February 12, 2019

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXIX No. 66

DIMAPUR, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2019 Pages 12 ` 5.0

Anti-CAB agitations hit normal life in Manipur

Juventus beat Sassuolo 3-0 in Serie A

‘Modi behaves like he is PM of Pak’: Kejriwal

northeast, Page 4

sports, Page 11

national, Page 5

10-hour Nagaland bandh total and peaceful

Staff Reporter/Correspondents

DIMAPUR/KOHIMA/ MOKOKCHUNG/ MON/LONGLENG/ KIPHIRE, FEB 11 (NPN): The 10-hour bandh, called

by Naga civil society organizations (CSOs) under the banner of Nagaland GBs Federation (NGBF) to oppose the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) 2016 and demand early solution to Naga political issue, threw normal life out of gear across Nagaland Monday as educational institutions were closed down, business activities came to a standstill, vehicles remained off the roads and people stayed indoors during the bandh that began at 6am and ended at 4pm.

In ENPO areas bandh was imposed from 6 a.m. to 12 noon.

The bandh, however, went off peacefully with no untoward incidents reported from any parts of the state.

The bandh particularly in Dimapur and Kohima was voluntarily observed by the general public as there were no volunteers seen enforcing the bandh.

In Dimapur, there was some movement of traffic

NDPP welcomes EC’s dismissal of petition DIMAPUR, FEB 11 (NPN): The ruling- Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) has welcomed the dismissal of a petition filed by one Zeneisilie Ate Loucii that sought dismissal of its registration as a political party

by Election Commission of India (ECI).

In a communiqué issued by its media & communication committee, NDPP while appreciating the decision of EC for upholding the sanctity of the legal system of India, termed the judgement as “unbiased and fair”.

NDPP said it was humbled by the ECI order and thanked Almighty God for the “just decision”.

NDPP reiterated that from the very beginning it had maintained that it had done no wrong and that the complaint held no ground.

Stressing that it was a people-centric party, committed to tirelessly working for welfare of the people, NDPP asserted that it never had and never would mislead the people with rhetoric and false claims.

“We firmly believe and adhere to our motto ‘Facta Non Verba’ and will continue to work on the strength of the words…” it added.

This is it!

“Arrey Bhai. The citizenship bill is meant to protect Bangladeshi Hindus from Indian Hindus.”

K Y M C

(L-R) An aerial view of Dimapur’s Clock Tower area during the bandh. (Zuchanthung Ezung) and Razhu point, Kohima wears a deserted look on Monday. (NP)

as commuters were given more leeway unlike in the past. Also, GBs wearing their trademark waistcoat manned several strategic locations to monitor peaceful passage of the bandh.

NGBF president, Shahlem Konyak, told Nagaland Post that the primary purpose of the bandh was to provide civil society groups a platform where they could unite and demand for an early solution to the protracted Naga political issue while also opposing the CAB. He said that while the bandh was called to op-

pose the contentious Bill, solution to the Naga issue was of paramount importance. Konyak said NGBF in cohort and in one accord with several civil societies in the state have opposed the CAB. NGBF general secretary, Shikuto Zalipu also reiterated NGBF’s stand on early solution to the “Indo-Naga” political issue.

On CAB that has sparked agitations throughout the Northeast, he said, “The CAB cannot be applied to the Nagas under any condition. After the unanimous opposition against

the Bill, the ball is now in the court of the central government.”

Dimapur District GB Association (DDGBA) president, Khehovi told Nagaland Post that NGBF and its district units have made a concerted effort to ensure that the bandh was peaceful.

Calling for ‘Solution before Election,’ Khehovi stated that in the past the idea for ‘Solution for Election’ had not yielded the desired result and therefore the NGBF has emphasized on solution before election this time around.

F u r t h e r, D D G BA president urged the Government of India to expedite the peace process with the eight NNPGs that it was currently negotiating with, in the interest of Nagas.

He told Nagaland Post that NGBF and civil society groups will await the response from the Government of India, and in case of a delay or unsatisfactory response, the NGBF with all civil society organizations would convene a consultative meeting where they would chalk out future course of action.

Naga Council Dima-

pur (NCD) president, T Bangerloba, who also spoke to Nagaland Post, stated that the council was pleased with the initiative taken up

by NGBF and extended full support to the bandh.

Expressing strong resentment to the Bill, he said NCD has reached out various hohos and organizations to unitedly oppose the Citizenship Amendment Bill. Bangerloba also revealed that the NCD has formed a committee to check influx of illegal immigrants and also deliberated on CAB. (Cont’d on p-7)

Rajnath axes meeting with NE CMs on CAB NEW DELHI, FEB 11 (IANS): Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday cancelled his meeting with Chief Ministers of Northeastern states to discuss the controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Bill which is likely to be tabled in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.

Samajwadi Party Rajya Sabha member Javed Ali Khan has assured the North East Students Organisation (NESO) that his party will vote against the Bill.

Rajnath Singh was supposed to meet the Chief Ministers at 4.30 p.m. at his North Block office.

The sudden cancellation of the meeting assumes significance in the wake of the ongoing widespread protests against the Bill in the northeastern states.

Various civil society groups and political parties are opposing the Bill saying it will have a detrimental effect on the ethnic communities if it becomes a law.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised to the people of the northeastern states that the Bill will in no way cause harm to their interests.

Tuccu elected NSCN (I-M) chairman, Tongmeth as VC Organizations laud JCC, Nagas

(L-R) Tongmeth Wangnao and Qhehezu Tuccu after being elected on Monday. (MIP)

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, FEB 11 (NPN): NSCN (I-M) on Monday unanimously elected Qhehezu Tuccu as the chairman, NSCN/Yaruiwo, GPRN and Tongmeth Wangnao as vice chairman NSCN/vice president, GPRN. Both Tuccu and Wangnao were members of the collective leadership.

According to MIP, NSCN (I-M) ato kilonser, Th. Muivah pronounced the declaration of the election of Q. Tuccu and Tongmeth Wangnao during the National Hoho held at Central Headquarters, Hebron. Both Tuccu and Wangnao shall hold their respective posts for a term of 6 years as per the Yehzabo, MIP stated.

The ‘oath of allegiance

and secrecy’ was administered by NJB convener (chief justice), Khriesarokho Peseyie.

It may be recalled that the post of chairman was lying for almost three years after the death (June 28, 2016) of Isak Chishi Swu, one of the founding members. On the other hand, the post of vice chairman fell vacant following the demise of late ‘gen.’(Retd.) Kholi Konyak on December 12, 2018.

A senior NSCN (I-M) member informed Nagaland the names of both the leaders were proposed after a joint consultation meeting of the collective leader, members of the collective leadership, senior leaders of NSCN/ GPRN, steering committee convenor and co-convenor and kilo kilonser.

The NSCN (I-M) leader said around 4000 members of NSCN/GPRN both from civil and Army wing overwhelmingly agreed to the

DIMAPUR, FEB 11 (NPN): Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) has complimented Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) for spearheading democratic protest against the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) and the delay by the Centre in concluding the ongoing Naga peace process.

The council also thanked and appreciated Nagas for their sacrifice.

In a statement, NTC further said it was encouraged and felt elated at how the Nagas had responded positively to the call of JCC, comprising civil bodies, tribal organisations and Indigenous citizens, to observe bandh on Monday across the State.

The council added that it was left to every individual’s choice whether to observe the bandh or not.

And seeing the success of the bandh across the State due to the spontaneous response of the people, the council said it felt encouraged by realising that the Nagas had not lost their spirit.

“The cohesion so exhibited today has given sense of security that we still possess the potential to synchronise our acts together for common good.

The spontaneous response from the citizens is a clear sign that people are behind the issues raised in public domain and the messages are loud and clear to those in power,” it added. The council further noted that Nagas were passing through a very critical phase in the light of the Naga political negotiations between government of India and the Nagas, being (Cont’d on p-7) (Cont’d on p-7) at the last leg.

proposal. The member also said that senior members were hopeful that the induction of the new chairman and vice chairman would rejuvenate/re-strengthen NSCN/GPRN. Born on February 20, 1945, Tuccu who hails from Nihoto village joined the Naga national service in 1980. He held several posts from 1982 as acting chairman UT, kilonser of various important portfolios and member of the steering committee. He was later made member of the collective leadership in 2013.

Tongmeth Wangnao, who was born in 1958, joined the Naga national service in 1987. Till 1995, he served as secretary before he was elected Tatar in 1995. From 1998, he held important posts in the capacity of kilonser, Speaker, Tatar Hoho, member of the steering committee and NJB convener.

Rajnath Singh (File)

“The Samajwadi Party has assured us that his party will vote against the Bill if tabled in the Rajya Sabha,” NESO Chairman Samuel Jyrwa said.

M e g h a l aya C h i e f Minister Conrad Sangma, who reached New Delhi on Sunday, has made it clear that his National People’s Party (NPP) will snap ties with the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance if the Bill is passed in the Rajya Sabha.

The Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on January 8.

On Januar y 7, the A s o m G a n a Pa r i s h a d (AGP) snapped its ties with the BJP and pulled out of Sarbananda Sonowal-led Assam government over the Bill.

CAB: Bhupen’s son decides to turn down ‘Bharat Ratna’ award G U WA H A T I , F E B 1 1 (AGENCIES): Bhupen Hazarika’s son on Monday said that he will not accept the highest civilian award ‘Bharat Ratna’ conferred by Narendra Modi government to his father in protest against the Citizenship Amendment Bill.

An e-mailed statement issued on Sunday quoted Tez Hazarika, who lives in the USA, as saying: “In his songs he celebrated the richness of indigenous people not only of the Northeast but all of India and he advocated their inclusion in the Indian experience as essential to the success of Indian civilisation as a whole.”

The government had announced that former president Pranab Mukherjee, the later Bharatiya Jana Sangh leader Nanaji Deshmukh and Bhupen Hazarika would be conferred the Bharat Ratna -- the country’s highest civilian award.

Priyanka’s first road show rumbles into UP CAB ‘devilish Bill’ doctored by BJP: NPF LUCKNOW, FEB 11 (PTI): Priyanka Gandhi Vadra made her debut in Uttar Pradesh’s political arena as Congress general secretary with a grand road show on Monday, raising hopes of a turnaround in the party’s fortunes, as her brother and party president Rahul Gandhi asserted that it was the time to uproot the BJP and form the government in the state.

Virtually launching the party’s Lok Sabha poll campaign, Priyanka Gandhi, accompanied by Rahul Gandhi and Jyotiraditya Scindia, in-charge of the state’s western region, was the cynosure of many eyes with thousands of onlookers, including enthusiastic party workers jostling to get a glimpse and capture the image of the 47-yearold beaming leader in their phones. Rose petals were showered and marigold garlands tossed towards the

Rahul Gandhi with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Jyotiraditya Scindia during a roadshow in Lucknow, Monday. (PTI)

brother-sister duo as their cavalcade embarked on a roughly 25-km-long road show, from the airport to the party headquarters as the duo exchanged brief pleasantries with some members of the crowd.

Significantly, Priyanka Gandhi did not address the crowd during the road show

or at the Congress office and it was Rahul Gandhi, who attacked the Modi government and pitched a roadmap for the party going forward -- seen by many commentators as a subtle political message that he will be calling the shots despite Priyanka Gandhi’s popularity in the state. Giving a sense what

her entry means to the party workers in UP where the party has been struggling electorally for years, posters showed Priyanka in ‘Durga Mata’ (Hindu Goddess) avatar riding a lion.

“Maa Durga ka roop behen Priyankaji (Sister Priyankaji is Maa Durga’s incarnation)”, said one poster, while some others highlighted her resemblance to Indira Gandhi, her grandmother.

At a number of places, the leaders atop the bus had to dodge overhead electric wires in the busy and congested commercial areas.

They also had to change to an open jeep near the Novelty Cinema hall here.

At the end of the fourand-a-half hour roadshow, Rahul Gandhi addressed enthusiastic party workers at the state Congress office.

Priyanka Gandhi also interacted with the state unit leaders at the party office.

DIMAPUR, FEB 11 (NPN): NPF Legislature Party (NPFLP), under the leadership of TR Zeliang conveyed its sincere appreciation to civil society organisations and tribal bodies under the banner of Nagaland GB Federation (NGBF) and JCPI for calling the State-wide bandh on Monday against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 that was recently passed in Lok Sabha.

In a communiqué, NPFLP said the spontaneous response from the general public to the call of the bandh was the voice of the people against the “devilish Bill doctored by BJP against the existence of indigenous people of the Northeast India”. It said the success of the bandh, which was based voluntary observance, was significant as it showed Naga people’s apparent anger, adding that the fear of survival as indigenous people was absolutely

genuine and justified.

Declaring that it was steadfast in its commitment to stand against the Bill till the last, the opposition party also appealed to all the citizens concerned of the State to stand up against this contentious Bill for their own survival. “We have no political design or agenda in this issue, but we take it as an issue for the very survival of our existence, transcending political spectrum. We are not interested to score any political mileage, but for the simple reason – to survive,” it clarified.

Noting that the stir might be only the beginning, the party stressed continuing to fight together for “our right to exist as indigenous people”. It alleged that the design of the Bill was such that indigenous people of the Northeast would to be completely swamped and annihilated by foreigners.

“Therefore, as torch bearer of regional politics,

NPF stands up to the occasion for the survival of our race,” the communiqué affirmed.

The opposition party warned that the oscillating stand of the PDA government led by chief minister Neiphiu Rio would be answerable and held responsible, should the Bill operate against survival of “our own indigenous people”. It cautioned that the “meek and cowardly” act of the present dispensation in handling such a vital issue would be disastrous for posterity of the Nagas and people of the Northeast.

Referring to reports of commissioner asking NGBF to call off its bandh and reportedly threatening GBs of their appointments being cancelled, NPFLP termed the entire episode appalling and said it was unbecoming of the government official to indulge in such an act.

(Cont’d on p-7) K Y M C

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Sukhalu inaugurates Medziphema SDEO office

KT Sukhalu (3rd from left), Zhaleo Rio, Education department officials and others after the inaugural program on February 11 in Medziphema.

DIMAPUR: A Sub-divisional Education Office (SDEO), under Medziphema sub-division, was inaugurated by K. T. Sukhalu, advisor, School Education on February 11, in the presence of public leaders, teachers and officials of the department.

According to a press release by NDPP 5 Ghaspani-II A/C press secre-

tary, Thejangukho Yalietsu, K.T. Sukhalu said that the new office was dedicated to the people and remarked that everyone should cooperate with the office, however they could, to better its record. He also thanked the government of Nagaland and particularly, Zhaleo Rio who, he said, was the driving force behind the new establish-

ment. Sukhalu promised that the department would contribute its best for the welfare of the people but the public also must do their part in all matters related to development of schools and office.

Speaking as host of the program, Zhaleo Rio, de puty speaker NLA, thanked the government for installing the office

under Medziphema division. Around 35 villages will directly benefit from it, Zhaleo said. He also acknowledged Tokheho Yepthomi, the then minister for School Education in 2017, who was instrumental in setting up the office in Medziphema. The deputy speaker advised the public as well as community leaders to be vigilant so that stu-

KBC commissions former pastor

Rev. Dr. Mar Atsongchanger and others saying a prayer over Rev. Dr. Subo Nungsang Jamir during the latter’s commissioning on February 10 in Kangtsung.

DIMAPUR: Rev. Dr. Subo by Rev. Dr. Mar Atsongchanger, Nungsang Jamir, former pastor, executive secretary, ABAM ImNCF Kolkata was commissioned pur on February 10 at Kangtsung

news in Brief

Baptist Church (KBC).

A press release from KBC stated that this was an evangelical vision adopted by KBC, where Rev. Dr. Subo Nungsang has been commissioned to work under the particular diversified mission as Urban & Cross-Cultural Mission coordinator.

Rev. Dr. Subo Nungsang also expressed commitment to work hand in hand with the KBC & FCE after completion of a program at Foundation for Cross-Cultural Education (FCE), South Africa.

Rev. Dr. Mar Atsongchanger also released a book titled, “Asentenshi Mongchen Ka Kangtsung” written by Rev. K. Mar.

dents were not deprived of their rights. He also lauded the efforts of KT Sukhalu, under whose guidance the office was established. He also requested the concerned department officials to consider availability of schools and teachers, especially in villages. He cited the example of Rüzaphema Block-3, which he said, has no teacher at present since the only two deputed teachers had gone for training.

Zhaleo also donat- Longleng District GBs in Longleng. (NP) ed one battery-operated wheelchair to a differentlyabled person, Dhanraj, who had been selflessly cleaning public toilets over the years.

The prog ram was chaired by R. Amongla Jamir, DEO Dimapur.

Dojü Khate, SDEO Medziphema, was the recorder; Dosau Kuotsu, president, NDPP 5 Ghaspani-II A/C, who also briefed the gathering, thanked everyone invoved for the successful establishment of the SDEO office. Rev. Mego- Mon Daily Bazaar. (NP) voto Kuotsu, pastor, Medziphema Village Baptist Church, invoked God’s blessings, Rokosier Savino presented a special song and Akhoto Kuotsu, president, Medziphema Town Mechü Krotho, delivered the vote of thanks.

DIMAPUR: Pastors’ Union Zunheboto Town (PUZT) organized a four-day healing crusade from February 5 to 8, with pastor, Peter Loosmore, from Christian City Church Mackay City, Traffic Point, Pungro. (NP) Australia, as the crusade speaker.

A press release from PUZT president, Ahoshe Yeptho and general secretary, Vdechulo Doulo stated that people of Zunheboto were blessed by the crusade, with many being healed, and many accepting Jesus as their personal Lord and Saviour. PUZT extended its gratitude to the Higher Secondary Schools and institutes who extended their support, especially Immanuel School, Olympic, Corner Stone, Woodland, and Lovedale, the 17 Churches of Zunheboto from different denominations, and each individual, for making the program a success.

Leprosy Awareness Campaign launched in Zunheboto

Participants of the SPARSH Leprosy Awareness Campaign launching program held on February 8.

DIMAPUR: The SPARSH Leprosy Awareness Campaign was launched in Zunheboto by deputy CMO, Zunheboto, Dr. K. Akaho

Sema on February 8.

A press release issued

by CMO office Zunheboto, district media officer Shekho Sophie stated that dur-

Statewide feb 11 Bandh

PUZT organises fourday healing crusade

DNEE executive meet

DIMAPUR: Dimapur Nkonjan Ezung Ekhung (DNEE) has convened the first meeting of its newly elected executive committee for February 16, 11 a.m. at the residence of of its chairman, James Ezung, Burma camp.

All office bearers, advisors, executive members and village representatives have been requested to attend the meeting.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2019

ing the campaign program a review meeting was also held with all staff of Zunheboto district NLEP. Dr. Sema encouraged

Deluxe Point, Kiphire. (NP)

the staff to go on regular field visits to detect missed out or hidden cases of leprosy lying undetected in the community.

He also emphasized on regular and quality monthly reports. Dr. Sema also urged them to come up with the 2019-2020 monthly activity plans at the earliest. Pointing out that leprosy had been eliminated from the country, he however asked the staff to not be complacent in their work.

H u z a m b o, N M S (NLEP) highlighted various activities carried out in Volunteers at Mokokchung Town Square (Police Point). (NP) the district.

Seminar on parenting for couples

Rev. Dr. Takatemjen Ao, Moala Taka and participants of the KBC Couples’ Seminar held on February 9.

DIMAPUR: The Mission Board of Kumlong Baptist Church (KBC) organised its first Couples’ Seminar on February 9, at KBC, under the theme “Contextual Parenting.”

Rev. Dr. Takatemjen Ao, K

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D.Th, founder–president of NEALEAST and Moala Taka were the resource persons for the program.

According to a press release by KBC, the main emphasis of the seminar was on how to have a

healthy family life Rev. Dr. Takatemjen Ao shared some insights into living a happy family.

He said that the essence of a family was through both partners uplifting each other i.e. interacting,

swapping stories, putting marriage and family first, breaking bread together, acknowledging every little success of their children, proper budgeting, having fellowship together, etc.

Child care, education,

long-term care, and parenting were some other areas discussed in the seminar. Rev. Dr. Takatemjen quoted from Romans 13:8 and urged couples to love one another, accept each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and help and care for each other.

Moala Taka shared from her parental experi- Deserted streets in Wokha. (NP) ences and discussed the three pillars in a family which according to her are --Discipline, Prayer, and Forgiveness. Open discussions were also held after the sessions.

Altogether 35 couples attended the seminar. Earlier, the seminar began with a prayer by Dr. Zulu, Jamir, associate pastor (YM). Kikum Longkumer, on behalf of the Church, thanked the resource persons for their contributions and also thanked the Mission Board. The seminar ended with a prayer.

The bandh in Zunheboto. (NP) K

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nagalandpost.com Poll Q.: Is the BJP determined to press ahead with CAB? 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

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Sensitization on NSA organizes special talk on civil society biography Women Health Issues

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A

B

Yes No Can’t say

C

80% 10% 10%

Next poll

Q: Will probe on Robert

Vadra affect Priyanka’s campaign in UP?  Yes  No  Can’t say

WEATHER FORECAST February 12

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala Hazy sun

29 10

Aizawl

Mostly sunny; delightful

Guwahati Hazy sun Imphal

Sunshine; beautiful

25 8 27 10 27 8

Itanagar Hazy sunshine

24 9

Shillong Hazy sun

20 4

Sunny to partly cloudy

21 6

Dimapur Partly sunny; pleasant

26 11

Kohima Mkg

Mostly cloudy and not as warm 23 5

Tuensang Mostly sunny; cooler

15 4

Partly sunny; not as warm

20 10

Zunheboto Sunshine and patchy clouds

20 3

Wokha

3

State

Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2019

Resource persons and participants after the Fathers Camp on ‘Sensitization on Women Health Issues’ held in Wokha on February 9. (DIPR)

DIMAPUR: A “Sensitization on Women Health Issues” Fathers’ Camp, Under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP), was conducted on February 9 at Wokha Town Baptist Church, Wokha, with Medical Officer Dr. R. Zechano Ezung (AYUSH) District Hospital Wokha, and UBSI Wokha Police Station, Longkumonen Pongen as resources persons.

According to DIPR, Dr. Ezung, dwelling on the topic women health issues, stated that both men and women have many health issues but some health issues affect women dif-

ferently. She listed some of the common problems and diseases women face like breast cancer, pregnancy issues, cervical cancer etc.

She also stated women have a higher heart attack death rate compared to men. According to Dr. Ezung, depression and anxiety is also seen more often in women. Longkumonen Pongen, speaking on Dangers of Social Media for Teenagers, said it was very important for parents to talk to their kids about how to use social media wisely as there are so many good things to learn from the internet. He

however cautioned against the risk factors involved and thus suggested that parents should talk to their children about this.

Longkumonen also added that parents should be aware of what their children do online because, he said, spending much time on social media can sometimes be dangerous.

He also dwelt on the topic “Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences”.

The function was chaired by EAC, Wokha, Tumben P. Tsanglao; Rev. S. Thungrio, pastor Wokha Town Baptist Church welcomed the gathering.

DIMAPUR: The Naga Scholars Association (NSA) organized a New Year special talk on “The troubled biography of civil society” at School of International Studies (SIS), JNU, New Delhi on February 8.

A press release from NSA president, Dr. Zuchamo Yanthan stated that political scientist, professor Neera Chandhoke, as resource person, went into an in-depth analysis of the origin and importance of civil societies in contemporary times.

Professor Chandhoke stated that a civil society does mean engagement with the political but it was “away from the state.” She said that when a society develops a culture of debate, the outcome will always be fruitful because that society begins to debate good citizenship and how citizens can live

Professor Neera Chandhoke with members of Naga Scholars Association and others after the special talk in New Delhi on February 8.

good lives.

According to Professor Chandhoke “Civil society is important not only for democracy but also for good life” and she argued that civil societies monitor government activities which lead to restraints on abuses of the state. She was of the view that the most important challenge in India was finding a way on how people who speak different lan-

guages, believe in different religions and belong to different communities, could live together in harmony enhancing diversity.

Professor Chandhoke is a national fellow at the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) and was professor of Political Science at University of Delhi.

Earlier in the program, a welcome address was

given by Dr. Zuchamo Yanthan in the session chaired by professor Gulshan Sachdeva, Jean Monnet chair and director, Europe Area Studies Program, School of International Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University. A report was presented

by NSA joint secretary, Dr. Caroline Maninee and vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. Lungthuiyang Riamei, general secretary, NSA.

AR medical camps in Mimi and Mutinkhong DIMAPUR: Kiphire Battalion of Assam Rifles under the aegis of HQ IGAR (N) organised a medical camp at Mimi and Mutinkhong villages on February 10.

Assam Rifles, in a press release, reported that a total of 87 local residents -- 42 women, 23 children and 22 men -- received free consultation and medicines for bacterial and viral fever, Myalgia, acid peptic disorder, backache, viral, joint pain and respiratory tract infections. Two cases

of Pulmonary Tuberculosis were diagnosed and referred to District Hospital, Kiphire.

Those in attendance were also made aware of the importance of general hygiene and safe drinking water to prevent cases of Jaundice.

In yet another activity, the Battalion also distributed 200 LED bulbs to residents of Betang village.

AR lecture on empowerment through awareness & informa-

tion: Kiphire battalion of Assam Rifles under the aegis of HQ IGAR (North) conducted lecture on “Empowerment through awareness and information” at Agape High School on January 19.

According to PRO HQ IGAR (N), the aim of the lecture was to motivate students to uphold their freedoms and determination to responsibly represent their interests for the common good. Altogether, 20 students attended the lecture.

Aradura Huskies clean up CRC, NNC clarifies on CRC meet NSF Martyrs’ Park in Kohima

DIMAPUR: Chakhesang Regional Council (CRC) of NNC has stated that every region has the autonomy to exercise its own regional affairs which does not affect the nation.

In a clarification to NSCN (I-M) by CRC, NNC president Velicho Rhakho stated that contrary to the claim made by secretary/ C AO o f N S C N ( I - M ) Chakhesang region, by the name of Trokho Nuh, that Adinno Phizo had summoned the CRC meeting, the CRC, NNC made it clear that it had requested Adinno to address the meeting.

Regarding sabotaging the peace talks of NSCN (I-M) and GoI, the NNC stated that it has no intenMembers of Aradura Huskies Community Club at the NSF Martyrs’ Park in Kohima tion to interfere into such after their social work drive on February 9.

DIMAPUR: The Aradura Huskies Community Club (AHCC), on February 9, beginning 7 a.m, conducted a one-day social work at NSF Martyrs’ Park, as a part of its social agenda to serve public interest and welfare.

A press release from club general secretary, Benrithung Kikon stated that the social work was led by president Akum Sangtam and Benrithung Kikon,

comprising of twenty club members who actively participated in the drive.

Foliage was cleared, dirt and debris were collected and disposed, flower beds were tended to, fresh paint was applied on the walls etc.

Besides that, the graves were cleaned and the main gate and metal surfaces were given minor paint retouches.

The AHCC, a non-

profit organization founded in the year 2015, conducted the social work as part of its efforts to beautify and maintain landmarks and places of importance in and around Kohima. It has conducted similar activities in the past since its inception.

The club appreciated the Naga Students’ Federation for allowing the club to carry out the drive in its premises.

talk and that “the present peace talks of NSCN (I-M) with GoI is only demanding something from GoI and it is up to GoI whether to grant their demand or not”.

CRC, NNC stated that NNC wanted the government of India to leave Nagaland and that “NNC was appealing the UNO to recognize their sovereign right”.

On the issue of acceptance of Indian Constitution in the Shillong Accord, the CRC, NNC has asked the secretary/CAO of the NSCN (I-M) to first ask “the Indian authorities if there was any valid record that the NNC had accepted the Indian constitution through the Shillong Accord of 1975.”

RSU appeals for environment conducive to examinations

NCC cadets of Nagaland with Contingent Commander, Col KS Dhindsa, at the Republic Day Camp in New Delhi. 10 NCC Cadets (5 girls & 5 boys) of Nagaland, were among 160 NCC cadets of the North Eastern Region who participated in the Republic Day Camp in New Delhi from January 1 to 30. (Capt. Regina Razousinuo, Associate NCC officer, St. Joseph’s College)

DIMAPUR: In view of the upcoming HSLC and HSSLC examinations, Rengma Students’ Union (RSU) has appealed to all its members and concerned citizens within Tseminyu jurisdiction to maintain conducive environments for students appearing in the examinations.

A press release from RSU president, Kisheto Kent Rengma has appealed to everyone to keep checks on, and abstain from, any anti-social activities/elements that may disturb the students’ preparations. RSU also extended its best wishes and prayers to all aspiring candidates of the forthcoming HSLC & HSSLC examination.

Printing & Stationery directorate organizes picnic L. Imchen addressed the staff gathered in a simple function. Wati L. Imchen said the department had been one of the backbones of the State government, and it had been for many years.

He appreciated the tireless efforts of the staff, specially the technical staff, and said, “when printing works of the government are pressing us there is no Sunday for the staff.”

The picnic involved recreational activities organized by the staff, like a lottery draw, song presentations, dances, photo session etc.

The release mentioned that the department’s staff had been working sleepless nights printing speeches of Very Very Important Persons (VVIPs) for the Republic Day celebrations this year.

Therefore, the picnic was organized as a recrePrinting & Stationery department officers and staff during their picnic at Pony Farm Kigwema on February 9. ational activity of peace DIMAPUR: The Directorate of staff picnic on February 9 at the Pony Technical Sections. for them. Approximately Printing & Stationery, Nagaland Farm in Kigwema with all staff, both A press release issued by the 250 staff were part of the Kohima departmental organized a from the Establishment Branch and department stated that director, Wati picnic.

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Yingli College, Longleng (YCL) held an orientation program on NAAC assessment under the theme, “Issues and challenges on NAAC assessment” on February 6. Dr. Lanurenla, assistant professor, English department, Fazl Ali College, Mokokchung was the resource person. (YCL media cell)

Training program on police survey

Prof. Sanjay Kumar, director, CSDS, New Delhi, Amongla N. Jamir, co-ordinator and Dr. Achanger, supervisor, CSDS, Nagaland and field investigators for the police survey.

DIMAPUR: A training program on Police Surveys in Nagaland was held at Naithu Resort on February 9. A press release from CSDS supervisor, Dr. Achanger stated that the one-day training was

organised by the Centre for Study of Developing Societies (CSDS) and Common Cause, New Delhi.

The Police survey will be conducted across 22 states of India.

The first survey research on Nagaland Police was done in 2017. The purpose of the survey is to learn the hopes, aspirations, conditions and job satisfaction levels of police personnel.

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northeast

4

Anti-CAB agitations hit normal life in Manipur

Correspondent

IMPHAL, Feb 11: Life in the Manipur capital was hit badly on Monday as People Alliance of Manipur (PAM) gave a total shut down call against Citizenship (Amendment) Bill.

Manipur People Against Citizenship (Amendment) Bill (MANPAC) also called ‘on road mass protest’ on the day.

Despite the presence of large number of police and security forces, the protestors took to the streets and shouted various antiCAB and anti-BJP government slogans.

While expressing strong apprehension of tabling the contentious Bill in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, PAM gave the 36-hour general strike call which was commenced from Monday morning at 5:00 am.

The total shutdown brought normal life to a grinding halt on day one.

Owing to the total shutdown, all kinds of vehicles stayed off the roads while schools and colleges remained close.

Protestors took to the streets in their respective

Police personnel confront anti-CAB protestors in Imphal on Monday. (NP)

areas and imposed the total shutdown by blocking the roads. While imposing the total shutdown, the protestors staged ‘on road mass protest’ with black flags as announced by MANPAC. While hoisting the black flags, they shouted anti-CAB, anti-BJP government slogans on the streets.

Similar situations were also reported in other valley districts and some parts of the hill districts of the

state.

Meanwhile, women vendors of Ima Keithel (women market) also resumed their protest against CAB even after their sit-inprotest was dispersed by the police Sunday evening.

The women vendors also reaffirmed that they will continue the stir until and unless CAB is totally withdrawn.

Police had dispersed the women vendors who were on overnight protest

yesterday by using tear gas and mock bombs, injuring five women vendors.

According to the women vendors, after the dispersal, they stayed the night at their respective market-sheds and came out early Monday morning to resume the protest.

While condemning Sunday’s police excessiveness, leaders of the women vendors said that their “protest will not be able to suppress by using force. Rather,

New law on cards to ban sale of alcohol in Mizoram: Minister

Rajnath fails to convince Manipur CM over CAB

(Prohibition and Control) Act, 2014.

“This is our pre-poll promise to the people. Our officials are now calculating the revenue likely to be lost after the complete ban on the sales of alcohol.

We are also exploring the ways and means how the loss of revenue could be compensated from other sectors.”

The Minister said that the MNF government has given highest priority to impose total prohibition on sales of liquor and would also enforce various other steps to curb the drugs and alcohol menaces.

Beichhua said: “The government as a prelude to prohibition and to maintain a liquor-free Christmas and New Year, on December 18 had declared dry days from December 21 to January 14 and the ban was later extended up to March 10.”

But the Aizawl bench of the Gauhati High Court quashed the notification following a petition filed

New Delhi, Feb 11 (Agencies): A meeting called by union home minister Rajnath Singh on Monday over the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill (CAB), 2016 remained inconclusive as Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh remained rigid on his stand against the controversial bill.

In the meeting, according to the sources, Singh tried to convince on the outcome of the bill to Biren Singh. Later, Biren Singh and Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu met minister of state for home Kiren Rijiju and had a detailed discussion over the issue.

Meanwhile, continuing their tirade against CAB 2016, the leaders of North East Student Organizations (NESO) and All Assam Students Union (AASU) on Monday have met several political parties in the national capital. The NESO leaders first met senior Samajwadi Party (SP) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Javed Ali Khan at his residence and asked for their support.

Aizawl, Feb 11 (IANS): Maintaining its pre-poll pledges to enforce total prohibition on sales of alcohol in the mountainous state, a new bill would be tabled in the next Mizoram Assembly session, beginning second week of March, a Minister said on Monday.

“We would make a law soon for complete banning of sales of alcohol in Mizoram. We would move a bill in this regard in the next Assembly session, beginning second week of March,” Mizoram Excise and Narcotics Minister K. Beichhua told IANS. The next session of the Assembly will be the budget session and the first full-fledged session after Mizo National Front (MNF) headed by Chief Minister Zoramthanga assumed office after 10 years on December 15 trouncing the Congress in the November 28 polls.

He said that the proposed bill will replace the existing Mizoram Liquor

Security tightened ahead of Mizoram protests against CAB Aizawl, Feb 11 (PTI): Security has been tightened in view of the ‘Black Day’ protests scheduled to be observed by the civil societies in Mizoram Tuesday against the contentious Citizenship Amendment Bill, a senior police officer said.

Security has been beefed up in Aizawl and over 50 big towns and villages across the state for the protest rallies to be organised under the aegis of the NGO Coordination Committee - the umbrella organisation of major civil societies and students’ bodies.

NGO Coordination Committee leaders said that ‘black day’ would be observed in view of the Centre’s intention of passing the proposed amendment to the Citizenship Act, 1955 during the week in the Rajya Sabha.

The leaders said that stir would be intensified if the Rajya Sabha passes the amendment Bill.

The Bill has created a furore in Mizoram and kicked up a storm in the northeast. The Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha K Y M C

on January 8 and has been awaiting the Rajya Sabha nod.

Indigenous people of the region are afraid that identity would be lost if the Bill was enacted.

The civil societies are apprehending that the Bill would endanger the very existence of the sons of the soil -- Mizos – as citizenship to around 1 lakh Buddhist Chakmas from Bangladesh would be granted.

Meanwhile, all the political parties, including the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) and even the state BJP unit have expressed opposition to the proposed legislation.

MNF leader and Chief Minister Zoramthanga has said that the ruling party would not hesitate to snap ties with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and BJP-led North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) if the Bill is passed.

State BJP chief John V Hluna also warned that the state unit of the saffron party would be dissolved if the central leadership goes ahead with the proposed amendment.

by the liquor vendors and warehouse dealers.

“Drugs and alcohol had killed many youngsters and caused many young women to be widows after their husbands fell victim to drugs and alcohol,” Beichhua said.

The Mizoram Liquor (Prohibition and Control) Act, 2014, was enforced by the previous Congress government in January 2015 putting back the 18year-old total prohibition Act. The liquor vendors in Mizoram earlier said that due to the government’s ban on sale of liquor, they incur a loss of Rs 4 lakh per day while the liquor stock was piling up because of purchases made till the end of the current fiscal (2018-19).

With a population of 1,091,014 (according to 2011 census), Mizoram is one of three states of India with a Christian majority (87 per cent) and a closely bonded society upholding perfection in all spheres of life.

it has encouraged them.”

M e a n w h i l e, m a n y CSOs and political parties have also condemned police action against the women vendors who were staging peaceful protest.

Youth’s For um for Protection of Human Rights (YFPHR), while condemning the police action said that it was very inhumane act of the state government.

“The state government thinks peoples voice can be suppressed using force forgetting the facts that the government is formed by the people and to act for the people,” said the forum..

Leaders and workers of Congress in Manipur also joined the anti-CAB protest by staging a sit-inprotest in front of Imphal’s Congress Bhavan.

Leaders of the party taking part in the protest expressed apprehension of tabling the contentious Bill in the Rajya Sabha for consideration and passing on Tuesday (February 12).

Congress leaders also condemned the police action against the women vendors who were staging a peaceful protest against the Bill.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2019

CBI grills Kumar, Ghosh in chit fund scams Shillong, Feb 11 (IANS): The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday again questioned Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar and former Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha member Kunal Ghosh in connection with the Saradha and Rose Valley chit fund scams.

This is the third consecutive day of questioning for Kumar by the CBI and the second day for Ghosh, who was made to sit face-to-face with the Police Commissioner, on Monday.

“Both of them are being examined and we don’t know how it will long take,” a CBI official said.

Ghosh, arrested on November 2013 in connection with the two chit fund scams and granted interim bail by the Calcutta High Court in 2016, said: “They (CBI) have summoned me.

I have come here as per the Supreme Court order and I will cooperate with them.

“The CBI is interrogating the very police officer who grilled me. This is my moral victory,” he said.

‘Congress in talks with other anti-BJP parties to defeat CAB’

Debabrata Saikia (File) Guwahati, Feb 11 (PTI): Leader of the Opposition in Assam Assembly, Debabrata Saikia Monday said Congress is talking to other anti-BJP parties to defeat the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill if it is introduced in Raja Sabha.

“Congress will take all steps to stop passage of the Bill in Rajya Sabha. At present, we are talking to other parties to defeat it if brought in the Upper House,” the senior Congress leader said at a press conference.

If the contentious bill is passed, it will not only affect Assam and North East, but will have negative impact on the entire country, he said.

“Except BJP, all other parties are opposing be-

cause it is anti-Constitution.

The Assam CM had earlier said that he would work only for the people of the state. Now he is working only for his personal gains,” Saikia said.

He also opined that if the Bill is enacted, then the Hindus living in neighbouring countries like Bangladesh are likely to be “subjected with religious persecution”.

Saikia also regretted that the Assam Assembly Speaker did not allow a discussion on the Bill before the Parliament session is ending.

“Considering its importance, we requested a special session on the Bill.

But due to the influence of the government, the request of Congress, AIUDF and AGP were not accepted,” he said.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, which was passed by the Lok Sabha on January 8, seeks to provide Indian citizenship to Hindus, Jains, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Parsis from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan after six years of residence in India even if they do not possess any document.

People should prioritise their health: Manisha Koirala Guwahati, Feb 11 (PTI): Bollywood actor and cancer survivor Manisha Koirala has said a good health care support system was needed to create awareness about the disease and people should prioritise their health.

The key to surviving cancer was early detection and screening and people must maintain a healthy lifestyle, Koirala said on Sunday at the Brahmaputra Literary Festival while talking about her book ‘Healed’ released recently.

“In developing countries, people are dying more than in developed countries and this is primarily due to lack of awareness. Ninety per cent of the cases, if detected early are curable and people must go for periodic checkups and maintain a healthy lifestyle,” she added.

‘Healed’, which deals with Koirala’s battle against cancer, the intricacies of the disease and the treatment involved, was written so that people “can learn from the mistakes I made and prioritise one’s health by eating well, doing exercise, being active and

Bollywood actor Manisha Koirala during 3rd Brahmaputra Literary Festival, in Guwahati. (PTI)

above all by being a happy person”, she said. Koirala, who returned to films with ‘Dear Maya’, said she did a lot of introspection while she was ill and realised whether “we want to be a victim or a victor is in our hands”.

“I am an ambitious

working woman and I have a second chance to life.

I am looking forward to do more films but now my priorities are different with more focus on my health, family and on creative fulfilment”, she added.

The actress said her

main drive for selecting a film now will be the script and she would love to do a female- centric role.

“Times are changing, different stories are being told and audience are accepting different roles. I want to do films that give me enjoyment and at the same time is appreciated by the audience”, she added.

Asked about her recent film ‘Sanju’ where she portrayed the role of Nargis Dutt who died of cancer, Koirala said she was “initially apprehensive as Nargis ji was a super talented actress but I did it and it went off very well”.

The actress will be soon working on a yet to be titled film with actor Adil Hussain, who hails from Assam, whom she described as a “brilliant actor”.

Koirala said she also plans to start work on her second book by the end of this year though she did not reveal the details.

“I have always wanted to write since childhood and I have many stories to tell which I now plan to do”, she added.

Two CPI(M) leaders attacked in Tripura; party alleges BJP role Agartala, Feb 11 (PTI): Two senior CPI(M) leaders were attacked by miscreants in two different places in Tripura, police said Monday.

CPI(M) MLA and former minister Ratan Bhowmick was attacked by miscreants in Gomati district on Monday while the convoy of Deputy Leader of the Opposition in Tripura Assembly, Badal Chowdhury

was attacked by miscreants in South Tripura district on Sunday, police said.

Chowdhury in a press conference here on Monday alleged that both he and Bhowmick were attacked by goons of the BJP. B J P Tr i p u r a u n i t Spokesperson Nabendu Bhattacharya denied the allegations of Chowdhury.

Chowdhury said that Bhowmick went to meet

two CPI-M local leaders at Bagma in Gomati districton Monday who were earlier attacked allegedly by BJP supporters. “ W h e n B h ow m i c k along with two other CPI-M activists were returning, a group of about 15 goons belonging to BJP attacked them with lathis and damaged his vehicle,” Chowdhury told reporters.

The Deputy Leader of

the Opposition said he along with party MP Shankar Prasad Datta and MLA of Rajnagar, Sudhan Das went to a constituency in South Tripura district on Sunday.

Chowdhury said “near Chottakhala Higher Secondary school, a group of BJP goons blocked our roads and tried to attack us, but police saved us.

Three police constables were injured, when the BJP

goons hurled bricks and attacked them.”

The SP of South Tripura district, Jaal Singh Meena said some police constables

were injured when miscreants attacked them.

The SP said police has registered a case and was investigating the incident.

JAWAHAR NAVODAYA VIDYALAYA, CHUKITONG WOKHA DISTRICT, NAGALAND

TENDER NOTIFICATION

Dated. 11/02/2019 Sealed rate quotation are hereby invited from registered firm(s)/individual for supply of construction items for construction of chain link fencing in front of Academic block of JNV Chukitong, Wokha District, Nagaland. Prescribed form and terms & conditions can be had from the Office of the undersigned on payment of Rs. 500/- from 12-02-2019 to 18-02-2019 till 12:00 pm and last date of submission of seal tender documents is 19-02-2019 upto 03.00 pm and opening of tender is 20-02-2019 at 11:00 am in the Office chamber of the Principal, JNV Chukitong.

Sd/Principal DC-185

OFFICE OF THE SAND STOCKIST & SUPPLIER UNION DIMAPUR : NAGALAND

EMERGENCY MEETING

davp 17112/11/0093/1819

It has come to the notice of the SSSU Dimapur that a supplier named Nito Sumi, a member of Truck Owners & Drivers of Assam Sand Supplier, that the Sand Stockist & Supplier Union Dimapur collect Rs. 400/- per sand laden truck which was released on Nagaland Post on 10th Feb, 2019 is baseless and concocted story out of his individual capacity.

Therefore, the SSSU Dimapur has made it clear that we never collect such amount as released by Nito Sumi.

In this regard, all the Assam Sand Suppliers are requested to attend the meeting to discuss on this above mentioned issue, on 12th Feb, 2019, 10:00 am at SSSU Office, Purana Bazaar Dimapur without fail.

Sd/President SSSU Dimapur DP-1207 K Y M C

national

Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2019

5

Naidu’s fast becomes centre-stage for Oppn CAG submits Rafale audit report to Prez

SP’s Mulayam Singh Yadav, Dharmendra Yadav, TMC’s MP Derek O’Brien, DMK leader Tiruchi Siva, Sharad Yadav and Congress leader Jairam Ramesh join hands with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu to extend their support to him during his day-long fast ‘Dharma Porata Deeksha’ in New Delhi. (PTI) New Delhi, Feb 11 (PTI): Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s daylong fast demanding special status for his state on Monday became a rallying point for various opposition leaders who visited the protest venue to back him and attack the Central government.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi, National Conference chairperson Farooq Abdullah, NCP’s Majeed Memon, Trinamool Congress’ Derek O’ Brien, DMK’s Tiruchi Siva and Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav were among those who met the TDP chief to express their support.

The TDP president is demanding that the Centre fulfil promises made during Andhra Pradesh’s bifurcation in 2014 and alleges that Modi was not following ‘raj dharma’ by denying the state special status.

“The prime minister has stolen from the people from Andhra Pradesh and he has given that money to Anil Ambani. That is the fact of the matter,” Gandhi alleged at the protest venue Andhra Bhavan in an apparent reference to the Rafale fighter jet deal with France.

The government and Ambani have rejected Gandhi’s allegations of corruption in the deal.

O’Brien recalled Modi’s speech in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, on Sunday and said he didn’t talk about development or special category status but “started a personal attack”.

“Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones at others,” he said.

The PM said in his rally that Naidu was indeed a senior, but only in losing elections, switching alliances and ditching his father-inlaw N T Rama Rao. Lashing out at the prime minister, Abdullah said, “Modi has stooped so low, he’s making personal attacks against Naidu, who is doing a great service to

the country.”

“The Jammu-Srinagar highway is closed for six days. They cannot clear the 30km road, but they want to rule the country,” he added.

Adding his voice to the chorus of criticism, Memon alleged that the Central government was meting out step motherly treatment to the state and the BJP was attacking Naidu because he has taken the lead in uniting rival parties against it.

“We will show the BJP its place in the elections.

I assure you on behalf of Sharad Pawar ji,” Memon stated.

Mulayam Yadav said he was not well but had

If Lokpal implemented, PM would be accused No. 1: Moily New Delhi, Feb 11 (IANS): The government is not implementing the Lokpal Bill only to protect Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who “perhaps” would be the “number one accused” in Rafale fighter jets deal, the Congress said on Monday.

During the discussion on Interim Budget 2019-20, Congress leader Veerappa Moily said the government’s defence allocation is only one-fifth of China’s allocation.

“Of this, 20 per cent will go to Rafale and the deal has exposed the chinks in their armour. That is why, I was just thinking as to why this government is not implementing the Lokpal Bill. Now it is crystal clear because if that was to be

Veerappa Moily (File) implemented, perhaps, the present PM would have been the No. 1 accused in that case. That is why, he is afraid. That is why, there is also no JPC,” Moily said.

He said the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) is an investigating agency and that “no other committees, commissions or even Vigilance Commission cannot

get into this”.

“The Prime Minister can escape today, but not tomorrow,” Moily said.

Moily alleged that Modi is trying to slap the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) cases against everyone.

Moily, however, clarified: “We are not against purchase of Rafale or any other gun but the question is this.

“You cannot deprive the public sector like the HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd), which has a 70year expertise. This government’s own Law Ministry says that there should be a sovereign guarantee.”

Now, Moily said, “we find today that the govern-

ment of the day waived anti-corruption clauses in the Rafale deal”.

“Even the Financial Adviser’s recommendation that there should be an escrow account after PMO forced a waiver of sovereign or bank guarantee was overruled. If anybody has to be held guilty in this Rafale deal, it is PM and PM alone. It is crystal clear,” he added.

The Congress MP said the budget allocation for defence sector is less as compared to last year’s budget.

Because of demonetisation, the industrial output and the MSME sector suffered a loss and the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rate also declined, Moily said.

come to show endorse Naidu’s stand.

“Naidu is fighting the battle for the poor, the farmers and all those who are oppressed,” he added.

Stating that Naidu was fighting for a just cause, DMK leader Siva said the Modi government would be ousted in three months.

“The powers of the state are being encroached upon...the rights of the minorities are being violated.”

The TDP had walked out the BJP-led NDA last year protesting the “injustice” done to Andhra Pradesh after its bifurcation.

The Constitution is being systematically destroyed, added former Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Gegong Apang, who gave the BJP its first government in the Northeast 16 years ago.

Congress leaders Anand Sharma, Ahmed Patel and Jairam Ramesh were also at the venue to express their support.

Naidu’s ‘Dharma Porata Deeksha’ (a day-long protest for justice), which began at 8 am, is likely to end at around 8 pm. He will also submit a memorandum to President Ram Nath Kovind on February 12.

Naidu paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat and also to the Ambedkar Statue at the Andhra Pradesh Bhavan before sitting on the hunger strike.

Saradha scam: SC refuses to monitor CBI probe New Delhi, Feb 11 (PTI): The Supreme Court on Monday refused to monitor the ongoing CBI investigation into the Saradha chit fund scam in West Bengal.

A two-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Sanjiv Khanna did not allow the application filed by some investors that despite the apex court’s 2013 order directing the CBI to probe the chit fund scam, the investigation had not attained finality.

“We are not inclined to set up a monitoring committee to monitor the chit fund scam probe,” the bench said.

Gujjar quota agitation enters day 4 vation,” Bainsla’s son Vijay Singh said. A state government delegation, including Tourism Minister Vishvendra Singh and IAS officer Neeraj K Pawan, held talks with the protesters on Saturday but they refused to end their agitation until their demand is met through an official announcement.

New Delhi, Feb 11 (AGENCIES): A report by the government’s top auditor, CAG, into the big-ticket military procurement including 36 Rafale fighter jets has been submitted to President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday, clearing the decks for tabling the audit report in Parliament this week.

The Comptroller and Auditor General of India’s performance audit report is expected to focus on the process adopted to firm up the deal and also, as an official familiar with the development put it, done a comparative analysis of the fighter jets’ pricing vis a vis the initial plan to buy 126 jets by the UPA government.

The report is likely to be tabled in the Parliament within the next two days.

Wednesday is the last day of the last session of the 16th Lok Sabha before general elections due in the spring.

The submission of the report comes a day after the Congress demanded that the top auditor Rajiv Mehrishi should recuse himself from auditing the deal as he was the finance secretary when the deal was negotiated.

Kapil Sibal said on Sunday that the party had met him twice to inform him about the scam and demanded that the deal should be probed “because it is corrupt”.

“But how can he initiate a probe against him-

self,” Sibal asked.

Union Minister Arun Jaitley had promptly rebutted Sibal’s claims, accusing the Congress of casting aspersions on the institution based on a “falsehood”.

“After ten years in Government, former UPA ministers still don’t know that Finance Secretary is only a designation given to the senior most secretary in the finance ministry,” Jaitley said a series of tweets.

The Rafale issue was even raised before the Supreme Court, which did not find any substance in the allegations.

As far as the Rafale deal is concerned, the process of buying 126 fighter jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF) began in June 2001 when the previous National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government under Atal Bihari Vajpayee was in office. Under the original proposal, 18 warplanes were to be procured in a fly-away condition and the remaining 108 aircraft were to be manufactured by state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) under licence.

The bidding process commenced in August 2007, when the Congressled United Progressive Alliance (UPA) was in office, but it was completed only five years later when Dassault Aviation of France, the maker of Rafale fighter planes, emerged as the front-runner ; the government started negotiations

with the company which went on until 2014, when the UPA government lost elections and a new NDA dispensation took charge under Narendra Modi.

The NDA gover nment’s decision to enter an $8.7 billion governmentto-government deal with France to buy 36 Rafale warplanes was finally announced in April 2015, with an agreement signed a little over a year later.

This replaced the UPA-era decision to buy 126 Rafale aircraft.

The deal has become controversial with the opposition, led by the Congress, claiming that the price at which India is buying Rafale aircraft now is Rs 1,670 crore for each, three times the Rs 526 crore, the initial bid by the company when the UPA was trying to buy the aircraft. It has also claimed the previous deal included a technology transfer agreement with HAL. The NDA has not disclosed details of the price, but the UPA deal, struck in 2012, was not a viable one, former defence minister Manohar Parrikar has previously said, implying that it would have never been closed and that, therefore, any comparison is moot.

Indeed, the UPA was not able to close the deal till 2014, largely over discussions related to pricing of items not included in the initial bid.

‘Modi behaves like he is PM of Pak’: Kejriwal New Delhi, Feb 11 (AGENCIES): Calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi a “world famous liar”, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday accused him of behaving like a Pakistani Prime Minister to subvert India’s federal structure.

Extending support to his Andhra Pradesh counterpart N. Chandrababu Naidu in his demand for special category status to the southern state, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief also said Modi cannot be trusted.

“It is unfortunate that the Chief Minister and thousands of people from Andhra have to demonstrate here for special status for the state. This poses a big question on the country’s federal structure,” said Kejriwal at the Andhra Bhavan here where the Telugu Desam Party President is on fast asking the Centre to give special category status and fulfil other commitments made in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014.

“The PM at least thrice publicly declared he would give special status to Andhra. He is world famous for lying. Whatever he says, he never fulfills. Even (BJP chief) Amit Shah says that

Arvind Kejriwal (File) whatever they say is nothing but ‘jumla’ (fake promise),” he said. Claiming that Modi had pledged to give special status to Andhra Pradesh at the Tirupati temple, he said: “A person who backs out on his word given in front of god cannot be trusted.”

Attacking Modi over the CBI’s showdown with West Bengal Chief Minister

Mamata Banerjee, Kejriwal accused him of behaving like a Pakistani Prime Minister.

“I want to tell Modi that he is not the Prime Minister of his BJP alone but of the entire India. The way he treats state governments run by non-BJP parties looks as if he is the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

The AAP leader pointed out how Modi had the Anti-Corruption Branch of the Delhi government seized by paramilitary forces.

“Now he sent 40 CBI officers to arrest Kolkata’s Police Commissioner to send a message to the police and bureaucracy in all states that they should not be loyal to state governments but to the Centre,” he alleged.

Gujjar agitation has led to large-scale cancellation and diversion of trains. (PTI) Jaipur, Feb 11 (AGENCIES): Gujjar community members blocked National Highway 11, which connects Jaipur with Agra, in Rajasthan’s Dausa district on Monday, the fourth day of their agitation demanding 5 per cent reservation in government jobs and educational institutes.

Their protest had turned violent on Sunday when shots were fired and police vehicles torched in Dholpur district, forcing authorities to impose prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC in Dholpur and Karauli districts. It still remains in force in the areas.

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On Monday, the agitators blocked NH 11 and continued their blockade from previous days at other places. Since the agitation began on Friday, it has affected the movement of more than 250 trains.

“NH 11 was blocked at Sikandara in Dausa. A state highway was blocked in Bundi district’s Nainwa on Sunday and Malarna road in Sawai Madhopur and Karauli-Hindaun road at Budla village in Karauli have also been blocked,” DGP, Law and Order, ML Lathar, said.

Dausa SP Prahlad Singh said vehicles heading towards the blockade area

on the national highway were diverted to alternative routes.

“The traffic is being diverted and things are under control. The blockade is peaceful,” the SP said. He said efforts were being made to clear the blockade.

As of now, one national highway, one state highway and two arterial roads and Delhi-Mumbai railway tracks are blocked in Rajasthan, leading to cancellation and diversion of several trains.

The North Western Railway in a bulletin said four trains had to be diverted on Monday.

The trains are: Haz-

rat Nizamuddin-Udaipur, Amritsar-Mumbai Central, Ferozepur-Mumbai Central and Dehradun-Kochiveli.

Gujjar agitation leader Kirori Singh Bainsla and his supporters began their sit-in on railway tracks in Malarna Dungar of Swai Madhopur on Friday.

Bainsla is demanding 5 per cent quota for Gujjar, Raika-Rebari, Gadia Luhar, Banjara and Gadaria communities in jobs and education and has refused to clear the railway tracks.

“We will not move from the tracks if the announcement is not made.

There is only one demand and that is 5 per cent reserK

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OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post Vol. XXIX NO. 66 Dimapur, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2019

Manipulating facts

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ith Congress president Rahul Gandhi, who is also the opposition frontrunner for the post of prime minister, firing fresh salvos against Modi over the multi-billion Rafale deal, after another set of documents was published in The Hindu; the issue appears to get murkier by the day. The Hindu had published a letter written by then defence secretary to the minister of defence Manohar Parrikar taking strong except to “parallel negotiations” being done by the PMO with the French over the Rafale deal. Then defence secretary G.Mohan Kumar had written a strong note of protest to then defence minister and present Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar that the interference by the PMO in opening a parallel negotiation with the French undermined the official negotiating committee under the MoD. The Rafale deal was announced in 2016 after PM Modi’s talks in Paris with then French president Francois Hollande. The Congress accused Modi of violating the rule for defence procurement by taking unilateral decisions on pricing and other matters.

The Congress contends that the government had finalised an overpriced deal to benefit Anil Ambani, whose firm Reliance Defence, despite lacking experience, was recommended as an offset partner for Dassault, the company manufacturing the Rafale aircraft. Both Dassault and the government have denied the Congress allegations. Those allegations received a boost after Francois Hollande, in an interview last year, said that France had no role in the selection of Anil Ambani’s company for the offset clause. The Modi government, unlike the Congress, is more centralised, organised and totally dominated by its two most powerful duo- the prime minister and the party president. The government has deployed bureaucrats and service chiefs to defend its every decision. For instance, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) a government undertaking which is the only company that has vast experience, technical know-how and capability, was overlooked. The Modi government has instead chosen a private company which had gone bankrupt, as per media reports and which has no experience or expertise as the offset contractor. The government used the recently appointed chairman of HAL to justify the government’s decision in denying HAL from being chosen for offset contract. Amid controversy over the Rafale deal with France, a group of top former bureaucrats had written a letter to the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) demanding submission of audit reports on the fighter jet deal as early as possible. The CAG was expected to finalise its findings in the upcoming winter session of Parliament in December last year but that has been delayed. The delay has only fuelled further suspicions of manipulation of records to alter facts. The CAG report is now expected to be tabled within a few days. The very fact that the country’s top most auditor could not table its report on 36 Rafale deal in the last monsoon session, was because the auditors were waiting for the deal to be fully executed along with the schedule of payment mode to the manufacturer. The government had cleverly deployed the Air Force chief B.S.Dhanoa to defend the government to justify the deal. There is much that needs to be answered and these can be done if the Supreme Court steps in or when the next government orders a JPC, which the Modi government has rejected outright.

DailyDevotion Is Your Mind Stayed on God?

You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. —Isaiah 26:3 Is your mind stayed on God or is it starved?

Starvation of the mind, caused by neglect, is one of the chief sources of exhaustion and weakness in a servant’s life. If you have never used your mind to place yourself before God, begin to do it now. There is no reason to wait for God to come to you. You must turn your thoughts and your eyes away from the face of idols and look to Him and be saved (see Isaiah 45:22).

Your mind is the greatest gift God has given you and it ought to be devoted entirely to Him. You should seek to be “bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ…” (2 Corinthians 10:5). This will be one of the greatest assets of your faith when a time of trial comes, because then your faith and the Spirit of God will work together. When you have thoughts and ideas that are worthy of credit to God, learn to compare and associate them with all that happens in nature— the rising and the setting of the sun, the shining of the moon and the stars, and the changing of the seasons. You will begin to see that your thoughts are from God as well, and your mind will no longer be at the mercy of your impulsive thinking, but will always be used in service to God. “We have sinned with our fathers…[and]… did not remember…” (Psalm 106:6-7). Then prod your memory and wake up immediately. Don’t say to yourself, “But God is not talking to me right now.”

He ought to be. Remember whose you are and whom you serve. Encourage yourself to remember, and your affection for God will increase tenfold. Your mind will no longer be starved, but will be quick and enthusiastic, and your hope will be inexpressibly bright.

Quotes

Luck is great, but most of life is hard work. Iain ~ Duncan Smith

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omeone rescued a goat from the slaughterhouse and gave him to Sanjay Gandhi Animal Care Centre. We allowed him to run free and soon he was the leader of a pack of dogs who followed him everywhere at a respectful distance. When in repose he sat on the highest step – often a large window ledge - and they draped themselves round him. When people gathered round to talk, while they were waiting for their animals outside the OPD, he would often join the humans. Once I made the mistake of rubbing him on his head as he stood in the group. He turned around, glared at me with his deep yellow eyes and then butted my hip. The staff told me he went looking for “murgas” like me to mistake him for a dog and caress him so that he could butt them.

Are goats as smart as dogs ? Until recently, scientists thought that only animals that had been bred as companions or pets - such as dogs, cats, and horses were intelligent, or able to form bonds with humans.

This allows us to eat all the other animals, or kill them for sport. Mutton, goat meat, is a common item on the Indian menu. Now research proves that goats try to communicate with people in the same way that dogs and horses do. In a series of experiments published in Biology Letters, researchers found that when goats had a problem that they couldn’t solve alone, they would gaze at a person for help. Also that goats changed their ac-

tions in accordance with a person’s behaviour.

Researchers of Queen Mary, University of London concluded “From our earlier research, we already know that goats are smarter than their reputation suggests, but these results show how they can communicate and interact with their human handlers even though they were not domesticated as pets or working animals.”

To test goat communication skills, the researchers trained the animals to remove a lid from a box to receive a reward. The reward was then made inaccessible by making the lid removal harder. The reactions of the goats toward the experimenters — who were either facing the goats, or had their backs turned away — were recorded. The goats would gaze toward the forwardfacing person more often in a similar way to dogs asking for a treat, and for longer periods of time, than they would with the people who had turned away, which suggests that the goats were aware of where the human was looking. In some instances, the goats would also approach the forward-facing person before returning to the box. “Our results provide strong evidence for complex communication directed at humans and show similarities with animals bred to become pets or working animals, such as dogs and horses.”

Researchers on goat intelligence – or the lack of it –conclude that goats are amongst the brightest ungulates on Earth. Scientists at

Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2019

Excellent long term memory the Institute of Agricultural Science in Switzerland, long suspected that goats might be more intelligent than they seem. For example, goats live in complex social groups; they are experts in getting at hard-to-reach foods (goats in Morocco, for example, climb the 30 foot Argan trees in search of tasty sprigs); they remember people, things, and skills, and they are picky eaters who can adeptly pick leaves off of thorn bushes, or seek out just the right sprig of grass.

In another experiment to judge their intelligence they gave goats the “artificial fruit challenge”—a cognitive game originally developed for apes. Fruit was placed in a box which could only be reached by solving a puzzle. The goats had to use their teeth to pull on a rope to activate a lever, and then lift the lever up with their muzzle. Most of the goats could complete the task in four tries. The ones that failed did so because they tried to take a short cut and used their horns to pry open the box and they were disqualified.

The winning goats were given the same food box puzzle challenge after 10

hours to see how long it took them to solve it. All of them remembered how to solve the problem, and were able to access the fruit in less than a minute – showing an excellent long term memory.

Goat breeders say that goats have a calm and observational manner and can do the following : Tell individual humans apart, even when they have changed clothes. Remember at what time of day they are fed and complain if you’re late. Remember where the tastiest plants are, even if they have not been in that pasture for three months.

Follow an eye, or pointed finger, to a treat hidden in long grass. Learn simple tricks (stand on top of this stump, balance on your hind legs) indicated by hand gestures. Respond individually to their names. Remember which plant made them sick before, and never eat it again. Plan routes to a desired destination. For example, if there is a stream between the goats and tasty food. They will go up and downstream looking for a way around the stream.

Bend a loose piece of wire outward from the fence until it is at the correct height to itch between the horns.

Open a clip hook. Turn a doorknob with the mouth.

Goats are fascinated by mirrors. Like dogs and horses, goats are comfortable living outside of a flock.

Goats can learn unusual tasks, even choosing abstract symbols to request a drink of water. When they learn that a longer route will get them the food treat, they restrain their natural urge to go through an obviously shorter route to the visible food. London researchers found that goats recognized the voices of their close friends, and looked at their mates when they heard the sound of their bleat. If there is a less familiar goat present, when they heard an unknown bleat, they looked at the lesser-known individual, showing that they inferred this goat made the call.

They are sensitive to herdmates’ facial expressions, too. French goats paid more attention when they saw the photographed face of a familiar goat in an unpleasant situation than when they saw that of a relaxed, contented companion.

Goats are naturally curious and independent, often getting upto mischief and always looking for escape.

On You tube you can see the oddest unexplainable places that goats have been found. In March 2016, a goat in Greece was found dangling 20 feet in the air from a power line by its horns, with seemingly no jumping-off points in sight.

Local officials are still unsure of how it landed in the power line—and had to use a long ladder and rope to pull

the goat to the ground. After being rescued, the goat ran off happily.

Security cameras in Colorado, caught goats vandalizing windows. The footage shows a goat walking up to a glass door, butting its head against the pane, and then running away after the glass shatters. It returns and does it to the next glass door.

Just having fun.

The Kinder Goat Breeders Association says that the goat is as good a companion as a dog. “They are intelligent and affectionate and are easy to train, whether it’s for milking or something like cart-pulling. They love to be with their owners, so they make great companions for walking, hiking or even camping. They are natural comics and are great entertainment.”

Some pet goats are used as therapy goats. These goats accompany their humans to schools, assisted-living facilities and community centres. The Delta Society, an organization that tests and registers pets for therapy work, includes goats in their list of animals eligible for registration. To become a pet therapist, a goat must pass a test that shows it to be controllable, reliable and predictable. The goat must have good manners in public places, and have the social skills to behave with strangers. We pick on the Nagas because they eat dogs.

I find people who eat goats equally bizarre. To join the animal welfare movement contact gandhim@nic.in, www.peopleforanimalsindia.org

Post-mortem

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Citizenship, development & governance in Nagaland

he subject of citizenship is an important part of a country’s political discourse. The constitution of India talks about persons who became citizens on January 26, 1950 while Parliament has enacted the Citizenship Act 1955, making elaborate provisions for the acquisition and termination of citizenship.

The law of Indian citizenship therefore is such that new citizens are being added even without the controversial Citizenship Amendment Bill 2016. In other words we need to understand that the present law already permits acquisition of citizenship, for example—either by registration, naturalization etc.

What the proposed Amendment does is to make it easier for certain groups of people to acquire Indian citizenship. They are primarily Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis and Christians from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The Bill also seeks to reduce the requirement of 11 years of continuous stay in the country to six years to obtain citizenship by naturalization.

Yes, the large scale protests across Northeast India is due to the genuine fear— among the indigenous population of the region including in Nagaland—that the present Amendment will give legitimacy to illegal migrants and disturb the delicate demography of the region.

Without going into the complexity of the present discourse over the rights and wrongs of the Citizenship Amendment Bill 2016, the argument that this column wants to put forward is simply this: whether Nagaland is prepared to tackle the menace of illegal migration—past, present and future.

Whether the Citizenship Amendment Bill 2016 is passed or not, we still need to have the right system in place.

That is the best guarantee for protecting the rights and security of the State and its citizens.

And if the civil society groups leading the protests are so concerned for the Citizenship Amendment Bill, what immediate plan of action does it have to detect and deport the illegal migrants who are already in Nagaland?

A way forward to ad-

dress the problem of illegal migrants is to put in place a robust system that can enforce the present law already in place—the Bengal Frontier Regulation 1873 and the Inner Line Permit (ILP) regulation.

But again honestly, is it practical to bring the entire commercial hub or district of Dimapur under the ILP regime? Logistics-wise also it would be extremely difficult to enforce ILP given that there are daily commercial flights, and railways operating in Dimapur.

Free movement of goods and services under some form of regulation, such as issuing work permits, should be allowed at least in the Dimapur municipal area. A blanket imposition of ILP in the commercial hub of Dimapur will be economically detrimental and a step backward.

Nevertheless, if at all ILP is enforced in Dimapur, as is the popular demand of the public, a complete overhaul of the security and administrative apparatus will be required, including strict surveillance and monitoring of all entry points.

During a recent lecture organized by The Morung Express newspaper in Dimapur, one of the speakers remarked that Naga society is mostly “ill-informed.” We tend to be “reactive and only looking at the immediacy or the urgency of the situation.”

Instead we need to reflect a little bit more and understand issues before overreacting sometimes.

Let us consider this. The main argument of the present protests by civil society groups in Nagaland is that the Citizenship Amendment Bill would open the floodgates of more illegal immigrants into the State. But how many of us protesting against the invasion of illegal migrants into our land are also raising our voices and concern over the broad-gauge railway line connecting mainland India (Assam) to Kohima, the heart of the Naga Hills?

Resurgence in the influx of migrants is also anticipated in the wake of the churning in Assam over the implementation of the National Register of Citizens.

Since trains are considered to be their preferred

mode of conveyance, have we suggested any security measures at railway stations for ensuring proper verification and surveillance of migrant labourers?

Also what steps are being taken by the NGOs and district administration of Dimapur to actually deport the existing illegal migrants who have found safe haven in and around Dimapur, and the adjoining foothill areas of Nagaland?

Do we also have official guidelines for contractors, businesses, NGOs etc., hiring migrant labourers to ensure proper verification and maintain a database?

The Citizenship Amendment Bill 2016 may or may not come but the challenges posed by immigration will remain.

The newly formed Joint Committee on Prevention of Illegal Immigrants (JCPI) recently advocated bringing about a strong and permanent mechanism to deal with this issue. A committee on ILP was formed by the present government and would have submitted its report by now.

One suggestion is to restructure the Department of Border Affairs, which is under the Administrative Head of Commissioner Nagaland, and create another division to deal with the wider issue of immigration.

An example to cite is the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP), Government of Australia that is responsible for immigration, citizenship and border control (including visa issuance). Better still is to study the workings of the Immigration Bureau in Thailand.

Bandhs alone will not solve our problems. Neither will a weak and corrupt system allow us to respond to the range of threats we face.

What long term measures should be taken by the village authorities, tribal hohos and the government towards improving our homeland security? We need to be better informed and equipped at the same time.

The write-up first appeared in Think-Tank section of The Naga Republic (www.thenagarepublic.com) Along Longkumer

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Transition of society

an found nothing but grief in the company of his fellows all being almost ‘selfish, self seeking, cunning, egoistic, brutal and aggressive, thus man in state of society were like hungry wolves each ready to pounce on the other’s life with all its ferocity”.

–HOBBES In the mid 1990s, our ancestors were pure in love, honesty, loyal, and passionate among the individuals. As we retrospect about our society men were diligent, excited for charity, no impartiality, united and cooperated for the betterment of society. In comparison, modern society men want a state of peace, goodwill, mutual assistance and preservation. Hence the peaceful life was often upset by corruption, man are forced to face such an “ill-gotten circumstances”.

However, man is born in society and bred in society, nourished and nurtured in society, from childhood to adolescence, from adolescence to youth, youth to maturity, from maturity to old age till up to death, men live in society, men depends on society for protection and comfort, men need society and society needs them. In daily life man makes a huge contribution in society but some unbearable fellow human being who exacerbate it.

Today, the interest of some man is seeking solidarity, believe in wealth and question individually in what sense do I belong to society? In what sense does

society need me? That kind of unbearable fellow also is born in society, bred in society, participate in society and develop his personality. Why this type of person is lacking? Because they have high standard of living, in behaving and acting as member of society they are the ones who stab from the back.

Since the condition is intolerable men are giving up the roots of wisdom. The practices of maltreatment, fear, arrogance, stubbornness are on the increase. A curse has been there because of egoism, men are forced to live in full fear and continuous danger. Every man needs a peaceful, equal and happy life. But since it is uncontrolled by proper social forces, a differences arises among the people between stronger and weaker, poor and rich arose. The noble and the savage are related like single rotten potato ruins the whole society and this type should be excluded nor should society accept them.

Eventually, the society is a web of social relationship it is based on cooperation not division that inferred from working together for the attainment of a common goal. Presently the contentment of our society is uncongenial, loyalty and honesty are uneasy because of the selfishness, loving and care are evanesce whereas charitable become avaricious. Therefore, the transitions of our society lead into chaos Peteneizo Talie, M.A Philosophy, St Joseph University, Dimapur

Reader’s Post

Appeal to director SE on aadhar card

Sir,

We would like to request your good office to kindly withdraw the mandatory need for Aadhaar in admission at GHS Ahthibung, Peren as some students are not allowed for admission due to non -possession of Aadhaar card. Despite the Supreme Court latest order, the Aadhaar has been made mandatory in that school which is against the students’ community and violation of legal right.

Therefore, we request your prompt action so that everybody can avail education without any discrimination.

Concerned citizens, Gouthang, Munlal, Sanathang Ahthibung town, Peren

Sir,

On the Sunday ban diktat

The recent diktat by a certain underground faction banning all business and economic activities in Dimapur has come as a big shock. The total silence of the present day Government makes one wonder whether we have a popular elected Government in Nagaland. It makes one wonder whether the underground faction has some tacit understanding with marketing committees of Dillai Gate and Khatkhati as lakhs (if not crores) of Naga’s money get transferred to our neighbouring state every Sunday.

The concerned faction should be aware of their limitations as Nagas have reposed their mandate only on the present day Government however dull or incompetent they may be.This kind of diktat is taking Nagaland backwards when the rest of the states of India and the rest of the world is moving forward in all spheres.

Kahoto Zhimo, concerned and worried Naga

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

national/state

Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2019

LS passes interim budget amid uproar

Piyush Goyal during the debate on the interim budget in Lok Sabha. (File)

New Delhi, Feb 11 (AGENCIES): The interim budget 2019-20 was passed in the Lok Sabha Monday amidst sloganeering by the TDP MP’s demanding special status for Andhra Pradesh and walk-out by the Congress, NCP and CPI-M. Accusing the Congress of betraying the nation by opposing government policies for the poor and farmers, Union Minister Piyush Goyal said the people will never forgive it, PTI reported.

While replying to the debate on the interim bud-

get, Goyal said the Modi government had taken a lot of initiatives in the past four-and-half years for the benefit of poor, farmers and middle class and the 201920 Interim Budget was a continuation of that.

Referring to the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi under which small farmers will be provided Rs 6,000 financial assistance every year, Goyal said that those living in palaces will never understand the importance of Rs 2,000 every four months and hence they “belittle” the scheme.

Goyal said that the

Tuccu elected NSCN (I-M)...

(From p-1) He was also made member of the collective leadership in 2013. After being elected, Q Tuccu gave his commitment to the house that “in the name of Jehovah, he will not deviate from his stand and go against the will and decision of the Nagas.”

Tongmeth Wangnao, while admitting the fact that though there were many senior members who deserved the VP’s post, acknowledged the privilege given to him to reach this far due to the co-operation and support of all members. He appealed to the members to stand by him, feeding him with all the ideas and advice that will further uplift the national movement in the manner Naga people desire.

Prior to the declaration, ato kilonser Th. Muivah reminded in his short speech that “Nagas are not a lost people, because our forerunners like Imkong Meren and A.Z. Phizo took the right decision at the right time that Nagas will be the master of themselves- their land and their future and Nagalim will be for Christ.”

Muivah also reminded the members that many nations perished with the change of the world, however Nagas took the decision to be for Christ and thus sustained the existence.

“God will not be please if we deviate our ways from the decision taken by our

elders with tears and blood”, he said. He further urged the members to take strong stand to adhere to the principle followed by former chairman late Isak Chishi Swu who declared unity of the Nagas in the name of Jesus Christ. He said late Isak Swu signed the historic Framework Agreement to regain what was at the point of getting lost under pressure from adversaries. Muivah also asserted that the elected leaders shall not be above the people and the nation, but will abide by the national will and decision in accordance with the Yehzabo and Nagalim for Christ”.

WSH hails NSCN (IM)’s decision: Western Sumi Hoho (WSH) has hailed the “decision” of the NSCN (I-M) to appoint Q.Tuccu as its chairman.

In a press release, WSH president Zheshito Swu and general secretary Vikato K Achumi expressed hope that Tuccu with his vast knowledge and long experience in the Naga political movement would be able to deliver the expectations and aspirations of the Naga people under his chairmanship. The hoho also lauded Tongmeth Wangnao on being appointed as the vice chairman. WSH expressed optimism that with their appointment, the Naga peace talks would be bolstered and make way for a permanent solution on the long protracted issue.

Narendra Modi-led government has changed the working style followed by the Congress party. ‘We are moving towards an honest system,’ he said.

Meanwhile, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said that he was ‘grudgingly given only two minutes’ to debate the ‘longest interim budget speech in history.’

Tharoor said that his party would have welcomed the proposed tax exemption move, but it was coming from the government that is ‘pulling cash out’ of the middle class in every possible way.

He also said that the AIIMS promised in Kerala still remains unfulfilled and no money has been allocated with regards to the damage caused by Cyclone Okchi.

All India Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy questioned the central government over employment data. He alleged that the government is not releasing the data on unemployment because it is an all-time high.

Trinamool Congress termed the interim Budget 2019-20 as “vote-oriented” and questioned the Narendra Modi government’s track record on providing jobs, alleging that unemployment is at an all-time high in the last 45 years.

Participating in the debate on interim Budget in the Lok Sabha, Trinamool member Saugata Roy also criticized the government’s decision of demonetization, saying that it had taken away lakhs of jobs and adversely affected the country’s economy.

“It looks like the Finance Ministry has been outsourced. The Railway Minister is presenting the Budget. They have two MoS (ministers of state), but a civil aviation MoS

is defending the government,” he said in a jibe at the government.

Roy accused the government of weakening institutions like the Reserve Bank of India by interfering in their autonomy.

On defence allocation, he said it was only one-fifth of what China was spending.

“Of this, 20 per cent will go to Rafale and the deal has exposed their chinks in their armour,” he said. Tamil Nadu’s ruling AIADMK, which is being wooed by the BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, on Monday criticized the Narendra Modi government on various fronts including demonetization, GST, unemployment and farm distress.

Participating in a discussion on Budget 20192020 in the Lok Sabha, the party’s M. Thambidurai said that the interim budget, presented by the Modi government, was more of an “election manifesto” of the ruling party.

Terming the income support to farmers announced in the Budget as “meagre”, he said the government has not given proper attention to this problem.

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Organizations laud JCC, Nagas (From p-1) While quoting deputy National Security Adviser and Interlocutor, RN Ravi’s recent statement that the negotiation will “be concluded soon”, NTC however expressed dismay to observe “the evasiveness of the Nagas in matters of common interest of which how crucial the issue may be.”

NTC said it was pertinent to introspect on how individual and cluster egos had taken better of our common approaches and perspectives, where common interests have been bottlenecked.

Nevertheless, NTC said it was elated to see how the Nagas of Nagaland responded to the call given by the JCC. CC: Coordination Committee (CC) for CAB

with citizens choosing to remain indoors throughout the 10 hour bandh. Speaking to Nagaland Post, NTC member Theja Therieh said the bandh was one of its kind which was observed without volunteers enforcing the bandh. He said the response received from all the districts was massive.

Therieh said the successful bandh across the state was an indication that Nagas understood the two issues, adding that both central government and state government should get the clear picture of the people’s sentiments. Therieh said wider consultations and opinion of all the organizations involved would be held for further action.

Kohima district GB Association Vineipra Pienyü, said other north eastern states launched massive protest quite early and were still continuing and therefore Nagaland should also work along with the other NE states keeping in mind the negative impact once the bill was passed in Rajya Sabha.

Mokokchung: The bandh call spearheaded by NGBF and other civil society groups was also observed in Mokokchung without any untoward incident being reported. All government offices, educational institutions and business establishments remained closed during the bandh while pedestrian and vehicular movements were restricted. The town wore a deserted look as shops downed their shutters and citizens preferred to stay indoors.

Volunteers and bandh enforcers were stationed at various important junctions of the town like Sewak Gate, Indian Oil junction, Town Square (police point) and at BOC Sungkomen ward to enforce the bandh. The bandh was enforced and supported by all the civil societies of Mokokchung. Meanwhile, the NPF Mokokchung division also joined in enforcing the bandh as volunteers as per the directives issued by NPF central.

The divisional office bearers led by its president Moasangba Jamir and his colleagues volunteered supporting the bandh. Also in presence was Apong Pongener, working president NPF Central.

MON: In Mon district headquarters, the called by the ENPO and NGBF against the CAB affected the normal life.

The otherwise busy daily bazaar wore deserted look. Very few people were seen crossing the road in some parts of the town. Vehicles remained off the road while all shops, institutions and offices were closed. Though the bandh called by the ENPO lasted till 12 noon, the bandh called by the NGBF continued and lasted till 4pm. No untoward incident was reported till the time of filing this report.

LONGLENG: A total bandh against the proposed CAB was successfully observed in Longleng district today. Spearheaded by Longleng District GB Association (LDGBA) and Phom People’s Council (PPC), the bandh was observed from

(From p-1) The party said the government should know that GBs were not appointed under any service rules, rather it was the special provisions under 371(A) that granted them the status to be guardians of customary and traditional laws and practice of the Naga people, as enshrined in the 16-point agreement.

And as guardians of Naga customs and traditions, NPFLP appreciated the good leadership provided by NGBF, along with all tribal hohos and NGOs of the State.

It said it hoped and trusted the mighty hands of Almighty God to save the Naga people and Northeast India.

6am to 12 noon following ENPO directive to observe bandh for only six hours in all ENPO jurisdiction in view of the ensuing HSLC & HSSLC examinations.

During the six-hour bandh, all the government offices, bank and educational institution were closed and commercial activities remained suspended. Pedestrian and vehicular movement were also totally restricted besides those exempted form the purview of the bandh.

Several GBs and other bandh volunteers were deployed at various locations of the town.

Police, IRB and officials from District administration were deployed at various places of the town to thwart any untoward incidents during the bandh.

KIPHIRE: Along with the rest of the state, Kiphire observed six-hour bandh from 6 am to 12 noon opposing the CAB 2016. As per ENPO directive, the bandh was initiated by United Sangtam Likhum Pumji (USLP) and GBs in Kiphire. All educational institutions and business establishments were closed. Roads in Kiphire town also wore deserted look with no vehicular movement.

In Pungro, the bandh was observed under the aegis of Pungro Sub-Division GB’s Union. Bandh enforced from 6:00am-12:00noon. In a press release, Pungro GB union president T Musumong Yimchungrü said the union opposed any move that put future of Nagas at stake.

Sena takes jibe at BJP’s claim of winning 43 LS seats in Maha Mumbai, Feb 11 (PTI): The Shiv Sena on Monday mocked the BJP’s claim that it would win 43 out of the total 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra in the upcoming general polls.

The Sena claimed the situation was grim in the state and wondered how could the BJP think of winning so many seats when the party-ruled state was staring at a slew of problems and the alliance talks with the Uddhav Thackeray-led party were still hanging fire.

On Saturday, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and state BJP chief Raosaheb Danve had claimed that their party would win 43 seats, one more than in 2014, in the Lok Sabha polls in the state. Maharashtra accounts for the second highest number of 48 Lok Sabha seats in the country after Uttar Pradesh, which has 80.

The Shiv Sena, which is currently a constituent of the NDA at the Centre and the BJP-led government in Maharashtra, had last year announced to go solo in all

Uddhav Thackeray (File)

future elections. However, the BJP has time and again expressed confidence of stitching up a pre-poll alliance with the Sena. The Sena, in an editorial in party mouthpiece ‘Saamana’ on Monday, claimed that several issues were plaguing the state at present.

“The BJP-led government tried to crush the agitation of farmers’ daughters in Ahmednagar. There are no good returns for onion growers and milk producers. Teachers are agitating over their demand for filling 24,000 vacant posts in government-run schools, while over 1,000 children have died in state-run shelter homes in last four years,” it claimed.

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NRI marriage bill introduced in RS notice that the person has not registered his marriage within a period of 30 days from the date of marriage.

The proposed amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 would also empower the courts for issuance of summons and warrants through the specifically-designated website of the Ministry of External Affairs.

It further provides for attachment of the propSushma Swaraj erties, both movable and New Delhi, Feb 11 tives state. “It has been de- immovable, belonging to a (IANS): External Affairs cided to bring in a legislation proclaimed offender.

Minister Sushma Swaraj to provide for compulsory on Monday introduced the registration of marriage for Registration of Marriage of better enforcement of rights Non-Resident Indians Bill in of the deserted spouses unthe Rajya Sabha. der various family laws,” it The Bill seeks to pro- added. vide safeguards to Indian The Bill also seeks to women who are trapped amend the Passport Act, in fraudulent marriages 1967 and the Code of Crimiwith Non-Resident Indians nal Procedure, 1973.

(NRIs).

The proposed amend“Therefore, it is nec- ment to the Passport Act, essary that the marriage 1967 would empower the solemnized or otherwise in passport authorities to imIndia or outside India shall pound or cause to be imbe registered within a period pounded or revoke a passof 30 days from the date of port or travel document of marriage,” the Bill’s objec- a, NRI, if it is brought to his

It asserted that CAB was also “another form of internal aggression” against the indigenous people of North East India that infringes into their basic rights and survival.

The committee said it would leave no stone unturned to see that the Naga political solution reached its timely logical end.

Further, the committee has supported the JCPI deadline to the Abhishek Singh Committee for submission of final report making Dimapur an ILP zone.

Stating that it was in touch with activists and movements in various states of North-East to oppose CAB, the committee has, therefore, appealed to the citizens of Nagaland to be prepare for further course of action.

CAB ‘devilish Bill’ doctored by BJP: NPF

10-hour Nagaland bandh total and peaceful

(From p-1) Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) general secretary, Imtiyapang Imsong, also informed this reporter that its president, Christopher Ltu with a delegation representing Nagaland, has left for New Delhi along with Northeast Students’ Organization (NESO) on Sunday to meet the central leadership and to lobby against the Bill.

Imsong said the NSF extends its solidarity to NGBF and hoped that the bill will not be cleared in the Rajya Sabha.

He, however, cautioned that the federation would continue to raise objection in case the government did not listen to them.

Nagaland Post also visited various places to take stock of the bandh. It was almost business as usual at the railway station with long distance trains arriving or moving out of the station at regular intervals. However, as in the past, travellers to Kohima had to bid their time at the station to wait for taxis.

Two such traveller who arrived on the Shatabdi Express from Guwahati and were stranded due to the bandh, told Nagaland Post that they had to patiently wait for the bandh to be called off by 4 p.m. before they find a cab to Kohima. It was also business as usual at the airport as travellers arrived to the airport waiting for their flight.

Kohima: Citizens in Kohima wholeheartedly responded to the bandh as entire town and road wore deserted look

and Naga political solution under the aegis of NGBF has extended appreciation to all tribe hohos, civil society groups, NGOs, various committees, mass based organizations and the citizens of Nagaland for making the Nagaland Bandh a “resounding success.”

In a press release issued by its media cell, the committee said that the spontaneous participation by the general public of Nagaland itself spoke volumes of the two burning issues at hand, which were close to the heart of the people.

The committee said that the central political leaders should take heed to the voice of the citizens of Nagaland on early Naga political settlement and their fierce opposition against CAB.

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business

Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2019

Govt hopes all banks will MTNL seeks Rs 500 cr from DoT Rupee gains 13 paise to 71.18 vs USD be out of PCA list by June

KAKURO

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No. 3754 Yesterday’s solution No. 3753

No. 2780 Yesterday’s solution No. 2779

Down 1 Two girls are the making of another (8) 2 Not in motion yet (5) 4 Articles on poles in a Greek city (6) 5 Parasites giving signs of approval (5) 6 Device leaders from Capitol Hill introduced to state (7) 7 Children observe deputy head (4) 8 Black queen with right flag (6) 13 Left after a meal, holding book describing champion?

(8) 15 Stencil designed for customers (7) 17 Leader in Caribbean, a revolutionary sort (6) 18 Show resentment of new wife audibly (6) 20 Sixth or seventh extract for animal (5) 22 Left in bank - as some cheques may be (5) 23 Turn pale making an entreaty (4)

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34,225 and Rs 34,075 per ten gram, respectively.

Sovereign gold, however, remained flat at Rs 26,100 per piece of eight gram.

In tandem with gold, silver ready declined by Rs 150 to Rs 41,100 per kg and weekly-based delivery by Rs 118 to Rs 39,987 per kg.

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K-384

Across 1 Stratagem sure to fail (4) 3 Diversions in father’s newspaper (8) 9 Chips with an odd vegetable (7) 10 Money, by the sound of it, in a hidden store (5) 11 Fruit swallowed by some Londoners (5) 12 Monster allegedly is seen at sea (6) 14 Extremely rare binder for log (6) 16 Christopher Robin initially in spotted cloak (6) 19 Rhode Island pop star with more money (6) 21 Small bear dancing with sword (5) 24 There’s nothing about “Queen Elizabeth” being a ship (5) 25 Sleeping in bedroom with social worker (7) 26 Some historians were duly acknowledged (8) 27 Hide small family members (4)

New Delhi, Feb 11 (PTI): Gold prices Monday fell by Rs 55 to Rs 34,225 per ten gram at the bullion market, tracking a weak trend overseas amid tepid demand from local jewellers, according to All India Sarafa Association.

Silver also followed suit and weakened by Rs 150 to Rs 41,100 per kg owing to reduced offtake by industrial units and coin makers.

Traders attributed the decline in gold prices to a weak trend overseas and easing demand from jewellers at the domestic markets.

Globally, gold fell 0.24 per cent to USD 1,312 an ounce and silver by 0.51 per cent to USD 15.82 an ounce in New York.

In the national capital, gold of 99.9 per cent and 99.5 per cent purity moved down by Rs 55 each to Rs

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No. 9135 Yesterday’s solution No. 9134

New Delhi, Feb 11 (PTI): Defence industries have attracted a meagre $0.21 million foreign direct investment (FDI) during April-September 2018, Parliament was informed on February 11. In 201415, 2015-16 and 2017-18, defence industries received $0.08 million, $0.10 million and $0.01 million foreign inflows, respectively.

In 2016-17, the industries in the sector failed to attract FDI, according to the data provided by Minister of State for Commerce and Industry C R Chaudhary in his written reply to the Lok Sabha. India imports 70 percent of its military hardware from various countries.

Overall, FDI in the country dipped 11 percent to $22.66 billion during AprilSeptember this fiscal.

In 2017-18 also, the growth rate of foreign direct investment recorded a five-year low of 3 percent at $44.85 billion. In a separate reply, the minister said funds provided to Invest India have increased to Rs 33,19,42,631 in 2018-19 as against Rs 1,18,78,380 in 2013-14.

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it partially offset high cost, it claimed. Expenses during the quarter increased on the back of a 34 per cent rise in crude oil prices and 11 per cent depreciation of the Indian rupee against the US dollar.

“The combined effect of these cost escalation was approximately Rs 329 crore. The company also reversed some portion of

Gold slips on weak global cues, muted demand

the tune of Rs 960.04 crore Friday, provisional data showed.

The 30-share barometer, BSE Sensex, settled at 36,395.03, down 151.45 points, or 0.41 per cent.

The 50-scrip NSE Nifty finished 49.80 points, or 0.50 per cent, down at 10,888.80.

The Financial Benchmark India Private Ltd (FBIL) set the reference rate for the rupee/dollar at 71.1621 and for rupee/ euro at 80.5882. The reference rate for rupee/British pound was fixed at 92.0216 and for rupee/100 Japanese yen at 64.71.

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Mumbai, Feb 11 (IANS): Frill-free passenger carrier SpiceJet on Monday reported 77 per cent decline in net profit at Rs 55.1 crore for the quarter ended on December 31, 2018. The standalone net profit for the same period last fiscal was Rs 240 crore.

An 8 per cent increase in passenger yields helped

its provisions on forex obligations taken during the previous quarter for this financial year,” the airline said in a statement.

The company’s total income increased to Rs 2,530.8 crore for Q3FY19 against Rs 2,096.1 crore in Q3FY18.

“For the same comparative period, expenses were Rs 2,475.8 crore against Rs 1,856.1 crore.

On Ebitda (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation) basis, SpiceJet reported a profit of Rs 135.5 crore in Q3,” the statement added.

“The company reported a profit of Rs 478.6 crore. Expenses per ASKM increased 14 per cent on account of a 34 per cent rise in ATF prices and 11 per cent increase in exchange rate,” it said.

Defence industries attract meagre FDI during Apr- Sept

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According to the Scheme of Amalgamation announced by BoB, shareholders of Vijaya Bank would get 402 equity shares of BoB for every 1,000 shares held in the bank.

In the case of Dena Bank, the shareholders would get 110 shares of BoB for every 1,000 shares owned in the bank.

The scheme would come into force on April 1.

The amalgamation would be the first-ever threeway consolidation of banks in India, with a combined business of Rs 14.82 lakh crore, making it the thirdlargest bank after State Bank of India and ICICI Bank.

The merger would also create the second-largest PSB. After the merger, the number of PSBs will come down to 18.

SpiceJet’s Q3 profit dips 77%

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NEW DELHI, Feb 11 (PTI): The government is not considering any other merger proposal in public sector banks at the moment as it would wait for completion of the amalgamation of Dena and Vijaya Bank with Bank of Baroda (BoB), official sources said.

The Union Cabinet last month approved the merger of these three banks to create the country’s thirdlargest lender.

The process of amalgamation is going on according to the schedule, the sources said. They added that the other proposal would be considered after the stabilisation of this three-way merger.

Last month, boards of the three banks also cleared the share-swap ratio for the proposed amalgamation.

paying pension to its employees. But three years back, DoT started funding pensions of MTNL employees. It is on this basis that MTNL is now reclaiming the amount what it has already paid to tide over its current financial crunch.

MTNL reported widening of its loss to Rs 859 crore on standalone basis in the quarter ended on September 30, 2018, mainly on account of increase in finance cost and decline in sales.

The debt-ridden firm posted a loss of Rs 730.64 crore in the same period a year ago.

The finance cost of the company during the period under review increased to Rs 422.72 crore from Rs 366.22 crore. The total income declined by about 21 per cent to Rs 621.26 crore in the reported quarter from Rs 791.1 crore in July-September 2017 quarter.

The auditors of MTNL in a note said that the net worth of the company had been fully eroded. MTNL has a debt of around Rs 19,000 crore.

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Govt not looking at other proposals for PSB merger

undertake more expansion and operations, the sources said.

Recently, the government announced infusion of Rs 28,615 crore into seven public sector banks (PSBs) through recapitalization bonds which have raised their capital ratio and improved recovery mechanism, targeting lower net NPA level.

Some banks are performing well and they are adequately capitalised as per the Basel norms. So, capitalization and loan recovery steps will facilitate them to come out of PCA. The PCA framework kicks in when banks breach any of the three key regulatory trigger points: capital to risk weighted assets ratio, net non-performing assets (NPA) and return on assets (RoA).

Globally, PCA kicks in only when banks slip on a single parameter of capital adequacy ratio, and the government and some of the independent directors of the RBI board, like S. Gurumurthy, are in favour of this practice being adopted for the domestic banking sector as well.

ongoing US-China trade talks and global economic recovery.

“The d o l l a r index attracted the safe haven investment on mounting concerns over US China trade talks and global economic r e c ove r y.

The dollar edged upwards to a new high for 2019, as the slowdown in the Euro zone showed signs of raising more political instability,” said V K Sharma, Head PCG & Capital Markets Strategy, HDFC Securities.

The dollar index, which gauges the greenback’s strength against a basket of six currencies, rose 0.10 per cent to 96.73.

Meanwhile, foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 843.73 crore, and domestic institutional investors (DIIs) sold shares to

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entity will start operations from April 1, 2019, the LIC-IDBI entity is in the process of starting banking operations.

LIC had in January completed the deal with IDBI bank. However, IRDAI Chairman Subhash Chandra Khuntia had stated that the approval for the LIC-IDBI Bank deal had been on the condition that the stake will eventually be brought down to 15 percent.

The six banks which will be eyeing non-PCA status in 2019 will be Allahabad Bank, United Bank of India, Corporation Bank, UCO Bank, Central Bank of India and Indian Overseas Bank.

There is no time deadline given to any bank from the Finance Ministry. Officials say it should be their own goal to get out of PCA. They need to improve all key parameters of NPAs, capital savings and non-core assets monetization.

All the agenda and roadmap have been given to them but they also have to realize that the sooner they get out of this framework restrictions, they will be able

Mumbai, Feb 11 (PTI): The rupee strengthened by 13 paise to close at 71.18 against the US dollar Monday on easing crude oil prices, even as the greenback strengthened vis-a-vis other major currencies.

This is the fifth successive session of gain for the domestic currency, during which it has climbed 62 paise.

At the Interbank Foreign Exchange (forex) Monday, the rupee opened on a firm note at 71.24. It gained further to hit a high of 71.09 and finally settled for the day at 71.18, up 13 paise over its last close.

On Friday, the rupee had ended 14 paise higher at 71.31 against the US dollar.

Easing crude price was a major factor that boosted the rupee sentiments. Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, was trading at USD 61.94 per barrel, down by 0.26 per cent.

“The Indian rupee appreciated for fifth straight day. INR is the best performing emerging market currency over last one week,” said Sunil Sharma, Chief Investment Officer, Sanctum Wealth Management.

Forex traders attributed the US dollar movement to renewed concerns over

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New Delhi, Feb 11 (IANS): The Finance Ministry is hopeful that all banks will be out of the prompt corrective action (PCA) list by the end of June with their net NPA level coming in the range of 6 per cent by then.

The capital needs of all PCA banks have already been taken care of by the government through recapitalization in December 2018 and January 2019.

The government took three banks - Bank of India, Bank of Maharashtra and Oriental Bank of Commerce - out of the PCA list last month.

Two others - Dena Bank (part of merger with Vijaya Bank and Bank of Baroda) and IDBI Bank (through acquisition by LIC) - will be out of the PCA list by default.

This leaves just six banks in the list of weak banks that will be under pressure from the peer group to improve on their NPA improvisation performance.

They could cut down their NPA by June this year, informed sources said.

While the BoB-Dena Bank-Vijaya Bank merged

New Delhi, Feb 11 (IANS): Unable to pay salaries to its employees for a third consecutive month in January, state-run MTNL has raised pending dues of Rs 500 crore from the Department of Telecom (DoT) for the period 2000-13.

The Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL) seeks reimbursement of pension and GPF totalling Rs 488 crore paid to employees absorbed from DoT in MTNL and also for rendering telephone services to DoT employees.

The DoT had leased the lands and buildings of MTNL during this period for which the public sector undertaking wants Rs 12 crore in rentals.

An amount of Rs 200 crore from this is meant to settle the wage bill of MTNL employees for January, DoT sources said.

A senior DoT official said the department was examining the MTNL invoices and would release some cash towards the salary payment.

The rest would be given after due scrutiny of MTNL documents in support of their claim of Rs 500 crore.

MTNL has an employee strength of around 23,000.

Its stock price closed at Rs 12.20 a piece on Monday, just about 1 per cent higher than the previous close.

Earlier, MTNL was

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Grammy Awards: Kacey Musgraves wins big

(L-R) Maren Morris, Katy Perry, Jimi Westbrook, Kimberly Schlapman, Dolly Parton, Karen Fairchild, Philip Sweet, Miley Cyrus and Kacey Musgraves perform ‘9 to 5’ at the 61st annual Grammy Awards on Sunday.

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olly Parton was joined by more than a dozen of the toprecording artists to perform at the Grammy Awards on Sunday night. The performances were part of a tribute to Parton’s songwriting after the country music legend was celebrated for her musical achievements and philanthropic work as MusiCares Person of the Year on Friday night.

She’s the first country artist to be saluted in the tribute’s 29-year history.

Katy Perry and Kacey Musgraves kicked off the medley of Parton’s biggest hits by singing “Here

You Come Again” before they were joined by Parton wearing a sequined, white dress.

When the 73-year-old stepped out on stage, the crowd started roaring and were brought to their feet.

Parton was then joined by her goddaughter Miley Cyrus to sing “Jolene” before Maren Morris came out to help the singers perform “After the Gold Rush.”

Next up was country music group Little Big Town who sang Parton’s new song “Red Shoes.”

All of the singers came back out to perform Par-

ton’s mega-hit “9 to 5.”

All of the performances had the audience singing along. At the Friday night even where Parton was honored the singer also had the crowd entertained with her naughty humor.

“All of my life I have been known for two things.

Well, not them,” the wellendowed Parton joked in a bawdy acceptance speech.

“I’ve also been known as a singer and songwriter too.

Although I’m not complaining. Ol’ Pancho and Lefty’s been pretty good to me. Everybody always expects me to do a boob joke and I like to do that

right up front.”

Sur prising Par ton with her award on Friday and earning a standing ovation were Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt, who teamed with Parton for two successful “Trio” albums. It was a rare public appearance for Ronstadt, who can’t sing anymore because of Parkinson’s disease, which Parton mentioned.

MusiCares, run by the Recording Academy, provides financial assistance to individuals in the music industry during times of financial, medical and personal need.

Best R&B album”H.E.R.” H.E.R. Best country album”Golden Hour,” Kacey Musgraves.

Album of the year-”Golden Hour,” Kacey Musgraves.

Record of the year-”This is America,” Childish Gambino.

Song of the year-”This Is America,” Donald Glover and Ludwig Göransson.

Best new artist-Dua Lipa.

Best pop solo performance-”Joanne” Lady Gaga.

Best pop vocal album” Swe e te n e r,” A r i a n a Grande.

Best pop duo/group performance-”Shallow,” Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper.

Best rap album-”Invasion Of Privacy,” Cardi B. Best rap song-”God’s Plan,” Aubrey Graham, Daveon Jackson, Brock Korsan, Ron LaTour, Matthew Samuels & Noah S h e b i b , s o n g w r i te r s (Drake).

Best country song-”Space Cowboy,” Luke Laird, Shane McAnally & Kacey Musgraves, songwriters (Kacey Musgraves).

Best R&B performance”Best Part,” H.E.R. featuring Daniel Caesar.

(FoxNews/CNN)

Will Smith gets the meme treatment as Genie debuts

T

he new trailer for Disney’s forthcoming liveaction reboot of Aladdin has been released – and it sees Will Smith making his anticipated debut as the mystical Genie.

The advert, which debuted during the Grammys last night, comes after Disney revealed the first photos of Smith in the iconic role last December.

In the new sneak peak, we see the nefarious Jafar (Marwan Kenzari) at the

Cave of Wonders, before the scene immediately cuts to a colourful parade in the fictional kingdom of Agrabah.

After a brief look at Princess Jasmine (Naomi Scott), the trailer ends months of anticipation by revealing the moment when Aladdin (Mena Massoud) rubs the magical lamp to introduce Smith’s character for the first time.

“You really don’t know who I am? Genie? Wishes?

Lamp? None of that ringing a bell?” Smith’s Genie says

as Aladdin looks on in astonishment.

In keeping with the original depiction of the Genie, Smith is entirely blue with a ponytail sitting atop his shaved head.

However, it seems that the first look of Smith’s character isn’t quite striking the desired note among fans. While many were excited, others couldn’t help but notice the resemblance to Arrested Development‘s Tobias Funke.

Others joked that it looked like an unofficial preview of Avatar 2.

(NME)

Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2019

Winners of the 2019 BAFTAs

T

he winners of the 2019 BAFTAs were announced in London last night – with big victories being secured by The Favourite, Roma and Bohemian Rhapsody.

On a successful night for British film, period drama The Favourite lead with seven awards – including a coveted best actress award for Olivia Colman, a best supporting actress gong for Rachel Weisz and the award for outstanding British film.

Accepting the best actress gong, Olivia Colman said the film’s team were having an “amazing night” and paid tribute to her co-stars Weisz and Emma Stone.

“As far as I’m concerned, all three of us are the same and should be the leads, and it’s weird we can’t do that,” she told the audience at the Royal Albert Hall. “This is for all three of us. It’s got my name on it but we can scratch on some other ones.” And while Rami Malek scored an expected best actor victory for his portrayal of Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody, the coveted best film award went to Alfonso Cuaron’s Roma –which charts the life of a live-in housekeeper employed by a middle class Mexican family. It also picked up the best director gong for Cuaron, best cinematography and best film not in the English language.

Best Film-ROMA: Alfonso Cuarón, Gabriela Rodríguez.

Outstanding British FilmTHE FAVOURITE: Yorgos Lanthimos, Ceci Dempsey, Ed Guiney, Lee Magiday, Deborah Davis, Tony McNamara.

Outstanding Debut by a British Writer-BEAST: Michael Pearce (Writer/ Director), Lauren Dark (Producer).

Film Not In English Language-ROMA: Alfonso Cuarón, Gabriela

Olivia Colman, Rami Malek and Alfonso Cuaron.

Rodríguez.

Documentary-FREE SOLO: Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, Jimmy Chin.

Animated Film-SPIDERMAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE: Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, Rodney Rothman, Phil Lord.

Director-ROMA: Alfonso Cuarón.

Original Screenplay-THE FAVOURITE: Deborah Davis, Tony McNamara.

Leading Actress-OLIVIA COLMAN: The Favourite.

Leading Actor-RAMI MALEK: Bohemian Rhapsody.

Supporting Actress-RACHEL WEISZ: The Favourite.

Supporting Actor-MAHERSHALA ALI: Green Book.

Original Music -A STAR IS BORN: Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga, Lukas Nelson.

Cinematography-ROMA: Alfonso Cuarón.

Editing-VICE: Hank Corwin.

(NME)

HAPPY 50th Year Golden Jubilee Wedding Anniversary

Mr. K. Atalu Chugho & Mrs. K. Tenmung Chugho 12-02-1969 – 12-02-2019

Dearest Mummy & Daddy We are wishing you happy marriage 50 Year Anniversary.

Today is the milestone for fifty years of faith and love; a successful marriage which reminds us of God's wonderful blessing.

May God's love continue to fill your love with more love, happiness and good health.

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From much loving 6 daughters, a son and 25 grandchildren.

DC-184

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Juventus beat Sassuolo 3-0 in Serie A

Juventus players celebrate after scoring a goal during their Serie A match against Sassuolo.

Rome, Feb 11 (IANS): Juventus blanked Sassuolo 3-0 with Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo scoring one of the goals, contributing an assist and leading the team to victory here.

Cristiano has now scored 18 goals so far this season and leads the table of strikers with a Juventus that is getting its house in order to go up against Atletico Madrid on Febru-

11

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2019

ary 20 at Metropolitano Stadium in the Champions League quarterfinals, reports Efe news.

Juventus was eliminated in the Italian Cup competition with its stunning quarterfinals loss to Atlanta and only managed a 3-3 draw with Parma in its earlier league contest.

The team has been waiting for both Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bo-

nucci to return to full form, but it appears that they will ready for next week’s clash, although coach Massimiliano Allegri had fallen back on Daniele Rugani and Ur uguay’s Martín Caceres in recent outings with good results.

Although on Sunday Sassuolo came out with a fiery intensity, with Serbia’s Filip Djuricic having a great chance but Juventus’s

Polish goaltender Wojciech Szczesny saving the day right at the start of the match, it didn’t take long for Juventus to impose its style of play on the game.

The home squad got on the board in the 23rd minute when Sami Khedira recovered a block by Sassuolo keeper Andrea Consigli after a shot by Cristiano and pushed the ball into the net for his second league tally of the year after scoring his first last week against Chievo.

Sassuolo then was able to create another good chance in the 55th minute with a move by Domenico Berardi after a serious error by Szczesny, but that fizzled and Juventus scored its second goal in the 70th minute on a powerful header by Cristiano.

With the game on the rails toward a relatively easy victory, Germany’s Emre Can once again put Juventus on the board for the 3-0 on a perfect leftfooted cross from Cristiano Ronaldo after a counterattack. Meanwhile, on Saturday Naples battled to a scoreless draw against Fiorentina thus pushing Juventus another step closer to its eighth consecutive league title.

India’s Prajnesh breaks tennis top-100 barrier

New Delhi, Feb 11 (PTI): Reaping rewards of his consistent performance, Prajnesh Gunneswaran Monday broke into men’s singles top-100 for the first time in his career with a jump of six places that took him to 97. Prajnesh is only third Indian player to break into the top-100 barrier in the past decade after Somdev Devvarman and Yuki Bhambri.

The gritty left-hander, who had a brilliant 2018 season, reached the semifinals of the ATP Chennai Challenger last week to ensure his entry into the coveted bracket.

“It’s a good milestone for me. I have worked very hard to get here hopefully it be first of many (targets) this season. I have set a lot of goals and would like to get those. It’s a good start to the year, could have been better but I will take this,” Prajnesh told PTI. “I need to work on many things. There are many areas which I can improve on. I need to work on my fitness. I need to hit my forehands better with greater consistency. I will be prioritising certain things,” he added.

Pat Cummins voted Australia’s cricketer of the year Melbourne, Feb 11 (Agencies): Aussie pacer Pat Cummins wrapped an impressive and a remarkable 2018 in international cricket to win his first-ever Allan Border Medal at the Crown Palladium on Monday night at the Australian Cricket Awards. Cummins pipped teammate Nathan Lyon to become the first Aussie cricketer apart from Steve Smith and David Warner to win the award since 2014.

Well, Smith and Warner remained on the sidelines of cricketing action for almost the whole of 2018 following the balltampering scandal that unfolded in March in the Test series against South Africa. And it was during this dark period that Cummins shined where Australia managed to win only one series and draw two across formats recording one of their worst calendar numbers.

Cummins, in Test cricket, bagged 44 wickets in 16 innings at 19.97 which includes an impressive sixfer against India in the third and final Test match of the year in Melbourne. Not

Pat Cummins

only so, Cummins also left everyone impressed with his batting skills as he scored two Test fifties last year one of which came against India in Melbourne. It was after his Melbourne classic that many suggested his name for the role of Australia’s captain. In ODIs, he took only seven wickets in six innings.

The Allan Border award is voted by players, umpires and media on a 3-2-1 basis. As per Cricket Australia regulations, Test matches receives a ‘weighting factor’ of six, ODIs receive 3 and T20 internationals receive 2 are

not as significant under this system. Cummins bagged his maiden award with 156 votes, six ahead of Lyon and 10 ahead of Australia ODI captain Aaron Finch.

Marcus Stoinis and Usman Khawaja finished fourth and fifth respectively with 102 votes each.

Apart from Cummins taking the top honour on Sunday, Lyon finished above the pacer to take home the Test Player of the Year award. Marcus Stoinis won the ODI player of the year award and Glenn Maxwell was adjudged the winner of T20I Player of the year award.

Sarri unmoved as Chelsea Romania stun Czechs to reach Fed Cup semis capitulation harms top-four hopes

Thailand releases refugee Bahraini footballer

BA N G KO K , F e b 1 1 (Agencies): Thailand on Monday freed a jailed refugee Bahraini footballer with residency status in Australia, after Bahrain abandoned its bid to seek his extradition, and immigration officials said he was immediately driven to the airport.

Hakeem Al Araibi, 25, who fled Bahrain in 2014 and received refugee status in Australia, was arrested in November last year at a Bangkok airport while on a honeymoon trip, following an Interpol notice issued at Bahrain’s request.

However, the Middle East nation has withdrawn the request, prompting a Thai court to approve a motion by prosecutors to drop the case against the footballer, Thai officials said.

“There are no grounds to hold him anymore. It is his right to decide where he will go next. He is a free man,” said Chatchom Akapin, an official in the Attorney-General’s office.

Rights group Amnesty International, which lobbied for his release, said Araibi had arrived at the airport. It was not immediately clear when or why Bahrain withdrew its request. A Bahrain government spokesman declined to give details when asked who ordered the halt of the legal proceedings.

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Maurizio Sarri

piling the pressure on a manager whose insistence on adhering to his philosophy of possession football is frustrating the Chelsea fans.

However, the Italian remains unmoved. “My target is to play my football, and not to change to other football (styles), Sarri said. “Today I didn’t see my football. At the beginning it worked, so now we need to understand the reason why at the moment it isn’t working. I am worried about my team and the performance my job is always at risk.”

Things have unraveled very quickly for Sarri and his side. When Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took over from Jose Mourinho at Manchester United in December, it appeared Chelsea were in a straight tussle with Arsenal for fourth spot, with Sarri’s side three points ahead of their London rivals and 11 above United.

But after Sunday’s humiliation at the Etihad, United are in fourth place, one point ahead of Arsenal and Chelsea. To show how things have turned around, United now have a better goal difference than Chelsea, having been 21 goals worse off before Solskjaer’s first game against Cardiff on December 22.

Sarri’s tactical approach will be further tested should Chelsea’s poor form continue and they fall further behind in the race for the top four and Champions League qualification.

Simona Halep plays a shot against Czech Republic.

successive year and represented their first home defeat in a decade.

Earlier Simona Halep won the battle of the former world number ones with an epic 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 triumph over Karolina Pliskova, the Czechs’ highest-ranked

No excuses as VAR set for CL debut

biggest win in the Fed Cup.” Siniakova, who won both her singles rubbers in the 2018 final triumph over the United States, pulled the Czechs level by seeing off Mihaela Buzarnescu 6-4, 6-2.

French Open champion Halep had said that winning a first Fed Cup for Romania was now the top priority on her ‘bucket list’ has finally broken her Grand Slam drought in Paris last year. Romania will now travel to France in April’s semi-finals while the other last-four clash sees Belarus up against either the United States or during their Fed Cup match Australia. In Liege, Caroline Garcia crowned her player in the absence of comeback from a two-year world number three Petra Kvitova.

“I am happy to have won against such a tough opponent,” said Halep after winning her second singles of the weekend.

“It was my best and

Fed Cup exile by leading France past Belgium and into a fourth semi-final in five years. French number one Garcia brushed aside Belgium’s top player Elise Mertens 6-2, 6-3 to follow her opening day three-set win over Alison Van Uytvanck. Her win gave twotime champions France an unassailable 3-0 lead in the tie before Belgium grabbed a consolation point in the dead doubles rubber.

“Two years is not that long in a tennis career,” said Garcia who opted out of the Fed Cup in 2017 following an ugly public spat with her teammates.

“But I always said that I would come back and that it was important to me.”

1st DEATH ANNIVERSARY of Late Moala Ngullie (Died : 12-02-2018)

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Dearest Aduo, there's always a joy in our hearts every time we look upon the heaven, assured you with GOD pouring down your prayers upon us. You've blessed us abundantly and it still over flows. May your love teaching continue in our lives forever.

We miss and love you.

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MANCHESTER, Feb 11 (Agencies): Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri again vowed to stick with his style of football despite the Londoners suffering their worst defeat since 1991 in Sunday’s hammering at Manchester City as woeful away form threatens to ruin their season.

The statistics do not make pleasant reading for the under-pressure Sarri.

Chelsea’s 6-0 drubbing at the Etihad Stadium was alarming but it is the frequency of defeats away from Stamford Bridge that is causing the most concern.

Four away losses in a row in all competitions without scoring equals Chelsea’s club record. Their last away goal was N’Golo Kante’s winner at Crystal Palace on December 30.

The City reverse was Chelsea’s third away league defeat in a row in which they have conceded 12 goals,

Paris, Feb 11 (Agencies): Romania reached the Fed Cup semi-finals for the first time on Sunday with a 3-2 win over defending champions Czech Republic as Irina-Camelia Begu and Monica Niculescu stunned Wimbledon and French Open winners Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova in a marathon doubles decider. Begu and Niculescu triumphed 6-7 (2/7) 6-4 6-4 in a thrilling rubber in Ostrava which lasted just seven minutes short of three hours.

Krejcikova and Siniakova, the world’s leading pair, trailed a break early in the final set before hitting back to 4-4. But the Romanian pair broke straight back for 5-4 before Begu, ranked at 35 in doubles, served out the tie. The result ended the 10-time champions Czechs’ hopes of making the Fed Cup semi-finals for an 11th

A referee checks the video assistant referee (VAR) during a Serie A match. (File)

Rome, Feb 11 (Agencies): UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has warned that there will be no more excuses as Video Assistant Referees (VAR) make their debut in the Champions League starting this week.

Manchester United host Paris Saint-Germain at Old Trafford on Tuesday while Roma play Porto at the Stadio Olimpico as the last 16, first legs get under way.

The system which was used during last year’s FIFA World Cup, and is now widely called upon in most of Europe’s leading leagues, was initially set to be rolled out in the Champions League from the start of next season.

However, it will now make its debut six months earlier than anticipated.

“If we can do it before, why not” pondered Ceferin of an initiative which had been opposed by his predecessor, Michel Platini.

The decision to bring forward its use follows lobbying from top clubs including Juventus, whose chairman, Andrea Agnelli, is also president of the powerful European Club Association (ECA), a union of the continent’s biggest teams.

The Italian was furious after the Turin giants were dumped out of the Champions League last season by a late Real Madrid penalty.

“We cannot go back, we want VAR to be adopted in UEFA competitions as

soon as possible,” demanded Agnelli.

Other top European coaches have also welcomed its arrival, with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola saying: “Welcome ... I’m so delighted”.

That is despite the Premier League being the only one of Europe’s major domestic competitions to not use VAR. “The Premier League is the last one, so sooner or later also here in England, it’s going to happen” said Guardiola, who recalled how his team had benefited from “a ridiculous penalty” awarded against Shakhtar Donetsk in the group stage.

“The referees want to do a good job ...they will be helped.”

Loving Children, Grandchildren & Great Grandchildren.

15TH DEATH ANNIVERSARY OF LT. NZALO WANTH 12th February 2004

04/05/1978 – 03/02/2019

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Thousand days without you, Autumn has come and gone several times.

But Your warm smile still lingers afresh Your Footprints, the sea couldn’t wash away So far yet so near to our hearts.

If Heaven receives letters, We could have written you one every day.

Loving Family Members

We the family of Late Ghukato Awomi through this column, wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to all who stood by us in our moment of bereavement. We are indebted to all who bestowed on us through prayer support, physically, materially and financially at the sad demise of our beloved son and husband.

We deeply regret our inability to mention each and every one of you, but it is our sincere prayer that the Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

We convey our special thanks to : 1. East Dimapur Sumi Baptist Akukuhou, Purana Bazaar 2. Kiyeshe Sukhai Welfare, Dimapur DP-1194

Loving Wife and Family K Y M C

12

sports

La Liga: Barca held goalless by Bilbao

Athletic Bilbao’s Inigo Martinez vies for the ball against Luis Suarez during their La Liga match against Barcelona.

Bilbao, Feb 11 (IANS): Barcelona’s German goaltender Marc-Andre Ter Stegen prevented his team from going down to defeat with two splendid saves of shots by Athletic Club of Bilbao’s Markel Susaeta and Iñaki Williams, although the match ended in a scoreless draw.

The result on Sunday, however, was a boon for Barca, given that the Catalan squad never managed to manufacture any real goal-scoring chances, although it did maintain

the initiativefor longer than its rivals during the match, reports Efe news.

With the draw, Ernesto Valverde’s squad thus dropped two points in the La Liga standings relative to Real Madrid, which is now behind Barca by only six points, but widened its lead to seven over Atletico Madrid, which slipped into third place.

A t h l e t i c B i l b a o, coached by Gaizka Garitano, meanwhile, remains in the fight to escape relegation after moving four

points above the threshold over the past several weeks.

Messi managed to take the pitch, thus setting to rest the prime speculation prior to the road match, and Balenziaga also played, although Muniain - one of the five changes Garitano made after Anoeta, the team’s only league defeat - did not come in until the second half, replacing Susaeta.

Athletic was more intense at the start and also more dangerous through-

Smith, Warner bans to end during Pak series

David Warner and Steve Smith

S y dn e y, F e b 1 1 ( Ag e n c i e s ) : S t e ve Smith and David Warner could be in line for an immediate return to the Australian team when their bans expire midway through the upcoming oneday international (ODI) se-

ries against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.

The five match Pakistan series will be held from March 22-31, Pakistan’s Cricket Board said.

Smith and Warner, who were banned for their roles in last year’s Cape

Town ball-tampering scandal, are eligible for selection again on March 29, meaning they can be called up for the fourth ODI against Pakistan.

Australia face Pakistan in the first ODI in Sharjah on March 22, with the second match scheduled for two days later at the same venue.

The teams will then move to Abu Dhabi for the third match on March 27, with the final two games in Dubai on March 29 and 31.

The confirmation of dates for the Pakistan series also gives Australian players with lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) contracts a measure of clarity, as players called up for the series will not be immediately released for the IPL. The 2019 season of the IPL is scheduled to begin late March, with Australian players selected for the Pakistan series expected to be unavailable until April 2 at the earliest.

out, but Ter Stegen gave the best performance for Barca during the first half, during which the Bilbao team had three good scoring chances, all of which he stymied.

The first, the best of the lot, was a powerful shot by team captain Susaeta, who played his 501st match on Sunday, but Ter Stegen made a catlike move to deflect it.

The next two shots on goal came from Raul Garcia and Sergi Roberto, with the alert Ter Stegen in the right place at the right moment to either capture or deflect the shots.

Yuri also took a couple of decent shots, without success, during the first half.

Meanwhile, Barca hunted for a combination that could bear fruit, but, despite the efforts of Suarez, Messi and others, nothing seemed to gel for the league leaders.

The second half kicked off very differently with the home squad under siege the entire time and Barca nosing around for a winning goal. Barca held the ball almost the entire half, with Messi getting more and more into the mix and Athletic seemingly in more and more agony.

But it was all for nought, as Valverde’s boys just could not seem to fashion a winning scenario near their rivals’ net.

Athletic’s De Marcos was booted in the 91st minute on a second yellow card, but it didn’t matter and the 23rd-week match, played before some 47,600 fans, ended without much excitement, although one can imagine that the Catalans were breathing sighs of relief - having avoided the loss - as they headed to the locker room.

Clouded Leopard is mascot of 2022 National Games Correspondent

Shillong, Feb 11: Clouded Leopard, the state animal of Meghalaya will be the mascot for the National Games 2022.

The decision was taken at the first executive committee meeting of the National Games 2022 chaired by Meghalaya Sports and Youth Affairs Minister, Banteidor Lyngdoh on Monday.

Clouded Leopard is one of the wild cat that live throughout the forests of Garo, Khasi and Jaintia Hills.

Lyngdoh said a competition will also be conducted to finalise the Logo and the Theme of the games.

“The members agreed that the Clouded leopard will be the mascot for the National Games. A competition to design a smiling clouded leopard will however be opened to all,” he said. Lyngdoh said a subcommittee will be formed to finalise the number of sporting events, venues and sports infrastructure.

Meghalaya will be the third northeastern state after Manipur and Assam to host the National Games.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2019

Kuldeep vaults to careerbest No.2 in T20I rankings

Dubai, Feb 11 (IANS): India’s premier wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav rose one place to take a careerbest second spot in the ICC mens T20I player rankings after returning 2/26 in the final match against New Zealand which the men-inblue lost by four runs to go down 1-2 in the series.

The 24-year-old Indian is now only behind Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan in the table, according to an International Cricket Council (ICC) release.

Spinners Imad Wasim of Pakistan (up five places to fourth position) and Mitchell Santner of New Zealand (up four places to 10th) have also moved up in the latest rankings update that includes two other series which saw South Africa beat Pakistan and Nepal beat the United Arab Emirates by identical 2-1 margins.

Among other Indians, left-arm spinner Krunal Pandya rose 39 places to a career-best 58th while openers Rohit Sharma (up three places to seventh) and Shikhar Dhawan (up one place to 11th) have made progress with some useful

Kuldeep Yadav

knocks in the ICC T20I rankings for batsmen.

For New Zealand, Kane Williamson (up one place to 12th), Ross Taylor (up seven places to 51st) and Tim Seifert (up 87 places to a career-best 83rd) among batsmen and Tim Southee (up seven places to 30th) among bowlers are some notable gainers.

In the ICC T20I team rankings, South Africa have overtaken Australia and England to third place while Nepal have overtaken the UAE marginally to be in 14th position even as they come on to the table within a week of similarly crossing the threshold of eight matches and gaining entry onto the ODI table.

Martial can emulate Ronaldo: Solskjaer L o nd o n , F e b 1 1 (Agencies): Anthony Martial has the ability to emulate Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United, according to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Martial became the most expensive teenager in history when he moved to Old Trafford from Monaco in 2015 and he has largely impressed during his time at the club, scoring 47 goals in 164 appearances. However, the France international

Anthony Martial

looked set to leave in the summer after falling out with Jose Mourinho earlier this season, but he fought his way back into the Portu-

guese’s plans before signing a new long-term deal last month under Solskjaer.

The 23-year-old marked his first start since that contract with an assist and a superb goal in the 3-0 win against Fulham, where his fine solo effort led exUnited captain Gary Neville to compare it to a Ronaldo effort at Craven Cottage in 2007. “Yes, it was towards the end of the game and we played a very poor game and Cristiano scored it,”

Solskjaer said of his former team-mate’s goal.

“He [Martial] does have similarities, of course.

If he wants to be at Cristiano’s level, Anthony knows what he has to do. It’s up to him. He has the talent.”

Martial has scored nine goals in the Premier League already this season, two short of the total he managed in his debut season at the club, and Solskjaer believes the forward belongs at Old Trafford.

Young signs Utd contract extension

London, Feb 11 (Agencies): Ashley Young has signed a one-year contract extension at Manchester United.

Young’s new deal takes him up to June 2020, extending his stay at the club to nine years after moving from Aston Villa in 2011 for £17m.

Caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has started Young in all but two of his games in charge, regularly selecting him as captain in the absence of Antonio Valencia.

Young becomes the third player to sign a new deal since Solskjaer joined on a caretaker basis following Scott McTominay and Anthony Martial.

Juan Mata, Phil Jones and Ander Herrera are all out of contract in the summer.

Young has re-emerged as an important player for United in receat seasons and was also a starter in the England side that reached the World Cup semi-finals in Russia last summer.

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