANTAANA BATTLE WAR MEXICAN SOLDIER TEJANO TEXIAN TEJANA CANNON RIFFLE MUSKET VOLUNTEER ALAMO BRAVERY BOWIE TEXAN FREEDOM BANDITS CHAPEL MILITIA TRAVIS VICTORY DEATH MISSION LASTSTAND PISTOLS FORT

R

Y V V H H Z R Y S H Z J H T E J A N A P

D

R W P G R L N F D A Q K W T E J A N O T

Z N Z R G U W A B D Q L J A A I K T I O

S

I D G K V O N J I I N E R B X E R F E Y

K Z D F X Y L A V B O W I E M A D L M L

E

T I F A T G P P P Y R O T C I V F U Y L

K H N R B Y O I E C H A P E L F X M Y H

O C C O D D O G I Y O Z F I I Z N E U F

A

G R K R N N F B A M C P I R T O Q X Y R

V O P E P N F V A R B N A L I S A I X B

G O N I Q E A L O N K Z O S A O Y C N S

R

J S P D D V A C U L D J S H B I E A A I

L T L L T E K S U M U I Q Q Z B Q N N V

E R M O D E E R F J M N T O U R T B F A

C

H O U S T O N O A L A S T S T A N D T R

A F P T V S S L X U G K K E A V I W Y T

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

H

A G N E U X I U P J S O N N E E S I X H

W M L X J K A P E L T T A B A R A W R N

U F J A X V A S Z I I J I Q P Y X R O K

R F E N F P B G D J D N G N H G J X X Y

STD CODE: 0370 100/2244279 2222222 2222111 2222952 2222916 2243339 2224202 08974997923

ACROSS

1. Swindle 6. All excited 10. Rubber wheel 14. Dynamism 15. Magma 16. Biblical garden 17. Willow 18. A metric unit of weight 19. Absorb written material 20. Pleasant in personality 22. Geographic illustrations 23. Consumed food 24. Travels on water 26. Distance 30. French for “Morning” 32. Shade of white 33. Generously 37. Short skirt 38. A protective covering 39. Boyfriend 40. Bountiful 42. Sneaked 43. Days of the month 44. Meadows 45. Put out 47. Female sib 48. Modify 49. A payment of money 56. Countertenor

DOWN

1. Henhouse 2. A flexible pipe 3. Arab chieftain 4. Mimics 5. Low-pitched 6. Seaweed 7. Dress 8. Egg-shaped 9. Gambler 10. Temporary 11. Something to shoot for 12. Harvests 13. Terminates 21. Greatest possible 25. What we breathe 26. Not stiff 27. Wicked 28. Not a single one 29. A flat circular stone 30. Subtract 31. Cain’s brother

33. Vitality 34. Loyal (archaic) 35. Territory 36. Laughs (slang) 38. Bookish 41. Letter after sigma 42. Female siblings 44. Hale 45. Runs in neutral 46. Locations 47. Coming next after the fifth 48. Convenience 50. Type of sword 51. Plateau 52. Incite 53. Schnozzola 54. A ball of yarn 55. Dines Ans to CrossWord 3470

DIMAPUR: 03862-232201/ 101 (O) 9856156876 (OC) CHUMUKEDIMA: 7085982102 (O) 8732810051 (OC)

MOKOKCHUNG: 0369-2226225/ 101 (O) 8415830232 (OC) PHEK: 8414853765 (O) 8413822476(OC) ZUNHEBOTO: 03867-280304/ 101 (O) 9436422730 (OC) TUENSANG: 8414853766 (O) 9856163601 (OC)

KIPHIRE: 8414853767 (O) 9436261577 (OC) PEREN: 7085189932 (O) 9856311205 (OC) LONGLENG: 7085924113 (O) 9862414264 (OC)

Toll free No. 1098 childline

WE4WOMEN HELPLINE 08822911011

MOKOKCHUNG:

KOHIMA NORTH: 7085924114 (O)

MON: 03869-251222/ 101 (O) 9862130954 (OC)

CHILD WELFARE COMMITTEE 57. Pinnacle 58. African virus 59. Observed 60. A musical pause 61. Adjust again 62. Being 63. “Sure” 64. Seethes

KOHIMA SOUTH: 0370-2222952/ 101 (O) 9402003086 (OC)

WOKHA: 03860242215/101 (O) 8974322879 (OC)

Chumukedima Fire 282777 Brigade Nikos Hospital and 232032, 231031 Research Centre

KOHIMA

FIRE STATIONS

STD CODE: 0369

Police Station 1:

2226241

Police Station 2 :

2226214

Civil Hospital: Woodland Nursing Home:

2226216 2226263

Hotel Metsüpen (Tourist Lodge):

2226373/2229343

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

CURRENCY NOTES

222246 222491

BUY(Rs)

SELL(Rs)

US Dollars Sterling Pound Hong Kong Dollar Australian Dollar Singapore Dollar Canadian Dollar Japanese Yen

65.39 94.82 8.15 45.4 45.33 46.05 55.47

68.35 99.44 9.08 47.64 47.57 48.32 58.61

Euro

71.33

74.79

Thai Baht Korean Won New Zealand Dollar Chinese Yuan

1.74

1.94

0.0523

0.0583

42.61

44.71

9.48

10.56

WednesdAY 13•01•2016

NAGALAND

from Langpangkong SaSu holds literary and cultural day Students range converge at Tuli Lenden Morung Express News Kohima | January 12

Under the theme, 'Identity', the Southern Angami Students' Union (SASU) held its Biennial Literary and Cultural Day on January 12 at Kigwema Village with Menukhol John, Commissioner Secretary, Youth Resource & Sports, Team leader NEPED (Energy) as the Speaker.

Stressing on the values and traditions of Naga ancestors, Menukhol John stated the heritage and legacy passed down by the ancestors is one's identity

and that one cannot confine identity with the outward appearances. Citing out the various qualities and values of elders in the Naga culture, John lamented over the failure of today's generation to practice those values which has led to certain malfunctions in the society. Taboos are no longer respected and what is prohibited are no longer considered or taken heed.

As society progress, John propagated the need for progress through retaining the tradition and values.

"Your identity and your inheritance is that you be-

Menukhol John addressing the students

long to a race that was hardworking and honest." asserted John who also noted the magnanimity of Naga ancestors who stressed on giving without expect-

ing. To inherit the legacy of hard work and honesty, John urged the students to give their best in their studies, respect school authorities and elders and to maintain discipline. John also affirmed that Identity starts first from kitchen and home and to keep ones identity alive communication is important.

Teisovi Thorie, SASU President stated that the Literary and Cultural is a gathering to understand each other better, a platform where ideas can be exchanged and opinions expressed through literary

and cultural aspect.

"Our struggle as a student comes in different fronts- one being through Western Education and on the other hand keeping our cultural values. Book knowledge cannot suffice us alone in bringing out the best and to par with others, we must also have a cultural approach which is absolutely indispensable- an identity we Nagas are proud and known for," stated the President who viewed that medium of literary analysis, cultural reflection should be a priority in identifying oneself.

Notice of final publication of e-roll

Assam Rifles nab two NSCN (IM) cadres

Kohima, January 12 (Dipr): ADC & Electoral Registration Officer, Kohima has notified for public information that the list of amendments to the draft electoral roll for the 8-Western Angami, 9-Kohima Town, 10-Nothern Angami-1, 11-Nothern Angami-II, 12-Tseminyu, 14-Southern Angami-1 and 15-Southern Angami-II Assembly Constituencies has

Dimapur, January 12 (mExn): Two NSCN (IM) cadres were arrested on January 4. According to a press release from the Assam Rifles, the arrest was made near the City Tower (Clock Tower) in an operation conducted by personnel of the 37 Assam Rifles.

The release stated that the operation was launched after information was received of NSCN (IM) cadres

been prepared with reference to 01.01.2016 as the qualifying date and in accordance with the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960. A copy of the said roll together with the said amendments has been published and will be available for inspection at the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Kohima and with the Booth Level Officer.

extorting from truck operators on NH-29. “… The suspected cadres were intercepted by troops of 37 AR near City Tower, Dimapur.”

Extortion slips, Rs. 53,700 in cash and mobile phones bearing messages of truck numbers along with a Maruti Alto (NL 01H 2566) were recovered, the release stated. The two arrested individuals were identified as ‘Sergeant Major’ Vic-

Morung Express News Dimapur | January 12

Around 2000 Students’ delegates from 19 villages of Langpangkong Range in Mokokchung district today converged at Tuli for the 31st Langpangkong Kaketshir Mungdang (LKM) or Langpangkong Students Conference general conference-cum-sports. The 4 days Triennial conference will conclude on January 15.

The Langpangkong Range is one of the six major mountain ranges inhabited by the Aos and located between the valleys of the Dikhu and Milak rivers in the Mokokchung District.

While Merangkong is the host village for this year, the conference is being held in Tuli Lenden, as the area falls under its jurisdiction.

With the theme, “Resilient Foundation,” it will showcase different pro-

tor Ningshen and Kuhovi Achumi, who according to the release was a “civil wing cadre of the NSCN (IM).”

While stating that the arrests has highlighted the use of SMS for extortion activities, the release stated that it has dented “the extortion network of NSCN (IM) in the area” and further cautioned other groups/cadres Dimapur, January from indulging in such ac- 12 (mExn): NCC Cadets tivities. attending the recently concluded Special National Integration Camp (SNIC) were given a glimpse of the routine and Guest. Besides the minis- functioning of an AR unit ter, Parliamentary Secretary when they were offered a for Agriculture & Chairman guided tour of 37 Assam NSAMB, Benjongliba Aier Rifles Battalion under the will open the Conference’s aegis of 6 Sector Assam Hall while Executive Engi- Rifles on January 7 and 8.

The twelve days SNIC neer, Irrigation & Flood Control Mokokchung, Er. J Lanu of National Cadets Corps Longchar will open the cul- which started on Decemtural and sporting event. The ber 30, 2015 concluded on Director of Soil & water Con- January 10 at Patkai Chrisservation, T Imkongmar Aier tian College, Chumukedima and approximately 600 is the Valedictory Guest.

The main speakers of cadets from all over India the conference, Dr. Sunep visited attended the camp.

According to an AR Imchen, Deputy Chierf Veterinary Office Mokokchung press note received here, and Supo Jamir, Advocate the cadets were shown variwill deal on the topic, “Ad- ous institutions and departvancement Through New ments of the unit during the Ideas” and “Progressive visit and were also apprised Society by Revitalisation of about their routine.

The NCC cadets were Social Responsibilities” realso sensitised about the spectively.

grammes each day including sporting competition among the villages.

The inaugural function tonight started with Parliamentary Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Amenba Yaden as the Guest of Honour while Tuli ADC, Sentiwapang Aier and President of Langpangkong Tsükong Mungdang, I Tally Longkumer exhorted the audience.

In coming days, the main speaker of the conference, I Meyionen Jamir, Director & DIGP, Vigilance & Anti Corruption, Nagaland will articulate on the theme, “Resilient Foundation.” Various other individual including Mayang Lima NJS, District & Session Judge, Mon; T N Meren, DFO Mokokchung; and Temsumeren, PA to DC Mokokchung will give exhortation.

Besides the general ses-

sion, the main highlight of the meet is the competition among the different villages in various sporting event such as football for Boys and Volleyball for both the sexes.

The sporting event is often emotionally charged and highly competitive as the winning the games become a pride issue for the competing villages.

Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of State (Independent Charge) Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India will formally open the sporting event on January 13 as the Chief Guest.

Besides Sonowal, various dignitaries from the state including Parliamentary Secretary Land Resources & Excise, BS Nganglang and Parliamentary Secretary, Veterinary & Animal Husbandry, S Chuba Longkumer will graced the occasion on different days.

NCC cadets offered a glimpse of AR life

Sumi hoho meeting on January 21 JKM begins today at Satsükba Dimapur, January 12 (mExn): The Sumi Hoho has convened a consultative meeting on January 21, 10:00 am at Acacia Hotel,

Dimapur. All the Sumi legislators and the officials of all the Sumi frontal organizations are requested to attend this meeting positive-

Morung Express News ly. This was stated in a press release issued by Toniho Dimapur | January 12 Yepthomi, President, Sumi Hoho and General Secre- With the theme, “Future Vision,” the 69th General Contary Vihuto Asumi. ference of Japukong Kaketshir Mungdang (JKM), the apex student’s body of Japukong Range, one of the six mountain range inhabited less works and efforts by the Aos in Mokokchung in enabling the Ward to district will kick-off at Satsükachieve the top position. ba Village on January 13. The Further thanking the three days conference beside residents of both the col- the formal programme and onies under the Ward, deliberation on various stuthe Chairman of OMH dents’ issue will showcase Zhasalie Soliezuo and competition in various culSecretary, Nothuedu So- tural and sporting events.

The Minister for National phie also solicited their continued support and Highway, Mechanical Engicooperation to keep the neering & Election, NukluWard in clean and better toshi Longkumer will grace the opening day as the Chief atmosphere.

OMH Panchayat meeting held

Kohima, January 12 (mExn): The new team of office bearers of the Old Ministers Hill (OMH) Panchayat under Ward No.14 held its first meeting on January 11.

During the meeting, the house expressed its gratitude to Administrator and officials of Kohima Municipal Council for awarding the Old Ministers Hill Ward 14 the first

position in the 6th KMC Inter-Ward Competition 2015 on cleanliness, beautification and nativity.

The Panchayat further extended its gratitude to its former Chairman, Temjemwati Jamir and Chairman of Potterlane Panchayat, Rokohol Kechü and teams including the sanitation team of Ward 14 for their tire-

NCC Cadets from all over India inspecting weapon and equipment display during their visit to 37 Assam Rifles Battalion. The cadets were attending the Special National Integration Camp of NCC held at Patkai Christian College, Chumukedima from December 30-January 10.

operational achievements of 37 Assam Rifles and initiatives of the Battalion towards welfare of the locals during their interaction with the Commandant, it added. Besides, a weapon and equipment display was organised as a part of visit.

The AR further informed that apart from the visita-

tion, 37 Assam Rifles has also rendered assistance to NCC Group, Kohima for smooth conduct of SNIC. The aim of conducting the tour was to give NCC cadets an insight into a soldier’s life and to motivate them to take-up Armed Forces as a career option in future, the AR noted.

Public SPace

Y

es I am a Christian and I say and do what is right. I cannot silently watch the show of wrongs, clutched my fist, swallow my saliva and say it is ok when it is not. I cannot say that’s alright because I am a Christian and inside me filled with bitterness and grudges which almost every so call good people do. I have had pen down my thoughts many a times but I don’t know why it is never published. I wander why we call ourselves Christian and do the least of what Christ our master had taught. The world has become such that if we voice out we are extreme, radical, unchristian but I am not scared to be brand that way because that is my Christian principle and I can’t hush my mouth when I know it is wrong. It is unbearable to see justice being stabbed, inequality smothered, pride ruling people, inhuman

and heartless fellows everywhere. Leaving behind all those list happening today I want to straight away bring up just one point and before jotting it down I would request the readers to read it as though it has happened to you, feel it and re digest it and ponder upon what human has come out of man.

It breaks me writing down because am reminded of the fateful incident and reminding me of it I want to do nothing more or less but break the teeths of those nurses and doctors , attendants who so recklessly, mercilessly, inhumanly checked my dear Azo (bro in laws mum) leading her to suffer and struggle till she breathe her last. I never will neither am I interested in mentioning the name of the Hospital, Doctors and nurses but I am voicing out this today so that we become more responsible in realizing our jobs and status and

When is The Day of Light Th. Apao

When is the day of our longing day-light Where each of our burden are to be light?

Day that will led to prosperity and States sound relationship: unite we'll stand.

When is long unpromising peace-talk end, It is for dead-locking and time to spend?

'Nay' solemnly said our master and still— Brethren cry of dead-weight upon the Hill.

Where is the promised of deliverance?

Promised that they made on the appearance Of our sub-continents' independence ; As it state, 'free determine of own' hence.

Wish Time Machine; reversed Gandhiji's time Where he would not forced Naga to join them.

Specially dedicated to Naga brethren who strife towards common goodness.

Long live Nagalim!

VoiCe of TruTh

also that we perform our duty better in order that many lives are saved. I am a Church worker and I know my role so also today I would like to humbly request the Naga Doctors and nurses , attendants all over Nagaland to do their jobs better. I was a victim of wrong treatment but I shut my mouth because it was me. But today I am speaking on behalf of many who have undergone this in order that these issues will not repeat again in future. As I said in the beginning I am a Christian and I repeat and I cannot just keep quiet seeing things not going the right way. I don’t wince as long as I do no wrong.

I hardly see Doctors and nurses smiling and politely talking with the patients but rather they act as though their patients

W

ere we to denounce Christianity based on the characters of the church and the Christians, it would be long gone buried under the scaffold of all the misrepresentation of the true spirit of Christianity. But why does Christianity exist to this day in spite of all the wrong allegations and persecutions laid out against the church of Jesus Christ? Because the founder of the Church is Christ Himself, it is in this that the Church stands against the test of time. This fact will remain so long as the Church does not dispel Christ as its only true Lord. As a matter of concern, the Church should come together in the true spirit of Christianity to accept one another as brothers and sisters in Christ. The past is too black and bleak for the Christians to repeat the same old sins of hatred, intolerance and pride. It’s a true statement that the person who gets more intimate with Christ sees his own inadequacy and frailties much clearer, not others.

The Church should make a stand against the corruption and the

are students who in front of their teachers should not even open their mouths. We consider Doctors to be our seeing God, they are healers and helpers, life savers but when a patient reaches the hospitals and are treated harshly, given wrong or extra dose of medicines and examine till she/he breathe his or her last, what are hospitals for? What are the Doctors for? The system is corrupted because people ruling over the systems are corrupted.

Sticking back to the point the real attitudes of the Doctors and nurses are remarkable, amazingly obnoxious. Starting from day one there was no Doctors to look after my Azo because the Ortho Doctors says it should be taken care by Medicine Doctors and vice versa. Days passed condition

grew worse and all the nurses do was smile giggle and mind their own business leaving us all with tears and pain wandering whom to look upon but Christ alone.

They called us for ultra sound and xray and to our amazement the stretcher broke leading Azo who could not even move to fall upon the ground. What was worse was the nurses blamed the family of being careless and letting Azo to fall, what a blame game let them win. The next day vitamin which was supposed to be 500 Mg was doubled by a nurse (a trainee) which worsened the condition and the Doctor still say it is ok when the patient would hardly open her eyes. Knowing precisely the patient was too weak they took again for MRI taking more than an hour giving extra bill

without even declaring the result till she closed her eyes. As the medicine could not help and Azo was getting breathless my bro in law went to call the Doctor and all she did was wrote the medicine without even examining her. My bro in law went again and to his surprise the Lady Doctor scolded him saying even without looking at the patient they already know what to give because they are master in it! It is such a misery, poor Doctor had the patient been her mother or a big shot I believe she would have been better. One after another advertently or inadvertently Azo was made to suffer, in pain tossing ,breathless, no equipments worked, even the lift was immovable she had to be taken through stairs to ICU where the nurses just kept her letting her die there.

Doctors and nurses are unreliable, patients treated as second class citizen as though

True Spirit of Christianity

evil world that permeates our society but in the process not forget the true spirit of Christianity. The Church also has a responsibility to guard and defend the faith but not tear people in the making.

Yes, the teachings of human traditions and laws needs to be balanced based on God’s word but not to the extent of compromising the Biblical teachings.

There are many sounds in the world that resonate the mind of the people to react and act in that direction. The sound of false religion, intolerance and secularism are playing a dominant role in all facets of our society. From educational field to governmental functioning to the news media and entertainment industry, culture and man decides what’s best for the world. But this undertaking of man dictating the system, we only find the danger of being destroyed by our own ideologies and creeds. There areamplestories of intolerance and extreme

issues in some religion that is repelling people from the true knowledge of spirituality. Adding to that, there are thousands of voices that claim to be the truth.

In this multi-cultural and pluralistic setting, the church of God cannot be so narrow-minded in delivering the true message of the Christian gospel.It’s not time to fight within. The worldly principle under the banner of secularism is trying to sweep the Church of God away. The Church cannot remain looking inwards at ourselves and proves ourselves to be right and others Christians, wrong. The Church, therefore, has to set a standard for the world. But how? In the true Spirit of Christianity The true spirit of Christianity is to walk in love. It’s easy to talk, write and discourse about this thing called love but hard to walk.

Love involves sacrifice. What the Church of God needs today is not more theologians, money,

church buildings or resources but Love. The Church of God is straining out a gnat but swallowing a camel. The more important matters of the law-justice, mercy and faithfulness are neglected.

Yes, standing forth for one’s own doctrine and credence is worthy of respect but walking in that doctrine of love is much nobler in the sight of God. The only way that the world will be changed is for the church to change. We are crying for unity and peace in our land but unwilling to let go off our little insignificant little doctrines and differences. How can we expect change when we are not willing to come to the reconciliation table?Jesus said, “By your love, meaning, by your love not for one’s own doctrine or Church but one another, the world will come to know that we are truly Christ’ followers.

One deciding factor that defines Christianity is Christ. Christ is defined by love itself. If He is

death is just a game, this concept if all Doctors have I dare to say stop your job it is an insult to the title. Had it been other state the Hospital would have been shut down, Doctors and Nurses arrested for murder but no we are Christian, we re-consider but I voice this because I cannot stand lies and compromise things to be right when I pretty know it is wrong. Human make mistake but when a mistake is repeatedly done it ain’t a mistake anymore and if someone don’t say it out things will continue as it is and at the end of the day Nagaland for Christ will no longer be a reliable place to live in. I pledge my dear fellow believers to kindly be more truthful in voicing out and be more responsible citizens for to change the system we need to change first.

Alice Chewang New Minister’s Hill Kohima Nagaland

missing, then Christianity is just another list among the false religions in the world. What good is a fish out of water so will Christianity also be without Christ! It will be dead and good-for-nothing humanized institution where laws, traditions, rules and rituals will only be the sepulchre of a dead Christ. We don’t want such kind of Christianity. What defines Christ must be the motor that move the body of Christ into the world. It’s not time to stay comfortable and fight over debatable issues and doctrines which cannot be resolved here on earth. Yes, Christian apologetic (defence of our Christian faith) is needed but the point is many in the name of proclaiming the truth are placing the doctrinal teachings before the gospel. That is not right. Christless Church will only produce Christ-less Christians. Therefore, the church irrespective of whatever denominations or anonymous institution should review its own primacy and lead the lost souls to Christ not humanized Church.

Vebu Khamo, Kohima Bible College.

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.

wednesdAY 13•01•2016

IN FOCUS

6

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

The Power of Truth

The Morung Express Xi volume issue 11 X issue 185 Thursday 9volume July 2015 dr. asangba Tzüdir

C O M M E N T A R Y

John Feffer Foreign Policy In Focus

The Geopolitics of Cheap Oil

Of Celebrations Economists said the market would save the planet. It didn't and Conferences

C

elebrations are central to Naga life and the flow of jubilees, landmark celebrations, conferences, etc seems to be never ending. So many conferences are being held this time of the year. Our Honorable Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries are the mostly sough after VVIP’s who seem to be tightly scheduled running around as Chief Guest and Guest of Honor because the general understanding among the masses is that no celebration or conference is complete without a Chief Guest or Guest of Honor.

Their presence adds the required tinge to the programme that once they leave the whole aura seems to get lost leaving the programme high and dry. They are being felicitated which is then followed by their speech. An abstract of their speech under a ‘punch line’ mostly becomes the news for news consumers to read irrespective of its content, its truth and falsity, often repetitive that flows on the lines of the issues relating to trust on ‘Framework Agreement’, and also the oft quoted cliché on the need for peace and unity among the Nagas. Nonetheless, their speeches are always ‘politically correct.’ As for the congregation, the gossip centers on the monetary amount which they donate because sadly and bluntly put, the monetary contribution of the Chief Guest and Guest of Honor is considered the lifeline and the whole purpose of the invite.

Certain pressing concerns can be drawn from such pompous celebrations. Firstly, the bulk of the attention is focused on the Chief Guest or Guest of Honor and thereby the question whether we can do away with this Chief Guest culture or for that matter VVIP’s culture who are literally ‘blessed and worshipped’ like God in the guise of begging for earthly manna.

This takes us to the second concern where the whole objectivity of any celebration seems to be overshadowed by meaningless prioritization compared to the larger context of the occasion and thereby the objective and purpose of the programme becomes nothing more than like a ritual practice.

Often one wonders the scope, rationale and the objective behind its celebration, and thereby the need to ponder upon the end result of its celebration. Well, most of the conferences and jubilee celebrations are planned five years before time and often the whole purpose of its celebration gets lost in translation or gets dissipated away with the blind celebration. One can imagine the various forms of resources including time, money and human resources that have gone into the making of the celebration after years of preparation. This demands the need for engaging our available resources especially human resources and to put it to good effect that would merit productive returns in the long run. Thus, the whole idea of our style of celebration needs to really evolve beyond the caught up traditional norms and forms; to revamp by way of giving a meaningful face lift; and also revolutionize towards a productive transformation of our engagement and activities. In short, change in our mindsets as well as to broaden our horizons will be a much needed breakthrough for our present Naga society that is shrouded in being unproductive and totally lost in routine affairs. Often it is where our mindsets stays caught up giving no scope for exploring alternative ways and means towards productive engagement of available resources.

Celebrations being a part and parcel of Naga lifestyle, it will be difficult to do away with celebrations. As such it needs to be made more meaningful so that any celebration becomes a learning experience and thereby a productive engagement in the long run rather than getting lost in the unnecessary ‘routine affairs’. This will then become the parameter to define whether the real purpose and objective of such celebrations or having a conferences is served. If not, it will just end up being another meaningless celebration along with huge wastage of all forms of resources because resources are vital for giving impetus to development of all forms beginning with human development.

(Dr. Asangba Tzüdir is an Editor with heritage publishing house.

He writes a weekly guest editorial for the Morung Express. Views and comments can be mailed to asangtz@gmail.com)

lEfT wiNg |

IANS

Decoded: What 'silences' X chromosome in women

N

early every girl and woman on Earth carries two X chromosomes in each of her cells -- but one of them does (mostly) nothing. Do you know why? That is because it has been silenced, keeping most of its DNA locked up and unread like a book in a cage, scientists led by an Indian-American researcher from the University of Michigan Medical School have revealed.

A wide range of relatively rare diseases - as well as relatively common conditions such as autism, haemophilia and muscular dystrophy - are linked to problems with genes found on the X chromosome. The findings could help lead to new ways of fighting diseases linked to X chromosomes in girls and women -- the kind that occur when the X chromosome that does get read has misprints and defects.

The team found that a known molecule called “Xist RNA” is insufficient to silence the X chromosome.

"Xist is widely believed to be both necessary and sufficient for X silencing," said team leader Sundeep Kalantry.

"We, for the first time, show that it is not sufficient and there have to be other factors - on the X-chromosome itself that activate 'Xist' and then cooperate with 'Xist RNA' to silence the X-chromosome,” he elaborated.

In the future, it may be possible to change the level of these other factors in cells and turn on the healthy, silenced copy of a gene that lies on the inactive X-chromosome, Kalantry added. Although most genes on the inactive X chromosome are fully silenced, a handful of the genes on the inactive X are, in fact, active. It is this set of X-inactivation “escapees” that the research team was focused on.

Since the “escapee” genes are expressed from both the active and the inactive X-chromosomes in females, they produce more gene product in female cells than in male cells which only have a single X. According to Kalantry, it is this higher “dose” in females that triggers X-inactivation selectively in females; the lower dose in males is insufficient.

"That means that if researchers can determine exactly which factors cause X-inactivation to occur, they could find ways to affect the activity of genes on the X chromosomes specifically, genes involved in certain diseases.” the authors noted. Many of them have an impact on an individual's thinking and memory capacity, and other aspects of cognition and intelligence. "In females, we could envision 'reawakening' a healthy copy of an X-linked gene on the inactive X chromosome, by modulating the dose of these so-called escapee genes and ameliorating the effects of the unhealthy copy," Kalantry explained.

Unfortunately, this approach probably won't help males with X-linked diseases, because they only have a single X chromosome in each cell and inactivating it would be harmful.

The new paper appeared in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The market was supposed to save the planet.

That, at least, was the argument of many economists grappling with the problem of climate change.

As fossil fuels became scarcer, they pointed out, the price of oil and natural gas would go up. And then other options, like solar and wind, would become cheaper, particularly as investment flowed into that sector and drove down the cost of new technologies.

And voila: The invisible hand would gradually turn down the global thermostat.

It’s a ridiculous argument. For one, there’s no guarantee that the market would respond in a timely manner (i.e., before we’re under water). For another, oil and gas prices are as volatile and unpredictable as a Q-and-A session with Donald Trump.

In 2008, for instance, oil hit a high of $145 a barrel.

But that didn’t last long. And in 2015, despite all sorts of turmoil in the Middle East and in other oil-producing countries like Nigeria, the price of crude fell between 30 and 40 percent to its lowest levels in 11 years. That’s a bigger drop than the commodity price declines for metals, grains, and soybeans. Gas stations around the United States didn’t fully reflect this drop, but petrol prices still fell to an average of $2.40 a gallon, saving each driver more than $500 last year.

There are a number of reasons for the price drop, but it boils down to supply (more of it) and demand (less of it). The United States boosted oil production by 66 percent over the last five years, making it the largest oil and natural gas producer in the world in 2015. Other producers, like Saudi Arabia, also didn’t scale back, in part to stick it to a sanctions-hobbled Iran and snatch up its clients. Meanwhile, greater fuel efficiency and slower economic growth around the world (particularly in China) have reduced demand.

The nosedive in oil prices has been good news for a lot of people and a lot of countries. But it’s not good news for the planet.

First the Good News Consumers love lower energy prices. It’s not only cheaper to fill up the tank and heat the house. Your shopping bill is also smaller because of lower manufacturing and transportation costs. Airlines cut fares (or at least they should). And it’s a big boost for the global economy. As The Economist notes, “a price fall normally boosts GDP by shifting resources from producers to consumers, who are more likely to spend their gains than wealthy sheikhdoms.”

The other good news is that lower oil prices haven’t undercut the market for sustainable energy.

In the past, cheaper fossil fuels have meant that governments and industry put off the hard decision to shift to renewable energy sources. But several factors have changed this calculus.

The international community has made a commitment, most recently in Paris, to invest in wind turbines and solar panels. Because of technological advances and government incentives, meanwhile, the cost of renewables has fallen. The price of solar panels in the United States, for instance, has dropped 70 percent since 2009, and industry observers expect even sharper cuts in the years ahead. To keep up the momentum, the Obama administration pushed through an extension until 2019 of its tax credits encouraging renewable energy. And the investment banks, usually risk averse on this issue, are finally betting big on the sector: Goldman Sachs, for instance, announced in November that it will increase investments in renewable energy by fourfold.

Another environmental benefit to lower energy prices is the cancellation of pricier fossil fuel projects. President Obama finally deep-sixed the Keystone pipeline last November. The target of heated activist protest, the pipeline had become a considerably less attractive project when oil prices fell below $60 a barrel.

The State Department is also thrilled with lower oil prices. U.S. allies in Europe and Asia are able to reduce their energy purchases (and free up resources to buy U.S. goods, including military hardware).

And key U.S. oil-producing adversaries are feeling the pinch. Iran, already under sanctions on its oil production, became more amenable last year to negotiations on its nuclear program. Russia, also under sanctions, hasn’t pushed as hard in Ukraine. Lower oil prices has put pressure on Venezuela and also reduced the flow of income to the Islamic State.

Decreasing U.S. dependency on foreign oil through a boost in domestic production is not only a good media sound bite and a hit with the voters. It

also turns out to be a potent weapon for U.S. foreign driving prices down even further.

It perhaps flirts with conspiracy to imagine that the policy, which is good news for battling the Islamic United States has boosted energy production to keep State but bad news for restraining arms sales. prices low in order to promote unrest in Russia, or that Saudi Arabia has done the same to foster discontent And Now the Bad News Much was made in December of news of a po- in Iran. Both countries have plenty of other reasons to tential global “peak” in carbon emissions. Research- push the pedal to the metal, energy-wise. But policyers from the University of East Anglia and the Global makers in Riyadh and Washington would certainly not Carbon Project released a report that greenhouse be upset if their strategy produced such side benefits.

The problem is that instability in Russia and Iran gas emissions dropped in 2015 by 0.6 percent. That might not seem like much. But it represented the first isn’t in the best interests of either the United States or Saudi Arabia. Washington needs the help of Moscow such reduction in decades.

Carbon emissions have been going down in the and Tehran to negotiate a solution in Syria. And the EU. They dropped a bit in the United States in 2015. Rouhani administration, compared to a more hardBut the real reason for the global dip is China. Be- line clerical government that could easily emerge in cause of its recent economic slowdown, the country Iran, is a much better potential negotiating partner for Saudi Arabia (assuming, of course, that it even used a lot less coal last year.

So, this should be good news. But it isn’t. First of wants a negotiating partner). all, aside from China, the United States, and the EU, carbon emissions in the rest of the world continued A Golden Opportunity Low energy prices have come along at a particutheir upward climb. Second, it’s more than likely that the drop was an anomaly — just as earlier predic- larly opportune time.

Governments can’t sit back and expect the martions of “peak oil” proved premature.

And third, for any campaign to achieve zero ket to allocate resources wisely, especially when emissions, cheap fossil fuels are the worst kind of it comes to the environment. That investments are disincentive. The price point is simply too irresistible flowing into the renewable sector despite the dip in — for car owners who want to go on vacation, com- oil and natural gas prices is about all the luck we can panies that want to increase their profits, and gov- count on. It’s not clear how long prices will remain low. During this period, governments must use the ernments that want to spur economic growth. savings wisely.

Geopolitical Ramifications Saudi Arabia has recently been acting quite over Priority number one should be the removal of enthe top. It intervened militarily in neighboring Ye- ergy subsidies. Writes Moises Naim in The Atlantic: Energy subsidies, which amount to more than men to put down an insurgency it blamed on Iran (with no evidence). It’s funneled money to its own $540 billion per year worldwide, are as common as preferred insurgents (namely, Sunni extremists) to they are damaging to economies, the poor, and the topple Bashar al-Assad in Syria. And on New Year’s environment, since they stimulate consumption and Day, it executed a number of “terrorists,” including undermine efforts to save energy and use it more efficiently. According to the World Bank, these subsiSheikh Nimr al-Nimr, a leading Shiite cleric.

Saudi Arabia, of course, is not known for its mod- dies are highly regressive: As much as 60 or even 80 eration. But the government in Riyadh has been act- percent of what governments in the Middle East and North Africa spend to subsidize energy benefits the ing even more erratically and paranoid than usual.

Or perhaps Saudi Arabia has good reason to be richest 20 percent of the population, with the poor paranoid. Falling oil prices mean economic trouble receiving less than 10 percent of these public funds.

With prices so low, governments can more easfor a country that depends on sales of crude for 8590 percent of its revenues. The country is already run- ily phase out these energy subsidies without causing ning a huge deficit — some 15 percent of GDP. In their as much disruption for consumers (while providing most recent budget, the Saudis indicated that some cash transfers to help the most disadvantaged).

The second priority is for governments to use the belt-tightening is in the offing, which will translate windfall from cheaper energy imports to provide a into curtailing key subsidies like gas and water.

Reduce subsidies and prices go up. If prices go different kind of subsidy: for renewables. This is the up, people get upset. In other countries in the Mid- moment when the world must take a sharp turn. dle East, price hikes have resulted in protest spikes. Governments should focus on the public sector: reIt’s no surprise, then, that Riyadh is doing what it can ducing the carbon footprint of government buildto eliminate potential sources of opposition at home ings, schools, hospitals, and so on. But they must also make it economically irresistible for households and abroad.

Volatility in the energy market has helped to de- to go solar, for utilities to build wind farms, and for stabilize governments in the past: the Soviet Union businesses to make manufacturing more efficient.

The third priority is counter-intuitive. Energy under Gorbachev, the Suharto regime in Indonesia, or Venezuela just prior to the ascent of Hugo producers must come together to reduce producChavez. So, it’s not far-fetched to imagine the winds tion. This will ultimately lead to higher oil and gas of change blowing through Saudi Arabia — or Rus- prices. But that is as it should be. If we are to achieve sia, where the economic situation is edging toward carbon neutrality, we have to make fossil fuels as exdesperate, or Iran, which is anxious to see the lifting pensive as possible.

The former Venezuelan oil minister Juan Pablo of economic sanctions as a result of the nuclear deal.

But as F. Gregory Gause points out in a Brookings Perez Alfonso, a driving force behind the creation of report from April 2015, oil prices are just one factor the Organization of the Petroleum-Exporting Counaffecting government stability, and most oil produc- tries (OPEC), wasn’t interested in raising gas prices in ers have enough reserves to weather the volatility. order to collect windfall profits. An environmentalist Indeed, Gause imagined that falling oil prices might of sorts, he considered petroleum “the devil’s excreeven promote greater stability in the Middle East as ment.” He saw OPEC — and its ability to cut producIran and Saudi Arabia worked more closely to co- tion and boost prices — as a tool for conservation.

That’s the precisely the kind of wisdom we desperordinate production cuts. In fact, with Saudi Arabia severing ties with Iran this week, it looks more like- ately need right now — when the devil’s excrement ly that both will continue to pump oil aggressively, has become cheaper by the gallon than skim milk.

After Ebola, two other tropical diseases pose new threats Kate Kelland Reuters

A little-known bacterial disease may be killing as many people worldwide as measles, scientists said on Monday, while a mosquito-borne virus known as Zika is also raising global alarm.

The spread of Ebola in West Africa last year shows how poorly-understood diseases can emerge and grow rapidly while researchers race to design and conduct the scientific studies needed to combat them.

Researchers in the journal Nature Microbiology called for a bacterial infection called meliodosis, which is resistant to a wide range of antibiotics, to be given a higher priority by international health organisations and policy makers.

At the same time, scientists at Britain's Oxford University warned that a virus known as Zika, which is carried by mosquitoes and has caused a major outbreak in Brazil, has "the potential of rapid spread to new areas".

Zika was first detected in Africa in the 1940s and was unknown in the Americas until last year, but has now

been confirmed in Brazil, Panama, Venezuela, El Salvador, Mexico, Suriname, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Guatemala and Paraguay, according to public health officials.

It is carried by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which thrives in tropical climates and can also carry other diseases such as yellow fever, dengue fever and chikungunya.

Thousands of people in Brazil have been infected

by Zika. While the virus is not thought to kill, health authorities there last year linked it to a surge in babies born with microcephaly, restricted head growth that seriously limits a child's mental and physical abilities.

Trudie Lang, professor of Global Health Research at Oxford University, said Zika - for which there are currently no known treatments - was a cause for concern.

"It's definitely becoming an issue, but there is so little research that we just don't know the size of the potential threat," she told Reuters.

She urged the international research community to act now to learn more about the virus, about how it is spread, and about how scientists might develop a treatment or vaccine against it.

"We need to learn from what happened with Ebola," Lang said, referring to the devastating epidemic of that viral fever that swept through three countries in West Africa last year and caused more than 28,600 cases globally.

The vast majority of Ebola cases and deaths were in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, where more than 11,000 people were killed, according to data from the World Health Organization.

"We need to galvanise the research community now and move as quickly as we can from doing observational work (on Zika) to carrying out proper scientific research," Lang said.

In the Nature study on melioidosis, scientists said the bacteria that causes it, Burkholderia pseudomallei, is commonly found in soils in Southeast Asia and Northern Australia, but can be spread to non-endemic areas via im-

wRiTE-wiNg

ports of infected animals.

"Melioidosis is a great mimicker of other diseases and you need a good microbiology laboratory for bacterial culture and identification to make an accurate diagnosis," said Direk Limmathurotsakul, a microbiologist and assistant professor at Thailand's Mahidol University, who co-led the study.

"It especially affects the rural poor in the tropics, who often do not have access to microbiology labs, which means that it has been greatly under-estimated as an important public health problem across the world," he added.

The researchers estimate there are 165,000 melioidosis cases a year in people, of which 89,000 will be fatal.

These tolls are similar to those caused by measles - a viral infection that can be prevented with a vaccine - and far greater than dengue fever.

The study found that the highest melioidosis risk zones are in South Asia, East Asia and the Pacific, including all countries in Southeast Asia and tropical Australia, sub-Saharan Africa and South America. There are also risk zones of varying sizes in Central America, southern Africa and the Middle East.

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.

wednesdAY 13•01•2016

PERSPECTIVE

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Do ‘safe spaces’ and ‘trigger warnings’ weaken us?

George Lakey

F

Waging Nonviolence

irst, let’s agree that safety is a human need.

Studies find that children who grow up amidst threats, violence and insecurity are less likely to thrive as grown-ups. The defensiveness induced by trauma gets in the way of creativity and the learning curve needed for achievement.

The anti-oppression movement long ago began to create safe spaces. As a gay man, I remember the first time I saw on the door of a campus office a triangle, signifying that this would be a safe place for me. Surrounded by rampant homophobia, I relaxed as I turned the doorknob.

I also took the sign on the door to be a sign of sensitivity; here might be a heterosexual ally who has empathy for my frequent encounters with prejudice, even the mild expressions that could remind me of scary or hurtful incidents. That sequence – mild expression jumping to vividly remembered hurtful incidents – later became the basis for some teachers offering to give “trigger warnings” before wading into sensitive information.

Safety is a human need, like eating. Our need to eat, however, doesn’t mean we need to eat all the time. Any human need exists in balance with other needs, one of which is a sense of agency. By agency I mean knowing our power, our ability to operate in a variety of circumstances, our acceptance of the responsibility to determine the course of our own lives.

“Don’t help me,” my six-year-old granddaughter sometimes says, as she wrestles with a challenging task and sees me preparing to intervene. Ella knows the delicious satisfaction of her own agency and is impatient with the well-meaning, but clumsy “helping” some grown-ups are prone to. She is on her way to being a high-achieving powerhouse, like Wonder Woman, her favorite character. I’ve learned in the swimming pool that the scariness of water generates fears Ella wants to handle; it would be no favor to protect her. I stay nearby while she takes the risks that support her power and growing self-confidence.

For this reason, I want to raise the question of whether the current preoccupation with safety and protection has gone too far.

those fronts — first from parents who remember happy hours of childhood freedom, and second from medical people who wonder if the growth of allergies is related to the weakened immune systems of children who don’t have enough germs in their lives. On both fronts, the result is over-protection that weakens children and reduces their agency. Note the subtle dynamic of class here. Protection as obligation is especially strong in the middle class, and is generalized therefore into a hierarchy: higher-status people (who of course know better) expect themselves to ensure the safety of lower-status people.

What is now called the anti-oppression movement began with a liberatory critique but now seems to have absorbed the mainstream narrative that protection is what makes higher status people “good allies.” One way this plays out in workshops is that the facilitator is expected to use ground rules, their own authority, and other methods to protect and keep “safe” everyone in the group who might otherwise experience offensive behavior.

As I watch this long-term trend I wonder what’s happening to the agency of oppressed people subjected to this mainstream assumption. Are marginalized individuals in a group excused from standing up for themselves and fighting out differences with other group members that might arise? Are higher-status people coming to believe that oppressed people are by definition weak or even fragile? It wouldn’t be the first time that the attitudes of do-gooders diminished others, participating in the disempowerment of those they intended to help.

Many of us have lived the pro-liberation version of movements, as we came to terms with an oppressed identity or in our role as allies or both. In the 1970s, I — an “out” gay white man — taught in an Ivy League university. In my course I found more African American students showing up each semester, seeking refuge from their wider experience of dominant white norms. In the course’s three-hour experiential classes and weekend retreat, minority students renewed their determination to maintain their integrity.

We had no ground rules because I had no interest in creating a germ-free environment. Oppressive behaviors including racism showed up and useful conflicts erupted; students’ power — their immune systems — grew. The course became popular because I supported black students to tackle for themselves the white-dominated world, maintaining their critical stance. They, and other marginalized students, empowered themselves. One result was a degree of community that was unheard of in a course in a huge university.

Acknowledging the middle-class cultural theme of protection In the early days of gay and women’s liberation and the black freedom movement, we were highly critical of mainstream culture. We knew that mainstream culture was dead wrong in enforcing white supremacy, say, or misogyny, so why should we assume it was right about anything else? We gave ourselves permission to question everything.

As liberation movements grow they come under enormous pressure to accept middle-class mainstream assumptions. Their cultural critique weakens and dubious assumptions creep in unnoticed. For the anti-oppression movement, I believe that one of those assumptions is the middle-class value of over-protection. “Really good parents” in the mainstream don’t allow their children to go outside unsupervised because parents show how good they are by how much they protect children from something that might happen. “Really good homemakers” use germ-killers at every opportunity because parents show how good they are by how much they protect children from something that might sicken them.

The trigger warning — a second look Fortunately, push-back is happening on both Liberation/empowerment trainer Daniel Hunter

pointed out to me that the demand for “safe space” easily loses track of real life. Individuals seeking safety in a classroom may imagine that a racist statement or behavior is the same as actual harm or danger.

They confuse subjective feeling and objective reality. The confusion is compounded when others buy in, believing that strong feelings should rule. In the name of sensitivity, a group culture can join the historical narrative that turns oppressed people into poor victims.

The group’s (or teacher’s) confusion here assumes that upset feelings overrule a person’s innate ability to think and act well under stress. We can test this belief. If subjective feelings control us, then surely the objective experience of harm and danger prevents us from thinking and acting smartly, right?

If we believed that, we would have to re-write history. Black Lives Matters in Minneapolis would not have come back to the police precinct house in November after the white supremacists attacked them because — since they’d been shot at — it wasn’t safe. The entire civil rights movement would never have happened, nor the workers movement, nor the women’s or LGBT or disability rights movement.

None of these waited for safety to strategize smartly and act effectively.

People can of course be brilliant while scared or hurt — unless they believe otherwise. The quickest scan of successful social movement history shows not only what a lie the belief is, but also how delighted the 1 percent must be to watch anti-oppression extremists undermine every movement within reach.

Doesn’t the trigger warning expectation invite lower expectations of ourselves and others? When the technique is institutionalized, it suggests that oppressed people are too fragile to handle symbolic representations of oppression, much less able to handle oppression in real life. In my experience, the truth is otherwise: It is usually people with privilege who are fragile and can’t deal with what oppressed people often handle well. (I’m talking about class again. Sorry about that, but we do pay a price for letting the anti-oppression forces avoid interrogating their class.)

The dearth of vision in demands for ‘safe space’ and ‘trigger warnings’ I admit I’m an elder with high expectations. I expect movements that make many demands to have a vision of what it is they seek. If the goal is to produce hot-house plants that cannot survive without the protection of others (higher-status others, of course), admit it.

My vision is of humans working to realize their full potential, supported by their cultures to act powerfully in the world to transform institutions. Folk wisdom offers a motto to guide us as we work: “Smooth seas train poor sailors.” I hope for comments from readers about how we can support everyone’s power to act for liberation. `George Lakey co-founded Earth Quaker Action Group which just won its five-year campaign to force a major U.S. bank to give up financing mountaintop removal coal mining. Along with college teaching he has led 1,500 workshops on five continents and led activist projects on local, national, and international levels. Among many other books and articles, he is author of “Strategizing for a Living Revolution” in David Solnit’s book Globalize Liberation (City Lights, 2004). His first arrest was for a civil rights sit-in and most recent was with Earth Quaker Action Team while protesting mountain top removal coal mining.

Why some human rights groups avoid public opinion research—and why they are wrong Dahlia Scheindlin

There are many reasons to avoid public opinion research, but there are even more reasons to invest in it

A

recent Freedom House survey examining perceptions of human rights organizations in Kenya found that 60% of respondents felt positive towards human rights groups—an enviable position for anyone sensitive to public opinion. A majority of respondents (53%) also felt that the groups had benefited them personally. While this is a positive finding, it is also one for concern.

It is easy to understand that people are inclined to favor local human rights groups when they or their communities benefit directly from such activities. But human rights activities are often directed at minorities and marginalized populations—homosexuals in a conservative culture, an ethnic minority, refugees or immigrants, criminals, or an enemy in a conflict. Majority groups may find it hard to relate to those populations, driving negative attitudes towards both the organizations and even human rights as a principle.

Whatever the reason, it is not uncommon to see human rights groups disliked or even vilified at home.

Should human rights workers care what their public thinks? Some of those I’ve encountered inherently value public opinion. But others feel that it isn’t their role. Civil society is effective in part because it is independent from both government and the caprice of voters. In this argument, human rights NGOs should be immune to political expedients, in favor of long-term change. In addition, some fear that reaching out to a public that disagrees

with the social change agenda could lead to diluting the message, compromising principles in favor of mainstream acceptance.

While civil society operates independently of government and public, it cannot act without knowing those two audiences. Public opinion shapes the overall environment in which human rights organizations operate. The public is a key player in the legal, political, social and communications environment that defends or violates rights, and helps shape the normative bounds of society. A supportive public can advance human rights work, but a hostile public can generate, directly or indirectly, genuine obstacles. The goal is not to say anything to “win”, but to shape a public climate and convince people over time. Strategic surveys learn which populations are core supporters to be maximized, which people or groups are potential supporters to be won over, and which are lost causes, at least for the present. Research can identify the best means to reach each group, using appropriate—and not diluted—messages.

A less forgiving attitude sometimes heard among human rights workers is that they are savvy and already know what the majority thinks—and it’s always bad. Why bother with testing?

People who reject our values are just wrong, and a poll won’t change that.

The strategy is for them to listen to us and change their minds.

This is a classic mistake and frankly, arrogant. Most of us are surrounded by small, non-representative groups of people like ourselves, and we learn about the remainder from shallow media images. Nobody knows the different angles of how people think about complex issues until we ask, systematically.

Sometimes our hunch is upheld, and the empirical confirmation is important. But without asking, opportunities are missed. For example, Israelis often express unexpected sympathy in focus groups for regular Palestinians in Gaza who are suffering under the combina-

tion of Hamas rule and Israeli closures.

This is an in-road for human rights messages, even if it’s just a small one. Expensive public campaigns are wasted without some type of empirical data to guide the tone and message, rather than resting on stereotypes and instinct.

Another line of reasoning is that the public may not matter anyway. Human rights work is aimed at changing policy—making the target audience political or legal elites, not the general public.

But elites do not live in a vacuum.

Their personalities from the earliest stages were formed within a zeitgeist, or what pollsters call a climate of opinion. We should be looking at human rights progress historically, over the long term, not only as a battle in the moment. The decision makers of tomorrow are growing up today—and the public atmosphere will leave a lasting impression.

Other human rights workers are not against public opinion in principle, but confront pragmatic obstacles.

Research is supposed to drive strategy for engaging with the public—a luxury when human rights groups are already overstretched helping people urgently on the ground. And the bottom line is often funding. Money for research is money not providing service to clients.

Yet there are numerous ways to learn public opinion and some cost less than others. Public surveys can be collected, tracked and analyzed systematically. Partnerships and data sharing with other NGOs can defray cost of original research; mining academic work can contribute free insight and working together with academics can advance shared interests. Mini-studies such as omnibus questions, short surveys or focus groups can be useful and cheap if done professionally. In-house researchers can be assigned to track public data where useful.

It is true that strategizing public engagement is not always intuitively part of the human rights agenda. But there is a danger in ignoring regular people.

A hostile public will not protest if the government acts to limit human rights activities. Anger among the population can nurture hardline citizens who lead attacks on human rights organizations, even in democracies like Israel—witness the recent attacks on local human rights and anti-occupation NGOs. Those who commit violence emerge from extremist environments too.

Whether or not human rights organizations adopt an active public affairs strategy, knowing the trends is vital.

Of course, legitimate concerns around public opinion may remain. Can polls actually tell the full story? What are the concrete dividends of research? How does data become strategy?

Ideally all research would include a qualitative piece if funding allows, such as focus groups or in-depth interviews.

There is nothing as useful for putting the public voice into the human rights worker’s mind—qualitative research breathes life into the numbers on very emotional topics. Further, research should never be analyzed in a vacuum.

The broader context should always form the backdrop to interpretation.

The concrete output is a changed way of thinking: weighing policy and communications options with evidence, making deliberate instead of arbitrary choices. It can help determine audiences and messages; define the agenda in public discourse; go indepth on specific populations—including elites—to identify which issues they support or reject. Research can map which media to use for maximum impact, and might prevent major communications mistakes.

Ideally, human rights workers would conduct research by any means possible, whether that means full-scale qualitative and quantitative studies or gathering free public data. And if there’s no way to do research, just keeping public attitudes in their minds and decision-making is preferable to ignoring it—and risk being taken by surprise.

7

The Newspaper with an Opinion The Morung Express

Some Chinese have started buying cans of fresh air imported from Canada. People once thought mineral water could never sell but now it’s one of the most sought after items because it is difficult to get clean trustworthy water. It is time to stop taking all the free stuff nature has given us for granted or our own state of Nagaland could be introuble too. Air pollution in our state is increasing each year, surpassing the National Permissible Limit. According to National Ambient Air Quality Standards 2009, the annual average concentrations of Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM) should not exceed 60 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/ m3); however, Dhobinullah recorded 158 and Bank Colony 111 in 2014, surpassing the 2013 record of 116 and 89 respectively. With this steady rise in pollution, a grim prospect awaits us in 2016, unless we do something immediately.

Tatongkala Pongen, Head of Department of History

Paying for Air

“H

ow clean is the air we are breathing now?”

This is one of the biggest concerns that the whole world is debating about. Air pollution has become a huge problem, especially for those people living in the urban areas. Getting a breath of fresh and clean air has become a luxury; and ironically, the air that we need to survive may instead be slowly killing us without us even noticing it. Any kind of pollution is harmful, but the pollution in the air disperses rather quickly and is therefore a threat and a matter of serious concern.

Nagaland, though a small state, is experiencing fast rate of growth in urban centres particularly in Dimapur and Kohima and we are experiencing the same problem of air pollution.

According to the studies conducted by the Nagaland Pollution Control Board (NPCB), air pollution at Dhobinala and Bank Colony (both in Dimapur)exceeds the national permissible limit. One of the maincauses of air pollution in our state is the increased number of motor vehicles. Thousands of vehicles ply on our small narrow roads everyday and the amount of hazardous gas that is emitted from the exhaust of these engines contains all kinds of pollution. We Nagas are fond of cars and almost every household owns one. Although it has almost become a necessity to own a vehicle, we should be sensible and responsible in how we use it. Apart from the emissions from motor vehicles which is a major air pollutant, non black topped roads itself is a pollutant. And sadly there is no shortage of that in our state. When vehicles are driven on dusty roads, there are pedestrians inhaling the dust.

These small particles when it gets into the lungs cause serious health concerns. Numerous incomplete constructions of buildings also add in causing dust accumulation in the atmosphere.The level of pollution in Nagaland has become hazardous that it is common to see people wear face masks to filter out the pollution.

Besides the outdoor pollution, Nagas are constantly exposed to serious health threats caused by indoor pollution since most homes still use firewood and coal for numerous purposes; without a proper chimney we end up inhaling a lot of smoke. Going by the WHO report, Naga families are exposed to serious health threats since most homes still use firewood and coal for multiple purposes. We should give more emphasis on having proper chimney facilities, especially in the villages because in our Naga society people usually prefer to stay in the kitchen more than any other room.

Air pollution is also produced naturally; but the current rapid increase of pollution in the airthat we face is essentially manmade.Though we cannot stop the pollution that occurs naturally; it is certainly possible to try and reduce the disruption it causes. However, manmade or unnatural types of pollution need a serious check. Just last year in December, the pollution in Beijing was so bad that the city was put on red alert. Red alert is a system instituted to keep people indoors on days when air pollution climbs to hazardous levels; it aims to reduce pollution and protect health on days when the smog is expected to be especially bad by limiting the use of cars, closing schools, shutting down outdoor construction site and closing certain industrial plants. China being the world’s largest user of coal practically caused this horrific increase in air pollution and fossil fuels, industrialization and an ever increasing rise in vehicles have all left the air nearly unbeatable in many areas. Some Chinese have even begun buying cans of fresh air imported from Canada. Realising the growing threat that air pollution poses, the Delhi government also came up with an ‘odd-even’ pollution-control policy in an effort to curb air pollution in the city that is increasing at an alarming rate due to different factors. Even though the ‘oddeven’ policy had a mixed response but nevertheless it can be considered as a move towards the right direction.

We often tend to take action only after a certain terrifying incident has happened. Instead we should take precautions before-hand.Nagas are bright,educated and creative young people with the ability to arrive at practical and innovative ideas, campaigns and policies to try and tackle this problem in our state. And our state should be ready to lend all the support that is needed when the time comes. Helping people to understand the causes and effects of pollution and what they can do to tackle the issue is very important.

Air pollution is not someone else’s problem, all of us help to cause it and we can all help to clean it up, starting now. Nagaland is our home and we should do all that is necessary to make our homeland a better and a cleaner place. Let’s give Nagaland a breath of fresh air.

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

WEdnEsdAY 13•01•2016

INDIA

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

After SC stay, Jaya wants ordinance to allow Jallikattu

Chennai/new Delhi, January 12 (ianS): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa on Tuesday urged the central government to immediately issue an ordinance to permit Jallikattu, hours after the Supreme Court stayed the bull taming sport citing cruelty to the animal.

As news of the ruling stunned Tamil Nadu where the event is held during Pongal celebrations starting on January 14, Jayalalithaa said in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi: "I strongly reiterate my earlier request to promulgate an ordinance forthwith to enable the conduct of Jallikattu."

Jallikattu, reputedly one of the oldest living sports, was part of the traditional festivities ingrained in the cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu, the chief minister said.

"It is very important that the sentiments of the people of Tamil Nadu, who have a deep attachment to the conduct of the traditional event of Jallikattu, are respected," she added. "On behalf of the people of Tamil Nadu, I urge you to take immediate action in this regard."

Jayalalithaa's communication followed a Supreme Court stay on the operation of a central government notification issued on Friday that gave the green signal to Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu.

Observing that Jallikattu amounted to heaping cruelty on animals, an apex court bench headed by Justice Dipak Mishra said the sport cannot be permitted in the 21st century.

The Supreme Court had in May 2014 banned the sport. On Friday, the central government issued a notification, in response to appeals from the Tamil Nadu government, effectively reversing the 2014 ban.

Petitioner Gauri Maulekhi said they had wanted the central government notification quashed. "The court has stayed it." The apex court issued notices to New Delhi and other respondents.

Bulls are specifically bred for Jallikattu, which involves young men trying to tame the powerful animals. Many youths get killed or are injured in the process but the event's popularity has only grown.

Animal rights activists, who welcomed the Supreme Court order, say there can be no justification for anything where animals are treated harshly.

"I am delighted," S. Chinny Krishna, vice chair-

What is Jallikattu - What makes it controversial

A Jallikattu event in progress.

(REUTERS File Photo)

man of the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), told IANS in Chennai.

"This is a huge victory for animals. We hope the government of Tamil Nadu will follow this order and not allow Jallikattu to take place," added N.G. Jayasimha of AWBI. But T. Velmurugan, founder of Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi and a former legislator, told IANS: "As per the law of the land, the Supreme Court has decided. The fault (is with) the central government.

It could have amended the law properly by deleting bull from the banned list."

According to him, the Tamil Nadu government can allow Jallikattu as a sport since sports falls under the concurrent list of the constitution.

PMK founder S.Ramadoss said the central and the Tamil Nadu governments were both to blame for the bar on Jallikattu.

In a related development, an expert on cattle warned that a blanket ban on Jallikattu would greatly harm Indian breeds of bulls in the long run and lead to import of foreign animals.

"The banning of Jallikattu and the demand for ban on other rural sports will ultimately result in the vanishing of native species," K. Sivasenapathy of the Senaapathy Kangayam Cattle Research Foundation told IANS in Tamil Nadu.

He said there was no chance of cruelty to the Jallikattu bulls as they were checked by doctors before and after the event.

The bull runs for a short distance in an open ground during which time youths have to hold on to its hump for a minimum period of time, he said.

"The government should jail the owners if their bull is found to be tortured. Punish the guilty and not the sport," Sivasenapathy said.

Chennai, January 12 (agenCieS): With various people coming out for and against the conduct of Tamil Nadu's festival, Jallikattu is one most the most debatable topics these days.

Here is all you need to know about Jallikattu and why it is so controversial:What is Jallikattu?

- Jallikattu is an ancient bull taming blood sport played in Tamil Nadu. It's a part of Pongal celebrations on Mattu Pongal day - According to experts, the term Jallikattu is derived from the term calli kacu (coins) and kattu (meaning a package) tied to the horns of the bulls as the prize money - One of the oldest blood sport, Jalllikattu is held in the villages of Tamil Nadu as a part of the village festival - 'Jellicut' are the bulls bred specifically for the Jallikattu sporting event Why is it so controversial?

- It is controversial because the blood sport often results in major injuries and deaths - Reportedly, from 2010 to 2014, there were approximately 1,100 injuries and 17 deaths as a result of Jallikattu events - Over 200 people have died from the blood sport over the past 2 decades.

- The court held that use of bulls in such events severely harmed the animals and constituted an offence under the Prevention of Cruelty to the Animals Act. - PETA India has protested against the blood sport over the years for animal cruelty What did the SC say about Jallikattu?

- The apex court imposed the on Tamil Nadu’s traditional bull-taming sport after a clutch of petitions by animal rights groups challenged the Centre’s notification allowing it.

- A bench led by Justice Dipak Misra issued notices to Centre and all state governments on issues raised by the organisations relating to use of animals for sports and other performances and sought replies within four weeks - The bench said that in view of contentions raised, there has to be an interim order staying ‘Jallikattu’ till the points of law are decided by the apex court What does the SC's 2014 judgement say?

By a judgement in May 2014, the top court had prohibited the use of bulls in ‘Jallikattu’ festivals, holding this practice to be an offence under the law. The court held that use of bulls in such events severely harmed the animals and constituted an offence under the Prevention of Cruelty to the Animals Act.

tolerance is the formula to avoid no reason to distrust conflicts in society: Hamid Ansari Pakistan so early: Rajnath

MalappuraM (Kerala), January 12 (ianS): Inter-religious dialogue has to be more than mere words and it must include human interaction and relationships, Vice President Hamid Ansari observed on Tuesday while inaugurating an inter-faith conference here. Ansari said people of different faiths and religious traditions must have mutual understanding and respect that allow them to live together and cooperate in spite of their differences. "Tolerance is a virtue. It is freedom from bigotry. It is a version of the golden rule, in that, insofar as we want others to treat us decently we need to treat them decently as well," Ansari observed.

"It is also a pragmatic formula for the functioning of society without conflict between different religions, political ideolo-

gies, nationalities, ethnic groups or other us-versus-them divisions," the vice president said. Quoting Swami Vivekananda on his birth anniversary, Ansari added that tolerance alone is not strong enough a foundation for building an inclusive and pluralistic society. It must be coupled with acceptance and understanding.

"You can tolerate something without accepting it, but you cannot accept something without tolerating it," Ansari emphasised. The vice president noted that India has been home to all the great religions of the world, and that Kerala has had a long tradition of religious pluralism. "It is a state that has the oldest traditions of Islam & Christianity in India and is known for the relative harmony that exists between the various religious groups," Ansari said.

new Delhi, January 12 (ianS): Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said there was no reason to distrust Pakistan's assurance of "effective action" against those linked to the terror attack on the IAF base in Pathankot in Punjab. "There is no reason to distrust them so early. We should all wait (for Pakistani action)," the minister told media persons here.

Rajnath Singh said the Pakistan government had assured of swift action on the inputs given by India about the perpetrators of the attack on the Indian Air Force base in the early hours of January 2. India had said terrorists from Pakistan were responsible for the attack that left seven security personnel dead. All six terrorists were killed in the counter-offensive. India said it had provided what it called "actionable intelligence" to Islamabad to act against those who plotted the audacious attack. According to the Indian authorities, the terrorists involved were affiliated to the proscribed Jaish-e-Mohammad outfit.

People look at one among the dozens of whales that have washed ashore on the Bay of Ben-

Jaitley's defamation case political vendetta, says kejriwal new Delhi, January 12 (ianS): Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday told Delhi High Court that the defamation suit filed by union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley against him and five other AAP leaders was a classic instance of "political vendetta" against them for speaking up against the "malaise of corruption" in the DDCA. Jaitley filed a civil defamation case and sought Rs.10 crore in damages following the Aam Aadmi Party leaders' statements on alleged financial irregularities in the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) of which Jaitley was president for 13 years till 2013. The court had earlier issued notice to Kejriwal, Kumar Vishwas, Raghav

Chadha, Ashutosh, Sanjay Singh and Deepak Bajpai and sought their response by February 5.

Filing the response, Kejriwal said: "The present suit is a classic instance of political vendetta which the plaintiff (Jaitely) is seeking to wreck on the defendants (Kejriwal and the other party members) for having sought to speak up against the malaise of corruption and maladministration."

He said the allegations made by him against Jaitley were based on "true facts and documents in public domain". "The plaintiff (Jaitley) has himself, in the past, spoken out vehemently against other public figures on issues pertaining to corruption and cannot

escape the same scrutiny.

"It is reiterated that the instant plaint has been instituted with the malafide intention of intimidating and coercing this defendant into succumbing to the threat of false, frivolous and malicious prosecution and to thereby prevent him from exercising his constitutionally guaranteed right of free speech and expression," said the chief minister.

Kejriwal claimed that no injury has been caused to Jaitley's reputation. The finance minister's claim that he enjoys and in fact possesses high public character was a totally "frivolous and unsustainable claim", he added. "No injury of any kind has been caused to the plain-

tiff's reputation which he claims.

"This is not a suit for injury to his private character, but to his public character, if at all. This defendant denies that he has any reputation of this kind to protect."In a democracy, this reputation can only be what can be proved to be the known reaction, response and manifestation of the people's attitude to the plaintiff."

The attempt on part of Jaitley is to browbeat the AAP leaders into silence and "dissuade them from drawing attention to the mismanagement and rampant financial irregularities plaguing the DDCA and from inviting scrutiny into the manner of functioning of the association," the reply further added.

gal coast's Manapad beach in Tuticorin district on Tuesday, January12. The top government official in the southeastern port town of Tuticorin said the short-finned pilot whales began washing up on beaches Monday evening. (AP Photo)

SE Asian countries urged to prevent polio resurfacing new Delhi, January 12 (ianS): The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday urged the southeast Asian countries to ensure all necessary steps are taken to prevent the resurfacing of polio cases in the region. The global health organisation has stated that even if globally, polio transmission is at its lowest ever levels, the risk persists for importation of the polio virus into all polio-free areas.

"We need to ensure that our efforts and investments over the years to eradicate polio do not go waste," said Poonam Khetrapal Singh, regional director for WHO southeast Asia region.\ Countries in the region have been making commendable efforts, stepping up vigilance against polio and continuing to protect children against

the crippling virus," she said.

According to WHO, on January 13, the southeast Asian region will complete five years without any case of wild polio virus.

This is a remarkable achievement in view of the continued threat of polio virus importation from the remaining polio-endemic countries.

WHO southeast Asia region reported its last case of wild polio virus in West Bengal, India, in 2011, which facilitated poliofree certification of the region on March 27, 2014. Talking about the new steps on polio prevention initiatives, Khetrapal said: "Countries in the region are accelerating introduction of one dose of injectable inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) in childhood immunization schedules."

Soul-searching by Mumbai police over lapses in Salman Khan case

MuMbai, January 12 (ianS): Nearly a month after Bollywood megastar Salman Khan was acquitted in the 2002 accident

case, Mumbai police have done some soul-searching on alleged lapses that led to the legal defeat, officials said on Tuesday.

For starters, police top brass issued a circular to all police stations on the procedural lapses and discrepancies in the police case as

vividly brought out in the Bombay High Court judgment that quashed the case against the actor.

The circular will serve as a veritable guideline to police personnel on how to probe accidents and accident-related cases in the future, especially those involving high-profile celebrities, actors or businessmen, an official explained while declining to be named.

The Maharashtra government has informed the high court that it would challenge the verdict in the Supreme Court soon and the police are currently preparing a watertight appeal.

The circular issued by Additional Police Commissioner (Crime) K.M.M. Prasanna's office asks all police officers to learn from the alleged mistakes of the investigating team in

the Salman Khan case and ensure that these are not repeated.

Salman Khan was found guilty by the sessions court in May 2016 and convicted for, among others charges, culpable homicide not amounting to murder, and sentenced to five years in jail.

On December 10, 2015, in a hard-hitting judgment, the Bombay High Court acquitted him of all charges and quashed the lower court verdict.

The circular lists around 16 lapses in the case investigation that contributed to the adverse judgment and public reactions.

Prominent among these were collecting bills from Rain Bar, where the actor allegedly consumed liquor, without due certification under the Evidence Act as well as bills from

J.W. Marriot Hotel and a parking tag that were not recorded in the 'panchnama' (record/document on identity of accused, articles seized from him/her), raising doubts about the evidence and where Khan went after leaving the Rain Bar. The actor was present at Bandra police station from the morning of September 28, 2002, but was taken to Sir J.J. Hospital only in the afternoon for collecting blood samples.

Similarly, while the blood samples of the only person who died in the accident were collected at Bhabha Hospital in Bandra, it remained unexplained when Khan was taken to Sir J.J. Hospital in south Mumbai.

Also mentioned was the two-day delay in sending the collected blood sam-

ples to the forensic sciences laboratory on September 30. Since these were kept in the police station till then, the court said they may have been tampered with or not stored properly.

Even the chain of custody of the blood samples was not properly established and owing to a missing link, the biological evidence was not credible. The statement of the policeman who carried the blood samples from the hospital to the police station was not recorded nor was he examined.

Another lapse pertained to 6 ml blood drawn from Khan in two containers, though the lab received only 4 ml blood. The receiving clerk at the FSL was not examined while the investigating officer did not verify the medical papers while collecting them; even the

blood collection reports showed many discrepancies and defects which were admitted.

The actor was not charged under the Bombay Prohibition Act and in two places the FIR was altered without explanation.

Statements of the witnesses were not recorded under Section 161 of the Code for Criminal Procedure and nobody says Khan was driving the vehicle. While the defence said the vehicle tyre had burst leading to the accident, it (tyre) was not sent for forensic examination.

Lastly, British national and singer-actor Kamaal Khan, who was allegedly Salman's co-passenger when the accident occurred, was not summoned as police witness in the case though his address was available with the police.

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WORLD

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

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Penn’s daring dealings with ‘El Chapo’ draw US scrutiny NEW YORK/WASHINGTON, JANuARY 12 (REuTERS): U.S. investigators will examine actor Sean Penn’s interactions with Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, two U.S. government sources said on Monday, but it is unclear if prosecutors would try to force the actor to turn over information about his interview with the recaptured drug kingpin.

Mexico is pressing the U.S. government, which has requested Guzman’s extradition, to find out more about Penn’s dealings with the infamous head of the Sinaloa drug cartel, according to one U.S. government source who requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly about the case.

Rolling Stone Magazine rushed Penn’s 10,000-word article to publication on Saturday after Mexican officials captured Guzman in a dramatic raid, ending a months-long manhunt following his July escape from a maximum security prison. The only interview the drug lord is believed to have given in decades was brokered with the help of the Mexican television star Kate del Castillo.

Mexico’s Attorney General on Monday said her office has an open line of investigation into Penn’s meeting with Guzman, saying their rendezvous captured by Mexican surveillance - was an “essential” element in the drug lord’s arrest.

If U.S. authorities ulti-

Sean Penn’s trek to Sierra Madre left direct trail to El Chapo: Mexico

Actor Sean Penn (L) shakes hands with Mexican drug lord Joaquin “Chapo” Guzman in Mexico, in this undated Rolling Stone handout photo obtained by Reuters on January 10. (REUTERS Photo)

mately subpoena Penn or want him to testify against Guzman, it would be difficult to force the actor to reveal facts beyond the published interview, since he could invoke “journalistic privilege,” which in some cases protects reporters from divulging information about their work, said lawyers with expertise in U.S. media law.

The U.S. government sources could not confirm whether or not authorities will subpoena Penn. The request to extradite Guzman to the United States to face federal charges is still at a very early stage and Mexico said the process could take years.

The question of journalistic privilege has been

a hotly debated topic in the United States, with federal courts disagreeing on how much reporters are protected.

Representatives for Penn did not respond to a request for comment. The actor told the Associated Press in a brief email conversation that he has “nothin’ to hide.”

Mike Vigil, former DEA chief of international operations who has been briefed on the Guzman investigation by U.S. and Mexican law enforcement, said there is a “very strong possibility that Penn and Del Castillo are going to have to testify.”

Beyond requiring Penn to testify or hand over information, it would be ex-

tremely unlikely that U.S. authorities would have grounds to bring criminal charges against Penn himself, the sources said.

Unless Penn aided and abetted Guzman in some way, the Oscar-winning actor would not have a duty to disclose to authorities that he was talking to a fugitive, legal experts said.

MOVIE STAR AS JOURNALIST Even though Penn is a well known actor and was traveling to Mexico on his own dime, there is little doubt he was engaged in a journalistic endeavor when he met with one of the world’s most wanted men, said George Freeman, director of the Media Law Re-

source Center, a non-profit group in New York.

“Being a movie star wouldn’t disqualify him from the journalistic privilege,” said Freeman.

Of particular interest to investigators could be Penn’s revelations that the drug lord discussed “a host of corrupt major corporations” that helped Guzman launder money from his vast criminal enterprise.

The actor said he agreed not to publish the company names.

A disclaimer on the article says it was submitted to Guzman for approval before publication, a practice that several renowned journalists and professional organizations have criticized. The government

MExIcO cITY, JANuARY 12 (THE GuARdIAN): Sean Penn’s foray into the world of gonzo journalism led directly to the capture of Mexico’s most wanted criminal, said the country’s attorney general on Monday, as leaked photographs appeared to show that the Hollywood star was under surveillance as he made his way to meet Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán.

Mexico’s attorney general, Arely Gómez, said that Penn’s journey to the rugged Sierra Madre mountains was “essential” to tipping them off to the drug lord’s whereabouts, according to Reuters. Her comments came after the Mexico City daily El Universal published a series of photographs that appeared to show Penn and the Mexican actor Kate del Castillo as they arrived in Guadalajara and prepared to fly on to the encounter. Castillo, who had starred as a fictional cartel boss in a TV soap opera, was first approached by one of El Chapo’s lawyers in October 2014, could try to argue Penn’s article is not journalism and therefore not protected, but that argument would be difficult to win, said Freeman.

Prosecutors might also try to say the actors were not working as a journalists because Guzman’s original interest in connecting with Del Castillo was for a movie deal, according to Penn’s account.

“You would have to know all the facts, but making a movie is creative activity and even if it is part of a business deal it would be protected by the first amendment,” said Theodore Boutrous, an attorney in California who represented Time Inc in a case that also involved the New

with a request from the drug lord for advice on making a feature film based on his life, the newspaper said.

Castillo and the lawyer Andrés Grandos Flores then met in a Mexico City restaurant in July 2015. The next time they met – in Guadalajara on 25 September – Guzmán’s legal team gave Del Castillo a “special” telephone, with which she could contact Guzmán directly, said the newspaper, citing a Mexican intelligence report. Del Castillo returned to Guadalajara on 2 October, this time with Penn. Photographs in El Universal show Penn meeting a group of men who took him and Del Castillo to an airstrip in Nayarit state from where they flew in a small aeroplane to El Chapo’s jungle camp in the municipality of Cosalá, in Sinaloa.Shortly after the meeting, Guzmán narrowly escaped capture in a raid, but his luck ran out on Friday when he was apprehended by Mexican marines in the coastal city of Los Mochis.

York Times journalist Judith Miller. Miller went to jail for refusing to testify in a case.

Depending on where Guzman is tried, it could make a difference in how the courts would treat potential testimony from Penn.

Guzman has been charged in seven separate U.S. indictments stretching back to 1995 and but Chicago and New York are the leading contenders to host the high profile trial, according to former U.S. law enforcement officials.

The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which has jurisdiction over Chicago has questioned whether any privilege exists for journalists in any context.

Meanwhile, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which handles cases out of New York, has ruled that the party requesting a subpoena must prove the confidential information sought from a journalist is both highly relevant to the case and not attainable through any other source, raising the bar for prosecutors.

David Schultz, an attorney who defends journalists and news organizations at Levine, Sullivan, Koch & Schulz in New York, said the split in the courts raises more questions than answers.

“Whether or not he would have any privilege at all is pretty much in the air,” said Schultz.

NKorea faked sub-launched China makes more military reforms Common food preservative missile test footage: analysis BEIJING, JANuARY 12 (RE- Party’s control. sons” from Xu and Guo’s cases. can kill cancer cells: Study One of the 15 new departXu died of cancer last year beuTERS): China’s military has

SEOuL, JANuARY 12 (REuTERS): Footage of a North Korean submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) test released by Pyongyang two days after it announced it had conducted the country’s fourth nuclear test last week was faked, according to an analysis by a California-based think tank.

In defiance of a UN ban, the isolated country has said it has ballistic missile technology which would allow it to launch a nuclear warhead from a submarine, although experts and analysis of North Korean state media cast doubt on the claim.

North Korean state television aired footage on Friday of the latest test, said to have taken place in December. Unlike a previous SLBM test in May, it had not been announced at the time.

“The rocket ejected, began to light, and then failed catastrophically,” said Melissa Hanham, a senior research associate at the California-based Middlebury Institute’s James Martin Centre for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS).

South Korea’s military said on Saturday North Korea appeared to have modified the video and edited it with Scud missile footage from 2014

although an official told Reuters that the ejection technology might have improved since the May test.

The CNS analysis shows two frames of video from state media where flames engulf the missile and small parts of its body break away.

“North Korea used heavy video editing to cover over this fact,” Hanham said in an email.

“They used different camera angles and editing to make it appear that the launch was several continuous launches, but played side by side you can see that it is the same event”.

North Korean propagandists used rudimentary editing techniques to crop and flip old video footage of a more successful ejection test from May and a Scud missile launch from June last year, the video analysis showed.

The North’s claim that its fourth and most recent nuclear test, conducted last Wednesday, was of a more advanced and powerful hydrogen bomb has drawn scepticism from the U.S. government and experts.

It is also unclear if North Korea has developed a nuclear device small enough to mount on a missile.

set up 15 new units - covering everything from logistics to equipment development, political work and fighting corruption - as part of an on-going drive to modernise the world’s largest armed forces, the Defense Ministry said.

President Xi Jinping’s push to reform the military coincides with China becoming more assertive in its territorial disputes in the East and South China Seas.

China’s navy is investing in submarines and aircraft carriers and its air force is developing stealth fighters.

Late last year Xi inaugurated a general command unit for the army, a missile force and a strategic support force for People’s Liberation Army (PLA), and the 15 new units follow on from that decision.

The Defence Ministry, in a statement released late on Monday, said the new units would help the military function better and consolidate the Communist

ments is a dedicated auditing office, which will “organise and guide audits and supervision for the entire military” and strive to be independent, the ministry

fore he could be put on trial. Guo has yet to face a court.

China has been moving rapidly to upgrade its military hardware, but integration of complex systems across a regionalised command structure has been a major challenge, something the reforms aim to address.

The armed forces are also losing 300,000 members, following a surprise announcement by Xi in September.

The troop cuts and broader reform programme have proven controversial, and the military’s official newspaper has published a series of commentaries warning of opposition to the reforms and concern about job losses.

In a front page commentary on Tuesday, the People’s Liberation Army Daily admitted that “everything is hard in the beginning”, and urged the military to unite behind Xi. “We must keep the mission and our responsibility firmly in mind,” it said.

President Xi Jinping’s push to reform the military coincides with China becoming more assertive in its territorial disputes in the East and South China Seas said, without giving details.

The PLA is reeling from Xi’s anti-corruption campaign, which has seen dozens of officers investigated, including two former vice chairmen of the Central Military Commission, Guo Boxiong and Xu Caihou.

Some analysts say Xi, who heads the Central Military Commission that runs the armed forces, is also eliminating rivals.

Xi, in comments carried by state media on Tuesday, urged the armed forces to be “loyal, clean and responsible” and that they should learn “profound les-

NEW YORK, JANuARY 12 (IANS): A common naturally occurring food preservative may be used to beat cancer and deadly, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, says a new study. The researchers focused on the cancerkilling properties of nisin, a colorless, tasteless powder widely used as a food preservative.

“The application of nisin has advanced beyond its role as a food biopreservative,” said researcher Yvonne Kapila, professor at University of Michigan School of Dentistry in the US. “Current findings and other published data support nisin’s potential use to treat antibiotic resistant infections, periodontal disease and cancer,” Kapila noted.

The researchers found that feeding rats a “nisin milkshake” killed 70-80 percent of head and neck tumour cells after nine weeks and extended survival.

The mice were given a highly purified nisin dosage of 800 mg/kg. Nisin is typically added to food at the rate of .25 to 37.5 mg/kg. Many foods contain nisin, but nowhere near the 800 mg/kg needed to kill cancer cells.

Several products available to consumers also contain nisin - creams and pharmaceuticals to fight infection and mastitis, and a sanitiser in lactating cows. Nisin also fights deadly bacteria such as antibiotic-resistant MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).

“To date, nobody had found bacteria from humans or living animals that is resistant to nisin,” Kapila said.

While promising, the results are small and in mice only, so it is too early to say if nisin will act the same way in humans, Kapila said. The findings will appear in a forthcoming issue of the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy.

Syrian bomber suspected as blast kills ten in Istanbul ISTANBuL, JANuARY 12 (REuTERS): A Syrian suicide bomber is thought to be responsible for an attack which killed at least ten people including foreigners in the heart of Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet tourist district on Tuesday, President Tayyip Erdogan said.

There was a high probability Islamic State militants were behind the blast near the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, major tourist sites in the centre of one of the world’s most visited cities, two senior Turkish security officials told Reuters.

Several bodies lay on the ground in the Sultanahmet square in the immediate aftermath of the blast. A police officer and witness at the scene also reported seeing several body parts.

An official at the German foreign ministry said it was urgently working to find out whether German citizens were among the wounded. A tour company official told Reuters a German group was in the area

at the time but said there was no immediate information on whether any of them had been injured. Norway’s foreign ministry said one Norwegian man was injured and was being treated in hospital. The Dogan news agency said six German citizens and one Peruvian were also wounded.

“I condemn the terror incident in Istanbul assessed to be an attack by a suicide bomber with Syrian origin. Unfortunately we have 10 dead including foreigners and Turkish nationals,” Erdogan told a lunch for Turkish ambassadors in Ankara, in a speech broadcast live on television.

“This incident has once again showed that as a nation we should act as one heart, one body in the fight against terror. Turkey’s determined and principled stance in the fight against terrorism will continue to the end,” he said.

Turkey, a NATO member and candidate for accession to the European Union,

is part of a U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State fighters who have seized territory in neighbouring Syria and Iraq.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility but Islamist, leftist and Kurdish militants, who are battling Ankara in southeast Turkey, have all carried out attacks in the past.

The Istanbul governor’s office said the authorities were investigating the type of explosive used and who might have been responsible. It said ten people were killed and 15 wounded but gave no further details.

“We heard a loud sound and I looked at the sky to see if it was raining because I thought it was thunder but the sky was clear,” said Kuwaiti tourist Farah Zamani, 24, who was shopping at one of the covered bazaars with her father and sister.

“UNIMAGINABLE” SCENE A second police officer at the scene said the square was not densely packed at

the time of the blast, but that small groups of tourists were wandering around.

“It was unimaginable,” he said, describing an amateur video he had seen of the immediate aftermath, with six or seven bodies lying on the ground and other people seriously wounded.

Ambulances ferried away the wounded and police cordoned off streets, fearing a second attack.

The sound of the call to prayer rang out from the Blue Mosque as forensic police officers worked at the scene.

“The explosion was very loud. We shook a lot.

We ran out and saw body parts,” one woman who works at a nearby antiques store told Reuters, declining to give her name.

Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu held an emergency meeting in Ankara with the interior minister and security chiefs. A senior official said “terrorist links” were suspected in the attack, but declined to

Police secure the area after an explosion in central Istanbul on January 12. (REUTERS Photo)

comment further.

“Ambulances started rushing in and I knew it was a bomb right away because the same thing happened here last year,” said Ali Ibrahim Peltek, 40, who operates a kiosk selling snacks and drinks on the square.

“This is not good for Turkey Muslim group, in the town but everyone was expecting of Suruc near the Syrian bora terrorist attack,” he said. der and in the capital Ankara, the latter killing more TURKEY A TARGET than 100 people. Violence Turkey has become a has also escalated in the target for Islamic State, with mainly Kurdish southeast two bombings last year since a two-year ceasefire blamed on the radical Sunni collapsed in July between

the state and the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militant group, which has been fighting for three decades for Kurdish autonomy.

The PKK has however generally avoided attacking civilian targets in urban centres outside the southeast in recent years. Turkey also sees a threat from the PYD and YPG, Kurdish groups in Syria which are fighting Islamic State and with U.S. backing, but which Ankara says have close links to the PKK. “For us, there is no difference between the PKK, PYD, YPG, DHKP-C … or whatever their abbreviation may be.

One terrorist organisation is no different than the other,” Erdogan said, vowing that Turkey’s military campaign against Kurdish militants in the southeast would continue. “The first target of all terrorist organisations that operate in this region is Turkey, because Turkey fights all of them without discrimination and with the same determination.”

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sports

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

FIFA prosecutors to appeal for tougher Blatter, Platini bans ZuRICH, JaNuaRY 12 (aP): Already banished from soccer for eight years, former FIFA leaders Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini are again facing the threat of life bans.

FIFA ethics prosecutors said Tuesday they will appeal to increase the bans, arguing they are too lenient. ''The investigatory chamber intends to appeal against the decision against Mr. Blatter and Mr. Platini at the appeal committee of FIFA,'' the prosecution unit said in a statement.

The counter-challenge revives the prospect of life bans, which both men revealed had been recommended by investigators before their ethics hearings last month.

Blatter and Platini have said they will also appeal the eight-year sanctions handed down by four ethics judges who rejected charges of bribery and corruption. Instead, Blatter and Platini were banned for a range of lesser violations of the FIFA ethics code, including accepting or receiving gifts and conflicts of interest.

They deny wrongdoing over Blatter approving a $2 million payment from FIFA to Platini in 2011 as backdated salary without a contract. Platini worked as a presidential adviser to Blatter from 1999-2002 but did not claim the money owed to him for more than eight years, when FIFA was no longer obliged by Swiss law to pay him. The case has ended Platini's bid to succeed his former mentor as FIFA president in an election on Feb. 26.

Blatter wants to clear his name and host the election meeting in Zurich as a farewell to FIFA after more than 40 years. The FIFA

Michel Platini appeals 8-year ban PaRIs, JaNuaRY 12 (aFP): UEFA president Michel Platini has officially appealed to FIFA's appeal committee against his eight-year ban from football, sources close to the former France international player confirmed on Tuesday. FIFA's ethics tribunal on Saturday provided world football governing body president Sepp Blatter and vice-president Platini with the reasons for their decision to ban them for eight years, clearing the way for both to appeal the decision.

Platini's lawyer Thibaud d'Ales said the UEFA president had received the reasons behind the ban, and they would "analyse them and launch an appeal on Monday".

In December, the ethics tribunal banned Blatter and Platini for eight years, saying they had abused their positions over a $2 million payment made to Platini in 2011 for work carried out between 1999 and 2002. Both have said there was an oral contract for the payment and insist this is legal under Swiss law and FIFA regulations.

This was rejected by the FIFA ethics court in their ruling. It said the payment had "no legal basis in the written agreement signed between" Blatter and Platini in August 1999. Blatter, who has headed FIFA since 1998, confirmed on Sunday he also intends to appeal.

If FIFA's appeals board upholds the decision, both can then appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, the highest tribunal in sports.

The ban has dealt a devastating blow to 60-yearold Platini's hopes of taking over as head of FIFA in an election on February 26.

The UEFA president pulled out of the race last week, saying the ban has made it impossible for him to put together a campaign to take on the sport's most powerful job. appeals committee rarely cuts or annuls sanctions imposed by the governing body's ethics or disciplinary panels.

Blatter and Platini have said they expect their cases will fail at FIFA before they pursue further appeals at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. FIFA's appeals committee has previously imposed a life ban after judge Joachim Eckert decided on an 8-year sanction. In 2013, then-FIFA executive committee member Vernon Manilal Fernando of

Sri Lanka was expelled for bribery after then-prosecutor Michael Garcia appealed.

Manilal Fernando was judged to have bribed Asian officials to vote for Mohamed bin Hammam of Qatar in a 2009 election for a FIFA executive committee seat. The loser in that bitterly fought contest, Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim al Khalifa of Bahrain, is now a candidate for the FIFA presidency. CAS later upheld Manilal Fernando's life ban.

Spurs win eighth straight, Nets drop 10th at home NEW YORK, JaNuaRY 12 (aP): LaMarcus Aldridge had 25 points and 11 rebounds as the San Antonio Spurs extended their winning streak to eight with a 106-79 victory Monday night over Brooklyn in the Nets’ first game since an organizational shake-up.

A day after coach Lionel Hollins was fired and general manager Billy King reassigned, the Nets dropped their 10th straight at home and fifth in a row overall.

Kawhi Leonard added 17 points for the Spurs, who go to Detroit on Tuesday before putting their 31game home winning streak on the line Thursday in a showdown with Cleveland.

The Spurs (33-6) were up seven at halftime before dominating the second half, just as they did in their 102-75 victory over the Nets on Oct. 30. Those are two of their 14 wins by 20 or more points this season.

Brook Lopez scored 18 points and Joe Johnson had 16 in the Nets’ first game under interim coach Tony Brown. Brown moved guards Wayne Ellington and Donald Sloan into the starting lineup, but they combined for just 10 points on 4-of-12 shooting.

WARRIORS 111, HEAT 103 Stephen Curry scored 31 points and Draymond Green added 22 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Warriors to their 36th straight regular-season home win, over the Heat.

Klay Thompson added 17 points to help the Warriors (36-2) get halfway to Chicago’s record win total

San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) and Spurs guard Danny Green, center rear, defend Brooklyn Nets forward Thaddeus Young (30) in the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, January 11, in New York. (AP Photo)

of 72 set in 1996-97 three games before the midpoint of the season.

Dwyane Wade scored 20 points and Chris Bosh and Gerald Green added 15 apiece for the Heat, who had won eight of their past 11 games here.

But these Warriors teams are far different and that showed against a resilient Heat team that battled

all night but was unable to handle the depth of the Warriors despite the rare off-shooting night from Curry.

WIZARDS 114, BULLS 100 John Wall had 17 points and 10 assists to help the banged-up Wizards pull away from the Bulls.

Washington had seven players score in double figures in its second straight

win after a stretch of five losses in six games. Ramon Sessions had 16 points, and Garrett Temple, Otto Porter Jr. and Nene scored 14 apiece.

The Wizards led by as many as 18 points while playing without key performers Marcin Gortat, Kris Humphries and Bradley Beal. Gortat was scratched with a sore left

knee, Humphries missed his fourth straight game with a sore right knee and Beal remains out due to a stress reaction in his lower right leg.

Derrick Rose scored 23 points in the first of four games in five nights for the Bulls. Jimmy Butler had 19 points and seven assists, and Pau Gasol added 15 points and 10 rebounds.

Pep Guardiola sorry for Veniizo is Chokri Area Wrestling Champion and walked away with Rs. sparking EPL speculation 40,000 while Thupukhoyi dOHa, JaNuaRY 12 (IaNs): Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola has apologised for fuelling speculation that he will join a prominent English Premier League (EPL) club next season.

The former Barcelona icon's contract at Bayern is set to expire at the end of the season and the Spaniard had revealed earlier that he had received offers from several EPL clubs including Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea.

Guardiola's statement had led to fevered speculation over his possible destination after leaving Bayern and the former Spain international is now sorry for putting EPL managers under pressure.

"I'm sorry. It was not my intention to offend anybody. Normally in my career like a trainer, a football player I respect my

colleagues a lot," he told reporters at Bayern's winter training camp here on Tuesday. "I am sorry. It wasn't my intention."

Although Guardiola confirmed that his decision to leave Bayern is final, he refused to reveal which club he plans to lead next season.

"I don't know. Of course I'm focused on Bayern Munich, but this doesn't change the fact that I will be training a team next season. No changes, absolutely. I'm working here. I cannot answer... (until) I sign my new contract.

Maybe this happens during the season, maybe later, I can't tell now. Whenever it happens," he said.

"I will reveal my new club once I have actually signed a contract. I have not talked with the players about my imminent move to England.

We are only talking about football. But they all already know anyway," he added.

Squash player backtracks on kidney sale threat

MuMBaI, JaNuaRY 12 (REuTERs): An Indian squash player has backtracked on a threat to sell his kidney to raise funds ahead of next month's South Asian Games, saying it was a "spur of the moment" decision that he was now regretting.

Ravi Dixit, 22, is part of the home squad for the event in northeast India and was reported to be offering the organ for sale on social media for an asking price of 800,000 rupees ($11,952.79) due to a lack of sponsors. "I need at least Rs 1 lakh to participate in the South Asian Games but have not been able to find any sponsor," Dixit was quoted as saying by the Hindustan Times newspaper on Tuesday.

"So, I have decided to sell my kidney for Rs 8 lakh so that I can participate in other tournaments as well for the rest of the year."

Dixit, who turns 23 this week, later apologised for his comments in a letter issued through the Squash Rackets Federation of India, the local governing body, but insisted he still needed sponsorship to

continue his playing career.

"I never intended to sell my kidney. This statement was made at the spur of the moment for which I am truly sorry," Dixit wrote. "I am keen to pursue squash as my career and continuously looking out for additional sponsors to meet my expenses." Dixit's threat to sell the organ, forbidden

by Indian law, was also a cause of concern for his parents. "I have spoken to Ravi. He is in Chennai right now but I spoke to him on the phone. His mother and I are imploring him not to take the step," Ravi's father, Ramkailash, told the Times of India newspaper.

"Together, we will figure out a way to deal with this crisis. This way, he will ruin both his life and career.

"I funded my daughter's wedding with Ravi's winnings. Since he has to support the family as well, he cannot use much of what he gets for himself."

His father's employer, the Dhampur Sugar Mill, had provided financial assistance in the past but according to Dixit, the funds were no longer enough to support him.

The winners alongwith NLA speaker Chotisuh Sazo and others during Chokri Area Wrestling Association (CAWA) 26th meet at K. Bawe in Phek district on January 12.

Our Correspondent

Area Wrestling Association (CAWA) held here today.

K. Bawe | January 12 Hailing from Thenyizu Veniizo Dawhuo emerged village, Veniizo defeated as champion of the 26th Vevolhu Swuro, also from Wrestling Meet of Chokri Thenyizu, to win cash prize

of Rs. 60,000. Runner up Vevolhu pocketed cash prize of Rs. 50,000.

Besiihveto Chiizho from Phusachodii village claimed the third position

Swuro from Chetheba Town pocketed Rs. 20,000 for winning 4th place. Earlier, Nagaland Legislative Assembly Speaker Chotisuh Sazo graced the occasion as the chief guest and called upon the wrestlers to take wrestling as profession.

He also stressed on the need to promote the game of Naga wrestling at the National level.

Er. Mudozho Chiizho, Retd Senior Architect, NPWD graced the closing function as the chief guest and gave away prizes to the winners.

Earlier, CAWA president Etsongoyi Medeo in his presidential address thanked each and every individual for the success of the 26th CAWA meet.

Titans, Bendangsunep enter MDCA semis

MOKOKCHuNg, JaNuaRY 12 (MExN): Titans CC defeated Musketeers CC by 8 wickets and Team Bendangsunep defeated Züngamedem by 38 runs today to enter the semi final stages of the ongoing 25th MDCA Inter Club Cricket Tournament played at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung.

In the first quarterfinal match, Musketeers won the toss and elected to bat first and were restricted to just 89 runs by the Titans. Toshi was the lone Musketeer to defy the Titans bowlers with 14 runs. Merenkaba led the Titans bowling attack and claimed wicket 3 wickets, while Maila

claimed 2 wickets.

Titans reached the target in the 14th over of the inning with Sunep remaining unbeaten on 38 while Rohit with 25 runs ably assisted in the run chase.

Nungsang and Wapang claimed 1 wicket each for the Musketeers.

In the second quarterfinal match, Team Bendangsunep won the toss, elected to bat and set a target of 100 runs. Moakumzuk top scored with 31 runs. Raj and Anoksangba also made 19 and 18 runs respectively. Moalong and Temsu claimed 2 wickets each for Züngamedem.

Like in previous matches, Züngamedem got off to a very slow start

chasing the target and putting pressure on themselves. Eventually, Züngamedem got bundled out in the 17th Over for just 61 runs. Team Bendangsunep’s Azar Zafer got a hat-trick and along with Imliakum finished with a haul of 4 wickets each.

Team Bendangsunep will face the two time and the reigning champions Titans CC in the first semifinal match on January 14.

MATCH DAY 8 FIXTURE: 3rd Quarter Final (8 AM) - Skylark CC vs Sovran Kings 4th Quarter Final (11 AM) - Brotherhood CC vs Sovran

Nagaland won two medals in Taekwondo at the National Level Rural Competition held at Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh from January 9 to 12. Keyinchigongbe Hega bagged a gold medal in the 55-59 kg category while Boto Chophy secured silver medal in 51-55 kg category. In the picture are the two medalists with Taekwondo Coach Visabiu Peseyie.

Sania-Martina extend their winning streak

sYdNEY, JaNuaRY 12 (PTI): The seemingly unstoppable duo of Sania Mirza and Martina Hingis eased past Anastasia Rodionova and Arina Rodionova in the opening round of Sydney International to extend their winning streak to 27 matches here today.

Rohan Bopanna too won his opening round alongside Romanian partner Florin Mergea to enter the quarterfinals of the concurrently held ATP event. The fourth seeds had to dig deep to beat Denis Istomin and Henri Kontinen 6-7, 6-3, 10-8.

Doubles world number one Sania and Swiss great Martina mauled the Rodionova pairing, representing Australia, 6-2, 6-3 to reach the quarters.

Sania and Martina began 2016 by winning the Brisbane International last week for their sixth title in a row.

Their 27-match winning run is the longest since Italians Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci won 25 in a row in 2012. Sara and Roberta had won five titles in a row, at Barcelona, Madrid, Rome, the French Open and 's-Hertogenbosch.

CAS bans 34 AFL players after upholding WADA appeal

MELBOuRNE, JaNuaRY 12 (aP): In what Australian rules football administrators described as a "stain on our game," 34 players involved in Essendon's supplement program in 2012 were suspended for the 2016 season.

The ruling came Tuesday after the Court of Arbitration for Sport upheld an appeal from the World Anti-Doping Agency against an Australian Football League tribunal's decision to clear them.

Almost 10 months after the AFL's anti-doping tribunal stated it could not be "comfortably satisfied" that any of the players had violated anti-doping rules by using Thymosin Beta-4 under the club's supplements program during the 2012 season, CAS announced it had ruled in favor of WADA and

set aside the initial decision.

The sanctions came as a shock to some, but not to antidoping officials.

In the end, players and administrators of Australia's homegrown game had to accept that athletes are ultimately responsible for whatever ends up in their systems.

Of the 34 players, a dozen still are contracted to Melbournebased Essendon, including the AFL's 2012 player of the year Jobe Watson, five are playing for other clubs and the others have retired or been de-listed. "As tough as the sanction feels, the AFL accepts the decision of CAS," AFL chairman Mike Fitzpatrick said.

Gillon McLachlan, the AFL's chief executive, described the sanction as "devastating" for the

players. "Our view is that they have been horribly let down by the administration of the time," he said. "But the club has sought to acknowledge what has happened and move forward from those events."

In its judgment, CAS said it was satisfied the players had taken the banned substance and were significantly at fault. It imposed mandatory two-year bans, meaning most of the 34 players will be suspended until Nov. 13.

The court rejected an argument of "no significant fault, no significant negligence" which could have drastically reduced the sentences. It was the severity of the penalties that shocked those who believed any bans imposed by the court might be backdated

so heavily the players would miss only a handful of games.

While the domestic media speculated that players would take legal action in civil courts, the CAS verdict, delivered by a three-man panel headed by British barrister Michael Beloff, is likely the last step in the antidoping process that started in February 2012 when Essendon announced its supplements program was being investigated.

ASADA chief executive Ben McDevitt said the "unfortunate episode has chronicled the most devastating self-inflicted injury by a sporting club in Australian history."

"Unfortunately, despite their education, (the players) agreed to be injected with a number of substances they had little knowl-

edge of, made no enquiries about the substance and kept the injections from their team doctor and ASADA," he said. The nutritionist behind the supplements program has been banned for life by the AFL, but maintains he is innocent of doping allegations and threatened legal action.

Essendon chairman Lindsay Tanner said the 2012 supplements program "was a mistake of the highest magnitude."

"It's heartbreaking for the players, who will struggle to understand how two tribunals could come to two different conclusions from the same evidence," Tanner said. "But as a club, we should have had more robust systems in place to ensure the protection of our players."

wednesday 13•01•2016

EntErtainmEnt

Leonardo DiCaprio explains his reaction to Lady Gaga that broke the Internet

Charlie Sheen says he’s dedicating his life to HIV cure Charlie Sheen says he’s dedicating his life to finding HIV cure; Hollywood bad boy says his diagnosis was foretold in dream

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nternet had a field day when Leonardo DiCaprio’s surprised eyeroll after Lady Gaga grazed his arm on her way to accept her award went viral.

The gif broke the internet and Leonardo’s reaction was all that everyone talked about. The moment captured by cameras left everyone guessing about Leonardo's peculiar expression.

While Lady Gaga won

a Golden Globe, the actor’s expression won the internet. Almost everyone had their own explanation to the actor’s expression. Somewhere funny, while some where extremely witty.

However, Leonardo’s explanation to the gif is something entirely different. In a quick chat with ET Online, the 41-year-old actor was surprised that his reaction became a trending

he actor, 50, discussed his fight against HIV on Monday's episode of "The Dr. Oz Show," stating that he’s dedicating his life to eradicating the disease that can lead to AIDS. “I hope in my abilities to do something really positive with this,” he said.

The interview was filmed in and around Sheen's California home, as well as the show's studio in New York City. topic on the World Wide During the segment that Web. When asked why he made the face when Lady Gaga brushed him, the ‘Revenant’ star revealed, “I just didn’t know what was passing me -- that’s all!”

DiCaprio won the Best Actor for 'The Revenant' and took home his third Golden Globe, whereas the 29-year-old pop star won the award for her debut show ‘American Horror Story’.

aired Monday, Sheen discussed a dream he had when he was 28 years old, in which he saw himself with a sign around his neck — and it said "AIDS" on it, he told Oz. He said he has changed his lifestyle, curtailing his drinking and committing to working out regularly, including jogging, swimming and yoga.

The former "Two and a Half Men" star revealed that he had HIV on the "Today"

show in November, after a report emerged that he had tested positive for the virus more than four years ago. The actor has also stated that he paid more than $10 million to people who knew about his diagnosis, in order for them to keep mum. Sheen says his public disclosure has been helpful for him. “It’s been a liberating sense of freedom,” he said. “I wish I had done it sooner.”

Vir Das on cloud 9 after US comedy Management Company signs him up

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andana Karimi is becoming popular with each passing day. All thanks to her irresistible beauty and her antics inside the house of Bigg Boss. But the Iranian stunner seems to have landed in legal mess! According to a report in Mumbai Mirror, Mandana is expected to allot about 10 days for her film – ‘Kyaa Kool Hain Hum 3’s’ promotion.

But since she is still inside the house of Bigg Boss and going strong in the competition, she may not be able to keep up her commitment as per her contract with Balaji Motion Pictures, the production company which has produced the film.

However, the makers of the film do believe that the show has made her a household name, but they do allege that the lady hasn’t kept up her words.

Mandana had apparently signed for the film much before she entered the house of ‘Bigg Boss’ and knew she was bound contractually. Interestingly, Mandana has a three film contract with the banner.

SaCHa Baron CoHen retires from playing Borat

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omedy star Sacha Baron Cohen has retired from playing his most popular characters Borat and Bruno.

The 44-year-old actor took said he will never again portray the controversial alter egos, because he fears for the safety of himself and his family, reported Mirror.

“I miss those roles but cannot do them as I have responsibility for my family. Being in a wild situation when you’re deep in character, and nobody realising you’re not real – that’s the ultimate adrenaline. But I’m too old for it – and you start feeling irresponsible when you have a family,” Cohen said.

The actor and actress wife Isla Fisher , 39, have three children. And Cohen wants to keep them away from any trouble.

“I always received death threats, but they increased after Bruno. You have to have the mindset that if something bad happens everyone is going to be fine,” he said.

omedian-actor Vir Das has been signed up by America's one of the largest comedy management companies, Levity Entertainment Group (LEG). LEG is a vertically integrated entertainment company with four divisions: live, production, talent management, and digital. It has worked with world-renowned comedians such as Jamie Foxx, Jeff Dunham, Trevor Noah, Daniel Tosh, Tracy Morgan, Amy Schumer and Gabriel Iglesias.

"It’s honestly great to

Justin Bieber equals John Lennon's UK chart records

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ustin Bieber recently marked a historic first on the British singles charts as he occupied the entire top three of the chart.

The 21-year-old singer's 'Love yourself' logged a fifth week at number one, followed by 'Sorry' at number two and ' What do you mean' at three, reports News24.com.

The Official Charts Company said it's the first time an artist has ever achieved the feat in the history of the official charts, having previously hit the incredibly rare milestone of holding spots one and two with ' Love yourself' and ' Sorry.'

The last artist to have three singles in the top five was Beatles legend John Lennon in 1981 with 'Imagine,' 'Happy Xmas' (War Is Over) and (Just Like) 'Starting Over' following his assassination.

John LeGenD inspired by Aishwarya Rai's 'charisma'

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nternational singer John Legend, who has worked on a song for an ad campaign featuring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Eva Longoria, is mesmerised by the Indian beauty and former Miss World.

The two actresses, both L'Oreal Paris ambassadors, share a great camaraderie, and are part of a campaign that the brand will be launching soon in India.

The video for the campaign is based on Legend's version of a famous French song, and features the two looking pretty in pink.

While shooting for the

campaign, Legend was smitten by their presence.

Sharing his experience of working with Aishwarya, he said in a statement: "Having the chance to sing such beautiful words to one of the most beautiful and talented women in the world is all that I could ask for.

"She embodies beauty and love and I couldn't have been more inspired by her charisma."

Aishwarya, who made her comeback to filmdom last year with "Jazbaa", has movies like "Sarbjit" and "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil" next up for her fans.

have the best management firm and agency in the country handling my career. There’s a global spot for an original Indian voice out there in comedy, television and film. Levity CAA (Creative Artists Agency) and I agree that we need to take that spot together in 2016,” Vir said in a statement.

Last year, the 36-yearold performed in the US at venues like the Carolines on Broadway and Hollywood Improv, where he was discovered by Levity. “We work with a vari-

Mandana Karimi in legal trouble

ety of artistes from around the world. Working with someone that has the experience, achievements, and talent that Vir encapsulates is an exciting new endeavor," said Levity Entertainment Group comedy manager and producer Reg Tigerman.

"From the moment we saw a clip of Vir on YouTube and in a packed house at the Hollywood Improv, it was immediately apparent how unique Vir is. We could see the undeniable potential to elevate him on a global level,” he said.

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Messi wins Ballon d'or for fifth tiMe

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Italy boycott Ballon d'Or over Buffon absence

Rome, JanUaRy 12 (aFP): Italy coach Antonio Conte and captain Gianluigi Buffon did not participate in the Ballon d'Or vote at the request of their federation in protest at Buffon's absence from the list of candidates, Italian media reported on Tuesday.

The veteran Juventus goalkeeper did not make the preliminary list re-

leased in October with five goalkeepers chosen ahead of him -- Manuel Neuer, Iker Casillas, Thibaut Courtois, Claudio Bravo and David Ospina. And in the voting list released by FIFA on Monday night after Argentina and Barcelona star Lionel Messi won a record fifth award for the world's best player, the results for the Italian coach and captain were missing,

although the Italian journalist voted.

Sports dailies Gazzetta dello Sport and Corriere dello Sport reported that Conte and Buffon had not voted at the request of the Italian football federation.

Buffon's absence shocked Italy where it was estimated that he deserved his place more than Porto's former Real Madrid goalkeeper Casillas, Barcelo-

FC Barcelona's Lionel Messi of Argentina (R) shakes hand with FC Barcelona's Neymar'of Brazil after receiving the World Player of the Year award during the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2015 ceremony in Zurich, Switzerland, January 11. (REUTERS)

Overall I’m not a big fan of that," the Frenchman said earlier on Monday.

The breakdown presented by FIFA also revealed tactical voting among the 165 national team coaches, 162 national team captains and 171 media representatives who cast votes. Messi, eligible to vote as Argentina captain, named Barcelona team mates Luis Suarez, Neymar and Andres Iniesta as his top three.

Portugal captain Ronaldo choose three Real Madrid team mates -- Karim Benzema, James Rodriguez and Gareth Bale. Belgium captain Vincent Kompany opted for his compatriots Eden Hazard and Kevin de Bruyne as his top two.

More surprisingly, Spain captain Iker Casillas -- the former Real Madrid goalkeeper who now plays for Portuguese club Porto -was among those who did not vote.

Despite a red carpet

and plenty of glitz, the event had a low-key air of predictability about it and was held against the backdrop of FIFA going through the worst corruption crisis since it was founded in 1904. The sport is facing criminal investigations in both Switzerland and the United States, where some leading FIFA officials are among 41 individuals and sports entities who have been indicted on corruption charges.

Outgoing FIFA president Sepp Blatter, normally a central figure in the ceremony, was not involved after being banned for eight years by the Ethics Committee in December and there was no President's Award, usually given out

by Blatter for outstanding services to the game.

Past recipients have included Pele, former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson, the Haiti national team, Queen Rania of

Jordan and South African anti-apartheid activist and veteran cleric, Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Acting president Issa Hayatou played a low-key role, reading a brief speech before the start and appearing on stage when the awards for best player and women's player were presented. Ronaldo said the players did not want to discuss FIFA's problems.

"We avoid answering this kind of question," he told a press conference before the ceremony.

"We are professional football players, we compete every week, every day, we train and we just focus on that. These things happen not just in football but in life, and the best thing would be no corruption anywhere." In terms of individual achievement, Ronaldo had slightly the better in the last year, scoring 54 goals in 52 games for Real Madrid, compared to Messi's 48 in 53.

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rohit heroics in vain as smith, Bailey secure australia victory Smith makes career-best 149 in ODIs Rohit Sharma hits unbeaten 171

manner trying to score quickly for his team and was out caught close to the boundary rope by Aaron Finch off paceman James Faulkner, who finished with figures of 2-60 in his 10 overs.

Paceman Scott Boland made a forgettable debut for Australia as he gave away 74 runs in his 10 overs while the other debutant Joel Paris also went wicketless, conceding 53 in his eight.

Brisbane will host the second match of the fivegame series on Friday.

na's Bravo and Arsenal's Ospina and as much as Bayern Munich's Neuer and Chelsea's Courtois.

At 37 years Buffon is still first choice for his country and Juventus who he helped reach the Champions League final last season.

He has had a superb start to the season and is still a stalwart in the Italian team.

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ZURICH, JanUaRy 12 (ReUteRs): Lionel Messi reclaimed the FIFA Ballon d'Or award for the world player of the year on Monday from his great rival Cristiano Ronaldo who had walked off with the award for the previous two years.

The Barcelona and Argentina forward took 41.33 percent of the votes followed by the Portuguese and Real Madrid forward (27.76 percent), with Brazil and Barcelona forward Neymar third (7.86 per cent).

"It is a very special moment for me to be back here on this stage, winning again another Ballon d’Or after being there in the audience watching Cristiano win," said Messi as he accepted the award at the end of a drawn-out 90-minute ceremony. "It’s incredible this is my fifth." Barcelona's Luis Enrique was voted coach of the year while United States World Cup winner Carli Lloyd, who scored a hattrick in the final against Japan, was named women's player of the year.

Initially started as the FIFA World Player of the Year award in 1991, it became known as the Ballon d'Or after merging with France Football's European footballer of the year award in 2010.

The award, shared exclusively between Messi and Real Madrid's Ronaldo since Brazilian Kaka won in 2007, has been heavily promoted by FIFA and was broadcast to 190 countries with 1,100 guests including players and coaches attending the ceremony.

But it is not everyone's cup of tea and some critics, such as Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger, say it is not appropriate in a team sport. "I’m a big enemy of the Ballon d’Or. Who will win it? You know as well as I do that it’s certainly Messi who will win it. I think so.

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Australia's Steve Smith watches the ball after he hit it for a six during their One Day International cricket match against India in Perth January 12. (REUTERS)

PeRtH, JanUaRy 12 (ReUteRs): Captain Steve Smith and George Bailey struck fluent centuries as Australia chased down a steep 310-run target to win the first one-day international against India by five wickets in Perth on Tuesday.

Smith fell for his highest ODI score of 149 with Australia two runs short of victory and the right-hander left the ground shaking his head before watching his team seal victory with four balls to spare.

Opener Rohit Sharma smashed an unbeaten 171 to lift India to 309 for three after the touring side won the toss and chose to bat first in sublime batting conditions at the WACA ground.

India lost Shikhar Dhawan (nine) early but Rohit,

the only cricketer with two double centuries in this format, and test captain Virat Kohli (91) laid the platform for a late flourish with a 207-run stand for the second wicket.

India left-arm paceman Barinder Sran (3-56) gave his side a dream start on his debut by dismissing hard-hitting openers Aaron Finch (eight) and David Warner (five) in successive overs to reduce Australia to 21 for two.

Bu t Ba i l e y ( 1 1 2 ) scored his third ODI hundred and added 242 for the third wicket with his skipper to take the match away from India. Bailey was lucky to survive an appeal for caught behind on the first ball he faced with television replays confirming Bran's delivery brushing his glove

on the way through to wicketkeeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

India also missed several opportunities to run the right-hander out when their throws failed to hit the stumps.

Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin sent back Bailey and Glenn Maxwell (six) in successive overs to give India hope but it was too little, too late.

The 28-year-old Rohit, whose 264 against Sri Lanka in 2014 remains the highest individual score in the 50-over format, hit 13 fours and seven sixes.

Rohit's 163-ball knock was the highest score by a visiting batsman against Australia, overtaking West Indies great Viv Richards's unbeaten 153 in 1979 in Melbourne.

Kohli fell in unselfish

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