February 21, 2018 by Nagaland Post

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXVIII No. 75

WEDNESDAY, February 21, 2018 Pages 12 ` 5.00

Meghalaya CM reacts to Rajnath’s statement

Sardar to lead India at Sultan Azlan Shah Cup

Nirav denies allegations in banking fraud case

northeast, Page 10

sports, Page 15

national, Page 9

BJP to safeguard Christians: Rijiju

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, FEB 20 (NPN): Union Minister of state for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, who is BJP in-charge of Nagaland, has been spearheading the party’s determined push to play an important role and no longer a minor player in Nagaland, has categorically stated that the BJP was clear that the interest of the majority Christian people in Nagaland and also in other states, will have to be protected at all cost. Rijiju, a Buddhist tribal from Arunachal Pradesh was responding to charges that BJP was communal and harbored anti-Christian ideology at an election rally in 59 Seyochung Sitimi A/C. Rijiju pointed out that from the chief minister, ministers to the MLAs, “everyone is a Christian and Nagaland will be governed by the Nagas who are Christians”. He reasserted that there was no question at all of imposing any other religion. Stressing on the Constitutional provision, he said it has been made clear that no one can discriminate any Indian on the basis of religion or any other

Sec 144 CrPC imposed at Longkhum DIMAPUR, FEB 20 (NPN): Deputy Commissioner (DC) and District Electoral Officer (DEO) Mokokchung, Sachin Jaiswal, has promulgated prohibitory order under Section 144 of Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) at Longkhum village. According to an official bulletin, the prohibitory order was imposed in view of the apprehension of the possible breach of peace and disturbance of public tranquillity thereby vitiating the smooth conduct of election in the village. DC&DEO stated that the order would remain in force from 6pm to 6am from February 19, 2018 till the end of the election process (March 3). Under the order, the assembly of five or more persons and carrying of fire arms, stones, lathis, explosive materials or any such items are prohibited, and the violators would be liable for punishment under Section 188 of the IPC. The prohibitory would, however, not apply to government officials involved in the conduct of elections, law and order and essential services. It may be pointed out that prohibitory orders have also been imposed in Tuli town and Chungtia village.

This is it!

“ D o c om m o n p e o p l e accept getting money during elections as necessary evil ?” K Y M C

Kiren Rijiju (File)

identity. Without naming any, he said “targeting BJP on the basis of religion during the election was an indication of benefiting somebody.” Throwing a question on what had he done to be labelled as being anti-Christian, Rijiju instead said he had made a commitment in the Parliament, as a minister in-charge, that he would take full responsibility if there was any kind of atrocity against Christians. He pointed out that the BJP was ruling in Christian dominated states like Goa and Arunachal Pradesh and in alliance in a Muslim dominated state like Jammu & Kashmir. He said as Nagaland being a Christian dominated state, whether the BJP candidates/ MLAs would go against their own people and commit atrocities? Rijiju maintained that BJP

was mainly focussed on development as others were unable to deliver the goods like road, schools, power etc. but only playing the religious card and spreading lies to gain votes. He cautioned that spreading misinformation in secular India would benefit none but only ruin the future of the younger generation. Rijiju also reiterated that BJP was ready to work towards solution to the Naga political issue in a determined way if it comes to power in Nagaland but hastened to add that “some critical issues” needed to be settled. In an interview with a news channel at Dimapur, Rijiju reminded that there was no time frame as talks were going progressing smoothly with the Naga groups. “It is nearing an agreement that we are looking forward to. It should not take too much time,” he said. He said though the BJP government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi was committed to early solution of the Naga problem, which existed even before India attained independence, it was not easy to “just rush and hammer out” the entire problem in a few years time.

2018 Assembly Polls: Campaign trails for battle of ballots Shürho warns against BJP

Correspondent

KOHIMA, FEB 20 (NPN): NPF president, Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu claimed that his party never allowed a free hand to BJP during its 14 years of association with the latter and refused even seat-sharing arrangement for the current election which the saffron party had asked for. He said this while addressing an election rally of NPF at Panchayat Hall, Zubza for the party’s candidate from 8th Western Angami constituency, Keneizhakho Nakhro. Dr. Shürhozelie also said the newlyfloated NDPP was not even recognized as a political party by Election Commission of India. Dr. Shürhozelie likened NDPP to a newly-established unrecognized village or school and that it was about to get married to BJP and trying to give birth to “BJP child” on Naga soil. Liezietsu said people might not be aware of the fact that NDPP was aligning with BJP to allow the latter to set its roots in Nagaland and persecute Nagas. He accused BJP of stating that it was recognised by saffron colour, which was worn by Hindu sadhus, and urged the Nagas not to gamble their faith with politics. Dr. Shürhozelie maintained that NPF was a party for the Nagas, inherited from their forefathers and formed for peace and development of the people. He asserted that the ensuing Assembly election was not just an electoral battle among political parties for formation of a government, but an acid test for the Nagas to preserve their identity and faith.

ABCC appeals to people to do right thing DIMAPUR, FEB 20 (NPN): As Nagaland goes to polls to elect the representatives for 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly in a week’s time, the Angami Baptist Church Council (ABCC) has appealed to the people of Nagaland to listen to God’s voice in their conscience and take courage to do the right thing. In a press release, ABCC executive director, Rev. Dr. V. Atsi Dolie, said the church for some years has been trying its best to educate the people for a clean election. However, he said criticisms against the Church were ceaseless and ranging widely despite the best intention and effort made for the society. Rev. Dr. Dolie said some want the church particularly NBCC and its associations to stay away from it (election) completely as it was not her realm of involvement. Others, he said expect the church to raise volunteers and play enforcement role, if the situation demands. “Still some others allege that the church is hypocritical and biased,” the reverend said. Besides these, ABCC executive director said there were some of the wildest and most unkind allegations made to the church, particularly NBCC, on social media. Asserting that everybody was free to form and share one’s opinion, Rev. Dolie,

however, said that it should not be without basic decency “because the church is the Body of Christ.” Church leaders, he said were far from perfection and did accept their many shortcomings. However, he said their commitment to God and to the people was sincere. Meanwhile, the ABCC has vehemently condemned suppression of democratic values by clan or khel or village dominance, assassination bid on candidates in Mokokchung and Wokha, rampant use of money to woo voters, and all other forms of evil. Despite many hardcore sceptics on clean election movement, ABCC said there were many other individuals, groups, and organizations that have responded positively to the call of the church. Expressing gratitude to all responsible for their support, the ABCC hoped that “together we can take the movement forward until we reach our desired goal someday.” ABCC underlined that the message of the church was “Respect the unique God-given dignity to you and to others as well; be yourself and not someone else – one person, one vote only; value your worth and do not succumb to temporal allurement.”

T.R. Zeliang hits out NPF party cries after at Rio’s accusations BJP’s rebuff: Neiphiu Rio

Correspondent

MON, FEB 20 (NPN): Nagaland chief minister, TR Zeliang accused NDPP’s CM candidate, Neiphiu Rio of targeting him by speaking ill of him throughout his election rally, instead of speaking about his party’s manifesto or its alliance with BJP, proving that his party had no agenda, roadmap or manifesto. Addressing an election rally of NPF at NST station here on Tuesday, Zeliang alleged that there were two reasons for Rio leaving State politics and contesting in MP election – at first, he was expecting a ministerial berth in the Union Cabinet and, secondly, he wanted to escape from the deficit of Rs 1,234 crore incurred during his tenure as chief minister. But after being denied a ministerial berth in the Centre, Rio tried to return to State politics and attempted several times to become chief minister, but each time he failed, Zeliang added. He further accused Rio of spreading rumours about him being a follower of Heraka, RSS activist, a Hindu, etc, just to fool the people despite the fact that his family members were the first converts who had sacrificed to make their village hundred per cent Christian. Clarifying on the controversy generated over his educational qualification, Zeliang claimed that he had never applied for a government job nor did he ever submitted his educational certificates while filing nomination, other than mentioning BA ap(Cont’d on p-11) peared. (Cont’d on p-11)

KOHIMA, FEB 20 (NPN): NDPP-BJP alliance chief ministerial candidate Neiphiu Rio has alleged that NPF’s criticism of BJP and NDPP stemmed from the fact that NPF was rebuffed by BJP on several occasions when NPF sought to ally with it. He said this while campaigning for NDPP’s 8th western Angami constituency candidate Er Kevisekho Kruse at WAPO Ground, Sechii Zubza on Tuesday evening. On allegations that NDPP formed alliance with BJP despite fully knowing about BJP’s Hindutva ideology and anti-Christian attitude, Rio clarified that BJP is a political and not a religious party. He also said the constitution of India guaranteed freedom of religion and that no BJP candidate from Nagaland had become a Hindu. On the issue of losing culture and identity raised by NPF, Rio pointed out that as per article 371 (A) for Nagaland no Act of parliament could change Naga culture, tradition and customary practices. He asserted that the NDPP-BJP alliance would never compromise with the religion and culture of Nagas. On why he left NPF, Rio said it was because the leaders lacked vision and direction, which left him with no choice but to leave the NPF. He further took a dig at the much vaunted ‘Vision 2030’ which NPF proudly released saying it was in fact prepared under the guidance of NDPP member Alemtemshi Jamir.

Therie lambasts party leadership DIMAPUR, FEB 20 (AGENCIES): Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee, which failed to field candidates in more than half of the 60 constituencies for the upcoming state Assembly election, has lambasted the party leadership for the party’s ongoing political crisis in the state. According to a Firstpost report, the NPCC president, K Therie, has accused the All India Congress Committee secretary general CP Joshi of systematically destroying the Congress in Nagaland by not providing funds for electioneering. While speaking to Firstpost at his residence in Nagaland, he said: “The responsibility of fielding candidates lies with the AICC secretary general... he has systematically destroyed the party. Other parties have assured adequate funding to their candidates which the Congress has not done.”

He further said that BJP assured Rs five-ten crore as electioneering fund in each constituency. “In such a situation, simply saying that the party cannot fund at all cannot be the answer,” he said. Absolving Congress president Rahul Gandhi of his failure in managing party affairs, he said that it is the secretary general’s responsibility to inform the president about the needs of the party, which he claims was not done. “Rahul is not responsible at all for this situation. He has taken over just in the month of December. It is the general secretaries who are not putting up issues before him. In Nagaland’s case, it is the responsibility of Joshi,” he added. Joshi is the party’s in-charge for the state of Nagaland. He also heads the coordination committee for the upcoming election in the state. Therie

also held Joshi responsible for systematically destroying Congress party’s prospects not only in Nagaland but also in Assam, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura and even Bihar. Congress fielded 23 candidates for the Nagaland Assembly polls out of which five have withdrawn their nominations, reportedly due to a cash crunch. At present, only 18 candidates from Congress party are in the fray for the upcoming polls. Therie also expressed his disbelief at the fact that the AICC did not have funds to meet electioneering expenditure. “They are in Opposition for hardly three years after ruling the country for 10 years. We find it difficult to believe that AICC lacks funds to provide the basic logistical support to its candidates and party officials for elections,” he added. (Cont’d on p-11)

(Cont’d on p-11)

Campaign songs mushroom in state Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, FEB 20 (NPN): Nagaland is witnessing an explosion of election campaign songs for a plethora of candidates which are being bombarded on social media networks especially WhatsApp. The music campaign appears to have caught on. The means for broadcast is free, through WhatsApp and so at no cost. However it is not known if the local composers of such campaign songs were charging their clients or composing and recording for free. In the 2013 election, one notable candidate, then a minister had a catchy and hilarious election campaign song composed. However it didn’t bring the desired results as he eventually lost. Nagas being quick with innovative aping and mimicking more local artistes are jumping into the political music bandwagon with catchy and entreating music.

‘6 lakh babies die within 28 days of birth in India’ CEO tells govt servants to be impartial NEW DELHI, FEB 20 (AGENCIES): Six lakh newborns die in India within 28 days of their birth every year, says a new Unicef study. The study found that number of newborn deaths in India was one of the highest in the world and most of these deaths being preventable and medically treatable; 80 per cent of these happen for no serious reason. On a brighter side, the study says, India has remarkably reduced mortality rate of children less than five years of age. “Though infant mortality in the country has declined considerably, the number of newborns dying each year remains unacceptably high. India, with nearly 600,000 newborn deaths each year, accounts for a quarter of the global burden of neonatal deaths,” said Unicef in its global report on neonatal mortality “Every Child Alive” released on

Tuesday. Of the 184 countries, India’s 31 rank with 25.4 neonatal mortality rate (per 1,000 live births) kept the world’s seventh largest economy below 153 countries who have better survival rates for their newborns. A year earlier, India was the 28th worst country among 184 nations in terms of neonatal mortality. First 28 days of life are the most vulnerable time for a child’s survival. Children face the highest risk of dying in their first month of life, at a global rate of 19 deaths per 1,000 live births.

Globally, 2.6 million children died in the first month of life in 2016 most of which occurred in the first week, with about one million dying on the first day and close to one million dying within the next six days, as per Unicef. “Among those children, more than 80 per cent died from treatable causes such as premature birth, complications during delivery, and infections like sepsis and pneumonia,” it said. Affordable and quality healthcare should be there for every mother and newborn. It includes clean water

and electricity at health facilities, presence of a skilled health attendant during birth, disinfecting umbilical cord, breastfeeding within first hour after birth and skin-to-skin contact between the mother and child, it said. “India is currently off-track to meet the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target for neonatal mortality of 12 by 2030,” said the UN report. However, the country has made impressive progress in reduction of under-five mortality and with the current rate of decline “is on track to meet the SDG target for the underfive mortality of 25 per 1000 live births by 2030.” India registered a reduction of 66 per cent in under-five deaths during 1990 to 2015, nearly meeting its Millennium Development Goal (MDG) target. . In comparison, the decline in under-five mortality for the world was 55 per cent.

DIMAPUR, FEB 20 (NPN): With general elections in Nagaland barely a week away, the chief electoral officer (CEO) Nagaland, Abhijit Sinha, has appealed to all the central and state government employees to maintain an attitude of strict impartiality. In a press release, CEO Nagaland asked the government employees to not only be impartial but conduct themselves in such a manner to inspire confidence in the public mind regarding their impartiality. Stating that government employees were not expected to take part in any political activities, the CEO reminded them of Sec 129,134 and 134A of the Representation of people Act 1951, which states that no government servant was to act for furthering the prospect of any candidate, act as polling/ counting agent. CEO stated that there was also penalty for breach of official duty in

connection with conduct of election. “These actions are punishable under the law,” Sinha said. CEO Nagaland stated that every government employee was expected to promote the spirit of democracy by actively participating for a free, fair and peaceful election. “It is the responsibility of every government employee being an agent of the government to educate the public on good practices during election so as to eliminate all electoral malpractices,” Sinha added. Further, CEO reminded all the government officials who were appointed as returning officer, assistant returning officer, presiding officer, sector officers and security personnel to discharge their statutory duties without any partiality and fear. If any official act in contravention of the legal provisions strict action would be taken against him

/her, CEO cautioned. Sinha has, therefore, appealed to each and every government official to maintain strict impartiality and discharge one’s duties as per the rules and provisions of law.

DGP appeals

Director General of Police (DGP), Rupin Sharma on Tuesday appealed to all sections of the people to refrain from acts that could vitiate the process of free and fair elections and invite adverse notice or action from law enforcers. In a press release, Rupin said the police were actively involved in the process of conducting free, fair and peaceful polls under the guidance, supervision and direction of Election Commission of India. He added that the police had also commenced preventive drives against persons involved in or were likely to be involved in vitiating the poll atmosphere. (Cont’d on p-11) K Y M C

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, February 21, 2018

DP-1582

Email : ceo_nagaland@eci.gov. in, Fax: 0370-2290460

NO. ELE/CDT-24/2017

LAND FOR SALE

AN ISO CERTIFIED CO. REQUIRES 62 M/F FOR SOME PERMANENT MGMT POST. CANDIDATE SHOULD BE, QUAL-10 to GRADUATE. AGE : 18 to 28. INCOME : 5000–7000, 20000–25000 JOB PLACEMENT WILL BE DIMAPUR CONTACT NO : 7662894889

INFORMATION

“The President and the colleagues of Petroleum Dealers Association Dimapur Nagaland sincerely thank and congratulate all our respected members for maintaining quantity quality and un-adulterated business in and around Dimapur throughout the year which is a highly commendable job and which needs to be appreciated by all. We give this clarion call to not only the members of the Association but also to all the like minded person to come forward to eradicate this illegal activities from our land. Further the President reminds all the respected members of the Association not to entertain any kinds of donation, contribution or taxation to any over ground and underground Association or Organization. The President can be contacted through the following phone numbers. # 9856247561 # 7005519238”

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND NAGALAND : KOHIMA

NOTIFICATION

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1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

NO. DTE/ESTT-2/12/2018: This is for general information that on-line registration for National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test( NEET ) for admission to MBBS and BDS Courses during 2018 has been effected from 8th February 2018 till 9th March 11:50 PM. The test for the same shall be held on 6th May 2018 and the last date for successful payment of fee on-line is10th March’ 2018 till 11:50 PM . Aadhaar number is mandatory for all except for the students belonging to Assam, Jammu & Kashmir and Meghalaya. For further details information one can visit NEET 2018 Bulletin on Website (www.cbseneet.nic.in) No separate examination will be conducted by the State / Department in this regard. For Agri, B.VSC & Allied Courses, NBSE will conduct examination in due course of time. (ER.ARJUN SINGH), DIRECTOR Issued by DIPR

DC-411

CHARIS HIGH ACADEMY (CBSE) WARD-3, CHUMOUKEDIMA, DIMAPUR

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND

OFFICE OF THE PRINCIPAL FAZL ALI COLLEGE MOKOKCHUNG : NAGALAND

TEACHERS VACANCY

INFORMATION

Hindi

Graduate in Hindi

Science

B. Sc / M. Sc (PCM) with B.ed

Mathematics

B. A/M. A / B. Sc /M.sc/B.com (Maths)* (preferably with B. ed)* DP-1568

Interested candidates may submit their hand-written application with resume at the office latest by 27th Feb, 2018 or email at charishighacademy@gmail.com Contact details: +91-8794081327, 9856378797.

CHAKHESANG MISSION HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL T.CHIKRI : PFUTSERO DIST. PHEK, NAGALAND

REQUIRES

One Post of Graduate Teacher: M.A. Edu. (Preferably B.Ed) Salary: Negotiable Contact: 8974919640/8787439944 Applicants should come with resume and original documents on the interview date. Principal CMHSS, Pfutsero K-498 OFFICE OF THE

ENGLAN RANGE JOINT ACTION COMMITTEE DISTRICT WOKHA – 797111 : NAGALAND

CONDEMNS

(Yanbo Shitiri) Convenor, ERJAC

AFFIDAVIT (Declaration of Name)

DC-414

An emergency co-ordination meeting was convened by Englan Range Joint Action Committee (ERJAC) along with the Village Chairman on 15th Feb 2018 in regard to the incident on 7th February 2018 at Yikhum Village area, where an unidentified person attacked a Vehicle and burned down a car, some vehicles were damaged and some of the passengers sustained minor injuries. The committee therefore condemned such violence and urged the public to maintain peace and harmony within the area.

I, Smti. LANGMEI PHOM, D/o SHRI. CHINGMEI PHOM, R/o Shamkang ward, Dist. Longleng, Nagaland, do hereby solemnly affirm and declares as follows : 1. That I am a bonafide citizen of India residing in the above stated locality. 2. That my correct or official name is Smti. LANGMEI PHOM 3. That however, in my SBI, BANK PASSBOOK my name has been inadvertently entered/recorded as Smti. AGNES LANGMEI PHOM PHOM. 4. That the above names is referred to one and same person i.e Me. 5. That henceforth, from this declaration my name shall be use/known as Smti. LANGMEI PHOM for all my official purposes. 6. That the statements stated above are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and nothing false material has been made or concealed thereof. And I sign this affidavit on day of February-2018 at Longleng, Nagaland DEPONENT Solemnly sworn and declared before me by the deponent on this 13th February 2018 at Longleng, Nagaland. Notary Public Regd. No. 557, Dated : 13/02/2018 DP-1571(B)

This is to inform and hereby notified to all the B.A/B.Sc 2nd, 4th & 6th Semester (Back log/Repeaters) that filling up of Examination Form for the forthcoming undergraduate final Examinations 2018 Nagaland University will follow according to the given schedule. 1.) 5th March 2018 – B.A 2nd, 4th & 6th Semester. 2.) 6th March 2018 – B.Sc 2nd, 4th & 6th Semester. Intending Candidates are informed to bring the following documents and do the needful during Office hours. 1.) Original Mark sheet (Last examination). 2.) Admit Card (Xerox Copy). (S.ARENLA LONGKUMER), PRINCIPAL, Fazl Ali College, Mokokchung DC-413

PHEHEZOU KIHOU, TUOPHEMA VILLAGE

This is to inform all concerned that the Phehezou Kihou Tuophema Vllage RAFFLE DRAW scheduled on 27th Feb 2018 has been preponed to on 26th Feb 2018 due to Assembly Election. Phehezou Kihou deeply regrets for the inconvenience caused. K-492

Organizing Committee

PRESS NOTE

The Annual General Meeting cum Election of New Office Bearers of Kohima Tsopoe Ekhung was held on 27/01/2018 in the official residence of Shri. WonthungoTsopoe, Director, School Education, Nagaland Kohima. The following officials have been elected for the tenure 2018-2020. 1. Chairman : Shri. N.MhonjanTsopoe 2. Vice Chairman : Shri. EzomoTsopoe 3. General Secretary : Shri. A.ElithungTsopoe 4. Joint Secretary : Shri LichumoTsopoe 5. Finance Secretary : Er. Y.MhathungTsopoe 6. Publicity & Statistical Secretary : Shri. NtsonoTsopoe 7. Treasurer : Shri WonthungoTsopoe ADVISORS 1. Shri LiremoTsopoe 2. Shri A.RobinLotha 3. Shri E.M. Lotha 4. Shri MhabemoTsopoe 5. Shri A.YanpothungTsopoe A.ELITHUNG TSOPOE N.MHONJAN TSOPOE Gen. Secy. Kohima Tsopoe Ekhung Chairman, Kohima Tsopoe Ekhung

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MINIMUM QUALIFICATION*

AFFIDAVIT (Declaration of Name)

NPSC Prelims & Mains Tuition for all Class(NBSE & CBSE) Coaching for class X & XII (Regular & Repeaters) Coaching for different Entrance Test. Spoken English & Hindi SSC & Banking. Computer Course: DCA/CCCA/TALLY For Details Contact: 8787885866/9862650069

TENDER MIND MONTESSORI Admission Open for 2018 Play & Nursery

DIRECTORATE OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION

REQUIRED

165 MILITARY HOSPITAL REGISTRATION OF VENDORS FOR LOCAL PURCHASE OF MEDICINES/ SURGICAL CONSUMABLES/LABORATORY KIT & CONSUMABLES/RADIOLOGY CONSUMABLES/MEDICAL GASES AND EQUIPMENTS FOR FY-2018-2019 1. Reference publication of Nagaland Post on 25 Jan 2018. 2. Date for application of desirous vendors has been extended up to 04 Mar 2018.

ADMISSION NOTICE

Atulie Kenguruse President, PDAD

DP-1572

DP-1536

Contact : 9862873812

Sashienla Longkumer (Secretary)

I, Smti. Chingmei Phom, S/o Shri. Shakam Phom, R/o Shamkang ward, Dist. Longleng, Nagaland, do hereby solemnly affirm and declares as follows : 1. That I am a bonafide citizen of India residing in the above stated locality. 2. That my correct or official name is Shri. Chingmei Phom 3. That however, in some of my official documents my name has been inadvertently entered/recorded as Shri. S. Chingmei Phom. 4. That the above names is referred to one and same person i.e me. 5. That henceforth, from this declaration my name shall be use/known as Shri. Chingmei Phom for all my official purposes. 6. That the statements stated above are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and nothing false material has been made or concealed thereof. And I sign this affidavit on day of February 2018 at Longleng, Nagaland Deponent Solemnly sworn and declared before me by the deponent on this 13th February 2018 at Longleng, Nagaland. Notary Public Regd. No. 558, Dated : 13/02/2018 DP-1571(B)

Special Features : Montessori Method, Early Childhood Care & Education Communication Skill, Play activities Opposite Ayida Honda, SAS Complex, Purana Bazar, Dimapur Contact : 9077455972, 9774013593

DP-1574

NEW YEAR VACANCY

Near Foothill, 4 Lane Road 4 Bighas 120 per sq. ft. (Nego)

Above High School Road Petrol Pump, Between Bazaar India & Directorate of Employment Office - Bayavu

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND

DIRECTORATE OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE, NAGALAND :KOHIMA

No: DHFW/GA/2015-16/ :

PUBLIC NOTICE

Dated, Kohima the

Feb 2018

This is for the information of all concerned that Ambulance Services is available in various Health Units for any Medical Emergency Evacuation. Therefore, all concerned are requested to contact the Toll Free Number 102 or contact the nearest ambulance directly for any Medical Emergency Evacuation during the forthcoming Assembly Election. Details of Ambulance is given in Annexure: 1. Further, a dedicated 24x7 Grievance Redressal Cell available in the Directorate to address any Grievances or Complaints relating to Ambulance Services or Medical Services in various Health Units. Call or SMS to report/lodge your Grievances or Complaints @ 8413-09-5255. Details of Ambulance : Sl No. District Health Block Health Unit Vehicle No Driver's Name Mobile No Dimapur DH Dmp NL-10-7598 Wekulo 9856889358 Dhansiripar CHC Dhansiripar NL-10-6842 Tony Langthasa 9856789613 1 Dimapur Nuiland PHC Nuiland NL-10-7583 Inavi Shikhu 8575226233 Medzephima CHC Medzephima NL-10-6476 Adzepulie 8014875913 Tseminyu CHC Tseminyu NL-10-8167 Runolo Kent 9615002865 Tseminyu PHC Chunglikha NL-10-7589 Joel Tep 8415008279 Viswema CHC Viswema NL-10-6856 Zayieto 8974418329 Viswema PHC Kezocha NL-10-7590 Temjen Ao 9774565775 2 Kohima Chiephobozou CHC Chiephobozou NL-10-7602 Kevichalhou 8344874849 Kohima UPHC Seikhazou NL-10-6475 Abou Keretsu 9856235337 Chiephobozou PHC Botsa NL-10-5952 Neihulie Kense 8974670125 Kiphire PHC Amhator NL-10-7585 Litsase 8974100227 Seyochung- Sitimi PHC Sitimi NL-10-7600 Kiutsumong 9862651725 Kiphire DH Kiphire NL-11- 2491 Surtak Ram 8416055245 3 Kiphire Seyochung- Sitimi PHC Seyochung NL-10-6854 Pungro CHC Pungro NL-10-8928 Seyamew 9612870026 Yongnyah PHC Yongnyah NL-10-7601 Taushen 9862819398 Tamlu CHC Tamlu NL-10-6846 Takutoshi 8974199859 4 Longleng Longleng PHC Yachem NL-10-6850 A. Longti Phom 986266638 Longleng DH Longleng NL-10-8921 Haupo Phom 9612307380 Changtongya PHC Longjang NL-10-7593 Chubamaong 8131968609 Changtonya CHC Changtongya NL-10-6843 Maken 8413938761 Mangkolemba CHC Mangkolemba NL-10-6855 Ebenezer 9862426268 Mangkolemba PHC Longchem NL-10-7587 Imliyanger 8731006833 Mangkolemba PHC Tsurangkong NL-10-8162 Awaba 9862908689 5 Mokokchung Mangkolemba PHC Alongkima NL-10-6837 Molungnenba 9862816182 Tuli CHC Tuli NL-10-6838 Rongsennungba/ Imoliba 8974140664 Ongpangkong PHC Mangmetong NL-10-8926 Pangerwati 9856580442 Ongpangkong PHC Longkhum NL-10-8574 Aotonzuk 8256922904 Ongpangkong DH Mokokchung NL-10-8924 Chidipokba 9774935848 Tobu CHC Tobu NL-10-6839 Thongo Konyak 8730954962 Tizit PHC Tizit NL-10-7588 Among 7664835303 Phomching PHC Phomching NL-10-7606 Longshah 9612444229 Wakching PHC Wakching NL-10-7592 Hongi 8732020415 6 Mon Aboi CHC Aboi NL-10-6852 Pochi 8413828144 Chen PHC Chingkao NL-10-8170 A. Yangyei 9862337899 Mon Mon DH NL-10-8925 B. Gogoi 9436265296 Tening PHC Tening NL-10-7591 Hupingma 9402827993 Kangti 9402017840 Peren DH Peren NL-10-6849 Ilungsapheing 9402911523 7 Peren Athibung PHC Athibung NL-10-7594 Paramsau Newmai 8413003374 Neizilie 9436866754 Jalukie CHC Jalukie NL-10-6853 Aloibe 9436074354 Chozuba CHC Chozuba NL-10-8166 Vezoto 9436663877 Chozuba PHC Dzulhami NL-10-8169 Vehopra 8132907768 Chozuba PHC Ruzhazo NL-10-6851 Kutao 9862175047 Meluri PHC Akhegow NL-10-6857 Chomong 9863529099 Meluri CHC Meluri NL-10-6475 Vithorhii 8729934839 Meluri PHC Wezihu NL-10-7581 Ghoshevi 9612490278 8 Phek Meluri PHC Laluri NL-10-4362 No Driver Phek PHC Khuza NL-10-7599 Vephuta 8731891327 Phek DH Phek NL-10-8923 Vezo 8413874414 Pfutsero PHC Zuketsa NL-10-6844 Tewelhi 8974919718 Pfutsero PHC Chizami NL-10-8227 Kekhewete 9436408876 Tuesang DH Tuesang NL-11-2493 Meren 9436414543 Tuesang ECS Longpang NL-10-8163 Mongko 8413991799 Tuesang Pangsha NL-10-8922 Meren 8575882549 Chare PHC Chare NL-10-8168 Aoyanger 8974691787 Longkhim CHC Longkhim NL-10-6847 Moasangba 8974829177 9 Tuensang Noksen PHC Noksen NL-10-7603 Meren 8729813883 Thonoknyu PHC Thonoknyu NL-10-7597 No Driver, waiting for extension Shamator PHC Shamator NL-10-7586 Vikashe 8730033304 Chessore PHC Chessore NL-10-6836 Lakiumong 9402631394 Noklak CHC Noklak NL-10-8927 Yinphai 9402843710 Wozhuro-Ralan PHC Wozhuro NL-10-8164 Lidemo 8575645104 Wozhuro-Ralan PHC Nyiro NL-10-7582 Mhao 9436078520 Bhandari CHC Bhandari NL-10-6841 Obed 7085475357 Wokha DH Wokha NL-11-2489 Yilumo 9862823845 10 Wokha Wokha DH Wokha NL-10-7595 Khyothungo 9862327530 Chukitong PHC Chukitong NL-10-7604 Nchibemo 8575271731 Sanis CHC Sanis NL-10-6845 Libenthung 8415984766 Zunheboto PHC Atoizu NL-10-8165 Vikheto 9615593154 Zunheboto DH Zunheboto NL-11-2492 Hokuto 9862622357 Zunheboto DH Zunheboto NL-10-8920 Houto 8119001890 Pughuboto PHC Gathashe NL-10-7605 Pitoshe 9436218584 Pughuboto CHC Pughuboto NL-10-6840 Kughato 9615245012 11 Zunheboto Satakha PHC Satakha NL-10-6477 Ahoi 9862131065 Akuluto PHC Akuluto NL-10-7596 Inavi 8414973596 Akuluto PHC VK Town NL-10-6848 Nisuka 9615350280 Aghunato CHC Aghunato NL-10-8929 Hutoshe 9612786944 Suruhoto PHC Suruhoto NL-10-7584 Atoka 8974988353 DC-412

DP-1496

Dhobinala, K. Sachu Colony, Dimapur with Road Touch sq. ft. - 40 x 54 Contact Number : 8729829356

at Old Showuba Village

DP-1562

1) Land at Padumphukri (34×60) Rs.5,90,000/2) Excavator JS140 (2014) Rs.26 Lakhs Contact : 8837304390

DP-1584

Near SBI Rangapahar Branch Duncan Bosti Contact : 8730078444 9856377118 DP-1591

LAND FOR SALE INTENSIVE COACHING & COMPUTER INSTITUTE-KOHIMA

FOR SALE

URBAN MOTOR Wagon R LX, LXI 2010, 2011, 2012 Alto LXI 2011 Alto 800 STD, LXI 2013, 2014 Alto K10 LXI 2016 A-Star VXI 2011 Auction Gypsy Contact No. : 9774172971 / 9862287617

Speed Way Auto Sales

DC-416

Watilong Longchar (President)

K-363

K-491

Sales, Purchase & Exchange

sd/(ABHIJIT SINHA), IAS Chief Electoral Officer, Nagaland

DP-1585

FOR SALE

Gypsy E-II (Tip Top Condition) Alto LXI 2009 Alto LXI 2009 Alto LXI 2010 Alto LX 2005 Wagon R LXI 2014 EECO 2011 Maruti 800 2007 Add.: Khermahal Contact No. : 7085937818 / 9774558902

DP-1576

REQUIRED FRESHERS GRADUATE/UNDER GRADUATE For a leading MNC As Travel Consultants Excellent English Communication & Computer usage skills must Salary paid for training also Contact Ashish – 09643489733 E-Mail CVs to career@ connectcue. Com

PRESS RELEASE

The Directorate of Income Tax (Investigation) NER, Guwahati has opened a 24x7 Control Room and Complaint Monitoring Cell at Kohima, Nagaland. Any information pertaining to black money and/ or movement of large amount of cash/ valuables etc., during the Election period which are likely to be used for bribing of electors may be informed to the above Cell in the following contacts :1. Toll Free Number : 18003453703. 2. Mobile/ Watsapp : 9401991223 3. Mobile/ Watsapp : 9401 991258. 4. Email : election.nagaland2018@gmail.com

FOR SALE

1. Fortuner 2011,12 2. Bolero SLX 2015 3. Swift Dzire VXI 2015 4. Ford Endeavour 2013 Auto 5. Bolero Camper 2014 6. Bolero Pik Up 2013 7. Swift VXI 2015 8. K-10 VXI 2014 9. Grand Vitara 2011 Auto 10. Honda Jazz 2010 11. Alto LXI 2012 12. Gypsy King Euro-III 2005 13. Polo 2013 14. K-10 2014 15. A- Star VXI 2011

Dated Kohima, the 20th February 2018.

DP-1578

Price : 3.30 Lakhs Contact No : 9615063615

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER NAGALAND: KOHIMA

Contact No : 9856979916

(Mhabemo) Joint Secretary, ERJAC

BOLERO SLX

Dimapur Lirmen Students Union would like to congratulate Mr. Waluniba Lemtur, son of Mr and Mrs. Sashi Lemtur and Asenla Imchen for winning the prestigious Spanish Guitar Competition under 18 category held at Kolkata d u r i n g t h e 8 th C a l c u t t a International classical guitar festival and competition. He also won first prize in youtube http:/indiaguitarfederation.in/encouragementcompetition/. The union facilitate him on his achievements and wishes him the best for all his future endeavors.

DP-1579

DP-1570

Near Rengma Church Padumpukhuri Measuring 60 x 60 & 50 x 50

SUBJECT POST

Price : 3.35 Lks (Nego) Call : 9774363774

Contact : 8837282919 (Dmp)

LAND FOR SALE

18 M/F for PMNT Post in Nagaland Age : 18 - 30, Quali : HSLC to Graduate Income : Rs 10,000 – 15,000 P.M (During Training) & 30,000 – 45,000 P.M. (After Training) Company Free Lodging * Fooding + Training in Dimapur Contact No : 8014349446

Bolero Pickup 2013 4x2 (NL)

FELICITATION

FOR SALE

DP-1587

Gypsy E-I, Rs. 1,40,000/Gypsy E-II, Rs. 3,10,000/-

FOR SALE

DP-1577

FOR SALE

FREE BEAUTICIAN TRAINING IN KOHIMA. LIMITED SEATS Contact No : 8787373052 9402222036 K-495

DP-1581

TRAINING

Issued by DIPR

(DR. MEGUOSIELIE KIRE) Director & HoD Directorate of Health & Family Welfare Nagaland : Kohima

State

4 nagalandpost.com Poll Q.: Do people vote on the strength of manifestos of political parties? 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

A B C

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

SAMETI organises twoday training on farming

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Yes. No. Can’t say.

16% 84% 0%

Next poll

Q: Do people vote on the

strength of manifestos of political parties?  Yes.  No.  Can’t say.

Vice principal & In-charge Bio-Chemistry Lab, IETC Meziphema, Dr. Watimongla Jamir along with officials of SAMETI, Bio-Fertilizers and trainees during the valedictory function at SAMETI Medziphema.

of Farm journalism, role of Journalism and Mass Media, art of writing an article - writing news story and success story, writing for farm publications, creative photography and video techniques, handling camera and shooting in indoor and outdoor locations and do’s and don’ts in photography”. Practical sessions with hands on demonstrations on handling of cameras, writing of news stories and success stories were also done followed by presentations on them. The valedictory function was chaired by deputy project director SAMETI, Sentinaro Longchar with vice principal & In-charge, Bio-Chemistry Lab, IETC

Meziphema, Dr. Watimongla Jamir as the special guest. In her valedictory address, she challenged and encouraged the trainees to write, tell and spread the information on the latest agricultural technologies through skilful and innovative writings and photo presentations as farm journalism plays a crucial role in collecting, processing and dissemination of technology to the farmers and eliciting interest and motivation. The programme concluded with distribution of certificates by the special guest, while a vote of thanks was said by deputy project director SAMETI, Vikaho Chophi. Altogether 22 trainees from different districts attended the training.

JFCE organises common platform for 7th Peren A/C

GPRN/NSCN Angami region appeals

WEATHER FORECAST February 21

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala Hazy sunshine

31 13

Aizawl

Mostly sunny and beautiful

Guwahati Hazy sunshine

25 9 29 12

Pleasant with plenty of sun

26 9

Itanagar Partly sunny and beautiful

24 12

Shillong Partly sunny

19 5

Kohima Plenty of sun

20 6

Dimapur Nice with plenty of sunshine

26 11

Imphal

Mkg

Sunshine and pleasant

Tuensang Sunshine and cooler Wokha

Sunny and not as warm

Zunheboto Sunny

22 7 13 5 19 12 20 5

DIMAPUR: State Agricultural Management and Extension Training Institute (SAMETI) Medziphema organized a two day training on “Farm Journalism & Photography” on February 15 and 16 for ATMA functionaries to upgrade their skills on farm documentation at SAMETI Medziphema. A press release issued by director SAMETI & principal IETC Medziphema stated that associate professor & head, Dr. K. K. Jha, associate professor, Dr. J. Longkumer, and audio visual specialist department of Agricultural Extension, NU: SASRD, Temjenmenba imparted the training on “Concept of Farm Journalism, Principles and Ethics

Church leaders praying for both the candidates, TR Zeliang (NPF) and Iherie Ndang (NDPP) after the common platform at Jalukie town on February 19.

DIMAPUR: Churches of Peren district under the aegis of the Joint Forum for Clean Election (JFCE) organized a common platform for the candidates of 7th Peren Assembly Constituency (AC) to the 13th Legislative Assembly General Election on February 19 at Government Higher Secondary School ground Jalukie.

According to DPRO, both the candidates TR Zeliang from NPF and Iherie Ndang from NDPP took turn to address the mammoth gathering. They voiced out concerns ranging from sustainable livelihood of a common man to infrastructures development of the district. Meanwhile, organizers also put forth certain questions to

which both the candidates answered satisfactorily. The programme was chaired by Jalukie Town Local Baptist Church pastor, Mongzeung Mpom, while Executive Secretary ZBCC, Izieteilung Terieng read out a passage from the Bible and presented a brief speech to the crowd. The organizers also blessed the candidates with prayer.

LCD organises ‘Eye Screening Project for Children’

Mkg DC& DEO instructs on PVS

School kids during the eye screening.

DIMAPUR: With a mission that no child in the world suffers with poor eyesight Leo Club of Dimapur (LCD) organised Eye Screening Project for Children “Mission Vision” at Liberty Optical Church road on February 13 and 14. A press release issued by PRO LCD informed that children from different K Y M C

schools were screened with the optometrist Longshi and Pinky Kala. The project was carried out in association with all the other clubs of Leo district 322D, Leo multiple district 324, Leo multiple district 3231, Leo multiple district 3231 A2 and Leo Club of 3IDF Cavite City under the chairmanship of Leo Rishab Chabra.

Dimapur: DC& DEO, Mokokchung, Sachin Jaiswal, IAS, has issued a direction on distribution of Photo Voter Slips (PVSs) in connection with the upcoming General Elections. As per ECI instruction, Photo Voter Slips (PVSs) distribution to the electors by BLOs, guidelines as contained in various instructions must be strictly followed. BLOs have to maintain neutrality during the distribution and ensure that they obtain the signature or thump impression of the person to whom the PVSs were delivered while, bulk distribution is not allowed. ROs should monitor the distribution of PVSs with the help of Sector Officers and ensure that all PVSs are duly accounted for. Through Micro Observers and Sector Officers, Observers can carry out random checks and ensure distribution of the PVSs effectively and address complains received, if any, about the conduct of the BLOs, the DC directed.

DIMAPUR: GPRN/ NSCN Angami region has congratulated all civil society organizations and the political parties in Nagaland for taking another historic stand after the 1951 Plebiscite by declaring “Solution not Elections”, however, it greatly regretted the ECI’s decision for imposing elections in its land against its will. A press release issued by NSCN/GPRN Angami region CAO kilonser, Zeneituo Angami stated that, in-spite of this suppression of our collective voice by India, it called upon the people to stand together and face the situation with determination and faith in one another. It fer vently urged the contesting candidates from the Angami areas not to buy the electorates to vote against their will. It further urged the candidates not to encourage their polling agents for proxy voting and sharing of un-casted votes in order to enhance the voting percentage in their respective polling stations.

Phek DC & DEO warns against booth capturing

CEO informs on use of various IT applications for elections

DIMAPUR: Basing on the Government order NO: ELE-SVEEPGEN/19/2017/251 dated 7th June, 2017 and Rule 39 of Conduct of Election Rules 1961, Deputy Commissioner and DEO, Phek Shanavas. C, (IAS), has warned of appropriate legal action against booth capturing and open declaration of support for a particular candidate. In an order passed on February 16, Shanavas highlighted the order which reads “booth capturing and open declaration of support in favour of a particular candidate/ political party by a village/ward/khel or community through public announcement and even through publication in electronic/print media which violates the secrecy of vote by electors.” DC & DEO had stated that the order was issued in the interests of free, fair and transparent elections and of administering social orders against any village, ward, community, group of people or media house found violating or defying the said provisions in connection with the upcoming General Assembly Election to the State of Nagaland.

DIMAPUR: Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) has informed that it has been successfully utilizing Information Technology based applications during elections, not only for improved facilitation of the various stakeholders like electors, election managers, political parties and candidates, but also to ensure efficient and effective monitoring of various election processes and redressal of public grievances. Following are the new IT applications used for the assembly general elections: SAMADHAN (Public Grievance Redressal and Monitoring System): A comprehensive, robust and reliable Public Grievance Redress System has been developed to provide a common platform for all complaints, grievances, concerns and suggestions lodged by any member of the public, including our various stakeholders like political parties, candidates, civil society groups etc. A citizen has the multi-modal facility to lodge any election-related complaint via bouquet of channels/sources like Website, Email, letter, fax, SMS, Call-centre (Call-center Number is ‘’1950’’) etc.

SUVIDHA (Single Window Permission System): A single window system has been deployed for giving election-related permissions/clearances within 24 hours. In this system, Candidates and Political Parties can apply for permissions for Meetings, Rallies, vehicles, temporary election office, loudspeakers etc at a single location, where back-end convergence of various authorities/departments has been done. This system is put in place at every RO level in each sub-division, which will provide for applying, processing, granting and monitoring permissions in a synergistic manner. SUGAM (Vehicle Management System): An IT-based Vehicle Management System with the facility of issuance of requisition letters for vehicles, capturing of vehicle details with address, mobile number and bank details of owner and driver, transfer of vehicles from one district to another district etc. Election-Atlas: e-Atlas (GIS-Maps) has been prepared for 60-Assembly Constituencies of the State. GIS maps contains P.C. layers, AC layers, Polling Stations layers with information of DEOs,

ROs, BLOs & AMF, Vulnerable & Critical Polling Stations etc. Consolidated statement of FST and other police authority on February 19: A. Daily Activity Report: Cash - Rs. 14,49,350, liquor-394.5 litres, vehicles-4, FIRs-03. B. Cumulative Report: Liquor - 27,731.999 litres and canned beer - 8007 litres, 6 pots of local rice brew, cash-Rs. 29,85,990, arms-06, ammo-83 nos, drugs - 13,704 SP capsules & 38 Nitrosum tablets, vehicle - 6,FIRs-81. Consolidated statement of SST on February 19 A. Daily Activity Report: Cash - Rs. 4,24,510, liquor - 39 litres, canned beer-3.6 litres, brown sugar-15 grams, mobile handset-5, FIRs-2. B. Cumulative Report: Liquor - 3194.625 litres, canned beer-14.1 litres, local made liquor-30 litres, cash - Rs. 44,13,660, ganja-170 kgs, heroine-5 grams, arms & ammo-.22 pistol, magazine and 4 live ammo, drugs-5972 of SP capsules, 98 Nitrosum tablets, 58 bottles of cough syrup, 66 grams of brown sugar, 300 grams & 5 rolls of opium, 21 packs suspected opium, mobile handset-5 nos, FIRs-42.

Peace Channel organises leaders’ trg prog

DIMAPUR: Peace Channel, Peren Chapter conducted a leader’s training programme on Leadership Skills on February 18, at All Saints School, Peren. Resource person of the programme, St. Xavier College, Jalukie principal Dr. Rev. Fr. Francis stressed on the concept of leadership and the skills needed for a good leader. He initiated the session with some exercises where all the participants were involved into the activity .The main motive of initiating with an exercise was to make the session more participatory. He then explained about the concept of leadership and the skills of a good leader. Some of the skills that he focused on were- risk taking capabilities, good visionary, courageous, good communication skills, team work, competency etc. Emphasizing more on the topic, Fr. Francis also added that inorder to be an effective leader, one need to have a good influencing and convincing power, should have the potential and capability to demonstrate in performanceand live an exemplary life by being a doer and not just merely

CRBC appeals Rengmas on clean election

DIMAPUR: As per the November 29, 2017 resolution of all the Rengma frontal organizations; Rengma Hoho, Rengma Selo Zi, Rengma Woman Association, and Rengma Students’ Union, a common platform was organised on February 15 at RSA ground Tseminyu. A press release appended by CEC convenor, Dr. P. S. Lorin and Council of Rengma Baptist Churches (CRBC) executive secretary, Haiwalo Apon stated that CRBC praised God and appreciated the support from civil society, general public and the cooperation from all the intending candidates. It said that clean election allows each and every voter to exercise their judgement and decision, free from inducements, force, and booth capturing. CRBC is hopeful and prayed that it could start to mend its ways and overcome the challenges its people face together. It also stated

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2018

that this is a call to take a firm stand to exercise our vote consciously on the basis of one vote without selling. It further said that, every citizen has the right to expect their leaders to work for the upliftment of the people during and after election without resorting to corruption to make up for illegal expenses, if any. CRBC urged members of all Rengma Churches to fly the ‘Clean Election Flag’ that has been distributed through respective Churches to symbolise adopting of clean election principles so as to let every individual freely exercise their franchise as a fundamental right to vote. CRBC informed that it would stands firm with administration to maintain peaceful atmosphere in the ensuing election, and requested all the respective Church sub-committees to ensure free and fair elections in their respective villages.

Participants of the training organised by Peace Channel.

a speaker as it is mostly believed that action speaks louder than words. He encouraged the gathering that he/she should have the skills to bring people together and unite them inspite of all differences and to accept and respect the differences as we all believe in one Supreme God. He also reflected on the present scenario of Naga’s Society where he put forth an example on the quality of the leaders in the past and the present leadership quality we possess. The culture of hardmanship, truthfulness, patience, unity, love, belongingness

merely existing the society at present. Thus, we have become the victims of our own deeds. He concluded by saying that, to make a difference in life, We just have to keep pause for a while from our day to day lives, reflect, think, analyze, make a wise decision for a better and a brighter future. Meanwhile, peace chanel project director Vikhuli, enlightened the participants with an insightful session on peace and peace building. She also encouraged the participants to join hands together and be a peace builder in the society.

Earlier, invocation prayer was pronounced by St. Paul Church, Peren parish priest Rev.Fr.Roy, welcome address and briefing of Peace Channel was delivered by Peren district coordinator Haipeurangbe Moses. The programme also highlighted sharing of views, ideas and suggestions. Later, vote of thanks was delivered by associate member of peace channel and teacher animator of All Saint’s School, Peren Peter. Church and community leaders from Peren town attended the programme.

PBCC organizes blessing & prayer prog

Church leaders along with the candidates.

DIMAPUR: Pochur y Baptist Church Council (PBCC) organized a blessing and prayer programme for all the three candidates from 20 A/C Meluri, Yithachu, Nyusietho Nyuthe and Hopeson

Snock on February 16 from Meluri village baptist church. The program was attended by various church leaders, political party leaders and concern believers. During the program, executive secretary, PBCC

Rev. Rumatho Nyusou exhorted the candidates from the word of God. He also appealed to all the candidates to uphold the NBCC clean election campaign and election code of conducts. K Y M C

state

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, FEBrUARY 21, 2018

Various prog and activities organized by ATMA across the state

ATMA Phek, Wazeho block

ATMA Phek, Wazeho block: Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Phek, Wazeho block organized three days trainings and demonstrations on integrated pest management, mixed farming and cultivation of organic vegetable crops at Hutsu, Shatuza and Kuzata villages on February 7, 8 and 9. In the training and demonstration programme, resource person BTM, Khrievi Tachu emphasized on capacity building, integrated pest management and advantages of mixed farming. Live demonstration on Banana pit and nursery

ATMA Wokha

bed preparation for cabbage cultivation was conducted by ATM, Sinilo Kent. Practical sessions was followed by chilli, garlic, ginger paste extract and king chilli pickle preparation. ATM, Nuzo spoke on farmers’ mobilization and advantages of mixed farming, while new women self help group (Mügieyi SHG) was formed at Hutsu village. Seeds and spices were distributed to the farmers. Altogether 89 farmers participated and were benefited throughout the trainings and demonstrations. Farmers were also advised that regular inspection was needed to ensure healthy growth.

ATMA Wokha: Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) Wokha organized within state farmers training programme and interstate farmers training programme from February 14-15 and February 15-17 respectively. Within state farmers training was conducted at sericulture farm Dimapur. Resource persons for the programme were extension officers, sericulture office Dimapur Pete and Yangti. The speakers presented a power point on cultivation practices of different varieties of silk worms, management practices of host plants, sanitations and post

harvest managements. During the programme, farm in-charges showed and explained the farmers about the activities going on in the farm, their significance and developments. Interstate farmers training programme was conducted at Central Muga Eri Research and Training Institute (CMERTI) Lahdoigarh, Jorhat Assam. The farmers were made to interact and exchange ideas with the scientists at the research centre. Knowledge on different techniques and systems of rearing varieties of silk worms like Muga, Eri, etc. and their managements, extraction of silks from cocoons, etc. were

ATMA Kohima

deliberated and imparted to the farmers. Collection of varieties of moths and value added products were also showcased to the farmers. Resource persons for the programme included Dr. DK Jigyasu and Dr. Singh, both Scientists at the Research Centre. Women SHGs from Englan and Yikhum villages participated in the programme. The tour was led by two deputy project directors, Yanglen Jami and Suben Yanthan. ATMA Kohima: With the objective of promoting awareness and interaction amongst the inter block farmers and functionaries

of ATMA, three blocks of ATMA Kohima district – Chiephobozou, Jakhama and Kohima blocks jointly organised “Kisan Ghosti” on February 13 at Mima village. According to a DIPR report, the purpose of the programme was to create potato cultivation awareness among the farmers. Accordingly, there were three technical sessions. The first session was on land preparation for potato cultivation wherein resource person, ATM ATMA Chiephobouzou block, Theruovinuo, elaborated the proper land preparation techniques to be followed for higher yield and dem-

onstrated line sowing and spacing methods. Theruovinuo advised the farmers to follow these techniques for a better harvest and higher production because though potato was grown by many farmers, the yield was not up to the expectation with most farmers being unaware of scientific techniques. Resource person for the second session, ATM ATMA Kohima block, Rokuotuono Phira, spoke on common diseases and pest management for potato plants. Phira said common diseases that infect potatoes were dry rot, brown rot, ring rot and black scurf while

the common pests are black cutworm and white grub. The resource person explained the signs and symptoms diseases and pests infestation. Some pictures were also shown to the farmers so that they can have a visual understanding and reference of the problems. The resource person also briefed the farmers on the measures that should be adopted to prevent the diseases and to control the pest infestation. The third session was on intercropping in potato cultivation with resource p e r s o n , AT M , AT M A Jakhama block, Tolovino, who demonstrated the best crop which can be intercropped with potato plants to ensure year round field utilization, better production and mitigate crop failure. After the technical sessions an interaction session amongst the farmers was held where they shared their various experiences with potato as well as other crops. Altogether 34 farmers from nine villages representing the three blocks participated in the programme along with ten ATMA functionaries.

Activities held by AR across the state Political parties condemn various poll related incidents

De-worming camp at Mkg

Medical camp at New Jaboka.

Medical camp at Chimonger

Medical camp at Ghukiye

AR Tsiesema battalion: Tsiesema battalion of Assam Rifles (AR) under the aegis of HQ IGAR (North) conducted an interaction with GBs of Zadhima-I, Zadhima-II, Ziezou and Old Phekerkriema village under Chiephobozou sub division. Informations regarding the army recruitment rally to be conducted in second week of April at Tuensang as well as the welfare schemes run by the govt were disseminated. De-worming camp at Mkg: Assam Rifles (AR) Mokokchung battalion under the aegis of HQ IGAR (N) conducted a de-worming camp at Mokokchung. The aim of the event was to free the children of the menace of worms in tune with the Govt of India initiative to curb the same. 168 children,

(5 -19) years of age were de wormed with medical aid. Medical camp at New Jaboka : Tizit Battalion, under the aegis of HQ IGAR (N) conducted a medical camp on February 18, at New Jaboka. The aim of the med camp was to provide medical treatment to the needy people of remote areas of New Jaboka & adjoining villages. New Jaboka is a remote village located in the eastern most corner of Nagaland. Altogether, 312 patients to include 95 male, 128 female & 89 children were treated during the camp. Free medical check-up & medicines were provided along with guidance on personal hygiene. A lecture was also delivered to raise awareness on issue of drug

menace and AIDS. Medical camp at Chimonger : Zunheboto battalion of Assam Rifles under the aegis of HQ IGAR (North) conducted a “Free Medical Camp” at Chimonger village Tuensang district on February 19. According to AR Zunheboto battalion, the aim of the medical camp in remote village Chimonger, devoid of quality healthcare facilities was to provide free medical assistance and medicines. 203 villagers were given required health check up and medicines. Lecture cum awareness programme on HIV/ AIDS: Mokokchung battalion of Assam Rifles under the aegis of HQ IGAR (North) conducted a lecturecum-awareness programme at Mokokchung town on

February 14. According to AR Mokokchung battalion, during the lecture medical officer Assam Rifles captain, Saurav Dhand educated the youth on the causes, symptoms and preventive measures of HIV/AIDS. The event concluded with refreshments for the villagers and with a promise to spread the message to the remote areas of the region. Medical camp at Ghukiye: Zunheboto battalion of Assam Rifles under the aegis of HQ IGAR (North) conducted a “Medical Camp” at Ghukiye village under Zunheboto district on February 15. According to AR Zunheboto battalion, the aim of the medical camp was to provide free medical assistance to the villagers of Ghukiye and nearby villages. Apart from the medical assistance, basic knowledge on epidemic diseases and precautions against them were also imparted to the villagers. Free medicine was also provided to the ailing. A total of 139 patients were examined at the medical camp. AR conducts debate competition at Darogajan: Dimapur battalion Assam Rifles under the aegis of HQ IGAR (North) organised a debate competition under the theme “HIV/AIDS awareness” at Governmentt Middle School Darogajan, Dimapur on February 15 with an aim to spread awareness on HIV/AIDS and its prevention measures. 40 students participated in the competition wherein the top six performers were received awards

AR nab NSCN (R) armed cadre AR apprehends NSCN (I-M) cadres

The arrested cadre.

DIMAPUR: Dimapur battalion of Assam Rifles under the aegis of HQ IGAR (North) based on specific information launched an operation with police representative in general area Naharbari Dimapur on

February 12. AR Dimapur battalion said that one individual was apprehended with arms and ammunition during the operation. The apprehended was identified as an active NSCN(R) cadre, Isaka Awomi (41) son of Tovishe Awomi, resident of Naharbari village, Dimapur. Two AK-56 Rifles with magazines, two .22 mm pistol with magazines and 50 and four live AK-56 and .22 rounds respectively, 25 NNC extortion slips, 28 of FGN, 29 of NSCN (R) and two extortion collection pads were also recovered. In this connection, the apprehended along with the recoveries has been handed over to East police station Dimapur.

DIMAPUR: Dimapur battalion Assam Rifles under the aegis of HQ IGAR (North) conducted an operation with a police representative, based on specific information at Chekiye village, Dimapur on February 15. According to Assam Rifles Dimapur battalion, one NSCN (I-M) cadre, second ‘lieutenant’ by the name, Pukhato (34) son of Xukithe, resident of Shitovi village under East police station Dimapur, was apprehended during the operation. In a press statement, AR said that one point .22 mm pistol with magazine and Rs. 17,150 in cash were recovered. In this connection, the apprehended, along

The arrested cadre.

with the recoveries have been handed over to Diphupar police station Dimapur, the release stated.

BJP Nagaland appeal to ECI: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Nagaland has vehemently condemned the supporters of NPF 19th Phek AC for illegally using a government registered police vehicle Gypsy (NL10/7194) for election campaign in Phek district. In a press release issued by BJP Nagaland media cell has stated that it has appealed to Election Commission of India (ECI) to immediately take necessary legal action as per the model code of conduct. BJP Wokha condemns violence: Wokha district BJP party has strongly condemned the damages of vehicles and other violence in different localities especially at 37th Assembly Constituency (AC) that happened in the past few weeks ahead of the forthcoming state legislative assembly election. A condemnation issued by BJP Wokha media cell has expressed complete disapproval and condemnation over the incident. BJP Wokha district urged the authorities to initiate prompt and be-fitting action against those behind spreading or encouraging any communal violence in the coming days ahead of poll by taking support of the appropriate sections of the law and the IT Act to penalize and punish those responsible for the mischief in the future. It further appealed to the people to restrain from any kind of violence or damage of vehicles, properties and home in the days to come saying that violence will never bring any solution at all. Kinimi condemns armed trespassers at his residence: Former minister and state executive member BJP, Kheto Kinimi has strongly condemned the trespassing at his residence by unidentified uniformed arms personnel that came inquiring for him at Darogapathar, Dimapur around 7:5 p.m. on February 14. In a condemnation note issued by Kheto

Kinimi stated that he was apprehensive of their intentions and that his life is under threat. While stating that such individual doesn’t deserve a place in a civilised society, Kinimi has appealed the police to investigate the case and book the culprit at the earliest. KWRU condemns February 12 incident: Kohima Wozhuro Range Union (KWRU) has strongly condemned the barbaric act of a group of miscreants who had physically assaulted, manhandled and attacked one of its bonafide members without any rhyme or reason on February 12 by trespassing his private residence at around 6 p.m. at forest colony Wokha. A condemnation issued by KWRU chairman, Zubemo Lotha stated that the miscreants attacked the victim with a gun who have been seriously injured and undergoing treatment at Kohima. The union viewed this continuous assaults and attacked incidences as a provocative action challenging other Lotha village citizens residing at Wokha town, which is around 153 villages, saying that these continuous incidences had been occurring every election period for the last 15 years under the very eyes and ears of the law keepers which had been tolerated for long by the victimized village citizens residing in Wokha town. KWRU said that if it is not stopped or curbed at the earliest, a day may come where other 153 Lotha village citizens may be compelled to retaliate to defend its citizens. It also said that it was quite irrational and unbecoming of any sane human to let one or two Lotha villages to bulldoze the majority just for the sake of election. The union expects from now on that one should live and let others live in peace and harmony. The Union strongly appealed to the district administration and the district executive force to go in-depth investigation speedily and

ascertain the identity of the perpetrators at the earliest and book them under section 352 and 307 IPC, so as to immediately built confidence over the range public and other Lotha village citizens residing in Wokha town. The Union further appealed to the district administration and police force to provide 24 hours central force security at National highway from Forest colony to Longsa village and all hyper sensitive areas that had been screened by the administration in Wokha town. RASU condemns life attempt on Mhonlumo Kikon: Ralan Area Student’s Union (RASU) has strongly condemned the life attempt on its former speaker and present candidate from Ralan area, 40 Bhandari A/C, Mmhonlumo Kikon on Saturday evening. A condemnation issued by RASU president, Nchumthung Lotha has stated that the union is deeply hurt over the act and termed the incident as inhuman act and shameless idea provoking the peaceful environment. RASU further urged the law enforcing agencies to take action against the culprits involved in the act. NCP Nagaland condemns assassination of Jonathone: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Nagaland state unit has vehemently condemned the assassination of NCP candidate of Meghalaya, Jonathone Sangma along with his two supporters and bodyguards by unidentified assailants at Samanda, East Garo hills on Sunday. In a condemnation note issued by NCP Nagaland, Vanthungo Odyuo expressed shock on the brutal act of the event and demanded justice, stating that strict actions should be taken immediately by the concerned authority without any further delay. NCP Nagaland state unit further conveyed its deepest condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed that the departed soul would rest in peace.

news in Brief Randomization of Tuensang polling officials: The first phase of the randomization of the polling officials for election duties was conducted on February 18 at NIC, Tuensang. The Central Election Observer witnessed the event which was initiated by the District Information Officer, NIC Tuensang, Rüüvisie Kehe. A DIPR report said that agents of all the political parties of the district attended the event. EVM & VVPAT ceiling in Tuensang: Tuensang District has begun EVM and VVPAT ceiling on February 19 for the forthcoming 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly election. According to DIPR, the EVM and VVPAT were scrutinized by the engineers and the ceiling process was carried out in the presence of the Central Election Observer and all the political party representatives of the district. 40 A/C Bhandari GO visits poling stations: 40 A/C Bhandari General Observer (GO), Rajeev Sharma, (IAS), along with ADC & RO, Tiameren Chang, EAC & ARO, Bodi Kapfo and the Sector Magistrate visited Polling Stations under Bhandari, Changpang, Merapani, Yamhon, and Ralan sectors. DIPR reported that while interacting with BLOs, Village Council Chairpersons, and GBs, the General Observer urged them to cooperate with the officials to ensure free, fair and peaceful conduct of the elections. Model polling programme at Thonoknyu: A pro-

gramme on Model Polling was held at Public Ground, Thonoknyu Headquarter on February 18. A DIPR report said that the general public of Thonoknyu attended the programme initiated by the administration led by SDO (Civil) of Thonoknyu. DC & DEO Kiphire informs: Deputy Commissioner and District Election Officer (DEO) Kiphire has informed all the sector officers, polling Personnel and others who are drafted for election duty at Kiphire and have applied for postal ballot that a postal ballot facilitation centre will be set up at the training venue in GHSS Kiphire on February 22 and 23, 10 a.m onwards. All concern applicants are directed to report physically to the venue with valid identity proof to receive the postal ballot and cast their vote at the facilitation centre. BHS annual sports meet: Baptist High Kohima (BHS) annual sports meet would be held from February 21-23 at D. Khel ground Seikhazou Kohima with chairman managing board Baptist High Kohima Dr. Hovithal Sothu as the special guest. The inaugural programme on February 21 would begin at 10 a.m. KSU elects new office bearers: Konyak Students’ Union (KSU) Mon held its 71st general conference from February 7-9 at Mon town and elected its new office bearers headed by Bumang Phaiba as president, Methwang as vice president and three others office bearers.

OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post

Between The Lines

Vol. XXVIII NO. 75 Dimapur, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2018

Public fund to private

ven before the shock of the biggest ever bank fraud in recent memory that hit Punjab National Bank (PNB) to the tune of Rs.11,400 crore (opposition estimated it to be much higher) could sink down, another bank scam loomed on the horizon when it was reported that another bank, Bank of Baroda (BoB) was duped to the tune of Rs 3,695 crore as loans from some nationalized banks. The main principal of the PNB scam was Nirav Modi a diamond merchant who rubbed shoulders with the who’s who of Hollywood, Bollywood including powerful bureaucrats and politicians. The scam had been hidden but even by 2016, the RBI in August wrote about supervisory failure in the bank. The scam was facilitated within by two PNB officials at a single branch in Mumbai who issued fake guarantees or Letters of Undertaking to get loans from banks overseas. The fraud went undetected for years as the officials shared their passwords to the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications (SWIFT), a messaging system used by banks across the world to send information and instructions in an encrypted format through a secure channel and also didn’t register the transactions on the account books. The other bank scam that followed a few days later, involved Vikram Kothari, promoter of famous Rotomac Pen, to swindle a sum of Rs.3695 crore. He defrauded seven banks by using loans meant to procure wheat and export of goods for various other purposes. Of the total Rs 2,919 crore principal amount (excluding interest) given to Vikram Kothari’s Rotomac, Bank of India loaned Rs 754.77 crore, Bank of Baroda Rs 456.63 crore; Indian Overseas Bank Rs 771.07 crore; Union Bank of India Rs 458.95 crore; Allahabad Bank Rs 330.68 crore; Bank of Maharashtra Rs 49.82 crore; and Oriental Bank of Commerce Rs 97.47 crore.The figures will add to the already colossal amount of loans from banks that have gone bad. Bad loans or Non Performing Assets (NPAs) of Public sector banks (PSBs) stood at Rs 7.34 lakh crore by the end of second quarter this fiscal, a bulk of which came from corporate defaulters, according to Reserve Bank data. However, on the other hand private sector banks’ non- performing assets (NPAs) were considerably low at Rs 1.03 lakh crore by September 30. The government said leading corporate houses and companies accounted for approximately 77 per cent of the total gross NPAs from domestic operations for the banks. Among the major public sector banks, State Bank of India (SBI) had the highest amount of NPAs at over Rs 1.86 lakh crore followed by Punjab National Bank (Rs 57,630 crore), Bank of India (Rs 49,307 crore), Bank of Baroda (Rs 46,307 crore), Canara Bank (Rs 39,164 crore) and Union Bank of India (Rs 38,286 crore). Among private sector lenders, ICICI Bank had the highest amount of NPAs on its books at Rs 44,237 crore by the end of September, followed by Axis Bank (Rs 22,136 crore), HDFC Bank (Rs 7,644 crore) and Jammu and Kashmir Bank (Rs 5,983 crore). Coming back to Nagaland, when any government backed entrepreneur defaults to the tune of Rs.10 to Rs.50 lakhs it becomes a very big issue. On the other hand hundreds of crore rupees deposited in Nagaland is loaned to the Nirav Modis, Vikram Kotharis, Vijay Mallayas, Adanis, Ambanis etc. Time to get serious about role of financial institutions in Nagaland.

DailyDevotion Taking the Initiative Against Daydreaming Arise, let us go from here. —John 14:31 Daydreaming about something in order to do it properly is right, but daydreaming about it when we should be doing it is wrong. In this passage, after having said these wonderful things to His disciples, we might have expected our Lord to tell them to go away and meditate over them all. But Jesus never allowed idle daydreaming. When our purpose is to seek God and to discover His will for us, daydreaming is right and acceptable. But when our inclination is to spend time daydreaming over what we have already been told to do, it is unacceptable and God’s blessing is never on it. God will take the initiative against this kind of daydreaming by prodding us to action. His instructions to us will be along the lines of this: “Don’t sit or stand there, just go!” If we are quietly waiting before God after He has said to us, “Come aside by yourselves…” then that is meditation before Him to seek His will (Mark 6:31). Beware, however, of giving in to mere daydreaming once God has spoken. Allow Him to be the source of all your dreams, joys, and delights, and be careful to go and obey what He has said. If you are in love with someone, you don’t sit and daydream about that person all the time— you go and do something for him. That is what Jesus Christ expects us to do. Daydreaming after God has spoken is an indication that we do not trust Him.

Quotes

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart. ~ Helen Keller

t’s understandable that this year’s budget should have an eye on rural India which constitutes some 70 percent of voters. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had no compunction in mixing politics with economics. In the past whenever the budget was mixed with election, political parties would protest against such a practice. Over the years, economics has got mixed with politics. And, unfortunately, there is no go from this. The emphasis this is on bettering the lot of those living in villages, the rural poor. The drubbing of BJP in Rajasthan by-polls shows that. In all the three byelections, including one for the Lok Sabha, the Congress has won. Whether the party would continue to the same results is yet to be seen. But the climate is pro-Congress. A sort of pattern has come to emerge. Where the Congress is in power, the BJP has won and it is the other way round in the BJP-ruled states. The voters have no choice except choosing between the two parties. The third front has

ith the election round the corner, we have had many opinions, criticism and constructive ideas for the past many months from our wise minds in our own capacity. There were a lot of debates and discussion on the government policies and its functioning which ultimately has even led to the tag called as “The confused Nagas”. Also many a times, we have misused and misunderstood the word leader. A leader is someone who leads his subjects and always stands with them through the darkest hour and best of times, and cares for his subjects above all. Sadly we had very less leaders in our political fraternity yet there were some ‘smart’ politician whom we have considered as our leader for a long time and i feel the time has come we appreciate that difference in the first place. Tracing back to history, we Nagas are one unique group of people whose progress and advancement was never in a sequential manner but rather, i would say, geometric progression, right from the coming of education and religion to the present age of technology. In this way, the knowledge and skills that we acquired were never into its depth but rather superficial that the world presented to us. The perfect example of superficial knowledge is all the chaos and incidence that we are observing in this coming election campaign. It is very sad that we have failed even to understand the basics of politics. Many people are involved in politics full time lately but I wonder how many can say just the definition of politics. It is time i feel, we have some rational outlook and not blindly continue to believe in someone who says fighting, money, booth capture and betrayal is Politics. It is time we take a step ahead and redefine politics in Nagaland from all the myths that has poisoned our society for a very long time. Dear Nagas, if you feel our Nagaland and its people within is the most corrupted, please don’t be. Our present society is just an outcome of our ignorance, manipulated by some few smart brains, by using the advantage of poverty and unproductively. Guess what, together we can change this, together we shall overcome. At present we Nagas live in a time of “confused state” with our varied ideas and opinions. Referring back to history, there were two big revolutionary incidences that has shaped our

Economics of politics

sought to be created but it is confined to some states alone. The front does not seem to go across the country. In fact, the third front is reduced to the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal, the Janata United of Nitish Kumar in Bihar and the Rashtriya Janta Dal of Lalu Prasad, however limited in sway in the state. The Congress which is spread all over the country has only one opponent: the Bhartiya Janata Party. This is a strange phenomenon in a secular India because the credentials of BJP are too well known. A soft Hindutva has come to engulf the country. This looks odd in India where the constitution uses the word ‘secular’ in its preamble. One may blame Mohammad Ali Jinnah, founder of Pakistan, for dividing the country into two nations. But the resistance from the people was minimal. Not long ago when I discussed the subject with Lord Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of India, he blamed Jinnah for the partition. He said that then Prime Minis-

A small challenge

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2018

society. First is the coming of modern education and recently the advent of technology world. This created three sections of people in our present society. Firstly, the old group who strongly believe and stay firm in our custom and traditions. Secondly there is that intermediate group, who had a taste of our time-honored culture and ways, respect it to some extent but also enact and follows the modern ways and ideas. Finally we have that modern generation, usually called as the generation X or Y, who are totally into the modern ways and functioning thereby not realizing often that everything happens at a certain pace in a developing state. So in this hour of paradox and madness of varied ideas and imagination of our present society, the real question arises, what shall we do? Whom shall we support? Whom shall we cast our vote? Where is the link to all this varied ideas and approaches? The answer is very simple, let us vote “Love” this time. Your single touch of Love on that screen will depict the type of love you have for Nagaland. And only you and you alone will know it deep within yourself. Is your Love for Nagaland, money and illegal opportunity that you look forward, to further take us back in time or is it a new ray of hope for a better tomorrow? Is your mind, narrow and selfish that your mentality hasn’t crossed your village and constituency boundary or you look at the higher picture of our “Nagaland First”. The decision lies within you. What if you were lucky enough to live a life of 100 years, what changes do you expect to see or what changes are you going to show to your children and grand children. The society and the environment that we give them will just be a reciprocation of our today’s action and decision. Will you be proud or bow your head in shame and regret before them, it is up to your decision today. So in this election, let us elect real leaders and cast out the corrupted ‘smart’ politicians. Let us not wait but rather be the change. Let us rebuild Nagaland like never before. Let us make our future bright with opportunities. Let us make our Nagaland a wonder where everyone of us can look back and proudly say “Yes, on that day, i was a part of the change”. Will you vote Love this time? God bless you all. Kuknalim Dr Wangshimenba ozukum

ter Clement Richard Atlee assures health insurance to was keen on having some 50 crore individuals with sort of unity between India coverage of up to Rs. 5 lakh and Pakistan. Lord Mount- per family per year appears batten told me so when I met to be a masterstroke. Dehim after many years. He scribing the scheme as “the said he had invited Mahatma world’s largest state-funded Gandhi first to have a look healthcare programme” the at the partition formula. The Finance Minister also anMahatma nounced one walked out medical college Kuldip Nayar of Mountin every parliabatten’s room when he heard mentary constituency. It the word partition. Jinnah would mean the country welcomed the partition would have approximately when Mountbatten asked 180 medical colleges and him if he would have some as many hospitals available connection with India, he to them. categorically said no, adding To make it a successful “I don’t trust them.” That proposition, the Centre is ended the dream of united expected to involve stateIndia which Atlee wanted. run hospitals in a big way To envisage a budget for smooth takeoff of the for united India is a diffi- scheme. This is the third cult proposition. No party, major insurance programme except the Congress, has its of the NDA government presence in all the states. after Prime Minister’s Fasal And the Congress itself is Bima Yojna for farmers and losing its hold state after the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan state. The BJP is slowly fill- Jyoti Bima Yojna. The crop ing the vacuum, but on com- insurance scheme launched munal lines. Its pronounced by the government a couple tilt towards Hindutva means of years ago has turned out that the budget would have to be a success with busi80 percent of benefits for ness growing to around Rs Hindus. In the circumstanc- 25,000 crore. es, the ‘Modicare’ which The tragedy is that Mus-

lims have withdrawn instead of confronting Hindutva with all its force. When I asked a top Muslim leader the reason for such move, he said: “We want safety of our lives and properties. We are not interested in fighting the Hindutva forces.” Thus, the BJP is capturing the imagination of Hindu population. This means that Prime Minister Narendra Modi could win the next general election. It would be his personal victory and not that of the BJP. He has cast his spell over the Hindu voters, particularly in rural India. Some respite is on the horizon. The assembly election in Gujarat, Modi’s stronghold, has shown lessening of BJP’s strength because the Congress has increased its tally in the state, although with the help of a few like-minded parties. This must have come as big jolt to the BJP, particularly Prime Minister Modi and party president Amit Shah. They had taken Gujarat for granted. The Congress is jubilant because it has bearded the lion in its own

den. Whether the party can keep the winning trend in the future is difficult to say, but the Maha Front which Nitish Kumar is trying to build with all non-BJP parties may challenge Modi at the centre. One drawback, however, is that Nitish Kumar is siding with the BJP to save his government in the state after fissures appearing in Rashtriya Janata Dal of Lalu Yadav and his own party. Of course, Lalu is still popular and draws support from even unexpected quarters. He has been imprisoned and lodged in Ranchi jail after he was found guilty in the fodder scam. Yet, he seems to command support from the voters. And Nitish is conscious of it. Prime Minister Modi is not yet bothered about a fraction of his support going away because he stills commands influence over the voters. But the real picture would emerge only after the results state elections this year. Whether Modi goes for an early poll next year is in the realm of conjecture. At present any guess would be a shot in the dark.

Post-mortem (From previous issue) With regard to Christianity, the RSS, along with other radical Hindu groups such as the VHP (Vishwa Hindu Parishad), Bajrang Dal, and Shiv Sena, are anti-Church, anti-Christian. Hinduism and Christianity are diametrically opposed in their beliefs and practices. Time and again Indian Christians have been accused of converting Hindus to Christianity by force or through allurement by material benefits. The same accusation against the Hindus is neither permissible nor acceptable as true. In Christianity, forced conversion is no conversion at all; every individual person must by faith accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Today the church is weak because many church members are not spiritually born-again believers and today’s church loves mammon (money) more than her Lord and Master, Jesus Christ: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many grieves” (I Tim. 6:10). “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father (God) is not in him” (I John 2:15). “You cannot serve both God and Money” (Matthew 6:24). With money and manipulation, BJP-RSS has already formed the governments in Arunachal, Assam, and Manipur and in Goa. Their hidden/open strategy now is to capture politically the whole NorthEast. This they could do if they succeed in installing BJP governments in the three Christian-dominated North-Eastern states. The life-and-death question before the Church is: Do we want BJP, the political wing of RSS, to come and control our government, telling us what to do and what not to do? What to eat and what to worship? And that with carrot and stick (gun) like what happened to the Nagas in the nineteen fifties and sixties? Can Christians and RSS be equally yoked? “For the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens” (Psalm 96:5 ). “I am the LORD your God… You shall have no other gods before me. “You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven

The ultimate concern above or on the earth or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them.” (Exodus 20:1-3). Even the overwhelming moderate Hindu majority in India condemn RSS’s Hindutva’s ideology of discrimination against Muslims, Christians, Dalits, and all the religious and racial minorities in India. RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwati repeatedly says: “Everyone born in India is a Hindu.” Hinduism is the only religion of India. Even Muslims are Hindus by nationality; they are Muslims by faith only. Prime Minister Modi stated in Bengaluru on February 4, 2018 that all Indians are Ram’s children. Dare Mr. Modi consider Nagas and other tribal as Ram’s children? Christians are considered “foreigners.” Even tribal Animists are considered former Hindus; hence “homecoming” programs are organized by the RSS. What about the Freedom of Religion acts adopted in Odisha (1967), Madhya Pradesh (1968), Arunachal Pradesh (1978), Chhattisgarh (2000), Gujarat (2003), Himachal Pradesh (2007), Rajasthan (2008)? These acts are primarily for checking proselytization. But anticonversion laws also have been passed, prohibiting forced or money-induced conversion. Checking conversion to any other religion has been one of BJPRSS’s goals. In 2013, BJP leader Venkaiah Naidu, now the Vice President of India, had declared that his party would bring a nationwide anti-conversion law if elected to power. When Christians make up less than three percent of India’s population, and Hindus being more than 80%, why are the Hindus so afraid of the Christians? What is the rationale for having passed Freedom of Religion Acts in so many overwhelmingly Hindudominated states? Now Mr. Naidu wants a nationwide anti-conversion law. These RSS leaders must be convinced that the Christian God is the only true God; otherwise why should they be so afraid of the Christian God? BJP-RSS want to make Arunachal Pradesh a Hindu majority state through ghar wapsi (homecoming), bringing non-Hindus (Animists and Buddhists) back to the fold of Hinduism. Now Mr. Kiren Rijiju

from Arunachal Pradesh (Union Minister of State for Home) and Ram Madhav, BJP general secretary in charge of the North-East are busy trying to make Nagaland another Hindu state. Who knows those forty-thousand khakhi-clad RSS soldiers who paraded in Guwahati in January, are likely to be already all over Nagaland State incognito. The saffronization of education (for ex. changes in Indian history) began during the tenure of BJP Prime Minister Atal Vajpaya. Of course, Vajpaya was a moderate, reasonable Hindu. Now things have become worse. Proposals to introduce things Hindu abound: Bhagwat Gita reading as the national book; Hindi, Sanskrit and yoga compulsory in schools; saying or singing Vande Mataram, Bharat mata ki jai, glorifying and exalting Mother India as god or goddess. PM Modi has already declared Christmas (December 25) as Good Governance Day, and Good Friday as Digital India Day. What’s next is anybody’s guess. Even if the BJP is voted into power in the North-East, they say beef-eating will not be banned here. Now BJP is saying: election for solution, meaning BJP, if voted into power, will right away solve the Naga political impasse. One has to be gullible to believe that the BJP-RSS government can’t find solution to the Naga political crisis before election, only after the election. Even Arun Shourie, himself a radical Hindu, and a cabinet minister during the previous BJP

government of Atal Vajpaya, has said this about Modi and his government: “Modi and Shah are everyday espousing RSS values, these are their values. . . .’It is a decentralized emergency... a pyramidal mafia state, where local goons be labour anyone whom they think is doing something wrong. The central people will look the other way. The central people will provide a rationale for the goondas at the local level. Like ‘gaurakshaks’, like ‘love jihad’ --this becomes the rationale for me to beat up anybody. It’s not love for the cow but just an instrument for domination… you don’t bite your neighbour, you have a dog to do that. So that’s being done’” (Morung Express, 20/1/17, p.7). Let’s talk about development. During Vajpaya’s time it was “Look East”; now under Modi it’s “Act East.” The BJP government seems to be more action-oriented than the Congress Party, thanks to Modi’s convincing speeches. But could it also be true that in the words of Congressman Sanjay Jha, “Development is only a facade to actually pursue the Hindutva agenda in India.” Cor rigendum: On first page third paragraph of the article: After “Already ten political parties are in the fray.” (period) followed by another sentence: “There should be only two or three , with one purely regional party totally committed to regional development.” It’s Rahul Gandhi (not Rajiv Gandhi). (To be continued) Tuisem A. Shishak

Reader’s Post

Make your stand strong Sir,

In view of the NLA general election, ‘Political Tsunami’ might have set in or could be round the clock by now, ‘Political Tsunami’ may test each and every body’s stand by the so called “Gandhi’s Bald Head” which makes everybody big or small smile, possesses the potential and calibre to change your stand within a blink of an eye. Dear, electorates! Prepare and make your foundation firm and strong and see changes in five years. Do not smile and admires the political tsunami, it will make you and your people suffer for another five years. Do not be washed away by the Tsunami but take your time, make the best decision that you think is right, and cast your valuable vote to change Nagaland. Heni X Sumi, Dimapur

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.

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, FEBUARY 21, 2018

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state

NPF will lose relevance, says Rio

Correspondent

NPF Northern Angami-II A/C adopts resolutions

WOKHA, FEB 20 (NPN): NDPP’s chief ministerial candidate, Neiphiu Rio on Monday spelled doom his former party, observing that NPF party will slowly lose relevance and fade away mainly due to “lack of honest leaders” in the party. Campaigning for NDPP candidate from 39 A/C Sanis, Mhathung Yanthan, at Lotsu village ground, Rio launched a scathing attack particularly on his friend-turned-foeturned-friend-turned- foe again, Nagaland chief minister, T.R. Zeliang and NPF president, Dr. Shürhozelie and the NPF party in general. In an escalation of the ongoing war of words between the two rival chief ministerial candidates, Rio branded the leadership of Zeliang as one that was build on lies, deceit, hunger for power and a leadership that has utter disregard for public, adding that for these reasons the public and even the BJP had rejected NPF. The former Lok Sabha MP found fodder in Zeliang’s report card, as he came down heavily upon Zeliang pointing out incidents/issues under Zeliang’s governance such as the non payment of teachers salaries and ULB elections. Rio assured that his government would restore rule of law and provide stable and

DIMAPUR: NPF Northern Angami-II Assembly Constituency (AC) office bearers including wings, frontals incharges and advisory board members and all ranks and files in its joint meeting held at the A/C office Kohima on February 20 adopted resolutions. A press release issued by NPF Northern AngamiII A/C acting president, Zeneivi Chase and general secretary, Vilasalie Angami informed that the house deliberated with regard to withdrawal of party candidature and termed it as a very unfortunate matter that the candidate Chüpfüo Angami has withdrawn his nomination at the eleventh hour on ground of his critical health conditions without the approval of the A/C office bearers due to time factor which is a fact, the house wished him quick recovery to its candidate. The house resolved that it will not bear the responsibilities of the said incidence, in confirmation with the decision taken on February 13. However, the house also resolved to continue its support to NPF party whole heartedly and extend its services in whatever activities of the party requires. NPF Northern Angami-II A/C further expressed regret over the unfortunate incidence.

NDPP chief ministerial candidate Neiphiu Rio during his speech. (NP) against BJP as BJP had been active in Nagaland for the past 15 years. In his reply to Dr. Shürhozelie who discredited NDPP for being a new and unrecognised party, Rio dismissed the statement saying it was mere propaganda as every new party had to undergo some technical process to gain recognition from ECI. Also addressing the concerns raised by NBCC and other Christian institutions, Rio stated, “We are standing to protect our religious rights,” adding his party condemned persecution of Christians and communal forces. Rio further spoke about the elusive Naga solution and assured that with good leader and governance, his government

would wholeheartedly pursue solution, facilitate and pave way for smooth transition. He also highlighted the development plans of his government if voted to power. Rio also vouched for NDPP candidate from 39 A/C Sanis, Mhathung Yanthan, saying he had great faith in him. Yanthan in his address pitched his developmental plans for the area and its people. Also speaking on the occasion, NDPP president, Chingwang Konyak assured to provide a responsible and responsive government. Dr. John Murry, Treasures NDPP Central also addressed the gathering. Rio was acco mpanied by NDPP Central officials.

Cong accuses BJP of ‘distorting’ history

Common platform for 9th Kohima Town A/C

DIMAPUR, FEB 20 (NPN): Congress on Tuesday accused BJP leaders of falsifying and distorting history. Referring to Union minister of State Kiren Rijiju’s assertion at a meeting on Monday that former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee was the first national leader to acknowledge the Naga struggle, All India Congress Committee (AICC) observer Capt Praveen Davar said Rijiju had conveniently forgotten the contributions of Congress Prime Ministers beginning with Jawaharlal Nehru to Dr Manmohan Singh in addressing the Naga issue since Independence. In a release, the AICC observer pointed out that it was Nehru who had granted statehood to Nagaland way back in 1960 when it became the first State in Northeast to be carved out from Assam. Subsequent Congress Prime Ministers, especially Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and Singh, had been generously helping Nagaland with massive economic packages during their tenures, he claimed. Davar alleged that in the last 15 years of nonCongress governments no development had taken place in Nagaland and that the State’s financial health had been completely destroyed by massive corruption and mismanagement of resources. Commenting on Ri-

systematic government. Upping the ante, Rio accused Zeliang of causing rampant corruption and pocketing public money, remarking that it was not just in the departments but corruption stemmed from the CMO. Rio was referring to the reported interrogation of three CMO officials allegedly by the NIA recently. On the recent rhetoric of the NPF that raised concern over BJP’s secular credentials, Rio, while clarifying that BJP was a political, not religious party, accused the NPF of spreading false propaganda against BJP after relationship soured between the two parties. He wondered why NPF was suddenly raising unfounded concerns

jiju’s statement that religion was very sacred and above politics, the Congress leader reminded the Union Minister that it was his party BJP and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) which were mixing up religion with politics ever since RSS was founded in 1925. He said Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination in 1948, Rath Yatra of LK Advani in 1990, demolition of Babri Masjid in 1992, Gujarat genocide of 2002 and the innumerable communal riots since the country’s Independence were all instances of mixing up religion with politics by the saffron family. Davar said the people of Nagaland have not forgotten the brutal murder of Christian missionary Graham Staines and his two adolescent sons during Vajpayee’s tenure, lynching of minorities for alleged beef eating or cattle trading, rape of nuns and burning and desecration of churches in BJP-ruled States. He alleged that the moral police of Hindutva forces were forcing young men and women to give up their customs and attires and adopt Hindutva way of life. He also accused BJP ministers of having gone to the extent of demanding that the word “Secular” be dropped from the Constitution of India and insisting on making reading of Hindu scriptures compulsory in

schools. Reacting to Union Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s recent statement that quoted Vajpayee as having said that he was born when church bells were ringing and her assertion how a party guided by Vajpayee could be termed as anti-Christian, the Congress leader wished if only had BJP listened to then Prime Minister, who could not succeed in removing Narendra Modi then as Gujarat chief minister after the latter’s failure to stop the unprecedented communal violence in the State in 2002. Finally, dismissing Rijiju’s assertion that Christian community had to be protected at all cost, the AICC observer wondered how could a party that ill-treated Christians in coastal Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, UP and Delhi be trusted to be fair to Christians in Nagaland where it was trying to establish a foothold riding on the back of a regional outfit. He predicted that the alliance partner would be punished by the people for its tie-up with BJP. “You cannot be saffron in northern India and secular in Northeast. People of Nagaland can see through this gross opportunism and will not let you win a single seat. You will not be allowed to disturb peace and harmony,” Davar cautioned BJP.

Dimapur: Common Platform for the candidates of 9th Kohima Town Assembly Constituency was held at Nagabaazar Colony on February 20 evening. Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhutso, popularly called Dr Ato, shared his intentions and objectives. Dr Ato shared the need for transparency and accountability in governance and urged the voters to allow him a chance to be the mouthpiece of the common people in the government. He said his dream of transforming the capital town into a model of development with good governance, transparency and accountability which can be replicated all over the State with the support and cooperation of each electorate in the constituency. Dr. Ato urged upon all the electorates to cast their votes so that he can work for betterment of the constituency and its people. Candidate for NDPP and the sitting MLA for the second tenure consecutively, Dr. Neikiesalie Nicky Kire, could not attend the programme.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2018

YouthNet & JCC signs MoU for linking education to employment

Members of YouthNet and JCC after signing the MoU.

mark move as students from JCC would get real life work experience while they are still in college. Director YouthNet, Lezo Putsure said that, we need to keep the young people busy in doing productive things, saying that each year government jobs are becoming scarcer, on the brighter hand, the private sector is growing. He also asserted that Nagaland will see more entrepreneurs and private players coming in and that’s when we need to get

the young people with the right skills. Linking education to employment is a starting tool to bridge this gap, he stated. Corporate affairs and public relations YouthNet, Razouvikhol Lüho emphasized that NJC and NCDC are connected with over 150 clients and they would facilitate the students to get real life experience while they pursue their education or after completion. This would also get them ready for employment when they graduate, he added.

KNRU expresses dismay over negligence

CBCC endorse CMA’s initiatives

DIMAPUR: Kohima Nyiro Range Union (KNRU) expressed serious concern over the lack of development at Nyiro Range under Wokha district. A press release issued by KNRU chairman, Nyimbemo Ngullie and secretary, Khonthungo Kikon informed that Nyiro Range which comprises of seven villages with a population of more than 15 thousand is the “Most Neglected Area” among the three ranges under 37th Tyui AC. It stated that people in the area has been facing unbearable hardships due to the poor and deplorable road condition, adding that even dead bodies cannot be transported beyond Yanthamo

DIMAPUR: YouthNet and Japfü Christian Coll e ge ( J C C ) K i g we m a signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on “Linking Education to Employment”. A press release by YouthNet and JCC informed that the aim of MoU is to impart the college students’ training and real work experience while they are in their final year of college. JCC Kigwema principal, Dr. Visakhonü Hibo said that this was a land-

village particularly during rainy season. KNRU regretted that, Nyiro range road has been the chorus of the candidates during election campaign, for some, it is their promise and commitment but it remains only in “letter”. KNRU also stated that besides the road, there has been no visible development in the area; in spite of fulfilling the eligibility criteria, there is no EAC post at Nyiro till date, no regular doctor at PHC Nyiro, no proper water supply and no significant development in the area, thereby urging every right thinking people of Nyiro range to view the matter seriously. Considering the back-

wardness and lack of development in the range, KNRU for the benefit of the general public, appealed to the people of Nyiro range irrespective of their political affiliation, not to fall prey before the candidates who only gives false promises and assurances without committing to do for the welfare of the people. The union urged the people in the area to support and elect the right candidate who can truly represent its people and bring positive development in the area. The union further appealed the people not to indulge in violence but to support “Clean Election Campaign” being initiated by NBCC.

DNNRE appeals to Nyiro range public DIMAPUR: Dimapur Nkonjan Nyiro Range Ekhung (DNNRE) in its executive committee meeting held on February 14 in connection with the present developmental activities at Nyiro range area in Wokha district has expressed displeasure over the lack of developmental activities at Nyiro range area, comparing with other ranges it has lamented that, Nyiro Range has become the most underdeveloped and neglected area in Wokha district. A press release issued by DNNRE chairman, Chiporao Ngullie and general secretary, Sacheo Ezung has lamented on the failure and false promises made by the former Home Minister, Y. Patton who has measurably failed to meet the hope and log

pending expectation of Nyiro range public during his last 10 years in power. DNNRE executive committee resolved to voice together to withdraw support to such cheap and cheating leader anymore, but condemned such unfaithful and unpleasant leader in future. It has appealed to all the constituent units of NRPO to respect and follow the NRPO February 3 resolution number one to four in the interest of Nyiro range public in general for bringing a better development in the area through unity. DNNRE further warned that any individuals within and outside the range who indulges in violence by defying the NRPO directives shall be held responsible and doing so will be on his/her own risk.

DIMAPUR: In order to conduct peaceful election and to curb the menace in the society, Chakhesang Mothers’ Association (CMA) organized to set up check gates in their respective areas and villages to check the inflow of intoxicating drinks into Phek district. A press release by Chakesang Baptist Church Council (CBCC) executive secretary, Rev. Dr. Vezopa Tetseo informed that mothers group had seized many liquor bottles in the gates. It stated that mothers have been sacrificing their energy, time and resources to save its people from the destruction of alcohol. It also informed that Pfütsero Town Mothers Association in its surprise checking of liquor selling along with police, dobashis, youth and chairman of the colonies seized a huge quantity of illegal liquor worth 6 lakhs which were destroyed in the presence of police and administration. In this regard, CBCC expressed its appreciation and gratitude to Mothers association, youth, chairman of all colonies, dobashis, administrative officers, police, and all the people who assisted in checking sale of liquor. CBCC said that they have saved its people from the ill effects of liquor in the society and further prayed that God to richly endeavours its deeds and urged to continue to do good work for the welfare of its people.

PBCA & LTBC (WD) organise ‘Barefoot Prayer Walk’ CIC organises common platform for 36th Satakha A/C

Women from PBCA and LTBC during the prayer walk.

DIMAPUR: Phom Baptist Christian Association (PBCA) and Longleng Town Baptist Church (LTBC) Women Department took a barefoot prayer walk on February 19 under the banner “Barefoot Prayer Walk for Clean Election 2018”. A press release issued by PBCA and LTBC (WD) informed that the walk started from Lempong junction and ended at HukphangBhumnyu junction covering the whole Longleng district main street. More than six hundred women folk in K Y M C

traditional attire walked the Longleng district street in prayer and songs. Prayer was conducted at four strategic points. PBCA executive secretary, Tialemba Phom led the prayer by calling upon the citizens to abstain from selling votes, drinking alcohol, using guns-muscles and drugs. He asserted that one cannot come to a power over a citizen’s dead body. He stated that violence, bloodshed and evil intention should be shun and a Christ oriented clean elec-

tion should be practiced. He also said that the pledge to follow Jesus Christ alone as was affirmed at NBCC triennial convention 2018 at ABAM with prayer and slogans for peace and clean election was chanted. PBCA women secretary, Angbhen while taking over the last prayer phase encouraged the citizens tearfully to value life given by God. She stated that “There is life beyond election” and that no individual, family or society can exist without God’s blessing. She also voiced that people do not have the strength to take God’s wrath and we cannot bear His anger. She reminded the citizens that Phom land is called the “Land of Peace” saying the people have been given the purpose to preserve the God given peace through all circumstances. She emphasized on electing the right leader and prayed

for through the reading of (Proverbs 29:2). LTBC APW, Nyiamla led the thanksgiving prayer offered to God for blessing Longleng district to Phom people, for the peaceful situation, LTBC member, Ponglen led the gathered women members and surrounded citizens into confession and repentance. The citizen confessed the sin of corruption, money power and manipulation, sin against the great Jehovah God through its foolish and selfish act, and unrepentant heart. PBCA Women Department and LTBCWD extends gratitude to the Women citizens of the district, district administration, SP office, media, 11 wards presidents, Phomla Hoichem and all the well wishers for making the prayer walk a beautiful testimony through necessary assistance, guidance and solidarity.

DIMAPUR: Core Implementation Committee (CIC) Satakha area organised a common platform programme for the upcoming general election for all the intending candidates of 36th Satakha A/C on February 15 at public ground Satakha. A press release issued by Satakha Range Students Union (SRSU) general secretary, Vinotoli K. Shohe stated that while delivering introductory and presidential speech, SRSU president, Bokalu V. Zhimo said that the common platform was organised with the aim to enable political parties to lay out their party’s manifesto and allow candidates to express themselves and their objectives before the Candidates of 36th Satakha A/C seated on the podium during the common platform. public. Highlights of political manifesto were presented The platform also wit- written manifesto. The by vice president SRSU, by intending candidates. nessed signature on their programme was hosted Anoka Zhimo. K Y M C

national

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, February 21, 2018

Nirav denies allegations in banking fraud case

NEW DELHI, FEB 20 (AGENCIES): Billionaire jeweller Nirav Modi, one of the prime accused in the country’s largest ever bank fraud, denies allegations levelled against him by Punjab National Bank (PNB), his lawyer said on Tuesday. “There is nothing, there is nothing in it,” Vijay Aggarwal, a lawyer representing Modi, told Reuters, referring to the police complaint filed by PNB that alleges that companies linked to Modi and one of his relatives received credit worth nearly Rs 11,400 crore between 2011 and 2017 using false guarantees supplied by two bank officials. Aggarwal, speaking by telephone, declined to comment on where Modi was. Indian officials are on the lookout for Modi and his family, who police say left India in January prior to the case being filed. “Everything is documented,” Aggarwal said of Modi’s dealings with PNB, adding that the state-owned bank had regularly levied fees on its dealings with the jeweller’s firms. Asked about his legal strateg y, Aggarwal said: “Until there is no chargesheet, there is no strategy. When there is a

SC to hear plea

Nirav Modi chargesheet, there will be a strategy.” According to a police complaint by PNB, the two officials at a Mumbai branch of the bank steered fraudulent loans to companies linked to Modi and entities tied to jewellery retailer Gitanjali Gems, which is led by Modi’s uncle, Mehul Choksi. “They are covering themselves up,” Aggarwal said of the complaint. “They want to avoid liability ... that is why they are cooking up this story.” Choksi, who has also left the country, has not commented. Gitanjali, in a stock exchange filing, has denied Choksi’s involvement in the alleged fraud. Five bank officials, including the two at the Mumbai branch, have been arrested.

‘Modi unfit to be PM, makes irresponsible statements’ BENGALURU, FEB 20 (AGENCIES): Narendra Modi is unfit to be the Prime Minister of India, said Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. “PM Modi is not speaking like a prime minister. There are so many issues concerning the state and the country but he has not opened his mouth,” said Siddaramaiah. The veteran Congress leader, who’s eyeing a second chief ministerial tenure in pollbound Karnataka, was speaking to media persons on Tuesday. “He is making politically motivated and irresponsible statements. He is unfit to continue as PM,” he added. Taking to Twitter, the Karnataka Chief Minister further accused the PM Modi of making common men stand in queues during demonetisation while Nirav Modi is on the run with country’s money. “Dear PM Narendra Modi, since you are fond of talking about commission let me ask you- You made

common people stand in queues to deposit their money in the Banks & then let #NiravModi run away with over 12,000 cr of people’s money. What percent of people’s money is that?” he asked. This is not the first time that the Karnataka CM spoke out openly against the Prime Minister. Earlier this month, Siddaramaiah had said Modi “is morally not right to be the Prime Minister of the country”. His comment came a day after PM Modi vowed to wipe Congress out of Karnataka at a rally in Bengaluru. He had further targeted BJP president Amit Shah, saying he is “involved in murder case” and attacked former Karnataka CM and BJP leader BS Yeddyurappa for being arrested in the past. Both the Congress and BJP has been targetting each other on the social media and political rallies over the last two months ahead of the Karnataka Assembly polls, scheduled to be held later this year.

Supreme Court (SC) has agreed to hear a plea seeking an independent inquiry into the scam perpetrated on Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam, allegedly by diamond billionaire Nirav Modi. The SC said it will take up the plea for hearing on Friday. A bench led by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra will hear the plea filed by lawyer Vineet Dhanda. Modi is alleged to have defrauded PNB of $1.8 billion which he got in the form of loans - all from a single bank branch in Mumbai. Police allege Modi and others conspired with several employees of the state-run bank to fraudulently obtain advances for paying overseas suppliers. Dhanda’s plea also seeks the framing of guidelines for sanctioning of loans of amounts higher than Rs 10 crore by banks. On January 29, a PNB official from Mumbai filed a criminal complaint with the CBI against three companies and four people, including Modi and Mehul Choksi, the managing director of Gitanjali Gems Ltd, saying they had defrauded the bank and caused a loss of Rs 2.8 billion.

Delhi CS alleges assault by AAP Govt issues new notification; Mehta MLAs; party refutes charges replaces Grover in 2G case for appeals

NEW DELHI, FEB 20 (AGENCIES): Delhi chief secretary Anshu Prakash today alleged that Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislators physically assaulted him at chief minister Arvind Kejriwal’s residence yesterday, reported Times Now. Even as AAP called the allegations “ludicrous” and said Prakash is making these claims at the behest of the BJP, Delhi government employees said they are going on strike to protest the alleged assault. “We are going on a strike with immediate effect, we are with our chief secretary, until they (those at fault) are not arrested we will not get back (to work),” said DN Singh, president of Delhi Administrative Subordinate Services, to ANI. The Congress meanwhile has jumped in to comment on the controversy, and is supporting Prakash. Prakash alleged that he was physically assaulted by two AAP MLAs during a meeting at the chief minister’s residence yesterday and in front of CM Kejriwal. He claimed a meeting had been called by CM Kejriwal to discuss the issue of “advertisements”. “There was a heated exchange at the meeting last night. During the argument, two-three AAP MLAs manhandled him... the CS’s

Anshu Prakash spectacles also got broken,” alleged a senior IAS official, who did not wish to be named. AAP claims the meeting was called to discuss issues to to with faulty ration distribution and accused Prakash of using “bad language” against its MLAs at yesterday’s meeting. “About 2.5 lakh families deprived of rations last month due to faulty implementation of Aadhaar. MLAs were under tremendous pressure from public. There was a meeting of MLAs at CM residence. The chief secretary refused to answer questions saying that he was not answerable to MLAs and CM and that he was answerable only to LG. He even used bad language against some MLAs and left without answering any questions,” said AAP. It further said Prakash was trying to disrupt governance in the Capital.

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labs for the urban sector. The mission, he said, “will create the proofs-ofconcept, the models and best practices that other cities around the country will learn from. “It is important to note that the smart cities represent the full spectrum of the urban sector in our country,” he said, referring to the 99 cities that have been nominated to be developed as smart cities across the country. “There are cities of all sizes with all kinds of economic activities and a diverse range of social and cultural contexts.” He said the mission is

NEW DELHI, FEB 20 (AGENCIES): Central government has issued a new notification, implying that Anand Grover has been replaced by Tushar Mehta as the special public prosecutor (SPP) for arguing the appeal in the 2G spectrum allocation scam cases. All accused, including former Telecom Minister A Raja and DMK MP Kanimozhi, stand acquitted after the trial court verdict. The new notification, issued on Monday, amends the November 2014 notification, and changes the terms of appointment of senior advocate Anand Grover as SPP. While Grover was initially appointed to argue on behalf of CBI and Enforcement Directorate not only for trial but also for appeals and revisions arising out of 2G cases, the notification issued a day ago maintains that Grover’s appointment was only for cases at the trial stage. “For the words ‘appeals/revisions or other proceedings arising out of the cases related to 2G Spectrum investigated by the Delhi Special Police Establishment (CBI) in the Court of Special Judge (2G Spectrum cases), Central Bureau of Investigation, New Delhi and appellate/revisional Courts’, the words “arising out of the cases

Donald Trump Junior arrives in India for week-long visit NEW DELHI, FEB 20 (AGENCIES): United States President Donald Trump’s son Donald Trump Jr, who is on a week-long visit to India, arrived here on Tuesday. During the weeklong trip, Donald Trump Jr. will not only endorse his luxurious residential project-Trump Towers, but he is scheduled to deliver a speech on foreign policy in India. Trump Jr. will meet with Indian investors and business leaders in Kolkata, Mumbai, Pune and Gurugram respectively, The Washington Post reported. The eldest son of Donald Trump has already advertised himself prior to his visit. Full-page advertisements in Indian newspapers on Monday invited prospective investors to buy into the Trump Organisation’s project in Gurugram to join Donald Trump Jr at a dinner later this week. “Trump has arrived. Have you?” read the adver-

Donald Trump Junior tisement, inviting buyers to book their apartments in Trump Towers by Wednesday “for a conversation and dinner” with Trump Jr on Friday. An advertisement in newspapers on Sunday read, “Trump is here. Are you invited?” Trump Jr. will also deliver his maiden speech in India where he will speak on “Reshaping IndoPacific Ties: The New Era of Cooperation” at a global business summit on Friday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will also be present, will speak at

the summit on the topic of “Preparing India for the Future.” In the US, some experts have pointed out the conflict of interests during Donald Trump Jr.’s India visit. “The planned speech by Trump Jr. has renewed conflict of interest concerns, with some questioning why the US President’s son will be lecturing on foreign policy while simultaneously trying to hawk his family business’s lavish new condominiums,” The Washington Post reported. “News that the Trump Organisation would be offering buyers in the Trump Tower the chance to meet the president’s son sparked criticism of potential conflict of interest, and the fact that Trump Jr. will be giving a foreign policy speech while on a private business trip complicates the matter further”, The Washington Post quoted ethics expert as saying. Trump Jr. will also visit Kolkata, where the construction of a project with 137 luxury units will

Smart cities mission a starter to urban transformation: Puri NEW DELHI, FEB 20 (IANS): Smart Cities Mission of the government is just a starter to India’s urban transformation and the plan won’t be limited to just 99 designated areas, says Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri. “Transforming entire existing cities has never been done in the history of the world,” says Puri. “You can build new cities over time, but fixing old cities requires a strategic vision and a carefully planned outlay of resources.” In an interview to the journal India Review & Analysis, Puri, who holds independent charge of the ministry, also noted that the mission to transform Indian cities is an innovative intervention to address “some of the most chronic problems” in the management, planning and finance of cities. He said the overall purpose to transform urban India would benefit from the Smart Cities Mission as it would create “lighthouse cities” like the innovation

fundamentally “an innovative intervention into the long-neglected urban sector” of India. It is “to target some of the most chronic problems in the management, planning and finance of cities and seeks to address those problems”. Asked about a common concern that designating an area as a Smart City would increase the inequality gap, the former top diplomat, who retired as India’s Permanent Representative at the United Nations, dismissed it as a “common misconception”. “We must understand that transforming entire

existing cities has never been done in the history of the world. You can build new cities over time, but fixing old cities requires a strategic vision and a carefully planned outlay of resources. Starting with one area does not mean we will limit ourselves to that area only. In fact, that is only the starting point.” He said the government was also cognizant of the issues related to urban migration for which it constituted a group of experts and officials to deliberate on the subject of migration and its impact on housing, infrastructure and livelihoods.

“The recommendation was to integrate migrants into the urban economy, especially by addressing their housing needs, which have a direct impact on their access to livelihood and their ability to access other services like healthcare and education for their families. In terms of housing, for those who migrate to our cities and can’t immediately purchase houses, a rental housing policy is also being drafted.” He said the government’s National Urban Livelihoods Mission also aims to integrate various kinds of workers into the urban economy through skill-building and other initiatives. “Contrary to the dogma that has prevailed for many decades, the migrant is the person who brings new ideas and energy into urban societies. Most importantly, as our Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) once said, a poor migrant gets accommodated and assimilated into the urban economy -- thus, cities are able to ‘digest’ poverty.”

begin soon. Talking about his trip earlier this month, Trump Jr. said, “India is such an incredible country and our brand has enjoyed tremendous success in the region for many years. This trip is a celebration of all we have achieved, including the launch of the Trump developments in Kolkata and Delhi which have been underway for many months.” According to business partners in India, many units in the Trump Towers are selling about 30 percent per square foot higher than the current market rates. Trump Jr.’s visit to India is expected to reinforce the trend. India is Trump Organisation’s biggest international market, with four real estate projects underway in Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata, and Gurugram. Trump Jr.’s visit to India comes after his sister, Ivanka, visited Hyderabad in November last year to attend the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES).

Tushar Mehta

Anand Grover

related to 2G Spectrum investigated by the Delhi Special Police Establishment (CBI) in the Court of Special Judge (2G Spectrum cases), Central Bureau of Investigation, New Delhi shall be substituted,” stated the new notification. The substitution of the words has clearly removed Grover’s role as SPP beyond the trial stage, thus making it unequivocal that Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta will be the agency’s lawyer in the Delhi High Court and also in the Supreme Court, as and when the matter reaches there. The new notification has come 10 days after Mehta was appointed as the SPP through another notification by the DoPT. But this notification was not clear whether Grover has been replaced by Mehta or if both will be arguing at the appellate stage in the Delhi HC, given the fact that the

trial has resulted into acquittal of all the accused in the 2G case and an appeal is being readied. The two senior lawyers had then maintained that they were not certain about the terms of the new notification and would not want to comment on it. However, the new notification has made it clear that Grover has been replaced by Mehta for all appeals and revisions after the culmination of the trial. Notably, since Grover was appointed as the SPP under the order of the Supreme Court, the action of the government in amending a three-year-old notification will definitely come under scanner of the top court. Centre for Public Interest Litigation, one of the petitioners before the apex court in the 2G case, has already filed a contempt plea, challenging Mehta’s appointment.

Rajasthan mulls death penalty for child rapists

Gulab Chand Kataria JAIPUR (RAJASTHAN), FEB 20 (AGENCIES): Rajasthan government will soon table a bill in the state assembly seeking death penalty for those convicted of raping minors. Rajasthan minister Gulab Chand Kataria told ANI that his government similar to that of Madhya Pradesh is mulling to bring

Tribal woman gangraped in WB

DINAJPUR, FEB 20 (AGENCIES): An 18-year-old intellectually disabled tribal woman was allegedly gangraped in South Dinajpur’s Kushmandi. The incident took place on February 17. According to reports, the woman was found unconscious near a bridge in the village. The victim is currently hospitalised in a critical condition in Malda Medical College and Hospital.

Guj MLA Bhupendra’s caste certificate invalidated again

A H M E DA BA D, F E B 20 (PTI): Spelling fresh trouble for Bhupendrasinh Khant, the independent MLA from Morva Hadaf constituency in Gujarat, a scrutiny committee has once again invalidated his caste certificate, negating his claim to be belonging to a tribal community. Morva Hadaf constituency in Panchamahal district was reserved for tribal candidates. The scrutiny committee, headed by Tribal Development Commissioner R J Makadia, today invalidated Khant’s caste certificate after going through the documents provided by him in support of his certificate that declared him a tribal. Khant had defeated BJP’s Vikramsinh Dindor by over 4,000 votes in the December 2017 Assembly elections. The legislator had later announced that he would join the Congress. “The scrutiny committee went through the documents provided by him in support of his ar-

a law under which, those convicted of raping minors will be executed. “We are working on bringing a law similar to that has been made in Madhya Pradesh which awards death for the rape of children aged 12 or below. It will be tabled in the assembly when it is ready,” he said. The Madhya Pradesh Assembly on December 4 last year, unanimously passed ‘The Penal Law (Madhya Pradesh Amendment) Bill-2017’ to award death sentence to those found guilty of raping girls aged 12 or below. As per the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) 2016 report, cases of crime against children have become rampant in Rajasthan in the recent past.

gument and found that he does not belong to the tribal community as per the parameters laid down by the central government,” Makadia told PTI. The committee had earlier invalidated his caste certificate in January, a few weeks after he was elected as an MLA from ST-reserved seat. The Gujarat High Court had quashed the order of the Tribal Development Commissioner and asked Khant to approach the committee once again with documents supporting his arguments, after he told the court that he was not given an opportunity to put forward his case before the panel. “The MLA submitted 200-odd page documents in support of his argument. After going through these papers, we found that his caste certificate is not valid,” Makadia said. Khant is once again likely to approach the high court as his election from Morva Hadaf might be disqualified by the Election Commission.

India test fires Agni II missile off Odisha coast BHUBANESWAR, FEB 20 (IANS): India on Tuesday test-fired its indigenously developed intermediate range ballistic missile Agni II from the Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast. The trial of the surface-to-surface missile was conducted from Launch Complex-4 of Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Balasore district at about 8.38 a.m., said a Defence Ministry official. The trial was conducted by the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) of the Indian Army as part of its user training exercise, he added. Agni II missile has already been inducted into the Indian Army. The two-stage missile equipped with advanced high accuracy navigation system, which is guided by a novel scheme of state-ofthe-art command and control system was propelled by solid rocket propellant system. It has a strike range of more than 2,000 km, is 20 metres long, weighs 17 tonnes and can carry a payload of 1,000 kg. K Y M C

northeast

Bring back Nirav: Rahul to PM

Correspondent

Mendipathar, Feb 20: Launching the second leg of his election campaign in Meghalaya, Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to bring back diamantaire Nirav Modi, when he returns from his foreign trips. “I would like to request this Modi (Prime Minister) on behalf of all of us, to bring back the other (Nirav) Modi when he goes on another of his many foreign trips. We will all be very grateful as a nation to get our hard-earned money back,” he said. Drumming up support his party candidates who are contesting the February 27 assembly polls, Gandhi made a comparison of Prime Minister and Nirav, who are selling dreams to the people of India. “….. Nirav Modi sold diamonds, which are the stuff he claims dreams are made of. In fact, one can say he sold dreams to many people including the government which happily slept while Modi ran away with the public’s hard-earned money,” he said. “A few years ago, another (Prime Minister) Modi, also sold dreams to the people of India. Dreams of Achche din, 15

Rahul Gandhi being presented a scarf by Meghalaya CM Mukul Sangma at an election campaign rally in North Garo Hills district on Tuesday. (PTI)

lakh rupees in everyone’s bank account, 2 crore jobs and so on,” the Congress leader said. Gandhi noted that people had reposed their faith in Modi and the BJP because of their grand promises, Gandhi thinking that Modi would give them jobs, farmers thought that their hard work would be respected and their produce would get a fair price, the tribals of India felt that they would also get equal share and their land, traditions and culture would be protected. Bur as this government enters the fag end of its tenure, Gandhi said, “it is clear that instead of

giving hope, security and economic growth they have dealt us only hopelessness, unemployment, fear, hatred and violence. And with the Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi scandals we know that this is a government that not only cannot remove corruption but is also actively participating in it.” Appealing to the 18.31 lakh electorates in Meghalaya not to vote in favour of National People’s Party (NPP) headed by Lok Sabha member Conrad Sangma, the Congress chief, claimed that NPP is working to become the B-team of BJP. “Don’t fall in the trap

of NPP,” he said, as he reminded people how NPP is a coalition partner in BJP-led government in Manipur. “They are running a government in Manipur with the BJP which the BJP formed using ill-gotten money and power. Today, I promise you that we will not allow a repetition of Manipur in Meghalaya. On behalf of Congress I assure you of this,’ he said. Voicing confidence that ruling Congress will retain power in Meghalaya, Gandhi said that the Congress will unite each and every voice in Meghalaya calling for justice. Eulogizing chief minister Mukul Sangma for ushering in an era of unprecedented growth and prosperity, Gandhi said, “You have one of the most hardworking chief ministers in the country, everyone can see tremendous development here. Gone are the days of bandhs, strikes and violent activities.” “ This a tmosphere of peace and stability has bought development and good governance. Before saying anything against the Meghalaya government, the leaders of BJP should remember that Meghalaya’s growth rate is higher than Gujarat’s,” Gandhi said.

Another IED recovered in Meghalaya

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2018

Vehicle engaged in railway project torched in Manipur

Correspondent

Tura, Feb 20: Averting a major tragedy, SF-10 commandos on Tuesday recovered another Improvised Explosive Device (IED) bomb abandoned by Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) rebels in poll-bound Meghalaya’s East Garo Hills district, police said. “The 5-kg bomb was recovered on the roadside of Cherangre area, Meghalaya police Chief, Swaraj Bir Singh said SF-10 commandos launched a counter-insurgency operation against the GNLA after they triggered an IED blast that killed NCP candidate Jonathone Sangma and three others. Singh said the bomb was abandoned by GNLA rebels who fled from Rambogre area on Monday on seeing the movement of SF-10 commandos. “However, we could not open fire as a woman and two children were among those in the camp. Shira took advantage of the situation and escaped,” said Singh Singh said that the operation against the GNLA will continue to mount pressure on the GNLA rebels to surrender before the authorities.

IMPHAL, Feb 20: Unidentified miscreants torched a dumper truck loaded with cement belonging to Bencer, a company engaged in the ongoing Jiribam-Tupul railway project in Manipur’s Tamenglong district on Monday night. Police suspect hands of villagers of Marangching area behind the arson. Villagers of Marangching affected by the railway line are currently imposing a total ban on all works related with the railway line construction in their area from February 16. A police source said that some agitating villagers might have torched the vehicle to draw the attention of the government. Yesterday’s incident was not the first time vehicles engaged in the project was targeted. In December 23 last year, a jeep engaged in the same project was torched and another vehicle was destroyed at Marangching area. Both the incidents occurred during similar agitation of the villagers on the same demand which was later suspended after authorities of state government gave an assurance to address their demand. The latest agitation of

the villagers commenced from the midnight of February 16 after no positive response comes up from the government authorities even after the latest deadline set by the villagers expired. Tunnel no. 1 to 6 of the railway line lie within the jurisdiction of Marangching village. Villagers of Marangching announced the indefinite ban on all construction work of the Jiribam-Tupul-Imphal project in their area pressing the state government to take up appropriate action while

alleging that the district administration has doled out the land compensation amounts arbitrarily. A compensation amount of Rs 36 crore has been paid to two individuals instead of the whole village, the villagers have claimed while alleging that the compensation amount was cleared based on forged documents. The villagers also alleged that state government has failed to address to their demands despite repeated requests.

Hapi birthday.... Stacy, Today is your birthday so today is all about you let’s celebrate you and your special day..... Once again happy birthday stacy... With love aunt sungjem aunt ani sis vicci &sis suni...... Hello! my dear POTATO, Age is just a number, for me you are a year younger today and will always be for the rest of your birthdays. You will never grow old in my eyes and in my heart. (singing) Happy Birthday To You, Happy Birthday To You, Happy Birthday tooooo You, Haappyyy Birthdayyy Tooooo Yooooou. GOD BLESS YOU. ~Ka-BoooooM~

Meghalaya CM reacts Complete Assam NRC publication process by May 31: SC NFR to take up new rail projects to Rajnath’s statement

Mukul Sangma

“Though, they (BJP) had not paid much interest on the proposal of Meghalaya for improving police infrastructure, effort by the State Government led to the formation of Special Force – 10 to tackle insurgency and law and order in the State,” Sangma said. “We have never compromised on tackling insurgency and restoring peace. What about the porous India – Bangladesh border, through which sophisticated arms, IEDs come to Indian side. In Nagaland arms are available freely. The international border is porous and the Union Minister is playing politics,” Sangma said.

Conference discusses prospect of food processing in North East Correspondent

IMPHAL, Feb 20: Manipur deputy chief minister Y Joykumar Tuesday said that there was the need to nurture entrepreneurship skills by helping farmers, startups and SMEs in food processing sector in the state. Speaking at the opening function of “Linking Startups and SMEs in Food Processing with Government Schemes & Markets” in Imphal, the deputy chief minister highlighted the need to promote food processing industry by developing integrated system to enable aggregation of holding, production, technology etc for economic prosperity. The conference was organized by ASSOCHAM in association with Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India, ICAR RC NEH, Imphal and NABARD. Joykumar also emphasized on the need for infrastructure development like cold storage, connectivity, partnerships for training K Y M C

and marketing to accelerate growth and development to food processing sector leading to more jobs, incomes and opportunities for the people of the region. He also gave a holistic picture of the Indian food processing industry as well as scope of Manipur to get itself in the forefront. “Market linkage is the major problem faced by Manipur farmers. Hence, industry associations like ASSOCHAM should focus on building external market linkage for food processing units in the state,” he suggested. In his opening remark, assistant director of ASSOCHAM, Chetan Vij asserted that food processing industry has made some significant progress in Northeastern region. PN Praveen Kumar, officer-in-charge of NABARD, Manipur, Dr Prasanna Kumar Bal, chairman of Manipur Rural Bank and Sanajauba Singh, secretary general of All Manipur Food Processors Association also spoke at the conference.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Our beloved father, Vetsorü Chüzho went home to be with his Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ on Sunday, 11-02-2018. We are truly grateful to God for his life and the testimony of genuine transformation, which he lived for all to see. We will miss him dearly, but we are comforted to know that this is not the end; one day, we will see him again. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to all those who have been part of our dear father’s life journey. We regret our inability to thank each one specifically, but we VETSORÜ CHÜZHO request you to kindly accept this as our formal note of gratitude to you. 21.07.1945 – 11.02.2018 We would like to make an exception and mention a few people who have blessed him particularly towards the close of his journey : 1. Dr. Chotisüh Sazo, Hon’ble Advisor, Social Welfare, Government of Nagaland 2. Küdecho Khamo (Chairman, E.D.A.) 3. Deo Nukhu (MLA) 4. Thenucho Tünyi (Former Home Minister) 5. Kewechütso Doulo 6. Mürohü Chotso (Retd. Secretary, ) 7. Vekhosa Kotso (SP, Kohima) 8. Sano Vamuzo (Former Chairperson, Nagaland State Commission for Women) 9. Doctors, nurses, & staff of Bethel Medical Centre, Kohima 10. Chakhesang Baptist Church Council 11. Chakhesang Baptist Church Kohima 12. Chakhesang Baptist Church Ministers’ Hill, Kohima 13. Chakhesang Town Area Baptist Church 14. Chokri Area Baptist Church Council 15. Tekhuba Baptist Fellowship, Aradura, Kohima 16. Lozaphühü Baptist Church 17. Chüzhonu Khel, Phüsachodü 18. Phüsachodü Women’s Fellowship, Kohima 19. Phüsachodü Baptist Church & Prayer Group 20. Phüsachodü Village Council. It is our prayer that our Lord whom our father served, bless all of you in abundance. K-496

-The Family of Vetsorü Chüzho-

lished in December end as per the apex court’s direction to come out with the first draft NRC by December 31, 2017. The Supreme Court had said that claims of those citizens, whose names do not figure in the draft NRC for Assam published by December 31, would be scrutinised and included in the subsequent list, if found genuine. The apex court had on November 30 said that on the expiry of midnight of December 31, the draft NRC pertaining to 2.38

crore claims, would be published. The NRC is prepared to identify illegal migrants in Assam. The court had observed this while rejecting the Centre’s plea seeking extension of time for publication of the draft NRC. The NRC of 1951 is being updated for Assam in accordance with the tripartite agreement among the state and central governments and the influential All Assam Students Union (AASU), which was arrived at in 2005 to implement the 1985 Assam Accord.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.” John 11:25

We the family m e m b e r s o f L t . M r. Vixeyi Awomi would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all those who stood by us during our time of need and bereavement and supported us physically, financially and through prayers. We kindly request you to accept this as personal thanks from all of us. We Love you and miss you Family & Relatives

Correspondent

Diphu, Feb 20: The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) will be laying several fresh rail tracks connecting Karbi Anglong, Golaghat and Sibsagar district of Assam and the existing Koliabhomora bridge on Brahmaputra river will be enhanced with rail overpass, said a senior NFR official. One new projects will connect Salona with Khumtai of Golaghat district, and this track will pass all the way through Angjokhaspani, Dolamara,

Kakojan, Socheng Dhenta, Duarbagori localities of Karbi Anglong district, informed Dilip Kalita, senior railway officer of Lumding division. A railway station will be set up at Dolamara near Kaziranga national park for which cooperation of local people is necessary, he said. He also revealed that a fresh railway grouping between Sivasagar and Jorhat and another rail link between Silghat and Tezpur, crossing over the Brahmaputra through Koliabhomora Bridge is on the anvil.

2ND DEATH ANNIVERSARY of Late ROSLIN CHISHI

DP-1550

Tura, Feb 20: Countering home minister Rajnath Singh’s statement that the murder of an election candidate was proof of ‘utter chaos and lawlessness lawlessness’ in Meghalaya, chief minister Mukul Sangma Tuesday said that his government has never compromised on tackling insurgency and restoring peace in the state. “His (Singh) remark on lawlessness in the State was ‘unbecoming’ and ‘most irresponsible. It is the most irresponsible comment of a home minister of a nation. Has he forgotten his own responsibility,” Sangma said. Hitting out at the BJPled NDA government for withdrawing troops who were deployed in counterinsurgency operations in Meghalaya’s Garo Hills region, the Congress leader said, “Our proposal to strengthen police stations which was approved by the UPA-II Government had been withheld by the BJP government.”

said. The bench also made it clear that the upcoming panchayat and local body elections in Assam, which are scheduled to be held in the months of March and April, 2018 will be conducted by the state election commission and the state government. “The work of holding panchayat and local body elections in Assam will not be at the cost of upgrading and preparation of NRC and the NRC work will continue as before with full deployment,” the bench said. The top court also said that the state election commission and the state government would take all the necessary action for holding these elections. The bench also did not accept the request to appoint an additional state coordinator for NRC work and said that incumbent coordinator Prateek Hajela would continue to carry out the exercise till it reaches its logical conclusion. The bench has listed the matter for further hearing on March 27. Earlier, the first draft NRC for Assam was pub-

DP-1586

Correspondent

New Delhi, Feb 20 (PTI): The Supreme Court Tuesday refused to extend the deadline for publication of the final National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam and directed the Centre to complete the work by May 31. The apex court said that the work of the verification of around one crore citizens in the state should continue without interference from any quarter. A bench comprising justices Ranjan Gogoi and R F Nariman said that it would monitor the progress of the NRC work in Assam after 30 days. When Attorney General K K Venugopal told the bench that it was not “physically possible” to complete the work by May 31, the apex court said its business was to make the impossible possible. “Mr Attorney General what everybody thought was a big joke, has been turned into a reality. Our business is to make impossible possible and we will do it. We are monitoring it for the last four years and we know this,” the bench

On 21.02.16

Lt. Mr. Vixeyi Awomi (95 years) Born in : 1924 Died on: 07-02-2018

You are MISSED EACH and every day, for you were someone special who meant more than words can say. Loving family members

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Born 27/08/1967 Died 10/02/2018 Words are inadequate to express our sincere gratitude to all those who stood by us at the sudden demise of our beloved father Inai Kiba G.B New Colony Zunheboto. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to:1. New Colony Prayer Fellowship (SBCZ). 2. New Colony Youth Department (SBCZ). 3. Asukhomi Baptist Church. 4. Asukhomi Students' Union. 5. New Colony Youth Forum. 6. Zunheboto Town G.B Association. 7. Teachers Welfare GHSS, Zunheboto. 8. Usutomi Union Zunheboto. 9. Sunday School Department New Colony. 10. Laghilato Youth Department, SBCZ. 11. Emerald Club New Colony. 12. Zunheboto Sumi Totimi Hoho. 13. Zunheboto Baptist Church. 14. Nagaland Christian Revival Church, Zunheboto Town. From, Loving family members DP-1580

Born : 12th April 1938 Died : 14th February 2018 We the bereaved family members of Late SATEMKABA AIER of Chami Village would like to extend our profound heartfelt gratitude to all the individuals, churches, unions, societies, organisations, neighbours, friends and well wishers who had immensely supported and stood by us, physically, spiritually, materially and financially throughout his prolonged illness till his last breath. We are deeply indebted and convey our sincere gratitude to : 1. Dr. S.C. Jamir, Governor of Odisha. 2. Shri Lanusanen, OSD to Governor. 3. Dr. Imtiwapang, MLA Govt. of Nagaland. 4. Dr. Benjongliba, MLA Govt. of Nagaland. 5. Shri Imtikumzuk, MLA Govt. of Nagaland. 6. T.N. Manen, Rtd Addl. Chief Secretary, Govt. of Nagaland. 7. Shri Toshipokba, Former MLA, MLA Govt. of Nagaland. 8. Ao Senden. 9. Arkong ward Yimten, Mokokchung. 10. Chami Village Council. 11. Youth Fellowship, Arkong ward Mokokchung. 12. Dr. Yanger, ICH Mokochung. 13. Doctors & Nurses, IMH, Mokokchung. Words are inadequate to express our gratitude to each and every individual but we sincerely pray that our Heavenly Father shower His unceasing love and bless you all. DP-1592

Loving wife, children, grandchildren, son-in-law, family members & relatives. K Y M C

No-trust motion against Centre is ‘last resort’: Chandrababu Naidu

Chandrababu Naidu and Narendra Modi.

NEW DELHI, FEB 20 (AGENCIES): Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has said he is prepared to move a no confidence motion against the BJP-led central government with the support of other parties to get “justice” for the southern state, but only as a “last resort”. Naidu and his Telugu Desam Party (TDP) are furious over what he says is grossly insufficient allocation for Andhra Pradesh in

the Union Budget, which has strained ties between the BJP and its biggest ally in the South. “But a no-confidence motion should be the last resort. We will continue our fight for justice to Andhra Pradesh. If that doesn’t happen, we will muster support from other parties and move the notrust motion,” Naidu, the TDP president, announced at a meeting in Vijayawada on Monday. “The Centre did noth-

national/state

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, FEBrUARY 21, 2018

ing for us in the last four years. As Chief Minister, I will not tolerate if injustice is done to people. Whether they (the Centre) will help us with a special category status or a special economic package is up to them,” he said. Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister had dismissed demands by the opposition YSR Congress and Jana Sena to consider bringing a no-trust motion against the centre, saying that the Narendra Modi government enjoys full majority. “Some are asking for resignations. If our MPs resign, who will fight for our state? No confidence motion should be the last resort. We will not simply put such motion. It needs at least 54 MPs. But we don’t have that number,” Mr Naidu had said. YS Jaganmohan Reddy, who heads the YSR Congress, then declared that his party would move a no-trust motion if the TDP did not do so. “Does he (Jagan) have

head and tail? If you move a no-confidence motion, they (BJP) have majority. It will be defeated and you can’t talk anything for six months on the issue,” Mr Naidu said in a caustic response. “First there should be a debate...we have to muster support...Injustice was done (to Andhra Pradesh) right inside parliament. Now we are demanding justice from the same parliament. When our minister (YS Chowdary) demanded in parliament that justice be done to the state, they (YSR Congress) demanded his dismissal. Now they are talking about no-confidence,” he said, accusing Jagan Mohan reddy of trying to gain an “upper hand” with the notrust talk. After Mr Naidu’s threats of a divorce last month, the BJP’s top leaders had reached out to the TDP, with union home minister Rajnath Singh holding talks with the party and also dialing the chief minister.

Pak drug smuggler 2018 Assembly Polls: Campaign trails for battle of ballots p-1) two different things, the candidate. killed; narcotics & (From Shürho warns against BJP chief minister accused Rio NPF legislators EE Pangteang, N. Thongwang of opening the gateway for arms seized Stating that politiBJP to freely participate in and Eshak and others also

AMRITSAR, FEB 20 (AGENCIES): A Pakistani drug smuggler was killed and 10 kg of narcotics as well as arms and ammunition seized along the Indo-Pak International Border (IB) in Punjab on Tuesday, the BSF said. The incident took place in the wee hours of the morning along the Barreke post in Firozpur sector of the IB where the Border Security Force and the special task force of the Punjab police laid an ambush to intercept crossborder drug smugglers and infiltrators. “Ambush (team) located two Pakistani smugglers approaching stealthily towards the fence after crossing the IB into the Indian territory,” a senior BSF officer said. “When these smugglers were challenged, they opened fire on the ambush (team). In retaliatory fire, one Pakistani smuggler was killed, the other fled back towards Pakistani territory, taking the cover of darkness,” the official said.

cal parties talked about visions and indulged in propagandas against other parties in any election, the NPF leader, however, cautioned the Nagas to be wary about all these. He reminded the Nagas to give a serious thought on the letter issued by Nagaland Baptist Church Council and Nagaland Christian Revival Churches. While claiming that many achievements had taken place in Nagaland during its rule for 15 years, Liezietsu admitted that the outgoing Nagaland Legislative Assembly witnessed some of the greatest crisis in the history of Nagaland. Attributing this to some “corrupt and power-hankering” leaders, he asserted that this time NPF had fielded “fresh, committed and winnable” candidates who had concern for the welfare of the Naga people. In his brief address, candidate Nakhro said Naga society required change and that his desire was social progress. T.R. Zeliang hits out...

Amit Shah hits out at Cong’s Centre seeks modification ‘politics of appeasement’ on appointment of DGPs

BJP president Amit Shah with Karnataka state chief BS Yeddyurappa and union minister Sadananda Gowda in Bengaluru. (PTI)

BENGALURU, FEB 20 (AGENCIES): Bharatiya Janata Party chief Amit Shah, campaigning in pollbound Karnataka, on Tuesday criticised the ruling Congress and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for his “politics of appeasement”. At a rally in Dakshina Kannada’s Sullia village, Shah said Siddaramaiah was “wrong to think that politics of appeasement will be successful”. The BJP leader said the state had taken no action against Congress MLA NA Haris’s son who has been accused of assaulting a man in a restaurant in Bengaluru on

February 17. “There was no FIR. Why? Not only because he is Haris’s son, but because it involved appeasement of groups and vote-bank politics,” he added. However, the police have already filed an FIR against Mohammed Haris Nalapad on charges of assault and attempt to murder. Nalapad surrendered before the Cubbon Park Police on Monday and was remanded in police custody for two days. On Sunday, the Congress had also suspended Nalapad, who was the Bengaluru District Youth

Congress general secretary, from the party for six years. On Tuesday, Shah also criticised the Karnataka government over development issues, and said a victory for the BJP in the state will open the gates for the party to the south. “This is an election not only related to the state but also the interests of the entire nation,” Shah said. “In this election, a government will come in Karnataka which will open doors to the south for us.” On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a public rally in Mysuru – his first election address in the poll-bound state. He said the Congress government in Karnataka was “misleading people and dividing society”. Mysuru, the home district of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, is considered a Congress stronghold. The BJP’s campaigns in Karnataka come just a week after Congress President Rahul Gandhi addressed multiple meetings in the state.

NEW DELHI, FEB 20 (AGENCIES): Supreme Court has sought the response of the petitioner on the central government’s plea seeking to be allowed empanelment of only those IPS officers, who have at least two years of service before their retirement, for selection to the post of Director General of Police in states. The government has sought the modification of the top court’s 2006 directions which says that any person selected to be the DGP of the state police will have a tenure of two years from the date of appointment irrespective of the age of superannuation. Chief Justice Dipak Misra asked how can they modify their 2006 directions, as Attorney General KK Venugopal told the court that some states were violating one of the directions, either by making ad-hoc appointment to the post or by appointing IPS officers who continue to serve beyond their age of retirement at 60 years. The bench of Chief Justice Misra, Justice AM Khanwilkar and

The only mistake, according to him, was that his personal secretary had mistakenly entered the year 1980, instead of 1979, while filing nomination Justice DY Chandrachud during the last election. Emphasising that seatsought response from the petitioner-in-person and sharing and coalition were former Uttar Pradesh DGP Prakash Singh after Attorney General Venugopal urged the court to modify its 2006 directions. (From p-1) The court posted the Significantly, he also matter for hearing on April 4, as lawyer Prashant Bhush- slammed Odisha governor an opposed the plea saying and former Nagaland chief that the plea for review of minister SC Jamir for althe 2006 directions has allegedly campaigning for ready been rejected by the his son Apok Jamir, who is court and what was being a candidate for the ruling sought was another attempt Naga People’s Front. “Jamir was appointed for the recall of the order. as the governor by the He said that the top UPA. But now, he is workcourt order clearly says that ing as the NDA governor. Union Public Service Com- Considering his constimission will prepare a panel tutional designation, he of three senior IPS officers should have refrained from for the states to choose one campaigning for his son,” for appointment as DGP Therie added. The BJP has and irrespective of his age, filed a complaint against he will continue to serve for the Odisha governor with two years. Bhushan cited the Election Commission the instance of the similar for allegedly campaigning appointment of Director of in the election process, the Central Bureau of In- which the party says is vestigation (CBI) for a fixed a misuse of his official term of minimum two years power. Jamir, meanwhile, as he told the court about the has refuted the claim saygross violation of its 2006 ing that he only went to directions on police reforms his home to solve a dispute for last more than 11 years. between two families.

Therie lambasts party leadership

Nagaland Assembly election, a Christian-majority State. Further dismissing accusations that he was the most corrupt leader, Zeliang challenged people to pinpoint the area or government projects where cor r uption had taken place. Instead, he claimed that during the four years of leadership he managed to bring more than Rs 200 crore from the Centre for development of tourism sector in Nagaland, adding that similar focus was being given in road connectivity too. Accusing the NDPP leader of being involved in corruption, he named Niathu and Noune resorts as examples where government funds were allegedly diverted for his personal gain. He also accused the Lok Sabha member of selling his own land for construction of a cricket stadium at Sovima. “And not satisfied with that, Rio enhanced the price from Rs 25 crore to Rs 75 crore,” he alleged. Appealing the gathering to give a second thought while electing their representatives, Zeliang said, if they took a wrong decision, it would take time for Nagas to come back to the right track. He appealed the people to seek God’s guidance in electing the right

attended the rally. NPF party cries... He charged the present NPF government of not undertaking any developmental activities in the State but leaving behind only a legacy of corruption, unresolved scholarship issue, bad roads, etc. Rio underlined that NDPP manifesto had already promised to get Central-sponsored schemes to be financed entirely by the Centre, besides developing roads and economic corridors in synch with Modi’s Act East policy. In his address, NDPP candidate Kruse predicted that change in incumbent was imminent in the State to herald in a new era of development, even as he exuded confidence that NDPP-BJP alliance would form a stable government. NDPP Kohima region president Avio Tetseo, party’s vice president Nagaland Menuovilie Kesiezie and former MLA Dr Neiphrezo Keditsu also addressed the gathering. The programme was led by NDPP’s 8th Western Angami constituency president Vitsalhou Kesiezie, while the welcome address was delivered by Sechii Zubza head GB Sacha Rhatsu. The vote of thanks was proposed by NDPP Kohima region secretary Seyiekhrielie Nagi.

DGP appeals

(From p-1) Sharma claimed that, besides the expenditure monitoring cells set up in districts, the police had also initiated several steps to curb the use of muscle power, money power and liquor during elections leading to seizures, arrests and registration of FIRs in police stations. The DGP also cautioned the people that negative police records could adversely affect in the process of obtaining police verifications, character certificates, no objection certificates, etc, from the police for the purposes of obtaining arms licenses, passports, jobs, educational purposes, etc, later.

SC to hear actress Priya’s plea seeking quashing of FIR New Delhi, Feb 20 (IANS): The Supreme Court will hear on Wednesday a plea by Malayalam actress Priya Warrier seeking quashing of a spate of complaints and an FIR registered against her and another for allegedly hurting the sentiments of a minority community. A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra, Justice A.M. Khanwilkar and Justice D.Y. Chandrachud agreed on Tuesday to hear the plea by the teenage actress, who stars in the film ‘Oru Addar Love’ having a ‘wink song’ picturised on her that apparently hurt the community’s sentiments. Warrier’s lawyer Harris Beeran’s told the bench that the actress has moved the court seeking the quashing of the FIR and four complaints filed against her and her filmmaker in Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, respectively.

Railways relaxes age limit Digital economy cannot be forced on people: Raju On autonomy for ECI: SC asks govt views for recruitment tests NEW DELHI, FEB 20 (AGENCIES): After protests in Bihar and Kerala, the railways on Monday relaxed the upper age limit of employing people in various categories and said that the option of taking the recruitment exam in regional languages including Bangla and Malayalam would be made available. In a statement, the railways said, in the exam for assistant loco pilots and loco pilot, the revised upper age limit for the unreserved category has been fixed at 30 years, while it was 28 earlier. For OBCs it has been revised to 33 years from the earlier 31 years. For the SC and ST category, the age relaxation has been fixed at 35 years from the present 33. Similarly, for the Group D exams for an unreserved category, the upper age limit has been fixed at 30 years from 28 years. For OBCs, the age limit has been revised to 36 years from 34 years, for SC and STs it has been hiked from 36 years to 38 years. Online applications

were earlier invited in January and February for nearly 90,000 posts in Group C Level (Erstwhile Group D) like track maintainer, points man, helper, gate man, porter and group C Level II categories like assistant Loco Pilots (ALP), technicians (Fitter, Crane Driver, Blacksmith, Carpenter) through Railway Recruitment Boards website. “It has also been decided that the questions in regional languages like Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, Odia, Telugu, Bangla and others will be available for candidates to take the exam,” the statement said. This recruitment drive is open for candidates who have passed Class X and ITI for Group C Level I posts and Class X and ITI or diploma in engineering or a graduation in engineering. While candidates from Kerala demanded that they be allowed to take the exam in Malayalam, those from Bihar turned to violent protests over the reduction of age limit.

NEW DELHI, FEB 20 (IANS): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government has “twisted” some of the things in the digital revolution, such as “forcing digital transactions” on people and insisting on linking Aadhaar with everything, says M.M. Pallam Raju, a minister in the earlier Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. He contends that the genesis of India’s electronics and information technology (IT) revolution can be traced back to Congress governments in the previous century, adding that the momentum has been lost now. Raju, an electronics engineer and a former Minister for Human Resources Development, trashed the idea of a totally cashless or even “less cash” Indian economy, saying digital transactions should be “an option and convenience” and not forced upon people. “Cashless economy has to be integral to the overall economy. It is essential where large transactions are involved, but not on a day-to-day basis. It can be an option and convenience if somebody wants to pay digitally, but cash has been the comfort factor, especially for the rural population that

M.M. Pallam Raju

is comfortable transacting in cash rather than digitally,” Raju said. “Also, see how much fraud is happening in cyberspace, in terms of accounts getting hacked, money getting diverted, etc. And the chances of such frauds are higher with rural and uneducated people,” he said, adding that a “suitable ecosystem” has to be created before anything is “imposed on people”, which “unfortunately has not happened”. As a former Union Minister, how does he see the current government’s insistence on linking everything from SIM cards to bank accounts and insurance covers with Aadhaar? After all, Aadhaar was conceived and rolled out during the UPA’s time. “A a d h a a r wa s e n visioned to link welfare schemes. The whole idea was to streamline government benefits and to curtail losses/pilferage. That is being twisted and made into big

monster without adequate preparation. “If databases are to be secure -- which I don’t think they are right now -- there have to be more security features built in, and then if you utilise linking of Aadhaar for putting some checks and balances in place in the system, that’s all right. But don’t insist on linking everything with Aadhaar. “That is not what founding fathers desired when they gave us the Constitution. We have a right to live our life, but that is being encroached upon,” Raju said. Raju recently wrote “A Contribution in Time: India’s Electronics Revolution”, based on the life of his father, Dr M.S. Sanjeevi Rao, who served as Deputy Minister for Electronics in Prime Minister Indira Gandhi ‘s cabinet. It was unveiled by former President Pranab Mukherjee and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. He said that while the book is a personal tribute to his father, it also tells the larger story of the genesis of India’s electronics revolution. “As Electronics Minister and Chairman of the Electronics Commission, Dr Sanjeevi Rao ushered in dynamic and far-reaching poli-

cies that enabled exponential growth of the electronics, telecom and IT sectors in India. He was part of the team, along with Sam Pitroda, which led the country into the era of telecom, computers and IT (during Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure),” Raju said. “As millennials are so familiar with technology and its utilisation, it would be quite insightful for them to understand the genesis of this revolution -- when electronics was happening and becoming a phenomenon worldwide,” he added. Raju said that the vision of the leaders in India then was to make electronicsbased technology accessible to the common people at an affordable price. “It all started with consumer electronics and then became all pervasive with information technology, telecom and its role has increased exponentially,” he said, speaking of the book that captures the life of Sanjeevi Rao and the contemporary milieu in text and pictures. It also contains a report that throws light on the coming into being of the Electronics Commission and the Department of Electronics in 1971.

NEW DELHI, FEB 20 (AGENCIES): The question of whether the Election Commission should have more autonomy has been taken up by the Supreme Court after a petition called for changing processes that would insulate the country’s election body from any possibility of pressure from the ruling government. The top court, which took up the petition on Monday, has asked the government to present its views within a month. Sources told NDTV that the government is likely to oppose the petition. Though an autonomous constitutional body, the Election Commission has been accused of partisanship by a few political parties following last year’s BJP victories in assembly elections in several states. The petition, filed two months ago, by lawyer and Delhi BJP spokesperson Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, has sought a change in the process of appointment and removal of the election commissioners. It also demands that the three Election Commissioners be considered equals. The Election Commissioners, the petition

said, should be appointed via a collegium, like the judges in the Supreme Court. The current system of removing Election commissioners on the recommendation of Chief Election Commissioner should also be changed, it said. In court, Attorney General KK Venugopal told the three-judge bench -- led by Chief Justice Dipak Misra -- that his views on autonomy are likely to differ from the government’s. He said he could assist the court as an Attorney General but not as the lawyer of the government. Welcoming the court’s intervention, Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat told NDTV, “The poll panel has been asking for autonomy for the last 20 years”. Former Chief Election Commissioner SY Quraishi said recently, allegations were made against Achal Kumar Joti because he was the Chief Secretary of Gujarat before being appointed as the Chief Election Commissioner last year. “If he had been selected by a Collegium, no one would have raised a finger,” he added.

Moody’s, Fitch warn PNB of downgrades

Mumbai, Feb 20 (PTI): International rating agencies Moody’s Investor Service and Fitch Ratings Tuesday warned the scam-hit Punjab National Bank (PNB) of rating downgrades, citing likely networth erosion and widening losses at the second largest state-run lender. The Rs 11,400-crore fraud--the biggest in the country’s banking history-has raised questions on both internal and external risk controls at PNB as well as the quality of management supervision at the regulatory level considering that the fraud went undetected for several years, the agencies said. Moody’s in a note Tuesday said the review for downgrade will focus on: (1) the timing and quantum of the financial impact of the fraudulent transactions, (2) any management actions taken to improve the capitalization profile of the bank, and (3) any punitive actions taken by the regulator on the bank. It has also placed PNB’s baseline credit assessment and adjusted BCA of Ba3 and counterparty risk assessment of Baa3(cr)/P-3(cr) under review for downgrade. “The primary driver for today’s rating action is the risk of weakening standalone credit profile of PNB, as a result of a number of fraudulent transac-

tions” through fake letters of undertakings issued by the bank to other lenders worth USD 1.8 billion over the past many years, Moody’s said. On the other hand, rival agency Fitch in a separate note said it has placed the bank on rating watch negative, reflecting a possibility of downgrade following the fraud. “Fitch Ratings has placed PNB viability rating of ‘bb’ on rating watch negative, following the large fraud reported by PNB,” the US-based agency said. Viability rating measures credit worthiness of a financial institution and reflects the likelihood of the entity to fail, as per Fitch’s rating criteria. The scam came out into the open on 14 February 2018, when the staterun bank informed the stock exchanges. “These fraudulent transactions represent a contingent liability and the financial impact will be determined by the relevant laws. Nevertheless, we expect PNB will have to provide for at least a substantial portion of the exposure. “As a result, it’s profitability will likely come under pressure, although the actual impact will depend on the timing and quantum of provisions that need to be made, as well as any

prospects for recovery,” Moody’s said, adding these fraudulent transactions represent about 230 bps of the bank’s risk-weighted assets as of December 2017. As such, its capital position would deteriorate markedly, and fall below minimum regulatory needs, if the bank is required to provide for the entire exposure, it said, adding as a result, PNB may need to raise capital externally to comply with the Basel III requirement of 8 per cent core equity by March 2019, which as of December 2017 stood at a precarious 8.05 per cent. The agency also noted that since the scam came out into the open, PNB’s share price has fallen by about 40 per cent, limiting its access to the equity capital markets. The discovery of the fraudulent transactions also highlights the weak operational controls and corporate governance at the bank. “We will resolve the rating watch once more clarity emerges on the extent of control failures and the impact on PNB’s financial position,” Fitch said, adding it will monitor the bank’s full liability, potential recoveries and the extent of additional fresh capital needed to determine if its financial position is no longer consistent with the current viability rating.

Business

SBI Card cautions customers against Bitcoin investment

New Delhi, Feb 20 (PTI): SBI Card Tuesday cautioned customers of risks associated with bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, but did not ban use of its credit card for such investments. With a customer base of over 5 million, SBI Card is the second largest credit card issuer in India. Earlier this month, Citi India had banned used of its debit as well as credit card for purchasing cryptocurrencies or virtual currencies. In a message to customers on bitcoins/cryptocurrencies, SBI Card said the Reserve Bank has issued advisories to financial institutions and public that it has not given any licence/authorisation to any entity to operate in cryptocurrency schemes or any virtual currencies such as Bitcoins. “Given concerns, both globally and locally, SBI Card would like to advise you to be mindful of potential economic, financial, operational, legal, customer protection and security related risks associated in dealing with crypto-currencies and vir-

tual currencies,” it said. Citi India in a message to its customers had said it has banned usage of its debit and credit cards for purchase or trading of virtual currencies. “...Citi India has decided to not permit usage of its credit and debit cards towards purchase or trading of such bitcoins, crypto-currencies and virtual currencies,” the message read. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in his budget speech had said the government does not consider crypto-currencies legal tender or coin and will take all measures to eliminate use of these crypto-assets in financing illegitimate activities or as part of the payment system. Virtual currencies are stored in digital/electronic format, making them vulnerable to hacking, loss of password and malware attack which may also result in permanent loss of money. The RBI has also clarified that it has not given any licence/authorisation to any entity/company to operate such schemes or deal with bitcoin or any virtual currency.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2018

IT industry to see flat growth in FY19 too: Nasscom Hyderabad, Feb 20 (PTI): For the second year in a row, software industry lobby Nasscom Tuesday projected a flat growth revenue scenario for the industry in FY19, clipping at 7-9 per cent over FY18. “We estimate a 7-9 per cent growth in IT and IT- enabled services for FY19. The domestic revenue may grow at slightly higher pitch of 1012 per cent, while exports, the mainstay may lag in FY19,” R Chandrashekhar, Nasscom president told reporters here at its annual India Leadership Forum. He said the industry may close the current fiscal year with a lower-than-projected 7.8 per cent growth, and may touch USD 167 billion in revenue size during the year in terms of exports and 10 per cent in domestic revenue. According to Chandrashekhar, the industry may hire 100,000 new hands in FY19, which again 50 per cent lower than what it had projected for this year. Last June, Nasscom had forecast a flat growth rate for FY18, after delaying the same by over four months. Normally the industry used to give out its annual forecast in February, which was delayed due to the Visa issues in the US and other global headwinds. Nasscom had forecast a export revenue growth of 7-8 per cent in FY18, compared to 7.6 per cent in FY17. In FY16, exports earnings rose just 7.6 per cent, while domestic revenue was around 10-11 per cent.

Give our cos, products a fair place to succeed: US Consul Gen

Mumbai, Feb 20 (PTI): A senior American official said his country wants India to ensure that a levelplaying field is offered to their companies and products. “It is very clear that we are looking for a levelplaying field for our firms and products. We are not asking for special treatment, but we want to make sure that American companies and American products have the opportunities to succeed here,” Edgard Kagan, US Consul General in Mumbai said here Tuesday. The comments come within days of US President Donald Trump expressing his displeasure over government slapping high import duty on Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Trump had also threatened to hike import tariff on “thousands and thousands” of Indian motorcycles sold to the US. Trump described New Delhi reducing import tariff from 50 per cent from 75 as “inadequate” and asked the New Delhi to be reciprocal, as the US imposes zero tax on imported Indian motorcycles. “Obviously, the President feels strongly about it and he is been very clear about his views...I think it is a very- very real issue,” Kagan told PTI on the sidelines of the ongoing Maharashtra investor summit here today. Kagan, along with representatives of over 30 American companies had

Edgard Kagan

roundtable with Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis today. He said India has made tremendous strides over the years to expand its competitiveness by lowering some of the barriers and admitted that Indian firms have created many jobs in the US. “We believe that this trajectory would continue. We want to make sure that India continues to recognise the importance of the overall trajectory in terms of attracting investments and making progress in ease of doing business,” Kagan noted. Kagan also said India should make policies considering global needs as well. “We want ‘make-inIndia to work, but it should not be make in India for India. Make in India should be part of the globalised supply chain,” he said. At the roundtable, business representatives from the US while appreciating Maharashtra’s efforts and support to foreign investors, said they need the right framework to do business effectively.

Govt proposes stringent law to check ponzi, unregulated deposits FinMin seeks details of ‘systemic failures’

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KAKURO

terrent punishment. As per the bill, competent authorities would be set up by state governments to “ensure repayment of deposits in the event of default by a deposit taking establishment”. As per the release, the principle is that the Bill would ban unregulated deposit taking activities altogether, by making them an offence ex-ante, rather than the existing legislativecum-regulatory framework which only comes into effect ex-post with considerable time lags.

The bill proposes to create three different types of offences -- running of unregulated deposit schemes, fraudulent default in regulated deposit schemes, and wrongful inducement in relation to unregulated deposit schemes. It provides for severe punishment and heavy pecuniary fines to act as deterrent. “The Bill has adequate provisions for disgorgement or repayment of deposits in cases where such schemes nonetheless manage to raise deposits illegally,” the re-

No. 8787 Yesterday’s solution No. 8786

No. 3406 Yesterday’s solution No. 3405

No. 2432 Yesterday’s solution No. 2431

lease said. Clear-cut timelines have been provided for attachment of property and restitution to depositors. There would also of an online central database, for collection and sharing of information on deposit taking activities in the country. “Being a comprehensive Union law, the Bill adopts best practices from State laws, while entrusting the primary responsibility of implementing the provisions of the legislation to the state governments,” it said.

Across 1 Security devices seen overhead? (5) 4 Rest from dispute, leading retreat (3-2) 7 A vegetable Eric and Alec cooked (8) 8 Hide in Arthur’s kingdom (4) 9 Very, very moderate (2-2) 10 Shipping channels that may be dire? (7) 12 Little creature in rags upset one making purchases (11) 14 Old soldier in women’s clothes? With nothing on! (7) 16 Dig in the dirt for food (4) 19 Creamy dressing somewhere in Ireland (4) 20 Meant to be at home, getting looked after (8) 21 Country in which you must lead people (5) 22 A man to persistently annoy (5) Down 1 Yorkshire city comes first, by the sound of it (5) 2 Sort of bun otherwise dunked in tea (7) 3 Leave out a container for rubbish (4) 4 Spot old feline protected by another (8) 5 Altos can take part in an opera (5) 6 Father has to bury an artist (7) 11 Antoine’s resolved to be European (8) 12 Country that’s confused Meg Ryan (7) 13 Companion who may be sleeping? (7) 15 Good space for stable employee (5) 17 Burly worker fairly gutted (5) 18 Desire to take part in chitchat (4)

NEW DELHI, Feb 20 (Agencies): In a rare development, the finance ministry has sought details from the Reserve Bank of India regarding possible systemic failures linked to the Nirav Modi-Mehul Choksi-triggered fraud at the state-run Punjab National Bank, a move seen as putting the onus of the lapses for the Rs 11,300-crore scam on the regulator. Many interpreted the letter from the department of financial services as just short of seeking an explanation for the fraud that went undetected for over six years during which neither the bank’s audi-

tors, not the regulator’s inspections had thrown up any red flags. So far, RBI has maintained a studied silence except a press statement last week blaming the fraud on “operational risk” due to “delinquent behaviour” of a few employees and “failure of internal controls”. The finance ministry and RBI have sparred many times over the direction of interest rates and were involved in many other turf battles but this is the first time in recent memory that friction has erupted over a regulatory issue. In fact, the RBI’s role

- despite its claims of a robust supervisory structure - has come under the spotlight due to a series of lapses at banks, including the massive pile-up of bad debt. While the government can instruct the RBI under the current legal framework to initiate action, the power has remained only on paper. The fraud has triggered tremendous unease in the government and it is under pressure to not just nab the fugitive diamond traders Nirav and Choksi but also fix the systemic gaps in the banking sector.

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tions running such schemes exploit existing regulatory gaps and lack of strict administrative measures to dupe poor and gullible people of their hard-earned savings,” an official statement said. The worst victims of such schemes are the poor and the financially illiterate, and the operations of such schemes are often spread over many states. The comprehensive bill, it said provides for complete prohibition of unregulated deposit taking activity and prescribes de-

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New Delhi, Feb 20 (PTI): In order to check ponzi schemes, the government today proposed a stringent law to punish those who raise funds through unregulated deposits. The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi today gave its approval to introduce Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Bill, 2018, in Parliament. “The bill is aimed at tackling the menace of illicit deposit taking activities in the country. “Companies/ institu-

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GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND

DIRECTORATE OF SCHOOL EDUCATION NAGALAND : KOHIMA

PRESS RELEASE

NO.ED/TRG/SCERT/2009-10 Dated, Kohima the 19th Feb' 18

Applications are hereby invited from eligible In-Service Graduate Teachers willing to undergo 6 (Six) months regular contact Programme on Diploma course in School Counseling at SCERT, Nagaland. Application should be submitted to the Directorate of School Education Kohima through the concern DEO/SDEO enclosed with all relevant documents and NOC from the concern VEC/SMC/Principal/ Headmaster on or before 5th March' 2018. Henceforth no further application will be entertained after the last date of submission. DC-417

(Wonthungo Tsopoe) Director

Courtney Love pays tribute to Kurt Cobain on his 51st birthday

KFC closes hundreds of UK stores after huge chicken shortages

The emotional tribute comes after Love was forced to file official documents last year to prevent the publication of images from the scene of Cobain’s death. The images reportedly portrayed Kurt’s body “as it lay in the family residence after he was shot in the head” and their publication was supported by conspiracy theorist Richard Lee. This comes after Lee failed in his attempt to sue the Seattle Police Department to get the photos released, before launching a fresh campaign again in

JJ Abrams says that ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’ critics are ‘threatened’ by women

2016. Cobain’s surviving family argue that sharing the images “would not only exacerbate the post-traumatic stress Frances Bean Cobain has suffered since childhood but physically endanger her and her mother by encouraging more disturbed stalkers and fanatical threats.” Meanwhile, Frances Bean Cobain also opened up on her favourite track of the last 10 years, revealing it to be Peace’s From Under Liquid Glass, which was released last year to increase awareness of mental health issues.

Glastonbury say they wouldn’t let May give speech at festival

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ourtney Love has shared an emotional tribute to Kurt Cobain on what would’ve been the late Nirvana frontman’s 51st birthday (February 20). Posting on Instagram, the Hole singer shared a photo that showed her cuddling Cobain, prior to the singer taking his own life in April 1994. “Happy birthday baby god I miss you”, she captioned the tribute. One fan responded: “He is never forgotten and he will be loved forever. RIP Kurt. Happy 51st birthday legend.”

Infotainment

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, FEBrUARY 21, 2018

FC has been forced to close more than half of its 900 UK stores after delivery problems resulted in severe chicken shortages. The popular fast food chain switched its delivery contract to DHL last week, with the courier service blaming “operational issues” for the disruption in supply. In the meantime, hundreds of KFC stores across the UK have been forced to shut their doors – although it is unclear when the delivery problems will be fully sorted. “Our teams are working flat out all hours to get the rest back up and running as soon as possible”, a KFC spokesperson confirmed in a statement.

“It’s too early to confirm how long it will take to clear the backlog.” “The chicken crossed the road, just not to our restaurants”, KFC confirmed on Twitter. “We’ve brought a new delivery partner onboard, but they’ve had a couple of teething problems – getting fresh chicken out to 900 restaurants across the country is pretty complex!” DHL said in a statement: “Due to operational issues, a number of deliveries in recent days have been incomplete or delayed. We are working with our partners, KFC and QSL, to rectify the situation as a priority and apologise for any inconvenience.” (NME)

lastonbur y Festival organiser Emily Eavis has stated that they wouldn’t allow Prime Minister Theresa May to give a speech at the event like Jeremy Corbyn did last year. 2017’s festival saw Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn pull one of the biggest crowds of the weekend for his emotive speech at the Pyramid Stage. The festival also saw chants of “oh, Jeremy Corbyn” to the tune of The White Stripes’ ‘Seven Nation Army’ as an ever-present feature. Asked by NME whether the festival would allow Tory leader Theresa May to do the same, Eavis replied simply: “No.” 2018 will be a fallow year for Glastonbury Festival to allow the site’s farmland time to recover. The next festival will take place in 2019 from June 26-30. E l s ew h e r e i n h e r NME interview, Eavis also teased some “site changes” for 2019, saying: “We’re spreading out Block 9 a bit,

giving them more space as they’ve got some pretty mind boggling ideas that we’re putting into action. We’ve been chatting to Arcadia about doing something quite radical in that field – they’ve come up with some inspired plans. It’s best kept under wraps, but it’s certainly raising the bar!” She also revealed that they are already planning for the festival’s 50th anniversary in 2020. “We have two lined up and a few ideas for the Sunday teatime slot too – that’s the new fourth headline slot,” she said. This follows news that Glastonbury is set to ban

plastic bottles from the site from 2019. Last week, Glasto founder Michael Eavis dropped some hints on the line-up for Glastonbury 2019 at the VO5 NME Awards – stating there’ll be “two or three [acts] that have never played”. Speaking on the red carpet ahead of winning the award for Best Festival supported by ID&C, Eavis dropped the hint in an interview with Radio 1. It’s sent the rumour m il l in to ove r d r ive – amongst the names being floated are Fleetwood Mac and Led Zeppelin, as well as newer acts like Kendrick Lamar.

Symphony cafe’ opened in Kohima

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ith the aim to provide platform for the state musicians, a young entrepreneur Mele Pucho opened Symphony cafe and was inaugurated jointly by entrepreneur, musician Theja Meru and popular musicians Mengu Suokhrie, Virie, Bendang and Sanen Kichu at Kire complex opposite Oking hospital Kohima on February 17. Meru in his brief ad-

Sd/(Shitokhu Kiho) Info & Publicity

Sd/(X. Phutoi Kiho) Secretary

for free. Pucho shared that he had dreamt to open such a cafe. He said Nagas were talented in music however, due to lack of opportunity many cannot utilize to their full potential. He urged the musicians to utilize the platform and benefit out of it. The cafe would open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Monday to Saturday. (Correspondent)

HAPPY 90th BIRTHDAY 1928 – 2018

FELICITATION

The Kiho Lagha Kuposhukulu Zunheboto would like to extend our heartiest appreciation and commened Er. Vinoto Kiho, S/o Shri. Khenito Kiho village of Lochomi for securing 1st Rank to the post of SDO (Civil) under Work and Housing Department 2017. We wish and pray that God will give Him more success in his future endeavour.

dress expressed hope that the platform would provide good opportunity for the state musicians that would inspire many of them. He encouraged the proprietor to keep up the dream to promote musicians in the state. Symphony Academy of Music director, Mele Pucho in a speech said the new cafe is opened for the musicians of the state to perform

Indian President Gold Medallist, State Government Gold Medallist, Religious Ministry Gold Medallist, Social Worker, Nagaland Founder Longsa Baptist Church An hour with children, great grandchildren feel young again. Anything longer than that, and start to age quickly. The fear of the Lord God prolong days. The years of the Rikhyo K. Lotha NCS (Rt.) First Class Magistrate wicked shall be shortened. (Proverb. 10:27).

Loving wife, children, grandchildren, grant grandchildren & in-laws.

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he Supreme Court on Tuesday asked a company, one of whose directors is Latha Rajinikanth - wife of Tamil superstar-turned politician Rajinikanth and one of the firm’s directors, to repay the outstanding loan within three months, otherwise she will liable for the amount. Latha Rajinikanth is one of the Directors of the Mediaone Global Entertainment that had taken Rs 14.90 crore loan from Bengalurubased Ad-Bureau Advertising to finish post-production work of Rajanikanth-Deepika Padukone starrer film “Kochadaiiyaan”, directed by Rajinikanth’s younger daughter Soundarya. The amount outstanding is Rs 6.20 crore. Keeping the petition by Ad-Bureau Advertising pending for three months, the bench of Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice R.Banumathi, in their order, said that Mediaone would pay the amount in three months failing which Latha Rajanikanth would bear the burden of payment. “Special leave petition is kept pending for three months. Within the aforesaid period of three months if the company - Mediaone Global Entertainment Ltd - does not pay the balance dues, the respondent-accused (Latha Rajanikanth) has undertaken before the Court to pay the amount due,” it said. (IANS)

Mele Pucho and other musicians during opening of Symphony Cafe at Kohima. (NP)

Honesty must flow from the top. Leaders must lead by example. Our people must not consider personal profit, but rather give thought to community gain. The power of change lies in your hands. Exercise your right. Vote for a government of the people, not of a privileged few. Vote for a better tomorrow.

Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhutso NPF Candidate 9th Kohima A/C K - 493

SC asks Rajanikanth wife’s company to pay back loan

find almost anything you want to in Star Wars. If you are someone who feels threatened by women and needs to lash out against them, you can probably find an enemy in Star Wars. “You can probably look at the first movie that George [Lucas] did and say that Leia was too outspoken, or she was too tough. Anyone who wants to find a problem with anything can find the problem. The internet seems to be made for that.” (NME)

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J Abrams has claimed that the prominent critics of Star Wars: The Last Jedi are threatened by the strong influence of women in the sci-fi sequel. Despite receiving critical acclaim upon release last December, the second instalment of the sequel trilogy proved extremely divisive among fans – with some even calling for it to be deleted and remade. But Abrams, who directed The Force Awakens and will return for the as-yet-untitled Episode 9, believes that critics are uncomfortable with the strong influence of female characters including Princess Leia and Rey. “Their problem isn’t Star Wars, their problem is being threatened”, he told IndieWire. “Star Wars is a big galaxy, and you can sort of

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international

Turkey will besiege Syrian town: Erdogan

ANKARA, FEB 20 (AGENCIES): President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday said Turkish forces would soon besiege the town of Afrin as a Turkish crossborder offensive targeting a Kurdish militia enters its second month. On January 20, Ankara launched an air and ground operation supporting Syrian rebels against the People’s Protection Units (YPG) in the Afrin region of northern Syria. Turkey views the YPG as a Syrian offshoot of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which has been waging an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984. “In the coming days, swiftly, we will lay siege to the centre of the town of Afrin,” Erdogan told parliament. While some analysts say Turkey and pro-Ankara Syrian rebels have made slow advances, Erdogan defended the operation’s progress, saying it was to avoid putting the lives of both its troops and civilians needlessly “at risk”. “We did not go there to burn it down,” he said, insisting the operation’s aim was to “create a safe and livable area” for Syrian refugees inside Turkey, who fled across the border after the conflict began in 2011

Ankara-backed Syrian rebel fighters hold up Turkish and Free Syrian Army flags on a road leading to Afrin

and who now number more than three million. The Turkish army says 32 of its troops have been killed in the process. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor, Syrian rebels and Turkish forces have taken 35 villages since the start of the operation, most of them bordering Afrin. And Turkish security expert Abdullah Agar said troops involved in operation “Olive Branch” had captured around 300 square kilometres (120 square miles) of territory. Over the past month, 238 Olive Branch fighters -- among them both Turkish soldiers and Syrian rebels -- have been killed, along with 197 YPG fighters and

94 civilians, Observatory figures show. Ankara strongly denies there have been any civilian casualties.

Warning Damascus

Jana Jabbour, a political science professor at Sciences Po university in Paris, said the Turks were “struggling to move forward” because of the “organisation of the Kurdish YPG forces and their combativeness”. She said it was important to distinguish between political rhetoric, “even political propaganda”, and the reality on the ground. On the ground, Turkish fighting was now focused around the area of Arab Wiran in northeast

Afrin, the Observatory said. If captured, pro-Ankara forces would control 50 continuous kilometres of Afrin’s northern border with Turkey. The operation is likely to be further complicated reports by the Syrian state news agency SANA that pro-government forces were expected to enter Afrin to counter the Turkish offensive. But, in what appeared to be a thinly-veiled threat to Damascus, Erdogan on Tuesday warned Turkey would brook no interference from outside forces. “We will block the way of those who come to help from outside the city or the region,” he said.

Strained ties with US

The operation strained already-difficult ties with Washington which has given weaponry to the YPG as part of its fight against Islamic State jihadists in Syria. The US has called on Turkey to show restraint, warning that the offensive risked diluting the fight against the jihadists. And Erdogan has threatened to expand the offensive to the YPG-held town of Manbij. When US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson visited Ankara last week, the

two sides agreed to work together in Syria and set up working groups on issues like Manbij where American troops are operating and which the US diplomat described as a “priority”. In addition to its disagreements with Washington, Turkey must take into account the interests of Russia, a key Damascus ally, which controls northern Syrian airspace. Moscow may have given the green light to the offensive, but it has previously closed the airspace to Turkish jets after a Russian plane was shot down in an area of north Syria where Turkish military observers were expected to enforce a de-escalation zone. The offensive is broadly supported in Turkey where political parties, media and clerics speak in unison, against a backdrop of nationalist rhetoric led by Erdogan. Only the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) does not back the operation. Since Olive Branch got under way, Turkey has detained 786 people, 587 of whom are being held for spreading “terror propaganda” on social media, the interior ministry says, in what opponents charge is a crackdown on those criticising the operation.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, FEBrUARY 21, 2018

Zia challenges 5-yr sentence in graft case DHAKA, FEB 20 (PTI): Former Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia today chal- Zia Khaleda lenged the five-year prison sentence handed out to her in a corruption case, claiming that it was a political scheme by the government to keep her out of the general elections in December. The 72-year-old threetime former prime minister and main opposition leader was sentenced by Dhaka’s Special Court on February 8 in connection with the embezzlement of 21 million taka (about USD 250,000) in foreign donations meant for the Zia Orphanage Trust, named after her late husband Ziaur Rahman, a military ruler-turned-politician. The verdict simultaneously sentenced Zia’s “fugitive” elder son and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP’s) senior vice president Tarique Rahman as he was tried in absentia. Rahman and four others have been sentenced to 10 years in prison. Legal experts said the verdict may jeopardise her career as she may be disqualified from contesting polls, including the general elections slated for December.

Britain, US in talks over captured British IS fighters LO N D O N, F E B 2 0 (AGENCIES): Britain and the United States are in talks about the fate of two captured British Islamic State militants, suspected of being part of a notorious group known for torturing and killing Western hostages, British Home Secretary Amber Rudd said. According to Reuters report, Alexanda Kotey and El Shafee Elsheikh were captured in Syria last month by the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and are suspected of being two of four militants, dubbed the “Beatles” because of their English accents, who took part in the kidnap, torture and murder of Western hostages. Earlier this month, the SDF said it had not received any request from any foreign government to hand the men over but said it would consider any such application. “We’re absolutely committed to making sure that they are tried, these people should face the full force of the law,” Rudd told the BBC in comments aired on Tuesday. “I can’t be drawn at the moment into where that will take place but I am certain, because we will be working with the Americans to ensure this, that they will face justice.” Last week a meeting of about a dozen defense ministers in Rome

A combination picture shows Alexanda Kotey and Shafee Elsheikh.

failed to agree on how to deal with hundreds of foreign militants detained by the SDF in Syria. One option is for the prisoners to return to their country of origin to face prosecution. However Britain’s Defense Secretary Gavin Williamson has said he does not want Kotey and Elsheikh back in the United Kingdom, and British media have reported that the men have been stripped of their British citizenship. Britain’s Home Office has not confirmed they have lost their citizenship. The U.S. State Department sanctioned Kotey in January 2017, saying he was a guard for the “Beatles” and “likely engaged in the group’s executions and exceptionally cruel torture methods, including electronic shock and waterboarding”. Kotey had also acted as a recruiter and was responsible for recruiting several British nationals to join the militant group, the State Department said.

Iran teams find Syria’s shelling of Damascus suburb kills 98 Pak govt refuses to disclose details wreckage of plane

In this photo released on Tuesday Feb. 20, 2018 members of the Syrian Civil Defense run to help survivors from a street that attacked by airstrikes and shelling of the Syrian government forces, in Ghouta, suburb of Damascus, Syria.

BEIRUT, FEB 20 (AGENCIES): Intense Syrian government shelling and airstrikes of rebel-held Damascus suburbs killed at least 98 people in what was the deadliest day in the area in three years, a monitoring group and paramedics said Tuesday. A day after Monday’s government barrage, retaliatory shells rained down on the capital Damascus, killing at least one person on Tuesday, reports AP. The targeted suburbs — scattered across an area known as eastern Ghouta

— have been subjected to weeks-long bombardment that has killed and wounded hundreds of people. Opposition activists say government forces have brought in more reinforcements in recent days, suggesting a major assault is imminent to recapture the area that is the last main rebel stronghold near Damascus. Monday’s bombardment that killed nearly 100 people saw the use of warplanes, helicopter gunships, missiles as well as artillery, in a major escalation of violence near President Bashar

Assad’s seat of power. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said it was the deadliest days in eastern Ghouta since 2015, adding that 20 children and 15 women were among those killed. The opposition-affiliated Syrian Civil Defense, also known as White Helmets, said the shelling and airstrikes killed 98 and that some people are still under the rubble. It said the dead included one of the rescue group’s members, Firas Jomaa. Both the Observatory and the White Helmets

reported more airstrikes and shelling on Tuesday in eastern Ghouta as rebels pounded Damascus with mortar shells. Rebels retaliated by hitting some Damascus neighborhoods with mortar shells, killing one person and wounding six people, according to the state news agency SANA. On Tuesday morning, Damascus residents reported shelling on areas in central Damascus. “Shells are falling like rain. We are hiding in the corridor,” a Damascus resident told The Associated Press, asking that her name not be mentioned for her own safety. She spoke while hiding in the corridor of an office building. Videos have surfaced from the eastern suburbs showing paramedics pulling out the injured from under the rubble while others are seen franticly digging through the debris in the dark, in search for survivors. “The humanitarian situation of civilians in East Ghouta is spiraling out of control,” said Panos Moumtzis, the U.N. regional humanitarian coordinator for the Syria crisis, in a statement late Monday. “It’s imperative to end this senseless human suffering now. Such targeting of innocent civilians and infrastructure must stop now,” he said.

of fresh troops deployment in Saudi

ISLAMABAD, FEB 20 (PTI): Pakistan government has refused to provide details of its decision to send over 1,000 soldiers to its close-ally Saudi Arabia for deployment, prompting Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani to threaten Defence Minister Khurram Dastagir with “contempt of parliament proceedings”. Pakistan Army announced on February 15 the decision to send troops to Saudi Arabia on a “training and advise mission”. Making a policy statement in the Senate, the upper house, Defence Minister Dastagir said that “Pakistani troops are being dispatched to Saudi Arabia and they are only meant for imparting training to Saudi security personnel instead of entangling themselves in Yemen war”. He told lawmakers that over 1,000 contingent will be dispatched shortly as part of the decision. Currently, around 1,600 Pakistani troops are on deputation in Saudi Arabia under a bilateral agreement. The minister said Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has approved deputing additional Pakistani troops to Saudi Arabia for training and advisory purposes, which is a continuation of an existing

bilateral agreement. He rejected the impression that by sending troops the government had violated April 2015 resolution by parliament which had asked the government to stay away from the Yemen war. However, the Senate Chairman rejected Dastagir’s briefing to the upper house after the minister said he could not divulge “operational details” of the deployment. “Why don’t we proceed against you and the prime minister over ‘contempt of parliament’?” Rabbani asked. He asked why the parliament was not informed by the minister and the prime minister since they knew about the decision to deploy the troops. “The parliament found out (about the deployment) through a press release,” Rabbani said, adding that the executive has itself “rubbed parliament’s nose in the dirt”. Rabbani asked the minister to provide all details about the deployment and offered in-camera session for the purpose and urged him “not to give us a lollipop” as “we are not children.” The minister refused to accept the offer and even refused to share the location where the troops will be deployed in Saudi Arabia.

He told the Senate that the troops will not be deployed outside the Saudi Arabia’s territory, but Rabbani expressed a lack of confidence in his words, saying this information was already known. Saudi Arabia has been pushing fellow Sunnimajority Pakistan to provide troops since 2015 when it joined Yemen’s civil war but Pakistan steadily refused, saying it would not become party to any regional conflict. The civil war in Yemen stalemated and the situation has aggravated with the rebels firing missiles at regular intervals towards the oil-rich kingdom. The alliance of Muslim nations set up by Saudi Arabia and led by former Pakistan Army chief Gen Raheel Sharif is also still in an early stage to play any role in the conflict. Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa earlier this month visited Saudi Arabia for three days and met officials including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Commander of Ground Forces Lt Gen Prince Fahd bin Turki bin Abdulaziz. It was his second visit to the kingdom in two months and reportedly played a role in Pakistan’s decision to deploy troops.

T E H R A N, F E B 2 0 (AGENCIES): Iranian search teams found the wreckage on Tuesday of a plane that went missing in the Zagros mountains two days earlier with 66 people on board, a spokesman said. Aseman Airlines flight EP3704 disappeared from radar as it flew over the Zagros range on Sunday morning, around 45 minutes after taking off from Tehran, reports AFP. After two days of heavy snow and fog, the weather finally cleared on Tuesday morning, giving helicopter teams better visibility. “The Revolutionary Guards’ helicopters this morning found the wreckage of the plane on Dena mountain,” spokesman Ramezan Sharif told state broadcaster IRIB. Footage from the helicopter showed a glimpse of the wreckage in deep snow high up on Dena mountain which forms part of the Zagros range. A pilot told IRIB he had seen “scattered bodies around the plane” and that it was located in Noghol village, at around 4,000 metres (13,000 feet). But the steep terrain made it impossible to land and officials warned there was only a small window of time before bad weather returned later on Tuesday.

China angered by theft of Terracotta Warrior’s thumb German Social Democrats

The 8,000-strong Terracotta Army is one of China’s most important archeological discoveries.

BEIJING, FEB 20 (AGENCIES): The theft of a thumb of an ancient Terracotta Warrior statue on display in the US incited a wave of criticism on ChiK Y M C

nese social media Tuesday, following China’s calls to “severely punish” the thief, reports AFP. Michael Rohana, 24, has been arrested over the

theft during an after hours “ugly sweater party” just before Christmas at the Franklin Institute in Pennsylvania where 10 of the figures are on display.

According to an arrest affidavit filed by an FBI agent, Rohana snuck into the closed exhibit and snapped a selfie with the warrior, worth $4.5 million. Rohana then appeared to break off the statue’s left thumb and pocket it before leaving the event with friends. The museum noticed its disappearance weeks later on January 8. The FBI agent tracked Rohana back to his home in Bear, Delaware, where the young man admitted to having stashed the thumb in a desk drawer. He was arrested for theft of a major artwork from a museum, concealment of a major stolen artwork, and the interstate transportation of stolen property, but released on a $15,000 bail, according

to court documents seen by AFP. Built around 209 BC to stand guard over the tomb of the first emperor, the 8,000-strong Terracotta Army is one of China’s most important archaeological discoveries, and considered a symbol of ancient Chinese artistic and military sophistication. A major tourist attraction in Xian, capital of the northern province of Shaanxi, it has been a UNESCO world heritage site since 1987. “We call on the US side to severely punish the person who committed such a damaging act of vandalism and theft of humanity’s cultural heritage,” the director of the Shaanxi Provincial Cultural Relic Exchange Centre told the Beijing Youth Daily Sunday.

begin vote on Merkel deal

BERLIN, FEB 20 (AGENCIES): Members of Germany’s Social Democrats (SPD) start voting on whether their party should enter a new coalition with Angela Merkel’s conservatives in a postal ballot on Tuesday which could scupper the chancellor’s fourth term, reports Reuters. If the SPD’s nearly half a million members reject the deal, a new election or a minority government in Europe’s biggest economy are likely. Both would be a first for post-war Germany, which has been without a formal government for nearly five months. The result of the vote, which runs to March 2, is wide open and will be announced on March 4. Polls indicate a majority of SPD supporters back the deal, but in the absence of

Angela Merkel

any internal surveys it is unclear whether its members feel the same way. The party leadership and many in its senior ranks want the coalition to go ahead, but there is also strong opposition to the deal within the SPD. The party is at record lows in opinion polls and embroiled in a messy leadership switch after a personal row between former leader Martin Schulz and Foreign Minister Sig-

mar Gabriel. Opponents to the deal blame their party’s role in a ‘grand coalition’ from 2013 to 2017 for their worst performance since World War Two in the Sept. 24 election. In January, a narrow majority of SPD delegates at a special congress backed entering formal coalition talks with Merkel. SPD leaders - Olaf Scholz, the interim leader, and Andrea Nahles who is expected to take over in April - are touring the country to convince members to approve the deal. They are stressing how they got Merkel to concede the two top ministries, finance and foreign, to the SPD and on Sunday, a poll showed that leading SPD mayors favored joining a coalition. K Y M C

India aim to seal T20I series vs SA

Virat Kohli with coach Ravi Shastri and bowling coach Bharat Arun.

Centurion, Feb 20 (IANS): After a comprehensive victory in the first Twenty20 International, India will aim to seal the three-match series when they take on South Africa in the second match here at the SuperSport Park on Wednesday. In the first game, a brilliant all-round show helped visitors beat hosts South Africa by 28 runs at the New Wanderers Stadium. Put in to bat, Shikhar Dhawan (72) hammered the South African bowlers all around the park and helped India post a massive

300mn watched PyeongChang opening ceremony PyeongChang, Feb 20 (IANS): More than 300 million people worldwide are estimated to have watched the opening ceremony of the PyeongChang Winter Olympics on television, a senior IOC official said on Tuesday. “For the opening ceremony, we estimate that there will be over 300 million viewers who have watched some parts of the opening ceremony,” Timo Lumme, managing director of IOC’s television and marketing services, said. The opening ceremony received praise around the world. Despite a relatively tight budget of 66.8 billion won ($62.5 million), the opening event impressed viewers and the media, with high-tech set productions using hundreds of drones, figure skating star Kim Yu-na’s dramatic lighting of the torch and the historic joint march by athletes of the two Koreas.

203/5 before pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar (5/24) wreaked havoc in the South African batting line-up to take a crucial 1-0 lead. The Virat Kohli-led India will hope to repeat the performance but with middle-order batsmen also playing their part this time. In the last match, Manish Pandey, Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Hardik Pandya failed to provide the expected final flourish. Pandey struggled to score big, scoring 29 not out in 27 deliveries. It will be interesting to see whether the Karnataka right-hander

gets another chance. Bolstered by terrific spell by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who was adjudged the Man of the Match, India will hope to create havoc once again to seal the issue. In the batting department, alongside skipper Kohli, batsmen Rohit Sharma, Dhawan, Dhoni and Pandya will look to make the most of their capabilities this time also. Batsman Suresh Raina, who made a comeback in the T20Is will act as an vital cog in the middleorder and will look to prove

Indian men’s hockey team members selected for 27th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in new Delhi on Tuesday. The tournament will begin on 3 March 2018 in Ipoh, Malaysia. (PTI)

hockey team is giving chances to youngsters in an effort to get the right combination for a busy 2018 calendar. But a timely return to the squad, just two weeks after he had expressed his desire to play the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, is the tonic Sardar needed to get back into the thick of things. “Sardar is one of the leaders in the core group and in Manpreet Singh’s absence, he has been chosen for the job. He is an experienced player and having missed two tournaments

Want to change medal colour: Sindhu

Shuttler PV Sindhu, athelete Lalita Babar, badminton player Srikanth Kidambi and wrestler Sakshi Malik during a promotional event in Mumbai on Tuesday. (PTI)

MUMBAI, Feb 20 (PTI): Star India shuttler PV Sindhu on Tuesday said she wants to change the colour of her Olympic medal from silver to gold at the 2020 Tokyo Games. “I want to change the colour (of the medal) from silver to gold. I would be chasing my dream for that and definitely I hope I would do it,” said the Hyderabadbased badminton player, who had finished second at the Rio Olympics, here. S i n d h u , c u r r e n t ly ranked fourth in BWF rankings, was made the brand ambassador of the tyre company, which is associated with the Olympic movement, last year.

his mettle after his seven balls 15 runs in the first match. The bowling department, which looked lethal with wrist-spinning duo Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav, will try to make a mark in the shortest format. Pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar will only add depth to the formidable Indian bowling line-up. However, the Proteas, led by Jean-Pau Duminy, in the absence of Faf du Plessis, will look to hit back at India in the second game, especially after a 1-5 thrashing in the One-Day Internationals (ODIs). Reeza Hendricks was the only one who defied the Indian bowling in the first innings. But middle-order batsman David Miller and Chris Morris, who failed to click in the first match, have to pull up their socks this time to support the lower order which failed drastically. Expectations will be high on Heinrich Klaasen and Farhaan Behardien. The bowling department, featuring Andile Phehlukwayo, Dane Paterson, Morris along with chinaman Tabraiz Shamsi will have to come up with something special in order to get rid of the flamboyant Indian batsmen.

Sardar to lead India at Sultan Azlan Shah Cup

NEW DELHI, Feb 20 (Agencies): Ace halfback Sardar Singh will mark his return to international hockey when he steps out to lead India at the 27th Sultan Azlan Shah starting March 3 in Ipoh, Malaysia. Alongside sixth-ranked India, the tournament will feature World No.1 Australia, World No.2 Argentina, England, Ireland and hosts Malaysia with the final being played on March 10. Sardar has been in and out of the team as the management of the Indian men’s

Bridgestone added four more Indian athletes shuttler Kidambi Srikanth, London Olympics bronze medallist boxer MC Mary Kom and Rio Games bronze medallist grappler Sakshi Malik and steeplechaser Lalita Babar - to its worldwide brand ambassadors’ list. Srikanth, who reached a career-best world ranking of two last year after clinching as many as four titles, said he too wants to win a medal at Tokyo after reaching the quarter-finals at Rio Games. “For me it was a very close quarter-final match in 2016 (Olympics), so I want to change the scenario now and go deep into the tourna-

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ment - go to the final and win that medal, so that’s the dream I have and definitely I will chase that dream,” said Srikanth, currently ranked 5th in the world. Sakshi too wanted to improve on her Rio display in Tokyo. “In my weight category I have a strong Japanese opponent. The dream which I have to chase is to defeat the Japanese and win the gold. When I started wresting, I was told that Japanese wrestlers are strong. We were standing on the same podium in Rio (Olympics) and my dream now is to defeat her (Kaori Icho) and win a (gold) medal for the country,” she said.

previously, this is an opportunity for him,” coach Sjoerd Marijne said. Ramandeep Singh has been named the vice-captain of the team that also features three debutants in Mandeep Mor, Sumit Kumar and Shilanand Lakra. Sumit is part of the ongoing Senior Men National Camp whereas Mandeep and Lakra have been called-up from the Junior Men’s Core Group. All three were part of the India Colts team that won Bronze Medal at the Sultan of Johor Cup last year.

Muguruza to play Birmingham Classic Birmingham, Feb 20 (Agencies): Garbine Muguruza will prepare for the defence of her Wimbledon title with an appearance at the Birmingham Classic in June. The two-time Grand Slam champion defeated Venus Williams for her maiden Wimbledon title last year and will join British No 1 Johanna Konta and two-time Wimbledon winner Petra Kvitova in the field at the Edgbaston Priory Club. Muguruza, 24, reached the semi-finals in 2017 at the WTA Premier event and the Spanish player is looking forward to playing in front of the British crowds once again, from June 16-24. “It was an incredible few weeks for me playing on the grass last year,” said world No 3 Muguruza. “Winning my first Wimbledon title was so special and I can’t wait to play in front of British crowds again. The courts in Birmingham are great and it’s always a very strong line-up of players. It’s a wonderful event that I always enjoy playing.” Kvitova is the defending champion at the tournament which forms part of the grass court summer and precedes the Eastbourne International which is the final event for players to fine-tune their preparations for Wimbledon, which runs from July 2-15.

DUBAI, Feb 20 (Agencies): Petra Kvitova succumbed to injury on Monday as the Czech star was forced to withdraw from the Dubai Championships, a day after lifting her second title of the year. The double Wimbledon winner informed organisers that a leg injury would prevent her from playing and deny her the chance for a third successive triumph after back-toback titles in St Petersburg and Doha. Kvitova joins five-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova (forearm) and former world number one Simona Halep (ankle) on the casualty list in Dubai. During her impressive run at last week’s Qatar Open, Kvitova upset top-ranked Caroline Wozniacki and reigning Wimbledon champion Garbine Muguruza, in the semi-finals and final respectively. “I am really disappointed to be withdrawing,” Kvitova said in a statement. “I spent my offseason in Dubai this year and was really looking forward to being back at a tournament where I have had some great results. After playing a lot of tennis in the past few weeks, and winning the title (Sunday),

Petra Kvitova

my whole body is in much need of a rest. I can’t wait to be back in Dubai next year and wish you all the best this week.” Japan’s Naomi Osaka earned the first upset win of the week, knocking out eighth seed Kristina Mladenovic 6-2, 6-2 in 70 minutes with six breaks of serve. Elena Vesnina beat Peng Shuai 6-4, 7-5 after losing her last two matches to the Chinese player. Vesnina has played Dubai in seven of the last eight years but has never reached the fourth round. The world number 23 from Russia is eager to see some thoroughbred horse

racing in the emirate during her time off court. “I really want to see the horse riding, I heard that it’s really big here. It’s one of the best in the world. Massive stadium. Actually, that’s one of my dreams, to visit the horse riding, horse racing, to see the atmosphere, the people around. I think it’s something incredible.” Her next opponent will be Roland Garros champion Jelena Ostapenko in the second round. Russian Daria Kasatkina put out 2012 winner Agnieszka Radwanska 7-5, 6-4, with the 31st-ranked Pole still not back to peak performance after an injury-plagued 2017.

Winter Olympics: Russian curler Alexander B-sample tests positive for meldonium PyeongChang, Feb 20 (IANS): The B-sample of Russian curler Alexander Krushelnitsky has tested positive for meldonium, a spokesman for the Olympic Athletes from Russia team Konstantin Vybornov said on Tuesday. The sample was opened and tested on Monday. “The sample tested positive for meldonium, confirming the presence of the banned substance in his body,” Vybornov said, reports Tass news agency. The Russian Olympic Committee will launch a thorough investigation into all circumstances of the incident, which will be conducted in the framework of Russia’s criminal code to “establish all details”. Krushelnitsky and his wife Anastasia Bryzgalova won bronze in mixed doubles curling in PyeongChang.

NZC backs Eden Park for T20 final

WELLINGTON, Feb 20 (Agencies): New Zealand Cricket (NZC) defended Eden Park on Tuesday amid criticism the Auckland venue is too small to host international fixtures such as the T20 triseries final. The decider on Wednesday features New Zealand and Australia, who produced a run-fest at the same ground on Friday that left some purists fuming. A total of 488 runs were scored at 12.7 an over as the sides smashed 32 sixes before Australia completed a world-record run chase of 245 to claim a five-wicket win. The sight of mis-hits sailing over the boundary for six prompted veteran Australian commentator Jim Maxwell to call the venue “a joke” that should not host international cricket. Eden Park is best known as a rugby ground and its boundaries fall well short of the International Cricket Council’s 59.5-metre (65-yard) minimum. The situation is allowed to stand because the Auckland stadium hosted international cricket before the ICC regulations were introduced in 2007. NZC chief operating

Kvitova forced out of Dubai with injury

officer Anthony Crummy said the governing body “absolutely” backed Eden Park as a venue. “It’s unique, you can’t deny that, a lot of cricket grounds are,” he told Radio Sport. “We think it adds to the colour of the international schedule when players have to adapt (to a smaller ground).” Crummy also pointed out that Eden Park did not always produce highscoring slog-a-thons, saying a number of matches there in recent years had been low-scoring, tight affairs. “It hasn’t failed to deliver great contest after great contest,” he said. “When you look back, they’re not always high scoring either. The fans certainly have a great time when they’re there, we have great contests and we’re happy with it.”

Russia’s Aleksandr Krushelnitckii brushes the ice surface during the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games.

The delegation of the team of Olympic Athletes from Russia (OAR) denies that Krushelnitsky could have been taking meldonium knowingly or systematically, Vybornov said in a statement.

“The samples taken from Alexander Krushelnitsky prior to the Olympic Games, on January 22, as well as the preceding samples, tested negative. Thus, the fact of a conscious or systematic use

of the banned substance is not confirmed,” says the statement. Meanwhile, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)’s hearing on the case has been tentatively scheduled for Thursday, Russian Curling Federation President Dmitry Svishchev said. “Today, practically all members of the Russian Curling Federation are flying to PyeongChang to attend the CAS session, which is tentatively scheduled for Thursday,” Svishchev said, “I do not rule out, however, that it could be held tomorrow, so we want to fly to PyeongChang in advance. Team leader Tatiana Kharchenko and I are flying (to South Korea), while all the rest are waiting for us there. We cannot leave these guys all alone in this situation.”

Football coach Constantine accepts contract extension New Delhi, Feb 20 (PTI): Englishman Stephen Constantine Tuesday said he has accepted the contract extension offered to him by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), which will make him the longest serving national coach in the history of the sport here. Under Constantine’s tutelage, India qualified for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup after crushing Macau 4-1 last October, which stretched their unbeaten record to 12 matches. It became 13 when they played out a 2-2 draw with Myanmar the following month. “After accepting my second contract extension with the All India Football Federation, I will have the longest tenure of any foreign coach in Indian history, with a total of seven years (2002 - 2005; 2015 - 2019),” Constantine said. Constantine, however, did not state whether he has been given the salary hike that he had demanded. India were struggling at 173 in the FIFA rankings when Constantine took

Stephen Constantine

charge. What followed was a dream run as India broke into the top 100 for the first time in 21 years. “I am of course immensely proud of that, and of our accomplishments in both stints. This time round, qualifying for the Asian Cup in 2019, winning the SAFF, and taking India to its highest ranking in modern history, 96 are all great achievements. “I really could not have done this without the support of the AIFF, my staff and, of course, the players.” Constantine’s contract is due to expire next month. The 55-year-old Briton spoke about the challenging fixtures lined up for the

team in the upcoming year. “We have - as usual - a very hectic and busy schedule, starting with our last qualifier of the Asian Cup, away to Kyrgyzstan on March 27th. “We have the Asian Cup Finals from January 5th to February 1st 2019. National team camps will be as per the FIFA guidelines where applicable. There will then be a break in the ISL season so we can have a few more weeks to prepare for the Asian Cup in January.” AIFF’s technical committee, led by former India player Shyam Thapa, had recommended a contract extension. Constantine further said, “... You have a rough guide to what is coming up for us this year, a lot of football to be played and remembering the need for all the clubs to prepare and get ready for their own seasons.” Another Englishman, Bob Houghton (2006-11), had served six years as head coach of the Indian team.

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Wigan Athletic end Manchester City quadruple bid

WIGAN, Feb 20 (Agencies): Wigan Athletic ended 10-man Manchester City’s hopes of a quadruple with a shock 1-0 win in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Monday. Will Grigg scored the winner for the League One side in the 79th minute when he finished brilliantly from the edge of the box. City otherwise dominated the match, having 29 shots and 83 per cent of the possession, even though Fabian Delph was controversially sent off at Aguero, who led the line for the away side in Monday’s clash, fires a shot at goal as Chey the end of the first half for Dunkley attempts a block.

a sliding tackle on Max Power that referee Anthony Taylor looked initially to have deemed only worthy of a booking. The incident sparked a furious reaction from City boss Pep Guardiola, who was involved in a heated debate with his counterpart Paul Cook that continued down the tunnel at half-time. There were also ugly scenes at the final whistle involving fans from both clubs as City crashed out of their first competition this season. Defeat is only

the third of the campaign for City, who had created enough good chances to win the game, especially in the first half, despite Wigan looking dangerous on the break. Sergio Aguero headed a decent opportunity over in the third minute before Ilkay Gundogan saw a shot palmed away. Wigan threatened at the other end too, with Grigg shooting into the side-netting and Nick Powell seeing an effort blocked on the counter. Fernandinho wasted

City’s best opening of the half when he blazed over from the penalty spot, while Christian Walton denied Aguero in the 45th minute. But City were reduced to 10 men late in the first half when Delph slid in on Power, with the referee initially appearing set to book Delph, only to then issue a red card. City were incensed by the decision and Guardiola and Cook clashed on the sidelines and then exchanged words down the tunnel at half-time. Despite having a man

less, City dominated the second half, albeit without creating any clear chances, even after the introduction of Kevin De Bruyne. And Wigan snatched a dramatic win in the 79th minute when Kyle Walker let a pass roll by him and Grigg pounced and finished brilliantly from the edge of the box. Manchester City will now face Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday and then travel to the Emirates to take on the Gunners in the Premier League on Thursday.

Inderjeet’s hearing adjourned

Inderjeet Singh

two other athletes Neelam Kumari (100m hurdle) and Saurabh Singh (100m) were provisionally suspended. “The athletes found guilty of violating AntiDoping Rules of NADA were given opportunity to present themselves before the Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel and explain their cases on the date and time fixed by the Panel for hearing,” NADA said in a release. The hearing of Sumit Sehrawat, a national-level wrestler, who had run away from giving his urine sample after winning a gold medal in the All-India Police Wrestling last October, was also adjourned.

DP-1588

DC-419

NEW DELHI, Feb 20 (PTI): The hearing into shot-putter Inderjeet Singh’s doping case was adjourned again even as the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) has provisionally suspended five athletes for violating anti-doping rules. Inder jeet, the 2015 Asian champion, was barred from taking part in Rio Olympics after his urine sample taken on June 22 had returned positive and his B sample test done under an independent observer also returned positive. NADA conducted 404 dope tests last month and wrestlers Bhagwan (72kg), Amit (74kg), boxer Lakshya Chahar (80kg) and

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