10 May 2023

Nagaland Post

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Consultative meeting on crucial issues

Correspondent

KOHIMA, MAY 9 (NPN):

After an extensive consultative meeting with all tribal hohos, civil society organizations of Nagaland including legislators and officials Tuesday at the state banquet hall of the chief minister’s residential complex , the state government has restated its position with regard to crucial issues such as-oil and natural gas exploration and production along the AssamNagaland Disputed Area Belt(DAB), polls to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN) and the Village and Tribal Councils Act of 1978.

Though no resolution was made, the government is expected to take steps forward after considering various suggestions made at the meeting. Power and Parliamentary Affairs minister KG Kenye and Adviser

Nagaland logs 1 more Covid case

DIMAPUR, MAY 8

(NPN): Nagaland on Tuesday recorded one more case of Covid-19 pushing the total caseload to 36010.

According to the Health bulletin, the fresh case was reported from Kohima. The state currently has five active cases; all under home isolation.

The death toll remained unchanged at 782 (including 5 non-Covid deaths but with positivity).

Meanwhile, India has recorded 1,331 fresh cases, while the number of active cases have come down to 22,742 from 25,178. The COVID-19 tally now stands at 4.49 crore (4,49,72,800). The death toll climbed to 5,31,707 with 11 fatalities, the data updated at 8 am stated.

‘Together in Unity’ event on May 12

DIMAPUR, MAY 9 (NPN): Dimapur Baptist Pastors’ Fellowship (DBPF) would be organizing an open gathering “Together in Unity” at The Garden Supermarket, Dimapur on May 12 at 6.30 p.m.

In this regard, DBPF has invited all churches and citizens of Dimapur join the gathering, to express solidarity and prayer for the people of Manipur. DBPF reminded all responsible citizen to cherish and build unity in society today. “When this ingredient emanates from each of us, differences owing to culture, race, religion etc., will only become our strength,” it added.

This is it!

I&PR and soil conservation, Imkong L. Imchen and principal secretary home Abhijit Sinha jointly addressed the media at the Secretariat Conference Hall after the closed-door meeting.

Kenye described the meeting as “very frank discussion spoken from heart to heart and fruitful”. He claimed that everyone at the meeting was enthusiastic and serious about the issues that were being discussed. He said the meeting aimed at gauging opinions of various stakeholders on these issues, adding that their suggestions were taken into account.

OIL: On the crucial issue of oil exploration at the Disputed Area Belt (DAB) along Assam-Nagaland border, Imchen reiterated that the state government has not signed any Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Assam, as reported in the media. Imchen clarified that there had been no proposal from any quarter on royalty a 50:50 royalty sharing between Assam and Nagaland. He however disclosed that a breakthrough had been achieved with intervention from the Union Home Ministry and royalty sharing on 50:50 basis had

Imran Khan’s supporters storm Pakistan Army headquarters

Imran Khan arrested in corruption case

ISLAMABAD/LAHORE,

“Now we are stranded because many buses have gone to pick up stranded people from Manipur.”

been agreed in principle as per chief minister Neiphiu Rio’s proposal and that the government was working on a mechanism in this regard.

He pointed out that Rio had made it clear that there was no question of a MoU with Central or Assam government.

Minister K.G. Kenye maintained that the government, at the meeting, made an extensive presentation on its background since the early 1970s upto the last attempt by Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) Ltd in Wokha district. He said the department of Geology and Mining made a powerpoint presentation on the current status of mineral wealth, especially oil and natural gas.

He said the legal battles facing the state and what was exactly happening in the DAB and the prospect of their resolution, etc, were also shared at the meeting.

Stage set for high-stakes

Karnataka Assembly polls today

BENGALURU, MAY 9 (PTI/AGENCIES):

After a high voltage campaign, the stage is set for the battle of ballots in Karnataka as people of the state get ready to vote on Wednesday to elect a new 224-member state assembly.

Stakes are high for the three main contenders - the BJP, the Congress and the JD(S). While the ruling BJP aims to break a 38-year jinx in the southern statewhich has never voted an incumbent party to power since 1985, the Congress will hope to return to power

riding on allegations of corruption against the ruling party. The voting will take place from 7 am to 6 pm.

A total of 5,31,33,054 electors are eligible to cast their votes in 58,545 polling stations across the state, where 2,615 candidates are in the fray. Among the electors, 2,67,28,053 are male, 2,64,00,074 female and 4,927 “others”, while among the candidates 2,430 are male, 184 female and one from third gender.

As many as 11,71,558 are young voters, while 5,71,281 are persons with

disabilities (PWDs) and 12,15,920 are aged above 80. Around 4 lakh polling personnel are engaged in the poll process.

A total of 75,603 Ballot Units (BU), 70,300 Control Units (CU) and 76,202 voter verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) are slated to be used during voting. According to poll officials, elaborate security arrangements have been made across the state for the smooth conduct of elections and forces have been deployed from neighbouring states as well.

Principal secretary home, Abhijit Sinha said that although the facts on oil and gas operations had been presented, many were not fully aware as to how the government was going about on the proposed memorandum of understanding (MoU). Sinha said that the MoU has not been executed yet as the process of consultations was on to arrive at an agreement how frame the MoU.

Sinha also said the legal battles that the State had faced on border dispute and what exactly was happening in the DAB and the prospect of their resolution, etc, were also shared at the meeting. RIIN: With regard to Banuo Commission on RIIN, which had already tabled its report in 2019, Kenye said the government was seeking the opinion of the people as a whole on the report.

MAY 9 (PTI): Former prime minister Imran Khan was arrested and bundled into a prison van by paramilitary Rangers on Tuesday from the Islamabad High Court, sparking massive protests across Pakistan by his supporters who stormed the army headquarters in Rawalpindi and the Corps Commander’s residence in Lahore.

The arrest of the 70-year-old former cricketerturned-politician comes a day after the powerful army accused Khan of levelling baseless allegations against a senior officer of the spy agency ISI.

The chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), who travelled from Lahore to the federal capital Islamabad, was undergoing a biometric process at the court when the Rangers broke open the glass window and arrested him after beating lawyers and Khan’s security staff, according to

senior party leader Shireen Mazari.

TV footage showed the Rangers grabbing Khan from the collar and bundling him into a prison van. The Rangers, which operate under the Interior Ministry, are usually commanded by officers on secondment from the army.

“Khan has been arrested in a land transfer case to property tycoon Malik Riaz and is being handed over to National Accountability Bureau (NAB)”, a NAB official confirmed to PTI. He said

that Khan has been arrested in the Al-Qadir Trust case which is about the setting up of Al-Qadir University for Sufism in 2019 Sohawa area of Jhelum district of Punjab. Khan’s arrest warrant, issued on May 1, said that he was accused of corruption and corrupt practice. As the news of Khan’s arrest spread, massive protests broke out in several cities across Pakistan. Protesters at several places turned violent and burned police vehicles and damaged public property.

Manipur violence: AR evacuates 47 Konyak girls

D IMAPUR, MAY 9

(NPN): Altogether 47 girls of the Konyak community from Nagaland have been evacuated from Yairipok town under Thoubal district Manipur on Tuesday.

According to PRO (Defence) the girls, working at a Veneer factory on hourly wages basis, were evacuated by Assam Rifles team under the aegis of IGAR (North).

Meanwhile, PRO also informed that the second batch of Nagas who were supposed to be evacuated on Tuesday will be brought back on Wednesday.

PRO said that since more people had contacted them, the evacuation team

BAN delegation in B’desh to explore business opportunities

DIMAPUR, MAY 9 (NPN): A 12-member Business Association of Nagas (BAN) delegation, currently on a five-day business trip to Bangladesh, held a series of meetings with industrialists and business bodies of Bangladesh to explore business opportunities.

According to BAN general secretary Dr. Yan Murry the delegation is on a visit at the invitation of the India-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IBCCI). The delegation led by president L Mongkum Jamir were also the first business group to use the Dawki land port on May 5, which was inaugurated by Union

Minister of state for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai on May 4.

The land port, located in the West Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya along the international border between India and Bangladesh, will serve as an important economic and transportation hub between India and Ban-

gladesh. After crossing the border BAN delegation were received by the secretary general of IBCCI Abul Kalam Azad. BAN held a meeting with Tamabil Limestone and coal importers group and president of Meghalaya International Exporters Chamber of Commerce, Dolly Khonglah.

Later the delegation visited Nitol-Niloy industrial park where they held a meeting with industrialist Abdul Matlub Ahmad, chairman of Nitol-Niloy Group and president IBCCI. The delegates also toured the industrial park and its facilities including Nitol Curtis Paper Mill Limited, which has a production capacity of 84 MT per day. During the business meeting at the industrial park with Sunamgan chamber of commerce and industry, BAN delegation had a B2B meeting on trade prospects and signed 10 MoUs. The delegation is also accompanied by Ababe Ezung OSD (Transport).

will coordinate and bring back the stranded people to Kohima on May 10.

KUappealsforpeace

While acknowledging the state government and Inspector General of Assam Rifles (North), Kohima for rescuing and ensuring safe return of Nagas stranded in Manipur, Konyak Union (KU) has expressed deep concern and pain over the loss of innocent lives and property in the ongoing conflict in Manipur. KU president Tingthok Konyak and general secretary Manpang K Wangyen also strongly condemned the large scale violence per-

petrated on both sides without any regard for human dignity. KU expressed anguish at the unprecedented violence, arson, deliberate attack on places of worship and falsely painting communal colour to the conflict by different outlets and groups with vested interests. They said such distortions created distrust among people of different faiths co-existing in the region.

As violence only begets violence, KU emphasised that both parties explored ways to engage in a positive dialogue and address the differences. They said peace would only prevail when the majority and minority

groups had mutual respect for each other and no group was discriminated against on the basis of their differences.

“...May goodwill prevail among all communities in the state of Manipur,” they appealed. KU expressed solidarity with the victims and their families and prayed for early restoration of peace in Manipur. They also called upon different groups to shun all forms of violence and pursue the path of peace in the region.

Further, KU appealed to the Centre, Manipur government and stakeholders to explore ways and take immediate measures to ensure safety and security of all.

Cyclone Mocha: Heavy rainfall on May 13

DIMAPUR, MAY 9

(NPN): As major storm brewing in the southeast Bay of Bengal has begun gathering steam and is expected to intensify into a cyclone by Wednesday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday predicted that heavy rainfall was very likely at isolated places over Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura on May 13.

In its daily bulletin, the Met department also predicted that scattered to fairly widespread rainfall likely over Arunachal Pradesh and isolated rainfall over Assam & Meghalaya during next five days.

25-year-old college girl shot dead in Dimapur; 2 arrested

DIMAPUR, MAY 9

(NPN): A 25-year-old college girl was allegedly shot dead in Dimapur on May 8 midnight at Zeliangrong colony, Dhobinallah area.

According to DCP (Crime) and PRO Dimapur police the deceased was identified as one Supou P, pursuing her MA history final year at Unity college, Dimapur.

PRO said that Supou was shot dead by her boyfriend identified as one Thingiu Khiam (36), who is reportedly a deputy kilonser of NSCN Khango group PRO said that soon after the incident, the victim was rushed to a private

hospital, but succumbed to gunshot injury.

In this connection, PRO said the suspect along with his bodyguard, one

Mongchen Khiam (37), had been arrested.

PRO also informed that one modified AK rifle with two magazines and 55 live rounds of 7.65mm ammunition, one country made .32 pistol with one empty case, two sets of walkie talkie and one soft top Gypsy (white) NL 07C 1639 were seized. PRO added that a case has been registered under relevant Sections of Law and investigation was underway.

Condemnations

Khiamniungan Tribal Council, Naga Students’ Federation, All Nagaland College Students’ Union and Khiamniungan Students’

Union have separately con-

demned the incident and demanded justice for the victim.

KTC: Khiamniungan Tribal Council (KTC) has strongly condemned the ‘brutal murder’ of late Supou Lamthio of Pang village under Noklak district by Thengio s/o L. Khuming of Noklak village on May 8 at her rented resident in Zeliangrong colony, Dimapur.

KTC vice president TL. Khaoshai said that late Supou Lamthio was a student of Unity College, Dimapur pursuing her MA history final year. KTC appealed to the law enforcing authority to punish the cul-

prits as per relevant section of law.

Further, KTC conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed that her soul rest in eternal peace.

NSF: In a press release, NSF vice-president Atokiho Sumi and general secretary Süpuni Ng Philo said that such inhumane and diabolical act, which was perpetrated by elements threatening to lead the society into chaos, negated the very aspiration of the general populace for peaceful living. NSF said that the act ought to be out rightly condemned by all right-thinking citizens.

It stated that the wellmarked low-pressure area concentrated into a depression on Tuesday evening packing wind speeds of 45 to 55 kmph and gusting to 65 kmph over the south-east Bay of Bengal.

It said the weather system was expected to intensify into a deep depression by 5.30 am on Wednesday and turn into Cyclone Mocha in the next 12 hours, packing wind speeds of 80-90 kmph and gusting to 100 kmph.

The system is expected to move initially northnorthwestwards till May 12 morning and later towards Bangladesh-Myanmar coasts, the weather office

said. Fishermen and operators of small ships, boats and trawlers are advised not to venture into the southeast and adjoining central Bay of Bengal from Tuesday.

The weather system is likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by Thursday morning with wind speeds gusting to 110 kmph and turn into a very severe cyclonic storm packing wind speed of 130 kmph.

“Thereafter, it is likely to cross southeast Bangladesh and north Myanmar coasts between Cox’s Bazaar and Kyaukpyu around the forenoon of Sunday,” the weather office said.

2 Myanmar citizens expelled for illegal entry into Kiphire

DIMAPUR, MAY 9

(NPN): Two Myanmar citizens, who had made illegal entry inside India without Free Movement Regime (FMR) permit, along the Indo-Myanmar border under Kiphire district, were expelled from the Indian territory following an ‘Expulsion order’ issued by the Superintendent of Police (SP) cum Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO), Kiphire district K Swarnambika.

FMR permit is a document, which allows the people living along the IndoMyanmar border to travel 16 Kms across the boundary

without Visa restrictions on both sides. In a press release, Kiphire police PRO S Lanu Aier informed that FMR violations were, however, often reported along the Indo-Myanmar border. According to Kiphire police PRO, the SP cum FRO Kiphire has warned that any FMR violations in the Kiphire district henceforth would be dealt strictly as per legal provisions. Stating that India country practices the concept of “Atithi Devo Bhava” (‘Guest is our God’), the SP cum FRO

Imran Khan was taken into custody by the Rangers on Tuesday from outside the Islamabad High Court.

(C) KG Kenye, Imkong Imchen and Abhijit Sinha adress the media. (NP)

BAN delegation at the newly opened land port at Dawki.

Weapons seized by police. (PRO)

(Cont’d on p-8)

ISTM delegation visits Zhadima village

Correspondent

KOHIMA, MAY 9 (NPN):

A total of 30 delegates from the Institute of Secretariat Training and Management, Department of Personnel and Training, Government of India, took a tour of Zhadima village as part of their three-day field visit, on Tuesday.

The participants got a chance to experience Centre’s flagship schemes at the state/union territories first hand and took a trip to Amrit Sarovar ‘Ziazia’ project, a community farm pond at Zhadima village.

The team was led by Punit Sharma as captain and course director and other team members included delegation from India’s premier training institute including principals and private secretaries working in Central Secretariat.

The delegation was guided by Block Development Officer (BDO) Seyiekhrielie Rio, who highlighted various projects and also informed them that through the farm pond villagers were able to use the stored water for farming, irrigation purposes, animal rearing and other farming related works. Water at the existing pond was drained

Book released

DIMAPUR: A book for Education Core Course

‘Basics of Educational Research’, based on CBCS syllabus of Nagaland University, an initiative of the department of Education, Fazl Ali College (FAC) Mokokchung was released by FAC principal, Dr. I. Wati Imchen on May 8.

Tseminyu DPDB meet preponed

DIMAPUR: DPDM meeting of Tseminyu district has been preponed to May 12, 11 a.m. at Logwesunyu Village Council Hall, Tsogin Range. All members and officers of the district have been requested to note the changes and attend the meeting.

in order to expand and construct the pond, in preparation to rejuvenate the water body by monsoon.

After the pond covering 25.859636 in latitude and 94.056956 in longitude was identified to be technically feasible and suitable to impound runoff water, work began in June last year and was about to complete.

He informed that the fishery pond was expected to retain 40 lakh litres of water after completion, as compared to eight lakh litres in the past years.

Later, a short ceremony was held at Zhadima community hall where the BDO highlighted the functioning of the village councils and Village Development Boards through which developmental activities in the rural areas get initiated.

Rio told the gathering that 80% of developmental works in the village were covered under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). He observed that although the Rural Development (RD) activities were monitored using stateof-the-art technologies, as most activities were targeted in the rural areas, internet and road connectivity issues become a major challenge in the implementation process due to the terrain.

He also pointed out how most villages, like Zhadima village, had no banking facilities making it difficult for beneficiaries of the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) as beneficiaries were compelled to travel to Kohima covering over 17 km which was an added

expense in the form of travel costs.

Block programme manager BBMU Chiephobozou, Neikesanuo Ziephrü, informed that the NSRLM Block management unit was launched in 2017 across 19 villages under Chiephobozou subdivision.

She highlighted the role of Self Help Groups (SHGs) under NSRLM where Zhadima village has two Village Level Organizations (VLO) including Ruovi VLO and Vikehie VLO, under which there were 18 SHGs and 22 SHGs respectively. She informed that the total community corpus fund of the SHGs and VLO combined currently stood at

Rs 17,60,000. tTeam leader and course director Puneet Sharma shared on how the delegation were having wonderful experiences in Nagaland. He described the state as an added value to the course as it less explored comparatively.

The programme was chaired by advisor, Zhadima Village Youth & Sports Organization (ZVYSO) Vizosielie Khoubve while invocation was pronounced by pastor, AG Church Zhadi II, Thepfukuolie Pfüsenuo.

Chairman, Zhadima village council, Neilalhoulie Soliezuo extended the welcome note and vote of thanks was proposed by VDB secretary, Roko Angami.

The delegation also visited stalls set up by the SHGs and witnessed live demonstration of handloom weaving, bamboo basket weaving, traditional pounding of sticky rice, pottery, wood crafting, display and sale of traditional Angami Naga attire and ornaments, local food and beverages.

Earlier the delegation also visited Khonoma village and State Museum at Bayavü as part of their visit.

Scooty rider dies in hit and run case

DIMAPUR: A Scooty rider died and two pillion riders sustained injuries after their scooty (NL07EB7343) was hit by an unknown vehicle near DMC toll tax, Dimapur on May 8. Dy. Commissioner of Police (Crime)/ PRO of Dimapur police in a press release informed that scooty rider identified as Merithung Kithan (25) son of Mungchio Kithan, Akuk PO/PS Sanis resident of 6th mile Chumoukedima succumbed to his injuries on May 9.

PRO said that the first pillion rider Mhayamo Kithan (22) son of Longshihung Kithan of Akuk village and resident of Wokha (Soren colony) minor injuries while the second pillion rider Zuchamo Patton (25) son of Myanthung Patton of Akuk village resident of Chumukedima sustained severe head injuries.

In this connection, a case has been registered under relevant section of law for investigation into the case, PRO said.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

“…Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go”. Joshua 1:9

We the family of Late Zavizono (Zano-o) Keyho, express our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to all who steadfastly comforted and supported us, your love has been a great source of comfort during our greatest sadness. It will always be remembered. May our Almighty God continue to bless you all. We want to convey special thanks to:-

1. Shri Neiba Kronu, Former Minister, Govt. of Nagaland

2. Dr. Ngopelo Keviechu

3. Dr. Sashi Walling & Dr. Nishini Hekha

4. Doctors, Nurses & Staff of Zion Hospital, Dimapur

5. Blood donors

Mr. Sakhani (Hriikhanii)

05 May 1941 – 10 May 2022

“We can no longer see you with our eyes or touch you with our hands, but we will forever feel you in our hearts”

Deeply missed & remembered By Wife, Children and Grandchildren.

DP-1995/23

Acknowledgement

DDMA Dimapur discuss ‘monsoon preparedness’

DIMAPUR: District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) Dimapur discussed “monsoon preparedness” at its first quarterly meeting held at the Conference Hall of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dimapur office on Tuesday.

According to a DIPR report, DC Dimapur Sachin Jaiswal said the first quarterly meeting at district and state level discuss how well prepared the state was to face the upcoming monsoon.

He instructed respective departments to ensure an update of DDMA weather every month and

2nd

Two years gone by and yet we can’t get over the pain of losing you.

Your memories are forever alive in our hearts.

Loving family members

share the information so that essential needs could be delivered on time, take up the initial action and be ready for any disaster.

Jaiswal also requested the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to train people living near the river side so that they could be prepared for any eventuality.

During the meeting, presentation for monsoon preparedness was delivered by the Department of PWD (R&B), Water Resources, Dimapur Municipal Council, SDRF, Health and Family Welfare, Public Health Engineering, and Food & Civil Supplies.

6. CRC Sodzülhou Village

7. Sodzülhou Village Council

8. Women Organisation, Sodzülhou Village

9. Western Khezhakeno Union

10. CBC 7th Mile Village

11. NCRC Chakhesang, Diphupar ‘B’

12. CCRC, Darogapathar

13. Shemamia & Makhu Welfare, Chozuba Village

14. Baptist Church, Chozuba Village

15. Chozubamipü Shorho Shorhi Krotho

16. Western Chozubami Welfare Union

17. ANTA, Chumoukedima Unit

18. Officers & Staff of DAO, Niuland Loving Husband, Children, Grandchildren & Relatives

k-998/23

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21

Born : 01/04/1932 – Died : 06/05/2023

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”

Philippians 1:21

Late Lichete Puro

Born on: 28.02.1998 – Died on: 02.05.2023

We the family of Late Lichete Puro express our profound gratitude to everyone who were involved following the sudden demise of our beloved son/brother. Words are inadequate and space is not enough to express our hearts’ gratitude for your love and concern for us. Your good deeds will ever remain in our hearts

1. Chakhesang Community, Delhi

2. Friends of Late Lichete Puro in Delhi

3. Chakhesang Christian Fellowship, Delhi

4. Naga Student Union, Delhi

5. Chakhesang Student Union, Delhi

6. Special Police Unit for North-Eastern Region, Delhi

7. Mesulumi Baptist Church

8. Mesulumi Youth Society

9. Mesulumi Puro Clan

10. Christian Khel Youth, Mesulumi

11. Village Council, Mesulumi

12. Silly Squad

13. Mesulumi Baptist Church, Women

Department

14. Mesulumi Baptist Church, Youth

Department

15. Enhulumi Baptist Church

16. Sakraba Baptist Church

17. Chizami Baptist Church

18. Chizami Town Baptist Church

19. Baptist Theological College, Pfutsero

20. Chakhesang Mission Centre Church

21. Tewelhi Medo Tyranus Hr. Sc. School

22. Ordain Ministers wives Pfutsero

23. Mesulumi Christian Fellowship, Pfutsero

24. Mesulumi Sub Council Pfutsero

25. Mesulumi Women, Pfutsero town

26. Tewelhi Medo Tyranus School, 2014 Batch

27. Glory Peak Academy Hostel, Pfutsero

28. Mesulumi Welfare Society Kohima

29. Mt. Sinai Hr. Sc. School, Kohima 20142016 Batch

30. Chakhesang Student Union, Patkai Christian College

31. Patkai Christian College, Botany 2019 Batch

32. Patkai Christian College, Botany faculty

33. Chakhesang Patkai Family

34. Classmates, M.Sc. Botany, St. Joseph University, Dimapur

35. Chakhesang Baptist Church Dimapur

36. Mesulumi Nicumi Lezekro, Dimapur

37. Mesulumi Union Dimapur

38. Shri K.G. Kenye, Hon’ble Minister, GoN

39. Shri K. Khalo, Hon’ble ex-MLA

40. Reverends and Pastors

41. All individuals

May our Almighty God bless each and everyone of you abundantly in return. Family of Late Lichete Puro DP-1999/23

Late Thinuovicha Keditsu 04/01/1959 – 30/04/2023

We, the bereaved family members of Late Thinuovicha Keditsu, would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to each and everyone who stood by us spiritually, financially and physically during the prolonged illness and demise of our beloved Father.

We sincerely convey our special thanks to:

10. Village Education Committee, Chiechama

11. Middle Chiecha Bawe NDPP

12. Themezie Women Welfare, Kohima

13. JAA & AA, 13th Batch 2021

14. North Treasury Kohima (Colleagues & Staff)

15. K.P. Bethesda Hospital Kohima

16. NHAK Dialysis Unit

17. Dr. Albert Pochury

18. Dr. Kezevituo Keditsu

19.

Mr. Thepfusatuo Rio

20. Dr. Neiphrezo Keditsu

21. Dr. Neilasa Sopfü

We, the bereaved family members of Late Mr. Nremo Lotha (Odyuo) would like to acknowledge the prayers, support and financial assistance extended to us during the illness and at the time of the demise of my beloved husband and our father, grandfather and great grandfather. We convey our special thanks to :

1. Bor Lengri Lotha Baptist Church

2. BLLBC Youth Department, Eloe Yangro, Evangelistic Okho, Yankho E

3. Seluku Baptist Church

4. Seluku Hapoe Evan Ekhüng.

5. Seluku Randan Khumshum Dimapur, Kohima, Wokha

6. Seluku Yanpoe Yanpia Eyi Okho

7. DHO Staff Wokha

8. Dimapur Odyuo Motsürüi Ekhung

9. Dimapur Pongidong Ekhung

10. Doctors, Nurses and Staff of Nikos Hospital, Dimapur

Words are not enough to express our gratitude for the way you all surrounded us with your prayers and love, may the Lord bless you all for sharing in our grief and pain. We are unable to mention all your names but the Lord knows all that you have done for us. May God bless you all.

Rest in eternal peace our beloved.

Bereaved Wife, Sons & daughters, Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren and extended families

FirSt DeatH anniverSary

DeatH anniverSary

1. C.R.C, Chiechama

2. C.R.C, Kijümetouma

3. A.C.R.C.C, Prayer Centre Kohima

4. Village Council Chiechama

5. Chiechama Village Youth Organization

6. Zümvü Khel Chiechama (Parent & Youth)

7. Mere Chienuo Chiechama

8. Sanchu Krotho Nachama

9. G.M.S, Chiechama

ISTM team with Zhadima village and government officials on Tuesday. (NP)

Monsoon preparedness meeting in Dimapur.

Q.: Is there some conspiracy in the recent burning of churches in Manipur?

‘Cucumber Festival

2023’ at Aliba village

Zhaleo inaugurates Modern College at Piphema

Correspondent

KOHIMA, MAY 9 (NPN): Advisor of Urban Development & Municipal Affairs, Zhaleo Rio, on Monday inaugurated the newly constructed Modern College, Piphema Campus.

Addressing the gathering, Zhaleo encouraged the students to take advantage of the modern amenities and facilities created by the authorities of Modern College.

NEXT POLL

Q: Is it apparent that no hung house will be thrown up after Karnataka polls?

DIMAPUR: The 2nd edition of “Cucumber Festival Aliba 2023” was inaugurated Tuesday at Aliba Village, Mokokchung by additional director of agriculture, Temsuienla as the special invitee.

According to a DIPR report, addressing the gathering on the occasion, Temsuienla said the festival was a celebration of agriculture success story, especially the cultivation of off-season cucumber in Nagaland, and also to celebrate the hard work and dedication of farmers from Aliba Village.

She reminded the gathering to pay tribute to late Burremba Pongen, who was

the pioneer of off-season cucumber cultivation in Aliba village.

Through this off-season cucumber cultivations, she said the economic condition of the villagers and the village as a whole has been uplifted.

Pointing out that Aliba farmers are pioneers of off-season cucumber cultivation, she encouraged the villagers to work with dedication to achieve the same success in other agri related activities.

Temsuienla also highlighted some insights in agriculture which the farmers should ponder upon

Yanthan launches ‘pictorial chart on Lotha costume and artifacts’

and put into practice for sustainability.

Short speeches were also delivered by Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Mokokchung, Chumlamo Humtsoe and chairman, Aliba village Council.

The programme was chaired by member organizing committee, Dr. Cressida; welcome address was delivered by project director, rural development and co-convener organizing committee, Toshimongla and the vote of thanks was proposed by convener organizing committee, Lipokmar.

Maintaining that the campus have a healthy atmosphere and ambience for education, he said students should study sincerely and achieve greater heights.

He also advised them to acquire quality education from the college, pointing out that formal education was not enough in the competitive world if education not coupled with knowledge of economy, skill development, capacity building and also ethical values.

He therefore encouraged the students to not only to attend college for the sake of studying and to run after white-collared job but to change their mindset to be hardworking as there was no room for persons who were unemployable.

He pointed out that

Power deptt. to charge transformer; cautions

DIMAPUR: Department of Power, office of the Executive Engineer, Transmission Division, Kohima has informed that 33/11kV, 10 MVA, Transformer at Chiethu and construction of 33kV line from 132/33kV Chiephobozou Sub-Station to 33/11kV Chiethu Sub-Station passing through Chiephobozou Town and Chiechema Village would be test charged

Correspondent

WOKHA, MAY 9 (NPN):

Advisor of Agriculture Mhathung Yanthan said that the culture was an identity and that it should be a matter of shame for those people who do not have the knowledge about their own culture.

Yanthan said this while speaking as the special guest at the launching programme of “pictorial chart on Lotha Naga costumes and artifacts” at Likya community hall, Wokha on Tuesday.

Congratulating and appreciating the four like-minded individuals for bringing out the pictorial chart, Yanthan urged them to not stop to take this programme as

their stepping stone towards bringing out more innovative projects on similar lines. Elaborating further on the importance of culture and identity, Yanthan also touched on the importance of preserving and promoting traditional attires, language and literature.

Earlier, Wokha Town Baptist Church (WTBC) pastor Rev. Abemo Jungio dedicated the pictorial chart before it was unveiled by the advisor.

Brought out by four like-minded individuals including Ajamo Odyuo, P. Orenbomo Tungoe, K. Mesathung Kinghen and L. Zachamo Ovung with an aim to preserve, propagate and

promote the traditional Lotha costumes and artifacts.

In his short speech, Lotha Literature Committee (LTC) chairman Thungjamo Tsanglao enlightened the gathering of heads of departments and educational institutions, elders, and wellwishers on the various steps being undertaken by the LTC on development and promotion of the Lotha dialect.

At the launching programme chaired by L. Zachamo Ovung, invocation was said by WTBC deacon Santsuo Shitiri, welcome address delivered by P. Orenbomo Tungoe, and vote of thanks by K. Mesathung Kinghen.

at the rated voltage on May 11, 11 a.m. and shall remain charged thereafter.

In this regard, the department has informed all public to not touch the said line nor go near the same. It further cautioned that anybody doing so shall be doing so at their own risk and that the department of power shall not be held responsible for an untoward incident whatsoever.

DC Mon notifies pharmacies: To curb the challenges of Substance/ Drug abuse in the district, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mon, Ajit Kumar Verma has directed all pharmacies/ drug store in Mon District to install CCTV camera with proper recording mechanism at the earliest. DC has warned that failure to comply would lead to immediate cancellation of the shop permit without any exception.

FLOD informs: Forum of Land Owners/Pattadars Dimapur (FLOD), whose lands are under army occupation in Dimapur town, has convened a meeting on May 24, 11 a.m. at Tourist Lodge Dimapur. All concerned members have been requested to update annual membership before the meeting. For queries, one has been asked to contact 7005053101, 986307715 and 7627987707.

Mobile ICTC vehicle Phek dedicated: Mobile Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre (ICTC) vehicle Phek was dedicated on May 9 by Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Phek, Dr. khriezotuo Paphino. The CMO encouraged the ICTC staff to use the vehicle judiciously and give best service to the people to achieve its objectives.

DTCCs carry out enforcement drives to implement COTPA

ing tobacco products near educational institutions was carried out by COTPA flying squad team led by SI, PS Wokha, Thungchio Ngullie along with the staff of the NTCP, Dobashis (DBs) from district administrative and women police personnel Wokha.

more than 72,700 educated unemployed youths had registered in the live register of the state.

He urged the youths to not be discouraged but take it as a challenge that under government sector job avenues were limited but immense job opportunities were opening up in the private sectors and entrepreneurship at the same time make efforts to get through competitive exams.

Meanwhile, Zhaleo also welcomed the establishment of the college under his Assembly Constituency in Ghaspani-II saying that the area lacked such institutions.

He lauded the landowners from Piphema for willingly parting with their land while also requesting the college authorities to consider students of the area for accommodation into the institute.

On the occasion, Zhaleo also inaugurated the Botanical Garden supported by Botanical Survey of India (BSI) under Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change; unveiled the monolith of the campus, inaugurated the academic block, three hostels and Indoor Stadium of the college spread over 102 acres of land.

Piphema Khenu Krüta Krotho president Pelezo-

tuo Kuotsu and Chakhroma Public Organisation president Zhato Kimho also extended greetings on the occasion and assured full support of the villagers towards the development and progress of the institute.

Principal of Modern College, Dr Vitsou Yano delivered the welcome address and College Development Manager Kaikho Losü tendered the vote of thanks. Hostellers of Modern College enthralled the gathering with a special number. It may be mentioned here that the college was earlier located at Porter Lane Kohima.

Tribal artisan mela in Wokha

DIMAPUR: District Tobacco Control Cells (DTCCs) under National Tobacco Control Program (NTCP) Tuesday carried out enforcement drives on tobacco so as to implement Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) 2003 in respective districts.

DIMAPUR: Enforcement squad of the District Tobacco Control cell, Dimapur (DTCC) on May 9 conducted surprise checking drive against the violators of the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) Section- 6(b)

which prohibits sale of tobacco products within a radius of one hundred yards of any educational institution. The drive was conducted in areas where shops are located within 100 yards of schools in Dimapur. 11 shops were penalized and Tobacco products were seized.

Phek: DTCC Phek, NTCP along with police personnel and Dobashis (DBs) carried out enforcement drive in and around Phek Town. During the drive, the team penalised ten shops for violating

COTPA 2003 under Section 6 (a), and the shopkeepers were apprised of the various Sections under COTPA 2003 for future compliance.

Mokokchung: DTCC Mokokchung under, NTCP along with police personnel from PS-1 Mokokchung seized tobacco products from seven shops within 100 yards of educational institutions and penalised the defaulters under COTPA 2003 Section 6 (b).

Mon: To commemorate the month of World No Tobacco Day 2023 and

also to strengthen COTPA 2023 in the district, an enforcement squad under NTCP Mon carried out a surprise raid on sale of tobacco products near the school area. During the raid, 15 shops were penalised for violating COTPA Sec 6 (b) and two shops for violating COTPA Sec 6 (a).

NTCP Mon informed that the defaulters were penalised and tobacco products were seized and destroyed at the Police Station Mon premises. Wokha: An enforcement drive/raid on sell -

During the raid, the team penalized nine defaulters under COTPA Sec 6 (a) and 6 (b) for selling tobacco products and seized the tobacco products from the shops falling within the restricted areas. The shopkeepers were directed to abide by the COTPA Act, and warned that necessary legal action shall be initiated as per the provision of the law. The seized tobacco products were destroyed at Police Station Wokha premises.

Zunheboto: An enforcement drive was carried out by NOHP along with police personnel near the educational institutions at Zunheboto Town. During the raid, the team penalised ten shops under COTPA act 2003. The seized items were burned at the police station premises.

DIMAPUR: A two-day

“Tribal Artisans Mela” sponsored by the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited (TRIFED), Ministry of Tribal Affairs, government of India commenced Tuesday at Town Hall, Wokha.

According to a DIPR report, 50 artisans from various parts of the district exhibited and sold varieties of products on the first day of the mela.

Addressing the inaugural programme, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Wokha, Ajit Kumar Ran-

jan expressed gratitude to the representatives of TRIFED, India NEHHDC, and NBHM for providing opportunities to the tribal artisans of Wokha district through increased efficiency in procurement, logistics, and marketing of tribal products. He also urged the artisans to take feedback from TRIFED and improve the quality of their products.

DC said TRIFED would not only help in sourcing tribal art and craft in its original form but also in spreading awareness about all of its activities.

In his speech, DM TRIFED Regional Office, Guwahati, Pamthing Keishing highlighted the empanelment process for the tribal artisans and their products. He explained the importance of empanelment and its benefits in marketing tribal products.

Keishing also encouraged the artisans to showcase their unique and diverse products at the event. The inaugural programme was chaired by Anuranjan Singh, MGNF from the ministry of skill development and entrepreneurship.

YMC holds farewell programme

DIMAPUR: Yemhi Memorial College

(YMC) Students’ Council organized the 6th farewell programme for the outgoing students’ of 2020 batch on Tuesday.

A press release issued by asst. prof. history department and advisor SAC, Imlijungla informed that principal of the college, Dr .Kaba Daniel in his speech recalled the hardship faced by the 2020 batch due to pandemic and how they

overcame many obstacles during online classes. He thanked the teachers for moulding the students despite the challenges. Speaking on behalf of the faculty, HoD department of Economics, Temsunaro Imchen encouraged the students to have a purpose in life if they want be successful. She also urged the students to believe in the power of prayer and to lean on God.

7 felicitated with ‘Entrepreneur Award’

DIMAPUR: Seven Naga entrepreneurs were felicitated with first “State Entrepreneur Award 2022” at a felicitation programme held at the Conference Hall of the Directorate of Industries & Commerce (I&C), Tuesday.

According to a DIPR report, delivering special address commissioner

and secretary, Kekhrievor Kevichusa encouraged the entrepreneurs to demand more from the government in terms of better assistance, interventions, etc., and said that a conducive environment for creating a local economy could be built with active participation from all stakeholders.

In a speech, director

I&C, P Temjem Jamir said that the award was initiated with the administrative approval of the government to honour and recognize some of the outstanding Naga entrepreneurs who had made exceptional contributions to building an ecosystem that has impacted the grass-root economy.

Members of NTCP Mon with the seized items. DTCC Phek, police and DBs at the Phek.

Director I&C, P Temjem Jamir, others and awardees on Tuesday.

Cucumber displayed at the festival on Tuesday at Aliba village.

Zhaleo Rio with college authorities at the inaugural programme. (NP)

Mhathung Yanthan unveiling the Lotha costumes and artifacts pictorial chart. (NP)

DC Wokha, Ajit Kumar Ranjan interacts with the participants of the mela.

Manipur violence: 247 arms snatched from security forces recovered

Correspondent

IMPHAL, MAY 9: Police have recovered as many as 247 arms snatched by mobs from various police stations and state security force units on the first two days of recent violence incidents in Manipur.

Unruly mobs who stormed various police stations and state security units, both in hills and valley areas had taken away a large number of arms and ammunition on the first two days of violence incidents.

Taking the matter seriously, state police chief P Doungel, during a news conference on May 5, appealed to the public to return the weapons to avoid legal consequences.

On the same day, the police commandos also recovered at least seven weapons snatched by the mobs at three different places in the outskirts of the capital city.

Addressing a press conference at the DIPR auditorium on Tuesday, state IPR minister Dr Sapam Ranjan Singh informed that a total of 247 arms and 4679 ammunitions were surrendered so far.

The minister, reiterating the government’s appeal to surrender the

snatched arms and ammunition, cautioned the public to surrender the snatched weapons at the earliest or else face legal action.

He further informed that the police have so far lodged as many as 216 FIR in connection with incidents of the violence that had marred the state.

The IPR minister said that the situation in the state was relatively peaceful on Tuesday compared to past few days.

“No reports of violence and arson were reported apart from some sporadic incidents on the highways,” he said.

Dr Ranjan further said that at present there were only about 4,000 displaced people taking shelter in different relief

camps and regular health check-ups and psychological counselling were being given to them.

Relief materials were being provided to affected people, he said, adding that curfew relaxation period has also been increased up to four to five hours with the improvement of the situation.

The number of relief camps was decreasing day by day as people were being transferred to their safe destinations, including homes, he added.

The state government has also started taking up confidence building measures even as interaction with important persons and CSO leaders were taking place regularly, he informed.

He informed that a to-

tal of around 6000 people had been given safe passage from Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, Tengnoupal, Imphal, Noney and Senapati districts today.

As of now, over 26,000 people had been evacuated so far. Out of this around 1930 people, mainly, students from other states, had returned to their homes safely.

Attending the news conference, state education minister Th Basantakumar Singh informed that the Manipur government has preponed summer vacation for schools and colleges from May 4-30 and from May 15 to June 5 for the universities.

The minister said the decision to pre-pone the summer vacation was taken considering the occu-

pation of the educational institutions by security personnel arriving in the state to contain the violence.

Over 50 companies of paramilitary forces are stationed in Manipur in wake of the violence in the state, he informed.

In the meantime, an official report from Churachandpur district headquarters said that about 2500 rescued people sheltered at different relief camps in Imphal reached Churachandpur today. A similar number of people who were at different relief camps in the district were given safe passage towards Imphal, it added.

Efforts were also on to facilitate evacuation of people who were still at relief camps. Necessary steps were in place to ensure availability of essential items to the public in coordination with the state authority, the report added.

Currently, about 1700 people were secured at different relief centres in various parts of the district. The district administration has urged all concerned to maintain peace and refrain from spreading misinformation that can cause law and order issues in the district.

Manipurgraduallyreturnstonormalcy amidtensioninsomevulnerableregions

SHILLONG, MAY 9

(PTI): Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday said more than 300 students from the state, who were stranded in violence-hit Manipur, were brought back in the last few days.

Sangma also said his government had on Monday arranged for a special flight on the Imphal-Shillong route to evacuate students stuck in the troubletorn state.

“In the last few days, 300 plus students stuck in violence-hit Imphal valley in Manipur have been safely evacuated,” Sangma told PTI.

The last batch of stranded students came here directly from Imphal on Monday as a special flight was arranged for them, he said.

“All students from Meghalaya, barring a few who opted to stay there, have been airlifted,” said an official who was sent to Manipur to oversee the evacuation process.

Sangma had on Monday said he would soon discuss with the Centre for peace in violence-hit Manipur.

“I will go to Delhi soon. Whenever I get the opportunity I will definitely take up the matter to restore peace in Manipur. It is important to maintain peace in the north-east region,” Sangma had said.

He also urged people in the violence-hit state to maintain peace.

However, the situation across Manipur is improving with no fresh reports of any untoward incident, while curfew has been relaxed in all the 11 districts

where it was clamped, officials said on Tuesday.

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh had on Monday said that 60 people were killed, 231 injured and 1,700 houses, including religious places, burnt in the ethnic violence that rocked the northeastern state in the past few days.

Violent clashes broke out between tribals and people belonging to the majority Meitei community in Manipur on Wednesday, displacing thousands of people.

The clashes erupted after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organised in the ten hill districts to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur’s population and live mostly in the Imphal valley.

Tribals -- Nagas and Kukis -- constitute another 40 per cent of the population and reside mostly in the hill districts.

All arrangements in place for Sohiong by-poll

SHILLONG, MAY 9 (PTI): All arrangements are in place for conducting by-elections to Sohiong assembly constituency in Meghalaya on Wednesday, officials said.

AIZAWL, MAY 9 (PTI):

Over 84 per cent voter turnout was recorded on Tuesday in the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) election, which was held peacefully, an official said.

However, the voting percentage might increase as detailed reports were awaited from some remote polling stations, he said.

Lawngtlai’s Additional Deputy Commissioner Abraham Beirazi Khithie, the returning officer, told PTI that there was no law and order problem during the 10-hour-long polling.

Polling was held for 19 seats as the State Election

Commission (SEC) had countermanded the election to the Rengkhashya constituency due to the death of the BJP candidate, who was allegedly killed in a clash on May 4.

There are 34,474 voters, including 17,019 females, in the Chakma council area, while 74 candidates were in the fray for the elections.

The ruling Mizo National Front (MNF), BJP and Congress fielded candidates in all the seats, while main opposition Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) nominated candidates in 13 seats.

Counting of the votes will be held on May 11.

Polling will begin at 7 am and continue till 4 pm on Wednesday in 3,328 polling booths, of which 1,100 have been identified as sensitive and 28 as critical. CEO F R Kharkongor said that more than 34,000 voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in the by-election. Of the total electorate, more than 16,000 are men. He said the by-election will take place in 63 polling stations which will be manned by over 300 polling officials. The by-election was necessitated following the death of UDP candidate HDR Lyngdoh ahead of the assembly elections held in the rest of the state on February 27. Votes will be counted on May 13. The campaign for the by-election saw bitter political attacks between two constituents of the National People’s Party (NPP)-led ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance.

Even as normalcy is slowly being restored in parts of Manipur, the situation in parts of Imphal East, bordering the hill district of Kangpokpi continued to be tense on Tuesday.

The indefinite curfew imposed in the violence-hit districts was relaxed for some hours on Tuesday and no untoward incidents were reported during the curfew hours even as Army, Rapid Action Force and police patrolled the streets in Imphal and other major towns of the state. On the other hand, ministerial

teams have started reaching out to the violence affected areas as well as displaced people sheltered at relief camps opened by local clubs and set up by the government.

One of the teams led by consumer affairs, food and public distribution L Sushildro Meitei Tuesday reached out to Dolaithabi and Pukhao regions in Imphal East bordering Kangpokpi district which was amongst the most affected regions by the violence that erupted in the afternoon of May 3. During the visit,

the ministerial team distributed relief materials to people sheltered at various relief camps at the adjoining villages. Another ministerial team led by state forest and environment minister Th Bishwajit who is in-charge of overseeing relief arrangements also visited a relief camp at Moirangkhunou in Bishnupur district. “Had conversations with the affected people & assured them that things will be normal soon in Manipur and everyone will be back home, “ the minister tweeted after the visit.

Congress slams Centre for Manipur violence

NEW DELHI, MAY 9 (PTI): The Congress on Tuesday blamed the “double engine government” of the BJP at the Centre as well as in Manipur for allegedly failing to prevent the ethnic violence in the state which led to the loss of many lives.

Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said the party is deeply concerned over the tragedy in Manipur and alleged that the situation proves the gross “callousness, negligence and casualness” of the state government and the “inactivity” of the central government.

Speaking at a press conference here, he said the basic question is that we are very concerned at the hateful, hostile and horrid conditions we find in Manipur, adding that the sensitive north-eastern border state is up in flames. “It reflects the state government’s and the central government’s ‘double engine lawlessness’, ‘double engine statelessness’ and ‘double engine shamelessness’. It shows that Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh and the

Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJP government is badly devoid of qualities of statecraft, stateliness, and statesmanship.

“It has led to a sad, sordid saga of provoked communities and castes against each other with such a vital and sensitive state up in flames. How did it happen... one major contributory factor, little noticed, has emerged from yesterday’s hearing in the Supreme Court,” he told reporters.

Violent clashes broke out in the northeastern state after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organised in 10 hill districts on May 3 to protest against the Meitei

community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, leading to the deaths of at least 54 people. Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur’s population and live mostly in the Imphal valley.

Tribals — Nagas and Kukis — constitute another 40 per cent of the population and live in the hill districts.

The clashes were preceded by tension over the eviction of Kuki villagers from reserve forest land which had led to a series of smaller agitations since February this year.

Singhvi said the apex court put a very candid question on why the state government did not tell the High Court of a 23-year-old judgment of the constitution bench of the Supreme Court that such notifications and approvals, such inclusions of STs cannot be done by state government or state high courts and can only be done by a presidential notification.

“Why was this not the preliminary objection of the state government in the

course of the hearing in the Manipur High Court? The first sentence from their mouth ought to have been that this proceeding should not go on, because we, the State Government have no such power, no such jurisdiction. It is settled in a two-and-half decades ago judgement.

“If this was not so, does it not reflect the utter callousness, casualness, possibly the complicity of the state government? Who will be accountable for that? Who will be accountable for this gross negligence, resulting in the loss of precious lives and this great alarming situation in Manipur?”

Singhvi asked.

The Congress leader further said that while the central government has brought several ST-related bills in the last two sessions of Parliament, including during the winter and budget sessions, but no attention was paid to the Manipur ST issue.

“If so many other bills or STs are coming, surely this should have been ad-

dressed. Who is responsible for this action?” he asked.

“Clearly responsible for this inaction leading to dangerous consequences... is the failure of the ‘double engine sarkar’. It is a ‘double engine’ sarkari failure,” he asserted.

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh, citing a report quoting the chief justice of India, said, “In light of what the CJI has said -- it is astonishing what a single judge of the Manipur High Court did, triggering such a human tragedy!”.

“But the ideological brotherhood, its henchman in Manipur, and his masters at the Centre cannot escape their responsibility,” he said on Twitter.

Ramesh cited the news report that quoted the CJI saying that the high court does not have the power to direct changes in the Scheduled Tribes list and asked why a constitution bench verdict of 2000 noting that courts do not have power to “add or subtract” the ST list was not “shown” to the Manipur High Court.

Srinagar-Chhagalnaiya border haat reopens in Tripura after nearly 3 yrs

GUWAHATI, MAY 9

(PTI): The Assam government on Tuesday signed MoUs worth over Rs 8,200 crore with private companies to establish mega industrial projects in various parts of the state. This will lead to the creation of more than 6,000 jobs, with more such mega projects in the offing, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said. “Our flourishing economy takes yet another stride on the eve of State Govt’s 2 anniversary. These efforts will bring investment worth Rs 8,200 cr and create 6,100 jobs. Many more in pipeline. Thank you all for reposing faith in Assam’s growth story,” Sarma wrote on Twitter.

Speaking at a programme here to mark the signing of the MoUs, Sarma said the government is in talks with more investors and “big breakthroughs” can be expected soon.

“We are looking for a big industrial summit in later part of 2024. We are waiting for some big breakthroughs. Talks are already on (with prospective investors),” Sarma said as his government is set to

complete two years in office.

He said MoUs worth Rs 8,201 crore were signed on Tuesday for investments in sectors ranging from FMCG, cement, glass and electric vehicles. The chief minister maintained that the state government’s provision for developing customised policies to facilitate investments over Rs 100 has been instrumental in attracting industry leaders over the last two years. Investments below Rs 100 are covered under a laid-down industrial investment policy, the chief minister added. Claiming that MoUs for projects worth about Rs 14,000 crore have been signed, including the ones on the occasion, in recent times, the chief minister said that support from the Central government, private investors and people has made it possible.

“We have to thank the people of Assam for creating an atmosphere friendly for investment. There are no agitations, no turmoil.

Since the Assam Agitation that started in 1979, it is for the first time that in last two years there has been no bandh in the state,” the chief minister said.

AGARTALA, MAY 9 (PTI): The SrinagarChhagalnaiya border haat in the South Tripura district reopened on Tuesday, nearly three years after it was shut owing to the pandemic. Additional District Magistrate (ADM) of South Tripura Dhanbabu Reang, and ADM of Bangladesh’s Feni district Abhishek Das visited the area as normal trade resumed.

Due to the pandemic, two border haats -- SrinagarChhagalnaiya in South Tripura and Kamalasagar in Sepahijala district -- were shut. The Kamalasagar border haat is yet to be reopened. “The resumption of the haat will boost the economic condition of the people living within a 5 km radius of the border. They

Regd. No. 09/2023

will come and sell their produce. The government wants the border haats to function as usual for the welfare of the villagers,” Das told reporters.

Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Sabroom Bidhan Chandra Das said the haat will be open every Tuesday from 10 am to 4 pm amid tight security of the BSF.

AFFID AVIT

Date 05/05/2023

I Shri. Wangton Y Konyak, R/o Langmeang Village, Sub Division : Aboi, in the District of Mon: Nagaland do hereby solemnly affirm and declare as under:

1. That I am the bonafide citizen of India resident of the above mentioned address.

2. That, I am the legal brother of Lt. Ngiptoi Konyak and is a resident of Mon District.

3. That, Lt. Ngiptoi Konyak hereinafter called the ‘deceased’ died on 12/04/2023 at Civil Hospital Mon.

4. That, the applicant Shri. Wangton Y Konyak is the natural/legitimate brother of Lt. Ngiptoi Konyak. The deceased have no spouse and no children.

5. That there is no objection against his succession from the family members for pension benefits/monetary benefits whatsoever.

6. That the purpose of this Affidavit is to declare that there is no objection against granting/ issuance of succession certificate in favour of Shri. Wangton Y Konyak. That I am the one and only sole responsible to take care of my family and the village.

7. That, there is no impediment the Indian Succession Act or under any Law for the grant of succession certificate to Shri. Wangton Y Konyak.

8. That, this affidavit is sworn to aver the above statement.

VERIFICATION

hereby verify that the contents made in para 1 to 8 are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief and nothing material is concealed therein.

Manipur IPR minister Dr Sapam Ranjan Singh (middle) and education minister Th Basantakumar Singh(right) briefing media on latest law and order situation.

Distressed villagers of violence-hit Leitanpokpi airing their plights to Manipur CAF PD minister who visted their village on Tuesday.

More than 300 students from M’laya brought back from Manipur: Sangma

Polling for CADC.

Srinagar-Chhagalnaiya border haat.

Conrad K Sangma

Abhishek Singhvi

Stalin to visit Japan to seek more foreign investments in TN

CHENNAI, MAY 9

(IANS): Tamil Nadu

Chief Minister, M.K. Stalin will visit Japan on May 23 to seek more investments in the state.

He said that he would be inviting Japanese companies for the investment meet to be held in Tamil Nadu in January 2024.

Stalin was speaking to reporters on Tuesday after laying the foundation stone for Japanese major Mitsubishi’s new AC plant in Chennai.

3 Maoists killed in encounter in Odisha

BHUBANESWAR, MAY

9 (IANS): Three Maoists were gunned down by security forces during an exchange of fire in a forest area of Odisha’s Kalahandi district. A DSP rank police official also sustained bullet injury in the gunfight, a police official said.

The encounter took place in the TaperengaLubengad forest under Madanpur-Rampur police station of Kalahandi district.

Briefing media persons here, DGP Sunil Bansal said, “An exchange of fire was reported from M. Rampur police station area. We have recovered dead bodies of three Maoists.”

Widow hacked to death in UP

KAUSHAMBI (UP), MAY 9 (PTI): A 45-yearold widow was allegedly hacked to death by an unknown person in the Pipari area of this Uttar Pradesh district, police said on Tuesday.

The incident took place on Sunday night when the woman, Sita Devi, was sleeping outside her house in Muradpur village, Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Samar Bahadur Singh said.

The police lodged an FIR on being informed about the incident by the victim’s family, they said.

Third cheetah dies at MP’s Kuno BHOP AL, MAY 9 (IANS): India’s Project Cheetah received yet another jolt as one more cheetah died at Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park (KNP) on Tuesdaythe third to die in just over a month.

‘Daksha’ is the second female and the second South African cheetah to die at the KNP after male cheetah ‘Uday’ last month. It died just a fortnight after six-year-old Uday, died of a heart attack, according to a post-mortem report.

“Daksha was found in injured condition in the morning by a monitoring team of the KNP. She was immediately given necessary medication and treatment but she died around 12 noon,” a Forest Department official told IANS.

Karnataka polls: Opinion poll shows Congress leading

KARNATAKA, MAY 9 (AGENCIES): The poll - which surveyed 73,774 people across the southern state from April 29 to May 5 - indicates the Congress will win between 110 and 122 seats in the 224-member Legislative Assembly. The BJP may win between 73 and 85 seats while the JDS could be restricted to 21-29 seats, reports the Hindustan times. Parties need 113 seats to claim a majority in the Karnataka Assembly. The state will vote in a single phase on Wednesday with results due three days later, on May 13.

According to the ABP News-CVoter opinion poll, the Congress will win a majority of seats in five of the state’s six major regions, including Greater Bengaluru and Old Mysuru. The BJP is expected to do better in coastal parts of the state.

The BJP is seen as weaker in the Old Mysuru region, where it is expected to secure only 25 per cent of

the seats; the Congress and JDS are expected to win 35 and 33 per cent. In coastal regions the BJP is expected to secure 13 to 17 of 21 seats. A closer fight is likely in the Kittur Karnataka region, which the Congress is expected to edge by 43 per cent. According to the opinion poll, nearly 50 per cent of respondents rated chief minister Basavaraj Bommai’s government ‘poor’ but 48 per cent said prime minister Narendra Modi’s work in the state was ‘good’. Most chose Congress leader Siddaramaiah as their ‘fa-

24 killed in MP bus mishap

the JD(S) 28. Two seats are vacant.

PM Narendra Modi on Tuesday wrote an open letter to the people of Karnataka, highlighting his party’s commitment to the state’s growth and development.

KHARGONE/BHOPAL, MAY 9 (PTI): At least 24 people were killed and more than 40 others injured when a speeding private bus packed with passengers plunged into a dry river bed after breaking through railings of a bridge in Madhya Pradesh’s Khargone district on Tuesday morning, Agriculture Minister Kamal Patel said.

vourite CM’; Bommai was second and the JDS’ HD Kumaraswamy was third.

The 2023 Karnataka election is seen as a crucial one for the Congress and the BJP as it is the first big poll of the year and is also the first of several ahead of next year’s Lok Sabha election.

In the current Assembly the BJP - which came to power after the Congress-JDS alliance collapsed in 2019 after more than a dozen MLAs controversially jumped to the saffron party - holds 119 seats. The Congress has 75 seats and

A day ahead of the Assembly elections in Karnataka, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday wrote an open letter to the people of the State, highlighting his party’s commitment to state’s growth and development. “You have always showered me with love and affection. It feels like a divine blessing to me. In our ‘Azaadi ka Amrit Kaal’, we Indians have aimed to make our beloved country a developed nation. Karnataka is keen to lead the movement to realise its vision”, PM Modi said in his letter.

“India is the fifth-largest economy. Our next aim is to reach the top three. This is possible only when Karnataka rapidly grows to become a USD 1 trillion economy,” the letter read.

As many as 41 passengers were injured in the accident and undergoing treatment in various hospitals at Khargone and Indore, Patel, who is also minister in-charge of the district, told reporters.

Patel said Khargone district’s Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) was suspended after it came to light that the ill-fated bus was overloaded and speeding at the time of the accident.

There were around 70 passengers in the bus which had capacity to accommodate only 37 people, the minister said.

Patel said the police have been directed to launch a drive against speeding and overloading in buses in the district.

Boat tragedy: HC initiates suo motu PIL

callousness, greed, and official apathy.”

Officials said 18 seriously injured persons were referred to Indore for further treatment, while 23 were admitted at the Khargone district hospital.

A magisterial probe has been ordered into the accident which took place at around 8.40 am, state Home Minister Narottam Mishra Mishra told reporters earlier.

After the bus fell off the bridge, some villagers rushed to the spot and pulled out trapped passengers from windows and rear side of the vehicle, as per eyewitnesses.

Locals were seen carrying people and offering water to the harried passengers amid hot weather, they said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives in the road crash and

announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the next of kin of the deceased.

The bus broke through railings of the Dasanga bridge and fell into dry bed of the Borad river near Dongargaon village, Mishra said.

Earlier in the day, the officials said the vehicle was carrying around 50 passengers.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan separately announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh each to the kin of those killed in the tragedy. The seriously injured persons will be given Rs 50,000 and the passengers with minor injuries will get Rs 25,000 each, Mishra said.

Pawar snubs Sanjay Raut over ‘Saamana’ comments on NCP

NEW DELHI, MAY 9

(IANS): The Supreme Court on Tuesday said public statements should not be made in a sub-judice matter, after the court was informed that the Union Home Minister had made statements in connection with Muslim reservation in Karnataka.

Senior advocate Dushyant Dave, representing the petitioners, cited before a bench headed by Justice K.M. Joseph a statement made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The bench said the court cannot permit politicisation like this, “when we are ready to hear the matter” and further added, when the matter is sub-judice and before the apex court then such statements should not be made.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Karnataka government, submitted that any religionbased reservation is un -

constitutional. The Home Minister is reportedly said to have called the Muslim reservation against the Constitution. Mehta denied any knowledge of such a statement, however he stressed that “in the manifesto, one is entitled to”. Dave contended that he can bring on record the minister’s statement before the court.

The top court recorded Mehta’s statement that no action would be taken on the state government’s March 27 decision to scrap the 4 per cent reservation to Muslims. After the hearing submissions, the bench deferred the hearing on the matter till July. The petitioners, which include L. Ghulam Rasool and others, have contended that the inclusion of Muslim community in the EWS list is unlawful.

Earlier, the Supreme Court had made some strong observations against the manner in which the Karnataka government scrapped the 4 per cent OBC quota for Muslims and placed them under the EWS category, saying the foundation of the decision-making process is highly shaky and flawed.

KOCHI/MALAP -

PURAM, MAY 9 (PTI):

The Kerala High Court on Tuesday swung into action by initiating a PIL on its own to probe into the violation of rules that led to the Tanur boat accident, while the state police has invoked murder charges against the owner of the vessel that capsized.

Twenty two people, including women and children, were killed when a houseboat carrying over 30 passengers overturned and sank near the Tuvalthiram beach in Tanur area of Malappuram district on Sunday. Under attack from various quarters, including the opposition, the Kerala government also strengthened the investigation into the ac-

cident by booking the owner of the boat for murder. Initiating the PIL, the High Court directed the District Collector, Malappuram, to file a report into the incident that occurred near an estuary in the Tanur area of Malappuram district.

A vacation bench of Justices Devan Ramachandran and Shoba Annamma Eapen termed the boat accident “shocking” and “haunting” and said their “hearts were bleeding” and they “underwent sleepless nights” after seeing the lifeless bodies of the children.

Taking a serious note of the Tanur tragedy, the court said such accidents have been happening in the state since 1924 with “frightening regularity” solely due to “the deadly cocktail of

It also arraigned the Kerala government, the District Tourism Promotion Council of Malappuram, the police chief and collector of that district, Tanur Municipality, the Port Officer, Alappuzha, and the senior Port Conservator, Beypore, as initial respondents in the PIL, which is slated to be heard next on May 12.

The bench said many more such incidents may happen “unless we put our foot firmly down” as the “patently visible” causal factors--overloading, blatant violation of statutory law, and skipping of essential safety requirements--were being repeated with impunity and “without fear, care, or caution”.

Prima facie, had the officials and authorities who were duty bound to monitor such boating operations done so, “this mishap--like the several earlier ones-would have never happened,” the court observed.

The court said that every such tragedy “triggers” a routine investigation followed by recommendations that g o “unheeded” thereafter.

Atiq’s widow Shaista now officially a ‘mafia’ in UP

PRAYAGRAJ (UTTAR PRADESH), MAY

9 (IANS): The Prayagraj police has designated slain gangster politician Atiq Ahmed’s widow, Shaista Parveen as a ‘mafia’ for the first time in an FIR lodged on May 2 in connection with the arrest of one Mohd Atin Jafar, who was arrested for sheltering her and Sabir, a listed shooter of Atiq gang.

Besides the Umesh Pal murder case, Shaista has

Delhi University to send notice to Rahul on ‘sudden’ hostel visit

NEW DELHI, MAY 9 (PTI): The Delhi University will issue a notice to Rahul Gandhi cautioning him against making any “unauthorised” visit to the campus in future, a senior official said on Tuesday, days after the Congress leader met students at a hostel. The notice will be sent either Tuesday or Wednesday, Delhi University Registrar Vikas Gupta said.

He said the university will tell the leader that this kind of visit “jeopardise” the safety of students and that proper protocol needs to be followed for any such interaction.

Gandhi visited a Post-

Graduate Men’s Hostel of the university on Friday, interacted with some students and had lunch with them.

“It was an unauthorised visit. Many students were having lunch when he barged in. We cannot tolerate this on our campus. We will send a notice to Rahul Gandhi, telling him that he should not repeat such action and should not jeopardise the safety of students,” the registrar said.

Meanwhile, the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), the student wing of the Congress, has alleged that the administration was under pressure to take action against Gandhi.

Shaista Parveen

been named in seven other cases, including five of forgery and cheating, lodged at different police stations of the state.

Both Shaista and Sabir, also named in the Umesh Pal murder, are supposed to be on the run together and police have announced a cash reward for anyone providing information leading to their arrest. While Sabir carries a cash reward of Rs 5 lakh, Shaista has a reward of Rs 50,000.

SHO Dhoomanganj

Rajesh Kumar Maruya, in his FIR lodged with the Dhoomanganj police sta -

tion against Mohd Atin Jafar on May 2, claimed that Jafar, who used to stay at Atiq’s slain son, Mohd Asad’s Mahanagar flat in Lucknow, had returned to his house in Prayagraj once police started tightening the noose around the members of Atiq gang, following the killing of lawyer Umesh Pal on February 24.

The SHO further claimed in the FIR that Jafar had allegedly offered shelter

goVernment of nagaland nagaland Staff Selection Board

nagaland; KoHima

Email: nssb-ngl@gov.in ///Phone 9366495971

NSSB/EXAM-4/17/2023

Dated kohima the 9 th May 2023

SHort tender notice

Nagaland Staff Selection Board invites Tender from interested, qualified, eligible, and experienced Firms/ C ompanies for the preparation, printing, and Supply of Question Set booklet, printing, and supply of OMR sheet, scanning of OMR answer sheet and preparation of results for recruitment exam under NSSB. The details of the tender documents are available on the NSSB website www.nssb.nagaland. gov.in. The interested party is requested to visit the website.

The last date of online tender submission is 19th May 2023, and for offline submission will be 23rd May 2023

Sd/-

(B HENOK BUCHEM) NCS Secretary cum Controller of Exam Nagaland Staff Selection Board

to Shaista and her shooters.

After the killing of gangster brothers, Atiq and Ashraf, on April 15, Shaista and shooter Sabir had stayed at the house of Jafar in Prayagraj on April 16 as they wanted to attend the burial of the gangster brothers.

SATARA, MAY 9 (IANS): Nationalist Congress Party President Sharad Pawar has said that he doesn’t read or give much credence to what is written in the ‘Saamana’ Group of newspapers of the ally Shiv Sena (UBT), here on Tuesday.

Referring to a passing remark in the ‘Saamana’ and ‘Dopahar Ka Saamana’ on Monday that Pawar had failed to create a succession line in the NCP, Pawar countered by saying, “they do not know what we are doing in our party”.

“What we decide in our party is our internal matter... Our colleagues know how our party will move forward and we are satisfied with what we are achieving. They (Saamana Group) have a right to write and criticise, we don’t consider it important from our viewpoint,” declared Pawar in a direct snub at Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut.

He made it clear that in the NCP, his colleagues say many things, express different opinions and debate, but they don’t go out and publicise it as these are internal issues.

“All my colleagues are clear that tomorrow a new

leadership will be ready in this party...In 1999, when we came to power with the Congress, the NCP had many new names in the cabinet like Jayant Patil, Ajit Pawar, Dilip Valse-Patil, or R.R. Patil, who was a firsttimer. They proved themselves,” asserted the NCP supremo.

Pawar also slammed Bharatiya Janata Party’s Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Congress’ former Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan’s recent comments on the NCP.

To Fadnavis’s plea asking the voters in Karnataka to ‘send the NCP parcel’ back to Maharashtra, Pawar dismissively said that Fadnavis knows how to play word games without doing any work.

On Chavan’s allegation that ‘NCP is the BJP Team B in Karnataka’, Pawar hit back at the ally, asking what

NAGALAND PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION KOHIMA

NO.NPSC/EXAM-5/2022

Dated Kohima, the 8th May, 2023 ANNOUNCEMENt Of RESULtS

The result of the Common Educational Services Examination 2022 is hereby declared. Viva-voce is scheduled to be held from 16th May 2023 onwards. Details can be accessed from the Commission’s website at www.npsc.nagaland.gov.in and also from the notice board of the Commission.

(NUNGSANGMENLA IMCHEN) Secretary, Nagaland Public Service Commission, Kohima DC-546/23

GOVERNMENT OF N A G ALAND

Society for c limate r e S ilient for agriculture in n agaland (Socran)

APC/FOCUS-IFAD Cell Nagaland Civil Secretariat, kohima-797 004

Ref. No. FOCUS/IS/120/2023-24

Dated: 09-05-2023

reQueSt for eXPreSSion of intereSt

The Society for Climate Resilient for Agriculture in Nagaland (SoCRAN) intends to hire a consultancy agency for impact Study on “Effect of soil conservation measures on soil water regime in climate resilient agriculture” under FOCUS/Nagaland.

The willing and interested agency may submit the EOI on or before 23/05/2023.

For details, please visit the website www.focus.nagaland.gov.in

Date: 09.05.2023 State Project Director

Place: kohima APC/ FOCUS-IFAD Cell Nagaland Civil Secretariat kohima-797004 spdfocus@gamil.com

DC-548/23

Karnataka is set for a big fight between the BJP, Congress and the JD(S) parties Today.

Sharad Pawar

A boat that capsized near Thoovaltheeram beach killing at least 22 people, in Malappuram district, Monday. (PTI)

SC objects to Shah’s statement on 4% Muslim quota in K’taka

Locals gather at the site after a bus fell from a bridge in Madhya Pradesh’s Khargone district, Tuesday. (PTI)

Sparking conflicts in Manipur Adirective

issued by Manipur High Court’s chief justice M.V.Murilidharan on April 19, on the state government to submit the recommendation to the union tribal affairs ministry, to include Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe list, let the genie out of the bottle. The Manipur High Court directive, has been stymied by the Supreme Court when chief justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud pointed out that the high court has no power to direct changes in the ST list as upheld by a 23-yearold Constitution Bench judgment. Chandrachud pointed out that the Manipur high court should have been shown the judgement which maintained that no state has power to “add, subtract or modify’ the ST list. All hell broke loose as simmering ethnic conflict plunged Manipur into an orgy of killings, arson and plunder leaving 60 dead, 231 injured and 1700 houses burned and displacing 35,655 people across the state. The Meitei community, a largely Hindu ethnic group account for about 50% of the state’s population, Pangals around 7.2% and others around 7.4% while the tribal community in Manipur which include 34 recognised tribes, are roughly grouped into “Any kuki Tribes” and “Any Naga Tribes,” and who make up about 35.4% of the state’s population. The Meiteis inhabit the Manipur valley, which constitute about ten per cent of the area while various ethnic tribes live in around 90% of the land. Interestingly, Meities and tribals have different views about the demand for ST status for Meiteis. One one hand, Meiteis claim the demand for ST status, being pursued since 2012, was meant to provide them with constitutional safeguards to preserve their culture, language, and identity. While it may be noted the as far as language is involved, Meitei language is recognised as one of the languages in India and included in the 8th schedule by the 71st amendment of the constitution in 1992. Some sections of the Meitei community are already classified under Scheduled Castes (SC) or Other Backward Classes (OBC), which gives them access to certain opportunities. Also Meitei culture is deeply rooted and thus preserved as it is practised by the community which forms the largest component (50%) of the state population. Further, Meiteis say inclusion as ST will accord them constitutional protection of their lands from immigrants from Bangladesh and Myanmar. On the other hand, the tribals of Manipur say that Meitei community is already dominant in terms of population and political representation, as 40 out of the 60 assembly constituencies and 90% of development funds are in the valley where the Meiteis live. Tribals also fear that the demand for ST status is a way for the dominant Meitei community from the valley area getting more jobs, gain political influence and control over the hill areas and enabling them to possess land in the hill areas and diverting attention from the political demands of tribal groups. This was strengthened when the Manipur government, since August 2022, bypassed the hill autonomous council, by claiming that 38 villages in the Churachandpur-khoupum Protected Forest area- are “illegal settlements” and its residents are “encroachers”. Clearly, there is need to address the fears and concerns of the communities and ensure justice for all.

DailyDevotion

Reaching Beyond Our Grasp

Where there is no revelation [or prophetic vision], the people cast off restraint… —Proverbs 29:18

There is a difference between holding on to a principle and having a vision. A principle does not come from moral inspiration, but a vision does. People who are totally consumed with idealistic principles rarely do anything. A person’s own idea of God and His attributes may actually be used to justify and rationalize his deliberate neglect of his duty. Jonah tried to excuse his disobedience by saying to God, “…I know that You are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, One who relents from doing harm” (Jonah 4:2). I too may have the right idea of God and His attributes, but that may be the very reason why I do not do my duty. But wherever there is vision, there is also a life of honesty and integrity, because the vision gives me the moral incentive.

Our own idealistic principles may actually lull us into ruin. Examine yourself spiritually to see if you have vision, or only principles.

Ah, but a man’s reach should exceed his grasp,

Or what’s a heaven for?

“Where there is no revelation [or prophetic vision]….” Once we lose sight of God, we begin to be reckless. We cast off certain restraints from activities we know are wrong. We set prayer aside as well and cease having God’s vision in the little things of life. We simply begin to act on our own initiative. If we are eating only out of our own hand, and doing things solely on our own initiative without expecting God to come in, we are on a downward path. We have lost the vision. Is our attitude today an attitude that flows from our vision of God? Are we expecting God to do greater things than He has ever done before? Is there a freshness and a vitality in our spiritual outlook?

By Oswald Chambers

Quotes

Understanding the present imbroglio in Manipur

As a Naga living in a remote part of Manipur, as a citizen of a heavily protracted militarised state and as a keen observer on the fast-evolving situation in Manipur for the past few years, seeing the present conflict in Manipur is not a surprise. It is happening on an expected line. Many people believe that the demand for Schedule Tribe by the Meitei community is the matrix of ethnic clash. However, what prompted the Meitei community to suddenly jump into the wagon of demanding Schedule Tribe in recent years, is not fully explored and analysed by many policy makers and media. This article sought to highlight some of the probable underlying factors that brought insecurity and subsequent demand of ST by Meiteis and conflict in the state.

Firstly, people living in remote part of Manipur always wish to come and settle down at Imphal for many reasons. The attraction is caused by the centralisation of development in the valley since 1972 when Manipur attained its statehood. Imphal serves as both economic and political centres. All the worthmentioned infrastructures are in the valley such as international airport, educational and health institutions, administrative offices, games and sports infrastructure, tourism centres and others. This kind of developmental projects had already displaced thousands of inhabitants espe-

cially small farmers. On the other side, centralisation or concentration of developments attract more people from outside to come. Even the upcoming Railway Station that was inaugurated at Karong, Senapati, had been secretly shifted to Imphal. Now with the construction of railway line straight to Imphal, there is apprehension that the population of Meiteis will be overpopulated by outsiders (people from outside of the state). At the same time, with unequal development, there is no choice for the hill tribal people but to migrate to Imphal for job, education and settlement (permanent or temporary).

Today, this is considered as threat by the Meiteis as the valley constitutes only about 10% of the total geographical area of the state. Since the inception of statehood, none of the state government (past and present) had the guts to bring development to the vast hill areas at par with the valley. The problem of hill people migrating to the valley could have been also arrested had the state government bring development to the hill areas at least in district headquarters and sub-divisional centres. Decentralisation of development and powers will certainly disperse the heavily populated population from Imphal valley as they go to the hill areas, settle and work in various offices and places although they may not be able to buy land for permanent settlement. This will provide platform for meaningful

interaction and building confidence among the various communities. The present conflict thus lies in the failure and wrong policy of the state government. The second factor that triggers conflict is heavy militarisation in the state. This issue, which is crucial in analysing conflict, is not seriously looked into and discussed by the dominant media. Manipur is one of the states with the highest number of Indian armed (security?) forces in the country. The present generation was born and brought up under the oppressive Indian armed forces protected by brutal law called Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958- AFSPA. The presence of large number of state armed forces made them feel insecure in their own land. They hadn’t experience peace in their whole life and they tend to be very emotional and violent. They are mentally disturbed and depressed. They often become the victim of ruthless counter insurgency operations including sexual harassment, torture, looting, beating, and even death.

Unconsciously this made them to internalise that violence is part of their life. With the internalisation of violence as a form of protecting life, every issue (even petty issue) or conflict is met with violent action. Thus, the present generation (both men and women) often exhibit violent behaviour created by insecurity under militarisation. The other

issue of militarisation in the state is the physical occupation of the large areas of land by armed security forces. In some places in Imphal valley, the area of land occupied by state security force exceeds that of the villagers. For instance, from Sangakpham Bazaar to Koreingei Duck Farm, Imphal, a distance of 5.5. km, the security forces have occupied some 470 acres of land. The occupation of Loktak Lake (where around 10,000 people directly or indirectly depend for livelihood), sacred places like Chinga Hills, educational institutions and prime agricultural land by Indian armed security forces have added fuel to the land starved valley area. The state’s ever-patronizing activity of military establishment is posing a great threat to life and livelihood of common people.

Thirdly, there is the issue of the Meiteis as majority and the Meiteis as minority. There is an uneven ethnic composition with proportion to geographical area in the state. As far as the population of Manipur is concerned, Meiteis formed the largest group. And comparing with the other tribal ethnic groups, majority of the Meiteis are much more developed educati onally, economically and politically. Although they live in a very compact land mass, they have been blessed by nature with fertile agricultural land. Also, they have blessing in terms of political privilege (40 MLAs out of 60

MLAs) in the State. The vast unequal political and economic status between the Meiteis and the tribal people made the latter feel insecure in allowing the Meiteis getting schedule tribe status. If that happens tribal people might lose their land resources and job reservation opportunity as the cannot compete with the Meiteis. On the other hand, Meiteis are minority in the larger context of India. Development of international airport, railway, four lane road (TransAsian Highway), is bound to bring lakhs of people from outside the state. This will change the demographic face of Manipur in general and the valley area in particular. In this context, Meiteis could be considered giving Schedule Tribe to protect themselves from the onslaught of continuous flow of immigrants from the mainland India. However, this should not be at the cost of hill tribal people in Manipur. The win-win formula would be that of maintaining age-old tradition of land and its resources through dual administration system (one for the hill and the other for the valley people).

Assurance may be given that Hill Area Committee, Hills Autonomous District Council and certain provision mandated by Constitution (Art. 371C) for the welfare and protection of hill tribal people would continue to exist even after the recognition of Meiteis as schedule tribe. The tribal people can then help rather than oppose the Meiteis in

getting Schedule Tribe status under the Constitution of India.

At the end, the present conflict may be understood primarily as a contestation over land and its resources by the state and different ethnic groups. Population is growing but land does not grow. State’s policy of centralisation of modern infrastructures and concentration of powers especially in a land-locked Imphal valley area can cause ethnic conflict even in the future. The state needs to revisit its policy of grabbing common land, water sources and forest in the name of development and Reserved Forest. Bringing thousands of armed security forces to maintain law and order is not a long-term and viable solution. The state must stop patronizing military establishment and settlement in Manipur and the occupied land must be given back to the people. Many have lost their land, livelihood and life. The state government and various CSOs should initiate meaningful dialogue among the different ethnic groups and help them to come out with the best alternative to live together. Political leaders with vested interest and individuals playing communal and religious card in fuelling ethnic conflict should be identified and sternly dealt with. Conflict must be stopped and normal life must begin at the earliest.

Z. K. Pahrü Pou Mission Colony, Pfutsero

Mental health & depression A note of thanks

“MAY” being the MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH, I would like to take this privilege to write what mental health and depression is, like the word “QUARANTINE” which became trend at one go, so these days I see many people misunderstanding and misusing the word “DEPRESSION”, which is why today I would like to give a gist about what mental health and depression is.

Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community.

Mental health problem is a leading cause of disability worldwide, more disabling than conditions such as heart disease, stroke or diabetes. When an individual suffers from mild flu, cold, headache, stomach ache, cancer, strokes, AIDS and accidents etc., we take medicines or they are taken for immediate treatment but when it comes to mental illness, we fail to understand the Invisible wound.

WORLD WIDE STATISTICS OF MENTAL ILLNESS

2023:

Any mental health disorder: 79 crore of people

Depression: 201 crore of people

Anxiety disorders: 305 crore of people

Studies shows that mental health problem kills 8,00,000 lakh people every year worldwide

WHAT IS DEPRES -

SION: A mental condition marked by ongoing feelings of sadness, despair, loss of energy, interest and difficulty dealing with normal daily life. It negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease your ability to function at work or at home

SYMPTOMS OF DE -

PRESSION: SIGECAPS is a well-known mnemonic listing the symptoms of Depression,

and that people has to have the following 5 symptoms for at least 2 weeks, according to the DSM-5 and ICD-10, SIGECAPS stands for:

1. Sleep: Insomnia or hypersomnia Nearly every day

2. Interest: Reduced, with loss of pleasure markedly diminished interest in all (or almost all) activities most of the day, nearly every day; may be subjective or observed by others

3. Guilt: Often unrealistic, Nearly every day; guilt may be delusional; not merely self reproach or guilt about being sick

4. Energy: Mental and physical Chronic fatigue

5. Concentration: Distractibility, memory disturbance, indecisiveness, may be subjective or observed by others

6. Appetite: Decreased or increased, Significant weight loss or weight gain (without dieting)

7. Psychomotor: Retardation (slow movements) or agitation (fast movements), Nearly every day and observable by others

8. Suicide: Recurrent thoughts of death (not just fear of dying), recurrent suicidal ideation without specific plan, or suicide attempt, or a specific plan for suicide

TYPES OF DEPRESSION: The DSM-5 and ICD 10 classifies depressive disorders as the following:

1. MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER (MDD): A diagnosis of major depressive disorder means you have felt sad, low or worthless most days for at least 2 weeks while having other symptoms such as sleep problems, loss of interest in activities or change in appetite. This is the most severe form of depression and one of the most common forms.

2. PERSISTENT_DEPRESSIVE_ DISORDER (PDD): Persistent depressive disorder is mild or moderate depression that lasts for at least 2years. The symptoms are less severe than major depressive disorder. Health -

care providers used to call PDD dysthymia.

3. DISRUPTIVE_ MOOD_DYSREGULATION_DISORDER (DMDD): DMDD causes chronic, intense irritability and frequent anger outbursts in children. Temper outburst occurs on average of 3 or more times in a week. Symptoms usually begin by the age of 10.

4. PREMENSTRUAL_ DYSPHORIC DISORDER (PMDD): With PMDD, you have premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms along with mood symptoms, such as extreme irritability, anxiety or depression. These symptoms improve within a few days after your period starts, but they can be severe enough to interfere with your life.

5. DEPRESSIVE DISORDER DUE TO ANOTHER MEDICAL CONDITION: Many medical conditions can create changes in your body that cause depression. It include hypothyroidism, heart disease, Parkinson’s disease and cancer. If you are able to treat the underlying condition, the depression usually improves as well.

6. SEASONAL_AFFECTIVE_DISORDER: This is a form of major depressive disorder that typically arises during the fall and winter and goes away during the spring and summer.

7. PRENATAL AND POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION: Prenatal depression is depression that happens during pregnancy. Postpartum depression is depression that develops within four weeks of delivering a baby. The DSM refers to these as “major depressive disorder (MDD) with peripartum onset.”

8. SITUATIONAL DEPRESSION: It is a short-term, stress-related type of depression. It can develop after you experience a traumatic event or series of events. Death of a loved ones, unemployment or stressful situations

CAUSES OF DEPRESSION:

1. BRAIN CHEMISTRY: An imbalance of neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine, contributes to the development of depression.

2. GENETICS: if you have a first-degree relative (biological parent or sibling) with depression, you are about three times as likely to develop the condition as the general population. However, you can have depression without a family history of it.

3. STRESSFUL LIFE EVENTS: Difficult experiences, such as the death of a loved one, trauma, divorce, isolation and lack of support, can trigger depression.

4. MEDICAL_CONDITIONS: Some medications can cause depression as a side effect. Chronic pain and chronic conditions like diabetes can lead to depression.

5. SUBSTANCE USE: Including Alcohol, Sunflower, Cannabis, Marijuana, Painkillers etc., can also cause depression or make it worse.

TREATMENT PLANS:

1. Self help (DIY): Exercises, Enough sleep, balanced diet, enough water intake

2. Counseling and psychotherapy

3. Socialising

4. Psychopharmacotherapy in case of severe depression or Psychosis

5. Prayer and meditation

6. Journaling

7. Relaxation therapy, Guided imagery therapy, Projective muscles relaxation therapy, Aromatherapy

Written by:

Niutoli Tuccu Rehabilitation Psychologist (RCI) General Secretary All

Nagaland Counselor Association (ANCA)

The writer also runs a home based Counseling Service, and can be found on IG/FB as, NT_ Revivify Counseling Service @ Thahekhu Village

On behalf of the Parents and Relatives of the Naga people who were evacuated safely from the troubled state of Manipur on the 7th of May 2023, I express my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Shri Neiphiu Rio, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Nagaland, Chief Secretary’s Office, Home Commissioner’s Office, DGP’s Office and Commissioner’s Office, who not only spent sleepless nights planning and executing the evacuation process but also for updating the relatives back home while encouraging and consoling those Nagas living in threatening conditions in Manipur.

Their timely action to bring our loved ones back home, merits appreciation from one and all.

I would also like to acknowledge the selfless service extended by the Assam Rifles under the code name; OPERATION KOHIMA CALLING wherein the smart Officers led by Brig. Ved Beriwal and the brave Jawans carried out the operation with military precision. Assam Rifles at Maram also provided refreshments to all the members of the convoy which merits special mention.

The Bus Drivers from NST Department who have risked their lives to travel to Imphal in such a tense situation, to bring back our loved ones is gratefully acknowledged.

The Angami Public Organization (APO), Angami Students’ Union (ASU), Southern Angami Public Organization (SAPO) and the Southern Angami Students’ Union (SASU) did excellent job in facilitating the rescue operation which is highly appreciated.

Special thanks to the Mao Union and other Naga inhabitants along the Highway who distributed food packets to the returnees.

The Assam Rifles prepared a grand Reception programme at Kohima wherein the Deputy Chief Minister, Nagaland, Shri Y Patton addressed the returnees and their relatives. He also provided a sum of Rs. 5000/- each to all individual or families who returned that day as a Relief measure.

Buses for free and taxies on payment, were also arranged for various destinations for the convenience of the returnees.

All these good gestures on the part of the Government and other various organizations in facilitating smooth transit of the stranded people from Manipur to Nagaland is highly appreciated and gratefully acknowledged.

Dr. M Libanthung Ngullie

On behalf of the Parents and Relatives of the Evacuees

“Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.”

~ Suzy Kassem

SNIPPETS

Married woman abducted, gangraped

GURUGRAM, MAY

9 (PTI): Two men allegedly abducted and raped a woman after attacking her husband with a stone in Pataudi area here, police said on Tuesday. The woman alleged that the accused also robbed her jewellery, including a nose pin, anklets, and earrings, and threatened to kill her and her three children if she approached the police, they said. The incident took place on Monday night when the woman was asleep in a room near her fields in Safenagar village while her husband was sleeping outside, police said.

2 militant associates

of LeT arrested in J-K

SRINAGAR, MAY 9 (PTI): Security forces on Tuesday arrested two militant associates of the LeT outfit in J&K’s Shopian district and recovered arms and ammunition, including an IED, from them, police said. During the course of an investigation into a case, security forces arrested two terrorist associates linked with proscribed terror outfit LeT, a police spokesperson said.

Ex-PNB AGM awarded 5-yr RI in bank fraud

HYDERABAD, MAY 9 (IANS): A special CBI court on Tuesday awarded five years’ rigorous imprisonment (RI) to a former assistant general manager (AGM) in Punjab National Bank’s (PNB)

Banjara Hills branch here along with a fine for his involvement in a bank loan fraud of amounting to Rs 53.82 crore.The court awarded jail terms to R.P. Garg, then AGM at PNB, Jitender Kumar Agarwal, then MD of Sheetal Refineries Limited, Sudhir Bhuraria, authorised signatory, and Manish Bhuraria, along with a fine of Rs 75,000 each.

Rajasthan Cong feud erupts again

NEW

DELHI, MAY 9

(PTI): The Congress on Tuesday petitioned the Election Commission seeking immediate action against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his appeals to Karnataka voters “in violation” of the model code, and said it was “a litmus test” for the poll body’s capacity and willingness to enforce laws.

In a lengthy complaint to the chief election commissioner, Congress general secretary in charge of Karnataka Randeep Surjewala asked the commission whether it will remain a “mute and helpless spectator” or fulfil its constitutional duty and act against the prime minster.

“Do the laws apply to prime minister or not and if ECI has the capacity and willingness to enforce such mandate or remain a helpless bystander? Truly a litmus test for ECI,” Surjewala

NEW DELHI MAY 9

(PTI): In a significant move, the Army has decided to go for a common uniform for the officers of the brigadier rank and above from August 1 irrespective of their parent cadre or regiment, military sources said on Tuesday.

The decision was taken after detailed deliberations during last month’s Army Commanders Conference and extensive consultations with all stakeholders, they said.

“In order to promote and strengthen common identity and approach in service matters amongst senior leadership, beyond

JAIPUR, MAY 9 (AGEN-

CIES): In a no-holds-barred attack on Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, his former deputy Sachin Pilot on Tuesday said the recent speech by the Congress veteran indicated that his real leader is BJP’s Vasundhara Raje Scindia and not his own party’s Sonia Gandhi.

Mounting pressure on Gehlot and the party’s central leadership in the runup to the assembly polls, Pilot also announced a “Jan Sangharsh Yatra” over “corruption” and the recent cases of leaking of papers for state government recruitment exams.

The 125-km ‘Jan Sangharsh Yatra’ will begin from Ajmer, where the state’s Public Service Commission (RPSC) is located, on May 11 and end five days later in Jaipur.

Pilot held a one-day fast last month in Jaipur over

“inaction” by own party’s government on alleged corruption during the previous BJP tenure in the state.

In the continuing tussle between the two leaders, Gehlot had on Sunday recalled the rebellion against him by Pilot and 18 other Congress MLAs in 2020.

The CM said he survived because BJP leaders Vasundhara Raje and Kailash Meghwal refused to support a conspiracy to topple an elected government through money power.

Pilot rejected the charge that the dissidents –whom he had led -- took any money from the BJP.

The Congress leader also reminded that he is the one asking Gehlot to probe

charges of “corruption” during Raje’s tenure as the Rajasthan chief minister.

He pointed at the “contradiction” in what Gehlot is claiming -- that the BJP had conspired to topple his government and at the same time Raje helped save it.

“This is a contradiction and it should be explained what you want to say exactly,” he said.

“After listening to the CM’s speech in Dholpur, it appears that his leader is not Sonia Gandhi, his leader is Vasundhara Raje Scindia,” he told reporters.

His press conference took place the day former Congress president Rahul Gandhi visited the state, attending a training camp for party workers in Mount Abu. A Rajasthan minister, Pratap Singh Khachariyawas, also appeared to contradict Gehlot on Tuesday, saying the government survived because 102 Congress MLAs in Rajasthan had faith in Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi.

Targeting Gehlot over

President Murmu confers eight Kirti Chakras, 29 Shaurya Chakras

NEW DELHI, MAY 9

(PTI): President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday conferred eight Kirti Chakras, including five posthumously, to personnel of the Army and paramilitary and police forces for displaying indomitable courage and extraordinary valour in the line of duty. Kirti Chakra is India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award. President Murmu, who is the Supreme Commander of the armed forces, also presented 29 Shaurya Chakras, including five posthumously, to the personnel of the armed forces, Central Armed Police Forces and state/Union Territory police during a defence investiture ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bha-

van, the defence ministry said in a statement. Sudip Sarkar, Constable/GD, in the Border Security Force, Rohit Kumar, Sg. Constable, J&K Police, and three others -- one sub-inspector and two head constables, Chhattisgarh government, have been conferred the Kirti Chakra posthumously, it said.

Three personnel, including one of a Majorrank, from the Army’s Rashtriya Rifles, have been conferred the Kirti Chakra, the ministry said.

The Rashtrapati Bhavan later also shared pictures from the ceremony on its official Twitter handle.

“President Droupadi Murmu presents Kirti Chakra to Major Shubhang, Dogra Regiment, 62nd Bat-

India, Israel firm up mobility pact; resolve to expand trade, defence ties

Pilotthrowsfresh salvos at Gehlot NEW DELHI, MAY 9

talion, Rashtriya Rifles. He exhibited extraordinary valour despite sustaining gunshot wound and eliminated a terrorist during an operation in Budgam, J&K,” it tweeted. The gallantry awards were given for displaying conspicuous gallantry, indomitable courage and extreme devotion to duty, the ministry said. “President Droupadi Murmu presents Kirti Chakra to Shri Shrawan Kashyap, Head Constable, Chhattisgarh (Posthumous). He displayed extraordinary courage and made supreme sacrifice for the nation while fighting and killing the Naxals during an operation in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh,” the Rashtrapati Bhavan tweeted.

the claim of money changing hands during the 2020 revolt, Pilot said it is wrong to make allegations against leaders from one’s own party. “It is condemnable. I deny the false and baseless allegations.”

The Congress leader said if there was any evidence, action should have already been taken by the CM.

“There is no point in making such accusations. Even after being abused, I did not break the party discipline and am not breaking it even today. It is easy to accuse, but it is difficult to answer the public,” he said.

The MLAs against whom the CM made the charges were senior leaders who have been in public life for over 30 years, Pilot said. As examples, he named Hemaram Chaudhary and Brijendra Ola, who are now part of the Gehlot ministry. Pilot said he had been writing letters for a year and half demanding an investigation into corruption during Raje’s tenure.

(PTI): India and Israel on Tuesday firmed up a mobility pact and vowed to expand ties in a range of areas such as trade, regional connectivity, and defence as Israeli foreign minister Eli Cohen held talks with the Indian leadership.

Cohen called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and held wide-ranging talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on ways to further expand overall ties. The Israeli foreign minister arrived this morning on a three-day visit but announced his decision to cut short the trip in view of Tel Aviv’s operation against a militant group in the Gaza Strip. The two sides inked an agreement that will allow 42,000 Indian workers to work in the Jewish state in the fields of construction and nursing, an Israeli read-

out said.

In an address at a business forum, Cohen said India, Israel and the Arab countries can together boost regional connectivity and railway networks in the Gulf region and would be carrying Indian shipments to the Israeli port of Haifa in the future.

“The trade that will come from India will land at an Arab port and from there can be taken by train to Haifa port,” he said while giving an overview of the shape of future connectivity

in the West Asian region. His comments on connectivity in the region came two days after national security advisers of India, the US and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and discussed a major connectivity project. In January, Israel handed over the strategic port of Haifa to the Adani Group. The Port of Haifa is the second largest port in Israel in terms of shipping containers and the biggest in shipping tourist cruise ships.

Nitish Kumar meets Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik

BHUBANESWAR, MAY 9 (AGENCIES): Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday held meeting with his Odisha counterpart and Biju Janata Dal chief Naveen Patnaik in Odisha’s Bhubaneswar, reports NDTV.

Kumar’s meeting with Patnaik is part of the mission to unite like-minded opposition parties to cobble up a grand opposition alliance against the BJP ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

According to the report in NDTV, Kumar along with his deputy and RJ(D) leader Tejashwi Yadav also recently met West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata, who herself had met Naveen Patnaik a few days ago.

Kumar reportedly emphasised personal relations

and asked Patnaik not to worry about political discussions.

The report said Patnaik has also said there were no discussions over any alliance.

“Ours is a known friendship, and we were colleagues many years ago. No discussion was held on any alliances today,” the report quoted Patnaik as having said.

VISITING CONSULTANT

“Patnaik consciously maintains a distance from any formation, whether led by the BJP or Congress, and is seen as friendly to any formation at the Centre,” the report stated.

“However, his agreeing to meet with Nitish Kumar, with whom he shares cordial relations and has been a cabinet colleague in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Cabinet, is significant,” it said.

Nitish Kumar is also planning a big meeting of all Opposition Leaders in Delhi on May 18, the report said.

Meanwhile, the report said Kumar will tomorrow meet Jharkhand Chief Minister and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha chief Hemant Soren.

asked in a tweet.

The Congress also raised objections to various comments made by Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP president J P Nadda and other senior BJP leaders.

“One thing is extremely clear...(they) consider themselves above the law and the Constitution and presume that the ECI is either intimidated by the high offices they hold or that the ECI is too weak to act against them or hold them accountable for blatant and repeated violations of the model code...as well as various other electoral laws,” the party wrote to the poll panel.

The Congress raised objections to Prime Minister Modi’s appeals to the voters of Karnataka after the campaign ended Monday evening and said these were “flagrant and defiant violations” of the model code of conduct.

The polling will be held on Wednesday.

Appealstovotersoutside pollingareanotunder ambitoflaw:EC

With the Congress accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of violating the law by issuing appeals to Karnataka voters through social media during the “silence period”, sources in the Election Commission on Tuesday said such appeals made outside the polling area do not come under the ambit of the existing law.

The law, as exists, prohibits the act “in any polling area” only, they said.

They also said the parties alleging violation of Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act through the use of social media have themselves put up a number of such posts even on their official social media handles.

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the boundaries of regimentation, the Indian Army has decided to adopt a common uniform for brigadier and above rank officers,” said a source.

“This will also reinforce the Indian Army’s character to be a fair and equitable organisation,” the source added.

The changes will come into effect from August 1.

The headgear, shoulder rank badges, gorget patches, belt and shoes of flag rank -- brigadier and above -- will now be standardised in view of the decision, the sources said.

The flag-rank officers

will now not wear any lanyards. There will be no change to the uniform worn by Colonels and below-rank officers.

In the Indian Army, brigadiers and above officers are those who have already commanded units and battalions, and are mostly posted at headquarters or establishments where officers from all arms and services work and function together.

According to sources, a standard uniform will ensure a common identity for all senior-rank officers, while reflecting the true ethos of the Indian Army.

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EAM S Jaishankar with Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen at a meeting in New Delhi. (PTI)

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar meets Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik at his residence in Bhubaneswar, Tuesday. (PTI)

PM Modi violated model code in ‘silence period’, Congress tells EC

Common uniform for brigadiers and above rank officers from Aug 1

Ashok Gehlot

India’s forex reserves at comfortable level

MUMBAI, MAY 9 (REUTERS): India’s foreign exchange reserves are at a comfortable level currently, benefiting from the Reserve Bank of India’s persistent intervention and the likelihood of less volatile revaluation changes, economists said.

India’s forex reserves reached a 10-month-high of $588.8 billion in the week through April 28, recovering from a drop to $524.5 billion last October, when the rupee hit a record low against the U.S. dollar.

Since October 2022, the RBI has been rebuilding the reserves, taking advantage of the rupee’s recovery.

The central bank bought more than $8 billion in the spot market in November and December, according to its data.

The RBI has been buying dollars in the forward market too. Its net outstanding forward dollar purchases reached $20.4 billion in February, the latest month for which data is available, after having dwindled to $241 million in October.

Since October, “comfort on the level of reserves has improved significantly,” said Gaura Sen Gupta, economist at IDFC First Bank.

“Reserves (both spot and forwards) are now equivalent to 10.4 months of import cover, compared with about 8.9% in Oct 2022.”

Moreover, said Vivek Kumar, economist at QuantEco Research, the RBI will continue “using reserve buildup opportunity to bolster its import cover further”.

In the wake of the RBI’s intervention in spot and forwards, the rupee’s response to the dollar’s de-

RBI imposes Rs 1.73 cr penalty on HSBC

NEW DELHI, MAY 9 (PTI): The Reserve Bank of India on Monday said it has imposed a penalty of Rs 1.73 crore on HSBC for noncompliance with norms.

Consultative meeting on crucial issues

(From p-1)

Principal secretary, Home, Abhijit Sinha made a power point presentation on why RIIN was necessary and how to go about.

cline has been fairly muted. While the dollar index has lost about 11.5% from its peak in September last year, the rupee has recovered about 1.5% from its record low.

And, given that the RBI will want the rupee “to remain ranged”, the local currency will continue to somewhat underperform, said Sakshi Gupta, Principal Economist, HDFC Bank.

Besides the RBI’s intervention, the revaluation changes due to the dollar index’s decline since October and the fall in U.S. yields have been major contributors to the increase in reserves.

Gold jumps Rs 450; silver declines Rs 380

NEW DELHI, MAY 9 (PTI):

Gold prices jumped Rs 450 to Rs 61,300 per 10 grams in the national capital on Tuesday amid a rise in precious metal prices internationally, according to HDFC Securities. In the previous trade, the yellow metal had finished at Rs 60,850 per 10 grams.

Silver, however, went lower Rs 380 to Rs 77,400 per kg.

In the overseas market, gold

was trading higher at USD 2,024 per ounce and silver was down at USD 25.45 per ounce.

“Comex gold traded higher in Asian trading hours on Tuesday as investors are waiting for vital US inflation reports this week that could influence the Fed’s next interest rate decision,”

Sriram Iyer, Senior Research Analyst at Reliance Securities, said.

2 Myanmar citizens expelled...

(From p-1)

Kiphire said Kiphire police welcome the guest from Myanmar border’s FMR regime who were kith and kin to the people living on the other boundary of India.

However, to enter the Indian Territory, SP cum FRO said that a valid FMR permit was required. She has requested the village councils and civil society organizations to sensitize the people living on the IndoMyanmar border about FMR. She also requested the border guarding force and village guards to keep strict vigil along the Indo-Myanmar border to prevent any unauthorized ingress into the Indian territory.

This action is based on the deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said in a statement. The Statutory Inspection for Supervisory Evaluation (lSE) of the bank was conducted by the RBI with reference to its financial position as of March 31, 2021, and the examination of the risk assessment report and all related correspondences pertaining to the same revealed, it noted.

The bank in contravention of the RBI’s rules furnis hed incorrect credit information in respect of several expired credit cards with nil dues to all four credit information companies. “In furtherance to the same, a notice was issued to the bank, advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed for contravention of the said provisions of CIC Rules, as stated therein,” it said.

Joining the discussion, Sinha said concerned department of the issues that were discussed gave power point presentations of their respective subjects.

He pointed out that RIIN committee had been constituted for some time now and recommendations given by the committee were also being deliberated with the tribal bodies and that the consultations were now over. He said the government had “almost” finalised on what step it would be taking next.

Sinha said the government would soon be issuing a draft notification for the indigenous certificate. He pointed out that the certificate would be issued only to the 15 Naga tribes and other 4 including, Kuki, Garo, Mikhir and Kachari who had settled in Nagaland before the Statehood day. Those people who had settled in Nagaland before 1963 would be eligible to obtain Permanent Residential Certificate. Adviser I&PR and

25-year-old college girl shot dead....

(From p-1)

The federation has appealed to the law enforcement agencies to leave no stone unturned and ensure that befitting punishment was awarded to the perpetrator at the earliest.

NSF affirmed solidarity and extended profound sympathy to the bereaved family members.

KSU: Khiamniungan Students’ Union (KSU) Hq. Noklak stated that such barbaric action was “not acceptable in this civilized world” and should be condemned by all.

KSU through its media cell demanded that the responsible authority award befitting punishment as per relevant section of the law, adding that bail should not be granted under any circumstances.

Meanwhile, the union conveyed condolences to the bereaved family members and friends.

ANCSU: All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) through

its president Toito D Chishi and general secretary Tenyesinlo Bukh said that “such kind of cowardly acts” were a threat to society at time when Nagas at all levels were relentlessly pursuing the agenda of peace and harmony.

ANCSU has, therefore, appealed to the law enforcing agencies to leave no stone unturned in awarding befitting capital punishment to the culprit as per the law of the land.

ANCSU also demanded that “no individuals, groups and organizations” to bail out the perpetrator at any cost.

The union further urged all rightthinking citizens and organizations to vehemently condemn “such heinous crime”.

ANCSU expressed solidarity and offered condolences to the bereaved family members, Unity college students, faculties and well-wishers during this time of grief.

soil conservation Imkong L. Imchen while referring to RIIN, pointed out that there were people who had settled at Dimapur even before Statehood and whine it was still not under Tribal Belt till 1979.

Acknowledging that there were some illegal immigrants, he asserted that there were also genuine Indian citizens who had contributed towards the growth of the city.

“And even though there were only around 100 families, if we ignore them, we will be doing them injustice,” he stated. Imchen said because of this compelling nature, there was a need to have two datelines (cut off years-- December 1,1963 and November 21,1979).

Meanwhile, Kenye mentioned that there were different categories of people and accordingly there would be categories when ILP provisions would be imposed. Since there could not be two cut-off dates, there would be provision under the cut-off date, he said.

ULB issue: Kenye said that the government has obtained the endorsement of people following the repeal of the Nagaland

Municipal Act, 2011 vis-àvis Urban Local Body elections. “They have urged the government to form a panel (framing of new Municipal act) at the earliest,” he said.

Asked on what provisions the municipal council of Kohima, Dimapur and Mokokchung were functioning when the Act has been repealed, Sinha said the administrators can still function as it has been as per the provisions the ULBs. On Village and Tribal Councils Act of 1978, Sinha said those acts were very old and had been in practice from even before 1978 in other form which was repealed and a fresh act was made.

He said village councils had been the most important customary bodies in Nagaland they have been there even before the Statehood. He said the act provides detail provisions on how to constitute and how to run.

He said though the law were clear enough, since people were not reading it properly or people being unaware of it existence, there had been instances where decisions were taken in such a manner which was weakening the traditional

nature of these bodies.

He pointed out that the meeting was fruitful and a broad consensus had been arrived at.

Earlier at the consultative meeting, chief minister Neiphiu Rio delivered the keynote address and concluding remarks, while the opening remarks were delivered by deputy chief ministers-- Y Patton and TR Zeliang. Nagaland’s advocate general KN Balgopal briefed the gathering on ULBs, while Geology & Mining commissioner & secretary K Libanthung Lotha briefed on oil and natural gas exploration. Various representatives from tribal hohos and CSOs also shared their views pertaining to the agenda.

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Zelensky declares May 9 as Europe Day

KIEV, MAY 9 (IANS):

Ukrainian President

Volodymyr Zelensky has signed a decree declaring May 9 as Europe Day, in line with the European Union (EU). In an announcement on Monday, he also said that May 8 would now officially be a Day of Remembrance and Victory, as marked in many countries around the world. “Many years ago, the tradition of celebrating Europe Day was established on our continent to mark peace and unity achieved.

US announces $1.2 billion aid to Ukraine

WASHINGTON, MAY 9 (AGENCIES):

The United States on Tuesday announced a new $1.2 billion security assistance package for Ukraine to boost the country’s air defences and provide it with additional artillery ammunition. Ukraine is readying for a highly anticipated spring offensive against invading Russian troops, but the latest assistance will not immediately arrive on the battlefield as it must still be procured from the defence industry or partners.

Imran Khan’s supporters storm Pakistan Army headquarters

MOSCOW, MAY 9 (AP):

President Vladimir Putin declared Tuesday that the West has unleashed “a real war” against Russia, reprising a familiar refrain at scaled-down Victory Day celebrations that may reflect the toll the Ukraine conflict is taking on his forces.

Putin’s remarks came just hours after the Moscow fired its latest barrage of cruise missiles at targets in Ukraine, which Russia invaded more than 14 months ago. Ukrainian authorities said air defences destroyed 23 of 25 missiles launched.

LAHORE/ISLAMABAD,

MAY 9 (PTI): In unprecedented scenes, supporters of former prime minister Imran Khan on Tuesday stormed the Pakistan Army headquarters in the garrison city of Rawalpindi and the Corps Commander’s residence in Lahore after his dramatic arrest in a corruption case. Khan, who travelled from Lahore to the federal capital Islamabad, was undergoing a biometric process at the Islamabad High Court when the paramilitary

Rangers broke open the glass window and arrested him after beating lawyers and Khan’s security staff.

The arrest of the 70-year-old Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman comes a day after the powerful army accused him of levelling baseless allegations against a senior officer of the spy agency ISI.

As the news of his arrest by the Rangers spread, massive protests broke out in several cities across Pakistan. Protesters at several places turned violent and

burned police vehicles and damaged public property.

The Rangers, which operate under the Interior Ministry, are usually commanded by officers on secondment from the army.

For the first time, Khan’s supporters smashed the main gate of the army’s sprawling headquarters in Rawalpindi, where troops exercised restraint. The protesters chanted slogans against the establishment.

In Lahore, a large number of PTI workers stormed into the Corps Com -

13 killed in Israeli air-strikes in Gaza

GAZA CITY, MAY 9

mander Lahore residence and smashed the gate and window-panes. The army personnel present on duty there, however, did not try to stop the enraged protesters who surrounded them and chanted slogans against the ‘handlers’ of the PML-N led government in the military establishment. The protesters held a demonstration in the Cantonment area.

Lahore was virtually cut off from the rest of the province because of the protest on main roads including the entry and exit points.

The Russian leader has repeatedly sought to paint his invasion of Ukraine as necessary to defend against a Western threat. Kyiv and its Western allies say they pose no such threat and that Moscow’s war is meant to deter Western influence in a country that Russia considers part of its sphere of influence.

“Today civilisation is once again at a decisive turning point,” Putin said at the annual commemorations celebrating the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. “A real war has been unleashed against our

motherland.”

Putin has often used patriotic rhetoric that harkens back to the earlier war in an effort to rally his citizens and forces — and May 9 is one of the most important dates in the Russian political calendar. But this year’s celebrations were markedly smaller, at least partially because of security concerns after several drone attacks have been reported inside Russia.

Some 8,000 troops took part in the parade in Moscow’s Red Square on Tuesday — the lowest number since 2008. Even the procession in 2020, the year of the COVID-19 pandemic, featured some 13,000 soldiers, and last year, 11,000 troops took part. There was no fly-over

of military jets, and the event lasted less than the usual hour.

“This is weak. There are no tanks,” said Yelena Orlova, watching the vehicles rumble down Moscow’s Novy Arbat avenue after leaving Red Square. “We’re upset, but that’s all right; it will be better in the future.”

The Kremlin’s forces deployed in Ukraine are defending a front line stretching more than 1,000 kilometres (600 miles), presumably thinning the ranks of troops available for such displays. “This is supposed to be a showpiece for Russian military might. But so much of that military might has already been mauled in Ukraine that Russia has very little to show on its parade in Red Square,” said Keir Giles, a Russia expert at London’s Chatham House think tank.

Meanwhile, the traditional Immortal Regiment processions, in which crowds take to the streets holding portraits of relatives who died or served in World War II — a pillar of the holiday — were cancelled in multiple cities.

Canada expels China diplomat for threats to lawmaker

TORONTO, MAY 9 (AP):

Sri Lanka to seek $200mn

from WB

COLOMBO, MAY 9 (IANS): Sri Lanka’s cabinet of ministers approved a proposal to start discussions with the World Bank to obtain $200 million for social security programs, a spokesperson said on Tuesday. Cabinet spokesperson Bandula Gunawardena told journalists that President Ranil Wickremesinghe made the proposal in his capacity as the Finance Minister, reports Xinhua news agency.

Gunawardena said that Sri Lanka has agreed to implement a robust social security network to protect the most vulnerable groups in the country as a part of the International Monetary Fund-supported 48-month Extended Fund Facility.

Australia’s 1st budget surplus in 15 years

CANBERRA, MAY 9 (IANS): Australia’s Treasurer Jim Chalmers on Tuesday confirmed that the federal budget for 2023-24 will feature an expected first surplus in over a decade. Ahead of handing down the budget later at night, Chalmers revealed it would forecast a small surplus of approximately A$4 billion ($2 billion), reports Xinhua news agency. If realised, it marks the first time the balance has been in surplus in 15 years and a turnaround from previous projections.

(AP): Israel carried out a series of targeted airstrikes in densely populated areas of the Gaza Strip early Tuesday, killing three senior commanders of the Islamic Jihad militant group and at least 10 civilians, Palestinian health officials said. Two of the commanders’ wives, several of their children and other bystanders were among the dead.

The attacks set the stage for what is likely to be a new round of heavy fighting. The airstrikes hit the top floor of an apartment building, a house in Gaza City and a third house in the southern town of Rafah. The Palestinian Health Ministry said 20 people were wounded, and that some were in serious or critical condition.

Israel said it targeted several militant training sites as well before the airstrikes halted at daybreak.

At midday, tens of thousands of people took part in two funerals, with at least 10 bodies being mourned in one funeral in Gaza City. Mourners carried the bodies, which lay on stretchers, on their shoulders

Fire burns at an apartment of an Islamic Jihad commander, following Israeli airstrikes in Gaza City, early Tuesday. (AP) to ambulances. Children’s coffins were carried next to those of their parents. Such targeted killings are rare, and in the past, Palestinian militant groups have retaliated with heavy barrages of rocket fire.

Israel’s Home Front command ordered the closure of schools, beaches and highways in cities and towns in southern Israel, and limited public gatherings. The military said the three targeted men had been responsible for recent rocket fire toward Israel.

It identified them as Khalil Bahtini, the Islamic Jihad commander for northern Gaza Strip; Tareq

CPEC to be extended to Afghanistan

ISLAMABAD, MAY 9

(IANS): The Foreign Ministers of Pakistan, China and Afghanistan have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen trilateral cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and jointly extend the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Afghanistan.

Following the trilateral dialogue, the three sides issued a joint statement, expressing their determination to leverage Afghanistan’s potential as a hub for regional connectivity, Dawn reported.

Emergency declared, student missing in New Zealand floods

WELLINGTON, MAY 9 (AP): Authorities in Auckland declared a state of emergency Tuesday as flooding again hit New Zealand’s largest city.

Further north in the city of Whangarei, a high school student was missing after a school group that was exploring caves got into trouble when floodwaters hit. Fire and emergency crews said they had responded to more than 200 calls, most of them in Auckland. Many were for floodwaters entering buildings, but they had also responded to landslides, falling trees and trapped cars. Severe weather has plagued the North Island this year. In

January, four people were killed when floodwaters hit Auckland. In February, 11 people died when Cyclone Gabrielle hit. Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said it was a difficult time for the region. “We will get through this. We will support Auckland through it,” he told reporters. “We know that it’s tough coming on top of everything else that they’ve been dealing with, but right now my request to people is just to keep yourself safe.”

Authorities said heavy rain was expected to continue off and on through until midnight, although they hoped the most severe downpours may have already passed.

Pakistan’s FM Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, China’s State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang, and Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Mawlawi AK Muttaqi participated in the dialogue representing their respective countries. During the meeting, the three Ministers emphasised the significance of ongoing projects such as CASA-1000, TAPI, and Trans-Afghan Railways, highlighting their potential to boost regional connectivity and promote economic development and prosperity in the region.

Office

Izzeldeen, the group’s intermediary between its Gaza and West Bank members; and Jehad Ghanam, the secretary of the Islamic Jihad’s military council. The Iran-backed Islamic Jihad, which is smaller than Gaza’s ruling Hamas group, confirmed the three were among the dead.So far, 105 Palestinians, about half of them are militants or alleged attackers, were killed by Israeli fire in the West Bank and east Jerusalem since the start of 2023, according to an Associated Press tally. At least 20 people have been killed in Palestinian attacks in Israel in the same period.

The Canadian government is expelling a Chinese diplomat whom Canada’s spy agency alleged was involved in a plot to intimidate an opposition lawmaker and his relatives in Hong Kong.

A senior government official said Toronto-based diplomat Zhao Wei has five days to leave the country. The official spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter. It’s wasn’t immediately clear if he’s left yet.

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly said in a statement that Canada declared Toronto-based diplomat Zhao Wei “persona non grata.”

“We will not tolerate any form of foreign interference in our internal affairs,” she wrote.

“Diplomats in Canada have been warned that if they engage in this type of behavior, they will be sent home.”

Canada’s spy service indicated that in 2021 opposition Conservative lawmaker Michael Chong and his Hong Kong relatives

were targeted after Chong criticized Beijing’s human rights record. Canada’s spy agency has not released details publicly.

Chong has been critical of Beijing’s treatment of Uyghur Muslims in China’s Xinjiang province. It became public after a Globe and Mail report last week. Chong said he learned about it from that report, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau denied knowing about it earlier.

“I hope that this makes it clear not just to the People’s Republic of China, but other authoritarian states who have representation here in Canada, that this crossing the line of diplomacy into foreign interference threat activities is utterly unacceptable here on Canadian soil.”

On Monday, China’s embassy in Ottawa issued a statement that accused Canada of breaching international law and acting based on anti-Chinese sentiment. It said the move has “sabotaged” relations between China and Canada and promised unspecified retaliatory measures.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Through this column, the residents of Youth Harvest Ministry Neighbourhood, Lane 10, Naga United Village, Chumoukedima would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to all who helped towards the repair of the approach road with financial, material and physical contributions.

Foremost, we would like to express our gratitude, in particular, to Er. Lipokmeren Longchar for his kind assistance towards procuring of road repairing machinery which made the task much easier.

We would also like to acknowledge the Naga United Village Council for contributing a sum of Rs 20,000 towards the same.

Most importantly, to all the residents of Lane 10-Youth Harvest Ministry neighbourhood for coming together with financial and physical contributions and strengthened by prayer during the repair of the road-God Bless You all!

Onenchuba

T Athong Tikhir

President, General Secretary Youth Harvest Ministry Neighbourhood

Of The

Waromung StudentS’ union feliciTaTiON

The Waromung Students’ Union take immense pride to congratulate Shri. Moalong R.Ozükum , S/o Mr. Rongsennokba Ozükum and Mrs. Mayangtula for achieving State Award in the category of Wood Craft as Master Crafts Person in the state of Nagaland.

The Union further wishes him great success in all his future endeavours.

Sd/- Sd/-

Meyawapang Ozükum Bangjungkala longkumer President General Secretary

In view of sensing acute depletion of water source in kuda Village area since a decade or so, kuda Village B-khel Council has banned drilling borewells in its jurisdiction for Bottling or Commercial purposes since January 10, 2020.

This is with the good intention that available water source are judiciously conserved and cater to all citizens/ individual households.

This ban does not cover borewell drilling by individuals households for its own domestic requirements.

ChinaexpelsCanadiandiplomatintit-for-tatresponse

China announced the expulsion of a Canadian diplomat on Tuesday in retaliation for Ottawa ordering a Chinese consular official to leave the country over alleged threats he made against a Canadian lawmaker and his family.

The Foreign Ministry said China was deploying a “reciprocal countermeasure to Canada’s unscrupulous move,” which it said it “firmly opposes.”

It said Jennnifer Lynn Lalonde, the top Canadian diplomat in the business hub of Shang -

hai, has been asked to leave by May 13 and that China “reserves the right to take further actions in response.”

The Canadian Embassy in Beijing had no immediate comment on the expulsion order. China took control of the former British colony in 1997, and in recent years has effectively ripped up an agreement to maintain its unique political and civil rights for 50 years by gutting its democratic institutions and free press.

(L) Paramilitary soldiers stand guard outside their headquarters, where supporters of Imran Khan protest. (R)Smoke erupts from objects set on fire by angry supporters of Imran Khan, in Peshawar, Pakistan, Tuesday. (AP/PTI)

Vladimir Putin

Producers

Guild of India objects to state-enforced bans on ‘The Kerala Story’

Prabhas on ‘Adipurush’: Have made this film with lot of love and respect

“Baahubali” star Prabhas on Tuesday hoped that the audiences like his portrayal of Lord Ram in “Adipurush”, Om Raut’s big screen adaptation of Ramayana, which the actor said has been made with “a lot of love and respect”.

Condemning the ban on “The Kerala Story”, the Producers Guild of India on Tuesday said no one other than the Central Board of Film Certification has the right to decide whether or not a film should be released.

The guild issued a statement a day after the West Bengal government ordered an immediate ban on the screening of the controversial film in the state to avoid “any incident of hatred and violence”.

Multiplexes across Tamil Nadu have also cancelled screenings of the controversial film from Sunday, citing law and order issues and poor public response.

“The Producers Guild of India is distressed by, and would like to record its strong objection to, state-enforced bans on ‘The Kerala Story’.

“As emphasised by us on several occasions in the past, film releases are regulated by CBFC and any film that complies with this statutory requirement should face no further hurdles in having the paying public decide on its fate. Of course, the audience can choose to watch or ignore any film but that is a choice that should be theirs to make, not one that is imposed on them by any party other than CBFC,” the guild said in a statement.

Directed by Sudipto Sen, “The Kerala Story” depicts how women from Kerala were forced to convert to Islam and recruited by the terror group Islamic State (IS). The film, which was released on May 5, has kicked up a political storm.

On the day of the film’s release, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had

credited the movie for bringing out terror conspiracies and used it to attack the Congress during an election rally in poll-bound Karnataka. The guild, currently headed by Shibasish Sarkar which has around 150 production banners as members, also urged authorities to take note of this trend of films being “denied their right” to smooth exhibition across the country.

“We call upon all the relevant authorities to urgently address this all-too-frequent phenomenon of films being denied their right to unfettered, nation-wide exhibition despite having duly complied with regulatory requirements,” it added.

On Tuesday morning, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the government will make “The Kerala Story” tax-free in the state. Last week, the Madhya Pradesh government gave tax-free status to the film.

“The Kerala Story”, starring Adah Sharma, was released in cinemas on Friday and was initially portrayed as “unearthing” the events behind “approximately 32,000 women” allegedly missing from Kerala. It is directed by Sudipto Sen and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah’s Sunshine Pictures.

According to the CPI(M) and the Congress in Kerala, the film falsely claims that 32,000 women got converted and radicalised and were deployed in terror missions in India and the world. The filmmakers later changed the figure in the film’s trailer.

The Supreme Court will hear on May 15 a plea against the Kerala High Court order refusing to stay the release of the film “The Kerala Story”. (PTI)

The makers of the multilingual period saga released the trailer of the film on Tuesday, six months after the teaser stirred a controversy over the depiction of Ravana and Hanuman as well as the quality of its visual effects (VFX). Prabhas, who along with the crew chanted ‘Jai Shri Ram’ and ‘Jai Siya Ram’ at the press event, said he felt grateful to portray such an iconic character. “I should thank Om for giving me this opportunity. We have made this film with a lot of love and respect. Hope you all like it,” he said.

“Adipurush” courted controversy, including boycott calls, over the depiction of Hindu deities and the buzz cut sported by Saif Ali Khan’s Lankesh when the teaser released in October last year.

The 3.19-minute trailer mostly focuses on Ram’s journey from Raghav to Adipurush as he braces for a war with demon king Lankesh. Khan was not

present at the trailer launch and the team, including Prabhas, actor Kriti Sanon, producer Bhushan Kumar of T-series, director Om Raut and lyricist Manoj Muntashir, shared their experience of working on the project. But they did not take any questions from the press. Raut, known for National Award-winning

“Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior”, dedicated the film to Ramleela artists who have been bringing to life the epic

tale in varied forms across the country for many years.

“I want to dedicate the film to each and every artist who has been a part of Ramleela. I feel the story of ‘Ramayan’ has always been there for years and it is like a bus. We have boarded this bus and we will continue for some years. Then we will get down and somebody else will board the bus. But the journey of Ramleela will continue. We will continue to see Ramleela in different

ways as long as there is India,” he said at the trailer launch. The trailer begins with Raghav(Prabhas), Janki (Sanon) and Shesh (Sunny Singh) leaving the Ayodhya palace for 14-year exile and traverses through the jungles where Janki is propelled to cross the Lakshman Rekha as Khan’s Lankesh appears in disguise of a sage.

It then transports the viewers to Lanka, gives a glimpse of Bajrang’s (Devdatta Nage) meeting with Janki in Ashok Vatika, and Raghav’s quest to crush evil forces as he travels across the sea with the army of monkeys and bears, led by Hanuman, to rescue his beloved wife. Khan makes a brief appearance in the trailer, which ends with the demon king contemplating to abduct Janki, but his look as Lankesh remains hidden for the audience in the trailer. Sanon said sharing the trailer with the audiences globally is an “emotional” moment for her. “I have goosebumps right now.

‘Adipurush’ is more than a film to all of us. I’m grateful for the experiences we have had during the making of this movie. There are very few actors who have had the opportunity to play a character like this. So I feel very blessed.”

She said she has tried to play Janki with “full respect and devotion”. “I had respect and admiration for this character but it all got amplified as I shot for this movie. I could understand this character in detail. For me, Janaki represented the combination of a pure, kind soul with a strong mind. I’ve given my 200 per cent. They were gods, we are mere humans. So, if there’s any kind of shortcoming, please forgive me,” the actor added. Kumar dedicated the film to studio founder and father Gulshan Kumar, known for popularising devotional music in the 1990s. “I’m very happy that today my father’s dream is coming true. This is a very emotional moment as you know that he was a very devotional individual.”

“Adipurush” was initially set to arrive in cinema halls on August 11, 2022, but the release date was pushed to January 12,2023. In a recent interview with PTI, Raut said they have utilised the additional time to improve the VFX of the film. The film is now slated to hit the screens in 3D on June 16, with its international premiere on June 13 at the 2023 edition of the Tribeca Film Festival in New York. (PTI)

Spotify cleans up its playlists, removes thousands of AI-made songs

Music streaming platform Spotify has removed tens of thousands of songs from artificial intelligence (AI) music startup Boomy amid complaints of fraud and clutter across streaming services.

According to the Financial Times, citing sources, the company recently took down about 7 per cent of the tracks, equivalent to “tens of thousands” of songs uploaded by Boomy.

In addition, recording giant Universal Music had flagged to all the main streaming platforms that it saw suspicious streaming activity on Boomy tracks.

The report said that

the music industry has been grappling with the emergence of AI-generated songs and the deluge of new tracks flooding streaming platforms in recent months.

Spotify also confirmed it had removed some Boomy content, saying, “Artificial streaming is a longstanding, industry-wide issue that

Spotify is working to stamp out across our service.”

“We are always encouraged when we see our partners exercise vigilance around the monitoring or activity on their platforms,”

Michael Nash, Universal’s chief digital officer, was quoted as saying. Further, the report stated that the Boomy songs were removed due to suspected “artificial streaming” -- online bots impersonating human listeners in order to inflate audience numbers for specific songs.

Launched two years ago, Boomy lets users select from a variety of styles or descriptors, such as “rap beats” or “rainy nights,” to generate a machine-generat-

Happy 75th Birthday Daddy!

ed track. Users can then distribute the music to streaming services, where they will earn royalties. Boomy, based in the US, claims that its users have created over 14 million songs, the report mentioned. Meanwhile, Spotify has said that it has crossed 515 million monthly active users (MAUs) in Q1

2023, a 22 per cent (yearon-year) increase from 489 MAUs in the last quarter -- its strongest first quarter since going public in 2018. Premium subscribers grew 15 per cent (year-on-year) to 210 million with better performance across all regions, led by Europe and Latin America. (IANS)

FELICITATION

We take immense pride and joy in honoring our brother SHIKAHO P YEPTHOMI S/o PIHOZHE YEPTHOMI OF KULHOPU VILLAGE on being promoted to the Post of General Manager (GM) NST and Head of Department. We the Asu SUCHEMU KUGHUKOMI would like to congratulate you & your family, we wish you nothing but the best in your journey ahead. May the Almighty God continue to shower you with wisdom and good health.

DP-1996/23

ASU SUCHEMU KUGHUKO from NUNU (NURU) Shoipu, Ghukiye, Kulhopu, Kichilimi, Lukhayi, Lhomithi and K.Hetoi Villages.

Your loving wife, children, son, daughters-in-law & grandchildren

The strength of our home, The one who has given us a solid foundation; If we like who we are today, it is because of who you were yesterday.

So on your 75th birthday today, we’ll say a prayer to thank the Lord for all that you ever were, and all that you still are.

NAA organize Kids Athletics Day

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, MAY 9

(NPN): As part of its observance of World Athletics day, Nagaland Athletics Association (NAA), organized kids athletics day on May 7 at Govt. Higher Secondary School ground, Dimapur.

The day was observed to encourage people and participate in sports activities and also to promote the idea of taking part in physical activities to maintain good health throughout the world.

Speaking on the occasion as special guest, President, Dimapur Athletics

Bithungo Kikon congratulated the NAA for successfully organizing such great events. He said children have made a right decision to participate in the event as sports would instill in them confidence, discipline and determination which is also an important to do well in studies.

Kikon s aid that to

Asia Cup likely to move out of Pak; SL may host tournament

the programme, Secretary, NAA Khriehutuo Tsira said that the NAA are organizing such kind of events for the first time with the objective to identify young talents from grass roots level and promote them to bigger platforms and to encourage the sense of participation.

and 3rd- Lango Lam.

8-11 years girls : 1st -Pailenshing, 2nd- Kevilenuo and 3rd- Wangshirenla.

8-11 years boys : 1stKino, 2nd- Suhzi and 3rd-Kaikhohao.

12-14 years boys : 1st- Elijah Ronren Kikon, 2nd-Anchao, and 3rd- Neithenyu Solo.

become a professional sportsperson, one has to start they are young. To this effect, he thanked heads of the schools and teachers in-charge for providing them the opportunity to participate in this kind of special events, adding that the contribution would bear fruits in their future. He also dwelled on the adage, “All work and no play makes jack a dull

boy”, stating that children have a lot of energy and he encouraged them to harness and make use of it in physical activities. Stating that sports and education are two faces of same coin, he appealed to parents and teachers to give equal importance to sports and studies. He also encouraged the power of athletes to inspire children around the world to be

Messi wins two Laureus awards

PARIS, MAY 9 (IANS): Argentine and Paris SaintGermain footballer Lionel Messi added two prestigious awards to his already illustrious list of achievements, winning the Laureus World Sportsman and the World Team of the Year at the grand ceremony. The 35-year-old veteran, who led Argentina to World Cup victory last year in Qatar, became the first-ever athlete to sweep both awards in the same year, reports Xinhua.

Chinese freeskier Gu Ailing, a two-time gold medal winner at the Beijing Winter Olympic Games last year, captured the Action Sportsperson of the Year award.

The World Cup-winning captain Messi, who shared the men’s prize with Lewis Hamilton in 2020, defeated other nominees including 21-time tennis Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal, current Formula One world champion Max Verstappen, world record holder in pole vault Mondo Duplantis, basketball player Stephen Curry, and French football international Kylian Mbappe to secure the award for a second time.

“It’s an honour, especially since the Laureus World Sports Awards are taking place this year in Paris, the city that welcomed me and my family,” Messi said. “I would like

to thank all my teammates, not only those of the national team but also those of PSG. I have not accomplished anything alone and I am grateful to be able to share all this with them.”

Messi scored seven goals, including two in the final, and won the Golden Ball in Qatar last December when he led the South American team to their third World Cup title. The Argentine men’s football team was given a team award at Laureus.

“And I’m even happier to see that the team I was part of at the World Cup was also honoured by the Laureus Academy tonight,” Messi added.

“For us, the World Cup was an unforgettable adventure; I cannot describe what it felt like to return to Argentina and see what our victory had brought to our people.”

Jamaican sprinter Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, who clinched a fifth world 100m title at Eugene last August, picked up the women’s individual award,

while tennis US Open champion Carlos Alcaraz was named the best breakthrough of the year.

Gu, the first athlete to win three medals in freestyle skiing at a single Olympic Games, was awarded the Action Sportsperson, a prize given to the best athlete in extreme sports of the year.

“It’s a huge honor to me,” said the 19-year-old, who worked on her homework for eight hours on her flight to Paris since she is also pursuing academics at Stanford University.

“I don’t want to simply be celebrating this beautiful trophy here today, but also to be speaking to the value that sports have brought to my life and to help contribute that love and passion, confidence and resilience, everything that sports have taught me to more people,” Gu told Xinhua.

Manchester United and Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen won Comeback of the Year following his return to football after collapsing on the pitch due to cardiac arrest during Euro 2020.

At the start of 2022, the tough fighter was without a club, and his future in the game was uncertain. But he managed to end the year playing every minute of Denmark’s World Cup campaign and earning a regular place in the Man United squad.

more active and devote their skills to sports and instill confidence in them.

He further appealed to the organizer to give winners the opportunity to participate in bigger platforms, for them to take up sports as a profession and make Nagaland a power house in athletics in the national and international platform.

Speaking to the Nagaland Post on the side line of

He stated that the NAA are planning to host the same events in inter-district and national levels in coming years and that winners and the exceptional participants would be provided special coaching to participate in inter-district completion and North East Olympics which is scheduled to be held in Nagaland this year.

Altogether, 152 students participated from 16 schools, where winners were adjudged under different categories:

4-7 years girls : 1st- Zelive, 2nd -Ashiana and 3rd -Lendina.

4-7 years boys : 1stZahvi Wotsa, 2nd- Suben

Carlos Alcaraz wins Laureus Breakthrough of the Year award

Spaniard turned 20 a few days before picking up his Laureus Statuette.

“A very special night in Paris! Thank you for this Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award! Thank you to the academy and everyone who made this possible. And of course congratulations to all the winners and nominees!” Alcaraz wrote on Twitter.

12-14 years girls : 1stNeshemaonyu Konyak, 2nd- Mehrin Beck and 3rdLinovi Yeputhomi. Certificates were presented to participants and the winners were awarded with gift hampers and certificates.

Earlier, the programme was chaired by vice- president NAA Mhonsao Ngullie, while pastor ABCNAC, Dimapur Vilasetuo Suokhrie, prayer for blessings. The key note address was delivered by secretary NAA Khriehutuo Tsira, a special song was presented by Greenwood higher sec. School and vote of thanks by vice president NAA Rongsenmeren.

Sampdoria relegated to Serie B

NEW DELHI, MAY 9

(IANS): Asian Cricket Council expected to move the Asia Cup out of Pakistan, which was originally scheduled to host the continental tournament.

Last year, BCCI secretary and ACC chairman Jay Shah had made it clear that the Indian team will not travel to Pakistan for the Continental championship and demanded that the event be moved to a neutral venue.

Pakistan, on the other hand, has even threatened to boycott the ODI World Cup, which will be played in India in October-November.

According to an India Today report, the Asia cup could be shifted entirely to a new country, with Sri Lanka coming up as the frontrunner to host the tournament.

nament was shifted to the UAE. Notably, the ACC president and Board of Control for Cricket in India secretary Jay Shah had communicated that India would not travel to Pakistan over safety issues and worked in the direction to move the tournament out of Pakistan.

In response, PCB proposed a hybrid model that is India playing its matches at an offshore venue and Pakistan hosting the remaining games at home. Pakistan and India do not play bilateral cricket and only meet in global tournaments or multiteam events since 2013 due to strained political tensions between the two countries.

NEW DELHI, MAY 9 (IANS): Spain’s young tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz has won the Laureus Breakthrough of the Year Award, becoming the fourth ATP Tour player after Marat Safin (2001), Rafael Nadal (2006) and Andy Murray (2013) to earn the honour.

The awards were announced Monday evening at a ceremony in Paris. It is the second consecutive year a tennis player has won the award after Emma Raducanu did so in 2022.

Alcaraz’s victory at the 2022 US Open and rise to the world No.1 spot saw him collect the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award. He enjoyed a phenomenal 2022 in which he won the US Open and became tennis’s youngestever men’s No.1 player. The

India U17 men’s football team ready for Getafe FC clash

NEW DELHI, MAY 9

(IANS): India U-17 men’s team is all set to face Getafe

CF U-18 on Wednesday in Otero de Herreros, Segovia, in their fifth practice game in Spain. After a string of fine performances, in which they played Atletico de Madrid

U-17s (4-1), CD Leganes

U-18s (0-2), Atletico de Madrid U-16s (2-1), and Real Madrid U-17s (3-3), the boys will now focus on the last two matches in Spain before heading to Germany for two more weeks.

Head coach Bibiano Fernandes said, “The boys are really motivated to work harder after the last few matches, especially after the result against Real Madrid, has been very positive. However, the India U-17 head coach was quick to steer his boys away from any possible Icarus paradox.

“The results in the last few matches have been quite promising, but we are also aware of the complacency which is natural tendency of a human behaviour. We are playing all these matches to prepare for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup, which is our ulti-

mate goal. “Of course, these matches have been great, but they can be a double-edged sword in that they could make the players complacent. The coaching staff has been working hard to condition the players mentally, so that they maintain this consistency through to the Asian Cup,” said Fernandes.

India’s game against Getafe U-18s will be a challenging one for the boys, especially in the physical as-

pect. “Of course, no game is easy at this level, and Getafe U-18s are a very good side. They are technically sound, and I believe they are also physically more imposing than us. But we also have our strong points, and will play accordingly,” he said.

“We’ve got two more matches to go in Spain, and then we move on to Germany. They boys are progressing really well, and hopefully they will be at the

proper level ahead of the Asian Cup,” he said. The Blue Colts have been training in Spain over the last few weeks as part of their preparation for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup, which is set to take place in Thailand next month. India, who have been placed in Group D of the Asian Cup, will face Vietnam (June 17), Uzbekistan (June 20), and Japan (June 23) in Pathum Thani and Bangkok.

Last year was a historic one for Alcaraz, who captured his first two ATP Masters 1000 titles in Miami and Madrid, lifted his maiden major trophy at the US Open and became the youngest World No. 1 in the history of the ATP Rankings (since 1973).

The Spaniard capped it off by becoming the youngest year-end ATP No. 1.

Other nominees for the award were fellow tennis player Elena Rybakina, the Morocco men’s football team, figure skater Nathan Chen and track and field star Tobi Amusan.

Other tennis players who were nominated for an award were Rafael Nadal (World Sportsman of the Year), Iga Swiatek (World Sportswoman of the Year) and Diede de Groot (World Sportsperson of the Year).

The 2023 Laureus World Sports Awards celebrated the best athletes of 2022 and some of the greatest of all time.

ROME, MAY 9 (IANS): Sampdoria became the first team to drop to Serie B as the 2-0 away defeat to Udinese on Monday was the straw that broke the camel’s back.

The Blucerchiati, who famously won the Scudetto in the 1990-1991 season and claimed four editions of the Coppa Italia, have been struggling throughout the season both on and off the pitch. They managed only three victories while their financial problems worsened the situation, reports Xinhua. In a must-win game on Monday, Samp conceded in the 9th minute as Roberto Pereyra chipped it over, before Adam Masina’s header put the final nail in Samp’s coffin. With the defeat, Samp collected only 17 points after 34 rounds, 13 points from safety with four rounds remaining.

Interestingly, the Island nation failed to host the Asia Cup last year due to the economic crisis, as a result of which the tour-

India’s last trip to Pakistan was for the 2008 Asia Cup, while Pakistan’s last visit to India was for the 2016 ICC T20 World Cup. The two teams last played each other at the 2022 Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia.

Acknowledgement

Lt. Aosashi Lkr (CHAKPA)

Born: 24/09/1937 – Died: 06/05/23

The bereaved family of Lt. Aosashi Lkr (CHAkPA) wishes to express our heartfelt gratitude, appreciation and indebtedness to all individuals, friends, well-wishers, Churches, Organisations, Associations, Councils, Fellowships and Groups for your unreserved contributions physically, financially, unconditional moral support and words of comfort, encouragement and prayers.

We deeply regret our inability to thank each and every one but your expressions of sympathy will never be forgotten. Words are inadequate to express our gratitude but we pray that the good Lord bless you abundantly.

k -993/23

Loving Wife, Children, Grandchildren, Brothers, Sisters and Close Ones

OBITUARY

03/01/1979 – 02/05/2023

SUBENO PATTON

We the family of Late Mrs. Subeno Patton wish to acknowledge the many expressions of sympathy and gestures of kindness shown to us at the untimely demise of our beloved mother on 02-05-2023.

We offer our heartfelt thanks to the many friends, families, neighbours and well wishers who stood by us and supported us emotionally, spiritually, physically, and financially. Your contribution made our loss more bearable.

As it is impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our deepest gratitude. We convey our special thanks and gratitude to

1. Lotha Baptist Church Dimapur - (LBCD)

2. LBCD Ethungkhen Choir, Motsüzae Okho

3. Dimapur Pangti Ekhung,

4. Zion Hospital, Doctor, Nurses & Staff

5. Grace to Glory Church Dimapur

6. Limitless Generation

7. Kerülei Ki Prayer Home

8. Colony Evening Fellowship

9. Vonlan-ki (House of Audio)

10. Kohdi Jing Films

DP-2012/23

Loving Sons & Daughters

Children participate in a race in Govt. Higher S econdary S chool ground, Dimapur.

Lionel Messi

Carlos Alcaraz

India under-17 boys train ahead of the match.

Samp managed only 3 wins.

SKY, Wadhera help MI to 6-wkt win over RCB

MUMBAI, MAY 9 (IANS): Suryakumar Yadav put on display a power-hitting masterclass to post his highest score in IPL -- a 35-ball 83 -- and with Nehal Wadhera blasting an unbeaten half-century, MI handed RCB a six-wicket defeat in Match No 54 of India Premier League (IPL) 2023 at Wankhede Stadium, here on Tuesday. Suryakumar started on a sedate note after Ishan Kishan had given Mumbai Indians a whirlwind start with a 21-ball 42, and raced to his half-century in 26 balls. He raised 140 runs for the third wicket partnership with Wadhera (52 not out off 34 balls) in just 66 deliveries as Mumbai raced to 200/4 in 16.3 overs, chasing Royal Challengers Bangalore’s 199/6 in 20 overs built around blazing half-centuries by Faf du Plessis (65) and Glenn Maxwell (68).

Thanks to Suryakumar Yadav’s 83 and an unbeaten 52 by Wadhera, Mumbai twice survived double-strike overs by Wanindu Hasaranga and Vijaykumar Vyshak to race to their sixth win of the season and zoomed to the third spot in the points table. Mumbai Indians were

tied with four other teams at 10 points before the match but are now at 12 points from 11 matches and are placed behind Gujarat Titans (16) and Chennai Super Kings (13) and in a superb position to seal a place in the Playoffs if they win their next three matches. Mumbai Indians started in whirlwind fashion thanks to Ishan Kishan who blasted a 21-ball 42 to give them a dream start. As his skipper Rohit Sharma, who returned to his opening slot after batting down the order against CSK, and watched from the other end, Ishan Kishan went hammer and tongs at the RCB bowling,

hitting four boundaries and four maximums during his superb knock. He started the Mumbai Indians’ reply with a four off the first delivery when Mohammed Siraj strayed down the legside and whipped through midwicket and lofted to long-on Josh Hazlewood for fours off successive deliveries in the second over. Siraj came under attack in his next over too as Ishan Kishan, who was on Monday included in the India Test squad for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final, hammered back-toback sixes over the long-on and deep backward square leg boundary. A monster hit off Hazlewood into the

Wokha DPDB recommends setting up ‘Khelo India Centre’

top tier in deep square-leg area was the pick of the shots in his brief knock and he celebrated it by smashing a four and a six off Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga. But the leg-break bowler had the last laugh as he got Ishan Kishan on the next delivery after the six by cramping the Mumbai Indians batsman for space with a quicker one as thin-edges it to Anuj Rawat. Hasaranga struck again in the same over, sending back Rohit Sharma for seven, trapping him lbw with a superb delivery, and getting three reds from ball tracking on a fine DRS review by RCB skipper Faf du Plessis.

From 50 for no loss, Mumbai slumped to 52/2 in the fifth over after Hasaranga’s double strike and though Rohit Sharma’s side recovered from the slump thanks to a timely partnership between Suryakumar Yadav and Nehal Wadhera. They shared a 100-run partnership in 53 deliveries as they put the Mumbai innings back on track. Wadhera, who was dropped by Hasaranga off his own bowling, pulled Vijaykumar Vyshak for a six off the sec-

Aphuyemi Cup: Day 1 results of matches

DIMAPUR, MAY 9

(NPN): On day 1 of the Aphuyemi Cup organised by Aphuyemi Football Club at Pughoboto Town, Heboluto FC beat Secret FC 2- 1 in the first game.

A press release by Aphuyemi Football Club president Shiyeto Wotsa Stated that Nikiho Tenna scored both goals for Heboluto FC in the 20th and 48th minute. Kaho scored for Secret FC in the 55th.

Afghanistan to tour Sri Lanka for ODI series in June

ond delivery he faced before French cutting and driving Harshal Patel for two fours. He slog-swept Hasaranga for his second six in the 11th over. Suryakumar Yadav, on the other hand, had to dive to survive a run-out attempt in the sixth over before Virat Kohli came up with a poor effort, off Harshal Patel, at the deep midwicket giving him his first four. The Mumbai batter guided Vyshak to the boundary in the eighth over and then survived a DRS review for ball tracking confirming the impact is outside off. He exploded into action in the 12th over by hammering Hazlewood for back-to-back fours and then struck Harshal Patel for another four through the gap behind point.

Brief scores: Royal Challengers Bangalore 199/6 in 20 overs: (Glenn Maxwell 68, Faf du Plessis 65, Dinesh Karthik 30; Jason Behrendorff 3-36) lost to Mumbai Indians 200/4 in 16.3 overs: (Suryakumar Yadav 83, Nehal Wadhera 52 not out, Ishan Kishan 42; Wanindu Hasaranga 2-53, Vijaykumar Vyshak 2-37) by six wickets.

KABUL, MAY 9 (IANS):

The Afghanistan cricket team will tour Sri Lanka for a three-match ODI series in early June, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed on Tuesday.

Afghanistan will arrive in Sri Lanka on May 29 and the three matches will be played on June 2, 4 and 7 respectively. All the matches will be played at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota.

The ODI series is part of the two countries’ long-term commitment, which will serve both teams in preparing for the ACC Asia Cup 2023 and the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in October and November this year. “We are pleased with

our communications and the outcome of our negotiations with Sri Lanka Cricket regarding this event. Aside from a thorough ICC Future Tours Program, the ACB is dedicated to arranging more bilateral series with the other boards.

We have our sights set on the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, and we are working hard to arrange more bilateral cricket for our National team in the buildup for the event,” said Naseeb Khan, CEO of the ACB, in a media release.

“Our previous tour to Sri Lanka was an incredible experience in which both countries played competitive cricket, and we are looking forward to engaging in some high-voltage cricket this time as well,” he added.

Afghanistan last toured Sri Lanka for an ODI series in November 2022, when the sides engaged in a competitive battle. Afghanistan stunned Sri Lanka in the first ODI, winning the contest by 60 runs. After a no result in the second contest, the Lankans roared back by winning the third ODI by four wickets and levelling the series.

The series will also mark the return of international men’s cricket in Hambantota, with the venue last hosting an ODI match in February 2020.

Series Schedule:

1st ODI - June 2, Hambantota

2nd ODI - June 4, Hambantota

3rd ODI - June 7, Hambantota

Rishabh Pant interacts with U16 players

NEW DELHI, MAY 9 (IANS): India

wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant, who is recovering from the injuries sustained from his accident, interacted with Under-16 cricketers at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) posted photos from the session and thanked the star player for

his time.

“The boys who are part of the Under-16 high performance camp at NCA Bangalore had the opportunity to interact with Rishabh Pant on cricket, life, hard work and much much more. It was very generous of Rishabh Pant to spare time for interacting with these young boys,” BCCI tweeted on Tuesday morning.

Everton, Nottingham Forest out of bottom 3 in dramatic day

LONDON, MAY 9 (IANS): Everton and Nottingham Forest escaped the relegation zone in the Premier League after three dramatic games reshaped the relegation battle. Everton delivered their best performance of the season, defeating Brighton 5-1 away and climbing out of the bottom three in the Premier League, pushing Leeds United into the relegation zone, reports Xinhua.

DIMAPUR, MAY 9 ( NPN): Wokha District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) has recommended setting up of Khelo India Centre for Archery at Mt. Tiyi College Wokha during its monthly meeting held at the Conference Hall of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Wokha office, Tuesday.

According to a DIPR report, the board discussed and recommended the state government to set up the centre so as to develop and promote sports activities under Khelo India Centre in the district. The board

also discussed the installation of a separate Power Transformer for Wokha district Hospital, and entrusted the concerned department (Health & Family Welfare) to pursue the matter in the right earnest for early installation for the benefit of the district in the health care system. Advisor agriculture, Mhathung Yanthan maintained that the implementation of various schemes and projects should not only be on paper presentation but should be implemented in the letter and spirit for the benefit of the district. The

WFI’s ad-hoc panel to work with just one member for at least a week

NEW DELHI, MAY 9 (PTI): The three-member ad-hoc committee, tasked to hold Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) elections, will likely work with just one member for at least one more week as one of the representatives, Suma Shirur is away with the national shooting team in Baku, while a retired high court judge is yet to be appointed.

Shirur could not attend the first meeting of the adhoc panel on Monday as she is the national coach for rifle shooting and is currently in the Azerbaijan capital with a 34-member Indian contingent for the ISSF World Cup for pistol and rifle. A senior National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) official confirmed that Suma was away in Baku with the contingent. The World Cup will conclude on May 15 and only then will she be available in person to attend the meetings. With Shirur away, Bajwa will likely have to chair a few crucial meetings all by himself till the ace former rifle shooter returns.

The Sports Ministry had on April 24 stalled the scheduled May 7 elections of WFI and asked the Indian Olympic

Association (IOA) to constitute an ad-hoc committee to conduct the polls within 45 days of its formation and also manage the sports body. The IOA instituted the ad-hoc panel on April 27, including Wushu Association of India chief Bajwa, Shirur and a yet-to-be-named retired high court judge, to run the affairs of the WFI until a new body is elected. The ministry’s decision came after the country’s top wrestlers, including Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik and Vinesh Phogat, resumed their sit-in protest demanding the arrest of WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh alleging sexual harassment of women wrestlers.

Some of the key decisions that will be taken by the ad-hoc panel, besides holding the WFI elections, include discussing the roadmap for wrestlers in a busy year. Bajwa deliberated on holding the trials, shortlisting athletes for Asian Championships (U-17 & U-23) and drawing the roadmap for the Asian Games with wrestling coaches in the first meeting of the panel on Monday held at IOA Bhawan here.

meeting was conducted by the DPDB vice chairman and DC Wokha, Ajit Kumar Ranjan. Various departments submitted an action plan for the four selected aspirational villages, one each from the four assembly constituencies The board also welcomed the new members.

Later in the day, the advisor accompanied by the DPDB members visited the ongoing Tribal Artisan Mela at Town Hall, Wokha, and interacted with the officials and artisans who have come to exhibit their products.

In the second game between Lozu FC and Candida FC Mudutsugho, Khuyevi scored for Lozu FC in the 20th minute.

In the third match between United Brothers Mukali and Deligent FC PBTO, Akito scored for United Brothers Mukali in the 19th minute.

In the fourth match between Natsumi Football Club versus Youngster Football Club, Mishili Phuye Pitoshe scored for Natsumi Sporting Club (penalty) at 2 minutes while Ghukato and Atobo scored own goals in the 17 minute and 50 minute.

Sean Dyche’s team had a remarkable first half, with Abdoulaye Doucoure scoring in the first and 29th minutes to put Everton 2-0 up before Jason Steele turned a low cross into his own goal, making it 3-0 after just 35 minutes. Brighton improved after the break, but Everton defended well, and Dwight McNeil netted a fourth in the 76th minute. Although Alexis

Everton’s England midfielder Dwight McNeil (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring their fourth goal.

MacAllister pulled a goal back three minutes later, McNeil’s second of the game deep in injury time confirmed an astonishing win.

Nottingham Forest won a thrilling match against

Southampton 4-3, also moving out of the relegation zone.

Taiwo Awoniyi put Forest 2-0 up against the bottomranked side before Carlos Alcaraz pulled a goal back. Morgan Gibbs-White’s penalty

gave the home side a 3-1 lead at the break. Vojnovic Lyanco made it 3-2, and Danilo scored another for Forest. James Ward-Prowse netted a 95thminute penalty, adding late drama to a match that didn’t finish until the 101st minute. Leicester City joined Leeds in the bottom three after a 5-3 defeat away to Fulham, where their defense allowed rivals too many opportunities. Fulham led 4-0 with goals from Willian, Carlos Vinicius, and two strikes from Tom Cairney, while Jamie Vardy missed a penalty for Leicester. Harvey Barnes pulled a goal back for Leicester before Willian made it 5-1 for Fulham. A late James Maddison penalty and a second goal from Barnes softened the result for Leicester, whose next two games are against Liverpool and Newcastle United.

Strycova wins 1st singles match since maternity leave

ROME, MAY 9 (AP):

Barbora Strycova won her first singles match since returning from maternity leave, beating Maryna Zanevska 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 in the opening round of the Italian Open on Tuesday.

The 37-year-old Strycova returned to the tour two weeks ago at the Madrid Open after more than two years away following the birth of her son, Vincent. After beating Zanevs-

SAI felicitates 17 medalists from Moscow Wushu Stars C’ship

ka, Strycova was handed her 1-year-old son, who she told to “wave to daddy” in front of a TV camera.

In Madrid, Strycova lost her opener in singles and reached the quarterfinals in doubles with partner Hsieh Su-wei.

Strycova, who will next face ninth-seeded Maria Sakkari, is planning to retire after this year’s U.S. Open. Also on the red clay of the Foro Italico,

Anna Blinkova rallied past Mayar Sherif 2-6, 6-2, 6-3. Sherif was coming off a breakthrough run to the quarterfinals in Madrid.

Nuria Parrizas Dias defeated Jule Niemeier 4-6, 6-4, 6-2. The men’s tournament, headlined by Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, begins on Wednesday.

Like Madrid, Rome features expanded 96-player draws for both men and women this year. Strycova and Hsieh are also entered in the doubles tournament, which they won in 2020.

Men’s WBC: Deepak, Nishant register dominating wins to enter quarter-finals

TASHKENT (UZBEKISTAN), MAY 9 (IANS):

India’s Deepak Bhoria (51kg) and Nishant Dev (71kg) continued their scintillating forms at the ongoing IBA Men’s World Boxing Championships as they stormed into the quarterfinals of the tournament with dominating victories, here on Tuesday.

NEW DELHI, MAY 9

(IANS): The Sports Authority of India (SAI) on Tuesday felicitated medal winners from the Moscow Wushu Stars Championship, which ended earlier this month in Russia.

The Indian girls, who bagged a total of 17 medals from the competition, were felicitated by the SAI’s Deputy Director Generals, Ekta Vishnoi and Shiv Sharma. The girls, who also participated in the Khelo India Women’s leagues held in India across a year, bagged 10 gold, 4 silver and 3 bronze medals in the

junior girls, sub-junior girls and senior girls categories across Sanda (Fight) and Taolu in Moscow. “It is a matter of pride to see our girls making us proud and the nation reaping the benefits of Khelo India Women’s League! Past participants in Khelo India league, now on the podium with 17 medals at the Moscow Wushu Stars Championship held in Russia!,” Thakur had tweeted. The tweet was retweeted by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a congratulations message for the athletes. The girls beat com -

petitors from Wushu strongholds China and Indonesia en route to the medals. The participation of the girls, which included SAI NCOE athletes, in the Moscow competition was sanctioned at full cost to the Government. Wushu athlete and 2018 Arjuna Awardee Pooja Kadian, who is also one of the coaches of the Wushu team, said, “In previous years, the Wushu athletes had to pay Rs 1.5 lakh each to take part in the Moscow Stars Championship. This time it was free because the Government sponsored the trip.”

Playing against Jiamao Zhang of China in the pre-quarterfinal, Deepak controlled the bout right from the start and ended up winning it by a 5-0 unanimous decision. Deepak had a measure of his opponent and called the shots in the first round with his Swift movement and accurate punches. He went into defensive mode at the start of the second round and used his counter-attacking game to strike some heavy left hooks on his opponent.

In the third round, Deepak was on his toes as Zhang tried to be more aggressive with a combination of punches. However, the Indian pugilist was too quick for his rival and com-

fortably won the bout. “My strategy was to use my strongest weapon in the match which is my left hook and everything went according to our plan in the match. I tried to get the momentum early in the bout and lure my opponent before striking some accurate punches. My focus is on the next bout now and I will give my 100 percent in it to ensure a medal for India,” said Deepak after the victory. He will now play his next bout against Diushebaev Nurzhigit of Kyrgyzstan and will look to confirm a medal for India. On the other hand, Nishant Dev

registered a win by RSC in the first round against Nidal Foqahaa of Palestine Foqahaa used his height advantage to put Nishant Dev in the corner before the Indian pugilist used a combination of heavy punches on his opponent which forced the referee to stop the contest.

Nishant Dev will face Jorge Cuellar Of Cuba in the quarter-finals on Wednesday. Two more Indian boxers will be in action later today. Sachin Siwach (54kg) will face top seed Kazakhstan’s Makhmud Sabyrkhan, while Akash Sangwan (67 kg) will play against Kazakhstan’s Dulat Bekbauov.

The monthly DP DB meeting at Deputy Commissioner Conference hall, Wokha

The Sports Authority of India (SAI) on Tuesday felicitated medal winners from the Moscow Wushu Stars Championship, which ended earlier this month in Russia.

Deepak Bhoria and Nishant Dev

Barbora Strycova

Mumbai Indians batters Suryakumar Yadav and Nehal Wadhera at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. (PTI)